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One of three inmates who died in an "altercation" at a maximum security prison in Nevada was a white supremacist leader.

The fight took place around 9 a.m. on July 30 at the Ely State Prison.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office said that along with the deaths, nine inmates required hospital treatment from injuries sustained in the fight.

Detectives identified two of the inmates who died.

They were Zackaria Luz, 43, and Connor Brown, 22. The third was not immediately named because his next of kin had not been notified.

Aryan Warriors Gang

Luz, 43, was previously convicted as a leading member of a violent white supremacist prison gang in the state. He was indicted in 2019 on racketeering charges for his connection to the Aryan Warriors, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. He went by the gang name "lil Dog" and was known as the gang's street captain, or second in command.

He was serving seven to 18 years on the racketeering conviction.

The cause of the fight was not released but the Department of Corrections said the prison lockdown had been lifted.
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:

Spectra-adapted vision sensor for imaging and classifying spectrally distinctive features. a. Schematic illustration of the application scenario of the spectra-adapted vision sensors. b, Operational scheme of the spectra-adapted vision system. Panels (i) and (ii) demonstrate the imaging of typical type-I and type-II features by the spectra-adapted vision sensor, and panel (iii) shows the architecture of the two-channel artificial neural network. c, Recognition accuracies of the 10 classes in the two types of spectrally distinctive features. Credit: Nature Electronics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-024-01208-x.

The ability to detect objects in settings with unfavorable lighting, for example at night, in shadowed locations or in foggy conditions, could greatly improve the reliability of autonomous vehicles and mobile robotic systems. Most widely employed computer vision methods, however, have been found to perform under poor lighting.

Researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University recently introduced a new bio-inspired vision sensor that can adapt to the spectral features of the environments it captures, thus successfully detecting objects in a wider range of lighting conditions. This newly developed sensor, introduced in a paper published in Nature Electronics, is based on an array of photodiodes arranged back-to-back.

"In a previous paper in Nature Electronics, we presented a simple in-sensor light intensity adaptation approach to improve the recognition accuracy of machine vision systems," Bangsen Ouyang, co-author of the paper, told Tech Xplore.

"Building on our past research efforts, we have expanded this strategy from the intensity dimension to the spectra dimension of light."

The primary objective of this recent work by Ouyang and their colleagues was to design a vision sensor that is better than other sensors at recognizing objects in an environment marked by strong light interference and when there is smoke or fog in the air. The sensor they planned to develop would also collect data with minimal time latency, consuming very little power.

"We aimed to achieve this without relying on optical accessories or complex algorithm resources, which can increase system bulkiness, power consumption and time latency," Ouyang explained. "The vision sensor we designed is based on back-to-back photodiodes, which consist of switchable junctions with different spectral sensitivities.

"Specifically, the shallow junction is composed of TiO 2 /Sb 2 Se 3 , while the deep junction is made up of Sb 2 Se 3 /Si. The selection of these two junctions can be controlled through an external bias voltage."

Selecting the shallow junction in the sensor enhances the sensor's sensitivity to short-wavelength light, while selecting the deep junction boosts its sensitivity to long-wavelength light. The sensor's unique design thus allows its photodiodes to be adjusted to match either the broadband visible spectrum or a narrowband near-infrared spectrum.

"The process of spectra adaptation takes tens of microseconds, which is comparable to the frame rate (around 100 kHz) in state-of-the-art high-speed cameras," Ouyang said. "This spectral adaptation effectively increases the Weber contrast of the scene, leading to improved recognition accuracy of features when exposed to intense visible-light glare."

In initial tests, the in-sensor spectral adaptation approach introduced by Ouyang and his colleagues attained highly promising results. When applied to the vision system of an autonomous vehicle, the approach was found to enable anti-glare capabilities with low time latency and low power consumption, without requiring additional optical accessories or complex computational algorithms.

"Our study introduces an innovative in-sensor spectral adaptation technology," Ouyang said. "The process of spectra adaptation is very fast, which is comparable to the frame rate (about 100 kHz) in state-of-the-art high-speed cameras. The practical implications of this in-sensor spectral adaptation approach are significant, as it eliminates the need for optical accessories or complex algorithm resources."

The new sensor developed by this team of researchers could advance the capabilities of robotic systems, specifically improving their ability to recognize objects in different lighting conditions without increasing their power consumption. The sensor could be integrated in a wide range of technologies, including autonomous vehicles, medical devices, industrial or manufacturing robots and surveillance systems.

"Our future research plans in this area include advancing the performance of the vision sensor in terms of responsivity, dynamic range, response speed, and other key factors," Ouyang added. "We are also keen on exploring the integration of additional sensing functions in the vision sensors, such as polarization and 3D depth.

"Finally, our next studies will concentrate on fabricating a large-scale array of these vision sensors, along with the corresponding peripheral circuits and software, to develop a mature artificial vision chip for practical applications."

More information: Bangsen Ouyang et al, Bioinspired in-sensor spectral adaptation for perceiving spectrally distinctive features, Nature Electronics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-024-01208-x. Journal information: Nature Electronics

 2024 Science X Network
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Mosquito dosing and quality from the automated release mechanism. Credit: Ya-Hsun Lin et al, Science Robotics (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adk7913

An international team of infectious disease researchers with the World Mosquito Program, working with colleagues from WeRobotics, has developed a way to release large numbers of mosquitoes infected with a mosquito-killing bacteria into the wild much more efficiently than current methods.

In their paper published in the journal Science Robotics, the group describes the container that was designed to hold and carry the mosquitoes and then to release them slowly over a wide parcel of land.

Jacob Crawford, with Verily Life Sciences LLC, has published a Focus piece in the same journal issue outlining the requirements necessary for effective aerial release devices and pointing out the benefits that automation could provide.

Mosquitoes carry a variety of viruses such as those that cause dengue fever. Scientists and health officials have been working to find ways to reduce their population numbers in places that are vulnerable to such infections. One such approach has been finding bacteria that infect and disable or kill the types of mosquitoes that cause disease and then finding ways to infect the mosquitoes with the bacteria.

The most common approach is to breed large numbers of the mosquitoes, infect them and then manually release them into the wild. But such an approach, it has been found, is inefficient, difficult, and oftentimes dangerous. In this new effort, the research team has found a way to use drones to get the job done.

The work by the team involved designing a container that could hold multiple small loads of infected mosquitoes and then release them at desired intervals. It also had to be small and lightweight enough to be carried by a drone.

The result was a small white box capable of holding 160,000 mosquitoes, divided into multiple compartments with a release mechanism that could be used to release the mosquitoes held in a given compartment on-demand.

The drone can fly to a given spot, release approximately 150 infected mosquitoes and then move to another spotover and over until all the mosquitoes have been released. The box also has a climate control feature and a means for sedating the mosquitoes until it is time for their release.

In field trials conducted in Fiji, the team found that the system worked well in uniform distribution compared to manual release. In a second field test, they found that use of the drone to distribute infected mosquitoes effectively spread the disease and greatly reduced mosquito numbers in the given area.

More information: Ya-Hsun Lin et al, Field deployment of Wolbachia -infected Aedes aegypti using uncrewed aerial vehicle, Science Robotics (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adk7913 Jacob E. Crawford, Virus-blocking mosquitoes take flight in the fight against dengue, Science Robotics (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adr0224 Journal information: Science Robotics

 2024 Science X Network
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Schematic illustration of the design strategy and preparation process of the 3D-CACT-based filter capacitor. Credit: Chen Gan

A research team has constructed high-density three-dimensional carbon tube nanoarray electrodes for use in line-filtering capacitors, showcasing immense potential as high-performance miniaturized filter devices.

The research results were published in Nano-Micro Letters.

Filter capacitors are essential for turning fluctuating voltage signals into steady direct current. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs) are commonly used but are quite large and have limited capacitance, which makes it hard to shrink modern electronics.

Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) have much higher energy density, making them a promising alternative for smaller filter capacitor applications. However, traditional carbon-based EDLCs have slow ion transport, making it difficult for them to achieve both high energy density and quick frequency response needed for line-filtering.

The team, led by Prof. Meng Guowen and Prof. Han Fangming from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with Prof. Wei Bingqing from the University of Delaware and Prof. Li Xiaoyan from Tsinghua University, conducted a systematic study aimed at precisely manipulating the pore structure of three-dimensional interconnected porous anodized aluminum oxide (3D-AAO) templates.

They achieved a remarkable feat by continuously tuning the vertical pore diameter of 3D-AAO from 70 to 250 nm and the inter-pore spacing from 100 to 450 nm. Leveraging these tunable templates, they fabricated 3D compactly arranged carbon tube (3D-CACT) nanoarray electrodes via chemical vapor deposition.

Specific surface area tests revealed that reducing both the pore diameter and inter-spacing significantly augmented the electrode's surface area.

The resultant 3D-CACT electrode-based device exhibited exceptional frequency response performance characterized by a phase angle of -80.2 at 120 Hz, an ultra-low equivalent series resistance of less than 0.07  cm2, and a rapid resistance-capacitance time constant of 0.25 ms.

Notably, its specific areal capacitance at 120 Hz reached 3.23 mF cm-2, far surpassing that of commercial AECs (~0.08 mF cm-2) and previously reported aqueous sandwich-type line-filtering EDLCs. This underscores the 3D-CACT nanoarray's ability to facilitate efficient ion transport and offer abundant charge adsorption sites.

Furthermore, researchers demonstrated the scalability of their approach by connecting six and 10 sets of identical 3D-CACT-based EDLCs in series, successfully extending the capacitors' operating voltage while preserving their rapid frequency response and low loss characteristics.

To showcase the practicality of their invention, they employed 10 series-connected devices as filters, effectively converting various alternating current inputs (including sinusoidal, square, triangular, noisy waves, and pulsed signals from a rotating triboelectric nanogenerator) into smooth direct current signals, with filtering performance comparable to commercial AECs.

"The high-density 3D-CT nanoarray electrodes offer promising solutions for high-performance filter capacitors, advancing miniaturized power systems and electronics," said Prof. Meng, "and the structure-tunable template-assisted method enables the size customization of nanomaterials and promotes innovative integrable microdevices development."

More information: Gan Chen et al, High Density 3D Carbon Tube Nanoarray Electrode Boosting the Capacitance of Filter Capacitor, Nano-Micro Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01458-6
A judge sentenced a Texas man who pleaded guilty to decapitating and dismembering his 21-year-old wife to 40 years in prison this week.

Jared James Dicus, 23, agreed to a plea deal in which he waived his right to appeal the verdict, the sentence and the possibility to raise an insanity defense in exchange for the sentence, the district attorney announced.

A court-ordered examination found Dicus competent to stand trial.

Dicus was charged with the January 2023 murder of Anggy Diaz, 21, his wife of three months.

Sheriff deputies found Diaz's remains in their home.

Her body was found on the floor near a bed in a pool of blood with numerous stab wounds in her back and "what appeared to be the head of the victim to be in the shower," KRIV-TV reported, citing court documents.

Waller County Sheriff Troy Guidry said Dicus used a kitchen knife to kill his wife.

"Everything happened on the property. And all parts and pieces were recovered and submitted for evidence," he said, KRIV-TV reported.

A GoFundMe to pay for a funeral for Diaz said she was "always with a smile, and cheerful personality."

The District Attorneys Office said it discussed the 40-year prison sentence agreement her family prior to the plea and sentencing.

"Heinous crimes like this one will not go unanswered, we will seek justice for the victims of domestic violence and send a message to the perpetrators that here, we fight for our victims," Waller County Criminal District Attorney Sean Whittmore said.

Dicus will be eligible for parole in 2043.
A firefighter in Kansas was injured in the line of duty while battling a fire on Thursday, and later died of their injuries, fire officials said.

The Wichita Fire Department on Thursday night said firefighters were providing mutual aid at a fire in nearby Haysville when a Wichita firefighter was injured at around 3:22 p.m. The firefighter "later succumbed to their injury," the fire department said.

The name of the firefighter was not released pending family notification. The nature of their injuries was not released.

Later Thursday night, the fire department posted a video showing colleagues lined up at the hospital for the dignified transfer of the fallen firefighter.



"This is a loss that deeply weighs heavily on all of us. All of the dedicated individuals who serve our fire department do so knowing the immense risk they are undertaking and do it with noble, selfless regard. It does not make their sacrifice any less immense. Nor the sacrifice of their loved ones and family any easier," the fire department said.

"Please keep this firefighters family and crew in your prayers," the fire department said. "We will update the community on any additional information as it becomes available."

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In a historic prisoner exchange between Belarus, Germany, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, and the U.S., two Russian nationals serving time for cybercrime activities have been freed and repatriated to their country.

This includes Roman Valerevich Seleznev and Vladislav Klyushin, who are part of a group of eight people who have been swapped back to Russia in exchange for the release of 16 people who were held in detention, counting four Americans, five Germans and seven Russians citizens who were held as political prisoners.

U.S. President Joe Biden called the deal a "feat of diplomacy," adding "some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years." Other nations that played a role in the swap include Poland and Turkey.

Among those released from Russia are former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Vladimir Kara-Murza, a green-card holder and a prominent critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

Seleznev, also known by the aliases Track2, Bulba, and nCux, was sentenced in 2017 to 27 years in prison for payment card fraud, causing nearly $170 million in damages to small businesses and financial institutions in the U.S. He was subsequently handed another 14-year jail term for his role in a $50 million cyber fraud ring and for defrauding banks of $9 million through a hacking scheme.

The other Russian national going home is Klyushin, the owner of security penetration testing firm M-13 who was sentenced in the U.S. last September for stealing confidential financial information from U.S. companies in a $93 million insider-trading scheme.

"Not since the Cold War has there been a similar number of individuals exchanged in this way and there has never, so far as we know, been an exchange involving so many countries, so many close U.S. partners and allies working together," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was quoted as saying.

The development comes as the U.K. National Crime Agency (NCA) announced the shutdown of a fraud platform called Russian Coms ("russiancoms[.]cm") that allowed its customers to make over 1.3 million anonymous calls between 2021 and 2024 by masquerading as banks and law enforcement agencies.

Three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and development of the platform have been arrested and subsequently released on conditional bail. The caller ID spoofing solution, marketed through Snapchat, Instagram and Telegram, cost anywhere from 350 to 1,000 and was available as a bespoke handset and, later, as a web app.

"The platform allowed criminals to hide their identity by appearing to call from pre-selected numbers, most commonly of financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and law enforcement agencies," the NCA said. "This enabled them to gain the trust of victims before stealing their money and personal details."
A swimmer from Slovakia collapsed poolside Friday at the Paris Olympics after having an asthma attack.

Tamara Potocka, 21, had just competed in the qualifying heat in the women's 200-meter individual medley when she became ill, ESPN reported.

Medical crews came to her aid and carried her away on a stretcher. She was seen wearing an oxygen mask.

Slovakian officials said Potocka had an asthma attack, and that she did not have her asthma inhaler with her to counteract shortness of breath.

"Tamara has asthma," Slovakia team leader Ivana Lange said in a statement, ESPN reported. "This whole combination of nervous and physical tension while she did not have her inhaler immediately available to use contributed to the creation of this problem."

Lange said Potocka received oxygen and her condition is being monitored.

"A few minutes ago, the doctor told me that she must be monitored for several more hours," she added.

Israeli swimmer Lea Polonsky said swimmers know their sport has risks.

"Of course that's something in the back of your mind, but we do every day push ourselves to the limit," Polonsky told the Associated Press. "You always know something like that can happen. It's not something you think about during the race, but it's always there."

Potocka finished seventh in the third heat and was eliminated from competition.
An artists impression of what the Acute Referral Hospital could look like.

Another step towards beginning the construction of the Acute Referral Hospital at Arnos Vale was taken here recently, July 26, when Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves signed an agreement with the Taiwanese Company, Overseas Engineering and Construction Company (OECC), the OECC.





The Hospital will be constructed on the northern side of the runway on the decommissioned E.T. Joshua, and the agreement referenced will allow the OECC to take control of that site as of July 31, 2024, so as to, it is assumed, begin preparation of the site and commence construction before year end.





The estimated total cost to construct and equip the hospital is said to be approximately US$110 million, and the estimated construction time is 32 months.





Funding will be provided by the World Bank under the Regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project, for 80% of the cost, and the remainder will be sourced through a soft loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development.





In excess of US$80 is expected to be spent on the construction of the hospital and purchasing of necessary equipment.





Some of the remainder will be set aside for strengthening healthcare resilience through a system of reforms across the sector and project management and consultancy fees, the Prime Minister said.





THE VINCENTIAN understands that Pinearq, an award-winning international company based in Barcelona, Spain, and which specializes in the development of complex facilities for the health sciences, together with Mallol Arquitectos, is designing the new Hospital.





Pinearq has assured that the design of the new hospital will take into account all the necessary measures to withstand possible natural disasters, very frequent on the island.





The Acute Referral Hospital is expected, according to official documentation, to allow "the Government to be better able to respond to public health emergencies and build resilience. Health services would be expanded, while there would be the introduction of new services such as Cardiology, Neurology including enhanced acute stroke care, Thyroid services, Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, enhanced Ophthalmology as well as major invasive surgeries.





This is in keeping, according to Health Minister St. Clair Prince, with Governments ongoing thrust towards modernising the health sector, especially considering the fact, he added, that the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital has many challenges in terms of layout and functionality and its inability to expand.

The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital will be transformed into a Maternal Child and Health Centre of Excellence once the state-of-the-art Acute Care Hospital is opened.





Earlier indications from the Unity Labour Party government spoke of future urban development of this area, i.e. a new city, with the new healthcare centre as the starting point for this development.




Five persons who were initially denied bail on six charges stemming from the July 16 botched robbery of the South Rivers branch of the Government Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU), were granted bail on their return to court on Monday.





The five - Erasto Da Silva, a 26-year-old bartender of Canouan; Esroy Pirate Jeffers, 28, of Buccament, Lemar Chak Isaacs, 22 of Mckies Hill, Sharome Dopwell, 21, of Pauls Avenue and lone female Rakiesha Bim Bim Joseph, 24, of Layou - were jointly charged with Enrique John, 27, of Layou.





When Da Silva, Isaacs, Dopwell, Jeffers and Joseph made their first appearance at the Serious Offenses Court on July 19, Senior Magistrate Colin John remanded them until Monday for bail review, after Prosecutor Renrick Cato informed the Court that investigations into the matter were ongoing. The police feared that they would impede or obstruct the investigation if granted bail. Cato asked the Court for one week to allow the police to complete their investigations.





However, when they returned to court on Monday, the Prosecutor indicated that the Prosecution was no longer objecting to bail, and the Court offered the defendants bail in the sum of $25,000 each, with one surety.

John who had appeared in the same Court on July 24, five days after the others made their first appearance, was also placed on $25,000 bail with one surety.





Prosecutor Cato did not object to his bail for John, as he was initially granted bail at the Police Station to return to that Police Station, and he complied.





The six are charged jointly with robbing Charissa Pitt, the administrative clerk at the GECCU South Rivers branch, of a purse with her personal items valued at EC$250; the attempted murder of Police Constable Joron Samuel, by shooting at him; possession of a firearm to aid in the commission of an offense, to wit robbery; possession of a .9mm pistol without license and 8 rounds of ammunition without license; and damaging two metal and glass doors valued at EC$2,800, one deadbolt lock valued at EC$270 and one skylight valued at EC$300, the property of GECCU.





The defendants were not required to plea to the charges as they were laid indictable.

Attorney Grant Connell represented Dopwell, Isaacs, and Jeffers. John was represented by Kay Bacchus-Baptiste.





Joseph and Da Silva were unrepresented.





Up to press time Wednesday, THE VINCENTIAN was not able to ascertain how many of the defendants were able to find sureties, as most of them were taken away, in police custody, following the bail hearing on Monday.





The matter was adjourned to September 30. They will report to their nearest police stations pending the disposal of the matter.





A police release, dated July 22, stated that around 3:05pm on July 16, armed masked bandits entered the GECCU building at South Rivers. While in the building they encountered prompt police action, and the suspects retaliated by firing shots at the police. The officers returned fire, and the assailants fled but were later apprehended with the help of vigilant community members.




Graduates and officials at the Graduation Ceremony for persons trained in chainsaw operations, etc.

As part of the April 2021 volcanic eruptions recovery efforts, the

Economic Planning Division (Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology), the Forestry Department (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour) and the National Qualification Department (Ministry of Education) has certified 41 persons in chainsaw operations here in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.





The graduates received their certification on Wednesday, July 24, at Frenchs House during a graduation Ceremony hosted by the aforementioned Divisions and Departments. The 41 graduates comprised 13 forestry officers and 28 trainees, including one female. Their training began in late April and was completed in June 2024 with trainees completing 75 hours of training.





During remarks at the graduation Director of Forestry Fitzgerald Providence encouraged more females to be involved in using chainsaws, sentiments that were echoed by the Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project (VEEP) Project Coordinator Roxanne John; Director of the National Qualification Department, Endall Johnson; and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nerissa Gittens.





Endall Johnson highlighted the importance of skilled workers. He remarked that, "Academics are going out the door, and noted that the certification "is portable across the region,

In her featured remarks, Nerissa Gittens encouraged the graduates to cooperate with each other, practise safety and to continue to educate themselves. She also called on the graduates to avail their newly certified skills to assist with the cleaning programme following the destruction left by Hurricane Beryl.





Arising out of the recent training, and using the PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment Recognition) tool, 13 chainsaw operators/officers were evaluated and assessed in Use, Operation and Maintenance of Chainsaw, with focus on: preparing for servicing and repairs of agriculture machinery and equipment, performing routine checks and inspection and servicing agricultural equipment and repairing agricultural machinery.





Twenty-eight (28) persons were certified in Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Chainsaw and Repairs.





In addition, 5 forestry officers were identified and selected out of the 13 trainers by the NQD to undergo assessor training in the sector of agriculture. These officers began training on May 14, 2024, and completed training in June over a 3-week period. Assessors will subsequently be certified at a Level 4 Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) in Agriculture.





This certification programme was created as part of VEEPs Component 2 - Restoration and "Building Back Better of critical services and strengthening of emergency preparedness and response capacity. (Source: VEEP)




Two farmers cooperatives, Women in Agriculture Langley Park (WALCO) and the Windward Irrigation Initiative Cooperative (WiiCoop), which collectively represent 60 small farmers operating in the Langley Park area were the recipients of support from the Government of Australia, through its Direct Aid Program (DAP), administered by the Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.





The support was given as part of a project titled, Supporting Sustainable Agricultural Practices on Small Farms in Langley Park.





According to a release from the local delegation of Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the project implementing agency, the goal of the project is to promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices among farmers by encouraging the adoption of mechanical weed control and the utilisation of vegetative and animal farm waste for composting.





Towards that end, the project provided for: (1) the procurement of weed trimmers and shredders for weed control operations, and the shredding of vegetative farm waste in preparation for composting and nursery and field use; 2) provision of a generator to provide power to assist with farm operations requiring power; 3) provision of training in the use of purchased equipment and composting for beneficiary farmers; and 4) procurement of water tanks to support seedling nursery operations.





Speaking on behalf of WALCO, Chair for the Board of Directors, Mrs. Louise Sampson expressed her thanks to the DAP and the Government of Australia for the support to her cooperative, saying inter alia, "The group is very grateful for the donation of items received from the Australian Government, which will go a long way in supporting the farming activities of our members.









Mr. Conrad Simon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of WiiCoop also expressed his appreciation on behalf of his organisation for the support received through the project.





Michael Dalton, the Technical Specialist at the IICA Delegation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, also provided a brief background on the project which, he said was conceptualised in September 2023 after discussions with representatives of both farmers cooperatives and IICA. It was decided that a project of this nature was necessary to encourage farmers into more natural methods of farming, to encourage composting and the increased use of organic matter to restore the health of the soil, particularly after the volcanic eruptions of 2021, and the excessive ash deposits and its adverse effects on the production of some crops.

According to Mr. Dalton, all activities are the result of a collaborative effort between the five parties  the two farmers cooperatives, the DAP as funder, IICA as the project implementing agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour who has provided technical and material support to the activities.





The project will close at the end of August, but Dalton he indicated that IICA has a mandate to support farmers organisations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.




Cole Oliver has spent close to a year not knowing if he is going or coming.

An Arnos Vale youngster - Cole Oliver - will soon know whether he will have to face a High Court trial for the July 20, 2023 murder of Golden Vale resident Kemon Orlando Roberts.





The Prosecution closed its case at the Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) on Tuesday, and Olivers lawyer Grant Connell is expected to make a no-case submission when the matter resumes on Monday, August 5.

Roberts, 28, was shot several times during an incident at Golden Vale on July 20, 2023.

Oliver was 18 at the time.





Several witnesses testified for the Prosecution, including the key witness, who gave evidence, on camera, via live link, under the Witness (Special Measures) Act, and the investigator, Corporal Henry Hoyte.

Prosecutor Renrick Cato leads the case for the Prosecution.




Even as the RSVGPF urges persons concerned to turn in their illegal guns/ammunition, they continue their hunt for and seizure of illegal firearms.

The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is intensifying its efforts to eliminate illegal firearms from the streets of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.





Following the high commands latest press conference on July 17, 2024, led by Commissioner of Police (Ag) Mr. Envill Williams, which presented an overview of the recently concluded National Firearm Amnesty, the RSVGPF has taken decisive steps to ensure that holders of illegal firearms are identified and brought to justice. Through a series of targeted operations, the Force has successfully seized three additional illegal firearms and thirty-five rounds of ammunition in five days, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to public safety and law enforcement.





Arrest of Jamal Hutchins





On July 19, 2024, police arrested and charged Jamal Hutchins, a 33-year-old laborer from Bequia, with possession of a Glock pistol and 16 rounds of ammunition. This intelligence-led operation took place on July 18, 2024. Hutchins appeared in court on July 21, 2024, where he pleaded not guilty to the offense. He was granted bail in the sum of $10,000 ECC, with the condition that he reports to the Port Elizabeth Police Station every Monday between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.





Arrest of Kesroy Williams





On July 21, 2024, police arrested and charged Kesroy Williams, a 26-year-old laborer from Belair, with possession of a .38 pistol and three rounds of .38 ammunition. Williams appeared before the Serious Offences Court and pleaded guilty to the offence, and was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. His sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2024.





Arrest of Olando Burgin





On July 22, 2024, police officers arrested and charged Olando Burgin, a 40-year-old laborer from Lowmans Leeward, with possession of a 9mm pistol and 17 rounds of ammunition in Sandy Bay. Burgin appeared before the Serious Offences Court on July 24, 2024. He pleaded guilty to the offence and was remanded in custody pending sentencing on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

UPDATE: On July 25, 2024, Burgin was sentenced to six years in prison for the possession of an illegal firearm and one year in prison for the possession of ammunition. The sentences are to run concurrently.





Guns turned in/seized





During a recent media briefing hosted by the police top brass, it was disclosed that from January to June this year, the police recovered 34 firearms and 3,025 rounds of ammunition.

This included 18 firearms and 327 rounds of ammunition surrendered during the 92-day National Firearms Amnesty which concluded on May 01, and 16 firearms and 2,700 rounds of ammunition that were seized and/or recovered in stop and search and other operations by the police.

THE VINCENTIAN recognizes and commends the intensified effort by the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force to rid our streets of illegal firearms.
Abdon Whyte, community activist/teacher on Union island, is not convinced that objection to having the students relocated to St. Vincent id a well-founded one.

Although clean-up operations are well underway on Union Island, which bore the brunt of the wrath of Hurricane Beryl, July 01, 2024, the island is still not the best place for students to be schooled.





Community activist and teacher, Abdon Whyte made the point while speaking on radio on July 28.

According to Whyte, the Union Island Secondary School was the least affected by the passage of Hurricane Beryl.





However, the Mary Hutchinson and Stephanie Browne Primary Schools needed much repair, with the Mary Hutchinson Primary School requiring a new building and the roof of Stephanie Browne needing to be repaired.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves proposed that the former Teachers Training College at Arnos Vale be converted to house the Union Island students who will be accompanied by one parent and teachers from all three schools, for a period of about 10 months.





He also proposed that rooms at various guest houses be made available to temporarily accommodate the students, their parents and the teachers.





However, during consultations held on the island with residents of Union Island, some residents of Union Island did not approve of the proposal.





Some expressed concerns regarding work commitments and what it would mean having a child attend school on the mainland.





Whyte said that some residents from Union Island expressed the fear of having the students lose their cultural identity.





"I dont think we have had any culture issues over the years, Whyte said adding that there was a lot of pushback from Union Island residents to having students temporarily schooled on the mainland.

He admitted that at first, he had some issues with what was being proposed, however when it was announced that about 95 percent of the buildings  including houses  on Union Island were either partially or totally damaged, he had to reflct.





He admitted that it would be an uphill task to repair at least half of the number of damaged homes by the time school reopens, so, the question remained, where would the students live on Union Island?

Getting the schools ready for early to mid September could be achieved, but there still would be a problem as far as accommodations for the students.





White acknowledged that living in a shelter was not an ideal environment for students, especially those preparing for external exams such as the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). (DD)
Former President Donald Trump floated a new job-creating energy proposal during a Fox Business appearance Friday morning: building an oil pipeline through a poor New York neighborhood.

Trump sat with Fox host Maria Bartiromo on her show "Mornings With Maria" to discuss his economic policies and how they are different from Vice President Kamala Harris' policies. Despite claiming he didn't have enough time in the day to go over all the differences between their plans, Trump emphasized "we're going to lower our prices of energy."

"We have more liquid gold, as I call it, under our feet than Saudi Arabia," Trump said. "We're going to be energy dominant. We're going to make a fortune. We're going to supply it all over Europe, all over the world. We're going to be double, triple what they're doing. We're going to have tremendous energy."

Trump went on to claim "people in New England pay some of the highest prices in the world because we don't have a pipeline," and blamed New York.

"We don't have a pipeline because New York won't let a pipeline go through a very poor section of New York where they need the jobs."

Trump tells Bartiromo he wants to put a pipeline "through a very poor section of New York where they need the jobs." pic.twitter.com/ALUk2HLz2C  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 2, 2024

The interview also included Trump discussing using crypto to pay off the US debt with China and Trump echoing past claims that his White House COVID-19 policies saved "a hundred million lives" worldwide.
Euro Auctions continues its global expansion with the first sale in the new corporate HQ in Abu Dhabi attracting a global audience of buyers and sellers to participate in this record-breaking sale.

Euro Auctions continues to go from strength to strength with the new corporate HQ sale site in Abu Dhabi. This most recent auction showed the interest that Euro Auctions have created in the in the Middle East producing a magnificent result.

With the hammer total doubling the revenue over the same sale in June 2023 and increasing the number of vendors by 95%, the number of consignors doubling, increasing the number of first-time registered bidders for a Euro Auctions sale in the UAE, and increasing vendor countries by 300%. With the appetite to be the number one auction facility in the Middle East this sale indicates that Euro Auctions is firmly on that trajectory.

Average lot price doubles

With nearly five hundred lots for sale, the average lot price was double that of the same sale in June 2023, indicating that through the Abu Dhabi auction, Euro Auctions is selling more big-ticket items than in the previous 12 months.

This Euro Auctions sale attracted vendors from across the Gulf, India, China, Africa and East Asia, and while online buying is strong at all Euro Auctions sales, it is still the preference of Middle East buyers to attend live sales and bid in person on the day, with 47% of buyers transacting bidding online. First time registrations to buy with Euro Auctions increased by 20%.

The top buying countries were: UAE, UK, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Norway, Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya and Jordon.

The top buying regions were: Middle East 82%, Africa 6%, UK 5%, Asia 3.6%, Europe 2.25% and North America 1%.

Four to six sales a year

Richard Sweatt, General Manager for Euro Auctions Middle East and Asia, comments: We welcomed the world to our new Gulf HQ in Abu Dhabi and this resulted in a record sale. This new site in the Khalifa Economic Zone is pivotal to our expansion in EMEA and East Asia and we plan to host 4 to 6 live sales per year on this site. Specialising in the sale of high value construction machinery and commercial vehicles, our new facility in Abu Dhabi provides us with the opportunity and the appetite to further develop within the region.

This was a record sale for Euro Auctions in Abu Dhabi and in all statistics we saw substantial growth. The sales total was a 12-month high, with a 20% increase in the number registering, with bidders from Scandinavia to the Far East including the Gulf, East West and North Africa, every country in central and eastern Europe, the USA, Canada and Australasia. Euro Auctions does have extraordinary global reach and once a seller or buyer trades with us, there is a loyalty and this is a real testimony to the like and faith that buyers have in the Euro Auctions brand.

The value of individual lots is increasing at each sale, selling higher value, quality units, and we are attracting many new consignors as our customers see the benefits of selling with us. We are also seeing good consignments coming from outside of the UAE to meet the demand for fresh and low hours machines that buyers in the Gulf want.

Euro Auctions strength is in its network of sale sites and our teams of sales managers who are globally connected. We attract good consignors and vendors because of our ability to sell to a large global audience, with over 250,000 unique clients and selling into over 100 countries, we are able to attract a very serious buying audience.

Increase in vendor numbers

In the Gulf, in the last 6 months, we have seen an increase in the number of vendors using Euro Auctions who have never previously sold at auction, coming to us for the first time. So, this is a real testimony to the trust that sellers put in us to achieve the best price possible and Euro Auctions always achieves true market value for the sellers machinery.

We want sellers to sell with us, and we want buyers to buy from us because, not only do we offer some of the most competitive rates of commission in our sector, but we have one of the best facilities thus attracting the best machines and the best inventory for our buyers.

Euro Auctions continues to expand globally with the acquisition of the Michener Allen group in Canada, Euro Auctions now spans 4 continents, with auction sites in 8 countries, operating 12 sites and selling over 150,000 lots each year.--TradeArabia News Service
A 17-year-old missing Michigan girl has been found living with a 44-year-old man.

Penelope "Penny" Wise went missing from her Cedar Grove home on May 31 and was found living with the man in Rockford, just north of Grand Rapids.

The Kent County Sheriff's Office, said investigators learned that Wise had been living with the man - described as a "stranger" - in Rockford since June 1 and that they were engaged, according to WWJ-TV.

Authorities believe the girl left her family home voluntarily and was later spotted in the vicinity of Rockford.

One of the last sightings put her near the Corner Bar in Rockford around midnight on June 1, the Kent County Sheriff's Office reported.

Authorities found Wise at the man's home on Sunday after neighbors reported seeing her riding her bike.

"As I stopped at the stop sign, I saw a girl with her bike and she was crouched down," a woman who lives down the street from man told WXMI-TV.

"She's looking at me, I'm looking at her, and as we were driving, I was like, 'Mom, that's the missing girl from Cedar Springs,'" the neighbor told the station.

The man has not been charged with any crime.

"You'd think there'd be some sort of law that would prevent this, but we looked at it," Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker told WXMI-TV. "It's clearly troubling, but we can't just charge things that we find troubling. We have to follow the law, and that's what we did."

Wise is being held on an unrelated warrant, according to her mother and they had not been able to see her yet.

On a Facebook page she set up during the search, Michael Wise said, "We are thankful she's been found. She's alive and ok.Thank you all for praying, searching, and spreading the word."
A few weeks into last school year, 30% of teacher positions in Arizona remained unfilled. The shortage persists, but there are signs of improvement.

Tucson Unified School District currently has 164 classroom openings  down from 300 at the same time last year. Deer Valley Unified School District is close to fully staffed. Tempe Union High School District has just one opening to fill compared to five at this time last year.

We have been more successful this year than we were last year, said Dawn Anderson, director of human resources at Flagstaff Unified School District, which employs about 600 certified teachers and has only eight openings still to be filled.

Low pay is one of the many challenges when recruiting teachers.

The starting salary for teachers in Arizona is $44,124, according to the National Education Association. Thats 21st in the nation  above average.

But the average salary is $60,275, which is 32nd.

Thats $9,000 below the national average  and far below the minimum living wage in much of the state. In Maricopa County, for instance, thats $79,147 for a single parent with one child, as calculated by the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute.

Were getting paid so little and asked to do a lot, said Rikki Acosta, the social-emotional learning coordinator at Maryvale Preparatory Academy, a charter school in Phoenix.

One of the ways Arizona schools cope with teacher shortages is to take away planning periods  that is, adding another class to a teachers workload.

Educators call that a Band-Aid that accelerates burnout and robs teachers of unpaid family time.

Its hard, because they dont get a break in their day and they dont have time to plan, said Gretchen Hann, the principal at Desert Edge High School in Goodyear. Then they have to take everything home and theyre spending their nights and weekends getting prepared.

At the start of last school year, there were 2,229 teaching vacancies across 131 districts in Arizona, according to a survey by the Arizona School Personnel Administration Association (ASPAA).

Its scary. Weve started the year without teachers, said Hann.

Arizona has implemented a number of programs to mitigate shortages and boost retention.

The Arizona Teachers Academy created by the Arizona Board of Regents, which oversees the states public universities, forgives student loans in exchange for a commitment to teach in K-12 schools.

The 2023 annual report showed 3,255 students enrolled in the program, up 14-fold since 2018. But the state slashed the budget in half for the 2025 fiscal year. The cuts will make the program harder to access and will increase the waitlist.

Districts also use alternative educator programs to fill teaching positions.

These programs let college graduates teach for two years while preparing to obtain an Arizona teaching certificate.

The districts that are doing that are building a teacher pipeline that we would not have had without it, said Justin Wing, data analyst at ASPAA and assistant superintendent of human resources at Mesa Public Schools, the states largest school district.

Arizona State University has the Next Education Workforce project, which promotes alternatives to the traditional one teacher, one classroom staffing model.

Instead, it uses a team approach, with teachers dividing duties based on their strengths. For example, one teacher might handle parent-teacher conferences, while another would focus on data-driven lessons.

Districts are also addressing vacancies by recruiting foreign teachers. A J1 visa allows people who hold a teaching certification to teach in the United States for three years, with an option to extend for two more years. Processing time can complicate this approach, though, and there is often a lag between when a teacher is hired and when they can start.
A group of Iowa teenagers who traveled to Wyoming to summit Cloud Peak in the Bighorn Mountains had to be rescued this week after failing pack enough food, water and clothing, officials said.

South Big Horn County Search and Rescue said the Big Horn County Sheriff's Department received a 911 text from the teen boys and men, who ranged in age from 15 to 18, at around 7:40 p.m. on Monday. The hikers said they were attempting to summit Cloud Peak in the late afternoon, and were unable to descend without assistance.

The group had separated when some of the teens tried to continue to the summit, while others stayed behind at an elevation of approximately 11,400 feet. They eventually became split into three groups.

As South Big Horn County Search and Rescue members were staging nearby, they received word that one member of the party had collapsed and was unresponsive. A short time later, they learned that one member of the party was alone and could not find his companions.

"Because of the deteriorating situation," rescuers requested assistance from Guardian Air Medical to fly rescuers up the mountain. At around 9:30 p.m., the first rescue team was flown to the base of Cloud Peak, and they proceeded to hike up the mountain while the second rescue team was flown in. The Wyoming Army National Guard was also called in to assist with a hoist-capable Blackhawk helicopter.

At around 11:30 p.m., the upper group of hikers located the middle group at around 11,400 feet, and they were told by rescuers to remain at that location until crews could reach them. The first rescue team located the first group of five at around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. The second rescue team located the last hiker at around 2:30 a.m.



Because two of the hikers appeared to be suffering from possible altitude sickness and were unable to travel, the decision was made for rescuers to remain with the hikers overnight while waiting for the National Guard helicopter, which arrived at around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The helicopter hoisted five hikers from the first group and transported them to their base camp at Misty Moon Lake. The helicopter then returned to pick up the sixth hiker and the rescuers with him by performing a one-wheel landing at an elevation of around 10,800 feet. They were dropped at Misty Moon Lake at approximately 10:15 a.m.

The helicopter then refueled at the Greybull Airport and returned to Misty Moon Lake to transport all the hikers and rescuers to the West Ten Sleep trailhead.

None of the hikers required transport to hospitals, and were treated at the scene by rescuers.

"Please do your homework prior to traveling to the mountains, remember to always bring the 10 essentials in your pack, don't travel alone, set a realistic turn around time and stick to it and if possible have a way to communicate via satellite and know how to use it," South Big Horn County Search and Rescue said. "Without good weather, communication between stranded subjects and use of two helicopter services, this mission could have had a very different outcome."

With TMX
Andrea Eger Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Andrea Eger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Two days after State Superintendent Ryan Walters lashed out at Bixby Public Schools superintendent, the Tulsa-area suburban school district issued a demand for a public apology and retraction of an inaccurate and malicious statement related to our districts finances.

Rob Miller, Bixbys superintendent drew Walters ire this week for going public about a significant delay in notices to schools about their federal funding allocations.

Miller tweeted about the issue on Sunday, questioning when his district would receive its initial Title I allocation.

After a Tuesday state board of education meeting, Walters lashed out, calling Miller a clown and a liar.

He knows every year when he gets the Title I funds, and were dealing with all kinds of financial problems with his district that were hoping to address right now, Walters said, among other things.

A Friday afternoon press release by BPS cited its most recent annual audit, with no material findings, and its AA-Stable bond rating.

In conclusion, Bixby Schools unequivocally refutes Superintendent Walters false and reckless claims about our districts financial status. His baseless defamation of the dedicated professionals at Bixby Schools is unacceptable and intolerable.

On behalf of the BPS community, we demand an immediate public apology and retraction of Mr. Walterss defamatory comments. We urge our community and stakeholders to stand with us in this demand. We are resolute in defending our reputation and will not rest until justice is served.

The local school board president also told the Tulsa World Walters owes the entire district an apology for making false claims about its fiscal position and management.

I am extremely disappointed in Mr. Walters name-calling and false accusations on Bixbys financials. In my opinion, he owes our district an apology, said Tristy Fryer, president of the Bixby Public Schools board of education.

As a former Bixby educator and parent, and now the current BPS board president, I take our financial responsibility very seriously. The board is diligent in ensuring that we are good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Ultimately, this is about the kids. In BPS, we aim to meet the needs of each student to set them up for success.

A Tulsa World review of Bixbys most recent annual audit report includes only one recommendation: That a payroll clerk be covered by a surety bond to protect the district, although not required by statute.

The Tulsa World has verified with a half dozen other districts that the states public schools have yet to receive any notice from the Oklahoma State Department of Education about their federal Title I allocations for the fiscal year that began July 1.

A few other superintendents have taken to social media and even contacted the Tulsa World to back up Millers claim and share their concerns for how the delay is affecting their school districts preparation for the upcoming school year.

Each year, the federal government distributes billions of dollars in Title I grants for school districts based on the number of low-income children they serve. The funding is intended to help address those students extraordinary academic needs, with such things as more teachers, tutors and school counselors.

School officials from across the Tulsa area  not just Miller  said the lack of official notice has affected their ability to budget, plan and hire for the academic year beginning in the next few weeks.

Walters claimed that his staff had told him for over a decade the timing of the initial allocation notices in question has been the Same time every year  at least late August.

Miller has since told the Tulsa World what Walters seems to be referring to is the actual funding going out in late July or August, not the initial Title I funding allocation notices that serve as the basis for budget building and planning and hiring of employees for which school districts need assurances of funding sources for their salaries.

We are adding a third Title I school site here in Bixby, that now meets that threshold (for the percentage of low-income students). Its new to us and its a complicated process  we have to bring all of the principals in and talk about the best use of those resources. The deadline for submitting your plan is Sept. 30, then were a month into school, and youre talking about maybe we need to bring in additional people.

Miller has also followed up on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, by posting a link to Walters own state agency website, which still has the final notice of initial Title I allocations sent out to school districts under Walters predecessor, Joy Hofmeister.

It is dated May 5, 2022.

The pressure seems to be working. As on Friday afternoon, the states Office of Title Service sent an email to districts promising that all federal allocations  not just Title I  will be published on or before August 16, 2024.

The Office of Title Services is in the process of calculating and verifying in-state allocations for the 2024-2025 school year. These calculations are extremely complex and the process is painstaking. OTS is making every effort to ensure accuracy prior to public release, states the email. All things being equal, (school districts) can expect a similar percentage change to their allocations.

The Tulsa World is where your story lives
Deadlines for voters in Tulsa

Friday is the deadline for new voter registrations ahead of the Aug. 27 elections.

That election features the first round of Tulsa mayoral and City Council voting, as well as several runoffs from the June 18 primaries.

Registration may be completed on-line at oklahoma.gov/elections, in person at county election boards or by mail.

Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than 5 p.m. Friday.

Late applications will be processed, but registrations won't be valid for the Aug. 27 elections.

The absentee ballot request deadline is 5 p.m. Aug. 12.

To register to vote or request an absentee ballot, go to okvoterportal.okelections.us.
Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

In announcing the formation of a commission to develop a plan for reparations in Tulsa, Mayor G.T. Bynum asked citizens to keep an open mind.

When the term reparations is used, we jump to the end of the conversation without hearing our neighbors out, Bynum said Thursday. If youre looking for reparations, people opposed think youre just looking for a handout. And if youre opposed to reparations, people in favor of them think youre heartless.

City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper, who announced formation of the commission with Bynum at a noon press conference, said it was yet another day of progress and celebration, filled with uplifting news not only for the survivors of the massacre, but also the descendants of the 1921 Race Massacre and the Greenwood community.

The Beyond Apology Commission is the product of a similarly named initiative led by Hall-Harper and others to collect input from Tulsans across the city about repercussions from Tulsas 1921 Race Massacre and how to address inequities Hall-Harper and others believe still exist, wholly or in part, because of it.

The commission will consist of 13 members serving staggered three-year terms. One member will be directly appointed by the mayor and another by the city councilor whose district includes historical Greenwood.

The other 11 members will be recommended by city staff and community members from among applicants fitting one of eight categories: youth (18-24), elder (60+), massacre descendant, north Tulsa community leader, policy and legislative expert, housing equity expert, health equity expert, and at-large (four positions).

A press release said the commissions first task will be a plan for a housing equity program.

One of the most challenging issues to navigate during my time as mayor has been the issue of reparations for the victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Bynum said at Thursdays press conference.

This is what made the issue of reparations so difficult, he said. The preconceived notions around that one word reparations has prevented us from doing what I am confident most Tulsans would agree we should do.

Bynum acknowledged that he and Hall-Harper have often been at odds, especially concerning cash payments, which he opposes.

She strongly disagrees with me on that, he said. The easiest thing in the world would be for her to write me off and ignore me because of that disagreement. But she hasnt. She has instead chosen to work with me toward what we both believe is an important step in the right direction.

Apparently in reference to the word equitable in the press release, Harper said it is essential to differentiate and understand the difference between a reparations program and equitable policy. While the city of Tulsa should strive to have equitable policies, and I believe we do, reparations specifically addresses the past harms inflicted on a specific group, namely Black Tulsans suffering for over 100 years after the repercussions following the 1921 Race Massacre.

We cant go back, said Bynum. And we can never repair all that was lost. But we can acknowledge the tragedy that occurred. And we can recognize the impact that such a loss has happened. And we can do more out of compassion for our neighbors. Weve made so much progress in the last decade in Tulsa when it comes to racial reconciliation. Sometimes I know it doesnt feel like it. But growth is usually hard. It usually hurts.

My heartfelt request of my fellow Tulsans is that, before you make any assumptions about this issue, let your fellow Tulsans on the commission do their work, the mayor said, asking Tulsans to keep an open mind. My hope is that we will allow ... compassion, reason and dialogue to help heal a hurt that has plagued our city for over a century.

Tulsa World is where your story lives

Tulsa Race Massacre: This is what happened in Tulsa in 1921 In 1921, white mobs invaded Greenwood and burned it down A growing but divided city had tensions rising. How World War I influenced residents. Key figures in 1921 Greenwood was defined by freedom and opportunity An encounter on an elevator and concerns about a lynching Tulsa Tribune article cited for sparking massacre Dick Rowland's life threatened while jailed as crowd gathers outside Tulsans take up arms and there are issues with special deputies Fighting begins in Greenwood and the neighborhood is soon overrun Mobs won't let firefighters douse the flames Airplanes flew over Greenwood as it was attacked National Guard called in, denies report that machine guns were used to kill dozens Dr. A.C. Jackson was killed as he tried to surrender in his front yard Death toll remains unknown; search for graves continues today Black Tulsans were marched through the streets and detained at camps throughout city Red Cross reports the massive devastation in Greenwood Key locations in Tulsa during the 1921 Race Massacre Mount Zion Baptist Church was burned down but, like Greenwood, persevered and rebuilt Tulsa Race Massacre: Quotes from survivors, officials and others Tulsa Race Massacre: Recommended reading Tulsa Race Massacre / The Tulsa World Library The Tulsa World is where your story lives
A veterinarian examines a dog. The cost of pet insurance, like other forms of insurance, has been rising. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

As Houstonians battle rising premiums for home and auto insurance, some have noticed that the cost of covering their dogs and cats has risen.

The cost of premiums for pet health insurance have increased significantly, according to data from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, the trade association representing most pet insurance providers in the United States and Canada. As of 2023, according to NAPHIAs data, the average annual premium for a policy covering dogs for accidents and illnesses costs $675.61, up from $594.64 in 2019, a roughly 14% increase over the four years.

One reason: The cost of veterinarian services has been on the rise, jumping 6.4% nationwide in June from the same month in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, after even larger increases in the several preceding years.

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Premiums can vary greatly based on the age of a pet and on coverages, according to providers such as Healthy Paws, Lemonade or Embrace. And insurance for cats is generally less expensive than for dogs. Healthy Paws tells the story on its website of Vito, an insured Yorkie who developed blood poisoning after swallowing 10 pennies and a dime. The pups pilfering of 20 cents, according to the company, resulted in a $2,147 claim.

Kristen Lynch, executive director of NAPHIA, said pet insurance companies consider several factors in setting premiums for cats and dogs, including the breed, the companys claims experience over the previous year and the cost of veterinary care in the ZIP code where the pet lives. Despite the increase in premiums, the number of pet owners holding policies has soared in recent years; there were about 5.7 million pet insurance policies in place in the United States in 2023, mostly for dogs, up from about 2.5 million in 2019.

The industry is considered a growing one, even though pet owners in Texas arent required to carry insurance for their animal friends.

Lynch posited that while Americans have always loved their pets, the human-animal bond has grown even stronger in recent years.

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Coming out of the pandemic, we had spent so much time in our homes with our pets, living side by side, playing together, said Lynch. I know people who got pets for their pets, when they returned to office.

Our relationship with our pets changed. That bond evolved personally, but it also evolved societally, she continued. Pet insurance is proactive. Its a way that you know that you have what you need.
Firms from 20 nations and territories are participating in the Vietnam International Logistics Exhibition 2024 (VILOG 2024) in Ho Chi Minh City, which kicked off on Thursday.

The expo, themed Green Logistics - The Foundation for Sustainable Development, features as many as 400 booths, up over 30 percent year on year.

The exhibition, held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, wraps up on Saturday.

Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, said that the hike in the number of foreign exhibitors demonstrates the broad appeal of the industry in Vietnam.

Among the participating firms are SeaRates by DP World in the United Arab Emirates, Singapores JGL Worldwide, ITL Corporation, Germanys DHL Group, and SEA Logistics Vietnam, along with other logistics companies.

The exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of advanced logistics management software, automation solutions, and AI and IoT logistics platforms aimed at supporting green logistics development and reducing environmental impact.

The logistics industry in Vietnam has made great strides and is attracting more foreign investors thanks to its role as one of the worlds trade and production hubs and the explosion of e-commerce, Thang affirmed.

Dao Trong Khoa, chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, said that Vietnam is moving toward green and sustainable development.

Green logistics is not only a trend but will also become mandatory in Vietnam to achieve sustainable growth.

Alexander Olsen, director at ITL Corporation, stated that Vietnam is considered an emerging logistics market.

As a result, many foreign investors are entering the local market.

The 'transport and delivery' space is one of the highlights of this years exhibition, featuring around 100 exhibitors, including THACO Industries, Vina Dowell, ACT Logistics, and Russias Transit.

Notably, three networking and e-commerce platform companies from China, Orange Logistics Organization, WIFFA, and Breakbulk Club, are participating in the expo.

A visitor experiences a virtual reality activity at a booth at the Vietnam International Logistics Exhibition 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nhu Binh / Tuoi Tre

According to the World Bank, Vietnam's Logistics Performance Index score reached its highest-ever mark of 3.3 points in 2023, up from 3.27 in 2018.

Vietnam was among the top 10 emerging logistics markets, according to transport and logistics service provider Agility's annual rankings in 2023.

Thang said that the logistics industry plays a key role in economic development, helping Vietnam address global geopolitical uncertainties.

Moreover, the industry is expected to beef up the countrys export revenue.

Between January and July this year, Vietnams export value amounted to US$440.6 billion.

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North Korea on Tuesday appointed Ri Seung Guk as the countrys new ambassador to Vietnam after years of delay due to North Korea's COVID-19-related border shutdown.

This post had remained vacant since Ris predecessor Kim Myong-gil returned to North Korea in April 2019, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing North Koreas foreign ministry.

Ri has never before been mentioned in North Koreas state-run media.

North Korea on Tuesday also appointed Ri Kil-song as the country's ambassador to Singapore.

He appears to be a former vice-foreign minister who had handled Asian affairs until 2020.

It marked the first time in about more than three years that North Korea had named new ambassadors following the appointment of Ri Ryong-nam, North Korean ambassador to China, in 2021.

North Korea has allowed new top envoys from China, Mongolia, and Cuba to begin their official duty in Pyongyang since last year, as it started easing its border restrictions in August 2023.

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Vietnam and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have pledged to foster cooperation in various fields and signed eight cooperative agreements on finance, trade, investment, and aviation.

Vietnamese State President To Lam and Chief Executive of HKSAR Lee Ka-chiu, made the pledge at their meeting in Hanoi on Thursday, as part of the latters three-day official visit to Vietnam starting on July 31, at the invitation of Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang.

This has been the first official visit to Vietnam by a head of the special administrative region since its establishment in 1997, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Considering the cooperative and friendly relations with China as a strategic choice and a top priority in its foreign policy, Vietnam always respects and advocates Chinas one country, two systems principle, the Basic Law of HKSAR of the Peoples Republic of China, along with Hong Kongs related regulations, supporting the territorys prosperous and happy development, President Lam told his guest.

Highlighting that Hong Kong is currently the seventh-largest trade partner and the fifth-largest foreign direct investor of Vietnam, while Vietnam is Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner in ASEAN and the seventh-biggest globally, the Vietnamese leader proposed further promoting cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, and investment.

President Lam suggested that the HKSAR authorities continue to facilitate Vietnamese citizens getting entry visas for work, travel, and study in Hong Kong.

Vietnamese State President To Lam (R) shakes hands with Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Lee Ka-chiu in Hanoi, August 1, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

To strengthen the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Hong Kong, the president suggested that the two sides increase exchanges and cooperation at all levels.

Agreeing with President Lams suggestions, Lee affirmed that the Hong Kong SAR government attaches importance to developing win-win cooperative ties with Vietnam, especially in economics, trade, investment, culture, education, tourism, and aviation.

The guest urged the two sides to tap cooperation in emerging fields such as science and technology, digital economy, digital transformation, and clean energy.

The Hong Kong leader also affirmed support for Vietnam in successfully hosting multilateral events in the coming time, including Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Year 2027.

Earlier on the same day, the executive chief of Hong Kong SAR had talks with Deputy PM Quang, focusing on deepening cooperative ties.

Quang welcomed Hong Kong corporations and enterprises to actively engage in the Vietnamese market, implement high-quality investment projects, and increase the importation of Vietnamese goods.

This image shows officials of Vietnam and Hong Kong exchanging one of the cooperative agreements signed between the two sides in Hanoi on August 1, 2024. Photo: Vietnam Government Portal

He urged the Hong Kong administration to continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community there, providing more scholarships for Vietnamese students, and coordinating with Vietnam to prevent illegal activities.

The deputy premier also recommended that the two sides foster collaboration in multilateral mechanisms and forums, especially Hong Kong's support for Vietnam to host APEC Year 2027.

Agreeing with Quangs recommendations, Lee said the SAR authorities are ready to beef up multifaceted bilateral cooperation for mutual benefits of businesses and people of the two sides.

Lee appreciated Vietnams plan to send representatives to attend the ninth Belt and Road Summit, to be held in Hong Kong in September this year.

He suggested Vietnam continue creating favorable conditions for Hong Kong enterprises to expand investment in Vietnam.

On this occasion, Lee invited Deputy PM Quang to visit Hong Kong at a convenient time.

At the end of their talks, the two sides witnessed the signing and exchange of eight cooperation documents in finance, trade, investment, and aviation.

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Two Chinese suspects were arrested nearly 10 hours after they broke into a villa in Ho Chi Minh City and took away many valuable assets, including Rolex watches and an LV handbag, local police reported.

Police in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City on Friday said they had detained Chen Dao Hong, 45, and Nguy Vinh Diem, 39, both having Chinese nationality, on charges of theft.

At around 10:00 am on July 25, police in Tan Phong Ward received a report from a local woman, N.T.B.T., about a burglary that had occurred in a villa on Hung Thai Street.

T. informed investigators that she had been authorized to contact police officers by the villa's owner, who was traveling abroad at the time of the incident.

According to T., the stolen assets included three Rolex watches, a gold bracelet with diamonds, four gold rings also with diamonds, an LV handbag, and various amounts of money: US$2,000, AUD3,000 ($1,950), 3,000 Japanese yen ($20), and VND210 million ($8,410).

The theft was reported to the district police, who then conducted a joint investigation.

After examining the scene, gathering relevant information, and searching for suspects, local police detained the two Chinese at around 7:30 pm on the same day, nearly ten hours after the theft occurred.

The detainees admitted to arriving in the villa area by car and breaking into the residence to commit the theft.

The district police recovered all the stolen assets and the car used in the crime.

Diem informed investigators that he had illegally entered Vietnam via the northern border with China.

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Police in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City detained and launched legal proceedings against three tourists of Australian nationality for fighting others and causing chaos in the central business district.

The trio, including Amin Huzaifah, 24, Anthony Vu Phi Long Pham, 35, and Nguyen Michael, 29, were charged with disturbing public order.

At about 1:20 am on June 29, the three and some 10 others reached Atmost Bar on Ton That Dam Street in Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 and got involved in an argument with another group of Minh Nguyen, Hai Nguyen, and Tang Tung Thanh, also of Australian nationality.

Being afraid that the two groups might have a fight, security guards at the bar asked them to leave.

In front of the bar, Anthony Vu Phi Long Pham and his friends attacked the other group but caused no injuries.

The group of Minh Nguyen later came to Pasteur Street to pick up vehicles to go home, but Anthony Vu Phi Long Pham and his friends followed and beat them at the intersection of Pasteur and Ton That Thiep Streets, slightly injuring Minh Nguyen and his friends.

Upon receiving reports from local residents, police in Ben Nghe Ward and District 1 rushed to the scene and took everyone involved to the police station.

Anthony Vu Phi Long Pham and his friends claimed they were in Vietnam for travel. However, due to their intoxication, they lost control of their actions and attacked Minh Nguyen and his friends.

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What you need to know today in Vietnam:

Politics

-- Following a formal welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in India on Thursday, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh invited Indian technology billionaires to invest in Vietnam during talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

-- On Thursday, Vietnamese State President To Lam received Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, at the Presidential Palace during his official visit to Vietnam from Wednesday to Friday.

Society

-- A representative of the Ho Chi Minh City police department stated on Thursday that the collection of information and lists of gold buyers and sellers is not intended to scrutinize them or cause difficulty for their trade, but rather to protect citizens' rights and prevent speculation.

-- Truong Minh Huy Vu, born in 1984, was named director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies on Friday. Vu received his PhD in political economy from the University of Bonn in Germany in 2014 with a full scholarship from Germany's Federal Foreign Ministry. Dr. Vu has also been a senior fellow of the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs since 2018.

Business

-- On August 1, electric vehicle maker VinFast officially delivered the VF3 electric car to Vietnamese customers. Many people gathered at the Landmark 81 skycraper in Ho Chi Minh City to see, touch, and eagerly await a test drive of the vehicle, priced between VND240 million (US$9,514) and VND322 million ($12,765).

-- On Thursday, the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced that pomelo has officially become the third fresh fruit from Vietnam permitted for import into South Korea, following dragon fruit and mango.

Lifestyle

-- A press conference was held in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday for the 2024 Best Sommelier of Vietnam competition. Nguyen Thi Khanh, president of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, announced that this inaugural event aims to select a winner to represent Vietnam in international competitions.

World News

-- "Australian police said on Friday they seized about A$828 million ($538 million) worth of methamphetamine hidden inside industrial machinery shipped from the United States," Reuters reported.

-- French taxi drivers on Thursday demanded government compensation for lost revenue during the Olympic Games as traffic disruptions and fewer regular clients weigh on demand, according to AFP.
Many healthcare centers and hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City are facing a severe shortage of radiopharmaceuticals for use in PET/CT scans to detect cancer, leaving patients undiagnosed and untreated.

The radioactive drug production facility of Cho Ray Hospital in District 5 is providing just a small volume of radiopharmaceuticals, while Rang Dong Medical JSC is halting its supply though it was licensed by the Ministry of Health.

The PET/CT scan systems at several hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City are either operating at low capacity or have halted operations entirely, leaving cancer patients facing long waits for PET/CT tests and treatment, which poses a threat to their lives.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a technique that measures physiological function by looking at blood flow, metabolism, neurotransmitters, and radiolabeled drugs, while computed tomography (CT) is a noninvasive medical examination or procedure that uses specialized X-ray equipment to produce cross-sectional images of the body.

Due to the dearth of radioactive drugs, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, Military Hospital 175, and Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital have written to the Ministry of Science and Technology asking for help to rectify the situation.

Disrupted supply causes lack of radiopharmaceuticals

Presently, only three hospitals in the southern metropolis, namely Cho Ray, Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, and Military Hospital 175, are operating PET/CT scanning systems that are used to diagnose and treat cancer.

Dr. Diep Bao Tuan, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, said that PET/CT scans provide detailed, high-resolution images to find and monitor tumors or abnormalities.

This is a key technique to diagnose cancer promptly to treat patients effectively, Dr. Tuan said.

To make PET/CT scans efficient, it is compulsory to use radiopharmaceutical 18F-FDG.

The hospital was previously supplied with the drug by Rang Dong Medical JSC, allowing for daily PET/CT scanning. However, the disruption in supply has brought operations to a near standstill.

The Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital reported a high demand for PET/CT scans.

While it is equipped with two PET/CT scanners, each with a capacity of 30 cases per day, the insufficient supply of 18F-FDG has hindered the equipment's operations.

Although the hospital receives some radioactive drugs from Cho Ray Hospital, the quantity is minimal.

The Cyclotron radioactive drug manufacturing system at Cho Ray Hospital is aging and has been in operation for nearly 15 years.

Cao Van Khanh, head of the nuclear medicine department of Military Hospital 175, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that an average of seven patients undergo PET/CT scans each day at the hospital, which conducts scanning five days a week.

The figures fail to meet the demand at the hospital.

I hope that Ho Chi Minh City will have one or two more Cyclotron radiopharmaceutical manufacturing systems in the coming time to supply enough drugs to hospitals to save more cancer patients, Dr. Khanh said.

It is urgent to produce the 18F-FDG radiopharmaceutical for use in PET/CT scans to diagnose and treat cancer patients. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre

Obstacles in legal procedures are hindering drug production

Due to the prolonged disruptions in the supply of radioactive drugs, the municipal Department of Health had previously contacted the Drug Administration of Vietnam under the Ministry of Health for support in producing the drug.

The department noted that in addition to Cho Ray Hospital, Rang Dong Medical JSC is also capable of producing the radioactive drug 18F-FDG.

The companys branch is located in the Research and Development Center for Radiation Technology, part of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute under the Ministry of Science and Technology, in Thu Duc City.

A representative of the firm informed Tuoi Tre on Sunday that its Cyclotron radiopharmaceutical manufacturing system was established in 2017 at a cost of VND 200 billion (US$8 million) and has the capacity to supply drugs for 10 PET/CT scanners.

Though the Ministry of Health granted a license for its operation in 2023, the system has been suspended due to obstacles over legal procedures.

We spend over VND300 million [$12,000] in monthly paying maintenance fees and employee salaries, the representative lamented.

The municipal health department has sent a dispatch to the Ministry of Science and Technology reporting the urgent demand for the 18F-FDG radiopharmaceutical.

Dr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, deputy head of the department, said that the drug has a short lifespan at below 12 hours, so it should be used right after production.

This makes the transport of the radioactive drugs from other localities to Ho Chi Minh City unfeasible.

Therefore, the best way to use the drugs effectively is to produce radiopharmaceuticals in the city.

The radiopharmaceutical production facility of Rang Dong is facing hindrances over public assets, so its production lines must not be put into operation, explained the municipal department.

The department proposed the ministry help the firm and relevant units remove obstacles over legal procedures to put the facility into service as soon as possible, for cancer patients are in dire need of radioactive drugs for PET/CT scans.

The representative of Rang Dong stated that the cooperation agreement between the firm and the center does not comply with the regulations of the 2017 law on public asset management and use, leading to the suspension of all drug production operations.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has conducted an inspection of the licensing processes at the firm and is planning to gather feedback from the Ministry of Finance, the representative added.

Tran Chi Thanh, head of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute, told Tuoi Tre that the institute had received a report from Rang Dongs Ho Chi Minh City branch regarding delays in radiopharmaceutical production.

The main reason for the procrastination was related to legal procedures concerning public assets.

Thanh stated that the institute had informed the Ministry of Science and Technology of proceeding with the necessary procedures in accordance with current regulations.

He emphasized that producing 18F-FDG is crucial for patient treatment, and the institute is actively working to assist the firm in getting its manufacturing system operational.

Abundant supply to help local patients avoid traveling abroad for treatment

Amid the urgent need for radiopharmaceuticals, the municipal health department announced plans to build a Cyclotron production facility to provide the 18F-FDG drug for PET/CT scans. However, the plan remains on paper.

Increasing the supply of radiopharmaceuticals is expected to stabilize drug prices, reduce wait times for PET/CT scans, and prevent local patients from traveling abroad for treatment.

Some hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City are experiencing a surge in patients registering for PET/CT scans.

On July 19, the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital saw long lines of patients waiting to register. A consulting employee informed families that there would be at least a 15-day wait for a PET/CT scan.

T.H.H., a 36-year-old resident of Binh Thanh District, expressed concern for a family member showing signs of a cancer relapse.

I waited nearly two hours to register, but well have to wait over 15 days for the scan. How anxious! H. said.

Many patients at Military Hospital 175 are also frustrated by the lengthy wait times to register for PET/CT scans.

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Deputy head of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies (HIDS) Truong Minh Huy Vu has been appointed new chief of the institute.

Chairman of the municipal administration Phan Van Mai announced the appointment of Vu at a ceremony held in the city on Friday morning.

As per the appointment decision, Vu will hold the post over a course of five years.

Addressing the event, the municipal chairman highlighted the crucial role of HIDS in advising the southern metropolis on developing policies and implementing measures to boost the city's growth.

Mai expressed his hope that Vu and the HIDS management would transform HIDS into an exemplary agency, collaborating with other centers to provide the city with strategic development recommendations.

The chairman emphasized the need for HIDS to research special regimes and policies and to build a team of high-quality personnel to support the city's development.

Vu thanked city authorities and HIDS for their support in helping him fulfill his assigned tasks.

Officials of the Ho Chi Minh City administration and the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies congratulate Truong Minh Huy Vu (C) on his new appointment as HIDS chief. Photo: Thao Le / Tuoi Tre

The new head of HIDS pledged to join hands with relevant agencies to develop the institute into a research agency in terms of growth policies and new development models.

Vu wished to receive further support from the municipal authorities in order to accomplish his duties in the years to come.

Born in 1984 in Tien Giang Province, southern Vietnam, he received his PhD in political economy from the University of Bonn, Germany (magna cum laude) in 2014 with a full scholarship from Germany's Federal Foreign Ministry.

He has also been a senior fellow of the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs since 2018.

He served as the director of the Information Technology Park at Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), deputy head of the Department of External Relations and Project Development at VNU-HCM, and inaugural director of the Center for International Studies at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

He was vice-dean and head of the International Political Department at the Faculty of International Relations at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

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Ha Giang, an upland province in northern Vietnam, has stolen the hearts of foreign travelers thanks to its stunning roads, gigantic terraced rice fields, and typical cultural characteristics.

The province is rolling out measures to optimize its cultural values for tourism development and taking tourism expansion as a way to preserve and promote the local culture.

In recent years, the province has become a sought-after destination for international travelers.

With its breathtaking mountains, charming dew-kissed villages, rich cultural diversity, and warm, resilient locals, Ha Giang feels like a love song beckoning visitors to discover its wonders.

The province is beautiful in all seasons. In the spring, it is brilliant with peach blossoms in January and cotton tree flowers in March.

The simple life of people in Lao Xa Village, Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam helps heal the souls of tourists. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Ha Giang transforms into a cool paradise adorned with lush greenery in the spring and a stunning display of golden terraced rice fields in the autumn.

During the winter months, visitors can embrace the chill while immersing themselves in the local culture.

This northern province is home to 19 ethnic minority groups, each with its own distinctive cultural traits, including festivals, folk songs, and traditional dances.

Nguyen Van Son, chairman of Ha Giang, said that the province is focusing on promoting green tourism, enhancing service quality, and developing its tourism in harmony with its unique cultural heritage.

A peaceful night of foreign tourists in Lao Xa Village, Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Trieu Thi Tinh, deputy director of the Ha Giang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, noted that many young people from the province have started their own businesses centered around local tourism.

They are dedicated to developing tourism in a way that preserves cultural heritage while leveraging local traditions to enhance the tourist experience.

In the first half of this year, Ha Giang welcomed nearly 1.7 million visitors, including around 233,000 international travelers and approximately 1.4 million domestic tourists.

The mountainous province generated VND4.2 trillion (US$167.7 million) in tourism revenue during this period.

Cotton tree flowers bloom in the mountains in Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Ha Giang has consistently ranked among the worlds most attractive destinations.

In 2023, The New York Times recognized it as the 25th-most appealing destination on its list of 52 places to visit.

Nam Dam Village in Ha Giang earned the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Award for the third consecutive year last year. In September, Ha Giang was honored as a Leading Emerging Tourism Destination in Asia at the World Travel Awards.

This year, it has been nominated as Asia's Leading Regional Cultural Destination, providing a significant opportunity for the province to strengthen its presence on the global tourism map.

The roof of a stilt house is covered with moss in Xa Phin Village, Vi Xuyen District, Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

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Chevron Chairman and CEO Mike Wirth will be relocating to Houston as part of the company's corporate move this year. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer A Chevron sign is photographed on Washington Avenue Tuesday, March 12, 2024 in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

The nations second-largest oil company said Friday it planned to move its headquarters to Houston from San Ramon, Calif., later this year, consolidating even more big oil industry power in the nations energy capital.

Chevron follows Exxon Mobil, the nations largest oil company, which last year moved its headquarters to its Houston campus from Irving.

Texas offers a business-friendly environment, a more affordable cost of living, and better proximity to key counterparts in the service sector, our industry and academia, the company said in a statement. We are currently in the process of evaluating which positions will relocate, and which positions will remain in San Ramon to support our California operations. We expect to complete this evaluation before the end of the year.

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Chevrons decision follows a surge of punitive policy changes for the oil industry in California following Gov. Gavin Newsoms 2022 climate commitments that promised to quicken the states shift to renewable energy. At the time, Newsom said the state was in the business of holding Big Oil accountable.

The following year, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against Chevron, four other oil and gas majors and the American Petroleum Institute alleging a years-long climate change deception campaign in the state.

We have previously stated that we believe state policy makers have pursued policies that raise costs and consumer prices, creating a hardship for all Californians, especially those who can least afford it, the Chevron statement said. These policies have also made California investment unappealing compared with opportunities elsewhere in the U.S. and globally.

Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston, said Chevron, which has a major refining presence in California, continues to be at odds with the California regulators and the new state legislation that is impacting all companies operating in California. The state of Texas is much friendlier to the energy business and their moving to the state reflects that.

Gov. Greg Abbott welcomed Chevron in a Friday morning tweet.

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Texas is your true home, it said. Drill baby drill.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire said Friday its an exciting day to be the mayor of Houston. He said he got a call at 7 a.m. from Chevrons president of production and exploration informing him of the companys plans to move to downtown Houston.

He told me they did that because theyre bullish on Houston, and they have confidence in my administration, that we will address challenges that I inherited, like public safety, infrastructure and also the city finances, Whitmire said.

Chairman and CEO Mike Wirth and Vice Chairman Mark Nelson would be based in Houston as part of an effort to enable better collaboration and engagement with executives, employees, and business partners, the company said in a statement.

Its not surprising to see Chevron officially move its headquarters and senior leadership to Houston to better align with where the bulk of their employees, plus industry partners, are located, said Andrew Dittmar, a principal analyst at Enverus Intelligence Research. Exxon had previously made a similar shift moving its executive leadership team to its Spring campus from the Dallas metroplex. Although these moves arent M&A related, consolidation broadly in the oil and gas industry has increasingly concentrated companies in Houston.

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There are certainly advantages to being in the capital of the industry for working with operating partners, service companies and capital providers, plus accessing the deepest bench of local industry talent to recruit employees, Dittmar said.

The announcement came as Chevron reported earnings of $4.4 billion for the quarter ended June 30, down from $6 billion in the year earlier period. It said the decline was due in large part to lower margins on refined product sales. The company said it returned $6 billion to shareholders.

It said it had record production from the Permian Basin in West Texas and New Mexico and that worldwide production was 11% higher than the year earlier.

Cost savings for employees

Chevrons impending move comes after a string of corporate relocations to Texas from California in recent years, including Hewlett Packard Enterprises move to Houston and Teslas move to Austin. Last month, Elon Musk also announced plans to move SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter) to Texas.

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Chevrons decision to relocate its headquarters underscores the compelling advantages that position Houston as the prime destination for leading energy companies today and for the future, Steve Kean, CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, said in a statement. He said Chevron becomes the fourth Fortune 500 company to move its headquarters to the Houston area in the past five years.

Chasing jobs and employers out of California is no way to run the economy, said Jim Wunderman, CEO of the Bay Area Council, a business-backed advocacy group, in a statement. Its an embarrassment for California that weve lost so many global companies because of misguided policies that make it incredibly difficult to do business here. Californias elected leaders need to take stock of the decisions theyre making that effect millions of families and workers, impact the state budget and have grave consequences for the future economic health of this state.

James Gallagher, the Republican leader of the California Assembly, said the move the was an entirely predictable consequence of Gavin Newsoms constant demonization of the companies California depends on for energy, jobs and tax revenue.

In response to the news, Newsoms office doubled down on Californias clean energy focus, reflected in the states draft priority climate actions released in March.

This announcement is the logical culmination of a long process that has repeatedly been foreshadowed by Chevron. Were proud of Californias place as the leading creator of clean energy jobs  a critical part of our diverse, innovative, and vibrant economy, said Alex Stack, a Newsom spokesperson.

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There are now 53 companies on the Fortune 500 list headquartered in Texas, ranking behind Californias 56 companies, said John Boyd, principal at Boyd Co., a the national corporate site selection firm.

There are significant business climate advantages in Texas with respect to taxes, business costs and an overall superior regulatory climate versus California, Boyd said. Its really a tale of two states.

While California has a relatively high state personal income tax rate, Texas doesnt have a personal income tax  offering a significant savings for Chevron employees who make the move.

Theres additional recruiting advantages of being in the Houston market with respect to its affordability versus the Bay Area, which is amongst the most expensive places on earth to live, Boyd pointed out.

For example, the median home price in San Ramon was $1.6 million in June, compared to $349,000 in Houston, according to real estate firm Redfin.

The relocation could mean more high-income earners spending their paychecks in Houston, buying homes and paying property and sales taxes, too.

Its a catalyst for real estate development benefits on hospitality and retail industries in Houston, and also philanthropy, Boyd added.

Chevron grows Houston presence

The company said it expected minimal immediate impacts to other employees currently based in San Ramon. The full transition to Houston would happen over the next five years, it said. Some operations would remain in San Ramon, about 40 miles east of San Francisco.

The headquarters move comes after Chevron has gradually been shifting its focus to Texas. In 2022, the oil major offered to pay for its California employees to voluntarily relocate to Houston, then sold its 92-acre San Ramon campus and relocated to a leased space nearby.

At the time, Chevron already had at least three times the employees in Houston as it did in San Ramon, where it had operated for more than 140 years.

On Friday, Chevron said it still had about 2,000 employees in San Ramon and 7,000 in Houston.

As of 2022, about 6,000 of its Houston employees officed in downtown Houston, where its considered the largest private employer. The energy firm then operated in roughly 3 million square feet of office space on Smith and Louisiana streets downtown.

In recent years, former Noble Energy employees were relocated to Chevrons downtown headquarters after the two firms closed on a $13 billion merger in 2020. That left two former Noble Energy office buildings vacant in northwest Houston, including a 20-story tower where Chevron still had a large block of sublease space as of November 2023. The empty tower, at 1002 Noble Way, was acquired by Williamsville, N.Y.-based Acquest Development last year, which said it planned to try to fill the empty sublease space.

Separately, Chevron owns 1001 Noble Energy Way, which was on the market for sale as of last fall.

Although most of Chevrons office presence in downtown, the companys external innovation arm, Chevron Technology Ventures, also operates in a small leased space at the Ion, Rice Universitys innovation and tech hub in Midtown Houston.

Its possible Chevrons footprint could still grow in Houston. Last year, Chevron bought 77 acres in the Bridgeland community of Cypress, about 33 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Chevron is considering building a possible upstream research and development campus on the land, the company has said.

- Roland Li of the San Francisco Chronicle contributed.
Rise and Fall of Benjamin Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu had hoped to press the reset button and return to his silly theories about the irrelevance of Palestine to the Middle East, and the world. He was proven wrong, again, making him a false prophet or at best a failed leader

Friday August 2, 2024 11:58 PM , Dr Ramzy Baroud

Great orators in history would not have been recognized as such if their words carried no value. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is neither a great orator, nor did his speech before a joint Congressional session on July 24 have actual worth. It was an expression of his desperation, if not defeat, on all fronts.

This is not new. For years, Netanyahu has served the role of a social media meme. During his United Nations General Assembly speech in September 2012, the Israeli leader displayed a bomb diagram to fan the flames for another Middle East war.

His equally bizarre map of the New Middle East, which he also carried during another UNGA speech on September 22, 2023, also invited mockery.

But on both occasions, as on others, Netanyahus strategy was never intended for humor. His spectacles were carried out with the knowledge that global media would not miss the opportunity to highlight his performance with much interest. His rhetoric would often go unchallenged.

Moreover, until October 7, Netanyahus possible risk factors, resulting from what may seem to us as outrageous behavior and outlandish speeches, were quite minimal. To the contrary, for his Israeli constituency, appearing on the world stage with such media fanfare was always a reason for yet greater approval.

To his followers, Netanyahu served the role of the ' modern-day prophet '.

There are very few leaders left in Israel or around the world with the capacity to fully grasp and articulate the historical and prophetic relevance of what is happening in Israel, the Middle East and around the world today, David Lazarus wrote on October 9, 2020  almost exactly three years before the Hamas operation in southern Israel, and the most destructive Israeli war which followed.

America has never been a model democracy, not a standard bearer of high political morals, but to let a war criminal, child killer like Netanyahu address Congress while he decimates Gaza, is truly a new low for US politics. pic.twitter.com/1swbxdY7cp  F I R A S (@firasshams1) July 24, 2024

But the supposed visionary has failed to read all the signs, not only in the lead-up to the war, but to the disastrous impact of the genocide, which will haunt his country for many years to come. Since then, the majority of Israelis have abandoned their prophet, numerous Israeli opinion polls continue to tell us.

Yet, Netanyahu appears unperturbed. He spoke at the Congress with near total lack of awareness of the new reality emanating from his failed policies and botched reading of history.

For those who may not know, Netanyahu also sells himself to Israelis as an intellectual. His intellect involves exposing the deception, of the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the Middle East, or the so-called theory of Palestinian centrality.

To counter that big lie, Netanyahu dedicated to the notion of the reversal of causality, as in challenging the notion that Israel  namely the Israeli occupation of Palestine and other Arab lands  is the main cause of problems in the Middle East.

Until recently, the mans theories have garnered much traction, enough, in fact, to temporarily marginalize the Palestinian cause, and to invest in new ways of shaping a new Middle East, where Palestine simply is not on a map.

These illusions, however, have and continue to crumble. Instead of pushing a reset button that would shape the Middle East according to Israeli priorities and interest, the Palestinians pushed it.

This time around, Netanyahu has no theories, no actual solutions, no prophetic visions, not even a ridiculous map to save his life or career. Isolated by much of the world, he rushed to the only place where he would feel safe, where people would clap for him unconditionally, even before he spoke: The US Congress.

And, indeed, they did  39 times, including 23 standing ovations, and a total of 10 minutes and 55 seconds to be exact. But even the jolly bunch of US representatives who agreed to be part of that tragic charade will not save Netanyahu.

Here, a quick pause is needed, in appreciation for those who refused to attend Netanyahus speech of lies, and admiration for US-Palestinian Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who held a sign throughout the whole event, reminding us, and the world, that Netanyahu is a war criminal and guilty of genocide.

Netanyahu is not a pathological liar, as he is often accused by his enemies and detractors, in Israel and elsewhere. He lies, because, at times, not telling the truth is convenient, especially when there is no accountability for lying, time and again.

In his Congress speech, however, Netanyahu did more than simply lie. He had the audacity of calling millions of Americans who protested the war Irans useful idiots, while perpetuating the right-wing language on the clash between barbarism against civilization.

Still, a few were truly impressed. Even his closest allies are abandoning him. Former US Speaker, Nancy Pelosi described his speech as by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States. Many others found him insincere, including his own people.

When Netanyahu mattered, his speeches often led to wars, or major regional instability. But Netanyahu no longer matters, except for a few US politicians vying for re-election.

The Israeli leader had hoped to press the reset button and return to his silly theories about the irrelevance of Palestine to the Middle East, and the world. He was proven wrong, again, making him a false prophet or at best a failed leader.

[Dr. Ramzy Baroud is a journalist, author and the Editor of The Palestine Chronicle. He is the author of six books. His latest book, co-edited with Ilan Pappe, is Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders and Intellectuals Speak Out. His other books include My Father was a Freedom Fighter and The Last Earth. Baroud is a Non-resident Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Islam and Global Affairs (CIGA). His website is www.ramzybaroud.net.]

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HA NOI  The Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, which will take effect from January 1, 2025, stipulates that motorcycle emission testing must protect the environment.

However the application of this regulation is being studied and calculated carefully before implementation.

The law states that emission testing must be carried out in accordance with the law on environmental protection and at emission testing facilities that meet national technical standards.

Nguyen To An, a Deputy Director of the Vietnam Register, has stated that a full roadmap, timeline, applicable standards, implementation methods and specific subjects for the motorcycle emission inspection will be issued by the Government before the regulation is implemented.

The regulation, from January 1, 2025, will be implemented according to the roadmap issued by the Government.

The large number of motorbikes in use in Viet Nam, including many old vehicles, needs to be carefully considered when implementing the new regulation.

The implementation plan and method need to be harmonious, reasonable and feasible, according to the Deputy Director of the Vietnam Register.

For newly imported and assembled vehicles, emissions have already been controlled. The focus will be on older vehicles that have not been properly inspected.

New vehicles will not be inspected immediately, but will have to undergo emission testing after two to three years of use.

For vehicles of different ages, specific and detailed calculations will be made to determine the appropriate emission testing requirements.

Experts believe the authorities need to develop a comprehensive plan soon to inspect motorbike emissions, as this remains a popular and common mode of transport that contributes significantly to environmental pollution.

Emissions from older motorbikes and mopeds (over five years old) in major cities like Ha Noi, HCM Minh City, and a Nang tend to exceed current emission standards. Vehicles over ten years old have very high emission rates and are reported to account for over 50 per cent of the total number of motorbikes and mopeds in these areas.

The chairman of the Vietnam Clean Air Network, Hoang Duong Tung, has stated that the increasing number of vehicles makes emissions control more difficult. He proposes focusing emission control efforts first on the big cities where there are large numbers of vehicles and then expanding to remote mountainous areas where vehicle numbers and emissions are lower.

According to the Institute of Transport Strategy and Development, the growth of motorbikes in Viet Nam has reached an average of about 9.1 per cent per year.

The total number of registered motorbikes nationwide is about 69.2 million, with about 45.5 million currently in circulation.

The Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety states that the Minister of Transport will set the procedures for granting, re-granting, temporarily suspending operations and revoking certificates of eligibility to operate for motorbike and moped emission testing facilities.  VNS
HA NOI  The domestic used car market has shown a robust recovery in the first half of 2024, marking a significant turnaround from the slump experienced in 2023, according to industry insiders.

The increased demand has been particularly notable for high-end cars and elite vehicles. This resurgence signals not only a revitalisation of the automotive sector overall but also underscores the promising growth prospects for the used car market in the coming months.

According to the Market Research and Analysis Department of Nextgen Vietnam JSC (oto.com.vn), the first three months of 2024 witnessed a sudden growth in the used-car market, followed by a slight slowdown in April and May. Despite these fluctuations, overall it remained positive, indicating a gradual stabilisation of purchasing power and a sustainable growth trend in the market.

In the mid-range segment, which includes cars priced between VN500 million and VN1 billion (US$20,000-40,000) there has been a strong increase in liquidity. Supply rates have also consistently risen over the past four quarters. This segment is particularly appealing to buyers due to its reasonable pricing, catering well to diverse consumer needs.

The number of views for car advertisements has seen a significant rise of 35 per cent, compared to the same period last year, marking a 20.7 per cent increase compared to the second half of 2023. Cars under three years old are particularly popular and tend to sell quickly. SUVs and crossover vehicles are highly valued for their quality, competitive pricing and cost-effectiveness compared to purchasing new.

The used car market for vehicles over five years old has generally maintained stable prices, with occasional increases observed in SUVs due to their versatility. Interestingly, the liquidity of cars aged between five to ten years has improved significantly, with the average selling time reducing to just 15 days compared to 18-20 days in 2023. This trend underscores growing consumer preference for used SUVs, particularly as fuel prices rise.

The selling prices of used cars have seen a moderate increase of between five and ten per cent compared to 2023. Two primary factors contribute to this uptick, fewer users opting to exchange their cars for new ones and heightened demand pushing up prices in the used car market. Vehicles designed for off-road use and those with higher ground clearance, often referred to as 'surfing' cars, are steadily regaining popularity.

Market activity in May exhibited signs of deceleration as buyers anticipated a potential 50 per cent reduction in registration fees. However, by the end of June, there were indications of renewed interest and increasing shopping demand in the market. This fluctuation reflects the sensitivity of consumer behavior to policy changes and economic conditions.

In the first half of the year, the used car market saw a notable increase in the number of used car dealerships, with growth ranging from 18 per cent to 22 per cent across different provinces.

Furthermore, the market witnessed an expansion in the presence of Chinese cars and 'green cars' both in new and used vehicle categories. This growth indicates a shifting consumer perception towards Chinese brands and environmentally-friendly vehicles. It also highlights new avenues for development within the used car market, potentially broadening its appeal to a more diverse customer base.

These developments underscore a period of dynamic growth and diversification within Vietnam's used car industry, driven by both increased market participation from major players and evolving consumer preferences towards different vehicle types.

According to Nextgen Vietnam's outlook, the used car market suggests optimism based on positive signals from the macroeconomic environment. Despite the challenges in accurately predicting market trends, they anticipate a potential boom, particularly during the year-end peak shopping season.

Moreover, a policy under consideration to reduce registration fees by 50 per cent for new domestically produced and assembled cars, potentially effective from August, is likely to stimulate demand in the new car market.  VNS
HA NOI  The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) of South Korea officially announced the allowance of fresh Vietnamese pomelo for export into the country.

Pomelo has become the third fresh fruit from Viet Nam permitted for import into South Korea, joining dragon fruit and mango.

According to the information from the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, after three months of extensive consultations with relevant parties, the APQA officially published the import regulations for fresh pomelo from Viet Nam on its website on 30 July 2024.

This development marks a significant milestone, opening up vast opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products to access international markets and affirming their quality and reputation globally.

The Plant Protection Department had initiated the market opening programme for Vietnamese pomelo exports to South Korea in 2018. However, the negotiation process only accelerated significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic.

After two years of effort and active coordination, including information exchange to expedite the pest risk analysis process and multiple negotiation rounds, the Plant Protection Department and the APQA reached a technical agreement during a bilateral meeting in April 2024.

Additionally, on 18 July 2024, the Plant Protection Department published draft requirements for plant quarantine and food safety for fresh pomelo from Viet Nam imported into South Korea on its website, enabling interested organisations and individuals to understand and familiarise themselves with these regulations.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the first half of 2024, vegetable and fruit exports continued to thrive, with increased orders from major markets such as China, South Korea, and the United States, generating approximately US$3.5 billion in revenue. South Korea is the second-largest export market for Vietnamese vegetables and fruits, with exports to South Korea reaching $180 million in the past six months, up 57.9 per cent year-on-year.

ang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, noted that along with the United States, the Northeast Asian region remains a very promising market for Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports, particularly in countries like China, South Korea and Japan.  VNS
HA NOI  August 1, 2020, marked a significant milestone for Viet Nam and the European Union (EU) as the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into effect.

Four years on, Viet Nam stands tall as the leading ASEAN exporter to the EU, reaping the benefits of a thriving economic partnership that has spurred economic growth, job creation and consumer access to premium European products.

According to experts, the gradual elimination of import tariffs under the EVFTA has made European goods more affordable for Vietnamese consumers. Meanwhile, export-oriented sectors like apparel, footwear, and logistics have thrived, generating new jobs and upskilling the workforce.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), Viet Nams export value to the EU has skyrocketed by nearly 50 per cent, solidifying its position as the EUs leading trading partner in ASEAN. Conversely, imports from the EU have also surged by over 40 per cent.

The General Department of Viet Nam Customs reported that in June alone, the country's exports to the EU rose by 7.85 per cent month-on-month and 19.54 per cent year-on-year, surpassing US$4.28 billion.

For the first half, the figure reached over $24.69 billion, marking an annual rise of 15.37 per cent. Major export items included aquatic products, fruits and vegetables, footwear, apparel, wood and wooden furniture, with the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Spain being the major importers.

A survey by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) found that businesses are more aware of the EVFTA than other free trade agreements, with nearly half reporting specific benefits. As a result, the country's export to the EU surged by 16.7 per cent in 2022 and around 20 per cent in 2023.

Dominik Meichle, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) in Viet Nam, hailed the EVFTAs role in making the EU the sixth-largest foreign direct investment (FDI) source of Viet Nam, with 2,450 projects worth over 28 billion EUR, despite the pending ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The EVFTA has also helped improve Viet Nams business environment, attracting more FDI from the EU and other countries. Leveraging the deals advantages, investment in Viet Nam has soared, particularly in high-tech manufacturing and services like finance, banking, insurance, energy, telecommunications and transportation.

Hailing the EUs status as ASEAN's third largest trade partner with two-way trade of $296.87 billion in 2023, and Southeast Asias leading FDI investor, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long said as the coordinator of ASEAN-EU economic relations and the first developing country to sign and implement an FTA with the EU, Viet Nam will continue to support and advance cooperation between the two sides, especially in trade and investment, contributing to the stability and diversity of supply chains connecting the two regions and facilitating collaboration between their business communities.

According to the Business Confidence Index released by EuroCham Viet Nam in early 2024, nearly 71 per cent of EU enterprises hold a positive outlook for their long-term operations in Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI  Transport experts and economists discussed how preferential policies for environmentally friendly cars and double-cabin pickup trucks can create distinct competitive advantages during the green transition period.

During a special seminar, Nguyen Minh Thao, who is the head of the Business Environment and Competitiveness Research Department at the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) in Viet Nam, discussed the impact of draft revisions to the regulations on the special consumption tax (SCT) for certain vehicle types.

Participants at the seminar suggested that the drafting agency should determine a suitable tax rate for vehicles and develop a clear and feasible plan for how this tax rate would be implemented and applied.

Specifically, the Draft Amended Regulation on Special Consumption Tax for Automobiles includes specific proposals to maintain tax rate for double-cabin pickup trucks, offer tax reduction incentives for environmentally friendly vehicles such as externally charged hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and self-charging hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

A representative of the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) said that Viet Nam is undergoing a crucial transition phase. There is a clear global shift towards electrification in the automobile industry, including here. Viet Nams growth in this sector is supported by international commitments to environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

Despite the potential, the industry faces significant obstacles during this transition period. These challenges could include infrastructure development, technology adoption and market readiness.

The car market is indeed facing several significant challenges in the current environment. The economic impacts of the pandemic, such as reduced consumer demand, supply chain disruptions and manufacturing slowdowns, have created difficulties for the industry. While, geopolitical uncertainties and conflicts can disrupt trade, affect access to resources and create volatility that impacts the automobile sector.

In this context, tax policy adjustments can be an important lever to support the automobile industry and facilitate the transition to sustainable transportation. Appropriate tax incentives, credits or other policies can directly impact businesses, consumers and the overall economy's stability and movement towards sustainable development.

The draft Law on Special Consumption Tax has several implications for the domestic automobile industry in Viet Nam.

The new tax law likely aims to incentivise the production and assembly of more fuel-efficient and lower-emission vehicles to support Viet Nam's climate change goals and net-zero emission target by 2050.

This could involve differential tax rates or incentives for automakers based on the fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions of their vehicle models.

The policy changes need to be implemented in a synchronised and comprehensive manner, balancing the benefits of automakers, consumers and the Government.  VNS
HAI PHONG  Industrial property developer KCN Vietnam Group broke ground for the second phase of its ready-built warehouse and factory project at DEEP C Industrial Park in Hai Phong on August 2.

Once completed in the first quarter of 2025, this project will add over 80,000 sq.m (square metres) of high-quality ready-built warehouses and ready-built hybrids (mixed-use warehouse and factory), bringing the total leasable floor area of the entire project to more than 150,000 sq.m.

The 23.2ha-project is expected to meet a wide range of leasing and storage needs for businesses, making Hai Phong an attractive destination for multi-sector FDI, with logistics as a key focus, the company said in a statement.

Hardy Diec, Chief Operating Officer of KCN Vietnam, said that the project will help Hai Phong attract logistics businesses and create job opportunities for local workers

Notably, the second phase of the KCN DEEP C-Hai Phong project is KCN Vietnam Group's pioneering project in applying green building standards and aims to obtain LEED Silver certification. LEED is among the top prestigious green building certifications in the world, developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

The application of LEED standards not only demonstrates the group's social responsibility but also provides advantages for client enterprises. These include improved energy efficiency, enabling tenants to save up to 25 per cent on energy costs and reduce water usage by 10 per cent, optimising operational costs.

Earlier last week, KCN Vietnam Group announced its green building development agenda, endeavoring to achieve green, sustainability standards and certifications.

This commitment not only proves the company's strong efforts in adopting green initiatives, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, and pursuing sustainable development goal, but also reflects its determination to accompany the Government in implementing the National Green Growth Strategy for the period 2021-30.

As Viet Nam actively aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, the industrial property sector plays a crucial role in promoting a green economy. Developing green industrial parks, associated with circular economy models, cleaner production and the efficient and economical use of resources, is increasingly becoming a mainstream trend, the company said.  VNS
Laura Frye and Alan Brincks pose as Titania and Oberon. Houston Shakespeare Festival. July 25, 2024. Jonathan Burke / University of Houston/University of Houston

Here are the top events happening around town this weekend, from the Houston Shakespeare Festival at Miller Outdoor Theatre to Houston Restaurant Weeks and Cirque Du Soleil's "Songblazers" country music and acrobatics show.

Houston Restaurant Weeks

Meat platter at Brett's BBQ Shop in Katy which excels at Central Texas-style barbecue. Greg Morago

Houston Restaurant Weeks is back for diners to enjoy through Sept. 2. More than 350 restaurants are participating this year, offering prix fixe menus with a portion of sales going to the Houston Food Bank. Brunch and lunch prices are $25, while dinner prices are $39 to $55. Small mom and pop restaurants throughout the Houston suburbs will be also participating in area such as Katy, Cypress and The Woodlands.

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Need a little help getting started? Here's where to eat during Houston Restaurant Weeks, according to Chronicle critics

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When: Through Sept. 2

Where: Multiple locations

National Antique Bottle & Glass Exposition

The National Antique Bottle & Glass Exposition. Courtesy of Houston Museum of Natural Science

The 2024 National Antique Bottle & Glass Exposition, organized by the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, will be held at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) from August 1-4. Attendees can explore two exhibitions at HMNS: the "American Antique Glass Masterpieces" showcasing early American glassware and bottles, and the "Select Highlights from the David P. Wilber and Anthony Gugliotti Barber Bottle Collections," featuring decorative barber bottles from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

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When: Through Aug. 4

Where: 5555 Hermann Park

Houston Shakespeare Festival

Kyle Clark and Sophia Marcelle pose as Romeo and Juliet. Houston Shakespeare Festival. July 25, 2024. Jonathan Burke / University of Houston/University of Houston

The Houston Shakespeare Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary with performances of "Romeo & Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The free shows will be held Aug. 1-10 at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

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When: 8:15 p.m. through Aug. 10

Where: 6000 Hermann Park Drive

Cirque Du Soleil: Songblazers

Cirque du Soleil is going country with 'Songblazers', and Houston is the second stop on the tour. Courtesy of Public Content

Cirque Du Soleil's "Songblazers," in partnership with Universal Music Group Nashville, celebrates the legends and modern stars of country music. Opening this Friday, the show features acrobatics and aerial performances set to the iconic tunes of Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, The Chicks and more.

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When: Aug. 2-11

Where: Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land

MORE FROM ANA KHAN: Oracle Red Bull Racing brings Formula 1 action to downtown Houston

White Linen Night

Attendees walk past the Heights Theater during White Linen Nights on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

19th Street's annual White Linen Night is back, featuring a street closure, outdoor vendors, food trucks and live music.

When: Aug. 3: 6-10 p.m.

Where: 19th Street in The Heights
HA NOI  A delegation from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) led by Minister Ho uc Phoc is paying a working trip to Australia from July 31 to August 3, aiming at further deepening and concretising the Viet Nam - Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.

During a working session with Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and Assistant Minister for Employment Andrew Leigh on August 1, Phoc briefed the Australian side on the Vietnamese economic situation in the first half of the year, and expressed his hope that Leigh will pay more attention to bilateral trade so that the customs authorities of both sides could exchange commodity data as well as recognise the origin of each other's goods.

Besides, he said he wishes to receive support from the Australian customs force in sharing experience and training experts in combating drug-related crimes and cross-border smuggling.

He also suggested the Australian side assist the Vietnamese General Department of Taxation (GDT) in the areas of its strength, including the application of information technology, e-commerce tax management, the sharing of practical experience, as well as the training of risk management specialists and tax inspectors.

Regarding the financial market, Phoc affirmed that both sides have carved out positive results in the stock market, hoping for more effective cooperation in the future.

Viet Nam is developing a carbon credit market - a strength of Australia, and looking for further support from the Australian Treasury, he added.

Leigh, for his part, voiced his hope for more robust cooperation in various domains between the two countries, highlighting that following the upgrade of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Australia sketched out specific targets to concretise the cooperation, with an array of programmes that cover the areas of climate change response and clean energy, among others.

Australia, he said, issued AUD$7 billion (US$4.55 billion) worth of green bonds to support the development of clean energy in June, adding the country stands ready to support Viet Nam in the development of a green financial market.

The same day, Phoc visited and had working sessions with the Clean Energy Regulator and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water of Australia to exchange experience in developing the carbon market, build plans to operate the carbon credit exchanges in Viet Nam and Australia, and discuss cooperation opportunities in the area.

CER Chair David Parker said Australia laid foundation for the carbon credit market 12 years ago, and is ready to assist as well as step up cooperation with Viet Nam in this field. He shared CERs experience in building the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme, the Renewable Energy Target, and the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme, among others.

On August 2, Phoc and the MoF delegation attended the Viet Nam - Australia Connecting Financial Markets Forum, during which investors, customers and enterprises of both sides presented their strengths, their interest in the green financial market, and readiness to provide financial support for green and sustainable development projects.

Australia's Special Envoy for Southeast Asia Nicholas Moore held that Viet Nam has demonstrated its impressive economic growth that lures the attention of the whole world and helps the nation gain various advantages.

Viet Nam is striving to upgrade its stock market into an emerging one, which is a significant move to create more favourable conditions for foreign investors to access its market, he said.

He told the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the forum that the Australian Government is keen on bolstering trade and investment with Southeast Asian countries, particularly Viet Nam  a nation with huge potential and standout economic growth in the region.

The MoF delegation also had a working session with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), during which the ASIC and the State Securities Commission of Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding on information sharing, enhancement of dialogues and discussions, technical cooperation, and experience exchange through a programme on improving capacity between the two sides as sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The same day, GDT General Director Mai Xuan Thanh had a meeting with Kirsten Fish, Second Commissioner for Law Design and Practice under the Australian Taxation Office. Both sides shared information and experience in tax and risk management.

At a working session with the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia on August 1, Minister Phoc laid stress on the importance of the new strides in the Viet Nam - Australia relations, expressing his belief that the comprehensive strategic partnership will bring about substantive results, particularly in trade - economy, finance and customs.  VNS
HCM CITY  RX Tradex Vietnam has entered into a partnership with the Japan External Trade Organisation in HCM City, the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City and the HCM City Centre for Supporting Industries Development to host the 2024 Supporting Industry Show along with the 2024 Metalex Vietnam in early October.

The collaboration is expected to significantly contributes to the overall growth of Viet Nam's supporting industry. Through the partnership, the parties commit to sharing resources and expertise to create a conducive environment for business development.

Vu Trong Tai, general manager of RX Tradex Vietnam, the organiser of Metalex Vietnam, said: Viet Nam is implementing innovative policies vigorously to accelerate production and integrate into the global supply chain."

The country is becoming a focal point for new investments in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and high-tech industries, he said.

"Consequently, our Metalex Vietnam 2024 exhibition is set to continue its pivotal role as a global supply platform, featuring 350 brands from 20 countries, and showcasing the Japan Pavilion along with other national pavilions to provide advanced technologies that meet rising production standards.

Nobuyuki Matsumoto, chief representative of JETRO's HCM City office, said Viet Nam remains a highly attractive destination for Japanese investments.

A recent survey indicated that 56.7 per cent of Japanese companies in Viet Nam are planning to expand their operations in the next one to two years, with 47.1 per cent in the manufacturing sector.

The local procurement rate by Japanese firms reached 41.9 per cent last year, up 4.6 percentage points from 2022, the second-highest growth rate among ASEAN countries.

Procurement from Vietnamese suppliers was 17.2 per cent, 2.2 percentage points higher than in 2022, he said.

Looking ahead, 43.2 per cent of Japanese firms expressed their intention to expand local procurement in Viet Nam, significant above the ASEAN average of 28.8 per cent.

JETRO has organised many business-matching events, exhibitions and others to boost co-operation between Vietnamese and Japanese firms in supporting industries in recent years, he said.

The 2024 Supporting Industry Show will feature 18 Japanese firms joining as buyers and 20 Vietnamese companies as suppliers, opening up opportunities for domestic component suppliers to connect with Japanese companies.

The event also provides Vietnamese SMEs with access to advanced Japanese technologies, enhancing their production capabilities and product quality, learning from Japanese management, technical and strategic expertise, thereby increasing their competitiveness globally.

Cao Thi Phi Van, deputy director of the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City, said demand for supporting industries products is high and the potential for development these industries is huge.

Within the METALEX Vietnam 2024 framework, the Supporting Industry Show 2024 is vital for businesses in manufacturing and supporting industries, she said.

It offers enterprises the chance to access the latest machinery, update smart business technologies, explore metalworking solutions, and make production upgrades, she said.

A direct connection and meeting programme will help businesses find potential partners and explore future business collaboration opportunities, she added.

The two exhibitions will be organised from October 2 to 4 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre and are expected to receive 15,000 visitors.  VNS
HA NOI Tripadvisor, the renowned travel review platform, has unveiled its list of the 25 most exciting boat tour experiences worldwide for 2024, including the basket boat, or coracle, tour in the Cam Thanh nipa palm swamps in Hoi An Ancient Town in the central province of Quang Nam.

The basket boat tour in Hoi An has been ranked 19th among the top most captivating boat tours for travellers worldwide in 2024. This ranking was announced within the annual Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Things to award framework, based on ratings and feedback collected from the global user community over a 12-month period.

The experience enable tourists to immerse themselves in the fresh, serene atmosphere of the countryside, far away from the bustling and chaotic urban areas. The small round bamboo boats gently ferry the visitors across the waters, navigating through the lush, verdant coconut palm groves.

Along the way, they can listen to the fascinating historical stories shared by the local people. In addition, visitors also have the opportunity to witness traditional activities such as basket boat dancing, net casting, boat racing and the crafting of pina palm leaf products, as well as enjoy the indigenous folk songs. The price for the basket boat tour experience starts from just US$20 per person.

Tourist Hayley from Australia commented on Tripadvisor: Amazing experience!! So much fun!!! The spinning of the boat is absolutely amazing, so much talent and catching the small crabs is fun. The palm trees are gorgeous and provide an amazing backdrop for your photos!! Highly recommend to anyone visiting Hoi An!

Viet Nam also has another sailing tour among Tripadvisor's top 25 most exciting water-based experiences for travellers in 2024  Lan Ha-Ha Long Bay-au Be Island in less touristy areas.

Tripadvisor described the two-day one-night cruise from Cat Ba as allowing travellers to explore numerous serene destinations with crystal clear waters, stunning limestone cliffs and fine white sand beaches.

This small-group package, with breakfast, dinner and two lunches included, starts in the morning of day one and finishes in the middle of the afternoon of day two. Tourists will visit a floating fishing village, Dark Cave, Bright Cave and au Be Island along with kayaking through Ba Ham Lake.

The price for this package is about $161 per person, which includes all services and meals. VNS
HA NOI  A new foreign-language bookstore has been opened in Ha Noi, opening the door to other literatures in the world for any true bookworm.

Born with the mission of bringing to readers quality and fresh literary works from all over the world, the InBook store offers thousands of foreign-language books  fiction, self-help, literature, educational and more.

The InBook has been originated from the small bookstore Blue Horizon established in 2017 and located within the premises of the The Gioi (World) Publishing House. Over time, through a passion for books and persistent efforts, the bookstore have earned the trust and enthusiastic support of readers. Currently, at the time of positioning the brand as a foreign-language bookstore, InBook already has a community of over 10,000 readers, alongside a collection of 7,000 book titles in English and French, which were imported directly.

According to Nguyen Huong Lan, the InBooks founder, its inauguration not only marks a new stage of development for the bookstore, but also serves as evidence for the strong increase in the demand for reading books in English and French within the Vietnamese reader community.

Our book catalog will be continuously updated and expanded to bring a wide range of new and exciting foreign language books of all genres for readers to explore, Lan said.

From the very beginning, the bookshop established partnerships with foreign publishers.

This is not an easy task, as a small bookstore from a distant Asian country has to go through many paperwork and verification processes to be able to import books from international publishing groups, Lan said.

To date, after many years of developing business relationships, Green Horizon Company has become a reputable partner of more than 40 leading publishers around the world, including major names such as HarperCollins, Hachette, Penguin, Didier, Usborne, Nathan, and Gallimard.

The company also is a strategic partner of MM Publication (Europe), being the exclusive representative and distributor of all English Language Teaching, Maths & Science, Computing ICT (Information and Communication Technology) book titles in the Vietnamese market.

To stay up-to-date on the international book market and catch the latest trends, Blue Horizon has actively participated in major international bookfairs such as the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Salon du Livre de Paris. The company also is a member of the International Association of French-Language Bookstores, which is sponsored by the French Ministry of Culture.

Introducing VNs literature to the world

In next three years, the InBook bookstore has a plan to expand their business to become a publisher and literary agent to support emerging Vietnamese writers.

Lan said that at the annual international bookfairs, publishers are always actively searching for new authors and faces, especially, in recent years, a number of Vietnamese-origin authors living abroad have achieved great success with their works. Our aim is to bring Vietnamese literary works that reflect the spirit of the times to the international market, he added.

During our working with foreign publishers and participating in international bookfairs, we have recognised the ever-present potential for cultural development. If given the right level of attention and promotion, these potentials can become opportunities to introduce Vietnamese authors to the international market, she said.

To celebrate its inauguration, during August, any bookworm visiting InBook will be offered ten per cent discount on the list price of all books.

InBook is located on the 7th Floor, Luxury Office Building, 93 Thuy Khue Street, Ha Noi. VNS
SEOUL Buddhism is doing all it can to make itself more relatable and relevant.

An AI chatbot that reads Buddhist scriptures and gives answers to whatever questions users enter is the latest effort by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism to reach the nonreligious.

The man behind this artificial technology creation is Kim Young-chan, a 26-year-old Buddhist, who landed a job as a public relations counsellor for Koreas largest Buddhist sect in June, four months after graduating from college.

Im working on making upgrades to the chatbot. People ask so many questions and answers have to be sharper, Kim said.

A college elective Kim took on Buddhist teachings led him to rediscover the power of Buddhist scriptures. Kim noted that the consolation he found in them prompted him to launch a trial chatbot last year when he was a stressed-out jobseeker.

The chatbot was such a hit on Disquiet, an online community of information technology enthusiasts, that it unexpectedly made headlines in Buddhist communities. More surprising was the move by the Jogye Order to ask Kim to be a PR counselLor, a rare appointment for someone so young.

The Jogye Order is serious about giving Kim the power to reshape the conversation around Buddhism, seeing him as a perfect candidate to reach out to a younger population increasingly seeking relief from the anxieties of modern living.

Kims young and many can easily identify with him because he can tell his story about how Buddhism has helped and still does, a Jogye official said, adding Kim has more than his chatbot to show off.

Kim, who will showcase his creation next week at the Busan International Buddhism Expo, said he is busy coming up with fancier ways to promote seon meditation on YouTube, referring to the Jogye style of meditation. It isnt easy but I like the challenge, he said.

Joining Kim at the four-day Busan expo starting Thursday is Youn Sung-ho, or NewJeansNim, a Korean DJ-comedian who has been promoting Joyful Buddhism since last November when the Jogye Order officially gave him the Buddhist name to act on the mantra.

Youn has since made stops at local and overseas clubs, shouting Buddhist verses to the beat of electronic dance music. Some overseas stops were cancelLed at the last minute after objections that Youns performance gave a wrong perception of Buddhist values and teachings.

But the reception has been largely favourable. The Jogye Order saw a record number of visitors at its annual expo in Seoul in April, a four-day event where Youn performed.

Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism President Ven. Jinwoo is determined to continue spearheading efforts for a broader and deeper outreach. He made that clear at a meeting with Youn shortly after the successful expo run.

I am thankful for the work you have done in spreading a much younger Buddhism to the young generation, Jinwoo said at an April meeting with Youn, presenting him with prayer beads and a headset he had personally picked out. THE KOREAN HERALD/ANN
HA NOI Viet Nams capital city of Ha Noi has ranked among the top 15 culinary destinations in the world as voted by readers of the world's largest travel guidance platform TripAdvisor.

Tripadvisor introduced Ha Nois cuisine as "refined and delicate, saying that Ha Noi dishes are renowned for their natural flavours, clear broths, fresh herbs, and simple seasoning.

Ha Noi, with its rich culinary quintessence, offers visitors unique dining experiences from humble street food stalls to Michelin-recognised high-end restaurants.

The capital citys cuisine is renowned for its refinement, subtlety, and the diverse natural flavours of local ingredients. Many of Ha Noi's delicious dishes have gained international fame, such as pho, bun cha (rice vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs), cha ca (grilled fish), and pho cuon (fresh spring rolls).

Tripadvisor also suggested that visitors check out all of Ha Nois best hits by taking a street food walking tour around the Old Quarter, where they will get to try another local favourite.

Among the list of worlds Top 15 must-visit food cities were Hawaii and New Orleans of the US, Jamaica of Caribbean, Paris of France, Bangkok of Thailand, Kyoto of Japan, and others.

According to the municipal Department of Tourism, in 2024, the citys tourism sector will develop and promote new tourism products, focusing on exploiting cultural and historical strength, associated with rural craft villages and local cuisine.

The department will build a Food Tour map, allowing visitors to explore and experience Ha Noi's cuisine. The city has also organised activities to promote and culinary cultural values to domestic and international visitors.

In response to tourism promotion programmes to attract visitors in the summer and autumn of 2024, as well as the 70th anniversary of Ha Noi's Liberation Day (October 10, 2024), several units in Ha Noi are working to diversify cultural and culinary experiences for residents and visitors. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation arrived in Ha Noi in the early morning of Friday, concluding a successful State visit to India at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the visit, the first by Chinh as Prime Minister and also the first by a Vietnamese PM to India in 10 years, PM Chinh engaged in over 20 activities in various fields. He has held talks and meetings with PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President and Chairman of the Indian Upper House (Rajya Sabha) Jagdeep Dhankhar and speaker of the Lok Sabha (lower house) Om Birla.

The Vietnamese PM also met with leaders of some Indian political parties, attended the Viet Nam-India business forum, delivered a policy speech at the Indian Council of World Affairs, visited the Vietnamese Embassy in India and met with representatives from the Vietnamese community in the South Asian country.

PM Chinh and Indian leaders reviewed bilateral ties and set orientations for the two countries to further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two sides adopted a joint statement on strengthening the Viet Nam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aiming for higher political-strategic trust, deeper defence-security cooperation, more substantial and effective economic-trade-investment collaboration, broader cooperation in science-technology and closer cultural-tourism and people-to-people exchange. They also proposed priorities to materialise the goals.

The two sides approved a plan of action to implement their comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024-2028 and exchanged diplomatic notes on Viet Nams joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

The two PMs launched a military software park in Nha Trang City in Viet Nams south central province of Khanh Hoa.

Ministries, sectors and agencies of the two countries signed and exchanged 9 cooperative documents in healthcare, justice, diplomacy, human resources training, agricultural science, broadcasting, tourism, culture and agriculture. Businesses of the two sides also inked 10 deals in infrastructure, logistics, aviation, tourism, culture and pharmaceuticals.

The state visit to India of PM Chinh has contributed to turning a page in the Viet Nam-India comprehensive strategic partnership with broader and more substantial cooperation, in the interest of each country and their people, and for the sake of peace, friendship and cooperation in the region and the world.  VNS
NEW DEHLI  The 14th Viet Nam-India defence policy dialogue was held in New Delhi on Thursday, during which the two sides committed to enhancing cooperation in various areas.

Co-chaired by Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and Indian Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, the dialogue offers an opportunity for the two sides to discuss cooperation contents in the time ahead, contributing to fostering the bilateral defence collaboration - an important, strategic pillar of the Viet Nam-India comprehensive strategic partnership, for the sake of the two countries people, and for peace and stability in the region and the world.

Chien highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two countries, saying since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016, the bilateral cooperation has been growing more practically and effectively across fields, including defence-security.

He said the state visit to India by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh from Tuesday to Thursday shows that Viet Nam attaches importance to and wishes to deepen the mutual trust and the comprehensive strategic partnership, matching the interests and aspirations of Vietnamese and Indian people.

The official also appreciated Indias support and collaboration in training and raising personnel quality for the Viet Nam Peoples Army (VPA), as well as preferential credit and aid packages, and non-refundable assistance from the Indian Government and Ministry Defence to VPA units, helping them improve capacity.

The two sides highly valued defence cooperation outcomes since the 13th dialogue, and shared the view that the bilateral defence collaboration has been constantly consolidated and strengthened with high mutual trust and tangible results, especially in all-level delegation exchanges and meetings; the signing of cooperation documents; the maintenance of consultation and dialogue mechanisms, and exchange between young officers; personnel training; defence industry; and UN peacekeeping operations.

They agreed to continue their close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums and mechanisms, especially those led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and events hosted by each country.

The Vietnamese side affirmed its support for India in enhancing defence cooperation with ASEAN member countries, including the organisation of the informal meeting of defense ministers of ASEAN countries and India, as well as its support for the South Asian nation as a co-chair of the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Counter Terrorism for 2024-27 period.

The two sides exchanged views on the regional and international situation, and issues of shared concern.

For the maritime issue, Chien stressed that maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) is an interest and concern of the region and the world at large, affirming Viet Nams consistent stance on resolutely and persistently protecting its national sovereignty, sovereign right, and legitimate interests at sea in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The two sides consented to step up the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially the high one; the implementation of reached cooperation mechanisms; cooperation in training, defence industry, cyber security, military medicine, and search and rescue operations; the implementation of credit and non-refundable aid packages; coordination at multilateral forums, especially ASEAN-led frameworks; and cooperation between research agencies; among others.

Chien invited leaders of the Indian defence ministry and prestigious businesses to attend the second Viet Nam International Defence Expo in December. Aramane confirmed Indias participation at the event.

At the end of the dialogue, Chien and his Indian counterpart signed a letter of intent on training cooperation.  VNS
A NANG  The US will back a Nang in combating transnational crime, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs at the US Department of State Shelby Smith-Wilson said at a meeting with officials of the city on Thursday.

During the meeting, Tran Chi Cuong, Vice Chairman of municipal People's Committee informed the US delegation that the city aims to become a growth hub in Viet Nams central key economic region. Over recent years, the central city has experienced robust development, focusing on advancing its information technology industry as a major economic driver.

The Vice Chairman noted that the Vietnamese National Assembly has approved several specific policies related to financial management, investment, planning and urban development for a Nang, which are expected to create a crucial driving force to help the locality realise its goal of becoming a major socio-economic centre in Viet Nam and Southeast Asia by 2023, and a major ecological, smart city and innovation hub by 2045.

Cuong thanked the US representative offices in Viet Nam and a Nang for their support, and asked them to continue assist the city in strengthening collaboration with US localities and businesses. He also emphasised the importance of ongoing support from the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs for projects and programmes enhancing the citys capabilities in drug prevention and law enforcement.

For her part, Shelby Smith-Wilson spoke highly about the excellent relationship between the US and Viet Nam and highlighted a Nangs role as a key location for bilateral events. She noted that the US Government hopes to further enhance and deepen the relationship between the two countries with a focus on economic and trade cooperation, adding that the US will support a Nang in combating transnational crime, money laundering, terrorism, drug trafficking, as well as in law enforcement.

Currently, a Nang has official cooperative ties with three US cities, namely Oakland in California State; Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania State; and Houston in Texas Sate.

There are four projects funded by US ODA in a Nang, with a total funding of approximately US$46.59 million, notably the Viet Nam Urban Energy Security (VUES) project and the Plastic Waste Reduction  Local Solutions Project.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs State visit to India from July 31 to August 1 produced specific and practical outcomes, meeting the expectations of both countries, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

Along with issuing a joint statement on strengthening bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership and signing nine cooperation agreements in the fields of diplomacy, defence, finance, health care, culture, tourism, human resources training, and especially an action programme to implement the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership in the 2024-28 period, the two sides concurred to bolster their cooperation in five aspects, FM Son said.

Firstly, Viet Nam and India agreed to promote higher strategic and political trust. Leaders of the two countries affirmed the significance of further increasing delegation exchanges and meetings through the Party, parliament, government and locality-to-locality channels.

Viet Nam's announcement of its membership in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and its affirmation of early completion of procedures to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), two of Indias key global initiatives, have contributed to strengthening trust between the two countries, Son added.

Secondly, the two sides will further deepen defence-security cooperation by promoting the efficient implementation of the joint statement on the Viet Nam-India defence partnership until 2030, expanding collaboration in maritime security, cyber security, and counter-terrorism. The signing of a US$500-million credit package for defence is a breakthrough made during the visit, the FM underlined.

Thirdly, Viet Nam and India pledged to make bilateral economic, trade and investment more substantive, effective and breakthrough. The two sides aim for $20 billion in two-way trade by 2030, while doubling investment value.

Viet Nam proposed that India remove trade barriers and open its door for Viet Nam's strong products such as electronics, garment-textiles, and agricultural products; while calling for large-scale Indian corporations to invest in Viet Nam in the fields of infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and energy.

On this occasion, Vietnamese and Indian businesses signed six major contracts in aviation, airports and logistics. Vietnamese carrier Vietjet Air announced a direct air service from a Nang to Ahmedabad of India, a step further in increasing the number of direct flights between the two countries from currently 54 flights per week.

Fourthly, the two countries will expand cooperation in science-technology and innovation, Son said. The FM noted that the two sides agreed to promote collaboration in research and development (R&D) and innovation in the fields of core technology, semiconductor chips, artificial intelligence, atomic energy, rare earth, while broadening cooperation in the petrochemical sector and new energy, and promoting the establishment of joint ventures to produce IT products and cooperating in training IT engineers to meet the development needs of this industry.

Fifthly, the two sides will promote closer bilateral partnership in culture, tourism and people-to-people exchange. They agreed to early sign a deal on tourism cooperation, and shake hands in preserving and restoring Cham towers in My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam Province and diversifying forms of people-to-people exchanges, Son added.

Noting that PM Chinh is one of the first foreign leaders invited by Indian PM Narendra Modi after his re-election for the third term, Son held that the visit is of great significance, creating momentum for bilateral ties and opening up a new chapter of substantive, extensive and deep relationship between Viet Nam and India with more opportunities.

The two sides affirmed their close friendship and traditional friendship as well as the respect and support for each other in the overall foreign policy. Indian leaders expressed their deep condolences over the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, an outstanding leader of Vietnamese people and a close friend of the Indian people.

During the visit, Vietnamese and Indian leaders reiterated the message of further strengthening the Viet Nam-India comprehensive strategic partnership in traditional areas such as defence - security, trade - investment, and culture  education, and expanding to new areas of green economy, digital economy, knowledge-based economy.

Vietnam and India also affirmed their mutual support and the will to join hands in building peace, stability, cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, Son stated.  VNS
Monk parakeets land on a wire near their nest on Pelham St. in Milford on 6/9/2005. Staff grraphic; Photo by Arnold Gold

Monk parakeets have been flapping around Houston for around 50 years. Having logged just 20 years in the city myself, I feel some reticence calling them an invasive species.

Yet, technically, the monk parakeet is: The bird hails from South America, where it makes its home in parts of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

But Houstons habitat has welcomed all sorts of us. The detrimental effect of the monk parakeet  sometimes referred to as the Quaker parakeet  on the city is difficult to calculate. (More on that in a moment.) But over half a century, theyve transitioned from Newstonians to just another part of a big, strange urban family.

Texas A&Ms Breeding Bird Atlas refers to the monk parakeet as a chunky parrot (rude) with a long tail. Theyre about a foot tall, with green around a gray face and breast. The birds name comes from its coloring: an ashen face peeking from the green cloak.

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How did they get to Houston?

Plenty of birds migrate between South America and Texas. The monk parakeet is not one of them.

Dan Brooks, curator of vertebrate zoology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, says the birds likely started to find their way into the wild here in the late 1960s or early 1970s when tens of thousands of parakeets were brought to the states as pets.

The trade then got very heavy in the 1980s, Brooks says. They were selling for something like $25 each.

Brooks says molecular testing suggests Houstons monk parakeets are of Uruguayan origin.

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Houstons climate, particularly the mild winters, agreed with the parakeets. The bird established colonies and flourished here.

Ive seen a formidable colony of monk parakeets in Westbury, just off Bellfort, where they make their arresting racket from electricity poles and a nearby apartment complex. A friend spotted a colony in East End. There are also colonies in the Heights. Theyve been spotted in Seabrook and closer to the Gulf of Mexico, too.

A flock of monk parakeets flies above the trees in League City. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

What are the future prospects for the parakeet?

Though the monk parakeet can be found throughout the city, Brooks says their numbers may be declining.

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He doesnt have a specific cause for that decline, but it could be attributable in part to the presence of other invasives competing for food. Another possibility is pet owners are more aware of the effects of releasing invasive species into a new habitat, so theyre less inclined to set their birds free. The cost of such a bird has gone up since the 1980s, so Brooks says, There arent as many in private hands, therefore fewer to set loose.

Another possible cause for the decline may arise from one of the detrimental effects of the parakeets settling here: They often build their stick nests on utility lines, so nest removal is frequent and necessary to keep the lights on here. Brooks said their large nests have been known to cause transformers to blow.

Parakeet nests can house a few dozen parakeets and weigh hundreds of pounds. What's bad for power lines is good for birders: Their nests are easy to spot.

So, unlike other parrot species that nest in natural cavities, the monk parakeet is an architect at heart. They're just another visitor that bought into Houston's commitment to expansion.
HA NOI  President To Lam on August 1 hosted a banquet in honour of Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, who is on a state visit to Viet Nam.

In his speech, President Lam affirmed that President Ramos-Horta's second visit to Viet Nam in his capacity as a State leader not only reflected the warm sentiments of Timor-Leste leaders and people but also generated fresh momentum for bilateral ties to grow more effectively.

He congratulated Timor-Leste on its impressive strides in national development and global integration, and moving closer to the goal of becoming a full ASEAN member.

Viet Nam takes pride in being one of the first regional countries to recognise Timor-Leste's independence and establish diplomatic relations. Over more than two decades of accompanying each other, the friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Timor-Leste has flourished, with increasingly consolidated political trust and active economic and trade ties, he said.

Amid a complex and uncertain global landscape, the Vietnamese leader stressed the importance of regional solidarity. "Viet Nam, Timor-Leste, and other countries in the region need to stand together to overcome challenges and seize development opportunities", Lam asserted.

He expressed confidence that with strong political will and high determination of the two countries leaders and people, the bilateral ties will develop robustly, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in Southeast Asia and globally.

Admiring Viet Nam's achievements in national construction and development, President Ramos-Horta hailed Viet Nam as a role model that Timor-Leste, along with many other emerging economies, aspires to follow.

Timor-Leste wishes to continue learning from Viet Nam's experiences and successes, he said, expressing his belief that the two countries will further deepen their collaboration, particularly in such promising areas as agriculture and infrastructure, for the interests of both countries' people.

As Timor-Leste is looking forward to becoming an official member of ASEAN in 2025, he affirmed that this presents a valuable opportunity for Timor-Leste to learn from its neighbouring countries and join in efforts to build regional stability and progress.

The Timor-Leste President expressed his gratitude to Viet Nam for its continuous support in Timor-Leste's journey toward ASEAN membership, saying that Viet Nam assistance has been crucial in its preparation process.  VNS
BUENOS AIRES  Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil and Suriname Bui Van Nghi has presented his credentials to Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

At a reception for the Vietnamese diplomat following the presentation on July 26, President Santokhi offered his regards to State President To Lam and Vietnamese people.

He said he hopes Ambassador Nghi will work to promote relations between the two countries in both bilateral and multilateral aspects.

Ambassador Nghi extended President To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs regards to President Santokhi, and pledged that he will make positive contributions to the growth of ties between the two countries and deepen the traditional friendship and sound cooperation between the two governments and peoples, heading to the celebration of the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2027.

He held that cooperation between Viet Nam and Surinam has yet to match the potential of the two countries, especially in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry and cultivation, eco-tourism, aquatic farming and fisheries.

President Santokhi affirmed that his country will always support and create favourable conditions for the ambassador and the Vietnamese community in this South African country.

During his stay in Suriname from July 24-31, Ambassador Nghi had meetings with Surinames Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of Albert Ramdin; Minister of Labour, Employment and Youth Affairs Steven Mac Andrew; and Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Permanand Sewdien.

At the meetings, Surinamese officials hailed Viet Nam's socio-economic achievements and the role that Viet Nam plays in the international community and the countrys positive contributions to the expansion of the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two governments and peoples.

Ramdim affirmed his countrys support to Viet Nam at multilateral forums, and vowed to promote delegation exchanges at high and all levels, and collaboration among businesses and peoples of the two sides in the coming time.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese Embassy coordinated with the Suriname Chamber of Commerce and Industry to organise the Viet Nam - Suriname Business Forum in the capital city of Paramaribo with the participation of 50 Surinamese and 10 Vietnamese businesses.

Addressing the forum, Ambassador Nghi highlighted promising areas for Viet Nam and Suriname to promote cooperation. Participants showed their interest in cooperation in agriculture, and shared their experience and knowledge in agriculture, wooden furniture, animal feed production, aquaculture, and oil and gas exploitation services.

The embassy also held a meeting with the Vietnamese community in Suriname.  VNS
NEW DELHI  Indian scholars lauded the outcomes of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs visit to India from July 30  August 1 while talking with Vietnam News Agency correspondents based in New Delhi.

Prof. Prabir De from the ASEAN-India Centre at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) hailed the visit as highly effective and ground-breaking.

India considers Viet Nam a key pillar in its Look East policy and an important partner in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). The discussions during the visit extensively covered various cooperation areas, including economy, national defence, development partnerships and cultural exchanges. Additionally, both sides also discussed global and regional issues, he said.

Among the agreements signed during the visit, Prabir De said he was impressed by the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in customs capacity building between the General Department of Viet Nam Customs and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) of India, alongside Viet Nam's decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Joint Secretary of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), expressed great pleasure in hosting PM Chinh at the ICWA office on August 1. She said India and Viet Nam share a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing politics, economy, people-to-people relations, and archaeological conservation of ancient Hindu sites in Vietnam.

The two countries enjoy strong trade ties and are exploring further enhancement of their defence cooperation - a strategic partnership. They are also aligned on the Indo-Pacific Vision, she said.

Atul Aneja, Advisor at the Asia Vision Institute, commented that India and Viet Nam need to further promote their relationship across various sectors, ranging from economy, army and to national defence, as highlighted by PM Chinh.

India believes that no single pole can determine the global order. Asia must embrace a multipolar approach, he said.

Speaking highly of PM Chinh's speech at the ICWA, he noted that the India-Viet Nam relationship is growing with deep historical people-to-people relations tracing back to the introduction of Buddhism from India to Viet Nam. He also stressed that both nations share core values of equality and welfare.  VNS
NEW DELHI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted separate receptions in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon (local time) for Jagat Prakash Nadda, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Indian National Congress (INC), within the framework of his state visit to India.

Receiving Jagat Prakash Nadda, Chinh expressed gratitude for the valuable support and assistance by the BJP and the people of India to the Communist Party and the people of Viet Nam during the struggle for independence in the past and in the current nation building and development cause.

He proposed the BJP support the further increase of connectivity and the opening of more direct air routes between the two countries, the creation of a greater access to the Indian market for Vietnamese products, and the enhancement of cooperation with the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), through increasing delegation exchanges and meetings, establishing cooperation mechanisms, and setting forth major directions for bilateral relations.

The BJP President congratulated Viet Nam on its socio-economic development achievements, emphasising his commitment to maintaining the close relationship between the two peoples. He affirmed that efforts will be made to implement the agreements reached during Chinhs visit, with the aim of further developing the traditional friendship between the two countries.

On this occasion, PM Chinh invited the BJP President to visit Viet Nam at an appropriate time.

While receiving Mallikarjun Kharge and several other leaders of the party and former INC President Sonia Gandhi, Chinh expressed his gratitude for the contributions of the INC, including those of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, to the development of the two countries relations.

That the CPV and the INC have maintained a fine traditional friendship is a crucial element in advancing and nurturing the relationship between Viet Nam and India today. Historically, India has frequently expressed solidarity with Viet Nam's struggle for independence and reunification. Notably, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Viet Nam (1954-2024), with India having played an active role in promoting and achieving this agreement, he stated.

The Vietnamese leader also highlighted that Viet Nam and India are not only traditional friends but also comprehensive strategic partners with huge cooperation potential, and both countries are working to leverage their strengths and enhance collaboration across various fields, including defence and security, economics and trade, science and technology, culture and education, and people-to-people exchanges.

The INC President spoke highly of the outcomes of PM Chinhs visit to India and affirmed that, in any position, he will consistently support the development of Vietnam-India relations. He said he wishes to consolidate and further strengthen the traditional friendship between the INC and the CPV through information sharing and consultations, and delegation exchanges in the coming time. - VNS
HA NOI  The Presidential Office announced the Presidents decision on amnesty in 2024 at a press conference in Ha Noi on Friday.

Decision No. 758/2024/QD-CTN on amnesty in 2024 was signed by President To Lam on July 30 on the occasion of the 79th National Day (September 2) and the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Ha Noi (October 10), Vice Chairman of the Presidential Office Pham Thanh Ha said during the event.

The time of serving for amnesty consideration will be counted until September 30, 2023, according to the decision, which clarifies that eligible prisoners include those are serving a fixed-term prison sentence, sentenced to life imprisonment that has been reduced to a fixed-term prison sentence, and those whose prison sentence is temporarily suspended.

It also clarifies conditions for prisoners to be considered for amnesty, while clearly stating cases that are not eligible for consideration, including prisoners with charges of treason; conducting activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration; espionage; violating territorial security; riots; and terrorism against the people's administration.

Since 2009, Viet Nam has conducted nine amnesties on the occasion of important events and national holidays, with more than 92,000 prisoners benefiting from the leniency.

Ha said that the amnesty continues to affirm the Party and States consistent policy in promoting and protecting human rights in a fair and equal manner for all citizens, including those serving prison sentences.

Thanks to the Presidents amnesty decisions, tens of thousands of people have enjoyed clemency, reuniting with their families, and rebuilding their lives. Most of the amnesty recipients have returned to their places of residence, stabilising their lives, and worked honestly, while the reoffending rate is very low, stated Ha, stressing that it is the greatest humane mark of the amnesty policy, clearly reflecting the Party and States priority of ensuring and promoting human rights in all policies.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc, currently, there are 643 foreign prisoners serving their sentences in Vietnamese detention facilities. After reviewing their records, Vietnamese authorities will announce the specific number of foreign prisoners to be pardoned this time.

He noted that 16 prisoners with foreign nationality received amnesty in 2022 and 21 in 2021.

According to Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Quoc Hung, a detailed list of amnesty beneficiaries this year will be announced on the National Day.  VNS
HA NOI  Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, who is on a State visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of President To Lam, had an exchange session with students of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam (DAV) in Ha Noi on Friday.

Deputy Foreign Minister o Hung Viet said President Jose Ramos-Horta was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996, along with Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. He has served the Timor-Leste in many important positions, from Foreign Minister, Prime Minister and currently President, for his second term.

His leadership plays an important role in leading Timor-Leste to overcome complex challenges to build the nation and move towards regional integration, Hung said.

Delivering a speech at the DAV, President Jose Ramos-Horta expressed his hope that Viet Nam can help Timor-Leste develop a master plan, propose solutions, models and work with people across Timor-Leste to positively change the face of agriculture.

He also expressed his desire that Viet Nam will support his country in ensuring food security and elevating children hunger and malnutrition.

The President said that if his country joins ASEAN, Timor-Leste wants to attract more investment resources from member countries, especially from Viet Nam and Thailand, into tourism.

The President emphasised that the youth are the future of the country. Students need to continuously study, cultivate and update their knowledge to be able to contribute and successfully solve upcoming challenges.

We need to find better technology to address water security, as well as economically use water resources for agriculture, he said.

DAV student o Phuong Anh said the Timor-Lestes President shared many messages, historical stories and similarities between the two countries. That helps herself understand the Timor-Lestes culture, country and people, as well as the common grounds between the two people.

Truong Ngoc Lan, another DAV student, noted that she feels honored and lucky to have the opportunity to welcome the President of Timor-Leste.
HA NOI  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with relevant ministries, organised a conference in Ha Noi on Friday to review 25 years since the signing of the Viet Nam-China border treaty and 15 years since the signing of three legal documents on the land border between the two countries.

The three legal documents are the protocol on border demarcation and marker planting, the agreement on border management regulations, and the other on border gates and regulations on the management of border gates.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son affirmed that the signing of these four documents was of great historical significance, opening up a new chapter in the Viet Nam-China relationship. The signing also marked a major milestone in the history of building the shared borderline, thus contributing to creating and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment in the region and the world.

Additionally, the completion of border demarcation and marker planting has also promoted socio-economic development, especially in border provinces of both countries, Son said.

He added that finishing the settlement of the land border issue between Viet Nam and China was a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship, which has experienced many ups and downs. It is also an achievement built on political determination, wisdom, and tireless efforts of generations of Vietnamese and Chinese people, particularly in the new era under the leadership of the two communist parties.

This historical achievement has laid a legal and political foundation for the two countries to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for economic development and ensure security and defence, fulfilling the aspirations of their people, he stated.

Since the three legal documents on the Viet Nam-China land border took effect and the two countries officially began managing the land border in accordance with these documents, the overall situation has been stable. The borderline and markers have been maintained, and public order and safety in the border areas have been ensured. Both sides have paid attention to opening and upgrading border gates, connecting transport infrastructure, and boosting friendship exchanges.

The Viet Nam-China Land Border Joint Committee and relevant forces have closely collaborated in border management and protection, promptly detected and effectively addressed any emerging border issues, the minister added.

The two sides have to date demarcated the entire 1,449.566km-long border, and planted 1,971 markers, including one at the Viet Nam - China - Laos border junction, and 1,548 main and 442 auxiliary markers.

The conference was an opportunity for ministries, sectors, and localities to evaluate achievements. It also revealed shortcomings in border management and protection. The aim was to draw lessons, find solutions and contribute to maintaining a borderline of peace, friendship, and sustainable development for the two countries' people.  VNS
HA NOI  Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta on August 2 made a field trip to the Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in the northern province of Bac Ninh and had a working session with provincial leaders.

In his remarks, the President expressed his hope that Viet Nam will help Timor-Leste better develop its agricultural sector to ensure food security and push back poverty and child malnutrition.President Ramos-Horta lauded Bac Ninhs development over the past time, especially in the development of industrial parks, and noted his hope that Viet Nam will encourage its businesses to invest in mixed industrial parks in Timor-Leste, particularly in the areas relating to fertiliser, and oil and gas.

He pledged to work as a bridge between Bac Ninh and Timor-Leste partners in the time ahead.

The two sides compared notes on policies and opportunities for investment and cooperation.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, stressed that the Presidents visit was significant to Bac Ninhs development, as well as cooperation between the two countries.

The official briefed the guest on Bac Ninhs socio-economic situation, and its potential and business environment, which is among the top nationwide, saying the VSIP is an outstanding example of green, clean, modern standards, and comprehensive infrastructure.

Tuan said he hoped that the leaders visit will be a milestone in helping establish cooperative ties between Bac Ninh and Timor-Leste partners, and affirmed that the province always welcomes Timor-Leste delegations that come to explore investment opportunities, promote trade, culture and tourism, and enhance people-to-people exchange.  VNS
HA NOI  Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on August 2 hosted a reception for Tokai Kisaburo, member of the House of Representative and Chairperson of the Policy Research Council under the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan, who is paying a visit to Viet Nam from July 31 to August 2.

Son expressed his delight at the robust development of the Viet Nam  Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with strong political trust, and enhanced cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, investment, human resources, education-training, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

He urged the two sides to foster political trust through the exchanges of delegations at all levels across the channels of party, government and parliament, and strengthen economic connectivity to ensure economic security while asking for the Japanese sides support for Viet Nam in the process of industrialisation and modernisation through the provision of new-generation ODA, and investment cooperation.

Son also suggested Japan encourage its businesses to step up investment and technology transfer, and team up with Viet Nam in such new domains as green transition, digital transformation, and energy transition.

Speaking highly of Japans recent policies to improve the living conditions of migrant workers, including the establishment of the training-working regime, Son said Viet Nam is willing to cooperate with Japan to cope with the matter of aging population and revive the Japanese semiconductor industry by sending highly skilled workers to the nation.

He asked Japan to support Viet Nam in realising its target of training 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030, and increase the number of scholarships for Vietnamese students.

Additionally, the minister suggested the Japanese Government simplify and provide visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens to foster tourism collaboration.

Kisaburo said he has been impressed by Viet Nams standout development since his first trip to Viet Nam 35 years ago, affirming that Japan stands ready to contribute to the Southeast Asian countrys development by helping it with the building of infrastructure, high-speed rail, and metro lines, among others, and sharing experience in environmental pollution response during the development process.

Concurring with Sons recommendations, Kisaburo affirmed that he will continue to support and propose the Government pen policies to foster the Viet Nam  Japan ties in the coming time, with the core being human resources training for new areas like green transition, digital transformation and semiconductors through specific programmes and projects.

Policies to attract migrant workers, including those from Viet Nam, will continue to be put in place by the government, he added.

He took this occasion to thank Viet Nam for its cooperation and support in registering Sado gold mine to the worlds heritage list, affirming close coordination with the country in regional and global issues, thus making positive contributions to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and visiting Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta on Friday agreed to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various areas.

Lauding the Timor-Leste Presidents second visit to Viet Nam, PM Chinh said it has contributed to consolidating political trust and creating new momentum for the bilateral ties in the time ahead.

The host leader congratulated Timor-Leste on its achievements in national construction and development, and its nearing the full membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and expressed his belief that the country will soon materialise its national development plan for 2011-2030, and integrate into the world more intensively and extensively.

President Ramos-Horta noted his admiration for Viet Nam and its people, calling the country a model in healing war wounds, national construction and economic development.

He used this occasion to thank Viet Nam for supporting Timor-Leste in national construction and development, and its ASEAN integration process.

The two leaders highly evaluated the positive development of the bilateral cooperation and friendship, notably the two-way trade growing nearly 30 per cent in the first five months of this year to more than US$6 million.

They agreed to intensify political trust through all-level meetings, effectively implement high-level agreements, continue pushing ahead with the perfection of legal frameworks to facilitate the bilateral cooperation, and optimise their substantial cooperation potential.

PM Chinh said rice remains a key product of the bilateral trade, and suggested the two sides soon extend or sign a new memorandum of understanding on rice trade, contributing to ensuring food security.

He also encouraged Timor-Leste to increase the import of Vietnamese goods that suit the needs and tastes of Timor Leste consumers such as textiles-garments, footwear, beverages, dairy products, processed food, and agricultural and aquatic products.

The PM suggested Timor-Leste soon handle obstacles to the operation of Vietnamese enterprises in the country, and create more optimal conditions for them to expand business, especially in telecoms, digital services, and oil and gas exploitation.

The President said he backs PM Chinhs proposals, and hopes that Viet Nam will help the country in such areas as agriculture, food security, infrastructure, education training, human resources development, health care, and poverty reduction while increasing investments there. He pledged to facilitate the operation of Vietnamese firms in Timor-Leste.

The two leaders consented to step up collaboration in other important spheres, including national defence-security, information and communications, and education-training; to utilise new trends like green economy, clean energy, and innovation; and to promote exchanges between residents through tourism and culture.

Regarding regional and international issues, they concurred to maintain coordination and mutual support at multilateral organisations.

The PM lauded Timor-Lestes resolve and effort in implementing the Roadmap for Timor-Leste's full ASEAN membership, and affirmed Viet Nams consistent support for the country in this regard.

President Ramos-Horta also said Timor-Leste stands ready to back Viet Nams candidacy for posts at all multilateral, regional and international mechanisms and organisations.

The two sides committed to continuing their support for ASEANs principled stance on the East Sea, efforts in maintaining peace, stability, security and safety of aviation and overflight in the East Sea, the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures on the basis of international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), creating an environment conducive to negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), for peace, stability and development in the region.

President Ramos-Horta said he hopes to welcome PM Chinh to visit Timor-Leste. The PM thanked the President, saying the visit will be arranged at an appropriate time.  VNS
About 70% of Americans will have high blood pressure in their lifetimes. What?s more, only 1 in 4 patients with hypertension have their blood pressure under control. And because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, you can have it without knowing it. Prostock-Studio, Contributor / Getty Images

Q: A while back, I saw my doctor and I almost broke the blood pressure machine. The nurse measured my blood pressure three times because it was so high.

Of course, I tried to think of what I had done that might raise my blood pressure so much. The next day, I read the label on the Preparation H I was using and put two and two together. I do think the warning about increasing blood pressure should be clearer!

A: Preparation H contains the decongestant phenylephrine, which constricts blood vessels. This action is how it shrinks the swelling of hemorrhoidal tissues, as the ads used to say.

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When you constrict blood vessels, blood pressure may rise. Thats why the label warns to Ask a doctor before use if you have  high blood pressure.

You are not the only one to have experienced this adverse effect. Another reader wrote: I used Preparation H and had a sudden spike in blood pressure. My normal blood pressure reading is around 106 over 62.

You can learn more about medications that raise blood pressure as well as ways to treat high eGuide to Blood Pressure Solutions. This online resource is located under the Health eGuides tab at PeoplesPharmacy.com.



Q: Doctors are increasingly prescribing gabapentin to treat nerve pain. My wife recently showed me a column you had written on a link between gabapentin and dementia. She has taken this drug for neuropathy resulting from chemotherapy for breast cancer, so she was understandably alarmed.

As a retired professor, I searched the medical literature. After I found the article you cited from Frontiers of Pharmacology, I located another one with better methodology (Journal of Affective Disorders, Aug. 1, 2024). The researchers found no significant difference in the risk of dementia between people who had taken a lot of gabapentin and those who had only a little. Isnt that a better way to determine if this is a real problem?

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A: Your sleuthing has revealed a classic challenge in interpreting research. The original study we cited (Frontiers in Pharmacology, May 30, 2023) analyzed data from more than 200,000 patients in Taiwan. The authors concluded, Patients treated with gabapentin or pregabalin had an increased risk of dementia.

The evaluation you found covered the same patient population but reached a completely different conclusion. As you noted, the authors determined: Long-term Gabapentin therapy for chronic pain is not associated with a differential risk of dementia across dosage levels, irrespective of age or gender.



Q: Getting off venlafaxine (Effexor) was the most difficult period in my life, including stints in the emergency room for suicidal ideation. When the doctor had me go from 150 milligrams to 100 milligrams, it caused me such great distress that I thought I was going to die. A bump back up to 150 milligrams made me go ballistic. Then he had me use Prozac to bridge off the Effexor in three weeks, which was way too fast.

Doctors should warn patients right at the start that these drugs could be very difficult to stop. They should also offer more useful advice.

A: A review of 79 studies found that venlafaxine is one of the antidepressants that is most likely to result in severe symptoms when discontinued (Lancet Psychiatry, July 2024).

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We agree that people should be warned about the potential for withdrawal problems before they start such a prescription. Some people find the online Ashton Manual gives them guidelines for discontinuation.
HAU GIANG  Hau Giang Province has taken measures to support the development of the collective economy, especially co-operatives.

The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province has implemented many programmes and projects in which co-operatives are given financial and other support to develop their production.

They include the Viet Nam-Sustainable Agriculture Transformation (VnSAT) Project and the project for sustainable agriculture development and climate change adaptation in 2021-25.

Ky Nhu Co-operative in Phung Hiep Districts Thanh Hoa Commune is a co-operative that has been provided financial support to develop production.

It breeds featherback fish and makes products from the fish such as fish paste, dried fish and snacks, and processes other seafood, vegetable and fruit products.

It supplies 30 - 35 tonnes of fresh fish a month to the market and has 11 products recognised as three- and four-star products under the countrys One Commune-One Product (OCOP) programme.

Nguyen Kim Thuy, its director, said the province has many support policies for co-operatives such as financial support, OCOP product registration and trade promotion.

The province has supported her co-operative with part of the cost of buying a solar dryer worth VN540 million (US$21,500) and a freezer worth nearly VN1 billion ($40,000), she said.

The co-operative is building a workshop, warehouse and headquarters worth a total of VN11 billion ($440,000) from the provinces financial support, she said.

It earned revenue of VN14 billion ($560,000) last year and has 65 permanent workers who earn an income between VN6-9 million ($240-360) a month.

Tan Tien Agriculture Service Co-operative in Vi Thanh Citys Vi Tan Commune was given financial support from the VnSAT Project in 2018 to build a 1,000sq.m warehouse and buy a rice drier and harvester.

Le Van Thang, its director, said thanks to the support, the co-operative can solve the issue of storing harvested rice for its members, and can proactively harvest, process and preserve rice, which help to reduce production cost.

The province has established 71 co-operatives with nearly 2,000 members since 2022, according to the provincial Co-operative Alliance.

It has 271 co-operatives and four operative unions which have a total of more than 8,500 members and 13,000 workers.

The alliance targets to set up 30 co-operative groups and 16 new co-operatives this year.

Solving difficulties

Ho Van Phu, chairman of the alliance, said most co-operatives have difficulties such as small-scale production and weak operation capacity.

The biggest difficulty is the lack of investment capital, he said.

Truong Canh Tuyen, permanent deputy chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, said: To solve difficulties in developing the collective economy, the province will focus on removing the bottleneck of capital for co-operatives.

It will classify co-operatives that have good, moderate or weak operational efficiency to have measures to support them, he said.

It will focus on training human resources for collective economy, implement trade promotion for co-operatives, and assist them to recruit university and colleague graduates to work for a limited period, he said.

Co-operatives will be supported to invest in infrastructure and facilities, expand their production and improve product quality, he said.

Linkages among co-operatives and other stakeholders in producing products will be developed to improve production efficiency, and the application of advanced technologies will be prioritised, he said.

The province has provided financial support to build infrastructure and processing facilities costing a total of VN144 billion ($5.7 million) for 13 co-operatives and two co-operative unions, according to the alliance.

It has used more than VN40 billion ($1.6 million) from its fund to assist 50 co-operatives to buy machines, production facilities, seeds and animal food.

It has given VN1.6 billion ($64,000) to 33 university and colleague graduates who work for a limited period at 13 co-operatives and three co-operative unions.

It has organised 45 co-operatives to participate in trade promotion activities in HCM City, Ha Noi and other provinces, and created conditions for co-operatives to link with companies to produce and sell their products.  VNS
HCM CITY  The police have arrested seven individuals, including the owners of G&G Restaurant, for operating a prostitution ring that catered exclusively to foreign customers.

Investigations revealed that the restaurant, located in Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, HCM City, employed over 120 female hostesses, who were encouraged to engage in prostitution for a fee.

Its owners, identified as Vietnamese nationals Hoang Anh Hao and Ngo Thi Ngoc Thuy, along with Korean nationals Cho Kiwan and Yu Sungho, lured customers through online advertisements promising a 'safe and fun' atmosphere with 'sexy dancing' and 'willing' female hostesses.

They also offered transportation services to nearby hotels and luxury apartments where the prostitution took place.

The restaurant staff were instructed to admit only foreign customers (mostly Chinese and South Koreans) and check their passports upon entry. Those without passports were required to have a guarantor for entering.

With promises of high pay and commissions, the restaurant has drawn many South Korean managers and Vietnamese 'madams' to work.

Security guards were constantly posted outside the restaurant, tasked with dispersing any Vietnamese individuals lingering in the area. They also frequently changed prostitution locations to evade law enforcement.

The illicit business has been operating since May 2024 and is said to have lined the owners' pockets with about VN10 billion (US$400,000).

During a police interrogation, Hoang Anh Hao, Yu Sungho, and Ngo Thi Ngoc Thuy confessed to instructing staff to engage in prostitution to boost revenue.

Seven individuals, including the four abovementioned owners, are in police custody and expected to face charges of brokering prostitution.  VNS
High-end apartment buildings in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  Foreign investors injected more than 2.87 billion USD into the Vietnamese realty market during January-July, a year-on-year surge of 78 per cent, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI)s Foreign Investment Agency.

The agency said that foreign investors funneled their money in 18 out of the 21 economic sectors, with the processing and manufacturing industry attracting the largest share of over 12.65 billion USD, or 70.3 per cent of the total.

The realty industry came second. Total newly-registered capital in the property market was 1.94 billion USD while 1.14 billion USD was disbursed during the seven-month span.

Experts from property consultancy firm Savills said Vietnam has opportunities to welcome the fourth wave of foreign direct investment (FDI), mainly into high-tech sectors like electronics, semiconductor, AI and renewable energy whose development has a direct impact on the industrial property on the back of an increasing demand for warehouses.

Thomas Rooney, Senior Manager of Industrial Services at Savills Hanoi, said that it is necessary to handle the energy issue at industrial parks to maintain their attractiveness to foreign capital in the coming time.

That the Vietnamese Government has sketched out a plan to build a 1,500 MW thermal power plant in the central province of Nghe An, which is expected to become operational in 2029-2030, is a notable effort to lure foreign investors, he added.

He also suggested industrial parks pay due attention to green trend as there is an increasing number of foreign businesses focusing on the development of the circular economy while Vietnam has eyed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

A Savills survey showed that around 80-85 per cent of the foreign investors impose requirements on environment, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities, and Vietnam has climbed on the bandwagon.

According to statistics from the MPI, up to 50 per cent of cities and provinces across the nation will plan to transform their existing industrial parks into eco ones, and 8-10 per cent of the localities will develop new eco industrial zones, which are among the factors that help increase their attractiveness to foreign capital.

Total registered foreign capital in Vietnam during January  July amounted to more than 18 billion USD in Vietnam, a year-on-year increase of 10.9 per cent.

The disbursed investment was recorded at over 12.55 billion USD, up 8.4 per cent as compared to the same time last year.

Foreign investors injected 10.76 billion USD in 1,816 new projects, rising 35.6 per cent and 11.6 per cent, respectively.

Meanwhile, 734 projects had their capital adjusted up with a total amount of more than 10.76 billion USD, down 0.3 per cent in the project number, and up 19.4 per cent in capital year-on-year.

Capital contributions and share purchases fell 45.2 per cent to 2.27 billion USD.

Registering 6.52 billion USD, Singapore was the biggest investor among the 91 countries and territories investing in the nation in the reviewed period, followed by Chinas Hong Kong, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea.

The foreign investors landed their capital in 48 cities and provinces across the nation. Bac Ninh attracted the largest amount of foreign capital with nearly 3.2 billion USD while in the second and third places were Quang Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City, luring over 1.56 billion USD and 1.55 billion USD, respectively.

The foreign-invested sector enjoyed a trade surplus of around 27.9 billion USD (including crude oil), and contributed greatly to the nations trade surplus of 12.4 billion USD during the seven-month period.

As of July 20, Vietnam was home to 40,777 valid foreign projects with total registered capital of 487 billion USD. Some 309.7 billion USD had been disbursed by the time.

VIR and VIREA honour industrial property developers for outstanding green transformation strategies Five industrial property developers were honoured for their outstanding green transformation strategies in 2024 at the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum (VIPF) 2024, organised by Vietnam Investment Review and the Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association.

VIR and Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association sign deal Vietnam Investment Review, the press agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association signed a cooperation agreement at the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City on July 30.

Experts delve into outlook of Vietnam's industrial real estate market at VIPF 2024 At the first panel discussion of the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum (VIPF) 2024, experts discussed the long-term prospects, growth potential, and development trends in Vietnams industrial real estate market, and the demand from multinational corporations.

Industrial developers honoured for green transformation strategies 17 industrial infrastructure developers were honored for their green transformation strategies in 2024 at the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2024, held on July 30 in Ho Chi Minh City.
At the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2024 on July 30, Vu Van Chung, deputy director general of the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, shared that foreign direct investment will contribute to making Vietnam one of the most attractive markets for global investors, presenting a golden opportunity for the industrial real estate market

"The current trend is shifting from merely attracting investment to fostering foreign investment partnerships for mutual development. The move towards selectively attracting high-quality investment poses challenges for industrial zone management boards, requiring them to enhance quality with larger-scale projects, more modern and synchronised infrastructure, and greener environments. This is a critical issue for industrial zone developers," Chung said.

Michael Piro, CEO of Indochina Capital, said at the event that substantial capital will start to flow into and prioritise green projects.

Vietnam will have more diverse capital sources in the future as the government is serious about this commitment, leading to greater access to green capital. Besides loans, attracting foreign partners, especially the largest global companies committed to achieving net-zero by 2050, will become easier. Vietnam's green industrial property will also secure higher quality anchor tenants and, in the future, achieve a green premium on exit," Piro explained.

Michael Piro, co-CEO of Indochina Capital

Indochina Capital currently has eight projects either in operation or under development, with an investment of approximately $500 million.

Research has shown that investors can earn more from their green real estate assets. Green deals command higher prices. Indochina Capital has observed that across various sectors like energy, materials, technology, and communications, green projects are priced 20 per cent higher than non-green ones. Therefore, green industrial real estate not only creates differentiation but also adds value to a company's products, added Piro.

As Vietnam welcomes more multinational firms, the demand and price of sustainably designed factories and warehouses will rise, and global players are focusing on Vietnam with large loans.

For instance, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank announced a commitment of approximately $5 billion in preferential loans to collaborate with Vietnam in mid-July. HSBC Vietnam and Gemadept Corporation, a Vietnamese port and logistics company, also signed a sustainability-linked loan agreement in late May.

On the side of financial institutions, Vietnam is currently drafting a green classification list. This means that in the near future, financial organisations like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will focus all of their loans on green projects. There will also be key performance indicators for banks, including commercial and state banks, with green lending quotas.

The IFC's financial solutions are aimed at and provided to customers seeking access to green capital or developing green buildings. In developing countries, the IFC's loans will support businesses in the initial stages of achieving green buildings, eventually moving towards more advanced stages of the green transformation, said Do Ngoc Diep, green and resilient building programme lead for the IFC in Vietnam.

Experts delve into outlook of Vietnam's industrial real estate market at VIPF 2024 At the first panel discussion of the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum (VIPF) 2024, experts discussed the long-term prospects, growth potential, and development trends in Vietnams industrial real estate market, and the demand from multinational corporations.

Industrial developers honoured for green transformation strategies 17 industrial infrastructure developers were honored for their green transformation strategies in 2024 at the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2024, held on July 30 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Hanois consumer price index increases by 5.51 per cent in the first seven months of this year. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  Hanois Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the January  July period rose 5.51 per cent from the same time last year, according to the citys statistics office.

During the period, among the 11 main groups of consumer goods and services, 10 saw price hikes while postal and telecommunications services experienced a decline of 0.16 per cent.

Notably, in the seven months, educational services increased by 30.58 per cent; housing, electricity, water, fuel and building materials grew by 6.19 per cent; food and catering services expanded by 3.28 per cent, and medicine and medical services increased by 4.15 per cent.

The total revenue from the retail sales of goods and consumer services reached 475.3 trillion VND (18.84 billion USD), up 10.3 per cent over the same period last year.

The revenue of the hotel and restaurant sector stood at 62.1 trillion VND, up 10.5 per cent, while that of tourism was 15.7 trillion VND, up 46.8 per cent, and other services, 95.9 trillion VND, up 6.5 per cent.

Tourism activities remained a major source of revenue for many service sectors and the local budget. In July, Hanoi attracted about 468,000 visitors, up 2.9 per cent over the previous month and 16.6 per cent year-on-year.

In the first seven months, the city welcomed nearly 3.5 million visitors, a rise of 33.2 per cent over the same period last year. Particularly, the number of foreign visitors went up 43.4 per cent year-on-year.

Hanoi welcomes 9,400 new firms in four months The capital city of Hanoi witnessed 9,400 enterprises enter the market with the total registered capital of 97.6 trillion VND (3.84 billion USD) during January-April, falling 6 per cent in the number of firms and rising 9 per cent in capital as compared to the same time last year, according to the municipal Statistics Office.
The awards aim to establish data on sustainable development, assisting the government and relevant social organisations in formulating practical policies to support sustainable growth.

This effort aligns with Vietnam's commitments made at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference to realise its net-zero emission goals by 2050.

Nguyen An Duy (middle), deputy general director and chief financial officer (CFO) of Imexpharm, receives the Top 50 Corporate Sustainability Awards

Additionally, it emphasises the importance of addressing climate change through initiatives in clean energy development, sustainable infrastructure, smart water management, and ecosystem resource management.

With 14 award categories based on the three environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pillars, the awards acknowledge and honour companies across the FDI, listed, and unlisted sectors that contribute to sustainable development, environmental friendliness, and social equity.

As a publicly listed pharmaceutical company with a significant market capitalisation in the industry, Imexpharm has effectively leveraged its sustainable development model within the sector.

From the early days of its establishment, Imexpharm has pursued the goal of sustainable development for the benefit of the community.

With this focus, Imexpharm stands as Vietnams largest pharmaceutical company with EU-GMP certification, boasting three EU-GMP facilities and 11 EU-GMP production lines.

Nguyen An Duy receives the award which recognises Imexpharms sustainable development strategy for the benefit of the community

Its early investment in high-quality manufacturing technology has facilitated continuous growth and established Imexpharm as the top provider of antibiotics in Vietnam.

Imexpharm currently holds a leading competitive advantage over domestic pharmaceutical companies through its strategy of building EU-GMP certified facilities and making substantial investments in research and development.

The company is leading the trend in EU-GMP factory investments and is well-positioned for a golden period of growth, having already established four manufacturing plants that meet international quality standards.

We believe that pursuing sustainable development goals will enable our company to continue achieving high growth by providing the market with Vietnamese pharmaceutical products under the Imexpharm brand that meet European quality standards, said pharmacist Tran Thi Dao, general director of Imexpharm.

The healthcare sector and pharmaceutical companies play a crucial role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to foster community prosperity.

Imexpharm sees green initiatives vital in its sustainable development goal

With a vision of long-term growth and the motto Sharing for Sustainability, Imexpharms sustainable development strategy is built on five core pillars: people, environment, prosperity, collaboration, and building a strong, compassionate organisation.

Imexpharm has achieved significant environmental milestones through its comprehensive sustainability practices, including energy savings, medical waste management, and green initiatives.

All of the companys facilities are equipped with wastewater treatment systems that meet strict standards.

These systems ensure that all wastewater is treated according to ISO 14001:2015 standards before being released into the environment.

On the social front, the company actively fulfils its responsibilities by providing stable, sustainable employment, contributing to local economic growth, meeting tax obligations, and participating in various social welfare programmes.

As a public company listed since 2006, Imexpharm is committed to becoming a leader in sustainable development across all of its operations.

This dedication is evidenced by the numerous awards the company received in 2023, including Top 10 Mid-cap Companies with the Best Corporate Governance; 50 Best Listed Companies in Vietnam 2023; Top 10 Reputable Pharmaceutical Companies in 2023; Ngoi Sao Thuoc Viet Award, Top 50 Typical Sustainable Development Enterprises; Top 5 Best Workplaces in Healthcare; Board of The Year Award 2023 by the Vietnam Institute of Directors for its sound and diverse governance structures; and Imexpharm stock being ranked for the second consecutive year in the Top 20 Sustainable Development Stocks.

Concurrently, the company has achieved record-breaking business results, with a 17.5 per cent annual compound growth rate in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation over the past five years, positioning it towards its goal of reaching half a billion US dollars in revenue.

These achievements underscore and validate Imexpharm's corporate governance model, which is becoming increasingly scientific and professional.

As a leading Vietnamese pharmaceutical company, Imexpharm meets international standards of good governance and aligns with its sustainable development strategy based on ESG criteria.

Investing in ESG is an opportunity to demonstrate our company's vision and mission in addressing community issues. This foundation has enabled us to promote sustainable practices, thereby fostering innovation and operation as well as business efficiency in line with international standards, said Imexpharms leader.

According to Imexpharms leadership, the company is making strides towards a more sustainable future by incorporating ESG factors into its development strategy.

This holistic approach involves assessing environmental impacts from the outset of drug development and product formulation.

It encompasses the use of less toxic chemicals, the pursuit of more efficient production methods, and the design of processes to minimise waste.

Additionally, the company is establishing a green manufacturing foundation, aiming to reduce environmental impact during production by utilising renewable energy sources, minimising water usage, and optimising processes.

At the same time, Imexpharm is committed to creating a sustainable supply chain, ensuring that raw materials are sourced responsibly and that transportation minimises emissions, which are crucial aspects of a sustainable supply chain.

Imexpharm's manufacturing experience and EU-GMP certified production lines equip the company with the capability to meet international quality standards, opening opportunities to join the global pharmaceutical supply chain.

With high-quality products that meet European standards, Imexpharm has successfully exported to new markets such as Mongolia and signed export contracts with markets including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.

These strategies lay the groundwork for the companys vision for 2030, with the expectation that revenue will triple, marking a significant step in solidifying the companys position in the global market.

The achievements of leading pharmaceutical companies like Imexpharm contribute to realising the development strategy of the pharmaceutical industry for the period up to 2030 and the vision for 2045, aiming to position Vietnam as a high-value pharmaceutical production hub in the region.

Integrating ESG principles requires significant investment and effort. Balancing profitability with environmental sustainability and social responsibility in the pharmaceutical sector can be challenging. Nevertheless, pharmaceutical companies that embrace ESG principles will be well-positioned for long-term success and to contribute to a prosperous and sustainable community, added Imexpharm's general director.

BCI Asia Awards honour Top 10 architecture firms in Vietnam Vietnam's 10 most-active property developers, architecture firms, and contractors were awarded at the annual BCI Asia Awards ceremony on May 31 at Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.

JustMarkets wins double at 2024 UF Awards The 2024 iFX Expo International was held in Limassol, Cyprus between June 18-20, bringing together global brands, C-level professionals, startups, and fintech innovators to exchange experiences.
Cherry Tran, founder of Pro-Invest Vietnam (third from left), shakes hands with a representative from Tradeco Construction

VPI was founded by Cherry Tran, who brings extensive experience and support to the industrial real estate community. With over 17 years in investment promotion, management, and business development in the industrial real estate and logistics sectors across multinational companies in Vietnam, Cherry Tran leads VPI's team in driving company growth.

VPI offers comprehensive solutions in the industrial real estate supply chain, including investment promotion consultancy, legal and project investment consultancy, and design and construction consultancy, facilitating business-to-business connections across various sectors nationally and internationally.

"Our dynamic team has substantial experience managing and developing industrial real estate in multinational corporations. We are committed to creating economic value, promoting sustainable development, and contributing to the prosperity of the industrial real estate community. Integrated within VPI's supply chain, and aiming for resilience, we have built an all-in-one service with strategic partners such as BCCM International Law Firm and Tradeco Construction Company to enhance our capability in providing comprehensive solutions to investors," Tran noted.

In early August 2024, VPI will provide investment promotion services for Protrade International Tech Park, COBI Logis Warehouse, and Lan Tran Industrial Cluster at the Vietnam International Logistics Exhibition. VPI will also organise for investor delegations to visit industrial parks from August 1 to 3, offering opportunities for them to explore the investment environment in Vietnam.

For more information, please visit www.vietnamproinvest.info.vn, or phone +84 903 315 717, or email vpi@vietnamproinvest.info.vn

Pro-Invest Vietnam led investor delegations to visit industrial parks

E-commerce names going automated The e-commerce warehousing sector is undergoing a significant transformation with the ongoing infrastructure expansion and the application of automation technology.

Industrial property event to take place in Ho Chi Minh City on July 30 The Vietnam Industrial Property Forum (VIPF) 2024, organised by Vietnam Investment Review and in coordination with the Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association, will take place in Ho Chi Minh City on July 30.
This comes at a pivotal moment for Sunrate, as the company looks to strengthen its global footprint, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The company has appointed Li Tao as head of growth. Reporting to co-founder Joshua Bao, Li Tao will drive the companys efforts to spearhead growth initiatives and foster collaboration across business units to identify market opportunities in emerging Asia.

Strategically partnering with local licensed and global financial institutions, Sunrate chose to launch its platform in Vietnam due to strong customer demand and the major challenges that fast-growing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing.

Sunrate offers cutting-edge global payment products and services, including international payments and global collection services, to facilitate cross-border business-to-business (B2B) payments that are fast, secure, transparent, compliant with regulations, and cost-effective for Vietnam businesses.

Joshua Bao said, As the leading global cross-border B2B payment platform in emerging markets, we have been making steady progress, and by strategically appointing a senior leader with extensive experience like Li Tao, we are charting our path forward to continue empowering businesses worldwide and scaling both globally and locally.

According to Vietnam's General Statistics Office, imports and exports in April 2024 reached $61.20 billion, an increase of 15 per cent from the same period in 2023, and the total trade in goods reached $238.88 billion, increasing by 15.2 per cent on-year, indicating that Vietnam is continuing to recover from 2023. "Im brimming with excitement and optimism for the incredible phase that lies ahead," Bao stated.

Our technology-first approach, coupled with our business development teams, which provide the high-touch customer service, are core to empowering businesses on their cross-border B2B payment needs, and Vietnam and the Asian regions economic development is centred on digital trade," Tao said. "Our powerful proprietary tech engine and global network is an effective combination as businesses look to scale across borders or are interested in improving their cross-border business payment capabilities. I could not be more excited to partner with the talented Sunrate team and support new and existing customers as we expand our footprint in Asia.

The rapid transformation of Vietnam's digital-payment landscape Vietnam's digital payment landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by new regulations and innovative financial solutions.

AI becoming increasingly prevalent for e-payments The rising risks of cashless payment fraud have led banks to accelerate implementation of AI-driven security measures and biometric authentication to enhance transaction safety and protect consumers.
Surge in cryptocurrency investment indicates multi-billion-dollar opportunity, Illustrative photo (Source: baodautu.vn)

Hanoi - Hundreds of billions of dollars in cryptocurrencies are estimated to have flowed into Vietnam over the past year; however, the lack of a legal framework monitoring this capital flow might lead to tax losses and risks such as money laundering.

Lina Nguyen, a business development director at Exness Investment Bank, held that the dormant phase of cryptocurrencies has ended. Positive signals are increasingly evident, with more institutional investors entering the market.

She predicted that investment in digital assets is forecast to continue rising. Financial institutions are showing interest in this segment, although retail investors remain cautious.

In the first few months of this year alone, over 1.2 trillion USD has been invested in digital asset exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

According to the US blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis, the positive trend in the cryptocurrency market observed in 2023 is expected to extend to 2024, bolstered by the US approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and the growing participation of institutional investors.

Vietnam ranks third globally in the number of cryptocurrency holders. Data from Crypto Crunch App indicates that 26 million people in the country own cryptocurrencies, five times the local number of stock trading accounts.

Research by Dr. Nguyen Nhat Minh and Dr. Thai Trung Hieu from RMIT University shows that cryptocurrency owners in Vietnam are demographically perse, including young, highly skilled workers, tech enthusiasts, and small business owners seeking alternative investments.

Chainalysis reports that up to 120 billion USD in cryptocurrencies entered Vietnam within a year to June 2023. Vietnamese investors netted 1.18 billion USD in profits last year, placing the nation among the top five Asian markets with the highest returns from cryptocurrency investments, alongside China, Indonesia, India, and the Republic of Korea.

Dr. Pham Anh Khoi, Vice Chairman of the Fintech Application Committee at the Vietnam Blockchain Association, cited a report by Boston Consulting Group estimating that the global market for tokenised real-world assets (RWA) could reach 16 trillion USD, or 10% of global GDP, by 2030. Standard Chartered predicts this market could double to 30 trillion USD in the following four years.

Offering low-cost, efficient funding channels for projects with tangible assets, digital assets, particularly RWAs, present a valuable opportunity for developing countries like Vietnam to engage in the global capital market. The influx of cryptocurrency over the past year was nearly five times greater than foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the country.

While digital assets are an attractive investment and fundraising channel, providing portfolio persification for investors and funds, they are also high-risk, with significant volatility. The market has a high incidence of fraudulent projects, making it unsuitable for uninformed investors.

Experts stressed the urgent need for a legal framework to harness the potential of the digital asset market. If appropriate management policies are enacted, these funds could be a positive force for economic growth rather than being lost to the shadow economy, Khoi assessed.

As interest in owning and investing in digital assets grows, consumer protection regulations and market transparency are increasingly necessary. This includes measures to prevent fraud and combat cyber threats. Implementing strict regulations to protect consumers could help build investor confidence and encourage broader participation in the crypto asset market.

Moreover, an unregulated cryptocurrency market could pose financial stability risks in Vietnam. Without proper oversight, crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing could emerge.

Vietnam crypto holders are the third biggest gainers in 2023 Vietnam accounted for a significant proportion of global crypto gains in 2023 with $1.18 billion, making it the third biggest gainer, according to data released by crypto analytics firm Chainalysis on March 14.

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Thai citizens can register to receive a digital wallet with a value of 10,000 THB (approximately 282 USD) starting August 1. (Photo: The Nation)

Bangkok - Thai citizens can register to receive a digital wallet with a value of 10,000 THB (approximately 282 USD) starting August 1 under a scheme announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's government.

As reported by the online newspaper The Nation, Chai Watcharong, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, said smartphone users can register from 8am through the government application "Thang Rat".

Meanwhile, those without smartphones can register in the next round, which runs from September 16 to October 15. The locations will be announced later by the government. An inpidual must use an ID card and verify their qualifications in accordance with the house registry to be able to spend the 10,000-THB handout.

To ensure that the government is well-prepared to facilitate public registration, the spokesperson said that it has worked with the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, the Finance Ministry, and other relevant agencies to establish 5,199 walk-in service points across the country to assist with registration and enquiries.

The walk-in service stations will operate from August 1 to September 15.

Thailand announces plans to transform into global financial hub Thailand has announced a strategic plan to support its goal of becoming a global financial hub via regulatory reforms, innovative incentives and a conducive ecosystem.
In this image made from video provided by Russian Federal Security Service via RTR on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich sits inside an airplane at an airport outside Moscow, Russia. (Russian Federal Security Service/RTR via AP) AP

Three American citizens freed from captivity in Russia arrived in San Antonio on Friday to be treated at a Brooke Army Medical Center facility that helps former prisoners prepare to reenter society.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan and radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva landed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland late Thursday before heading to BAMC.

A plane carrying the trio touched down at Kelly Field on San Antonios Southwest Side early Friday morning. A U.S. official said they would spend the day resting and recuperating.

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Mayor Ron Nirenberg said he was proud that BAMC, part of Joint Base San Antonio, will help in rehabilitating several freed Americans.

Its standard U.S. government practice for former POWs, freed hostages and others released by hostile governments to be brought to the military hospital at Fort Sam Houston for evaluation, counseling and recovery.

In this image made from video provided by Russian Federal Security Service via RTR on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, Paul Whelan, center, a former U.S. Marine who was arrested on espionage charges, is escorted by Russian Federal Security Service agents, left, as they arrive at an airport outside Moscow, Russia. (Russian Federal Security Service/RTR via AP) AP

Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva, an editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, gained their freedom in an elaborate prisoner swap involving seven countries and the release of 24 prisoners in all, 16 held by Russia and eight by Western governments.

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Gershkovich, 32, spent 16 months in a Russian prison on what the U.S. government said were sham charges of espionage. Whelan, 54, was arrested in 2018 at a friends wedding in Moscow and charged with possessing Russian military secrets. Kurmasheva, 47, was serving a 6-year sentence in a penal colony for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian Army.

FILE - Alsu Kurmasheva, an editor for the U.S. government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Tatar-Bashkir service, attends a court hearing in Kazan, Russia on May 31, 2024. Kurmasheva, a dual Russia-U.S. national employed by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was convicted July 19 of spreading false information about the Russian army and sentenced to 6 years in prison. Her family and RFE/RL have rejected the charges. AP

BAMCs reintegration program is staffed by physicians, psychiatrists, physical therapists and other specialists under the command of U.S. Army South. It dates to the end of the Vietnam War, when returning POWs needed help coping with the trauma theyd endured.

Former captives who have gone through the program include Hotel Rwanda hero Paul Rusesabagina, who was kidnapped and imprisoned by the Rwandan government for more than two years; WNBA star Brittney Griner, a Houston native and two-time Olympic gold medalist who was held in a Russian penal colony; and Pvt. Travis T. King, a GI who was detained by North Korea for 70 days after illegally entering that country.

Paul Rusesabagina, who saved hundreds of Rwandans during the genocide by sheltering them in the hotel he managed, is detained in Rwanda after being arrested on sham terrorism charges. He was eventually freed and flown to the U.S., where he entered a program at Brooke Army Medical Center that helps ex-captives cope with their trauma and reintegrate into society. Government Handout

Whats the aim of the treatment?

The process seeks to help former POWs and hostages overcome the debilitating effects of captivity and isolation and return to their professional, community and family lives with as few complications as possible.

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This is a very complicated joint operation involving hundreds of people, according to an Army document describing the program. Operational planners, aircrews, medical professionals, security officers, attorneys, chaplains, and specialists in finance, personnel, public affairs and logistics are involved in these operations. Family members also assist in the process, at first through phone contacts and later during family reunions.

The process is about helping the returnee gain control of his emotions, a Pentagon spokesman, Army Col. Steve Warren, has said. One of the methods the psychologists use to help the returnee is to allow him to tell his story.

A facility at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio helps former prisoners prepare to re-enter society. William Luther/Express-News file photo

How does it work?

Reporter Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother, Ella Milman, as President Joe Biden, right, looks on at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following their release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press Vice President Kamala Harris, from left, and President Joe Biden greet Paul Whelan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press Alsu Kurmasheva, center, hugs her daughters Miriam Butorin, left, and Bibi Butorin at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following her release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greet reporter Evan Gershkovich at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press President Joe Biden, right, places his American flag pin on Paul Whelan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following Whelan's release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press Reporter Evan Gershkovich, right, is greeted by his father, Mikhail Gershkovich, center, and other family members on the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press Alsu Kurmasheva, right, is greeted by family members on the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following her release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Behind them are Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press President Joe Biden, left, hugs Alsu Kurmasheva at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following her release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press Reporter Evan Gershkovich greets colleagues at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press Reporter Evan Gershkovich greets his collegues following his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press Paul Whelan, center, stands with Alsu Kurmasheva, center left, Evan Gershkovich, center right, and family as they prepare to pose for a photo upon their arrival at Kelly Field after being released by Russia, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press

According to the Army, there are three phases. The first, Initial Recovery, begins when the hostage or POW is returned to U.S. custody. Theyre given a medical examination and a psychological assessment.

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The second phase, Transition Location, happens once they arrive at BAMC. They undergo a more thorough medical exam, have formal debriefings and are guided through psychological decompression.

In phase three, called Home Base, the former captives meet with their families to address significant closure issues that may have arisen from their captivity, according to the Army.

WNBA player Brittney Griner arrives at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on Dec. 9, 2022, after being freed in a prisoner exchange with Russia. Like many former prisoners, she went through a program at Brooke Army Medical Center that helps ex-captives cope with their trauma and prepare to re-enter society. Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

Who else has been treated there?

Perhaps the most famous of the facilitys alumni is Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the sole American prisoner of war held by the Taliban in Afghanistan. He was treated at BAMC in 2014.

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Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban after walking off his post. He spent 1,797 days in captivity, and testimony revealed that hed been chained for long periods to a box spring.

At BAMC, Bergdahl was encouraged to talk about his ordeal. He was later booted out of the Army for desertion.

In 2008, Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell  employees of defense contractor Northrup Grumman  went to BAMC after being held captive in Colombia by a guerrilla group for more than five years.

Gonsalves, Howes and Stansell were captured by the revolutionary group FARC after their plane went down in Colombias southern jungle on Feb. 13, 2003. They were constantly under guard, slept on the ground or in crude beds and ate whatever their captors fed them. After their release, they were flown to BAMC.

In their book, Out of Captivity: Surviving 1,967 Days in the Colombian Jungle, the three former hostages said their caregivers at BAMC rarely allowed them to be alone.

Griner also wrote a memoir about her captivity in Russia. She was convicted of drug possession after Russian authorities found cartridges of cannabis oil in her luggage. She was freed in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the merchant of death, who was serving a U.S. prison sentence for crimes that included conspiracy to kill Americans.
Tran Chi Cuong, Vice Chairman of Da Nang People's Committee (R) and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs at the US Department of State Shelby Smith-Wilson, Da Nang, August 1 (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang  The US will back Da Nang in combating transnational crime, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs at the US Department of State Shelby Smith-Wilson said at a meeting with officials of the city on August 1.

During the meeting, Tran Chi Cuong, Vice Chairman of municipal People's Committee informed the US delegation that the city aims to become a growth hub in Vietnams central key economic region. Over recent years, the city has experienced robust development, focusing on advancing its information technology industry as a major economic driver.

The Vice Chairman noted that the Vietnamese National Assembly has approved several specific policies related to financial management, investment, planning and urban development for Da Nang, which are expected to create a crucial driving force to help the locality realise its goal of becoming a major socio-economic centre in Vietnam and Southeast Asia by 2023, and a major ecological, smart city and innovation hub by 2045.

Cuong thanked the US representative offices in Vietnam and Da Nang for their support, and asked them to continue assist the city in strengthening collaboration with US localities and businesses. He also emphasised the importance of ongoing support from the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs for projects and programmes enhancing the citys capabilities in drug prevention and law enforcement.

For her part, Shelby Smith-Wilson spoke highly about the excellent relationship between the US and Vietnam and highlighted Da Nangs role as a key location for bilateral events. She noted that the US Government hopes to further enhance and deepen the relationship between the two countries with a focus on economic and trade cooperation, adding that the US will support Da Nang in combating transnational crime, money laundering, terrorism, drug trafficking, as well as in law enforcement.

Currently, Da Nang has official cooperative ties with three US cities, namely Oakland in California State; Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania State; and Houston in Texas Sate.

There are four projects funded by US ODA in Da Nang, with a total funding of approximately 46.59 million USD, notably the Vietnam Urban Energy Security (VUES) project and the Plastic Waste Reduction  Local Solutions Project.

Noi Bai, Da Nang named in worlds top 100 airports Hanoi capitals Noi Bai International Airport and the Da Nang International Airport in the central city of the same name have been listed among the worlds top 100 airports in 2024 by the UKbased aviation consultancy Skytrax.

Hong Kong Airlines boosts Da Nang tourism with new daily flight Flight HX548, operated by Hong Kong Airlines, landed at Da Nang International Airport on July 19, bringing 152 passengers from Hong Kong (China) to explore and experience tourism services in the central city.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang (R) and Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (China) Lee Ka-chiu (L) witness the exchange of the MoU between Vietnam Airlines and the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) (China) will work together to develop new air routes under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the former presented to its Hong Kong partner on August 1.

The MoU is a milestone that is expected to contribute to enhancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Hong Kong (China).

Apart from opening new air routes, they will work together to increase flight frequency to promote trade and tourism, while studying the establishment of strategic partnerships, stimulating tourism demand to promote the transportation of passengers and cargo, and improving the competitive edge of airports and the efficacy of aviation treaties. Along with coordinating to better transport and service quality through seeking new cooperation opportunities and forms, they will share practical experience, initiatives, and advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency. Through such cooperation, the sides are working toward international standards on passenger experience and cargo logistics, and sustainable development.

Particularly, they will support each other in developing human resources through training courses on air transport management, aviation security, crisis management, and air traffic control, among others, provided by the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy. Vietnam Airlines has served more than 5.7 million passengers aboard over 46,000 flights since it launched the Vietnam  Hong Kong air route in November 1991. Currently, it is running seven round trips between Hanoi and Hong Kong a week.

Over the past years, Vietnam and Hong Kong have enjoyed robust cooperation, with two-way trade reaching 31.3 billion USD in 2023. Vietnam is Hong Kong's second-largest trade partner in ASEAN and the seventh largest globally.

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Vietnam among Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economies next decade: Report, Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  The six leading economies in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, are projected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.1 per cent over the next decade.

This projection was released in a report on August 1 by the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS), consulting firm Bain & Company, and the Angsana Council.

In the report titled "Navigating High Winds: Southeast Asia Outlook 2024  34", analysts predict that these top Southeast Asian economies will benefit from the region's consumer market of over 600 million people and strong ties with major trading economies. However, increasing protectionism in developed markets and widespread deindustrialisation due to shifting competitive dynamics could negatively impact these economies.

Specifically, the report forecast Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines to be the faster-growing countries, with Vietnam continuing to stay ahead.

For Vietnam, positive drivers include a well-positioned export-oriented economy, highly diverse sources of FDI, productive inter-provincial competition, and high-quality workforce and education levels. Nevertheless, negativities remain, with the report listing them as credit weakness, energy and water shortages, and slow movement on green infrastructure, among others.

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Vietnam, India issue joint statement Vietnam and India issued a Joint Statement on Strengthening of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and India on the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs State visit to India from July 30-August 1.
In his remarks, ASIC chairman Joseph Longo praised the strong cooperative relationship with the SSC. "This MoU exemplifies the robust relationship between our two agencies and our shared commitment to fostering the development of our capital markets," Longo stated.

Longo stressed that the MoU would establish a formal information-sharing mechanism, enhance technical cooperation in market management and supervision, and promote best practices and investor protection activities.

"This agreement is a testament to ASIC's commitment to supporting Vietnams capacity building and economic growth. We will continue to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support to the SSC," he added.

Longo also acknowledged Vietnam's recent progress, noting its emergence as a dynamic and resilient economy in the region. He expressed confidence in the continued growth and development of Vietnam's capital markets.

"The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter in our cooperative relationship, reflecting our shared vision of developing dynamic capital markets governed by robust regulatory frameworks," Longo highlighted.

SSC chairwoman Vu Thi Chan Phuong echoed these sentiments, underscoring the growing importance of Vietnam's stock market as a critical medium and long-term capital channel for businesses and the economy, and as an attractive investment destination for both domestic and international investors, including those from Australia.

Phuong highlighted the valuable support received from the Australian government, including funding for the World Banks Joint Capital Market Development programme, which has assisted Vietnam in addressing criteria and solutions for market upgrades, as well as training and capacity-building initiatives from ASIC.

"On behalf of the SSC, I extend our gratitude to ASIC and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their continuous support and cooperation over the years," Phuong stated.

She also noted the significant growth and development of Vietnam's stock market over the past 28 years. As of July, the market capitalisation of listed stocks reached approximately $278 billion, equivalent to 65 per cent of the country's GDP in 2023, with over 1,600 listed and registered securities.

"The number of investor accounts has surged to eight million, representing about 10 per cent of the adult population," Phuong stated. "In the ASEAN region, Vietnam's stock market is exceptionally dynamic, with liquidity reaching around $1 billion per day, making it the most liquid market in the region."

Furthermore, Phuong shared that Vietnam's ongoing efforts to meet international standards and implement solutions to elevate the market's status. "We are committed to addressing the necessary criteria and introducing measures to upgrade our market, ensuring it aligns with global practices," she added.

Promising investment sectors for second half Stocks, industrial real estate, gold, and cryptocurrency are identified as noteworthy investment opportunities in the second half in the context of Vietnam's economic landscape, which has shown positive signals in the first half of 2024.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's state visit to India from July 31 to August 1 produced practical outcomes. On August 1, Vietnam and India issued a joint statement regarding strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP), encompassing economic and technology cooperation.

Accordingly, PM Chinh and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi agreed to further elevate trade from the present level of around $15 billion. Both sides also agreed on the need for closer cooperation to remove trade barriers with a view to facilitating and enhancing bilateral trade. They concurred that the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement should generate a more user-friendly, simple, and trade facilitative regime for both countries.

The leaders agreed to continue efforts to promote investment flows between the two countries. Vietnam welcomes Indian investment in infrastructure, high technology, source technology, clean technology, IT, the support and manufacturing industries, textiles, the cars and materials industry, green agriculture, smart agriculture, innovation and startups, semiconductors, renewable energy and energy conservation projects, electricity generation, biogas, and polyester fabrics.

Meanwhile, India would welcome investment from Vietnam in agriculture, agro-processing, aquaculture, wood processing, urban development and infrastructure, production of bamboo and forestry products, hospitality and tourism, digital technology, e-vehicles, healthcare, and services. This mutual commitment aims to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

In addition, India welcomed Vietnams decision to join the Coalition on the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and decision to sign the International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement. Vietnam appreciated Indias Global Bio-fuel Alliance initiative.

As two coastal countries, they agreed to bolster cooperation in oceanography, marine sciences, and the blue economy, as well as in capacity building in this area. The leaders also reiterated their mutually beneficial cooperation in the oil and gas sector, including exploration and production on Vietnams continental shelf.

To strengthen their CSP, the two sides agreed to enhance sharing of experiences in building regulations and policies supporting the promotion of e-commerce and the digital economy. Businesses from both sides will take advantage of e-commerce to improve export capacity and participate in regional and global value chains sustainably. They also encouraged relevant government agencies and businesses to explore cooperation opportunities in the green economy, circular economy, digital economy, and critical industries such as rare earth elements, semiconductors, and nano materials.

Regarding innovation and science and technology cooperation, both leaders reiterated the significance of digital technologies and encouraged the development of a framework to promote bilateral cooperation in financial innovation and digital payments between Vietnam and India.

Recognising the needs of both countries for digital transformation and energy transition, the leaders encouraged greater exchanges and cooperation in areas such as digital public infrastructure, space technology applications, renewable energy, biotechnology, and disaster resilience technologies.

The leaders noted with satisfaction the ongoing collaboration in the peaceful use of atomic energy and agreed to intensify follow-ups in various avenues emerging from the third India-Vietnam Joint Committee Meeting on atomic energy.

They also welcomed the progress towards the establishment of an ASEAN-India tracking, data reception station, and data processing facility in Vietnam.

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: VNA)

New Delhi  Vietnam and India issued a Joint Statement on Strengthening of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and India on the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs State visit to India from July 30-August 1.

Following is the full text of the joint statement:

JOINT STATEMENT ON STRENGTHENING OF THE COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM AND THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA

During the State Visit of the Prime Minister of Viet Nam Pham Minh Chinh to India

(New Delhi, 30 July - 01 August 2024)

1. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, H.E. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Viet Nam, H.E. Pham Minh Chinh paid a State Visit to India from 30 July - 01 August 2024. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was accompanied by a high level official delegation including Ministers and leaders of many ministries of Viet Nam.

2. On 01 August 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and he visited Raj Ghat to pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. This was followed by bilateral talks between the two Prime Ministers. Thereafter, the Prime Ministers witnessed the signing and exchange of bilateral documents. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the banquet hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on President of India H.E. Droupadi Murmu and the Vice President of India H.E. Jagdeep Dhankhar. External Affairs Minister of India H.E. S. Jaishankar called on Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Prime Minister Pham also delivered a policy speech at the Indian Council of World Affairs and addressed at the Viet Nam - India Business Forum and held discussions with Indian businesses.

POLITICAL RELATION

3. The delegation level talks between Viet Nam and India were held in a warm, cordial and friendly atmosphere. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on winning a historic third term and expressed his belief that India would continue strong development course and have an increasingly greater role and position in the international arena under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

4. The leaders reviewed the deep-rooted and long-standing friendship between India and Viet Nam and expressed their satisfaction with the strong development of bilateral relations since the elevation of the relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016. The leaders agreed to continue the effective implementation of the outcomes of high level talks and visits in recent years, including the India - Viet Nam Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People in 2020, and the outcomes of the meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on 01 August 2024 in New Delhi, among others.

5. The leaders agreed to maintain regular exchanges at all levels. The leaders agreed that the current geo-political realities call for closer cooperation between India and Viet Nam. They recognised convergence in their world view and expressed support for a greater voice and role for Global South in international affairs. The leaders agreed to further strengthen the Viet Nam - India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas.

6. On the basis of the existing excellent bilateral relations, the two leaders agreed to maintain regular exchanges at all levels.

7. The leaders appreciated multi-dimensional institutional mechanisms between the two countries in the fields of foreign policy, security and maritime domain, defence cooperation, parliamentary exchanges, trade and investment, agriculture, healthcare, civil aviation, information and communication technology, science & technology including space & nuclear technology, tourism and culture. They agreed to intensify and strengthen the bilateral dialogue in various domains, including the Joint Commission for Economic, Trade, Science and Technology for mutual benefit. They welcomed the signing of the Plan of Action for the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the period of 2024-2028.

ECONOMIC, TRADE AND INVESTMENT COOPERATION

8. As two rapidly growing economies, the leaders of India and Viet Nam agreed to reinforce cooperation at the level of governments and businesses for increasing two-way trade, investment and technological partnership. The leaders agreed to further elevate trade from the present level of around US$ 15 billion. Both sides also agreed on the need for closer cooperation on removing trade barriers with a view to facilitating and enhancing bilateral trade.. They concurred that the ongoing review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement should generate a more user-friendly, simple and trade facilitative regime for both countries.

9. The leaders agreed to continue efforts to promote investment flows between the two countries. Viet Nam welcomed investment from India in infrastructure, high technology, source technology, clean technology, information technology, support and manufacturing industries, textile, automobile and materials industry, green agriculture, smart agriculture, innovation and startups, semi-conductors, renewable energy and energy conservation projects, electricity generation, biogas and polyester fabrics, among others, in Viet Nam. India welcomed investment from Viet Nam in agriculture, agro-processing, aquaculture, wood processing, urban development and infrastructure, production of bamboo and forestry products, hospitality and tourism, digital technology, e-vehicles, healthcare and services in India. This mutual commitment aims to further strengthen the economic cooperation between the two countries.

10. India welcomed Viet Nams decision to join the Coalition on the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and early completion of domestic procedures to officially join the International Solar Alliance. Viet Nam appreciated Indias Global Bio-fuel Alliance initiative.

11. As two coastal countries in the region, they agreed to bolster cooperation in oceanography, marine sciences and blue economy, as well as in capacity building in this area. The leaders also reiterated their mutually beneficial cooperation in the oil and gas sector, including exploration and production in Viet Nams continental shelf.

12. The leaders agreed to enhance sharing of experiences in building regulations and policies supporting the promotion of e-commerce and digital economy. Support businesses from both sides to participate in e-commerce and digital platforms to take advantage of e-commerce in improving export capacity and participating in regional and global value chains in a sustainable way. They also encourage relevant government agencies and businesses of both sides to explore cooperation opportunities in green economy, circular economy, digital economy and critical industries such as rare earth elements, semi-conductor, nano materials.

DEFENCE AND SECURITY COOPERATION

13. The leaders commended the effective implementation of the Joint Vision Statement on India-Viet Nam Defence Partnership towards 2030 and strengthening of defence cooperation between the two countries in recent years covering dialogues, training and capacity building cooperation, exchange of best practices, exercises, defence policy and industry cooperation. They agreed to further enhance defence cooperation based on mutual interest and priorities of the two countries which will also contribute to greater stability in the wider Indo-Pacific region.

14. The leaders agreed to continue enhancing cooperation in various areas including human resource development and maintaining collaboration in peace-keeping operations, hydrography, cybersecurity, information sharing, strategic research, maritime security, maritime safety, search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster management, and emergency response and relief.

15. The leaders agreed for the early operationalisation of the Implementing Arrangement on Hydrography and forming a Joint Committee.

16. The leaders welcomed the signing of Loan Agreement under US$ 300 million Line of Credit extended by the Government of India to the Government of Viet Nam for defence procurement.

INNOVATION AND SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION

17. The leaders reiterated the significance of digital technologies and encouraged the development of a framework to promote bilateral cooperation in financial innovation and digital payments between Viet Nam and India.

18. Recognising the national priorities of both countries for digital transformation and energy transition, the leaders decided to encourage greater exchanges and cooperation in areas such as digital public infrastructure, space technology applications, renewable energy, biotechnology and disaster resilience technologies.

19. The leaders noted with satisfaction the ongoing collaboration in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy and agreed to intensify follow-up on various avenues of further cooperation emerging from the 3rd India-Viet Nam Joint Committee Meeting on atomic energy.

20. They welcomed the progress towards the establishment of ASEAN-India tracking, data reception station and data processing facility in Viet Nam.

DEVELOPMENT, CULTURE, TOURISM COOPERATION AND PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES

21. The leaders appreciated bilateral development cooperation under the framework of Mekong-Ganga Cooperation through quick impact projects, ITEC training and educational scholarships. They appreciated the establishment of Centre of Excellence for Software Development and Training at the Posts & Telecommunications Institute of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City with Indian cooperation. They also welcomed the establishment of Army Software Park at Telecommunications University, Nha Trang with support of the Government of India.

22. The leaders encouraged greater student, faculty and research exchanges between universities, think-tanks and other institutions of the two countries in the context of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and Viet Nams vision to become a high-income developed country by 2045. They also supported collaboration among institutions on issues of interest to Global South.

23. They appreciated increase in direct flights between the two countries which have expanded two-way travel and tourism flows. They encouraged further increase in connectivity and tourism between India and Viet Nam.

24. Recalling historical and heritage bonds between the two countries, the leaders encouraged greater exchange of Buddhist scholars, monks, pilgrims, students, and in this direction welcomed the ongoing development of Buddhist and other spiritual sites and institutions. Viet Nam appreciated Indias commitment for the restoration and conservation of My Son UNESCO World Heritage Site and the work done by Archaeological Survey of India in the A, H and K Blocks as well as the forthcoming project in the F Block.

25. India appreciated Viet Nams support for the annual organisation of the International Day of Yoga in a large number of Vietnamese cities and provinces. The leaders expressed support for greater cooperation among yoga institutions of the two countries and the bilateral exchanges in the field of traditional medicine, including the field of medicinal plants. They also agreed to enhance cultural exchange and media cooperation between the two countries.

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

26. The leaders agreed on the key role of ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture for regional peace, stability and prosperity. They supported further strengthening of ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which complements bilateral relations with respective Member States. The leaders appreciated the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region which provide opportunities for further cooperation between the AOIP and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. They agreed to continue strengthening cooperation and mutual support at all international fora. India appreciated Viet Nams consistent support for Indias permanent membership in the reformed United Nations Security Council.

27. Underlining the link between prosperity and security, the leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, while pursuing the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), without resorting to threat or use of force. Both leaders underscored the importance of non-militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states, and avoidance of actions that could further complicate the situation or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability. Both leaders emphasized the legal framework set out by the UNCLOS within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out, and that UNCLOS is the basis for determining maritime entitlements, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and legitimate interests over maritime zones. Both leaders further called for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and the substantive negotiations towards the early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS, that does not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of all nations including those not party to these negotiations.

28. Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They stressed the importance of international collaboration in combating this menace in accordance with international law, particularly the principles of the United Nations Charter, and reiterated their commitment to joint efforts in this endeavour.

29. The leaders welcomed the signing of various bilateral cooperation documents, which are annexed.

30. The Prime Minister of Viet Nam appreciated the arrangements for the visit and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of India to visit Viet Nam.

New Delhi 01 August 2024

PM Pham Minh Chinh and PM Narendra Modi witness the exchange of cooperation documents (Photo: VNA)

List of India-Vietnam Agreements/MoUs/Announcements

Plan of Action to advance Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Viet Nam 2024-2028.

Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Customs Capacity Building between CBIC, India and the General Department of Viet Nam Customs, Viet Nam.

Memorandum of Understanding between Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur and Viet Nam Academy of Agricultural Science, Hanoi for cooperation in Agricultural Research and Education.

Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry of Law & Justice of India and Ministry of Justice of Viet Nam on cooperation in the legal field.

Memorandum of Understanding between Prasar Bharati and the Voice of Viet Nam for Cooperation on Radio and Television.

Dollar Credit Line Agreement of USD 120 mn between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam represented by Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM) and Dollar Credit Line Agreement of USD 180 mn between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam represented by Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM).

Letter of Intent between India and Viet Nam for restoration and conservation of F Block at My Son UNESCO World Heritage site.

Memorandum of Understanding between the Traditional Medicine Administration Ministry of Health of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the National Medicinal Plants Board Department of Ayush, Ministry of Ayush of Government of the Republic of India on Cooperation in the Field of Medicinal Plants.

Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways of the Republic of India on Cooperation and Development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.

Virtual Inauguration of Army Software Park at Telecommunications University Nha Trang, Viet Nam.

Vietnam to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

India's Adani eyes numerous investment projects in Vietnam Adani Group, one of India's leading corporations, is keen on investments in Vietnam, from Lien Chieu Port to Vinh Tan 3 Thermal Power Plant and key airport projects.
At the August 1 meeting between Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Ba Hoan and Deputy Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Vietnam Kubo Yoshitomo. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Ba Hoan met with Kubo Yoshitomo, Deputy Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Vietnam, on August 1 to accelerate a project connecting Vietnamese workers with overseas job opportunities.

Hoan spoke highly of JICA's support for the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA)'s state management and highlighted its commitment to joint projects with the agency.

For the project "Supporting to connect job information for Vietnamese workers to work abroad under contract", he called for closer cooperation to expedite its completion. This is to align with Japans recently-passed revised immigration law, replacing the previous technical training system for foreign workers.

Once the project is operational, it will provide comprehensive and accurate labour market information, and reduce intermediary steps and costs for workers, Hoan said.

He instructed the ministry's specialised units to continue working closely with JICA to agree on an optimal solution that meets the project's requirements.

Yoshitomo wished that in upcoming technical meetings, the two sides will reach consensus on the solution to accelerate the project's progress.

According to the MoLISA, the project is a joint effort between its Department of Overseas Labour and JICA, scheduled to run from 2023 to 2028.

Japan Day event for Citi clients in Vietnam Citi organised a Japan Day client event on April 15 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam - Japan enter new phase of investment ties With the latest incarnation of the Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative in a New Era, bilateral investment ties are expected to enter a new period of stronger development. Takeo Nakajima, chief representative of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in Hanoi, talked to VIRs Bich Thuy about future prospects.
A report titled "Navigating high winds: Southeast Asia Outlook 2024-34" was released on August 1, compiled by the Development Bank of Singapore, consulting firm Bain & Company, and Angsana Council.

The report forecasts the expected growth of the six largest Southeast Asian economies of Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.

According to the report, over the next decade, Southeast Asia will likely grow faster than the previous decade, with higher GDP growth and higher total foreign direct investment (FDI) than China. Southeast Asias growth will be driven by stronger domestic economies and a resurgence in investment catalysed by China + 1 supply chain shifts.

Specifically, Southeast Asia is predicted to grow GDP by 5.1 per cent, on average, in the next decade. Vietnam and the Philippines are expected to be the faster-growing countries, with Vietnam remaining in front.

"Vietnam is forecast to maintain a GDP growth rate of 6.6 per cent in the 2024-2034 period and its export-oriented economy is well-positioned to capture China + 1 opportunities," the report said. "The country also boasts a highly diverse source of FDI, productive interprovincial competition, and high-quality workforce and education levels."

To grow faster than the forecasts, Southeast Asia should invest in new growth sectors, foster tech-enabled disruptors, expand capital markets breadth and depth, and accelerate the green transition, the report added. The region should also commit to growth-friendly multilateral initiatives, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Belt and Road Initiative, and a transnational electricity grid.

Strong economic fundamentals are key to fast recovery in Vietnam Vietnams economic recovery has been faster than expected and continues despite the challenges of the world's socioeconomic issues.

Vietnam among ASEAN economies predicted to grow fast Vietnam is among the six ASEAN economies forecast to grow by 4.2 per cent in 2023, outpacing the global gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2 per cent, according to Maybank Group president and chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli.
Vietnams fresh pomelo licensed to export to RoK. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) of the Republic of Korea (RoK) has officially announced regulations for importing fresh pomelos from Vietnam on its website, according to the Plant Protection Department (PPD) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

Thus, pomelo is the third fresh fruit from Vietnam permitted for export to the RoK, along with dragon fruit and mango, marking a significant milestone and opening up great opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products to access international markets.

This approval helps affirm the quality and reputation of Vietnamese farm produce in the global market.

The department said in 2018 it initiated a programme to promote the export of pomelos to the RoK. Following active coordination and information exchange to facilitate the pest risk analysis process, and going through multiple rounds of negotiations, the PPD and the APQA reached a technical agreement in a bilateral meeting in April 2024.

According to the PPD, to meet standards for exporting pomelo to the RoK, the growing areas must register annually with the department. The agency will manage and supervise these areas to ensure that the pest species of concern to the RoK are kept at low density levels through pest monitoring and control activities.

Packaging facilities that sort and pack fresh pomelos for export to the RoK must also register annually with the department and undergo regular cleaning and inspections.

The list of registered pomelo growing regions, export packing facilities, and vapour heat treatment facilities must be submitted to the APQA before the annual export of fresh pomelos begins.

Businesses can access more detailed information on the APQA website at https://www.qia.go.kr or the unofficial Vietnamese translation available on the PPDs website at https://www.ppd.gov.vn.

Chile opens door for Vietnams pomelo Chilean authorities have granted permission for Vietnam to ship pomelo to the Latin American market, according to Minister of Agriculture of Chile Antonio Walker.
Noe Diaz, the incoming chief of the Houston Police Department, speaks at the podium during a press conference with Mayor John Whitmire, left, and interim HPD Chief Larry Satterwhite, right, during a press conference Diaz as the new chief Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at Houston City Hall in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Noe Diaz, the incoming Houston Police Department chief, listens as Interim Police Chief Larry Satterwhite speaks during a press conference Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at Houston City Hall in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Noe Diaz, center, the incoming chief of the Houston Police Department, speaks to a reporter during a press conference with Mayor John Whitmire, left, and interim HPD Chief Larry Satterwhite, right, during a press conference Diaz as the new chief Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at Houston City Hall in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Mayor John Whitmire, center, speaks during a press conference with Noe Diaz, left, and interim Houston Police Chief Larry Satterwhite, right, on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at Houston City Hall in Houston. Whitmire announced that Diaz will be the new HPD chief. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Interim Houston Police Chief Larry Satterwhite speaks to reporters during a press conference to announce Noe Diaz, at right, as the new police chief Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at Houston City Hall in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Noe Diaz, the incoming chief of the Houston Police Department, speaks during a press conference Diaz as the new chief Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at Houston City Hall in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Noe Diaz introduced himself as Houstons next police chief Friday by touting his relationship to the department through his career, first from his time in state law enforcement and later as Katys top officer.

The new chief offered few specifics on his plans for the law enforcement agency of the nation's fourth-largest city but said more drones and more funding might help improve conditions in the Houston Police Department, recently reeling from a scandal over 264,000 cases suspended using an internal code citing a lack of personnel.

During my time there, Katy became the most modern police department for a city of its size, he said. Those are improvements I want to bring here.

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Mayor John Whitmire called Diazs appointment an exciting day for the city of Houston, explaining his decision to hire the law enforcement veteran because he was the best crime fighter.

I have trust and confidence in him, Whitmire said. He said he has known Diaz for 20 years during their overlapping years at the state level in Austin. Whitmire said he was looking for someone outside the HPD but with knowledge of Houstons neighborhoods when he was seeking former Chief Troy Finners full-time replacement.

Diaz has served as the Katy police chief  leading a department of less than 100 people  since 2019. When asked how hed adjust to moving to a department with almost 6,000 employees, he said hed lean on servant leadership and a working knowledge of many aspects of law enforcement, from corruption investigations to patrol operations.

Before joining Katy, Diaz spent almost 23 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Diaz previously worked for the Harris County Precinct 5 Constables Office starting in 1994 and began his law enforcement career as a correctional officer in 1986.

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WHO IS NOE DIAZ?: A look at the man chosen to lead HPD

After joining the state agency, Diaz was assigned to the Katy highway patrol office as a trooper, according to his biography on the city of Katys website. In 2001, he was promoted to the narcotics division in Houston for the state police. He became a Texas Ranger in 2008 and served in Rio Grande City and Houston.

"I am very happy for Chief Diaz and the City of Houston," Fort Bend District Attorney Brian Middleton said. "Noe Diaz is a man of great integrity with a strong work ethic. These attributes will be important to his leadership of an organization as large as HPD. Chief Diazs experience as a chief administrator of Katy PD, his work at DPS, his experience as a Texas Ranger, and his experience with public integrity investigations will be assets for HPD as he works to enhance public trust and maintain morale."

HPD to be a new challenge for Diaz

Jay Coons, a professor at Sam Houston State University who retired from the Harris County Sheriffs Office in 2018, said he was interested to see how Diaz transitions to a big-city police department after spending the bulk of his career in state law enforcement.

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HPD is a much different mindset, Coons said. DPS is enforcement-oriented. And, I think, given the current climate, is sort of at odds with the kinder, gentler face city policing is pushing.

Municipal police agencies have put a focus on events such as Coffee with a Cop and interacting with the community, whereas state troopers are traffic-oriented, Coons said. But the fact that Diaz spent five years in charge in Katy speaks to the more political instincts he might have for a job like Houstons top officer.

To be able to survive as a chief for five years speaks to a political skill, Coons said. Five years is uncommon for a chief, especially in a smaller town.

MORE ON DROPPED CASES: Police investigating murders sidelined in suspended cases scandal.

Diaz arrives in Houston at a moment of transition. The department recently released a 41-page report detailing the circumstances that gave rise to a code used to suspend more than 264,000 cases citing a lack of personnel. Acting Chief Larry Satterwhite called the scandal a systemic failure of leadership and the department. The report alleged that the code was born out of a 2014 audit, that it spread rapidly through the departments divisions with poor oversight and that an antiquated records management system has stifled efforts to contain it.

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While announcing Diazs hire, Whitmire also tabbed Satterwhite to take over as the director of the Mayors Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. Satterwhite spent 34 years at HPD and was once the departments assistant chief over homeland security issues.

Diaz said he would lean on Satterwhites expertise and familiarity with department operations in his first weeks on the job. He declined to speak on the scandal, saying he would leave it to investigators to complete a look into the parties responsible for its spread. He did say the issue might require staffing changes or changes to the granular operations of police work.

City officials react to hiring

Houston City Council members, too, have their own opinions about Diazs hire. A few who spoke with the Houston Chronicle said the mayor had his own discretion to pick who leads the department, and a few said they didnt know much about Diaz.

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Obviously the mayor knows him, and I guess that's what's the most important thing here, said Council Member Amy Peck, who chairs the citys Public Safety Committee.

Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas said Diazs resume read as though hed mastered the technical sides of public safety, but she mentioned that Houston had centered on community policing.

She also wondered why an internal candidate wasnt considered for the job, adding that the department had talent to choose from, considering the money the city put toward training and professional development for its officers.

I am curious how his experience and training stacks up against racially diverse neighborhoods in one of the largest police departments in Texas, Thomas wrote in a text.

Council Member Julian Ramirez first crossed paths with Diaz when he worked at the Harris County District Attorneys Office and Diaz was at DPS. He referred to Diaz as honest, smart and savvy.

No doubt there will be a learning curve, but he's going to have help, Ramirez said, pointing out that it will be key for Diaz to choose command staff who advise him well. It's not an easy job for anyone, but I believe his personal qualities will help him succeed in that job.

Ramirez said the good thing about Diaz coming to lead the department is that he wont have the same baggage as an internal candidate could possibly have as HPD works through the suspended case scandal.
WATERLOO  Prosecutors say a Waterloo man broke into a co-workers apartment and left behind a sexually charged letter as part of a plot to stir up trouble for her boyfriend.

But the plot backfired when a web camera alerted the victims to the burglary, and the intruder was found trying to hide in a closet.

Assistant County Attorney Heather Jackson told the court the crime was sexually motivated during opening statements in a bench trial Wednesday for 25-year-old Thomas Robert Connor of Waterloo.

He is charged with third-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools.

Connors attorney, Ray Walton, said the crime doesnt amount to burglary.

This is a strange case, and because its a strange case it doesnt fit with your regular burglary, Walton said.

He said Connor has autism and is arguing his diminished capacity made it impossible to form the intent to commit the crime.

Louis Rosell, a forensic psychologist who used to be the director of sex offender treatment for the Iowa Department of Corrections, testified for the defense. He said he did not consider the incident sexual in nature.

I have difficulty seeing the sexual motivation, Rosell testified.

He said Connors condition contributed to his behavior, and he acted without considering the consequences. He noted he quit taking his medication shortly before the incident. He also said the case appears to be an isolated incident.

According to testimony at trial, Connor and the woman worked together at a grocery store. She said she was nice to him, but there wasnt a relationship, and she kept her personal life to herself. When she talked to him as part of the job, he wouldnt answer, she said.

Her boyfriend, who didnt know Connor, said they had earlier set up Blink security cameras that their Cobblestone Circle apartment because of recent attempted break-ins at neighboring apartments.

On the morning of July 11, 2023, the boyfriend was at work when he received an alert from his camera, which showed a video of a hand opening the apartment door.

Another camera caught the image of a man in a facemask and sunglasses entering and holding a plastic Target shopping bag.

The woman received a similar alert and called police.

It took the boyfriend about 12 minutes to arrive at the apartment. He found the intruder in the bedroom, crouching next to an open closet. Armed with a gun, the boyfriend told him to get on the ground. He said the intruder brushed past him in an attempt to escape. He forced him to the floor until police arrived.

The boyfriend said he didnt know Connor. Connor told him he was looking for money, and he looked away when the woman arrived, according to testimony. She didnt see his face and didnt realize it was her co-worker until police were leading him away.

Officers found a lockpicking device on Connor, according to court records.

The woman said she noticed her underwear drawer was open and had been rummaged through, and then about an hour after the police left she noticed the grocery bag with an envelope next to the couch.

She and the boyfriend opened it and read the contents. The printed letter purported to be a journal or blog post written by the boyfriend and contained sexual plans to commit against the victims younger minor sisters, records state.

The woman said she knew immediately her boyfriend didnt write it. She said the discovery concerned her because she initially thought it was a random crime, but now she knew she had been targeted.

It wasnt clear how Connor obtained the womans address and details about her personal life, including the identity of her boyfriend and her sister. The woman said she wasnt active on social media.

Connor told police he wrote the letter and planned to plant it to cause problems between the woman and her boyfriend, court records state.

Testimony in the trial is scheduled to resume on Monday.
Nicole Hensley is a staff writer for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at nicole.hensley@houstonchronicle.com.

She joined the Chronicle in 2018 from the New York Daily News and after writing for The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington. A native of Seattle, Nicole is a graduate of Washington State University.
I have been watching this process take place and as in any sensitive subject you must stay quiet about things like this. At least while they happen. This is really an exchange for innocent children vs actual spies for the west and east and as in any case involving children, thank goodness the children got home. I do not approve and or disapprove either way in this case. Just the children got home to Russia

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has released a video showing the moment before 16 people released by Moscow to the West were about to fly to Turkiye for the planned exchange.

https://www.rt.com/russia/602021-video-biggest-prisoner-swap/

Moscow and Washington have swapped a total of 26 prisoners in the biggest exchange of this type in modern history. According to the FSB, eight Russian nationals held in the US, Germany, Norway, Poland, and Slovenia, and two children returned in exchange for individuals who acted in the interests of foreign states to the detriment of the security of the Russian Federation.

And vice versa

Putin met the families that had been jailed by the USA

WtR
Former Houston police officer Gerald Goines speaks to his lawyers Nicole Degrade Hochglaube, left, and Molly Bagshaw before the start of jury selection in his felony murder trial on Monday, July 1, 2024 in Houston. The trial comes more than five years since the no-knock raid that left Dennis Tuttle and his wife, Rhogena Nicholas, dead and five officers wounded in an exchange of gunfire. The veteran officer retired from the department and was charged later that year with felony murder, tampering with a government record and engaging in organized criminal activity. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

A last ditch attempt to move former Houston police officer Gerald Goines trial elsewhere in Texas amid growing concern of an unfair judicial process failed Thursday after lawyers wrapped up about five weeks of jury selection.

Goines lawyers argued to move the felony murder trial in September to another county after voicing concerns that too many of the prospective jurors who showed up to court since June 28 knew about the allegations against the former narcotics officer and had formed an opinion. The defense highlighted the accounts of several women who were interviewed at length for the trial. One professed she had researched the case and another said she discussed the case with a co-worker.

One juror was so overcome with emotion about the weight of the case  that she had to excuse herself because she was crying and had to reach for her inhaler to breathe, Nicole DeBorde Hochglaube, one of Goines defense attorneys, wrote in court filings.

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The examples were cited in her motion to dismiss Goines case, with DeBorde Hochglaube also pegging the request to allegations of prosecutorial misconduct. The judge rejected the motion and their request to move the trial and went on Friday to sign a gag order against the district attorneys office and the defense team to prevent extrajudicial statements, court records show.

The gag order, similar to what a civil court instilled for the massive Astroworld litigation, does not stop either side from discussing scheduling, the legal process or describing what happens in the public record. In the Astroworld wrongful death cases, the lawyers took the order further and declined to comment on any aspect of the case.

Goines legal team aired similar worries in 2023, under a different judge, that the Harris County District Attorneys Office had saturated Houston with Harding Street-related publicity and tainted Goines' case for the jury pool.

A spokesperson for District Attorney Kim Oggs office on Friday declined to discuss Goines case or answer questions about jury selection. A court employee said jury selection ended Wednesday.

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The tapped jurors, including alternates, will return to court Sept. 9 for the trial.

The veteran officer, charged in 2019, is accused of lying to obtain the search warrant used to carry out a drug raid at the Pecan Park home of Dennis Tuttle, 59, and Rhogena Nicholas, 58, who were killed in an exchange of gunfire. The fallout of the raid led to the charge of felony murder and other offenses against Goines, as well as legal precedent declaring him a bad actor who routinely lied in drug cases.

Charges against several police officers over an alleged overtime scheme unearthed during the Harding Street raid investigation followed.

Judge Veronica Nelson, who took over cases for Goines and others linked to Harding Street after the suspension of another judge, quashed the indictments against those officers in June. Ogg pledged to return their cases to a grand jury, like she did after a similar quashing for one of Goines' charges, but new indictments have not followed.

Murray Newman, a lawyer who observed the hearing this week, said Judge Nelson appeared troubled by the district attorneys offices handling of the case but she did not believe a dismissal would be appropriate. The judge outlined why the arduous process of interviewing jurors individually alleviated the need to move the trial, he said.

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Newman, a vocal critic of Oggs administration, expressed similar concern about the prosecution.
(MUSIC INTRO)

[00:00:01] Bob: This week on The Perfect Scam.

[00:00:03] Daniel Kenigsberg: He said, "Oh by the way, I see they're building a house next to your old house." So the only place you can build a house next to my old house would have been on my land... This property, the last time I saw it, was like woods, big, big trees, dense woods. You couldn't walk through it.

[00:00:18] Bob: Somebody cut down a dozen trees or?

[00:00:20] Daniel Kenigsberg: They must have cut down hundreds of trees.

(MUSIC SEGUE)

[00:00:25] Bob: Welcome back to The Perfect Scam. I'm your host, Bob Sullivan. Maybe you heard the crazy story this spring about Graceland, Elvis's home, being put up for auction largely based on forged loan documents. A last-minute lawsuit put a stop to that but fake documents have been used to buy and sell real property and today's story is an example of that which is just crazy. Daniel grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut, and still owned property there. It was essentially his childhood backyard. But when he went home recently to visit a sick friend, a developer had cleared the land and was halfway through building a luxury home on it. How could something like this happen? And how would this kind of mess ever get untangled? Keep listening.

[00:01:16] Bob: I went to Fairfield for college, so I have a lot of affection for Fairfield.

[00:01:19] Daniel Kenigsberg: Oh, okay. So you had a Fairfield year?

[00:01:21] Bob: I did, I did.

[00:01:22] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well when I was a child, I don't know if you know this about Fairfield U, but when I was a child the New York Giants' summer training camp was at Fairfield University, so you could just go over there as a child and see all the New York Giants like Frank Gifford and YA Tittle, and all of those.

[00:01:38] Bob: So obviously you went, right?

[00:01:39] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah, as a kid, sure.

[00:01:40] Bob: I think when people think of Fairfield now, they basically think of, it's, you know, kind of like Bronx north, right, it's big, a big part of the New York Metropolitan area, but when you grew up, it wasn't quite like that, right?

[00:01:50] Daniel Kenigsberg: Towns like say Greenwich or Stanford or Darien, these I think were kind of like you know, bedroom communities of people who worked in New York City. There weren't that many people out as far as Fairfield, the town of Fairfield, that actually commuted to Manhattan every day.

[00:02:13] Bob: Growing up in the 1950s, it's fair to say that Fairfield was fairly rural at the time, and even today you'll spot plenty of stone fences in what some might call the first New England town as you head up the I-95 corridor.

[00:02:29] Daniel Kenigsberg: I actually moved into this home on my first birthday.

[00:02:32] Bob: Um, so you lived there until you were how old?

[00:02:34] Daniel Kenigsberg: I lived there until I went to uh college.

[00:02:38] Bob: When his dad bought the place, it was actually two lots with plenty of space. Daniel lived in a house on one lot and the vacant lot next door was a wooded playground.

[00:02:50] Daniel Kenigsberg: This whole area in 1953 was kind of undeveloped. The, this is obviously a postwar America and there were a lot of people who were young professionals, who were young business people who were starting out and starting their families in the area, and one thing about not only the town of Fairfield, but Fairfield County, is that it was somewhat restricted as to where people could live based on their religion or ethnicity. But for a lot of Jewish professionals, like my father who was a physician, he wanted to live in Fairfield and this particular plot of land was a farm and kind of a combination of a farm and an orchard, which had been in operation since 1716 believe it or not.

[00:03:41] Bob: Wow.

[00:03:41] Daniel Kenigsberg: That's 1-7-1-6. It belonged to the Parmlee family. And their house, that house from 1716 was kind of in our backyard, and is still there, and the Parmlee's were selling their land in the early 1950s real estate developers, and so here was a totally new uh neighborhood that was going to arise and so most of the people who were buying and building houses there were kind of Jewish professionals, be they, you know, uh, physicians or, again, business people, or there were some people on my block who were engineers. Um, uh but the neighborhood was way, way more than 50% Jewish, that's kind of the sociology of it because there were, you know there were other neighborhoods in Fairfield, Connecticut, that wouldn't sell you a house. It affected why they bought in that part of Fairfield and it also I think led to you know a lot of cohesion in that neighborhood because the majority of the fathers had served in the second World War. I was actually just thinking about this because it's almost June 6th, which is D-Day, and like you know my father went over on the third day of D-Day and you know, but that wasn't, that was pretty typical. You know almost all the fathers were veterans of the second World War. And they were all having children at about the same time, so I had this big cohort of children and many of us uh were also uh you know going through the same synagogues and uh uh, you know, obviously grammar schools, and so there was a lot of cohesion in this neighborhood and indeed, you know, a lot of people I grew up with still kind of live around there.

[00:05:23] Bob: So it should be clear why that property means so much to Daniel.

[00:05:29] Daniel Kenigsberg: Running around the neighborhood, going in and out of other people's houses, uh, everybody you know the dogs, dogs not being on leash, you know if you had a pet, the pet would be running all over the neighborhood with the children and yeah, it was very idyllic.

[00:05:43] Bob: Of course. You know it's not just a piece of land, right?

[00:05:46] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah, it's, it's funny. I mean this, this has really come kind of roaring back because you know I just also had my 50th college reunion and it's kind of strange to me that it's been much more emotional for me to, to see people that I was with when I was say between the ages of 5 and 10 than to see people I was with between the ages of 18 and 22. So it's a very different relationship.

[00:06:11] Bob: I mean your friends who were, when you're 5 and 6, that's your whole life.

[00:06:15] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah.

[00:06:17] Bob: Daniel now lives on Long Island where he enjoys a really successful medical career. Long Island isn't far from Fairfield as the crow flies, or as the ferry sails, but it's a world apart in the New York Metro area. The family finally sold their childhood home a few years ago when Daniel's brother died, but Daniel decided to hold onto the vacant woodland next door. He planned to give the land to his children someday, so he pays his property taxes on the land once a year, but otherwise doesn't think much about it until an old childhood friend calls one day.

[00:06:54] Daniel Kenigsberg: The call is about another childhood friend, also in the neighborhood, who was in hospice. So this is a friend who uh, you know had advanced cancer and he thought I might want to know that, I might want to say goodbye to him. And so in informing me about this he just said, you know, he's somebody who still lives locally, he said, "Oh by the way, I see they're building a house next to your old house." So the only place you can build a house next to my old house would have been on my land.

[00:07:27] Bob: They're building a house next to your old house? How could that possibly be? Daniel hasn't sold the land. There must be some mistake. A big one. But Daniel is fairly certain it's not his friend making the mistake.

[00:07:42] Bob: So this friend says they're building a house on what you know to be your land. Do you think, oh, he's got to be mistaken, doesn't remember where I was, what do you think?

[00:07:50] Daniel Kenigsberg: Oh no, I, I, he's a reliable person and this is our, our neighborhood, and there's only one lot where anybody could ever build a house. And so I believed him.

[00:08:02] Bob: Yeah, I cannot imagine someone saying, "You know that land you have, there's a house going up on it." What is that like?

[00:08:08] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well, it's, it's surprising.

[00:08:11] Bob: Daniel has to go see this for himself, and he doesn't have to wait long.

[00:08:16] Bob: Um, do you, do you rush to the property to go see it? When was the first time you saw the property in its development?

[00:08:21] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well, it was actually the same day because I remember it was a Wednesday, and it turns out the hospice is only, I mean it's maybe a quarter of a mile from my house. And there's a ferry that runs across Long Island Sound from Port Jefferson, which is near here to Bridgeport, which is next to Fairfield. So uh when I get done with work that day, I took the ferry to Connecticut and I went to hospice to see my friend, and then I went around the corner to see this, you know, this house under construction.

[00:08:52] Bob: And what was that like?

[00:08:53] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well, it's, again it's a little shocking to see it in reality.

[00:09:00] Bob: Daniel, a doctor, has a bit of a gift for understatement even in the face of very bad news. But he's shocked, particularly by what's happened to that beautiful, wooded lot from his childhood.

[00:09:13] Daniel Kenigsberg: This property, the last time I saw it, was like woods, big, big trees, dense woods. You couldn't walk through it; it was really dense woods and you know it was completely scorched earth. They, they completely tore, tore it down.

[00:09:26] Bob: Ah, somebody cut down a dozen trees or...?

[00:09:27] Daniel Kenigsberg: Oh, not a dozen trees, they must have cut down hundreds of trees. I mean...

[00:09:30] Bob: Oh my God!

[00:09:31] Daniel Kenigsberg: You know, if you can imagine, it's a half an acre of growth that in 1953 was kind of like a field, but in that part of the country it just grows into woods, so you, you know, in 50 years you can grow, well it's more than 50 years, 70 years, you can grow woods, and so that's what it is. Or was.

[00:09:50] Bob: Wow.

[00:09:50] Daniel Kenigsberg: And you know and they didn't try to save any, you know it's not like they tried to like save some of these trees for, you know, the property, the landscaping, they just did scorched earth.

[00:10:00] Bob: You had spent your childhood playing in these trees, right?

[00:10:03] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well, actually, when I was a young child, it was really more like a field, you know with high grass and small trees. There, on one edge of it, one edge of it there was still an apple tree, but there were, from when it was an orchard, but it still had apples on it, and I had a tree fort in that tree. But...

[00:10:20] Bob: You had a tree fort in the apple tree.

[00:10:21] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah.

[00:10:22] Bob: It's jaw-dropping to see a home being built where his old tree fort was. On land he owns. And remember, Daniel has a lot to digest that day.

[00:10:34] Bob: I just want to make sure people understand, this is a, a hard day for you. You, you went to go visit your friend, to say good-bye to a childhood friend, then you see this. That sounds, that's a lot to deal with in one afternoon.

[00:10:44] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah, it, it is, although, you know, again, I'm a physician, so there's a lot of emotion involved in what I do day-to-day, so.

[00:10:54] Bob: Daniel takes the ferry back to Long Island that night, and he's already started to make a plan.

[00:11:00] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well, I did have a lawyer that I knew in Fairfield because my, my parents had set up estate planning, and they had an estates and trust lawyer, and then I had to deal with that lawyer when my mother died. And then I had to deal with that lawyer again when my brother died, and then when my second brother died. So the only lawyer I had in Fairfield, Connecticut, was an estates and trust lawyer, and fortunately she's still in practice. So I called her up and I said, "This just happened, and who should I go to," and, and she actually, I'm going to say it's quite remarkable. Within an hour or two she had figured the whole thing out by just, you know, just kind of calling other lawyers and looking at some town records, and uh got back to me with pretty much what happened.

[00:11:51] Bob: And what did she say?

[00:11:53] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well, she said that a lawyer had done a power of attorney, on my behalf, but not on my behalf. And uh had sold this land to a uh builder, and the builder was, you know, was building a house thinking that I had sold the land.

[00:12:12] Bob: Someone pretended to be you and sold the property.

[00:12:14] Daniel Kenigsberg: Right.

[00:12:17] Bob: Somehow a criminal faked his identity and persuaded a real estate agent and a developer and who knows who else that the land was for sale. And closed the sale and got the money. And the developer got the necessary permits and razed all the trees on the land. So the fight begins.

[00:12:42] Bob: I, I'm guessing there were lots of conversations between lawyers and builders.

[00:12:46] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah, well we hired lawyers and we had to uh basically um, I'm forgetting what the term is, but you have to you know contest the title to this property. So that was done. And then you had to stop the construction, you know then you have to establish that this is really my land and that whatever is going on on my land is a matter of trespassing. You know I must say the builder didn't really have any means to kind of contest that because it, you know it was what it was.

[00:13:24] Bob: And stopped construction pretty quickly, right?

[00:13:26] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah, yeah.

[00:13:27] Bob: So with--, I mean within a week? Within a month? How quickly was that construction stopped?

[00:13:30] Daniel Kenigsberg: Oh it was within a week.

[00:13:31] Bob: Okay.

[00:13:32] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah.

[00:13:32] Bob: The fake seller apparently used a fraudulent passport to convince everyone in the process he had the right to sell the land and the price was well below market value, a price the builder was willing to pay.

[00:13:47] Daniel Kenigsberg: One of the interesting for lack of better words or outrageous things about this is that since one of my brothers died I, up until 2009, this land was owned 50/50 between my brother Bernie and me. And then when my brother Bernie died, it became 100% owned by me. So since 2009, the tax bill would come to me, and I live in the same address now that I lived in 2009, and so every June I'd get a tax bill from the town of Fairfield, and I, you know, just paid the property tax and you know I didn't think about it very much. You know like I could pay it you know quarterly, but I would just pay the whole year at once, once a year. I guess because, you know, I'm the sole owner of that land and I'm pretty easy to find, you know, every year or so you know once or twice a year I get a call or a letter from somebody saying, do you want to sell your land? The answer is no, but people were finding me, you know if you, if you had just gone to town hall and said, you know, who owns this property, it would be my name and my address. So real easy to find me, so the fact that the people involved in these transactions never did that is, it's really quite unbelievable. But that's, I guess what happened.

[00:15:13] Bob: So Daniel has fairly easily established ownership and asserted his rights, but now he has to somehow figure out how the heck to undo all that damage.

[00:15:26] Bob: So the immediate bleeding has been stopped, I suppose you might say, um, but as you start to figure out, okay, how do we make this right? How do you put back 70 years' worth of tree growth?

[00:15:36] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well you know you, you have a basic question which is what is the outcome that you want is the outcome that, at this point in time, you'd just like to sell this land which you aren't using except for maybe emotional purposes or do you want the house torn down and do you want the land restored. And you know, our position was, I wasn't selling this land. I refused several offers to sell this land. And so you can, you know, tear down the house and restore the land. And that was the basis of the lawsuit that was filed.

[00:16:11] Bob: And, and restoring the land I'm, I'm guessing meant planting a whole bunch of saplings, doing some other things to at least approximate what it was, right?

[00:16:19] Daniel Kenigsberg: Right. And that would be something that would have to be monitored over a period of years because you know, that, that was the lawsuit.

[00:16:28] Bob: In the end, there is no reasonable way to set things back the way they were. Months go by. Local news is fascinated by the story which seems to have no happy ending possible. So eventually, Daniel agrees to the best solution he can find.

[00:16:45] Daniel Kenigsberg: I mean if I wanted to go through several years of, you know, litigation in federal court, there is probably no doubt that I could still own this property. You know, and then I guess I should jump ahead to tell you that this ultimately has resulted in a settlement, and the, the terms of the settlement are confidential, so I'm not allowed to disclose any of that, and it's also part of the settlement which is non-disparagement. So I'm not supposed to say anything bad about anybody.

[00:17:19] Bob: Am I allowed to ask, you don't own the property though, right?

[00:17:21] Daniel Kenigsberg: I no longer own the property.

[00:17:23] Bob: Um, and I'm sure you're glad to have this behind you in some form, but also this sounds like it's a little bittersweet.

[00:17:30] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well it's, it's what's known as a forced sale.

[00:17:32] Bob: What is a forced sale?

[00:17:34] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well, if you're going to make a settlement with all the parties involved, you have to give up the property that you didn't want to sell to begin with. I think the best example might be something like say eminent domain, like say they want to build a highway through your property and you know they can't build that highway unless it goes exactly through your property, and even though you don't want to sell your property, you know, at some point government can force you to do that because they have what's known as eminent domain. So that's forced sale.

[00:18:05] Bob: Daniel is trying his best to be philosophical about it all, but...

[00:18:09] Bob: I can't help but wonder listening to you, did anyone help you along the way? Was there a city official who came out and said, oh, I cant believe this happened, or a neighbor who said, you know what can I do... I mean did you, did you get help from anybody as you were figuring this out?

[00:18:24] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well that's another part of the story which, which I think is somewhat important to your audience, okay? That I think the two take on messages are number one, even though you have a lot of people who have licenses who are supposed to know what they're doing and they're supposed to do a certain amount of care and due diligence, be they real estate brokers, be they lawyers, be they title companies, okay, that may not happen. And then the second part of this is that if this happens, is the town concerned? Is law enforcement concerned? And say the answer is, no. I mean it's not that I have, I want vengeance or I have a vendetta towards this fraudster wherever this person is in the world who said they were me and got a lot of money or my land that they didn't own, but if this isn't solved by law enforcement, then why isn't this person going to do it again and again? Right?

[00:19:25] Bob: Of course. The fact that somebody would get permits, pile up a bunch of wood, start construction on a piece of property without double-checking is, is a, otherworldly in my head, that's just shock...

[00:19:35] Daniel Kenigsberg: Not, not even, well, they didn't even single check.

[00:19:39] Bob: (laugh) I don't mean to laugh, but yeah.

[00:19:42] Daniel Kenigsberg: I don't know if that's a phrase, but they just did...

[00:19:43] Bob: That's a great phrase.

[00:19:44] Daniel Kenigsberg: They just didn't, plain didn't check.

[00:19:46] Bob: Yeah, yeah.

[00:19:47] Daniel Kenigsberg: Just imagine hundreds of thousands of dollars are wired from this builder who was buying the property to some fraudster who is selling the property. Why can't law enforcement track down where the money went and get to the person who received that money? Okay, to my knowledge, this has not been done. And...

[00:20:08] Bob: This is $330,000. Do I have that right?

[00:20:10] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah, it was actually, I don't know, it was $350,000. I think a small portion of it was held back for some reason, but somewhere in the $300,000 range the money is, you know, goes from one bank to another bank, okay. Well at the other bank, somebody's on the receiving end of that money. Who is it? Okay? I mean wouldn't that be the suspect? Right? I mean I'm not a, all I know about law enforcement is what I see on, you know, television and movies, but isn't that how it works? And again, if somebody gets away with it, they're just going to do it again and again. In fact, the, the person who lives next door in the actual house that I grew up in, is actually the person who, who bought that house from, my brother lived in that house when he died. And so she bought that house from my brother's estate, and although I've actually never physically met this person, I've had this kind of virtual relationship with her since I think 2011 when she bought the house. You know she'd read something, you know, in the local paper that pertains to me. She sends me an email or at one point a tree fell off my property into a neighbor's property and you know she relayed that to me, so I could let them, you know, chop down the tree. And you know, she wanted to put like "No Dumping" signs on the property. Anyway, I've been in regular touch with the person who's right next door. So that's, that's somebody else who would have been easy to say, you know, oh Dan, you know, here's his email, here's his phone number. So it's, it's not that I'm not hard to find.

[00:21:45] Bob: And yet, the system let him down.

[00:21:49] Daniel Kenigsberg: I think that you know we exist in a very mature society where we don't think that something like that could ever happen because all of these layers of, you know, government and, you know, bureaucracy that would prevent something like this happening. In other words, if you're, you know, if you're going to develop land, you're going to have to prove that you own the land, you're going to have to have a deed, presumably uh the town or city where that property is is going to have to be complicit with that. Uh, there have to be, whenever transactions occur, there are usually like lawyers involved and real estate agents involved, and all of those people are supposed to...

[00:22:29] Bob: Fees and permits, right?

[00:22:30] Daniel Kenigsberg: You know, they're supposed to confirm that what they're dealing with is in fact eligible to be, I don't know, for lack of a better word, manipulated, okay? It's kind of, you know, you... I didn't doubt that it happened, but it was like amazing to me. How could this have happened?

[00:22:51] Bob: Still, Daniel maintains an admirable detachment from the madness of this situation.

[00:22:57] Daniel Kenigsberg: Fortunately, it wasn't something that was going to you know threaten my health or threaten my family or threaten my career. It was just something, you know, very odd and rather big and very interesting to me.

[00:23:10] Bob: You have a sense, a certain aura of detachment about it which is, I appreciate.

[00:23:14] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah, I mean on the one hand it's something that I do have an emotional connection to if I, if I drive up Sky Top Drive in Fairfield, Connecticut, there is all kind of impulses that go through me, but on the other hand, the mechanics of this are really pretty interesting.

[00:23:30] Bob: And so interesting is one word. I bet you've used a few other words along the way for it.

[00:23:34] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah.

[00:23:35] Bob: And I know this is sort of an impossible questions, but okay, so you are talking to that listener right now. Is there anything that listener should be doing?

[00:23:43] Daniel Kenigsberg: I don't think you can assume that something like this won't happen. I think that you, you probably need somebody to check on what you own from time to time and make sure nothing's happening to it.

[00:23:56] Bob: We started out talking about Fairfield as a very small village where everybody knew everybody, everybody's dogs played in each other's yards and so something like this couldn't happen in that world. But in the modern world where all this stuff happens, uh, automagically, uh I think we're much more vulnerable to this kind of thing. What, what do you think?

[00:24:13] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well I certainly think now that we have not just a lot more virtual interactions with each other, but even now where you can have like deep fakes and AI, yeah, I think it's, something like this can only get worse. But on, on basic things like say the ownership of land, you know there are documents in places where these documents reside, I think the, maybe the thing we're really going to have to worry about some day is around personal identity. I mean you know, are we all going to have to get like retina scans or, uh or some sort of bio, biomorphic proof of who we are? I don't know.

[00:24:54] Bob: Hmm.

[00:24:55] Daniel Kenigsberg: But it's, it's an important issue for, you know, living in a society. It's an important issue for governing a society, but hopefully, smart people can figure out how to do it.

[00:25:06] Bob: Land rights are pretty fundamental to the order of things here. So if it's this fragile, that's pretty alarming.

[00:25:14] Daniel Kenigsberg: Yeah.

[00:25:14] Bob: People are going to want to know and whatever you can say given your non-disparagement clause, how do you feel about this today? How, how, how are you about this?

[00:25:23] Daniel Kenigsberg: I must admit that even though I haven't lived there since I went to college, I've always been kind of a, a chauvinist about the state of Connecticut. It's, you know, is I think maybe the most highly educated state in the country, certainly one of them. Fairfield County is one of the wealthiest, most educated counties in the country. I uh, I've always thought that this is a very kind of a developed part of the United States. People I know there who are professionals, you know, people who practice medicine there tend to be, you know, very good doctors. I think uh, the legal system there, in my experience, has worked like pretty darn well. And you know this is kind of disillusioned because there have been a whole bunch of people who, in this whole chain of events, kind of fell down on the job. So kind of disillusioned me about my home state, but you know, again, it's not the fault of Connecticut, it's probably something that's much more endemic in our greater society.

[00:26:22] Bob: But I could see this being really troubling if something, 'cause if I were you, my brain would be searching to other places in my life where a system I assumed would protect me, won't protect me, and what, what could that mean?

[00:26:33] Daniel Kenigsberg: Well you can, you can get to a pretty dark place.

[00:26:37] Bob: That's why Daniel is anxious to talk about what happened to him. He wants this problem to be solved so no one else has to go through what he did.

[00:26:47] Daniel Kenigsberg: No, really as, as I've thought about it, it's really those two things. Number one, that, that this can happen. Number two, I think it's the responsibility of government and specifically law enforcement to make sure that this doesn't happen, and if it does happen, to prevent it from happening again.

[00:27:07] Bob: Hopefully some good comes out of you sharing your story. Maybe the right person hears it and decides it, to fix this problem.

[00:27:14] Bob: Imagine, your childhood property sold, a home built on it without your knowledge. I know Daniel's story sounds crazy, but fraud around home and property sales like this isn't all that unusual. We've covered something often called mortgage wire fraud on The Perfect Scam before in which criminals impersonate people involved in real estate transactions and redirect wire payments so they can steal the money. According to one survey, fully half of realtors report someone has tried to impersonate them. So to talk about all these kinds of frauds and how to protect yourself, we have Diane Tomb on the podcast again today. She is the CEO of the American Land Title Association.

[00:28:00] Diane Tomb: We are the trade association that represents the title insurance industry, which is a pretty wide group of individuals. We represent every single county. We have a member in every nick and cranny of this great country of ours. So every county in the country, we have somebody represented there. And we represent both the folks who underwrite the insurance that goes with, you know, the biggest purchase most people make in their, their lives, their home, as well as the agents that help close at the closing table and make sure everything is in order, and sort of really protect the integrity of the whole process.

[00:28:36] Bob: Okay, so, you know, just to review, you were on not that long ago with us, and in that case, like I'm making up this term, but it was essentially realtor impersonation that was happening. People in the middle of a sale would get an email that looked like it was from their realtor so they would end up wiring money to a criminal. This is something else. This is seller impersonation, right?

[00:28:53] Diane Tomb: Right, so the one that when we spoke a few years back, Bob, we actually refer to it as wire transfer fraud. But you're right, it's what, that's what the fraudsters do. They actually do impersonate a realtor or anyone in the transaction, they sort of follow the deal and they sit there and wait until the money gets transferred. At the 11th hour they'll send an email and give you the wrong number and have it transferred you know somewhere offshore or to another country where they can access it. So and that is something that has continued to increase because of technology and others, wire transfer fraud, but we're seeing even additional types of fraud, which is what we're talking about today, which is the seller impersonation.

[00:29:34] Bob: So wire transfer fraud is still happening. In fact, it happened to a friend of one of my family members recently. The news isn't all bad though.

[00:29:43] Diane Tomb: The good news is today people are more aware of it, because it was about three years ago during the pandemic, you know people were just starting to use technology more in this capacity, but now, you know, folks know what to look for most times, but to your point, sometimes it happens late on a Friday, they time these things when, you know that money's gone before they're able to recover it.

[00:30:01] Bob: And it's on the rise? It's as bad as it was then? Is it not as bad as it was then?

[00:30:06] Diane Tomb: It's continuing, but we're able to recover the money quicker, and people are more aware of it, but it's still something folks need to be looking for.

[00:30:14] Bob: But impersonating a seller and selling a property that's not really for sale, well that's not as common, but it is happening. As I mentioned at the beginning of this episode, it almost happened to Graceland. Diane explains.

[00:30:31] Diane Tomb: Graceland is, you know, Elvis Presley's home, and it is a national historic landmark, and when Lisa, Lisa Marie who was Elvis Presley's daughter, passed away last year, she left the home to her daughter, and she, a fraudulent company said that Lisa Marie had used it as collateral for like a multimillion dollar loan. And as a result, they were coming to sort of you know come back and get paid that money that they are owed, that they were going to put the house up for auction. And luckily, the granddaughter who now owns the home was able to sort of get a judge to put it, a stop to it. So they could uh recapture the actual home. So it did not move forward. But what was, there's so many things that were unusual about that particular situation, but mostly the fraudsters tend to stay away from those sort of high profile ones like that, because it's, you know, obviously it's going to draw attention and you know there are, there are people who understand how it works will be more likely to ask more questions. And that's what happened in this case, but it is, you know, for us it helps us sort of get it on people's radar screen, that this, this is really happening out there and you really need to be aware of it.

[00:31:38] Bob: So Graceland was saved only days before it was put up for auction which seems incredible to me. Obviously, that was a high-profile sale, so that helped. Not so with Daniel's fraudulent sale or with others.

[00:31:54] Bob: And when we say seller impersonation, that means a person pretends they have a piece of property to sell, and in my head, that seems utterly impossible. How can this be?

[00:32:03] Diane Tomb: Right? So they actually oftentimes they use the real property owner's Social Security number. They get their driver's license number, and they actually have folks who will, who will help develop these notary credentials that look legitimate and they won't know. I think what makes this unique is oftentimes the uh seller, the one who's impersonating, is looking to do an all-cash deal or they want to offer this property at a much lower cost than what it really is worth. There's usually some red flags that, you know, folks need to be really savvy to, to be able to sort of anticipate that this might, there might be something wrong with this.

[00:32:42] Bob: Daniel's situation was obviously emotional for him, but others lost out too.

[00:32:49] Bob: And here there's one more thing that you said that I want to go back to um, which is there are victims, you know, all over the place. In this crime in Connecticut, the property was, you know, was a beautiful, wooded property. The buyer, who didn't know any different bought it, cleared it, half built a house on it. So you know the buyer was clearly a victim. The, the owner was clearly a victim. There's basically no way to make, to undo all of that, so sort of like the neighborhood, the earth was a victim too. It's a really, really messy crime.

[00:33:16] Diane Tomb: Yeah, and it's very, as you know, very emotional to people because a lot of times like, you know, properties like that have been passed down through the family as well, right? So there's that piece that seems to be, you know like very violating for people.

[00:33:28] Bob: What's more personal and, and more sentimental than a piece of property.

[00:33:32] Diane Tomb: Right, your home, right? A place where your memories with the, your loved ones.

[00:33:36] Bob: Yeah, he had put a treehouse, he had picked apples from the trees that were in that property, and he had planned, planned to give it to his kids, so.

[00:33:43] Diane Tomb: Right, yeah. No, and you know we, we hear these stories and again, like the wire fraud that we talked about before, these are people's, you know that down payment is like their life savings, right? And this is the biggest purchase they're ever going to make and sometimes that's just gone quickly.

[00:33:58] Bob: Okay, so I'm guessing that it's really typical that these pieces of property have no mortgage on them, so there's not a, a bank to sort of interfere with the criminal's proceedings, right?

[00:34:07] Diane Tomb: I some cases, yes, but not always. You know, in places that does exist, and like I said, if they've got the, you know if they've been able to get the uh real property owner's Social Security number and driver's license, you know, and those types of things, they can get away with this.

[00:34:21] Bob: What are the red flag that a crime like this might be happening?

[00:34:25] Diane Tomb: You know, as I said, you know one of the things we like to say in our business, uh from romance to real estate; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And that's something I think we need to apply to all aspects of our life, right? But when it comes to this particular type of fraud that we're seeing a lot of, you know if a property is vacant or occupied by someone other than the owner, it's usually it's an investment property, vacation or rental. They're the ones that these fraudsters--, the fraudsters tend to sort of focus on. Today, particularly, you know, certain types of properties have a lot of equity in them, and that's what they're looking to sort of prey on, and a lot of times there's, there are folks, you know, this audience is more likely, because they tend to have, you know, maybe one or more property that they don't always see regularly or, or check in on. As I mentioned before, the property is for sale or sold below market value, the seller wants a quick sale, usually in less than three weeks and they don't want to negotiate on the fees, they're looking for a cash buyer, and this one is, you know, in today's world it doesn't seem as odd, but it's really, really important; oftentimes they'll only communicate by phone or email, and they don't want to meet via video call, or definitely not in person.

[00:35:37] Bob: That's interesting. So requiring a video call, while I'm sure not perfect, is a protection.

[00:35:43] Diane Tomb: Yeah, absolutely. And you know, today we also encourage people to look them up on social media, you know, to see if they're legit, because most folks who are selling property or you know are working with a realtor would, would be, you know, represented in that way.

[00:35:56] Bob: Have some kind of footprint out there in the world.

[00:35:58] Diane Tomb: Correct.

[00:36:00] Bob: As a property owner, it's also worth getting to know a little bit more about your county which is probably the part of government that maintains property records where you live.

[00:36:11] Diane Tomb: You know, as you know real estate is local, right? So um, everywhere we go, we have to make sure we, one of the biggest process, one of the most important pieces of the whole process is the records, the county records of the actual property. And that's a piece of what the title insurance agent needs to do to be able to make a suc--, successful transfer of property.

[00:36:32] Bob: You know I'm going to stick up for regular people here who do this you know maybe only once in their lives or a couple of times in their life. And somewhere in my head, I know there's a government record about my property, but I wouldn't necessarily think it's at the county office or what county office that would be. Can you help me understand that a little bit better?

[00:36:49] Diane Tomb: Yeah, no, that's a great question, and you're right. I mean it's a very daunting process. Any type of land transfer, but buying a home for most people, they don't, you know, they maybe they do it once, maybe twice if they're lucky. So there's a lot of moving pieces and um, the actual um, the most important piece, one of the most important piece is the actual property itself, and of course, the home on it, but in some cases, you know, people inherit land and other things. And so every county in the country keeps records of all of the property, and it's a public service that the local county does.

[00:37:25] Bob: And there is another public service your county office probably provides which might be the single best way to protect yourself from having property sold without your knowledge. And it's free.

[00:37:37] Diane Tomb: So one of the most important things that you can do is go to your county recorder's office, and many of them offer complimentary property alert notifications. So any time anything has been done related to your property, you will get a notice. So if someone tried to, you know, open it up or if there was some, something related to it. So when any document is filed to it pertaining to your property, you will get a notice.

[00:38:04] Bob: You know what, I love this suggestion because I do think I, I wish people took advantage of these little government services much more than they did. I think they would like government more frankly and realize it actually serves a purpose. So you can call your county recorder--, is it, would it normally be the county recorder's office?

[00:38:18] Diane Tomb: It would be. The county recorder's office, and I can tell you I, my, myself, one of my colleagues here told me about it a couple years back, and so every month I get a little update that says, you know, everything's fine. Nothing has been done. So every county has a different approach how they do it, but it's free. You get, you know, monthly updates and it's worth, you know, everybody's time and effort, particularly again, because if it's not the home you live in, it's a very large asset that you want to make sure that you're protecting.

[00:38:47] Bob: That makes a ton of sense to me. Great. I, I love giving people specifics, the actions they can take to help themselves.

[00:38:53] Bob: And on the other side, if you are someone who might be buying property, there are things you can do also.

[00:39:00] Diane Tomb: First and foremost, you know, always ask questions, right? If any part of the process seems out of the ordinary and to your point, anybody in the transition, in the transaction should know that, right, ask the real estate agent if they have a personal or a verified knowledge of the seller's identity, like if the seller doesn't want to be seen.

[00:39:18] Bob: What else can consumers do?

[00:39:21] Diane Tomb: Yeah, well I think always, always make sure you're, you know, aware of what's going on in your, in your properties and what's happening. And in, in this case, as you know, there's really two victims, right? There's the unsuspecting buyer, like they're not, they're assuming the proper--, right? Why wouldn't they? And then there's the actual legitimate property owner and you know making sure that the emails, texts that are coming through, and all of those things that, that they're really legit. And I think there's always you know that, that trust your instinct. I think as humans, you know, we talked about that part earlier. If something seems off, it probably is off, and doing something about it. And I think one of the most important things if you do become a victim, is not to wait, like the quicker you move, the better, because they're more likely to track down, you know, again, because most of these financial institutions are aware, they can't do anything until the transaction actually happens. But now that they're aware and they're looking for these types of fraud, that there, things can be stopped, but only if you move quickly.

[00:40:18] Bob: Government agencies or companies involved in real estate transactions, should they be doing anything else?

[00:40:25] Diane Tomb: Yeah, I mean I think the most important thing that we're all trying to do. I know we're going to try to do it, we work very closely with you know the federal level, the consumer federal protection board and others is educate folks and make people be just really good, informed consumers. We have a bunch of one-pagers that we put together that will combat this and give people sort of like a one-pager of what to look for. We work very closely with organizations like AARP and the National Center for Law Center, and other third-party groups that can educate individuals and to know what's happening out there and prevent it. You know that's the most important thing. But you know then there's the back end of it, right? Once it happens, make sure you contact your local and state law enforcement, also the FBI gets involved, and the state attorney generals are the ones that we're also working with at that level to make them aware of these um, so they can put out alerts to make sure that folks are looking for these types of things. So there's lots of different layers to this, but it's really important that we all work together to sort of identify them. And I think in our case, our, our members tend to be on the front line because they start to see this stuff first, and that they start to work really closely with the state and local officials to make them aware of it. So that's something that we take on as sort of an additional role, but obviously it's something that needs to be done and since we have access to that information, that's something that we do.

[00:41:45] Bob: I know technology has helped in a lot of ways, it's made, you know my most recent closing, which was maybe 10 years ago, was way easier than the one 25 years ago, uh so that part's good. But technology's also opened a lot of these doors for criminals, right?

[00:41:58] Diane Tomb: Yeah, it did. You know, we're working really hard to with, even with the federal government and others to do things like when you transfer money that there's, you know there's no intermediaries involved, um, so it's like um, you know a quick, so to your point and, and the pandemic did accelerate a lot of that, being able to have these transactions done um, in a way where there's real time, so there's no, you know, you don't have to go through the bank, right, and so then you don't worry about those frauds, you know it will, it will bring the, the fraudsters opportunity to get involved, to make it less and less likely. So there are all kinds of things that we're moving forward, it's just not going, it's not quick enough, and you know what we see are these fraudsters just tend to be two steps ahead, right? Once, you know, we catch up to them in one area, they're moving on to some other area.

[00:42:42] Bob: Once we catch up to the criminals, they're already moving on to some other area. Well we here at The Perfect Scam will be right there with them. One last thing, if you want to learn more about this kind of property crime, you can visit the American Land Title Association website at alta.org. That's a-l-t-a.org. For The Perfect Scam, I'm Bob Sullivan.

(MUSIC OUTRO)

[00:43:14] Bob: If you have been targeted by a scam or fraud, you are not alone. Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. Their trained fraud specialists can provide you with free support and guidance on what to do next. Our email address at The Perfect Scam is: theperfectscampodcast@aarp.org, and we want to hear from you. If you've been the victim of a scam or you know someone who has, and you'd like us to tell their story, write to us. That address again is: theperfectscampodcast@aarp.org. Thank you to our team of scambusters; Associate Producer, Annalea Embree; Researcher, Becky Dodson; Executive Producer, Julie Getz; and our Audio Engineer and Sound Designer, Julio Gonzalez. Be sure to find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. For AARP's The Perfect Scam, I'm Bob Sullivan.

END OF TRANSCRIPT
Katy Police Department Chief Noe Diaz poses for a photograph before a city council meeting Monday, July 22, 2024 at Katy City Hall in Katy. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Katy Police Department Chief Noe Diaz talks to a resident while the city council members were having a closed meeting Monday, July 22, 2024 at Katy City Hall in Katy. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Katy Police Department Chief Noe Diaz talks to a resident while the city council members were having a closed meeting Monday, July 22, 2024 at Katy City Hall in Katy. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Katy Police Department Chief Noe Diaz, center, is photographed taking the the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag during the city council meeting Monday, July 22, 2024 at Katy City Hall in Katy. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Katy Police Department Chief Noe Diaz, left, greets Katy Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris, center, and a resident before the city council meeting Monday, July 22, 2024 at Katy City Hall in Katy. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Months of searching for Houstons next full-time police chief ended with Mayor John Whitmire naming J. Noe Diaz, leader of the less than 100-person Katy Police Department, as Troy Finners replacement in charge of the nations fourth-largest citys law enforcement agency.

Chief Diaz brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of service and dedication to his new role, Whitmire said Thursday in a letter to City Council members, who must vote on appointing the next chief.

The mayor praised Diazs work with the Narcotics Division of the State Police, where he was stationed in Houston. In that time, he worked with the Harris County Organized Crime Task Force, Houston police, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the FBI.

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Diaz was appointed as a Texas Ranger in 2008, serving in Rio Grande City before returning to Houston. As a Ranger, he spent over a decade

working on what the mayor called high-profile public corruption investigations.

Diaz will now step into to run one of the largest police departments in the country, one reeling from a recent scandal that involved more than 260,000 dropped cases that toppled the former chief. The department has a budget of more than $1 billion, a staff of 6,288 and a dire need to replenish the ranks of police officers after a wave of retirements and resignations.

The comments Ive gotten are that hes a fair, even-handed guy, Mike Knox, a retired Houston Police Department officer and a Republican candidate for Harris County sheriff, said of conversations hes had with Katy police officers. Hes not too political  hell just follow the law and do his job.

Diaz did not respond to multiple requests for comment before the announcement. Katys city administrator didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Gregory Fremin, a retired Houston Police Department captain and a professor at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, said it is common for a new mayor to bring in a chief that reflects his goals and aspirations. Whitmires search has been compounded by the fact that the department is reeling from a scandal over its handling of 264,000 cases suspended using an internal code citing a lack of personnel, Fremin said.

They want to bring an outsider in, Fremin said. The new chief will come in  and hell want to select, interview and promote an entirely new regime of command staff personnel. Hell want to surround himself with people he knows and trusts.

While multiple people with knowledge of Diazs tenure in Katy praised the work hes done, Knox acknowledged theres a big adjustment in running a 70-officer department versus a department with more than 5,000 officers.

Working with 70 officers as opposed to 5,100 will be a little different for him, Knox said. But I think hes a smart guy and will be able to do just fine.

Diaz took over as chief of the Katy Police Department in March 2019. Before that, he spent almost 23 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety. He previously worked for the Harris County Precinct 5 Constables Office starting in 1994 and began his law enforcement career as a correctional officer in 1986.

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After joining the state agency, Diaz was assigned to the Katy highway patrol office as a trooper, according to his biography on Katys website. In 2001, he was promoted to the narcotics division in Houston. He became a Texas Ranger in 2008 and served in Rio Grande City and Houston.

The law enforcement veteran will take over a police department in the midst of change. Finner, a Fifth Ward native, held the role for around two years before his retirement amid the suspended cases scandal. Diaz will oversee more than 5,200 sworn officers and 900 civilians in a fast-growing city of more than 2.3 million residents.

At his Katy job, Diaz said he was drawn to the community of 25,000 because he loved small town culture, according to his biography on Olson LLP. He earned a masters in criminology in 2014 at Lamar University and received an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and political science at the University of Houston-Downtown in 2011. He attended the FBIs national academy in 2016.

Acting Chief Larry Satterwhite has served as Finners replacement since the former chiefs abrupt retirement. Satterwhite will take on a new assignment as the next director of the Mayors Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. He starts Aug. 14, the same day Diaz takes over as chief.
Rose Marie Kosmetatos, left, and her husband, Antonios Pagourtzis, parents of accused Santa Fe High School shooter Dimitrios Pagourtzis, await the start of the third day of the civil trial against them in Galveston County Court No. 3 Judge Jack EwingOs courtroom at the Galveston County Courthouse in Galveston, Texas on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. The civil lawsuit was filed by families of seven of those killed and four of the 13 people wounded in the 2018 shooting. POOL/Jennifer Reynolds

In the months leading up to the May 18, 2018, shooting at Santa Fe High School, the accused gunman used school computers to look up thousands of alarming subjects and wrote violent thoughts of harming his classmates in his diary, lawyers said Friday.

Dimitrios Pagourtzis allegedly searched for evidence photos from the Columbine High School shooting and pictures of the dead bodies of the gunmen in that massacre. He searched for information about Virginia Tech, sawed-off shotguns, the difference between .223 and 5.56 ammunition, fuses, combat knives, tactical gas masks and the website Luckygunner, from which he would go on to buy the ammunition he used in the shooting, lawyers said.

Attorneys representing Pagourtzis' parents Friday presented the searches to a jury on the third day of a civil trial over a lawsuit filed by victims of the shooting that left eight students and two teachers dead.

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The list represented just a tiny handful of things in 2,700 pages of material related to searches Pagourtzis made on school computers, attorney Lori Laird said.

The school district late Friday cast doubt that the search history belonged to Pagourtzis because it didnt have a way to isolate individual students' search history in 2018. Galveston County District Attorney Jack Roady issued a cautiously worded statement providing more details about the investigative files of the computer searches cited by Laird.

The DAs office was ordered by County Court at Law Judge Jack Ewing to provide thousands upon thousands of electronic files and documents to the civil lawyers, Roady said. During the investigation, some of this information was organized in various electronic folders and subfolders, including a subfolder entitled, SFHS Computer Dump, Roady said. That subdirectory folder and its contents were among the electronic evidence produced to the attorneys in the civil case as ordered by the trial court.

The DAs office hasnt attributed the folder to a confirmed source, Roady said. Its unclear which investigative agency added the label to the file shown by Laird.

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Violent thoughts in diary

One excerpt from the diary showed Pagourtzis wrote The idea of pumping my classmates full of buckshot and seeing them writhing on the ground is exhilarating.

After he was arrested, Pagourtzis told police that he began wearing a trench coat and combat boots and drinking alcohol in a bid to get attention from other people, said former Santa Fe police Capt. Phillip Meadows, who conducted the post-shooting interview.

He said no one cares about him, Meadows said.

The evidence added new details about signs adults in Pagourtzis' life might have missed ahead of the shooting. In the lawsuit, victims and their families have argued that Pagourtzis' parents, Antonios Pagourtzis and Rose Mary Kosmetatos, didnt do enough to stop him from accessing the guns used in the shooting or address his deteriorating mental health.

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The parents have denied the charges and pointed at the school districts supposed failures to notice his activity as an example of his ability to conceal his plans.

The families' attorneys introduced their own long list of material that Pagourtzis bought online  including samurai swords, bear spray, knives, bandolier, counterattack tools, body armor, lighter fluid and zip ties  that he had delivered to the their home ahead of the shooting.

Parents are supposed to know their child more than anyone, plaintiffs attorney Clint McGuire said.

Later in the day, McGuire showed video of Pagourtzis' interview with police following his arrest on the day of the shooting. Pagourtzis told police about buying dozens of rounds of ammunition online and taking other ammo from the gun cabinet.

Attorneys have alleged he used Visa gift cards to buy the ammunition. Families last year settled with Luckygunner over claims it failed to properly verify Pagourtzis' age when he was purchasing the ammo.

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The defense revealed evidence lawyers said came from from school computers while Laird was cross-examining former Santa Fe ISD Police Officer John Barnes, who was seriously wounded in the shooting.

Barnes testified that school district police routinely investigated students who posted threatening or worrisome information online, but said he was not aware of anyone in the department being alerted to the online searches made by Pagourtzis, then a junior.

Barnes said the number of searches shown to him by the defense was a problem.

I wouldnt want to work at a school that did not notify us about that volume of searches, Barnes said.

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Southwest Airlines says they're working to keep onboarding soft drinks cooler in airports after reports of exploding soda cans due to severe heat in some cities including Houston. TWU Local 556

A flight attendant union and Southwest Airlines officials believe they have a viable plan to prevent soda cans from exploding on flights out of Houston and other hot cities  an issue that has persisted for years and caused employee injuries, according to the TWU Local 556 union.

The Southwest Airlines flight attendant union has tried for years to address the threat of soda cans bursting on planes, said union president Bill Bernal.

The unions safety team and airline began working together toward a solution at the beginning of this year, he said in an email. There is now a "short-term and long-term plan and associated timeline that Southwest has committed to implementing."

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An airline spokesperson said in an email the company is working to keep onboard beverages cooler, especially at airports in cities with high temperatures such as Las Vegas, Phoenix and some Texas cities.

"It's a cross-functional effort between our airport teams and those in the air," the spokesperson said.

The plan includes refrigerating carbonated drinks during transport and storage and using temperature guns to check soft drinks before loading them onto the planes.

Airline officials said the company will also educate employees about heat-related hazards.

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"Both the short-term and long-term fixes are actual engineered fixes that should eventually all but eradicate the exploding can issues at Southwest Airlines," Bernal said in a statement.

There were more than 100 reports of exploding cans in June, according to Bernal. The union expects July incidents to be three times higher.

Bernal attributes the exploding soda cans to the airlines storage and loading practices. The cans were reportedly stored in warehouses with no refrigeration, then taken on trucks with no air conditioning and left on planes overnight without the air on, he said. The fizzy drinks werent given a chance to cool down enough after being left in different locations in the hot, humid weather.

Southwest Airlines says they're working to keep onboarding soft drinks cooler in airports after reports of exploding soda cans due to severe heat in some cities including Houston. TWU Local 556 Southwest Airlines says they're working to keep onboarding soft drinks cooler in airports after reports of exploding soda cans due to severe heat in some cities including Houston. TWU Local 556

Justin Ballard, Chronicle newsroom meteorologist, said temperatures inside vehicles and other enclosed spaces can rise above 130 degrees.

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"The heat acts to excite CO2 gas, the gas responsible for those crispy bubbles, causing CO2 to slam against the side of the aluminum cans," Ballard said. "As temperature increases, the pressure increases significantly. Simply put, more force is exerting itself pushing out from the can than pushing toward the can from the outside.

AIRLINE LEAVING IAH: Southwest stops flying out of IAH this summer

CBS obtained an email sent to Southwest flight attendants July 12, highlighting solutions to the soda can explosions on planes. Proposed actions ranged from stocking fewer cans on provisioning trucks to not boarding the products during extreme temperatures. The email said the company would pause taking cans on the planes when the temperatures are higher than 98 degrees and return certain beverages back to the warehouse.

Employees were told not to open cans that appeared hot or deformed due to the heat, CBS reported.

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"Weve had the exploding can issue for years but werent that many. The aluminum cans are getting thinner, which is causing more explosions," Bernal said.
In a steadfast commitment to inspire real change, CNBC-TV18 has launched the 'Future Female Forward - A Womens Collective,' presented by HSBC India, a transformative movement aimed at bridging gender parity gaps in the workforce. This groundbreaking initiative continues to pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future with the introduction of the 'College Connect Series', a unique program designed to converse with and nurture the leaders of tomorrow the students! These series seek to empower young changemakers by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to foster more inclusive and diverse workplaces. The goal is to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only prepared to succeed in their careers but are also committed to creating equal, inclusive workplaces.

The inaugural event of College Connect will be held at the prestigious IIT Delhi campus on August 3, 2024, starting at 3:00 PM.

This association with one of Indias premier educational institutes which has given the country few of the best entrepreneurs and leaders of Corporate India underscores our commitment to advancing gender equality and nurturing future leaders. This collaboration aims to harness the intellectual and innovative spirit of IIT Delhi to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers. What a way to give back to the alma matter IIT, with alumni such as KV Subramanian, Former CEA, & ED, IMF; Abhiraj Bhal, CEO, Urban Company; Saraniya P, Vehicle Director, Agnibaan SOrTeD; Anu Acharya, CEO, MapmyGenome; Neha Singh, Founder, Chairperson & Managing Director, Tracxn speaking to the students.

The event will feature a distinguished panel of speakers, including Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India; KV Subramanian, Former CEA & ED, IMF; Abhiraj Bhal, CEO of Urban Company; Seema Goel, Vice President, HCLTech; Punit Goyal, Co-Founder of BluSmart; Anuradha Acharya, CEO of MapmyGe1nome; Neha Singh, Founder, Chairperson & Managing Director of Tracxn; and Saraniya P, Vehicle Director, Agnibaan SOrTeD. These esteemed guests will share their experiences and provide valuable insights to inspire and mentor the next generation of business leaders.

The event will commence with an opening address by Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor of CNBC-TV18, who will set the context for the day's discussions. This will be followed by a special keynote address by Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India, who will highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The program will then feature a fireside chat with Abhiraj Singh Bhal, CEO of Urban Company exploring how Urban Company has revolutionised Gig work for women and the pivotal role of innovation in business. This will be followed by a special talk by Punit Goyal, Co-Founder of BluSmart, where he will share how BluSmart has scripted a smart mobility story in the field, culminating in an 'Ask Me Anything' session, allowing students to engage directly with him.

A panel discussion titled Clutter Breakers: Women Scripting a New Success Story will feature Seema Goel, Vice President, HCLTech; Anuradha Acharya, CEO of MapmyGenome; Neha Singh, Founder, Chairperson & MD of Tracxn; and Saraniya P, Vehicle Director, Agnibaan SOrTeD. This session will focus on the achievements and challenges of these remarkable women leaders & the power of deep tech. This would be followed by an interesting fireside chat with KV Subramanian, Former CEA & ED, IMF on his latest book India  The Economic Powerhouse. The event will conclude with a Q&A session, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and gain further insights from the speakers.

Talking about the initiative, Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18 said, With the launch of the College Connect Series, under Future. Female. Forward we are taking a meaningful step towards connecting the leaders of today with the leaders of tomorrow  with the hope of driving conversations around building a diverse, inclusive workforce driven by the quest to deliver on excellence. This series celebrates the resilience and innovation of tomorrow's trailblazers

Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India elaborated, "At HSBC, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and success and we remain committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. The College Connect series, part of Future. Female. Forward - The Womens Collective, is our attempt to empower the next generation of leaders to build a more equitable future. By prioritizing inclusivity and equity, we can unlock a brighter future for all and create a society where all voices are valued and empowered.

Smriti Mehra, CEO of Business News, Network18 said, "We believe that addressing and nurturing students who are the leaders of the future will foster inclusive and diverse workplaces, promote equal opportunities, and prepare them to address complex societal and business challenges. CNBC-TV18 has always been at the forefront of promoting gender equality, and through the College Connect Series, we aim to address the transformative impact of diverse leadership. Our sessions will explore the personal and professional journeys of these remarkable leaders, offering invaluable insights and inspiration for the student attendees. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of inclusive and forward-thinking business leaders."

CNBC-TV18s Future Female Forward  The Womens Collective is proudly presented by HSBC India, along with HCLTech, ITC, FedEx, Reliance Industries and FICCI as partners. The College Connect Series is more than just an event; it's a movement towards a more inclusive and diverse future.
Medulance, a leading emergency services provider, ropes in Manav Mehta as the Head of its Enterprise Business. Manav joins Medulance with a diverse and extensive experience of 16 years across multiple industries, both globally and in India.

Throughout his career, Manav has demonstrated exceptional leadership in New Business Development, International Sales, Key Account Management, Retail Expansion, Distribution, and Enterprise Business. His illustrious career includes pivotal roles at renowned organizations such as Philips, Puma Sports, TCS, Moser Baer, IndiaMART, and Park+. In his most recent role at Park+, Manav was instrumental in establishing and expanding the Enterprise Business sector.

As the Head of Enterprise Business at Medulance, Manav will be responsible for driving the growth and development of the companys enterprise solutions, enhancing client relationships, and leading strategic initiatives to expand its market presence.

Pranav Bajaj, Founder and CEO of Medulance, expressed his enthusiasm for this appointment, stating, We are thrilled to welcome Manav Mehta to the Medulance family. His vast experience and proven track record in driving business growth will be invaluable as we continue to expand our enterprise solutions and deliver innovative healthcare services to our clients.

Yash Raj, CBO of Medulance, who played a key role in onboarding Manav, added, Manav's extensive experience and strategic vision make him the perfect fit for our team. We are confident that under his leadership, our enterprise business will reach new heights and create even greater value for our clients.

Manav Mehta shared his excitement about joining Medulance, saying, I am honored to join Medulance, a company that is at the forefront of revolutionizing healthcare services. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive the growth of our enterprise business and contribute to the company's mission of providing accessible and quality emergency healthcare.

Manav's strategic vision and leadership will be critical in steering Medulance's enterprise initiatives towards new heights, further cementing its position as a leader in the healthcare industry. Pertinent to mention that Medulance has recently completed seven years as Indias leading emergency services provider.

Also Read : Medulance partners with Delhi Capitals as official emergency services
Pyne & Co provides an extensive range of services designed, for ensuring businesses run smoothly without the threat of power disruptions. These services are substation design and detailed engineering, transmission line design and detailed engineering, engineering services for electrical installations, preparation of technical specifications, estimation and tendering, feasibility studies, complete metering and systems protection design, technical support in the electrical domain, energy conservation, and civil engineering support. The company also offers cost-effective project management for substations and transmission line projects, project execution for electrical installations, emergency support services in the electrical field, and preventive maintenance and breakdown management.

Additionally, its commissioning and testing services include power systems installation and commissioning, testing and commissioning of substation projects, testing for stress and robustness of existing systems, and complete protection systems. The operations and maintenance services ensure end-to-end operations and maintenance of electrical and distribution installations at industrial and commercial complexes, power stations, substations, and transmission lines. A dedicated team of over 200 supervisors and technicians, backed by expert engineers, offers 24x7 onsite and offsite support services.

Over the past decade, Pyne & Co has established itself as a trusted energy solutions provider for leading brands such as Crescent Power Ltd. (RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group), CESC Ltd., Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM-C), Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), State Bank of India, RITES Limited, National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) Kolkata and Integrated Coal Mining Ltd. (ICML) among others.

One of Pyne & Cos satisfied clients, Kaushik Biswas, Chief Executive Officer - CPL & ICML (RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group), said, "Collaborating with Pyne & Co has been transformative for our operations. Their unparalleled expertise in ensuring uninterrupted power supply has significantly enhanced our operational efficiency. Pyne & Co's proactive approach and comprehensive solutions have provided us with the reliability and peace of mind essential for our continuous growth. We couldn't ask for a more committed and proficient partner.

Dipak Kumar Pyne, Director - Pyne & Co, stated, "Celebrating 10 years of service excellence is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering reliable power solutions. Our journey has been marked by significant milestones, and we are immensely proud of the trust we have earned from our esteemed clients. As we look to the future, our focus remains steadfast on providing innovative and efficient power management solutions that empower our clients to achieve their business objectives without disruption. We are dedicated to continuing our legacy of excellence and expanding our impact in the power consultancy sector."

Founded in 2014 by Dipak Kumar Pyne, an electrical engineer with over three decades in the energy sector, Pyne & Co has become a trusted name in power consultancy and energy solutions in Eastern India. The company's mission is to provide professional, best-in-class, customer-friendly consultancy services. Pyne & Co is known for its dedication to ensuring seamless power supply and its comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

Looking ahead, the power needs of Eastern India are set to grow exponentially as the region continues to develop. According to the Central Electricity Authority, India's power demand is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.18% between 2019-2029. With increasing demand for reliable and efficient energy management, there is a significant opportunity for standardized energy consultancy services. Pyne & Co is well-positioned to meet this growing need, leveraging its extensive experience and expertise to provide cutting-edge solutions that will support the region's ambitious growth plans.
The Body Shop brings the strength of the natural world to your skin with its most-loved Edelweiss skin care range. Edelweiss flowers thrive in the harsh conditions of the Swiss Alps, thanks to their natural antioxidant, leontopodic acid, which helps them to protect and repair themselves. In fact, edelweiss extract has 43% more antioxidant power than retinol2. Much like the flowers power in nature, the Edelweiss skin care range leaves skin looking and feeling stronger, smoother, plumper, fresher and bouncier1

In this new digital film, Diana presents the simple, yet effective Edelweiss based morning skin care routine. For a fresh-faced, post-lie- in, pre-commute, healthy-looking glow in no time follow these steps:

First up, have a good cleanse with The Body Shops Edelweiss Cleansing Concentrate. This will help wash away all that grime, pollution and makeup, so your serum works even more effectively.

Squeeze 2-3 drops of the Edelweiss Serum Concentrate into your hand and gently massage into cleansed skin every morning (and night too!).

Give it a few seconds to sink in before slathering on the Edelweiss Smoothing Day Cream to lock in moisture and help protect skin from pollution.

Ms. Harmeet Singh  Chief Brand of Marketing, Product, & Digital, at The Body Shop Asia South commented, The Body Shops edelweiss extract is harvested by a team of passionate experts in the Swiss Alps. These specialist growers responsibly source, manage and organically cultivate the edelweiss flowers, ensuring the highest quality extract is concentrated within the formulation. We are delighted to collaborate with Diana Penty to highlight this fantastic ingredient, the beauty industrys best-kept secret, with 43% more antioxidant power than retinol2!

Diana Penty, said Caring for my skin is an essential part of my daily routine. The Body Shops most-loved Edelweiss Skincare range not only helps to protect my skin from pollution but also helps it look and feel stronger and smoother. This collection combines vegan ingredients with effective results, offering a perfect mix of self-care and ethical beauty.
Thomson Reuters, the Toronto-based content and technology giant, reported a 6% increase in its second-quarter revenue, reflecting its aggressive investment in artificial intelligence technology.

The company posted a quarterly revenue of $1.74 billion, up from $1.65 billion a year earlier. However, this figure slightly missed Wall Street's expectations of $1.75 billion, according to data from LSEG.

Thomson Reuters has been at the forefront of integrating generative AI across its portfolio, which includes legal, accounting, and corporate business segments. This strategic move is part of its broader effort to enhance product offerings and streamline operations.

We remain highly encouraged by the customer reaction to our new AI driven products that include generative AI products such as Westlaw AI and CoCounsel," said Steve Hasker, President and CEO.

Despite the dip in operating profit, the company's focus on AI-driven growth is expected to position it favourably in the long term. Thomson Reuters' efforts in AI include deploying advanced tools to improve efficiency and accuracy in legal research, financial analysis, and corporate compliance.

Industry analysts remain optimistic about Thomson Reuters' future prospects, citing its robust AI strategy and diversified portfolio. The companys continued expansion into AI and technology solutions is anticipated to drive sustained growth and profitability.

Also Read : Reuters acquires World Business Media Limited
Reaffirming its supremacy in the English News channel category, Times Now dominated the Budget week with a commanding 34.3% viewership share (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| Wk.30 2024) and an impressive 12,48,000 reach (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| Wk.30 2024). Times Now's budget coverage stood out for its extensive and comprehensive programming, featuring detailed infographics highlighting key economic indicators, sector-wise expectations, and significant announcements.

Times Now's winning trend continued as it emerged as No. 1 on Budget Day, dominating the genre with 33.7% viewership share (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| 23 July 2024). Spearheaded by seasoned journalists and strategic content, the channel became the preferred choice among viewers for budget-related news. During Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's speech, Times Now registered a 34% viewership share, the highest in the genre (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| 23 July 2024, 11 AM  12 Noon). Real-time graphical analysis of the speech kept viewers informed on the budget's implications, making this the most crucial hour of the day with an impressive 44,000 reach (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| 23 July 2024, 11 AM  12 Noon).

Times Now's extensive and curated Union Budget programming featured in-depth examinations of the Indian economy and its challenges during pre-budget discussions. Key panel discussions offered crucial insights into the budget, with tax experts Rohinton Sidhwa and Saloni Roy decoding its significance for various sectors, industry, and the middle class. Former Chief Economic Advisor KV Subramanian provided perspectives on expected reforms, while representatives from industry bodies like CII outlined their demands from the government. Prominent government personalities, including Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry; Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways & Information and Broadcasting, along with top departmental secretaries and opposition voices, shared exclusive insights on the Budget.
Troth Insurance Broking & Consultants, one of Indias leading insurance broking houses, has roped in renowned film actor Anupam Kher as its brand ambassador. Founded in 2001, Troth Insurance is the first insurance broking company from Gujarat to collaborate with such a prominent film actor for brand endorsement.

This strategic partnership is set to significantly enhance Troth Insurances brand visibility and accelerate its growth, while also aiding in the nationwide expansion of its business operations. With Mr. Khers immense popularity and credibility, Troth Insurance aims to reach a broader audience and reinforce its commitment to providing exceptional insurance solutions.

Commenting on the development, Ashish Soni, Managing Director of Troth Insurance, said, We are thrilled to have Mr. Anupam Kher on board as our brand ambassador. He is a legendary actor who has played diverse roles in his illustrious acting career of more than four decades. His association with Troth Insurance will undoubtedly bring a new level of recognition and trust to our brand and will be instrumental in achieving our growth objectives and expanding our footprint across the country.

Sharing his excitement, Mr. Anupam Kher said, I am glad to be associated with Troth Insurance, a name that stands for trust and reliability in the insurance sector. I look forward to being a part of its journey and contributing to its mission of providing comprehensive insurance solutions to people across India.
Zee Business, one of the leading business news channels in India, has achieved a remarkable milestone in budget reportage, securing an 85.8% viewership share during the prime time slot of 11 am to 1 pm on 23rd July 2024, as per BARC ratings. This achievement highlights Zee Business's unparalleled dominance in the Hindi-speaking North Indian market, surpassing other industry players such as CNBC Awaaz, CNBC TV18, and ET Now.

During the highly anticipated Budget Week, Zee Business continued to set the bar high with a 60.3% viewership share, according to BARC ratings for the Budget Week (30th week of 2024). This outstanding performance reaffirms Zee Business's position as the preferred source for in-depth and reliable budget analysis.

Zee Businesss signature program, 'Majboor ya Mazboot,' has been instrumental in achieving this success. Other significant show segments also included Budget Stock Exchange, Budget My Pick, Aapke Budget Mein Sasta Share etc. The show segments provided a critical examination of the Union Budget 2024, analyzing whether it establishes a robust foundation and significant constraints as well. Featuring expert discussions with economists, industry leaders, and financial analysts, Zee Business also offered citizens a comprehensive understanding of the budget's implications across various sectors, including development, infrastructure, and innovation.

Mr. Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor of Zee Business, expressed his pride in this achievement, stating, "The exceptional viewership during our budget coverage week is a testament to Zee Business's excellence in business journalism. Our thorough and insightful analysis of the budget has clearly resonated with our viewers, reinforcing our position as the leader in financial news. We are proud of our team's relentless efforts to provide clarity and depth in our coverage, helping our audience navigate the complexities of the Union Budget.

Mr. Pankaj Rai, Business Head of Zee Business, echoed this sentiment, highlighting, Zee Business continues to set new benchmarks in budget reportage, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team. We are grateful for the trust and loyalty of our viewers."

Zee Business continues to excel in providing timely high-quality business news, keeping its viewers informed and empowered with the latest financial developments.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India's leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 18 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528+ million viewers through its linear and digital properties.
The world is getting a gift it didnt know it needed so badly: A sequel to the 1988 film Beetlejuice and we can thank an Alabamian.

The highly anticipated Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will hit theaters Sept. 6, and will feature original stars from the film, including Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton and Catherine OHara, as well as new stars like Jenna Ortega.

The cult classic comedy about how the living and dead coexist was written by Enterprise, Ala., native Michael McDowell, a horror novelist and screenwriter who died in 1999. The trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice shows a full-screen credit near the end: Based on characters created by Michael McDowell and Larry Wilson.

Wilson is a screenwriting partner McDowell went to with his original script, according to a story by Matthew Jackson on Syfy.com.

Imagining a story in which the ghosts were actually the nice people and the living humans were the annoyances, McDowell eventually teamed up with screenwriter and producer Larry Wilson to make the whole thing work as a feature film, Jackson wrote.

The first Beetlejuice film also starred an Alabama native in its cast  the late Glenn Shadix, a Bessemer native, played Otho.

Beetlejuice gets a second life

In an interesting twist like you might read in one of McDowells acclaimed horror novels, the Beetlejuice sequel may not have been possible if McDowells original vision of the story had been carried out.

Wilson, when interviewed for Yahoo, said the storys ending was much darker. In it, teen daughter Lydia, portrayed by Winona Ryder, did not survive, meaning the adult Lydia (now portrayed by an adult Ryder) would not have appeared in a sequel.

Our first ending was Lydia  she died in a fire and was able to join Barbara and Adam in the afterlife, Wilson told Yahoo. A couple of people said to us, Do you really think thats a good idea? Is that really the message you want to be sending to the teenagers of the world? Die in a fire? So, yeah, it probably was darker.

McDowell and the macabre

Michael McDowellCourtesy of McDowell Estate and Otte Company

Michael McDowell was born June 1, 1950, in Enterprise, Ala. He received bachelors and masters degrees from Harvard College and a PhD in English from Brandeis University in 1978. He lived much of his adult life in Massachusetts and died in Boston at the age of 49.

In his short life, McDowell was the author of more than 25 horror books, including the Blackwater series, The Elementals and Cold Moon Over Babylon, which was made into the feature film Cold Moon in 2016.

In addition to penning Beetlejuice, McDowell wrote scripts for Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Thinner, based on a Stephen King novel, as well as several television shows.

King once called McDowell one of the finest writers of paperback originals in America today and was friends with the fellow writer. When McDowell died, Kings wife, novelist Tabitha King, was asked to complete the manuscript he was working on at the time. The finished product was published as Candles Burning in 2006, with a byline by McDowell and Tabitha King.

I like to describe Michael McDowell as kind of like the Alabama version of Stephen King, said Benn Joseph, head of archival processing at Northwestern University, which purchased McDowells collection of memorabilia connected to death and mourning. Joseph said McDowell wrote the dissertation for his PhD in English from Brandeis University on the ways society deals with death and began collecting items associated with death customs in the late 1970s. It is not on display but can be viewed by contacting the universitys archives.

READ MORE: See the macabre death collection of Alabama horror novelist who wrote Beetlejuice

I am a commercial writer and Im proud of that, McDowell said in the book Faces of Fear in 1985. I am writing things to be put in the bookstore next month. I think it is a mistake to try to write for the ages.

And, yet, he did. Beetlejuice is here to stay.
Some Jefferson County restaurants used unique methods to store meat and poultry last month.

One establishment used a trash bag. Another used a grocery bag.

And a third -- which scored the lowest of any Jefferson County restaurant inspected in July -- kept raw chicken directly on top of hamburger patties.

In all, nine Jefferson County restaurants scored 84 or below when they were visited by a health department inspector in July. Establishments with sub-85 scores receive repeat visits from a health inspector within 60 days.

One of the most serious infractions is keeping foods at inappropriate temperatures, which puts customers at risk of illness. Several restaurants in July were cited for out-of-temperature foods.

They were also dinged for dirty surfaces, leaks and problems with insects.

Here are those nine restaurants, in descending order by score:

Golden Dragon

2227 Bessemer Rd., Birmingham

Score: 84

Inspection date: July 25

The inspector observed several flies in the restaurant.

The walls were damaged, and grime/grease and debris was seen on the floors.

The reach-in chest freezer had a rusty interior.

Sams Deli & Grill

932 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood

Score: 84

Inspection date: July 2

Food debris and dirt was seen on the bottom of coolers.

An unauthorized person in the kitchen was eating and drinking at the time of the inspection.

The most recent inspection report was not displayed in a conspicuous place.

Wing It On (Trussville)

7268 Gadsden Hwy., Trussville

Score: 83

Inspection date: July 9

Several foods were out of temperature.

Spilled trash was on the ground in the refuse containers.

The handwashing sink on the back side of the cook line was nonfunctional.

The warewashing sink drain trap was leaking.

Hero Doughnuts (Trussville)

314 Main St., Trussville

Score: 80

Inspection date: July 16

The inspection revealed the non-pasteurizing soft serve freezer, which is used to hold dairy ice cream mix, is only cleaned twice a week.

Food pans and containers were stacked while wet.

The establishment did not have documentation readily available that food safety training was completed by employees.

Pacific Seafood

6021 1st Ave. N, Birmingham

Score: 74

Inspection date: July 18

Non-food contact surfaces throughout the restaurant were soiled with residue.

Grocery bags were used to store meat in the walk-in cooler.

A large bucket of wiping cloths was filled with old, soured water solution.

Rice and cheese sauce was kept at inappropriate temperatures.

The restaurants latest inspection report was not in public view.

China Way

5220 Oporto Madrid Blvd., Birmingham

Score: 73

Inspection date: July 17

Meat in the reach-in freezer was being stored in a black trash bag.

The inside and outside of several reach-in coolers were soiled with residue and food debris.

There was a leak from the ceiling above the prepping area.

The floor of the walk-in cooler was soiled with liquid and food debris.

Pappas Grill

1066 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills

Score: 72

Inspection date: July 2

Drain gnats were seen in the restaurant.

Days-old lasagna and chicken salad did not have date-marked labels.

Food debris and mold were found in the bottom and around the gaskets of the low boy cooler, reach-in coolers and the reach-in freezer.

There was food debris on dishes in clean storage.

Cooked chicken and raw beef were stored at inappropriate temperatures.

J Wings

1709 Decatur Hwy., Fultondale

Score: 71

Inspection date: July 17

The interior of the ice machine in the back of the establishment was heavily soiled with mold.

Gnats were seen in the back room of the kitchen while flies were observed in the kitchens front room.

The floors, walls and ceiling were heavily soiled with residue.

The dumpster area was heavily soiled.

The Filling Station Pizza Cafe

5524 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham

Score: 94

Inspection date: July 2

Update: The Filling Station was reinspected and received a 94 score on Aug. 6, replacing its score of 70 on July 2, the restaurant said on its Facebook page.

Our previous health rating is why our industry needs and appreciates the @jeffcohealthdept to hold us to the highest standards for serving our community. While there have been some gaps in training, we have readjusted and addressed any and all concerns. Our current health score is now a 94, for which we thank our loyal #TFS family of staff and friends, and we cant wait to see you again soon!
Tony Mitchells loved ones suspected he went through hell during the two weeks he spent in the Walker County Jail before his death, but seeing the admission of one of the jailers in federal court records was more than they even imagined.

We always suspected this but its shocking to actually see what theyre saying, said Birmingham attorney Jon C. Goldfarb, who represents Mitchells family in a civil lawsuit over his death.

Theyre sad to see it. Theyre shocked is what they are, Goldfarb said. They suspected it but to see an admission like that is shocking.

Mitchell, 33, died Jan. 26, 2023, at Walker Baptist Medical Center, just over two weeks after he was arrested on charges that he shot at Walker County deputies as they responded to a welfare check requested by his family.

On the day he was arrested, Mitchell covered himself in black spray paint and claimed to have a portal to hell.

The county coroners death certificate listed Mitchells manner of death as homicide and listed the causes as hypothermia and sepsis resulting from infected injuries obtained during incarceration and medical neglect.

Mitchells mother, Margaret Mitchell, filed a federal lawsuit in March 2023, claiming that jail deputies tased Mitchell and locked him in a freezer, causing his death.

Former Walker County Jail corrections officer Joshua Conner Jones agreed to plead guilty after being charged in connection with Mitchells death. Jones this week signed an agreement to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter involving reckless conduct in Mitchells death, and faces up to life in prison.

Jones 18-page plea agreement made public this week revealed weeks of inhumane treatment that Mitchell endured and said Jones admitted that collectively we did it. We killed him.

Jones, who also agreed to plead guilty to an unrelated 2022 case in which another inmate was assaulted at his hands, will be arraignment on Aug. 15. A federal judge will set a date to accept Jones plea.

The plea agreement also mentioned five co-conspirators in the Mitchell case. They were not identified in court documents and have not been charged, though more arrests are expected in the case.

Jones has taken responsibility for his part in Mr. Mitchells death, Jones defense attorney, W. Scott Brower, told McClatchy News.

I expect this is the tip of the iceberg and in the coming weeks you will see multiple other individuals charged for the death of Mr. Mitchell as a result of the actions or inaction of employees of the Walker County Sheriffs office, Brower added.

While the news of charges against a former corrections officer is a step towards the resolution of this case, it is still an ongoing investigation and maintaining the integrity of that investigation is still of the utmost importance for all parties involved, Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith said Friday.

For that reason, I will decline to comment further until the investigation is concluded.

Anthony "Tony" Mitchell (Facebook-Justice for Tony Mitchell)

It was initially claimed Mitchell was placed in a freezer at the jail. The plea agreement, however, states Mitchell was put in a notoriously cold cell with no sink, toilet, or running water.

When Mitchell was booked, he could not walk, was disoriented, non-combative and could not follow directions. Officers wrapped a suicide smock around him.

Jones said Mitchell never received any medical evaluation until the morning of his death, two weeks later.

Corrections officers repeatedly chose not help him and would dismiss his needs by saying, (Expletive) him, he gets what he gets since he shot at cops, or words to that effect, the document states.

Jones (and the other jailers) spoke directly to (Mitchell) saying that he was now in their house and that he had to deal with them, records show.

On Jan. 26, 2023, one of the unnamed officers told Jones that a nurse had ordered that Mitchell be taken to a hospital or he might die.

One of the co-conspirators replied, Ill tell you what, next time youre on the toilet taking a (expletive), Ill call you to bother you with something unimportant.

The officers also repeatedly made comments that Mitchell should have been killed because he shot at deputies rather than being brough to the jail, the document says.

Jones said he watched Mitchell deteriorate over the two weeks after his Jan. 12, 2023, arrest.

At the time he passed, (Mitchell) was almost always naked, wet, cold, and covered in feces while lying on the cement floor without a mat or blanket, the records state.

By the second week of being jailed, Mitchell was largely listless and mostly unresponsive to questions.

The agreement states Jones and the co-conspirators denied Mitchell medical care by falsely telling medical staff that Mitchell was too combative to be evaluated when in truth that was not the case.

The efforts to deny Mitchell medical and mental health care persisted even though he was frequently talking incoherently about demons.

Calling (Mitchell) combative was an excuse to mistreat him, documents state. There was no conduct that could have been committed by (Mitchell) that would have justified the denial of medical access.

After Mitchells death, jail video was leaked.

Goldfarb said Jones plea agreement shed more light on the video.

You see them talking on the video, but you dont know what theyre saying, Goldfarb said. This shed some light on the holes we had in the case.

In the video, you see them yelling at him and its clear theyre not being nice, but you dont know what theyre saying, he said. Now were getting some understanding of the horrible stuff they were saying to him.

Theyre clearly being abusive to him, he said. They killed him.

Goldfarb talked about the statement in court documents where one of the unidentified co-conspirators made the statement, Ill tell you what, next time youre on the toilet taking a (expletive), Ill call you to bother you with something unimportant.

Tony at that point was in dire medical distress, Goldfarb said. I dont think you can ever get anything more important than that, and their dismissal of it shows just how callous they were toward his life.

Goldfarb said the civil case will be on hold while the criminal case plays out.

He said he expects multiple more charges.

We want for anybody to be held accountable that had anything to do with this, he said, and for them to know that Tonys life was important.
An agreement Wednesday by a former Walker County jailer to plead guilty to charges related to the 2023 death of inmate Tony Mitchell revealed horrific details about Mitchells final days.

Joshua Conner Jones this week signed an agreement to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter involving reckless conduct in Mitchells death. Jones faces up to life in prison.

At an arraignment on Aug. 15, a federal judge will set a date to accept Jones plea.

Here are some of the things we learned as a result of that plea agreement:

A criminal investigation is underway:

Mitchells mother, Margaret Mitchell, filed a federal civil lawsuit claiming that deputies tased Mitchell and caused his death through abuse and medical neglect at the hands of Sheriff Nick Smith and staff at the jail, including corrections officers, nurses and an investigator.

However, it had never been made public that federal officials were conducting a criminal investigation into Mitchells death.

Now, it appears other individuals could be charged in the case. Who that might be and what charges they could face are not yet known.

The Walker County Sheriffs Office had no comment when asked about Jones plea agreement.

In addition to the plea in Mitchells death, Jones also pleaded guilty this week to hitting another inmate in 2022 in the face with a can of O.C. spray so hard that Jones broke the can and dispersed the spray in the cell.

The inmate had complained about being in a cell with two others. An investigation found no force was necessary and that Jones and an unidentified officer wrote false reports stating the inmate advanced on them.

Mitchell was abused in retaliation for shooting at deputies:

Mitchell died Jan. 26, 2023 at Walker Baptist Medical Center, just over two weeks after he was arrested on charges that he shot at deputies during a welfare check requested by his family.

On the day he was arrested, Mitchell covered himself in black spray paint and claimed to have a portal to hell.

It was initially claimed Mitchell was placed in a freezer at the jail. The plea agreement, however, states Mitchell was put in a notoriously cold cell with no sink, toilet, or running water.

When Mitchell was booked, he could not walk, was disoriented, non-combative and could not follow directions. Officers wrapped a suicide smock around him.

Jones said Mitchell never received any medical evaluation until the morning of his death, two weeks later.

Corrections officers repeatedly chose not help him and would dismiss his needs by saying, (Expletive) him, he gets what he gets since he shot at cops, or words to that effect, the document states.

Jones (and the other jailers) spoke directly to (Mitchell) saying that he was now in their house and that he had to deal with them, records show.

On Jan. 26, 2023, one of the unnamed officers told Jones that a nurse had ordered that Mitchell be taken to a hospital or he might die.

One of the co-conspirators replied, Ill tell you what, next time youre on the toilet taking a (expletive), Ill call you to bother you with something unimportant.

The officers also repeatedly made comments that Mitchell should have been killed because he shot at deputies rather than being brough to the jail, the document says.

Jailers lied about Mitchells condition as he lay dying:

Jones said he watched Mitchell deteriorate over the two weeks after his Jan. 12, 2023 arrest.

At the time he passed, (Mitchell) was almost always naked, wet, cold, and covered in feces while lying on the cement floor without a mat or blanket, the records state.

By the second week of being jailed, Mitchell was largely listless and mostly unresponsive to questions.

The agreement states Jones and the co-conspirators denied Mitchell medical care by falsely telling medical staff that Mitchell was too combative to be evaluated when in truth that was not the case.

The efforts to deny Mitchell medical and mental health care persisted even though he was frequently talking incoherently about demons.

Calling (Mitchell) combative was an excuse to mistreat him, documents state. There was no conduct that could have been committed by (Mitchell) that would have justified the denial of medical access.

Mitchell was finally taken to the hospital -- in a patrol car:

According to Jones, jail supervisors on Jan. 26, 2023 failed to arrange for Mitchell to go to the hospital for more than three hours after the nurses instructions.

Jones, after he took detainees to court, joined others at Walker Baptist Medical Center Hospital where Mitchell had been taken in the back of a patrol car rather than an ambulance.

When Jones arrived, he learned Mitchells mother had been called to the emergency room and overheard her giving permission to remove Mitchell from life support.
A north Alabama prison guard has been charged with a felony crime after authorities say she brought illegal drugs in the lockup.

Monica Nicole Blakeney, 35, is charged with second-degree promoting prison contraband, Alabama Department of Corrections officials announced Friday.

Blakeney worked as a correctional security guard at Limestone Correctional Facility.

ADOC spokeswoman Kelly Betts said the agencys Law Enforcement Services Division and drug-sniffing dogs responded to the facility Wednesday to assist with the arrest of Blakeney.

Charging documents state Blakeney was delivering amphetamines/methamphetamine to an inmate.

Blakeney was booked into the Limestone County Jail Wednesday and released the same day after posting $5,000 bond.

She resigned from her position, Betts said.

The ADOC takes any breach of its policies and procedures very seriously, said ADOC Commissioner John Hamm, and will continue to work diligently to ensure a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
A Huntsville man is one of five arrested yesterday on federal money laundering charges connected to an online extortion scheme prosecutors say that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old Michigan high school student.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten Friday announced five indictments for conspiracy to commit money laundering, which included Dinsimore Guyton Robinson, 30, of Huntsville.

Also charged were Johnathan Demetrius Green, 32, and Brian Keith Coldmon, Jr., 30, both of Stone Mountain, Ga.; Jarell Daivon Williams, 31, of McDonough, Ga., and Kendall Ormond London, Jr., 32, of Lithonia, Ga.

The indictments are connected to a November 2022 case where three Nigerian nationals were charged. Prosecutors said those men pretended to be a young woman through social media accounts and targeted more than 100 teenage boys and young men, encouraging them to engage in sexually explicit conduct and produce images.

Once the images were sent, they used them to blackmail the victims for money, threatening to send the images to others, including family, friends and classmates of the victims. The extortionists instructed their victims to send money to designated financial accounts through various cash applications.

According to prosecutors, the five men charged Thursday acted as money launderers by controlling the extortioners designated financial accounts. They would keep about 20% of the funds and then convert the rest into bitcoin. The defendants would then send the bitcoin to an unindicted Nigerian co-conspirator, whom they referred to as The Plug.

The indictment alleges that the U.S.-based defendants laundered at least $178,658 in funds representing the proceeds of the scheme.

The extortion resulted in the death of Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old high school student from Marquette, Mich.

Every day Americans fall victim to financial scams, including sextortion, romance scams, and consumer fraud, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said. Senior citizens, children, and teenagers are especially vulnerable. The result of these crimes can be devastating, as the death of Jordan DeMay makes painfully clear. Todays charges send a loud and clear message that we will chase down everyone who enables these crimes, including the U.S.-based money launderers.
As with previous storms, Hurricane Beryl has led to calls that CenterPoint do a better job of trimming trees. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Public Utility Commission of Texas Commissioner Lori Cobos talks to CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells about the companys response to Hurricane Beryl during a PUC meeting Thursday, July 25. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Whos to blame for the long, life-threatening power outages after Hurricane Beryl? Everyone  both Democrats and Republicans  seems to agree: Its CenterPoint.

In mid-July, Gov. Greg Abbott sent CenterPoint a scathing letter demanding to know how the company will be better prepared for future storms, and suggesting retribution if its response is unsatisfactory. On Thursday, Abbott declared that response inadequate and demanded that CenterPoint do more and do it faster.



Similarly, the state Public Utility Commission has announced plans to review CenterPoints infrastructure and storm-hardening plans. And Houston Mayor John Whitmire has said that he plans to hold CenterPoint accountable by documenting what kind of bind they put the city government in.

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Such calls for accountability reflect the deep anger and frustration felt by the 2.3 million Houstonians who lost power. But if the intended objective is to minimize future weather-related disruptions, we should temper our expectations.

The thing is, weve been here before  multiple times.

In 2021, it was following Winter Storm Uri. After that storm, too, public officials initial reaction was finger-pointing, calls for accountability, appointments of special committees and investigations.

And then there was Hurricane Ike in 2008. After that storm, both the PUC and a task force convened by then-Houston Mayor Bill White made recommendations regarding CenterPoints outage restoration practices, particularly in storms where damage was mostly caused by trees falling on power lines (After Beryl, CenterPoint reported that more than 80% of its distribution system had been affected by fallen trees.) The main recommendations from that report were to plant the right tree in the right place, and to manage vegetation better.

Its possible that the latest round of investigations may even find that the post-Beryl criticisms of CenterPoints performance in outage restoration were unjustified. Though initially slow to marshal repair crews, the companys response was ultimately similar to, if not faster, than it was after Ike. Nine days after Beryl, CenterPoint stated it restored power to more than 98% of its customers within nine days. After Ike, CenterPoint restored power to only 75% of the 1.6 million people who lost it within 10 days. Ultimately, some customers waited as many as 17 days.

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Where the post-Beryl investigations are likely to find severe lapses is in CenterPoints lack of communication with the public, such as not having its outage tracker up and running immediately after the storm. Other than that, the investigations will likely conclude that CenterPoints performance, while not exemplary, was not atypical for a utility in a coastal area subject to severe weather conditions given the current state of our grid.

My fear is that, whatever comes of these Beryl investigations is more likely to result in minor tinkering, like more tree trimming, than a major rethinking of our grid infrastructure.

Weve seen that before.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Its time to investigate CenterPoint

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Following Uri, I was part of a group of former PUC officials who urged the commission to address the underlying causes that had led to the massive power outages across the state. We recommended significant changes to the power and natural gas regulatory market.

The Legislature, however, believed it sufficient simply to close a two-decade-old regulatory loophole and require the weatherization of generation plants. It failed to fully address similar issues with the natural gas system. Instead of making the market changes needed, the Legislature said the main cause of the power failure was a lack of dispatchable generation, and embarked on a multibillion-dollar plan to subsidize new natural gas generation.

Beryl presents another opportunity to truly address our long-term grid reliability issues, but doing so requires a completely new approach. State regulators and lawmakers should engage with stakeholders across the region to develop solutions tailored to specific community needs. Simply punishing CenterPoint for its storm response might feel satisfying but is unlikely to result in real change.

In response to pressure from the governor, CenterPoint has withdrawn its $2.2 billion grid resiliency plan. This presents an opportunity to create a truly adaptable, resilient grid  one thats ready for Texas future.



What would that grid look like?

It should be decentralized  and thus, less vulnerable to the failure of any single system. Already our power isnt generated only at distant power stations. Rooftop solar systems and electric vehicles that can send power to the grid allow customers more control over their energy use. Many Texans are buying their own backup generators. And last session, the Legislature approved funding to support the development of microgrid infrastructure at critical facilities such as hospitals and police stations.



To deal with those multiple sources of power  and also to understand what customers need  our grid needs to become smarter. The grid we have today was mostly designed as a one-way system that transmits electricity from central power plants to utility meters. What we need is a system with two-way communication, including digital sensors and automated controls.

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It would be an expensive investment. But among its benefits would be that wed be far better able to address Beryl-like storms. A U.S. Department of Energy study concluded that such smart grid investments could reduce power outages by 45%. A similar study commissioned by CenterPoint found that though an intelligent grid will not prevent trees from falling on power lines, it would allow the company to automatically reconnect customers, as well as provide valuable information to utility crews about damaged lines, minimizing outages and speeding restorations.

CenterPoint has taken incremental steps to building this grid of the future  smart meters here, smart grid infrastructure there  but the job is a long way from finished.

Preventing future outages requires Texans to re-think the grid. Rather than simply subjecting CenterPoint to public shaming, the utility, our political leaders and all Texans should create a new vision of the future. Until we do, we will remain dangerously vulnerable to outages from hurricanes, wind storms and other extreme weather events.

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The Republican National Committee unanimously voted on Holocaust Remembrance Day to pass a resolution condemning anti-Semitism. This resolution provides strong evidence of the Party and its leader, Donald J. Trumps stance towards Jews. Nevertheless, if the Party leaders expect a positive response from the Jewish community in November, they may be disappointed.

For years, Donald Trump has been tirelessly trying to gain support from American Jews. In the current campaign, he is emphasizing his unparalleled support for Israel and highlighting the Biden administrations inconsistent approach to Israels conflict with Hamas. In an interview on Real Americas Voice on April 8, 2024, Mr. Trump asserted that any Jewish individual who casts their vote for Biden does not truly prioritize Israel and, frankly, ought to reconsider their stance.

Trump obviously is not aware that the majority of American Jews are not motivated by concerns for Israel, nor are they motivated by the interests of the United States or by growing anti-Semitism in this country, especially on university campuses. None of this will affect how they vote.

Image: YouTube screen grab.

What Americas Jews passionately care about is social justice. In terms of helping the sick and the poor, social justice is deeply embedded in Judaism. The Industrial Revolution, which brought about a massive wealth generation, caused the plurality of Jews to broaden their vision of social justice to include economic equality.

However, the issue of economic equality eventually grew into an irrational obsession that ultimately led them to embrace socialism.

The Jewish love affair with socialism, which began in Russia with the fanaticism of the grandparents, has been transformed by the Great Terror into the fear of the parents and subsequently into the conviction of the children and grandchildren is embedded deeply in the Jewish DNA.

As the Democrat party leadership drops all pretenses and openly adopts socialist principles, these hereditary socialists, impelled by conviction, will ignore once again what rising antisemitism will do to them and vote for the Party that speaks their language. Thus, they wont vote for a specific Democrat party nominee. They will, as always, vote for socialism.

Trumps criticism of American Jews who intend to vote for Biden exposes the ideological Grand Divide within the Jewish community. The old saw, There are two types of Jews: those who believe that Judaism is about social justice and those who know Hebrew, contains more than a kernel of truth. By and large, orthodox Jews voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020.

The divide boils down to a differing interpretation of the Talmudic concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). Those who know Hebrew engage in activities intended to complete Gods work, as revealed in the Torah. Those who believe that Judaism is about social justice are on a divine mission to change the world upon their verities.

The ideology of changing the world emanates from Jews two millennia of experiences living in ghettos and the lasting effect of prosecution and suffering. American Jews, in particular, have been struggling to reconcile their tragic history with the logic of contemporary reality.

The descendants of the first immigrants, who dug trenches and washed dishes in New York, have risen to become doctors, lawyers, senators, bankers, industrialists, and influential politicians. Unfortunately, they also inherited the genetic memories of their ghetto ancestors. They feel guilty for achieving a standard of living as good as or better than any other ethnic group in this country.

To assuage this guilt, they continue to fight for social justice, taking on and supporting the cause of every underdog and liberal movement in sight, no matter how unworthy, no matter how illogical, and no matter how it imperils their own interests or safety. Their religion is not Judaism but is, instead, almost every other ism (with the exceptions of conservatism and fascism), such as liberalism, socialism, Marxism, environmentalism, etc.

Although the commitment to socialism has resulted in a host of tragedies, including the Holocaust and Stalinist purges, Jews will not abandon their devotion to the cause. As prominent Zionist Zev Jabotinsky once said, Logic is an art of the Greeks; a Jew has his own logic. Jewish logic is the logic of catastrophe. Jews do not detect danger; they face it when it comes. Indeed, history keeps punishing willful blindness, and catastrophes keep reappearing.

The 1917 Bolshevik revolution, which brought so much suffering to the people of Russia, including Jews, was indeed a Jewish revolution. Jews later founded and shaped the Soviet state, only to have Stalin turn on them.

In the late 1920s, many German Jews voted for Hitlers National Socialist Party, only to become victims of the Holocaust a decade later. They chose to ignore Hitlers anti-Semitic rhetoric; he could not be bad, much less evil. After all, he was a socialist!

Jews passionately supported and continued to admire FDR, who in 1939 denied entry for Jews seeking asylum from Nazi extermination and condemned them to the Holocaust. Yet, they still love himafter all, the New Deal was a giant step toward socialism.

To reform Jewish habits, Trump must be emphatic on two points. First, he must expose American Jews devotion to socialism and shame them for inviting another catastrophe by betraying their own interests. Second, he must highlight that economic equality can only exist in poverty since equality in wealth is an oxymoron.

A few months back, I found myself in a Las Vegas restaurant with some Jewish companions, engaged in a political discussion during the meal. At a nearby table, there was another group of Jews. One of them turned toward our table and inquired whether we truly intended to vote for Trump. My friend replied that he would vote for a cockroach if it ran against Biden. This response reflected a glimmer of hope that some Jews might emerge from their intellectual ghetto and commence a wave of voting based on logic, not their ancestors conviction.

In retrospect, I was picking up the dinner tab, which may have tilted the table in my philosophical direction.

Alexander G. Markovsky is a senior fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, a conservative think tank that examines national security, energy, risk analysis, and other public policy issues. He is the author of Anatomy of a Bolshevik and Liberal Bolshevism: America Did Not Defeat Communism, She Adopted It. Mr. Markovsky is the owner and CEO of Litwin Management Services, LLC. He can be reached at alex.g.markovsky@gmail.com.
Perhaps you have heard of Professor Allan Lichtman and his prediction for the 2024 presidential election. He says that Kamala will win.

Lichtman uses a prediction system based on 13 historical keys that measure the strength of the incumbent party in a presidential election. Some of his keys, such as the charisma level of the challenger, are highly subjective. A list of keys is found here in a post by Andrea Widburg.

Lichtmans prediction for 2024 may come true, but if it does, it wont be due to the 13 keys of his analysis. Instead, it will likely be attributable to a missing 14th key: the cheating key.

The professor is a committed Democrat, so he may not believe it possible that fellow Democrats might cheat their way to victory. That is what they did in 2020. But before we get into that, lets talk about Lichtmans skill with his political crystal ball. Its not so great.

Professor Lichtman says he has been correct in predicting presidential elections since 1984. That is false for these reasons:

He dismisses his bad prediction in the 2000 Gore-Bush election because, according to Lichtman, Gore really won. I see.

In 2016, the professor received great credit for correctly predicting the upset win by Trump. The problem? He got it wrong. (Lichtmans prediction was that Trump would win the popular vote, but Trump lost it by 2.1 percentage points.)

After 2016, Lichtman officially changed from predicting popular vote winners to predicting electoral vote winners. Based on that change, he correctly predicted that Biden would win the 2020 election. However, I dont believe that it had to do with any of his 13 keys. This requires explanation.

In 2020, the cheating was so massive in the swing states that several state elections should not have been certified. I am not saying this based on conjecture or estimates. Rather, it is on the basis of solid facts that have never been debunked, or even examined in many cases.

The Pennsylvania election was a fraud because there were far more ballots cast than active voters. When Pennsylvania certified its election on November 24, 2020, the excess was exactly 202,377. On December 28, 2020, sixteen Republican legislators issued a screaming press release about the voter deficit. A day later, the Pennsylvania secretary of state issued a response: some counties have not yet finished entering into the SURE system ... the record of the individual voter who cast a ballot. In other words, the check is in the mail. That was two months after the election.

Those voters were never identified. That was the conclusion of Verity Vote, a credible data analysis firm. I tested the logic and calculations in the Verity Vote analysis, and no errors were found. When last checked  nearly three months after the election  there were still about 121,000 ballots that had not been matched to voters.[1]

To make matters worse, Pennsylvanias super-left-wing Supreme Court declared that no voter could be disqualified simply because his signature looked phony. So in Pennsylvania, there was no ID requirement and no signature-checking, and there were more than one hundred thousand mysterious ballots for which there were no voters.

In Wisconsin, it is a fact that Democrat officials in the two large counties of Dane and Milwaukee posted public notices urging all voters who request a ballot and have trouble presenting a valid ID to indicate that they are indefinitely confined. (See WILL report, page 26.) As a result, that special category of voter increased by nearly 200,000 between 2016 and 2020, and tens of thousands voted without ID. After the election (in December 2020), Wisconsins liberal Supreme Court ruled that the instructions were illegal. Nice timing!

In Michigan, the secretary of state mailed out an extra 4 million ballot applications that could be returned without ID (after they were retrieved from mailrooms, trash cans, and landfills?). Each application had to be signed by the voter, but the secretary declared that she and the county clerks would presume all signatures legitimate. Trump and other Republicans told the secretary she was wrong, and, after the election, a judge declared that the presumption was illegal. More nice timing! (By the way, if the secretary were a Republican, this would not be a matter of simple illegality: it would be criminal, and she would be indicted.)

In Georgia, a member of the Fulton County Board of Registrations and Elections reported  years after the election  that no signature matching whatever took place in the county for the 2020 election. Fulton includes Atlanta and is the largest county in Georgia. It is large enough to easily change the state election results.

In addition, an analysis of Fulton County ballot images by VoterGA showed numerous impossible images. For example, thousands had identification files (SHA files) dated hours or days after the dates on image files (TIF files). In the rest of the universe, those two files are created simultaneously.

I urge you to listen to this overview of Fulton Countys many questionable and impossible ballots. It is a presentation by Garland Favorito, the founder of VoterGA. The pertinent part starts at 27:00.

I could provide more examples, but you get the point. Lichtman needs to add a Cheating Key to his list.

Before concluding, Id like to briefly address the likely outcome in this Novembers election. I am not a political pundit or pollster, but I suspect that Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are likely to get enough votes to win the swing state elections. Before Joe Biden dropped out, it appeared that the Republican ticket might win by enough to overcome any Democrat cheating. Now, however, the margins are closer, and the outcome is in doubt.

Most people dont understand the Machiavellian brilliance of Democrat cheating. Democrats are happy to allow endless counting and recounting of ballots, but they will fight ferociously against anything that can demonstrate the validity of the ballots. In the swing states, they have eliminated or weakened requirements for

voting in person

obtaining a mail-in ballot

voter ID

proof of citizenship

signature identification

addresses on ballot transmittals

postmark dates on ballot envelopes (to show they were mailed on time)

meaningful participation of poll watchers

verification of registration voter lists

regulation of unmonitored ballot drop boxes

As a result, the Republican loser will probably have nothing to take to court in a lawsuit, and his case will be dismissed. However, there is a way to obtain the evidence needed to void a stolen election: canvassing.

I have discussed it before (here), but here is a recap:

For counties where cheating is suspected, hire a qualified statistician to select a representative sample of voters who, according to election department records, voted via mailed ballot.

Organize teams of volunteers to visit each sampled voter to ask if he voted and, if so, by what method (mail or in person). The teams should be organized and supervised by bipartisan civic leaders.

Document all responses, and, where possible, obtain affidavits to support any claims of irregularities.

The percentage of irregularities in the sample should be extended to the mail-in voting population of the county. If the extended results are large enough, a new election will be warranted.

Lets hope such a plan is never needed.

Joe Fried is an Ohio-based CPA who has performed and reviewed hundreds of certified financial audits. He is the author of the book Debunked? An auditor reviews the 2020 election and How Elections Are Stolen, which outlines 23 problems that must be fixed before the 2024 election. More information can be found at https://joefriedcpa.substack.com, Joes permanently free Substack account.
Kamala Harris has always had trouble keeping staff based on her nasty, bullying, personality, but she sure does well with people who talk like this in her tree.

According to Fox News:

Cora Masters Barry, an appointee of Democrat D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and longtime civil rights activist, and Melanie Campbell, who leads the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, have visited the White House more than 50 times combined during the Biden administration, including nearly a dozen visits with Harris or her staff, a Fox News Digital review found. Weeks before President Biden and Harris were sworn into office in 2021, Barry and Campbell participated in a public Zoom call in which they made controversial statements about Trump supporters and used an expletive against White voters, specifically White women, which could cause some internal clashes as different coalitions mobilize to try to get Harris into the White House.

... and ...

We have to change our strategy. We got to get our people. We have to get our  they got their people. They got all the trailer parks all covered, Barry said during the Zoom. All them people up in West Virginia and the hills, theyre covered. They got them all the way there to Wall Street. [Trump] did that, and were sitting here talking about the White women. Fk the white women excuse me  forget the White women. Theyre going to do what the White men tell them to do, Barry continued, eliciting laughter and clapping from Campbell. What they tell themselves, Campbell interjected. They be smiling in their faces, they want to stay in charge, Barry continued, with Campbell reacting affirmatively in the background. I dont care nothing about them, we got to do what we got to do. Barry went on to say that the Black community has to get real serious about organizing to elect Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States and that she doesnt want no womens parade. If they have another Womens March  Ill go over there and blow it up, Barry said. Barry also attacked supporters of then-President Trump, comparing them to the Ku Klux Klan by saying, Im not saying everyone who voted for Trump is wearing a white sheet, but they got one in their closet, and it comes out when we start messing with the economic value or the balance of power.

Had enough?

Seems there a lot of people in Kamala's inner circle, the kind who haven't fled from her perhaps because she is a kindred spirit, who have bottomless contempt for white female voters, particularly the ones who don't vote the way they like.

They take orders from their husbands. Childless cat ladies, eat your hearts out.

They are low class and live in trailer parks. Deplorables, eat your hearts out.

Despite being low class and living in trailer parks, they somehow have all the power, and refuse to give it up, presumably to Kamala and her ilk.

Despite being powerful trailer park denizens clinging to power like Nicolas Maduro, they hold pink-pussycat hatted marches, which one of them wants to firebomb, being a violent sort.

They are all closet Klansmen, including even the ones who aren't.

Wow. What a picture to paint of a sizable section of the voter base, both Trump supporters and pink-pussycat-hatted anti-Trump marchers. The only thing they have in common is being white, and this pair doesn't like it.

So all those "white women for Kamala" who have been meeting on Zoom and having "honest conversations" about race, reportedly 164,000 of them, can now eat that up, and given that it's them, they will probably like it.

But the remainder of the white female population probably won't. It ought to get out that this is what the Kamala group says in private about the people whose votes it thinks it has bagged up.

While the press complains about J.D. Vance's off the cuff public remarks about leftists being "childless cat ladies," here's where the real contempt for women rests, well within the Kamala camp and one can only wonder just how much Kamala joins in the fun with them when the Zoom mike is off. She does mentally feed them, so it's fair to say it's probably a lot.

No wonder her staff flees.

Image: GPA Photo Archive, via Flickr // public domain
Last night, my wife Lynn and I sat glued to the television, watching the return of the hostages to Joint Base Andrews, once known as Andrews Air Force Base.

We were eager to see the victims of Putins Cold War-like use of hostages. Frankly, we were hoping that the president and the vice president would play by the rules they laid out, primarily, this is all about the families, and, we wont be talking to the press, or words to that effect.

However, just as every soldier quickly learns that in the name Meals, Ready to Eat (MRE), there are three lies there in one name, we quickly learned that the word of the president and the vice president were worth exactly what we knew would be the case. As media whores, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris found it an unnatural act to ignore reporters with cameras and live microphones. More on this in a moment.

As an aside, I spent most of my career working with employers or clients  or presidential political candidates  going all the way back to 1976.

Heres what Im sure I could pass a lie detector exam on:

The plane with the ex-hostages was forced to circle the federal airfield while the president got his, ahem, act together. At 11:00 p.m. EDT, the press was advised that the plane would land within ten minutes, and the presidential motorcade would arrive in eight minutes. They were also told that this was all about the families. Like MREs, that was three lies in one statement. The plane was made to orbit the airbase until the president arrived, about 30 minutes late. So much for putting the families first  this was to be a media photo op for a retiring president still eager to appear relevant, and a presidential candidate desperate to look presidential.

A presidential spokesperson said this was not a political event. Neither the president nor the veep would make a statement or answer questions. Remember, this was all about the families. Except that it wasnt. Before those three hostages could hug or kiss their spouses and kids and other family members, they had first to run a presidential gauntlet. Then, just moments after the families were allowed to come forward to welcome their loved ones, the once and future president made a beeline to the press scrum, making statements and answering questions not once, but twice. Each one of them spoke to the press twice. Its all but unprecedented for a VP to speak to the media at all after the president has spoken. But tradition be damned, the media was there, and the questions were mostly about their political relevance. It would be an unnatural act for Biden and Harris to ignore the media when they could take credit for what others had done.

Would President Trump be so closed-minded, callous and its all about me? Nah!

As weve seen, the plane wasnt allowed to land until the presidential motorcade whisked Biden onto the base. POTUS was parked strategically where three former hostages would deplane. It was an ambush. Clearly, since the plane could have landed at 11:00 p.m. instead of 11:30 p.m., the families had to wait on the convenience of the president. Perhaps with more at stake, Candidate Harris arrived twenty minutes earlier than POTUS. I guess being relevant means making everybody wait. Then, the families had to wait on the convenience of the president. He wanted to be seen greeting them, without the inconvenience of pesky families, eager to steal the show by showering the two freed men and one woman with love and affection. Then, when POTUS and veep flocked toward the reporters scrum, they talked about how great their negotiating skills were, instead of the anguish the family felt while being made to wait an unnecessary half-hour  at least.

Another kick in the teeth to the families  as soon as the ceremony was completed, the three ex-hostages were set to be winged away from Andrews for a flight to San Antonio Texas, where a competent military hospital  the Brooke Army Medical Center  was available. Of course, Washington has an excellent military medical center, a combination of what had once been Bethesda Naval Hospital  where Presidents typically go to be treated  and Walter Reed National Military Hospital. Here, the families could be with their returned heroes, extending their reunion.

Yet another kick in the teeth  the victims flew home from Europe on a private jet  some benefactor sent their own plane or rented one for the event. But if theres one thing the U.S. Air Force has, its VIP aircraft, large enough to hold both three ex-hostages and their families. Knowing when everything would come together, the president could have sent one of the luxurious fleet of VIP jets used by the secretaries of State and Defense  with the family members onboard. But that would have denied the president and the veep a great media op, so the freed hostages had to fly home without the help of an Air Force VIP passenger jet.

Just as I was leaving the T.V. to write this article, I heard the host announce that because debriefing was part of the process, one the family could not participate in, it looked like the returnees would have to forego their reunion while they were checked out medically while being debriefed. So, yeah, this was all about the families, as the president told America, even as the families were being prepped to have to say goodbye for, well, for who knows how long. I cant confirm this, but it fits the pattern of families last, except when the cameras were rolling.

Finally, after everybody had moved away from the jet, President Biden left the gaggle and walked up to the plane, then  without a pause, he entered the plane. The camera cut away after an uncomfortable minute or two, then long moments later, it zooms in as President Biden walked back out of the plane  apparently preceded by candidate Harris. How or when she boarded the empty plane wasnt commented on, suggesting that the anchor desk at Fox had no clue. Based on how the reporters there all ignored this Bidenesque faux pas, the other networks didnt know, either. Though Im guessing that the more politically aligned rushed to suggest that Biden had gone to greet the flight crew. Why? Who knows.

That wasnt the only presidential gaffe. He hugged a young girl, his nostrils coming dangerously close to her hair.

Later, when asked by a reporter what message he would send to Putin, instead of relying on the notoriously good negotiating skills hed just bragged about, he instead said, Stop! Thats it, just Stop! Given how world leaders have reacted to similar messages, such as Dont! he blew a chance to send a real message to Putin. There were other gaffes, but he was only on camera for less than a half hour, so there werent many. Just enough.

The important things to remember are these:

Biden cant be on time when press events are involved.

When Biden says he wont speak to the press, hes lying. Instead of speaking to them once, he speaks to them twice, answering or ducking questions as the mood hits them.

When Biden says its all about the families, its really all about Biden. Families come in last.

We can thank God that even such an inept man as President Biden can deliver hostages from Russia  as long as he gives in to every one of Putins demands. Compare this to President Trump. In his first term, he repatriated fifty hostages, without giving up everyone we have locked up, in America or in the jails of one of our allies. What can he do in his second term, when hes already had four years of effective years negotiating with foreign despots for American journalists and others taken by the caprice of those eager to test Trump  men and women who, after one staredown with Trump, didnt want to face the man again.

Ned Barnett is a long-time author  40 of his books have been published to date, with more on the way  and political operative. He was at the state-level the head of media and strategy for presidential elections, having also worked with Senate and House candidates, governors and other elected officials. As founder and CEO of Barnett Marketing Communications in Las Vegas, he works with authors, publishers, start-up and high-tech companies, focusing on marketing and promotion tactics that work where they count the most. He can be reached at 702-561-1167, or nedbarnett51@gmail.com. His website is currently down for a major overhaul, and his webmaster  Jube Dankworth  is a highly-successful conservative political consultant in Texas.

Image: Screen shot from CNN-News18 Reuters video, via YouTube
Who the heck came up with the vile idea of letting Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, architect of 9/11, off with a plea deal?

J.D. Vance, a combat veteran of the George Bush-led wars set off as a result of that act, said what a lot of us would like to hear said, according to Fox News:

During a campaign speech Wednesday in Glendale, Arizona, Trump campaign vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance slammed the plea deal taken by three of the terrorists behind the Sept. 11 terror attacks awaiting trial in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "Just today, I heard that the Biden-Harris Department of Justice cut a deal with al-Qaeda terrorist Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to avoid the death penalty. It was reported today," Vance said. "Now, as someone who enlisted in the Marines to serve after 9/11, that is ridiculous. But it's not surprising." On Wednesday, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced the Convening Authority for Military Commissions, Susan Escallier, entered into pretrial agreements with Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin 'Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi.

The smelly, sweaty, beast, who was apprehended at great risk to our fighting men in his dirty t-shirt in Pakistan, set off a plot that killed nearly 3,000 American nationals. Thousands of men and women took up arms to rid the world of his like, fighting terrorists. Thousands came back maimed, or didn't come back at all. The cost in blood and treasure was enormous.

Yet how soon they forget, whoever it is running this legal system, giving this terrorist a "deal." Prosecutors normally give deals in order to reach someone higher up. There was no one higher up than he was, and yet he got a deal.

That deal is problematic for a second reason in that he gets to live. And where terrorists live, there is always the prospect of a swap for the lives of innocents. We can expect his fellow terrorists to conduct some kind of new spectacular, at a cost of new lives, and use a weak U.S. leader to exchange the remainders for his miserable hide.

That's if the late Lynne Stewart, his former leftist attorney, and all the little Lynne Stewarts she left behind, don't figure out a legal way to get him out and about.

It's outrageous, a punishment that doesn't fit the crime. There are stray killers out there who get worse. Real justice is served as it was to Saddam Hussein, the Nazi concentration camp killers, and other war criminals, with executions.

But this beast gets a plea deal.

It's good to hear Vance speak the truth Americans know about the importance of killing off terrorists, not putting them in extended detention until the West loses its will to even punish them. That's why we need people like Vance in the executive office.

Image: Wikimedia Commons // public domain
Sometimes, the best time to buy a product is before its actually on sale. Tons of companies offer pre-order deals for their devices, and Google is no different. Thanks to a new leak, we know the pre-order deals for the Pixel 9 series. Just note that these might be the pre-order deals in France.

If youre excited to know about the Google Pixel 9 series of phones, were going to see at least two of them in less than two weeks. Google is going to host its next Made By Google event on August 13th. Were going to see the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and maybe some more devices. So, if youre excited to see what the company has in store for us, mark your calendar.

Here are the potential pre-order deals for the Pixel 9 series

Just as a quick note, youll want to take this news cautiously, as were dealing with leaked information. Googles going to tell us the deals during the event that is if its not too busy talking about AI.

As for the deals, theyre going to be different from last years according to the leak. Last year, if you ordered a Pixel 8 phone, youd get either a Pixel Watch 2 or a pair of Pixel Buds Pro. Thats a heck of a deal, especially if youre looking to get into the Pixel ecosystem.

For this deal, youll get storage upgrades. This is similar to what Samsung is doing. So, if you order within the pre-order window, youll get the 256GB variant of a phone for the price of the 128GB variant. That goes for the 512GB variant (get it for the price of the 256GB variant) and the 1TB variant (the same price as the 512GB variant).

These deals, according to the report, are for most authorized merchants in France. As you can guess, other merchants in other markets might offer different deals. Folks in the U.S. or other markets may still get a Pixel Watch or Pixel Buds.

Other deals

As stated by 9To5Google, users who purchase a Pixel 9 Pro, Pro XL, or Pro Fold will get 12 free months of Google One AI Premium if they order before December. Folks who buy a Pixel 9 will get six months of that service.
Samsung chief has reportedly been quite angry at the companys mobile division Samsung MX. Specifically speaking, Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee directly intervened in the division. He has caused a major reshuffle within the profit-making division.

Why is the Samsung chief angry with the highly lucrative business division?

Samsung operates multiple businesses. It is one of the largest South Korean companies. Samsung Mobile is one of the most profitable divisions of the company.

Despite thriving with AI smartphone innovations, it is now on edge, reportedly because of some design decisions. The matter became so serious, that the parent companys chief became angry with Samsung MX.

Samsung's Chairman Cracks Down on MX Division Over Apple Copycat Claims Samsung's chairman, JY, known for his calm demeanor, recently gave a stern directive to the MX Division to reassess its management. This came after escalating issues with design and quality, causing a chilly pic.twitter.com/OdVRnNfvx0  INIYSA (@lafaiel) August 2, 2024

According to an insiders statement, tensions are rising within the Samsung Electronics MX Division. It receives the most performance-based pay among the Device Experience (DX) divisions. Speaking anonymously, the employee said:

The chairman himself stepped in after the controversy over Apples design inspiration and quality issues surrounding the Buds 3 series and Galaxy Watch 7 released last month. The internal atmosphere is currently very bad.

The employee was referring to the recently launched Galaxy Buds 3 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Samsungs chief is angry because, at the media briefing held at Samsung Store Hongdae in South Korea, these products were overwhelmingly compared to the Apple AirPods and Apple Watch.

Galaxy Buds 3 and other accessories facing production and quality issues too?

When the Galaxy Buds 3 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra were presented, several reporters instantly remarked they closely resembled Apples products. The previous two generations of Galaxy Buds had a distinct kidney bean appearance.

The latest generation of Galaxy Buds have stems. Needless to say, these make the Galaxy Buds 3 similar to AirPods and several other wireless earbuds in the market.

and the "I'm not airpods" Galaxy buds 3.

There's one nice attention to detail however  at the bottom of the stems, left bud is color coded blue, right bud orange. pic.twitter.com/rv2vbY8vbc  Aquis_GN  Android/Smartphone Vtuber (@Aquis_GN) July 11, 2024

Some reports claim a reporter even remarked, The appearance, case, and even the fit are too similar to Apple. Whats concerning is that even the media control method is similar to the AirPods Pro series.

Specifically speaking, in both products, users can play or pause music by pressing the pillar, not the earbud. Even the method to change the volume is now identical.

The Galaxy Buds 3 look just like AirPods. Why? At a distance, they are indistinguishable from AirPods. Samsung's previous designs were unique and efficient, so why change? pic.twitter.com/5bTWl6rxpc  Tom's KI Ecke (@KI_HAL_2023) July 30, 2024

Samsungs chief usually has a calm demeanor. However, he was reportedly angry as the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra also resembles the Apple Watch Ultra.

Some reports also claimed Samsung may have welcomed problems in production and quality by abandoning the older designs. However, unless the earbuds are officially recalled, these may be termed as isolated cases. Perhaps the biggest difference that puts the Galaxy Buds 3 ahead of the Apple AirPods is their ease of repairability.
Samsung Electronics Co.s chip division boss has warned employees via a memo. In the memo, obtained by Bloomberg, Jun Young-hyun expressed deep concern about the companys potential descent into a vicious cycle. The memo outlines critical issues hindering the tech giants competitiveness.

Challenges in the AI memory market

Jun, who took the reins after Samsung lost ground to rival SK Hynix in the crucial AI memory chip market, attributed the divisions recent upturn largely to a market rebound. However, he stressed that this is not a sustainable strategy. To ensure long-term success, the Korean tech giant must overhaul its workplace culture, improve communication, and confront challenges head-on.

The Samsung chips memo reflects growing frustration over the companys struggles in the lucrative AI chip market, dominated by Nvidia Corp. Despite the companys recent surge in net income, Jun identified numerous obstacles threatening its future.

We need to rebuild the culture of fierce debate that is unique to semiconductors. If we rely on the market without restoring fundamental competitiveness, we will be stuck in a vicious cycle that will repeat last years situation. Jun wrote. This call for a more open and challenging work environment underscores the urgency of the situation. The 63-year-old engineer warned that Samsung risks repeating last years setbacks without addressing these underlying issues.

Signs of progress amid challenges

While the memo highlights serious challenges, there are also signs of progress. Samsung has made significant strides in its comeback, including securing Nvidias approval for its HBM3 memory chips. The company also anticipates approval for the next-generation HBM3E chips in the coming months.

These developments mark a departure from Samsungs historical dominance in the memory chip market as the current landscape demands a more agile and adaptive approach.

We are currently in a difficult situation, Jun acknowledged. However, he expressed confidence in Samsungs ability to overcome these challenges. With our accumulated research experience and know-how, we are confident that we will quickly regain our competitive edge.

The Samsung chips memo by its boss is a clear call to action. Jun Young-hyuns candid assessment and call for cultural change highlight the need for improved communication and problem-solving within the company. As Samsung works to close the gap with competitors, the focus will be on fostering a culture of openness and innovation to ensure long-term success.
Samsung Keyboard comes pre-installed on Galaxy devices as the default keyboard app. It is packed with useful features, including support for extensions. However, it appears that Samsung has quietly removed extensions for YouTube, Grammarly, and Spotify from its Keyboard app.

Some smartphone brands, such as Samsung, offer their own apps that replace the Google or AOSP equivalents. Samsung Keyboard is a decent alternative to Gboard thanks to its functionality. Extension support enables a smoother typing experience by allowing you to bring data directly from other apps and services into the text field. For example, if you wanted to send someone a song from Spotify, the extension would allow you to search for it without opening the Spotify app.

Samsung removes YouTube, Grammarly, and Spotify extensions from its Keyboard app

However, it is no longer possible to use the YouTube, Grammarly, and Spotify extensions features of Samsung Keyboard. The reason behind the removal of the extensions is unknown. It is also not known when exactly they were removed. Some suggest that this could have happened a few months ago, but not many had noticed. If this is true, it is possible that these extensions were not widely used, which would partly explain the companys move.

Some speculate that the YouTube extension allowed users to bypass the video platforms age restrictions. So, the South Korean giant would have removed it because of that. However, the truth is that there is no official word on this matter.

The Grammarly app offered grammar suggestions as you typed. Basically, it worked in a similar way to the Grammarly extension for desktop browsers. On the other hand, the Spotify extension allowed you to search for everything from songs to playlists on the platform without opening the app. The YouTube extension did the same thing as the Spotify extension, allowing you to bring songs, videos, or podcasts from YouTube to the text field.

There is a built-in alternative for the Grammarly extension

Now that Samsung has removed the aforementioned extensions, its Keyboard app is less functional. However, the company has an alternative to replace one of them: Grammarly. Currently, the Samsung Keyboard app offers a Writing Assistant feature that fulfills a similar role.
In May, Walmart launched the Onn 4K Pro as its latest Google TV set-top box. The device offers some impressive specs for its price, making several Chromecast dongle users consider switching. However, they might be worried about the software support section on a non-Google product. That said, Walmarts track record regarding updates to Android TV/Google TV products is better than you might think.

Its noteworthy that the Android TV/Google TV segment doesnt have as good software support as high-end smartphones. In fact, not even Google is able to keep its devices updated to the latest software available. Currently, the Chromecast with Google TV series (HD and 4K) is still running Android TV 12. If you werent aware, Android TV 14 has been available for a while now. Still, they do get security updates and some new features via the Google TV custom skin.

First Walmarts Onn Android TV device (2021) just got a new update

So, if even Google cant offer exemplary software support on TV streaming devices, it is logical to think that other brands are doing it even worse. However, Walmart is among those that have stood out the most by sending updates to all of its Android TV and Google TV products. As reported by 9to5Google, the first Onn Android TV series launched in 2021 is receiving a new update right now.

Not only that, but the Onn 4K Google TV box (2023) also received an update a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, the latest Onn 4K Pro has already been blessed with at least a couple of updates since its launch. For reference, 2021 Onn Android TV devices started at just $15, but that hasnt stopped the company from committing to updating them.

That said, many of the updates are security patches. There are also bug-fixing updates that do not raise the security patch level. Still, its impressive that even the cheapest models get updates for so long.

The Google TV Streamer is expected to arrive in August as the next-gen Chromecast product. It will likely come with Android TV 14, though its not sure how many big OS updates it will get, given what weve seen. Meanwhile, NVIDIA remains the brand that showed the most impressive software support in the segment. Its a shame the company didnt continue with the NVIDIA Shield TV series.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, attends a Memorial Day ceremony at Houston National Cemetery on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

The Harris County Democratic Party announced Friday that its precinct chairs will convene on August 13 to nominate a replacement for the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on the November ballot.

Jackson Lee, who had represented the 18th Congressional District for three decades, won a decisive primary victory in March and was on her way to winning her 15th term in office before she died from pancreatic cancer last month. With no time to hold a new election ahead of the November general election, 88 Democratic precinct chairs from the district are tasked with selecting a new nominee on behalf of voters.

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Following a series of memorial services for Jackson Lee, more candidates have confirmed they are entering the race. So far, former Mayor Sylvester Turner, former Council Member Amanda Edwards, Council Member Letitia Plummer, State Rep. Jarvis Johnson and former City Council Member Dwight Boykins, among others, have all announced their candidacies.

Later Friday, Gov. Greg Abbott called a separate special election for Nov. 5 to fill the rest of Jackson Lee's current term, which ends in January. Candidates will have until Aug. 22 to sign up to run in that race.

That means District 18 voters will vote twice on the same ballot for the same position: once to elect someone to fill in for about seven weeks, and again to elect someone to serve the full, two-year term that starts in January.

According to state law, the Democrats have until August 26 to nominate a new candidate for the full term and submit their choice to the Texas Secretary of States office. However, they have opted for a more compressed timeframe, packing a flurry of interviews and events into a little more than a week.

Nicole Pedersen, voter protection director at the Harris County Democratic Party, explained this is because many precinct chairs will be attending the Democratic National Convention, set to start on August 19 in Chicago, and they wanted to complete the process before their travels.

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The nomination procedure means much of the decision will be influenced by party connections rather than direct voter input. But constituents can still learn about the candidates and track the decision-making process by watching a series of interviews, forums and meetings scheduled for the coming days. Here are the details on where and when these events will take place.

August 5: The party will hold an informational meeting on Zoom to explain the nomination process and answer questions. You can register here.

August 6, 7 and 8: Precinct chairs will conduct virtual interviews of candidates during the three evenings. More information can be found here.

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August 10: The Southeast Democrats Network and the Black Women of Greater Houston PAC will co-host a televised candidate forum at the Young Womens College Preparatory Academy, 1906 Cleburne St., with the reception starting at 12:30 p.m.
The Xiaomi 15 Pro is tipped to be lighter despite the fact it will include a lot bigger battery. This information comes from Digital Chat Station, one of the most prominent tipsters from China.

The Xiaomi 15 Pro will be lighter, but include a considerably larger battery

The tipster said that the Xiaomi 15 Pro will weigh 220 grams while being 8.5mm thick. An earlier report stated that a 6,000mAh battery will be used. Just to be clear, Digital Chat Station didnt mention that part now.

As a reminder, the Xiaomi 14 Pro is 8.5mm thick, while it weighs 223 or 230 grams, depending on the variant. It includes a 4,880mAh battery. So, if the rumors end up being true, the Xiaomi 15 Pro will have the same thickness, be lighter, and offer a lot more battery capacity.

Some of you may wonder how is this possible. Well, thanks to silicon-carbon batteries, most of all. Proper engineering is also required, though, of course, to make all that fit on the inside.

The device will almost certainly launch in October

The Xiaomi 15 Pro is expected to arrive in a couple of months. The Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro will almost certainly launch in October. Thats when the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be presented, and these two phones will be amongst the first to use it.

The Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro arrived in October last year, so it fits. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra will likely arrive at a later date, as did the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Its also worth noting that the Xiaomi 14 Pro did not make it to global markets, but the Xiaomi 14 and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra did. It remains to be seen if the same will be the case this year too.

The Xiaomi 15 Pro will be a truly powerful, flagship device. Its expected to include a large display and a Leica-powered camera setup on the back. Plenty of top-notch RAM and storage will be included too, along with blazing fast wired and wireless charging.
A woman cuddling and kissing her happy pet dog Creative Cat Studio via Shutterstock

Do our dogs see us as their parents? Many a pet owner (myself included) will proudly call themselves "pet parents" because we see our pets as our little fur babies. The question is, do dogs reciprocate those familial feelings when it comes to their human owners?

While dogs might not have the same understanding of parent-child relationships as we humans do, I think it's fair to say that many of our four-footed friends see us not only as their best buddies, but as beloved parental figures as well. Here are a few adorable signs that your dog looks up to you in that light!

1. They Gaze into Your Eyes

In many different species across the animal kingdom, making direct eye contact is often perceived as a threat, or a display of dominance. The same is true of many canine species, including domesticated dogs themselves. If that's the case, though, then what does it mean when your pet pooch gazes adoringly up into your eyes?

Despite eye contact normally being considered a sign of aggression among dogs, there seems to be something about the bond between a pet parent and their pup that transcends this. A 2015 study helmed by Japanese animal behaviorist Takefumi Kikusui found that sustained eye contact between pairings of dogs and their owners raised levels of oxytocin (aka, the "love hormone") in the human participants, which in turn caused their dogs' oxytocin levels to rise in a positive feedback loop. The team also observed a few pairings of tamed wolves and their owners in their study, but the "oxytocin-gaze positive feedback loop" was only present in the pairings with dogs, not the wolves.

Kikusui's team drew parallels between the oxytocin-inducing gaze between dogs and their owners and the "mutual gaze" between a human mother and their infant. Both gazing behaviors create the same type of oxytocin positive feedback loop, suggesting that dogs have not only evolved this form of interspecies attachment alongside us, but that its bonding effect is similar to that shared by human parents and their children. If your heart swells with love when you gaze into your pup's eyes, chances are they're feeling the love right back!

A happy corgi being held by its human mama sergey kolesnikov via Shutterstock

2. They Love Cuddling Up to You

Who doesn't love a good snuggle sesh? If your dog can't get enough of cuddling up with you on the couch or sleeping by your side, it's a strong indicator of their affection for you. Some pet experts have suggested this might be another indicator of a parent-child-like bond!

"Gentle touching and nuzzling mimic maternal affection between puppies and their original dog moms," veterinarian Rebecca Greenstein spoke to Business Insider. "These physical activities induce the release of the feel-good hormone, oxytocin, in both species."

If you want to see the hard science, check out this 2019 study from S. Marshall-Pescini et al., which found that positive interactions between dogs and their owners, including cuddles, raised the levels of oxytocin in both parties. I doubt any dog parents will find those results shocking, though!

Related: Woman Has Silver Labrador She Birthed Walk Down the Aisle at Her Wedding

3. They Look To You for Comfort and Assurance

Has your dog ever checked your expression with a "side-eye" when faced with something new, or run up to you as if asking for help when dealing with an unfamiliar situation? If your dog looks to you for assurance and guidance, that's another possible indicator that they see you as their guardian.

In 2016, researchers from the University of Vienna wanted to see if dogs displayed a "secure base effect" similar to that exhibited by human children. In layman's terms, human children look to their parents as a "secure base" when navigating new situations, and the researchers wanted to see if dogs would behave the same way. During testing, the dogs were challenged with maneuvering a food reward out of an interactive chew toy under three different scenarios: one where their owners were absent, one where their owners were in the room but standing by silently, and one where their owners were actively cheering them on.

What did they find? Over all, the dogs were far more motivated and spent more time problem-solving with the chew toy when their owners were there than when they were absent. Whether or not the owners were verbally encouraging them on or quietly standing by had little impact on the dogs' motivation; it appeared that the owners' mere presence was comfort enough for the dogs. This suggests that, just like human kids do with their parents, your dog looks up to you as their "rock" when facing new or intimidating situations!

A labrador fetching a big stick from a river Jaromir Chalabala via Shutterstock

4. Your Dog Likes Bringing You 'Gifts'

Your dog may sometimes bring you a ball or a tug rope as a sign that it wants to play with you. But what about when it brings you "gifts" that aren't toys, like your shoes, or a blanket, or other random objects? Some animal experts think that this could be a sign that - you guessed it - your dog sees you as its leader.

According to a piece on "gift-giving" behavior from Wag Walking, wild canines will present part of their prey to their pack leader after a hunt as a sign of "submission and respect." Some have theorized that domesticated dogs mimic this deferential behavior by bringing random gifts to their human owners.

Of course, this is just one popular theory among many. Other theories suggest this behavior could be a way of channeling their excitement to see you, or that it could even be a learned behavior ingrained in dogs by our human ancestors. Still, it's food for thought, especially if your dog always greets you with your slippers every day after you get home!

What It All Means for Us

Definitively answering the question of whether or not our dogs literally see us as their parents is a tricky one. Again, dogs don't have the same understanding of the complexities of parent-child relationships as we do. Also, animal experts seem to agree that our dogs are aware that we're not dogs, and therefore know that we're not actually their biological parents.

That being said, when you look into the research, it becomes clear that the psychological bond between a dog and their owner is very similar to, if perhaps not exactly the same as, that between a human child and their parent. Think about that the next time your fur baby welcomes you home with a goofy smile and a wagging tail!

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
Anyone planning further violent protests in the wake of the Southport stabbings has been told that the authorities will be watching you to prevent the summer madness from spreading.

Home Office minister Lord Hanson told would-be rioters to be prepared to face the full force of the law on this criminal activity, as the prospect of more than a dozen more protests in the coming days looms.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a new national response to the violent disorder linking police forces across the country.

The knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday which left three girls dead has sparked violent disorder in some towns in England.

Lord Hanson said forces have the powers under intelligence-led policing to track people who may be travelling to cause trouble and to cause conspiracy and to use facial recognition technology and other evidence to bring prosecutions.

Asked how concerned the Government is about fresh unrest this weekend, Lord Hanson told LBC Radio: There is that potential.

But I always say to anybody whos organising this, we will be watching you. If you are organising this now, we will be watching you.

We have powers under existing legislation to stop you organising this now and to take action accordingly, and if you do take action and are not part of any organised group, be prepared to face the full force of the law on this criminal activity.

Asked whether those involved are from the far right, he said: Some individuals will have far-right opinions, in my view, some might be caught up in the summer madness. Some might be people whove got genuine concerns.

(PA Graphics)

He urged them to protest peacefully and raise issues with their MP.

What they cant do is throw rocks at police officers, break windows in mosques and attack people in the streets and undertake street robbery as happened in some of the shops in the in Southport. That is simply not acceptable.

The PA news agency found evidence of at least 15 protests advertised online, some calling for participants to take England flags, and a number contain phrases such as enough is enough, save our kids or stop the boats.

The protests are being planned for areas such as Southport, Leeds and Bristol.

Two counter-protests are also being advertised online.

Demonstrators in Hartlepool set fire to a police car during clashes with officers on Wednesday (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram said he was concerned that there could be a repeat of violence somewhere in the Liverpool City Region, but added: We know exactly what wed need to do to ensure that these things are nipped in the bud.

Lord Walney, the UK Governments adviser on political violence and disruption, said police should be prepared to step in if it appears troublemakers are travelling to incite riots.

The crossbench peer told the BBCs Good Morning Scotland radio programme: The police should be prepared to step in where they can.

Where there is these kinds of gatherings which are just designed to be fanning the flames of violence, (they) should be stopping people gathering.

People absolutely have the right to protest in this country, but they do not have the right to riot.

Axel Rudakubana covers his face in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

The 17-year-old charged with the murder of three girls in the holiday dance class appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, and was named as Axel Rudakubana, from Banks in Lancashire.

He is charged with the murder of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, in Southport on Monday.

He is also charged with the attempted murder of yoga class instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes and eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and with possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

He was remanded to youth detention accommodation and will next appear in court in October.
Ben Proud claimed the one medal missing from his collection as he bagged Olympic silver in the mens 50 metres freestyle final.

Proud has won world, European and Commonwealth titles in his decorated career but he has had a couple of near misses for a podium spot at the Olympics  fourth at Rio 2016 and joint fifth at Tokyo 2020.

He ended his wait on Friday night but missed out on gold by five hundredths of a second as Australias Cameron McEvoy took top spot in a time of 21.25 seconds, with Frances Florent Manaudou third.

WOW that was close!  Silver in the splash and dash for Ben Proud  pic.twitter.com/DH7bGGwgW3  Team GB (@TeamGB) August 2, 2024

Proud claimed Britains fourth swimming medal of Paris 2024 and third silver, joining Adam Peaty in the mens 100m breaststroke and Matt Richards in the mens 200m freestyle to miss out on gold by a fine margin.

Team GB had to wait mere minutes for another silver thanks to Duncan Scott although he was powerless to stop French sensation Leon Marchand from storming to victory in the mens 200 metres individual medley.

Scott picked up his eighth Olympic medal  moving him level with Sir Bradley Wiggins and only Sir Jason Kenny has more among British athletes  but this was all about Marchand.

With President Emmanuel Macron among those cheering on, Marchand powered to his fourth individual gold of these Games, pipping Scott by 1.25 secs.
A British paediatric nurse who provided aid for children with shattered and amputated limbs from airstrikes in Gaza described what she encountered as beyond anything Ive ever seen before.

Becky Platt, 50, who is an advanced clinical practitioner in paediatric accident and emergency in London, saw children who cannot walk because of their injuries, young people eating things from rubbish piles and youngsters experiencing psychological distress during her visit to a hospital in Gaza in April.

Ms Platt, who visited the hospital for charity Save the Children, described the healthcare situation in Gaza as broken and said there is a dire need for medicine and other aid.

When I first arrived, I remember seeing small children and toddlers picking through rubbish in the middle of the road, unaccompanied children, picking up things and eating it, she told the PA news agency.

We know that there are thousands of orphaned and unaccompanied children there, and I certainly saw that so both as a nurse and as a mum that was incredibly difficult to see.

She said she treated children with injuries sustained during explosions including children with limb amputations, shattered limbs, some children had lost more than one limb.

She added: Multiple children had spinal injuries or pelvic injuries, which meant that they were unable to walk, and may always be unable to walk.

In addition to that, there are multiple children, thousands affected by all of the problems that are associated with living in poor hygiene conditions and overcrowded areas.

The paediatric nurse said children in Gaza currently only have access to mild painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, but highlighted the need for stronger medicine for children who live without limbs.

These are children that have had their limbs blown off and what weve got to offer them is paracetamol and ibuprofen because all of the supply chains have broken down, and its really difficult to get hold of anything stronger than that, she said.

Ms Platt described how the war in Gaza has impacted children psychologically, which she said was devastating and beyond anything Ive ever seen before.

One young lady who had lost one of her limbs in an explosion  she couldnt look at her lower body because she found it so distressing, she couldnt touch it, she explained.

I saw another boy who had had his femur shattered when he was near where a bomb landed when he was playing with his friends he lost his six best friends, and he dreams about those boys every single night.

When he closes his eyes, theyre there  that kind of psychological distress is something that maybe theyll never get over.

They need significant help with that and they need it urgently.

More than 20,000 children are estimated to be lost, disappeared, detained or buried under rubble, according to recent analysis from Save the Children.

Ms Platt described seeing children living under canvas, tarpaulin or fabric and without access to water or a proper toilet, and called for an urgent need for aid and other emergency supplies to be distributed in Gaza.

Theres an absolute dire need for aid at the moment, she said.

The things that I saw there showed me that theres a huge need for aid both in terms of health care and with the emergency health unit.

Liz Bradshaw, senior conflict and humanitarian adviser at Save the Children UK, said: Beckys experiences in Gaza highlight the critical need for immediate action.

We urge the international community to support our efforts and provide the necessary resources to help children enduring horrific violence from the ongoing Israeli bombardment.

The world cannot keep standing by as these children suffer. An immediate and definitive ceasefire is the only way to save lives in Gaza and end grave and serious violations of their rights.
Henry*, then 52, came home from work one day to find his wife of 10 years and two children had moved out of their family home, with no explanation.

To his horror, one day he came home to find his wife and two children had mysteriously vanished. (Yahoo Life UK) (Yahoo Life UK)

During the summer of 1992, I was working away in Manchester on a month-long contract. At the time, Id recently taken the leap to become a self-employed electrician and was eager to make as many new connections as possible to build up my business. I was also young and single, so I didnt mind travelling up and down the country for jobs.

One Friday night, I finished earlier than normal so I decided to make the most of my downtime and explore the Manchester nightlife. Being from London, Id never really ventured up north, so it was a fun new experience for me.

Building our dream life

Little did I know that evening would change my life forever, as I met the love of my life and the woman Id go on to marry and have two children with. Shelley* and I hit it off immediately, and it wasnt long until Id sold my flat down south and relocated to Manchester so we could live together.

I really felt like this was 'it'. My business was flourishing, I was so happy in my relationship and, as a couple, we worked as a team to create our dream life together.

I was so happy in my relationship and, as a couple, we worked as a team to create our dream life together.

By 1995, we were married and between 1996 and 1998 we had two sons. Then, in 2006, we moved into our 'forever home', as Shelley called it  a five-bedroom detached house in a quaint village cul-de-sac.

We were also in a fortunate financial position, meaning we were able to take multiple holidays abroad every year. From the outside, we resembled the stereotypical, happy modern family.

The start of the end

But in 2013, our worlds were turned upside down. While my wife and I were on a weekend getaway in Blackpool celebrating my upcoming 50th birthday, I suffered a heart attack which resulted in me having to undergo emergency surgery. I was in hospital for around two weeks, and when I was discharged, I was unable to work for months under my doctors orders.

I suffered a heart attack which resulted in me having to undergo emergency surgery. I was in hospital for around two weeks, and when I was discharged, I was unable to work for months.

Not only did this emotionally affect our family life, but it also wreaked havoc on us financially. Being self-employed and the main breadwinner, I lost out on contract after contract. This created huge tension between my wife and I, as we worried how we could afford our mortgage, our childrens education fees (they attended the local private school), and generally keep up with our idyllic life.

Marriage breakdown

Being at home for those months took its toll on my mental health too. I felt useless and, admittedly, developed a fiery temper due to my frustration at being unable to provide for my family.

Shelley and I would spend most evenings yelling at each other, the kids always taking her side and begging me to stop because she was smaller and more fragile  and because before the heart attack, shed been the one whod been around the most with them as Id always been working.

I remember one evening after a particularly heated row, our boys locked themselves in the bathroom because they were genuinely scared of me.

I remember one evening after a particularly heated row, our boys locked themselves in the bathroom because they were genuinely scared of me. Theyd never heard me shout like this before, and looking back, I feel like it was the beginning of the end.

That night, my wife said she couldnt bear to look at me and would be moving into the spare bedroom. I took it to heart and became more angry and hostile, which pushed my family even further away from me. I began to think of it as being 'three against one', and in my spiralling state, thought, 'They already hate me, I might as well make them hate me even more.'

I moved the living room TV into the master bedroom, put locks on the door, bought myself a mini fridge and stocked up on everything Id need. As the weeks went on, we were like passing ships in the night.

He was arguing so much with his wife that she moved into a separate bedroom. Posed by models. (Getty Images/Yahoo Life UK) (Getty Images)

Shelley and the boys began staying with her parents or with friends, and when they were at home  which became rarer  theyd just ignore me. Or, Shelley and I would argue over anything and everything which resulted in me retreating to the bedroom, slamming and locking the door.

Shelley* and I would argue over anything and everything which resulted in me retreating to the bedroom, slamming and locking the door.

When I was finally able to go back to work, six months later, it was at a much slower pace. At first, I thought this might improve things, but I was wrong. We were still living separate lives  our only communication being through arguments  and I was spending any spare time in the pub with friends. This only added fuel to the fire, but during that period, I didnt care. I was feeling more bitter by the day.

Angry and confused

This went on for around two years until one evening in 2015 I came home from work to find the house empty. The sofas, dining room and coffee table, the kids beds and all of their possessions were gone. Theyd literally moved out of the house while I was at work and I had no idea where theyd gone.

At first, I felt nothing but anger. I couldnt believe theyd done this to me. But after an hour or so, reality set in and I became inconsolable. 'Ive done this to myself,' I remember thinking. 'Theres no way back from here.'

I ran outside to knock on my neighbours doors to see if they knew where my family had gone. But they were reluctant to talk to me...

I ran outside to knock on my neighbours doors to see if they knew where my family had gone. But they were reluctant to talk to me  Shelley had apparently told them not to tell me where they were going. They also knew wed been having problems for years after hearing some of our arguments. Now, I dont blame them, but at the time, I thought, 'This is what hell feels like.'

Weeks passed before I found out where theyd gone. Shelley texted me but begged me to give them some space, telling me that our sons were still processing everything that had happened.

Now, its been almost 10 years. Shelley and I are divorced, and to this day, I dont really have a relationship with my kids. Ive tried to reach out, but every time weve met for the occasional lunch or dinner, its exploded into rowing matches  mainly the boys wondering why Ive never said sorry for what I put them through.

But its not that simple. I get that theyre probably traumatised from what they experienced during their teenage years. Ive learnt to accept what happened, and Im much less angry now. I love my children more than anything, and I just hope that in the future, theyll want to see their dad again.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.

Read more: All of Yahoo UK's How I was dumped stories.
A young driver who caused the deaths of a couple in a head-on collision while under the influence of cocaine has been jailed for three years and five months.

Jessica Higgs, now 20, fell asleep while driving her works Mercedes Citan van on the A303 near Yeovilton, Somerset, at about 2.40pm on May 15 2023.

North Somerset Courthouse heard the vehicle, which was travelling eastbound up to the speed limit of 50mph, suddenly drifted over the white line and into the westbound lane.

Higgs van crashed head-on into a Fiat 500 being driven by Tony Mist with his partner Thelma Huse in the passenger seat.

The couple, both 69, from Mytchett, Surrey, were on their way to Charmouth, Dorset, for a glamping trip to celebrate Mr Mists 70th birthday two days later.

They both suffered fatal injuries in the collision, with the father-of-two pronounced dead at the scene and the grandmother-of-five dying in hospital in Bristol the next day.

Higgs, from Warminster, was found to be over the specified limit for benzoylecgonine  a metabolite of cocaine  when her blood was tested at 8pm that day.

The electrical apprentice later pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs.

Judge Paul Cook jailed Higgs, who had no previous convictions, for three years and five months and disqualified her from driving for five years after she is released from custody.

He told her: There was a catastrophic head-on collision which resulted in their deaths. You were also injured.

What all the impact statements make clear is the heartbreaking devastation that has been suffered by the family members and those who loved them.

They say these were two people with so much more life to live for and to give.

The judge said character statements provided for Higgs described her as caring, loving and thoughtful.

He added: While physically you have recovered, you are consumed by guilt and remorse and described as a shell of the person you were.

The judge said Higgs, who wept throughout the court hearing, was driving within the speed limit and other motorists did not note anything unusual until the van drifted across the road.

He told Higgs: I accept that you didnt know you had cocaine still in your blood, however nodding off as you did was a consequence of being overtired.

The court heard Higgs went to a party on May 13 and took cocaine, last consuming the drug in the early hours of May 14  around 36 hours before the crash.

She went to bed early that day and awoke at 6am before being collected for work at 6.25am. Later that morning, she was tasked with driving her work van from Salisbury to Axminster.

Higgs picked up a water pump at Axminster and had an hours rest before setting off to drive back to Salisbury at 2pm.

Prosecuting, Rupert Russell, said Mr Mist would not have had the time or space to avoid the collision once Higgs van had crossed over the white line.

He told the court Higgs had been up all night on the Saturday to Sunday taking cocaine which had caused her to be tired.

It is the tiredness which clearly led to this tragedy, Mr Russell said.

The court heard Mr Mist and Ms Huse had been together for 30 years and were both due to celebrate their milestone 70th birthdays shortly after the collision.

Kate Cory, Ms Huses daughter, described how they had been travelling to Charmouth for a much-anticipated glamping holiday for Mr Mists birthday before celebrating Ms Huses birthday with a theatre trip.

She added: Their 30-year love story came to an abrupt end far too soon and thats something none of us will ever get over.

Malcolm Galloway, representing Higgs, said she was aged 19 at the time of the collision and had held her driving licence for just nine months.

The remorse is genuine, Mr Galloway said. Of course, if she could turn the clock back, she would.

Speaking outside court on behalf of the victims families, Ms Huses ex-husband Jim Huse said they had been devastated by the totally preventable actions of Jessica Higgs.

We hope that others will learn from this, as no journey is so important that it should take place when your brain is compromised by the effect of drugs, he said.

Tony Hall, an officer with Avon and Somerset Police, added: It is every motorists responsibility to make sure they are in fit enough to drive before getting behind the wheel and it is clear Higgs was not.

This is another painful and devastating reminder that driving while under the influence of drugs is a deadly decision that puts yourself and innocent road users at serious risk.
One of Scotlands most anticipated arts festivals has launched, with more than 3,500 shows planned across the month.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe officially launched on Friday and will run until August 26, with artists from 58 countries set to perform.

There are 3,663 shows confirmed  up 346 from the 3,317 shows shown on the festivals printed programme.

A total of 686 events have a pay what you can model and there are 456 free shows.

#edfringe 2024 is officially underway!  Heres to an amazing month of ground-breaking, jaw-dropping, boundary-crossing performance. Get out there and #UnleashYourFringe  Book online or on the #EdFringe app  https://t.co/zRmhDobub6 pic.twitter.com/IgCA3XqsVQ  Edinburgh Festival Fringe (@edfringe) August 2, 2024

Shona McCarthy, chief executive of Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: After months of planning by a cast of thousands, I am absolutely thrilled to welcome everyone to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024.

I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to get to this point, including artists, venues, producers, promoters, staff and too many more to mention. Now its time to enjoy this amazing festival youve created.

The Fringe Society exists to support the artists, media and arts industry taking part in the Fringe. Our team will be at Fringe Central throughout August with on-the-ground support, advice and a fantastic programme of events for all participants.

Now its over to the Fringe audience, please get ready to Unleash Your Fringe and experience work from established names or first-time and emerging performers. The best way to support artists over the coming weeks is to go and see shows.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival also launched on Friday, also running until August 25. It features more than 160 performers.

Acrobats from Gravity & Other Myths perform in front of the Assembly Hall in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA)

With thousands of people expected to descend on Scotlands capital in August, train operator ScotRail has urged passengers travelling to Edinburgh to be aware of the temporary timetable.

Speaking on BBCs Good Morning Scotland programme, the firms communication director David Ross said: We are operating on a temporary timetable at the moment, so there are fewer services than there normally would be for the festivals.

So our advice to passengers is to check before you travel. Take a look at the ScotRail website or the app and, if you can, dont leave it until the very last train, because we do expect services to be very busy.

He explained the temporary timetable was because of a reliance on rest-day working and overtime by train drivers, and that the company was looking to recruit more drivers to reduce this.

He said: The work that were doing just now to hire another 800 drivers over the course of the next five years will help us to significantly reduce reliance on rest-day working and run as reliable a service as we possibly can.
Uncertainty around election week helped drive shopper footfall down for the 12th consecutive month, figures show.

Total UK footfall was down 3.3% year on year in July despite the warmer and drier weather, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC)-Sensormatic IQ data.

Shopping centres were particularly badly hit, with footfall down 3.9% on last July, although high street footfall was up 2.7% in July, a significant increase from the 3.1% fall seen in June.

All UK nations saw a year on year fall in footfall, with England seeing the steepest decline at 3.4%, and Northern Ireland the smallest at 2.2%.

Monthly total UK retail footfall (% change year on year). Source: British Retail Consortium

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: Footfall declined for the 12th consecutive month, failing to maintain the buoyancy seen in 2022/23.

As summer got into full swing, many people have chosen to increase their spending on holidays and leisure activities rather than shopping. Election week also saw particularly weak footfall, as political electioneering peaked, creating uncertainty for many consumers.

Andy Sumpter, from Sensormatic Solutions, said: As we approach a full year of seeing footfall yo-yo in its ongoing recovery, its clear the long tail of the cost-of-living crisis is continuing to rattle consumer confidence and is likely to prompt spending caution for some time to come, making each in-store conversion all the harder won.

With election fever now over and the school holidays now in full swing, retailers will be hoping that spells a positive outlook for store performance in the months to come.
Governor Greg Abbott speaks alongside Mayor John Whitmire, PUC Texas Chairman Thomas Gleeson and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd during a press conference on Texas ongoing response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Beryl on Monday, July 15, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Governor Greg Abbott is joined by Mayor John Whitmire for a press conference on Texas ongoing response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Beryl on Monday, July 15, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Mayor John Whitmire speaks alongside Governor Greg Abbott, PUC Texas Chairman Thomas Gleeson and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd during a press conference on Texas ongoing response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Beryl on Monday, July 15, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer A lineman tends to fallen power lines in the East End neighborhood of Houston, days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall, on Thursday, July 11, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Mayor John Whitmire speaks alongside Governor Greg Abbott, PUC Texas Chairman Thomas Gleeson and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd during a press conference on Texas ongoing response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Beryl on Monday, July 15, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

CenterPoint will speed up plans to trim trees, replace utility poles and take other actions to avoid more mass power outages for the rest of the hurricane season after Gov. Greg Abbott said the utilitys original timeline was not aggressive enough.

Abbott released the embattled utility providers revised proposal Thursday evening after meeting with CenterPoint executives. He had demanded the company make swift changes last month after Hurricane Beryl left millions in the Houston area without power.

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The original proposal was inadequate, Abbott wrote on social media. More must be done & faster.

It caps a week of scrutiny from lawmakers in Austin, including often tense hearings at the Capitol where state House and Senate members from both parties grilled CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells over the utilitys failures during Beryl.

The proposal submitted to the governor comes as the utility this week withdrew a $2 billion resiliency plan it presented to state regulators in April. Wells said in a letter to the governor that the utility is working to revise the plan in the aftermath of Beryl and in light of the updated proposal Abbott demanded.

READ MORE: CenterPoint withdraws request to fund resiliency plan

You have my commitment that our leadership team will work urgently and take every possible action to re-earn your trust, and that of the millions of people in the Greater Houston area who depend on us, Wells said in the letter submitted to Abbotts office on July 24. Our company and the thousands of men and women of CenterPoint will remain tireless in our efforts to strengthen our system and serve the community we love and are proud to call home.

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The company initially sent a plan to Abbott that promised to trim trees around 1,650 miles of power lines by the end of the year, but now is promising to clear all vegetation from 2,000 miles of power lines deemed to be at higher risk by the end of the month.

The plan says CenterPoint now has about 1,000 vegetation management workers, nearly double the crew it had before Beryl, and it is working on operational plans that would get those workers out clearing lines more swiftly after a storm hits based on damage modeling.

The plan calls for replacing about 1,000 poles by the end of the month, a goal it originally had set for Dec. 31. The utility also says it expects to harden nearly 350 distribution line miles to the latest extreme wind standard on a reliability-risk basis by the end of the year.

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CenterPoint also says it has launched a new cloud-based outage tracker, replacing a tracker that did not work for much of the aftermath of Beryl. The plan says all CenterPoint customers will have an estimated time for power restoration within 24 hours of a storm exiting the service area, and the utility will update those estimates daily.
A far-right extremist who hosted terror websites viewed by Buffalo gunman Payton Gendron has been jailed for seven years.

Colin McNeil, from Leeds, was given an extended sentence over the two websites that spread far-right propaganda, glorified Hitler and encouraged terrorism.

The 46-year-old was told he will spend seven years in custody and four years on extended licence after pleading guilty at Sheffield Crown Court to four offences of disseminating a terrorist publication.

He will also be subject to a terrorist notification order for 30 years.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the websites hosted by McNeil honoured men who committed racist mass killings, including Brenton Tarrant, who murdered 51 people in and around two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2019.

He did not create the material but provided a platform for it to reach its audience, which included people who were inclined towards terrorism, police said.

Among the users of the website was Gendron, 18, who went on to murder 10 people in a mass shooting at a grocery shop in Buffalo in the US in 2022.

The CPS said evidence was able to show his engagement with the websites through likes and comments on racist material hosted on them.

Counter Terrorism Policing North East said the website was deliberately, and very publicly, unmoderated, with McNeil admitting in a police interview that he knew the site had been swamped by material supporting extreme right-wing ideologies.

McNeil benefited financially from the websites, receiving donations from users, and also used the sites to express his own racist views.

One of the sites, which operated like a typical social media platform, had 5,716 members, with 255,960 photos and 6,499 videos uploaded.

The other site, set up for videos, hosted 12,345 members and contained 79,284 videos.

This site also had an option to upgrade to a pro member for 50 US dollars (39), which would allow the user to post ad-free videos, sell videos, and to livestream.

Bethan David, head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, said: Colin McNeil allowed his websites to operate as propaganda platforms for far-right terrorist material.

He profited from the sites in the form of donations from users, and it is clear that others were inspired by the hateful and racist material they were able to access online  including those from overseas.

McNeils actions were quite deliberate; he knew full well that there was a risk that terrorism would be encouraged and yet he permitted access to such material anyway.

McNeil was arrested in March 2022 following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.
The Defence Secretary has visited Israel to stress the urgent need for de-escalation at the end of a tour of the region by British ministers.

John Healey met his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv on Friday, where he called for an immediate ceasefire and for all sides to show restraint and dial down the tension at this critical moment.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Gallant said the two men had discussed the importance of defence ties between the two nations, and thanked Mr Healey for his commitment to the UK-Israel relationship, and his support for Israels right to self-defence as we continue to face threats on multiple fronts.

John Healey and David Lammy visited Lebanon on Thursday as escalating tensions threatened to drag the nation into the Israel-Hamas conflict (FCDO/PA)

The meeting follows visits by Mr Healey and Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, to Qatar and Lebanon earlier this week, with the two men urging a ceasefire, the release of hostages and an increase in aid to Palestine.

The ministers tour comes in the wake of the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an air strike on the Iranian capital Tehran that has been attributed to Israel.

Tensions have also increased on Israels northern border with Lebanon after 12 children and teenagers were killed by Hezbollah rockets in the Golan Heights.

That strike was followed by an Israeli air strike on a suburb of Lebanese capital Beirut, which Tel Aviv said was targeting the Hezbollah commander responsible.

On Friday, Mr Lammy said there was no doubt that this was a critical moment.

He said: In Lebanon, I had discussions with counterparts on the urgent need for de-escalation. It is in no ones interest for this conflict to spread across the region.

An Israeli air strike hit a suburb of Beirut on Tuesday, with Tel Aviv saying it had targeted a Hezbollah commander responsible for a rocket attack that killed 12 children (AP)

The Foreign Secretary also urged British nationals to leave Lebanon while commercial flights were still running, saying: The risk that the situation on the ground could deteriorate rapidly is rising.

Mr Healey added: Meeting with senior leaders across the region, including today in Israel, we urged all sides to show restraint and dial down the tension at this critical moment.

Our Government is determined to lead a renewed push for peace. The loss of life we have seen in the region is unbearable and thousands remain in the crossfire.

To set this region on the path to peace, all sides must step back from conflict and step-up diplomacy.
The Africa United Youth Orchestras debut in Pretoria last month. It will be one of seven ensembles performing at the Carnegie. Photograph: Lauge Sorenson

A pioneering pan-African youth orchestra will perform in public for only the second time this weekend  at New Yorks Carnegie Hall. The Africa United Youth Orchestra (AUYO), the first of its kind to bring together musicians from across the continent, is due to play a once-in-a-lifetime concert at the legendary venue on 3 August. It will be one of seven international youth ensembles performing during the Carnegie Halls world orchestra week.

I dont know if Ill get a chance to play at Carnegie ever again, says Olawale Olayinka, a Nigerian vioinist and violist. So this is very, very important for me.

Olayinka, from Nigerias Osun state, did not pursue his love of music as a child because his family thought he could not make a career of it. He only began playing the instrument in his late teens after spotting that the church opposite his university in Lagos was offering free courses.

Im working very, very hard to make sure that I give the best of my performance at this coming concert and the best of my attention  the best of my heart to the concert, says Olayinka.

We still have a lot of rehearsals to do. And we are looking forward to the festivals big play event, where more than 700 young musicians will join together under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel, he says, referring to the director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Venezuelas Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra. We will perform works by John Williams and Beethoven, as well as the much-loved Olympic Fanfare.

Olayinka was among a few dozen young musicians, mostly in their 20s, chosen from the 220 who auditioned to be part of AUYO earlier this year, from countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Mozambique. The New York appearance is being hailed as a remarkable moment for African classical music on the global stage.

The orchestras debut, led by the American conductor William Eddins, was in late July at the University of South Africas Great Hall in Pretoria, with a performance of works from prominent African composers, such as Fatse La Heso (My Country) by Michael Mosoeu Moerane, who in 1941 became the first black South African to write a symphonic poem, and work by Mzilikazi Khumalo.

The AUYO operates under the auspices of South Africas government-supported Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra. Mzansis artistic director, Bongani Tembe, spearheaded the project to provide opportunities for young talented musicians to flourish.

The Africa United Youth Orchestra represents a significant milestone in promoting unity, collaboration and excellence across Africas diverse cultural tapestry, he says.

Related: Cornets in Kampala: community brass bands in Uganda  in pictures

Olayinka says: Its important for Africa to have its own united youth orchestra. AUYO is the reason why some people in Africa will ever participate in a youth orchestra.

I cant wait to get into New York and meet people from orchestras in Asia, in Venezuela. I need to get a bagel; I need to go to Times Square.

All my life I have been watching music performed in Carnegie  I am so, so happy. Its a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I believe this is a huge source of encouragement even to my colleagues in Nigeria. Seeing this happen, hearing this happen, its going to give hope to a lot of people back home that if I can do this, the younger generation can do better, he says.

Another AUYO member, Stacey Ann Boyce, 27, from Pretoria, started playing violin at the age of 11. I actually wanted to learn the cello, but there was no cello teacher close by, and a violin was much cheaper, so I settled on violin, she says.

I absolutely love this orchestra. Its important for us as Africans to realise that we are united in our strengths and weaknesses; we can be there for each other, and share knowledge, opportunity and ideas.

Its such an important moment in history for African classical music. Carnegie Hall? I never in my wildest dreams thought Id ever go there.
Jeremy Clarkson is hoping to have his application approved so he can start selling British produce and offer farmers a free pint

Jeremy Clarkson has applied to build a bar and outdoor tent at his pub in the Cotswolds.

The former Top Gear presenter, 64, bought out the owner of The Windmill near Burford in Oxfordshire for nearly 1 million in his quest to find a pub to sell his produce.

The pub is nestled deep in the Cotswold countryside and boasts of views across the Windrush Valley, as well as being just 10 miles from Clarksons Diddly Squat Farm.

The presenter, who has been developing his Cotswold smallholding for the popular Amazon series Clarksons Farm, hopes to transform the venue into a pub that will serve British produce exclusively and offer farmers a free pint.

He has now submitted a licensing application to West Oxfordshire district council in a bid to expand the pubs ability to sell alcohol outdoors on its site.

Clarkson also hopes to include a bar on the first floor and a temporary tent on the grounds.

In documents submitted to support the proposal, the applicant wrote: To update the floor plans to include a bar on the first floor, extend the licensable area outside the premises and include a temporary tent in a fixed location.

A West Oxfordshire district council spokesman said: We have received an application to vary the premise licence at the Windmill Restaurant.

It will follow the legal process for an application for this type, which starts with a 28-day public consultation before the council determines the request in line with national guidelines, taking into account any feedback received.

The pub is not expected to open until later this year to allow time for refurbishments, and a wedding booked in before the purchase, to take place.

The application is the latest development in Clarksons series of disputes with council officials.

Rows began when Clarkson opened his farm shop and advertised it to his millions of social media followers, in a move that sparked traffic chaos on rural roads.

His plans to build a car park for the Diddly Squat farmshop were thwarted by the council. He then attempted to convert his lambing barn into a restaurant but was also rejected by officials.

He responded by converting another barn on his estate to a 60-seater eatery, believing it did not need planning permission. However, he was blocked from building a track for cars to drive there and the restaurant was closed by a council enforcement order.

A good thing for farmers

Jackie Walker, who opened the pub with her late husband Alan in 1983, visited Clarksons home near the village of Chadlington to discuss terms for The Windmill over a coffee.

She told MailOnline: A film crew had come into the pub and the next thing I knew someone with Clarkson knocked on the door and asked if I was interested in selling.

She said: The first thing Jeremy said to me was I suppose you want a lot of money for this.

It has been reported that almost 1 million was offered almost immediately, and Mrs Walker accepted. Clarkson has secured the freedom of the pub, which is not affiliated with a brewery, meaning he can sell his own beer on site.

Mrs Walker said: It did make me laugh, but that is Jeremy Clarkson.

She said she had not been planning to sell, but wasnt happy with how it was being run, adding: I am not getting any younger.

I assume he will make a TV series out of it. I really do hope that he can make a big success of the place and restore it back to how it was. My husband and I had so much fun running it.

Villagers previously backed Clarksons plans to renovate the pub, despite fears over increased traffic.

Tom Walker, 51, who farms livestock and arable, was confident that Clarksons arrival would buoy the local community.

Hes already spoken to some of the farmers and talked about using their produce, Mr Walker said, adding: I think he does a lot of good for farming.
Cherub looks more like a caricature

Professional restorers in Spain are demanding to know how the refurbishment of a historic church was apparently botched to leave it looking crude and cartoonish.

One group of conservationists called the work on the 18th-century Ermita de Nuestra Senora del Miron in Soria in northern Spain as amateurish and an attack on Spains heritage.

Before-and-after pictures of the makeover show the churchs once white nave now striped strawberry red and its prized cherubs painted in stark colours, looking startled.

What have they done to the Ermita de Nuestra Senora del Miron? local cultural conservation group Soria Patrimonio wrote on X.

The church is listed as a heritage building and famous among fans of the Spanish poet Antonio Machado, who visited the church often when his wife, Leonor Izquierdo, fell ill before her death in Soria in 1912.

Before restoration work on the nave

After the restoration work

Soria Patrimonio said: It is a listed building, and even if it were not, the intervention in a monument of these characteristics must have minimum guarantees.

Repainting was not a valid option and much less so in a way that turns what was unique into vulgar.

The Association of Conservators-Restorers of Spain (Acre) described the restoration of the church as an attack on heritage, performed, it said, without professionals, without respect and without criteria.

The diocese of Osma-Soria, in which the church is located, told the online newspaper El Confidencial that the row over the restoration work was a question of taste.

Before and after pictures of the Monkey Christ, as it became known - AP

The anger over the refurbishment also stems from it not being the first time that Spains historical gems have fallen victim to questionable touch-up jobs.

In 2012, a century-old Spanish fresco of Christ by the artist Elias Garcia Martinez drew ridicule after Cecilia Gimenez, a well-meaning pensioner, tried to restore it in the Santuario de Misericordia near her home town of Borja. Far from restoring it to something like its original state, the fresco earned the nickname Monkey Christ.

Some years later, a 16th-century polychrome wooden statue of St George and the dragon in Navarre suffered the humiliation of looking more like TinTin after its makeover was complete.
Londoners with no umbrellas accepted their fate on Thursday as they were caught by the heavy rain - George Cracknell Wright

Almost a months worth of rain fell in an hour in Greater London on Thursday, the Met Office said.

Torrential downpours hit the UK, with flood alerts remaining in place on Friday, according to the forecaster.

A flood alert was issued on Friday for the rivers Eden and Eden Brook in the south-east of England  as well as the upper River Loddon in the south-west.

However, across the weekend, England and Wales will be largely dry with sunny spells  with highs of 25C in southern England on Saturday and Sunday and 20C further north.

Stephen Dixon, a spokesman for the Met Office, said: Whats replacing the previous weather regime is a transition back to more changeable conditions for the UK, albeit still retaining some level of sunshine.

Many Londoners found themselves caught in the heavy downpour on Thursday - YUI MOK/PA

On Saturday, showers will continue in the North-West  though for much of England and Wales, it will be a dry day with sunny spells.

The Met Office also shared that Sunday is likely to be increasingly wet for western Scotland and Northern Ireland, while some places in south-west Scotland may see an excess of 70mm of rain from Sunday into Monday.

Sunday will be a fine day for England and Wales, with sunny spells and the odd light shower in parts of northern England.

Next week is predicted to be changeable, with bright, dry and sunny periods interrupted by some unsettled interludes through the week.

Rain will gradually move from west to east and those further south-east will generally see less frequent rain.

Mr Dixon said: An Environment Agency rain gauge at New Addington, Greater London, recorded 53.4mm of rain as part of yesterdays thundery outbreaks.

Average total rainfall for August in the same area was 56mm, the forecaster said.

However, such is the nature of these localised thundery outbreaks, some private rain gauges that are not a part of the official Met Office network recorded higher totals through the day in parts of southern and central England, Mr Dixon added.
Paul Powlesland swore his devotion to nature before a London crown court. Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

When jurors are called to court, they are required to swear on a holy book or make a secular promise to tell the truth.

So court officials were perplexed when the environmental activist and barrister Paul Powlesland was called for jury service and produced a vial of river water and asked to swear on the River Roding.

To take water into court you have to sip it to make sure its not a bad substance, said Powlesland, the founder of the River Roding Trust, a charity that works to clean up Londons third-largest river. When they asked me to do that I thought, Oooh, I dont know what Thames Water have put in this.

Related: Real-time water quality monitors installed at wild swimming spots in southern England

When Powlesland sought to swear on the water, the judge and usher at a London crown court  which lies within the catchment of the Roding  said they had never received such a request before. After some consultations, Powlesland was allowed to become probably the first person to make a legal oath in a British court based upon his devotion to a river  after he had given a secular affirmation to cover conventional legal bases.

I explained that nature is my God and I believe the Roding to be sacred and I manifest love in action for her, and in all the things that I do for her, and it would be a really meaningful promise to me, said Powlesland. I dipped my finger into a cup of the Roding water and said that I swear on the River Roding from her source in Molehill Green to her confluence with the Thames that I will faithfully try the case and give a true verdict according to the evidence.

I got a feeling from the judge that he felt the truth in my voice, that this was a meaningful, sacred promise to me. It wasnt just me playing silly buggers.

Powlesland is also the co-founder of Lawyers for Nature, a group campaigning for elements of the natural world to be recognised in law in Britain. Rivers, lakes and rainforests have been given legal personhood in countries including New Zealand, Spain, Ecuador and Australia.

Powlesland said he hoped his oath would inspire others to take similar action.

Its another way of reintroducing the idea of nature as sacred back into our legal system, finding playful ways to demonstrate to the world that nature is alive, that nature is sacred and we have duties towards it, he said.

I believe its the first time that anyones given a legal oath, a jurors oath, on a river, and I hope that many others follow suit and animism is soon found more regularly in our courts.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother, Ella Milman, after his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the US. Photograph: REX/Shutterstock

For a few seconds, no one even noticed that Evan Gershkovich had taken his first steps back on US soil as a free man.

All eyes were on Paul Whelan, the ex-marine who had spent more than 2,000 days in a Russian prison, mostly in obscurity as his family implored the White House to bring him home. Now Joe Biden was holding him by the elbow, while the vice-president, Kamala Harris, looked on.

But then Harris turned around and spotted Gershkovich, who threw his arms out as if to say: Here I am! She mimicked him in mock surprise. Then they hugged. It was a moment.

It was great to get on that bus today and see not just Americans and Germans but Russian political prisoners Evan Gershkovich

Soon, Gershkovich came over to his mother, Ella, who had lobbied presidents, chancellors and senior officials to assemble a complex and precarious prisoner swap that would release him from a Russian jail. He lifted her off the ground in a big bear hug. Another picture-perfect moment.

Finally, he strolled over to the more than 100 waiting journalists, ready to greet colleagues and field questions despite the fact hed been released just that morning. Asked how it was to be free, he barely thought and said: Not bad.

He also spoke about his feelings boarding the bus with the other freed detainees on Thursday and said he was happy to see Russians on board as well.

Theres one thing I would like to say. It was great to get on that bus today and see not just Americans and Germans but Russian political prisoners.

I spent a month in prison in Yekaterinburg where everyone I sat with was a political prisoner. Nobody knows them publicly, they have various political beliefs, they are not all connected with Navalny supporters, who everyone knows about. I would potentially like to see if we could do something about them as well. Id like to talk to people about that in the next weeks and months.

Hundreds of journalists  some of them friends  came to the base to catch their first glimpse of the freed detainees who, combined, had spent nearly a decade in Russian captivity. They were among 16 American, Russian dissident and German prisoners freed by Russia, in exchange for eight Russians freed by the US, Germany, Norway, Slovenia and Poland. Those returning to Russia included a number of undercover spies and a convicted Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) assassin whom Vladimir Putin had obsessively sought to free from German prison for years.

For the friends and colleagues watching, there was something heartening in how naturally Gershkovich behaved, how casual the whole performance was. There was a playfulness to it, a humour and nonchalance that was distinctly familiar to a time before he was arrested and became a household name in the US and around the world.

But there was also something deeply earnest in his response to the 491 days he had spent in Russian prison for espionage, a sense of purpose and gravity of the moment that befits the largest prisoner swap since the cold war.

He hugged like it mattered. He looked you in the eye as you spoke. And, when he discussed the plight of the political prisoners who remained behind in Russia, his eyes became misty. This was a issue that he seemed to have taken to heart.

In a mere hour in public at the airbase on Thursday, he hit all the right notes to put those around him at ease. It was vaguely political at moments, the quick back-and-forth with the press corps feeling almost like a brief campaign stop before getting back on the jet. But, as he adjusts to a celebrity thrust upon him, Gershkovich seemed oddly at ease, and at home.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris met the Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and two other freed American prisoners just hours after Washington and Moscow completed their largest prisoner exchange since the cold war.

Related: How Evan Gershkovich was finally freed after a 500-day odyssey in Russias prison system

On a muggy evening at Andrews air force base near Washington DC, Gershkovich and the other freed prisoners, the ex-marine Paul Whelan and the journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, touched down on US soil and shortly later disembarked a Bombardier jet from Turkey. They were met by their families and the US president and vice-president.

As he stepped off the jet, Gershkovich embraced Harris and Biden several times, then stepped over to his mother, Ella, and lifted her off the ground in an embrace. He was also met by his father, Mikhail, and sister Danielle.

After a few minutes spent chatting with family, Gershkovich approached the crowd of reporters and began to embrace his friends and colleagues.

Asked how he was feeling he said: I feel fine. But he also spoke about his feelings boarding the bus with the other freed detainees on Thursday and said he was happy to see Russians on board as well.

Theres one thing I would like to say. It was great to get on that bus today and see not just Americans and Germans but Russian political prisoners.

I spent a month in prison in Yekaterinburg where everyone I sat with was a political prisoner. Nobody knows them publicly, they have various political beliefs, they are not all connected with Navalny supporters, who everyone knows about. I would potentially like to see if we could do something about them as well. Id like to talk to people about that in the next weeks and months.

He was also met by senior editors at the Wall Street Journal, including the editor-in-chief, Emma Tucker, and Gordon Fairclough. Several times he repeated: My mother writes very nice things about you.

There were squeals of joy as Kurmashevas young daughters, Miriam and Bibi, ran to hug her, followed by a warm embrace from husband, Pavel Butorin.

Whelan, who was met by his sister Elizabeth, also appeared healthy. He said that he felt fine, that he only believed that he was free as the flight flew further from Turkey over continental Europe and the the UK, and that his plan now was to eat a steak.

Speaking on the tarmac later, Biden rejected the idea that prisoner swaps could lead to other Americans being detained. I dont buy this idea of ... let these people rot in jail because other people may be captured.

Harris called the deal an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy.

On Friday morning, Jake Sullivan, the US national security advisor, told ABCs Good Morning America show that the prisoner swap had been such a human victory. It was also a victory for our country.

He added: This was the United States of America at our best, working with our allies to bring home our people. He also hailed the release of other prisoners who had stood up to the Russian regime as freedom fighters.

Sullivan said the deal was clinched because of Joe Bidens international relationships, with the US presidents ties unlocking the deal that the US and European allies struck with Russia.

It would not have happened without him, he said.

He denied that such deals encourage hostile regimes to kidnap or imprison more innocent Americans, saying that during the Biden administration about 70 Americans held overseas had been released and there had not been a matching surge in those detained.

Hundreds of journalists came to the base to catch their first glimpse of the freed detainees who, combined, had spent nearly a decade in Russian captivity. They were among 16 American, Russian dissident and German prisoners freed by Russia, in exchange for eight Russians freed by the US, Germany, Norway, Slovenia and Poland. Those returning to Russia included a number of undercover spies and a convicted FSB assassin whom Vladimir Putin had obsessively sought to free from German prison for years.

Gershkovichs family said earlier in a statement: We have waited 491 days for Evans release, and its hard to describe what today feels like. We cant wait to give him the biggest hug and see his sweet and brave smile up close. Most important now is taking care of Evan and being together again. No family should have to go through this, and so we share relief and joy today with Paul and Alsus families.

Whelan was detained in 2018 on espionage charges and served more than five years in pre-trial detention and then a labor colony.

Paul Whelan is not in a Russian labor colony any longer, but he is not home, his family wrote in a statement. While Paul was wrongfully imprisoned in Russia, he lost his home. He lost his job. We are unsure how someone overcomes these losses and rejoins society after being a hostage. We are grateful for everyones efforts to help Paul while he was away. We hope you will continue to help him by providing Paul the space and privacy he needs as he rebuilds his life. It is Pauls story to tell and he will tell it when he is able.

Kurmasheva, a Radio Free Europe journalist who was arrested on charges of failing to register herself as a foreign agent and then charged with spreading false information about the Russian military, had been sentenced to more than six years in prison.

The Russian opposition politician Ilya Yashin and several other opposition figures were also freed, including the British-Russian politician Vladimir Kara-Murza and three people who had worked as regional coordinators for the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison earlier this year.

Kira Yarmysh, a spokesperson for Navalnys widow, Yulia Navalnaya, said on X that Harris had called Navalnaya to discuss the exchange and express her support, noting her and her husbands contributions to the fight for a democratic Russia.

Navalnaya thanked Harris for the US assistance and called on the international community to facilitate the release of other Russian political prisoners, Yarmysh said.

Early on Friday, the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, met some of the freed detainees, many of whom he said feared for their health and even their lives.

Speaking at Cologne airport, Scholz insisted the swap was the right decision, and if you had any doubts, you will lose them after talking to those who are now free.

The complex deal had involved months of negotiations between multiple countries and came together in extreme secrecy, with the location and exact makeup of the exchange not made public until the last moment. Sullivan told reporters that Navalny was meant to be a part of the deal before his death in February. On the day of his death, Sullivan said, he met Gershkovichs mother and said he still saw a path forward for the deal.
Britain's Labour Party Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria

Its hard to take the leadership election in the Conservative Party seriously. But maybe we should.

Its not as if whoever inherits Rishi Sunaks crown/poisoned chalice has any chance of actually becoming prime minister at the next general election, is it? And yet, it might be wise to resist the cynicism that overshadowed similar leadership campaigns in 1997 and 2001.

Back then, there were few indeed who seriously thought William Hague, whatever his talents, might usurp Tony Blair at the first electoral opportunity, and even fewer who considered Iain Duncan Smith up to the job. In the event, the sceptics were right; the Tories next election-winner would not assume the leadership of the party until December 2005  more than eight years into his partys period in opposition.

The task facing the new leader of the opposition is daunting. He or she will have to contend, not only with Keir Starmers impregnable (for now) three-figure majority but with their own partys well-deserved reputation for incompetence and factionalism. The latter could prove to be the greater millstone around the partys neck and the new leader will have to address this weakness as a priority.

Yet the strength of this government is of a different nature to that of its Blairite forerunner. A historically low turnout suggests that voters have little enthusiasm for the new regime, and even less for its opponents. A 170-seat majority based on a share of the vote that barely eclipsed a third of voters feels like shifting sand indeed. Labour did indeed wallop the Conservatives in terms of share of the vote, but the margin was ten per cent, half of what the polls had predicted and three per cent less than the gulf that separated Blairs Labour from John Majors Conservatives.

Its been widely acknowledged for some time that traditional party loyalties are no longer what they were; voters are more willing than ever to flirt with other parties from election to election. The post-war political consensus that defined the class war and sustained the two main parties over decades is gone, and gone forever. Harold Wilsons Labour attracted 48 per cent of the electorates support in 1966, a figure that no party has managed to repeat or improve on since.

Research published in the latest issue of The House magazine seeks to understand the volatility of the modern British electorate through the prism of not only Left-Right but libertarian-authoritarian dividing lines. It is the cross-pressured voters of today, those whose economic views conflict with their social attitudes and which leave them increasingly unsure of which party (or parties) represent them, that are most likely to switch allegiance between elections.

As the author, Zain Mohyuddin of UK in a Changing Europe, explains: Left-authoritarians have more progressive economic attitudes and culturally conservative views, while Right-libertarians have conservative economic views and are progressive on cultural issues. Right-authoritarians are conservative on both economic and cultural issues, while Left-libertarians have progressive economic and cultural preferences.

While cross-pressured voters are seen as more likely to switch their votes between parties, there is also some evidence that they are less likely to vote, since no single party is seen as representing their broad views.

On top of this (or perhaps as direct result of it), more and more voters are prepared to vote for fringe candidates and parties, a sure sign that the political binary in Britain has never been less stable or popular. Less than 58 per cent of voters opted for either Labour or the Conservatives  a grim sign for anyone who hoped that the stability and predictability of the 1960s and 70s might one day return to British politics.

None of this means good news for the new Tory leader, or even for Keir Starmer, although it might be acknowledged that, for now, the fracturing of the electorate along unpredictable lines has benefited him on this occasion. But as we saw less than five years ago, those tectonic plates, which used to shift once every couple of generations, are now prone to more frequent upset. We now live in the political equivalent of the San Andreas fault, where radical change can be as violent as it is unexpected.

If I were a betting man, I would probably not place my house on the Conservatives emerging from the next election in pole position. On the other hand, given how broad and shallow Labours victory has been, and given how the parties fortunes in the last parliament were reversed in the space of one or two days of poor political judgment (Im looking at you, Boris Johnson and Owen Paterson), then it would be a brave tipster who would put too much confidence in a second consecutive Labour triumph.

The new leader should take note of The Simpsons Mayor Quimby castigating his own voters: Im sick of you people! Youre nothing but a pack of fickle mush heads!

Well, quite. Not exactly a winning election slogan, but as pithy an analysis of politics in 2024 as youre likely to get.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has finally named its first-ever AI chief officer amid growing concerns about the technology's applications to cyber-infrastructure threats.

First reported by Axios, CISA named Lisa Einstein to lead its newly-established task group to "responsibly use AI to advance its cyber defense mission" in supporting major US digital infrastructures as cyberattacks continue to rise.

The Homeland Security Department's AI cybersecurity AI wing chief is expected to provide CISA with plans on how to best use and protect generative AI software from hackers and foreign adversaries.

Einstein is a former senior AI advisor who helped the agency develop its first AI roadmap and hosted CISA's AI cybersecurity simulation exercise with tech giants like Microsoft, OpenAI, and NVIDIA.

Also Read : FBI Attributes Increasing Cyber Attacks to AI

Federal Agencies Launch Dedicated AI Task Forces to Respond to Cybersecurity Threats

Einstein's designation is the latest move from Federal security agencies launching their dedicated AI task forces to address cybersecurity threats by utilizing the technology to their advantage.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has already warned about the "escalating threat posed by cyber criminals" as they employ more sophisticated attacks through generative AI.

Among the noted strategies include large-scale phishing attacks, deepfake-powered cyber extortion, and fraud schemes.

AI Task Forces to Elevate US Cybersecurity Capabilities

Other than as a response team, the AI task forces are expected to provide their agencies with a better understanding of the technology for their operations.

CISA, for example, has been using AI learning machines for years now to automate threat detection and analysis as the number of cyberattack attempts in the country continues to rise.

Further technology integration into their forces is expected to boost CISA's capabilities and response time.
The US is preparing to send back-up warplanes to help defend Israel from a possible missile or drone attack - Alamy/Douglas Sacha

Israel is bracing itself for an Iranian attack after two major assassinations threatened to trigger a new round of conflict in the Middle East.

The United States was on Friday preparing to send back-up warplanes to help defend Israel from a possible missile or drone attack and deal with any major escalations.

It came as Joe Biden, the US president, reportedly told Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israel prime minister, that the US would protect Israel from an Iranian attack but would not come to its aid if Israel escalated the conflict by retaliating further.

Axios said the president held a tough call with Mr Netanyahu on Thursday in which Mr Biden showed his frustration and raised his voice.

On Friday, France also called on its citizens to leave Iran immediately amid fears the Islamic Republic was preparing to attack Israel in response to the assassination of the leader of Hamas.

Israeli ministers have been given satellite phones in preparation for an attack that could strike the countrys communication system, Israeli media Ynet reported. Residents in Jerusalem were told to prepare bomb shelters. Authorities stressed, however, that there should not be panic.

Iran promised to punish Jerusalem for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas political leader, who was killed by a remote-controlled explosive device in his guesthouse in Tehran in a suspected Mossad attack.

Sources inside Iran said Tehran was preparing a missile or drone attack that could target military installations in Tel Aviv.

One presenter on Iran state TV appeared to suggest late on Friday that the regime was preparing a major response, saying, In just a few hours, the world will witness extraordinary scenes and significant events.

However, some experts cautioned that any reaction may be calibrated not to escalate the conflict further.

Iran was also bracing for possible retaliation, with air defences deployed. Lebanons Hezbollah was also preparing for a wider escalation, moving its military equipment into central Beirut, according to Saudi news outlet Al-Hadath.

The French foreign ministry called on all visiting French nationals still in Iran to leave as soon as possible owing to the increased risk of a military escalation in the region.

Meanwhile, Gerald Darmanin, Frances interior minister, has also called for increased security for Jewish communities in France because of the very high level of tension.

This includes the many Israeli nationals attending the Olympic Games, he said, after Hamas declared a day of anger on Friday, BFMTV reported.

An official within Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) told The Telegraph that Iran was considering targeting Tel Aviv in revenge for Haniyehs assassination in Tehran.

Top commanders were awake all night evaluating the options. Now that Mr Haniyehs funeral has concluded, they are discussing practical responses, said the IRGC official who attended the funeral on Thursday.

The White House said that Mr Biden discussed efforts to support Israels defence against threats, in a phone call with Mr Netanyahu, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive US military deployments.

The US is also preparing to send additional combat aircraft to the region to protect both Israel and US troops from Iran and its proxies, officials told The New York Times.

Numerous airlines have cancelled their flights to Lebanon and Israel in recent days following the assassination of Haniyeh, as well as Fuad Shukr in Beirut, a top Hezbollah commander.

Air India announced on Friday that it was cancelling all flights to and from Israel until Aug 8, while Polish airline Lot cancelled eight flights to Lebanon and Israel, according to Pap news agency.

John Healey, UK Defence Secretary, met with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant in Israel on Friday, discussing the Israel Defense Forces readiness and capabilities to defend Israel on all fronts.

Mr Gallant said he emphasised the importance of establishing a coalition in Israels defence against Iran and its proxies.

Israeli air strikes against Hezbollah continued on Friday, with a drone targeting one of the militant groups members who attempted to launch rockets toward Israel.

The UK Foreign Office is also advising against all travel to Lebanon and Iran.

If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave, while commercial options remain available, said the Foreign Office.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, wrapped up a one-day visit to Lebanon on Thursday, calling it a worrying time for people in the country.

Mr Lammy called for immediate de-escalation in the region, saying he raised his concerns about the on-going tensions between Lebanon and Israel and highlighted the UKs determination to avoid miscalculation.

The conflict between Israel and Lebanon, Mr Lammy said, should be solved diplomatically based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the previous war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.

Mr Healey called the loss of innocent life in recent weeks and months unbearable.

This has to end. All sides must step back from conflict and step up diplomacy. We will work with important partners like Qatar as our Government leads a renewed push for peace, he said.
Lisa Nandy said Huw Edwards 'ought to return his salary' - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Shutterstock

Huw Edwards, the disgraced broadcaster, should return his BBC salary after he admitted possessing indecent images of children, the Culture Secretary has said.

On Wednesday, Edwards pleaded guilty to possessing 41 images of children, including one believed to be as young as seven, and is due to be sentenced next month.

The 62-year-old, who led the BBCs coverage of the late Queens death, was paid more than 200,000 by the corporation between his arrest in November and his resignation in April.

Speaking as she attended the Paris Olympics, Ms Nandy told Sky News: I think he ought to return his salary.

I think having been arrested on such serious charges all the way back in November, to continue to receive that salary all the way through until he resigned is wrong and its not a good use of taxpayers money.

I think most people in the country will agree with that  but whether he does that or not is up to him.

The Culture Secretary had already told the BBC to examine whether it could recoup money from Edwardss pension. She met Tim Davie, the corporations director general, on Thursday and it is understood that they discussed the payments.

In an interview given to the BBC, Mr Davie said it would be legally challenging to attempt to claw back the cash from Edwards, but stressed that he would look at all options.

The BBC admitted that it knew Edwards had been arrested in November, and was made aware of the reasons for the arrest.

But the corporation continued to pay his salary until he resigned in April, and Mr Davie said it had not been aware of any specifics about the allegations.

The director general said he had been very shocked when the full charges against Edwards emerged at the start of this week, describing the case as deeply disturbing.

A former BBC executive told The Telegraph in a letter that Edwards should have been dismissed.

Vin Harrop, who contracted Edwards for his role as a presenter on the Six Oclock News, now the BBC News at Six, said: The contract he signed contained the vital clause you shall not take any action which will bring the BBC into disrepute.

It seems he broke that clause, for which he should have been dismissed.

Quite why the BBC did not take the action it was bound to, only Tim Davie can answer.
JD Vance by his campaign jet in Tucson, Arizona on Thursday. Photograph: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

In remarks to a Catholic group, JD Vance attacked Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for having a sociopathic attitude about families and children.

Related: Trump says running mates have virtually no impact in apparent JD Vance snub

One of the politicians that I criticised is AOC, said Vance in 2021, while campaigning for the US Senate seat in Ohio he would win the following year.

Maybe AOC hasnt found the right person, whatever the case may be. AOC has said basically  if you look at her public remarks on this  that its immoral to have children because of climate change concerns. Right? This is, lets just be direct, a sociopathic attitude towards family.

Popularly known as AOC, Ocasio-Cortez, 34, is a representative from New York and a leading figure among House progressives.

Vance, 39, is the hard-right Senate populist who was picked last month as Donald Trumps presidential running mate.

Vance has endured a troubled rollout, particularly over comments about family and womens issues, notably including labeling as childless cat ladies opponents including Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Video of Vances attack on AOC was reported by Mother Jones.

It pointed out that AOC has not said it is immoral to have children.

In 2019, Ocasio-Cortez did say: It is basically a scientific consensus that the lives of our children are going to be very difficult [because of climate change] and it does lead young people to have a legitimate question: is it OK to still have children?

Vance, who now has three children, spoke in 2021 to the Napa Institute, a Catholic group that seeks to advance the re-evangelisation of the United States.

My basic view, Vance said, is that if the Republican party, the conservative movement stands for anything  the number one thing we should be is pro-babies and pro-families.

Claiming a civilisational crisis fueled by unhappy families and healthy intact families  not having any kids, he said: So many of the most miserable and unhappy people in our media and in our public life are people without kids.

And I think that they were trained to chase credentials, to chase degrees, to chase money, when the thing that is ultimately going to give you the most fulfillment in life is your family.

Vance said he did not want to criticise every single person who doesnt have children. His goal, he said, was to point out that its one thing to have a society where some people dont have kids. Its another thing to build an entire political movement that is explicitly anti-child and anti-family. And thats what the left in this country is. It is anti-child and anti-family.

Related: Dangerously liberal v just plain weird: Trump and Harris hone their messaging

After attacking AOC, he said: What does it say about our civilisation that so many of our leaders dont have kids? What does it say about the incentives that are built into the Democrats entire movement that they reward the young people who dont have families instead of the young people who do?

I think its just pretty sick  and it suggests something pretty broken.

Ocasio-Cortez did not immediately respond. But Mother Jones pointed to a social media post earlier this week, in response to a complaint from the Trump ally Vivek Ramaswamy about attacks on Vance and Trump for being weird about women, families and children.

Being obsessed with repressing women is goofy, AOC said. Trying to watch what LGBTQ+ people do all the time is abnormal. Punishing people who dont have biological offspring is creepy  its SUPER weird. And people need to know.
Former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London

Huw Edwards has admitted making indecent images of children. That sounds as if he filmed the images and took the still photographs himself. In fact, he received them in WhatsApp conversations. So in what sense was the former BBC broadcaster making these unlawful images?

When first enacted, the Protection of Children Act 1978 made it an offence to take, or permit to be taken, any indecent photograph of a child. The words or to make were inserted by parliament, after taken, in 1994. At the same time, photographs were defined to include data stored on a computer disc or by other electronic means which is capable of conversion into a photograph.

Although there were some challenges to the concept, appeal judges held almost 25 years ago that a person who either downloads images onto disc or who prints them off is making them. That, said the Court of Appeal, was because parliament was trying to prevent not only the original creation of images but also their proliferation.

More recently, the courts have held that making can include receiving an image through social media, even if unsolicited and even if part of a group. It can also include live-streaming.

It seems to me that the extended definition given by the courts is consistent with long-standing principles of statutory interpretation. When the law was updated in 1994, email was still in its infancy and social media had not been invented. But judges are well used to developing the law to meet changing circumstances. The concept of making is surely broad enough to include creating an image on a phone or computer screen by accessing or downloading it.

There are, of course, exceptions  and not just for the security and intelligence agencies or other law enforcement bodies. You can have what would otherwise be an indecent photograph of someone aged 16 or 17 if its your spouse or partner. And charges cannot be brought unless the Director of Public Prosecutions agrees.

What, though, if someone maliciously sends you an indecent photograph? Or you happen to come across illegal material in legitimate circumstances? You have a defence if you can show you had not seen the photograph and had no cause to suspect it was indecent. Depending on the circumstances, though, that may be difficult to establish.

Is the law still fit for purpose? It has been extended over the years. In 1978, the Protection of Children Act offered no protection to children as young as 16. The law now covers pseudo-photographs  images that appear to be photographs. Merely to have an indecent photograph of a child in your possession is an offence, subject to some exceptions.

I see no sign that the law is failing to keep up with developing technology. Although the 1978 legislation referred to film, that was defined to include any form of video-recording. The deliberately broad definition clearly covers moving pictures created or shared on WhatsApp, even though few could have imagined nearly half a century ago that we would be able to do this with our phones.

Has the law gone too far? Is it destroying otherwise respectable citizens who have been targeted by criminals? I see no sign of that either. But if parliament thinks the judges are overreaching themselves, it can pass corrective legislation at any time.

As pornography becomes more readily available and easier to create, we must do all we can to protect its youngest victims.

A few of Edwardss former colleagues have appeared to downplay his actions. I am not one of them. The longest prison sentences under the Protection of Children Act are reserved for those who generate child pornography. But our natural sympathy for people we thought we admired should not lead us to condone those willing to consume indecent images.

Human weakness and baser instincts do not deprive us of agency for our actions. Without customers, there would be no market.
Peter Wright (r), author of Spycatcher, with lawyer (and future Australian PM) Malcolm Turnbull in 1986 - Fairfax

Peter Wrights 1987 Spycatcher is an eminently putdownable book. When Mr Justice Powell compared its style to that of the Boys Own Paper or The Biggles Flying Omnibus, he was overselling its literary qualities. But I could never tire of reading about the Governments hilariously hapless attempts to ban it. As the veteran investigative journalist Tim Tate puts it in his new account of the debacle, the Spycatcher affair was a uniquely English farce. And since we taxpayers paid for its staging  to the tune of at least 3 million (8 million today)  we would be foolish not to wring all the enjoyment we can from it.

The central character, a figure too preposterous for a novel by Mick Herron let alone le Carre, is Peter Wright, MI5s zealous senior counter-espionage officer. The first half of the book gallops through the highlights of Wrights rackety career: falling through a ceiling while installing microphones in a house next to the Polish embassy; trying to organise a coup to oust prime minister Harold Wilson, whom he suspected of being a Soviet mole.

In 1976, Wright retired to run a stud farm in Tasmania; in what proved to be a monumental act of false economy, the government denied him a large chunk of his pension entitlement. Incensed, he decided to reveal to the public the extent to which MI5 bugged, burgled and plotted with impunity. Moreover, he was convinced that the service had long been riddled with Russian moles, among them its former director-general Sir Roger Hollis. He laid out his theories in a memoir, Spycatcher, ghostwritten by the journalist and future Hollywood director Paul Greengrass. Its publication was proscribed in England, and in 1986 the Thatcher government took legal action to prevent its being published in Australia, too.

As in so many espionage sagas, a key turning point occurred in a gentlemens lavatory. Sir Michael Havers, Mrs Thatchers attorney-general, found himself using the facilities alongside Paul Hamlyn, Spycatchers would-be publisher, at the Garrick Club one evening, and murmured that it was pointless to fight the case because the Australian government was prepared to intervene in Thatchers favour. Hamlyn immediately told his Australian lawyer, Malcolm Turnbull, to communicate to those in the corridors of power that siding with Mrs Thatcher was likely to end in humiliation. Turnbull  later to become Australian prime minister himself  successfully convinced the Australian government to keep itself at arms length.

The most entertaining part of Tates book is the best-known: the descriptions of Turnbulls cross-examination of Sir Robert Armstrong, Thatchers cabinet secretary. Having started his purgatorial trip to the Supreme Court of New South Wales by assaulting a photographer at Heathrow airport, Armstrong wilted under Turnbulls questioning as he struggled to turn the governments ill-thought-out case into a coherent argument, destroying for ever the popular image of civil servants as omnicompetent Sir Humphreys.

Timothy Dalton, then the actor playing James Bond, with a copy of Spycatcher in 1987 - Fairfax

Justice Powell decreed that Spycatcher should see the light of day, while chiding the Thatcher government for its attempts to delay or sway proceedings  what he called its serpentine weavings. Spycatcher sold in its millions around the world, and yet in Britain newspapers were forbidden from discussing its contents into the 1990s. Rules about buying and selling the book reached Covid bubble-level complexity. Edward Heath told the House of Commons that he had been advised he could be prosecuted if he read it, but would not be at risk of legal action if his housekeeper read it out to him.

Tate, who has had access to much fresh material, including extracts from those parts of the trial transcripts that were originally redacted for security reasons, tells his tale with a humour more savage than subtle. There is little doubt whose side he is on. Although he does not ignore Wrights chippiness and volatility, he does not label him with the hostile adjectives he showers on people he disapproves of, especially Armstrong, who is vain, oily and duplicitous.

The book pulsates with loathing for Armstrong, Thatchers Machiavellian chief consigliere. In 2015, on the Radio 4 series The Reunion, Paul Greengrass said in Armstrongs presence: I felt bad for Robert I felt that he had been debagged in public, and after a life of glorious public service that wasnt what he deserved. But if you went by Tates book, you would be unaware that Greengrass had said this, or, indeed, that it would be possible for anybody to conceive such a sympathetic view of Armstrong.

Tate ends with a characteristically peppery list of dis-acknowledgements, chiding those, such as the current Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, whom he blames for helping to keep the Governments Spycatcher files under wraps. They should have been released to the National Archives in 2019, but werent. I should think theres some bad-dish stuff on Armstrong and Thatcher in them, posits Jonathan Aitken, one of Tates interviewees. I suspect our only hope of ever seeing them rests on their being leaked by a mole: that would at least allow the sorry saga to end with a pleasing le Carre-ish symmetry.

To Catch a Spy is published by Icon at 25. To order your copy for 19.99, call 0808 196 6794 or visit Telegraph Books
Rick Astley performing at the BPI Awards in 1986. Photograph: Dave Hogan/Getty

I apologise to solvers who visited the web address hidden on the perimeter of last Saturdays prize crossword only to find they had been redirected to the music video for a Rick Astley song. In fairness, last Saturday was the anniversary of the songs release date, the solutions to 16D and 11D were RICK and ROLL, and the initial letters of the clues spelled NEVER GONNA TELL A LIE AND HURT YOU. I feel I gave ample warning.

Hamish Symington (aka Soup)

Cambridge

 Damian Killeens letter (31 July) said that winter fuel allowances are taxable income. Some of us have called for years that they be such, but alas, a call unheard. Indeed one government department I worked in after the age of 65 thought so too, and I never checked the payslips.

Jeff Rooker

Pensions minister, 1999-2001

 In answer to the question, If not yourself, who would you most like to be?, Daphne Guinness answered Julius Caesar (The Q&A, 27 July). Little wonder that her answer to What is the trait you most deplore in others? was backstabbing.

John Lovelock

Bristol

 I enjoyed Fiona Kerrs travel article about Arran (Scotland in miniature: why the Isle of Arran is perfect for a family holiday, 27 July). I once was told by an elderly gentleman in the pub at Corrie: While Wester Ross is where God lives, the Isle of Arran is where he goes for his holidays.

Michael Church

Lincoln

 Do you have a photograph youd like to share with Guardian readers? If so, please click here to upload it. A selection will be published in our Readers best photographs galleries and in the print edition on Saturdays.
There have been violent demonstrations in Southport (pictured), London, Hartlepool and Aldershot since the stabbings in Southport on Monday. Photograph: Getty Images

Nigel Farage is giving legitimacy to violent protesters and excusing disorder that police chiefs fear will continue into the weekend, a metro mayor has said.

At least 19 far-right rallies are being planned across England in the coming days, the Guardian understands.

One of the UKs most senior police officers has said preparations are in place for what could be considerable disorder over the weekend.

There have been violent demonstrations in Southport, London, Hartlepool and Aldershot since the stabbings in Southport on Monday in which three young girls died.

Police officers have been hospitalised after being attacked by bricks and other missiles, property has been destroyed, cars set alight and local people have been terrified.

Farage, the recently elected MP for Clacton, released a video on Thursday evening in which he said he did not support street violence but added: What youve seen on the streets of Hartlepool, of London, of Southport is nothing to what could happen over the course of the next few weeks.

Steve Rotheram, the metro mayor of Liverpool city region, told ITVs Good Morning Britain: Whilst senior politicians like Farage should be condemning these people  hes not, hes excusing them. Hes giving them some legitimacy to go out and perpetrate some of these acts.

Gavin Stephens, the chair of the chief National Police Chiefs Council, said forces were preparing for what could be considerable disorder over the weekend.

Its our job in policing to do that, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Its our job to be worried on behalf of communities, to be prepared, to be there.

Stephens said people with responsibility, whether community leaders, social media platform providers or police, all had a responsibility to make sure that this violence is not inevitable.

He said police chiefs had agreed to step up resources over the weekend. We will have surge capacity in our intelligence, in our briefing and in the resources which are out in local communities.

There would also be additional prosecutors available to make swift decisions so we see swift justice.

Neil Basu, a former head of counter-terrorism policing, said on the Today programme that Farage should think very carefully about the power of his words.

Predicting a long, hot summer for police forces, he said: That is a far-right politician once again trying to direct policing and law and order. He doesnt speak for tens of millions of people, the prime minister does  who has to serve the whole population, not just the ones he likes.

And this is not the first time a politician has tried to interfere with operational policing, particularly from that section of politics.

Lord Walney, the UK governments adviser on political violence and disruption, said police should be prepared to step in if it appeared troublemakers were travelling to incite riots.

He told BBC Scotland there was a concerted and coordinated attempt to spread the violence. Clearly, some of those far-right actors have got a taste for this and are trying to provoke similar in towns and cities across the UK.

The police do have powers to be able to identify the troublemakers, there are new laws in place which can restrict the movement of those who are known and have a track record of violent or illegal disruption and criminality.

They should be stopped from coming to the sites of protests as theyre being organised.

The leader of Glasgow council has told Tommy Robinson directly that he is not welcome in the city after the English Defence League founder announced a pro-UK rally in the citys George Square next month.

Susan Aitken said: Glasgow city council has received no notification of any rally but then we know Tommy Robinson and his ilk dont really care about respecting laws or public places. Hes not welcome in Glasgow and neither is anyone who chooses to align with his poisonous rhetoric.

The Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, one of Scotlands most prominent Muslims, said he had no doubt that Glasgow would reject the rally. There have been attempts by the far right before to do protests here or to sow divisions here, he said. Every single time the far right has tried to do that in Glasgow, Glasgow has overwhelmingly rejected them.

Merseyside police said they had arrested seven people on Friday, with further arrests to be made over the coming days in connection with the disturbances in Southport.

Seven men, aged between 28 and 54, are due on Friday to appear before Teesside magistrates in Middlesbrough following Wednesday nights disorder in Hartlepool. An 11-year-old boy has also been arrested on suspicion of arson after a police vehicle was set alight during disorder described by witnesses as mindless.

Imam Ibrahim Hussein, the chair of Southport mosque, told the BBC on Friday that violence in his town earlier this week had been terrifying and were horrific scenes.

But he also said the supportive, loving response from the local community had been invaluable. We are grateful for their support and we are grateful to be in such a neighbourhood. We are a normal part of the community. We love them and they love us.
GPs are being urged to think again - Anthony Devlin/PA

Patients will come to harm from GPs industrial action, the countrys most senior family doctor has warned.

Surgeries across the country are embarking on work-to-rule measures designed to bring the NHS to a standstill following a vote by the British Medical Association (BMA).

Doctors have been told they can pick and choose from measures designed to wreak chaos across the health service.

They include a cap on the number of appointments, meaning practices could turn away record numbers of patients, heaping pressures on A&E and 999 services.

Family doctors are being asked to take part in up to 10 forms of protest, including one that would put a cap on the number of daily patient contacts  which includes face-to-face appointments, remote consultations and messages  at 25 per GP.

This is a third less than the current workload, with the BMA saying the average GP now has 37 patient contacts daily.

The union has repeatedly claimed it is not targeting patients. On Sunday, Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, who chairs the BMA GPs committee, insisted patients wont come to harm from this.

She said: Were not going on strike. This is collective, premeditated, disruptive action. It is industrial action, but the target isnt patients. The target is NHS England and the Department of Health.

But the countrys most senior GP intervened on Friday, urging colleagues to think again.

Dr Amanda Doyle, the NHS national director for primary care and community services, said: I know that GPs would never intend to take action that would impact patients, but it is hard to see how this action will not have a detrimental effect.

Her comments in Pulse, a magazine for GPs, follow an appeal from Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, who urged family doctors not to punish patients, saying they should blame the last Government for the woes of the NHS.

Patients groups have said the plans are selfish and that GPs risk losing the support of the public in an attempt to argue against contracts that are already generous.

The majority of GPs are partners, with average annual earnings of 153,000, and most work a three-day week.

Dr Doyle highlighted recent gains GPs had won. On Monday Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, awarded a 6 per cent pay rise for family doctors, three times the offer suggested for the profession when the ballot for collective action was called.

Hours before the collective action was launched, Mr Streeting announced emergency measures to get 1,000 newly qualified GPs to the front line more quickly by getting rid of red tape.

GP members of the BMA voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. The union said 98.3 per cent of the 8,500 voting backed the measures. GPs have not staged action since 1964, when family doctors collectively handed in undated resignations to the Wilson government.

Money saving chaos

It comes as GPs are refusing to save money on medicines as part of industrial action.

Family doctors have embarked on measures, which they say will bring the NHS to a standstill because they say the current system is underfunded.

Practices across the country have been told by the British Medical Association (BMA) to pick and choose from a raft of options designed to cause chaos.

They include switching off software that would point them to the best value medicines.

Most surgeries use medicines optimisation software, which highlights potential savings  such as prescribing cheap generic drugs when available.

But the BMA has suggested that practices switch off any systems that are aimed to make financial savings for the taxpayer.

Critics said any family doctor considering such behaviour should be utterly ashamed of themselves.

Dr Martin Brunet, a GP from Binscombe Medical Centre, in Surrey, said that until now, family doctors had generally gone along with systems that saved the NHS money because they were passionate about the health service.

But he told Radio 4s Today programme that following the advice generates quite a lot of work  such as switching medications, and having extra appointments to discuss this  which they were now intending to abandon.

Our computer system is constantly popping up reminders of how to prescribe medications in a way that saves the NHS money and as GPs were all very passionate about the NHS, so we have generally just gone along with that, he said.

But it generates quite a lot of work if you change someones prescription, then youve got to let them know and then some of them, it wont suit them, and youll have an appointment to try and adjust that.

Elliot Keck, the head of campaigns at the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Any GP considering this kind of disgusting behaviour should be utterly ashamed of themselves.

Measures designed to save money for taxpayers are being undermined by activist doctors who are willing to burn the cash of their patients to achieve their ends.

The new government should immediately legislate to restrict this reckless practice and not give in to blackmail.

Dr Brunet said his practice had opted for switching off advice to keep NHS costs down, rather than capping patient appointments, because of concerns that such restrictions would have an impact on patients.

Family doctors are being asked to take part in up to ten forms of protest, including one that caps the number of daily appointments at 25  a third less than the current workload.

Dr Brunet said: As a practice we voted in favour of this but were not planning to cap patient appointments at the moment  because of concern about potential impact on patients.
Crowds gather as HMS Prince Of Wales leaves Portsmouth - Chris Gorman/Big Ladder/Chris Gorman/Big Ladder

The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has sailed from its home port a day after its departure was delayed at the last minute.

The 3 billion warship had been set to leave Portsmouth Naval Base on Thursday morning but the sailing was first put off to the next high tide that evening before being postponed again until Friday.

Crowds of people lined the harbour walls to see the carrier off while a lone stand-up paddle boarder raced the giant ship as it sailed into the Solent.

A Royal Navy spokeswoman said: It is standard to operate within sailing windows.

All ship movements are subject to final routine checks, as well as suitable sailing conditions.

The 65,000-tonne carrier left Portsmouth Naval Base to head to Scotland where it will take on board ammunition for future operations.

HMS Prince of Wales will then spend a period of time at sea before returning to Portsmouth.
Russian political prisoners Ilya Yashin, Vladimir Kara-Murza ve Andrei Pivovarov speaking in Bonn - Kadir Ilboga/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Russian-British political activist Vladimir Kara-Murza said he was convinced he would be shot in the moments after his recent release from a Russian prison, citing a scathing note he had earlier written to Vladimir Putin.

Mr Kara-Murza was one of 16 prisoners freed from Russia on Thursday in a historic deal between the Kremlin and the West. Eight Russian prisoners were repatriated in return.

Speaking at a press conference in Germany, Mr Kara-Murza said after two years in detention his newfound freedom felt surreal.

He said he thought he was going to die in prison and that after refusing to go through the formalities of asking Putin for clemency his fate had been sealed.

He said he was taken into a room with a large portrait of Putin hanging from the wall and told to sign a document admitting guilt and remorse. But he refused and instead wrote that Putin was a murderer.

Obviously Im not guilty of anything. Im not gonna sign this paper, he said.

He was awoken on Sunday at 3am and told he had 20 minutes to collect his belongings.

I thought I was going to let out and be shot.

Mr Kara-Murza was speaking alongside Russian opposition activist Ilya Yashin and Andrei Pivovarov who were also freed.

Mr Yashin welled up with tears as he described his incarceration, adding that had mixed feelings about the deal.

The exchange represented a difficult dilemma, Russian liberal opposition politician Ilya Yashin told journalists in Germany.

It encourages Putin to take more hostages, said Mr Yashin, who had been serving a jail sentence for denouncing Moscows Ukraine offensive.

07:23 PM BST

Blog now closed

Thats it for todays live blog. Heres a rundown of the main stories:

Roman Abramovich played a role in the negotiation of a historic prisoner swap that saw 16 people freed by Russia on Thursday.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian-British citizen freed in the prisoner swap on Thursday, said Russias war in Ukraine is just the tip of the iceberg - but he urged people not to conflate Putins regime with Russia.

Donald Trump has called the prisoner swap between the US and Russia a win for Vladimir Putin as he continued to offer baseless speculation over the details of the agreement.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva touched down in Maryland last night.

The Kremlin has warned a group of prisoners freed on Thursday in the biggest such swap since the Cold War to go into witness protection programmes.

The deal that secured the release of 16 prisoners from Russia was negotiated mostly by spies and sometimes through secret messages hand-delivered by couriers, according to reports.

07:13 PM BST

Roman Abramovich acted as go-between in prisoner swap

Roman Abramovich played a role in the negotiation of a historic prisoner swap that saw 16 people freed by Russia on Thursday.

The Russian oligarch reportedly relayed a message to Vladimir Putin broaching the idea of an exchange after meeting with Rodger Carstens, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.

Mr Abramovich then signalled to Mr Carstens that the Russian president was open to negotiations of a swap including Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Mr Navalny died in captivity in February, before negotiations were completed.

On Thursday, US journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-US Marine Paul Whelan returned to the United States in the swap that included 24 people.

The White House said it negotiated the trade with Russia, Germany and three other countries on the deal, which was worked on in secrecy for more than a year.

06:43 PM BST

Political activist said only allowed to call his wife once during detention

Mr Kara-Murza said over more than two years he was only able to call his wife once.

He said Andrei Pivovarov was only able to speak to his son on the phone three times.

This is not only done to us, it is also done to our families, he said.

06:35 PM BST

Prisoner swap encourages Putin to take more hostages, said freed campaigner

The prisoner exchange between Russia and the West represented a difficult dilemma, Russian liberal opposition politician Ilya Yashin told journalists in Germany Friday.

It encourages Putin to take more hostages, said Mr Yashin, who was freed as part of the deal from a jail sentence for denouncing Moscows Ukraine offensive.

06:11 PM BST

Russian dissident Ilya Yashin looking forward to hugging his parents again

Freed Russian dissident Ilya Yashin said he is looking forward to finally hugging his parents again.

Im very happy to be free, he said, adding: I hope very soon my parents are going to be here so that I can finally hug them again.

Mr Yashin said he spoke to the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and told him he understood the complexities of deciding to free a murderer in exchange for 16 innocent people that have never committed a crime

I know its a difficult dilemma, he said.

06:08 PM BST

Youre going to see your home country for the first time

Vladimir Kara-Murza said each of the 16 prisoners freed from Russia had an FSB agent sitting next to them on the plane.

My FSB agent said look youre going to see your home country for the last time.

Russian dissidents Ilya Yashin, Vladimir Kara-Murza and Andrei Pivovarov hold a press conference in Germany - Reuters

06:06 PM BST

Freed Russian-British citizen says we will return to Russia

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian-British citizen freed in the prisoner swap on Thursday, said Russias war in Ukraine is just the tip of the iceberg - but he urged people not to conflate Putins regime with Russia.

The Kremlins propaganda wants to make you believe that the whole country supports the aggressive war in Ukraine and the regime - this is a lie, he said.

Mr Kara-Murza, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for spreading false information about the Russian army and being affiliated with an undesirable organisation, said he has no doubts that he will return to Russia.

All of us are going to come back to Russia, the dissident said, adding that Russia will one day be a normal, civilised, European country.

05:49 PM BST

Freed Russian dissident speaks for first time

During a press conference, freed Russian dissident Andrei Pivovarov said sitting there in front of a room of journalists leads to a lot of emotion.

Were very happy, he said.

But Mr Pivovarov noted there are still thousands of people still in Russian prisons who suffer terrible conditions and need our assistance.

We should do it step by step and we should not wait, we should take action to support those people that are under pressure, he said.

He added, however, that Thursdays prisoner exchange is a sign of light in a way.

I think they would be happy to hear that its possible to be saved, he said.

Mr Pivovarov said he would continue to work towards a Russia that is free and democratic and where everyone could be free in Russia.

05:22 PM BST

Trump calls prisoner swap win for Putin

Donald Trump has called the prisoner swap between the US and Russia a win for Vladimir Putin as he continued to offer baseless speculation over the details of the agreement.

Evan Gershkovich, a US journalist, two other Americans and a green card holder are back in the US after being freed by Putin as part the largest East-West prisoner exchange since the Cold War.

Seeking to downplay President Bidens success in securing the deal, the Republican nominee told Fox Business: The Russians made a great deal. Im not going to criticize it, because its good to have them home, but they got a phenomenal deal, and that sets a very bad precedent.

It is a win for Putin, Trump added.

Donald Trump called the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War a 'win for Putin' - AFP

05:09 PM BST

France urges Moscow to release others arbitrarily detained in Russia

France on Friday welcomed a historic prisoner swap between Russia and the West and urged Moscow to set free French citizen Laurent Vinatier and other people still arbitrarily detained in the country.

France shares the sentiment of the families and allied governments following the release of several political prisoners held in Russia, the French foreign ministry said in a statement.

Our thoughts are with those who remain arbitrarily detained in Russia, including our compatriot Laurent Vinatier. France calls for their immediate release.

04:49 PM BST

Slovakia, Hungary rebuff EU call to replace lost Russian oil via Croatia

Slovakia and Hungary rebuffed a European Commission suggestion that they could replace lost Russian oil supplies via an alternative route through Croatia saying it was too costly.

Supplies from Russias biggest oil exporter Lukoil through Ukraine were halted in July following a ban by Ukrainian authorities on Lukoil using the Druzhba pipeline, which links Russia to eastern Europe.

Hungary and Slovakia earlier this month asked the European Commission to step in and mediate as the threatened their security of supply.

But they are rejecting the European Commissions proposal to use spare capacity on the JANAF Adriatic pipeline in Croatia to supply both countries with oil not sourced in Russia.

Croatia is simply not a reliable country for transit, Hungarys Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said. Oil transit prices were raised fivefold since the outbreak of the [Ukraine] war by Croatia.

04:38 PM BST

Watch: Putin says buenos noches to children of Russian spies

Vladimir Putin greeted in Spanish the children of Russian spies who were returning home from Slovenia where they had been caught posing as Argentian art dealers.

When the children walked down the plane  they dont speak Russian  and Putin just greeted them in Spanish. He said Buenas noches, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The childrens parents, Artem and Anna Dultseva, were sentenced in a court in Slovenias capital, Ljubljana, on Wednesday after pleading guilty to spying charges.

03:52 PM BST

Ukraine, Russia swap remains of almost 300 dead soldiers

Ukraine said it had received the bodies of 250 killed soldiers in one of the largest exchanges of remains since Russia invaded in February 2022.

The two sides regularly exchange soldiers bodies as well as captured prisoners of war in rare diplomatic dealmaking between Moscow and Kyiv.

As a result of repatriation operations, the bodies of 250 fallen Ukrainian defenders were returned to Ukraine, Kyivs Coordination Centre for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said in a statement.

This is one of the biggest operations of its kind, Centre Spokesman Petro Yatsenko told AFP.

Kyiv said it handed over the remains of 38 Russian soldiers in the deal, which was mediated by International Red Cross.

03:36 PM BST

Russia says prisoner exchange not linked to Ukraine peace talks

Kremlin denies speculation its release of 24 Western prisoners could form part of negotiations over ending the war, writes Joe Barnes.

The historic prisoner swap between Russia and the West was not linked to peace talks with Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Friday. Almost two dozen political prisoners held by Russia were released to their families, while Vladimir Putin welcomed back eight Russians freed in exchange, including an FSB hitman who had been held in Germany. There was speculation that the complex feat of diplomacy could be part of a ceasefire negotiation between Moscow and Kyiv. But Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, denied any link and said potential talks on Ukraine would be based on different principles.

Read the full story

03:25 PM BST

Ukraine drone downs $15m Russian helicopter

A $15m Russian helicopter was destroyed by a small Ukrainian drone 50km inside of Russia, Ukrainian and Russian sources said.

The attack on the 12-ton Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Russian-occupied Donetsk potentially marked the first time a Ukrainian drone has taken down a military helicopter.

The attack occurred about 50km from the front line, an unprecedented distance for such a strike.

The explosive-carrying two-pound drone rammed the helicopter when it was near the ground, causing it to crash and burn, Russian military bloggers wrote.

Caught at the moment of take-off, a Russian blogger posted on social media, sharing photos and videos of the burning helicopter.

Such attacks are exceptionally difficult as the helicopters fly faster than 150 miles per hour at altitudes exceeding thousands of feet.

Observers confirmed the downing of the helicopter, which was performing attack, transport, and medical evacuation missions.

Read the full story

03:08 PM BST

Ukraine adds another Turkish corvette to its navy for the war with Russia

Ukraine has taken delivery of a second Turkish-built navy corvette, officials said on Friday, although they did not say specifically how the warships might be used in Ukraine.

Ukraines first lady, Olena Zelenska, attended the launching ceremony of the Ada-class corvette during a visit to Turkey, the Ukrainian presidency announced on its website.

The corvette Ukraine already had is currently undergoing sea trials.

Turkish Ada-class ships are typically able to strike planes, other ships and submarines.

Ukraine, which has coastlines on the Black Sea and the smaller Sea of Azov, had a small navy at the time of Russias February 2022 full-scale invasion.

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska attends the launch of the Ada class corvette - UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/AFP via Getty Images

02:45 PM BST

Children of freed sleeper agents learned they were Russians on the flight

A family of Russian sleeper agents flown to Moscow in the prisoner swap were so deep undercover that their children found out they were Russians only after the flight took off, the Kremlin said on Friday.

Before that, they didnt know that they were Russian and that they had anything to do with our country, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

And you probably saw that when the children came down the planes steps that they dont speak Russian and that Putin greeted them in Spanish. He said buenas noches.

02:23 PM BST

Ilya Yashin pictured following release by Russia

Ilya Yashin, a prominent Kremlin critic and Russian citizen, shared a photograph following his release in the first post of a prisoner on social media since the group was released on Thursday.

The 41-year-old was jailed for eight years over his criticism of the war in Ukraine. He was also charged with spreading false information about the Russian army.

With that hysterical sentence, the authorities want to scare us all but it effectively shows their weakness, Mr Yashin has said of his case.

He wrote alongside the photo on social media: Ill tell you everything soon. In the meantime, just thanks to everyone who worried. I hug you all!

Ilya Yashin - Twitter

02:03 PM BST

Ukraine launched more drone attacks than Russia in July

Ukraine launched more long-range drone attacks than Russia for the first time since the war began in July.

Russia deployed 426 Shahed-type drones into Ukraine, while Kyiv retaliated with over 520 drones, according to Ukrainian figures.

01:42 PM BST

France urges Moscow to release others arbitrarily detained in Russia

France on Friday welcomed the prisoner swap between Russia and the West and urged Moscow to set free French citizen Laurent Vinatier and other people still arbitrarily detained in the country.

France shares the sentiment of the families and allied governments following the release of several political prisoners held in Russia, the French foreign ministry said in a statement.

Our thoughts are with those who remain arbitrarily detained in Russia, including our compatriot Laurent Vinatier. France calls for their immediate release.

France said it paid tribute to the courage of the men and women who, in Russia as elsewhere, defend freedom of speech and opinion despite the risks involved.

01:24 PM BST

Russia tells freed US prisoners to go into witness protection

The Kremlin has warned a group of prisoners freed on Thursday in the biggest such swap since the Cold War to go into witness protection programmes.

Let the traitors now feverishly pick up new names and actively disguise themselves under witness protection programmes, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said.

The Kremlin added that it hoped those who had left Russia, whom it described as enemies, would stay away, according to the state-run TASS news agency.

01:09 PM BST

Watch: Evan Gershkovich speaks about detention

Evan Gershkovich gave an interview after exiting the plane in Maryland on Thursday evening, speaking about the detention of political prisoners in Russia. Watch below.

12:44 PM BST

Ukrainian drone takes out $15m Russian helicopter

A small Ukrainian drone reportedly shot down a 12-ton Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Russian-occupied Donetsk, potentially marking the first time a drone has taken down a military helicopter.

The explosive-carrying drone rammed the $15m helicopter when it was near the ground, causing it to crash and burn, Forbes reported, citing Russian bloggers.

Caught at the moment of take-off, a Russian blogger reported.

The attack occurred about 50km from the front line, much further than previous attacks have reached.

Photos and videos on social media showed the burning helicopter.

Observers confirmed the downing of the helicopter, which was being used for attack, transport, and medical evacuation missions.

12:24 PM BST

Analysis: Hostage deal weak for the Kremlin

For the Kremlin, this deal looks weak, if not even a one-sided exchange.

The Kremlin has traded their 16 top hostages  alleged spies, journalists, opposition leaders and human rights activists  all carefully curated over the past few years for one FSB assassin thug, two low-grade spies based in Slovenia and five crooked IT nerds and businessmen imprisoned for money laundering and smuggling.

Its hardly a rerun of the like-for-like 1968 spy exchange that became the Hollywood Film Bridge of Spies when US pilot Gary Powers was swapped for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel on a fog-cloaked bridge in Berlin.

The release of Mr Gershkovich is the most stunning. He was the Kremlins prize asset. Arrested in March 2023 for spying, he was only found guilty by a kangaroo court in Yekaterinburg two weeks ago.

A triumphant Russian media gave the case wall-to-wall coverage and yet the Kremlin has tossed aside his 16-year prison sentence and freed him.

Perhaps for Putin, the return of Vadim Krasikov from Berlin is worth the price. He is the assassin who shot dead a former Chechen commander in 2019 and Putins favoured FSB security service wanted him back. What else does he know?

Ukraine has shunned the Kremlins request for a ceasefire this summer as a scam designed to give Russian forces a breather to re-arm and then charge again but, although Putin has turned Russias economy and society into a war machine, cracks are appearing.

Thursdays prisoner swap adds to this sense of growing Russian weakness. Even loyal Kremlin propagandists appear stunned, asking why Putin agreed to an uneven swap that boosts the pro-Ukraine Democrats.

12:01 PM BST

Watch: Evan Gershkovich before release

New footage recorded in Russia shows the moments before journalist Evan Gershkovich was released.

11:46 AM BST

Kremlin says prisoner deal completely different from Ukraine

The Kremlin on Friday said possible talks over the conflict in Ukraine were based on completely different principles from negotiations over a prisoner swap deal that saw 24 people freed on Thursday.

If we talk about Ukraine and more complex international problems, there are completely different principles, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that the work there is conducted in a completely different mode.

11:24 AM BST

List of names on napkin helped lead to hostage deal

A list of names written on a cocktail napkin helped lead to the release of 16 prisoners by Russia in the biggest prisoner swap since the Cold War, it has been revealed.

Christo Grozev, a Bulgarian journalist and one of the worlds leading investigators of Russian clandestine operators, met with Rodger Carstens, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, in a Georgetown restaurant to propose a way forward for the negotiations with Russia.

At the restaurant back in April of 2023, he jotted down a two-column list of Russian prisoners who the US could trade.

The list was relayed from Mr Carstens to Anthony Bliken, the US Secretary of State, and ultimately formed the basis of the trade agreement between the US and Russia.

Watch Mr Grozev explain the feat to CNN below.

How a list of names on a cocktail napkin led to today's historic prisoner swap: @christogrozev talks about his key meeting one year ago  and says his friend Alexei Navalny's death led to more people being freed today. pic.twitter.com/LfQf3N5ujL  Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) August 2, 2024

11:09 AM BST

Russian drone hits bus in Kharkiv region

A Russian drone hit a bus in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region early on Friday, injuring six construction workers, including one who was in a critical condition, the regional governor said.

Governor Oleh Syniehubov said the incident took place near the town of Derhachi, about 40 km (25 miles) from Hlyboke one of the border settlements where Russia opened a new front in the war in May.

Ukraines military halted the Russian offensive there, rushing in reinforcements after Russia pushed up to 10 km (six miles) into the border areas.

10:52 AM BST

Pictured: Reunited in eastern Ukraine

In this photograph, Mykhailo, a Ukrainian serviceman embraves his girlfriend Viktoria who arrived on a train from Kyiv to visit him, at a railway station in Kramatorsk, eastern Donetsk region.

Mykhailo, a Ukrainian serviceman embraves his girlfriend Viktoria - Roman PILIPEY / AFP

10:30 AM BST

Blinken carries index card with names of trapped prisoners

Antony J. Blinken, the US Secretary of State, carries an index card in his suit pocket every day with the names of more than 70 Americans wrongfully detained overseas.

The revelation comes after the release of 16 prisoners by Russia, including three Americans and one green card holder.

Mr Blinkens list has those who have been freed written in red, while those still imprisoned are written in black.

Before the release of Evan Gershkovich, Mr Blinken told Sergei V. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, that the spying charges against him were outrageous.

10:09 AM BST

Trump says prisoner swap a bad deal for US

Donald Trump has criticised Thursdays prisoner exchange, suggesting the United States had received a bad deal tantamount to extortion.

The former president posted a series of questions on social media around the terms of the deal, wondering whether the US was paying Russia cash and whether the US had released murderers.

Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps, he said.

A total of 24 prisoners were exchanged in a deal between the Kremlin and the White House on Thursday, including three Americans and eight people returning to Russia.

Trump, who often touts his experience in business and making deals, said: They are extorting the United States of America.

Theyre calling the trade complex  Thats so nobody can figure out how bad it is!

09:45 AM BST

Behind the Prisoner Swap

The deal that secured the release of 16 prisoners from Russia was negotiated mostly by spies and sometimes through secret messages hand-delivered by couriers, according to reports.

After months of negotiations, a turning point is said to have occurred on June 25 during a meeting between a group of CIA officers and their Russian counterparts.

The Americans proposed an exchange involving two dozen prisoners held in jails in Russia, the US, and various European countries.

This far larger and more complex deal than previously considered would provide both Moscow and Western nations with greater incentives to agree.

But what else happened in this fateful build-up to the swap? Read more here.

09:28 AM BST

Pictured: Soldiers on the front line

In these photographs, Ukrainian servicemen fire a mortar during a military exercise in the Kherson region.

Ukrainian servicemen fire a mortar - REUTERS/Ivan Antypenko

Ukrainian servicemen place a shell into a mortar - REUTERS/Ivan Antypenko

A Ukrainian serviceman checks mortar shells - REUTERS/Ivan Antypenko

09:15 AM BST

How did the UN and Nato react?

The United Nations and Nato have reacted to the release of a number of prisoners by Russia.

UN rights chief Volker Turk expressed his relief regarding the prisoner swap.

All journalists & rights defenders detained solely for doing their jobs must be freed, said the United Nations Human Rights Office in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Nato praised the release of prisoners, attributing it to the close cooperation of alliance members.

We welcome the release today of several political prisoners from Russia. The deal that secured their freedom was negotiated by several Nato allies working together, spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah said.

08:58 AM BST

Locals flee eastern city of Pokrovsk

Residents of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine are fleeing the city as Russian forces make significant advances on multiple fronts in Donetsk.

Moscow has asserted control over four villages east of Pokrovsk in the past week.

While Ukraine has not verified these claims, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday that Pokrovsk has become Russias primary target.

Russian troops have reached the edge of Toretsk, where the regional governor noted last week that only 3,500 people remained, just over 10 per cent of the prewar population.

Since then, authorities and humanitarian organisations have evacuated more residents.

08:40 AM BST

Pictured: Prisoners touch down in the US

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva touched down in Maryland last night.

Reporter Evan Gershkovich, right, is greeted by his parents, Mikhail Gershkovich, and Ella Milman - AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Reporter Evan Gershkovich greets colleagues - AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Former US Marine Paul Whelan arrives in the US - JIM LO SCALZO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

08:16 AM BST

Crimea building evacuated after being hit by ATACMS

Authorities in the Russian-controlled city of Sevastopol in Crimea are evacuating a nine-storey residential building after it was hit by a fragment of an ATACMS missile, the Russian-appointed governor of the city said on Friday.

Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said no one had been hurt in the incident and warned locals not to approach other fragments of missiles intercepted by air defences in what he described as a massive overnight attack on the city.

07:57 AM BST

Tearful phone call held in Oval Office

A tearful phone call was held in the Oval Office on Thursday night as the freed prisoners spoke to their families for the first time.

This is momma. Do you hear me? Its your mom, Evan Gershkovichs mother told her son in the emotional two-minute video of the virtual reunion, posted by President Joe Bidens social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

We just want to say how overwhelmed we are, Joe Biden told the released detainees as the families stood around the presidential Resolute Desk. Youve been wrongfully detained for a long time, and we are glad you are home.

Every parent, child, spouse, and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time.



In just a few short hours when our fellow Americans return home, those prayers will be answered. pic.twitter.com/2xglu30HE9  President Biden (@POTUS) August 2, 2024

07:46 AM BST

Prisoners greeted by Joe Biden

On Thursday, the freed prisoners were greeted by US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva were met by cheers from family and friends as they disembarked a plane, before each embracing Mr Biden and Ms Harris.

It feels wonderful, it was a long time coming, Mr Biden told reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington at around 11:40 pm (3.40 GMT).

Alliances make a difference. They stepped up and took a chance for us, Biden said of the deal, which also involved Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Belarus on the other side.
San Francisco's Board of Supervisors has approved the ban on software that allegedly guides landlords to create schemes on rental prices.

The ordinance was voted 10-0 on a first ready by the board and will undergo a final vote on September 3.

Read Also : Google's Next Update Will Feature Browsing Chrome History Through Questions

San Francisco Seeks Banning of Rental Price-Colluding Software

The ban will affect software companies RealPage and Yardi. The board alleged that these companies have contributed to worsening the rent crisis and have empowered corporate landlords to intentionally vacant units.

"These recommendations then effectively become the lay of the land, with multiple investigations finding they amount to illegal price-fixing," board president Aaron Peskin stated.

Peskin also revealed that RealPage's executives told its investors that the software helped drive double-digit increases in rents, and boosted turnover units and vacancy rates.

San Francisco Fights for Local Renters' Rights to Afford Houses

Earlier this year, the Department of Justice declared that inflated rents caused by "algorithmic use of sensitive nonpublic pricing and supply information violate antitrust laws." The Federal Trade Commission also argued that using software to hike up prices is illegal.

Both RealPage and Yardi are accused of collecting and combining large landlord data. The software is designed to make pricing and occupancy recommendations which eventually caused inflated results.

RealPage previously denied the allegations and called it "false and misleading." The software company clarified that its service is beneficial to both house providers and renters.

The proposal states that if an entity uses such a device on residential units within San Francisco or if a San Franciso landlord utilizes a similar software, civil action will be taken. Payment for damages and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation is also in place.
Toby Young, the director of the Free Speech Union, says the decision to 'kill off' the legislation is 'a flagrant abuse of political power in pursuit of a narrow ideological agenda' - Andrew Crowley

A free speech group is planning to sue the Government over its decision to scrap a law aimed at tackling cancel culture at universities.

The Free Speech Union has threatened to launch a judicial review against Bridget Phillipson after she halted new protections for academics just days before they were due to come into force.

The Education Secretary announced last week she had pulled the plug on the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 and would now consider repealing it.

The flagship Tory policy was set to require universities, colleges and student unions to actively promote free speech on campus.

Prof Arif Ahmed, the director for freedom of speech and academic freedom at the Office for Students (OfS), had also spent a year designing a complaints scheme to implement the law. It would have allowed him to take submissions from academics who had been cancelled over their personal beliefs.

The Free Speech Union said the Governments decision to kill off the legislation would make it virtually impossible for students and academics to challenge radical progressive ideology on campus.

Decision to axe legislation unlawful

In a pre-action protocol letter, the first stage before a judicial review, it alleged Ms Phillipsons decision to axe the legislation was unlawful.

The Secretary of State was not entitled to act as she has done because she opposes the legislation or its policy. Any repeal of the legislation is a matter for Parliament not the executive, the letter sent on Friday claimed.

The Free Speech Union also accused the Education Secretary of acting unlawfully by removing protections for people of certain protected groups, such as gender critical persons or those who espouse minority political views.

It called on Ms Phillipson to publish proof that she had considered the possible implications of repealing the free speech laws for certain groups.

The Act was introduced after a series of rows over the so-called cancellation of academics and students over their views. They include Dr Kathleen Stock, a philosophy professor, who resigned from Sussex University in 2021 after what she described as a witch-hunt over her views on transgender issues.

Ms Phillipson insisted last week that her decision to pause the new free speech laws would save universities from costly legal action - Amanda Rose/Alamy

Toby Young, the director of the Free Speech Union, said: Bridget Phillipsons decision to kill off a piece of legislation that enjoyed cross-party support in the last parliament gives the lie to her claim that shes too high-minded to engage in culture war politics.

This is a flagrant abuse of political power in pursuit of a narrow ideological agenda. At a stroke, she has made it virtually impossible for students and academics to challenge radical progressive ideology on campus.

He also accused Ms Phillipson of being a culture warrior first class, far more brutal and merciless than any of her Tory predecessors.

The Telegraph has also seen an open letter sent to Ms Phillipson on Friday calling on her to reinstate the vitally important piece of legislation.

Signed by more than 150 academics, it said that free speech duties on universities have long been neglected, despite being enshrined in law.

The decision to halt Higher Education [Freedom of Speech] Act appears to reflect the view, widespread among opponents of the Act, that there is no free speech problem in UK universities, that the very idea of such a problem is a fiction put about to divert attention from bigger issues. Nothing could be more false, the letter said.

Hundreds of academics and students have been hounded, censured, silenced or even sacked over the last 20 years for the expression of legal opinions  This state of affairs has serious consequences for all of us.

Law could have created platform for hate speech

Ms Phillipson insisted last week that her decision to pause the new free speech laws would save universities from costly legal action. She said the legislation could have also created a platform for hate speech on campus that would disproportionately impact some groups such as Jewish students.

In a letter to MPs, the Education Secretary said many universities felt that the burden that the Act would impose was not outweighed by the issues it intended to solve.

Ms Phillipson also said that for too long, universities have been a political battlefield.

Edward Skidelsky, a philosopher at Exeter University and director of the committee for academic freedom, told The Telegraph it was sad that the Government has swallowed the myth put about by opponents of the Act that there is no free-speech crisis in British universities.

To many university vice-chancellors and administrators, the whole issue of free speech is a big distraction from the real business of universities, which is making money by roping in students, he added.

Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, said: Our Free Speech Act protected students, academics, and visiting speakers from no-platforming and cancel culture on campus.

Labour fought us every step of the way and now one of their first steps in government is to stop it dead in its tracks.

We cannot go on as a society silencing people who hold views we disagree with. A truly tolerant society is one where we can have free, open debate even on difficult issues. Thats not the cause of division, its the only way to heal it by creating space to find common ground.

In a statement last week, Ms Phillipson said: We are absolutely committed to freedom of speech and academic freedom, but the Free Speech Act introduced last year is not fit for purpose and risked imposing serious burdens on our world class universities.

This legislation could expose students to harm and appalling hate speech on campuses. That is why I have quickly ordered this legislation to be stopped so that we can take a view on next steps and protect everyones best interests, working closely with a refocussed Office for Students.
Sunderland Central Police Station on fire - Twitter

A Sunderland police station caught fire on Friday night as riots continued to spread after three girls were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

Hundreds of people took to the streets in Liverpool and Sunderland in the latest in a series of outbreaks of unrest thought to have been orchestrated by far-Right agitators.

Footage of the blaze showed flames leaping from the property next door which appeared to spread to the police station. Separate images showed the buildings windows shattered.

The station was marked permanently closed on Google Maps and was no longer listed on a police station finder on Northumbria Polices website.

A car was overturned and set ablaze, as police were subjected to serious violence, Northumbria Police said, when rioters pelted them with beer barrels and stones.

Sunderland police station went up in flames - @TeesPix

Police in protective gear came under sustained attack as rioters set off fire extinguishers on High West Street.

The scenes of violence followed a march through the city at around 7pm in which protesters raised St George Cross flags and chanted songs about the far-Right agitator Tommy Robinson.

Police said eight people were arrested and three police officers taken to hospital following the riots in Sunderland.

Chief Supt Helena Barron of Northumbria Police said in a statement: We can confirm that three officers were taken to hospital for treatment of injuries.

One has since been discharged with the other two remaining in hospital for further treatment.

We also thank our partners for the significant support they have shown throughout the evening.

Protesters set a car on fire - Mark Pinder

Anyone involved in the disorder we have seen can expect to be dealt with robustly - and that action has already begun.

Eight people have so far been arrested for a range of offences, including violent disorder and burglary.

A full investigation is now under way to identify anyone else responsible.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said those stoking the scenes of disorder do not represent Britain.

She posted on X, formerly Twitter: Criminals attacking the police and stoking disorder on our streets will pay the price for their violence and thuggery.

Fire raged on the street - Mark Pinder

The police have the full backing of Government to take the strongest possible action and ensure they face the full force of the law.

In Liverpool, riot police were also forced to intervene after far-Right demonstrators came close to clashing with counter-protesters outside the Abdullah Quilliam Society mosque.

The anti-fascist activists, who number around 200, responded to the protesters by chanting: Nazi scum off our streets.

Section 60 orders

Ahead of the unrest, a section 60 order was introduced to give officers enhanced powers to stop and search.

The measure was implemented in a bid to clamp down on the scenes of violence witnessed in Southport, Hartlepool and London in recent days, in which more than 50 police officers were injured and dozens of protesters arrested.

It comes as police forces across the country brace for a wave of more than 30 planned incidents at the weekend and next week in up to a dozen cities and towns.

Nottinghamshire Police said they were aware of two possible planned outbreaks of disorder this weekend, adding there would be an increased high-visibility police presence.

Protesters attacked police in riot gear in Sunderland - Mark Pinder

In a statement, the force said: Anyone who comes into the city or our neighbourhoods to cause any kind of disorder can expect a robust police response.

It simply will not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police said they were aware of a potential planned protest this weekend and that officers would swiftly respond if it escalates into violent disorder.

South Yorkshire Police said they were also aware of a planned protest and there may be an increased police presence across the county.

Protesters raised flags and chanted in the streets - Mark Pinder

In Northern Ireland, the PSNI said it was aware of calls to block roads using women and children for a march to an Islamic centre.

Lord Hanson, the Home Office minister, warned organisers that we will be watching you to prevent the summer madness from spreading following a string of violent clashes. Police chiefs said they would not tolerate far-Right thugs exploiting the nations grief.

The Muslim Council of Britain said on Friday that hundreds of mosques were strengthening their security and putting in place protective measures ahead of more planned protests.

There are fears Islamic places of worship could be targeted during demonstrations expected to take place at the weekend.

Kim McGuinness, the North East mayor, said: Im appalled by scenes from Sunderland. Make no mistake, if your response to tragedy is to use it to commit violence, to abuse others, attack the police and damage property you stand for nothing except thuggery. Its not protest.

Its crime and disorder. You dont speak for Sunderland. You dont speak for this region. Those grieving in Southport will take no comfort from this.

11:53 PM BST

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage on the riots in Sunderland.

11:11 PM BST

Pictured: Police on the ground in Liverpool and Sunderland

Police ringfence demonstrators and counter-protesters in Liverpool - Joel Goodman

Police vans and fire engines on the streets of Sunderland - TEBL

10:38 PM BST

Pictured: Firemen put out the blaze at Sunderland Central police station

A Police station has been set alight in Sunderland during riots - TEBL/GV Sunderland

Firefighters battle the flames - TEBL

10:08 PM BST

Pictured: Fire breaks out at next to a Sunderland police station

Fire breaks out at site of Sunderland Central Police station

09:53 PM BST

Sunderland MP slams criminal thuggery

Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson said he was appalled by disorder in the city centre on Friday night.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: Our city is not represented by a tiny minority causing trouble.

(Northumbria Police) have my full support as they respond to criminal thuggery and work to protect all the communities of our city.

Tomorrow the people of Sunderland will come together and continue to build the bright future that we have - a future where every community of our city feels safe and prospers.

I am appalled by the disorder in the centre of Sunderland tonight.



Our city is not represented by a tiny minority causing trouble.@northumbriapol have my full support as they respond to criminal thuggery and work to protect all the communities of our city.



Tomorrow the people  Lewis Atkinson MP (@LewisAtkinson) August 2, 2024

09:47 PM BST

Watch: Sunderland Central Police Station on fire

Sunderland Police station is on fire as the town centre is looted #SunderlandRiots pic.twitter.com/JGgI5iDOad  TeesPix.Photos (@TeesPix) August 2, 2024

09:12 PM BST

Mayor condemns violence and thuggery in Sunderland

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has said protesters in Sunderland stand for nothing except thuggery.

He said: Im appalled by scenes from Sunderland. Make no mistake, if your response to tragedy is to use it to commit violence, to abuse others, attack the police and damage property you stand for nothing except thuggery. Its not protest.

Its crime and disorder. You dont speak for Sunderland. You dont speak for this region.

Those grieving in Southport will take no comfort from this.

A car is toppled over and set alight during scenes of disorder in Sunderland - Raoul Dixon

09:08 PM BST

Pictured: Rioters attack police with fire extinguishers

Rioters have set off fire extinguishers at police in protective gear in Sunderland city centre.

The clashes came as part of a sustained attack on officer.

An overturned car was set on fire as the disorder continued.

Protesters spray fire extinguishers at riot police officers - Raoul Dixon

08:52 PM BST

Pictured: Police cordon off protesters in Sunderland

People, including anti fascists, crowd outside the Sheikh Abdullah Quilliam Mosque in Liverpool - Joel Goodman

Police officer raises wooden stake - Raoul Dixon

08:46 PM BST

Beer barrels launched at Sunderland Police

Disorder started back at Sunderlands newly refurbished Keel Square where the demonstration began.

Police had beer barrels thrown at them as they tried to contain the several hundred protesters.

As a helicopter flew overhead, young men threw stones at the police and chanted whose streets, our streets.

08:44 PM BST

EDL could be proscribed as terrorists, says former police chief

Former counter-terrorism police chief Neil Basu has said it could be time to proscribe the English Defence League as a terrorist organisation after the group crossed a line this week.

Mr Basu told Times Radio: The EDL used to be a protest group which started off, they have reprehensible views in my view and as a police officer I couldnt say that, our job was to effectively facilitate lawful peaceful protest.

They very quickly descended into becoming a group of violent thugs and hooligans. Theres something about not wanting to glorify them as terrorists but when I look at the scenes from Southport and the extraordinary number of injuries they caused and the terror, the sheer terror they caused the Muslim community in Southport and the wider community in Southport, in my view they crossed a line.

So I would be looking to, if I was still doing my day job, I would be sitting down with my counterpart at MI5 and I would be looking at the intelligence for what picture I could produce for the Home Secretary to make a decision as to whether it was time to proscribe them.

08:38 PM BST

20 riot police descend after confrontation breaks out in Liverpool

Around a 20 officers in riot gear have descended on the scene here in Liverpool after a small confrontation between a far-right protestor and a counter-demonstrator.

Those defending the mosque have begun chanting refugees are welcome here and Nazi scum, off our streets

08:34 PM BST

Pictured: Protesters clash with police outside Sunderland mosque

Tensions boil over as protesters gather at Millfield Mosque in Sunderland - Raoul Dixon

man wearing a balaclava is arrested by police as security is tightened ahead of a planned protest - Raoul Dixon

08:31 PM BST

Hard-Right protesters target anti-fascist activists

Riot police are intervening after counter-protestors and far-Right demonstrators came close to clashing.

Several demonstrators attempted to cross and towards the anti-fascist protestors after they chanted Nazi scum off our streets.

Police holding helmets are now lining west Derby Road between the two groups.

There are around 40 people at the protest who are currently outnumber by counter demonstrators.

08:21 PM BST

Watch: Sunderland protests turn violent

08:19 PM BST

Protesters hurl missiles at riot police

There was a standoff between police and protesters outside a mosque on Sunderlands St Marks Road.

Police in riot gear came under attack with stones and beer cans thrown.

Some protesters argued about two-tier policing as the police threw a protective ring around the mosque.

Mounted police pushed back demonstrators, some of whom were in masks.

Meanwhile, customers in the next door Aldi filmed the scenes on their phones through the shop window.

08:17 PM BST

Pictured: Arrests made in Sunderland as anti-Fascists march in Liverpool

A man wearing a balaclava is arrested by police as security is tightened ahead of a planned protest in Sunderland - Raoul Dixon /NNP

People, including anti fascists, crowd outside a Liverpool mosque, where far right activists have planned a demonstration - Joel Goodman/LNP

08:14 PM BST

70-year-old activists opposes hard-Right protesters

A few counter-protesters wearing masks and hoods have gathered outside the mosque in Liverpool in anticipation of disorder.

But Pat, 70, who has been protesting for 50 years, stood defiant with a sign that read Nans against Nazis.

She said it was horrendous that far-right thugs were targeting mosques.

anti-fascist demonstrators launch counter-protest - Joel Goodman

The problem is the nazis just go wherever this is trouble, she said.

Theyre not interested in what happened to those children.

Were telling them wherever they go we will be there. Weve never allowed them in the city of Liverpool.

07:58 PM BST

200 counter-demonstrators gather in Liverpool

Around 200 anti-fascist counter demonstrators have gathered at the Abdullah Quilliam Society mosque in Liverpool.

There is a visible but not yet heavy police presence ahead of a far-Right protest tonight.

Police have brought in a reconnaissance plane to monitor the city from above with a National Air Police device aircraft circling over the city.

The Vulcanair P.68r which took off from Chester has been monitoring from 2.000ft for around two hours.

07:35 PM BST

Hundreds gather in Sunderland protests

Hundreds of people have gathered in Sunderland city centre for a planned protest.

Drivers tooted their horns as vehicles passed the gathering at Keel Square in the centre of town, and there was a loud cheer as a march set off shortly before 7pm.

A large police presence was watching the marchers, some of whom were draped in England flags.

07:25 PM BST

Extra officers deployed and police powers enhanced in Liverpool

Stop and search powers have been enhanced and extra police officers deployed in Liverpool city centre.

Merseyside Police announced a Section 60 order has been put in place until 4am, allowing officers the right to search people without reasonable grounds in order to prevent violence.

The boost to policing comes after social media accounts were said to be organising a rally and counter-protesters intended to attend.

Inspector Leigh Price said: We have taken the pro-active measure of introducing a Section 60 in this area in light of the disgraceful disorder we witnessed in Southport on Tuesday evening.

These extra powers will allow officers to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality as we seek to keep the public safe.

He added that residents should expect to see a highly visible police presence which he hoped would be reassuring.

07:10 PM BST

Officers to Muslims in London as mosques strengthen security measures

Trustee and president of the London Islamic Cultural Society (LICS) Bibi Rabbiyah Khan speaks to Police officers at the London Islamic Cultural Society (LICS) and Mosque in Haringey - Jonathan Brady/PA

Police officers speak to a staff member at the London Islamic Cultural Society (LICS) and Mosque in Haringey, north London. - PA/Jonathan Brady

06:44 PM BST

PM: Southport stabbings ripped through the fabric of the community

Sir Keir Starmer has said that the Southport stabbings ripped through the very fabric of this community.

On his second visit to the grieving town this week, the Prime Minister said: As a nation, we stand with those who tragically have lost loved ones in the heinous attack in Southport, which ripped through the very fabric of this community and left us all in shock.

It is truly inspiring to hear of all the ways in which people have come together in the face of such horrors to demonstrate true bravery, resilience and solidarity.

I cannot begin to imagine the pain that people are going through right now, but I am determined to make sure that Southport and its leaders have all the support they need to preserve and nurture this strength of community spirit - not just in the immediate aftermath, but also in the years to come.

Sir Keir also announced further support for Southport, including mental health support for those affected by the attack and a programme of events to help build community cohesion.

06:08 PM BST

Two men charged in Hartlepool for wielding wooden plank and throwing bricks at police

Two more men were remanded in custody after being charged with joining in the trouble in Hartlepool on Wednesday night.

John Barton, 33, and Dylan Wiley, 28, appeared in the dock together at Teesside Magistrates Court, charged with violent disorder.

Wiley is also charged with possession of an offensive weapon, namely a plank of wood.

Paul Doney, prosecuting, said Barton threw bricks at the police and was arrested after he was bitten by a police dog.

The prosecution said Wylie was caught on body-worn camera footage throwing missiles, shouting at police and threatening to hit them with a large piece of wood.

The defendants, who denied all the offences, were remanded in custody to appear before Teesside Crown Court on September 2.

05:35 PM BST

Police chiefs ready to tackle violent disorder as protests loom

Police chiefs have promised to boost police presence this weekend in response to planned protests.

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, National Police Chiefs Council Chair, said officers will crack down on unnecessary violence and vowed offenders will face the full force of the law.

He said: Police will not stand by and let criminals carry out unnecessary violence in our communities.

Id like the public to know there is a robust and united response in place across the country, and police chiefs have agreed to step up resourcing this weekend.

Mr Stephens added: It is our job to be prepared and forces are working together at a local, regional and national level to gather and share intelligence and to make sure we are ready to tackle any violent disorder which might arise.

Our message to anyone thinking of getting involved in this type of criminality is clear - if you cause violence, you will face the full force of the law and we have the full backing of our criminal justice partners.

05:10 PM BST

PM lays wreath for Southport stabbing victims

Sir Keir Starmer returned to Southport for the second time this week to lay a wreath for the three victims of the stabbing attack.

The Prime Minister met with members of the local community, according to the Liverpool Echo, along with metro mayor Steve Rotheram, Merseyside Chief Constable Serena Kennedy and representatives from the police, faith groups, health services and the education and voluntary sectors.

He also paid a visit to Alder Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool, where many of the victims of Mondays attack were treated.

Sir Keir thanked staff for their hard work and professionalism in responding to the attack.

04:38 PM BST

Pictured: Residents lay flowers for Southport stabbing victims

Residents move flowers, in Maple street, to allow more people to pay their respects to the victims of a knife attack, in Southport - Manon Cruz/Reuters

04:28 PM BST

Mosque invites protesters inside for burgers and chips

A Muslim chaplain has offered cold drinks, burgers and chips to anyone who turns up outside his Liverpool mosque this weekend.

Adam Kelwick issued an invitation on X, formerly Twitter, to demonstrators to come inside the mosque for a discussion about the issues affecting the community.

He also said he had been made aware of a counter-protest planned in the area, which he said was not how we do things.

News has reached me of a planned protest outside the Abdullah Quilliam mosque this evening.



While I have no idea what our mosque has to do with anything the crowd will be protesting, the spirit of the mosque has always been one of serving our community and opening our doors 1/3 pic.twitter.com/hVlY3vw6O1  Adam Kelwick (@adamkelwick) August 2, 2024

Anybody who attends the protests tomorrow, were going to be handing out free cold drinks to you, were going to be handing out burgers and chips, and also an invitation, if you would be so kind, to come into the mosque, Mr Kelwick said.

Bring your concerns in, lets have a discussion about issues that are affecting our communities and how we can work together to solve them. The key word here being together.

He added: I have a feeling that you will be learning a lot of new things, because there is a lot of misinformation and ignorance spread out there about the religion of Islam.

04:11 PM BST

There is too much disrespect for police, says Robert Jenerick

Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenerick has said there is too much disrespect for police, as he he launched his bid to be the next Tory leader.

Speaking at a campaign launch event in Newark, the former immigration minister said there is an important lesson to learn from the riots that have followed the Southport stabbings.

He said: I want to back the police, I want to ensure that they can take the robust action they need against these individuals and against people like them in all of the incidents we have seen in recent months, right across the country.

Because I do not want to live in a country where incidents like this, where disturbances are happening, ever again.

03:45 PM BST

Hartlepool rioter who was bitten by dog cries in court

An agitator who was bitten on the bum by a police dog cried in court after admitting joining in a riot in Hartlepool on Wednesday night.

Ryan Sheers, 28, and Steven Mailen, 54, admitted violent disorder during a hearing at Teesside magistrates court.

Paul Doney, prosecuting, said Mailen was constantly in the face of officers and was gesticulating towards them, shouting, until he was struck on the leg by an officers extendable baton.

His partner Sheers, who wept during the hearing, was then bitten on the hip by a police dog, the court heard.

He had been trying to push through the police cordon, shouting and refusing to move away.

The defendants, who have no previous convictions, were granted bail by District Judge Helen Cousins to appear before Teesside Crown Court for sentencing on Sept 2.

Sheers, formerly a McDonalds worker, was emotional and said: Thank you judge, thank you.

03:15 PM BST

Russia claims it is not to blame for far-Right riots

Russia has claimed it is not responsible for stoking far-Right riots which erupted in England following the fatal stabbings of three young girls in Southport.

Its embassy in London said it rejected assertions made by a former head of MI6 that Vladimir Putins government amplified false claims about the attackers identity as a form of grey warfare against the UK.

Sir Richard Dearlove said the spread of fake news was a fundamental tactic used by Putins regime.

The Russian Embassy described his comments as irresponsible and predictable gaslighting.

Police have intelligence that the far Right and unaligned hooligans intent on violence are planning to stir up public disorder this weekend and for most of the summer following the attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport on Monday.

03:13 PM BST

MP receives reports of targeting of mosques

The MP for Milton Keynes Central has condemned any violent acts amid reports of mosques being targeted by protesters.

Labour politician Emily Darlington posted on X, formerly Twitter: Getting reports of targeting mosques in Milton Keynes.

She added: This is not reflective of our inclusive and diverse city and I absolutely condemn any violent acts.

We are an amazing city and we will not let people that engage in this destructive behaviour damage us #loveMK

Her warning comes as rumours swirl on social media of protests in cities across the UK in the coming days.

Getting reports of targeting of mosques in Milton Keynes. This is not reflective of our inclusive and diverse city and I absolutely condemn any violent acts. We are an amazing city and we will not let people that engage in this destructive behaviour damage us #loveMK  Emily Darlington MP (@emily4MK) August 2, 2024

02:32 PM BST

Expert on Right-wing extremism calls for tougher online laws

Urgent action is needed to tackle the tsunami of lies on social media which fanned the flames of protest across the UK, a leading expert on Right-wing extremism has said.

Professor Matthew Feldman said that within 30 hours of fake news emerging online about the suspect in the Southport stabbings, it had spread across multiple platforms, and sparked riots that led to 53 police officers being hurt.

He welcomed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers announcement of a new national response to the violent disorder but called for a corresponding response online.

Prof Feldman said: Tougher laws are needed. There has been much debate about the long delayed Online Harms Bill.

It is difficult to think of a much better example of online harms breaching the real world than a fake story demonising Muslims and people of colour and leading to riots on the streets.

This is only the latest wake-up call to a problem that we know exists and continues to get worse. I dont doubt the social media companies would prefer this not to be on their platform but I strongly feel they are not doing enough.

02:24 PM BST

Rioter accused of flashing buttocks and genitalia to police

Three man alleged to have taken part in violent disorder in Hartlepool on Wednesday night have been remanded in custody.

Anthony Allen, 42, of Ormesby Road, Hartlepool, appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court, charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.

James Elliott, 41, of Raby Road, Hartlepool, was with him in the dock, charged with violent disorder.

Peter Clark, 47, of no fixed address, appearing separately, was charged with violent disorder and exposure after allegedly showing his buttocks and genitalia to police.

No pleas were entered to any of the charges.

02:03 PM BST

Nottinghamshire Police vow robust response to disorder

Nottinghamshire Police said it was aware of two protests that may be taking place in Nottingham city centre this Saturday, and that there would be a robust police response to any disorder.

In a statement, the force said: We are aware of two protests that may be taking place in Nottingham city centre this Saturday (August 3) following the tragic events in Southport.

The public can expect to see an increased high-visibility police presence in Old Market Square, on our transport routes, and within our communities throughout the weekend.

Anyone who has any concerns then please do speak to our officers who will be very happy to help.

Anyone who comes into the city or our neighbourhoods to cause any kind of disorder can expect a robust police response. It simply will not be tolerated.

01:33 PM BST

Hartlepool alleged rioters appear in court

Three man alleged to have taken part in violent disorder in Hartlepool on Wednesday night have appeared in court.

Anthony Allen, 42, of Ormesby Road, Hartlepool, appeared at Teesside magistrates Court, charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.

James Elliott, 41, of Raby Road, Hartlepool, was with him in the dock, charged with violent disorder.

Peter Clark, 47, of no fixed address, appearing separately, was charged with violent disorder and exposure after allegedly showing his buttocks and genitalia to police.

No pleas were entered to any of the charges.

01:26 PM BST

Liverpool imam invites far-Right agitators to mosque for dinner

The imam of the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque in Liverpool has invited far-Right agitators intending to demonstrate outside the mosque to have dinner with him inside.

He said: I have seen some calls online for a counter-protest, thats not the way how we do things at the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque we have a history of opening our doors and welcoming people in.

So just to let you know anybody who attends the protest tomorrow [Friday] we will be handing free cold drinks to you.

We are going to be handing out burgers and chips and also invitation, if you would be so kind, to come into the mosque, bring your concerns in.

Lets have a discussion about issues which are affecting our communities and how we can work together.

The Imam of Sheikh Abdullah Quilliam Mosque in Liverpool has invited far right agitators planning a protest there tomorrow into the mosque for free food and a chat pic.twitter.com/8bGlhtrbNt  Faz (@hacksupreme) August 1, 2024

01:06 PM BST

High Wycombe next target of agitators

Thames Valley Police said it is aware of a potential planned protest this weekend in High Wycombe and that officers would swiftly respond if it escalates into violent disorder.

A spokesperson for the force said: Thames Valley Police is aware of a potential planned protest this weekend in High Wycombe.

We are committed to facilitating a peaceful protest and the right to freedom of expression, while also keeping the community safe and so officers will be out in the area tomorrow.

Should this planned peaceful protest escalate into violent disorder seen elsewhere in the country, officers will swiftly respond and deal with those choosing to cause harm to our communities.

We have a plan in place for this weekend to deal with any issues that may arise.

01:01 PM BST

Belfast protesters plan to march on mosque

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it is aware of calls to block roads using women and children and for a march to an Islamic centre in Belfast to be held on Saturday.

PSNI Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said: Police are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland this Saturday, 3rd of August.

We are aware of specific calls to block roads using women and children between 12 midday to 2pm in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Bangor and north, south, east and west Belfast.

We are also aware of calls for protest at 12 midday at Belfast City Hall and a 1pm march to the Islamic Centre, University Road, Belfast.

12:35 PM BST

Police identify woman involved in protest after appeal

Police have identified a woman who was one of eight people being sought after protesters threw objects and shouted racist abuse at a demonstration outside a hotel housing migrants in Aldershot, which left one officer injured.

Hampshire Police said a minority of the 200 people who gathered outside the Potters International Hotel became involved in the disruption on Wednesday evening.

12:20 PM BST

Hundreds of mosques strengthen security amid fear of riots

Zara Mohammed, the secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), has said hundreds of mosques across the country will be strengthening their security and protective measures this weekend.

He said: There is really deep-seated anxiety amongst Muslim communities, particularly for this weekend.

Yesterday we hosted a mosque security community briefing and we had representation from hundreds of mosques across the country and there was palpable fear.

We had mosques saying that theyd had threats on the phone about targeted attacks... we had a lot of anxiety around security and having enough protection.

Asked about how mosques are preparing, she said: So its around protective measures: ensuring that the doors and windows are secure, carrying out a risk assessment, making sure CCTV cameras are working, and having some paid security staff on site.

Rioters smashed the windows of Southport's Islamic Society Mosque - PA

12:17 PM BST

Manchester protester charged with attempted ABH

A man has been charged in connection with an investigation into disorder in Newton Heath on Wednesday 31 July.

Joshua Stokes (09/12/1998), of Ten Acres Lane, Manchester, has been charged with violent disorder and attempted ABH of a police officer.

He was remanded into custody to appear at Manchester and Salford magistrates court on Friday.

12:11 PM BST

Police brace for protests in Cardiff this weekend.

South Wales Police said a policing operation will be in place for planned events being held in Cardiff on Saturday.

A policing operation will be in effect for the duration of the events and we will be working to ensure that they take place safely, lawfully with minimum disruption to the wider public.

12:08 PM BST

Protest planned in Rotherham

South Yorkshire Police said it was aware of a planned protest in Rotherham this weekend and that there may be an increased police presence across the county.

A force spokesman said: We are aware of heightened tensions nationally following the tragic incident in Southport earlier this week.

We are engaging with our communities across all areas of the force, and are continuing to monitor any local concerns.

People may see an increased police presence across the county, as we carry out this work. We are also aware of a planned protest in Rotherham this weekend.

As with all protests, our role at any planned events will be to balance the rights of those who wish to protest, together with those who may be impacted by it.

11:17 AM BST

Elon Musk weighs in on Southport riots

Elon Musk engaged with Right-wing activist Tommy Robinson on X, hours after the Prime Minister warned that social media carries responsibility for tackling misinformation which sparked disorder in parts of the UK.

Mr Musk, who owns the site formerly known as Twitter, responded with two exclamation marks to a post by Robinson  real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon  commenting on the Prime Ministers response to the disorder in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

The billionaire SpaceX and Tesla boss has had a controversial reign at X since taking over the company in 2022, and has been accused of allowing misinformation and other harmful content to flourish on the site since then.

On Thursday, Sir Keir had warned social media companies after misinformation spread online about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect, Axel Rudakubana, including false claims that he was an asylum seeker.

It should be brought to people's attention that the owner of this platform is engaging with Tommy Robinson and seems to take him seriously  yet he probably doesn't even know that's not his real name. pic.twitter.com/ekISdRVQwq  Alexander Richards (@AlxdrRchrds) August 1, 2024

11:06 AM BST

Extensive plans in place to tackle protests in Merseyside

Merseyside Police is aware of online speculation about future protests and has extensive plans and considerable police resources in place to deal with them, a senior officer has said.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: I want to reassure residents that we are fully prepared for any possible disorder in the future.

Police and our partners also want to remind people of the dangers of misinformation and speculation online, and how it can have real-world consequences that put innocent people in harms way.

People who maliciously spread misinformation want to cause division and hatred in our communities, and its completely unacceptable.

I would continue to ask people to be mindful of the damage that such actions can cause and to always question the source of information when viewing anything on social media.

Finally, I want to make this absolutely clear: anyone who intends to cause future damage and harm to our communities will be dealt with robustly, using all our available powers.

There are extensive plans and considerable police resources in place to quickly deal with anyone intent on causing disorder over the coming days. We will look to bring to justice every person who is identified committing criminal damage and acts of violence against police staff, officers and our communities.

11:03 AM BST

Seven arrests over Southport protests

Merseyside Police has made seven arrests, with further arrests to be made over the coming weeks, after protests following the Southport attack, the force has said.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: Following the disorder on Tuesday evening, we have now made seven arrests and further arrests will be made over the coming weeks.

Extensive work is ongoing to identify all those responsible for the despicable actions and we are determined to find everyone involved in this incident.

We continue to explore all lines of inquiry, which includes a specialist team who are currently reviewing hundreds of hours of footage as well as images to identify everyone involved. If you took part in this disorder, you can expect to receive a knock on your door by our officers.

We would continue to appeal to anyone who has information or video footage of those involved in the shocking disorder on Tuesday night to come forward so we can identify and arrest those responsible.

10:53 AM BST

Where are the protests expected to happen?

The protests are expected to happen in up to more than a dozen cities and towns across the UK tonight.

10:30 AM BST

Police hunt eight involved in mob-type protests at migrant hotel

Police are trying to identify eight people involved in mob-type protests outside a hotel housing migrants sparked by the killing of three girls in Southport.

Hampshire Police have released photographs of the seven men, and one woman, who took part in the protests outside the Potters International Hotel on Wednesday in Aldershot.

A police and crime commissioner said the riots resembled mob-type protests.

Around 200 people took part with a minority throwing missiles at officers and shouting racial slurs, the force said.

Hampshire Police are seeking these eight individuals in relation to the disorder - Hampshire Police

09:50 AM BST

Lucky that knife missed artery, says survivor of Southport stabbing

A man who survived being stabbed during the attack in Southport said he is lucky the knife missed an artery.

John Hayes, a 63-year-old businessman, was stabbed in the leg while trying to disarm the attacker.

Mr Hayes praised police and paramedics while speaking to the Guardian from his hospital bed.

He told the newspaper: I am perhaps lucky. While the knife only narrowly missed my femoral artery, I will recover in time. Others are not so fortunate.

The real heroes are the police and paramedics who did an amazing job in dreadful circumstances.

John Hayes was hailed for trying to disarm the attacker at the Taylor Swift themed dance class for children

09:20 AM BST

11-year-old-boy arrested after police car set on fire

An 11-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a police car was set on fire in Hartlepool.

It follows the arrests of 11 other people, as police officers were attacked with missiles, glass bottles and eggs in Murray Street area on Wednesday.

Cleveland Police said it believed the disorder, was linked to protests over the fatal knife attack on children in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday.

A police car was set alight in Hartlepool - PA

09:13 AM BST

Who is Axel Rudakubana

Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents. He is accused of murdering three girls with a kitchen knife and attempting to murder eight other children.

He has been charged with the murders of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

His identity was revealed after a judge lifted a reporting restriction on Thursday.

Liverpool magistrates court heard that he had an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and had been unwilling to leave the house and communicate with family for a period of time.

Axel Rudakubana

09:00 AM BST

Concerted and co-ordinated attempt to spread violence

Lord Walney, the UK Governments adviser on political violence and disruption, says police should be prepared to step in if it appears troublemakers are travelling to incite riots.

John Woodcock, who is a crossbench peer, said disinformation contributed to the unrest which broke out in a number of locations around England following the Southport murders.

Lord Walney told the BBCs Good Morning Scotland radio programme there was a concerted and co-ordinated attempt to spread the violence.

He said: Clearly, some of those far-Right actors have got a taste for this and are trying to provoke similar in towns and cities across the UK.

The peer said there is a symbiotic relationship between far-Right activists and hostile states on social media.

08:50 AM BST

Buildings to light up pink in memory of victims

Buildings across the North West will light up pink this weekend in memory of those killed in the Southport attack, as fundraisers for the victims families raised tens of thousands of pounds.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were killed when a knifeman attacked them during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday.

Eight other children were injured along with two adults - yoga instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Banks in Lancashire, has been charged with their murders and attempted murders.

Sefton Council said the Atkinson arts venue in Southport, where a vigil was held outside on Tuesday, would be one of a number of buildings to light up pink on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings in tribute to those who died.

Dot Stancombe Bebe King and Alice Dasilva Aguiar - Merseyside Police

08:43 AM BST

Nigel Farage gives legitimacy to violent protests, says Liverpool Mayor

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said Nigel Farage was giving legitimacy to violent protesters and excusing them in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

Mr Rotheram told ITVs Good Morning Britain: Whilst senior politicians like Farage should be condemning these people - hes not, hes excusing them.

Hes giving them some legitimacy to go out and perpetrate some of these acts.

Former head of counter-terrorism policing Neil Basu said Mr Farage should think very carefully about the power of his words.

'He [Nigel Farage] doesn't speak for tens of thousands of people, the PM does.'



Former Head of Police Counter Terrorism Neil Basu reacts to Mr Farage's comments after the PM announced plans to help police stop riots like the ones seen in Southport, London and Hartlepool. pic.twitter.com/0Y3H9wXHvS  Good Morning Britain (@GMB) August 2, 2024

08:42 AM BST

We will be watching you Home office minister tells protesters

A Home Office minister has warned protesters we will be watching you as he admitted there may be more violence on the streets.

Asked how concerned the Government is about the prospect of further disorder this weekend, Lord Hanson told LBC Radio: There is that potential.

But I always say to anybody whos organising this, we will be watching you. If you are organising this now, we will be watching you.

We have powers under existing legislation to stop you organising this now and to take action accordingly, and if you do take action and are not part of any organised group, be prepared to face the full force of the law on this criminal activity.

Asked whether those involved are from the far Right, he said: Some individuals will have far-Right opinions, in my view, some might be caught up in the summer madness. Some might be people whove got genuine concerns.
Stephen Lawrence, victim of a racist murder - FAMILY HANDOUT/PA

The father of Stephen Lawrence has said he is appalled at the decision to return his sons body to the UK 31 years after his murder.

It comes after Baroness Lawrence, the 18-year-olds mother, said his family had decided to bring Stephen home to be closer to us after originally burying him on Jamaica because they felt he would not be at peace in this country.

However, Dr Neville Lawrence said he was not informed of the decision to exhume his sons body, and only found out after he was shown a video of the damage done to his sons grave by his body being moved.

He said his son had been at peace in Jamaica and that he would not take his son back to the place where he was murdered.

Dr Lawrence said: I would not desecrate and leave my sons grave in the terrible way it was left after his body was exhumed

Dr Neville Lawrence at vigil to pray for the Stephen Lawrence inquiry - ANDREW SHAW

Stephen was at peace in Jamaica and he has now been disturbed and taken away from what I believed would be his final resting place. I am appalled that my sons grave has been vandalised in this way and left in such a terrible mess.

I would not take my son back to the place where he was murdered.

However, he said he was confident that his sons legacy would be sustained.

Dr Lawrence added: I am confident, regardless of the decisions made without my knowledge and consent, that Stephens legacy will be sustained.

Baroness Lawrence arrives for a memorial service in London last year to mark 30 years since the death of Stephen - JEFF GILBERT

I also reaffirm my commitment to keep fighting until I secure justice for my son.

Stephen Lawrence was murdered by a gang of racists in Eltham, south-east London, in April 1993 as he went to catch a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks. Only two of his five or six killers have been brought to justice.

The original police investigation into the 18-year-olds death was marred by institutional racism in the Met, incompetence and alleged corruption.

Years after the original police investigation, it emerged that undercover police officers had spied on campaigners supporting the Lawrence family in their fight for justice.
Stephen Lawrence was fatally stabbed in London in April 1993. Photograph: PA

Stephen Lawrences father has said he was not informed of the decision to exhume his sons body in Jamaica and return it to the UK, and that he is appalled at the condition his grave was left in.

It comes after Stephens mother, Doreen Lawrence, said her family had decided to bring Stephen home to be closer to us after originally burying him on the Caribbean island because they felt he would not be at peace in this country.

However, Dr Neville Lawrence said he was not told of the decision to exhume his sons body, and only found out after he was shown a video of the damage done to the grave.

He said: I would not desecrate and leave my sons grave in the terrible way it was left after his body was exhumed.

Stephen was at peace in Jamaica and he has now been disturbed and taken away from what I believed would be his final resting place. I am appalled that my sons grave has been vandalised in this way and left in such a terrible mess. I would not take my son back to the place where he was murdered.

However, he said he was confident that his sons legacy would be sustained, adding they he reaffirmed my commitment to keep fighting until I secure justice for my son.

Lawrence was murdered by a gang of racists in Eltham, south-east London, in April 1993 as he waited for a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks, and only two of his five or six killers have been sentenced.

The original police investigation into the 18-year-olds death was marred by institutional racism in the Metropolitan police, incompetence and alleged corruption.

Years after the original police investigation, it emerged that undercover police officers had spied on campaigners supporting the Lawrence family in their fight for justice.
Jessica Higgs was found to be over the limit for benzoylecgonine  a metabolite of cocaine  on the day of the crash

A teenage driver on cocaine fell asleep at the wheel and killed a couple going on a glamping trip for a 70th birthday.

Jessica Higgs, then 19, took drugs at a party the night before crashing into Tony Mist and Thelma Huses Fiat 500 on the A303 near Yeovilton in Somerset in May last year.

Taunton Crown Court heard Higgss vehicle, which was travelling eastbound up to the speed limit of 50mph, suddenly drifted over the white line and into the westbound lane at around 2.40pm.

The van crashed head-on into a Fiat 500 being driven by Mr Mist with his partner Ms Huse in the passenger seat.

The couple, both 69, from Mytchett, Surrey, were on their way to Charmouth, Dorset, for a glamping trip to celebrate Mr Mists 70th birthday two days later.

They both suffered fatal injuries in the collision, with the father of two pronounced dead at the scene and the grandmother of five dying in hospital in Bristol the next day.

Higgs, from Warminster, was found to be over the limit for benzoylecgonine  a metabolite of cocaine  when her blood was tested at 8pm on the day of the crash.

The electrical apprentice pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs.

Judge Paul Cook jailed Higgs, who had no previous convictions, for three years and five months and disqualified her from driving for five years after she is released from custody.

Mr Mist and Ms Huse had been together for 30 years and were both due to celebrate their 70th birthdays - Avon and Somerset Police

The judge told Higgs: What all the impact statements make clear is the heartbreaking devastation that has been suffered by the family members and those who loved them.

They say these were two people with so much more life to live for and to give.

The judge said character statements provided for Higgs described her as caring, loving and thoughtful.

He added: While physically you have recovered, you are consumed by guilt and remorse and described as a shell of the person you were.

The judge said Higgs, who wept throughout the court hearing, was driving within the speed limit and other motorists did not note anything unusual until the van drifted across the road.

He told Higgs: I accept that you didnt know you had cocaine still in your blood, however nodding off as you did was a consequence of being overtired.

Drug consumed 36 hours before crash

The court heard Higgs went to a party on May 13 and took cocaine, last consuming the drug in the early hours of May 14  around 36 hours before the crash.

She went to bed early that day and awoke at 6am before being collected for work at 6.25am. Later that morning, she was tasked with driving her work van from Salisbury to Axminster.

Higgs picked up a water pump at Axminster and had an hours rest before setting off to drive back to Salisbury at 2pm.

Rupert Russell, prosecuting, said Mr Mist would not have had the time or space to avoid the collision once Higgss van had crossed over the white line.

He told the court Higgs had been up all night on the Saturday to Sunday taking cocaine which had caused her to be tired. It is the tiredness which clearly led to this tragedy, Mr Russell said.

The court heard Mr Mist and Ms Huse had been together for 30 years and were both due to celebrate their milestone 70th birthdays.

Kate Cory, Ms Huses daughter, described how they had been travelling to Charmouth for a much-anticipated glamping holiday for Mr Mists birthday before celebrating Ms Huses birthday with a theatre trip.

She added: Their 30-year love story came to an abrupt end far too soon and thats something none of us will ever get over.

Malcolm Galloway, representing Higgs, said she was aged 19 at the time of the collision and had held her driving licence for just nine months.

The remorse is genuine, Mr Galloway said. Of course, if she could turn the clock back, she would.

Tony Hall, an officer with Avon and Somerset Police, added: It is every motorists responsibility to make sure they are fit enough to drive before getting behind the wheel and it is clear Higgs was not.

This is another painful and devastating reminder that driving while under the influence of drugs is a deadly decision that puts yourself and innocent road users at serious risk.
The US Department of Justice released a scathing report about the Texas juvenile justice department. Photograph: Andrew Harnik/AP

Youth lockups in Texas remain beset by sexual abuse, excessive use of pepper spray and other mistreatment including the prolonged isolation of children in their cells, the justice department has said in a scathing new report that accused the state of violating the constitutional rights of hundreds of minors in custody.

The report comes three years after a federal investigation began into alleged widespread abuse and harsh practices within the Texas juvenile justice department, which incarcerates hundreds of young people every year.

Staff in the detention centers have engaged in sexual acts with children, kept some for stretches of 17 to 22 hours of isolation in their cells and pepper-sprayed minors in their faces, US assistant attorney general Kristen Clarke said in releasing Thursdays report.

Clarke also noted that about 80% of detained Texas children are Black or Hispanic.

This is a racial justice issue, she said. Our children deserve to be protected from harm and [given] access to essential services.

The states juvenile justice department said it has a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse and neglect and had worked closely with federal investigators during their site visit in 2022.

Spokespeople for the office of the states Republican governor, Greg Abbott, did not immediately return emails seeking comment on Thursday. The governors office said it would cooperate with the federal investigation when it was opened.

Mental health concerns, such as suicidal ideation and self-harm, were ignored while children were routinely punished, according to the report. The facilities inability to address or treat these issues violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, officials said during the announcement.

The justice department said that it looks forward to cooperating with Texas, while also floating a potential federal lawsuit.

This report makes clear that we are failing our youth, that we are not providing the care they need to be successful, said Elizabeth Henneke, the founder and chief executive officer of the Lone Star Justice Alliance advocacy group.

In 2021, the justice department began investigating Texass five juvenile facilities after advocates filed a complaint.

About 900 youths are detained in understaffed and outdated juvenile facilities across the state, Henneke said. She said judges and lawmakers should think creatively about other rehabilitation efforts.

Meanwhile, Kentucky, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey are also being investigated or sued over allegations of harsh treatment of incarcerated children.

The Associated Press and Report for America contributed reporting
Anti-racism campaigners fear online tools will make it easier for extremist groups to recruit and organise. Photograph: Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock

Less than three hours after the stabbing attack on Monday that led to the death of three children, an AI-generated image was shared on X by an account called Europe Invasion. It depicted bearded men in traditional Muslim dress outside the Houses of Parliament, one waving a knife, behind a crying child in a union jack T-shirt.

The tweet, which has since been viewed 900,000 times, was captioned: We must protect our children! and shared by one of the most potent accounts for misinformation about the Southport stabbings.

AI technology has been used in other ways, including an anti-immigration Facebook group that illustrated a call to attend a rally in Middlesbrough by generating an image of a large crowd at the towns cenotaph.

Platforms like Suno  which employs AI to generate music complete with vocals and instruments  have been used to create online songs combining references to Southport with xenophobic content. Titles include Southport Saga featuring an AI female voice singing lyrics such as hunt them down somehow.

Related: The Guardian view on the Southport riot: a towns pain is exploited | Editorial

Experts have warned that new tools and ways of organising have seen Britains fractured far right exploit the Southport attack to unify and rejuvenate its presence on the streets.

In a surge of activity not seen for years, more than 10 protests are being promoted across social media platforms such as X, TikTok and Facebook in the aftermath of violent disorder up and down the country.

Death threats against the UK prime minister, incitement to attack government property and extreme antisemitism were also among the comments on the Telegram channel of one extreme-right outfit this week.

Amid fears of violence spreading, a leading counter-extremism thinktank warned there was a risk that the far right could achieve a mobilisation not seen since the English Defence League (EDL) burst on to the streets in the 2010s.

An added new dimension has come with the advent of easily accessible AI tools that extremists have been using to create material ranging from inflammatory images to songs and music.

Andrew Rogoyski, a director at the Institute for People-Centred AI at the University of Surrey, said advances  with image-generating tools now widely available online  mean anyone can create anything.

He added: The ability for anyone to be able to create powerful imagery using generative AI is of tremendous concern. The onus then switches to providers of such AI models to strengthen the built-in guardrails within the model to make it harder to create such imagery.

Joe Mulhall, the director of research at the campaign group Hope Not Hate, said the use of AI-generated material was nascent but reflected the growing overlap and collaboration online between a range of individuals and groups.

While far-right organisations such as Britain First and Patriotic Alternative continue to be at the forefront of mobilising and agitating, just as important are a range of individuals not affiliated to any particular group.

These are made up of thousands of individuals who offer micro-donations of time and sometimes money to collaborate towards common political goals, completely outside traditional organisational structures, Mulhall said. These movements lack formal leaders but rather have figureheads, often drawn from an increasing selection of far-right social media influencers.

In terms of the promotion of the protests, the hashtag #enoughisenough has been used by some rightwing influencers according to Joe Ondrak, a senior analyst at Logically, a UK company that monitors disinformation.

Whats key is how that phrase and hashtag has been used with prior anti-migrant activism, he said.

The use of bots was also highlighted by analysts. Tech Against Terrorism, an initiative launched by a branch of the UN, cited a TikTok account that began posting content only after the Southport attack on Monday.

All posts were related to Southport, with most calling for protests near the attack site on 30 July. Despite having no previous content, the posts relating to Southport amassed over 57,000 cumulative views on TikTok alone within hours, said a spokesperson. This suggested that bot networks were actively promoting this material.

A central role is being played by a constellation of individuals and groups around Tommy Robinson, the far-right activist who fled abroad earlier this week before a court hearing. Others include Laurence Fox, the actor turned rightwing activist who has been sharing misinformation in recent days, and conspiracy theory websites such as the Unity News Network (UNN).

On the channel that UNN operates on Telegram  a largely unmoderated messaging platform  commentators rejoiced in violence seen outside Downing Street on Wednesday. I hope they burn it to the ground, said one. Another called for the hanging of Keir Starmer, the prime minister, saying: Starmer needs the Mussalini [sic] treatment.

Among those spotted on the ground during riots in Southport were activists from Patriotic Alternative  considered one of the fastest-growing far-right groups in recent times. Other groups, including those who have split over their positions on conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, or Israel, have also sought to engage.

Dr Tim Squirrell, the director of communications at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue counter-extremism thinktank, said that the far right had been seeking to mobilise on the street in the past year, including on Armistice Day and at film screenings by Robinson.

This is a febrile environment and is only exacerbated by the health of the online information environment which is the worst its been in recent years, he said.

Robinson remains one of the more effective organisers in the UK far right. However, we have also seen the rise of accounts, large and small, which curate news stories that appeal to anti-migrant and anti-Muslim sensibilities, and are unconcerned by spreading information that is unverified.

There is a risk that this moment could be exploited to attempt to create street mobilisation that more closely resembles the 2010s.
Tokyo at night. Energy tariffs operate successfully in many countries and regions, including Japan, China, India and California. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images

More than half of the worlds population lives under an energy system that its advocates say can tackle fuel poverty, improve crumbling housing stock and reduce energy demand. And to cap it off  when properly designed  it would not cost the taxpayer anything.

The so-called rising block tariff or national energy guarantee system (NEG) are almost unknown in Europe but operate successfully in many other countries and regions  from Japan, South Korea and China to Bangladesh, India and California.

The idea is simple: the first block of energy, which is calculated to meet essential needs from heating to cooking and lighting, is either given at a reduced rate or free. The cost a unit then rises in additional blocks, meaning wealthier homes with excessive or non-essential consumption pay more.

According to its champions, the benefits that flow from this system are numerous: fuel poverty is reduced or eradicated with those on the lowest incomes getting affordable energy to cover the essentials  from heating to cooking and light. Excessive consumption  overwhelmingly linked to wealthier households  is charged at a higher rate, subsidising the cheaper tariff. And everyone is incentivised to reduce consumption and improve their homes through insulation, smart technology and other energy efficient measures in an effort to stay within the cheapest block.

Related: Great British Energy is becoming a reality  bringing with it cheap, clean and secure energy | Ed Miliband

A further advantage, its backers say, is that the lowest tariff could be directly linked to the rollout of renewable energy. In this scenario cheap wind and solar power would determine the size of the lowest tariff, which would then be split between all consumers, giving the public a direct stake in the transition to a low-carbon energy system.

Experts say the current energy pricing system in Europe and the UK needs an urgent overhaul, after the energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine drove tens of millions of people into fuel poverty.

The crisis forced countries across Europe to pump billions of pounds into the energy markets. In the UK alone the government introduced an energy price guarantee (EPG) costing about 20bn  thought to be the most expensive energy policy in the countrys history.

Michael Pollitt, an energy expert professor from Cambridge university, said: We had one of the most expensive energy policies ever implemented. But this cap applied to all consumption which was crazy, because you were subsidising people with swimming pools whereas, actually, we could have done something more sophisticated and targeted and cheaper  which has all these other benefits.

Governments in the UK and across Europe are now looking at wholesale reform of the energy market to reduce exposure to the international fossil fuel fluctuations, encourage a reduction in demand and rally support for renewable energy.

Enter the rising block tariff  also known as the increasing block tariff or the national energy guarantee. According to Alex Chapman, a senior economist at the thinktank the New Economics Foundation, who recently published a paper on the potential for a National Energy Guarantee scheme, there is growing interest in the idea in the UK and across Europe. Over the next few years large amounts of cheap, new renewable energy will be connected to the grid, in the UK that is particularly thanks to the new governments plans for onshore-wind and solar.

He argues that rather than seeing this energy disappear into the mix of national consumption, it should be directed into a new rising block tariff.

An initial block of ultra-cheap energy should be offered to every household in the country as a dividend on our national mission to net zero, he adds.

However, some assessments of the system, which is widely in use for water and energy utilities around the world, have been less sure of its benefits. A World Bank paper that looked at different kinds of water tariffs argued that they are a blunt instrument at best and at worst can produce perverse outcomes, citing large poor families that use more water and end up paying the higher rates.

The report concluded that a (simple) uniform volumetric tariff where water provision is charged at its full cost could improve social welfare by removing price distortions and would be easier for households to understand.

Jorg Muhlenhoff, the head of the European energy transition programme at the German thinktank the Heinrich-Boll-Stiftung, said there was a growing interest in a radical reform of the energy market in the EU.

He backed some sort of rising tariff reform but said the devil would be in the detail.

We need to think carefully about how you define the right quantity of electricity for the lowest block, what is a household, is it based on the number of adults, do you take health vulnerabilities into account  there is a lot still to work out.

He said the ideal model would have a reduced cost block to cover the essentials, with the higher rates linked to fluctuating market rates and energy generation to incentivise not just energy efficiency but also to steer consumers away from using electricity at times of high demand or when renewable generation is low.

We need to have a system that as well as tackling the cost of living crisis enables people to tap into the potential of renewables, meaning they have access to enough electricity for the essentials but that they also know that when there is a lot of wind, a lot of sun, there will be lower wholesale market prices, so that is the time to switch on your electric devices, your electric vehicle, your electric heat pump etc, he says.

Related: Starmer to take on Labour councils that block pylons delivering clean energy

Muhlenhoff said there could be wider benefits to a reformed energy system in the context of the rise of populist parties across the EU and in the UK.

He says: You really need to ensure that the benefits of the switch to renewables come to households and that people can see it on their bill. Otherwise, as we saw during the European election campaign, the far right, the populists will pick it up and campaign against the energy transition, when in reality if we get this right the transition to renewables, energy efficiency, is the answer to a lot of problems people are experiencing.

In the UK Chapman said the reform of the energy markets is also on the cards under the new Labour government.

Labour realise that the offer of a green dividend is paramount if they are to get the public behind their clean power mission. The NEG offers that and whats more, it can do so in a cost-neutral way, not upsetting the chancellor in the process, he says.
A Kenyan policeman in Haitis capital, Port-au-Prince, which has been gripped by violence since President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in 2021. Photograph: Jean Feguens Regala/Reuters

The UN has called for the deployment of international security forces in Haiti to be accelerated after a report that at least 1,379 people were killed or wounded in gang warfare and 428 people kidnapped in the country between April and June this year.

Service providers report receiving an average of 40 rape victims a day in some areas of the capital, warns the new report from the UNs office in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.

While the number of casualties from the warring factions had fallen in recent months, the number of children being recruited into gangs and the rates of sexual violence were rising, the quarterly review said.

Armed gangs have controlled most of the Haitian capital since the former president Jovenel Moise was assassinated in July 2021. They forced his successor, Ariel Henry, to resign in April this year by paralysing the Caribbean nation with a wave of unprecedented violence.

To quell the anarchy and facilitate free elections next year, the first detachment of an international taskforce overseen by the UN was deployed to Port-au-Prince on 25 June.

The Haitian prime minister, Garry Conille, a former gynaecologist who took office on 3 June, has pledged to use the 400 Kenyan police officers to retake control of the country house by house.

The new figures suggest the chaos that swept the nation in April seems to have calmed a little after Henrys exit, with killings falling 45% in the three months since the president resigned.

But street shootouts and human rights violations are still commonplace and in some cases are rising, particularly in Port-au-Prince, where fighting is concentrated and where 88% of death and woundings were documented.

Armed gangs have besieged neighbourhoods and killed civilians suspected of collaborating with the police or civilian defence groups.

In one period of 11 days , 128 people  including 13 children  were killed or wounded in Solino, a middle-class district where the most powerful gang coalition, Viv Ansanm (Live Together), vied with a self-defence group for control.

While most of the victims were hit by stray bullets, others were targeted in the streets for their alleged support of the self-defence group, the report said.

In the notorious slums of Cite Soleil, the Viv Ansanm gang killed at least 28 people for offences deemed to challenge their authority, such as petty theft or leaving the neighbourhood.

The sexual abuse of women and girls has become alarmingly commonplace, with gangs using rape as a weapon to stamp their authority on communities before shooting them dead and burning their corpses or dumping them in rubbish, the report said. There are reports of children as young as three being raped in homes and refugee camps.

The number of women and girls forced into prostitution and sexual relationships with gang members is also on the rise, the report says.

UN Women warned last month of the extreme vulnerability and alarming living conditions and lack of security faced by the 300,000 Haitian women and girls displaced by the violence without basic safety and health services.

Rape in refugee camps was often to control womens access to the scarce humanitarian assistance available and, of the women surveyed, 88% had no source of income and one in 10 had resorted to or considered sex work as a result, the UN Women statement said.

Growing violence against children was particularly worrying, the new report added. Forty-nine boys and girls were killed or wounded between April and June, with some dying after being recruited as fighters.

Related: It is simply best not to get pregnant: women left terrified as Haitis maternity services collapse

Diego Da Rin, a Haiti specialist from the International Crisis Group, said the arrival of Kenyan forces in Haiti had led to some early minor victories against armed groups and showed they could help to turn the tide.

Bolstered by new officers and armoured vehicles, the police have begun patrolling areas that Haitis national forces had previously abandoned, including gang territory. Beating back the gangs and liberating the millions of Haitians under their control will require thousands more officers, however.

The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Chad and Jamaica have also offered to send forces to Haiti but the initiative has been held up by domestic political opposition and a lack of funds. The UN has raised $21m with Kenyas officials estimating its own missions cost will cost up to $600m (470m).

Da Rin said: There is a worrying lack of resources to continue the deployment of personnel from Kenya and other countries that have expressed a willingness to join the mission.
Rev Matthew Firth giving evidence to the parliamentary Home Affairs select committee - UNPIXS

The priest who blew the whistle on fake church baptisms for asylum seekers is to stand as an anti-woke, anti-establishment candidate for Oxford university chancellor.

Reverend Matthew Firth lifted the lid on what he claimed was a conveyor belt of asylum seeker baptisms used by migrants with the complicity of the Church of England to remain in the UK.

Rev Firth, who first made the allegations in The Telegraph, claimed senior figures in the Church knew about the practice but did nothing about it.

It followed the disclosure that Clapham chemical attack suspect and sex offender Abdul Ezedi, was granted asylum by a judge after claiming he was a Christian convert despite concerns about his honesty.

The declaration of intent to stand for the vacant Oxford chancellorship could put Rev Firth up against former Tory Leader Lord Hague and Lord Mandelson, an architect of New Labour, who are both considering standing.

Theresa May, former Tory prime minister, was also said to be a possible contender, until apparently ruling herself out. Boris Johnson, another ex-prime minister, has been linked with the post but is not putting his name forward, according to an ally.

Rev Firth announced his candidacy in a tweet, saying he had decided to let his name go forward after much reflection. He added: I am the anti-establishment anti woke candidate.

In his statement of interest, he said: As an ordained Anglican clergyman with significant experience in parish ministry, university chaplaincy, and church planting, and with a background in astrophysics, I have always sought to be shaped by the transcendental values of truth, unity, beauty, and goodness.

As an academic institution with its roots firmly buried in the Christian faith and bearing the motto Dominus illuminatio mea  the Lord is my light  the University of Oxford must also seek to be shaped by those values.

As Chancellor, I would encourage the university and hold it to account in maintaining its adherence to those values. At a time when so many great academic institutions are being ruined by woke ideology, I would seek to call the University of Oxford to walk a different path: a path of truth, unity, beauty, and goodness, in the light of the Lord.

Where the university walks in this way, I would champion it and encourage it. In contrast, should the university or any college or department walk the way of wokery, or should any part of the university erode freedom of speech and academic enquiry, I would offer a strong public rebuke.

Truth, unity, beauty and goodness

Many will seek to install a woke establishment candidate as Chancellor, but if you want to encourage the values of truth, unity, beauty, and goodness, please vote for me: your anti-woke candidate.

Lord Chris Pattens retirement as chancellor at the age of 80 later this year has sparked an election where for the first time more than 250,000 Oxford graduates and former staff members will be able to vote online. Voting will take place the week beginning Oct 28.

Patten, former Tory chair and Britains last governor of Hong Kong, has held the largely ceremonial role since March 2003 and is the latest in a select list of politicians to have been in the post, which dates back to 1224.

Since 1960, only Harold Macmillan, former Tory prime minister, Roy Jenkins, former Labour home secretary and president of the European Commission, and Patten have held the role.

Rev Firth fell out with the Church of England establishment and left the church in 2020 and is now a vicar for the Free Church of England.

In evidence to MPs, he claimed even the Archbishop of Canterbury the Rt Rev Justin Welby was unwilling at the moment to be totally honest about those dynamics (of fake baptisms) that were seeing in this area.
California's Department of Motor Vehicles has tapped blockchain technology in a move to digitize car titles against fraud schemes and supposedly smoothen the title transfer process.

First reported by Reuters on Tuesday, the California DMV has already digitized over 42 million car titles on the Ava Labs' Avalanche blockchain to detect illegal activities faster.

Ava Labs president John Wu claimed the cooperation would allow residents to claim and monitor their car titles just through their phones.

The digitalized car titles are expected to become accessible as soon as early next year, although the DMV has already started testing for the customer infrastructure of its planned app.

Also Read : California Drivers May Soon Receive Automatic Warnings for 'Overspeeding'

US Gov't Partners with Blockchain Companies for Digitalized Operations

This is the second time Ava Labs has been contracted by a Federal agency as the US government further integrates blockchain technology in digitalizing services and properties.

In 2021, financial consultant firm Deloitte partnered with Ava Labs to develop cloud-based platforms to "streamline disaster reimbursement applications" with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The collaboration is touted to help state and local governments distribute disaster response reimbursements efficiently "while minimizing fraud, waste, and abuse."

The Department of Homeland Security has also opened plans to utilize blockchain technology for "enhanced transparency and auditing of public service operations" against counterfeit products and digital fraud schemes.

California Taps into Modern Tech to Automate Operations

Blockchain technology is also not the modern tool the California government, which is dead center in Silicon Valley's trends, has employed to improve operations and services.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier signaled plans to use generative AI to automate customer services and solve traffic congestions in the state.

So far, the state is currently in talks with several AI firms and startups to test potential applications of their technology to address California's long-lying issues.

This is in addition to California's recent policies to encourage residents and companies to switch to solar panels through incentives and tax deductions.
A man who taunted riot police with cries of I pay your wages was bitten on the backside by a police dog, footage suggests.

Disorder erupted in Hartlepool on Thursday night in the aftermath of three young girls being stabbed to death in Southport on Monday.

A number of officers were injured, and an 11-year-old was arrested on suspicion of arson after a police car was set on fire.

Mobile phone footage from Thursday shows a rioter with a beer can in one hand pointing at a row of police officers, armed with riot gear and truncheons. He shouts: Dont touch me  I pay your wages.

A dog handler repeatedly tells the man to step back before the dog jumps forward and grabs his shorts from behind with its teeth.

The man yelps and stumbles forward as the dog continues to pull hiss shorts down. Police officers then march forward, shouting: Get back.

Seven men were later charged with violent disorder.

A 42-year-old man was also charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker, and a 28-year-old man was charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

It comes after footage captured a man in the Southport violence being struck in the head and then the crotch by bricks thrown by fellow rioters.

Footage of the incident, which quickly spread on social media, showed a man, dressed in a grey tracksuit, appearing to taunt police by putting his hands on his hips and dancing.

He was then struck in the back of the head by a projectile object and retreated back into the mob, holding his head in his hands and checking for blood.

As he walked away, another brick hit him, this time in the groin, with such force that it caused him to double over and wince in pain. He was then helped away by rioters, including one wearing a balaclava.

One man could be heard saying: Ooh, d--- shot. Another said: F---ing hell, boys.
Vladimir Putin welcomes the Dultsev family to Moscow - MIKHAIL VOSKRESENSKIY/AFP

Two Kremlin spies freed in a historic prisoner swap were so deep undercover their children didnt know they were Russian until they arrived in Moscow.

Anna and Artem Dultsev, and their children, were greeted by Vladimir Putin after being flown back to the Russian capital as part of the largest East-West exchange since the Cold War.

The sleeper agents had been arrested and convicted in Slovenia of pretending to be Argentinians as they secretly worked for Russian intelligence.

Upon meeting the pairs children, Putin greeted them in Spanish, the language they had grown up speaking at home given their parents role as spies trained to impersonate foreigners.

Later, the Russian president was recorded wiping tears from the face of the Dultsevs daughter as they walked down a red carpet together.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: They didnt know that they were Russian and that they had anything to do with our country.

And you probably saw that when the children came down the planes steps that they dont speak Russian and that Putin greeted them in Spanish. He said Buenas noches.

The spies were arrested in late 2022, accused of being illegals, agents that do not operate under diplomatic cover from embassies.

They had been posing as Maria Mayer and Ludwig Gisch, an Argentinian couple, living in Slovenia. She ran an online art gallery and he had an IT business, but all the while they were believed to be abusing the European Unions Schengen free-movement zone to carry out intelligence tasks.

The couple pleaded guilty to charges of spying and falsifying documents last week at a Ljubljana regional court.

They were sentenced to more than a year-and-a-half in prison, after which they would have been expelled from the country.

Shortly after their sentencing, Slovenian media outlets reported that the couple would be part of the prisoner swap, which at the time was in the final stages of negotiations.

Mr Peskov said Putins decision to meet the Dultsevs, and other freed Russian prisoners, on the tarmac was a a tribute to people who serve their country and who after very difficult trials, and thanks to the hard work of many people, have been able to return to the Motherland.

The trade involved 24 prisoners, 16 sent from Russia to the West and eight prisoners held by Western governments handed back to Russia.

The Kremlin used the occasion to acknowledge that Vadim Krasikov, who was jailed for murdering a Chechen rebel in Berlin in 2019, was a member of Russias most powerful security agency.

The former FSB agent was Moscows main target in the prisoner swap that included Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter, and Paul Whelan, a former US marine.

The Kremlin had previously denied that Krasikov, who pleaded not guilty during his trial in Germany, was a Russian agent, and maintained that he was Vadim Sokolov, a tourist visiting Berlin.

But Mr Peskov announced on Friday: Krasikov is an employee of the Federal Security Service.

He served in Alpha [a special forces unit]. Its interesting that when he served in Alpha he did so with several officers of the presidents security detail.

So naturally they [Putin and Krasikov] greeted each other yesterday when they saw each other.
At least 15 demonstrations are being advertised online and planned for areas such as Southport, Leeds and Bristol - Getty Images

People planning violent disorder have been told by a Home Office minister that the police will be watching you.

Lord Hanson told would-be rioters to be prepared to face the full force of the law on this criminal activity, amid the prospect of more than a dozen riots over the weekend and next week following the killings of three young girls in Southport.

Police have intelligence that the far-Right and unaligned hooligans intent on violence are planning to stir up disorder this weekend and for most of the summer following the fatal stabbings at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday.

Lord Hanson said forces had the powers, under intelligence-led policing, to track people who may be travelling to cause trouble and to cause conspiracy and to use facial recognition technology and other evidence to bring prosecutions.

Asked how concerned the Government was about unrest this weekend, he told LBC: There is that potential. But I always say to anybody whos organising this  we will be watching you. If you are organising this now, we will be watching you.

We have powers under existing legislation to stop you organising this now and to take action accordingly  and if you do take action and are not part of any organised group, be prepared to face the full force of the law on this criminal activity.

Asked whether those involved were from the far-Right, he said: Some individuals will have far-Right opinions, in my view. Some might be caught up in the summer madness. Some might be people whove got genuine concerns.

He urged people to protest peacefully and raise issues with their MP. What they cant do is throw rocks at police officers, break windows in mosques, attack people in the streets and undertake street robbery as happened in some of the shops in Southport. That is simply not acceptable, he said.

At least 15 demonstrations are being advertised online, some calling for participants to take England flags, and a number containing phrases such as enough is enough, save our kids or stop the boats. The protests are being planned for areas such as Southport, Leeds and Bristol.

Announcing a new violent disorder unit at a press conference in Downing Street on Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer said the Government would not allow the breakdown of law and order and would ensure that the threat was met with the most robust response in the coming days and weeks.

The national violent disorder unit was agreed after a Downing Street summit with police chiefs and ministers. It will enable all 43 police forces to better share intelligence on potential protest hotspots so extra officers trained in public order can be dispatched to those areas.

British Transport Police will monitor passenger flows to identify unusual surges in travellers, which will be used as an early warning for forces to prepare for any influx of potentially violent people.

Mobile facial recognition cameras, which are currently used only in London and by a handful of other forces, will be deployed at demonstrations to identify troublemakers who may be wanted for other offences or have previous convictions.

Police forces are to be issued with new guidance, specifically on violent disorder, which will advise them to use criminal behaviour orders on people convicted of disorder. These can impose travel bans with breaches carrying a penalty of up to five years in jail. They may be applied retrospectively to those already convicted.

The guidance will set out officers current powers and the range of public order offences that can be used to arrest and prosecute troublemakers, including those who use face masks to hide their identities.

Officers will be deployed at stations to exploit railway byelaws, which will enable them to stop anyone suspected of being drunk or disruptive from travelling to a demonstration.
Police Scotland have launched a campaign to keep people safe during the Edinburgh festivals, as the citys population is expected to double to around one million throughout August.

Festival season combines events including the international festival, the Fringe and book festival, and police have boosted resources with Operation Summer City 2024.

National and specialist departments within Police Scotland will be deployed to the capital, while officers from Edinburgh will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions.

Chief Inspector Paul Gillespie, from Edinburgh division, said: Edinburgh during the festival is one of the most exciting places in the world.

We want to ensure all those enjoying the festivities remain safe throughout.

Fringe performer Garry Starr poses in front of the Forth Bridge (Jane Barlow/PA)

Over one million people will be within the capital throughout August.

Those visiting the city centre can expect to see a high-visibility police presence who are happy to speak with the public to address any issues they may have, as well as to respond to any reports of crime.

To enhance our presence and ability to respond to any incidents, we will have our mobile police station set up in Cockburn Street.

Anyone wishing to speak face-to-face with an officer is welcome to drop in during the stations opening hours.

We want everyone to have an enjoyable, memorable and safe festival and we are doing everything we can to maintain Edinburghs status as one of Europes safest cities to live, work and visit.
Police said they have received information about an unauthorised event planned for Saturday similar to one that led to a machete fight on Southend seafront.

As a result, Essex Police have been given extra stop and search powers over the weekend.

A video shared on social media showed at least four people dressed in black brandishing machetes in front of the Adventure Island theme park on Tuesday.

Essex Police said it believes the conflict occurred within groups of young men and women who had travelled to Southend and that another unauthorised event is being planned for Saturday.

As a response, police said a dispersal order was being put in place  giving officers the power to direct people who cause or are suspected of causing crime and anti-social behaviour to leave an area or face arrest.

A further dispersal order & Section 60 authority will be in place in Southend following information about an unauthorised event which may lead to disorder. The dispersal order's in place from 2pm on Sat for 24 hours & the Section 60 from 3pm for 24 hourshttps://t.co/RAgDSg2ZZe pic.twitter.com/jHAuSyiO8m  Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) August 2, 2024

This order is in place from 2pm on Saturday until 2pm on Sunday.

A Section 60 is also in force from 3pm on Saturday for 24 hours, giving officers in uniform powers to stop and search any pedestrian or anything carried by them, any vehicle, its driver and passengers, for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments.

Both orders cover the entire Southend city area, south of the A13, including railway stations and transport hubs, police said.

On Friday morning, police said eight men and boys arrested in connection with numerous offences, including violent disorder and possession of offensive weapons, following the incidents on Tuesday remained in custody after officers were given more time to question them.

Nicola Tiney, who runs the Borough Hotel on the seafront, told the PA news agency that she believed around a thousand young people descended on the resort town, many from London, in an organised meet-up during the hot and sunny weather.

Ms Tiney said groups began arriving in the afternoon before pockets of violence and disorder started at around 7pm on Tuesday.

She went on: Lots of them had their hoods up and were wearing masks and hats, just coming to the seafront resort to cause trouble.

They congregated at the other end of the seafront and they started kicking off amongst themselves and running aroundthere were machetes out in the middle of the road.

Seven weapons were seized following the violence and two of the people detained were taken to hospital with injuries which were not life-threatening or life-changing, Essex Police said.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said at around 7pm it received reports that a man had been stabbed.

People enjoy the warm weather at Southend-on-Sea (Ian West/PA)

One patient was transported by air to Royal London Hospital while another patient was taken by police to Southend University Hospital.

Another person was discharged at the scene.

Superintendent Leigh Norris said: Southend is a really safe place to be and the incidents we saw on Tuesday are not common.

However, we have information to suggest another incident similar to that which led to the issues we saw is planned for Saturday and we are acting now to prevent disorder.

My message is clear  if youre planning to come to Southend to cause problems, dont bother.

We will have officers waiting to meet you at our railway stations and ensure you cant come into our city.

There will be a very visible police presence, as there has been this week, and we will be utilising tools like the knife arch and OpenGate weapon detection system.

She continued: Our concerns do not relate to a pre-planned family community event being held by the Sierra Leone community.

We have been aware for some time, weve engaged with the organisers, and they have gone through the proper process, she added.
More than a dozen protests have been planned for the coming days in the wake of the Southport stabbings, as Sir Keir Starmer announced a new national response to the violent disorder linking police forces across the country.

The PA news agency found evidence of at least 15 protests advertised online, some calling for participants to bring England flags and a number contain phrases such as enough is enough, save our kids or stop the boats.

The protests are being planned for areas such as Southport, Leeds and Bristol.

Two counter-protests are also being advertised online.

It comes after the 17-year-old charged with the murder of three girls in the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and was named as Axel Rudakubana, from Banks in Lancashire.

The defendant is charged with the murder of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, in Southport on Monday.

Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana (centre) covering his face as he appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

He is also charged with the attempted murder of yoga class instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes and eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, as well as with possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

He was remanded to youth detention accommodation and will next appear in court in October.

The attack, which happened at a dance class on Hart Street in Southport just before midday on Monday, has sparked incidents of violent disorder in some towns in England.

Undated handout photo issued by Merseyside Police of (left to right) six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, the three children killed in a knife attack during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school on Monday (Merseyside Police/PA)

Thousands of people turned out to pay their respects to the victims at a vigil in Southport on Tuesday evening, but violence later erupted outside a mosque in the town with 53 police officers and three police dogs injured.

On Wednesday evening, more than 100 protesters were arrested on Whitehall, where bottles and cans were thrown at police, and violence broke out in Hartlepool, County Durham.

Cleveland Police have so far made 12 arrests, one of which was an 11-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of arson after a police vehicle was set alight.

Police in Manchester confronted another demonstration outside the Holiday Inn on Oldham Road before dispersing the crowd after protesters started throwing beer bottles at officers and members of the public.

During a press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned far-right hatred in the wake of the Southport stabbings as he announced a new national response to the violent disorder.

People look at floral tributes on Maple Street, Southport (Danny Lawson/PA)

Sir Keir said: The far right are showing who they are  we have to show who we are in response to that.

The new national capability will involve sharing intelligence, wider deployment of facial recognition technology and criminal behaviour orders to restrict the movement of those involved, Sir Keir said.

The Prime Minister also sounded a note of caution to social media companies after misinformation spread online about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect, including false claims that he was an asylum seeker.

The press conference was held shortly after police chiefs from Scotland Yard, Merseyside and West Yorkshire were summoned to Downing Street for crisis talks with the PM and his ministers following the violence.

He hit out at a gang of thugs who descended on Southport to riot following the initial attack, saying that as a result the community had been forced to suffer twice.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Henry Nicholls/PA)

Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had been criticised for posting a video on social media after the Southport stabbings where he insinuated the truth was being held from the public as to the identity of the attacker.

Posting to X on Thursday evening, the MP for Clacton warned that recent rioting is nothing compared to what he believes is to occur.

He said: We need to start getting tough. We need to use stop and search, regardless of the colour of the skin of anyone that gets stopped.

We need tougher prison sentences for anybody carrying a knife. We need folks to get real.

Because Ill tell you what, what youve seen on the streets of Hartlepool, of London, of Southport, is nothing to what could happen over the course of the next few weeks.

Lets have proper law and order. But Mr Starmer, just to blame a few far right thugs, to say thats the root of our problems, doesnt work.
The chairman of the mosque that was attacked in Southport has said hate will never prevail as police across the country are bracing for more protests following the stabbings in the town.

Muslim, Jewish and Christian religious leaders gathered outside the mosque on Friday afternoon in a call for communities to reject hatred and stand together.

The knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday which left three girls dead sparked violent disorder in some cities and towns in England.

(PA Graphics)

Thousands of people turned out to pay their respects to the victims at a vigil in Southport on Tuesday evening, but violence later erupted outside a mosque in the town with 53 police officers and three police dogs injured.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a new national response to the disorder linking police forces across the country.

The PA news agency found evidence of at least 15 protests advertised online, some calling for participants to take England flags, and a number containing phrases such as enough is enough, save our kids or stop the boats.

The chairman of the mosque that was attacked in Southport on Tuesday said he feels like the luckiest man in the whole country after seeing the support of the local community.

Speaking outside the mosque on Friday evening, Ibrahim Hussein said: On Tuesday night I thought I was the unluckiest man in the whole of the country.

On Friday evening, I feel the luckiest man in the whole of the country.

Look at all of these beautiful people. Look at all these faces, and different faiths. We have people here from the church and from the synagogue.

He said he was old friends with some of the other faith leaders.

But it is not about Southport Mosque, it is not about our suffering, Mr Hussein said.

We should have been focused all along about these poor people who have suffered in the most horrific way.

And we should have been standing here giving them as much support as we can. We should have been standing here, praying for them, supporting them, focusing on them.

Instead these people try to destroy what is so beautiful about our community.

Mr Hussein also said hate will never prevail.

He said: This beautiful community came together. And before we came to clean here, they were here six oclock in the morning, cleaning and sweeping and asking what can they do in order to help. So we thank them very much.

And the last word is to say they will never win. Hate will never prevail. Always love will prevail in the end.

Before Mr Hussein spoke, Qari Asim, chair of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board, read a joint statement outside the mosque standing alongside Pete Spiers, Archdeacon of Knowsley and Sefton and chair of the Sefton Faith Forum, and Rabbi Robyn Ashworth Steen, co-chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors in the UK.

Imam Sheik Ibrahim Hussein (James Speakman/PA)

He said the British Muslim community was anxious because of the planned protests this weekend before he started the statement.

The joint statement from the religious leaders said Islamophobia must not be allowed to fester in our society.

There are some who have chosen to use what should be a moment of collective grief to sow the seeds of division, spread Islamophobia and attack the mosque here in Southport, Mr Asim said, reading the joint statement.

People from all of our faiths live as minority communities in different places across the world and understand what it is like to be persecuted.

And in times like this, we must all stand together and not let division destroy community cohesion in our cities and towns.

We stand here today, united in our grief and resolute in our condemnation of those opportunists who have shamelessly attempted to undermine and divide our communities.

We believe that the community here in Southport, and the country as a whole, must now come together to challenge hatred based on peoples identities. In particular, the rising levels of Islamophobia must not be allowed to fester in our society.

The joint statement added that they are united to defeat all forms of hatred and extremism in our country.

Mr Asim said: We have seen the power of ordinary people of all faiths and beliefs coming together here in Southport, joining efforts to clean up the streets and repair the damage caused to the mosque here, which was so heartening to see and this is what makes our country so special.

This is what characterises Britain, where diversity is celebrated and nourished. This is what makes us proud to stand here representing our different faiths, but united in humanity.

We are united for humanity, and we stand up for one another, that we can extend a hand of friendship, even in the darkest of times, that we can build community instead of breaking it.

| This video features footage of the violent disorder on Tuesday evening in Southport, which our officers faced and was witnessed by many members of the public | Tragic events should unite us, not divide us. Following the violent disorder, we have made seven arrests and further pic.twitter.com/3C9tJWzpFK  Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) August 2, 2024

As communities, we have a lot more in common than that which divides us and this symbolic show of diversity in backgrounds, in faiths, in gender, in our thoughts, shows that we are united to defeat all forms of hatred and extremism in our country. Thank you.

The Metropolitan Police said the force has sufficient resources in place to deal with protests in central London this weekend but officers have not been informed of a demonstration in response to the Southport stabbings.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign is planning a march from Park Lane to Whitehall on Saturday while a counter-protest, which must remain static, is also expected.

But there has been no notice of a protest of the kind that took place on Wednesday, which saw more than 100 people arrested when violence broke out and police were pelted with beer bottles and cans.

It is understood that an extra 70 prosecutors will be on standby this weekend to charge people who set out to cause violent disorder.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister returned to Southport on Friday, visiting the town for the second time this week after Mondays knife attack.

Sir Keir announced further support for Southport, including mental health support for those affected by the attack and a programme of events to help build community cohesion.

The 17-year-old charged with the murders of three girls in Southport appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, and was named as Axel Rudakubana, from Banks in Lancashire.

Court artist drawing of 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana (centre) covering his face as he appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court. (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

He is charged with the murders of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven.

Rudakubana is also charged with the attempted murders of yoga class instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes and eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and with possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

He was remanded to youth detention accommodation and will next appear in court in October.
Sir Keir Starmer has warned social media carries responsibility over tackling misinformation in the wake of violent protests around the country following the stabbings in Southport.

The Prime Minister said the Government would uphold the law everywhere, including online, where far-right groups have been accused of inciting violence and stirring division in the wake of the tragedy, which has led to unrest in Southport, London and Hartlepool.

Speaking directly to social media firms during a press conference in Downing Street, Sir Keir said: Violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, that is also a crime, its happening on your premises, and the law must be upheld everywhere.

That is the single most important duty of government, service rests on security. We will take all necessary action to keep our streets safe.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer answers questions during a press conference in Downing Street (Henry Nicholls/PA)

But he added that it was important for Government and tech firms to work together to keep the country safe, saying government blaming everybody else and pointing fingers does not work well.

The Prime Minister said there is a discussion to be had about companies striking the right balance, warning social media carries responsibility, but suggested he wanted to work together to keep the country safe.

He added: What has not worked well recently with the previous government, in my view, is the performative politics of a government blaming everybody else and pointing fingers. That approach to me is not effective.

My approach is different, which is to roll my sleeves up, get the relevant people around the table and fix the problems, and meet the challenges that we have as a country.

We did that with law enforcement and police this afternoon  similar approach with social media, which is not performative politics which gets us nowhere, but the politics of service, which is to actually work together to address the challenges that we have and make sure that we keep the country safe and respect the values of our fellow citizens, which are about law enforcement, security and safety.

Earlier this week, Merseyside Police issued a warning over the spreading online of an incorrect name for the Southport attacker  now named as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana  and a false story around his background.

People attending the Enough is Enough protest in Westminster (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Sunder Katwala, director of the think tank British Future, highlighted a number of high-profile online figures, including Laurence Fox and former kickboxer Andrew Tate, who were sharing that false information on X, formerly Twitter.

A number of experts said this misinformation had been used by a vocal minority to sow division and fuel their own agenda and trigger a summer of thrill-seeking impulsive insurrection following violent disorder in Southport, London and Hartlepool in the days since the attack.

John Coxhead, a professor of policing at Staffordshire University, said groups were being cynically stirred up by opportunistic populists with nothing better to do.

Social media giant X has come under increased scrutiny since being taken over by billionaire Elon Musk in late 2022.

Mr Musks approach to running the platform has been heavily criticised after he substantially cut staff numbers and rowed back on the sites verification and content moderation systems, claiming he wanted to allow absolute free speech on the site.

Under his leadership, the company has also restored the accounts of many figures previously banned for breaking site rules around hate speech, including far-right figures in the UK such as Tommy Robinson  real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon  and Katie Hopkins.

Since then, many users claim to have seen an increase in hateful content, as well as pornography and spam posts and accounts, despite Mr Musk claiming he would defeat the bots after taking over the company.
WASHINGTON  An hour before he ended his reelection campaign, President Joe Biden was working the phones to try to secure the release of Americans who the U.S. says were wrongly held prisoner in Russia.

It was Sunday afternoon, July 21. Biden, recovering from COVID-19 at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, had been under siege for weeks from Democrats who wanted him to drop out of the presidential race.

His own future now in doubt, Biden concentrated on the fate of the prisoners in Russia. His administration had been working for months and in some cases years, to bring them home. With an agreement finally within reach, Biden phoned one of his counterparts, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golog, to work out the final pieces of a deal that would set the prisoners free.

An hour later, Biden informed the world he was abandoning his campaign for a second term. Eleven days after that, the now lame-duck president stood in the White House State Dining Room, with some of the prisoners families by his side, and announced that their loved ones had been freed from Russian custody and were on their way home.

Their brutal ordeal is over, Biden said, and they are free.

The deal that freed the Americans and others held in Russia  announced Thursday and finalized during a period of political and personal turmoil for Biden  is the largest prisoner exchange between Washington, Moscow and four other governments since the Cold War.

Analysts credited the Biden administration and U.S. allies with pulling off a historic agreement that involved months of delicate negotiations with Russia amid the ongoing fury over Russian President Vladimir Putins war against Ukraine. Biden called the deal a feat of diplomacy.

Ive done a lot of these operations, and I can tell you this stuff is extremely delicate, very, very hard and takes a lot of care and thought and talking to people who may not have our interests in mind, said Bryan Stern, who has successfully negotiated the rescue of numerous hostages but was not involved in the prisoner swap discussions.

Freed as the result of the deal were Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who Russia convicted of espionage charges in July, and former Marine Paul Whelan, who had been imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges since December 2018. The U.S. says the charges against both men were baseless.

All told, 24 prisoners were released under the agreement. They include 16 people previously detained in Russia in exchange for eight individuals held in the U.S., Germany, Norway, Slovenia and Poland.

For the families of the Americans detained, the nightmare was finally coming to an end.

'Their brutal ordeal is over': Biden hails largest prisoner swap since Cold War

President Biden speaks about hostage swap that included Paul Whalen and Evan Gershkovich

Biden on prisoner swap: 'Get it done'

Since taking office, the Biden administration had been working to free Whelan, who had been detained in Russia while Donald Trump was president. The arrests of Gershkovich in March 2023 and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva the following October complicated the negotiations.

Putin, it seemed, had made an art of kidnapping innocent civilians and then attempting to use them as bargaining chips to persuade other governments to return violent criminals to his regime.

Russia would not agree to release any of the three Americans without an exchange that included Vadim Krasikov, a Russian assassin who had been jailed in Germany since 2021, said a senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Because he was in German custody, Krasikov was not someone the U.S. could offer to free as part of a prisoner swap.

Biden reached out directly to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. But Germany was initially reluctant to help. Krasikov was serving a life sentence in Germany for killing a Georgian citizen who had fought Russian troops in Chechnya and later claimed asylum in Germany. Zelimkhan Khangoshvili was gunned down by Krasikov in Kleiner Tiergarten, a central Berlin park, in 2019.

Witnesses said Krasikov killed Khangoshvili by using a handgun with a silencer fitted onto it, which he then threw into the nearby Spree River, along with a bike and a dark wig he'd been wearing to disguise his identity.

"Germany was hit hard in the center of its capital when that thug ruthlessly killed a human being. No country can accept this and let this easily go," said one German official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic.

The German official said there was reluctance to free Krasikov as part of the prisoner swap with Russia. Doing so, Germany feared, would send a message that it cannot always protect its citizens or refugees who reside within its borders.

The shooting had represented a "humiliation" for Germany's security services, the German official said.

Meanwhile, another influential party, Gershkovich's mother, Ella Milman, was working behind the scenes to get the negotiations moving.

Milman, who was raised in Leningrad around the same time as Putin but who now lived in Philadelphia, continuously contacted Biden administration officials about her son's case, according to an account published by the Wall Street Journal.

She worked backchannels and official channels on her son's behalf. She traveled to Moscow for his appeal hearing. She walked up to Scholz at a gala dinner in New York and pressed him to help free Gershkovich. She approached Biden in a photo line at the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington and urged him to call the German leader to speed things along.

A visit by Scholz to the White House on Feb. 9 helped move negotiations forward. During their meeting, Biden again implored Scholz to help. Scholz relented.

For you, I will do this, Scholz told Biden, the senior U.S. administration official recalled.

Biden then turned to National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and said: Get it done.

Negotiators had originally hoped a deal would include the release of Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader and outspoken Putin critic. Navalny, arrested in what was widely viewed as an act of retribution by Putin and the Kremlin, died in February while serving a 19-year prison sentence.

On the day the U.S. learned of Navalnys death, Sullivan held a previously scheduled meeting with Gershkovich's parents. The White House team working to free the prisoners worried that Navalnys death was a blow to their efforts to free Gershkovich and Whelan. Sullivan, though, thought a deal was still possible. It would be a rocky path and would take longer  but it was still possible, the administration official said.

Sullivan instructed his team to come up with additional options to make a deal politically viable, particularly for the Germans.

A few months later, roughly in April, Biden sent Scholz an outline of the proposal, drafted by Sullivan, that reflected more than a year of work. The deal would include the release of the Russian assassin Krasikov.

Keep up with the political stories that matter in Washington and around the world. Sign up for our OnPolitics newsletter.

More: Beyond Paul Whelan, who else was released in the US-Russia prisoner swap

Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, who were detained in Russia, pose with others aboard an aircraft after they were released, in this undated handout photograph obtained on August 1, 2024.

The deal is done

There were clues that a final deal was close.

Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., who represents the district in which Whelan lived and has advocated for his release, said she heard earlier this week that his whereabouts were unknown.

Is he getting punished? Are the Russians playing games? What's going on? she recalled. And then we started to hear some rumblings.

Stevens, who co-chairs the Congressional Task Force on American Hostages, was at the White House on Thursday morning for an unrelated meeting when she heard of the impending exchange before it was made public, she said.

Stevens said her office is working to ensure Whelan can find a new home in Michigan and rebuild his life. She called for continued efforts to deter such wrongful detentions.

The pressure only remains. Foreign actors are going to continue to use Americans as pawns and target Americans to take them prisoner wrongfully, she said, adding: And we have to continue to push for the release of those remaining.

The prisoner exchange came nearly a decade after the U.S. undertook a hostage policy overhaul that created a hostage envoy and recovery team. In 2022, Biden declared hostage-taking and wrongful detention a national emergency, adding new tools such as financial sanctions and visa bans.

In recent years, families have more publicly pressed the U.S. government to find ways to return their loved ones.

A report earlier this year from the Foley Foundation, which advocates for the freedom of Americans held captive abroad, found there were more than 40 American nationals known to be held captive unjustly in 16 countries. The foundation was created by Diane Foley less than a month after her son, James Foley, an American freelance journalist, was beheaded by ISIS in Syria in 2014.

The foundation's report noted that the number of U.S. nationals in detention, after peaking in 2022, has fallen amid efforts to secure their freedom.

The key complication in the latest prisoner swap  Russias demand to release a prisoner held by Germany, not the United States  required painstaking conversations, not just between adversaries, but also between allies, said Danielle Gilbert, a professor at Northwestern University who researches hostage policy.

Gilbert is part of a commission at the Center for Strategic and International Studies working to develop strategies to disincentivize the practice without closing the door to exchanges, such as by enlisting pressure from third-party countries. But its a challenge, she said, in part, because such governments are often already under U.S. economic sanctions.

It's heartening news to know that even in the midst of war and tensions that these backchannels do exist and the negotiations are possible, she said. But it also leaves open the question of how do governments like the United States try to curb this practice going forward and ensure that they don't have to make these deals so often?

While successful exchanges often come with worries they will embolden some bad actors to imprison another journalist or traveler, the difficult calculus should favor detained Americans, said Cameron Hume, a former U.S. ambassador and consultant with the Richardson Center, which has advocated on behalf of Whelans family for his return but was not involved in Thursdays prisoner swap.

I think our society has a duty to bring folks home that, on balance, outweighs the merit of another year in prison for an assassin, Hume said.

More: Brittney Griner on Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich being released: 'It's a great day'

'Everybody stepped up'

At the White House on Thursday, with the prisoners' family members by his side, Biden thanked U.S. allies for their role in making the prisoner swap happen. He specifically cited German chancellor Scholz.

Russia's demands that the assassin Krasikov be released as part of a deal required "some significant concessions from Germany, which they originally concluded they could not do because of the person in question," Biden said.

The final agreement "is a powerful example of why its vital to have friends in this world  friends you can trust, work with, and depend upon, especially on matters of great consequence and sensitivity like this," Biden said.

Near the end of his remarks, Biden brought to the lectern Miriam Butorin, the young daughter of Kurmasheva, the Russian American journalist who was among those prisoners freed.

Miriam turns 13 on Friday. And Biden had a surprise for the young girl.

He hugged her and then asked the room to sing "Happy Birthday." Biden led the singalong in a grandfatherly voice that was at times slightly off-key.

Evan Gershkovich greets his mother Ella Milman after he arrived back in the United States as U.S. President Joe Biden looks on on August 1, 2024 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Their release, negotiated as part of a 24-person prisoner exchange with Russia that involved at least six countries, is the largest prisoner exchange in post-Soviet history.

Remember, no serious guys till you're 30, he teased.

Turning serious, Biden said Miriam will now get to celebrate her birthday with her mom  like they should have been able to do all along.

Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook, Francesca Chambers and Joey Garrison

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How prisoner swap that freed Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan unfolded
Apple CEO Tim Cook brushed off an iPhone sales decline in Greater China while boasting a revenue record of $85.8 billion for the June quarter during an earnings call on Thursday. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng

Apple reported a decline in iPhone revenue for its third quarter.

But revenue, along with overall profit, still beat Wall Street's expectations.

With its Q3 results, Apple just bought itself some time before it has to show payoffs on AI.

Apple may have just bought itself some time to show off any returns from its big artificial intelligence investments despite a decline in its critical iPhone business for the third quarter.

The company reported on Thursday that Q3 revenue from iPhone sales was $39.3 billion, down year-on-year from $39.67 billion. The tech giant has been struggling to drive handset sales in the major market of China as rivals in the country, including Huawei, fight to take a bite out of Apple's dominance in the smartphone market.

Still, Apple was buoyed by the fact that those numbers, along with overall profit, beat analysts' expectations. Wall Street analysts had expected Apple to report $38.6 billion in sales for its iPhone segment.

The Cupertino company also reported $21.45 billion in profit, an 8% increase. And Apple services, which include app store revenue, also beat expectations, with the company reporting $24.2 billion in revenue against a projection of $23.9 billion.

Plus, overall, sales for Apple increased for all geographic regions except China.

Iphone sales in Greater China fell 6.5% to $14.73 billion. Apple CEO Tim Cook framed the decline to investors on an earnings call on Thursday as an "improvement from the first half of the fiscal year" when considering foreign exchange headwinds.

Apple's stock narrowly fluctuated in late trading after the news.

Moving forward, analysts say they'll be looking toward Apple's September launch of the iPhone 16, which will feature Apple Intelligence, the company's AI software.

The new iPhone model will be a key indicator of the payoff from Apple's multibillion-dollar investment in artificial intelligence, analysts say.

Cook has previously said that the company spent over $100 billion on R&D for AI.

"In future quarters, the effectiveness of these AI investments will be primarily evaluated through device sales and potential growth in subscription revenue," Jacob Bourne, an analyst for Emarketer, a sister company to Business Insider, said in a statement.

"The company faces significant challenges, including economic headwinds and intensifying competition in China. While discounted iPhone prices likely helped bolster sales this quarter, the company's future success depends on two factors: keeping AI development costs low and ensuring that new AI-driven features compel price-sensitive consumers to upgrade their devices."

Meantime, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, who maintained an "outperform" rating for Apple ahead of the earnings call, said that analysts were "not expecting anything special this quarter, but that the "iPhone 15 remains strong and is a positive data point speaking to Apple's iPhone strength."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Firefighters in Colorado made progress in the battle against several wildfires that broke out along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains this week as emergency crews in California struggled to put out one of the largest blazes in state history.

Fueled by a persistent drought and stretches of intense heat, four wildfires broke out between Monday and Wednesday along the Front Range, which runs from central Colorado into Wyoming, passing near several major cities including Denver. The fires grew rapidly and encroached on populated areas, forcing hundreds of people to flee. Several dozens of homes have been destroyed, officials said.

The Alexander Mountain Fire, the largest of the blazes, has scorched 8,134 acres of land west of the city of Loveland. Firefighters have contained it by 5% as of Friday morning, while officials have closed major roads, issued several mandatory evacuations and adopted fire restrictions, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Smoke fills the sky as firefighters work to control the Park Fire along Highway 32, near Jonesville, California, U.S., July 28, 2024.

In north Boulder County, firefighters contained the southern edge of the Stone Canyon Fire, which has destroyed at least five homes and killed one person near Rocky Mountain National Park, officials said. The blaze has engulfed over 1,500 acres some 20 miles north of Denver. And while it remains the second largest fire in the state, the progress allowed residents in several subdivisions to return to their homes.

"We're feeling really good about this," Nathan Hallam, the fire incident commander on scene, said in a video posted on X. He added that he anticipated the fire to shrink significantly through the weekend.

The consistent 90-degree temperatures and steep terrain have proved dangerous for firefighters as they attempt to quell the flames. In Jefferson County, at least five firefighters were injured on Wednesday, including four who suffered heat exhaustion, said Mark Techmeyer, a spokesperson for the county sheriff's office.

Meanwhile, more than 6,700 fire personnel continue to battle northern California's Park Fire, the fourth largest in state history. The inferno, which has been burning since July 24, has swallowed 614 square miles, an area larger than New York City. Some 25,000 people have fled their homes as the blaze has torched over 540 houses, businesses and other structures, according to Cal Fire.

Scars from historic blaze may blunt growth of spreading wildfire

With fire crews trying to protect structures and critical infrastructure on the western, southern and eastern edges of the Alexander Mountain Fire, officials are hoping the northern edge will run out of fuel as it moves into the burn scar from the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire.

That fire, the largest ever in Colorado, burned 326 square miles over more than four months, threatening but not quite reaching the town of Masonville and neighborhoods just west of Horsetooth Reservoir.

The northern edge of the Alexander Mountain Fire is burning southwest of Masonville, and fire crews are working to build a containment line that will keep it from moving east toward homes in that area and tie into the fuel break to the north that they believe the Cameron Peak Fire burn scar will provide, said Jayson Coil, operations section chief for Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1.

We have a limited number of resources, so if theres an area we dont think the fires willing to move through, then it prevents us from having to commit resources there, Coil said at a media briefing late Thursday afternoon.

 Kelly Lyell, the Coloradoan

Large fires rage on in California

As of Thursday, more than 700 structures across California had been destroyed by the Park Fire, as fuel for the flames remained dry and susceptible, Cal Fire said.

"Heavy fuels continue to exhibit near record-level low moistures and are very receptive to fire," the agency said Friday.

The massive Park Fire was burning more than 397,000 acres and was 24% contained.

After starting in Chico, California, the Park Fire has spread north through gulches and canyons, impacting cities like Red Bluff and other mountain communities.

Further south, a group of other large fires continue to burn in the hills about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. The group, which includes the Borel Fire, is burning more than 90,000 acres and is nearly 50% contained, according to Cal Fire.

Fire officials warn of continued summer heat

National forecasters are warning temperatures will continue to be above average through November, and that fall in much of the U.S. could feel like a second summer.

In the western U.S., the heat has rapidly created dry fuel for wildfires in California and the northwest, and August and September are expected to bring more above normal fire conditions, according to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

The most recent report from the group said even larger areas of the western U.S. are expected to face the fire risks compared to the geographic outlook published just one month ago.

The findings come after temperature records were broken in July in Palm Springs, California, and Las Vegas, which reached 124 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the report said.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wildfires still rage in California; progress made against Colo. blaze
WASHINGTON  Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva landed in the U.S. late Thursday night, capping an extraordinary return home from Russian prisons after the largest and most extensive West-East swap of prisoners since the Cold War.

The three Americans landed at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington at 11:37 p.m. ET following a long journey from Turkey, where they were initially taken after their release from Russian custody.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, greeted them at the tarmac along with family members who were at the White House earlier in the day.

It feels wonderful, it was a long time coming," Biden told reporters after the families reunited.

Harris, speaking with the press, called it an extraordinary day and thanked the president.

This is an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and strengthening alliances, she said. This is an incredible day and you can see it in the families and in their eyes.

More: Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan are free: Russia releases Americans in prisoner swap

The historic swap followed months of negotiations and involved 24 prisoners across six countries 16 individuals detained in Russia in exchange for eight people held in the U.S., Germany, Norway, Slovenia and Poland. The key concession was the return of Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov, who was in jail in Germany.

Gershkovich, 32, was detained in Russia in 2023 during a time of heightened tensions between the West and Russia over the war in Ukraine. Russian prosecutors accused the New Jersey native of gathering information on behalf of the CIA. Gershkovich, the Journal and the U.S. government denied the charges, saying he was doing his job as a journalist.

Whelan, 54, was arrested in 2018 on espionage charges. At the time of his arrest, Whelan was working as head of global security for the Michigan-based auto supply company BorgWarner. The Russian Foreign Ministry alleged Whelan was caught "red-handed" in an act of espionage, while Whelan insisted that he was set up and that he was simply a tourist.

Former prisoner held by Russia US journalist Evan Gershkovich waves as he arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on August 1, 2024. Journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow prisoners released by Russia landed in the United States late August 1, an AFP journalist saw, as part of an extraordinary swap deal struck between Washington and Moscow. A plane carrying Gershkovich, former US marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva landed at around 11:40 pm (0340 GMT) at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, where President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were waiting to greet them.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian-British dissident and American green-card holder, was also released from Russian prisons in the exchange.

Alsu Kurmasheva's relatives Pavel Butorin, Bibi Butorin and Miriam Butorin hug as U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about the release of Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, who were detained in Russia, during a brief event where some of their relatives are in attendance, at the White House in Washington, U.S., August 1, 2024. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

Whelan was the first one off the plane, and quickly shook the presidents hand as they exchanged words.

How you doing, sir?" Whelan said when greeting Biden.

He then shook Harris hand and the two also had a short conversation. He embraced both Biden and Harris before waving to the press and heading to greet his sister, Elizabeth.

As Whelan embraced his sister, Gershkovich was the next one to walk off the plane  where he was met with cheers by his press colleagues. Harris first, greeted Gershkovich, who held his hands open. The two embraced and exchanged words before the Wall Street Journal reporter turned to Biden to shake his hand and speak with the president.

Gershkovich then walked towards his family. His mom, Ella Milman, who advocated for his release for over a year, quickly ran towards him. He scooped her up in his arms, lifting her off the ground, as they kissed each other's cheeks. He then turned to his dad and hugged and kissed his cheek.

President Joe Biden looks on as Evan Gershkovich who was released from detention in Russia, is greeted by his mother Ella Milman, upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on August 1, 2024

Kurmasheva was last off the plane and quickly embraced the president after descending down the steps. As the two exchanged words, Biden put his forhead towards her. She then went on to speak with Harris.

Bibi Butorin and Miriam Butorin, Kurmashevas daughters, ran toward their mother, letting out a loud cry as they met their mothers arms. Her husband, Pavel Butorin, appeared to be wiping away tears as his daughters were reunited with their mother.

To me, this is about the essence of who we are as a country. It really is about personal relationships, about families, Biden told reporters.

The president emphasized how the release of the Americans could only be possible through diplomacy and having allies.

President Joe Biden embraces Paul Whelan, who was released from detention in Russia, upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on August 1, 2024.

Biden also had a one-word message to Russian President Vladimir Putin: Stop.

Whelan, after meeting with his sister, went back to speak with Biden. The president appeared to take his American flag pin off and affix it to Whelan's lapel.

"The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship," Biden said earlier Thursday as he announced the swap. "For anyone who questions whether allies matter, they do. They matter."

Harris said Gershkovich, Whelan and other prisoners showed "incredible courage in the face of atrocious and devastating circumstances" and called their detention "an appalling perversion of justice."

Former prisoner held by Russia US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva with her husband Pavel Butorin and their daughters Miriam Butorin and Bibi Butorinas cheer as she arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on August 1, 2024. Journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow prisoners released by Russia landed in the United States late August 1, an AFP journalist saw, as part of an extraordinary swap deal struck between Washington and Moscow. A plane carrying Gershkovich, former US marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva landed at around 11:40 pm (0340 GMT) at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, where President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were waiting to greet them.

Whelan spoke with reporters shortly after arriving back in the U.S. He said he felt good, but was a little tired. While he was in custody, Whelan, a former Marine, said he sang the U.S. national anthem every day.

After meeting with his family, Gershkovich also walked towards the press  where about a dozen Wall Street Journal reporters and other members of the media were waiting and cheering his arrival.

Evan! How does it feel to finally be home? one reporter shouted as he walked over.

Not bad, Gershkovich responded. Feels good.

President Joe Biden greets Paul Whelan, a prisoner freed by Russia, as he arrives on August 1, 2024 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Their release, negotiated as part of a 24 person prisoner exchange with Russia that involved at least six countries, is the largest prisoner exchange in post-Soviet history.

More: 'Their brutal ordeal is over': Biden hails largest prisoner swap since Cold War

Harris said that bringing the prisoners home was a daunting task. "We never stopped fighting for their release," Harris said, speaking to reporters in Houston before boarding Air Force Two Thursday afternoon.

A plane carrying Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, all prisoners freed by Russia, sits parked on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews on August 1, 2024 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Their release, negotiated as part of a 24 person prisoner exchange with Russia that involved at least six countries, is the largest prisoner exchange in post-Soviet history.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the release of Alexei Navalny, the deceased Russian opposition leader of President Vladimir Putin, was originally discussed in the deal before he died in a Russian prison in February.

Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, who were detained in Russia, pose with others aboard an aircraft after they were released, in this undated handout photograph obtained on August 1, 2024.

Ahead of the return flight home, the Gershkovich family released a statement thanking Biden and his administration, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Gershkovich's colleagues of the Wall Street Journal.

"We have waited 491 days for Evans release, and its hard to describe what today feels like. We cant wait to give him the biggest hug and see his sweet and brave smile up close. Most important now is taking care of Evan and being together again. No family should have to go through this, and so we share relief and joy today with Paul and Alsus families," the family said.

Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan return to US after prisoner swap
The Wall Street Journal is celebrating the release of reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison for espionage.

The U.S. considered Gershkovich wrongfully detained and he and the government have denied that the journalist was a spy.

Gershkovich, along with former Marine Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, arrived in the U.S. overnight following a multinational prisoner swap.

Ann Simmons, the Russia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal who hired Gershkovich, told Scripps News that she is "absolutely elated" to know her colleague is free.

"Him being home now has really shown that basically, you know, that journalism is not a crime," Simmons said.

RELATED STORY | U.S. citizens released in Russian prisoner swap return to American soil

In an article about Gershkovich's release, The Wall Street Journal notes that he had to make an official request for clemency to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In that request, Gershkovich reportedly asked if Putin would be willing to sit down for an interview.

Despite that request not being granted, Simmons said it shows the world how dedicated Gershkovich is to his job.

"After 16 months in a Russian prison, he's still thinking journalism, he's still thinking, 'You know what, this is an opportunity for me to ask the president of Russia for an interview,'" Simmons said. "It really speaks to Evan's character."

While it appears Gershkovich is ready to get back to work, he will have to wait. He was flown to Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston in Texas after meeting with his family and the president. Gershkovich and the others who were wrongfully detained will be provided with medical and psychological care.

RELATED STORY | Gershkovich, Whelan among Americans released in massive prisoner swap with Russia
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The leaders of foreign affairs committees of the U.S. Congress and legislatures across Europe have joined to condemn the Venezuelan government's handling of last weekend's disputed election, according to a statement seen by Reuters, an unprecedented show of unity intended to pressure Caracas to release full vote tallies.

Senator Ben Cardin, who chairs the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, worked with his counterparts across Europe to work collectively to put pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government.

"Our governments are closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela, and will work together to hold Maduro accountable should he continue to disregard the democratic will of Venezuelan voters to steal yet another election," said the statement, seen by Reuters ahead of its expected release.

By early Friday, leaders of foreign affairs committees from legislatures in Armenia, Moldova, Latvia, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Denmark and Romania had signed on to a statement, said a source familiar with the discussions.

Venezuela's electoral council proclaimed Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner of the July 28 election with 51% of the vote, immediately sparking fraud accusations.

The country's opposition says its tally of about 90% of the votes shows its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez received more than double the support of the incumbent president, in line with independent polling conducted before the contest.

Maduro's government insists he won a third term despite the opposition's claims.

"As Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees of our respective national parliaments, we strongly condemn the ongoing attempts in Venezuela to undermine the will of the voters and repress the Venezuelan people following Sunday's election," said the statement seen by Reuters.

The parliamentary leaders called for Maduro's government to allow for transparent, independent verification of the election results immediately, end repression of protests and begin negotiations with Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado, another opposition leader.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Don Durfee and Paul Simao)
NEW YORK  Ever since Terry Strada's husband Tom died on the 104th floor of the World Trade Centers North Tower on 9/11, she's been waiting for justice. And when she got word this week that it finally arrived, it wasn't what she wanted to hear.

Taking the death penalty off the table was outrageous, Strada told USA TODAY on Thursday, a day after U.S. defense officials informed her that 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was allowed to plead guilty, get a life sentence and avoid a death penalty trial. They murdered nearly 3,000 Americans on American soil.

Strada, the National Chair of 9/11 Families United, called the U.S. plea a victory for Mohammed, or KSM as hes often called, and his al Qaeda accomplices Walid Bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawasawi. All three had been jailed at Guantanamo prison for nearly two decades with no formal prison sentences imposed.

Many close to the case see the agreement that spares Mohammeds life as the practical solution to what had become an intractable legal effort. But experts worry it will deprive the public of evidence tied to the case and some families say it amounts to no justice at all.

The Department of Defense announced the deal with the 9/11 trio Wednesday. It closes the book on a saga thats seen U.S. government operatives deployed worldwide to find and capture the al-Qaeda operatives; their decades of detainment at overseas prisons and Guantanamo Bay, where they were tortured; and years of litigation aimed at bringing them to justice under the law.

The exact terms of the agreement have not been made public but according to a Department of Defense letter obtained by USA TODAY, the three agreed to plead guilty to all of the charged offenses, including the murder of the 2,976 people listed in the charge sheet. As part of the plea, the three will not face the possibility of a death penalty trial, the letter says.

Lightning is seen behind the One World Trade Center on the day of the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, viewed from Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S., September 11, 2023. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

They will be sentenced by a panel of military officers at a sentencing hearing expected to happen in the summer of 2025, according to the letter. Family members of victims will be able to testify at the hearing and provide a statement for the jury to use in determining a sentence.

The families will also be able to ask the al-Qaeda operatives questions about their role in the attacks and motives. Mohammed and the others will have to answer as part of the plea agreement, according to the letter.

The decision to enter into a pre-trial agreement after 12 years of pre-trial litigation was not reached lightly; however, it is our collective, reasoned, and good-faith judgment that this resolution is the best path to finality and justice," military prosecutors wrote.

Not all families opposed

The reaction from families has been mixed, with many supporting the plea arrangement.

Elizabeth Miller is the project director of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, an organization that has been advocating for a plea deal for KSM and others for years. Millers dad, Douglas Miller, was a New York City firefighter who died among hundreds of others in the attacks.

Pursuing the death penalty would have dragged on for decades and let the attacks continue to loom over the lives of victims' families, she said.

I really thought I would be doing this for a considerable amount of time," said Miller. "Im going to be 30, I was nervous about having kids, about having them alive in a world where nobody was guilty for what they did to their grandfather.

The best part of the deal she said was the chance for families to ask KSM direct questions about their role in 9/11. She anticipated asking KSM about his connections to Osama Bin Laden, for instance.

Others disapproved of pursuing the death penalty, citing how many of the 9/11 detainees were tortured while in U.S. hands.

I am very pleased about the Plea Agreements," said Phyllis Rodriguez, whose son Gregory worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, the financial services firm that was headquartered in the North Tower above where the first plane struck. Everyone who reported to work that day died. All these men were tortured at CIA black sites, which is against our rule of law and human rights law.

Interrogators subjected Mohammed to waterboarding 183 times, among other enhanced interrogation techniques, according to the Senate Intelligence Committee's 2014 report on the agencys detention and interrogation programs.

The torture inflicted on KSM and others is part of what made bringing the case to trial so complicated, as did much of the evidence being classified, according to Christopher A. Kojm, the deputy executive director of the 9/11 Commission.

The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs professor called the deal practical.

It became nigh impossible to conduct a trial," Kojm said, "therefore guilty pleas are your pragmatic outcome.

In a statement provided to USA TODAY, the White House said federal prosecutors cut the deals independently of President Joe Biden.

The President and the White House played no role in this process, said National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett. The President has directed his team to consult as appropriate with officials and lawyers at the Department of Defense on this matter.

Biden publicly opposed the deal last year when the Department of Defense first disclosed the possibility of reaching an agreement.

The costs of the deal

Collectively, KSM and his accomplices have spent over half a century in U.S. custody and the costs of keeping them at Guantanamo Bay have been tremendous.

Human Rights First, an American nonprofit anti-torture nonprofit, published a brief in 2017 based on Department of Defense disclosures that estimated the annual costs of holding the few dozen Guantanamo Bay detainees to be over $440 million. A Department of Defense release from 2016 estimated the costs of holding the detainees to be $85 million per year more than other U.S. facilities.

But, as much as the plea agreements save American taxpayers, there's another cost to the deals, experts say: The chance for a public reckoning over the 9/11 attacks and the legacy of the U.S. response at Guantanamo Bay.

Guantanamo Bay expert Muira McCammon said the trial could have been a Nuremburg moment for the post-9/11 United States, referring to the post-World War II trials where evidence of the Holocaust was documented.

As we as a nation still grapple with the legacy of Guantanamo, and what future we might face with respect to acts of terrorism, this deal challenges our chance to have meaningful closure, said the Tulane University scholar.

The evidence presented would have been damning for the terrorists, but also U.S. officials, who she said have been allowed to get away with extrajudicial practices unchecked.

The U.S. government has helped normalize this idea that powerful nations can detain people for extended periods of time without justice or trial, she said. It also makes it harder for the international legal community to revisit the human rights violations enacted on the people at Guantanamo.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 9/11 guilty plea: Case closed on terrorist attacks?
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, will face sentencing for his three-count felony conviction on Nov. 13, just one week after the presidential election.

Biden was found guilty in June by a Delaware jury of violating the law when he obtained a firearm in 2018, at a time when he was addicted to drugs. For the three felony convictions, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison -- though legal experts believe he will not serve time as a first-time and nonviolent offender.

PHOTO: Hunter Biden arrives to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 6, 2024 in Wilmington, Del. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images, FILE)

Hunter Biden had sought a new trial in the case, saying his "convictions should be vacated" because trial commenced before a circuit court formally issued a mandate denying one of his many pretrial appeals. But last month, his attorneys withdrew their bid for a new trial, conceding in court papers that the motion misunderstood a technicality in the district court's capacity to carry out a trial.

He had tried several times to get the federal charges tossed before the trial began, but to no avail.

MORE: What's next for Hunter Biden following conviction on federal gun charges

President Joe Biden has repeatedly pledged to not pardon his son, including in an interview with "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir.

While the trial was still ongoing, Biden was asked if he would respect the outcome, to which he responded, "Yes," and if he would rule out a pardon for Hunter Biden. Again, he responded, simply, "Yes."

Hunter Biden faces a separate criminal trial in September on federal tax charges. He has pleaded not guilty.

Hunter Biden to be sentenced on gun crime a week after Election Day originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The Houston Police Department is trying to contact thousands of sexual assault victims whose cases were suspended because of what the former police chief says was a "bad policy."

The policy allowed officers to improperly classify investigations because of staffing issues, effectively halting more than 260,000 cases, including over 4,000 reported rapes, former interim police Chief Larry Satterwhite told city leaders on Tuesday.

The policy, implemented in 2016, affected "real victims" and that the police are "not running from anything," Satterwhite told Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the city council.

"Where we made mistakes, where we failed, we're going to tell you," Satterwhite said.

Houston police released a comprehensive report on Wednesday that goes in depth about how the policy began, how it affected cases and what the department is doing to solve this issue. Here's what you need to know.

A Houston Police Officer badge is seen on Jul 8, 2016.

'How could this happen?'

The department's Special Victims Division used an "SL" code, meaning Suspended-Lack of Personnel," for 9,012 cases, while the Homicide division inputted the "SL" code for 6,537 cases, according to the report released Wednesday.

Houston police did not know how often the code was being used until Sept. 9, 2023, when officers responded to a robbery at a grocery store, Satterwhite said.

The suspect in the case had robbed the grocery store, but by the time officers arrived, he had fled into a nearby neighborhood, broke into a home, tied up a man and sexually assaulted his wife as the couple's children slept, according to the former chief.

As the police investigated the rape, detectives learned that the physical evidence left behind by the suspect at the scene matched evidence collected from a sexual assault kit in September 2022, according to Satterwhite. When police went to look up the case from 2022, they saw that the "SL" code was inputted although the victim gave the officers her offender's description, name and vehicle, he added.

After going back to the investigation from 2022, police were able to identify the suspect and bring him into custody.

"At the time, the question across everybody's minds was, 'How could this happen,'" Satterwhite recalled. "So we did a deep dive, which was the first time, into how it actually happened and how this could have been done."

Former Houston police chief retired amid probe

Former police chief Troy Finner retired in May amid the internal investigation into the suspended cases. His retirement came after local television stations reported that Finner knew about the policy in 2018 when he received an internal email about a suspended hit-and-run case.

"The biggest mistake that I've been able to see is just a failure to recognize what was going on and a failure to go in and truly to correct it, or verify and follow up and make sure that it was corrected," Satterwhite said about previous leadership overlooking the use of the code.

Finner told the Houston Chronicle last month that the department's "failure" would come back and bite the city, adding how it was something he "was trying to prevent."

Houston police introduced J. Noe Diaz, a former Texas Ranger and police chief of the Houston suburb of Katy, as the new chief on Thursday. Diaz's official first day as chief will be Aug. 14, after Houston's city council approves him.

Former Houston chief of police Troy Finner speaks at a press conference Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, after a crowd surge at Astroworld Festival resulted in eight deaths and hundreds of injuries in Houston, Texas.

What are Houston police doing to solve the suspended sexual assault cases?

In the report, Houston police say in February that it "launched a department-wide effort to triage and review the cases associated with the 264,371 incidents."

To help solve the suspended sexual assault cases, the department temporarily assigned a special team of 24 investigators, five sergeants, two lieutenants and a commander to assist its Special Victims Division, according to the report.

"With additional personnel in place, the division prioritized the review of 4,017 sexual assault-related incidents," the report says.

The department's Special Victims Division also launched a call line and main email address for anyone "seeking information or clarification regarding the previously suspended incident," according to the report. The email and call line offer a direct point of contact with Houston police personnel.

Police have made attempts to contact victims via phone calls, texts, emails and letters. Victims who could not be reached through those avenues of communication had their last known address or probable place of residence visited by officers, the report says.

Of the more than 9,000 Special Victims cases coded as "SL," 726 had been closed with no subsequent arrests, 398 were cleared following arrests or the death of suspects, and more than 3,800 have been deactivated due to a lack of leads, according to the report. That leaves more than 4,000 that need investigating.

'Nonviolent crime will suffer'

One drawback of putting resources toward solving the suspended cases is that the department will not be prioritizing property crimes, according to Satterwhite.

"Nonviolent crime will suffer because we don't have enough people," the former chief said.

No department employee has faced disciplinary action for using the "SL" code, Sadderwhite said, adding how he is "not ready to say anybody nefariously did anything.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'We made mistakes' Houston police tackle over 4,000 shelved rape cases
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Tears of joy flowed in the Oval Office the moment families of prisoners such as Evan Gershkovich, freed by Russia in the biggest such swap since the Cold War, first spoke by telephone to their loved ones, a White House video showed on Thursday.

"This is momma. Do you hear me? It's your mom," Gershkovich's mother tells her son, a Wall Street Journal reporter, in the emotional two-minute video of the virtual reunion, posted by President Joe Biden's social media account on X.

"We just want to say how overwhelmed we are," Biden tells the released detainees as the families stand around the presidential Resolute Desk. "You've been wrongfully detained for a long time, and we are glad you are home."

Russia freed Gershkovich, ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and others on Thursday as part of the elaborate multi-country exchange that the White House said involved 24 prisoners, including Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov, released by Germany.

"Every parent, child, spouse and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time," Biden posted about the deal, which was negotiated in secrecy for more than a year.

At the start of the video, Biden tells the families the detainees have been released and are on a bus, heading to board the plane that will take them from Russia to the United States.

"No word is strong enough for this. I was sure I was going to die in prison," Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza tells his family as they weep.

"I still think I am sleeping in my prison cell in Omsk instead of hearing your voice."

Biden tells the returnees that he and the families will meet them when they land at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, adding with a chuckle: "Don't pretend you don't know us, OK?"

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by William Mallard and Clarence Fernandez)
By Lisa Barrington

(Reuters) -Airlines are avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace and cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon, as concerns grow over a possible conflict in the region after the killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah this week.

Singapore Airlines stopped flying through Iranian airspace from early Friday morning and is using alternative routes, saying safety is its top priority, it told Reuters in a statement.

Taiwan's EVA Air and China Airlines also appeared to be avoiding Iran airspace for flights to Amsterdam on Friday which previously had flown over Iran, Flightradar24 data showed.

The airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the route changes.

In a bulletin, OPSGROUP, a membership-based organisation that shares flight risk information, advised traffic between Asia and Europe to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace, a day after sources told Reuters that top Iranian officials will meet the representatives of Iran's regional allies from Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen to discuss potential retaliation against Israel.

Many airlines, including U.S. and European airlines, already avoid flying over Iran, especially since the reciprocal missile and drone attacks in April between Iran and Israel.

Singapore Airlines' flight to London Heathrow early on Friday went north of Iran through Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, rather than crossing through Iran as it did the day before, Flightradar24 showed.

However, a significant number of airlines on Friday were still flying over Iran, including United Arab Emirates carriers Etihad, Emirates and FlyDubai, as well as Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines.

Over the past two days, Air India, Germany's Lufthansa Group, U.S. carriers United Airlines and Delta Air, and Italy's ITA Airways said they had suspended flights to Tel Aviv.

Airlines this week have also been cancelling and delaying flights to the Lebanese capital Beirut after a strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday. Israel has blamed the attack on Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah, which denied involvement.

Canada on Thursday issued a notice to Canadian aircraft to avoid Lebanese airspace for one month due to the risk to aviation from military activity.

Britain has for the past month advised pilots of potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry and military activity in Lebanon's airspace.

Should an all-out war break out in the Middle East, OpsGroup said civil aviation will likely face the risk of drones and missiles crossing airways, as well as the increased risk of GPS spoofing - a growing phenomena around Lebanon and Israel where militaries and other actors broadcast signals that trick a plane's GPS system into thinking it is somewhere it is not.

(Writing by Lisa Barrington; editing by Miral Fahmy and Ros Russell)
NEW YORK (AP)  Antitrust tensions are heating up in the chipmaking industry. Rivals have accused Wall Street darling Nvidia of abusing its market dominance in selling chips that power artificial intelligence  and the U.S. Justice Department is now investigating these complaints, technology news site The Information reported.

According to the news outlet, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the discussions, Justice Department officials are looking into concerns Nvidia is potentially cornering the market and pressuring its customers to unfairly retain business. That includes allegations of Nvidia threatening to punish those who buy products from both the Santa Clara, California-based tech giant and its competitors.

The Information also reported that U.S. officials had reached out to several Nvidia competitors about the complaints.

The Justice Department declined to comment or provide further information when reached by The Associated Press on Friday.

But a statement from Nvidia said the company wins on merit  and competes based on decades of investment and innovation, scrupulously adhering to all laws."

Without directly acknowledging details of The Informations Thursday report, the company added that it is happy to provide any information regulators need.

Nvidia has faced calls for an antitrust investigation from some Democratic lawmakers and progressive groups before. Earlier this week, 10 progressive advocacy groups  including Demand Progress Education Fund and Tech Oversight Project  penned a letter to Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter in support of an antitrust investigation into the chipmaker.

Nvidia is the worlds chip gatekeeper, the groups wrote, arguing the company had bullied its way into a prominent investment position by leveraging scarce supply alongside tactics like blocking customers from doing business with competitors. Such a company deserves the most aggressive scrutiny that the Department of Justice can bring to bear.

Nvidias has cemented itself as a poster child for the artificial intelligence boom  and in the process become one of the most valuable companies in the world. In June, the tech giant briefly reached a market value of more than $3.3 trillion.

Some of that market momentum has stalled a little since  and any stock climbing to such heights is vulnerable to some investors selling shares to lock in profits. On Friday afternoon, shares for Nvidia were down 3%.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  When Ri Il Gyu, North Koreas No.2 diplomat in Cuba, finally decided to flee to South Korea in frustration over his highly repressive, corrupt homeland last November, he finished all necessary prep work alone. About a week later, he told his family to be ready to leave Cuba together in just six hours.

My wife first told me not to make such a dreadful joke. So I showed her our plane tickets, and she was speechless, Ri said in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday. I told my kid that there is no future or hope for North Korea.

His family followed him to a Havana airport at dawn the next day, taking a flight to a third country and then South Korea in one of the most high-profile and dramatic defections by North Koreans in recent years.

The defection by Ri  a former political counselor at the North's Embassy in Cuba  was only made public last month. It likely has angered North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, because it could prompt his other diplomats to follow suit in a blow to his grip on the countrys elites, observers say. Ri said the North Korean Embassy in Cuba has about 20 diplomats, making it the Norths third biggest mission abroad after China and Russia.

Ri, 52, is the highest-ranking North Korean to defect to South Korea since Tae Yongho, a former minister of the North Korean Embassy in London, arrived in South Korea in 2016.

Ris defection has come as animosities between the rival Koreas are at one of the highest points in years, with North Korea flying more than 3,000 trash-carrying balloons toward South Korea and continuing its provocative weapons tests in recent months. South Korea has responded by restarting frontline loudspeaker broadcasts of anti-Pyongyang messages and K-pop songs, a challenge to Kims efforts to limit access to foreign news for his 26 million people.

The Kim Jong Un regime will likely be in a very bad mood if they see me speaking publicly in media interviews like this, Ri said. They might think it's in their interest to eliminate a person like me. But I'm not going to worry about that so much, because the South Korean government has made a priority of keeping me safe."

About nine months after his arrival in South Korea, Ri is under a South Korean government protection program. North Korea allegedly has a long history of assassinating or making attempts to kill high-level defectors, the estranged relatives of the Kim family living abroad and top South Korean officials.

Kim might personally remember Ri, because Ri said he briefly met Kim many times with other officials in 2018 over preparations to receive top Cuban officials on two occasions. Sometimes Kim asked him questions.

In each meeting, Ri recalled that Kim smoked continuously and was short of breath like an asthmatic patient so he could hear the rasp of Kims breathing. South Koreas spy agency told lawmakers Monday that North Korean officials are looking for new medicines abroad to treat Kims suspected obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

At the first meeting, I clearly shuddered though it wasnt like I couldnt answer. But during the second and third meetings, I didnt shudder.

Ri said he had long thought about fleeing North Korea, which he called a world of darkness" and a republic of corruption. He said his monthly pay was about $500 so he smuggled Cuban cigars to China via diplomatic pouches to make a living. He said North Korean diplomats in other countries have been involved in the smuggling of liquors, ivories, rhino horns, whiskeys and automobiles.

But he said what decisively triggered his defection was the North Korean Foreign Ministry's rejection in early November of his hope to visit Mexico to treat a ruptured disc in his neck. He suspected his boss in Pyongyang was behind that decision because Ri earlier had refused his request for bribe.

That made me so mad, Ri said. Without that incident, I probably would have kept thinking about defecting, but without ever leaving."

Ri's defection came before Cuba established diplomatic ties with South Korea in February this year. As there was no embassy of South Korea in Cuba at that time, he said he couldn't get as much support from South Korean diplomats as other North Korean defectors managed to get elsewhere.

South Korean officials were eventually involved in Ri's defection. But the government in Seoul and Ri declined to provide details about that because that could cause potential diplomatic troubles for countries involved, and could help North Korea thwart future escape attempts by other North Koreans.

At the Havana airport, Ri said he and his family waited for the plane for an hour that felt "like hell. He fretted that fellow North Korean embassy officials might find out he was leaving and chase him. He looked at his wrist-watch about 100 times before he and his family finally boarded the plane safely, he said.

If caught, he said he and his family would have faced a future worse than death in a prison camp where people have to eat insects to survive.

Ri is not sure yet what he will do in South Korea, but is encouraged by other North Koreans who have successfully resettled in the South. Tae, the former North Korean minister, was elected to the South Korean parliament before receiving a vice minister-level job last month. Ri said he read Taes memoir about ten times.

About 34,000 North Koreans have resettled in South Korea since the late 1990s to escape poverty and political oppression at home  most of them women from the North's poorer northern provinces. Last year, about 10 North Koreans considered to be elites arrived in South Korea, the highest such number in recent years, according to South Korea's government.

I can't guarantee that my departure will lead to more defections by North Korean diplomats, Ri said. But I think my defection will surely encourage others to defect.
Fact checked by Nick BlackmerFact checked by Nick Blackmer





Office chair butt refers to the negative effects of prolonged sitting, such as weakness in the gluteus maximus muscle.

Excessive sitting without regular exercise can alter the appearance of the butt over time, as inactivity leads to a loss of muscle tone and shape.

To avoid office chair butt, take regular breaks from sitting, use a standing desk, or do glute exercises after work, experts recommended.







Office chair butt is the latest concern to your healthspecifically your glutespicking up steam on TikTok.

The term has been sparking widespread discussion amongst content creators, who are speculating about whether sitting at work can cause a decline in the strength and appearance of a person's glutes.

TikTok user Alexandra posted a video in early July warning her followers about office chair buttits since gained over 7 million views.

Just found out about office chair butt so I will be using the standing desk feature for all 8 hours every day, she wrote.

In another video that has over 2.6 million views, a TikToker named Itzel called office chair butt her new fear.

But is office chair butt something people should actually be concerned about? Heres what experts had to say about how sitting frequently affects your body, and how to keep your muscles healthy while working your 9-to-5.

Pekic / Getty Images

Can Sitting for Too Long Actually Cause Office Chair Butt?

Office chair butt is a common phrase that really doesnt have a true medical meaning or definition, Evan Johnson, DPT, director of Och Spine Care Outpatient Physical Therapy at NewYork-Presbyterian, told Health.

However, sitting for prolonged periods of time can certainly affect your butt.

By sitting in a chair for hours, days, weeks, and years like many of us do, we neglect our glutes and they can become very deconditioned and lose muscle mass as a result, Andrew Bach, DO, physical medicine and rehab specialist at Cedars-Sinai. told Health.

When the body is sedentary, musclesincluding the glutes, but also the deltoids, pectorals, hamstrings, and morearent engaged or working, Bach said. Over time, this can cause them to weaken. Weakened muscles can also be infiltrated by fatty tissue, Johnson added, making them less resilient.

Excessive sitting can also cause muscles to have an altered appearance, said Johnson. People might notice office chair butt in particular when their gluteus maximuswhich has the largest cross-sectional area, or muscle volume, in the bodystarts to decline.

Sitting on the muscle all day and not exercising it results in the muscle losing tone and eventually shape, Johnson said. This can result in a flat butt appearance or a very soft, fleshy butt if muscle is replaced with adipose tissue [or] fat.

Excessive sitting can also cause muscles to shorten or tighten, Bach added, changing our appearance.

The effect is that our bodies tend to mold into the shape of our chairs, he said.



Related: Sitting All Day? This Is How It Could Be Affecting Your Heart Health

Does Sitting Injure Your Glutes?

Luckily, sitting for prolonged periods of time doesnt usually harm your glutes directly, Johnson said. However, weak gluteal muscles can lead to problems over time, including strain on other muscles in the thigh and back.

Technically, if someone were to sit in the same position for a long time, its possible that their butt bones could put too much pressure on the gluteal muscles, said Bach. However, this is quite rare.

This is how a pressure wound happens, he said. The good news is that the average person shifts their weight every few minutes, typically without even thinking about it, to avoid this from happening.

Otherwise, if someone is experiencing pain from sitting for long periods of time, they might have what some people call dead butt syndrome, rather than office chair butt.

Pain deep in the butt from sitting could be caused by sciatica or tendinopathy (tendon injury) in one of the other gluteal musclesthe latter is commonly referred to as dead butt syndrome, said Johnson.

But dead butt can also refer to gluteal amnesia, or issues with your muscles ability to contract due to prolonged sitting, Bach added.

Muscle activation is easier the more you do it, he said. If you are sitting down all day, you are not activating your muscles and the effect can be that when you do use them, they might not be as reliable as before.

This dead butt weakness can come with numbness, tingling, and pain, Bach added. If youre experiencing these symptoms, he recommended speaking with a healthcare provider.









Does Office Chair Butt Require Medical Attention?

Office chair butt alone doesnt require medical attention, but the effects of sitting for prolonged periodssuch as muscle weakness and poor posturemay, Bach said.

Its very common to develop back or neck pain as a result of prolonged sitting, he explained. I often find that transitioning to a desk job or a sedentary lifestyle often precipitates pain in many of my clients.







What Can You Do to Prevent Office Chair Butt?

Anyone who sits for prolonged periods of timeincluding those in sedentary jobsis at risk of developing office chair butt, Bach warned.

In particular, women may be more likely to get office chair butt, as theyre more likely to work jobs that require them to sit all day. The same goes for older and middle-aged people, Johnson said, who have collectively spent more hours sitting at work.

Additionally, with age, we tend to lose muscle flexibility and tone unless we work to counter that process with exercise, he said.

But like many chronic health conditions, office chair butt is avoidable, Johnson said. The best way to prevent it is simply to stay active and activate your glutes regularly throughout the day.

That could mean getting up regularly from your desk, walking your dog, or taking the stairs at the office.

You may also want to use a standing desk to avoid the negative effects of prolonged sitting at work, Bach added. If you don't have a standing desk, you can activate your muscles while you're seated by doing glute squeezes or calf raises every 15 minutes or so, he advised.

Outside of the office, there are also specific exercises you can do to strengthen your glutes, including bridges, clamshells, squats, and step-ups, said Johnson. However, proper form is important to avoid faulty movement patterns.

If you dont know how to do these exercises properly, it is a good idea to schedule a few sessions with a healthcare provider to review proper form, Johnson added.

In the end, practicing a few healthy behaviors can help people reap the benefits of a stronger and shapelier behind, he said. That said, it is worth celebrating the inherent differences of shape and size of individuals. The goal is to promote great health, self-esteem, and fitnessnot to body shame.



Related: The 6 Best Under-Desk Treadmills, Tested and Reviewed by Our Editors

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Read the original article on Health.com.
By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. military will deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East, the Pentagon said on Friday, as Washington seeks to bolster defenses following threats from Iran and its allies Hamas and Hezbollah.

The U.S. is bracing for Iran to make good on its vow to respond to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh two days ago in Tehran - one in a series of killings of senior figures in the Palestinian militant group as the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had approved sending additional Navy cruisers and destroyers-- which can shoot down ballistic missiles-- to the Middle East and Europe.

It is also sending an additional squadron of fighter jets to the Middle East.

"Austin has ordered adjustments to U.S. military posture designed to improve U.S. force protection, to increase support for the defense of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies," the Pentagon said in a statement.

There had been speculation that the Pentagon might not replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group in the Middle East once it completed its ongoing deployment. But Austin decided to rotate in the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier strike group to replace it.

The Pentagon statement added it would increase readiness to deploy more land-based ballistic missile defenses.

The U.S. military also intensified deployments prior to April 13, when Iran launched an attack on Israeli territory with drones and missiles. Still, the threat from Hezbollah in Lebanon could present unique challenges to any efforts by the United States to intercept drones and missiles given the group's vast arsenal and immediate proximity to Israel.

At the time, Israel successfully knocked down almost all of the roughly 300 drones and missiles with the help of the United States and other allies.

Biden, in a phone call on Thursday with Netanyahu, discussed new U.S. defensive military deployments to support Israel against threats such as missiles and drones, the White House said.

Iran and Hamas have both accused Israel of carrying out the killing and have pledged to retaliate against their foe. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it.

Haniyeh's death was one in a series of killings of senior Hamas figures as the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel nears its 11th month and concern grows that the conflict is spreading across the Middle East.

Earlier, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said the U.S. did not believe escalation was inevitable.

"I think we are being very direct in our messaging that certainly we don't want to see heightened tensions and we do believe there is an off ramp here and that is that ceasefire deal," Singh said.

An Israeli delegation will travel to Cairo in coming days for negotiations to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; editing by Diane Craft and David Gregorio)
PARIS (AP)  Paris prosecutors said Friday that police have opened a hate speech investigation following a complaint by Olympics opening ceremony artistic director Thomas Jolly over death threats.

The Paris prosecutors' office said in a statement that Jolly filed a police complaint on Tuesday, four days after the opening ceremony, for death threats, public insults and defamation."

Jolly said he has been the target of threatening messages and insults on social networks criticizing his sexual orientation and his wrongly-assumed Israeli roots, the statement said. France's Central Office for Combating Crimes Against Humanity and Hate Crimes has been charged with the investigation.

Jolly's complaint comes after the Paris Olympics opening ceremony prompted a storm of outrage, including angry comments from Donald Trump, in the wake of a contentious scene featuring drag queens and other performers. Although Jolly has repeatedly said that he wasnt inspired by The Last Supper, critics interpreted part of the show as a mockery of Leonardo Da Vincis painting showing Jesus Christ and his apostles.

French President Emmanuel Macron extended full support to Jolly and all performing artists who were part of the Olympics opening show.

I am outraged and sad, Macron said about threats and cyberbullying Jolly and others have suffered. Nothing justifies threats against an artist, Macron said.

French people were very proud of the opening ceremony that presented Frances history, its adventurous spirit, its audacity and it was all done with artistic freedom, which is very important to us, Macron said.

Jollys daring art in the opening ceremony made many people happy, he added.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo also expressed unwavering support of Jolly in the face of the threats and harassment.

With his opening ceremony, Jolly held our values high, Hidalgo said in a statement Friday. It was a pride and an honor for Paris to be able to count on his talent to magnify our city and tell the world who we are.

Hidalgo added: Paris will always be on the side of artists, of creation and therefore, on the side of freedom.

Barbara Butch, a popular DJ and LGBTQ+ icon who performed in the show, also said she suffered a torrent of online threats. Butch has filed a complaint alleging online abuse and harassment, which police are also investigating.

___

For more coverage of the Paris Olympics, visit https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games.
A Chinese citizen was arrested Wednesday after police said he repeatedly tried to get into former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, while he claimed that he had documents that tie his home country's government to the July 13 assassination attempt on the Republican nominee for president.

Zijie Li, 38, of El Monte, California, faces a misdemeanor trespassing charge in the incident, and remained at the Palm Beach County Jail on Thursday morning on a $3,000 bond, according to court records.

According to jail records, this is the first security-related arrest at Mar-a-Lago since July 13, when a gunman shot at Trump as he spoke at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by Secret Service agents after wounding Trump's ear and shooting three of his supporters, killing one.

The Secret Service has increased security around Trump's estate and his other properties since that incident, including the agency's decision to close South Ocean Boulevard next to Mar-a-Lago. The closure, which extends from the Southern Boulevard traffic circle north to South County Road, went into effect at 5 a.m. July 20.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies stand guard over a U.S. Secret Service-implemented checkpoint on South Ocean Boulevard at the intersection with South County Road on July 20 in Palm Beach, as part of increased security measures to protect former President Donald Trump and his Mar-a-Lago Club.

Li's first attempt to reach Mar-a-Lago was the day before, at about 8 p.m. July 19, when he pulled up to the estate's main gate on South Ocean Boulevard in a gray Toyota Prius and told Secret Service agents that he had documents showing China was involved in the attempted assassination, according to an arrest report.

Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago at the time  he was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the Republican National Convention that week.

Local law enforcement officers told Li that he was trespassing and was not allowed into Mar-a-Lago, and the Palm Beach Police Department issued him a written warning, the report said. Police told Li that he could not return to Mar-a-Lago or he would be arrested.

Town security cameras show that Li's next visit to Palm Beach was July 22, when he twice drove east and then west again over the Royal Park Bridge, first in the morning and then in the afternoon, the arrest report said. Trump was at Mar-a-Lago that day, having returned from Wisconsin very early the previous morning.

President Donald Trump opened his private Mar-a-Lago Club in 1996.

On July 30, Li was spotted at about 5:40 p.m. driving toward the security checkpoint for Mar-a-Lago at South County Road and South Ocean Boulevard, the report said. Li was blocking a lane of traffic, so a Palm Beach Police officer stopped him and noticed that Mar-a-Lago's address, 1100 S. Ocean Blvd., was on Li's GPS system, according to the arrest report.

Li was released and left town heading west over the Royal Park Bridge, but returned less than an hour later when his car was spotted south of Mar-a-Lago on South Ocean Boulevard, the report said. This time, Palm Beach Police and Secret Service agents again stopped him and told him not to return to Mar-a-Lago.

But, police said, Li kept trying.

His car first traveled east and then west over the Royal Park Bridge north of Mar-a-Lago between 8 and 8:30 a.m., according to town security cameras. Li's Prius was then spotted minutes later going east over the Southern Boulevard Bridge next to Mar-a-Lago, and he drove past the Secret Service checkpoint and south to Lake Worth Beach, the arrest report said.

He came back again about 10 a.m., driving east on Southern Boulevard across the Intracoastal Waterway and past the Secret Service checkpoints, trying to enter Mar-a-Lago at the estate's southern gate, police said.

At that point, he was back on Mar-a-Lago property and in violation of the trespassing warning, the report said. When security told Li that he couldn't enter Mar-a-Lago, he left again  but this time, officers were looking for him.

Palm Beach Police found him back in Palm Beach, and Li was arrested at the intersection of Royal Palm Way and South County Road, north of Mar-a-Lago.

The Secret Service referred the Daily News' request for comment to the Palm Beach Police Department. Police spokesman Capt. Will Rothrock said the town did not have a comment.

The Secret Service thanked the town and Palm Beach County "for the unwavering assistance and support they provide to us every day to safeguard the former President," Anthony Guglielmi, Secret Service chief of communications, said in an email.

Li is not the first Chinese citizen to face charges for trying to gain access to Mar-a-Lago. A 32-year-old Chinese woman was arrested in 2019 after the Secret Service said she lied to get into the club and then claimed she wanted to talk to Trump about economic relations between China and the United States.

Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Police: man repeatedly tried to get inside Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva have landed in the United States, following the biggest prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War.

The returnees were greeted with tears and embraces by their joyous families at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were also on the tarmac to welcome them after their plane touched down some 20 minutes before midnight on Thursday.

Whelan, who was first to exit the plane, gave a salute before shaking hands with the US leaders, followed by Gershkovich, who embraced both Harris and Biden before hugging his ecstatic parents. Kurmasheva rushed into the arms of her husband and daughters after greeting Harris and Biden.

Gershkovich went quickly to address media gathered at the tarmac, telling his Wall Street Journal colleagues the words they had been waiting more than a year to hear. Im home, he said.

Biden observed the emotional family reunions, then removed his pin and placed it on Whelans lapel as Harris looked on.

It feels wonderful. Long time in coming. I was absolutely convinced we could get it done. I meant it when I said  alliances make a difference. They stepped up and took a chance for us and it mattered a lot, Biden told reporters, referring to the extensive diplomatic effort that resulted in the swap.

The return marks the conclusion of what Biden called a brutal ordeal for the three Americans and their families following their detentions in Russia, where prisoners are often kept in harrowing conditions.

Whelan, 54, had spent almost six years in Russian prisons after his arrest in Moscow in December 2018, while Gershkovich, 32, had been detained for more than a year. Both were sentenced on espionage charges and declared wrongfully detained by the US State Department.

Kurmasheva, a 47-year-old journalist for the US-backed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was detained in October 2023 and found guilty of spreading false information about the Russian army  charges her family and employer deny.

Their release  and that of Washington Post contributor and permanent US resident Vladimir Kara-Murza, 42  was orchestrated as part of a complex prisoner swap between Russia, the US and other Western nations involving 24 detainees in total.

Sixteen people were released from Russian custody on Thursday, including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country. Moscow in return got former high-ranking FSB colonel Vadim Krasikov, as well as several individuals accused of spying or cybercrime.

Elizabeth Whelan hugs her brother Paul Whelan at Joint Base Andrews following his release from a Russian prison. - Alex Brandon/AP

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris walk with family members of the returning Americans to greet them at Joint Base Andrews. - Alex Brandon/AP

The prisoner exchange marks a major diplomatic achievement and legacy-defining moment for Biden less than six months before he leaves office.

In a statement earlier Thursday, Biden hailed the agreement as a feat of diplomacy, in collaboration with US allies, including Germany, Poland, Norway, Turkey and Slovenia.

Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over, said Biden, who hosted the families of Gershkovich, Whelan, Kurmasheva and Kara-Murza at the White House.

Whelan, Gershkovich and Kurmasheva flew roughly 10 hours from Ankara, Turkey, on top of a three-hour-and-45-minute flight from Moscow to Ankara.

They were accompanied on their return plane by multiple medics, a psychologist and US government officials including representatives from the National Security Council and State Department, a US official told CNN.

A little less than two hours after touching down at Joint Base Andrews, the three Americans and some of their family members continued on to San Antonio where they landed early Friday morning. At Kelly Field, Whelan thanked US authorities for their efforts to bring him home and criticized Putins government for their nonsense narrative that accused him of espionage. Im never going back there again, Whelan joked, referring to Russa.

The three Americans will be taken to Brooke Army Medical Center to undergo medical evaluation and receive whatever care they need for as long as they need, the US official said.

This is typical protocol for wrongfully detained Americans who return home. WNBA player Brittney Griner also went to the center right after she was released from Russian detention in December 2022.

The returnees will also participate in a Defense Department program called PISA (Post Isolation Support Activities), which is meant to help them readjust to being back in the United States. Many recently freed US wrongful detainees have undergone this program to help them acclimate back to normal life.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs MJ Lee, Sam Waldenberg, Betsy Klein, Paul P. Murphy, Mariya Knight, Ivana Kottasova, Anna Chernova, Colin McCullough, Jennifer Hansler and Rosa Flores contributed to this report.

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Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Getty Images

In a new legal filing, Donald Trump complains about Kamala Harris' "prosecutor vs. felon" taunts.

Trump also complains that his hush-money judge's daughter worked as a consultant for Harris.

It's Trump's third try at asking the judge to recuse himself.

Vice President Kamala Harris framing the presidential race as "prosecutor vs. felon" may have touched a nerve with Donald Trump.

Such framing is "false" and "inaccurate," says a new defense filing that asks the judge in Trump's hush-money case to voluntarily step down prior to a pending sentencing that Trump has also challenged.

"Harris immediately framed her candidacy with a specific false reference to this case as a contest of 'prosecutor vs. convicted felon,'" Trump's filing says.

Harris' framing is an "inaccurate attack," it adds, without describing an inaccuracy. Harris is a former district attorney for San Francisco and attorney general for California; in May, Trump became the first former president convicted of a felony.

Trump's one-page letter, made public Thursday, is his third try at asking New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan to recuse himself, this time as the case nears the sentencing tentatively set for September 18.

Like his earlier failed recusal attempts, this new one centers on the judge's daughter, Loren Merchan, a political consultant who has worked for Democratic campaigns, including Harris' 2019 run for president and the 2020 Biden-Harris campaign.

Harris running as Trump's direct opponent adds new fuel to the recusal argument, the defense attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove now say.

"In light of the long-standing and extremely beneficial working relationship between Your Honor's daughter and Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently became the presumptive Presidential nominee of the Democrat Party, we respectfully submit this pre-motion letter to renew our request that the Court recuse itself," the letter begins.

Trump is "the leading candidate in the 2024 Presidential election," Blanche and Bove continue.

And Harris, they say, "emerged as his presumptive opponent after it became apparent to the public that the Biden Administration's lawfare against President Trump was motivated by President Biden's alarming decline."

The letter says Trump's now four-month-old gag order, which he has also challenged, somehow prevents him from freely addressing Harris' "prosecutor vs. felon" gibes.

"Your Honor has insisted on maintaining an unconstitutional Gag Order, backed by threats of imprisonment made during the trial, that prevents President Trump from responding fully to that inaccurate attack," the letter says.

The gag bars Trump from attacking by name a limited set of people involved in the trial, including jurors, prosecutors, court staff, and their families.

The gag was upheld on Thursday by a mid-level New York appellate court.

Trump's letter to the judge reiterates that Merchan's daughter "has a long-standing relationship with Harris, including work for political campaigns."

"She has obtainedand stands to obtain in the futureextensive financial, professional, and personal benefits from her relationship with Harris," it continues.

In brief response papers filed Friday, prosecutors called Trump's latest recusal effort "vexations and frivolous."

Trump's "regurgitated" complaints about Loren Merchan's work with Harris have already failed twice, including at the appellate level, and amount to little more than "overheated, hyperbolic rhetoric," prosecutors added.

In addition to the recusal request and his battle against the gag, Trump has asked Merchan to throw out the hush-money case in its entirety on US Supreme Court presidential-immunity grounds.

Merchan has said he'll issue a decision on the immunity request on September 6.

Also Thursday, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan, sent a letter to Loren Merchan demanding all contracts, invoices, and communications from her Chicago firm, Authentic Campaigns, relating to her work for the campaigns of Harris and President Joe Biden and for the Democratic National Committee from January 1, 2023, to the present.

The letter also seeks all documents and communications involving Authentic Campaigns and the Trump hush-money case. The letter gives her one week to turn the material over to the committee, as part of its "oversight of politically motivated prosecutions by state and local officials."

The letter alleges that Authentic Campaigns earned "over $7 million in compensation" for its work on campaigns involving Harris. The letter doesn't allege that Authentic Campaigns' work for Harris ever overlapped with her father presiding over the hush-money case.

In May of 2023, the New York Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics found that Merchan wasn't compromised by his daughter's political activities, writing, "A relative's independent political activities do not provide a reasonable basis to question the judge's impartiality."

August 1, 2024: This story has been updated to include details of the Jordan letter and its demands on Loren Merchan. This story was updated on August 2, 2024, to add details of the prosecution's response filing.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former President Trump pushed back on Democratic attacks that he and his running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) are weird during a podcast interview Thursday.

Nobodys ever called me weird, Trump said on The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.

Theyre the weird ones, Trump added of Harris and Democrats. Im a lot of things, but weird Im not.

Trump added Vance is not at all weird.

The Republican ticket has faced a relentless line of attack from Democrats over the past week labeling them as weird and not normal, a notable shift from the Biden campaigns focus on Trumps alleged threat to democracy.

Trump said it was Democrats who were weird with their stances on immigration, taxes, transgender rights and elections. The whole thing is weird, he said.

Its all a sound bite, the former president said. And the press picks it up. You notice  the evening news, every one of ems talking, they introduce the word weird, and all of the sudden theyre talking about weird.

No, were not weird people, Trump added. Were actually just the opposite, were right down the middle.

Likely Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Harriss campaign has taken up utilizing weird against Trump and Vance after it was introduced into the national discourse by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), who is reportedly being considered as a potential running mate.

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, its just plain weird. I mean, thats the box you put that in, right? Harris said last weekend at a fundraiser.

Harriss campaign also said in an email last week that the former president is old and quite weird?

In response to the weird attack, Vance has said, It doesnt hurt my feelings.

Look, the price of admission  meaning, the price of getting to serve the people of this country  is the Democrats are going to attack us with everything that they have. I think its an honor, Vance said in a Fox News interview that aired last weekend.

Trump also slung the weird label back at Harris in a recent interview with Fox Newss Laura Ingraham that aired Tuesday.

Listen, this whole thing is a con job. Just plain weird. Do you know who is plain weird? Shes plain weird, he told Ingraham. Shes a weird person. Look at her past. Look at what she does.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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by Mathias Hariyadi

After the Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah accepts President Joko Widodos proposal for religious organisations to run mining projects. Indonesias Catholic Church rejected the offer outright, but critical voices have also emerged in Indonesias Islamic organisations.

Jakarta (Indonesia)  Indonesia's second-largest Islamic organisation has accepted the Indonesian government's proposal to get involved in mining projects.

Muhammadiyah President Haedar Nasir justified the decision after the organisation met in Yogyakarta earlier this week, saying that it would bring "huge financial benefits".

If we were only occupied with our own needs, we would have said no to such decision, he explained, but We are obligated to be compassionate with others.

Nasir noted that the decision was agreed upon by everyone at the meeting, stressing that public prosperity and environmental protection will not be sacrificed.

If the projects are mismanaged, Muhammadiyah will not hesitate to return the Business Management License (IUP), he said.

A moderate organisation, Muhammadiyah is the second religious organisation to accept the offer made by President Joko Widodo, whose mandate expires in October.

A few months ago, the Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia's largest Islamic organization, had also agreed to the proposal.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Indonesia rejected the offer, saying that mining is certainly not the Churchs core business.

Several times President Widodo said that he wants mining profits to be enjoyed by religious groups rather than only provide huge financial benefits to business entities.

Following this argument, Muhammadiyah agreed to get involved in mining projects. Its secretary, Abdul Mu'ti, announced that the licence was accepted based on certain considerations, including the fact that the constitution authorises the exploitation of resources for the benefit of all Indonesians, and that Muhammadiyah had authorised, at an internal meeting, the promotion of economic activities.

This requires cooperation with experienced business groups, while the licence will have a time limit.

The decision did not go unchallenged within Muhammadiyah. Its former president, Busyro Muqoddas, who was not present at the meeting when the proposal was accepted, repeatedly criticised the decision.

It is serious thing to accept the coal mining licence, like a natural disaster," he told media on Tuesday, adding that he wants Indonesians to realise the environmental damage caused by the quest for large profits.

Muqoddas is the current head of the Muhammadiyah's legal and human rights office. In the past, he had pointed out that mining projects violate Indigenous peoples' land rights, from land grabbing.

Conflicts have been reported in Purworejo, a district on Rempang Island, Riau province.

Muqoddas also said that his position was supported by 11 other top Muhammadiyah members, including another former president, Din Syamsuddin.
by Sumon Corraya

After student protest and the harsh repression that cost more than 200 lives, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina bans Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing as terrorist organisations, blaming them for the violence. The party was created by Bangladeshis who fought for Pakistan in the 1971 War of Independence. The true unity for the good of the country remains a challenge.

Dhaka (AsiaNews)  The country's largest Islamist political party, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, together with its student organisation, Islami Chhatrashibir, and all affiliated bodies, have been declared terrorist organisations by the Dhaka government.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the order yesterday under the 2009 anti-terrorism law. The latter follows the wave of protests that broke out over the disputed quota system, sparking clashes that cost the lives of 212 people.

Discussions over the ban went on for days, culminating in the government's decision centred on allegations that the targeted groups were involved in destructive activities, including violence and vandalism during the student quota reform protests.

Jamaat was allied with Pakistan during the 1971 War of Liberation. After independence, the government of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (the father of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina) outlawed the party for abuse of religion, opposition to independence, and participation in genocide.

However, in 1979, the ban was lifted by the government of then President Ziaur Rahman; thereafter, the party has generally aligned itself with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, currently the countrys largest opposition party.

With the new ban, Jamaat "will go underground and try to destroy the nation, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who heads the ruling Bangladesh Awami League, stressing that the Islamist party will have to be treated as a militant organisation.

[W]e must all strive to fight them and protect our people. There will be no shelter for militants on the soil of Bengal, she added.

The prime minister went on to say that the violence linked to the quota reform movement will be thoroughly investigated and the culprits will be brought to justice.

"I want everything to be investigated. Who is behind it, how it happened, and what transpired. For that, I have appealed to the United Nations to send their experts.

If any other country wishes, they can send experts as well. Because I want these incidents to be properly investigated. Action should be taken against whoever is responsible."

Sheikh Hasina was particularly outraged over the case of a policeman killed in the protests whose body was hanged by protesters.

What kind of movement is it to kill and hang people? she asked. "When the demands of the students have been accepted, what is the rationale for continuing the movement?

Christian freedom fighters also expressed their support for the ban imposed on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

This decision ensures the safety and security of the people of Bangladesh and the assets of this country. I support and appreciate the government's action, said Robert R. N. Das, a Christian freedom fighter from Dinajpur, speaking to AsiaNews.

For its part, the Sector Commanders Forum, a body that played a key role in training Bangladeshi forces for more than 50 years, stressed that the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and its student organisation is not the final step.

The agency believes that the joint efforts of the government, mass organisations, and civil society groups are necessary to run the country in a healthy, democratic, and progressive manner, in line with the ideals of the War of Liberation.
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PLA strives for peace and development

08:20, August 02, 2024 By Jiang Chenglong ( China Daily

(File photo) Peace Ark arrives at the Port of Dili, Timor-Leste on September 3, 2023. (Photo/Xinhua)

As the People's Liberation Army celebrates its 97th anniversary, its naval hospital ship Peace Ark is on its 10th Mission Harmony, providing free medical services to people in 13 countries across Asia and Africa. At the same time, nearly 2,000 Chinese military personnel are participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Nearly a century after its founding, the PLA has grown stronger than ever. As Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in his report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC in 2022, the PLA "has the confidence and capability to make greater contributions to world peace and development".

Embarking on missions for peace has always been a distinct feature of the Chinese military.

At the celebration of the PLA's 90th anniversary in 2017, Xi, who is also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said the nation's military will continue to engage in international military exchanges and cooperation, jointly addressing global security challenges and actively fulfilling responsibilities and obligations commensurate with China's international status, thereby contributing to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

At a reception in Beijing on Wednesday to celebrate the anniversary, which fell on Thursday, Defense Minister Dong Jun said that the Chinese military is willing to engage in pragmatic and friendly cooperation with the armed forces of other nations, fostering a security framework characterized by fairness, justice, and joint construction and sharing, and creating a world of lasting peace and universal security.

According to the Defense Ministry, since China first sent five military observers to the UN Truce Supervision Organization in 1990, the Chinese military has dispatched over 50,000 personnel to participate in UN peacekeeping operations in more than 20 countries and regions.

Currently, China is the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and the top contributor of peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, with nearly 2,000 Chinese troops serving in six peacekeeping missions.

Zhao Xiaozhuo, a retired PLA senior colonel, said that engaging in UN peacekeeping missions is an important way for the Chinese military to maintain world peace.

"Chinese peacekeepers are integrated into the UN peacekeeping system and operate under UN command," said Zhao, who served in the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2001 to 2002.

Zhao also noted that China is one of the few countries able to effectively carry out peacekeeping missions, thanks to its strong and comprehensive capabilities.

"Chinese peacekeeping forces undertake a significant amount of frontline work, mainly in security, engineering, transportation and medical units. Therefore, they also contribute to local development by improving infrastructure and medical conditions," he said.

"Our military has become stronger, and we also hope to do our part to make the world a better place," he said.

At the UN peacekeeping summit in 2015, Xi announced six measures that China would take to support these operations. All six measures have been fully implemented, including establishing a peacekeeping standby force of 8,000 troops and offering 20 training programs to over 1,500 peacekeepers from more than 60 countries.

Zhao Lei, deputy director of the International Strategy Research Institute at the CPC's Central Party School, said that peacekeeping is a concrete manifestation of China shouldering its international responsibilities, emphasizing that peacekeeping is China's contribution to the international public good in the security domain.

"Unlike the military forces of the United States, NATO and others, which have indeed caused conflicts and wars in many regions, the PLA soldiers, wearing the UN's blue helmets, carry out peacekeeping missions in conflict areas," he said. "We do not start wars, we stop them."

Furthermore, the expert stressed that the Chinese military's peacekeeping participation is a crucial way for China to support the UN-centered international system and true multilateralism, and is one of the important ways in which China practices the concepts of a community with a shared future for mankind and the Global Security Initiative.

Additionally, the Chinese military practices them in other ways, including sending naval escort task forces to the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters and the Peace Ark hospital ship to provide free medical services to underdeveloped countries.

Peace Ark is currently on a seven-day friendly visit to Madagascar, offering medical services. During this mission, the ship's destinations include 13 countries, including Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola, Djibouti and Sri Lanka.

Peace Ark provided medical services to over 8,000 Tanzanian citizens, and more than 80 operations were carried out on board, including cataract removal and scoliosis correction. A Tanzanian baby was born on the ship with the cooperation of Chinese and Tanzanian military doctors.

The father named the baby Zakhir, which means "steadfastness". He hopes that when his child grows up, he will also become a steadfast defender of peace, according to a report by CCTV News.

According to the Defense Ministry, since it was commissioned in 2008, the ship has conducted humanitarian medical missions overseas multiple times, visiting 46 countries and regions and serving over 290,000 people, and has seen more than 1,700 operations carried out on board.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
2 August 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Azerbaijan and the UAE continue to enhance their relationship, grounded in mutual friendship and respect. Shared values and a foundation of trust underpin their strategic partnership, aligning their common objectives. Following the UAEs successful hosting of COP28 last year, Azerbaijan is set to assume the chairmanship of COP29 this year. Despite both nations being prominent oil and gas producers, they are dedicated to advancing "green" initiatives and investing in renewable energy.

On August 1, a meeting was held in Shusha between Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy and Co-Chairman of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, and Technical Cooperation with the UAE, and Abdulla Bin Toug Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Co-Chairman of the Commission.

During the meeting, the crucial role of political will from the heads of state of both countries in advancing cooperation was emphasized. It was noted that mutual visits and discussions play a significant role in identifying new directions for relations. The activities of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission, which held its 9th meeting in Shusha, the Trade Representation of Azerbaijan in the UAE, and the Azerbaijan Trade House in Dubai are pivotal for enhancing business relations.

The meeting highlighted the substantial potential for further cooperation, emphasizing the need to increase the volume of mutual trade and diversify its structure. Discussions also covered potential investment projects in green energy and tourism, as well as negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Azerbaijan and the UAE. Subsequently, the 9th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, and Technical Cooperation between the governments of Azerbaijan and the UAE took place.

Minister Mikayil Jabbarov remarked that the partnership between Azerbaijan and the UAE has advanced successfully in both governmental and business sectors, with increased trade turnover and positive outcomes from joint initiatives. He outlined the favorable business and investment environment in Azerbaijan, including industrial zones and the Alat Free Economic Zone, and invited UAE investors to leverage these opportunities.

UAE Minister Abdulla Bin Toug Al Marri expressed satisfaction with his visit and the organization of the commissions meeting in Shusha. He noted Azerbaijans significant development and the successful implementation of major energy, transport, and logistics projects. He expressed confidence that ongoing efforts to strengthen multi-sectoral cooperation would foster new joint projects and enhance economic and trade relations.

The parties discussed enhancing the partnership, implementing joint initiatives in green energy and other sectors, and exploring potential cooperation within COP29. They signed a Protocol outlining the results of the 9th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission, which included plans for expanded cooperation in trade and investment, support for SMEs, innovation and digitalization, energy (including green energy), industry, agriculture, food safety, environment, reclamation and water management, transport and logistics, communication and high technologies, science and education, tourism, healthcare, and culture.

Azerbaijans evolving energy policy, which leverages its rich alternative energy resources, increasingly focuses on the development of green energy. Significant collaborative projects between Azerbaijan and the UAE underscore this shift.

In recent years, substantial investments have been directed towards the creation and enhancement of energy infrastructure, with a notable surge in interest in alternative energy sectors. A key milestone was the commencement of operations at the Garadag Solar Power Station (GES) last year, marking the beginning of a new era in Azerbaijan's energy landscape. This station represents the first major foreign-invested energy project in the country, developed in partnership with the UAE's prestigious "Masdar" company.

The Garadag Solar Power Plant, officially inaugurated on October 26, 2023, stands as the largest solar power facility in the Caspian region and the CIS. The plant, constructed with a foreign investment of $262 million, has a capacity of 230 MW. It is expected to produce 500 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, thereby saving 110 million cubic meters of natural gas and reducing carbon emissions by 200,000 tons.

This transition to green energy reflects Azerbaijan's commitment to its environmental obligations, including a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2050 and to establish a zero-emission zone in liberated territories. These initiatives are aligned with the strategic framework outlined in "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities of Socio-Economic Development," which was adopted in February 2021. Among its five national priorities, the focus on a clean environment and green growth sets ambitious goals, and Azerbaijan is making significant progress towards achieving these objectives.

In conclusion, the deepening partnership between Azerbaijan and the UAE exemplifies a robust and evolving strategic relationship built on mutual respect and shared values. Both nations, despite their traditional reliance on oil and gas, are demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing green energy and renewable technologies. The recent meeting in Shusha underscored the importance of political will and collaborative efforts in identifying and pursuing new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

The ongoing initiatives, including the groundbreaking Garadag Solar Power Station, highlight Azerbaijan's dedication to transitioning towards a sustainable energy future and meeting its environmental commitments. The protocol signed during the 9th Joint Intergovernmental Commission meeting further solidifies the commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors. As Azerbaijan prepares to chair COP29, the continued partnership with the UAE promises to drive forward significant advancements in green energy, economic diversification, and mutual growth.

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2 August 2024 10:38 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

This September, the third business forum between Azerbaijan and the Gulf Cooperation Council will be held in Baku, Azernews reports citing the "Construction-Supply Union" LLC under the Ministry of Economy.

According to the information, guests from Manama, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Riyadh are expected to attend the event. As part of the forum, a separate event is planned to be held in the city of Shusha.

Guests will be organized visits to Baku's landmarks, including the Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs' Palace, the National Carpet Museum, and the Heydar Aliyev Center, as well as other scenic regions of the country.

The first business forum between Azerbaijan and the Gulf Cooperation Council was held in 2017.

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2 August 2024 11:02 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

During January-June 2024, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the United States amounted to $436.484 million, Azernews reports.

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2 August 2024 14:38 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

In the first half of 2024, Azerbaijan's non-oil exports to Italy experienced a significant decline, falling by $5.23 million, or 24%, compared to the same period in 2023, Azernews reports.

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2 August 2024 15:43 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

"Azerbaijan has presented Slovenia with a new opportunity to diversify its gas sources."

Azernews reports that Bojan Kumer, Slovenia's Minister of the Environment, Climate, and Energy said this while commenting on the contract signed with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) on the supply of Azerbaijani gas in Ljubljana.

Kumer praised the recent gas agreement with Azerbaijan's State Oil Company (SOCAR), calling it a vital move toward diversifying Slovenias energy portfolio.

In Ljubljana, Kumer expressed optimism that this agreement will lead to successful long-term cooperation between the two companies and countries. He highlighted that this deal ensures a reliable supply of natural gas for Slovenia through the winter.

Kumer also shared that during his visit to Baku on July 17, 2024, he and Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov agreed to explore potential collaborations in areas such as hydrogen, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.

SOCAR began gas deliveries to Slovenia on August 1, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed on July 17 between SOCAR and Geoplin, Slovenia's leading natural gas company, to enhance their gas supply partnership.

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2 August 2024 18:10 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

The Ambassador of Jordan to Azerbaijan, Omar Barakat Al-Nahar, met with the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

The sides exchanged views on the preparations for the upcoming 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The highly anticipated event is set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November this year.

The sides also explored opportunities for further collaboration between Azerbaijan and Jordan in the field of environmental protection.

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a significant international event focused on global climate action and environmental sustainability. The conference brings together representatives from member countries to negotiate and advance efforts to address climate change. This year's COP29 will be hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024.

Azerbaijan, as the host nation, is expected to play a key role in shaping the outcomes of COP29, while Jordan's involvement underscores the broader regional and international interest in effective climate action. The meeting also underscored the significance of fostering cooperation between nations in the field of environmental protection, which is vital for addressing the global climate crisis.

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2 August 2024 13:25 (UTC+04:00)

On August 2, around 11 o'clock, on the 29th kilometre of the Baku-Sumgait highway, a NEOPLAN bus with state registration number 99-JH-667, driven by Huseynov Nazim Kazim on the Baku-Sumgait express route, driven by Yunusov Adil Shamil oglu, collided with an "ISUZU" bus with state registration number 50-DO-539 moving along route number 42, Azernews reports, citing Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

After the collision, the "ISUZU" bus went off the road and overturned, and as a result, one passenger died on the spot, and 18 people were injured.

Traffic police officers were involved in the area, and an investigation is underway.

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2 August 2024 19:45 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Since Azerbaijan liberated Garabagh in 2020, many politicians have criticised Baku and defended Armenia's "rights." For 30 years, these forces ignored the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenians, the destruction of historical, cultural, and religious monuments, the forced displacement of 1 million Azerbaijanis, and the nearly 4,000 missing Azerbaijanis. Now, their defence of Armenia's sovereignty is hypocrisy.

Canada's Pro-Armenian Minister

Melanie Joly, a young Canadian politician and Minister of Foreign Affairs, often makes pro-Armenian statements and threats against Azerbaijan. Recently, after Edmon Marukyan, leader of the Bright Armenia faction, called for the release of Armenian separatists imprisoned in Azerbaijan, Joly also demanded that Azerbaijan respect Armenia's territorial integrity with the same slogan.

In recent communication with the ANCC, Canadas Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Melanie Joly reaffirmed that Canada will continue to press Azerbaijan to engage in good faith with Armenia, resolve the conflict through a negotiated and peaceful political solution by pic.twitter.com/sDxqAwG1zb  ANCC_CNAC (@ancc_cnac) August 1, 2024

Why didn't Melanie Joly demand respect for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity when Armenia occupied Azerbaijani lands, killed thousands of Azerbaijanis, targeted civilians in Ganja and Barda during the Second Garabagh War, and used prohibited Iskander missiles?

These actions show that the Canadian minister's double standards are driven by political interests rather than human rights and justice. In 2023, as a result of Azerbaijan's local anti-terror operations, separatist elements trying to create a so-called state on Azerbaijani lands were neutralised and brought to Baku. Although it is Azerbaijan's right to arrest these separatists, many pro-Armenian forces have had the audacity to demand the release of the so-called state's so-called leaders.

However, the imprisonment of these criminals in Azerbaijan is better than the fate of Azerbaijanis captured during the First Garabagh War. Thousands of Azerbaijani citizens were taken prisoner by Armenians, and the Armenian leadership not only refused to return the captives but also rejected demands for information about their fate.

One such prisoner is Azerbaijan's National Hero Natig Gasimov, who fought alone against dozens of Armenians in Khojaly. During his interrogation by Armenians, Italian photographer Enrico Sarsini filmed the process, showing the criminal Vitali Balasanyan among the Armenians. Years later, Balasanyan denied these facts and refused to provide information about Natig.

The fate of many Azerbaijanis, like Natig, remains unknown. The Armenian side should provide information about the captives and, if known, hand over their remains to Azerbaijan. While so many crimes against Azerbaijan have gone unpunished, demanding the release of Armenian criminals rightly imprisoned by Azerbaijan is unacceptable. It should be noted that Azerbaijan treats these aggressive and brutal separatists with maximum humanity, paying special attention to their health and living conditions.

Canada's and Other Western Countries' Interests in the South Caucasus

The primary goal of countries that ignore regional events and defend Armenia's policies is clear: to establish influence in the South Caucasus. It is no secret that the administration of Nikol Pashinyan has the weakest leadership in the South Caucasus region. Yerevan is easily manipulated and being used by other states. Countries like Canada, which aim to gain influence in a significant region like the South Caucasus, periodically defend Armenian interests on social media to win Yerevan's favour. Controlling Armenia is as easy as it is beneficial. The South Caucasus is a geography rich in oil and gas fields and transit routes connecting Russia, Turkiye, and Iran. Undoubtedly, states that want to reduce Russian influence in the region and develop by using the region's natural resources know that the easiest way to enter the South Caucasus is through Armenia.

Armenia as the Weak Point in the South Caucasus

Currently, the campaign to defend Armenian interests and Europeanize Armenians is being used to increase Western influence in Georgia. However, after the Georgian scenario failed, all attention turned to Armenia, making Yerevan suddenly the West's favourite state in need of help. However, the 44-day Patriotic War showed that the support the West provided to Armenia remained mere words, and the Armenian army couldn't withstand the Azerbaijani army for even three months. These facts indicate that the pro-Armenian ideas of politicians like Melanie Joly are only visible on social media, dragging Yerevan into an abyss and creating tension in the region.

Will the Western Alliance Sanction Azerbaijan?

Calls and demands addressed to Azerbaijan regarding Armenia sometimes include threats of sanctions. Some foreign forces seem to understand that Azerbaijan is not as easy to control and influence as they deal with Armenia. But they try to intimidate Baku with sanctions to break the will of the people and create panic. However, the reality is the opposite. Countries like Hungary, Italy, and the United Kingdom are interested in developing and strengthening their relations with Azerbaijan. In addition to its significant transit potential, Azerbaijan possesses the cleanest oil in the Caucasus. Especially when relations with Russia are strained, damaging ties with Azerbaijan is not an option for European countries. Therefore, politicians like Melanie Joly, who dare to speak on behalf of the entire world and threaten Azerbaijan, put themselves in a pitiful and ridiculous position. It is regrettable that someone lacking knowledge of history and geography can be the Foreign Minister of a country like Canada.

What Will Azerbaijan's Response Be?

Until now, countries supporting Armenia's unjust and baseless claims have had criminal pasts like Armenia itself. Both before and after the Second Garabagh War, threats and warnings against Baku have been made. Azerbaijan does not take these baseless accusations seriously. Currently, ongoing reconstruction work in Garabagh and preparations for COP29 are more important than meaningless Armenian fantasies.

It should be noted that the COP29 summit to be held in Azerbaijan this November is a testament to Baku's sustainable development and regional significance. The Armenian side responds to peace calls by creating provocations at the border, trying to provoke Azerbaijan and portray itself as a victim again, thus creating tension in the region ahead of the COP29 event. However, the Azerbaijani leadership has long predicted the plans Armenia is now contemplating and executing. Undoubtedly, any step by Armenia that hinders peace and regional stability will receive the appropriate response.

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2 August 2024 15:21 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

In the next stage, the relocation of Lachin residents to the village of Gulabird will begin. The relocation to the village will take place in the second half of this year, Azernews reports, citing Masim Mammadov, the special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Lachin district, as he told at the official opening ceremony of the 5th Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth "Youth for a Green World" held in the district.

The President's special representative stated that construction will also begin in the villages of Qorchu, Shelva, Arikli, and others.

"Lachin is the district that was under occupation for the longest time. Currently, Lachin has turned into a paradise. On May 28 last year, the first residents returned to Lachin. More than two thousand residents have settled in Lachin city, and over a thousand in Zabux and Sus. The relocation process will continue from now on," he said.

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2 August 2024 15:01 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

A mine explosion occurred in the village of Qzlhacl in the Qazax district, Azernews reports, citing the joint statement released by Prosecutor General's Office, the State Border Service, and the Mine Action Agency (ANAMA).

It was reported that on August 2, in the village of Qzlhacl in the Qazax district, which was returned to our country based on the agreement reached on April 19, 2024, regarding the delimitation of the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, mines planted by Armenia exploded.

"As a result of the incident, State Border Service (DSX) military officer Sergeant Khayal Adinagulu oglu Ahadli and employee of the Mine Clearance Agency Afiq Mushviq oglu Mehdizade had their feet amputated from the ankle.

Employees of the Agency, Elchin Ilham Alakbarov and Yaver Geray Mirzayev, sustained shrapnel wounds.

It was noted that currently, employees of the Shamkir military and Qazax district prosecutor's offices are inspecting the scene with the participation of a forensic expert, and other necessary procedural actions are being carried out. An investigation is being conducted by the prosecutor's office regarding the incident.

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2 August 2024 19:16 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

For the first time, the Philippines and Japan conducted joint exercises in the South China Sea (SCM) in order to strengthen regional cooperation, Azernews reports.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines, represented by the Naval Forces (Navy), and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces conducted the first joint operation in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) on August 2, 2024. This event was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation in order to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region," the message reads.

On July 8, the Philippines and Japan signed a defense cooperation agreement, under which Filipino and Japanese military personnel will be able to interact and share experiences on the territory of their countries.

Philippine media have noted that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. openly advocates that the Japanese military take part in the major annual Balikatan military exercises next year. This year, the maneuvers took place from April 22 to May 10, involving about 11 thousand American and about 5 thousand Filipino troops, as well as several hundred Australian and French military personnel.

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2 August 2024 20:05 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

In January-June 2024, exports of automotive products from Turkiye to Georgia decreased by 17.8 percent compared to the same period last year and amounted to 71.9 million dollars, Azernews reports.

"In June of this year, Turkiye exported $9.5 million worth of automotive products to Georgia, which is 17.3 percent less than in June last year," the ministry said in a statement.

It should be noted that in January-June 2024, exports of Turkish automotive industry products increased by 2.3 percent compared to the same period last year and amounted to $ 17 billion.

"In June of this year, Turkiye exported $2.6 billion worth of automotive products, which is 12.4 percent less than in June last year," the ministry said in a statement.

It was noted that over the past 12 months (June 2023-June 2024), Turkiye exported $35.4 billion worth of automotive products.

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Twists, Turns of Construction History of Astoria-Megler Bridge, Longest Oregon Coast Landmark

Published 7/31/24 at 6:25 a.m.

By Andre' GW Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection

(Astoria, Oregon)  This week quietly saw a bit of a landmark in Oregon coast history: the Astoria-Megler Bridge got a little further into middle age. It was on July 29, 1966 the bridge was opened, albeit rather unofficially. The dedication and official opening happened August 27, but local traffic just could not wait. So the bridge technically turned 58 this week. (Above: the bridge in the '90s)

Creating, constructing and history of the Astoria-Megler Bridge have all managed to have their dramatic moments.

For almost the first 100 years of Astoria, the little fort-turned-commerce hub relied on boats to get across to the other side of the Columbia River. Then in 1921, ferries started making the run. That was often no picnic, either, and there is some newspaper documentation of ferries getting grounded by low tides en route. As traffic along the Oregon coast and Washington coast picked up, the years leading up to the completion of the bridge saw the wait for ferries skyrocket to four hours sometimes. Astoria-Megler Bridge Facts, Virtual Tour

Astoria's Senator Dan Theil spearheaded getting legislation through to create the bridge in '61, though some called it a bridge to nowhere because of where it ended up on the Washington coast. Then it was Mark O. Hatfield who broke ground on the project on August 6, 1962. Estimated completion date: the middle of '65. The DeLong Corporation of NY was awarded the $7.8 million contracting job. Things took an interesting turn with that.

Funding came from both Washington State and Oregon.

In July of 1963, the history of the Astoria-Megler Bridge's construction entered a new, second phase, with the 22 piers that hold up the span still be placed. The ramp on the Astoria side was getting started, but a lumber strike delayed some of that work as not enough wood had been found to do what is termed the false work that holds up the ramp. That delay was not long, however.

In September of that year, officials almost changed the name to honor explorer Robert Gray  a twist in the bridge's history. The Joint Legislative Committee on Highways from both states proposed the bridge not be called Astoria-Megler (which it had already had been referred to as), but instead the Robert Gray Memorial Bridge. The Daughters of the American Revolution had suggested that, and a democratic Senator from South Bend called for a resolution to be considered.

History shows that clearly never solidified.

In April of '64, the State Highway Commission of Oregon canceled the DeLong company's contract, citing a lawsuit in which the company claimed Oregon had provided incorrect specs, resulting in delays. DeLong said the state had made faulty test borings in the river bed and that water had scoured beneath the footings to Pier 169 in the middle of the river, according to the Corvallis Gazette-Times on April 7, '64. This was only a year before the historic Astoria-Megler Bridge was set to be done. At that time, the Highway Department could no longer give a completion date.



Constructing the bridge / Clatsop County Historical Society

By at least July of that year, work had definitely resumed  and apparently by the Raymond International Corp. A July 14 article in the Capital Journal shows members of the Oregon Highway Commission inspecting the work and now calling the Astoria-Megler Bridge a $24 million-dollar project. The towers for the bridge rose 16 stories above the waters of the Oregon / Washington coast, created by U.S. Steel's American Bridge Division.

The Raymond company got itself an extension to finish the bridge at one point.

November of '64 saw high winds set a 345-foot crane wandering off into the Columbia River. Newspaper coverage on November 28 said American Bridge Division work crews were off duty for the Thanksgiving holiday at the time.

The Knappton Towboat Co. sent out three tugs to rescue the wayward crane, yanking it out of a pile of logs in the river. Luckily, it wasn't really needed for awhile so it sat at Tongue Point until early in '65.



Constructing the bridge as the Youngs Bay Bridge opens / Clatsop County Historical Society

July 29, 1966 saw the opening of the Astoria-Megler Bridge and construction almost finished. Some took the ferry to the other side the day before and spent the night, just so they could be among the first going over the nation's longest continuous truss bridge. Victor Watson of Astoria was the first to pay the $1.50 toll.

Oh yeah, that was a big part of this bridge until 1993: it was a toll bridge in order to fund its creation. Nearly 30 years later that was paid off.



Constructing the bridge / Clatsop County Historical Society

Ferry traffic was under quite a strain that summer because of low tides, so Oregon officials opened the bridge early. On that first day in '66, pilot cars led traffic both ways, and ferryboats still ran as well. The bridge reportedly outpaced the boats for traffic by a long shot. In fact, by late morning some 400 had already crossed the bridge.

It was officially dedicated almost a month later.

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UPDATE: Man Sought for Running Over Dozens of Gulls on Washington Coast

Published 7/31/24 at 4:55 p.m.

By Andre' GW Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection

(Long Beach, Washington)  UPDATES: LATEST ON INVESTIGATION, PENALTIES --- A man visiting the Washington coast is being sought by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police after intentionally killing at least 25 gulls in the Klipsan area. (Photos WDFW Click to see uncensored photo)

Witness photos of the vehicle are brutal and difficult to look at: the corpses of two gulls are stuck to the California man's grill.

Various people on the beach reported the incident on Saturday, July 27, according to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police (WDFWP). Authorities say he was driving a silver four door Jeep Cherokee approximately 1.7 miles south of the Klipsan Beach approach outside of Long Beach in Pacific County.

Oregon Coast / Washington Coast Terminology Reminder: it is gulls and not seagulls.

The man reportedly went right through a flock of gulls. It happened about 8 p.m.

An update from Becky Elder, Washington State Fish and Wildlife:

As this is a pending investigation, we are unable to confirm an identity at this time. What I can provide is we have received a wealth of information and photos from the public that will assist us in developing a final case for the Pacific County Prosecutors Office. The alleged individual will be notified once charges are filed. Those may be filed as early as next week.

Under the law this is a case of animal cruelty. Among the possible penalties for the killing of the seagulls is ten years in jail and a $20,000 fine.

It is unlikely we will pursue any type of charges for the near miss of the pedestrians, other than perhaps a form of reckless driving, Elder told Oregon Coast Beach Connection.



Click to see uncensored photo

The same Jeep nearly struck two subjects walking their dogs on the beach, WDFWP said. Multiple witnesses came forward including three that stopped the vehicle, photographing it and the driver. Efforts to save the few birds remaining alive failed.

For now, the man has not been identified publicly by the WDFWP, but it has shared the photos of him.

WDFW police have identified the driver thanks to these community members and officers are currently attempting to contact the man who is believed to be living out of State, the agency said.





WDFW is still seeking more information from any witnesses who were there, hoping to find more on the person of interest or the vehicle. Contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police at (877) 933-9847, online, or text WDFWTIP at TIP411 (847411).

Also see What You're Doing Wrong with Birds on the Oregon Coast  and why you should not feed birds.

Washington law protects gulls as well as numerous other wildlife. Legal protection includes:

All birds not classified as game birds, predatory birds or endangered species, or designated as threatened species or sensitive species; all bats, except when found in or immediately adjacent to a dwelling or other occupied building; mammals of the order Cetacea, including whales, porpoises, and mammals of the order Pinnipedia not otherwise classified as endangered species, or designated as threatened species or sensitive species.

In 2014, central Oregon coast authorities found a few gulls shot through the head with darts. This occurred in the Newport area and soon involved federal authorities. Sightings of this unusual cruelty started six months prior, earlier in the year, and then disappeared for a while. It's unclear if that case was ever solved.

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Recent events concerning Chocowinity EMS have residents confused about EMS service in the area. Let me assure you, if you are injured or sick, EMS will still come to you.

What Chocowinity EMS has stopped doing is the transportation of patients to doctors offices or appointments. Emergency Medical Services is just that, for emergencies. Transports are not emergencies and are still available from multiple for-profit organizations in the county.

Several years ago Chocowinity EMS decided to get into the transport business. As a result the Town of Chocowinity took over EMS and it no longer was a non-profit organization. The Town took over billing, which the county could and would have done, which reduced the footprint of the area that Medicare uses to determine rates for billing.

Payments from the County under consolidated billing include a monthly portion of the district tax money, emergency transport billing (which Chocowinity doesnt get because they withdrew from the system) and Medicare cost settlement money. With the Town of Chocowinity taking over, the funds available to Chocowinity EMS was very limited. Medicare costs settlement money can take up to three years to get paid. If you have ever dealt with insurance you know how hard it is to get them to pay for something and sometimes the paperwork has to be sent multiple times.

With the county putting a full-time unit at Blounts Creek this reduced the tax portion to Chocowinity EMS by around $100,000. Billing for Chocowinity EMS was reduced because their service area is smaller. If the County were doing the billing it would be larger.

Captain Derrick Myers appeared before the County Commissioners and asked to be brought back into the consolidated billing. This will not be happening anytime soon. The Commissioners feel that audits of Town of Chocowinity financial records need to be completed. This is under way but will take some time, maybe even years.

Chocowinity EMS is still here to serve the community and deserves your support. The Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services is responding to the Blounts Creek area. And as usual, mutual aid response continues by all departments. There is no telling where you will see Chocowinity EMS and I have had them come to the area I live in west of Washington. If you need non-emergency transportation to an appointment there are still businesses that can do that for you.

I was asked this week by someone what was going on with Chocowinity EMS as they were confused. Hopefully this letter will make you aware and better informed. Feel free to contact me for more information or about anything else going on in the community.
Midland-based MyMichigan Health has finalized the acquisition of several Michigan-based Ascension facilities, including a Saginaw-based ASC and a Tawas-based surgery center, according to an Aug. 1 report from the Detroit Free Press.

The deal was originally announced in March and is the second recent deal that Ascension has made with a health system to sell off some of its Michigan facilities.

In October, Ascension struck a deal with Detroit-based Henry Ford Health in which Ascension agreed to hand over eight Michigan and Genesys hospitals to Henry Ford. The deal has taken longer to finalize than initially expected and is on track to close sometime in the fall.

It is unclear whether MyMichigan Health paid any money for the Ascension hospitals, and the terms of the deal are confidential, according to the report.

MyMichigan does not anticipate any job losses or facility closures with the Ascension acquisition.
Columbus (Neb.) Surgery Center has rolled out a new digitally assisted cataract surgery system, News Channel Nebraska Central reported Aug. 1.

Ngenuity, the digitally assisted program, both enhances the way the surgery is performed and allows for the surgeon to be more comfortable. By attaching a camera to the microscope itself, the surgeon is able to sit straight up and perform the procedure through a 3D screen.

It is a very capable system, allowing us to sit more ergonomically by not putting as much wear and tear on the surgeon, said Patrick Kelley, MD, ophthalmologist at Columbus Surgery Center. Yet, we can still maintain high surgical professionalism and exceptionalism.

The new technology was funded by the Columbus Community Hospital Foundation. Ngenuity is also used at facilities in Lincoln and Omaha, Neb.
Clearwater, Fla.-based BayCare Health System received approval on Aug. 1 from the Hillsborough Industrial Development Authority for a $1.9 billion bond to advance care across west central Florida.

"BayCare has a long, successful history of using tax-exempt bond financing to ensure we are meeting the needs of our communities," a spokesperson for BayCare said in an Aug. 1 statement shared with Becker's.

Of the $1.9 billion funding, $572 million will be used to construct a 154-bed hospital in Manatee County, Fla., which is expected to break ground in October, Tampa Bay Business Journal reported Aug. 1.

Over the next three years, the bond will be issued in a single or multiple series. The first series should be issued over the next year, the publication said.

Here are 12 additional plans for the approved bond, per the Biz Journal:

1. The funding will go toward a new $338 million freestanding facility for Tampa, Fla.-based St. Joseph's Children's Hospital and St. Joseph's Women's Hospital campuses.

2. Up to $305 million will be dedicated toward supporting the demolition of Plant City, Fla.-based South Florida Baptist Hospital and development of a 146-bed new hospital that is set to open in August. Hospital construction cost is around $326 million.

3. Around $327.2 million will go toward five bonds that BayCare issued between 2009 and 2020.

4. From the funding, $162 million will go toward funding BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel (Fla.), an 86-bed hospital BayCare opened last year.

5. The plan includes $146 million toward the construction of an intensive care unit and emergency department at Bartow (Fla.) Regional Medical Center.

6. St. Petersburg, Fla.-based St. Anthony's Hospital will get $126 million from the bond for renovations and construction of several new buildings, such as an expanded patient emergency department, a new 90-bed patient tower and new generator.

7. Clearwater, Fla.-based Morton Plant Hospital campus will receive $76 million for new equipment and renovations.

8. Safety Harbor, Fla.-based Mease Countryside Hospital campus will receive $56 million for renovation and construction of multiple buildings.

9. Mease Dunedin (Fla.) Hospital campus will get $43 million in new equipment and renovations.

10. New Port Richey, Fla.-based Morton Plant North Bay Hospital campus will get $38 million for renovations and new equipment.

11. Lutz, Fla.-based St. Joseph's Hospital North campus will receive $26 million for new equipment and renovations.

12. Riverview, Fla.-based St. Joseph's Hospital South Campus will get $22 million for new equipment and renovations.






The University of Texas Medical Branch's recent MAP Award win is a testament to the great work its revenue cycle has done to keep pace with the growth of the health system, CFO Jamie Bailey told Becker's.

The Galveston-based system was one of 17 providers to receive the Healthcare Financial Management Association's 2024 MAP Award for high performance in revenue cycle. It was one of four integrated health systems to receive the award.

The MAP Award recognizes providers that have excelled in meeting industry standard revenue cycle benchmarks, implemented best practices embodied in HFMA's Healthcare Dollars & Sense initiatives, focused their efforts on improving price transparency, and achieved outstanding patient satisfaction. Recipients are also industry leaders and share proven strategies with their colleagues.

"I think one of the major keys to having a high-performing revenue cycle is the relationship between revenue cycle and operations," Mr. Bailey said. "A lot of things get termed with 'these are revenue cycle functions' or this is a 'revenue cycle issue.' However, many of the things that the revenue cycle function itself is actually working through are operational issues that matriculate down into revenue cycle."

Without a great relationship with the clinical operators and physician leadership, there's only so much a revenue cycle team can do, he said.

"Whether or not that's looking at prior authorization, patient scheduling, those are operational things that need to be streamlined in order for the back-end revenue cycle function to work appropriately," he said. "That's where I feel like we've done a fantastic job. Our VP of revenue cycle, Emily Goertz, has a great relationship with our mission and the clinical operators and that has helped tremendously."

The importance of building relationships is something Mr. Bailey learned from his previous role as CFO of Houston-based Baylor College of Medicine. He joined UTMB in April as executive vice president and CFO.

Mr. Bailey said he views those performing finance functions as customer service providers. Working with customers  whether internal or external  revolves around their relationship with their missions: patient care, research, education, etc.

"We are only going to be as good as our relationship with the missions," he said. "I tasked our team with being customer service providers. I learned a lot of that at Baylor College of Medicine. That was my first academic medical center experience. The physicians, the faculty, the researchers, they drive everything. They're really the operations."

Having those relationships is important to explaining financial dynamics and how to make the best financial business decisions, he said.

"That's been the biggest thing for me: building relationships and making sure people understand where we're coming from and what we're aiming to accomplish."
City officials in Xenia, Ohio, have proposed to acquire Kettering Health Greene Memorial hospital, claiming Kettering Health has cut services and drained resources from the hospital over the past decade, according to an Aug. 1 report from Dayton Daily News.

The news outlet obtained a letter city officials sent to Kettering Health CEO Mike Gentry in June, outlining an "exit ramp" in which Kettering would relay ownership of Greene Memorial to Xenia. The city would intend to work with a third party to maintain the 49-bed facility and provide healthcare services.

The officials claim Kettering has drastically cut services and resources at the hospital since it opened Soin Hospital in 2012. That facility is about 11 miles northwest of Greene Memorial and was estimated to be worth nearly $32 million, according to county records cited by the news outlet.

Since Soin Hospital opened, Greene Memorial, "has seen a systematic decrease in staffing, reduction of services and general decline in condition. Closure of the surgery center, removal of inpatient psych services, elimination of labor and delivery unit, and other reductions have left an empty shell of a facility," Xenia mayor Sarah Mays and city manager Brent Merriman wrote in the letter.

In a statement to Becker's, Kettering Health said, "We will communicate any plans for the future at the appropriate time as we continue to assess community needs and the realities of an evolving healthcare landscape."

"As always, we will keep lines of communication open with local leaders and collaborate to understand their perspectives, concerns, and how we can best serve the community going forward," the health system said.

The letter referenced a meeting in May between city officials and Kettering Health in which Kettering reportedly proposed plans to construct a stand-alone emergency department in place of the hospital, which city officials say would further reduce the region's access to healthcare services.

Mr. Gentry met with Xenia officials after receiving the letter, though no firm decisions were made on future plans for the facility.
There has been an uptick in patients being treated for eating disorders who are abusing GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy, according to research published Aug. 1 in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Two separate studies  one focusing on semaglutide misuse in patients with atypical anorexia nervosa, the other on GLP-1 weight loss drug use in patients with bipolar disorder or eating disorders  "alert clinicians of the importance of reviewing patients and medical and psychiatric histories, being attuned to patient histories of weight fluctuations, and screening for eating dysregulation when prescribing weight-loss approved medications," authors wrote.

In one study, a patient with anorexia who misused semaglutide lost 40 pounds in nine months. In the other study, researchers found that among patients given liraglutide, "recipients had higher levels of binge-eating and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol," according to the results.

An increasing number of physicians are seeing these patients come into their offices, they told NBC, and in many cases they don't have to have an eating disorder before taking the medication to develop one while on it.

"The reports of eating disorders associated with these drugs raise concern and emphasize the need for independent analysis of the data," Rita Redberg, a cardiologist and professor at the University of California, San Francisco, told NBC. "We should have robust and publicly available data on the risks and benefits."

In March, the Collaborative of Eating Disorders called for more attention to this area of concern.

"The use of GLP-1s in pursuit of weight loss can increase the risk for developing an eating disorder, contribute to relapse for those who have previously struggled, and exacerbate the symptomatology in individuals who are currently struggling," the group wrote, urging healthcare providers to join the conversation and do more on their part as well.

Drugmakers of the GLP-1's, like Novo Nordisk, told NBC they "trust that healthcare providers are evaluating a patient's individual needs in determining which medicine is right for that patient."
Jerry Penner, president and CEO of Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Ky., is retiring next year.

Mr. Penner will step down March 31 after 14 years of service, according to a hospital news release. He joined Murray-Calloway County Hospital as CEO in April 2011.

Under his leadership, the hospital added new providers and service lines, acquired new physician practices and led the building and fundraising efforts for the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, the release said.

Before joining Murray-Calloway County Hospital, Mr. Penner served as the CEO of the U.S. Army's Madigan Healthcare System at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.






Bill Bridges was appointed CEO of Houston, Mo.-based Texas County Memorial Hospital on July 30 after serving as interim CEO since February.

Mr. Bridges has 33 years of experience at the hospital, previously serving as director of emergency medical services, according to an Aug. 1 news release from Texas County Memorial.

Mr. Bridges began leading the hospital on an interim basis after its board voted to remove CEO Stace Holland. Mr. Holland reportedly terminated the hospital's CFO of nearly 30 years, Linda Pamperien. After the board voted to end Mr. Holland's tenure, Ms. Pamperien was reinstated in the CFO role, a hospital spokesperson told Becker's in February.
A growing number of health systems are adding advanced practice providers to their executive teams as the sector sees significant job growth.

According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioner is the fastest-growing occupation in the country, with employment in the profession expected to grow 46% by 2031. Physician assistant employment is also slated to increase nearly 30% in the same time period, placing it among the nation's 20 fastest-growing occupations.

Over the past several months, at least four health systems have created executive APP positions or added them to their leadership structures. Most recently, Cleveland Clinic named Melissa Stoudmire, MSN, APRN, as its first vice president of advanced practice providers.

Ms. Stoudmire stepped into the role Aug. 1 and will lead more than 3,600 PAs, NPs, clinical nurse specialists, certified midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists and certified anesthesiologist assistants. The creation of the position comes after years of consistent APP employment growth at the system, which has tripled in the past decade, Meredith Foxx, MSN, APRN, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Cleveland Clinic, told Becker's.

"The value of an executive level APP leader includes a standardized reporting structure of APRN/PAs to ensure APPs are practicing at the top of their license in a positive work environment with a focus on practice, productivity, recruitment and onboarding, annual performance reviews, and quality and compliance," she said.

In June, Lewes, Del.-based Beebe Healthcare selected Amanda Connoyer, DNP, APRN, as its first chief advanced practice clinician to oversee the system's 200 APPs. The addition of the role aligns with the health system's shift to a triadic clinical leadership model that includes a physician-in-chief, a surgeon-in-chief and chief advanced practice clinician.

"Advanced practitioners are key drivers and developers of aspects of quality within our system, and that's a key reason for the elevation and recognition of this leadership role," Paul Sierzenski, MD, senior vice president and chief physician executive at Beebe, told Becker's.

Meanwhile, Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tenn., is adding advanced practice practitioners to its segment leadership teams  a change announced in July.

Under the previous model, a triad model led each of the hospital's segments: surgery, medicine, obstetrics, and heart/neuroscience. Each segment was led by an associate nursing officer, associate operating officer and associate chief of staff, whereas the new model incorporates APPs into each of the segments. The APP leaders will report to a senior director of advanced practice  a position that is still open  who will report up to VUH's chief nursing officer.

"Advanced practice practitioners are key to the work that we do," Robin Steaban, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer at the hospital, said in a news release. "They have a unique perspective of patient care, and these leadership roles give them a seat at the table to share their expertise and perspectives to influence our performance."
More spine surgeons are embracing cross-departmental collaboration. Four physicians discuss strategies to make the most of that teamwork.

Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity.

Question: What are the best practices for spine surgeons when working with other specialists to optimize patient care?

Rachel Bratescu, MD. George Washington University (Washington, D.C.): Some of the most important factors for spine surgeons when working on an interdisciplinary team include fostering an environment of open communication without judgment and a shared common goal. In order to provide the highest level of care providers need to maintain a level of respect for their colleagues' expertise and be mindfully open to advice and constructive criticism.

Creating this type of environment requires both thought and intentional action. Many hospitals/programs have had success implementing regular multidisciplinary conferences where providers from different specialties such as pain management, spine surgery, physiatry and radiology for example come together to review imaging and/or discuss mutual patients. From an organizational planning standpoint, it can also be incredibly helpful in terms of continuity of care and collaboration for providers from the specialties above, for example, to be housed in the same office space creating what is known as a 'Comprehensive Spine Center'. This is a model that has been implemented by a number of successful programs across the country.

Brian Fiani, DO. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic & Spine Specialists (West Bloomfield, Mich.): Effective collaboration among spine surgeons and other specialists is crucial for optimizing patient care. Best practices include establishing clear communication channels to facilitate information sharing, conducting multidisciplinary case reviews to incorporate diverse expertise, and developing tailored treatment plans that address all aspects of the patient's condition. Regular team meetings can help identify potential complications and streamline patient management. Additionally, fostering respectful relationships and mutual understanding of each specialist's role enhances cooperation. Utilizing shared electronic health records ensures everyone is informed of the patient's progress, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Lali Sekhon, MD, PhD. Spine Surgeon at Reno (Nev.) Orthopedic Center: Courtesy and collegiality. Make it as easy as you can for your colleagues. I work around my exposure surgeons' schedule. With trauma patients I communicate directly with trauma surgeons plans/changes in plans/return to OR so there are no surprises.

Vijay Yanamadala, MD. Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare: Working as part of a multidisciplinary clinic model where the entire spectrum of spine care is represented can often help us as spine surgeons deliver the best care to our patients. When we developed the Hartford Healthcare Spine Wellness Center, we brought together physiatrists, pain interventionists, spine surgeons, neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and acupuncturists under the same roof. We often triage patients to each other on the same day based on their needs and can also coordinate a multidisciplinary discussion real time when there are potentially multiple treatment options for a given patient. This allows us to afford more efficient care to our patients, but more importantly, it helps us consider all options before presenting a recommendation.
Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, who was recently named chief medical officer of Hospital for Special Surgery's Florida division, wants to prioritize a consistent culture across the system's Northeast and Southern presences.

Dr. Qureshi, who is also co-chief of HSS Spine, spoke with Becker's about his vision for HSS Florida's future.

Note: This conversation was lightly edited for clarity.

Question: What are your top goals going into your new role?

Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi: Florida's a really important part of the future of our organization as a whole. And as HHS has grown, the thought was that that role currently fell under the role of the surgeon in chief. But there's so many responsibilities that the surgeon in chief at HSS has that there's been a delegation of some of these roles.

There's an opportunity to work closely with our CEO in Florida and just think about an important part of the future of the organization. And our goal is really to help improve connectivity and help improve some of our processes to make sure that we are able to deliver the same quality of care throughout the organization. What's amazing is we have really amazing doctors, and just making Florida feel like it is an extension of the main campus is really, I think, the primary role for me.

Q: What goes into that process of making HSS Florida feel like HHS based in New York? What are big challenges?

SQ: The biggest challenge whenever organizations grow, especially geographically, is how to maintain the culture? The most important thing that we're starting with there is that we have really great doctors. We have amazing people in leadership positions there both from the medical side and with regards to our executive team. One of the things that we have put importance on for a variety of reasons is really making sure that the service chiefs in New York, who are responsible for recruitment and service growth there also have a really significant role in recruitment and growth in Florida, and tying that with the needs of the locals. I think everybody's got a great attitude about it. Everybody's on the same page, so I'm really optimistic. My part in that is making sure that I'm communicating the needs of our team in Florida to make sure that they have the resources available that they need for the work.

Q: Are there any other office expansions you can talk about yet?

SQ: West Palm Beach is our anchor on the east coast of Florida and that's been open since 2020. We have a partnership there through an ambulatory surgery center and a hospital so we're able to provide both inpatient and outpatient care there, and we have a really strong team. Our venture that we're building right now is on the west coast in Naples, which is a joint venture with Naples Community Hospital, which will also have the ability to imprint our quality and our processes, both on the inpatient and outpatient side.

Q: What do you think makes Florida particularly ripe for orthopedic growth?

SQ: Florida in general is, from a demographic perspective, a really fast-growing state. Historically, I think Florida has been thought of as primarily a place where you go and you retire. Since the pandemic, the demographics in Florida have changed a lot, and it was a natural extension for us because a lot of the people that really care about HHS or closely involved with HHS happen to spend a lot of time in Florida as well. That's not a reason to necessarily expand somewhere, but certainly I think leveraging that made the opportunity even more attractive. Ultimately in terms of what we do  being able to go into a market that I think is still considered to be somewhat fragmented when it comes to orthopedic care and trying to deliver a map around how to elevate quality by providing something at scale across the state was the real opportunity that we saw.

Q: How are you thinking about competition with other orthopedic groups in the state?

SQ: My perspective on it has always been that it's always better to work together than to try to be in competition. I think we can learn a lot from other groups both on what they've done right and what they've felt in retrospect that they could do better. Whenever we go into a new place we're not coming in with an arrogance of: "We know how to do it, and we can do it better." We're really coming in from a place of: "Here's what we think we could bring in terms of our value and based on what the environment is that we're entering." We understand that there's a lot of really good physicians working really hard at providing good care, and we just want to be a part of that.
Spine surgeon Kingsley Chin, MD, has published a book about entrepreneurship, according to a July 31 news release.

The book, Prove Yourself: 12 Essential Keys to Rise in Business and Life, addresses the gap in business education for physicians and details Dr. Chin's own experiences as CEO of KIC Ventures. His book also shows physicians how they can expand their work and go into entrepreneurship.

Dr. Chin has more than 30 years of experience as a healthcare leader.
Michelle Dela Cruz of 2 Taps Winebar wowed judges, including Irish celebrity and Michelin star head chef Dylan McGrath, when she took part in a live cookery showdown at the Balmoral Hotel in the grand final of the prestigious not-for-profit culinary competition.

She went head-to-head with Nathan Cox from The Artisan Cookhouse in Downpatrick and Rio Rissky from Radisson Blu St Helen's Hotel in Dublin to claim the title.

Ms Dela Cruz will now embark on a mentorship at a two-star Michelin-starred restaurant of their choice; Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London or Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen in Dublin.

The three who made it to the final live cookery showdown fought off competition from 24 others from across the island who took part in a series of culinary challenges in a bid to be selected for the grand final.

Each of the finalists was tasked with putting their culinary skills and creativity to the test by crafting a signature three-course meal in a thrilling culinary cook-off aimed at showcasing their distinct cooking styles to the esteemed judging panel.

Michelle Dela Cruzs Filipino-inspired three-course menu, which blended unique flavours and innovative techniques, dazzled the esteemed judges who included 2023 Great British Menu contestant Kerry Roper, and the Belfast Telegraph restaurant critic and BBC's Farm to Feast judge Joris Minne.

Her starter featured langoustines in pumpkin bisque, okra tempura, pickled daikon, and onion ash. For the main course, Michelle expertly prepared an exquisite pork belly kare kare, accompanied by pak choi, grilled aubergine, and bagoong. Her delectable dessert was a refreshing coconut sorbet paired with mango mousse, yuzu gel, jalapeno, and meringue.

Ms Dela Cruz said: Being crowned 'Ireland's Next Top Chef' is an amazing achievement and the highlight of my career to date. This competition has been an incredible journey, pushing me to new creative heights and challenging me to refine my culinary skills under the intense pressure and scrutiny of such esteemed judges at every stage of the competition. Im excited about the opportunities this title will bring, and I look forward to continuing to improve and develop my culinary craft and seeing where my career will take me.

John Trainor, Director of the Balmoral Hotel in Dunmurry and Stix & Stones Restaurant in Belfast, said: "The Grand Final of this years Ireland's Next Top Chef Competition was a showcase of exceptional talent, with each finalist delivering outstanding dishes that reflected their unique culinary style. Michelle truly stood out with her remarkable creativity and execution, and we are excited to see how her career will flourish following this achievement.

This competition not only highlights the incredible culinary talent we have here but also provides a platform for these chefs to push their boundaries and innovate. It has been a privilege to witness such skill, creativity, passion, and dedication from all the contestants.

We believe that all three of these finalists have a bright future ahead, and we are thrilled to support their journey as they continue to excel in the culinary world. The level of skill and artistry displayed in this year's competition was truly inspiring, and it reaffirms our commitment to nurturing and promoting emerging culinary talents by coordinating this competition on annual basis with the support of our sponsors."

The 2024 Ireland's Next Top Chef competition was coordinated by the Balmoral Hotel and was open to professional chefs and home cooks and was established in 2023 to identify and nurture the next generation of culinary talent.

For more information on the 2024 Ireland's Next Top Chef Competition visit: www.irelandsnexttopchef.com.
Emmy Award-winning actress Gillian Anderson is set to return to Northern Ireland for a new romantic drama series set during the Troubles.

The X-Files star has been announced as leading Trespasses, a drama which follows a Catholic schoolteacher who falls for a Protestant solicitor who defends members of the IRA.

The series is based on the award-winning debut novel of the same name by Holywood author Louise Kennedy, which won the Womens Prize for Fiction.

Anderson, who won acclaim for her recent portrayal as Margaret Thatcher in Netflixs The Crown, previously called Northern Ireland her home for three years during filming of BBCs crime drama The Fall, which also starred Co Downs Jamie Dornan.

Set in 1975 in a town outside Belfast, the four-part series will follow Catholic schoolteacher Cushla (played by Lola Petticrew). Whilst working one night behind the bar of her family pub, serving a mixed crowd including the locally stationed soldiers, she meets Michael (played by Tom Cullen), an older, Protestant, married man, who often defends IRA suspects and who is friends with cultured Bohemians who enrage and intrigue Cushla.

Worlds apart, Cushla knows a relationship like this spells all kinds of trouble, but they are irresistibly drawn to one another. In a place where loose lips cost lives and danger lurks in the shadows, amidst the fear and paranoia, this illicit affair between Cushla and Michael ignites and burns bright, the official series synopsis reads.

Anderson is set to play Gina, Cushlas mother, who is described as a glorious wreck and who is constantly sparring with her daughter.

The X-Files and Sex Education star will also executive-produce the series.

Speaking about the role, Anderson said: I fell in love with Louises stunning book when I read it in proof. I was immediately drawn to the tragi-comic creation that is Gina and couldnt resist when Louise asked me to play her.

Reading [screenwriter] Ailbhe Keogans brilliant scripts confirmed how vividly this story could translate to screen. And with Dawn at the helm and Lola and Tom alongside, Im delighted to be part of the Trespasses family.

Novelist and executive producer Kennedy added: Watching Amanda Posey and the team develop Trespasses for television has been an utter joy. From Ailbhe Keogans ear-perfect, sexy script to director Dawn Shadforths gorgeously melancholic aesthetic vision, exceptional care has been taken to bring an authentic and beautiful version of my book to the small screen. I honestly could not have asked for more.

Trespasses, which will consist of four one-hour episodes, was commissioned for Channel 4 by Ollie Madden, director of Film4 and head of drama, and Gwawr Lloyd, senior commissioning editor. Amanda Posey (Brooklyn, An Education) executive-produces for Wildgaze Films.

Filming is due to begin in Northern Ireland next month, with an expected airdate on Channel 4 next year.

In addition to Trespasses, rising NI actress Pettigrew, who previously appeared in BBCs Bloodlands, will also lead Disney and FXs upcoming adaptation of Say Nothing, Patrick Radden Keefes book about the disappearance and murder of Jean McConville.
Kneecap, a film based on the rise of the Belfast Irish language rap group, has been selected as the Irish submission for best international feature at the Oscars next year.

The Irish Film and Television Academy (Ifta) made the announcement after selecting the film and said it's "an exciting journey ahead" for the Rich Peppiatt-directed film.

Celebrating the selection, Kneecap said on social media: "Has anyone ever worn a tracksuit to the Oscars?!

Kneecap is the directorial debut by former journalist Mr Peppiatt, who previously worked with the Belfast trio Mo Chara, Moglai Bap and DJ Provai on their Guilty Conscience music video.

The film sees all three rappers play themselves in debut acting roles, alongside actor of international renown Michael Fassbender.

Set in west Belfast in 2019, when fate brings Belfast schoolteacher JJ into the orbit of Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish language, the trio create their own genre of Irish punk rap, melding the Irish and English language with electrifying energy.

Kneecap ultimately become the unlikely figureheads of a civil rights movement to save their mother tongue, upending preconceptions about language and place and spearheading a cultural revival and interest from their legions of young followers.

The three members of Kneecap the band reacted to the news.

Mo Chara said: We want to thank IFTA for selecting our film to be the Irish submission for an Oscar ..thats sound of yous. Its obviously great that films in the Irish language are having some kind of effect on people, you had An Cailin Ciuin and stuff. For a culture that was so brutally oppressed for so long, the language was almost driven to extinction, now its on the biggest stage of the world and its an absolute privilege.

DJ Provai added: Is mor an onoir duinn gur roghnaigh IFTA Kneecap mar a roghnaiseachu don Oscar - ta muid fior bhuioch astu agus go raibh maith agat as ucht an Oscar! (We are honoured that IFTA has chosen Kneecap as its Oscar shortlist - we are truly grateful and thank you for the Oscar!)

Kneecap

Mogali Bap added: Obviously the movie is about the Irish language in Ireland, about young people reengaging with the language and putting their own stamp on the language.

"One thing weve noticed in America is it resonates internationally. It's an international story and makes people reflect on their own culture and language, and to consider the relationship they have with their indigenous or native language. It comes at a time when people are looking for something with a bit more substance, a bit more intrinsic value. Thats the beauty of this movie, were meeting people from all walks of life and its resonating and theyre leaving the movie feeling proud about their own identity.

Mr Peppiatt had the idea for the film after he watched them perform in The Limelight in 2019 and said it serves as a tribute to the Irish language.

IFTA Academy CEO, Aine Moriarty said: The Irish Academy is delighted to announce Kneecap to represent Ireland in the Oscar International Feature Film category. What a brilliantly creative powerhouse of a film, with its bold and fearless storytelling and its raw and boisterous screen performances.

"Nowhere before has filmmaking brought together the Irish language and music in such rebellious and youthful defiance. We have no doubt that Kneecap will both surprise and entertain international audiences, and ultimately leave its unique mark on international Academy Members too.

KNEECAP Official Trailer 2024

Writer/Director Rich Peppiatt added: Since the start of the year when Kneecap premiered in Sundance weve been humbled by the gra the film has received around the world. But nothing hits quite like the reception weve had at home in Ireland.

"To get the opportunity to represent our nation on the biggest film stage of them all is an absolute privilege. Mile Buiochas to IFTA and everyone whos been part of and supported our wee film.

Producers Trevor Birney, Jack Tarling & Patrick ONeill said: It is an honour for Kneecap to be selected as Irelands Oscar entry, and for it to be announced on the eve of the films release in North America, Ireland and the UK is such a welcome boost. We would like to thank IFTA for choosing Kneecap and placing the film in such esteemed company  to be in a category that boasts previous winners such as The Zone of Interest, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, The Lives of Others and Parasite is such a thrill.

Kneecap

"We would like to thank everyone associated with the production of the film for all their hard work and dedication over the last few years. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but that can also be said of film production!

Kneecap will be on general release in Ireland from next Thursday, August 8th.

Last year Colm Baireads An Cailin Ciuin, also an Irish-language title, got to the final five in the category at the Oscars. The category was once known as best foreign language film.

Countries initially select one film with dialogue in a language other than English. A shortlist is then announced on December 17 and five nominations are announced a month later.
Evan Gershkovich, left, Alsu Kurmasheva, right, and Paul Whelan, second from right, and others aboard a plane following their release from Russian captivity (White House via AP)

Among those released by Moscow are Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive with joint British nationality from Michigan and Vladimir Kara-Murza, who has joint Russian and British nationality.

The trade unfolded despite relations between Washington and Moscow being at their lowest point since the Cold War after Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Negotiators in backchannel talks at one point explored an exchange involving Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny but after his death in February ultimately stitched together a seven-nation, 24-person deal that required significant concessions from European allies, including the release of a Russian assassin, and secured freedom for a cluster of journalists, suspected spies, political prisoners and others.

US President Joe Biden trumpeted the exchange, by far the biggest in a series of swaps with Russia, as a diplomatic feat while welcoming families of the returning Americans to the White House.

But the US and allies gave up Russians charged or convicted of serious crimes in exchange for Russia releasing journalists, dissidents and others imprisoned by the countrys highly politicised legal system on charges seen by the West as trumped-up.

Deals like this one come with tough calls, Mr Biden said but added: Theres nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad.

Under the deal, Russia released Mr Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who was jailed in 2023 and convicted in July of espionage charges that he and the US government vehemently denied. The papers editor-in-chief, Emma Tucker, called it a joyous day.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been freed (Russian Federal Security Service/RTR via AP)

While we waited for this momentous day, we were determined to be as loud as we could be on Evans behalf. We are so grateful for all the voices that were raised when his was silent. We can finally say, in unison, Welcome home, Evan, she wrote.

Also released was Mr Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive jailed since 2018, also on espionage charges he and Washington have denied; and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual US-Russian citizen convicted in July of spreading false information about the Russian military, accusations her family and employer have rejected.

Mr Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer serving 25 years on charges of treason widely seen as politically motivated, was also released along with multiple associates of Mr Navalny.

Vladimir Kara-Murza is among those who have been released (AP Photo, File)

Other freed Kremlin critics included Oleg Orlov, a veteran human rights campaigner convicted of discrediting the Russian military, and Ilya Yashin, a former member of a Moscow municipal council who had been imprisoned for criticising the war in Ukraine.

The Russian side secured the release of Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in Germany in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison for killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park two years earlier, apparently on the orders of Moscows security services. Throughout the course of negotiations, Moscow had been persistent in pressing for his release, with Mr Putin himself raising it.

At the time of Mr Navalnys death, officials were discussing a possible exchange involving Krasikov. But with that possibility erased, senior US officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan, made a fresh push to encourage Germany to release Krasikov. In the end, a handful of the prisoners Russia released were either German nationals or dual German-Russian nationals.

Paul Whelan, centre, is escorted by Russian Federal Security Service agents as they arrive at an airport outside Moscow (Russian Federal Security Service/RTR via AP)

Russia also received two alleged sleeper agents who were jailed in Slovenia, as well as three men charged by federal authorities in the US, including Roman Seleznev, a convicted computer hacker and the son of a Russian politician, and Vadim Konoshchenok, a suspected Russian intelligence operative accused of providing American-made electronics and ammunition to the Russian military. Norway returned an academic arrested on suspicion of being a Russian spy, and Poland also sent back a man it detained on espionage charges.

Today is a powerful example of why its vital to have friends in this world, Mr Biden said while joined by the families.

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Seven nations participated in the deal, which was executed in Ankara in the final months of his administration and during the course of a presidential race upended by his decision not to seek re-election.

Mr Biden placed securing the release of Americans held wrongfully overseas at the top of his foreign policy agenda for the six months before he leaves office. In an Oval Office address discussing his decision to drop his bid for a second term, Mr Biden said: Were also working around the clock to bring home Americans being unjustly detained all around the world.

At one point on Thursday, he grabbed the hand of Mr Whelans sister, Elizabeth, and said she had practically been living at the White House as they tried to free Paul. He then motioned for Ms Kurmashevas daughter Miriam to come closer and took her hand, telling the room it was her 13th birthday, and then asked everyone to sing Happy Birthday with him. She wiped tears from her eyes.

Alsu Kurmashevas daughter wiped away a tear during Mr Bidens White House address (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

His administration has now brought home more than 70 Americans detained in other countries, deals that have required the US in the past to give up a broad array of convicted criminals, including for drug and weapons offences. The US governments top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, has defended the swaps against criticism that they incentivise future hostage-taking, saying the number of wrongfully detained Americans has actually gone down.

We know the US government is keenly aware, as are we, that the only way to prevent a quickening cycle of arresting innocent people as pawns in cynical geopolitical games is to remove the incentive for Russia and other nations that pursue the same detestable practice, Ms Tucker, the Journals editor, wrote, saying there needed to be a dynamic change.

But for now, she added, we are celebrating the return of Evan.

Former president Donald Trump, who had claimed that if elected he would immediately get Mr Gershkovich home, bashed the deal and speculated incorrectly that the US had given cash to Russia.

Thursdays swap of 24 prisoners surpassed a deal involving 14 people that was struck in 2010. In that exchange, Washington freed 10 Russians living in the US as sleepers, while Moscow deported four Russians, including Sergei Skripal, a double agent working with British intelligence. He and his daughter were nearly killed in 2018 in Salisbury by nerve agent poisoning blamed on Russian agents.
A man has been recommended for deportation to his native Lithuania after he was sentenced for possessing indecent images of children in his Co Tyrone home.
NI motorist tells cops: I dont need car insurance as Im only passing through life

Not surprisingly, a judge dismissed his bonkers claim and he was fined and banned from driving.

Charles ONeill is wanted by police in Northern Ireland after he was convicted of taking part in an illegal protest at a school in Derry.

Ciaran O'Neill Fri 2 Aug 2024 at 11:00







A convicted anti-lockdown protester believes he can break the law because he is only passing through life.
The store reopened in November 2022

Customers were asked to leave Primark in Belfast city centre on Friday morning as it was evacuated.

The store at Bank Buildings has now been reopened  and its thought the closure was due to a false fire alarm.

The fire service made its way to the scene on Royal Avenue before customers were allowed to return.

A previous fire in 2018 gutted the premises in the city.

The Grade B1-listed, five-storey premises later reopened after extensive works in 2022.

Signs of revitalisation are emerging in Belfasts central shopping area
Firefighters at the scene of a ramming incident at the Welcome Centre on Townsend Street in west Belfast on July 23rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Stormonts health minister has expressed concern following the deaths of five people after an arson attack on a homeless charity in Belfast ahead of a meeting with bereaved families.

Mike Nesbitt said he has reached out to the Minister for Communities to see what more can be done in the wake of the closure of the Welcome Organisations headquarters in the Divis area last month.

"I would like offer my heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who have lost their lives, he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"Too many people across Northern Ireland have suffered the devastating loss of a loved one because of homelessness, mental health and substance use related issues.

Some weeks ago, I accepted an invitation to meet with a number of bereaved families and that meeting is scheduled for later this month.

It comes after SDLP councillor Paul Doherty called for an urgent response to recent deaths and said he's working with the charity to establish new premises.

Graffiti warning that any workmen repairing Welcome Centre will be shot subsequently appeared on a wall in west Belfast.

Its understood the INLA is responsible for the sinister threat.

A view of menacing graffiti in west Belfast (David Young/PA)

"I have reached out in the first instance to the Minister for Communities to see what more can be done, Mr Nesbitt said.

I am also concerned about the attack on the Welcome Centre whose staff and volunteers work tirelessly to help some of the most vulnerable in our society.

There are many factors which put individuals at additional risk and can make them more vulnerable to substance use. The issues of homelessness, involvement with the justice system, mental health and substance use are all inter-related and span the responsibilities of several government departments in Northern Ireland.

To be effective, our response must be a collective one and DoH officials continue to work with colleagues in other departments to address these challenging societal issues. Chronic homelessness is closely linked to mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, and those leaving custody.

The health minister also said addressing the harm related to alcohol and other drugs is a key priority for his department.

"NIs Substance Use Strategy, Preventing Harm, Empowering Recovery, recognises the need to target those most at risk, including those who are homeless, people who inject drugs and those who are in contact with the justice system, Mr Nesbitt added.

Our strategy will aim to directly reduce the harm for these groups through actions that place emphasis on harm reduction support measures for people who use alcohol and other drugs.

Firefighters at the scene of a ramming incident at the Welcome Centre on Townsend Street in west Belfast on July 23rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Public consultation has just completed on the draft Substance Use Strategic Commissioning & Implementation Plan. The PHA and Department are now giving consideration to comments received on each of the plans eight strategic priority areas across all tiers of service, including alignment with housing and homelessness services as appropriate.

Communities minister Gordon Lyons has also offered condolences to the families of those who have died and insisted work is ongoing to deal with the complex problem.

Five people dying on the streets of Belfast, one of them in the street next to our offices, within a week is a shocking statistic, he said.

"I want to extend my sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones affected by these tragic incidents.

As reporting has shown, homelessness is a complex problem, all the more so when people are experiencing mental health or addiction issues. Addressing it involves my department and the Housing Executive, working closely alongside other departments.

"This is part of a much wider effort which also includes a range of statutory, community and voluntary organisations providing support to people who are extremely vulnerable.

Collectively, work is ongoing to deal with both the long-term underlying causes of homelessness and those people who find themselves in immediate crisis.

However Mr Lyons said it is a daunting task which is made more difficult by the criminal attack on the Welcome Organisation which disrupted their vital services.

The attack also puts greater strain on public finances at a time when funds are scarce, he added.

"However, my officials will continue to work with the Housing Executive, and wider stakeholder community, to ensure resources are directed to those most in need. The events of this week show that the support provided by services such as the Welcome Organisation can be life-saving.
The EU has warned Sir Keir Starmer his attempt to repair relations with the bloc may fail if he does not fully implement post-Brexit agreements on Northern Ireland, it has emerged.

The Prime Minister has made rebuilding ties with Brussels a top priority since the General Election, after years of mistrust between the two sides over Brexit.

The European Commission has welcomed Sir Keirs positive approach, but issued a list of eight tests through which the UK can demonstrate real government commitment to its withdrawal agreement with the EU.

The list, revealed by the Financial Times, called for the faithful and timely implementation of the Windsor Framework  which it described as a cornerstone for the EU-UK relationship  and the rights of EU citizens living in the UK.

EU diplomats told the paper the two measures would be seen as a test of good faith in the new relationship.

However, sources in Brussels told The Telegraph that the commission has become frustrated by the inaction in carrying out the required trade checks on shipments between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Commission has also listed the need for a High Court ruling, that EU citizens in Britain should not have to make separate applications for settled status after living in the UK for five years, to be implemented in full.

The list also raised concerns about UK authorities failing to accurately certify animal and plant products, called for non-compliant consignments to be rejected by vets at the border and called for a scheme to check pets to be deployed urgently.

It also called for a new system to provide data on the content of parcels to be implemented as soon as possible.

This needs to be fixed before we talk about cooperation in new areas, one diplomat told the FT.

Sir Keir has repeatedly talked up his drive to reset relations with Europe after years of deterioration under the Conservatives. There was a slight improvement under Rishi Sunak, who last year signed the Windsor Framework to end the row over post-Brexit arrangements in Northern Ireland. But further meetings with European leaders have been a key focus of Sir Keirs first weeks in office.

In July he hosted leaders from across the continent at a major summit in Blenheim Palace, declaring that the UK would be a friend and a partner ready to work with you and not part of the European Union, but very much part of Europe.

The Prime Minister wants to strike a security pact with the EU and address some of the trading problems under the current Brexit deal.

He has so far refused to entertain the prospect of a youth mobility deal with the bloc, which would allow young people to live, study and work across the EU, in exchange for EU citizens being able to do the same in the UK.

But sources told the FT such a deal was a priority for the bloc, alongside access to British fishing waters and the UK rejoining the Erasmus student exchange programme.

The Cabinet Office declined to comment on the specifics of the leaked document. But a Government spokesperson said: Since taking office this government has been working to reset the relationship with our European friends, to strengthen ties, secure a broad-based security pact and tackle barriers to trade.

Weve had very positive engagement in our early conversations and are committed to implementing the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework in good faith protecting the UK internal market.

A European Commission spokesperson said: The EU is committed to a positive agenda with the UK, based on the full respect, and the faithful and timely implementation of the withdrawal agreement, including the Windsor framework, and the trade and cooperation agreement, which are the cornerstone for the EU-UK relationship.

 The Independent
The white car on the Lisburn Road police are searching for information about

The white car on the Lisburn Road police are searching for information about

Police investigating the murder of Kevin Davidson have appealed for information about a vehicle seen in Belfast a number of days before the mans body was found.

Kevin Davidsons body was discovered on July 20 at a flat in Donegall Avenue, where he had been living.

Two people  Jade Mary Anna Harrison (35), of Donegall Avenue, and Colam Barry McClenaghan (32), of no fixed address  were since charged with his murder and appeared in court last Wednesday.

Both deny the charge, and told police they believed he had left the property after walking in on them having intercourse.

Now police have appealed for information about a white car on the Lisburn Road seen in the early hours of Tuesday July 9.

Detective Inspector Jennifer Rea said: While two people have been charged with Mr Davidsons murder, our enquiries are ongoing.

I am making a specific appeal for information, and have today released images of a car, in respect of an incident that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday 9 July.

The white car on the Lisburn Road police are searching for information about

At around 12.24am, there appears to have been an altercation on the Lisburn Road, at the junction of Elmwood Avenue, which we believe involved the occupants of a white car. I am appealing to the driver and passengers of this car to contact officers on 101 as soon as possible.

In addition, I am asking the driver and/or occupants of a dark-coloured car, which was being driven and may have stopped in the Lisburn Road/Elmwood Avenue area between 12.22am and 12.30am, to please get in touch as I believe you may have information that could assist our enquiries.

Last month, the court heard police went to the Donegall Avenue property three times during searches for Mr Davidson.

Officers found his body in the rear yard under a sleeping bag, which was covered in black bin bags which were weighed down by dumbbells.

Police bodycam footage also showed air fresheners, perfume and aftershave bottles in the kitchen, and Magic Tree car air fresheners hanging from cupboard doors and in the utility room.

Other bin bags contained items belonging to Mr Davidson, the court heard.

Bloodstained clothing was also found in bags, and there was evidence of blood throughout the house.

The body had neck injuries and signs of strangulation. There was also an injury to the victims knee.

A PSNI detective said there was evidence a clothes line had been removed from the rear of the property, and the medical evidence was not consistent with self-asphyxiation.

Both accused claimed not to know Mr Davidsons body was at the property.

The white car on the Lisburn Road police are searching for information about

The court was told a witness overheard a phone argument between Mr Davidson, Harrison and another male, who they believe was McClenaghan.

Mr Davidsons mother also gave a statement, where she claimed she overheard an argument between her son and Harrison in which he said they are going to beat me up on the last call she had with him, which took place on July 8.

The court heard when police attended the property on July 19, Harrison handed over a back-pack and mobile phone belonging to Mr Davidson.

It was stated there were inconsistencies in accounts given by both accused on when they last saw Mr Davidson, and it was very evident there was an issue over money, after Mr Davidson previously claimed Harrison stole 300 from him.

Police cant yet establish when Mr Davidson was killed and are awaiting a pathologist report.

But they believe the murder took place in the backyard, as there was no sign the body had been moved.

Solicitor Roise Fitzpatrick, representing McClenaghan, claimed police were clutching at straws to link him to the murder and he was totally oblivious to Mr Davidsons body being at the rear of the property.

Harrisons lawyer Una Conway claimed there was nothing to link her either.

There has not been one shred of evidence presented to conflict Ms Harrisons version of events, she added.

District Judge Anne Marshall said: I do find there is sufficient evidence to connect both accused.

Harrison and McClenaghan were remanded in custody.

The case will return to court on August 22.
A veteran Labour MP has claimed it is very important that the new UK Government should call a border poll as she attended a Feile an Phobail event in Belfast.

Diane Abbott said a referendum would reveal "where public opinion lies in NI and the Republic.

The longest-serving female Member of Parliament took part in a discussion at St Marys University College on the Falls Road on Friday.

I think its very important to have a border poll, not least because it will establish where public opinion lies.

Im in favour of a united Ireland but it has to be with the consent of both sides of the border, and a border poll to establish where opinion lies is the first step towards a united Ireland."

A packed house for @HackneyAbbott in conversation with Joe Austin during @FeileBelfast here at @StMarys_Belfast pic.twitter.com/CLTsUcYpmW  Kevin Scott (@Kscott_94) August 2, 2024

Ms Abbott told BBC News NI that she thinks it could it happen this decade.

The Labour government has previously indicated it has no intention of calling a referendum in the near future.

Just last month Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said said there was no evidence that the conditions have been met.

It's perfectly possible in the next five years because thats what politics is like, Ms Abbott said.

The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987 was suspended from her party for saying Jewish, Irish and the Traveller community do not face racism "all their lives"  she was only readmitted five weeks before the General Election on July 4.

It comes a day after trade union leader Mick Lynch talked about his support for a united Ireland at the Feile.

The general secretary of the RMT union, who has Irish ancestry, said he believes in unity.

"It was the way I was brought up. But it's got to be by consent, it's got to a real united Ireland where people come together at their pace, he said.

"I don't believe in coercion. I think we have to grow a united Ireland rather than enforce it."

The Feile festival will continue until August 11.
Housing Executive chief Grainia Long has said she "fully expects" more visible signs of homelessness on our streets and further risk of death due to pressures currently faced in the demand for temporary accommodation and associated services.

Speaking to the BBC, Ms Long said the Housing Executive will need "42-44m" in order to meet funding needs this year and said she as yet does not have any guarantee that need will be met.

Services such as those provided by the Welcome Organisation are at the risk of cuts if funding needs are not met, she added.

"We fully expect more visible signs of homelessness on our streets and there is a risk of death," she said.

The pandemic has driven the growth of homelessness along with other factors, the chief executive said.

"People who were living sofa surfing and in unsuitable accommodation had to move quickly," she said. Private landlords left the sector and also people also arrived in Northern Ireland and seeking leave to remain.

It meant the growth of people in temporary accommodation has now resulted in 4,500 a year requiring the service.

Ms Long said she is hopeful a solution can be found to the issues faced by the Welcome Organisation.

It comes after SDLP councillor Paul Doherty called for an urgent response to five recent deaths on our streets and said he's working with the Welcome Organisation to establish new premises. It follows a recent arson attack and graffiti threatening construction workers was sprayed.

A view of menacing graffiti in west Belfast (David Young/PA)

Stormonts Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he has reached out to the Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons to see what more can be done in the wake of the closure of the Welcome Organisations headquarters in the Divis area last month.

Its understood the INLA is responsible for the sinister threat.

"I would like offer my heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who have lost their lives, Mr Nesbitt told the Belfast Telegraph.

"Too many people across Northern Ireland have suffered the devastating loss of a loved one because of homelessness, mental health and substance use related issues.

Some weeks ago, I accepted an invitation to meet with a number of bereaved families and that meeting is scheduled for later this month.
The changes GAA can make to add a little more shine to All-Star selections
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher speaking during a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

Police on the streets of Hartlepool following violent demonstrations across England (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Social media calls for anti-Islamic protests in Northern Ireland this weekend are being investigated by police.

Posts have circulated urging people to take to the streets here, following violent demonstrations around England in the wake of the stabbings in Southport.

Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said he was aware of a social media post calling for a gathering at Belfast City Hall and a subsequent protest march.

Officers are working to establish if the calls will materialise in protests on the ground.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher urged people to push back against what he branded poisonous nonsense from anti-Islamists.

At yesterdays Policing Board meeting, Mr Boutcher was asked if he was aware of posts calling on people to attend a series of anti-Islamic events on Saturday.

We are aware of it, were still trying to understand whos behind it, he said.

Theres no set organisation showing themselves on social media which sort of defines the cowardly nature of the people who do this nonsense.

There is obviously, from the social media calling, an intention to try and do something on Saturday.

We have got a gold (command) structure in place around this.

Were looking into the intelligence now to see who, if anybody, is actually involved and going to respond to this.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher speaking during a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

His comments came after two nights of disorder in England following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport on Monday.

Violent unrest erupted in Southport as well as in London, Hartlepool and Manchester.

Police injured as bricks thrown in protest following stab deaths of three girls

I would point people to what happened in London yesterday and Hartlepool, and obviously Southport, this is based on poisonous nonsense, Mr Boutcher said.

It has no basis in a society thats seen what hatefulness can do to a society and I would appeal for everybody, everybody to push back against any of this utter awful nonsense.

But if there is going to be any gatherings, we will police them and we will police them effectively.

Mr Singleton, meanwhile, warned that any march needed the permission of the Parades Commission. No request had been lodged as of yesterday evening.

Id advise that if anybody was planning on attending that, the fact that thats not notified, of course, could mean that they could see themselves liable to a criminal investigation, he said.

It came as Sir Keir Starmer (left) condemned far-right hatred in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

Starmer condemns far-right hatred and launches new national response to disorder

The Prime Minister announced a new national response to the violent disorder linking police forces across the country.

He said thugs involved in the scenes of unrest should not pretend they are speaking for the grieving families of the three young girls killed in the initial attack.

At a press conference following riots in which bricks were hurled at police officers and a local mosque targeted, Sir Keir warned: The far right are showing who they are  we have to show who we are in response to that.

The Prime Minister also sounded a note of caution to social media companies after misinformation spread online about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect, including false claims that he was an asylum seeker.

Let me also say to large social media companies and those who run them: violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, that is also a crime, its happening on your premises, and the law must be upheld everywhere, he said.

Sir Keir, a former director of public prosecutions, also warned that speculating about the attack could risk prejudicing the active criminal proceedings against the suspect and impeding justice for the bereaved families.

Asked what his message was to Muslims who may be concerned after a mosque was targeted in the violence in Southport, he said: In relation to the Muslim community, let me be very clear: I will take every step thats necessary to keep you safe.
The PSNI has written to the parents of dozens of young people who have been committing serious criminal offences in north Belfast including rioting, carrying offensive weapons and hate crimes as four suspects are arrested.

The youths were detained on Friday on suspicion of riotous behaviour, possession of offensive weapons, possessing a blade or point in a public place and making threats to kill.

They remain in police custody.

A total of 53 youths have been identified as participating in anti-social behaviour in the past number of weeks.

Files have been submitted to the Public Prosecution Service in relation to 14 young people and Community Resolution Notices have been issued in some cases.

Police have engaged with parents and guardians in an effort to find solutions.

North Belfast Area Commander Chief Inspector Alan Lowry said the ongoing anti-social behaviour has led to criminal offences, some disorder and hate crimes.

We have engaged with a number of statutory partners to try to resolve the ongoing issues, as well as local community representatives, youth groups and the wider community, he added.

"To date, officers have identified 53 young people as being involved in anti-social behaviour and I have written letters to them and their parents and guardians, highlighting the dangers and consequences of taking part in anti-social behaviour, which is leading to disorder and hate crimes.

"We have worked collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders in the community to engage with young people and to educate them around the impact ASB is having on the community of north Belfast.

14 young people have already been taken down the formal criminal justice route, with a number of files submitted to the public prosecution service and Community Resolution Notices issued.

Some of the incidents we are dealing with include assaults on police, riotous behaviour, disorderly behaviour, possession of offensive weapons and criminal damage.

The detective warned those engaging in the disruptive behaviour that there will be consequences.

To be clear, those involved in committing such offences face the very real prospect of prosecution and a criminal record. We will pursue those involved and bring them before the courts," he said.

I need to be very clear, if you engage in antisocial behaviour that progresses into criminal behaviour, disorder or hate crimes we will investigate every avenue available to us to identify you, and you will be arrested. These behaviours are not wanted in the community and we will not shy away from taking robust actions to brings those offenders to justice. Alongside a wide range of partners we have done everything we possibly can to prevent young people from developing into the criminal justice system however we are now left with no other options but to make arrests.

Patrols will continue and will also be increased in the area to deter further activity of this nature as the safety of local communities is paramount. We cannot deal with these issues alone, we have and will continue to work with a wide range of partners and the community to tackle not just anti-social behaviour but, all issues impacting the community of north Belfast.

This type of activity can have a detrimental impact on the local community and I would appeal to anyone affected to report anti-social activity immediately via 101.
A man suspected of ramming a van into the gates of multiple State and Government buildings in Dublin posted a death threat online before the rampage.

Garda have identified a social media message in which the suspect says he will kill him and anyone in my way. The target of the message is not named.

Gardai are reviewing the suspects social media accounts and have also identified images of his alleged crimes posted online.

However, the incidents are not being treated as terrorism and no attempt was made to enter any of the buildings.

An investigation is underway after a the gates of Aras an Uachtarain, Custom House, and different locations at Government buildings in the city centre were rammed overnight.

A man, aged in his early 40s, was arrested for road traffic offences including driving while under the influence of an intoxicant.

He is being questioned by gardai, with sources saying there was a mental health aspect to the incidents.

Investigators have also identified a social media account believed to be connected to the suspect.

The gates at Dublin's Phoenix Park, the official residence of Ireland's President, Michael D Higgins, where Gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage. Cate McCurry/PA Wire

The account includes an image posted overnight of a van that had been driven into the gate of a Government department.

One source told the Irish Independent: We are not dealing with a criminal mastermind here, but it will be looked at what the policing response was, and how an individual could drive across the city targeting several high-profile properties.

While this man clearly had a grievance with the Government, what sparked this is under investigation, and there is also a clear mental health aspect to this.

Gardai were alerted to an incident involving a white van on Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, at approximately 2.30am this morning.

The locations targeted included the gates at the entrance to the Taoiseachs department and the Office of the Attorney General.

Gardai believe the same vehicle was involved in similar ramming incidents at the Presidents residence, Aras an Uachtarain and the Department of Housing located at Custom House.

Its understood that the driver of the van involved did not attempt to enter the buildings, but caused significant damage to the gates of each location before driving off.

The front gates of the Aras were rammed at around 2.30am.

The white van was removed from the scene on Merrion Street this morning for examination.

The scene remains preserved to facilitate a technical examination this morning by the local Scenes of Crime Unit.

Former Irish contestant on Big Brother, Ray Shah, came upon the scene at Merrion Square last night and told the Irish Independent what he saw.

I was driving home after DJing at a gig on Leeson Street and turned into Merrion Street, he said.

I saw police at Government Buildings and a white van jutting into the entrance. The first thing that came into my head was that it was a ramming attempt, which it turned out was the case.

The Guards were there and a had a guy down and out of the van. He was wearing red  it looked like an all-in-one outfit, like a onesie. He was not struggling, but lying at an entrance pillar.

A Garda officer and a military police officer look at damage caused to gates outside Government Buildings in Merrion Street, Dublin, after they were struck by a van in the early hours of Thursday morning. Cate McCurry/PA Wire

I pulled in to take a photo and noticed a taxi-man filming it all, so those pictures will probably turn up somewhere. The guy was face down and the police were telling him to stay down, and telling him not to move. I couldnt hear much else.

I noticed that the back of the van had its rear bumper completely off  which made me realise that he must have reversed at speed into one of the other gates first.

Then I saw the other gates further along (the North Road, beside the Attorney Generals offices) and it was wrecked. But the Guards had the situation totally under control.

I didnt hear any bangs - all that had obviously happened before I came along. But I know there is always security there and if you even go near there the cops will be out.

A Garda spokesperson said: Gardai were alerted to a single-vehicle road traffic collision on Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2 at approximately 2:30am on Friday 2nd August 2024.

The driver of the vehicle, a male in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Road Traffic Act. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in Dublin city.

The scene remains preserved to facilitate a technical examination by the local Scenes of Crime Unit this morning.

The spokesperson added that gardai were also investigating an incident of criminal damage at the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 in the early hours of this morning and a material damage road traffic collision that occurred at Custom House Quay.
The body of the woman was found at an apartment in Midleton (PA)

A man has been arrested following the death of a woman in Co Cork.

The woman, who was aged in her 20s, was found seriously injured at an apartment in Midleton, Co Cork, on Friday afternoon before she later died.

Gardai said a man aged in his 30s is being detained at Midleton Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Shortly after 4.15 pm, Gardai and Emergency Services responded to reports of an incident at an apartment off Main Street, Midleton, a spokesperson said.

The woman was found at the scene with serious injuries and received emergency medical treatment, but was pronounced deceased short time later.

A man in his 30s has been arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda Station in the Southern Region.

Gardai said the scene has been preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

The local coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified.

They have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

An incident room has been established at Midleton Garda Station, and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation, they said.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Additionally, they are appealing to those with camera footage, including dashcam recordings from motorists in the Connolly Street/Main Street areas of Midleton this afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Midleton Garda Station at 021-462 1550 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
A van drove into several gates at Government Buildings in Dublin (Cate McCurry/PA)

Gardai are continuing to question a man after several landmark state buildings in Dublin were targeted in a series of overnight ramming incidents.

A white van was seized after damage was caused to the gates of Government Buildings; the adjacent back gate of the parliament at Leinster House; the official residence of President Michael D Higgins in Phoenix Park; and the Custom House, where the Department of Housing is located.

A man in his 40s was detained after the last of the incidents at Government Buildings/Leinster House on Merrion Street.

It is understood gardai are linking the incidents at the various city locations but have ruled out any terror-related motive.

On Merrion Street, a number of the gates were significantly damaged, including those at the Department of the Taoiseach at Government Buildings.

A gate at the Attorney Generals office was lying off its hinges on Friday morning.

The gate at the rear of Leinster House also sustained damaged.

The gates at the official residence of Irelands President, Michael D Higgins, where gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage (Cate McCurry/PA)

It is understood the man was arrested near the scene of those incidents.

A damaged white van was towed away from the area at around 8.20am.

Garda commissioner Drew Harris was seen observing the damage in a Garda car driven slowly past Government Buildings shortly before 10am.

Elsewhere in the city, the gates of the presidents residence at Aras an Uachtarain were cordoned off on Friday morning after the overnight ramming incident.

Damage was caused to gates outside Government Buildings in Merrion Street, Dublin (Cate McCurry/PA)

Some damage was also caused at the gates of the Custom House close to the River Liffey.

Garda said: Gardai were alerted to a single-vehicle road traffic collision on Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2 at approximately 2.30am on Friday August 2.

The driver of the vehicle, a male in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Road Traffic Act. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in Dublin city.

The scene remains preserved to facilitate a technical examination by the local scenes of crime unit this morning.

Investigations are ongoing.

They added: Gardai are also investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred at Dublins Phoenix Park in the early hours of Friday.

In relation to the Custom House incident, gardai said: Gardai in Store Street are investigating a material damage road traffic collision that occurred at Custom House Quay in the early hours of this morning Friday 2nd August, 2024.
An 11-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a police vehicle was set alight during a violent protest in Hartlepool in the wake of the Southport stabbing.

Cleveland Police said 11 other people were arrested on Wednesday evening in connection with the disorder during which officers were attacked with missiles, glass bottles and eggs in the County Durham town.

The arrests included seven men, one juvenile and one woman, with ages between 14 and 54, on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker, according to the force.

During the violence, which involved about 150 people meeting at the Cenotaph and descending on Murray Street and the surrounding area, four police officers suffered minor injuries.

Before the protest, officers identified the suspected organiser and arrested a 51-year-old man from Hartlepool on suspicion of distributing written materials to stir up racial hatred.

He has been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.

A woman aged 28, also from the Hartlepool area, was arrested on Wednesday before the demonstration.

She was detained on suspicion of unlawfully obtaining or disclosing protected information and distributing written materials to stir up racial hatred relating to personal information placed on social media, and has been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.

Cleveland Police say they will maintain a visible presence in the area to reassure and protect the community.

Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: This is very much a live investigation and we are continuing to work to identify those involved in the disorder yesterday evening and bring them to justice.

Disorder of this kind will not be tolerated and those found to be involved will be robustly dealt with.

Police on the streets of Hartlepool (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Speaking outside Hartlepool Police Station on Thursday afternoon, Chief Constable Mark Webster said the events in the town were mindless thuggery and that experienced officers had never seen such disorder there before.

Asked what the motivation was for the disorder, he said: There is an opportunity to go out and damage things, and just exhibit a bit of violence.

I dont think there is a principle at stake, this was not a legitimate protest or demonstration.

I think there is some mindless thuggery and thats why we are being really proactive to go out and arrest people.

Theres no excuse for last night.

It comes after riots in Southport on Tuesday and further disorder in London, Aldershot and Manchester on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the riots were not protest and not legitimate as he vowed not to permit a breakdown of law and order.

He said: Make no mistake, whether its in Southport, London or Hartlepool, these people are showing our country exactly who they are.

Mosques targeted because theyre mosques, flares thrown at the statue of Winston Churchill, a Nazi salute at the Cenotaph.

Because lets be very clear about this. Its not protest. Its not legitimate. Its crime. Violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice.

Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash told BBC Radio 4s World At One programme on Thursday that the unrest the night before doesnt represent us as a town.

On Thursday morning, a clean-up operation began in the town as council workers were joined by volunteers in sweeping away the debris.

A police car which was destroyed when it was set alight had already been removed by 10am.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged with the murder of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday.
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Meghan Gallacher has become the latest MSP to confirm she is running for the top job in the party.

The Central Scotland regional MSP announced her candidacy on Friday, saying she offers a new beginning for the Tories north of the border.

She joins two other Tory MSPs  former crime journalist and current Holyrood justice spokesman Russell Findlay and ex-Olympic athlete Brian Whittle  who have declared they will run to succeed Douglas Ross.

Others including veteran MSP Murdo Fraser, who was defeated by Ruth Davidson in a leadership bid in 2011, are understood to be considering whether they will run.

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Mr Ross announced he would step down as leader midway through the recent General Election campaign.

There had been unease in the party after he put himself forward as a candidate in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, running instead of the incumbent MP David Duguid after party chiefs deemed him too ill to stand. Mr Ross lost the seat to the SNP.

Ms Gallacher, a former councillor first elected to Holyrood in 2021, became the partys deputy leader in 2022.

In a video posted on social media, she said: The next few weeks will be important in shaping the future of our party.

Scotland knows what we stand against, but do they know what we stand for?

This leadership election presents the opportunity for a reset  to renew our offering to the people of Scotland and to our membership who have stood by us through the good times and the bad.

Douglas Ross announced during the General Election campaign that he was stepping down as Scottish Tory leader (Michal Wachucik/PA)

Ms Gallacher said she wants to build a modern, centre-right party with policies focusing on low taxes, property ownership, supporting families and protecting rights and liberties.

Pitching herself as a bold, dynamic and fresh-faced leader, she said she would deliver a new beginning for the Scottish Conservatives.

Meanwhile, Mr Whittle wrote in The Telegraph that it is time to discuss ending free tuition and prescriptions in Scotland.

He said: Having these conversations will be hard, not least because Labour and the SNP will see it as a golden opportunity to attack us, but I believe Scotland is ready to have those conversations.

Having these difficult discussions will earn respect from voters, he added.

On Thursday, the Scottish Conservatives announced the new leader will be in place by the end of September.

Nominations formally open on August 8 and close on August 22.

While the new Conservative UK leader and successor to Rishi Sunak will not be known until November 2, the Scottish party has set out a timeline which will see its latest leader unveiled on September 27.
The report into provision for children up to five years old was produced by the South-West Social Mobility Commission at the University of Exeter (Joe Giddens/PA)

Health visitors must be given the power to trigger joint visits from social care specialists such as drug abuse counsellors, a report has said as it warned infant services are often too focused on a childs parents.

The report into provision for children up to five years old, produced by the South-West Social Mobility Commission at the University of Exeter, said the early years sector needs to be given urgent attention.

It cited a loss of childcare places, a crisis in recruitment and retention in both health visiting and early years provision, and a lack of resource and funding in local government.

Among a series of recommendations, the report said councils should be prepared to send other social service professionals including welfare rights advisers or drug abuse counsellors on visits so that a multi-service approach to the wider family is delivered.

The report, which said health visitors should be able to trigger these joint visits, noted how often childrens services are often better understood as parent services.

Interviewees said too many of those who are involved in an infants life do not see the child.

Some said this was a negative thing as it led to services neglecting the infants, arguing that health visits which are more focused on dealing with substance addiction or domestic abuse mean little time is spent on discussions of the childs welfare.

But others thought helping parents had direct, positive consequences for children, noting that lingering problems related to health and finances mean parents can be less well equipped to provide for their children, the report said.

Dr Antony Mullen, the reports principal author, said: What happens in childrens earliest years of life is foundational to their future success.

Health visitors are increasingly expected to deal with parental issues like drug abuse, financial issues and domestic abuse problems. There is a danger services have become more focused on parents than the infants.

Long-term, large-scale investment in the sector is needed, and in this report we show how there are also low and no-cost solutions that can be implemented locally and relatively quickly.

Former Ofsted chief Sir David Bell has endorsed the report, which involved interviews with 27 expert informants ranging from health visitors to people in local government and early years teachers, saying it expertly binds together practice and policy to provide a series of important recommendations.

The report calls for a Cabinet or deputy Cabinet member for the infant, an expansion of the number of professional psychologists working in the field of infant mental health and for local authorities to monitor the ratio of children to childcare places to allow a case to be made for additional funding to expand provision within the sector where needed.

The report referenced research by the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV), published earlier this year, which found that increasing poverty is the cause of greatest concern to health visitor, with the vast majority having reported a rise in the number of families affected by the issue in past 12 months.

Almost nine in 10 health visitors surveyed said they had seen an increase in the use of food banks, while half reported more families skipping meals as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, that research showed.

The iHV described its research as the largest survey of frontline health visitors working with families with babies and young children across the UK.

The issue of child poverty has been a challenge for the new Labour Government, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer challenged last month over his refusal to immediately axe the two-child benefit cap.

Seven Labour MPs were suspended by the party after backing an SNP motion to scrap the welfare measure in a vote in Parliament.

The latest figures published by the Department for Work and Pensions showed there were 1.6 million children living in households affected by the policy as of April this year, up from 1.5 million to April 2023.

Labour has cited spending controls as a reason for not being able to immediately ditch the policy, indicating there would be no change to the policy without economic growth.

Sir David said: A high-quality experience in the early years can have a profoundly positive effect on children, particularly those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.

Thoughtful and well-evidenced reports such as this one will play a key role as we work together to make the United Kingdom the best place in the world to be a child and to grow up.

A Government spokesperson said: This Government sees the early years as more than just childcare; it is central to our mission to break down barriers to opportunity, create the healthiest generation of children ever and give every child the best start in life.

Were committed to working closely with sector partners and providers to support the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and will deliver real change by integrating childcare and early years into the wider education system as a national priority.
Flood alerts have been issued in England after heavy showers and thunderstorms on Thursday, the Met Office said.

Torrential downpours battered the UK on Thursday as almost a months worth of rain fell in an hour in Greater London, according to the weather forecaster.

A flood alert has been issued on Friday for Rivers Eden and Eden Brook in the south east of England, and Upper River Loddon in the south west.

Across the weekend, England and Wales will be largely dry with sunny spells, with highs of 25C in southern England on Saturday and Sunday, and lows of 20C further north.

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said: Whats replacing the previous weather regime is a transition back to more changeable conditions for the UK, albeit still retaining some level of sunshine at times.

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On Saturday, showers will continue in the north west, though for much of England and Wales, it will be a dry day with sunny spells.

Sunday is likely to be increasingly wet for western Scotland and Northern Ireland, and some places in south-west Scotland may see an excess of 70mm of rain from Sunday into Monday, the Met Office said.

Sunday will be a fine day for England and Wales, with sunny spells and the odd light shower in parts of northern England.

Next week is predicted to be changeable, with bright, dry and sunny periods at times, interrupted by some more unsettled interludes through the week.

Rain will move from west to east gradually, and those further south east will generally see less frequent rain.

Mr Dixon said: An Environment Agency rain gauge at New Addington, Greater London, recorded 53.4mm of rain as part of yesterdays thundery outbreaks.

Average total rainfall for August in the same area is 56mm, the forecaster said.

However, such is the nature of these localised thundery outbreaks, some private rain gauges that are not a part of the official Met Office network recorded higher totals through the day in parts of southern and central England, Mr Dixon added.
Getting your money back after being tricked into an authorised push payment (APP) scam depends largely on who you bank with, a regulator says

Reimbursement for people who have been tricked into transferring money to fraudsters still largely depends on who they bank with, according to a regulator.

The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has published figures tracking the performance of payment firms in tackling authorised push payment (APP) scams and reimbursing victims in 2023.

Two of the biggest banks operating in Northern Ireland  AIB and Danske  had the lowest scores for fully reimbursing victims out of the 14 largest banking groups, and reimbursed the least of the value of money its customers lost to APP scams in 2023.

On the other hand, customers at the same two banks lost the least to APP scams, and were in the bottom three for volume of scams.

Many banks are currently signed up to a voluntary reimbursement code, but in October mandatory reimbursement rules will come into force.

In 2023 victims reported 252,626 cases of APP scams totalling nearly 341m, the PSR said.

Under the existing voluntary reimbursement framework, 67% of money lost to APP scams was reimbursed, marking an increase compared with 2022, when 61% of money was refunded. Members of the voluntary code reimbursed 68% of the fraud value back to consumers in 2023.

There is still an inconsistent approach by firms when it comes to reimbursing victims, the regulator said. It said some automatically reimburse in full, others may only make a partial refund, while some only accept claims in very narrow circumstances.

David Geale, managing director of the PSR, said: We can see some positive changes with more victims being reimbursed than in 2022. But there is still more to do  particularly for some smaller firms which have much higher rates of receiving fraud than larger firms.

Our new mandatory reimbursement measures will dramatically increase protection for consumers. These come into effect on October 7 2024, and we are already seeing payment firms innovating and improving their controls, which is key to preventing scams from happening in the first place.

Looking at individual banks and building societies, the PSR said Nationwide fully reimbursed 96% of the APP scam cases reported to it, while TSB fully reimbursed 95% and Barclays fully reimbursed in 82%.

Only 3% of cases reported to AIB were fully reimbursed, the PSR said, while Danske Bank fully reimbursed 7%, and Monzo fully reimbursed 9%.

In terms of the value of losses, TSB reimbursed 88% of APP scam losses to customers in 2023. Nationwide reimbursed 87% and HSBC (including the First Direct brand) reimbursed 76%.

Meanwhile, AIB Group reimbursed 9% of APP scam losses, Danske Bank reimbursed 13% and Monzo reimbursed 17%, the regulator said.

The PSR also looked at how much money customers at the 14 biggest banking groups lost to APP scams for every million pounds they sent.

For every 1m both Metro Bank and TSB customers sent in 2023, 266 of that was lost to APP scams.

For Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and Halifax customers, 228 per 1m was lost to APP scams, and for Nationwide customers 219 per 1m was lost to APP scams.

For AIB it was just 38 per million, while for Danske it was 44.

Meanwhile, for every one million transactions made in 2023 by Metro Bank customers, 137 were reported as APP scams. For Monzo customers, 131 transactions in every million were reported as APP scams.

For Nationwide, for every one million transactions made, 129 were reported as APP scams.

By contrast, for every one million transactions made by Co-operative Bank customers, just 51 were reported as APP scams.

The next best performer was Danske on 54, while AIB was third (56).

A spokesperson for AIB NI said: Were committed to protecting customers from fraud, making them aware of the latest scams, educating on the best ways to keep their money and details safe, as well as supporting them if they do fall victim to fraud.

The Payment System Regulators report shows that AIB has the lowest level of authorised push payment (APP) fraud per million of transactions, with our customers impacted the least. This is in part due to the level of protection and support we have in place.

We investigate APP fraud thoroughly on a case-by-case basis to best understand the root causes and protect our customers from such scams in the future. This goes hand in hand with our wider fraud preventive measures which saw us refund 100% of customers in cases of unauthorised fraud last year.

A spokesperson for Danske said: We take fraud very seriously and continually invest in both preventative measures and education to help protect customers and wider society from scams.

Through these measures we note a relatively low number of fraud cases recorded at Danske Bank. This does not mean we can be complacent, and the fight against fraud continues. Were working hard to implement changes required to deliver the new mandatory reimbursement requirement in October 2024.

Ben Donaldson, managing director of economic crime at banking and finance industry body UK Finance, said: The financial services sector invests more in countering fraud than anyone else and is the only sector that reimburses victims. Todays data from the PSR shows reimbursement increased and the majority of authorised push payment fraud is reimbursed.

Reimbursement is important in the fight against fraud, but it does not solve the problem on its own  victims still suffer the same psychological impact and criminals still get the stolen money, which causes further harm to society.

Our focus has to be protecting consumers in the first place and that means looking at where fraud originates. Our data shows that over 90% of APP fraud starts online or over the phone, through social media, fake messages and calls.

"Despite this, the technology and telecommunications sectors bear no responsibility for reimbursing victims. That needs to change and these sectors also need to tackle the criminal activity that proliferates on their platforms, sites and networks.

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: While there have been some improvements, fraud victims are still facing a reimbursement lottery.

She said the figures show that mandatory reimbursement rules cannot come soon enough.

Stop Scams UK chief executive Mark Tierney said the total lost to scams is a sharp reminder that the scale of the problem remains unacceptable.

He added: We firmly believe that the only way to defeat these criminals is by encouraging further collaborative efforts across the banking, technology and telco sectors in tandem with the public sector and Government. Its only by working together that we can help protect consumers and prevent them from them from unwittingly coming into contact with a scam.

Here are the total APP scams losses that were reimbursed to consumers by the 14 largest banking groups in 2023. For example, TSB refunded 88% of the total value of money its customers lost to APP scams in 2023. Figures in brackets show the equivalent figures for 2022:

1. TSB, 88% (91%)

2. Nationwide Building Society, 87% (78%)

3. HSBC and First Direct, 76% (73%)

4. NatWest, RBS and Ulster Bank, 76% (62%)

5. Santander, 73% (63%)

6. Barclays, 72% (70%)

7. Clydesdale and Virgin Money, 68% (38%)

8. Lloyds, Bank of Scotland, Halifax, 55% (49%)

9. Co-operative Bank, 49% (54%)

10. Starling Bank, 48% (37%)

11. Metro Bank, 46% (42%)

12. Monzo, 17% (22%)

13. Danske Bank, 13% (20%)

14. AIB, 9% (10%)
Cleo is the first cheetah at Edinburgh Zoo for 24 years (RZSS/PA)

A zookeeper has described as wonderful the arrival of the first cheetah at Edinburgh Zoo for nearly a quarter of a century.

Five-year-old Cleo arrived at the zoo from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland on Thursday, and she is currently settling into her new home in the capital.

Visitors have to wait for their first glimpse of the fast-moving feline though.

Keepers at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) are giving Cleo a chance to get used to her new surroundings, but they hope visitors will be able to see her soon.

It is the first time for 24 years the zoo has been home to the large cat, which is classified as vulnerable in the wild, and they are hoping to get another cheetah to keep her company soon.

Alison Maclean, carnivore team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: Welcoming cheetahs back to the zoo after 24 years is wonderful.

The species is vulnerable to extinction in the wild and we are hopeful we can bring in another cheetah soon to live with Cleo.

Cleo is currently getting used to her new surroundings in the Scottish capital (RZSS/PA)

In celebration of Cleos arrival the RZSS has announced a fundraising prize draw campaign, with one winner being given the chance to meet Cleo up close, as well as being able to feed a choice of other animals at the zoo.

Ms Maclean explained: Every entry into our prize draw helps our charity create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved, and offers a fantastic personalised opportunity to experience the zoo and our animals.

To enter the competition visit crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cheetah-and-friends-prize.
Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Vadim Krasikov upon arrival of freed Russian prisoners at Vnukovo government airport outside Moscow (Mikhail Voskresensky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

The Kremlin acknowledged for the first time that some of the Russians held in the West were from its security services, as new details emerged from the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War.

Families of freed dissidents, meanwhile, expressed their joy at the surprise release.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, security consultant Paul Whelan, who has Irish and British citizenship, and dissidents including Russian-British national Vladimir Kara-Murza, were greeted by their families, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Maryland on Thursday night.

Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich was among the Americans freed in the swap (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

While in Russia, President Vladimir Putin embraced each of the returnees at Moscows Vnukovo Airport, and promised them state awards and a talk about your future.

Among the eight returning to Moscow was Vadim Krasikov, a Russian assassin who was serving a life sentence in Germany for the 2019 killing of a former Chechen fighter in a Berlin park.

German judges said the murder was carried out on orders from Russian authorities.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday that Krasikov is an officer of the Federal Security Service, or FSB  a fact reported in the West even as Moscow denied any state involvement.

He also said Krasikov once served in the FSBs special Alpha unit, along with some of Mr Putins bodyguards.

Naturally, they also greeted each other yesterday when they saw each other, Mr Peskov said, underscoring Mr Putins high interest in including Kresikov in the swap.

Mr Peskov also confirmed that the couple released in Slovenia  Artem Dultsov and Anna Dultsova  were undercover intelligence officers commonly known as illegals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin walks with released Russian prisoners and relatives upon their arrival at the Vnukovo government airport outside Moscow, Russia, (Mikhail Voskresensky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Posing as Argentine expats, they used Ljubljana as their base since 2017 to relay Moscows orders to other sleeper agents and were arrested on espionage charges in 2022.

Their two children joined them as they flew to Moscow via Ankara, Turkey, where the mass exchange took place.

They do not speak Russian, and only learned their parents were Russian nationals sometime on the flight, Mr Peskov said.

They also did not know who Mr Putin was, asking who is it greeting them, he added.

Thats how illegals work, and thats the sacrifices they make because of their dedication to their work, Mr Peskov said.

Two dozen prisoners were freed in the historic trade, which was in the works for months and unfolded despite relations between Washington and Moscow being at their lowest point since the Cold War after Mr Putins February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow freed 15 people in the exchange  Americans, Germans and Russian dissidents  most of whom have been jailed on charges widely seen as politically motivated. Another German national was released by Belarus.
Opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez leads a demonstration against the official election results that declared that President Nicolas Maduro won re-election in Caracas, Venezuela (Cristian Hernandez/AP)

The stakes grew higher for Venezuelas electoral authority to show proof backing its decision to declare president Nicolas Maduro the winner of the countrys presidential election after the US recognised opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the victor.

The US announcement followed calls from multiple governments, including close allies of Mr Maduro, for Venezuelas National Electoral Council to release detailed vote counts, as it has done during previous elections.

The electoral body declared Mr Maduro the winner on Monday, but the main opposition coalition revealed hours later that it had evidence to the contrary in the form of more than two-thirds of the tally sheets that each electronic voting machine printed after polls closed.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (Matias Delacroix/AP)

Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuelas July 28 presidential election, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said in a statement.

Mr Maduro responded with a quick admonishment: The United States needs to keep its nose out of Venezuela!

The US government announcement came amid diplomatic efforts to persuade Mr Maduro to release vote tallies from the election and increasing calls for an independent review of the results, according to officials from Brazil and Mexico.

Government officials from Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico have been in constant communication with Mr Maduros administration to convince him that he must show the vote tally sheets from Sundays election and allow impartial verification, a Brazilian government official told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The officials have told Venezuelas government that showing the data is the only way to dispel any doubt about the results, said the Brazilian official, who was not authorised to speak publicly about the diplomatic efforts and requested anonymity.

Oppositions presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez speaks after voting in the presidential election (Matias Delacroix/AP)

A Mexican official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity for the same reason, confirmed the three governments have been discussing the issue with Venezuela but did not provide details.

Earlier, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he planned to speak with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and President Gustavo Petro of Colombia, and that his government believes it is important that the electoral tallies be made public.

Later on Thursday, the governments of Brazil, Colombia and Mexico issued a joint statement calling on Venezuelas electoral authorities to move forward expeditiously and publicly release detailed voting data, but they did not confirm any backroom diplomatic efforts to persuade Mr Maduros government to publish the vote tallies.

The fundamental principle of popular sovereignty must be respected through impartial verification of the results, they said in the statement.

On Monday, after the National Electoral Council declared Mr Maduro the winner of the election, thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets.

The government said it arrested hundreds of protesters and Venezuela-based human rights organisation Foro Penal said 11 people were killed.

Dozens more were arrested the following day, including a former opposition candidate, Freddy Superlano.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado  who was barred from running for president  and Mr Gonzalez addressed a huge rally of their supporters in the capital, Caracas, on Tuesday, but they have not been seen in public since.

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Later that day, the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, called for their arrest, calling them criminals and fascists.

In an op-ed published on Thursday in the Wall Street Journal, Ms Machado said she is hiding, fearing for my life, my freedom, and that of my fellow countrymen.

She reasserted that the opposition has physical evidence that Mr Maduro lost the election and urged the international community to intervene.

We have voted Mr Maduro out, she wrote. Now it is up to the international community to decide whether to tolerate a demonstrably illegitimate government.

Government repression over the years has pushed opposition leaders into exile. After the op-ed was published, Mr Machados team told the AP that she was sheltering.

Mr Machado later posted a video on social media calling on supporters to gather on Saturday across the country.

The Gonzalez campaign had no comment on the op-ed.

On Wednesday, Mr Maduro asked Venezuelas highest court to conduct an audit of the election, but that request drew almost immediate criticism from foreign observers who said the court is too close to the government to produce an independent review.

Venezuelas Supreme Tribunal of Justice is closely aligned with Mr Maduros government.

The courts justices are nominated by federal officials and ratified by the National Assembly, which Mr Maduros sympathisers dominate.

Government supporters rally in defence of president Nicolas Maduros re-election outside Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela (Fernando Vergara/AP)

On Thursday, the court accepted Mr Maduros request for an audit and ordered him, Mr Gonzalez and the eight other candidates who participated in the presidential election to appear before the justices on Friday.

Mr Gonzalez and Ms Machado say they obtained more than two-thirds of the tally sheets printed from electronic voting machines after the polls closed. They said the release of the data on those tallies would prove Mr Maduro lost.

Asked why electoral authorities have not released detailed vote counts, Maduro said the National Electoral Council has come under attack, including cyber-attacks, without elaborating.

The presidents of Colombia and Brazil  both close allies of the Venezuelan government  have urged Mr Maduro to release detailed vote counts.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez ride atop a truck during a protest against official presidential election results (Matias Delacroix/AP)

The Brazilian official said the diplomatic efforts are only intended to promote dialogue among Venezuelan stakeholders to negotiate a solution to the disputed election.

The official said this would include the release of voting data and allowing independent verification.

Mr Lopez Obrador said Mexico hopes the will of Venezuelas people will be respected and that there is no violence. He added that Mexico expects that the evidence, the electoral results records, be presented.

Pressure has been building on the president since the election.

The National Electoral Council, loyal to Mr Maduros United Socialist Party of Venezuela, has yet to release any results broken down by voting machine, as it did in past elections.

It did, however, report that Mr Maduro received 5.1 million votes, versus more than 4.4 million for Mr Gonzalez.

But Ms Machado, the opposition leader, said vote tallies show Mr Gonzalez received roughly 6.2 million votes compared with 2.7 million for Mr Maduro.
The deep division in Northern Irish society was shown again yesterday when the Chief Constable said he had received calls to sack, but also calls to commend, the PSNI officer filmed celebrating Armaghs All-Ireland win in Camlough.

Policing here remains a lightning rod for the highly polarised views that persist within society, as Jon Boutcher observed.

The smallest actions can have big consequences in a place where every word or decision is heavily scrutinised.

Sensibly, in his first public comments on the matter, Mr Boutcher sought to offer some perspective with a pragmatic response.

The officer would not be dismissed, suspended or moved, he said, but nor did he condone their actions.

His response was balanced and reasonable, and an attempt to draw a line under the controversy.

The clip of Sunday nights incident lasts mere seconds, but has fuelled four days worth of commentary, much of it predictable, and from predictable quarters.

Police celebrate Armagh All-Ireland win with laps of the road waving flags

Camlough is a small community, but the growth of camera phones and online platforms can open up even the most remote settings to widespread scrutiny. The footage shows PSNI cars driving up and down a road, with sirens and blue lights flashing.

A PSNI officer in one patrol car is seen waving an Armagh flag from the window while driving.

Unionist politicians criticised the officers actions, with allegations of two-tier policing because officers were celebrating a GAA teams victory.

Others felt those involved did nothing wrong and the incident had been blown out of proportion. A petition of support was started for the flag-waving community officer.

There is no doubt that policing in Northern Ireland, and particularly south Armagh, remains a highly sensitive issue.

But road safety is extremely serious too. Sadly, the county of Armagh  and indeed wider Northern Irish society  needs no reminders of that. On the very day of the final, PSNI social media accounts were reminding people to drive safely.

Police officers are expected to lead by example.

They are supposed to behave professionally at all times, and Mr Boutcher was clear that what happened overstepped the mark. He accepted the manner in which the police cars were being driven was irresponsible, while urging perspective.

There are issues on which we will take the PSNI to task, but on this the Chief Constable has spoken and acted sensibly.
The INLA are just one of the many groups supposedly supported by the Russian Government in its efforts to destabilise the west

Russia has made gains on the battlefield (Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

The INLA have been suspected of receiving dark money from the Russian State.

The paramilitary group has had an upsurge in activity over the summer, including an attack on a homeless charity last month.

A car was driven into the shutters of west Belfasts Welcome Centre before being set alight.

Shortly after the incident a mural which threatened to shoot any workmen that tried to repair the damage appeared.

The INLA, who were previously alleged of the murders of Jim JD Donegan and Sean fox in recent years, have been accused of openly supporting Vladimir Putins warmongering regime.

Public and vocal support of Russias invasion of Ukraine has come from members of the IRSP, the political wing of the INLA.

This week, Continuity IRA boss John Connolly was seen supporting Russia from the British embassy in Dublin. Hes described Russias invasion of Ukraine as a proxy war that is funded by NATO.

INLA accused of receiving Russian State Dark Money amid Republican support for war in Ukraine

The association between Republicanism and Russia goes back to during the Irish Civil war, when the Soviets were supportive of Republicans efforts to establish an independent republic.

The Soviet Union continued to support the IRA during the troubles, providing weaponry and training.

In March 2022, several Russian diplomats were expelled from Ireland after they were found holding meetings with both Republican Dissidents and Loyalist Paramilitaries.

Olivia Peden is joined by Sunday Life reporter John Toner.
PITTSFIELD  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has directed General Electric Co. to pause the demolition of Building 12 after a single air sample showed PCBs above the regulatory "action level" for the chemical.

The sample was taken July 11-12 at one of eight monitoring stations near the site; it was the only one out of 72 taken in the past six months to exceed EPA's health and safety limits. It was reported by the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority on July 25, when the test results became available, EPA said.

The exceedance does not constitute a health threat to the public," EPA said Thursday. "These action levels are very conservative and furthermore this monitor was not located adjacent to public areas.

The agency further stated: Monitoring locations located on the north perimeter of PEDA and GEs properties, and adjacent to residential properties, were below health-based action and notification levels.

According to EPA, the agency and its Massachusetts counterpart, the state Department of Environmental Protection, believe the spike in airborne PCBs came from the nearby demolition of Building 12, where the chemical was used in making power transformers for decades.

The sample, which measured 0.2324 parts per million, was taken near the property line separating GE from Site 9  a parcel of industrial property GE conveyed to the PEDA under the 2000 consent decree.

The notification level at which the agency must be informed of airborne PCBs on the GE/Housatonic site is 0.05 ppm. The action level at which work must stop is 0.10 ppm. The recent finding is the only one that exceeded the notification level, let alone the action level.

General Electric is demolishing Building 12 and Building 14, also known as the tank shop, but retaining the property as well as Building 100, the massive manufacturing building that runs between the buildings.

Work on Building 12 remains paused until several conditions are met, and the results from a new round of tests are known, EPA said. PEDAs backfilling of Site 9, which also had been paused, was allowed to resume July 29.

Site 9 is a 16.5-acre parcel at the corner of Tyler Street and Woodlawn Avenue, the former home of the teens buildings on the power transformer campus. (Buildings at the massive plant were all numbered.) The parcel is undergoing $10.8 million in preparation for future development, including foundation removal, utility conduits and landscaping.

PEDA has several air monitors set up at its Site 9 construction area, EPA said. A 12-13 day turnaround on PCB air quality tests is typical.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection reviewed the data provided by PEDA, and concurred with EPA that the strong likelihood is that that the source of PCBs was not PEDAs activities, rather the source of airborne PCBs emanated from GE property associated with the building demolition activities.

General Electric proposed the following conditions for resuming its work at Building 12:

 Perform a PCB air sampling round at five sampling locations and a newly added sixth location, on PEDA property not far from where the above action-level results were recorded.

 Resume demolition work if the most recent tests show all sampling locations are less than the action level of 0.1 ppm.

 Conduct weekly PCB air sampling at these six locations for least four weeks, or until results show four consecutive weeks of results less than the action level.

 Employ additional engineering controls, such as reducing the size of onsite debris piles and keeping those piles further away from the property line.

EPA approved GEs proposal with the following added conditions:

 GE can continue work if test results are above notification level and below action level. But, the company must evaluate conditions, consider additional engineering controls, and discuss the findings and its potential responses with EPA.

 GE must stop work and inform EPA if any additional sample results are above the air action level.

Last week, EPA published a fact sheet stating that airborne PCBs detected throughout the GE/Housatonic site have overwhelmingly registered below the notification level, and do not pose a risk to human health.

That assertion has been challenged by David Carpenter, a professor at the University at Albany, who says that evidence suggests a correlation between health problems and exposure to airborne PCBs measured in parts per billion  units 1,000 times smaller than parts per million.

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, were used as "dielectric fluids" in GEs transformers until they were banned in the late 1970s as a probable cause of cancer. Dielectric fluids are used as insulators in high voltage components such as transformers in order to prevent or quickly smother electric discharges that could damage or destroy the equipment.

PCBs made by Monsanto and used by GE and other manufacturers were chosen for the task because they are stable, inert, and flame and heat resistant. General Electric used them at the power transformer site from 1930 through 1977, and signed a deal in 1972 agreeing not to sue over health and environmental damages as long as it continued to sell the chemicals to GE.

But the qualities that made PCBs a good dielectric also made them harmful to the environment, as the chemical bioaccumulates when consumed up the food chain by fish, birds, mammals and humans. For that reason, warnings are posted along the Housatonic in Massachusetts and Connecticut, advising anglers and hunters not to consume what they catch.
GREAT BARRINGTON  Town officials are mulling their legal options in the wake of the state's approval on Wednesday of a water rate hike for Housatonic residents.

Town Manager Mark Pruhenski issued a statement Friday morning, saying the town is "incredibly disappointed with the decision" and is "reviewing the terms of the [Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities] order approving the settlement and will evaluate the options available in light of the order."

The Select Board will meet in a closed-door session with the town's attorney on Aug. 6, he added.

The DPU approved a settlement on July 31 that allows a rate hike of 90 percent over five years for customers of Housatonic Water Works Co. The first increase of 18 percent took effect on Thursday. Rates will nearly double bills after next year's increase, then rise less dramatically each year until 2028.

The waterworks and state Attorney General's Office reached an agreement to lower the increase amount initially sought by the private company when it applied for the hike last year.

The rate increase is meant to pay an estimated $4.5 million to fix a handful of problems and perform deferred maintenance to the company's aging system. For years residents have struggled with bouts of yellow-to-brown drinking water, and worried about elevated levels of a cancer-linked compound.

Those haloacetic acids levels have mostly fallen below the safety threshold, and changes to fix this is already in service. These are covered by the 18 percent hike.

But given the water quality problems that have beset customers in the village, and some customers in Stockbridge and West Stockbridge, residents are outraged that they have to pay for all this. Town officials, who are also considering a town purchase of the waterworks, are not pleased.

"While the Town understands the need for, and supports, capital improvements to the Companys aging infrastructure that will allow the Company to deliver better quality water and carry out basic service responsibilities to its customers," Pruhenski wrote, "the Town has consistently urged the Company to actively seek and secure alternative funding sources in order to minimize the amount of any rate increase and ease the financial burden placed on the ratepayers."

One of the conditions in the DPU's order is that the company has to find these other money sources. In June it received a $350,000 grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Environmental Protection for filtration upgrades to deal with manganese  which the company says is the culprit in discolored water.

It is unclear whether that grant will lower the initial rate hike amounts for customers. The manganese filtration system is the subject of next year's rate hike of 39.68 percent.

The last time Mercer applied for any government funding was in 2002 for a low-interest state loan, for a project that was since dropped, according to the DEP.
Donald Morrison is an Eagle columnist and co-chairman of the advisory board. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of The Berkshire Eagle
Fifth Annual Henri Lazarof International Commission Prize

Henri Lazarof once said, The world is big enough for all kinds of composers.  I try to always write for new instrumental forces  to search out the limits of the performer and ones own limits as a composer. The Henri Lazarof International Commission Prize will provide support to composers attempting to do the same today.

The annual prize is for the composition of an original work for select instruments. The specific instrumentation will change each year to complement an existing work by Henri Lazarof, and the commissioned piece will be performed alongside Lazarof's work.

Amy Williams Wins Henri Lazarof International Commission Prize

A panel of judges has selected composer Amy Williams as the winner of the Henri Lazarof International Commission Prize. Now in its fifth year, the prize is awarded by Brandeis University and honors the late classical composer Henri Lazarof, MFA59. Williams' commissioned work, for string trio, will receive a world premiere at Brandeis University's Slosberg Recital Hall on May 4, 2025.

Amy Williams was born in Buffalo, New York in 1969, the daughter of Diane, now retired violist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Jan, percussionist and Professor Emeritus at the University at Buffalo. She started playing the piano at the age of four and took up the flute a few years later (her first teacher was the legendary Robert Dick, so she could soon play Chopsticks in multiphonics). She grew up in the heyday of the Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, hearing all the latest contemporary music and meeting composers who would later become influential to her: John Cage, Morton Feldman, Lukas Foss, Elliott Carter, Julius Eastman and so many others. She went to Bennington College and, while there, decided to devote her life to performing and composing contemporary music. After a fellowship year in Denmark, she returned to Buffalo to complete her Masters degree in piano performance at the University at Buffalo with pianist/composer Yvar Mikhashoff and her Ph.D. in composition, working with David Felder, Charles Wuorinen and Nils Vigeland. She returned to Bennington in 1998 as a member of the music faculty and she then moved on to a faculty position at Northwestern University in 2000. Since 2005, she has been teaching composition at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is a full professor. She was a 2017-2018 Fulbright Scholar at the University College Cork, Ireland and a visiting professor at the University of Pennsylvania in spring 2019.

Amys compositions have been presented at renowned contemporary music venues throughout the United States, Asia, Australia, and Europe, including the Lucerne Festival (Switzerland), Time:Spans, Lincoln Center, Whitney Museum of American Art (New York), Tanglewood Festival of Contemporary Music, Gaudeamus Festival (Netherlands), Dresden Contemporary Music Days (Germany), Ars Musica (Belgium), Aspekte Festival (Austria), Festival Musica Nova (Brazil) and Thailand International Composition Festival. Her works have been performed by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Orpheus, JACK Quartet, Ensemble Musikfabrik, Ensemble Surplus, Dal Niente, Wet Ink, Junction Trio, Talujon, Arditti Quartet, International Contemporary Ensemble, Da Capo Chamber Players, Bent Frequency, Grossman Ensemble, pianist Ursula Oppens, soprano Tony Arnold, bassist Robert Black and many others. In addition to two portrait CDs of solo and chamber works on Albany Records, Crossings: Music for Piano and Strings (2013) and Cineshape and Duos (2017), Amys music appears on the Parma, VDM, Centaur, Blue Griffin, Ravello and New Focus labels.

Amy formed the Bugallo-Williams Piano Duo with Helena Bugallo while they both were graduate students at the University at Buffalo. The Duo has performed throughout Europe and the Americas, at the Ojai Festival, CAL Performances, Other Minds (California), Miller Theatre (New York), Ciclo de Musica Contemporanea (Buenos Aires), Palacio de Bellas Artes (Mexico City), Warsaw Autumn Festival, Cologne Triennale and Wittener Tage fur Neue Kammermusik, to name a few. The Duos debut recording of Conlon Nancarrows complete music for solo piano and piano duet (Wergo, 2004) garnered much critical acclaim. Subsequent recordings on Wergo include two volumes of Stravinsky transcriptions (2007, 2018), works of Morton Feldman/Edgard Varese (2009) and Gyorgy Kurtag (2015), as well as the original version of Bartoks Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion in a recently published facsimile edition. As a soloist, Amy has performed John Cages Sonatas and Interludes throughout the US and Europe. She often includes new interludes written for her by over a dozen composers.

Amy has received composition fellowships from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, American-Scandinavian Foundation, Howard Foundation, Guggenheim Foundation, Bellagio and MacDowell. She received a Fromm Music Foundation commission for Richter Textures for the JACK Quartet and a Koussevitsky Music Foundation commission for Urquintett for soprano Tony Arnold and the JACK Quartet. She was featured with JACK in a Miller Theatre portrait concert in February 2024, including the world premiere (and Miller commission) of Tangled Madrigal. She recently received the Arts and Letters Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. An avid proponent of contemporary music, Amy served as assistant director of June In Buffalo, director of New Music Northwestern, and is currently on the boards of Music on the Edge, the Amphion Foundation and the Yvar Mikhashoff Trust for New Music. She has been the artistic director of the New Music On The Point festival in Vermont since 2015.
Yangtze River Delta races ahead as integration model

08:27, August 02, 2024 By Wang Ying ( China Daily

The first super loop rail service, train G8388, passes over the Dashengguan Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on June 15. (CHEN DANCHI/XINHUA)

To complete his Chinese bucket list, Dominican student Danzel Djimon Dangleben wants to travel from Shanghai to see major attractions in three nearby provinces.

The 26-year-old, who is studying Chinese at Tongji University in Shanghai, hopes to see firsthand "the sea of clouds" on the peaks of Huangshan Mountain in Anhui province, discover the beauty of Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang province, and take a close look at a two-stringed bowed erhu in Wuxi, Jiangsu province. He was excited to learn he could reach all three destinations by taking the "super loop" high-speed rail service.

"There is no high-speed railway in my home country, so it is an extremely novel and special experience for me to travel by the high-speed trains, taking me from one city to another within a few hours or even dozens of minutes," he said.

Dangleben can speak Chinese quite fluently after studying for nine months, and plans to visit a variety of scenic spots near Shanghai during the summer vacation. The high-speed railway loop is the first of its kind in the region and links key cities as well as scenic spots.

With 21 stations in major cities across the Yangtze River Delta region, the railway loop stretches for more than 1,200 kilometers and is regarded as a major achievement in the area's integration.

By linking Shanghai and the provincial capitals of Nanjing in Jiangsu, Hefei in Anhui province, and Hangzhou in Zhejiang, the super loop is expected to facilitate exchanges across the region and promote economic integration in the Yangtze River Delta.

In its first month of operation, the super loop recorded about 110,000 passenger trips, with its average occupancy rate reaching 90 percent, news portal ThePaper.cn reported, citing the China Railway Shanghai Group.

Accelerated pace

The integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region is a national strategy now in its sixth year. The ambitious plan aims to build the region into a world-class cluster of cities, said officials and scholars.

By the end of 2023, the region had put 7,100 kilometers of high-speed railway network into operation, an increase of 71 percent compared with 4,150 km in 2018, according to Zhang Zhongwei, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission.

Gu Jun, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai municipal government, said during a news conference on July 25 that the significance of the region's integrated development had become greater after the issue was raised at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which concluded on July 18.

An attendant sorts luggage on train G8389 on July 15. (Photo/Xinhua)

"The latest three-year action plan indicates the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region is entering a new phase of deeper development," Gu said.

"Comprising nine major aspects and 165 key tasks, the plan for the years between 2024 and 2026 has charted a clear road map and outlined tasks to be accomplished in the coming three years," said Gu, who is also director of the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission.

The regional leadership will strive to realize the targets at an accelerated pace, Gu added.

Zhang said implementation of the three-year action plan will combine the solo efforts of each province or city "into a symphony of the region as a whole".

According to Zhang, the previous two three-year action plans had achieved 90 percent of their key tasks, gathered useful experience, and laid a solid foundation for the implementation of the new action plan.

"Integration and high quality are the keywords in implementing the action plan, and provincial entities will combine their three-year targets with annual tasks, come up with specific measures, and encourage local innovation," said Ling Ming, deputy director of the Jiangsu Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

Chen Haitao, deputy director of the Zhejiang Provincial Development and Reform Commission, said 10 projects for 2024, covering areas such as medical services, elderly care, culture, tourism, government services, and food safety, were announced at a high-level forum on the Yangtze River Delta's integrated development held in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, in June.

Visitors watch a robot welding a car body during the 23rd China International Industry Fair in Shanghai in September. (Photo/Xinhua)

The projects include adding 660 km of rail and more than 70,000 new public charging piles in the region. More than 200 virtual government service points will also be launched in 41 major cities across the region.

Over 300 elderly care venues for seniors will be developed across the region. An all-in-one card will be made available, enabling the cardholder to visit 3,000 cultural and tourism venues including libraries, museums, and scenic spots, as well as fitness complexes.

Measures will also be taken to continue ensuring the safety and quality of food products such as rice, flour, oil, meat, eggs, and milk.

The list also covers medical insurance and construction in the countryside. In addition, it grants eligible foreigners a visa-free period of 144 hours, or six days, as long as they are transiting through cities across the Yangtze River Delta region, added Chen.

Chen Jining, Party secretary of Shanghai, said: "Focused on the thoughts and expectations of the people, efforts will be made to make cross-provincial government services more convenient, strengthen collaboration on education, medical care, and elderly care across the region, deepen ecological environmental protection through regional collaboration, and promote the integrated development of culture, sports, business and tourism in the region."

"We will work together with Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui to accelerate construction in the Yangtze River Delta of rail, amplify and elevate the effects of the metropolitan cluster, and deepen public service convenience, so as to continuously enhance people's livelihood and happiness."

Shared future

As a key economic engine of the country, the Yangtze River Delta region contributes about a quarter of the country's total economic output, and accounts for more than one-third of the nation's imports and exports, according to public information.

"Sharing a relatively similar culture, cities within the Yangtze River Delta region have long maintained very close communications and exchanges, and their similarity is also extended to entrepreneurship," said Zuo Xuejin, a researcher from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.

"Their strong connection and interaction make integration of the region much easier than in other regions," Zuo said.

An employee works on a motorcycle parts production line in October in Huainan, Anhui province. In recent years, the province has been trying to seize opportunities presented by the Yangtze River Delta integration strategy. (Photo/Xinhua)

According to Zuo, since its integrated development was elevated to a national strategy in 2018, the region has achieved significant progress, improving people's quality of life and benefiting businesses.

The Yangtze River Delta region has one of the nation's most developed high-speed railway networks. As of May 2024, a total of 26 high-speed railway routes were operating across the region, covering all prefecture-level cities with the exception of Zhoushan, an island city in Zhejiang. In total, the region operates more than 14,500 km of rail lines, including over 7,200 km of high-speed rail.

The region plans to extend its rail network to about 17,000 km by 2025, with some 8,000 km of high-speed rail.

The rapid rail network has accelerated economic development and personnel exchanges, Xu Ruihua, a professor with the College of Transportation Engineering at Tongji University was quoted as saying by China Business News.

"Once the regional railway network is formed and gets integrated into the national railway network, the exchanges between the Yangtze River Delta region and areas across the nation will be further enhanced," said Xu.

The rail networks have also reduced the costs of trade and communications across the region, aiding the free and efficient flow of people, goods, capital, and information, said Niu Fengrui, a researcher specializing in regional economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

In addition to the rail network, a world-class airport cluster with global importance is taking shape in the East China city cluster. Accounting for merely one-thirtieth of the country's airspace, the area operates one-fifth of China's passenger volume and handles one-third of the nation's air cargo throughput at its 24 airports, according to China News Service.

From January to May, the region transported 115 million air travelers as well as 2.41 million metric tons of cargo, with 862,000 aircraft landings and takeoffs, according to data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China's East China Regional Administration.

Supported by reliable air transportation and improved infrastructure, the Yangtze River Delta region has seen its aviation capacity and services constantly enhanced.

However, the integration of the region is more than just transportation, experts said. The medical expenses settlement service, which connects 24,500 medical institutions in 41 major cities across the region, has assisted more than 33 million medical visits by patients and saved nearly 5.6 billion yuan ($773 million) in advance payments, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Modernization model

Xin Changxing, Party secretary of Jiangsu province, said thanks to the smooth flow of people and goods, collaborative manufacturing has become common in the region.

Researchers conduct testing and debugging of quantum chips at Quantum Science and Technology Yangtze River Delta Industrial Innovation Center in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. (Photo/Xinhua)

"The cooperation of enterprises along the industrial chain helps control costs and enhances efficiency," said Xin.

Liu Qingfeng, chairman of iFlytek, a leading AI company, said, "In the past four years, we have seen how enterprises along industrial chains have collaborated and promoted technological products in the region at a greater speed."

The Yangtze River Delta Entrepreneurs Union, founded four years ago, has facilitated the growth of technological innovations and helped match these innovations with market demand, Liu said. It has become a great contributor to the region's industrial upgrade, innovation, and development, he added.

With a commitment to promoting industrial chain cooperation across the region, the union has promoted the establishment, consolidation, and strengthening of 19 industrial chain alliances. It has boosted scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation in the region, and built a Yangtze River Delta industrial chain community with global competitiveness and influence, said a report on the region's development of such alliances.

"The essence of the Yangtze River Delta region's integration is collaboration in systems. This is the most difficult and important part of the integrated development of the region. In fact, all the achievements we have made are the results of system collaboration," said Zhang Zhaoan, a counselor at the Shanghai Municipal People's Government.

According to Zhang, who is also former vice-president of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, with the resolution of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, the outlook for the Yangtze River Delta region's integrated development looks promising.

"The success of the region's city cluster development will become important support for China's economic growth, in the meantime, the experience of innovations in reform and opening-up will also serve as a role model for other Chinese city clusters to follow," Zhang said.

Scholars said regardless of the great achievements made in the region's integrated development, there are still many challenges ahead.

"We have reached many collaborative agreements, but few are obligatory. Binding agreements with a focus on integrated development will better facilitate the region's integration," said Zuo from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.

Liu Zhibiao, head of the Yangtze Industrial Economic Institute at Nanjing University, said the experience of world-class city clusters demonstrated the importance of technological innovation.

"Based on first-rate industrial innovative capacity, cities across the region will form complementary industries in accordance with the market-oriented economy," he said.

"Strong technological innovation abilities will help establish world-class multinational corporations and brands with global competitiveness and attract the world's best talents. This is my vision of the future Yangtze River Delta region," he said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Aer Lingus owner International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) has seen shares lift after it scrapped a deal to buy Spanish carrier Air Europa.

IAG shares rose 5 per cent in early trading on Friday after it confirmed the termination, posted its half-year results and dished out a dividend late the previous evening.

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The airline group, which also owns Iberia and British Airways, said it has given up on efforts to buy Air Europa after EU regulators raised competition concerns over the deal.

IAG last year agreed a deal to buy the 80 per cent of Air Europa it did not already own for around 400 million.

Late on Thursday, IAG also said it would hand shareholders their first dividend payment since the Covid-19 pandemic as it said travel demand remained strong.

The group revealed revenues rose to 14.7 billion for the six months to June 30, from 13.6 billion over the same period a year earlier.

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IAG said it was partly boosted by strong demand for short-haul flights across Europe.

Chief executive Luis Gallego said: We see continuing strong demand for travel in the attractive core markets in which we operate: North Atlantic, Latin America and intra-Europe.

We are pleased to announce a return to paying a dividend, which reflects our confidence in the business, our performance and our transformation.

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We are delivering on our strategy and our commitment to sustainable shareholder returns.

Mark Crouch, market analyst at eToro, said: IAG has maintained a steady flight path in 2024, with the international carrier faring considerably better than its national counterparts.

Long-haul travel has held up well with robust demand for air travel fuelling increased free cash flow, boosting shareholder returns as a result.

While profits were down a touch from last year, the companys balance sheet is in a far healthier state.
The first trailer for BBC drama Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story shows the model being abducted as she arrives at an address in Milan, Italy.

In the preview clip of the new six-part series, Ayling can also be seen being asked whether she feels like the person on trial in a TV interview after the incident.

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In another scene, one of Aylings kidnappers can be seen asking her: Are you scared of me?

The series will follow Chloe Aylings story from her abduction to the subsequent court case (BBC/PA)

She replies: I was, but I can see that youre not the same as the others.

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He then says: I would do anything to help you.

The trailer then skips forward to a TV interview following her release, where she says: If I was not a model, do you think people would have the same opinions of me? I dont think so, no.

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The series is based on the true story of the British glamour model, who was abducted in 2017 after arriving at an address in Milan for a modelling job but was later released.

The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant was held in a farmhouse near Turin while a 300,000 euro (265,000) ransom was demanded.

She was released six days later, on July 17, at the British consulate in Milan.

However, the model faced headlines claiming she had faked her ordeal and was accused in court of being involved in a publicity stunt.

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Ayling will be played by actor Nadia Parkes, who will star in the series alongside A Spy Among Friends actor Adrian Edmondson and The Captures Nigel Lindsay.

The BBC says the new drama will ask: Why Chloe was blamed for her kidnappers crimes? How do we relate to survivors of crime who make the front pages?

And how does it feel to be an ordinary person, caught up in events so extraordinary that you arent believed?

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The trailer shows Ayling being kidnapped and later interviewed following her release (PA/BBC)

The series is written by Georgia Lester, who worked on Killing Eve, and based on research, interviews, the legal proceedings and Aylings autobiography Kidnapped  The Untold Story Of My Abduction.

It has been made with Aylings blessing, with the model saying she is excited that the BBC will tell her story.

The series will launch on Wednesday, August 14th, with all episodes available on the BBC iPlayer from 6am, and the first two episodes being aired on BBC Three at 9pm.

Filming took place in Italy and the UK last year.
Extinction Rebellion Ireland (ERI) has warned that if a planned new Google Ireland data centre gets the planning go-ahead for south Dublin it will be met with massive local and national pushback and action.

In an objection against the planned new data centre expansion by Google Ireland for Grange Castle Business Park in south Dublin, Emer Connolly of Extinction Rebellion Ireland has told the Council: This expansion is a disaster for local communities, water shortages, transition to a more sustainable economy, and reaching our climate targets.

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Ms Connolly states that if this planning goes through, it will be met with massive local and national pushback and action.

She said: Environmental groups are watching closely and wont let this go through easily.

In a separate submission, An Taisce has warned that planning for the data centre "would further compromise our ability to achieve compliance with our carbon budget limits and would put additional pressure on renewables capacity to deal with the significant additional power demand.

The scheme is the third phase of the Google Ireland data centre campus at Grange Castle Business Park and will involve the creation of 800 construction jobs and 50 jobs when operational.

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The new 72,400 square-metre data storage facility data centre will involve the construction of eight data halls on a 50 acre greenfield/brownfield site.

However, in the eight-page submission, An Taisces Planning Officer, Sean O'Callaghan states that the proliferation of data infrastructure has largely gone unchecked, and data centres now consume 21 per cent of Irelands total metred electricity.

He said that this is up from 5% in 2015 and represents more electricity use than all urban households in Ireland combined.

Mr O'Callaghan has stated that the planned data centre will put great pressure on an already strained electricity grid in the Dublin region, particularly in light of the large number of existing and proposed data centres already in the area.

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Mr O'Callaghan stated that a projected increase of 0.44 per cent in national emissions from the project "is entirely incompatible with our obligations to reduce emissions.

Mr O'Callaghan states: "Also, we consider an increase in national emissions of almost half a percentage point as a result of one singular development to be very significant.

He said that granting development consent for the data centre, on its own terms and when considered cumulatively with the high concentration of other data centres, would greatly risk Irelands ability to meet carbon budget and sectoral emissions ceiling obligations for the electricity sector.

Head of Policy at Friends of the Earth, Jerry MacEvilly has called on the Council to reject the planning application.

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Mr Mac Evilly states our concern is that the proposed development would actively undermine the achievement of the states carbon budget programme.

Dr Colin Doyle has told the council that claims of commitment by Google and Google Ireland Ltd to decarbonisation amount to greenwashing.

He said: The claims are all based on purchase of renewable electricity. While these purchases can be reported in corporate Green House Gas (GHG) accounting systems, they do not mitigate or offset in any way the physical additional GHG emissions caused by Google's activities in Ireland.

In a separate submission, Gino Kenny TD (People Before Profit Solidarity) along with party colleagues, Cllr Madeleine Johansson and Cllr Darragh Adelaide have told the council that the development would have an adverse impact on the local community, the electricity grid and on Irelands carbon emissions.

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Raising concerns about possible black-outs in the area from data centre development, the three state that Grange Castle has seen a significant number of data storage developments, some of which have not yet started operating, and we would be extremely concerned about the capacity of the electricity grid at this time to cope with any further developments.

A decision is due on the application later this month.
A man is set to appear in court after several landmark state buildings in Dublin were targeted in a series of overnight ramming incidents.

A white van was seized after damage was caused to the gates of Government Buildings; the adjacent back gate of the Dail at Leinster House; the official residence of President Michael D Higgins in Phoenix Park; and the Custom House, where the Department of Housing is located.

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A man in his 40s was detained after the last of the incidents at Government Buildings/Leinster House on Merrion Street.

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It is understood gardai are linking the incidents at the various city locations but have ruled out any terror-related motive.

On Merrion Street, a number of the gates were significantly damaged, including those at the Department of the Taoiseach at Government Buildings.

A gate at the Attorney Generals office was lying off its hinges on Friday morning.

The gate at the rear of Leinster House also sustained damaged.

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The gates at the official residence of Irelands President, Michael D Higgins, where gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage. Photo: Cate McCurry/PA.

It is understood the man was arrested near the scene of those incidents.

A damaged white van was towed away from the area at around 8.20am.

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Garda commissioner Drew Harris was seen observing the damage in a Garda car driven slowly past Government Buildings shortly before 10am.

Elsewhere in the city, the gates of the presidents residence at Aras an Uachtarain were cordoned off on Friday morning after the overnight ramming incident.

Damage was caused to gates outside Government Buildings in Merrion Street, Dublin. Photo: Cate McCurry/PA.

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Some damage was also caused at the gates of the Custom House close to the River Liffey.

On Friday night, a Garda spokesperson said: The man arrested in connection with this incident remains in Garda custody and is scheduled to appear before Dublin District Court, Criminal Courts of Justice No. 2, at 10:30 am tomorrow morning, Saturday August 3 2024, charged in connection with the case.
The United States and Russia have completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, with Moscow releasing Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, security consultant Paul Whelan, who has Irish and British citizenship, and dissidents including Russian-British national Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free.

Mr Gershkovich, Mr Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist with dual US-Russia citizenship, arrived on American soil shortly before midnight for a joyful reunion with their families.

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President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to greet them.



Dual national Paul Whelan speaks at Andrews Air Force Base after he arrived back in the US (Alex Brandon/AP)

The trade unfolded despite relations between Washington and Moscow being at their lowest point since the Cold War after Russian President Vladimir Putins February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

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Negotiators in backchannel talks at one point explored an exchange involving Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, but after his death in February ultimately stitched together a 24-person deal that required significant concessions from European allies, including the release of a Russian assassin, and secured freedom for a cluster of journalists, suspected spies, political prisoners and others.

Mr Biden praised the exchange, by far the largest in a series of swaps with Russia, as a diplomatic feat while welcoming families of the returning Americans to the White House.





Every parent, child, spouse, and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time.



In just a few short hours when our fellow Americans return home, those prayers will be answered. pic.twitter.com/2xglu30HE9 Advertisement  President Biden (@POTUS) August 2, 2024

But the deal, like others before it, reflected an innate imbalance: The US and allies gave up Russians charged or convicted of serious crimes in exchange for Russia releasing journalists, dissidents and others imprisoned by the countrys highly politicised legal system on charges seen by the West as trumped-up.

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Deals like this one come with tough calls, Mr Biden said.

He added, Theres nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad.

Under the deal, Russia released Mr Gershkovich, The Wall Street Journal reporter jailed in 2023 and convicted in July of espionage charges that he and the US government vehemently denied.



Reporter Evan Gershkovich, second left, speaks with brother-in-law Anthony Huczek, from left, sister Danielle Gershkovich, mother Ella Milman and father Mikhail Gershkovich at Andrews Air Force Base (Alex Brandon/AP)

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His family said in a statement released by the newspaper that we cant wait to give him the biggest hug and see his sweet and brave smile up close. The papers editor-in-chief, Emma Tucker, called it a joyous day.

Also released was Mr Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive jailed since 2018, also on espionage charges he and Washington have denied, and Ms Kurmasheva, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist convicted in July of spreading false information about the Russian military, accusations her family and employer have rejected.

The dissidents released included Mr Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer serving 25 years on charges of treason widely seen as politically motivated, as well as multiple associates of Mr Navalny.

Freed Kremlin critics included Oleg Orlov, a veteran human rights campaigner convicted of discrediting the Russian military, and Ilya Yashin, imprisoned for criticizing the war in Ukraine.



Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, and clockwise from top left: Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, corporate security executive and former US Marine Paul Whelan, Lilia Chanysheva, former co-ordinator of regional offices of the late opposition figure Alexei Navalny, co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize winning Memorial Human Rights Centre Oleg Orlov, artist and musician Sasha Skochilenko, Russian opposition activist and former municipal deputy of the Krasnoselsky district Ilya Yashin, government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys Tatar-Bashkir service Alsu Kurmasheva and former head of Open Russia movement Andrei Pivovarov (AP)

Returned to Russia was Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in Germany in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison for killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park two years earlier, apparently on the orders of Moscows security services.

Throughout the negotiations, Moscow had been persistent in pressing for his release, with Mr Putin himself raising it.

At the time of Mr Navalnys death, officials were discussing a possible exchange involving Mr Krasikov. But with that prospect erased, senior US officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan, made a fresh push to encourage Germany to release Mr Krasikov.

In the end, a handful of the prisoners Russia released were either German nationals or dual German-Russian nationals.

Russia also received two alleged sleeper agents jailed in Slovenia, as well as three men charged by federal authorities in the US, including Roman Seleznev, a convicted computer hacker and the son of a Russian lawmaker, and Vadim Konoshchenok, a suspected Russian intelligence operative accused of providing American-made electronics and ammunition to the Russian military.

Norway returned an academic arrested on suspicions of being a Russian spy; Poland sent back a man it detained on espionage charges.

Today is a powerful example of why its vital to have friends in this world, Mr Biden said.

Six countries released at least one prisoner and a seventh  Turkey  participated by hosting the location for the swap, in Ankara.

The Biden administration has now brought home more than 70 Americans detained in other countries as part of deals that have required the US to give up a broad array of convicted criminals, including for drug and weapons offences.





Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir were unjustly held in Russia in an appalling perversion of justice.



They and their families have shown incredible courage in the face of devastating circumstances  and they will soon be reunited with their loved ones. pic.twitter.com/9gIVdxJdCq  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) August 2, 2024

The US governments top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, has sought to defend the deals by saying the number of wrongfully detained Americans has gone down even as swaps have increased.

Ms Tucker, the Journals editor-in-chief, acknowledged the debate, writing, We know the US government is keenly aware, as are we, that the only way to prevent a quickening cycle of arresting innocent people as pawns in cynical geopolitical games is to remove the incentive for Russia and other nations that pursue the same detestable practice.

Though she called for a change to the dynamic, for now, she wrote, we are celebrating the return of Evan.
Elon Musk engaged with English right-wing activist Tommy Robinson on X, hours after Britain's Prime Minister warned that social media carries responsibility for tackling misinformation which sparked disorder in parts of the UK.

Mr Musk, who owns the site formerly known as Twitter, responded with two exclamation marks to a post by Robinson  real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon  commenting on Sir Keir Starmers response to the disorder in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

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The billionaire SpaceX and Tesla boss has had a controversial reign at X since taking over the company in 2022, and has been accused of allowing misinformation and other harmful content to flourish on the site since then.

On Thursday, Sir Keir had warned social media companies after misinformation spread online about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect, Axel Rudakubana, including false claims that he was an asylum seeker.

The UK Prime Minister said his government would uphold the law everywhere, including online, where far-right groups have been accused of inciting violence and stirring division in the wake of the tragedy, which has led to unrest in Southport, London and Hartlepool.

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Speaking directly to social media firms during a press conference in Downing Street, Sir Keir said: Violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, that is also a crime, its happening on your premises, and the law must be upheld everywhere.

That is the single most important duty of government, service rests on security. We will take all necessary action to keep our streets safe.

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Social media giant X has come under increased scrutiny since being taken over by Mr Musk in late 2022, with the billionaire himself engaging with misleading content and accounts known for spreading misinformation on a number of occasions.

In the last week he reposted a misleading video of US vice president Kamala Harris, and has previously engaged with accounts known to have spread misinformation on a number of topics, including Covid-19 and vaccine safety.

His approach to running the platform has been heavily criticised after he substantially cut staff numbers and changed the sites verification and content moderation systems, saying he wanted to allow absolute free speech.

Under his leadership, the company has also restored the accounts of many figures previously banned for breaking the website's rules around hate speech.

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Since then, many users claim to have seen an increase in hateful content, as well as pornography and spam posts and accounts, despite Mr Musk claiming he would defeat the bots after taking over the company.

A number of experts have raised concerns about the rising levels of misinformation spreading on the platform, which they warned was being used by political activists to stoke divisions and tension.

One said this misinformation had been used by a vocal minority to sow division and fuel their own agenda and trigger a summer of thrill-seeking impulsive insurrection following disorder in Southport, London and Hartlepool in the days since the attack.

John Coxhead, a professor of policing at Staffordshire University, said groups were being cynically stirred up by opportunistic populists with nothing better to do.

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In London on Wednesday, more than 100 people were arrested after protesters in Whitehall threw beer cans and glass bottles at police, and flares at the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square.

Demonstrators wearing England flags and waving banners saying enough is enough and stop the boats had congregated outside Downing Street, with chants of We want our country back and Oh Tommy Robinson.

In his televised address, the Sir Keir added that it was important for the UK government and tech firms to work together to keep the country safe, saying government blaming everybody else and pointing fingers does not work well.

Sir Keir said there is a discussion to be had about companies striking the right balance, saying social media carries responsibility, but that he wanted to work together to keep the country safe.

He added: What has not worked well recently with the previous government, in my view, is the performative politics of a government blaming everybody else and pointing fingers. That approach to me is not effective.

My approach is different, which is to roll my sleeves up, get the relevant people around the table and fix the problems, and meet the challenges that we have as a country.

We did that with law enforcement and police this afternoon  similar approach with social media, which is not performative politics which gets us nowhere, but the politics of service, which is to actually work together to address the challenges that we have and make sure that we keep the country safe and respect the values of our fellow citizens, which are about law enforcement, security and safety.
Kamala Harris is preparing for the fight of her life, if her inner circle is anything to go by.

The US vice president has surrounded herself with a group of tested operators, many of them Black women who have been involved in Democratic politics for decades, as she gears up for a brutal three months of campaigning before the November 5th election.

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US senator Laphonza Butler of California, for one, struck a bullish tone this week when asked on MSNBC about the prospect of Ms Harris facing a barrage of sexist and racist attacks.

"Bring it," she said. "Because we are not new to this."

The tight-knit group of advisers are fiercely loyal to Ms Harris and passionate about her career, with many having shepherded her since she was a newcomer to Washington when she joined the Senate in 2017, according to Reuters interviews with four people with direct knowledge of her closest confidants.

Some of the group privately lobbied Joe Biden to pick a Black woman - Ms Harris in particular - as his running mate in 2020 at a time when he had only publicly committed to naming a woman, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter.

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Ms Harris' inner circle include advisers and allies such as Minyon Moore, chair of the Democratic National Convention Committee, convention rules co-chair Leah Daughtry, Democratic National Committee (DNC) member Donna Brazile and Tina Flournoy, a former chief of staff to Ms Harris, the people said.

Clinton administration

They are no strangers to power, with many having served in Bill Clinton's 1993-2001 presidency.

Ms Harris, an 11th-hour substitute at the top of the ticket after Mr Biden dropped out, may need all the help she can get, even though her campaign has made a strong start.

Ms Harris remains untested, politically, on the national stage, despite being a former senator from the most populous US state of California. She dropped out of the 2020 Democratic primary early, and she trails Republican rival Donald Trump in some battleground states in this year's race, according to opinion polls.

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There are signs of a break from the past for Ms Harris in one area. So far this year, some members of her family - long among her closest advisers - have played a less prominent role than in her 2020 run.

Younger sister Maya Harris, who ran that short-lived campaign, has been mostly absent during key moments this time round, three of the people familiar with Ms Harris' campaign said.

The advisers and family members included in this article either declined comment or didn't respond to requests for comment. The Harris campaign didn't comment.

The 59-year-old vice president faces a tight race and needs to be prepared for a wave of attacks, Democratic strategist Anthony Coley said.

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Mr Trump has called Ms Harris "crazy," "nuts", "dumb as a rock" and questioned her identity by suggesting she had previously downplayed her Black heritage. Some Republicans in Congress disparage her as a diversity hire. Right-wing activists and trolls have smeared her online with racist and sexist barbs.

The inner circle is "battle tested in a way that is going to be helpful over the next 99 days," Mr Coley said.

"It's going to be fast, it's going to be furious, it's going to be deep. And you have to have people who know how to respond quickly and smartly to these types of attacks."

The Trump campaign didn't respond to a request for comment for this article.

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'Force of nature, force for good'

Women with years of experience running the White House and election campaigning also hold key organisational roles inside the Harris camp.

Lorraine Voles serves as her White House chief of staff; Erin Wilson is her deputy chief of staff; Sheila Nix is her chief of staff on the campaign; Kirsten Allen serves as her White House communications director; and Rohini Kosoglu is one of her closest advisers, who has worked for her since her time in the Senate.

Ms Voles, a veteran Washington communications fixer and adviser, has been credited by analysts for being a stabilising force within Ms Harris' inner circle since May 2022, after turmoil in her office that included departures in her communications, national security and other teams.

"Lorraine is a force of nature and a force for good who looks around corners and plays to win," said Chris LeHane, who worked with Ms Voles at the Clinton White House.

A deputy press secretary for Bill Clinton, Ms Voles was subsequently communications director for then-vice president Al Gore and for then-senator Hillary Clinton.

Some of the top male staffers she relies on are Brian Fallon, a former senior aide to Hillary Clinton who runs her communications at the campaign; Ike Irby, who served as her deputy domestic policy adviser at the White House until earlier this year; and Dean Lieberman, a national security adviser, who earlier worked for the White House National Security Council.

Democratic strategist Joel Payne said the people around Ms Harris had experience building coalitions, including the group of voters that coalesced around the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020 and those who supported Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012.

"These are folks who have that lineage ... to those previous eras of Democratic politics and an understanding of how to rebuild those coalitions from the past," he added.

Ties to Washington power brokers

The counsel of figures like Ms Moore, Ms Daughtry, Ms Brazile and Ms Flournoy lend Ms Harris years of experience from the Clinton White House and the DNC and the political chops to navigate a party that did not fully embrace her in the early years she was vice president.

These women also bring deep knowledge of Washington and ties to its power brokers. They give Ms Harris an advantage over Mr Trump, according to Marcia Fudge, a co-chair of the Harris campaign and former housing secretary in Biden's administration.

"It brings her a level of experience that his people don't have," Ms Fudge told Reuters.

Mr Trump's campaign is built around a handful of loyal, little-known political advisers, who helped him sweep away multiple Republican challengers in the primaries.

Another sounding board for Ms Harris is senator Butler, a union organiser who has known Harris since she was San Francisco district attorney in the early 2000s and served as a senior adviser to her 2020 campaign. With her union ties, Ms Butler offers a bridge to the labour community, an important Democratic constituency for Ms Harris.

This week, the United Auto Workers union endorsed Ms Harris for president, providing a potential boost for her in the swing state of Michigan.

Matt Bennett, co-founder of Third Way, a political strategy group, said this team would help Ms Harris portray herself as politically in the centre, while also appealing to left-leaning voters.

"They understand how to position her as a moderate."

Harris husband: 'Professional wife guy'

Although family members are playing a less prominent role in this campaign, they are strong supporters.

Ms Harris' brother-in-law - Maya's husband - Tony West, chief legal officer at Uber and former associate attorney general in the Obama administration, has been by the vice president's side during key moments on the trail this year.

He joined her on trips while Mr Biden's own presidential bid was collapsing and then again at the Harris campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, where Ms Harris addressed campaign leaders and staffers for the first time as the presidential candidate.

"He's a thought partner, no formal role," said one of the people with knowledge of the campaign.

Ms Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, remains cheerleader-in-chief.

The 59-year-old former lawyer has hit the campaign trail hard, visiting abortion clinic in Maine, stumping in New Hampshire and channeling what Vanity Fair calls "professional Wife Guy" - the supportive husband.
Seven men have been charged after violent disorder broke out in Hartlepool, England on Wednesday, police have confirmed.

Local Police said all seven men were charged with violent disorder.

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A 42-year-old man was also charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker.

A police car burns as officers are deployed on the streets of Hartlepool following a violent protest (Owen Humphreys/PA)

A 28-year-old man was charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, as well as violent disorder.

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All seven men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear in court on Friday.

An 11-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a police vehicle was set alight during a violent protest in Hartlepool in the wake of the Southport stabbing.

Police said 11 other people were arrested on Wednesday evening in connection with the disorder during which officers were attacked with missiles, glass bottles and eggs in the County Durham town.

The arrests included seven men, one juvenile and one woman, with ages between 14 and 54, on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker, according to the force.

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During the violence, which involved about 150 people, four police officers suffered minor injuries.

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Before the protest, officers identified the suspected organiser and arrested a 51-year-old man from Hartlepool on suspicion of distributing written materials to stir up racial hatred.

He has been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.

A woman aged 28, also from the Hartlepool area, was arrested on Wednesday before the demonstration.

She was detained on suspicion of unlawfully obtaining or disclosing protected information and distributing written materials to stir up racial hatred relating to personal information placed on social media, and has been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.

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Police will maintain a visible presence in the area to reassure and protect the community.

Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: This is very much a live investigation and we are continuing to work to identify those involved in the disorder yesterday evening and bring them to justice.

Disorder of this kind will not be tolerated and those found to be involved will be robustly dealt with.

Police on the streets of Hartlepool (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Speaking outside Hartlepool Police Station on Thursday afternoon, Chief Constable Mark Webster said the events in the town were mindless thuggery and that experienced officers had never seen such disorder there before.

Asked what the motivation was for the disorder, he said: There is an opportunity to go out and damage things, and just exhibit a bit of violence.

I dont think there is a principle at stake, this was not a legitimate protest or demonstration.

I think there is some mindless thuggery and thats why we are being really proactive to go out and arrest people.

Theres no excuse for last night.

It comes after riots in Southport on Tuesday and further disorder in London, Aldershot and Manchester on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the riots were not protest and not legitimate as he vowed not to permit a breakdown of law and order.

He said: Make no mistake, whether its in Southport, London or Hartlepool, these people are showing our country exactly who they are.

Mosques targeted because theyre mosques, flares thrown at the statue of Winston Churchill, a Nazi salute at the Cenotaph.

Because lets be very clear about this. Its not protest. Its not legitimate. Its crime. Violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice.

Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash told BBC Radio 4s World At One programme on Thursday that the unrest the night before doesnt represent us as a town.

On Thursday morning, a clean-up operation began in the town as council workers were joined by volunteers in sweeping away the debris.

A police car which was destroyed when it was set alight had already been removed by 10am.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged with the murder of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday.
The stakes grew higher for Venezuelas electoral authority to show proof backing its decision to declare president Nicolas Maduro the winner of the countrys presidential election after the US recognised opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the victor.

The US announcement followed calls from multiple governments, including close allies of Mr Maduro, for Venezuelas National Electoral Council to release detailed vote counts, as it has done during previous elections.

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The electoral body declared Mr Maduro the winner on Monday, but the main opposition coalition revealed hours later that it had evidence to the contrary in the form of more than two-thirds of the tally sheets that each electronic voting machine printed after polls closed.



Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (Matias Delacroix/AP)

Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuelas July 28 presidential election, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said in a statement.

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Mr Maduro responded with a quick admonishment: The United States needs to keep its nose out of Venezuela!

The US government announcement came amid diplomatic efforts to persuade Mr Maduro to release vote tallies from the election and increasing calls for an independent review of the results, according to officials from Brazil and Mexico.

Government officials from Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico have been in constant communication with Mr Maduros administration to convince him that he must show the vote tally sheets from Sundays election and allow impartial verification, a Brazilian government official told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The officials have told Venezuelas government that showing the data is the only way to dispel any doubt about the results, said the Brazilian official, who was not authorised to speak publicly about the diplomatic efforts and requested anonymity.

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Oppositions presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez speaks after voting in the presidential election (Matias Delacroix/AP)

A Mexican official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity for the same reason, confirmed the three governments have been discussing the issue with Venezuela but did not provide details.

Earlier, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he planned to speak with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and President Gustavo Petro of Colombia, and that his government believes it is important that the electoral tallies be made public.

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Later on Thursday, the governments of Brazil, Colombia and Mexico issued a joint statement calling on Venezuelas electoral authorities to move forward expeditiously and publicly release detailed voting data, but they did not confirm any backroom diplomatic efforts to persuade Mr Maduros government to publish the vote tallies.

The fundamental principle of popular sovereignty must be respected through impartial verification of the results, they said in the statement.

On Monday, after the National Electoral Council declared Mr Maduro the winner of the election, thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets.

The government said it arrested hundreds of protesters and Venezuela-based human rights organisation Foro Penal said 11 people were killed.

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Dozens more were arrested the following day, including a former opposition candidate, Freddy Superlano.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado  who was barred from running for president  and Mr Gonzalez addressed a huge rally of their supporters in the capital, Caracas, on Tuesday, but they have not been seen in public since.





Electoral data overwhelmingly demonstrate the will of the Venezuelan people: democratic opposition candidate @EdmundoGU won the most votes in Sundays election. Venezuelans have voted, and their votes must count.  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 2, 2024

Later that day, the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, called for their arrest, calling them criminals and fascists.

In an op-ed published on Thursday in the Wall Street Journal, Ms Machado said she is hiding, fearing for my life, my freedom, and that of my fellow countrymen.

She reasserted that the opposition has physical evidence that Mr Maduro lost the election and urged the international community to intervene.

We have voted Mr Maduro out, she wrote. Now it is up to the international community to decide whether to tolerate a demonstrably illegitimate government.

Government repression over the years has pushed opposition leaders into exile. After the op-ed was published, Mr Machados team told the AP that she was sheltering.

Mr Machado later posted a video on social media calling on supporters to gather on Saturday across the country.

The Gonzalez campaign had no comment on the op-ed.

On Wednesday, Mr Maduro asked Venezuelas highest court to conduct an audit of the election, but that request drew almost immediate criticism from foreign observers who said the court is too close to the government to produce an independent review.

Venezuelas Supreme Tribunal of Justice is closely aligned with Mr Maduros government.

The courts justices are nominated by federal officials and ratified by the National Assembly, which Mr Maduros sympathisers dominate.



Government supporters rally in defence of president Nicolas Maduros re-election outside Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela (Fernando Vergara/AP)

On Thursday, the court accepted Mr Maduros request for an audit and ordered him, Mr Gonzalez and the eight other candidates who participated in the presidential election to appear before the justices on Friday.

Mr Gonzalez and Ms Machado say they obtained more than two-thirds of the tally sheets printed from electronic voting machines after the polls closed. They said the release of the data on those tallies would prove Mr Maduro lost.

Asked why electoral authorities have not released detailed vote counts, Maduro said the National Electoral Council has come under attack, including cyber-attacks, without elaborating.

The presidents of Colombia and Brazil  both close allies of the Venezuelan government  have urged Mr Maduro to release detailed vote counts.



Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez ride atop a truck during a protest against official presidential election results (Matias Delacroix/AP)

The Brazilian official said the diplomatic efforts are only intended to promote dialogue among Venezuelan stakeholders to negotiate a solution to the disputed election.

The official said this would include the release of voting data and allowing independent verification.

Mr Lopez Obrador said Mexico hopes the will of Venezuelas people will be respected and that there is no violence. He added that Mexico expects that the evidence, the electoral results records, be presented.

Pressure has been building on the president since the election.

The National Electoral Council, loyal to Mr Maduros United Socialist Party of Venezuela, has yet to release any results broken down by voting machine, as it did in past elections.

It did, however, report that Mr Maduro received 5.1 million votes, versus more than 4.4 million for Mr Gonzalez.

But Ms Machado, the opposition leader, said vote tallies show Mr Gonzalez received roughly 6.2 million votes compared with 2.7 million for Mr Maduro.
Administrators for Regional Express say numerous potential buyers have expressed interest in the struggling airline despite questions surrounding the state of its books as preparations begin for the sales process as early as next week.

Rex appointed EY as voluntary administrators on Tuesday and stopped all capital city flights after the consulting firm conducted a business review of the ASX-listed company in May.

Rex has traditionally been a regional airline but expanded into flying between capital cities in 2021. Credit: Andrew Taylor

EY partner Sam Freeman said he had been contacted by a large number of parties interested in a potential acquisition of Rexs business via a deed of company arrangement. The voluntary administration period is expected to be five weeks.

Rex has traditionally been a regional airline, but expanded into flying between capital cities in 2021 after receiving $150 million from investment firm PAG Asia Capital. It also owns a fly-in, fly-out charter service, National Jet Express, two pilot schools and holds a number of emergency services contracts.
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 Everyone knows air travel isnt what it used to be. Decades ago it was a glamorous affair. Now its more of a miserable experience, with delays, discomfort, extra charges and, in Australia, an ever-shrinking choice of carriers for customers, following the failure this year of two regional airlines, Bonza and Rex. While few passengers and experts in the aviation industry took Bonza seriously, Rexs implosion shook the nation. Rex, short for Regional Express, has operated for 22 years, providing a critical service to communities scattered across regional Australia. It has flown to more than 50 destinations and often to towns not serviced by the major airlines, Qantas and Virgin. The news that Rex was going broke and had gone into administration this past week with plans to lay off 610 staff  more than a quarter of its workforce  was a major headache for the Albanese government. Almost immediately, stakeholders  from unions and staff to customers  began demanding the federal government step in and save Rex, even though Rex was a private company and its failure was most likely the result of hubris and mismanagement. The news also fanned debate, again, about whether a nation as geographically vast as Australia, with its small population, can support more than two airlines. Its an argument that goes around and around, and which currently offers little consolation to regional leaders and their communities, who just want to know if Rex will be rescued. Its critical that Rex continues, says Dallas Tout, the mayor of Wagga Wagga, a large inland city in southern NSW that sits halfway between Sydney and Melbourne. Everyone of this entire region is of the same mind that we need to get Rex through this, and make sure that the regional network is saved. His argument gathers more support if you consider that, in the two decades to 2019, the number of regional routes provided by airlines has fallen substantially, from 458 to 291. In the same period the number of remote routes fell almost 40 per cent to 163.

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When Rex started more than two decades ago its arrival was received with enthusiasm  Rex is here for the long haul, Up, up and away with Rex were the headlines. Its inaugural flight was from Wagga Wagga to Sydney. Wagga Wagga is also where Rex has its engineering base and one of its two pilot-training academies; the other is in Ballarat. Those centres also train pilots for other airlines. Now the headlines about Rex are gloomier: Rexs future is up in the air. But they wont stay that way if Tout and other mayors, who are seeking meetings with state and federal ministers, have anything to do with it. We need Rex all around the country in regional areas. I can assure you that all local governments will be communicating that, Tout says. Rex has been an important carrier in Australias aviation market, providing links with regional communities and their economies into capital cities, whether for business or leisure. It was particularly important for fly-in, fly-out workers employed at mines and on large infrastructure projects. In southern NSW, where Wagga Wagga is situated, theres an estimated $10 billion to $15 billion being spent on infrastructure projects, spanning energy, telecommunications and defence, over the next decade. Additionally, airlines flying to regional centres help to deliver essential services, such as healthcare. Tout estimates that about 5000 air seats annually between Sydney and Wagga Wagga were occupied by medical specialists, such as cardiologists, travelling to that region to attend to patients. Wagga Wagga is fortunately also served by Qantas, but not all regional towns and cities have the choice of two airlines. Its why Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cant let Rex collapse. His government would face a backlash in regional centres that he cant afford, especially with less than a year to an election and with the government struggling in the polls. Those pressures may explain why the prime minister has been so highly critical of Rexs management for trying to be more than just a regional airline. The airlines downfall was hastened after management made the costly decision to expand into the cut-throat capital-city routes between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, distracting it from its core market of regional Australia. Rexs aircraft livery carries the slogan Our heart is in the country.

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The expansion into those inter-capital-city routes by Rex occurred after the pandemic. As a smaller player, Rex tried, but didnt have the volume of flights, passengers or slots, especially at Sydney Airport, to make those inter-capital-city routes viable, especially when it was being matched and undercut on fares and routes by its bigger and better-resourced rivals, Qantas and Virgin. Rex is not the first airline to try and break the dominant duopoly that exists in Australias aviation industry. In the past few decades a graveyard has filled with airline groups that have tried and failed, from Compass to Tiger Airways and Bonza, to name a few. Its easy to understand why they try. The Sydney-to-Melbourne route alone accounts for 15 per cent of all domestic passenger travel and is considered one of the top-10 busiest domestic routes in the world. Rod Sims, the former chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), believes the nation can support three airlines. He was critical of the prime minister suggesting Rex should have stuck to its own runway of regional services and not tried to compete against Virgin and Qantas on the inter-capital-city routes. The idea that you want to cement the airline structure into a regional player and two national players just dooms us all to higher airfares, he said. Weve got to be more dynamic than that. We shouldnt criticise a player for wanting to have a go because clearly they brought lower airfares to Australian consumers. Its a good thing that they tried. If they had the slot allocations at Sydney in better shape, maybe Rex would have done a lot better. A slot is an agreement between an airport operator and an airline that allows the airline to operate take-offs and landings at a specific time and date. Smaller airlines have struggled to compete against Qantas and Virgin, which dominate slots at Sydney Airport particularly during peak times and more broadly in the market.

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Sims said the reform of the slot system at Sydney Airport was paramount to ensuring the survival of a third player in Australias aviation market. The federal government still has to implement the recommendations of former Productivity Commission chairman Peter Harris to open more peak-time slots at Sydney Airport to smaller players. The imminent release of the governments aviation policy paper may help accelerate that change but that may still be too late for Rex. Sims said the government needed to act, and there was little the ACCC could do to help ensure a third player in Australias aviation space would survive. He said when Rex expanded onto the inter-capital-city routes it claimed Qantas had retaliated by entering some of its regional routes. The idea that you want to cement the airline structure into a regional player and two national players just dooms us all to higher airfares. Rod Sims, former ACCC chair It was: You [Rex] have come on our routes and we will give you a really big bloody nose and we, Qantas, wont make any money but will really cut your returns down, big time. So that was the retaliation Qantas is alleged to have done, said Sims. He said when he was ACCC chair he reviewed Rexs complaint under Australias competition law. The evidentiary burden youve got to have to get a case like that as being a substantial lessening of competition is just enormous. Not everyone agrees that Australia can sustain more than two big airlines. The answer is no, said Ian Douglas, who used to work for Qantas and now works as a senior lecturer at UNSWs School of Aviation. I dont think with 27 million people we are ever really going to find a sustainable third carrier space on the market. Every time we get a third carrier it ends up just being a bloodbath, and the smallest one falls out. Air New Zealand has had the rights to fly domestically in Australia for years and years. They have the right aircraft, they fly those aircraft across the Tasman, they never try to operate domestically in Australia.

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He said the European and American markets, which are more than 10 times the size of Australias population, can only support a handful of carriers. In the US, with its population of 330 million, there are only four major carriers, which together account for about 80 per cent of that market. And yet the federal government wants Rex services to continue into the regional areas, despite its woes. Federal Transport Minister Catherine King, whose department has been liaising with Rexs administrators, EY, has said the government doesnt want to see Rex fold. Albanese, a former transport and regional development minister, said the government would keep a close eye on the proposals put forth to rescue Rex. We are concerned about Rex, said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen For now, Rex has ceased all of its flights between capital cities, and customers who had tickets on those routes have been able to book equivalent services on Virgin and Qantas free of charge. Rex has secured short-term funding to continue flying regionally until a buyer of the airline is found. The downfall of Rex wasnt only caused by its expansion into those inter-capital-city routes. There have been other contributing factors  a global shortage of pilots meant it was unable to fly a number of its ageing planes  and there were also boardroom ructions. And by not yet reforming the slots system at Sydney Airport the Albanese government and previous federal governments have helped entrench a duopoly in the market. But the governments anger towards Rexs management is also understandable, given the financial support it has received. Rex had funding in the form of a $150 million convertible note  essentially a loan  from an Asia-based private equity group, which helped it undertake its expansion into those inter-capital-city routes, pitting it against Qantas and Virgin. In addition to that loan, Rex received $150 million in financial support from the federal government in the two years to June 30, 2022, as it recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, which roiled airlines globally. The Western Australian and Queensland governments have also given it financial support.

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Sometimes in a movie, a moment turns from mere punchline to cultural touchstone. In the comedy action romp Jackpot! such a moment comes when the films heroine Katie Kim (Awkwafina) arrives to inspect the tiny apartment she is moving into. It doesnt look like the AirBnB pictures, she says, dryly. As I sit down with Awkwafina to discuss the film, we start with that moment because it leaps out so loudly from the screen, perfectly capturing the transactional failure and social decay of the internet era, where things rarely resemble the promise made by the websites that entice us into the deal. Awkwafina plays the films heroine Katie Kim. Credit: Disney via Getty Images Its weird, if you watch the movie back, I guess you could look at every line like that, Awkwafina says. I really love when you cant tell if a line is written out of some kind of poetic justice or just like a kind of gag, a set piece. And I think that [the films writer] Rob Yescombe probably meant it as a little bit of both. For the films director, Paul Feig, the moment taps into the unfulfilled promise the future gave us when we were kids, one of smooth lines, bubble-shaped houses and gleaming cleanliness. I remember as a kid, watching The Jestsons, you think the future is going to look like that, Feig says. John Cena and Awkwafina in Jackpot! Credit: Prime Video Why one line pops for the audience above others is pop cultures great mystery. I can tell you what I think is going to be hilarious, but when you get it in front of an audience, you are constantly surprised, Feig says.

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Jackpot! is a delightfully ridiculous comedy set in the near future when Californias Grand Lottery awards huge multi-billion-dollar prizes that comes with a catch: if anyone catches and kills the winner before sundown, they can claim the prize. The net effect is a lottery win that becomes a virtual death sentence, and a jackpot-above-everything culture that turns grannies on buses and hairstylists into homicidal murderers, chasing down would-be billionaires to take them out and claim their prize. Katie Kim (Awkwafina) discovers she has won the lottery in Jackpot! Credit: Prime Video The film stars Awkwafina as its heroine, an unassuming actor named Katie Kim who has come to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. John Cena plays Noel, a freelance security contractor who offers to protect Katie after she wins a multi-billion dollar prize, and Simu Liu stars as Louis Lewis, Noels rival in the security business. Both are in it, at least initially, for a slice of the prize. In a sense, the films story is a metaphor for LA itself: aspiring actor comes to town, discovers most of what she encounters is a little less substantial than it seems, has to claw her way to the top  literally, in one scene  and is surrounded by a group of people, all of whom want to take their percentage cut of what shes worth. John Cena and Awkwafina in Jackpot! Credit: Prime Video Thats such a good read of it, and I think thats exactly whats going on, it is a metaphor for Hollywood, and how hard and arbitrary it is, and how people will just sell you down the town, pretty much, Awkwafina says.

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What really kind of drew me to the movie was this idea of a near future, dystopic, but very believable LA, where its impossible for anyone to really get anything done, unless its through this kind of really intense one-man, man-eat-man kind of thing. Awkwafinas own journey was a little more genteel: born Nora Lum in Stony Brook, New York, she emerged initially as a musician (with an album, Yellow Ranger, and an MTV comedy series Girl Code) and then as a film actor, with smaller roles in Oceans 8 (2018), Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). John Cena and Awkwafina in Jackpot! Credit: Prime Video Her path to fame was sealed with her Golden Globe- and Gotham Award-winning performance in The Farewell, directed by one of Americas most talented emerging directors, Lulu Wang. Since then, she has starred in her own series, Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, and joined the Marvel universe for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The title of her debut album as a young aspiring artist, Yellow Ranger, gives a powerful insight into the importance of visible diversity in popular culture. During Awkwafinas childhood, at a time when there were few high-profile Asian stars, Vietnamese-American actor Thuy Trangs performance as Trini Kwan, the Yellow Ranger from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, mattered a great deal. Awkwafina attends the 2024 Met Gala. Credit: Getty Images Growing up, it does affect you, and it affects you in ways that youre not necessarily protesting it outside at eight years old, but it affects you in these weird ways, Awkwafina says.

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And I think now, as a person ... Im not going to be super into myself and talk about how big I am or whatever, but I do know that its really important that people can see me, even when Im not perfect, right? I think that its important for people to see me in different kinds of stuff because it normalises it, it doesnt make it seem as like it would never happen. I think when people see me as a kind of a normal, frumpy, slouchy Asian girl, it makes it seem possible. The young Nora lost her mother when she was just a kid, and was raised by her father and paternal grandparents, in particular her grandmother, Powah Lum, who became an influential figure in her life. Awkwafina playing the granddaughter to her dying grandmother (Zhao Shuzhen) in The Farewell. Credit: Casi Moss My mother passed when I was very young, and so I think that what I derive from female relationships is very, very different from, say, someone that mightve grown up with a mother, Awkwafina says. I felt like, growing up, I had a lot of different mums, like my aunts, people that were younger than my grandma. In a way, Im still growing up, and I meet different women who really just impact me and show me versions of myself that I could be, that my mother obviously is not here to show me, she adds. Awkwafina cites collaborations with performers including Sandra Oh and Margaret Cho as enormously impactful. To be able to see them intimately, who they are as people, those relationships affect me every day as a woman, she says.

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Leaving home for college, she majored in journalism and womens studies at the State University of New York at Albany, but ruled out a career in journalism very quickly. I did not have the nerve for it, the balls for it, the tenacity for it, she says. I had a few internships when I was in college for local papers, and the newsroom was so intimidating of a place. Making calls in front of everybody, it just freaked me out. And yet acting in front of an audience does not faze her? Isnt that bizarre? she says. Awkwafina wins the Golden Globe for her work on The Farewell. Credit: AP Her other major coursework, womens studies, left a deeper mark, particularly in the context of an America in 2024 in which womens reproductive rights are under siege, and the country seems caught amid a deep political schism between left and right. I loved womens studies the most is because it taught me so much beyond just gender and sex issues, it taught me about racism, race issues, class issues. It taught me about how things were institutionalised, these events that happened that were significant. First-wave feminism, second-wave feminism, all of these different ideas, in a way, it makes you kind of disillusioned, the fact that weve been arguing about the same things that seemed so obvious for years, and years, and years, with no end.

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Of course, Nick Cave is a man who has long been a reader of the Bible and his work has been inspired by the deities within it. Its just that as a younger man, with the Birthday Party and a good chunk of the Bad Seeds career, he was very much an Old Testament kind of guy, more fire and brimstone than love thy neighbour. While he hasnt gone happy-clappy, in these new songs hes a man who is only too aware of mortality and is searching for the light rather than the darkness. On the title track he casts himself as an old, sick deity who is now only in his prime in his own mind. And in a few songs, salvation comes in the form of a woman. Anyone who has seen the 2016 documentary One More Time With Feeling, or heard Cave in interviews talking about how his wife Susie dealt with the death of their son, will know that his admiration for her is huge. So when he sings it was my privilege to walk you home in the Sunday rain in Frogs, or my hand searching for your hand searching for my hand in Final Rescue Attempt, its hard not to sense her presence between the lines, or to imagine the two of them clinging to each other to remain upright in the tsunami of grief that followed the loss of their son. Wild God is being touted as a return to the Bad Seeds sound of old. Thats not entirely true. Caves writing and the bands sound became progressively more spectral and fragmented on Skeleton Tree (2016) and Ghosteen (2019), mainly revolving around the core of his partnership with musical foil Warren Ellis, who threw his wild man experimentalism at everything, while Cave matched him with impressionistic lyrical flights of fancy.

The new album retains some of that spirit but is more anchored. Radioheads Colin Greenwood provides some characteristically fluid bass lines; Caves stately piano playing comes back to the fore; the aforementioned choral arrangements take it back to church. And just as Cave is seeking more connection with the human race, on Wild God hes also reaching out to beings both living and on the other side. Barry Divola Post Malone, F-1 Trillion By this point, its near impossible to dislike Post Malone. A decade since his viral trap breakout White Iverson, the 29-year-old has somehow become pops golden retriever, a cuddly, humble presence whose face tattoos, grills and penchant for boozing have lent him the persona of a gentleman outlaw without any of the requisite danger. For the amount he says he drinks, youd have expected at least one leaked video of him politely talking back to an overzealous cop  apologies, my good sir, I understand youre doing your job, but unhand me now  and yet nothing.

Instead, from Better Now to Sunflowers to Circles and beyond, he has somehow become a stalwart of pops stickiest melodies. In the past year alone hes been the connecting tissue between pops biggest megastars, dropping by for inoffensive cameos on Beyonces Cowboy Carter (Leviis Jeans) and Taylor Swifts The Tortured Poets Department (Fortnight). Posty goes country: F-1 Trillion is easy, breezy arena pop. Credit: F-1 Trillion, his long-threatened country debut  it was in May 2015, months before White Iverson was even released, that he infamously tweeted: WHEN I TURN 30 IM BECOMING A COUNTRY/FOLK SINGER  further highlights how effortlessly he can command any crossover space. While Beyonce, Zach Bryan and even Morgan Wallen have struggled to win over Nashvilles firmament, last week Posty was on stage at the Grand Ole Opry in a rhinestoned baby-blue suit, sharing the spotlight with local legends Vince Gill and Brad Paisley. The guy knows how to tip his (10-gallon) hat. Clocking in at 18 songs and 58 minutes, F-1 Trillion is another ingratiating gambit and another bridge, this time between traditional Nashville country and its current pop boom. A rollicking duet with Tim McGraw (Wrong Ones) opens the album, for Christs sake, and subsequent tracks feature everyone from Hank Williams Jr (Finer Things), Dolly Parton (Have the Heart) and Chris Stapleton (California Sober) to new-school hitmakers Jelly Roll (Losers), Lainey Wilson (Nosedive) and Luke Combs  twice (Guy for That and Missin You Like This). The album has already produced the globe-conquering number one I Had Some Help with Morgan Wallen (and, ahem, the opening riff of Tom Pettys Learning to Fly) and the steadily climbing Pour Me a Drink with Blake Shelton, a ridiculously catchy fist-pumper that makes me think Gwen Stefani made an OK choice after all. Goes Without Saying, featuring Brad Paisley, is another sing-along thatll have you swaying intensely in the kitchen with your head down and tongs up.

Raise your red cups: The 29-year-olds country pivot is convincingly booze-soaked. Credit: Amy Harris/Invision/AP For better or worse, this is straight windows-down music, the sort of uncomplicated listening youd hear on Kix Country, road-trippin down the south coast while finger-drumming on the steering wheel. Its radio music in the old-fashioned sense, when radios didnt need bluetooth. Theres none of the intellectual and formal invention that fuelled Beyonces Cowboy Carter, but show me anyone who was expecting it and Ill show you a weirdo. More surprisingly, for an artist who segued to country from hip-hop (two genres that, especially in the US, share regional and thematic overlap), theres not even a hint of the genre-blurring thats made Morgan Wallen countrys best pop crossover. When Posty goes country, he goes full country. In a new affectation he sings every song with a trembling vibrato, as if hes belting in front of a portable fan. Its not necessarily bad, its just odd, as though someone in the studio shouldve handed him a note. Album-closer Yours is classic cornball country, with Posty imagining giving his daughter away to her future husband. His daughter is currently two years old.

If F-1 Trillion marks Post Malone as the Uncle Kracker of his generation, I say that only with affection. Uncle Kracker gifted us Smile, an all-timer that lights up Smooth FM daily, mostly right around school pick-up. What better place for pops reigning golden retriever? Robert Moran Hamed Sadeghis Empty Voices: the Iranian-Australian tar player carves out an idiom all his own. Hamed Sadeghi, Empty Voices What a shrewd way to draw you in. Hamed Sadeghi begins Empty Voices with a musical supplication, simply entitled Please. Lasting only 2 minutes, it sets Sadeghis ringing tar (a steel-stringed Persian lute) against a simple drone, and yet the sense of entreaty is palpable  as if hes appealing to you to listen. By the time the rest of the band quietly enters for the ensuing Taarof, youre already hooked: drawn into this poetic world Sadeghi has created, in which his tar meditates amid instruments and musicians more usually associated with jazz.

But to call the music a hybrid would be to demean it. Its more an idiom all of its own: unique in concept and execution. Having unveiled the project at last years Sydney Festival, Sadeghi has now refined it, and the results are consistently mesmerising. The septet includes bassist Lloyd Swanton (of the Necks), with whom Sadeghi is used to playing in the trio Vazesh. But where that project deals exclusively in improvisations, this one is based on the Iranian-Australians compositions. Caressing rather than assaulting the ears, these are laced with solos from some of this countrys most distinguished improvisers: saxophonists Sandy Evans and Michael Avgenicos, bass clarinettist Paul Cutlan, trumpeter Thomas Avgenicos and percussionist Adem Yilmaz. Hamed Sadeghi: The Iranian-Australian tar player carves out an idiom all his own. Credit: A striking element of their art is the proliferation of air and space. Its as if all the sounds are transparent, allowing you to hear the instruments through each other. Yet despite everyone being on a tight leash in terms of density and dynamics, theres no sense of the collective creativity being constrained. Evans soprano saxophone still cries in its gull-like way, and Cutlan still produces one of the most haunting sounds youll hear on bass clarinet. Mother Tongue is underpinned by an instantly involving groove that suggests journeying for the delight of journeying, rather than a burning need to reach a destination, with Evans soprano spiralling high above the expedition.
A 14-year-old Acacia Ridge boy has been charged with multiple counts of fraud, attempted robbery, obtaining or dealing with identification information, as well as robbery and wilful damage, over a series of incidents in Brisbanes south in July.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Queensland police said it would be alleged the teenager created a fake dating profile on a LGBTQ dating app and arranged to meet with victims on six occasions.

It will be alleged the boy then demanded the victims transfer money, with the intent to commit fraud and robbery for his own financial gain.

Police have urged people to be aware of cybersafety and take precautions when meeting someone for the first time in person. Credit: iStock

The boy is expected to appear before Richlands Childrens Court on September 19.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles says he will leave it to police to determine whether CFMEU workers were behind an attack on a picket-crossing Cross River Rail worker outside his home this week, but will push ahead with proposed legislation to bring the union into line regardless.

Fou Ah-Lam was walking to his car on Wednesday morning when he was set upon from behind by two masked attackers armed with a metal pole.

In May, Ah-Lam had been filmed trying to cross a CFMEU picket line to go to work, in an incident that devolved into a violent brawl between striking CFMEU members and non-union workers.

He told police he believed the two men who attacked him on Wednesday were members of the CFMEU and had attacked him in retaliation for crossing the picket line.
It was such a turning point moment of like, Oh my god, you can be part of something thats way bigger than yourself, Simons said. Loading That feeling of being on the street chanting, surrounded by thousands of people in that first strike  I was like, This is incredible. After that first protest, Simons joined an environment club at school and, in 2019, went to an Australian Youth Climate Coalition event, where she met a 14-year-old Sharma. Our journey to activism started together, Simons said.

Sharma was jolted to action by the impact of heatwaves and floods on extended family in India and increasingly extreme weather events in Australia. She started seeking out videos about climate change and found an ad looking for protest organisers. I begged my mum to take me along, Sharma said. She and Simons would go on to be key organisers in the School Strike 4 Climate (SS4C) movement. They helped plan the next strike in 2019 when, according to organisers, 100,000 people brought Melbournes CBD to a standstill. They banged drums, chanted and sang as they made their way to the steps of Parliament House.

I never felt so empowered and so proud to be a part of a cause in my life, that day in 2019  everything that Ive gone on to do would not have happened if I hadnt had those moments, Sharma said. Simons was in full disbelief about the number of people who attended the rally. I remember thinking, How is this possible? she said. It was just the most insane feeling to be surrounded by all these people  I had been there and helped organise that. It was incredible. Both continued to dedicate time to SS4C, launching an online version in 2020 when the pandemic hit. They tried to revive the strikes in 2021.

Ella and I led around 25,000 people  which was nowhere near the 100,000 we got in 2019  but we were still very proud of it, Sharma said. Loading Now 20, Sharma is still working on climate action  but has taken her fight to the courts and corridors of power. Shes studying full-time and assisting with a bill that aims to enshrine into federal law a ministerial obligation to consider the impact of the climate crisis on childrens health and wellbeing. In 2020, she was the lead litigant in a federal court case that ruled the countrys environment minister had a duty of care to protect children and the environment when assessing fossil fuel projects. That ruling was overturned two years later by the full bench of the Federal Court.

Weve had a lot of success bringing young people, especially people who were disillusioned after the school strike movement, back to the table, Sharma said. Simons  now in her final year of high school  has stepped back from her role at the organisation that brought her so much. Instead, shes working on a campaign to lower the voting age to 16. Greta Thunberg leading French students through Paris in 2019. Credit: AP Not everyone from the movement is as positive. Siena Rigazzi says she learnt how unjust the political system can be. She got involved in the rallies when she was 15, organising school walkouts calling for climate action and protesting against Australias treatment of refugees.

A 17-year-old Siena Rigazzi speaking in 2020. Friends and family were supportive, but some questioned what the protests would achieve. At the time, Rigazzi argued they would show popular support for action. She was initially elated during the massive 2019 rally and, inspired by Thunberg, believed she could help bring about change. Being out on the streets with over 100,000 people, voicing our united discontent, made me believe that change was possible, she said. Surely, the government couldnt deny that this is what the people want? But Rigazzis attitude changed following the initial strikes.

Loading Being part of a movement so widely supported that achieved so little shattered my belief in the state of our democracy, she said. Everything I have continued to see and learn since has not only been heartbreaking  it has been dystopian. While she doesnt regret her involvement, Rigazzi said nothing being done now  by parliament, the media, universities, courts or police  would put people and the planet over profits. The students of SS4C tried, and were successful, at engaging in every avenue of legal political change that supposedly exists within a democracy, she said. We were met with no adequate response. I ask now: What are we expected to do?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used last years Garma festival to reboot the campaign for a Voice to parliament. He pushed back against calls to delay the vote, arguing it represented a once-in-a-generation chance to reconcile the nation.

A year on, he will stand on the same red dirt with a far less ambitious reconciliation agenda. Indigenous leaders, many still scarred by the vigour of the referendum bout, worry Labor has lost its appetite for bold action to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will promise at the Garma festival that his optimism for a better future still burns. Credit: AAP

In a speech lacking new policy proposals or lofty ambitions, Albanese will promise to keep working with state governments on their reconciliation plans and reaffirm Labors commitment to a Makarrata commission designed to oversee a truth-telling process  one of the three elements of the politically contentious Uluru Statement from the Heart from which the Voice concept emerged.

Albanese, who invested huge amounts of political capital and emotion into the referendum, will promise his optimism for a better future still burns and that his trust in the resilience and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remains.
A youth mental health manager is federal Labors choice to wrest back from the Greens the inner-city seat of Griffith where Kevin Rudd once pushed to become Labor prime minister.

Renee Coffey, the chief executive of Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation, is the third Labor candidate named to take on seats that were part of the Brisbane Greenslide at the May 2022 poll.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Renee Coffey, Labors candidate for the Greens-held seat of Griffith, now held by the Greens Max Chandler-Mather. Credit: Tony Moore

Labor had already announced radiographer Madonna Jarrett to contest the inner-city seat of Brisbane now held by the Greens Stephen Bates, and teacher Rebecca Hack to contest Ryan against former architect Elizabeth Watson-Brown.

Griffith was won by the Greens Max Chandler-Mather in 2022, defeating Labors Terri Butler.
Beirut: Lebanons powerful Iran-backed group Hezbollah vowed a definite response to Israels killing of its top military commander, saying the strike had crossed red lines and the decades-old rivalry between foes had entered a new phase.

The resistance cannot but respond. This is definite, said Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, speaking in a televised address on Thursday (US time) to mark the funeral of the slain commander, attended by mourners clad in black waving the groups yellow-and-green flag.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah speaks at the funeral of their top commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike. Credit: AP

We are looking for a real response, not a performative response, and for real opportunities. A studied response, Nasrallah said.

An Israeli strike on Hezbollahs stronghold in the southern suburb of Beirut on Tuesday killed Fuad Shukr, head of the groups military operations, along with an Iranian military adviser and five civilians.
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 Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader of Hamas, was assassinated on Wednesday by an explosive device covertly smuggled into the guesthouse where he was staying in the Iranian capital Tehran, according to seven Middle Eastern officials. They said the bomb had been hidden approximately two months ago in the guesthouse, which is run and protected by Irans Revolutionary Guard and is part of a large compound in an upscale neighbourhood of northern Tehran. Haniyeh was in Irans capital for the countrys presidential inauguration. The bomb was detonated remotely, once it was confirmed that he was inside his room at the guesthouse. The blast also killed a bodyguard. A Hamas supporter holds a poster of its political chief Ismail Haniyeh during a protest to condemn his killing. Credit: AP The explosion shook the building, shattered some windows and caused the partial collapse of an exterior wall. Such damage was also evident in a photograph of the building shared with The New York Times. Haniyeh, who had led Hamas political office in Qatar, had stayed at the guesthouse several times when visiting Tehran, according to the Middle Eastern officials. All of the officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive details about the assassination. Iranian officials and Hamas said on Wednesday that Israel was responsible for the assassination, an assessment also reached by several US officials who requested anonymity.

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The assassination threatens to unleash another wave of violence in the Middle East and upend the ongoing negotiations to end the war in the Gaza Strip. Haniyeh had been a top negotiator in the cease-fire talks. Israel has not publicly acknowledged responsibility for the killing, but Israeli intelligence officials briefed the United States and other Western governments on the details of the operation in the immediate aftermath, according to the five Middle Eastern officials. On Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States had received no advance knowledge of the assassination plot. In the hours after the killing, speculation immediately focused on the possibility that Israel had killed Haniyeh with a missile strike, possibly fired from a drone or a plane, similar to how Israel had launched a missile on a military base in Isfahan, Iran, in April. That missile theory raised questions about how Israel might have been able to evade Iranian air defence systems again to execute such a brazen airstrike in the capital. As it turns out, the assassins were able to exploit a different kind of gap in Irans defences: a lapse in the security of a supposedly tightly guarded compound that allowed a bomb to be planted and to remain hidden for many weeks before it would eventually be triggered.

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Loading Such a breach, three Iranian officials said, was a catastrophic failure of intelligence and security for Iran and a tremendous embarrassment for the Revolutionary Guard, which uses the compound for retreats, secret meetings and housing prominent guests such as Haniyeh. How the bomb was stashed in the guesthouse remained unclear. The Middle Eastern officials said the planning for the assassination took months and required extensive surveillance of the compound. The two Iranian officials who described the nature of the assassination said they did not know how or when the explosives were planted in the room. Israel decided to carry out the assassination outside Qatar, where Haniyeh and other senior members of Hamas political leadership live. The Qatari government has been mediating the negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a cease-fire in Gaza. The deadly blast shattered windows and collapsed a portion of the wall of the compound, photographs showed. It appeared to do minimal damage beyond the building itself. The device exploded at around 2am local time. Startled building staff members, the officials said, ran to find the source of the tremendous noise, leading them to the room where Haniyeh was staying with a bodyguard.

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The compound is staffed with a medical team which rushed to the room immediately after the explosion. The team declared that Haniyeh had died immediately. The team tried to revive the bodyguard, but he, too, was dead. The leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, was staying next door, two of the Iranian officials said. His room was not badly damaged, suggesting precise planning in the targeting of Haniyeh. Khalil al-Hayya, the deputy commander of Hamas in Gaza who was also in Tehran, arrived at the scene and saw his colleagues body, according to the five Middle Eastern officials. Among the people immediately notified, said the three Iranian officials, was General Ismail Ghaani, the commander in chief of the Quds Force, the overseas arm of the Revolutionary Guard, which works closely with Iranian allies in the region, including Hamas and Hezbollah. He notified Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the middle of the night, waking him up, the officials said. Newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at his swearing-in ceremony. Credit: AP Hours later, Khamenei summoned the members of Irans Supreme National Security Council to his compound for an emergency meeting, at which he issued an order to strike Israel in retaliation, according to three Iranian officials. Tehran had already been under heightened security because of the inauguration of Irans new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, with senior government officials, military commanders and dignitaries from 86 countries gathering at parliament in central Tehran for the ceremony.

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Washington: The release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and other prisoners detained by Russia was a legacy-defining moment for Joe Biden.

Eleven days after his remarkable decision to drop out of the US election, Americas now lame-duck president had one of the most important breakthroughs of his time in office  thanks in large part to the global alliances hes worked so hard to foster.

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greet reporter Evan Gershkovich at Andrews Air Force Base on Friday (AEST). Credit: AP

After months of painstaking negotiations, the US and Russia completed the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War, involving 24 prisoners and six countries.

Among the people now freed by Russia is 32-year-old Gershkovich, who was working as a correspondent in Moscow in March 2023 when he was detained on sham spy charges, and sentenced last month in a closed-door trial to 16 years in prison, simply for doing his job.
Regional WA market outlook

Regional areas are also expected to see growth, particularly in the South West. However, rental markets in the regions are more constrained and less likely to benefit from new supply in the short term due to building challenges.
The guy who came to see us from Wizard was a nice bloke, but not that smart. My ego suggested that if he could do it, I could do it, Ritchie says.
Bringing in more interactions with clients as well as the soon to be launched referral capability are features once wished upon that will add so much more value to our broker offering, said OShea (pictured above right), who is a principal broker at Aussie Queanbeyan in the ACT.
Former Louisiana Mayor Arrested for Alleged Sexual Misconduct with Minor Days After Resignation (Photo: Louisiana State Police)

Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, was arrested on Thursday following accusations of engaging in sexual activities with a minor. Roberts, 42, who resigned from her position just days prior, was charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. The arrest comes amidst a growing investigation by the Louisiana State Police.

Roberts was booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center at 10:13 a.m. and released at 11:30 a.m. on a $75,000 bond, according to records from the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office. The charges stem from an investigation requested by the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office last Friday, which prompted the state police's Special Victim's Unit to look into a complaint against Roberts.

The investigation involved interviews with two minors, one of whom was identified as the alleged victim. Both minors reportedly confirmed that Roberts had sexual intercourse with one juvenile while she was serving as mayor. "Roberts had sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as Mayor," police stated in their report.

Roberts' attorney, Robert Johnson, has firmly denied the allegations, asserting her innocence. "My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent. She has not been charged with a crime and/or convicted of any crime," Johnson said in a statement reported by WAFB-TV. He also noted that Roberts learned of the warrant late on Wednesday and had not been contacted for an interview before the warrant was issued.

The former mayor's resignation followed an initial announcement on Friday that she would step away from office for two weeks. However, Roberts tendered her resignation the following day. In her resignation statement, Roberts reflected on her tenure, saying, "For nearly 15 years, my love and passion for DeRidder has been my foundation while serving as Mayor. This role has rewarded me with many great relationships. I am humbled to have witnessed the hard work that took a community to come together and overcome through unprecedented times. However, I must adjust my focus and priorities."

Roberts' sudden departure and subsequent arrest have sent shockwaves through the small community of DeRidder, a town with a population of about 10,000 located approximately 50 miles north of Lake Charles, near the Texas border. The city's website details Roberts' background, noting her graduation from DeRidder High School in 2000 and her Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations from McNeese State University in 2004. Before becoming mayor, Roberts served as the city's director of community service for nine years.

The charges against Roberts have cast a pall over her career and raised serious questions about her conduct while in office. The investigation is ongoing, and the case will likely proceed through the legal system in the coming months. The Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office has not released further details regarding the nature of the evidence or the timeline of the alleged incidents.
Luxury vehicle maker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is already assembling several models in India and sees no reason for additional obligations, the Tata Motors British subsidiary has said, suggesting that it was unlikely to leverage the Centres new Electric Manufacturing Policy for now.

However, Tata Motors Group CFO PB Balaji did not rule out leveraging the EV policy entirely at a later stage. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

If we are able to leverage upon the policy environment, we will definitely consider it. At this point in time, that specific policy is not something that is suitable for us. So, we dont intend to leverage that at this point in time, Balaji told reporters in the post earnings call.

JLR India localised manufacturing of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models in India this year.

The business in India is on a very good wicket, growing very strongly, and we have just localised the manufacturing of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. We are seeing huge pickup in orders on that front. So, we would want this to pick up, we will want to keep localising, Balaji said.

As volumes pick up, the company would want to localise as much as possible. We continue to evaluate CKD as a more attractive option given our scale in India, he said.

The Centre had come up with an EV policy earlier this year slashing customs duty on electric cars with cost, insurance, and freight value of $35000 or more to 15 per cent from the existing 100 per cent. This will be applicable when an automaker commits an investment of at least Rs 4150 crore and achieves 50 per cent localisation in five years.

Tata Motors will, however, continue to look at opportunities of completely knocked down units (CKD) manufacturing in India to ensure it gets benefits of 15 per cent personal duty.

JLR, which posted its best ever first quarter results, is also developing a new electric Jaguar. Prototype road testing is progressing well, the company said. It is in line for becoming debt-free this year. The net debt stood at $1 billion, with a gross debt of $4.8 billion.

As such Tata Motors EV sales have slipped in the first quarter of 2024-25.

Q1FY25 EV volumes at 16,600 units were down by 13.9 per cent due to sharp decline in the fleet segment. The fleet segment (which includes sales to cab aggregators etc) constitutes nearly 20 per cent of their total volumes.

This was due to the discontinuation of the FAME II scheme.

Balaji said that they expect the incentives for four wheelers (in fleet segment) to continue in the third installment of FAME (FAME III policy).

We expect the FAME III policy to have incentives for four-wheelers because it is for the public good. Ultimately, it is going to help the fleet segments and therefore it is public transport that is getting electrified. These are not personal demands and therefore there is a logical case for this which is being made. We do believe the authorities are sympathetic to the logic, but let us wait and see how the fine print finally is, Balaji told reporters.

As such, the overall PV business of the company saw a decline in retail registrations in May-June, influenced by general elections and heat waves across the country. At 138,800 units for the quarter, volumes were down 1.1 per cent as the company re-adjusted wholesales in line with retail sales to keep channel inventory under control.

Coming festive season, the company has lined up new nameplate launches  starting with the Curvv in August. In the second half thus the company expects EV sales to grow. Curvv, a mid-segment SUV with a Coupe body style will be introduced first in EV avatar, followed by the internal combustion engine (ICE) versions.
The Universal Humanitarian Church (UHC) is a repressive, regressive organisation that isolates its members from their family and friends, and leeches money from them. Chapman Farm in Norfolk, UK, where it indoctrinates its members is a hotbed of abuse and murder; life there could break the strongest of souls. When a client with a son in the clutches of the church seeks help, private detective Robin Ellacott infiltrates the cult. She and her partner Cormoran Strike, eventually bring it down but not before lots of trauma and mayhem.



The Running Grave, the seventh and latest book in
The AAP on Friday slammed the BJP over its "silence" on the deaths of a woman and her three-year-old due to falling into a waterlogged drain in east Delhi, saying the party wants all the power but not for the sake of people. The party also demanded financial support for the family and action against erring officials. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Addressing a press conference, the Aam Aadmi Party's Delhi convener Gopal Rai accused the BJP of having "double standards."



"Initially when the incident happened, BJP spokesperson went to the spot and claimed that it was a PWD drain. But ever since it became clear that the drain belongs to DDA, they have maintained silence. Lt Governor is the chairman of DDA.

"Why is BJP silent now? They have double standards," he charged.

AAP MLA and a member of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Dilip Pandey said he has written a letter to Lt Governor VK Saxena, and hoped strict action will be taken by him to prevent any more deaths.

Pandey also said he has demanded compensation for the kin of the two victims.

The Delhi Development Authority has stated that a major portion of the drain, where the tragedy struck, had been handed over to the MCD, while the portion under it is covered with RCC slabs.

Tanuja and her three-year-old son Priyansh slipped and fell into a waterlogged under-construction drain on Wednesday around 8 pm, amid heavy rain near Khoda Colony in Ghazipur.

The two were returning from a weekly market when the incident happened.

Asserting that the Delhi government, despite having "zero power" fulfils its responsibilities, Rai said the BJP only wants complete power but does not want to do anything for the people.

"We demand that the family of the deceased mother-son be provided financial support. The Lt Governor should take action against officials responsible for the mishap," he added.
Measures expected to help civilian drones expand global outreach

08:36, August 02, 2024 By Fan Feifei ( China Daily

A staff member shows a drone at the First Jinjiang Trade Fair on Scientific and Technological Innovation in Quanzhou, Fujian province, April 9, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua)

China's optimized export control measures for unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, are expected to help domestic civilian drone manufacturers expand their presence in overseas markets, as well as bolster technological innovation and industrial upgrading in the sector, experts said on Thursday.

The adjustment will be conducive to the development of the whole drone industrial chain that covers raw materials supply, component manufacturing, and industry applications, while further improving the competitiveness of domestically developed drone products in the international market, they added.

Their comments came after the Ministry of Commerce announced on Wednesday that it had optimized and adjusted export controls on certain types of drones and some drone-related components.

China will remove temporary controls on certain consumer-grade drones, and prohibit the export of civilian drones, which are not included in the export control list, for use in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorist activities, or military purposes, the ministry said. The new measures will take effect starting on Sept 1.

The ministry has adjusted the control standards for some important components of drones, such as infrared imaging equipment and lasers for target indication. The move will better safeguard China's national security and interests, and ensure the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, a ministry spokesperson said.

The Chinese government firmly supports Chinese companies in conducting global trade and cooperation in the civilian drone sector, and opposes the illegal use of civilian drones for non-peaceful purposes, the spokesperson said, adding that China would continue to track and assess the situation of drone exports and make timely adjustments and improvements to relevant policies.

The adjustments came after China announced export control measures in July 2023 on certain drones and a number of items of drone-related equipment, including lasers, communication instruments, hyperspectral cameras, and anti-drone systems.

Yang Jincai, director of the Shenzhen Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Industry Association in Guangdong province, said the cancellation of temporary controls targeting certain consumer-grade drones will help more Chinese drone makers expand their footprint abroad and develop more high-end and advanced drones to satisfy international demand.

Yang said the optimized export control measures are good news for the development of China's drone industry, as the move will encourage domestic drone enterprises to increase their research and development spending, promote technological advancements, and enhance the core competitiveness of drone products globally.

DJI, the world's largest commercial drone manufacturer by market share, said in a statement to China Daily, "We are pleased to note the adjustments made to the export control measures by the Ministry of Commerce."

It added that the revised measures are "expected to be more favorable for the development and technology application of the entire drone industry".

DJI stressed that its products are for civilian use only, emphasizing that "we have never designed, developed or manufactured military-grade equipment, we have never adapted our products or pursued business opportunities for combat operations. We have never marketed or sold our products for combat use in any country".

The Shenzhen-based company said it will continue to strictly comply with and implement China's export control regulations, and the applicable laws and regulations of the countries and regions where it operates.

Pan Jun, a visiting professor at Donghua University in Shanghai, said the export control adjustment means that Chinese drone enterprises will have more opportunities to enter the international market, adding that it will have a positive impact on the whole industrial chain of drones, including raw material supply, production, sales, and investments.

The scale of China's civilian drone market reached 165 billion yuan ($22.8 billion) in 2023, an increase of 37.96 percent year-on-year, according to a report released by market research company AskCI Consulting. The figure is expected to reach 176.5 billion yuan this year.

Pan Helin, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy, said, "The move will enhance the global competitiveness of Chinese drone makers, reduce the compliance costs of these enterprises, and benefit the high-quality development of China's drone sector."

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Airlines are avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace and cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon. Photo: Freepik

Airlines are avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace and cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon, as concerns grow over a possible conflict in the region after the killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah this week.

Singapore Airlines on Friday appeared to no longer be using Iranian airspace for any of its routes, according to flight tracker Flightradar24. The airline did not respond to a request for comment.

Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Taiwan's EVA Air and China Airlines also appeared to be avoiding Iran airspace for flights to Amsterdam on Friday which previously had flown over Iran, Flightradar24 data showed.



The airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the route changes.



In a bulletin, OPSGROUP, a membership-based organisation that shares flight risk information, advised traffic between Asia and Europe to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace, a day after sources told Reuters that top Iranian officials will meet the representatives of Iran's regional allies from Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen to discuss potential retaliation against Israel.



Many airlines, including US and European airlines, already avoid flying over Iran, especially since the reciprocal missile and drone attacks in April between Iran and Israel.



Singapore Airlines' flight to London Heathrow early on Friday went north of Iran through Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, rather than crossing through Iran as it did the day before, Flightradar24 showed.



However, a significant number of airlines on Friday were still flying over Iran, including United Arab Emirates carriers Etihad, Emirates and FlyDubai, as well as Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines.



Over the past two days, Air India, Germany's Lufthansa Group, US carriers United Airlines and Delta Air, and Italy's ITA Airways said they had suspended flights to Tel Aviv.



Airlines this week have also been cancelling and delaying flights to the Lebanese capital Beirut after a strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday. Israel has blamed the attack on Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah, which denied involvement.



Canada on Thursday issued a notice to Canadian aircraft to avoid Lebanese airspace for one month due to the risk to aviation from military activity.



Britain has for the past month advised pilots of potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry and military activity in Lebanon's airspace.



Should an all-out war break out in the Middle East, OpsGroup said civil aviation will likely face the risk of drones and missiles crossing airways, as well as the increased risk of GPS spoofing - a growing phenomena around Lebanon and Israel where militaries and other actors broadcast signals that trick a plane's GPS system into thinking it is somewhere it is not.



(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Indian politician was implicated in an immigration scam involving the US H-1B visa lottery system. Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, previously a Congress candidate for the Telangana Assembly elections, has been accused of exploiting a loophole in the lottery process by making multiple registrations, according to a report by Bloomberg.

What is the US H-1B visa lottery? The H-1B is a United States visa that comes under the Immigration and Nationality Act. It allows employers in the US to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations for a specific time. In terms of guest worker numbers, it is the largest visa category in the US. Fields that typically qualify under this visa include tech, finance, engineering, etc. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

To qualify for the visa, applicants must have a job offer from a US employer and proof of qualification. The employer must also provide proof that there is a lack of qualified candidates in the US for the role.

As there is a high demand for this visa, the US has a cap for the amount that can be issued per year. When the number of available slots is full, a lottery system is held in April to randomly select applications to be processed.

What was the H-1B visa scam?

The scam revolves around the H-1B visa lottery system, which was streamlined in 2020 to simplify the application process. However, this change also opened up opportunities for exploitation.

The scam operated through multiple registrations. By submitting numerous applications under different company names, the chances of being selected in the lottery significantly increased.



Numerous companies linked to Reddy, such as Cloud Big Data Technologies LLC and Machine Learning Technologies LLC, reportedly used the multiple registration tactic to increase their chances of securing visas.



By submitting multiple entries for the same worker, they managed to generate numerous visas. In the 2020 lottery, Cloud Big Data submitted around 288 names, with other companies under Reddy also submitting the same names, resulting in more than 3,000 entries that year alone.



Data shared by Bloomberg showed that between 2020 to 2023, Reddy's candidates were almost always successful in winning the lottery.

How does the H-1B visa scam impact US workforce?

The manipulation of the H-1B visa system has altered not only the type of companies winning visas but also the nature of workers being admitted to the US. Data shared by Bloomberg said the median salary at staffing firms last year was about $90,000, compared with $125,000 for regular employers. Workers recruited through Reddys companies earned approximately $87,000 annually.

How much did Reddy make from the scam?

Reddys companies charged a hefty fee for securing H-1B visas, taking 20 to 30 per cent of the workers pay, amounting to around $15,000 or more each year.

Despite claiming limited involvement, official documents and Reddys election data indicate his ownership and control over these staffing firms.

Reddys H-1B visa scam: Not an isolated incident

Reddys case is not an isolated one in the United States. Reports suggest that thousands of other staffing firms have adopted similar tactics, collectively securing around 40,000 H-1B visas over four years.

To put this in perspective, approximately 446,000 individuals applied for H-1B visas in 2023, with only 85,000 available. More than 11,600 of these visas went to multinational outsourcing companies, and another 22,600 went to IT staffing firms, a report by Times of India pointed out.

Just a registered agent, nothing illegal: Reddys defence

Reddy downplayed his involvement, claiming to Bloomberg that he is merely a registered agent for the companies and has limited involvement with them.

However, this assertion is contradicted by previous statements he made, including his claim to Texas authorities that he was the CEO of Cloud Big Data. Additionally, an affidavit filed with Indian election officials and business registry documents in the US indicates that Reddy and his wife own or control all the companies in question.

Moreover, Reddy told The Times of India that his actions were legal. He argued that when multiple visa entries are filed, the choice of employer ultimately lies with the employees. He also noted that recent changes to the lottery system, which now require the inclusion of passport numbers, would reveal multiple entries, suggesting that his method was within legal boundaries.
Biden trumpeted the exchange, by far the largest in a series of swaps with Russia. (Photo: Reuters)

The United States and Russia completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history on Thursday, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, along with dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free. Gershkovich, Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist with dual US-Russia citizenship, arrived on American soil shortly before midnight for a joyful reunion with their families. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were also there to greet them. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The trade unfolded despite relations between Washington and Moscow being at their lowest point since the Cold War after Russian President Vladimir Putin's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Negotiators in backchannel talks at one point explored an exchange involving Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, but after his death in February ultimately stitched together a 24-person deal that required significant concessions from European allies, including the release of a Russian assassin, and secured freedom for a cluster of journalists, suspected spies, political prisoners and others.

Biden trumpeted the exchange, by far the largest in a series of swaps with Russia, as a diplomatic feat while welcoming families of the returning Americans to the White House. But the deal, like others before it, reflected an innate imbalance: The U.S. and allies gave up Russians charged or convicted of serious crimes in exchange for Russia releasing journalists, dissidents and others imprisoned by the country's highly politicized legal system on charges seen by the West as trumped-up.

Deals like this one come with tough calls, Biden said, He added: There's nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad.

Under the deal, Russia released Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who was jailed in 2023 and convicted in July of espionage charges that he and the U.S. government vehemently denied. His family said in a statement released by the newspaper that we can't wait to give him the biggest hug and see his sweet and brave smile up close." The paper's editor-in-chief, Emma Tucker, called it a joyous day.



While we waited for this momentous day, we were determined to be as loud as we could be on Evan's behalf. We are so grateful for all the voices that were raised when his was silent. We can finally say, in unison, Welcome home, Evan,' she wrote in a letter posted online.

Also released was Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive jailed since 2018, also on espionage charges he and Washington have denied, and Kurmasheva, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist convicted in July of spreading false information about the Russian military, accusations her family and employer have rejected.

The dissidents released included Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer serving 25 years on charges of treason widely seen as politically motivated, as well as multiple associates of Navalny. Freed Kremlin critics included Oleg Orlov, a veteran human rights campaigner convicted of discrediting the Russian military, and Ilya Yashin, imprisoned for criticizing the war in Ukraine.

The Russian side got Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in Germany in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison for killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park two years earlier, apparently on the orders of Moscow's security services. Throughout the negotiations, Moscow had been persistent in pressing for his release, with Putin himself raising it.

At the time of Navalny's death, officials were discussing a possible exchange involving Krasikov. But with that prospect erased, senior U.S. officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan, made a fresh push to encourage Germany to release Krasikov. In the end, a handful of the prisoners Russia released were either German nationals or dual German-Russian nationals.

Russia also received two alleged sleeper agents jailed in Slovenia, as well as three men charged by federal authorities in the U.S., including Roman Seleznev, a convicted computer hacker and the son of a Russian lawmaker, and Vadim Konoshchenok, a suspected Russian intelligence operative accused of providing American-made electronics and ammunition to the Russian military. Norway returned an academic arrested on suspicions of being a Russian spy; Poland sent back a man it detained on espionage charges.

Today is a powerful example of why it's vital to have friends in this world, Biden said.

All told, six countries released at least one prisoner and a seventh Turkey participated by hosting the location for the swap, in Ankara.

Biden placed securing the release of Americans held wrongfully overseas at the top of his foreign policy agenda for the six months before he leaves office. In an Oval Office address discussing his decision to drop his bid for a second term, Biden said, We're also working around the clock to bring home Americans being unjustly detained all around the world.

At one point Thursday, he grabbed the hand of Whelan's sister, Elizabeth, and said she'd practically been living at the White House as the administration tried to free Paul. He then motioned for Kurmasheva's daughter, Miriam, to come closer and took her hand, telling the room it was her 13th birthday. He asked everyone to sing Happy Birthday with him. She wiped tears from her eyes.

The Biden administration has now brought home more than 70 Americans detained in other countries as part of deals that have required the U.S. to give up a broad array of convicted criminals, including for drug and weapons offenses. The swaps, though celebrated with fanfare, have spurred criticism that they incentivize future hostage-taking and give adversaries leverage over the U.S. and its allies.

The U.S. government's top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, has sought to defend the deals by saying the number of wrongfully detained Americans has actually gone down even as swaps have increased.

Tucker, the Journal's editor-in-chief, acknowledged the debate, writing in a letter: We know the U.S. government is keenly aware, as are we, that the only way to prevent a quickening cycle of arresting innocent people as pawns in cynical geopolitical games is to remove the incentive for Russia and other nations that pursue the same detestable practice."



Though she called for a change to the dynamic, for now, she wrote, we are celebrating the return of Evan.

Thursday's swap of 24 prisoners surpassed a deal involving 14 people that was struck in 2010. In that exchange, Washington freed 10 Russians living in the U.S. as sleepers, while Moscow deported four Russians, including Sergei Skripal, a double agent working with British intelligence. He and his daughter in 2018 were nearly killed in Britain by nerve agent poisoning blamed on Russian agents.

Speculation had mounted for weeks that a swap was near because of a confluence of unusual developments, including a startingly quick trial for Gershkovich, which Washington regarded as a sham. He was sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison.

In a trial that concluded in two days in secrecy in the same week as Gershkovich's, Kurmasheva was convicted on charges of spreading false information about the Russian military that her family, employer and U.S. officials rejected. Also in recent days, several other figures imprisoned in Russia for speaking out against the war in Ukraine or over their work with Navalny were moved from prison to unknown locations.

Gershkovich was arrested March 29, 2023, while on a reporting trip to the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg. Authorities claimed, without offering any evidence, that he was gathering secret information for the U.S. The son of Soviet emigres who settled in New Jersey, he moved to Russia in 2017 to work for The Moscow Times newspaper before being hired by the Journal in 2022.

Gershkovich was designated as wrongfully detained, as was Whelan, who was detained in December 2018 after traveling to Russia for a wedding.

Whelan, who was serving a 16-year prison sentence, had been excluded from prior high-profile deals involving Russia, including the April 2022 swap by Moscow of imprisoned Marine veteran Trevor Reed for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot convicted in a drug trafficking conspiracy. That December, the U.S. released notorious arms trafficker Viktor Bout in exchange for WNBA star Brittney Griner, who'd been jailed on drug charges.

Paul Whelan is free. Our family is grateful to the United States government for making Paul's freedom a reality, his family said in a statement.
Blue Yonder, the leader in digital supply chain transformations, today announced the closing of its acquisition of One Network Enterprises (One Network) at an enterprise value of approximately $839 million. The acquisition gives Blue Yonder customers the ability to collaborate and share data  from inventory levels to raw and finished goods materials movement  in real time across all trading partners up and down the supply chain.

With increasing volatility and continuous disruptions, retailers, manufacturers and logistics service providers (LSPs) need to achieve multi-enterprise transparency with trading partners, unify plans and actions, and conduct business in real time in order to enable more accurate cross-functional decision-making and eliminate the time gap between order planning and fulfillment. Its no longer sufficient for companies to rely on periodic updates about their inventory, capacity, and resources; true business agility requires real-time information across an entire network.

With the addition of One Networks commercial technology, Blue Yonder can now offer customers a multi-enterprise, multi-tier network ecosystem; artificial intelligence (AI)-powered supply chain assistants to identify, monitor, analyze, and resolve problems; and a simplified process to onboard and work with trading partners. Real-time inventory and capacity views help customers match supply and demand, detect and resolve problems, and orchestrate resources across their network of trading partners. One Network will continue to independently service and provide tailored technology solutions to its government customers.

One Networks industry-leading commercial technology will seamlessly be integrated into the Blue Yonder Platform. Their supply chain network and intelligent control tower deliver superpowered insights to businesses looking to fortify their supply chains, said Duncan Angove, CEO, Blue Yonder. Our customers can boost visibility, agility and speed thanks to a single source of truth provided by the Blue Yonder Platform and the digital network, all enhanced by our AI assistants, solvers and predictions. This allows customers to see issues both downstream and upstream in real time, so they can avoid disruptions and make better decisions. From One Networks capabilities to its forward-looking mission, the company perfectly embodies Blue Yonders vision to transform the supply chain.

With this acquisition, Blue Yonder customers will be able to address volatility and disruptions in the market, plan with greater accuracy, meet rising customer expectations, and simplify complexity within their supply chains. Blue Yonder customers will have access to the following benefits:

Navigating increasing uncertainty and volatility with real-time visibility across multiple tiers to anticipate risks, assess scenarios, and instantly redirect resources where needed most to deliver the greatest impacts to their business and sustainability goals.

Optimizing of resources, from capacity and inventory to workforce and carriers to better serve their business customers, capitalize on new market opportunities, and accelerate revenue growth.

Collaborating and orchestrating of their supply chain in real-time across a global network of 150,000 (and counting) trading partners using a shared view and dataset that ensures planning objectives flow into execution and vice versa to optimize critical KPIs.

Blue Yonder is building the supply chain of the future, said Angove. To succeed in todays business environment, planning and logistics teams need to make decisions faster. They need to collaborate with more partners. They need faster responsiveness to disruptions. One Networks multi-tier and multi-enterprise network has a large role to play here, and were proud to join forces with them to make a lasting difference.

This acquisition also catalyzed Blue Yonders expanded presence in Dallas, where it has been hiring extensively to support its momentum. Blue Yonder is now designating Dallas as its Global Innovation Center. In May during its annual customer conference, ICON, Blue Yonder announced a new AI Innovation Studio in Dallas where the company is hosting design-led AI Agent workshops with customers. Blue Yonder also plans to add a state-of-the-art Customer Experience Center in Dallas where the company will showcase its latest innovations that are transforming complex global supply chains.

One Network is the third company Blue Yonder has acquired since Q4 2023, following Doddle in November 2023 and flexis AG in February. These deals mark approximately $1 billion in M&A investments and are emblematic of Blue Yonders intent to transform the global supply chain.

About Blue Yonder

Blue Yonder is the world leader in digital supply chain transformation. Global retailers, manufacturers and logistics providers leverage Blue Yonder to optimize their supply chains from planning through fulfillment, delivery and returns. Blue Yonders AI-embedded, interoperable supply chain solutions are connected end-to-end via a unified platform and data cloud, enabling business to collaborate in real time across functions, which supports more agile decision-making, improved customer satisfaction, profitable growth, and more resilient, sustainable supply chains. Blue Yonder - Fulfill your PotentialTM

www.blueyonder.com

Blue Yonder is a trademark or registered trademark of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. Any trade, product or service name referenced in this document using the name Blue Yonder is a trademark and/or property of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of the companies with which they are associated.

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SLB OneSubsea manufacturing facility in Curitiba, Brazil. (Photo: Business Wire)

SLB (NYSE: SLB) has announced a major contract award by Petrobras (NYSE: PBR), following a competitive tender, to its OneSubsea joint venture for their standardized, pre-salt subsea production systems and related services. The scope covers the further development of two oil fields in the strategically important Santos Basin.

As part of the second development of the Atapu and Sepia fields, SLB OneSubsea will provide the Petrobras-standard configured, pre-salt vertical trees, subsea distribution units, subsea control systems and pipeline systems, along with related installation, commissioning and life-of-field services. Much of the technology and equipment to be deployed, including the vertical trees and subsea control systems, will be produced and serviced locally at SLB OneSubseas facilities in Brazil.

This award deepens our valued partnership with Petrobras, and we are proud to be supporting the development of such important assets to Brazil, said Mads Hjelmeland, chief executive officer of SLB OneSubsea. Leveraging our proven, locally developed technology platform facilitates on-time delivery and maximizes local content from our Brazilian manufacturing and service facilities. Brazil is a key market for us, and our continued in-country investments are key to support the growth we envisage for the region.

These projects add to Petrobras material pre-salt investments and will enable the addition of two new floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) platforms, P-84 (Atapu) and P-85 (Sepia). They will each have a daily production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil per day and processing of 10 million cubic meters of gas per day.

About SLB

SLB (NYSE: SLB) is a global technology company that drives energy innovation for a balanced planet. With a global footprint in more than 100 countries and employees representing almost twice as many nationalities, we work each day on innovating oil and gas, delivering digital at scale, decarbonizing industries, and developing and scaling new energy systems that accelerate the energy transition. Find out more at slb.com.

About SLB OneSubsea

SLB OneSubsea is driving the new subsea era that leverages digital and technology innovation to optimize our customers oil and gas production, decarbonize subsea operations, and unlock the large potential of subsea solutions to accelerate the energy transition. SLB OneSubsea is a joint venture backed by SLB, Aker Solutions, and Subsea7 headquartered in Oslo and Houston, with 10,000 employees across the world. Find out more at onesubsea.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws  that is, statements about the future, not about past events. Such statements often contain words such as expect, may, can, estimate, intend, anticipate, will, potential, projected" and other similar words. Forward-looking statements address matters that are, to varying degrees, uncertain, such as forecasts or expectations regarding the deployment of, or anticipated benefits of, SLBs new technologies and partnerships; statements about goals, plans and projections with respect to sustainability and environmental matters; forecasts or expectations regarding energy transition and global climate change; and improvements in operating procedures and technology. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the inability to achieve net-negative carbon emissions goals; the inability to recognize intended benefits of SLBs strategies, initiatives or partnerships; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing environmental concerns, including initiatives addressing the impact of global climate change; the timing or receipt of regulatory approvals and permits; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in SLBs most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development changes), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and SLB disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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CAMEROUN :: AIDS- Free Holidays 2024:Under the banner of vigilance for a conscious and healthy youth. :: CAMEROON

The national response to HIV/ AIDS has a challenge, that of guaranteeing Cameroon and therefore the world, healthy future leaders who are sufficiently aware of the issues, a priority of the Cameroonian Government.

It is under the theme "No to deviance and moral depravity, yes to a future without HIV/ AIDS", that the 22nd edition of the "Holidays Without AIDS" campaign was launched on July 31 at the esplanade of the headquarters of Synergies Africaines in Yaounde, Cameroon. In his speech, and following his colleague MOUNOUNA FOUTSOU, Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Dr Malachie MANAOUDA, Minister of Public Health and President of the National Committee for the Fight against AIDS, took the opportunity to thank all the actors involved in this noble approach, both nationally and internationally. He returned to this vulnerability of young people which is accentuated by deviant behaviors and which multiply these risks of infection in a more than considerable way.

He named in particular the consumption of alcohol and drugs, disobedience to parents, indiscipline, the search for virtual independence, the desire to adopt behavioral models of defiance, as many factors which plunge these young people into the category of people more than vulnerable to the risk of HIV infection (young girls).

It should be noted that, this campaign, initiated in 2003 by the Cameroonian First Lady, Mrs. Chantal Biya, intensively mobilizes young people, particularly those aged 15 to 25, throughout the national territory. The objective is to fight against HIV/ AIDS through local communication and targeted messages.

Let us recall that, the results are palpable and encouraging, but vigilance remains heightened so that the figures continue to fall and the threat is considerably controlled, for a youth conscious and responsible in good health, the said campaign ends on August 31 with the first assessments expected.
IRELANDS neutrality is not up for grabs  so said Sinn Feins newly-elected Ireland South MEP Kathleen Funchion.

Kathleen Funchion MEP

Speaking to The Nationalist at the end of her first week in the European Commission, Kathleen said: As I pledged during the election campaign, I voted against the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as commission president. Her time in office has been bad for Ireland. Her full support of Israel has been disgraceful as the people of Palestine are subjected to a horrific genocide. While in office, several of her decisions have moved towards EU militarisation and undermined Irelands neutrality.

Kathleen was one of 284 members to vote against the re-election of Ms von der Leyen as commission president. However, she won a second five-year term after receiving 401 votes in the 720-member chamber.

Reflecting on her week, Kathleen said she has hit the ground running in what she describes as an exciting and incredible experience to get to represent Ireland South. Throughout the election campaign, I listened to people right across Ireland South, which includes one of my home counties of Carlow. They made it clear to me that they want an MEP who will work hard and deliver for the area. That is what I am committed to doing. This week, I have hit the ground running and will be using my voice in Europe to deliver for ordinary workers and families on the issues that matter to them."

As a Dail deputy for Carlow/Kilkenny, Kathleen chaired the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and is keen to continue her work in the area of childrens rights. I got the opportunity to meet two childrens rights organisations  one that specialises in beating childhood cancer and trying to work on this on an EU level.

Last week also saw her become a member of the Regional Development Committee, where she will be seeking fair and balanced investment for the southeast. Meanwhile, she says, her experience as a trade unionist will be put to good use on the Employment Rights Committee, ensuring that workers' rights are strengthened and enhanced.
A SECRET is something that someone somewhere doesnt want anyone else to know about. But if two or more know something, then it is no longer a secret  and as night follows day, the facts of a case will also come out.

How true when it comes to the late Eamonn Casey. In case you are wondering have I got his title wrong, I have not. That is deliberate on my part. He may have been a priest and later a bishop, but to refer to him as either is only an insult to all the good men who have had to live with the shame of what Casey and his ilk did to innocent and gullible people in the past.

Lets be clear: there is no place in society, modern or otherwise, for people who carried on, and perhaps still do, like Eamonn Casey and other sexual predators.

Thank God, we have finally woken up in this country. No-one, irrespective of whatever title they hold or position they occupy, should be free to do whatever they like.

No matter what the consequences, they must be held accountable in life or in death for the pain and suffering they inflicted on others. Eamonn Casey is one such individual, although he was not alone. I got tired of covering court cases involving members of the clergy and all they got up to. Some mimed remorse, but if you asked me to be truthful about the number that were actually ashamed of what they did or showed any remorse, Id have to say it was minuscule. Okay, the Eamonn Casey scandal was extremely high profile and, like a lot of cowards, he did a runner, first to England and then on to The Missions, as working in Africa was often referred to.

In hindsight and in light of all that has been made public since, who in their right mind would send that man anywhere to administer the word of God? He certainly gives that concept a bad name. You could argue that those covering for him were ignorant of all the facts, but as we have since found out, that is not entirely true. However, the Church did, as we later discovered, what was the norm for such cases: they simply moved him on to somewhere else.

In light of the revelations in the most recent RTE investigation into the carry-on of Casey, I wonder how the late Gay Byrne or members of the audience of the 2 April 1993 edition of the Late Late Show would react if they had the opportunity to again interview or question Annie Murphy, the woman who had a child for Casey in 1974 and then wrote a book about her relationship with the man.

It was this breaking story which prompted Casey to run in the first place. At that time, anyone associated with the clergy was held in high esteem and their word was taken as Gospel. So naturally, many people immediately jumped to Caseys defence. But the subsequent exposure of a litany of abuse to others put paid to any doubts people had about the man. Which then begs the question: why, when he died, was he buried with pomp and ceremony by his previous diocese?

That is inexcusable. They knew about the rape and abuse of his niece and others by the man. He had been reported to the authorities in Ireland and in England as far back as 2005. Compensation had been paid to victims, counselling had been provided at diocesan expense, yet what happened? A big farewell with up to 1,600 in attendance, including the President of Ireland, at a funeral Mass in Galway cathedral. And just to add insult to injury, burial in the crypt beneath the church.

Fr Brian DArcy, a priest I have the utmost respect for, was right when he immediately blamed the diocese and Rome for allowing this catastrophe to happen. He was right when he said the Church should have defrocked Eamonn Casey because there are protocols in place governing how such a person is buried, which would have ensured the events surrounding Caseys death could not have taken place.

But as is often the case in Ireland, we have a tendency to canonise the dead  suddenly all the wrongs they did in life are forgotten about and we applaud the one or two good things they may have done.

Thanks to the bravery of some of Caseys victims, whatever plaudits were wrongly given to this man will now be reversed, and hopefully he will be interred in a grave more reflective of the type of man he really was.
By Rebecca Black, PA

Churches and trade unions have urged against a suggestion of anti-Islamic protests in Northern Ireland this weekend.

Earlier this week, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said police are working to establish if the protests mooted on social media will materialise on the ground.

He also urged people in society to push back against the poisonous nonsense being propagated by those seeking to organise demonstrations against the Islamic faith, adding if they do happen they will be policed effectively.

It comes after disorder in England following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport on Monday.

People look at floral tributes on Maple Street, Southport. Photo: Danny Lawson/PA.

Violent unrest has been witnessed in Southport as well as in London, Hartlepool and Manchester.

Church of Ireland Bishop of Down and Connor Alan McGuckian described disturbing scenes of violence, rioting and protest, often motivated by Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism, organised and mobilised by social influencers.

It is particularly concerning that some individuals and groups have deliberately used the recent attack in Southport, in which three children lost their lives and many others injured, to misinform and inflame fear within the local community and beyond, he said.

He urged against those in Northern Ireland that are similarly stoking the coals of fear and mistrust against Muslims.

Particularly in Northern Ireland, we have journeyed so far from a history of conflict and live now in a place that is rightly moving towards mutual respect, dialogue and tolerance, he said.

There is no place for racism and sectarianism in a modern civil society. Those who promote mistrust and fear do not speak in the name of Christianity.

Standing in solidarity and seeking an honest dialogue with our sisters and brothers from different cultures and religions is the only authentic Christian way forward.

I make an appeal calling for all to remain calm, to seek peace and to promote community harmony. Let us not be influenced by messengers of fear and misinformation.

Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Rev Trevor Gribben urged anyone considering taking part in such protests to think again.

As the police service seeks to establish what may or may not happen on Saturday, Mr Boutcher referred to the calls to protest as poisonous nonsense. Hatred against any section of the community is indeed poisonous, and is not only wrong, but entirely anti-Christian, he said.

It is my prayer, that those seeking to undertake this misguided course of action think again, and understand that we are called by Jesus Himself, to love your neighbour as yourself.

ICTU president Justin McCamphill. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) president Justin McCamphill described whipping up hate and fear as not acceptable.

We endorse the assertion of our friends in the TUCs North-West region that Southport and our communities do not need to meet violence with further violence, he said.

Whipping up hate and fear is not acceptable. As trade unions in the region, we will continue to work with our members in workplaces across Southport and beyond, to provide practical support and solidarity and defeat the narrative of hate.

The playbook being spread around the UK this week is the same as the lies and fearmongering after a similar attack on children in Dublin last November.

The message from trade unionists then is the same today  we stand with all victims of hate crime; we support our public servants who defend the vulnerable and we have zero tolerance for divisive misinformation or attempts to spark violence.
Gordon Deegan

Extinction Rebellion Ireland (ERI) has warned that if a planned new Google Ireland data centre gets the planning go-ahead for south Dublin it will be met with massive local and national pushback and action.

In an objection against the planned new data centre expansion by Google Ireland for Grange Castle Business Park in south Dublin, Emer Connolly of Extinction Rebellion Ireland has told the Council: This expansion is a disaster for local communities, water shortages, transition to a more sustainable economy, and reaching our climate targets.

Ms Connolly states that if this planning goes through, it will be met with massive local and national pushback and action.

She said: Environmental groups are watching closely and wont let this go through easily.

In a separate submission, An Taisce has warned that planning for the data centre "would further compromise our ability to achieve compliance with our carbon budget limits and would put additional pressure on renewables capacity to deal with the significant additional power demand.

The scheme is the third phase of the Google Ireland data centre campus at Grange Castle Business Park and will involve the creation of 800 construction jobs and 50 jobs when operational.

The new 72,400 square-metre data storage facility data centre will involve the construction of eight data halls on a 50 acre greenfield/brownfield site.

However, in the eight-page submission, An Taisces Planning Officer, Sean O'Callaghan states that the proliferation of data infrastructure has largely gone unchecked, and data centres now consume 21 per cent of Irelands total metred electricity.

He said that this is up from 5% in 2015 and represents more electricity use than all urban households in Ireland combined.

Mr O'Callaghan has stated that the planned data centre will put great pressure on an already strained electricity grid in the Dublin region, particularly in light of the large number of existing and proposed data centres already in the area.

Mr O'Callaghan stated that a projected increase of 0.44 per cent in national emissions from the project "is entirely incompatible with our obligations to reduce emissions.

Mr O'Callaghan states: "Also, we consider an increase in national emissions of almost half a percentage point as a result of one singular development to be very significant.

He said that granting development consent for the data centre, on its own terms and when considered cumulatively with the high concentration of other data centres, would greatly risk Irelands ability to meet carbon budget and sectoral emissions ceiling obligations for the electricity sector.

Head of Policy at Friends of the Earth, Jerry MacEvilly has called on the Council to reject the planning application.

Mr Mac Evilly states our concern is that the proposed development would actively undermine the achievement of the states carbon budget programme.

Dr Colin Doyle has told the council that claims of commitment by Google and Google Ireland Ltd to decarbonisation amount to greenwashing.

He said: The claims are all based on purchase of renewable electricity. While these purchases can be reported in corporate Green House Gas (GHG) accounting systems, they do not mitigate or offset in any way the physical additional GHG emissions caused by Google's activities in Ireland.

In a separate submission, Gino Kenny TD (People Before Profit Solidarity) along with party colleagues, Cllr Madeleine Johansson and Cllr Darragh Adelaide have told the council that the development would have an adverse impact on the local community, the electricity grid and on Irelands carbon emissions.

Raising concerns about possible black-outs in the area from data centre development, the three state that Grange Castle has seen a significant number of data storage developments, some of which have not yet started operating, and we would be extremely concerned about the capacity of the electricity grid at this time to cope with any further developments.

A decision is due on the application later this month.
Aodhan O'Faolain

Convicted rapist Michael Murray has brought a High Court challenge against sanctions he received from the Prison Authorities for allegedly making a threatening phone call stating there was a bomb at the home of the Taoiseach Simon Harris.

The High Court heard that Murray rejects a finding that he breached the prison rules by making a threatening phone call on June 26th last from the Midlands Prison, where he is currently incarcerated.

It is claimed that the threat was made by Murray in a call to the Samaritans.

Arising out of the allegation Murray was made the subject of disciplinary procedure which was heard by the Midlands Prison governor.

The governor found that the prisoner had engaged in misconduct by misusing the prison's phone system.

After finding that such behaviour contravenes the 2007 Prison Rules, the governor imposed a sanction of 40 days loss of ordinary privileges within the prison and 12 days' remission from Murray's sentence.

Both the governor's finding and the sanctions imposed were upheld on an appeal to the Irish Prison Operations Directorate.

Through his lawyers Murray has brought High Court judicial review proceedings where he claims the sanctions are unlawful and should be set aside.

He claims that after he denied the claim against him he was not given a proper opportunity to respond to the allegation.

He claims that during the disciplinary hearing he asked for to be provided with the information supporting the allegation against him.

He says that his request was refused on the grounds that the material was "confidential". He further claims that he was not informed about the nature of the evidence used against him.

In his High Court action against the governor of the Midlands Prison, where he is represented by Niall Storan Bl, instructed by John Shanley Solicitors, Murray seeks various orders and declarations including an order quashing the decision against him and sanctions imposed.

He also seeks a declaration from the court that the disciplining of a prisoner under the 2007 rules for misconduct is subject to the principals of natural justice and fair procedures.

The Irish Prison Service, the Minister for Justice & Equality, Ireland and the Attorney General are notice parties to the judicial review proceedings.

The matter came before Mr Justice Tony O'Connor during Friday's High Court vacation sitting.

The judge said that he was prepared to grant Murray permission, on an ex-parte basis, to bring his challenge. The judge said he was also prepared to grant the applicant a stay on the sanctions from being implemented until his action has been determined by the court.

The case was adjourned and will come before the court after the new legal term commences in October, 53-year-old Murray formerly of Seafield Road, Killiney, Co Dublin, is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence at the prison.

In 2013, he was jailed for 19 years for the rape of a woman whose child he abducted. In 2021, he was convicted, and jailed for a further 16 years, on charges including threatening to kill and harassing lawyers who had prosecuted him.

Earlier this year, Murray was given an additional two years in prison for phoning in a false bomb threat against the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.

Murray, who had denied the charges against him, is not expected to be released from prison until 2037.
Olivia Kelleher

The Irish Coast Guard, the RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are calling on members of the public to take care when they are on or near the water this bank holiday weekend.

People who are going on day trips are urged to check the weather forecast including tides and to ensure that they have the right equipment for the activity they are about to undertake on the water.

Kevin Whitney, Operations Manager with the Irish Coast Guard, said that they are seeing an increase in the number of incidents this summer involving paddleboarders, persons becoming stranded due to incoming tides, recreational boater groundings and diving incidents.

Remember to have the right equipment for the activity you are about to undertake, such as a correctly fitting personal flotation device, and to let someone ashore know where you are going and when you will return, and most importantly, to have a means to call for help, such as a marine VHF Radio, fully charged mobile phone, or Personal Locator Beacon.

Ensure you plan for the event you are about to undertake and are familiar with all your safety equipment before venturing out. This will allow you to use this equipment in a hurry should the need arise.

If participating in any diving activities, then it is highly recommended that you file a float plan with someone ashore or the Coast Guard so that emergency services are aware of your location and can assist if need be.

Water Safety Irelands CEO, Joanne Walsh, said rip currents can be a danger at Irelands beaches and swimmers are advised to know what to do if they encounter one.

Rip currents are not always easy to spot and the best way to remain safe is to swim between the red and yellow flags at lifeguarded waterways. Lifeguards are trained to identify when and where it is safe to swim. If you do get caught in a rip current, remain calm and dont try to swim against the current. Instead, swim out of the current in a direction parallel to the shoreline and then back towards shore. If still in difficulty, call for help and float on your back like a starfish.

RNLI Water Safety Lead, Linda-Gene Byrne said paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are increasingly popular, especially during the summer months.

The RNLI has seen an increase in our lifeboats going to the aid of people involved in these activities over the past few years. Its important to be aware of some simple safety advice which could save your life. If you are heading out on the water, we would always advise you to wear a suitable personal flotation device for your activity.

If you are on a paddleboard, choose the right releasable leash for the location you are paddling. Always check the weather forecast and tide times as this can affect your paddling and always tell someone where youre going and when youll be back. Keep a means of calling for help attached to you in a waterproof pouch or close to hand so that in an emergency you can call 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
ATLANTA  The Carter Center has awarded two journalists a new fellowship as part of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. This new fellowship, a shared initiative of the Carter Center Human Rights and Mental Health programs, supports journalists efforts to explore the impacts of climate change on mental health in countries with low socioeconomic status. The fellowship is made possible through the SNF Global Center Communicators program at the Child Mind Institute.

The selection process was very competitive. Initially, the new fellowship opportunity was available for one journalist. However, due to the high volume and quality of applicants, The Carter Center determined that two journalists would be added to the 2024-25 fellowship cohort. One will be funded through the SNF Global Center Communicator program, and the second through The Carter Center. More than 250 candidates took part in the application process, which opened in June.

The 2024-2025 Climate Change and Mental Health Fellows are:

Avit Ndayiziga

Community Voice, Burundi

X: @ANdayiziga

Topic: Relentless heavy rainfall in Burundi has raised Lake Tanganyika's water level, causing floods, river overflow, and landslides. This ongoing disaster has left 29 dead, 175 injured, and about 42,000 displaced. At Matyazo camp, internally displaced people are housed in tents, exposing them to harsh impacts of climate change, including extreme cold and scorching heat, affecting their mental health with conditions such as depression, isolation, and anxiousness about the future after losing their possessions.

Avit Ndayiziga is the editor in chief at Community Voice, a community-based media outlet in Burundi that investigates and publishes underreported stories shedding light on various issues such as climate change, health, corruption, human rights, and other community-interest topics. Ndayiziga has previously reported on climate change and health-related topics through the Excellence in Health Journalism Fellowship from Internews Health Journalism Network and Aga Khan University. Ndayiziga has also worked with InfoNile, a regional media outlet, producing water-related stories that compelled the authorities to make major decisions on groundwater protection. Ndayiziga has received training through Oxford Climate Journalism Network and the RNTC Media Training Centre in Haarlem, Netherlands.

Hellen Kabahukya

Solutions Now Africa, Uganda

X: @tecyhellen

Topic: Northern Uganda is facing increasingly frequent and severe heat waves due to climate change, with temperatures reaching up to 40C (104F). The impact of heat waves is especially challenging for farmers, mostly women who are charged with the responsibility of growing food for their families. This same region is just recovering from a 20-year civil war that left many with PTSD and dependence on alcohol and drugs.

Hellen Kabahukya is a reporter with Solutions Now Africa in Uganda's capital, Kampala. She writes about women's issues, minority rights, mental health, and climate change. Prior to working for Solutions Now Africa, Kabahukya was a communications officer at Mental and Reproductive Health Uganda. Later, she worked at Health Lifestyle Options as project and programs developer for a substance use organization. Kabahukya has a certificate in multimedia journalism and storytelling with the Media Challenge Initiative and a certificate in digital storytelling with Ultimate Media Consult. She also holds a certificate in narrative change with Global Press Institute.

Ndayiziga, Kabahukya, and three other international journalists from the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Ireland will join nine U.S. fellows for the annual meeting of fellows in September at The Carter Center. Fellows receive stipends, training, and mentoring throughout the fellowship year to assist them while they conduct research and interviews for use in a project related to their chosen topic.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Global Center Communicators of the Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism Fellowship was established to close the communication gaps that impede understanding and addressing the needs of children and families living with mental health and learning disorders around the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

The SNF Global Center Communicators Fellowship Program is part of the SNF Global Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the Child Mind Institute, established in 2022 with founding support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) as part of the Global Health Initiative (GHI).

We are thrilled to partner with The Carter Center on this fellowship program and support journalists reporting on child and adolescent mental health issues by equipping them with the knowledge they need to impact their communities and the lives of children and families globally, said Samantha White, managing director of the SNF Global Center at the Child Mind Institute.

The Carter Centers peace programs, inspired by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, work independently and with local partners to prevent conflicts, mediate disputes, and advance democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The Human Rights Program aims to create the circumstances for people to realize their human rights, for those in power to uphold those rights, and for stakeholders to collectively prioritize, protect, and promote human rights. The program focuses on advancing protected groups rights, applying a comprehensive human rights framework to U.S. policies, promoting climate and environmental justice, and offering expertise on critical human rights issues.

###

Contact: media@cartercenter.org

The Carter Center

Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Heidelberg Materials embraces AHS at Texas quarry

Suzanne Starbuck By 02 August 2024

Heidelberg Materials is deploying US-based Prontos Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) at its Lake Bridgeport quarry in Texas. The move follows the successful pilot of the system in 2023. Pronto specialises in commercial transportation with its AHS designed to perform in the most challenging off-road situations as well as improving safety, reducing costs and increasing productivity.

At the Lake Bridgeport quarry, Pronto and Heidelberg Materials have joined forces with Komatsu North America to deploy the AHS on the Komatsu HD605-8 haul trucks, which also feature Komatsus Smart Quarry technologies. According to Pronto, the combination of its AHS and Komatsus Smart Quarry platform will enable enhanced data collection and analysis, as well as improved safety and productivity for Heidelberg Materials.

Prontos AHS is a cost-effective solution to addressing the challenge of recruiting skilled operatives, while also increasing the utilisation of haul truck assets. The AHS leverages advanced sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to autonomously operate haul trucks in complex and dynamic environments, explains Pronto.

Prontos software learns a haul route from a mining operator manually driving a vehicle on the desired route just one time. Operators then dispatch trucks to saved routes from their smartphones via Prontos simple-to-use mobile app, eliminating the need for a control room. Authorised site personnel can now command vehicle operations wherever they are, whether theyre in the seat of the loading unit, at the crusher, or anywhere else where site supervisors work.

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Nuvoco Vistas Corp posts 6% uptick in April-June revenue

Muriel Bal By 02 August 2024

India-based Nuvoco Vistas Corp saw its consolidated revenue from operations for the April-June 2024 quarter decline by six per cent YoY to INR26.36bn (US$314.8m) as lower volumes and weaker prices affected the company's result. The group sold 4.8Mt of cement, down from 5Mt in the year-ago quarter.



Consolidated EBITDA for the quarter stood at INR3.48bn, down more than 13 per cent from a year ago.



The company's consolidated net profit fell by more than 80 per cent YoY to INR28.4m in the April-June 2024 quarter.



The Company navigated the quarter marked by soft demand, primarily due to elections, weather-related factors, and continued pressure on pricing, managing director Jayakumar Krishnaswamy said. Despite these challenges, the focus remained on strategic priorities such as value optimisation, cost optimisation, and operational efficiency, he added. However, Mr Krishnaswamy sees a demand-supply imbalance and continued pricing pressure as headwinds in the near term, and said that the pace and timing of a recovery in demand will depend on the on-ground execution of infrastructure and housing projects.







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Two Soddy Daisy police officers, who went to the District Attorney's Office over alleged wrong-doing in the department, have been fired.

Lt. Jake Elrod and Captain Eric Jenkins were terminated on Wednesday.

Attorney Janie Varnell, who is representing them, said, "Three months ago, two long-time Soddy Daisy police officers, Lt. Elrod and Capt. Jenkins, came forward with evidence that another Soddy Daisy Officer, Jeremy Wright, had lied in a previous internal affairs investigation.

"Legal experts explain that such allegations of untruthfulness must be disclosed in criminal proceedings. However, while both Lt. Elrod and Capt. Jenkins testified in Hamilton County Criminal Court that they were threatened with their jobs by Soddy Daisy officials if they came forward and told the truth, the two persisted and brought the evidence to the Hamilton County District Attorneys office who promptly turned it over to defense attorneys.

"Hamilton County Judge Boyd Patterson, after a hearing, found both Lt. Elrod and Capt. Jenkins to be credible witnesses in their testimony in the case of State v. Justin Whaley and ordered a new trial for Whaley based upon their testimony of Wrights untruthfulness.

"Yesterday, Soddy Daisy terminated Lt. Elrod and Capt. Jenkins in clear retaliation for them bringing forward the evidence about Wright.

Shame on Soddy Daisy for terminating these two long-time officers, Lt. Elrod and Captain Jenkins. This is the most blatant act of retaliation I have seen. These officers brought information to our local District Attorney about the truthfulness of an arresting police officer. Even the DA said in open court that this evidence should have been given to the defense before trial.

"Soddy Daisy tried to hide it and now they are punishing the officers who morally and legally did the right thing. The message that this sends to our community is that the Soddy Daisy Police Department wants to hide and cover up all of the bad deeds of their officers.

She said Tennessee law "allows public employees to freely communicate their concerns to their elected officials. To be terminated for bringing this truthful information to the DA is not only a violation of their freedom of speech but opens the city of Soddy Daisy to liability."

Logan Davis, another attorney at Davis & Hoss representing the two officers, said, These are the types of police officers you want to root for, the ones who do what is right, even when their jobs are on the line. What you hope, however, is that their department will stand behind them.

"Unfortunately, in this case, Soddy Daisy didn't. We look forward to ensuring that justice is done for these two officers who have admirably served the city of Soddy-Daisy and its citizens for 17 years. We will ensure they have their day in court."
The longtime girlfriend of Hixson plumber Ray Rzeplinski on Thursday told a Criminal Court jury it has been "five years of torment and hell" since a SWAT takedown at their house on Crabtree Road on Aug. 16, 2019.

Jackie Cordell said they began that day going to the Sheriff's Office to meet with detective Jason Maucere about concerns Rzeplinski had that somebody was embezzling funds from his business. She said he had stayed up almost all night gathering up documents to show the detective.

But she said when they arrived some 10 minutes late they were told the detective would not be meeting with them. She said Rzeplinski was especially upset now. "He had gathered up all these papers for basically nothing."

In the meantime, the Sheriff's Office had gotten a call from Rzeplinski's son saying he was so stressed he had talked of suicide. The Sheriff personnel were planning to go to the Rzeplinski home, where they had been told multiple guns were stored. Deputy Maucere had also learned that Rzeplinski had a felony conviction from when he was 19 and living in Bradley County.

Ms. Cordell said they were in their garage with the door open when an officer came up. She said they ordered him off the property. She said at that time both were wearing their handguns in their holsters.

She said both were gun collectors and had made multiple gun purchases over the years, with accompanying background checks.

Ms. Cordell said they then got a call and were told to come out of the house. She said they both put their guns down and began to walk down the driveway.

She said, "There were 30 SWAT Team members with their guns pointed at Ray. We're unarmed."

Ms. Cordell said Rzeplinski put his hands up and kept them up. She said he got down on his knees at their orders. Then she said, "They began beating him, hitting him and kicking him."

She said she was placed in handcuffs for about 30 minutes and a SWAT member shouted at her to give the code to two gun safes inside.

Rzeplinski, 48, also testified with his attorney, Ben McGowan, going over in detail his Bradley County conviction. The defendant, who said he was extremely nervous, at one time said he was clear that he had pleaded guilty to a felony. Another time he said, "I thought I was acting lawfully" when he bought numerous weapons despite the burglary conviction.

He said the Bradley County case involved him driving three other youths to get cigarettes. He said the other three, finding the store closed, broke out the front door window and took cigarettes and candy. He said he drove back by and picked them up. They were arrested a couple of days later.

He said at sentencing he got less time than the others because he agreed to be wired during a drug buy on three separate occasions. He got a three-year sentence, but received probation with 30 days to serve. He said it turned out to be 38 days when he did not report for probation. He said he paid all the restitution.

Of the takedown, he said, "We got a call that they were either coming in or we were coming out." He said he called 911 to announce that he was unarmed as he started out of the garage.

He said in the encounter with law enforcement he received six fractured ribs, lacerations to his head that caused significant bleeding, and other bruises and abrasions all over his body.

Law enforcement testified that Rzeplinski would not follow orders and was remaining scrunched up. They said they could not be sure at first if he had a gun because his shirt was partially covering his holster.

Rzeplinski said he bought guns because he felt they were a good investment, they were for protection, and at one time he hunted.

His son, Curtis Rzeplinski, said he was in Cleveland, Tn., when he got a call from his dad who was talking about suicide and was "extremely stressed out."

He said he was at his father's house when a deputy showed up just after a burglar alarm went off. He said his father told the deputy to get off his property. He said his father then left the house with a shotgun and a handgun. He said he tried to follow his father, but could not keep up.

The son said he called his mother about the situation. He said at the time she was married to a sheriff's deputy.

Rzeplinski is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of a firearm with a conviction of a prior violent felony. Judge Amanda Dunn, at the close of the state's proof, ruled out the reckless endangerment.
The Worlds Longest Yard sale on Highway 127 is now underway through Sunday. Its literally the Worlds Longest Yard Sale whose route spans six states (Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama) and is 690 miles long.

This unique event draws hundreds of thousands of people (shoppers and vendors) each year from all around the country.

The event began in 1987 when several officials, including Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau Chief Bob Elmore, planned a weekend to encourage travelers to bypass the interstate highways in favor of scenic routes that would take them through rural communities and experience what small towns and communities have to offer. Visitors from all over the country, as well as the locals, enjoy both the yard sales and attractions along the 127 yard sale.

Since the very beginning a popular stretch has been Highway 127 over Signal Mountain, thru Dunlap and onto Pikeville.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is urging everyone to use extreme caution when looking for those treasures.


The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport announced Friday that Delta Air Lines will restart daily nonstop service from Chattanooga to LaGuardia International Airport starting Oct. 7.

New York has been the most sought-after market that our business community has requested every year, said April Cameron, Chattanooga Airport president and CEO. Delta has always been a tremendous partner, and we are deeply grateful for their continued confidence in our city and region. The schedules will be very accommodating for business travelers who need to fly out and return the same day.

The daily flight will be operated on a CRJ-900, a 76-seat aircraft with 12 first-class seats, 20 Delta Comfort+ seats and 44 seats in the main cabin.

Service to LaGuardia is an early morning departure and an evening arrival. Tickets go on sale this weekend.

Mayor Tim Kelly stated that resuming air service to LaGuardia has been a high priority for his administration since coming into office, because of its key impact on economic development and the access to all the culture and tourism New York City has to offer. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Delta, and thank April Cameron and her team at CMAA, as well as her board, for all the progress we are making at Lovell Field."

The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority operates independently of city government but is governed by a board appointed by the mayor of Chattanooga and confirmed by the city council. Ms. Cameron was chosen by a board made up of majority Mayor Kelly appointees, and the Airport Authority has worked closely with the mayors office and community partners to recruit new air service.

In December 2023, Mayor Kelly traveled to Atlanta with Ms. Cameron and officials from the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce to meet with Delta Air Lines officials and discuss possible new flights at CHA, including the CHA-LGA direct flight.



"Providing local institutions and entrepreneurs with same day return direct flights to New York will certainly be a game-changer for companies and institutions with limited travel budgets, said City of Chattanooga Economic and Workforce Development Senior Advisor Charita Allen. For entrepreneurs and creatives, the likely increase in investments, knowledge transfer, and collaborations will be fun to watch.

CMAA Board Chairman Jim Hall added, On behalf of the Board of Directors, we deeply appreciate Deltas ongoing commitment to Chattanooga. We also want to sincerely thank all our passengers that fly out of Chattanooga because we believe their commitment to choose to fly from Chattanooga helped to influence Deltas decision to provide this new service.
There is a renewed effort to revoke the Medals of Honor that were awarded to U.S. Cavalry in 1890 who were involved in what is wrongly called the Battle of Wounded Knee and rightly called the Wounded Knee Massacre, the sight of which is now a National Historic Landmark. The confrontation with Lakota natives near Wounded Knee Creek on December 29, 1890, was a lethal example of failed military leadership during the Plains Indian Wars.What began as an order to surrender arms, in a charged environment where there was concern about the Lakota Ghost Dancers, ended up in the slaughter of mostly unarmed people.One prominent account claims that a deaf Lakota native named Black Coyote did not want to give up his rifle because he had paid much for it and relied on it for subsistence hunting.In a struggle to take his rifle, it discharged, resulting in the Cavalry opening fire on the tribal group, most of whom had already been disarmed.Lakota Sioux Chief Spotted Elk was among the estimated 250 Lakota men, women, and children killed that bitter winter day  with 51 known wounded (four men and 47 women and children).Among COL James W. Forsyths 490 Seventh Cavalrymen, there were 31 killed and 33 wounded. Disgracefully, in my long-held view after researching the primary historic accounts of the Wounded Knee confrontation, there were Medals of Honor awarded to 20 Cavalrymen, most if not all of whom did not meet the most rudimentary service threshold to receive our nations highest award for valor in combat.For context regarding my assessment of this revocation effort, I have a decent historical understanding of and disdain for the repeated treaty betrayals of native peoples by 19th-century American presidents. My interest in those betrayals was sparked first by learning the history of Tennessean Andrew Jacksons Trail of Tears removal of the Cherokee tribes  in defiance of a Supreme Court decree that he did not have the authority to do so.To be clear, I dont romanticize the Cherokee or any other native tribal peoples. In addition to violent attacks by the Cherokee on settlers, they have their own violent past with other tribal people, including the Shawnee and Muskogee-Creeks.I have visited many native ancestral lands in North America and have been fascinated by both the culture and weaponry of Eastern and Plains tribes. From the earliest records of native immigration into the North American west thousands of years ago, once those nomadic groups established tribal territories, many unleashed unmitigated violence upon other native tribes, both defending their own territories and in conquest of others. They slaughtered men, women and children, they raped and enslaved survivors, and then claimed their lands.Reading deep into the historic autobiographies of tribal leaders, including Lakota Chiefs Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, Apache leader Geronimo, Tecumseh of the Shawnees, and local Cherokee Chief John Ross, those histories dispel the notion that these were the peace-loving naturalists as popularized in Kevin Costners 1990 epic American West film Dances with Wolves, or other similarly idyllic portrayals of peaceful tribal bands.That notwithstanding, I was moved by Dee Browns 1970 book, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee  one of the first books to chronicle the lives of the Hunkpapa Lakota, Oglala Lakota and other tribes from their perspective.I have visited the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where the arrogant and derelict George Armstrong Custer met his most deserving end on June 25, 1876, at the hands of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho. Notably, Custer, who was instrumental in cornering Robert E. Lee at Appomattox in April of 1865 in a war ostensibly to free enslaved men, women, and children, then headed west to enslave native men, women, and children on government plantations called reservations.The sentiments about the defeat of Custer at Little Bighorn had much to do with shaping the antagonistic attitudes of both civilian and military leaders regarding native populations in the years leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre. Those sentiments undoubtedly informed the racial bias of the troopers who fired on the Lakota at Wounded Knee.Congressional support for revocation of the Wounded Knee Medals actually goes back 35 years. In 1990, both the House and Senate passed a resolution on the centennial of the attack, condemning the massacre.Additionally, the revocation of unearned Medals of Honor has a well-documented history.In 1917, a Medal of Honor Board revoked 911 Medals. Most were erroneously awarded to Union soldiers for actions during the War Between the States that clearly did not meet the standard for valor above and beyond the call of duty. Among them was the only woman to hold the Medal of Honor, Dr. Mary Walker, whose Medal was unlawfully restored by the Department of Defense in 1977 under Jimmy Carter.As for consideration of the merits of the Wounded Knee Medals now, I think the Department of Defense should be more focused on accelerating the long-overdue awarding of Medals of Honor to qualified recipients. That was the case three weeks ago with PVTs Shadrach and Wilson, the last of the Andrews Raiders to receive Medals of Honor for their actions in 1862. But there are more than 10 contemporary nominees currently stalled in the DoD pipeline, including Vietnam Vets SFC(R) Cliff Newman and CPT(R) Ike Camacho and nominees from more recent combat theaters.However, the Wounded Knee wrong should be righted.I am in agreement with my colleague, GEN B. B. Bell (USA, Ret.), who offered me his assessment this week: The heroism, valor, and intrepidity that are necessarily attached to the combat actions associated with the awarding of the Medal of Honor are tarnished by allowing the Wounded Knee awards to stand. Similar to hundreds of other Medals of Honor that have been revoked in our past, the Wounded Knee awards should also be revoked.Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et FidelisPro Deo et Libertate  1776* * *Mark CaldwellJoin us in daily prayer for our Patriots in uniform  Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen  standing in harms way in defense of American Liberty, and for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.Please consider a tax-deductible gift to support our hometown National Medal of Honor Sustaining Fund. Make a check payable to NMoH Sustaining Fund and mail to: Patriot Foundation Trust, PO Box 407, Chattanooga, TN 37401-0407. Visit the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center at Aquarium Plaza. (https://www.MOHHC.org).
In northern Spain, a large Roman venue known as a circus that held horse-drawn chariot races was discovered by researchers.

During aerial investigations at Iruna-Veleia, an ancient Roman city located in the Alava province of the Basque Autonomous Community, the circuss outline was detected.

The circus is about 920 feet long by 235 feet wide. It is estimated that the venue could accommodate around 5,000 spectators.

The project was led by the Provincial County of Alava and the Basque regional government. The Spanish software technology startup Arkikus documented the circus during a survey of an area that covered more than 620 acres.

The area was mapped using a remote sensing method known as light detection and ranging (LiDAR).

Drones captured images of the area. Researchers also examined historical and modern aerial photography of the site.

LiDAR involves the firing of laser pulses at the ground to produce three-dimensional models of a landscape.

The technique can map the topography while also revealing features that are not visible to the human eye.

This is the third known Roman circus to be discovered in the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula. The other two were found in the ancient settlements of Tarraco and Calagurris.

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If youre a cat owner, you know that scratched-up furniture can be a common problem with feline pets. Even though scratching is a natural instinct for cats, its frustrating to see torn couches and cushions ripped to shreds in your home.

A team of researchers from Turkey, Portugal, and France have investigated the factors that cause unwanted scratching behavior in domestic cats. Certain factors, such as having young children at home, their activity levels, and their overall stress levels, contribute to your cats desire to claw at furniture. Some of these aspects can be adjusted to reduce scratching.

Our findings can help caregivers manage and redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers, said Dr. Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, the first author of the study and a veterinary researcher at Ankara University in Turkey.

The team asked over 1,200 cat owners in France to fill out an online survey about the daily routines, characteristics, and scratching behaviors of their cats. The French animal health company, Ceva Sante Animale, helped collect this data. The company also funded the study.

The results revealed that having kids at home, high levels of playtime, and nocturnal activity were associated with increased scratching. Additionally, owners who described their cats as aggressive or disruptive were naturally prone to scratch more.

The leading reason for unwanted scratching was stress. Small children in the home can heighten felines stress, causing them to scratch. However, the link between children in the home and increased scratching is not fully understood. More research is needed to learn about the connection.

Another stress-related factor is playfulness. When cats play for a long period of time, they can get more stressed because of the uninterrupted stimulation.

While some factors cannot be immediately changed, such as the presence of children or the personality of the cat, other environmental aspects can be modified. Ensure your cat has plenty of designated scratch posts in various areas of the home and nooks and crannies to hide in.

Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can also help alleviate stress and engage the cat in more constructive activities, Salgirli Demirbas said.

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In Italy, an ancient princes tomb featuring a chariot was unearthed among more than 150 artifacts. The tomb was discovered in the Corinaldo Necropolis, which is located in the Ancona province in the central Italian Marche region.

The necropolis dates back to the seventh century B.C. and is associated with an ancient Italic people called the Piceni. They lived between the ninth and third centuries B.C. in what is now the region of Marche and in parts of Abruzzo.

The territory they occupied was called Picenum by the Romans. Eventually, it was incorporated into the Roman Republic. At the site, archaeologists have found a tomb belonging to an ancient prince from the seventh century B.C. Previously, the Corinaldo Necropolis yielded the Tomb of the Prince of Corinaldo in 2018.

The latest find was uncovered during excavations for the ArcheoNevola Project led by the Department of History Cultures Civilization at the University of Bologna.

The Municipality of Corinaldo and the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the provinces of Ancona and Pesaro Urbino have collaborated on the project, which has been active since 2018.

Recently, investigations have led to the discovery of a pit that is about 12 feet by seven feet. The pit lies within a larger, circular ditch that originally had a diameter of about 100 feet. Inside the pit, there were more than 150 artifacts.

Of particular note is the presence of a two-wheeled chariot and a prestigious set of bronze objects, including a helmet, a cauldron, and numerous finely decorated containers, said the Municipality of Corinaldo.

In addition, there was a helm and a cauldron. Some of the objects were related to feasts and banquets that may have been held for the deceased, such as an iron axe for cutting meat and pottery for serving food and drink.

These finds indicate that the owner of the tomb was someone of high status who was greatly revered.

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This 30-year-old man has been working for his familys business ever since he was just 13 years old. He only took three years off from the time he was 20 to 23 years old before returning to the family business, and hes been there ever since.

How much time he spends working each day can range from five hours to 16-hour shifts. Despite that, he averages a total of 60 to 70 hours every single week.

Except for January and February when Im almost totally off because of the off-season, he explained.

His younger 22-year-old brother, on the other hand, has decided to pursue higher education and has never worked more than 10 days at the family business.

According to him, thats because his parents love to spoil his younger brother  who just landed an unpaid internship in IT through his network connections.

So, he believes that, when the time comes, he should be entitled to more of the family business than his brother.

Right now, ownership is split evenly between his mother and father; meanwhile, he gets paid as an employee, even though he has various other separate bonuses and investments created for him through the company.

Most of the decisions in the backroom are made by me, and I also take care of almost everything, such as clients, finances, web management, social media post and support, email support, driving, etc., he explained.

Despite that, his mother recently told him some shocking news. She claimed that, once she steps down, 50% of the business will be going to his younger brother.

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At the University of Lisbon, a well-preserved human head in a glass jar sits up on a shelf, where it can easily be observed by anyone who happens to enter the anatomical theater.

But whose head is it? The head belongs to Diogo Alves, who is known for being the first serial killer in Portugal and the last man to die by hanging. However, those claims are only half true.

Diogo Alves was born in 1810 in Galicia. He traveled to Lisbon during his youth to work as a servant for the wealthy. Soon, he realized that he would earn more money if he turned to a life of crime.

So, from 1836 to 1839, he would prey on people traveling along the Aqueduto das Aguas Livres (Aqueduct of the Free Waters).

The aqueduct was 0.62 miles long, and it provided a passageway for people like farmers to get to the city, where they would sell their produce. It was also 213 feet high. Alves would lie and wait for the farmers to make the trip home, steal their money, and shove them over the edge to their deaths.

During the three years he worked at the aqueduct, he conducted 70 robberies and murders. He was never apprehended by the police since the deaths were ruled as suicides. After moving on from the aqueduct, Alves crimes started to escalate.

He formed a gang and broke into peoples homes. One day, he broke into a physicians house and murdered everyone inside. The police finally caught him and sentenced him to death by hanging in February 1841.

Alves was not the last man to be executed in this manner. Between 1842 and 1845, at least six more individuals were hanged. In 1867, Portugal banned capital punishment. Alves was also not the first serial killer in Portugal. A woman named Luisa de Jesus was actually the first.

She was a resident of Coimbra and confessed to murdering 28 newborns she took from the local foundling wheel, which was a space for women to leave unwanted babies anonymously.

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Got a question for CTs advice columnists? Email advice@christianitytoday.com. Queries may be edited for brevity and clarity.

Q: A woman at our church wants to join my community group, but her husband doesnt seem to want to connect with the men in the group, and now they dont want to reach out to him either. The women want to invite the family to join, but I feel uneasy about the husbands relationship. Hesitant in Hawaii

Beth Moore: You used a perfect word in your description: uneasy. One of the biggest challenges of fellowship within a local church is that we may have little in common beyond pulling into the same parking lot on Sundays. We may not even naturally like one anotheryet the New Testament calls us family.

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If community among flawed humans is anything at all, its uneasy, and Jesus likely fashioned it this way on purpose: to require not only his help but also his presence to foster prayer, faith, and the setting aside of personal preferences.

Ive learned through the years that some of the relationships I found most bewildering to develop became the most satisfying over time. We fought hard for the relationship and won. Sometimes group dynamics prove too strained to maintain, but do give the Lord time to work.

I recommend asking the family to join. If the husband doesnt wish to come, then youve not withheld community from the one longing for it. If he does come but remains aloof, receive him anyway and encourage the group to welcome him.

Disruption is a different story, but let us not be resistant to those who simply dont feel like a good fit: God may be working toward deeper maturity in your groupand the husband may warm up over time and explain his reluctance.

God bless you all as you take the relational risks that invariably come with community! Seek the Lord, and if he leads differently, dont give this matter another glance.

Beth Moore and her husband, Keith, reside outside Houston. She has two daughters and an armful of grandchildren. Beth leads Living Proof Ministries, helping women know and love Jesus through Scripture.

Q: Im a runner involved in a local running group. The group is hosting a one-mile beer race: Before each quarter mile, you drink a whole beer. Id be at least very buzzedif not outright drunkafter four beers. Is this the kind of drunkenness the New Testament forbids? Parched in Pennsylvania

Kevin Antlitz: The short answer is yes. When I think of what the Bible says about alcohol, I think of Johns gospel. Marys first words in this gospel, funnily enough, are They have no more wine (John 2:3). Jesus first miracle is turning water into wine. He did this at a Jewish wedding after the party had been raging for a while, which means the guests were probably already feeling pretty good.

But context matters. Of all things, a wedding is worth celebrating with a few brews.

Im not so sure about a beer mile.

As I thought about your race, another runner and race came to mind: Eric Liddell and the race he didnt run. Though a favorite to win the 100-meter dash in the 1924 Olympics, Liddell refused to run in the qualifying heats because they took place on a Sunday.

Liddell went on to win gold in a different event, but his costly obedience offers some helpful perspective. If Liddell was willing to forgo the chance at Olympic glory so as not to disobey the command to rest on the Sabbath (Ex. 20:810), you should probably forgo whatever glory is to be had around your local track so as to not disobey Gods prohibition of drunkenness (Eph. 5:18).

So Id sit this one outor ask if you can trade cans of beer for cups of milk. If the goal is to be miserable while running a mile, this will help you earn a new PR.

Kevin Antlitz is an Anglican priest at a Pittsburgh church positively overflowing with kids. He and his wife have three children under ten, whom they pray will never know a day apart from Jesus.

Q: The last time a friend of mine came to stay with me, he visited my church. Hes disabled, and the sermon used a metaphor about disability. It was biblical, and he didnt comment, but I know he didnt appreciate it and can understand why. Now hes coming to visit again. Do I invite him to church? Mortified in Minnesota

Kiara John-Charles: I can only imagine how uncomfortable the entire sermon must have been for you. You invited a friend with a disability to church, expecting to share the positive experience youve had. But the sermon took an unexpected turn with a metaphor about disability, likely leaving you feeling awful.

Its disheartening when our expectations arent met, especially when were excited to share an experience.

While your assumption that the sermon made him uncomfortable may be valid, its essential to acknowledge that you dont know for sure. Our own anxieties can sometimes cloud our perception of a situation. And even if he did have unexpressed frustrations, that doesnt necessarily mean hes against visiting your church again.

Consider asking God for guidance on how best to discuss the idea of attending church together during his visit. God will give you peace and clarity about how to proceed with the conversation.

If I were in your shoes, I would approach this talk casually, giving your friend the power to decide whether he wants to attend or not. Maybe just let him know what time the service is and that you plan to attend, welcoming him to join if he wants to.

If he declines, it provides an opportunity to explore why, if you feel comfortable doing so. On the other hand, if he agrees to come, it could lead to a positive experience, and this time he might find encouragement in a sermon that resonates with him.

Kiara John-Charles is an LA native with Caribbean roots and a love for travel and food. She works as a pediatric occupational therapist and serves at her local church in Long Beach, California.

Got a question for CTs advice columnists? Email advice@christianitytoday.com. Queries may be edited for brevity and clarity.
The vice presidents faith and commitment to issues stirs enthusiasm among the traditionally Democratic voting bloc.

Justin Sullivan / Staff / Getty

Vice President Kamala Harris isnt the type of politician to cite the Bible a lot.

Darryl Ford, the former pastor of a nondenominational evangelical church in Atlanta, thinks that might be a good thing.

Weve gotten used to seeing people who will make Bible quotations and pray for me on a Sunday, then vote to disenfranchise me on a Tuesday, he told Christianity Today.

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Ford and many other Black Christians say they care about the faith of the new Democratic Party nominee, who is replacing President Joe Biden on the ballot in November, but theyre focused more on issues than rhetoric. The former pastor says Black Christians support Harris because she has a good grasp on things like criminal justice and health care.

Because shes been in it, shes lived amongst it. Shes not new to it, he said. Even if I dont agree with her on a certain issue, I believe she has a good handle on what that issue actually is.

Black clergy across the country report a new enthusiasm in an election year that was previously leaving voters feeling discouraged and depressed. African Americans have overwhelmingly supported Democratic candidates since the party threw its weight behind civil rights legislation in the 1960s. But having Harris at the top of the ticket has brought a new energy, reminding some of Barack Obamas historic first campaign.

It feels like 2008, said Khristi Lauren Adams, an ordained Baptist minister who works at a private school in Baltimore County, Maryland. I think theres a similar sentiment happening right now.

According to a recent YouGov poll, nearly 40 percent of Black people say they are enthusiastic about voting this November. Seventy-four percent say they plan to vote for Harris come November. A month ago, Black support for Bidens reelection was only 69 percent.

The reason youre seeing the organic response from the Black faith community is because she belongs, Matthew L. Watley, senior pastor at Kingdom Fellowship African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Maryland, told CT. Shes one of us, and its been demonstrated for a long time.

Harris hasnt shied away from talking about her deep roots in the Black church tradition. In a 2022 speech at the Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention, USA, the largest traditionally Black denomination in the country, Harris connected her faith and politics, crediting her childhood church experiences for giving her a framework for action.

I was raised to live my faith, Harris said. Marching for civil rights, my parents pushed me in a stroller. That was faith in action.

Now her candidacy is motivating other Black Christians to action.

Were ten toes downall the way in, said Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes, co-pastor of The Double Love Experience Church in Brooklyn, New York, which is part of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Were not saying this is a perfect person, no candidate is.  Kamala may not be leading with her faith, Im okay with that, she said. I don't feel like she is dangling it for a vote.

Some Black pastors who are known as theological conservatives have come out in support of Harris too. Dwight McKissic, senior pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, and an influential Black leader in the Southern Baptist Convention until he left in 2021, praised Harriss superior qualifications on social media.

I believe the energy, synergy, fundraising, volunteerism, and momentum driving and characterizing her campaign  is unprecedented in American political history, McKissic wrote. Kamala Harris represents those whove been rejected among us. The support shes galvanized is amazing to me.

He said that while he doesnt agree with Harris on everything, he will personally vote for her.

McKissic specifically disagrees with Harriss positions on abortion. She is believed to be the first vice president to visit an abortion clinic, and has said she supports legislation protecting nationwide abortion access.

McKissic said since the Republican Party removed the commitment to push for a constitutional ban on abortion from the party platform, however, neither major party offers a pro-life ticket. He believes many Christians will make their decision based on who seems most qualified to be president of the United States. For him, its an obvious choice.

Harris is not without Black Christian critics, though. Some ministers are skeptical of where she would lead the country, if she makes it to the White House.

I dont feel that sense of hope that I sense that others might, said Walter Harvey, pastor emeritus of Embassy Center MKE and president of the National Black Fellowship of the Assemblies of God.

In Harveys eyes, Harriss positions on social issues are disqualifying. The Democrats have championed some policies that are unbiblical to family, that are unbiblical as it relates to sexuality, and I think its cost the African American community, he said.

His majority Black congregation in Milwaukee is pretty diverse politically. He expects a divided reaction to Harriss candidacy.

I think half would welcome her and champion her, be excited about her, he said. I think theres the other half, or close to half, who would be challenged by her message  and would not want to endorse.

A YouGov poll found that around 10 percent of Black voters plan to vote for Trump. Less than 10 percent are unsure of who they will vote for. Around 5 percent plan to vote for a third party candidate.

Harris is just now ramping up her presidential campaign, so it remains to be seen what kind of outreach she might do to try and persuade Black Christians like those in Harveys church in Wisconsin to vote for her. Since the announcement that Biden was stepping down and Harris was going to run, her longtime pastor, civil rights leader Amos Brown, has organized a 100 days of prayer campaign.

Brown, who was once taught by Martin Luther King Jr. at Morehouse College, is well respected by Black Christians, and many have noted his relationship with Harris. One of the first things she reportedly did, preparing her run for the White House, was to call Brown and request prayer.

Harris has also established relationships with some Black churches in the greater DC area. She has occasionally attended Kingdom Fellowship, the AME church in Maryland where Matthew Watley serves as pastor. He told CT her most recent visit was a surprise. Watley got a phone call on Sunday morning from the vice presidents staff.

She woke up and she wanted to come worship with us, Watley recalled.

Harris may not be in a church pew every Sunday, but it is clear she was formed by the church and still has the principles of Christian living, Watley said. I think any honest pastor would say that many of our parishioners move that way these days.

Since Biden became president in 2020, he has brought in faith leaders from various traditions to hear their concerns, get their input, and ask for prayer and support, the AME minister said. Watley hopes that outreach will deepen if Harris wins.

My prayer, he said, is that the party will once again embrace faith as central to its identity, as historically it always has.
Home News Christian politician abducted during church Bible study shooting; 2 killed

ABUJA, Nigeria  Gunmen in southern Nigeria on Tuesday kidnapped a prominent Christian woman and wife of the attorney general of Delta state from a church Bible study in an attack that left her driver and a policeman dead, according to various sources.

Joan Onyemaechi, also known as Ada Anioma, was abducted from the King Jesus and I Church in Asaba, capital of Delta state, area residents said. A representative in the federal House of Representatives in 2015 and commissioner for Technical Education before her resignation earlier this year, Onyemaechi is married to state Attorney General Peter Mrakpor, who is also the states Commissioner of Justice.

Besides killing her driver and the policeman in the kidnapping, the gunmen also reportedly wounded another policeman and a civilian.



Church members Kenneth Ohen and Austin Okoronko told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that the gunmen stormed into the church building while members were holding a Bible study.

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Her police security men were killed before she was dragged into a car and drove off by the gunmen, Ohen said.

The attack caused pandemonium as church members scattered amid the shooting, church members said.

Motives for the kidnapping were unclear, especially as her family reportedly has not received a demand for ransom from the assailants.

Bright Edafe, spokesperson for Delta State Police Command, confirmed the kidnapping and killings, telling Christian Daily International-Morning Star News officers have been deployed to areas of the Delta to track down the gunmen.

We appeal for calm from the church members and public, Edafe said.

On Jan. 23, 2023, in Delta state, assailants described as Fulani herdsmen killed two Christians and wounded and kidnapped others in Toru-Angiama village, Patani County.

In the 2024 Open Doors World Watch List report of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria was ranked No. 6, as it was in the previous year. Nigeria remained the deadliest place in the world to follow Christ, with 4,118 people killed for their faith from Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023. More kidnappings of Christians than in any other country also took place in Nigeria, with 3,300.

Nigeria was also the third highest country in number of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings such as hospitals, schools, and cemeteries, with 750, according to the report.

This article was originally published by Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
Home News Nearly 1,000 people baptized in Californias latest spiritual revival

A record number of baptisms took place at a beach in Orange County over the weekend, as believers professed their faith in Jesus Christ at Southern Californias latest spiritual revival.

Nearly 1,000 people turned out at the Chino Hills-based Calvary Chapel's outdoor baptism, which was held at Newport Beachs Corona Del Mar State Beach on Saturday. While Calvary Chapel hosts a baptism at Corona Del Mar Beach every year, Pastor Jack Hibbs described the baptism as our biggest to date.

California may be experiencing a spiritual revival, Calvary Chapel Church Director Gina Gleason told CBN News in an interview. She said that the turnout at this years outdoor baptism was remarkable and a significant number, far exceeding the typical turnout of around 300 attendees.

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Spiritual revivals at the beach have become a common sight in southern California as believers grapple with restrictions imposed on religious services amid the coronavirus pandemic. In July, the group Saturate OC held powerful worship sessions on the beach every Friday night, where attendees had the opportunity to hear the gospel, be baptized in the ocean, and be filled with the Holy Spirit and be set free.

In a previous interview with The Christian Post, worship artist Sean Feucht described the worship sessions as a return back to a gritty, raw Gospel, Jesus people movement foundation. According to Feucht, A lot of that is in part because we cant be in our churches. We are kind of forced to be outside of our buildings and forced to be innovative and creative and come up with alternate solutions.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, Corona del Mar was a popular destination for mass baptisms. In 2018, evangelist Greg Laurie held a Jesus revolution style baptism at the beach, where over 550 people were baptized. These events have become even more popular now that coronavirus restrictions have prevented worshipers from gathering indoors at their churches for much of the year.

Pastor Hibbs is one of many California religious leaders who have strongly criticized those restrictions. On Facebook, Hibbs asked, If pastors are still debating among themselves whether or not to open up their churches, to get back to ministering to the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of their flock and to the preaching of the gospelthen I ask you when?

Calvary Chapel is still offering worshipers the opportunity to gather in person and online as part of the Come Back California campaign. Following a week of fasting and prayer, which will include special evening services at Calvary Chapel, Hibbs will partake in an all-day social media event called Come Back California on Saturday.

Throughout the event, Hibbs will be joined by some of the biggest influences in our culture to inform viewers how they can promote their biblical values ahead of the 2020 election. Other speakers include radio personalities Larry Elder and Dennis Prager as well as One America News Network host Liz Wheeler.

Hibbs has urged people across California to turn their homes and churches into sanctuaries of prayer and worship as part of an effort to seek a radical move of God in the state. In a Facebook post Monday, the first day of fasting and prayer, the pastor proclaimed that we will be crying out to God for the healing of California.

Each special evening service held at Calvary Chapel and streamed online this week will have a different focus. On Monday, worshipers prayed for purity and holiness within the church as well as spiritual revival and salvation to spread throughout California. On Tuesday, attendees were asked to pray for our governor, state, and local leaders.

On Wednesday, Hibbs will examine Gods prophetic Word in light of current world events. On Thursday, viewers will gather in prayer for the military, law enforcement, and first responders. The week will conclude Friday with a prayer service against the sins and injustices of our nation and for our president, national leaders, and the upcoming election.
Home News Oklahoma AG asks court to force cancellation of state's contract with Catholic charter school

Republican Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to order the Statewide Charter School Board to cancel its contract with what was poised to become the first Catholic charter school in the United States as the school and its supporters continue to seek judicial relief at the federal level.

In a court filing Tuesday, Drummond urged the court to require the board to comply with a June 25 order to dissolve its contract with the St. Isidore Virtual Catholic Charter School, which is slated to open this fall.

The court ruled 7-1 that "the state is prohibited from using public money for the 'use, benefit or support of a sect or system of religion'" and that the contract with St. Isidore is unconstitutional.

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In the petition, Drummond maintained that the board violated the June 25 court order and that "'[a]ny petition for rehearing regarding this matter shall be filed within (10) days of the date of this opinion.'"

"Yet for nearly a month, the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board has ignored this Court's patently clear Order requiring rescission of the unlawful contract," he wrote. "Every day the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board refuses to comply with this Court's Order is another day that a state-established religious school persists. This is repugnant to Oklahoma and federal law, and it must be immediately remediated."

In a statement, Drummond declared Oklahomans "should be outraged by the board's blatant hostility toward religious liberty."

"Rather than acting to protect religious liberty, they are recklessly committed to using our tax dollars to fund radical religious teachings like Sharia law," he wrote. "I will continue to protect the religious liberty of all four million Oklahomans by upholding their constitutional rights."

Following the court's decision, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic School vowed to continue the legal fight, calling the ruling "unconstitutional discrimination against educators and families of faith."

"[W]e are currently in discussions with the legal team as to our next steps for appealing the decision," the school said in a statement.

"Unfortunately, as appeal in this case will take time and because of this ruling, we are unable to open St. Isidore for the 2024-2025 school year as planned," the school added. "Sadly, our committed families will need to seek other options for the 2024-2025 school year. We remain steadfast in our belief in the promise of this school and in our constitutional right to help serve Oklahoma families through the charter-school program. The need for a Catholic virtual school in Oklahoma is apparent as our 200+ applications reflect."

The agenda for the Catholic charter school's June 28 Board of Directors meeting indicated that the school was seeking a review of the Oklahoma Supreme Court decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. The school also predicted that it would not open until at least the 2025-26 school year.

Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's Republican state superintendent of public instruction, who has emerged as a strong supporter of the Catholic virtual charter school, published an X post Tuesday advocating the school's next steps.

"Proud to support sending the St. Isidore case to the Supreme Court," Walters stated. "Parents and kids deserve options in education. Governments should not be promoting atheism as a state run religion," he insisted.

Drummond urged the Oklahoma Supreme Court to refrain from holding Walters and the rest of the board in contempt, citing a desire to provide "one last opportunity to comply with this Court's order." However, he asserted that he would ask the court to hold members of the board in contempt if they continue to disobey the order to dissolve the contract with St. Isidore.
Home Opinion Atheist Richard Dawkins' refreshing question, with humility

New Atheist icon and Oxford biologist Richard Dawkins recently asked a surprising question on X. Referring to his most famous book published 18 years ago, Dawkins wrote: What do religious people think I got wrong in The God Delusion?

The replies were insightful. One person pointed out that Dawkins depended on methodological naturalism, the belief that only material explanations are valid, but which is, itself, a belief that cant be proven by material explanations. Another pointed out: [You] spent the majority of the book making a moral case against religion; [but] you state in other works that there isnt objective morality.

In fact, Dawkins moral case against religion is central to The God Delusion. He wrote:

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The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a  capriciously malevolent bully.

These are strange words from a man who wrote elsewhere that:

The universe that we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but pitiless indifference.

So, which is it? Is the God of the Bible not worth believing in because Hes evil, or is evil an illusion? Dawkins seems to have wanted to have his moral indignation and eat it too.

Still, a more fundamental mistake in his bestselling book is one which virtually every prominent New Atheist copied. As Susannah Roberts pointed out in her reply to Dawkins, the main thing he got wrong was the meaning of the word God. Dawkins wrote as if God is just a bigger and stronger human, a being like the rest of us who merely happens to be very powerful. The god he described was like the polytheistic gods worshipped by the Greeks, Norse, and Egyptians. Dawkins confirmed this was his view in a famous line from the book: We are all atheists about most of the gods that humanity has ever believed in. Some of us just go one god further.

Years ago, I met a woman on a plane who challenged me to prove that God exists. I asked, Well, what do you mean by God?

She replied, A grumpy old man with a beard in the sky who cant wait for you to do something wrong so he can strike you with a lightning bolt.

I dont believe in that god, either I said. Her definition of God was far more like Zeus than the Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth and Father of Jesus Christ.

The God of Scripture isnt a bigger and stronger human, a petty and selfish being like the pagan gods, nor even like a really powerful angel. God is a category by Himself. He is the ground of being, the unmoved mover, timeless, spaceless, omniscient, unchangeable, not subject to passions or tantrums, and not fully describable with human language. His character is not answerable to a higher moral law, but is itself the source of that moral law. He is, as James put it, the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change, and as Daniel wrote, none can stay his hand or say to him, What have you done?

When Dawkins condemned God as a petty, unjust, unforgiving bully, he was suggesting God doesnt live up to a moral standard of fairness and mercy. But where did he get that standard to begin with, if not from God?

As C.S. Lewis put it in Mere Christianity:

[T]here is a difficulty about disagreeing with God. He is the source from which all your reasoning power comes: you could not be right and He wrong any more than a stream can rise higher than its own source. When you are arguing against Him you are arguing against the very power that makes you able to argue at all: it is like cutting off the branch you are sitting on.

Its refreshing and encouraging to see Richard Dawkins ask a question like this, with this much apparent humility. After all, in the last year or so, he has called himself a cultural Christian, rebuked unscientific gender ideology, admitted he really likes Christmas carols, and showed genuine curiosity about why his friend and former atheist Ayaan Hirsi Ali converted to Christianity. Perhaps, God willing, Dawkins, is on the verge of a similar change. We can and should pray as much.

Still, its worth noting that the straw-man god that Dawkins and his fellow New Atheists spent two decades denying and denouncing looks nothing like the God of the Christian worldview. Atheist authors could and should realize this, but like philosopher Thomas Nagle famously admitted, a major motivation is the hope that there is no God. So much so, in fact, that Nagle also admitted how unsettling it was that some of the most well-informed and intelligent people he knew believed in God.

For both atheists and believers, its important to make sure our understanding of God is correct. Thank God for those willing to correct their bad theology.

Originally published at BreakPoint.
Home Opinion Olympics closing ceremony should convey Frances apology

Frances contributions to intellectual studies in Western thought and culture have been noteworthy. Paris 2024 is an opportunity to show the world how much France has advanced from the 100 years prior when they hosted the Olympics in 1924. If that was an objective of the recent Olympics opening ceremony, France deserves a grade of F for its indecent portrayal of what the history of culture has treasured.

They depicted Leonardo Davincis Last Supper in drag. Many Christians and Church leaders were offended and rightly so, but I wasnt. Honestly, my reaction was one of pity for France and its organizers. Was that their idea of encouraging a culture of inclusion? The lack of artistic discernment of a treasured international and cross-cultural painting reveals how deep Frances culture has sunk. Its pitiful.

Paris 2024s ceremony splashed opprobrium on Davincis iconic piece of art by disparaging his traditional depiction that continues to inspire people of all cultures. A depiction that has captured the emotions of art lovers, whether Christian or not. The Olympic ceremonys sketch before a watching world challenged the treasured historical value of the Last Supper and mocked the rich traditional heritage of billions. It crossed the line of decency and civility. Its lewdness was taken to an unprecedented level.

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If the plan of the organizers was to promote inclusion, they could have surely opted for other artistic and entertaining sketches that encouraged conversations among different thinking people. The international backlash from people of every generation, nation, societal status, and political position was fired at the French organizers. A young journalist, commented astutely: The West has officially fallen. So how is it that the French failed so miserably? The artistic director and mastermind behind the flamboyant opening ceremony said "religious subversion [had] never been his intention." Whatever the intention, it was not inspirational.

Rather, it revealed how ideology can be a force that sacrifices tradition, culture, historical contributions, and civility in order to force an agenda. Globally, commentators were sharp in highlighting how such blasphemous sketches always single out the Christian faith. The French organizers have apologized, but its difficult to believe that such cultured people who are enriched with theological and philosophical heritages failed to anticipate the international condemnations. How could such an educated and culturally rich nation not foresee such a debacle?

Consequently, the ceremonys mocking of Christian faith engendered global divisiveness. Note that this was not a sketch prepared for a private audience, though that would have also been questionable by cultured people. This was planned with forethought that the whole world would be watching. Did they care that billions of Christians would be offended by their choice of art? Did they care that an iconic painting that is treasured by history would be unfairly critiqued and denigrated? How could this have escaped their preparation processes?

It was an obvious mocking of Christian values. Where it backfired is that the French probably thought that their artistic display would resonate with inclusiveness. On the contrary, it caused a backlash and revealed how French culture is progressing in bias. But France has an opportunity to make its apology real. It has enough time to prepare for the closing ceremony where it can show the world some respect for how the past 100 years have brought diverse cross-cultural appreciation worldwide and growing civil discourse.

As a Christian, I acknowledge that not everyone believes like me. So this is not simply another writing from a Christian who is whining about how his faith was caricatured. Ideologies can be messaged but they must also tolerate counter-perspectives. That is a hallmark of French contribution to Western thought. As the famous Frenchman Voltaire once quipped, I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to death your right to say it.

Hopefully, the closing ceremony of Paris 2024 will make an indelible impression that shows respect for the shared center of civility. That would be a remarkable and memorable finale. The French have contributed so much to Western thought and culture that I would be disappointed if that pitiful opening ceremony is what the world remembers from Paris 2024. France still has an opportunity to apologize meaningfully for its parody of Davincis Last Supper. The apology should materialize in its Olympic farewell to the world.
Home News 'Coming move of God': 2,000 baptized during 'Jesus Revolution' baptism at California beach

Around 2,000 people were baptized at a mass baptism gathering held at a California beach days after Evangelist Greg Laurie's 2024 Harvest Crusade was attended by thousands more.

Last Saturday, Harvest Ministries hosted the second annual Jesus Revolution Baptism at Pirate's Cove Beach in Corona Del Mar, featuring approximately 2,000 baptisms overseen by nearly 70 pastors and other church leaders.

The ceremony was organized by the California-based megachurch Harvest Christian Fellowship, led by Evangelical pastor and author Laurie.

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The baptisms occurred a week after the 2024 Harvest Crusade at Angel Stadium, "where individuals who made a profession of faith were invited to participate," Laurie told The Christian Post.

"The preparation included public announcements and work from the Harvest Ministries team. All participants were walked through the significance of baptism and the mark of faith that it represents," Laurie noted.

Those baptized at Pirate's Cove Beach received a New Believer's Bible and were "contacted personally to be invited to one of the many partnering churches."

"Additionally, they are enrolled in Harvest's Gospel of John digital study guide and invited to join the Harvest Discipleship online community, which offers free online courses, small groups, and other resources to help them grow in their faith," Laurie told CP.

In July 2023, approximately 4,500 people were baptized at the Harvest-organized Jesus Revolution Pirate's Cove Beach Baptism. Among those taking the public profession of faith was Laurie's granddaughter, Stella.

With over 6,500 people baptized at Pirate's Cove Beach over the past 12 months, Laurie believes it "may be the indicative of a coming move of God that will sweep our land."

"It is worth noting that all of this has happened in Southern California. This is where the last great spiritual awakening, known as the Jesus Revolution, happened before," said Laurie, referring to the 1970s revival event.

"As a matter of fact, Pirate's Cove Beach was the exact location of the mass baptisms that took place over 50 years ago during that movement."

Laurie believes that the 2023 movie "Jesus Revolution," which documented the 1970s revival, inspired people to come to Pirate's Cove Beach to be baptized over the past year.

"That is the reason we have called each of these events a 'Jesus Revolution Baptism,'" he added. "There is no doubt that many people have been inspired by the scenes from that film and wanted to be baptized in the same spot."

The "Jesus Revolution" movie was inspired by Laurie's 2018 book of the same name, where he recounts his experiences during the revolution. Laurie said Pirate's Cove Beach is where he heard the Holy Spirit tell him to "Preach the Gospel."

"And so, I found myself preaching to these people up on the rocks," he said in a statement. "And the Lord was sort of giving me a glimpse into the future of what I was going to end up doing."

The 2024 Harvest Crusade on July 20 saw the stadium home of the Los Angeles Angels filled to capacity with over 5,000 people making professions of faith, according to a statement from Harvest. In the last 12 months, Harvest tallies at least 12,000 professions of faith.

"It is incredibly moving to witness so many lives transformed and committed to Christ," Laurie said. "The spirit of revival that began with the 'Jesus Revolution' continues to touch hearts and draw people closer to God. Pirate's Cove has become a place of renewal and hope, and we are blessed to be part of this ongoing journey of faith."
Home News Half of Americans says First Amendment 'goes too far,' speech should be censored: poll

Half of Americans say they believe the First Amendment goes too far in allowing free speech and favor some form of censorship, a new poll suggests.

The survey, conducted in early September by Caravan Surveys on behalf of the Campaign for Free Speech, asked 1,004 adults in the United States about their views on hate speech and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the rights of free speech and religious freedom.

The first question asked respondents whether they agreed or disagreed with the following statement: The First Amendment goes too far in allowing hate speech in modern America and should be updated to reflect the cultural norms of today.

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Twenty-two percent of respondents said they strongly agreed while 28 percent of respondents said they somewhat agreed with that statement. Eighteen percent somewhat disagreed, while 24 percent strongly disagreed. Seven percent of respondents said they did not know if they agreed or disagreed with the statement.

When asked if they think hate speech should be against the law, 48 percent said they think it should be against the law, while 31 percent said they think it should be allowed. Twenty-one percent of respondents answered with did not know.

Respondents who said they think hate speech should be against the law were asked what they think the appropriate consequence for hate speech should be. Fifty-four percent responded with possible jail time and 46 percent said nothing more than a ticket or a fine.

Sixty-one percent of respondents agreed that there are places where free speech should be restricted such as on social media and at universities, while 30 percent disagreed.

These new polling results indicate free speech is under more threat than previously believed, Campaign for Free Speech Executive Director Bob Lystad said in a statement.

Our new initiative aims to combat this concerning trend by highlighting how restricted speech and a restricted press harms everyone, regardless of political affiliation. America cant be a free country without open dialogue and a robust press.

When it comes to social media, 49 percent of respondents said they think Facebook should monitor and restrict offensive speech and views, while 38 percent said Facebook should allow all speech.

As for censorship of media, 36 percent said they would support the idea of a government agency reviewing content published by alternative media sources to ensure accuracy. While 47 percent said they dont support government regulating content, 17 percent said they did not know.

Sixty-three percent of respondents expressed a willingness for the government to restrict the views of certain groups.

According to the data, 52 percent of respondents said that, yes, the government should restrict the speech of racists, 50 percent said it should restrict the speech of neo-Nazis, 46 percent said the government should restrict views of radical Islamists.

Only 35 percent said the government should restrict the views of Holocaust deniers and 20 percent said the government should restrict the views of anti-vaccine advocates. Only 18 percent said the government should restrict the views of climate change denies.

A total of 37 percent said the government should not restrict the views of any of these groups.

The surveys findings might be of particular interest to conservative Christians and others who oppose same-sex marriage and homosexuality because of their religious beliefs because some on the political left have labeled homophobic or transphobic language as hate speech.

On college campuses, Christian and conservative student groups have been met with resistance from administrators and lawsuits have been fought for the right of student groups to run their organizations in accordance with their beliefs.

The Campaign for Free Speech aims to bring awareness about the importance of the First Amendment so that Americans continue to have a robust, free, and open dialogue.

As college campuses increasingly restrict public speakers and a surge of free speech cases continue to batter the court system, the need to highlight the First Amendment and the freedom of speech has become extremely important, the organization said.
Home News Megachurch Pastor Keion Henderson says God told him followers will give $4.4 million in 3 weeks

After Hurricane Beryl caused $20 million in damage to three of his church's four campuses, Pastor Keion Henderson, founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Church & Ministries in Houston, Texas, says God told him He damaged the churches so he could rebuild facilities twice as big and that his followers would give him approximately $4.4 million in three weeks to do it.

Henderson made the bold announcement in an update on the state of his churches on Wednesday night from Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church, where he says he'll be hosting services for his 20,000 weekly attendees in August.

While Henderson lamented the damage to his churches as "catastrophic," he claimed God revealed to him that it was all His doing so Henderson could build a bigger church to accommodate the thousands that want to hear God's Word from him.

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"I won't pretend like I can do this by myself. If I could do this alone, trust me, it would be done already. But I am a feeble man who puts himself at the mercy of the court and asks you to join me in a journey because we do not have time to waste. We cannot build, and we cannot raise money for three years and then build another two years and have all of these people displaced," said Henderson.

He claimed that before the damage from Hurricane Beryl, the church turned away between 600 and 700 people from his campuses weekly because the sanctuary was beyond capacity.

"God gave me a vision, and He said we can do it in 21 days. I'm asking 2,100 people to give $2,100 in the next 21 days, and what we're calling it is 'Out of the Harbor,'" Henderson said.

"I call you from California. I call you from New York. I call you from Florida. I call you from the U.K. I call you from Africa to join us in our call to action: 2,100 people, $2,100, 21 days, to kickstart our efforts to get back into our building."

Henderson said that while some people may believe that insurance will be enough to cover the losses, he doesn't think it will be enough to cover God's vision for his church because the payout will be based on "depreciated" value.

Before making the request of his followers, Henderson spoke of the journey he had been on for the last 15 years to build the church and the challenges he faced.

"I can't give you all of the details but let me tell you our building is uninhabitable as of this moment. You can't even walk in it. It's catastrophic. It's shocking. It's sobering. It's actually emotional. The reason why it's emotional is that you could not have imagined all we had to go through just to get here," he said, recalling multiple deaths in his family as he prepared to buy the building that housed his church and church-run school 15 years ago.

"I will never forget when we were signing the papers to close on the building we're in. Closing had to be postponed. My grandfather died on the same day we were scheduled to close. Well, we rescheduled closing 30 days later. I was signing the papers. The lawyer that was in the room with us, he looked at me with tears in his eyes, and I thought he was happy because of what God had done," Henderson said.

"What I didn't know is that my mother had called him to tell him that my uncle had died while I was signing the papers. Three days later, when we walked in the building with the keys, we got the news that my oldest cousin died from a brain aneurysm. You can't imagine all that took place for us to get in the building, and now I am looking at 15 years gone in 15 minutes," he continued.

Henderson said the storm damage caused him at times to suffer depression because it disrupted the lives of some 300 children in his church-run daycare and school as well as staff members.

"Yes, I have moments of depression. Yes, I live by faith, and I walk by faith, but I had moments when I felt like giving up. The impact was so great, not just on the building, but all of the decisions I knew I would have to make," he said.

"Where is the daycare going to go? Where is the school going to go? We've got 300 kids in daycare and school that are now displaced, and where do you put the 60 to 80 staff members? So many decisions so quickly with little time to think about. Then, I had to reach in my reservoir and remember that we are a royal priesthood. I am a resilient person because I walk by faith and not by sight."

He said that faith has moved him to carry out God's vision of building back bigger with the help of followers who have never even attended his church in person.

"Let me thank you, those of you who sit in your living rooms, and you loaned me your spirits. Thank you for using your hard-earned time and resources to call me your online pastor. Some of you I've never met, but I feel like I know you in my heart. And because you've helped us to get here, I'm going to call on you to help us to get there," he urged in his appeal.

"I need you to help us in rebuilding ... All who have watched me, you've heard me say that it was time for us to expand our sanctuary. We were turning 600 to 700 people away every week. The parking was abysmal, but we made it. I told our church that we were going to start over, and yet again, I believe God said, 'Keion, your faith was too small, so let me blow the building down so you can build what I put in your heart,'" he claimed God told him.

"I want to increase the size of our sanctuary by two. I want to double the size of it so that no one who has an opportunity to get in is turned away because we don't have a seat," he continued.

"We can't wait on the insurance company to do that. I need you from around the world. If I've ever preached a message that has touched your spirit, if I've ever spoken into your life and you started the company that you were not going to start had I not pushed you in faith, If you were thinking about ending your own life, but somehow God gave me a word that made you fight to live another day, I need you."

Donald Iloff, Lakewood's lead spokesman and Osteen's brother-in-law, confirmed that Henderson will be hosting services for his church at Lakewood for the month of August and was only asked to assist with "costs that incur" from his congregation's use of the space and is not being charged a typical rental fee.

"Joel and Keion know one another," Iloff told The Houston Chronicle. "Joel respects the young man."

Spokesman for The Lighthouse Church & Ministries, Brian Smith, confirmed the temporary relocation and said the gesture from Lakewood Church is a blessing.

"Lighthouse is grateful to the Lakewood staff for providing us with the use of their building and sanctuary during the month," Smith said. "Their friendship and compassion are wonderful blessings to our church. The partnership between Lakewood and Lighthouse demonstrates that our community is all about the one resilience for the city of Houston."

Lakewood Church doors and parking lots will be open for Lighthouse Church parishioners on Sundays at 6 p.m. CST, while the service will begin at 7 p.m. CST and end at 9 p.m. CST, according to an announcement.
Home News Mistress of 'Jesus Christ Money Master' author gets life in prison for role in Ponzi scheme

Debra Mae Carter, the mistress of former Texas radio host William Neil "Doc" Gallagher, who wrote the Jesus Christ, Money Master Leader Guide, was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday for her role in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 190 people  many of whom were older adult Christians  of more than $31 million.

Carter, 65, was found guilty by a jury on July 8 of money laundering after a two-week trial, the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorneys Office said in a press release.

Gallagher, who was once president and CEO of the Gallagher Financial Group and called himself the "Money Doctor," was sentenced on Nov. 1, 2021, to three life sentences in prison plus another 30 years behind bars on charges including forgery, securing the execution of a document by deception, theft of property and exploitation of the elderly, the release said.

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He claimed on his companys website that their mission was to be a vehicle of Gods peace and comfort to as many people as possible, helping first with their financial peace of mind, then also with their spiritual, emotional and family well-being. He also advertised on Christian radio with the tagline: See you in church on Sunday.

In addition to visiting churches and promoting his business on Christian radio stations owned by Salem Media, Gallagher promoted his investment business in books like Jesus Christ, Money Master.

His main role in the scheme was to bring in money while Carter's role was to make sure it wasn't recovered by the victims. The couple had planned to retire on a huge ranch together.

Tarrant County Assistant District Attorneys Lori Varnell, Nathan Martin and Anastasia Frane told the jury that Carter and Gallagher preyed on the older adults they swindled.

"These were hard-earned retirement (dollars) which ... got put into her account over and over again," Varnell said. "She is a blight on society."

At Gallaghers sentencing in 2021, Varnell said he was one of the worst offenders she had ever seen.

Doc Gallagher is one of the worst offenders I have seen, Varnell said. He ruthlessly stole from his clients who trusted him for almost a decade. He amassed $32 million in loss to all of his clients and exploited many elder individuals. He worked his way around churches preying on people who believed he was a Christian.

Prosecutors said Carter laundered much of the money through assets like rental homes, land and fake charities. Some $200,000 worth of gold and silver was seized after it was found in her travel trailer.

Brenda Wilkerson, 84, who invested in the couples scheme, said she is still paying a mortgage on her home because of the couple. She said she invested money she inherited from her late husband in their scheme.

"Debbie Carter deserves life in prison," Wilkerson said. "She has ruined so many lives. ... It's despicable."
Chinese Embassy in Rwanda celebrates PLA's 97th founding anniversary

Xinhua) 09:56, August 02, 2024

KIGALI, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony celebrating the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), which falls on Aug. 1, was held on Wednesday in the Rwandan capital of Kigali.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun said the PLA has been developed in the past years among China's great achievements.

"The PLA has been reshaped with comprehensive reforms in its system and structure. It has made important contributions to the motherland in safeguarding the national independence, sovereignty, security, and development interests," he said.

"In line with China's overall foreign policy, the PLA has done its part in safeguarding regional and world peace. The PLA is and will always be a staunch force for world peace and stability," he added.

The ambassador noted that the establishment of the Chinese defense attache office in Rwanda is a milestone in the two countries' bilateral relations.

"I firmly believe that our military exchanges and cooperation will continue to go deep and achieve more results. And that will, in turn, further strengthen our bond of friendship. China stands ready to work with Rwanda, to bolster the relations between our two armies and two countries," he said.

Jean Baptiste Ngiruwonsanga, commandant of the General Headquarters of Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF), who represented RDF Chief of Defense Staff Mubarakh Muganga, said the occasion underscored the deepening of the shared commitment to the values of liberation and respect.

He said the PLA's history of fighting for justice, protecting the rights of individuals, and striving to create a better future for all serves as a source of inspiration.

"As we look ahead, let us renew our dedication to the cause of liberation, working together to address the challenges that lie ahead. Our collective efforts, grounded in mutual respect and understanding, will continue to advance the shared goals of peace, security, and prosperity," said Ngiruwonsanga.

The PLA participates actively in international peacekeeping, maritime escort, and humanitarian rescue as part of China's efforts to build a human community with a shared future.

Since 1990, more than 50,000 Chinese peacekeepers have participated in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions in more than 20 countries and regions, according to data provided at the event.

Currently, 17,000 Chinese peacekeepers are serving in six UN missions in Africa and the Middle East.

Chinese Defense Attache in Rwanda Li Dayi said the PLA has grown into a powerful armed force of the people over the last 79 years, striving for the independence of the Chinese nation while working for cooperation and peace in the international community.

"Military cooperation is an important part of China-Rwanda relations. Both China and Rwanda are peace-loving countries and important contributors to international peacekeeping operations," he said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Home News Trump pressed on calls for police 'immunity from prosecution' after Sonya Massey killing

Journalists pressed former President Donald Trump on his support for qualified immunity for police officers during an appearance in Chicago after the murder of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old black woman shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy in her Illinois home earlier this month.

Trump answered questions during a Wednesday discussion organized by the National Association of Black Journalists. Kadia Goba of Semafor, a news outlet founded by former BuzzFeed News editor-in-chief Ben Smith, asked the Republican presidential nominee if he believed the deputy who shot Massey should receive immunity.

Former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson shot Massey on July 6 after responding to a call from the woman about a prowler in the area. After body-camera footage of the encounter was shared online, Grayson was charged on July 17 with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.

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The shooting occurred not long after Trump vowed during a May rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin, that, if elected president, his administration would "give our police their power back" and ensure they have "immunity from prosecution."

In response to Goba's question, Trump replied that he didn't know the full details of the case, stating that he "saw something, and it didn't look good."

When Goba pressed again about whether officers should receive immunity, Trump explained that he did not mean that officers like Grayson should receive immunity.

He went on to cite Chicago crime statistics as an example of why certain police need immunity, highlighting the dangers associated with the job that can force officers to have to make a quick decision that may result in a fatal shooting.

"I'm talking about people that are much different cases, and that we need police to protect ourselves," he said, pointing to the series of shootings that took place throughout Chicago over Fourth of July weekend, where 19 people were killed and over 100 shot in over 74 shooting incidents.

The youngest victim, 8-year-old Bryson Orr, was killed in a shooting in the Grand Crossing neighborhood on the morning of July 4, NBC News reports.

The number of shootings over the July 4 weekend this year surpassed last year's numbers. In 2023, 11 people were killed over the holiday weekend and 62 were injured, the outlet notes.

"Nobody wants that. We need to have our police officers have the respect and dignity back. In this particular case, I saw something that didn't look good," Trump said on Wednesday. "I didn't like it at all."

Trump said that for the most part, people are protected by their police unions or their police departments.

"There's a big difference between being a bad person and making an innocent mistake," he added. "If someone made an innocent mistake, I would want to help that person."

"Sometimes you have less than a second to make a life and death decision, and sometimes very bad decisions are made," he continued. "They're not made from an evil standpoint, but they're made from the standpoint of 'they've made a mistake.'"

During an interview shortly after the Massey shooting, the woman's father, James Wilburn, told CBS Mornings that he believes his daughter "feared for her life."

"There was something, some premonition that she had, and it seems like [Grayson] was just an emissary of Satan. And that's what caused him to do what he did. It's just unexplainable," Wilburn said.

Family members of Massey told CBS Evening News after the shooting that Massey had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia days before the incident.

In video footage of the shooting, Massey appears agitated, and she told the two deputies who responded to her 911 when they arrived, "Please don't hurt me." At one point, Massey walked over to a boiling pot of water after Grayson requested that she check on it. As the woman removed the pot, the deputies backed away and ordered her to move away from the boiling pot.

"Oh, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," Massey is heard saying in the video. "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."

"You better f not, or I swear to God I'll f shoot you in the f face," Grayson told her.

Massey, who appears in the video to be holding the pot next to her running faucet in her sink, can be seen taking her hands off the pot while still holding what looks like mittens in her hand. The woman placed her hands over her ears, and Grayson advanced toward her with his gun drawn, shouting "drop the f pot" and firing several shots.

The officer later stated in the video that he had shot the woman in the head and implied that he did not see the need to provide her medical attention, arguing that Massey was likely dead anyway.

In a statement, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell called the shooting "unjustifiable and reckless."

"Sonya Massey lost her life due to an unjustifiable and reckless decision by former Deputy Sean Grayson," Campbell said.

"Grayson had other options available that he should have used. His actions were inexcusable and do not reflect the values or training of our office. He will now face judgment by the criminal justice system and will never again work in law enforcement. Ms. Massey needlessly lost her life, and her family deserves answers. I trust the legal process will provide them."
Black Faith Leaders Denounce Sanger, Liberty U Faces Civil Rights Lawsuit, Gateway Church Scandal Continues

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 08:26 08:26

Top headlines for Friday, August 2, 2024

In this episode, we discuss the departure of a founding elder from Gateway Church amid declining attendance post-Robert Morris scandal. We also spotlight Black faith leaders denouncing Margaret Sanger's racist legacy in the pro-life documentary, The 1916 Project. Comedian Russell Brand critiques the controversial Olympics opening ceremony and shares a beloved Bible verse. Lastly, Sen. Mike Lee voices concerns over increasing anti-Christian sentiment among federal lawmakers.

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Muslim father burns teenage daughter for converting to Christianity

In a harrowing incident in eastern Uganda, a Muslim father severely burned his 19-year-old daughter on 21st July after discovering she had converted to Christianity.

Naasike Maliyati, a resident of Nampologoma in Butaleja District, attended an evangelistic crusade on 15 July while visiting her grandmother in Lwangoli, Busoba Sub-County, Mbale District.

During the event, she decided to embrace Christianity.

"When they called people to give their lives to Christ, I also went and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour," Maliyati said, according to Morning Star News. "When I went back home, I told my sister that I had left Islam. She went and told our dad of my conversion to Christianity."

On the following Sunday, after attending a church service, Maliyati was met by her angry father, Abdulrahim Kutosi, 44, and uncles.

"They tied me up, beat me, and finally my dad picked up a hot flat iron and hot water and burned me and shouted loudly that I was an embarrassment to the family," said Maliyati, a student at Noor Islamic Institute in Mbale.

"I was burned for leaving Islam and converting to Christianity, as my father furiously continued shouting that I had shamed the family," the teenager added. "He continued saying that even Allah is annoyed with me as the pain continued inside my body."

Maliyati was then ordered by her father to stop attending church services. Subsequently, relatives placed her on a motorbike and abandoned her near the Namatala River. A passing Christian motorcyclist named Nicolas Ndobooli rescued her, demonstrating the actions of a Good Samaritan.

"I saw someone yelling for help and calling, 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!'" Ndobooli said. "Being a Christian, I decided to stop and took the risk and put her on my motorbike to the clinic."

Ndobooli then paid 30,000 Ugandan shillings for her medical care and treatment. Local Christians have condemned Kutosi's actions.

Uganda's constitution protects religious freedom, including conversion. However, in practice, these protections are not always well enforced, and it often falls to vigilant journalism to bring abuses to light and prevent them from being ignored.

Despite Muslims comprising only 12 percent of the population, predominantly in the eastern regions, incidents of religious persecution, particularly against Christians, remain a serious concern.
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A Bristol-based church charity breached the Code of Fundraising Practice during a recent campaign, the Fundraising Regulator has found.

Yesterday, the regulator said St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church  failed to follow the code in some respects  while carrying out the Agape Project, a campaign aiming to raise 150,000 to buy a new building within 100 days.

It found the charity in breach of one section of the code, which states that if an organisation fundraises for a particular purpose, it must include a statement saying what will happen to the funds received if the total amount raised is less or more than the target.

Complaints to regulator

St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church approved the Agape Project on 29 August 2021 to sell its existing vicarage, settle an outstanding mortgage on the church building and buy a new site with enhanced facilities.

As part of the campaign, it sent a donation appeal letter to church members explaining the problems with the vicarage and providing information about the building the charity would ideally like to replace it with, according to the regulator.

The charity said the project was  executed in its fullness  on 1 July 2022 but an anonymous person contacted the regulator, arguing that the campaign had failed to achieve the charitys objectives.

The complainant said that the purchase of the new building was done outside of the time limit the charity had advertised in its fundraising materials and did not reach the level of donations it said was needed.

They said that the purchased building did not fulfil the requirements set out in the campaign and that the charity had pressured donors by visiting their homes.

The complainant said donors should have been refunded as the campaign had failed.

Breach found

The regulator found that St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church failed to reach its fundraising target during the 100-day limit but bought a new building shortly after nonetheless.

While the charity missed its fundraising targets, the regulator said it was satisfied it had achieved its overall goal of purchasing the replacement building.

The regulator disagreed with the complainant that the purchased building was outside the campaigns objectives, but thought that the charity could have been clearer about its requirements.

From the information we considered, the only conditions for the new vicarage were that it was detached, had four bedrooms and cost approximately 500,000, it said.

We thought that the charity failed to follow the code in some respects  namely that it didnt consider, nor inform donors, what it would do with funds if it was unable to achieve the campaign objectives.

However, we didnt think on balance that this would have swayed donors against supporting the campaign. There were issues in relation to complaint handling, although the charity did look into the matter when we asked it to.

The regulator also considered the allegations around pressured fundraising but said it did not have enough information to arrive at a conclusion on this.

Charity told to review policies and procedures

The regulator found that St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church breached section 2.7.5 of the code.

It recommended the charity undertake a thorough review of its policies and procedures, and consider the requirements of the code, should it pursue fundraising activities in future.

From what we have seen in this complaint, it was clear that the charity didnt immediately recognise the Agape Project campaign as regulated fundraising, as it had primarily directed its fundraising efforts towards its own members, the regulator said.

The charity accepted our findings and recommendations and will be informing its members of the recommendations as soon as it seeks to implement these.

Civil Society has contacted St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church for comment.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
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The Scottish charity regulator has said it is increasingly concerned about dominant behaviour in charities.

In a report published today , OSCR said that charity staff, trustees and members of the public are raising more concerns about a person or small group excluding other charity board members from decision-making.

It warned that such behaviour can result in beneficiaries, staff and funders losing confidence in a charity.

The regulator said that charity founders can dominate other trustees, who may be friends they invited to join the board, because they believe they know best and act as though it is their personal vision or aim.

It said a long-time trustee or employee might take advantage of their colleagues trust in them to make decisions that they do not have the authority to make alone.

Trustees reminded of legal duties

OSCR also said that sometimes other trustees may be content for a colleague to dominate the charitys governance as it means they have less to do in their role.

However, it warned that allowing someone to dominate the governance of a charity may mean the trustees are failing to meet their legal duty to act in the interests of the charity.

It is quite common to see issues arising when a founder of a charity remains as a charity trustee for a long time, the report says.

Often this is because their views and opinions are considered to have more legitimacy or weight compared to the views of others on the board.

The founding trustee may actively portray that as being the case or it may simply be the pattern that the charity trustees fall into as a matter of default.

Either way it means that all those charity trustees are failing to act in the interests of the charity by behaving in that way  either by being dominant or allowing it to prevail unchecked.

Challenging dominant behaviour

OSCR advised trustees to challenge the behaviour of a dominant member of the board, be clear that it must stop and be prepared to take formal action if it does not.

When an employee is being dominant, the regulator also urged trustees to discuss the behaviour with them but to offer support before considering formal procedures.

It can be helpful to consider the reason why the dominant person is behaving in that way as this can help trustees to deal with the issue in a focused way and to manage the risks arising from the behaviour, the report says.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
United States President Joe Biden says hes very concerned that the violence in the Middle East could escalate, adding that the killing of a top Hamas leader in Iran has not helped efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Biden said hed had a very direct conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. We have the basis for a cease-fire. He should move on it and they should move on it now.

Netanyahu has said his country was determined to win nothing less than total victory against Hamas. He also said that Israel hoped for a cease-fire soon and was working for one.

The assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday and senior Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in Beirut on Tuesday risks escalating the fighting into an all-out regional war, with Iran also threatening to respond after the attack on its territory. Israel has vowed to kill Hamas leaders over the groups Oct. 7 attack on Israel that sparked the war.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was among the growing voices internationally calling for a cease-fire in recent days, saying that it was the only way to begin to break the cycle of violence and suffering.
Amazon shares are getting dinged on Thursday after its second-quarter sales missed expectations, despite a terrific performance from its cloud business. It doesn't change our thesis for this longtime core holding. Revenue increased 10% year-over-year to $147.98 billion, missing expectations for $148.5 billion, according to estimates compiled by LSEG. Earnings per share based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) increased to $1.26, compared with 65 cents last year and the $1.03 estimate. Operating income increased 91% over last year to $14.67 billion, a beat versus the $11.37 billion consensus forecast and above the high-end of management's previous guidance range of $10 billion to $14 billion. Amazon Why we own it : Amazon may be widely known for online shopping, but its cloud business is the real breadwinner. Advertising is another fast-growing business with high margins. Investment in robust e-commerce logistics infrastructure makes its online storefront the place to be as management works to aggressively decrease delivery times and reduce overall costs. Prime leverages free shipping and video streaming with tons of other perks to keep users paying every month. Competitors : Walmart , Target , Microsoft and Alphabet Most recent buy : Aug. 23, 2023 Initiated : February 2018 Bottom line It was by no means a clean quarter from Amazon, but that doesn't mean the story has changed. Amazon Web Services delivered great results, hitting a $105 billion revenue run rate and with operating margins that continued to trend higher despite heavy investment to keep up with demand. On the other hand, there were misses across its e-commerce and associated businesses, which we obviously don't like to see. But the crucial part of the story, the part that hasn't changed, is that the company continues reduce its "cost to serve," which is how much it costs Amazon to deliver a product to customers. Guidance was light and that matters when the market is worrying about a discretionary spending slowdown. However, it's hard for a company of Amazon's size to pinpoint revenues in advance, making it likely that the forecast is on the more conservative side. When there are outside events like the Olympics and the upcoming presidential election, people may be less focused on filling up their Amazon carts. Amazon is the company that will pick up on this trend first. Still, management has a track record of delivering results at the high end or above its guidance range, and next quarter may not be different. With AWS humming and management identifying more ways to lower its cost to serve, Amazon's profitability story is still intact. We reiterate 2 rating and our $220 price target but will look for additional weakness in this volatile market to upgrade to a 1. Quarterly results Let's start off with the good. Amazon Web Services was the star of the report, with revenue growth accelerating for the third straight quarter to 19% year over year, beating expectations of 18%. On the post-earnings conference call, CEO Andy Jassy pointed out three macro trends driving the strong AWS growth. "First, companies have completed the significant majority of their cost optimization efforts and are focused again on new efforts," Jassy said. "Second, companies are spending their energy again on modernizing their infrastructure and moving from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud." There's also an AI component that's driving sales higher, with "builders and companies of all sizes are excited about leveraging AI. Our AI business continues to grow dramatically with a multi-billion dollar revenue run rate," he added. AWS ended the quarter with a backlog of about $156.6 billion, up 9% year over year. The operating margins at AWS were incredible, expanding to about 35.5%, compared to estimates of 32.5% and 24.2% one year ago. To be fair, some of the big year-over-year increase is the impact of a favorable accounting change, but margins are also benefitting from cost controls and slowing in the pace of hiring. As for the rest of the company, sales came in below consensus estimates, causing overall revenue to miss estimates for the first time since October 2022. In North America, where sales grew 9% year over year, management provided some color that might help explain the slower trends from the 12% rate in the first quarter. One issue is that Amazon is seeing lower average selling prices across its stores because consumers are trading down on price where they can. While that may lead to lower sales levels per product, it may help Amazon gain market share. Jassy pointed out that discretionary, higher-ticket items like computers and TVs are growing faster at Amazon than the rest of the industry, but not as fast as one would expect in a hot economy. Additionally, Jassy believes Amazon's faster delivery speeds are helping it gain share in the everyday essentials. Another reason for the soft number was related to seller fees. These came in below management's expectations due to a change in behavior from its latest fee change. Third party seller services was the business line that missed consensus estimates by the widest margin. Still, Jassy doesn't think these are long-term issues to be worried about. "While some of these issues compress short-term revenue, we generally like these trends," he said on the call. Although North America operating margins declined slightly from 5.77% in the first quarter to 5.63% in the second quarter, CFO Brian Olsavsky attributed the decline to a step up in investment areas like satellites. Olsavsky said the profitability of North America stores improved quarter over quarter, driven by further improvements in its cost to serve. "We saw improvements in our cost to serve driven by our efforts to place inventory more regionally, closer to where our customers are. This resulted in more consolidated shipments, with higher units per box shipped. We also saw packages traveling shorter distances to customers, and this also led to better on-road productivity in our transportation network," Jassy explained on the call. Reducing the cost to serve is the key to Amazon's emerging profitability story. The company sees more levers it can pull in the future to reduce costs like by expanding the use of automation and robotics, further building out its same-day network, and regionalizing its inbound network. On the international side, Amazon attributed the profitable quarter mostly to improvements in its cost structure in established countries and expanded customer offerings in emerging countries. For capital expenditures, Amazon invested $30.5 billion through the first half of the year and expects this figure to rise in the second half to support the growing need for AWS infrastructure. This is not investing out of fear of underinvesting. The company pointed to strong demand signals for Gen-AI and other workloads. Guidance Amazon's third-quarter guide left investors wanting more. The company expects net sales of $154 billion to $158.5 billion, an increase of 8% to 11% year over year. The high end of guidance captures the consensus of $158.2 billion, but it's a miss on the analysts' consensus of $156.25 billion. The operating income forecast was light, too. Management expects operating income of $11.5 billion to $15 billion, which at a midpoint of $13.25 billion misses the consensus of $15.34 billion. Operating income in the third quarter of 2023 totaled $11.2 billion. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AMZN. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

The Amazon Prime logo on a package in Manhattan, New York City, on Sept. 16, 2023. Michael Kappeler | Picture Alliance | Getty Images
Chevron missed second-quarter earnings expectations, hurt by lower refining margins as the stock is already under pressure from delays to its pending acquisition of Hess Corporation.

Chevron's shares closed 2.67% lower Friday.

The oil major also said Friday it is moving its headquarters from San Ramon, California, to Houston, with CEO Mike Wirth relocating by the end of 2024. All corporate functions will move to Houston over the next five years. Wirth said the move is not related to any political dispute with California.

"Houston is the epicenter of our industry," Wirth told CNBC's "Squawk Box." "We've had our headquarters gradually growing in Texas and gradually pulling down in California. This is a continuation of a trend that has been underway for some time."

Here is what Chevron reported for the second quarter compared with what Wall Street was expecting, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG:

Earnings per share: $2.55 adjusted vs. $2.93 expected

$2.55 adjusted vs. $2.93 expected Revenue: $51.18 billion vs. $50.8 billion expected

Chevron's net income declined 26% to $4.43 billion, or $2.43 per share, compared with $6.01 billion, or $3.20 per share, in the same period a year ago. When adjusting for $243 million in foreign currency impacts, Chevron booked earnings of $2.55 per share.

Revenue rose to $51.18 billion from $48.9 billion a year ago.

The oil major's U.S. production segment posted a profit of $2.16 billion, a 31% increase over $1.64 billion in the year-ago period on higher sales volumes and oil prices.

Profit for international production fell about 30% to $2.3 billion compared with $3.29 billion in the year-ago period due to lower sales and natural gas prices as well negative foreign currency impacts.

Overall, Chevron's global oil-equivalent production rose 11% to 3.29 million barrels per day on record production in the Permian Basin

The U.S. refining business realized a profit of $280 million, a 74% decrease compared with the $1.1 billion posted in the year-ago period due to lower margins. International refining profit fell 25% to $317 million, compared with $426 million in the same quarter last year.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, speaks during a keynote at CES 2020 in Las Vegas on Jan. 7, 2020.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian on Friday offered employees two free travel passes to thank staff members who were caught in massive disruptions last month sparked by a botched CrowdStrike software update that stranded thousands of customers and crew.

Delta had more trouble than competitors in recovering from the outages that took thousands of Windows machines offline around the world, affecting industries from health care to banking.

The carrier canceled more than 5,000 flights between July 19 and July 24, more than it did in all of 2019, according to FlightAware. Bastian said earlier this week that the incident cost the company about $500 million, a sum that is equal to about 40% of Delta's second-quarter profit. A crew-tracking platform was a contributor to the cancellations and disruptions, the airline has said.

Delta told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Wednesday that the airline had to manually reset 40,000 servers.

The disruption "has been a humbling moment for our company," Bastian said in his note on Friday, which was seen by CNBC. "I know it's been extremely difficult, and I'm deeply sorry for what you have endured. An operational disruption of this length and magnitude is simply unacceptable  you and our customers deserve better."

Upward of 4,000 Delta flight attendants picked up more than 6,100 trips during the disruptions, receiving extra pay, according to another Delta staff memo on Friday.

"Your efforts throughout have been nothing short of heroic," Bastian told staff.

The two "positive space" passes Bastian offered employees are confirmed seats like a customer would have, different from the free standby flying airline employees often do if there are available seats.

The Delta organizing committee of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which is in the middle of a campaign to unionize Delta's flight attendants, said the offer of passes "just isn't going to cut it." The organizing committee, in a written statement, said airline management routinely makes "meager adjustments to keep the operation running without making changes significant enough to prevent a future meltdown."

Delta's operation has since stabilized but the flight cancellations and delays stranded thousands and scarred Delta's high reliability standings. Its executives frequently point out Delta's successful work to win over both leisure and corporate customers who are willing to pay more to fly the carrier, marketing itself as a premium airline.

A Delta spokesman earlier this week said the airline has processed "thousands" of refunds and reimbursement requests.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is investigating Delta's disruptions, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said last week. Similar disruptions at other carriers, such as the massive 2022 holiday meltdown at Southwest Airlines after winter storms, have highlighted how technology issues can severely disrupt air travel.

Bastian said Delta plans to pursue legal action against CrowdStrike and Microsoft "to recover our losses caused by the outage" and that it has hired law firm Boies Schiller Flexner.

Microsoft declined to comment. CrowdStrike said it has "no knowledge of a lawsuit and have no further comment."
The price of Trump Media stock closed trading up more than 7% on Friday afternoon, hours after the company said it has started rolling out a TV streaming service that aims to air "neglected" content on its social media platform Truth Social.

The company's stock, which trades under the ticker DJT on the Nasdaq, closed at $29.21 per share, a gain of 7.39%.

Before Friday, DJT shares had been in a slump.

While the share price briefly surged after former President Donald Trump, who is the company's majority shareholder, survived an assassination attempt on July 13, the share price had fallen more than 33% since then until Friday's open.

Trump, who is the Republican presidential nominee, owns nearly 59% of the company's stock.
An injection pen of Zepbound, Eli Lillys weight loss drug, is displayed in New York City on Dec. 11, 2023.

All doses of Eli Lilly's highly popular weight loss injection Zepbound and diabetes drug Mounjaro are now available in the U.S., according to an update on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's drug shortage database on Friday.

A previous update said some doses of the treatments were still in short supply. Some doses of Mounjaro have been in shortage since as early as 2022, while doses of Zepbound joined the FDA's shortage list earlier this year following its U.S. approval in November.

Demand for weight loss and diabetes drugs has trounced supply for months, pushing Eli Lilly and its rival Novo Nordisk to invest billions to ramp up manufacturing.

The FDA's update comes one day after Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks told Bloomberg that the shortages of Mounjaro and Zepbound would end "very soon."

"I think actually today or tomorrow we plan to exit that process," he told the outlet in an interview.

A spokesperson for Eli Lilly did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the FDA's update on Friday.

All doses of Novo Nordisk's diabetes injection Ozempic are available in the U.S. as of Friday, according to the FDA's database. Meanwhile, the FDA said some doses of Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug Wegovy have limited supply.
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Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X speaks during the Milken Conference 2024 Global Conference Sessions at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 6, 2024. David Swanson | Reuters

If a voter in Michigan performs a search on Google , a somewhat shocking ad might pop up. The ad shows a young man lying in bed late at night when someone else texts him, "Hey you need to vote," and then sends the man a video of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The man can hear the gunshots and people screaming in the background. As Trump is rushed off stage with blood pouring down his face, the man watching the video types in response, "This is out of control. How do I start?" The ad then displays a website for a group called America PAC. The website says it will help the viewer register to vote. But once a user clicks "Register to Vote," the experience he or she will have can be very different, depending on where they live. If a user lives in a state that is not considered competitive in the presidential election, like California or Wyoming for example, they'll be prompted to enter their email addresses and ZIP code and then directed quickly to a voter registration page for their state, or back to the original sign-up section. But for users who enter a ZIP code that indicates they live in a battleground state, like Pennsylvania or Georgia, the process is very different. Rather than be directed to their state's voter registration page, they instead are directed to a highly detailed personal information form, prompted to enter their address, cellphone number and age. If they agree to submit all that, the system still does not steer them to a voter registration page. Instead, it shows them a "thank you" page. So that person who wanted help registering to vote? In the end, they got no help at all registering. But they did hand over priceless personal data to a political operation. Specifically, a political action committee created by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, one aimed at giving the Republican presidential nominee Trump an advantage in his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris, the de facto Democratic nominee. "I have created a PAC, or a super PAC ... the America PAC," Musk said in a recent interview. Musk also owns the social media platform X, and has a net worth of more than $235 billion, according to Forbes. The combination of owning a social media company that gives him an enormous platform to push his political views, and creating a PAC with effectively unlimited resources, has made Musk, for the first time, a major force in an American presidential election.

Musk PAC uses 'register to vote' data

The America PAC has spent more than $800,000 since early July on digital ads that target voters in the key battleground states of Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, according to AdImpact. The ads appeared on Facebook, Instagram and Google through YouTube, and many encouraged people to register to vote at America PAC's website. The PAC's effort to collect information from people using the idea of "voter registration" is a critical piece to its plan to make personal contact with these voters. "America PAC is focusing on door-to-door canvassing in support of Trump," said Brendan Fischer, a deputy executive director at campaign finance watchdog Documented. "I think it is safe to assume that the voter data gathered through these digital appeals are going to inform America PAC's canvassing and other political activities," he added. Fischer pointed to the group's privacy policy which says it can use the data they've collected on "other activities and/or fundraising campaigns." Since June, America PAC has spent more than $21 million on canvassing, digital media, text message services and phone calls, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The PAC's website offers no indication one way or another what the group's political leaning is. But in its federal filings, the group discloses that all of its work is designed to either help Trump or hurt his opponent. Fischer said he has seen some other PACs try to use a "register to vote" message to gather people's data. But what is unique about America PAC's project is who is backing it and the timing of its creation. In most cases, super PACs are not allowed to directly coordinate the ads they pay for with the campaign. But this spring, regulators ruled that door-to-door canvassing falls outside the scope of the ban because, unlike an ad, it is a person-to-person exchange. "What makes America PAC more unique: it is a billionaire-backed super PAC focused on door-to-door canvassing, which it can conduct in coordination with a presidential campaign," Fischer said. "Thanks to a recent FEC advisory opinion, America PAC may legally coordinate its canvassing activities with the Trump campaign  meaning, among other things, that the Trump campaign may provide America PAC with the literature and scripts to make sure their efforts are consistent." "Coordination is incredibly important: it ensures that the PAC's activities are maximally beneficial to the campaign, and frees up the campaign's own funds for other uses," he said. "I suspect that the PAC's ability to coordinate its data-driven canvassing activities with the Trump campaign made it very appealing for donors." Longtime Republican strategists Phil Cox, Generra Peck and Dave Rexrode are among those now guiding the PAC after a shake-up in mid-July, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter. This person was granted anonymity to speak freely about a private matter. The change suggests there could be a shift in tactics by the PAC come November. The New York Times first reported on the moves.

Musk is not the only tech executive backing this effort. The America PAC raised more than $8 million between April 1 and June 30, according to FEC records. It has received donations from veteran investor Doug Leone, cryptocurrency investors Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, and a company run by longtime venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale, according to FEC records. Lonsdale, a co-founder of the software company Palantir, is also a leader of the PAC, and "serves as a political confidant to" Musk, according to the Times. The records do not yet list Musk as a donor. He recently said on X that he is "making some donations to America PAC," but did not say how much. The PAC is not required to file a third-quarter report until Oct. 15, the first time that Musk's name could be listed as a donor. A spokesman for America PAC declined to comment. Musk did not return emails seeking comment.

Musk on X mirrors Musk PAC
Founders of one of the hottest artificial intelligence startups Character.AI are rejoining Google along with other team members.

Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, in addition to certain members of Character.AI's research team, are joining Google's AI unit DeepMind, the companies said Friday.

Character.AI uses large language models to allow users to create chatbots and interact with those created by other users. The startup reached a $1 billion valuation as the AI boom began last year. Character.AI did not generate revenue then but said it was considering offering a subscription service in the future.

The two founders left Google in 2021 after the search giant reportedly rebuffed their attempts to try and get Google to push a chatbot forward. They went on to start Character.AI that same year.

Freitas criticized the company's slow-moving pace, telling Axios last March, "There are some overlaps, but we're confident Google will never do anything fun," regarding the Bard, which is now Gemini chatbot.

Character.AI will provide Google with a nonexclusive license for its current large language model, or LLM, technology, the company's blog post states. "This agreement will provide increased funding for Character.AI to continue growing and to focus on building personalized AI products for users around the world," it states.

"Over the past two years, however, the landscape has shifted  many more pre-trained models are now available," the blog post continues. "Given these changes, we see an advantage in making greater use of third-party LLMs alongside our own. This allows us to devote even more resources to post-training and creating new product experiences for our growing user base."

Alphabet, facing criticism of getting beat to the AI chatbot craze by OpenAI's ChatGPT, has enacted changes to its organization to move more quickly to market. Late last year, Google was reportedly in talks to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Character.AI.

"I am super excited to return to Google and work as part of the Google DeepMind team," Shazeer said in a statement on Friday. "I am so proud of everything we built at Character.AI over the last 3 years. I am confident that the funds from the non-exclusive Google licensing agreement together with the incredible Character.AI team positions Character.AI for continued success in the future."

A Google spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC, "We're particularly thrilled to welcome back Noam, a preeminent researcher in machine learning, who is joining Google DeepMind's research team, along with a small number of his colleagues."

The move also comes amid a competitive talent and AI landscape, leading companies to form partnerships against a tough regulatory landscape that has placed scrutiny on mergers and acquisitions. Britain's competition watchdog said earlier this week it is looking into Google's partnership with AI startup Anthropic, for example.

In March, Microsoft hired Mustafa Suleyman, a co-founder of AI startup DeepMind that Google acquired in 2014, and much of its staff to lead AI initiatives. Suleyman became an executive vice president and CEO of Microsoft AI, reporting to CEO Satya Nadella. Last month, U.K. regulators opened a merger probe on Microsofts hiring of the staff.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event in Atlanta on July 30, 2024.

The presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris said Friday that its political operation raised $310 million in July, dwarfing the tally raised for the Republican nominee Donald Trump in the same month.

Harris' team raised the eye-popping sum between the campaign, the Democratic National Committee and joint fundraising committees.

The vast majority of July's tally  more than $200 million  arrived during the first week of her candidacy, after President Joe Biden dropped out of the election contest on July 21 and endorsed Harris.

The de facto Democratic nominee's team entered August with $377 million on hand.
Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden arrive at the federal court during his trial on criminal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 5, 2024.

Hunter Biden will be sentenced in his criminal gun case in Delaware on Nov. 13, eight days after the 2024 presidential election, a federal judge said Friday.

Hunter Biden, the sole surviving son of President Joe Biden, was convicted in June by a jury in U.S. District Court in Wilmington of three criminal counts related to his purchase and possession of a revolver while being an illegal drug user.

The 54-year-old is the first child of a sitting U.S. president ever to be convicted of crimes.

Hunter Biden faces a maximum possible sentence of 25 years in prison, but is likely to receive a much lighter punishment from Judge Maryellen Noreika due to federal sentencing guidelines.

Hunter Biden faces another criminal trial in September in Los Angeles federal court. He is charged there with nine counts stemming from his alleged failure to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes over several years.

His lawyers on July 18 asked the judges in both the Delaware and LA cases to dismiss the charges.

Hunter Biden's attorneys in their motions cited a new opinion by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas questioning whether the Department of Justice has the authority to appoint special counsels as prosecutors, and the related dismissal of the criminal classified documents case against former President Donald Trump in Florida federal court.
Signage for the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is displayed outside the central bank's headquarters in Singapore.

Singapore's central bank established a task force to bolster the city-state's stock market.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore announced that the review group will evaluate measures to "improve the vibrancy" of the Singapore equities market.

MAS said on Friday the panel will focus on addressing market challenges, fostering listings, and facilitating market revitalization, as well as enhancing regulations to facilitate market growth and foster investor confidence.

It said another key goal will be to identify methods for encouraging private sector participation, including from capital market intermediaries, investors and listed companies.

The authority noted that a "dynamic equities market is an important part of the capital formation value chain," and that a liquid market enables companies to not only access capital as they expand, but also "allows asset owners and the investing public to participate in the growth of quality companies."

"Improving the attractiveness of Singapore's equities market can therefore enhance Singapore's standing as a vibrant enterprise and financial hub," the MAS said, adding that this will also "[complement] Singapore's innovation and start-up ecosystem, private markets, as well as asset and wealth management sectors."
Whenever billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates contemplates a tough decision, she seeks input from her three closest friends of more than 30 years.

Every Monday morning, the four women go for a walk  a ritual that often serves as a site for deliberation, she told Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King in an episode of French Gates' "Moments That Make Us" YouTube series, which published last week.

"If you're in town, you walk," French Gates said. "They are my truth counsel. Whenever I'm going to make a really hard decision or make a big transition, I know I have to have the courage to tell them."

For example, the trio of friends was the first to know when French Gates began to consider ending her marriage to Bill Gates after 27 years, she said  and they offered her unanimous support.

"I would not have gotten through my divorce without my three closest friends. There's no chance," she said. "You actually need a friend who will tell you the truth, even when you don't want to hear it."

French Gates learned the importance of quality over quantity in friendships early in life, she said. Research backs her up: A decades-long study conducted by researchers at Harvard University found that positive relationships are the key to a happy, healthy and long life.

"Our social life is a living system, and it needs exercise," the study's directors, Marc Schulz and Robert Waldinger, wrote for CNBC Make It last year. "Social fitness requires taking stock of our relationships, and being honest with ourselves about where we're devoting our time and whether we are tending to the connections that help us thrive."

Schulz and Waldinger listed seven integral types of support that humans depend on each other to provide, including safety and security, learning and growth, and emotional closeness and confiding. You can take stock of your relationships by writing down a tally of how many types of support each one offers, they wrote.

It's normal for many relationships to not offer every dimension of support  so your goal should be identifying the support gaps in your life, the duo added.

"You might realize that you have plenty of people you have fun with, but no one to confide in," Schulz and Waldinger wrote. "Don't be afraid to reach out to the people in your life ... It's never too late to deepen the connections that matter to you."

Want to stop worrying about money? Sign up for CNBC's new online course Achieve Financial Wellness: Be Happier, Wealthier & More Financially Secure. We'll teach you the psychology of money, how to manage your stress and create healthy habits, and simple ways to boost your savings, get out of debt and invest for the future. Start today and use code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off through September 2, 2024.

Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.
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EzDubs founders Amrutavarsh Kinagi (left), Kareem Nassar and Padmanabhan Krishnamurthy pose for a photo in Palo Alto, California, in August 2023.

EzDubs, a developer of language-translation technology, got started the way many tech startups get off the ground. It launched on public clouds from Amazon and Google . However, after EzDubs went through the Y Combinator startup program last year, the company made a quick pivot, adding Microsoft's cloud into the mix. That's because EzDubs' founders learned of a partnership that enabled Y Combinator companies to receive $350,000 worth of credits on Microsoft Azure. It was a "manna from heaven message," EzDubs co-founder Padmanabhan Krishnamurthy told CNBC. The credits were particularly useful, Krishnamurthy said, because Microsoft has been at the forefront of the artificial intelligence boom, investing in OpenAI and hosting scores of projects that use the company's large language models (LLMs). On Azure, EzDubs was able to obtain access to the advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) needed for a new wave of AI model training, which no other cloud provider could match. "At that point, it was a no-brainer," said Krishnamurthy, who co-founded his company in 2022 as generative AI was taking off. "It was the exact setup we needed," with GPU availability that "literally no one else had." EzDubs' story can be heard in various forms from startups across the AI landscape. While Amazon Web Services maintains the market lead in cloud infrastructure and Google remains a popular option for companies utilizing multiple clouds, Microsoft's perceived strength in AI is giving the company an edge, at least when it comes to startups. In Amazon's second-quarter earnings report on Thursday, the company said AWS revenue increased 19% from a year earlier, trailing Microsoft's 29% growth for the latest period, though that includes other cloud services in addition to Azure. AWS was the first of the cloud providers to dole out credits to young companies, hoping that they'd be hooked by the time the credits ran out and eventually turn into big spenders. AWS' Activate program started in 2013, following the launch of key EC2 (compute) and S3 (storage) services in 2006, and helped cement Amazon's dominance in public cloud.

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Microsoft's access to hefty GPU clusters coupled with its long history as an enterprise technology company ubiquitous inside IT departments is changing the narrative. And, of course, money matters. In November, Microsoft formed a partnership with Y Combinator  known for helping spawn Dropbox , Airbnb , Stripe and other companies  that gave $350,000 in credits to startups entering the accelerator. Startups in a select few other programs, such as the Alchemist Accelerator and Alt Capital's Generate, are also eligible. Amazon followed in April, announcing $500,000 in credits to Y Combinator companies, including $200,000 in cloud credits and $300,000 in credits for proofs of concept using the cloud provider's Trainium and Inferentia chips for AI, an AWS spokesperson said in an email. The current offer includes $350,000 in AWS credits, plus $300,000 reserved for tapping the custom silicon, the spokesperson said. Annie Pearl, a Microsoft corporate vice president, told CNBC that prior to the Y Combinator partnership, only about 5% of companies in the program were building on Azure. By May, more than 50% were using Azure, she said. A spokesperson later said 58% of Y Combinator startups had taken up Microsoft's credit offer, a figure that doesn't reflect actual Azure usage. AWS said it's seeing a different dynamic play out. "That claim just doesn't ring true to us," the AWS spokesperson said in an email, referring to Pearl's statement that over half of Y Combinator startups were using Azure. "In their early stages, startups might accept promotional credits from different cloud providers, but when they mature and need to make a decision on who to trust the future of their organization with, they overwhelmingly turn to the provider with the best security, reliability and scalability." Amazon said in an April blog post that over 80% of startups in Y Combinator's 2022 and 2023 batches ran on AWS.

Narrowing the gap

Microsoft and Amazon are competing for startups well beyond accelerator programs. Last month, AWS doubled to $200,000 the maximum amount of credits a startup can use if it's raised a Series A funding round in the past year, CNBC reported. In the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub program, companies can get $150,000 in Azure credits. In looking at the overall cloud market, industry data shows Microsoft has narrowed Amazon's lead. AWS' share in the first quarter of this year was 31%, and Azure was in second place at 25%, according to research firm Canalys. Three years earlier, AWS controlled 32% of the market, while Microsoft was at 19%, Canalys estimated. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said on an earnings call in October that more emerging businesses were turning to Azure because of demand for OpenAI's models. "We're expanding our reach with digital-first companies," he said. "Leading AI startups use OpenAI to power their AI solutions, therefore, making them Azure customers as well."

Former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at OpenAI's DevDay in San Francisco on Nov. 6, 2023. Hayden Field | CNBC

InKeep, whose technology lets companies search internal documents using chatbots, chose to use Azure while participating in Y Combinator in early 2023, shortly after OpenAI launched ChatGPT. OpenAI's underlying LLMs weren't available on other clouds. "Especially when I started, OpenAI did have kind of the state-of-the-art models," Nick Gomez, InKeep's co-founder and CEO, said in an interview. InKeep also began using Google's Cloud Platform for certain workloads. Gomez said Azure has less downtime than other clouds and acts quickly even when dealing with compute-intensive AI models. He said data privacy is very important to customers when it comes to AI training. OpenAI had initially trained models with customer data but later stopped the practice, CEO Sam Altman told CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin last year. "People would ask all the time, 'Are you training on our data?'" Gomez said. "Being able to say, 'Hey, no, we don't, we use Azure, they don't retain it, they don't train on it,' stuff like that, definitely helped to put a lot of folks at ease." Cloud infrastructure has proven not to be a winner-take-all market. Amazon, Microsoft and Google have all steadily grown their revenue in a business that Canalys expects to expand by 20% this year to almost $350 billion. That's in part because large companies are increasingly using multiple clouds to ensure they're not overly reliant on a single vendor and to take advantage of the differing services and technologies from various providers. For startups that rely on venture funding to fuel their operations, accepting credits from multiple suppliers allows them to keep their expenses in check, which is particularly important given the high costs of running AI workloads. Accepting credits is "almost like raising money," said Prady Modukuru, co-founder and CEO of Sync Labs, a developer of lip-synching technology. "No one can spend $20,000 to $30,000 a month on infrastructure costs," said Modukuru, a former Microsoft product manager. Modukuru said Sync Labs has used Amazon, Google and Microsoft, but started with Azure earlier this year while in Y Combinator. It's the only place where the company could find GPUs, he said. "We would just request, and within an hour and a half, we would get access to them on Azure," Modukuru said. "That's what we needed as a startup." Earlier this year, Sync Labs learned how to run high-performance code across many GPUs by talking with Microsoft technicians during office hours, Modukuru said. AWS also makes its experts available to Y Combinator founders, a spokesperson said. AWS has other ways of taking on Microsoft and its tight partnership with OpenAI. For example, Amazon poured billions of dollars into Anthropic, which is developing its own LLMs. Anthropic has released a model that's at least as good as OpenAI's GPT-4, said Daksh Gupta, CEO of Greptile, a startup helping developers work with source code. Because Anthropic's model is available on AWS, Greptile plans to end its use of the Azure OpenAI service and switch to AWS' competing Bedrock tool, Gupta said. "For the quality of experience, it doesn't make sense to pinch pennies on it," he said. "We spend whatever we need to spend." Still, OpenAI gives Microsoft a big head start in AI and is forcing AWS into the unfamiliar position of trying to play catch-up. Kareem Nassar, who co-founded EzDubs with Krishnamurthy, said OpenAI's rapid market penetration has helped Microsoft deal with complex AI infrastructure maintenance issues. "I know it's been battle-tested," Nassar said. "I wasn't hitting huge bugs. You could just tell it has some mileage on it."
Simone Biles of Team USA reacts after competing on the vault during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Qualification on day two of the 2024 Paris Olympics at Bercy Arena in Paris on July 28, 2024. Jamie Squire | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images

American gymnast Simone Biles appeared to take a swipe at former President Donald Trump on Friday morning, tweeting "I love my black job" after winning her second individual all-around gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Biles' post on the social media platform X seemed to reference Trump's recent controversial comments that immigrants are "taking Black jobs." The Republican presidential nominee had said, "They're taking Black jobs now and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people," during his June 27 debate against President Joe Biden. "They're taking Black jobs, and they're taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven't seen it yet, but you're going to see something that's going to be the worst in our history," Trump said. Data does not support Trump's claim that immigrants are "taking" jobs from American workers. CNBC has requested comment from Trump's campaign about Biles' tweet.

Former U.S. President and 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump answers questions during the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention in Chicago on July 31, 2024. Kamil Krzaczynski | Afp | Getty Images

Trump was asked on Wednesday to clarify what he meant by "Black jobs" in a Q&A session with three reporters at the National Association of Black Journalists' annual convention. "A Black job is anybody that has a job," he said. "That's what it is. Anybody that has  they're taking the employment away from Black people. They're coming in, and they're coming in, they're invading." During the same session, Trump also questioned Vice President Kamala Harris' race, falsely suggesting that the de facto Democratic presidential nominee has not always presented herself as Black.

Simone Biles poses with the gold medal during the podium ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris on July 30, 2024. Lionel Bonaventure | Afp | Getty Images

"She was always of Indian heritage and she was only promoting Indian heritage," Trump said. "I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black." Harris' father, who is Black, is from Jamaica. Her late mother was from India. Harris attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., one of the most well-known historically Black universities. Biles, who is widely seen as the greatest American gymnast of all time, won her second individual all-around gold medal in Paris on Thursday. With nine Olympic medals, six of them gold, Biles is the most decorated U.S. gymnast in history. She is also the first American to win the individual gold more than once, and the first Olympic gymnast ever to win two in nonconsecutive Games. Her success in her third Olympics is the culmination of a three-year-long comeback story. Biles withdrew from the team final at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 after struggling with the "twisties," which occur when a gymnast loses spatial awareness while in the air.
This year offers the latest proof for an old joke about investing in airlines. When Richard Branson, the British business magnate who co-founded the Virgin Group, was once asked how to become a millionaire, he quipped: "There's really nothing to it. Start as a billionaire and then buy an airline." To prove the point, many airline stocks have tumbled since the start of the year, contending with discounted seats, safety issues that have grounded planes and last month's global tech outage that canceled thousands of flights. The U.S. Global Jets ETF , whose largest holdings are Southwest Airlines , United Airlines , American Airlines and Delta Air , is off 7.5% just since the end of June. The iShares U.S. Transportation ETF (IYT), a collection of domestic airlines, railroads, and truckers, is down about 2% in 2024, while the S & P 500 has gained 14.2% this year. But investors are more positive on the supplier side of the industry. They suspect that manufacturers, and the aftermarket business in particular, could get a boost from a backlog in airplane deliveries from Boeing and Airbus that's forced carriers to optimize the use of their existing fleet. As of July, Boeing had a multi-year backlog of $437 billion in commercial aircraft , equal to more than 5,400 airplanes. "We like the set up right now for the aerospace and defense markets, specifically the aftermarket," said John Belton, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds. "There's an interesting secular backdrop where travel demand and air cargo demand is strong, even accelerating in certain cases." Meanwhile, "new aircraft deliveries are slow, have paused for a variety of reasons, and it's causing airlines and air freight companies to have to get better utilization of their existing fleet." As a result, aerospace is "sort of an interesting sector with a unique cycle that's currently seeing a lot of momentum, which should continue for the foreseeable future," Belton said. What's more, these investors say the future of commercial aerospace is bright as travel demand recovers to pre-pandemic levels, and as the rise in global travel offers a long-term tailwind. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), an airline trade association, said full year 2023 traffic reached 94.1% of 2019 levels. Put it all together, and here are some stocks set to benefit. AAR Corp. AAR Corp. , a $2.3 billion small-cap company that supplies aftermarket parts to the commercial aerospace industry, will benefit from the re-equipment cycle coming out of Boeing and Airbus, according to Nicholas Galluccio, portfolio manager at Teton Advisors. Shares have risen just 1.3% this year through Thursday, but Galluccio said AAR is a high quality asset that generates a lot of free cash flow. As of March, the stock was the fourth-largest holding in the Teton Westwood SmallCap Equity Fund (WESCX) , accounting for 2.6% of the portfolio, according to Morningstar. The fund has $81 million in total assets, with an expense ratio of 1.250%. "It's harder to get new planes now, with all the regulations now, with the issues Boeing has had, so older planes are flying longer, and require more maintenance," Galluccio said. "And AAR benefits from all the maintenance requirements to refurbish, and basically meet specifications of a lot of the aging aircraft that [are] flying." The stock is also a consensus buy on the Street. Of the six analysts covering the stock, four rate it a buy and two a strong buy, according to LSEG. GE Aerospace GE Aerospace is a pure play on the rise of global air travel, according to John Belton, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds. The aerospace stock, which began trading on its own on the New York Stock Exchange in April, has surged 67% this year following the split of General Electric into three separate companies . Belton said GE Aerospace is a "long-term compounder" that has plenty of upside, able to climb to $200 one year from now, up from $169.75 on Thursday. Nor is he alone. Just about all 18 analysts polled by LSEG consider GE Aerospace a buy, with five rating it a strong buy. Central to the investment thesis for GE Aerospace is its market leadership. GE Aerospace, which sells commercial engines to Boeing and Airbus, has a 30- to 40-year time period when it services the engines and their owners, Belton said. The aerospace company has an installed base of roughly 70,000 commercial and defense engines that represent roughly 70% of its recurring revenues. The GE revenue model "is based on number of hours and aircraft" in service, Belton said. "Airlines will come and go, and airline competition cycles will rise and fall, but so long as there's demand for travel, there's going to be airline businesses there." "And so long as that is the case, they will be, by and large, using GE engines, and heavily incentivized to keep those engines going as long as possible and as frequently as possible," Belton said. The stock held in the Gabelli Growth Fund (GABGX) , a large-cap growth fund that's returned 22% this year, according to Morningstar. GE Aerospace is also a holding in the Gabelli Global Growth Fund (GICPX), as well as the Gabelli Growth Innovators ETF (GGRW) funds, Belton said. Boeing Elsewhere, Tony Bancroft, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds, said that he is particularly bullish on Boeing after its selloff this year. The maker of the 737 Max passenger jet may be down almost 32% in 2024, but Bancroft said that represents a "big opportunity" for investors. "Near term, there's probably going to still be a lot of volatility until we get this cap lifted from the [Federal Aviation Administration], and they're starting to really pump out jets on a quality basis," Bancroft said. "But that time will come, and I think they're going to do very well going forward." Bancroft runs the Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF (GCAD), an actively managed ETF that is up 20% this year. Boeing is one of the top holdings. Other companies in the same sector include Heico Corporation , Triumph Group and TransDigm Group. To be sure, among the risks to the air travel business is its sensitivity to the economic cycle, as well as outside risks such as war in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Any hits to the supply chain could also affect the aftermarket business. Still, investors see no decline in people's wanderlust and desire to mark off their bucket lists. "The air travel industry is a growth industry," Galluccio said. "And it's going to continue growing over time."
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: Exxon Mobil  The energy giant reported a stronger-than-expected profit for the second quarter amid record production in Guyana and the Permian Basin. Earnings per share came in at $2.14, beating an LSEG forecast of $2.01 per share. Shares were up slightly in the premarket. Intel  Shares plunged 20% on the back of weaker-than-expected earnings and revenue for the second quarter. The company also announced it would lay off more than 15% of employees due to a $10 billion cost-cutting push. Snap  Shares of the Snapchat parent company sank 17% on disappointing guidance. For the third quarter, Snap expects adjusted earnings to range between $70 million and $100 million, versus a StreetAccount estimate of $110 million. Cloudflare  The IT company jumped 7% after raising its full-year outlook. The company guided full-year earnings in a range between 70 cents and 71 cents per share, higher than the 60 cents to 61 cents it had previously announced. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had estimated full-year earnings per share at 61 cents. Full-year revenue guidance also topped forecasts. Cloudflare posted an adjusted earnings and revenue beat in the second quarter. DoorDash  The stock advanced 9% after the food delivery service posted second-quarter revenue of $2.63 billion, which exceeded the LSEG consensus of $2.54 billion. DoorDash also lifted the third-quarter guidance for its marketplace gross order value. Amazon  The e-commerce stock fell more than 8% following weaker-than-expected quarterly results. The company reported weaker-than-expected revenue for the second quarter and issued a disappointing forecast for the third quarter. Revenue in its cloud division increased 19% in the second quarter, beating analysts' estimates , however. Block  The fintech company advanced more than 3% after posting an earnings beat in the second quarter. Block reported adjusted earnings of 93 cents per share, coming above an LSEG consensus estimate for 84 cents per share. Meanwhile, revenue of $6.16 billion missed analysts' estimates for $6.28 billion. Clorox  The household goods stock rose 1.7%. Clorox issued fiscal full-year earnings guidance in a range between $6.55 and $6.80 per share, topping an LSEG forecast of $6.45 per share. Fiscal fourth-quarter adjusted earnings came in at $1.82 per share, while analysts had forecast $1.56 per share. Apple  Shares of the iPhone maker ticked up 0.3%. The company beat analysts' estimates on the top and bottom lines for the fiscal third quarter. Apple reported earnings of $1.40 per share while analysts surveyed by LSEG called for $1.35 per share. Revenue came in at $85.78 billion, also surpassing the Street's estimates. Twilio  The cloud communications stock jumped 5% after Twilio beat quarterly expectations on the top and bottom lines. The company posted second-quarter adjusted earnings of 87 cents per share on revenue of $1.08 billion. Analysts polled by LSEG had expected earnings per share of 70 cents on revenue of $1.06 billion. Coinbase  The crypto exchange operator added 1.3%. In the second quarter, revenue came in at $1.45 billion, slightly above estimates of $1.40 billion, according to LSEG. Booking Holdings  Shares of the online travel company slipped more than 5% despite a top- and bottom-line beat in the second quarter. Booking guided third-quarter adjusted EBITDA between $3.25 billion and $3.35 billion, while analysts had estimated $3.58 billion, according to FactSet. GoDaddy  Shares jumped around 7% after the web hosting company increased its outlook for the full year. GoDaddy issued full-year revenue guidance between $4.525 billion and $4.565 billion, while analysts polled by FactSet had expected $4.53 billion. Coterra Energy  Shares pulled back 1.5% after Coterra Energy reported disappointing earnings results . The energy company announced adjusted second-quarter earnings of 37 cents per share, below the FactSet consensus estimate of 39 cents in earnings per share. Roku  The streaming device company added 2.3% after reporting a second-quarter loss of 24 cents per share postmarket Thursday, better than the 43 cents loss per share expected from analysts polled by LSEG. Revenue came in at $968 million, beating the $938 million consensus estimate. Atlassian  The software stock tumbled more than 12% after issuing weak guidance. Atlassian estimates fiscal first-quarter revenue in a range of $1.149 billion and $1.157 billion, while analysts surveyed by LSEG had forecast $1.16 billion. Full-year revenue growth was also guided lower than expected. Microchip Technology  The semiconductor stock fell 7%. Adjusted earnings in the fiscal first quarter topped analysts' estimates, while revenue came in line with forecasts. Meanwhile, forward earnings per share guidance of a range between 40 cents and 46 cents in the second quarter missed consensus calls for 59 cents in earnings per share, according to FactSet. Management cited a challenging macro backdrop leading to an extended period of an inventory correction.  CNBC's Sarah Min, Samantha Subin, Lisa Han and Michelle Fox contributed reporting.
Turkey blocked access to Instagram for its 85 million people, the country's Information and Communication Technologies Authority announced Friday morning.

"Instagram.com has been blocked by a decision on the date of 02/08/2024," local media cited a post on the authority's website as saying. According to Turkish media, there are more than 50 million users of the photo-sharing app in the country.

The Turkish government did not disclose a reason for the ban nor how long it would be in place. Reports however suggest the ban was a response to the Meta -owned platform removing posts related to the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Turkey's Daily Sabah newspaper, which typically toes the government line, wrote in a headline that the ban was "over Haniyeh posts removal," referring to posts by users in the country expressing condolences over the Hamas leader's death on Wednesday.

Haniyeh, the head of the Palestinian militant organization's political wing, was killed in a blast in Tehran while visiting the country for the inauguration of its new president. Iranian officials and Hamas blame Israel for what they say is an assassination, while Israel has declined to comment.

Fahrettin Altun, head of Turkey's presidential communications and an aide to Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan, on Wednesday criticized Instagram, accusing it of censorship.

In a multi-paragraph post on X lamenting the death of "our dear brother Ismail Haniyeh," Altun wrote: "I also strongly condemn the social media platform Instagram which is actively preventing people from posting messages of condolences for the passing of Hamas leader Haniyeh without citing any policy violations."

"This is censorship, pure and simple," he added. "We will defend freedom of speech against these platforms that have showed many times that they are primarily in the service of global exploitative system of injustice."

CNBC has contacted Meta for comment.

Unlike the U.S. and many of its Western allies, Turkey does not consider Hamas to be a terrorist organization. Turkey's government has long been a vocal critic of Israel's military offensive in Gaza and its occupation of the Palestinian territories  although it maintains diplomatic and economic relations with Israel  and Turkish President Erdogan has described Hamas as "liberation fighters."
Water scarcity remains a concern for people around the world. In fact, a 2022 Gallup poll revealed that 57% of Americans worry more about safe drinking water than global warming, air pollution, or the extinction of animal species. Americans are also using more water than ever before, according to J.D. Power. The combined water and sewer bill for a typical household in the U.S. has increased 54.8% since 2012. The data also found that 41% of customers say they do not feel the water provided by their local utility is safe to drink. Don't miss: Get paid to visit luxury hotels and spas around the worldheres how In August, J.D. Power ranked the states with the best and worst tap water based on its U.S. Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. It measures satisfaction among residential customers from 92 water utilities, or companies, around the U.S. that deliver water to populations of at least 400,000. Customers were asked to rate the quality of water in terms of taste, color, odor, hardness, and other factors on a scale of one to 10, with one being unacceptable and 10 being outstanding. The states were ranked based on responses from 32,833 residential water utility customers from June 2023 through March 2024. Ramah Vaughn, director of utilities intelligence at J.D. Power, tells CNBC Make It that this year's special report is different from last year's version. Last year, the special report focused on asking customers about the reliability and quality of their water, and this year, it was solely focused on the quality.

10 U.S. states with the best tap water

Washington Kansas Hawaii Kentucky Massachusetts New York Connecticut Georgia Louisiana Virginia Washington ranked as the state with the best tap water, with 84.5% of customers giving their water positive marks, according to J.D. Power. "Washington has been able to avoid problems that other states have been facing. In Washington, they've been able to provide a premium product without complaints about taste and smell. They are meeting customers' expectations of what clean fresh water should look like," Vaughn says. "When we look at what customers in Washington are rating and saying, they're extremely pleased with the quality of the product."

Washington Caroline Purser | The Image Bank | Getty Images

The state established a program in 2021 to target the per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or "forever chemicals," found in its drinking water. In 2023, the Washington State Department of Health also launched a dashboard showing people if tap water had been contaminated with "forever chemicals." After J.D. Power's study was conducted, Washington announced it was also adopting a drinking water standard higher than the EPA's regulation on PFAS. This is in an effort to continue limiting people's exposure to "forever chemicals."

10 U.S. states with the worst tap water

Arizona New Mexico Alabama Oklahoma Indiana Nevada Maryland Wisconsin Texas California Arizona has the worst tap water in America, according to the report. The state received a 62.6% favorability score. "The number one complaint was that the water was too hard. Customers said the water is causing damage to pipes, leaving residue on the walls in the shower, and they complained about the smell and color of the water," Vaughn says. "Arizona customers indicated that the hardness of the water is unacceptable." Water hardness is determined by the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the harder the water, the higher the amount of these dissolved minerals.

Arizona Danny Lehman | The Image Bank | Getty Images
As organizations scramble to patch vulnerabilities caused by CrowdStrike's massive IT outage on July 19, hackers are exploiting the situation by impersonating CrowdStrike in phishing campaigns, posing as legitimate support sources for affected businesses to gain unauthorized access to corporate networks.

"When your system is down, it creates the best opportunity for hackers to compromise your data," said Javad Abed, assistant professor of information systems at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. "That's why multiple layers of security are crucial. Redundancy is key. You need to assume 100% that threats will happen and build your security around zero trust."

The CrowdStrike incident  which disrupted health care, airlines and financial services, among others, and cost Delta Air Lines alone an estimated $500 million  is a stark reminder that despite the advanced capabilities of leading cybersecurity firms, vulnerabilities can and do occur, prompting an urgent reassessment of current defenses, especially in regulated industries where the stakes are exceptionally high and the threats ever evolving.

This brings a crucial question to the forefront: In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and relentless, are regulated industries doing enough to elevate their cybersecurity standards?

According to Abed, more needs to be done. "Business owners still see security as a cost. That's what causes many problems," he said. "Spending money in security is an investment and shouldn't be considered a cost." Finance, health care and other regulated industries should consider their specific needs and tailor their defenses with military-grade components, he added.

Abed defines military-grade cyber defense as heavily proactive, emphasizing prevention over detection through advanced threat intelligence, real-time data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling. He says it also uses the highest encryption standards and sophisticated access control systems, often incorporating biometric verification and smart cards. Conversely, Abed explains that traditional cybersecurity methods focus more on detection and response, using robust but less stringent encryption and simpler authentication methods.

The implementation of military-grade cybersecurity is not without challenges. High costs, the need for specialized personnel, and potential compatibility issues with existing systems are significant hurdles that organizations must consider. "Some military-grade strategies may interrupt the operation or cost more than their revenue, so it may not make sense to employ it," Abed said.

The solution? A hybrid model, he says, makes the most sense. "Little by little, they can employ the technologies, the controls and the strategy by analyzing how much they can sacrifice in different aspects of their business process."

Regulated industries are a prime target

Organizations that handle sensitive information are a prime target for breaches. In 2024, regulated industries have witnessed a significant increase in both the number and cost of data breaches. The most affected industries are health care ($9.77 million per breach), finance ($6.08 million per breach), and industrial ($5.56 million per breach), with technology not far behind, at $5.45 million per breach, according to the latest annual report on the cost of data breaches from IBM and the Ponemon Institute.

These industries have stringent cybersecurity requirements, said Cole Two Bears, vice president of security services at ThinkGard, adding that non-compliance comes with hefty fines, depending on the level of negligence and whether the violation was corrected promptly. The risk isn't limited to the U.S. In 2022, ride-hailing service Didi was fined more than $1 billion by China for breaking data security laws and Amazon faced an $877 million fine in 2021 for violations of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation.

Cyber threat landscape

The exploitation of vulnerabilities as an initial access point for breaches has seen a 180% increase since 2023, according to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report. On average, it takes organizations 55 days to remediate 50% of critical vulnerabilities, giving threat actors ample time to exploit weaknesses.

However, vulnerability exploitation isn't the only method cyber criminals use to infiltrate an organization. According to the Verizon report, human error accounts for 68% of incidents, including employees falling victim to phishing attacks and mishandling data internally. Credential attacks accounted for 33% of breaches over the last decade, and supply chain attacks, involving third-party vendors or partners, increased from 9% to 15% since 2023. The number of ransomware attacks worldwide grew as much as 74% in the past year, according to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines at a hearing on global threats in May.



Significant breaches in the past year include AT&T's massive data breach, exposing nearly all of its 241 million wireless customers; the Cencora breach, affecting data from 11 major drug companies; and the cyberattack on UnitedHealth's Change Healthcare, compromising data from an estimated one-third of Americans and costing $22 million in ransom.

"Things are going to continue to get worse," said Two Bears, citing generative AI as the biggest reason. He points also to Gen Z as a growing threat. "Something we're going to see over the next five years, unless the economy improves, is Gen Z willing to commit fraud, because they have such a hopelessness to their economic outlook here in America. So we not only have to worry about the threats coming from the outside, you also have to worry about your internal users," he said.

Abed agrees. "The poor economic condition is a motivator, especially in the tech and IT fields. Employees inside the organizations will do more intentional attacks."

While military-grade cybersecurity offers robust defenses, the human element remains critical, and regulated industries must balance advanced technologies with effective personnel management and comprehensive employee education to protect against ever-evolving cyber threats, said Gary Orenstein, chief customer officer at Bitwarden.

"Ultimately it comes down to the people," Orenstein said. "Most breaches are drawn back to an employee who doesn't have the right habits. I don't think it's an option anymore for people to skirt this, because the consequences are too drastic."

Frederic Rivain, chief technology officer of Dashlane, holds a contrarian view on the need for military-grade defenses. He argues that human error remains the most common infiltration method and believes education is crucial.

"Security is a lot of common sense. You need to ensure employees have proper credential hygiene and aren't exposed to unnecessary risks," Rivain said. He emphasizes the importance of best practices and tools to guide employees.

But Two Bears says that regardless of employee education, the increasing use of generative AI tools to craft highly realistic phishing emails makes it harder for recipients to identify them as fraudulent.

"Multifactor authentication is important, and you must have it, but you still need to have multiple layers," Two Bears said. "Without it, threat actors can still gain access."
On the Windows desktop, press the Windows key and X, then select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the resulting pop-up menu.

Alternatively, you can type powershell into the Start menu search box, then right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator from that pop-up menu.

2. In the Administrator: Windows PowerShell window that appears, type this string and hit Enter: dism /online /cleanup-image /analyzecomponentstore

Youll see something like whats shown in Figure 9.

Figure 9: DISM /analyzecomponentstore finds two packages for cleanup (reclamation). Ed Tittel / IDG

As I wrote this story, I had just installed a Cumulative Update and other update items earlier that week. Sure enough, /analyzecomponentstore reported that there were two reclaimable packages ready for cleanup. Notice that the response text reported Yes in the field labeled Component Store Cleanup Recommended. Thats your clue that DISM has something it can clean up on your behalf.

3. To make that happen, in the Administrator: Windows PowerShell window, enter this string: dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup

The results appear in Figure 10, with an extra /analyzecomponentstore operation to show the results of the cleanup.

Figure 10: /startcomponentcleanup does its thing, and /analyzecomponentstore shows a reduced footprint and nothing left thats reclaimable. Good! Ed Tittel / IDG

Please note the dual progress lines (the first goes only to 10%, the next all the way to 100%) after the /startcomponentcleanup operation: this is a well-known foible of DISM in x86 Windows versions (both 10 and 11). As far as I can tell, its an output glitch. DISM works properly.

Now lets compare the numbers from the first and second /analyzecomponentstore operations, to wit:

Size of component store: 13.66GB vs. 9.11GB (diff: 4.55GB)

Actual size of component store: 12.75GB vs. 8.80GB (diff: 3.95GB)

Shared with Windows: 6.81GB vs. 6.78GB (diff: 0.03GB)

Backups and disabled features: 5.81GB vs 2.02GB (diff: 3.79GB)

If you add the savings for Shared with Windows and Backups and disabled features, you get 3.82GB, which is nearly the savings in the actual size of the component store (3.95GB)  just as it should be. Recently updated systems may recover up to 4 or even 5GB using this technique. (Actual results depend on the number and size of reclaimable packages removed.)

For more incredibly useful things you can do with DISM, see Why DISM is the Swiss Army knife of Windows maintenance.

Step 6: Inspect the system drive with WizTree

Once all preceding cleanups are complete, its a good idea to inspect the system drive to see where the big files are. I use the free, donation-ware WizTree program, but TreeSize Free is a worthy alternative. Both programs produce treemap diagrams  graphical renderings of disk contents that make it easy to spot big files and folders.

To run a scan of the ever-popular C: drive, here are the steps to follow:

1. Launch the WizTree application.

2. Select the C: (or some other) drive as the scan focus from the pull-down list just below the File and Options menus at upper left (see Figure 11).

3. Click the Scan button to the right of the selected drive. This generates a treemap diagram for the selected drive fairly quickly  usually under a minute, even on ginormous drives. (I just pointed it at a 4TB Hitachi drive and it finished in under 10 seconds.)

Figure 11 shows the C: drive from my Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Copilot+ PC.

Figure 11: The WizTree drive contents treemap uses box size to show how file (and folder) sizes stack up. Ed Tittel / IDG

In this situation, youre looking for big files, because getting rid of them provides useful, quick wins in the disk space recovery game. Right here, I see that the largest files are the ones youd expect to see  namely, the system hibernation file (hiberfile.sys) and the system page file (pagefile.sys), in yellow-green near center right.

After those behemoths (6.1 and 1.0GB, respectively), the next largest is named USMT.PPKG. A quick lookup reveals this is output from the User State Migration Tool (USMT), used to snapshot Windows app files and settings. According to the Windows community, this information is part of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and is thus eminently worth keeping around. Indeed, I dont see any obvious candidates for clean-up in this recently rebuilt Windows installation.

But lets pick the USMT.PPKG file as an example anyway. Heres how youd get rid of it (or stop short, as we will do):

1. Position the cursor over the file of interest: USMT.PPKG, in this case.

2. Right-click to produce a pop-up menu.

3. On the pop-up menu, click Delete (2nd item from bottom) to remove the selected file. Well skip that this time.

By clicking other big blocks in the treemap, you can quickly figure out where your biggest potential space recovery opportunities lie. You wont be able to get rid of all of them  the paging and hibernation files must stay, for example  but if some of them can go, big space savings can result.

For me, thats often Windows ISO files I no longer want or need. (They usually consume 4GB to 6GB of disk space, so each one tossed is a savings in its own right.)

Step 7: Uninstall unused or unwanted Windows apps

If you really want to clear out some clutter on your disk, consider removing apps you dont use. Heres how:

1. Click Settings > Apps > Installed apps (in Windows 11) or Settings > Apps > Apps & features (in Windows 10). Youll find yourself faced with a list of everything thats currently installed on the target PC.

2. Off to the right of each app, youll see an ellipsis. This is Windows iconography that tells you clicking will show more options. Click the three-dot icon next to any app, and youll see a pop-up menu that includes some or all of the following options:

Modify

Repair

Uninstall

3. Getting rid of an app you never use is easy: simply click the Uninstall button.

If you pick the stuff you never use  with certain exceptions, including Microsoft Edge, the Microsoft Store, and the Settings app itself  you can then follow other cleanup recommendations earlier in the story to recover the disk space they would otherwise consume.

The best guidance on this topic comes from Windows 10 Forums and Windows 11 Forum, where youll find tutorials that include uninstall apps in their titles. Highly recommended to help you pick things to scrap, if youre of a mind to do so. I remove third-party apps Im no longer using (as when I switched from WinDirStat to WizTree a few years back), but I prefer to leave Microsofts built-in apps alone. Do whatever suits you best.

Practice makes perfect

If you perform such cleanups periodically (I shoot for at least once a month), youll be able to keep your space consumption under much better control. Try this regimen out for yourself and youll soon see what I mean.

And dont forget to slog through the Users folder (especially your account subfolder) from time to time, too, because junk too often tends to accumulate there. You can find that folder on your C: drive, where it sits alongside other, well-known top-level folders (e.g., Windows, Program Files, and so forth), as shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12: The Users folder is at the top of the C: drive hierarchy, along with Windows, Program Files, and so forth. Ed Tittel / IDG

After all the work is done, you can then blissfully enjoy your clean machine!

This article was originally published in January 2019 and most recently updated in August 2024.
Ever since its introduction in just the second Simpsons episode Bart the Genius on January 14, 1990, the opening sequence of The Simpsons has been the single most iconic intro scene in American TV history. But like America itself, its been in decline since the 1990s.

Every Simpsons fan knows the sequence by heart  the shot opens as the camera soars through the clouds to a patch of blue sky where the title card awaits, announced by the angelic chorus. The camera goes through the show title to pan down on the town of Springfield, stylishly cutting between each member of the Simpsons family as they finish up their days activities and rush home to watch TV and engage in the weeks couch gag. Bart skateboards out of detention. Lisa boogies her way out of band practice. Homer tosses a nuclear rod onto the street. And Marge, distracted in the checkout line of the grocery store, recoils in shock that gives way to relief as Maggie gets scanned and placed in a bag.

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Though the bones of the intro have remained mostly the same through 35 seasons, the individual scenes themselves have changed significantly along with The Simpsons' animation style  both for the worse, as many superfans recently bemoaned. The popular Simpsons fan account @CriminalSimpsons recently posted a side-by-side comparison of Marges grocery store mishap in its original style and in todays cold, inexpressive animation, and its like seeing the Mona Lisa get repainted in Corporate Memphis:

The Simpsons opening sequence has actually undergone two major overhauls since its introduction almost 35 years ago. The first change occurred at the beginning of Season Two, when Simpsons artists reanimated and recolored the sequence to give the series a cleaner, freshly renewed feel. The animators also changed around the background characters to better reflect the supporting cast  like how Moe Szyslak, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, Chief Wiggum and other favorites replaced the unnamed, sloppily drawn, rule-breaking crowd of bus-riding nobodies in the Bart-to-Maggie-and-Marge transition.

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Then, in Season 20, even more noticeable alterations came to the opening sequence. The 2008 Simpsons artists drastically changed Springfield as its seen in the intro to better reflect the two decades of progress made in the Simpsons universe, adding nods to classic episodes with bits such as Jimbo and Kearney sawing off the head of the statue of Jebediah Springfield in a reference to The Telltale Head. At the grocery store, Marges checkout belt includes Tomacco juice, Mr. Sparkle detergent and Krusty-Os cereal  along with Maggie, of course.

However, starting in Season 22, The Simpsons began to cut scenes from the intro, sometimes skipping directly from the title card into a semi-cold open. Since Season 30, if the intro is even included at all, its a dramatically abbreviated version that barely has time for the chalkboard and couch gags. In fact, Season 33 didnt feature a single episode with a chalkboard gag at the beginning, possibly because modern Simpsons writers found it to be too much work to write a single funny line each week, or maybe because they couldnt find a way to shoehorn their Twitter-level political commentary into the even-more-restrictive character limit.

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In the replies of @CriminalSimpsons thread, animation fans with technical knowledge broke down exactly why the current intro  on the rare occasion that it actually plays before an episode  is an uninteresting, lazier and less lively alternative to the work of the 1990s animators. The obvious shape-tweening parts too... God forbid you animate a head moving as a whole or a fist shaking without a shape tween nowadays, one fan wrote of the new fist-shake bit between Maggie and Baby Gerald.

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The Simpsons used to have top quality animation smears, another fan pointed out. I get that computer graphics and 3D models have really smoothed out the creators work flow, but theyve also taken out so much of the heart and soul of hand-drawn animation. The difficulty and the messiness defines the art.

While the majority reaction to the comparison was a demand that The Simpsons return the intro to its roots, some fans think that a simple throwback intro isnt enough to fix the many years of animation mistakes and missteps. In their opinions, the artists need to go even further. Said one such extremist, Bring back Marges rabbit ears.
In what is being lauded as a historic feat, the Biden administration, on Thursday, concluded a prisoner swap with the Kremlin, as part of an exchange deal that involved five other countries.

The deal allowed the White House to bring home 16 US citizens from Russia, including three journalists, in exchange for Russian citizens detained in the US on cybercriminal charges.

The two convicted Russians  Roman Seleznev and Vladislav Klyushin  are both notorious for running extensive cybercrime operations on US soil and had to be released as part of the prisoner-swap deal.
Lara Salameh was supposed to be flying out of Beirut Thursday en route to Montreal with her husband and two daughters, but the night before, their flight was cancelled. She said Air France told her service out of the Lebanese capital was suspended because of the unstable security situation  one that Ottawa has been warning Canadians about as fears of war between Israel and Hezbollah grow.

Salameh is one of the 21,399 Canadians registered as being in Lebanon, a country the Canadian government is urging its citizens to leave. It says they cant rely on government evacuation flights if war engulfs Lebanon.

Canada has been planning since October for a possible evacuation of its citizens and sent military personnel to Lebanon and Cyprus in preparation.

Salameh hopes that her rescheduled flight on Aug. 10 will take off as planned, but she has no regrets. Travelling to her native country is more than a vacation, she said in an interview Thursday from Beirut. It is a chance for her children to spend time with their elderly grandparents, some of whom are ill.

We expected that we might get stuck here, but we came anyways for family, the Laval-Que. resident said, adding that the turmoil in the Middle East did make her hesitate before booking the trip this year.

You can't leave your parents. They're getting old and we need to see them.

The fear that her young daughters might witness violence does cause some concern, she said, but so far she has not personally seen any sign of conflict. If the situation does sour, she said, she can take refuge with family who live in the northern part of the country.

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has urged Canadians in the country to fly back to Canada immediately.

If you are in Lebanon, come back home. If tensions escalate, the situation on the ground may not allow us to help you, and you wont be able to leave, Joly posted on X on Wednesday. The Canadian government noted that some airlines have already suspended service to Beirut. "Additional travel disruptions are likely, including airspace closures and flight cancellations and diversions," it said on X.

Hezbollahs leader warned Thursday that the conflict with Israel has entered a new phase, as he addressed mourners at the funeral of a commander from the group who was killed by an Israeli airstrike this week in Beirut. Israel alleges the commander was behind a weekend rocket attack that killed 12 young people in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, but Hezbollah has denied the charge.

Not all Canadians in Lebanon are scrambling to get back, however.

Stephani Moukhaiber was born in Lebanon and returned there from Montreal last year after being laid off from her job. She said Thursday she has no intention of fleeing Lebanon, even as tensions rise.

Moukhaiber is a Canadian citizen, and she has been receiving regular messages from the Canadian government warning her to leave while flights are still available. I'm not going to lie. I did have a moment of insecurity where I was like, 'Yeah, maybe I should go back,'" she said in a phone interview.

But she said the atmosphere where she lives in the mountains outside Beirut is calm, in part because locals have lived through many conflicts in recent decades, including a 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

And Moukhaiber, who traces some of her roots to the Palestinian territories, cannot forgive Canada for its stance in the Israel-Hamas war. She said she does not want to return to Canada because she feels the country is not doing enough to stop Gazans from being killed.

I'd rather be here in a state of war than be in a country that doesn't believe in my existence or (my) right to exist, she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 2, 2024.

 With files from The Associated Press
One January some years ago I received a real jaw-dropper of an email from my dear friend and former colleague, the late journalist and author Graham Lord, who divided his year between properties he owned in the Caribbean and the south of France.

In it, he urged me  apparently in all seriousness  to write a column

campaigning for expats like him who had been cruelly denied their winter fuel payments because they failed to meet the UK governments residence requirement.

At first, I thought he was winding me up, as he basked on his sun-baked beach in paradise. So I emailed back to him: Youre joking, right?

I have a degree of sympathy with the new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves  words I never imagined I would write

Confiscating winter fuel payments without notice will leave many with the agonising choice between heating and eating

He replied angrily that, No, he most certainly wasnt. He had paid UK taxes throughout his working life, he said. Meanwhile, pensioners who lived in Britain were given the allowance, whether or not they had to pay the heating bills  and quite a few of them didnt, for one reason or another.

Why the hell should they get the tax-free payment and not him?

Well, I could see that there was some logical force behind his argument. But I was damned if I was going to make myself ridiculous by demanding readers sympathy for my friend under that palm tree by the sea, as they shivered in the icy British winter.

Werent there worthier causes to champion than his right to keep his glass topped up with pina colada at the British taxpayers expense?

But then I became a pensioner myself, five years ago, and those winter fuel payments started popping automatically into my bank account. I got to thinking: if it was ridiculous that expats in my friends position should think they had a right to these payments, surely it wasnt much less absurd that people in my position should receive them.

True, I live in England, as Ive always done, and I have to endure the worst the weather may throw at us during the winter months. But like so many other pensioners, I cant honestly claim that I need the extra money to see me through.

The fact is that the Mail pays me handsomely for my weekly ramblings, while over the past 50 years or so,

Ive also built up a pretty substantial pension pot.

While Ive kept working, however, I havent needed to draw on it  and Im very reluctant to do so, because Im determined to leave my much poorer widow enough to keep her in modest comfort when Im gone.

Add to these assets the value of our suburban semi  bought in 1988 for around 150,000, if I remember rightly, but now worth only a little short of 1million  and I suppose I must count myself among the one-in-four over-65s whose total household wealth is said to run into seven figures.

Mind you, like so many pensioners in my circumstances, I dont live or feel a bit like a millionaire. But I suppose that, strictly speaking, thats what I am. I may not be able to feed or clothe my family with bricks and mortar alone. But I do have the option of converting the house into money (though if others are anything like me, they will be loath to uproot themselves or to join an equity release scheme).

What is certain, however, is that while the Mail still employs me, I will have comfortably enough cash coming in to cover my fuel bills, all year round.

I therefore have a degree of sympathy with the new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves  words I never imagined I would write  when she says she wants to save 1.5billion a year by scrapping winter fuel payments to ten million pensioners like me. Instead, she wants to give them only to those who actually need them, by which she means those poor enough to receive other benefits.

Please dont tell me, by the way, that there was never anything stopping me from sending the money back to the Treasury, if I felt it was wrong for me to receive it.

For one thing, Im not a ruddy saint, and for another, the Government would only have wasted it on bonuses for diversity officers, or some other such idiocy. Far wiser, Ive always reckoned, to spend the money on cigarettes, booze or Mrs Us favourite charity, by which I mean our four struggling sons and their young families.

But I have two very serious reservations about Ms Reevess policy. One is her truly shocking failure to mention it during the election campaign, when she must have had it in mind, or she wouldnt have come up with it so soon after taking office. This strikes me as nothing less than an outrage against democracy.

Say what you like about David Camerons first administration  and Ive said plenty, by no means all of it flattering  but at least he made no secret of his plans for austerity during the 2010 election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmers lot, by contrast, seem to have gone through the 2024 campaign telling themselves: It doesnt matter a jot what we promise the suckers now, as long as it encourages them to vote for us. We can reveal our true plans when were safely in power.

And my other objection? Though I dont need the winter fuel payment myself, we all know there are a great many who need it desperately.

Indeed, the charity Age UK calculates that the policy will leave some two million struggling to keep warm when winter closes in. They include an estimated 880,000 who are eligible for pension credit, but dont receive it  either because they are too proudly self-reliant to accept what many of my parents generation regarded as charity from the state, or because the process of applying is too complicated.

Then there are about one million others whose modest incomes are marginally too high to claim, and an unknown number, thought by Age UK to be at least 200,000, living in energy-inefficient homes, who for health reasons need the heating turned up high to stay well.

To some of us, the maximum 300-a-year payment to the over-80s may not sound like life-changing money. But to those over-80s who have to get by on no more than the full basic state pension, it represents three per cent of their annual income, which of course makes it more valuable than the 2.5 per cent guaranteed by the triple lock.

Confiscating it without notice, as Ms Reeves proposes, will leave many with the agonising choice between heating and eating when the weather turns bitter. Inevitably, some will die because of it.

Now, I cant claim to have the secret of how best and most efficiently to distinguish between those who need the payment and those who dont. But the former pensions minister, Ros Altmann, offers what seems to me to be a sensible and humane way to proceed.

In a letter to The Times yesterday, she suggested that, rather than scrapping the payment, it would be much fairer to amalgamate it with the rest of the state pension, thereby making it taxable and recouping some of the cost to the Treasury.

The Government should then conduct a review of pensioner support to consider the next step. This would surely be a good start.

What is clear is that, as it stands, Ms Reevess blunderbuss of a policy is both ill thought-through and decidedly inhumane. Its a much more grievous injustice, dare I say it, than past governments failure to send tax-free payments every winter to my mates, sprawled in their deckchairs by the Caribbean.
An adorable rescue puppy from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home could soon be saving lives by sniffing out diseases like cancer and Parkinson's after being selected for a special training programme.

Chilli was one of a litter of eight Labrador Retriever puppies born at the famous site in London after their mother was taken into its care due to a change in her owner's circumstances.

He quickly stood out for his intelligence and 'strong drive to sniff and smell', leading to the pup being talent spotted for an elite 29,000 two-year training regime with the charity Medical Detection Dogs (MDD).

Chilli joined MDD in Milton Keynes at eight weeks old and is already being lauded by his trainers as a quick learner who is rapidly 'growing in confidence'.

Chris Allen, head of canine supply, training and welfare at Medical Detection Dogs, says: 'When the team at Battersea called to say they had a mum and her puppies in their care, and that they were still very young, I was immediately interested.

Chilli, a Labrador Retriever, undergoes training with the charity Medical Detection Dogs

After he was born at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the puppy stood out for his intelligence and 'strong drive to sniff and smell'

'Ideally our recruits join us at around that age and we love to include rescue dogs when we can.

The incredible personal story behind MDD

Medical Detection Dogs was founded in 2008 by Dr Claire Guest and Dr John Church. Claire was walking her dogs when Daisy, a fox red Labrador, nudged her breast insistently and stared up into her face. Sensing something was wrong, Claire visited her GP and soon found out she had a very deep and difficult to diagnose form of breast cancer. Daisy had saved her life, simply by smelling her cancer. Advertisement

'It was love at first sight for the whole team when we met Chilli. To think that he found himself homeless through no fault of his own and will now go on to do something so amazing is just brilliant.'

Chilli's training is being supported by generous donations like the 2.3million MDD has received so far from People's Postcode Lottery, which has handed a further 7.5million to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

There are two possible options for Chilli after he has finished the training course.

One is becoming a Medical Alert Assistance Dog, which support people with complex health conditions like Type 1 diabetes by being able to smell when they may be about to have a medical episode.

Alternatively, Bio Detection Dogs help scientists develop faster and cheaper ways to detect diseases by picking up the scent of conditions like cancer, Parkinson's and bacterial infections from human samples.

Lucy Carter, Animal Partnerships Officer for Dogs at Battersea, said Chilli was given his unique name by staff after they decided to name his litter after different types of spices.

She said they knew 'straight away' that the puppy had the skills and temperament needed to become a super sniffer.

Chilli is already being lauded by his trainers as a quick learner who is rapidly 'growing in confidence'

Videos of the energetic youngster during training suggest he's enjoying the process!

Like the star he is, Chilli will receive VIP treatment throughout the programme - living in the homes of staff and volunteers rather than kennels

Chilli's trainers will now hone his sense of smell by giving him lots of different odour samples to sniff.

MMD's Chris Allen explains that the training will differ slightly depending on what kind of detection dog he becomes.

How the super sniffers save lives Diseases spark chemical changes in the body which can affect how it smells - with dogs sometimes able to detect these very subtle differences. Medical Alert Assistance Dogs support people with complex health conditions like type 1 diabetes, allergies and postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), which can cause sufferers to faint when their heart rate rapidly increases. With type 1 diabetes, patients can be at risk of having a 'hypo' (when their blood sugar drops dangerously low), which can cause them to collapse or have seizures without warning. However, dogs can smell when their owners' levels are dropping and warn them, so they can take action to prevent it or get somewhere safe. By contrast, Bio Detection Dogs are trained to detect diseases in human samples in a training centre, rather than on people themselves. Experts believe these dogs will be able to help scientists and medics develop faster and cheaper ways to detect diseases, such as cancers, neurological diseases and bacterial infections, much earlier than is currently possible. Advertisement

'Bio Detection Dogs work on anonymous human samples in our training room, and learn to distinguish between disease negative and disease positive ones,' she says.

'These dogs will ultimately help lead to faster, more accurate and non-invasive diagnoses and inform the scientific community, including bio-electronic nose developers and AI.

'Meanwhile, our Medical Alert Assistance Dogs are trained on samples collected from their individual client when they are experiencing an episode.

'They can then identify the unique odours of these conditions so they can take the necessary action and avoid injury and hospitalisation.'

Like the star he is, Chilli will receive VIP treatment throughout the programme - living in the homes of staff and volunteers rather than kennels.

He will then go through a matchmaking process to find a suitable owner.

'We create a profile of the client and the dog - then it's a bit like dating: we look through all the profiles and match ones that we think work best,' explains Chris.

'After that we get the client in to meet the dog. A lot of the time this goes very well but sometimes what works on paper doesn't work in real life and that's absolutely fine.

'We take into consideration how the client feels the meeting went and also how the dog behaves during the meet.

'After this the dog will stay for the client for a week to really get to know each other. If everything goes well then we start scent training.'

MDD has trained up more than 200 super sniffers over the years, including Ashes - a Cocker Spaniel trained to detect Covid.

Many of these dogs have come from Battersea, which cares for thousands of animals every year with no government funding.

In addition to Chilli, MDD has trained up more than 200 super sniffers over the years

Chris Allen, head of canine supply, training and welfare at Medical Detection Dogs, says it was 'love at first sight' when the team met Chilli

Lucy Carter, Animal Partnerships Officer at the centre, said: 'We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of players of People's Postcode Lottery, who have been helping to fund the vital work that Battersea does for over a decade.

'From supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers across our three centres who provide expert care for animals like Chilli, to sharing our knowledge and resources with owners and other rescues across the world, this funding allows us to go all in for dogs and cats everywhere.'

People's Postcode Lottery is a monthly subscription lottery that donates 33% of the price of each ticket to charity. Prizes are split between the players in each winning postcode.

Chris, from MDD, adds: 'In the future we plan to use the funds raised by players to expand our reach helping more people across the UK as we know many more people could benefit from a Medical Alert Assistance Dog if we had the resources to match them.'
Philip Evans KC did his best to defend Huw Edwards in court this week. It is his job, of course, to defend the indefensible.

He once defended multiple murderer Levi Bellfield, which takes the dextrous art of advocacy to its extreme legal boundary. And you cant say he didnt make a big effort on behalf of his new client. It is obvious to the court, Im sure, that Mr Edwards is not just of good character, he said, but of exceptional character.

But was it really? Why?

Can someone please explain to me what makes Huw Edwards so exceptional, instead of being just another dirty old man with an immoral and unlawful sexual interest in children?

Can someone please explain to me what makes Huw Edwards so exceptional, instead of being just another dirty old man?

We were being asked to view Huw Edwards in an exceptional, not to say kindly, light

After all, here is someone who viewed images of boys, one as young as seven, being raped and abused. Someone who had 41 illegal images on his phone, someone who is probably now facing jail after admitting receiving sex abuse images of minors from a paedophile.

That is truly exceptional, Im sure. Just not in the way Mr Evans wants us to think. And remarkably, it wasnt only in court that we were being asked to view Huw Edwards in an exceptional, not to say kindly, light. In fact, the way some of his cheerleaders behaved when the story broke, you might have thought the 62-year-old broadcaster had merely forgotten to return a library book or missed his wifes birthday.

A purely personal tragedy for everyone involved, sniffed bumptious BBC lifer John Simpson, who was wrong on all counts.

However, he wasnt the only one who believed that The Sun newspaper was wicked to have first exposed Edwardss predatory interest in children  although the day when a BBC star paying 35,000 to a teen for sexually explicit photographs stops being news is the day when we can give up on a civilised society.

Jon complicated private life Sopel; Emily a bit distasteful Maitlis; Andrew we all have our frailties Marr  what a bunch of morally bankrupt frauds they all are, how craven and partisan of them to defend one of their own in such a manner.

Yet from the start of this sorry story, an odious cabal of supporters has attempted to cushion Edwards and his criminal activity from public scrutiny.

One gets the feeling, even now, that his friends in high places, along with the police, the CPS and the BBC itself would still love to cover up this whole nasty business, if only there were half a chance theyd get away with it.

Operation hush hush, keep mum, Huw is strictly taboo  it is such a nonsense.

Ask yourself why Huw Edwardss welfare and reputation is worth more than those of his victims. Answer  it isnt.

Yet the way this has played out is another indication that increasingly these days the moral view is conflated into what some see as the far-Right view. And that a BBC darling, a Left-wing trophy hire like Huw, should be left alone, no matter what he has done.

How the BBC covered the Huw news on Wednesday night was revealing in itself. Did they make the wrong call? mused media editor Katie Razzall, of her bosses. Hard to justify in hindsight, she mildly surmised.

Can you imagine if Edwards had been a Conservative MP? Or a divisive figure such as the Lefts pet bogeyman, Nigel Farage? Katie would have erupted, a Krakatoa of outrage. Emily Maitlis would have been baying for his blood, not sniffing about allegations and shaking her head at errant newspapers.

Yet the cover-up went deeper and higher. The CPS kept Edwardss arrest in November a secret  an utter disgrace from an organisation which is supposed to practise open justice. And perhaps worst of all, the BBC carried on paying him his huge taxpayer-funded salary, even when it

knew about the sexual nature of the allegations he faced and the fact that they carried a potential jail sentence.

Is it any wonder the public is losing trust in both the BBC and the police? What an utter insult to us all.

That is not to say that Huw Edwardss disgrace is not without its tragic elements  for has any fall from grace ever been so catastrophic or more profound?

Here he is, this church-going father of five; a man who gained the trust of the nation but was also the voice of the nation. In times of great mourning and great joy, Edwards was part of our shared history, but now he has tainted that legacy by making history himself. How did he manage to lead that double life?

He must have compartmentalised ferociously, guarded his dark secrets without quarter. Yet it wasnt just a mistake or a one-off. He encouraged relationships with these young men and he fostered these friendships. He must have realised how perilous it was, yet still he carried on, risking everything.

Did he announce the Queens death and then slip home to his images and grisly WhatsApp messages? It is sordid and it is sad, but it is also a betrayal of his wife and children, of his own talents and, not least of all, of the position of trust he held in British society.

And now his lawyer Philip Evans KC has asked the judge to take note of the serious issues relating to Mr Edwardss health, both mental and physical, at the time of the offending and now.

Indeed. Becoming publicly unmasked as a paedophile must be psychologically devastating, even if you are not a famous newsreader. But that still doesnt excuse what he did, not now and not ever.

Even the Naked Chef could not help Jen!

Jennifer Aniston with her then husband Brad Pitt on the red carpet for the Troy movie in 2004

Jamie Oliver has revealed that he was Jennifer Anistons big surprise for Brad Pitts 40th birthday.

Darling Jen hired the chef to cook a special dinner for her then husband, who was a big fan of The Naked Chef television show, which was popular at the time.

What a lovely thing to do for the special man in your life!

And yet he still left her for Angelina. Sometimes life, like lemons, is very bitter.

Why is security-obsessed Harry heading on a jaunt to Colombia?

A former staffer who worked for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said that while Meghan supports Harry 100 per cent she wishes he could let go of these lawsuits, be happy and live in the moment.

I bet she does. Living with an obsessive is never easy and Harry cannot let go  of anything. He is fixated with the past, fearful of the future, forever restless, never content. This must be a nightmare.

Concerned for the safety of his family, he has been battling with the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) since he stopped being a full-time working royal.

He wont give up until he wins, but he is not going to win. Ravec has ruled that he wont get the same degree of publicly funded protection when in the UK  despite his demands.

I can see Harrys point of view  he didnt ask to be born royal.

However, he did make a decision to leave the Royal Family and move to another country and he cant have it all ways. As the late Queen once said, you are either in or you are out.

And if Harry is so worried about safety, why have he and Meghan accepted an invitation to visit Colombia to engage with leaders, youth and women and experience the rich heritage of the country?

Part of that heritage is one of the highest crime rates in the world. But it will make the pair of them look royal and important, so of course they are going.

It's time Katie paid the Price

Katie Price pictured out in Turkey where the star is set to go under the knife for possible facial surgery

Katie Price is truly despicable. She was supposed to attend a bankruptcy hearing this week over her debts of 760,000, mostly due to HM Revenue & Customs.

Instead, she was in Turkey getting a facelift and having her teeth fixed. A warrant has now been issued for her arrest.

Katie thinks the law doesnt apply to her and that she doesnt have to pay her taxes, like mere mortals.

However, if she carries on like this, she will end up in jail. And it wont be a day too soon.

Punch in the gut for women in sport

Imane Khelif of Team Algeria and Angela Carini of Team Italy exchange punches during the Women's 66kg preliminary round match on day six of the Olympic Games

Imane Khelif may be biologically male, but in the woke Olympics in Paris the Algerian boxer is allowed to compete as a woman. Guess what happened next?

Right first time. In the opening round of the womens welterweight competition, she punched Italys Angela Carini twice in the first 46 seconds.

Punches that were so hard Carini  in the blue  then withdrew, sobbing. This is unjust! she said.

That is the understatement of the century. Khelifs participation might be allowed under modern Olympic rules, but is such a travesty really in the Olympic spirit? And shouldnt it be stopped before someone  a woman, of course   gets seriously hurt.
Aussies are being called out as 'fake nice' with residents accused of hiding an 'extremely clique-y' culture behind friendly facades.

Commenting on the reality of loneliness Down Under, hundreds weighed in after a 20-year-old opened up about the depression he's suffering in Western Australia.

The young Aussie man captured the attention of thousands this week when he described the country as lonely and expensive with 'poor water quality' and a brutal work culture.

And Daily Mail Australia readers agree, with many saying they too are struggling - especially when it comes to maintaining and forming friendships as an adult.

'I'm nearly 40 and have barely any new friends outside of old school friends and some work colleagues,' one woman admitted.

Another, in their 70s, warned that isolation only gets worse with age until couples find themselves alone with only their partner for company.

Younger people agreed, and believe the problem is 'pretty standard' in Australia and likely due to the nation's 'obsession with work'.

'It's a sad state of affairs, it used to be such a socially fun and connected place to live - now we just work, work, work,' a woman said.

Aussies and expats have said that big cities such as Sydney and Perth can be notoriously difficult places to make new friends

But there were some cities that were named and shamed as having the 'worst' offenders.

'Since the 90s Sydney has always been clique-y and impossible to make new friends in. Most people are either so up themselves or jealous, so they won't give you the time of day,' one observed.

'Getting into the northern beaches community is next to impossible, even if you are Anglo-Aussie. You must be born there and your parents lived there for decades,' a resident agreed.

Others claimed that Australians of different backgrounds had it the toughest when it came to breaking into new friendship circles.

'Multicultural Australia is very fractured, ethnic groups including Aussies are unlikely to accept you if you are an outsider,' a man said.

A woman agreed and said these were 'utterly unattractive and unappealing qualities'. She thought that culture Down Under was so 'regressive' it is 'absurd'.

'Explains so much, I'm packing my bags imminently, this confirmed what I already knew, you guys can have it [Australia],' a man ranted.

One woman said it was impossible to break into the community on Sydney's norther beaches - even if you were an Anglo Australian

Others defended the country, with many suggesting those who aren't happy just up and leave.

'Australia is not compulsory,' he wrote.

The man who posted the original Reddit thread was overwhelmed by the traction his rant had.

While he is from an African family he has lived in Western Australia since he was a baby. He loves the education, safety and healthcare Down Under but he has found himself incredibly lonely despite being a naturally 'bubbly' person.

'Making and keeping friends here is very hard as many people tend to keep their school/work/uni friends around which can be very cliquey,' he wrote on Reddit.

'"Hey would should totally catch up" is said on a regular basis, when usually its just a courtesy to not straight up decline an invitation to hang out.'

He has tried visiting beaches, parks, and workshops but nothing changes - with everyone in their 'little groups' still reluctant to engage with strangers.

The young man, who thinks 'adulting sucks', also pointed to the harsh cost of living and the fact that Aussies definitely live to work, and don't work to live.

'I just need to know if anyone else feels the way I do about living here?' he asked.

Those experiencing depression and loneliness can reach out to various support services such as Beyond Blue Australia.
Approximately 100 million cups of tea are made every day in the UK, however, Yorkshire Tea has revealed many may be brewing the British staple the wrong way.

The experts at Yorkshire Tea shared a step-by-step guide for how to make the perfect brew and the one common mistake people make that could leave their cuppa tasting bitter.

Before filling the kettle, the tea lovers said to run the tap for a few seconds, so the water becomes aerated.

The water in the kettle should only ever be boiled once to keep the oxygen levels which enhances the flavour of the tea.

Brits online have long debated whether the tea bag goes in the mug before or after the boiling water.

Approximately 100 million cups of tea are made every day in the UK, however, Yorkshire Tea has revealed many may be brewing the British staple the wrong way

While many believe tea bag first and water second is the only correct way, other hit back saying they prefer the opposite.

However, as reported by the Mirror, Yorkshire Tea put the argument to rest confirming its better to put the tea bag in first and giving it a brief stir.

They said to add the tea bag first, pour hot water over the top and stir briefly.

If youre making a brew for a group and using a teapot, the Yorkshire tea specialists recommend swishing boiling water inside the pot to warm it up.

Discard the water before filling the teapot then add one to two tea bags depending on the size of the pot then give it a stir.

Tea drinkers will have to be patient and let the bag sit in the water for four to five minutes to unlock the flavour.

When taking the tea bag out of the water, its recommended to only give it one small squeeze on the side of the mug.

Yorkshire Tea gurus claim mashing the bag too vigorously will leave your tea tasting bitter.

The experts at Yorkshire Tea shared a step-by-step guide for how to make the perfect brew and the one common mistake people make that could leave their cuppa tasting bitter

When it comes to personalising your brew, the tea masters said to customise your cuppa however you wish.

They prefer a splash of semi-skimmed or whole milk but said to use as much or as little milk, sugar, honey, lemon, or nothing at all to suit your tastes.

Another divisive row, Yorkshire Tea put to rest was when milk should be added to the mug.

Miffy is the nickname given to those who opt for milk first while people who add a splash last are called Tiffys.

Yorkshire Tea experts have sided with the Tiffys exampling tea brews best in very hot water so adding milk first will lower the temperature and it wont infuse effectively.

If brewing in a teapot, the order of the milk doesnt matter, its all about personal preference.

However the tea debate doesn't stop there as last year Britons were divided over the colour of a perfect cup of tea - with thousands of commenters weighing in with their views online, and claiming others should be 'medically examined' if they disagree.

The debate was sparked after the account VeryBritishProblems on X - formerly known as Twitter - which boasts 3.9 million followers, shared a photo showing a gradient of brews with different tea-to-milk ratios

The debate was sparked after the account VeryBritishProblems on X - formerly known as Twitter - which boasts 3.9 million followers, shared a photo showing a gradient of brews with different tea-to-milk ratios.

'The correct choice is E3', the caption read. 'I trust therell be no further discussion on the matter'.

The post has racked up nearly 10 million views, as more than 1,900 made their feelings clear in the comments.

'E3? Why not just have a cup of sump oil? B2 is the answer,' one slammed. 'It's tea. It's supposed to be bland'.

'Anything besides F6 isn't coffee', another added. 'In the UK you can never tell if it's tea or coffee,' a third chimed in.

'I'm very sorry to admit that E3, or even E4 looks reasonable to me,' one brave commenter from overseas wrote. 'But who am I to blend into this British discussion as a continental coffee lover.'

Others were disgusted with some of the teas on offer, remarking that: 'A1 is just a cup of milk', and another even saying they were 'pretty sure my toddler drinks A1'.

More cultural differences were illustrated when one Twitter user revealed: 'I remember the first time up here in New York when I was working an outdoor job and someone said do you want a regular coffee? And I said yeah.

'I didn't know what a regular coffee was. It was so light and had so much sugar. I couldn't drink it'.

This prompted a reply asserting: 'Tea with sugar is basically sugary water. Save the teabags'.

Another joked: 'Anyone that says A1 should be be medically examined and then publicly shamed'.
With good weather famously fleeting in the British summertime, were all keen to dig out our strappy dresses and bikini tops while the sunshine lasts.

But for many, the excitement about getting a long-awaited tan might be stymied by self-consciousness over breasts that arent quite as pert as they once were.

Last week, Susan Sarandons daughter Eva Amurri revealed she had been reduced to tears after cruel trolls maliciously proclaimed that her breasts had looked droopy in her wedding photos. The 39-year-old mother of three said she had been left taken aback by the onslaught.

Its only natural that our breasts change over the years, affected by everything from breastfeeding to ageing to weight fluctuation; its inevitable that you wont have the same bosom at 60 that you had at 25.

But if youre worried about sagging, is there anything that you can do about it - and without having to resort to surgery?

Eva Amurri revealed she had been reduced to tears after cruel trolls said her breasts looked droopy in her wedding photos

Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, professor of biomechanics and head of the research group into breast health at Portsmouth University, explains that the condition is called ptosis in the medical world and is measurable by degrees. A so-called normal breast will have the nipple pointing forwards, in line with the breast crease where the breast and chest meet. Grades one and two (mild ptosis) describe the natural slide as the breast tissue drops and the nipple starts to point diagonally downwards. When your nipple sits at the bottom of your breast, pointing towards the floor, thats grade three (significant ptosis).

This infuriating downward slide is hardly surprising when you consider that the average 34D breast weighs nearly 500g, and a G-cup as much as 2kg. All this weight, meanwhile, is held in place by nothing more than a flimsy network of ligaments (called Coopers ligaments) and skin.

Professor Wakefield-Scurr, the UKs only bra professor, says nipple position is highly individual, and breasts can start to droop at any time regardless of bra size or life stage.

She explains your ability to keep your breasts in position high on your chest will depend on many factors. Some women simply have good genetics, with plentiful collagen fibres on their face and chest, which helps maintain skin elasticity.

However, controllable factors can also lead to your boobs losing their perk. Sun exposure and smoking can damage the skin over the years, eventually degrading its supple quality and ability to support the breasts. Going without a bra, too, can put too much pressure on the skin and ligaments and cause them to irreversibly stretch. And of course, gaining and losing weight causes the breast to expand and shrink, so the supportive tissues become damaged.

Act quickly and you might just be in time to prevent or slow the sagging process, but if its already too late and youve become self-conscious, these expert tips might provide a little much-needed lift...

Personal trainer Lucy Askew recommends incorporating chest strengthening exercises into your workout routine twice a week

Build your pecs

Although the pectoral muscles that run across the chest and sit behind the breast tissue cannot actually lift sagging breasts, they can improve the overall shape (particularly if you have lost volume at the top of the breast) and so help to disguise the downwards slide. Lucy Askew, a personal trainer based in the Cotswolds who specialises in training women in their 40s and 50s, recommends incorporating chest strengthening exercises into a twice-weekly exercise regime. The chest muscles help ensure optimal movement through the shoulders and torso, she says, but an aesthetic bonus of well-formed pectorals is a softly rounded shape to the top of the breast, which can help fill out any lost volume and give the impression of a lift. She suggests adding postural exercises into the mix too (stand with your back against a wall, send your arms into the air and bring your elbows down so your arms are in a cactus position aiming to keep your elbows against the wall).

Laser treatments and microneedling can be costly but effective for targeting mild sagging

Microneedling and laser beams

Mild sagging on smaller breasts can benefit from laser treatment (such as Laser Erbium YAG at drjoneydesouza.com) which heats the breast tissue to stimulate collagen production and encourage skin tightening. Alternatively, a combination of microneedling and radio frequency rays (such as Morpheus 8 at drdavidjack.com, BreastTite at drtatiana.co.uk or Skintight at drducuclinics.com) can be used to stimulate collagen production in a similar way. A non-surgical breast lift like this can be achieved with amazing results and no downtime, says surgeon, Dr Ducu Botoaca. However patients with heavy or pendulous breasts will not be suitable candidates. Be warned that repeated treatments can also be costly; Skintight costs from 700 to 1,000 per session, with patients normally requiring one to three sessions every eight weeks.

Professor Wakefield-Scurr warns results from creams are more likely to be superficial than actually offering measurably enhanced lifting power

Anoint with creams

Professor Wakefield-Scurr says she believes our skin plays the single most important role in supporting the chest and much of the droop that happens over time can be blamed on a natural loss of structure and elasticity in that skin.

Not surprisingly, there is a big market in gels and creams that claim to nourish and tighten the skin that covers the chest, and so lift the bust. From the inexpensive (Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Bust Cream, 5.99) to potentially more sophisticated (Revision Skincares BodiFirm at 158) these creams claim to visibly firm, lift and tone the skin of the decolletage, improving the look of crepey skin and improving the appearance of sun damage.

However, Professor Wakefield-Scurr warns results are more likely to be superficial (rejuvenating the skin) than actually offering measurably enhanced lifting power.

Physiotherapist Sammy Margo warns that slouching makes your breasts seem more saggy than they really are

Sit up straight

It is very common for bigger busted women to curve their upper back in a bid to hide their chest, and the weight of heavy breasts can make slouching seem more comfortable. But, says physiotherapist Sammy Margo, by allowing your shoulders to drop forwards like this, your breasts will inevitably drop down towards your waist and will seem much more saggy than they really are.

By sitting and standing up straight, engaging the muscles of the upper back to pull your shoulders back, you will naturally lift your chest, she says.

The more often you do this, correcting your poor posture and pulling your tummy in tight at the same time, the more you will strengthen the postural muscles which hold you in correct alignment. The end result is not just a lifted bust, but a dramatically reduced risk of neck and back problems as you go through life.

Thread treatments, which are often used to lift jowls, can sometimes enhance the appearance of smaller breasts

Thread lift

Some clinics offer a thread lift procedure whereby dissolvable threads are inserted beneath the skin and gently pulled causing the tissues to lift and tighten. The procedure, which is often used to lift jowls, may help to enhance the appearance of smaller breasts. The threads create a supportive structure, stimulating collagen production as they dissolve, improving the texture and elasticity of the skin in that area. Treatments cost from 890 per session (with up to five sessions recommended for benefits to extend beyond two years) www.cosmeticskinclinic.com.

Many women report breast shrinkage when they lose weight, which means there is less potential for drooping

Lose weight

Bigger breasts put greater strain on the supportive tissues and are more likely to sag. Many women report breast shrinkage when they lose weight, meaning there is less potential for drooping - but extreme weight loss can leave loose, unsupported skin. However, Professor Wakefield-Scurr says this doesnt happen to every woman. Breast tissue is made up of individually varying percentages of fat and glandular tissue, she explains. If your breasts are 80 percent fat they will get smaller as you shed body fat, but high density breasts can comprise as much as 80 percent glandular tissue which is unaffected by weight loss.

Professor Wakefield-Scurr recommends setting aside a few hours for a bra fitting and being prepared to try on up to 30 different sizes and styles

Get a proper bra fitting

Invest in a professionally fitted supportive set of new bras to provide an instant and effective breast lift under clothes. Marks and Spencer offers a free bra fitting service in lots of its stores.

Professor Wakefield-Scurr recommends setting aside a few hours and being prepared to try on up to 30 different sizes and styles. She recommends an underwired or balconette shaped bra for maximum lift, and a full cup for support. The bra should fit snugly around your rib cage and enclose your breasts fully within the cups/fabric with no bulging or gaping at the top or the sides. Take a tight T-shirt into the changing room and check your profile in the mirror  there should be no sagging in sight.

Regularly tightening up the straps on bras can be enough to give your bust an instant lift

Hoick up those straps

Elasticated bra straps inevitably stretch over time, particularly if you machine-wash or dry your lingerie, which means regularly tightening up the straps can be enough to give your bust an instant lift.

Watch out if this adjustment causes the bra to rise up your back, warns Professor Wakefield-Scurr, explaining that the chest band of your bra or bikini top must be snug to the chest to offer maximum support. 80 percent of a bras support comes from that back band but if the elastic has stretched the weight of your breasts might pull it down at the front allowing the back to ride up  meaning your bust will appear to be lower, she says.

Her studies show that 25 washes is enough to reduce the support any bra can offer, which means if you wash your bra twice a week, it wont be working optimally to lift your chest after just three months of wear.
A dentist has shared her number one hack for how to reverse tooth decay in its early stages - and it means you can 'eat all the sweets you want'.

Dr Shaadi Manouchehri, from London, said the simple routine can be done once a day after brushing your teeth.

'Get a little bit of fluoride toothpaste and get your interdental cleaning brush and coat it with the toothpaste,' she advised.

The doctor then took the coated brush, pushing it into the spaces between the teeth.

Dr Manouchehri explained that this would deliver 'much-needed' fluoride between the teeth, which is the 'number one spot where cavities begin'.

The dentist of ten years said it was important not to eat for 30 - 60 minutes after applying the toothpaste, so that it can better work its magic.

The hack promises cleaner and healthier teeth and can even undo some existing damage.

'It can actually reverse decay in it's early stages,' she said.

Dr Michael Cai, a Sydney dentist, spoke to FEMAIL about the controversial attitude around fluoride based toothpaste, insisting it is safe to use and the best option for anyone with signs of tooth decay

Many agreed they 'need to try this' - and dentists backed her advice as well.

'Wow, I've been telling my patients this for years! I do it all the time - love my interproximal brushes,' one dentist said.

'I have been doing this for years, works 100 per cent!' another chimed in.

Others said they follow a similar dental routine, but simply use floss coated with fluoride toothpaste instead of an interdental cleaning brush.

Some, however, were outraged at the recommendation to use fluoride toothpaste.

The controversial ingredient is still seen as 'unsafe' by some despite dentists and health experts in Australia encouraging its use in small amounts.

'As soon as you said fluoride, I'm out!' one woman said.

'It's shocking the way she's advertising it!' another woman agreed.

Sydney dentist Dr Michael Cai from Pitt Street Dental spoke to FEMAIL and said it's perfectly safe to use.

'Studies have shown that fluoride reduces the risk of cavities, when it was introduced into water supplies there was a reduction in dental decay all over the world,' Dr Cai said.

He explained that fluoride is like anything else in life, excessive amounts can cause harm to health, but it is not toxic in small amounts.

'Natural toothpaste is not as effective as fluoride toothpaste,' he said.

'In patients where there is a history of dental decay we see a dramatic increase in cavities when using natural toothpaste as compared to people using fluoride toothpaste.'

Dr Cai did say it's fine for people with healthy teeth and no cavities to opt for fluoride free toothpaste, but those with tooth decay should steer clear of natural brands.
A British university student treated extreme sunburn abroad, 'died for 25' minutes after medics discovered he had a rare heart condition.

Charlie Vincent, from Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, flew to the US state New Hampshire in June to work at a summer camp teaching kids how to canoe.

But his first day on the water left him badly sunburnt, resulting in second-degree burns on his legs.

However, this was only the start of what would become a serious medical emergency for the 20-year-old.

Taken by camp leaders to a nearby hospital, medics found Mr Vincent had pneumonia, a serious lung infection, and he was sent into surgery to remove damaged tissue.

But while on the operating table, the De Montfort University film student suffered a cardiac arrest and mini stroke, with his heart stopping for 25 minutes, his family claim  meaning he was medically dead.

Charlie Vincent (pictured), from Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, flew to US state New Hampshire in June to work at a summer camp teaching kids how to canoe

But on just his first day on the water he was badly sunburnt, resulting in second-degree burns on his legs. However, this was only the start of what would become a serious medical emergency for the 20-year-old

Taken by camp leaders to a nearby hospital, medics found Mr Vincent had pneumonia, a serious lung infection, and he was sent into surgery to remove damaged tissue. Pictured, Mr Vincent with his dog

The source of the problem turned out to be Mr Vincent's enlarged heart, a medical issue that, up until that moment, the young man was unaware he had.

Medically called cardiomegaly, an enlarged heart means the organ has to work harder than normal.

Medics believe Mr Vincent has likely had a condition that triggers cardiomegaly since birth.

Recalling the traumatic ordeal, his sister Emily, said: 'At one point, I just couldn't see a way that Charlie was going to make it, it was absolutely heart-breaking, it was hell.'

DANGERS OF AN ENLARGED HEART An enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) isn't a disease, but rather a sign of another condition. The term 'cardiomegaly' refers to an enlarged heart seen on any imaging test, including a chest X-ray. Other tests are then needed to diagnose the condition causing your enlarged heart. You may develop an enlarged heart temporarily because of a stress on your body, such as pregnancy, or because of a medical condition, such as the weakening of the heart muscle, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems or abnormal heart rhythms. Certain conditions may cause the heart muscle to thicken or one of the chambers of the heart become larger. Depending on the condition, an enlarged heart may be temporary or permanent. Treatment for an enlarged heart can include medications, medical procedures or surgery. Mayo Clinic Advertisement

The 24 year-old, who remained in the UK while her parents kept her updated from the US, added: 'It's definitely a miracle that he's still here.

'I think the hospital he has been in has given him the most amazing care and without that, I don't think he would have made it.

'On the first day he got sunburnt really badly and he had second-degree burns all over his legs.

'Over the next few days he got worse, he must have had heatstroke and started to feel really poorly.'

Ms Vincent said doctors were unsure how Charlie had contracted pneumonia.

But it was suspected his undetected heart condition was made worse by the respiratory infection, triggering his mid-surgery heart attack and stroke.

'When they tried to operate, that's when he died and it took them 25 minutes to bring him back to life,' she said.

After being revived he was eventually transferred to the Tufts Medical Centre in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was put in an induced coma for around a week.

Ms Vincent added: 'Once he had gone to the second hospital where they started to do more investigations, they told us he had an enlarged heart and the size of his heart continued to grow.

'They think this issue was something he would have had since he was a child but it took something like an infection to bring it out like that but we were none the wiser.

'He's always been a healthy boy, he's never showed any issues with his heart before, so it was just crazy to us for him to deteriorate so quickly.'

Cardiomegaly isn't a heart disease in itself but rather an indicator of another condition.

An enlarged heart, which affects an estimated 18million Americans and hundreds of thousands of Brits, occurs when the heart has trouble pumping blood efficiently.

For this reason, a person with cardiomegaly has an increased risk of heart failure or stroke compared to normal.

People with cardiomegaly may not have any symptoms until their condition becomes more severe.

These can include shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness and even fainting.

While on the operating table, the De Montfort University film student suffered a cardiac arrest and mini stroke, with his heart stopping for 25 minutes, his family claim  meaning he was medically dead. Pictured, Charlie with his sister Emily, 24

The source of the problem turned out to be Mr Vincent's enlarged heart, a medical issue that, up until that moment, the young man was unaware he had. Medically called cardiomegaly, an enlarged heart means the organ has to work harder than normal. Pictured, Charlie with his parents Joe and Sue Vincent and their dogs

A GoFundMe page set up by his family to help cover the cost of his treatment and travel costs for his parents, has raised more than 13,000 since July

Remarkably, given his ordeal, Mr Vincent has escaped with no brain damage.

But doctors have said he may need a triple organ transplant for his heart and both kidneys in the future if his organs fail to recover from the trauma they experienced.

Ms Vincent added: 'We were told he was in a critical condition, even the doctors were so scared for him, and having no one out there must have been terrifying for him.

'He is my rock and he always has been, so it was very difficult to think of a life without Charlie.

She said: 'It has been a miracle in terms of how quickly he's made a turnaround and the care the hospital has given has been incredible.

A GoFundMe page set up by his family to help cover the cost of his treatment and travel costs for his parents, has raised more than 13,000 since July.

They do not know if his insurance, worth up to $500,000 dollars (390,000), will cover his medical bill given how 'advanced' his treatment has been.
Many people believe that life is easier for pretty people.

But studies suggest that beautiful women have it harder in the workplace than average-looking women or men, Wendy Patrick, a criminal attorney and lecturer in the Fowler School of Business at San Diego Statue University, said.

Good-looking women are seen as less trustworthy, more manipulative and 'dangerous'.

On top of that, pretty women are more likely to be objectified, putting them in positions where their career is compromised, Dr Patrick explained.

Studies suggest that pretty women are seen as less competent in masculine roles and are seen as less trustworthy leaders, Dr Patrick said

This stems from primal feelings of jealousy and competition Dr Patrick, wrote in a column for Psychology Today.

'Highly attractive women can be considered as dangerous,' Stefanie Johnson , an associate professor of Organizational Leadership and Information Analytics at University of Colorado who has studied the topic, told the San Diego Union Tribune.

It's not all bad news for pretty people. A 2022 Harvard study suggested that attractive people are more likely to perform better in job interviews and earn more money than average looking people.

Also, people who were rated as attractive even as a teenager were found to be more likely to earn more than their parents 20 years later than those not rated attractive, in a 2023 study from the Polish Academy of Sciences.

However, these benefits were much more pronounced for men than for women.

Even if attractive women have an advantage in landing a new position, it can be harder for them to prove that they earned their position and deserve to keep it. Two influential studies have cemented this idea, Dr Patrick said.

The first, published in 2012 by Professor Susanne Braun, who specializes in psychology and leadership at Durham University Business School in the UK found that attractive women were seen as less competent when applying to 'masculine jobs' like construction.

The second study of this kind was published in 2018 by Professor Johnson and Leah Sheppard, an assistant professor at Washington State University, and made waves across headlines.

It asked study participants to review the performance of both attractive and unattractive men and women announcing hypothetical layoffs. They also were asked whether that person should be fired.

The authors found that participants ranked attractive women as more deserving of being fired, less trustworthy and less truthful than their male counterparts and unattractive female counterparts.

This, the study authors suggested, is due to ancient evolutionary instincts - wherein women are taught to see attractive counterparts as competition and men are taught to see attractive women as desirable, but potentially untrustworthy.

'We suspect its the trope of the evil seductress: a subconscious anxiety among people of both sexes that beautiful women will use their looks to manipulate people, mostly men,' Professor Sheppard told the Harvard Business Review.

In addition, there's the obvious factor that attractive women are more likely to be objectified sexually than non attractive women - which can lead to dangerous and unprofessional situations in the work environment, Dr Patrick said.

It's not impossible to overcome these biases, Dr Patrick said. It might just take pretty people longer to win their colleagues over than average looking people.

'Physical attractiveness is only one aspect of the workplace experience. Kind, compassionate, gracious behavior can outweigh appearance biases,' Dr Patrick said.
The head of the UK armed forces is sitting on an extraordinary pension pot worth an estimated 4.5million.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the Chief of the Defence Staff, is in line for an annual income of around 200,000 and a 470,000 lump sum when he retires.

On top of his salary of 295,000-300,000 - up some 20,000 from 2022-23 - Sir Tony's perks also cost the taxpayer 114,500 in 2023-24. That was an increase from 94,900 previously.

They are thought to include a grace-and-favour residence, although the MoD did not give details.

The huge package, revealed in the latest departmental accounts, comes amid fears about funding for the UK's military and criticism of squalid accommodation.

Keir Starmer has committed to hiking defence funding to 2.5 per cent of GDP with alarm raised about the growing threat from Russia and China, but not given any timescale.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the Chief of the Defence Staff, is in line for an annual income of around 200,000 and a 470,000 lump sum when he retires

The huge package, revealed in the latest departmental accounts, comes amid fears about funding for the UK's military and criticism of squalid conditions for troops

The latest MoD accounts show the CETV - the future cost to the taxpayer of servicing Sir Tony's gold-plated retirement - has swelled to 4.54million

Sir Tony's total remuneration package in 2022-23 was worth an eye-watering 1.1million, largely due to a massive 740,000 upgrade to the valuation of the 58-year-old's pension pot.

The latest accounts show the CETV - the estimated total cost to the taxpayer of servicing his gold-plated retirement - has swelled to 4.54million.

He is due an income, in today's prices, of 195,000-200,000 when he retires, putting him well into the top rate of tax.

Sir Tony will also be able to take a lump sum of 465,000-470,000.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said: 'There has been no significant increase in pensions payments to the Chief of Defence Staff role.'

'The pension benefits disclosed represent the accrued pension value in line with an individuals' defined pension scheme rights.'

Sources suggested Sir Tony's benefits in kind were in line with the previous year, despite the accounts showing a sharp rise.

Significant salary rises from when he was promoted to the top job in November 2021 are largely responsible for the expansion of Sir Tony's pension pot.

Under the Armed Forces Pension terms from the time Sir Tony joined, personnel can accrue a pension of up to four-sevenths of their highest annual salary in the final three years of service. There are no contributions and pensions can be taken from age 55, or deferred and actuarily increased.

Sir Tony's total package in 2022-23 was worth an eye-watering 1.1million, largely due to a massive 740,000 upgrade to the valuation of the 58-year-old's pension pot

They are also entitled to a tax-free lump sum worth three times that annual pension.

The scheme was revised and made less generous in 2015.

Sir Tony will not receive any immediate extra payment as a result of the higher CETV estimate.

But there have been mounting concerns about the sustainability of public sector pensions in the long term.
Bill Gates was like a 'kid in a candy store' with young pretty Microsoft interns, so much so that they were banned from being alone with him, an upcoming book claims.

Intimate details of the billionaire's relationships with women are set to be exposed by New York Times journalist Anupreeta Das, who writes that Gates' infidelity left his wife Melinda 'seething for a long time.'

Bills calendar would allegedly include blocks of time which were for unexplained reasons, and his security staff were once overhauled by Melinda because she felt they were enabling him.

In upcoming book Billionaire, Nerd, Savior, King: Bill Gates and His Quest to Shape Our World, it is claimed that the Gates' marriage finally hit breaking point in 2019 when his connection to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein came to light.

An upcoming book has opened the lid on billionaire Bill Gates' relationships with women, including the alleged reasons for his divorce from wife Melinda, pictured together in 2018

Gates' ex-girlfriend Ann Winblad allegedly hoped to seduce the magnate into marriage, but on a romantic getaway he was reportedly more interested in reading biographies

The look inside Gates' private life began with how he blew his chance of marrying a tech entrepreneur before he married Melinda by spending a romantic weekend at her cottage reading a biography of Henry Ford.

The book claims that the Microsoft founder bungled his chances with Ann Winblad, an early female tech entrepreneur, even though she tried to court him.

Winblad was hoping to plant the marriage seed in Gates mind so invited him to her holiday home in North Carolinas Outer Banks with two friends and their two-year-old daughter.

But Gates spent the entire weekend reading the biography of Henry Ford and only took breaks to ride a gun buggy, according to Das' book.

Despite this, Gates persuaded his wife Melinda French Gates to let him visit Winblad alone for one weekend a year at that same cottage.

The bizarre arrangement was one of many occasions when Gates had questionable or inappropriate contact with women, writes Das.

According to the book, Melinda Gates became motivated to divorce her husband after his relationship with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein was exposed

She says that Bill cheated on Melinda many times and was like a kid in a candy store with young women at Microsoft, so much so that young interns were banned from being alone with him.

After Bill's connections to Epstein came to light in 2019 - which he claims were purely for philanthropic reasons - Melinda reportedly began consulting lawyers about splitting up their $150 billion.

She formally filed for divorce in 2021 and called her marriage of 27 years and three children irretrievably broken.

The document revealed that the Gates did not sign a prenup but did sign a separation agreement covering the distribution of their assets which left Melinda with more than $6 billion.

Melinda and Bill met at Microsoft in 1987 when she was a product manager and Bill was technically her boss.

It wasnt until 1993 that they got engaged, followed by a marriage ceremony in Hawaii the following year.

But before then, Winblad was a potential Mrs. Gates who wanted to settle down and start a family, according to the book.

They met in 1984 and dated for three years and Winblad was seen as Bills mental equal with conversations about bioengineering and physics while they were on vacation together.

Following his divorce, Gates began a relationship with philanthropist Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd

Long before broadband internet, they would watch movies together while in different places by synching up their viewing then calling on the phone about it afterwards.

Winblad, an early investor in Microsoft and one of Silicon Valleys first female tech entrepreneurs, hoped it would lead to a lifelong partnership.

Das writes: Hoping to plant the marriage seed in Gates mind and introduce him to the joys of family life, she invited Mitch Kapor, the Lotus founder, his then wife and their two-year-old baby for a visit to her cottage to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

Gates spent the entire weekend immersed in a biography of Henry Ford, although he did take a break or two - to ride a dune buggy.

Winblad and Bill did remain so close however that he continued spending one weekend with her - alone - each year, an arrangement which continued after his wedding.

He sought Melindas blessing which she appears to have given, one early concession towards Bills relations with women which Das writes would leave her steadily more unhappy over the years.

Das claimed that by the time Melinda filed for divorce, she had been seething for a long time about the unequal nature of their marriage.

She had been seething about his numerous infidelities too and upset about how she wasnt treated with respect at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the charitable enterprise that bears both their names

Melinda Gates met Bill in 1987 while she was a young worker at Microsoft, where he was technically her boss

According to the upcoming book, Bill was allowed to spend one weekend a year at his ex-girlfriend's home, as their marriage was described in 'contractual' terms

During meetings Bill could cut Melinda off, leaving her quietly fuming. When Melinda tried to stop Bill from droning on during meetings, he found it difficult to take her advice, leading to tense moments that were awkward for everyone in the room.

People who worked with Bill in the early days of Microsoft said it was well understood that he had not factored children into his life.

Bill was consumed by Microsoft and some of his peers wondered what kind of husband and father he would make.

Coworkers were tired of his monomaniacal focus on work, joked that married life would slow him down, Das writes.

Bills early days at Microsoft were marked by parties at strip clubs after work - the all male teams that he worked on were oblivious to how bad it seemed.

Das writes that before his marriage, Bill was often besieged by women who wanted to date him and staff at Microsoft who hoped to catch his eye by wearing Marry Me Bill t-shirts.

A former senior Microsoft employee said he was like a kid in a candy store at the office.

Das writes: Well into his marriage it was not unusual for Gates to flirt with women and pursue them, making unwanted advances such as asking a Microsoft employee out to dinner while he was still the companys chairman.

...Gates flirted with some of the interns at the Gates Foundation, putting them in the uncomfortable position of having to think about their career prospects while not wanting to be hit on by the boss.

'In one instance a colleague chastised one person for sending a 22-year-old intern to Gates office by herself, saying: Shes too young and too pretty.

Gates approaches to women were clumsy rather than predatory according to people who saw them firsthand.

He did not prey on women and ask them for sex in exchange for prompting their new career, but instead was charming, respectful and just fun, according to a former Microsoft executive.

Hes not Harvey Weinstein. I know of no real situation in which anyone got anything for sleeping with Bill, the executive said.

Following her relationship with Gates, Ann Winblad went on to found the venture capital firm Hummer Winblad Venture Partners

Instead Bill displayed a certain naivete in his interactions with women, mistaking engaged conversation for mutual interest'.

But Melinda became increasingly unhappy about putting up with it.

According to Das, Bills calendar would include blocks of time that were ostensibly personal meetings into which few people had visibility.

She writes: More than a decade ago, there was a sweep of Gatess personal security team because they were enabling him to be places where (Melinda) didnt know he was at.

Such was Melindas paranoia about Bills affairs that she ordered their housekeepers not to give out his direct number when other women called the house.

This led to an awkward moment when a female acquaintance of Bills called and asked to speak to him - the housekeeper eventually told her the reason she couldnt give it out.

Das says that the Gates went through marital counseling in the early to mid 2000s after the birth of their youngest child, Phoebe, led them to go through an especially rough patch

But Gates assumed his behavior would have no consequences and did not appear to have changed his ways.

According to Das, the end of their marriage was due to different notions about the meaning of a marital contract.

Melinda felt that she genuinely believed being married would make a difference because of her deep belief in its sanctity.

Bills friends however said that, as Bill saw it, love and marriage can often mean two different things

Das writes: One former associate of Gates pointed out the difference between marrying someone and committing to exclusivity in that marriage, comparing it to an arrangement (Warren) Buffet had with his first wife, Susan Buffett, who left him but arranged for a companion for her husband.

Buffett remained married until Susans death in 2004.

When the Gates' marriage hit rough patches, a former associate reportedly pointed to the marriage of Warren Buffet, whose wife left him but arranged a companion for her husband

Das writes: It was hardly a sparkless or joyless marriage (for Gates). There were plenty of moments of mirth and affection that he was unfaithful to her multiple times over the years.

The book says that while Bill did love Melinda, he didnt think he would ever lose her.'

One source said that the divorce had been coming a long time, adding that Melinda does nothing that isnt intentional.

Among the other previous allegations against Bill is one from a female Microsoft engineer alleged in a letter to the companys board that she had a sexual relationship over years with him that began in 2000.

The Microsoft board hired an outside law firm to investigate and eventually Bill stepped down from the board of directors.

Speaking to CBS after the divorce, Melinda said that she made it very clear to her former husband that he should part ways with Epstein after she met him in 2013.

He ignored her and it became an intolerable stress when Epstein was arrested in 2019, putting intense focus on his connections to wealthy and powerful men, including Bill.

Melinda said: I wanted to see who this man was and I regretted it from the second I stepped in the door.

He was abhorrent, he was evil personified, I had nightmares about it afterwards. My heart breaks for these young women because thats how I felt and Im an older woman. My god I feel terrible for those women, its awful. He was awful.

In response to the allegations in the book, Gates' representatives told DailyMail.com in a statement that the book relies 'almost exclusively on second- and third-hand hearsay and anonymous sources.'

'The book includes highly sensationalized allegations and outright falsehoods that ignore the actual documented facts our office provided to the author on numerous occasions,' the statement read.

'Mr. Gates has previously stated his deep regret for ever meeting with Epstein, who he met with for discussions regarding philanthropy only.'
An Australian couple accused of murdering their teenage lodger so they could steal her baby is currently facing trial after they were arrested 20 years on from the alleged crime.

Robert and Anne Geeves, both 64, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 19-year-old Amber Haigh, who vanished from the Geeves household in New South Wales in 2002.

Haigh, who was mentally impaired, was lodging with the couple along with her then-five-month-old son - fathered by Robert, and was last seen in public on June 2, 2002.

The Geeves claim that on June 5 they drove her to a train station close to Sydney so she could visit her father, who was terminally ill in hospital.

The teenage mother never arrived at the hospital and was never seen again.

Her case remained cold for years until Australian police arrested Mr and Mrs Geeves in May 2022, almost exactly two decades later after Haigh's disappearance.

Now grisly details of the case have emerged, with prosecutors alleging the couple used Haigh as a 'surrogate mother', before killing her and disposing of her body.

Investigators also discovered the Geeveses had bought a chainsaw around the time of Haigh's disappearance, having found the butt of a cheque they used to pay for it.

Amber Haigh (pictured) vanished without a trace in 2002. Her body has never been found

Amber Haigh (left) and Robert Geeves (right) who fathered the baby

Amber's son was just six-months-old when his mother vanished without a trace

Haigh was reported missing on June 19, 2002 after failing to return to her home in Kingsvale, close to Harden in New South Wales, where she and her five-month-old son had been living with the Geeves family.

Police were told the pair dropped the young mother at Campbelltown train station on June 5 that she intended to travel from there to Mt Druitt in western Sydney to visit her sick father in hospital.

A coroners inquest in 2011 found Haigh died as a result of homicide or other misadventure in June 2002, and police, suspecting the Geeves' involvement in the crime, installed listening devices in their home.

But they were never able to gather enough evidence to charge the couple.

In 2020 a formal review of the case was conducted under the Homicide Squad's Unsolved Homicide framework, and a fresh investigation was launched, culminating in the arrest of Robert and Anne Geeves in May 2022.

During the trial, now in its seventh week, the Australian court heard how Haigh 'adored' her young son and was said to 'never let him out of her sight' - a characterisation that raised doubts she would leave the baby with the Geeves while she left alone to visit her father.

Prosecutors told the court the couple had one son - who had previously dated Haigh - but desperately wanted another child, having given birth to a stillborn baby after enduring three miscarriages.

Haigh's son was fathered by Robert with whom she had a sexual relationship - but a family counsellor that met with Haigh months before her disappearance told the court she was 'a very vulnerable young woman' who 'would have difficulty in understanding the difference between love and exploitation'.

In her client notes turned over to the court, counsellor Emma Badlock revealed that Haigh deeply loved her son, and was fearful that the Geeves would try to gain sole custody of him.

'Amber states that if Anne and Robert try to get (her child) because they want a baby - she will tell them to ''back off'',' the notes read.

The Guardian reported that Haigh and Robert Geeves are said to have signed a handwritten agreement which stipulated that Geeveses would not attempt to take custody of the child, unless Haigh were to bring the boy into contact with members of her own family.

Haigh had a 'dysfunctional' relationship with her extended family, the court heard, and is said to have been subjected to violence and sexual abuse.

Anne Margaret Geeves (pictured during her arrest) and her husband pleaded not guilty to the murder of their teen flatmate

Another key part of the prosecution's argument is evidence that Mr Geeves called a slew of rural properties nearby their house around the time of Haigh's disappearance, asking whether he could access their land to borrow farm equipment or collect wood.

'The crown case theory is that it was always the intention of the Geeves to assume the custody and care of (the child) from Amber,' crown prosecutor Paul Kerr told the court in his opening.

'But they knew that to do that, Amber had to be removed from the equation so  the crown asserts  they killed her.'

The Geeveses pleaded not guilty to their murder charges and have consistently denied any involvement in Haigh's disappearance.

Lawyers for the couple meanwhile argue the prosecutors' case against their clients is riddled with flaws, that they have no clear evidence the Geeveses murdered Haigh and put the speculation over their involvement in her disappearance down to 'distaste' over Robert's sexual relationship with 'a much younger woman with intellectual disabilities'.

'Many witnesses harboured grievances or suspicions particularly against Mr Geeves... who denies being in any way involved in (Haigh's) disappearance or murder,' lawyer Paul Coady told the court.

Another member of the Geeves' legal team added that Anne Geeves had 'no motive to kill Amber or wish her dead' and dismissed the case against them as being fuelled by 'mistrust and suspicion'.

Haigh was reported missing on June 19, 2002 after failing to return to her home in Kingsvale, close to Harden in New South Wales, where she and her five-month-old son had been living with the Geeves

Amber Haigh is seen in 2002, the year she disappeared

Lawyers also derided testimony from one witness, a former legal secretary, that claimed Haigh feared for her life and wanted to make out a will while she was pregnant to prevent Robert from ever getting custody of the child.

Legal secretary Rebecca Pisaturo-McMillan testified that Haigh came to legal offices in August 2001, claiming she needed the document 'for the safeguard of her child'.

'[Ms Haigh] was very straightforward and adamant that once her child was born her life would be taken,' Pisaturo-McMillan told the court.

But defence lawyer Coady retorted that none of the secretary's physical notes from her meeting with Haigh made any mention of her fearing for her life, and suggested this was because Haigh never actually made any comments about it.

He went on to claim the legal secretary had 'mixed up' evidence following years of negative press and rumours about the Geeves.

Last month, the Geeves' son Robbie was called as a witness by the prosecution.

He did not accuse his parents of killing Haigh, but said that his relationship with them had been irrevocably damaged after his father impregnated the teenager, whom Robbie had previously dated.

'I don't know how to say it in a nice way: she was my ex-girlfriend, you can't have a baby brother to your ex-girlfriend it's not right,' he declared.

The Geeves are facing a judge-only trial at the request of their legal team, who say the media storm over their alleged involvement would have affected the jury given the length and notoriety of the case.

The trial, presided over by justice Julia Lonergan, is still ongoing.
Peter Hitchens has slammed the 'dangerous' discussion of Islam as 'some kind of nameless threat' amid the violent riots that have exploded in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

The columnist joined Andrew Pierce on the Mail's talk show, The Reaction, to discuss the storm that erupted over false claims that the 17-year-old boy accused of murdering three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed party was a Muslim.

Fake claims that the suspect, now named as Axel Rudakubanu, was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK on a boat have fuelled riots in Southport, London, Manchester and Hartlepool this week.

Rudakubana, charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder, was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents in 2006 before his family relocated in 2013 to the quiet Lancashire village of Banks - a 15 minute drive from Southport.

The Reaction host Andrew said: 'It occurred to me that while people were raging that potentially this boy might be Muslim, actually when you look at the religious breakdown of Rwanda, 92 per cent of Rwanda is regarded as Christian.'

Peter replied: 'It's a really strange thing that are people using the word Muslim in this way.

Peter Hitchens (pictured) has slammed the 'dangerous' discussion of Islam as 'some kind of nameless threat' amid the violent riots that have exploded in the wake of the Southport stabbings

There were riots outside a mosque in Southport after the stabbing frenzy which claimed the lives of three young girls

Southport stabbing suspect Axel Rudakubana, now 17, pictured as a child, is charged with murdering three little girls and harming 10 others

'I am a practicing, communicative Christian member of the Church of England. I differ on large and important theological matters with Muslims, and in fact, rather enjoy discussing it with them.

'And I've had many, many conversations, including in that strange programme I took part in last year, in which I was in a pretend prison.

'One of my cellmates was a very serious Muslim, and we discussed it a lot, and at one point we ended up praying alongside each other.

'I take Islam very seriously as a faith... I don't welcome some of its precepts, particularly its attitude towards women. But the way in which so many people now speak of it as if it was some kind of nameless threat seems to be dangerous and also possibly coded for something else.

'And I think that we have to recognise that we now have brothers and sisters living in our society who have a different religion from the one that we may have grown up with.'

Responding to Andrew suggesting that the 'M word is a term of pejorative abuse' for some people, Peter said: 'There is that. And then there is the suggestion that someone, because they are Muslim, is perhaps more given to taking part in terrorist acts than other people.

'And of course there have been Islamist terrorists, and there will be Islamist terrorists again.

'But I think that to jump from that to this sort of wider suspicion and attitude seems to me to be a mistake, a very large mistake.'

Andrew said that the anger on the streets of Southport was 'stirred up by deliberate misinformation on the internet', adding: 'They even invented names for the alleged assailant.

The Reaction host continued: 'People in some of these communities where there is a very large ethnic population feel the integration hasn't happened, and they feel they're strangers in their own towns and cities. And that is a big problem, and that's going to get worse.'

Peter agreed, saying that this has 'political causes' including the 'encouragement of multiculturalism by the British state' particularly in areas such as education.

He said that this has sometimes led to former communities 'living in separate solitudes with their backs turned upon one another'.

'And that is undoubtedly a grave political and social mistake which needs to be put right and which we we have to face,' he added.

'But it doesn't in any way excuse the sort of behaviour which we saw in Southport.'

Rudakubana appeared in Liverpool Crown Court today charged with the three murders of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

The teenager is also accused of attempting to kill eight children, along with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, and businessman John Hayes.
Conservative hardliner and powerful Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good shockingly lost his seat in Congress following a recount of his contentious primary against Trump-backed John McGuire.

The Virginia lawmaker's burn-it-all-down tactics in the House has made enemies out of colleagues including former President Donald Trump and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy - who he ousted last year.

The initial race on June 18 had been so close that it took weeks for the results to come out and Good funded the recount himself.

But ultimately it did not make up for the nearly 400-vote gap of 62,000 votes cast and the Associated Press called the race for McGuire on Thursday night.

With 99 percent of votes tallied, McGuire took the win by just 393 votes and now the Freedom Caucus will be forced to elect a new chair.

In a concession message, Good boasted that he'd been the 'strongest and most consistent voice in the House for protection of life from contraception.'

Conservative hardliner and powerful Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good shockingly lost his seat in Congress following a recount of his contentious primary against Trump-backed John McGuire

The right-wing Freedom Caucus chair lost the support of the president when he initially endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over him. He also turned off a number of House colleagues when he voted to oust Kevin McCarthy from the speakership.

He earned the ire of Trump after endorsing Ron DeSantis in the contentious GOP presidential primary.

Trump never forgot that and worked to actively rally voters against Good calling him 'bad for Virginia and bad for the USA.'

'He turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave a warm and 'loving' Endorsement - But really, it was too late,' Trump wrote onTruth Social before election day.

Despite the heat from the former president, Good was one of a handful of right wing lawmakers who traveled to Manhattan on May 16 to support Trump in his criminal trial. McGuire went to New York to court Trump's support that same day.

Trump conducted a tele-townhall for McGuire on the eve of the primary to further stick the knife into Good.

In June, a fellow Freedom Caucus member, Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, even endorsed Good's opponent. The caucus typically likes to put on a united front.

Davidson was later ousted from the caucus after wading into the race.

Trump tore into Rep. Bob Good and endorsed his primary challenger John McGuire on Tuesday morning, days after the Freedom Caucus leader went to New York to support him at trial

Incumbents who Good endorsed against like Rep. William Timmons, R-S.C., showed up to door-knock for McGuire in the days before the primary.

'Bob Good has done more to undermine and divide Republicans than any Democrat. I congratulate John McGuire on a huge win for the GOP. Goodbye Bob Good,' Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., posted on X after the initial primary.

The race attracted more spending by outside groups - $10.7 million - than any other Virginia races. By comparison, the candidates themselves only spent $1.7 million.

Such groups spent some $5.9 million either opposing Good or supporting McGuire.

McGuire, a former Navy SEAL, state senator and election denier who attended the 'Stop the Steal' rally on January 6, 2021, had the backing of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who traveled to his district to tell voters Good is a 'traitor' to Trump.

On the other side, Steve Bannon backed Good, and told voters in his district 'this isn't about Trump' and the primary challenge was spurred by Good's McCarthy opposition.

Good leads the roughly 50-member hard right Freedom Caucus, which is comprised of some of Speaker Mike Johnson's biggest Republican antagonists.

Reps. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., and Chip Roy, R-Texas, had come out in support of Good, Greene has supported his challenger.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden traveled to the district to support McGuire - as did Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers. Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows supports Good.

'Bob Good didn't come here to govern. He came here to be famous,' Van Orden, a Wisconsin Republican, told CNN. 'Bob Good's wearing our jersey, and he's not on the team.'

Good was one of a handful of right wing lawmakers who traveled to Manhattan on May 16 to support Trump in his criminal trial. McGuire went to New York to court Trump's support that same day

Good, meanwhile, had local backing in the district's GOP committee.

Rick Buchanan, the chairman of the district's GOP committee, told Cardinal News in May that a Trump endorsement 'wouldn't move the needle that much.'

'If you listen to McGuire's campaign, then yes, [Trump] is the issue, because McGuire has nothing else,' Buchanan said. 'I'm not seeing where he takes a stance on any real issue, except Bob Good's no good, and Bob Good is not a Trump supporter, which is a lie. That's why he's got the name McLiar.'

Buchanan said Good is trying to run to the right of Good, but 'there is no position to the right of Bob.'

'McGuire has no place to run, he has no issues that he can stand on that Bob hasn't already taken a stand on.'
A controversial new play that features scenes so graphic that some audience members have been left queasy has had the seal of approval from most fans.

London's Almeida Theatre was forced to halt its showing of The Years for ten minutes earlier this week while queasy guests were given medical treatment.

Another male audience member shouted 'disgrace' during Monday night's showing after claiming there were no prior warnings about its gruesome content.

But when MailOnline visited we found the audience were largely supportive - despite scenes which they admitted were 'visceral' and 'absolutely brutal'.

Despite the fainting episode, most of the largely female audience were unfazed by the gory sight of stage and screen star Romola Garai acting out an attempted do-it-yourself termination with a knitting needle.

London's Almeida Theatre was forced to halt its showing of The Years for ten minutes earlier this week while queasy guests were given medical treatment

Despite the fainting episode, some audience members were unfazed by the abortion scene

Hannah Saxby, 22, described the production as 'visceral', adding: 'It was explicit but I thought it was powerful. I'd read the trigger warnings'

The play has been called 'daring' and 'beautiful' after its controversial abortion scene

Eline Arbo's play traces the evolution of women's rights during Normandy-born Ms Ernaux's lifetime, covering issues like the pill, abortion and divorce.

Monday's fainting episode came during a special preview when a man in the front of the stalls indicated that he was feeling faint during Ms Garai's abortion scene.

Other audience members called staff and he was taken outside to the bar, where he was joined by others left feeling ill.

Witnesses also claimed that another ticket-holder shouted from the circle that the scene 'was a disgrace' and claimed 'there was no warning'.

But last night ticket-holders at the theatre in trendy Islington were equally unperturbed by the actor's fake blood-smeared thighs at the end of the scene.

And the mostly-female audience giggled at the scenes of sex and masturbation during the two-hour portrait of French writer Annie Ernaux's life.

Afterwards, they heaped praise on the production which opened this week and also features Bafta-winning Our Friends in the North star Gina McKee.

Hannah Saxby, 22, described the production as 'visceral', adding: 'It was explicit but I thought it was powerful. I'd read the trigger warnings.

'It's interesting in that it's rare to see women on stage being sexual with each other, especially of a certain age. I thought that was quite provocative in a good way.'

She said the story - which charts the Nobel Literature prize-winner's life from the 1940s to the Millennium - left her feeling 'engaged'.

Five different female actors play Ernaux - who is 83 and suffered a turbulent love life - at different ages from childhood to late middle-age.

Hannah added: 'It made me think about my mum and my grandma and myself in a way that I don't tend to reflect on in everyday life. It was sad, kind of.'

Her friend Joe explicit Flynn, 24, added: 'In moments it was beautiful.

Ticket-holders at the theatre in trendy Islington were equally unperturbed by the actor's fake blood-smeared thighs at the end of the scene

Nathan Lwanga, 26, said: 'At the beginning, I didn't really understand what was happening'

'I liked how it was different actresses playing the same character, so I loved how they each got a go tell part of the story. In moments it was beautiful.

'I thought it was really well done, it was really well made, I love the ending. I'm not too sure I got it all - but I don't think that's because I'm a man.'

Nathan Lwanga, 26, said: 'At the beginning, I didn't really understand what was happening.

'Once I got into it I thought it was really well directed, well acted, quite life-affirming.

'We saw this person go through life's adversities, and all the craziness that was happening in the past, yet she still turned out pretty ok. I found that comforting as a concept.'

Asked if he would recommend it, he said: 'Not to everybody, because it was quite graphic - but like to my peers, yeah.'

Bridgerton actor Florence Dobson and her director friend Helen Iley were in the audience to see another of their friends, Harmony Rose Bremner, perform in the play.

Harmony, daughter of Transporting star Ewen Bremner, completed the cast with fellow newcomer Anjli Mohindra and veteran Deborah Findlay.

Florence, 26, told MainOnline: 'It's experimental and daring and challenging.

The mostly-female audience giggled at the scenes of sex and masturbation during the two-hour portrait of French writer Annie Ernaux's life

Witnesses also claimed that another ticket-holder shouted from the circle that the scene 'was a disgrace' and claimed 'there was no warning'

'You know some people are going to be alarmed or taken aback by it but I think that is personal to the truth of what is being shared.

'I didn't know what I was letting myself in for. Harmony is a dear friend and so she's been very, very sort of NDA almost about it.

'They've not been told not to say anything about it, but the magic of it needed to be held and nurtured in that space.

'It feels like a time capsule and every decade that was experienced was necessary. It was very powerful to see and clever. There were moments of joy.'

Helen, 27 added: 'It was so epic in a space that felt so intimate as well.

'It meant you can find those relatable moments within the bigger scale of what was going on. It made it feel so profound yet so relatable.

'Where it was more visceral was in the language rather than the visuals. I felt it was so well done. I found it so wonderfully raw and honest.'

Martin Burrows, 75, said: 'I didn't think the abortion scene was any more horrific than anything else I'd seen in the theatre.

'I didn't think it was happy or sad, but to somebody of my age, it was true to life and the feelings one have.

'She doesn't seem to like men. All the men in the play were just sexual beings. They didn't seem to have any personality or character or function.'

But another audience member, who did not want to be named, said: 'Yes, I enjoyed it, but yes, it was absolutely brutal.'

A theatre statement said: 'The performance on Monday of The Years was stopped for 10 minutes so that our front of house team could provide care for an audience member who required assistance.

'During the stoppage, care was also provided for three other audience members. All audience members were quick to recover after brief assistance.'

The statement added that warnings were in place on the Almeida website's booking page, in pre-visit emails, and on the front of house signage.'
Lawyers representing Liberal senator Linda Reynolds have told a court it was unfortunate she called former staffer Brittany Higgins a 'lying cow', but say it was defensible as she had a 'right of reply' when being defamed.

A blockbuster defamation trial between Senator Reynolds and her former staffer has kicked off in Perth, with the senator making a last minute request to amend her claim to include WhatsApp messages sent by Ms Higgins.

After multiple failed mediation hearings, the pair will ask the Supreme Court of WA to decide whether a series of social media posts shared by Ms Higgins and her husband, David Sharaz, were defamatory of the West Australian senator.

The couple shared posts in 2022 and 2023 which were critical of Senator Reynolds' handling of Ms Higgins' allegation she was raped in Parliament House in 2019 by her then-colleague Bruce Lehrmann, and of the Senator's public reponse to Ms Higgins' Commonwealth compensation payment.

Mr Lehrmann was charged and faced trial in 2022, but the trial was aborted over juror misconduct and the charge was dropped shortly after.

Mr Lehrmann had pleaded not guilty and has maintained his innocence.

The five-week blockbuster trial will be heard before Justice Paul Tottle.

Linda Reynolds told reporters outside court that she was 'confident' about the case

'Lying cow'

Representing Senator Reynolds, Martin Bennett likened Ms Higgins' The Project interview to a charade, telling the court it was aired to 500,000 viewers and was 'tearful'.

He claimed Ms Higgins told Lisa Wilkinson that she had revealed the alleged rape in the first meeting with Senator Reynold's chief of staff, Fiona Brown.

But Mr Bennett told the court this couldn't be true as it conflicted with information that was reported in a story on news.com.au.

'It is just nonsense, you add two and two and get ten,' Mr Bennett said.

'Nonsense, an exaggerated fiction.'

He told the court it was nonsense that Ms Higgins said the senator avoided her while they were in Perth.

Ms Higgins had been invited to Senator Reynolds' home and to other events, Mr Bennett told the court.

'When Senator Reynolds watched The Project she was horrified for her and Ms Brown,' Mr Bennett said.

Senator Reynolds called Ms Higgins a 'lying cow' in front of staff in her office after Ms Higgins went public with the rape allegation, but the senator quickly retracted the comment and apologised.

Mr Bennett told the court while it wasn't an appropriate response, Ms Reynolds was angry about being accused of something so contrary to her value systems.

'When you are attacked publicly and defamed you have a right of reply,' he told the court.

WA Liberal senator Linda Reynolds is suing Brittany Higgins for defamation. She arrived at court flanked by husband Robert Reid (left), lawyer Martin Bennett (red tie) and entourage

In addition to apologising to Ms Higgins, the senator also paid $10,000 to a rape crisis centre.

'She did that because people might have thought she downplayed the veracity of her rape allegation,' Mr Bennett said.

After the senator apologised, she also entered into an agreement with a non-disclosure clause, which Mr Bennet said Ms Higgins forgot about.

'She stood back to allow the criminal prosecution to proceed,' Mr Bennett said.

'Social media as press releases'

Mr Bennett ended his closing address by saying he believes Ms Higgins' defence lawyers will say Senator Reynolds' reputation was already damaged and her tweets 'didn't have much of an effect'.

'They will trivialise that they were harmless posts and up for less than 24 hours,' Mr Bennett said.

'Higgins and Sharaz used their social media tweets as press releases. The media that erupted meant that everyone of their carefully curated press releases were widely picked up by mainstream media.

'Mishandling is a weasel term, I could mishandle a cup and break it, how is mishandling a matter that imputes damage to Senator Reynolds' character, so people think less of her.

'The debate is between the imputation, between the truth, not her truth.'

He said it was 'quite significant' Mr Sharaz is not giving evidence in the proceedings.

Conspiracy and a cover-up

Representing Senator Reynolds, Martin Bennett told the court there was a degree of 'sophistication and planning' by Ms Higgins to damage his client's reputation.

The court heard Justice Lee had made public a five-hour interview between Ms Higgins, Mr Sharaz, The Project's Lisa Wilkinson and a producer of the show.

The interview showed that a detailed plan had been made, Mr Bennett claimed.

'Is this Linda's time? Please let it be Linda's time,' one message between the group read.

Mr Bennett said Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz also prepared a 'dossier' which was sent to politicians and told the court they sent messages to Labor senators to ask his client during Question Time.

He claims Ms Higgins had researched scandals in politics needed to find someone to be the villain.

'That person was Linda Reynolds, and the behaviour was the coverup,' Mr Bennett said.

Drafts from a book Ms Higgins was writing told how she had 'war gamed' a meeting with the Prime Minister.

'Here I am in the mud, throwing mud in the news cycle, I am fighting for control of the daily news cycle,' Mr Bennett quoted from the book.

He said Ms Higgins showed a 'degree in sophistication and planning' before defaming his client.





The former defence minister is suing Ms Higgins over a series of social media posts she says damaged her reputation

Linda Reynolds' blistering message on arrival

Ms Reynolds arrived at the WA Supreme Court just before 10am on Friday. She was surrounded by her legal team, with husband Robert Reid holding her hand.

She did not stop to talk to reporters outside the court, but briefly answered questions as she walked, saying she was feeling 'confident the truth was about to be told - it's well and truly time for the truth.'

Brittany Higgins' defence team arrived at court shortly afterwards.

Her lawyer Rachel Young did not respond to questions, and did not confirm if Ms Higgins would be in attendance.

The former Liberal staffer is reported to be returning to Australia from France at some point to give evidence.

Senator Reynold's claim

Ms Reynolds has alleged in her statement of claim that Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz's posts suggested the senator had engaged in a 'campaign' of harassing Ms Higgins and failed to support Ms Higgins after her rape allegation.

The document claimed that they asserted that Ms Reynolds wants to 'silence victims of sexual assault' and engaged in questionable conduct during Mr Lehrmann's trial.

Ms Reynolds further alleges the 'intense questioning' she faced in the Senate in the wake of Ms Higgins' rape allegation being aired on The Project exacerbated a previously undiagnosed cardiac condition.

The senator said she was hospitalised in March 2021 as a result of 'the stress caused by the Project broadcast and the aggressive questioning of her in the Senate which was a direct consequence of the conduct of the defendant'.

Court told of 'poolside' Higgins

To squash claims made by Ms Higgins that she felt alone and isolated while working for the senator in Western Australia, Mr Bennett provided photographs, text messages and social media posts to the court arguing they proved otherwise.

Ms Higgins could be seen in photos campaigning with fellow Liberal staffers and socialising with colleagues while she was working for the senator in Perth.

Several text messages made by Ms Higgins were also provided to the court, which Mr Bennett said indicated Ms Higgins had enjoyed her time in Perth.

'My day has been awesome, mostly spent poolside,' one message read.

He also showed Ms Higgins at Liberal Party events with former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

She could also be seen in photos at a birthday dinner for Senator Reynolds at the Pan Pacific Hotel the night before the election.

'We had a solid chat,' Ms Higgins said in a text message, referring to a conversation she had with her boss.

'She even shouted everyone dinner, this is awesome.'

The next day, Ms Higgins can be seen in photographs handing out election material at polling stations.

'There she is two people away from the senator smiling and clapping,' Mr Bennett said showing a photograph after the election results were called.

'Event, after event, after event, all of which could have been provided to the Commonwealth, Mr Bennett said.

'This is not a woman in a hotel room seven days a week ostracised, this is a young woman going out and enjoying it.'

Brittany Higgins was caught on CCTV after she passed through security on the way to senator Reynolds' office with Bruce Lehrmann

The security breach

The senator's legal team have told the court that when Ms Higgins was called into Senator Reynolds' office for a meeting after the alleged rape, the senator had no idea the incident had allegedly occurred in her office.

Mr Bennett said the only information the senator had at the time was that Ms Higgins had told chief-of-staff Fiona Brown 'he (Mr Lehrmann) was on top of me.'

Mr Bennett told the court the senator also knew facts that were given to her in a report about a security breach, after Mr Lehrmann and Ms Higgins' entered the ministerial office on the night of the alleged rape.

The report stated her staff members had accessed a secured area without authorisation, were inebriated and Ms Higgins was found naked.

Mr Bennett told the court an alleged sexual assault became apparent days later when Ms Higgins spoke to police.

'That is significant,' Mr Bennett said.

'What the senator is not told is that it occurred on the couch.'

Mr Bennett said it was not fair to allege the senator made Ms Higgins attend a meeting where the alleged rape took place because Senator Reynolds did not know the location of the incident at the time.

He told the court Ms Higgins' perception of how real it might be is not basis for facts.

'The sexual assault had never been disclosed before, she knew it happened in her suite of offices, but not in her office,' he argued.

WhatsApp request

Senator Reynolds made a last minute request to amend her claim to include WhatsApp messages sent by Brittany Higgins to a journalist and to her husband.

Ms Reynolds' legal team, led by Martin Bennett, said they had an application to amend the statement of claim relating to two recent publications from Ms Higgins.

The senator's legal team wants to see messages Ms Higgins sent to her husband David Sharaz and to a journalist at news.com.au, but they have been deleted from Ms Higgins' electronic devices.

Ms Higgins has claimed that her WhatsApp messages are automatically deleted once they are sent and she is unable to provide the publications in question.

Ms Reynolds' legal team wants Mr Sharaz to provide the messages, but he refuses to hand them over, the court heard.

Mr Bennett said they had received an unsworn affidavit from Ms Higgins' defence lawyer Carmel Galati, that was the subject of the application.

'While Ms Higgins is enjoying life in France, she doesn't have time to swear an affidavit,' Mr Bennett said.

Ms Higgins was awarded $2.4m for her personal injury claim, relating to her rape allegation against Bruce L:ehrmann (pictured) and the alleged handling of it by the government

The compensation payment

Mr Bennett argued that any person who read an article published on news.com.au on the day Ms Higgins signed a compensation deal with Commonwealth would automatically have thought the allegations made by Ms Higgins were true.

He told the court the article referred to a confidential mediation session that was held with the Commonwealth, in which Ms Higgins was awarded $2.4m in response to her personal injury claim, related to her rape allegation and the alleged handling of it by the government.

Within the claim were allegations about her treatment while she had been working for Ms Reynolds.

Mr Bennett said allegations made against the Senator were damning, but Ms Reynolds was never given the opportunity to defend herself or her staff.

'The Commonwealth denied (Ms Reynolds) mediation,' Mr Bennett said.

'That is why this is so important, because the claims made by Brittany Higgins were false.'

Villain in the story

Every fairytale needs a villain, and that's how Senator Reynolds had been cast by Brittany Higgins and her husband David Sharaz, Mr Bennett told the court in his opening statement.

'Their fictional story involved allegations of cruel treatment, ostracization, bullying, harassment and threatening conduct, he said.

'She was cast in this critical light and none of it was true.'

Reynolds 'protective' of Higgins

When Senator Reynolds found out Mr Lehrmann and Ms Higgins had accessed her ministerial suite she was angry with Mr Lehrmann.

The court heard Mr Lehrmann had only worked for the senator for a short time after he had transferred from Senator Bridget McKenzie's office

Mr Bennett told the court Senator Reynolds had thought Mr Lehrmann was 'shifty'.

When she knew more about what happened on the night of the alleged rape, Mr Bennett said Senator Reynolds had been 'protective' of Ms Higgins.

He said the senator was protecting Ms Higgins when she told Ms Brown to contact the Australian Federal Police.

'Ms Higgins couldn't remember, she was obviously upset about something and there was likely to be something of a sexual nature that had occurred,' he said.

'She was furious at Lehrmann to take advantage of an intoxicated young staffer.

'She told Ms Brown to go to the AFP, and Ms Brown to her credit said 'it's Brittany's choice, her agency'.'

Higgins' defence

In documents released by the Supreme Court, Ms Higgins revealed she will argue the social media posts were substantially true, and that she was sharing her opinion on 'a matter of public interest'.

Ms Higgins (pictured with husband David Sharaz) is expected to return from France during the trial to give evidence

Ms Higgins claims in the documents that Ms Reynolds had shared 'confidential correspondence' with media which included an internal government departmental email marked 'sensitive: personal' relating to the multi million-dollar payout Ms Higgins received in compensation following the alleged rape.

Ms Higgins further claims the senator engaged in a 'campaign of harassment' against her by providing the 'confidential information to the media' regarding mediation and complaints to the Commonwealth, as well as 'directly or indirectly' questioning her personal injury claim against the Commonwealth.

The trial is set down for five weeks.

Ms Higgins is expected to return to Australia from France to give evidence, and other high profile witnesses, including former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, are also expected to appear.
Britain is in 'a state of grey warfare with Russia', the former head of MI6 has warned, after a Russia-linked social media account spread lies about the alleged Southport attacker.

Sir Richard Dearlove said people don't 'understand the danger that we are in' as he called for greater awareness of how online misinformation is 'a fundamental tactic' in Russia's conflict with the West.

His comments came after a Mail investigation revealed that a Russia-linked social media account amplified incorrect information about the identity of the Southport suspect.

The false claims were viewed an estimated 27 million times and social media firms were last night under mounting pressure to explain why they were allowed to spread so widely.

The Mail can reveal that Channel3 Now, which claims to be based in the US but has paid for high-end privacy protections, started life 11 years ago as a Russian YouTube channel that posted videos of rally-driving in the snow in Izhevsk, a Russian city about 750 miles east of Moscow

Sir Richard Dearlove said people don't 'understand the danger that we are in' as he called for greater awareness of how online misinformation is 'a fundamental tactic' in Russia's conflict with the West

The allegations were leapt on by Russian state media and hard-Right activist Tommy Robinson (pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin)

Sir Keir Starmer warned large social media giants 'violent disorder clearly whipped up online is also a crime and it is happening on your premises'.

The rumours swirling online led to violent disorder in Southport and cities across the country, days after three little girls were stabbed and dozens more injured at a Taylor Swift dance class.

Seventeen-year-old Axel Rudakubana appeared in court yesterday charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.

False information about the defendant was spread online by Channel3 Now, which purports to be a US media site that shares its articles across various social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.

But Channel3 Now originally started 11 years ago as a Russian YouTube channel posting videos of rally racing in a city known as the 'Armory of Russia'.

The drivers named in the posts appear to have connections to the country's defence and IT industry, including a former KGB operative who has since served in Russia's State Duma.

Speaking to LBC radio, Sir Richard said the website appears to be 'one of the sources of this sort of activity out of Russia'.

A police van was set on fire near a mosque in Southport on Tuesday evening as riots broke out

A group of protesters, many with Union Jack and England flags, clash with police outside Downing Street on Wednesday

'We are in a state of grey warfare with Russia. We may not feel that we are, they certainly feel they are, and the information space to the Russians - the exploitation of that space - is a fundamental tactic in their conflict with the West,' he said.

'So if these bots have been used to stir up, through social media, a violent response, I'm not the slightest bit surprised.

'People don't seem to understand the extent of the Russia attitude to conflict and the way that every aspect of their relationship with us will be seen as a basis for attacking us.'

Sir Richard said the people responsible for spreading the lies have an 'open instruction to exploit opportunities as they identify them'.

'They're not going to get political clearance from Putin to do this,' he said.

'It's just part of the nature of the way that they're set up, and what they're told to do, and they have their instructions. They carry them out, and they're not going to act particularly with restraint.'

Adam Hadley, Executive Director of Tech Against Terrorism, said there was lots of 'suspicious activity' online in the hours leading up to the Southport riots, including accounts calling for people to congregate in the city only hours after being set up.

'We think of bullets and bombs, but we need to be thinking about tweets. We need to think about how online content plays into information warfare,' he said.
Leading members of the Cabinet have had housing targets slashed in their own constituencies, despite a Government push to build hundreds of thousands of new homes in the rest of the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told MPs this week that 'we must all play our part' in tackling the housing crisis, as she published new mandatory targets which will see housebuilding rise sevenfold in some areas.

Critics have warned that the targets, produced by a controversial computer algorithm, will lead to a public backlash in communities forced to take many more homes than they can cope with.

But analysis of the new figures reveals that many leading members of the Cabinet will have housing targets cut in their own constituencies.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told MPs this week that 'we must all play our part' in tackling the housing crisis, as she published new mandatory targets which will see housebuilding rise sevenfold in some areas

Leading members of the Cabinet have had housing targets slashed in their own constituencies, despite a Government push to build hundreds of thousands of new homes in the rest of the country

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BRISTOL: Where Treasury chief secretary Darren Jones is an MP, the target has been trimmed from 3,378 to 3,057

In Camden, where Sir Keir Starmer is an MP, the annual target for new homes has been trimmed from 2,842 to 2,715.

In Redbridge, where health secretary Wes Streeting is an MP, the required number of homes has been slashed by more than a third from 3,682 a year to just 2,270.

Foreign secretary David Lammy will also see a sharp fall, with the annual target for new homes cut by a fifth from 3,431 to 2,716.

Outside London, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall will see the target cut for Leicester slashed from 2.435 per year to just 1,690.

In Sheffield, where transport secretary Louise Haigh is an MP, the annual requirement has been cut from 3,036 to 2,667.

In Bristol, where Treasury chief secretary Darren Jones is an MP, the target has been trimmed from 3,378 to 3,057.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook will see one of the biggest reductions in the country, with the target for new homes in Greenwich falling from 4,077 to 2,396 - a reduction of more than 40 per cent.

CAMDEN: Where Sir Keir Starmer is an MP, the annual target for new homes has been trimmed from 2,842 to 2,715

In Redbridge, where health secretary Wes Streeting is an MP, the required number of homes has been slashed by more than a third from 3,682 a year to just 2,270

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Foreign secretary David Lammy will also see a sharp fall, with the annual target for new homes cut by a fifth from 3,431 to 2,716

While some Cabinet ministers, such as Chancellor Rachel Reeves and education secretary Bridget Philipson, will see housing targets rise, the overall outcome for the Cabinet differs sharply from that of the shadow cabinet, where senior Tories face having to absorb huge numbers of additional new homes in their constituencies.

In North Yorkshire, where Rishi Sunak is an MP, the previous target to build 1,361 homes a year has been trebled to 4,232.

In shadow home secretary James Cleverly's constituency in Braintree, Essex, the annual target has jumped by a quarter from 813 homes a year to 1,098.

In Waverley, in Surrey, where Jeremy Hunt is MP, the annual requirement has almost doubled from 710 to 1,374.

Shadow education secretary Damian Hinds see a similar rise in his East Hampshire constituency, where the annual target jumps from 575 to 1,074.

Ms Rayner admitted the changes were 'not without controversy' and acknowledged the algorithm meant that some areas would 'get a surprising target'. But she said 'no method is perfect'.

Overall, targets for Tory-run councils increased by an average of 43.3 per cent, while those for Labour authorities went up by an average 7.2 per cent.

Government sources denied that the new housing allocations were deliberately targeted at Tory areas, saying the algorithm was based on factors like demographics and affordability.

WAVERLEY: In Waverley, in Surrey, where Jeremy Hunt is MP, the annual requirement has almost doubled from 710 to 1,374

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves and education secretary Bridget Philipson, will see housing targets rise

In shadow home secretary James Cleverly's constituency in Braintree, Essex, the annual target has jumped by a quarter from 813 homes a year to 1,098

But critics said much of the distortion was due to a decision by ministers to scrap an 'urban uplift' imposed by the last government in a bid to ensure more homes were built on brownfield land and in big cities where demand is highest.

In London, where many senior Labour ministers are based, this has led to a reprieve for Labour mayor Sadiq Khan, who never came close to hitting the previous target to build almost 100,000 new homes a year in the capital. This has now been slashed by 20 per cent to 80,000, although this is still double the current building rate of 38,000 a year.

Ms Rayner's department last night acknowledged that housing delivery under Mr Khan had 'fallen well short of what is needed' but said the new target had to be 'credible'.

Mr Cleverly accused Ms Rayner of a politically motivated cop out, saying: 'We need to build more homes in urban areas like London, massively increasing densification. Labour would rather concrete over the greenbelt than make Sadiq Khan do his job.'

Sam Richards, chief executive of pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade, said it was 'a mistake' to slash London's housing target.

'London has Britain's most acute housing shortage, and cities across the world show that 100,000 homes per year can be done,' he said.

But Ms Rayner described the previous London housing target as 'arbitrary' and 'complete nonsense'.

She told MPs: 'The target we're now setting for London - roughly 80,000 - is still a huge ask but I know it's one that the mayor is determined to rise to.'
Tucked away in an unassuming corner of Tahoe, California, sits a culinary gem that was once happy to remain a little-known secret while quietly making waves in the foodie community.

But Smoke Door, an unassuming Japanese restaurant, has quickly captured the hearts (and palates) of America's elite, earning it a coveted spot among the nation's top eateries.

Chef Tyler Burges, 36, a San Diego native with deep roots in Japanese culinary traditions, is the driving force behind Smoke Door. After honing his skills in Michelin-starred San Francisco kitchens, Burges went to study in Japan where he immersed himself in traditional cooking techniques.

His innovative approach to cooking, combining classic and contemporary methods, involves harnessing the power of embers to infuse dishes with a unique smoky flavor profile.

This ancient technique, combined with the fresh, highest-quality ingredients, elevates the simplest meals. Smoke Door's commitment to sustainability is also evident, with a strong emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients.

Tucked away in an unassuming corner of Tahoe, California , sits a culinary gem that was once happy to remain a little-known secret while quietly making waves in the foodie community.

Smoke Door, an unassuming Japanese restaurant, has quickly captured the hearts (and palates) of America's elite, earning it a coveted spot among the nation's top eateries

Burges told SFGATE he always wanted to open a destination restaurant where visitors would go out of their way to eat at.

While cities like San Francisco, Portland and Seattle have had a demand for fine-dining experiences, Burges 'wanted to make something different there, that was out of the ordinary, kind of special...the spot you go to on your vacation, like, the one spot.'

Having had an affinity for Tahoe, Burges did not hesitate when he and his business partner Ryu Amemiya were presented with an opportunity to open their second US location in the long vacated Crystal Bay, an area Burges described as a 'diamond in the rough.'

Rather than utilizing in-your-face marketing tactics to make it known that Smoke Door had opened a new location, Burges allowed the food to speak for itself.

In fact, the restaurant wanted to purposefully remain hidden at first, maitre d' Ria Kimper told the Tahoe Daily Tribune, six months after Smoke door first opened.

Simply put: 'If you do quality food, if you do good things, then good things will come. I don't think you need a big sign in front of the door,' Burges told SFGATE.

Chef Tyler Burges, 36, a San Diego native with deep roots in Japanese culinary traditions, is the driving force behind Smoke Door. After honing his skills in Michelin-starred San Francisco kitchens, Burges went to study in Japan where he immersed himself in traditional cooking techniques (Pictured: first dish of 10 course meal - the gold osetra caviar)

The restaurant's minimalist aesthetic mirrors the chef's philosophy  a focus on the dish.

The restaurant's minimalist aesthetic mirrors the chef's philosophy  a focus on the dish.

An intimate dining room, which seats 30 guests, and attentive service creates a sense of exclusivity that is both inviting and sophisticated.

The tasting menu is a carefully curated progression of flavors, showcasing the chef's mastery of technique and his deep respect for seasonal ingredients.

Tahoe Editor Julie Brown Davis from SFGATE and her husband decided to try the 10 course tasting menu. The inaugural course was golden osetra caviar, paired with creamy tofu, a refreshing leek gelee, and complex seaweed oil.

The second course, avocado toast, an otherwise unassuming and basic menu item, was elevated by the intentional assortment of herbs and its crisp base - an unexpected highlight.

Burges's innovative approach to cooking, combining classic and contemporary methods, involves harnessing the power of embers to infuse dishes with a unique smoky flavor profile (Pictured: Porkbelly)

Pictured: Toyosu Fish, paired with a watermelon radish and light plum broth - making a simple dish provide a symphony of flavors by harnessing the right ingredients

The third round, simply named Toyosu Fish, was paired with a watermelon radish and light plum broth - once again making a simple dish provide a symphony of flavors by harnessing the right ingredients.

And that's not even the halfway point - you'll have to find out the rest for yourself.

While Smoke Door has garnered critical acclaim, it remains a hidden gem, accessible only to those in the know.

Reservations are highly sought after, and the restaurant's low profile adds to its mystique.
Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards groomed a cash-strapped young man and paid him 2,000 for sexual photos - before raging when he only received a topless selfie.

The 62-year-old paedophile initially tried to impress the young man with photos from the News at Ten Studio before then sending him selfies from outside Windsor Castle as he fronted the BBC's coverage of Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018.

Edwards pestered the starstruck fan, then 21, for nude selfies and lashed out at him when he didn't get what he wanted.

After seeing Edwards plead guilty to making indecent images of children, the man told The Sun: 'It's disgusting.

'It was clear he was always trying to groom me and trying to use his position and money for his own perverse gratification.

'But to now know I was being targeted by a paedophile who got off on pictures of children makes me feel sick.'

PayPal receipts show that the broadcaster paid 5000 a photo to the fan. After receiving one topless picture, Edwards said: 'F***. That's one of your best. You look so good.'

Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards (pictured) groomed a cash-strapped young man and paid him 2,000 for sexual photos

Edwards leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children

But not settling for this, he demanded a photo of the fan 'totally naked head to toe'.

When the 21-year-old asked 'What's in it for me?', Edwards paid him another 2,000.

When the male only sent a topless selfie, Edwards ranted on WhatsApp: 'F*** that. F*** that.

'Really not impressed by you. I believed you were serious. But you're not. You chase me for cash. But you then 'forget' to deliver. F*** that.'

Edwards first followed the man on social media before messaging him for WhatsApp details in 2017.

He sent him a selfie from the BBC studio, before writing: 'Your turn. Pic.'

The pair spoke for a number of weeks before Edwards asked for sexual photos, saying: 'I will reward you.'

He also messaged asking if the fan was 'likely to be down before Xmas', in what appeared to be an attempt to meet up with him.

Edwards is pictured in a court sketch after pleading guilty to having 41 child images on WhatsApp

The Sun newspaper has also revealed how Edwards tried to lure a colleague to his BBC-funded hotel room on the day of Prince Phillip's funeral, which took place during Covid when the Queen was forced to grieve alone.

Meanwhile, a schoolboy revealed how he had a 'lucky escape' after Edwards messaged him 'out of the blue' on Instagram and sent heart emojis and kisses.

It comes after BBC boss Tim Davie on Thursday admitted that he knew Edwards had been arrested over the most serious category of child porn images - yet continued to pay the paedophile presenter more than 200,000 until he resigned.

In a bombshell interview with BBC News, the director general said: 'We knew it was serious, we knew no specifics, apart from the category of the potential offences.'

BBC bosses, who were told about Edwards' arrest in November but kept paying him for another five months, say they were not aware of the ages of the children in the images.

Edwards received seven category 'A' images of the very worst kind on his phone after being sent them on WhatsApp by paedophile Alex Williams

Alex Williams (pictured) was snared by Welsh police - who later discovered he had sent Edwards a series of indecent images of children

Britain's most famous newsreader pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to receiving 41 indecent images of children, two of which showed a child aged between about seven and nine.

The 62-year-old received the pictures on WhatsApp from convicted paedophile, Alex Williams, between December 2020 and August 2021.

Seven of them were category A images - the most serious classification - while 12 were category B and 22 were category C.

Category A images show serious abuse including penetrative sexual activity, while Category B images involve non-penetrative sexual activity. Category C images do not depict any sexual activity.

Mr Davie tonight confirmed the BBC did know the severity of the alleged offences, but claimed the police had not told them the full details.

When the ex-anchorman's charges were made public this week, Mr Davie said: 'We were very shocked. No one knew about the specifics of what we heard over the last few days, which have been deeply disturbing.'

Edwards resigned from the BBC in April 'on the basis of medical advice from his doctors' after unrelated allegations that he paid a young person for sexually explicit photos.

Police found no evidence of criminal behaviour in relation to this matter.

Edwards will next appear in court on September 16.

MailOnline has contacted Edwards' representatives for comment.
A Jewish man who was denied service at Officeworks by a 'pro-Palestine' employee has slammed her as 'blatantly antisemitic' and wants to see her sacked.

The customer, who was wearing a yarmulke at the time of the incident, took an article from the Australian Jewish News newspaper to an Officeworks store at Elsternwick, in Melbourne's east, on March 4.

The piece was titled, 'The indomitable spirit of our people', and featured a photo of a group holding Australian and Israeli flags.

After seeing the newspaper, the Officeworks manager refused to serve the Jewish man, stating: 'I'm pro-Palestine.'

The confrontation ended with the employee threatening to call police if the Jewish man did not leave the store.

The Jewish man wrote a letter to Officeworks shortly after the confrontation.

He was offered a $100 gift card and promised the company would investigate the issue.

He has since lodged a complaint against Officeworks with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and is suing under the Equal Opportunities Act for racial and religious discrimination.

An Officeworks manager refused to serve a Jewish man in March because he wanted to laminate an article mentioning Israel and she was 'pro-Palestine'

The man described feeling 'vilified' by the manager, and said he was a 'target for antisemitism'.

Furthering his hurt is Officeworks' perceived lack of action over the incident.

Officeworks has since apologised but did not fire the manager.

Instead, she received 'education and training', including a visit to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum.

'The anti-Semitic employee is still currently employed, which would make it seem that Officeworks condones her behaviour,' he told Sky News on Thursday.

'It seems as though you can be blatantly antisemitic and still keep your job.

'I cannot understand how that would not meet the criteria for an immediate dismissal from her role.'

Officeworks Managing Director Sarah Hunter justified the company's decision to not fire the worker.

'At the time, we concluded the incident was linked to ignorance, not malice,' she said in a statement.

'Disciplinary measures were implemented with the team member including a final warning, additional training and relocation to a different store.

Ms Hunter said the worker had learnt from her mistake, describing the effect of the incident as 'profound' and 'their remorse deep and genuine'.

'Again, I express my disappointment and deep regret that the incident occurred, as it does not reflect our ways of working and our values,' she said.

'We apologised to the customer at the time, and I take this opportunity to repeat our apology to him, and extend it to the broader community for the hurt and upset it has caused.

'We will continue to work closely with our team to promote awareness, tolerance and compassion while reiterating our expectation that the highest standards of conduct must be maintained.'
Police have released images of seven people they want to identify after protesters threw objects and shouted racist abuse at a demonstration outside a hotel housing migrants in Aldershot.

Hampshire Police said a minority of the 200 people who gathered outside the Potters International Hotel became involved in the disruption on Wednesday evening.

It comes as violent protests have erupted across the country in locations such as Hartlepool and London in relation to the Southport stabbing rampage that saw three little girls killed on Monday.

Appealing for witnesses, a spokesman said: 'Investigations are under way today to take action against those who sparked disruption in Aldershot last night.

'A protest took place outside the Potters International Hotel and as with previous protests at this site, the majority of attendees gathered in a peaceful manner.

'Unfortunately, at around 6.45pm, a minority of the 200 people present got involved in criminal activity, throwing objects and subjecting people to racial abuse.

'Our officers were swiftly on scene and were able to disperse the group quickly.

One of the men who Hampshire police are searching for

Another of the men who police are searching for after chaos erupted at the demonstration

One of the men that Hampshire police are searching for

Hampshire Police said a minority of the 200 people who gathered outside the Potters International Hotel (pictured) became involved in the disruption on Wednesday evening

'Sadly, one of our officers suffered a minor injury as a result of the disruption.

'We have immediately instigated a thorough investigation to identify those responsible, which includes reviewing evidence from our officers' body-worn cameras, footage captured by our colleagues at National Police Air Service and CCTV cameras in the local area.

'This is taking place alongside our inquiries with witnesses at the scene and engagement within the local community.'

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said: 'The swift and decisive actions of our officers last night saw this incident brought under control, preventing further harm to the community in Aldershot.

'Our role is to protect people's lawful right to protest, while also preventing serious disorder and disruption to the local community and this is what happened last night.

'It is totally unacceptable to turn that lawful right into criminal acts including incidents of criminal damage, racial abuse and intimidation. This will not be tolerated in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

'Our specialist teams are working hard to identify anyone who has committed a criminal offence and we will take swift and robust action against those people.

'As ever, we continue to speak to our communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to ensure we have our teams where they need to be and we are constantly reviewing our patrol plans to reassure residents.

One of the men who police are looking for after the demonstration erupted into chaos

Hampshire Police said a minority of the 200 people who gathered outside the Potters International Hotel became involved in the disruption on Wednesday evening. Pictured is one of the people who police are looking for

Appealing for witnesses, a spokesman said: 'Investigations are under way today to take action against those who sparked disruption in Aldershot last night.' Pictured is one of those who police are looking for

Pictured is one of the people who police are looking for

'Everyone has the right to free speech and peaceful protest. However, officers will take a robust stance against those whose behaviour falls below the standard we expect and who choose to act outside of the law.'

Alex Baker, Labour MP for Aldershot, said the situation had been 'exacerbated' by people from outside the community.

In a statement posted on X, she wrote: 'I have been liaising with Hampshire Police this evening regarding a significant incident at Potter's International Hotel in Aldershot, where a peaceful protest descended into intimidating behaviour.

'I have visited the scene myself this evening and have been in close touch with the Chief Inspector.

'This incident was exacerbated by people from outside our community who came here determined to cause unrest.

'I would like to pay tribute to the brave police officers who worked hard to restore order.

'There is no justification for disorderly behaviour and these scenes do not represent Aldershot and Farnborough.

'We all support our shared right to peacefully protest, but we will not stand for people coming to our towns determined to stir up trouble and divide our community.'

It comes as families in Hartlepool revealed how they were too terrified to leave their homes as rioters wreaked terror on the streets following the Southport knife attack.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting 44240326041.
Israel is braced for an Iranian assault on five fronts at any moment in revenge for the assassination of a Hamas boss on its soil.

Tehran is shaken after it emerged the terror chief was killed by a bomb smuggled into the regimes official guest house in the capital months ago.

Supreme leader Ali Khamenei has instructed the Islamic republics Supreme National Security Council to launch a direct attack on Israel.

Yesterday the bosses of Iranian terror proxies in Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq and Syria were summoned to Tehran to co-ordinate a joint response.

An Israeli official said last night: We are preparing for an attack on five fronts at any moment.

The top political leader of Hamas was assassinated Tuesday in a stunning strike in Iran

Hours from death: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meets with Ismail Haniyeh (L) before Israel's lethal strike on the Hamas leader in Tehran, Iran July 30, 2024

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has instructed the Islamic republics Supreme National Security Council to launch a direct attack on Israel

Major general Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Irans armed forces, yesterday warned the response of the resistance axis is under review.

He said: This will definitely be executed. We will take various measures, and the Zionists will undoubtedly come to regret their actions.

It is feared the response could eclipse Irans blistering attack in April where hundreds of ballistic missiles, drones and cruise missiles came terrifyingly close to overwhelming Israels defences.

That assault saw RAF fighter jets in Cyprus defending Israeli skies, but defence sources said last night that British bases are not on a higher readiness and no extra planes have been deployed.

Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in his sleep at 2am on Wednesday after visiting Tehran for the presidential inauguration.

Iranians gather for the funeral ceremony of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel, Wednesday, at Enqelab-e-Eslami

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Ismail Haniyeh, the Doha-based political bureau chief of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, speaks to the press after a meeting with the Iranian foreign minister in Tehran on March 26, 2024

Palestinian group Hamas' top leader Ismail Haniyeh attends Iran's new President, Masoud Pezeshkian's swearing-in ceremony at the parliament in Tehran

Israel's Defense Forces seized the chance to hit Haniyeh and conducted a daring missile strike on his residence in Tehran just hours after the event, killing the Hamas leader and a security guard

He was staying in a regime guest house and was protected by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards in part of the Neshat compound in the north of the city.

A bomb had been smuggled inside two months earlier, top Middle East officials told the New York Times. It was detonated remotely once it was confirmed he was inside his room. The huge blast also killed his bodyguard.

While Israel has not claimed responsibility it is the fourth high-profile Hamas leader assassinated since October 7 and it is said to be ticking off a kill list.

Just 12 hours before Haniyehs death, Israel killed Fuad Shukr, the military leader of Hezbollah, another Iranian proxy in Lebanon.

Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah secretary general, last night vowed revenge, saying Israel had crossed a red line.

The assassination on Haniyeh in Tehran came hours after Israel also targeted a senior Hezbollah official in Beirut

A man watches the news on a tv after Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting his residence in the Iranian capital Tehran, Iran on July 31, 2024

He said: There is no discussion on this point. The only things lying between us and you are the days, the nights and the battlefield.

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for any aggression. It came as huge crowds waving Palestinian flags filled the streets of Tehran yesterday for the funeral of Haniyeh.

Meanwhile, 70,000 Israelis dashed to Tel Aviv airport to try to get out as tensions build in the country. I

sraels National Security Council is warning travellers to exercise extra caution abroad over fears Jewish institutions may be targeted by Iran-allied militants.
Only one-in-three Australians visits the dentist regularly as costs keep them away, while the dental association calls on the federal government to expand subsidies.

Two-in-three Australians are only visiting the dentist when they have a problem as cost of living pressures continue to bite, amid calls for dental subsidies to be expanded.

In an oral health survey of 25,000 people, 61 per cent delayed oral treatment in the past 12 months, with affordability accounting for 63 per cent of the reason.

It marks a 17 per cent increase in people delaying regular check ups in the past 13 years, while the issue of costs increased by 12 per cent compared with 2022.

One-in-three people has suffered tooth and gum pain, face swelling or infection in the past year, with those issues more prevalent in older groups.

The Australian Dental Association is calling for government subsidies to be expanded to senior Australians.

People would be less likely to face complex and expensive dental treatments down the track if they saw their dentist regularly, association president Scott Davis said.

'Government-funded schemes for our most vulnerable populations would go a long way to making this a reality for millions of Aussies for whom at the moment a dental visit isn't a financial reality,' he said.

Only one-in-three Australians visits the dentist regularly as costs keep them away, while the dental association calls on the federal government to expand subsidies (stock image)

The survey figures show only seven per cent of people have visited the dentist in the past six months, while 10 per cent visited in the past six-to-12 months.

Almost half had their problems treated, but about one in four did not due to cost barriers around treatments.

'The current system of government assistance for them is ailing - eligible people wait years on public dental waiting lists just to have their first appointment, often enduring years of pain,' Dr Davis said.

'There are hundreds of thousands of Aussies suffering this way.'

The dental association wants the health minister to introduce a seniors scheme in Medicare which, according to the Parliamentary Budget Office, would cost $15.7billion over a decade.

'This is cheap compared to trying to deliver dentistry to every Australian at a cost of around five times that at $77billion a decade, according to Treasury costings.'

Children are already offered subsidised dental treatments under the Dental Benefits Act with the structures in place to extend this to seniors, Indigenous people, those on low incomes and people with a disability.
A landlord was hit with a fake lawsuit filed by a man filmed feigning injury from a fall on a stretch of sidewalk outside his building.

The unnamed building owner on Thursday produced surveillance footage of the suspected slip-and-fall in the Bronx, which appeared to be not so serious.

It shows two men pull up on a scooter and destroy the part of the sidewalk in question, before another man strolls by and undergoes a spectacle of a spill.

He drags his back foot and falls at the same exact spot the two men destroyed, and is now suing the building owner claiming he injured his back and knees.

He also said he suffered psychological injuries from the fall and that he couldn't work as a result. The supposed victim was not identified.

Scroll down for video:

A landlord says he was hit with a fake lawsuit from a man supposedly injured from a fall on a stretch of sidewalk outside his building. The fall in question, seen here outside an unspecified building in the Bronx

'It's 100 percent fraud,' Attorney Marc Sloane told ABC 7 Thursday, as the New York station's On Your Side honed in on this and other potentially fake accident claims.

'You know outright this doesn't make any sense,' another building owner, this one in Brooklyn, said as the station's investigation team looked into another suspected scam.

'I feel this is, like, some kind of setup that goes on beyond our control,' he said, as footage of that fall showed another man crumpling to the floor in a questionable display.

As he suggested, New York is a hive for similar slip-and-fall claims, with these two serving as some of the most recent, dubious examples.

In fiscal year 2023, the five boroughs spent some $53.5 million to battle them back, local comptroller statistics show - with the one in Brooklyn in particular recently coming to question.

'It's not legitimate,' Sloane sniped while sitting down with the local outlet. 'It's fraud.'

'What are the coincidences that a person - two people whatever - just pulls up, gets off a bike, and just starts breaking up a sidewalk, and then 'X' amount of hours later somebody just happens to trip and fall over a defect that didn't exist prior?'

To that, he called BS.

Another building owner, this one in Brooklyn, said this man also faked a slip and fall outside his property. Footage suggests the fall was not serious and likely fake

Shortly after, investigators with On Your Side reached out to the law firm representing the suspected fraudster, but did not receive an answer.

However, hard on the heels of this, the firm filed a notice with the Bronx Supreme Court that revealed they were in the process of withdrawing from the suit themselves.

The reason? Because they, too, suspected the man was full of it, ABC 7 found.

The station proceeded to review court documents surrounding the case that cast more doubt, finding that the two men caught on camera seemingly creating the crack were part of the legal team of the man who fell.

They discovered this by analyzing footage of the pair taking measurements and pictures of the crack after tearing up the sidewalk.

They did so by discerning that the photos submitted to the court from the man's legal team were identical to the ones the two men would have shot, the station said.

Meanwhile, the landlord in Brooklyn, whom Sloane is representing, said he is still getting bills from his property insurance charging him a $10,000 deductible to investigate the obviously phony claim.

New York is a hive for similar slip-and-fall claims, with these two serving as some of the most recent, dubious examples. Another questionable case is seen here

'Doesn't have anything to do if the claim is legit or if it's not,' he explained as he too looks to disprove the claim with surveillance footage showing the man falling out of nowhere.

'The deductible you have to pay regardless.'

Meanwhile, New York remains the top city in the US for questionable slip and fall claims, causing premiums to rise for building owners who then pass the buck to tenants in the form of higher rent.

'It's going down to the tenant, the homeowner,' Mark Browne, Chair of the Faculty at the Greenberg School of Risk Management and Insurance at St. John's University told ABC of how the scams are slowly affecting consumers and their cost of living.

'It's robbing from other people. It's fraudulent, it's criminal, it's wrong.'
As criticism of the BBC's handling of the Huw Edwards paedophile scandal rages on, you might think that executives would seek to combat widespread allegations of a cover-up by adopting a new spirit of openness.

There were no signs of this yesterday. A BBC spokesman stuck to the line that they will continue to protect the disgraced news anchor's 'right to privacy' even though he resigned from the corporation in April and even though he has now pleaded guilty to receiving 41 indecent images of children, including two sexual videos of a boy under nine.

On the day Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was 'shocked and appalled' by Edwards's offences, BBC sources said they would never reveal the findings and recommendations of an internal investigation into Edwards while he was the News At Ten anchor on 475,000 a year.

They won't even confirm that the probe is complete, or say whether Edwards cooperated to the extent of giving an interview.

Huw Edwards and wife in December 2018. The BBC won't even confirm that the probe is complete, or say whether Edwards cooperated to the extent of giving an interview

A BBC spokesman stuck to the line that they will continue to protect the disgraced news anchor's (pictured) 'right to privacy'

The broadcaster, 62, announced that the Queen had died in September 2022

Nor will they disclose the allegations made against him, which involved the flirtatious pursuit of younger male colleagues.

One of these  until recently a junior BBC producer  yesterday spoke out about the BBC's apparent cover-up of Edwards's activity.

The man said Edwards had sent him a message starting 'Hello beauty' and invited him to share his hotel room in Windsor before the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh.

More messages followed as a persistent Edwards pressured the much younger man to meet in private.

Former Sky anchor Adam Boulton, once a friend of Edwards, said the BBC should now release details of its investigation into him. 'It behoves the BBC to make it clear what they found out about what went on here,' he said, adding: 'It's in the BBC's interests to allay concerns among junior staff that they might be overruled in relation to stars. It does seem there was an institutional urge not to make a fuss about it.

'One can understand from the point of view of [the story's] prominence, but I don't think any commercial organisation would have felt reputationally it could afford to try to brush it under the carpet.'

Despite the clamour for transparency, a BBC spokesman said of the investigation: 'We won't comment on individuals or internal matters for reasons of privacy.'

Huw Edwards is yet another BBC star to be disgraced after he admitted three counts of making indecent pictures of children between 2020 and 2022 (pictured outside Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday)

Huw Edwards was last seen on the screen on July 5 last year when he covered King Charles' visit to Scotland (pictured). Nine months on he has left the BBC on health grounds

The Welsh newsreader, 62, was allegedly spoken to about his behaviour by BBC bosses on two separate occasions in 2021 and 2022. Pictured: BBC Broadcasting House, in central London

This echoes what BBC acting chair Dame Elan Closs Stephens told the Mail last September: 'The investigation is ongoing. I am not sure what we will publish when, or when we will publish. As you know Huw has a right to privacy which we take seriously and there has to be due process.

'We need to speak to him and that has to take its turn. It will happen when he is ready and with regard to any mental health issues which he may or may not have. So it is not yet done.'

BBC director general Tim Davie confirmed on the BBC's 6pm News last night that he would not be lifting the veil of secrecy over the investigation. He said the corporation was not 'sitting on anything that I think we need to share with the police, or is of a serious nature that would make me feel that we hadn't followed up properly'.

He added: 'I can categorically say when it comes to the offences we've seen, which are truly horrendous, any evidence that is out there is not in the hands of the BBC. If I saw evidence of that, that is not a complicated decision [to hand it over].'

There is widespread anger among former colleagues over this stance. They see the 'behind closed doors investigation' as a betrayal of the rank and file of the BBC newsroom by a handful of highly paid bosses who were friends with Edwards.

Edwards on Wednesday pleaded guilty to receiving 41 indecent images of children, which included two sexual videos of a boy under nine

Huw Edwards (pictured) messaged 'lads in the newsroom for drinks' for years, a BBC insider has claimed

They are also appalled at how Edwards betrayed the BBC by playing 'the mental health card' while instructing lawyers at Harbottle to send aggressive legal letters to media outlets citing his privacy rights.

The effect was to cover up his wrongdoing. Last April, this newspaper asked Edwards's lawyers if he had been arrested and was told that he had not. In a Kafkaesque twist, they claimed Edwards had a right to privacy which would make it impossible to report on his arrest even if it had happened.

'Huw gamed the system  and he's still doing it,' a source said. 'He has been using the huge money given to him by the BBC to build a legal wall around himself.'

Yesterday, a former colleague alleged that Edwards, married with five children and apparently the soul of respectability, used a 'burner' phone, one with prepaid minutes which the user can dispose of at will as they are free of any contract.

One said: 'I am told that his phone and [computer] devices did not belong to the BBC, they were his.'

All these devices had been wiped clean by the time Scotland Yard examined them last November.

They were able to bring a case against Edwards only because the phone belonging to Alex Williams, given a suspended sentence earlier this year for possessing and distributing indecent images, showed that he had sent the TV presenter 377 images, 41 of which were indecent.

As Edwards's barrister Philip Evans KC said in court: 'It is important to remember  for context that, as you would expect, the devices were seized and searched and there's nothing on those devices. He didn't keep any images.'

Senior figures who used to work at the BBC, including former royal correspondents Jennie Bond and Nicholas Witchell, waded in following his bombshell admissions in court on Wednesday.

A young BBC worker claims that Huw Edwards invited him to stay in his hotel suite on the eve of presenting coverage of Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021 (pictured)

Senior figures who used to work at the BBC, including former royal correspondents Jennie Bond (above) and Nicholas Witchell, waded in following his bombshell admissions in court on Wednesday

B BC sources say  in further evidence of a cosy closed club for top talent and bosses  new BBC chairman Samir Shah knew Edwards well and has been friends for many years with Vicky Flind, Edwards's TV producer wife. She worked on a current affairs show, This Week, for Shah's production company, Juniper.

Ms Flind is believed to be divorcing Edwards. This was common knowledge among friends of the pair in Dulwich as long ago as May but it was only made public when court papers revealed that Edwards had given a different London address to that of his former marital home.

Ms Flind, a former governor of the private James Allen's Girls' school, is well-respected locally and people hope she stays in the area.

Neither the BBC's lawyers nor Edwards's will comment, but corporation sources say there has been scant contact between Edwards and the BBC over the 11 months since the crisis began  when The Sun reported that a BBC presenter had paid a young male 35,000 for sexually explicit material. Other BBC presenters were wrongly identified and eventually Ms Flind came forward to say that the person in question was her husband, saying he was receiving 'in-patient hospital care... for the foreseeable future.' She hired crisis comms expert and former News Of The World editor Andy Coulson.

A mocked up version of a reported Instagram message exchange between the BBC star and a teenager

Edwards, pictured with his mother, has been off air since last July after he was accused of paying a young person for sexually explicit images

It's not known if Coulson is still working with her  he did not respond to messages this week.Last summer, Edwards told friends he was 'keen to clear his name' and 'wanted his job back.' Then he went silent.

We now know he was arrested over the abusive images  entirely separate to The Sun's story  in November. He then quit, with the BBC saying he had resigned on advice from his doctors.

Yesterday, the BBC confirmed it was told of his arrest by the police, not by Edwards or his lawyers.

The corporation says it did not know the seriousness of the allegations and in a statement on Wednesday signed by director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness, expressed profound shock. But in his eventual media appearance Tim Davie did not answer the most basic question: did the BBC even ask if he was guilty  and did he respond?

The question of who knew what when and who took the decision to keep paying him has also attracted criticism. (The anchor was paid almost 200,000 between November and April.)

Former executive Roger Bolton said: 'We now know the BBC executives were told in confidence that Huw Edwards had been arrested. The big question is, why did they continue to pay him so much?'

Jennie Bond told broadcaster Jeremy Vine on Thursday: 'Frankly, if Huw has any dignity left then he would hand some of the money back, certainly the 200 grand he has made since his arrest. I think it would be gracious of him to do that.'

She added: 'We need to remember the BBC as a whole is being tarnished and reputationally this is very very damaging of course. But the news division is quite rightly and thankfully quite separate from the corporation itself.

'It's quite a hard division for people to make but we in the news have, without fear or favour, questioned the bosses at the BBC and that is entirely right. In the newsroom themselves they were kept in the dark right until this week, which is extraordinary.'

Clips featuring Huw Edwards continue to be available on BBC iPlayer, including his announcement of the death of HM the Queen.

They serve as a salutory reminder of how far and how fast the once much-loved household name has fallen.
Four police officers were rushed to hospital after their cars collided during a search for a stolen vehicle.

The Queensland Police officers were searching a stolen car carrying three people in Goodna, west Brisbane, when a marked police car performed a U-turn at about 9.25pm on Thursday.

The second police vehicle, an unmarked Kia Sorento, then collided with the driver's side of the Toyota, causing extensive damage.

The collision caused extensive damage to the unmarked car, and both vehicles had to be towed from the scene.

All four officers were taken to the Mater Private Hospital and treated for minor injuries.

The whereabouts of the stolen vehicle remain unknown.
A Louisiana mayor who abruptly resigned from her elected seat has now been charged with the rape of a juvenile while in office.

Misty Roberts Clanton, the former mayor of DeRidder, announced her resignation last week and was arrested on Thursday on allegations she had sex with a minor.

Louisiana State Police said that Clanton, 42, allegedly had 'sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as Mayor'.

The police department's Special Victim's Unit said investigators spoke with two juveniles who confirmed Clanton allegedly had sex with one of them, cops said.

On Thursday, Clanton turned herself in and was booked at the Beauregard Parish Detention Center on charges of third-degree rape.

Misty Roberts Clanton, former Mayor of DeRidder, announced her resignation last week and was arrested on Thursday on accusations of sex with a minor

Louisiana State Police said in a news release on Thursday that Clanton, 42, had 'sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as Mayor'

About an hour later, she was released on a $75,000 bond, with her attorney Adam Johnson proclaiming her innocence.

He said: 'It is my honor to represent Misty Roberts. My client learned late last night of a warrant, despite not being contacted to be interviewed prior to investigators obtaining the warrant.

'My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent. She has not been charged with a crime and/or convicted of any crime.

'And we trust the public will respect her constitutional presumption of innocence which is fundamental to our system of justice.

'Misty and her family are very grateful for the support they have received from their friends and neighbors and we look forward to putting this unfortunate situation behind them.'

Just last week, Clanton said she would be away from the office for two weeks and appointed an interim mayor on Friday, before resigning the next day.

Just last week, Clanton said she would be away from the office for two weeks and appointed a mayor on Friday, before resigning the next day

Clanton was in the middle of he second term as the municipality's mayor, winning reelection with sixty percent of the vote in 2022

In her resignation letter, she said: 'For nearly 15 years, my love and passion for DeRidder has been my foundation while serving as Mayor.

'I will forever be proud of what we have been able to accomplish - together. This role has rewarded me with many great relationships.

'I am humbled to have witnessed the hard work that took a community to come together and overcome through unprecedented times. However, I must adjust my focus and priorities.

'Please accept this letter as my formal resignation, effective today.

'To the residents of this city: Thank you for your trust, love and support in me to lead our city into our future of greatness. My love for DeRidder will never waiver.'

Clanton was in the middle of he second term as the municipality's mayor, winning reelection with sixty percent of the vote in 2022. Her marital status is unclear.
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - A Public health official who led the health ministry's battle against the coronavirus pandemic has been confirmed to the post five years afterwards
An RAAF pilot is being quizzed by detectives after his wife was reportedly killed in a 'suspicious' late-night lawn mower accident - as it is revealed police were previously called to the home.

Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead on her rural property in Upper Lockyer, south-east Queensland, at 3.40am on Tuesday.

Queensland Police on Friday revealed her husband Robert Crawford, an Airforce Squadron Leader, called emergency services to report his wife had been injured by a lawnmower, with paramedics arriving to find her already dead.

Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said Sqn Ldr Crawford, who was the only other person at the property at the time, has been questioned by officers.

'He is assisting police with inquiries to determine what actually happened on that morning,' he said on Friday.

'Since that time, we've not been able to determine a cause in regards to what was discovered at the scene. We have been talking to him since [she] was discovered.'

Detective Superintendent Marchesini revealed that police had previously attended the property in July last year and there was 'some action that was taken'.

But he said there were no current domestic violence orders in place between the couple. Sqn Ldr Crawford has not been charged with any offence over the tragedy.

Robert Crawford (pictured) is assisting with police inquiries after his wife was found dead in suspicious circumstances

Ms Crawford was found dead on her Upper Lockyer property during the early hours of Tuesday

He said Ms Crawford was last seen alive on Monday afternoon and had attended work earlier that day.

Det Supt Marchesini said police are not 'looking for any other person' in regards to the investigation, but urged anyone who may have information to come forward as the investigation continues.

'There are a number of things that we need to better understand,' he said.

'If anyone has knowledge of the woman, or knowledge of the family and they have heard this information that is coming out this week, then we would want to hear from them in terms of what they know.

'This is a tragic incident.. Our hearts go out to the family, particularly the woman's three children, the community, her workplace, and also first responders that go to these types of jobs.'

Daily Mail Australia understands Crawford returned to Australia from an overseas deployment in late July and had been staying at the property for around a week before his wife's death.

Det Supt Marchesini said the circumstances leading up to Ms Crawford's death - such as her husband's work schedule - would form part of their investigation.

The update comes after police declared the death was being treated as suspicious on Thursday after spending the day scouring the home for evidence.

Throughout the day, 10 police cars - including several forensic units - were seen arriving at the remote property.

Ms Crawford, who grew up in the Toowoomba region, was a respected local psychologist, with the community left reeling in the wake of her death.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Thursday, her parents Joke and Ben Pilon said her husband was 'broken' by their daughter's death and the couple lived together 'happily'.

A lawn mower is pictured being towed away from the Crawford property on Tuesday

A police car is seen leaving the home on Thursday

Her devastated loved ones have paid tribute to the mother-of-three, with her brother, David Pilon, saying she had 'a loving heart'.

'She loved Jesus and it is a great comfort to her family and friends that she is now at peace in heaven,' he told the Toowoomba Chronicle.

Ms Crawford's family said that her gentle grace and compassionate nature will be missed by everyone.

'She cared deeply about the people around her and put their needs before her own,' the family

'While Frances was taken from her family far too soon, she touched the lives of so many people during her 49 years.'

Sqn Ldr Crawford is an RAAF cargo plane pilot and squadron leader - a senior role and the equivalent of a Major in the Army - who operates out of the Royal Australian Air Force base at Amberley, about 8km southwest of Ipswich.

Over the past two decades, the couple have lived around Australia - including in Sydney, Adelaide and in Queensland - as Sqn Ldr Crawford worked numerous roles within Australian Defence Force.

The investigation continues.
The 17-year-old boy accused of murdering three girls at a dance class in Southport is a 'quiet' choirboy who was 'unwilling to leave the house and communicate with family', a court has heard.

Axel Rudakubana has appeared in court accused of murdering the children at a Taylor-Swift themed event on Monday.

The teenager, who refused to speak at his court appearance in Liverpool, had been diagnosed with autism and was 'unwilling to leave the house' and talk to his family 'for a period of time', the court heard.

Neighbours claimed they could often hear the teen, from Cardiff, singing inside his family home in the village of Banks, according to the Mirror.

One local told the Liverpool Echo how they would often 'hear singing' from the 'quiet choirboy' at the terraced home where he lived with his parents and 20-year-old brother. 'It's a massive, massive shock,' the neighbour said.

Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC described his medical condition, saying: 'He has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. We understand he has been unwilling to leave the house and communicate with his family for a period of time.'

Rudakubana (pictured as a child) is charged with murdering three little girls and harming 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport with a 'curved kitchen knife'

Southport stabbing suspect Axel Rudakubana, now 17, pictured as a child, is charged with murdering three little girls and harming 10 others

Court artist drawing of Rudakubana covering his face as he appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court

Judge Andrew Menary condemned the 'idiotic rioting' which has broken out since the attack and said he named Rudakubana

Judge Andrew Menary condemned the 'idiotic rioting' which has broken out since the attack and said he named Rudakubana to fill the information vacuum exploited by 'others who are up to mischief'.

He said: 'The idiotic rioting going on at the moment is, in part, fed by the nonsense online that feeds on the vacuum.'

Judge Menary explained what he described as an 'exceptional' decision against imposing reporting restrictions sought by both prosecution and defence, which would have granted the defendant anonymity until he turns 18 next Wednesday.

He said he had to balance a risk to the defendant's family and initial risk to him while settling into custody with the public interest in accurately reporting his identity.

Granting the Daily Mail's request not to impose restrictions, he said: 'By continuing to prevent full reporting at this stage has the disadvantage of allowing others who are up to mischief to continue to spread misinformation in a vacuum and runs the risk that when the information becomes publicly available in six days' time, that will provide an additional excuse for a fresh round of public disorder.

'Allowing full reporting will undoubtedly remove some of the misreporting as to the identity of the defendant.'

The judge added: 'The defendant Axel Rudakubana appears before me having been sent to this court earlier this morning by the Youth Court in respect of multiple charges of murder and attempted murder.

'The alleged offending in his case is shocking and could hardly be more serious, involving as it does the killing and serious wounding of multiple victims, most of whom were young children, in an incident in Southport on Monday 29 July 2024.'

Bebe King, aged six, was also killed in the attack. A teenager is set to appear in court charged with three counts of murder

Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, was also fatally wounded in the attack which shocked the nation on Monday

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine, was one of three children killed by a knifeman at a Taylor-Swift themed dance class in Southport

He said delaying reporting of Rudakubana's name until next week could even 'provide an additional excuse for a fresh round of public disorder'.

The judge added: 'It seems to be in those circumstances that an order made today would have little practical effect in terms of protecting the welfare of AR, and the balance comes down clearly in favour of the public interest in allowing full reporting of these proceedings.

'I understand that revealing the defendant's identity will cause concern and distress to his family, but their identity is generally already known within the local community and much about them has already been widely published online, in the print media and on television reports.

'Though not central to my consideration , it may be that allowing full reporting will remove some of the mystique and misreporting that has taken place typically online as to the identity and other details concerning the defendant.

'This may be a case where others have taken advantage of the perceived vacuum in information over the past few days.'

Rudakubana was born to Rwandan parents in Cardiff in 2006 before moving to the village of Banks in Lancashire in 2013.

He is accused of carrying out the attack that killed Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

Rudakubana is also accused of the attempted murders of eight more children, along with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, and businessman John Hayes.

Rudakubana (pictured as a child) is also accused of the attempted murders of eight more children, along with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, and businessman John Hayes

Rudakubana covers his face in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court after being charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder

Up until now, the teenager's identity could not be revealed because suspects under 18 receive automatic anonymity in all UK court cases, except for in exceptional circumstances.

But after a successful application to the judge by the Mail, Rudakubana's name can now be reported.

Judge Andrew Menary KC said he had to balance the risk to the suspect's family and the risk to him in custody with the public interest accurately reporting his identity.

Far-right mobs took to the streets of Southport and and other major UK cities this week after a fake news website spread misinformation about the identity of the suspect.

Russian state media were among those falsely claiming that the suspect had arrived by boat to the UK last year, sharing claims that he was on an M16 watch list.

It led to violent riots, seeing dozens of police officers injured, wheelie bins set alight and emergency vehicles set on fire.

In a bid to quell tensions - after more riots broke out in London, Manchester Hartlepool, and Aldershot - Judge Menary revealed Rudakubana's identity.

As the suspected murderer arrived at the court he was met by dozens of people shouting, with one man having to be held back by police officers as the van holding him past.

The revelation comes as two children hurt in the attack were discharged from Alder Hey Children's Hospital, with five others in a 'stable condition'.

Rudakubana (pictured in a video) could not previously be named because suspects under 18 receive automatic anonymity in all UK court cases, except for in exceptional circumstances

Another young picture of Rudakubana

A man is held back by police as a prison van escorted by multiple police cars leaves Liverpool Crown Court

The white van carrying Axel Rudakubana, 17, who is accused of killing three young girls arrives as Liverpool Magistrates Court

Rudakubana seen arriving at court in a police convoy

A prison van (centre) escorted by multiple police vehicles leaves Liverpool Crown Court

A man is held back by police as a prison van escorted by multiple police vehicles leaves Liverpool Crown Court

Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said he had to balance the risk to the defendant's family and the initial risk while in custody against the public interest in accurately reporting his identity.

Why did the judge name Rudakubana?

Usually a defendant under the age of 18 is granted anonymity during court proceedings. This means media are not allowed to name or picture them unless there are exceptional circumstances. However, Judge Andrew Menary KC decided to name Axel Rudbakubana. The judge at Liverpool Crown Court listened to 20 minutes of legal submissions before declining to make an order to protect the teen's identity. He said: 'Whilst I accept it is exceptional giving his age, principally because he is 18 in six days' time, I do not make an order under section 45. 'Continuing to prevent the full reporting has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation, in a vacuum.' He noted that any order would have been lifted on Rudbakubana when he turned 18 anyways. The judge's decision comes after misinformation spread by fake news websites and Russian state media wrongly identified the suspect. The false claim said the suspect had arrived to the UK by boat last year sharing claims he was an M16 watchlist. It led to violent riots in Southport and beyond which saw dozens of police officers injured, wheelie bins set alight and emergency vehicles set on fire. Advertisement

He said: 'By continuing to prevent full reporting at this stage has the disadvantage of allowing others who are up to mischief to continue to spread misinformation in a vacuum and runs the risk that when the information becomes publicly available in six days' time, that will provide an additional excuse for a fresh round of public disorder.

'Allowing full reporting will undoubtedly remove some of the misreporting as to the identity of the defendant.'

A provisional trial date at Liverpool Crown Court, set to last six weeks, was scheduled for January 20 next year.

Rudakubana spent the entire 55 minutes of the hearing covering his whole face, with his grey sweatshirt pulled up to his hairline and at times rocking back and forth, side to side.

He will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on October 25 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Until then he will be remanded in youth accommodation detention.

Judge Menary told the defendant, who did not acknowledge the judge and continued to keep his head down: 'You are remanded to youth detention accommodation until these proceedings have been completed.

'That position might change when you achieve your majority in a short while.'

Earlier, the suspect attended a hearing at Liverpool City Magistrates' Court which lasted just five minutes.

During proceedings, prosecutor Deanna Heer alleged a 'kitchen knife with a curved blade' had been used during the rampage.

During that time Rudakubana, who is also charged with possessing an offensive weapon, wore a baggy grey tracksuit and black slippers and pulled his sweatshirt over his face above his nose, keeping his head low.

At one point in the hearing, the teenager, who did not speak once, looked back at the group of around 20 reporters that were sat behind the dock.

The suspect arrived at the court around 9.30am in a white prison van flanked by a large escort of at least eight police vehicles.

The large police presence comes amid fears angry protesters will turn up outside the courthouse, after a series of riots have swept the country in recent days.

More than 100 people were arrested in London last night following a far-right protest in Whitehall, with further unrest in Hartlepool, Manchester and Aldershot.

On Tuesday night, an angry mob took to the streets of Southport after a vigil to remember victims of the mass stabbing at the workshop attended by 25 children.

Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, leaves Liverpool Magistrates' Court after being charged with three counts of murder

The convoy of police vans escorted the prison van away from Liverpool Crown Court

The suspect was surrounded by a convoy of eight police cars and vans, with officers fearing they could be met with angry protesters following Monday night's riots

Floral and written tributes are left alongside balloons and teddy bears at the scene of the stabbings on Hart Street, Southport

Forensic officers are pictured at the scene as emergency crews battled to save children

Forensic officers on Hart Street in Southport, Merseyside, where a horrifying knife rampage took place

Emergency crews swoop on the area after a group of children were attacked at Taylor Swift-themed dance class

The defendant, born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, is accused of entering a dance studio in Hart Street and attacking children and adults who were inside on Monday afternoon.

Eight other children suffered knife wounds - with five left in a critical condition in hospital - while two adults who tried to save the young ones in the summer holiday club were also seriously wounded.

The adults harmed were dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, and businessman John Hayes who tried to help.

In a statement Merseyside Police said yesterday: 'We can confirm that a 17-year-old boy from Banks has been charged with the murders of Bebe, Elsie Dot and Alice; 10 counts of attempted murder; and Possession of a bladed article, following the tragic incident in Southport on Monday, 29 July.

'He has been remanded in custody to appear tomorrow, Thursday 1 August at Liverpool Magistrates Court, Derby Square.'

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: 'Whilst these charges are a significant milestone within this investigation, this remains very much a live investigation and we continue to work with our partners from Lancashire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW).

Leanne Lucas, who organised the Taylor Swift-themed holiday club, has had life-saving surgery and is now awake, her family said on Wednesday

Yesterday floral tributes, balloons and soft toys covered the street near the police cordon

Friendship bracelets reading 'Beautiful Swifties' are seen next to electric tea lights amid floral tributes for the victims of a deadly knife attack at the Atkinson in Southport

'I would like to thank all of the forces who have offered and supplied support to Merseyside Police during the last three days and I can confirm that we are being supported with investigative resources from across the North West.'

The boy, who was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, is from the village of Banks, just outside Southport.

Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: 'We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

'It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.'

False claims online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat had sparked riots across Southport on Tuesday night, despite pleas from one of the victim's mother's for calm.

Thousands of people turned out to pay their respects to the victims at a vigil in Southport, but violence later erupted outside a mosque in the town with 53 police officers and three police dogs injured. Five men have been arrested following that incident.

After rioting broke out, Elsie's mother, Jenni Stancombe, wrote on Facebook: 'This is the only thing that I will write, but please please stop the violence in Southport tonight.

'The police have been nothing but heroic these last 24 hours and they and we don't need this.'

Sir Keir Starmer said rioters had 'hijacked' a vigil for victims and will 'feel the full force of the law', while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the rioting as 'violent attacks from thugs on the streets', which she branded 'appalling'.

The Prime Minister is set to face questions this afternoon after crisis talks with police over the outbreak of rioting following the Southport knife attack.

On Wednesday, a clean up operation took place outside the mosque, with residents coming together to clear roads where fires had been set and rebuild walls which had been knocked down.

Police called in support from neighbouring forces in case of further disorder, but the seaside town appeared to remain quiet on Wednesday evening, however unrest developed in other areas of the country.

More than 100 people were arrested in London after crowds gathered in Whitehall turned on police, throwing bottles and cans at officers in riot gear.

The Southport mass stabbings have led to riots on the streets. Pictured: A police van is torched in Southport on Tuesday night

Southport burns: A street near a mosque goes up in flames as violent thugs took to the streets on Tuesday night

Police chiefs arrive to meet Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss clashes following the Southport stabbing

The riots came barely an hour after thousands of mourners gathered for a vigil at the Atkinson in Southport

Mourners leave floral tributes near the scene in Hart Street, where three children died and eight were injured in a 'ferocious' knife attack

Some were heard shouting the name of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson, while others shouted 'Rule Britannia', 'save our kids' and 'stop the boats' and chanting 'you're not English any more'.

A Met Police spokesman said: 'Over 100 people have been arrested for offences including violent disorder, assault on an emergency worker, and breach of protest conditions. Some officers suffered minor injuries.'

Responding to last nights riots, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: 'The scenes of disorder and violence yesterday evening were completely unacceptable.

'There is no place for criminality on our streets and I fully support the Met Police taking action against those intent on violence, causing disorder and spreading division in our city.'

In Hartlepool, County Durham four people were arrested after violent protests broke out, with people detained for various offences after missiles, glass bottles and eggs were thrown at officers.

A police car was also set on fire before protesters posed for selfies with it.

Chief Superintendent David Sutherland said: 'At this stage we believe the protest is in connection with the incident in Southport earlier this week.

'Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community.'

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said he was 'concerned' that there could be a repeat of the violence that followed the Southport stabbings.

Mr Rotheram told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'We're always concerned, aren't we, that there could be a repeat of violence somewhere in the Liverpool City Region.'

He added: 'I hope that there aren't further incidents - we're very much aware of them.

'I'm speaking to Serena Kennedy, who is the chief police officer in the Liverpool City Region, in Merseyside, on a regular basis.

'We've got the contingencies - we know exactly what we'd need to do to ensure that these things are nipped in the bud.'

Mr Rotheram added it was important 'that we do something about social media' because it had 'whipped up the lies' about the alleged perpetrator of the stabbings that 'fuelled some of the disorder that we saw on the streets'.
Security-conscious Harry and Meghan are to undertake another quasi 'royal tour'  this time to crime-ridden Colombia.

The prince continues his fight through the British courts for official police protection, claiming it is unsafe to bring his family to his country of birth.

But following a trip to Nigeria this year, the Sussexes will travel to South America this month.

Colombia's vice-president, Francia Marquez, yesterday revealed the couple would visit Bogota, as well as the regions of Cartagena and Cali, to 'engage with leaders, youths and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress'.

The visit is tied in with a conference in November on ending violence against children and both the duke and duchess, as well as their Archewell Foundation, will 'engage in several activities related to this important topic'.

Following a trip to Nigeria this year, the Sussexes (Pictured in Nigeria in May) will travel to South America this month

The visit is tied in with a conference in November on ending violence against children and both the duke and duchess will 'engage in several activities related to this important topic'

However, many may see no small degree of irony in the couple visiting Colombia so soon after their trip to equally troubled Lagos in light of Harry's court case over the withdrawal of his Metropolitan Police protection.

Both countries are deemed to have a 'high threat' of terrorist attack and kidnap for ransom, particularly affecting 'UK interests and British nationals', according to the Foreign Office.

The couple also plan to appear on US television this weekend, just days after 'friends' publicly complained that Harry's calls to King Charles go 'unanswered'.

While the Royal Family had hoped to head off for some peaceful summer downtime in Scotland, particularly after the cancer diagnoses of the King and Princess of Wales, the Sussexes seem to be deliberately ramping up their public profile.

They will star on prime-time breakfast show Sunday Morning on CBS this weekend, talking about the issue of online harm.

In a clip to promote the interview, the couple are shown talking about their own children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, with Meghan saying: 'Our kids are young, they are three and five. They're amazing.

'But all you want to do as parents is protect them and so as we can see what's happening in the online space, we know there's a lot of work to be done there and we are just happy to be able to part of change for good.'

Harry added: 'At this point, we have got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder. And even the best first responders in the world wouldn't be able to tell the signs of possible suicide. That is the terrifying piece of this.'

It is their first joint television interview since their controversial Netflix documentary of 2022 in which they again aired a slew of vitriolic accusations against the prince's family.

And it comes after 'friends', 'multiple well-placed insiders' and 'former employees' briefed Sussex-friendly People magazine this week about Harry's relationship with his father and ongoing court battles in the UK.

Colombia's vice-president, Francia Marquez, yesterday revealed the couple would visit Bogota, as well as the regions of Cartagena and Cali

The prince continues his fight through the British courts for official police protection, claiming it is unsafe to bring his family to his country of birth

Colombia is deemed to have a 'high threat' of terrorist attack and kidnap for ransom, particularly affecting 'UK interests and British nationals', according to the Foreign Office

The couple also plan to appear on US television this weekend, just days after 'friends' publicly complained that Harry's calls to King Charles go 'unanswered'

The magazine claimed that Harry firmly believes his father has the power to overturn the decision by Ravec  the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures  to strip him of his round-the-clock Met Police security when he quit royal duties and the UK to live in California in 2020 as he and Meghan pursued lucrative commercial opportunities abroad.

Buckingham Palace declines to comment on security matters but it is understood this belief is 'wholly and incontrovertibly' wrong and the monarch has 'no such power' to influence Ravec, which operates on behalf of the Government.

The magazine's sources claim the issue has created an 'impenetrable wall' between father and son  at least as far as the prince is concerned. People wrote: 'Those close to Harry say the monarch no longer takes his son's calls or answers his letters. 'He gets 'unavailable right now,' says the friend. 'His calls go unanswered.'

And in what will surely be seen as a thinly veiled and highly inflammatory threat from Team Sussex, the magazine goes on: 'However, if the matter of security is resolved, 'it's 'swords down',' says Harry's friend, as nothing 'would give [Harry] more happiness than being able to rekindle his bond with his father.'

The Palace declined to comment yesterday but the Mail revealed more than a year ago that the King's patience with his younger son had worn thin and he was in no mood to humour him, particularly in his demands that the family owe him and Meghan an apology.

Harry now refuses to bring his wife and children to the UK until the security matter is resolved to his satisfaction, adding to fears that the King may never see his grandchildren again.

But the Mail understands that the Palace is in no mood to dance to Harry's tune.

One source with knowledge of the Palace's thinking on the issue said archly: 'The King has no power to affect the decision [by Ravec].

'But putting that to one side, it's worth noting  once again  that it was Harry's choice to leave Britain and it is his decision to pursue what many might consider to be this frankly hopeless case against the Home Office.

'It has also not gone unnoticed he is waging it from a country with high levels of gun crime and where even those individuals who are given armed protection are not immune to threat.'

The Sussexes' press team was contacted for comment.

In February, Harry unanimously lost a High Court challenge against the Government over his security when in the UK.
Former 'Today' show host Katie Couric has declared that Democrats have 'kind of lost' the working class vote - due to being too out-of-touch.

The decorated Democrat aired the warning to former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Mastromonaco on her 'Hysteria' podcast Thursday, in hopes it does not prove prophetic.

As for her reasoning, Couric harked back to the days of Hillary Clinton and the first Trump campaign, when the former first lady slammed her rival's supporters as a 'basket of deplorables.'

The remark was met with outrage, and is often credited as one of the inciting moments to secure the political newcomer a historic upset.

Couric, a devout liberal, reminded onlookers that this very well could be the case again if Democrats don't get back down to earth come November.

Former 'Today' show host Katie Couric on Thursday declared that Democrats have 'kind of lost' the working class vote - due to being too out-of-touch. The retired anchor is seen here talking about the election back in May on Fox 11 Los Angeles

As for her reasoning, Couric harked back to the days of the first Trump campaign, when his then-rival Hillary Clinton slammed his supporters as a 'basket of deplorables'

'I think that there needs to be a greater connection between the working class and the Democratic Party because, let's face itthe Democrats have kind of lost the working class,' Couric told the ex Obama staffer.

'It was never that way during all my years of covering politics,' she went on.

'You had the head of the Teamsters at the RNC, you have people buying into this notion that Republicans care about dinner table issues much more than Democrats.

'And these narratives, I think, have become too deeply entrenched about liberal college-educated elites who are condescending.'

The longtime NBC News talker had been referring to International Brotherhood of Teamsters boss Sean O'Brien, who became the first boss in the union's 121-year history to speak at the RNC two days after the attempt on Donald Trump's life.

In his speech, O'Brien blasted big businesses like Walmart and Amazon, while chiding the Chamber of Commerce and federal government for not looking out for workers.

'The American people aren't stupid, they know the system is broken,' he said. 'We all know how Washington is run. Working people have no chance of winning this fight.

'That's why I'm here today, because I refuse to keep doing the same things my predecessors did.'

Explaining her reasoning, the former CBS News journalist said, 'You had the head of the Teamsters at the RNC,'referring to International Brotherhood of Teamsters boss Sean O'Brien speaking at the event last month

While stopping short of a full-fledged endorsement, he made it clear he does not support current VP Kamala Harris. he chided her and her running mate's administration for not looking out for American workers

While he stopped short of a full-fledged endorsement, O'Brien said that 'Trump is a candidate who is not afraid of hearing from new, loud and often critical voices,

'And I think we all can agree, whether people like him or they don't like him, in light of what happened to him on Saturday, he has proven to be one tough S.O.B.'

As he uttered the acronym, a round of applause was heard as cheers rained down from the auditorium - a sign that the tides may have already turned, according to Couric.

Nonetheless, the retired journalist told Mastromonaco, 'They can't just give up on that voting bloc.'

Instead, she said her party should tell blue collar workers, 'Hey, we care about you, we care about your issues, we know a lot of things have really been hardbut this is how we're going to help.

'I just want to see her with a welding hat on, working with regular Joes,' Couric said of Harris, instructing her to start appealing to 'regular Joes.'

She added how Democrats need to do more work as well, stating their current connection to the working class will not be enough for a win.

'I just want to see her with a welding hat on, working with regular Joes,' Couric said of Harris

Earlier on in the sit down, Mastromonaco referred to the most recent anti-GOP mantra being used by Harris and Democrats against the Trump-J.D. Vance ticket - the singular word 'weird.'

The simple descriptor has surfaced the new line of criticism against Republicans, despite it being party's latest pandering buzzword meant to win over younger voters, after others - and several trends on TikTok - failed to stick.

'Don't you find some of their stuff to be just plain weird,' Harris told a crowd in Atlanta just last week.

Mastromonaco, who worked for Obama from 2011 to 2014, defended the use of the label, while Couric, visibly unamused, suggested Democrats had more pressing matters at hand than pandering to social media users and Gen Z.

'You can think their behavior and their rhetoric is weird,' Couric said, 'but you can also do a better job of reaching out to disaffected voters who are non-college educated White people, in particular who feel left out.'

Back in April, Couric, 67, appeared on another podcast where she spoke about the election, this with fellow liberal Bill Maher.

'The socio-economic disparities...and class resentment...and anti-intellectualism and elitism is what is driving many of these anti-establishment [people]  which are Trump voters,' she said at the time.

'The socio-economic disparities...and class resentment...and anti-intellectualism and elitism is what is driving many of these anti-establishment [people]  which are Trump voters,' Couric said earlier this year

'I mean globalization and the transition from an industrial to a technological society  I don't know if you've ever been jealous of someone else or resentful  it is such a corroding and bitter, almost bile feeling,'

The comments, back then, left Trump supporters furious, with many onlookers blasting her as 'out of touch'.

With Biden out of the race and Harris now the heir apparent, Couric's new comments appear to indicate she has since ruminated on the thought, while expanding on it.

Many criticized the confidence exhibited by the Democratic party in the buildup to Trump's win in 2016.

As of writing, Harris has yet to name a running mate, and she has yet be pegged as the official Democratic nominee. The election is 96 days away.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been branded a faker over a photo of her chatting to Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny's widow on the phone.

The presumptive Democratic nominee shared the image on social media, explaining that she spoke with Yulia Navalnaya on Thursday amid a historic prisoner swap between the United States and Russia.

Harris made the call, she said, because some of the detainees freed in the deal 'worked with Navalny to combat corruption and build a free, democratic Russia.'

'I thanked Yulia for her courage in continuing her husband's works and reaffirmed my commitment to stand with those fighting for freedom in Russia and around the world,' she added.

But some eagle-eyed users of social media criticized the 59-year-old vice president as a 'phony' for holding the phone to her ear as she spoke to the grieving widow.

Vice President Kamala Harris was mocked for this photo of her speaking with Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny's widow on Thursday

'Why is it on "speaker-phone" but being held up to your ear... as though you're speaking on the phone through the normal speaker,' Nikki Villanueva wrote.

The user added a Yoda-like reference: 'The gaslighting is "strong" with this one.'

Others likened the image to a cheap 'photo op.'

'It's so weird how Kamala puts a phone to her ear while on speaker,' another X user wrote, while a third posted: 'If the phone's on speaker, you don't have to put it to your head Kamala.'

'It's on speaker, Kamala,' a fourth person wrote on Instagram.

The post marks the second time in less than a week that Harris has been mocked for the bizarre behavior.

Some people online criticized the vice president for holding the phone to her ear while it was on speaker phone

On Friday, the Obamas posted a video of them calling Harris to endorse her for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In the video, Harris could once again be seen holding the phone to her ear - even though the speaker phone button is pressed.

'The Obama's endorse Kamala in the most cringeworthy way,' one X user wrote.

'None of them can act, and Kamala goes from taking the phone call on speaker to holding it to her ear.

'We somehow can still hear the Obamas clearly.

'These people are dumb.'

Drew Hernandez also called the video 'poorly scripted events.

'Everything about Kamala Harris right now is synthetic,' he wrote. 'Who talks on speaker phone with the phone up to their ear?'

Another X user said Harris was guilty of 'bad acting.'

'She is as fake as her laugh,' the X user wrote.

It marks the second time in less than a week that Harris has been criticized for the bizarre practice after she was seen doing it in a video in which the Obamas endorsed her

One X user called the video 'cringeworthy' and said she was 'dumb' for holding the phone to her ear on speaker phone

Another said she was 'as fake as her laugh'

Even former President Donald Trump criticized Harris for the video, telling a crowd in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Wednesday that the 'radical left Democratic Party bosses have installed a puppet candidate to fight only for themselves.'

'She's totally scripted, owned and controlled by the donors and the power brokers who created her campaign, who rip off our government and make billions and billions of dollars,' the Republican nominee said, according to the Daily Wire.

'Unlike her, I cannot be bought and I cannot be controlled. I have no interest in that.

'Because everything about Kamala Harris' rollout, it's phony and it's fake.

'Did you see when President Obama and Michelle called,' he continued, before mocking the phone call.

'"Hello, hello, yes, what's this? Oh this is Michelle and Barack. Oh, so surprised to hear."' They got four cameras in front.'
Chilling triple-0 audio in the moments before a man was murdered by his neighbours in a religiously motivated terror attack has been released by a coroner.

Alan Dare, 52, was one of the three victims shot dead by crazed gunmen at a property in Wieambilla, in Queensland's Western Downs region, in late 2022.

Mr Dare lived with his wife Kerry at the neighbouring property of Nathaniel, Stacey and Gareth Train.

In a triple-0 call, Ms Dare tells the operator she can hear 'gunshots and black smoke' and smell an 'electrical burning smell'.

Mr Dare can be briefly heard in the background.

'There's been ... gunshots across the road for the last hour or so,' Mrs Dare says. 'But there's been two big bangs in the last 10 minutes. Really loud - not gunshots.'

Mrs Dare goes on to say there is a lot of smoke in the air before the operator tells them not to investigate.

The five-week inquest into the massacre at Wieambilla is examining the deaths of Queensland Police constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, Mr Dare and the three members of the Train family - Nathaniel, his brother Gareth and Gareth's wife Stacey - on December 12, 2022.

Alan Dare, the Trains' neighbour, was murdered investigating fires the trio had lit at the property an hour after two constables were gunned down

Mr Dare filmed the unfolding event on his phone before his death

Constables McCrow, 29, and Arnold, 26, were murdered by the Train brothers after jumping the fence of the Wieambilla property.

Two other constables - Keely Brough and Randall Kirk - survived.

Mr Dare, 58, was murdered investigating fires lit by the Trains. He lived on a property opposite theirs.

All three members of the Train family were killed by highly trained Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) officers during a lengthy shootout later that night.

The attending police were conducting a welfare check on Nathaniel, a former NSW school principal who had been reported missing months prior, but were ambushed by the family as they lay in wait.

The Trains followed an extremist Christian doomsday ideology known as premillennialism, believing Jesus Christ would return to earth after a period of extreme suffering.

In the triple-0 call, released by the Coroners Court on Friday, Mrs Dare tells the operator the blaze does not smell like a grass fire.

POLAIR vision has revealed the tense final moments during the shootout at Wieambilla

'Holy cow it's close ... it's getting bad, holy sh*t,' she says as the black smoke continues to advance.

'We're going to have to get onto the neighbours.'

Mrs Dare relays to the operator her husband was going to investigate with another neighbour, Victor Lewis.

'I would absolutely advise against it,' the operator tells her.

In the audio, she says her husband is 'at the top of the road'.

The inquest into the massacre at Wieambilla is examining the deaths of Queensland Police constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, Mr Dare and the three members of the Train family - Nathaniel, his brother Gareth and Gareth's wife Stacey (pictured)

The triple-0 call Kerry Dare (pictured with Alan) made during the shootings and fires at Wieambilla was released by the court on Friday

Queensland Police Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were murdered by members of the Train family

The operator tells her police are already responding to a job in the area and urges her to call back if anything else comes to light.

Mr Dare was recording at the time he was fatally shot while investigating the fires.

On Friday, Queensland Police Sergeant Andrew Gates also gave evidence of the moment he retrieved the bodies of his fallen colleagues after they were shot dead by the Trains.

He told the court that he volunteered to go in as part of the extraction team to retrieve the bodies of constables Arnold and McCrow.

He revealed he did not want to but said it was 'what we were doing'.

The court was told the team progressed along Wains Rd to the address with a vehicle proceeding at 'walking pace'.

Sergeant Gates explained he felt the officers were in a 'fatal funnel' due to the lack of cover.

He said he saw Constable McCrow down on the driveway about 150m onto the property.

The team were also calling out 'colours' to Constable Brough as she hid in grassland to check if she could hear them.

Sergeant Gates gave evidence he yelled for Constable Brough to keep to the tree line.

He last saw his colleague 'running for her life, Glock in hand' before the team moved in.

The court was told he then moved over to the body of Constable McCrow - almost ripping her shirt off as he tried to drag her to safety with her vest.

Sergeant Gates said it appeared to have been removed.

'We put her in (the vehicle) ... her head turned, and I realised she was deceased,' Sergeant Gates said.

Toowoomba-based Senior Sergeant Christina Esselink also gave evidence she saw the initial job while working in the Darling Downs city.

She received permission to attend the forward command post - even though Wieambilla was not within her police district.

'I was aware there were shots fired at police and two (officers) were unaccounted for,' Sergeant Esselink said.

The court was told 'significant' resources would be needed to respond to the shooting, including aerial assets like the Polair helicopter, she explained.

Sergeant Esselink said she organised for trained rifle users to come out to Wieambilla and attempted to organise the dog squad to attend.

The court was told Sergeant Esselink used her car to block an open gate towards the Train's property, effectively containing and isolating the shooters on the property.

The Trains' property at Wains Rd in Wieambilla

Nathaniel Train

Stacey and Gareth Train

At this point, she was fired upon by members of the family, forcing her to bolt from the vehicle to safety.

The court was told she noticed Mr Dare's body lying nearby and thought about taking his body with her.

'He had been murdered and there was a crime scene, there were shots and gunfire, and we had nowhere to put (his body),' Sergeant Esselink said.

'I thought we'd be back for him ... everything was crazy at the time,' she said.

The inquest continues.
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A controversial tenants' rights activist has thrown his support behind an Officeworks worker after she refused to serve a Jewish customer because she was pro-Palestine.

The customer, who was wearing a yarmulke at the time of the incident, took an article from the Australian Jewish News newspaper to an Officeworks store at Elsternwick, in Melbourne's east, on March 4.

The piece was titled: 'The indomitable spirit of our people', and featured a photo of a group holding Australian and Israeli flags.

After seeing the newspaper, the Officeworks manager refused to serve the Jewish man, stating: 'I'm pro-Palestine.'

The confrontation ended with the employee threatening to call police if the Jewish man did not leave the store.

Jordan van den Berg, best known for advertising abandoned homes for Australians to squat in under the social media handle Purplepingers, issued a message of support for the worker.

'Really proud of this manager - I've told this story before, but back when I worked at Officeworks Hornsby, we all refused to print any anti-same-sex marriage materials during the plebiscite,' he said.

'Customers cant force workers to print whatever theyd like.'

An Officeworks manager who refused to laminate a Jewish man's newspaper article because it mentioned Israel and she is 'pro-Palestine' has started receiving support online

Controversial left-wing influencer Jordan van den Berg (pictured) said he was 'proud' of the Officeworks manager because 'customers cant force workers to print whatever they'd like'

Mr van den Berg's comments' came just hours after Officeworks apologised for the incident, but did not fire the worker, sparking outrage from the Jewish man who was refused service.

Instead, she received 'education and training', including a visit to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum.

'The anti-Semitic employee is still currently employed, which would make it seem that Officeworks condones her behaviour,' he told Sky News on Thursday.

'It seems as though you can be blatantly anti-Semitic and still keep your job.

'I cannot understand how that would not meet the criteria for an immediate dismissal from her role.'

Officeworks Managing Director Sarah Hunter justified the company's decision not to fire the worker.

'At the time, we concluded the incident was linked to ignorance, not malice,' she said in a statement.

The Jewish man who was received service by the worker is suing under the Equal Opportunities Act for racial and religious discrimination

'Disciplinary measures were implemented with the team member, including a final warning, additional training and relocation to a different store.

Ms Hunter said the worker had learnt from her mistake, describing the effect of the incident as 'profound' and 'their remorse deep and genuine'.

'Again, I express my disappointment and deep regret that the incident occurred, as it does not reflect our ways of working and our values,' she said.

'We apologised to the customer at the time, and I take this opportunity to repeat our apology to him, and extend it to the broader community for the hurt and upset it has caused.

'We will continue to work closely with our team to promote awareness, tolerance and compassion while reiterating our expectation that the highest standards of conduct must be maintained.'
A Texas family has been left distraught after learning their stunning $400,000 new-build home is so poorly constructed that it could be knocked over by a gust of wind.

Laci Booker said she moved into her Seguin home in April 2023, but within just a few weeks it became obvious that the corrective work was extensive - even though the home appears fine from the outside.

'I feel very disappointed, I'm angry,' she told News 4 San Antonio.

She said she hired her own home inspector, who noticed nearly 80 issues. Among them are inadequate interior and exterior wall braces.

'What that does is make the house more vulnerable to racking to the wind loads,' Mark Eberwine said. 'And not even tornado-level wind loads, just high winds.'

The Bookers' home in Seguin, Texas, offers a few visual clues to the chaos inside

But the first issues Booker said she noticed with the two-story house were that the walls were not straight - which she said made it difficult to open and close doors.

'And so we started asking the warranty team to come in and take a look at things,' she recounted.

They then found even more issues - and their newly-built home by Pulte Homes of Texas has become a dangerous construction zone.

Drywall was removed, exposing beams throughout.

'You walk in and you're greeted by studs and drywall cut out,' Booker told the local news station.

'The more work that they've done the more issues that they've found,' she added.

Laci Booker said she moved into her Seguin home in April 2023, but within just a few weeks it became obvious that the corrective work was extensive

Drywall has been removed from the interior of the home, exposing beams throughout

This is what the Bookers' home should look like, but it has been torn apart over construction flaws

As the issues became more and more extensive, Booker said the Pulte Group asked them to move into temporary housing at the company's expense to allow for more thorough repairs without the risk to injury to her or her family.

'We give them three weeks they'd take care of those issues, and then we could come back into our home,' she said.

Both sides then agreed to start work after the winter holidays in 2023 - but the home is still undergoing repairs.

'I never would have expected to be dealing with something like this,' Booker said. 'It's just been a tremendous emotional and mental strain on us.'

The kitchen is still ripped apart and covered in dust, and Booker said her living room 'where my family used to hangout and relax together is a regular construction zone.'

Home inspector Mark Eberwine said he expects there to be even more issues hiding underneath the surface

Pulte confirmed that the repair work started in January, and noted that the city of Seguin conducted its own inspection and they have resolved all the issues that were identified in that report.

They are also working to address issues outlined in his Eberwine's report and the homebuilder said that framing repairs were needed, which subsequently resulted in repairs to the drywall and interior finishes.

But Eberwine said he believes there are even more issues hiding underneath the surface.

'I'm absolutely certain at this point, if you were to pull this drywall, you're going to find more structural integrity issues,' Eberwine told the local news station.

He said he believes that is why the repairs have dragged out.

Pulte, however, claims that even though the family moved out, they did not always let the repair crews in - a claim that the Booker family denies.

'We are aware of and are addressing the concerns raised by Mr. and Mrs. Booker, with repairs already underway, according to schedule,' a spokesperson for the company said.

But because Booker has involved lawyers, repairs have been halted and the two sides are at an impasse.

PulteGroup Inc was previously sued by eight other Texas homeowners. CEO Ryan Marshall is pictured

Booker, though, says she just wants the company to take the house back 'and let me get far, far away from them.'

Eberwine agreed, saying, 'They need to buy the house back plain and simple.'

Booker's complaints come just a few years after the owners of eight homes in Converse, Texas sued the PulteGroup Inc, claiming their properties have numerous design and construction defects that have caused 'unacceptable levels of cracking and buckling' to the home's foundation.

That led to extensive interior damage, including broken tiles, split trim and cracked wall boards that rendered the homes 'unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for living,' the lawsuits state, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

Mold growth was also cited.

The homeowners sued Pulte Homes of Texas for fraud, negligent construction and breach of implied warranties.

Company spokesman Jim Zeumer said at the time that it 'works hard to deliver outstanding build quality and overall customer experience.

'We are reviewing the filings, but we stand behind our warranty and look forward to meeting with these homeowners to assess their issues.'

The group also added in a legal filing that it is 'not liable for normal wear, tear or deterioration,' nor is it liable 'for any percentage of damages caused by the plaintiff's failure to take reasonable action to mitigate damages or to maintain the residence.'
Vice President Kamala Harris was not involved in the diplomacy that got journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan freed from Russian prisons - but she was on hand to serve up some trademark word salad as they touched US soil for the first time.

Harris, the presumptive 2024 Democratic nominee to replace President Joe Biden, had just embraced the prisoner-swap duo as they got off a jet at Joint Base Andrews just before midnight, when she walked over to the gaggle of reporters and let loose.

'This is just an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and understands the strength that rests in understanding the significance of diplomacy,' Harris said in her latest word salad.

Stuttering and seemingly stumbling over her words at times, the democrat added: '[A]nd strengthening alliances.

'This is just an incredible day', she finally concluded, as the president looked on.

Scroll down for video:

Vice President Kamala Harris offered up a stammering statement praising Joe Biden shortly after greeting Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan back on US soil. The president looked on as he waited for her to finish

The journalist (seen here) and two other falsely imprisoned Americans landed in the US late Thursday after being freed in a historic prisoner swap. Gershkovich is seen being greeted by relatives and friends here

The plane carrying the formerly detained Americans landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after taking off from Ankara, Turkey, around 8:00pm local time.

Gershkovich,32, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was seen on Thursday while boarding a plane in Turkey. He had been wrongly accused of espionage, and was detained in Russia while on assignment on March 29 of last year.

Whelan, a 54-year-old ex Marine, was sentenced to 16 years in 2020 after being detained two years earlier on suspicion of spying. Both were freed Thursday as part of the East-West prisoner swap - the largest since the Cold War.

After being freed from their Russian cells, the former prisoners took a four-hour flight from Moscow to Ankara. They then boarded a plane for a 10-hour trek back to the US.

Also freed was Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who was sentenced to over six years in a Russian prison in a rapid, secret trial late last month.

She was seen running into the arms of her family Thursday, after embracing both Kamal Harris and Joe Biden upon exiting the plane.

But it was Whelan who disembarked first, followed by Gershkovich, and then Kurmasheva. All three were seen giving Harris and Biden handshakes before blissfully running into the arms of their respective families.

Whelan had been out of their grasp for five-and-a-half years, while Gershkovich's was without him for a year and six months.

The plane carrying the Americans from their Russian imprisonment landed late Thursday, after taking off from Ankara, Turkey around 8:00 pm local time

The plane landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland just before midnight, with Gershkovich, a 32-year-old reporter imprisoned last year under suspicion of espionage, seen disembarking here. His mother Ella Milman was seen giving him a warm hug as President Joe Biden looked on

He had been wrongly accused of espionage, and was detained in Russia while working as a journalist on March 29 of last year. Fellow freed hostage Paul Whelan is seen meeting the president and vice president in the background

Harris and Biden - credited with negotiating the deal - arrived separately in their own motorcades moments before, and happily welcomed the now-freed hostages

Harris is seen greeting the wrongly incarcerated Wall Street Journal reporter here, just before midnight

Several Wall Street Journal employees were on the scene as well, anxiously awaiting their coworker's arrival

Kurmasheva was cuffed six and half years ago by a court in the central city of Kazan, for supposedly of 'spreading false information' about the military

Her family appeared ecstatic to see her again, as was the case with the other families.

Following the revelry, the three were cleared to take another plane to San Antonio, where they will be checked out by doctors and cleared to return home.

Minutes before landing, President Biden and his motorcade made its way to the landing area, as Vice President Kamala Harris, traveled separately.

Several Wall Street Journal employees were on the scene as well, anxiously awaiting their coworker's arrival on the tarmac.

The prisoners were seen speaking with the president and vice president on the landing strip as onlookers cheered, in a display that, instead of occurring in private, was aired for the world to see.

Whelan, a 54-year-old ex Marine, was cuffed for five-and-a-half years on phony espionage charges

He is seen greeting Biden here, before being reunited with his family

He was sentenced to 16 years in 2020 after being detained in Moscow two years before, under suspicion of spying

He disembarked first, followed by Gershkovich. Both got to speak to the president and Harris

Harris and Gershkovic shared a moment as the journalist walked on US soil for the first time in over a year

Following the revelry, the freed hostages were cleared to take another plane to San Antonio, where they will be checked out by doctors and cleared to return home

Earlier in the day, Biden - who is credited with negotiating their release - delivered remarks from the White House flanked by the hostages' relatives, hailing the occasion as historic.

'Their brutal ordeal is over, and they're free,' Biden, 81, said from the Oval Office at around noon Thursday, roughly 12 hours before the trio's landing.

He added how the former prisoners had just left Russia and were on their way home, and revealed he has spoken to them over the phone already.

He said their relatives were able to as well, paving the way for the widely seen reunion.

Biden went on to call the multi-nation deal involving seven countries 'a feat of diplomacy', and one that he touted as the fruits of 'friendship.'

Meanwhile, Russian State television also touted the agreement as a victory, after airing their own broadcast of President Vladimir Putin's own reunion with eight Russian nationals imprisoned overseas, including a man who was serving a life sentence in Germany for murder.

Also freed was Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva (at right), who was sentenced to over six years in a Russian prison in a rapid, secret trial late last month

She was seen embracing the president as well, after speaking briefly with both him and Harris. She had been detained for more than six years

The woman was then seen running into the arms of her family, thankful she avoided a prison sentence for supposed espionage

Also released were confirmed cyber criminals Roman Seleznev and Vladislav Klyushin, who were returned from the US.

Vadim Konoshchenko, who was accused of providing US-made electronics and ammunition to the Russian military, was also released from the US, while Spanish-Russian journalist Pavel Rubtsov was released from Poland.

Married couple Artem and Anna Dultsev were returned to Russia from Slovenia, where they were convicted of espionage charges.

Mikhail Mikushin, an academic who entered Norway as a Brazilian citizen, has also been released. He was arrested on suspicion of spying in 2022.

The convicts were released in exchange for 16 Western prisoners, including the three US citizens.

A triumphant Biden, meanwhile, told reporters on the tarmac as the reunions were taking place: 'I was absolutely convinced we could get it done.'

After being bombarded by his Journal colleagues, a beaming Gershkovich added, 'I'm home.'
A small desert city has taken out the unwanted title of the hottest city in the United States for the month of July.

With an average temperature of 103.2 degrees Fahrenheit, Needles in California surpassed even Phoenix, Arizona, which held the previous record.

The Arizona State Climate Office officially acknowledged Needles' scorching achievement, jokingly welcoming the city, along with Palm Springs and Blythe, to the exclusive club of cities with triple-digit average monthly temperatures.

The mayor of the city, which boasts a population of just 5,200, wasn't in the slightest surprised.

'We probably did [beat the record], quite easily,' Jan Jernigan said, adding that the area has adapted to its less than stellar climate by holding events early in the morning.

With an average temperature of 103.2 degrees Fahrenheit, Needles, (pictured) surpassed even Phoenix, Arizona, which held the previous record

To battle the heat, food distribution events start at 5am and end at 8am before the heat becomes too unbearable to function.

The city has embraced the temperatures and leaned into the jeers, offering 'Needles is Red Hot' spicy candies as gag gifts to newcomers.

To escape the relentless sun, residents and tourists flock to the Colorado River, where Needles boasts three beaches.

'Youve [got to] be waist-deep in the Colorado River,' said City Manager Patrick Martinez.

The city has invested $8.4 million in improving its riverfront areas, including parks and infrastructure, in an effort to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Beach clean-ups have also been implemented to reduce the risk of future wildfires.

However, the intense heat has also brought challenges. A brush fire ignited near Needles in late June, burning 70 acres and destroying one structure before crossing into Arizona and burning 143 acres there.

Phoenix is happy to relinquish the record to Needles, now the hottest monthly U.S. city with 103.2F (preliminary avg July temp).



Arizona welcomes a few new members to the 100F+ monthly temp club: Palm Springs (100.0F) and Blythe (100.7F). Welcome?



This is the 2nd time pic.twitter.com/0IxUByqtWk  AZ State Climate (@AZStateClimate) August 1, 2024

To escape the relentless heat, residents and tourists flock to the Colorado River, where Needles boasts three beaches

The small desert city of Needles, California, has claimed an unwanted title: the hottest city in the United States for the month of July

The blaze was exacerbated by the dry conditions caused by the high temperatures, with fires burning 30 times as many acres statewide as last year.

To combat the extreme heat, Needles operates a senior center offering a cool refuge and water for residents.

This community hub is equipped with a generator, ensuring it can remain open during power outages to protect vulnerable residents from heat-related illnesses.

While recent infrastructure improvements have been significant, Mayor Jernigan emphasized that the city 'still has a long way to go' in its efforts to adapt to the increasingly harsh climate.
President Joe Biden has sparked fresh health concerns as he was caught on camera staring blankly ahead while his vice president took the lead during a historic prisoner swap between the United States and Russia.

The 81-year-old commander in chief appeared to be looking off into the distance as Vice President Kamala Harris gave a statement to a reporter Thursday night.

Biden only moved once in the post-midnight appearance, apparently to scratch his head, with his vacant appearance quickly noted by viewers. He did speak earlier on and did not appear to make any verbal flubs - but nonetheless, his subsequent expression disturbed many.

'This dude is not there,' Juanita Broaddrick posted on X, sharing the video.

'Joe Biden is gone,' Nick Sortor added. 'Absolutely freaking gone. This is pathetic.'

President Joe Biden was seen staring blankly ahead as Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with a reporter Thursday night during a historic prisoner exchange with Russia

Nick Sortor shared the video, writing that 'Joe Biden is gone'

Broaddrick, who accused former President Bill Clinton of sexual assault in 1978, has been an ally of former President Trump since Hillary Clinton ran for president in 2016.

The 'deer in headlights' moment for Biden came one month after he told Democratic governors that he plans to stop holding events past 8 p.m. - so he can get more sleep.

The late night schedule fix came after Axios cited staffers saying he already clocked a succinct 10 am to 4 pm workday, with an afternoon nap.

Biden, who had been desperately trying to stay in the presidential race at the time, told the governors 'that he told his staff he needed to get more sleep,' the New York Times reported.

Biden insisted 'he needed to work fewer hours and avoid events after 8 p.m.'

Biden only moved once during as Harris spoke, apparently to scratch his head

The vice president has taken more of a prominent position in the administration since Biden announced he was dropping out of the presidential race

Meanwhile, the 59-year-old vice president stumbled to praise Biden's efforts to bring home Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan.

'I am very thankful to the president and what he has done his entire career, but in particular as it relates to these families and these individuals, what he's done to bring the allies together on many issues, but particularly this one,' Harris said, in a statement that some have branded a 'word salad.'

'This is just an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and understands the strength that rests in understanding the significance of diplomacy, she continued.

Stuttering and seemingly stumbling over her words at times, the Democrat added: '[A]nd strengthening alliances.

'This is just an incredible day', she finally concluded, as the president looked on.

Harris stumbled as she tried to praise the president for bringing home ex-Marine Paul Whelan, left, and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich

Harris has taken more of a prominent position in the administration since Biden announced he was dropping out of the presidential race and endorsed his vice president to take over his position.

The decision came after weeks of concerns about his mental acuity following a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump.

Many medical experts have suggested Biden's apparent cognitive decline could be due to him suffering from Parkinson's disease - especially after it emerged that a doctor specializing in the disease regularly visited the White House during Biden's tenure.

Dr Ernst von Schwarz, a cardiologist in California, told DailyMail.com that Biden's 'dry mouth, fixed stare, very little... hand movements and gestures... could be signs of cognitive decline' caused by his age, or 'a neurodegenerative condition' such as dementia.

But they could also be due to medication, he said.

'Keep in mind that there are ways to improve someones speech by medical intervention,' the doctor noted.

'The use of medications such as psychostimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin among others) is very common for many to take just before lectures or presentations or official tasks since they increase dopamine availability in the brain.'

Harris is seen greeting the wrongly incarcerated Wall Street Journal reporter here, just before midnight

Meanwhile, Harris has taken a commanding lead in the presidential race, leading in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin.

Amid her surging popularity, Harris was seen greeting Gershkovich, a 32-year-old WSJ reporter, and Whelan, a 54-year-old ex-Marine, as they landed safely at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Also freed was Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who was sentenced to over six years in a Russian prison in a rapid, secret trial late last month.

She was seen running into the arms of her family Thursday, after embracing both Kamal Harris and Joe Biden upon exiting the plane.

But it was Whelan who disembarked first, followed by Gershkovich, and then Kurmasheva. All three were seen giving Harris and Biden handshakes before blissfully running into the arms of their respective families.

Following the revelry, the three were cleared to take another plane to San Antonio, where they will be checked out by doctors and cleared to return home.
Police have charged seven men with violent disorder offences after riots broke out linked to the Southport stabbings and have made more arrests - including an 11-year-old boy detained for allegedly setting fire to a patrol car.

The vehicle was torched during riots which spread from Southport to other parts of the UK in the wake of the knife rampage which claimed the lives of three young girls.

The violence, also seen in London and Manchester, has been sparked by false speculation online that the suspect in the stabbing frenzy is an illegal immigrant who arrived in the UK on a small boat.

Murder suspect Axel Rudakubana, 17, was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents and lived in Banks - a Lancashire village less than 15 minutes from Southport.

Cleveland Police's Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: 'This is very much a live investigation and we are continuing to work to identify those involved in the disorder yesterday evening and bring them to justice.

An 11-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a police vehicle was set alight during a protest in Hartlepool on Wednesday

Riot officers on the streets of Hartlepool following a violent protest on Wednesday night

Firefighters tend to a burning police car burns as officers were deployed on the streets of Hartlepool on Wednesday night

'Disorder of this kind will not be tolerated and those found to be involved will be robustly dealt with.'

Confrontations raged late into Wednesday night in Hartlepool, where rioters set pelted officers with missiles including glass bottles.

A lone Asian man was also punched in the face in footage which was captured on a live stream.

Police are continuing to hunt for the man who carried out that attack.

Cleveland Police said all seven men who have now been charged face counts of violent disorder.

A 42-year-old man was also charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker.

A 28-year-old man was charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, as well as violent disorder.

All seven men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Teesside Magistrates Court later today, while an 11-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a police vehicle was set alight.

Cleveland Police said 11 other people were arrested on Wednesday evening in connection with the disorder during which officers were attacked with missiles, glass bottles and eggs in the County Durham town.

Police officers and dogs were deployed to the streets of Hartlepool amid fresh violence

A police car burns in the distance as riot police officers line up nearby

Cleveland Police's Chief Constable Mark Webster spoke to reporters outside Hartlepool Police Station on Thursday afternoon following the previous evening's disorder

The arrests included seven men, one juvenile and one woman, with ages between 14 and 54, on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker, according to the force.

During the violence, which involved about 150 people meeting at the Cenotaph and descending on Murray Street and the surrounding area, four police officers suffered minor injuries.

Before the protest, officers identified the suspected organiser and arrested a 51-year-old man from Hartlepool on suspicion of distributing written materials to stir up racial hatred.

He has been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.

A woman aged 28, also from the Hartlepool area, was arrested on Wednesday before the demonstration.

She was detained on suspicion of unlawfully obtaining or disclosing protected information and distributing written materials to stir up racial hatred relating to personal information placed on social media, and has been released on conditional bail.

Speaking outside Hartlepool Police Station yesterday afternoon, Chief Constable Mark Webster said the events in the town were 'mindless thuggery' and that experienced officers had never seen such disorder there before.

Asked what the motivation was for the disorder, he said: 'There is an opportunity to go out and damage things, and just exhibit a bit of violence.

Firefighters attempt to put the intense blaze out as violence escalated in Hartlepool

The remains of the police car can be seen as riot police officers walk past

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned rioters at a Downing Street briefing

'I don't think there is a principle at stake, this was not a legitimate protest or demonstration.

'I think there is some mindless thuggery and that's why we are being really proactive to go out and arrest people. There's no excuse for last night.'

Also yesterday, Sir Keir Starmer condemned 'far-right hatred' in the wake of the Southport stabbings and today announced a new 'national' response to the violent disorder linking police forces across the country.

The Prime Minister said 'thugs' involved in the scenes of unrest should not 'pretend they are speaking' for the grieving families of the three young girls killed in the initial attack.

At a press conference following riots in which bricks were hurled at police officers and a local mosque targeted, Sir Keir warned: 'The far right are showing who they are - we have to show who we are in response to that.'

In a televised address from Downing Street after the disorder in London, Hartlepool, Manchester and Southport, he announced a new 'national capability' to tackle the disorder across police forces in England.

This will involve sharing intelligence, wider deployment of facial recognition technology and criminal behaviour orders to restrict the movement of those involved, Sir Keir said.

He said: 'These thugs are mobile, they move from community to community. We must have a policing response that can do the same.'

Violence erupted on the streets of London as flag-waving protesters clashed with police

Protesters were seen wearing T-shirts with the faces of the three Southport victims on

Southport locals have demanded rioters leave their town after Tuesday night's violence there

The Southport mass stabbings have led to riots on the streets. Pictured: A police van is torched in Southport on Tuesday night

Pictured for the first time: Southport stabbing suspect Axel Rudakubana, now 17, pictured as a child, is charged with murdering three little girls and harming 10 others

Court artist drawing of Rudakubana covering his face as he appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine, was one of three children killed by a knifeman at a Taylor-Swift themed dance class in Southport

Bebe King, aged six, was also killed in the attack at the dance school in Southport on Monday

Also killed was seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe in the attack which shocked the nation

The Prime Minister also sounded a note of caution to social media companies after misinformation spread online about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect, including false claims that he was an asylum seeker.

'Let me also say to large social media companies and those who run them: violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, that is also a crime, it's happening on your premises, and the law must be upheld everywhere,' he said.

'That is the single most important duty of government, service rests on security. We will take all necessary action to keep our streets safe.'

Sir Keir, a former director of public prosecutions, also warned that speculating about the attack could risk prejudicing the active criminal proceedings against the suspect and impeding justice for the bereaved families.

Asked what his message was to Muslims who may be concerned after a mosque was targeted in the violence in Southport, he said: 'In relation to the Muslim community, let me be very clear - I will take every step that's necessary to keep you safe.

'Mosques being attacked because they're mosques - the far right are showing who they are. We have to show who we are in response to that.'

The press conference was held shortly after police chiefs from Scotland Yard, Merseyside and West Yorkshire were summoned to Downing Street for crisis talks with the PM and his ministers following the violence.

Sir Keir said the meeting was held to 'pull together our response, response both to the immediate challenge which is clearly driven by far-right hatred, but also all violent disorder that flares up whatever the apparent cause or motivation'.

Police officers outside a damaged butchers shop on Murray Street in Hartlepool the morning after the riots

Mourners leave floral tributes near the scene in Hart Street, where three children died and eight were injured in a 'ferocious' knife attack

Southport burns: A street near a mosque goes up in flames as violent thugs took to the streets on Tuesday night

He hit out at a 'gang of thugs' who descended on Southport to riot following the initial attack, saying that as a result the community had been forced to suffer twice.

'Let's be very clear about this. It's not protest. It's not legitimate. It's crime. Violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice,' Sir Keir said.

In London on Wednesday, more than 100 people were arrested after protesters in Whitehall launched beer cans and glass bottles at police, and threw flares at the statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square.

Police in Manchester confronted another demonstration outside the Holiday Inn on Oldham Road before dispersing the crowd after protesters started throwing beer bottles at officers and members of the public.

The string of violent incidents followed similar scenes in Southport on Tuesday, where demonstrators attacked police and set cars on fire.
A BBC staffer sent inappropriate and flirty messages by Huw Edwards has described feeling 'sick' to their stomach when they discovered the stellar newsreader had admitted possessing child porn.

The corporation is facing calls to release its 'fact-finding mission' into complaints about the behaviour of Huw Edwards from younger staffers who he bombarded with 'inappropriate' messages.

The BBC stands accused of trying to protect its own reputation - and Edwards - over failing to reveals its findings about the disgraced broadcaster's behaviour at work.

MailOnline revealed yesterday how suggested a junior colleague could stay over in his BBC-funded hotel suite on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral and sent a picture of the room including the bed.

In an interview with BBC News last night, Director General Tim Davie insisted that bosses are 'not sitting on anything that I think we need to share with the police, or is of a serious nature that would make me feel that we hadn't followed up properly'.

But one BBC staffer who received inappropriate messages from Edwards has said that learning the TV presenter had child sexual abuse images on his phone 'made them feel sick'.

They told Newsnight: 'Huw Edwards messaged me on social media several times, despite us never having met and not knowing each other. Many of the messages were clearly inappropriate, including telling me unprompted what he was doing in the early hours of the morning, asking that he take me for food, and including several kisses at the end of messages.

Director General Tim Davie insisted that bosses are 'not sitting on anything' but staffers who complained about Huw Edwards want to see the internal inquiry

Huw apparently sent a picture of his suite and said there was 'plenty of room' for a junior colleague there on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral during Covid-19 restrictions

'When I first told my experiences to Newsnight a year ago I had no idea the story would eventually take such a dark turn. Hearing the allegations this week made me feel sick.

'My experience does shed a bit of light into a much broader picture, one in which the most senior journalist felt able to abuse his position of power in several ways, from inappropriate messages to members of staff he did not know, to much darker activity on WhatsApp in conversation with a convicted paedophile.

'I hope the BBC uses this experience as an opportunity to learn, and recommit to ensuring the highest standards of professionalism of its presenters. It has never been more important for the people of the UK to be able to trust them.

'At the time I was confused as to why he was sending such messages to me, but I had heard stories of other younger employees in the BBC having similar experiences with him.

'I care deeply about the BBC, which is an organisation I love and remain very proud to have worked for. It is full of brilliant, talented, caring people, at all levels. There are clearly questions for senior leaders in the organisation to answer about how it handled the situation in November, upon hearing the news of his arrest'.

BBC staff who told into that inquiry team of how Edwards sent them messages that made them feel uncomfortable claim they have been left 'totally isolated' - and demanded the report is made public.

Speaking to Newsnight anonymously last night, one said: 'It has been deeply disappointing for the details of the report to have not been made public, or to know what other people have experienced what you have - so you know how many other people this affected.

'It has made me feel totally isolated. I've felt more reassurances by speaking to the media as a trusted source than I have dealing with the BBC directly. It shouldn't have been that way'.

The staffers said they have heard nothing from BBC's HR team since November, when they sent them links to Samaritans and the Mind mental health charity.

Mr Davie also said the corporation will 'look at all options' in trying to reclaim pay from Edwards after the revelations.

The BBC chief said: 'These are, unfortunately, the specifics of how it works, that we can't claw back pension.

'I think when it comes to pay, again, legally challenging, but we'll look at all options.'

Former culture secretary Sir John Whittingdale said there is an impression that the BBC has not sought to be as transparent as it should be, amid questions over its handling of the Huw Edwards probe.

The Conservative MP appeared on BBC's Newsnight to discuss alleged internal complaints made against former BBC News presenter Edwards, who admitted earlier this week to making indecent images of children.

Former BBC producer David Keighley said today: 'The problem is that the BBC is its own judge and jury on these matters. That means it will in the first instance try to protect its own reputation rather than get to the truth'.

It comes after BBC director-general Tim Davie defended his decision to employ the veteran broadcaster until April, five months after he was told of Edwards' arrest in November over the most serious category of indecent photographs.

'I think it's clearly damaging for the BBC, particularly the way in which further revelations (have) become public,' Sir John said.

'There is an impression that the BBC has not sought to be as transparent as they should be.'

The Newsnight programme included statements from a current BBC employee and a former staff member at the broadcaster who were critical of an internal inquiry into Edwards' behaviour after they said they received 'inappropriate' messages from Edwards.

Sir John said: '(The) BBC always carries out internal inquiries and we're told that lessons have been learnt and safeguards have been put in place and yet they don't appear to have been effective.

'...Revelations about what we're hearing from BBC employees who have suffered completely inappropriate behaviour and reported it and yet nothing was done.

'And those are the kinds of questions where it isn't enough just to have an internal inquiry, I think there is a public need to know exactly what actions were taken by the BBC.'

Sir John said it was 'unfortunate' that while Mr Davie had given an interview to BBC News, he has not been able to be examined 'in a way a select committee could' - which 'hasn't yet been set up because we're in a new parliament'.

The Culture Secretary has asked the BBC to look into whether it can recoup money from Huw Edwards' pay packet after the former broadcaster admitted accessing indecent images of children.

Lisa Nandy spoke with BBC director general Tim Davie on Thursday after Edwards admitted making indecent photographs, with seven of the 41 images being of the most serious type.

Mr Davie also said the corporation will 'look at all options' in trying to reclaim pay from Edwards after the revelations.

The BBC chief said: 'These are, unfortunately, the specifics of how it works, that we can't claw back pension.

'I think when it comes to pay, again, legally challenging, but we'll look at all options.'

Edwards' child pornography charges were not made public for five weeks due to fears over his 'mental health', it was claimed last night.

Huw Edwards' child porn charges were not made public due to fears over his mental health, it is understood

Edwards, 62, was arrested on suspicion of receiving indecent images of children via a WhatsApp exchange with paedophile Alex Williams, 25, in November 2023. He was charged this year on June 26.

The former BBC presenter has pleaded guilty to possessing seven category A images, 12 category B images and 22 category C images of children at Westminster magistrates' court this week.

But despite there being major pubic interest in Edwards' case, the charges and his upcoming court appearance were not revealed to the public at the time, as is typical practice.

It comes as the BBC's director general Tim Davie has insisted that the corporation was not 'sitting on' any information regarding the police inquiry.

The Met and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have both denied suppressing information or giving Edwards special treatment.

Fears over the former presenter's mental health contributed to the decision to withhold information for as long as possible, sources have told The Telegraph.

The source said: '[...] concern over Edwards' mental health was certainly a factor in deciding not to release all the details immediately. The intention was to release details of the charges the day before he was due in court.

'This was not an attempt to cover it up but simply to manage the inevitable frenzy that would follow the news being made public.'

MailOnline has contacted the CPS and the Met for comment.

BBC boss Mr Davie admitted he knew Huw Edwards had been arrested over the most serious category of child porn images - yet continued to pay the paedophile presenter more than 200,000 until he resigned.

In a bombshell interview with BBC News on Thursday, the director general said: 'We knew it was serious, we knew no specifics, apart from the category of the potential offences.'

BBC bosses, who were told about Edwards' arrest in November but kept paying him for another five months, say they were not aware of the ages of the children in the images.

Britain's most famous newsreader yesterday pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to receiving 41 indecent images of children, two of which showed a child aged between about seven and nine.

Edwards received the pictures on WhatsApp from convicted paedophile, Alex Williams, between December 2020 and August 2021. Seven of them were category A images - the most serious classification - while 12 were category B and 22 were category C.

Category A images show serious abuse including penetrative sexual activity, while Category B images involve non-penetrative sexual activity. Category C images do not depict any sexual activity.

Huw Edwards yesterday pleaded guilty to receiving 41 indecent images of children, which included two sexual videos of a boy under nine

Huw Edwards is yet another BBC star to be disgraced after he admitted three counts of making indecent pictures of children between 2020 and 2022

Mr Davie tonight confirmed the BBC did know the severity of the alleged offences, but claimed the police had not told them the full details.

When the ex-anchorman's charges were made public this week, Mr Davie said: 'We were very shocked. No one knew about the specifics of what we heard over the last few days, which have been deeply disturbing.'

The director general also reiterated that the BBC did not reveal that star's arrest at the request of the police, adding that the Beeb also had to consider its duty of care to Edwards.

'When it comes to the decision we made in November, we were obviously faced with a difficult decision, and we considered it very carefully,' Mr Davie said.

'The police came to us and gave us information that they had arrested Mr Edwards. But they wanted to be assured of total confidence, and the reason they rung us at that point, it's a technical process to ensure employees are protected and there's no risk.'

He added: 'Another factor at this point was very significant duty of care considerations. I think it was right for us to say we'd let the police do their business, and then when charges happen, we will act.'

Addressing whether Edwards would still receive his pension, he said it was 'very difficult to claw back, nigh on impossible', adding: 'These are unfortunately the specifics of how it works.

'When it comes to pay, again, [it's] legally challenging [to recover], but we'll look at all options.'

Mr Davie was also quizzed about the BBC's own investigation into Edwards, which has not been published.

He said the BBC was 'not sitting on anything that I think we need to share with the police, or is of a serious nature that would make me feel that we hadn't followed up properly'.

Alex Williams (pictured) was snared by Welsh police - who later discovered he had sent Edwards a series of indecent images of children

He continued: 'I can categorically say that when it comes to the offences we've seen, which are truly horrendous, any evidence that is out there is not in the hands of the BBC. If I saw evidence of that, that is not a complicated decision [to hand it over].'

Before Edwards resigned in April on medical advice, he was paid between 475,000 and 479,999 for the year 2023/24, according to the BBC's latest annual report.

This last salary marked a 40,000 pay rise from 2022/23, when he was paid between 435,000 and 439,999.

The disgraced broadcaster earned more than 200,000 between his arrest last November and leaving the corporation in April.

The BBC has said that if Edwards had been charged while he was still an employee it would have sacked him, but at the point of charge he no longer worked for the corporation.

After his guilty plea on Wednesday, a BBC spokesperson said: 'In November 2023, whilst Mr Edwards was suspended, the BBC as his employer at the time was made aware in confidence that he had been arrested on suspicion of serious offences and released on bail whilst the police continued their investigation.

'At the time, no charges had been brought against Mr Edwards and the BBC had also been made aware of significant risk to his health.'

Edwards received seven category 'A' images of the very worst kind on his phone after being sent them on WhatsApp by paedophile Alex Williams

The corporation added: 'The BBC is shocked to hear the details which have emerged in court today. There can be no place for such abhorrent behaviour and our thoughts are with all those affected.

'Today we have learnt of the conclusion of the police process in the details as presented to the court.

'If at any point during the period Mr Edwards was employed by the BBC he had been charged, the BBC had determined it would act immediately to dismiss him. In the end, at the point of charge he was no longer an employee of the BBC.

'During this period, in the usual way, the BBC has kept its corporate management of these issues separate from its independent editorial functions.'

Sir Keir Starmer has said he is 'shocked and appalled' by the Edwards' news when asked about the case at a press conference in Downing Street.

The Prime Minister also confirmed the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will hold urgent talks with the BBC director-general Tim Davie on Thursday.

The public currently pays 169.50 a year for the licence fee and questions will surely be raised if Edwards' salary was the best use of that money.

Charlotte Rees-John, an employment law partner at legal firm Irwin Mitchell, told the PA news agency: 'It would have been possible to dismiss Huw Edwards after he was arrested, but it is not without risk.

'I suspect this was considered but the safer approach was taken, which was to wait until charged.

'Suspension on full pay was then appropriate as was the pay rise if contractual.

'Many other organisations would have taken the risk to protect their reputation, but the BBC is under a greater level of scrutiny and they also had to consider that he was suffering with his mental health and as such at risk of serious harm.'

However, the fact Edwards has now admitted three charges of making indecent photographs - after he was sent 41 illegal images by convicted paedophile Alex Williams - will also likely raise serious questions of trust in figures at the BBC.

The scandal with Edwards comes in the wake of the crimes of Jimmy Savile, the TV star and serial sexual abuser who managed to conceal his crimes until after his death in 2011.

It also comes weeks after the BBC delayed publishing a report in the conduct of former Radio 1 presenter Tim Westwood because of an ongoing police investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct going back four decades.

Westwood 'strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour' and refutes all accusations of wrongdoing. He has not been charged with a criminal offence.

At the time the annual report was published, Davie defended Edwards' 40,000 pay rise, saying: 'We are always trying to be very judicious with the spending of public money and no-one wants to waste a pound.

'But what you're trying to do, and from the onset of that affair, was trying to act proportionally, fairly and navigate this appropriately.

'I think that's what we did... but I think we wouldn't have wasted money if we weren't doing the right thing.'

Edwards resigned from the BBC in April 'on the basis of medical advice from his doctors' after unrelated allegations that he paid a young person for sexually explicit photos.

Police found no evidence of criminal behaviour in relation to this matter.

Edwards will next appear in court on September 16.
The new Labour government has axed a planned 800 million supercomputer announced by the Conservatives that would have been 50 times more powerful than any other computer in the UK.

The cancellation is a part of a 1.3 billion funding cut that will also see a 500 million AI project pulled.

It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned the economic situation left by the previous government was worse than expected, as the government prioritises election pledges such as reaching a deal with striking junior doctors.

The plans were unveiled less than 12 months ago by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

But the current Secretary of State Peter Kyle has announced they will no longer go ahead with the department saying Rishi Sunak's government had not budgeted for them.

The new Labour government has axed a planned 800 million supercomputer announced by the Conservatives

It had been hoped the computer would help scientists speed up their research in important areas including medicines and nuclear fusion

The supercomputer, or exascale, would have been based in Edinburgh and was described by the Tories as 'next generation' and 'game-changing'.

It had been hoped the computer would help scientists speed up their research in important areas including medicines and nuclear fusion.

All those affected by the decision have been informed by Mr Kyle, it is understood, but the BBC reports Edinburgh University has already spent more than 30 million building a casing for the new model.

The UK already hosts supercomputers in Edinburgh and Bristol, with only a handful of exascale models in the world.

The Conservatives' shadow minister Andrew Griffith did not comment on claims the project was 'unfunded', but said: 'As a point of fact, at the time the election was called, ministers had been advised by officials that the department was likely to underspend its budget for the current financial year.'

The University of Edinburgh told MailOnline it is urgently seeking a meeting with Mr Kyle.

A spokesperson added: 'The University of Edinburgh has led the way in supercomputing within the UK for decades, and is ready to work with the government to support the next phase of this technology in the UK, in order to unlock its benefits for industry, public services and society.'

The University's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, is urgently seeking a meeting with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.

In a statement, a DSIT spokesperson said: 'The government is taking difficult and necessary spending decisions across all departments in the face of billions of pounds of unfunded commitments.

'This is essential to restore economic stability and deliver our national mission for growth.'
Holly Willoughby appears to be struggling to become the 'new Gwyneth Paltrow'.

While the Hollywood star has enjoyed success with her company Goop, Holly's own wellness and lifestyle brand Wylde Moon has just 1,885 in reserves  almost three years after it was set up.

Accounts reveal that although the company has assets of 585,633, it owes creditors 583,748 - meaning it is only just staying in the black.

Selling exotic candles, 'wax melts' and 'diffusers', the brand has been compared to Goop, the brand launched by Oscar-winning Hollywood actress Paltrow in 2008 and has been valued at 200million.

Holly, who used to present ITV's This Morning with Phillip Schofield, is prominent in the firm's online marketing, posing on the website.

Holly Willoughby's wellness and lifestyle brand Wylde Moon has just 1,885 in reserves  almost three years after it was set up

Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop brand has been valued at 200million

While Holly's brand may not be financially flourishing, it's an improvement from accounts filed in October 2023 that showed it had a mere 149 in assets.

The 2023 micro accounts indicated that there was over 283,000 in assets but creditors are owed 310,000.

Holly launched her Goop-esque lifestyle brand in September 2021 and it currently sells candles and perfume.

The site contains beauty and style advice and a section on spirituality where readers are advised on crystals, healing and auras.

The TV presenter said that the idea to launch her own lifestyle brand came to her in 2018 when she was in Australia hosting I'm A Celebrity alongside Declan Donnelly.

She said: 'I've always been fascinated with the moon, space, shooting stars and looking up.

'On holiday, I spend more time on the sun lounger at night than during the day. The moon is always there  like the sun no matter where you are in the world.

'I'd lost a part of who I was and that rediscovery has led me here, to a whole new place of beauty and power.'

The news of its current assets comes after the TV star bravely spoke out after the trial of a man found guilty of plotting to abduct, rape and murder her.

She thanked the police and her legal team who brought obsessive stalker Gavin Plumb to justice last month, before he was given a life sentence behind bars with a minimum term of 15 years.

Accounts reveal that although the company has assets of 585,633, it owes creditors 583,748 - meaning it is only just staying in the black

Former This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby founded her own firm three years ago

Holly features prominently on the wellness brand Wylde Moon's website

Products offered by the company include candles such as this one costing 40

Wylde Moon's site also contains beauty and style advice and a section on spirituality where readers are advised on crystals, healing and auras - as well as offering this 80 candle

Her presenting roles on ITV have also included Dancing On Ice, which she hosted between 2006 and 2011 and again since 2018

Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop brand offers products including candles and cream

The US star has also promoted a citrus drink containing skin-supporting antioxidants

The star released a statement less than two hours after he was convicted in which she also praised the security guard's previous female victims after their evidence helped find him guilty.

Holly, 43, who was acclaimed by police for her courage, said: 'As women we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes.

'I will forever be grateful to the undercover police officer who understood the imminent threat, and to the Metropolitan and Essex police forces for their swift response.

'Thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Rt Hon Mr Justice Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the members of the jury and all involved in this case for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women.

'I would also like to commend the bravery of his previous victims for speaking up at the time. Without their bravery this conviction may not have been possible.'

Plumb, 37, claimed he wasn't physically capable of abducting the former This Morning presenter, had no one qualified to drive to her London home, and that vile conversations he had with 'like-minded' people in dark recesses of the internet were 'just online chat'.

But a jury took 12 hours and 19 minutes to find him guilty after being presented with a raft of shocking evidence, including a chloroform restraint kit that he planned to use it to kidnap Ms Willoughby.

He then planned to take the TV presenter to an isolated stud farm for sexual torture, kill her and dump her body in a lake.

The defendant, who weighed up to 30 stone and adopted the user name Big Bear to chat to others about his plot online, appeared to formulate his fantasy as early as 2011 - Googling the phrase 'how to meet people who plan to kidnap celebs'.

Former security guard Gavin Plumb (pictured) was jailed for life last month, with a minimum term of 15 years, after being found guilty of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder the TV star

Holly Willoughby, seen here at the Pride Of Britain Awards in London in October 2018, issued a statement last month praising police for bringing Plumb to justice

Holly used to present ITV daytime show This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield

But his plans were foiled when one of his potential accomplices, who went by the name of David Nelson, turned out to be an undercover officer from the Owatonna Police Department in the US state of Minnesota.

Jurors heard that Plumb had form when it came to 'terrifying real women', including convictions for attempted kidnap and false imprisonment following three incidents involving four women in 2006 and 2008.

Plumb was heard discussing the horrifying plot to abduct, rape and then kill the 43-year-old presenter during a series of horrifying voice notes played to the court.

The defendant, who weighed up to 30 stone and adopted the user name Big Bear to chat to others about his plot online, appeared to formulate his fantasy as early as 2011 - googling the phrase 'how to meet people who plan to kidnap celebs'.

But his plans were foiled when one of his potential accomplices, who went by the name of David Nelson, turned out to be an undercover officer from the Owatonna Police Department in the US state of Minnesota.

Jurors heard that Plumb had form when it came to 'terrifying real women', including convictions for attempted kidnap and false imprisonment following three incidents involving four women in 2006 and 2008.

Plumb was heard discussing the horrifying plot to abduct, rape and then kill the presenter during a series of horrifying voice notes played to the court.

He also spoke with another associate about buying realistic-looking air weapons 'from pistols to sniper rifles'.

Plumb was arrested on October 4 last year after he revealed his plan to police officer Mr Nelson, who was based in Minnesota and alerted authorities in the UK.

Holly Willoughby has said that the idea to launch her own lifestyle brand came to her in 2018 when she was in Australia hosting I'm A Celebrity alongside Declan Donnelly

Holly launched her Goop-esque lifestyle brand in September 2021 and it currently sells candles and perfume

Her brand Wylde Moon's 2023 accounts indicated that there was over 283,000 in assets but creditors are owed 310,000

Plumb has previous convictions for trying to kidnap two women on trains and tying a 16-year-old girl up at knifepoint.

Willoughby waived her right to anonymity in connection with an accusation against Plumb of assisting or encouraging rape.

Alleged victims of sex offences or targets of sex offence conspiracies have a right to automatic anonymity for life from the moment an allegation is made by them or anyone else.

Holly has been hosting Dancing On Ice 2024 and will also present a Netflix show, for release next year, in which adventurer Bear Grylls hunts celebrities in the jungle.
A man described as a 'runner' working for his boss dealing drugs out of a western Sydney hotel has been jailed for the violent murder of a woman whose body was then set alight.

Robert Sloan, 61, pleaded guilty to murdering Najma Carroll alongside a co-accused before setting her on fire in a remote part of Sandy Point in Sydney's southwest on July 14, 2020.

The 33-year-old's body was discovered by a bushwalker 15 days later.

'The deceased was isolated before her death, then taken to remote bushland where she had no chance of escape, then killed,' said Justice Natalie Adams on Friday.

'It must have been an absolutely terrifying experience for her.'

The NSW Supreme Court judge sentenced Sloan to a maximum 25 years and two months in jail, backdated and expiring on July 3, 2047.

His non-parole period of 17 years and six months will expire on November 3, 2039.

Sloan was given a lower sentence than his 46-year-old drug running boss Benjamin Troy Parkes, who was sentenced last week for the murder.

Najma Carroll was murdered before her body was set on fire in a remote part of Sandy Point in Sydney's southwest on July 14, 2020

Robert Sloan, 61, has been jailed for the violent murder

The 33-year-old's body was discovered by a bushwalker 15 days later

He faces a maximum jail sentence of 31 years, with a non-parole period of 21 years and six months.

Justice Adams found that Sloan looked up to Parkes, who often ordered his subordinate to do his 'dirty work' for him.

'Mr Sloan assisted Mr Parkes out of a sense of misguided loyalty to him,' she said.

The motive for the murder belonged solely to Parkes who worried that Ms Carroll knew too much about their drug running, did not want to return $8,500 that she had 'invested' in the illegal business, and was concerned she could go to the police, Justice Adams found.

Sloan, who has previously gone under the alias Ronald Joseph Sladden, also entered into an agreement to kill Ms Carroll at a later time than Parkes.

In sentencing the 61-year-old, the judge took into account his early guilty plea, highly disadvantaged upbringing and his physical health, including pain issues after he was shot in the leg in a motel room around 25 years ago.

She noted he had been threatened and assaulted in custody since his arrest for the murder in November 2020, saying this could have been because of his involvement with The Heathens in Melbourne 10 years ago.

Sloan's criminal history spans decades and involves run-ins with the law in NSW, Victoria and South Australia over crimes such as armed robbery, false imprisonment, threatening a witness, drug possession and motor vehicle theft.

He was a long-term drug user and was taking 'ice' at the time of Ms Carroll's murder, Justice Adams said.

Justice Natalie Adams said the victim's final moments must have been 'absolutely terrifying'

Sloan watched the sentencing proceedings from Silverwater prison, and shook his head, muttering 'not true' as the judge considered whether he had assaulted Ms Carroll, causing her a black eye days before she was killed.

The judge aired her suspicions but could not be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that he caused the injuries.

She found Ms Carroll was a heavy drug user at the time who could have hurt herself instead.

Justice Adams noted the significant effect the murder had on mother Anne Carroll who was told the shocking news by police that a burnt body found in bushland was that of her daughter.

'On behalf of the court, I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends Najma Carroll,' she said.
Serious errors led Israel to launch an airstrike on a humanitarian convoy that killed an Australian aid worker and six colleagues, government advice has found.

The Israeli Defence Force launched strikes in early April that killed Australian Zomi Frankcom and six other World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers as they delivered food in Gaza.

Amid outrage over the deaths, the Australian government announced former Australian Defence Force chief Mark Binskin would serve as special adviser to the government on Israel's response to the incident.

On Friday, his findings were officially delivered.

'It is my assessment that the IDF strike on the WCK aid workers was not knowingly or deliberately directed against the WCK,' he wrote.

He confirmed the deaths were the result of serious failures to follow Israeli Defence Force procedures, mistaken identification and errors in decision-making - aligning with Israel's assessment the incident was a 'grave mistake'.

The aid organisation's convoy included white trucks with World Central Kitchen identification stickers, but these were not visible at night, Mr Binskin wrote.

Those at the brigade level of the Israeli Defence Force were unaware of the full details of the World Central Kitchen's plan and were 'certain that the 'white pick-ups' were Hamas vehicles'.

Australian aid worker Australian Zomi Frankcom was killed by Israeli airstrikes while delivering food in central Gaza

'It appears that the IDF controls failed, leading to errors in decision making and a misidentification, likely compounded by a level of confirmation bias,' the report read.

Mr Binskin said Israel's response so far had been appropriate and 'with some exceptions, sufficient' but emphasised an apology should be made to the families of those killed.

He recommended Australia request regular updates on the investigation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the government would implement all of the recommendations and reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

'Israel is bound by international law, which requires the protection of aid workers. Demonstrably, that did not occur in relation to Zomi Frankcom and her World Central Kitchen colleagues,' she told reporters in Adelaide.

'The best protection for aid workers - and civilians - is a ceasefire.

Ms Frankcom was one of seven World Central Kitchen volunteers killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes on Monday (pictured, the wreckage of one of the three cars)

'We do believe an apology should be provided, I have also said that clear practical action is needed to ensure this this tragedy is never repeated.'

Two Israeli officers have been removed and three reprimanded, but Ms Frankcom's family says this is not enough and has called for a criminal investigation.

'The Australian government will continue to press for full accountability, including any appropriate criminal charges,' Senator Wong said.

The World Central Kitchen hired armed locally contracted security on its aid convoy, which had not been approved in its coordinations with the Israeli Defence Force, giving 'the appearance of the presence of Hamas'.

A Israeli force member later mistakenly claimed he saw one of the convoy's drivers place a 'gun' into the vehicle.

Israel launched the strike soon after.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Mr Binskin's report was unnecessary and said the former ADF chief's appointment was a 'politically based decision'.

'IDF has ... pointed out that they've made a mistake, as is the case in a theatre of war,' he told reporters in Perth.

On October 7, Hamas - designated a terrorist organisation by the government - launched an attack on Israel that killed 1200 people and led more than 200 to be taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.

In the months since, Israel has launched a bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza that has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, the local health ministry says.

About 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced while 495,000 are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity.
Greek police have arrested a British man on manslaughter charges after his partner was killed in a brutal head-on car crash in Greece earlier this week.

The 28-year-old Brit was behind the wheel with his 33-year-old partner in the passenger seat when their car veered into oncoming traffic as they drove through the resort town of Kardamena on the Greek island of Kos on Monday morning.

Their vehicle rolled into the path of a second car driven by a 42-year-old Albanian man and suffered a sickening collision.

Both drivers escaped the horror smash with minor injuries but the 33-year-old woman sustained critical trauma, according to Greek media reports.

She was rushed to Kos hospital by EKAV ambulance services, but succumbed to her injuries just hours later, with doctors unable to save her.

Her 28-year-old partner was initially released after medical checks, but was subsequently arrested and was reportedly charged with 'manslaughter by negligence'.

MailOnline has contacted the FCDO and the Hellenic Police for comment.

The critically injured 33-year-old Brit was rushed to Kos hospital by EKAV ambulance services, but succumbed to her injuries just hours later

The horror car crash took place in the resort town of Kardamena on the Greek island of Kos on Monday morning

The tragic incident comes just weeks after a British woman was run down and dragged along the tarmac by a reckless driver who lost control of their car on the Greek island of Crete.

The unnamed 47-year-old was enjoying a family holiday with relatives and in-laws in the coastal village of Georgioupoli in Crete's Chania region in early July.

They were on a walk along a country lane on Friday evening when a silver Peugeot 206 sped along the road and ploughed into the group.

The victim was knocked to the floor and dragged off the road by the car which smashed through a wire fence and eventually came to a stop roughly 40ft into the adjacent field.

Horrific pictures from the scene captured by Greek media outlet Flash News showed a pool of blood soaking into the tarmac by the side of the road.

The victim was knocked to the floor and dragged off the road by the car which smashed through a wire fence and eventually came to a stop roughly 40ft into the adjacent field

Two women, aged 47 and 54, were hit by the car

Two women, aged 47 and 54, were hit by the car with the elder victim sustaining various abrasions but ultimately escaping without serious injury.

The 47-year-old however was rushed to Rethymnon Hospital with serious head trauma.

Doctors stabilised her but her condition deteriorated overnight and Greek media reported that she passed away in her hospital bed on Saturday, July 13.

The driver of the vehicle is said to have escaped the incident without injury and was taken into custody.

Officers from the Vrysses Police Department in Chania are now conducting an investigation into the incident.

A FCDO Spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities.'
The Tory leadership battle is ramping up today as Robert Jenrick warns the party must admit 'where we went wrong' and cut immigration.

The former minister will bid to kick-start his campaign at a rally, laying out his blueprint for how to recover from the election disaster.

Mr Jenrick is among six candidates trying to succeed Rishi Sunak, with the One Nation and right-wing factions struggling for control.

But the contest is set to be an attritional one, with the winner not due to be announced until November 2 - three days after Labour's first Budget.

There have already been complaints about 'dirty tricks' between rival camps.

Robert Jenrick is among six candidates trying to succeed Rishi Sunak, with the One Nation and right-wing factions struggling for control

Bookmakers have Mr Jenrick as second favourite in the race behind shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch (left). James Cleverly (right) is also a contender

'We have a mountain to climb.

Shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat is a candidate from the One Nation wing of the party

Former home secretary Priti Patel has also thrown her hat into the ring to lead the Tories

Bookmakers have Mr Jenrick as second favourite in the race behind shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch.

The two rivals from the right of the party are up against shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride, shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat, shadow home secretary James Cleverly and former home secretary Dame Priti Patel.

The field will be whittled down to four in time for the Tory conference in Birmingham in the autumn before MPs vote for a final two who will face a ballot of Conservative members.

At his launch in his Newark constituency this afternoon, Mr Jenrick is expected to argue that the Tories can win again in just five years.

'They say Sir Keir Starmer is guaranteed a decade in Downing Street,' he will insist.

'Trust is hard fought, but easily lost. It can't be restored overnight.

'But if the party learns the hard lessons, listens to the country and shows the party has changed, if we show the country that we have listened, if we show the country we know where we went wrong and have learned our lessons, if we show that we understand the scale of the challenges this country faces and are capable of delivering for Britain again, if we show that we have come together, a broad church, but united by a common creed, above all, if we show that we have changed, I know we can win again.

'Not in two terms. Not in a decade. But at the next general election.'

Mr Jenrick will campaign on a tough stance of cutting immigration and pulling out of the European Convention on Human Rights.

In a campaign video this week, he said Mr Sunak's party had been 'unable or unwilling' to do what was required to reduce the number of people coming to the UK.

Hundreds of thousands of people 'we didn't need' had arrived legally while 'dangerous' immigrants could not be deported, he said.

Mr Jenrick resigned from Mr Sunak's government last year, claiming that the plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda did not go far enough.

'I believe that anyone who comes here illegally must be deported within days,' he said in his pitch to replace Mr Sunak.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride is another hopeful in the contest

The party must respond to the threat from Nigel Farage's Reform UK on the Right, as well as winning back former heartlands in southern England which were lost to the Liberal Democrats.

Suella Braverman, who bowed out of the race last week, warned the Tories have 'no chance of winning the next general election' as long as Mr Farage's outfit 'is a viable alternative'.

The former home secretary denied speculation she might defect unless she was 'driven out to Reform by my colleagues'.

Arguing that Tory-to-Reform defector Lee Anderson 'should be a Conservative MP', Ms Braverman told GB News: 'We should not be hounding out Conservatives, right-wingers, Eurosceptics, people who want to stand up for our flag and our faith as if they are somehow swivel-eyed loons.'

She cautioned any Tory leader against 'complacency' over the threat from the right, saying 'Reform can do better' and 'young people are voting more for Reform than they are for the Conservatives'.
For decades, Britain's most notorious criminals from Charles Bronson to murderer Thelma Purchase have been marrying partners behind bars.

Whether fellow inmates, ordinary members of the public or morbid fans, some of the UK's most hated names have been able to marry or have civil partnerships confirmed while serving lengthy sentences.

But the new Justice Secretary has announced a crackdown on the privilege in a relief for victims and their families, with those sentenced to a whole life order now banned.

It means the likes of ex-Met police officer and murderer Wayne Couzens would never be able to marry or have a civil partnership as they live out the rest of their days at His Majesty's Pleasure.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: 'Victims should not be tormented by seeing those who commit the most depraved crimes enjoy the moments in life that were stolen from their loved ones. That is why I have acted as soon as possible to stop these marriages and give victims the support they deserve.'

As the new legislation is signed into the Victims and Prisoners Act, MailOnline takes a look at some of the most high-profile prison marriages in recent years.

Charles Bronson

Charles Bronson, 71, has been married twice behind bars but his most recent wife died just months later

Bronson was first married to Irene Dunroe (pictured) after the pair met aged just 19

Known as Britain's 'most violent inmate', Charles Bronson, 71, made himself a household name by kidnapping prison officers and staging protests against his treatment in jail.

Sentenced to lengthy periods in jail for armed robbery, attacking fellow prisoners and guards, Bronson has been imprisoned almost constantly since the mid-1970s.

After splitting from his first wife Irene Dunroe, who he met at the age of 18, he began exchanging letters with Fatema Saira Rehman, who moved to the UK from Bangladesh after allegedly being forced into marriage there.

The pair met at HMP Woodhill in 2001 and got married three years later. Ms Rehman, who was 31 at the time to Bronson's 48, first fell for the criminal after seeing his photograph in a newspaper. The pair divorced in 2006.

Then in 2017 Bronson married a soap actress Paula Williamson, who boasted appearances in Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale.

The couple married at Wakefield jail after a bizarre ceremony in which she entered the jail under a purple cloak.

It was reported Bronson wooed the actress by singing her a Frank Sinatra song over the phone. He was handcuffed to a warden for the entire two-hour ceremony.

Ms Williamson was sadly found dead at a property in July 2019, aged just 38.

Thelma Yvonne Purchase

Thelma Purchase encouraged her son and his friend to suffocate Greg Baker, 61, who she was caring for

Murdering care worker Thelma Purchase was jailed for life in 2008 after killing a disabled man she was looking after with help from her son and his friend.

Greg Baker, 61, was killed in a plot to net 60,000 from his will masterminded by the care worker, who was ordered to serve a minimum term of 30 years.

During her imprisonment Purchase became romantically involved with fellow murderer Tai Pilley, a trans woman who was moved to a female prison after receiving gender reassignment surgery.

The pair had a civil partnership ceremony at HMP New Hall in 2010.

But their relationship reportedly later ran into trouble after Purchase became close to another inmate.

Pilley, previously known as Douglas Wakefield, murdered an uncle in 1974 by beating him with a hammer and stabbing him 48 times.

Wakefield also killed a fellow inmate at Pankhurst before gender surgery.

Julian Assange

Julian Assange, 53, married his long-term girlfriend Stella Morris while imprisoned in HMP Belmarsh

Wikileaks founded Julian Assange, 53, got married to his long-term partner Stella Morris in March 2022 as a battle over his possible extradition to the US raged on.

Assange was imprisoned in HMP Belmarsh after being arrested at the Ecuadorian Embassy, where he previously sought asylum to escape extradition.

Ms Morris campaigned tirelessly for him to be released during his imprisonment, as the US sought him over 18 counts relating to the release of military records and diplomatic cables.

At their wedding the couple wore outfits designed by Dame Vivienne Westwood.

'This is not a prison wedding,' Ms Morris said. 'It is a declaration of love and resilience in spite of the prison walls, in spite of the political persecution, in spite of the arbitrary detention, in spite of the harm and harassment inflicted on Julian and our family.

'Their torment only makes our love grow stronger.'

Assange has since been released from prison and has returned to his native Australia.

Levi Bellfield

Serial killer Levi Bellfield, 56, has tried several times to get married or have a civil partnership with his girlfriend, but has now been blocked by new legislation

Milly Dowler, 13, was murdered by Bellfield in 2002 as he embarked on his killing spree

Marsha McDonnell, 19, also fell victim to the evil killer - who has been banned from getting married under new legislation

French national Amelie Delagrange, 22, also killed by Bellfield, was found with a serious head injury lying on Twickenham Green, south west London

Serial killer Levi Bellfield, 56, had hoped to have a civil partnership under laws that, until now, allow prisoners to marry with the permission of the jail's governor.

But he has been blocked from having the ceremony after a new law came into force stopping the most serious offenders getting married behind bars.

Bellfield is serving two whole life orders for killing 13-year-old Milly Dowler, Marsha McDonnell and Amelie Delagrange, as well as the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy.

It is understood he had recently submitted the application for a civil partnership, which is believed to have spurred the Government on to bring the restriction blocking those serving whole life orders from marrying from today.

Previously Bellfield had applied to marry his girlfriend and made a bid for legal aid to challenge a decision to block his marriage.

It is understood he withdrew his application to get married but had submitted a new application for a civil partnership in recent months.

Bellfield was reportedly put in touch with his now-fiance by Peter Sutcliffe, after seeing a picture of her in the Yorkshire Ripper's cell.
A cancer patient with a terminal diagnosis has ended his own life by lethal injection under new laws.

NSW Central Coast resident Scott Hollingshed has been documenting his battle against lung cancer on Facebook.

One of Mr Hollingshed's close friends Kellie Lott confirmed the 58-year-old died on Friday afternoon shortly after 2pm 'peacefully and with his partner Kat holding his hand'.

Despite only being diagnosed in June, the cancer had already progressed to stage four, dashing any hopes of being cured.

Ms Lott said her friend was one of the bravest men she has had the pleasure of knowing.

Mr Hollingshed said he was 'scared' to end his life but he has 'beautiful people with me' and wanted to show his gratitude to those who had supported him more widely as he takes part in NSW's voluntary assisted dying program.

In a livestream video shared on Friday morning, Mr Hollingshed gave a heartbreaking goodbye to those who supported him and said he wanted to make one final point, which was: 'Just to love each other and be there for each other.'

'If you walk by someone in the street, ask them if they're okay. It might save their life just to know there's good people left in the world... Just stick it out people, for as long as you can, just stick it out.'

Cancer victim Scott Hollingshed plans to livestream his death by lethal injection on Friday

Mr Hollingshed's friends paid tribute to him.

'Goodbye my first friend... will miss you, see you later mate.'

Kat O'Brien said she it was 'very emotional' to speak with him on Friday morning.

'But I feel very deeply that he is doing the right thing for himself and I say that because I've seen him go from being pretty robust... and it just really went downhill very very fast and he's lost that autonomy as a man,' she told 7 News.

'I just said it'll be OK, and you need to just relax and talk to whoever you want to talk to today and have a cup of coffee and just try to be at ease,' she said.

'He was scared, and he wanted to talk through some things.'

Mr Hollingshed said in a previous video posted to Facebook on Tuesday: 'I am going to do one (a livestream video) from the hospital just to say thank you to everyone and good bye.'

Mr Hollingshed revealed that his partner would say a few words after he was gone.

'I thank you all so much for everything through my life,' an emotional Mr Hollingshed said.

'The compassion and support you have shown through this journey, you have all been incredible.'

Mr Hollingshed had just bought a yacht with his partner and was enjoying life on the water when he began suffering chest pains.

'I've had heart attacks before but I knew it wasn't my heart,' he told 7News.

Watching his father die in a hospice influenced his decision to seek assisted dying.

'Seeing him wither away ... I don't want to see myself like that and I don't want other people to see me like that, especially people who care about me,' Mr Hollingshed said.

'I've been given the control to say, 'Alright, it's time'.'

After coughing up blood and being unable to sleep on his side without spluttering, Mr Hollingshed was delivered the devastating news that he had three to six months to live.

His condition has since deteriorated even quicker.

Mr Hollingshed had just bought a yacht with his partner when he began noticing chest pains that led to a lung cancer diagnosis

'It got to the point where I couldn't even put my socks on and my missus used to get down on her hands and knees and put my socks on,' Mr Hollingshed said.

'I know people do things for people they love but that broke my heart seeing her do that.'

On Wednesday he wrote in a Facebook post that he 'would be lucky to go another week before I can't do the normal things, like going to the toilet, showering, cooking (I already can't get that done)'.

'I'm coughing up blood in large lots all day and all night,' the post read.

In another recent video, Mr Hollingshed said it had been 'a beautiful journey but a very fast one compared to what I thought it would be'.

Explaining that he could only sleep propped on the lounge and only in two-hour stretches while the painkillers were working, he said was considering 'f**king off to hospital'.

'All they are going to do there is put me on the oxygen and pump me full of a painkillers,' Mr Hollingshed said.

'I have my hydromorphone pain here and a bottle of bourbon, I will be alright,' he said.

'Everyone is saying I have been an inspiration and thank you to those people for those comments.

'We only get one go at this s*** make the most of it, eh.'

Mr Hollingshed says he hopes his story is an inspiration to others to make live life to the fullest and turn negatives into positives

Friend Kellie Lott has organised an online fundraiser to help Mr Hollingshed and his partner with end-of-life expenses.

'We have all been watching this man do amazing lives on fb. for me and I bet all of us an inspiration every time we see him talk,' the page reads.

'He is trying his hardest to pass with dignity and I'm sure we all agree that if he had less to worry about for him and his partner it will make his last days much more peaceful.'

'Please try to donate anything as every dollar helps especially at this time.'

The page had raised nearly $1,000 of its $5,000 goal.

NSW became the last Australian state to allow medically assisted dying late last year.

Under the laws voluntary assisted dying is only available for NSW residents older than 18 who have an advanced illness or disease that will cause death in at least 12 months and is causing suffering that cannot be relieved.

Mr Hollingshed said sharing his story had helped others going through similar circumstances as he urged Aussies to live life to the fullest.
A British TikToker has sparked fury in Greece by dismissing the famous Acropolis as a 'glorified construction site'.

The influencer, who states on the platform that he is from Manchester, slammed the 'absolute state' of the famous monument and said that it resembles somewhere beloved British animated figure 'Bob the Builder would live'.

'So they call this the city of gods but I'm a bit disappointed [as] it's a glorified construction site. Look at the state of that, the absolute state of it,' he said while filming ruins with scaffolding surrounding them.

During his visit, a furious staff member ordered the man to get off the restricted area after he stepped over the rope to get closer to the temples currently being restored.

'People think it's all amazing... look at that, they are kicking me off here as well. What's wrong with me walking here, realistically?,' the TikToker asked while a staff member repeatedly blew a whistle at him and told him to 'come out' of the roped-off area.

Greek TikTok users called him out for the video, with one telling the content creator: 'You are disrespectful and I wonder if you would dare not following the rules in the British museum. Never visit the Acropolis again.'

The influencer (pictured), who states on the platform that he is from Manchester, slammed the 'absolute state' of the famous monument and called it a 'glorified construction site'

'So they call this the city of gods but I'm a bit disappointed [as] it's a glorified construction site. Look at the state of that, the absolute state of it,' he said while filming ruins with scaffolding surrounding them

The Tiktoker said 'it's where Bob the Builder would live' as he pointed at construction containers on the Acropolis

'What are you paying 10 [for] if you're just going to walk around and look at the scaffolding and stuff,' the TikToker said

The man, with the username peakedteaviews, appeared to be upset over builders storing the materials they need for the restoration on the Acropolis.

He said while pointing at scaffolding and seemingly unused equipment: 'They just left it there. To be honest: they don't care. If they are just going to leave that there, leave that there - it's a tip. It's a glorified tip.'

After the staff member told him that he is 'not allowed' in the restricted area off the walking path, he replied: 'But I just wanted to go to that side... I just want the go around,' as she reiterated that he wasn't allowed to do that.

'What are you paying 10 [for] if you're just going to walk around and look at the scaffolding and stuff. It's like giving a kid a minecraft game and [telling] him to just create a bunch of c***,' the tourist, who has nearly 40,000 followers on TikTok, said.

He added: 'Is this the city of gods or is it like where Bob the Builder would live, let's be honest.'

The TikToker claims that he was 'kicked out of Acropolis' later, but it is unclear whether he refers to being kicked out of the restricted area or being asked to leave the Acropolis entirely.

Comments quickly flooded his video calling him 'disrespectful' and telling him that he deserved to have been kicked out.

One person said under the video: 'Instead of embarrassing yourself like this you should better go to your country and bring back the sculptures you have stolen from Acropolis.'

'It's like giving a kid a minecraft game and [telling] him to just create a bunch of c***,' the tourist, who has nearly 40,000 followers on TikTok, said

During his visit, a furious staff member ordered the man to get off the restricted area after he stepped over the rope to get closer to the temples currently being restored

After the staff member told him that he is 'not allowed' in the restricted area off the walking path, he replied: 'But I just wanted to go to that side... I just want the go around,' as she reiterated that he wasn't allowed to do that

Pictured above are some of the marbles that Lord Elgin removed from the Pantheon temple on the Acropolis in the 1800s

The Pantheon (pictured in 2023) was partially destroyed during a Venetian bombardment on the Ottoman Empire in 1687 - when a cannon ball fired at it blew up the gunpowder stored inside it - then looted

What are the Elgin Marbles? The marbles, also known as The Parthenon Sculptures, are a series of Ancient Greek sculptures created between 447BC and 432BC. They were the work of Greek architect Phidias, who also created a statue of the ancient god Zeus, which was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The artefacts are made up of 17 figures that adorned the Parthenon. Athens is still home to a smaller 164ft section of the sculptures, but the majority - around 260ft - are in the UK. Advertisement

Another added: 'An uneducated person. Please don't be like him. If you wanted to see a better Acropolis then ask [the] UK to bring back all the marbles they stole. Sure then it would look magnificent.'

'If you and your country (UK) don't care about the acropolis by violating the rules in the temple (which you clearly did), then bring back the marbles you guys have stolen from us to Greece,' a user called Freskos urged.

The marbles the commenters are referring to are the Elgin Marbles, who were taken from the famous Pantheon temple to Britain.

In the early 1800s, workmen stripped entire friezes from the monument on the orders of Scottish nobleman Thomas Bruce, known as Lord Elgin.

Elgin sold the marbles to the British government, which in 1817 passed them on to the British Museum where they remain one of its most prized exhibits.

London has long argued that the sculptures had been taken with permission from the Ottoman Turks who ruled Greece at the time, but Athens insists they were stolen.

The Pantheon - along with the Erechtheion, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Propylaea of Athens and Athena Nike standing on the Acropolis - was built in the 5th century BCE to honour Athena, the patron goddess of Athens.

The Pantheon was partially destroyed during a Venetian bombardment on the Ottoman Empire in 1687 - when a cannon ball fired at it blew up the gunpowder stored inside it - then looted.

Fragments of the temples and the artworks inside them are scattered throughout many renowned museums.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Greece has been trying to recover them.
This is the bizarre moment Joe Biden told the daughter of a freed prisoner 'no serious guys until you're 30' while awkwardly wrapping his am around her.

The president led a rendition of Happy Birthday to the girl who turned 13 on Friday in front of a room filled with family members of released Americans.

In footage of the moment, Biden tells the room 'Tomorrow is a big day, the 13th birthday of Miriam (Butorin),' who is the daughter of Alsu Kurmasheva, one of the hostages freed in a historic prisoner swap.

As he extends his hand to pull her towards him, he asks his audience to join him in singing Happy Birthday to the young girl.

'As you all know, we have a tradition in the Biden family. We sing Happy Birthday,' he said.

President Joe Biden sings happy birthday to Miriam Butorin after delivering remarks on a prisoner swap with Russia from the State Dining Room of the White House

Miriam Butorin wipes her tears at the White House event

Biden provided some life dating advice after the song, saying: 'And remember, no serious guys until youre 30. God love you'

After the song, he dished out some awkward advice to the teen, saying: 'And remember, no serious guys until youre 30. God love you'.

Miriam was quickly reduced to tears as Biden embraced her with one arm, causing her to laugh nervously at the floor as she wiped her eyes.

Biden, who hasn't been seen publicly since Tuesday, made the surprise appearance inside the State Dining Room at the White House just hours after the historic deal that freed American ex-Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, and Kurmasheva, a Russian-American reporter.

The American President had earlier confirmed that negotiations had resulted in the release of 16 people, including five Germans and eight Russian citizens.

All were held inside Russia, Whelan since 2018, for 'no legitimate reason whatsoever - none,' Biden said. 'And now they're brutal ordeal is over and they're free.

The US had also coordinated the release of Russian criminals including Vadim Krasikov, known as the 'bicycle assassin' who killed a Georgian national in Berlin in 2019.

Responding to a question from DailyMail.com, the president defended Krasikov's release, who had been serving a life sentence in Germany.

Asked how he weighed the decision to release the hit man who was able to get away with murder, Biden responded: 'I got home innocent people.'

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is among those released from prison in Russia

Biden positioned family members behind him for the event, where he read from prepared remarks and took a series of questions from the press, at a time when the White House says he is 'recalibrating' his role now that he isn't seeking reelection.

'They never gave up hope. I can't imagine what they've been through,' he said.

He invoked his own late son Beau as he tried to describe what they grappled with.

'Family is the beginning, the middle, and the end,' he said.

The president said it 'says a lot' about American values that the US also pushed for the release of Russian dissidents being held inside their country.

He said they would not be free to 'live safely abroad' and said they would be able to continue working to promote democracy in Russia 'if they so choose.'

Biden focused many of his remarks on the freed Americans, who also included Vladimir Kara-Murza, a journalist and Russian-British dissident also part of the swap.

He referred to the quartet by the first names.

'This deal would not have been made possible without our allies,' said Biden.

On Thursday, Biden hailed the deal as a 'feat of diplomacy' that was testament to having good allies who make 'bold and brave decisions'.

The statement came just two weeks after Biden stepped back from the presidential race following heavy criticism of his age and abilities.

He has since been replaced by his vice president, Kamala Harris.
Huw Edwards sent flirtatious messages to a BBC producer on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral - suggesting he could have stayed with him in his hotel room.

The disgraced newsreader, 62, asked the young man if he was 'around tomorrow night' on the eve of the mournful event - telling him he 'missed a good night' as he prepared to present the royal broadcast.

Sending a picture of a plush hotel room - with only one bed - he added that the freelance journalist 'could have stayed here' despite strict lockdown rules that remained in place at the time.

The messages create a striking picture of Edwards - who movingly described the Queen's solitary figure the next day as she stoically refused to break the country's isolation regulations, which barred indoor mixing.

She famously sat alone in St George's Chapel to mourn her husband of 73 years  dressed in black and wearing a Covid mask  and could not be comforted by her family during the 50-minute service on Saturday April 17, 2021.

Other royal events also failed to get in the way of his searches for company, as he sent selfies to a young man while presenting Harry and Meghan's wedding as the BBC figurehead tried to get him to send over naked pictures.

He is said to have sent photos from the News at Ten studio and from outside Windsor Castle as he tried to impress the heterosexual 21-year-old.

Huw Edwards sent selfies to a young man while presenting Harry and Meghan's wedding as he tried to get him to send over naked pictures

The text messages said to have been sent to a junior colleague

Huw apparently sent a picture of his suite and said there was 'plenty of room' for him

A young BBC worker claims that Huw Edwards invited him to stay in his hotel suite on the eve of presenting coverage of Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021 (pictured)

Alone in grief, the Queen sat alone as she said goodbye to her husband at his funeral in extraordinary and poignant circumstances due to the pandemic

It made up part of a year-long campaign where he pestered the young man for sex pics, finally unleashing a foul-mouthed tirade when he only received topless photos.

'It's disgusting. It was clear he was always trying to groom me and trying to use his position and money for his own perverse gratification,' the man told The Sun.

PayPal records show Edwards paid him 500 for a photo - telling him: 'F***. That's one of your best. You look so good.'

In messages obtained by the tabloid, he continued: 'I want a pic of you totally naked head to toe.'

He later transferred the fan 2,000 - before furiously messaging him when he was only sent through a picture of with the youngster's top half uncovered.

Edwards raged: 'F*** that. F*** that. Really not impressed by you. I believed you were serious. But you're not. You chase me for cash. But you then 'forget' to deliver. F*** that.'

Edwards, who led the BBC's coverage from Windsor on the day of Prince Phillip's funeral, appears to have been keen for company on the night before the funeral.

A day earlier, he told the youngster who was also working at the event: 'I'm there all day tomorrow. Staying overnight, then all day Saturday. If you're around tomorrow night let me know.'

Mr Edwards is said to have moved from the family home he shared with wife Vicky Flind in south London

Then in the early hours of the funeral day, Edwards wrote: 'You missed a good night' adding: 'You could have stayed here', attaching a photo of his 'very nice' suite at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, which is just across the road from the castle. Edwards wrote: 'Plenty of room, so easy'.

The disgraced BBC anchorman pleaded guilty earlier this week to receiving 41 indecent images of children, which included two sexual videos of a boy under nine.

It comes as the BBC admitted it knew Edwards had been arrested on 'suspicion of serious offences' last November, but kept paying his 479,000-a-year salary until he resigned in April.

The BBC worker, whom the Mail is calling 'Charlie', told the Mail: 'He sent me a picture of his hotel room. I felt it was very suggestive. There were lockdown restrictions at the time.'

The deluxe suite had mounted wall mirrors, a small sofa and a coffee table, and on a chair in the corner can be seen a notebook and papers and a Covid mask.

At the time, the rules in England were that masks should be worn in public areas of hotels, and they stated: 'No indoor mixing between people of different households allowed.'

In the end, the pair never met. But the funeral was one of three occasions during the period when Covid rules banned indoor socialising that Edwards suggested a meeting.

Britain's most famous newsreader and Charlie  who was in their early twenties - had begun messaging online after the youngster started working for the BBC in a junior freelance role and had followed Edwards on Instagram. Charlie regarded Edwards as a role model in the industry, and said the star had been friendly.

The pair later switched to WhatsApp and Charlie has kept hundreds of messages spanning April 2021 to August 2022.

Police officers clear the way as former BBC news presenter Huw Edwards arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London

Court artist drawing of former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court

Other royal events also failed to get in the way of his searches for company, as he sent selfies to a young man while presenting Harry and Meghan's wedding as the BBC figurehead tried to get him to send over naked pictures

Edwards' first message was on April 13, 2021, four days before Prince Philip's funeral. When told Charlie lived in a house-share, Edwards said: 'So I could pop in to have some tea?'

During an exchange a few days after the funeral, Edwards suggested: 'Or I can come to yours.'

After Covid rules were eased in May 2021, he also made further suggestions to meet indoors, which by then was legal.

Married father-of-five Edwards, 62, who resigned from the BBC in April after a 40-year career, won plaudits for his faultless handling of the funeral coverage on April 17, 2021.

Wearing a black suit and tie, he anchored four hours of live broadcast, as he was joined by guests including Sir David Attenborough, Gyles Brandreth and Alan Titchmarsh, with pictures beamed to millions around the world.

He later wrote an article about the event entitled: 'My painstaking preparations for Prince Philip's funeral.'

Published in The Spectator magazine, he portrayed himself as poring over briefing notes before the big day: 'Ahead of these great ceremonial occasions, I love the solitary rituals of reading and revising.'

However his WhatsApp messages, seen by the Mail, suggest solitude was not the only thing on his mind.

The disgraced BBC anchorman pleaded guilty earlier this week to receiving 41 indecent images of children, which included two sexual videos of a boy under nine

The BBC's Director General Tim Davie was summoned to meet Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy today to explain the BBC's role in the scandal, including who had knowledge of Edwards' arrest eight months ago

Two days prior to the funeral, he messaged Charlie, who was also working for the BBC in Windsor: 'Are you staying tomorrow night?' A day later he sent the photo.

Edwards' suggestion came on the same night as Downing Street staff held a drunken gathering at No.10 for which several of them were later handed Covid rule-breaking fines by police.

When the Downing Street story emerged, in 2022, it was trumpeted by BBC news bulletins throughout the day, with Edwards' co-host Clive Myrie informing viewers of the flagship news show on BBC1 that night: 'Tonight at ten, Downing Street apologises to the Queen.'

Myrie went on: 'It was a time of national mourning and Covid rules meant indoor mixing was banned.' There was 'public fury' at Downing Street staff breaking the rules, the newscaster added.

The BBC reported the saga had 'engulfed No.10' which had been forced into a 'chastened apology to the Queen', and BBC reporters around the country filed dispatches quoting members of the public saying it was 'disgusting' and the government was 'a rudderless ship'.

It even broadcast Labour's Angela Rayner saying: 'It's [like them saying] one rule for everybody else and one rule for us.' The story rumbled on all week, with Edwards himself fronting News At Ten live from outside No.10 Downing Street.

Yesterday Charlie told the Mail: 'The Covid rules about households not mixing were still in force, the Queen was all alone on the pews at Philip's funeral, and then Boris [Johnson] got a hammering for the parties in No.10  and that was the same night Huw Edwards suggested I stay in his hotel room.

'Afterwards he said I had missed a good night.'

Last month the news anchor - generally regarded as the pre-eminent talent of his generation - resigned from the BBC

It came nine months after Edwards - who will forever be hailed for his composure and authority announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth II - saw his 40-year career spectacularly implode. Pictured: In the BBC Newsroom

The overall tone of the WhatsApp messages, which number more than 350, is friendly and consensual on both sides.

With the exception of the Covid rules, there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing. But Charlie feels that, given the age gap and professional circumstances, there was a power imbalance in the relationship. Edwards was one of the BBC's best-paid stars on a salary of 435,000 to 439,999.

Last month the news anchor - generally regarded as the pre-eminent talent of his generation - resigned from the BBC. He was given a perfunctory 55-word goodbye from his employers notably devoid of any thanks or regret.

It came nine months after Edwards - who will forever be hailed for his composure and authority announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth II - saw his 40-year career spectacularly implode.

He has been off screen since last July when it was alleged he had received sexually explicit photographs from a young person and had paid 35,000. Soon afterwards, the BBC's Newsnight said that it had evidence of 'inappropriate' behaviour towards three other junior employees. The corporation launched an internal inquiry.

Charlie, who now has a job outside the BBC, told the Mail: 'I worked in TV, so I followed Huw on Instagram. He was someone to look up to and respect and carried a lot of clout.'

Charlie offered to help the inquiry, yet was surprised that it took four weeks to hear back from the BBC's Corporate Investigations Team. Eventually there was a meeting over Zoom with one of the lead investigators on August 21.

After the nine months, in which Edwards continued to be paid his 439,000-a-year salary, he resigned on medical grounds without a pay-off. Pictured: Edwards in 1999

The news anchor also left without any sign of the BBC's investigation having concluded. Pictured: On the set of the BBC Ten o' Clock News

Charlie told the Mail: 'I told him I had been sent suggestive messages. His messages were unwise for someone in his position.'

After the nine months, in which Edwards continued to be paid his 439,000-a-year salary, he resigned on medical grounds without a pay-off. The news anchor also left without any sign of the BBC's investigation having concluded.

In September, when Charlie asked for an update, the BBC investigator replied: 'I understand that you would like to know if Huw has been spoken to about your concerns, but you will appreciate that any detail about this... is considered private to that individual and unfortunately it would not be appropriate for me to comment further due to policy.'

After Edwards resigned on health grounds Charlie had no update at all from the BBC about the investigation. Charlie said: 'It doesn't surprise me. It's the BBC marking their own homework.

'I am also disappointed that the BBC haven't kept those affected by it up to date on what is happening. I have learned updates through reading newspapers.'

Edwards' lawyers did not respond to our requests for comment.
North Korean children are being born without anuses, toes, or hands, as a mysterious illness dubbed 'ghost disease' spreads near Kim Jong-un's nuke testing site, according to a North Korean defector.

Youngran Lee, who lived near the Punggye-ri test site before she escaped in 2015. said in a chilling first-hand testimony that a horrifying disease has swept the region, killing and deforming infant children with doctors powerless to diagnose or treat it.

Mrs Lee said: 'In Kilju County, civilians are suffering from diseases, not knowing why. In hospitals, doctors cannot diagnose it, and the patients are dying slowly with lingering illness.

'It is not too drastic to say that having a child without an anus, toes, or hands was normalised in Kilju. There are patients with various cancers in every other house.'

The defector shared rare insight into life inside the 'Hermit Kingdom', expressing concerns about living so close to a nuclear testing zone. She described her house shaking, furniture falling from the walls as the military tested its weapons.

Youngran Lee (pictured) gave rare insight into life near a North Korean testing site

She said her son (pictured) was one of the people affected by a mystery disease

A guard stands at the entrance of the north tunnel at the nuclear test site at Punggye-ri, 2018

The purported demolition of the Punggye-ri nuclear testing site in 2018

Mrs Lee counts her only son among the victims of ghost disease.

She said that in North Korea, medication supplied by the UN is hoarded by senior government officials, and despite the promise of free healthcare, 'the shelves are empty in pharmacies'.

So when her son developed a mild fever in October 2014, aged 27, she turned to black market medication, smuggled in from China.

But it failed to help and she took him to hospital.

She said: 'A tuberculosis doctor told us that my son had holes in his lungs, measuring as big as 1.5cm and 2.7cm.

'He also said he did not know why an increasing number of young adults were coming to the hospital.

'I could not understand why this had happened to my son, and felt so helpless.

'Furthermore, he had eight close friends, and they were all diagnosed with tuberculosis one by one from 2012, and died within four years.'

Mrs Lee spent her life-savings buying medications for her son, before fleeing to China in February 2015, hoping to find work to send more money home.

By August of that year, she'd arrived in South Korea, where she underwent mandatory training to prepare her for life in a free society.

She said: 'As soon as I was released, I contacted my son to tell him to go to Pyongyang Hospital.

'But the next day, he called back and said there had been official instructions to stop Kilju County tuberculosis and hepatitis patients from entering Pyongyang.

'The only reason given was that this was for Kim Jong-un's safety, and there was no proper explanation.'

She continued: 'For two years, I transferred money to my son through brokers, believing that he was getting adequate care.

'However, in May 2018, I lost my boy, my pride and joy.

'My son died without ever reaching the hospital to receive a proper diagnosis.'

Mrs Lee said she had lived near a nuclear testing site before its demolition in 2018.

She said: 'On the day the third nuclear test took place, a wall clock fell, and light bulbs shook. I thought it was an earthquake and ran outside.

'All my neighbours were out as well. Shortly after that, at midday, the main broadcasting system announced that the third nuclear test was successful.

'Then we realised that the military-controlled area in Punggye-ri was a test site.'

Locals danced in the street in celebration, but they would be among the first victim's of North Korea's nuclear programme.

The nuclear testing site was purportedly destroyed in 2018

Kim Jong Un meets soldiers during a visit to a western operational training base in North Korea

Kim Jong Un inspecting a major operational training base at an undisclosed location in March

Experts believe that radiation is the true cause of what's been called ghost disease.

Nuclear scientist Joohyun Moon of Dankook University, in South Korea, described how radiation from the underground blasts could reach local communities.

He said: 'As shock waves travel, they break the layers of the earth or create cracks.

'After a while, a mixture of melted rock and radioactive material will cool down and solidify.

'Radioactive materials contained in this compound can infiltrate into gaps or cracks caused by the explosion and flow to the surface, soil or groundwater.

'If it rains near the test site, the rain can carry these radioactive materials into the groundwater.

'Groundwater is connected to rivers, streams and surface water, releasing these radioactive materials into the outside world.

'As it is part of natural circulation, it is very difficult to intervene and prevent it.'

Dr Moon said there were a number of ways for radioactive materials to then infiltrate the food chain.

People could drink the irradiated water or eat seafood from it, eat crops grown with the water, or consume milk or meat from cattle fed by contaminated grass.

The nuclear test site sits on the banks of the Changhung River, which itself feeds the Namdae River  the main water source for Kilju County.

'Every household in Kilju gets their water supply from there,' said Mrs Lee.

Dr Moon estimated over a million residents within a 40km radius of the test site could be affected.

He said: 'It is safe to say that the residents near the test site will be under the influence of radiation for about 200 years.

'The time period will increase if more nuclear tests are conducted in the same location.'

He added: 'If the situation continues without adequate protection, these people will have a higher chance of having cancer, leukaemia, chromosomal aberration etc. than people in other regions.'

Youngran still lives with the damage in South Korea.

The Korean People's Army conducts an artillery firing drill in March

She was one of five North Korean defectors from Kilju County tested for radiation in the South in 2016.

She said: 'The test showed that the exposure level was very high, and the white blood cells were very low.

'One of the group had an unbearable headache  they could not even lift their head, but in every test carried out in A&E, no cause was found.'

Her own situation is no better.

She continued: 'I feel aches everywhere and cannot walk very well due to pain in my legs, and I was hospitalised six times in a year because of headaches.

'The hospital could not find any reason behind it, but I cannot even open my eyes when I have a headache; I feel restless and suicidal.

'I know many people from Kilju who are experiencing the same symptoms as me.'
Brexiteers have voiced anger after Brussels presented the UK with a list of demands for Keir Starmer's bid to get closer ties.

The PM has made renegotiating the relationship a key priority for his government, although he insists there is no question of rejoining the bloc.

According to the Financial Times, commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic set out eight demands during his first meeting with Europe minister Nick Thomas-Symonds last month.

They include fully implementing the existing Brexit agreements on Northern Ireland, and gold-plating the rights of EU citizens living in Britain as a 'test of good faith'.

Brussels is said to be adamant that EU citizens living in the UK should not be required to make a separate application for 'settled status' after five years of residence.

EU commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic (left) apparently set out eight demands during his first meeting with Europe minister Nick Thomas-Symonds (pictured right) last month

Former Brexit minister Lord Frost posted on social media warning that the EU was using its 'standard playbook' to get concessions.

'If Labour falls for this they will be a weak position right from the start,' he said.

'It's the standard Commission playbook: 'we can't talk about subject B till you have satisfied us on subject A'.

'You then only satisfy them on A by a series of concessions, which the British side is all too willing to make anyway to 'win goodwill'.

'Of course it's all too likely Labour don't mind being in a weak position because they already intend to make concessions.'

Labour insists its focus is on improving security, energy and trade ties, but there have been concerns that Sir Keir could be forced into compromises on issues such as free movement.

After the meeting on July 15, Mr Sefcovic said: 'A constructive meeting with Minister @NickTorfaen.

'Discussed how we can advance our joint agenda. Referred to the implementation of our existing agreements, the cornerstone of (EU-UK)relations.

Keir Starmer has made renegotiating the relationship a key priority for his government, although he insists there is no question of rejoining the bloc

'We're allies, sharing both values and challenges. Looking forward to our cooperation.'

The Cabinet Office told the FT: 'We've had very positive engagement in our early conversations and are committed to implementing the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor framework in good faith protecting the UK internal market.'

The EU commission said: 'The EU is committed to a positive agenda with the UK, based on the full respect, and the faithful and timely implementation of the withdrawal agreement, including the Windsor framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which are the cornerstone for the EU-UK relationship.'
A British mother has shared her horrifying ordeal after a man crept into her unlocked hotel suite in the middle of the night while on holiday with her family.

Rachel Brown, 42, said she was falling asleep on the last night of a week-long break in Vilamoura, Portugal, with her son, Jaxon, seven, when she saw the curtain twitch.

A man snuck into her second floor room at five-star Epic Sana hotel, forcing her to wrestle him out and onto the balcony, she says.

Rachel, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, said he climbed across two neighbours' balconies then jumped around 13ft to the ground below and ran off - after stealing her Apple watch in the fight.

The man has not been caught and wasn't seen on CCTV and Rachel wants to warn holidaymakers to always lock the balcony door.

Rachel Brown shared her horrifying ordeal and is urging holidaymakers to take precautions

She and her son, Jaxon, were on holiday in Portugal when a man snuck in through the balcony

A room in the luxury five-star Epic Sana hotel in Portugal

Rachel had to fight the man out of the room (pictured) at the five star hotel in Vilamoura

Rachel, a managing director, said: 'When I first saw the curtains twitching I thought a bird flew in - then a man appeared out of the curtains.

'It was terrifying. I had a young child in the room, so my instinct was to get that person out the room.

'I started pushing him and hitting him until he backed out of the room onto the balcony - then I began shouting for help.

'After he ran off, I was so scared for the rest of the night that I blocked my door with a sun lounger.'

Rachel said she shut the balcony door but not locked it before the man crept in around 10.20PM on July 22.

She wrongly assumed she would be safe because she was high up and they had a private balcony.

The single mum said: 'He was in his mid-twenties and about 5ft 8in, and was tanned with curly dark hair.

'I instantly shouted him to "f**k off" and began hitting and pushing him back out the room.

'Before he climbed off my balcony he grabbed my arm and pulled off my Apple Watch.'

Rachel said security were sent up to her room but there was no CCTV and hotel staff didn't call police.

Her Apple Watch was returned to her after it was found in the bushes nearby.

She was unable to report the incident to police herself until she returned to the UK, as her flight home was that morning.

She has since reported the incident to the Guardia Civil via email, and lodged a complaint with the hotel, because she said they failed to call the police on the night.

She has asked for compensation from the hotel as she feels the incident 'ruined the holiday' but an email from the hotel manager declined her request.

Rachel says her son is 'traumatised' - as his bedroom back at home also has a balcony.

'Now I'm home my son makes me go into every room and onto the balcony before he can go in,' she said.

'I've been more cautious at home with making sure all the doors are fully locked and the alarms set.

'But I'm disappointed with how the hotel has handled it - it could happen again to someone else.'

Rachel now wants to warn other travellers to ensure all doors are locked and to take reasonable precautions to stay safe.

She said: 'If you have to get someone out the room, be loud, and get people's attention.

'If you're on the balcony, if you're loud, they will be more focused on trying to escape than re-enter the room, or harm you.'

The General Manager of EPIC SANA Algarve, Andre Romeiro, said: 'We confirm that Mrs. Brown was a guest at our Hotel and an incident occurred on July 22, 2024, of an attempted intrusion by a stranger into the client's room, through the balcony, which was opened at that time. No damage resulted from that attempt.

'Immediately after becoming aware of the situation, the hotel activated the internal security procedures, namely mobilising the security guard to inspect the property in search of the suspect and checking the video surveillance cameras.

'The hotel also filed a complaint with the police authorities and handed over the video surveillance images for this purpose.

Rachel said she was disappointed with how the hotel had handled the situation

Rachel said a man crept into her room via the balcony doors (pictured)

'Our immediate concern was to assist Mrs. Brown and guarantee her and her son's safety. In fact, the following day I personally expressed Mrs. Brown my deep regret at what happened and offered to accompany her to the police station to file the criminal complaint as offended, but she declined, since it was her last day.

'Nevertheless, when the complaint was filed, the hotel provided the client's contact details to the police authorities, so that Mrs. Brown could be contacted and provide the necessary assistance for the investigation.

'We also assured Mrs. Brown's transfer to the airport, at the hotel's expense.

'After her departure, Mrs. Brown contacted the hotel by email, requesting a monetary compensation for the traumatic experience.

'Since we consider that there is no basis for the payment of any compensation by the hotel and the hotel does not follow that type of practice, we declined its payment.'
A former jailer is set to plead guilty to a criminal charge in the death of a mentally ill man who froze to death in police custody after being left naked and covered in faeces for a fortnight.

Joshua Conner Jones, an ex-corrections officer at the Walker County Jail, Alabama, has entered into a plea deal according to court documents, over the treatment of two inmates, including Tony Mitchell.

Mitchell, 33, died on January 26, 2023, after being dashed from his cell to a hospital emergency room with a body temperature of 72 degrees, according to a lawsuit filed in February against the jail by his mother.

The plea agreement stated that Mitchell 'was almost always naked, wet, cold, and covered in feces while lying on the cement floor without a mat or blanket'.

By the second week of his incarceration, he was 'largely listless and mostly unresponsive to questions from officers,' but no measures were put in place to reduce his suffering.

Tony Mitchell died on January 26 after being held at the Walker county Jail in Alabama. A former jailer, Joshua Conner Jones, is set to plead guilty to a criminal charge relating to his death

Mitchell was was initially arrested on January 13, 2023 after his family members called the police, reporting his erratic behaviour

Mitchell's family alleges he was kept naked and locked in a concrete cell while he was at the Walker County Jail for two weeks after his arrest

Jones has now agreed to plead guilty to the count of depriving the inmate of his rights, while also pleading guilty to a separate rights-deprivation count related to the assault of another inmate.

The plea agreement suggested there were five individuals involved in the abuse of rights that led to the Mitchell's death.

Prosecutors wrote in the plea agreement that the former jailer had admitted that 'collectively we did it. We killed him'.

Mitchell was initially arrested on January 13, 2023 after his family members called the police, reporting his erratic behaviour.

When deputies arrived, they found Mitchell in the front yard and said he immediately pulled out a handgun and fired at least one shot at them.

The man ran off into nearby woods and was hiding in a shed when they tracked him down.

Prosecutors wrote in the plea agreement that when Mitchell's deteriorating condition would be mentioned, the co-conspirators would reply that ' 'he gets what he gets since he shot at cops' or words to that effect.'

Mitchell was then booked into the Walker County Jail on charges of attempted murder.

On the day he was arrested, Mitchell was brought before a judge and was listed as 'unable to sign' paperwork, according to court records.

Earlier this year, a family member said they had believed jail would be a safe place for the man.

'We knew he was in jail, and we thought that was the safest place for him at the time,' a family member said. 'But it turned out to be the worst place for him.'

The distraught family in February filed a lawsuit against the jail.

This is a grab from a video inside the Walker County Jail, showing a naked inmate, purportedly Mitchell

The video shows Mitchell being dragged and lifted into a patrol car before he was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead

The man's body appeared limp in video released by one local media outlet

Mitchell was booked into the Walker County Jail on charges of attempted murder on January 13, 2023

'This is one of the most appalling cases of jail abuse the country has seen,' the 37-page federal lawsuit filed by the family alleges.

Shocking video of Mitchell being carried out of the jail on January 26 shows the man being dragged and placed into a patrol vehicle before he was later declared dead.

The video allegedly contradicts the sheriff's original statement that Mitchell was having a medical issue but had been 'alert and responsive' when he was taken to the hospital.

The complaint filed by the family alleges hospital staff at Walker Baptist Medical Center spent three hours attempting to resuscitate him before he was declared dead.

According to the physician's statements, the Mitchell's cause of death was believed to have been hypothermia.

'I am not sure what circumstances the patient was held in incarceration but it is difficult to understand a rectal temperature of 72 degrees F, 22 degrees centigrade while someone is incarcerated in jail,' the suit stated.

'The cause of his hypothermia is not clear. I do not know if he could have been exposed to a cold environment. I do believe hypothermia was the ultimate cause of death,' it continued.

In their suit, Mitchell's family claimed he had been stripped naked and placed in a concrete isolation cell for the time he was there.

They also claimed five hours went by between Mitchell being removed from the 'frigid environment' to him being taken to the hospital.

'The cell lacked a bed or other furnishing,' the suit stated.

Pictured: Walker County Jail and Walker County Sheriff's Office where Mitchell 'froze to death'

'There was only a drain in the floor that could be used as a toilet. The cell was bare cement, the equivalent of a dog kennel. But unlike a dog, Tony was not even given a mat to sleep on.'

In a statement after his death, the Walker County Sheriff's Office released a statement detailing the death of Mitchell in the law enforcement agency's custody.

'On Thursday, January 27th, an inmate in the Walker County Jail was provided a routine medical check by jail medical staff,' the statement begins.

'Medical staff determined the inmate needed to be transported to the hospital for further evaluation.

'The inmate was alert and conscious when he left the facility and arrived at the hospital. Shortly after arrival at the hospital, the inmate suffered a medical emergency and became unresponsive.

'Life saving efforts were performed by hospital staff and the inmate was ultimately revived. Unfortunately, a short time later, the inmate passed away,' the statement ended.

Following Jones' plea agreement, Jon C. Goldfarb, an attorney representing the family in the civil litigation, said 'the family is shocked to see in writing what they knew happened to Tony Mitchell.'
David Lammy has pleaded for Iran and Israel to 'avoid miscalculation' as he visited Lebanon.

The Foreign Secretary urged calm heads amid escalating tensions over the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Along with Defence Secretary John Healey, Mr Lammy met Lebanese PM Najib Mikati last night.

Earlier in the week the Foreign Office advised all British citizens to leave Lebanon as clashes on the border mount, Mr Lammy warning they risk 'becoming trapped in a warzone' if they stay in the country.

Along with Defence Secretary John Healey (left), Foreign Secretary David Lammy (right) met Lebanese PM Najib Mikati (centre) in Beirut last night

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei leads a prayer yesterday over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei prayed over Mr Haniyeh's coffin during his funeral at Tehran University on Thursday while Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian stood next to him.

State television later showed the coffins placed in a truck and moved on the street toward Azadi Square in Tehran, and people throwing flowers at them.

Israel had pledged to kill Mr Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders over the group's October 7 attack on southern Israel that sparked the war in Gaza.

Iran supports Hamas, as well as Hezbollah and other Palestinian militant groups fighting Israel in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Israelis have claimed responsibility for a strike on a suburb of Beirut targeting the Hezbollah commander allegedly behind the deaths of 12 children and teenagers in a rocket attack on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights over the weekend.

Following his meeting with Lebanese officials, Mr Lammy posted to X: 'We must prevent further escalation in the Middle East and avoid miscalculation.'

He added: 'It is in no-one's interest for others to be drawn into this conflict.'

Mr Lammy and Mr Healey also visited Qatar on Wednesday to call for de-escalation of the fighting and to press for an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said 'all parties' in the Middle East must avoid escalatory actions that could plunge the region into further conflict.
READ MORE: Police officer stood down for allegedly punching elderly woman

Two men in their 20s arrested over incident

A 'friendly' elderly man is in hospital with serious injuries after allegedly being viciously bashed by two men in a Hungry Jack's car park.

Two men, aged 21 and 22, have been arrested over the shocking incident, which was captured on CCTV.

The brutal scenes unfolded outside the Hungry Jacks restaurant in the northern Perth suburb of Jindalee at about 3.15am on Friday.

The injured man, who is in his 70s and had been sleeping on the streets, was rushed to hospital following the attack.

The man remains in Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries. He is currently in a stable condition in the trauma unit.

The alleged attackers, who were reportedly not known to their victim, fled the scene in a silver sedan from the Cockleshell Brace area.

Police revealed they had arrested two suspects at a home in the nearby suburb of Butler on Friday afternoon.

The alleged bashing of an elderly man in a Hungry Jack's car park was caught on CCTV

The brutal scenes happened outside the Hungry Jacks restaurant in the northern Perth suburb of Jindalee about 3.15am on Friday

Locals described the bashing victim as a friendly gentleman who walks around the area collecting cans.

While police gathered evidence, the Hungry Jacks ca rpark was cordoned off.

The investigation is continuing,

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
A waitress has won a 4,000 payout after her boss at a high-end Soho restaurant told her to wear makeup because she looked 'tired.'

Jahnayde Henry was working as a waitress at the swanky Chinese restaurant Tattu in 2022 when her 'draconian' manager told her she looked 'tired and unpleasant.'

A judge at an employment tribunal ruled that being instructed to apply cosmetics is a 'sex-specific' comment that would not ordinarily be made to a man and created a 'humiliating environment' for Ms Henry.

The employment tribunal heard that Ms Henry's self-esteem was 'undermined' by the comment from the 'almost military' Joanna Huang - who was the deputy manager of Tattu.

Ms Henry has now been awarded 4,703 in damages including 4,000 for 'injury to feelings'.

Joanna Huang (pictured) was the deputy manager at Tattu at the time when she told Jahnayde Henry to wear makeup because she looked 'tired and unpleasant'

The instagram friendly restaurant opened in 2022 and serves dishes including green pepper lobster for 79 and Japanese wagyu beef for 105. Ms Henry accepted a job at Tattu in March 2022 and endured two weeks of training ahead of its grand opening

The instagram friendly restaurant opened in 2022 and serves dishes including green pepper lobster for 79 and Japanese wagyu beef for 105.

Ms Henry accepted a job at Tattu in March 2022 and endured two weeks of training ahead of its grand opening.

The panel heard the 'very strict' and 'draconian' Ms Huang was 'almost military' in her approach to running the restaurant, and was someone who 'likes discipline' and 'always wants 100 per cent'.

She was referred to as 'scrupulously fair' but would 'annoy you every day until you get better'.

On the first night of the restaurant's opening, Ms Huang told Ms Henry her voice sounded 'bland or boring' and that she should try to 'liven it up' while serving customers.

In the following shift she worked, Ms Henry was then 'criticised' about how effectively she was working and she would have to do better 'if she was going to make it as a server at Tattu'.

Ms Henry told the tribunal she was 'checked and criticised every three minutes' of her 12 hour shifts - although the tribunal ruled this was a 'figure of speech' rather than a literal description of the number of times she was admonished.

Ms Henry only worked five shifts at Tattu before she quit claiming she was being 'bullied' by Ms Huang who also told her she sounded 'bland or boring' and that she should try to 'liven it up' while serving customers

However, the panel found Ms Huang would have still 'frequently' checked on Ms Henry in order to 'maintain high standards' she demanded of her staff.

At her next shift, the tribunal heard that Ms Huang told Ms Henry she looked 'tired and unpresentable' and that she 'should wear make-up'.

Although Ms Huang denied this, the panel found she had made such a comment, after hearing 'observations about make-up were not unknown amongst [Tattu]'s managers.'

After just five shifts, Ms Henry resigned from her role in April 2022, claiming she had been left in tears after being 'bullied' by a manager at work.

She wrote: 'I honestly just think that at this time Tattu is not a place that I want to continue working.'.

Ms Henry - who is black - then unsuccessfully sued the restaurant for race discrimination and harassment.

However, her claim of sex harassment regarding the makeup comment was upheld.

Employment Judge Andrew Glennie said: 'Having found that Ms Huang made the comment alleged by [Ms Henry], we accepted that this was unwanted by her,' he said.

'We then considered whether this amounted to conduct related to sex.

'We concluded that saying that an individual looked 'tired and unpresentable' was not related to sex, as that could equally be said to a man.

'In the Tribunal's judgement, saying that next time, the individual should wear some make-up, is a sex-specific comment, in that (although it is not unknown for men to wear make-up) it is not a comment that would ordinarily be made to a man.

'As to its effect, we found that [Ms Henry] perceived the comment as creating a humiliating environment for her, in that it meant that she should try to 'improve' her appearance with the use of make-up.

'We also found that it was reasonable that the comment had this effect: it would tend to undermine her self-esteem.'

According to its website Tattu - which has branches in Manchester and Birmingham - offers customers an 'elevated dining experience' in 'opulent surroundings'.

'Tattu London has been designed with the utmost respect for superb craftsmanship and in pursuit of providing the finest experiential dining.

'Classic artistry is reunited with cutting edge techniques, giving way to a venue that is equally as elegant as it is elevated.'

MailOnline have approached Tattu for a comment.
This is the moment two luxury yachts and a tourist boat were destroyed in an inferno at a Greek port.

Shocking footage shows dark smoke billowing into the night sky late last night as flames engulfed the vessels at Marina Zea in Pireaus.

Explosions could be heard when the flames were raging on the ships, which included one 139ft-long superyacht costing nearly 70,000 a week to charter, one 108ft superyacht worth more than 6.5million, as well as the tourist boat, according to local media reports.

Ten vehicles with 26 firefighters were called in to tackle the raging inferno, working desperately through the night to control the spread by the early hours of this morning.

Fire crews were seen spraying water over the wreckage of one of the vessels late on Thursday - as the coast guard picked up ten people trapped in the heavy smoke from the nearby pier and brought them to safety.

This is the terrifying moment two luxury yachts and a tourist boat went up in flames as a huge inferno spread through a fleet at a Greek port last night

Shocking video footage shows dark smoke billowing into the night sky late Thursday as flames engulfed the vessels at Marina Zea in Pireaus

The fire is believed to have started on the tourist ship before jumping over to the two yachts, though authorities have not yet been able to identify the cause.

Authorities reported that there were no individuals onboard the vessels when the fire broke out.

One firefighter had to be hospitalised with breathing problems after tackling the blaze, but no one else was injured in the large fire.

Ten emergency vehicles belonging to the fire service, three coast guard boats, a floating fire engine as well as private divers were needed to tame the fire through Thursday night.

A spokesperson for the Greek coast guard told local media that the fire was successfully put out in the early hours of Friday morning, shortly after 1am.

By this morning, the port had been blocked off with a floating barrier to prevent marine pollution from fuel and debris still in the water.

Firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to more vessels, with the fire service and the coast guard remaining on scene throughout today to monitor the situation.

Footage from the scene at night shows the water being covered in foam used to extinguish the flames while floating fire engines were throwing water at the still-smoking wrecks.

Footage from the scene at night shows the water being covered in foam used to extinguish the flames while floating fire engines were throwing water at the still-smoking wrecks

Footage shows the yachts engulfed by flames, with clouds of black smoke billowing into the sky

The boats that went up in flames are the motor yachts 'O'Riana', which is 108ft long, and the 'Libra Y', which is 139ft long, and both have now sunk, according to reports.

The O'Riana superyacht, which was built by Golden Yachts in 2024, features stunning, brand-new interior and exterior spread over three floors and can host ten guests in five cabins.

Built by Picchiotti in 1977, the Italian Libra Y superyacht can accommodate up to ten guests and features accommodation for eight crew members.

The third yacht is believed to be a commercial tourist boat and the fire is thought to have started on it, according to reports.

This comes just a few hours after a stunning Italian superyacht sank off an idyllic Greek holiday island after a member of the crew left a side door open.

The 150ft megayacht 'Ethos', setting renters back a whopping 180,000-a-week, was seen taking in water off the coast of Kefalonia while in the Paleokaravo Bay.

A diver was called in to scout local reefs as guards continue to monitor efforts to recover the yacht after it ran aground in Evretis Bay, where it was anchored.

But it was later revealed the inflow came after one of the crew left a side door open - and did not have time to close it once the weather 'turned', local media reports.

The five tourists aboard have safely disembarked with the five crew on board, belonging to yacht's hotel staff, Protothema reported yesterday.

Astonishing scenes showed the moment the ship started taking on water in the Ionian Sea

Crew had left a door open and did not have time to close it when the weather 'turned'

The award-winning Maltese-flagged yacht is rented out to up to 12 guests looking for a 'relaxed' charter experience.

It boasts five cabins, an onboard gym, deck jacuzzi and jet skis, promising guests 'exceptional comfort levels at anchor or when underway'.

Shocking footage showed the vessel off balance on the blue waters around Kefalonia, a popular island in the Ionian Sea known as the setting for Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

A private boat, shown in the footage, was reported to be at the scene as harbour guards monitored the situation.

The cause of the incident is yet to be determined, local outlet Protothema reports.
Slovakian athlete Tamara Potocka collapsed after completing a swim at the Olympic Games this morning, leaving spectators at the Paris Aquatics Centre shocked as she was hurriedly carried away on a stretcher.

The 21-year-old competed in a heat of the women's 200-metre individual medley at 10:30am BST this morning and clambered out of the pool having come in seventh, missing out on qualification for the later rounds.

She was seen sitting poolside for a few seconds in clear distress, even as another eight swimmers lined up for the next heat, before slumping backwards.

Organisers realised something was wrong and postponed the next swim as medical staff descended on the scene.

Medics quickly placed an oxygen mask over the face of the young Slovak, who was lying motionless, before carefully loading her onto a stretcher and rushing her out of the La Defense arena as her British rival Abbie Wood watched on in horror.

It comes as two other competitors suffered what appeared to be serious injuries in Paris' Stade de France today as the athletics got underway in the French capital.

Slovakia's Tamara Potocka is taken on stretcher from the pool deck after collapsing following a heat of the women's 200-meter individual medley at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024

Potocka was seen moments after her heat sitting on the side of the pool, visible top left, as the other swimmers left the arena

Potocka is seen being treated on the side of the pool in footage broadcast today

Slovakian athlete Tamara Potocka collapsed after completing a swim at the Olympic Games this morning

After a tense 30 minutes, the venue's media manager confirmed Potocka was conscious and under medical assessment

Slovakia's Olympic team later confirmed to The Athletic that the swimmer had suffered an asthma attack and was recovering having received oxygen therapy

For a few moments following Potocka's swim, nobody realised the Slovak athlete was experiencing some difficulty.

The live broadcast showed how eight new competitors had taken to the starting blocks and were stripping off, seemingly seconds away from leaping into the water as commentators began previewing the next heat.

But the camera then pulled back to reveal how Potocka, wearing a blue skinsuit, had not left the venue and was sitting mere feet from the poolside, clearly experiencing considerable fatigue.

She was still there as the swimmers for the next heat took their marks, and seconds later she slumped backwards and was seen lying prone on the tiles.

Commentators clocked that something wasn't right as the next heat was delayed and medical staff rushed poolside.

'This doesn't look good... 15,000 people are now watching an athlete surrounded by medical staff and I can assure you it's absolutely silent in here,' one broadcaster said as they witnessed medical staff crowding around the swimmer.

'They've got a stretcher out, they've got an oxygen mask on the athlete, and I'm going to say... this looks very serious,' he said.

Potocka is seen on the left lining up moments before the start of her 200IM heat

She came home in seventh place, losing out on qualification for the semi finals

Potocka is seen bottom-right getting treatment from medics on the side of the pool

Members of the medical team carry Slovakia's Tamara Potocka during a women's 200-meter individual medley heat at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024

'They've got the neck brace around so I can only imagine that someone has hit their head and has some kind of trauma - they want to immobilise the athlete.

'We hope that there's nothing more than that...'

After a tense 30 minutes, the venue's media manager confirmed Potocka was conscious and under medical assessment, but gave no further update on her condition.

Slovakia's Olympic team later confirmed to The Athletic that the swimmer had suffered an asthma attack and was recovering having received oxygen therapy.

Potocka finished seventh in her heat in a time of 2 minutes, 14.20 seconds.

After a tense 30 minutes, the venue's media manager confirmed Potocka was conscious and under medical assessment, but gave no further update on her condition

Potocka finished seventh in her heat in a time of 2 minutes, 14.20 seconds, before collapsing poolside

Medical staff carry Slovakia's Tamara Potocka on a stretcher after she collapsed following a heat of the women's 200m individual medley swimming event

The time was not fast enough to advance her to the semifinals of the event and she was eliminated from the competition.

Her British rival Abbie Wood finished fourth in a time of 2:10.95, just behind Australia's Ella Ramsay in third with a time of 2:10.75.

Potocka's shocking collapse came minutes after South Sudanese athlete Lucia Moris was also carried off the track at the Stade de France having suffered what looked like a serious leg injury during the preliminary round of the women's 100-metre sprint.

Moris appeared to sustain an explosive tear mid-way through the race, with the 23-year-old stumbling and falling to the ground in agony about 30 metres shy of the finish line.

She had started the race brightly on the inside lane but clearly suffered intense pain after one particular step which caused her to pull up and fall over.

Medical staff rushed on to the track to assist her after the race concluded.

South Sudan's Lucia Moris collapsed to the floor during the women's 100m preliminary round

Moris (on inside lane) had started the race brightly and was in a good position with 30m to go

Moris appeared to tweak something in her leg and stumbled before collapsing in agony

Airine Palsyte of Team Lithuania hurt her leg during qualification for the high jump

Tatiana Gusin, of Greece, right, tries to comfort Airine Palsyte, of Lithuania, after she got injured injured during the women's high jump qualification

Airine Palsyte, of Lithuania, receives medical assistance after getting injured during the women's high jump qualification at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024

Airine Palsyte of Team Lithuania reacts as she receives medical attention during the Women's High Jump Qualification on day seven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 02, 2024 in Paris, France

The South Sudanese athlete was left writhing on the floor in pain, clutching her leg.

She remained on the floor several minutes after the race before she was stretchered off the track by medics.

Congo's Natacha Ngoye went on to win the heat with a time of 11.34 seconds, but several of Moris' fellow competitors were quick to check on her condition.

Many fans also expressed their sympathies towards Moris after the heartbreaking moment, given she looked to be flying high in second place following a positive start.

One said: 'Prayers up for Lucia Moris hope shell be okay,' before another added: 'Never want to see that.'

Meanwhile, Lithuanian athlete Airine Palsyte appeared to suffer a significant knee injury while attempting to qualify for the women's high jump.

Palsyte screamed in pain as she took off, with heavy strapping on her knee suggesting she was already nursing a pre-existing injury.

Upsetting images showed how she sat on the turf, clutching her leg and crying inconsolably as her fellow athletes rushed to her side.

She was also subsequently stretchered away, with her Olympic campaign cruelly cut short.
Concerns are mounting about a 'lethargic' dolphin which has been spotted swimming in the Thames.

A dolphin has been spotted swimming in the Thames near Bermondsey in southeast London and a further dolphin sighting was reported near Putney in the southwest of the city.

Whilst it remains unclear if both sightings are of the same dolphin, experts have voiced concerns that the marine animal spotted in Putney looked 'disoriented and lethargic.'

In a video, shared on social media, a dolphin can be seen swimming along the river near the Angel Pub in Bermondsey.

The dolphin's fin can be seen cutting through the waves of the River Thames before it comes up for air giving passersby a clear view of the animal before it disappears under the water once again.

In a video, shared on social media, a dolphin can be seen swimming along the river near the Angel Pub in Bermondsey

The dolphin's fin can be seen cutting through the waves of the River Thames before it comes up for air giving passersby a clear view of the animal before it disappears under the water once again

The dolphin that has been spotted in west London. Concerns have been mounting that the dolphin looks 'lethargic'

The passerby who filmed the creature on Wednesday evening said: My friend turned to me and said "I can see a fin".

'It was quite exciting - everyone was looking over at the river and everyone was in pure shock.'

Yesterday, there were further sightings of a dolphin further up the Thames.

The marine animal, which has been nicknamed Jo Jo was spotted breaching the water just west of Putney Bridge at around midday yesterday by a group of rowers.

Marine mammal medics from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) are monitoring the dolphin in case it becomes stranded at any point.

Mary Tester, Thames Area Coordinator at the BDMLR in a video posted to X, said: 'Its on its own, which is extremely rare, and it looks extremely disoriented and pretty lethargic.

'So its potentially swam up the river, maybe gotten lost, and doesnt have the energy to swim back where it needs to go.'

She added that this year three dolphins have travelled up the Thames and into London and tragically all of them have died.

Mike Benson, head of rowing at Barn Elms Boat House, opposite Fulham's Craven Cottage stadium, spied the common dolphin from his office and rushed out on the water to get a closer look.

WATCH: A dolphin named "Jo Jo" by watching children caused a stir in London this morning.



Sightings of the mammals are on the up, though experts say it's a "red flag" for them to be spotted this far inland.



: Alexander Nicoloau for Climate Centre pic.twitter.com/5XDwQg6Zji  Climate Centre (@ClimateCentreUK) August 1, 2024

Whilst it remains unclear if both sightings are of the same dolphin, experts have now voiced concerns that the marine animal spotted in Putney looked 'disoriented and lethargic'

Mary Tester, Thames Area Coordinator at the BDMLR in a video posted to X, said: 'Its on its own, which is extremely rare, and it looks extremely disoriented and pretty lethargic'

The sighting of the common dolphin comes during the 2024 National Whale and Dolphin Watch event, organised by the Sea Watch Foundation (SWF), which involves thousands of volunteers around the UK between July 26 and August 4

The 31-year-old, who lives in Bloomsbury in central London, said: 'I could hear some of the kids saying, "What's that?".

'When I went outside I realised it was a dolphin. We were trying to slow everyone down when passing it so it wouldn't become too distressed, but at that point everyone was more interested to see what was going on.

'It isn't every day you see a dolphin in the Thames.

'It would surface every few seconds, but I'm not sure if that's normal because I rarely see dolphins here.

'It went downriver towards Putney for a bit and came back around 4pm.

'We think it must be lost and must be having a horrible time.'

It is unclear if both sightings are of the same dolphin but, conservationists say seeing the dolphin as far up the Thames as Putney was a 'worrying' sign.

Though he frequently sees seals on the river, Mr Benson added that the last time he saw a dolphin back in 2018, the animal didn't survive.

'We quite often get seals up this far,' he said.

Common Dolphin (I think) at Hammersmith Bridge on the Thames just now pic.twitter.com/olsF7mYZ9k  Steve Ormerod  (@SteveOrmerod) August 1, 2024

The dolphin was spotted spotted breaching the water just west of Putney Bridge at around midday yesterday by a group of rowers

'In 2018 another dolphin swam right under our boat, which was amazing.

'But it was found dead a week later so I'm a bit pessimistic about this one's chances.'

The sighting of the common dolphin comes during the 2024 National Whale and Dolphin Watch event, organised by the Sea Watch Foundation (SWF), which involves thousands of volunteers around the UK between July 26 and August 4.

The event has already revealed a striking biodiversity of Britain's whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

Common dolphins are identified by an hourglass shape along the side of the body and their yellow and grey colouring.

They are typically seen in open water in large numbers, are one of the UK's most sociable dolphins and are often seen performing acrobatics - leaping out of the water and breaching at high speeds.

Although an offshore species, the mammals will venture into shallower coastal waters to feed; working together as a pod to herd prey into a 'bait-ball'.

SWF outreach officer Claudia Afeltra explained: 'Over the last week, we have had many common dolphin sightings - however none quite like this.

'These animals are open water, offshore marine mammals, rarely seen close to the shore.

'Reports of dolphins in the River Thames are becoming more prevalent, and although exciting to onlookers, this is very worrying.

'With this concerning sighting, we encourage all to submit any marine mammal sightings through our app, so we can better understand UK populations and can hopefully protect our species more to prevent unusual cases like this happening again.

'This dolphin will continue to be monitored, and, hopefully, will find its' way back to the open water.'
The heroic director who tackled the Southport attacker to protect young children said he is lucky to be alive as the blade narrowly missed his femoral artery.

Speaking from his hospital bed, John Hayes said he feels 'lucky' that he will recover while 'others are not so fortunate'.

The 63-year-old praised the emergency services as the 'real heroes' of the tragic attack which killed Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

But the local man narrowly escaped death, as if the femoral artery is cut, a person could bleed out and die within two and five minutes.

Mr Hayes is the director of a company based in the same building as the Hart Space, which was being used for the Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class where the attack happened on Monday.

He heard the harrowing screams of children at the dance studio and ran to protect them, bravely trying to disarm the attacker but was stabbed in the leg.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and underwent surgery, and is expected to make a full recovery.

Speaking from his hospital bed, John Hayes said he feels 'lucky' that he will recover

Rudakubana (pictured as a child) is charged with murdering three little girls and harming 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport with a 'curved kitchen knife'

Floral tributes are left for those who were attacked at the Taylor Swift-themed workshop

Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, was fatally wounded in the attack which shocked the nation

Bebe King, aged six, was also killed in the attack on Monday morning

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine, was one of three children killed in Southport

His wife Helen, 57, previously said he regrets not being able to do more to stop the 'ferocious attack' that left two children dead.

Yesterday, 17-year-old suspect Axel Rudakubana was able to be named for the first time after a reporting restriction was lifted.

He was born to Rwandan parents in Cardiff in 2006 before moving to the village of Banks in Lancashire in 2013.

Speaking to The Guardian, Mr Hayes said he puts his 'faith and trust in the judiciary in the hope this man never gets the opportunity to do something similar again'.

He added selflessly that he doesn't consider himself to be a hero and expressed his 'heartfelt sympathy' for those caught up in the 'tragedy'.

His wife told The Telegraph that her husband put himself between the knife-wielding attacker and the children, adding: 'Our office is in the same building as the dance studio, he heard screams and went outside, saw the attacker, saw that he had hurt a child and tried to take the knife off him and got stabbed in the leg.

Mourners leave floral tributes near the scene in Hart Street, where the three children died

Floral tributes, balloons and soft toys covered the street near the police cordon in Southport

Friendship bracelets reading 'Beautiful Swifties' are seen next to electric tea lights amid floral tributes for the victims of a deadly knife attack at the Atkinson in Southport

Leanne Lucas, who organised the Taylor Swift-themed holiday club, has had life-saving surgery and is now awake, her family said on Wednesday

'The dance studio is tucked away down a little alley, you wouldn't know that there was a children's dance studio there just by walking past  you would have to have known it was there.

'I've been with him all afternoon at the hospital. He's very upset that he wasn't able to be more help. Physically he will be okay, mentally I don't know.'

Rudakubana appeared in court yesterday accused of carrying out the attack that killed Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

Rudakubana is also accused of the attempted murders of eight more children, along with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, and Mr Hayes.

The teenager, who refused to speak at his court appearance in Liverpool, had been diagnosed with autism and was 'unwilling to leave the house' and talk to his family 'for a period of time', the court heard.

Neighbours claimed they could often hear the teen, from Cardiff, singing inside his family home in the village of Banks, according to the Mirror.

One local told the Liverpool Echo how they would often 'hear singing' from the 'quiet choirboy' at the terraced home where he lived with his parents and 20-year-old brother. 'It's a massive, massive shock,' the neighbour said.

A man is held back by police as a prison van escorted by police leaves Liverpool Crown Court

Court artist drawing of Rudakubana covering his face as he appeared in the dock

Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC described his medical condition, saying: 'He has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. We understand he has been unwilling to leave the house and communicate with his family for a period of time.'

Judge Andrew Menary condemned the 'idiotic rioting' which has broken out since the attack and said he named Rudakubana to fill the information vacuum exploited by 'others who are up to mischief'.

He said: 'The idiotic rioting going on at the moment is, in part, fed by the nonsense online that feeds on the vacuum.'

Judge Menary explained what he described as an 'exceptional' decision against imposing reporting restrictions sought by both prosecution and defence, which would have granted the defendant anonymity until he turns 18 next Wednesday.

He said he had to balance a risk to the defendant's family and initial risk to him while settling into custody with the public interest in accurately reporting his identity.

The Southport mass stabbings have led to riots on the streets. Pictured: Southport on Tuesday

A street near a mosque goes up in flames as violent thugs took to the streets on Tuesday night

Police officers with people attending the 'Enough is Enough' protest in Westminster on Wednesday as chaos erupted throughout the country

A homemade poster saying 'Leave our town' on a bridge near the mosque on Sussex Road in Southport that was targeted during Tuesday night riots

Granting the Daily Mail's request not to impose restrictions, he said: 'By continuing to prevent full reporting at this stage has the disadvantage of allowing others who are up to mischief to continue to spread misinformation in a vacuum and runs the risk that when the information becomes publicly available in six days' time, that will provide an additional excuse for a fresh round of public disorder.

'Allowing full reporting will undoubtedly remove some of the misreporting as to the identity of the defendant.'

The judge added: 'The defendant Axel Rudakubana appears before me having been sent to this court earlier this morning by the Youth Court in respect of multiple charges of murder and attempted murder.

'The alleged offending in his case is shocking and could hardly be more serious, involving as it does the killing and serious wounding of multiple victims, most of whom were young children, in an incident in Southport on Monday 29 July 2024.'
Tourist numbers in Spain jumped 13 per cent in the first half of this year, putting the country on track for another record year for foreign visitor numbers despite a wave of anti-tourism protests lamenting the impact on communities.

For the six months to the end of June, 42.5 million international visitors arrived in Spain, with June alone recording a 12% rise to 9 million as the busier summer period picks up, Spain's data agency INE reported on Friday.

That means 2024 is shaping up to be another record year for Spain, already the world's second most visited country behind France, making it likely it will beat last year's high of 85 million tourists, when numbers exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

But for some Spaniards in the most popular destinations including Mallorca, Barcelona and the Canary Islands, there is increasing unease about the influx of tourists and their impact on housing costs and locals have staged protests.

In July, a small group of anti-tourism campaigners in Barcelona squirted water pistols at foreign visitors, chanting 'tourists go home', a demonstration that created headlines around the world.

Protestors squirted water guns at tourists eating in popular spots in the city earlier this month

Tourists sharing paella can only watch on, bemused, as the rally moves past

A woman carries a sign that reads 'neighbours in danger of extinction' through Barcelona

A shocking message scrawled on a wall in Majorca amid growing discontent in Spain

An England supporter stands in a protest against anti-tourism in Alicante in July

Hundreds of protestors rallied in Alicante last month in the first major demo in the city

Data showed that tourists spent 12.3 billion euros in Spain in June, 17% more than the same month last year, helping drive economic growth, but highlighting the challenge for a government trying to find the right balance between tourism and local interests.

A lack of affordable housing in Spain has been partly blamed on a boom in holiday lets on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.

According to the data released on Friday, tourists are increasingly opting to stay in rented apartments.

The number of visitors in the first-half of the year staying in that type of accommodation was up 30%, while those staying in hotels was up 11%.

Anti-tourism sentiment has mostly been peaceful, with the notable exceptions of the water-gun attacks on diners in La Rambla, in Barcelona, last month.

Under the banner 'Enough! Let's put limits on tourism', some 2,800 people - according to police - marched along a waterfront district of Barcelona to demand a new economic model that would reduce the millions of tourists that visit every year.

Protesters carried signs reading 'Barcelona is not for sale,' and, 'Tourists go home,' before some used water guns on tourists eating outdoors at restaurants in popular tourist hotspots.

Chants of 'Tourists out of our neighbourhood' rang out as some stopped in front of the entrances to hotels.

Barcelona's rising cost of housing, up 68 percent in the past decade, is one of the main issues for the movement, along with the effects of tourism on local commerce and working conditions in the city of 1.6 million inhabitants.

Rents rose by 18% in June from a year earlier in tourist cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, according to the property website Idealista.

For years, the city has worn anti-tourist graffiti with messages such as 'tourists go home' aimed at visitors some blame for the rising prices and shaping of the economy around tourists.

Barcelona's local authorities have since responded by saying they would introduce a tourist tax for short-stay cruise passengers in a bid to alleviate the strain.

Alasdair, an English teacher from Scotland who has lived in Barcelona since 2017, told MailOnline: 'Lots of people still recognise the need for tourism here Barcelona lives off a hell of a lot of tourism.

'I think it's gotten better in the sense that there are fewer drunks around but the main protests are against mass tourism.

'If you look at the targets - the streets they went on - it's the hyper touristic spots. In a sense it's a little anti-capitalistic.

'That's the impression I got from it: tourism is not bad in itself, it's the mass tourism and the loss of character and the loss of space for locals to hang around in.'

The mood took a sour turn as 'Kill a Tourist', written in English, appeared across several locations in the town of Manacor on Majorca in recent days.

The centre-right Partido Popular party condemned the act of vandalism and has urged Manacor Town Hall to 'collaborate in cleaning it all up immediately'.

Leaders of the Cruise Lines International Association went so far as to say liners might even boycott Spanish destinations if 'violent attitudes' continue.

In Menorca, some 20,000 people gathered last week to express genuine concerns about the impact of over-tourism, and the undiversified economy.

Hundreds of activists filled a car park by Cala Turqueta with 'residents' cars' on Saturday, at the height of the summer season, to block the area to tourists.

They then used towels and their own bodies to shape the message 'SOS Menorca' on the sand by the waterline.

More than 3,000 people turned out to protest over-tourism in Barcelona in early July

Demonstrators put symbolic cordon on a bar-restaurant window during a protest against mass tourism on Barcelona's Las Ramblas alley, on July 6

People hold a placard which reads as "Tourism yes, but not like this" during a demonstration in Mallorca on July 21

A protester holds a sign reading 'Take back your drunks, give back our homes' during last night's demonstration in Palma on July 21

Hundreds of protestors have impeded tourist access to a picture-postcard Menorcan beach called Cala Turqueta

Earlier this month, hundreds of residents in Alicante massed for the first time to demonstrate through areas of the Spanish city popular with tourists to 'demand that limits be placed on the tourism industry'.

Salva, a spokesperson for the organising 'Alicante donde vas?' group, told MailOnline: 'It is the administrations (city council, autonomous community, central government) that must take measures to put the needs of the people who live in the city at the forefront, compared to the wishes of those who visit the city.

'We hope that the demonstration is the first step so that more people feel that it is legitimate to claim the right to live with dignity in our city, and to be able to join together to build a neighbourhood movement that says that Alicante is not for sale.'

Ahead of the event, posters appeared across the city branded 'Alicante is not for sale' and urging 'limits' on 'mass tourism'.

Streets were closed by local police as crowds gathered around the demonstration, protestors venting their frustrations towards the effects of tourism on local neighbourhoods.

Local media filmed as organisers with megaphones chanted into the crowds in dramatic scenes apparently unprecedented in Alicante.

One British tourist waving the St George's Cross waded into the rally chanting 'England, England, England' before locals guided him away.

Salva assured that the organisers 'understand' the concern of British tourists who might feel 'uncomfortable' with the rallies and said their criticism was 'focused mainly on the tourism industry and institutions, whose profit motive condemns residents to defencelessness in the face of the harm caused by tourism'.

'We are all tourists, or potential tourists we have all travelled, we travel and we will travel [but] we understand that the discomfort with touristification results in some people showing antipathy or rejection towards tourists.

'The fatigue of many people in Mallorca, the Canary Islands, Barcelona, or Alicante, is enormous; the anxiety and stress of having difficulty renting a house; or for suffering horrible working conditions; or not being able to sleep well because there is a tourist apartment in your community ends up causing pain and suffering that can fuel hostile reactions towards tourists.'

Anti-riot forces gesture as protestors put march through Las Ramblas at the start of July

A banner is held up during a march against overtourism in Alicante last month

Another said 'F*** AirBnB', expressing locals' frustration with the holiday home rental company

Some demonstrators held signs called for a different type of tourism on Mallorca

As thousands of people took to the streets, one held a sign saying: 'We are dying from tourism'

A demonstrator holds a sign which reads 'it's not tourismphobia, it's Mallorquinicide', July 21

Violent clashes broke out in Venice in April over a contentious new 'tourist tax' aimed at reducing numbers to the historical Italian city.

Demonstrators armed with signs and banners lined the historic canals and narrow alleyways of the Italian city to show their contempt for the unique new policy aimed at clamping down on overtourism in busy periods.

Critics have claimed that the 5 (4.30) fee, to be implemented in the busy summer months, is unlikely to put a significant dent in the circa 30 million trips made to Venice each year - and could backfire by tarnishing the city's public image.

Under the new rules, a fee will be charged to tourists passing through the city without staying overnight.

Authorities hope this might help manage the flow of some 30 million tourists drawn in by the city's history and romantic canals each year.

Venice has had a long wait to see the plan come to fruition, with initial proposals brought in 2019 set back by the pandemic.

The city also dropped plans to charge day-trippers 10 a day last year, citing 'resistance'.
This is the heartstopping moment a little girl is left dangling 330ft above the cliffs after coming to a grinding halt on a zipline in Bali.

Shocking footage shows the girl trying to rock back and forth to move along the zipline cable, with her inching forward very slowly on the Flying Fox zipline on Nusa Penida, a small island located near the southeastern Indonesian island of Bali.

Meanwhile the girl's terrified and reportedly crying mother, alongside several British tourists, watched on in horror from below as the girl is hanging 330ft over the ocean in the video from July.

Nusa Penida's police chief told local media that the 'foreign child' was stuck on the zipline for about three minutes before she managed to rock herself to the other side. The girl was not injured.

'The opposing wind direction and light body [didn't] make the roller move,' he added.

Shocking footage shows the girl trying to rock back and forth to move along the zipline cable, with her inching forward very slowly on the Flying Fox zipline on Nusa Penida, a small island located near the southeastern Indonesian island of Bali

The girl's terrified and reportedly crying mother, alongside several British tourists, watched on in horror from below as the girl is hanging 330ft over the ocean in the video from July

Nusa Penida's police chief told local media that the 'foreign child' was stuck on the zipline for about three minutes, telling reporters that an opposition wind direction and the girl's low weight stopped the roll on the cable from working

The incident raised questions over the safety of the nearly 600ft-long zipline in Nusa Penida, which has since been closed, according to local media.

Local police revealed that while the owner had permission to establish a 'beach attraction' near the island's popular Diamond Beach, he did not have a permit for building a zipline, according to local media.

The head of the local fire service told reporters that Flying Fox zipline the owner built was 'not suitable'.

Local newspapers are now asking why it took more than a week to close down the zipline after it started operating on July 2 - and why it only happened after a child got stuck on it.

This comes after an Italian woman plunged 60ft to her death on a zipline in Italy's Bitto Valley when she slipped from her safety harness earlier this year.

Ghizlane Moutahir, 41, died in May after she fell to the ground at the Fly Emotion park in Alpi Orobie at Bema, close to Lake Como, in Italy.

She was approaching the end of the mile-long, high-wire thrill when witnesses said she began to 'struggle' and then slipped out of her harness.

Paramedics raced to the scene but there was nothing that could be done and she was pronounced dead. Police and prosecutors have since opened an investigation for 'negligent homicide by persons unknown'.

Moutahir's two nieces, who had just completed their flight on the zipline, watched their aunt take her turn on the 60mph ride and were filming when tragedy struck. Investigators are examining the footage taken by the girls.

Her death comes nearly two years after a 39-year-old man was killed while ziplining in northeastern Brazil of Ceara.

Sergio Lima was filming himself sliding down the zip line cable at Canoa Quebra beach in the municipality of Aracati in October 2022 when one of the wood beams collapsed and sent him plunging as his girlfriend watched in horror.

Sergio Lima was filming himself sliding down the zip line cable at Canoa Quebra beach in the municipality of Aracati in October 2022 when one of the wood beams collapsed and sent him plunging as his girlfriend watched in horror

Harrowing footage showed a smiling Lima wowing at the camera when he suddenly plummeted to the sand dunes 15 seconds into the ride.

A second video of the tragic accident that was recorded by his girlfriend at the end of the platform reveals the horrifying moment the zipline cable snapped.

His lawyer accused the operator of the zipline of not burying the wooden support beams properly and therefore causing Lima's accident.

In 2019, an Australian father-of-three was ticking off a bucket list item when his ziplining adventure in Brisbane went horribly wrong, killing him and seriously injuring his wife.

Dean Sanderson, 50, from Adelaide, had been on holiday with his wife Shannon, then 48, to visit their son at the army academy, when the pair signed up to go ziplining at the Jungle Surfing Canopy in Cape Tribulation, northeast Queensland.

The pair was on the zipline when a cable snapped, sending husband and wife plummeting about 52ft into the rainforest below.

Witness Mardi Liebelt told MailOnline at the time that she and her husband had been next to jump on the zipline when the cable snapped, and said she has been unable to shake the shocking scene from her mind.

'It was quick,' she said. 'They got to the middle of the line and the cable literally snapped clean off, then it twanged back up into the air.

'There was silence, deadly silence, and then the poor lady just started screaming - it's a scream I never hope to hear again.'
A Piccolino restaurant manager who stole 21,610 from the till has been spared jail after claiming he gave half the money to staff when the luxury eaterie chain began taking a share of their tips.

Mario D'Agostino, 61, exploited a customer loyalty scheme to skim money off the profits when bosses introduced a new policy of allowing diners to pay 'optional surcharges' on card payments instead of cash.

The father of three, who also has 12 grandchildren, said as a result the firm began taking a third share of the 10 per cent gratuities which should have gone to the waiters and chefs.

He claimed that it was to keep up morale that he fiddled the loyalty scheme, allowing him to take money out of the till to give to staff at the end of each week.

D'Agostino, who had worked at the Chester branch of the Italian restaurant chain since 2015, was reported to police after investigators from The Iceland Food Group - which owns the firm - were assigned to check an 'unusually high' level of success with the customer loyalty scheme.

Mario D'Agostino, 61, exploited a customer loyalty scheme to skim money off the profits while working at the Piccolino restaurant in Cheshire

D'Agostino had worked at the company's Chester branch (pictured) since 2015

He claimed that it was to keep up morale that he fiddled the loyalty scheme, allowing him to take money out of the till to give to staff at the Chester restaurant (pictured) each week

It emerged that over the course of 10 months the manager had been creating fake customer accounts on the loyalty scheme then taking the 20 'welcome' rewards which would normally be offered to diners who signed up.

When quizzed, D'Agostino insisted almost 11,000 of the missing money had been shared amongst the staff and claimed the rest had been spent on equipment at the eaterie.

He confessed: 'I created a monster I could not stop. I feel relieved that I do not have to do it anymore. I do not have to keep looking over my shoulder.'

The company, which set up its first restaurant in Knutsford in Cheshire in 2000 and has 21 branches in its portfolio, admitted initially taking a two per cent cut of the 10 per cent optional service charge to cover 'admin costs' but subsequently dropped the administration fee altogether.

D'Agostino, from Buckley in Flintshire, North Wales, had potentially faced up to four years in jail after he admitted fraud by abuse of position at Chester Crown Court.

He has now been sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years along with 100 hours of unpaid work.

There was no order for compensation but a judge said the opportunity for civil recovery was open to his former employer.

The investigation began after bosses noticed the Chester restaurant appeared to have an exceptionally high take-up of customers signing up for the loyalty scheme between June 2021 and April 2022.

Jayne Morris prosecuting said: 'Piccolino introduced the loyalty card scheme which gives customers an opportunity to collect points against their bills at any individual restaurants.

'Customers sign up by email address to the loyalty scheme and receive a one-off 20 reward off their next visit.

'But an inspection was carried out at Chester by a loss prevention officer from the Iceland Food Company.

'Having looked at the data, he became convinced that a staff member or staff members created disposable emails to allow them to generate multiple club members loyalty cards.'

When quizzed, D'Agostino insisted almost 11,000 of the missing money had been shared amongst the staff working at the restaurant in Pepper Street, Chester (pictured)

The investigation found that as well as the 20 reward scheme being abused, additional points were added to the fake cards to 'disguise' their fraudulent use.

A cash equivalent to the 20 credit applied to a customer's bill was taken from the till.

Miss Morris added: 'When staff were searched a number of restaurant gift cards were found in the defendant's safe.

'When he was interviewed during an internal investigation, he admitted the offence saying he was under pressure to reach targets and while it was not an excuse he said the whole thing was totally wrong.'

In his basis of plea outlined to the court, D'Agostino said that when the company started offering diners the chance to pay a 10 per cent 'optional surcharge' in place of a tip, it also encouraged them to sign up to the membership scheme and staff were given targets to reach.

He claimed the company was initially taking one third of the surcharge meant for staff and that he decided to use the scheme to recoup some of the money that was being taken by the company and share it out among staff.

He also said he was not the only member of staff involved as he said fraudulent transactions were carried out when he was not on site.

The money accrued by the fraud was put into a safe until the end of the week, before being put in envelopes and shared among staff.

D'Agostino said he kept a record sheet of the tips he gave staff and claimed he did not take for himself anywhere near the 21,610 that the company lost as the money was split between wokers.

He also said there were times when he would purchase expensive items for the store out of his own money due to delivery issues and he would reimburse himself from the company's petty cash.

Miss Morris said: 'Despite the defendant saying that he did not receive all of the money himself, he was the general manager, therefore the ringleader of the fraud.

'It was abuse of a position of power and trust and responsibility. The fraud was 21,610 irrespective of who received the full benefit.

An investigation found that as well as the 20 reward scheme being abused, additional points were added to the fake cards to 'disguise' their fraudulent use at the Chester venue (pictured)

D'Agostino was sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years along with 100 hours of unpaid work, at his trial at Chester Crown Court (pictured)

'His own bank account had 11,000 in cash deposits over the relevant period of time. The whole scheme was initiated and thought of by the defendant.'

D'Agostino had 26 dishonesty offences on his record, with the most recent being fro 1997.

His lawyer Eve Salter said: 'Ultimately he was trying to keep the team together due to the impact on the tips provided to staff.

'He was trying to keep up morale but ultimately recognises that what he did was wrong and that he should not have engaged in such behaviour.

'He originally worked in a restaurant but now works full-time six days a week as a delivery driver. He accepts that all of what has happened since this offence is all his fault.

'He recognises that he brought it on himself. He has been punished by not being able to work in the industry that he loves. This brought shame on his family, although he does say that his wife is extremely supportive of him and he is extremely grateful for that.'

In sentencing D'Agostino, the judge Mr Recorder Eric Lamb told him: 'You created false memberships through a number of email addresses knowing perfectly well what it was you were doing.

'But you have demonstrated by your behaviour your ability to resume the straight and narrow path because since 2022 you have not only seen sought out employment for yourself but there has not been any further offending.

'Your means and responsibilities are such that it would be inappropriate to make an order for compensation - but that does not preclude your former employers from taking civil action against you.'

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Joe Duckworth from the Cheshire Police Economic Crime Unit said: 'D'Agostino held a position of trust, and he abused that trust for his own financial gain.

'Through his actions, he exploited more than 21,000 from the loyalty scheme, causing a significant loss to the restaurant.

'I welcome the fact that he has now been held accountable for his actions, and I hope that his conviction will act as a warning to others that Cheshire Police will continue to pursue those involved in fraud.'
When he stepped into the role less than four years ago, Tim Davie may have foreseen that he was taking over an institution that could face further troubles - especially after the appalling acts of once-stars like Jimmy Savile.

But the incoming Director-General could scarcely have imagined in his darkest dreams that by taking on the title at the BBC in September 2020 he would one day be facing the living nightmare of the Huw Edwards child sex images scandal.

Edwards - one of the most trusted faces in public life - had been hiding a secret lust that saw him twice sent a video of a boy under nine among scores of other vile indecent pictures.

But while it is by far the worst, it is just one of many disasters the Director-General has been forced to tackle on his watch.

From revelations that the corporation had covered up Martin Bashir's 'deceitful behaviour' in securing his 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana, to Strictly's ongoing bullying scandal, he has been tasked again and again with trying to save the national broadcaster's fraying reputation.

Director-general Tim Davie has had to tackle a number of disasters that have plagued the BBC in the last four years

Huw Edwards arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London this week as police clear the way

The corporation, and Mr Davie specifically, have come under fire after it emerged they knew Edwards had been arrested in November over the most serious category of indecent images of children, and yet continued to employ him for five months.

Now, as Mr Davie rushes to save the broadcaster's image a little too late, there are growing calls for him to step down.

Top English lawyer Nick Freeman today led calls for the Director-General to be fired for his 'mishandling of the situation'.

He wrote on X: 'Just as Huw Edwards should have been sacked, so should Tim Davie for his mishandling of the situation. And is he now prepared to reimburse the taxpayer for his appalling ineptitude?'

From having to do damage-control over Gary Lineker's constant controversial tweets, to dealing with the Strictly abuse revelations, this is not the first time the former marketing head has had to deal with scandal.

And PR guru Mark Borkowski says he feels for Mr Davie's unfortunate position in what he calls an 'unforgiving job'.

'The problem with the brand is institutional. It is very hard for them to pivot in the face of controversy and just make a statement, they are bound by things like employer's laws. A lot of it is to do with HR.

Calls have begun for Mr Davie to step down following his handling of the Huw Edwards scandal

Tim Davie arriving for work in November 2012 when he was the BBC's Acting Director-General

'To a certain extent, Tim Davie sits at the head of the corporation. But it's a difficult situation because it involved such iconic personalities that everyone knows.

'This latest scandal is an extremely upsetting incident, but Tim is governed by procedure.

'They had to wait for a judgement, but of course, social media does not wait.'

Speaking of what Mr Davie and his team need to do to save the corporation's reputation, he said: 'Telegraphing how the BBC have to operate in scenarios like this in a transparent way might help people to understand how it works and how hard it is.

'It has always been a challenge for anyone sitting at the top of the BBC. So empathy goes to Tim who doesn't decide it all.

'They've got to get more rigour in letting people know how it works. Let people know there are strict processes governed by human resources that doesn't allow them to pivot and react instantly. They are lumbered by various levels of procedure.

'It's about regaining trust, instead of making a short statement and then running off and hiding.

'Ultimately, it's an unforgiving job. It's never been easy to be a Director-General at the BBC, and continues to be one of most difficult jobs in British media and TV.'

The disgraced BBC anchorman pleaded guilty earlier this week to receiving 41 indecent images of children, which included two sexual videos of a boy under nine

The text messages said to have been sent to a junior colleague

Just last week, the Director-General was forced to apologise to Strictly Come Dancing contestants following complaints of abusive behaviour taking place on the show.

The show has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was 'cruel and mean' - claims which he denies.

It is part of a string of abuse allegations on the show, with dancer Graziano Di Prima sacked last month over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals.

Graziano has since apologised for kicking his former partner and added other allegations do not align with 'how he remembers it'.

On Monday, the BBC show was thrown into further crises after backstage staff branded it 'toxic and cruel'.

It's been said that 'talented co-workers were treated with cruelty', while the environment was described as 'tense, toxic, uncomfortable'.

As the BBC boss broke silence on the scandal last week, he said 'I'm sorry'.

Chaperones will now be introduced to rehearsals in an attempt to protect similar incidents from occurring.

Addressing the controversy, Mr Davie said: 'I'm very sorry that anyone has had a experience on Strictly that hasn't been wholly positive.

'There are limits and the line should never be crossed. We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.'

Strictly Come Dancing has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was 'cruel and mean.' He denies the claims

It was followed by Graziano Di Prima's sacking last month over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals. Graziano has apologised for kicking his former partner and added other allegations do not align with 'how he remembers it'

Strictly Come Dancing was thrown into more crisis on Monday as backstage staff branded the scandal-plagued show 'toxic and cruel'

Following the two major controversies that have taken headlines in recent months, BBC staff have been handed dossiers full of guidelines on how to report 'potential grooming' and 'rumours or evidence of a potential relationship involving an imbalance of power'.

But Mr Davie's first big scandal at the BBC to take on came when the corporation was accused of covering up thousands of emails over Martin Bashirs Princess Diana interview.

When the Bashir scandal erupted in 2020, the BBC repeatedly said that it could not ask the former Panorama reporter questions because he was seriously unwell. His medical condition allegedly provided bosses with a legal loophole not to disclose more than 3,200 emails relevant to the case under freedom of information laws.

But a tranche of emails revealed during a hearing in 2023 that managers were in regular discussion behind the scenes with the disgraced reporter. BBC chiefs were grilled for arrogantly misleading the public over Bashirs health to avoid tricky questions.

It came after in autumn 2020 the Mail had been revealing details of how Bashir had lied and forged his way to clinch his 1995 interview with the princess, in which she famously said there were three of us in this marriage.

Tim Davie apologised for 'multiple series failures' in how Bashir secured the interview after an inquiry in 2021 criticised the BBC for falling short of 'high standards of integrity and transparency'.

The BBC was also plunged into crisis when it came under criticism for covering up Martin Bashir's 'deceitful' behaviour in obtaining the 1995 interview with Princess Diana

Yet another scandal Mr Davie has been plagued by is the sex abuse allegations against ex Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood.

Last month, the BBC said it hopes findings of the independent inquiry into Mr Westwood's conduct at the BBC will be published by the autumn - around two years after being commissioned.

Barrister Gemma White KC was appointed in August 2022 to look at the veteran hip hop DJ's work at the BBC in the wake of sexual assault allegations against him going back four decades. He has denied the claims.

The BBC has spent more than 3million on the two-year investigation into alleged misconduct by the DJ. The corporation is working with the Metropolitan Police to see that the report does not have an 'negative impact on any ongoing police investigation'.

The BBC revealed its target date for a report into sex abuse allegations against ex Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood (pictured) last month

Tim Davie has on multiple occasions had to deal with controversy following Gary Lineker's very outspoken tweets that critics say breach the broadcaster's impartiality guidelines

Among other BBC presenters that caused controversy during Mr Davie's time as boss is outspoken Match of the Day star Gary Lineker.

BBC chiefs were forced to talk to the commentator last year after he compared the Tory government's policy on immigration to that of Nazi Germany and then ridiculed MPs who criticised him for 'flouting impartiality rules'.

In a tweet in March last year, he called Suella Braverman's measures to stop the small boats 'beyond awful' and 'an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s'.

The Director-General was forced to suspend Lineker, though it triggered a walkout by BBC stars as the crisis deepened.
A pipeline worker explained how Kamala Harris will affect his livelihood if she's elected president - claiming she would force him to pull from his 401(k) early to pay the bills.

'She is a left-wing, liberal [from] San Francisco with the highest taxes. And why would anybody with any common horse-sense that's a blue-collar worker want to even look at this woman?' Texas pipeline worker Bugsy Allen told Fox's America's Newsroom.

'I can tell you right now when that lady's lips are moving, she's lying,' he added.

Allen's outburst came as the vice president changed her position on fracking, the drilling process used to pull natural gas and oil from the ground.

Harris, who is expected to become the Democratic nominee, has said she won't seek to ban fracking if she's elected - a turnaround from the 2020 election campaign when she said at a CNN climate town hall that 'there's no question I'm in favor of banning fracking.'

She has reportedly backed away from that stance, adopting Joe Biden's position on the issue after becoming his running mate in 2020.

'She is a left-wing, liberal [from] San Francisco with the highest taxes. And why would anybody with any common horse-sense that's a blue-collar worker want to even look at this woman?' said Texas pipeline worker Bugsy Allen

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'These people are not going to keep fracking, because they're pushing electric cars, they're pushing their green ideology deal. And it's not going to work. It never will work,' Allen said.

'Oil and gas is going to be the driver of the United States of America.'

Allen said he and his fellow pipeline workers are 'thinking about jerking [from] our 401(k)s just to try to live.'

'People, I'm telling you, are hurting,' he continued. 'And they see these prices going up. And it's simply because they have pushed this ideology about all kinds of electric cars and green energy. It's not going to work.'

Harris' campaign commented on fracking after the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, called out the Californian on her position during a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Kamala Harris has said she won't seek to ban fracking if she's elected - a turnaround from the 2020 election campaign

Her team told The Hill: 'Trump's false claims about fracking bans are an obvious attempt to distract from his own plans to enrich oil and gas executives at the expense of the middle class.

'The Biden-Harris Administration passed the largest ever climate change legislation and under their leadership, America now has the highest ever domestic energy production,' a Harris spokesperson said. 'This Administration created 300,000 energy jobs, while Trump lost nearly a million and his Project 2025 would undo the enormous progress weve made the past four years.'

The issue is key in many fracking-heavy states, like Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Dakota, and Texas.

Harris' position change comes as she's considering Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to be her running mate. Shapiro has sought the middle ground in the debate

Harris' position change comes as she's considering Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to be her running mate. Shapiro has sought the middle ground in the debate.

'Governor Shapiro is an all-of-the-above energy Governor and he is taking action to invest in affordable and reliable renewable energy while continuing to support the key energy resources that have helped Pennsylvania become the leader it is today,' a Shapiro spokesperson told Politico's E&E News.

Harris is expected to announce her running mate on Tuesday at a Philadelphia rally.
A teenager accused of murdering a pensioner who died in a house fire after a firework was thrown into his home has appeared in court.

Robert Price, 76, was found after the blaze in Dagenham, east London, last Saturday.

Now a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has today appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

Paramedics and firefighters attended shortly after 5.40pm and forced entry to the home to find Mr Prices body.

A post-mortem later gave the cause of death as inhalation of smoke and burns.

Paramedics and firefighters attended the fire in Dagenham, east London, last Saturday shortly after 5.40pm and forced entry before discovering Robert Price's body

Officers are treating the blaze as suspicious and a male teenager aged 17 today appeared in court at the Old Bailey charged with murder

The Metropolitan Police named the victim found dead as 76-year-old Robert Price (pictured)

The teenager appeared in court today via video link from Vinney Green youth detention centre in Bristol and spoke to confirm his name and date of birth.

Judge Sarah Whitehouse remanded him in youth detention accommodation ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for October 18.

She said the prosecution alleged the fire was 'deliberately started at the home of a vulnerable adult' after a firework was thrown inside.

A provisional trial date was set for May 12 next year.

Mr Prices family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Another male who was arrested in connection with the investigation, was later released on bail pending further enquiries.

The Metropolitan Police previously said: 'The cause of the fire is under investigation but is being treated as suspicious.

'Enquiries are ongoing to establish whether the fire in Oval Road North may be linked to any other incidents.'

Police were called to reports of a fire at a property on Oval Road North in Dagenham

A post-mortem later gave the cause of death as inhalation of smoke and burns

They have appealed for anyone in the area of Oval Road North between last Saturday between 5pm and 6pm and witnessed anything to get in touch.

Scotland Yard said: 'Any drivers who were passing through the area around that time and may have captured anything on dash cam are also urged to contact police.

'If you have information that could assist then please contact officers on 101 or message @MetCC on X and quote CAD5619/27Jul.

'You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
Newly released footage shows the moment a burglar leaves a bizarre note on a checkout counter while stealing from a restaurant in California.

Security footage from the eatery in San Fernando shows the suspect scurrying across the floor as he makes his way behind the checkout counter.

The thief is later seen picking up a sticky note sitting on the counter.

The next day, the victims found the note, which read: 'Sorry! Need $ for drugs, won't come back.'

Security footage from a San Fernando eatery shows a burglar picking up a sticky note and scrawling a bizarre apology

Police told ABC7 that all of the businesses were located around the Maclay corridor and San Fernando Mall.

Three were burglarized, six were vandalized and another was targeted in a grand theft.

Officials are working to determine whether the same person may be involved in the crime spree. No suspect has been identified.

Before writing the note, the suspect was seen behind the checkout counter

The next day, the victimized owners recovered the note, which read: 'Sorry! Need $ for drugs, won't come back'

The business was one of ten to be hit in San Fernando in just two days

The incidents come a few months after thieves stole $30 million from a Los Angeles money storage facility in one of the largest cash heists in the city's history.

The raid was carried out under the cover of darkness at the cash vaults held at the GardaWorld facility in the Sylmar area of the San Fernando Valley, on the northeastern edge of L.A., where cash from businesses across the region is handled and stored, police said.

It is thought the gang broke in through a hatch on the roof and some how circumnavigated the security systems to access the vaults and escape without raising the alarm.

It is thought the gang broke in through a hatch on the roof and some how circumnavigated the security systems to access the vaults and escape without raising the alarm, before escaping through a hole on the southeastern side of the building

While there did not appear to be any damage done to the roof, local news footage showed a patched up hole on the southeastern side of the building.

Debris lay around it, though it is unclear what this may have been used for or if it was related to the theft.

The break-in is among the largest cash burglaries in Los Angeles history.
This is the shocking moment a brawl broke out on a jetty after passengers got into a row over who got first dibs on the next ferry home from an idyllic Italian beach.

Dozens of sunseekers were spotted at the Lido Schiacchetiello, in Bacoli, Naples, fighting across the pier and on board a boat.

Witnesses who captured footage of the chaos told local media the mass argument was sparked after passengers began disagreeing on who had priority to enter the boat first.

A shocking clip of the drama shows a rowdy group of people in swimming gear smacking and hitting each other in a small boat bobbing in the water.

One man can be seen repeatedly slapping another traveller in his face before pounding his fists into his back.

Chaotic footage captured the moment a man was thrown off a pier and on to a boat during a jetty brawl in Italy

Dozens of men could be seen throwing punches at each other as they argued over who would take the next ferry home, according to witnesses

The fight quickly extended from the boat to the pier as the men in swimming gear threw kicks and punches at one another

The fight then escalates as the men in the boat begin attacking another group of men standing on the pier as they yell at each other and wave their arms around.

As they push and shove each other across the wooden bridge, one unfortunate beachgoer gets violently thrown off the pier before landing in the boat packed with furious fighters.

Despite this, the scrap continues between the men as one man climbs off the pier into the boat while another continues his beating on land.

The pier quickly becomes filled with battling individuals while several onlookers stand in the pristine waters and watch on in shock.

According to the witness, there were also some Neapolitan TikTokers among the brawlers.

Finally the fighting comes to a standstill and several men can be seen piling on to the rocking vessel before it takes off.

The viral clip from July 22 was shared by MP Francesco Emilio Borrelli on Instagram, where he spoke of his disappointment around the unnecessary violence.

He wrote: 'In Varcaturo, women had been fighting over a sunbed in the front row. The scenario, the genre and the motivations have changed, but not the violence that is returning to the beaches'.

Just two weeks ago, raging sunseekers got into a brawl on an Italian beach after they were denied loungers in a prime spot near the shoreline.

Lifeguards refused the requests and a vicious fight broke out between the women and members of the public, with footage showing them wrestling and yanking each other's hair.

The men stumbled over one another as the fighting continued

The small vessel could be seen rocking and tipping in the water as several men attempted to climb on

Witnesses said the women then turned on beach lifeguards who had been trying to pull them away, and that the fight went on for 'more than half an hour'.

The violent scenes took place in the coastal resort of Varcaturo, near Naples, where families had been enjoying a day out.

Continuing on about last Monday's violent brawl, Borrelli said: 'A merciless scene under the undaunted eyes of many tourists and children.

'Any excuse becomes good for giving vent to violence, to one's barbaric instincts, to degradation, to sub-criminal ways. In reality, we cannot speak of triggers, they themselves are the reason for the violence that is intrinsic to their being.

'These individuals cannot be together with others, they cannot transform beaches and public places into rings, saloons, territories of conquest.

'For this reason, some time ago we proposed the introduction of the Metropolitan Tourist Police force that can guarantee safety and order in these crowded places frequented by many citizens and visitors, keeping away those scoundrels who must be reported and severely punished'.

The Mayor of Bacoli, Josi Della Ragione, also echoed Borrelli's concerns and said in a social media post: 'Get out of Bacoli! I have started the procedures to order the urban daspo against the group of thugs who yesterday, in the waters of Bacoli, gave rise to an unworthy brawl.

'We will also report them for the damage to the image caused to our city. A physical clash that mortifies the thousands of good people who live here.

'Whoever does not care about Bacoli, as well as the most basic rules of civil life, must never set foot there again.

'We will do everything we can to identify those responsible for the outrage immortalised in so many videos, spread on social media'.
Police have revealed more photos of suspects they want to track down after a riot erupted outside a Holiday Inn in Manchester housing asylum seekers.

A man has been charged with attacking an officer during the disorder which broke out on Wednesday evening, amid similar clashes in other towns and cities following the Southport stabbings on Monday which left three young girls dead.

About 100 demonstrators gathered on Wednesday outside the Holiday Inn hotel on Oldham Road in Newton Heath, Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police have today issued an appeal for 'information and footage' while also sharing pictures of people they wish to speak to - while the hunt also goes on for thugs involved in another protest in Aldershot, Hampshire.

Joshua Stokes, 26, of Ten Acres Lane, Manchester, has been charged with violent disorder and attempted ABH of a police officer, the force also said, before he was remanded into custody to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court.

Greater Manchester Police today issued pictures of people they want to trace following violent disorder which broke out outside a Holiday Inn in Manchester on Wednesday evening

The force urged people to come forward with information after 100 demonstrators gathered on Wednesday outside the Holiday Inn hotel on Oldham Road in Newton Heath, Manchester

Greater Manchester Police urged anyone with information to contact the force on 101 or the via the website gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1369 of July 31 2024

Two members of the public were hurt during the unrest, including a bus driver who was forced to stop by the crowd, and a man who was hit by a projectile, though police said neither sustained serious injuries.

Objects, including beer bottles, were thrown at officers, but the force said no injuries had been reported by officers.

There were riots in Southport on Tuesday and in London, Hartlepool and Aldershot on Wednesday.

Esrlier today Hampshire Police released pictures of people they want to speak to over violent scenes outside the Potters International Hotel in Aldershot which also houses asylum seekers.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the riots were 'not protest' and 'not legitimate' as he vowed not to permit a "breakdown of law and order".

Greater Manchester Police, issuing today's appeal for information and images of people they wish to speak to, urged anyone with information to contact police on 101 or the force's website at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1369 of July 31 2024.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, six-year-old Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were killed when a knifeman attacked them during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday.

Eight other children were injured along with two adults - yoga instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes - as tributes to the victims have continued.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Banks in Lancashire, has been charged with their murders and attempted murders and was publicly identified for the first time yesterday as he appeared in court.

When Rudakubana appeared before court yesterday, a provisional trial date at Liverpool Crown Court, set to last six weeks, was scheduled for January 20 next year.

MANCHESTER: Riot police are seen outside a Holiday Inn in Newton Heath where protesters targeted in response to social media messages stating the venue was 'housing illegal immigrants at the taxpayers expense'

MANCHESTER: Video shows protesters clashing with riot police with parts of the UK at boiling point

MANCHESTER: Protesters were seen launching glass bottles at a police van

He is next due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on October 25 for a plea and trial preparation hearing and will be remanded in youth accommodation detention in the meantime.

Monday's knife attack has sparked violent disorder in some towns and cities in England, including the capital London on Wednesday evening.

Home Office minister Lord Hanson today told would-be rioters to 'be prepared to face the full force of the law on this criminal activity', as the prospect of more than a dozen more protests in the coming days looms.

He said forces have the powers under intelligence-led policing to track 'people who may be travelling to cause trouble and to cause conspiracy' and to use facial recognition technology and other evidence to bring prosecutions.

Asked how concerned the Government was about fresh unrest this weekend, Lord Hanson told LBC Radio: 'There is that potential.

'But I always say to anybody who's organising this, we will be watching you. If you are organising this now, we will be watching you.

'We have powers under existing legislation to stop you organising this now and to take action accordingly, and if you do take action and are not part of any organised group, be prepared to face the full force of the law on this criminal activity.'

Asked whether those involved are from the far right, he said: 'Some individuals will have far-right opinions, in my view, some might be caught up in the summer madness. Some might be people who've got genuine concerns.'

He urged them to protest peacefully and raise issues with their MP, adding: 'What they can't do is throw rocks at police officers, break windows in mosques and attack people in the streets and undertake street robbery as happened in some of the shops in the in Southport. That is simply not acceptable.'

LONDON: Violence erupted on the streets of the capital as flag-waving protesters clashed with police on Wednesday evening near Whitehall

LONDON: Protesters were seen wearing t-shirts with the faces of the three Southport victims on - despite families of the victims calling for the violence to stop

LONDON: Protesters hold a Union Jack banner which says: 'Enough is enough. Stop the boats'

LONDON: A protester draped in a Union Jack flag was seen mounting a traffic light in front of an army of riot police officers

LONDON: Police officers detain a demonstrator during a protest against illegal immigration outside of Downing Street

The PA news agency found evidence of at least 15 protests advertised online, some calling for participants to take England flags and containing phrases such as 'enough is enough', 'save our kids' and 'stop the boats'.

The protests are being planned for areas such as Southport, Leeds and Bristol, while two counter-demonstrations are also being advertised online.

Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram said he was 'concerned' that there could be a 'repeat of violence somewhere in the Liverpool City Region'.

But he added: 'We know exactly what we'd need to do to ensure that these things are nipped in the bud.'

Meanwhile, Cleveland Police have charged seven men with violent disorder offences after riots broke out in Hartlepool and have made more arrests - including an 11-year-old boy detained for allegedly setting fire to a patrol car.

A lone Asian man was also punched in the face in footage which was captured on a live stream and police are continuing to hunt for the man who carried out that attack.

Cleveland Police said all seven men who have now been charged face counts of violent disorder.

A 42-year-old man was also charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker, while a 28-year-old man was charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place as well as violent disorder.

Cleveland Police said 11 other people were arrested on Wednesday evening in connection with the disorder during which officers were attacked with missiles, glass bottles and eggs in the County Durham town.

The Southport mass stabbings have led to riots on the streets. Pictured: A police van is torched in Southport on Tuesday night

SOUTHPORT: Locals have called on rioters to leave their town after Tuesday night's violence

HARTLEPOOL: An angry mob burnt down a police car which was left to perish in the flames

HARTLEPOOL: Rioters break down a fence as violence erupted in Britain for the second night running

Speaking outside Hartlepool Police Station yesterday afternoon, Chief Constable Mark Webster said the events in the town were 'mindless thuggery' and that experienced officers had never seen such disorder there before.

Asked what the motivation was for the disorder, he said: 'There is an opportunity to go out and damage things, and just exhibit a bit of violence.

'I don't think there is a principle at stake, this was not a legitimate protest or demonstration.

'I think there is some mindless thuggery and that's why we are being really proactive to go out and arrest people. There's no excuse for last night.'

Also yesterday, Sir Keir Starmer condemned 'far-right hatred' in the wake of the Southport stabbings and today announced a new 'national' response to the violent disorder linking police forces across the country.

The Prime Minister said 'thugs' involved in the scenes of unrest should not 'pretend they are speaking' for the grieving families of the three young girls killed in the initial attack.

At a press conference following riots in which bricks were hurled at police officers and a local mosque targeted, Sir Keir warned: 'The far right are showing who they are - we have to show who we are in response to that.'

In a televised address from Downing Street after the disorder in London, Hartlepool, Manchester and Southport, he announced a new 'national capability' to tackle the disorder across police forces in England.

This will involve sharing intelligence, wider deployment of facial recognition technology and criminal behaviour orders to restrict the movement of those involved, Sir Keir said.

Floral and written tributes are left alongside balloons and teddy bears at the scene of the stabbings on Hart Street, Southport

Pictured for the first time: Southport stabbing suspect Axel Rudakubana, now 17, pictured as a child, is charged with murdering three little girls and harming 10 others

Rudakubana (pictured as a child) is charged with murdering three little girls and harming 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport with a 'curved kitchen knife'

Court artist drawing of Rudakubana covering his face as he appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court

He said: 'These thugs are mobile, they move from community to community. We must have a policing response that can do the same.'

The Prime Minister also sounded a note of caution to social media companies after misinformation spread online about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect, including false claims that he was an asylum seeker.

'Let me also say to large social media companies and those who run them: violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, that is also a crime, it's happening on your premises, and the law must be upheld everywhere,' he said.

'That is the single most important duty of government, service rests on security. We will take all necessary action to keep our streets safe.'
House Republicans are opening an investigation into President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' role in the controversial plea deal offered to three of the 9/11 masterminds.

On Wednesday three of the five men who allegedly played pivotal roles in the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans on September 11, 2001 reached an agreement that would see them detained for life but avoid the death penalty.

The White House said it had no role in the pre-trial agreements and just learned of the deal as it was made public.

'That White House officials and you, as President and Commander in Chief, would seek to distance your Administration from this decision is understandable given how absurd it is, but it is far from believable or appropriate,' Oversight Chairman James Comer wrote in a letter to Biden.

Lead 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in a photo dated 2009

Comer, R-Ky., said his committee was also concerned about the 'lack of transparency' around the deal given that much of it has not yet been disclosed.

Comer demanded a complete copy of the plea deal, all documents between the White House and Defense Department related to it and all discussions of avoiding the death penalty by August 16.

Sixteen years after prosecution began, the three men will be able to avoid the death penalty in a plea deal reached with military prosecutors.

Top mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, and two co-conspirators Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi reached the deal after 27 months of negotiations with prosecutors and it was approved on Wednesday by a senior Pentagon official.

Their sentencing will not occur before summer 2025.

Two of the five defendants were not included in the deal. One, Ramzi bin al-Shibh, was deemed not fit for trial due to mental illness. Another, Ammar al-Baluchi, could stand trial alone.

The men have been in custody without convictions since 2003 but the case was bogged down in pretrial proceedings over whether evidence obtained by their torture in secret C.I.A. prisons would be admissible in court.

Five terrorists allegedly involved in 9/11 remain detained at Guantanamo Bay without convictions

The White House said it had no role in the pre-trial agreements and just learned of the deal as it was made public

Last year Biden rejected a deal that would have spared all five suspects from the death penalty, according to a New York Times report.

The prisoners had proposed a deal that would guarantee they would not serve solitary confinement, that they would be allowed to eat and pray with other prisoners, as they do now at Guantanamo.

They also wanted guarantees of a civilian-run program to treat sleep disorders, brain injuries, gastrointestinal damage and other injuries they say they've sustained from U.S. torture.

Back in 2009 then-Attorney General Holder tried to put Mohammed and four others on trial in a federal court in Manhattan and promised to seek the death penalty. But bringing the terrorists onto U.S. soil drew opposition from Republicans and some Democrats.

So instead of the federal court system, the case went through the military commissions process.

It is yet unclear where the terrorists will serve their sentences. Joe Biden has been wanting to close Guantanamo Bay, where they are detained, since he came into office.

If the detention facility on the military base, known as Camp Delta, is shut down, the detainees could be moved to ADX Florence in Colorado, the only supermax prison in the U.S. that already houses 9/11 terrorists.
A black soldier who was the British Army poster girl for diversity has received an apology and a 'substantial' payout after being subjected to racist and sexist abuse by her 'Hitler-praising' colleagues.

Kerry-Ann Knight, 33, was a representative of the Army's Black and Minority Ethnic Network and featured on posters for a 1.5m military recruitment campaign.

But she went to an employment tribunal and accepted a substantial settlement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) last month.

She secretly recorded conversations with colleagues who joked about lynching her.

Kerry-Ann Knight (pictured) suffered racist and sexist abuse at the hands of her colleagues

Kerry-Ann Knight, 33, was a representative of the Army's Black and Minority Ethnic Network and featured on posters for a 1.5m military recruitment campaign

In one recording, laughter can be heard after a male soldier says: 'Just **** tar and feather her, it's what they used to do in the old days.'

At the tribunal, Ms Knight described how colleagues directed slurs about slavery at her.

She also claimed her colleagues praised Hitler and repeatedly targeted offensive racial language and stereotypes around her, such as shouting 'watermelon' when she walked into a room.

Ms Knight claims she had to serve alongside soldiers who claimed to support the Ku Klux Klan, Britain First and the English Defence League.

She also faced sexist abuse and harassment, such as being shown pictures of a colleague's penis at a work event and being asked to comment on it.

Male soldiers reportedly shouted racially offensive insults followed by 'I'd still shag you though'.

It is alleged that despite Ms Knight regularly raising complaints about the abuse she experienced to her superiors, no action was ever taken.

She claims her experiences left her feeling that the Army was 'institutionally racist'.

Ms Knight and the MoD settled before a final judgement was made after the Army agreed to make a public apology.

The MoD said it 'accepts that Mrs Knight had to work in an unacceptable organisational environment where she experienced racist and sexist harassment'.

But the MoD said this week it settled the claim with no admission of liability.

Ms Knight grew up in Nottingham and served in the Army for more than a decade.

She left as a corporal earlier this year, after launching an official service complaint.

Speaking to the BBC, she said: 'I'd never encourage any woman, especially of colour, to join, because it's not going to benefit your life in the long run.'

The racist and sexist abuse is said to have begun around 2012.

Ms Knight told the BBC that during one of her first postings to Germany, she was told to avoid a certain corridor as soldiers were openly displaying swastikas, Confederate flags and other racist symbols.

Also, a senior female solder reportedly reprimanded Ms Knight for the way she wore her hair in braids to go swimming during training, being told, 'this isn't the ghetto'.

A senior colleague physically assaulted her in 2013, motivated by racism, Ms Knight alleges.

In 2021, Ms Knight began working as the only black female instructor at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

This is where the Army trains 16 and 17-year-old junior soldiers.

But she claims several fellow white male instructors made it apparent that she wasn't welcome.

People would shout 'watermelon' when she approached the office and she claims people would also play Django Unchained, a film about slavery, loudly in the office.

When she offered to make a round of hot drinks, one colleague replied he wanted his coffee 'black and bitter - like my women'.

Images of Hitler and a photo of a man's genitals were openly posted on a Whatsapp group for the instructors, of which she was a member.

In 2021, at a dinner in the officers' mess, Ms Knight claims a fellow instructor aggressively shouted abuse in her face.

She said she raised concerns about racist and sexist incidents earlier in her career but she decided to launch an official service complaint instead.

This is when she started secretly recording some of the conversations taking place behind her back.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) provided funding and assistance to Kerry-Ann Knight, as part of its legal support scheme for race discrimination cases.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has announced that tackling discrimination, harassment and victimisation in the armed forces is a strategic priority for 2024-25.

The programme of work, which will also focus on police and fire services, aims to support change in these workplaces through guidance, training and enforcement action.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: 'As one of the UK's largest employers, and a public authority under the Equality Act, the British Army should be a standard-bearer when it comes to protecting their employees from discrimination.

Cpl Kerry Ann Knight on the front cover of The Locker magazine, printed on behalf of the British Army

'Former Cpl Knight dedicated more than a decade of her life to serving her country, and was an inspiration to young soldiers in her roles as an instructor and a diversity group representative. It is such a shame that the Army has lost a talent like hers.

'Many of the most recent recruits in the Army today will have joined after seeing Ms Knight's face in a recruitment campaign. Like everyone else in the country, they have the legal right to be treated fairly regardless of who they are or what they look like.

'The British Army workplace is unique, but that doesn't lessen its responsibility to follow equality law. Employers should take note that permitting discrimination such as that faced by Ms Knight is never acceptable, and this case demonstrates our commitment to tackling it head-on wherever we find it.

'I hope the settlement will allow Kerry-Ann to move on from this experience. As Britain's equality watchdog, we will continue to use our unique powers to prevent discrimination in the workplace.'

Kerry-Ann Knight said: 'I have been absolutely devastated by my treatment by the British Army.

'I was so determined to make it work and help make the British Army a better place for women and black people, and so for everyone. But my experience eventually showed me that no matter what I did, I would never be accepted.

Emma Norton, solicitor for Kerry-Ann Knight, said: 'The way the Army conducted itself throughout its internal complaints process and throughout this litigation is nothing short of shameful.

'For the Army, it was not the racists that needed to be dealt with it, it was Kerry-Ann, because she'd had the audacity to complain about racism and misogyny.

'It is all dreadfully familiar and shows that, in the British Army, it's worse to accuse someone of racism than it is to be racist.'

Major General SL Humphris MBE, on behalf of the British Army, said in an apology sent to Kerry-Ann Knight: 'As Director Personnel (Army) and a member of the Army Board, I sincerely apologise on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

'The Army accepts that you had to work in an unacceptable organisational environment where you experienced racist and sexist harassment. There was a failure within the Army in not responding properly to that environment or your complaints about it.

'The Army wishes to apologise for the treatment you received. Your loss is a matter of regret.'
Schools in Oklahoma are tearing themselves apart over a new directive ordering teachers to incorporate the Bible into their lessons.

In June, Republican State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters decreed that every classroom from grade five through 12 must contain a copy of the holy book.

Walters stated the Bible is 'an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone,' which is necessary to 'properly contextualize the foundation of our nation'.

However, at least four districts have pushed back on the orders, stating they will not be complying.

'As a public school system, it is crucial that we maintain neutrality and objectivity in our curriculum and instructional practices,' Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Coates said.

Schools in Oklahoma are tearing themselves apart over a new directive from state superintendent Ryan Walters, who has ordered teachers to incorporate the Bible into lessons and keep a copy of the book in every classroom

She added that Oklahoma law requires adoption of subject matter standards on a six-year cycle with the current set not up for renewal until 2025.

'The curriculum currently used by Owasso Public Schools is fully aligned with the approved Oklahoma Academic Standards and we will continue to adhere to the curriculum and instructional materials previously adopted by the district,' she said.

'The Oklahoma Attorney General has stated that the state superintendent does not have legal authority to decide the content of curriculum and that Oklahoma law clearly established local control of curriculum,' Stillwater Superintendent Uwe Gordon said.

He confirmed his district will not be purchasing class copies of Bibles or any other religious text.

'SPS prides itself on being respectful of the myriad religions, cultures, traditions, worldviews, and belief systems inherent in our community,' he said.

'The district also holds itself to adherence with the state's established academic standards and the laws of the land.'

Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller and Moore Public Schools Public Superintendent Robert Romines both said they understand the importance of teaching the role of religion in historical and cultural contexts.

However, both districts have declined to adopt the new curriculum.

Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Coates has rejected the directive stating it is 'is crucial that we maintain neutrality and objectivity'

Stillwater Superintendent Uwe Gordon, like several other education bosses, questioned the legality of bringing in the new measures before the official deadline for reviewing Oklahoma's curriculum

'Our goal is to continue providing a respectful environment that acknowledges various perspectives while adhering to the set and approved Oklahoma educational standards,' Romines said.

The Oklahoma Education Association, a group of education professionals, also hit back at the directive, stating it infringes on freedom of religion principles.

The head of the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations slammed the directive as a clear violation of the Constitution's Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from 'establishing' a religion.

The current guidelines on religious education in Oklahoma schools state that it should be taught in relation to its historical role and world cultures.

Teachers should educate students on the, 'origins, major beliefs, spread and lasting impact of the world's major religions and philosophies, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, and Sikhism', per the 2019 guidelines.

Walters new edict requires educators to incorporate the Bible by examining its 'historical, literary and secular benefits'.

The holy book is ' not to be used for religious purposes such as preaching, proselytizing or indoctrination' and 'maintaining neutrality and objectivity is crucial'.

The directive states all Oklahoma schools will have to use the Bible, which includes the Ten Commandments, as an instructional support into the curriculum for grade levels 5 through 12

But Walters has insisted he will 'use every means' to make sure his educators follow the edict

Oklahoma law already explicitly allows Bibles in the classroom and lets teachers use them in instruction, said Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for state Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

But Walters has doubled down on his commitment, insinuating there could be consequences for those who do not.

'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 told ABC News.
Knife-wielding attackers filmed their teenage victim as he lay bleeding on the ground unconscious while a heroic, blood-soaked good Samaritan tried to save his life.

The boy, aged 17, was ambushed in a car park behind a Coles supermarket at the CS Square shopping centre in the western Melbourne suburb of Caroline Springs on Thursday evening.

He suffered wounds to his upper-body in the brutal attack.

An ambulance rushed the boy to Royal Melbourne Hospital and on Friday he remained there in a serious condition.

The man who came to the stabbed boy's aid said the attackers callously stood and watched the victim bleed on the concrete, with some filming the horrific scene on their phones and only one offering help to the fallen teen.

The man told the Herald Sun he feared the boy would die as he desperately held his head off the ground.

'He was in and out of consciousness throughout the process, I was just trying to keep him awake and keep him alive,' the man said.

'From the wounds I witnessed, (the weapon) was something large, it wasn't a kitchen knife or a home knife, it was definitely something like a machete.

A boy, reported to be 17, was stabbed by a group of around 10 blade wielding attackers in a western Melbourne shopping centre carpark (pictured: blood stained clothes at the scene)

'There was blood everywhere, all over me.'

'I saw so many people standing around, there were so many not helping besides one person.'

He described the victim and most of the teenagers who attacked him as being black.

The attackers are believed to have fled the scene in a car through the loading bay of Coles.

Uniformed police and detectives remained at the scene until late into the evening.

Police and ambulance were called to the CS Square shopping centre on Thursday at around 5.15pm

Uniformed and plains clothes officers remained at the scene until late in the night collecting evidence

'Investigators are still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the investigation is ongoing but it is believed the offenders have left the area,' a Victoria Police statement said.

Officers sought witnesses to the bloodshed and talked to local business operators and shoppers.

It is understood CCTV captured the incident and police will be using that footage as part of their investigation.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A police officer who appeared on the Channel 4 show Call the Cops will stand trial over alleged sex offences against women and children.

Matthew Tregale, of Devon and Cornwall Police, pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexually touching a 15-year-old girl.

He faces 12 other charges between 2005 and 2021, including four counts of sexual assault by penetration and two of false imprisonment by another woman.

He is also accused of attempted rape and two counts of sexual assault by the same woman.

On top of that, the 35-year-old is charged with coercive and controlling behaviour against two other women and putting a person in fear of violence by harassment.

Devon and Cornwall police constable Matthew Tregale (pictured) denies all charges

He was also suspended from a cosplay charity in which he attended children's parties dressed as Superman

While dressed as Superman, Tregale along with a Super Team member dressed as Batman helped arrest a shoplifter on the run from a supermarket as part of his work

The officer - who appeared in the Channel 4 mini-series in 2019 - 'vehemently denies' all charges.

Tregale, of Exeter, Devon, was suspended from duty and will face trial in September.

He was charged in 2022 with the offences against the three women and he was charged with the child sex offences last year.

He was also a trustee of Devon Super Team - an Exeter based volunteer Superhero Cosplay Group raising funds to help Children in Devon with disabilities.

Last year, the group issued a statement about his charges saying: 'It has been recently brought to our attention that one of our cherished heroes has been highlighted in the local news and on social media platforms regarding charges brought against them.

'We understand that this may be a shock to the public just as it is a shock to our Charity's volunteers.

'In protection of the Charity and of this individual and their mental health, we are writing this statement to display our actions.

'This individual has been responsibly asked to step away from further charitable events, visits and Charity work until the court verdict has been decided.

Tregale is pictured leaving Plymouth Magistrates' Court in 2022

'As a Charity, we are currently configuring our roles, members, and responsibilities out in this time.

'However, we will not take further action until we receive further information.'

In April 2023, the presiding judge, Judge Michael Cullum, said the trial was expected to last up to five weeks and would take place in February 2023.

But this was vacated at that time and attempts were made to list it at the next available date.

The new trial date has now been listed for September 25 this year and the four-week trial will be held at Bristol Crown Court.

The judge told Tregale last year: 'This effectively was a catch-up hearing for the new charges which you were aware about and your lawyers were aware about.

'The overwhelming likelihood is that there will be one trial. At the moment, that case will start on February 12.

'The matters will formally be joined at the pre-trial review which is on December 8.

'That is the next date that you have to attend court.

'You are fully aware of your bail conditions. Thank you very much, you may leave the dock.'

Devon and Cornwall Police previously confirmed that Tregale is currently suspended from duty.
A tourist who cheated death after he was attacked by a brown bear in Italy has expressed his 'guilt' after the animal was put down.

Vivien Triffaux, 43, suffered injuries to his arms and legs after he was surprised by the female bear, which is thought to have been protecting her cubs, while he was on an early morning run last month.

The animal  known as KJ1  was later captured in woods near the village of Dro in the northern Trentino region of Italy and on Tuesday controversially put down after a two week legal battle.

In an interview with Italian media French psychiatric worker Mr Triffaux said: 'I'm truly pained that our encounter cost her life. I feel guilty, she was only protecting her cubs.

'When I heard on Tuesday she had been put down, I felt really sad, I know that deciding her fate had nothing to do with me but I still felt sad when I found out the news and I felt responsible.

Vivien Triffaux (pictured), 43, suffered injuries to his arms and legs after he was surprised by the female bear, which is thought to have been protecting her cubs, while he was on an early morning run last month

In an interview with Italian media French psychiatric worker Mr Triffaux said:'I'm truly pained that our encounter cost her life. I feel guilty, she was only protecting her cubs' (stock image of brown bear with three cubs)

'I had the feeling the bear was protecting her cubs but on the other hand I know that an attack of this sort could have had tragic consequences for me or for anyone else, but I knew how to react.'

Mr Triffaux, who was on holiday with his family and spent several days in hospital following the July 16 attack before being discharged, added:'I am saddened that it's ended this way, I have a strong sense of responsibility.'

The decision to put down KJ1 was signed off by Trentino governor Maurizio Fugatti, and it comes a year after a jogger was attacked and killed by a brown bear in the same mountainous region of northern Italy.

However, the culling of the bear was condemned by politicians, conservationists and animal rights groups  with many expressing fears on how KJ1's cubs would fend for themselves in the wild.

Mr Triffaux, who says he has got over the 'physical scars but not the mental ones', also expressed his hope that the death of KJ1 could have been avoided with an alternative solution found.

He said:'I would have hoped that compromises could be found that would guarantee the safety of people, without putting the preservation of biodiversity at risk.

'The protection of nature and ecosystems is a fundamental priority for me.

The animal  known as KJ1  was later captured in woods near the village of Dro in the northern Trentino region of Italy and on Tuesday controversially put down after a two week legal battle

'I would like the debate to take place in a calm climate, to find a fair coexistence between humans and animal species, and that preventive measures are adopted to reduce encounters between humans and wild animals.

'And then, what I think is really important, is that information is provided on the behaviours to adopt when these encounters occur, even if it is difficult to maintain control in certain situations.'

Vittoria Brambilla, a former Italian government minister turned animal rights campaigner, was among those who had expressed anger at the death of the bear.

She described how the order had been signed late on Monday night meaning there could be no further legal challenged and accused the governor of 'arrogance and authoritarianism'.

Ms Brambilla added:' He did it at night when the courts could not intervene. He signed the order at 9.35pm...decreeing the bear must die, no ifs and no buts.

'Instead of dispatching rangers to close hiking trails and dissuade walkers from the area, he sent them to kill a 22-year-old bear which for two thirds of its life had done nothing to cause any trouble and which was simply defending its cubs.'

In a Facebook post Mr Fugatti said the bear had to die because it had become 'dangerous to humans' and added there had been an urgent need to 'remove' it from the wild as soon as possible.
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The Tory leadership battle ramped up today as Robert Jenrick warned the party must admit 'where we went wrong' and cut immigration.

Formally launching his campaign in his Newark constituency, the former minister said he was going to tell 'hard truths' about the need for a change in direction.

He said the 'primary reason' for the election defeat was 'broken promises' on tackling immigration, suggesting there could be a cap of 10,000 a year.

Mr Jenrick - speaking without notes in an echo of David Cameron's 2005 leadership tilt - also insisted the NHS must be treated like a 'public service not a religion', and attacked Labour for sacrificing jobs on the 'altar of Net Zero'.

After being introduced by ex-Cabinet colleague Esther McVey, Mr Jenrick told activists he would not 'shirk difficult decisions' if he becomes leader.

He acknowledged there were 'many reasons' Keir Starmer secured his huge majority last month.

'But the principal one, the primary one, is that we broke our promise to the British public to deliver controlled and reduced migration and the secure border that the public rightfully demand,' he said.

'We allowed the cycle of broken promises to continue.

'And as a minister, when I concluded that I couldn't secure any more changes to our legal migration system, I resigned from Cabinet last year because I for one was not willing to be just another minister who makes and breaks promises on immigration.'

Formally launching his campaign in his Newark constituency, Robert Jenrick said he was going to tell 'hard truths' about the need for a change in direction

After being introduced by ex-Cabinet colleague Esther McVey (pictured), Mr Jenrick told activists he would not 'shirk difficult decisions' if he becomes leader

Bookmakers have Mr Jenrick as second favourite in the race behind shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch (left). James Cleverly (right) is also a contender

'We have a mountain to climb.

Shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat is a candidate from the One Nation wing of the party

Former home secretary Priti Patel has also thrown her hat into the ring to lead the Tories

Mr Jenrick is among six candidates trying to succeed Rishi Sunak , with the One Nation and right-wing factions struggling for control.

But the contest is set to be an attritional one, with the winner not due to be announced until November 2 - three days after Labour's first Budget.

There have already been complaints about 'dirty tricks' between rival camps.Bookmakers have Mr Jenrick as second favourite in the race behind shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch.

The two rivals from the right of the party are up against shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride, shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat, shadow home secretary James Cleverly and former home secretary Dame Priti Patel.

The field will be whittled down to four in time for the Tory conference in Birmingham in the autumn before MPs vote for a final two who will face a ballot of Conservative members.

At his launch, Mr Jenrick complained that the British political system has appeared 'either unwilling or unable' to do the 'basic duty' to 'secure our borders.'

He said: 'I saw the British state finding it difficult to build united and cohesive communities, I saw intercommunal violence, I saw extremism, I saw challenges of diminishing public trust, I saw an economic model that was fundamentally failing'.

If 'mass migration' was 'rocket fuel for our economy,' the UK would have 'just lived through the greatest age of economic growth,' he claimed. Mr Jenrick told the audience: 'I fought relentlessly for solutions to these problems and yet our political system was either unwilling or unable to affect the change that this country needs.'

Mr Jenrick said he would be 'open to' a cap restricting immigration to less than 10,000 people a year.

Asked to put a number on his proposed immigration cap, Mr Jenrick said: 'I said that it would be in the tens of thousands. I'm open to it being less.

'But the key thing is that Parliament decides the cap and every Member of Parliament votes for it, so you can hold them to account.

'Do they believe in lower migration or not? And we can finally begin to restore public trust and confidence in our legal migration system.'

He added that he would 'hope' to bring back the Rwanda scheme scrapped by the new Government, but this would be 'four or five years away'.

He claimed he had reached the conclusion that 'the system that I had been part of, that I had upheld, was completely broken and was contributing to our national decline'.

Mr Jenrick said: 'Despite spending more money than ever before, too much of the British state simply wasn't working. Nowhere exemplifies this challenge more than the NHS.'

The leader hopeful took aim at spending and quangos in the health service, adding: 'We allowed the lions on the frontline of the NHS to be let down by the donkeys in the back offices.'

Hitting out at the new Government, he said Labour were guilty of 'too many delusions,' adding: 'If anyone tells you the grown-ups are in charge, just look at Ed Miliband.'

The party has 'lied about the state of our public finances' and already 'begun to break their promises' by hinting at tax rises in the Budget, Mr Jenrick claimed.

Mr Jenrick is centring his pitch on a tough immigration stance and pulling out of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride is another hopeful in the contest

In a campaign video this week, he said Mr Sunak's party had been 'unable or unwilling' to do what was required to reduce the number of people coming to the UK.

Hundreds of thousands of people 'we didn't need' had arrived legally while 'dangerous' immigrants could not be deported, he said.

Mr Jenrick resigned from Mr Sunak's government last year, claiming that the plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda did not go far enough.

He said the party must respond to the threat from Nigel Farage's Reform UK on the Right, as well as winning back former heartlands in southern England which were lost to the Liberal Democrats.

Suella Braverman, who bowed out of the race last week, warned the Tories have 'no chance of winning the next general election' as long as Mr Farage's outfit 'is a viable alternative'.

The former home secretary denied speculation she might defect unless she was 'driven out to Reform by my colleagues'.

Arguing that Tory-to-Reform defector Lee Anderson 'should be a Conservative MP', Ms Braverman told GB News: 'We should not be hounding out Conservatives, right-wingers, Eurosceptics, people who want to stand up for our flag and our faith as if they are somehow swivel-eyed loons.'

She cautioned any Tory leader against 'complacency' over the threat from the right, saying 'Reform can do better' and 'young people are voting more for Reform than they are for the Conservatives'.
Swaths of the US are set to bake in 'dangerously hot' conditions of up to 118 degrees, the National Weather Service has warned.

An intense heatwave is due to sweep across the country starting today, sparking fears of yet more heat-related deaths and illnesses.

The NWS and the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has produced an alarming map showing the impact of the high temperatures across the lower 48 contiguous states over the next week.

It shows huge parts of Washington state, southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, as well as small areas of Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Texas face an 'extreme' heat risk.

The East Coast, Gulf Coast, Northwest and Great Plains states are experiencing 'major' heat risks.

Swathes of the US are set to bake in 'dangerously hot' conditions of up to 118 degrees, the National Weather Service has warned

As the week progresses the major risk for the East Coast will dissipate, but heat is due to ramp up across California and Arizona.

Yellow areas on the map denote a minor risk, orange is moderate, red is major and purple areas face extreme heat risks.

The red and purple areas are due to move southeast throughout the week, weakening as they cross Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas before heating up again over Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

'There is a high risk for dangerous heat illness for anyone, especially for the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors,' the NWS cautioned.

The NWS combines weather, climate and CDC data to determine the severity of the impact of heat.

The warnings come after scores of heat-related deaths across the country, including that of four-month-old Tanna Rae Wroblewski.

An intense heatwave is due to sweep across the country starting today, sparking fears of yet more heat-related deaths and illnesses

As the week progresses the major risk for the East Coast will dissipate, but heat is due to ramp up across California and Arizona

The baby is thought to have died of heat exhaustion, after her parents took her out boating on an Arizona lake amid a 120-degree extreme heat warning. Detectives are now probing the death.

A six-year-old Florida girl also died after she was left 'locked mom's boyfriend's sweltering hot car' while he was at work.

Nine-year-old Cortinez Logan also perished on a trail walk with his family at the South Mountain Park and Preserve near Phoenix as temperatures soared to 113F last month.

'Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,' The NWS advised.

'Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.'

Meanwhile, firefighters battling Californias largest wildfire of the year are preparing for treacherous conditions entering the weekend.

Detectives are probing the parents of a baby girl who died after they took her boating on an Arizona lake during 120-degree heat

A helicopter drops water on the Park Fire near Butte Meadows, California, on Tuesday

The Park Fire, which has destroyed at least 480 structures and damaged 47, is one of almost 100 large fires burning across the western U.S.

Expected thunderstorms may unleash fire-starting lightning and erratic winds that could erode progress made over the past week.

Dry, hot conditions posed similar threats across the fire-stricken West.
MISSING: India Burrell

A 13-year-old girl has been missing for a week and police are desperately trying to track her down.

India Burrell was last seen at The Entrance on the New South Wales Central Coast at about 2pm on July 26.

Police are worried about her welfare because of her young age.

She is white, about 150cm tall and of medium build with brown hair.

India is known to visit areas of the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

Anyone with information should call Wyong Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been invited to the Royal Family's summer gathering at Balmoral Castle this year, sources claimed today.

King Charles III has continued his late mother Queen Elizabeth II's tradition of travelling to the estate in the Scottish Highlands towards the end of summer.

But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have not been given an invite for years, according to People magazine.

The news has not yet been confirmed by either party, and MailOnline has contacted representatives for Buckingham Palace and the Sussexes for comment today.

Other royals expected at Balmoral this year include Prince William and his wife Kate with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

A source told Express.co.uk that the Waleses would be there, adding: 'It will be a rather low-key affair this year where everyone will meet to just relax and unwind.'

Prince Harry and Meghan at the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11

Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands is much loved by members of the Royal Family

Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence are also anticipated to join the family at the gathering which is set to take place in mid-August.

But they are not expected to be joined by Harry, who has previously spoken about his love of Balmoral having spent much of his childhood at the retreat.

The Duke wrote in his memoir Spare: 'To me, Balmoral was always simply Paradise. A cross between Disney World and some sacred Druid grove.

'I was always too busy fishing, shooting, running up and down 'the hill' to notice anything off about the Feng Shui of the old castle.

'What I'm trying to say is, I was happy there.'

However, Balmoral also has many sad memories for the Royal Family given it is where Elizabeth II died aged 96 in September 2022.

Prince Harry on the Balmoral estate with his father Charles and brother William in 1997

Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral on September 6, 2022, two days before her death aged 96

Harry had been in the UK at the time with Meghan when he received a phone call from Charles to say that his grandmother's health was worsening.

The Duke then made plans to fly to the estate on a charter flight from London Luton Airport, but was asked by his father not to bring Meghan.

By the time his plane landed in Scotland though, he learned that the Queen had died by looking at the BBC News website on his phone.

Balmoral is currently open to the public for the summer before Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for their break.

Tickets for the guided tours, priced at 100 or 150 with afternoon tea, sold out withing 24 hours of going on sale with 40 people each day allowed to visit the royal residence from July 1 to August 4.

It comes amid a flurry of news about Harry and Meghan, who are set to visit Colombia for a tour later this year after accepting an invitation from the country's vice president Francia Marquez - although the dates have not yet been confirmed.

Yesterday, CBS released a clip of Harry and Meghan in an interview about the safety of children online, which will be broadcast on the US channel's Sunday Morning show

THIS SUNDAY: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex talk with Jane Pauley this Sunday about a new program supporting parents of children affected by online harm. Jane also interviews parents in the pilot program about its impact on their healing. pic.twitter.com/YNRMA86I65  CBS Sunday Morning  (@CBSSunday) August 1, 2024

Around the same time as the Colombia announcement yesterday, CBS released a clip of an upcoming interview with Harry and Meghan this Sunday about cyber safety for children, with the Duke saying parents have to be 'first responders'.

And People magazine has run a number of articles this week using quotes from sources close to the Sussexes.

One of them saw friends of Harry claim the King is no longer answering his estranged son's calls or responding to his letters as their rift deepens.

The Duke and Charles last saw each other in person in February when they met for 45 minutes in London following the monarch's cancer diagnosis.

But sources close to Harry said their communication has worsened since amid growing tensions over the Duke's battle for his security when in Britain.

The Duke is said to be 'frightened' about the safety of his wife Meghan and children Archie and Lilibet - and believes the King has the power to intervene in his ongoing court case with the Home Office .

King Charles III and Prince Harry, pictured at the Natural History Museum in December 2019

William, Harry, Meghan and Charles speak at Westminster Abbey in London in March 2019

Sources told People that the issue of security began as a point of frustration between father and son but has now developed into 'complete silence'.

A friend of Harry's said: 'He gets 'unavailable right now'. His calls go unanswered. He has tried to reach out about the King's health, but those calls go unanswered too.'

Decisions over the Duke's security are made independently of the King by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which is part of the Home Office.

Harry last visited the UK in May to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, but could not meet his father during this recent trip.

The Duke's spokesman said at the time that this was due to the King's 'full programme'.

The US magazine also quoted sources claiming Meghan wishes Harry 'could let go of these lawsuits' over their security because she wants the Duke to be 'free' and 'live in the moment'.

The People report quoted a former employee of the Archewell Foundation, who said: '[Meghan] wants him to be free of all of this, but she also knows that because of everything he's been through and his love for [her and their children], he can't. She wants him to live in a world where he is not burdened by this.'
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will tell Indigenous leaders at the Garma Festival he is committed to Makarrata, one of the three pillars of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived at the ceremonial site in northeast Arnhem Land on Friday afternoon, led through the grounds by members of the Dhalwangu Clan.

The prime minister joined the newly sworn-in Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy at the Gulkula site.

Once Garma attendees gathered at the bunggul (dance) grounds, members of the Gumatj clan presented Mr Albanese with a Ganiny - an instrument used to take the bark off certain trees found in the region.

'I look forward to once again spending a couple of wonderful days with you, celebrating language, culture, dance, and hoping for the creation of a better future as we walk forward together,' Mr Albanese said after receiving the gift.

The prime minister on Saturday will tell the audience in Arnhem Land: 'We remain committed to Makarrata, that powerful Yolu word gifted to the nation, for a coming together after a struggle' he will say.

'And we will continue to engage in good faith with leaders and communities to decide what the next steps should be at a national level.'

Senator McCarthy said the festival was a chance to hold discussions about what the future might look like for First Nations Australians.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived at the ceremonial site in northeast Arnhem Land on Friday afternoon and was greeted by ceremonial dancers

Mr Albanese will spend Saturday at the festival, the first held since the Voice referendum

'It's really quite a special place,' she said.

'You do feel the strength in the country here at Gulkula.

'It's an important opportunity for people to talk, to listen and to reset where we might be going.'

Taking pride in her appointment as Indigenous Australians Minister, Senator McCarthy said she would continue the work of her predecessor Linda Burney.

'I'm certainly deeply proud to represent the people of the Northern Territory at the cabinet table,' she said.

'As a First Nations woman from the Gulf region, that holds a special sort of pride too.'

Senator McCarthy said she would like to see political leaders walk with her on Closing the Gap targets after the Productivity Commission's Annual Data Compilation Report, released on Wednesday, showed only five out of 19 of the targets were on track.

'Those figures are deeply troubling,' she said.

'I know that in my role I can reach out to political leaders across the aisle and say that there is something we can do together in closing the gaps.'

Outgoing Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney (left) and the new appointee Malarndirri McCarthy (right)

Garma, which is Australia's largest Indigenous cultural festival, showcases Yolngu culture through traditional miny'tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance) and storytelling.

Gurtha-Wuma Worrk-gu - Fire, Strength and Renewal is the theme for this year's 24th annual festival.

This year's event is the first Garma Festival since the defeat of the referendum for an Indigenous voice to parliament, with a strong focus on the way forward after the rejection in October.

Gurtha (fire) is an important concept for the Yolngu people, with Yothu Yindi Foundation chair Djawa Yunupingu saying it is the foundation of life.

'My totem is the tongue of the fire, Gurtha, and Gurtha-Wuma Worrk-gu is deeply connected to the ceremonies of the land,' he said.

'Following fire, the land and all that is in it renews and comes back to life - and with it the people.

'This is the Yolngu circle of life.'
A South Carolina elementary school has been slammed for two of its staff dressing up as Border Patrol agents to represent Mexico as part of an 'Olympic parade' event.

Royall Elementary School in Florence has been forced to apologize over the 'insensitive' stunt, which prompted a backlash after it was shared on social media.

On Wednesday, staff dressed up in the 'offensive' garb as part of celebrations for the first week back at school.

Images from the event showed two staff members sporting T-shirts that read 'US Border Patrol' and posing in front of a fake brick wall.

Royall Elementary School in Florence parked outrage after two of its staff dressed up as Border Patrol agents to represent Mexico as part of an 'Olympic parade' event

Others were seen wearing sombreros and posing in front of a sign that read 'Royall Cantina,' which is the Spanish word for a bar.

A Mexican American parent who saw the display was among the first to sound the alarm over the 'disheartening' presentation.

Her post online alerted other parents who were left in disbelief after spotting the images on the school's official Facebook page.

'As a Mexican American, as an Hispanic woman, as a mother of biracial Hispanic children in the Florence 1 School district. I'm highly offended, highly offended,' Mom Annette Fling told ABC4 News.

'These are educators with degrees that should have known better. Out of all the things they could have done to the culture, community, country of Mexico, they chose to use the US Border Patrol.

'And Royal Cantina, which is a Spanish word for bar. Inappropriate, racial. Just all around flat out a disgrace.'

Staff dressed up in the 'offensive' garb as part of celebrations for the first week back at school on Wednesday

Local parent Annette Fling, who is Mexican American, slammed the 'offensive' and 'racist' display

Another anonymous parent took to Facebook to share her thoughts on the matter.

'There were so many other ways to represent Mexico in the 'Olympic Parade' Neither Border Patrol actually has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with 'Back to School' or the 'Olympics' in case y'all did not know,' she fumed.

'And a 'Cantina' is also an inappropriate representation of the Mexican culture. The staff and principals at Royall Elementary should be explaining themselves immediately. There is absolutely NO way they thought this was OK.

'Those teachers should have studied the Mexican culture and thought this through more thoroughly.'

Royall has around 40 Hispanic and Latino students out of 462, according to US News demographic data.

The school is composed entirely of economically disadvantaged pupils and is ranked 124th out of around 600 South Carolina elementary schools.

'It is with regret that we acknowledge that a picture that was posted on our Facebook page yesterday showed an insensitive disregard for the current challenges our Hispanic population faces,' the school said in a statement.

Royall has around 40 Hispanic and Latino students out of 462, according to US News demographic data

The school issued a groveling apology following backlash from parents

'At Royall, we take great pride in our long-standing tradition of embracing and supporting every student who walks through the doors of our building.

'Our staff is unanimously committed to celebrating the diversity of our families and ensuring that each and every student at Royall is successful, happy, and recognized for his or her unique culture and abilities.

'We apologize for our insensitivity but look forward to fostering relationships as we begin a new school year.'

Florence Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard O'Malley also addressed the 'inappropriate' post.

'Today this matter has been thoroughly investigated and those who contributed to this event have been held accountable for their decision-making and actions,' he said.

'There is no room for anything of this nature in our schools and I will not tolerate it in our school district.'
A woman who waited five years for a gross misconduct hearing after being 'groomed' by a Met Police officer who worked in the same unit as Wayne Couzens has told MailOnline she 'totally condemns' the misconduct process.

Former PC Phil Hunter, 60, was today found to have committed gross misconduct after pursuing inappropriate relationships with two vulnerable women who he met during welfare checks.

He resigned before he could ever be fired and today the second woman said her long fight for justice did her more harm than he ever did.

He previously worked in the Diplomatic Protection unit, the same unit where murderer Wayne Couzens and serial rapist David Carrick were also employed.

Hunter had sex with the first woman, who he met when she was suicidal, and sent her an explicit photograph days after she threatened to hang herself - before asking her for a naked picture. The panel heard she tried to kill herself as a result of Hunter's actions.

The second woman, who MailOnline interviewed under the pseudonym Lorraine, was also highly vulnerable when he gave her his personal phone number and pursued an inappropriate relationship the panel ruled was for sexual gain.

Lorraine (not pictured) said the process to get a misconduct hearing treated her more badly than PC Hunter did

Ex-soldier Phil Hunter, 60, displayed 'predatory sexual behaviour' towards two vulnerable women, a hearing heard

Having had to wait five years since she first reported her concerns to a senior officer - around 1,800 days - Lorraine has now told MailOnline the process was more damaging than Hunter's actions themselves.

Lorraine said she 'totally condemns' the police misconduct process and was left upset after the hearing panel refused to watch her video interview to ascertain the harm the ex PC's actions had on her.

In a letter to the panel, shared with MailOnline, Lorraine wrote: 'I appreciate the panel's findings but condemn the process that didnt allow my words to be heard on the day.

'I know that you (the panel) had been provided with all the facts and they obviously spoke for themselves, but it was important for me, as the victim of this predator, to be heard and for you to understand the impact both at the time and now, that his behaviour has had on me.'

She added: 'On reflection I want to totally condemn a process that has taken this long and at times treated me worse that FPC Hunter ever did.'

Lorraine accused the Met of accessing her personal health records without her permission, which she believes was 'a concerted effort to make my allegations disappear'.

MailOnline previously reported how the Met initially refused to hold a hearing for Lorraine's claims, but the IOPC later ruled they had broken policing guidance, which states all cases of potential gross misconduct must be put before a panel.

Lorraine added: 'So many times, I have thought I couldnt proceed with this constant battle.

'I am glad that this is over, but my thoughts today are with other women who couldnt face what I have faced in the last five years.

'I only made it through thanks to the support of my friends, other women, the media, the IOPC and lastly Baroness Casey who has supported me when so many others did not.'

Hunter met both women on welfare checks and pursued them for sexual gratification, the hearing was told (stock image)

Ex-soldier Hunter resigned from the force prior to a misconduct hearing in 2020 when a panel found he had slept with the first woman.

Eight days after meeting her, he was called out to another welfare check which he used to give a second woman his personal phone number, called her a 'lovely lady' and invited her out for coffee and to call him 'any time', the hearing was told.

'He preyed on my vulnerabilities and controlled me whilst wielding his warrant card,' Lorraine said.

The hearing heard Hunter was had inappropriate communications with Lorraine with the express purpose of 'forming a sexual relationship with her or to have inappropriate sexual contact with her.'

Thom Dyke, for the Met, told the panel the pair had exchanged text messages and emails that were 'wholly inappropriate', especially given her 'vulnerable' state.

Barrister Dyke said his previous relationship with X 'shows a pattern of predatory sexual behaviour towards vulnerable members of the public.'

The panel was told it was important to have the second gross misconduct hearing so that if found to be in breach of his obligations, Hunter will not be able to reapply to be a police officer in the future.

He added Hunter's behaviour was 'deliberate and pre-meditated' and that he had 'abused [his] position for sexual purpose'.

He said the bundle of evidence contained more than 70 pages of messages between the pair, which were sent between August 2017 and summer 2019.

Mr Dyke read out some of the messages Y sent to Hunter to highlight her level of vulnerability.

In one message Y told Hunter 'it doesn't matter anymore' and added she had stopped eating and sleeping.

Another saw her tell him: 'I'm not doing well... not sleeping at the moment and cried constantly since [last week]'.

She also described herself as 'stressed' and 'upset'.

In one message she asked him: 'Will someone help me now? I'm so upset today.'

Mr Dyke said Hunter had failed his duty of care to Y and instead repeatedly flirted with her and encouraged her to see him as her only confidant.

Hunter previously worked in the same unit as the killer of Sarah Everard, Wayne Couzens (pictured) and serial rapist David Carrick

Hunter, Carrick (pictured) and Couzens all worked in the Met's diplomatic and parliamentary protection unit

Other messages seen by MailOnline include one exchange in which Hunter told her: 'I have to behave. I'll keep you smiling,' adding: 'You have a lovely smile.'

Lorraine replied: 'How would you know that? Not sure you would recognise me if you feel over me in the street.'

Hunter said: 'Want a bet on that? Tall and extremely beautiful.'

Shortly after, Hunter wrote: 'I'll stop now as my texts could be read wrongly. You are a beautiful person.'

But then he wrote: 'Are you in bed yet?'

He later said: 'Just on 3% and you can be as naughty as you like with me.'

Hunter, who was able to leave the force and be hired as a black cab driver after the first hearing was held in private, chose not to attend the hearing or send anyone to represent him.

After Lorraine came forward with further allegations, Hunter was fired from his taxi cab role.

Barrister Dyke told the hearing: 'From at least the middle of 2017 up until the point he tended his resignation he was engaged in a pattern of sexually predatory behaviour targeting two vulnerable female members of the public with whom he had contact with during his duties.

'The first of those incidents has already been the subject of misconduct proceedings and relates to X and started on 14 August 2017.

'He was tasked with attending her home address to conduct a welfare check but used that encounter to initiate a sexual relationship with X and as a result she made attempts to take her own life.

'He tendered his resignation prior to proceedings and left the police as of July 2019.

'The misconduct hearing took place just under a year later in June 2020 when the allegations made by X were found to be proven and the decision of that panel were that if Hunter were still employed he would have been dismissed and he was placed on the barred list.'

Turning to Lorraine, the barrister said she had told Hunter she had been referred to mental health services.

Some messages sought to isolate Y from her friends and family, the tribunal heard, before persuading her to submit a witness statement in his favour ahead of the 2020 misconduct hearing.

Mr Dyke said: 'However the position changed in June 2020.

'She explained how she had come to realise that Hunter's behaviour had been wholly inappropriate, controlling and coercive towards her.

'A further statement was then provided which sets out the reasons for her vulnerability specifically during that period together with the persistent predatory behaviour of Hunter including his attempts to isolate her from her friends and family.'

In a statement Hunter 'flatly' denied any wrongdoing and said the contact he had with Y was 'nothing more than supportive or friendly communication.'

The 2020 hearing heard Hunter sent X a sexually explicit image just a week after she threatened to hang herself, before asking her to send him a naked picture.

She refused, but the couple had regular sex in her home after his shifts. She was left so traumatised by the relationship that she tried to kill herself multiple times.

The three-person panel, led by Dale Simon, found Hunter had committed gross misconduct that was so serious, had he still been serving he would have been dismissed without notice.
A cryptocurrency executive found it 'hilariously funny' that the Democratic Party of Oregon reported his donation under another name, nearly leading to federal criminal charges.

While Nishad Singh was working as an engineer for the now-disgraced FTX at its Bahamas headquarters, he was told by a colleague he hardly knew to send $500,000 to the Party to make Singh and the company look good, according to Oregon Live.

Singh signed off on sending the half-million dollars via his account with Nevada-based Prime Trust, which specializes in wiring cryptocurrency to ordinary bank accounts.

The Oregon Democrats scrambled to figure out how to credit the massive contribution after receiving it on October 4, 2022, trying to meet the deadline to report it to state campaign finance regulators.

While Nishad Singh was working as an engineer for the now-disgraced FTX, he was told by a colleague he hardly knew to send $500,000 to the Party to make Singh and the company look good

Records show they emailed Singh and others connected with the transfer, discussed the matter internally and researched Prime Trust, Oregon Live reported, noting that Singh was never actually contacted about the donation.

The Party also ignored multiple warnings that Prime Trust was not the source of the cash.

Singh's name appeared on the wire transfer paperwork, identifying him as the 'donor of record.'

Prime Trust was ultimately listed as the donor after an FTX contractor who helped arrange the payment told the Oregon Democrats: 'Nishad prefers Prime Trust (though not strongly) so go [with] that. Thx!'

Singh signed off on sending the half-million dollars via his account with Nevada-based Prime Trust, which specializes in wiring cryptocurrency to ordinary bank accounts

While Singh told investigators he had no reason to hide his name from the donation, the Party did just that, wrongly citing Singh's wishes to shield his identity.

Singh had no idea about the misrepresentation until an Oregon Live reporter questioned officials about the donation in October 2022, the outlet said.

He found out through an FTX Signal group chat.

The Oregon Democrats scrambled to figure out how to credit the massive contribution after receiving it on October 4, 2022, trying to meet the deadline to report it to state campaign finance regulators

'Singh dismissed it at the time as a clerical error and thought it was "hilariously funny," ' an official with the Oregon Department of Justice wrote, according to Oregon Live.

The error led to the Secretary of State's Office, which is overseen by Democrats, proposing to fine the Party $35,000 for the misrepresentation, which was later lowered to $15,000 with the promise of not pursuing a criminal case.

The Oregon Department of Justice closed their investigation last month, citing insufficient evidence that the Oregon Democrats knew they were providing false information.
The family of a decorated US Air Force solider shot dead by cops three months ago suffered another horrific tragedy when another member was killed this week.

Chantemekki 'Meka' Fortson's 16-year-old son, Andre Fortson was shot dead Tuesday night just before 10pm in an apartment complex in DeKalb County, Georgia, less than 90 days after her oldest son US Airman Roger Fortson, 23, was mistakenly shot dead by police.

DeKalb County Police said two groups were shooting at each other, according to a preliminary report. The motive is unknown and is still under investigation, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

The shooter, Quintavious Zellner, 20, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. He is being held in the DeKalb County Jail. The authorities said more arrests are expected.

The child's heartbroken mother, shared that she and her 10-year-old daughter Harmoni leaned on Andre for support after her US Airman son's death, and called her younger child her 'comfort.'

Through tears she uttered, 'What kind of Mama am I that I have to lose two children within a 90-day period?' The Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported.

Through tears, she said, 'What kind of Mama am I that I have to lose two children within a 90-day period?. Her son Andre Forston, 16, (pictured right) was fatally shot on Tuesday night

Senior Airman Andre Fortson, 23, was fatally shot by police in May

The grief-stricken mother, shared that she and her 10-year-old daughter Harmoni leaned on Andre(pictured left) for support after her older son's death

Meka told the news outlet after Roger died, Andre had stayed in her bed and held her until she fell asleep.

'He was trying to be strong for me. He was trying to make sure I was OK,' she said.

The teen was entering his senior year of high school, and was planning to enlist in the Air Force after graduation, like his late brother, his mother explained.

The Fortson family had recently moved to Stonecrest, an area in DeKalb, Georgia, roughly 20-miles away from, Summit Hill Apartments at 1500 block of Bouldercrest Road, where the family previously lived.

Recalling the gut-wrenching events, Meka said that her son's friend called her hysterically telling her, 'You need to get here. Your baby got shot.'

When she arrived, her 16-year-old son was lying on a stairwell in the breezeway of the apartment building. EMS and police were on the scene, but she was told her child was gone.

The DeKalb County Police Department said Andre Fortson, was found with an apparent gunshot wound. Medics had pronounced him deceased at the scene, as per Fox 5 News.

Meka and her daughter are now the only surviving members of their tight-knit family - tore apart by rampant gun violence in the city.

She said, in part, 'This is not normal. He was 16. There has to be change.'

Chantemekki Fortson the mother of slain airman Roger Fortson, right, along with family watch Fortson's casket as they leave for a cemetery during his funeral at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, on May 17, 2024 in Stonecrest, Ga

Last month, nonprofit Every Town cited Georgia for having the 9th highest rate of gun violence in the country - with gun-related murders in Georgia at a startling 47 percent, WSAV News reported.

In the last decade, gun deaths in Georgia have increased to 25 percent  8 percent higher than the national average.

On May 3, Airman Roger Fortson was on Facetime at his apartment in Fort Walton Beach, Florida when he was shot six times by Deputy Eddie Duran of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

Police were called to the apartment complex after a neighbor reported hearing someone being slapped. When officers arrived she told the officers which apartment the disturbance was happening in.

The woman responded '1401.' The law enforcement officer confirmed with the woman that he was going to the fourth floor before riding the elevator up to Fortson's off-base residence at an apartment complex on 319 Racetrack Road in Okaloosa County.

Upon arriving at the the door of the apartment, the officer knocked once - and then again, saying 'Sheriff's office. Open the door' twice. As the door opened, the sheriff ordered 'step back' and 'do not move.'

The officer then fired six rapid shots that sent the young soldier stumbling to the ground.

The officers bodycam footage that shows the fatal officer-involved-shooting of the young soldier

The mother posed with her child, who was tragically ripped away from her

Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump is pictured alongside a tearful Chantemekki while holding a photo of her beloved son

A witness, who was on FaceTime with Fortson during the time of the shooting, claimed Fortson heard a knock at the door and asked who was there.

According to the witness, when he did not receive a response but heard another 'very aggressive knock,' Fortson peered through the peephole - but did not see anyone and grew concerned.

Out of concern, Fortson retrieved a gun - which he owned legally, according to the witness.

When he returned to his living room with the gun, authorities allegedly pushed through his door and shot him six times.

The traumatized witness, who remained on the FaceTime call for the duration of the horrifying shooting, recalled that Fortson said 'I can't breathe,' after the shots were fired. Fortson later died at the hospital.

The deputy involved in the incident has since been placed on administrative leave while the investigation into the shooting continues.

The young soldier was based at the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida. He entered active duty on Nov. 19, 2019

He was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron as a special missions aviator, where one of his roles as a member of the squadron's AC-130J Ghostrider aircrew was to load the gunship's 30mm and 105mm cannons during mission.

After the horrific tragedy, the Air Force's 1st Special Operations Wing said its priorities are 'providing casualty affairs service to the family, supporting the squadron during this tragic time, and ensuring resources are available for all who are impacted.'

Meka said that it had always been a dream of her son to service his country and that he had wanted to become a pilot.

'It's a disbelief. Every day, I try to go to sleep early to wake up like it's a dream,' she told Military.com.

'He just came back from deployment from fighting for us. With everything we got going on in our country, he's fighting for us and he came back to be murdered, slain like that so violently.'

'He was my gift, and they took my gift away,' Roger's mother said. 'And they didn't give it to me. God gave me that gift... and they took my gift away.'
A coroner has warned the Metropolitan Police and the Probation Service that the failures that led to the sexual assault and murder of aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena could happen again.

The area coroner for east London, who oversaw Ms Aleena's inquest in June, Nadia Persaud, has instructed the Probation Service and Metropolitan Police to improve their services after sexual predator Jordan McSweeney was able to stalk and kill Zara Aleena just days after his release from prison.

Future deaths could occur unless action is taken, she warned.

McSweeney killed the 35-year-old law graduate as she walked home from a night out in Ilford in the early hours of June 26, 2022, nine days after he was released from prison.

Low staffing levels, poor understanding around risk assessment and a 'lack of professional curiosity' within the Probation Service were all listed as matters of concern, as was a lack of 'rigour, detail and independence' of a Met investigation into the case, the coroner concluded.

Ms Persaud has sent a copy of her report to the chief probation officer, the Justice Secretary, the commissioner of the Met, the head of Redbridge Council and the Home Secretary.

Law graduate Zara Aleena was 35-year-old when she was stalked, sexually assaulted and murdered by Jordan McSweeney in Ilford in the early hours of June 26, 2022

Sexual predator Jordan McSweeney had been released from prison just nine days before he murdered Ms Aleena

They must respond to the prevention of future deaths report by September 20, outlining what actions they will take to improve.

Farah Naz, Ms Aleena's aunt, said 'her brutal murder could and should have been prevented' following the conclusion of an inquest which found failures by multiple agencies contributed to her death.

The inquest's jury found 'Zara's death was contributed to by the failure of multiple state agencies to act in accordance to policies and procedures - to share intelligence, accurately assess risk of serious harm, (and) act and plan in response to the risk in a sufficient, timely and co-ordinated way'.

Damning findings by the chief inspector of probation, published last year, set out a catalogue of errors by probation officers before McSweeney carried out the brutal attack on the aspiring lawyer.

In her prevention of future deaths report published on Friday, Ms Persaud said the probation delivery unit responsible for managing McSweeney had been 'understaffed'.

Staffing levels were at 61% in 2022, and 58% at the time of the inquest in June 2024, she said.

'The inquest heard that this is a national problem and that there are other probation delivery units that have even lower levels of staffing,' the coroner said.

'The low staffing level had an impact upon quality and depth of assessments; quality of supervision of junior staff; excessively high workloads for probation officers and senior probation officers; lack of cover during annual leave for probation officers, and poor record keeping.'

Farah Naz, Ms Aleena's aunt, said 'her brutal murder could and should have been prevented' following the conclusion of an inquest which found failures by multiple agencies contributed to her death

The inquest's jury found 'Zara's death was contributed to by the failure of multiple state agencies to act in accordance to policies and procedures'

Understanding around risk assessment was 'poor' within the service, Ms Persaud's report added.

'There was a lack of professional curiosity and a lack of sufficient probing into information relevant to risk,' she said.

'A restraining order had been put in place against the offender, but this was not highlighted, as it should have been.

'Key staff involved in assessing and managing the offender were unaware of the restraining order.'

Ms Persaud also questioned the lack of 'rigour, detail and independence' of a Met police investigation of its own handling of the case.

The coroner said: 'An independent, rapid investigation was carried out by the Directorate of Professional Standards.

'Despite the very limited time to complete the review, the DPS officer reached clear and valuable findings. The findings of the DPS investigator were however rejected by more senior officers within the Met.

'The officers who rejected the findings were not independent. This lack of independence is of concern.'

Family and friends take part in a silent vigil on June 25, 2023, to mark the one year anniversary of the death of Zara Aleena

A still image taken from Metropolitan Police body worn camera footage of McSweeney being arrested at 15.45 on 27 June, roughly 36 hours after he attacked on Ms Aleena

Ms Persaud also raised concerns around a possible 'societal acceptance' of stalking behaviour.

At least two other members of the public were followed by McSweeney before he attacked Ms Aleena, but this was not brought to the attention of the emergency services.

'The members of the public appear to have seen the offender and appear to be aware that he was following them,' she said.

'I am concerned that there is a societal acceptance that such conduct does not need to be reported.'

Copies of the report have also been sent to the chief coroner, to the family of Ms Aleena, and to the local director of public health, the coroner said.

In a statement released in June, Ms Aleena's aunt said her family remain 'devastated by our enormous loss'.

Ms Naz added: 'Zara should be alive today.

'Her brutal murder could and should have been prevented. It is clear from the evidence we have heard that there are significant issues of under-resourcing across the system.'

Responding to the report, a Probation Service spokesperson said: 'We apologise for the unacceptable failings in this case.

'We have taken significant steps to address the failings previously identified, including mandatory training to improve risk assessments and implementing new processes to ensure the swift recall of offenders.

'We are also recruiting 1,000 new trainee probation officers to deliver robust supervision and protect the public.

'We will review this report carefully to identify any further actions which we need to take.'
China's AS700 manned airship completes low-altitude demo flight

Xinhua) 11:17, August 02, 2024

AS700 airship prepares for taking off from Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, central China's Hubei Province, Aug. 1, 2024. (Aviation Industry Corporation of China/Handout via Xinhua)

WUHAN, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Low-altitude tourism in China is embracing a new mode as the country's homegrown AS700 civil manned airship on Thursday successfully made its first demonstration flight.

On Thursday morning, the AS700 airship took off from Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, central China's Hubei Province, to show its performance and capabilities in serving low-altitude tourism, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

This demonstration flight lasted nearly two hours, simulating low-altitude tourism application scenarios via a planned route.

The airship flew over local parks, an island in the river and other popular scenic spots across the city and then safely returned. It flew at a cruising speed of 60 kilometers per hour and an altitude of 500 meters during the flight, said the AVIC.

In the low-altitude skies, passengers aboard the AS700 can enjoy aerial views through the large panoramic side windows. With its moderate speed and an ideal altitude for low-altitude sightseeing, the airship will provide tourists with an experience similar to "floating on clouds" during the stable and safe flight journey, the developer said.

Developed by AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute, AS700 is a type of single-capsule manned airship, which has a maximum capacity carrying 10 people, including a pilot. It has a maximum take-off weight of 4,150 kg, a maximum flight range of 700 km, and a maximum endurance of 10 hours, according to the AVIC.

AS700 is a type of non-rigid near-equilibrium airship. It can conduct vertical take-off and landing in a narrow field, and it is more mobile and flexible than other types of airships, said the AVIC.

The airship is capable of various applications, such as aerial tours, emergency rescue, urban security, and aerial geophysical surveys.

Last December, the AS700 obtained the type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

China has a huge market and dense city clusters. The size of the country's low-altitude economy is estimated to have exceeded 500 billion yuan (70.1 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, with its scale expected to rise to 2 trillion yuan by 2030, according to the CAAC.

The AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute has already signed the delivery contract for the first AS700 airship, and signed multiple contracts of intent.

The AVIC disclosed that the institute is joining efforts with local governments to explore pilot applications of low-altitude scenarios of airships, and plans to build the country's first low-altitude airship tourism demonstration route.

The AVIC said AS700 manned airships could also be used in the fields of logistics and intelligent surveying and mapping.

AS700 airship conducts a low-altitude demo flight in Jingmen, central China's Hubei Province, Aug. 1, 2024. (Aviation Industry Corporation of China/Handout via Xinhua)

AS700 airship conducts a low-altitude demo flight in Jingmen, central China's Hubei Province, Aug. 1, 2024. (Aviation Industry Corporation of China/Handout via Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
A man who caused his ex-girlfriend's death by pulling the handbrake of her car after an argument on a motorway has been jailed.

Gary Toomey's 'selfish and reckless actions' caused Victoria Bell's new Black Audi A3 to crash into the central reservation of the M62 near St Helens, Merseyside, a court heard.

They'd been to a music festival in Liverpool and were driving home when Victoria told Toomey she never wanted to speak to him again once she'd dropped him off.

They both survived the initial crash, but Victoria, 34, was hit by a silver Mercedes SUV as she tried to flee the car to the safety of the hard shoulder and died instantly.

Toomey, 37, was yesterday jailed for seven years after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter at an earlier hearing.

Gary Toomey's 'selfish and reckless actions' caused Victoria Bell's new Black Audi A3 to crash into the central reservation of the M62 near St Helens, Merseyside, a court heard

Liverpool Crown Court heard the pair were travelling on the motorway at 11.30pm on Friday evening, September 24, 2021, when he pulled the hand brake after a row

Liverpool Crown Court heard the pair were travelling on the motorway at 11.30pm on Friday evening, September 24, 2021, when he pulled the hand brake after a row.

She was driving her newly bought Audi in the third lane, the court heard.

Toomey's action caused the car to spin out of control and plough into the central reservation between junctions seven and eight of the M62.

Toomey, a professional HGV driver, then opened the door and left the car and stood along the grass verge 'screaming' for Victoria, the court heard.

As Victoria tried to leave the car herself, she was hit by the oncoming Mercedes.

The driver of the Mercedes said 'it was really hard to see until the last moment' and he suddenly could 'see a black car in view but that was all', the court heard.

Victoria suffered fractures to her neck, back and a rupture to her heart. She was pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics.

Toomey was taken to Whiston Hospital to be checked over and was later arrested.

During the police interview, he said he was taking medication for depression and anxiety.

When asked about his relationship with the victim he said that it was 'great' until his mental health began to deteriorate.

He said on the day of the crash, the couple had been arguing earlier on the way to Liverpool about directions.

They stayed in Liverpool and both consumed alcohol and they left the festival to travel home at 10:45pm.

During a heating argument on the way back home, the defendant said the driver had said once she had dropped him off she was 'never going to speak to him again'.

Prosecutor Robert Dudley told the court Victoria lived with her mother in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, and was in a short-term relationship with Toomey.

Mr Dudley said told the court the couple once went for a weekend away in Blackpool and Victoria returned with a black eye.

It was heard that the relationship went downhill after six weeks and Toomey moved out of his Victoria's family home.

Soon after, he sent an email to Victoria's work, alleging that she was a drug user before sending another admitting he was lying.

The pair would occasionally meet up after they split, the court heard.

In an emotional statement read out in court, Victoria's mum said: 'She was cruelly taken from me in a road crash. I don't have any quality of life anymore.

'I will never get to hear her ready for work or hear her say 'mum I am home'.

'I do not drive, and I used to rely on her to help me. Without her, my life has changed in more ways than you can imagine.

'Your actions have ruined my life forever. I am trapped in an ever-lasting nightmare. It breaks my heart to know I will never see her again.'

In mitigation, David James said Toomey - who previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter - accepts full culpability for Victoria's death.

He said: 'He does describe the spontaneous act of pulling the hand brake and it not being an action to cause harm.

'His remorse and sorrow is genuine. He does wish to publicly apologise for his behaviour. He was detained under the Mental Health Act after this collision.'

Judge Andrew Menary KC said: 'She was driving her newly bought Audi A3 car at around 11.30pm.

'An argument which had been developing for some time had reached a peak. These were stupid arguments but at one point you acted in temper which caused her death.

'You are an experienced motorist, you are a HGV driver and know the consequences of doing such a thing.

'It is clear from all the statements that the victim was a loved and cherished person. It is clear that she will be forever deeply missed.

'There is frankly no sentence that I can pass that will begin to help the loss that this has caused.'

Toomey, of Bolton, Gtr Manchester, was jailed for seven years and banned from driving for 82 months.
Shocking CCTV footage shows a gang of masked thugs robbing a driver with a machete as he filled up at a petrol station.

The male motorist had pulled into the Shell garage on Station Road, Stechford, Birmingham, on Wednesday night when he was attacked.

Footage filmed from inside the shop shows the robbers dragging the man out of the white Toyota before appearing to search the back seat.

The brave driver is seen trying to stop the robbers by slamming the passenger door shut before racing round to close the driver's door.

Shocked customers who were queuing to pay outside watched in horror as the thugs circled the car.

Shocking CCTV footage shows a gang of masked thugs robbing a driver with a machete as he stopped for fuel on Wednesday

The driver had just pulled into the Shell petrol station on Station Road, Stechford, Birmingham, when he was attacked

A shop worker is heard shouting at the men: 'Hey, stop, get away from here. I'm calling police!'

At one point, one of the crooks appeared to pull out a huge machete from the

waistband of his trousers before sprinting towards the man.

Later footage shows police officers swarming over the forecourt.

An eyewitness said: 'The gang came from nowhere and just dragged the driver out of his car.

'It is not clear if he was a taxi driver or just a driver filling up with petrol.

'He was very brave to try and stop the robbers especially as one of them was armed with a huge blade.

'It was shocking but Birmingham is a no-go zone at night now.'

Footage filmed from inside the shop shows the thugs dragging the man out of the white Toyota

The brave driver is seen trying to stop the robbers by slamming the passenger door shut before racing round to close the driver's door

Shocked customers who were queuing to pay outside watched in horror
President Joe Biden had welcomed home Americans freed from Russian prisons Thursday, and spoken and to the media about the dramatic swap - but he still had one more thing to attend to.

The president, 81, slowly climbed the steps of the jet that had ferried the group of prisoners from captivity, leaving Vice President Kamala Harris waiting behind on the tarmac at the night-time event.

The moment came after both Biden and Harris gave an emotional welcome to Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whalen, and Alsu Kurmasheva after their dramatic return from captivity. Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, hugged each of them upon his return.

The interlude for Biden lasted two minutes long after Biden left his VP behind. The president was out of view for about a minute and forty seconds while on board the plane.

'President Biden wanted to personally thank the flight crew who brought these brave individuals home to their families,' White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates told DailyMail.com when asked about what the president was doing on board the aircraft.

Harris, who has been shadowing Biden during key moments, remained below and did not step on board.

President Joe Biden boarded the aircraft that brought home Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan to Joint Base Andrews late Thursday

Biden had earlier posted an image of the freed prisoners aboard the aircraft as they made their way home. When he was done, he slowly walked down the jetway, with one hand on each railing, to rejoin Harris, then walked over toward Whelan.

Biden and Harris were on hand for the emotional nighttime arrival at Joint Base Andrews following their transatlantic flight, after Biden addressed reporters at the White House on the historic prisoner swap that freed them.

'It feels wonderful. A long time in coming, but I was absolutely convinced we would get it done,' Biden told reporters at the base, which he also uses when traveling aboard Air Force One.

After exchanging some words with Harris, Biden, 81, slowly climbed the jetway that had brought the prisoners to U.S. soil.

Harris, whose own role in the effort was being highlighted by White House officials, spoke to Biden's role in her own comments.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reacts as she meets Evan Gershkovich, who was released from detention in Russia

Harris and Biden each hugged Gershkovich upon his arrival

'And I'm very thankful for our president and what he has done over his entire career but, in particular, as it relates to these families and these individuals; what he has been able to do to bring the allies together on many issues but, in particular, this one.

Online users who watched Biden's trip to the aircraft online had their own theories, after Biden has been seen being guided by figures including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former President Barack Obama at public events.

'No one is talking about how Biden climbed onto the jet after the Americans already got off. Did he think he was getting on Air Force One?' asked one user.

'Maybe he was using the bathroom!' wrote another.

Biden took the successful negotiations as a vindication for his belief in the diplomatic value of personal relationships.

'You've heard me kid with Barack -- hed kid me -- all politics is personal. It matters. Other leaders trust you, you trust them, you get things done. And thats how this got done: with a lot of -- a lot of help.'

The RNC Research X account also posted the video of Biden and Harris. 'Kamala watches Biden shuffle aimlessly across the tarmac and nearly trip up the stairs of the plane (from which the passengers had long disembarked). This is the obvious decline Kamala covered up in her thirst for power  the scandal of the century,' went the tweet.

That prompted another 'weird' attack from Bates at the White House. '.@POTUS was personally thanking the flight crew who brought these brave individuals home to their families. Most Americans are putting partisanship aside to welcome this outstanding news for our country. Y'all should join them. Don't be weird,' he wrote.
A family GP who desperately tried to save the life of a dying ME patient condemned other NHS staff for having a severe 'lack of understanding' when it came to treating the tragic 26-year-old's condition, despite warning them that if no immediate action was taken on her patient's malnutrition she would 'certainly' die, an inquest has heard.

Maeve Boothby O'Neill, 27, was left bedridden and unable to eat in the final months of her life due to the severity of her myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Her family believe her death in October 2021 exposed 'a major systemic failing' of the health service to both understand and treat severe cases of the condition.

Now Dr Lucy Shenton - who had been too unwell to attend the inquest into the death of Maeve, which began this week - provided written answers to questions posed by the coroner.

Significantly, she called for more research and funding into ME to provide better guidelines for clinicians to work from, a specialist unit to be set up and for patients' voices to be heard.

Family GP Dr Lucy Shenton, who desperately tried to save the life of her dying ME patient Maeve Boothby O'Neill (pictured) has condemned other NHS staff for having a severe 'lack of understanding' when it came to treating the tragic 26-year-old's condition

The inquest at Devon coroner's court in Exeter heard that there are no treatments and no specialist units anywhere in the country to help anyone with severe ME.

WHAT IS ME? Some 250,000 people in Britain suffer from the condition, which comes with flu-like symptoms, extreme tiredness and mental lethargy that can last for years. Other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), or myalgic encephalopathy (ME), include disturbed sleep, poor memory and reduced concentration. The cause of the illness is unclear, provoking the heated debate that has lasted for decades among the medical community. Some patients return to full health and others deteriorate progressively, however, most fluctuate between good and bad periods. There is no cure for CFS, with the majority of treatments to reduce symptoms being ineffective. Worldwide it is believed that 17 million people suffer with CFS, according to the ME Association. Advertisement

In her answers, Dr Shenton said: 'I would like to acknowledge that there were many professionals involved in Maeve's care who were not doctors.

'In considering Maeve's case, I suspect their lack of understanding of severe ME was relevant.

'This is likely to have fed into the assessment of information available to the doctors making their decisions.'

Dr Shenton said just days before Maeve died, she wrote in an e-mail about the nurses: 'This is so far out of their comfort zone...the first time people come across this case there is doubt and misunderstanding and it seems to take a variable amount of time for the penny to drop this is ME.

'It can take months/not at all.'

She had said that several doctors did not accept that ME was a medical problem over the time she knew Maeve.

But she said from April 2021 when she took over her care there was 'only one consultant that expressed doubt that ME was a medical problem (with a biological basis) and I cannot comment on how that may have affected the care provided'.

Dr Shenton said she had wanted experienced medical professionals to 'take ownership of Maeve's case and ensure ongoing continuity of care when she was discharged, with a safety net if she deteriorated further'.

She said Maeve stopped eating on August 20 2021 and on September 8 she noted that 'if nobody acted in respect of her nutrition she was certainly going to die'.

Dr Shenton wrote: 'As a young woman in such a perilous condition she was potentially a candidate for every level of support, but I remained uncertain as to the medical plan.

'I was trying to balance this with helping Maeve control her symptoms and provide the holistic care to ensure a good death if she were to die.

'She was future focused. She had a lot of fight in her and wanted to get better.

'There was nothing to suggest a thought disorder, personality disorder or eating disorder. She was hungry and wanted to eat.

Sean O'Neill, a journalist for The Times, pictured with his daughter Maeve who died in October 2021

'She was distressed by waking hungry at night and was concerned by her poor nutrition.

'She was intelligent and reflective and had thought deeply about the care she did and didn't want and was articulate enough to express this in few words.

'It was also my impression that these decisions were entirely Maeve's own decisions without coercion.'

Dr Shenton said clinicians needed clearer guidelines on helping patients with ME.

'Although Maeve had severe ME some of the problems in her care would apply to any complex unwell patient with bespoke needs.

'Clear systems with appropriate safety nets ought to be in place for any patient who has a condition for which there is a lack of evidence and/or a lack of guidance about best practice.'

The GP was also asked whether she had told Maeve's mother Sarah Boothy that she had 'never seen anyone so badly treated by the NHS'.

Dr Shenton said she did not recall saying this, adding that if she did she apologised as it would 'not have been a helpful comment to make to a bereaved relative'.

She said at the time she had been trying to manage Maeve's case as well as other complex cases and her normal GP workload.

Dr Shenton called for more research and funding into ME to provide better guidelines for clinicians to work from, a specialist unit to be set up and for patients' voices to be heard. Pictured: Exeter Coroner's Court where the inquest is being heard

Dr Shenton said Maeve felt by April 2021 she would rapidly deteriorate and die.

In her hospital admission letter in May the GP wrote: 'The impression Maeve and Sarah seem to have is that NHS care is inadequate for ME and people with severe ME die unless they take it upon themselves to manage their own care.

'I was concerned that my earlier expressions of faith in the NHS could have been seen as another example of someone not listening or not believing Maeve.

'I had been genuinely optimistic earlier in the case.

'It was not that I previously thought the NHS was infallible, but that where systems failed or where the NHS didn't provide, I was used to marvellous clinicians stepping up to fill the gaps and somehow muddling through.'

Earlier Sarah Boothby wept as she told how her pleas for help were ignored as her daughter was left 'completely paralysed' and 'embarrased and humiliated by her own presentation' by this 'terrible awful disease'.

The inquest continues.
A salon owner has been left 'exhausted' after being locked in a months-long 30,000 legal battle with L'Oreal over claims her products could be mistaken for their items.

Rebecca Dowdeswell, 48, founder of waxing business nkd, had the name trademarked since she opened in Leicester city centre in 2009.

However, after 10 years a trademark runs out and companies have six months to reapply, otherwise they have to submit a new application.

The mother of two, from Radcliffe-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire, said reapplying for her trademark was 'on the list' of things to do but that it wasn't 'at the top', a move that she said was 'a big mistake'.

The six month window she had to reapply fell as the pandemic struck with lockdown making the next two years 'particularly hard' on the beauty industry.

Rebecca Dowdeswell, 48, founder of waxing business nkd, had the name trademarked since she opened in Leicester city centre in 2009

L'Oreal owns Urban Decay, within this company are a range of eyeshadow palettes called Naked

Rebecca said: 'This is David versus Goliath and frankly it has been horrible, exhausting and really stressful'

When she eventually reapplied for the trademark in 2022 her waxing business had progressed to include a line of after care products, so instead of applying for a trademark for the name of the salon she also had to apply for the trademark to put on her products.

Rebecca was shocked when L'Oreal objected to her application to use her nkd branding on her products and her salons.

Urban Decay, a cosmetics company owned by L'Oreal, has a popular range of trademarked products called Naked and told Rebecca that her nkd branding would cause 'consumer confusion', despite the fact she had already been trading under the name for 12 years.

'I was very surprised because we have never been Naked. We're spelled NKD, we are pronounced N, K, D.', she told the BBC.

Rebecca says she has spent over 30,000 contesting L'Oreal's opposition to her trademark application and the pressure of the legal battle has been a factor in her downsizing her business and closing her other salon in Nottingham.

She said: 'There has never been any evidence of consumer confusion. In 15 years of trading, no-one has ever said 'are you the same brand as Naked by Urban Decay?'

'I've spent two years negotiating with them trying to come to a co-existence agreement where they can carry on trading as Naked with their make-up and we can carry on as nkd in our very tight sphere of waxing and hair removal.

'This is David versus Goliath and frankly it has been horrible, exhausting and really stressful.

The mother of two, from Radcliffe-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire, says she has spent over 30,000 contesting L'Oreal's opposition to her trademark application and the pressure of the legal battle has been a factor in her downsizing her business and closing her other salon in Nottingham

'I've now racked up over 30,000 plus VAT in legal costs defending myself. I don't know whether it was the right thing to do.

'What I do know is that I could not just have walked away from my brand when L'Oreal disputed it. I'd spent 13 years of my life pouring everything building up this brand.'

Rebecca said if the dispute is not resolved it would be decided by a judgment from the government's Intellectual Property Office which she believes would happen in 2025.

A spokesperson for L'Oreal said: 'We are wholly committed to resolving any misunderstanding there might have been with Rebecca Dowdeswell.

'From the beginning of our exchanges with her lawyers in 2022, we have communicated an offer that supports her business aspirations whilst respecting our longstanding trademark rights.

'We look forward to resolving this matter in a mutually agreeable way.'
An intelligence officer at Britain's FBI who abused his access to the dark web to view hundreds of indecent images of children on his work computer has been jailed for 18 months.

In June, Adam Taylor, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, admitted two counts of misconduct in a public office, three counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image.

Sentencing the 40-year-old former National Crime Agency (NCA) officer at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, Judge Justin Cole condemned Taylor for the 'gross abuse of trust' placed in him.

The judge told Taylor 'because of people like you there's a market for this', saying interest in 'vile' indecent images has led to the 'rape and torture of innocent children'.

In June, Adam Taylor, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, admitted two counts of misconduct in a public office, three counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image

Sentencing the 40-year-old former National Crime Agency (NCA) officer at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, Judge Justin Cole condemned Taylor for the 'gross abuse of trust' placed in him

Taylor, who never moved out of his family home, was a grade five intelligence officer in the NCA, equivalent to a police constable.

He had access to the dark web, although he was not required by his work to view such images because his focus was on offences involving drugs and firearms, the court heard.

Taylor was arrested by officers from the NCA's anti-corruption unit after it was established that an IP address linked to his home was accessing illegal content.

The defendant admitted committing misconduct by making indecent images of children on a work device between March 2019 and April 2022.

He had 221 category A images - the highest category of seriousness - as well as 203 extreme images and hundreds of category B and C images on both work and home electronic devices between May 2012 and the time of his arrest.

Prosecutor Amy Nicholson said Taylor 'sought to use his employment to gain further access to child sexual abuse material' in 'deliberate intentional acts' that caused a 'high level' of harm.

She went on: 'The defendant's conduct will have undermined public trust and confidence in the NCA and its investigation of this sort of offending.

'Furthermore, the viewing and downloading of indecent photographs of children perpetuates the production of further indecent photographs, which requires the serious sexual abuse of young children.'

Eddison Flint, defending, said Taylor was at a low risk of reoffending and was 'not a man who needs to add to the prison population'.

Taylor has also been given a sexual harm prevention order and was made to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Former NCA officer Adam Taylor admitted two counts of misconduct in a public office, three counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image. File photo

Catrin Attwell, specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: 'Adam Taylor intentionally used his employment to obtain information to facilitate the viewing and downloading of indecent images of children and used NCA official devices for this purpose.

'The indecent images of children on the devices contained some of the most horrific sexual abuse of children.

'His actions were a gross breach of the trust placed in him as an officer and severely undermined the integrity and standards expected from those in his position.

'After collaborative work from the CPS and the NCA, Taylor was left with no option but to plead guilty and face the consequences of his actions.'

NCA director general Rob Jones said: 'The NCA is committed to protecting children from sexual abuse, wherever in the world it is happening.

'We are determined to ensure there is no safe haven for perpetrators, including and especially within law enforcement.

'NCA officers from our anti-corruption unit carried out a meticulous, covert investigation which identified Taylor's offending and ultimately brought him to justice.

'The NCA will work tirelessly to tackle corruption and breaches of our standards of professional behaviour, without fear or favour, wherever they occur.

'We welcome this custodial sentence which recognises the gravity of Taylor's crimes.'
The Biden administration has paused a controversial program that was flying hundreds of thousands of immigrants to the U.S. per year after massive fraud was discovered.

Department of Homeland Security officials confirmed Friday that it temporarily halted the scheme that allows up to 30,000 nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela (CHNV) to enter the country each month.

The sudden freeze of the contentious plan comes after an internal DHS report revealed rampant fraud among the sponsors paying for the migrants to come to the country, a source familiar with the report told Fox News.

It will give the agency time to investigate if fraud has occurred in their supporter applications - which are forms filled by individuals who 'agree to provide financial support to a beneficiary and undergo background checks.'

Just 3,200 individual sponsors signed up to support roughly 101,000 migrants according to the report, prompting concerns at DHS that the system is being abused.

The report indicating fraud also shockingly found that some of the names used to fill out sponsor forms belonged to dead people.

Migrants board flights in Texas bound for Chicago. A Biden administration plan to allow migrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti and Venezuela to enter the U.S. aboard planes has been paused this week after major fraud was discovered internally by DHS

Additionally, storage units were found to be the home address for some sponsor applications, while certain phone numbers were used on thousands of applications.

Almost 3,000 sponsors applications were filled out using fake zip codes, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) a conservative immigration nonprofit which first obtained the report, found.

According to a DHS spokesperson the agency now has 'review mechanisms in place to detect and prevent fraud and abuse in our immigration processes. DHS takes any abuse of its processes very seriously,' a DHS spokesperson said.

'Where fraud is identified, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will investigate and litigate applicable cases in immigration court and make criminal referrals to the Department of Justice.'

The spokesperson continued: 'Out of an abundance of caution, DHS has temporarily paused the issuance of advanced travel authorizations for new beneficiaries while it undertakes a review of supporter applications. DHS will restart application processing as quickly as possible, with appropriate safeguards.'

'Shut it down permanently,' Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said of the Biden plan. 'This program should have never existed in the first place.'

'It's just another way the Biden-Harris Administration has welcomed hundreds of thousands of aliens into our country, unchecked.'

House Homeland Security Chair Mark Green, R-Tenn., told DailyMail.com, 'This admission by the Biden-Harris administration vindicates every warning we have ever issued about the unlawful CHNV mass-parole program.'

'It also exposes the lie by administration officials, like now-impeached DHS Secretary Mayorkas, about the quality and extent of the vetting processnot just for the inadmissible aliens seeking entry, but those attempting to sponsor them.'

'We issued a subpoena last year to compel documents regarding this program, and while DHS partially complied, the department remains delinquent in producing certain documents and communications relating to the program.'

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at an airport to receive Americans released in a prison swap. Their program has allowed hundreds of thousands of immigrants to fly directly to the U.S., obtain work permits and live in the U.S.

Green added: 'This is exactly what happens when you create an unlawful mass-parole program in order to spare your administration the political embarrassment and bad optics of overrun borders. The Biden-Harris administration should terminate the CHNV program immediately.'

The flight program was started in October 2022 and was initially meant for Venezuelans who met certain conditions like they had not previously tried to enter the U.S. illegally, had a U.S.-based sponsor and passed biographical vetting.

Notably, the migrants are responsible for their own travel, but the program allows them to fly to the U.S.

The sponsors for the migrants also must undergo background checks, which makes the reported fraud among them even more concerning.

Still, DHS emphasized that CHNV beneficiaries are 'thoroughly screened' prior to their arrival.

'The multi-layered screening and vetting for advanced travel authorizations is separate from the screening of U.S.-based supporters,' the spokesperson told Fox News. 'DHS has not identified issues of concern relating to the screening and vetting of beneficiaries.'

As of October 2023, there were around 1.6 million applicants waiting for DHS approval to fly to the U.S. using Biden's parole program, the agency said this year.
The project at the centre of Scotlands ferries fiasco is facing even more delays.

Bosses at the nationalised Ferguson Marine shipyard have confirmed that the handover date for the first of two CalMac ferries being built at the yard has been pushed back once again.

The Glen Sannoxs handover date has been moved back from August 19 to September 30, MSPs have been told.

The state-owned shipyard has identified more areas which need work as it continues to face problems with the installation of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel system.

Both Glen Sannox and its sister ship, Glen Rosa, are designed to run on both traditional marine gas oil and LNG - becoming the first ferries built in the UK to do so.

Going nowhere soon... Ferguson Marine has delayed the handover of the Glen Sannox yet again

The latest delays come as CalMac prepares to retire one of its oldest vessels, MV Hebridean Isles, in November.

Ferguson Marines interim chief executive John Petticrew wrote to the Scottish Parliaments Transport Committee yesterday (FRI) to confirm the latest delay.

He said: We have, regrettably, identified an additional number of areas which require to be completed on the vessel before we can proceed to acceptance trials.

The majority of these works will have to take place in relatively small engine spaces, which are already delayed by the prolonged installation of the LNG system, due to the complexity of installation and need to examine the integrity of the pipework.

He said this would lead to increased workforce congestion on parts of the vessel, meaning a re-evaluation of health and safety standards is needed.

Mr Petticrew continued: As Im sure youll agree, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our team is our number one priority, especially in an industry like this, where there is simply no room for half measures or cutting corners.

Following a review of these challenges, we are conscious of the risk associated with nearing completion of MV Glen Sannoxs first-in-class dual fuel design and we therefore signal an official handover deadline of September 30 2024.

This date, which would allow us breathing space to consider any unknown issues during LNG/owners trials and post-trial inspections, could however be pulled forward should we prove the vessel with no issues raised at sea trials or during the final sign-off procedures.

He said he would update the committee on the cost implications of the latest changes.

Current cost estimates for Glen Sannox are between 145.5 million and 149.1 million and it is hoped the cost for Glen Rosa will be kept below 150 million.

Now six years late, the total bill will be three times the original 97 million price tag.

Scottish Conservatives transport spokesman Graham Simpson said: This beggars belief - or it would if this SNP scandal had not long gone beyond being a cruel joke.

The new CalMac ferry, MV Glen Sannox, and its sister vessel Glen Rosa are massively behind schedule and vastly over budget

Betrayed islanders have been waiting years for these vital lifeline ferries, and were only recently told that the Glen Sannox would miss the whole of the crucial summer season.

'Now it will not sail before the end of September at the earliest.

This latest failure piles insult on injury for our island communities, who have been let down at every turn by SNP incompetence.

This is a national embarrassment that has cost the Scottish taxpayer hundreds of millions of pounds, yet the delays continue. There can be no more excuses. Ministerial heads must roll.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: News of further delay to the handover of Glen Sannox is deeply disappointing.

We are working closely with Ferguson Marine to ensure the company is doing all it can to complete the handover as quickly as possible, and hopefully sooner than September 30.

Health and safety is the overriding priority, especially with the yard under pressure to complete Glen Sannox.

We have been assured that all necessary steps are being taken to protect the workforce and deliver rapid progress.
A thug who nearly killed his one-month-old son by punching him in the face after downing a bottle of Jack Daniels has been jailed for ten years.

David Tilici, 29, launched the appalling attack when his partner had left their hotel room in Liverpool city centre to go to McDonald's on December 11 last year.

The child's mother watched on in horror when she saw his bloodied face in a video call before rushing to help him.

Members of staff even feared that the baby had died due to the severity of his injuries.

The four-week-old boy was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after sustaining 'significant blunt force head trauma', the trial at Liverpool Crown Court heard.

This included 'substantial' bruising to the head and face and bleeding from the mouth, while a subsequent CT scan revealed that the baby had suffered multiple bleeds on the brain.

David Tilici (pictured) nearly killed his one-month-old son by punching him in the face after downing a bottle of Jack Daniels

Jamie Baxter, prosecuting, described how consultants concluded that these injuries were 'not accidental' and 'as a result of more than one impact'.

Jurors were told that Tilici and his partner checked into the Campanile hotel on Queens Dock at around 6.30pm on the day of the attack.

Staff reported that the baby 'appeared to be fine' and had no injuries at this stage.

The defendant left in order to buy milk around an hour later and also returned with a bottle of honey-flavoured Jack Daniels and two cans of Red Bull.

Tilici drank the entire the bottle of whisky during the course of the evening and began arguing with his girlfriend, accusing her of 'being unfaithful by looking at other men'.

The 29-year-old, from Luton, then reportedly 'got really angry' at her and began hitting her in the head with the back of his palm and calling her names such as 'w****' and 'b****'.

She later left her boyfriend and baby in the hotel in order to get food from McDonald's, telling him 'don't wake the baby up' as she left.

Tilici gave her his mobile phone video and called her via Facebook Messenger from the hotel room using a tablet computer in order to 'keep tabs on her'.

But, while waiting for her meal as she stood near to the counter, she began to hear the baby 'screaming' and 'two loud bangs'.

She then asked the father, who was not visible on the camera at the time, 'what happened, why is he crying so bad and why is the baby awake?'.

However, Tilici merely replied: 'Oh, he's just hungry.'

When the mother pointed out that he had been fed immediately before she left the hotel, he added 'no, no, it's fine' then claimed: 'I just put my can on the table. That's the bangs, where it come from.'

As the mother returned to the hotel, she demanded to see the baby on the video and was able to see that his 'face was blue and that he had blood coming out of his mouth'.

She then ran back to their room before taking the child to the reception area. Tilici followed her downstairs and said in Romanian: 'You're gonna put me in jail. They're gonna come and get me.'

Jurors were told that Tilici and his partner checked into the Campanile hotel on Queens Dock (pictured) at around 6.30pm on the day of the attack

But he also continued to insist that 'nothing happened, I just fed him'. The baby's injuries were so stark that one hotel employee feared he may have died.

Tilici then began 'behaving erratically', including shouting 'give me my baby' and falling to his knees and pretending to faint.

His son meanwhile was described as being in a critical condition and 'falling in and out of consciousness'.

Attending shortly before 10.30pm, one medic asked him 'whether he had dropped the baby by accident'. But Tilici, who 'smelled strongly of alcohol', replied 'no' and threw himself to the floor.

Medical staff noted that the youngster had a 'purple face, was silent and had reduced consciousness'.

On arrival at the hospital doctors found that there was an 'absence of a plausible accidental explanation'.

The baby had no injuries to the sides of the head, ears, neck or below the neckline 'which might be expected if he had been dropped or fallen'.

Tilici, who had one previous conviction for shoplifting in 2020, represented himself in court at his sentencing hearing today.

Assisted by a Romanian interpreter, he told the judge: 'The child is growing and he has no fractures on his head, no injuries on his eyes and nothing wrong with him.. He is healthy.

'Your honour, I am 29 years old and I've not had any problems with violence - not in England, not in Romania or in any other country. I have to be punished for what happened. It didn't happen with my consent.

'It wouldn't happen if I wasn't so drunk. It isn't an excuse, but I don't think it would happen if I wasn't so drunk. When I get out, I will be a better parent and a better man.'

Tilici was found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm and was jailed for 10 years and was handed restraining orders preventing him from contacting his former partner and baby indefinitely.

Sentencing, Charlotte Crangle said: 'She told the police that you had assaulted her earlier in the relationship and been incredibly controlling.

'She felt that you isolated her from her family and friends and threatened her with extreme violence because of your jealousy over a previously relationship she had had. It was clear when she gave evidence that she was, at the time, in significant fear of you because of the control you exerted over her.

'He was a tiny baby. He was just over two-and-a-half kilos. It appears you became angry during the course of the day. You were accusing her of flirting with other males, even when she was crossing the road.

'You then consumed all of that whisky in a short space of time. This resulted in you becoming very drunk. You then became aggressive and abusive towards her.

Pictured: Liverpool Crown Court where the trial was heard

'You were calling her names and beating her around the head while your son slept in the bed next to you. She managed to calm matters and left the hotel to get some food.

'She had fed, changed and settled the baby before she left and had no reason to be concerned about leaving him in the care of his father. You insisted that she remain on a video call to you, no doubt so you could keep an eye on her.

'She could not see what was going on in the room, but then heard two loud bangs and then her son screaming. It was clear that it was at this point that you, in drink, had lost your temper with your son, as you had earlier with your partner, and struck out at him.

'The doctors both agreed that there must have been significant blunt force trauma to cause those injuries. It was clear that there was something badly wrong with him. She thought her baby boy was dead, as did the hotel staff.

'He was silent. He was blue in the face. You came down to the reception and wanted to take your son from the staff, but they had to hide him in the kitchen area from you.

'Anybody looking at the photographs of the injuries you caused to your baby son cannot fail to be distressed. You denied causing the injuries under police interview and at trial and clearly made up a story that he had fallen off the bed. Thankfully, it seems that he will probably make a full recovery from his injuries.'
A teenage driver who fell asleep at the wheel of her delivery van before fatally ploughing into an elderly couple while under the influence of cocaine has been jailed for three years and five months.

Jessica Higgs, then 19, had cocaine in her system - 36 hours after taking the drug at a weekend party in May 2023.

On Friday, Higgs, now 20, was jailed after she admitted causing death by careless driving while over the limit for a controlled drug.

Taunton Crown Court heard that Higgs had driven from Salisbury, Wiltshire, to Axminster, Devon, taking two hours.

She then had a nap and a break before setting off on her return journey.

Jessica Higgs, 20, fell asleep at the wheel of her delivery van before fatally ploughing into an elderly couple while under the influence of cocaine

Higgs was jailed after she admitted causing death by careless driving while over the limit for a controlled drug

Higgs momentarily fell asleep at the wheel and drifted across the 50mph road carriageway into the westbound lane of Tony Mist and his partner Thelma Huse, who were both 69-years-old

But as she drove her Mercedes van on the A303 at Camel Hill near Yeovilton, Somerset, she momentarily fell asleep at the wheel and drifted across the 50mph road carriageway into the westbound lane of Tony Mist and his partner Thelma Huse, who were both 69-years-old.

The court heard Higgs, from Warminster, Wilts, had been driving well before she dozed off.

After the crash, she was pulled from the van by another driver and she told him: 'I fell asleep.'

Higgs, from Warminster, was found to be over the specified limit for benzoylecgonine - a metabolite of cocaine - when her blood was tested at 8pm that day.

Father-of-two Mr Mist died at the scene and grandmother-of-five Ms Huse died the next day in hospital.

The couple, both 69, from Mytchett, Surrey, were on their way to Charmouth, Dorset, for a glamping trip to celebrate Mr Mist's 70th birthday two days later.

Their relatives were in court and gave victim personal statements to the judge.

They said their deaths were 'entirely preventable' and they 'left this world in the most callous ways'.

The electrical apprentice pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs.

Judge Paul Cook jailed her and banned her from driving for five years from the time she is released from prison.

Thelma Huse and Tony Mist, both 69, from Mytchett, Surrey, were on their way to Charmouth, Dorset, for a glamping trip to celebrate Mr Mist's 70th birthday two days later

Defence barrister Malcolm Galloway told the court Higgs, who has no previous convictions, had only had her licence for nine months.

He said she had taken cocaine at a party on the Saturday night and had left for work early on the Monday morning after an early night to bed.

He told her: 'There was a catastrophic head-on collision which resulted in their deaths. You were also injured.

'What all the impact statements make clear is the heartbreaking devastation that has been suffered by the family members and those who loved them.

'They say these were two people with so much more life to live for and to give.'

The judge said character statements provided for Higgs described her as caring, loving and thoughtful.

He added: 'While physically you have recovered, you are consumed by guilt and remorse and described as a shell of the person you were.'

The judge said Higgs, who wept throughout the court hearing, was driving within the speed limit and other motorists did not note anything unusual until the van drifted across the road.

He told Higgs: 'I accept that you didn't know you had cocaine still in your blood, however nodding off as you did was a consequence of being overtired.'

The court heard Higgs went to a party on May 13 and took cocaine, last consuming the drug in the early hours of May 14 - around 36 hours before the crash.

She went to bed early that day and awoke at 6am before being collected for work at 6.25am. Later that morning, she was tasked with driving her work van from Salisbury to Axminster.

The court heard Higgs went to a party on May 13 and took cocaine, last consuming the drug in the early hours of May 14 - around 36 hours before the crash

Higgs picked up a water pump at Axminster and had an hour's rest before setting off to drive back to Salisbury at 2pm.

Prosecuting, Rupert Russell, said Mr Mist would not have had the 'time or space to avoid the collision' once Higgs' van had crossed over the white line.

He told the court Higgs had been 'up all night on the Saturday to Sunday taking cocaine' which had caused her to be tired.

'It is the tiredness which clearly led to this tragedy,' Mr Russell said.

The court heard Mr Mist and Ms Huse had been together for 30 years and were both due to celebrate their milestone 70th birthdays shortly after the collision.

Kate Cory, Ms Huse's daughter, described how they had been travelling to Charmouth 'for a much-anticipated glamping holiday' for Mr Mist's birthday before celebrating Ms Huse's birthday with a theatre trip.

The electrical apprentice pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs at Taunton Crown Court

She added: 'Their 30-year love story came to an abrupt end far too soon and that's something none of us will ever get over.'

Malcolm Galloway, representing Higgs, said she was aged 19 at the time of the collision and had held her driving licence for just nine months.

'The remorse is genuine,' Mr Galloway said. 'Of course, if she could turn the clock back, she would.'

Speaking outside court on behalf of the victims' families, Ms Huse's ex-husband Jim Huse said they had been 'devastated by the totally preventable actions of Jessica Higgs'.

'We hope that others will learn from this, as no journey is so important that it should take place when your brain is compromised by the effect of drugs,' he said.

Tony Hall, an officer with Avon and Somerset Police, added: 'It is every motorist's responsibility to make sure they are in fit enough to drive before getting behind the wheel and it is clear Higgs was not.

'This is another painful and devastating reminder that driving while under the influence of drugs is a deadly decision that puts yourself and innocent road users at serious risk.'
Vice President Kamala Harris secured enough delegates on Friday to become the Democratic nominee through a virtual roll call vote.

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison shared the news Friday, saying that enough delegates had voted for Harris in the Democrats' virtual vote for the vice president to become the nominee.

She'll formally accept the nomination sometime next week after the voting period closes on August 5.

'In the span of just a few weeks, Vice President Kamala Harris continues to break records  and today is no different. With historic momentum and a groundswell of support, Vice President Harris has officially met the threshold, securing a majority of the delegates she needs to receive the Democratic nomination on Monday,' Harrison said.

Democrats initially planned to hold a virtual roll call vote because some states' balloting deadlines were before the Chicago convention, which will be held from August 19 through 22.

Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee in a virtual roll call vote Friday

She's one step closer to officially becoming former President Donald Trump's challenger. She'll accept the nomination sometime next week after virtual voting closes

When President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday July 21 he encouraged the delegates he won in the Democratic primaries to back Harris, who he endorsed.

Delegates, however, could have chosen to support a different candidate, but the party quickly got in line.

By Monday July 22 enough delegates had pledged their support for Harris for her to be a shoe-in for the nomination.

No other Democrats tried to contest her for the nomination.

Self-help guru Marianne Williamson on Monday said she failed to meet the deadline to challenge Harris, effectively ending her campaign.

'We did everything possible to stand for a blitz primary, an open convention and so forth. Yet the way things worked there truly was no way, and all we could have done is create noise,' she posted on X.

Williamson had initially dropped out of the race after a disappointing performance in Nevada's primary.

She then un-suspended her campaign in late February after coming in third place in Michigan's Democratic primary, behind the option of 'uncommitted,' which voters chose to register their disdain with Biden's Israel policy amid the war in Gaza.

Biden had also been challenged by Rep. Dean Phillips, who argued that the president was too old to run for a second term and should make way for younger blood - something he ultimately did.

Phillips' campaign didn't get much traction and he pulled out after the early March Super Tuesday races.

Biden bowed out of the race after key Democrats pressured him to exit after his disastrous late June debate performance against Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.

During the debate, Biden mumbled, confused words and stared off into space, prompting concerns that he was suffering from something like Parkinson's disease.

Biden's White House physician denied these claims, but the damage had been done.
Rampaging yobs torched a police station and looted shops, as hooligans seeking to try and capitalise on the Southport stabbings besieged Sunderland in the latest night of rioting to rock Britain.

Flames were seen engulfing the central police office on Waterloo Place as rioters ransacked the place, as hundreds took to the streets as Britain's summer of discontent trudges on.

Violent blows were dealt between officers and protestors, as bricks and beer cans were flung through the air, and cars were flipped and set alight.

The riots follow previous outbreaks of violence in London and Hartlepool on Wednesday in the wake of the tragic stabbings in Southport on Monday.

Among the hundreds taking to the street in the besieged town in the north east included a shirtless man with a nazi tattoo emblazoned across his chest.

The topless man was filmed launching into a racist tirade, saying: 'This time in your own f***ing country if you're ashamed to be f***ing white and be an Englishman f*** off.'

It comes as one of the officers desperately fighting to maintain order as the violence spiralled out of control in Sunderland admitted: 'That was bad tonight.'

Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and burglary while three officers were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries, where two remain.

Sunderland Central Police Office was set on fire as riots erupted in Sunderland this evening

Firefighters tackle the blaze at the police facility on Waterloo Place

Officers arrest a rioter after a protest in Sunderland turned violent on Friday night

A rioter arrested in Sunderland following attacks on the city's police station and officers

Another rioter detained by armed officers amid violence in Sunderland town centre

Police arrest a rioter in Sunderland tonight as a fresh wave of violence erupted in the city

Police officers form a wall across a road as protests erupted in Sunderland on Friday night

Sunderland police station was set on fire by a mob of thugs during riots tonight

Firefighters tackle damage from the blaze following violence in Sunderland

Among the thugs was a topless man with a nazi tattoo emblazoned across his chest

The man was seen wearing red braces, with a Swastika on his tattoo-covered back

The man also had 'england' tattooed onto his chest above a union jack. He was filmed launching into a tirade of racist abuse

Footage showed thugs ransacking the police station, smashing furniture and overturning tables

Firefighters and police outside Sunderland Central Police Office in the aftermath of the attack

Earlier in the evening hundreds of protestors set off from Keel Square in Sunderland, in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

Despite a significant police presence, the crowd quickly turned violent, as rioters donned in England flag, covered their faces with balaclavas and bandanas.

Northumbria police urged the public to avoid the city centre, as chants rung out of 'whose streets? Our streets.'

Thugs were also seen spraying cans of beer all over a police vehicle in the town centre, while shouting 'let's have it' and 'it's our country'. Another police car was seen with its window smashed.

Others were seen waving union flags and chanting support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson, amid concerns that extremist groups are looking to trigger a fresh wave of violence.

It comes as hundreds of mosques are beefing up their security of fears that planned rallies in the wake of the Southport stabbings will spill over into full-on riots this weekend.

Officers with shields were seen protecting the Sunderland's Millfield Mosque as a large mob surrounded the place of worship.

The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, condemned the violence and said: 'Criminals attacking the police & stoking disorder on our streets will pay the price for their violence & thuggery.

'The police have the full backing of Government to take the strongest possible action & ensure they face the full force of the law. They do not represent Britain.'

Firefighters in Sunderland cordon off roads while they tackle the inferno set by rioters on the city's police station

Huge flames erupting from Sunderland's Central Police Station after it was attacked by thugs on Friday night

An overturned car was set alight by the thugs in Sunderland city centre

Riots have ignited in Sunderland in the aftermath of the stabbing in Southport. Pictured: An overturned car on fire

Barrels of beer left lying on the floor after the scenes of unrest in Sunderland this evening

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said the violence was 'utterly deplorable' and said that criminals would be 'dealt with 'robustly'.

She said: 'The shocking scenes we have witnessed in Sunderland this evening are completely unacceptable.

'I want to make it absolutely clear that the disorder, violence and damage which has occurred will not be tolerated.

'During the course of the evening those officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence, which is utterly deplorable.

'A full investigation is now under way to identify anyone else responsible.

'We want to be clear anyone planning to involve themselves in disorder in the future should stay at home.

'We also know the behaviour displayed is in no way representative of our friendly and welcoming region.'

Championship football club also issued a statement condemning the 'shameful scenes'.

'Tonight's shameful scenes do not represent our culture, our history, or our people,' read the statement from the football club.

'Our great city is built on togetherness and acceptance, and Sunderland will forever be for all. We are stronger as one community. Now. Then. Always.'

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary and MP for Houghton and Sunderland South called the riots 'unforgivable' and 'appalling'.

She said: 'The scenes in our city centre tonight are shocking. We have seen unforgivable violence and thuggery.

'The criminals identified in this appalling disorder must be identified, prosecuted and punished with the full force of the law.

'Sunderland is better than this and these thugs do not represent our city.'

In an update on the disorder, Northumbria Police said: 'Our officers are continuing to deal with ongoing disorder and have been subjected to serious violence.

'The scenes that we are seeing are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

'Ensuring the public's safety is our utmost priority.'

Yobs loot and smash into a vape shop in Sunderland as a planned protest became a riot

Thugs smashed into the shop vapelocal.com as violence erupted around the city

Broken glass on the pavement as thugs break into a vape shop in Sunderland

Fresh mayhem has erupted after protesters set an overturned car on fire in Sunderland

Protestors look on as a car is toppled over a set alight during disorder in Sunderland this evening

A yob sprays fire extinguisher foam at armed police in Sunderland city centre on Friday evening

10 Downing Street is lit up in pink on Friday night in remembrance of those killed in the Southport attack

Armed police clash with demonstrators after thugs spray foam over officers

Protesters draped in England flags let off flares in Sunderland town centre

Protesters hurl bricks at police on horseback near an Aldi store

In another picture of tonight's protest, a bus stop was shown smashed with shattered glass covering the pavement. Thugs were also looting a vapes shop as violence erupted.

Protesters from a group called Youth Alliance were seen holding a union jack banner with the words 'Stop mass immigration. Save British Youth. How many more British need to die?'

Yobs were also seen throwing bricks at police on horses.

Another crowd was filmed surrounding and attacking a private hire taxi in the town centre.

The person shooting the video is heard saying 'no need for this at all', as the protesters smash the black vehicle stuck in traffic.

Other thugs were shown making a stand in front of police guarding the mosque, waving flags while topless.

Some protesters argued about 'two-tier policing' as the police threw a protective ring around the building of worship.

Mounted police pushed back demonstrators, some of whom were in masks.

Police arrest a man wearing a balaclava and blue hoodie ahead of the protest

Yobs with face and hair coverings let off flares and wreak havoc in Sunderland

Police with shields protect Millfield Mosque in Sunderland, as places of worship beef up security amid fears of further violence

Protesters in Sunderland cover a police car with beer from cans

Meanwhile, customers in the next door Aldi filmed the scenes on their phones through the shop window.

Police were also seen arresting a man wearing a balaclava, as security tightened up ahead of the planned protest.

Meanwhile, 10 Downing Street in London was lit up in pink in remembrance of the victims killed in the Southport attack.

But flags above the Prime Minister residence were still flying at full mast, rather than the traditional half mast following tragic events.

In a post on X, Tommy Robinson gloated 'you should have listened, Kier' as far-right rioters ransacked Sunderland.

Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson said he was 'appalled' by disorder in the city centre on Friday night.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: 'Our city is not represented by a tiny minority causing trouble.

'(Northumbria Police) have my full support as they respond to criminal thuggery and work to protect all the communities of our city.

'Tomorrow the people of Sunderland will come together and continue to build the bright future that we have - a future where every community of our city feels safe and prospers.'

Another police car had its window smashed by thugs as the protest got underway

Protesters let off flares while gathered in the town's centre for a planned protest

Protesters hold a union jack banner reading 'stop mass immigration. Save British Youth. How many more British need to die'

A bus stop smashed in the centre of Sunderland with shards of glass all over the pavement

A topless protester waves an England flag in front of police officers near Millfield Mosque

Hooded protesters wearing face coverings wave flags. Thugs were heard shouting 'it's our country'

Armed police watch over protesters near an Aldi store in Sunderland

The action is the latest following the stabbing in Southport in which three young children were killed and eight others suffered knife wounds.

Violence erupted after a remembrance vigil for Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, on Tuesday thugs travelled into the seaside town and centred a riot around the local mosque - whose windows were smashed in a brutal attack.

It comes after false online speculation that the three little girls killed in the knife rampage at a Taylor Swift holiday camp died at the hands of an asylum seeker who had travelled to the UK on a boat. The claims are thought to have originated from a Russia-linked fake news outlet.

In Liverpool, a crowd of about 200 anti-racist protesters gathered outside the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque after rumours of a far-right protest there.

Seventy-year-old Pat, who did not want to give her second name, held a placard saying 'Nans against Nazis'.

She said: 'We're telling them wherever they go, we'll be there. We've never allowed them in the city of Liverpool.'

She said she began protesting 50 years ago, against the National Front.

LIVERPOOL: Police stand guard as protesters gather outside a mosque in they city

LIVERPOOL: Counter protesters against right-wing thugs hold placards saying 'refugees welcome'

Counter protesters in Liverpool gather outside a mosque in Liverpool with a placard reading 'no room for racism'

Police mounted on horseback attempt to control the crowds in Sunderland town centre

Protesters with English and British flags stand around a fountain in Sunderland town centre

Protesters outside an Aldi store in Sunderland as police on horseback attempt to control the crowds

Protesters clash with police on a road in Sunderland following the stabbing in Southport

She added: 'Someone said to me 'you're too old, don't be doing this' but as long as they're here someone's got to do it.'

Muslim, Jewish and Christian religious leaders gathered outside a mosque in Southport on Friday afternoon in a call for communities to reject hatred and stand together.

Thousands of people turned out to pay their respects to the victims at a vigil in Southport on Tuesday evening, but violence later erupted outside a mosque in the town with 53 police officers and three police dogs injured.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a new 'national' response to the disorder linking police forces across the country.

At least 15 protests have been promoted online, with some calling for participants to take England flags, and a number containing phrases such as 'enough is enough', 'save our kids' or 'stop the boats'.

Yobs draped in flags surround a police vehicle in Sunderland town centre

A flare thrown near uniformed police officers emits blue smoke as crowds gather on streets in the city centre

A protester wearing a balaclava and Sunderland football shirt gestures with his hands during the event on Friday evening

Speaking outside the mosque on Friday evening, Ibrahim Hussein said: 'On Tuesday night I thought I was the unluckiest man in the whole of the country.

'On Friday evening, I feel the luckiest man in the whole of the country.

'Look at all of these beautiful people. Look at all these faces, and different faiths. We have people here from the church and from the synagogue.'

He said he was 'old friends' with some of the other faith leaders.

'But it is not about Southport Mosque, it is not about our suffering,' Mr Hussein said.

'We should have been focused all along about these poor people who have suffered in the most horrific way.

'And we should have been standing here giving them as much support as we can. We should have been standing here, praying for them, supporting them, focusing on them.

'Instead these people try to destroy what is so beautiful about our community.'

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister returned to Southport on Friday, visiting the town for the second time this week after Monday's knife attack.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday a new 'national' response to the disorder linking police forces across the country

Pat, 70, holds up a placard reading 'nans against Nazis' outside a mosque in Liverpool

Crowds gathered outside Liverpool's Sheikh Abdullah Quilliam Mosque as far right activists clash with other counter protesters

Sir Keir announced further support for Southport, including mental health support for those affected by the attack and a programme of events to help build community cohesion.

The 17-year-old charged with the murders of three girls in Southport appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, and was named as Axel Rudakubana, from Banks in Lancashire.

He is charged with the murders of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven.

Rudakubana is also charged with the attempted murders of yoga class instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes and eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and with possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

He was remanded to youth detention accommodation and will next appear in court in October.
Sir Keir Starmer has announced a 'support package' for Southport after returning to the town for the second time since Monday's knife attack.

After holding private meetings with community leaders and emergency services staff, the Prime Minister said it had been 'truly inspiring to hear of all the ways in which people have come together in the face of such horrors to demonstrate true bravery, resilience and solidarity'.

He added: 'I cannot begin to imagine the pain that people are going through right now, but I am determined to make sure that Southport and its leaders have all the support they need to preserve and nurture this strength of community spirit - not just in the immediate aftermath, but also in the years to come.'

The measures announced on Friday included mental health support for those affected, and a programme of events and activities to help 'build community cohesion and bolster local resilience' in the longer term.

It was the Prime Minister's second visit to the town this week, having travelled there on Tuesday to lay flowers at the scene of the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday which left three girls dead.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech during a press conference, following clashes after the Southport stabbing, at 10 Downing street in central London, Britain on Thursday

Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram (L) and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) arrive to lay flowers at the scene of a stabbing attack on Hart Street in Southport, Britain, 30 July 2024. Merseyside Police have confirmed that a third child, aged 9, has died as a result of a knife attack in Southport and confirmed that the other two victims were ages six and seven

After meeting community leaders alongside metro mayor Steve Rotheram and Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, Sir Keir visited Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool to thank staff for their work responding to the attack.

Many of those injured in Monday's attack were treated at the hospital, and Sir Keir praised staff's hard work and professionalism.

Mr Rotheram thanked the Prime Minister for giving a 'personal commitment' to support Southport.

He said: 'The horrendous events of Tuesday have caused untold shock and horror across the whole country but has left Southport struggling to come to terms with such a tragedy on its doorstep.

'Once the glare of the national media has moved on, it leaves behind a community that needs to come together and rebuild.

'This is a tight-knit area and we have already seen that inclusivity and community on full display in the town's response to the mindless violence on Tuesday night.

'It will not happen overnight, but we are determined to restore trust, build on that remarkable resilience - and, above all, ensure that Bebe, Elsie and Alice, and the victims and those traumatised, are never forgotten.'

Since Monday, Southport has been rocked by violent unrest inspired by false claims about the suspect's identity that spread on social media.

That unrest has spread to other parts of the country, with police on Friday bracing for more outbreaks in the coming days.

People arrive to meet Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss clashes following the Southport stabbing at Downing Street in London, Britain August 1

Policing leaders arrive in Downing Street, for a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on August 01, 2024 in London, England. The meeting and subsequent press conference followed two nights of unrest after the killing of three young girls in a knife attack in Southport

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, second left, holds a meeting at 10 Downing street in London, England on Thursday

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with senior policing leaders during a meeting in Downing Street, London, following scenes of violent unrest in Southport, London, Hartlepool and Manchester in the wake of the killing of three young girls in a knife attack

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister was repeatedly asked 'how many more children will die?' as he placed flowers at the scene of the Southport knife rampage.

During the Labour leader's brief visit, which lasted around two minutes, some members of the public began heckling him with one man declaring 'here's your photo opportunity' as he walked past.

Other furious onlookers shouted 'scumbag', 'time for change' and 'go away, you're not wanted'.

Another woman said: 'I've just found out my friend's nine-year-old daughter was killed, the person I've held as a child, and you can't do s***.'

And a different man shouted: 'Get the truth out!'

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arrives with a floral tribute to the child victims of a knife attack on Tuesday

Merseyside police had issued a warning after an 'incorrect' name for the alleged Southport attacker was widely circulated online.

Inaccurate posts by social media sleuths about the identity of the perpetrator received millions of views and engagements, as Downing Street warned against 'unhelpful' speculation amid concerns that misreporting online could inflame community tensions.

Mr Rotheram has expressed concern that there could be further violence in the Liverpool City Region, but added: 'We know exactly what we'd need to do to ensure that these things are nipped in the bud.'

On Thursday, the Prime Minister condemned 'far-right hatred' in the wake of the Southport stabbings as he announced a new 'national' response to the violent disorder.

Sir Keir said: 'The far right are showing who they are - we have to show who we are in response to that.'

Alice Aguiar, nine, died in hospital in the early hours of Tuesday following the attack

Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died on Monday as nine other children and two adult women were rushed to hospital
Chevron will move its headquarters to Texas from California, following Elon Musk's Space X in relocating to the Lone Star State.

The gas giant's new headquarters will be in Houston, Texas. It is currently based in San Ramon, California.

'Houston is the epicenter of our industry,' Chevron CEO Mike Wirth told CNBC. 'We've had our headquarters gradually growing in Texas and gradually pulling down in California. This is a continuation of a trend that has been underway for some time.'

Chevron will move its headquarters to Texas from California - but claims it's not political. 'Houston is the epicenter of our industry,' CEO Mike Wirth said

The move comes after Chevron announced lower-than-expected second-quarter earnings on Friday. Shares fell more than one percent during morning trading, according to CNBC.

The company's net income declined 26 percent to $4.43 billion, compared to $6.01 billion at the same time last year, the outlet reported.

Its US production posted a profit of $2.16 billion, while its international production profit fell around 30 percent to $2.3 billion, according to CNBC.

Chevron's global oil-equivalent production did rise 11 percent to 3.29 million barrels a day due to record production in the Permian Basin.

The company said the move was not politically motivated, thought it has long criticized the blue state's leadership for its stance on the oil industry, the Financial Times reported.

California has sued Chevron and other oil companies over accusations they were misleading customers about the dangers of climate change.

The state has also accused oil companies of price gouging and has tried to force penalties on their profit, according to KTLA.

Chevron has long criticized the California's leadership for its stance on the oil industry (pictured: CEO Mike Wirth)

All corporate functions will transition to Houston within the next five years, according to the outlet, while some positions will remain in San Ramon.

The company already has around 7,000 customers in Houston and around 2,000 in San Ramon, according to KTLA.

The company worked in crude oil fields and technical facilities, and it has two refineries. It also has more than 1,800 retail stations in California.

Musk is moving his companies' headquarters from California to Texas for the business benefits, a Tesla analyst has claimed.

The 53-year-old billionaire said he is moving both SpaceX and X headquarters to the Lone Star State over California's new gender identity laws.

He said Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of a law that bans California school districts from notifying parents if their child is transgender was 'the final straw.'

The billionaire himself had even moved to Texas in 2020 after living in California for two decades.

Chevron is currently based in San Ramon, California

Critics slammed Musk for moving his companies, saying they deserve his business after taxpayers funded them and gave him benefits for years.

'California, through tax credits, [electric vehicle] subsidies and training grants made Elon successful,' Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, president of the California Labor Federation, told The Los Angeles Times.

'That amounts to hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars, for him to continually spit in the face of California's workers and taxpayers.'

Even residents are ditching the California lifestyle, with around 300 leaving for Texas each day - or around 111,000 people - in 2021.

That is double the 63,000 that made the same move in 2012, according to a new report from Storage Cafe, which examined California-Texas migration patterns over nearly a decade.

Of those that moved in 2021, nearly half were millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, and headed to counties around major cities such as Austin, Houston and Dallas.
The heartbroken great-aunt of a girl killed in the Southport stabbings has paid tribute to the 'sweetest child'.

Jean Stevenson was laying flowers close to where for seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe was stabbed when she described her great-niece as 'lovely, sweet and gentle'.

She told BBC News that she had been teaching the youngster to sew, and how excited she was 'to give her lessons and pass my skills [on].'

Elsie, Bebe King and Alice DaSilva Aguiar were all tragically murdered while at a Taylor Swift themed dance class on Monday, while eight others were seriously injured.

Jean Stevenson was laying flowers close to where for seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe was stabbed when she described her as 'lovely, sweet and gentle'

Elsie's teachers paid a heartbreaking tribute to a 'kind and caring' girl with a 'super, beaming smile'

Ms Stevenson continued: 'It's true what they say about the Southport community: a very close knit community, a very family-orientated area.

'Stuff like this just doesn't happen here.'

Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been named as the attacker and appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday accused of the murders of Elsie, Bebe and Alice and the attempted murders of eight other children, Leanne Lucas, who was running the session and John Hayes, a businessman who rushed in to help.

The teenager's identity initially could not be revealed because suspects under 18 receive automatic anonymity in all UK court cases, except for in exceptional circumstances.

But after a successful application to the judge by the Mail, the identity of Rudakubana  who turns 18 next week - can now be reported.

Rudakubana was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents in 2006 before his family relocated in 2013 to the quiet village of Banks - a 15 minute drive from Southport.

The 17-year-old is charged with murdering three little girls and harming 10 others

The teenager accused of stabbing to death three little girls once appeared in a Children in Need promotional video for the BBC

Six-year-old Bebe King (pictured)was also killed in the rampage on Monday

Little Alice DaSilva Aguiar was fatally stabbed in a knife rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop

Also at the police cordon, Elsie's teachers paid a heartbreaking tribute to a 'kind and caring' girl with a 'super, beaming smile'.

A framed photo was left at the police cordon by Farnborough Schools, made up of an infant and junior school in Farnborough Road, where she was a pupil.

It reads: 'It has always been a pleasure to have Elsie as part of our school.

'From her nursery days being carried on dad's shoulders into the playground, she was a girl with a super, beaming smile.

'Elsie loved life, school and her friends. Her eyes lit up when she spoke.

'Elsie was such a determined young lady who loved to please.

'She was a kind and caring friend to all the children in her class and was always there to look after anyone who was upset.

'She loved performing, singing, dancing and loved being on the stage.

'She was adored by her friends and known by everyone in school due to the sparkle in her eyes, her infectious energy and charismatic personality.

'It is difficult to put into words how amazing Elsie was and the impact she had on those around her.

'We will miss you, Elsie. You were one of a kind.

'You will always be a Farnborough girl.'

A mother hugs her child as they look at floral tributes for the victims of the deadly knife attack in Southport

Floral tributes on the junction of Tithebarn Road and Hart Street in Southport, near the scene where the children were killed

A message from Liverpool FC is seen among floral tributes for the victims, sending their thoughts to all affected

Floral tributes are left for the victims of a deadly knife attack in Southport

It comes two days after thousands of mourners gathered for a vigil to remember the three young girls.

More than 5,000 tearful locals laid flowers outside the Merseyside town's grand Atkinson building after falling silent to remember the tragic trio.

Alice's aunt, Albertina Freitas, told ITV News in Madeira, Portugal, that the little girl's father has been left paralysed by his grief.

She said: 'My brother-in-law is in such a state that he can't even talk to the family. We try to talk to him but he doesn't want to. He just clings to the girl's things.

'We are not going through it directly, but we can imagine the pain my brother is experiencing. It is an immense pain.'

Talking about her sister, Ms Freitas added: 'She doesn't speak at all.'

The family are planning to release balloons in a mass service for her on Saturday at Quinta Grande Church in Madeira. Her grandparents were offered flights to attend her funeral by the Portuguese Consulate.

In a statement, Bebe's family said: 'No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.'
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe continued to reveal failures Friday from the day former President Donald Trump was nearly assassinated while speaking at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Rowe also revealed that nobody has been fired yet over Trump's near-death experience.

The acting director explained that Secret Service officials had no radio communications with local police and weren't aware Thomas Matthew Crooks had a gun aimed at the ex-president before he opened fire.

Rowe confirmed that 'there was somebody who did, in fact radio out that they had seen the individual with a weapon.'

'What I can tell you is that piece of information, that vital piece of information, and by no fault of anyone, it was a very stressful situation, it did not make it over,' Rowe said.

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe continued to reveal failures Friday from the day former President Donald Trump was nearly assassinated while speaking at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania

Local and state law enforcement officers aren't on the same radio network as Secret Service agents.

Trump's Secret Service detail, Rowe said, was 'operating under the assumption' from the last bit of information that they received.

'That there was an issue that the locals were working at the three o'clock,' he said, using a clock as a directional cue. 'That's a bit of information that we had. Not anything about a weapon.'

In fact, more details about the threat were being shared, when the gunshots rang out.

'So the former president's detail - they had an advanced person on the ground who was responsible for the site,' Rowe said. 'The radio transmission goes out about locals working an issue at the 3 o'clock.'

'The member of that detail called their Pittsburgh Field Office counterpart. "Hey, what do you know about this?" In the midst - right in the middle of that phone conversation, the shots begin firing,' Rowe said.

The former president is a fan of holding large outdoor rallies, but Rowe suggested that busy radio chatter - from people making medical emergency requests due to the heat - could have played a role clogging up the airwaves at a vital time.

Former President Donald Trump is surrounded by his Secret Service detail moments after a bullet brushed his ear at his July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania

Rowe said that about 100 calls had been made for support ahead of the shooting.

'It was a very hot day that day,' Rowe explained. 'There were a lot of - not only EMS type of calls to address people but, there were people that needed some other type of law enforcement assistance.'

'This happens. Candidly happens a lot at outdoor rallies where, especially on hot days,' the acting director continued.

'So there was a lot of traffic, radio traffic on the local net about, "Hey, I need an EMT here." So there were a lot of people that were needing assistance,' Rowe said.

Rowe said it was now 'plainly obvious' that the Secret Service didn't have the information they needed, but refused to assign blame.

'It just so happened that there was a sense of urgency, that there might have been radio traffic that we missed,' he said. 'We have to do a better job at that.'

During the press conference, which ran under an hour, Rowe revealed that he would 'provide some type of statement that people are being held accountable' when asked if the American public would be informed about firings over the assassination attempt.

He also said that all the main principals - Trump, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance and whomever Harris chooses for her VP would all get Secret Service sniper teams at their events going forward.

Rowe was also asked about an allegation from a whisteblower that he 'personally directed' cuts to the agency's Counter Surveillance Division, the unit tasked with evaluating event sites in advance.

'I've become aware of this. We got a congressional letter on it. What I can tell you is that the Counter Surveillance Division, they do a fantastic job,' Rowe said.

He said that he was aware of the allegations that he had denied requests to utilize them.

'The Counter Surveillance Division has been out there supporting the former president at some very high-profile events. They continue to provide that support and they're out there providing support right now,' Rowe said.

When asked to clarify if he cut CSD resources he responded, 'I did not, no.'
Vice President Kamala Harris' brother-in-law Tony West and one of her closest political advisors once defended the infamous 'American Taliban' John Walker Lindh, who joined the radical terrorist organization even though he was an American citizen.

West, who is married to Harris' sister Maya Harris, is considered one of the vice president's closet political confidants, even though he does not have a formal position with her campaign team. His influence on the campaign is expected to be more prominent as Harris runs for president.

West began his career as a lawyer where he took a high-profile defense case in the governments case against Lindh in 2002, after he was found in Afghanistan by U.S. military forces in November 2001.

An early convert to Islam, Lindh joined the Taliban and went to Afghanistan and received military training in 2000. Even after 9/11, Lindh remained with the group until he was discovered by American forces and charged for providing assistance for Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

West, then a member of San Francisco based law firm Morrison & Foerster, was on Lindh's legal team and fought with the George W. Bush's administration to lower his sentence.

Kamala Harris in 2003 with her mother, Shyamala Harris, brother-in-law Tony West and sister, Maya Harris

West even spoke with The Washington Post for an extended interview to discuss the case and argue on his client's behalf.

'Whatever John is, he is not a terrorist, and he did not go to Afghanistan to kill Americans, he said.

West and his team of lawyers secured a plea deal for Lindh that ended up with him a prison sentence for up to 20 years.

Kamala Harris' brother-in-law defended American Taliban' John Walker Lindh in court

Tony West and Vice President Kamala Harris

Lindh was released in 2019, but was found by the FBI in 2021 to have met three times with a convicted ISIS supporter, Ali Amin.

West went on to work for the Justice Department under former President Barack Obama and then-Attorney General Eric Holder.

In 2012, West was appointed to oversee the Justice Department policies for detainees suspected of terrorism at the Guantanamo Bay detentions facility.

Tony West and Vice President Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers

Since leaving government, West has leveraged his political and legal connections into prominent positions with PepsiCo before joining Uber where he now earns a $10 million annual salary.

West also advised Harris during her 2020 campaign, despite advising her not to run for president against her fellow Democrats including former Vice President Joe Biden.

Her presidential 2020 primary campaign ultimately devolved into infighting and finger-pointing with no clear leadership and structure, ending before she even made it to the Iowa caucus.

West was defensive about his role in her failed campaign, recalling that an old advertisement was in his mind still the best message for the vice president as she sought the presidency.

Still my fav political ad. 5 years old and its aged pretty damn well. pic.twitter.com/CJf8fAbu7J  Tony West (@tonywest) July 26, 2024

'Still my fav political ad. 5 years old and it's aged pretty damn well,' he wrote on social media just days after Biden dropped out of the race.
The teenager who was asked by Huw Edwards to send him explicit photos for 35,000 has said he felt 'groomed' by the disgraced presenter.

The young man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was just a teenager when he first began messaging the 62-year-old, and exchanging sexual images for money.

Speaking to the Mirror after the recent revelations that Edwards was in possession of 41 child porn images, the now 21-year-old said: 'I've stayed silent for so long to protect Huw, but I feel sick at what has happened.'

The boy's mother and stepfather did complained to police in April 2023, but three months later detectives declared that no crime had been committed between the pair.

The teenager who was asked by Huw Edwards to send him explicit photos for 35,000 has said he felt 'groomed' by the disgraced presenter

The boy's mother and stepfather did complained to police in April 2023, but three months later detectives declared that no crime had been committed between the pair

The young man, who actively defended Edwards at the time, has claimed he was in a 'troubled state of mind' when he first reached out to the ex News at Ten anchor

The young man, who actively defended Edwards at the time, has claimed he was in a 'troubled state of mind' when he first reached out to the ex News at Ten anchor.

He was homeless and in a last ditch attempt for help began messaging celebrities online. Edwards was the only one to respond and sent him 500 for a hotel for a few nights.

After this he alleged that Edwards would ask him for things in return, which he felt unable to refuse because of the 'power' of the broadcaster.

'I needed help, so I did. I feel like he sort of fed on my vulnerability as he knew I needed the money. I felt like I was being groomed.'

He added: 'I felt like he was taking advantage of me but I felt I had to listen to him because he was Huw Edwards.'

It all came crashing down, when the then teenager's mother found the messages between the pair for a rendezvous at Cardiff train station.

AS he worked he way up the ladder he become a common sight at royal events, including the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton (pictured)

Huw Edwards shakes hands with Queen Elizabeth II during a royal visit to BBC Studios in London in June 2013

The newsreader took sanctuary with his mother Aerona (pictured with him) in his beloved Wales in the aftermath of one scandal

His step-father went instead to confront Edwards and allegedly filmed him there, which they the used to complain to the BBC on May 18 2023.

This comes as footage has been revealed tonight supposedly of Edwards waiting for the teen at Cardiff train station.

The mother and stepfather of the man also went to police in South Wales to report Edwards, but were told there was no crime.

The man has also alleged that the disgraced presenter tried to secretly contact him again in October 2023, after the scandal had died down.

He claimed he received an anonymous message saying 'guess who', before asking to speak through the encrypted app Signal.

After he heard the most recent news he said: 'I was in utter shock. I could not believe that this is what he's been doing while I knew him. I can't even believe I've put myself in that situation. I feel disgusted with myself in a way. Like I've had communications with this person.'

The former BBC News presenter was surrounded by photographers outside Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning

Edwards arrived at court in London this week accused making 41 indecent images of children.

In the centre of a media scrum and surrounded by photographers, the silver-haired former BBC star gave nothing away as he walked into the building with dark sunglasses covering his eyes.

Inside details of the sick allegations were made public - he had been accused of keeping seven category 'A' images of the very worst kind on his phone after being sent them on WhatsApp by a paedophile.

The sick child porn images showed youngsters aged between seven and 14, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

It was revealed that Edwards had been arrested on November 8 last year and charged on June 26, having kept details of the investigation into him 'secret' from his friends at the BBC.

The former broadcaster will be sentenced at the same court on September 16, where he could face a prison sentence.
Huw Edwards messaged a young man asking 'did we ever meet?' after his arrest, the Mail can reveal.

The fallen BBC star wrote 'my brain is a bit foggy' and asked him to 'jog' his memory.

The mysterious message was sent after Edwards was detained by detectives for having child sex abuse images on his phone.

At the time, few knew police were investigating him. But behind the scenes, the 439,000-a-year BBC veteran was apparently desperately trying to remember who he had met.

The message seen by the Mail, sent on April 6 - five months after his secret arrest - read: 'Hi. Really sorry for the intrusion. I'm just dealing with some housekeeping. My brain is a bit foggy. Did we ever meet in the distant past? I can't remember if we did. Please jog my memory if so. Thanks.'

Huw Edwards messaged a young man asking 'did we ever meet?' after his arrest, the Mail can reveal

Huw Edwards leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court on July 31, 2024

The young man he sent it to, whom the Mail is calling 'Charlie' to preserve his anonymity, said: 'I had a lot of conversations with Huw. It is very odd that he can't seem to remember.

'This message arrived out of the blue, and it was like he had no idea what was going on. He did not seem to remember any of his actions.

'It just seems utterly bizarre he would send something like that, saying his brain was foggy. He was clearly in such a mess that he just couldn't remember which guy was which.

'I find it remarkable - he was able read the news every night OK pitch perfect, yet couldn't remember who anyone was.'

As well as Charlie, who was in his early 20s, the Mail is aware of other young men with whom married father-of-five Edwards was exchanging messages.

One of the first messages Charlie - a junior freelance BBC producer - ever received from Edwards on WhatsApp was straight to the point: 'Hello, beauty.'

As well as 'Charlie', who was in his early 20s, the Mail is aware of other young men with whom married father-of-five Edwards was exchanging messages

Huw Edwards arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court on July 31, 2024

Charlie regarded the news anchor as a respected veteran of the trade and had followed him on Instagram.

It set the scene for 16 months of messaging - exchanged by both parties - and suggestions to meet the junior colleague that Edwards called 'babe', though the pair never ended up meeting.

Overall there are more than 350 messages, some of which Edwards signed off with an 'x', and overall the tone is friendly and consensual on both sides.
An Air Force veteran has called for the famous Blue Angels air display team to be axed for being too noisy and dirty.

Breck Lebegue, a physician who once served as a USAF surgeon, said the 110-decibel roar of the planes put people at risk of deafness.

Writing in the Seattle Times, Lebegue also highlighted how the F/A-18 jet display team belch out 670 metric tons of carbon monoxide during two days of displays.

He said that was the equivalent to 30 cars each taking a 150,000 mile journey.

The Blue Angels are set to appear at Seattle's annual Seafair event this weekend and wow thousands of spectators.

Seattle Air Force veteran and doctor Breck LeBegue wants the Blue Angels, pictured above Houston, Texas, in May 2020, to be axed over health and safety fears

But the pleasure the jets bring millions annually cut little ice with LeBegue, who wrote: 'Its time to salute and say goodbye to the Blue Angels at Seafair.

'Although we need skilled fighter pilots to defend our nation and our allies from enemies, these airshows cause significant health harm.'

LeBegue urged locals to download a decibel measuring app on their phones to record just how loud the Blue Angels are.

He warned that prolonged exposure to sound levels above 85 decibels can permanently damage hearing.

Jets identical to those used by the the Blue Angels are partly-based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island near Seattle, with Lebegue claiming 74,000 locals were at risk of 'averse health effects' due to the roar of their engines.

US Air Force veteran and doctor Breck LeBegue, pictured, wants the jets axed

Quoting a scientific study, he explained: 'Of those exposed, substantial numbers were estimated to be highly annoyed and highly sleep-disturbed, and several schools were exposed to levels that place them at risk of delay in childhood learning.'

LeBegue went on to say that letting the Blue Angels take to the skies over Seattle flies in the face of the progressive city's attempts to go green.

Local officials want to slash greenhouse gases by 30 percent between 2008 and 2030.

The Blue Angels are pictured flying over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in October 2023

The US Navy's iconic display team was created in 1946, but Lebegue says the carbon emissions the jets belch out are just too bad for the planet

The medic claimed ditching the Blue Angels was a form of 'harm reduction.'

He added: 'Thank the Blue Angels for their service and past shows, say goodbye and move on to quiet planes, cleaner air and healthy family fun.

'Lets honor the past and define the future. Lets reimagine Seafair without the Angels.'

The Blue Angels, whose formal name is the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, was formed in 1946 as a means of promoting the US Navy and entertaining Americans.

Based in Pensacola, Florida, the Blue Angels perform at least 60 shows across the United States each year often in the country's most scenic locations.

At the height of the first COVID outbreak in 2020, the Blue Angels embarked on a tour across American cities to thank essential workers.
Huw Edwards invited a young man to his dressing room at the Royal Albert Hall where he was hosting the Festival of Remembrance attended by Prince Charles, Camilla and William.

The BBC veteran messaged him: 'Come and see me,' and 'Backstage. Dressing Room 4' as the former voice-to-the-nation waited to present the Royal British Legion's stirring annual tribute to victims of war.

The event honours the Armed Forces community for their service and sacrifice, and was performed in the presence of the now King Charles, his wife, Prince William and Kate, the Princess Royal and her husband Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent in the royal box.

The former BBC newscaster saw his 40year career spectacularly implode this week when he pleaded guilty to having the most severe type of child sex abuse pictures on his phone.

Edwards, married with five children, liked to swap messages with younger men and has been accused of 'hiding in plain sight' at the corporation.

Huw Edwards invited a young man to his dressing room at the Royal Albert Hall where he was hosting the Festival of Remembrance

The event honours the Armed Forces community for their service and sacrifice, and was performed in the presence of the now King Charles , his wife, Prince William and Kate, the Princess Royal and her husband Sir Tim Laurence , the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent in the royal box

The Mail told yesterday how Edwards, 62, suggested to one young producer  whom we are naming 'Charlie'  he could have stayed in his plush BBC-funded hotel suite on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral in Windsor during the Covid restrictions of April 2021.

It was around this time that Edwards started to receive indecent images from a South Wales paedophile, Westminister Magistrates' Court heard this week.

Today Charlie reveals how he was invited to the BBC star's dressing room at the Royal Albert Hall seven months later.

Backstage prior to the performance on November 13, 2021, the day before Remembrance Sunday, Edwards was getting ready when Charlie, with whom he had exchanged WhatsApp messages for months, told him he had tickets to the Festival, prompting Edwards to offer the dressing room invitation.

'Easier said than done,' messaged back Charlie. 'I have general-admission tickets.'

Edwards replied: 'Well, tell me when you're here.'

Huw Edwards arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday July 31

However the pair did not meet, and Edwards went on stage at 9pm to compere the spectacular, which featured the Band of the Royal Marines, the Royal Air Force and the Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir.

A log of WhatsApp messages, seen by the Mail, shows that 17 minutes after the finale, Edwards sent a photo of himself on stage to Charlie.

It was a copy of the Royal British Legion's social media post saying: 'Thank you @TheHuwEdwards for being such a great host!'

Edwards wrote: 'Was expecting you to knock my door...I was really looking forward to meeting you actually.'

Charlie now says: 'I thought it was friendly but, looking back, it feels totally inappropriate. It shows a lack of respect and disregard for the importance of the occasion.

'When I saw all the stuff that has come out this week, I thought this is just all so unbelievable. It just keeps getting worse for him.'

Charlie also revealed that Edwards messaged him again after being detained by detectives for having child sex abuse images on his phone.

The Mail told yesterday how Edwards, 62, suggested to one young producer  whom we are naming 'Charlie'  he could have stayed in his plush BBC-funded hotel suite on the eve of Prince Philip 's funeral in Windsor during the Covid restrictions of April 2021

The former BBC newscaster saw his 40year career spectacularly implode this week when he pleaded guilty to having the most severe type of child sex abuse pictures on his phone

At the time, few knew police were investigating him. But behind the scenes, the 439,000-a-year BBC veteran was apparently desperately trying to remember who he had met.

The message seen by the Mail, sent on April 6 - five months after his secret arrest - read: 'Hi. Really sorry for the intrusion. I'm just dealing with some housekeeping. My brain is a bit foggy. Did we ever meet in the distant past? I can't remember if we did. Please jog my memory if so. Thanks.'

Charlie told the Mail: 'I had a lot of conversations with Huw. It is very odd that he can't seem to remember.

'This message arrived out of the blue, and it was like he had no idea what was going on. He did not seem to remember any of his actions.

'It just seems utterly bizarre he would send something like that, saying his brain was foggy. He was clearly in such a mess that he just couldn't remember which guy was which.

'I find it remarkable - he was able read the news every night OK pitch perfect, yet couldn't remember who anyone was.'

As well as Charlie, who was in his early 20s, the Mail is aware of other young men with whom married father-of-five Edwards was exchanging messages.
The Labour Government has provoked fury after implementing a 'secret arms embargo' on Israel.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy had claimed no decision will be made on weapons exports before 'careful assessments of the law'.

He is expected to bring in a ban on offensive weapons his party claims could be linked to alleged war crimes but delayed his decision until later this summer.

However, the Mail can reveal civil servants have frozen all applications for new arms export licences pending the outcome of his review. It means firms cannot even get permission for contracts for items such as military radios or body armour until a decision is made  which could take months.

This effectively puts Israel on a par with Iran and North Korea despite being Britain's most vital ally in the Middle East which is at war with Hamas and Hezbollah.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy had claimed no decision will be made on weapons exports before 'careful assessments of the law'

Iranians burn a representation of the Israeli flag during the funeral ceremony of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday

Shadow Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell called the move 'bizarre' given Iran is believed to be on the verge of launching an attack against Israel.

He said: 'Our close ally Israel is under direct threat from Hezbollah, who murdered 12 children in a missile attack last weekend. Just recently British arms and military personnel were deployed to protect Israel from a direct assault by Iran'

Colonel Richard Kemp, former commander of UK forces in Afghanistan, said it was a 'secret arms embargo', adding: 'It is disgraceful Labour have said they're doing one thing, reviewing the situation, and at the same time imposing what is effectively an arms embargo on Israel.'

The policy does not affect weapons being exported under deals already signed off.

But defence trade body representatives have been told no new requests for licences will proceed until a decision is made by the Government.

A source said: 'It means any new licence requests are put into Room 101 indefinitely.

'For years the Labour Left have sought to halt all arms exports to Israel, and now they have the levers of power it seems it's the first thing they have done.'

Shadow Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell (pictured with David Lammy) called the move 'bizarre' given Iran is believed to be on the verge of launching an attack against Israel

Colonel Richard Kemp, former commander of UK forces in Afghanistan, said it was a 'secret arms embargo'

The latest revelation risks overshadowing Defence Secretary John Healey's first visit to Israel.

He arrived in Tel Aviv yesterday to meet his counterpart Yoav Gallant and 'discussed the important defence ties between Israel and the UK'.

But news that fresh export licences have been frozen is likely to provoke fury in Israel.

The Government said: 'It is vital we uphold both our domestic and international legal obligations when it comes to arms exports.

'We are reviewing the advice available and will come to a considered decision.'
A defiant Scouse pensioner took to the streets of Liverpool to defend a mosque from 'far-right protesters' amid another night of rioting in Britain.

Pat, 71, was part of the counter-protest that gathered on West Derby Road on Friday evening to oppose a planned demonstration outside the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque.

The grandmother from Toxteth, Liverpool was carrying a 'Nans against Nazis sign'.

Dozens of police officers were forced to separate the two protests that gathered on either side of the road this evening.

The scenes come as as Britain descended into another night of rioting on Friday evening with a police station set ablaze in Sunderland.

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson gloated 'you should have listened, Kier' as far-right rioters ransacked the city in the north east.

The protests follow disorder earlier in the week in Hartlepool and London in response to the tragic stabbings in Southport where three young girls were stabbed to death.

Pat, 71, was part of the counter-protest that gathered on West Derby Road on Friday evening to oppose a planned demonstration outside the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque

Police officers stand guard between protesters defending the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque in Liverpool on August 3, 2024 against the 'Enough is Enough' demonstration

Pat, 71, from Toxteth, was one of hundreds of counter-protesters who gathered on West Derby Road on Friday evening to oppose a planned far-right protest

Police officers stand guard outside a mosque during a protest in Liverpool

Pat, 71, from Toxteth, was one of hundreds of counter-protesters who gathered on West Derby Road on Friday evening

Pat said she had come down to the counter-protest to 'support the mosque' if far-right protesters turn up.

She added: 'I've been doing this for years. It started with coming out against the National Front in the 1970s. We've got to show them we're not afraid.

'I've been told to stop coming to things like this but I won't stop now. These people are just vicious thugs; there's nothing political in what they're doing.'

In a statement issued on Friday, Merseyside Police said it was 'aware of online speculation' surrounding future protests in Merseyside following the violent scenes in Southport on Tuesday.

Jeanette and Emma were also at the counter protest. Emma said: 'I'm very angry that the far right exploited the tragedy in Southport. They don't represent the views of Liverpool.'

Jeanette added: 'Our hearts go out to the victims. We're here to say we're not divided. We're not scapegoating people of colour.

'We're saying no so we can have safety on our streets. Coming here is about unity and saying no to racism. We won't put up with it in Liverpool.'

In Sunderland on Friday a fresh wave of violent mayhem erupted - with thugs smashing cars and clashing with riot police after surrounding a mosque and hurling bricks at cops.

Flames were seen engulfing the central police office on Waterloo Place as rioters were seen overturning tables and furniture inside.

Rioters overturned a car before setting it alight in Sunderland town centre, while other yobs sprayed fire extinguisher foam on armed police officers.

Dozens of police separate counter-protesters from the far right demonstrators in Liverpool

A police officer speaks to a group of protesters who gathered for the 'Enough is Enough' demonstration

Pat holds her placard as protesters defend a mosque in Liverpool

Police officers stand guard as people take part in a protest outside a mosque in Liverpool

Thugs were also seen spraying cans of beer all over a police vehicle in the town centre, while shouting 'let's have it' and 'it's our country'. Another police car was seen with its window smashed.

Others were seen waving union flags and chanting support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson, amid concerns that extremist groups are looking to trigger a fresh wave of violence.

Officers with shields were seen protecting the Sunderland's Millfield Mosque as a large mob surrounded the place of worship.

In an update on the disorder, Northumbria Police said: 'Our officers are continuing to deal with ongoing disorder and have been subjected to serious violence.

'The scenes that we are seeing are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

'Ensuring the public's safety is our utmost priority.'

Protesters from a group called Youth Alliance were seen holding a union jack banner with the words 'Stop mass immigration. Save British Youth. How many more British need to die?'

Yobs were also seen throwing bricks at police on horses.

Another crowd was filmed surrounding and attacking a private hire taxi in the town centre.

Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson said he was 'appalled' by disorder in the city centre on Friday night.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: 'Our city is not represented by a tiny minority causing trouble.

Protesters spray fire extinguishers at riot police officers during scenes of unrest in Sunderland this evening

Scenes of unrest as protesters gather in Sunderland this evening

Firefighters tackle the blaze at the police facility on Waterloo Place

Police officers form a wall across a road as protests erupted in Sunderland on Friday night

Huge flames erupting from Sunderland's Central Police Station after it was attacked by thugs on Friday night

Firefighters tackle damage from the blaze following violence in Sunderland

Firefighters and police outside Sunderland Central Police Office in the aftermath of the attack

Riots have ignited in Sunderland in the aftermath of the stabbing in Southport. Pictured: An overturned car on fire

Firefighters in Sunderland cordon off roads while they tackle the inferno set by rioters on the city's police station

'(Northumbria Police) have my full support as they respond to criminal thuggery and work to protect all the communities of our city.

'Tomorrow the people of Sunderland will come together and continue to build the bright future that we have - a future where every community of our city feels safe and prospers.'

The action is the latest following the stabbing in Southport in which three young children were killed and eight others suffered knife wounds.

Violence erupted after a remembrance vigil for Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, on Tuesday thugs travelled into the seaside town and centred a riot around the local mosque - whose windows were smashed in a brutal attack.

It comes after false online speculation that the three little girls killed in the knife rampage at a Taylor Swift holiday camp died at the hands of an asylum seeker who had travelled to the UK on a boat. The claims are thought to have originated from a Russia-linked fake news outlet.
Even seasoned observers of geopolitics were taken by surprise.

But behind the scenes, months of nail-bitingly tense negotiations, near misses and fraught moral compromises had been playing out in the run-up to the largest East-West prisoner swap for decades.

Not since the Cold War, when secret agents and political prisoners would be routinely exchanged on Berlins Bridge of Spies, have so many captives been traded.

The remarkably complex deal, which saw 24 inmates freed from prisons in seven countries, had previously collapsed and was in doubt until just before it was sealed. Among those released were two captives holding British citizenship, eight Russian agents, four Americans, five Germans and five Russian anti-Putin activists.

In the twilight hours of his presidency, embattled Joe Biden played the pacifier as Western officials bickered over terms.

U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was released from detention in Russia, waves upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US on Thursday

U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greet Evan Gershkovich, who was released from detention in Russia, upon his arrival to the US on Thursday

Gershkovich is embraced by his mother Ella Milman, upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US on Thursday

In particular, the Germans were reluctant to release Kremlin assassin Vadim Krasikov  who shot dead a Chechen exile in Berlin five years ago  reportedly fearing any swap would become business model for Russia.

But in hush-hush meetings on the fringes of other diplomatic gatherings, President Biden eventually convinced Chancellor Olaf Scholz to agree to it.

According to analysts, this was the moral compromise  and it could prove to have lasting implications.

Because if Vladimir Putin was previously unsure about whether he could recover valued henchmen, he no longer harbours any doubts on that score.

It was a backstairs deal, if ever there was one. Due to Russias illegal invasion and occupation of Ukraine, East-West relations are at their worst for decades.

Yet as this exchanged proved, spymasters in London, Washington and Moscow are still talking to each other.

Throughout the negotiations, shadowy officials set up a special channel to discuss the various prisoner proposals.

The exchange took place in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Thursday. The country has previously acted as a mediator for prisoner exchanges between Russia and the West

A Russian Tupolev Tu-204-300 aircraft prepares to land at Ankara Esenboga Airport in Ankara amid the exchange

Former US marine Paul Whelan has also been released as part of the major prisoner swap

Radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who was arrested in October last year and charged with failing to register as a foreign agent, has also been released

President Biden shared this photo shortly after the release with the caption: 'After enduring unimaginable suffering and uncertainty, the Americans detained in Russia are safe, free, and have begun their journeys back into the arms of their families'

Among the detainees discussed was former US Marine Paul Whelan, a citizen of four countries, including Britain.

He had been visiting Moscow to attend a wedding in December 2018 when he was arrested by balaclava-wearing Kremlin hoods who accused him of espionage.

Mr Whelan spent 2,043 days in custody, singing national anthems to raise his spirits and was known to joke that the Russians thought they had arrested James Bond when actually they had detained Mr Bean.

His ordeal finally ended at a quarter to midnight local time when a plane carrying him, Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich and others landed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

Mr Whelan was the first to be greeted by Mr Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris. He saluted before shaking their hands.

Months earlier it looked as if the deal had collapsed following the death of Putin critic and political rival Alexei Navalny, who perished in a Russian prison cell in February.

Alsu Kurmasheva, second from left, is greeted by family members after she arrived at Kelly Field after she was released by Russia

Former prisoners released by Russia including Evan Gershkovich, former US marine Paul Whelan and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva pose after landing at Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Field, Texas, on August 2

Previously, Germany had been willing to trade Krasikov to secure Mr Navalnys safety. But when he died, many observers thought the exchange would expire with him.

Work to resuscitate the deal began immediately after his death at the Munich security conference  and continued even as Mr Biden undertook his disastrous TV debate against Donald Trump.

On July 19, a Russian court found Mr Gershkovich guilty of spying and sentenced him to 16 years in a top-security detention centre. To the outside world, it had all the appearances of a devastating blow to the journalist.

But those really in the know suspected otherwise. Prior to prisoner swaps, the Moscow authorities traditionally sentence to crushingly long prison terms those they are actually soon to release.

Mr Gershkovich and the others received pardons yesterday as they finally tasted freedom.
After more than 65 years of service to the country, Prince Philip stepped down from royal duties seven years ago today.

In a stoic last act, the then 96-year-old tipped his bowler hat, waved to the crowds and walked away as For He's a Jolly Good Fellow was played by the band of the Royal Marines.

As Captain General of the elite Navy regiment, the late Duke of Edinburgh attended a parade at Buckingham Palace to mark the final of the 1664 Global Challenge, which raises money for charity.

Looking at the group of marines he made them laugh with the characteristically mischievous quip: 'You all should be locked up.'

It was a fitting way to end his decades of dedicated work as both the husband of Queen Elizabeth II and as a Royal Navy sailor before that.

When he died on April 9, 2021 aged 99, the outpouring of grief reflected his beloved status both among family members and in the eyes of millions across the world.

Prince Philip pictured bowing out after his final engagement, August 2, 2017. As Captain General of the elite Navy regiment, the late Duke of Edinburgh attended a parade at Buckingham Palace to mark the final of the 1664 Global Challenge, which raises money for charity

The Duke pictured with Queen Elizabeth on his last official duty with his wife on July 12, 2017. He joined her as she welcomed the King and Queen of Spain at a ceremony on Horseguards Parade

Philip is said to have made made the decision to retire because he feared becoming increasingly frail in public.

His life-long friend and relative, Lady Myra Butter, who died in 2022, told the Mail: 'He always used to say, quite openly, "I'm past my sell-by date"'.

The end of his career was announced in a statement by Buckingham Palace in May 2017.

It read: 'The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year.

'In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen.

'The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements'.

On the day of the announcement, Philip was attending an engagement at St James' Palace.

When a guest told him how sorry he was to hear he was standing down, Philip joked: 'Well I can't stand up for much longer.'

Before the official announcement, Philip said to celebrity cook Prue Leith, 'I'm discovering what it's like to be on your last legs'.

During his final Trooping the Colour, on June 17, 2017, Philip was pictured smiling with Catherine, then the Duchess of Cambridge

Prince Philip outside Buckingham Palace during his final engagement, August 2, 2017

The Duke, who was the Captain General of the Royal Marines, cheekily said to a group of troops, 'You should all be locked up'

Philip pictured talking to marines during his final engagement in 2017

By the time he stepped down, he had carried out around 22,220 solo engagements, gone on 637 foreign trips and given 5,493 speeches since 1947.

Known for his no-nonsense approach, he was the longest-serving consort in British history and also the oldest serving partner of a reigning monarch.

Philip ended his active naval career in July 1951 and then started to focus on his work in supporting the Queen following her accession to the throne in 1952.

He thus became defined by his relationship with the Queen, and the devoted support he gave her throughout her reign.

The Duke was a constant companion to the Queen on engagements, state visits and in private.

His devotion never went unnoticed and in a touching but rare personal tribute during a speech to mark the couple's 50th wedding anniversary in 1997, the Queen described Philip as her 'strength and stay'.

Recalling the pair's five decades serving the country together, she said: 'I have done my best, with Prince Philip's constant love and help.

'He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.'

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip pictured together on their wedding day in 1947

Prince Philip and the Queen pictured together before they were married, at the wedding of Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting in 1946

Prince Philip was associated with 992 organisations over his decades-long career and The Duke of Edinburgh Award, which he founded in 1956, proved to be perhaps his greatest legacy.

It now operates in more than 140 countries.

After his retirement, Philip lived at Wood Farm, the cottage on the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

According to the Daily Mail, Philip 'loved' his time there, as he spent his time reading, painting watercolours, writing letters and having friends to stay.

When the Coronavirus pandemic struck, he moved back to Windsor to be with the Queen.

But he was able to return to his beloved Wood Farm once again and even spent three weeks there with the Queen in the summer of 2020.

He died at Windsor just days after a final stay in hospital.
He amassed a 9.5billion fortune and acquired trophy properties in London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Shanghai, dropping in on them by private jet  a Gulfstream G550, which comes, when new, with a 48million price tag.





He also found time to glad hand Princes William and Harry when they played in the charity polo tournament he sponsored at Beaufort Polo Club.





But now the entire empire of property mogul Pan Sutong  including Asia's tallest building, a 117-storey tower standing 1,957ft or twice the height of The Shard in London  is imploding, amid a slew of legal battles, prompting distress about the ease with which Sutong, 61, was able to ingratiate himself with the royal princes.

'We were all shocked that he was allowed anywhere near the royals,' a polo aficionado tells me, explaining that many in the sport had longstanding doubts about the brash billionaire.

'We didn't want anything to do with him because he seemed like a questionable character,' adds the insider, whose misgivings appeared justified.

Alarm: Sources are uneasy about the ease with which property mogul Pan Sutong, 61, was able to ingratiate himself with Prince William and Prince Harry

Rise and fall: Pan Sutong amassed a 9.5billion fortune and acquired trophy properties in London, Los Angeles , Hong Kong and Shanghai, dropping in on them by private jet  a Gulfstream G550, which comes with a 48million price tag - but now his empire is imploding

In 2005, the Hong Kong authorities found that the owners of nearly a third of the shares in Sutong's company, Goldin Financial, could not be identified.

Sutong, who owned 70 per cent of the company, calmly said that he had no idea who they were.

In another rare interview, Sutong, who'd shelled out 10million for three vineyards in Bordeaux and 39million for a prized winery in California's Napa Valley, radiated unassailable confidence.

'In line with our group's motto, "Go Beyond", I like the idea of reaching for something that might look unreachable,' he explained.

By then, he'd reached William and Harry, courtesy of his sponsorship at Beaufort Polo Club, just over a mile from Highgrove, King Charles's Gloucestershire retreat.

Troubled: Pan Sutong's company Goldin Financial has been laid to rest  de-listed from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after liquidators were called in

The club was where William had received expert polo instruction from Claire Tomlinson, one of the world's greatest players. He was among the mourners at her funeral in 2022.

Since then, Goldin Financial has also been laid to rest  de-listed from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after liquidators were called in.

Sutong's monumental tower stands empty and unlikely ever to be finished  arguably the most eloquent commentary on his affairs.

'There's no question that he milked his royal connections,' muses my polo informant. 'It's disgraceful that he was given the opportunity to do so.'
A Texas middle school has banned head-to-toe black clothing as students are poised to return to the classroom in the coming days.

Leaders at the El Paso school claim they made the decision because dressing in all black is associated with depression and mental health.

However, parents are already pushing back and claiming the school is misdirected.

The new dress code at Charles Middle School was unveiled to parents, in a letter informing them of the guidelines effective on Monday, the first day of school.

'We are also eliminating a look that has taken over on campus with students wearing black tops with black bottoms, which has become more associated with depression and mental health issues and/or criminality than with happy and healthy kids ready to learn,' Principal Nicholas DeSantis announced, according to the local Fox station.

He added that the decision had been made by parents, teachers and community stakeholders.

Norma De La Rosa, the president of El Paso Teachers Association explained black garments would still be allowed, so long as the student didn't wore other colors as well.

'What they are not allowing for students to wear clothing that is black from top to bottom,' De La Rosa told the local station.

'They can wear black shorts to go to PE. And they can wear it on free dress day, but they just cannot wear it from top to bottom.'

It's unclear whether the school was targeting a specific type of group, such as emo kids, who are known to dress in all black and even sport black make-up or following the lead of many school nationwide who have banned all-black due to its affiliation with school shooters.

Columbine Shooters Eric Harris, Left, And Dylan Klebold Appear On A Surveillance Tape In The Cafeteria At Columbine High Schoolin 1999

Charles Middle School banned head-to-toe black clothing in its new dress code

After the 1999 Columbine mass shooting in Colorado, lead by two students who were known to dress in black and wear trench coats every day, schools across the country banned all-black dressing, according to the Atlantic.

The school also prohibited sweatshirts with hoods and pockets in order to eliminate 'opportunities for students to hide, use, and distribute items that they should not have in school.'

However, criticism for the dress code was harsh.

'Wow, this middle school cured depression in adolescents. Cheers to them,' quipped @pjcastellanos on a local social media Instagram account.

'You can be depressed in a pink of rainbow outfit,' added @arelyhepburn.

Another told of how dressing in all-black in his youth actually helped him.

'As an elder emo I wore black to make me feel comfortable and it helped me with mental illness,' @notyourbaaby shared.

Rosas responded to the backlash by acknowledging banning a color wasn't going to cure mental illness, but encouraged parents to familiarize themselves with the new dress code.
Cybercriminals could cripple the US by targeting just 10 critical components in an electrical network, experts have revealed.

The attack would begin with 'a series of cascading failures,' first shutting down essential service providers, like 911 call centers and healthcare providers, and then spreading to critical infrastructure.

Americans would lose access to energy, water, financial services, public transportation and cell phone networks, resulting in severe ramifications.

Morgan Wright, a former senior advisor in antiterrorism at the US State Department, told DailyMail.com that 'civil unrest' and a 'breakdown in the social order' would soon follow.

Cybercriminals could cripple the US by targeting just 10 critical components in an electrical network, experts have revealed

The world had a taste of what a cyberattack could do when a flawed update was issued by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike last month, causing 8.5 million Windows computers to malfunction.

The misstep impacted airlines, banks, supermarkets, TV stations, and many other industries worldwide.

Microsoft experienced a second outage on Tuesday, which impacted many of its services and companies that use its tech for about 10 hours.

The tech giant later admitted that its services were taken down by a Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attack that was 'amplified' by an error in the company's cyber defenses.

Eric O'Neill, a former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative, told DailyMail.com that foreign spies have spent over a decade looking for security holes in infrastructure to leverage for conducting catastrophic cyber attacks.

They have already found ways to disrupt America's fuel, power, water, communications, and education systems as they look to exploit our reliance on these essential resources, he continued.

An attack of this kind would have dire consequences for US citizens, such as even killing Americans on their soil, warned Nicholas Reese, a cyber expert and adjunct instructor at the Center for Global Affairs at New York University.

The attack would begin with 'a series of cascading failures,' first shutting down essential service providers, like 911 call centers and healthcare providers

Hospitals would see a disruption in intensive care units and operating rooms, causing medical equipment to falter and patient deaths

He explained that a cyberattack on 911 call centers would deprive patients of urgent medical care.

Meanwhile, hospitals would see a disruption in intensive care units and operating rooms, causing medical equipment to falter and patient deaths.

'Deliberate large-scale attacks on critical infrastructure would not be executed with the goal of inconvenience,' Reese said.

'They would be executed to cause domestic turmoil as a means of power projection.'

Describing an attack on this scale as a 'significant act of aggression' against America, Reese suggested it would require a serious response from the government.

That could mean the nation is dragged into a military conflict with the perpetrator.

Cybercriminals are aware that taking control of essential resources, like energy and water, would be the way to cripple the nation, the experts said.

This was experienced in 2021 when a hacker group known as DarkSide shut down the Colonial Pipeline that supplies oil to much of the US East Coast.

The five-day disruption caused localized shortages of gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel, which led to panic-buying as consumers feared gas would run out.

'We saw a microcosm of how citizens would respond during the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack,' explained Wright.

'There was a run on gasoline because of a 'perceived' shortage of energy, not an actual one.

'The unrest only took hours to swell because of social media and incorrect reports of what actually happened.'

Cybercriminals are aware that taking control of essential resources, like energy and water, would be the way to cripple the nation, the experts said. This was experienced in 2021 when a hacker group known as DarkSide shut down the Colonial Pipeline that supplies oil to much of the US East Coast

The five-day disruption caused localized shortages of gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel, which led to panic-buying as consumers feared gas would run out. Picture shows a long line at a gas station in Georgia

In light of the Colonial Pipeline chaos, O'Neill believes that a cyberattack on US power supplies would have a similar ripple effect for all Americans.

'Without power, citizens would lose communications, air-conditioning, heat, water when we turn the tap and lights when we flick the switch,' he said.

'Business would grind to a halt, finances would be unavailable and hospitals would be unable to provide care, and so much more.'

To conduct such an attack, O'Neill said the perpetrator would likely target the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks, which help manage industrial equipment because they are easy targets due to insufficient cybersecurity and outdated software.

'The orchestrated attack would require numerous, synchronized attacks against different components of the power grid' he explained.

'But with our networked economy and supply chain, taking down just one major section of the US power grid would throw the country into chaos.'

In light of the Colonial Pipeline chaos, O'Neill believes that a cyberattack on US power supplies would have a similar ripple effect for all Americans. It would cause blackouts across the nation

A final element could be physical attacks on American power transmission and switching stations, added O'Neill.

'Attackers would only need to target nine or ten key nodes within the United States to potentially collapse the grid,' he said.

While a deliberate cyber attack launched by an enemy state or cyber-criminal group could hinder national infrastructure, an accidental IT outage or system failure would be just as damaging.

These types of outages show how a 'lack of resilience' and 'over-reliance on single sources of technology and software' can disrupt essential industries and the lives of many, explained Wright.

'Despite all of the preparedness and threat mitigation, it was an unintentional action that highlighted the weakness in all critical sectors,' he said.

Despite the grave nature of these threats, some believe that the US government isn't taking them seriously enough.

'The government could certainly do more to prepare the United States for a catastrophic attack, plan for and assess the response to such an attack, and prepare ahead of the attack by hardening our critical infrastructure,' said O'Neill.

When asked how the security of US national infrastructure can be strengthened, O'Neill said more investment and collaboration between the federal government, state officials, and industry are essential steps.

Lawmakers should also compel critical infrastructure companies and agencies to follow strict cybersecurity standards and zero-trust approaches to authenticate outside parties' identities before granting them access to their computer networks and resources, added O'Neill.

'Grants and funding can be applied by the government for the investment,' he continued. 'Key transmission points and power stations must be hardened and made resilient to attack.'

As these threats increase in scale and complexity, O'Neill said a nationwide effort is needed to ensure critical services and infrastructure are resilient enough to 'operate under pressure'.

'When a hospital is attacked, it must be able to function without the Internet. Water utilities should be manually manageable when operations centers come under attack,' he concluded.

'Power grids should be more redundant and less reliant on aged transmission paths and models. Everything from schools to grocery stores should have backup systems and the ability to disconnect from online portals and third-party applications to continue services.'
Paris Hilton doesn't appear to be running low on looks during her stylish family vacation.

The Paris in Love star, 43, modeled several bikini looks on Wednesday while yachting off the coast of Saint Tropez, before serving even more stunning resort looks on land.

'#Chasin' brings me all the summer vacation vibes,' Hilton captioned photos with her family at their waterfront stay. 'Nothing like being in paradise with my #CutesieCrew.'

She was previously photographed with her brood on a yacht, filming social media content while busting out all her summer looks.

Hilton donned a dark star-spangled string bikini as she posed for some photos with husband Carter Reum and their 1-year-old son Phoenix Barron.

Paris Hilton modeled several bikini looks on Wednesday while yachting off the coast of Saint Tropez with her family, before serving even more stunning resort looks on land

'#Chasin' brings me all the summer vacation vibes,' Hilton captioned photos with her family at their waterfront stay. 'Nothing like being in paradise with my #CutesieCrew'

The VEEV co-founder, 43, kissed his wife on the cheek in one photo while holding their son.

They also share daughter London Marilyn, 8 months, after tying the knot in November 2021.

Hilton wore the look with a Chanel bandanna around her head, dark chunky sunglasses and a clear pink crossbody bag while filming a video.

She was also photographed slipping on a sheer black robe over the swimsuit.

While running around the boat, Hilton was seen wearing a skintight leopard-print top with her bikini bottoms.

The Simple Life alum was later spotted enjoying some ice cream after changing into another bikini printed with pink hearts.

She accessorized the look with a pink bandanna and a pair of matching pink cat-eye sunglasses.

Hilton served yet another look in a ripped sheer black coverup, the pink bag and the Chanel bandanna around her neck this time.

The mother of two finished the look with a black and white trucker hat, a nod to her early aughts style.

She was previously photographed with her brood on a yacht, filming social media content while busting out all her summer looks

Hilton donned a dark star-spangled string bikini as she posed for some photos with husband Carter Reum and their 1-year-old son Phoenix Barron

The VEEV co-founder, 43, kissed his wife on the cheek in one photo while holding their son

They also share daughter London Marilyn, 8 months, after tying the knot in November 2021

Hilton wore the look with a Chanel bandanna around her head, dark chunky sunglasses and a clear pink crossbody bag while filming a video

She was also photographed slipping on a sheer black robe over the swimsuit

While running around the boat, Hilton was seen wearing a skintight leopard-print top with her bikini bottoms

The Simple Life alum was later spotted enjoying some ice cream after changing into another bikini printed with pink hearts

She accessorized the look with a pink bandanna and a pair of matching pink cat-eye sunglasses

Hilton served yet another look in a ripped sheer black coverup, the pink bag and the Chanel bandanna around her neck this time. The mother of two finished the look with a black and white trucker hat, a nod to her early aughts style

She was later seen wearing a floral pastel top with a matching pink skirt while donning a helmet and life preserver

Hilton was suited up to ride a jet-propelled surfboard in the middle of the ocean while they were anchored

She was later seen wearing a floral pastel top with a matching pink skirt while donning a helmet and life preserver.

Hilton was suited up to ride a jet-propelled surfboard in the middle of the ocean while they were anchored.

The 'Stars Are Blind' artist later shared photos from their stay on land, where she looked Golden Girls chic in a sheer turquoise floral-print robe.

She accessorized the look with a matching headband as she and Reum held their kids while posing in front of the lit-up pool at night.

For the daytime, Hilton donned a plunging flowy white dress with ruffled short sleeves and an ankle-length skirt with floral embroidery.

The House of Wax actress finished the look with a white wide-brim hat, matching sunglasses and pearl earrings.

She also wore a sheer black dress with matching heart-shaped sunglasses and a blue and white Christian Dior headband.

The 'Stars Are Blind' artist later shared photos from their stay on land, where she looked Golden Girls chic in a sheer turquoise floral-print robe

She accessorized the look with a matching headband as she and Reum held their kids while posing in front of the lit-up pool at night

For the daytime, Hilton donned a plunging flowy white dress with ruffled short sleeves and an ankle-length skirt with floral embroidery

The House of Wax actress finished the look with a white wide-brim hat, matching sunglasses and pearl earrings

She also wore a sheer black dress with matching heart-shaped sunglasses and a blue and white Christian Dior headband

Hilton shared a glimpse of Phoenix and London in the photos

Both kids had their own Barbie movie gear

Hilton shared a glimpse of Phoenix and London in the photos, both decked out in their Barbie movie gear.

Before sharing the first photos of London in April, Reum explained why they hadn't shown her face yet.

'Not quite ready to share her w the world but she's adorable and looks just like [her] mamma,' he wrote in response to an Instagram comment.

Hilton previously admitted that she hopes her kids 'won't be as addicted to social media as I am' as she appeared on a panel in March.

'I just want my children just to feel just so loved and seen and want to be that next generation of someone that brings positivity to the world and just to have big hearts and big loving,' she explained.

'That's something that's really important to me,' added Hilton.

'And also to live a world outside of social media and being on their phone all the time.'
Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted in New York this week, returning to work on her Sex And The City spin-off And Just Like That....

The 59-year-old was in France last Friday to catch the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics with her husband Matthew Broderick and their children.

Now, after lending her celebrity luster to the rain-sodden festivities, she has jetted home to get back into the Carrie Bradshaw role that made her a TV icon.

She served up a generous helping of cleavage in a summery pink dress that was cinched in to flatter her impressively lithe figure.

Leaning into her character's love of splashy shoes, she could be seen balancing expertly on a towering pair of strappy leather heels.

Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted in New York this week, returning to work on her Sex And The City spin-off And Just Like That ....

The ensemble was garnished with a print jacket and what appeared to be a string of pearls, plus a trendily chunky brown handbag.

Sarah flashed her unmistakably sprightly smile as she leaned on the railing of a Manhattan stoop - an standard Carrie Bradshaw hangout.

In between takes, she could be spotted cooling herself down in the summer heat with a swig of seltzer water, as a crew member held a fan up to her.

Less than one week earlier, she was spotted in Paris braving a torrential downpour to watch the outdoor opening ceremony of the Olympics.

She and her longtime husband, The Lion King star Matthew Broderick, brought along their son James, 21, and their twin daughters Tabitha and Marion, 15.

James uploaded an Insta Stories photo that showed his mother mingling with none other than Tom Cruise, who was among a cavalcade of celebrities in attendance.

Positioned on the banks of the Seine, they all took in a rollercoaster spectacle of wacky performances that have proven to be sharply polarizing.

Lady Gaga divided opinion with her rendition of Mon truc en plumes (My Thing In Feathers), a racy song popularized by the late cabaret diva Zizi Jeanmaire.

The 59-year-old was in France last Friday to catch the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics with her husband Matthew Broderick and their children

She served up a generous helping of cleavage in a summery pink dress that was cinched in to flatter her impressively lithe figure

Leaning into her character's love of splashy shoes, she could be seen balancing expertly on a towering pair of strappy leather heels

Sarah flashed her unmistakably sprightly smile as she leaned on the railing of a Manhattan stoop - an standard Carrie Bradshaw hangout

In between takes, she could be spotted cooling herself down in the summer heat with a swig of seltzer water, as a crew member held a fan up to her

She and her longtime husband, The Lion King star Matthew Broderick, brought along their son James, 21, and their twin daughters Tabitha and Marion, 15, to the Paris Olympics

James uploaded an Insta Stories photo that showed his mother mingling with none other than Tom Cruise, who was among a cavalcade of celebrities in attendance

While some viewers praised Gaga for having the courage to sing in another language, others criticized her lackluster pronunciation.

However. Celine Dion earned widespread acclaim for her thunderous comeback performance in front of the Eiffel Tower at the end of the ceremony.

She emotionally belted out the ballad Hymne a lamour (Hymn to Love), made famous by Edith Piaf, the legendary queen of the French chanson.

The moment marked Celine's first live performance in four years, after she withdrew from the spotlight amid her grueling battle with stiff person syndrome.

Days before she whisked her family off to Paris for the Olympics, Sarah Jessica was spotted filming And Just Like That... with John Corbett.

John features as Carrie's rekindled love interest Aidan Shaw, who had a tumultuous on-off romance with her on the original Sex And The City series, buffeted by her illicit affair with Mr. Big (Chris Noth).
Comedian Jared Fried, known for his wildly popular YouTube recaps of The Bachelor, doubts he will ever be chosen to appear on the show himself.

The funnyman said he didn't think he has the right look for ABC's dating program during his recent appearance on the RentFree game show by Bilt Rewards with Bilt's CEO Ankur Jain.

When asked by Jain if he would participate in the famed reality series, Fried replied, 'I would do it, but I'm too fat to be on The Bachelor. But I do think there's room for a "normal" Bachelor.'

He continued: 'I actually want be the Bachelor because I want to get my mom involved, but I want to see [the contestants} deal with my mom.'

Fried went on to outline his amusing plan for the first group date, where the women would serve his mom coffee while working at Starbucks. The twist: his mom's distinctive and quirky coffee order.

Comedian Jared Fried, known for his wildly popular YouTube recaps of The Bachelor , doubts he will ever be chosen to appear on the show himself

The funnyman said he didn't think he has the right look for ABC's dating program during his recent appearance on the RentFree game show by Bilt Rewards with Bilt's CEO Ankur Jain

'Now you might think this is an easy thing, but you've never seen my mom order coffee,' Fried joked to Jain.

'She'll walk in and be like "I'll have a tall foamy thing, espresso nut two scoop,"... and she'll look at them in the face like that's a normal order.

'And then we'll see how patient these women are with this woman.'

Despite his slim chances of becoming the next Bachelor, Fried has garnered a loyal following by humorously dissecting each episode of the show.

His Rose Rehash series is quite the smash, with thousands of views on YouTube, as he waxes on about all things Bachelor, Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise.

Meanwhile, Jain has grown Bilt Rewards to a valuation of $3.25 billion since its launch in June 2021, according to Bloomberg.

The venture is 'the first loyalty program that allows you to earn points on rent.'

Before founding Bilt, Jain was the CEO and founder of Kairos, a venture studio dedicated to nurturing young entrepreneurs.

When asked by Jain if he would participate in the famed reality series, Fried replied, 'I would do it, but I'm too fat to be on The Bachelor . But I do think there's room for a "normal" Bachelor.'

He continued: 'I actually want be the Bachelor because I want to get my mom involved, but I want to see [the contestants} deal with my mom'

On May 10, 2024, ABC renewed The Bachelor for a twenty-ninth season. The star is yet to be announced

Under his leadership, Kairos helped its partner companies achieve a combined valuation of over $6.5 billion, addressing challenges ranging from housing to healthcare.

Before stepping into his role at Kairos in May 2017, Jain was Tinder's Chief Product Officer.

He came to Tinder after the company acquired his startup, Humin, where he served as Founder and CEO.

On May 10, 2024, ABC renewed The Bachelor for a twenty-ninth season. The star is yet to be announced.
Hugh Jackman has been left heartbroken after an influential figure from his childhood died this week.

The Hollywood star, 55, took to Instagram to share that his former high school music teacher Brian Buggy passed away at the age of 83 on Tuesday.

Alongside a precious photo of Mr Buggy hard at work leading an orchestra, Hugh shared his devastation as he paid tribute to the influential teacher.

He told how Mr Buggy first fostered his love of music, which he has taken into his career, showcasing his singing talents in Les Miserables and The Greatest Showman.

'I want to pay tribute to Brian, OAM,' Hugh penned in a touching message.

'He was in charge of music at Knox High School. He taught me, and literally thousands of students across the years, a deep love and joy for music.'

'That love has stayed with me all my life. His lessons were filled with humour and he effortlessly held a room in the palm of his hand.

'To Brian's family, I send my deepest condolences, immense respect and unending gratitude.'

Hugh Jackman (pictured) has been left heartbroken after influential figure from the Hollywood star's childhood died this week

The Wolverine star, 55, shared a post to Instagram revealing that his old high school music teacher Brian Buggy passed away on Tuesday at age 83

Hugh was born and raised in Sydney and attended Pymble Public School before developing his love of music and acting at Knox Grammar School.

Mr Buggy, who was born in Brisbane in 1939, worked as Knox Grammar School's Director of Music for over three decades, from 1975 until 2007.

During his time, he helped mentor a variety of youth orchestras to achieve their musical goals.

Mr Buggy was also the Musical Director of a variety of popular musicals when they played in Australia throughout his celebrated career, including Fiddler on the Roof and My Fair Lady.

In 2007, he became the conductor of the Sydney Youth Orchestra Philharmonic.

Sydney Youth Orchestras also paid tribute to Mr Buggy in a heartfelt statement.

The group shared: 'SYO was blessed to have Brian lead the SYO Philharmonic for 14 years, becoming our first Conductor Emeritus in 2021.

'Brian will be remembered for his generosity, wit, vast musical knowledge, and passion for teaching, along with a love of a good piece of cake and a chat.'

Mr Buggy was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1998 for his long-standing services to music.
Selena Gomez' kidney donor Francia Raisa led a cavalcade of stars on the red carpet of the Miss Teen USA pageant in Los Angeles this week.

Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay and current Miss USA titleholder Savannah Gankiewicz were also among the luminaries who lent their luster to the event.

Savannah is Miss USA at the moment because the previous winner, Noelia Voigt, announced her shock resignation in May citing mental health concerns.

The latest Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, 17, also relinquished her title two days later, amid rumors about a 'toxic atmosphere' at the organization.

However the Miss Teen USA extravaganza proceeded apace on Thursday, with showbiz figures galore parading across the red carpet.

Selena Gomez ' kidney donor Francia Raisa led a cavalcade of stars on the red carpet of the Miss Teen USA pageant in Los Angeles this week

Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay (left) and current Miss USA titleholder Savannah Gankiewicz (right) were also among the luminaries who lent their luster to the event

Francia opted for high-octane glamour, radiating retro chic in a billowy scarlet dress that went tantalizingly off the shoulder.

Her sumptuous frock featured an extravagantly long train that stretched luxuriously behind her on the red carpet, which it matched.

Wearing her dark hair down in straight, silken curtains, she accentuated the look with an opulent pair of earrings that framed her luminous complexion.

Meanwhile Rachel, who worked as a lawyer before joining Bachelor Nation, was the image of Las Vegas showgirl style in a glittery ensemble sprayed with feathers.

She opted for a silver sequined number, twirling around to reveal the outfit was backless and shooting her megawatt smile over her shoulder.

Savannah, who was the runner up for Miss USA 2023 before Noelia resigned and made her the titleholder, appeared in her pageant regalia.

The Hawaii-born model swept her hair up into an updo reminiscent of the 1960s, one that fitted perfectly into her glistening tiara.

She accentuated her impressive hourglass figure in a skintight white lace gown that fell to bare just the slightest hint of cleavage beneath her Miss USA sash.

Francia opted for high-octane glamour, radiating retro chic in a billowy scarlet dress that went tantalizingly off the shoulder

Her sumptuous frock featured an extravagantly long train that stretched luxuriously behind her on the red carpet, which it matched

Wearing her dark hair down in straight, silken curtains, she accentuated the look with an opulent pair of earrings that framed her luminous complexion

Meanwhile Rachel, who worked as a lawyer before joining Bachelor Nation, was the image of Las Vegas showgirl style in a glittery ensemble sprayed with feathers

She opted for a silver sequined number, twirling around to reveal the outfit was backless and shooting her megawatt smile over her shoulder

Savannah, who was the runner up for Miss USA 2023 before Noelia resigned and made her the titleholder, appeared in her pageant regalia

She accentuated her impressive hourglass figure in a skintight white lace gown that fell to bare just the slightest hint of cleavage beneath her Miss USA sash

Sharpening her screen siren features with makeup, she garnished the look with a medallion that complemented her silvery dress

It was Savannah who took the stage that evening to award the title of Miss Teen USA to Addie Carver, a 17-year-old from Mississippi

Sharpening her screen siren features with makeup, she garnished the look with a medallion that complemented her silvery dress.

It was Savannah who took the stage that evening to award the title of Miss Teen USA to Addie Carver, a 17-year-old from Mississippi.

Dancing With The Stars pro Rylee Arnold, 19, was also on hand at the festivities in order to serve as a judge for the preliminaries.

She showcased her willowy dancer's figure in an off-white satin gown, one with a swooping neckline that fell to expose a touch of her glittery undergarment.

The sleeveless outfit was cut to flatter her statuesque frame, and perfectly matched the small handbag she carried for the event.

Dancing With The Stars pro Rylee Arnold, 19, was also on hand at the festivities in order to serve as a judge for the preliminaries

The sleeveless outfit was cut to flatter her statuesque frame, and perfectly matched the small handbag she carried for the event

Francia, Rachel, Savannah and Rylee took a group shot with Kaleigh Garris, Alyssa Carson, Justin Sylvester, Miss USA & Teen USA CEO Laylah Rose and Shree Saini

Savannah, Kaleigh, Alyssa, Addie, Rylee, Francia, Shree and Morgan Romano all gathered onstage for a picture to remember

Teasing her blonde mane into a 1990s pinup do, she played up her features with makeup and added a touch of sparkle with earrings and bracelets.

Francia, Rachel, Savannah and Rylee took a group shot with Kaleigh Garris, Alyssa Carson, Justin Sylvester, Miss USA & Teen USA CEO Laylah Rose and Shree Saini.

The organization was thrown into controversy when the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA both sensationally resigned from their positions in May.

UmaSofia, the teen beauty queen, declared upon giving up her title that her values 'no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.'

Sources then alleged to the New York Post that the winners were contractually obligated to put on a happy face while coping with 'harmful workplace conditions.'
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick's son James Wilkie gave fans a glimpse into their family life with photos from the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 21-year-old posted a number of sweet snaps from their French adventure on Thursday, including two with his sisters, twins Tabitha Hodge and Marion Loretta, 15.

One photo features the whole family, including Matthew, 62, and Sarah, 59, as they pose in front of the Olympic stadium, with James in the middle.

Another one shows him and his sisters looking thrilled as they cheer on the women's volleyball team together.

'Pretty cool!' he captioned the post.

Sarah Jessica Parker, 59, and Matthew Broderick's, 62, son James Wilkie, 21, shared sweet photos from the Olympics in Paris with his sisters - twins Tabitha Hodge and Marion Loretta, 15

James posted a number of snaps from their French adventure, including one of the whole family in front of the Olympic stadium

'Pretty cool!' he captioned the post

The family snap saw Sarah showing off her chic sense of style in an off-white, patterned sundress that fell down towards her ankles.

She also slipped into a pair of closed-toed, black shoes and easily carried a black, cross-body purse over her shoulder.

Sarah's locks were pulled back away from her face in a sleek up do, and she sported a pair of fashionable black shades.

Broderick kept it casual in a pair of black pants as well as dark green shirt and navy, hooded sweatshirt that was left unzipped at the front.

James added a tender photo showing a sweet son and father moment, with him leaning on his famous dad in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Another photo showed a close-up of the iconic tower, located on the Champ de Mars in Paris.

There was also a snap of James rocking a black tee and camouflage pants as he took a sip of water while strolling the streets of Paris.

James also ran into American restaurateur Guy Fieri, 56, with whom he took a snap.

Another tender photo showed a sweet son and father moment, with James leaning on his dad in front of the Eiffel Tower

James also ran into American restaurateur Guy Fieri, 56, with whom he took a snap

He sported a casual cool look while taking a walk in the City of Love

There was also a snap of James rocking a black tee and camouflage pants as he took a sip of water while strolling the streets of Paris

Another photo showed a close-up of the iconic tower, located on the Champ de Mars in Paris

The family cheered on the women's volleyball team together

In July James also uploaded a snap of the Sex And The City star and her husband mingling with Tom Cruise at the Olympics.

She was seen looking over a bridge with Broderick and Cruise on each side of her seemingly ahead of the main Opening Ceremony.

She held an umbrella above her head to help keep her dry in the drizzly weather, while Matthew layered his ensemble with a clear poncho.

Cruise sported a dark navy suit and could be seen holding his arms out as he conversed with both Parker and Broderick during the festivities.

Ahead of the torch lighting, various performances took place - including Lady Gaga belting out Mon Truc En Plume by Zizi Jeanmarie on a gold staircase.

French pianist, Alexandre Kantorow, also performed a set with Celine Dion later giving a powerful performance of Hymne a L'Amour on the Eiffel Tower.

While Sarah's eldest child has been active on social media during the 2024 Paris Olympics, the actress has yet to share her own memories from the trip.

The Hocus Pocus star and her husband Matthew welcomed James in October 2002, followed by their twin daughters via surrogate in 2009.

Sarah and the Ferris Bueller's Day Off actor tied the knot in 1997.

She recently opened up about her children in April during an appearance on the Ruthie's Table 4 podcast, and explained why she doesn't limit her kids when it comes to food.

Last month James also shared an additional image that showed his mother looking over a bridge with Broderick and Tom Cruise, seemingly ahead of the opening ceremony

The Hocus Pocus star and her husband welcomed James in October 2002, followed by their twin daughters via surrogate in 2009; Matthew seen with their kids in July in New York City

Sarah and the Ferris Bueller's Day Off actor tied the knot in 1997; pictured in 2022

'When I was growing up, we weren't allowed sugar in the house, and we weren't allowed cookies, and we weren't allowed chocolate. And of course, all we did, the minute we moved out, was buy Entenmann's cakes and cookies.'

'So, in our house, we have cookies, we have cake. We have everything,' the star said. 'And I think as a result, you kind of have a healthier relationship.'

'When I had girls, I didn't want them to have a relationship with food that was antagonistic, or they felt like this was their enemy and that they were going to have to sort of, like, stake out a position with food.'

Shortly before whisking herself to Paris, Sarah has been keeping busy while filming the third season of the HBO MAX series, And Just Like That.
Sandy Bresler, the esteemed talent agent who represented Jack Nicholson for over 60 years, has died at the age of 87.

The industry veteran passed away in Santa Monica on Thursday after a brief illness, according to a statement from Bresler's family.

Bresler and the future Oscar winner, now 87, first met while both were serving in the California Air National Guard, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

He started his career as a secretary at the William Morris Agency in 1960 and began representing Nicholson the following year.

When Nicholson was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 1999 Golden Globes, he dedicated a tribute to Bresler.

Sandy Bresler, the esteemed talent agent who represented Jack Nicholson for over 60 years, has died at the age of 87

'There is only one agent who has stayed with me, guided me, tolerated my tantrums, my operatic behavior and so forth,' the Shining vet said onstage, per Variety. 'His name escapes me,' he joked, continuing, 'Sandy Bresler, my pal and comrade in arms!'

Born on January 20, 1937, Bresler was the son of Jerry Bresler, a producer known for films such as The Vikings (1958), Gidget Goes to Rome (1963), Casino Royale (1967), and an Oscar-winning short in 1943, according to the outlet.

In 1983, Bresler co-founded the boutique agency Bresler-Kelly & Associates with John Kelly.

Throughout his career, he also held positions at CMA and ICM.

In addition, he served as president of the Association of Talent Agents for over a decade while being on its board for nearly 30 years.

He was also a lifelong member of the Motion Picture Academy.

'Throughout Sandys remarkable tenure, as a friend and leader, he demonstrated unparalleled dedication and visionary leadership, guiding the association through a period of significant growth and transformation,' said Karen Stuart, ATAs Executive Director, in a statement.

'Under his stewardship, ATA expanded its reach and influence. Sandys unwavering commitment to the talent agency profession was instrumental in advancing the interests of our members and elevating the industry as a whole.

Bresler and the future Oscar winner, now 87, first met while both were serving in the California Air National Guard, according to The Hollywood Reporter; (Nicholson in 1960)

When Nicholson was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 1999 Golden Globes , he dedicated a tribute to Bresler; (seen with Best Actor Oscar for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in 1975)

Breslers clients also included actors Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid and Louise Linton; (Hirsh in 2023)

'Sandy was a mentor to many and he leaves behind a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.'

Breslers clients also included actors Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid and Louise Linton.

In 2003, he survived a sextuple bypass, per THR.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy; his son, Eric; his daughter, Jennifer; and his twin grandsons, Brandon and Jonah.
Maggie Gyllenhaal and husband Peter Sarsgaard stole the spotlight at the Coup! premiere in New York City on Thursday.

The stunning actress and director, 46, showed her support for the dashing actor, 53, by accompanying him on the red carpet for his new comedy screening at the Crosby St. Hotel.

Wearing a sheer black top that offered a glimpse of her bra, Maggie exuded charm and allure as she wrapped her arm around her partner of nearly two decades.

Peter was in high spirits, showcasing his radiant smile while sporting a casual outfit of a pink T-shirt and bomber jacket.

The superstar couple, who married in 2009, led a cavalcade of celebs at the event, including Billy Magnussen and Julia Stiles.

Maggie Gyllenhaal and husband Peter Sarsgaard stole the spotlight at the Coup! premiere in New York City on Thursday

The stunning actress and director , 46, showed her support for the dashing actor, 53, by accompanying him on the red carpet for his new comedy screening at the Crosby St. Hotel

The synopsis of Coup! reads: 'Isolated on a seaside estate, an entitled journalist (Billy Magnussen) and his socialite wife (Sarah Gadon) take in a mysterious grifter as a private cook (Peter Sarsgaard).

'When a plague descends on the island, the wily cook rouses his fellow staff to rebel and take over the mansion. Their employer suspects the cooks coup is part of a more sinister agenda, and mind games between master and servant escalate into all-out class warfare'.

The supporting cast includes Faran Tahir (Iron Man), Kristine Nielsen (The Gilded Age), and Fisher Stevens (Succession).

Writer-director team Joseph Schuman and Austin Stark (The God Committee) said in a statement: 'Coup! was a labor of love, and its been an honor to work with Peter, Billy, Sarah and the rest of our incredible cast and crew.'

Meanwhile, Peter recently revealed that he didn't know Maggie was an actress when he first fell for her.

'I met Maggie at a dinner, and I didn't even know she was an actress. I knew nothing about her, but it was instant,' he told People of their attraction to each other when they met in 2001.

'Then Secretary came out maybe six months later, and I was like, "Oh whoa. Okay. She's not like any other actress in the world,"' he added.

Sarsgaard shared that a few years into their relationship, he was offered a role in the film Jarhead, opposite Jake Gyllenhaal.

Wearing a sheer black top that offered a glimpse of her bra, Maggie exuded charm and allure as she wrapped her arm around her partner of nearly two decades

Peter was in high spirits, showcasing his radiant smile while sporting a casual outfit of a pink T-shirt and bomber jacket

Sarsgaard shared that a few years into their relationship, he was offered a role in the film Jarhead, opposite Jake Gyllenhaal

Peter and Maggie wed in 2009 and share daughters Ramona, 17, and Gloria, 12

The superstar couple, who married in 2009, led a cavalcade of celebs at the event, including Billy Magnussen (pictured) and Julia Stiles

'I think the reason I did it was because I wanted to get to know him better,' he said of his brother-in-law.

Peter and Maggie wed in 2009 and share daughters Ramona, 17, and Gloria, 12.

The pair have also worked together, including on Broadway, where Maggie directed him in The Seagull, and in The Lost Daughter.

'I love working with her,' he told the publication.

'She's a great director and I think that stems from being just a great host in general and knowing what people need. Some people need to be told where to go, other people need to be left alone, and she's amazing at sensing that.'

Julia Stiles looked adorable in her eclectic ensemble

Julia paired a lilac top with a colorful skirt

Julia posed with Austin Stark

The synopsis of Coup! reads: 'Isolated on a seaside estate, an entitled journalist (Billy Magnussen) and his socialite wife (Sarah Gadon) take in a mysterious grifter as a private cook (Peter Sarsgaard)

The supporting cast includes Faran Tahir (Iron Man), Kristine Nielsen (The Gilded Age), and Fisher Stevens (Succession)

It's been two years since Maggie's last major film project  The Lost Daughter, which she directed  and three years since she has acted in a major film role.

Despite her acting and writing hiatus, the versatile A-lister is reportedly set to direct a Bride Of Frankenstein remake next, according to Collider.

The film will make its debut on Netflix and will feature Christian Bale and Maggie's husband among the cast.

No release date has been confirmed for The Bride Of Frankenstein as of writing.
Kate Hudson bared her jaw-dropping bikini body in a smoldering new Instagram album from her 'dreamy' trip to Athens.

The 45-year-old actress enjoyed a jaunt to the Greek capital surrounded by her family, including her musician husband Danny Fujikawa.

In one heartwarming snap, Kate could be seen pulling a goofy monster pose while she and Danny splashed about in a swimming pool together.

For another picture, she showcased her impressively taut midriff and her willowy legs in her bikini as she lounged in a sauna, gleaming with sweat.

Despite being on vacation, Kate did not skip her workouts, posting a gym selfie in sheer, clinging workout gear that played up her toned physique.

Kate Hudson bared her jaw-dropping bikini body in a smoldering new Instagram album from her 'dreamy' trip to Athens

She was also accompanied by her children - her daughter Rani, five, with Danny, and her sons Ryder, 20, and Bingham, 13 from previous relationships.

Kate welcomed Ryder with her ex-husband, the Black Crows frontman Chris Robinson, and then Bingham with Matt Bellamy of Muse fame.

Her latest Instagram album from Athens included a picture of a large dinner that Kate enjoyed surrounded by family and friends by the beach at sunset.

In her caption, she spilled a few of the details of her trip and paid a special tribute to her hotel, One And Only Aesthesis in the seaside suburb Glyfada.

'Absolutely dreamy! For those who follow me you know by now how much I love Greece! I have never stayed in Athens for more than one night and @ooaesthesis new hotel is insane and the private residences were so spectacular,' she wrote.

'Got to see the Parthenon which was a bucket list for me and Rani and I had our first mother daughter spa moment which I will share a little of in another post! Thank you One and Only for a beautiful experience.'

Her summer holiday comes after Kate crossed a new professional threshold and dropped her first solo studio album Glorious in May.

Ahead of the release date, she revealed she was 'afraid' to pursue her 'first love' music before telling herself 'f*** it,' and cutting her new album.

The 45-year-old actress enjoyed a jaunt to the Greek capital surrounded by her family, including her musician husband Danny Fujikawa

Despite being on vacation, Kate did not skip her workouts, posting a gym selfie in sheer, clinging workout gear that played up her toned physique

She was also accompanied by her children - her daughter Rani, five, with Danny, and her sons Ryder, 20, and Bingham, 13 from previous relationships

Her latest Instagram album from Athens included a picture of a large dinner that Kate enjoyed surrounded by family and friends by the beach at sunset

In her caption, she spilled a few of the details of her trip and paid a special tribute to her hotel, One&Only Aesthesis in the seaside suburb Glyfada

'Absolutely dreamy! For those who follow me you know by now how much I love Greece!' the daughter of Goldie Hawn wrote for her followers

'I have never stayed in Athens for more than one night and @ooaesthesis new hotel is insane and the private residences were so spectacular,' she wrote

'Got to see the Parthenon which was a bucket list for me and Rani and I had our first mother daughter spa moment which I will share a little of in another post!' she gushed

Her summer holiday comes after Kate crossed a new professional threshold and dropped her first solo studio album Glorious in May

She first became a movie star in 2000, playing a glamorous but fragile rock groupie in the beloved Cameron Crowe film Almost Famous.

After shooting to fame as an actress, she devoted herself to Hollywood and let her musical ambitions drift into the 'back seat.'

She did get a chance to show off her vocal abilities in various acting projects, performing original songs in the movies Nine and Music.

Now she has finally released her first full album after realizing: 'If I dont do this, itll be a great regret,' she told People in a cover interview.
Ryan Reynolds has revealed the identity of the only cast member he argued with on the set of his hit new film Deadpool & Wolverine.

The movie unites two heavyweights of the superhero genre - Ryan, who plays Deadpool, and Hugh Jackman, who plays Wolverine.

Hugh in particular has been beloved by comic book fans as their big-screen Wolverine ever since he first portrayed the character in the 2000 picture X-Men.

Wolverine and Deadpool have a prickly comic rapport onscreen - and now Ryan has revealed he also locked horns with one of his co-stars in real life.

In fact, the actress in question is someone Ryan shares a close personal bond with, he confessed in a new post on his Instagram page.

Ryan Reynolds has revealed the identity of the only cast member he argued with on the set of his new film Deadpool & Wolverine; pictured last week

The castmate who clashed with Ryan was his seven-year-old daughter Inez, whom he shares with his wife Blake Lively, he heartwarmingly revealed.

Ryan and Blake have been married since 2012 and now share four children - daughters James, nine, Inez, and Betty, four, and son Olin, five months.

Blake makes an appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine as a character called Ladypool, with Inez also landing a surprise cameo as Kidpool.

Firing up his Instagram page this Thursday, Ryan posted a sweet snap of him and Inez in their costumes on set, clearly locked in conversation.

Ryan had dropped to his knees and was looking intently at Inez while gesturing outwards, and Inez aimed her focus right back at him.

'Only costar I argued with. Most people think Kidpool is the dirtiest. But shes also pretty good at backtalk and never taking out the trash,' he joked.

Deadpool & Wolverine bowed in theaters last Friday and crossed $200 million domestically its first weekend, earning the biggest-ever opening for an R-rated film.

Ryan and Blake welcomed their new baby in February of this year, but waited until last month to announce that they had chosen the name Olin.

The castmate who clashed with Ryan was his seven-year-old daughter Inez, who plays a character called Kidpool in an adorable cameo

The hit new film unites two heavyweights of the superhero genre - Ryan, who plays Deadpool, and Hugh Jackman, who plays Wolverine

Ryan and Blake Lively have been married since 2012 and are pictured in 2015 with the two older of their four children - their daughters James, nine, and Inez, seven

Ryan and Blake are pictured last week at the New York premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine, which just earned the biggest-ever opening for an R-rated movie

The Hollywood couple were mocked on social media for the 'weird' selection - a Nordic name that refers to the heir to an ancestor.

Then this past Friday, on the day that Deadpool & Wolverine was released in theaters, Ryan starred in a promotional video for the film and disclosed his baby is a boy.

He dropped the bombshell during a heartbreaking conversation with a man called Josh Bell, whose late son Jake was a fan of Deadpool.

'I want to share with you that I too have a son, and if I love him one tenth as much as you love Jake, I feel like Ive done a pretty damn good job,' said Ryan.
Victoria Silvstedt was a vision in red on Thursday evening as she attended the Remus Lifestyle Night in Mallorca, Spain.

The model, 49, put on a busty display in an embellished scarlet gown which allowed her to showcase her stunning physique.

The glitzy number featured a tiered skirt and a sequinned belt that cinched in her waist, while Victoria accessorised her look with a matching red fan.

The Swedish stunner finished off her ensemble with silver drop earrings and styled her blonde locks in tumbling waves for the occasion.

Ever the head turner, the actress happily posed up a storm by the pool before stopping posing for a leggy snap with German model Annika Gassner.

Victoria Silvstedt was a vision in red on Thursday evening as she attended the Remus Lifestyle Night in Mallorca, Spain

The model, 49, put on a busty display in an embellished scarlet gown which allowed her to showcase her stunning physique

Victoria then took the opportunity to smile for a photo with host Marcel Remus, with the real estate agent donning all black at his annual star-studded event.

Just last month, Victoria topped up her radiant tan as she stepped out in St Tropez during a sun-soaked getaway.

The beauty was seen looking as she as ever in a floral bra top teamed a mini crochet skirt and brown Hermes sandals.

To complete the look, Victoria further accessorised with a hat, ombre shades, and a cluster of bracelets.

Victoria first came to global attention after being chosen to represent her country in the Miss World pageant in 1993.

After her pageant days, the Scandinavian stunner was spotted by Hugh Hefner and went on to become a Playboy Playmate.

Since then, she has modelled for some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses, including Chanel, Dior and Valentino.

But despite the glamorous appearance of her lifestyle as a young model, she has revealed there was a dark side.

The glitzy number featured a tiered skirt and a sequinned belt that cinched in her waist, while Victoria accessorised her look with a matching red fan

The Swedish stunner finished off her ensemble with silver drop earrings and styled her blonde locks in tumbling waves for the occasion

The star was a vision in a her head-turning red gown

Ever the head turner, the actress happily posed up a storm by the pool before stopping posing for a leggy snap with German model Annika Gassner

The models looked gorgeous as they pouted and posed for pictures

Victoria then took the opportunity to smile for a photo with host Marcel Remus, with the real estate agent donning all black at his annual star-studded event

Speaking to Female First, Victoria said: 'I started very young to model in Paris when I was 18, I remember like starving myself to fit into the clothes.'

'It was an amazing experience but you know I did shows for Valentino, Chanel, so it was really prestigious.'

'But it never felt like it was my thing, I'm not like a runway skinny model, I'm more curvy. It was torture, I put myself through starvation, you know torturing myself.'

'To be a young girl as well, you cannot take criticism, everything that you hear is like "no no no" and then I went to Playboy and I could be bigger!'
Deborra-Lee Furness appears to be enjoying single life after her recent split from husband Hugh Jackman.

The 68-year-old actress joined a group of A-listers for a swanky party in the Hamptons, near New York, a holiday destination known to attract America's elite.

Deborra-Lee was spotted looking relaxed as she moved amongst the guests at the upscale affair, which was hosted by luxury designer Brunello Cucinelli and the Wolffer Estate winery.

The beloved Australian actress dressed for the warm weather in a brown sleeveless top she paired with a pair of loose fitting white slacks and a mesh knit coal cardigan.

Deborra-Lee wore her blonde hair in a short cut and accessorised with a pair of designer sunglasses and a set of gold and pearl earrings.

She also wore an enamelled ring and a matching arm band.

The Intimate Evening in the Hamptons took place in Sagaponack, New York, 160kms from Manhattan at the Wolffer Residence, which is famed for hosting A-list do's.

It comes after Furness revealed that she is in equal parts excited and frightened about her future following her shock split from husband Hugh Jackman in September.

Deborra-Lee Furness appears to be enjoying single life after her recent split from husband Hugh Jackman. The 68-year-old actress joined a group of A-listers for a swanky party in the Hamptons, near New York, a holiday destination known to attract America's elite (pictured)

'It is kind of exciting,' the 68-year-old told Adelaide Now in January and confessed she was embracing the change in her life.

'You know what, change, transition, evolution is a little frightening and we are all a bit scared of it but I think it is probably our greatest gift' she added.

Deb returns to the screen in Force of Nature: The Dry 2, co-starring with Eric Bana in the sequel to the hit 2020 mystery film.

'I've got a few [projects] up my sleeve, I'm working on a script with Rebecca Rigg, which I want to direct and act in,' she said in an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle.

Deborra-Lee was spotted looking relaxed as she moved amongst the guests at the The Intimate Evening in the Hamptons party which was hosted by luxury designer Brunello Cucinelli and the Wolffer Estate winery in Sagaponack, New York

'And who knows there might be a reprisal from the character I play [in Force of Nature].

'Hey, maybe another sequel from a character I played many years ago in Shame,' she added.

The Australian actor, 55, and his former wife announced their shock split in September after 27 years of marriage, telling fans they separated 'to pursue our individual growth'.

'We have been blessed to share almost three decades together in a wonderful, loving marriage,' the couple said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

'Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.

'Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.

Furness revealed that she is in equal parts excited and frightened about her future following her shock split from husband Hugh Jackman in September. Pictured: Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee on the red carpet at the Met Gala in 2023

'We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition.'

The former couple signed the statement as 'Deb and Hugh Jackman,' adding: 'This is the sole statement either of us will make.'

The pair had tied the knot in 1996 after crossing paths on set of Correlli in 1995.

During the course of their marriage, they adopted two children: son Oscar, 23, and daughter Ava, 18.
By SA Commercial Prop News

An illustration of Tugela Ferry Shopping Centre exterior view in KwaZulu-Natal Image gallery



Tugela Ferry in the heart of the Masinga District of KwaZulu-Natal will become a major urban retail hub with the development of the 12,300sqm Tugela Ferry Shopping Mall located on the R33 main route with great visibility and accessibility.

When you cant buy goods and services in your own town to meet your daily needs, shopping can become a costly and complicated concern. But this will soon end for residents of KwaZulu-Natal rural town Tugela Ferry, with investment from Copper Zone Pty Ltd and the know-how of Retail Network Services.



Today, over 184,000 residents of bustling Tugela Ferry cannot bank in their own town. They have to travel at least 45kms to Greytown for banking and other basic shopping services, or to other nearby major towns of Dundee some 80kms away and Ladysmith 110kms away says Gavin Tagg of Retail Network Services. The cost of this travel hits consumers hard and eats into their valuable spending power.



The isolated, yet vibrant, Tugela Ferry is ideally situated for formal retail, says Tagg. With the development of the 12,300sqm Tugela Ferry Mall, this retail-starved community will for the first time enjoy comprehensive retail in their own town from 34 stores under one roof, including a 3,000sqm Shoprite.



Tugela Ferry is a major town in the heart of the Masinga District of the Umzinyathi District Municipality. Its on the Tugela Rivers northern bank and is a seat of the Tribal Authority Government for the area. Tugela Ferry the focus of this growing area with public facilities including a hospital, police station, the Department of Home Affairs, schools, courts and municipal offices.



Bringing retail to the doorsteps of Tugela Ferry residents, the shopping centre will be on the R33 main route through town, with great visibility and accessibility. It will feature over 300 parking bays and integrated facilities for over 30 taxis, also making it accessible to shoppers from neighbouring areas.



And retailers agree its about time they got closer to their customers in the Tugela Ferry area. Besides the large Shoprite and banks, proposed retailers for Tugela Ferry Mall will include comprehensive retail mix from convenience to fashion, food and furniture. All will be specially matched to the retail needs of the area.



Tugela Ferry Mall will go beyond bringing comprehensive convenient everyday shopping to its market. It will add quality to lives and serve as a central social hub for the community, says Tagg.



Retail Network Services, which is leasing Tugela Ferry Mall, is full-service specialist retail leasing and development company. Retail Network Services has an excellence record of successes to its name. These include Pan Africa Shopping Centre in Alexandra, Edendale Mall in Pietermaritzburg, Tsakane Mall in Springs, Protea Glen Shopping Centre and Jabulani Mall in Soweto.
After filming the pilot episode in Vancouver, the upcoming NBC series Suits: LA will film in a more fitting home: Los Angeles.

Production is about to begin on the highly-anticipated spin-off of the USA Network series Suits, which followed two high-powered New York City lawyers (Gabriel Macht and Patrick Adams).

NBC issued a series order for Suits: L.A. last month, which stars Stephen Amell as lawyer Ted Black, a former New York lawyer who has reinvented himself in Los Angeles.

Production is about to get under way in Los Angeles, according to Variety, though there is no indication when it may debut on the network.

The series will be set in the same universe as the original Suits, though it will feature all new characters and stories.

After filming the pilot episode in Vancouver, the upcoming NBC series Suits: LA will film in a more fitting home: Los Angeles; a still is seen from the pilot

Still it may be possible for former Suits stars to put in a cameo appearance here and there, though nothing is confirmed yet.

The series follows Black, who now finds himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles.

'His firm is at a crisis point and to survive he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career,' the series description reads.

'Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of characters who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they can't help but mix their personal and professional lives,' the description concludes.

The show also stars Josh McDermitt as Stuart Lane, who co-founded the L.A. firm and is described as, 'powerful and self-absorbed.'

The cast also includes Lex Scott Davis as, 'savvy and strong lawyer Erica Rollins' and Bryan Greenberg as Rick Dodsen, who is both Ted's protege and Erica's rival.

Rob Nagle and Troy Winbush also star in unspecified roles in the series, though it's unclear if more roles will be cast in the future.

NBC issued a series order for Suits: L.A. last month, which stars Stephen Amell (pictured on the series)) as lawyer Ted Black , a former New York lawyer who has reinvented himself in LA

The original Suits ran for eight seasons between 2011 and 2019 as it starred: (L-R) Patrick J. Adams, Sarah Rafferty, Gabriel Macht, Rick Hoffman and Meghan Markle who are pictured in a cast shot during the show's seventh season

Original Suits creator Aaron Korsh also created Suits: L.A. and will executive produce with Doug Liman, Dave Bartis and Gene Klein.

Victoria Mahoney directed the pilot episode and will also serve as an executive producer on the series.

The original Suits ran for eight seasons between 2011 and 2019 and also starred Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty, Rick Hoffman and Gina Torres.

While the show was a hit on the USA Network, it reached new heights when it debuted on Netflix in 2023.

The series exploded in popularity, topping the Nielsen streaming charts for a record 12 weeks in a row with over 55 billion viewer minutes in 2023 alone.
Coronation Street star Natalie Amber has revealed her disability has 'changed her for the better' as she continues to support Rob Burrows' charity.

The actress, 45, joined the ITV soap as Motor Neurone Disease sufferer Shelly Rossington last year, but her time on the cobbles was short-lived as her pal Paul Foreman (Peter Ash), who was also diagnosed with the same condition, was informed of her death.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a rare condition which affects the brain and nerves and is eventually fatal.

Symptoms, which get worse over time, include muscle weakness, twitches, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing.

Natalie learned more about the devastation the disease causes through her character's storyline, and since leaving the cobbles, she has continued to campaign to raise awareness of the condition.

Coronation Street star Natalie Amber has revealed her disability has 'changed her for the better' as she continues to support Rob Burrows' charity

The actress joined the ITV soap as Motor Neurone Disease sufferer Shelly Rossington last year, with her character passing away after befriending suffered Paul Foreman (Peter Ash)

Natalie, who played Shelly on the soap for two months, revealed to The Mirror: 'My disability has changed me for the better.'

'I've had a bigger passion in me to try to help and make change for people and after playing Shelly I wanted to do (even) more. My disability has given me much more empathy.'

When Natalie was 35, she fell on stage while performing A Midsummer Night's Dream.

A slipped disc penetrated her spinal cord and she ended up spending three years in hospital.

However, she returned to work as a disabled actress in 2017 and has previously had roles in Silent Witness, Life, ITV drama Paranoid and Netflix hit Fool Me Once.

The actress confessed to The Mirror that it was much tougher to get auditions after her accident, but even when she won roles, she sometimes experienced prejudice on set.

She recalled: 'The attitude was horrendous and the way they treated me was quite belittling, at auditions, I'd be told bluntly 'No, your character wouldn't be in a chair'.'

However, the actress claimed she decided to do an 'experiment' to receive auditions which included not mentioning that she was in a wheelchair.

Natalie learned more about the devastation the disease causes through her character's storyline, and since leaving the cobbles, she has campaigned to raise awareness

The star also admitted to The Mirror that people could often be 'unpleasant' or 'patronising' on set due to her disability, however her cast were on hand to help

She also admitted that if she phoned ahead and asked if the audition was accessible, there would be a 'deadly silence' on the other end.

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

Before her character's death in the ITV soap, she had emotional scenes with Peter Ash, 39, and Daniel Brocklebank, 44, who plays Paul's partner Billy Mayhew.

According to The Mirror, the pair went 'above and beyond' to help her, however, not everyone she encountered on a set had an open mind.

The star admitted that people could often be 'unpleasant' 'patronising' and 'impatient' and never asked if she needed any help.

Natalie's health problems began after she joined a theatre company in America in 2010.

During her time there she suffered four separate falls and continued to work through the pain, but the pain eventually became so bad that she could barely walk.

The star then revealed that she had to have a range of spinal operations over four years in an attempt to repair her ruptured disk and had to replace two discs with prosthetic ones.

She also confessed that her last operation in 2014 was not so 'straightforward' and she ended up spending three years in hospital.

According to The Mirror, Natalie now has no function in her left leg and the pain in her spine is so severe that she can't put pressure through her right leg.

She also reportedly has neuropathic bowel and bladder problems and occasionally has to use a feeding tube.

Alongside acting Natalie works as access lead for the BAFTA award-winning TripleC organisation, which strives to create more opportunities for disabled, deaf and neurodivergent performers.

She also recently organised and participated in Roll and Raise for MND, an event to raise money for the MND Association, My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and the Rob Burrow Centre.

The rugby star passed away last month at the age of 41, nearly five years after being diagnosed with the neurological condition.
Holly Willoughby appears to be struggling to become the 'new Gwyneth Paltrow'.

While the Hollywood star has enjoyed success with her company Goop, Holly's own wellness and lifestyle brand, Wylde Moon, has just 1,885 in reserves  almost three years after it was set up.

Accounts reveal that although the company has assets of 585,633, it owes creditors 583,748, meaning it is only just staying in the black.

Selling exotic candles, 'wax melts' and 'diffusers', the brand has been compared to Goop.

Holly, who used to present ITV's This Morning with Phillip Schofield, is prominent in the firm's online marketing, posing on the website.

Holly Willoughby appears to be struggling to become the 'new Gwyneth Paltrow', with her wellness and lifestyle brand, Wylde Moon having just 1,885 in reserves

While Holly's brand may not be financially flourishing, it's an improvement from accounts filed in October 2023 that showed it had a mere 149 in assets.

The 2023 micro accounts indicated that there was over 283,000 in assets but creditors are owed 310,000.

Holly launched her Goop-esque lifestyle brand in September 2021 and it currently sells candles and perfume.

The site contains beauty and style advice and a section on spirituality where readers are advised on crystals, healing and auras.

The TV presenter said that the idea to launch her own lifestyle brand came to her in 2018 when she was in Australia hosting I'm A Celebrity alongside Declan Donnelly. She said: 'I've always been fascinated with the moon, space, shooting stars and looking up.

'On holiday, I spend more time on the sun lounger at night than during the day. The moon is always there  like the sun no matter where you are in the world.'

She added: 'I'd lost a part of who I was and that rediscovery has led me here, to a whole new place of beauty and power.'

She almost launched a lifestyle website with former pal, Dragon's Den star Peter Jones, in 2018.

Hollywood star Gwyneth has enjoyed success with her company Goop (pictured at a live podcast recording of her brand in 2019)

Peter was left high and dry after Holly decided she didn't have the time to devote to their new lifestyle brand Truly  just weeks before it was to have been launched... with Holly as its face.

At the time, Holly said: 'To launch a brand needs total dedication and at the moment, with so many other commitments, this is not something I feel I can do without it starting to affect my family time at home.'

Peter and his interior designer partner Tara Capp, 48, went ahead anyway with the online shop, and it launched in 2018.

In an interview, Tara said of Holly's decision: Im not going to pretend. It was devastating. We were exceptionally close. And of course, as a business, you really feel the loss of a celebrity face.
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has reportedly doubled his fortune thanks to his huge role as the time lord.

The actor, 31, made his debut in the BBC sci-fi series earlier this year and though things might not be too peachy amid a drop in ratings, his bank balance is certainly flourishing.

Ncuti has apparently seen his earnings double to 1.9million, according to The Sun, adding to the cash he'd already raked in from former roles including his part in Netflix teen comedy Sex Education.

The publication reports that the Rwandan-Scottish TV star paid himself a handsome wage of 700,000 from the money earned through his through his company Gemini Moon.

A source told The Sun: 'Landing one of the most sought-after roles on TV was always going to help Ncutis career and earning power.

Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa is reportedly on his way to becoming a multimillionaire thanks to his huge role as the time lord (pictured in Doctor Who)

The actor, 31, made his debut in the BBC sci-fi series earlier this year and though things might not be too peachy amid a drop in ratings, his bank balance is certainly flourishing

'That much is clear from his latest accounts. But some might be wondering if his financial success has been matched by his success as the Time Lord.'

The insider continued: 'The number of people tuning in for a show that revelled in being a shared experience for all the family is somewhat underwhelming, to say the least.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives of Ncuti for comment.

Ncuti made his first appearance as the famous time-traveller back in May, with the first two episodes - which premiered on iPlayer ahead of the BBC One broadcast - attracting 2.7million and 3.2million.

However, a week later, the viewing figures rapidly fell to 2.3million.

Despite a slight boost to 3million viewers in later episodes, the rest of the fourteenth series saw around 2.3million people tuning in.

A BBC spokesperson told The Sun: 'Overnight ratings no longer provide an accurate picture of all those who watch drama in an on demand world.

'This season of Doctor Who premiered on iPlayer nearly 24 hours before broadcast, and episode one has already been viewed by over 6million viewers and continues to grow.'

Ncuti has apparently seen his earnings double to 1.9million, according to The Sun , adding to the cash he'd already raked in from former roles including his part in Netflix teen comedy Sex Education

It comes after Doctor Who fans were left in a frenzy in June as they felt disappointed by the show's grand finale reveal.

The highly anticipated season 14 final episode titled Empire Of Death, left Whovians wanting more.

Its grand ending, which revealed who Ruby's mother is, landed on BBC iPlayer at midnight on Saturday 22 June and the episode was broadcast on BBC One at 6.40pm.

But for fans who could not wait for the big reveal, the long painstaking wait proved to be a disappointment.

Flocking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Doctor Who fans shared their devastation of the finals as they were left asking, 'is that it?'

Doctor Who fans were left in a frenzy in June as they felt disappointed by the show's grand finale reveal

The highly anticipated season 14, which saw Ncuti Gatwa take over the reins as the new Time Lord, left viewers wanting more after the final episode, titled Empire Of Death, left Whovians wanting more

One user penned: 'Rubys mother reveal is probably the worst reveal I've ever seen in this show. So disapointed.'

'I'm sorry but the revelation of who Ruby's mother was, was lame'.

'Was that it?'

'I'm now convinced the mystery surrounding Ruby and her mother was an entire plot hole they accidently created when writing this season and had no idea how to dig themselves out of it, because what on earth was that anticlimactic episode?'

'I'm sorry, but the reveal of Ruby's mother was very disappointing. I knew it would be hard to create something that lived up to the hype but that was'

'watched the dr who finale and lowk it was so anticlimactic??? i was expecting the mother to be someone big like river song only for it to be a random person???'

Meanwhile, the show's producer Russell T Davies has said 'no decision' has been made yet for the line-up of series three.

Doctor Who producer Russell T Davies has said 'no decision' has been made yet for the line-up of series three

Appearing at Comic Con in San Diego alongside Ncuti and Millie Gibson, the screenwriter spoke about what was in store for the science fiction show

Appearing at Comic Con in San Diego alongside Ncuti and Millie Gibson, the screenwriter spoke about what was in store for the science fiction show.

Russell, 62, admitted decisions about who would star in series three haven't been made yet as they are still in the middle of filming the second season.

The screenwriter said: 'We've shot season two, but that's only halfway through. We've got all those months of post to come. It's a long way off, so no decisions yet.'

Ncuti said playing the Doctor is 'surreal' and when the host joked he had signed up for the next 10 seasons, he replied: 'Of course!'.
Former Miss Universe Olivia Molly Rogers has bravely stepped forward to discuss a family tragedy.

The media celebrity, 32, appeared on her Tell Me More podcast to disclose how she lost her 18-year-old cousin Jack Klemich to Meningococcal B in 2009.

'He was just the best,' an emotional Olivia said during the episode which dropped last month during Donate Life Week, which aims to raise awareness in support of organ donations.

She added: 'He had such an infectious sense of humour.'

Meningococcal B is a rare bacterial infection that impacts the brain and spinal cord.

During the podcast Olivia shared how her young had elected to become an organ donor.

Olivia's Uncle and Jack's dad, Oren Klemich appeared as a guest during the episode to tell his son's story.

'Grief can tear people apart but you've directed yours in a really positive way. Jack lives on through what you're doing,' she told him.

Former Miss Universe Olivia Molly Rogers (pictured) has bravely stepped forward to discuss a family tragedy

Oren explained during the chat that he learned that his boy had been hospitalised while he was overseas enjoying a 25th wedding anniversary vacation with his wife, Gill, Jack's mum.

After receiving news that Jack's condition was critical the couple rushed home to find their son was life support in an Adelaide hospital.

Before his condition worsened Jack had selflessly agreed to become an organ donor.

The traumatic experience helped turn Oren into a health campaigner.

He is currently on the board of DonateLife, which advocates for organ donations in order to save lives.

The media celebrity, 32, appeared on her Tell Me More podcast to disclose how she lost her 18-year-old cousin Jack Klemich (pictured) to Meningococcal B in 2009

Oren said during the podcast that Jack's decision to become a donor helped to save four lives.

It comes after Olivia went public with her new man late last month when the pair attended the premiere of Beauty and the Beast in Melbourne.

Days later, some light was shed on the hunk's identity with the model having not yet named him online.

Instagram account Aussie Influencer Opinions posted to Instagram Stories earlier this month, claiming that the handsome fella is called Hugo.

'He's a consultant in Melbourne at a prestigious firm that only recruits the smartest cookies,' they claimed.

Olivia had her handsome beau on her arm as she walked the red carpet at Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne during their debut.

The beauty queen could not wipe the smile off her face as she cuddled up to the handsome man.

She stole the show in a bright yellow mini dress with a plunging neckline, referencing the musical's lead character, Belle, who wears a similar frock.

Olivia's man looked dapper in a striped blazer over a dark shirt and black trousers which he paired with leather boots.

Hugo is said to have been quietly dating Olivia for several months following her split from model Morgan Waterhouse after seven months.
Imogen Anthony is known for her cutting edge fashion looks.

The Australian model shared her latest ensemble in an Instagram post on Thursday, daring to bare during a dinner date.

The 33-year-old, who dated radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands for eight years, stepped out in a highly distressed outfit including a ripped bodysuit.

Imogen showed off lots of skin through the strategic cutouts and had her ample bust on display.

She added a denim maxi skirt that also featured frayed and ripped elements throughout.

A pair of chunky black boots added some edge, and Imogen also had on a shag coat in faux suede.

For makeup, Imogen opted for a glamorous palette including a dark pink matte lipstick.

She wrote in her caption alongside the images: 'I don't dress according to season, occasion or venue.'

Imogen Anthony (pictured) is known for her cutting edge fashion looks. The Australian model shared her latest ensemble in an Instagram post on Thursday, daring to bare during a dinner

Imogen took her fashion to a new extreme earlier this month when she showed off her figure in a futuristic top with padded breasts.

The social media sensation shared a raunchy video of the 'alien' outfit to Instagram.

Turning this way and that, the blonde beauty rocked the silver latex crop top, which she paired with black slacks and featured large fake breasts.

Imogen captioned the image with the hashtag 'ootd' (outfit of the day) and added cup and alien head emojis.

She paired the bizarre top with a very glamorous makeup look as she had her golden tresses curled to frame her genetically blessed features.

The 33-year-old, who dated radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands for eight years, stepped out in a highly distressed outfit including a ripped bodysuit

She added a denim maxi skirt that also featured frayed and ripped elements throughout

Imogen showed off lots of skin through the strategic cutouts

It's not the first time Imogen has experimented with fashion, as she was spotted wearing a 'blood dress' to Australian Fashion Week (AFW) in May.

Imogen attended the INJURY show during Australian fashion's biggest week of the year wearing a high concept dress and headpiece by designer LeMAine.

The 'blood dress' featured splatters of bright red resin stuck to sheer fabric that revealed Imogen's eye-popping assets.

Meanwhile, the matching headpiece covered the model's hair entirely, and obscured most of her face, adding to the gory look of the outfit.

Imogen wore matching blood red strapped heels and accessorised with a first aid bag.

Imogen took her fashion to a new extreme earlier this month when she showed off her figure in a futuristic top with padded breasts

It comes after Imogen opened up about marriage and baby plans with her partner Harley Jones.

In 2022, the model sent her followers into a frenzy when she shared photos of herself appearing to tie the knot with Harley at the Little Chapel of Hearts in Las Vegas.

The nuptials weren't legally binding and it appears Imogen wants to keep it that way.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at AFW, the social media star ruled out a 'real-life wedding' and said the couple won't be starting a family anytime soon.

'No, I'm unconventional. That's how I roll,' she said. 'I'm not in any rush for anything like that. I'm in no rush to have kids.'
Kate Beckinsale sent temperatures soaring in a white Norma Kamali swimsuit as she shared a glimpse at her flawless beauty regime in a fun social media clip.

The actress, 51, looked nothing short of sensational as she showed off her slender figure in the stylish one-piece, which boasted mesh panels and an asymmetric neckline.

During the beauty video, Kate can be seen using a LYMA laser on her skin as she wore a flawless palette of makeup consisting of a smokey eye shadow and a cluster of diamantes around her eyelids.

She styled her locks into a voluminous half-up hair-do and further accessorised with a large black bow headband.

She captioned the beauty post: 'Honest review. I am sure we have all seen a bunch of things on Instagram promising great results and delivering very little.'

Kate Beckinsale, 51, sent temperatures soaring in a white Norma Kamali swimsuit as she shared a glimpse at her flawless beauty regime in a fun social media clip on Friday

The actress looked nothing short of sensational as she showed off her slender figure in the stylish one-piece which boasted mesh panels and an asymmetric neckline

'This Lyma laser is a non-invasive, actually rather comforting little machine that does not take too much time out of your day and actually gives really great results. It came at a really great time for me and I use it every day.'

Earlier this month, Kate revealed her weight loss is down to the 'stress and grief' of the death of her stepfather and her mother's cancer diagnosis as she hit back at trolls.

The actress slammed some of her 'a**hole' followers, who told her she needed to put on weight in the comments section of an Instagram post.

After sharing a video clip in a crop top and bikini bottoms, one follower queried where her 'a**' had gone and encouraged Kate to 'do some squats'.

Another claimed her body had 'shrank' while another insisted that she 'seemed upset' in the video posted on Monday evening.

However, Kate fired back at the cruel comments and explained that there were several reasons for her changed figure, including a six-week hospital stint.

She replied: 'No, actually, I watched my stepfather die quite shockingly, my mother has stage 4 cancer and I lost a lot of weight from stress and grief...'

During the beauty video, Kate can be seen using a laser tool as she wore a flawless palette of makeup consisting of a smokey eye shadow and a cluster of diamantes around her eyelids

She styled her locks in a voluminous half-up hair-do and further accessorised with a large black bow headband

'Quite quickly and then I was in hospital for six weeks because the grief had burned a hole in my oesophagus, which made me vomit copious amounts of blood, and I found eating very hard...'

'And I just worked very very hard on a movie that was actually quite triggering because it also involved the theme of the death of my father so I'm not really concerned about what you think about my a**.

'Maybe you should worry about your own f***ing a**. I suggest shoving something up it, like a large pineapple or a brick.'

Kate's stepdad died in January after suffering 'a massive stroke' while battling two forms of cancer.

Shortly after his death, Kate also revealed that her mother had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.

In recent months, the actress had been caring for her mother and late stepfather after flying them out from the UK to stay with her in Los Angeles.

'Kate has been caring for her parents, who both have serious illnesses, for most of the year,' a source exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com late last year.
The grandson of Hollywood star Paul Hogan is being sought by police after after he was allegedly busted with illicit drugs and equipment used for breaking into a house.

Jake Paul Hogan, 33, did not appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Friday to face charges of possessing a prohibited drug and housebreaking implements.

Court documents reveal the grandson of the Crocodile Dundee star was allegedly in possession of 1.5g of meth shortly before midnight on July 27 in Glebe in Sydney.

At the time, he also allegedly had equipment used to break into residences and business, including an adjustable spanner.

If found guilty and convicted of both offences, he could be given up to two years in prison.

Hogan was due to reappear before the court on Friday for a mention, but after he did not attend - despite being called multiple times - police applied for a warrant for his arrest.

In approving the request, Magistrate Clare Farnan told the court she had found the alleged offences 'proven' and that Mr Hogan was due to return to court on August 28.

The court was told the 34-year-old had also breached two community corrections orders and 'a number of intensive corrections orders' by not attending court Friday.

Jake Paul Hogan is the grandson of Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan and has had a warrant issued for his arrest after failing to turn up to court on a drug charge

It comes after Mr Hogan was in March sentenced after he pleaded guilty to break and enter, larceny, having goods suspected of being stolen and housebreaking equipment.

The former carpenter by trade previously had a nice home, a car, a steady job and a girlfriend whom he hoped to marry but his life took a downward spiral earlier this year after the relationship ended.

Jake's father is one of Paul and his first wife Noelene Hogan's five children.

Jake Hogan's famous grandfather, who has won the Golden Globe Best Actor in a musical or comedy for his breakout role of Mick 'Crocodile' Dundee in 1987, lives in Los Angeles.

Paul Hogan has also faced adversity with his son Chance, who he had with his second wife and Crocodile Dundee co-star Linda Koslowski.

Jake Hogan's grandparents, Noelene Hogan and Paul Hogan with two of their five children in the early days of Hoges' fame

Paul Hogan, above with his second wife Linda Kozlowski in 2013, found Hollywood stardom for his role as Crocodile Dundee

Instead of working in his chosen trade, courts have heard how Jake carried around housebreaking instruments and lingered outside swanky apartment blocks looking for opportunities to steal.

Jake's acquaintance said he 'wasn't a bad person, but he has completely lost his way.

'He is actually a good person with a very kind personality and a supportive family,' the person said.

'He was still so upset about his mum dying. He never got over it because he never processed it properly.'

Jake's mother, Marie, had suffered a 'very sad' decline in the weeks leading up to her death from multiple sclerosis when Jake was aged 17 in 2006.

After her death, Paul Hogan made his own mercy dash from California - where he was living with second wife Linda Kozlowski and their young son, Chance - to attend his daughter-in-law's funeral.

Todd eventually remarried, to registered nurse Jane, and the couple now live in New Zealand while Jake remained in Sydney.

Jake Hogan is a carpenter by trade but friends have said his life has spiralled downward in recent months after a relationship breakdown

When his relationship with girlfriend ended, that 'destroyed his dreams of having a family and then brought up all sorts of past trauma.

'He was just shattered. He lost all of his friends and [became] isolated from his family. He was stealing clothes from shops and bikes, loitering because he was homeless.

'He used to break into swimming pool rooms and sleep in one of those buildings in Pyrmont.'
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READ MORE: Cardi B is pregnant with her third child

Offset appeared unfazed by estranged wife Cardi B's surprise news that she is pregnant with their third child, hours after filing for divorce, as he returned to Instagram Stories with a new rapping clip.

On Thursday, Cardi B took to Instagram to confirm she is pregnant with her third child - the same day it was revealed she has once again filed for divorce from her on/off spouse.

Hours after Cardi, 31, unveiled her growing bump, Offset, 32, shared a video of himself lying on blankets in the back of his car.

In the video, Offset raps along to an as yet unreleased song featuring his fellow American rapper Gunna.

The lyrics included 'I'm trying to make her my h**' and 'I don't want nothing that's popular, I want that s*** to be old'.

Offset appeared unfazed by estranged wife Cardi B's surprise news that she is pregnant with their third child as he returned to Instagram Stories with a new rapping clip

On Thursday, Cardi B took to Instagram to confirm she is pregnant with her third child - the same day it was revealed she has once again filed for divorce from her on/off spouse

Rumours of Cardi's pregnancy had been rife since she was seen sporting a huge bump while filming a secret project in New York City.

Meanwhile, the divorce filing came after rumours Offset had cheated on Cardi again, which he denied.

In her pregnancy announcement, posted to Instagram on Thursday, Cardi displayed her baby bump in a plunging red gown as she posed on a balcony at night.

Cardi - who noticeably did not mention or tag her estranged husband Offset in the post - wrote in the caption: 'With every ending comes a new beginning!

'I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power!

'Reminded me that I can have it all! Youve reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love, and my passion!

I love you so much and can not wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do!

'Its so much easier taking lifes twists, turns and test laying down, but you, your brother and your sister have shown me why its worth it to push through!'

Cardi already has daughter Kulture, five, and son, Wave, two, with Offset.

In the announcement post, Cardi displayed her baby bump in a plunging red gown as she posed on a balcony

Meanwhile, the divorce filing came after rumours Offset had cheated on Cardi again, which he denied

Also on Thursday, a source told Page Six the infidelity rumors were not what sparked the divorce filing.

The insider said: 'Theyve grown apart. Thats what drove her to this decision more than anything else. This is something she wants to do.'

On Wednesday, Offset denied that he was cheating after Instagram account Ig Model Tea Room posted a video of him sitting next to a woman called PrettyRedz at a casino, and claimed was his ex-girlfriend.

'Shawty ain't my shawty,' Offset - who boasts 37.5M social media followers - declared via Instagram Live.

'People really need to do the research I'm at a public place gambling at a casino with a married 8 month pregnant woman. [What the f***] I look like being outside publicly cheating!' He said during an Instagram Live.

Offset's vehement denial of the cheating rumours wound up confusing people into thinking he was referring to his wife as pregnant, which her rep quickly denied to TMZ on Wednesday.

PrettyRedz is actually seven months pregnant with the child of her late husband Kyng Rocky, who tragically passed away on June 18.

She too denied the cheating rumors, commenting on a post about the matter for The Neighborhood Talk: 'SMH that man wasn't with me i was already there wit my husband sister& brother and I'm 7 months pregnant... y'all really have to stop with this type of behavior.'

Cardi and Offset allegedly separated again last November, but they put on a strong united front at Disneyland Paris with their children on July 9.

Cardi has not confirmed the father of her third child, but she already shares daughter Kulture, five, and son, Wave, two, with Offset (all pictured in 2022)

Offset and Cardi were previously separated between December 5, 2018 to January 31, 2019 amid cheating allegations.

The three-time Grammy nominee and the Grammy winner went on their first date at the 2017 Super Bowl, and they've been married for over six years.

The Georgia-born former Migos star, real name Kiari Cephus, is father to Jordan Cephus, 14, whose mother is Oriel Jamie.

Offset also has Kody Cephus, 9, with Justine Watson and daughter Kalea Marie Cephus, also 9, with a third woman, Shya L'amour.

He is scheduled to headline the second day of Chinese music festival Hype Fest on August 11 at the Hangzhou Steelworks Park.

Offset began his career at age 11 in 2002 as a back-up dancer in Whitney Houston's music video Whatchulookinat.

His most recent project is his third studio album Kiari, expected to be released in September.

Meanwhile, Cardi, born Belcalis Almanzar, has yet to release her sophomore album after her 2018 quadruple-platinum record Invasion of Privacy.
The former partner of rock star Daniel Johns broke down in tears in court as she faced charges of stealing thousands of dollars in cash and vandalising a bookshelf.

Fashion designer Estelita Huijer fronted court on Friday accused of stealing between $5,000 and $15,000 in cash from celebrity restaurateur Andrew Becher.

She is also alleged to have scrawled permanent marker on a bookshelf while at his Point Piper home in Sydney's east on Thursday.

Waverley Local Court documents show Huijer is charged with property damage and stealing from a home as well as breaching an apprehended domestic violence order imposed for Mr Becher's protection after a separate incident in 2023.

Mr Becher is the owner of trendy Sydney eastern suburb eateries Franca, Parlar and Armorica.

In granting bail at Friday's hearing, Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge gave a sobbing Huijer a dressing down, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.

'You breach any of these conditions, you have any contact with him again, bail will be taken off you,' Ms Milledge said.

'This constitutes a very serious breach of the order and it's an indication that it's escalating, and you're becoming more desperate.'

Under her strict bail conditions, Huijer is not to contact Mr Becher and to report to police once a day.

Fashion designer Estelita Huijer is accused of stealing between $5000 and $15,000 in cash from celebrity restaurateur Andrew Becher

Huijer is also accused of scrawling permanent marker on a bookshelf while at his Point Piper home on Thursday. When approached outside Sydney's Waverley Police Station Huijer said she would strong defend the charges

She must also stay at her home in Bondi Beach and not enter the nearby suburbs of Point Piper, Edgecliff, or Kings Cross.

Huijer also cannot consume alcohol or drugs unless prescribed, and police can test for compliance.

When approached outside Waverley police station, Huijer said the charges had been 'manipulated' and she would strongly defend them.

A day before her arrest, Huijer was seen on social media enjoying a meal at Potts Point seafood restaurant Harry's Singapore Chilli Crab with fellow socialite Imogen Anthony.

Huijer dated Johns for approximately four years from 2012.

Huijer and former Siverchair frontman Daniel Johns (pictured left) dated for around four years

Mr Becher is the owner of trendy Sydney eastern suburb eateries Franca, Parlar and Armorica

The former Silverchair frontman told News Corp in 2015 that Huijer was 'totally' his muse but but not in the same way that Yoko Ono was for former Beatle John Lennon.

'If I am going to listen to something 10 times a day for three years, you would hope that the person that's living in the house doesn't mind hearing it,' he said.

Mr Becher has been a star on the Sydney hospitality scene for well over a decade.

His ritzy Double Bay restaurant and bar Pelicano was a magnet for celebrities such as Ed Sheeran, Gerard Butler, James Blunt and Mel Gibson but was forced to shut in 2016 because of what Mr Becher described as a 'hostile takeover' from its landlord.

Huijer is scheduled to next face Downing Centre Local Court on August 14.
A teenage boy who groped a reality TV star while she was out on her morning walk could avoid any punishment.

Ellie Rolfe, who was one of two winners of season 11 of The Bachelor, encountered the boy on April 30 about 7.30am in the Geraldton suburb of Wandina in Western Australia.

A court this week heard the 17-year-old rode by on his bike and said 'hello' before circling back and using his right hand to grab Ms Rolfe on her buttocks, causing her to drop her phone and yell 'you f*** off'.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named because he is a minor, pleaded guilty to indecent assault during an appearance at Geraldton Children's Court on Tuesday, reports Perth Now.

The police prosecutor told the court the incident was captured on CCTV and the boy fronted up to a police station about week later.

'I'm sorry, I made a stupid mistake,' he told officers.

The teenager's defence lawyer told the court the incident was out of character and suggested a youth court order, which would likely include counselling, might be an appropriate outcome.

'It was a lapse of his judgment... I'm not sure as to what programs or intervention court conferencing are going to be able to provide with regard to this type of offence.'

Bachelors winner Ellie Rolfe, 30, said she was sexually assaulted by a man on a bike during her morning walk

Magistrate Matthew Walton said he had some concerns but referred the boy to .court conferencing which would determine the details the youth court order.

If that is completed without issue, the court does not impose a punishment.

Ms Rolfe, 30, posted to Instagram a day after her encounter with the boy.

'You wont find me using this platform to speak on my political views or virtue signal... but this has really p***ed me off,' she wrote.

'I was just on my morning walk and this boy probably my age rode his bike past me and said hey to which I acknowledge politely.'

She posted a 'rant' to her Stories, explaining a man allegedly followed her on his bicycle before coming up and grabbing her bottom without consent

'Then he followed me around the block twice and circled back and rode up behind me and fully groped my a*** and then zoomed off.

'It knocked the phone out of my hand cause it gave me such a fright.

'No words! How is that okay in your head... Huge mental health advocate and you never know what someone is going through but this is just utter disrespect.

'Not even safe on a morning walk in broad daylight.'

The matter will return to court on September 24 and the boy's bail was extended.

The incident comes after her ex-boyfriend Luke, 28, confirmed the pair split after they found love on last year's version of The Bachelors.

The beauty therapist who recently split from TV boyfriend Luke Bateman, took to Instagram with a lengthy message detailing the 'scary' event

Luke declared his love for Ellie while filming and they remained the only couple still together after the final episode.

In a statement released to Yahoo Lifestyle earlier this year, Luke confirmed the split, saying: 'Ellie and I have separated and would like to keep our relationship private.

'Ellie has a soul that lights up every room she walks into and I will sorely miss it in my life.'

Rumours of the couple's separation arose weeks earlier when eagle-eyed fans noticed Luke had deleted almost all traces of Ellie from his Instagram page.

Meanwhile, Ellie posted a gallery of photos to Instagram capturing her attending Melbourne Fashion Week at the time - and Luke was nowhere in sight.
Michael Barrymore looked in good spirits as he enjoyed an outing with a mystery male companion ahead of his impending move to Spain.

The entertainer, 72, headed out on a shopping spree in London on Thursday and was casually clad in a blue T-shirt and khaki trousers.

By his side was a male companion, who was spotted carrying a bag of shopping and vaping.

Barrymore recently revealed he's moving to Barcelona, Spain 'to change his life for the better' in a TikTok video.

The TV personality said he is already on the hunt for his 'dream villa' around the idyllic towns.

Michael Barrymore looked in good spirits as he enjoyed an outing with a mystery male companion ahead of his impending move to Spain

The entertainer, 72, headed out on a shopping spree in London on Thursday and was casually clad in a blue T-shirt and khaki trousers

Barrymore was previously one of the UK's top stars but his decades long career ended after the death of Stuart Lubbock in 2001 following a party at his Essex home.

Captioning his post, he wrote: 'Never be afraid to change your life for the better #michaelbarrymore #movingabroad'.

Explaining why he is deciding to move ship, Michael said: 'Hey guys, yes I am moving to Barcelona. I'm 72 now and I realise that quality of life is more important to me than anything, so I'm going to Spain.

'I love the place. It's not the Spain that I grew up with, there's all the package resorts that we all know, this is the mainland Spain, It's amazing.

'The culture there and the people and just the art and everything. I started looking around Girona and the Catalonia area for houses back in March.

'I've flown out a couple of times already to look for places and see what I like. Once I decide which villa I like, I probably maybe around Lloret de Mar, of course I'm gonna take Dave with me and of course I'm going to take you guys with me.

So don't worry, I'm going to vlog everything and you're going to join me all the way through this entire story.

'Until I find the villa of my dreams, I'm going to find out as much as I can about it, download Duolingo, learn the language. I can't wait.'

By Barrymore's side was a male companion, who was spotted carrying a bag of shopping and vaping on the outing

The duo looked in good spirits as they strolled around the bustling streets of London

The former Strike It Lucky host was seen puffing on a cigarette during the outing

Once one of the most recognisable faces in the industry, Barrymore was able to go about his shopping quietly

Barrymore was no doubt making the most of his time in the capital ahead of his impending move abroad

Barrymore recently revealed he's moving to Barcelona, Spain 'to change his life for the better' in a TikTok video and explained he's on the hunt for his 'dream villa'

Barrymore posts videos of himself on his TikTok account daily, amassing more than 3million followers in the process

This comes more than 20 years after a young man was found dead in his swimming pool following a house party and Michael practically disappeared from public life.

The TV presenter lost his job at ITV shortly afterwards in 2003, and he was rarely seen again until he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in January 2006 - managing to finish in second place.

A series of career revival attempts followed but they were often overshadowed by the ongoing investigation into the death of Stuart Lubbock.

Between that year and 2019, Barrymore and others were arrested and questioned on multiple occasions.

No charges were ever filed and the star ultimately sued Essex Police for wrongful arrest, although he dropped his compensation claim of 2.4m after a court ruled he was due 'nominal' damages.

But the TV personality has been taking his career back into his own hands by building a loyal fan base on the social media app TikTok.

Barrymore posts multiple videos per day and has amassed 3 million followers, many of whom leave him messages of love and support.

He is no stranger to the stage, having performed sell-out shows before his career collapsed in 2001 when Lubbock, 31, was found dead in the swimming pool of his Essex mansion after the star hosted a late-night party.

He has always denied any knowledge of what happened.

Barrymore's decades long career ended after the death of Stuart Lubbock in 2001 following a party at his Essex home (pictured on his show Strike it Lucky in 1986)
Loose Women star Denise Welch has recounted the terrifying health battle that led her to collapse and forced her to pull out of a show twenty years ago.

The 66-year-old TV personality bravely opened up about the horrifying ordeal during Friday's episode of the ITV daytime programme.

Her admission came as the panellists were discussing Simone Biles' Olympic victory in the 2024 competition, following her withdrawal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to mental health reasons.

And as the group talked about the importance of doing things on your own terms, Denise decided to share her own story.

She began by saying: 'We've got some inspirational stories this week like Simone Biles, like Adam Peaty, who have overcome some mental health issues to come back and it's fantastic.

Loose Women star Denise Welch has recounted the terrifying health battle that led her to collapse and forced her to pull out of a show twenty years ago

The 66-year-old TV personality bravely opened up about the horrifying ordeal during Friday's episode of the ITV daytime programme

'I think that sometimes a mindset is whether you become a survivor or a victim, but also some people should never feel bad about the fact that they can't come back.'

Recounting her health scare, she continued: 'Many years ago, throughout my 35 years of having mental illness, I've only ever once pulled out of a show.

'I had to pull out of a pantomime in 2004 because I had a breakdown and I collapsed, I hadn't eaten for three weeks. And I wanted to return to the show and I couldn't.'

The Loose Women panellist has long been open about her more than 30-year battle with depression.

Back in April, Denise took to social media to hit back at a troll who criticised her for continually talking about it.

The viewer tweeted: 'STOP THE FRONT PAGE, DENISE IS TALKING ABOUT HER MENTAL HEALTH AND DEPRESSION! This has NEVER happened before. #LooseWomen #Denise.'

Replying to the tweet, Denise wrote: 'Thanks Harry. I've actually been talking about it for 35 yrs when no one in the public eye had ever done so. And I will continue until I pop my clogs so stay tuned!!

'If you'd ever been hospitalised after a depressive episode you might talk about it too!!' She completed the tweet with four thumbs up emojis.

As the group talked about the importance of doing things on your own terms, Denise decided to share her own story

She recalled: 'I had to pull out of a pantomime in 2004 because I had a breakdown and I collapsed, I hadn't eaten for three weeks. And I wanted to return to the show and I couldn't.'

What triggered the troll's tweet was Denise being asked if she would take offence at being called emotional work.

She sympathised with bosses saying it would be hard to run a business if these were the kinds of thing people took offence to.

However, Denise then made a caveat for those with illnesses, saying: 'I think certainly with mental health issues it's very different, and I remember once...

'Thirty five years of struggling with clinical depression, on-and-off which everybody knows because I've talked about it for that long, which is a very serious mental illness.

'There's only one job I've ever had to pull out of [because of clinical depression], and it was a pantomime in Stockport, 2004.'

She explained that she was criticised when she collapsed from the illness but her colleague with a broken arm was praised.

Denise used this to highlight the difference in the way mental and physical illnesses are treated by the general public.

The star is set to make her return to the pantomime stage this Christmastime as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at Theatre Royal in Nottingham.

She joins a star-studded cast that includes TV fashionista Gok Wan, comedian Paul Chuckle and comedy ventriloquist Steve Hewlett.

It comes just after the TV star revealed she felt 'ridiculous' after scammers stole 2,000 from her bank after catching her out with a cruel trick.

It comes just after the TV star revealed she felt 'ridiculous' after scammers stole 2,000 from her bank after catching her out with a cruel trick

Denise opened up on Good Morning Britain on Monday about being scammed over the phone and urged ITV viewers not to make the same mistake.

The TV star revealed she lost thousands when she picked up the phone convinced she was talking to the Barclays fraud squad - but it was actually an impersonator.

Speaking to hosts Ranvir Singh and Ed Balls, Denise revealed she was busy at the time when the phone call came in and she saw the caller ID said Barclays and believed it was legit and wanted to get the issue sorted quickly.

She recalled: 'It was a few years ago, it was pre-pandemic, and I was rehearsing a show - Calendar Girls: The Musical. We weren't supposed to look at our phones or take personal phone calls. We all have a sneaky look and there was Barclays call.

'I went out, took the phone call and they said, it's the fraud squad. They said there was some fraudulent activity going on with your card, and we want to put a stop to it.

'I had absolutely zero doubt that I was talking to the fraud department from my bank because it had come up under the headline of Barclays that I had put into my phone.'

Revealing how she was taken in by the man, she admitted it wasn't until the fifth call when she made the huge mistake.

She explained: 'I was talking to this chap called Michael. I remember him, he was obviously very personable. And I went through, over a series of about four phone calls, all of the information you are duly expected to give.

'It was my full name, my date of birth, my address and postcode and my mother's maiden name - again, didn't hesitate because it said Barclays.

'So over about four phone calls, Michael had become my best friend and he said it was taking a long time to do this because this was a fraud that was potentially going to be bigger than they thought.

'This is where anybody watching this will be shouting, well, that's on you. How stupid of you. They then said, on about the fifth phone call, we're going to have to ask for your four digit pin.

'Now, even I know that you don't give your pin away, but because I was talking to the fraud department at Barclays, I did. And the next day, I mentioned this to my husband, who went absolutely spare'.

She revealed: 'They had cloned my credit card and by the time we had discovered it they had taken over 2k from my account.

'If I had been sat at home and this was happening it may have not happened but because I was at work I just wanted it sorting. I felt ridiculous about it.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.
Over the years, Miriam Margoyles has been incredibly open about her health problems.

In 2023, the actress, 83, had a transcatheter aortic valve replacement operation to avoid a more invasive open-heart surgery.

But since then, Miriam has registered disabled and could be confined to a wheelchair because of a back condition.

The Harry Potter star has previously admitted that she regrets not making major lifestyle changes to improve her health.

Miriam, who lives in Clapham with her partner Heather since 1968, also fears as she gets older that she won't be able to afford carers to look after her as her health worsens.

Read on below for a full timeline of Miriam's health battle.

Over the years, Miriam Margoyles has been incredibly open about her health problems and has now registered disabled

In 2023, the actress, 83, had a transcatheter aortic valve replacement operation to avoid a more invasive open-heart surgery

May 2023 - chest infection

Miriam was taken to The Royal Brompton Hospital in Chelsea, London with a chest infection.

The comedian, who played Professor Sprout in the fantasy franchise, shared a photo of herself taken in her hospital bed as she informed fans about her condition.

She wrote: 'Thanks to my precious friends who thought of me on Tavi Day. I did survive and I am still in The Royal Brompton Hospital certainly till Sunday.

'I am growing energy but it's still not quite me. I am putting this so you know how grateful I am for lovely messages.

'Slowly I'll get back to The Chase and then Italy, Oz filming in WA and return for 22 city books tour on Sept 7. Loving hugs. MM'.

Miriam had been hoping to be sent home that Sunday but sadly took to Facebook again with another health update.

She wrote: 'I spoke too soon. Can't come home yet. I have a chest infection. Probably tomorrow but at least I'm resting. Love to all. Thank you for your lovely messages.'

Finally on the Tuesday, Miriam revealed she was being let home as she thanked all her fans for their well wishes.

She wrote: 'Beloved chums. After a s*** yesterday I am going home later today.

'Heartfelt thanks to all my wonderful friends who sent messages and to the very fine doctors and nurses at the RBHT who put up with me.'

The Harry Potter star has previously admitted that she regrets not making major lifestyle changes to improve her health

Miriam has registered disabled and could be confined to a wheelchair because of a back condition

June 2023 - hospital dash

In June, she told Vogue how she was facing the surgery after being rushed to hospital in an emergency the month before.

Describing the health issue as 'unexpected', Miriam opened up that it had made her confront death as a result.

She said: 'When you're young, you never think about death. You just think about your next f**k basically. I think about death a lot.

'Now every morning when I get up I think, 'Hmmm, another day,' which maybe I wasn't expecting.'

September 2023 - weight struggles

During an appearance on the How To Fail podcast in September, the actress and presenter confessed she had not conquered her weight.

She said: 'I am a blubber mass. I am fat. And to be fat and 82 is truly pathetic.'.

She has since also revealed her fears as she gets older and worries that she won't be able to afford carers to look after her as her health worsens.

She told RadioTimes: 'I'm worried that I won't have enough money for carers when I finally get paralysed, or whatever it is that's going to happen to me.'.

She added that she is now focusing on saving to provide for her and her partner and is embarking on another series of her hit show.

Miriam, who lives in Clapham with her partner Heather since 1968, also fears as she gets older that she won't be able to afford carers to look after her as her health worsens

October 2023 - heart surgery

Miriam confirmed she had heart surgery and shared a health update.

She had a procedure called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) - which she called a 'refined' operation and stopped her from having to have open heat surgery.

Speaking on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware she said: 'I've got a cow's heart now.

'Well, not the whole heart. I've had an aortic valve replaced by a cow's aortic valve.'

Jessie then asked: 'Is that quite common?' to which she replied: 'I think it's rather refined, actually!

'I don't know how common it is. I'd never heard of that operation. But it saves you from having open heart surgery, which would be infinitely more invasive.'

Lennie asked: 'So how did they do it? With a keyhole?'

Miriam explained: 'They made two little holes in your groin. One in each groin and then they shoved this thing through.

'And I don't know how they pull it up but they sort of pull it up with stereos. And then when it comes to the point, when it's in your heart, they pull a little string and it goes pow!

'And lo and behold, your artery or your aortic valve is shoved unceremoniously to the side.'

Miriam confirmed she had heart surgery and speaking on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware she said: 'I've got a cow's heart now.'

August 2024 - registered disabled

Miriam recently revealed that she now struggles to walk and admitted she regrets not making serious life changes after undergoing an operation last year.

The actress had a transcatheter aortic valve replacement operation in to avoid a more invasive open-heart surgery, but revealed she still struggles with her health.

She also revealed that she is now registered disabled and could be confined to a wheelchair because of a back condition.

Miriam explained that spinal stenosis, which occurs when space around the spinal cord becomes too narrow compressing the nerves, could make it difficult for her to walk, restricting her to a wheelchair.

In an interview with Closer, the star said: 'I can't walk very well, and I'm registered disabled, so I use all kinds of assistance. I've got two sticks and a walker and they're such a bore, but I've just got a mobility scooter, which is a lot of fun.'

But Miriam also revealed that she regrets not making major lifestyle changes to improve her health.

She said she wished she had been able to conquer her weight and described not doing so as a defeat.
Matt Damon feels 'really lucky' to still be making films with the Affleck brothers.

The 53-year-old actor features alongside Casey Affleck in the heist comedy The Instigators  which has been produced by Ben Affleck  and is grateful that their childhood friendship has been preserved in Hollywood.

Matt told The Hollywood Reporter at the picture's New York premiere on Wednesday: 'I think just 43 years into this friendship, it's just the joy of doing what we love, but being able to do it together. It just doesn't get any better than that.

'I feel really lucky to be able to still be making movies at this level with the kind of people that I get to work with.

'But when some of them are the people that have been my closest and dearest friends for over four decades, it's a really special thing.'

But Damon avoided talking about Ben's state of mind these days as his marriage to Jennifer Lopez crumbles. Ben has not been photographed with Jennifer in two months as she has been spending time in New York.

Matt Damon feels 'really lucky' to still be making films with the Affleck brothers. The 53-year-old actor features alongside Casey Affleck in the heist comedy The Instigators  which has been produced by Ben Affleck  and is grateful that their childhood friendship is intact

But Damon avoided talking about Ben's state of mind these days as his marriage to Jennifer Lopez crumbles. Seen in 2023

Damon explained that he took comfort from filming the Apple TV+ project in the 'familiar' surroundings of Boston, the city in which he and the Affleck siblings grew up.

The Oppenheimer actor said: 'It feels really familiar to go home.

'The sensibility there, the sense of humour is something that just comes naturally to us.

'And it's just a really comfortable place, it feels like going home every time.'

Damon also told People that Ben and Casey are real pros.

'They're consistently great,' he explains. 'They're consistently incredible partners to work with. And no, there aren't really, usually, any surprises.'

While the three collaborators will 'get in creative arguments,' Damon notes, 'those are healthy, and we know each other well enough that our feelings don't really get involved and our egos don't get involved.'

Damon explained that he took comfort from filming the Apple TV+ project in the 'familiar' surroundings of Boston, the city in which he and the Affleck siblings grew up. Seen with Ben's brother Casey in the movie

'So it's a pretty healthy working relationship with both of them,' he adds.

Matt also shared that his wife Lucy was a producer on the movie and has great taste making him trust her choices.

Doug Liman directs The Instigators  over two decades after first working with Damon on The Bourne Identity  and reflected on how the star has changed over the years.

He told the HR: 'Even though 20 years had elapsed, it felt like it was yesterday that Matt and I were just starting to work together.

'So it's amazing in a way how little has changed, especially because Matt and I are still committed to doing something that's original and that fits our sensibilities and not conforms to studio sensibilities  what's amazing about Apple was how supportive they were of us.'

Liman continued: 'There are other moments on the making of The Instigators where I'd look at Matt and go, "Oh my God, he has matured so much"  in terms of helping me as a director do my best work and understanding how he as an actor could help me.'
The actress, 33, wasn't home, but she said she saw two men on security cams

Hyland's home was reportedly broken into around sunset on July 27

The former Modern Family star Sarah Hyland had a scary run-in with masked men who allegedly burglarized her home last week.

However, she only glimpsed the aftermath of the apparent robbery virtually via her security cameras, as the 33-year-old actress was out of town when the break-in occurred.

In a particularly brazen move, the men allegedly burglarized her home around sunset  when it was still light out  on Saturday, July 27, according to sources who spoke with TMZ.

DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Hyland requesting comment.

The burglars are reported to have broken through one of the windows at her home in Los Angeles' Studio City neighborhood, which she shares with her husband Wells Adams.

Sarah Hyland's Studio City home was reportedly burglarized on Saturday, July 27, sources told TMZ. She saw two men leaving the house via her security cameras after getting an alert from her security system; seen in March in Beverly Hills

Hyland was reportedly alerted to the break-in via an alert from her home's security system.

She was able to view her security cameras remotely, which is how she reportedly told police that she saw two masked men exiting the house.

It's unclear how long the men were in the home after smashing through the window, but police who were called after Sarah saw them leaving arrived after they had already made a run for it.

The responding officers reportedly did a sweep of the home in search of any stragglers, but all of the burglars appear to have escaped by the time police arrived.

Although the case is still under investigation, law enforcement hasn't made any arrests in the case at this time.

So far, it's unclear what might have been stolen from Hyland's home.

The former Love Island USA host will be doing an inventory of her possessions as soon as she arrives back in Los Angeles, which the police will use to help track down any stolen property.

Sarah shares the home with her husband, the former Bachelorette suitor Wells Adams. It's unclear if he was also out of town at the time of the burglary.

The lovebirds began dating in late 2017, and by 2018 he had moved to Los Angeles to make a life with her.

In 2020, she dropped $4 million on a home in Studio City that the two shared, despite having to postpone their intended nuptials due to the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hyland, who shares the home with husband Wells Adams, was out of town and will have to do an inventory for police when she returns

The case is under investigation but police haven't made any arrests yet. Earlier in July she celebrated the fifth anniversary of her engagement to Adams

Hyland recently starred in an Off-Broadway production of Little Shop Or Horrors (pictured)

The two later rescheduled their wedding, and they walked down the aisle at a winery in Santa Barbara, California, in 2022.

The couple celebrated the fifth anniversary of their engagement in July of this year.

Sarah is best known for being part of the ensemble cast of the massively popular comedy series Modern Family, which aired from 2009 to 2020.

She later hosted the fourth and fifth seasons of Love Island USA, before being replaced on the sixth season by Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix.
Bec Judd has hit back after a follower accused of her 'wanting children in jail'.

The designer has been waging a one-woman war on youth crime in her affluent Melbourne suburb, with social media posts attacking the Victorian government.

In an Instagram Stories post earlier this week, the influencer and former AFL WAG fired up over a 16-year old boy being released on bail after he allegedly stole a Mercedes from a woman with cerebral palsy and crashed into a Volvo being driven by a mum picking up her kids from school.

One follower took issue with the post, sending Bec a direct message that read: 'So you're cool with putting children in jail?

Bec was quick to share her reply to Instagram Stories on Friday, writing: 'No, I'm not. I think there are better ways to save these kids like preventative programs/social scaffolding etc.

'But I'm more than okay with putting violent reoffenders in jail who've been given chance after chance' she continued.

'You know the ones who invade people's homes with machetes, attack them, steal their cars and hit and kill innocent civilians while driving them?

'We need to keep the community safe and there is a small group of violent reoffenders who are causing the majority of problems.

Bec Judd (pictured) has hit back after a follower accused of her 'wanting children in jail'

'I am more than happy to see them incarcerated to keep Victorians safe. I hope that makes sense.'

She further added in her caption on the post: 'Just so we are clear. If we had better preventative programs we wouldn't be in this mess.

'They take time though and they won't save the many families who will have their homes invaded tonight and tomorrow and the next day. We need long and short term plans to deal with this crisis.'

Judd had earlier attached a news report of the alleged incident, which happened in her suburb of Brighton in Melbourne's Bayside, to her Instagram Stories.

In an Instagram Stories post earlier this week, the influencer and former AFL WAG fired up over a 16-year old boy being released on bail after he allegedly stole a Mercedes from a woman with cerebral palsy and crashed into a Volvo being driven by a mum picking up her kids from school

One follower took issue with the post, sending Bec a direct message that read: 'So you're cool with putting children in jail? Bec was quick to share her reply to Instagram Stories on Friday

The 16-year-old driver was allegedly speeding and driving the stolen Mercedes on the wrong side of the road before crashing into the Volvo.

The Mercedes had been stolen hours earlier and had been been specially modified for the owner who has cerebral palsy.

The alleged driver was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and was bailed to appear in court at a later date.

The alleged incident sparked anger from Judd, who took aim at Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and state Attorney General Jaclyn Symes.

'Keep Victorians (not just Baysiders) safe. Already out on bail and probably breaking into some innocent person's home tonight,' Judd captioned the TV news segment shared

'@jacintaallanmp @jaclynsymesmp Victoria is falling to pieces on your watch. You should both be ashamed.'

Earlier this month, Judd expressed her anger that one of the youths allegedly involved in the kidnapping of teenager Benjamin Phikhohpoom in Melbourne that left him with permanent brain damage had walked free despite pleading guilty.

The 16-year-old alleged driver of the stolen Mercedes was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and will appear in court at a later date

'Victoria, this is not OK but sadly just another case of a violent offender let off because our laws are weak,' Judd wrote on social media.

Last month, Judd slammed Melbourne as 'woke, broke and violent' after residents were encouraged to put Apple AirTags in their cars amid a crimewave in the city.

The footy WAG, who lives in a $7.3million mansion in Brighton, was drawn to comment on an interview between 3AW radio's Jacqui Felgate and Sandringham Liberal MP, Brad Rowswell.

During the talk, Mr Rowswell was asked about a rise in violent crime in Melbourne's suburbs.

The MP was asked about a suggestion at a community safety forum in Beaumaris last Thursday that residents consider placing AirTag trackers inside their cars in case they are stolen - something Judd took issue with.

'Melbourne this is sad. Woke, broke and violent. I can't believe we are living like this,' Judd wrote online.

In March, Judd called out Premier Allan after a home invasion in Bayside left an elderly man fighting for his life.
Kanye West's wife of nearly two years, Bianca Censori, put on a racy display for a night out with the rapper in Los Angeles.

The 47-year-old Chicago-bred music artist  whose ex-wife is Kim Kardashian  and Australian architect, 29, spent the evening with friends as they celebrated manager John Monopoly's birthday.

In her typical fashion, Censori modeled a nude-colored, see-through mesh outfit that exposed her ample chest.

Contrasting her look, the Yeezy founder covered up in an all-black outfit that included a hooded leather bomber jacket.

He sported a scruffy beard and matte black sunglasses as the couple patronized Giorgio Baldi and Chateau Marmont.

Kanye West's wife of nearly two years, Bianca Censori, put on a racy display for a night out with the rapper in Los Angeles

In her typical fashion, Censori modeled a nude-colored, stone-covered mesh outfit that exposed her ample chest

Bianca's short, dark hair was pulled back with loose face-framing pieces at the front.

The petite beauty, who often draws comparisons to Kardashian, wore high-waisted tights over her thong bodysuit.

Her flesh-toned getup was punctuated by a pair of pointy-toe black heels that buckled at her ankles.

She wowed in a light face of natural-looking makeup that highlighted her delicate features.

It comes days after a source shared that Censori is 'always welcome' at the legendary Chateau Marmont despite her very risque fashion.

A valet at the $774-a-night establishment told DailyMail.com: 'She comes here all the time. I always know when she's here because there's always a lot of paparazzi.

'She comes a lot. She stayed here awhile, a few months I think.'

Bianca recently stepped into stepmom mode as she spent time with her husband's four children.

The 47-year-old Chicago-bred music artist and Australian architect, 29, spent the evening with friends as they celebrated manager John Monopoly's birthday

The friends shared a toast during the intimate dinner party

John, who is from Chicago, wrote on social media that his birthday celebration 'was a vibe'

Bianca is known for her boundary-pushing fashion choices

Meanwhile, Kim posted this busty photo to Instagram this week

West  who also goes by Ye  shares North, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, and Psalm, five, with his reality television star ex.

The family was spotted on an outing to Target in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, July 30.

Biana covered up her curvy frame in an ivory poncho-style dress with an asymmetric hemline, adding black thong wedges.

It came after last weekend Censori and West took North on a movie date to see Deadpool & Wolverine.
She has requested primary custody of their children Kulture, five, and Wave, two

Cardi indicated that Offset is the father of her upcoming child in divorce docs

Cardi B's divorce filing took a new turn this week when her estranged husband Offset appeared to respond to it.

The 31-year-old WAP rapper was reported on Thursday to have filed the day before to divorce the 32-year-old Migos rapper.

But in response to an Instagram post reporting the filing, Offset responded in an unusual manner  by liking the post from his public account.

The seemingly nonchalant response was particularly unusual considering that Cardi indicated in her divorce filing that he is the father of her unborn third child, according to TMZ.

In addition to apparently confirming the child's paternity  after announcing she was pregnant on the same day news of her divorce filing broke  Cardi shared her custody preferences and is reportedly requesting support from her soon-to-be ex-husband.

Offset, 32, had a surprisingly nonchalant reaction to an Instagram report of his estranged wife Cardi B's divorce filing when he liked the post; pictured in December 2023 in Mesa, Arizona

The seemingly nonchalant response was particularly unusual considering that Cardi indicated in her divorce filing that he is the father of her unborn third child, according to TMZ. She announced her pregnancy in a post on Thursday (pictured)

Offset's alleged Instagram like was on a post from the account for The Neighborhood Talk that announced the news, along with a quote from a source for Page Six.

Shortly after its initial post, the account shared a screenshot appearing to show that Offset  born Kiari Kendrell Cephus  had liked the post.

So far, the Instagram double tap is the extent of his communication regarding Cardi's divorce filing.

However, he did post an Instagram Stories video of himself on Thursday that showed him lying in the backseat of a moving vehicle and lip syncing to an unreleased rap song in which the rapper says he's 'single' and complains that 'this tension is old,' via Page Six.

However, it's unclear if the tune he was lip syncing to was one of his own.

In her divorce documents, Cardi has reportedly indicated that Offset is the father of her upcoming baby by saying that they are expecting their third child together, according to TMZ.

It was previously reported that she is requesting primary custody of their children: daughter Kulture, five; and son Wave, two.

The publication also notes that a prenuptial agreement isn't mentioned in the document, but that doesn't rule out the possibility that one may exist.

Cardi is also asking for all of the couple personal property to be apportioned equitably.

She filed for divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences.

Offset's alleged Instagram like was on a post from the account for The Neighborhood Talk that announced the news, along with a quote from a source for Page Six

So far, the Instagram double tap is the extent of his communication regarding Cardi's divorce filing. However, an Instagram Stories video of himself on Thursday showed him lip syncing to an unreleased song in which the rapper says he's 'single' and complains that 'this tension is old'

The filing comes after Offset was beset by cheating rumors.

On Thursday, he denied in an Instagram Live session that he was out 'publicly cheating' after he was spotted sitting next to a woman who goes by PrettyRedz at a casino.

'People really need to do the research I'm at a public place gambling at a casino with a married 8 month pregnant woman. [What the f***] I look like being outside publicly cheating [shaking my head!' he said.

However, his denial caused more confusion, as his reference to the pregnant woman led viewers to mistakenly thinking he was referring to his pregnant wife Cardi, which her representative denied to TMZ on Wednesday.

Offset was off by a month, as PrettyRedz is reportedly seven months pregnant with a child from her marriage to the late Kyng Rocky, who died on June 18.

Rather than splitting due to cheating, a source claimed to Page Six that Cardi  real name: Belcalis Marlenis Cephus, nee Almanzar  and Offset had simply 'grown apart' over time, following multiple earlier splits and relationship turmoil.

'That's what drove her to this decision more than anything else,' the source added. 'This is something she wants to do.'

A source told PEOPLE on Friday that Cardi's decision to divorce Offset 'wasn't an easy' one for for her.

'She has two kids already, is pregnant and is also a working mom. She'd love to have a great marriage too, but since it's more of a distraction than support, she needs to end it,' they explained.

They noted the split had been 'a long time coming.'

'It's not just one issue. She's matured a lot. She knows exactly what she wants her life to look like. She's super focused on her kids and work,' the insider said.

Cardi is said to 'incredibly strong and driven' as she prepares to navigate the split.

'As a mom, she expects a partner that contributes fully and that puts the family first. This just wasn't happening,' PEOPLE's source explained.

'In general, he just doesn't support her like a husband should. She needs good vibes and positive energy only in her life.'

Despite the split, Cardi looked over the moon in lovely photos of herself caressing her baby bump that she posted on Thursday to announce her pregnancy.

The filing comes after Offset was beset by cheating rumors. On Thursday, he denied in an Instagram Live session that he was out 'publicly cheating' after he was spotted sitting next to a woman who goes by PrettyRedz at a casino; pictured with Cardi B in 2023 in NYC

Cardi is requesting primary custody of their children Kulture, five, and Wave, two. They now have a third one on the way, and she confirmed Offset was the father in her divorce filing, according to TMZ; pictured in September 2023 in Newark, New Jersey

'With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power!' she wrote without mentioning or even tagging her estranged husband.

'Reminded me that I can have it all! You've reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love, and my passion!' Cardi continued. 'I love you so much and can not wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do! It's so much easier taking life's twists, turns and test laying down, but you, your brother and your sister have shown me why it's worth it to push through!'

In addition to his soon-to-be three children with Cardi, Offset has three older children from previous relationships.

He shares his 14-year-old son Jordan Cephus with Oriel Jamie, his nine-year-old son Kody Cephus with Justine Watson and his nine-year-old daughter Kalea Mari Cephus with Shya L'amour.
Ariana Madix has made a triumphant return to the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway.

The Vanderpump Rules star, 39, reprises the role she initially took on in January and told Playbill, 'Chicago is the kind of show that, once you're comfortable with that incredible material, there is so much room to play.'

Ariana  who recently came clean about all the cosmetic procedures she's had done  will appear in the musical at the Ambassador Theatre through September 1.

'The first time around, I was in rehearsal for three weeks. This time around, I'm going to have two days,' she told the outlet. 'So part of me is trying not to freak out about that.'

And another bonus of being in New York City: she gets to spend more time with her boyfriend, personal trainer Daniel Wai, who is based there.

Ariana Madix has made a triumphant return to the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway

And another bonus of being in New York City  she gets to spend more time with her boyfriend, personal trainer Daniel Wai, who is based there

The Love Island host is looking forward to sinking her teeth into the role of Roxie again.

'Roxie can be a tough person to like,' she explained. 'And something that surprised me was the relationship that formed between the character and myself.

'I kept finding new ways to root for herlike all the time. I didn't know that that would have been possible before spending eight shows a week with her.'

The reality TV star also expounded on the element of play in the musical.

'It's a facial expression from another actor, or it's a lengthy pregnant pause in something, or it's just all these different moments that sometimes the audience is probably not even noticing.

'But it's something that you're doing with each other on stage and it just makes it feel so real. And it makes it so much fun,' she gushed.

Adds Madix, with joy in her voice, 'It's why I love theatre so much. I love that it's always different.'

While Ariana rose to fame on VPR, he original goal when she moved to Los Angeles with her college degree in theater, was to be a stage actress.

After VPR, Dancing With the Stars, Love Island and Chicago, the sandwich shop owner is looking forward to balancing the different facets of her booming career.

The Vanderpump Rules star, 39, reprises the role she initially took on in January and told Playbill , 'Chicago is the kind of show that, once you're comfortable with that incredible material, there is so much room to play'

She will appear in the musical at the Ambassador Theatre through September 1, pictured with Anna-Faye Wright

'The first time around, I was in rehearsal for three weeks. This time around, I'm going to have two days,' she told the outlet. 'So part of me is trying not to freak out about that,' pictured with Anna-Faye Wright

The Love Island host is looking forward to sinking her teeth into the role of Roxie again. Pictured with Max Von Essen

She discussed her run on Love Island, saying, 'It's been so much fun. Love Island has been my favorite reality show for many years, Madix shared.

'It feels like every time I go into The Villa, we get to play dress up, and just go full tilt with whatever the look is.'

And she added that she did take one lesson from her run on Broadway back to reality TV.

'I feel like my posture is so much better than it used to be! I'm constantly thinking about pulling up. And I can thank [Chicago Dance Captain] David Bushman for that.'
Titawny Cook, shown in his U.S. Marine Corps uniform, left, and in civilian clothes, right, was killed while covering the war in Ukraine as a student journalist with Chabot College. The circumstances around his death remain unclear. Courtesy of Diana Osaulenko

A Chabot College journalist was found dead last week in Ukraine, where he had been covering the war for the student newspaper.

Titawny Cook, 41, had traveled to Kyiv to write about life in a country pummeled by bombings, ground skirmishes and widespread power outages since Russia invaded in February 2022. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran raised in the East Bay, Cook had dreamed of becoming a war correspondent and documenting the suffering in Ukraine, his mother Christine Cook said, even though he knew the assignment would be dangerous.

Having served in Iraq, Cook wanted to bring his experience and expertise to document the conflict in Ukraine, according to his mother. Getting to the war-torn country wasnt easy: Titawny Cook had to convince administrators at Chabot, the community college he attended in Hayward, to sponsor the trip so that he could secure a press pass.

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Professor Thomas Lothian, an advisor for the Chabot Spectator newspaper, said he was reluctant to grant the sponsorship but that ultimately, he and the schools dean decided Cook was an adult who had clearly articulated his decision.

Even then, it took a while to pitch the idea to his mother.

We had some interesting discussions about him going into a war zone, Christine Cook said in a phone interview, recalling how she eventually capitulated. Her son had struggled with ennui after his stint in the Marines, and the idea of practicing journalism in Ukraine gave him a sense of purpose, she said.

In June 2023, she drove him to the airport, wished him well and told him to come home safe.

Diana Osaulenko, a fellow student and reporter for the Chabot Spectator, also warned Cook about the perils of living in Ukraine, her home country. She said he would not be discouraged.

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He was fearless, honestly, said Osaulenko, who profiled Cook last October for an article titled The Extraordinary Journey of Titawny Cook. In the story, Osaulenko highlighted Cooks strong foundation from handling combat logistics in Iraq and studying speech and debate at Chabot College.

Once hed settled in Kyiv, Cook found an apartment, made friends and began filing stories. He started learning to speak Ukrainian, fully immersing himself in a city where people adjusted to nightly curfews, sirens constantly wailed and outages frequently left the landscape pitch black.

Over time, Cook linked up with Ukrainian soldiers who had returned from the front lines to hear their stories and understand the battle conditions. Throughout the assignment, he communicated with his mother via the Signal smartphone app, which allowed them to exchange texts and chat over video.

In recent weeks, Christine Cook said, her son somehow roused the suspicions of people in his circle. She didnt know how the tension flared up, but she said Titawny was unable to quell it because of the language barrier. When she last spoke with him on July 25, he said he believed someone was inside his fifth-floor apartment with a gun. He gave her the name and phone number of another friend to call for help.

I called, told (the friend) my son was in danger and to check on him, Christine Cook said. She called Titawny back, but he didnt answer.

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Later, she received a call from a woman who had found her sons phone on the street. Then, on the morning of July 26, an official at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv called, saying that police had found her son lying unconscious. They transported him to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. The location and circumstances of his death were not clear.

After news of Cooks death surfaced, Lothian reflected soberly on his decision to sponsor the Ukraine assignment. He remembered how Cook had returned to college as a reset after his service in the military, wanting to pursue journalism seriously. He entered this new phase of life with gusto, writing for the newspaper, participating in the college TV crew and working for Chabots radio station.

Of course, I support all my student journalists doing what they want to do and achieve with journalism, to the degree that I possibly can, Lothian said. Regarding Cook, he added, Honestly, I regret it.

Now, Christine Cook is raising money to retrieve her sons body  a daunting task, given that the airports in Kyiv are closed and the local police have not finished their investigation of the killing.

Im in a holding pattern, his mother said, her voice quavering. Despite her pain, she acknowledged how proud she is of the son who had enough courage to travel somewhere where he didnt know anyone, didnt speak the language and had to confront extraordinary hardships.

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Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl dodged a question about Taylor Swift while out in Los Angeles on Thursday after recently accusing the pop star of lip-synching.

One month after implying that the Cruel Summer hitmaker does not sing live on her Eras Tour during one of his shows in London, the Foo Fighters frontman, 55, chose to remain silent when asked about his remarks by a paparazzo while walking to his car in Los Angeles.

When asked directly what he thought about the online chatter that his 'statements on Taylor not playing live werent fair,' the musician kept his mouth shut.

He also chose not to respond to a question about 'why' he doesn't think she sings live, despite the 14-time Grammy winner insisting that she does not lip sync.

In the footage, obtained by TMZ, Grohl smoked a cigarette and simply gave a wide-eyed expression when asked to 'clarify' his past comments.

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl dodged a question about Taylor Swift while out in Los Angeles on Thursday after recently accusing the pop star of lip-synching; seen in 2014

In June, the music legend blasted Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour by suggesting she doesn't sing live.

During one of his concerts, he told the crowd: 'We like to call our tour "The Errors Tour" because I feel like weve had more than a few eras and more than a few f**king errors as well.'

He proceeded to quip: 'Thats because we actually play live.'

As some concertgoers booed, he shot back: 'What? Just saying. You guys like raw, live rock n roll music, right? You came to the right f**king place.'

Right before he made the accusation, Grohl he admitted to 'joking about the Taylor Swift tour earlier' and not wanting to 'suffer the wrath of Taylor Swift.'

The day after his comment, Swift seeming responded to his claim as she thanked her band and crew for working tirelessly to make the Eras Tour special for fans.

Swift asked her fans to cheer for every one of her band members and crew, who she said plsy 'live for you for 3.5 hours' every show.

'They deserve this so much,' she gushed. 'And so does every one of my fellow performers. And you just gave that to us so generously, we will never forget it.'

One month after implying that the Cruel Summer hitmaker does not sing live on the Eras Tour during one of his shows in London, the Foo Fighters frontman, 55, chose to remain silent when asked about his remarks by a paparazzo while walking to his car in Los Angeles (pictured in 2024)

When asked directly what he thought about the online chatter that his 'statements on Taylor not playing live werent fair,' the musician kept his mouth shut (seen together in 2008)

Swifties were upset at the rocker for taking a jab at the superstar, who he previously credited for saving him from embarrassment at a party in front of Paul McCartney; seen in 2007

Grohl and Swift have previously been on good terms, with the former praising the latter's decision to re-record her albums, reclaiming her back catalog.

He also once spoke of how he was 'saved' by Swift after she assisted him while performing at a party held by Sir Paul McCartney.

Some online users were unimpressed with Grohl's jibe at Swift, who has sold over 200 million records worldwide.

Swift seeming responded to his claim as she thanked her band and crew for working tirelessly to make the Eras Tour special for fans; seen in May 2024

Some online users were unimpressed with Grohl's jibe at Swift, who has sold over 200 million records worldwide

One wrote: 'Oh Tayvoodoo is coming for him and he deserves it. Can't handle that a woman is more talented and successful.'

'Wow Grohl so washed he has to use Taylor's name for free pr? Embarrassing thought he was better than that what a shame', another user said.

Some fans suggested that Grohl's attack was partly fueled by abuse faced by his daughter from Swifties - Taylor Swift's fans.

Violet Grohl criticized Swift for flying between concert stops in a private jet.
Carol Vorderman showed off her hourglass figure in a pair of tight-fitting green trousers as she strolled through London in the sunshine on Friday.

The television presenter, 63, was spotted walking through Leicester Square wearing a pair of skinny green trousers and a white quarter-zip blouse.

The outspoken radio-show host flaunted her age-defying figure with an oversized black belt and cream military-style jacket.

She finished off her look with a pair of brown lace-up heels and aviator sunglasses as she carried two large bags through the capital.

The stylish star has had a busy few months and has been taking part in ITV's Cooking With The Stars after admitting she's fallen out of love with cooking leaving her only eating one meal a day and snacking on brussel sprouts.

Carol Vorderman, 63, showed off her hourglass figure in a pair of tight-fitting green trousers as she strolled through London in the sunshine on Friday

The outspoken radio-show host flaunted her age-defying figure with an oversized black belt and cream military-style jacket which she layered over a crisp white top

She finished off her look with a pair of brown lace-up heels and aviator sunglasses as she carried two large bags through the capital in the sunshine

The show sees a slew of famous faces paired with professional chefs who will mentor them in a bid to transform them from amateur to expert in a matter of weeks.

Carol has joined model Abbey Clancy and comedian Katherine Ryan on the hit show which is presented by Emma Willis and Tom Allen.

The media personality revealed she has 'fallen out of love with cooking,' and signed up to get some inspiration.

Carol, who's divorced with two adult children said: 'I used to cook all the time and then about ten years ago I just stopped.

'I think after cooking for the kids and my mum and the family I'd just had enough. The knowledge is there but I fell out of love with it, so my motivation is to get cooking again.'

Carol has been posting her cooking progress on her Instagram, but viewers were less than impressed by hygiene standards on the show.

The presenter, who was paired with Scottish restauranteur Tony Singh, whipped up salmon coulibiac (salmon encased in puff pastry) with a Champagne reduction int he first episode but depsite the impressive dish, fans were more concerned with her hair.

Carole opted not to tie her hair up as she got busy in the kitchen, causing a slew of complaints from fans online:

Carol has been posting her cooking progress to her Instagram after joining ITV's Cooking With The Stars, but viewers have been less than impressed by hygiene standards on the show

The TV star posing with model Abbey Clancy on the set of the ITV's cooking show which sees celebrities paired with professionals to inspire them in the kitchen (pictured July 31)

'For Petes sake, tie your hair back #Cookingwiththestars #TeamPasha.'

'Does it bother anyone else that the celebs on #Cookingwiththestars dont their hair back?? I just vision a pan full of stray hair #Cookingwiththestars #itv.'

The presenter has also been hosting her own show on LBC since January after quitting the BBC over disagreements about social media.

At the time the star slammed the corporation trying to 'restrict what people do in their private lives'.

The former Countdown star left her BBC Radio Wales show in 2023 saying she was 'not prepared to lose my voice' after the company introduced new social media guidelines.

Carol, who has been vocal in her criticism of the Government on social media, claims she was 'sacked' by the corporation with 'no conversation to be had'.
Rumer Willis looked chic as she stepped out to grab a drink in Los Angeles on Friday.

The 35-year-old daughter of Demi Moore, 61, and Bruce Willis, exuded style in a green and white gingham dress featuring a long skirt, short puffy sleeves and a scoop neckline.

The mom of Louella, 15 months, with partner Derek Richard Thomas had her blonde hair parted in the middle and pulled back into a low ponytail.

As Rumer  who recently enjoyed a night out at the Chateau Marmont  left the coffee shop, she toted a green smoothie.

The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actress is currently filming a Western movie called Broken Trail and has been sharing snaps of her daughter visiting her on set.

Rumer Willis looked chic as she stepped out to grab a drink in Los Angeles on Friday

The 35-year-old daughter of Demi Moore , 61, and Bruce Willis , exuded style in a green and white gingham dress featuring a long skirt, short puffy sleeves and a scoop neckline

One of the photos she shared recently was of her breastfeeding her one year old child.

Critics came out to try to shame her for continuing to breastfeed but Rumer shut them down quickly.

The star  who welcomed her first child, daughter Louetta, in April 2023  recently told People, 'I didn't think it was that big of a thing because I grew up in a naked house.'

Some of the actress' 1.1 million Instagram followers have scoffed at her breastfeeding posts, calling it 'a private thing.'

Rumer delivered a clear message to her critics: 'I'm like, "Really? How would you feel if I told you to lock yourself in a little cubicle at the airport when you wanted to eat?"'

'I'm feeding my kid. It's not sexual unless you're making it that way,' she told the outlet.

'I didn't grow up in a house where we had shame about being naked, ever, she explained, adding, 'I didn't think I was posting that crazy of things, even for me - I know I can be a little escandalo.'

Rumer used to show Louella's face on social media but has recently pulled back from that practice.

One of the photos she shared recently was of her breastfeeding her one year old child. Critics came out to try to shame her for continuing to breastfeed but Rumer shut them down quickly

The star  who welcomed her first child, daughter Louetta, in April 2023  recently told People, 'I didn't think it was that big of a thing because I grew up in a naked house'

Some of the actress' 1.1 million Instagram followers have scoffed at her breastfeeding posts, calling it 'a private thing'

During a recent visit to her mother's set, Rumer was in the hair and makeup chair and she shared some snaps of herself holding her daughter.

Man, I love my little Lou,' she penned in the caption.

'You can tell she is a Willis cause when she came to visit mama on set and I was covered in blood she didnt even flinch, she just reached out her arms and grabbed me tight and gave me a big ole smooch.'

Louella is the first grandchild for Demi and Bruce.
German aircraft maker Deutsche Aircraft on Friday said it has collaborated with Bengaluru-based SASMOS HET Technologies for its 40-seater turboprop regional aircraft D328eco project.

Under this strategic collaboration, SASMOS HET Technologies will provide specialised design and development of Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) for regional aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to advance aerospace engineering globally, the company said in a statement.SASMOS HET Technologies Ltd, which started operations in 2007, is a manufacturer of wiring harnesses, electro-mechanical assemblies and unit integration products for the aerospace, defence and marine industry sphere in India.

SASMOS currently exports more than 70 per cent of its products to Israel, the US and Europe, as per the statement.

We welcome SASMOS HET Technologies as our partner in the D328eco programme. Their reputation for developing and delivering top-tier aerospace wiring solutions aligns perfectly with our needs for the D328eco, said Nico Neumann, COO at Deutsche Aircraft.
Equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty halted their five-day rally to close with deep cuts on Friday in line with a global sell-off as investors dialled back risk exposure in metal, auto and IT stocks after weak US job data.

Amid widespread selling pressure, the 30-share BSE Sensex plunged 885.60 points or 1.08 per cent to close at 80,981.95. During the day, it nosedived 998.64 points or 1.21 per cent to hit an intra-day low of 80,868.91.

The broader Nifty of NSE slipped 293.20 points or 1.17 per cent to end at 24,717.70. It fell 324.05 points or 1.29 per cent to 24,686.85 during the session.

From the Sensex stocks, Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors, JSW Steel, Larsen & Toubro, Tata Steel, Mahindra and Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies and Infosys were the laggards.

HDFC Bank, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Nestle India and Asian Paints were among the gainers.

The European markets were quoting lower in mid-session deals on Thursday.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude rose 0.77 per cent to USD 80.13 a barrel.

In Asian markets, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Seoul ended lower on Thursday.

The US stock market also finished in the negative territory on Thursday.

Foreign institutional investors bought equities worth Rs 2,089.28 crore in the capital markets on Thursday.

The 30-share Sensex climbed 126.21 points to close at a new lifetime high of 81,867.55, while NSE Nifty rose 59.75 points to settle at an all-time closing peak of 25,010.90.
As the first woman Vice President, Harris is now poised to break another glass ceiling by becoming the first female President of the United States

The US Vice President Kamala Harris ended the week by declaring, "I am Kamala Harris and I am running for President." This historic moment, ending the suspense after President Biden withdrew from the Presidential contest and endorsed her as the candidate, marks a new chapter in American politics. It is now official.

Many influential Democrats, including former Presidents Barrack Obama and Bill Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, fund giver George Clooney, have thrown their weight behind her candidacy. She now has the Party firmly behind her in her fight, instilling confidence in her potential to lead.It's worth noting that in its 248-year history, the US has never elected a female President. Even Hillary Clinton, who ran for President in 2008 and 2016, was unsuccessful. Kamala made history four years ago when she became the first woman Vice President.

Will she make history again by running for President? Can she win?She has to do two things. First, she needs to get the Democratic Party's nomination, and then she needs to win. Time is short, with only four months left before the election on November 5. Indian-origin Kamala Harris has several strengths and a few weaknesses. Her current position as Vice President and her qualifications to assume the role of President in an emergency are her essential advantages. Four years ago, Kamala hoped Biden would finish one term and say goodbye to the White House. However, Biden stuck to his decision and insisted on running for a second term. But he surprised everyone by recently withdrawing and endorsing his Vice President.

One significant advantage was that she could break the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman president. She must work hard to appeal to Black, Asian, and female voters and gain support from other minority groups and undecided and younger voters. This could help her chances against Trump in swing states.

Secondly, another significant factor in Kamala Harris's favour is her strong connection to Biden's legacy, which is not entirely negative. This association could play a pivotal role in her candidacy. She could bring together moderate and conservative members of her Party and act as a unifying force. To defeat Trump, her Party must unite and support her.

Thirdly, Obama was the first Black President, and John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic President. They could be her role models, inspiring hope in the hearts of many.Fourthly, and importantly, Kamala is 59 years old, which works in her favour compared to Trump, who is 78. Her age is not a drawback, but a substantial age difference could bring about change.

She can attract undecided voters by highlighting her achievements to gain their support.Fifthly, she can have Biden's war chest of about $100 million. She has raised $200 million in the first week of her candidacy and signed up 17000 volunteers. Still, she must instil confidence in other fundraisers for the enormous poll expenditure. Kamala Harris has strong ties to Silicon Valley since the beginning of her political career.

She is tapping into this support for her battle against Donald Trump.Above all, she must choose the right candidate for herrunning mate. The right combination should enhance the chances against the Trump-Vance team. Kamala also pledged to do "everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party and our nation, to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda." Harris's mission is urgent and crucial. She must gain the support of those who are uncertain or critical to achieve her goal.

The race for President between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is currently tied, according to a recent poll by the Wall Street Journal. This tie is significant. The poll shows increased support for Harris among non-white voters and a substantial rise in enthusiasm for the campaign among Democrats. Harris faces challenges such as her past unsuccessful bid for the 2020 nomination, her approval ratings, and the need to secure significant funding for her campaign.

According to a recent NBC News poll, Trump was ahead of Biden by 45% to 43%, and Trump also led Harris by the same two-point margin of 47% to 45%. But slowly, this is changing. The time is short, as the campaign has just 100 days left. Before the November election, the vice president's team should strategise how to defeat Trump. Trump's team may criticise Harris as inexperienced and risky. She should be ready to face racism from the Trump campaign and run as a Democratic nominee who is a Black and South Asian American woman. This election is a critical decision that will shape America's future. Biden's exit has energised the Democratic. It is up to Kamla to seize the moment to surge forward. Can she step in and be the natural leader in America? Her capacity to lead The next few weeks will show whether she can.

(The writer is a popular columnist, views are personal)
This operation highlighted the bravery, ingenuity, and strategic importance of the IAF, cementing its legacy in modern warfare

The Kargil War of 1999 marked a significant milestone for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which participated in large-scale combat for the first time since the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.In April 1999, around 1500 Pakistani soldiers infiltrated Indian territory in Kargil, Jammu, and Kashmir to sever the connection between Kashmir and Ladakh.

The air operations in the Kargil region by IAF were named 'Operation Safedsagar'. In the 1990s, covert intruders from Pakistan stationed at high-altitude peaks made it difficult for the Indian army and IAF to carry out military operations in the challenging mountainous terrain of J&K since it was impossible to pinpoint their exact locations. Operation Safedsagar marked a revolutionary use of aerial capabilities in a distinct and demanding setting. The IAF's successful use of air power in the Kargil conflict is a source of pride for India.The strategic deployment of air power became essential in the War, as it effectively provided direct air support to ground troops and executed highly precise bombings on enemy targets, thereby exerting a substantial impact on the final result of the battle. The IAF encountered notable challenges due to its operational areas' geographical and environmental factors.

The Kargil region is known for its very intricate topography. Engaging in operations at high altitudes invariably presents formidable obstacles, such as the notable deterioration of both aircraft and weapon efficacy.

The delivery of a weapon to the target is significantly influenced by weather at higher altitudes. The winds are usually powerful and higher than the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) required minima. Given this, manoeuvring is necessary to complete the essential launch.

Despite challenging geographical and meteorological conditions, the operation exemplified exceptional bravery, persistence, and commitment.

By July 23, 1999, the Indian forces successfully recaptured the Kargil Heights, a testament to their unwavering commitment and bravery that is sure to inspire.

Innovations for Technical Asymmetry Dividends

The IAF demonstrated exceptional ingenuity and resourcefulness during the Kargil conflict by successfully deploying several unique innovations. The IAF aimed to develop and use several weapon launch strategies. The Indian Air Force effectively used laser-guided bombs deployed from Mirage-2000 aircraft to significantly impair the adversary's logistical routes, a testament to their innovative tactics.

The laser-guided missile pods were modified to carry 1000-kilogram bombs from the World War II era, particularly for storage aboard the Ajeet aircraft.

The Mirage-2000 aircraft used these bombs for the first time after making immediate modifications. The IAF reportedly chose weapon-impact zones that may trigger a domino effect leading to avalanches or landslides. To establish firing limits for rockets and weaponry at high heights, a meticulous process is needed to determine specific mountain peaks that closely resemble the height of enemy fortifications. Performing real-time shooting trials in such conditions enables the acquisition of crucial data to enhance and enhance the efficiency of these weapons.

Using laser designators installed on MiG-29 aircraft to guide the ammunition released by Mirage-2000 combat fighters was an incredible achievement. By using this innovative methodology, the precision and efficiency of the impacts were significantly improved.

The Mirage-2000 aircraft were outfitted with Litening pods that enhanced target detection and facilitated the precise launching of guided missiles. This was the first-ever deployment of cutting-edge targeting technology by the IAF in combat operations.

During air operations in the Kargil War, the capabilities of precision strikes helped the IAF reduce the amount of collateral damage and neutralise hostile positions. The efficient use of air power has averted more casualties considerably reduced the duration of the Indian Army has achieved substantial progress on the battlefield. An in-depth understanding of the Kargil operations is crucial for appreciating India's changing alignment in aerospace power. This battle serves as an exceptional case study for analysing the use of airpower in joint engagements in extremely mountainous regions.

(The writer is Retd Group Captain, IAF. and Senior Fellow, Centre for Air Power Studies; views are personal)
Following Nicolas Maduro's victory over right-wing candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, there is confusion and chaos in the country fanned by Western media

In Venezuela, last Sunday was more than just a day of elections; it was the 70th birth anniversary of Hugo Chavez, the transformative leader who revolutionised Venezuela's social fabric. Chavez, who died prematurely from pelvic cancer at the age of 58, left an enduring legacy that continues to shape the nation's history. Unsurprisingly, the Western media is once again engaging in its usual tactic of misleading the public regarding Venezuelan elections to serve its interests. When a leader elected through a free and fair process but who rejects the Western model is demonised as undemocratic, while a leader who aligns with Western ideals is hailed as democratic despite questionable means of coming to power, it reveals a clear bias.

This pattern was evident in the aftermath of Venezuela's recent elections, where protests, statue removals, and airport blockades dominated the news because the outcome did not align with Western expectations. Following Nicolas Maduro's victory over the right-wing candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, the oppositionwho had promised to accept the results only if they wonimmediately denounced the election as fraudulent without presenting credible evidence. Their claims centre around alleged discrepancies between paper ballots and electronic results, which they use to suggest tampering.Venezuelas voting system aims to prevent fraud with electronic voting, ID and fingerprint verification, and paper receipts for cross-checking. Election observers from 95 countries reported a calm process, while opposition claims of having three-quarters of the paper ballots remain unsubstantiated.

Media reports, including an Edison Research exit poll showing Gonzalez leading by over 30%, are questioned due to their ties to U.S. state media and the fact that exit polling is illegal in Venezuela. The opposition and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken quickly declared the election illegitimate, reflecting a pattern of U.S. interference, such as the 2019 recognition of Juan Guaido over Maduro and past support for coups against Venezuelan leaders.The U.S. has consistently sought to control Venezuelas vast oil reserves, the largest in the world. Chavezs 1990 election disrupted the elite and foreign corporations exploitation of these resources, redirecting oil revenue to the Venezuelan people. U.S.-backed coups in 2002 and 2019 aimed to reclaim control over Venezuelas oil. John Bolton, Trumps national security advisor, openly expressed desires for U.S. companies to dominate Venezuelas energy sector, revealing economic motives behind political actions.Chavezs anti-imperialist stance and Maduros continuation of these policies challenged U.S. dominance in Latin America.

Venezuelas support for global South nations and opposition to U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq inspired regional progressive movements. The U.S., under the guise of humanitarian concern, enforces sanctions causing severe poverty and scarcity in Venezuela, driving migration and economic collapse. These sanctions have decimated Venezuelas oil sector and government income, exacerbating the very crises the U.S. claims to address.

The U.S. strategy of manufactured poverty and social crises is a well-worn tactic to justify regime change.The United States' obsession with overthrowing Venezuela's government stems from multiple factors, with oil being a significant one. Venezuela holds the largest oil reserves in the world, and many U.S. companies have long desired access to these resources. Despite the U.S. being a major oil producer, the nationalisation of Venezuelan oil under Hugo Chavez and the subsequent exclusion of U.S. oil corporations have driven American interests in destabilising the Venezuelan government. This nationalisation was seen as a direct challenge to U.S. economic interests and a disruption of the global oil market that the U.S. seeks to dominate.Beyond oil, Venezuela's push for a multipolar world presents a direct challenge to U.S. hegemony.

Since the Bolivarian revolution led by Hugo Chavez, Venezuela has sought to forge alliances with countries such as China, Russia, and Iran. Additionally, Venezuela has been instrumental in the creation of regional organisations like CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) and ALBA (Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America). These efforts are aimed at reducing dependency on the U.S. economy. This ideological shift threatens the traditional power structures maintained by U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere.In response to these obstacles, the U.S. has imposed severe sanctions and blockades on Venezuela, much like its long-standing policies against Cuba.

These measures are designed to suffocate Venezuela's economy, incite political unrest, and ultimately force a change in government. The deepening of Venezuela's relationships with major powers such as China and Russia further threatens U.S. geopolitical interests. These partnerships offer Venezuela economic and military support, making it increasingly resilient against U.S. attempts at destabilisation. The U.S. perceives these multipolar alliances as a direct affront to its global dominance and has consequently intensified its efforts to undermine the Venezuelan government.It is in this context that the U.S. government is backing yet another coup attempt in Venezuela, after their disappointed elections result.

Over the past two decades, Washington has sponsored several coup attempts, often violent, to overthrow Venezuela's government, including targeting former revolutionary president Hugo Chavez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro. In 2002, the U.S. backed a military coup that briefly overthrew Chavez, Venezuela's democratically elected president. Despite mainstream acknowledgement from sources like The Guardian that the Bush administration supported this coup, it lasted only two days as the Venezuelan people reinstated Chavez, who continued his Bolivarian revolution.

Following the presidential elections on 28 July, where Maduro was re-elected, the U.S. and its Latin American allies refused to recognise the results. Instead, violent extremists, supported by powerful figures like billionaire Elon Musk, have been burning down public institutions, government buildings, and hospitals, and destroying buses while looting offices to overthrow Maduro.

This aligns with Musk's history of supporting U.S.-backed coups in Latin America, as seen in his 2019 backing of the Bolivian coup to access lithium reserves for electric vehicles.Independent analysts have reported that the unproven claims of electoral fraud in Venezuela originate from Edison Research, a New Jersey-based firm with reported close ties to the U.S. government and the CIA. This firm works with U.S. government propaganda outlets like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, which were established by the CIA. Despite these baseless allegations, independent international electoral observers, including the National Lawyers Guild and human rights activists, have confirmed the transparency and fairness of Venezuela's electoral process. They condemned the U.S.-backed opposition's refusal to accept the results, which undermines Venezuela's democracy. Donald Trump, during his presidency, admitted the U.S. aimed to take over Venezuela and its oil. His administration recognised right-wing opposition figure Juan Guaido as the supposed president of Venezuela, despite his lack of electoral participation. The Trump administration's coup attempt in 2019 failed, as Guaido never gained power. The Biden administration continues to back far-right extremists like Maria Corina Machado, who allegedly collaborates with oligarchs and calls for military intervention to overthrow Maduro.

Historically, U.S.-backed coup attempts in Venezuela have been violent. After Chavez died in 2013 and Maduro's election, far-right extremists launched another coup attempt in 2014, burning government buildings and attacking supporters of the government. Leaders of these coup attempts, like Leopoldo Lopez and Maria Corina Machado, have close ties to the U.S. government.

Despite engaging in violent coup attempts, these opponents walk free in Venezuela, which starkly contrasts with the U.S.'s portrayal of the country as a dictatorship.

U.S. sanctions have severely worsened Venezuela's economic crisis. Ironically, these sanctions have led to a U.S. energy crisis, as sanctions on Iran and Russia have made affordable energy scarce for Europe. Despite the high cost and insufficiency of U.S. liquefied natural gas, Venezuelan oil remains blocked from European markets due to the sanctions. In June 2022, the U.S. pivoted its strategy by permitting the transport of Venezuelan oil to Europe to compensate for the void left by reduced Russian supplies. This strategic recalibration paved the way for the Barbados Agreement in October 2023, which initiated a gradual easing of sanctions. The elections held on 28 July were a direct result of this process. However, the U.S. encountered significant challenges in realising its typical political objectives through overt manipulation, while it continued to exert its influence through covert channels.

(The writer is a journalist and author. Views are personal)
The US has said it expects accountability from India concerning the alleged role of an Indian government employee in the failed attempt to assassinate a Sikh separatist on US soil last summer.

In November last year, US federal prosecutors charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual American and Canadian citizenship, in New York.

Gupta, who was arrested in the Czech Republic in June last year, was extradited to the US on June 14.

We continue to expect accountability from the government of India in relation to the alleged role of an Indian government employee in the failed attempt to assassinate a US citizen on US soil that occurred last summer, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters in response to a question at his daily news conference.

We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Indian government at senior levels, he said.

India has denied the allegations but has constituted an internal investigations team to look into it.

Patel, however, declined to comment on a news report alleging that Canadian authorities claim to have arrested five Indian nationals planning to target a Sikh separatist at a wedding ceremony.

As it relates to the news that you mentioned out of Canada, I would refer you to the Canadian government to comment on issues that are happening within their law enforcement system, the official said.

He said that the US continues to raise our concerns directly with the Indian government at senior levels.
Air India on Friday announced suspending flights to Tel Aviv till August 8, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Tata Group-owned airline operates four weekly flights to Israeli city from the national Capital.

In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to August 8, 2024, the carrier said in a social media post.

The airline also said it was extending support to passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges. On Thursday, Air India cancelled its flight to Tel Aviv.

Tensions continue to remain high in the Middle East amid conflict between Israel and various groups, including Hamas. Earlier this year also, AI had briefly suspended flights to Tel Aviv at different points of time due to the Middle East tensions.

After nearly five months, the carrier had recommenced the services to the Israeli city on March 3. Air India had suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv starting on October 7, 2023, after the Hamas groups attack on the Israeli city.
Chevron sold its longtime headquarters complex at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon in 2022. Sunset Development

Chevron announced Friday that it plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from San Ramon to Houston after 145 years in the Bay Area, becoming Californias latest corporate giant to shift to Texas.

The oil and gas titan, worth $286 billion, will relocate on Jan. 1, 2025, with Chairman and CEO Mike Wirth and Vice Chairman Mark Nelson moving to Texas to enable better collaboration and engagement with other executives, employees and partners.

The company said it expects all corporate functions to migrate to Houston over the next five years from San Ramon, but that there will be minimal immediate relocation impacts in San Ramon. Jobs supporting California operations will stay in San Ramon, and refinery and other non-office jobs that span Richmond, the San Joaquin Valley and El Segundo wont move. Chevron said the number and types of jobs relocating hasnt been finalized, but expects to complete a review by end of year.

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Chevron has a long and proud history in California. We remain committed to our investments in California with our crude oil fields, technical facilities, refineries, retail stations and renewable partnerships, the company said.

In 2022, the company sold its longtime San Ramon headquarters complex and significantly downsized by leasing less space nearby. It follows a slew of major Bay Area companies that have moved headquarters to Texas, though most have kept some operations in California, including Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Tesla, Charles Schwab and McKesson.

Chevron, the second-largest U.S. oil company, already has a roughly 7,000-person Houston presence that dwarfs San Ramons 2,000 employees. Its larger rival, Exxon Mobil, also moved its headquarters to Houston from Irving, Texas, last year.

Texas officials were jubilant Friday after attracting another California firm.

WELCOME HOME Chevron! Texas is your true home. Drill baby drill, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said.

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California sued Chevron and four other oil giants last year for allegedly downplaying the effects of fossil fuels on climate change. Wirth, the Chevron CEO, told Bloomberg that climate change calls for a coordinated global policy response, not piecemeal litigation that benefits attorneys and politicians.

We have previously stated that we believe state policy makers have pursued policies that raise costs and consumer prices, creating a hardship for all Californians, especially those who can least afford it. These policies have also made California investment unappealing compared with opportunities elsewhere in the U.S. and globally, the company said.

Chevron has a major refining presence in California and continues to be at odds with the California regulators and the new state legislation that is impacting all companies operating in California, said Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston. The state of Texas is much friendlier to the energy business, and their moving to the state reflects that.

Beyond climate regulations, companies have cited Californias high taxes, as well as the expensive cost of housing and other living expenses, for shifting jobs elsewhere, reasons that Chevron echoed: Texas offers a business-friendly environment, a more affordable cost of living, and better proximity to key counterparts in the service sector, our industry and academia.

Texas has no personal income or corporate tax. The median home price in San Ramon was $1.6 million in June, compared with $349,000 in Houston, according to real estate firm Redfin.

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Chasing jobs and employers out of California is no way to run the economy, Jim Wunderman, CEO of the business-backed Bay Area Council advocacy group, said in a statement. Its an embarrassment for California that weve lost so many global companies because of misguided policies that make it incredibly difficult to do business here. Californias elected leaders need to take stock of the decisions theyre making that affect millions of families and workers, impact the state budget and have grave consequences for the future economic health of this state.

California Gov. Gavin Newsoms spokesperson, Alex Stack, said the relocation is the logical culmination of a long process that has repeatedly been foreshadowed by Chevron. Were proud of Californias place as the leading creator of clean energy jobs  a critical part of our diverse, innovative, and vibrant economy.

Chevrons history in the Bay Area dates to 1879, when Pacific Coast Oil Co., a predecessor company, was incorporated in San Francisco. The company later became folded into Standard Oil Co. (California), a derivative of John D. Rockefellers original oil giant. In 1984 the companys name became Chevron after its merger with Gulf Oil  the largest corporate merger at the time.

In 2001, Chevron moved its headquarters from San Francisco  where it had a major presence on Market Street  to a San Ramon office park. The move was in part to be closer to its Richmond refinery, the company said at the time, though it had also fought what it perceived as high taxes in the city.

The Richmond refinery was built in 1902. It was one of the largest refineries in the world at the time and survived the 1906 earthquake.

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The companys stock price was down around 3% midday Friday, after it also reported second-quarter earnings that missed Wall Street expectations. Profit fell 26% to $4.4 billion from a year earlier.

Chevrons decision to relocate its headquarters underscores the compelling advantages that position Houston as the prime destination for leading energy companies today and for the future, Steve Kean, CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, said in a statement. He noted that four Fortune 500 companies have moved to the area in the past five years.
Amidst the recent NEET paper leak controversy, which has cast a shadow on the quality and management of medical education in India, Union Health Minister JP Nadda defended the examination system, saying the medical education had become an open business before the NEET was introduced and PG seats were sold for `8 crore-`13 crore each.

Addressing concerns during a discussion on a private member resolution by DMK Rajya Sabha member M Mohmed Abdulla, Nadda emphasised that the introduction of NEET was a necessary reform to combat rampant corruption in medical education. The Minister said corruption was rife in medical education before the NEET was brought in during his first stint as Health Minister.

He asserted that before NEET, the medical education sector was plagued by severe malpractices, including the sale of postgraduate seats for exorbitant amounts ranging from Rs 8 crore to Rs 13 crore.

Medical education had become the den of a business. When I was health minister and was bringing NEET, one seat of post graduation was sold for Rs 8 crore each and if you had to opt for a discipline like radiology then it was Rs 12-13 crore, Nadda said.

He said that before the NEET came in, students had to travel across the country for medical exams. The minister said that beside the money and time spent, the students also had to deal with huge corruption in the medical education system.

The admission list used to be put up for 30-45 minutes and afterwards it used to be said students did not come, therefore, we are using these seats at our discretion. It had become a business. There was a vested interest. The matter was pending before the Supreme Court for a long time, Nadda said.

Today, thanks to NEET, exams are conducted at numerous centres. There has been a 65 percent increase in the number of students from social categories who secure seats through NEET. The exam is now available in 13 languages, and students from government schools have also benefited. This year, there are 17 perfect scorers in NEET from various states, including Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.

During the Session, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha in Rajya Sabha joined the ongoing NEET issue, criticising corruption in exams that aim to produce doctors. He warned that such corruption could lead to the emergence of Munna Bhai MBBS-type doctors. At the same time, Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas said, Parliamentarians need to collaborate on this matter, as it directly impacts the young minds and their future.
Amid deaths of mentally challenged inmates reported at Asha Kiran shelter home with more than a dozen dead in July alone, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday directed the Chief Secretary to furnish a white paper on the running of all shelters homes by the Delhi Government in three weeks and initiate action against the administrator immediately. On her part, Minister Atishi ordered the Revenue Department to initiate a magisterial enquiry and submit a report within 48 hours.

Asha Kiran is a Delhi Government-run facility for the mentally challenged and comes under its Social Welfare Department. The department is currently without a head following the resignation of Raaj Kumar Anand. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently lodged in Tihar jail, has not assigned the charge of the department to any minister.

According to reports, 28 mentally ill inmates have died this year so far. Out of the total 14 deaths reported in July, 10 happened in the last half of the month including the death of a 14-year-old boy. According to the Medical Care Unit of the shelter home, most of the deceased had complaints of difficulty in breathing and loose motions.

The L-G ordered a comprehensive enquiry into the state of affairs of all shelter homes being run by the Delhi Government and a report fixing responsibility is presented within one week.

Atishi wrote a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue Department and stated that these deaths reportedly occurred due to health issues and malnutrition and indicate the lack of availability of requisite facilities to the inmates.

National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma blamed the AAP Government for the death.

She demanded responsibility from Delhi Minister Atishi in the matter.

A team from NCW visited the shelter home following which Sharma said, The shelters run by the Delhi government have become death traps for innocent people. In the capacity for 250 people, Asha Kiran has 450 people staying without proper food, water and medication. Atishi should be made responsible for contaminated water they have been provided, she said, adding that most of the women who died were under 40 years old.

Apex child rights body National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) called on Friday called for immediate action in the matter and submission of a fact-finding report within 48 hours. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav demanded thorough probe into the deaths of inmates of the AAP government while raising question whether a responsible government exists in the Capital, as the AAP ministers were only blaming others for their own lapses and incompetence in effectively administering their Ministries.

BJP Northwest MP Yogendra Chandolia raised the issue in the Parliament following his visit to the shelter home. There is no proper ventilation in the dormitory where the inmates live that they have more than the capacity of the shelter. The nurses and women that take care of them are getting paid pennies for working so hard. I demand magisterial inquiry in the matter, he said, adding that the Delhi Jal Board has stopped the supply of water for three months in the shelter.

All India BJP Mahila Morcha Vice President Rekha Gupta, BJP Rohini MLA Vijender Gupta and the partys North West district president Satyanarain Gautam tried to enter the shelter home but the gates were not opened for them, following which they staged a protest.
The Enforcement Directorate has taken action against Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament from Jaunpur, Babu Singh Kushwaha.

The ED seized Kushwahas land worth crores of rupees in Lucknow on Friday. After this, bulldozers will also run on the illegal construction made on the seized land.

The ED had registered a case of money laundering in the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam during the Bahujan Samaj Party regime. The case also includes land worth crores of rupees on Kanpur Road in Lucknow which allegedly belongs to former minister in the Mayawati government, Babu Singh Kushwaha, now a SP Member of Parliament from Jaunpur.

Kushwaha was arrested and lodged in the jail in the NRHM case.

Reports said that the ED team took big action in this case on Friday. The ED team seized Babu Singh Kushwahas property located on Kanpur Road near Scooters India Limited campus. The ED sleuths also took a bulldozer with them to demolish the illegal construction made on the said land.

This land was purchased by Kushwaha in the name of Vindhya Shakti Cement Company and a printing press of a Hindi newspaper was also opened on it.

It may be mentioned that till now, the ED has seized property worth about Rs 250 crores of Babu Singh Kushwaha.

Kushwaha had invested billions of rupees earned through corruption in NHRM and UP Rajya Nirman Evam Shram Vikas Sahakari Sangh Limited (UPCLDF) in benami properties. This was revealed by ED in its investigation.

It was found in the investigation that many properties are in the name of Babu Singh Kushwahas family members and some in the names of his close ones.
Heavy rainfall in Himachal till August 6 MeT office



Shimla: The meteorological office on Friday issued a yellow alert for heavy rain, thunderstorm and lightning in isolated places in ten out districts of Himachal Pradesh till August 6. It also cautioned of the possibility of landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas and damage to plantations and standing crops and houses due to strong winds, and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Meanwhile, light rains continued in parts of the state. Kasol recorded 33 mm of rain followed by 19 mm in Seobagh, 11 mm in Hamirpur, 10 mm in Manali, 7.2 mm in Nahan, 7 mm each in Nadaun and Bilaspur, 6 mm in Jubbarhatti, 3 mm each in Dharamshala, Solan and Keylong and 2 mm each in Mandi and Chamba. Shimla received light showers. Rain-related incidents have claimed 73 lives since the onset of monsoon on June 27 till August 1 and the state has also suffered losses to the tune of Rs 649 crore, according to the state's Emergency Operation Centre. Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti was coldest at night recording a low of 12.5 degree Celsius while Una was hottest during the day recording a high of 36.4 degree Celsius.



Cylinder Burst in Ferozepur: Punjab Childs panel directs Admn to bear full treatment costs for injured children



Chandigarh: Punjab State Child Rights Protection Commission has taken a suo motu cognizance of media reports regarding the injuries of five children due to a cylinder burst at Gurudwara Jamani Sahib in Ferozepur district. The Commission has issued a letter to the District Administration, seeking a comprehensive report on the incident by August 6, 2024. Commission chairman Kanwardeep Singh on Friday said that the District Administration has been directed to ensure all necessary medical services are provided to the injured children, and also instructed to bear the entire cost of the treatment for the injured children.



Include regional languages in constitutional appointment notifications: Punjab Speaker to Prez



Chandigarh: Citing the recent appointment of Punjab Governor, where the notification was read out solely in English and Hindi, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Friday urged the President of India to include regional languages in all official notifications related to constitutional appointees. Sandhwan, in a letter to the President, highlighted, On July 31, 2024, during the oath ceremony of the Governor of Punjab, the appointment notification issued by your Secretariat was read in English and Hindi. Unfortunately, the notification was not available in Punjabi. This omission has caused disappointment and concern among the people of Punjab. He proposed that all notifications, related to constitutional appointees, should include the regional language alongside English and Hindi.



Punjab VB arrests Police Inspector for accepting Rs 6L bribe



Chandigarh: Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Friday arrested police Inspector Vijay Kumar, who was earlier posted as in-charge CIA Samana, Patiala district, for accepting a bribe of Rs six lakh in conniving with co-accused Raghvir Singh  the assistant sub-inspector (ASI). Spokesperson said the Inspector Vijay Kumar has been arrested in an FIR, dated October 23, 2023, under section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act registered at VB police station Patiala range. Earlier, ASI Raghvir Singh was arrested in this FIR and after his interrogation Inspector Vijay Kumar was also nominated in this case. The complainant has alleged, in his online complaint, that the accused ASI had demanded illegal gratification of Rs 10 lakh for joining an investigation of a case registered against him in Samana police station and had already taken Rs six lakh as a bribe on April 2, 2023, and asking for the remaining money of Rs four lakh.



Hry Speaker raises issue of flaws in voters list with State Chief Electoral Officer



Chandigarh: Haryana Assembly Speaker and Panchkula MLA Gian Chand Gupta on Friday met State Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Aggarwal and demanded to remove the flaws in voters lists. He also handed over a copy of the letter written to the Chief Election Commissioner of India on July 27 and survey documents showing errors in the voters list. On the occasion, he also talked in detail about these errors. According to Gupta, the names of persons who died and left the constituency have not been removed. Names of some persons are being found in two different places. He demanded to remove the errors in the voter's list.



JJP appoints district in-charges & district presidents in all 22 districts



Chandigarh: Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) on Friday appointed district in-charges and district presidents in all 22 districts under the organization's reconstruction. JJP National President Ajay Singh Chautala, former Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala, JJP State President Brij Sharma and many other senior leaders discussed and released the list of appointments of 29 district in-charges and district presidents. JJP has appointed Mandeep Boparai in Ambala, Sajjan Balali in Dadri, Pradeep Chaudhary in Faridabad, Ravindra Beniwal in Fatehabad, Sheochand Yadav in Gurugram, Gurdev Rambha in Karnal and Kuldeep Jakhwala in Kurukshetra as district presidents. Manish Sharma in Mahendragarh, Devendra Sorot in Palwal, OP Sihag in Panchkula, Ram Niwas Patwari in Panipat, Ashok Verma in Sirsa, Raj Singh Dahiya in Sonipat, Vijay Panch Gurjar in Rewari and Gurvinder Tejali in Yamunanagar will be JJP district presidents.



Draft voter list Published; Citizens can check their names, says CEO Haryana



Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal on Friday said that the draft voter list has been published on August 2 in preparation for the upcoming general assembly elections. Any citizen or representative of political parties can check the names and other details of the electors in these draft lists. If there are any errors, claims and objections can be filed through Form-8 by August 16, he added. Agarwal further said that the resolution of claims and objections will be completed through the District Election Officer by August 26. The final voter lists will be published on August 27, 2024. He urged young boys and girls who have completed the age of 18 to register their votes before the Haryana Assembly elections and participate in the democratic process to contribute to the development of the state and country. The Chief Electoral Officer said that the Election Commission of India has streamlined the process for including names in the voter list. Previously, the qualifying date was considered to be January 1, with the process conducted once a year. Now, new votes can be registered four times a year, on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.



Hry Transport Minister orders suspension of Power Department Executive Engineer



Chandigarh: Haryana Minister of State for Transport, Women and Child Development Aseem Goel Naneola on Friday, while taking a strict cognizance of the improper handling of complainants. has directed suspension of the Executive Engineer of the Power Department. Besides this, he also directed to issue show cause notice to another Executive Engineer of the Power Department and the DETC (District Excise and Taxation Officer) of the Excise Department for being absent without permission.



Hry Minister suspends official and assistant for casting fake votes



Chandigarh: Haryana Minister of State for Transport, Women and Child Development Aseem Goel Naneola, has directed the suspension of a manager and his assistant for irregularities in the cooperative society elections held in Yamunanagar district. The Minister gave these directions while presiding over the District Redressal Committee meeting in Yamunanagar today. During the meeting, a total of 12 complaints were heard. Of these, 11 were resolved on the spot by directing the officers, while one complaint was deferred to the next meeting.



Hry Education Minister felicitates meritorious students, teachers



Chandigarh: Haryana Minister of State for Education Seema Trikha said that the true goal of schools is not just to impart bookish knowledge but also to instill values and strengthen moral character. The objective of schools is to foster a sense of respect for the nation among children, she said while addressing district-level School Management Committee (SMC) training-cum-conference in Fatehabad district. She also inspected the exhibition set up by the students. Trikha felicitated students who performed exceptionally well, along with officials of the school management committee and education department officers and teachers, by presenting them with certificates and shields. She directly interacted with the SMC presidents and invited their suggestions.
Aclass 9 student was stabbed to death at Arjun Nagar after a dispute with another youth of the area, marks of a sharp weapon edge were found on the chest of deceased.

The deceased identified as Brajkant Pandey (16) had a dispute with Sonu Batham. Afterwhich Sonu and his father reported the police detained Brajkant into custody. The police called the minor's family to the police station when the family did not come, he was handed over to the accused and later boy's body was found near the house at night.

The short PM report has revealed that the death was caused by a sharp weapon. The police have also taken the accused into custody.

The incident took place on Thursday night in Arjun Nagar Basti of TT Nagar area.

DCP Priyanka Shukla said, 'There was a dispute between Brajkant (16) and accused Sonu Batham (18) over dominance in the area. Both live in lane number one of Arjun Nagar Basti. A fight broke out between them on Thursday afternoon. Brajkant had stoned Sonu. The people of the locality intervened and pacified the matter.

Later Sonu along with his father reached TT Nagar police station with a complaint. Brajkant also followed them. Here also there was an argument between the two. The police took Brajkant into custody and called his father. He was also asked to come to the police station. Brajkant's father expressed his inability to come.

He even said that if you want, send the son to jail. Other relatives were also called, they also refused to come. Later Brajkant was handed over to Bhura, Sonu and his father who lived in the area. Both the parties were also counselled.

Sonu made up his mind to teach Brajkant a lesson. At around 10.30 pm, Brajkant was standing near the house. During this time Sonu attacked him with a sharp weapon. On receiving the information, the police reached the spot.

After the incident, people from both sides came face to face. The matter was pacified by counselling. The injured was taken to the hospital in a bloody condition, where doctors declared him dead. A case of stubbornness is also registered against Brajkant. At the same time, accused Sonu also has four to five cases.

Brajkant's father Brajlochan said that Brajkant was studying in class 9 in a private school. I am a class 4 employee in the forest department.
Ratlam police have arrested eight persons for cheating lakhs of rupees in the name of crypto currency and recovered Rs 44 lakh which was brought back to India by freezing the accounts of Japan and Singapore based companies.

Police are looking for two main accused in this case. Apart from Ratlam, the accused had also cheated people of crores of rupees in Mandsaur, Neemuch, Dhar and Rajasthan by luring them with 30 percent monthly return.

On August 24, 2023, Salim Khan complained to Ratlam Police and told that Mohammad, Azam Khan Huzefa Jammali, Alok Pal, Wajid and Wasim cheated Rs 20 lakh by luring 30 percent monthly return on investment in crypto currency through MTFE company.

On the complaint, a case was registered against the accused in Police Station Industrial Area Jawara.

Similarly, Ashraf Ali complained against Govind Singh and Sandeep Tank in Police Station Station Road for cheating of about Rs 26.5 lakh. People believed in this Ponzi scheme of the accused to earn money easily and after some time the MTFE company cheated people through this scheme and closed the company and people's deposits of lakhs of rupees were lost.

A joint team including cyber cell was formed and started investigation in which Rs 1.43 crore was cheated from over 266 victims in Ratlam district . The team exposed the fraud committed by the MTFE company.

In both these cases, 8 people including MTFE CEO Huzefa Jamali and Govind Singh Chandrawat were arrested. Important information was obtained regarding cryptocurrency exchange platforms like Binance, Huobi, TRC20 etc. by interrogating Kalin Company's director Yogananda Bamore involved in MTFE fraud.

Police obtained information from various mediums/open sources and obtained addresses of about Rs 10.48 lakh TRC 20. In this, a large amount of money was transacted from different countries through MTFE's QR code.

On analyzing it, MTFE was found to have committed this type of fraud in India as well as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nigeria. About 56 counterparty exchanges were used to convert currency from TRC 20. These mainly include Binance, KuCoin, OKX, Huobi, Bybit, USDt~Token, MEX, Sun Crypto etc.

Information was obtained by contacting Binance and after analysis the main account UId~301254931 was identified. In this, transactions of about Rs 40 crore of the amount defrauded from India have taken place. The above Binance account is registered in the name of Anaku Peme, the main accused in the case.

Apart from India, the Binance account was registered on different devices from Singapore, Malaysia and used. Mobile numbers of Malaysia along with India were also found registered in the above Binance account. Binance has provided about 41 Binance accounts connected to the account of MTFE company, which were frozen by Ratlam Police on the orders of the court. There are about Rs 44 lakh in the above accounts. Since the amount held in Binance is related to crime, correspondence was made with Binance to transfer it to the government account and out of the above amount, Rs 43.77 lakh was refunded to the government accounts in the form of 26 currencies. The main accused in the case, Anaku Peme and Mercy Peme, are being continuously searched.




Stating that if no legal obstacles arise, the elections for the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) will be held soon, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday urged members of the Sikh community to register as many names as possible in the voter list of the HSGMC. The State Government has abolished the earlier fee of Rs 100 for registering names. A campaign will be launched to create voter IDs, he said.



The Chief Minister assured that Assandh would be made a district, stating that a sub-committee of the cabinet has been formed for this purpose. Asandh will be made a district once the necessary norms are fulfilled.



Addressing members of the Sikh community led by Jagdish Singh Jhinda in Chandigarh, Saini said that the present state government is committed to spread the teachings of Guru Sahibs to the present and coming generations. He urged everyone to follow the path of goodwill, tolerance, brotherhood, and mutual love shown by the Sikh Gurus in their lives, stating that this is the true mantra for human welfare and the real devotion to the Sikh Gurus.



Saini said that during his tenure, the government provided land to Gurdwara Sri Chilla Sahib in Sirsa, where the holy feet of Guru Nanak Dev Ji once touched. He further shared that Prime Minister Modi has made numerous announcements for the Sikh religion over the past decade, including observing December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas', to mark the martyrdom of sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh - Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. On this occasion, members of the Sikh community also presented a memorandum of demands before the Chief Minister.



A Govt institution to be named after Namdev Maharaj



In another event on the occasion of Sant Shiromani Namdev Ji's Jayanti, Saini announced to give Rs 21 lakh for the Maham Dharamshala in Rohtak and Rs 31 lakh for Namdev Dharamshalas across various locations in the state. Besides this, a government institution would be named after Namdev Maharaj, he said. Addressing the members of the Namdev community, he praised Sant Shiromani Namdev Ji's lifelong dedication to eradicating social evils and his commitment to the welfare of humanity.



During the event, members of the Namdev community honored the Chief Minister by presenting him with a turban. In response, the Chief Minister remarked that this honor belongs to the entire Namdev community and pledged never to diminish the respect associated with the turban. Saini said that the doors of the Chief Minister's residence are always open to every community and class in the state. He also assured the gathering that more than a dozen demands raised by the Namdev community would be addressed promptly.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday extended full support to the investors interested in expanding their businesses into Tanzania and assured that the State Government is committed to facilitating their endeavors by providing assistance through the relevant departments in their areas of interest. The Chief Minister was presiding over a debriefing session with the members of Haryana delegation who recently visited Tanzania, here in Chandigarh.



While urging the industrialists to explore possibilities in setting up their ventures abroad, Saini said that the State Government has established the Department of Foreign Cooperation with a view to make Haryana a global identity and to establish Haryana as a preferred destination for investors.



It may be recalled that a high-level delegation led by the Additional Chief Secretary, Foreign Cooperation Department visited Tanzania during the 48th Tanzania International Trade Fair 2024 from July 8 to July 15, 2024 along with industrialists, exporters, traders and institutions from various sectors.



During the visit, detailed discussions were held between the Haryana businessman and Tanzania government and companies to discuss opportunities in various sectors like plywood, sugarmill, mining, agriculture, home appliances, electrical and electronic goods, Education, security etc.



Advisor of the Foreign Cooperation Department, Pawan Choudhary, apprised the Chief Minister that Haryana's exports to Tanzania have increased by approximately 18% between the financial years 2023 and 2024, following the Haryana-Africa Conclave. There is significant potential for business expansion in Tanzania and fruitful efforts are being made to capitalize on these opportunities, he added.



Managing Director of HAFED, Dr J Ganesan, shared that HAFED has established a store in Tanzania and is in the process of finalizing the export of 10,000 tonnes of rice within one quarter. This Government-to-Government business is expected to significantly boost rice exports from Haryana.



The industrialists expressed their gratitude to the Haryana government for its support throughout the visit, acknowledging the positive impact of the states assistance on their international ventures. They also shared their experiences of the Tanzania visit and submitted a proposal to the Chief Minister for investment in agriculture, home appliances, education, packaging, plywood etc.
Providing immediate relief to farmers in distress due to crop loss during the recent floods, the Yogi Adityanath government has released over Rs 150 crore. This amount was allocated based on district demands to cover crop losses.

So far, more than 1.25 lakh farmers have received compensation totaling over Rs 71 crore for their damaged crops, with the highest amount of Rs 47 crore distributed to about 70,000 farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri.

Relief Commissioner GS Naveen said, Following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths directives, surveys are being conducted in the flood-affected areas of the state to ensure timely compensation for farmers.

He stated that the floods have had a significant impact, with water released from Nepal and hilly regions affecting 82,126.50 hectares of crops across 18 districts. The survey revealed that 29,243.74 hectares of crops were damaged, providing a comprehensive overview.

The relief commissioner added, The government only compensates for crop losses exceeding 33 per cent due to unseasonal rains, hailstorms and floods.

According to the relief commissioner, the floods affected the crops of 1,57,444 farmers, and 1,56,952 farmers information has already been uploaded on the portal. So far, 1,25,521 farmers have received payments totaling Rs 71.01 crore, and efforts are underway to process the remaining claims quickly.

Lakhimpurs farmers suffered the most, with 88,546 affected. Of these, 88,544 farmers] data have been uploaded, and Rs 47 crore has been disbursed to 70,691 farmers.

In Siddharthnagar, 19,805 farmers were affected, all of whom have been registered on the portal, and Rs 7.70 crore has been paid to 15,478 farmers.

Hardoi saw 18,010 farmers affected, all of whom have been registered, with Rs 5.42 crore paid to 14,673 farmers.

Naveen said, As per Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths instructions, the government will post lists of farmers with damaged crops at tehsils in flood-affected areas. Although the government compensates for crop damage, delays often occur due to outstanding loans or other dues, leading to confusion among farmers about whether they have received their compensation.

To address this issue, the Yogi government will publicly display the names of farmers who have received compensation at the tehsils. The names of farmers who have not yet received compensation will also be announced, along with explanations, he added.
The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh provides financial assistance to individuals disabled due to leprosy. Over 12,000 such individuals receive a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 from the state government.

Additionally, under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme of the National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh offers Rs 12,000 to cover loss of wages during free reconstructive surgery for those with leprosy-induced disabilities.

Leprosy, caused by the Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin, nerves, respiratory tract and eyes. If untreated, it can lead to permanent disability.

According to Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Narendra Kashyap, a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 is provided to individuals disabled due to leprosy and currently, 12,361 leprosy-affected individuals in the state are benefiting from this scheme.

He said, Additionally, under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme of the National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh offers Rs 12,000 to cover lost wages during free reconstructive surgery for those with leprosy-induced disabilities. Eligible recipients are those disabled by leprosy, whose income is below the poverty line, who are residents of Uttar Pradesh, of any age, and who are not receiving any other government pension.

He clarified that the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities department provides benefits to individuals disabled due to leprosy, not to those currently suffering from the disease.

He added, Lifelong leprosy pensions are given to those disabled due to leprosy as livelihood support. Additionally, disabled individuals are offered free travel on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses.

Under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, managed by the Medical and Health department within the National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh has registered 9,162 leprosy patients who are currently receiving treatment as of June 2024.

The minister also noted that the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities department does not register leprosy patients. The chief medical officer issues disability certificates for those disabled due to leprosy.
A Santa Rosa sculpture splashed with pig blood. Two accused of defacing the sculpture and throwing a pigs head and blood at the former home of a Derek Chauvin defense witness were convicted of vandalism charges. Santa Rosa Police Department

Two Sonoma County residents were convicted of vandalism this week after pleading no-contest to accusations that they splattered pigs blood on the former home of a defense witness in the Derek Chauvin murder trial and atop a sculpture outside the Santa Rosa Plaza in 2021.

Amber Lucas and Colin Metcalfe were found guilty of felony vandalism after reaching plea agreements with the Sonoma County District Attorneys Office, spokespersons for the agency said Friday.

Metcalfe and Lucas were two of five Santa Rosa residents accused of carrying out a plan to splash pigs blood on the former home of Barry Brodd, a former Santa Rosa police officer. Brodd testified in defense of ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of murdering George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for several minutes in 2020.

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Chauvin was convicted on three counts  second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter  in April 2021.

Prosecutors also accused the activists of splattering animal blood on the Agraria statue, a sculpture of a giant white hand outside Santa Rosa Plaza.

Metcalfe is scheduled to be sentenced August 27. Lucas is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 1.

While felony vandalism carries a maximum prison sentence of three years, Metcalfe and Lucas could be ordered to serve probation, jail terms or community service, officials for the DAs office said.






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Flower petals were showered on kanwariyas from a helicopter in Meerut and Baghpat districts of western Uttar Pradesh by government officials on Friday, as the Yogi Adityanath-led governments gesture for the devotees continued for the third consecutive day.

On Thursday, District Magistrate Deepak Meena and Senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada had showered flowers on Shiva devotees taking part in the Kanwar yatra from a helicopter in Meerut.

Continuing this gesture, on Friday, the auspicious occasion of Shravan Shivaratri, Meerut Divisional Commissioner Selva Kumari J and Inspector General of Police Nachiketa Jha showered flowers on Kanwariyas from a helicopter at Baba Augharnath temple in Meerut and Pura Mahadev temple in Baghpat.

In addition to the flower shower, both officers also surveyed the temple premises and reviewed the security arrangements.

The kanwariyas, delighted by the aerial display, danced with joy and chanted Bol Bam Bol Bam.

Earlier on Thursday, Meerut DM Deepak Meena and SSP Vipin Tada also showered flowers from helicopters at various locations including Meeruts historic Augarnath temple, the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway, Pallavpuram, and the Siway Toll Plaza.

This flower showering festivities began on Wednesday when flowers were showered on kanwariyas from a bulldozer in Meerut. The kanwariyas have expressed their happiness with the Yogi governments arrangements along the entire Kanwar Yatra route and have thanked Chief Minister Yogi for the gesture.

A large number of Lord Shivas devotees travel from various places with kanwars carrying holy water from the Ganga to perform jalabhishek of shivlings during the Hindu calendar month of Shravan. Many believers shun consuming meat during the month they consider holy. Many do not even consume meals containing onions and garlic.
Within a fortnight of alleged accidental firing from the licensed pistol of a sub-inspector during a raid in Aligarh in which a constable was killed and a SI was injured, yet another similar incident was reported from Chitrakoot on Friday.

During a surprise visit of a police station by the deputy inspector general of police, a sub-inspectors pistol allegedly went off, seriously injuring two sub-inspectors. Both were taken to hospital and further investigations are on by the senior officers.

According to information, DIG (Chitrakoot) Ajay Kumar Singh had come to Pahadi police station of Chitrakoot district for inspection. During the inspection on Friday, the service pistol of Sub-Inspector Nanakau Gautam suddenly went off when he was taking it out of the holster.

Sub-Inspector Nanakau Gautam was seriously injured as the bullet hit him on his stomach. Sub-inspector Suresh Bahadur Singh, who was standing next to Gautam, was also hit by the bullet on his hand.

Both have been admitted to the district hospital.

On behalf of the police, Superintendent of Police Arun Singh said that the incident happened due to the negligence of Nanakau Gautam. No decision has been taken on action against Gautam at the moment.

Late in the night of July 17, a police constable had lost his life during a joint raid by Aligarh police and members of the Special Operation Group (SOG) to arrest accused involved in cow slaughtering in Gabhana locality of the district. While loading the arms before the raid, the safety lock of the pistol of Sub-Inspector Mazhar Hasan got stuck. When Sub-Inspector Rajiv Kumar tried to unlock the pistol, it suddenly went off and the bullet pierced his stomach and hit the head of SOG constable Mohammad Yakub who died on the spot. The sub-inspector is being treated in the hospital.
AIIMS Bhopal continues to lead the way in academic excellence and innovative medical practices.

Emphasizing a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous learning, AIIMS Bhopal has garnered significant achievements across various academic platforms. Recently, Dr Ketan Mehra of the Department of Urology, AIIMS Bhopal, did a two-month clinical visit from June 01 to July 31, 2024 at the Medical University Vienna, Austria, one of the oldest universities in Europe.

During this, Dr Mehra found that various specialties like oncology, radiology and pathology can be adopted in a integrated manner to improve patient care and management. Apart from urological disorders, he also learned to use advanced techniques in cases like prostate cancer, bladder cancer and kidney stones. These advanced techniques included imaging methods, endoscopic procedures and surgical procedures.

Imaging methods included - MRI, CT scan and ultrasound while surgical procedures included robotic surgery in which laparoscopic surgery is done with the help of robots. During this time, Dr. Mehra also learned the use of advanced laser techniques for stone management and other surgeries.

Professor (Dr) Ajai Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhopal said that this experience of Dr. Ketan will be helpful in enhancing clinical practices at AIIMS Bhopal.

By adopting these advanced procedures, strengthening educational programs, promoting research collaboration and integrating new technologies, AIIMS Bhopal will significantly improve patient care and benefit health professionals. Professor (Dr) Singh congratulated Dr. Ketan Mehra for his achievement.
Chinese Consul General in Mumbai Kong Xianhua has said his country is ready to work with India to bridge the gap between the people of the two neighbours, recalling the Indian help during the Sino-Japanese war.

The senior diplomat on Thursday visited the Indian Coast Guard Headquarters (West) to express gratitude to the maritime security agency for saving Chinese mariners over the past two years, an official statement said.

Kong met Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander of Indian Coast Guard (West), and said China is ready to work with India friends to bridge the gap between the people of the two countries and strengthen friendship.

... Our two peoples will walk together like brothers and sisters, he said.

The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have jointly carried out a successful rescue mission to evacuate a Chinese mariner who was critically injured and suffering heavy blood loss on July 24, the statement said.

The Indian Coast Guard responded immediately to the medical emergency. The rescue team overcame the strong wind and high waves to evacuate him to hospital. Thanks to the Indian Coast Guard's prompt rescue and professional treatment, the mariner recovered very well and has already been back to China, Kong said.

Today I come here on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and all the officers and pay my highest tribute to the Indian Coast Guard, Kong told IG Sharma, as per the statement said.

Kong recalled that in 1938, an Indian medical mission went to China to help Chinese people fight against Japanese aggression.

Dr Kotnis, one of the doctors who was from Solapur (in Maharashtra), sacrificed his life for the great cause of Chinese people's liberation. Many Chinese people also gave their firm support for India's independence, the diplomat said.

In the current context, these rescue missions for Chinese citizens carried out by the Indian Coast Guard are of great significance and importance and strengthen the friendship between the two neighbours, he said

A Chinese idiom goes compassion knows no borders'. We are ready to work with our Indian friends to bridge the gap between our two peoples and strengthen our friendship and our two peoples will walk together like brothers and sisters, the diplomat said.

He said the Indian Coast Guard has saved three Chinese mariners in the consular district of the Consulate General alone over the past two years.

Kong said, These rescue missions not only fulfil the (Coast Guard's) motto of Vayam Rakshamah' (we protect), but also demonstrate the common philosophy of People First, Life First in both China and India.

Sharma said over the past decade, the Indian Coast Guard has saved 27 Chinese citizens.
Target plans to close its East Palo Alto store, a favorite among Stanford University students, citing poor sales. Scott Olson/TNS

Target plans to close its East Palo Alto store, a favorite among Stanford University students, citing poor sales.

The closure will lead to 85 permanent job cuts, according to regulatory filings.

However, affected employees will have the option to transfer to other Target locations in Mountain View and Redwood City, a spokesperson for the retail giant said.

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After much consideration, we have decided to close our East Palo Alto store due to prolonged underperformance, said Target spokesperson Joe Unger.

He did not specify how the store, which opened seven years ago, failed to meet its benchmarks.

A shopper browses inside a Target store. The store closing in East Palo Alto is in an area classified a food desert because there are so few grocery stores. David Zalubowski/Associated Press

The Target location was the first to open in East Palo Alto in 2017. The area is classified as a food desert by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to Palo Alto Online, and the impending closure will remove one more store that sold groceries.

Target operates approximately 2,000 stores in the U.S. and plans to open 300 new locations in the next decade.

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In October, Target closed three Bay Area stores, citing theft and organized retail crime concerns, resulting in 200 job cuts.
China issues regulations for settlement of veterans

Xinhua) 11:18, August 02, 2024

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council and the Central Military Commission have issued a set of regulations for the settlement of veterans, aiming to better protect their rights and interests.

The document, which will take effect on Sept. 1, outlines the settlement procedure for veterans, and clarifies that the location for veterans' settlement should be determined according to their needs for work and the locations of their families, with their contributions during their period of military service taken into consideration.

Highlighting support for employment and starting up businesses, the regulations urge joint efforts from the military and civilian sectors to conduct skills training before and after retirement from the military. The document specifies that after leaving active duty, veterans are entitled to enjoy related benefits according to law.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The historic Anchor Brewing building and taproom in San Francisco is seen on May 30. A foul smell has been coming from the brewery in recent days. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

Neighbors of the closed  but soon to reopen  Anchor Brewing Co. on San Franciscos Potrero Hill were accustomed to the earthy, bready aroma of brewing beer before the Mariposa Street brewery shut down last year.

But the pungent stench emanating from the brewery this week is something entirely and disgustingly different. It smells like poop, to be blunt, or manure to be more polite. But theres nothing pleasant about the smell.

The worst of the odor seems to be coming from the backside of the brewery near the corner of Mariposa and Carolina streets, kitty corner from Jackson Park.

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Alexis Roemmer, who works in the neighborhood, took a walk in the park on Wednesday.

It really smelled, she said, scrunching up her nose. I had to look at my shoes.

Her friend, Casey Gruber, visiting from Connecticut, had her own unpleasant take on the smell.

It smells like farm, she said. It reminds me of the smell of a chicken coop.

Gruber would know; she has family in Nebraska.

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On social media, neighbors complained of the smell.

Greg Slovacek wrote on Threads that it smells as if someone is resodding Jackson Park with pure human feces.

He said he had heard that Anchors new owners  the family office of Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani yogurt  were cleaning up a mess left behind by the previous owners, Sapporo, and speculated that it involved gallons upon gallons of foetid old beer.

Thats not the case, said Ben Boyd, a spokesman for Shepherd Futures, the Ulukaya family office.

The foul smell comes instead from a collection of old wastewater treatment tanks on Anchors property. The tanks were part of a system that cleaned the wastewater from the brewing process before it was dumped into the city sewer system, he said.

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While the inside of the brewery was thoroughly cleaned by a company hired by Sapporo to shut down the plant, the wastewater tanks were not decommissioned and the water sat there as smelly sediment collected at the bottom of the tanks.

Crews have demolished the tanks and are cleaning up the sediment.

Our expectation is this project will be completed and all related odors will be gone within a weeks time, Boyd said.

If the deadline slides and the smell sticks around, Boyd said, We have every intention of updating the community.

The sale of Anchor Brewing and its 2.1 acre campus to the Chobani founder was announced in May. Boyd said that Ulukaya met with community members the following day and told them the sites treatment towers, which many neighbors dislike, would be removed.

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But they didnt expect the stink. Boyd said Sapporo was not to blame for the faulty cleanup and apologized to the community.
Wild horses graze along Jenny Creek near Iron Gate Dam in Siskiyou County. Managers of the Klamath River dam-removal project say the horses are interfering with efforts to revegetate areas where the dams are coming down. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

UPDATE: Major California river will flow freely this week as historic dam removal concludes

The massive dam removal project on the Klamath River, near the California-Oregon border, has faced all sorts of challenges. The newest one may be the most unexpected: wild horses.

In recent months, more than 100 free-roaming horses have descended on the dam sites, eating and crushing the new grasses and shrubs being planted in areas where the dams once held reservoirs. The plants are intended to help revegetate the formerly submerged lands and prevent soil from slipping into the newly flowing river.

While the horses possess a distinct rugged beauty and are cherished by some, managers of the dam removal say the equines could undermine the vast replanting effort thats vital to the project. As the dismantling of four dams nears completion, the revegetation of 2,200 acres of reservoir footprints with billions of seeds and thousands of shrubs and trees, costing tens of millions of dollars, remains the last step before the Klamath is completely restored. The rivers rewilding is a longtime goal of tribes, environmentalists and fishing groups.

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We are seeing a growing number of feral horses, and horses of uncertain ownership, degrading the restoration sites, said Dave Meurer, director of community affairs for the Resource Environmental Solutions LLC, or RES, which is doing the revegetation work. The horses eat what we have planted and their hooves trample the plants.

Additionally, Meurer said, the animals are bringing in non-native seeds, both on their hooves and in their feces, which introduce weeds to places where crews have been working to get rid of them.

In spite of these issues, though, only so much can be done.

Wild horses nibble on newly planted grasses and shrubs along Jenny Creek in Siskiyou County, near Iron Gate Dam. A revegetation effort is seeking to restore river banks as part of the dam removal project on the Klamath River. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

Officials in Siskiyou County say the horses have every right to roam and graze freely on public and private property as part of the countys open range policy.

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The issues with the replanting fall squarely on the replanters or the owners of the property to fence (the animals) out, Jim Smith, the countys agricultural commissioner, told the Chronicle.

The person who the county recognizes as the owner of the horses says the animals are actually benefiting the landscape, not hurting it.

William Simpson, who has a ranch in the area and runs a nonprofit horse advocacy called the Wild Horse Fire Brigade, describes the animals as a heritage herd of wild horses, some with a long history on the land and all of them with a knack for clearing overgrown, combustible vegetation and reducing wildfire danger.

Of course, the animals are going down into the (reservoir) footprint because thats where the water is, Simpson said.

On any given day, as many as 130 horses turn up at the former Iron Gate Reservoir. Its the southernmost of the reservoirs that have been drained to facilitate dam removal and allow the river to return to its historic channel. Horses also have been spotted where nearby Copco Lake was emptied.

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Simpson said he expected managers of the dam removal to put fences around the reservoirs last year, before they were drained. After the drawdown, the reservoir footprints became muddy bogs where animals, including deer, got stuck and even died. With fences, Simpson said, he expected project managers to ensure animals had access to water.

A wild horse grazes along Jenny Creek in Siskiyou County. While some cherish the freely roaming horses, managers of the Klamath River dam removal project say the animals are interfering with revegetation of the dam areas. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

While the origins of the horses are disputed, Charlie Schelz, a retired ecologist for the nearby Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, said some may have lineages dating to early European settlement, when domestic horses famously strayed into the wild. Most of the horses in the area, though, were let go more recently by local landowners or are descendents of those released animals, he said.

Schelz said the horses do not benefit the region.

They are just reproducing really fast out there, he said. Theyre just stomping and chomping all sorts of things. Its disheartening. If theres any way we could get rid of them it would be fantastic for the ecology of the area.

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RES has begun moving forward with what officials hope will be 18 miles of fence around the former Iron Gate Reservoir, to try to keep the horses out. The company, which is getting help with the fencing from the conservation group Trout Unlimited, also plans to put up 4 miles of fence at the former Copco Lake, on the side where horses generally approach.

Areas that have been trampled by horses will be replanted this fall, company officials say. Another round of planting had already been scheduled. The company is contracted to manage the revegetation until at least 2030.



Since January, when the draining of the reservoirs began, 66,000 pounds of seeds have been spread, 27,000 acorns have been planted and 78,000 trees and shrubs have been put in the ground, according to RES. The aim is to restore the grasslands, oak woodlands and conifer forests that existed before dam construction.

The revegetation work represents about a quarter of the dam removal projects $500 million budget.

The dam demolition is the result of a decades-long push to reclaim the 250-mile Klamath River, largely for fish and wildlife, notably salmon. The area is about a six-hour drive north of San Francisco. The dams were built between 1911 and 1962 for power generation, but the owner, Portland, Ore.-based PacifiCorp, decided they werent cost-effective.

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In a deal negotiated with the states of California and Oregon as well as area tribes, environmental organizations and fishing groups, PacifiCorp agreed to hand over the facilities. The Klamath River Renewal Corp. was established to manage the dam removal. RES is a subcontractor.

Funding for the project is being provided by PacifiCorp and California voter-approved bonds. The bulk of the dam removal is expected to wrap up by early September.
An arrest was made in connection with Berkeleys second homicide of the year. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle 2021

Berkeley police arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting near the Ashby BART Station last month.

The shooting occurred on July 3 on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way, where police found a bloody trail that led to a man with gunshot wounds. The man  later identified at Matthew Gullette, 55, of Alameda  was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

After a weeks-long investigation, Berkeley police arrested 57-year-old Steve Addison in north Oakland on Wednesday. He was booked without the possibility of bail on suspicion of murder and is being held at Santa Rita Jail.

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The fatal shooting was Berkeleys second homicide of the year, police said.

Police said they do not believe there are other suspects connected to the case. Addison is scheduled for arraignment on Monday.

Annie Vainshtein contributed to this report.
The 2020 elections were a verified sham. Anyone who was watching the results saw the sudden shift in votes for Biden out of absolutely nowhere. The 2024 US Elections will most certainly prove to be another sham election. The corruption and dishonesty is so thick here that it all stinks to high heaven. With millions of illegal immigrants registered to vote, the Democrats are ensured another election win like 2020 in Americas sham elections.

Americas Sham Elections

We can safely state that due to the corrupt practices of the Democrat Party, democracy does not exist in the United States any more, which is kind of ironic in a weird way seeing as the name of the party that is cheating democracy suggests some sort of democratic value to it.

NON-CITIZENS REGISTERED IN GA Footage obtained by @realmuckraker shows numerous non-citizens admitting to being registered voters. A staggering 14% of the non-citizens spoken to admitted to being registered to voters. pic.twitter.com/0p38irDBZH  Oversight Project (@OversightPR) July 31, 2024

If you ever wondered why Joe Biden and Kamala Harris let in 20 million illegal immigrants into the USA, this is why they did it. Many of the illegal immigrants are utilised by Democrat funded NGOs and bribed with phone cards, cash, food and alcohol to register to vote.

These illegal immigrants are also shipped around city to city by the authorities so they can register in multiple states and cities.

We attempted to locate these individuals on GA voter rolls and were unable to find them. Non-citizens have shoddy address history records and often use fake documents and names. It is unclear exactly what information these individuals gave when registering to vote.  Oversight Project (@OversightPR) July 31, 2024

There is also a very good reason why Democrat run states have banned in person voting only, IDs needed to vote, and registration cards needed to vote. In the UK, for example, valid photo IDs are needed to vote, and postal votes are only given to registered householders through the council tax register. All votes are counted by hand, whereas in the US none of these points are mandatory.

Democrat Party Election Technique: Ballot harvesting, illegal immigrant voter registration and postal vote fraud

47 states have the option of early in person voting

No ID is required to vote in the US elections, and some people can vote as many times as they want, unlike the UK where to vote one needs valid ID

The earliest state allows you to vote 50 DAYS BEFORE the election i.e. last week of September

Average is 27 days before

In addition, anyone can request a postal ballot, including illegal immigrants

Most states allow these to be lodged from 45 working days before election day, i.e. Sept 15

Paid Democrat operatives on the ground start pounding pavement in September, getting as many as possible to vote early

Financial incentives are offered by Democrat operatives to voters for their positive Democrat postal votes

Often by mid-October the race is already over. Unless it is super close, so much of the lead will have already been banked it will be impossible to overturn

Hundreds of thousands of deceased people, and millions of partially completed votes, along with illegal immigrants votes are accepted by Democrat controlled states

The Democrat Party utilises an organised system of Ballot Harvesting which ensures their candidates win elections
Francis Ford Coppola arrives at the Oscars on March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Jordan Strauss/Associated Press

Two Megalopolis actresses offered contrasting testimonies regarding director Francis Ford Coppolas problematic behavior, a week after the director was accused of harassing female extras on set.

The allegations were based on a video taken during the filming of the $120 million movies bacchanalian nightclub scene shot in Atlanta in February 2023. The video shows the Napa Valley filmmaker making his way through a crowd and stopping to kiss actresses on the cheek.

A cast member also witnessed Coppola grabbing and kissing actresses during a different scene, according to Variety, while the Guardian reported Coppola may have engaged in inappropriate behavior towards female co-workers, including pulling women to sit on his lap.

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Actress Rayna Menz, who identified herself in the video, denied that Coppola acted inappropriately in an Instagram story. However, Lauren Pagone, who said she was also captured in the video, told Variety that the 85-year-old director hugged and kissed her without her consent.

Neither of the films two intimacy coordinators were on set for the nightclub scene, which involved nudity, according to Variety.

Laurence Fishburne, left, director Francis Ford Coppola and Giancarlo Esposito pose for photographers at the premiere of the film Megalopolis at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2024. Millie Turner/Associated Press

Pagone said she decided to speak out after reading Menzs interview with Deadline, Varietys sister publication, in which the actress testified that Coppola did nothing to make me, or for that matter anyone on set, feel uncomfortable.

She doesnt know what other people were feeling, Pagone said. My experience was different.

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The Deadline article by Mike Fleming Jr. that quoted Menz accused Variety of publishing its earlier story for clicks and called it a pseudo-salacious video reveal. Fleming Jr. joined Deadline in 2010 after working at Variety for 20 years. Deadline and Variety are both owned by the Penske Media Corporation.

One wonders why journos are working so hard trying to tarnish one of the greatest living filmmakers America has produced, at a time when he is grieving the loss of his wife, Fleming Jr., Deadlines co-editor-in-chief, wrote about the director of The Godfather trilogy.
An orange blossom matcha latte from Boats and Beans, a new coffee shop on Oaklands waterfront. Mario Cortez / The Chronicle Boats and Beans, a new coffee shop on Oaklands waterfront, is now open. Mario Cortez / The Chronicle

July kept up the steady stream of new restaurant openings around the East Bay.

New places for ramen, fresh oysters and Brazilian fare opened their doors. Also welcoming their first customers are two new spots to get a morning cup of coffee.

Click here for a list of notable new restaurants that opened in June in the East Bay.

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Small coffee bar sets sail

Oaklands waterfront got a new coffee shop. Open Monday through Saturday, Boats and Beans is now serving drip and espresso drinks out of a cute, colorful shack a few steps away from the historic restaurant Quinns Lighthouse. The bar inside the bright yellow structure uses coffee from local roaster Mother Tongue Coffee and pastries come from Lake Merritts Haddon Hill Cafe.

43 Embarcadero Cove, Oakland. instagram.com/boatsandbeans_coffee

The torta del Chavo at Brothers Deli in Oakland. Mario Cortez / The Chronicle

Oaklands new sandwich shop

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Theres a new spot for sandwiches on Oaklands Park Boulevard. Brothers Deli & Co. is now luring in neighbors with sandwiches ranging from hot paninis to cold cut classics like Italian subs and vegetable sandwiches. The house special Brothers Choice comes stacked with roasted turkey, chicken, bacon and vegetables, while the torta El Chavo fits plenty of thin-sliced ham along with lettuce, tomato and a thick slab of queso fresco on a soft roll.

2700 Park Blvd., Oakland. instagram.com/brothers.deli.and.co

Brazilian food vendor sets up shop

Theres a new food tenant at the Berkeley Organic Market & Deli. Casa do Petisco is now cooking Brazilian bites like meaty empanadas stuffed with your choice of ground beef or shredded chicken as well as pao de queijo, a gluten-free cheese bread, in five-piece or 10-piece orders. There are also sandwiches and salad bowls. East Bay Nosh reported the opening.

2642 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. casadopetisco.com

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Oysters and shrimp at Small Change Oyster Bar, a new seafood restaurant in Oakland. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Awaited oyster bar arrives in Temescal

After a long wait, Small Change Oyster Bar opened in Oaklands Temescal. The crudo bar is well-stocked with freshly shucked oysters on the half shell chilled over ice. There are also broiled oysters topped with house-made kimchi, as well as classic oysters Rockefeller. The menu isnt limited to bivalves; also on offer are lobster rolls, shrimp Louie salads and hot clam chowder served in a mug. Expect sparkling wines and micheladas garnished with crab claws to sip alongside trays of shellfish.

5000 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. smallchangeoyster.com

Tri-Valley gets new taqueria

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Pleasanton has a new spot for tacos and casual Mexican food: Taqueria Extra. Tacos with fillings like carne asada, pork and chicken, among others, are the main draw, but burritos and tortas also feature on the menu, Yelp users report.

6762 Bernal Ave., Ste 630, Pleasanton. taqueriaextra.com

New sandwich shop 02 Eatery has opened in the former Delirama space at 1746 Solano Ave. in Berkeley. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Popular sandwich shop gets new tenant

A new restaurant has taken over the old Delirama space on Berkeleys stretch of Solano Avenue. O2 Eatery is now scrambling eggs and toasting sliced bread to top with avocado. Other items include eggs Benedicts, bowls and waffles. Coffee beverages are made with beans from East Bay roaster Mr. Espresso. East Bay Nosh reported the opening.

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1746 Solano Ave., Berkeley. instagram.com/o2.eatery

Bakery moves into permanent space

Hayward Farmers Market vendor Bake It Up Bakery announced the launch of its brick-and-mortar shop in Castro Valley. The shop will offer owner Fatima Mohameds special carrot cake, along with baklava croissants and Yemeni-style honey bread.

3443 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. instagram.com/bakeitupbakery4u/

Japanese dishes arrive in Lake Merritt

New restaurant Tada Ramen & Yakitori opened its doors in late July to diners in Oaklands Grand Lake neighborhood, East Bay Nosh wrote. The restaurant has a classic spread of ramen choices, including tonkotsu and miso broths. Yuzu, soy cream and a spicy vegan broth are also available. Grilled skewers come in pairs and feature a variety of chicken cuts. Other dishes include salads and rice bowls topped with eel, chashu pork and karaage chicken.

3415 Grand Ave., Oakland. tadaramen.com

Highwire Coffee Roaster co-founder Rich Avella, photographed in 2019, operates a Ground Control batch brew coffee maker in Berkeley. Highwire just opened a new Walnut Creek location. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

Oakland roaster expands east

Highwire Coffee Roasters announced its newest location is now open a few steps from the Walnut Creek BART station. Find drip and espresso drinks made with single origin beans and blends inside a stylish space at the base of a new apartment complex. The new location is the seventh in Highwires 13-year history.

200 Station Way, Walnut Creek. highwirecoffee.com

Mexican plates and seafood spot opens

Also landing in Walnut Creek is Mexican restaurant La Eskina. East Bay Times reports the menu features dishes like chicharrones paired with a flight of salsas; tacos; and carne asada plates. Seafood offerings include fish tacos made with beer-battered cod, an adobo-smoked octopus and a halibut kiwi ceviche.
AI language tools are increasingly being used by doctors such as Dr. Alice Woo to transcribe and condense everything from patient visits to radiology impressions. They save time and money  and help prevent doctor burnout. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

The next time you go to the doctor, dont be surprised if an artificial intelligence program is listening in and transcribing what you and your doctor say. And if a summary of your next X-ray or MRI scan pops up more quickly than expected in your health app, AI could be the reason why.

Technology boosters talk of AIs potential to improve and accelerate medicine, from constructing new proteins to improving disease diagnostics. Many such uses are fraught with potential risks  and are still locked away in labs or awaiting government approval.

But short of such esoteric breakthroughs, AI is starting to entrench itself in the parts of health care that involve communicating with patients: uses that take advantage of the technologys strengths in parsing and condensing language.

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Some doctors already are harnessing AI to get their work done faster and keep burnout at bay, although, as with any new technology, there are occasional glitches.

It is life-changing, said Dr. Alice Woo, a plastic surgeon with Sutter Health in San Francisco who specializes in hand injuries and has used a software tool from a company called Abridge AI since April.

The program automatically records, transcribes and condenses Woos patient visits, cutting down on the time she has to spend dictating and documenting what happened during her roughly 40 patient visits a day. After reviewing the summaries, Woo checks and signs off on them before sending them out to patients.

Abridge AI, based in Pittsburgh, recently opened a San Francisco office and is working with health providers across the U.S., including UC Irvine and University of Chicago Medicine, in addition to Sutter.

Dr. Alice Woo, a plastic surgeon with Sutter Health in San Francisco who specializes in hand injuries, meets with a patient during a postoperative visit at California Pacific Medical Center on July 23. She calls AI-based transcription life-changing. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Kaiser Permanente Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Oakland health care giant, has invested in the company, but Kaisers hospital system wouldnt confirm whether it is using Abridge software, saying only that it is currently evaluating ambient listening technology, with patient consent.

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The time savings are immediate. Woo said she used to spend up to half her workday writing up the results of patient meetings with the help of a nurse. Now its more like 25%.

Time savings also translate to cost savings. A 2019 Mayo Clinic study found that ER doctors spend more than two hours during and after their shift charting patient visits if they dont have an assistants help. That can add up to a cost of $600 per day, the study found.

Abridge also delivers more than just transcription. As it listens in on patient appointments, the software can capture discussion of previous medical problems, mentions of medications, and even information about issues such as drug and alcohol use  comments the doctor might have missed during the meeting. When the visit is over, Abridge summarizes any exams performed and helps write up the physicians assessment and treatment plan.

A different kind of AI is helping Dr. Nicholas Galante, a radiologist and the chief medical informatics officer at Radiology Associates of North Texas, which includes around 300 practitioners.

Galante and his group have been using a program from San Francisco company Rad AI that takes his dictated findings from a scan and runs them through an AI language program to condense them into the summary, called an impression, that gets passed on to a patient after a thorough check by their physician.

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Were all facing this intense tsunami of imaging, Galante said. Using tools like those made by Rad AI means he can spend more time reading images and diagnosing issues and less time writing.

The program saves Galante and his colleagues around an hour of work time a day, penciling out to a 10% to 20% productivity gain, he said.

Efficiencies of that sort help doctors like Galante and Woo avoid overwork, which is a growing problem in the U.S., studies have found. In the past, they might have written up clinical notes after hours and on weekends. Burnout is a very real thing, said Galante.

Dr. Alice Woo says she used to spend up to half her workday writing up the results of patient meetings with the help of a nurse. Now, with Abridge software, its more like one-quarter of her time. That helps her stave off burnout from overwork. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Of course, the AI programs are not infallible. They can and do make mistakes in transcribing speech or condensing information. Doctors like Woo and Galante said they are careful to read back over what the programs spit out to make sure its accurate.

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Galante said he has never actually seen the Rad AI program trip up. If the summary is off that means your findings were a bit off, he said, recalling a time the program caught him conflating a patients lateral and medial meniscus when dictating what he saw in a scan.

Woo said sometimes Abridge doesnt write down everything perfectly, especially in Mandarin and Cantonese, languages she speaks fluently and which the program does not always master.

Sometimes it types up gibberish, she said, showing one such transcript in Chinese on her office monitor. It is better at capturing conversations in English.

While Abridge might occasionally hallucinate, Woo said, it lets her focus on what the patient is saying instead of having to make hurried notes and parse them later. It also captures things that may slip through the cracks during a hectic day in the clinic.

Twice since April, Woo said, she forgot something a patient said during an appointment, realizing it when Abridge picked up the information and added it to the visit recap. That caused her to update the patients treatment plan in both cases, she said.

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Just how often AI programs more generally get it wrong in medical contexts is something Stanford researchers have been looking into. A recent study used chatbots made by OpenAI and Meta to summarize findings from radiology scans.

A panel of five Stanford radiologists rated the summaries on completeness, consistency

and correctness. Researchers asked the participants in a blind test which they thought were generated by doctors, which were spun up by the bots, and which they preferred.

The physicians preferred the AI-generated summaries over those written by people more often than not, said Akshay Chaudhari, one of the studys authors.

AI can capture things that slip through the cracks during a hectic day in the clinic. Twice since April, Dr. Alice Woo said, she forgot something a patient said during an appointment, realizing it when Abridge included the information in the visit recap. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Programs made by Abridge and Rad AI are fine-tuned with medical terminology. Even without that speciality training, ChatGPT was able to fool trained radiologists by sounding convincingly human, the study found.

Still, I dont think I would feel comfortable as a company providing these (responses) without human oversight, Chaudhari said of the results of his study, which did not use Abridge or Rad AI products. Trusting the summaries from his study blindly without a doctor checking them would make me not sleep well at night, he said.

For now, Sutter Health is using Abridge in pilot form only, asking patients to consent to the program being used during their visits. Woo said among hundreds of patients, only a couple have opted out. Sutter wouldnt say how many of its doctors are now using Abridge.

Getting doctors to opt in could be another issue.

While Woo was enthused about the time-saving technology, Sutter Health manager Angela Bates cited an older doctor she knew who still preferred to work up patient reports the old-fashioned way with the help of an assistant.

Not every patient is thrilled about allowing Abridge to eavesdrop on their appointments, either.

A man in the parking lot outside Woos office who gave his name only as Dan said he was a patient of Woos, sporting a bandaged hand he said was from a laceration.

He said he signed the Abridge consent form, adding Its going this way anyway and comparing it to the nearly unavoidable use of facial recognition technology at the airport.
It has been confirmed that Derry Girls star Louisa Harlands Disney+ show Renegade Nell has been cancelled after one season.

Harland played the titular character, Nell "Nelly" Jackson, a quick-witted fugitive operating in 18th-century England.

The show launched earlier this year and was received well by critics and audiences alike, with an IMBd rating of 7.4 out of 10 and an average audience score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.

However, it failed to meet the streaming giants threshold for a renewal, which is based on a number of metrics.

A cast including the talents of Adrian Lester, Nick Mohammed, and Joely Richardson, along with Harland, who starred as Orla McCool in Derry Girls, has been informed of the decision.

The Dublin-born actress garnered much praise for her lead performance in the show as a superpowered highwaywoman.

A Disney spokesman told Deadline: Disney+ original series, Renegade Nell, will not be returning for a second season on the service. Were incredibly proud of the world created by Sally Wainwright and lead director Ben Taylor.

"Wed like to thank them, our production partners at Lookout Point, the entire castled by Louisa Harlandand crew for their incredible work on this series, all of whom we hope to work with again in the future.

At the same time the series aired on the streaming platform from March until June, Harland was starting at the West End in London at Wyndhams Theatre in the production of Long Days Journey into Night alongside a cast including Brian Cox.
A Peep Show fan account released their quintessential best 10 UK-made sitcoms in a recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter, but it led to much heated debate.

There was much debate and confusion from fans of the show based in our city, with Derry Girls missing from their list.

But is Derry Girls the best UK-made sitcom ever?

Derry Girls

The Lisa McGee creation was widely praised, and Channel 4's most successful comedy since Father Ted receiving countless accolades, including Best Comedy from the IFTA Gala Television Awards, Best Scripted Comedy from the British Academy Television Awards, and Best Comedy Series from the International Emmy Awards.

Following the lives of five teenagers as they try to navigate living in mid-1990s Derry while attending Our Lady Immaculate College at the tail end of the Troubles.

The careers of the main cast have gone from strength to strength since the show, with Nicola Coughlan starring in Bridgerton, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, a key cast member in Netflixs The Decameron', and Jamie-Lee O'Donnell in Screw.

The sitcom transcended all across the world, becoming a major hit when the rights to show it went to Netflix, creating a large fan base across America, Spain, and Australia, to name a few.

Father Ted

Another sitcom based in Ireland was considered among the best ever produced in the UK.

A comedic look and dissection into the lives of three Roman Catholic priests and the church in Ireland, with the key character, Father Ted Crilly, dealing in schemes to either deal with a situation on fictional Craggy Island or to win games of one-upmanship against his enemy, Father Dick Byrne of the nearby Rugged Island parish, capturing the zeitgeist of the Catholic Church in the 1990s.

The show starred the comedic talents of Dermot Morgan, Ardal O'Hanlon, Frank Kelly, and Pauline McLynn.

It has become an important piece of Irish culture, as demonstrated recently in the recreation of the famous 'small, far away scene with O'Hanlon by the Irish government in their Dont Feed the Deer campaign.

The show has a number of notable fans, including director Steven Spielberg and actors Jim Carrey and Steve Martin, while Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees was buried with a copy of the DVD box set.

Peep Show

The fan page believed this show, starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb, was the best show ever produced in the UK.

It follows the lives of Mark Corrigan (Mitchell) and Jeremy "Jez" Usbourne (Webb), two dysfunctional friends living in a flat in Croydon, London.

The show has been considered a cult classic, with a number of iconic scenes and characters, including Super Hans and Alan Johnson.

Peep Show has been remembered fondly by many, including Ricky Gervais, who believes it is the best sitcom since Father Ted and the Guardian claimed it was the best comedy of the decade.

The Office

It would be remiss if this show was not mentioned.

The brainchild of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, launching them into the stratosphere of the comedic scene.

It was a mockumentary-style comedy following the day-to-day lives of office employees in Slough.

The show may have only lasted two seasons, but a spin-off film following main character David Brent was released in 2016, and the comedy inspired the much-loved 'Modern Family', while there is the US spin-off of 'The Office' that is considered one of the best sitcoms ever.

The Inbetweeners

A coming-of-age comedy following the misadventures of suburban teenager William McKenzie (Simon Bird) and his friends Simon Cooper (Joe Thomas), Neil Sutherland (Blake Harrison), and Jay Cartwright (James Buckley) trying to navigate that awkward stage in life between GCSE and A-Level at a high school.

In an incredibly relatable situation, it was well received by the nation and helped launch E4 as a major channel in the UK.

The show launched the career of Greg Davies as a beloved comedic talent across British TV, along with stars Bird and Thomas.

Unlike all on the list, bar one, the show would have to feature-length films on the big screen that were mammoth financial successes for Film4.

The show, like the rest on this list, has had a lasting legacy due to its empathetic qualities.

Mr. Bean

Potentially the most accessible show in the history of television.

Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis created this juggernaut of comedy for the TV screen in the 1990s after the idea came to Atkinson at Oxford University while studying electrical engineering.

From there, the rest is history.

The character is one of the most recognisable people from the UK, with two feature-length films starring the almost mute character, apart from a few sounds and mumbles, a cartoon series that is beloved by children on ITV, and helping to make the London Olympic opening ceremony one of the most revered in the history of the competition.

The original TV series on ITV consists of only 15 episodes, but this is all that was needed to create this colossus of British comedy.

Im Alan Partridge

Similar to Mr. Bean, the character has transcended the show and become synonymous with the actor who played them, creating opportunities across the world for Steve Coogan.

Since the inception of the character and series by Coogan, Peter Baynham, and Armando Iannucci, the tactless and inept broadcaster has created fear amongst real broadcasters of suffering a Partridge moment on air.

Coogan plays the role flawlessly, with many people unaware that Partridge is just a character of Coogans creation.

The cringe comedy that the show and character is famous for has become a staple of the modern landscape, and so the show and character finds new life and fans continuously, which explains the 2013 film Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa.

Blackadder

The four-season series is another Atkinson juggernaut, with this sitcom exploring the history of the UK in a farcical manner through the Blackadder family line.

Creating stars from the likes of Hugh Grant, Stephen Fry, and Tony Robinson, the 1980s show examining the reigns of three monarchs before Blackadder goes fourth takes a look at the First World War.

The show was viewed as the 20th best TV series ever by Empire, beaten by the comedic royalty of The Simpsons and Friends.

Peter Kays Phoenix Nights

Another show that only required two seasons to become a major part of the British comedic nobility was originally a spin-off from a spoof documentary series. In the Club.

While it may be the complete opposite of regency, with it being set in a working men's club in the northern English town of Bolton,.

And from the show, there was a beloved spin-off with Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere.

The show helped elevate the already massive reputation Peter Kay had within Britain due to his stand-up and previous roles.

Rumours of a third series persisted for years, but nothing ever came of this icon of British comedy.

Only Fools and Horses

A show spanning across three decades is set in working-class Peckham in south-east London.

Starring David Jason as ambitious market trader Derek "Del Boy" Trotter and his younger half-brother Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst).

It follows their highs and lows and their struggles to make it rich.

Like other shows on this list, it has a massive cult following and has become pivotal in Britain's pop culture, with the Reliant Regal in the show becoming an iconic car in the country.

Like The Office', the show had international remakes, including in the Netherlands, Portugal, and Slovenia.

The sitcom won countless comedic awards and was voted Britain's Best Sitcom in a 2004 BBC poll.
A Co. Derry pensioner has been ordered to stand trial accused of having a cache of weaponry uncovered almost 50 years ago during an investigation into a police officers murder.

Appearing in the dock of Limavady Magistrates Court, sitting in Coleraine on Wednesday, 71-year-old Gerard Joseph Kelly confirmed he was aware of the four charges against him and that he did not object to the Preliminary Enquiry, the legal step by which any criminal case is elevated to the Crown Court.

Kelly, from OCahan Place in Dungiven, is accused of having explosives and firearms with intent to endanger life and under suspicious circumstances at Brockaghboy, Garvagh on February 16, 1976.

The charges relating to explosives accuse the pensioner of having two electric detonators and two improvised pressure mat switches while the charges in relation to firearms allege that he had two Walther pistols, one Browning pistol, a 0.22 rifle No C21075, a Remington shotgun and a quantity of ammunition.

None of the alleged background facts giving rise to the charges were opened in court today (wed) but during an extradition hearing in Dublin High Court in relation to another man accused of the same charges, it was claimed the weapons were uncovered during an investigation into the murder of 25-year-old RUC Constable Robert John McPherson and the attempted murder of his colleague on July 26, 1975.

The extradition hearing in relation to 73-year-old Seamus Christopher O'Kane, from Scalestown in Dunshaughlin, heard how a military observation team identified suspicious activity at the Garvagh farmhouse which at the time was owned by a retired farmer.

According to OKanes extradition warrant, officers observed three males approaching the farmhouse and that one of the males was carrying a backpack. Officers called to the farmhouse and the householder told officers he was alone in the property.

The warrant continues that during searches of the property and surrounding outhouses explosive substances, firearms and ammunition were recovered including two electric detonators, two improvised pressure mat switches, two Walther pistols, one Browning pistol, a 0.22 rifle, a Remington shotgun and 104 rounds of ammunition.

"Seamus Christopher O'Kane and two other males were found hiding in an upstairs bedroom in the property and were subsequently arrested," the warrant reads.

The warrant further states that forensic examinations confirmed that the electric detonators recovered from the property at Brockaghboy, Garvagh were explosive blasting accessories, used to initiate charges of high explosive.

The pressure mat switches were of a type used in the electrical firing circuits of "booby-trap" explosive devices. Pressure on the mat by an unsuspecting person completed the electrical circuit and fired the detonator, thereby initiating an explosive charge.

The Dublin court also heard a claim that one of the firearms found during the Garvagh operation had been taken from Const. McPherson when he was gunned down the previous year.

Const. McPherson, who was from Leck, outside Coleraine, was shot dead in an INLA ambush in Dungiven Main Street around midday on July 26, 1975.

He was hit by a single shot when he and a colleague were ambushed as they investigated a report of a suspect car and while, tragically, the 25-year-old victim died at the scene, his fellow officer was hit multiple times but fortunately survived.

In Limavady Magistrates Court on Wednesday a prosecuting lawyer submitted there was a Prima facie case against Kelly, a submission which was conceded by defence solicitor Don Mahoney.

The court clerk told Kelly that although not obliged to he had the right to comment on the charges and to call evidence on his own behalf but he declined to exercise those rights.

As the case is a Diplock, no jury case, District Judge Francis Rafferty returned the case to be heard at Belfast Crown Court and although he did not set a date for the arraignment, he freed Kelly on his own bail of 500.
Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Belfast have made an appeal about an altercation.

Kevin Davidson, 34, was found dead in the back yard of a house on Donegall Avenue in Belfast.

His body was covered by bin bags and a sleeping bag, which was held in position by weight lifting bars.

Police believe Mr Davidson was strangled with a clothes line.

Two people have already appeared in court charged with his murder.

Detective Inspector Jennifer Rea said: While two people have been charged with Mr Davidsons murder, our inquiries are ongoing.

I am making a specific appeal for information, and have today released images of a car, in respect of an incident that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday July 9.

At around 12.24am, there appears to have been an altercation on the Lisburn Road, at the junction of Elmwood Avenue, which we believe involved the occupants of a white car.

I am appealing to the driver and passengers of this car to contact officers on 101 as soon as possible.

In addition, I am asking the driver and/or occupants of a dark-coloured car, which was being driven and may have stopped in the Lisburn Road/Elmwood Avenue area between 12.22am and 12.30am, to please get in touch as I believe you may have information that could assist our inquiries.

Colm Barry McClenaghan, 32, of no fixed abode, and Jade Mary Anna Harrison, 35, of Donegall Avenue, appeared before a district judge at Belfast Magistrates Court last month charged with Mr Davidsons murder.

The court heard that Harrison is Mr Davidsons former partner.

They both deny involvement in the murder.

The court heard the victim and two accused were drug users and they had all been squatting in the same house in Donegall Avenue  a property owned by a man currently in prison.

The court was also told that McClenaghan had intervened after Davidson was assaulted by another man on the Lisburn Road in the hours before his death.
Churches and trade unions have urged against a suggestion of anti-Islamic protests in Northern Ireland this weekend.

Earlier this week, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said police are working to establish if the protests mooted on social media will materialise on the ground.

He also urged people in society to push back against the poisonous nonsense being propagated by those seeking to organise demonstrations against the Islamic faith, adding if they do happen they will be policed effectively.

It comes after came after disorder in England following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport on Monday.

Violent unrest has been witnessed in Southport as well as in London, Hartlepool and Manchester.

Church of Ireland Bishop of Down and Connor Alan McGuckian described disturbing scenes of violence, rioting and protest, often motivated by Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism, organised and mobilised by social influencers.

It is particularly concerning that some individuals and groups have deliberately used the recent attack in Southport, in which three children lost their lives and many others injured, to misinform and inflame fear within the local community and beyond, he said.

He urged against those in Northern Ireland that are similarly stoking the coals of fear and mistrust against Muslims.

Particularly in Northern Ireland, we have journeyed so far from a history of conflict and live now in a place that is rightly moving towards mutual respect, dialogue and tolerance, he said.

There is no place for racism and sectarianism in a modern civil society. Those who promote mistrust and fear do not speak in the name of Christianity.

Standing in solidarity and seeking an honest dialogue with our sisters and brothers from different cultures and religions is the only authentic Christian way forward.

I make an appeal calling for all to remain calm, to seek peace and to promote community harmony. Let us not be influenced by messengers of fear and misinformation.

Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Rev Trevor Gribben urged anyone considering taking part in such protests to think again.

As the police service seeks to establish what may or may not happen on Saturday, Mr Boutcher referred to the calls to protest as poisonous nonsense. Hatred against any section of the community is indeed poisonous, and is not only wrong, but entirely anti-Christian, he said.

It is my prayer, that those seeking to undertake this misguided course of action think again, and understand that we are called by Jesus Himself, to love your neighbour as yourself.

Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) president Justin McCamphill described whipping up hate and fear as not acceptable.

We endorse the assertion of our friends in the TUCs North-West region that Southport and our communities do not need to meet violence with further violence, he said.

Whipping up hate and fear is not acceptable. As trade unions in the region, we will continue to work with our members in workplaces across Southport and beyond, to provide practical support and solidarity and defeat the narrative of hate.

The playbook being spread around the UK this week is the same as the lies and fearmongering after a similar attack on children in Dublin last November.

The message from trade unionists then is the same today  we stand with all victims of hate crime; we support our public servants who defend the vulnerable and we have zero tolerance for divisive misinformation or attempts to spark violence.
1.

Redmi 12 5G Digit Rating 6.7 /10 Battery Score 7 /10 Screen Size: 6.79 u0022 Rear camera : 50 MP Storage: 128 GB Battery capacity: 5000 (mAh)      Feature 7.1 Performance 6.5 Value 6.7 Design 6.6 PROS: Minimalistic, sleek design, Brilliant battery backup, Decent cameras CONS: Slow charging, Plenty of bloatware, Display feels dull

Xiaomis Redmi 12 5G marks a significant return to its roots, presenting one of the most affordable 5G smartphones on the market. Embracing a premium aesthetic with its glass back and IP53 rating, this device caters to budget-conscious consumers seeking both style and durability. Powered by Qualcomms latest Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, coupled with up to 8GB of RAM, it excels in multitasking and demanding tasks such as gaming. With an impressive AnTuTu score of 452,431, the Redmi 12 5G stands out as one of the top performers in the sub-Rs 12,000 price segment, offering a compelling blend of affordability and performance.

2.

iQoo Z6 Lite 5G Screen Size: 6.58 u0022 Rear camera : 50 MP Storage: 64 GB Battery capacity: 5000 (mAh)

The iQOO Z6 Lite 5G was the first smartphone in India to come with Qualcomms last-gen entry-level chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. The iQOO Z6 Lite 5G also has a 120Hz refresh rate display, which is a feature all mobile gamers will appreciate since it enables gaming on a high frame rate. The new Qualcomm chip with a highly responsive display makes the iQOO Z6 Lite 5G a brilliant value for money option in this list. We also get a pretty decent set of cameras with the 50MP primary and 2MP macro dual rear camera setup. Furthermore, with 5,000mAh battery we get about a day and a halfs backup, but the 18W charging isnt the fastest we have seen in this range. The iQOO Z6 Lite 5G is a great smartphone for those looking for something powerful yet efficient in the sub- 15,000 segment.

3.

Samsung Galaxy M14 5G Digit Rating 7.4 /10 Battery Score 7 /10 Screen Size: 6.6 u0022 Rear camera : 50 MP Storage: 128 GB Battery capacity: 6000 (mAh)      Feature 7.2 Performance 7.3 Value 7.3 Design 7.6 PROS: Fantastic battery life, Decent performance, Good primary and selfie cameras, Bright 90 Hz display CONS: Dated teardrop notch and large chin bezel, No bundled charger, Not for hardcore gamers, No ultrawide lens

One of the most recent budget smartphones in this list, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G impressed us with the performance numbers the device is able to achieve, thanks to the 5nm Exynos 1330 chipset. Paired with 6GB of RAM, the Exynos 1330 SoC helps the Galaxy M14 5G achieve an AnTuTu score of 411,340. While on paper, the performance of the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G looks very good, in real life the situation is far from it. The smartphone feels slow and takes a while to run demanding apps or games as compared to some other competing devices. The display on the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G is also a PLS LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate. Despite an average performance, what makes the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G one of the top devices in our list of the best smartphones under 15,000, is the smartphones brilliant battery backup with the 6,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. For our power user friends, this massive 6,000mAh battery will make a huge difference in terms of the overall package.

4.

POCO X5 5G Screen Size: 6.67 u0022 Rear camera : 48 MP Storage: 256 GB Battery capacity: 5000 (mAh)

Another recently-launched smartphone, the Poco X5 5G is powered by the tried and tested Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, which has kind of become the go-to choice for OEMs in the budget 5G segment. The Snapdragon 695 chip allows the Poco X5 to achieve an AnTuTu score of over 400,000, which is great for a sub-15,000 smartphone. Apart from the performance figures, we also get a stunning and responsive super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate! Apart from this, the Poco X5 also has a standard 5,000mAh battery which supports 33W fast charging, which takes about an hour to charge the smartphone to full. In terms of optics, we get a triple rear camera with a 48-megapixel primary shooter, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. With a good mix of performance and premium features, the Poco X5 makes for a great choice for those who want a balanced experience out of their smartphone.

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5.

Motorola Moto G62 5G Digit Rating 6.2 /10 Screen Size: 6.5 u0022 Rear camera : 50 MP Storage: 128 GB Battery capacity: 5000 (mAh)      Feature 7.1 Performance 5.6 Value 6.3 Design 6.5 PROS: Great battery life, 120 Hz refresh rate support, Dolby Atmos-certified stereo speakers, Reliable performance CONS: Mediocre cameras, LCD display, Screen legibility in sunlight isnt good, Slow 20 W charger

Moto G62 5G makes it to another top 10 list on Digit.in! The younger brother of our Zero1 winner for the budget smartphone category, the Moto G62s performance figures, paired with a vibrant display and a super clean Android experience makes the Moto G62 5G hard to ignore in any top 10 list that talks about sub-15,000 smartphones. The device comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC paired with up to 8GB of RAM. We also get a 120Hz IPS LCD display, which has a nice and vibrant colour tone, along with a responsive refresh rate. Apart from this, we also get a 50MP triple rear camera setup, which we found to be rather mediocre in our review. The battery life, however, is very good with the 5,000mAh unit, but the charging is quite slow. With a fairly powerful processor and a super clean software, the Moto G62 5G is a good bet for those looking for a safe option under 15,000.

6.

Lava Storm 5G Digit Rating 6.7 /10 Screen Size: 6.78 u0022 Rear camera : 50 + 8 MP Storage: 128 GB GB Battery capacity: 5000 (mAh)      Features and specs 7 Build and design 6.7 Performance 6.5 Value for money 6.7 PROS: Exquisite design

Responsive display

Smooth performance CONS: Bad camera

Slippery grip

Only 1 year of software update

The Lava Storm 5G is one of the latest budget phones that comes with an impressive design, a fast 120 Hz display, and good battery life. The camera capabilities are not the best in the segment, but if you are looking for a reliable 5G option on a budget, this can be a good choice. The Dimensity 6000 series chipset is decent enough for everyday operation and the massive 5,000 mAh battery lasts for a day with ease.

7.

Motorola Moto G34 Screen Size: 6.5 u0022 Rear camera : 50 + 2 MP Storage: 128 GB GB Battery capacity: 5000 (mAh)

The Moto G34 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers impressive features for its price point. It boasts a large 6.5-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling. Despite its affordable price, it doesnt compromise on performance and offers 5G connectivity. It comes with 128GB of storage as standard, which can be further expanded via microSD. However, the cameras are average and it has slow charging. The display resolution is also relatively low at 720p. Nevertheless, the Moto G34 5G is considered a great value, especially for those looking for a budget phone with modern connectivity options. Its an excellent choice for anyone buying for a relative or child, or as an additional work phone.

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8.

Vivo T2x Screen Size: 6.58 u0022 Rear camera : 50 MP Storage: 128 GB Battery capacity: 6000 (mAh)

The Vivo T2x 5G is Vivos recently-launched sub-15,000 5G offering. It makes its way in our top 10 list of smartphones under 15,000 given that this too, offers a complete Android experience to its users. We get a nice MediaTek Dimensity 6020 SoC, which is also present on the Realme Nazro 60 5G, along with 8GB of RAM. The Vivo T2x 5G also has a 5,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging. For our power user friends, we get a good chipset and battery combination. However, the Vivo T2x 5G doesnt make for the best complete package, since the display specs are underwhelming. We get a 6.58-inch IPS LCD display with 60Hz refresh rate. Now, this may not be as responsive as competition, but the 60Hz refresh rate will save battery on this smartphone.

9.

Realme C65 Digit Rating 6.4 /10 Screen Size: 6.67 u0022 Rear camera : 50 + 2 MP Storage: 128 GB GB Battery capacity: 5000 (mAh)      Build and Design 6.9 Features and Specifications 6.6 Performance and Camera 6 Value for Money 6.4 PROS: Reliable performance for day-to-day use

Excellent battery life

Smooth 120 Hz display

Well-designed for the price

5G on a budget CONS: Frame drops during heavy gaming

Low-light photography is mediocre

Only 64 GB internal storage in base variant

Bloatware

The Realme C65 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers excellent value for money, priced at just 10,499. It boasts smooth performance, long-lasting battery life, and good daylight photography, addressing the key aspects most users look for in a phone. Despite its competitive edge, the Realme C65 has some drawbacks, such as excessive bloatware and a base variant with only 64 GB of storage, which is considered insufficient by 2024 standards. Notable features include a MediaTek Dimensity 6030 processor, up to 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, and a 120 Hz refresh rate display. However, the display resolution is lower than its predecessors. The device also offers IP54 protection and a fast side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Overall, the Realme C65 is a commendable option in the affordable 5G segment, making minimal compromises to deliver 5G connectivity at a low price point.

10.

POCO M6 Pro 5G Screen Size: 6.79 u0022 Rear camera : 50 MP Storage: 64 GB Battery capacity: 5000 (mAh) PROS: Well-designed phone with a glass back, Impressive battery life, Cheapest 5G phone yet CONS: Cameras dynamic range could be better, Only 18 W charging, Tons of bloatware

The POCO M6 Pro is an affordable 5G device that offers reliable performance and exceptionally good battery life. It democratises 5G for the masses while also not compromising on the overall quality of the phone. There are a few misses in the camera department, but those are nitpicks for what is an extremely capable budget 5G phone. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset provides a smooth experience for the price and you can do low graphics gaming on this phone with relative ease. Overall, a solid option for anyone considering a 5G phone on a budget.

Disclaimer: Digit, like all other media houses, gives you links to online stores which contain embedded affiliate information, which allows us to get a tiny percentage of your purchase back from the online store. We urge all our readers to use our Buy button links to make their purchases as a way of supporting our work. If you are a user who already does this, thank you for supporting and keeping unbiased technology journalism alive in India.
AMD boosts AI data center GPU revenue forecast to US$4.5 billion amid surging demand

AMD has further raised its full-year revenue forecast for AI data center GPUs to US$4.5 billion, underscoring the surging demand for computing power driven by generative AI. The chipmaker is ramping up its investments in both hardware and software solutions to capture this growing market.

For the second quarter of 2024, AMD reported data center revenue of US$2.83 billion, comprising 49% of its total revenue and marking a staggering 115% year-over-year increase. Despite a rise in R&D expenses, operating income soared to US$743 million, up 405% from the previous year, pushing the operating margin up 15pp to 26%.

CEO Lisa Su attributed the robust growth to the rapid adoption of the Instinct MI300 series GPUs, built on the CDNA 3 architecture. These GPUs generated over US$1 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, with Microsoft expanding its deployment of MI300X accelerators to power GPT-4 Turbo and various Copilot services.

AMD is accelerating its Instinct product roadmap, planning to launch the MI325X later this year, which is expected to boost fourth-quarter revenue. Looking ahead to 2025, AMD will unveil the MI350 series, leveraging the new CDNA 4 architecture, promising a 35-fold performance increase over CDNA 3. The MI400 series, expected in 2026 with the CDNA Next architecture, is also making significant strides in development.

Su noted that AMD's Instinct GPUs and its ROCm software stack have received "extremely" positive feedback from customers, prompting the company to raise its data center GPU revenue outlook from the previously estimated US$3.5 billion to US$4 billion, to over US$4.5 billion.

Looking to the future, Su emphasized that generative AI and the development of increasingly powerful models are fueling the surge in computing demand. AMD is optimistic about its growth prospects over the coming years and is increasing investments in its software, hardware, and solutions portfolio. The company aims to release at least one flagship data center GPU annually, incorporate AI capabilities across all product lines, and strengthen the ROCm platform through collaborations with the open-source community.

In addition to its data center gains, AMD's client segment, which includes its PC business, also posted significant growth in the second quarter. Revenue rose 49% year-over-year to US$1.5 billion, with operating income reaching US$89 million, resulting in a 6% operating margina notable improvement from the negative 7% margin in the same period last year.

Su sees AI PCs as an emerging growth engine for the broader PC market and anticipates a wider price range for AI PCs by 2025, creating more business opportunities. However, when questioned about the potential impact of Arm-based PCs entering the market, Su maintained that while the PC market is large, AMD is still underrepresented and will approach competition cautiously.

Regarding the MI300 series supply chain, Su acknowledged ongoing challenges, with supply expected to gradually increase in the latter half of the year, though tight conditions are likely to persist into 2025.

On the competitive front with Nvidia, Su addressed concerns about AMD's position in rack-level performance, an area where the company may be lacking critical architecture. She highlighted that as systems grow more complex, particularly for large training clusters, customers will increasingly rely on suppliers for integration assistance. AMD's solution includes its Infinity Fabric technology, the foundation for UALink, and broader system-level integration capabilities.

AMD continues to invest heavily across its portfolio, from CPUs and GPUs to networking technologies acquired from Pensando, aiming to accelerate its customers' time to market.
Lili Xu, 60, who was killed in what police described as a murder-for-hire shooting, is seen in a photo taken during ballet two weeks ago by her teacher, George Shi, at a vigil following her death. The man accused of killing Xu was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Jungho Kim/Special to the Chronicle 2022

Regarding  A slap in the face: Victims son slams plea deal in murder-for-hire shooting of Oakland dentist (Crime, SFChronicle.com, July 30): For five years, I volunteered weekly to moderate a peer counseling group at a maximum-security prison in San Luis Obispo. My group of 12 murderers had sad lives, suffering all manner of hardship. In their long prison sentences, they eventually found education, work ethic and skills. This led to stable, productive lives, which over time, in prison, they grew to value.

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price has repeatedly reduced murder charges under the perverted notion the same communities that twisted them into killers are also going to embrace them with stability.

In place of the prison system (which keeps us safe), we expect a cadre of disorganized and unqualified nonprofit organizations, with no accountability to the public, to imbue these men with the tools the rest of us need to be safe.

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Her recent decision to charge hit man Hasheem Bason with second-degree murder is evidence of moral rot.

We are not a compassionate society when we allow hit men to not face the full consequences of their actions. And when leniency for murderers is based primarily on considerations of race, we can no longer expect equal justice under the law.

Christopher Weber, Oakland

Not funny anymore

I used to think Rob Schneider was a funny guy. I met him while sitting a row behind him at Giants games. He once reluctantly signed my sons scorecard saying he didnt want to ruin it. This was before I heard Schneiders unfunny words.

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Besides his anti-vaxxing stance and other questionable political statements, Schneider is now channeling former Saturday Night Live alumnus Dana Carveys Church Lady character, claiming that the Paris Olympics opening ceremony was a celebration of Satan.

Schneider wants us to boycott watching athletes whove spent years preparing for these games and had nothing to do with this brief, misinterpreted segment of the lavish opening ceremonies.

I am sorry to say to ALL the worlds GREATEST ATHLETES, I wish you ALL THE BEST, but I cannot watch an Olympics that disrespects Christianity and openly celebrates Satan, Schneider said on X. I sincerely hope THESE @Olympics get the same amount of viewers as @cspan.

Really? Has Schneider ever sat through one of his movies? The guy who starred in Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo and The Hot Chick wants to lecture us on disrespect and poor taste. Well, isnt that special?

Mitchell Goldman, Richmond

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Mix in affordable housing

Regarding This wealthy S.F. neighborhood hasnt added new housing in 50 years. That could soon change (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, July 30): Once again, the privileged residents of Presidio Heights can avoid integrating their neighborhood with affordable housing.

The builder at 3700 California St. is paying a fee rather than include below-market-rate units, and new city regulations allow the developer to reduce units for low-income seniors at 3333 California St.

Any hope of seriously addressing the unconscionable disparity of wealth and opportunity in our beloved city requires the economic and class integration of all our neighborhoods.

Michael Rooke-Ley, San Francisco

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Get rid of fountain

Regarding  People hate this huge S.F. fountain. Heres why the city absolutely should keep it (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, July 28): Urban Design Critic John King acknowledges that the Vaillancourt Fountain sculpture is an oft-ridiculed concoction of overscale concrete pipes  bent and contorted in angles and is one of urban Americas truly bizarre works of public art yet he urges its perpetuation in a reimagined Embarcadero Plaza park.

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

The reason, he claims, is history: It was built to provide a visual distraction to the elevated ramps of an ugly double-deck roadway built in 1958 and torn down after the 1989 earthquake damaged it.

But do we want to perpetuate one blight, the only significance of which is that it was built to hide another blight?

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In 2023, over 4,200 people and 1,200 businesses in counties Louth and Meath participated in upskilling with a Skillnet Ireland Business Network.

Figures from the Skillnet Ireland Annual Report 2023, reveal the national agency for workforce development delivered over 27,800 training days in counties Louth and Meath last year.

52% of those who undertook training were women and 48% were men, while those aged 30 to 39 years were the largest group of people availing of upskilling supports.

The vast majority (96%) of the Louth and Meath companies that upskilled their workforce with Skillnet Ireland in 2023 were small and medium enterprises. The greatest uptake came from the Food & Drink sector followed by Services, Health, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Financial Services and Retail.

Companies based in Louth and Meath undertook upskilling programmes with more than 50 of the 70 Skillnet Business Networks based on the sector in which their company operates, or with one of the Networks in their region, which include Dundalk Chamber Skillnet, M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet, Learning Waves Skillnet and Positive2Work Skillnet.

In 2023, Skillnet Ireland provided upskilling and training programmes to the value of 83.4 million to over 26,600 businesses and more than 97,700 workers nationally, across the Irish economy. Companies contributed 31.4 million or 37% of the total investment towards upskilling their staff, a 4.9 million increase on 2022, signalling a high level of buy-in from industry sectors to develop their teams in partnership with Skillnet Ireland.

Commenting on the uptake of Skillnet Ireland supports from businesses in 2023, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick ODonovan TD, said: The Irish economy continues to benefit greatly from Skillnet Irelands delivery of industry-led upskilling initiatives for businesses of all sizes. More than 97,000 people working in companies across Ireland took part in upskilling with Skillnet Ireland in 2023, across areas of increasing importance such as sustainability, digitalisation, innovation, and leadership. These results demonstrate the significant work that is ongoing to nurture and support our nations greatest asset, our talent.

Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, Paul Healy, said: As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Skillnet Ireland, there is increasing recognition among employers of the importance of upskilling in a competitive and rapidly evolving business landscape. By investing in staff, through the cost sharing approach with Skillnet Ireland, businesses in this region, and throughout the country, are more agile and adapt to technological advancements more seamlessly. Upskilling is proven to increase employee retention and creates a pipeline of future talent.

Read Next: Man (70s) taken to hospital following Dundalk collision

"I would like to commend the almost 27,000 companies that chose to work with Skillnet Ireland in 2023 and for putting the development of their teams centre stage. We look forward to continuing to support businesses, and the Irish workforce into the future.

As the national talent development agency, Skillnet Ireland is making substantial progress in futureproofing businesses in Louth and Meath, as well as enhancing the specialist skills of the Irish workforce through talent development.

Established 25 years ago this year, Skillnet Ireland provides programmes to businesses of all sizes in key areas such as digital skills, skills for a green transition and enterprise leadership. Every business, large or small, is facing challenges, from the need for digital advancement, to talent shortages and skills gaps.

The upskilling and lifelong learning supports offered by Skillnet Irelands 70 Business Networks and National Initiatives - Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, Skillnet Innovation Exchange and MentorsWork  are all designed to bridge skill gaps, empower individuals, and drive innovation.
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Ardee's Cllr Dolores Minogue has said that not including the reopening of the Dunleer Train Station in the Final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is "a missed opportunity" and said its reopening would greatly benefit the community and boost the local economy.

Cllr Minogue was commenting following the publication of the Final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published this week. Included in the report are recommendations that could see, if implemented, Dundalk seeing the benefit of new 200kmh (125mph) intercity trains between Dublin and Belfast, as well as train services at least hourly between cities and at least every two hours on regional/rural routes.

While the reopening of Dunleer Train Station is not specifically mentioned in the report, there are still hopes that it has not been ruled out. Commenting on the publication of the report, Cllr Minogue told the Dundalk Democrat that, "I welcome this announcement and its potential benefits for the country.

"However, as an active councillor who has consistently advocated for the reopening of Dunleer railway, I believe it is a significant missed opportunity not to include Dunleer in this review. I hope it is not too late to rectify this and include our area in this important review.

"Reopening Dunleer station would be a significant day for the people of Ardee, Mid Louth, and surrounding areas, facilitating travel to work, college, hospital appointments, and day trips. This would greatly benefit our community and boost the local economy."
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. Jack Ohman/The Chronicle

Elon Musk, meet Marc Murphy.

Im quite certain youve never met Marc Murphy. But you will now.

You see, Murphy is an influential political cartoonist in Kentucky, where they arent inclined to mince words. Not only that, Murphy is a law professor at the University of Louisville. Hes an Army veteran, a former prosecutor and, unlike Musk, courageous.

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A few years ago, Murphy had 30,000 followers on Musks dreadful hate-spewing platform, X (nee Twitter). Murphy, being courageous, was and is drawing cartoons as a freelancer for the Louisville Courier-Journal. As Musk is well aware, X is the stage for crazy right-wing garbage that he openly encourages and promotes.

Murphy, being the hard-hitting commentator that he is, doesnt hesitate at the plate. He slugs it out of the park in Kentucky four days per week, while he engages in the practice of law and being a professor.

If I were giving out Pulitzer Prizes for sheer local impact, Murphy would be an obvious choice.

So how did Musk, the hypocritical free speech poseur that he is, treat Murphy?

He shut down Murphys X account for nebulous reasons. Oh, you know, violating the terms of service, or some other B.S. like that. Of course, his buddy former President Donald Trump, a felonious mendicant and Twier poster boy, would say stuff six times per day that violated Musks vague terms of service.

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What did Murphy do? Well, being the tenacious advocate of the First Amendment, he started a new X account.

Until a few days ago, he had 1,300 followers on this open sewer of a platform. Thats about a 95% decrease.

Murphy drew a cartoon the other day about Sonya Massey, a Black tax-paying resident of Springfield, Ill., which you may recall, is the home of President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

Massey reported a prowler, and Sangamon County Sheriffs deputies responded. Upon their fateful arrival, Deputy Sean Grayson told her to move a pot of boiling water from her stove, because, for some reason, he thought it was a fire hazard.

Note Massey didnt call the Springfield Fire Department. Not sure what kind of fire hazard the deputy thought a pot of boiling water might pose as they responded to a prowler call, and she was cooperating fully, even saying she loved them for coming.

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When Massey followed this ridiculous, non sequitur order, Deputy Grayson shot and killed her. He also didnt want Massey, a mother of two, to get medical attention.

The community and the nation responded with outrage but, hey, thats just another day at the office for Black Americans, who are shot and killed routinely by poorly-trained police.

Murphy also responded with outrage and drew a cartoon about the incident. He then posted it on X.

Murphy isnt quite certain what algorithm he violated by criticizing the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office, which, incidentally and correctly, fired Grayson, yet another trigger-happy police officer who killed a Black American for no obvious reason.

Murphy thinks the usual MAGA suspects in Kentucky reported this truth-telling, but hes not quite sure who. Murphy has had a target on his back for years in Louisville for doing what a political cartoonist should do: expose hypocrisy and hold accountable the powers that be.

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Murphy thinks it was probably Christian nationalists and the supremacists, and the Liberty Republicans in Kentucky.

Liberty Republicans are a powerful MAGA cult (oxymoron) in Kentucky.

In the paraphrased words of normal former Republican President, George W. Bush, They hate freedom.

So Musk took down Murphys X account again, with no recourse.

Lets review: Musk tweets and retweets all sorts of asinine drivel, all far right-wing of course, because the native South African apparently wants to make Pretoria Great Again.

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This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has handled Musk like the live hand grenade that he is, called out Musks tweet featuring Vice President Kamala Harris AI-doctored voice saying something she did not say. At all. Not remotely.

Newsom responded by saying he was going to support legislation in California banning deep fake impersonations in political content. How did Apartheid Boy respond?

He tweeted (Xd?) this bon mot back at Newsom:

I checked with renowned world authority, Professor Suggon Deeznutz, and he said parody is legal in America.

Hey, thanks, 12-year-old with a 233.8 billion bucks.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar noted that Musk violated his own terms of service, which reads, in part, that any synthetic, manipulated or out-of-context media that may deceive or confuse people and lead to harm is prohibited.

Klobuchar, who is undeniably nice, since shes from Minnesota, said in a tweet that Musk will be unleashing an entire election season of fake AI voice and image-altered content with no limits, regardless of party.

Note also that Musks damaged brand had also taken down the new White Dudes for Harris account and brought it back seven hours later.

Hmm. A pattern emerges.

What does Murphy have to say?

I mourn the loss of what was a functioning and very interesting public square enterprise  I mourn the loss because it was ruined, on purpose, by the very worst among us for a very specific reason.

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

I dont know that (Musk) himself is a fascist, but he enables fascists.
Three GOP House members sent a letter to UCSF warning that alleged acts of antisemitic harassment and intimidation could cost it participation in Medicare and Medicaid. The campus was the scene of pro-Palistinian rallies this spring, such as this one on May 13. Nanette Asimov / The Chronicle

Three House Republicans are warning UCSF that allegations of pervasive acts of antisemitic harassment and intimidation could violate federal law and cost the San Francisco medical center its participation in Medicare and Medicaid.

In a sternly worded letter sent Wednesday to UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood, members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce said they are investigating hundreds of complaints of antisemitism and/or a hostile work environment by UCSF employees and patients, which they learned of through confidential sources.

Any provider not compliant with federal civil rights laws is at risk for losing the right to participate in federal health care programs, says the letter from the members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, signed by Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash.; Morgan Griffith, R-Va.; and Brett Guthrie, R-Ky.

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Their letter gives Hawgood until Aug. 14 to answer seven probing questions about what, if anything, UCSF is doing to prevent and hold people accountable for antisemitism on its campuses.

The questions echo those that House Republicans have been asking officials at other prominent universities  including Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia and UCLA  during tense Congressional hearings held from December through this spring.

The intimidating tone of the hearings has succeeded, in some cases, at pushing academic leaders to harshly crack down on pro-Palestininian protesters and contributed to the ouster of the presidents of Harvard and Penn.

The letter from Congress took a similarly intimidating tone and sounded as if the lawmakers had already concluded their investigation, as when they told Hawgood that it was unacceptable for UCSF leadership to permit calls for violence on campus.

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Asked to comment on the range of allegations contained in the letter, including that Jewish patients feel unsafe or uncomfortable with coming in for treatment, UCSF spokesperson Kristen Bole offered only a brief response: We have received a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Energy & Commerce and are responding to its request for information.

Among the allegations included in the letter:

An encampment in front of UCSFs medical center caused great distress to patients who witnessed pro-terror and pro-violence statements and symbols.

Calls for violence can be heard from patient rooms.

At UCSF Mission Bay, cancer patients have to walk by antisemitic graffiti.

Antisemitic public statements by faculty, staff, and students include assertions that patients should fear Jewish doctors.

Medical professionals wear pro-Palestine pins and symbolism when interacting with patients and refuse to remove the symbols when patients express discomfort.

Im really disappointed in hearing about the rhetoric thats coming from a very small segment of faculty who do not represent the large majority of people at UCSF, said Jess Ghannam, a UCSF psychiatry professor who is Palestinian American and wears a watermelon pin whose colors  red, black and green  are those of the Palestinian flag.

Jess Ghannam, a UCSF psychiatry professor and Palestinian American, speaks at an anti-war rally at UCSF on May 13, opposing Israels ongoing war in Gaza. He calls claims of antisemitism rubbish. Nanette Asimov / The Chronicle

The watermelon has come to represent Palestinian rights.

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Were being labeled as antisemitic, and frankly, thats rubbish, said Ghannam, who speaks out against the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza that has killed some 38,000 Palestinians and devastated the territory since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

Tyler Gregory, chief executive of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Bay Area, praised the Congressional investigation.
If you mention Paul Verhoeven to a group of film fans, each one will respond differently.

For many, he is an icon of the 1980s, famed for his epic futuristic action dramas Robocop and Total Recall. Others may be more excited about the critically panned Showgirls, which later became a cult classic and found an audience in the LGBTQ+ community.

Of course, there will be those familiar with his early work, made in his home country, the Netherlands, where he first plied his trade and received an Oscar nomination for Turkish Delight in 1973.

However, it was the films he made in America that really brought him to prominence in the industry. These films are set to be celebrated by the Triskel Cinema this August.

After making a slew of successful films, Verhoeven left the Netherlands in the mid-1980s and headed to Hollywood. His early work was often violent and sometimes distasteful, and working at home no longer afforded him the opportunity to make big films. Hollywood was a different beast.

The first film in Triskels programme is Verhoevens first Hollywood film, Robocop. Made in 1987, it is more relevant today than ever as it follows the story of a part man, part robot designed in response to the growing number of police fatalities in the not-too-distant future.

The robot is made from the body of Murphy (Peter Weller), a police officer who was killed in the line of duty. Once resurrected as a cyborg, Murphy is plagued by memories of his human life and is hellbent on catching his murderers.

Violent, compelling, and satirical, Robocop became an instant classic which has been remade but never equalled. It is pure 1980s in tone and aesthetic, but with AI now so prevalent, it is a cautionary tale.

Director Paul Verhoeven

Loosely based on a Philip K Dick short story, We Can Remember It for You Wholesale, Total Recall was Verhoevens next big American success story.

Released in 1990, it is set in 2084 and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas, a construction worker who experiences strange dreams each night.

Despite living a happy life with wife Lori (Sharon Stone), Douglas cant shake his dreams, so he goes to Recall Inc., which specialises in providing its customers with virtual holidays by placing programmed implants in their brains. It sounds like a great idea: no fuss, no packing, and your brain gets to take a holiday.

What is meant to be a virtual trip to Mars turns into a real-life fight for survival in this bloody, funny, and satirical sci-fi action film. Verhoeven throws everything into this one, making it one of the defining sci-fi films of its era. It was nominated for many awards and helped solidify Schwarzeneggers star power.

1992s Basic Instinct was a real eye-opener. It introduced steamy sex scenes into mainstream cinema, causing quite an outcry. San Francisco Detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) is investigating a gruesome murder when he comes across Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone), a novelist who had written a similar type of killing.

Instead of thinking it might be a copycat killer, Curran becomes fixated on Tramell and is determined to prove she is the murderer. He doesnt want to bring her to justice; Curran wants Tramell, who uses his desire as a weapon. Is she messing with his head, or is he using his authority as a policeman to lure her into his bed?

It was bold, daring, and played with boundaries. A film like this could never have been made today, but in 1992, audiences could not get enough of it, and it is regarded as one of the best erotic thrillers ever made.

There is so much to say about Showgirls that it is impossible to devote just a few paragraphs. When it came out in 1995, it was panned by critics and laughed at by audiences. It was so bad that it won several Razzie Awards, which reward terrible films rather than the best. Verhoeven, typically bold, turned up to collect the awards. Such is the conversation about it that a documentary about the film, You Dont Nomi, became a huge success.

This sex-laden drama has atrocious dialogue, unsexy sex, and some very controversial scenes. For all that is bad about it, millions adore it, and the film has found a special connection with the LGBTQ+ community who relate to the outcast characters .

Elizabeth Berkley plays Nomi, an exotic dancer in Las Vegas who sets out to be the star attraction, engaging in plenty of sex to get there. There has always been a question: did Verhoeven intentionally make a bad film? Is it a satire, a commentary on Americas lust?

The final film in the series, 1997s Starship Troopers, was another to suffer harsh words from critics. Like Showgirls, it has also become a cult classic.

Set in the future, Starship Troopers imagines a world under attack by arachnid aliens, where a military regime has taken control to rid the world of the beast. Young people are encouraged to enlist and join the fight, but really, there is little choice. Enlistment is all but compulsory.

We follow young adults Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, and Denise Richards as they join the fight in a film that is total irony. In 1997, it was seen as a joke, but fascism and its propaganda dont look too funny in todays ever-right-leaning world.

Paul Verhoeven - The Hollywood Years runs throughout August in Triskel cinema, see triskelartscentre.ie
Cobh councillors are hopeful that the closure of a childcare facility in the area could be reversed if additional funding is found.

Pobal are currently liaising with Cork County Childcare as Cork TDs are working on sourcing additional funding streams for the facility, which has been in the community for over 20 years.

Councillors met with the board of management of Lus Na Greine Preschool, part of the Cobh Family Resource Centre, this week after parents protested against the closure outside the facility on Tuesday.

Labour Party councillor Cathal Rasmussen, who organised the meeting, said: It was a very open meeting, and it was made clear that the problem was with substantial issues in funding.

Parents have criticised a lack of transparency around the closure of the preschool, saying the letter sent last week to inform them left very little time to find a new school before September.

Mr Rasmussen, and Dominic Finn, a Fianna Fail councillor who was at the meeting, said that they would speak to their TDs, who are now also working on the issue, while Pobal and Cork County Childcare also had a meeting this week about the future of the centre.

Mr Rasmussen said: I am very sorry that the situation has got to this, but I am hopeful, now that talks are happening behind the scenes between relevant stakeholders and agencies.

The board wants to keep the place viable, and we are going to keep the pressure on through our resources, he said, but added, until we are advised that something has changed, nothing has changed.

Mr Finn agreed, saying, There appears to be a genuine difficulty with funding for both preschool and after-school services. If we can secure the required funding, they would be hoping to keep it open, he said, adding, basically we have two weeks to come up with a solution. I am engaging with my TD colleagues at the moment to see if we can find a resolution.

Pobal administers funding programmes and a range of supports for both early-years and after-school services. A spokesperson for Pobal told The Echo, Pobal is aware of the proposed closure of the early years service in Cobh Family Resource Centre. Pobal is working closely with Cork County childcare committee to engage with the board of directors of Cobh Family Resource Centre on support options.
A man in his 40s, who was arrested in connection with an investigation into the seizure of illegal drugs valued at approximately 75,000 in Cork, is due to appear in court this morning.

On Wednesday, gardai attached to the Anglesea Street Divisional Drugs Unit, targeting the sale and supply of controlled drugs in Cork City, carried out a search under warrant, of a premises in Blackrock.

During the course of the search, approximately 1 kg of suspected amphetamine with an approximate value of 15,000, and 3 kg of suspected cannabis valued at 50,000 were seized, along with a number of mobile phones and a quantity of cash.

The drugs seized were due to be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

Gardai said the seizure is part of Operation Tara, an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy launched by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris which focuses on disrupting, dismantling, and prosecuting drug trafficking networks at all levelsinternational, national, and localinvolved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale, and supply of controlled drugs.

A man (40s) was arrested in connection with the investigation and gardai say he has since been charged.

He is expected to appear before a special sitting of Cork City District Court this morning.
Cork County Council has announced that it has published the tender for the motorway section of the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Project.

It said the scheme, which forms part of the Core TransEuropean Transport Network will enable the strategic development of the Port of Corks facilities in Ringaskiddy whilst also supporting the economic development in the local area and nationally.

Funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland,

The design and build contract is funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and will see the construction of approximately 11km of mainline motorway from the Bloomfield Interchange to Barnahely.

A construction contract for the delivery of 1.5 kilometres of single-carriageway from Barnahely to the Port of Cork in Ringaskiddy is expected to be awarded later this year.

Cork County Council said the initial enabling works phase of project have been under construction for the past two years.

This has involved diversions of major utilities, archaeology investigations, and environmental mitigation works in line with commitments outlined in the Schemes Environmental Impact Statement.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll, welcomed the announcement.

This represents a significant milestone for Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Irelands project team. It will also feature a number of active travel measures with an interface with the Lee to Sea greenway planned.

Cork County Council said it is anticipated that, subject to Cabinet approval, the works will commence in 2025 and will have a 36-month construction programme.
In an effort to address shortages of student accommodation, and high rents charged by some providers, the Government is to tell universities like University College Cork (UCC) to directly build more such accommodation, the Minister for Further and Higher Education has said.

Further and Higher Education Minister Patrick ODonovan was visiting Cork last week and was asked by The Echo about the citys shortage of student accommodation, and the rents charged by some providers.

Mr ODonovan said the Government had done a considerable amount in terms of direct financial exchequer funding, and he said he had signalled to the Department of Expenditure and Reform that further investment would be required.

He said he would be reminding the traditional universities, by inference those such as UCC, that they had the ability to build direct student accommodation themselves.

Such institutions, he said, have access to the European Investment Bank, they have access to their own funds, [and] we know they have significant financial resources, and they should also be in collaboration with the city council and the private sector.

Increase digs

A graduate of UCC, Mr ODonovan said he had stayed in digs in the city during his time in college.

Digs accommodation is by far and away in a different space now in terms of the volume of people that are using it, and we will need more of it, he said.

I cant say to you that Im going to wave a magic wand and magic up 6,000 places between MTU and UCC, thats not the reality, however, what I will be asking the Minister for Finance and my colleagues in Government, is to look at the tax reliefs that are available for the rent-a-room scheme, which has been hugely successful.

We actually had a surplus amount of rooms in Cork at the end of the last academic year, so for people who wanted a room, there were rooms available, and we want to do more of that.

He said while some people saw private sector involvement in student accommodation as a heresy, he did not. I dont see anything wrong with someone renting out accommodation and making a profit on the back of it, he said.

Mr ODonovan added that the Government had recently introduced legislation to prevent universities and private companies from charging students for 52 weeks accommodation when they are only in college for 40 weeks.

Those extra 12 weeks [are] the equivalent amount of the non-adjacent third level grant, which is a huge amount of money so weve done away with that now, and anybody who does that can be prosecuted, Mr ODonovan said.

That Bill will be effective for this current group of people who are going to get their Leaving Cert results in the next two or three weeks and go on to UCC or MTU.

Minister's commitment welcomed

A spokesperson for UCC said the university welcomed the ministers commitment to seek more funding for third-level accommodation.

UCC has built accommodation that provides 1,536 beds in Cork which are consistently offered at affordable and below-market rates for purpose-built student housing in the city.

The funding for some of this development was secured via borrowing from the European Investment Bank, they said.

They added that UCC had last year opened its 255-bed accommodation complex at the Crows Nest, which was funded via a loan from the Housing Finance Agency, and the university continued to explore options in consultation with the ministers department.
Ryanair has this week celebrated carrying over 20 million passengers through Cork Airport since it began operations to and from Cork in 1987.

Ryanair was the first low-cost airline to operate at Cork Airport.

It has grown from a single route to/from London Luton to a 33-route operation connecting nine countries across Europe, underpinned by Ryanairs four Cork-based aircraft with an investment of $400 million or 370 million.

Ryanair said that its Cork presence supports over 120 highly paid aviation jobs and over 1,700 local jobs at Cork Airport.

This summer, the airline has been undertaking its largest ever schedule at Cork Airport with 33 routes, including five new ones.

Ryanairs Head of Communications, Jade Kirwan said, We are proud to mark this milestone of over 20 million passengers through Cork Airport.

This significant milestone resounds Ryanairs continued growth and investment at Cork Airport  an investment of over $400m.

This summer, we are operating our biggest ever schedule to/from Cork Airport with almost 300 weekly flights across 33 routes, including Ryanairs five new summer sunshine routes to Barcelona, Brussels, Paris, Rhodes and Zadar. She added: We look forward to carrying millions more passengers on Ryanairs low-fare flights to/from Cork over the years to come.

The milestone this week came ahead of what is expected to be a busy weekend at the airport, with 65,000 passengers expected to travel to and from the facility. Overall passenger traffic at Cork Airport is up 11% year to date, compared to the same period last year.
The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have appealed for people to take care when they are on or near the water this August Bank Holiday weekend.

It comes as organisations say they are seeing a rise in the number of incidents this summer involving paddleboarders, people becoming stranded due to incoming tides, recreational boater groundings, and several diving incidents.

RNLI Water Safety Lead, Linda-Gene Byrne said that it is important for people to be aware of simple safety advice which could save their life.

If you are heading out on the water, we would always advise you to wear a suitable personal flotation device for your activity.

If you are on a paddleboard, choose the right releasable leash for the location you are paddling.

Always check the weather forecast and tide times as this can affect your paddling, and always tell someone where youre going and when youll be back.

Keep a means of calling for help attached to you in a waterproof pouch or close to hand so that in an emergency you can call 999 / 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Water Safety Irelands CEO, Joanne Walsh said rip currents can be a danger at Irelands beaches and swimmers are advised to know what to do if they encounter one.

If you do get caught in a rip current, remain calm and dont try to swim against the current. Instead, swim out of the current in a direction parallel to the shoreline and then back towards shore. If still in difficulty, call for help and float on your back like a starfish.

Kevin Whitney, Operations Manager with the Irish Coast Guard, said if people are participating in any diving activities, then it is highly recommended that you file a float plan with someone ashore or the Coast Guard so that emergency services are aware of your location and can assist if need be.
Joe Garofoli is the San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer, covering national and state politics. He has worked at The Chronicle since 2000 and in Bay Area journalism since 1992, when he left the Milwaukee Journal. He is the host of Its All Political, The Chronicles political podcast. Catch it here: bit.ly/2LSAUjA

He has won numerous awards and covered everything from fashion to the Jeffrey Dahmer serial killings to two Olympic Games to his own vasectomy  which he discussed on NPRs Talk of the Nation after being told he couldnt say the word balls on the air. He regularly appears on Bay Area radio and TV talking politics and is available to entertain at bar mitzvahs and First Communions. He is a graduate of Northwestern University and a proud native of Pittsburgh. Go Steelers!
7.40pm

Gardai in Midleton are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in her 20s following an incident at a domestic residence in Midleton, County Cork, on Friday, 2nd August 2024, a spokesperson has confirmed.

"Shortly after 4:15 pm, Gardai and Emergency Services responded to reports of an incident at an apartment off Main Street, Midleton. The woman was found at the scene with serious injuries and received emergency medical treatment but was pronounced deceased short time later.

"A man in his 30s has been arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda Station in the Southern Region.

"The scene has been preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. The local Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified. An incident room has been established at Midleton Garda Station, and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has also been assigned to support the family.

"Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Additionally, they are appealing to those with camera footage, including dashcam recordings from motorists in the Connolly Street / Main Street areas of Midleton this afternoon."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Midleton Garda Station at 021-462 1550 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

7.20pm

A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a 27-year-old mother of two whose body was found at an apartment in Midleton, Co Cork this afternoon.

The 29-year-old man is being detained in Midleton Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. Investigations are continuing.

Meanwhile, Midleton based Sinn Fein TD Pat Buckley said that death of the woman in tragic circumstances had shocked and saddened locals.

I only knew (the victim) her to see. I am thinking of her two children. Their lives destroyed. Life is very fickle. It has affected the town. My phone has been hopping. People cant understand it. Our hearts go out to the family of this woman and they will be in our thoughts and prayers over the coming days.

Meanwhile, the fire at the apartment was brought under control shortly after 5pm. Firefighters remained on site for a period afterwards in order to monitor the situation.

The Garda Press Office has said in a statement that gardai and the emergency services attended at the scene of the incident.

Inquiries are ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time. Further updates will follow as they become available.

6.30pm

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: "Gardai and emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident at a domestic residence on Connolly Street, Midleton, Cork.

"Inquiries are ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.

"Further updates will follow as they become available."

6pm

A 27-year-old woman was found dead at an apartment in John Barry House in Midleton, Co Cork this afternoon.

The woman, who is married and has children, is believed to have sustained injuries. A postmortem examination will be carried out at Cork University Hospital by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster.

The course of the investigation will be determined by the post mortem results. It is understood the woman lived in the apartment. The apartment is set to be forensically examined.

Gardai went to the scene shortly after 4pm today after they received a call that a woman had sustained injuries at an apartment. When they arrived onsite they found that she was dead.

Firefighters were also called to the scene at the same time as a section of the property was on fire. They rushed to the site in order to contain the flames. Gardai and firefighters remain in the area and traffic diversions are in place.

Gardai are expected to start a door to door inquiry to determine if anyone in the area noticed anything suspicious this morning and in to the afternoon.

Earlier

Two units of the Fire Brigade were called to the scene of what has been reported as a house fire in Midleton on Friday afternoon.

Early reports indicate that a woman in her 20s has been found dead at the scene while a man is being treated for his injuries.

According to a spokesperson for Munster Fire Control, units of the Fire Service in Midleton and Cobh were called to the scene after being alerted at 4.30pm today.

More to follow
The development of a Roma Health Action Plan has been announced by Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke TD.

The initiative is among seven health actions in the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2024-2028 launched this week by Minister Roderic OGorman.

They aim to address the social determinants of Traveller and Roma health through tailored and affirmative measures to promote health and reduce inequalities.

Health actions include the development of a Roma Health Action Plan, delivery of the National Traveller Mental Health Implementation Plan, and a funding call in conjunction with the Slaintecare Healthy Communities Programme to allocate 710,000 to address social determinants of health for Travellers.

Minister Burke, a TD for Cork North Central, said that through his work as a public representative, he has become very familiar with the unique challenges faced by Traveller and Roma communities that make it difficult to access healthcare.

We must listen and respond to these communities by developing targeted, tailored healthcare supports that appropriately address their needs, removing barriers to healthcare, and supporting improved physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Under the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, we will develop a Roma Health Action Plan that will specifically address needs in relation to health literacy, mental health, medical card and pregnancy supports.

The National Traveller Mental Health Implementation Plan is bolstered by the announcement of additional funding of approximately 470,000 announced by Minister Mary Bulter.

Mr Burke said: While there is much work to be done to ensure that our underserved communities get equity of access to healthcare, I am confident that the initiatives were announcing today will help to support improved population health.

Activist and former Roma Education Worker Rachel Hurley Roche told The Echo she was glad to see the announcement from the Minister.

Ms Hurley Roche, who ran in the local elections with the Workers Party, explained: The community faces a diverse range of barriers in being able to access and maintain contact with the health service, namely discrimination and financial cost.

There are aspects of the health service that at their foundation must be reformed in order to implement any plan, focusing on safe staffing and more access to primary care, she said, explaining that families across Ireland are finding it difficult to access GPs.

Capacity has not been increased so while I am pleased to see specific funding announced for these initiatives, I do not think it is enough.

I hope to see maternal and infant health as well as support for those with literacy challenges heavily prioritised in any announced initiatives, she said.

In order to bridge barriers relating to discrimination and social inclusion, it is essential that there are satisfactory staffing levels, primary care that can support positive relationships, and a trauma-informed approach, she added.
Olivia Kelleher

A father who spent years searching for his missing son has passed away without finding out what happened to him.

Michael Deely of Naas, Co Kildare and formerly of Loughrea in Galway died on Thursday surrounded by his loving family at the TLC Centre in Maynooth.

His death notice reads that he is survived by his wife Ann and their adult children Mark, Michele, Pamela and Trevor who is described as being still missing.

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, his siblings, in laws, nephews, nieces and friends.

In December of 2015, Mr Deely told the Irish Times that if you give up hope you give up everything.

Mr Deely said that he tried to stay positive in relation to seeing his son again.

"You have to keep some positivity. That's our biggest problem: to remain focused and positive and not give up hope.

We dont want people to forget about him, he said. Its terrible, absolutely terrible. And you can see the effect on all the family at this time of year.

Everybody is feeling worn out by it. We say to people to keep watching and keep listening; keep an eye for Trevor and keep his name out there. We wont let him be forgotten about : thats the main thing.

Meanwhile, on the 7th December 2000, Trevor attended his work Christmas party at the Hilton Hotel in Dublin.

He then went to Buck Whaleys nightclub on Leeson Street which he left between 2.30am and 3.25am on December 8th.

The weather on the night in question was extremely wet and there was a taxi strike in progress.

At 3.35am, Trevor called to his place of work at Bank of Ireland in Fitzwilliam Place in Dublin.

Trevor Deely was last sighted on CCTV passing the Bank of Ireland ATM on Haddington Road at 4.14am.

Trevor Deely was 6ft 1, slim build, short red/brown hair, fair complexion last sighted wearing a mustard and brown checked shirt, beige/grey corduroy flared trousers, dark deck shoes with white stripes, a green padded jacket, carrying a large dark blue umbrella with white ACC Bank lettering.

Gardai at Pearse Street Garda station are appealing for information that will assist the Garda investigation into the disappearance of Trevor Deely. Even the smallest piece of information, which may seem insignificant, may assist the investigation.

Anyone with information can call Pearse Street Garda Station on 01 6669000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or Crimestoppers on 1800 250 025.

Meanwhile, Mr Deely will be laid to rest tomorrow (Sat) at St Corbans cemetery following 10am mass at the Church of Our Lady and St David, in Naas.
Cate McCurry, PA

Protesters in Dublin have taken part in a silent demonstration to mark 300 days of the war in Gaza.

The protest, organised by a dozen solidarity, anti-war and student groups, began at the Dail with demonstrators wearing dark clothes.

A number of people held 70 individual native Irish Ox-eye daisy wildflowers with one flower for each of the 70 children killed on average per day in Gaza.

Those taking part in the peace march made their way to the Spire on OConnell Street in silence where they joined a vigil with 70 life-size child silhouettes.

The event is co-organised by the Apartheid Free Arts; Irish Artists for Palestine; Irish Creative Arts Therapists for Palestine; Irish Occupational Therapists for Palestine; Irish Health Care Workers for Palestine; Irish Psychologists for Palestine; Mothers Against Genocide; Pals for Palestine; Teachers for Palestine; The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC); The Irish Anti-war Movement and The Union of Students in Ireland.

Mahmoud Al-Azab, a Palestinian refugee from Jordan, who has lived in Ireland for five months, told the crowd that innocent people in Gaza are suffering under the brutal acts of genocide perpetrated by the Zionist regime.

The atrocities in Gaza are a stain on the conscience of the international community, he added.

We cannot remain silent in the face of such overwhelming evidence of human rights violations.

It is our moral duty to speak out, to protest, and to demand action.

Today, I call upon the Irish Government to intensify its efforts and take a firm stance against these crimes.

Ireland has a proud history of standing up for justice and human rights.

IPSC vice chairwoman, Fatin Al Tamimi, whose sister remains trapped in Gaza said: Today marks the 300th day of apartheid, Israels relentless genocide against my people in Gaza.

For 300 days we have seen on our screens, the live-streamed murder of children, men and women on an unprecedented and cruel scale  while the western powers do nothing to stop it.

Almost 40,000 Palestinians have been confirmed killed, with many thousands more missing, maimed or dying of thirst, starvation and disease.

The health, education, sanitation and transport infrastructure has been eradicated, homes reduced to rubble and almost the entire population of Gaza has been forced to flee repeatedly.

Children have suffered more in this assault than in any other modern war.

On average, 70 children have been killed every day since the genocidal assault on Gaza began.

Ten children a day, on average, have had limbs amputated. Daily the people of Gaza face severe lack of water, food and shelter as well as the constant threat of attack, injury and death.

We are calling on the Irish Government to take action to sanction Israel for these terrible crimes  including enacting the Occupied Territories Bill, the Illegal Israel Settlements Divestment Bill, and the Arms Embargo Bill to ensure that all US planes that go through Shannon are inspected for weapons.

The Irish Government has a duty to ensure that Ireland is not in any way complicit in genocide, apartheid, or occupation.

In the face of possible transport of arms through Shannon, inaction is complicity. The export of dual use goods which can be used in the killing and oppression of the Palestinian people must also end immediately.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Sunrise over Arthur's Harbor on Anvers Island in the Palmer Archipelago of Antarctica on April 22, 2024. Randal Rhodes / U.S. National Science Foundation

Far above Earths poles, swirling in the frigid stratosphere, are the polar vortexes: massive, freezing whirlwinds that strengthen in the winter and weaken in the summer. Right now, despite being in the dead of winter, Antarcticas vortex is undergoing an unprecedented weakening, causing a massive heat wave across the continent.

This heat wave is a near-record (or record) event for the region of Antarctica its having the biggest impact on, Edward Blanchard, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Washington, told The Washington Post in an email.

Antarcticas vortex has weakened significantly in July, causing temperatures on massive swathes of the continent to soar to more than 50 degrees (10C) above normal levels while pushing massive amounts of freezing air toward the equator.

These vortex weakenings are usually caused when warm air very quickly rises to the top of the vortex, destabilizing it.

Amy Butler, an atmospheric scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told The Washington Post that atmospheric waves have jostled the vortex this year, leading to high-altitude temperatures to soar in a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event.

 Every winter, the polar vortex, a ring of stormy weather, forms high above Antarctica in the stratosphere.



This year, the vortex is showing signs of warming & being disturbed 



A disturbed vortex may contribute to stormier conditions in NZ & Australia in late July & August. pic.twitter.com/AUxVd60ytk  NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) July 13, 2024

This years Antarctic SSW is already leading to unusually cold temperatures in the southern hemisphere, with Australia, New Zealand and the Southern Cone of South America experiencing unusual cold fronts. SSWs may not be the only factor in the vortexes destabilizing, however. Earth has seen record high temperatures since July, which scientists believe may have been a factor here. Antarctica has been warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet, according to a 2023 article in the journal Nature, as The Washington Post reported.

SSWs can have immense consequences on their respective hemispheres. In January 2014, an SSW led to a harsh winter in the U.S., causing subzero temperatures in multiple states. 2021s SSW was particularly brutal, leading to a devastating winter when much of the continental U.S. saw temperatures dip well below zero and during which most of Texas electrical grid infamously went dark.

Theres typically a delayed effect between an SSW and colder weather farther from the poles, which can take up to a month. With the Antarctics record-high temperatures and SSW continuing, its hard to say to what extent this will have on conditions in the southern hemisphere or how far toward the equator areas will be affected in the coming weeks.

The United States extremely cold winter in 2021. NOAA

Michael Dukes, director of forecasting at MetDesk, told The Guardian that most scientists have thought that the most significant effects of human-caused climate change would happen at the poles. This is a great example of that, he said. In Antarctica generally that kind of warming in the winter and continuing in to summer months can lead to collapsing of the ice sheets, he added.
China's human rights delegation visits Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

Xinhua) 11:21, August 02, 2024

TASHKENT, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A delegation led by Jiang Jianguo, executive vice president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, visited Tajikistan and Uzbekistan for bilateral human rights exchanges from July 25 to Aug. 1.

In Tajikistan, the delegation met with Commissioner for Human Rights in Tajikistan Umed Bobozoda, Minister of Justice Muzaffar Ashuriyon, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Farrukh Sharifzoda, respectively. They also held discussions with representatives from Tajikistan's religious, youth, and other departments, as well as university presidents, experts, and scholars.

In Uzbekistan, the delegation attended a roundtable meeting on trends in international and regional human rights and met with Akmal Saidov, the first deputy speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Parliament of Uzbekistan and director of the National Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan, as well as with leaders from the Supreme Court, Prosecutor General's Office, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Agency of Information and Mass Communications.

During the exchanges, the delegation presented Chinese President Xi Jinping's important discourses on respecting and protecting human rights, and the important arrangements for adhering to the correct outlook on human rights and strengthening human rights protection through law enforcement and administration of justice, as outlined in the resolution recently adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The delegation also explained China's contemporary outlook on human rights and its related achievements and experiences, expressing commitment to following a Chinese path of human rights development and promoting a comprehensive advancement of human rights.

At the same time, they fully affirmed and actively coordinated with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan for their alignment with China in stance and actions on international human rights issues.

People from various sectors in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan praised China's remarkable achievements in the new era, which feature a people-centered approach, comprehensive deepening reforms, and high-quality development.

They also praised China's human rights development path and experiences, noting many similarities between their own and China's human rights concepts. They also expressed willingness to continue strengthening human rights exchanges, mutual learning, and cooperative development with China, and to jointly promote global human rights governance.

In Tajikistan, Sharifzoda said during the meeting with the delegation that the country would implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state of Tajikistan and China, and firmly oppose the politicization of human rights issues and double standards.

In Uzbekistan, Saidov noted that he has repeatedly read the Russian version of a book of extracts from Xi's discourses on respecting and protecting human rights and strongly agreed with the viewpoints expressed in the book. He believed that China's achievements in poverty reduction and human rights have made significant contributions to the world's poverty reduction and human rights development.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
A BART patron passes through the new hardened fare gates BART recently installed as a person without a ticket is seen trapped behind the new hardened fare gates at San Franciscos Civic Center station. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle BART patrons go through the exit gate at the Civic Center station, while one person evading fare goes over the turnstile. New gates are expected to reduce fare evasion. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The space next to the new hardened fare gates BART installed at San Franciscos Civic Center station is an area where station workers have seen people without tickets jump over to gain entry. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

BARTs new reinforced fare gates have arrived in San Francisco.

The regional rail agency is installing the sturdier, 7.5-foot-tall entry gates at Civic Center/UN Plaza Station, one of the systems most popular stations where fare evasion is common. Last week, the agency finished installing the new gates at the first of the Market Street stations three entry points near Seventh Street.

Construction on Civic Center stations second entry point near UN Plaza is scheduled to start the week of Aug. 11, according to BART.

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The new gates are defined by their towering doors that leave would-be fare cheats little room to vault over or crawl under to get through. The reinforced fare gates come equipped with mechanical locking systems unique to BART that are meant to withstand attempts to force the doors open. The gates feature steel-framed polycarbonate doors that cover most of the structures height.

BART patrons use the new hardened fare gates BART installed at San Franciscos Civic Center station. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

BART remains under a tight deadline, though, to replace the old knee-level shark-fin turnstiles, that are easy for fare evaders to bypass, at all 50 stations by the end of 2025.

That goal isnt arbitrary. BART must meet that deadline to receive $352 million in state subsidies awarded last year by the California Legislature. The rail agency is using that money to pay for operations and forestall a massive budget shortfall starting in 2026.

Given where the project stands, BART has 17 months to replace the fare gates at 49 stations.

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BART officials told the agencys board of directors in July that design refinements on the mechanical locking system and the material used for the gates doors impacted the projects timeline. Several board directors expressed concern that the agency was not further ahead in construction.

A BART patron uses the new hardened fare gates BART recently installed at San Franciscos Civic Center station. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

The new gates, though, seem to be doing what theyre intended to do  preventing people from cheating a fare.

At West Oakland Station, where the new gates debuted in late December, the agency says it has captured about 120,000 more entries and exits through June 2024 compared to the same period last year. This means more people at that station were tapping their Clipper cards to pay a fare to either access the stations platforms or complete a fare payment.

BART patrons use the new hardened fare gates installed at San Franciscos Civic Center station. Lea Suzuki The Chronicle

Its unclear how much fare revenue that increase in captured entries and exits equates to for BART, but fare evasion is a pervasive issue that costs the agency millions of dollars in lost revenue each year.

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Civic Center station has yet to realize the benefits seen at West Oakland Station because the agency has only installed the new fare gates at one entry point. The impact of the new gates, though, is obvious.

A person with a scooter squeezes through an old entry gate at the BART Civic Center station. The new recently installed reinforced fare gates are in the background. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

On a recent weekday afternoon inside the Civic Center station mezzanine between UN Plaza and Seventh Street, almost all riders chose to pass through the finlike turnstiles rather than go through the new, much taller fare gates. Several people could be seen either shimmying past openings in the turnstiles or jumping over them without paying a fare.

Other problematic stations for fare evasion will be the next ones to get the new gates: Oaklands Fruitvale Station, San Franciscos 24th Street station and Richmond Station, the terminus for the Red and Orange lines.

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The companys The Underdogs: OOO (Out of Office) short gets pulled over criticism of stereotyped characters.

Apple pulled the latest short film in its The Underdogs: OOO (Out of Office) series set in Thailand. The tech giant scrubbed it over complaints about stereotypical portrayals of Thailand and its people in certain scenes.

The Bangkok Post reports that Apple issued an apology to the people of Thailand for the fifth film in its Underdogs series. The ad series features a group of travel weary office workers navigating the world using Apples various products.

Several viewers posted comments criticizing the films use of a sepia filter to make Thailand seem underdeveloped. The comments also called out the costuming and scenery decisions in its airport scene using outdated representations of Thailands citizens.

Sattra Sripan, the spokesman for the Thai House of Representatives committee on tourism, called for a boycott over the ad.

Thai people are deeply unhappy with the advertisement, Sripan said in a statement. I encourage Thai people to stop using Apple products and change to other brands.

Apple issued an apology for the ad shortly after pulling it off of YouTube. Lawmakers have also invited Apple representatives to visit with them to discuss the ads and how they portray Thailand on film.

Our intent was to celebrate the countrys optimism and culture, and we apologize for not fully capturing the vibrancy of Thailand today, the statement read.

This is the second time this year that Apple has apologized for a commercial. Apple pulled an ad back in May that it told AdAge missed the mark for its new thin iPad Pro. The commercial features a giant pneumatic press crushing a large collection of items used in or to represent creative endeavors such musical instruments, paints, a generic arcade cabinet, and camera equipment. The steel crusher smooshes everything flat and lifts up to reveal an intact iPad sitting on the lower steel block that a voiceover describes as the most powerful iPad ever is also the thinnest.

Artists, musicians and other creators took offense to the ads implied tone that generative AI would replace human artistic endeavors. Apple vowed not to air the ad on TV but its still on its YouTube page with the comments section disabled.
Instagram is blocked in Turkey amid a dispute over Hamas-related content on the platform. The app has been inaccessible in the country since Friday morning. Netblocks, an organization that tracks internet and social media outages, confirmed that Instagram had been restricted in the country.

Turkish regulators didnt specify why the block was in place but, as Bloomberg reports , the crackdown on Instagram appears to be related to its handling of Hamas-related posts on the platform. On Friday, Turkeys head of communications Fahrettin Altun, said in a post on X that Instagram is actively preventing people from posting messages of condolences for Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader who was killed earlier this week.

Meta hasnt publicly commented on the block.
Dr. David Persing, shown in 2008, is the executive vice president/chief medical and scientific officer for Cepheid in Sunnyvale. The company has announced layoffs. Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Bay Area molecular diagnostics giant Cepheid has announced plans to eliminate 626 positions at its Sunnyvale headquarters by Sept. 27, according to regulatory filings.

The cuts will affect approximately 13% of the companys 4,800-strong workforce.

Cepheid, founded in 1996 and now part of the Danaher Corporation based in Washington, D.C., is famous for its GeneXpert System. The cutting-edge technology packs all the lab processes needed for diagnostics into a small cartridge, which can then be placed into a machine to read the results.

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The layoffs will affect positions ranging from manufacturing associates to senior management roles. Additionally, the company plans to lay off 11 employees at its East Bay Logistic Center in Fremont by the same date.
Days after resigning abruptly, the mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, has been charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

Misty Roberts, who was in her second term, was investigated after the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office requested Louisiana State Police look into a complaint against her. According to the LSP in a press release Thursday, Clanton was accused of having sexual relations with a juvenile. Two juveniles confirmed the 42-year-old was intimate with one juvenile victim while employed as mayor.

After an arrest warrant was issued, the mayor surrendered to authorities, per the 'New York Post.'

"On August 1, 2024, Roberts turned herself in to Investigators without incident. She was booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center on the charges of LRS 14:43 - Third degree rape and LRS 14:92 - Contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. This case remains under investigation," the press release announced.

Roberts was booked into Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office Jail. According to jail records, she was later released on a $75,000 bond over one hour later.

Adam Johnson, Roberts' attorney, said the embattled mayor is innocent.

"We trust the public will respect her constitutional presumption of innocence which is fundamental to our system of justice," he added, per 'KPLC-7.' "Misty and her family are very grateful for the support they have received from their friends and neighbors and we look forward to putting this unfortunate situation behind them."

She submitted a letter of resignation to the council on July 27.

"For nearly 15 years, my love and passion for DeRidder has been my foundation while serving as Mayor," Roberts wrote.

She added: "This role has rewarded me with many great relationships. I am humbled to have witnessed the hard work that took a community to come together and overcome through unprecedented times. However, I must adjust my focus and priorities."

DeRidder, a city of just over 10,000 people, according to the 2010 census, is situated on the Texas-Louisiana border. It's 247 miles north of New Orleans.
A Montgomery County judge in Ohio, who is currently suspended without pay, is being accused of unlawfully securing public contracts.

Judge James Piergies allegedly worked with Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Mike Foley to do so, according to 'WHIO-7,' who has legal issues of his own; 12 to be exact.

Foley is accused of theft in office, unlawfully asking public employees for political contributions, and one count of unauthorized use of computer, cable or telecommunication property, amongst others.

Judge Piergies, 72, was indicted on three counts of attempted unlawful interest in a public contract between April 26, 2021, and May 3, according to his indictment.

The pair was investigated by the Special Investigations Unit of the Ohio Auditor's Office in October 2022 after receiving an anonymous complaint about solicitation of campaign contributions from employees.

RELATED : Louisiana Mayor Misty Roberts Charged With Raping A Minor After Surprise Resignation

State Rep. Phil Plummer, Montgomery County Republican Party Chair, called their indictments "disheartening."

"Unlike some other people who speak before they have the details, I want the details first," he added. "But this is  on the surface it's terrible and we don't tolerate this. And I think you know where this is headed."

Mohamed Al-Hamdani, Montgomery County Democratic Party Chair, said "We should hold public office holders to a higher standard, to see those kind of indictments come not just against Mike Foley, but a sitting judge is a bit disappointing."

"We've known for a while that Foley and other Republicans have been misusing the courthouse for their own gain," he claimed, according to 'Dayton Daily News.'

According to Foley's lawyer, his client will not step down as "he feels like he did nothing wrong."

Foley, 56, and Piergies will be arraigned on Aug. 15 in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.
Jared James Dicus has been sentenced for decapitating his wife.

Back in January 2023, Anggy Diaz was decapitated and parts of her body were scattered across a home owned by her in-laws.

According to 'PEOPLE,' one year after the crime, Dicus, plead guilty to murder.

The two, who were living in Waller County, Texas, had only been married for 3 months. Dicus' father called the police after finding his son's new wife murdered. When authorities arrived on the scene, Waller County Sheriff Troy Guidry said that they found "a portion of a body, dismembered and a residence that was covered in blood." The head of Diaz, who was 21 years old, was found "in the shower."

Dicus was sentenced to 40 years in prison after he confessed to the crime during a Waller County police interrogation. Through his plea bargain, he also waived the right to appeal the verdict. He's not eligible for parole until 2043.

Criminal District Attorney Sean G. Whittmore said "Heinous crimes like this one will not go unanswered, we will seek justice for the victims of domestic violence and send a message to the perpetrators that here, we fight for our victims," per 'Fox 26.'

"The best you can say is that's the world we live in today. It's a gruesome scene," Sheriff Guidry said, per the outlet. "And both sides of these families are gonna be altered by it, either way, suspect and the victim's. It is gruesome. It's a gruesome crime. Hopefully, everything turns out to end up the best way it can at this point."
Completed months before Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago on July 31, the second Black Census Project  billed as the largest survey of Black Americans in more than 150 years  found that a dismal 5% of respondents had a favorable view of Trump, compared to 71% of respondents who had a favorable view of Vice President Kamala Harris. The Washington Post via Getty Images Vice President Kamala Harris, who secured the Democratic Party presidential nomination on Friday, dismissed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps false claims about her identity as the same old show. National polling conducted before she replaced President Joe Biden on the ticket showed Black voters strongly preferring her to Trump. Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images

In a disastrous interview with the National Association of Black Journalists on Wednesday, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump falsely claimed Vice President Kamala Harris used to hide her Black identity, said without evidence that undocumented immigrants were taking Black jobs and repeated his audacious sales pitch to Black voters.

I have been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln, he said to jeers and scattered claps.

According to whats billed as the largest survey of Black Americans since Reconstruction, Black voters overwhelmingly disagree.

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The Black Census Project, a survey of more than 200,000 Black people in the U.S.  spearheaded by left-leaning civic engagement organization Black Futures Lab and data-research firm Socioanalitica Research  found a dismal 5% of their respondents held a favorable view of Trump, compared with 71% of respondents who viewed Harris favorably.

The census was conducted over a 20-month period that ended Oct. 31, 2023, well before the presidential contest crystallized in July between Trump, who accepted the Republican Partys nomination for the third straight time, and Harris, who became the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Joe Bidens withdrawal.

While the census didnt pull a representative sample of the Black American public  69% of respondents were women and 60% lived in the South  it did poll a politically engaged one. Nearly 80% of respondents said they were likely to vote in the coming presidential contest, with 77% having said they voted consistently in past presidential elections.

Black voters show up, said Black Futures Lab Field Director Natishia June. We show up despite voter suppression and intimidation. We show up risking illness in the face of a pandemic and all of its unknowns. We show up for them, hoping, praying even, that at some point these candidates will show up for us.

Other national polling  from the National Black Voter Project out of Sacramento State University, and from the New York Times and Siena College  had been showing Black voter support for Trump at about 15%, almost double what he received in 2020. More crucially, it showed Biden winning 62% and 73% of Black voters, respectively, well below the 92% he achieved four years ago.

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All of the polling occurred before Harris unexpected rise, and before Trump took the stage in Chicago this week, where he insulted his hosts and Harris.

She was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn, and she went, and she became a Black person, Trump falsely claimed in response to a question about whether he agreed with racist attacks that Harris was a diversity, equity and inclusion candidate. And I think somebody should look into that too, when you ask, continue in a very hostile, nasty tone.

According to the Pew Research Center, the number of eligible Black voters in the U.S. is poised to reach 34.4 million by November 2024, or 14% of eligible voters. Nearly a quarter (8.1 million) live in three states  Texas, Georgia and Florida  that have enacted numerous voter restrictions since 2021 particularly affecting communities of color.

In Georgia, voting rights organizations are currently battling a Fulton County Registration and Elections Board member who wants the power to overrule election results. In North Carolina  where nearly 630,000 Black people voted in 2022, second to white voters in both raw numbers and turnout  voters are once again being asked to repeal unenforced literacy test requirements by amending the state constitution.

Project 2025, the far-right agenda for a second Trump term, envisions greater restrictions on voting on the unproven premise of widespread voter fraud. It calls for a Republican president to erode the independence of the Federal Election Commission and dismantle the ability of the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to combat election interference or misinformation.

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Under Project 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice would aggressively look for cases of voter fraud to prosecute, which the policy document itself says could take the form of restricting access to mail-in ballots.

Trump has attempted to distance himself from Project 2025, but is linked to it in numerous ways. More than 100 former Trump administration staffers worked on the 900-page plan released by the Heritage Foundation; Trump appeared to reference the plan in a 2022 keynote he gave at a Heritage event in Florida; Heritage sponsored the Republican National Convention; and Trumps pick for vice president, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, wrote the forward for Heritage president Kevin Roberts new book.

During a virtual launch event for Project Freedom on July 25, a seven-state voter mobilization effort responding to Project 2025, representatives of several Black-led organizations brought up voter suppression efforts in their states and said they were more focused on defeating Trump than electing Harris.

This is not about a party, not about a candidate. This is about our people, said the Rev. Michael Blake of the Kairos Democracy Project, a New York nonprofit encouraging people of color to vote.

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Police are appealing for more information after criminals caused 2,000 worth of damage to crops on an East Dorset farm.

The farmer discovered that damage had been caused to crops to his field near Shapwick, Dorset Police Rural Crime Team said.

The estimated cost of the damage is around 2,000, the force added.

Police Constable Kate Schofield, of the team, said the incident has had "a significant financial impact on the farmer during a challenging summer due to the weather".

I would ask anyone who may have information about the damage caused to please come forward and contact Dorset Police," she added.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240111570.

"Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111."

It comes as the cost of rural crime cost the UK nearly 53 million last year, new NFU Mutual figures show.

The rural insurer's new report, published on 1 August, reveals that rural crime cost increased by over 2 million in 2023 compared to the previous year,
Scottish farmers and food producers are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to 5,000 to champion produce from their local area.

The Scottish government's Regional Food Fund has launched again, with 100,000 available to increase the promotion of local produce.

Since 2018, over 770,000 has been provided to the fund, which has supported 167 collaborative projects.

These have varied from food and drink tourism trails, festivals, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns.

Food and drink is one of Scotland's largest industry sectors, and the country's largest employer with an industry value of over 15 billion.

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said the engagement of regional markets was vital in achieving industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years.

He said: Scotland has a highly successful and influential food and drink sector and this fund allows us to demonstrate that through the development of creative food and drink projects.

"These grants allow opportunities to increase the promotion of local produce, the chance for businesses to engage and educate local communities about what is available and showcase some of our most exciting food and drink ventures.

Eligible businesses and groups are being encouraged to apply for a grant and to work collaboratively with others to engage communities and achieve regional food and drink success.

In the past, the fund has helped bring to life food and drink festivals, promotion campaigns for Scottish produce, market weekends, cook schools and other initiatives.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 30 August 2024.
Weather models predict a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms across the Sierra Nevada on Friday. While the thunderstorm threat is low in the Bay Area and Central Valley, the chance cannot be completely ruled out. Baron/Lynx

UPDATED FORECAST: Another hot week in Northern California, but change on the horizon

While parts of California face a high fire risk this weekend, others may experience flash flooding.

Another surge of monsoon moisture is the culprit for the potentially wide-ranging weather impacts statewide this week. A weak atmospheric disturbance known as an easterly wave began drawing humid air from Arizona toward Southern California on Thursday.

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This southeast-to-northwest moving disturbance will lift northward Friday, providing enough energy for scattered thunderstorms, especially in the mountains. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms will present a risk of lightning-sparked wildfires.

On Saturday, the thunderstorm threat will persist across the Sierra Nevada and the southern Cascades. Any lightning-sparked fires could smolder for a day or two before hot, dry and windy weather returns Sunday through Tuesday.

Lightning risk

The thunderstorm threat will be highest in Californias mountains Friday and Saturday, although the chance cannot be completely ruled out elsewhere. Thunderstorms are most common in the mountains because wind tends to rise up slopes during the day. Rising motion is a necessary ingredient for thunderstorm development.

The Storm Prediction Center forecasts a general chance of thunderstorms across the higher elections of California on Friday. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms are expected, posing both a fire and flash flooding risk. Baron/Lynx

A red flag warning  signaling serious wildfire risk  is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday in portions of Central and Southern California due to the threat of dry lightning, primarily in the mountains and deserts.

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Scattered light rain showers are possible over the San Joaquin Valley on Friday, but without strong rising air, the thunderstorm threat is low. If enough lift materializes, a few thunderstorms may pop in the valley and along the Central Coast.

Lift will be stronger east of the Sierra Crest, where the Weather Prediction Center forecasts a marginal risk of flash flooding from slow-moving thunderstorms and heavy rain.



Firefighting conditions could be difficult on the Park Fire both Friday and Saturday as weather conditions present new challenges.

Heat from the fire could locally enhance the development of thunderstorm clouds, known as pyrocumulonimbus. These clouds are dangerous because they loft embers and ash high in the sky before falling downwind, which can spark new fires.

A massive smoke plume from the Park Fire appears in Chico (Butte County) on Friday, July 26. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The thunderstorm threat will shift to Northern California on Saturday, in the Klamath Mountains, Cascade mountains and the northern and central Sierra. Mount Shasta, Lassen National Park and the Lake Tahoe area are at risk for a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms. Any lightning strikes that arent accompanied by sufficient rainfall may spark a wildfire.

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Hot, dry, gusty winds next week

Following the thunderstorm threat Friday and Saturday, hot conditions are expected to return to a large swath of California, with high temperatures in the 90s to 100s inland.

The air mass will also dry out as the monsoon moisture exits California. Relative humidity could drop below 10% in parts of the Sacramento Valley on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday afternoon. Gusty afternoon winds of 15-25 mph are also expected in this period.

The National Interagency Fire Center forecasts a high risk of significant wildfire potential Monday in northeast California, including the northern Sierra, due to dry, gusty winds. Fire weather watches and red flag warnings have not yet been issued by the National Weather Service for the Sunday through Tuesday timeframe.

Bay Area weekend breakdown

San Francisco: The pattern of morning fog and afternoon sunshine will continue throughout the city from Friday through Sunday. Highs will be close to 70 degrees downtown, while areas west of Twin Peaks should remain in the low 60s with periods of fog. Fog-free locations will likely be treated to a vibrant sunset Friday night as mid-level clouds spread in. Afternoon and evening wind gusts around 20 mph are expected each day. Lows will be in the mid-50s.

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North Bay: Increasing clouds Friday morning will precede a weak atmospheric disturbance moving toward the North Bay from the southeast. Skies will become partly to mostly cloudy by the late afternoon, with a slight chance of a light shower. There is also a slim chance of a thunderstorm over the mountains. Highs will be in the mid- to upper 80s throughout Wine Country and mid-90s in Fairfield and Vacaville. The coast and the immediate bay shoreline will be in the 60s and 70s, respectively. Lows will be in the mid-50s to low 60s.

A very slight chance of thunderstorms will continue in the mountains Saturday, but clear skies should return Sunday. Temperatures will drop slightly from Fridays mark, but remain about 3-5 degrees above normal for early August.

East Bay: Skies will begin partly sunny Friday, but clouds are expected to increase as the day progresses. A few light showers cannot be ruled out in the late afternoon and evening, but accumulations will be spotty. There is a very slight chance of a thunderstorm over the Diablo Range. Highs will be in the 70s to low 80s along the bay shoreline and upper 80s to low 90s inland. Overnight lows will be in the upper 50s near the bay and low to mid-60s inland.

Fog is expected both Saturday and Sunday morning in Oakland and Berkeley. Partly sunny skies are expected Saturday afternoon, with mainly clear skies Sunday. Highs will be similar both days, in the 70s along the bay shoreline and mid-80s to low 90s inland with an evening sea breeze gusting 15-20 mph. Lows will be in the upper 50s.

Pacific Coast and Peninsula: Foggy August weather is expected in Pacifica and Half Moon Bay from Friday through Sunday. Filtered sun may emerge in the afternoon as the fog thins slightly, but cool conditions will continue, with highs in the low 60s. Afternoon gusts of 10-20 mph will make it feel even cooler. Lows will be in the mid-50s.

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In eastern San Mateo County, patchy morning fog is expected to quickly burn off each day. On Friday afternoon, clouds will increase as an atmospheric disturbance draws monsoon moisture toward the area. A few light showers may manifest over the Peninsula in the evening, but they will be brief. Some clouds will linger Saturday before a sunny Sunday. High temperatures will increase heading southward, from the mid-60s in Daly City to the low 80s in Redwood City.

South Bay and Santa Cruz: Filtered sunshine is expected across Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties Friday as a smoky haze, in addition to mid- and high-level clouds, moves in. A light rain shower cannot be ruled out in a few localized areas, especially up near Mount Hamilton and in the Diablo Range. Highs will be in the low to mid-80s in the South Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains and the 70s in Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley.
Scientists are planning to send frozen samples of endangered animals to the Moon to make sure humanity survives global catastrophe.

Animal samples could be send to the Moon for the sake of humanity's survival

Experts have proposed a 'biorepository' on the lunar surface to safeguard the frozen cells of species ranging from mammals to amphibians.

Should life on Earth be wiped out, the cells could be cloned to create new life on the moon and ensure the survival of civilisation.

The Moon is far enough away from our planet to survive a climate disaster that would wipe out most animals and also has cold enough temperatures to keep the animal cell samples frozen.

Mary Hagedorn, lead author of the research and a cryobiologist at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington D.C., said: "Initially, a lunar biorepository would target the most at-risk species on Earth today.

"But our ultimate goal would be to cryopreserve most species on Earth."
Britney Spears' memoir is being turned into a feature film.

Britney Spears is working on a feature film

The 42-year-old pop star has joined forces with producer Marc Platt to make a feature film based on 'The Woman in Me', her 2023 memoir.

A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "Britney has had an unbelievable career and it will be a major challenge to fit everything into one feature film.

"But she has been told in no uncertain terms that things wont be sugar-coated and it will very much show all of her lows, as well as her career-defining highs."

Britney is heavily involved in the project and has already been a part of the decision-making process.

The insider continued: "That is going to be hard for her to watch but she is being involved in all aspects of the film and was part of the team deciding who would get to move forward in bringing her story to the big screen."

Britney has also hinted about the film project on social media.

The 'Womanizer' hitmaker wrote on X: "Excited to share with my fans that I've been working on a secret project with #MarcPlatt. Hes always made my favorite movies  stay tuned (sic)"

In 2023, Britney revealed why she decided to release her tell-all memoir, suggesting that it was the ideal time to share her story with the public.

The blonde beauty - who is one of the best-selling pop artists of all time - told PEOPLE: "It is finally time for me to raise my voice and speak out, and my fans deserve to hear it directly from me. No more conspiracy, no more lies - just me owning my past, present and future."
Justin Timberlake has had his driving licence suspended after a hearing in New York.

Justin Timberlake has had his license suspended

The 43-year-old pop star was arrested in Sag Harbor, New York, in June for driving while intoxicated, and Timberlake has now had his licence suspended, after he attended the latest hearing via a video link from Antwerp, Belgium.

Timberlake - who is currently on tour in Europe - pleaded not guilty to a revised misdemeanour charge of driving drunk, according to PEOPLE.

Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace also sent a warning to Edward Burke Jr, Timberlake's lawyer, accusing him of making "irresponsible" comments about the case.

The judge explained that the comments "come off as an attempt to poison the case before it even begins".

The judge actually threatened to issue a gag order against Burke Jr if he continued to make similar remarks.

During a previous hearing, Timberlake's attorney denied the allegation and asked for the case to be dismissed outright, alleging that errors were made by the arresting officer.

Before his arrest, Timberlake enjoyed a a meal with friends in The Hamptons.

A source previously told DailyMail.com: "Justin was out to dinner with friends and there were cop cars stationed outside the restaurant, like there are most nights.

"They look for people who are leaving after midnight who might have been drinking.

"Justin left at 12:30am and was pulled over as soon as he left. Nobody was hurt and there was no drama at the scene."

Timberlake claimed he had "one martini" after being arrested for driving while intoxicated.

According to documents seen by PEOPLE, Timberlake told the authorities: "I had one martini and I followed my friends home."

However, in the police report, it was claimed that the pop star drove through a stop sign, and that he failed to "keep on the right side of the roadway".
Rachel Leviss was "deeply saddened" to learn about Jax Taylor's mental health struggles.

Rachel Leviss has expressed her support for Jax Taylor

The 45-year-old star recently entered a mental health facility and Rachel has now taken to social media to express her support for Jax, who has Cruz, three, with his estranged wife Brittany Cartwright.

In a message posted on her Instagram, Rachel said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Jaxs mental health struggles and I wholeheartedly support his decision to seek treatment."

Rachel, 29, actually spent time at a mental health facility last year, following her months-long affair with Tom Sandoval.

And the reality star has now encouraged her followers to show Jax some support.

Rachel said: "I pray that his news is met with the open-mindedness that mine lacked, as I faced mockery and accusations of simply being in a spa. I hope he finds the healing that I did through my own journey."

What's more, Rachel suggested that reality TV stars should receive more help and support with their mental health.

She explained: "Taylors situation highlights the urgent need for mental healthcare and accessible treatment for reality TV stars [stars emojis] Wishing you a speedy recovery. (sic)"

Jax recently checked in to an in-patient facility for care and support.

His representative said in a statement: "Jax has always been candid about his mental health struggles, especially during the past few months on his podcast.

"He has made the decision to seek in-patient treatment. This is a particularly sensitive time for him and his family. They ask for privacy and respect until he is ready to speak more on this matter."

Brittany and Jax announced their split earlier this year - but she subsequently admitted that a reconciliation remained possible.

The 35-year-old beauty told Us Weekly: "Theres definitely a chance. But I wont waste my time and get back into a toxic situation.

"Now the veil has been lifted and I see how much I was always cleaning up Jaxs messes. Im thrown in the middle of all these fights and constantly forced to apologise for him in the media and to friends. Its hard."
Ryan Reynolds has insisted Jamie Lee Curtis didn't need to apologise for her dig at the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Ryan Reynolds has defended Jamie Lee Curtis

The 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' actress has pledged to "do better" after making the "stupid" quip that the franchise was currently in a "bad" phase when asked by MTV during San Diego Comic-Con, but the 'Deadpool and Wolverine' actor has defended the Oscar-winning star and suggested people should be able to voice their opinions on the comic book series without fear of reprisal.

He quoted Jamie's apology on X and wrote: "Wait, is everyone expected to apologize for slamming Marvel post-Endgame?(sic)"

The 65-year-old actress had revealed she has spoken to MCU boss Kevin Feige and pledged not to be part of any "game play".

She wrote on X: "My comments about Marvel were stupid and I will do better. I've reached out to Kevin Feige and will no longer play in that mud slinging sandbox of competition we call the internet nor will I engage in the toilet paper promotion or game play that is designed for clicks not content or conversation. (sic)

In recent years, the 'Freaky Friday' star has complained about the state of the franchise openly on social media.

She previously compared 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' unfavourably to her own movie 'Everything Everywhere All At Once', for which she won an Oscar.

Jamie wrote on X, formerly Twitter, in 2022: Is it JUST me? Does it seem STRANGE that our tiny movie that could and did and continues to do ##1movieinamerica and is TRULY MARVELOUS, out marvels any Marvel movie they put out there @everythingeverywheremovie has a Marvel movie coming out with a copycat poster? Is this one of those Internet feuds?(sic)"

She later wrote of her own film: MARVELOUS! It has a deep BEATING heart and BRILLIANT visual treats, EXTRAORDINARY performances and FANTASTIC BEASTLY FIGHT SCENES...... AND it COST LESS than the ENTIRE craft service budget on Doctor Strange and/or any other Marvel movie. (sic)
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex have shared their commitment to helping make the internet a safer space for young people.

The royal couple will attend a conference in Colombia about 'creating safer physical and digital spaces'

The royal couple - who stepped down as senior members of the British Royal Family to embark on a financially independent life in the US in 2020, with their two young children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three - have given a rare joint interview where they highlight the impact online bullying can have on mental health.

In a new interview set to air on 'CBS Sunday Morning', Meghan, 42, said: "Our kids are young they're three and five. They're amazing.

"But all you want to do as parents is protect them."

She continued: "So, as we can see what's happening in the online space, we know that there's a lot of work to be done there, and we're just happy to be able to be a part of change for good."

Host Jane Pauley said: "You hope that when your children ask for help, someone, you know, is there to give it."

Referring to deaths linked to online bullying, Harry, 39, replied: "If you know how to help.

"At this point, we've got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder.

And even the best first responders in the world wouldn't be able to tell the signs...

"That is the terrifying piece of this."

The interview - their first since their explosive 2021 tell-all with Oprah Winfrey - came as the couple were revealed to be embarking on a tour of Colombia later this year, where they will help to set out plans to tackle cyberbullying through their Archewell Foundation.

Vice President of Colombia Francia Marquez said: "I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.

"During their trip, The Duke and Duchess will join me in visiting Bogota, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.

"In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress.

"Their visit comes at a particularly significant time, as it precedes the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, to be held in Colombia this November.

"The Archewell Foundation, founded by The Duke and Duchess, is renowned for its global leadership in fostering a safer online environment.

"The forthcoming conference will unveil a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces, tackling issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the mental health impacts of these threats.

"It will offer actionable solutions and commitments for countries around the world."

The tour will follow their three-day visit to Nigeria in May.
Indonesia aims at wrapping up negotiations on the Indonesia-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement (I-GCC FTA) in 2026, according to the countrys trade minister Zulkifli Hasan.

Hasan and GCC secretary general Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi signed the agreement to start the talks in Jakarta recently. The first round of the negotiations will be held in September.

Indonesia aims at wrapping up talks on the Indonesia-Gulf Cooperation Council FTA in 2026, trade minister Zulkifli Hasan has said. The total value of trade between both sides last year reached $15.7 billion, still small, he noted. Differences in standards for products and services remain the biggest obstacle along with the lack of a trade agreement, he said.

A seminar involving large business players Indonesia and GCC countries will be organised after the second round of negotiations to determine the potential of trade that both sides can carry out, a news agency reported.

The total value of trade between both sides last year reached $15.7 billion, still small, the Indonesian minister noted.

Differences in standards for products and services remain the biggest obstacle to trade along with the lack of a trade agreement, he said.

Al-Budaiwi said GCC is certain that this will pave the way to raise the trade volume even further.

GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar.

The proposed I-GCC FTA will be Indonesia's third trade agreement in the Middle East region following agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Big news for Britney Spears fans. Universal Pictures has just snagged the movie rights to Britney's memoir, The Woman in Me, and theyre gearing up to turn it into a biopic. The studio won the rights after a heated auction and has tapped Jon M. Chu, the director behind Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, to helm the project. Marc Platt, known for hits like Wicked and La La Land, is set to produce.









Britney herself shared her excitement on X, hinting at her collaboration with Marc Platt and promising fans some thrilling updates. Her memoir, which has sold over 2.5 million copies since last October, dives into her journey from Disney to pop superstardom and her battle with conservatorship.







With music biopics buzzing in Hollywood lately, like those of Elvis Presley and Amy Winehouse, Britneys story is sure to be a hit! Britney herself shared her excitement on X, hinting at her collaboration with Marc Platt and promising fans some thrilling updates. Her memoir, which has sold over 2.5 million copies since last October, dives into her journey from Disney to pop superstardom and her battle with conservatorship.With music biopics buzzing in Hollywood lately, like those of Elvis Presley and Amy Winehouse, Britneys story is sure to be a hit!
SINGAPORE, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Formed in October 2016, the Judicial Insolvency Network (JIN) is a network of insolvency judges from across the world. It serves as a platform for sustained and continuous engagement for the furtherance of the following objectives: to provide judicial thought leadership, develop best practices and facilitate communication and cooperation amongst national courts in cross-border insolvency and restructuring matters.

JIN comprises insolvency judges from Australia, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Canada, the Cayman Islands, England and Wales, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the United States. The members from the Singapore Courts are two of the founding members, Justice Kannan Ramesh and Justice Aedit Abdullah.

The 5th Conference was held in Singapore on 12 and 13 June and was hosted by the Supreme Court of Singapore. The 5th Conference also saw a record attendance of 32 participants.

Since the inaugural meeting of the JIN in Singapore in October 2016, the network has continued to promote the adoption of the JIN Guidelines to address the key aspects of and the modalities for communication and cooperation amongst courts, insolvency representatives and other parties involved in cross-border insolvency proceedings. The overarching aim of the JIN Guidelines was the preservation of enterprise value and the reduction of legal costs. To date, 18 jurisdictions around the world have adopted the JIN Guidelines.

The JIN recognised that some judges may prefer, as a prelude to JIN membership, to first observe and experience the JIN's deliberations. Adoption of the JIN Guidelines is not a prerequisite to membership in the JIN and, conversely, a court which does not have representation in the JIN may also adopt the JIN Guidelines. It is in this context that the JIN had worked towards and obtained the attendance of Bahrain, China, India, the Netherlands and a number of South-east Asian courts, and that the presence of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand signalled a strong foundation for the development of judicial cooperation in cross-border insolvency and restructuring matters in the region.

There were a number of topics discussed that were central to the theme of cross-border insolvency and restructuring, such as a survey of landmark international insolvency judgments in the past three years, focusing on matters that have invoked the JIN Guidelines and Modalities.

Visit News and speeches (judiciary.gov.sg) for more details.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 1, 2024) - INCA ONE GOLD CORP. (TSXV: INCA.H) (OTC Pink: INCAF) (FSE: SU92) ("Inca One" or the "Company") announces that, further to the Company's June 4, 2024 and June 14, 2024 press releases, on July 25, 2024 and pursuant to the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act ("CCAA"), the Supreme Court of British Columbia extended the Stay Period under a Second Amended and Restated Initial Order (the "Second ARIO") until August 26, 2024.

DIP Loan

The Second ARIO approved the Company to enter into an interim financing to be provided by a private lender in the form of a Debtor-In-Possession Term Loan ("DIP Loan") for the principal sum of up to US$1 million.

The DIP Loan will be for general working capital, including legal, restructuring, administrative and general corporate costs in connection with the CCAA proceedings and the Court approved cashflows.

The DIP Loan will have priority security ranking over all secured creditors.

The terms of the DIP Loan will allow Inca One to drawdown funds in two tranches, the first in the amount of US$750,000 and the second in the amount of US$250,000. Each tranche is subject to a 5% drawdown fee payable at the time of each drawdown. Interest accrues at a rate of 20% per annum calculated monthly and undrawn amounts are subject to a 2% standby charge, both are payable upon maturity. The maturity date is the earliest of, the date on which the lender demands repayment after the occurrence of an event of default, the implementation of a Court approved Plan of Arrangement and Compromise within the CCAA proceedings, the termination of the CCAA proceedings and November 30, 2024.

In connection with the DIP Loan, the Company will issue an aggregate of 5,000,000 share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") to the lender. Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.10 for a period of 12 months from the issue date.

Since the Company was forced to enter CCAA, it has made significant efforts to reduce costs. Currently both plants are on care and maintenance and preparing to restart operations once the Company emerges from CCAA proceedings.

With a robust gold price and strengthening precious metals market Inca One is using the time granted by the CCAA process to restructure its existing liabilities and secure a significant new funding package.

Additional information regarding the CCAA proceeding can be found on the Monitor's website at http://cfcanada.fticonsulting.com/incaone.

About Inca One

Inca One Gold Corp is an established gold producer operating two permitted, gold mineral processing facilities in Peru. The Company possesses a combined 450 TPD permitted operating capacity at its two fully integrated plants, Chala One and Kori One, generating over US$200 million in sales from its processing operations. Inca One is led by an experienced and capable management team that has established the Company as a trusted leader in servicing permitted, Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Miners (ASGM). Peru is one of the world's largest producers of gold, and its ASGM sector is estimated by government officials to be valued in the billions of dollars annually. Through the Company's partnerships with the UN backed PlanetGold Program and the Swiss Better Gold Initiative, Inca One supports the sustainable development and mining practices of the ASGM sector and the responsible gold supply chain from mine to market. To learn more, visit www.incaone.com.

Figure 1. Inca One's gold processing facilities in Peru (left: Chala One facility; right: Kori One facility

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2645/218612_c20afeab14e489d8_001full.jpg

On behalf of the Board,

Edward Kelly

President and CEO

Inca One Gold Corp.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218612

SOURCE: Inca One Gold Corp.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 1, 2024) - EV.com, a leader in the online electric vehicle marketplace for electric vehicles, is thrilled to announce the launch of upgraded customization options for electric cars. These options make it easier for consumers to design a vehicle that perfectly fits their lifestyle and personal preferences. As the demand for electric cars grows, EV.com sets the standard by providing tailored solutions that empower buyers to create their unique driving experience.

The company's upgraded customization features allow customers to choose from an extensive array of options, including exterior colors, interior materials, wheel designs, and additional tech features. Whether customers prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic or a more rugged appearance, the new EV build tools at EV.com ensure that every driver can create a vehicle that reflects their individual taste.

In addition to the aesthetic options, the platform offers enhanced functional choices, including battery upgrades for increased range, smart technology integrations for seamless connectivity, and performance variations for those who desire a more spirited drive. EV.com recognizes that each driver has unique needs, and the customization options cater to that diverse range.

"As electric cars become an integral part of the future of transportation, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to own a vehicle that is not only environmentally friendly but also uniquely theirs," said Joel Li, Founder & CEO at EV.com. "Our enhanced customization options signify our commitment to providing a comprehensive and satisfying EV-buying experience."

EV.com also ensures that buyers can easily compare prices of electric cars, enabling them to find the right model within their budget. Customers ready to start their journey can visit the website to explore new and used electric car options and connect with local dealers.

With the latest electric car news rolling in regularly, visiting EV.com will keep customers informed and ready to make the best choice in the fast-evolving electric vehicle landscape.

For more information about customized electric cars or to build a car today, please visit the website.

About EV.com

EV.com is a premier destination for everything related to electric vehicles. The company offers resources for finding, comparing, and purchasing the latest electric cars on one convenient online platform. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, the company strives to power the future of automotive transportation.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218522

SOURCE: Media Feature
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2024) - Vogue Decor Furniture announces the launch of its new line of restaurant furniture, designed to provide restaurants in Canada with a modern style and comfortable atmosphere. The new collection aims to enhance the dining experience with high-quality chairs, durable tables, and a versatile barstool collection.





VOGUE Decor

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The new line features a range of stylish and durable chairs, including the Santos 9 Chair, Van Chair, Valencia Chair, and Sara Chair. Each chair is designed for comfort without compromising on style, available in various designs, colors, and materials. Easy-to-clean surfaces ensure restaurants maintain a pristine appearance. Customers will find the chairs' padded seats and sturdy backs offer the right blend of comfort and aesthetics, making them a suitable choice for any dining establishment.





VOGUE Decor Chairs

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Vogue Decor's new restaurant tables are built to last, with rock-solid bases available in different sizes to accommodate various dining arrangements. Options include round, square, and long bases that pair with laminate, wood, glass, or resin tops. These tables are suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings, with features such as rust resistance, UV protection, and weighted stability for Canadian climates. The versatile table designs cater to small intimate settings as well as large group gatherings, ensuring a seamless dining experience.

The barstool collection offers a variety of designs to suit any bar setting. High backs, low backs, swivel seats, backless options, and upholstered choices provide flexibility and comfort. The collection includes both indoor and outdoor barstools, made with top-notch materials like stainless steel and faux leather to ensure durability and style. With options like the classic black Valencia or the vibrant red Sofia, the barstools are designed to meet different aesthetic preferences. The Industrial Barstool caters to those seeking a more rugged look, while the L Series Z and the luxurious Daniela offer a range of prices, starting at $79.99 and going up to $299.99.

Vogue Decor Furniture emphasizes quality, comfort, and easy maintenance across its new line. The furniture is designed to be flexible for different spaces and is supported by excellent service from the company. The new launches include office chairs that blend style and comfort, ideal for long hours of work. Each piece of furniture is constructed to withstand the rigors of daily use, ensuring longevity and sustained aesthetics.

For restaurant owners planning to open a chain of establishments or refurbish a large hotel dining room, Vogue Decor is equipped to handle large orders efficiently. The company works closely with clients to meet strict timelines, ensuring that the furniture stays within budget and is delivered to multiple locations throughout Canada. The seamless coordination of large-scale projects highlights Vogue Decor's commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Vogue Decor's new line of restaurant furniture is set to redefine dining spaces across Canada. By offering high-quality, stylish, and comfortable furniture, the company aims to create welcoming environments that enhance the overall dining experience. The attention to detail, durability, and design flexibility make Vogue Decor a top choice for wholesale restaurant furniture in the country.

For more information about the new restaurant furniture line, contact Gary at Vogue Decor Inc.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218249

SOURCE: Media Feature
Interroll Holding AG / Key word(s): Half Year Results

Solid performance in a slightly improving environment



02-Aug-2024 / 06:30 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Sant'Antonino, Switzerland, August 2, 2024. Interroll's result rose by 8.5% to CHF 23.9 million. Order intake amounted to CHF 286.5 million and sales to CHF 247.4 million.

Our numbers at a glance

Interroll generated an order intake of CHF 286.5 million (-5.1% year-on-year, -1.0% in local currency) in the first half year 2024. Sales amounted to CHF 247.4 million (-3.5% year-on-year, +0.1% in local currency). The first half year 2024 was marked by a rebound in the product business compared to the second half year 2023 as the destocking phase ended. The gains in the product business are encouraging and partially mitigate the absence of bigger projects.

In the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, we achieved improvements for all our product groups. In the Americas region, the trend for products is moving in a positive direction and is steadily gaining momentum, reflecting increased market demand and positive customer reactions. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, we are seeing a diverse landscape with promising projects emerging in Australia and South Korea.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were higher at CHF 41.0 million (previous year: CHF 39.9 million). EBITDA margin increased to 16.6% (previous year: 15.6%). Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) reached CHF 29.9 million, up by 4.0% compared to the previous year (CHF 28.7 million). EBIT margin increased to 12.1% (previous year: 11.2%).

The result increased by 8.5% to CHF 23.9 million (previous year: CHF 22.0 million) and was positively impacted by the financial results and burdened by a higher tax ratio compared to the previous year. The result margin reached 9.7% (previous year: 8.6%). Gross investment amounted to CHF 8.5 million (previous year: CHF 17.1 million). Free cash flow decreased to CHF 11.1 million (previous year: CHF 60.0 million), mainly due to the change in net working capital.

Updates from our regions

The EMEA region generated an order intake of CHF 172.6 million, up by 17.0% compared to the previous year (CHF 147.5 million). Sales generated CHF 148.8 million, an increase of 6.1% compared to the previous year (CHF 140.2 million). The EMEA region continues to be our most important region with a 60% share of global sales. The order intake for the Americas region reached CHF 81.7 million, -30.0% compared to the previous year (CHF 116.7 million). Sales amounted to CHF 75.6 million, -1.0% less compared to the previous year (CHF 76.3 million). The Americas region continues to be our second most important region with 31% share of Global Sales. The APAC region generated a lower order intake of CHF 32.2 million compared to the previous year (CHF 37.7 million), which corresponds to a loss of -14.4%. The sales amounted to CHF 23.0 million, a decrease of -42.0% compared to the previous year (CHF 39.7 million).

Sales by product

Sales for the Rollers product group amounted to CHF 53.1 million, down by -2.4% compared to the previous year's figure of CHF 54.4 million. The order intake for Rollers amounted to CHF 53.2 million, up by+8.4% compared to the same period last year (CHF 49.0 million). Sales of the Drives product group amounted to CHF 93.5 million in the first half of 2024, which is an increase of +5.2% year-on-year compared to same period last year (CHF 88.8 million). The order intake for the Drives product group amounted to CHF 98.3 million, up by +12.4% compared to (CHF 87.5 million) in the same period last year.

The Conveyors & Sorters product group generated sales of CHF 82.4 million in the first half of 2024, -12.7% less compared to previous year (CHF 94.3 million). Order Intake amounted to CHF 106.3 million, which had a negative development of -25.5% compared to the same period last year (CHF 142.6 million).

For our Pallet Handling product group, Interroll generated sales of CHF 18.4 million, which is -1.4% down compared to last year (CHF 18.7 million). The order intake amounted to CHF 28.7 million, an increase of +26.4% compared to the previous year (CHF 22.8 million).

Innovation

At the LogiMAT trade fair (Germany) in March, we introduced our new, highly energy-efficient vertical small wheel sorter (MC-Vs). Featuring a small footprint and ensuring high throughput, this solution is suitable for applications and sectors in which careful handling and sorting of fragile items is required.

Acquisition

On July 31, 2024, Interroll signed a share purchase agreement to take over Interroll India Pvt. Ltd. in Bengaluru (Bangalore), India, retroactive as per April 1, 2024. The three current shareholders sell all their shares to the Interroll Group. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. Interroll India Pvt. Ltd. acted for more than 10 years as independent agent of the Interroll Group. With this acquisition, Interroll will strengthen its market position in the Indian market.

Outlook

Looking ahead, we are encouraged by our worldwide resilient customer base. We continue to progress on the recovery journey. For the EMEA region, we are cautiously optimistic that the ongoing challenges in the project business will come to an end, following the rebound we are now seeing in product sales. In the Americas region, we also foresee continued growth in product sales with further opportunities in Canada and in Brazil. Looking at the APAC region, in general we predict a slower recovery. In South Korea, we see promising opportunities in the third-party logistics (3PL) segment. With our innovative product platforms and production capacities, we are very well positioned in our regions to meet future market demands and ready to seize opportunities when the market fully recovers.
MILAN, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Technology and Devices (MTD) is pleased to announce the successful closing of the acquisition of Ypsomed's Pen Needles and Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems (BGM) businesses, a strategic acquisition initially announced at the end of March. This acquisition marks a major step forward in MTD's mission to provide superior diabetes and obesity care solutions on a global scale.

Strengthening our position as the world's #2 player by increasing production capacity to over 2.5 billion pen needles

With this acquisition, MTD strengthens its position as the clear number two in the global pen needles market. This strategic acquisition not only solidifies our leadership in diabetes care but also underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for both self-care and professional use. We will integrate Ypsomed's pen needles operations into our European production and distribution network, bringing our total production capacity to over 2.5 billion pen needles.

An exclusive portfolio designed to comprehensively cover more patients, consumers and healthcare professionals

The integration of Ypsomed's businesses brings a wealth of advanced technologies and trademarks to MTD's diabetes and obesity portfolio, complementing our current product offering, which includes the G34, the thinnest and shortest pen needle on the market. With this acquisition, MTD strengthens its unique positioning by being able to supply a complete range of pen needles with 3, 5, and 6 bevels, Click Technology for an easy and secure fit, and single and dual protection in safety pen needles. Additionally, we have recently launched Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMs), with tenders won in Italy marking our entry into this segment this year. This exclusive diabetes care portfolio underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation in both professional and consumer health. It includes medical sharps like the Safety Blood Collection Needle, the Vet Catheter, and the new Passive Safety Needle, Pic Protecto. Additionally, our 2024 consumer launches feature the new Blood Pressure Monitoring Systems (BPMs), nebulizers, footcare products, and insect repellents.

Reaching 3 billion new consumers by entering the Chinese and Indian markets

The acquisition provides entry into strategic, high-growth markets such as China and India, while also enhancing our presence in established markets, including North America, Germany and France. This expansion is a pivotal step for MTD as we continue to expand our global reach and influence within the diabetes care industry.

Investing in a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art production facility

In line with its growth and continuous improvement strategy, MTD is implementing a substantial investment plan to establish the most competitive production facilities for pen needles and lancets in Europe. These investments aim to increase capacity and further enhance the performance, quality, and ESG credentials of our production operations.

"The completion of this acquisition marks a transformative moment for MTD Group. By integrating Ypsomed's Pen Needles and Blood Glucose Monitoring businesses, we solidify our position as a global leader in diabetes care and establish ourselves as the second-largest producer of pen needles worldwide. This strategic move enhances our ability to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions to our customers and expands our reach into key markets. Our significant investments underscore our commitment to scaling our operations efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality. We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition presents and remain dedicated to advancing the future of diabetes care," said Charles Bouaziz, CEO of MTD Group.

MTD was supported by Studio Legale LCA for the legal aspects, with Roberto de Bonis, Sara Consoli and Mario Niggeler.

About MTD Group

"Bring peace of mind by empowering everyone to be in control of their health, end to end, through intuitive monitoring, painless drug delivery, and easy-to-use solutions for everyday aches & pains."

Medical Technology and Devices (MTD) is a consumer health group owning a portfolio of global brands with leading position across Diabetes, Medical Sharps, Wound Care, Heart Monitors, Thermometers & Nebulizers. MTD owns Pic Solution in EMEA/APAC & Droplet in North America, iconic brands with up to 40+ years history and 90% of consumer awareness. The product portfolio is distributed in more than 100 markets - reaching half of the global population - thanks to direct operations in Italy, US, France, Germany, India and reaching the rest of the world via a long-established network of distributors. MTD has an extensive R&D division, which is designing and scouting the most innovative technologies to meet the fast-changing needs of consumers and healthcare professionals. The production is carried out in a state-of-the-art production system with 4 production sites across Europe. The Group was formed in 2018 from the merger of Pikdare and HTL Strefa and is headquartered in Milan, Italy. The company is led by an international management team and has approximately 1,400 employees.

www.mtdglobal.com

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Q2 Metals Corp. (TSXV:QTWO)(OTCQB:QUEXF)(FSE:458) ("Q2" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche (the "First Tranche") of the non-brokered private placement of units (the "Offering") of the Company as announced on July 10 and updated July 11, 2024. Under the First Tranche, the Company has issued:

1,142,857 flow-through units at a price of $0.35 per unit (the "FT Units") for total gross proceeds of $400,000, representing an upsize of 142,857 FT Units, with each unit consisting of one flow-through common share of Q2 (a "FT Share") and one half of one share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional non-flow-through common share of Q2 at a price of $0.50 per share for a period of two years; and

8,519,998 non-flow-through units at a price of $0.25 per unit (the "NFT Units") with each NFT Unit consisting of one non-flow-through common share of Q2 and one half of one Warrant, for total gross proceeds of $2,130,000.

Gross proceeds from the issuance of the FT Units will be used to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures," as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"), on Q2's lithium projects in Quebec that the Company will renounce to the subscribers pursuant to the Tax Act with an effective date not later than December 31, 2024. Where applicable, gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Units from purchasers in Quebec will also qualify as "Canadian exploration expense" under the Taxation Act (Quebec) and qualify for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec exploration expenses" and the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec surface mining exploration expenses," under the Taxation Act (Quebec). Proceeds from the sale of the NFT Units will be used for general working capital.

The securities issued pursuant to this First Tranche are subject to a hold period expiring on December 1, 2024 in accordance with applicable securities laws or the Exchange Hold Period under the policies of the TSXV. Aggregate finders' fees of $23,175 and 57,600 broker warrants were paid to arm's length finders in connection with the First Tranche closing of this non-brokered private placement, with each such broker warrant bearing the same terms as the Warrants.

Closing of the charity flow-through unit ("CFT Unit") portion of the Offering is subject to certain customary conditions and is now expected to occur on or about August 8, 2024 (the "Second Tranche").

The Offering remains subject to receipt of acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). The Company may pay finders' fees in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. All securities issued with respect to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable securities laws or the Exchange Hold Period under the policies of the TSXV.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America.

The securities issuable pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

About Q2 Metals Corp

Q2 Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on unlocking its portfolio of lithium projects in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada, that includes both its 100-per-cent-owned Mia Lithium Property and the Cisco Lithium Property.

The Cisco lithium property is located approximately 150 km north of Matagami, Que., and comprises 222 mineral claims and is 11,374 ha in size. The property has district-scale potential with an already identified mineralized zone and a discovery drill result of 115.4 metres of 1.40% lithium oxide (hole CS-23-05), cumulatively in five separate pegmatites.

The Company's exploration advancement at its 8,668-hectare Mia lithium property is focused on the more than 10-kilometre-long Mia trend which is host to both the Mia 1 and Mia 2 lithium occurrences and 11 other mineralized zones along trend.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Alicia Milne

President & CEO

Alicia@Q2Metals.com

Jason McBride

Corporate Communications

Jason@Q2Metals.com

Telephone: 1 (800) 482-7560 E-mail: info@Q2metals.com

Follow the Company: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward- looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Accordingly, all statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future including, without limitation, any statements or plans regard the geological prospects of the Company's properties and the future exploration endeavors of the Company. 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 or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date specified in such statement. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the Offering, the focus of the Company's current and future exploration and drill programs, the scale, scope and location of future exploration and drilling activities, the Company's expectations in connection with the projects and exploration programs being met, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same. Readers are cautioned that mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business and accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors are discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for its recently completed fiscal period, which is available under Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Q2 Metals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The United States direct reduced iron (DRI) market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.20% over the forecast period.

North America as well as the Middle East and Africa Emerging as Top Contenders for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) Trade. Increased demand for direct reduced iron in various applications, such as steel production and construction, is expected to drive the sales during the forecast period.

NEWARK, Del, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --The direct reduced iron (DRI) market is projected to experience substantial growth, with its value anticipated to increase from USD 28,195.90 million in 2024 to USD 60,013.60 million by 2034. This impressive expansion, marked by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.60% over the next decade, highlights the escalating demand and adoption of DRI in the steelmaking industry. Factors such as advancements in production technologies, rising emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, and increasing investments in steel infrastructure are driving this robust market growth. As industries seek more sustainable and efficient steel production methods, the DRI market is set to play a pivotal role in meeting global steel demands while aligning with environmental goals.

Significant changes in the steel industry are pushing forward the demand for direct reduced iron. Presently, the steel industry is going through a pivotal shift toward lower-carbon production. This is raising the demand for alternative technologies like direct reduced iron.

The production of direct reduced iron is projected to separate from steel production, as the global steel sector gradually decarbonizes. More iron ore is expected to be processed in places where renewable energy sources are available and where cheap green hydrogen can be produced.

The resultant direct reduced iron is planned to be shipped to places with higher steel demand. Going forward, North America and the Middle East are assessed to become global leaders in DRI trade.

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How Demand for Iron & Steel to Shape the DRI Market Growth?

Iron & steel industry is considered the backbone of a healthy economy, owing to its major contribution to the growth of any country's economy. The Iron & steel market is expected to grow at a significantly healthy rate in the coming years. This creates an immense opportunity for market players offering DRI, which act as an environment-friendly, cost-effective and economically feasible raw material for steel making.

The iron & steel market is anticipated to grow significantly as compared to its previous trends of growth. However, this is anticipated to be a minor dip in the market, which will be overcome with precautionary measures and other appropriate remedies. This has the potential to create and improve opportunities for both new competitors and existing market players. A substantial increase in the iron and steel market is expected over the forecast period, which is supposed to drive DRI demand significantly.

"Key players are investing in new establishments and technologies to propel their growth," Says Nikhil Kaitwade, Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights (FMI).

Key Takeaways from the Direct Reduced Iron Market Report

Direct reduced iron (DRI) market attained a valuation of USD 23,375.80 million in 2019. By 2023, the market attained a value of USD 26,470.50 million, expanding at a CAGR of 2.50% over the historical period.

By form, the lumps segment is predicted to account for a value share of 97.60% in 2024.

Based on the production process, the gas-based direct reduced iron is predicted to acquire a share of 71.40% in 2024.

India and China are predicted to record a CAGR of 11.30% and 8.40%, respectively, over the forecast period.

In North America, the United States is set to expand at a CAGR of 4.20% over the forecast period, whereas Canada is slated to register a CAGR of 4.60% during the same time.

In Europe, Spain and France are in line to observe significant CAGRs of 5.60% and 5.30% over the forecast period.

Country-wise Insights

What is the Demand Outlook for Direct Reduced Iron in GCC Countries?

According to FMI, GCC Countries are expected to account for a fair share of the global market. Over the forecast period, GCC Countries are expected to dominate the Middle East & Africa market with a significant value share in terms of consumption.

Steel production in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is under pressure, owing primarily to a reduction in industrial output caused by Covid-19. However, with a global recovery and a slew of megaprojects on the frontier, the sector is poised for a brighter future. Saudi Arabia is expected to be the region's largest market due to higher steel consumption and the proposition of infrastructure projects. One of the major factors driving market growth in the GCC region is an increase in construction activity.

What are the growth prospects of DRI in Russia?

Growing steel industry is a positive sign for DRI market globally. Growing demand from end use sectors such as construction & infrastructure, automotive, aerospace, appliances and others sectors is a primary factor for the growth in steel industry over the coming years, which is expected to have a significant impact of the target market.

Over the last few years, the construction industry has grown significantly. Furthermore, a rebound in residential construction is expected to fuel the construction industry, which is expected to have a significant impact on the target market. Growing consumption of steel in Russia and expanding construction sector are the driving factors for the country. Owing to these factors market is expected to witness increasing demand for DRI in the forecast period.

New Developments in the Market

In November 2023, JSW Steel Ltd., a prominent maker of alloy in India, announced plans to develop a green steel manufacturing facility by the year 2030. This is in response to the European Union's (EU's) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

In August 2023, H2 Green Steel signed agreements with Rio Tinto for a flat reduction of iron ore pellets and hot briquetted iron in Sweden.

Profile of Top Players Operating in Direct Reduced Iron Market

ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal S.A., based in Luxembourg City, is a multinational steel manufacturing corporation. The company develops smarter steels for people and the planet as the metal becomes an even more relevant component in manufacturing.

Mobarakeh Steel

Mobarakeh Steel is a private Iranian steel firm that is located 65 km southwest of Esfahan, close to Mobarakeh, Iran. It is a prominent steel entity in the MENA region and has a substantial complex operating in Iran. The company offers extensive services in specialized fields of the steel industry and provides them in all parts of Iran.

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Top Market Players in the Direct Reduced Iron Market

ArcelorMittal

Mobarakeh Steel

Essar Steel

Qatar Steel

Hadeed

SIDOR

Khouzestan Steel Co.

Jindal Steel & Power

Gol-e-Gohar

Nucor

Others

Market Segmentation of Direct Reduced Iron

Bifurcation by Form:

Lump

Pellets

By Production Process:

Coal-based

Gas-based

Based on Application:

Steel Making

Construction

Different Regional Markets are as Follows:

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa

Latin America

Authored By

Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries.

His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making.

Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times.

Have a Look at Related Research Reports of Chemicals & Materials

The global iron oxide market size is estimated to be valued at around USD 2,629.4 million in 2023. Sales of iron oxide are projected to increase at a healthy CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2033.

The stainless steel market value is anticipated to reach a high of USD 215.89 billion by the year 2033.

The global stainless steel foil market size is expected to reach USD 6.3 Billion in 2022 and USD 10.4 Billion in 2032. It is likely to exhibit growth at a CAGR of 6.2% in the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.

The environmental catalysts market revenue is estimated to increase at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2022 to 2032, with a value of USD 38.57 billion in 2022. By 2032, the environmental catalysts market is expected to be worth USD 59.33 billion.

The iron powder market is likely to register a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period and is anticipated to reach an iron powder market share of USD 10265.75 Million in 2032, from USD 6183.49 Million in 2022.

The natural cinnamic aldehyde market growth is anticipated to be worth USD 1,060 million in 2023, reaching a value of about USD 1,060 million by 2033. Global sales are expected to witness a considerable CAGR of 3.3% between 2023 and 2033.

The global ferrovanadium sales to reach a valuation of USD 5,776.5 Million in 2028 at a CAGR of 5.1%.

The elastomeric coating market size is anticipated to reach USD 7874.8 million in 2024 and is expected to total USD 15760.5 million by 2034. The industry is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034.

The N-Propyl Acetate market size is projected to be worth at USD 440.2 million in 2023. The market is likely to reach USD 744.83 million by 2033. The market is further expected to surge at a CAGR of 5.40% during the forecast period 2023 to 2033.

The global 2-EthylHexyl acetate sales is anticipated to witness a considerable CAGR of 4.6% during the period of 2022 and 2029.

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of ~400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.

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BlackRock Throgmorton Trust Plc - Directorate Change

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 02

BLACKROCK THROGMORTON TRUST PLC

LEI: 5493003B7ETS1JEDPF59

Resignation of a Director

BlackRock Throgmorton Trust plc ("the Company") announces that Mr Glen Suarez, a non-executive Director of the Company, has tendered his resignation and will step down from the Board with effect from 9 August 2024. Glen has advised the Board that due to the increasing demands of his other business commitments he can no longer give his role on the Board the time and focus it deserves.

We thank him for the benefit of his experience and insight during his tenure and wish him well for the future.

Mr K. Mayger

For and on behalf of

BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited

Company Secretary

2 August 2024
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2024) - Central Iron Ore Ltd. (TSXV: CIO) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will be conducting a rights offering (the "Rights Offering") to holders of its ordinary shares at the close of business on the record date of August 13, 2024 (the "Record Date").

Details of the Rights Offering

Rights will be offered on the basis of one (1) right (each, a "Right") for each ordinary share of the Company held at the Record Date. Each Right will entitle the holder to subscribe for one unit (each, a "Unit") of the Company, upon payment of the subscription price of $0.05 per Unit. No fractional Units will be issued. The holder's Rights entitlement will be reduced to the next lowest whole number and no additional compensation will be paid. Each Unit will be comprised of one ordinary share (each, a "Share") in the capital of the Company and one Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Share at an exercise price of $0.08 per Share on or before April 30, 2029. The Warrants will not be listed for trading on any securities exchange, however, the Warrants will be transferable.

The Company expects to raise gross proceeds of up to $1,211,862 from the Rights Offering and intends to use the net proceeds of the Rights Offering for contribution to the Company's South Darlot joint venture, drilling at the Company's British King Mine Area and for corporate and general working capital purposes.

The Rights will not be listed for trading on any securities exchange, however, the Company confirms that the Rights will be transferable. All Rights will expire at 5:00 pm (Toronto time) on September 20, 2024 (the "Expiry Time"), after which time unexercised Rights will be void and of no value, subject to certain limitations set out in in the Company's rights offering circular August 2, 2024 (the "Rights Offering Circular").

The Rights Offering will be conducted in all provinces and territories of Canada, Australia, New Zealand or in any other place or jurisdiction in which it is lawful. Certain holders of ordinary shares in jurisdictions outside of Canada may be able to participate in the Rights Offering where they can establish that the transaction is exempt under applicable legislation. If you are a holder of ordinary shares in the capital of the Company and reside outside of Canada, Australia, New Zealand or in any other place or jurisdiction in which it is lawful, please review the Notice of Rights Offering, Rights Offering Circular and Notice to Ineligible Shareholders to determine your eligibility and the process and timing requirements to receive or exercise your Rights. The Company requests any ineligible shareholder interested in exercising their Rights to contact the company at their earliest convenience after the Rights are mailed out, which is expected to be on or after August 19, 2024.

Details of the Rights Offering will be set out in the Rights Offering notice and the Rights Offering circular which will be available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the company's website at www.centralironorelimited.com. The Rights Offering notice will be mailed to eligible shareholders on or about August 19, 2024. Following the mailing of the Rights Offering notice, an exercise form enclosed with a statement issued under Computershare Investor Services Inc.'s direct registration system (the "Rights Statement") will be mailed to each eligible registered shareholder of the Company as at the Record Date. Registered shareholders who wish to exercise their Rights must forward the completed Rights Statement, together with the applicable funds, to the rights agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., on or before the Expiry Time. Shareholders who own their ordinary shares through an intermediary, such as a bank, trust company, securities dealer or broker, will receive materials and instructions through their intermediary.

Completion of the Rights Offering is subject to regulatory final approval including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Neither the Rights being offered or the Shares or Warrants comprising the Units issuable upon exercise of the Rights have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be exercised, offered or sold, as applicable, in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of the Company. There shall be no offer or sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification of such securities under the laws of any such jurisdiction.

The Company's directors and executive officers who own ordinary shares, as well as other insiders, are permitted, but not required to participate in the Rights Offering on the same terms and conditions applicable to all shareholders.

Immediately before the Rights Offering, the Company has 24,237,248 Shares outstanding. Upon closing of the Rights Offering, and assuming all holders of Shares exercise the Rights in full, there will be 48,474,496 Shares Outstanding, on an undiluted basis.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the market for iron ore or other minerals that may be produced generally, recent market volatility; variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's ability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies and other risks associated with the exploration and development of mineral properties. The reader is referred to the Company's disclosure documents for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Company's page on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218630

SOURCE: Central Iron Ore Limited
The August editions of Supply Chain Digital, Procurement Magazine & Manufacturing Digital include interviews with leading experts and executives from Thermo Fisher, PwC and Microsoft

LONDON, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BizClik, the UK's fastest-growing publishing company, has published the latest editions of Supply Chain Digital, Procurement Magazine and Manufacturing Digital. These publications are highly regarded within the supply chain, logistics and manufacturing sectors for their in-depth reports and interviews with prominent figures in the respective industries.

Supply Chain Digital

This month's edition features an extensive lead interview with Thermo Fisher Scientific's Chris Shanahan, Alyssa Caddle and Matthew Yamatin who discuss reducing supply chain emissions through education, partnerships and sophisticated reporting.

"Every time you come across a challenge, that's an opportunity to improve" - Chris Shanahan, VP Global Sustainability Supply Chain - Thermo Fisher Scientific

The edition also contains extensive interviews with key thought leaders from Kinaxis, Target, Coupa and more, along with the Top 10 Logistics Companies.

Procurement Magazine

This month's edition features an extensive lead interview with Google's Global VP of Strategic Sourcing, Lynn Torrel.

"As an executive, it's essential to prioritise, compartmentalise and multi-task".

The edition also contains interviews with key thought leaders from Thermo Fisher, Coupa, Vanquis Banking Group and more, together with the Top 10 Digital Procurement Strategies.

Manufacturing Digital

This month's edition celebrates Mallika Srinivasan, Chairwoman & Managing Director of TAFE on how the organisation has shaped India's industrial and agricultural development.

"We have been given an opportunity to serve the small and marginal farmers at this critical juncture".

The edition also contains interviews with key thought leaders from Microsoft, Fujifilm and more. Plus the Top 10 Manufacturing Influencers.

You can visit Supply Chain Digital, Procurement Magazine and Manufacturing Digital for daily news and analysis of the ever-changing supply chain, manufacturing and logistics industries.

About BizClik

BizClik is one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in the UK, host to a growing portfolio of industry-leading global brands and communities.

BizClik's expanding portfolio includes Technology, AI, FinTech, InsurTech, Supply Chain, Procurement, Energy, Mining, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Mobile, Data Centre, Cyber, and Sustainability.

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CHICAGO, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The gelatin market is estimated at USD 4.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.6 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2029 according to a report published by MarketsandMarkets. The gelatin market has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by a confluence of factors, including rising consumer health consciousness and increasing demand for nutritive ingredients. This gelatin is extracted from plant sources and animal sources. The market expansion is bolstered by significant advancements in food technology, enabling the production of gelatin that is closely mixed with all the food & beverage applications thus broadening their appeal to a broader consumer base.

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The Bovine source is projected to hold a significant share within the source sector of the gelatin market.

The bovine segment has a significant share in the gelatin market. The gelatin is extracted from skins, bones from the bovine. The gelatin extracted from the bovine has been used in the wide range of applications such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics industry. In august 2022, The JBS S.A inaugurated a collagen and gelatin production facility from the bovine skin with the investment of USD 77.45 million. The gelatin produced in this unit has food and pharmaceutical uses, both of which cater to the growing consumer demand for health and wellness products. This production unit has a capacity of 6000 tonnes of collagen & gelatin annually from the bovine skins. The companies are trying to meet the rising demand for the bovine gelatin by increasing their production.

Pharmaceutical is estimated to be the fastest application segment in the gelatin market during the forecasted period 2024-2029.

A growing number of pharmaceutical applications-such as hard and soft capsules, tablet coating, granulation, surgical sponges, tableting, microencapsulation, and encapsulation-are expected to drive the fastest growth in the gelatin market. Due to its good compatibility with human tissue, Gelatin in sponge form is used as a hemostatic agent in surgeries. Gelatin is also an ideal ingredient in making blood plasma substitutes. Having no toxicity and its ability to be easily absorbed by the body, Gelatin is an ideal substance to use in medicinal and nutritional preparations.

The companies are also trying to meet the rising demand for gelatin products in the pharma industry for instance, in October 2022, PB Leiner (Belgium) extended the gelwoRx Dsolve pharmaceutical portfolio with three new products-Dsolve B, Dsolve P, and Dsolve xTRA. Dsolve P (pig skin) and Dsolve B (beef hide) are specially developed to reduce crosslinking and fast dissolution of soft caps.

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North America is expected to hold a substantial portion of the gelatin market.

The key players in the North American gelatin market are the US, Canada, and Mexico. The market is expected to grow significantly due to increasing health concerns, the extensive pork and beef industries, and rising consumption of ready-to-eat and bakery products. According to the Census Bureau's County Business Patterns, there were approximately 39,646 food and beverage processing facilities in the US in 2020. It is expected that the US's growing food processing industry would increase demand for gelatin, especially for fortification and as a preservative to cut down on food waste.

The Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America (GMIA) regulates gelatin production in North America. Its member companies include Nitta Gelatin (Japan), Weishardt (France), Gelita (Germany), PB Leiner (Belgium), and Rousselot (Netherlands).

According to the Arthritis Foundation (US), arthritis is the leading cause of disability among adults in the US. It is anticipated that by 2040, over 78 million people in the US will have arthritis. Since gelatin is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and brittle bones, the market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.

Key Market Players in this include Darling Ingredients (US), Tessenderlo Group (Belgium), GELITA AG (Germany), Nitta Gelatin Inc. (Japan), Lapi Gelatine S.p.a. (Italy), India Gelatine & Chemicals Ltd. (India), Narmada Gelatines Limited (India), Nippi. Inc. (Japan), Weishardt (France), Trobas Gelatine B.V. (Netherlands), Sterling Biotech Ltd (India), Roxlor (US), Suheung (South Korea), Ewald-Gelatin GmbH (Germany), Geltech Co., Ltd (Korea).

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Browse Adjacent Reports @ Food and Beverage Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Collagen Market by Product Type, Applications (Nutritional Products, Food & Beverages Products, Pharmaceuticals Products, Cosmetics & Personal care Products, textile), Source, Form, Type, Extraction process and Region - Global Forecast to 2030

Collagen Peptides Market by Source (Bovine, Porcine, Marine & Poultry), Application (Food & Beverages, Nutritional Products, Cosmetics & Personal Care Products, Pharmaceuticals), Form (Dry, Liquid) and Region - Global Forecast to 2028

Marine Collagen Market by Type (Type I, Type III), Application (Nutraceuticals, Cosmetic, Medical), Source (Skin, scales, and muscles, Bones & tendons), Animal and Region - Trends and Global Forecast to 2026

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report.

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2024) - IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE: IAG) (TSX: IMG) ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Cote Gold Mine ("Cote Gold" or "Cote") has reached commercial production. Cote Gold is located in Ontario, Canada and is operated as a joint venture between IAMGOLD, as the operator, and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. ("Sumitomo"). Commercial production is defined as the achievement of reaching a minimum of 30 consecutive days of operations during which the mill operated at an average of 60% of nameplate throughput of 36,000 tpd.

"I would like to commend our teams at Cote Gold who have come together to achieve another great milestone as we progress and ramp up what we believe will be one of Canada's largest gold mines and a model for modern mining in Canada," said Renaud Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer of IAMGOLD. "Since achieving the first pour of gold on March 31, 2024, our teams have spent the last four months methodically and iteratively testing and ramping up all facets of the mine. This process has required remarkable commitment, ingenuity and teamwork to bring all the systems online together to achieve this milestone."

"With commercial production behind us we continue to focus on improving plant availability towards our goal of Cote exiting the year at 90% of nameplate throughput. Further, in May we completed our equity financing which has positioned us well to repurchase the 9.7% interest in Cote this November and return to 70% ownership thereby gaining more exposure to this foundational and keystone asset for the benefit of all our stakeholders."

The ramp up of the plant continues to progress, with all major equipment demonstrating the capability to operate at or above design levels. After the initial pour, focus early in the second quarter was on testing the processing circuits to handle nameplate loads. The primary components of the overall plant responded well achieving at or above nameplate throughput, though availability of the dry-side of the processing facilities was limited, in particular in the crushing and screening circuits. The Company is planning a multi-day shutdown in September to address and mitigate the impact of traditional wear and tear on availability of the circuits, in support of the goal to ramp up throughput to 90% by the end of the year.

IAMGOLD will be reporting its second quarter 2024 operating and financial results after market hours on Thursday, August 8, 2024, followed by a conference call with senior management to discuss the operating performance and financial results on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time). Details of the conference call are available on the company's website at www.iamgold.com.

About IAMGOLD

IAMGOLD is an intermediate gold producer and developer based in Canada with operating mines in North America and West Africa. The Company has commenced production at the large-scale, long life Cote Gold Mine in partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd., which is expected to be among the largest gold mines in Canada. In addition, the Company has an established portfolio of early stage and advanced exploration projects within highly prospective mining districts. IAMGOLD employs approximately 3,700 people and is committed to maintaining its culture of accountable mining through high standards of Environmental, Social and Governance practices, including its commitment to Zero Harm, in every aspect of its business. IAMGOLD is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: IAG) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: IMG) and is one of the companies on the Jantzi Social Index, a socially screened market capitalization-weighted consisting of companies which pass a set of broadly based environmental, social and governance rating criteria.

All material information on IAMGOLD can be found at http://www.sedarplus.ca or at www.sec.gov.

Si vous desirez obtenir la version francaise de ce communique, veuillez consulter le www.iamgold.com/French/accueil/default.aspx.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218633

SOURCE: IAMGOLD Corporation
Changing environments across key industrial sectors contributes to challenging quarter but outlook remains positive

Algoma Central Corporation (TSX: ALC) ("Algoma", the "Company") today reported its results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. Algoma reported second quarter revenues of $180,968, an 11% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. Net earnings for the 2024 second quarter were $17,464 compared to net earnings of $33,144 for the same period in 2023. All amounts reported below are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share data and where the context dictates otherwise.

"Algoma encountered a challenging second quarter, but there are encouraging indications that volumes and margins will improve in the second half of the year," said Gregg Ruhl, President and CEO of Algoma Central Corporation. "The Domestic Dry-Bulk segment is facing lowered salt volumes due to a string of mild winters, and a reduction in demand for construction materials. Looking ahead, we see potential for a large grain crop in 2024, and domestic iron ore volumes are expected to increase, leading to the deployment of three additional vessels that are currently in temporary lay-up. Our international fleets, including our ocean self-unloaders, have been performing well with rates holding steady. As we approach our 125th anniversary on August 11th, I am reminded of the strength, resiliency, and longevity of this company. Through the peaks and valleys, Algoma consistently succeeds and maintains its reputation as the marine carrier of choice," concluded Mr. Ruhl.

Financial Highlights: Second Quarter 2024 Compared to Second Quarter 2023

Domestic Dry-Bulk segment revenue decreased 18% to $103,931 compared to $126,584 in 2023, as lower volumes drove a 21% decrease in revenue days. Operating earnings decreased 51% to $15,924 compared to $32,806 in 2023.

Revenue for Product Tankers increased 20% to $33,600 compared to $28,046 in 2023, driven by higher rates on new vessels and an 8% increase in revenue days. The segment had an operating loss of $1,604 compared to earnings of $1,078 in 2023, reflecting higher costs to prepare the fleet for full deployment in the second half of 2024, including increased costs to bring one vessel into Canadian service and additional crew onboarding and training.

Ocean Self-Unloaders segment revenue decreased 9% to $42,818 compared to $47,120. Revenue for 2024 has returned to normal levels after 2023 revenues reflected a higher pro-rata share of the Pool as a result of unplanned outages affecting non-Algoma-owned vessels. Operating earnings decreased 21% to $6,361 compared to $8,003 in 2023.

Global Short Sea Shipping segment equity earnings increased 19% to $6,156 compared to $5,155 for the prior year. Higher earnings were driven by steady rates and an increase in vessels in the cement fleet. Earnings for 2024 include a $812 gain on the sale of a vessel.

During the first quarter of 2023, the Algoma Hansa and the Algonorth were sold, resulting in a $4,588 gain that is reflected in the 2023 year-to-date earnings.

Consolidated Statement of Earnings

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended For the periods ended June 30 2024 2023 2024 2023 (unaudited, in thousands of dollars, except per share data) Revenue 180,968 202,406 290,182 314,010 Operating expenses (136,740 (138,997 (245,738 (256,557 Selling, general and administrative expenses (10,182 (10,715 (21,823 (21,102 Depreciation and amortization (18,122 (16,495 (35,250 (32,491 Operating earnings (loss) 15,924 36,199 (12,629 3,860 Interest expense (5,227 (5,123 (9,886 (10,248 Interest income 581 573 1,489 1,538 Gain (loss) on sale of assets 57 (123 421 4,613 Foreign exchange gain (loss) (291 3,619 (168 3,989 11,044 35,145 (20,773 3,752 Income tax recovery (expense) (606 (7,747 10,407 1,717 Net earnings from investments in joint ventures 7,026 5,746 10,577 8,035 Net earnings 17,464 33,144 211 13,504 Basic earnings per share 0.44 0.86 0.01 0.35 Diluted earnings per share 0.44 0.79 0.01 0.35

EBITDA

The Company uses EBITDA as a measure of the cash generating capacity of its businesses. The following table provides a reconciliation of net earnings in accordance with GAAP to the non-GAAP EBITDA measure for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 and presented herein:

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended For the periods ended June 30 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net earnings 17,464 33,144 211 13,504 Depreciation and amortization 23,616 21,201 45,946 42,148 Interest and tax recovery 8,434 14,289 2,676 10,232 Foreign exchange (gain) loss 322 (3,553 489 (3,906 Net (gain) loss on sale of assets (869 123 (1,218 (4,613 EBITDA(1) 48,967 65,204 48,104 57,365

Select Financial Performance by Business Segment

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended For the periods ended June 30 2024 2023 2024 2023 Domestic Dry-Bulk Revenue 103,931 126,584 135,005 161,083 Operating loss 15,924 32,806 (19,692 (838 Product Tankers Revenue 33,600 28,046 67,646 60,128 Operating earnings (1,604 1,078 2,373 2,223 Ocean Self-Unloaders Revenue 42,818 47,120 86,018 91,505 Operating earnings 6,361 8,003 14,717 12,956 Corporate and Other Revenue 619 656 1,513 1,294 Operating loss (4,757 (5,688 (10,027 (10,481

The MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 includes further details. Full results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 can be found on the Company's website at www.algonet.com/investor-relations and on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

2024 Business Outlook(2)

Looking ahead in the Domestic Dry-Bulk segment, we expect a continued soft demand for de-icing salt for the balance of the year. Weaker prices for export iron ore and construction raw materials are also expected to continue to constrain cargo volumes. There are positive indicators that domestic iron ore volumes will improve and a strong seasonal increase in grain shipments is expected due to improved soil moisture levels creating the potential for a large 2024 grain crop, leading to the deployment of three additional vessels that are currently in temporary lay-up.

In the Product Tanker segment, we expect steady customer demand in 2024, supporting strong vessel utilization for those vessels trading under Canadian flag. In January, the Company acquired two 2009-built, 16,600 dwt product tankers from Norway's Knutsen OAS Shipping. After completing its bareboat charter, the first vessel has finished a dry-docking and is expected to join the Company's Canadian fleet as the Algosolis by the end of July. The second vessel will enter dry-dock in August and once concluded, will be deployed in Europe in the FureBear joint venture, where it will be renamed Fure Spear, expanding that fleet to three vessels. We are scheduled to take delivery of our second FureBear newbuild in August and are anticipating a continued strong rate environment for these tankers.

In the Ocean Self-Unloaders segment, vessel utilization is expected to improve for the second half of 2024 with substantially fewer dry-dockings compared to 2023. Volumes are expected to improve modestly for the remainder of the year. Two out of the three newbuild kamsarmax-based ocean self-unloader orders are scheduled to begin construction this year.

In our Global Short Sea Shipping segment, we anticipate continued steady earnings from the cement fleet, as these assets are primarily employed on longer-term time charter contracts. The handy-size and mini-bulker fleets are expected to perform well for the remainder of the year and we do not foresee any negative impact on volumes and utilization from ongoing global economic and geopolitical issues.

Normal Course Issuer Bid

Effective March 21, 2024, the Company renewed its normal course issuer bid (the "NCIB") with the intention to purchase, through the facilities of the TSX, up to 1,975,857 of its Common Shares ("Shares") representing approximately 5% of the 39,517,144 Shares which were issued and outstanding as at the close of business on March 7, 2024. Under the 2024 NCIB, no Shares were purchased and cancelled in the period ended June 30, 2024.

Cash Dividends

The Company's Board of Directors authorized payment of a quarterly dividend to shareholders of $0.19 per common share. The dividend will be paid on September 3, 2024 to shareholders of record on August 20, 2024.

Notes

(1) Use of Non-GAAP Measures

The Company uses several financial measures to assess its performance including earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), free cash flow, return on equity, and adjusted performance measures. Some of these measures are not calculated in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), are not defined by GAAP, and do not have standardized meanings that would ensure consistency and comparability among companies using these measures. From Management's perspective, these non-GAAP measures are useful measures of performance as they provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses performance. Further information on Non-GAAP measures please refer to page 2 in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

(2) Forward Looking Statements

Algoma Central Corporation's public communications often include written or oral forward-looking statements. Statements of this type are included in this document and may be included in other filings with Canadian securities regulators or in other communications. All such statements are made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of any applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements may involve, but are not limited to, comments with respect to our objectives and priorities for 2024 and beyond, our strategies or future actions, our targets, expectations for our financial condition or share price and the results of or outlook for our operations or for the Canadian, U.S. and global economies. The words "may", "will", "would", "should", "could", "expects", "plans", "intends", "trends", "indications", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "likely" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is significant risk that predictions, forecasts, conclusions or projections will not prove to be accurate, that our assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such predictions, forecasts, conclusions or projections. We caution readers of this document not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as a number of factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in the forward-looking statements.

Algoma Central Corporation is a global provider of marine transportation that owns and operates dry and liquid bulk carriers, serving markets throughout the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway and internationally. Algoma is aiming to reach a carbon emissions reduction target of 40% by 2030 and net zero by 2050 across all business units with fuel efficient vessels, innovative technology, and alternate fuels. Algoma truly is Your Marine Carrier of Choice. Learn more at algonet.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240802906731/en/

Contacts:

Gregg A. Ruhl

President CEO

905-687-7890



Peter D. Winkley

E.V.P. Chief Financial Officer

905-687-7897
Second Quarter Highlights*

Diluted EPS for the Quarter of $1.33, Down 15 percent, primarily due to the impairment of intangible assets recognized in the Digital reporting unit

Adjusted Diluted EPS for the Quarter of $2.15, Up 21 percent, which ties the quarterly record from the first quarter of 2024

Record Net Revenue for the Quarter of $513.8 million, Up 10 percent

Increases Organic Total Net Revenue Growth 2 Range for 2024 to 6 to 8 percent, from 5 to 7 percent; Anticipates Lower End of Data and Access Solutions Organic Net Revenue Growth Target 2 of 7 to 10 percent

Reaffirms 2024 Adjusted Operating Expense Guidance2 of $795 to $805 million

CHICAGO, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE) today reported financial results for the second quarter of 2024.

"Cboe reported another strong quarter with record net revenue of $514 million, diluted EPS of $1.33, and adjusted diluted EPS1 of $2.15, up a robust 21% from the second quarter of 2023," said Fredric Tomczyk, Cboe Global Markets Chief Executive Officer. "The second quarter results illustrate the durability of the Cboe business model with year-to-date net revenue increasing by a strong 8% and adjusted diluted EPS1 coming in 17% higher as compared to first half 2023 levels. I am incredibly pleased with the progress we continue to make as we work through our strategic review, the early output of which is evidenced by our solid expense management trends, improved year-over-year EBITDA margins, and additive capital allocation actions with $90 million of share repurchases during the second quarter and a total of $180 million for the first half of the year. Each component of our exchange ecosystem performed well during the second quarter, and we are well positioned for the second half of the year."

"Cboe reported strong 10% year-over-year net revenue growth in the second quarter as each category of our business posted solid year-over-year trends," said Jill Griebenow, Cboe Global Markets Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. "Cash and Spot Markets performance was robust with net revenues growing 15% during the second quarter of 2024. Derivative trends were also solid, up 11% year-over-year, and Data and Access Solutions delivered 5% year-over-year net revenue growth. Notably, adjusted EBITDA margins1 reached 67% through the first half of 2024, up more than two percentage points as compared to the first half of 2023, and we returned nearly $300 million in capital to shareholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends. Moving forward, we anticipate organic total net revenue growth2 to finish in the 6-8% range, up from our prior guidance of the higher end of 5-7%. We are reaffirming our Data and Access Solutions organic net revenue growth2 range of 7-10%, but anticipate finishing at the lower end of the guidance range. Additionally, we are reaffirming our full year adjusted operating expense guidance2 range of $795 to $805 million. We have produced strong results for the first half of 2024 and look forward to delivering durable returns for shareholders in the quarters ahead."

*All comparisons are second quarter 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. (1)A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP ("Generally Accepted Accounting Principles") results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables. (2)Specific quantifications of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the company's organic net revenue growth guidance and adjusted operating expenses guidance are not available. The company believes that there is uncertainty and unpredictability with respect to certain of its GAAP measures, primarily related to acquisition-related revenues and costs that would be required to reconcile to GAAP revenues less cost of revenues, GAAP operating expenses and GAAP effective tax rate, which preclude the company from providing accurate guidance on certain forward-looking GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations. The company believes that providing estimates of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the range of the company's organic net revenue growth guidance and adjusted operating expenses would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors for the reasons identified above.

Consolidated Second Quarter Results -Table 1

Table 1 below presents summary selected unaudited condensed consolidated financial information for the company as reported and on an adjusted basis for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.













































Table 1 Consolidated Second Quarter Results























2Q24

2Q23



($ in millions except per share)



2Q24

2Q23 Change

Adjusted1

Adjusted1 Change Total Revenues Less Cost of Revenues



$ 513.8



$ 467.1

10 %

$ 513.8



$ 467.1

10 % Total Operating Expenses



$ 303.7



$ 222.3

37 %

$ 197.1



$ 192.3

2 % Operating Income



$ 210.1



$ 244.8

(14) %

$ 316.7



$ 274.8

15 % Operating Margin %





40.9 %



52.4 % (11.5) pp



61.6 %



58.8 % 2.8 pp Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders



$ 139.7



$ 167.0

(16) %

$ 226.2



$ 188.7

20 % Diluted Earnings Per Share



$ 1.33



$ 1.57

(15) %

$ 2.15



$ 1.78

21 % EBITDA1



$ 242.3



$ 294.7

(18) %

$ 340.7



$ 293.3

16 % EBITDA Margin %1





47.2 %



63.1 % (15.9) pp



66.3 %



62.8 % 3.5 pp

Total revenues less cost of revenues (referred to as "net revenue 2 ") of $513.8 million increased 10 percent, compared to $467.1 million in the prior-year period, a result of increases in cash and spot markets, derivatives markets, and data and access solutions net revenue.

") of $513.8 million increased 10 percent, compared to $467.1 million in the prior-year period, a result of increases in cash and spot markets, derivatives markets, and data and access solutions net revenue. Total operating expenses were $303.7 million versus $222.3 million in the second quarter of 2023, an increase of $81.4 million, primarily related to the impairment of intangible assets recognized in the Digital reporting unit. Adjusted operating expenses 1 of $197.1 million increased 2 percent compared to $192.3 million in the second quarter of 2023. This increase was primarily due to higher compensation and benefits and professional fees and outside services, partially offset by a decline in travel and promotional expenses.

of $197.1 million increased 2 percent compared to $192.3 million in the second quarter of 2023. This increase was primarily due to higher compensation and benefits and professional fees and outside services, partially offset by a decline in travel and promotional expenses. The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2024 was 30.8 percent as compared with 30.6 percent in the second quarter of 2023. The higher effective tax rate in 2024 is primarily due to the valuation allowance associated with the impairment of the Globacap investment. The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings 1 was 29.5 percent, down 0.2 basis points when compared with 29.7 percent in last year's second quarter.

was 29.5 percent, down 0.2 basis points when compared with 29.7 percent in last year's second quarter. Diluted EPS for the second quarter of 2024 decreased 15 percent to $1.33 compared to the second quarter of 2023. Adjusted diluted EPS1 of $2.15 increased 21 percent compared to 2023 second quarter results.

Business Segment Information:























Table 2 Total Revenues Less Cost of Revenues by



















Business Segment



















(in millions)

2Q24 2Q23 Change Options

$ 306.7

$ 283.2



8 % North American Equities



98.3



90.8



8 % Europe and Asia Pacific



54.3



47.3



15 % Futures



34.8



29.2



19 % Global FX



19.8



17.8



11 % Digital



(0.1)



(1.2)



* % Total

$ 513.8

$ 467.1



10 %



(1)A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables. (2)See the attached tables on page 10 for "Net Revenue by Revenue Caption." *Not meaningful

Discussion of Results by Business Segment:

Options:

Options net revenue of $306.7 million was up $23.5 million, or 8 percent, from the second quarter of 2023. Net transaction and clearing fees 1 increased primarily as a result of a 9 percent increase in index options trading volumes versus the second quarter of 2023. Access and capacity fees and market data fees were 3 percent higher than the second quarter 2023.

increased primarily as a result of a 9 percent increase in index options trading volumes versus the second quarter of 2023. Access and capacity fees and market data fees were 3 percent higher than the second quarter 2023. Net transaction and clearing fees 1 increased $27.3 million, or 11 percent, reflecting a 1 percent increase in total options average daily volume ("ADV") and a 9 percent increase in total options RPC compared to the second quarter 2023. The increase in total options RPC was due to a mix shift, with index options representing a higher percentage of total options volume.

increased $27.3 million, or 11 percent, reflecting a 1 percent increase in total options average daily volume ("ADV") and a 9 percent increase in total options RPC compared to the second quarter 2023. The increase in total options RPC was due to a mix shift, with index options representing a higher percentage of total options volume. Cboe's Options exchanges had total market share of 31.2 percent for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 33.3 percent in the second quarter of 2023, a result of lower multi-list market share as compared to the second quarter of 2023.

North American (N.A.) Equities:

N.A. Equities record net revenue of $98.3 million increased $7.5 million, or 8 percent versus the second quarter of 2023, reflecting higher net transaction and clearing fees 1 , proprietary market data fees, and access and capacity fees.

, proprietary market data fees, and access and capacity fees. Net transaction and clearing fees 1 increased by $7.0 million, or 25 percent, compared to the second quarter of 2023. The increase was driven by stronger U.S. exchange and off-exchange net capture rates, as well as stronger volumes and market share in Canadian Equities as compared to the second quarter of 2023.

increased by $7.0 million, or 25 percent, compared to the second quarter of 2023. The increase was driven by stronger U.S. exchange and off-exchange net capture rates, as well as stronger volumes and market share in Canadian Equities as compared to the second quarter of 2023. Cboe's U.S. Equities exchanges had market share of 11.4 percent for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 12.7 percent in the second quarter of 2023 given higher off-exchange and closing auction share. Cboe's U.S. Equities off-exchange market share was 17.8 percent, down from 19.9 percent in the second quarter of 2023 as overall industry alternative trading systems ("ATS") market share declined as a percentage of off-exchange share. Canadian Equities market share rose to 15.0 percent as compared to 14.5 percent in the second quarter of 2023.

Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC):

Europe and APAC net revenue of $54.3 million increased by 15 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023, reflecting growth in transaction and non-transaction revenues. On a constant currency basis 2 , net revenues were $55.2 million, up 17 percent on a year-over-year basis. European Equities average daily notional value ("ADNV") traded on Cboe European Equities was 9.6 billion, up 4 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023 given a 10 percent increase in industry market volumes, partially offset by lower market share. Japanese Equities ADNV was 71 percent higher and Australian Equities ADNV was 12 percent higher than the second quarter of 2023.

, net revenues were $55.2 million, up 17 percent on a year-over-year basis. European Equities average daily notional value ("ADNV") traded on Cboe European Equities was 9.6 billion, up 4 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023 given a 10 percent increase in industry market volumes, partially offset by lower market share. Japanese Equities ADNV was 71 percent higher and Australian Equities ADNV was 12 percent higher than the second quarter of 2023. For the second quarter of 2024, Cboe European Equities had 22.5 percent market share, down from 23.8 percent in the second quarter of 2023. Total market share was negatively impacted by elevated closing auction activity on listing venues and lower lit book market share. Cboe European Equities net capture rate increased 9 percent given a mix shift to higher capture products. Cboe Australia had 20.8 percent market share for the second quarter of 2024, up from 18.2 percent in the second quarter of 2023. Cboe Japan grew market share to 5.5 percent in the second quarter of 2024 from 4.1 percent in the second quarter of 2023.

Futures:

Futures net revenue of $34.8 million increased $5.6 million compared to the second quarter of 2023 due to an increase in net transaction and clearing fees 1 .

. Net transaction and clearing fees1 increased $5.7 million, reflecting a 28 percent increase in ADV during the quarter.

Global FX:

Global FX record net revenue of $19.8 million increased 11 percent, primarily due to higher net transaction and clearing fees 1 . ADNV traded on the Cboe FX platform was $47.7 billion for the quarter, up 12 percent compared to last year's second quarter, and net capture rate per one million dollars traded was $2.69 for the quarter, up 1 percent compared to $2.66 in the second quarter of 2023.

. ADNV traded on the Cboe FX platform was $47.7 billion for the quarter, up 12 percent compared to last year's second quarter, and net capture rate per one million dollars traded was $2.69 for the quarter, up 1 percent compared to $2.66 in the second quarter of 2023. Cboe FX market share was 20.2 percent for the quarter compared to 19.5 percent in last year's second quarter.

Digital:

Cboe announced the realignment of the Cboe Digital asset business on April 25, 2024. Cboe plans to transition digital asset derivatives trading and clearing into existing derivatives and clearing business lines, pending regulatory review, and has wound down trading on the Cboe Digital spot digital asset trading market. The Digital segment recorded an impairment of intangible assets of $81.0 million related to the Cboe Digital spot market wind down in the second quarter of 2024.

(1)See the attached tables on page 10 for "Net Transaction and Clearing Fees by Business Segment." (2)A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables.

2024 Fiscal Year Financial Guidance

Cboe provided guidance for the 2024 fiscal year as noted below.

Organic total net revenue growth 1 is expected to be in the range of 6 to 8 percentage points, up from previous guidance calling for the higher end of 5 to 7 percentage points in 2024.

is expected to be in the range of 6 to 8 percentage points, up from previous guidance calling for the higher end of 5 to 7 percentage points in 2024. Anticipates lower end of organic net revenue 1 growth range from Data and Access Solutions of 7 to 10 percentage points in 2024.

growth range from Data and Access Solutions of 7 to 10 percentage points in 2024. Reaffirms adjusted operating expenses 1 in 2024 are expected to be in the range of $795 to $805 million. The guidance excludes the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets of $92 million; the company reflects the exclusion of this amount in its non-GAAP reconciliation.

in 2024 are expected to be in the range of $795 to $805 million. The guidance excludes the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets of $92 million; the company reflects the exclusion of this amount in its non-GAAP reconciliation. Reaffirms depreciation and amortization expense for 2024 is expected to be in the range of $43 to $47 million, excluding the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets.

Reaffirms minority investments are expected to contribute a $37 to $43 million benefit in 2024 to non-operating (expenses) income. Anticipates that $33 to $37 million of the benefit will come in the earnings on investments line and $4 to $6 million through the other (expense) income, net line.

Reaffirms the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings 1 for the full year 2024 is expected to be in the range of 28.5 to 30.5 percent. Significant changes in trading volume, expenses, tax laws or rates and other items could materially impact this expectation.

for the full year 2024 is expected to be in the range of 28.5 to 30.5 percent. Significant changes in trading volume, expenses, tax laws or rates and other items could materially impact this expectation. Reaffirms capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to be in the range of $51 to $57 million.

(1)Specific quantifications of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the company's organic and inorganic growth guidance, adjusted operating expenses guidance, annualized adjusted operating expenses guidance, and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings guidance are not available. Acquisitions are considered organic after 12 months of closing. The company believes that there is uncertainty and unpredictability with respect to certain of its GAAP measures, primarily related to acquisition-related revenues and costs that would be required to reconcile to GAAP revenues less cost of revenues, GAAP operating expenses and GAAP effective tax rate, which preclude the company from providing accurate guidance on certain forward-looking GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations. The company believes that providing estimates of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the range of the company's organic growth, adjusted operating expenses, annualized adjusted operating expenses, and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors for the reasons identified above.

Capital Management

At June 30, 2024, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $614.6 million and adjusted cash2 of $594.5 million. Total debt as of June 30, 2024 was $1,440.1 million.

The company paid cash dividends of $58.2 million, or $0.55 per share, during the second quarter of 2024 and utilized $90.4 million to repurchase approximately 514 thousand shares of its common stock under its share repurchase program at an average price of $175.76 per share. As of June 30, 2024, the company had approximately $204.4 million of availability remaining under its existing share repurchase authorizations.

Earnings Conference Call

Executives of Cboe Global Markets will host a conference call to review its second-quarter financial results today, August 2, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. CT. The conference call and any accompanying slides will be publicly available via live webcast from the Investor Relations section of the company's website at www.cboe.com under Events & Presentations. Participants may also listen via telephone by dialing (800) 715-9871 (toll-free) or (646) 307-1963 (toll) and using the Conference ID 2619514. Telephone participants should place calls 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. The webcast will be archived on the company's website for replay.

(2)A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables.

About Cboe Global Markets

Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, and FX, across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Above all, Cboe is committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future. To learn more about the Exchange for the World Stage, visit www.cboe.com.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue," and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products; economic, political and market conditions; compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; price competition and consolidation in our industry; decreases in trading or clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our exchanges; legislative or regulatory changes or changes in tax regimes; our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security vulnerabilities and breaches; our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel, increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities; our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties; global expansion of operations; factors that impact the quality and integrity of our and other applicable indices; our ability to manage our growth and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively; our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights; our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit, counterparty investment, and default risks, associated with operating a European clearinghouse; our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases, without failure or degradation of performance of our systems; misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions; challenges to our use of open source software code; our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing potential conflicts between our regulatory responsibilities and our for-profit status; our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges; damage to our reputation; the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt obligations; our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating; impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets; the impacts of pandemics; the accuracy of our estimates and expectations; litigation risks and other liabilities; risks relating to digital assets, including winding down the Cboe Digital spot market and transitioning digital asset futures contracts to CFE, operating a digital assets futures clearinghouse, cybercrime, changes in digital asset regulation, and fluctuations in digital asset prices. More detailed information about factors that may affect our actual results to differ may be found in our filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other filings made from time to time with the SEC.

We do not undertake, and we expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

The condensed consolidated statements of income and balance sheets are unaudited and subject to revision.

Cboe Media Contacts:





Analyst Contact: Angela Tu

Tim Cave

Kenneth Hill, CFA (646) 856-8734

+44 (0) 7593 506 719

(312) 786-7559 atu@cboe.com

tcave@cboe.com

khill@cboe.com

CBOE-F

Trademarks:

Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, Cboe Clear, Cboe Datashop, BIDS Trading, BZX, BYX, Cboe Clear, Cboe Digital, EDGX, EDGA, MATCHNow, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Key Performance Statistics by Business Segment





































2Q 2024 1Q 2024 4Q 2023 3Q 2023 2Q 2023 Options































Total industry ADV (in thousands)



46,129



47,452



44,410



43,411



42,964

Total Company Options ADV (in thousands)



14,384



14,833



14,896



14,592



14,306

Multi-listed options



10,367



10,744



10,725



10,848



10,622

Index options



4,017



4,089



4,172



3,743



3,683

Total Options market share



31.2 %

31.3 %

33.5 %

33.6 %

33.3 % Multi-listed options



24.6 %

24.8 %

26.7 %

27.4 %

27.1 % Total Options RPC:

$ 0.295

$ 0.299

$ 0.297

$ 0.270

$ 0.271

Multi-listed options

$ 0.062

$ 0.064

$ 0.060

$ 0.055

$ 0.061

Index options

$ 0.898

$ 0.915

$ 0.908

$ 0.894

$ 0.877



































North American Equities































U.S. Equities - Exchange:































Total industry ADV (shares in billions)



11.8



11.8



11.2



10.4



10.7

Market share %



11.4 %

12.8 %

13.0 %

12.7 %

12.7 % Net capture (per 100 touched shares)

$ 0.027

$ 0.019

$ 0.013

$ 0.022

$ 0.021

U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange:































ADV (touched shares, in millions)



74.7



82.0



76.1



73.8



78.7

Off-Exchange ATS Block Market Share % (reported on a one-month lag)



17.8 %

17.6 %

18.4 %

19.9 %

19.9 % Net capture (per 100 touched shares)

$ 0.136

$ 0.132

$ 0.137

$ 0.125

$ 0.122

Canadian Equities:































ADV (matched shares, in millions)



150.6



146.3



141.8



127.5



124.2

Total market share %



15.0 %

15.3 %

15.3 %

15.2 %

14.5 % Net capture (per 10,000 shares, in Canadian Dollars)

$ 4.046

$ 3.997

$ 3.905

$ 3.976

$ 4.055



































Europe and Asia Pacific































European Equities:































Total industry ADNV (Euros - in billions)

 42.6

 41.8

 37.7

 34.3

 38.7

Market share %



22.5 %

23.7 %

23.9 %

23.2 %

23.8 % Net capture (per matched notional value (bps), in Euros)

 0.251

 0.249

 0.233

 0.232

 0.230

Cboe Clear Europe:































Trades cleared (in thousands)



299,019.3



294,325.7



281,938.1



255,152.3



275,519.8

Fee per trade cleared (in Euros)

 0.008

 0.008

 0.010

 0.010

 0.009

Net settlement volume (shares in thousands)



2,764.0



2,524.6



2,511.6



2,469.5



2,402.0

Net fee per settlement (in Euros)

 1.038

 1.072

 0.899

 0.927

 0.887

Australian Equities:































ADNV (AUD - in billions)

$ 0.8

$ 0.8

$ 0.7

$ 0.7

$ 0.7

Market share - Continuous



20.8 %

20.4 %

20.3 %

17.9 %

18.2 % Net capture (per matched notional value (bps), in Australian Dollars)

$ 0.155

$ 0.156

$ 0.157

$ 0.155

$ 0.160

Japanese Equities:































ADNV (JPY - in billions)

 315.2

 315.9

 190.2

 148.7

 184.3

Market share - Lit Continuous



5.5 %

5.0 %

4.0 %

3.3 %

4.1 % Net capture (per matched notional value (bps), in Yen)

 0.229

 0.227

 0.252

 0.257

 0.256



































Futures































ADV (in thousands)



253.6



220.0



233.4



230.0



197.4

RPC

$ 1.757

$ 1.749

$ 1.729

$ 1.753

$ 1.826



































Global FX































Spot market share %



20.2 %

20.3 %

21.3 %

20.2 %

19.5 % ADNV ($ - in billions)

$ 47.7

$ 45.3

$ 47.0

$ 44.4

$ 42.5

Net capture (per one million dollars traded)

$ 2.69

$ 2.62

$ 2.60

$ 2.64

$ 2.66



ADV = average daily volume; ADNV = average daily notional value.

RPC, average revenue per contract, for options and futures represents total net transaction fees recognized for the period divided by total contracts traded during the period.

Touched volume represents the total number of shares of equity securities and ETFs internally matched on our exchanges or routed to and executed on an external market center.

Matched volume represents the total number of shares of equity securities and ETFs executed on our exchanges.

U.S. Equities - Exchange, "net capture per 100 touched shares" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments and routing and clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BZX, BYX, EDGX and EDGA and the number of trading days. U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange data reflects BIDS Trading. For U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange, "net capture per 100 touched shares" refers to transaction fees less order and execution management system (OMS/EMS) fees and clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BIDS Trading and the number of trading days for the period.

Canadian Equities, "net capture per 10,000 shares" refers to transaction fees divided by the product of one-ten thousandth ADV of shares for MATCHNow and Cboe Canada and the number of trading days. Total market share represents MATCHNow and Cboe Canada volume divided by the total volume of the Canadian Equities market. As of January 1, 2024, the Cboe Canada and MATCHNow entities have been amalgamated into Cboe Canada Inc.

European Equities, "net capture per matched notional value" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in Euros divided by the product of ADNV in Euros of shares matched on Cboe Europe Equities and the number of trading days. "Trades cleared" refers to the total number of non-interoperable trades cleared, "Fee per trade cleared" refers to clearing fees divided by number of non-interoperable trades cleared, "Net settlement volume" refers to the total number of settlements executed after netting, and "Net fee per settlement" refers to settlement fees less direct costs incurred to settle divided by the number of settlements executed after netting.

Asia Pacific data reflects the acquisition of Cboe Asia Pacific. Australian Equities, "net capture per matched notional value" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in Australian dollars divided by the product of ADNV in Australian dollars of shares matched on Cboe Australia and the number of Australian Equities trading days. Japanese Equities, "net capture per matched notional value" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in Japanese Yen divided by the product of ADNV in Japanese Yen of shares matched on Cboe Japan and the number of Japanese Equities trading days.

Global FX, "net capture per one million dollars traded" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments, if any, divided by the Spot and SEF products of one-thousandth of ADNV traded on the Cboe FX Markets and the number of trading days, divided by two, which represents the buyer and seller that are both charged on the transaction. Market Share represents Cboe FX volume divided by the total volume of publicly reporting spot FX venues (Cboe FX, EBS, Refinitiv, and Euronext FX).

Average transaction fees per contract can be affected by various factors, including exchange fee rates, volume-based discounts and transaction mix by contract type and product type.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023































Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions, except per share amounts)

2024

2023

2024

2023 Revenues:























Cash and spot markets

$ 386.4

$ 341.3

$ 767.3

$ 748.3 Data and access solutions



142.1



135.3



282.3



264.7 Derivatives markets



445.5



431.2



881.6



883.0 Total Revenues



974.0



907.8



1,931.2



1,896.0 Cost of Revenues:























Liquidity payments



307.0



337.4



645.8



709.2 Routing and clearing



16.6



20.8



32.6



44.8 Section 31 fees



77.7



34.5



119.8



109.4 Royalty fees and other cost of revenues



58.9



48.0



117.1



94.1 Total Cost of Revenues



460.2



440.7



915.3



957.5 Revenues Less Cost of Revenues



513.8



467.1



1,015.9



938.5 Operating Expenses:























Compensation and benefits



116.1



106.5



231.4



216.9 Depreciation and amortization



31.8



39.8



69.1



81.2 Technology support services



24.6



28.3



48.8



50.5 Professional fees and outside services



25.8



20.4



47.3



44.3 Travel and promotional expenses



9.3



13.5



16.8



19.7 Facilities costs



6.1



6.2



12.6



13.8 Acquisition-related costs



0.6



0.7



1.2



7.1 Impairment of intangible assets



81.0



-



81.0



- Other expenses



8.4



6.9



15.2



12.3 Total Operating Expenses



303.7



222.3



523.4



445.8 Operating Income



210.1



244.8



492.5



492.7 Non-operating (Expenses) Income:























Interest expense



(12.8)



(16.7)



(25.8)



(33.8) Interest income



4.6



2.8



8.7



4.8 Earnings on investments



14.2



9.3



28.2



24.6 Other (expense) income, net



(13.1)



1.6



(8.5)



1.7 Total Non-operating (Expenses) Income



(7.1)



(3.0)



2.6



(2.7) Income Before Income Tax Provision



203.0



241.8



495.1



490.0 Income tax provision



62.6



74.0



145.2



148.8 Net Income



140.4



167.8



349.9



341.2 Net income allocated to participating securities



(0.7)



(0.8)



(1.9)



(1.6) Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders

$ 139.7

$ 167.0

$ 348.0

$ 339.6 Net Income Per Share Allocated to Common Stockholders:























Basic earnings per share

$ 1.33

$ 1.58

$ 3.30

$ 3.21 Diluted earnings per share



1.33



1.57



3.29



3.20 Weighted average shares used in computing income per share:























Basic



105.1



105.7



105.4



105.8 Diluted



105.4



106.1



105.8



106.1

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023



















June 30,

December 31, (in millions)

2024

2023 Assets











Current Assets:











Cash and cash equivalents

$ 614.6

$ 543.2 Financial investments



83.7



57.5 Accounts receivable, net



372.7



337.3 Margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds



2,728.8



848.8 Digital assets - safeguarded assets



6.9



51.3 Income taxes receivable



34.9



74.5 Other current assets



57.9



66.7 Total Current Assets



3,899.5



1,979.3













Investments



359.5



345.3 Property and equipment, net



115.1



109.2 Property held for sale



-



8.7 Operating lease right of use assets



115.3



136.6 Goodwill



3,132.9



3,140.6 Intangible assets, net



1,424.7



1,561.5 Other assets, net



208.6



206.3 Total Assets

$ 9,255.6

$ 7,487.5













Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity











Current Liabilities:











Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$ 290.9

$ 412.7 Section 31 fees payable



120.6



51.9 Deferred revenue



9.9



5.9 Margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds



2,728.8



848.8 Income taxes payable



-



1.0 Digital assets - safeguarded liabilities



6.9



51.3 Current portion of contingent consideration liabilities



1.8



11.8 Total Current Liabilities



3,158.9



1,383.4













Long-term debt



1,440.1



1,439.2 Non-current unrecognized tax benefits



270.9



243.8 Deferred income taxes



194.7



217.8 Non-current operating lease liabilities



126.3



150.8 Other non-current liabilities



43.0



67.5 Total Liabilities



5,233.9



3,502.5













Stockholders' Equity:











Preferred stock



-



- Common stock



1.1



1.1 Treasury stock at cost



(217.4)



(10.5) Additional paid-in capital



1,506.0



1,478.6 Retained earnings



2,758.4



2,525.2 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net



(26.4)



(9.4) Total Stockholders' Equity



4,021.7



3,985.0













Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$ 9,255.6

$ 7,487.5









































































Table 3 Net Transaction and Clearing Fees by Business Segment Consolidated Options N.A. Equities Europe and APAC Futures Global FX Digital Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, (in millions) 2024

2023 2024

2023 2024

2023 2024

2023 2024

2023 2024

2023 2024

2023 Transaction and clearing fees $ 697.6

$ 685.7 $ 385.9

$ 384.3 $ 227.2

$ 229.4 $ 38.9

$ 35.6 $ 28.1

$ 22.4 $ 17.1

$ 15.0 $ 0.4

$ (1.0) Liquidity payments

(307.0)



(337.4)

(114.2)



(135.8)

(184.4)



(193.1)

(7.9)



(8.1)

-



-

-



-

(0.5)



(0.4) Routing and clearing

(16.6)



(20.8)

(4.0)



(8.1)

(7.5)



(8.0)

(4.6)



(4.4)

-



-

(0.5)



(0.3)

-



- Net transaction and clearing fees $ 374.0

$ 327.5 $ 267.7

$ 240.4 $ 35.3

$ 28.3 $ 26.4

$ 23.1 $ 28.1

$ 22.4 $ 16.6

$ 14.7 $ (0.1)

$ (1.4)



































Table 4 Net Revenue by Revenue Caption Cash and Spot Markets Data and Access Solutions Derivatives Markets Total Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, (in millions) 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 Transaction and clearing fees $ 283.6 $ 279.0 $ - $ - $ 414.0 $ 406.7 $ 697.6 $ 685.7 Access and capacity fees

-

-

90.5

86.9

-

-

90.5

86.9 Market data fees

14.6

17.7

50.9

47.7

8.2

8.1

73.7

73.5 Regulatory fees

63.2

28.7

-

-

22.7

15.7

85.9

44.4 Other revenue

25.0

15.9

0.7

0.7

0.6

0.7

26.3

17.3 Total revenues $ 386.4 $ 341.3 $ 142.1 $ 135.3 $ 445.5 $ 431.2 $ 974.0 $ 907.8

































Liquidity payments $ 192.0 $ 201.0 $ - $ - $ 115.0 $ 136.4 $ 307.0 $ 337.4 Routing and clearing fees

12.6

12.7

-

-

4.0

8.1

16.6

20.8 Section 31 fees

63.1

28.7

-

-

14.6

5.8

77.7

34.5 Royalty fees and other cost of revenues

15.0

8.6

2.5

2.3

41.4

37.1

58.9

48.0 Total cost of revenues $ 282.7 $ 251.0 $ 2.5 $ 2.3 $ 175.0 $ 187.4 $ 460.2 $ 440.7

































Revenues less cost of revenues (net revenue) $ 103.7 $ 90.3 $ 139.6 $ 133.0 $ 270.5 $ 243.8 $ 513.8 $ 467.1

Non-GAAP Information

In addition to disclosing results determined in accordance with GAAP, Cboe Global Markets has disclosed certain non-GAAP measures of operating performance. These measures are not in accordance with, or a substitute for, GAAP, and may be different from or inconsistent with non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The non-GAAP measures provided in this press release include adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income allocated to common stockholders, adjusted diluted earnings per share, effective tax rate on adjusted earnings, adjusted cash, net revenues in constant currency, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin.

Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release provide additional and comparative information to assess trends in our core operations and a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by management are provided as additional information to investors in order to provide them with an alternative method for assessing our financial condition and operating results.

Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets: We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Amortization of intangible assets is inconsistent in amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of our acquisitions. As such, if intangible asset amortization is included in performance measures, it is more difficult to assess the day-to-day operating performance of the businesses, the relative operating performance of the businesses between periods and the earnings power of the company. Therefore, we believe performance measures excluding intangible asset amortization expense provide investors with an additional basis for comparison across accounting periods.

Acquisition-related costs: From time to time, we have pursued acquisitions, which have resulted in expenses which would not otherwise have been incurred in the normal course of the company's business operations. These expenses include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence, impairment charges, and other third-party transaction costs. The frequency and the amount of such expenses vary significantly based on the size, timing and complexity of the transaction. Accordingly, we exclude these costs for purposes of calculating non-GAAP measures which provide an additional analysis of Cboe's ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Cboe's performance between periods.

The tables below show the reconciliation of each financial measure from GAAP to non-GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of those items detailed below and are referred to as adjusted financial measures.

Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Information

































Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

Table 5

June 30,

June 30,

(in millions, except per share amounts)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Reconciliation of Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders to Non-GAAP (As shown on Table 1)

























Net income allocated to common stockholders

$ 139.7

$ 167.0

$ 348.0

$ 339.6

Non-GAAP adjustments

























Acquisition-related costs (1)



0.6



0.7



1.2



7.1

Amortization of acquired intangible assets (2)



21.2



29.3



47.4



60.2

Gain on Cboe Digital non-recourse notes and warrants wind down (3)



(2.0)



-



(2.4)



-

Change in contingent consideration (4)



3.0



-



3.0



-

Impairment of intangible assets (5)



81.0



-



81.0



-

Impairment of investment (6)



16.0



-



16.0



-

Costs related to Cboe Digital wind down (7)



0.8



-



0.8



-

Gain on sale of property held for sale (8)



(1.0)



-



(1.0)



-

Income from investment (9)



-



(2.1)



-



(2.1)

Total Non-GAAP adjustments



119.6



27.9



146.0



65.2

Income tax expense related to the items above



(32.7)



(6.8)



(39.6)



(16.3)

Tax reserves (10)



(4.0)



0.7



(4.0)



2.2

Valuation allowances (11)



4.1



-



4.1



-

Net income allocated to participating securities - effect on reconciling items



(0.5)



(0.1)



(0.6)



(0.3)

Adjusted earnings

$ 226.2

$ 188.7

$ 453.9

$ 390.4





























Reconciliation of Diluted EPS to Non-GAAP

























Diluted earnings per common share

$ 1.33

$ 1.57

$ 3.29

$ 3.20

Per share impact of non-GAAP adjustments noted above



0.82



0.21



1.01



0.48

Adjusted diluted earnings per common share

$ 2.15

$ 1.78

$ 4.30

$ 3.68





























Reconciliation of Operating Margin to Non-GAAP

























Adjusted revenue less cost of revenue

$ 513.8

$ 467.1

$ 1,015.9

$ 938.5

Operating expenses (12)

$ 303.7

$ 222.3

$ 523.4

$ 445.8

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



106.6



30.0



133.4



67.3

Adjusted operating expenses

$ 197.1

$ 192.3

$ 390.0

$ 378.5

Operating income

$ 210.1

$ 244.8

$ 492.5

$ 492.7

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



106.6



30.0



133.4



67.3

Adjusted operating income

$ 316.7

$ 274.8

$ 625.9

$ 560.0

Adjusted operating margin (13)



61.6 %

58.8 %

61.6 %

59.7 %



























Reconciliation of Income Tax Rate to Non-GAAP

























Income before income taxes



203.0



241.8



495.1



490.0

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



119.6



27.9



146.0



65.2

Adjusted income before income taxes

$ 322.6

$ 269.7

$ 641.1

$ 555.2





























Income tax expense



62.6



74.0



145.2



148.8

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



32.6



6.1



39.5



14.1

Adjusted income tax expense

$ 95.2

$ 80.1

$ 184.7

$ 162.9

Adjusted income tax rate



29.5 %

29.7 %

28.8 %

29.3 %



(1) This amount includes ongoing acquisition-related costs primarily from the Company's Cboe Digital, Cboe Canada, and Cboe Asia Pacific acquisitions, which is included in acquisition-related costs on the condensed consolidated statements of income. (2) This amount represents the amortization of acquired intangible assets related to the Company's acquisitions, which is included in depreciation and amortization on the condensed consolidated statements of income. (3) This amount represents the revaluation and the gain associated with the wind down of the Cboe Digital non-recourse notes and warrants, which is included in other (expense) income, net on the condensed consolidated statements of income, as well as the contra-revenue that was reversed as a result of the wind down of the syndication, which is included in transaction and clearing fees in the condensed consolidated statements of income. (4) This amount represents the loss related to contingent consideration liabilities achieved related to the acquisition of Cboe Asia Pacific, which is included in other expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of income. (5) This amount represents the impairment of intangible assets related to the Cboe Digital wind down, which is included in impairment of intangible assets on the condensed consolidated statements of income. (6) This amount represents the impairment of investment related to the Company's minority investment in Globacap Technology Limited, which is included in other (expense) income, net on the condensed consolidated statements of income. (7) This amount represents certain wind down costs related to Cboe Digital, which are included in compensation and benefits on the condensed consolidated statements of income. (8) This amount represents the gain on the sale of the Company's former headquarters, which is included in other (expense) income, net on the condensed consolidated statements of income. (9) This amount represents the dividend from the Company's minority ownership of Vest Group Inc., which is included in other (expense) income, net on the condensed consolidated statements of income. In 2024, the Company determined the dividend to be a recurring event and therefore has been excluded from the non-GAAP adjustments in 2024 and going forward. (10) This amount represents the tax reserves related to Section 199 matters. (11) This amount represents the valuation allowance related to the impairment of the Company's minority investment in Globacap Technology Limited. (12) The company sponsors deferred compensation plans held in a trust. The expenses or income related to the deferred compensation plans are included in "Compensation and benefits" ($1.4 million and $2.0 million in expense for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $0.1 million and $5.2 million in expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively), and are directly offset by deferred compensation income, expenses and dividends included within "Other income, net" ($1.4 million and $2.0 million in income, expense and dividends in the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $0.1 million and $5.2 million in income, expense and dividends in the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively), on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The deferred compensation plans' expenses are not excluded from "adjusted operating expenses" and do not have an impact on "Income before income taxes." (13) Adjusted operating margin represents adjusted operating income divided by adjusted revenue less cost of revenue.

EBITDA Reconciliations

EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) and Adjusted EBITDA are widely used non-GAAP financial measures of operating performance. EBITDA margin represents EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues (net revenue). It is presented as supplemental information that the company believes is useful to investors to evaluate its results because it excludes certain items that are not directly related to the company's core operating performance. EBITDA is calculated by adding back to net income interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding back to EBITDA acquisition-related costs, change in contingent consideration, impairment of intangible assets, impairment of investment, costs related to the Cboe Digital wind down, gain on sale of property held for sale, gain on Cboe Digital non-recourse notes and warrants wind down, and income from investment. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as substitutes either for net income, as an indicator of the company's operating performance, or for cash flow, as a measure of the company's liquidity. In addition, because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be calculated identically by all companies, the presentation here may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenue.

























































Table 6

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

(in millions, except percentages)

June 30,

June 30,

Reconciliation of Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (Per Table 1)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net income allocated to common stockholders

$ 139.7

$ 167.0

$ 348.0

$ 339.6

Interest expense, net



8.2



13.9



17.1



29.0

Income tax provision



62.6



74.0



145.2



148.8

Depreciation and amortization



31.8



39.8



69.1



81.2

EBITDA

$ 242.3

$ 294.7

$ 579.4

$ 598.6

EBITDA Margin



47.2 %

63.1 %

57.0 %

63.8 %



























Non-GAAP adjustments not included in above line items

























Acquisition-related costs



0.6



0.7



1.2



7.1

Change in contingent consideration



3.0



-



3.0



-

Impairment of intangible assets



81.0



-



81.0



-

Impairment of investment



16.0



-



16.0



-

Costs related to Cboe Digital wind down



0.8



-



0.8



-

Gain on sale of property held for sale



(1.0)



-



(1.0)



-

Gain on Cboe Digital non-recourse notes and warrants wind down



(2.0)



-



(2.4)



-

Income from investment



-



(2.1)



-



(2.1)

Adjusted EBITDA

$ 340.7

$ 293.3

$ 678.0

$ 603.6

Adjusted EBITDA Margin



66.3 %

62.8 %

66.7 %

64.3 %



























Table 7

























(in millions)

June 30,

December 31,













Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents to Adjusted Cash

2024

2023













Cash and cash equivalents

$ 614.6

$ 543.2













Financial investments



83.7



57.5













Less deferred compensation plan assets



(36.6)



(36.7)













Less cash collected for Section 31 Fees



(67.2)



(30.5)













Adjusted Cash

$ 594.5

$ 533.5









































Table 8























(in millions)























Reconciliation of GAAP Net Revenues to Net Revenues in Constant Currency - Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023





























Three Months Ended,

Six Months Ended,



June 30,

June 30,



2024

2023

2024

2023 Europe and Asia Pacific net revenues

$ 54.3

$ 47.3

$ 108.4

$ 96.6 Constant currency adjustment



0.9



0.5



0.2



3.9 Europe and Asia Pacific net revenues in constant currency1

$ 55.2

$ 47.8

$ 108.6

$ 100.5



(1)Net revenues in constant currency is calculated by converting the current period GAAP net revenues in local currency using the foreign currency exchange rates that were in effect during the previous comparable period.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cboe-global-markets-reports-results-for-second-quarter-2024-302213136.html
ISELIN, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Shah Enterprise, under the leadership of CEO Imran Shah, announces the launch of Shah Petroleum, an innovative platform designed to enhance security and combat fraud in petroleum transactions. Available on both iOS and Android, the Shah Petroleum mobile application introduces a robust, user-friendly environment for buyers and sellers.

Imran Shah, the driving force behind Shah Enterprise, has strategically positioned Shah Petroleum to address prevalent industry issues. The app leverages advanced technology to ensure every transaction is secure, trustworthy, and efficient. To guarantee high-quality petroleum products, Shah Petroleum has secured contracts with renowned refineries such as BP, Shell, Socar, and Aramco. These partnerships emphasize Shah Petroleum's commitment to delivering superior products and maintaining high standards.

Enhancing the app's security features, Shah Petroleum has partnered with Plaid and Clear to implement comprehensive Know Your Customer (KYC) verification processes. This collaboration allows for thorough verification of company and buyer identities, including passports and selfie pictures, adding an extra layer of security. Plaid's banking verification simplifies and secures the Proof of Funds (POF) process, eliminating the need for traditional, cumbersome methods like Bank Comfort Letters (BCL), MT199, or Ready, Willing, and Able (RWA) letters. This innovative approach not only saves time but also mitigates financial risks, offering users peace of mind.

Imran Shah highlights the significance of this partnership: "We are proud to be the first in the petroleum industry to integrate Plaid's secure banking verification system. This groundbreaking solution streamlines the transaction process, making it more efficient and secure for our users."

The Shah Petroleum mobile app is designed for ease of use and is set to be available for download by August 20th, 2024. This app aims to revolutionize the purchasing process, providing a seamless and hassle-free user experience.Shah Petroleum is committed to leading the way in innovation within the petroleum industry. By continuously integrating advanced technologies and establishing secure, efficient processes, Shah Petroleum positions itself as a trusted name in the sector.

Stay connected with Shah Petroleum and join the revolution in secure petroleum transactions. Follow Shah Petroleum on social media to stay updated on the latest developments and innovations.

Media Contact

Organization: Shah Enterprise NJ

Contact Person: Imran Shah

Website: https://www.shahpetroleum.com

Email: info@shahpetroleum.com

City: Newark

State: New Jersey

Country: United States

SOURCE: Shah Enterprise NJ



View the original press release on accesswire.com
First High-School Education Group Announces Receipt of Preliminary Non-Binding "Going Private" Proposal

First High-School Education Group Co., Ltd. ("First High-School Education Group" or the "Company") (OTCQB:FHSEY), an education service provider primarily focusing on high schools in Western China, today announced that its board of directors (the "Board") has received a preliminary non-binding proposal letter (the "Proposal") dated August 2, 2024 from Mr. Shaowei Zhang, its founder, chairman of the Board and chief executive officer, Ms. Yu Wu, and Spring River Greater China Fund (collectively, the "Buyer Group") proposing to acquire all of the outstanding Class A ordinary shares of the Company (the "Shares"), including Class A Shares represented by American depositary shares (the "ADSs," each representing three Class A ordinary shares) that are not already owned by the members of the Buyer Group for a purchase price of US$0.05 per Share, or US$0.15 per ADS, in cash in a going private transaction (the "Proposed Transaction"), subject to certain conditions. The price represents (1) a premium of approximately 354.5% to the closing price of the ADS on August 1, 2024, the last trading day prior to the date of the Proposal, and (2) a premium of approximately 269.3% and 320.7% to the volume-weighted average price of the ADSs during the last seven and 30 trading days, respectively. A copy of the Proposal is attached hereto as Annex A .

The Board intends to form a special committee consisting of independent and disinterested directors to consider the Proposal. The Board expects that the special committee will retain independent advisors, including independent financial and legal advisors, to assist it in this process.

The Board cautions the Company's shareholders and others considering trading the Company's securities that the Board has just received the Proposal and has not had an opportunity to carefully review and evaluate the Proposal or make any decision with respect to the Company's response to the Proposal. There can be no assurance that any definitive offer will be made, that any definitive agreement will be executed relating to the Proposed Transaction or that this or any other transaction will be approved or consummated. The Company does not undertake any obligation to provide any updates with respect to this or any other transaction, except as required under applicable law.

About First High-School Education Group

First High-School Education Group is an education service provider primarily focusing on high schools in Western China. The Company aspires to become a leader and innovator of private high school education in China, with the focuses on a comprehensive education management integrating education information consulting, education research project development, education talent management, education technology management, education service management, and general vocational integration development services. For more information, please visit https://ir.diyi.top/.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For Investor and Media Inquiries Please Contact:

First High-School Education Group

Tommy Zhou

Chief Financial Officer

E-mail: tommyzhou@dygz.com

Customer Service

E-mail: FHS_info@dygz.com

Phone: 010-62555966 (9:30-12:00, 13:30-16:00 CST)

Annex A

August 2, 2024

Board of Directors (the " Board ")

First High-School Education Group Co., Ltd. (the " Company ")

No. 1-1, Tiyuan Road, Xishan District

Kunming, Yunnan Province 650228

People's Republic of China

Dear Members of the Board:

Mr. Shaowei Zhang, founder, chairman of the Board and chief executive officer of the Company, Ms. Yu Wu, and Spring River Greater China Fund (the " Buyer Group ", " we " or " us ") are pleased to submit this preliminary non-binding proposal (" Proposal ") in a going private transaction (the " Acquisition "). We have entered into a consortium agreement dated as of the date hereof pursuant to which we have agreed to work with each other exclusively with respect to the Acquisition.

We believe that our Proposal provides an attractive opportunity for the Company's shareholders. Our Proposal include the following key terms:

1. Purchase Price . The proposed consideration payable for each ordinary share of the Company for the Acquisition is US$0.05 in cash, or US$0.15 in cash for each American Depositary Share of the Company (an " ADS ", representing three Class A ordinary shares of the Company) (in each case other than those ADSs or ordinary shares of the Company that are held by the members of the Buyer Group or rolled over in connection with the proposed Acquisition). Our proposal represents a premium of approximately 354.5% to the closing price on the last trading day prior to the date of this proposal, and a premium of approximately 269.3% and 320.7% to the volume-weighted average price during the last 7 and 30 trading days, respectively.

2. Financing . We are confident that we can timely secure adequate financing to consummate the Acquisition.

3. Due Diligence . We will conduct customary due diligence on the Company on an expedited basis. We respectfully request that the Board accommodate our due diligence request.

4. Process . We expect that the Board will establish a special committee comprised of independent and disinterested directors of the Company (the " Special Committee "), who will consider our Proposal, be exclusively authorized to negotiate the proposed Acquisition with us, and make a recommendation to the Board.

5. Definitive Agreements . We stand ready to negotiate and finalize definitive agreements relating to the Acquisition (the " Definitive Agreements ") expeditiously. These documents will provide for customary and appropriate representations, warranties, covenants and conditions for transactions of this type.

6. Confidentiality . We trust you will agree that it is in our best interests to keep our discussions with respect to the Acquisition strictly confidential (unless otherwise required by law) until we have executed the Definitive Agreements or terminated our discussions. We expect to timely file one or more Schedule 13D and/or amendments to disclose information related to the Proposal and the Acquisition as required by the securities laws.

7. No Binding Commitment . This letter constitutes only our preliminary indication of interest and does not constitute any binding offer, agreement or commitment with respect to the Acquisition, which will only result from the execution of the Definitive Agreements and subject to the terms and conditions therein.

In conclusion, we look forward to working with you to successfully complete the Acquisition. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding our Proposal.

*****

Sincerely

/s/ Shaowei Zhang

Shaowei Zhang

Sincerely

/s/ Yu Wu

Yu Wu

Sincerely

Spring River Greater China Fund

/s/ Pengwei Luo

Pengwei Luo

Director

SOURCE: First High-School Education Group Co., Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
MORRUMBENE, Mozambique, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi, a solar technology manufacturer, and Senergia, a Swedish solar energy wholesaler, have teamed up with the non-profit "Project Vita" to donate a solar-powered freshwater system to a maternity clinic in Linga Linga, Mozambique. This initiative involves constructing a water tower and installing LONGi solar panels to power a water pump filling a water tank, providing freshwater to the clinic. The project, completed in May 2024, has already benefited 58 newborns.

Michel Olofsson, Project Vita's founder, emphasized the importance of hygiene in maternity clinics, noting the partnership's role in addressing the lack of fresh, running water in rural Africa, which is crucial for reducing maternal and infant mortality.

Anton Obrink, Senergia's project manager, highlighted Mozambique's severe lack of electricity access, 99% of Linga Linga's population living without it. He stressed the importance of direct, impactful aid in such impoverished regions.

Daniel Ong, Head of Marketing for LONGi Europe, praised the project's significant impact, citing solar energy as a transformative force for rural areas in Africa. He emphasized the reliability and efficiency of the solar modules used, even in challenging climates.

Collaborative Efforts with Local Communities

Project Vita ensured close collaboration with local authorities and community members to determine and implement the best solutions. The maternity clinic's construction marked a significant milestone for Linga Linga, where women previously faced arduous journeys to the nearest health facility. The clinic now offers antenatal and postnatal care, significantly improving healthcare.

Impact of Simple Off-Grid Energy Solutions

The solar-powered freshwater system is crucial for reducing infection risks during childbirth and improving daily operations. Despite global declines in maternal mortality, Africa still faces high rates. Michel Olofsson affirmed the life-saving impact of such installations.

Read more: https://www.longi.com/eu/news/solar-partners-aid-africa-newborns-mothers-with-solar-freshwater/

- Picture is available at AP -

Contact:

Nadine Butow

nadinebuetow@longi.com

+49(0)69-5800780080

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/solar-partners-aid-newborns-and-mothers-in-africa-with-solar-powered-freshwater-solution-302213399.html
TORONTO, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goliath Resources Limited (TSX-V: GOT) (OTCQB: GOTRF) (FSE: B4IF) (the "Company" or "Goliath") is pleased to report that based on positive drilling success early in the 2024 drill program has led to the early exercise of 2,393,097 common share purchase warrants ("Warrants") primarily from Strategic Investors for proceeds of $1,822,814. These Warrants were all set to expire starting March 25, 2025 and the balance over the course of the year until December 29, 2025 with strike prices up to $0.92 each.



There is still over $9,000,000 of warrants that are in the money with an average strike price of $0.63 based on yesterdays close.

About Goliath Resources Limited

Goliath Resources is an explorer of precious metals projects in the prolific Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia. All of its projects are in world class geological settings and geopolitical safe jurisdictions amenable to mining in Canada. Goliath is a member and active supporter of CASERM which is an organization that represents a collaborative venture between Colorado School of Mines and Virginia Tech. Goliath's key strategic cornerstone shareholders include Crescat Capital, Mr. Rob McEwen and Mr. Eric Sprott.

The Company's flagship discovery is the Surebet at its 100% controlled Golddigger Property. The Property covers an area of 66,608 hectares (164,592 acres) and is in the world class geological setting of the Eskay Rift, within 3 kilometers of the Red Line in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. This area and proximity have hosted some of Canada's greatest mines that include Eskay Creek, Premier and Snip. Other significant and well known deposits in the Golden Triangle include Brucejack, Copper Canyon, Galore Creek, Granduc, KSM, Red Chris, and Schaft Creek. Goliath controls 56 kilometers of the Red Line which is a geologic contact between Triassic age Stuhini rocks and Jurassic age Hazelton rocks used as key markers when exploring for gold-copper-silver mineralization.

For more information please contact:

Goliath Resources Limited

Mr. Roger Rosmus

Founder and CEO

Tel: +1-416-488-2887

roger@goliathresources.com

www.goliathresourcesltd.com

Other

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange), nor the OTCQB Venture Market accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Goliath's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the ability of the Company to complete financings and its ability to build value for its shareholders as it develops its mining properties. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to Goliath. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the proposed transactions will occur, or that if the proposed transactions do occur, will be completed on the terms described above.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and Goliath is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

This announcement does not constitute an offer, invitation, or recommendation to subscribe for or purchase any securities and neither this announcement nor anything contained in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment. In particular, this announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer would be illegal. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN
The August editions of Sustainability & Energy Digital Magazines include interviews with leading experts and executives from Huawei, Thermo Fisher, Dassault Systemes and more.

LONDON, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BizClik, the UK's fastest-growing publishing company, has published the latest editions of Sustainability & Energy Digital Magazines. These publications are highly regarded within the sustainability, energy and ESG sectors for their in-depth reports and interviews with prominent figures in the respective industries.

Sustainability Magazine

This month's edition features special feature with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team on being at the forefront of technology, innovation and sustainability while competing at the peak of motorsport.

"Being part of the issue is not meaningful, being part of the solution is." - Sir Lewis Hamilton

The edition also contains interviews with key thought leaders from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Dell and FujiFilm along with the Top 10 Sustainability Influencers.

You can visit Sustainability Magazine for daily news and analysis of the ever-changing sustainable industry.

Energy Digital Magazine

The August Edition features an extensive lead interview with Jenna Brown, Head of Uber for Business UK, who talks about the company's positive contribution to the energy space.

"When you have access to data, you can make smarter and more informed decisions."

The edition also includes interviews with key thought leaders from Huawei, Ampace and Duke Energy along with the Top 10 Smart Cities.

You can visit Energy Digital Magazine for daily news and analysis for the ever-changing energy industry.

About BizClik

BizClik is one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in the UK, host to a growing portfolio of industry-leading global brands and communities.

BizClik's expanding portfolio includes Technology, AI, FinTech, InsurTech, Supply Chain, Procurement, Energy, Mining, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Mobile, Data Centre, Cyber, and Sustainability.

For more information, please visit https://www.bizclikmedia.com/

Contact Details:editorial@bizclikmedia.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bizclik-media-launches-the-august-editions-of-sustainability--energy-digital-magazines-302213413.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2024) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (OTCQB: AAIRF) ("Aires" or the "Company"), a pioneer in cutting-edge technology designed to protect against electromagnetic radiation (EMF) and optimize human health announced the results of voting at its 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on August 1, 2024.

A total of 27,836,832 common shares were voted in connection with the meeting, representing approximately 30.32% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the company. Shareholders voted as follows:

Motion Voted For % Voted For Votes Withheld % Votes Withheld Appointment of directors Dimitry Serov 27,515,366 99.81% 52,875 0.19% Josh Bruni 27,515,366 99.81% 52,875 0.19% Jamie Cochran 27,543,251 99.91% 24,990 0.09% Drew Green 27,515,495 99.81% 52,746 0.19% Andrew Michrowski 27,543,380 99.91% 24,861 0.09% Appointment of AGT Partners as auditors 27,720,543 99.58% 116,289 0.42% Approval of Advance Notice Policy 27,514,205 99.80% 0 0.00%

In addition, the Company is pleased to announce it has entered into a Partnership agreement with MK Barber, Inc., a Nevada corporation ("MKB") for Maycee Barber, (the "Parntersnip Agreement") pursuant to which MKB will collaborate with the Company to create content and grant to the Company the non-exclusive, worldwide right to use the Athlete's name, image, and likeness (collectively, "NIL Rights") in connection with the advertisement, promotion, and sale of the Company's products to consumers. The term of the Partnership Agreement began on July 1, 2024 and shall continue until the completion of the Project, upon which MKB will be entitled to a fixed fee of $68,413, which will be satisfied though the issuance of common shares of the Company, subject to the acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company will issue another press release upon the completion of the Project and the issuance of the common shares to MKB. NIL rights shall expire on December 31, 2025.

The Athlete will also promote the Company's products and services on their social media accounts on an ongoing basis as well as grant the Company a non-exclusive right to meta permission-based whitelisting rights for the use of the Athlete's social media content for paid promotion by the Company. This portion of the Partnership will be compensated via monthly retainer paid in cash.

About American Aires Inc.

American Aires Inc. is a Canadian-based nanotechnology company committed to enhancing well-being and environmental safety through science-led innovation, education, and advocacy. The company has developed a proprietary silicon-based resonator that protect against the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Aires' Lifetune products target EMR emitted by consumer electronic devices such as cellphones, computers, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi, including the more powerful and rapidly expanding high-speed 5G networks. Aires is listed on the CSE under the ticker 'WIFI' and on the OTCQB under the symbol 'AAIRF'. Learn more at www.investors.airestech.com/.

On behalf of the board of directors

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any common shares in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. We seek safe harbour.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218634

SOURCE: American Aires Inc.
With 25% off flights to Iceland, Copenhagen, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Dublin, travelers can make this fall one to remember

PLAY, a low-cost airline operating flights between the United States and Europe, today announced a fall travel deal of 25% off flights to Iceland, Copenhagen, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Dublin. As the end of summer nears, PLAY is encouraging travelers to book a shoulder season getaway, so they have something to look forward to this fall. Travelers can take advantage of this unbeatable deal now through August 9, 2024.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240802218870/en/

PLAY's flight deal enables travelers to book a shoulder season getaway to Europe to look forward to when summer ends. (Photo: Business Wire)

There is nothing quite like Europe in the fall. As temperatures start to cool off and crowds disperse, travelers can take advantage of 25% off PLAY flights to explore some of the continent's most popular destinations without breaking the bank on airfare. Whether they want to book a trip to shop and eat around Paris in the midst of sweater weather, take in the fall foliage in London, or explore the exhibits at Copenhagen's famous museums, PLAY's deal enables travelers to allocate more of their budget to the experiences that will make their trip memorable.

The best part about shoulder season: It marks the start of peak Northern Lights season in Iceland! Long, dark nights take over Iceland during the fall, making it the best time for travelers to have a chance at experiencing the beauty of the famous Northern Lights. And this shoulder season, PLAY is making it even more accessible for travelers to check the Northern Lights off of their bucket list with its unbeatable deal combined with the airline's new stayover option. When booking a fall getaway with PLAY, travelers have the option to extend their layover in Iceland on the way to or from other European destinations, the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

"Shoulder season is one of the best times to explore Europe," said PLAY CEO Einar Orn Olafsson. "This fall, PLAY wants travelers to take advantage of affordable flights, cooler temperatures, and lighter crowds so they can truly enjoy the activities and experiences that will make their European getaway memorable. With 25% off flights, travelers can kick off their fall travel planning before summer comes to an end, giving themselves something to look forward to as temperatures cool off."

PLAY's shoulder season deal runs today through August 9, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. It's valid for one-way flights on roundtrip bookings to Iceland, Copenhagen, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Dublin between August and December 2024. Price is not inclusive of all mandatory taxes, fees, and carrier charges. Restrictions and baggage fees apply, additional details of this promotion can be found here.

Learn more about PLAY or book a flight here.

About PLAY

PLAY is a low-cost airline operating flights between Iceland and Europe, and North America as of 2022. Founded in Reykjavik in 2019 by a management team with significant experience in the aviation industry, the company operates flights on new Airbus A321NEO and A320NEO aircraft, offering streamlined, no-frills service that allows travelers to pay less and "play more." Safety comes first for PLAY. On-time performance, simplicity, happiness and low prices are the airline's core principles.

The airline seeks to enable passengers to see the world, but not without considering its environmental impact. PLAY is being developed with sustainability initiatives and benchmarks in place to track and reduce fuel consumption, offset carbon emissions, and limit waste. Learn more or book a flight at www.flyplay.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240802218870/en/

Contacts:

U.S. Press

Laura Shubel

BIG FISH PR for PLAY

617-713-3800

play@bigfishpr.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2024) - Goldrea Resources Corp. (CSE: GOR) (FSE: GOJ1) (OTC Pink: GORAF) is pleased to announce that the Company has signed LOI's to acquire a 50% interest in nine mineral claims (514ha.) that cover multiple gold prospects adjoining the Company's Cannonball Project.

As noted in the Company's March 4, 2024 press release, the Cannonball Project, now covering a total of 5,478 ha., straddles the projected northeast extension of a district scale, structural corridor (reported by Seabridge Gold on December 14, 2023) connecting three advanced porphyry targets; Snip North, Bronson Slope and Quartz Rise. The Seabridge press release further stated that these prospects are similar to the cluster of porphyry systems defined at their KSM project, located approximately fifty kilometers to the southeast, and Seabridge is currently conducting a $12 million follow up drilling program on the Iskut Project involving three drill rigs.

The LOI's, signed July 30, 2024, include an agreement with Tana Resources to acquire a 50% interest in 443.20 ha. referred to as the Double T Property and an agreement with Garibaldi Resources Corp. to add one tenure (70.90ha) to the existing King Property Joint Venture. To acquire the 50% interest, Goldrea must incur $550,000 in exploration expenditures and pay $190,000 to the underlying vendor and issue a total of 750,000 shares by October 31, 2025.

Goldrea's exploration work since 2020 has confirmed the Cannonball Project hosts multiple porphyry copper-gold and vein type copper-gold prospects which are described in the Company's March 4 press release. The new prospects include the King-Mist Zone; a series of exposed quartz veins containing high gold values over an area of approximately 500 square meters, the Rumble Creek Prospect (According to BC Ministry of Mines Minfile records indicate gold values up to 47 g/t gold were reported in the 1980's.), and the North Zone which is a skarn type, polymetallic prospect that exhibits high silver values. Independent consultants retained by Tana Resources have recommended drilling at the King-Mist Zone and the North Zone and all of the new prospects are located within the projected extension of the structural corridor reported by Seabridge.

Recent studies by Goldrea's consultants provide confirmation that the underlying rock units are the same age as the rocks that host the world class deposits that have been discovered throughout the Golden Triangle. To view the recent studies and technical maps prepared by Goldrea's consultants click this link: https://goldrea.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/jan-19-tech-memo.pdf

Jim Elbert commented that: "Seabridge Gold's ongoing work on their Iskut Project and recognition that the Cannonball Project straddles the same structural corridor were major milestones in 2023. The $12 million drill program Seabridge allocated for drilling during 2024 demonstrates the importance of this new porphyry district. The new acquisitions give Goldrea effective control of all of the advanced copper gold prospects with historic drilling/geophysics adjoining the Iskut Project."

Carl von Einsiedel (P. Geo.), is a non-independent Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards, and has prepared, reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information included in this press release.

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain "forward-looking statements", which are statements about the future based on current expectations or beliefs. For this purpose, statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate or true. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218603

SOURCE: Goldrea Resources Corp.
Baku, Azerbaijan--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2024) - Bridging culinary cultures and business excellence, Al-Baladi Holding Group and Green Capital Management have announced a major investment agreement in Baku on July 25, 2024, marking a significant expansion for two of Qatar's most beloved food and beverage brands: Go Crispy and Tea Time.

Photo courtesy of Al-Baladi Holding (From Left to Right: Mr. Hany Al Sayyadi, CEO of Al-Baladi Holding Group, Mr. Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Chairman of Al-Baladi Holding Group, Mr. Adnan Ahmed Zadeh, Chairman and Shareholder of Green Capital Management, Mr. Khayal Jibov, Shareholder of Green Capital Management)

The theme of the event, "From Qatar to the World," embodies a bold vision to introduce Qatar's culinary icons to global audiences, starting with Azerbaijan.

A Strategic Partnership Unveiled

The signing ceremony featured distinguished figures from both organizations, including Mr. Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Chairman of Al-Baladi Holding Group, and Mr. Adnan Ahmed Zadeh, Chairman and Shareholder of Green Capital Management.

They were joined by other key Attendees, Mr. Hany Al Sayyadi, CEO of Al-Baladi Holding Group, and Mr. Khayal Jibov, Shareholder of Green Capital Management.

This historic agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at expanding the Go Crispy and Tea Time brands internationally. Over the next two years, this collaboration will see the opening of 405 new branches across 27 countries, setting the stage for a significant global footprint.

Go Crispy: Redefining Fast Food

Launched by Chef Hessa Al-Sulaiti in 2017, Go Crispy is setting new standards in the fast-food industry with its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Chef Hessa's vision was to create a halal fried chicken that combines flavor with health-conscious practices, eliminating artificial additives and preservatives.

The brand's rapid expansion-from its first branch in 2019 to 12 locations in Qatar and a planned 4 branches in Uzbekistan by the end of 2024-demonstrates its success and potential. The introduction of Go Crispy in Azerbaijan promises to bring its innovative and high-quality fast food to a new audience.

Tea Time: A Tradition of Excellence

Tea Time, established in 1998 is celebrated for its authentic Karak tea and diverse menu. Combining traditional tea culture with a modern cafe experience, Tea Time has become a staple in Qatar, beloved by all demographics.

The brand's expansion into Azerbaijan marks a significant step in its global journey. With its distinctive concept and commitment to quality, Tea Time aims to share the rich flavors of Qatari tea culture with a broader audience.

Looking Ahead

The partnership between Al-Baladi Holding Group and Green Capital Management represents a significant milestone in the internationalization of Go Crispy and Tea Time. By bringing these brands to new markets, the collaboration not only highlights Qatar's innovative culinary scene but also fosters a cultural exchange through the universal appeal of food and drink.

This strategic expansion is a testament to the growing global recognition of Qatari brands and their ability to compete on the world stage.

About Al-Baladi Holding

Founded in 1989, Al-Baladi Holding Group has established itself as a pillar of corporate excellence in Qatar. With a rich heritage rooted in family values and integrity, the group has built a stellar reputation for delivering high-quality products and services that meet the evolving needs of the local community. Their commitment to exceptional customer experiences spans diverse industries, underscoring their role as a leading conglomerate in Qatar.

Al-Baladi Holding Group's business sectors include e-commerce services, retail, travel agencies, IT solutions companies, distribution, farming, jewelry shops, mobile markets, food and beverage sectors, and international business activities.

Contact information:

Name: Marynold Macalma

Company: Ajwan Group

Email: asst.operation@ajwan.group

Website: https://baladiholding.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218123

SOURCE: Baden Bower
EQS-News: PlusPlus Capital Financial S.a.r.l. / Key word(s): Legal Matter

PLUSPLUS CAPITAL publishes summons of the Luxembourg District Court concerning the judicial reorganisation procedure PlusPus Capital Financial S.a r.l.



02.08.2024 / 15:55 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





PLUSPLUS CAPITAL publishes summons of the Luxembourg District Court concerning the judicial reorganisation procedure PlusPus Capital Financial S.a r.l.



Tallinn, Estonia, 2 August 2024. PlusPlus Capital ("PPC"), a leading pan-Baltic and Finnish technology-driven receivables management group, publishes summons of the Luxembourg District Court concerning the judicial reorganisation procedure PlusPus Capital Financial SARL (I-202410014).



GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG

LUXEMBOURG DISTRICT COURT

COMMERCIAL COURT

PlusPlus Capital Financial SARL

1, rue Jean Piret

L-2350 Luxembourg Luxembourg Luxembourg, 17 July 2024

SUMMONS TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMERCIAL COURT Concerns: judicial reorganisation procedure PlusPus Capital Financial SARL (I-202410014) Dear Sir/Madam In accordance with articles 13, 38, 40, 48 and others of the Law of 7 August 2023 on the preservation of businesses and the modernisation of bankruptcy law, the commercial court informs you : that the reorganisation plan filed with the court registry on 16 July 2024 is being examined and that creditors may consult it at the court registry ;

pursuant to the judgment of 12 April 2024, the hearing to vote on the reorganisation plan has been set for 6 August 2024 . The hearing will be held at 16.00 CEST in room CO.1.01 at the tribunal d'arrondissement de et a Luxembourg, Cite Judiciaire, Batiment CO, 7, rue du Saint Esprit, 1st floor;

has . in at the tribunal d'arrondissement de et a Luxembourg, Cite Judiciaire, Batiment CO, 7, rue du Saint Esprit, 1st floor; that the creditors will be able to make their observations on the proposed plan either in writing or orally at the hearing;

that only ordinary and extraordinary secured creditors whose rights are affected by the plan may take part in the vote; A copy of this notice was sent by the Registrar's Office on the date hereof. Yours sincerely Emmanuelle BAUER

Registrar XVth Chamber



Postal address: TRIBUNAL DE COMMERCE

Cite Judiciaire

L-2080 Luxembourg



Telephone: 47 59 81 -2771 /-2741

tal.chambre15@ustice.etat.lu

Contact:

PlusPlus Capital

Kaarel Raik, Member of the Management Board

Email: kaarel.raik@plusplus.ee

Phone: +372 56 606 148 About PlusPlus Capital:

PlusPlus is a pan-Baltic and Finnish technology-driven receivables management company with offices in Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, and Helsinki. The Company acquires overdue loans and other non-performing exposures from financial institutions and non-financial sector merchants. With its core competence in handling claims against private individuals, PlusPlus prefers diversified portfolios balanced by geography, portfolio type, and other metrics.



Since its inception in 2010, PlusPlus has bought over 120 thousand claims with nominal value of approximately EUR 270 million. The Company offers its clients affordable recovery solutions and aims to avoid litigious scenarios. In doing so, PlusPlus pursues win-win solutions that allow sellers to focus on their core business, provide affordable solutions for borrowers, and ensure adequate returns for investors.



PlusPlus is a transparent and socially responsible company set to assist people in resolving problems connected with their insufficient solvency. The ambition of PlusPlus is to increase its market share and further strengthen its position as a leading player in its regional market.



pluspluscapital.eu



02.08.2024 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


Ethiopian Americans Decide Meyer is Right for Delaware

CLAYMONT, DE / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / The American-Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) has unanimously voted to endorse Matt Meyer in his bid to become Delaware's next Governor.

AEPAC Logo

Eagle holding Ethiopian tricolor

"Like Matt, we believe leadership matters. Given his life's journey, from serving as the founder of a small business in Kenya to working as a diplomat in a war zone to teaching grade school math in our state's classrooms, we are certain Matt Meyer is the right leader for Delaware and its growing Ethiopian American Community. He has earned our enthusiastic support," said Mesfin Tegenu, AEPAC's executive chairman.

Other AEPAC leaders pointed to Meyer's business experience in Africa as having been key in gaining the group's support. "Africa is home to 20 of the world's fastest-growing economies. Matt's experience uniquely qualifies him to position Delaware as a leading trade partner with this booming continent," said AEPAC secretary Youm Fessaha.

The mission of the American-Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) is to strengthen and foster the U.S.-Ethiopia relationship, enhance both countries' security interests, as well as advance democracy, respect for human rights and free market entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. Learn more at aepact.org.

Contact Information

Christopher Drumm

Consultant

cpchristopher@drummanddaughters.com

2153707874

SOURCE: American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Facial injectables are substances that are injected into facial tissues to enhance facial features, reduce wrinkles, restore volume, or improve overall appearance. These substances often provide temporary or semi-permanent effects and are utilized to address signs of aging or achieve specific esthetic goals.

WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As per Transparency Market Research (TMR), a leading global market research company, rise in cosmetic surgeries across the world is projected to propel the facial injectables market growth at a whopping 12.0% CAGR from 2023 to 2031.

Penetration of Social Media Responsible for Bright Facial Injectables Market Outlook

Facial injectables are commonly used on nasolabial folds, cheekbones, and lips. For instance, dynamic wrinkles caused by different movements are minimized by injecting botulinum toxin, often known as Botox, into the face's muscles.

Rise in popularity of social media is a key factor fostering market expansion. A large percentage of the population that opts for cosmetic procedures that involve facial injectables consults an online source.

This tech savvy population, primarily the younger generation, is often exposed to information regarding such procedures on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Additionally, celebrity influencers are driving market progress.

Request a PDF Sample of this Report Now!

https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1779

Facial Injectables Market Key Insights

Growth in elderly population augmenting market dynamics

Launch of new products by leading players augmenting market statistics

Robust Demand for Facial Injectables Among Elderly Population Boosting Facial Injectables Market Value



Dermal fillers often consist of hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, or calcium hydroxylapatite; Botox is a neurotoxic protein. These treatments, which are administered by medical professionals, provide immediate results that usually last a few months to a year.

Growth in the elderly population and increase in popularity of cosmetic operations among the aging people are likely to propel the expansion of the facial injectables landscape.

A recent WHO report stated that one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or above by 2030. The global population of people aged 60 years and older will double (2.1 billion) by 2050. The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050 to reach 426 million.

Efforts by Key Players to Launch Injectables that Cater to Facial and Body Treatments Augmenting Facial Injectables Market Development



Prominent companies in the global facial injectables market are striving to create sophisticated fillers with enhanced characteristics.

In order to meet the needs and preferences of individual patients, they are introducing injectables with improved qualities, such as improved safety profiles, greater integration with tissues, and longer-lasting benefits.

In July 2024, the U.S. FDA approved a new indication for the anti-wrinkle injectable, which was first introduced in 2011 to treat moderate to severe wrinkles between the glabellar lines. This expansion makes the neurotoxin the only one that can simultaneously treat crow's feet and the upper forehead lines.

Facial Injectables Market Regional Insights

North America was the leading contributor to the market share in 2022. The region is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period.

Growth in number of people opting for esthetic procedures to enhance physical appearances, surge in technological advancements, presence of well-established healthcare facilities, and significant presence of advanced medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers are propelling market development in the region.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, cosmetic surgery procedures rose by 19.0% in 2022 as compared to that in 2019. Procedures related on the body, including liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and arm and lower body lifts dominated, with a 25% rise and 576,485 procedures in total in 2022.

Facial Injectables Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period? 2023-2031 Base Year? 2017-2021 Size in 2023 US$ 13.5 Bn Forecast (Value) in 2034 US$ 37.1 Bn Growth Rate (CAGR) 12.0 % No. of Pages 150 Pages Segments covered By Product Type, By Application, By Region, By End-user

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Leading Players in Facial Injectables Industry

Allergan, Inc., Ipsen (Mayroy SA), Merz Pharma, Suneva Medical, Inc., Medytox, Inc., Sinclair Pharma, Bloomage BioTechnology, Anika Therapeutics, Inc., Prollenium Medical Technologies, and Galderma are the prominent companies functioning in the global facial injectables landscape.

Key Strategies Adopted by Facial Injectables Market Players

Prominent players are collaborating with numerous biotech companies, research institutes, and esthetics companies in order to develop cutting-edge injectables.

They are also collaborating strategically with cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists to improve clinical acceptance and develop products based on expert input. Such partnerships are likely to ensure the highest levels of efficacy and safety.

In May 2023, Evolus, Inc. a performance beauty company that focuses on developing an esthetic portfolio, announced that it had signed a definitive agreement with Symatese to serve as the exclusive distributor for four distinct dermal fillers in late-stage development in the U.K. and Europe.

The fillers are expected to receive regulatory clearances in the second half of 2024 and go on sale under the brand name ESTYME Fillers in 2025.

This is the second deal Symatese and the company had reached; the first granted exclusive distribution rights to the same product line in the U.S, where it will be marketed in 2025 under the Evolysse brand.

Facial Injectables Market Segmentation

Product Type

Collagen

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Botulinum Toxin Type A

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Polymethylmethacrylate Beads (PMMA Microspheres)

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)

Others (Polyalkylimide)

Application

Facial Line Correction

Lip Augmentation

Acne Scar Treatment

Face Lift

Lipoatrophy Treatment

Others (Earlobe Rejuvenation)

End-user

Hospitals

Dermatology Clinics

Others (Beauty Clinics)

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FCC Catalyst Demand to Remain Strong Amid High Gasoline Demand in India

WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), a critical process in the petroleum-refining industry, is designed to convert heavy petroleum fractions into lighter hydrocarbon products inside a reactor. It is a major contributor to the production of gasoline.

The global FCC catalyst market is expected to register a CAGR of 3.7% from 2023 to 2031, as gasoline demand continues to grow despite the electric vehicle (EV) boom. The market was valued at US$ 2.8 Bn in 2022. It is estimated to reach US$ 3.9 Bn by the end of 2031, according to Transparency Market Research(TMR), a leading global market research company.

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FCC Catalyst Market Key Insights

High gasoline demand in India offering opportunities to vendors

Gasoline demand rebounding in China, North America, and gas-rich countries

FCC catalysts to aid refineries increase their profits and maintain a positive bottom line

Strong Demand for Gasoline in Many Countries Positively Impacting Market Development

Gasoline demand is growing in many countries despite efforts to electrify the transportation sector. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India is expected to record a significant rise in gasoline consumption.

The agency's Oil 2024 Report stated that India's oil demand is forecast to grow more than any country other than China between 2023 and 2030. India's oil demand is projected to rise from 5.4 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2023 to 6.7 million bpd by 2030, a growth of 3.2% or 1.3 million bpd.

Gasoline demand is rebounding in China, North America, and gas-rich countries in Africa as a result of expected colder weather and lower prices. Such a scenario offers lucrative FCC catalyst market opportunities during the forecast period.

Rise in Focus on Profits and Maintaining Positive Bottom Lines in Refineries

Refineries across the globe are focused on increasing their profits and maintaining a positive bottom line in a competitive oil & gas sector. Additionally, growth in the adoption of EVs is likely to slow down the demand for gasoline in the near future. This prompts oil & gas vendors to maximize their revenues while gasoline demand is still strong. Fluctuating crude oil prices and changing regulatory requirements have also pressured refineries to optimize their operations and ensure positive financial performance. This heightened focus on profitability is ensuring positive market demand.

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FCC Catalyst Market Regional Insights

China and India to define the market scenario in Asia Pacific

The market for FCC catalysts in India seems strong with high automotive fuel and naphtha sales

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share in 2022. The FCC catalyst market dynamics in the region are diverse, with increased adoption of electric vehicles in China expected to put a major dent in gasoline demand growth in the near future and India's fuel demand hitting a new high in 2024.

China accounted for nearly 60% of all new electric car registrations globally in 2023, according to IEA. In addition to dominating global electric vehicle manufacturing, the country is likely to meet its ambitious EV adoption goal of 40% of vehicles sold by the year 2030. Growth in EV demand is estimated to bring a slowdown in gasoline demand, hindering the FCC catalyst market size.

On the other hand, India is riding on higher automotive fuel and naphtha sales. According to the Indian Petroleum Ministry's report, Indian oil marketing companies sold 37.22 MMT of petrol during the 2023-24 fiscal, 6.4% higher than FY23. Such record petrol and diesel consumption on vehicles is augmenting the FCC catalyst market share in India.

FCC Catalyst Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period? 2022-2031 Base Year? 2017-2020 Size in 2023 US$ 2.8 Bn Forecast (Value) in 2034 US$ 3.9 Bn Growth Rate (CAGR) 3.7 % No. of Pages 244 Pages Segments covered By Application, By Region, By Process

Leading Players in FCC Catalyst Industry

BASF SE, W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn, Clariant AG, Albemarle Corporation, and China Petrochemical Corporation are major players operating in the FCC catalyst industry.

Key Strategies by FCC Catalyst Market Players

Breakthrough in FCC catalyst iron tolerance

Investment in polypropylene technology

In recent years, iron tolerance has emerged as a significant challenge for catalyst suppliers. Thus, FCC catalyst manufacturers are investing in R&D activities to address these challenges. In July 2024, W. R. Grace & Co. announced a groundbreaking advancement in iron tolerance for FCC catalysts. This development is expected to enable greater flexibility in feedstock selection and ultimately lead to increased profitability.

Various FCC catalysts are employed in the production of polypropylene. Rapid growth in propylene demand in China is offering lucrative opportunities for FCC catalyst market vendors.

In February 2024, W. R. Grace & Co. announced that China Coal Shaanxi Energy & Chemical Group Co., Ltd. has expanded its license for Grace's UNIPOL PP process technology, doubling its polypropylene production capacity from 300 to 600 kilotons per annum (KTA).

Market Segmentation

Process

Gasoline Sulfur Reduction

Maximum Light Olefins

Maximum Middle Distillates

Maximum Bottoms Conversion

Others (including Low Coke Production)

Application

Vacuum Gas Oil

Residue

Others (including Cycle Oil)

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About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques to gather and analyses information.

Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

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VANCOUVER, BC and HONG KONG / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Reyna Gold Corp. (TSXV:REYG)(OTCQB:REYGF) ("Reyna" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its flagship project Gryphon Summit in Nevada as well as announce the final drilling results of its Phase 2 drilling at its La Gloria property in Sonora, Mexico.

Reyna Gold is pleased to provide an update on its flagship Gryphon project in Nevada which is been explored on a 50/50 option agreement basis with its sister company Reyna Silver. Our joined technical team has been hard at work this spring developing targets and we are now in the stage of building the pads and mobilizing the drill rig with drilling starting in the next few days.

As the company shifts focus to its Nevada project this summer we are pleased to announce below the final remaining drill results from La Gloria.

Reyna Gold is pleased with the drilling done at the project to date which is consistent to the grades observed in projects in the region. Reyna Gold's management is actively looking to extract value of this project either through a JV, partnership or a sale of the project which is very attractive to a number of producers who are in our immediate vicinity.

Highlights:

Drilling at the Western target showed large-mineralized zones in strongly deformed rocks. LG-23-58: 39.10m of 0.29 g/t Gold including 4.85m of 0.99 g/t Au



Drill Highlights include:

LG-23-59: 14.20m of 0.26 g/t Gold

LG-23-60: 12.70m of 0.23 g/t Gold & 3.30m of 0.92 g/t Gold

LG-23-46: 44.75m of 0.15 g/t Gold

Step-out drilling at La Republicana continued to hit board intersects of gold mineralization close to the surface

Drill Highlights include:

LG-23-49: 35.20m of 0.23 g/t Gold & 13.70m of 0.19 g/t Gold

LG-23-42: 25.35m of 0.23 g/t Gold & 1.65m @ 0.50% Cu, 71.82 g/t Ag, 0.55% Pb

LG-23-46: 44.75m of 0.15 g/t Gold

Western Target

In the Western target, new assay results have been received from Holes LG-23-045, LG-23-046, and LG-23-058 to LG-23-060. These drill holes were carried out to test the NE-SW trending veins and veinlets system, as well as secondary NW-SE systems; The system is developed within a dioritic unit with degrees of variable metamorphisms (schistosity zones) and meta-sedimentary rocks, as well as dikes/sills of andesitic composition.

Figure 1: Western Target Drill Hole Locations

"Large deformed zones with quartz veins were intercepted with Gold values, and some rock intervals present higher-grade metamorphism; Furthermore, the correlation of Au-Bi with the possible relationship of an intrusive at depth is interesting. Coupled with the first results from drill holes LG-23-37 and LG-23-38 with the extensive intervals intercepted with anomalies of Zinc, Molybdenum, and the same relationship of high Bismuth values in relation to gold in the system, the project has great potential for a large intrusive orebody at depth and the opportunity for new discovery on the Caborca Gold Belt" said Ariel Navarro, VP Exploration of Reyna Gold.

Recent exploration in the most northwest area of the Western target within a large magnetic dipole anomaly shows evidence of the magmatic relationship in the area and the presence of a deep intrusive, with a high content of iron sulfides, oxidized sulfides, and ilmenite in the area, as well, oxidized copper, with the presence of chalcopyrite, and chalcocite; In addition, a series of tourmaline and hydrothermal breccias in the area located in a magnetic low is closely related to a porphyric rock of dioritic composition with disseminated pyrite and copper anomalies in the intrusive body, this evidence and the correlation with the results of the drilling, show affinity with higher temperature systems and a generation of several superimposed hydrothermal and mineralogical systems.

Figure 2: Northwest zone location within the Western target

Figure 3: Silica-ilmenite replacement bands in calcareous sandstone within the Western target

La Republicana Zone

The objective of drilling these additional drill holes in the La Republicana was to continue outlining the mineralized zone (Republicana Main) of approximately 200 m by 150 m and, subsequently, also step-out drilling into new parts of the La Republicana system.

It is also important to mention the area of the LG-23-35 hole (24 m @ 0.36 g/t gold), which may be a parallel system to the main one, located 500 m southwest of LG-22-30 (main area). This zone shows the potential for multiple systems within the La Republicana Zone.

To date, 18 drill holes have been drilled in the La Republicana for a total of 1,977m.

Figure 4: La Republicana Drill Hole Locations

Las Carmelitas Target

Within the Las Carmelitas area to date, 6 holes have been drilled for a total of 831m. The drilling objective focused on the IP geophysical survey anomalies, the geochemical anomalies with high Copper-Antimony-Mercury values, as well as the extensive silica alteration zone (ASTER & WV3).

Within the drilling, a polymictic conglomerate was cut with large areas of calcite-quartz veinlets and some areas with silica replacement. The drill holes were shallow with respect to the geophysical anomalies and the depth relationship with the Big-Pit mineralized zone, so the marked objectives could not be reached due to the great thickness of up to 250m of conglomerate, but the increase in silica at depth, as well as the low-temperature geochemical anomalies on the surface, and the deep IP anomalies show us a high potential in the area to be discovered at depth. There were no significant values encountered in the drill holes.

Table 1: Highlights Drill Results La Republicana & Western Targets

The full list of assays and details of drill hole depth, dip, and azimuth may be found here (Ctrl + Click to open the link) on Reyna Gold's website reynagold.com.

Gryphon Summit, Nevada

The Company's focus is now on its Gryphon Summit Asset in Nevada. The Company is assessing options to continue advancing the La Gloria Property to unlock its vast geological potential on one of the world's major gold belts.

Gryphon Summit is a combined Carlin-type and CRD Gryphon Summit Project in Eureka Co., Nevada. Initial Drilling of the property by Reyna Gold and Reyna Silver will commerce over the summer months.

The full version of the Reyna Silver and Reyna Gold Initiates 43-101 Exploration Report on Gryphon Summit press release can be found here (Ctrl + Click to open the link) on Reyna Gold's website reynagold.com.

Michael Wood

Chief Executive Officer

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Reyna Gold Corp.

Michael Wood, Chief Executive Officer

info@reynagold.com; www.reynagold.com

About Reyna Gold Corp.

Reyna Gold Corp. is a gold exploration company focused on district-scale exploration. The Company has a portfolio of assets on the Mojave-Sonora Megashear and the Sierra Madre Gold in Mexico, and an option to acquire the 10,300-hectare combined Carlin-style and CRD Gryphon Summit Project in Eureka Co., Nevada, USA. The Company has an experienced management team with a proven track record of wealth creation through project discovery, advancement, and monetization. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Qualified Person

Ariel Navarro has acted as the Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 for this disclosure and supervised the preparation of the technical information in this release. Mr. Navarro has a B.Sc. in Geology and an M.Sc. in Plate Tectonic and Structural Geology with more than 20 years of relevant experience exploring the Mexican Republic and the southern United States. He is a Registered Professional Geoscientist (Reg. NC-003 PC) with the College of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Geologists of Mexico, A. C. Mr. Navarro is not independent as he is on the technical team of Reyna Gold Corp. Mr. Navarro is satisfied that the results are verified based on a review of the field program details, imagery data, a review of sampling procedures, sample results, the credentials of the professionals completing the work, and the nature of the gold mineralization in a well-known district for the style of mineralization.

QA/QC Statement (ALS)

QA/QC Statement Reyna Gold follows industry standard diamond core drilling and sample analysis procedures. Drilling is done with HQ-size tools. The drill core is cut in half with a diamond rock saw and then half of the core is taken as a sample for analysis and the other as a log. Sampling intervals are generally 0.2 to 2 m intervals, producing samples between 0.6 and 10 kg. Half-core samples are shipped to ALS Minerals' internationally certified laboratory facility in Hermosillo City, where the samples are prepared. ALS has a quality management system (ISO 17025) and testing is performed by ALS Minerals in Canada. Samples are fire-tested for Au (Au-AA24) and analyzed for Ag and multiple elements using the ICP method code (ME-ICP41 + ME-ME42, only to analyze tellurium) after digestion with aqua regia. Samples showing visible gold are resubmitted to ALS for metal screen assay. Over-limits are analyzed using an appropriate method. Multi-element geochemical standards and blanks or duplicates are inserted based on depth and mineralization of each hole, having 15% to 20% QA/QC control samples per hole, thus monitoring the laboratory performance. The control samples are inserted in a blank, standard, and duplicate pattern, each hole begins with a blank and at least 3 control samples are taken into account for every 20 samples, complying with a minimum of 15% with control samples and standards of quality by probing, these are separated and inserted every 7 to 10 samples for the case of standard and blank pulps, and duplicated every 30 samples. Subsequently, the mineralized zone is taken into account by inserting a control at the beginning of the zone, the middle zone with the greatest abundance of minerals, and at the limit of the mineralized zone with the host rock, having at this stage at least 20% of samples for QA. About the chain of custody, the samples are transported from La Gloria by Reyna Gold personnel to ALS Chemex in the city of Hermosillo.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this press release includes but is not limited to, statements concerning anticipated timing and results of the Company's drill programs. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties, and other factors set out herein, including, but not limited to, the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's final long-form non-offering prospectus dated December 6, 2021, available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on the information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

SOURCE: Reyna Gold Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Luxembourg, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Press release

This announcement is not an offer, whether directly or indirectly, in Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa or Russia or in any other jurisdiction where such offer would be prohibited by applicable law pursuant to legislation, restrictions and regulations in the relevant jurisdiction. Shareholders not resident in Sweden or the United States who wish to accept the Offers (as defined below) must make inquiries concerning applicable legislation and possible tax consequences. Shareholders should refer to the offer restrictions included in the section titled "Important notice" at the end of this announcement and in the Offer to Purchase (as defined below) which has been published on the website for the Offers (www.atlas-investissement.com/en/offers). United States shareholders should refer to the section titled "Important Information" and "Special Notice to Shareholders in the United States" at the end of this announcement.

Atlas Luxco S.a r.l. publishes a supplement to the offer document pursuant to the Swedish Offer regarding its public offers to the shareholders of Millicom International Cellular S.A.





August 2, 2024, Luxembourg // On July 1, 2024, Atlas Luxco S.a r.l.1 ("Atlas" or the "Purchaser"), a subsidiary of Atlas Investissement S.A.S.1, announced separate but concurrent public offers in Sweden (the "Swedish Offer") and the United States (the "US Offer", and together with the Swedish Offer, the "Offers") to the shareholders in Millicom International Cellular S.A.2 ("Millicom" or the "Company") to tender all of their common shares, with nominal value USD 1.50 per share (each, a "Common Share," and collectively, the "Common Shares"), including Swedish Depositary Receipts representing Common Shares (each Swedish Depositary Receipt represents one Common Share) (each, an "SDR" and collectively, the "SDRs," and together with the Common Shares, the "Shares") in Millicom3 to Atlas. Holders of Common Shares and SDRs will collectively be referred to herein as "Shareholders." An offer document regarding the Offers was made public on July 1, 2024 (the "Offer to Purchase")4 and a supplement to the Offer to Purchase in connection with the Swedish Offer was made public on July 23, 2024.

On July 31, 2024, Millicom issued a press release regarding Millicom's potential acquisitions in Colombia and on August 1, 2024, Millicom issued a press release announcing that Millicom has entered into an agreement with Liberty Latin America Ltd. to combine operations in Costa Rica. On August 2, 2024, Millicom published its earnings release and interim report for the period January 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024.

On account thereof, Atlas has prepared a supplement to the Offer to Purchase in connection with the Swedish Offer (the "Supplement"), which includes the press releases from Millicom and Millicom's earnings release and interim report. The Supplement has been approved and registered by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) today. The Supplement has been made public and is, together with the Offer to Purchase and the previously prepared supplement, available on Atlas' website (www.atlas-investissement.com/en/offers).

The Supplement, exclusively in connection with the Swedish Offer, shall at all times be read together with, and as an integrated part of, the Offer to Purchase which was approved and published on July 1, 2024.

About Atlas Investissement

Atlas Investissement is a majority owned subsidiary of NJJ Holding, an investment vehicle wholly owned by Xavier Niel, a recognised entrepreneur and major long-term investor in the telecoms sector across several European and African markets. Xavier Niel is also the owner of the Iliad Group. NJJ Holding is an investor in telecom assets with presence in Switzerland, Ireland, Monaco, Cyprus, Malta, Sweden and the Baltics, while Iliad Group is one of the leading telecom providers present in France, Italy, Poland, Sweden and the Baltics.

Information about the Offers:

Information about the Offers is made available at:



www.atlas-investissement.com/en/offers

For additional information, please contact:

Cornelia Schnepf, FinElk

Cornelia.Schnepf@finelk.eu

+44 7387 108 998

Louise Tingstrom, FinElk

Louise.tingstrom@finelk.eu

+44 7899 066 995

For administrative questions regarding the Swedish Offer, please contact your bank or the nominee registered as holder of your SDRs.

The information was submitted for publication on August 2, 2024 at 4.45 p.m. (CEST).

Important information:

In the US Offer, this communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities of Millicom. It is also not a substitute for the Tender Offer Statement and Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement under cover of Schedule TO that Atlas filed with the SEC on July 1, 2024, and the subsequent amendments thereto filed on July 18 and on August 2, 2024. Millicom has also filed a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the US Offer on July 15, 2024. THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTAIN OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY AND BE CONSIDERED BY MILLICOM'S SECURITYHOLDERS BEFORE ANY DECISION IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFERS. The Tender Offer Statement, Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement have been made available to Millicom's investors and security holders free of charge. A free copy of the Tender Offer Statement, Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement are available to all of Millicom's investors and security holders by visiting Atlas' website at www.atlas-investissement.com/en/offers. In addition, the Tender Offer Statement, Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement (and all other documents filed by Millicom with the SEC) are available at no charge on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). MILLICOM'S INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT, RULE 13E-3 TRANSACTION STATEMENT AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT, AS EACH MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED BY ATLAS OR MILLICOM WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BEFORE THEY MAKE ANY DECISION WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFERS. THESE MATERIALS CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN, AS APPLICABLE, IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFERS, ATLAS AND MILLICOM.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement and other related documents delivered to you and/or incorporated by reference herein include "forward-looking statements," including statements regarding the Purchaser Group, any member of the Purchaser Group's future prospects, developments and business strategies, timing and completion of the Offers, compelling value of the Offers and the Offer Price, purpose of the Offers, future performance, plans, growth and other trend projections and other benefits of the Offers, certainty of the Offers and the potential to satisfy the conditions for completion of the Offers, regulatory approvals required for completion of the Offers, the possibility that competing offers will be made, potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships as a result of the Offers and costs, charges or expenses relating to the Offers. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as "anticipates," "intends," "expects," "believes," or similar expressions.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on assumptions and circumstances that may occur in the future. Actual results could differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside the control of Atlas, the Purchaser Group and Millicom, including changes in domestic and foreign economic and market conditions; the effect of changes in governmental regulations; any natural disaster, public health crisis or other catastrophic event; and the effect of laws and regulations governing government contracts, as well as the possibility that expected benefits related to recent or pending acquisitions, including the Offers, may not materialize as expected; the Offers not being timely completed, if completed at all; regulatory approvals required for the transaction not being timely obtained, if obtained at all, or being obtained subject to conditions; prior to the completion of the transaction, Millicom's business experiencing disruptions due to transaction-related uncertainty or other factors making it more difficult to maintain relationships with employees, customers, licensees, other business partners or governmental entities; difficulty retaining key employees; the outcome of any legal proceedings related to the Offers; the parties being unable to successfully implement integration strategies or to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected time frames or at all and other risk factors listed in Millicom's most recent annual report on Form 20-F. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date on which they are announced, and you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing Atlas' or the Purchaser Group's views as of any date after today. Except as required by the Swedish Takeover Rules or applicable law or regulation, Atlas and the Purchaser Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly announce updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement to reflect any change in expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. The reader should, however, consult any additional disclosures that Atlas, the Purchaser Group or Millicom have made or may make.

Important notice





The Offers are not being made, directly or indirectly, in Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa or Russia or in any other jurisdiction where such offer would be prohibited by applicable law pursuant to legislation, restrictions and regulations in the relevant jurisdiction, by use of mail or any other communication means or instrumentality (including, without limitation, facsimile transmission, electronic mail, telex, telephone and the internet) of interstate or foreign commerce, or of any facility of national securities exchange or other trading venue, of Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa or Russia or in any other jurisdiction where such offer would be prohibited by applicable law pursuant to legislation, restrictions and regulations in the relevant jurisdiction, and the Offers cannot be accepted by any such use or by such means, instrumentality or facility of, in or from, Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa or Russia or in any other jurisdiction where such offer would be prohibited by applicable law pursuant to legislation, restrictions and regulations in the relevant jurisdiction. Accordingly, this press release or any documentation relating to the Offers are not being and should not be sent, mailed or otherwise distributed or forwarded in or into Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa or Russia or in any other jurisdiction where such offer would be prohibited by applicable law pursuant to legislation, restrictions and regulations in the relevant jurisdiction.

This press release is not being, and must not be, sent to shareholders with registered addresses in Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa or Russia. Banks, brokers, dealers and other nominees holding shares for persons in Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa or Russia must not forward this press release or any other document received in connection with the Offers to such persons.

The Offers, the information and documents contained in this press release are not being made and has not been produced by, and has not been approved by, an "authorised person" for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, the "FSMA"). The communication of the information and documents or materials contained in this press release to persons in the United Kingdom is exempt from the restrictions on financial promotions in section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is a communication by or on behalf of a body corporate which relates to a transaction to acquire shares in a body corporate and the object of the transaction may reasonably be regarded as being the acquisition of day-to-day control of the affairs of that body corporate, or to acquire fifty (50) per cent or more of the voting shares in that body corporate, within Article 62 (Sale of a body corporate) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005.

BNP Paribas S.A., authorized and lead-supervised by the European Central Bank in Frankfurt-am-Main (Germany) and the Autorite de Controle Prudentiel et de Resolution in Paris (France), Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, authorized and lead-supervised regulated by the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt-am-Main (Germany) and the Autorite de Controle Prudentiel et de Resolution (ACPR) in Paris (France), J.P. Morgan Securities plc, authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority the United Kingdom, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, subject to regulatory supervision by a variety of US regulators including the Federal Reserve Bank, the SEC, FINRA, NYSE, CBOE and other exchanges and state regulatory organizations in the United States, Lazard Freres S.A.S., and Societe Generale, authorized and supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Autorite de Controle Prudentiel et de Resolution (the French Prudential Control and Resolution Authority) (ACPR) and regulated by the Autorite des Marches Financiers (the French financial markets regulator) (AMF) (each a "Parent Financial Advisor", and together the "Parent Financial Advisors"). The Parent Financial Advisors are the financial advisors to Parent and to no one else in connection with the Offers and will not regard any other person as their client in relation to the Offers. The Parent Financial Advisors are not responsible to anyone other than Parent for providing the protections afforded to their clients, nor for providing advice in connection with the Offers. The Parent Financial Advisors were not requested to, and did not, render an opinion with respect to the fairness of the Offers or any consideration to be paid in the Offers, including the Offer Price, or as to valuation or otherwise. The Parent Financial Advisors have not recommended any specific Offer Price to Parent or Purchaser or their respective directors, shareholders, creditors or other relevant parties.

Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ) which is authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority in Sweden (the "Atlas Financial Advisor"), is the financial advisor to Atlas and to no one else in connection with the Offers and will not regard any other person as its client in relation to the Offers. The Atlas Financial Advisor is not responsible to anyone other than Atlas for providing the protections afforded to its clients, nor for providing advice in connection with the Offers. The Atlas Financial Advisor was not requested to, and did not, render an opinion with respect to the fairness of the Offers or any consideration to be paid in the Offers, including the Offer Price, or as to valuation or otherwise. The Atlas Financial Advisor has not recommended any specific Offer Price to Parent or Purchaser or their respective directors, shareholders, creditors or other relevant parties.

Special notice to Shareholders in the United States





US Holders, as defined in Rule 14d-1 of the Exchange Act ("US Holders"), of SDRs are advised that the SDRs are not registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Offers are being made in the United States in accordance with US federal securities laws, including Regulation 14D and Regulation 14E promulgated under the Exchange Act, subject to the exemptions provided by Rule 14d-1(d) (the "Tier II Exemptions") under the Exchange Act, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Swedish law. Accordingly, the Offers are subject to disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to notice of extensions, withdrawal rights, settlement procedures and timing of payments, that are different from those applicable under US domestic tender offer procedures and law, and certain rules applicable to US tender offers made in the United States do not apply. Accordingly, US Holders of SDRs are advised of the risk that they may not be afforded the same rights under US federal securities laws by participating in the Swedish Offer. US Holders are encouraged to consult with their own advisors regarding the Offers.

As permitted under the Tier II Exemptions, notices of extensions of the Offers and the settlement of the Offers are based on the applicable Swedish and Luxembourg law provisions which differ from the extension and settlement procedures customary in the United States, particularly with regards to the time when notice must be given and payment of the consideration is rendered, respectively. The Offers, which are subject to Swedish law and Luxembourg law, are being made to holders of Common Shares and holders of SDRs in accordance with the applicable United States securities laws, and the exemptions applicable thereunder, in particular the Tier II Exemptions.

It may be difficult for US Holders or other Shareholders participating in the Swedish Offer to enforce their rights and any claims they may have arising under the US federal or state securities laws in connection with the Swedish Offer, since the Company and Atlas are located in countries other than the United States, and some or all of their officers and directors may be residents of countries other than the United States. US Holders may not be able to sue the Company or Atlas or their respective officers or directors in a non-US court for violations of US securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel the Company or Atlas and/or their respective affiliates to subject themselves to the jurisdiction or judgment of a US court.

To the extent permissible under applicable law and regulations, including Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act, Atlas and its affiliates or brokers (acting as agents for Atlas or its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time after the date hereof directly or indirectly purchase or arrange to purchase SDRs outside the United States, or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such Shares, other than pursuant to the Offers, during the period in which the Offers remain open for acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. In addition, the financial advisors to Parent and/or the Atlas Financial Advisor may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of the Company, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities as long as such purchases or arrangements are in compliance with the applicable law, including Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act. Any information about such purchases will be announced to US Holders through relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable Swedish or US law, rules or regulations.

THE OFFERS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY US STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SEC OR ANY US STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE OFFERS OR UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE OR WHETHER THE CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS CORRECT OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL AND A CRIMINAL OFFENSE IN THE UNITED STATES.

1 Atlas Luxco S.a r.l., a private limited liability company (societe a responsabilitelimitee) existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg ("Luxembourg"), having its registered office at 53, boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg, Luxembourg with corporate registration number B274990 with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Registry (R.C.S. Luxembourg), is a subsidiary of Atlas Investissement S.A.S., a simplified joint-stock company (societe par actions simplifiee), having its registered office at 16 Rue de la Ville-l'Eveque, FR-75008 Paris, France, with corporate registration number 908 070 188 with the Paris Trade and Companies Registry (R.C.S Paris) (the "Parent"). The Parent is a majority owned subsidiary of NJJ Holding S.A.S., a simplified joint-stock company (societe par actions simplifiee) domiciled in Paris, France, wholly owned by Xavier Niel (Atlas Luxco S.a r.l., Atlas Investissement S.A.S., NJJ Holding S.A.S. and Xavier Niel are together referred to as the "Purchaser Group").

2 Millicom International S.A., a public limited liability company (societe anonyme) existing under the laws of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 2, rue du Fort Bourbon, L-1249 Luxembourg, with corporate registration number B40630 with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Registry (R.C.S. Luxembourg).

3 Excluding Common Shares and/or SDRs held in treasury by Millicom. As of the date of the announcement of the Offers, Millicom held 840,641 Common Shares and/or SDRs in treasury. As of July 5, 2024, Millicom held 821,489 Common Shares and/or SDRs in treasury.

4 The Offer to Purchase is prepared in English only in accordance with a language exemption granted by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority in respect of the requirement to prepare the Offer to Purchase in the Swedish language. As an effect, this press release, the Supplement and any subsequent press releases and other communication concerning the Offers will be prepared only in the English language.
Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der

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The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation (AJCF) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Alex Dancyg, Z"L, a dear friend and esteemed Holocaust educator. Mr. Dancyg was a pivotal figure and partner in our efforts to foster Holocaust remembrance and education, both in Poland and around the world.

Tomasz Kuncewicz, Director of the AJCF, expressed his condolences, stating, "We are devastated by the loss of Alex Dancyg, a revered member of our community and a stalwart in Holocaust education. Mr. Dancyg was a frequent visitor to our museum and synagogue, often accompanied by the Israeli guides he personally trained. His profound dedication to his heritage, insatiable quest for knowledge, and steadfast commitment to educating others were evident to all who knew him. Mr. Dancyg's unique approach, which intertwined his Polish roots with his deep Israeli and Jewish identity, brought invaluable perspectives to his teachings on World War II and the Holocaust. His tragic death at the hands of Hamas terrorists only strengthens our determination to preserve his legacy and continue sharing the stories he told with passion."

Born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1948 to parents who survived the Holocaust, Mr. Dancyg immigrated to Israel in 1957 and eventually settled in Kibbutz Nir Oz. His passion for Holocaust history was reignited upon his return to Poland after thirty years, leading to his significant impact on Holocaust education from 1990 onwards. Mr. Dancyg played a crucial role in training guides for Israeli youth trips to Poland and educating Polish teachers.

Mr. Dancyg's profound contributions to Holocaust education have indelibly shaped our understanding of this dark chapter in history. We mourn his untimely death and vehemently condemn the act of terrorism by Hamas that claimed his life.

For further information, please contact:

Jack Simony

Director General

(212) 796 0700

jsimony@ajcfus.org

SOURCE: Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus.

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BANGALORE, India, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Artificial Intelligence in the Security Market is Segmented by Type (Endpoint Security, Network Security, Application Security, Cloud Security), by Application (Government & Defense, Enterprise, BFSI, Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Automotive & Transportation, Infrastructure).

The Global Artificial Intelligence in Security Market is projected to grow from USD 4966.7 Million in 2023 to USD 13450 Million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.1% during the forecast period.

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Major Factors Driving the Growth of AI in Security Market:

The market for artificial intelligence (AI) in security is growing quickly as businesses use cutting-edge technology to improve their security protocols and defend against increasingly complex cyberattacks. The efficiency and efficacy of security operations are greatly increased by AI-driven security systems, which include features like automated responses, predictive analytics, and real-time threat identification. By identifying and thwarting possible attacks more quickly than with conventional techniques, AI integration in security systems lowers the likelihood of data breaches and other cyber catastrophes. The use of AI in security is driven by the need for proactive security tactics and the increasing complexity of cyberattacks. These industries include government, banking, healthcare, and retail.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE AI IN SECURITY MARKET:

The market for artificial intelligence (AI) in security is growing quickly as businesses use cutting-edge technology to improve their security protocols and defend against increasingly complex cyberattacks. The efficiency and efficacy of security operations are greatly increased by AI-driven security systems, which include features like automated responses, predictive analytics, and real-time threat identification. By identifying and thwarting possible attacks more quickly than with conventional techniques, AI integration in security systems lowers the likelihood of data breaches and other cyber catastrophes. The use of AI in security is driven by the need for proactive security tactics and the increasing complexity of cyberattacks. These industries include government, banking, healthcare, and retail.

Because endpoints like laptops, cellphones, and IoT devices are frequently used as entry points for assaults, endpoint security is a major driver of AI in the security industry. AI improves endpoint security by offering more sophisticated threat detection and reaction tools. Real-time endpoint activity monitoring and analysis by AI-powered systems can spot irregularities and possible threats that conventional security technologies would overlook. Secure sensitive data and organizational network integrity depend on the capacity to identify zero-day attacks, ransomware, and other advanced threats at the endpoint level. The market is expanding as a result of the rising need for reliable AI-driven endpoint security solutions brought on by the growing number of connected devices.

Because of its extreme vulnerability to financial fraud and data breaches, the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) industry is one of the main drivers of AI in the security market. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology provides sophisticated capabilities to identify and stop fraudulent activity, secure transactions, and safeguard client data. AI is used by financial institutions for real-time monitoring, risk assessment, and anomaly detection-tasks that are essential for upholding client confidence and adhering to strict regulatory standards. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a vital tool for the financial services industry because of its capacity to analyze vast amounts of financial data and swiftly and correctly spot questionable trends. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats directed at financial institutions is propelling the financial sector's use of artificial intelligence (AI) in security, hence driving market expansion.

One of the main drivers of the security industry's development is proactive threat detection. AI technologies offer proactive threat detection by continually monitoring and analyzing data to discover possible dangers before they can cause harm, in contrast to traditional security methods that respond to attacks after they happen. Security systems can anticipate and avert intrusions thanks to machine learning algorithms' ability to learn from past data and identify anomalies. By taking a proactive stance, security breaches are less damaging and incident response takes less time and money. The capacity of AI to reduce risks and issue early warnings is attracting more and more organizations, which is fueling the growth of the AI security industry.

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AI IN SECURITY MARKET SHARE

The market for AI in security is expanding quickly in the Asia-Pacific area as a result of growing cyberthreats, a rise in the use of AI technology, and large expenditures in digital infrastructure. China, Japan, and India are leading the way in this expansion due to their developing IT sectors and government programs to strengthen cybersecurity.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/artificial-intelligence-ai-in-security-market-size-to-grow-usd-13450-million-by-2029-at-a-cagr-of-18-1--valuates-reports-302213566.html
WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Ariento Inc. has achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching Gold status on CMMC Marketplace, a pivotal platform for vendors and organizations seeking to meet the Department of Defense's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards. Gold status is awarded to service providers, resellers, or vendors that have at least 10 verified reviews and are in the top three for net promoter score (NPS) within their vertical. The eight verticals are C3PAO, CMMC Readiness, Reseller, Managed Service Provider (MSP), Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), On Premise Service Provider, Licensed Training Provider (LTP) and Cloud Service Provider (CSP). NPS measures the number of customers who have worked with Ariento in any of these verticals that would recommend the company.

This recognition is a testament to Ariento's consistently demonstrated expertise in the field and commitment to providing top-tier cybersecurity solutions and services to government contractors and organizations striving to meet the requirements of CMMC.

As both a managed service provider (MSP) and C3PAO, Ariento is uniquely positioned in the CMMC market and has proven to be a key player with their comprehensive range of service offerings. The company's track record of excellence in advisory and consulting, managed services, procurement and resale has led to its recognition as the number one combined CMMC MSP and authorized C3PAO.

Ariento is also a featured Microsoft and Cisco Resale Partner on the CMMC Marketplace. Ariento's partnership with Microsoft includes the reselling, implementation, and support of Microsoft 365 Commercial and Government Community Cloud (GCC and GCC-High) services, as well as Azure Commercial and Azure Government services. In collaboration with Cisco, Ariento resells Meraki, Umbrella, and Duo products, all of which have achieved Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) certification.

The CMMC Marketplace is the trusted platform for connecting verified CMMC vendors and service providers with organizations that need their products and services. Ariento's recognition and status as a C3PAO, MSP and featured resale partner is a significant endorsement of its ability to support the federal government's initiative to bolster the cybersecurity posture of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

For more information on Ariento, please visit ariento.com. For more information on CMMC Marketplace, please visit cmmcmarketplace.org.

About Ariento Inc.: Ariento Inc. is the #1 combined CMMC managed service provider and authorized C3PAO and a premier provider of cybersecurity and IT solutions for government contractors and organizations. As a C3PAO, reseller and MSP, Ariento offers a suite of services designed to assist clients in navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity regulations and standards.

Contact Information

Madeline AuBuchon

Project Manager | Program Management Office

communications@ariento.com

703-867-3347



Bryan Crosson

Director, Business Development

bryan@ariento.com

703-682-8322

SOURCE: Ariento Inc.

View the original press release on newswire.com.
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2024) - World-class speakers, immersive attendee experiences and impactful networking are at the heart of MOVE. MOVE America connects the entire mobility ecosystem, focused on tech, business models and sustainable futures.

Join 5000+ mobility professionals from - CPOs, OEMs, fleet operators, governments and cities, battery manufacturers, transport operators, investors and utilities - as they gather for an unparalleled opportunity to learn, innovate, partner and do business in:

Energy & Charging

Fleet Management

Urban Supply Chain

Autonomous Vehicles

MaaS

Micromobility

Business Models

Commerce

Intelligent Infrastructure

Smart Cities

Electric Vehicles

Connectivity

Battery Tech

Featuring 550+ speakers, 200 start-ups, 200+ sponsors and exhibitors, MOVE is your chance to be part of a converged mobility marketplace where every minute matters, conversations count and where growth is exponential.

OUR SPONSORS:

Platinum Sponsors:

Aon

EY

IBM

Aurora

Deloitte

Samsung C&T

Bosch

SAP

Elysia Battery Intelligence from Fortescue Zero

Monta

Miller EV

Thoughtworks

Gold Sponsors:

Ampeco

Arity

Beep

XCharge Energy USA

EVBox

Driivz

Twaice

Kempower

SWTCH

Voltera

Hubject

TEN (Transportation Equipment Network)

STX Group

GPRS

Silver Sponsors:

ChargerHelp!

Electrada

Varnum

Irdeto

Pratt Miller

Verizon

Bolttech

World Auto Steel

EVerged

MOVE GROOVE Sponsor:

T-Mobile

OUR SPEAKERS:

Philipp Skogstad, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America

Jeffrey Morrison, Vice President - Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, General Motors

Robert Winans, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Panasonic Energy Of North America

Jennifer Brace, Chief Futurist, Ford Motor Company

Katrin Lohmann, President, Volkswagen ADMT

David Scorey, President and CEO, Keolis North America

Lori Adams, VP Broadband Policy & Funding Strategy, Nokia

Matt Furlow, Senior Director & Policy Counsel, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Jana Breitkopf, Managing Director, Mercedes Pay

Dottie Watkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, CapMetro

Chris Nevers, Sr. Director, Public Policy, Rivian

Casper H Rasmussen, CEO, Monta

Aravind Kailas, Advanced Technology Policy Director, Volvo Group North America

Joanna Buttler, Head of the Global Autonomous Technology Group, Daimler Truck North America

Kari Birdsall, Vice President of EV Strategy, Hertz

Matthew Chen, Director of Government Affairs, Blink Charging

Jason Bell, Managing Director - Strategy & Implementation, ENGIE

Suman Kharbanda, Vice President, Advanced Technology & Innovation, FedEx

Morteza Farajian, Executive Director, Build America Bureau at the U.S. Department of Transportation

Gavin Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Oxa

Scott Walbrun, Principal, BMW i Ventures

Julie White, Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation, North Carolina Department of Transportation

Ganesh Iyer, Chief Executive Officer, NIO USA

Srinivas Gowda, Vice President, Autonomous Vehicles & Emerging Tech, Navistar Inc

Manish Mehrotra, Vice President, Digital Business Planning & Connected Ops, Hyundai Motor North America

Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification

Nandith Nandakumar, Deputy Program Director, Connected Car Services, Nissan North America

And hundreds more.

See the FULL LIST OF SPEAKERS HERE

TOP THEMES:

Autonomous Vehicles & Self-Driving Technology - Self-driving vehicles and their technology is a rapidly growing trend across the mobility ecosystem. We want to discuss how this could look on future roads and how we get there.





Future Mobility Trends - The climate of mobility is constantly changing; new technologies and products are being launched every single day. But where should you invest next? We want to discuss what is going to be the next BIG thing in mobility.





Battery Tech & the Mobility Supply Chain - as battery technology charges forward, the transport industry is benefitting. Hear how new battery chemistries and materials are driving a lighter and longer lasting battery.





Vehicle-to-Everything - We want to discuss how utility and energy companies are linking up infrastructure to support electrification and help EV owners to charge their cars more efficiently. Plus, we want to talk about how this affects the grid.

Find out what else will be igniting discussion from the MOVE AMERICA AGENDA HERE.

EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS:

IBM - showcasing IBM Maximo, a lifecycle management solution, and demonstrating how it's helping transportation organizations optimize the performance, reliability, and sustainability of their assets.

XCharge - launching and demoing a new product generation.

ChargerHelp - launching its ONLINE EVSE Technician & SAE Preparation Course.

Autofleet - announcing a new major partnership.

Owlet - unveiling their latest Owlet 2/Moped.

Plus dozens more.

MEDIA RESOURCES:

Press and media have exclusive access to the press lounge where you can write up your stories or conduct your own interviews - the lounge will be covered with a suitable interview back drop if you choose to film your interviews.

The lounge will also be supplied with cable access to charge your equipment to sort your content.

Press also attend the event for free and can bring any number of colleagues with them.

MOVE GROOVE and Afterhours Bar Crawl:

Everyone knows the best networking happens after hours, so join us for a night to remember as we kick out the jams at the MOVE GROOVE, afterparty exclusively sponsored by T-Mobile at the end of Day 1.

The partying doesn't stop there! After the groovin' ends, we get movin' onto the MOVE YOUR FEET: Afterhours Bar Crawl down through the city's iconic strip on Sixth Street. You can't afford to miss it.

WHAT ATTENDEES HAVE TO SAY

"MOVE gives voices to those who want to innovate and be part of a sustainable solution for transportation." Mobility Strategist, City of Detroit

"MOVE is an inspiring opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future of the industry alongside like-minded pioneers." CEO, DeLorean

"It's through gatherings like these that strategic thinkers get to meet and script future plans for emerging technologies." Senior Contributor, Forbes

"If you believe in community as a business model, I would strongly encourage everyone to be a part of MOVE America. I hope they continue this tradition forever." CEO, NIO

"MOVE America is where innovators, policymakers, and consumers converge to shape the trajectory of sustainable mobility." President, Miller EV Solutions





Caption: MOVE America will be happening on September 24-25 at the Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10729/218530_49f79c8504160ab0_001full.jpg





Caption: MOVE America will be happening on September 24-25 at the Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10729/218530_49f79c8504160ab0_002full.jpg





Caption: MOVE America will be happening on September 24-25 at the Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10729/218530_49f79c8504160ab0_003full.jpg

Watch the full trailer for MOVE America 2024 here.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218530

SOURCE: MOVE America 2024
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSXV:BAY)(OTCQB:ATBHF) ("Aston Bay" or the "Company") advises that it has granted stock options exercisable to acquire 2,300,000 common shares in the Company to certain officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company. The incentive stock options have an exercise price of $0.105 per share with a five-year term and will vest one-third on the date of grant, and one-third on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant.

About Aston Bay Holdings

Aston Bay is a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for high-grade critical and precious metal deposits in Nunavut, Canada and Virginia, USA. The Company is led by CEO Thomas Ullrich with exploration in Virginia directed by the Company's advisor, Don Taylor, the 2018 Thayer Lindsley Award winner for his discovery of the Taylor Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in Arizona.

The Company is currently exploring the Storm Copper and Epworth Properties in Nunavut, and the high-grade Buckingham Gold Vein in central Virginia. The company is also in advanced stages of negotiation on other lands with high-grade critical metals potential in North America

The Company and its joint venture partners, American West Metals Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tornado Metals Ltd. (collectively, "American West"), have formed a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture and are finalizing a joint venture agreement in respect of the Storm Project property, which hosts the Storm Copper Project and the Seal Zinc Deposit. Under the unincorporated joint venture, Aston Bay shall have a free carried interest until American West has made a decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study, meaning American West will be solely responsible for funding the joint venture until such decision is made. After such decision is made, Aston Bay will be diluted in the event it does not elect to contribute its proportionate share and its interest in the Storm Project property will be converted into a 2% net smelter returns royalty if its interest is diluted to below 10%.

The Company's public disclosure documents are available on www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer

thomas.ullrich@astonbayholdings.com

(416) 456-3516

SOURCE: Aston Bay Holdings Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) applauds the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) accelerated approval of TECELRA (afamitresgene autoleucel) for the treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic synovial sarcoma who have received prior chemotherapy. This groundbreaking therapy offers a new treatment option for patients with this rare, soft tissue cancer, marking a significant advancement in cellular therapy.

Developed by Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc, TECELRA is the first engineered cell therapy for a solid tumor cancer approved in the U.S., and the first new treatment option in over a decade for synovial sarcoma. The approval is based on the overall response rate and duration of response in patients, as demonstrated in the pivotal SPEARHEAD-1 (Cohort 1) trial, which showed a 43% overall response rate with a complete response rate of 4.5%.

"This approval is a testament to the collaborative efforts between researchers, clinicians, and industry partners dedicated to advancing the science of cellular therapy," said Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, FRCPC, President of ASTCT.

ASTCT has long advocated for innovation and excellence in clinical care through cellular therapies, striving to improve outcomes for patients with hematopoietic cell transplantation and related cellular therapies. ASTCT believes that TECELRA's approval will significantly impact the synovial sarcoma community, providing new opportunities for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

For more information about TECELRA and its availability, healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to contact Adaptimmune directly.

About The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT):

The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) is an international professional society dedicated to improving the lives of blood and marrow transplant and cellular therapy patients. ASTCT represents more than 3,900 physicians, investigators, and other health care professionals from more than 45 countries. Our mission is dedicated to improving the application and success of blood and marrow transplantation and related cellular therapies. We strive to be the leading organization promoting research, education, and clinical practice in the field. For more information about ASTCT, visit www.astct.org.

Contact Information

Jayne Kramer

Marketing Manager

jkramer@astct.org

202.367.2313

SOURCE: The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT)

View the original press release on newswire.com.
PORT HUENEME, CA AND VENTURA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Following the exciting announcement of a $16 million sub-award from the California State Transportation Agency's Port and Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP) grant, the Ventura Port District and the Port of Hueneme are set to commence the next phase of the Commercial Fish Landing Modernization Project.

Current squid operations at the Port of Hueneme are set to move to a new location at the Ventura Harbor.

The PFIP grant, awarded to the Port of Hueneme last year for its PACED (Port Action, Climate, and Environmental Development) Program, is part of the $1.2 billion one-time funding initiative by the California State Legislature and is targeted for projects that enhance the capacity, safety, efficiency, and resilience of goods movement through California's maritime ports, while also focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the impact on adjacent communities.

"These funds are coming from the State of California, and I would be remiss for not thanking CalSTA for including this project as one of the projects being funded by the Port and Freight Infrastructure Program," said Ventura Port District General Manager Brian D. Pendleton. "I would like to thank the Port of Hueneme for providing the opportunity to pursue this partnership grant for these synergies between our agencies."

While Ventura Harbor does not directly move goods, the relocation of the Port of Hueneme's commercial fishing facilities to Ventura Harbor will enhance cargo efficiency at the Port of Hueneme.

The Board of Port Commissioners for the Port of Hueneme approved the agreement on Monday, July 15, 2024, followed by the Ventura Port District's Board's approval on Wednesday, July 19, 2024. This partnership exemplifies a shared vision for enhancing the economic vitality and infrastructure of Ventura County's waterfront.

"The Port of Hueneme expresses its deepest appreciation to the Ventura Port District, CalSTA, and all parties involved in securing this pivotal grant," said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District. "We are poised to embark on a transformative journey by improving goods movement at the Port of Hueneme and enhancing Ventura Harbor's role as a vital component of California's maritime industry."

Squid operations located at the Port of Hueneme.

With the sub-award agreement approved, the next steps involve the Ventura Port District and the Port of Hueneme working closely to procure environmental review and engineering design services.

"I would like to express my thanks to the team for pulling this project together," said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director for the Port of Hueneme. "Both agencies fully embraced this vision for a project that was mutually beneficial."

Local squid operations. (Photo Credit: Dan Harding)

In January 2023, the Oxnard Harbor District (which owns the Port of Hueneme) extended an invitation to the Ventura Port District to join as a sub-applicant in the PFIP grant application for the relocation of the Commercial Fish Landing Modernization Project to fund the modernization of Ventura Harbor's commercial fish offloading facilities. This project is pivotal in improving cargo efficiency at the Port of Hueneme by relocating its commercial fishing activities to Ventura Harbor and deconflicting the backland cargo area of the Port of Hueneme. At the same time, the grant will fund the development of a brand-new facility, designed to improve and increase the squid landing capacity including absorbing the fish offloading activities transitioning from the Port of Hueneme, which will keep commerce and jobs in the region. The project underscores both agencies' commitment to ensuring Ventura County remains a competitive and thriving hub for commercial fishing and increased cargo commerce.

Mike Blumenberg, Ventura Port District Chair of the Board, said it is important to include the Commercial Fish Landing Modernization Project as part of the District's upcoming public workshop on September 14, which will include a focus on business continuity and ensuring the project is completed within the timeframe of the grant.

"I am thrilled that the Port of Hueneme reached out to us and gave us the opportunity to work together," Blumenberg said. "Let's preserve our local stakeholders - the fishing industry - and preserve our local businesses and coordinate to move forward."

About Ventura Port District : The Ventura Port District is dedicated to maintaining a safe and navigable harbor while promoting a vibrant and sustainable seaside destination. Through strategic initiatives focused on economic development, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, the District fosters a thriving harbor community for residents, fishermen, tourists, and the environment.

About the Port of Hueneme : The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 24,997 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit. www.portofh.org

Press Contacts:

Letitia Austin

Public & Government Relations Manager, Port of Hueneme

laustin@portofh.org

(805) 816-8324

Todd Mitchell

Senior Business Operations Manager, Ventura Port District

tmitchell@venturaharbor.com

(805) 621-7169

SOURCE: Port of Hueneme

View the original press release on accesswire.com
SAN ANTONIO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the Elevate Conference, which took place on July 25th in San Antonio, Texas. The event brought together a dynamic group of high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators for a day of inspiration, learning, and quality introductions.





Jacqueline Hernandez & Faten Bazzi

The founders of Entrepreneurial Empire





Jacqueline Hernandez and Faten Bazzi, two women founders of Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting, are driven by the belief that bringing entrepreneurs together fosters growth, learning, and increased professional revenue. As hosts of the first ELEVATE conference in a quarterly series that will continue to take place in San Antonio, Jacqueline and Faten are committed to disrupting traditional approaches and creating new introductions. Their mission is to empower businesses to unlock their full potential and make a lasting impact through their core principles: Polish, Position, and Elevate. This series will bring people from all over the country to blend insights and grow the market in an accelerated way for local San Antonians.

The Elevate Conference featured a panel of distinguished speakers who shared their stories, insights, and strategies for success. Attendees had the unique opportunity to hear from industry leaders who have navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship and emerged victorious. The panel provided invaluable advice on a range of topics, including strategic planning, brand development, collaborations, and market expansion.

Attendees raved about the event, sharing deep gratitude, stating, "This event has truly changed my life," said a participant, and another remarking, "This was the best event I have attended here in San Antonio," while many other guests praised the high-quality value and introductions.

The conference was particularly notable for attracting high-net-worth individuals, providing an elevated experience in introductions that led to significant deal flow opportunities. This unique aspect underscored the importance of building a supportive and collaborative entrepreneurial community.

In addition to the dynamic sessions, Jacqueline Hernandez held a special book signing of her latest published work, 'Entrepreneurial Empire.' Where the participants of the event received a personally signed copy, adding a unique and inspiring touch to the event.

"We are thrilled with the turnout and the positive feedback we received from attendees," said Jacqueline Hernandez, Founder of Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting. "Our goal was to create a space where entrepreneurs could access exclusive information, learn from industry titans, and tackle the hard conversations about business ownership. We aimed to help entrepreneurs expand their personal influential reach, and based on the results, we believe our conference achieved all of this."

Co-founder Faten Bazzi added, "The stories and insights shared by our speakers were filled with information that cannot be Googled. As a Business Development Consultant, hosting this event was our opportunity to give back to the local community in a meaningful and impactful way, setting a higher standard for entrepreneurs."

Jacqueline and Faten, the hosts of the Elevate Conference, extend their heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, participants, and volunteers who made this event possible. The guests' enthusiasm and engagement were vital to the success of the Elevate Conference.

For more information about Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting and upcoming events, please visit our website, Entrepreneurial Empire, or contact us at jacqueline@entrepreneurial-empire.com.

About Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting

Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting is a leading consulting firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals. Founded by Jacqueline Hernandez and co-founded by Faten Bazzi, the firm offers strategic planning, branding, and market authority services to empower businesses to unlock their full potential. Guided by our core principles of Polish, Position, and Elevate, we strive to create lasting impacts for our clients.

Click here to watch the exciting reel from the Elevate event and see the highlights for yourself.

Contact:

Jacqueline Hernandez & Faten bazzi

Founders of Entrepreneurial Empire

jacqueline@entrepreneurial-empire.com

Entrepreneurial Empire

Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting thanks attendees for making the Elevate Conference a memorable event.

Contact Information

Jacqueline Hernandez

Founder and CEO

jacqueline@entrepreneurial-empire.com

4088028663

Related Images

Our Speakers Guest

SOURCE: Entrepreneurial Empire

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2024) - Golden Spike Resources Corp. (CSE: GLDS) (OTCQB: GSPRF) (FSE: L5Y) ("Golden Spike" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant of $95,691.86 under the Junior Exploration Assistance (JEA) program by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. This grant will support the company's ongoing exploration activities on its key properties in Newfoundland.

Highlights of the Grant:

Amount Awarded: $95,691.86

Purpose: To assist with exploration work on Golden Spike's Gregory River project in Newfoundland.

Impact: The grant will enable the Company to advance its exploration programs, including IP surveys, prospecting work, and drilling initiatives.

Keith Anderson, President and CEO of Golden Spike Resources Corp., commented: "We are extremely grateful for the support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the JEA program. This funding will significantly enhance our ability to continue exploration and development on our Newfoundland properties. We are committed to conducting our activities in an environmentally responsible manner, and this grant will help us in achieving our goals while also providing economic benefits to the local communities."

Exploration Plans:

IP and Prospecting Work: The completion of Induced Polarization (IP) surveys and detailed prospecting on the Gregory River property.

Drilling Program: Mobilization for the upcoming drilling program on the property, with a focus on high-priority targets identified through IP and prospecting results.

Data Interpretation: Continued interpretation of IP data and prospecting results to refine drill targets.

Community Engagement:

Golden Spike Resources Corp. remains committed to engaging with local communities and stakeholders. The Company will continue to provide updates on exploration progress and ensure that all activities are conducted with the utmost respect for the environment and community interests.

Marketing Engagement:

Golden Spike is pleased to announce it has engaged Black Swan Solutions Inc. dba VHLA Media ("VHLA") to provide certain digital marketing services (the "Services") to the Company, including the development of social media content and a marketing campaign distributed through online platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Google, and via email through VHLA's mailing list. The Engagement is for a term of 6 months and may be renewed for subsequent periods if mutually agreed upon by VHLA and the Company. As consideration for the Engagement, the Company will pay VHLA a fee of C$100,000 plus GST.

VHLA is a British Columbia-based digital media marketing company, whose contact information is as follows: 14301-312 256th St. Maple Ridge, BC, attention: Dawson Ignatieff, dawson@vhlamedia.com. VHLA has an arm's length relationship with the Company and, to the Company's knowledge, VHLA and its directors and officers do not own any securities of the Company.

About Golden Spike

Golden Spike Resources Corp. (CSE:GLDS), (OTCQB: GSPRF), (FSE: L5Y) is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on identifying, acquiring and unlocking value in mineral opportunities in Canada and other low-risk jurisdictions. The Company currently holds 100% interest in the 5,050-hectare Gregory River Property in Newfoundland, strategically centered over an approximate 11-kilometer-long stretch of the Gregory River VMS-belt, a north-northeast trending corridor of very prospective ground with potential to host Cyprus-type polymetallic VMS deposits. In addition, the Property hosts a cluster of historically explored, high-grade, copper gold vein structures.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" occur.

Additionally, forward-looking information involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: the volatility of global capital markets, political instability, unanticipated costs, risks relating to the extent and duration of the conflict in Eastern Europe and its impact on global markets, the lack of availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather conditions, failure to maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), increase in costs, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, failure of the exploration program, including the recent IP survey and potential future drilling to result in the discovery of significant precious and/or base metal mineralization, and those risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in the Company's disclosure record under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained herein. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement or forward-looking information disclosed herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218736

SOURCE: Golden Spike Resources Corp.
Blue Yonder, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based leader in digital supply chain transformations, closed the acquisition of Dallas, Texas-based One Network Enterprises, at an enterprise value of approximately $839m.

The acquisition gives Blue Yonder customers the ability to collaborate and share data  from inventory levels to raw and finished goods materials movement  in real time across all trading partners up and down the supply chain.

One Network Enterprises is an AI-powered platform that turns the supply chain into a competitive advantage with end-to-end visibility and control across an entire ecosystem. It allows organizations to effectively plan, execute, and continuously and incrementally optimize supply, demand, and logistics.

With the addition of One Networks commercial technology, Blue Yonder can now offer customers a multi-enterprise, multi-tier network ecosystem; artificial intelligence (AI)-powered supply chain assistants to identify, monitor, analyze, and resolve problems; and a simplified process to onboard and work with trading partners. Real-time inventory and capacity views help customers match supply and demand, detect and resolve problems, and orchestrate resources across their network of trading partners. One Network will continue to independently service and provide tailored technology solutions to its government customers.

Led by Duncan Angove, CEO, Blue Yonder is the world leader in digital supply chain transformation. Global retailers, manufacturers and logistics providers leverage Blue Yonder to optimize their supply chains from planning through fulfillment, delivery and returns. Its AI-embedded, interoperable supply chain solutions are connected end-to-end via a unified platform and data cloud, enabling business to collaborate in real time across functions, which supports more agile decision-making, improved customer satisfaction, profitable growth, and more resilient, sustainable supply chains.

FinSMEs

02/08/2024
Cryptocurrency has transmuted from what was once considered a niche to being a significant asset class.

Many people also have concerns about the negative impacts on the environment through the mining process in cryptocurrency, thus looking for a more sustainable approach. Based on the above analysis, Chia Coin takes the stand as the epitome model among eco-friendly cryptocurrency plants.

As much as this article focuses on Chia Coin analyzing Chia Coin price prediction and the new and environmentally-friendly way of mining cryptocurrencies. Here, we have seen why investors and firms should consider putting Chia Coin on their investment lists.

The Birth of Chia Coin

Chia Coin was also created by Bram Cohen in 2017, the very same individual who developed BitTorrent. He further envisioned the development of a new currency where mining would be, to an extent, not as damaging to the environment as mining is. Normal mining operations using the PoW algorithms necessary for the functioning of most widely used cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, consume a lot of power. Chia Coin, on the other hand, uses another type of verification commonly referred to as proof of space and time (PoST).

How Proof-of-Space-and-Time Works

Chias PoST system makes it different from other cryptocurrencies. Heres what you need to know about it:

Proof-of-Space (PoS): People give their unused disk space to the Chia network when making plots. These plots have cryptographic data, which helps secure the network.

People give their unused disk space to the Chia network when making plots. These plots have cryptographic data, which helps secure the network. Proof-of-Time (PoT): Time Lords special nodes in the network, check transactions along with PoS to keep the network safe and effective.

This mix cuts down on how much energy the network uses, making it appealing to investors who care about the environment.

Why Chia Coin Attracts Investors

Spreading Risk and Green Tech

Investors want to add variety to their portfolios with assets that match their beliefs. Green tech leads this trend, and Chia Coin fits right in. By putting money into Chia, people and companies can back a cryptocurrency that puts sustainability first without giving up possible profits.

Corporate Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is no longer an empty word for modern businessmen; it became a component of business planning. Clients, shareholders, and even regulating authorities demand that businesses reduce their level of influence on the surroundings. Adding Chia Coin to business operations can help companies show theyre serious about sustainability. They can do this through:

Money-Saving Financial Practices : Keeping Chia Coin as part of company money management.

: Keeping Chia Coin as part of company money management. Green Blockchain Solutions: Using Chias blockchain for apps that need openness and safety without high power costs.

Market Performance and Future Possibilities

Since it started, Chia Coin has caught the eye of many crypto fans. While the crypto market goes up and down a lot, Chias different approach makes a strong case for its future success.

Latest Performance

At first, Chia grew . People were interested in its green tech, and Bram Cohen, who started it, backed it up. Like other markets, it went up and down. But its solid technology and the rising interest in eco-friendly investments give it a strong base to grow from.

Future Prospects

Chia Coins future looks good as more people around the world think about climate change and want to do things that last. Here are some things that could help Chia do better in the market:

More People Using It : As businesses and investors see how good PoST system is, more of them will start using it.

: As businesses and investors see how good PoST system is, more of them will start using it. Better Technology : If Chia keeps making its tech better and coming up with new ideas more people might want to use it.

: If Chia keeps making its tech better and coming up with new ideas more people might want to use it. Government Support: If the government makes rules that are good for green tech, it could help Chia grow and make it more official.

Things to Think About and Possible Problems

When youre thinking about putting money into something, you need to know about the problems that might happen with Chia Coin. Here are some:

Market Volatility : The cryptocurrency market sees big ups and downs, and Chia follows this trend. Investors should expect major price swings.

: The cryptocurrency market sees big ups and downs, and Chia follows this trend. Investors should expect major price swings. Technological Risks : Chias PoST mechanism brings new ideas, but it hasnt been tested yet. As the network expands unexpected issues might crop up.

: Chias PoST mechanism brings new ideas, but it hasnt been tested yet. As the network expands unexpected issues might crop up. Regulatory Environment: Rules for cryptocurrencies are still taking shape. Changes in these rules could affect Chias potential in the market.

Conclusion

Chia Coin marks a big change in the world of cryptocurrency, offering a green option compared to old mining methods. Its new proof-of-space-and-time approach cuts down on energy use by a lot. This makes it appealing to investors and companies that care about the environment.
Omega Capital, a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based private equity firm, announced the first closing of Omega Capital Fund II, LP.

The closing consisted entirely of returning Fund I investors.

Led by Jason Martin, founder and president, Omega Capital is focused on investing in closely held lower-middle market companies.

The strategy for Fund II will largely follow that of Fund I. The firm seeks to invest $3m to $10m in growth equity or buyout transactions in Oklahoma and surrounding states in a broad range of industries, from healthcare to outdoor products to aviation.

Frederic Dorwart, Lawyers PLLC served as fund counsel to the firm.

FinSMEs

02/08/2024
Like so many other aspects of modern life, fintech innovations are revolutionising how payroll systems function and how flexible they can be.

Against that backdrop, earned wage access (EWA) has emerged as potentially a fundamental gamechanger for employers and for their workforces.

Consumers worldwide today want and expect systems, and particularly financial services, to be digitised, flexible, super easy to use and responsive to their own specific needs, explains Taras Boyko, a serial entrepreneur and fintech investor.

According to a recent Zion Market Research study, the global earned wage access software market, valued at $22.50 billion in 2022, is predicted to grow by over $4 billion by 2030. This growth reflects the increasing demand for digitised, flexible, and user-friendly financial services.

The appeal of EWA is evident in the willingness of 79% of workers globally to switch to companies offering such services. Gen Z to Gen X employees in the US, for example, feel they should have access to wages theyve earned at the end of every work day. Boyko notes, In essence, for service providers in the space, its about meeting people where they are and delivering tools that make a positive difference.

For employees, the option of quickly accessing wages earlier than scheduled, and in a hassle-free way, represents a significant perk, particularly given the cost of living pressures and lack of emergency savings in evidence among working age populations worldwide. Indeed, for anyone struggling to make ends meet or to manage their debt situations, the advantages of EWA options are obvious and can have a huge impact on both financial and broader personal wellbeing.

Upgrading payrolls

Digitalisation is an ongoing megatrend that cuts across industries and payroll functions have been upgraded significantly as part of that process. Cloud-based computing systems, plus the latest superfast money transfer and payment capabilities and, increasingly, AI innovations, are all helping to enhance the speed, security and seamlessness of payroll processes. Tasks that might, until recently, have taken several days for payroll professionals to execute can now be done almost instantaneously, regardless of how dispersed or remote an organisations workforce might be.

Meanwhile, digital platforms designed specifically to meet the needs of organisations with lots of employees can give HR professionals instant access to all manner of pertinent and potentially powerful data. That data is not just made accessible but rendered more visually engaging, coherent and easier to work with. Increasingly, payroll-related details and insights that might otherwise have gone unnoticed are being identified and deployed strategically to inform better decision-making within businesses, all the way up to boardroom level.

Global adoption and impact

Evidence of growing demand for and satisfaction with EWA options among employees is compelling. Employers also see tangible benefits, including improved staff retention, wellbeing, and productivity. Gig economy workers, who are used to digital flexibility and managing their money via apps, are particularly attuned to the advantages of EWA solutions.

With these positive dynamics in place, the EWA market remains relatively untapped, presenting significant growth opportunities. Fintech firms are becoming prominent providers of on-demand wage payout services. For fintech innovators and investors, the incentives are clear, with demand for EWA poised for rapid global growth.

Although EWA was pioneered in the US, the greatest potential for the service may lie in markets with slower pay cycles and more complex labour laws, according to a report from Harvard University. Most European companies pay monthly due to labour laws not mandating higher pay frequency. To address this gap, significant providers have emerged in the last five years. For example, Wagestream, founded in 2018 in the UK, serves over 1 million workers across 300 employers globally. Payflow, set up in Spain in 2020, has over 100,000 users and 175 employers on their platform, with plans to expand to the B2C model.

In Asia and Latin America, many companies founded recently are experiencing rapid growth in valuation, corporate clients, and end users. Refyne in India, founded in 2020, raised $82 million in a Series B round in January 2022. Wagely, also founded in 2020 in Indonesia, created the EWA category in Indonesia and has expanded to Bangladesh. Their competitor, GajiGesa, works with more than 120 companies and claims that over 80% of their employees have stopped using informal lenders due to EWA. Advance in the Philippines raised $16 million in pre-Series A funding and expanded to Vietnam. In Latin America, Minu, a Mexico-based employee wellness company, has over 300 enterprise customers and reported 5x revenue growth between 2021 and 2022.

What lies ahead

People worldwide are feeling the squeeze financially, and they want the flexibility to access money theyve earned on their own terms. According to the on-demand pay company Clair, some 48% of US consumers say their incomes did not cover their everyday outgoings in 2023, and 83% would like to be paid daily or weekly. For tech innovators and their investors, therefore, there are huge incentives to deliver tools that make those financial options more readily accessible.

The challenge for the tech firms behind the latest EWA solutions will be, as ever, to deliver the best products but also, crucially, to earn and retain the trust of consumers and employers. Penetration levels in the market are currently low but the benefits are becoming increasingly obvious. So the ingredients are in place for strong growth within the sector.

Taras Boyko on EWAs Fintech Wave

By leveraging advanced fintech solutions, EWA is setting a new standard for financial accessibility and control, says Taras Boyko. The ability to access earned wages instantly mitigates financial stress and fosters a more resilient workforce. As the fintech landscape evolves, we can anticipate even more sophisticated EWA solutions that integrate AI and machine learning to optimise financial health for employees.

As EWA further integrates into global payroll systems, it promises to transform the conventional pay cycle. Although the application and impact of EWA vary across different regions, its core value remains consistent: empowering employees with greater financial control. This empowerment leads to a more engaged, productive, and financially secure workforce.

The global adoption of EWA marks a significant transition towards financial services that prioritise employee needs. Boyko stresses: Fintech solutions are most effective when they address the inherent dynamics of digitally-savvy, mobile phone-using populations, a trend now evident across the globe. EWA fits perfectly into this framework, providing benefits for both employees and employers.
Dubai is acknowledged as a key international hub, and buyers searching for properties for sale in Dubai 2024 will discover a lot of possibilities there.

Dubais gorgeous location at the convergence of two nations makes it a super region for change and investment. Being able to get around without difficulty and experiencing a large variety of cultures in the town makes it convenient to enter new markets and locate worthwhile enterprise opportunities. Also, Dubai stands out due to the fact that it does not tax human beings who own personal land, which means that buyers can make a lot of cash through excessive condo yields. In addition, Dubai has sunshine all 12 months and a thriving tourism industry. Buying property close to stunning seashores or top-notch sights can open up great possibilities in the tourism industry. Additionally, the citys Free Zones, which enable one hundred percent overseas possession and no taxes, make it handy for buyers in many fields to put their cash to work.

Opportunity Meets Dubai Real Estate

Due to its high area and reputation as a world hub, the actual property market is a fantastic place to make investments due to the fact that it offers a lot of hazards and wealth. Being in the center of three continents makes alternate and cash transactions less difficult and offers human beings the right of entry to many markets around the world. With extremely good transportation structures and an active multicultural atmosphere, buyers can effortlessly locate new commercial enterprise possibilities and make sturdy hyperlinks with human beings around the world. This actual property market is doing very well, which means you can make a lot of cash and maintain a lively, global lifestyle that is common to current wealth.

Incentives and Business-Friendly Policies: An investor-friendly environment consists of exact policies and robust packages to assist businesses, which makes it an appropriate area to begin actual property projects. Luxury Property Developments: The citys well-known skyline is home to many high-end residential and commercial enterprise buildings, ideal for choosy customers searching for special and steeply priced homes. Constantly Improving Infrastructure: The promise to hold enhancing infrastructure indicates a devotion to long-term growth, elevating property values, and making certain a straightforward environment for actual property deals. Rental Yields and Capital Appreciation: The citys sturdy apartment market and constant common capital grasp prices make actual property investments a terrific way to make passive profits and construct wealth over time. Expo 2020 and Economic Boost: The upcoming Expo 2020 match is anticipated to increase tourism, power monetary growth, and increase the actual property market even more. It will additionally create strategic probabilities that are in line with the citys huge plans for growth.

Navigate the Dubai Property Market Successfully

Dubai is a wonderful location for property proprietors who desire to make cash due to the fact that it is tax-free and the returns are good. Since there are no taxes on land possession and condominium yields ought to be high, it is a top area for humans who desire to make cash on investments. This tax-free role now not solely makes proudly owning more profitable; it additionally attracts overseas traders who like how business-friendly the metropolis is. The combination of the right tax legal guidelines and excessive returns makes this an awesome area for humans who prefer to make cash via business.

When you are navigating the market, you want to assume about market tendencies and funding techniques to make sure you succeed. Knowing how the market works, like how expenses and condominium demand change, can help traders make clever picks and take advantage of funding opportunities. You can additionally enhance your probabilities of doing well in the market by constructing a different portfolio and using the understanding of nearby pros. Investors can be profitable in a market that is continually altering through the use of excellent strategies and staying up-to-date on whats going on in the market.

Unlocking Wealth in Dubai Trends

The economic system of Dubai is usually changing, and as we seem to be in advance of 2024, the citys probabilities of making cash seem good. The in is nevertheless an accurate area to make investments due to the fact that it is sunny all 12 months and plenty of humans come to visit. The citys hot climate now not only attracts human beings who desire to get away from terrible weather, but additionally makes it a high-quality region to do many exciting things. To make the most of the developing travel industry, buyers must appear at homes close to stunning seashores or well-known landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah. As the metropolis is equipped for 2024, traits and predictions exhibit that property values and rental yields will continue to rise. This makes the metropolis an excellent preference for humans who prefer to make cash through business.

Diversification of Economies: the countrys attempts to enlarge its financial system past oil and gasoline have led to increases in technology, finance, and hospitality, which supply buyers with a vast variety of options.

Improvements to the Citys Infrastructure: Projects like Metro Growth and the soon-to-be-built Creek Harbour will make the citys infrastructure even better, which will elevate property values in these places.

Sustainable Initiatives: a dedication to sustainability via tasks like the Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion and investments in renewable electricity now not only makes the surroundings greener, but additionally raises the citys picture around the world, which brings in greater investors.

Insider Tips for Dubai Properties

The opportunity of the use of free zones and enterprise possession possibilities is one of the exceptional matters about dealing in income in the promising market. Foreigners are specifically fascinated by free zones due to the fact that they let foreigners personalize one hundred percent of groups in these places. Businesses that function in free zones additionally do not have to pay taxes, which makes them an awesome location to make investments in certain fields like technology, media, and banking. This one-of-a-kind setup now not only affords a suitable risk to make money, but additionally encourages overseas agencies to set up shop, which helps the world enterprise hub image.

Along with the advantages of free zones and extraordinary methods for personal business, one specialist tip for getting first-class returns in the market is to seem to be into off-plan developments. When human beings purchase gadgets that are nevertheless being built, they can get them at more cost-effective expenditures than when the initiatives are finished. The price of these devices is possibly going to go up as they get closer to finishing, giving buyers a higher return on their money. Someone who desires to make cash in the actual property market would possibly prefer to keep an eye on future off-plan tendencies and pick initiatives that are positioned in desirable spots.

Conclusion

Finally, Dubais fantastic location, lack of taxes, plausibleness for tourism, and enterprise possession selections make it an ideal location for traders searching to develop and diversify their holdings. By taking advantage of these chances, one can benefit from the citys sturdy market and economy.
In every film helmed by Abhishek Agarwal, Anupam Khers roles are not merely parts of the scriptthey are the heartbeat of the story read more

The collaboration between Abhishek Agarwal and Timeless Titan Anupam Kher is set to take a significant leap forward with their upcoming movie, The India House. Kher kick-started the shoot of the highly anticipated movie on the 30th of July, marking it as his 542nd film. This dynamic duo, known for their exceptional storytelling and unforgettable performances, has consistently delivered stellar films, and their latest project promises to be no exception.

Abhishek Agarwal, a prominent figure in Indian cinema and the driving force behind Abhishek Agarwal Arts, has consistently demonstrated his knack for producing compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. His collaboration with Anupam Kher has been a cornerstone of this success, bringing to the screen stories that are both powerful and poignant. Anupam Khers work is a testament to the power of passion and dedication. His performances are not just acts of brilliance but profound explorations of the human spirit that I always wish for in my films. Collaborating with him has been an inspiring journey into the heart of true artistry, said Abhishek Agarwal.

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Their partnership, which began with the monumental success of The Kashmir Files followed by Kartikeya 2, has only grown stronger over the years. Following this, they joined forces for other notable films such as The Vaccine War and Tiger Nageshwar Rao. Each film highlighted their commitment to delivering high-quality cinema that not only entertains but also provokes thought and discussion. Anupam Khers versatile acting skills, paired with Abhishek Agarwals production acumen, have consistently resulted in movies that leave a lasting impact on audiences.

In every film helmed by Abhishek Agarwal, Anupam Khers roles are not merely parts of the scriptthey are the heartbeat of the story. Each character he portrays is imbued with a profound significance, driving the narrative forward with unparalleled intensity and depth. His ability to infuse his roles with such raw emotion and compelling authenticity makes him an irreplaceable force in Agarwals cinematic universe. Abhishek Agarwal believes that I am his lucky mascot. I believe it too. But he also is a wonderful producer to work with. Understanding, affectionate, and has a great sense of creative process. Hope The India House turns out to be another blockbuster like The Kashmir Files and Kartikeya 2. Jai Ho! remarked Anupam Kher.

Now, with The India House, Anupam Khers part fetches far more importance as he plays the character of Shyamji Krishna Varma. The film promises to be a remarkable addition to their already impressive portfolio, blending historical narratives with compelling drama. Set against the backdrop of Indias struggle for independence, The India House is expected to offer a riveting story filled with emotion, sacrifice, and patriotism. The anticipation for The India House is palpable, as fans and critics alike eagerly await another cinematic gem from this formidable partnership. The films release is poised to be a significant event in the Indian Cinema calendar, reaffirming Abhishek Agarwal and Anupam Khers status as one of the most successful and influential collaborations in the industry.

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Talking about The India House, the pan-Indian historical drama will star Nikhil Siddhartha (of Karthikeya 2 fame) in the lead role, with Anupam Kher portraying the prominent character. Directed by Ram Vamsi Krishna, the film is being produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Vikram Reddy under the banner of Abhishek Agarwal arts and V Mega Pictures. The film, presented by the Global Star and RRR Actor Ram Charan is slated for a mega release in 2025.
Ulajh is one of those spy-thrillers, which deserves a watch for its gripping story-telling and superb star performances read more

Cast: Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang, Rajendra Gupta, Jitendra Joshi and Adil Hussain

Director: Sudhanshu Saria

In Bollywood, we have seen several spy-thrillers like the Tiger franchise, Raazi, Phantom, Madras Cafe, Pathaan, War and many others. While we have seen the plots revolving around R&AW and ISI in these films, Ulajh stands out with its unique approach and treatment conveying the message of how bureaucrats, diplomats and IFS officers are unsung heroes, who control and prevent critical situations, which can lead to war between the countries.

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Talking about the plot of Ulajh, it starts with IFS officer Suhana Bhatia (Janhvi Kapoor) jogging in Kathmandu, Nepal and while running, the conversation between her and her ex-boyfriend runs through her head, where he says that he cheated on her because she never gave him attention and just chased her dream of becoming a diplomat to impress his father.

Cut to, in the next scene, Suhana is seen controlling the situation when a minister of Nepal tries to dominate his seniors. Impressed by her skills, Suhana, who is third third-generation IFS officer from the Bhatia family gets the position of Deputy High Commissioner in London and becomes the youngest Indian to achieve that.

In London, her assigned driver Salim (Rajesh Tailang) develops a great bond and tells Suhana that she is like his sister. In one of the high-profile meeting events, Janhvi meets Michelin star chef Nakul Sharma (Gulshan Devaiah) and they both instantly hit it off followed by an affair.

However, Nakul soon shows a video to Suhana of them making out and reveals that he works for ISI and blackmails her to share documents of some big deals and reveal the identity of the undercover agents.

Suhana, who is now down with the burden of self-doubt and guilt, gets stuck between very critical situations, which can impact Indias image and lead to war with Pakistan. How will Suhana tackle these layered problems and prevent a war? Well, for that you have to watch Ulajh on the silver screen.

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Director Sudhanshu Saria has managed to keep the narrative gripping and captivating but sometimes it does get confusing due to the entangling of tracks. Shreya Dev Dube and Shashwat Sachdev, who handled the camera and music department have captured the intense mood with their impeccable skills.

Talking about the plot, Janhvi Kapoor, who lays the film on her responsible shoulder, puts her best foot forward in the portrayal. However, Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Mathew steal the show with their intense and superlative act.

Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang, Rajendra Gupta and Jitendra Joshi play their role to the T. On the whole, Ulajh is one of those spy-thrillers, which deserves a watch for its story-telling and star performances.

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Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)

Ulajh is playing in cinemas
It seemed like Mission Impossible. But after years of complex negotiations and high-stakes diplomacy, the US pulled off a seven-nation prisoner swap  the biggest since the Cold War. This exercise has led to freedom for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov among 24 others read more

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother, Ella Milman, as President Joe Biden, right, looks on at Andrews Air Force Base, following their release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States. AP

They often say real inspires reel. But this time, perhaps, it was reel inspiring real. The prisoner swap with Russia on August 1 resembled a remake of a spy film set in the 1980s, but it was a painstaking task that was more than two years in the making, involving secret talks and complex diplomacy involving Germany, Russia and the US, which all had divergent interests.

But as they say, hard work pays off and 16 people are finally tasting freedom, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, serving a harsh sentence on accusations of spying; Washington Post contributor Vladimir Kara-Murza, among the most outspoken and trenchant critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin; and Paul Whelan, a former Marine who had languished in Russian prisons for more than five years on trumped-up charges.

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The prisoner swap marks the largest prisoner exchange with Russia since the Cold War. That this  one of the most complicated prisoner swaps in history  happened at all is significant, as ties between the involved countries remain strained, as Russias war against Ukraine continues.

In light of that fact, how did it all happen?

Who is being freed? Which countries are involved?

This prisoner swap will see the release of 16 Americans, Russians and Germans from Russia in exchange for eight Russians held in the United States, Germany and other countries.

Among those being freed are Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter, who was imprisoned in Russia in 2023 while on a reporting trip. He was detained due to claims that he was aiding the CIA in gathering intelligence about a Russian military equipment manufacturer, allegations he and the US government have strongly denied.

Theres also Paul Whelan, a citizen of the US, England, Ireland, and Canada, who was accused of espionage in 2018, after going to Moscow for a wedding. He similarly denied these allegations.

WSJ Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker and staff celebrate the successful prisoner exchange in Turkey between the United States and Russia, including of jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, at the WSJ offices in New York City, US. Reuters

Also freed by Moscow was Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual US-Russian citizen convicted in July of spreading false information about the Russian military  accusations her family and employer have rejected  and Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer serving 25 years on charges of treason widely seen as politically motivated.

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In return, Russia received eight of its citizens  the most noteworthy of them being Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in Germany in 2021 of killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park two years earlier, apparently on the orders of Moscows security services.

In addition, two alleged sleeper agents who were jailed in Slovenia, three charged by authorities in the US and one each from Norway and Poland.

The New York Times described the prisoner swap as the most far-reaching exchange between Russia and the West in decades, as the deal was a complex agreement involving seven countries, including the United States, Slovenia, Turkey, Norway and Germany.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to released Russian prisoners upon their arrival at the Vnukovo government airport outside Moscow, Russia. The United States and Russia have made their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history. AP

So, how did it all begin?

White House officials say that this prisoner swap has been in the making since 2022. In fact, talks that led to Thursdays exchange really started more than two years ago, even before Gershkovich was detained.

US officials say that talks began when WNBA star Brittney Griner was detained in Russia on drug charges. Speaking to Reuters, officials in the know, said that Russia approached them with an offer dubbed as a spy for a spy. They were willing to release Griner and Whelan in return for Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov.

However, Krasikov was not imprisoned in America; he was serving a life sentence in Germany after murdering an exiled Chechen-Georgian dissident in a Berlin park in broad daylight.

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It was after months of talks that in December 2022, it was decided Griner would be released in a swap with Russia for arms dealer Viktor Bout. But, Whelan would be left behind.

Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, who were detained in Russia, pose with others aboard an aircraft after they were released. Reuters

Following Griners release, Secretary of State Antony Blinken floated the idea of another possible prisoner swap to his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. Talks gained urgency in March 2023 after the Russians arrested Gershkovich, a senior administration official said.

As per a Washington Post report, on receiving the news of Gershkovichs arrest, Blinken called up Lavrov. He is a journalist who works for an internationally respected news outlet, Blinken said, according to the US official. Claims that he was spying are outrageous and false.

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Your government has crossed a line, Blinken told the Russian, the official said.

Lavrov responded by saying Evan was caught red-handed and said, him being a journalist does not provide him immunity. Russia insisted the reporter was spying. We are both adults, Blinken responded. You know that for all our efforts to learn information, we do not use journalists.

A month into Gershkovichs detention, the US then approached Germany for Krasikovs release. They began swapping names of people who could be added to the prisoner swap. After much deliberation and discussion, the matter reached German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs office.

What held up the swap then?

In January this year, Scholz visited the US on the invitation of President Joe Biden and the two discussed the possibility of the prisoner swap, say officials who are aware of the matter. The German side showed willingness to release Krasikov on the condition that Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, who was in a Russian penal colony, would be released.

According to a Washington Post report, Scholz reportedly told Biden then: For you, I will do this.

But as they say, the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. On February 16, news came that Navalny had died in a remote Arctic prison.

Officials wondered how the plan would go forward without Navalny and as Germany cooled off on the idea.

Following the largest prisoner exchange between Russia and the West in decades German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a news conference at the military area of Cologne Bonn Airport in Cologne, Germany. Reuters

It was only in June that constant discussions and negotiations bore fruit and Berlin gave its approval for a deal and at the end of the month, Washington extended the offer to Russia.

As per a Reuters report, in early July, the Russians had agreed in principle (to the swap) and then in late July they accepted it, said a US official. Then we hit the ground running and an inter-agency taskforce began working to finalise the complicated arrangements for the swap, the official said.

The final piece of the puzzle, interestingly took place as Bidens own political career was in the dumps. An hour before Biden announced that he would be dropping out of the US presidential race, he had called the Slovenian prime minister from his house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to twist arms on a final part of the deal.

How did the last leg of the swap take place?

Finally after ironing out the deal, on Tuesday, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Whelans sister, Elizabeth Whelan, and Gershkovichs parents and invited them to come to the White House on Thursday.

In the phone call that invited them to the White House, one instruction stood out the most: Tell no one.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greet Paul Whelan at Andrews Air Force Base, following his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States. AP

On Thursday (August 1), as the families of the Americans gathered at the White House, Sullivan choked up on the White House podium as he welcomed what he called a good day.

We held our breath and crossed our fingers until just a couple of hours ago, he said.

On Thursday, planes zipped across Europe ferrying the multiple pieces of this fragile puzzle. The exchanges all took place at Ankara airport on Thursday.

And finally, the Americans being released by Russia touched down at Andrews Air Force Base where they reunited with their families and met US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Biden told the released Americans, welcome home. My father used to say family is the beginning the middle and the end, its about who we are as a country, said Biden on the tarmac.

With inputs from agencies
Fishing season begins in China's Zhejiang

Xinhua) 13:08, August 02, 2024

Fishing boats depart for fishing from the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 1, 2024. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Fishing boats depart for fishing from the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 1, 2024. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Fishermen prepare for fishing at the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 31, 2024. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A drone photo taken on Aug. 1, 2024 shows fishing boats departing for fishing from the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A drone photo taken on July 31, 2024 shows fishing boats at the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Fishing boats depart for fishing from the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 1, 2024. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A drone photo taken on Aug. 1, 2024 shows fishing boats departing for fishing from the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A drone photo taken on July 31, 2024 shows fishing boats at the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A drone photo taken on July 31, 2024 shows fishing boats at the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Fishing boats depart for fishing from the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 1, 2024. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A drone photo taken on Aug. 1, 2024 shows fishing boats departing for fishing from the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Fishermen prepare for fishing at the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 31, 2024. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Fishermen prepare for fishing at the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 31, 2024. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A drone photo taken on Aug. 1, 2024 shows fishing boats departing for fishing from the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Fishermen prepare for fishing at the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 31, 2024. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Fishermen prepare for fishing at the Shenjiamen fishing port in Zhoushan City, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 31, 2024. Four types of fishing boats with special permission set sail on Thursday after a three-month summer fishing ban in the East China Sea. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Our numbers at a glance

Interroll generated an order intake of CHF 286.5 million (-5.1% year-on-year, -1.0% in local currency) in the first half year 2024. Sales amounted to CHF 247.4 million (-3.5% year-on-year, +0.1% in local currency). The first half year 2024 was marked by a rebound in the product business compared to the second half year 2023 as the destocking phase ended. The gains in the product business are encouraging and partially mitigate the absence of bigger projects.

In the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, we achieved improvements for all our product groups. In the Americas region, the trend for products is moving in a positive direction and is steadily gaining momentum, reflecting increased market demand and positive customer reactions. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, we are seeing a diverse landscape with promising projects emerging in Australia and South Korea.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were higher at CHF 41.0 million (previous year: CHF 39.9 million). EBITDA margin increased to 16.6% (previous year: 15.6%). Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) reached CHF 29.9 million, up by 4.0% compared to the previous year (CHF 28.7 million). EBIT margin increased to 12.1% (previous year: 11.2%).

The result increased by 8.5% to CHF 23.9 million (previous year: CHF 22.0 million) and was positively impacted by the financial results and burdened by a higher tax ratio compared to the previous year. The result margin reached 9.7% (previous year: 8.6%). Gross investment amounted to CHF 8.5 million (previous year: CHF 17.1 million). Free cash flow decreased to CHF 11.1 million (previous year: CHF 60.0 million), mainly due to the change in net working capital.

Updates from our regions

The EMEA region generated an order intake of CHF 172.6 million, up by 17.0% compared to the previous year (CHF 147.5 million). Sales generated CHF 148.8 million, an increase of 6.1% compared to the previous year (CHF 140.2 million). The EMEA region continues to be our most important region with a 60% share of global sales. The order intake for the Americas region reached CHF 81.7 million, -30.0% compared to the previous year (CHF 116.7 million). Sales amounted to CHF 75.6 million, -1.0% less compared to the previous year (CHF 76.3 million). The Americas region continues to be our second most important region with 31% share of Global Sales. The APAC region generated a lower order intake of CHF 32.2 million compared to the previous year (CHF 37.7 million), which corresponds to a loss of -14.4%. The sales amounted to CHF 23.0 million, a decrease of -42.0% compared to the previous year (CHF 39.7 million).

Sales by product

Sales for the Rollers product group amounted to CHF 53.1 million, down by -2.4% compared to the previous year's figure of CHF 54.4 million. The order intake for Rollers amounted to CHF 53.2 million, up by+8.4% compared to the same period last year (CHF 49.0 million). Sales of the Drives product group amounted to CHF 93.5 million in the first half of 2024, which is an increase of +5.2% year-on-year compared to same period last year (CHF 88.8 million). The order intake for the Drives product group amounted to CHF 98.3 million, up by +12.4% compared to (CHF 87.5 million) in the same period last year.

The Conveyors & Sorters product group generated sales of CHF 82.4 million in the first half of 2024, -12.7% less compared to previous year (CHF 94.3 million). Order Intake amounted to CHF 106.3 million, which had a negative development of -25.5% compared to the same period last year (CHF 142.6 million).

For our Pallet Handling product group, Interroll generated sales of CHF 18.4 million, which is -1.4% down compared to last year (CHF 18.7 million). The order intake amounted to CHF 28.7 million, an increase of +26.4% compared to the previous year (CHF 22.8 million).

Innovation

At the LogiMAT trade fair (Germany) in March, we introduced our new, highly energy-efficient vertical small wheel sorter (MC-Vs). Featuring a small footprint and ensuring high throughput, this solution is suitable for applications and sectors in which careful handling and sorting of fragile items is required.

Acquisition

On July 31, 2024, Interroll signed a share purchase agreement to take over Interroll India Pvt. Ltd. in Bengaluru (Bangalore), India, retroactive as per April 1, 2024. The three current shareholders sell all their shares to the Interroll Group. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. Interroll India Pvt. Ltd. acted for more than 10 years as independent agent of the Interroll Group. With this acquisition, Interroll will strengthen its market position in the Indian market.

Outlook

Looking ahead, we are encouraged by our worldwide resilient customer base. We continue to progress on the recovery journey. For the EMEA region, we are cautiously optimistic that the ongoing challenges in the project business will come to an end, following the rebound we are now seeing in product sales. In the Americas region, we also foresee continued growth in product sales with further opportunities in Canada and in Brazil. Looking at the APAC region, in general we predict a slower recovery. In South Korea, we see promising opportunities in the third-party logistics (3PL) segment. With our innovative product platforms and production capacities, we are very well positioned in our regions to meet future market demands and ready to seize opportunities when the market fully recovers.
News of the US-Russia prisoner swap in which the Wall Street Journals Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan were released  the biggest since the Cold War  has hit headlines around the world. But have you ever wondered about how India and Pakistan exchange prisoners? Lets take a closer look at the Exchange of Prisoners Act, 1948, and the Consular Access Agreement read more

Prisoner swaps between the two countries are governed by two laws  the Exchange of Prisoners Act, 1948, and the Consular Access Agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 2008.

News of the US-Russia prisoner swap  the biggest since the Cold War  has hit headlines around the world.

Moscow released the Wall Street Journals Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan as well as dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza.

In exchange, Russia got Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in Germany in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison for killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park as well as two alleged sleeper agents jailed in Slovenia and three men charged by federal authorities in the US.

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Norway sent back an academic arrested on suspicions of being a Russian spy, while Poland returned a man detained on espionage charges.

But how do prisoner swaps work back home  specifically between India and Pakistan?

Lets take a closer look:

There are two laws we need to look at  the Exchange of Prisoners Act, 1948, and the Consular Access Agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 2008

First, lets look at the former.

India passed the Exchange of Prisoners Act in September 1948.

Meanwhile, Pakistan passed the Pakistan (Exchange of Prisoners) Ordinance in March 1948.

As per India Kanoon, an exchange of prisoners became necessary after an exodus of non-Muslims from West Punjab, the North West Frontier Province, and certain other areas of West Pakistan.

As per Scroll, both laws allowed the exchange of transferable prisoners in each others jails. Pakistans ordinance defined prisoners as any Hindu including any member of a Scheduled Caste, or any Sikh who is in custody in any prison in Pakistan under lawful orders of a duly empowered Court or other authority and who is willing to be transferred to India.

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Meanwhile, Indias law defined prisoners as willing to be transferred under the provisions of the Act in custody or in a prison on or before the August, 1, 1948

The laws worked for some time. Many non-Muslim prisoners were returned from West Punjab.

Meanwhile, all Muslim prisoners barring around 300 were returned to Pakistan, as per India Kanoon.

According to Scroll, two major exchanges occurred in April and in November-October 1948.

India was returned 4,084 non-Muslims, while 3,783 Muslims sent back to Pakistan.

However, this success wouldnt last.

After the wars in 1965 and 1971, the prisoners in each others jails were simply not seen for decades, the website noted.

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The Ministry of External Affairs in July said that 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. Wikimedia Commons

Some of these were spies, casualties of a hole and corner war between the two countries, largely abandoned by their governments the moment they were caught, Scroll added.

In the meantime, many who crossed the border accidentally, like fishermen, were locked up.

Then, on May 21, 2008, India and Pakistan signed the Consular Access Agreement in Islamabad.

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Under this agreement, the two countries exchange lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each custody every year on January 1 and on July 1.

It states that the countries high commissions must be immediately alerted to any arrests, detentions or imprisonments

Both nations governments must offer consular access to citizens of the other nation within three months of their arrest, detention, or imprisonment as per this agreement.

It also says both governments must release and repatriate individuals within one month of confirming their national status and completing their sentences.

An India-Pakistan Judicial Committee on Prisoners was also established, as per Scroll.

The joint judicial committee on prisoners, which comprised four retired judges from both sides, would meet twice a year, as per iasforum.com.

However, flaws with the consular agreement abound.

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For example, Pakistan in 2013 halted consular access to Sarabjit Singh, who was given a death sentence on espionage charges by a Pakistani court, after he was attacked by fellow prisoners.

Singh would pass away in May at a hospital in Lahore.

The committees final meeting was held in 2013.

Efforts were made to revive it in 2018, but Pakistan is still to appoint judges.

Jatin Desai of the Pakistan-India Peoples Forum for Democracy told Scroll that though consular access is given to prisoners within 90 days of arrest, there remains no time limit for verification.

The website pointed out that merely exchanging lists is also no guarantee of freedom and that though prisoners have been freed as political gestures, the process should not be subject to the whims and fancies of politicians.

Interestingly, the 96th Report of the Law Commission of India recommended that the Exchange of Prisoners Act, 1948, be repealed as the Consular Access Agreement has subsumed it.

Despite these agreements, hundreds of Indian prisoners, many of them fishermen, remain in Pakistans custody.

Pakistan asked to expedite release

The Ministry of External Affairs in July said that 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014.

India has shared the names of 366 civilian prisoners and 86 fishermen in its custody who are Pakistani or are believed-to-be-Pakistani.

Similarly, Pakistan has shared the names of 43 civilian prisoners and 211 fishermen in its custody who are Indian or are believed to be Indian, the MEA added.

The government of India has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistans custody, the ministry said.

Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 185 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 47 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistans custody, who are believed-to-be-Indian and have not been provided consular access so far, the statement said.

Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India, it said.

The MEA said India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each others country.

In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process of 75 believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in Indias custody, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan, the statement said.

As a result of sustained efforts by the government, 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 478 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date, it added.

With inputs from agencies
Initial reports of Ismail Haniyehs assassination stated that the Hamas political leader was killed by an airborne projectile. However, the latest media reports claim that he was killed by an explosive device that was smuggled into the guesthouse at the Iranian governments official residence. The killing came after two months of planning and extensive surveillance read more

The assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has sparked fears of an all-out war in West Asia. In the photo, clerics offer condolences to Haniyeh. (Photo: Reuters)

Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader of Hamas, was assassinated in Tehran on Wednesday, August 1.

The incident occurred while he was in the city to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Hamas and Iran have both blamed Israel for the assassination, while the latter has chosen to remain silent on the issue.

While initial reports stated that the top Hamas negotiator, who led its political delegation in Qatar, was killed by an airborne projectile, the latest reports suggest he was killed by an explosive device that was smuggled into the guesthouse at the Iranian governments official residence.

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The shocking assassination required two months of planning and extensive surveillance of the compound.

The assassination

As per The New York Times report, the explosion that killed Haniyeh took place at around 2 am local time on August 1.

The guesthouses puzzled staff members, which also includes a medical team, hurried to look into the loud noise and located Haniyehs room, who was staying with a bodyguard.

The medical team declared Haniyeh dead immediately and attempted to revive the bodyguard, but he was also dead.

Palestinian group Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh attends Irans new President, Masoud Pezeshkians swearing-in ceremony at the parliament in Tehran, Iran on July 30. Reuters

The blast had broken windows and caused part of the compound wall to collapse.

Ziyad al-Nakhalah, the leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, was staying next door and his room was not severely damaged. This implies that Haniyehs assassination was well-planned.

General Ismail Ghaani, the head of the Quds Force, which collaborates closely with Iranian allies including Hamas and Hezbollah, was one of the three Iranian officials who were notified right away of the killing.

In the middle of the night, he informed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran. The assassination of Haniyeh was not formally announced until four hours later.

A bomb smuggled into Tehran

The initial statement from Hamas said Haniyeh was killed in an airborne projectile.

Iranian media also reported that three missiles were launched by a drone from outside of Iran.

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However, the latest reports suggest Haniyeh was killed by a planted explosive device that was covertly smuggled into the guesthouse where he was staying.

According to The New York Times, which cited seven West Asian officials, including two Iranians, and an American official on the condition of anonymity, the explosive device had been hidden in Haniyehs bedroom of the guesthouse two months in advance.

Iranian workers install a huge banner on a wall showing a portrait of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and the Dome of Rock Mosque at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound of Jerusalem with a sign which reads in Farsi and Hebrew: Wait for severe punishment, at Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran. AP

Part of the expansive Neshat compound, an expensive area in northern Tehran, the guesthouse is managed and guarded by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. The West Asian officials told the NYT that Haniyeh had stayed at the guesthouse on multiple occasions when he visited Tehran.

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The shocking assassination took months of planning and required extensive surveillance of the compound.

Axios confirmed the NYT report by citing its two sources who said that the bomb was a high-tech device that used artificial intelligence.

It was detonated remotely by Mossad operatives (Israels foreign intelligence service) who were on Iranian soil after receiving intelligence that Haniyeh was indeed in the room, Axios reported.

The NYT report further quoted two Iranian officials, the member of the Guards briefed on the attack, as saying that the accuracy and sophistication of the assassination bear resemblance to the method used by Israel in 2020 to kill Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Irans top nuclear scientist, using a remotely operated artificial intelligence robot.

The IRGC said it has launched an investigation into the incident.

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More on Ismail Haniyehs assassination:

How Iran sheltered Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh

Is Ismail Haniyehs assassination a setback for Israel-Hamas peace talks?

Ismail Haniyeh killed: The Hamas leaders who have been targets of assassination bids

After Ismail Haniyehs assassination, which Hamas leaders remain?

The responsibility of the killing

Officials from Iran and Hamas declared on Wednesday that Israel was responsible of the killing; other US officials also came to the same conclusion.

The NYT piece citing five West Asian officials claims that Israeli intelligence personnel briefed their US counterparts about the specifics of the operation immediately after, despite Israels lack of official acknowledgement.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, confirmed this on Wednesday, when he stated that the US was unaware of the assassination plot beforehand.

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It is important to note that Mossad is largely responsible for Israeli assassination operations conducted outside of the nation.

The New York Times reports that Mossad chief David Barnea stated in January that his organisation was obliged to find the leaders of Hamas. It will take time, as it took after the massacre in Munich, but our hands will catch them wherever they are, he said.

He referenced the 1972 Olympic killing of 11 Israeli athletes by Palestinian operatives. To revenge the deaths, Mossad had deployed its hit squad to carry out the secret operation known as Operation Wrath of God, codenamed Bayonet, as per NDTV.

Spotlight on Irans security lapses

The assassination has caused tremendous embarrassment for Iran since Tehran was under increased security because senior government officials, military commanders, and dignitaries from 86 nations gathered at Parliament for the inauguration of Irans new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

Early on, following the death, there were rumours that Haniyeh was assassinated by an Israeli missile strike, most likely fired from a drone or aircraft.

The idea cast doubt on Israels ability to pull off another daring airstrike on the nations capital by getting past Iranian air defence systems.

However, the latest details put lapses in Irans defence system into the spotlight.

The security breach of a seemingly vigilant facility allowed a bomb to be placed and go unnoticed for several weeks before it was eventually detonated.

The Guards are greatly embarrassed by such a breach, according to the NYT, which cited three Iranian officials, who also described it as a catastrophic failure of intelligence and security for Iran.

Iran plans for revenge

According to the three Iranian officials, at 7 am on Wednesday, Khamenei had called the members of Irans Supreme National Security Council to his compound for an emergency meeting, during which he gave the order to strike Israel in retaliation.

The assassination carried the risk of igniting fresh bloodshed in West Asia and disrupting ongoing talks to put an end to conflict in Gaza.

Supreme Leader Khamenei has said revenge was our duty and that Israel had prepared a harsh punishment for itself."

Irans Revolutionary Guard warned Israel will face a harsh and painful response from Iran and its allies in the region."

With inputs from agencies
The Indian Armys elite dog unit, comprising Belgian Malinois, is being used to sniff out those stuck in Wayanads Meppadi region following the massive landslides that claimed more than 300 lives. But do you know why these dogs are deployed to find those still stuck under the mud and debris? read more

Rescuers search through mud and debris after landslides set off by torrential rains in Wayanad district, Kerala. AP

The search-and-rescue operations in the Wayanad landslide have entered Day 4 and authorities continue to brave the rain and the challenging terrain to hunt for around 300 people, who are still missing.

On Friday, the death toll in the disaster also rose to 195, announced Wayanad District Collector Meghashree D R.

As operations continue on a war-footing, the Indian Army dog squad, comprising of Belgian Malinois breed have been roped in to help. Heres a closer look at the Belgian Malinois and the reason they are being used in Wayanad.
A Bloomberg investigation has found how staffing firms manipulated flaws in the US H-1B visa lottery system. The name of Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, a Congress leader from Telangana, has come to light in the alleged scam read more

Kandi Srinivasa Reddy. a Congress leader, is embroiled in the US H1-B visa lottery scam. Image Courtesy: Myneta.info

A major scam related to the United States sought-after H-1B visa lottery scheme has come to light, with the name of a Telangana Congress leader cropping up. Kandi Srinivasa Reddy is alleged to be involved in exploiting the H-1B visa lottery system.

An investigation by Bloomberg has unravelled how the American lottery system was rigged. The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant work visa that lets US employers hire foreigners with specialised skills.

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What is the H-1B visa scam? Who is Kandi Srinivasa Reddy and what is his alleged role? Lets understand.

H-1B visa lottery scam

Bloomberg has unearthed how the H-1B visa lottery system is being manipulated by outsourcing and staffing companies.

According to the report, of the 446,000 applicants who sought the H-1B visas last year, 85,000 were successful. While multinational outsourcing companies got 11,600 visas, another 22,600 went to IT staffing firms.

The staffing firms submitted many entries for the same worker, gaming the system, reported Bloomberg.

The financial news outlet collected data on lotteries conducted between 2020 and 2023. The staffing firms used the method of multiple registration to cheat the lottery system. They submitted several lottery entries for the same individual to increase their chances, which the US officials identify as fraud.

The report says that about 15,500 visas were acquired through such fraudulent means.

One staffing firm operator used a dozen companies to enter the same person as many as 15 times, obtaining hundreds of H-1B visas while other US businesses and talented immigrants missed out.

Bloombergs investigation found the alleged role of Kandi Srinivasa Reddy in rigging the lottery system.

Who is Kandi Srinivasa Reddy?

Reddy has links to Congress. He earned a masters degree in the US and was later employed as a tech consultant. The businessman eventually settled near Dallas in Texas.

Reddy started his outfit Cloud Big Data Technologies LLC in 2013, as per the Bloomberg report. Reddy, who describes himself as a common farmers child, established a foundation to support farmers in India and his own TV and online news portal.

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In 2023, Reddy unsuccessfully contested the Assembly polls from the Adilabad constituency in Telangana. He presented himself to voters as a man of humble roots who had become a successful entrepreneur in the US, reported Bloomberg.

According to Myneta.info, Reddy is a software engineer, who is also involved in agriculture. His spouses profession has been mentioned as business and agriculture.

ALSO READ: How Joe Bidens new immigration policy will benefit Indians in the US

Reddys role in H-1B lottery scam

Reddys Cloud Big Data submitted the names of over 280 employees in the 2020 lottery.

As per Bloomberg, a dozen other companies that Reddy controlled which had similar names and websites and coinciding email addresses entered many of the same names.

The report says his companies won more than 300 H-1Bs since 2020 by gaming the system.

After securing the visa, Reddys company rented contract to corporations such as Meta Platforms Inc and HSBC Holdings Plc. Cloud Big Datas advertisement shows that it took 20 per cent or 30 per cent of the workers pay, which could total $15,000 or more each year per worker.

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Speaking to Bloomberg in a phone interview, Reddy said that he is just a registered agent of the companies and is not much involved in them. However, he told Texas authorities that he is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Cloud Big Data.

His election affidavit in India reveals he or his wife control all the companies.

Reddy has denied doing anything illegal. He told Times of India, When multiple visa entries are filed, the choice is up to the employees to choose which company they would like. From 2024, changes were made, and passport numbers need to be entered. Now, if multiple entries are filled, it will reflect everywhere.

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The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has changed the rules this year to stop multiple registrations for the lottery system.

Lucas Garritson, Reddys lawyer, told Bloomberg the USCIS had challenged the visas of a number of companies for exploiting the lottery system. However, it did not take steps to ban the misuse, nor it could prove that Reddys companies violated rules.

With inputs from agencies
More than 100 people have been arrested in riots following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in an attack on a dance class. Some politicians have blamed the violence on lies and propaganda spread on social media about the identity of the alleged attacker. However, experts say it is convenient to point the finger at online platforms rather than acknowledge their own role in producing a toxic political discourse concerning asylum seekers and immigration read more

A stabbing attack in northwest England's Southport left three young girls dead and several others wounded.

More than 100 people have been arrested in riots following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in an attack on a dance class.

Suspected supporters of the far-right English Defence League violently clashed with police officers after a peaceful vigil in Southport on Tuesday, despite pleas for calm from the victims families.

The prime minister, Keir Starmer, condemned the rioters for their violence and thuggery.

Hundreds of far-right rioters attacked a local mosque, looted nearby premises, and injured more than 50 police officers. Further riots occurred in London and Hartlepool on Wednesday, with dozens arrested.

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Politicians, including Southport MP Patrick Hurley, have suggested that the violence was due to lies and propaganda spread on social media after the attack about the identity of the alleged attacker.

A 17-year-old male has been charged with three murders and ten attempted murders. Online platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) were quickly flooded with false information about the perpetrators identity.

At the time, police had only confirmed that he was born in Cardiff.

But many posts included an incorrect name, and claimed incorrectly that he was a Muslim asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK via small boat in 2023.

Investigative journalist Katharine Denkinson was among those to trace the source of this misinformation back to a website calling itself Channel3 Now, which appears to share possibly AI-generated content, and whose origins are unclear.

Researcher Marc Owen Jones illustrated how right-wing influencers used the attack to promote an anti-immigrant agenda. There were an estimated 27 million impressions for posts claiming that the attacker was Muslim, a migrant or a refugee  but far fewer denouncing the speculation. But to what extent are such posts to blame for violence?

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Is social media to blame?

Online platforms have often been blamed for civil unrest, including after the stabbings in a Sydney mall in April 2024.

We are also now approaching the 13th anniversary of the English riots where some politicians called for the temporary shutdown of Facebook and Twitter to quell the violence. But a study analysing millions of related tweets found that social media was not used to organise or incite the riots.

A protester holds up a sign police officers gather during the Enough is Enough protest in Whitehall, London on July 31 following the fatal stabbing of three children at a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday dance and yoga class on Monday in Southport. PA via AP

Back then, I was among many to argue that it was expedient for politicians to blame social media for civil unrest rather than acknowledge the injustices and political tensions that underpin such violence.

Last summer, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed that access to platforms such as TikTok be restricted when riots are out of control.

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The implication is that the rapid spread of unverified, false and inflammatory content online is a driver of civil unrest. What is certainly true is that social media amplifies content which inflames tensions  in already divided societies.

Sectarian violence in countries such as India and Myanmar has been attributed to hate speech and misinformation hosted by online platforms. Facebook apologised for the very real human rights impact that resulted from the use of its services to incite violence in Sri Lanka in 2018.

In the UK, divisions over migration and asylum have been provoked by inflammatory language from politicians. It is no surprise that other violent demonstrations have taken place at asylum hotels and detention centres in recent years.

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We cant ignore the role that political rhetoric plays.

Newly-elected MP Nigel Farage posted a video in reaction to the Southport stabbings, in which he asked whether the police were deliberately withholding information from the public, and questioned whether the incident was terror-related. He has been criticised for stoking up the situation and giving legitimacy to the other unsubstantiated rumours about the attacker.

Impact of social media is overstated

The impact of social media on incidents of civil unrest is often overstated. There is little evidence that misinformation persuades law-abiding citizens to engage in rioting. This is corroborated by my research into social media and contentious parades and protests in Northern Ireland.

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From the 2013 union flag protests to the anti-Northern Ireland protocol rallies in April 2021, social media was used to organise loyalist street protests that led to clashes with police.

In both cases, online platforms were used to share rumours, mis- and disinformation that inflamed tensions.

Yet, most of the online activity I have analysed over the past decade followed rather than preceded riots. And it was dominated by distant onlookers, not those able to influence events on the ground.

The violence in response to the Southport killings shows how online platforms can expose people to false information and make it harder to stop simmering tensions from escalating.

But the reality is that the business model and legal status of these sites means that they hold no editorial responsibility for the content they host.

The most controversial and inflammatory content typically travels the furthest and fastest online, generating revenue for tech companies. In other words, they have no real incentive to stop it spreading.

We cant blame social media on its own without looking at the root of these tensions in the first place.

It is expedient for politicians to blame online platforms rather than acknowledge their role in producing a toxic political discourse in relation to asylum seekers and immigration.

If political leaders are serious about avoiding further violence, they should start by moderating their own language.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
After keeping his identity unknown for days, a court in the UK has lifted the restrictions in naming the 17-year-old accused in the Southport stabbing case. The teen has been identified as Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, who according to neighbours, is quiet and introverted. His motive for killing the three girls  aged six, seven and nine  is yet to be ascertained read more

Axel Rudakubana, pictured when he was younger, is accused of murder and attempted murder in the Southport stabbing case. Image Courtesy: Liverpool Echo

Britain finally has a name and face to the 17-year-old who has been charged with the murders of three young girls in the seaside town of Southport and the ensuing riots that have shaken the core of the country.

On Thursday, when the teen was presented in the Liverpool court where he was charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder, the judge said the suspect could be named, despite being a minor, keeping in mind the idiotic rioting that took place in parts of the UK.

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After the restrictions were lifted, the 17-year-old has been identified as Axel Muganwa Rudakubana.

But who is Rudakubana? What was his motive behind the Southport stabbing? And why has he been named contrary to British law? We get you all the answers.

Inside the life of Rudakubana

Despite what social media accounts reported earlier, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana is not an asylum seeker, nor did he recently arrive in Britain by crossing the English Channel illegally on a raft. Nor was he a refugee on a watch list.

The 17-year-old was born in Cardiff, Wales. His parents are originally from Rwanda and they have been living in Southport for some time. In court, the prosecution said that Rudakubana had been diagnosed with autism and had been unwilling to leave the house and communicate with family for a period of time.

Speaking to Mirror, neighbours of the Rudakubana family described the teen to be shy and introverted and could often be heard singing inside his family home in Banks, Lancashire. One resident was quoted as saying: Its a massive shock. He would come in from school and be singing. He never went out, we never saw them. We never spoke to them more than to say hello in seven years.

Neighbours further said that the Rudakubana family was heavily involved with a local church, and described the teen as a quiet choir boy. He also was part of a school drama group that once took part in a show at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End. Moreover, he was trained in Karate alongside his dad.

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Elizabeth Cook shows 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, covering his face as he appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court in Liverpool, England. AP

While in court on Thursday, the teen was seated and seen covering his whole face, with his grey sweatshirt pulled up to his hairline, rocking back and forth and side to side at times. Earlier on Monday, he was arrested after a stabbing incident took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. Hes been accused of murdering Alice Dasilva Aguiar (9), Bebe King (6), and Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), with a kitchen knife after entering the class on Hart Street in Southport, Merseyside. Eight other children sustained knife wounds  with five of them left in a critical condition  while two adults were also critically hurt.

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The motive for the crime

The 17-year-old accused has now been remanded into custody in a youth detention centre to appear at a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 25.

The motive for his actions is yet unknown as the police havent revealed it thus far. However, the charges reveal the alleged murder weapon was a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

Reason for naming Rudakubana

Until Thursday, the identity of the 17-year-old accused of the Southport stabbing incident was unknown as per UK law. In Britain, people under 18 are usually not named by police or courts. But there are exceptions, for serious crimes and those that are of great public interest.

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On Thursday, however, Judge Andrew Menary agreed to lift the restrictions on the accuseds identity.

Judge Menary said: Continuing to prevent the full reporting has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation in a vacuum. Whilst I accept it is exceptional given his age, principally because he is 18 in six days time, I do not make an order under section 45.

A police officer places flowers, given by residents, behind the police cordon near the scene of a stabbing incident in Southport, Britain. Reuters

He added that delaying reporting of Rudakubanas name until next week could even provide an additional excuse for a fresh round of public disorder.

After the Southport stabbing on Monday, misleading posts and false rumours flooded the internet about the attackers identity, with some involving anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate. This led to a group of 200-300 rioters descending on the town on Tuesday, throwing bricks, wheelie bins, concrete and even vandalising a mosque.

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The ensuing violence injured more than 50 officers and three police dogs. The violence also spread to other parts of the UK; on Wednesday night, protests rocked London, and the northern cities of Hartlepool and Manchester.

In London, tensions flared at the demonstration outside UK PM Keir Starmers 10 Downing Street residence, with scuffles and bottles thrown at the police, and shouts of shame on you. In Hartlepool, northeast England, demonstrators set police cars on fire and threw objects at the officers, with police saying eight arrests were made. Hartlepool police said officers faced having missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them, with several suffering minor injuries.

Police officers clash with protesters during rally in Whitehall, London following the fatal stabbing of three children at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club on Monday in Southport. AP

Starmer reacts

On Thursday even as protests continued, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with police chiefs from across the country to discuss how to quell the violence that erupted in the nights following Mondays killings.

At the meeting, he denounced the violence and praised the police and other emergency services for the way they had handled it.

In a press conference, he then said: As far as the far-right is concerned, this is coordinated, this is deliberate.

This is not a protest that just got out of hand. It is a group of individuals who are absolutely bent on violence.

He also warned social media companies that they had to uphold the law over disinformation. Its also a crime and its happening on your premises, Starmer said of the proliferation of disinformation, which helped spark the violence.

With inputs from agencies
Rameswaram fishermen associations have announced an indefinite strike from Friday after a fisherman died when his boat capsized in Sri Lanka waters. The fishermen have boycotted fishing until their demands are met. But what happened? read more

Fishermen in Tamil Nadu have gone on a strike over the death of a fisherman after his boat was hit by the Sri Lankan Navy. Representational Image/Reuters

Fishermen in Tamil Nadus Rameswaram have gone on an indefinite strike with immediate effect on Friday (August 2). The move announced by members of all fishermen associations comes on the heels of the death of a fisherman and the detention of two others by the Sri Lankan navy.

The decision was taken at an urgent meeting of various fishermen associations at Rameswaram. They have said they will resume work only after their grievances are addressed by the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre.

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What is going on? Lets understand.

Tamil Nadu fisher killed

Earlier this week, a fisherman from Tamil Nadu died mid-sea after his boat was hit by a Sri Lankan navy patrol vessel and sunk, as per an India Today report.

On Wednesday (July 31) night, four fishermen ventured into the sea on a mechanised boat near Neduntheevu islet. The boat capsized while the fishers were reportedly trying to evade arrest by the Sri Lankan navy surveillance vessel after being warned that they were in Sri Lankan waters.

The navys vessel rammed their boat, causing it to sink, reported Indian Express.

The deceased fisherman was identified as 59-year-old K Malaisamy. His body was handed over to Indian authorities in Jaffna. V Ramachandran, 54, is missing, while M Mookiah, 54, and R Muthu Muniandi, 57, have been detained by the Sri Lankan navy personnel and taken to Kankesanthurai for interrogation, according to The Hindu report.

Fishermen carry a box filled with fishes at a fishing harbour in the southern Indian city of Chennai August 30, 2013. File Photo/Reuters

According to Sri Lankan navy spokesperson Captain Gayan Wickramasooriya, fishermen had turned to aggressive manoeuvres when its personnel tried to apprehend them for illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

There were about 10 to 15 Indian trawlers early this morning (August 1). When our patrol boat tried capturing one, the fishermen on board tried to escape. Their boat capsized, and the four fishermen fell into the sea. One was seriously injured and taken to the hospital in Pungudutivu [off Jaffna peninsula], where he died. One more fisherman is missing, a search operation is on. Two were rescued safely and are in our custody, he told The Hindu.

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As per the Fisheries department officials, over 300 boats carrying 2,000 fishermen took tokens from Rameswaram jetty on Wednesday morning and ventured into the Palk Straits for fishing. They say the Sri Lankan navy attacked the boat belonging to one Karthikeyan, trying to chase it mid-sea. During this, the fishermen had fallen out of the boat.

Around 6 am, they received the token and departed. Later, we learned that a Sri Lankan navy boat had hit them. We dont know their whereabouts and urge the authorities to find them. The boat cost Rs 25 lakh. Losing my boat means losing my connection with the sea. Now, I must seek daily wage work to support my family, Karthikeyan told India Today.

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Row breaks out

The incident has sparked a massive uproar among fishermen in Rameswaram. The fishing community leaders have demanded registering a murder case against the Sri Lankan navy personnel.

Fishermen leader Sagayam, who presided over the meeting on Friday, has said the Central government should come to the rescue of the fishermen.

The fishermen associations in Rameswaram have decided to boycott fishing from Friday until their demands are met. They want the release of all arrested fishers from Tamil Nadu who are languishing in Sri Lankan jails, as per The Hindu report.

They say the mechanised boats confiscated by Sri Lanka were not returned even when jailed fishermen were released in the past. The protesting fishermen are asking for compensation for the boats beyond repair and the return of those in good condition, the newspaper reported.

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They also thanked the Tamil Nadu government for providing its Rs 10 lakh solatium to the family members of deceased fisherman Malaisamy.

Sagayam called for the release of the two fishermen arrested earlier this week and compensation to family members of the missing fisher.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin expressed shock over the death of the fisherman while blaming the Centre for not taking appropriate steps which has resulted in the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities.

Continuous arrest of fishermen and such life loss is occurring as the Union government is not taking the necessary embassy level talks even after the Tamil Nadu government wrote several letters, he said.

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Stalin said he hoped the matter would be given the top priority that it deserved and prompt diplomatic action would be taken.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it had summoned a senior Sri Lankan diplomat in New Delhi to register its strong protest over the incident.

With inputs from agencies
As the 2024 US presidential race heats up, the importance of vice-presidential selections is under the spotlight. With US Vice President Kamala Harris set to announce her running mate and US Senator JD Vance already chosen for the GOP, experts and voters alike are questioning the real impact of these decisions. While history shows that VP picks rarely swing elections, they can offer critical insights into the presidential candidates judgment and values read more

US Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak during a campaign rally, July 30, 2024, in Atlanta. File Image/AP

As the United States gears up for another presidential election, the spotlight has intensified on the significance of vice-presidential selections.

With US Vice President Kamala Harris expected to announce her running mate soon and US Senator JD Vance already named as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps partner, many are pondering the true impact of these choices.

Historical precedence, expert opinions, and current political dynamics all offer a comprehensive view of how crucial vice-presidential picks can be.

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A historical lens into the role of the vice president

US Vice-presidential picks have occasionally played pivotal roles in US history. Out of 49 vice presidents, nine have ascended to the presidency due to the death or resignation of the sitting president.

The first instance was John Tyler, who became president after William Henry Harrisons death in 1841. The most recent case was Gerald Ford, who took office following Richard Nixons resignation in 1974.

Also Read | Kamala Harris to unveil vice president choice soon: Who is on the short list?

According to AP, these transitions have led to significant moments, such as the Reconstruction era under Andrew Johnson and the Civil Rights Acts signing during Lyndon Johnsons presidency.

Historian Joel Goldstein highlights the importance of being prepared for such transitions: For most vice presidents, succession is something that you have to think about and plan for, but it doesnt happen. But when it happens, youve got to be ready.

What is the influence of running mates on elections?

The selection of a vice-presidential candidate can provide voters with insights into the presidential nominees values and decision-making processes.

According to Christopher Devine, associate professor of political science at the University of Dayton and co-author of Do Running Mates Matter?: The Influence of Vice Presidential Candidates in Presidential Elections, the choice of a running mate can shape public perception of the presidential candidate.

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro arrives in Blue Bell, January 5, 2024. Shapiro is one of the top contenders being considered to be Kamala Harris running mate. File Image/AP

People get a lot of clues about what a future president might look like based on this selection, Devine tells CBS News. He asserts that voters often evaluate a VP picks qualifications, especially their potential readiness to assume the presidency.

However, the historical impact of VP picks on election outcomes is mixed. Devine notes that common myths, such as a VP pick delivering their home state or specific voter demographics, are often overstated.

Instead, he clarifies that while the vice-presidential choice is one factor among many, it rarely sways the elections outcome significantly.

The 2024 US presidential election: Harris and Vance

In the 2024 election, Harris is navigating her campaigns early stages, with a running mate announcement anticipated soon. Harriss choice is pivotal, particularly in light of her position as the first female vice president and her potential to be the first female president.

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Her selection process, dubbed Veepstakes, is seen as a critical decision, especially considering the recent assassination attempt on Trump, the GOP nominee, which has heightened the stakes.

Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump holds a rally with his vice presidential running mate US Senator JD Vance in St. Cloud, Minnesota, US, July 27, 2024. File Image/Reuters

On the Republican side, Vances nomination has sparked debate. Vance, a young senator from Ohio, has faced scrutiny over his past statements and perceived opportunism. Critics like Sofia Nelson, a Yale Law School classmate, describe him as a chameleon who has shifted his views on numerous issues.

Despite this, Republican strategist Mike Gonidakis believes Vances relatable story and alignment with Trumps America First vision will energise the base, reported NBC 4i news. However, Democratic strategist Dale Butland contends that Vances selection may be a major mistake, suggesting that it appeals too narrowly to the MAGA base without broadening the GOPs appeal.

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What strategic considerations are seen?

The choice of a running mate often involves strategic considerations aimed at balancing the ticket. For example, Barack Obama, the first Black president, selected Joe Biden, an experienced senator from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to appeal to working-class white voters. Biden, in turn, chose Harris, marking the first time a woman of color was on a major partys presidential ticket.

Then US Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) (far L), his wife Michelle (2nd L), vice presidential running mate Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) (far R) and his wife Jill (2nd R) stand together at a campaign event at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, August 23, 2008. File Image/Reuters

For Harris, potential running mates include individuals like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, known for his liberal credentials, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a highly effective communicator.

However, each option comes with its pros and cons. Shapiro, while potentially helpful in Pennsylvania, is relatively unknown nationally. Buttigieg, though a strong media presence, is only slightly older than Vance and lacks extensive executive experience.

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Can the choice backfire?

Choosing the right running mate is crucial, as a poor choice can backfire. The 2008 selection of Sarah Palin by John McCain is often cited as a cautionary tale. Palins lack of preparedness and numerous gaffes highlighted the potential downsides of picking a running mate primarily for political gain.

Similarly, Mitt Romneys 2012 choice of Paul Ryan brought attention to Ryans controversial budget proposals, which may have hurt Romneys campaign.

Republican candidate for the US House of Representatives Sarah Palin talks with reporters near the corner of Seward Highway and Northern Lights Boulevard on U.S. election night, in Anchorage, Alaska, US, November 8, 2022. File Image/Reuters

Devine argues that a safe, qualified choice is generally wiser than a risky, flashy one. Voters see through it. They know when someone has been chosen for political reasons, he says.

This perspective underlines the importance of selecting a running mate who not only complements the presidential candidate but also can step into the presidency if necessary.

With inputs from agencies
The vaccine developed by US start-up ArkeaBio reduced methane emissions from cattle by 13 per cent in a trial involving 10 cows. The prototype targets methane-producing microorganisms, known as methanogens, in the cows saliva and digestive tracks. Cows and other cattle are major contributors to methane emissions  which contributes to around 30 per cent of climate change read more

cow burps make up around five per cent of all methane emissions. Reuters

Everyone knows climate change is a huge problem.

Now, one start-up firm is attempting to solve at least part of the problem by targeting cow burps.

Yes, you read that right  cow burps.

But what do we know about the vaccine? And why is it targeting cow burps?

Lets take a closer look:

What do we know about the vaccine?

According to New Scientist, the vaccine has been developed by US start-up ArkeaBio.

The vaccine, a prototype, reduced methane emissions from cattle by 13 per cent in a trial involving 10 cows.

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The Boston-based firm founded in 2021 wants to launch the vaccine commercially by 2027.

It says the vaccine targets methane-producing microorganisms  known as methanogens  in the cows saliva and digestive tracks, as per Bloomberg.

It would stimulate antibodies to bind to and neutralise methanogens, as per the Boston Globe.

Cattle would likely need to receive the vaccine twice a year.

The tools to make a really good run at this havent existed until the cost of sequencing and the cost of biotechnology came down substantially over the last five to 10 years, ArkeaBio CEO Colin South told the outlet in May.

According to The Pinnacle Gazette, ArkeaBio conducted the year-long trials with help from Texas A&M University.

Weve moved a long way over the last 18 months or so, South, who has a PhD in bioprocess engineering, told the outlet.

The company earlier raised $26.5 million from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a climate investment fund established by Bill Gates

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Why is it targeting cow burps?

Though some snigger at the firm targeting cow burps, it is no laughing matter.

Methane contributes to around 30 per cent of global warming.

When it comes to trapping heat, it is far more efficient than carbon dioxide  28 times more so over a century.

Sixty per cent of all methane emissions come from human activity  the largest of which is agriculture.

Agriculture releases more methane than fossil fuels and waste, as per the International Energy Agency.

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Methane, known as natural gas, is far more potent that carbon dioxide.

Livestock contribute about 11 to 17 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions more than all the vehicles on planet earth.

Cow burps and farts from the billion or so cattle comprise a significant chunk of these, as per New Scientist.

Meanwhile, cow burps make up around five per cent of all methane emissions.

According to Earth.org, cattle such as cows, deer, sheep, and buffalo are called ruminants.

They produce methane as result of fermenting grasses and hay in their rumen  the first part of their digestive tract.

They do so by quickly devouring grass and hay  which is later digested by re-chewing it.

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Meanwhile, the methanogen in their stomach changes the excess hydrogen and carbin dioxide to methane.

The cattle then release the methane through burps and belches, as per Earth.org.

South told the Boston Globe the next step, approval from the US Department of Agriculture, could come within three to four years.

He also told The Pinnacle Gazette he hoped his vaccine could be a safe and effective tool in the fight against climate change.

He told Bloomberg the vaccine could be distributed through the already extensive agricultural supply channels.

The opportunity to create something that fits in with normal farm practices, which is a vaccine and one which has no likelihood of impact in the quality of milk or meat, means that weve really got a huge addressable audience, he said.

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Reducing methane emissions from the agricultural sector is one of the most pressing challenges in todays fight against climate change, Chris Rivest, chairman of the board at ArkeaBio, and a partner at Breakthrough, told the Boston Globe. ArkeaBios approach using innovative vaccine technologies will create effective and massively scalable solutions.

But ArkeaBio isnt the only company targeting cow burps.

Major dairy firms like Lactalis USA are experimenting with using seaweed supplements in cattle feed, according to The Pinnacle Gazette.

The supplements have reduced cattle emissions by 70 per cent.

However, bringing this method to scale remains a significant logistics issue.

As per Bloomberg, other firms have developed cattle masks to trap methane.
Kamala Harris has picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the US presidential election. He gained attention for his strategy of calling Donald Trump weird. It seems to have stuck and become synonymous with Walz read more

Tim Walz, who served in a Republican-leaning district in Congress, has proven appeal to rural and white voters. AP

The guessing game is over. Kamala Harris has picked Tim Walz as her running mate in the US presidential election.

Harris on Tuesday unveiled Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential candidate for the US election in November, saying she was proud to choose him as her running mate. As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, hes delivered for working families like his. Its great to have him on the team, Harris said on X.

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Walz will become vice president if Harris beats Donald Trump in the US presidential election.

Harriss decision speaks a lot about the power of social media. Walz became an internet sensation after his recent attacks on Republicans as weird. It has caught on and how.

The vice president has adopted the modifier and now its part of the Democratic strategy when talking about Trump or his running mate, JD Vance. This unconventional yet effective label has sparked a significant shift in the political discourse, marking a notable departure from the more serious tones of previous campaigns.

How did this weird label come up?

The term weird first gained traction when the Minnesota governor used it in several public appearances. Walz, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association, referred to Trump and Vance as just weird during a viral MSNBC interview.

The Democratic Governors Association amplified this label on social media, and soon, the Harris campaign incorporated it into their messaging. The use of the term weird serves as a concise and relatable description that captures the discomfort many feel towards the extreme rhetoric and actions of the Trump-Vance campaign.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks during a news conference for the Biden-Harris campaign discussing the Project 2025 plan during the third day of the 2024 Republican National Convention near the Fiserv Forum, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. File Image/AP

David Karpf, a strategic communication professor at George Washington University, told AP, It frustrates opponents, leading them to further amplify it through off-balance responses. This simple yet effective label has proven difficult for the Republican side to counter, as it touches on the broader unease with their political positions and behaviour.

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I dont know who came up with the message, but I salute them, added Karpf.

Are Trump and Vance weird?

The Democrats use of the weird label has been bolstered by specific incidents and statements from Trump and Vance. For instance, Vances comments about people without biological children not having a direct stake in the country were described as super weird by US Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut).

My buddy @brianschatz and l have some thoughts about JD Vances really creepy idea to give less votes to people without kids.



Give a watch. pic.twitter.com/pHcAQzdvTA  Chris Murphy  (@ChrisMurphyCT) July 26, 2024

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This remark drew significant backlash, highlighting a dismissive attitude towards individuals and families with different life choices.

In another instance, Harris campaign released a statement following Trumps appearance on Fox News, titled Statement on a 78-Year-Old Criminals Fox News Appearance, which included the phrase Trump is old and quite weird?

This release was part of a broader strategy to paint Trump and his associates as out of touch and strange.

Is this strategy working?

This campaign tactic marks a significant shift from the previous high-minded and serious tones of political discourse under US President Joe Biden. Bidens campaign had often focused on themes of democracy and the soul of the nation, but polling indicated that voters were equally split on whether Biden or Trump would better protect democracy.

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The Harris campaigns approach, however, is more down-to-earth and resonates with everyday conversations, offering a stark contrast to the often apocalyptic language used in political arenas.

Tim Hogan, a Democratic strategist, pointed out the relatability of the term, telling Politico, Its simple. Its how you might talk to your neighbour about the crazy political climate were living in.

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The label weird encapsulates the oddities and inconsistencies in the behaviour and policies of Trump and Vance, making it a powerful tool for the Democrats.

How are Republicans tackling this weird issue?

The Republican response has been largely defensive, struggling to counter the weird label. Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung and Donald Trump Jr. attempted to turn the tables by accusing the Democrats of trying to gaslight everyone into thinking the shooting was staged, and criticising Harris for being soft on crime. However, these responses have not effectively countered the narrative.

JD Vance tried to shift focus by criticising Harris discussions on climate anxiety, mocking the idea and suggesting that Democrats dont want young people to start families.

Trump idolizes Hannibal Lecter.



JD Vance is on a crusade against women who own cats.



MAGA Republicans cant stop talking about DEI.



These guys are weird.  The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) July 29, 2024

He described these concerns as really weird stuff, inadvertently reinforcing the label that the Democrats have successfully applied to him and his party.

What does history say about simple labels like weird?

The use of the term weird also taps into a broader historical narrative. The Democratic campaign has subtly referenced past Republican tactics, such as John McCains 2008 attempt to paint Barack Obama as a celebrity without real accomplishments.

This current campaign strategy seems to co-opt Republican methods by applying a simple, yet impactful label that resonates on a gut level.

Moreover, the shift in campaign tone reflects a broader change in Democratic strategy under Harris leadership. The campaign has embraced a more conversational and relaxed approach, exemplified by Harris speeches where she draws on her background as a prosecutor to criticise Trump.

Throughout my career, Ive taken on perpetrators of all kinds, and let me tell you: I know Donald Trumps type. pic.twitter.com/EP9e8ClVKE  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 1, 2024

She described Trump as a predator and fraudster, contrasting her own professional integrity with his controversial record.

The weird label encapsulates a wide range of criticisms against Trump and Vance, from their policy positions to their public personas. Its a strategic move that simplifies complex issues into a relatable narrative, making it easier for the public to engage with and understand.

As the campaign progresses, it remains to be seen how this tactic will influence voter perceptions and whether it will continue to be a defining feature of the Democratic strategy.

With inputs from agencies
Russias Vadim Krasikov is at the centre of a high-stakes prisoner swap between Moscow and the West. He was serving a life sentence in Germany after being convicted of murdering a Georgian exile. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier called him a patriot read more

An undated picture obtained by Reuters shows Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov who was sentenced to life in 2021 for the assassination of a Chechen-Georgian dissident in a Berlin park, in Berlin, Germany, August 1, 2024. Reuters

Vadim Krasikov, a convicted Russian assassin, has been released as part of a high-stakes prisoner swap between Moscow and the West on Thursday.

Krasikov, who was serving a life sentence in Germany for the killing of a former Chechen rebel commander in 2019, has now become a pivotal figure in a complex prisoner exchange.

President Biden revealed the West secured the freedom of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan, journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, along with five Germans and seven Russians who were being held as political prisoners.

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The massive prisoner swap has garnered significant attention and highlights the persistent complexities of international negotiations and the intersections of intelligence and diplomacy.

But who was Krasikov and what does his release mean for Russia? Lets take a closer look

What was Krasikovs crime?

Krasikov, 58, was imprisoned in Germany in 2021 for the murder of Zelimkhan Tornike Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian who had fought against Russian forces in Chechnya and later sought asylum in Berlin.

On 23 August 2019, Khangoshvili was shot from behind near Berlins Kleiner Tiergarten park in broad daylight with a silenced handgun. Witnesses saw the shooter discard a bike, a gun, and a dark wig into the nearby Spree River. Police apprehended him before he could escape on an electric scooter.

Commenting on Khangoshvilis murder, Putin described the former Chechen commander as a fighter, very cruel and bloody who had joined separatists against Russian forces in the Caucasus and also been involved in bombing attacks on the Moscow metro.

According to German media, Khangoshvili had survived two previous assassination attempts in Georgia before seeking asylum in Germany.

Throughout his trial, Krasikov remained silent, communicating only through his lawyer. He insisted he had been misidentified, claiming to be a Russian construction engineer named Vadim Sokolov. However, a Berlin court found him guilty of murder in 2021.

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German authorities asserted that Krasikov had acted on orders from Russian officials, who provided him with a false identity and resources for the operation. At his sentencing, judges noted his ties to the Federal Security Service (FSB), Russias main intelligence agency, which succeeded the KGB and served him a life term in jail.

A patriot

The case sparked a major diplomatic conflict between Russia and Germany, leading to mutual diplomatic expulsions.

The Kremlin has consistently denied any involvement, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov labelling the allegations as absolutely groundless and denouncing the sentencing as a political decision.

However, for Putin, a former KGB officer, the release of Russian operatives like Krasikov is crucial for the success of future undercover missions, showing that Moscow would negotiate for the agents release even if they are caught.

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Since then, Krasikov has topped the Kremlins list for an exchange. At one point, there were discussions about including high-profile figures, such as the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, in a potential prisoner swap.

Although Putin did not explicitly name Krasikov, he clearly referred to him while mentioning a Russian patriot imprisoned in a US-allied country for liquidating a bandit who had killed Russian soldiers during the Caucasus conflicts. Reuters

President Vladimir Putin first hinted at Krasikovs inclusion in a potential prisoner swap with Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was jailed in Russia on espionage charges, during a February interview with Fox News journalist Tucker Carlson.

Although Putin did not explicitly name Krasikov, he clearly referred to him while mentioning a Russian patriot imprisoned in a US-allied country for liquidating a bandit who had killed Russian soldiers during the Caucasus conflicts.

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There is a person serving a sentence in a US ally. That person, out of patriotic sentiments, eliminated a bandit in a European capital, Putin was quoted as saying by AFP.

Not an easy decision: Germany

Reacting to Krasikovs release, Chancellor Olaf Scholzs spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit, said the decision to send him back to Russia was guided by Berlins duty to German citizens and solidarity with the United States.

This was not an easy decision, Hebestreit stated.

He explained that the release of those wrongfully held in Russia, as well as a German detained in Belarus, could only be achieved by deporting Russians with an intelligence background held in Europe, such as Krasikov.

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Following the largest prisoner exchange between Russia and the West in decades German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a news conference at the military area of Cologne Bonn Airport in Cologne, Germany. Reuters

Hebestreit also acknowledged the public interest in enforcing a prison sentence on a convicted criminal but emphasised that this had to be balanced against the freedom, welfare, and in some cases the lives of innocent people detained in Russia.

Our obligation to protect German citizens and solidarity with the US were important motivations, Hebestreit said, further calling on the Russian and Belarusian leadership to release all unjustly imprisoned political detainees. He expressed solidarity with all those who are still imprisoned in Russia for expressing their opinions and for telling the truth about Putins war of aggression in Ukraine.

With inputs from agencies
In contrast to common lore, roses do not have thorns. They have prickles that appear from the plants skin in a process akin to hair growth. Prickles have existed for at least 400 million years and have now undergone 28 separate evolutionary cycles read more

A flower seller prepares red roses for sale at her stall ahead of Valentines Day, in London, Britain, February 13, 2024. Representational Image/Reuters

Canadian philosopher Matshona Dhliwayo has famously said, If you love a rose, you have to love its thorns too.

Not only do roses have these spiky traits, but so do other flowers, such as spider flowers, and crop plants like tomatoes, eggplants, barley, and rice.

What gives them these sharp spikes, though?

The origin of these variations may be traced back to a single ancient gene family, as per a recent study that was published on Thursday in the Science journal.

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Lets take a look.

Roses and thorns

In contrast to common lore, roses do not have thorns.

Instead, they have prickles that appear from the plants skin in a process akin to hair growth.

Prickles are an astounding instance of evolution repeating itself.

They have existed since the emergence of ferns and related species, some of which had prickles on their stems, at least 400 million years ago, according to The New York Times. They have now undergone 28 separate evolutionary cycles.

Some roses have prickles on their stems, while other plants have them on their leaves or fruits.

Pricks originally appeared six million years ago in the Solanum plant genera, which are among the most diverse and comprise crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants.

Currently, it includes over a thousand species that can be found all over the world. About 400 of them are commonly known as spiny solanum.

There are rose species without spikes today because, prior to this discovery, one way to get rid of prickles from plants was to try to crossbreed the plant with a variant that had naturally lost its prickles. Representational Image/Pixabay

According to CNN, convergent evolution is the process by which species adapt similarly to particular environmental requirements.

An example of this is when a common characteristic, like prickles, emerges separately across various lineages and species.

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As per the report, Lippman said wings are another example of a trait that evolved in this similar manner among several bird species and other creatures like bats and even some types of squirrels that have a wing-like shape.

The study also stated that thorns and spines are an evolved defence against herbivores, or animals that consume plants. They can also help with growth, plant competition, and water retention.

The gene responsible for prickles

According to the studys authors, the prickles trait has been turned on and off in many animals over millions of years by an ancient gene family called Lonely Guy, or LOG.

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Lippman says LOG-related genes can be identified in all plants, even mosses, which are believed to be the ancestors of dry-land plants.

The genes are in charge of triggering the hormone cytokinin, which is critical for many fundamental cellular processes in plants, such as cell division and expansion, which ultimately impact the plants growth.

Its not that there was one common ancestor that had prickles, and then it radiated out over 400 million years to all these others, and then they were lost sporadically. In fact, what it looks like is that they seem to be quite readily gained in different lineages. Now, the question is, how often is convergent evolution not just the trait that we see, but the genes behind the trait? Lippman said, according to CNN.

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He added, Our study is, I think probably the first to really demonstrate the power of those tools (genetic and genome sequencing) to span such a wide evolutionary distance to ask this very classic question about convergent evolution in organismal evolution of plants or animals.

Head florist Anna Molicka and her assistant Maria Moskalyk sort through a newly arrived order of roses in the Giraffe Flowers florist shop in Manchester, Britain, February 8, 2024. Representational Image/Reuters

Ways to remove prickles

There are rose species without spikes today because, prior to this discovery, one way to get rid of prickles from plants was to try to crossbreed the plant with a variant that had naturally lost its prickles, according to Lippman.

Prick removal could facilitate harvesting and open the door for lesser-known food.

The berries known as desert raisins, which are native to Australia and grow on prickly bushes, are one example given by the authors, as per the report.

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According to Lippman, removing the prickles would make cultivating the fruit much easier and make it more like regular grocery store berries like blueberries and strawberries.

Its really about having more knowledge and understanding how important mutations were to give us the food that we eat at the scale that we eat it, and knowing that theres more potential out there. The more that we understand under the hood, the more were going to have a chance to tweak the system, or the engine, if you will, to make it perform even better, Lippman said.

One other method to remove prickles, according to Tyler Coverdale, an assistant professor of biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame who was not part of the new study, is using genome editing techniques such as CRISPR.

The method is used by scientists who use it for DNA modification in living organisms.

He told CNN that targeted gene editing can create more variations with ease and has fewer repercussions to the plants growth.

With inputs from agencies
In Gwadar, Pakistans only deep-sea port and a linchpin of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), thousands of Baloch protesters have clashed with security forces over allegations of human rights abuses and resource exploitation. The unrest has resulted in casualties, arrests, and a media blackout. The situation has highlighted deep-seated grievances and raised concerns over the future of key Chinese investments read more

Supporters of the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) listen to the speech of their leader during what they call the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar, Pakistan, July 28, 2024. Reuters

The port city of Gwadar in Pakistans Balochistan province has become the epicenter of a significant protest movement led by the ethnic Baloch community. This unrest has been driven by grievances over alleged human rights abuses, enforced disappearances, and the exploitation of the provinces rich resources.

Gwadar, a critical component of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is Pakistans only deep-sea port on the Arabian Sea, making it strategically important both economically and geopolitically.

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What is behind these protests?

The current wave of protests was sparked by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), which organised demonstrations to highlight these issues.

The Baloch people, numbering around 15 million out of Pakistans 240 million population, have long felt marginalised and exploited, with their provinces wealth of natural resources, including oil, coal, gold, copper, and gas, being used to benefit the federal government disproportionately.

This long-standing resentment has occasionally flared into separatist sentiments, with at least five major insurgencies occurring since Pakistans independence in 1947. The latest rebellion began in the early 2000s, demanding greater autonomy and a fairer share of the provinces resources.

Why have protests escalated?

The tension in Gwadar escalated dramatically in recent days, starting with the BYCs call for a Baloch Rajee Muchi or Baloch National Gathering.

As protesters attempted to converge on Gwadar, security forces set up roadblocks and allegedly fired on a convoy in Mastung district, resulting in the death of one protester and injuries to several others.

BYC representative Bebarg Baloch told Al Jazeera, The paramilitary force opened fire on a convoy comprising hundreds of people, including women and children, who were travelling from Quetta to Gwadar.

Police officers detain a Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) supporter as he was arriving with others for a press conference after activists were detained during what they call the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar, in Karachi, Pakistan, July 31, 2024. Reuters

The Pakistani military confirmed the incident, stating that one of its soldiers was killed in unprovoked attacks by a violent mob and that 16 other soldiers were injured. The BYC accused the authorities of attempting to suppress the protest by arresting dozens of their members, including prominent leaders Sammi Deen Baloch and Sabiha Baloch, whose whereabouts remain unknown, reported Al Jazeera.

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The protests spread to other towns in Balochistan, including the provincial capital Quetta, Kech, and Mastung, as demonstrators demanded the release of the arrested individuals.

Also Read | CPEC in peril: Chinas strategic assets in Pakistan turning into a liability

BYC leader Mahrang Baloch, speaking to a crowd in Gwadar, expressed the communitys determination: The state and its institutions have attempted to prevent us from holding this gathering by blocking highways and arresting our people, but today the entire Gwadar is here to send a message: we will not tolerate further oppression of the Baloch nation.

In a post on X in the early hours of Friday, Mahrang Baloch wrote, The sit-in by the Baloch Solidarity Committee continues for the fifth day in Padzir. Thousands of people are participating in the protest. Despite the continued use of force and violence by the state, the morale of the sit-in participants is high.

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:                                                           https://t.co/yAJVlrXXoo  Mahrang Baloch (@MahrangBaloch_) August 1, 2024

She highlighted the unity of the Baloch people, despite the risks, stating, I know I may be the next target of this state, but unity is our strength, and we must remain united.

How has the Pakistan government responded?

Balochistans chief minister, Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the protests, suggesting they were part of a conspiracy to disrupt the regions development and progress.

He asserted that while citizens have the right to assemble, it should not be with the intent to disturb public order. Bugti also mentioned that the government was open to dialogue, stating, Our doors are open.

Human rights organisations have criticised the Pakistani authorities handling of the situation. Amnesty International called for an end to the brutal crackdown and the immediate release of all detained protesters.

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Pakistan: @amnesty is alarmed at the use of unlawful and unnecessary force against the participants of the Baloch National Gathering by security forces yesterday. It is a blatant violation of peoples right to freedom of peaceful assembly.



On 27 June, Frontier Corps reportedly  Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office (@amnestysasia) July 28, 2024

They stated, Amnesty International calls for an end to the brutal crackdown on the Baloch protests and the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right of peaceful assembly.

Similarly, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) criticised the excessive use of force and the suspension of internet and mobile services, which hindered communication and media reporting.

How may these protests affect Chinese interests in the area?

Gwadars strategic importance is underscored by its role in CPEC, a flagship project of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and trade.

Inaugurated in 2016, Gwadar port has been heralded as a game-changer for Pakistan and China, promising to transform the local economy and boost bilateral trade. However, the ongoing unrest and security concerns have complicated these ambitions.

Police officers detain a Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) supporter as she was arriving with others for a press conference after activists were detained during what they call the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar, in Karachi, Pakistan, July 31, 2024. Reuters

The protests and subsequent government crackdown have highlighted the broader issues facing the region, including the lack of local involvement in major projects and the perception of exploitation by the central government and foreign investors.

This discontent is compounded by the recent history of violence and insecurity in the region, which has seen attacks on Chinese personnel and projects.

Pakistans government, facing a resurgence of terrorism from both Islamist militants and Baloch separatists, is under pressure to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and investments.

On Monday, Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed Zhao Shiren, Chinas Consul General in Lahore, on the security measures being taken to protect Chinese interests.

The protests have drawn international attention to the plight of the Baloch people and the developments in Pakistans most resource-rich yet economically marginalised province.

Also Read: How Indias bet on Chabahar can counter Chinas Gwadar gambit

With inputs from agencies
India has named Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the astronaut who will go to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission read more

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected for a mission to the International Space Station (Photo: CNN-News 18)

Even as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) works on the Gaganyaan Mission, the nation is set to return to space this year.

In partnership with a US space company, an Indian astronaut will go to the International Space Station (ISS) this year. The flight to the ISS is tentatively scheduled for no earlier than October.

The astronaut will go to the ISS as per an agreement signed between the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO and Axiom Space, an American private company into the domain of spacefaring and space infrastructure. The mission, Axiom-4, is affiliated with the US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

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India names astronaut for ISS flight

India has named Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the astronaut who will go to the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, according to CNN-News 18.

Shukla will be the second Indian to go to space. So far, Wing Commander (Retired) Rakesh Sharma is the only Indian to go to space.

In 1984, he went to space as part of a collaboration between India and the Soviet Union and spent eight days in the Soviet space station. In a famous exchange, when the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked how India looked from the space, Sharma replied: Saare jahaan se achha (The most beautiful in the world).

Now, in 2024, Shukla will mark the new age of spacefaring for India. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will be the back-up astronaut for the mission.

Earlier this year, India had announced Shukla and three others as astronaut-designates for Mission Gaganyaan, Indias first human spaceflight mission.

#Gaganyaan



PM Modi bestowed 'astronaut-wings' to four astronaut-designates for #GaganyaanMission, India's first human spaceflight mission scheduled for 2025:



Group Captain PB Nair

Group Captain Ajit Krishnan

Group Captain Angad Pratap

Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla



: PIB pic.twitter.com/mI3zikPQPD  Madhur Sharma (@madhur_mrt) February 27, 2024

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Shukla and others for the mission will be finally approved to fly to the ISS by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel. The training will start this week.

During the mission, the Gaganyatri will undertake selected scientific research and technology demonstration experiments on board the ISS as well as engage in space outreach activities. The experiences gained during this mission will be beneficial for the Indian Human Space Program and it will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA, said ISRO in a statement to CNN-News 18.

What is Axiom-4 space mission?

Axiom-4 (Ax-4) is the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS. The US company is Axiom Space is running the mission.

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The contract for the Ax-4 mission was signed between the NASA and Axiom Space in 2023. The mission is tentatively scheduled for no earlier than October.

The mission is part of the US efforts to cultivate and sustain a private spacefaring and space infrastructure ecosystem that leads to a sustained American presence in space. As the world witnesses a new space age, the India-US collaboration is also increasing.

At the time the contract was announced, the NASA had said that the astronauts for the mission will train with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX for their flight. Axiom has contracted SpaceX as launch provider for transportation to and from the ISS and to familiarise the astronauts with systems, procedures, and emergency preparedness for the spacecraft. It was said at the time that Dragon spacecraft of SpaceX, which can carry seven people, will be used in the mission.
In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 08 August 2024, Air India posted on X read more

In view of escalating tension in Middle East after the killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, Air India on Friday suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect until August 8.

Taking to X, Air India said in a statement, In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 08 August 2024.

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ANNOUNCEMENT



In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 08 August 2024. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support  Air India (@airindia) August 2, 2024

The statement added that the airline is continuously monitoring the situation and is extending support to its passengers with confirmed bookings for travel during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges.

Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority, it said.

On Thursday evening, Air India had cancelled a scheduled flight from New Delhi to Tel Aviv citing operational reasons.

The Middle East has experienced heightened tensions since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas.

The ongoing war has resulted in over 35,000 deaths and has had significant political repercussions across the region, affecting countries such as Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.

Tensions further escalated when a bomb exploded in Irans capital Tehran, killing Haniyeh. Iran has accused Israel of orchestrating Haniyehs assassination, with Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, even calling for a direct attack on Israel in response.

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With inputs from agencies
Here are the details on how controversial former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar changed her name seven times to qualify civil services exam read more

Debarred from taking any Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations in the future, controversial former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar, accused of cheating and forgery, had faked her identity at least seven times to appear for the civil services examination between 2012 and 2023.

Khedkar faked her identity by not just changing her name in her civil services examination application but also using different names for her father and mother.

She is even accused of changing her photograph/signature, her email ID, her residential address as well as her phone number.

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Details of how Puja Khedkar changed her name seven times to appear UPSC exams:

In Delhis Patiala House Court, on Thursday, the Delhi Police pointed out discrepancies in the records as applied by Khedkar for the UPSC exam. Following are the details of how she forged her identity, claiming to be from the OBC category and lying about her physical disability to qualify civil services examination more than six times permitted for a general category candidate.

2012

In her application in 2012, she mentioned her name as Khedkar Puja Deeliprao. She recorded her fathers name as Khedkar Deeliprao Kondiba and her mothers as Khedkar Manorama Deeliprao. That year she mentioned not being part of the PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) category

For the unversed, her fathers real name Dilip Khedkar, who is a former Maharashtra government officer, had property worth Rs 40 crore. Her mothers name is Manorama Khedkar

2018

Puja Khedkar applied for the civil services exam again in 2018 and this time she faked her name to Puja Deelip Khedkar. She mentioned her fathers name as Khedkar Deelip Kondiba and her mothers as Budhwant Manorama Jagannath.

She also mentioned being a part of the PwBD category and cited blindness and low vision as disabilities.

2019

The very next year, she again applied for the UPSC exam and mentioned her name as Khedkar Puja Deeliprao. This time she mentioned her fathers name as Khedkar Deeliprao K and her mothers as Budhwant Manorama J.

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In 2019 too she applied in the PwBD category, citing blindness and low vision.

2020

In 2020, she applied again but didnt change her and her parents names. This time she cited low vision for opting for the PwBD category.

2021

In her next attempt in 2021, she changed her identity and used Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar as her name in the exam application.

This time she mentioned her fathers name as Dilip Khedkar and her mothers name as Manorama Budhwant.

In 2021 too she applied in the PwBD category and mentioned multiple disabilities (VI) and mental illness.

2022

In her sixth attempt in 2022, she didnt change her name but faked her parents identity. She used Dilip K Khedkar as her fathers name and Manorama J Budhwant as her mothers.

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This year too she applied to PwBD and cited multiple disabilities (VI) and mental illness.

2023

In her seventh attempt in 2023, before she got selected, she mentioned her name as Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar. This time she changed her fathers name in the application to Dilip Khedkar and her mothers to Manorma Budhwant.

She cited multiple disabilities as she availed for the PwBD category.

In the 2023 UPSC exam, she secured an all-India rank (AIR) of 841.

Source: News18

Khedkar was booked by the Delhi Polices crime branch in July for misusing the disability and Other Backward Class (non-creamy layer) quotas to secure her candidature in the civil services exam.

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On Wednesday (July 31), the UPSC cancelled Puja Khedkars provisional candidature and permanently debarred her from all future exams/selections.

The Commission said that it had thoroughly examined the available data of more than 15,000 finally recommended candidates of the civil services examinations for 15 years, between 2009 to 2023, and found that barring the case of Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, no other candidate has been found to have availed more number of attempts than permitted under the CSE Rules."

Also Read: UPSC cancels Puja Khedkars candidature, debars her from all future exams, selections

On Thursday, Delhis Patiala House Court rejected Khedkars anticipatory bail plea, saying, Custodial interrogation of the accused is required to unearth the whole conspiracy and to establish involvement of the other persons involved in conspiracy."

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Also Read: Double whammy for Puja Khedkar: After UPSCs action, anticipatory bail plea gets rejected

Amid this, there are reports that Khedkar has fled to Dubai to evade arrest.

Also Read: Fearing arrest, has Puja Khedkar fled to Dubai?

Previously a probationary assistant collector at the Pune district collectorate, Khedkar was transferred to Washim in July amid allegations of misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities category.

During her tenure in Pune, she allegedly misused power and privileges by demanding perks and facilities she was not entitled to.

This along with the accusation of her improperly availing the OBC and non-creamy layer quota in the UPSC exam forced the commission to put her probation period on hold and recall her to the IAS academy in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. The deadline was July 23 and she did not show up there either.

She is not traceable and her mobile number is also switched off.
The reports of Puja Khedkar fleeing to Dubai come within hours after a Delhi court cancelled her selection as a trainee IAS officer and barred her from taking the entrance exam for life after UPSC found her guilty of faking her identity to take the exam multiple times read more

In order to avail of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) non-creamy layer quota in the UPSC, Puja Khedkar had reportedly claimed that her parents were separated and she was living with her mother. Source: dr_pujamdk_ias/Instagram

Puja Khedkar, a controversial former IAS trainee officer, is believed to have fled to Dubai to evade arrest after her anticipatory bail plea was rejected by a Delhi court on Thursday.

As per reports, Khedkars mobile number is switched off and she is not traceable for the last couple of weeks as she has been evading the media after the controversy over her disability and OBC status claims in her Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) candidature started looming.

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It is also worth mentioning that after controversies against Khedkar started to take a bad shape, she was asked to report at Lal Bahadur Shashtri National Academy Of Administration in Mussoorie on July 23 but she didnt show up.

However, the speculations of her fleeing to Dubai emerged moments after Delhis Patiala House court, on August 1, rejected her anticipatory bail plea saying that the allegations against Khedkar are serious that require a thorough investigation.

Also Read: Double whammy for Puja Khedkar: After UPSCs action, anticipatory bail plea gets rejected

Denying the bail to Khedkar, Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala said: Custodial interrogation of the accused is required to unearth the whole conspiracy and to establish involvement of the other persons involved in conspiracy."

Khedkars bail plea was rejected a day after the UPSC cancelled her provisional candidature and permanently debarred her from taking all the exams/selections in the future.

The decision announced on Wednesday (July 31) by the UPSC, that conducts civil services examination, was taken after careful examination of the available records which found Khedkar guilty of acting in contravention of the provisions of the civil services examination (CSE)-2022 Rules.

The UPSC further said that it had thoroughly examined the available data of more than 15,000 finally recommended candidates of the CSEs between 2009 to 2023, that is, for 15 years with respect to the number of attempts availed by them and found that barring Khedkar, no other candidate have availed more number of attempts than permitted under the CSE Rules.

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Also Read: UPSC cancels Puja Khedkars candidature, debars her from all future exams, selections

Khedkar found herself in deep waters in June after Pune Collector Suhas Diwase wrote to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, highlighting her demand for perks including car, staff and an office she was not entitled to during her two-year probation.

She was immediately transferred to Washim.

Problems started getting big for Khedkar after her selection for IAS came under the spotlight and it was found that she had availed relaxed criteria for OBC candidates and persons with disabilities.

It was also found that her father, Dilip Khedkar, a former officer in Maharashtra government, had property to the tune of 40 crores and she did not qualify for the OBC non-creamy layer tag.

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She has allegedly manipulated her documents to appear for the UPSC examination multiple times.

With inputs from agencies
The violence in Manipur was a significant and tragic event involving clashes between the Meitie and Kuki communities in the northeastern state, evoking strong sentiments from across the country read more

The violence in Manipur erupted in May 2023 and quickly escalated, resulting in a large number of casualties, property destruction, and widespread displacement. PTI file

It has been more than a year since Manipur has been witnessing widespread violence and Thursday was the first time a breakthrough was reached between the two conflicting groups. Yesterday, the BJP overlooked the signing of a peace agreement between Meitei and Hmar, part of the Kuki ethnic group. The deal will, however, only be valid in one district, Jiribam.

The violence in Manipur was a significant and tragic event involving clashes between the Meitie and Kuki communities in the northeastern state, evoking strong sentiments from across the country. The violence erupted in May 2023 and quickly escalated, resulting in a large number of casualties, property destruction, and widespread displacement.

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What does the deal say?

Under the peace agreement, both groups will be expected to restore normalcy in the district and prevent incidents of arson and shooting.

Thursdays meeting was delegated by the district commissioner and senior officers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Assam Rifles (AR). Kuki and Hmar also agreed to work together with security forces in Jiribam and to manage and coordinate the movement of people in a controlled manner.

The signing of the agreement, though confined to one district now, marks the first step towards resolving the ongoing conflict between the two communities, a government official said after the deal was signed.

Why was Jiribam singled out?

The district of Jiribram, which is 250 km away from the capital Imphal, was largely free from violence since last year until it was not.

In June this year, the district saw its first bout of violence, forcing hundreds out of their homes with many taking refuge in relief camps.

Last month, the Manipur police said that a CRPF personnel was killed in an ambush by suspected Kuki insurgents.
In a notification dated June 19, the Ministry of Education informed that the UGC had received inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics that indicated that the integrity of the examination had been compromised read more

The National Testing Agency announced the dates of the UGC-NET exams months after it was cancelled a day after the tests were conducted over alleged paper leaks.

The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test will now be held between August 21 and September 4 in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.

The exams are held twice a year. UGC NET was conducted in June in pen and paper mode on June 18 in two shifts.

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Centres of the upcoming examination will be notified on ugcnet.nta.ac.in and nta.ac.in 10 days before the exams.

Why were the exams cancelled?

In a notification dated June 19, the Ministry of Education informed that the UGC had received inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics that indicated that the integrity of the examination had been compromised.

To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled. A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately. Simultaneously, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for thorough investigation in the matter, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, last month, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a PIL challenging the governments decision to cancel the UGC-NET examination following an alleged question paper leak.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, however, said the dismissal of the PIL does not amount to a decision on the merits of the PIL as it was filed by a lawyer and not by aggrieved students.

Why are you (lawyer) coming? Let the students come here themselves, the CJI told the lawyer, adding while declining the above PIL, we express nothing on merits.

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The bench asked advocate Ujjawal Gaur, who has filed the PIL as a petitioner, to focus on some legal matters and leave such issues for aggrieved persons.

The plea was filed against the decision of the Union Education Ministry and the National Testing Agency to cancel the UGC-NET exam following inputs that its integrity may have been compromised.

With inputs from agencies
Officials taking part in the rescue mission have said that the death toll is now exceeding 316. They also expressed fear that it could climb higher as more than 220 people remain missing read more

A drone view shows a landslide site after multiple landslides in the hills in Wayanad district, in the southern state of Kerala, India, July 31, 2024. REUTERS

As Kerala mourns the devastating landslides in Wayanad, the death toll in the tragic incident has crossed over 300. According to the Times of India, officials taking part in the rescue mission have said that the death toll is now exceeding 316. They also expressed fear that it could climb higher as more than 220 people remain missing.

The rescue operations which were scheduled to halt at 4 pm were prematurely suspended on Thursday, due to heavy rainfall in the region. While additional machinery was brought in Chaliyar for the search mission, the authorities deployed 15 earthmoving machines in Mundakki, Manorama reported.

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Baily Bridge to remain in place

Meanwhile, the Bailey Bridge was constructed by the Army to help with the search mission and will remain in place until a permanent bridge is built.

Throughout the rescue mission, the bridge helped to transport equipment required for rescue operations. The temporary bridge connects Chooralmala and Mundakkai.

Kerala CM, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi visit Wayanad

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid a visit to Wayanad to assess the situation. After his visit, the Kerala CM conducted a review meeting and an all-party discussion at the Collectorate. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi toured the disaster-stricken areas.

During their visit on Thursday, the Gandhi siblings met the families of the victims affected by the landslides. The former Wayanad MP visited a relief camp at Meppadi Govt Higher Secondary School.

While narrating his emotional experience while visiting the site, Rahul Gandhi told reporters I feel how I felt when my father (ex-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, assassinated in May 1991) died.

I remember what I felt when my father died. But here people have not just lost a father they have lost families brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. I know what I felt (when his father was killed) and this is much worse than that. It is not one person suffering but thousands, he added.

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With inputs from agencies.
August 2, 2024: While NATO nations have provided Ukraine with over a $100 billion in aid, NATO has not provided any troops. Ukrainian leaders point out that without either lots more artillery ammunition and medium-range artillery missiles, or European and American soldiers fighting in Ukraine, Russia can never be forced to relinquish Crimea and other smaller portions of Ukraine they occupy. So far Russia has been able to deal with economic sanctions and enormous quantities of NATO aid sent to Ukraine. Getting Russian soldiers out of Ukraine will probably require NATO soldiers to reinforce the depleted Ukrainians to get the job done. The population of all NATO nations is nearly a billion and people and their combined armed forces contain 3.3 million troops. Not all NATO members would be willing to send their troops to Ukraine, but enough would to make Russia realize that that if they kept fighting, they would quickly lose to the combined Ukrainian/NATO forces. Russia has no similar allies to help them and Russian losses in Ukraine have already caused moral and political problems inside Russia.

Russian threats of using nuclear weapons if cornered no longer have any effect because Britain, France and the United States all have nuclear weapons and if Russia used them the response would result in Russia ceasing to exist. The Russians painted themselves into this corner and too many Russians are unwilling to participate in self-destruction to avoid defeat in Ukraine.

There is still resistance among some NATO members to this extreme measure. But it would not be necessary if Ukraine were a NATO member. Ukrainian efforts to join NATO were one of the reasons Russia gave for invading Ukraine. The Russian government sees NATO as a western plot to surround and smother Russia. NATO members consider that delusional but for the Russians such delusions are a way of life and part of their culture.

If enough force is applied, the Russians will concede. If the results of this Russian aggression are allowed to stand, it will provide Russia with justification for future land grabs. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has expressed his goal of rebuilding the Soviet Union. He considers the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991 a great tragedy. Few members of the Soviet Union agree.

The Russian Federation, one of the fourteen nations created when the Soviet Union broke up, has no intention of voluntarily rejoining even though Putin is its president, and Ukraine has demonstrated it would rather fight the Russians than once more submitting to Russian rule. The majority of Soviet citizens were never Russian. That included the Ukrainians, who Russia considers Russian enough to be conquered and forced to become Russian. Thats what the Soviet Union tried to do and it never worked, even though millions of Ukrainians died during these attempts. Trying to rebuild the Soviet Union is a fools errand that Vladimir Putin continues to believe in.

Putins illusions and imperial dreams are a major obstacle to peace in Ukraine as well as a threat to continued peace and prosperity in Russia. The Ukraine war has caused the average Russian increased economic suffering and killed hundreds of thousands sent to fight in Ukraine. Putin may say he has not lost patience in Ukraine but Ukrainians, NATO nations and a growing number of Russians disagree.
The lessons from history cannot be more brutally unambiguous: In the last seven decades, each time a Pakistani premier has waged war against India, his career has met with a premature end read more

Around 2006, Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf was on a visit to the US. On a cold, blustery morning the General stood up to deliver his address at an event in New York. Full of archetypal swagger and bombast, the general expounded how he had brought about peace in the region amidst a rampaging Islamist terrorism that threatened the region in the 1980s and 1990s. He spoke of the burden of radical baggage that his predecessors had left him with, and the humongous task he had had to undertake.

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After he had finished speaking, a young student challenged him with a question about his claims. Musharrafs misadventure had led to Pakistans defeat in the Kargil war against India, and cost many lives. The President was questioned about his mindless Kargil misadventure. The student highlighted a point about Pakistan refusing to take back the bodies of its own soldiers. The student also asked the President about overturning an elected national government through a military coup. Which peace was he talking about? The question irked the president, since he did not have an appropriate response.

Musharraf, the quintessential master of bluff and sleight, had an uncanny knack of sensing danger and jumping ship, jettisoning allies or embracing foes as the occasion suited him. As a politician, those traits often serve as positive attributes; but the barefaced dexterity with which he executed his flip-flops betrayed his slippery brazenness, even by the criterion of a seasoned opportunist.

That morning, his response showed him up as the unscrupulous architect of Kargil and military coup, who had forsaken his Jihadist allies, post the 9/11 terror attacks, since he was now seeking Americas help to keep himself safe. And alive.

Kargil Misadventure

The Kargil war in 1999, in which Pakistan occupied lightly held Indian positions in an attempt to cut off the highway connecting Srinagar and Leh, saw astounding tales of valour involving Indian soldiers, mostly young officers and jawans in their twenties and thirties, but there is a question that often goes abegging. No, the question is not about the contentious opinions doing the rounds currently among military generals and analysts on whether there was an element of surprise that caught the Indian intelligence agencies and the army off-guard in Kargil, or was it a lack of immediate action and initiative at the highest levels despite the intelligence? In a world of divided opinions, this contention has occupied much space in the year of remembering Kargil. Instead, let us address an issue that has popped up its head every now and then.

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Historically, Pakistan waged wars which it was never going to win. Politicians in Pakistan repeatedly invoked the past glories of Muslim rulers and raised the spectre of an Indian threat to keep alive their political relevance and by consequence, argued in favour of a central role for its army, the threat to an Islamic country and the need for continued aid from the US.

This worked well for Pakistan as long as such an argument was not translated into outright war. In fact, in 1965, Pakistan was one of the early Asian tigers with a high economic growth rate under President Ayub Khan. In came Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto armed with a bruised ego and personal grudge towards India, which he nursed by foisting a war upon the neighbour  with the aim of annexing Kashmir. Bhutto, arguably the worst and most cowardly politician Pakistan has ever had, fired the gun from Ayub Khans shoulder.

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Using the pretext of Kashmir and an Indian threat, Bhutto argued about waging a necessary war. His personal agenda overrode every other military rationale as a gullible Ayub fell for it.

Zia Understands the Imbalance: Changes Course

To compensate for the strategic imbalance in military capabilities, Pakistan used the shoot and scoot philosophy and engaged India through a two-pronged campaign. In 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, which involved an infiltration by military officers along with tribals in an attempt to disembowel Kashmir internally by creating a rebellion within the state. It was followed by a conventional form of war campaign.

Neither of the plans worked but Pakistan could argue that though it did not lose Lahore, it managed to keep India from winning outright.

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In a conventional war with India in 1971, Pakistans worst nightmare came true: a comprehensive defeat by its rival. Pakistan was now convinced it did not have the military might to counter India. A heightened insecurity that kept alive the bogey of an Indian threat, influenced Pakistans domestic power politics, which was soon exploited by its army to continue to stay in power and thereby, drive the state down an economic abyss.

In the 1980s, General Zia-ul Haq found a way forward: he thought up a devious but effective plan of engaging vulnerable Indian states through low intensity conflicts. The approach served Pakistan well in Punjab and later, in Kashmir. During the cold war era, using insurgency in Punjab had kept India domestically occupied. In fact, when Gen Sundarji launched Brasstacks in the 1980s, with a possible plan to scythe Pakistan into two, Zia flew to Jaipur to discuss peace with Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi. Zia understood the benefits Pakistan could accrue through a low intensity war. Besides, Pakistan was not nuclear-ready then.

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After the collapse of the Soviet Union and political coronation of Taliban in Afghanistan in early 1990s, Pakistan could free up its jihadists to its west and launch them into Kashmir. It served the political cause well as India mostly had weak coalition governments in the 1990s and the US had lost interest in the region and instead, became more involved in the wars in Eastern Europe.

The American Hand

Years ago in New York, while in graduate school, I assisted former US Ambassador John Hirsch on research and was required to accompany guest speakers to the class. One day, the speaker happened to be a former senator from South Dakota. During our conversation en route, the guest speaker told me how he was looked up as a hero in India but was thought of as an enemy in Pakistan. Senator Larry Pressler, the guest that day, was referring to the well-known Pressler Amendment which he helped enforce in 1990.

The Pressler Amendment banned American economic and military assistance to Pakistan unless the president certified on an annual basis that Pakistan did not possess a nuclear explosive device. In the midst of our conversation, Pressler regretted that America repealed the Amendment in the 1990s. A few years after the Amendment was tossed out, Pakistan exploded its nuclear device in 1998. A year later Kargil happened.

Why Pakistan Believed its Nuclear Status could Offset Indias Advantage

Bidanda Chengappa wrote in a piece for IDSA in 1999, During the 1947-48 and 1965 Indo-Pakistani conflicts over Kashmir, Pakistan army planners had employed unconventional warfare in the initial phases of the war prior to the hot war stage Clearly, the Kargil intrusions highlight a shift in Pakistans strategy from a low intensity conflict operation (LICO) to mounting an attack by infiltration undertaken by professional military personnel masquerading as mujahideen (the) newly acquired nuclear weapon capability has altered the existing politico-military equations with India.

Pakistan believed that acquiring a nuclear capability would deter India from waging a limited war. However, it did not account for the fact that the Indian army would hit back resolutely and possessed the will and wherewithal to take back territories. Years later, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif admitted that Islamabad violated an agreement signed between him and Indias former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999. He referred to Musharrafs Kargil misadventure as a violation of peace.

Political Suicide

At the end of the 1965 India-Pakistan war, at the truce meeting in Tashkent, Pakistani President Ayub Khan pleaded with Indias Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri to help him save face when he returned to his country. When he returned home, Bhutto ensured that Ayubs career was over. In 1971, the humiliation of defeat forced Yahya Khan into oblivion, with Bhutto ensuring the military was sent packing from power. In 1999, Musharraf, who had to weather the humiliation of a military defeat as a young officer in the 1971 war, dragged Nawaz Sharif into the Kargil war, just as Bhutto had goaded Ayub into waging one in 1965. After the Kargil war, Nawaz Sharif was pulled down by his scheming General, Pervez Musharraf. Each defeat over the decades has forced a change in the government in Pakistan.

Every now and then, a Pakistani leader has sought to mark his place in history by waging a war against India and winning, against the odds. In that context, Kargil might have finally sealed Pakistans perceived conventional capability vis-a-vis India. The loss damaged Pakistani confidence in fighting a successful conventional war against India. After Kargil, the state of Pakistan continued with the strategy of supporting cross border militancy, which the wily Zia-ul-Haq deployed earlier. The lessons from history cannot be more brutally unambiguous: in the last seven decades, each time a Pakistani premier has waged war against India, his career has met with a premature end.

The writer is the author of Watershed 1967: Indias Forgotten Victory over China and Camouflaged: Forgotten Stories From Battlefields. His fortnightly column for FirstPost  Beyond the Lines  covers military history, strategic issues, international affairs and policy-business challenges. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Tweets @iProbal
Hamas is a Hydra-headed terrorist outfit that has survived Israeli assassinations of its political and military units read more

As Hamas fiends laughed devilishly and waved rifles atop a mini truck revving up through a desert on a TV screen in a room on October 7, 2023, Ismail Haniyeh and several other men smiled and offered a prayer.

This was Hamas chief Haniyehs reaction to the Hamas massacre on October 7. Hes not celebrating anymore, US-based account Israel War Room posted on X while sharing the video.

This was Hamas chief Haniyeh's reaction to the Hamas massacre on October 7.



He's not celebrating anymore.  pic.twitter.com/xYsPsSNHZ3  Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) July 31, 2024

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During a speech at the funeral of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran in May, he said, The Al-Aqsa Flood [codename for the attacks] was an earthquake that struck the heart of the Zionist entity and has made major changes at the world level.

In January 2018, the US designated Haniyeh, the president of the Hamas Political Bureau and Palestinian Authoritys former Prime Minister (PM), a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

Haniyeh has close links with Hamass military wing and has been a proponent of armed struggle, including against civilians. He has reportedly been involved in terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens. Hamas has been responsible for an estimated 17 American lives killed in terrorist attacks, the US Embassy in Israel said in a press release.

The ICC sought Haniyehs arrest warrant accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity after the October Hamas bloodbath.

Haniyeh was nearing his end. Around 2 am on Wednesday, he and one of his bodyguards were killed by an Israeli airborne guided projectile at an IRGC guesthouse in Tehran after attending the inauguration of Irans president Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday. Israel has refused to comment on its role in the assassination.

Its unclear whether he was killed by a rocket or missile. An Iranian source told the pro-Hezbollah Lebanese Al Mayadeen news site that a missile fired from another country killed Haniyeh.

Haniyehs assassination wont help Israel

After the Hamas massacre, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Mossad to target the Hamas top brass, including Hamass Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar and its military wing Al Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades commander Mohammed Deif and his deputy Marwan Issa. Deif was killed in an Israeli airstrike in July and Issa in March.

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The IDF and the Shin Bet officially confirm this morning The elimination of Muhammad Deif pic.twitter.com/KHQNqQFGNX  Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) August 1, 2024

Haniyeh and his family were in Israels crosshairs for almost two decades. Israel had earlier targeted Haniyeh and his mentor and Hamas co-founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in an airstrike in a Gaza City building in September 2003, but both survived.

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In October 2023, Haniyeh lost 14 family members, including his brother and nephew, in an Israeli airstrike on his family home in Gaza City. In November, his granddaughter and eldest grandson were killed in Israeli airstrikes.

On April 10, his three sons and three grandchildren were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip. On June 25, his 10 family members, including his 80-year-old sister, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gazas al-Shati refugee camp.

Doha-based Haniyeh was the international and diplomatic face of Hamas jetting between Qatar, Egypt and Iran and had the most significant role in the Israel-Hamas hostage and ceasefire dialogue. Unlike Sinwar, Deif and Issa, Haniyeh was willing for a deal with Israel if the IDF withdrew from Gaza and also backed the two-state solution.

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Assassinating Haniyeh will neither help Israel destroy Hamas nor affect the terrorist organisations ongoing and future operations.

Haniyeh had little to do with Hamas military operations with Sinwar calling the shots and masterminding the October 7 terrorist attack.

The initial friendship between Haniyeh and Sinwar under Yassin in the 1980s gradually eroded over the years as the former presented the moderate face of Hamas and the latter the ruthless.

Earlier, Haniyeh was the Hamas leader in Gaza and also represented it abroad. However, Sinwar was elected as the Gaza boss in the February 2017 Hamas internal elections and again in the March 2021 elections.

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Hamas was increasingly getting divided with Haniyehs influence waning and Sinwar refusing to take orders from the political bureau and becoming closer to IRGCs late Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani for financial and military assistance.

Haniyehs assassination wont deter but make Hamas more vengeful.

Threatening Israel with an escalation, the al-Qassam Brigades issued a statement:  The criminal assassination of the leader Haniyeh in the heart of the Iranian capital is a significant and dangerous event that shifts the battle to new dimensions and will have major repercussions across the entire region.

It also threatened to spill Israels blood in Gaza, the West Bank and within its borderswherever our fighters reach by Gods will.

Hydra with beehive leadership

A beehive loses around a thousand bees daily in the summer, but the loss is replaced by the queen bee, which could lay more than 1,500 eggs per day.

Hamas is a hydra with a beehive leadership structure. Once Israel eliminates the topmost leader or commander, another head growsthe second-in-command or the most capable member replaces him. Both the military and political wings have a beehive structure.

Add to list of removed: Elusive Mohammed Deif, one of founders of Hamas's military wing Qassam Brigades. Deif presumably eliminated 2 wks ago. Was terror org's military chief until his July 13 demise near city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Yahya Sinwar remains the most wanted: pic.twitter.com/llnmn5FYMM  Two-State Solution  David in SoCal  (@alpern) July 31, 2024

Hamas is never devoid of leadership as successive Israeli assassinations have proved.

After Haniyehs assassination, senior Hamas member Sami Abu Zuhri said, This assassination by the Israeli occupation of brother Haniyeh is a grave escalation that aims to break the will of Hamas and the will of our people and achieve fake goals. We confirm that this escalation will fail to achieve its objectives.

According to the latest news reports, Haniyehs predecessor, Khaled Mashal, is tipped to replace him. He was appointed Hamas leader after Yassin and his successor Abdel-Aziz Al-Rantissi were eliminated in Israeli airstrikes in March and April 2004, respectively. A year after he moved to Jordan, where Mossad agents tried to assassinate him by injecting poison in 1997 on Netanyahus orders.

Like Haniyeh, Mashal was Hamass diplomatic face and represented the organisation internationally. Like his successor, the Doha-based leader also supported the October 7 attacks but had indicated the acceptance of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem for a permanent ceasefire with Israel.

Mashal eventually stepped down in 2017 as divisions surfaced in Hamas over his souring relations with Iran and his attempt to reconcile with rival Fatahs leader and Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. In 2021, Meshaal was elected to head the Hamas office in the Palestinian diaspora.

There are also other contenders to fill Haniyehs post if Mashal is not elected or assassinated.

Sanwars name also cropped up, but Hamas wont risk his life considering that he is Israels most wanted. The Butcher of Khan Younis, as he is known for his ruthlessness, Sinwar spent around 22 years in Israeli prisons. Besides, Sanwar, who established al-MajdHamass feared internal security organisationin 1989, is a brute, not a diplomat.

Sinwar has been elusive since October 7 and is reportedly operating from inside Hamass maze of tunnels, which are around 350 miles long. He was last seen inside a tunnel in Khan Younis accompanied by his children in a video posted by the IDF.

BREAKING: The IDF just published footage showing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the evil mind behind the October 7 massacre, escaping in a tunnel under the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.



He is accompanied with children which is a known Hamas tactic to protect the terrorists pic.twitter.com/lbC3U8RE6P  Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) February 13, 2024

Khalil al-Hayya, Sanwars deputy in Gaza, is another contender, but again, he has been an Israeli target. He survived an airstrike on his home in Gaza in 2007.

Another contender is Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior member of Hamass political bureau and a Hamas co-founder.

Israel has been eliminating top Hamas leaders since its formation during the First Intifada in 1987.

Yahya Ayyash, Hamass chief bombmaker, advanced suicide bombing and was known as The Engineer. The leader of the West Bank al-Qassam Brigades was assassinated via a cell phone bomb on January 5, 1996.

Salah Shehade, who founded the al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an airstrike on his home in Gazas Al-Daraj neighbourhood on July 22, 2002.

Yassin was eliminated in a helicopter missile strike in Gaza City on March 22, 2004.

Rantisi was killed when his car was hit by a helicopter missile in Gaza City on April 17, 2004.

Adnan al-Ghoul, Hamass master bomber and known as the Father of the Qassam rocket, was killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on October 21, 2004.

Nizar Rayyan, a cleric who called for renewed suicide bombings, was killed in the bombing in Jabalya refugee camp on January 1, 2009.

Ahmad al-Jabari, the de facto leader of the al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza on November 14, 2012.

Raed al-Attar, a top al-Qassam Brigades leader who coordinated the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal, was assassinated in an airstrike in Rafah on August 21, 2014.

Ayman Nofal, another al-Qassam co-founder and Hamass main security and intelligence figure, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on October 17, 2023.

Saleh al-Arouri, Haniyehs deputy and a co-founder of al-Qassam Brigades, was killed by an Israeli drone in Dahiyeh, Beirut, on January 2, 2024.

Issa, al-Qassams deputy commander, was killed in an airstrike on a tunnel in central Gazas Nuseirat, on March 11.

Deif, the most elusive Hamas terrorist, was killed in an airstrike in Khan Yunis on July 13.

However, as Zuhri said, Hamas is a concept and an institution and not persons. Hamas will continue on this path regardless of the sacrifices and we are confident of victory.

There are already two important Hamas members ready to succeed Deif. First, Sinwars brother Muhamad, a former commander of the Khan Younis Brigade who helped in the Shalits abduction in 2006. Second, Izz al-Din Hadad, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, was a key conspirator in plotting the October 7 attack.

If Sinwar is assassinated, either of the two members who have been his closest aides for around 40 years will fill his position. First, Rawhi Mushtaha, a member of the political bureau in Gaza. Second, Tawfiq Abu Naim, former head of the internal security force. All three were members of the al-Majd, which executed Israeli collaborators.

According to Michael Milshtein, director of the Palestinian Studies Forum in Tel Aviv Universitys Moshe Dayan Centre, most beehive members are 50-60 years old and born in refugee camps and underprivileged families with hostility towards Israel.

This explains Sinwars animosity towards Haniyeh. The beehive members have been on the battlefield while members like Haniyeh reached top positions through politics.

Hamas has survived the loss of its co-founders and topmost leaders in several Israeli assassinations and attempted targeted killings. Israel will probably target the replacements of Haniyeh, Deif and Issa, but more heads will grow back in their places like the Hydra.

The writer is a freelance journalist with more than two decades of experience and comments primarily on foreign affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Israel wants Iran to react; it wants an excuse to go after Irans nuclear sites read more

Israels strategy has taken a formidable turn towards total confrontation, seeking what some may call the Sri Lanka solutiontotal annihilation of its adversaries. The assassination of Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah operative in Beirut, marked a chilling prelude. This was followed by the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of Hamas, in Tehran, a stark indication that Israels reach extends far beyond its immediate borders.

The killing of Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Air Force in Damascus, and the targeted strike on Mohammed Daeif, the mastermind of the October 7 attack, come together to signal deadly omnipresence.

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While technology and firepower are central to the success of each of these missions, the indispensable role of human intelligence cannot be overstated. Israels enemies are thus placed on noticeno sanctuary is beyond reach.

The precision and audacity of these strikes signal Israels capacity to hit adversaries at will, delivering an unequivocal message. Each strike is meticulously calculated to erode the operational capabilities of hostile entities while simultaneously projecting Israeli might. As Clausewitz noted, To secure peace is to prepare for war, and Israels aggressive posture is a testament to this principle. However, such a strategy is not without its pitfalls. History has shown that sheer military might, devoid of a coherent strategy, can lead to protracted conflicts with unforeseen consequences.

As the conflict in Gaza winds down, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recalibrating his sights towards Hezbollah in Lebanon. The rationale is clear: with Hamas momentarily incapacitated, the strategic window to neutralise Hezbollahs capabilities presents itself. Hezbollahs formidable arsenal and 60,000 well-drilled soldiers pose an existential threat to Israel, and there is a palpable temptation within Israeli military circles to initiate a land invasion. Such a move, though fraught with risk, aims to decisively impair Hezbollahs ability to inflict damage upon Israel.

Netanyahus political survival is intricately entwined with the perpetuation of conflict. The extension of war serves to consolidate his political base and distract from domestic controversies. The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has further derailed peace efforts. This perpetuation of hostilities not only serves immediate security objectives but also bolsters Netanyahus very tenuous grip on power.

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War, as Clausewitz aptly observed, is the continuation of politics by other means. Israels current approach epitomises this adage but also underscores the necessity of complementing military action with strategic foresight. Israel wants Iran to react; it wants an excuse to go after Irans nuclear sites. Without American pressure and Iranian pullback, get ready for a wider, bloodier conflict.

The writer is a senior journalist with expertise in defence. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The US DoJ is exploring whether NVIDIA exerted pressure on cloud service providers to purchase a suite of NVIDIA products, over those of their competitors, if they were to continue having access to NVIDIAs top tier of AI chips read more

NVIDIA's significant influence in both the AI and computer graphics chip markets has led to increased regulatory scrutiny, especially after the surge in demand for AI chips driven by applications like ChatGPT. Image Credit: Reuters

The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) has initiated an antitrust investigation into NVIDIA, responding to accusations from competitors who claim that NVIDIA has misused its market position to stifle fair competition in the AI chip industry.

The investigation is exploring whether NVIDIA exerted pressure on cloud service providers to purchase a suite of NVIDIA products, over those of their competitors, if they were to continue having access to NVIDIAs top tier of AI chips.

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Sources involved in the investigation have indicated that the DoJ is examining if NVIDIA enforced such practices to maintain its market dominance, particularly in the AI chip sector.

Allegations of unfair pricing and market dominance

Another aspect of the investigation focuses on NVIDIAs pricing strategies. There are concerns that NVIDIA may have imposed higher prices on its networking equipment if customers showed interest in purchasing AI chips from NVIDIAs rivals, such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel.

Currently, NVIDIA holds a commanding 80 per cent share of the AI chip market. Despite these allegations, NVIDIA has stated that its competitive edge stems from years of investment and innovation, emphasizing that it complies with legal standards and offers its products across various platforms and enterprises, ensuring customers have the freedom to choose the best solutions for their needs.

Broader scrutiny and international investigations

The investigation has garnered the attention of US progressive groups and Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who have urged the DoJ to address competition concerns related to NVIDIA. These groups, which focus on preventing monopolistic practices and advocating for stringent oversight of tech companies, have criticized NVIDIAs practice of bundling software and hardware.

Frances investigation into NVIDIA

This issue has also caught the eye of French antitrust regulators, who are preparing to bring charges against NVIDIA for similar reasons. The French investigation follows earlier raids in the graphics cards sector, specifically targeting NVIDIA as part of a broader probe into cloud computing practices.

NVIDIAs significant influence in both the AI and computer graphics chip markets has led to increased regulatory scrutiny, especially after the surge in demand for AI chips driven by applications like ChatGPT. While NVIDIA and French authorities have not commented on the ongoing investigations, NVIDIA acknowledged in a regulatory filing last year that it has been requested to provide information to regulators in the European Union, China, and France concerning its graphics cards.

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The outcome of these investigations could have substantial implications for NVIDIA and the broader tech industry, as regulators on both sides of the Atlantic seek to address potential anti-competitive practices in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
At least 13 protesters were killed during mass protests in Nigeria against the countrys economic crisis that turned violent in several states, a rights group said Friday read more

At least 13 protesters were killed during mass protests in Nigeria against the countrys economic crisis that turned violent in several states, a rights group said Friday.

Authorities confirmed four people killed by a bomb and the arrests of hundreds in the protests that triggered curfews in several states.

Amnesty Internationals Nigeria director Isa Sanusi said in an interview that it independently verified the deaths that were reported by witnesses, families of the victims and lawyers.

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More than 300 protesters were arrested and curfews imposed in the northern states of Kano and Katsina after the looting of government and public properties, Nigerian police said. One police officer was also killed and several others injured.

The protests were mainly over food shortages and alleged bad governance in the country. Nigerias public officials, frequently accused of corruption, are among the best paid in Africa, a stark contrast in a country that has some of the worlds poorest and hungriest people, despite being one of the continents top oil producers.

Carrying placards, bells and Nigerias green-and-white flag, protesters chanted songs as they listed their demands, including the reinstatement of gas and electricity subsidies whose removal as part of the governments audacious reforms to grow the economy has had a knock-on effect on the price of just about everything else.
Harris presidential campaign said a majority $310 million was raised in the first week of her candidacy with two-thirds of the fundraising coming from first-time donors to the campaign read more

With less than 100 days left for the 2024 US Presidential elections, all eyes are on every little political movement in the country. In the latest, Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign announced on Friday that it raised a whopping $310 million donation in July, more than double the $138.7 million raised by her Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump in the same month.

This indicates how the change to the top of the Democratic ticket to the Presidential poll has been among grassroots and supporters.

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In a statement, Harris presidential campaign said a majority $310 million was raised in the first week of her candidacy with two-thirds of the fundraising coming from first-time donors to the campaign.

Two-thirds of the July donations came from first-time donors and 94 per cent of the donations were $200 or less, Hariss campaign said.

Her team further informed that it entered August with $377 million in cash on hand, which it described as the most for any presidential candidate at this point in the cycle. It was also well above the $327 million Trumps team announced having to start the month.

Trumps fundraising for July was, however, 24 per cent higher than the $111.8 million that the campaign said it raised in June.

Harris campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said that the strong support of the growing and motivated Harris coalition is ready to put in the work to secure a victory in the November 5 US election.

The tremendous outpouring of support weve seen in just a short time makes clear the Harris coalition is mobilized, growing, and ready to put in the work to defeat Trump this November, Rodriguez said, adding: Our money is going to the work that wins close elections.

On July 21, President Joe Biden had announced that he would not seek reelection and endorsed Harris the same afternoon. She, in no time, gathered support among the party and had secured enough delegate endorsements to win the nomination the following night.

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July was set to be a disappointing month for Democrats as big-dollar donors withheld money in an effort to force Biden out of the race, but Harriss emergence as the partys presidential candidate energised voters and donors.

Trumps totals for July were augmented by an assassination attempt against the former president during a rally in Pennsylvania, which galvanised some of his fiercest supporters, and by his subsequent revealing of his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Harris team, meanwhile, is hoping for another jolt early next week, when shes expected to announce her own running mate, and during the Democratic convention, which opens in Chicago on August 19.

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With inputs from agencies
Since taking over the baton from President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris has consistently blunted former President Donald Trumps lead read more

In weeks since President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the presidential contest, Vice President Kamala Harris has caught up with Donald Trump.

Now, Harris and Trump tied as she has eroded the Republican nominees lead, according to a poll of polls by election analysis site 538.

For months, Trump enjoyed a significant lead over Biden in polls. His prospects at winning further rose after the presidential debate in June in which Bidens performance was a colossal disaster. Even as Trump appealed to his base on issues like immigration and crime, Biden struggled to make his case. At multiple times in the debate, he appeared to lose his train of thoughts and struggled to complete his sentences as he spoke in a raspy voice.

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Long-running concerns over his mental and physical ability to see through another term peaked and Biden was forced to drop out in favour of Harris.

Harris stands better than Trump, shows poll of polls

While the formal conclusion of the 538s poll of polls is that Harris and Trump are tied, Harris is leading if you take out the margin of error.

Harris has the support of 45 per cent of the voters and Trump has the support of 43.5 per cent, according to the 538s poll of polls.

As the poll of polls has a margin of error of 1.5 per cent, the 538 has formally declared the two as tied as Harris lead is of 1.5 per cent.

The poll of polls is notable as it has only considered polls that were conducted after Biden withdrew from the contest and Harris took over. Sever polls of polls conducted in recent days have also factored in the polls that were conducted when Biden was the candidate and Harris was merely a hypothetical consideration. In such cases, the results were skewed in favour of Trump as Harris was never on an equal footing.

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The 538 said that Harris has done 3 per cent better in polls that were conducted after Biden withdrew and she formally became the presumptive Democratic nominee.

The 538 further said that Harris is doing better than Trump among likely voters  voters who have not decided if they would vote. While it did not give figures, it noted that there is evidence that likely voters are more Democratic-leaning than Republican-leaning.
The Philippines and Japan are longtime allies of the United States, which has been strengthening its alliances from Canberra to Tokyo to counter Chinas growing military might and influence in the region. read more

The Philippine and Japanese navies held their first joint exercise on Friday in the South China Sea, as the two US allies boost security ties in the face of Chinas growing pressure.

The drills followed the signing less than a month ago of an agreement between Manila and Tokyo to allow the deployment of troops on each others territory.

The Japanese destroyer JS Sazanami and the Philippine guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal took part in the two countries first bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity, the Philippine military said in a statement.

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This activity was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation towards realising a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The two vessels held a communications exercise and undertook tactical manoeuvres in the West Philippine Sea, Manilas name for parts of the South China Sea that are closest to the Filipino coast.

These enhanced the tactical capabilities of the Philippine Navy and the (Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force) and reinforced the strong ties and mutual commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region, the statement added.

A similar exercise was held two days earlier, also in South China Sea waters close to the Philippines, between the Filipino navy patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz and the US Navys littoral combat ship USS Mobile.

The Philippines and Japan are longtime allies of the United States, which has been strengthening its alliances from Canberra to Tokyo to counter Chinas growing military might and influence in the region.

The deepening of Filipino-Japanese security ties comes as Chinas sabre-rattling towards Taiwan and over the South China Sea fuels fears of a potential conflict that could drag in the United States.

There have been escalating confrontations at sea between Chinese and Philippine ships as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to nearly all of the strategic South China Sea.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris watch as former prisoner held by Russia US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva embraces her family as she arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. AFP

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted the three American nationals released by Russia in a historic prisoners-swap deal. The plane carrying Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

After touching down on US soil, the three nationals were welcomed by their family members and the POTUS. They were part of the 24 people freed under a prisoner swap deal between six countries. Vladimir Kara-Murza, a US green card holder and Kremlin critic was also released in the deal, however, he opted to go to Germany instead. As a part of the deal, Russia released 16 prisoners while the Western countries released eight Russians. The prisoners were traded on a tarmac in Ankara, Turkey, earlier Thursday.

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Biden and Harris celebrate the release of prisoners

While speaking to the reporters present at the air base. Biden hailed the deal and termed it as a new feat of diplomacy. The POTUS mentioned that other countries made difficult decisions to get the deal done.

The toughest call on this one was for other countries because I asked them to do some things that were against their immediate self-interests  and it was very difficult for them to do," Biden told reporters late Thursday. Both Biden and Harris called the exchange remarkable and highlighted the importance of diplomacy and having strong allies.

Weve got more work to do. My job is to make sure, No. 1, they dont get them, Biden averred, referring to the countries imprisoning Americans. Meanwhile, Harris has lauded Biden and called the deal an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy.

Biden also mentioned how the deal was important to the families of the nationals as well. My father used to say family is the beginning the middle and the end, its about who we are as a country. To Putin, he has this to say: Stop. To me, this is about the essence of who we are as a country.

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Biden also took time to joke about the fact that he had a limited time left in the office. Youre stuck with me kid, he told Gershkovich as he will be president for another 90 days.
A British army veteran, who was featured on recruitment posters has received a settlement and an apology after pursuing a case at an employment tribunal. She alleged that she suffered racist and sexist abuse throughout her military career, ultimately leading to her departure from the role. read more

A former British Army soldier, Kerry-Ann Knight has received a settlement and an apology after taking her case to an employment tribunal. She had been subjected to racist and sexist abuse during her 12-year career, which she claimed forced her out of the role she loved.

Kerry-Ann Knight, 33, was featured on a recruitment poster during her training, depicted with the words Your army needs you and your self-belief. Knight initially believed the army would provide stability, a supportive community and a promising career. She hoped to pave the way for other young Black women. However, after 12 years of service, Knights aspirations were shattered. She endured over a decade of racist and sexist abuse, ultimately being forced out of her beloved role.

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Knight joined the 26 Regiment Royal Artillery (26 RA) at 20 and was posted to Germany. In her witness statement, she described serving alongside individuals who supported extremist groups and recounted being called derogatory names and facing graphic, offensive graffiti, according to the report of the Guardian.

One evening I returned to my room to see someone had drawn images of huge black penises all over the wardrobes in my room, the Guardian cited the statement saying.

When Knight appeared on the recruitment poster, she thought it was due to her training achievements, unaware she was the only Black woman in the regiment. I didnt know it was because I was going to be the only Black woman in that regiment, she told the Guardian. I didnt know what I was in for.

When she signed up for the campaign, Knight said, she had this bright hope that Im helping to change things. In promotional materials, she looks happy and excited  but when I turned up to the unit, that wasnt my lived experience, she told the Guardian.

There was a lot of sexism,. However, when you put race into play, as well, for me, it just felt like it was multiplied by 10.

In 2021, Knight became an instructor at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, hoping for a better environment. Yet, she faced continuous harassment, including racial slurs and threats. Colleagues mocked her with racist remarks and references to brutal scenes from the film Django Unchained.

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Knight tried to address the abuse through informal and formal complaints, providing evidence such as WhatsApp screenshots and audio recordings. However, after filing a formal complaint at AFC Harrogate, she was removed from her role under the pretext of protecting her mental and emotional well-being.

I think when it got to that stage, thats when I just realised that the army is institutionally racist, Knight told the Guardian. And they would go above and beyond to discredit me as an individual, to protect the army image, to portray that racism doesnt exist, even though it was there in black and white.

In December 2022, with support from the Centre for Military Justice and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), Knight sought legal advice.

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Emma Norton, Knights solicitor criticised the armys approach, saying that it targeted Knight for her complaints rather than addressing the issues. EHRC Chair Kishwer Falkner emphasised the British armys duty to protect employees from discrimination as a major employer and public authority.

An MoD spokesperson reiterated the armys zero-tolerance policy for abuse and discrimination, asserting that all allegations are thoroughly investigated and addressed. The MoD settled Knights claim in June without admitting liability.
August 2, 2024: In 2014 the NATO alliance decided to set a two percent of GDP defense spending goal for members. This was in response to the Russian attack on Ukraine and seizure of Crimea and portions of two east Ukraine provinces. It was later revealed that Russia planned to absorb Ukraine into Russia. This was a violation of a basic United Nations rule that the territorial integrity of member nations must be respected. Russia maintained the tension in its occupied Ukrainian territories until it invaded Ukraine in early 2022. NATO had originally been formed for mutual protection from the Russian threat. In 2022 the Russians revealed that the threat was very real and could next be turned against NATO members in eastern Europe, starting with Poland and the three smaller Baltic States. In response Poland increased defense spending to over four percent of GDP and the Baltic States had a similar response. By 2024 the outcome of the Russian 2022 invasion of Ukraine was still unclear. One thing was obvious, the Russians werent winning and had taken such heavy losses that Russia had to improvise to maintain effective forces in Ukraine. Russia is no longer on the offensive and is trying to find a politically suitable way to end the war. Russian leader Putin complicates this by insisting that Russia keep the territories it conquered in 2014-2015.

The Ukraine War is now in its third year. Ukraine received enormous material support from NATO countries. This came in the form of over $100 billion in military and other aid. That number is increasing each year. Russia could only depend on North Korea and Iran for aid, which Russia had to pay for. China also offered economic aid, which also had to be paid for. The sanctioned Russian economy became weaker as the war in Ukraine continued. The Russian government was having a hard time explaining this to the Russian people who wondered why the Russian military, which existed to defend Russia from invasion, was instead being used to invade a neighbor and doing badly at it. So far Russia has suffered losses of over half a million soldiers dead, wounded, missing and surrendered. The surrenders are increasing, which is always a sign of bad morale.

Meanwhile NATO responded by urging members to meet the two percent of GDP defense spending rule to discourage Russia from invading anyone else. In 2024 NATO reported that non-United States NATO members will, on average, meet the two percent rule for the first time since 2014. Nearly all members have increased defense spending, Members closer to Russia, like Poland, the Baltic States and Germany, have exceeded the two percent requirement. Some NATO members considered the Ukrainian experience a warning that should be heeded and are planning to gradually increase spending through the 2030s until two percent or more was achieved. For many NATO nations this is politically difficult because after 1991 much of the defense spending was switched to social programs. This was popular with an older European population worried about how they would obtain the resources they needed to live a comfortable retirement. Elderly voters are a growing segment of the population in European countries. While the elderly fear the Russians, they also want to preserve their comfortable way of life. The two percent solution is a problem for them.

What is happening now, happened before. During the 1948-1991 Cold War between the Soviet Union and NATO, member nations spent an average of three percent on defense. After the Soviet Union collapsed and fell apart in 1991, NATO members saw an opportunity to reduce defense spending and apply the savings to other projects. This was called the peace dividend and it weakened the ability of many NATO nations to respond to renewed Russian aggression in Ukraine from 2014 to 2022 and now 2024. No one expected the Russians to undertake such a reckless war, which they could not afford. Russia later revealed that they believed Ukrainian resistance would quickly collapse within weeks or months, leaving Russia with an easy victory. Those easy victories rarely happen and Russia discovered how badly an invasion could be for them in Ukraine. As long as the war continues, Ukraine and NATO nations will have to continue supporting the war effort.

Russia is weakening and rather obviously looking for a way out. Russian leader Vladimir Putin refuses, so far, to implement the simplest solution and withdraw all Russian forces from Ukraine, including Crimea and portions of those two eastern provinces. Putin sees such a drastic solution as a threat to his continued rule. Thats probably correct but the more Putin delays taking this step, the more damage is done to the Russian economy and the patience of suffering Russian civilians.

The United States, which long provided the bulk of NATO defense spending, has been urging European nations to step up and pay for their own defense. The prosperous European nations can do this and the Americans are threatening to cut their defense spending devoted to NATO nations in order to force the issue.
The European Commission has declined formal talks with Ukraine over its partial ban on Russian oil exports to Hungary and Slovakia. This decision may be rooted in a deeper discord within the EU, as Hungary and Slovakia diverge from Ukraine solidarity stance read more

The European Commission has declined initiating formal talks with Ukraine over its partial ban on Russian oil exports to Hungary and Slovakia. This cold shoulder to Budapest and Bratislava must be viewed in the broader context, as they refuse to toe the line on EU solidarity towards Ukraine.

The oil sanctions concern

In June, Ukraine implemented sanctions blocking the transit of pipeline crude from Lukoil, Russias largest private oil firm, to Central Europe. This action raised concerns about potential supply shortages in Hungary and Slovakia.

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In response, these countries sent a letter to the EU executive, urging it to open emergency consultations with Ukraine, arguing that Kyiv was violating a 2014 trade agreement with Brussels.

According to Reuters, in a letter addressed to foreign ministers of Hungary and Slovakia, European Commission Vice President for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis said, Commission services have preliminarily concluded that urgent consultations do not appear to be warranted as there is no current indication of an immediate risk to the security of supply.

In fact, far from taking up their complaint immediately, Dombrovskis stressed on the need for these countries to diversify away from Russian oil, suggesting that reliance on Russian oil should be actively reduced.

The rift between EU and Hungary and Slovakia

The European Unions reluctance to address the two nations grievances appears not to be based on just the immediate logistical impacts of the sanctions.

Instead, it reflects a deeper discord within the EU regarding support for Ukraine amid Russias invasion.

The EU has consistently condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine and committed to providing robust political, financial, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, alongside imposing stringent sanctions on Russia.

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However, Hungary and Slovakia have distanced themselves from this stance.

In March, Hungary and Slovakias foreign ministers reiterated their refusal to provide arms to Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto declared that Hungary would not send any weapons to Ukraine, while Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar maintained that the conflict had no military solution.

This divergence became even more pronounced recently. In July, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which drew significant condemnation from multiple EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In this incident, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was by Orbans side. He not only praised Orbans visit but also said If my health had permitted it, I would have liked very much to have joined him, Politico had reported.

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The EUs decision not to engage in formal talks with Ukraine over the oil sanctions can be seen as a not-so-subtle rebuke to Hungary and Slovakia for their divergent policies.

In a nutshell

The European Commissions rebuff of Hungary and Slovakia is not merely a reaction to the specific issue of oil transit sanctions. It also has to do with the broader rift within the EU, where Hungary and Slovakias closer ties to Russia and reluctance to fully support Ukraine contrast sharply with the EUs collective stance.

This divergence potentially undermines EU solidarity and complicates its unified response to Russian aggression.

With inputs from agencies
Two dozen prisoners, including US journalist Evan Gershkovich and a Russian intelligence colonel imprisoned for a Berlin murder, were on Thursday released in the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War read more

Reporter Evan Gershkovich, centre, is greeted on the tarmac by his mother, Ella Milman, as President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris look on at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following the release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, on Thursday. AP

Two dozen prisoners, including US journalist Evan Gershkovich and a Russian intelligence colonel imprisoned for a Berlin murder, were on Thursday released in the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War.

The complex multinational agreement, which secured the release of Wall Street Journal reporter and others such as former US Marine Paul Whelan, followed months of covert negotiations.

The West secured the release of 16 people from Russia, including five Germans and seven Russian political prisoners, according to a statement by US President Joe Biden.

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Russia, meanwhile, secured the freedom of several of its own nationals convicted of serious crimes in the West.

The swap concluded with a dramatic exchange on the tarmac of an airport in Ankara.

Heres how the world reacted:

United States: President Biden said the exchange was a feat of diplomacy and friendship and praised Washingtons allies for their bold and brave decisions.

This would not have been possible without our allies, Biden said, adding, Today is a powerful example of why its vital to have friends in this world.

Kamala Harris, Vice President and leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, echoed Bidens sentiments, stating, I will not stop working until every American who is wrongfully detained or held hostage is brought home.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump criticised the Biden administrations prisoner exchange with Russia on Truth Social, labelling American negotiators as an embarrassment.

Our negotiators are always an embarrassment to us! Trump wrote. Theyre calling the trade complex  thats so nobody can figure out how bad it is!

Russia: The Kremlin said it hoped those who had left Russia, whom it described as enemies, would stay away, according to the state-run TASS news agency.

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I believe that all our enemies should stay there (abroad), and all those who are not our enemies should return. Thats my point of view, TASS cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

Let the traitors now feverishly pick up new names and actively disguise themselves under witness protection programmes, former President Dmitry Medvedev said.

Meanwhile, Putin welcomed the returning ex-prisoners at Moscows Vnukovo Airport. He greeted each returnee with a brief embrace before they proceeded to the terminal.

You will all be nominated for state awards. We will meet again to discuss your future. For now, I congratulate you on your return to your homeland, Putin said in a short address to rturnees.

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Poland: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk voiced gratitude to the countrys President Andrzej Duda and the security services for their work, which led to part of the exchange.

Wasnie zakonczya sie operacja wymiany wiezniow, dzieki ktorej Rosje opuscili bohaterowie rosyjskiej opozycji oraz obywatele panstw NATO, przetrzymywani w Rosji. Akcja bya mozliwa dzieki zaangazowaniu naszego panstwa. Dziekuje Prezydentowi i suzbom za wzorowa wspoprace.  Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) August 1, 2024

The prisoner exchange operation has just ended, thanks to which Russian opposition heroes and citizens of Nato countries detained in Russia left Russia. The action was possible thanks to the involvement of our state. I would like to thank the President and the services for their exemplary cooperation, Tusk wrote on X.

Germany: Germany said the release of Vadim Krasikov, a Russian convicted of the murder in 2019 of a former Chechen fighter in Berlin in 2019, was not an easy decision.

Our obligation to protect German nationals and our solidarity with the USA were important motivations, the government said in a statement.

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Norway: The Northern European country was part of the exchange, which released a Russian national charged with spying in the country.

The exchange has been made possible through extensive international cooperation, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said in a statement.

For the Norwegian authorities, it has been important to contribute in such cooperation with our close allies. A close collaboration across several countries has made this possible, he added.

United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he strongly welcomed the release of prisoners in Russia, especially Whelan and dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, who hold British citizenship.

Mr Kara-Murza is a dedicated opponent of Putins regime, Lammy said in a statement. He should never have been in prison in the first place: the Russian authorities imprisoned him in life-threatening conditions because he courageously told the truth about the war in Ukraine, Lammy added.

United Nations: UN rights chief Volker Turk expressed his relief over the prisoner swap.

"@volker_turk expresses relief at release from jail of Evan Gershkovich, Vladimir Kara-Murza, Alsu Kurmasheva & Oleg Orlov among others. All journalists & rights defenders detained solely for doing their jobs must be freed. They must be able to work safely, without fear, said the United Nations Human Rights Office in a post on X.

Nato: Nato hailed the release of prisoners it said came from alliance members working in close cooperation.

We welcome the release today of several political prisoners from Russia. The deal that secured their freedom was negotiated by several NATO allies working together, spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah said.

Wall Street Journal: Wall Street Journal editor Emma Tucker, whose correspondent Gershkovich was included in the exchange, said the swap done in a trade for Russian operatives guilty of serious crimes was predictable as the only solution given President (Vladimir) Putins cynicism.

We are grateful to President Biden and his administration for working with persistence and determination to bring Evan home rather than see him shipped off to a Russian work camp for a crime he didnt commit, Tucker added.

Alexey Navalny widow Yulia Navalny: Many of those freed had worked with the late Alexey Navalny, Russias leading opposition figure. His widow Yulia Navalnaya said the release of Russian dissidents is a great happiness.

Every released political prisoner is a huge victory and joy. No one should be held hostage by Putin, tortured and die in Putins prison, she wrote on X.

Reporters Without Borders: The press freedom watchdog, known by its French acronym (RSF), said it is hugely relieved by the release of Gershkovich and his fellow journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

Neither should have spent a single day in a Russian prison for doing their jobs as journalists, RSF said in a statement.

With inputs from agencies
France urged Russia to immediately release French citizen Laurent Vinatier and other people still arbitrarily detained in the country read more

French researcher Laurent Vinatier, who is suspected of illegally collecting sensitive Russian military information, sits inside an enclosure for defendants during a court hearing in Moscow, Russia July 31, 2024. Source: REUTERS.

France on Friday welcomed a historic prisoner swap between Russia and the West and urged Moscow to set free French citizen Laurent Vinatier and other people still arbitrarily detained in the country.

France shares the sentiment of the families and allied governments following the release of several political prisoners held in Russia, the French foreign ministry said in a statement.

Our thoughts are with those who remain arbitrarily detained in Russia, including our compatriot Laurent Vinatier. France calls for their immediate release.

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France said it paid tribute to the courage of the men and women who, in Russia as elsewhere, defend freedom of speech and opinion despite the risks involved.

In the biggest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War, 10 Russians were traded for 16 Westerners and Russians imprisoned in Russia in a dramatic exchange on the airport tarmac in Turkeys capital Ankara on Thursday.

US officials said that the swap should have included the leader of the Russian opposition, Alexei Navalny, but he was suddenly pronounced dead in his remote Arctic prison in February just as the secret talks were at a crucial stage.

In the statement, Paris singled out Navalny, reiterating that Russian authorities must be held to account for the death of Vladimir Putins charismatic critic.

Academic Vinatier, 48, is accused of gathering Russian military information without registering as a foreign agent. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison if convicted.

Putin ramped up a historic crackdown on dissent after invading Ukraine in February 2022, with hundreds of political prisoners and arbitrarily detained people held in prisons across the country, according to human rights activists.

Among them are theatre director Yevgeniya Berkovich and writer Svetlana Petriychuk, historian Yury Dmitriev, journalist Ivan Safronov and Arseny Turbin, a teenage Navalny supporter.
Germany has released convicted assassin Vadim Krasikov, who had been serving a life sentence for a 2019 assassination in Berlin, as part of a historic East-West prisoner swap. The exchange, which involved the US and Russia, freed high-profile individuals read more

An undated picture obtained by Reuters shows Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov who was sentenced to life in 2021 for the assassination of a Chechen-Georgian dissident in a Berlin park, in Berlin, Germany, August 1, 2024. Reuters

Germanys release of a convicted murderer in order to facilitate the biggest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War has garnered praise from Washington but stirred controversy at home.

Those freed in the deal include US journalist Evan Gershkovich, several high-profile Russian opposition figures and five German nationals who were being held in Russia and Belarus.

But of the countries who released Russian prisoners in return, Germany has had to pay a particularly high price, setting free a man who committed murder in broad daylight in the centre of Berlin.

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Russian citizen Vadim Krasikov had been serving a life sentence for the brazen assassination of a former Chechen rebel commander in the German capital in 2019, a case which shocked the country.

In his press conference celebrating the exchange, US President Joe Biden acknowledged that he particularly owed a great sense of gratitude to Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The deal required me to get some significant concessions from Germany, which they originally concluded they could not do because of the person in question, Biden said.

Bitter taste

But speaking later, Scholz acknowledged the decision to release Krasikov, who was convicted in December 2021, had been difficult.

After a moving meeting with some of the prisoners on their arrival Cologne airport, Scholz however insisted the swap was the right decision, and if you had any doubts, you will lose them after talking to those who are now free.

Many of the prisoners feared for their health and even their lives, he added.

Germany is receiving 12 of the freed prisoners, including Russian dissidents and some German nationals.

German TV channel NTV reported that there had been rows between Scholzs office and the justice ministry over Krasikovs case.

According to other reports in the German press, the justice ministry eventually ordered prosecutors to suspend Krasikovs sentence to enable his deportation.

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Some in judicial circles reportedly felt this was a case of inappropriate political meddling in the legal process.

The German section of human rights organisation Amnesty International condemned the bitter taste of the deal and the fact that it had created an equivalence between a murderer convicted in a fair trial and people who have just exercised their right to free speech.

It raised the spectre of the exchange broadening impunity and emboldening Russian President Vladimir Putin, who previously said Krasikov acted out of patriotic sentiments by eliminating a bandit.

An opinion piece in Germanys Bild tabloid said that while the release of rights activists and German citizens in Russia was to be welcomed, the perverse message given to the Russian people is that Putin is a hero for saving murderers.

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Deal with the devil

However, German officials have insisted the freedom and welfare of the prisoners have been safeguarded by the deal and that Berlin has a duty of care towards the German citizens involved.

Michael Roth, the head of the Germans parliaments foreign affairs committee and member of Scholzs Social Democrats, summed up Berlins decision on X: Sometimes for reasons of humanity you have to do a deal with the devil.

Biden trumpeted the concessions he was able to win from his allies, describing them as bold and brave decisions to release prisoners such as Krasikov who were justifiably being held.

The Spiegel weekly reported that Thursdays swap came after several months of negotiations between the CIA, Germanys BND intelligence agency and the Kremlin.

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The swap was originally envisioned to include Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic prison in February, before the focus fell on Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.

Diplomatic contacts at the highest level were also brought to bear in securing the deal.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters that conversations between Biden and Scholz led up to Vice President Kamala Harris sitting face-to-face with Chancellor Scholz to talk through the elements of this at the Munich security conference earlier this year.
Germany has become the 18th nation to join the US-led United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea on Friday. The group helps police the heavily fortified border with North Korea and has committed to defend the South in the event of a war read more

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is presented with a gift at Camp Humphreys, the US military headquarters during a ceremony where Germany officially joins the US-led UNC, in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, South Korea, August 2, 2024. Source: REUTERS.

Germany joined the US-led United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea on Friday, becoming the 18th nation in a group that helps police the heavily fortified border with North Korea and has committed to defend the South in the event of a war.

The move is evidence of Berlins strong belief that European security is closely linked to security in the Indo-Pacific region, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told a ceremony at the main US military headquarters in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul.

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Im convinced that especially in times like these, when the world is shaped by crises and wars, we need to show unity, we need to stand firm against those who want to undermine peace and stability, against those who attack our common order, he said.

It is the latest move by the United States and its partners to expand alliances and partnerships, including those that span the globe, and try to turn the 74-year-old command into a source of broader regional security.

Many UNC members, among them Australia, Britain, Turkey and the United States, sent troops or contributed medical support during the 1950-53 Korean War.

Established in 1950, the UNC was mandated to restore peace and enforce the armistice while serving as a channel of communication with North Korea.

It is led by the commander of the US military stationed in South Korea and is not affiliated with the United Nations.

The addition of Germany diversifies the perspectives and resources available to the United Nations Command and enhances our collective expertise and capabilities, said US Army General Paul LaCamera, commander of the UNC and United States Forces Korea.

South Korea and the United States see the UNC as one of the institutions that matter more today than a few years ago as autocracies around the globe compete with democracies, said Ramon Pacheco Pardo of Kings College in London.

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On top of that, Germany now sees South Korea as one of its two top Asian partners, said the international relations expert.

Tobias Bacherle, a member of Germanys parliamentary foreign affairs committee, said the brutal effects of North Koreas recent military cooperation with Russia show countries must stand against such autocratic alliances globally.

The United States and its allies have accused Russia of deploying North Korean-made weapons, including ballistic missiles and artillery shells, in Ukraine.

It illustrates how closely intertwined security situations across different parts of the world are, Bacherle told Reuters by email.

Regional Tension

China and the Soviet Union backed the North in combat against the UN member states led by the United States during the Korean War. China and North Korea are parties to the armistice with the UNC.

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Last year, North Korea called the UNC a US tool for confrontation that had nothing to do with the United Nations and an illegal war organisation that must be dissolved.

China has also expressed concern about growing ties between NATO members and Asian nations such as Japan, the Philippines and South Korea.

Last month, Chinas foreign ministry urged NATO not to create chaos in the Asia-Pacific after creating turmoil in Europe.

When asked about concerns that increased military ties among European countries in the region could exacerbate tension, Pistorius told reporters there was no reason to feel provoked by this decision.

A specific role for German troops on the peninsula has yet to be determined, said a German embassy spokesperson in Seoul.
The news of the recent suspension indicated that the Chinese administration wants to keep whatever is discussed at the meeting a secret read more

The former editor-in-chief of Chinas state-backed Global Times, Hu Xijin was banned from posting on any social media platform after he wrote a controversial comment about the countrys economy. A person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that the journalists social media accounts including the microblogging site Weibo where he has nearly 25 million followers  have been suspended.

However, the source did not clarify the length of the ban. The last post-Hu made on Weibo was on Saturday. The blackout was triggered by Hus assessment of the twice-a-decade conclave President Xi Jinping presided over last month. Hu signalled that the meeting marked a historic shift in putting public and private enterprises on an equal footing.

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The news of the recent suspension indicated that the Chinese administration wants to keep whatever is discussed at the meeting a secret.

Chinas age-old tactic limiting public debate

It is pertinent to note that Chinas ruling Communist Party has shrunk the space for economic debate in the public sphere as policymakers continue to grapple with lacklustre economic growth.

Last month, it was reported that Beijing officials have also pressed analysts to avoid writing about sensitive terms such as deflation, while official data deemed unflattering to the outlook has increasingly been withheld.

Silencing someone with a three-decade career in state media and who is still an insider to Chinas propaganda priorities sends a stark message, Wen-Ti Sung, a political scientist with the Australian National Universitys Taiwan Studies Program told Bloomberg.

That even Hu can run afoul of the red lines goes to show how hard it is to know where the red line is for anyone engaging in public political discourse in China today, he added.

When approached by Sing Tao newspaper, Hu did not reject the reports that he was suspended from posting anything online. I personally dont want to say anything. You can just read whats online. Please understand, he told the Hong Kong-based outlet this week.

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What was the controversial post about?

Days after Chinas top leaders wrapped the Third Plenum on long-term reforms, Hu pointed out that the meetings resolution had skipped an important slogan pledging to keep public ownership as the mainstay of the economy.

The phrase was featured in the meeting readout of 2013 and has reverberated through important Communist Party documents since. The changes are undoubtedly historic, Hu wrote in the now-deleted post on Weibo on July 22. Non-public ownership and public ownership have become truly equal in their status.

The comments, however, sparked an immediate backlash as some users accused him of misleading the public. The erstwhile journalist retired from Global Times in late 2021 but has remained active on social media platforms as an opinion influencer.
The assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iran has blamed on Israel, has pushed the Middle East to the brink of a regional war read more

As the Middle East remains on edge over fears of an all-out war, slain Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has been buried in Qatar in a private ceremony.

Following a private funeral ceremony attended by Qatars king and premier, Haniyeh was buried in the capital Doha, according to CNN.

Haniyeh was killed Tehran in the early hours of Wednesday, according to Iran. He was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Masoud Pezeshkian and was killed just hours after. Iran and Hamas have held Israel responsible for the assassination.

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A day before the funeral in Doha, a procession was held in Tehran in which several thousands Iranians poured on to the streets to mourn for the terrorist leader. Supreme Leader Khamenei led the funeral prayers.

As Haniyehs funeral was underway, Hamas called for a day of overwhelming anger against Israel. Iran, the principal backer of Hamas, has already vowed to punish Israel and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reported to have ordered direct attacks on the country. There are fears that the assassination and the expected retaliation may plunge the Middle East into an escalatory spiral that could lead to an all-out war between Israel and Iran  something the two sides have consciously avoided so far.

Qatars King, PM attend Haniyehs funeral

Qatars Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani attended Haniyehs funeral.

Qatar hosts the headquarters of terrorist group Hamas in capital Doha. It hosts a retinue of terrorist leaders beside Hamas who run the so-called political operations of the group from Doha.

Hamas deputy leader Khalil Al-Hayya led Haniyehs funeral ceremony which was held after Friday prayers, according to CNN.

The funeral was much more subdued that the procession in Tehran as Haniyehs family had asked for a relatively private ceremony, according to Arab media.

The ceremony comprised a brief prayer as two coffins, one of Haniyeh and the second of his bodyguard who was killed in the assassination, were laid at the front of a mosque. The coffins were draped in Palestinian flags.

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Qatar, along with Egypt, has been facilitating the talks between Israel and Hamas with support from the United States for a ceasefire and hostage release deal regarding the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Now that the principal negotiator, Haniyeh, is dead and the focus is on preventing an all-out war in the region, the fate of the deal is uncertain.

Palestinian cause belongs to all Muslims

Just before the funeral prayers, the imam at the mosque in a sermon said that the Palestinian cause belonged to all Muslims and not just to one ethnicity.

The Palestinian cause is not a cause of one people or ethnicity, or faction or organization, but it is the cause of a global community, the cause of all Muslims, said the imam, as per The New York Times.

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The newspaper reported that the mourners streamed the mosque, many of whom wore Palestinian clothes.

Among those at the mosque were young men who appeared to be injured and wore patriotic Palestinian items, noted Raja Abdulrahim of The Times.
The US and China are locked in a diplomatic standoff over Venezuelas election with Washington backing opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez and Beijing endorsing incumbent Nicolas Maduro read more

Venezuela, the South American nation that recently held presidential elections, is quickly emerging as a new battleground between the United States and China, with both Washington and Beijing supporting different candidates as the legitimate president. While the US government has recognised Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the election, China considers President Nicolas Maduro as the victor, fully endorsed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US and Chinas differing stances on the Venezuelan election

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in a Thursday press release that given the overwhelming evidence, it was clear to both the United States and, most importantly, the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia had won the most votes in Venezuelas July 28 presidential election.

According to the Carter Center, the election did not adhere to recognised global standards for fair elections and thus cannot be considered a legitimate democratic process. However, this was not a concern for Beijing. President Xi Jinping complimented Nicolas Maduro for guiding the Venezuelan government and people along a development path aligned with their national conditions.

In response to Blinkens statement, The Global Times, a publication aligned with the Chinese government, questioned whether American politicians presume to understand the desires of the Venezuelan people better than they do themselves. The article accused the United States of intensifying its meddling in Venezuelas affairs, attempting to reshape political landscapes through ideological sway. The Global Times further alleged that the US celebrates elections as democratic triumphs only when its preferred candidates emerge victorious, otherwise, the elections are dismissed as rigged and opaque.

The article argued that the US played a significant role in inciting Venezuelas opposition to reject Maduro as the legitimate president in 2019, illustrating a broader pattern where any political force opposing American elites becomes a target. Furthermore, the piece claims that the US has long prioritised its geopolitical aims over adherence to international law.

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Row over election results

In a controversial move, the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner of Sundays eagerly awaited election, the AP reported. However, his main challenger, Gonzalez, along with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, countered by asserting that they had secured over two-thirds of the tally sheets printed by each electronic voting machine after the polls closed. They maintain that revealing this data would show that Maduro had actually lost. Amid this political turmoil, the US government announced its support for diplomatic efforts to pressure Maduro into releasing the vote tallies.

Chinas support for Maduro

President Xi wasted no time in sending his congratulations on Tuesday after the Venezuelan National Electoral Council announced that Maduro had claimed victory with 51 per cent of the vote. According to Xinhua News Agency, Xi said that China would continue to firmly support Venezuelas efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, national dignity and social stability, as well as Venezuelas just cause of opposing external interference.

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China regards Venezuela, a country facing US sanctions, as one of its most crucial global allies. Their relationship was elevated to an all-weather strategic partnership last September when Maduro made his first trip to Beijing in five years, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. During his previous visit, Venezuela officially became part of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xis ambitious diplomatic project to enhance infrastructure development worldwide.

Chinas financial commitment to Venezuela

Chinas commitment to Venezuela isnt just talk. Its backed by substantial financial support.

Venezuela has secured more Chinese loans than any other country in Latin America, as reported by the Inter-American Dialogue and Boston University Global Development Policy Center. The China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China have extended $59.2 billion to the Venezuelan government and state-owned enterprises, nearly twice the amount loaned to Brazil, a key ally of China in alliances like BRICS and the Global South movement.

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Implications for Latin America and beyond

In Carlos Solars analysis, titled Venezuelas Bolivarian Nightmare Continues: What Does it Mean for the West? published in RUSI, he argued that Maduros self-proclaimed victory will only tighten Venezuelas bonds with Russia, China, Cuba, Iran and other governments in Latin America, such as Honduras, Nicaragua and Bolivia.

Backed by the strong political support of Moscow and Beijing, Caracas has cultivated a security and defence network that aligns closely with Russia and China. Maduro is set to continue guiding Venezuelas foreign affairs and military forces with a focus on expanding military ties with China, Russia and Iran. This includes engaging in joint military exercises, facilitating officer exchanges, acquiring military assets and sharing technology.

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Looking ahead, Venezuelas defence partnership with Moscow, Tehran and Beijing is expected to persist, primarily through political dialogues and small-scale military collaborations. Given its challenging economic circumstances, Venezuela is unlikely to make significant purchases of Russian, Iranian or Chinese heavy military equipment in the near future. Instead, Maduro is likely to prioritise access to drones, cyber technologies and cost-effective ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems to manage the countrys porous borders and assert power over neighbouring regions, wrote Solar.

Economic challenges and investor uncertainty

Maduros new government, set to begin in January 2025 and last for six years, if at all that happens, faces the urgent task of reviving Venezuelas nearly collapsed oil industry. Many private investors, who were hoping for a business-friendly approach under a potential Gonzalez government, now find themselves waiting in uncertainty or forced to continue dealing with a Maduro regime known for its unpredictability and tendency to nationalise privately owned assets.

More noticeably, Maduro seems content to let the economy spiral out of control as long as he benefits from the chaos. He has shown no intention of reversing the current migration crisis with an estimated 8.4 million Venezuelans having left the countrymore than a quarter of its 2015 population. For many migrants, the reality has been disheartening, especially for those in Colombia, Chile, Peru, or Ecuador, where unskilled workers often face low wages and challenging living conditions.

Maduros precarious future

However, Maduro faces a precarious future as he remains under the threat of increased sanctions and international pressure. The global communitys disdain for him is evident and he may find himself at risk of international arrest warrants. In 2020, the US State Department accused Maduro and other high-ranking officials of narcoterrorism alleging their involvement in drug trafficking. They even offered a 12.5 million reward for information leading to his capture. The decision to pursue his arrest ultimately rests with the US government. Whether under President Donald Trump in the past or President Joe Biden currently, Maduro has consistently been at odds with the US. Should Trump regain power next year, Maduro may find it increasingly difficult to withstand US pressure.
There are fears that the recent assassinations in Beirut and Tehran may trigger an all-out war between Israel and Iran in the Middle East read more

Hezbollah fighters take part in a military exercise. It is an Iran-backed, anti-Israel terrorist group based in Lebanon. (Photo: Reuters)

As the Middle East remains on the brink of war, Lebanon-based Hezbollah has started moving its leaders out of Beirut to safer locations, according to reports.

The development comes as Hezbollah has said that the conflict with Israel has entered a new phase. Earlier this week, Israel on Tuesday struck a compound in Lebanons capital Beirut and killed Faud Shukr, the military chief of Hezbollah. Hours later, in the early hours of Wednesday, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Irans capital Tehran. Iran and Hamas blamed Israel for the killing.

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While the assassination of Shukr, who Israel said was behind the Golan Heights attack that killed 12 children, itself had raised fears of a war between Israel and Hezbollah, the assassination of Haniyeh further worsened the situation and raised fears of a direct war as Iran has vowed revenge and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered direct attacks on Israel.

Amid such tensions, the Arab media has reported that Hezbollah has moved senior leaders along with war-waging equipment out of Beirut where they can be struck easily by Israel.

Locals also flee Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut

The southern sub-urbs of Beirut have been known as the strongholds of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed anti-Israel terrorist group based in Lebanon.

Now, locals are fleeing these sub-urbs as they fear they could become collateral damage in the fight between Israel and Hezbollah, according to DPA news agency. A Lebanese security source was quoted as saying that the situation is very worrying.

Hospitals in Lebanon have also started preparing for a war involving Israel. Sleiman Haroun, the head of Private Hospital Syndicate, told the agency that all private hospitals have been prepared.

We have trained medical staff and carried out manoeuvres in hospitals in order to be ready for a war, said Haroun.

Haroun further told the agency that the hospitals have medical supplies but expressed concern as to whether the supplies would be sufficient.

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As long as the airport and the seaport in Beirut remained open, the supplies should be sufficient, said Haroun.

War against Israel has entered new phase

Following Shukrs assassination, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said the war against Israel had entered a new phase, according to Al Jazeera.

Nasrallah said Israel should expect rage and revenge.

Nasrallah said that a response to Shukrs assassination was inevitable and that real, studied actions were in the offing. He further said that Israel had crossed all red lines with the hit.

Since the Hamas-led October 7 attack on Israel, Hezbollah has clashed with Israel on nearly-daily basis. The two countries have exchanged rockets and strikes regularly but have so far avoided a full-scale war.

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Hezbollah is the largest of all Iran-backed groups in the Middle East. It is part of the Axis of Resistance along with Hamas, Houthis, and Shia militias in Iraq and Syria. The bloc shares Irans opposition to Israel and its commitment to the destruction of the State of Israel.

In its public assessment, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has said that Hezbollah has around 45,000 fighters and an arsenal of around 150,000 missiles and rockets of various types.
The assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iran blamed on Israel, has raised fears of a broader war in West Asia read more

The assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has sparked fears of an all-out war in West Asia. In the photo, clerics offer condolences to Haniyeh. (Photo: Reuters)

Amid fears of an all-out war in West Asia, France has told its nationals to leave Iran as soon as possible.

The assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this week, which Iran blamed on Israel, has raised fears of a broader war in West Asia. Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Due to the increased risk of a military escalation in the region, visiting French nationals still in Iran are invited to leave as soon as possible, said the French Foreign Ministry in a statement.

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The news of Haniyehs assassination came hours after Faud Shukr, the military chief of Hezbollah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanons capital Beirut.

Both Hamas and Hezbollah are part of the Iran-backed anti-Israel Axis of Resistance in West Asia and share its commitment to the destruction of the State of Israel. The Axis also comprises other groups in the region like the Yemen-based Houthis and Shia militias in Iraq and Syria.

The two assassinations, which follow the last months killing of Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, marked the biggest escalation in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Israel and Hamas have been on war since the October 7 terrorist attacks. Soon after the Hamas attacked Israel, Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Yemen-based Houthis also joined the conflict. While Houthis terrorised the Red Sea, the Hezbollah opened a second front of conflict in Israels north that shares the border with southern Lebanon.

Earlier in April, following the killing of top Iranian commanders in an airstrike at the Iranian mission in Syrian capital Damascus, Iran had launched hundreds of missiles, drones, and rockets at Israel in the first-ever direct attack on the Jewish state. Even though the two archenemies have been locked in a shadow war for years, it was the first time Iran directly attacked Israel. Israel followed with its own strikes but the fact that a US-led coalition of Western and Arab nations fended off the Iranian barrage and the Israeli response was quite measured, the escalation did not spiral into an all-out conflict.

Now, however, there are fears that escalatory assassinations may spiral into an all-out war as reports have said that Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered direct attacks on Israel in retaliation to Haniyehs killing in Tehran.
The Israeli military confirmed the killing of Al-Jazeera journalist Ismail Al-Ghoul in a Gaza airstrike, alleging he was a Hamas operative. Al-Jazeera dismissed these claims as baseless, criticising Israels words as an attempt to justify the deliberate killing of journalists read more

The Israeli military confirmed on Thursday that it had killed Al-Jazeera journalist Ismail Al-Ghoul in an airstrike in Gaza, saying he was a Hamas operative who had taken part in the October 7 attack on Israel.

Al-Jazeera dismissed what it said were baseless allegations which it said were an attempt to justify the deliberate killing of its journalists.

The network condemns the accusations against its correspondent Ismail Al-Ghoul, without providing any proof, documentation or video, it said in a statement, adding that it reserved the right to take legal action against those responsible.

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The Qatari broadcaster said on Wednesday that Al-Ghoul and cameraman Ramy El Rify were both killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza City while on an assignment to film near the house of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas chief killed in Iran earlier on the same day.

The Israeli military said Al-Ghoul was a member of the elite Nukhba unit who took part in the October 7 attack and instructed Hamas operatives on how to record operations, and it said he was involved in recording and publicising attacks on Israeli troops.

His activities in the field were a vital part of Hamas military activity, it said in a statement. Al-Jazeera said Al-Ghoul had worked for the network since November 2023 and his only profession was as a journalist.

It said he had been arrested and detained at Al-Shifa Hospital in the northern part of the Gaza Strip when it was taken by Israeli forces in March before being released, which it said debunks and refutes their false claim of his affiliation with any organisation.

The Israeli government has banned Al-Jazeera from operating in Israel, accusing it of posing a threat to national security.

Al Jazeera, which has been heavily critical of Israels campaign in Gaza, has denied inciting violence.

The Hamas-run Gaza government media office said the deaths of the two Al-Jazeera crew raised to 165 the number of Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli fire since October 7.
Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris appears to have outpaced Trump in fundraising. With this, July is expected to mark the second consecutive month that Democrats have out-raised Trumps campaign read more

US Vice President Kamala Harris' one week fundraising in July has outpaced Former President Donald Trump's entire July haul. Reuters

Former President Donald Trumps campaign and its affiliates announced they raised $138.7 million in July, bringing their cash on hand to $327 million as the election approaches in just over three months.

This amount surpasses the $112 million raised in June by Trumps campaign, the Republican National Committee, and state parties. The July boost likely followed an assassination attempt on Trump during a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, which energised supporters, and his announcement of Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

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Harris far ahead of Trump

However, Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris appears to have outpaced Trump in fundraising. Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Harris on July 21, her campaign received $200 million in donations within the first week.

Harris campaign has not yet disclosed its total July fundraising figures or its current cash reserves but noted a surge in donations and volunteer support following her entry into the race.

July is expected to mark the second consecutive month that Democrats have out-raised Trumps campaign. In June, when Biden was still the candidate, his campaign raised $127 million, ending the month with $240 million in hand, New York Times reported.

Democrat funding, rejuvenated

Some Democrats were once panicked about the partys prospects of a November loss by President Biden. Fundraising reportedly plummeted in the first three weeks of July, in the aftermath of Bidens disastrous debate performance against Trump, although exact figures remain unavailable.

Some in her party who felt like Trump was favoured in November after the 81-year-old Bidens dismal debate performance on June 27 now see a new race with the 59-year-old Harris.

Harris will officially become the presidential nominee for her party through virtual voting by delegates at the Democratic National Convention. The process is expected to conclude on Monday (August 5), and she is also expected to announce her running mate around the same time.

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The Democratic convention will kick off in Chicago on August 19.

With inputs from AP
The European Commission has established a dedicated team to prepare for potential shifts in US policies under either a Trump or Harris presidency. The European Unions concerns include Trumps potential tariffs and withdrawal from Nato, as well as uncertainties about policy continuity under Harris read more

Kamala Harris is the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party for the 2024 US Presidential election. Reuters

The European Commission has reportedly set up a dedicated team of officials to prepare for the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.

However, ever since President Joe Biden gave up his re-election bid, it is not just the Republican candidate that concerns EU. Now, the bloc is also worried about, and preparing for, the impact a Kamala Harris presidency could have.

The [US] election is far from over, so its about working out what the implications could be, either way, Financial Times quoted one of the people briefed on the tasks of the team as saying.

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Three people aware of the functions of the team told the publication that the group is devising strategies to deal with possibly dramatic shifts in the US policy on issues such as free trade and support for Ukraine

Kamala Harris and the policy continuity doubts

The impact of a Kamala Harris presidency is being closely analysed.

From Brussels perspective, a Harris presidency may not represent complete continuity with Bidens policies, particularly concerning aid to Ukraine.

Trumps pledges on the campaign trail to immediately end the war could influence US public opinion on the conflict even if he loses the election.

Concerns regarding Trump

The team was formed by the office of Ilze Juhansone, secretary-general of the commission, and includes a very small number of officials representing the commissions relevant directorates that address issues such as trade, competition, and foreign affairs.

Brussels is concerned about Trump imposing painful tariffs on EU exports, ending US military and financial support to Ukraine, and strong-arming Kyiv to agree to Moscows terms to end the war.

European allies are also worried about Trump making good on previous threats to pull the US out of Nato or significantly undermine the mutual defence clause for countries that he believes do not spend enough on defence.

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What the committee plans to do

The committee plans to step up its work in September and increase its outreach to EU governments to share insights and ideas on assessing the EUs potential vulnerabilities and how to mitigate negative decisions. There is also a focus on developing communication plans in the event of a big shift in US policy towards Europe, such as the need for EU taxpayers to potentially contribute more to Ukraines defense.

The commission said it was preparing for the US elections and that all possible outcomes are considered, adding that it was committed to maintaining a close partnership with the US.

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The discussions come as senior EU officials seek to engage with figures close to both Trump and Harris, including the vice-presidents former economic adviser Mike Pyle and her national security adviser Phil Gordon.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said it is working on a plan to regulate the use of virtual private networks (VPN) which has witnessed a significant increase in 2024. Most have been using them to access X which has been blocked in the country read more

Pakistan has been apprehensive about its people still using Elon Musk-owned microblogging site - X (formerly Twitter) - which was banned by the government on February 17 this year. The Shehbaz Sharif-led government has realised that the use of VPNs has shot up remarkably in 2024 enabling people to access X.

Fearing the issue may snowball, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is now bracing to work on a plan to regulate the use of virtual private networks (VPN) in the country.

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Pakistan plans to block VPNs to restrict Xs access

PTA Chairman retired Maj General Hafeezur Rehman told at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat on Thursday that a plan is being worked up to regulate VPNs use by whitelisting some proxy networks and blocking others.

Rehman said once the policy will be implemented, only whitelisted VPNs can be accessed in Pakistan and the others will be blocked.

Only 30 per cent of people are using VPN in Pakistan, claimed Rehman as he voiced for blocking VPNs in the country.

Meanwhile, PTA chief Rana Mahmoodul Hasan said that VPNs can be blocked in the country, but it will lead to the collapse of several IT businesses that operate on VPNs.

56% of Pakistans population has access to internet

In cash-strapped Pakistan, whose economy is in shambles, only 56 per cent of people have access to the internet. The update was shared by Rehman during the meeting.

Proxy networks demand soars in Pakistan after X was blocked

A report by Dawn citied Top10VPN, an independent VPN review website, pointing out that the demand for proxy network spiked by 131 per cent on February 19, two days after X was blocked in Pakistan.

Another VPN provider, Surfshark, said its new user acquisition rates in Pakistan jumped between 300 and 400 per cent immediately after X was banned in the country.

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The Pakistan government has been making repeated attempts over the past few years to regulate the use of VPNs by registering them, but none of their plans resulted in any tangible action.

In 2022, the PTA asked public and private sector organisations, foreign missions, and freelancers to register their VPNs if they intended to use them without any disruptions.

In 2010, the PTA had also passed VPN regulations, however, their implementation remained evasive.
China continues to assert its claims despite a UN-backed arbitration ruling in favour of the Philippines. Beijing maintains 27 outposts in the disputed sea, while Manila holds nine features, including the Second Thomas Shoal read more

The BRP Sierra Madre, a marooned transport ship which Philippine Marines live on as a military outpost, is pictured in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. File Image- Reuters

The Philippines has significantly reinforced a grounded World War II-era ship in the contested South China Sea, ensuring the outpost can last at least another decade amid tensions with Beijing over its territorial claims, Bloomberg reported citing four sources as saying.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s administration intensified efforts to maintain the military presence on the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands after he took office in 2022, two of the sources told Bloomberg. The BRP Sierra Madre was originally grounded on the reef in 1999 to counter Beijings expansive regional claims.

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One of the sources told Bloomberg that the BRP Sierra Madre was believed to have a remaining lifespan of only three to five years in 2021, according to one source.

While previous administrations made some efforts to strengthen the ship, Marcos government accelerated the fortification work, according to the report. These enhancements, which support a small contingent of troops requiring regular resupply, are now sufficient to maintain the outpost for several more years, it said.

Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, a Philippine military spokeswoman, told Bloomberg the armed forces are dedicated to ensuring the decent living conditions of our marines and sailors stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre. Those efforts include sustaining our presence in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines exercises sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, she added.

The Philippines has maintained a presence on the ship, regularly resupplying troops with essential goods, amidst tensions with China but Beijing has kept opposing the delivery of construction materials and urged the Philippines to remove the vessel.

However, after recent confrontations, the two nations agreed to ease tensions, establishing a provisional arrangement and hotline. The Philippines and Japan have also conducted joint military exercises in the South China Sea, following similar exercises with the US.

In 2016, an international tribunal delivered a verdict that Chinas claims in the South China Sea lacked legal justification, declaring that the Second Thomas Shoal and other features fell within the Philippines 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. However, China refused to acknowledge the ruling, and its vessels have continued to defy the Western-established security framework in the Pacific by enforcing the U-shaped line.

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Chinas refusal to accept the verdict has resulted in the disruption of oil and gas exploration, the destruction of coral reefs for artificial island construction, and the harassment of Southeast Asian civilian fishing fleets, forcing them out of their traditional fishing areas.

Beijing maintains 27 outposts in the disputed sea, while Manila holds nine features, including the Second Thomas Shoal, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

Washington, without territorial claims in the disputed waters, has reiterated its commitment to defending the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, ships, or aircraft are attacked, including in the South China Sea. Recently, the Philippines and Japan held their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea, the Philippine armed forces reported.

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The drills, within the Philippines exclusive economic zone, followed similar exercises with the US. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated that these activities aim to strengthen regional and international cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Last month, the Philippines and Japan, both US allies, signed a landmark military pact allowing the deployment of forces on each others soil. Japan, although not claiming the South China Sea, has a separate maritime dispute with China in the East China Sea. The latest exercise involved two vessels from each side, featuring communications, tactical maneuvering, and photographic exercises, the AFP said.

China claims a significant portion of the South China Sea, while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have competing claims. The US has deployed Navy ships and fighter jets for freedom of navigation patrols, which China opposes. The Philippines and Japan have signed a military pact, allowing force deployment on each others soil, amidst regional tensions.
Vadim Krasikov is Russias FSB employee, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, adding that he served that he served in the agencys elite and secretive Alpha unit read more

Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov was sentenced to life in 2021 for the assassination of a Chechen-Georgian dissident in a Berlin park, in Berlin, Germany. Source: REUTERS.

The Kremlin on Friday confirmed that Vadim Krasikov, freed by Germany in Thursdays prisoner swap deal with the West, is an operative with Russias FSB security service.

Moscow also said that the children of an undercover spy couple released by Slovenia did not even know they were Russian until they boarded the plane back to Moscow.

Krasikov is an FSB employee, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday, adding that he served in the agencys elite and secretive Alpha unit.

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Peskov also said that Krasikov served with some of the people working in the presidents security detail.

Krasikov was serving a life sentence in Germany for the murder of a Chechen rebel commander in a Berlin park in 2019  an assassination that German judges said was ordered by the Russian state.

Also Read: Who is Vadim Krasikov, the Russian assassin released in the mass prisoner swap with US?

An investigation by Bellingcat had previously found Krasikov had links to Russias FSB, though Fridays admission was the first time Moscow has publicly confirmed he was an FSB agent.

Putin on Thursday had hailed the return of the Russian prisoners  some of whom he said had a direct connection to the military  telling them: The Motherland never forgot about you.

Peskov confirmed that a Russian couple released from Slovenia were also spies.

Artem Dultsev and Anna Dultseva, whose two children were also sent to Russia in the deal, had been posing as an Argentine couple that ran an IT businesses and art gallery in Ljubljana.

The children of the illegals who arrived yesterday only found out they were Russian on the plane from Ankara. They do not speak Russian, Peskov said.

Putin had greeted the children with buenas noches  Spanish for good evening  on the tarmac in Moscow.

Illegals is a term used to refer to Russian undercover spies who live in foreign countries for years, or even decades, under fake identities, gathering intelligence to send back to Moscow.

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Ten Russians  eight prisoners and the two children  were freed in the historic prisoner exchange that saw Moscow release US citizens Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, along with a host of Russian dissidents and activists.
Following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iran blamed on Israel, the fears of an all-out war in the Middle East have risen read more

The assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has sparked fears of an all-out war in West Asia. In the photo, clerics offer condolences to Haniyeh. (Photo: Reuters)

India has advised its national in Israel to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols amid heightened tensions and fears of retaliatory attack from Iran following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday said it was Irans duty to avenge the death in Tehran of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, an assassination that Iran blamed on Israel.

Exercise caution

In an advisory to Indian nationals in Israel, Embassy of India in Tel Aviv said: Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters.

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The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals, the advisory further stated.

A 24x7 helpline number has also been launched by the Indian Embassy in Israel for any emergency situation.

*IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN ISRAEL*



Link : https://t.co/OEsz3oUtBJ pic.twitter.com/COxuF3msn0  India in Israel (@indemtel) August 2, 2024

Also, Indian nationals in Israel who have not yet registered with the Embassy have been requested to do so at the earliest.
The White House said that President Biden stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to de-escalate broader tensions in the region. Vice President Harris also joined the call read more

US President Joe Biden on Thursday spoke to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reaffirmed his commitment to Israels security against all threats from Iran, the White House said.

Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call.

The president reaffirmed his commitment to Israels security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, said a readout of the call.

The president discussed efforts to support Israels defence against threats, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive US military deployments, it said.

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Together with this commitment to Israels defence, the president stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to de-escalate broader tensions in the region. Vice President Harris also joined the call, the White House said.
Vietnam has long sought an upgrade from the non-market economy status which leads to the imposition of punitive anti-dumping duties on its exports read more

The United States has been seeking closer ties with Vietnam to counter-balance China in East Asia (Photo: Reuters)

The US Commerce Department announced on Friday it will continue to classify Vietnam as a non-market economy country, a decision disappointing to Hanoi, which the U.S. has been wooing in its efforts to push back against China.

Vietnam has long sought an upgrade, which would have reduced the punitive anti-dumping duties levied on non-market economies marked by heavy state influence. Only 12 other economies are labeled as non-market by Washington, including China, Russia, North Korea and Azerbaijan.

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A change in status has been opposed by U.S. steelmakers, Gulf Coast shrimpers and honey farmers and members of the U.S. Congress representing them, but backed by retailers and some other business groups.

Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its determination that Vietnam will continue to be classified as a non-market economy country for purposes of calculating U.S. antidumping duties on imports from Vietnam, the department said in a statement after a year-long review.

This finding means that the methodology used in calculating U.S. antidumping duties on imports from Vietnam remains the same, it said.

Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade said upgrading Vietnam would have been an objective and fair move.

Vietnam regrets that despite several positive improvements in the Vietnamese economy recently, the U.S. Department of Commerce still has not recognised Vietnam as a market economy country, it said in a statement.

Vietnam has long argued it should be freed of the non-market label because of recent economic reforms, and it has said that retaining the moniker is bad for increasingly close two-way ties that Washington sees as a counterbalance to China.

Opponents of an upgrade have countered that Hanois policy commitments have not been matched by concrete actions and it operates as a planned economy governed by the ruling Communist Party. They say Vietnam is increasingly being used as a manufacturing hub by Chinese firms to circumvent US curbs on imports from China.

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A 284-page Commerce memo explaining the decision said it was taken despite Vietnams impressive reforms and economic growth.

Blow to closer ties

Washington has worked hard to foster closer ties with Vietnam in the face of growing strategic competition with China and the issue of whether to upgrade Vietnam has been awkward given the approaching US election in November and claims by each side that they stand for worker rights.

Some analysts said before the announcement a failure to upgrade Vietnam could be negative for US-Vietnam relations.

Vietnamese leaders have seen this decision as an important benchmark in their improving relationship with the US and the achievement of normalisation between the two countries, said Edmund Malesky, a professor of political economy and director of the Duke Center for International Development.

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Murray Hiebert, a senior associate of the Southeast Asia Program at Washingtons Center for Strategic and International Studies, called the decision ridiculous.

Vietnams market is as free as many others not on the NME list, he said, adding that the decision seemed out of whack with U.S. President Joe Bidens visit to Hanoi last year, when the two sides elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has also promoted Vietnam as a friend-shoring destination to shift US supply chains away from China.

Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, director of the Brussels-based European Centre for International Political Economy, said that even if the Biden administration were to have taken the politically risky step of upgrading Vietnam, it would have been a pyrrhic victory given that any future Trump administration was certain to reverse it.

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Nazak Nikakhtar, a former Commerce Department official in the Trump administration now with the Wiley Rein law firm, said the decision reflected ample evidence from industry groups that Vietnams economy has not transformed to the extent that would warrant treatment as a market economy.

Ignoring distortions in the economies of trading partners is unfair and prejudicial against American interests, she said.
A new analysis of the famous 2,500-year-old mummy known as the Screaming Woman might change what we think of as good or bad mummification, and could possibly solve a mystery that has puzzled experts for nearly 90 years read more

A new analysis of the famous 2,500-year-old mummy known as the Screaming Woman might change what we think of as good or bad mummification, and could possibly solve a mystery that has puzzled experts for nearly 90 years.

In 1881, the Deir el-Bahari Royal Cache was discovered in Luxor, where priests of the 21st and 22nd Dynasties hid the corpse of royal members from previous dynasties to protect them from grave robbers.

According to a Popular Science report_,_ In 1935, after initial excavations at Deir el-Bahari Royal Cache in 1881, the Metropolitan Museum of Art found the tomb of Senmut, a royal architect. Beneath his tomb was another chamber containing his mother, Hat-Nufer, and other relatives. Among them was the Screaming Woman, a richly decorated mummy with her mouth open as if screaming.

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Normally, an open mouth suggests poor mummification, but this didnt seem to fit with her royal burial. Now, after 89 years, new research might explain this.

According to Popular Science report_,_ radiology professor Sahar Saleem and his colleagues at Cairo Universitys Kasr Al Ainy Hospital have published a new study in the journal Frontiers in Medicine that provides never-before-seen, detailed looks at the mummy along with reliable theories about her health near the end of her life.

The team used advanced imaging techniques to study the mummy and suggest the open mouth might have been caused by a muscle spasm at death, not a botched mummification.

Scans show the woman, about 48 when she died, had lost several teeth before death, possibly due to bone resorption, and had mild spine arthritis, added the report.

Interestingly, the Screaming Womans body was found without the usual embalming incision, suggesting she might have been buried with her organs still inside  a surprising find since it was thought that organs were always removed.

Egyptologists have long believed classic New Kingdom (1550-1069 BCE) mummifications entailed the removal of a cadavers organs except their heart.

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The study also found that her skin had traces of expensive embalming materials like juniper and frankincense, which were imported from Southern Arabia, East Africa, or the Eastern Mediterranean. Her hair was dyed with henna, and she wore a wig made from treated date palm fibers to look youthful.

These findings support the ancient trade of embalming materials in ancient Egypt, Popular Science quoted Saleem as saying.

These embalming methods, combined with her well-preserved appearance, contradicts the traditional belief that a failure to remove her inner organs implied poor mummification, said Saleem.

While a definitive answer about the Screaming Womans cause of death remains a mystery, the findings suggest that not all mummifications involved organ removal and that the Screaming Womans appearance was likely not due to poor preservation.

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Regardless, Saleem calls the Screaming Woman a true time capsule of the way that she died and was mummified.
As of Wednesday, Boeings Careers site listed only five job openings in China, with three engineering positions available. In contrast, India had 83 openings, including 58 engineering roles, representing nearly 19 times more engineering positions in India than in China, according to a report read more

A Boeing 737 MAX sits outside the hangar during a media tour of the aircraft at the Boeing plant in Renton, Washington. United States federal regulators started a probe after an emergency door plug blew off a 737 MAX mid-flight in January. File photo/Reuters

Boeing is significantly increasing its engineering recruitment in India compared to China, reflecting the US effort to reduce reliance on Chinese talent amid geopolitical tensions.

According to a South China Morning Post report, as of Wednesday, Boeings Careers site listed only five job openings in China, with three engineering positions available.

In contrast, India had 83 openings, including 58 engineering roles, representing nearly 19 times more engineering positions in India than in China. This disparity has persisted for at least a few weeks, added the report.

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According to the report, citing Boeing, the company currently employs about 2,200 people in China and over 6,000 in India. Notably, Indias commercial aviation fleet is roughly one-sixth the size of Chinas.

Many leading US companies are eyeing India as a growing hub to diversify manufacturing away from China. Recent remarks by a senior US official about prioritising Indian students for STEM fields suggest a broader strategy of leveraging Indias scientific talent alongside its manufacturing capabilities.

Boeing turning to India

Amid ongoing safety concerns and trade tensions with China, Boeing is increasingly turning to India for growth in engineering and design.

India, with its burgeoning civil aviation market, is seen as a key opportunity for Boeing.

In January, Boeing inaugurated its largest facility outside the US in Bengaluru, investing approximately $200 million in the Boeing India Engineering and Technology Centre (BIETC).

Given that there is so much potential in India, we need to rapidly build an aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in the country, said PM Modi at the centres inauguration.

Salil Gupta, Boeing Indias president, highlighted Indias unique position to support global aerospace needs, both in engineering and manufacturing.

The Indian market is an opportunity like no other, not just because of the opportunity to serve civil aviation and defence customers, but also because of the capability to support aerospace globally  both in engineering and manufacturing, South China Morning Post quoted Gupta as telling Forbes India last year.

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South Asias demand for aircraft is expected to rise significantly, with a need for 2,835 new aircraft by 2043, driven by Indias growth as the third-largest domestic airline market globally.

Amitendu Palit, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapores Institute of South Asian Studies, said Boeings increased presence in India aligns with the China plus one strategy to diversify business operations.

India and the US are collaborating extensively on defence and technology, along with many other areas, including aerospace. (Boeings) greater role in India matches this idea of collaboration, Palit told South China Morning Post, pointing out that Airbus was also expanding its presence in India.

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India is expected to emerge as a hub in aerospace manufacturing given its domestic demand, gradual growth as an aviation service hub for the Indo-Pacific, and a convenient location, other than China, for third-country exports, Palit added.

China link to Boeings success

Chinas engineering expertise has been integral to Boeings success in forming a duopoly with Airbus in the global aircraft market.

In 1916, Boeing hired Wong Tsu, a Beijing-born aeronautical engineer and MIT graduate, who played a crucial role in designing the Model C naval training seaplane, laying the foundation for Boeings future passenger planes, reported South China Morning Post.

Since the 1970s, Boeing has maintained a strong presence in China through various joint ventures, including engineering, maintenance, and research centers, and a 737 completion and delivery center.

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However, in response to queries about future technical roles in China, a Boeing China representative told South China Morning Post that the company does not disclose future hiring plans.

Competition for Boeing

Boeing has faced turmoil recently, particularly following the 2018 Lion Air and 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crashes, which led to the grounding of the 737 Max and a significant reputational hit.

Although the company resumed 737 Max deliveries to China after addressing safety issues, the Chinese market has begun focusing on its own domestic aircraft, such as the C919 from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), which aims to compete with Boeing and Airbus.

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China is poised to become the worlds largest aviation market in the next two decades, with Boeing projecting a need for 8,830 aircraft deliveries by 2043.

Question mark over Boeings China plans

Despite Boeings commitment to China as a top market priority, future expansions of the companys workforce there remain unconfirmed.

Since its introduction to the Chinese market in the 1970s, Boeing has had substantial involvement in Chinese aircraft manufacturing, including joint ventures and partnerships.

However, with Chinas domestic industry advancing and competition intensifying, Boeing is focusing more on India for its aerospace development and market potential.

In recent years, Boeing has struggled with safety issues and quality control problems, including software failures and outsourcing concerns.

According to a Bloomberg report in 2019, the company had outsourced coding for Max software to temporary workers to cut costs  particularly from India.

A former Boeing software engineer told Bloomberg that the company had hired recent college graduates from Indian companies to work on coding, who helped develop and test software for flight displays and flight-testing equipment.

Although Indian engineers contributed to some software development, Boeing has stated that these engineers were not involved in the systems linked to the 737 Max crashes.

Chinas domestic passenger flow ranks third globally but is projected to become the largest by 2043. South Asias passenger traffic, currently ranked 14th, is expected to climb to seventh place by the same year, reflecting the regions rapid growth in civil aviation.

With inputs from agencies
Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of Trinity Episcopal Church in this captivating tour given by Reverend Jimmy Abbott. Join J.R., Lisa, Erika, and Reverend Jimmy in uncovering the layers of history, from its founding in 1841 to its role in wartime and natural disasters.
Dozens of Mesa County residents came out for a meeting Wednesday to give their opinions on a possible route that would connect the Riverfront Trail between Clifton and Palisade.

Mesa County and One Riverfront partnered to commission a study of the possible options and received a Colorado Department of Transportation grant to fund it, said Erik Borschel, senior engineer with Mesa County.

Its the last piece of the Riverfront Trail connecting the valley together, Borschel said. I think thats a big goal for a lot of people, certainly for the county and the Riverfront folks.

The route options include following the river on the north side, following the river on the south side, following the Grand Valley Canal or following U.S. Highway 6. A map of the various routes is shown online at inputcentral.com/riverfront-trail, where you can still register an opinion on the options if you missed the meeting.

With it being a riverfront trail, we want to keep it near the river as much as we can, Borschel said. So we tried to keep things south of the highway and south of G Road and as close as we could get to the river.

Hugo Moreno, a Clifton resident, said his main concern when looking at the options is safety for children and families that will use the trail. He said he did not want the trail to follow Highway 6, which he said he felt would be too dangerous. He said he favored the trail following the canal.

To me the best one is option 3, Moreno said. By the canal there is already a road there that is paved and it would keep going, but I guess theyd have to get permission from the people that live along there so they could use that as an easement to get through there. To me thats the safest way.

Benita Phillips owns property along the Colorado River between Clifton and Palisade. She said a wildlife conservation easement on her property would not allow a trail to cross it. She also said her neighbors would not agree to the Riverfront Trail crossing their properties.

This is in a conservation easement, Phillips said, pointing out her property. There is a statement in our easement that does not allow for the walkway to go through there, ever in perpetuity. So the riverwalk here is a goner. Not one of these landowners are going to give up their river access.

Phillips said she did want to see the trail between Clifton and Palisade connect and that she didnt think anyone was against the idea, but that she favored a route that follows the north side of the Grand Valley Canal.

Phillips said the Grand Valley Irrigation Company was what was standing in the way of the trail using the canal right-of-way. She said she was told the company would never allow it.

Ideally, Phillips said she would like to see the land closer to the river be set aside for nature, as her property has been.

There are other options besides having it go this close to the river, Phillips said. There are animals down here. Right now I have two bears on my property and I have a herd of deer and I have raccoons up the yin yang.

The consultant performing the study will take the feedback from the community and determine a preferred route for the Riverfront Trail and come up with a cost estimate for the project, Borschel said.

I think there is a lot of good hope, Borschel said. People like a lot of the options and then there are people who dont like a lot of the options, which I think is understandable. Youll never please everybody.

Last month the City of Grand Junction approved the purchase of the final parcel of land needed to connect the trail from Las Colonias Park to 29 Road. The city plans to construct that portion of the trail next year.

Once the connection between Grand Junction and Clifton is completed, the portion between 33 Road in Clifton and Riverbend Park in Palisade will be the last major gap in the Riverfront Trail, which stretches from Loma to Palisade.
Prosecutors started to lay the framework of their criminal case Thursday against former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, beginning with an investigator in the District Attorneys Office and an elections specialist with the Colorado Secretary of State.

James Cannon, chief investigator for the district attorney, told the court how he first learned of what Peters and others did in copying election computers, and how those copies and sensitive passwords to the computers ended up on the internet.

He said as soon as he learned of the incident in August 2021, he immediately obtained and executed a search warrant of Peters office at a time when she was on her way to an election conspiracy symposium hosted by My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, where copies of the hard drives were scrutinized.

One of the first things he tried to do was examine footage from video cameras inside the election tabulation room in the clerks office in May 2021 when an update of its software was conducted, a process known as a trusted build.

A week prior to this trusted build, the cameras had been turned off a few days before, Cannon said. The video did not exist, so I looked for other evidence.

A second prosecution witness, Jessi Romero, voting systems manager in the Secretary of States elections division, said it was well known that in Mesa County those cameras were always on even though, at the time, state law only required that 60 days before an election and 30 days afterward. (The law has since been changed requiring them to be on all the time.)

That other evidence that Cannon examined were the computer logs of pass keys used to enter the tabulation room, electronic cards that are issued to specific people who are authorized to enter that secure area.

Along with Peters and elections manager Sandra Brown, one other person on that log was someone named Gerald Wood.

Cannon later checked with other county officials and found that while someone named Wood was issued a key card, no such person had never been hired or paid by the county or clerks office.

Prosecutors also showed pictures of Peters desk that Cannon had taken of hand-written notes on Secretary of State Jena Griswolds order to investigate the matter. Those notes, he said, referred to several things, such as pass codes, Lindell and other election conspiracists, a computer handle  CrazyMonkeyZ  that was similar to the person who posted the secure pass codes on the internet under the name CodeMonkeyZ, and a reference to the Gateway Pundit, a far-right conspiracy theory web site.

Cannon said he later discovered that Wood, who turned out to be a Fruita resident, wasnt in the clerks office when the hard drives were copied, nor during the trusted build.

Romero testified that all county clerks were given detailed instructions on how to back up their election computers before a trusted build so they can preserve election records for the required 25 months.

The guidance is for them to back up their election records, he said. Thats election specific materials, election records, ballot images, instructions on how to do that.

He said thats the electronic information any clerks office needs, including copies of all paper ballots, to rerun an election if that became necessary.

County election officials who are expected to testify are expected to confirm that they did all that before the trusted build, meaning that making copies of the hard drive was unnecessary to preserve records that clerk workers had already preserved.

Outside of the jurys ears, District Judge Matthew Barrett ruled that the jury would not hear any testimony calling the person prosecutors believe used Woods identification to enter the room, Conan Hayes. Defense attorneys believe Hayes was a confidential informant for the FBI, saying thats why Peters tried to keep his identity secret by using Woods name. Prosecutors, however, say Hayes was not an informant.

It is unknown who the prosecution will bring up next when the trial continues today, but two main ones are expected to shed far more light on what Peters did and why. Those witnesses are Peters former deputy, Belinda Knisley, and former elections manger Brown. Both entered into plea deals that calls on them to testify against Peters.

Prosecutors could call as many as 30 witnesses in the case, while the defense as listed as many as 14, not including Peters herself. It is unknown if she will testify.
Moldova Expels Russian Diplomat Amid Spying Investigation

By RFE/RL's Moldovan Service August 01, 2024

Moldova's Foreign Ministry has declared an employee of the Russian Embassy to Chisinau persona non grata and gave him 48 hours to leave the country. The move comes hours after authorities in Chisinau detained two Moldovan officials following a raid by security forces on parliament premises linked to a spying investigation.

Russian Ambassador Oleg Vasnetsov "was summoned today to the Foreign Ministry and was handed a note on declaring an embassy employee persona non grata," the ministry said in a statement on August 1, adding that the move was prompted by Moldovan authorities obtaining "information and evidence" proving that the Russian diplomat conducted "activities incompatible with diplomatic status on the territory of Moldova."

Neither the Moldovan government nor Vasnetsov identified the Russian diplomat to be expelled. But diplomatic and intelligence sources told RFE/RL that he is Dmitry Kelov, the deputy military attache at the embassy.

Russia's Foreign Ministry called Moldova's decision an "unfriendly step" and vowed to retaliate, without giving details.

The move came shortly after agents of Moldova's Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) and the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS) searched the building of Moldova's parliament and detained an employee of the legislature and a border police official suspected of treason and conspiracy.

The two, who according to Moldovan law can be held for 72 hours, allegedly collected and gave an employee of the Russian Embassy in Chisinau information that harms Moldova's interests.

"It is paramount that we make sure now that this treason case will be punished in the harshest way according to the law," Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu said in an interview with Moldova's Jurnal TV late on July 31.

Under U.S.-educated Sandu, who came to power in November 2020 after defeating Moscow-backed incumbent Igor Dodon, Moldova, a former Soviet republic, has sought to curb Russia's decades-long ubiquitous influence over its politics.

Last year in August, Moldova expelled 45 of the 70 Russian diplomats from the embassy in Chisinau after a media investigation revealed that the embassy building had an unusually high number of antennas installed on its roof that were suspected of gathering information for Russian intelligence services.

However, despite the sizeable expulsions, an RFE/RL investigation in September 2023 found that at least two of the remaining diplomats have ties to the Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia's powerful domestic intelligence agency, while two others have been associated with Moscow addresses linked to the Russian military's intelligence directorate.

Since the start of Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, Moldova has sided firmly with the West in condemning the invasion and has housed tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees.

Last month, Moldova opened accession negotiations with the European Union after being granted candidate status together with Ukraine in June 2022.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-russian- diplomat-expelled-treason-chisinau-raids/33058909.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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Russia, China leading wave of 'unprecedented' intelligence threats to US

By Jeff Seldin August 01, 2024

The United States is facing a series of unprecedented threats from foreign intelligence agencies, some of which are increasingly cooperating with each other to gain an advantage, according to a newly approved strategy to blunt the impact of espionage.

The National Counterintelligence Strategy, signed by President Joe Biden on Thursday, calls out Russia, China, Iran and North Korea as the main culprits, identifying Moscow and Beijing as "the most significant intelligence threats."

But the document warns they are increasingly launching more aggressive operations and even working together, or with others, to undermine the U.S.

U.S. counterintelligence officials "see our leading adversaries cooperating more frequently with one another, enhancing the threat they pose," the strategy warns, adding that "many PRC [People's Republic of China], Russian, and Iranian intelligence activities still go undetected."

"Commercial entities are playing increasingly important enabling roles," it adds.

In some cases, foreign spy services are turning to widely available products to better conduct surveillance or collect massive amounts of data. In other instances, spies are using technology to infiltrate critical systems belonging both to the U.S. government and private entities.

"A growing number of commercial firms are flooding the market with high-quality cyber intrusion tools, expanding the pool of [foreign intelligence] actors that can threaten our networks and people," the strategy says.

But U.S. intelligence officials have warned that in other cases, adversaries are turning to private companies to mask their involvement.

Earlier this week, a U.S. intelligence official warned that Russia in particular was turning to private Russian companies in its effort to meddle with the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

"This includes outsourcing its efforts to commercial firms to hide its hand," the official said.

Officials accused Beijing of also using companies in China and in the Middle East and Latin America to push disinformation campaigns and carry out other influence operations.

China and Russia have repeatedly dismissed such accusations, with Beijing accusing the U.S. of being "the biggest disseminator of disinformation."

The warning of growing intelligence cooperation among key U.S. adversaries, however, echoes warnings of a growing collaboration on other fronts.

U.S. and Western officials have recently accused Russia, China, Iran and North Korea of forming a new "Axis of Evil," working together to supply Moscow with weapons and ammunition for its war in Ukraine.

"It is a concern. It is a concern that you have both China, North Korea, Russia, Iran a countries that are not necessarily coordinated in the past a looking to figure out how they can have impact," U.S. President Joe Biden said during a news conference last month.

"There is no time to lose," a NATO official told VOA, speaking on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss the expanding cooperation. "This must be a key priority for all our allies."

The new U.S. counterintelligence strategy seeks to provide U.S. intelligence agencies with a road map to counter the growing threats.

Part of that involves investing in technologies and programs to help U.S. intelligence agencies better detect plots, anticipate threats and more widely share that information with other government agencies and allies.

The strategy also calls for more use of artificial intelligence, or AI, to better defend against espionage activities and to launch offensive campaigns aimed at disrupting foreign plots.

"Foreign intelligence and security services and their proxies persist in seeking to acquire our most sensitive information, technology and intellectual property. Nonstate actors are following suit," Biden wrote in an introduction to the new counterintelligence strategy.

The strategy, he added, "ensures we are well-positioned to counter foreign intelligence threats."

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Russia condemns US revamp of military forces in Japan

Moscow says it is 'coordinating' with Beijing and Pyongyang on the matter.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.07.31 -- Russia is closely following the recent steps by the United States and Japan to strengthen their military-political alliance and it is coordinating with China and North Korea on the matter, Russia's foreign ministry said.

Washington and Tokyo announced Sunday that the U.S. was overhauling its military forces in Japan as the two countries deepen defense cooperation.

"It seems that the two countries, under cover of threats allegedly emanating from the DPRK, China and Russia, are fully engaged in preparations for a large-scale armed conflict in the Asia-Pacific region," said the Russian foreign ministry's deputy director Andrey Nastasyin at a press briefing on Wednesday.

DPRK, or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is North Korea's official name.

"We have repeatedly warned that such activity can only increase the level of tension and accelerate the arms race in the Asia-Pacific region ... We are coordinating on this issue with our Chinese and North Korean partners," Nastasyin added without elaborating.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and their Japanese counterparts Minoru Kihara and Yoko Kamikawa announced the plan for a revamp in a statement following a meeting in Tokyo, where they also called China's "political, economic, and military coercion" the "greatest strategic challenge" in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The ministers also criticized what they called China's "provocative" behavior in the South and East China Seas, its joint military exercises with Russia and the rapid expansion of its arsenal of nuclear weapons.

Under the new plan, U.S. forces in Japan would be "reconstituted" as a joint force headquarters reporting to the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command to "facilitate deeper interoperability and cooperation on joint bilateral operations in peacetime and during contingencies," the U.S. and Japanese ministers said.

"This will be the most significant change to U.S. Forces Japan since its creation, and one of the strongest improvements in our military ties with Japan in 70 years," Austin told a press conference following the meeting.

He pointed both to the "upgrade" of U.S. Forces Japan with "expanded missions and operational responsibilities" and Japan's new Joint Operations Command, saying that the allies were reinforcing their "combined ability to deter and respond to coercive behavior in the Indo-Pacific and beyond."

Details of the implementation would be determined in working groups led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, media reported.

U.S. Forces Japan, headquartered at Yokota Air Base, consists of approximately 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan.

Separately, the defense chiefs of South Korea, the U.S. and Japan voiced concerns over growing military and economic cooperation between North Korea and Russia, denouncing the North's diversification of nuclear delivery systems and test launches of multiple ballistic missiles, as well as other actions that increase tension on the Korean Peninsula.

Edited by Mike Firn.

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August 1, 2024

Speech

"Nuclear Threats and the Role of Allies": Remarks by Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Dr. Vipin Narang at CSIS

As prepared for delivery by Vipin Narang, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy

WASHINGTON

Dr. Williams, thank you very much for that introduction and for inviting me to join you at CSIS today. I am delighted to be here.

I have been honored to serve as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and then Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy for the past two and a half years. These have been some of the most challenging years for U.S. nuclear policy this century - and some of my most professionally fulfilling.

The key message I'd like to leave you with today is sobering but necessary. While the Administration has long sought to strike a balance between deterrence and arms control, we now find ourselves in nothing short of a new nuclear agean unprecedented mix of multiple revisionist nuclear challengers who are uninterested in arms control or risk reduction efforts, each rapidly modernizing and expanding their nuclear arsenals, and openly threatening to employ nuclear weapons to achieve their aims.

These challengers' actions have forced us to shift to a more competitive approach.

This more competitive approach is founded on three pillars. First, we must continue to field a modern nuclear deterrent with the numbers AND the attributes necessary to deter strategic attack, assure our allies and partners, and meet our objectives if deterrence fails. Our current nuclear force posture and planned modernization program is necessary but may well be insufficient in the coming years to support this need. Second, we must continue to strengthen our network of allies and partners and our extended deterrence efforts in NATO and the Indo-Pacific because these are our asymmetric advantage over our adversaries. And third, we must invest in building the next generation of talentthe next generation of leaders to guide our strategic thinking and shape our future infrastructure and capabilities in this era of competition.

Let me be clear: competition is not a foregone conclusionif our adversaries make different choices, so will we. But so far, they have not, and show no interest in doing so. So, if our adversaries continue down their current paths, the United States - alongside our allies and partners - is ready, willing, and able to confront the challenges of a new nuclear age.

When I first came into this position in March 2022, the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) had just been completed. It arrived at a unique moment. The administration recognized that the world had become more dangerous and sought to restore diplomacy's proper place in national security, rebuilding and strengthening U.S. standing in the world, and reinvigorating long-standing alliances and partnerships.

We immediately extended the New START treaty and put processes in place to develop a follow-on agreement.

We hoped that the People's Republic of China would engage responsibly, both bilaterally and in international fora, on nuclear issues including transparency and risk reduction, and we repeatedly raised these issues in our engagements with Beijing.

We were encouraged when the five declared Nuclear Weapons States - including Russia and China - affirmed that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. Advancing these efforts was critical to demonstrating President Biden's commitment to reduce the salience of nuclear weapons globally.

But in February of 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine. Illegally and without provocation. Almost immediately, Russia began making irresponsible nuclear threats designed to deter and dissuade support for Ukraine. Russia recklessly brandished its nuclear weapons, particularly its growing stockpile of lower yield treaty unrestricted nuclear weapons. Russia continued rattling the nuclear saber while it brutalized Ukraine's population and attacked its cities. These provocations took place under a thick cloud of misinformation and outright lies: Even while Russian diplomats in Geneva were speaking solemnly about the need to avoid nuclear threats and nuclear war, Moscow was courting nuclear risk and threatening escalation.

Meanwhile, we learned that Russia is developing a new satellite designed to carry a nuclear weapon on orbit - an anti-satellite capability which, if detonated, could potentially wipe out an entire orbit of assets crucial not just to the United States, but the entire world. All of us should be concerned with the prospect of Russia putting a nuclear weapon in space, posing a threat to satellites operated by countries and companies around the globe, as well as to the vital communications, scientific, meteorological, agricultural, commercial, and national security services upon which we all depend. Make no mistake, even if detonating a nuclear weapon in space does not directly kill people, the indirect impact could be catastrophic to the entire world.

Russia's dangerous invasion of Ukraine came after a year of intense discussion about the trajectory of another nuclear power: the People's Republic of China. In 2021, non-governmental researchers announced their discovery of hundreds of new ICBM silos under construction in Western China. Later that year, the Intelligence Community revealed that the PRC had accelerated its nuclear expansion, finding that the PRC would likely field over 1000 operational warheads by 2030. Today, we assess that the PRC has likely completed silo construction and has begun loading them with missiles. This expansion is being fueled by Russialiterallyas Moscow supplies China with Highly Enriched Uranium reactor fuel, which supports the production of weapons-grade plutonium. The growth in, and diversification of, the Chinese nuclear forcesomething we neither anticipated nor accounted for when we crafted the nuclear modernization program over a decade agowill be a defining feature of this new nuclear age.

And we can't sleep on North Korea which also continues to expand, diversify, and improve its nuclear, ballistic missile, and non-nuclear capabilities. While not a major power rival like the PRC and Russia, North Korea's continued improvement and diversification of its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities present deterrence dilemmas for the United States and regional allies. Conflict on the Korean Peninsula risks escalation and the involvement of multiple regional nuclear-armed actors. What's more, the growing DPRK-Russia strategic partnership, which violates several U.N. Security Council resolutions, is concerning, and illustrates the real possibility of collaboration and even collusion between our nuclear armed adversaries. These developments occur even though the Biden administration has consistently reached out to the DPRK to offer talks with no preconditions, in an effort to seek a diplomatic resolution to Pyongyang's advancing nuclear arsenal. Those calls have gone unanswered.

This emerging security environment is unprecedented. The now-common phrase "two peer nuclear problem" understates the complexity of the challenge we face. I prefer to characterize the environment as the "multiple nuclear challenger problem" because each adversary presents different challenges for U.S. strategists.

For example, although Russia is a nuclear peer, it is not a peer in any other domain, or sense of the word. However, as a conventionally weaker power with revisionist regional ambitions, Russia poses an acute threat of nuclear employment and a brazen willingness to flout international norms for its own benefit. Meanwhile, the PRC is not YET a nuclear peer, but the growth in its nuclear arsenal's size and diversity - accompanied by posture changes from regional employment to launch on warning - places it on a trajectory to soon become one. Unlike Russia, China will be a peer to the United States in virtually every relevant military and economic domain.

The DPRK is not a peer in any domain, but it brandishes its nuclear capabilities against two close U.S. allies - South Korea and Japan - and increasingly the United States.

Any one of these nuclear challenges would be daunting by itself, but the simultaneity, and growing collaboration and evidence of collusion between them is unprecedented, forcing us to think in new and careful ways about challenges such as escalation dynamics and deterring opportunistic aggression in this new nuclear age.

All of this is to say that the United States did not choose to create additional risks in the nuclear domain. It is our adversaries' choices that have made the world more dangerous.

Recall that Russia was a "partner" to NATO only a decade ago. With Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Russia is again an adversary.

We wanted to stay in the INF Treaty. Russia violated it.

We wanted to keep the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty. Russia withdrew.

We want to not only adhere to New START, but to negotiate a follow-on treaty to maintain agreed-upon limits on strategic nuclear weapons. Instead, Russia illegally and illegitimately suspended its participation in New START and shows no interest in a follow-on treaty.

We have made it clear to the PRC that we are willing to have substantive risk reduction talks. The PRC has said no.

We offered dialogue on denuclearization without preconditions to North Korea. The DPRK has shown no interest.

We have made sincere and good faith efforts to develop very different nuclear relationships with all our nuclear-armed adversaries. But they chose a more dangerous path. And it would be irresponsible for the United States Government to not confront and address this new reality, a reality foisted on us despite our best efforts to establish a different one.

I want to be clearour initial efforts at the start of this administration were not in vain. We have demonstrated to the international community that the United States is not, and will not, be the impediment to progress in risk reduction and arms control. We have also demonstrated to the American people that we are committed to using all tools of national power for our defense.

We will continue to seek opportunities for dialogue, transparency, arms control, and risk reduction. The strategic deterrence community's interests in arms control are perhaps best explained by the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, General Cotton, who views "arms control as a complementary effort, seeking the same objective [as deterrence] by reducing the number of threats and enabling strategic stability dialogues with potential adversaries." But arms control requires willing partners that are committed to reducing risks, rather than increasing them. So instead, we find ourselves today in a more fraught and dangerous environment - one that the NPR foresaw as a possibility but which is now a reality.

As a result, we have been prudently preparing for today's realities and the world we anticipate tomorrow. Since 2021, the administration has prioritized upgrading the "hardware" of nuclear deterrence - capabilities, posture, and operations - as well as the "software" - our strategic concepts, plans, and the engagements with allies on extended deterrence that make our deterrent more credible and robust.

With respect to hardware, for over a year, my team and I have led a strategy-driven review of the implications of the new security environment for strategic deterrence and U.S. nuclear posture. This process is overseen at very senior levels of government and includes interagency stakeholders. We began with the principal question: what capabilities and posture do we need to credibly deter attack on the U.S. homeland as well as our allies and vital regional interests not just today, but tomorrow? If adjustments to our hardware and software are necessary, how do we prioritize them? How do we avoid additional risk to our existing plans and the nuclear production complex? As part of this review, we are taking a fresh look at U.S. nuclear modernization, including examining the underlying assumptions of the modernization program, which was conceived at a time when we assumed we would only have to deter a New START-compliant Russia.

Some things became clear to us early on.

First, as others, including the independent and bipartisan Congressional Strategic Posture Commission concurred: the program of record described in the 2022 NPR is necessary but may well be insufficient to meet the deterrence challenges of the future and to mitigate risks that could arise during the transition to a modernized nuclear triad.

Second, given the complexity and the long lead times required to adjust our forces and posture, we must lay the groundwork now so national leaders have options to quickly and responsively adjust the future nuclear force if needed. Let there be no doubt: we are confident in our current forces and posture today. We will also abide by the central limits of New START for the duration of the Treaty, as long as we assess that Russia continues to do so. But in an uncertain world, preserving the option to change course tomorrow requires that we make necessary decisions and investments today.

Third, while we plan for the future, there are steps we have already taken to reduce risk to the modernization program and enhance deterrence. For example, last year, we announced that we are pursuing a modern variant of the B61 gravity bomb - the B61-13. The B61-13 takes advantage of an existing qualified production line for the B61-12. It will strengthen deterrence and assurance by providing the President with additional options against certain harder and large-area military targets while not increasing the overall numbers of weapons in the U.S. stockpile, or stressing other weapon modernization efforts. It also demonstrates that we can use our existing production capabilities flexibly and creatively.

We are also taking steps to extend the availability of current-generation OHIO-class SSBNs so they can operate longer if necessary during the transition to modern systems.

We are complying with Congressional direction to develop and field a nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile. The 2022 NPR canceled the program because, at the time, the Administration assessed it was unnecessary and could distract from other priorities. Today the world is different. Put clearly: the Department is proceeding with a SLCM-N and we're working closely with Congress to ensure we are meeting our shared goals of getting the most deterrence value for the least risk to the modernization program, the nuclear weapons complex, and the Joint Force.

We are also reviewing and prioritizing other ways we might adjust U.S. posture. We have begun exploring options to increase future launcher capacity or additional deployed warheads - on the land, sea, and air legs - that could offer national leadership increased flexibility if executed.

As this audience knows, the land-leg is undergoing a large and complex modernization effort through the Sentinel program, which will upgrade and replace the long-serving Minuteman III. In July, following a comprehensive review of the costs of the program, the Department certified to Congress that a modified Sentinel ICBM program remains essential to national security and that there are no alternatives to the program that would provide acceptable capability at less cost. We undertook a rigorous review of a range of alternativesfrom sustaining Minuteman III, to road mobile missiles, to fielding Trident missiles on land. None of these alternatives provided the capability we need at less cost than a modified Sentinel programand each introduced risk that eroded the credibility and efficacy of the land leg, and of the triad as a whole. While Sentinel is in development, we will continue to sustain the Minuteman III as long as necessary.

Importantly, the Sentinel program review re-validated our established policy of maintaining a nuclear triad because the national security requirement for a robust land-leg is more important than ever in the evolving security environment. Multiple administrations have concluded that all legs of the triad have mutually supporting attributes which, taken together, best maintain strategic stability. The way the United States has conceived of and implemented ground-based ICBMs complicates adversary decision making by placing a prompt and responsive strategic capability in the United States. In so doing, the land-leg makes the other legs of the triad more effective. The U.S. nuclear triad is greater than the sum of its parts, so we concluded that the modernized Sentinel systemmore capable than Minuteman IIIis essential to national security.

We also continue to seek ways to integrate non-nuclear capabilities to enable and augment strategic deterrence. But, make no mistake, for the foreseeable future, nuclear weapons will provide unique deterrent effects that no other element of U.S. military power can replace. They remain the ultimate backstop to deter strategic attacks against the United States, our allies, and partners.

Beyond the triad, the Department is also focused on modernizing nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) so that the President of the United States can continue to command and control U.S. nuclear forces under all circumstances, including during and following nuclear or non-nuclear strategic attack. We are modernizing legacy NC3 systems through programs that retain survivability, resiliency, and redundancy. We are focused on all relevant NC3 components - satellites, aircraft, and communications technology - to allow crisis communication and continuity of government operations should circumstances require.

Sustained support for these initiatives is critical given the deteriorating security landscape, the irresponsible behavior of U.S. competitors, and the need to maintain a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent, as well as credible extended deterrence to allies and partners. As National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said last year at the Arms Control Association, we do not need to numerically pace our competitors warhead-for-warhead or outnumber their combined total forces to deter them. In fact, just the opposite: we are committed to fielding only what is required to credibly deter adversaries and protect the American people and our allies and partners.

But, as NSC Senior Director Pranay Vaddi noted early this year, this idea cuts both ways: Absent a change in the nuclear trajectories of the PRC, Russia, and North Korea, we may reach a point where a change in the size or posture of our current deployed forces is necessary. There is no need to grow the stockpile yet, but adjustments to the number of deployed capabilities may be necessary IF our adversaries continue down their current paths.

Only the President can make that decision. If that point comes, it will be because he or she has concluded that such changes are needed to deter adversaries, defend the United States, and meet our commitments to our allies and partners. We seek a smart and flexible posture, not an unlimited one, but achieving it may require deploying more and/or different capabilities than we field today.

Part of a smart and flexible posture is making sure we have the deterrence "software" to make the most of our hardware. Over the past two years, we have refined the strategic concepts and plans that we will need to make deterrence credible in this new nuclear age. The President recently issued updated nuclear weapons employment guidance to account for multiple nuclear-armed adversaries, and, in particular, the significant increase in the size and diversity of the PRC's nuclear arsenal. My office has begun to provide the Department and the Joint Force updated implementation guidance on how to plan and posture our forces in this new environment.

Thankfully, the United States does not face this new reality alone. Our network of allies and partners in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is an asymmetric strategic advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match. We have made tremendous advances in the last three years to strengthen allied assurance and upgrade our extended deterrence "software."

I have been privileged to lead U.S. bilateral and multilateral efforts with all the allies to whom we formally extend nuclear deterrence. Over the past three years, we have convened dozens of meetings on four continents. These efforts enhance deterrence by presenting U.S. adversaries with a unified front, and they assure allies by demonstrating our resolve to defend them with the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear.

In Europe, the United States and our NATO allies have stood united against Russia's brutal war of aggression in Ukraine and its reckless nuclear rhetoric. NATO has renewed its commitment to nuclear deterrence, reaffirming clearly that so long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. In my time at the Pentagon, we have made significant strides to make NATO nuclear deterrence not just "fit for purpose" but "fitter for purpose."

We broadened allied participation and support for the nuclear mission. We are completing the modernization of NATO nuclear capabilities through the transition to the fifth generation F-35 and the B61-12, which are bolstering the military effectiveness and credibility of the deterrent. This year, we completed the operational certification of Dutch F-35As for the Dual Capable Aircraft mission, making them the second NATO ally (after the United States) to do so. In 2022, Germany joined the F-35A program, explicitly citing the need to continue their support for NATO's nuclear burden sharing arrangements. Because of Russia's behavior, we welcomed Finland and Sweden to the Alliancea major strategic gainboth of whom publicly committed to supporting NATO nuclear deterrence through their conventional forces and participating in consultative bodies.

NATO has also made historic progress in adapting its operational planning processes to meet the Russian threat. As we announced in the Washington Summit declaration in July, NATO has a new generation of multi-domain defense plans to allow NATO to credibly defend allied territory with non-nuclear means. NATO has also stood up a parallel effort for nuclear planning to improve our readiness for a range of potential contingencies.

The nuclear forces of the United States are the supreme guarantor of NATO's security, supported by the United Kingdom's, which are explicitly contributed to the defense of NATO, and France's whose nuclear forces are independent, but which have always had a European dimension. With respect to France, independent doesn't mean uncoordinated, and the P3 have improved their coordination on strategic activities, deterrence messaging, and shared threat assessments, all while strengthening our commitment to burden-sharing. So even with our closest nuclear-armed allies, the United Kingdom and France, consultations are deepening, both bilaterally and trilaterally, as we work together to strengthen deterrence against potential opportunistic aggression from multiple nuclear challengers.

I have been encouraged by the rapidly growing interest and engagement in nuclear issues from my counterparts in Allied capitals, as evidenced by the intense and productive discussions we have had in the NATO High Level Group, which I chair. Discussions on nuclear issues in the Alliance have grown more frequent and much more sophisticated over time.

These developments represent a major strategic shift in NATO, and we continue to assess the opportunities to further enhance the credibility and efficacy of the deterrent mission, given the new geometry of the Alliance.

While we have accomplished a great deal, there is more work to do. NATO must continue planning efforts for both conventional and nuclear crises. These efforts must be integrated and "coherent." We must work to sustain support in the alliance and in allied capitals for nuclear modernization. The likelihood of a persistent nuclear threat from Russia demands a whole-of-NATO strategic approach. All of this rests on vigorous American leadership. If we continue to lead, I am confident that NATO will continue to take the steps necessary to sustain and enhance nuclear deterrence.

In the Indo-Pacific, we committed to working with our allies toward an effective mix of capabilities, concepts, deployments, exercises, and tailored options to deter, and if necessary, respond to coercion and aggression. This commitment called for stronger extended deterrence consultations with a more cooperative approach to decision-making related to nuclear deterrence policy, strategic messaging, and activities to reinforce collective security.

We have delivered on this commitment. Our Indo-Pacific allies are partners in extended deterrence, not just passive beneficiaries. Our tailored dialogues with the Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan, and Australia have become deeper and broader - including work on conventional-nuclear integration, crisis consultation, and efforts to strengthen allied understanding of U.S. nuclear deterrence posture and capabilities.

We have also elevated the level of senior-leader engagement across all the dialogues - adding new working groups with Japan, expanding defense discussions with Australia, and, perhaps most visibly, establishing the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) with the ROK at the Assistant Secretary of Defense level. The NCG has delivered on President Biden and President Yoon's vision in the April 2023 Washington Declaration to strengthen the U.S.-ROK extended nuclear deterrence relationship. Their vision has become reality: we have signed a Guidelines document charting a path ahead, begun work to facilitate integration across the alliance, and now stand as equal partners strengthening deterrence against nuclear and other forms of strategic attack from North Korea.

The United States also recognizes that trilateral and multilateral cooperation will only strengthen our efforts to respond to regional challenges. Trilateral partnership between the United States, the ROK, and Japan is stronger than ever following last year's Camp David Summit. We activated a data sharing mechanism to exchange real-time missile warning information to detect and assess ballistic missiles launched by North Korea. This June we hosted the first iteration of FREEDOM EDGE, a new multi-domain trilateral exercise that allowed our countries to train in new and novel ways. We will continue to build on these efforts for trilateral and multilateral approaches to meet emerging challenges together.

Across all our regional partnerships, more frequent and more wide-ranging senior-level discussions allow us to coordinate our deterrence policies, strategic messaging, and activities that reinforce regional security, including promoting better synchronization and interoperability. Together, we will continue to tailor responsive extended deterrence and assurance policies that leverage all tools of national power. Credible deterrence hardware and software presents a unified front to adversaries and continues to assure our allies that relying on the U.S. for nuclear deterrence is the best approach for their security and ours.

At the beginning of this administration, we laid out a comprehensive and balanced approach to defending our vital national security interests while reducing nuclear risks. This continues to be our approach. But the context has changed. We were hopeful that our adversaries would join us in an effort to reduce nuclear dangers. We were, and are, prepared to meet this new reality while adhering to our principles as a responsible nuclear power. We remain committed to arms control and risk reduction measures with our nuclear-armed competitors, should circumstances permit and responsible partners emerge. We are dedicated to preserving and strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime and reaffirm our commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We will uphold the global norm against nuclear explosive testing and support the entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. But make no mistake, unilateral cuts by the United States are not an effective approach to reducing nuclear risks.

We should continue to try to persuade our adversaries that managing rivalry through arms control is preferable to unrestrained nuclear competition. But our nuclear competitors have repeatedly chosen competitionand sometimes outright conflictover cooperation. We are now entering a new and dangerous era that demands we adapt. Maintaining balance requires that we shift our footing to a more competitive approach.

It is our responsibility to see the world as it is, not as we hoped or wished it would be. It is possible that we will one day look back and see the quarter century after the Cold War as "nuclear intermission." The first act was the Cold War competition between the Soviet Union and the United States. Though intense, that competition was not bereft of cooperation and arms control, even at its most fraught moments. Today's unfolding second act is one in which Russia sees nuclear saber rattling as a way to reshape the international order; in which Russia modernizes and expands its arsenal unfettered by arms control; and in which Russia continues to design and deploy destabilizing novel systems. This is also a world in which the PRC is wary of substantive cooperation and continues to expand and diversify its arsenal without transparency on its doctrine and intentions. This is a world in which North Korea continues to threaten its neighbors while providing the ammunition for Russia's war on Ukraine.

Intermission is over, and we are clearly in the next act. We have an obligation to continually assess our policies and capabilities and consider whether we are doing enough to protect the United States and our allies and partners. We must prepare for a world where constraints on nuclear weapons arsenals disappear entirely. Modernizing U.S. nuclear capabilities today and preparing for future posture adjustments may help incentivize our adversaries to engage in strategic arms control discussions. However, if our adversaries continue to make choices that make them and the world less safe, the United States is prepared to do what is necessary to successfully competeto deter aggression and assure our alliesin this new nuclear age.

As we confront these generational challenges, programs like PONI will be essential to mentoring the next generations of policy, technical, and operational nuclear experts. The diverse talent pool PONI has and will continue to build will serve the United States well. It is a premier example of the reinvestment we must make in our talent - to build a flexible and responsive nuclear infrastructure and talent pool to tackle the unprecedented strategic and policy challenges we are likely to confront in the coming decades.

I want to close by thanking the professionals across the Department of Defense and the interagencymy colleagues in the Joint Staff, the office of Nuclear Matters, STRATCOM, the services, the NSC, NNSA, and the State Departmentthat have supported our collective efforts to adapt to a novel and more dangerous security environment. I want to give a special thanks to my OSD Policy teamfrom the top to the bottombut especially the incredibly smart and dedicated action officers who toil in the cubicles and work tirelessly to actually get this work done. It has been an honor to serve in this role for this President and this Administration. As I depart from government in the coming weeks and head back to MIT, I look forward to continuing the work from the outside to the extent I can, to help make U.S. nuclear policy and posture "fitter for purpose" in this new competitive nuclear age.

Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3858311/

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Ancient Yixing purple clay pottery experiences modern revival

People's Daily Online) 13:12, August 02, 2024

Yixing, a county-level city administered by Wuxi city, east Chinas Jiangsu Province, is hailed as the pottery capital of China. Well known for its purple clay, Yixing has been crafting purple clay pottery since the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368), with the practice flourishing during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Pottery made from Yixing's purple clay has gained worldwide recognition. The technique of making Yixing purple clay pottery was inscribed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2006, and its fame is intertwined with the spread of Chinese tea culture.

Preserving traditions

At the ceramic school of Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts & Technology, Xie Qiang, a national-level master of arts and crafts and provincial-level inheritor of the technique of making Yixing purple clay pottery, was demonstrating the traditional method of making a purple clay teapot.

Xie Qiang, a national-level master of arts and crafts and provincial-level inheritor of the technique of making Yixing purple clay pottery, works on a purple clay teapot. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

"This is the traditional method, but mastering it requires solid basic skills," Xie said, explaining the slapping technique he used to form the teapot.

To hone these skills, Xie learned from renowned purple clay artist Xu Yuanming in the early 1990s and later from Bao Zhiqiang, a national-level master of arts and crafts.

With nearly 40 years of experience, Xie's works have won multiple awards in national competitions, and he has been bestowed with many national-level honorary titles. Besides refining his craft through practice, Xie has published several books on purple clay art.

Photo shows a set of purple clay pottery works by Xie Qiang. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

Innovation

Xie has infused traditional cultural elements into his purple clay teapots but has also improved the traditional technique through innovation. In 2023, his project on the innovation of the purple clay technique and the integration of cultural elements won a second prize for technological progress from the China National Light Industry Council.

At present, Xie has completed over 100 pieces in his "Chinese civilization" series of purple clay pottery works, including the ancient tea set series that showcases the artistic styles of different eras. For example, his tea set inspired by the style of the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-207 BC) incorporates terracotta warrior elements, while the tea set modeling the style of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) mimics the dynasty's gold and silver wares.

Xu Shenzi, Xie Qiang's apprentice, works on a purple clay teapot. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

Xu Shenzi, Xie's apprentice, worked in the purple clay pottery industry in Yixing after she obtained a master's degree from Nanjing University of the Arts in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu. Born in 1988, Xu is already recognized as a national technical expert. Her purple clay pottery works blend ancient and modern styles. One of her purple clay pottery works won a gold award at the 12th China Ceramic Art Exhibition in 2022.

Nurturing talent

In recent years, Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts & Technology has committed itself to supporting the practice of purple clay pottery by "passing on skills and nurturing new talents." In addition to students, the institute has also cultivated rural artisans. The training of rural artisans has helped in promoting rural cultural industry development while also contributing to rural revitalization.

Gu'nan Street in Dingshu township, Yixing attracts many young entrepreneurs, including descendants of local purple clay pottery families and graduates from prestigious art schools like Central Academy of Fine Arts and Nanjing University of the Arts. Many newcomers arrived without any pottery-making skills, but have apprenticed with local masters. These newcomers have been able to incorporate their backgrounds in painting, calligraphy, and modern design into the creation of purple clay pottery.

Photo shows a scene of the creative industrial park transformed from a purple clay pottery factory in Yixing, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo courtesy of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Yixing municipal committee)

Students from art schools outside Yixing have injected new life into the city's purple clay pottery industry, according to Lyu Fengping, executive curator of the Qian Songyan Art Museum in the city. The diversity of talent also fosters opportunities for the integration of culture, business, and tourism in the region.

Yixing purple clay pottery is also embracing the digital age. Jiangsu Culture Investment Group Co., Ltd. and a cultural company from Yixing jointly launched an app for the transaction of physical purple clay pottery artworks at the 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair held in May this year. The platform allows for each product to possess exclusive authorization and a unique identity, allowing for secure digital trading.

Photo shows the creative industrial park transformed from a purple clay pottery factory in Yixing, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo courtesy of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Yixing municipal committee)

Chinas pottery capital Yixing continues to promote and enhance its purple clay cultural brand, ensuring the continued spread of ancient pottery art and its thousand year cultural legacy.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Philippines eyes F-16 deal after joint drill with US in South China Sea

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan Published: Aug 01, 2024 09:09 PM

The Philippines and the US recently held a joint exercise in the South China Sea aimed at China as the Philippines expressed interest in purchasing US F-16 fighter jets. Experts said on Thursday that the US is tightening its grip on the Philippines after the latter reached a provisional arrangement with China on managing situation in the region.

Citing the Philippine armed forces, Reuters reported that the Philippines and US navies conducted a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea on Wednesday.

Held "inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone," the exercise included two vessels and was designed to enhance communication and operational coordination between the two navies, the report said.

The two countries began joint maritime activities in November 2023 to enhance how their militaries could operate in tandem at a time of growing tensions with China in the South China Sea, Reuters said.

The latest US-Philippines joint exercise was held shortly after China reached a provisional arrangement with the Philippines on managing the situation on the Ren'ai Jiao (also known as the Ren'ai Reef) in the South China Sea on July 22, and the Philippines completed a resupply mission at Ren'ai Jiao under the China Coast Guard's supervision on July 27 following the arrangement.

It exposed that the Philippines has not given up on casting its greedy eyes on Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea by relying on external forces like the US, and that Washington is not willing to see the tensions in the region settle down, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Thursday.

Through joint drills, which have become routine since November 2023, the US and the Philippines can boost interoperability in terms of information systems, simulate a number of scenarios, enhance the Philippines' maritime situational awareness and intelligence, and help the US conduct battlefield environment buildups, Ding Duo, a deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Law and Policy at China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Reuters also reported that the Philippines has expressed interest in purchasing US F-16 fighter jets, with its air force possibly being allocated additional funds next year.

Analysts questioned if the Philippines has sufficient funds and if the US has sufficient capacity of production for the F-16s. The F-16 also poses little threat to Chinese stealth fighter jets.

The goal of the US is to further tighten its grip on the Philippines and avoid a situation in which the Philippine policies on the South China Sea and on China deviate from the US's own strategies and interests, experts said.

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Announcement of the Elimination of Mohammed Deif

IDF Press Release

August 1, 2024

01.08.24

The IDF and ISA eliminated Mohammed Deif, the Commander of Hamas' Military Wing

The IDF announces that on July 13th, 2024, IDF fighter jets struck in the area of Khan Yunis, and following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike. Mohammed Deif was the Commander of Hamas' Military Wing, and second in command of the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip. Deif initiated, planned, and executed the October 7th Massacre, in which 1,200 people were killed in southern Israel and 251 hostages abducted into the Gaza Strip.



Following precise IDF and ISA intelligence, IAF fighter jets conducted a precise, targeted strike on a compound in which Mohammed Deif and Rafa'a Salameh, the Commander of Hamas' Khan Yunis Brigade, were located. The elimination of Rafa'a Salameh was confirmed several weeks ago. Additional terrorist operatives were also eliminated during the strike.

Over the years, Deif directed, planned, and carried out numerous terrorist attacks against the State of Israel. Deif operated side-by-side with Yahya Sinwar, and during the war, he commanded Hamas' terrorist activity in the Gaza Strip by issuing commands and instructions to senior members of Hamas' Military Wing.

Deif joined the Hamas terrorist organization during the First Intifada. He planned and directed numerous terror attacks and Hamas' force build-up in Judea and Samaria, and was responsible for suicide bombing attacks on Israeli civilians.

Attached is the Profile of Mohammed Deif:

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Pezeshkian: Iran to continue to firmly back Resistance

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that the Israeli regime's terror acts are because it is stuck in an impasse, adding that Iran's leadership, nation, and government will not relent in their support for the oppressed people of Palestine and the Axis of Resistance.

Pezeshkian made the remarks in a phone conversation on Wednesday evening with Khalil al-Hayya, a senior official of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, who was accompanied Martyr Ismail Haniyeh, the chairman of Hamas' Political Bureau, to Tehran to attend the inauguration of Pezashkian, before he was assassinated.

The Iranian President said Martyr Haniyeh was an official guest of the president and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that such a situation doubles the pain of losing him.

For his part, al-Hayya said that the Martyrdom of Haniyeh in Tehran was Allah's expediency to once again show the interwoven relation between various elements of the Resistance.

He said that when Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani was assassinated by the United States in Baghdad on January 3, 2020, Haniyeh came to Tehran to pay respect to General Soleimani and now, the honorable Iranian people are participating in his funeral procession to pay respect to him.

Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were assassinated by the Zionist regime in Tehran in the early hours of Wednesday.

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Iran, Russia discuss circumstances around Haniyeh's assassination

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have exchanged views on the circumstances around the assassination of Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

In a phone conversation on Thursday, the Iranian and Russian diplomats condemned the assassination of the Palestinian resistance leader.

Both sides underlined that politically-motivated assassinations were unacceptable while warning of dire consequences of such actions.

The organizers of such a provocative move seek to cause the ongoing process of talks between warring sides in the Gaza Strip to collapse, the two officials said.

For his part, Lavrov called on all influential parties in Gaza and in the Middle East to avoid actions that could lead to further regional instability and new casualties among civilians.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry of Russia issued a statement, strongly slamming Haniyeh's assassination.

It is clear that the organizers of this political assassination were fully aware of the serious consequences of this threatening act for the entire region, it read.

There is no doubt that the assassination of Haniyeh will have an extremely negative impact on the course of indirect contacts between Hamas and the Israeli regime, within the framework of which mutually acceptable terms for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip are being agreed upon, it added.

Russia in the statement urgently called on all parties concerned to exercise restraint and to refrain from steps that could lead to a dramatic deterioration of the security situation in the region and provoke a large-scale armed confrontation.

Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were assassinated in their residence in the Iranian capital early on Wednesday.

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Seyyed Ali Khamenei led a funeral prayer for Haniyeh on Thursday.

Haniyeh will be laid to rest in the Persian Gulf state of Qatar following another funeral prayer there on Friday.

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'Assassination of leaders has no negative impact on resistance'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Secretary General of Lebanon's Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah says the assassination of leaders does not have any negative impacts on resistance.

Nasrallah delivered a speech on Thursday on the occasion of the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas chief, and Fuad Shukr, a prominent commander of the Lebanese Islamic Resistance.

At the beginning of his speech, Nasrallah extended condolences and congratulations on the martyrdom of the two deceased high-ranking figures.

Commenting on the recent assassination operation by the Zionist regime's military in the Haret Hreik area of Beirut's southern suburbs, he said that the enemy's goal in bombing the building was to assassinate the commander Fuad Shukr, which led to the martyrdom of seven people, including an Iranian military advisor, and the injury of dozens.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he reacted to the martyrdom of the Hamas leader, raising the question, "Do they think they can martyr Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and expect Iran to remain silent?"

The goal of the assassination of the leaders is to weaken the determination of the fighters of Axis of Resistance, he underlined.

The tone of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution after Haniyeh's assassination was harsher than his response after the targeting of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, he noted.

We are in a full-fledged war on all fronts, he said, adding that the battle has entered a new phase.

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UNSC discusses Israeli assassination of Hamas chief

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

New York, IRNA -- A majority of members of the United Nations Security Council, in an emergency meeting following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the Hamas political office in Tehran, condemned the Israeli attack and expressed concern about the regional escalation.

China and Russia, the two permanent members of the council with veto powers as well as non-permanent Algeria were among the countries that denounced the Zionist regime's latest crime during the meeting, whereas as some of Israel's creators, traditional allies and backers, including the United States and the United Kingdom either sided with the regime's assassination and killing drive or called for the restraint.

China: Haniyeh's assassination clear attempt to sabotage peace efforts

According to IRNA reporter, China's envoy to the United Nations on Wednesday evening local time began his speech by condemning the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh following a briefing to the council on Israeli atrocities and crimes by the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.

The assassination of Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's political office in Tehran by Israel was a clear attempt to destroy peace efforts, Fu Cong underlined.

"Due to the current serious situation, the warring parties should listen to the voices that want to reduce the tension," he said, adding that "the reason we are in the current situation is the inability to reach a ceasefire in Gaza".

The Chinese envoy also criticized Israel's attacks on Beirut and called on the Zionist regime to adhere to the Security Council resolutions.

Russia: We condemn Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran

Dmitry Polyanskiy, Deputy Russian Representative, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council, warned about the dangerous consequences of the assassination of the Hamas chief to the region.

Whoever is behind this assassination and those who carried out this crime should be aware of how much dangerous such action can be for international peace, he said in his speech.

While condemning the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and calling it a strong blow to mediation and negotiations, Polyanskiy said: This barbaric action has really brought the Middle East to the brink of war.

He blamed Americans and Israelis for trying to endanger the entire region and said the assassination of the Hamas chief was a destructive blow to the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

The Russian diplomat also warned against any attempt to bring Iran to a regional confrontation in light of the escalating situation.

Algeria: Israel committed a terrorist act

Ammar bin Jame, the ambassador and representative of Algeria in the United Nations told the council that Algeria expresses its condolences to the Palestinian brothers over the killing of Haniyeh. "This was not a simple attack, but a cruel act and violation of the sovereignty of a country".

This was not only an attack on human beings, but a vicious attack on diplomatic relations and the fundamental principles of the world order. Israel took an action that violated Iran's sovereignty, Jame elaborated.

The Algerian ambassador to the United Nations warned the Zionist regime that its action was not what it claims to be self-defense but it was a subversive and aggressive act. "We strongly and strongly condemn this cruel and barbaric act of terrorism committed by the Israelis".

He also pointed to Israeli brutalities and asked: Where and when will this madness end? The attack on Gaza and the targeting of civilians in Beirut and the occupation of Syrian and Lebanese lands are shameful stains that have plagued humanity.

US defends Israel: We weren't aware of Haniyeh's assassination, had no role

Robert Wood, the US ambassador and deputy representative at the United Nations, supported Israel in line with Washington's age-old policies to cover up the crimes being committed by the Zionist regime but said his country was neither aware of the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and nor did it play any role in that operation.

This American diplomat went on with anti0Iran rhetoric, claiming the Islamic Republic equips groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen and destabilizes the region.

He also blamed Lebanon's Hezbollah for repeatedly attacking Israel and pointed to a recent alleged rocket incident in Majdal Shams in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights but the US envoy to the Un failed to mention the Israeli genocide in Gaza that has claimed nearly 40,000 civilian lives so far.

Robert Wood also claimed about Yemen's Ansarullah attacks on ships in the Red Sea but did not specify that the operations are only aimed at Israeli interests over its crimes against Palestinians.

UK ignores Israeli crimes

British Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations spoke in defense of the Zionist regime and rather blamed Iran. "We have repeatedly asked Iran to be aware of its role in regional tensions."

Barbara Woodward said she supports "Israel's right to defend itself", but also calls for the return of stability to return to the region and an end to violence, a cautious comment to appease Britons who are angry over the US's support for Israeli war on Gaza.

France: Immediate ceasefire must be established in Gaza

The representative of France in the United Nations deviated from the real issue and rather called for restraint throughout the Middle East and away from any escalation of military tension.

We demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, he said but also called for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza.

Switzerland calls for dialogue, restraint

Swiss representative in the United Nations also failed to denounce the Israeli assassination of the Hamas leader.

We request all parties to implement the resolutions of the Security Council and respect the humanitarian laws, the envoy said.

This Swiss diplomat whose country is tasked with dealing with American interests in Iran said: The attacks in Golan, Lebanon and Tehran show that we must do our best to end the violence.

Syria: America should stop its destructive policies

Qusay al-Dahhak, the ambassador and permanent representative of Syria condemned the Israeli attacks and said in the Security Council meeting that the war criminals of the Israeli regime have decided to continue their bloody aggression and inflame the war in the region with their assassination drive.

He held Israel responsible for the operation a few days ago in the town of Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights to use it an excuse to attack Beirut and assassinate Haniyeh in Tehran.

Maintaining peace and stability in the world requires that the governments based in America stop their destructive policies and allow the Security Council to exercise its legal powers based on the UN charter, Al-Dahhak said.

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Israeli assassination of Haniyeh impossible with US authorization: Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

New York, IRNA -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations has said the role of the United States as a strategic ally and main backer of the Zionist regime should not be ignored in the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the Palestinian resistance movement in Tehran.

Amir Saied Iravani, in a Security Council meeting on the theme "The Middle East Situation" on Wednesday evening local time, said while referring to Haniyeh's assassination that the ghastly crime by the Israeli regime could not have happened without the permission and intelligence support of the United States.

Iravani, during his address, told the 15-member council that the Islamic Republic of Iran condemns this heinous act of terrorism in the strongest possible term and considers it a serious violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, as well as a violation of Iran's sovereignty and national security, that he said, requires the immediate and effective action by the UN Security Council and implement its obligations based on the Charter.

The full text of the address by the Iranian envoy before the UN Security Council is as followed:

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Russian Federation for convening this emergency meeting.

I extend my gratitude to China and Algeria for requesting this meeting as well as those members that supported convening of the meeting.

We also thank USG, Ms. Di Carlo for her briefing.

Mr. President,

Distinguished Members of the Council,

We request this urgent meeting and attend the Council today to address a matter of grave importance and urgency, one that threatens international peace and security, and challenges the very principles upon which this esteemed body was founded.

As we addressed in our letter today to you Mr. President, the cowardly assassination of Mr. Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS), and a great leader of the Palestinian people's legitimate struggle for self-determination, as the result of an aggressive act of terrorism by the Zionist occupying regime of Israel.

Mr. Haniyeh who was in Tehran upon an official invitation of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the presence of leaders of many foreign countries, was targeted, alongside his companion, in his residence in Tehran at around 2:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday 31 July 2024.

This act of terror is just another manifestation of Israel's decades-long pattern of terrorism targeting Palestinians and other supporters and sympathizers of the Palestinian cause across the region and beyond.

In addition to its terrorist objectives, Israel was also pursuing a political goal with this act, aiming to disrupt the first day of the new government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has prioritized strengthening peace, and stability in the region, and enhancing cooperation and constructive engagement with international community.

The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns in the strongest possible terms this horrible terrorist act as a most serious violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations as well as a grave breach of Iran's sovereignty and national security.

This aggressive act of terrorism, as provocative as it is, constitutes a serious breach of peace and security and requires immediate and effective action by the UN Security Council in the discharge of its responsibilities under the Charter.

This crime is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of aggressive actions and policies by the Israeli regime against other nations in the region. Just hours before this heinous crime, this regime carried out cowardly terrorist attacks in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The warmongering leaders of this rough regime have shown complete disregard for the basic norms and principles of international law.

Their crimes reveal a lack of commitment to peace and stability in the region and suggest an intention to escalate conflict and expand the war through the entire region.

The responsibility of the United States, as the strategic ally and main supporter of the Israeli regime in the region, cannot be overlooked in this horrific crime.

This act could not have occurred without the authorization and intelligence support of the U.S.

The continuation of Israel's aggressions threatens peace and stability in the region.

The international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council cannot remain indifferent to such heinous crimes and must take decisive action to address these violations and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Mr. President,

The persistent and systematic attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, characterized by disproportionate use of force and indiscriminate targeting, have resulted in tragic loss of life, widespread destruction, and deepening humanitarian crises.

These actions, which frequently target civilian infrastructure, residential areas, and medical facilities, not only violate international humanitarian law but also constitute war crimes under the Geneva Conventions.

Unfortunately, the inaction and inability of the Security Council have emboldened this occurring regime, allowing it to continue committing war crimes against the oppressed people of Palestine and acts of aggression against other nations of the region.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly warned of the serious repercussions that the malicious activities of the Israeli-occupying regime pose to regional and international peace and security.

Despite these provocations, Iran has consistently exercised maximum restraint.

Following the Israeli regime's cowardly terrorist and armed attack on our diplomatic premises in Damascus, Syria, on 1st April, we promptly notified the UN Security Council and the Secretary-General of the Israeli international wrongful act and called on the Security Council to denounce this unjustified criminal and terrorist act decisively and to take appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such crimes and aggressions.

Regrettably, the Security Council has failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security, and a draft press statement proposed by Russia in condemning the Israeli atrocious act was blocked by the United States.

Yet, it is now imperative that the occupying regime be held fully accountable for its atrocities.

This regime must not be allowed to evade responsibility for its violations and the consequences that follow.

Mr. President,

Distinguished Members of the Council,

For nearly ten months, certain countries, particularly the United States, have shielded Israel from any responsibility for the massacre in Gaza and malicious activities in the region.

These countries have not only denied the inherent right of Palestinian resistance groups to self-defense against Israeli atrocities but have also shamelessly justified the Israeli massacre and genocide against defenseless Palestinian people under the pretext of self-defense for Israel.

The US and its made cynical attempts to justify and cover up the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime against the people of Palestine through arbitrary and misleading interpretations of the concept of self-defense.

Regrettably, the United States has once again chosen to turn a blind eye to reality and overlook the root causes of the current situation.

Palestinian resistance groups like Hamas and other resistance groups in the region are not terrorists. They are legitimate groups under international law and were established to fight against occupations and aggressions

Today at this meeting, in a display of hypocrisy, the United States has falsely blamed accused Iran without acknowledging their failures, as permanent members, to uphold their international commitments to peace and security in the region.

Mr. President,

The Security Council must unequivocally condemn Israel for this horrible terrorist act as a most serious violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations as well as a grave breach of Iran's sovereignty and national security.

This condemnation should be strong, and clear, and reflect the international community's rejection of such violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Furthermore, the Security Council should take immediate steps to hold Israel accountable for these acts of aggression. This includes considering the imposition of sanctions, and other measures that are necessary to prevent further violations and to signal that Israeli malevolent activities will not be tolerated by the international community.

The Council must also demand that Israel immediately cease all aggressive actions against the Palestinian territories, and other nations in the region.

This demand should be accompanied by a call for ending the occupation of the Palestine territories, the territory of Lebanon, and the Syrian-occupied Golan, in accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations.

And finally, the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its inherent right to self-defense, in accordance with international law to respond decisively to this terrorist and criminal act when it deems necessary and appropriate.

The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its commitment to upholding international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. We believe that peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through respect for these principles.

Thank you.

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PM Netanyahu following an Assessment at IDF Home Front Command: "Israel is in a state of very high readiness for any scenario - on both defense and offense. We will exact a very high price for any act of aggression against us from any quarter whatsoever."

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Events and Speeches

The 37th Government

01.08.2024

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, held an in-depth assessment of IDF Home Front Command activity from the outbreak of the war until today, together with Interior Minister Moshe Arbel. The briefing was delivered by the Head of IDF Home Front Command, Maj.-Gen. Rafi Milo, and National Emergency Authority Director Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Yoram Lardo.

Prime Minister Netanyahu following the discussion:

"I am now finishing a visit to IDF Home Front Command. General, I am impressed by the important work that has been done up until now. Of course, we are prepared for what may come.

Israel is in a state of very high readiness for any scenario - on both defense and offense. We will exact a very high price for any act of aggression against us from any quarter whatsoever.

After we eliminated Hezbollah chief-of-staff Mohsin on Tuesday, today came the final verification on the elimination of Hamas chief-of-staff Muhammad Deif. Deif was responsible for the terrible massacre of October 7 as well as for many murderous terrorist attacks against the citizens of Israel. He was Israel's most wanted fugitive for many years.

His elimination underscores a simple principle which we have set: Whoever harms us, we will harm them."

Also participating in the discussion were National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi, the Prime Minister's Chief-of-Staff, Tzachi Braverman, the Prime Minister's Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, Prime Minister's Office Director General Yossi Shelley, Interior Ministry Director General Ronen Peretz, Head of the IDF Home Front Command Staff, Brig.-Gen. Liran Donel, and additional senior IDF officers.

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PH, US navies hold 'maritime cooperative activity' in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

August 1, 2024, 9:25 am

MANILA -- Philippine and United States naval ships held another "maritime cooperative activity" (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Wednesday afternoon.

"These joint exercises with our ally are crucial in enhancing our naval capabilities and ensuring that we can effectively collaborate to safeguard our maritime interests. The partnership between the PN and the USN continues to be a pillar of regional stability," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement late Wednesday.

Brawner added the "successful execution" of these maritime exercises underscores the strong defense ties between the Philippines and the United States and their shared commitment to upholding freedom of navigation and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Participating ships include the Philippine Navy (PN)'s offshore patrol vessel, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), and US Navy (USN)'s littoral combat ship, the USS Mobile (LCS-26).

The activity was held inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone, in the waters west of Palawan.

Meanwhile, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the MCA ended at 6 p.m.

"No Chinese vessel was detected in the exercise area, both by visual and radar monitoring," he added.

The MCA consists of a series of exercises aimed at enhancing communication and operational coordination between the two navies.

These activities comprised a communications check exercise, division tactics, officer of the watch maneuver exercise, photographic exercise, and cross deck exercise.

"The primary objective of this activity is to strengthen the interoperability and cooperative capabilities of the PN and the USN," Trinidad said.

He added that these exercises aimed to improve the readiness of the two navies to operate together in ensuring maritime security and stability in the region.

The first MCA with US naval forces was conducted in November of last year.

PN responds to distressed Vietnamese vessel

Earlier, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, under the operational control of Naval Forces West, responded to reports of a sunken Vietnamese fishing vessel inside the Quirino (Jackson) Atoll, a traditional fishing ground in the WPS on July 30.

PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said they became aware of the Vietnamese vessel's condition after receiving information from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) elements.

"PS-16 commanding officer, Lt. Commander Christofer Neil Calvo said that they arrived in the vicinity of the atoll an hour after receiving the report and immediately deployed a rescue team," he added.

Upon investigation, the Vietnamese fishing vessel with Bow Nr. Q. Ng 96554 TS was found with no personnel onboard. did not cause oil spill that may harm marine life while assorted food and beverage were observed floating near the ship.

"However, another Vietnamese fishing vessel was also sighted 4.6 nautical miles away suggesting that the people on board the sunken vessel may have been rescued by their compatriots. PS-16 later confirmed the rescue of the crew by the other vessel," Alcos said.

He added that the PN's immediate response to assist the Vietnamese vessel underscores the strong Philippine-Vietnam relations. (PNA)

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Iran military chief: Israel will definitely regret assassinating Hamas leader

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 01 August 2024 9:16 PM

Iran's top military commander asserts that the Israeli regime "will definitely regret" its recent assassination of senior Hamas' leader, Ismail Haniyeh.

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri made the remarks on Thursday, attending a funeral procession held in honor of the late head of the Palestinian resistance movement's Political Bureau in Tehran.

The assassination claimed the lives of Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards in the Iranian capital on Wednesday. The Palestinian resistance leader had reached the city to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has warned the regime of a "harsh response" for the assassination, saying it was the Islamic Republic's duty to avenge the blood of the resistance leader.

Asked about the potential of an Iranian response to the atrocity, Baqeri likewise said, "This will definitely happen," adding, "Various measures should take place [in retaliation]."

Also on Thursday, the chief commander of the Iranian Army similarly addressed the issue of the assassination, saying, "The Israeli crime will definitely not go unanswered."

"The resistance front will serve this crime with required response," added Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, who was speaking to Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television network.

The commander, meanwhile, described Haniyeh as "one of the most prominent leaders of the resistance," calling his martyrdom "a great loss."

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Lavrov says Haniyeh assassination unacceptable in talks with Iran FM

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 01 August 2024 7:37 PM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has denounced as unacceptable the assassination of the head of the political bureau of the Hamas resistance movement Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, warning of its extremely dangerous consequences.

In a telephone conversation with Iran's interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani on Thursday evening, both sides expressed their condemnation of the killing of the Hamas leader and pointed out the extremely dangerous repercussions of such actions in relation to simmering tensions in West Asia and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The two top diplomats noted that the architects of this provocative move wished to cease the negotiation process over a ceasefire in Gaza with such a step, stressing that the United States in militarily involved in all Israeli attempts to slide UN Security Council resolutions on formation of a Palestinian state into oblivion.

Lavrov also called upon all parties that can influence the situation in the Gaza Strip and West Asia to avoid any action that could cause further destabilization and loss of lives.

Haniyeh, who was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's newly-elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside other Axis of Resistance leaders, was martyred along with his bodyguard, in an attack early on Wednesday.

Details of the assassination plot remain unknown, but preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of the Israeli regime, with approval from the administration of US President Joe Biden.

On Wednesday, Ayatollah Khamenei warned the Israeli regime of a "harsh response" for Haniyeh's assassination, calling it the Islamic Republic's duty to avenge the Palestinian resistance leader's blood.

"The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our homeland and left us bereaved, but it also set the ground for a harsh punishment for itself," the Leader said.

'Iran will use its legitimate right to retaliate, punish Israel'

In a separate phone call with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi, Bagheri Kani stated that Israel has posed grave risks to regional stability and security by violating Iran's territorial integrity and national security.

"Iran will, therefore, exercise its inherent and legitimate right to take countermeasures and duly punish the Zionist regime," he said.

Bagheri said Iran has called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation at the foreign ministers' level to address Haniyeh's killing and violation of its territorial integrity and national security.

For his part, Busaidi condemned the assassination of the prominent Palestinian leader and violation of the Islamic Republic of Iran's territorial integrity.

Ismail Haniyeh was standing at the forefront of the Axis of Resistance against aggression and occupation in the region. He made a great deal of efforts to stop the Israeli genocide in Gaza, the top Omani diplomat stated.

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US, Philippines hold joint naval drills in South China Sea

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 01 August 2024 7:18 PM

Navies of the United States and the Philippines have held joint drills in the South China Sea, a provocative move that likely attracts the irk of China which claims sovereignty over almost the entire waters.

In a statement, the Philippine Armed Forces announced that the maritime exercises by the two allies were held on Wednesday in the South China Sea, which overlaps with the waters claimed by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei.

The drills were conducted inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone, in the waters west of Palawan, featuring the USS Mobile (LCS 26) and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), Manila's military added.

"The primary objective of this activity is to strengthen the interoperability and cooperative capabilities of the Philippine Navy and the United States Navy," the Philippine Armed Forces claimed.

According to the statement, the naval drills included a communications check exercise, division tactics, officer-of-the-watch maneuver exercise, photographic exercise, and cross-deck exercise.

"These joint exercises with our ally are crucial in enhancing our naval capabilities and ensuring that we can effectively collaborate to safeguard our maritime interests," Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner was quoted as saying in the statement.

The Philippine military claims the joint drills are not directed at a particular country, but some of their main conflict scenarios are set in or near the contested waters.

In November 2023, the two allies commenced collaborative maritime operations aimed at improving their military coordination amid escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea.

Earlier this year, China warned Manila against provocative actions in the waters after the China Coast Guard intercepted a foreign vessel that "tried to forcefully intrude" into its territorial waters.

The longstanding territorial row between Beijing and Manila soared particularly under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, with the Philippines pivoting back to the United States, which supports the country in its maritime dispute with China.

Although the US has no territorial claim over the waters or features, but regularly conducts patrols there, solely or jointly with the Philippines, angering China.

Washington has already pledged $500 million to boost Manila's military and coast guard.

Last month, Beijing and Manila reached a provisional agreement on resupplying missions to the Sierra Madre, a grounded Filipino ship, in the South China Sea.

The Philippines deliberately grounded the ship Sierra Madre on the reef of Ren'ai Jiao (aka Second Thomas Shoal) in 1999 to reinforce its claims over disputed waters surrounding it.

Since that time, Manila has kept a limited number of troops stationed on the vessel and at Second Thomas Shoal, where there have been recent outbreaks of violent clashes.

China and the Philippines have also agreed to collaborate on handling maritime disagreements and reducing tensions in the South China Sea, aiming to alleviate maritime disputes.

Beijing has warned that it will "respond resolutely" to the Philippines if Manila commits any violation of a recently-signed bilateral deal on the South China Sea.

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Nasrallah: Fighting has entered 'a new phase' after Israeli assassinations

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 01 August 2024 4:21 PM

Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah says the fighting has entered "a new phase" after Israel's assassination of its top military commander Fouad Shukr and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh.

In a speech broadcast at the funeral of Hezbollah Shukr on Thursday, the Hezbollah chief said Israel has "crossed red lines" in the assassinations and that it must expect "rage and revenge on all the fronts supporting Gaza."

Nasrallah said he had ordered Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon to curb operations on Wednesday and Thursday but that they would resume with higher intensity on Friday.

A number of countries had asked Hezbollah to retaliate in an "acceptable" way or not at all. But he said it would be "impossible" for the group not to respond, he added.

"There is no discussion on this point. The only things lying between us and you are the days, the nights and the battlefield," Nasrallah added in an address to Israel.

"I'm not saying we reserve the right to respond at the appropriate time and place," said Nasrallah. "Absolutely not. We will respond. That's final."

Nasrallah reiterated that Hezbollah was not behind the Saturday rocket attack on the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights in which 12 children were killed.

He said Hezbollah would have admitted if it had made a mistake and killed civilians, and suggested it could have been an Israeli interceptor that hit Majdal Shams.

Israel, he said, deliberately carried out the rocket attack in order to make up an excuse for the assassination of resistance commanders.

"The motive behind the Majdal al-Shams rocket strike was to pit the Druze community in the occupied Golan Heights against local Shia Muslims. Hezbollah would have acknowledged responsibility had it committed a mistake that led to the death of civilians," Nasrallah said.

Nasrallah stated that Israeli authorities rushed to pin the blame for the Majdal Shams attack on Hezbollah as soon as they found out that the majority of the fatalities were children.

"We have a great deal of evidence that shows missiles launched by Israeli systems have frequently hit the city of Acre and other areas in the occupied territories," he said.

The Hezbollah chief denounces the strike in Beirut that killed Shukr as "an act of aggression and not simply an assassination."

He stressed that Shukr's assassination will increase the resolve, determination and willpower of Hezbollah.

Nasrallah said Hezbollah is "paying the price for its support for Gaza and the Palestinian people" but the movement is now beyond the support phase, declaring an "open battle on all fronts."

"We are paying the price of our support for Gaza and the Palestinian cause. This is not something new and we accept such a cost."

The only way to end the war on the Lebanese front is for Israel to stop its "aggression" in Gaza, he added.

The Hezbollah chief paid tribute to Shukr, saying his assassination will not affect the group.

"When one of our commanders becomes a martyr, he is swiftly replaced. We have an excellent new generation of commanders," he said.

The Hezbollah chief also stated that Palestinian resistance factions will not surrender despite the pressure on all fronts.

He underlined that Israel and its Western sponsors must await a harsh and painful response to the assassinations.

"Our response will certainly come. We are looking for a real and very calculated response. The Axis of Resistance will fight on wisely and courageously," Nasrallah said.

Nasrallah also emphasized that Iran will not remain idle after the assassination of the head of the political bureau of the Hamas resistance movement, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran.

"Iran considers that its sovereignty, image and honor have been encroached on, because Haniyeh was its guest. I tell the Israelis that they can laugh a little now because they will cry a lot later.

"Do they imagine that they can kill Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and still expect Iran to stand idly by?" the Hezbollah chief said.

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Maduro asks top court to audit vote results after violent protests

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 01 August 2024 4:21 PM

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says he has requested the country's Supreme Court to conduct an audit of the recent presidential election, following challenges from opposition leaders regarding his victory.

Maduro expressed readiness to provide evidence of his election victory. Speaking to reporters outside the Supreme Court's headquarters in the capital Caracas, he said "I throw myself before justice", adding that he is "willing to be summoned, questioned, investigated."

Maduro told reporters on Wednesday that there was a conspiracy against his government after the country's electoral authority announced that he had won a third term with 51% of the vote.

Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia received 44.2 percent, according to the electoral council (CNE), which in its majority is loyal to the president.

The US and its allies opposed to Maduro have held off recognizing the results and supported violent protesters wreaking havoc in the country.

Maduro has blamed Urrutia for the post-election violence unleashed across the nation.

"I hold you responsible, Mr. Gonzalez Urrutia, for everything that is happening in Venezuela, for the criminal violence, for the criminals, for the injured, for the dead, for the destruction," the president said on Tuesday.

According to Attorney General Tarek William Saab, as a result of the violence, dozens of military and police officers have been injured, some by gunshots, and a military officer in northern Aragua state has been killed.

Authorities have verified that far-right groups have been using minors and people under the influence of drugs in riots in various cities in Venezuela.

Venezuela sits atop the world's largest proven oil reserves, and once boasted Latin America's most advanced economy. But, economic sanctions from the US and Europe seeking to force Maduro from power after his 2018 reelection have hit ordinary Venezuelans, leading to the exodus of 7.7 million people.

The International Monetary Fund forecasts the economy will grow 4% this year  one of the fastest in Latin America  after having shrunk 71% from 2012 to 2020.

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Profile: Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander assassinated by Israel in Beirut

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 01 August 2024 1:12 PM

By Alireza Akbari

A top-ranking Hezbollah military commander, Fuad Shukr was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday in the suburbs of southern Beirut amid heightened tensions.

The airstrike targeted a building in a congested neighborhood of Haret Hreik. His martyrdom was confirmed by the Lebanese resistance movement on Wednesday after sifting through the rubble.

According to reports, the strike was carried out by a drone carrying at least three rockets, which struck an apartment building near a hospital in the neighborhood known as a stronghold of Hezbollah.

The Israeli strike was condemned, among others, by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said the attack represents "a dangerous escalation at a moment in which all efforts should instead be leading to a ceasefire in Gaza," his spokesperson quoted him as saying.

At least three people, including two children, were killed and around 74 others were injured in the attack. An Iranian military advisor, Milad Bidi, was among the victims.

Shukr was a high-value target for the Israeli occupation regime and its Western allies. In 2019, the US government offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.

When the strike occurred on Tuesday, Shukr was in the Haret Hreik district of Dahiya, a suburb in southern Beirut.

In the aftermath of the deadly attack, Ali Ammar, a Lebanese politician from Hezbollah, told Al-Manar TV that the Israeli enemy had committed a "great stupid act in size, timing, and circumstances by targeting an entirely civilian area."

In its statement, Hezbollah hailed the slain military commander as "a distinctive force for resistance."

Shukr's sacrifices, the statement noted, "stand as a powerful symbol of our unwavering commitment and resolve to continue on our righteous path until the liberation of our land and holy sites."

Born on April 25, 1961, in Nabatieh in Baalbek, eastern Lebanon, Shukr was also known by the alias "al-Hajj Mohsen." He was one of the top-ranking military strategists of Hezbollah.

Shukr had the distinction of being among the founders of Hezbollah after an Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and served as a military advisor to the movement leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

He was also a close friend of Hezbollah's former military commander Imad Mughniyeh, who was assassinated by the Israeli military in February 2008 in Syria.

The slain commander played a key role on the battlefield during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in the early 1980s and was wounded in clashes with the regime forces in Khalde in 1982.

He rose through the ranks to become Hezbollah's first central military commander, overseeing the planning and execution of operations against Israeli occupation forces through the 1990s.

His influence extended beyond Lebanon as he organized the deployment of Hezbollah fighters to support Bosnian Muslims during the 1992-1995 war.

Shukr continued to be a key figure within the Hezbollah resistance movement, developing military strategies to counter both Israeli and Takfiri terrorist threats.

He served on the group's central leadership council and led the movement's operations against the apartheid regime in the aftermath of the Operation Al-Aqsa Storm in October 2023.

Israeli regime falsely tied him to the Saturday strike in the occupied Golan Heights, in which 12 children were killed. Hezbollah had, however, already denied any responsibility for the attack.

Shukr's martyrdom came only a day before the illegitimate Zionist regime killed Hamas political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh in an attack targeting his residence in north Tehran.

Resistance forces in the region have vowed to avenge the blood of both high-profile commanders.

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IRGC chief: Resistance front highly resolved to take revenge on Israel for recent crimes

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 01 August 2024 10:20 AM

The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Israel's recent crimes in the region provoke more wrath among the resistance fighters to take revenge against the regime.

Major General Hossein Salami made the remark in a message on Thursday to commemorate an Iranian military advisor, identified as Milad Bidi, who has been named among the victims of a recent Israeli assassination operation against Lebanon's capital Beirut that claimed the life of a senior commander of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah as well.

Bidi was martyred on Tuesday when the attack targeted the building accommodating Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.

Salami praised the martyred advisor for his great efforts to defend the Islamic Revolution and establishment and safeguard the country's security and peace in the face of the enemies' plots.

Bidi's efforts to cooperate with the resistance fighters in the battle against the "executioner, criminal and occupying" Israeli regime will be remembered forever and will inspire the zealous Iranian youths, especially the new IRGC generation, the commander emphasized.

Bidi was located in the vicinity of the building at the time of the attack that struck Haret Hreik neighborhood in Beirut's suburbs.

The Israeli regime carried out the assassination after alleging that Shukr had been behind a rocket strike against the town of Majdal Shams in Syria's Tel Aviv-occupied Golan Heights that killed 12 people on Saturday.

Hezbollah has strongly denied any role in the incident, denouncing the Israeli claims as "false allegations."

Also on Wednesday, another assassination operation claimed the lives of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas' Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards in Tehran. The Palestinian resistance leader was in the Iranian capital to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

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Iran calls for OIC emergency meeting after Hamas leader assassination

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 01 August 2024 9:44 AM

Iran's acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and collective condemnation by the regional states of the Israeli regime's assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.

Bagheri Kani made the call in separate phone conversations with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

"By crossing red lines, committing flagrant terrorist aggression over the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh and violating the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the fake Zionist regime has posed serious threats to regional security and stability," Bagheri Kani said.

The top Iranian diplomat stressed that the Islamic Republic would use its "inherent and legitimate right" to take decisive action against the occupying entity.

"An emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is essential to address such blatant crimes in the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh and blatant violation of the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Bagheri Kani said.

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Egypt, for their parts, condemned in the strongest terms the assassination of the Hamas leader and said Tehran reserves the right to defend its territorial integrity.

"Saudi Arabia welcomes the proposed convention of an OIC meeting to investigate the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh and emphasizes the continuation of consultations between the two countries," Bin Farhan said.

Qatar's foreign minister said the Israeli regime knows no boundaries in carrying out its criminal actions and hailed Haniyeh as a unique figure in the Islamic world, adding, "His loss is a great disaster for the Islamic Ummah."

Turkey's Fidan praised the Iranian proposal for the convention of an OIC meeting and said, "It is necessary for all countries in the region to condemn this heinous crime and take decisive measures to counter the terrorist actions of the Zionist regime."

Abdelatty voiced Egypt's vehement denunciation of the targeted killing of the Hamas politburo chief and threw Cairo's weight behind Tehran's initiative.

Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday.

The Israeli assassination took place in the wee hours of Wednesday, with initial reports stating that the Hamas leader was targeted by a "guided missile" that struck his accommodation in the north of the Iranian capital.

Iranian authorities announced that rigorous investigations have been launched into the targeted killing of Haniyeh in Tehran and the results will subsequently be released. The Islamic Republic has declared three days of national mourning for the loss of the Palestinian resistance leader.

Palestinian groups have already condemned his assassination in the strongest terms, vowing to make those behind the assassination pay the price of the heinous act.

Haniyeh, 62, was born in a refugee camp near Gaza City and joined Hamas in the late 1980s during the First Intifada or uprising.

As Hamas grew in power, Haniyeh rose through the ranks and was appointed part of a "collective leadership" in 2004 and reached the Hamas top job in 2017. Three of his sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza in April.

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UN Security Council members condemn Israel's assassination of Hamas leader in Iran

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 01 August 2024 8:50 AM

Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) have condemned Israel's assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, in Tehran.

The UNSC convened for an emergency session at the request of Iran on Wednesday evening, hours after Haniyeh was assassinated in an attack on his residence in the Iranian capital Tehran, where he had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's newly-elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, a day earlier.

Speaking at the council, China's Ambassador to the UN Fu Cong said Beijing strongly condemns the assassination of Haniyeh.

Slamming the incident as a blatant attempt to sabotage peace efforts, Cong stressed, "China is deeply worried about an exacerbation of the upheaval in the region that this incident may trigger."

Similarly, Algeria also lashed out at the crime, with its envoy to the world body, Amar Bendjama, warning, "We are on the precipice of catastrophe."

He stressed that Israel's attack was "an act of terror" that violated international law and the sovereignty of Iran, describing it as a "terrorist act perpetrated by the Israeli occupying power."

"This is not merely an attack on one man. It is a vicious assault on the very foundations of diplomatic relations, the sanctity of state sovereignty and the principles that underpin our global order," Bendjama further said.

Israel's "blotchy, scorched-earth policy" is leading to a "tide of violence flooding Gaza, the West Bank, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and now the Islamic Republic of Iran," the Algerian envoy noted, asking, "Where will this madness end?"

Bendjama also urged the international community not to remain silent "as innocent blood is spilled and international law is shredded to pieces. With utmost urgency, we call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of the inhuman Gaza blockade."

Russia also condemned the assassination, with its First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky stressing that the consequences of the attack are "dangerous" for the entire region.

"This is a serious blow, primarily to mediation negotiations between Hamas and Israel focused on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and Ismail Haniyeh was a direct participant in this. We must all understand this," he emphasized.

Polyansky stressed that the assassination was an attempt to drag Iran into "an atmosphere in the region that is already at the boiling point."

"The heinous practice of targeted assassination of high-profile political and military figures is bringing the Middle East to the brink of a region-wide war," the Russian diplomat warned.

Polyansky also called on all sides to avoid a full-scale regional war, reiterating the need for the full and comprehensive implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701.

The resolution, which brokered a ceasefire in the war Israel launched against Lebanon in 2006, calls on the Israeli regime to respect Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Japan's deputy UN representative, Shino Mitsuko, also called for for increased international efforts to prevent a regional conflict.

"We fear the region is at the brink of all-out war," he told the emergency session.

Feda Abdelhady Nasser, the deputy permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the UN, also told the council that "Israel has been the oppressor, tormentor and murderer of Palestinians for decades, and it is the longstanding destabilizer of our region."

"We demand accountability for Israel's assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, as we have continually demanded accountability for the wanton murder and injury of over 130,000 Palestinian children, women and men across these past 300 days of horror and hell in Gaza," she stressed.

In his address to the emergency meeting, Iran's Ambassador to the UN Amir-Saeed Iravani warned the world body of attempts by Israel to expand the scope of its genocidal aggression against the Gaza Strip to the entire region.

"The warmongering leaders of this rogue regime have shown complete disregard for the basic norms and principles of international law," he stressed.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has warned the regime of a "harsh response" for the assassination, saying it was the Islamic Republic's duty to avenge the blood of the resistance leader.

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Iran envoy warns UN of Israel's efforts to expand Gaza war to entire region

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 01 August 2024 6:09 AM

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has warned the world body of attempts by Israel to expand the scope of its genocidal aggression against the Gaza Strip to the entire region.

Amir-Saeed Iravani made the remarks on Wednesday in an address to an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council after Israel assassinated Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Hamas resistance group, in the Iranian capital Tehran. The terrorist act followed the regime's targeted killing of Fuad Shukr, a senior commander of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, in Beirut.

"The warmongering leaders of this rogue regime have shown complete disregard for the basic norms and principles of international law," he said.

The Tel Aviv regime's crimes, he added, "reveal a lack of commitment to peace and stability in the region and suggest an intention to escalate conflict and expand the war through the entire region."

Iravani also said the Islamic Republic condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist assassination of Haniyeh as a violation of international law and the UN Charter, as well as a grave breach of Iran's sovereignty and national security.

The act of terror is yet another manifestation of Israel's "decades-long pattern of terrorism" targeting Palestinians and their supporters, he emphasized.

Haniyeh was in Tehran on an official invitation from the Iranian government to attend the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian. He was targeted in his residence at around 2:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

"In addition to its terrorist objectives, Israel was also pursuing a political goal with this act, aiming to disrupt the first day of the new government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has prioritized strengthening peace, and stability in the region, and enhancing cooperation and constructive engagement with international community," the Iranian envoy said.

He further noted that the recent Israeli crime "is not isolated," but part of a broader pattern of aggressive actions by the occupying entity against other regional nations.

He also stressed that the United States, as a strategic ally of the regime and its main supporter, is also responsible for the Israeli crime .

"This act could not have occurred without the authorization and intelligence support of the US," Iravani said.

"The international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council cannot remain indifferent to such heinous crimes and must take decisive action to address these violations and hold the perpetrators accountable."

Meanwhile, the Iranian ambassador complained that the inaction of the Security Council has emboldened the callous Israeli regime and encouraged it to keep committing war crimes against the oppressed people of Palestine and carry out acts of aggression against other nations in the region.

The Islamic Republic, he pointed out, has repeatedly warned of the serious repercussions that Israel's malicious activities pose to regional and international peace and security.

Despite Israeli provocations, Tehran has consistently exercised maximum restraint, Iravani asserted, recalling the regime's deadly terrorist attack on Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on April 1.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its inherent right to self-defense, in accordance with international law to respond decisively to this terrorist and criminal act when it deems necessary and appropriate."

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Ayatollah Khamenei leads funeral prayers for assassinated Hamas leader

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 01 August 2024 5:22 AM

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has led funeral prayers for Hamas's Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh and his security guard, who were assassinated during his visit to Tehran on Wednesday.

During a ceremony held at Tehran University on Thursday, Ayatollah Khamenei paid homage to the Hamas chief and his bodyguard, identified as Wasim Abu Shaaban.

Massive crowds of Iranian mourners took part in funeral procession for the assassinated Hamas official.

Haniyeh was in the Iranian capital to attend Tuesday's swearing-in ceremony of Iran's newly-elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, where he was accompanied by other Axis of Resistance leaders.

The details of the assassination plot aren't known yet, but the preliminary investigation points to the direct role of the Israeli regime and the green light from the Joe Biden administration in Washington.

Israeli regime desperate in face of resistance fighters: Qalibaf

Addressing the ceremony, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the Israeli regime is desperate in the face of resistance fighters.

He added that the Tel Aviv regime's crimes are rooted in its inability to counter the resistance forces.

The top Iranian parliamentarian emphasized that Israel will commit a "strategic mistake" if it thinks that targeting the resistance front will have an impact on the ongoing developments in the region.

Qalibaf said the era of "hit and run" for the apartheid Israel and its main ally US has come to end.

"It is our duty to react in the right place and at the right time," he pointed out.

The Iranian speaker warned that the Israeli regime will pay a "heavy price" for its act of assassination.

He noted that the Israeli regime's move to assassinate resistance commanders in Iran and Lebanon is the outcome of its "weakness" and said, "Such acts of terror will have no impact on the [continuation] of our path."

Pointing to the Tel Aviv regime's genocidal war against the people of Palestine in Gaza, particularly women and children, Qalibaf added, "We are witnessing the confrontation of humanity with crime there."

World must strive to eliminate cancerous tumor of Israel: Senior Hamas official

Addressing huge crowds of mourners, Khalil al-Hayya, deputy chief of the Hamas Political Bureau in the Gaza Strip, said the Zionist regime is delusional to think that it can change the path of the resistance front or weaken its will through Haniyeh's assassination.

He added that the world should try to uproot the Israeli regime as a cancerous tumor.

Today, the Muslim Iranians and all free nations in the world bid farewell to Ismail Haniyeh, who led the great Operation al-Aqsa Storm against the Israeli occupiers, he noted.

The Hamas official emphasized that Israel's new crime in assassinating Haniyeh showed the world that the regime is the manifestation of evil and unrest in the region.

On Wednesday, Ayatollah Khamenei warned the Israeli regime of a "harsh response" for the the assassination of Haniyeh, saying it is the Islamic Republic's duty to avenge the blood of the Palestinian resistance leader.

"The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our homeland and left us bereaved, but it also set the ground for a harsh punishment for itself," the Leader said.

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Vietnam's coast guard to hold first drills with Philippines

Vietnam and the Philippines have conflicting territorial claims with China, and each other, in the South China Sea.

By RFA Staff 2024.08.01 -- Vietnamese coast guard vessel 8002 is on its way to the Philippines for the first joint coast guard drills between the neighbors, who both have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, Hanoi has announced.

The 2,400-ton CSB 8002 left central Vietnam on Wednesday afternoon and is expected to arrive in Manila on Aug. 5, the Vietnamese coast guard said in a statement.

It is expected to stay there until Aug. 9 with the Vietnamese crew l taking part in joint training exercises including search and rescue, fire and explosion prevention and maritime safety together with the Philippine coast guard, it said.

The two sides will offer training in "responding to different scenarios in international waters", the Vietnam People's Army newspaper reported. It did not provide details.

It is the first visit to the Philippines by a Vietnamese coast guard vessel, as well as the first joint drills between the forces.

During a state visit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Vietnam in January, the two sides signed understandings on incident prevention and maritime cooperation between coast guards.

Vietnam and the Philippines are two of the main claimants to waters in the South China Sea, the vast majority of which China claims.

The Philippines and China have been confronting each other at the Second Thomas Shoal, with the tension turning violent recently when Chinese ships tried to block Philippine resupply missions to an outpost there.

'Not pleased'

China has not commented on the Philippine-Vietnam exercise but Viet Hoang, a Vietnamese maritime analyst, said it "won't be pleased" by their cooperation.

"Beijing is always cautious about Hanoi's expanding ties with other regional countries, especially in the South China Sea where Vietnam and China are also having a dispute," Viet told Radio Free Asia.

"But I don't think it will protest strongly, publicly, as China understands Vietnam's foreign policy ... Chinese officials may convey their messages via unofficial channels," he added.

Nguyen The Phuong, a defense analyst at the University of New South Wales in Australia, agreed that a strong protest from Beijing was unlikely.

"It has been planned in advance and involves activities that will not be considered provocative," he said. "Cooperation between regional coastguards is also normal and happens all the time, especially between ASEAN states."

Hanoi has taken pride in its so-called bamboo diplomacy, by which it has forged relationships and expanded cooperation with different countries.

"This trip emphasizes Vietnam's commitment to a foreign defense policy that promotes peace, friendship, cooperation, and development," the Vietnamese coast guard said in its statement.

Vietnam and the Philippines have their own overlapping claims in the waters and have recently said they would be willing to discuss extended continental shelf limits.

Last December, the CSB 8022 made a similar visit to Guangzhou in southern China, to take part in drills with the Chinese coast guard.

Vessels from Vietnam and China in April conducted a joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin, which they share.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Updated to add comment from defense analyst.

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 August 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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What Hamas Leader's Killing Means For Talks Aimed At Ending Gaza War

Ray Furlong August 01, 2024

Negotiations aimed at ending Israel's devastating war in the Gaza Strip were faltering even before the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the EU- and U.S.-designated Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.

But Haniyeh's assassination in a suspected Israeli strike in Iran on July 31 makes a cease-fire deal, or even the continuation of talks, even less likely.

The 62-year-old had played a key role in internationally brokered talks on reaching a permanent cease-fire in the Palestinian enclave and securing the release of scores of Israeli hostages. He was also considered a relative moderate within the organization.

"How can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side?" asked Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on July 31. The Arab Gulf state, along with Egypt, has brokered the monthslong talks.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry expressed a similar sentiment, stating that the killing undermined the peace talks.

Hamas's military wing said Haniyeh's assassination in a Tehran suburb was a "watershed" that would "take the war to new levels."

Despite its threats, Hamas may not have the military capacity to retaliate. It is already reeling from Israel's brutal 10-month war in Gaza that has killed nearly 40,000 people, mostly civilians, according to Palestinian health officials in the territory.

Even then, the group is unlikely to be eager to engage in further talks now. Beyond the prospect of a boycott, there are also practical considerations.

Haniyeh was a highly experienced figure with global recognition who was used to managing relations with key allies across the Middle East and beyond. Some of the last photos of him show him embracing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Based in Qatar, he was able to travel and turn up at important meetings.

His death leaves a significant void, and it is unclear who will succeed him.

Yehya Al-Sinwar is the head of Hamas's armed wing and widely seen as the mastermind of the group's October 7 attack that killed some 1,200 Israelis. Hundreds of others were taken hostage. He is currently believed to be hiding in Gaza.

Another senior figure, Zaher Jabarin, heads the group in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which is partly run by the Palestinian Authority. He is also in hiding.

Israel has vowed to wipe out the Hamas leadership, and both men are seen as prime targets.

A new leader could emerge from Hamas's political office in Qatar, but that is likely to take time and it is not clear what position they would take.

Haniyeh had been cast by some as a pragmatist in contrast to more hard-line elements of Hamas based in Gaza. But he was also a U.S.-designated terrorist and voiced support for the October 7 attacks.

Even if Hamas decides to keep talking, it is unclear who would have the capacity and authority to represent the group in the high-stakes negotiations.

Iranian state TV said Haniyeh's killing would delay further talks by "several months."

It has also been suggested by many observers that the assassination of Haniyeh heightens the risk of a regional conflict. Khamenei quickly blamed Israel and promised that Iran would avenge Haniyeh's death, adding credence to those concerns.

A major escalation would likely make the prospect of Israel-Hamas talks taking place, let alone making progress, even more distant.

But much will depend on the actions of Iran and its network of militant groups and proxies in the region. In weighing up their response, Tehran and its allies are likely to tread a fine line between saving face and provoking a damaging Israeli reprisal.

If Iran can avoid a serious escalation, that would remove one barrier to restarting talks between Israel and Hamas in the future.

But that is considered a big "if."

Iran has also blamed the United States for Haniyeh's killing because of Washington's military, economic, and diplomatic support for Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has denied that Washington had any involvement in or prior knowledge of an attack.

But he was notably cautious about commenting on where Haniyeh's assassination leaves the prospects for a truce in Gaza, merely saying on July 31 that "the imperative of getting a cease-fire, the importance that that has for everyone, remains."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/haniyeh-hamas- gaza-israel/33059019.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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Haniyeh's Funeral Procession Concludes In Iran

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda August 01, 2024

A funeral ceremony has concluded in Tehran for Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Iran-backed Palestinian extremist group Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the EU.

Iran said Haniyeh, 62, was killed on July 31 in Tehran in a raid that it accused Israel of carrying out and which has sparked fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led the funeral prayers alongside the country's newly inaugurated president, Masud Pezekshian, while in downtown Tehran crowds gathered carrying portraits of Haniyeh and Palestinian flags at Tehran University.

The entire ceremony was broadcast live on state television.

Haniyeh is due to be buried later in the capital of Qatar, Doha, where he lived.

Khamenei has threatened a "harsh punishment" for the killing of Haniyeh. His office said that it is Iran's "duty to take revenge" after Haniyeh's death.

Muza Abu Marzuk, a member of Hamas's political bureau also vowed revenge.

"The assassination of leader Ismail Haniyeh is a cowardly act and will not go unanswered," Marzuk said.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), who was the first to announce Haniyeh's death, said it was investigating the attack that killed him while he was in Tehran to attend Pezeshkian's July 30 inauguration ceremony.

The Israeli government has yet to comment officially, but a photo of Haniyeh with a stamp on his forehead saying "Eliminated" was posted on the Government Press Office's Facebook page. The post, which was later deleted without explanation, did not specifically claim the strike was carried out by Israel, though it noted the Hamas official "was killed in a precise strike in Tehran."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas over the group's October 7 attack inside Israel's territory that killed 1,200 people. Around 250 others were taken hostage, some of whom have since been released.

Some of the hostages have died while in Gaza as Israel carries out a massive military operation it says is aimed at eliminating Hamas. Some of the hostages are believed to still be alive.

Haniyeh's killing has triggered fears of an escalation in the region where tensions have already been high since the start of the war in Gaza.

The incident comes as Washington is making a push to get Hamas and Israel to agree to a temporary cease-fire and a deal to release hostages being held in Gaza. Senior officials from the United States, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt are engaged in the latest round of talks to secure such a deal.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters that Washington was "not aware of or involved in" Haniyeh's assassination and wouldn't speculate on the impact it might have on the region.

He did say, however, that the "best way to bring the temperature down" was to keep pushing for a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel.

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on July 31 at Iran's request to discuss Haniyeh's death, with Tehran's envoy Amir Saeid Iravani urging members to take "immediate action to ensure accountability for these violations of international law."

Ali Mamouri, a research fellow with Australia's Deakin University and Middle East specialist, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that while the situation is still far from a full-scale regional war, "new levels of conflict will escalate."

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Radio Farda that there was "a likelihood that the Iranians will look for a way to react to the elimination of Ismail Haniyeh."

"But I think that the fact that the Israeli government did not recognize publicly and officially any responsibility...will somehow influence the extent or the extremity of the Iranian reaction. I think it will be somewhat more moderate than under different circumstances," he said.

Haniyeh became Hamas's political chief in 2017 and lived in the Gaza Strip until 2019, when he moved to live in exile in Qatar.

Seen by some analysts as a moderating influence, he had emerged as one of its most visible leaders during the war with Israel in Gaza as he shuttled between countries in the Middle East to attend international negotiations over the conflict, including the release of the hostages still being held by Hamas.

With reporting by AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/haniyheh-funeral-tehran- khamenei/33058880.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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How Will Rising Middle East Tensions Impact Afghanistan and Pakistan?

By Abubakar Siddique August 01, 2024

The killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the EU- and U.S.-designated Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, has thrown the Middle East into crisis.

But his assassination in a suspected Israeli strike in Iran on July 31 and the heightened risk of a broader war also have implications in the wider region, including for Iran's eastern neighbors, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Experts say Kabul and Islamabad will likely struggle with the security, economic, and political fallout from a major escalation in the Middle East.

But a potential regional war involving Iran is unlikely to directly drag in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and Pakistan, both of which have cordial relations with Tehran, experts say.

"The attacks will not draw either country into direct participation in the conflicts such as by offering to send fighters," said Marvin Weinbaum, director of Afghanistan and Pakistan studies at the Middle East Institute think tank in Washington.

Pakistan and the Taliban both directly blamed Israel for Haniyeh's assassination, which Tehran has also blamed on its archenemy.

Islamabad denounced the killing as an act of "terrorism," and hundreds of supporters of a Pakistan Islamist party held a symbolic funeral for Haniyeh near Islamabad on July 31.

'Making Life Harder For Afghans'

Iran is on friendly terms with the Taliban. Tehran is also the biggest trading partner of the cash-strapped and internationally unrecognized Taliban-led government. Kabul is dependent on Iranian ports for most of its imports and exports amid tensions with neighboring Pakistan.

The Islamic republic is also home to around 4 million Afghan migrants and refugees. The remittances they send back home keep many impoverished families afloat in Afghanistan, which has grappled with an economic crisis since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Graeme Smith, a senior Afghanistan analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, said rising tensions in the Middle East "could have destabilizing consequences for the fragile situation in Afghanistan."

Smith said the risk is that a conflict involving Iran will harden the country's borders with Afghanistan, "making life harder for Afghans."

He said Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis, the largest in the world, could worsen if its borders with Iran are closed.

"The exit route from that crisis depends on renewed trade across the region," he said. "[But it] requires borders opening to the flow of goods and labor."

Pakistan Not To Become 'Directly Involved'

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans and millions of Pakistanis work as laborers and traders in the oil-rich Arab Gulf countries.

A potential regional war could disrupt the flow of Afghan and Pakistani migrant workers heading to the Gulf. That would deal a major blow to Afghanistan and Pakistan, both of which are both heavily dependent on remittances sent from abroad.

In Pakistan, some political parties and the media have called for Islamabad to take a more hard-line approach to Israel, which is not formally recognized by the South Asian country.

But Weinbaum said the "general feeling among [Pakistani] policymakers is that the country has enough security concerns of its own not to become directly involved."

Faced with rising militant attacks in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the southwestern province of Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, Islamabad's choices are limited.

"There are also worries about an American reaction if Pakistan makes any military commitments [to Iran]," Weinbaum said.

Afghanistan and Pakistan are home to millions of Shi'ite Muslims. And Iran, a Shi'a-majority country, could look to Shi'ite communities living in its eastern neighbors for recruits in the event of a war.

During the Syrian civil war, Iran recruited, trained, and armed thousands of Shi'ite fighters from Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight. Many of those fighters who survived have returned home as the war has died down.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/middleeast-iran-pakistan- afghanistan-hamas/33059370.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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Iranian Revolutionary Guard Killed In Israeli Strike That Targeted Top Hizballah Commander

By RFE/RL August 01, 2024

Milad Bidi, a member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) was killed in an Israeli air strike on July 30 that targeted top Hizballah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, Lebanon.

Confirming his death, IRGC's top commander Hossein Salami hailed Bidi on August 1 for his "fight against the criminal and occupying Zionist regime," referring to Iran's archfoe, Israel.

"He will be an inspiration to the country's revolutionary and passionate youth of today and tomorrow," Salami wrote in a statement released by the IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency.

Bidi is the second member of the IRGC to be killed in an Israeli strike since the April 1 bombing of the Iranian Embassy compound in Damascus. That attack killed seven members of the IRGC, including two generals.

Iran responded by launching an unprecedented missile and drone attack against Israel and warned that a "new equation" had been established whereby Tehran would retaliate against any Israeli attacks on its interests in the region.

Raz Zimmt, a senior researcher at the Israeli-based Institute for National Security Studies, told RFE/RL in June that it was unlikely that Iran and Israel understand what the "new equation" is.

Shukr and Bidi were killed hours before Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the U.S.- and E.U.-designated Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, was killed while on a visit to the Iranian capital, Tehran.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said after Haniyeh's killing that it was "our duty" to avenge his death, which Tehran and its regional allies blame on Israel.

At least 20 members of the IRGC have been killed in suspected Israeli strikes in Syria and Lebanon since that start of the war in Hamas-controlled Gaza in October 2023.

Israel began its assault, which has killed nearly 40,000 people in Gaza according to the local health authorities, after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli settlements, killing nearly 1,200 people.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/israel-kill-iran-irgc- fighter-lebanon/33059533.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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Israeli Ex-PM Olmert Says 'Peace Is Not On The Agenda' After Killing Of Hamas Leader

By Hooman Askary and Michael Scollon August 01, 2024

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the EU- and U.S.-designated Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, will not influence the peace process toward ending the Israeli-Hamas war "because peace is not on the agenda at this point."

Olmert told RFE/RL's Radio Farda in an interview on July 31 that Iran's response to the killing will be shaped by Tehran's belief that Israel carried out the attack, regardless of the fact that Israel has not claimed responsibility.

"Whether we did it or not is less important," said Olmert, who was heavily involved in unsuccessful efforts to work out a two-state solution with the Palestinian Authority while serving as prime minister from 2006 to 2009. "It's what they [Iran] think happened that will probably determine their reaction."

Haniyeh's death on Iranian territory and Israel's targeting of Tehran-backed groups involved in attacks against Israel have sparked fears of a direct conflict between Iran and Israel and a broader Middle East conflict.

In a July 31 post on Telegram, Hamas announced that the 62-year-old Haniyeh was killed in an "air strike on his residence in Tehran." Haniyeh, who headed Hamas's political headquarters in Qatar, was in the Iranian capital with other leaders of Iran's "axis of resistance" opposing Israel to attend the July 30 the inauguration of newly elected President Masud Pezeshkian.

While Israel has not commented on the incident, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed revenge against Israel over the killing. The New York Times, citing Iranian officials, reported that Khamenei ordered a direct strike against Israel during an emergency meeting of Iran's Supreme National Security Council on July 31. Pezeshkian said in a July 31 statement that Iran "will defend its territorial integrity" after the attack, without providing details.

Haniyeh was heavily involved in internationally brokered talks on reaching a permanent cease-fire to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The 10-month war, sparked by a deadly assault on Israel on October 7 launched by Hamas and other Palestinian extremist groups, has killed nearly 40,000 people, mostly civilians, according to health officials in Gaza.

Haniyeh's killing came just a day after Israel said it had killed Fuad Shukr, a commander of the Iranian proxy Lebanese Hizballah, which Israel said was behind a July 28 rocket attack in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights that killed 12 Israeli youths.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) confirmed on August 1 that Shukr was killed in Beirut in strikes Israel said it had launched against Hizballah targets in Lebanon.

Israel has described the July 28 attack as the deadliest since the October 7 assault by Hamas in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and hundreds were taken hostage.

Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas's leadership after the October 7 assault and has demanded the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza by Hamas.

Haniyeh, who was a U.S.-designated terrorist and was seen in a video released by Hamas celebrating the success of the October 7 assault, was a marked man. But he was also seen as a relative moderate compared to those in Hamas's militant wing and was key to securing a cease-fire, the release of Israeli hostages, and a possible peace deal.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Olmert downplayed the impact Haniyeh's death will have on any peace negotiations.

"I don't think that it will in any way influence the chances for peace, because peace is not on the agenda altogether at this point," Olmert told Radio Farda. "It may create some more difficulties in the process of reaching an agreement about the hostages."

Olmert served as prime minister as a member of the hard-line Likud party currently chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During his time in office he endorsed the Arab peace initiative to end the longstanding Arab-Israeli conflict and was a supporter of a two-state solution to the Gaza crisis.

In 2006, a member of Olmert's cabinet said that an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities was "unavoidable" considering the apparent failure of international sanctions to deny Iran technology that could be used to develop a nuclear weapon. A spokesperson for Olmert subsequently said that "all options must remain on the table" and that more could be done to put financial pressure on Tehran.

In 2012, then-former Prime Minister Olmert opposed the idea of strikes against Iran's controversial nuclear facilities.

Speaking to Radio Farda on July 31, Olmert said that the "Iranians will look for a way to react to the elimination of Ismail Haniyeh."

However, he said that the fact that the Israeli government did not officially take responsibility for his killing will influence the "extremity of the Iranian reaction."

"I think it will be somewhat more moderate than under different circumstances," Olmert said.

Olmert expressed hope that an expected Iranian response would not spark a broader Middle East war directly pitting Iran against Israel, saying that retaliation beyond a direct retaliatory attack launched by Iran in April would be a "mistake."

Iran and its partners and proxies launched hundreds of drones and missiles against Israeli territory on April 13-14 in retaliation for an attack that Tehran said Israel carried out earlier that month against an Iranian Embassy compound.

Seven IRGC members, including top commanders, were killed in the April 1 strike, which Israel did not take responsibility for. The Iranian retaliatory attack caused little damage, with most of the Iranian missiles and drones shot down or otherwise failing to reach their targets.

After Iran reported downing a handful of small drones over the central city of Isfahan on April 19, which again was seen as a likely Israeli counterstrike for which it did not claim responsibility, fears of a wider conflict died down somewhat when Iran's muted response was taken as an attempt to avert further escalation.

"I'm not certain that this is entirely in the interest of Iran and they may live to regret every such action," Olmert said. "I think that the lesson they should have learned from the April confrontation is that even when you shoot hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, others, you are not going to cause such damage that you have planned to make, and you lose your deterrence, and you lose the power of your threat."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-israel-hamas-gaza- war-olmert-interview-peace/33059228.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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Generation Apathy: How Peter Magyar Is Mobilizing Hungary's Youth

By Lili Rutai August 01, 2024

BUDAPEST -- In villages and towns across Hungary, adoring crowds gather to hear Peter Magyar speak, their enthusiasm spilling over onto social media where they post selfies taken with the 43-year-old opposition politician.

In just a few months, Magyar has gone from being the unknown husband of the former justice minister to becoming the great new hope for Hungary's opposition. He is also possibly the most dangerous challenger that Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Hungary's populist nationalist-conservative leader who has been in power since 2010, has ever faced.

In European Parliament elections in June, Magyar's newly formed Tisza party received 30 percent of the vote. And in local elections held at the same time, Tisza took the same number of seats as Orban's ruling Fidesz party on the Budapest city council.

Apathetic Youth

Much of Magyar's success is his ability to mobilize young people, a generation known for political apathy. According to 2018 research by Policy Solutions, a progressive political research institute based in Budapest, only 17 percent of 18-29-year-olds vote.

For Hungarians under 35, they have only ever seen Fidesz win an election -- and most of them aren't supportive of the ruling party. A June survey by independent Budapest-based pollster Median found that only 7 percent of people below 30 would vote for Fidesz.

"[Fidesz] are becoming more of a pensioners' party," says Peter Kreko, a political scientist at the independent Budapest-based Political Capital think tank. According to the Median poll, 63 percent of their voters are above the age of 50.

Many young people are deeply disillusioned with the electoral process, with only 22 percent of Hungarians under the age of 30 believing in the fairness of elections, according to a 2021 study sponsored by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung foundation. Critics in Hungary and abroad have accused Orban's party of manipulating the nation's electoral system, clamping down on independent media, and dismantling Hungary's democratic institutions.

"What is it like here [in Hungary]? I would say it's futureless," says Reka, a 30-year old student, who preferred to not give her family name to protect her identity.

It is young people like Reka who have been drawn to Magyar and Tisza. According to Median, 46 percent of Tisza's voters are under 40, compared to 19 percent for Fidesz and 18 percent for the main left-wing coalition.

Social Media Appeal

Magyar's appeal lies in his bright, youthful appearance and a campaign style that resonates with young people. The Tisza team maintains an active social media presence, with Magyar himself sometimes entering the comments to take on the party's critics.

"Peter Magyar communicates normally, seeing his audience as intelligent people," says Sara Darnot, 29, a Budapest-based lawyer. "He's not dumbing his message down."

More than just savvy social media, Magyar's policies appeal to many younger voters. He has promised new housing programs, a beneficial tax system for freelancers, and pledged to support small businesses and the independent media.

A former lawyer, diplomat, and businessman closely connected to Fidesz, Magyar rose to political prominence in March following a child sexual-abuse scandal that rocked the ruling party. As the ex-husband of former Justice Minister Judit Varga, who resigned due to the scandal, Magyar gave up his positions in government-run companies and then made public accusations about what he said was the pervasive corruption and nepotism in the Orban administration.

It is his past as a Fidesz loyalist and insider that has concerned many voters. Plus, many young, opposition-minded Hungarians don't think he's left-wing enough. In an interview with independent Hungarian radio station Klubradio, Magyar denied being a liberal, claiming he was a "national liberal or a conservative liberal."

Politically, Tisza remains hard to pin down. The party supports lowering tax on fruit and vegetables, a program for rehabilitating villages, and founding separate ministries for education, health care, and environmental protection. Yet, for other issues that many young people care about -- abortion or migration, for example -- Magyar has not indicated where he stands.

"A party based on youth and one person is fragile," warns Kreko from Political Capital. He says that Tisza's young voter base could lead to instability in the party. "From research on youth, we know that the mainstream changes quickly," he says.

This is what Aron Vasanyi, the 27-year-old press officer of the centrist Momentum party, has also found. Many young people who previously voted for Momentum abandoned the party at the last elections, preferring to vote for Magyar. "The young generation change jobs, partners, homes, and voting preferences easily," he says.

Others, such as student Reka, have expressed concerns about Tisza's lack of experience in governance. "But at least [Magyar] managed to shake things up," she acknowledges.

Brain Drain

The most damning indicator of the political hopelessness of Hungary's youth is the country's brain drain. In 2023, a record 35,000 Hungarians left the country, mostly to live and work elsewhere in the EU, over 15 times more than in 2003. And, in 2023, over 40 percent of people aged 18-29 planned on leaving Hungary within three years, the largest percentage in the bloc after Cyprus, EU research has shown.

Gaspar Kerekjarto, a 28-year-old social worker, moved with his partner to Austria for financial reasons. "The social sphere is incredibly underpaid. We want to get married, have kids, and for this we had to leave the country."

Both Fidesz and Tisza have recognized the need to entice young Hungarians back home, given the labor shortage and the detrimental economic effects of the brain drain.

The Fidesz government has tried to lure young people back by promising loans and other financial help. Magyar has also promised to implement a "detailed program" to enable young people to move back home, but the details remain unclear.

"Young people are the hardest to get home," says Balazs Lang, a 49-year-old journalist and administrator of a Facebook group for expats voting for Tisza. "You have to promise them a lot. Those over 70 would go home for [a lot less]."

Despite the skepticism, many young Hungarians see Magyar as an opportunity for change. "We want to move back to a free country," Lang says.

Kerekjarto, himself a Tisza voter, agreed. "There's no guarantee that it will be good, but here's an opportunity we can't miss. We have to try," he says.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/peter-magyar- hungarian-youth-tisza/33058199.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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Brussels Frustrated With Hungary Over Russian Visa Decision That Could Let In Spies

By Tony Wesolowsky and Balint Szalai August 01, 2024

BUDAPEST -- Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Hungary has stubbornly refused to join EU efforts to punish and isolate Moscow.

And that behavior was on full display earlier this week when reports emerged that Budapest would make it easier for nationals from Russia and Belarus -- which has aided its ally with the full-scale Ukraine invasion -- to enter the country. Many of those people were workers, Budapest claimed, needed to work on a nuclear power plant that Russia is helping Hungary to build.

But few were convinced by Hungary's expansion of its "national card" visa scheme, sparking a fresh spat between Brussels and Budapest. One senior European politician warned the expansion could lead to a fresh wave of Russian spies entering the European Union, after many were kicked out from European capitals in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Since the start of Russia's war, Hungary, led by its nationalist-conservative prime minister, Viktor Orban, has blocked, watered down, or delayed aid packages to Ukraine. Orban, long criticized for his friendly ties with Vladimir Putin, faced a fresh backlash earlier this month after traveling to Moscow to meet with the Russian president after a stop in Kyiv. With Hungary currently holding the EU's six-month rotating presidency, Orban cast the visit as a peace mission, but EU leaders made clear he did not represent them on his travels.

With Russia considered a "threat" to EU security, according to a European Commission spokesperson, the EU's executive branch said it will contact Hungarian officials regarding the new visa program, "to clarify the scope of this scheme and whether it falls under EU rules," Anitta Hipper, a spokeswoman for the European Commission, told Current Time.

What Are The Concerns?

Under the proposed scheme, Russians and Belarusians would largely forego any security background checks, and that has many worried.

"Their reasons related to the [nuclear power] plant may be somewhat valid. But what we can question is whether this legal construction was necessary to exclude them from security clearances," explained Daniel Hegedus, a senior fellow focusing on Central Europe, at the Washington, D.C.-based German Marshall Fund, in comments to RFE/RL.

Those security concerns were echoed by Manfred Weber, head of the center-right European People's Party (EPP), the largest political group in the European Parliament, in a letter to European Council President Charles Michel, a copy of which was published by the Financial Times on July 30.

The "questionable" new rules "create grave loopholes for espionage activities...potentially allowing large numbers of Russians to enter Hungary with minimal supervision, posing a serious risk to national security," Weber said.

In a post on X on July 30, Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs rejected what he characterized as Weber's "lies" as "absurd and hypocritical because it is precisely the Brussels institutions...that are doing everything in their power to ensure that Hungary is forced to dismantle its strict border protection and asylum system, allowing hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants into the country and thus into the European Union."

Kovacs did not comment directly on the controversial new immigration rules.

In July, Hungary published details of a new fast-track visa system for citizens of eight countries -- including Russia and Belarus -- to enter Hungary without security checks or other restrictions. Budapest has said many would be employed in the building of the Paks II nuclear power plant in central Hungary, which is being carried out by Russia's state nuclear giant Rosatom.

Under the new rules, when entering Hungary, Russian citizens will also be entering the EU and the border-control-free Schengen zone, which also includes non-EU members Norway and Switzerland, if they possess a valid visa and have no ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rules on issuing working permits are a matter for each EU member state, and, despite Schengen's open borders, member countries are still allowed to deny entry for a number of reasons, including previous entry bans or if a person is considered a threat to public security or health.

But Western sanctions in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine include a ban on Russian-owned airlines operating in EU airspace, making it more difficult for Russian nationals to travel to the EU.

Others question whether there is a need for any Russian technical know-how at the Paks nuclear power plant. In 2014, Orban and Putin signed a deal to build two more reactors at the site, but the project has long been dogged by delays.

The actual installation of nuclear technology -- the alleged reasons Russian and Belarusian experts would be required -- is not imminent, largely due to Rosatom's failure to fulfill EU safety requirements, explained Andras Racz, a Russian expert at Budapest's Corvinus University.

"It is completely incomprehensible why an unspecified number of Russians should be allowed into the Hungarian labor market," he told RFE/RL's Hungarian Service.

Why Now?

Some have noted Budapest's announcement came shortly after Orban returned from Moscow, suggesting it may have been finalized there by the Hungarian leader and Putin.

However, the German Marshall Fund's Hegedus suspects the deal was "in the pipeline for a while."

"Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meet on a bimonthly basis. So, there is a high-level of coordination between the two governments," Hegedus said, adding the timing of the announcement was likely not a coincidence.

"Hungary holding the EU's presidency offers them some protection. They can get by with all these provocations because other countries are reluctant to take any action against Hungary because it holds the rotating presidency. It would set a precedent if they did," Hegedus said.

Hungary has been suspected of being a backdoor for Russian spies in the past. A year ago, Washington pressured it to withdraw from the International Investment Bank, a Russian-controlled financial institution. The bank, which relocated its headquarters to Budapest from Moscow in 2019, was long viewed with suspicion as its Russian staff had diplomatic immunity.

Shortly after Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, European capitals kicked out some 600 of its diplomats, about 400 of whom were believed to be spies.

"Hungary is now the locomotive of those who hate the European Union and are doing everything to destroy it from within. And our patience will run out sooner or later," Lithuanian EU parliamentarian and former Defense Minister Rasa Jukneviciene told Current Time on July 31.

Much of the Russian spy activity has returned, according to a February report by the Royal United Services Institute, a British-based defense think tank.

"The Europeans had a sense of security that the Russian spies are not there anymore, that their capabilities have been significantly curtailed. But the problem is they have not been. They are mightier than ever," Marina Miron, an analyst at King's College London's Department of War Studies, told VOA in March.

And now Hungary may be about to open the door to more Russian spies, suggested Hegedus.

"We should not be naive to believe Russia will not use the opportunity to bring in Russian intelligence agents."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/hungary-russian- visa-spies-eu/33059208.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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'Foreign Agent' Law Goes Into Effect In Georgia, Despite Constitutional Challenges

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service August 01, 2024

TBILISI -- A widely criticized new law that threatens to publicly discredit thousands of media outlets and civil society groups as "serving" outside powers went into effect in Georgia on August 1, two months after the ruling party swept aside a maelstrom of domestic protest and international warnings that passage endangers further integration with the West.

Multiple lawsuits are still pending that challenge the law's constitutionality, including President Salome Zurabishvili's first-ever appeal to the Constitutional Court.

The new law obliges independent groups and media outlets that receive 20 percent of their funding from abroad to join a public registry that suggests they are "serving foreign interests." Its enactment on June 3 included a 60-day preparatory period.

"Everything is ready from August 1, [and] organizations that meet these criteria can apply to us," Justice Minister Rati Bregadze, whose ministry will run the registry, announced at a press briefing on July 30.

Noncompliance can be punished with ongoing fines.

An overwhelming majority of Georgia's 10,000 or so nonprofits are thought to receive funding from abroad.

Dozens of prominent organizations have vowed not to comply with the law, but activists say the accompanying fines would sink many smaller NGOs.

Passage in May of the Law On Transparency Of Foreign Influence came more than a year after the ruling Georgian Dream and its allies bowed to pressure over a similar bill that described groups funded from abroad as foreign "agents."

Tens of thousands of Georgians braved a brutal crackdown and violent retaliation to demonstrate against the slightly reworded bill in mid-April, whose aim and effect have been likened to decade-old legislation in Russia that has contributed to a fierce clampdown on independent media and public dissent.

Most protesters refer to it simply as "the Russian law." Many other Georgians, along with outside critics, call it the "foreign agent" law.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze argues the law will promote "transparency" and national sovereignty, although NGOs were already required to disclose their funding to the government.

Three legal challenges have already been filed with Georgia's Constitutional Court, with the plaintiffs in each case requesting a stay against enforcement until the dispute is resolved.

The first came from Zurabishvili, whose veto of the law was overridden in an 84-4 vote in the 150-member parliament that was boycotted by the opposition. Zurabishvili has had a dramatic falling out with the Georgian Dream party since it backed her candidacy for president in 2018, as critics have accused it of adopting pro-Moscow positions.

Another complaint was lodged by dozens of opposition lawmakers.

Both of those cases invoke Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, which requires officials to "take all measures within the scope of their competences to ensure" Georgia's integration into the European Union and NATO.

"Georgian Dream stopped the path of integration into the European Union by adopting the Russian law," Strategy Aghmashenebeli party founder Giorgi Vashadze said of the appeal that he and 37 other lawmakers filed on July 29. "This is an unmistakably proven fact. Therefore, the fact that the constitution of Georgia was violated is an unmistakably proven fact."

The European Union has paused candidate Georgia's negotiations toward membership, saying the law is antithetical to the bloc's core democratic values.

The United States has announced a review of its relations with Tbilisi over the law and comments by Kobakhidze and other Georgian Dream officials since the reintroduction of the law three months ago.

This week, Washington announced the suspension of $95 million in Georgian aid over factors including "anti-democratic actions." It also signaled the Georgian government had created a new obstacle to its pursuit of NATO and EU membership.

Zurabishvili's complaint also cites protections including the right of free association, the right to protection from coercion, and privacy, among other things.

A third appeal to the Constitutional Court was filed by 122 media and civil society groups on many of the same grounds.

The law gives the Justice Ministry the power to request personal information about individuals associated with targeted organizations, including details about a person's political views, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sex life.

Constitutional Court Chairman Merab Turava said the cases will be adjudicated together.

The nine-member court is expected to take at least a month to review the details of the consolidated case.

Government officials have consistently pushed back against characterizations of the legislation as "Russian" or as designating "foreign agents" despite its potential for a similar stigmatization of groups on the registry to that being felt in Russia.

At his July 33 press conference, Justice Minister Bregadze ignored a question after objecting to the journalist's "formulation" describing it as the "foreign agent" law.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-foreign-agent-law- begins/33059498.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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Biden Commits to New US Military Deployments During Call With Netanyahu

Sputnik News

20240801

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Joe Biden in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed additional efforts to support the ally's defense capabilities and committed new US military deployments to the region amid raised tensions between Israel and Iran, the White House said.

"President Biden spoke today with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel," the White House said in a press release on Thursday. "The President discussed efforts to support Israel's defense against threats, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive U.S. military deployments."

On Wednesday, Hamas confirmed that its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, had been killed in an Israeli attack on his residence in Tehran after he took part in the inauguration of newly elected Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian. Hamas has blamed Israel and the United States for Haniyeh's death and vowed to retaliate.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said he had nothing to say about Haniyeh's death or Israel's alleged role in it. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Israeli government had instructed ministers not to comment on Haniyeh's assassination.

 Sputnik

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:               ...
Houthis Urge 'Dangerous' Response to Israel Over Killing of Hamas, Hezbollah Leaders

Sputnik News

20240801

DOHA (Sputnik) - Forces opposing Israel must deliver a "dangerous" military response to the killings of their leaders in Lebanon and Iran, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, said on Thursday.

"Europeans are trying to exert political and diplomatic pressure on Iran for its response to Israel to be 'symbolic,' as they say, and to the extent that the Israelis want," he told the Almasirah broadcaster.

"However, the position of the Jerusalem axis aimed at resistance is clear: there must be a dangerous military response to the serious crimes and serious escalation by Israel. Weakness will only encourage it to commit new crimes."

On Wednesday, Hamas confirmed that its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, had been killed in an Israeli attack on his residence in Tehran after he took part in the inauguration of newly elected Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian.

Hamas has blamed Israel and the United States for Haniyeh's death and vowed to retaliate. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said he had nothing to say about Haniyeh's death or Israel's alleged role in it. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Israeli government had instructed ministers not to comment on Haniyeh's assassination.

On Tuesday night, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a strike in a southern suburb of Beirut, killing Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Blinken's Call with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

August 1, 2024

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza that enables the release of hostages and facilitates increased and sustained levels of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The Secretary reiterated the U.S. commitment to reach an agreement. The Secretary also emphasized the importance of preventing the conflict from escalating. He expressed appreciation for the UAE's significant humanitarian support for Gazans, including this week's evacuation of 148 Palestinians in urgent need of medical treatment.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai Before Their Meeting

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Ikh Tenger

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

August 1, 2024

PRIME MINISTER LUVSANNAMSRAI: (Via interpreter) Mr. Secretary of State, it is my pleasure to (inaudible). It has been one year since my visit to the United States and (inaudible) many events (inaudible). And I would like to emphasize that the United States is not just our important (inaudible) but is our guiding north star on our democratic journey, as I mentioned during my visit to Washington, D.C. Mongolians always appreciate that. And then Secretary of State John Kerry (inaudible) our democracy during his visit to Mongolia in 2006. And in the past 37 years, the United States has been our important partner and served as a model for Mongolia to cooperate on important issues of democratic values, the rule of law, developing a market economy and private sector.

As you know, Mongolia is a landlocked country sandwiched between our two neighbors, Russia and China, and also we have (inaudible) in Mongolia. And also, our Mongolian - our economy is based on one large sector of mining, and 90 percent of our export goes to only one country, and most of them are mining models. And as I touched upon and emphasized during my visit to Washington, cooperation with the United States is important for ensuring Mongolia's economic diversification and independence.

And I have a very fond memory of the special meetings I had with three women in the U.S. administration. And of course, I had a very good meeting with my counterpart, Vice President Kamala Harris, and taking this opportunity publicly to extend my wishes for best of luck for her upcoming elections. And I had an excellent meeting with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. During that visit we have exchanged views on cooperating in the economy as well as doing the evaluation of Mongolia's economic outlook. So I look forward to continuing that cooperation.

And also, I had a great meeting (inaudible) democracy, as well as on the rule of law and the (inaudible). As well, Mr. Secretary, (inaudible). And as you can see, starting from our (inaudible), we have many (inaudible) and now (inaudible).

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, thank you so much, Prime Minister. It's wonderful to see you again, this time in Mongolia. And I bring you warm greetings as well from President Biden and from Vice President Harris, who remembers well the meeting that you had.

We're proud to be your third neighbors, and indeed, we want to be a good neighbor. And together, through our Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue and the work that our governments are doing, we're strengthening even more our economic ties, our people-to-people ties, our political ties. And I believe strongly that with all the good work that we've already done, there is much more to be done. And I see a very strong, positive future between our countries, and we will continue to work on that every day.

And finally, congratulations on your elections and on your reappointment, Mr. Prime Minister.

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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Mongolian President Khurelsukh

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

August 1, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh today in Ulaanbaatar. Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Mongolia relationship and noted the shared democratic values and strategic interests which closely link the two countries. The Secretary reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the Strategic Partnership and efforts to support economic resilience in Mongolia.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh Before Their Meeting

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Government State Palace

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

August 1, 2024

PRESIDENT KHURELSUKH: (Via interpreter) Dear Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, it is my great pleasure to host you in Mongolia. We are very pleased to have you in our beautiful country, Mongolia. Please feel like at home (inaudible). Mongolia attaches great significance to its relationship with the United States, and we are committed to further strengthen our Strategic Partnership. Mongolian people are always grateful for the U.S. successive administrations and the American people for their steadfast support for Mongolia's transition to a democracy and market economy, and building a free and - free society that upholds human rights and freedom.

And we regard the United States as our trusted partner, strategic partner, and close friend. And I would like to emphasize that one of the priorities of Mongolia's foreign policy is further strengthen our relationship with the United States. And we are very happy that our Minister Battsetseg paid a visit to the United States last week at your invitation and successfully organized the inaugural Mongolia-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue.

And we see that the United States attaches a great importance to our bilateral relationship, and you, Mr. Secretary, paying a visit to Mongolia after just one week of our foreign minister's visit is a clear demonstration of the U.S. commitments to further expand our cooperation. And also, we appreciate the fact the United States is committed to further expand and strengthen our bilateral ties within the framework of the Indo-Pacific Strategy.

And as a great Mongolian tradition, I would like to welcome you, our dear guests, to give your remarks, and I would like to hear your thoughts, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Mr. President, thank you so much. Thank you for this warm welcome. And first, I bring greetings from President Biden and Vice President Harris. We're so pleased to be your third neighbor, and we want to be more than that - good neighbors. And I think that's manifesting itself in the work that we're doing together, including through the Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue. We're strengthening our economic ties, our political ties, our people-to-people connections. There is much we've already done together, but so much more that I'm convinced we can and will do, and I'm grateful for the - not only the warm reception, but the very good work that we've been able to do to advance, to strengthen our partnership for the benefit of people here in Mongolia and in the United States.

Thank you for receiving us today.

PRESIDENT KHURELSUKH: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh Before Their Meeting

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

August 1, 2024

FOREIGN MINISTER BATTSETSEG: Secretary Blinken, welcome to Mongolia. So dear Mr. Secretary, it's my great pleasure to greet you (inaudible) in Ulaanbaatar. Very unique visit, I think, because we met last week 

SECRETARY BLINKEN: That's right.

FOREIGN MINISTER BATTSETSEG:  in USA. So we have (inaudible) visit (inaudible) realize this short time and (inaudible) appointed as the foreign minister. Thank you, Minister, and welcome you and your team to Mongolia.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you so much. It's wonderful for me to be back here. I was here with President Biden when he was vice president, and have very strong memories of that visit, but I was eager to come myself. And as you said, it follows our meeting just a week ago or so in Washington, and I think that of itself is evidence of the vitality of the relationship, the partnership, all that we're doing together. I know we'll have a chance to talk about that later, but I'm thrilled to be here. And thank you for the warm hospitality.

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In call to Iranian Foreign Minister, Guterres underlines need for de-escalation in the Middle East

1 August 2024 - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his appeal for de-escalation in the Middle East in a phone call with a senior official in Iran, his Spokesperson reported on Thursday.

Mr. Guterres spoke that morning with the country's acting Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri.

Concern for the region

"During the conversation, the Secretary-General expressed his deep concern regarding the ongoing situation in the region," said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric during his daily briefing in New York

"He reiterated his public message urging all parties to work towards de-escalation."

Fears of 'dangerous escalation'

On Wednesday the Secretary-General warned that an Israeli strike in Beirut, Lebanon, the previous day that killed a senior Hezbollah commander, as well as the killing of a top Hamas leader in an attack in Iran's capital, Tehran, "represent a dangerous escalation" in the Middle East.

These developments were happening at time when "all efforts should instead be leading to a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all Israeli hostages, a massive increase of humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza and a return to calm in Lebanon and across the Blue Line."

Journalists asked Mr. Dujarric about the UN's response to Iran, Hezbollah and Houthi rebels in Yemen threatening to react to the strikes.

"Our message is that these counterattacks, attacks, counterattacks, attacks and this endless cycle needs to stop," he said.

"We need to return to some sort of political negotiations on the various files in the region that are often intertwined in some ways."

UN staff detained in Yemen

Mr. Dujarric told reporters that the Secretary-General and the Iranian Foreign Minister also discussed the situation in Yemen, "notably regarding detained UN staff, who we want to see released as quickly as possible, if not, immediately".

The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have arbitrarily detained 13 UN staff for nearly two months, together with dozens of personnel from international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society and private sector entities.

Four staff from the UN human rights office, OHCHR, and the UN educational and cultural agency, UNESCO, have also been held since 2021 and 2023, respectively.

The Houthis and Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have been battling since 2014.

Following the eruption of war in Gaza last October, the rebels have been attacking commercial ships plying the Red Sea.

Briefing the Security Council last month, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said "the regional dimension of the conflict in Yemen is getting more and more pronounced".

He was speaking a day after the Council met to debate the Houthi drone attack against Tel Aviv in Israel on 19 July, and the retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on Hudaydah Port in Yemen.

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CV-22 accident investigation report released

Published Aug. 1, 2024

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- Air Force Special Operations Command officials released the results of the investigation of the CV-22B Osprey mishap Nov. 29, 2023, near Yakushima, Japan.

The aircraft, assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, was participating in a joint inter-operability exercise when the mishap occurred. The aircrew was comprised of personnel from the 21st SOS, 1st SOS and 43rd Intelligence Squadron.

The next of kin of the eight servicemembers lost in the mishap received in person briefings on the findings of the investigation as well as a copy of the report. AFSOC continues to provide support and resources to the NOK.

An Accident Investigation Board was convened by Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, then AFSOC commander, to assess the facts and circumstances of the crash to determine its cause. From Dec. 6, 2023, through May 30, 2024, a team of multi-disciplinary subject matter experts examined multiple sources including interviews, maintenance logs, flight recorder data, briefing materials, and inspection of aircraft wreckage. After an extensive engineering and human factors analysis, the team assembled a detailed sequence of events surrounding the CV-22 mishap to determine cause.

"The purpose of the investigation was to identify the cause and contributing factors that led to this mishap," Bauernfeind said. "By conducting a thorough review and accident and safety investigations, we hope to provide answers to the families of the Airmen that lost their lives and prevent future occurrences and tragedies."

The board president found, by a preponderance of the evidence, the mishap was caused by a catastrophic failure of the left-hand prop rotor gear box that created a rapidly cascading failure of the aircraft's drive system, resulting in an instantaneous asymmetric lift condition that was unrecoverable by the mishap crew. Additionally, the board president found decision-making was causal, prolonging the mishap sequence and removing any consideration of an earlier landing at a different divert location.

Substantial contributing factors to the mishap, found by the preponderance of the evidence, include inadequate risk management and ineffective crew resource management.

The report is available here.

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USS Florida Returns to Kings Bay Following 727-Day Deployment

US Navy

01 August 2024

From Petty Officer 1st Class Travis Alston

KINGS BAY, Ga. -- Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) returned to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, following a 727- day deployment to 5th, 6th, and 7th fleet areas of operations, July 31.

Assigned to Commander, Submarine Group Ten, USS Florida departed in August 2022 and conducted five crew swaps, before returning to Kings Bay.

"We have demonstrated the versatility of SSGN platform to operate anywhere at any time," said Capt. Peter French, blue crew commanding officer. "We operated in several different oceans. It's very uncommon for East Coast submarines to deploy to the west coast, but we managed to do an exceptional job completing the mission."

During their deployment, the crews conducted vital missions crucial to national security, enhancing operational capabilities and reinforcing deterrence effort, while traveling more than 60,000 nautical miles. The crews also had the opportunity to visit Greece, Guam, Diego Garcia and the United Kingdom, as part of routine port calls.

"Our Sailors are the true strength for our boat and the Navy," said Master Chief Electronics Technician Submarine, Navigation Christopher L. Martell, gold crew chief of the boat. "They consistently impress me with their unwavering dedication to the submarine force. We train and we fight as a family, and I'm excited to get the crews back home to the actual families and enjoy some much needed time off."

USS Florida entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard in July 2003 to undergo a refueling and conversion from an SSBN to an SSGN. The conversion was completed in April 2006 and is homeported in Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.

On May 25, 2006 the boat had a return to service ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.

Submarine Group Ten is the nation's preeminent provider of sea-based strategic deterrence, Tomahawk Land Attack Missile strikes, and unique submarine-based special operations capabilities. The base is home to all east coast Ohio-class submarines.

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USS Preble to Forward Deploy to Japan

US Navy

01 August 2024

From Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Reynolds

YOKOSUKA, Japan -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) will move to Yokosuka, Japan, as part of a scheduled rotation of forces in the Pacific, the U.S. Navy announced today. This move will be a permanent change of station for the crew and family members.

Preble will replace USS Benfold (DDG 65), which will depart Yokosuka and move to Everett, Washington.

The forward presence of Preble supports the United States' commitment to the defense of Japan, enhances the national security of the United States and improves its ability to protect strategic interests. Preble will directly support the Defense Strategic Guidance to posture the most capable units forward in the Indo-Pacific Region.

The United States values Japan's contributions to the peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting U.S. forces forward deployed there. These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet our common strategic objectives.

The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy positions the most capable ships forward. This posture allows the most rapid response times for maritime and joint forces and brings our most capable ships with the greatest amount of striking power and operational capability to bear in the timeliest manner.

Maintaining a forward-deployed naval force capability with the most advanced ships supports the United States' commitment to the defense of Japan and the security and stability of the vital Indo-Pacific region.

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USS Mobile Conducts Maritime Cooperative Activity With BRP Ramon Alcaraz

US Navy

01 August 2024

From Lt. Ronan Williams, Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15

SOUTH CHINA SEA -- The U.S. Navy and Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea, upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, reaffirming the two nations' commitment to bolstering regional security and stability, July 31.

MCAs demonstrate the strength of the alliance between the two nations and further advances combined capabilities in the maritime domain which support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This iteration included training on routine bilateral surface operations and communications.

"We welcome the opportunity to conduct maritime activities alongside our allies from the Philippines," said Capt. Justin Harts, commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. "Sailing together demonstrates commitment to our continued coordination with the Philippine Navy."

The units participating included the U.S. Navy Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26), assigned to DESRON 7 and operating under DESRON 15, and the Philippine Navy Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS 16).

The U.S. Navy regularly operates alongside our allies in the Indo-Pacific region as a demonstration of our shared commitment to the rules-based international order. Bilateral operations such as this provide valuable opportunities to train, exercise and develop tactical interoperability across allied navies in the Indo-Pacific. Close cooperation with allies and partners is the centerpiece to the strategy for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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CNO Delivers Remarks at NNOA-ANSO Joint Leadership Symposium

US Navy

Norfolk, VA

Speech by Adm. Lisa Franchetti

Presented on 31 July 2024

Date Published 01 August 2024



Below is a transcript of the remarks as delivered:

Thank you so much, and it is really a pleasure to be here with all of you today and see so many faces that I've had the opportunity to work with... but I've never seen the face of Adm. Harris like that, so thank you Mr. Garcia for giving us that walk down memory lane.

Adm. Howard, Mr. Garcia, MCPON, Vice Adm. Halsey - just nominated to be SOUTHCOM, Vice Adm. English - taking over the J4 on Friday, and I have to say hey to D-Day Walker who's about to take over the Naval War College - our finest place of Navy learning, wargaming, experimentation - congratulations to you. I know I see a lot of other Flags and General Officers out there... NNOA President Cedric Pringle, one of my old shipmates from many years ago - great to see you... ANSO President Jose Montalvan thank you very much for being here.

I know we've got a lot of Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, I think we have some Merchant Marines, and we have Midshipmen or Cadets - good to see you... we've got active, we've got reserve. We have a lot of civilians as well, and I know we have some spouses, and veterans. Again, this is really a great opportunity to be here with all of you today. But I want to thank all of you for making time to be here this week.

Everybody's busy, everybody has something to do, but this is probably the most important place that you can be this week as you build your network... you get to meet new people, share different perspectives. And I know, myself, having been at lots of different events like this I've always come back refreshed, recharged, and ready to go and tear it up.

So let me start this morning first by saying thank you. Thank you to each and every one of you for your service and for your sacrifice. Everybody has a choice in what they get to do in their life, and you have all chosen to serve something greater than yourself. So, I am grateful for each and every one of you and your service. What you do every single day makes a difference for our Nation. So how about giving yourselves a big round of applause?

I also want to recognize our spouses that are here today, and the spouses that you represent. It goes without saying, but we don't say it often enough, that we can't do what we do every day without our families, without our support network. They serve and sacrifice right there alongside us. I always like to say, "we get to do the fun stuff, we get to go out do the nation's mission and sometimes they get to do the stuff that's not so fun," so how about a big round of applause for all our families? I think you're the glue that holds it all together. So, it's great to see some of you here today as well.

The other thing I want to say is how proud I am of our team. I'm looking at a lot of Navy - and I usually say how proud I am of our Navy team - and I really need to say how proud I am of our Joint team. You know, as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as the person who provides the man, train, equip, organize function for the Navy, as I look around the world and I see everything that's going on, I see our Joint Team in action. Whether it's in the Red Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean, working hard as a member of NATO in support of Ukraine, working in the Indo-Pacific, and everything in between... I know that there is no other military on earth that can operate at the scale, the tempo, that we do, with the warfighting professionalism that each one of you - and the teams that you lead - deliver every single day.

We operate at the point of friction, far away, in the same domains as our adversaries. We also operate at the point of friendship every day with our Allies and partners. And those of you who have gone to serve overseas, you know, that American leadership matters and that our friends - our Allies and partners - are counting on us to lead. They also know that we are going to be there with them.

I just got back from a great trip - Micronesia, Philippines, Australia - and they are all-in on supporting the rules-based international order that has provided security and stability for the last three quarters of a century. That's because you're all out there doing our nation's mission. I could not be more proud of this team, and I thank all of you for your leadership.

I know you're talking a lot about leadership this week, so I'm happy to be here and have a chance to talk about that in person. Last year I had a chance to go out to NNOA at the Professional Development and Training Symposium, and then I did a virtual with Yvette Davids at the ANSO conference - Western Region Symposium - that was great. But it's really nice to be here in person, side-by-side, for I think the first joint NNOA-ANSO event in about fifteen years. Is that right? Yeah, this is amazing.

I think events like this really demonstrate our desire to become better. A better service. A better service that does our Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines mission every single day. They demonstrate our ability to come together, to learn together, to bring lots of different perspectives, to hear a lot of different stories, and talk about the things that unite us so we're gonna be able to sail, fight, and win as one team. Because we will never fight alone. We're gonna fight together, we're gonna fight as a Joint team alongside those great Allies and partners.

Looking at this week's agenda, I think the NNOA-ANSO team has teed up an impactful series of conversations. I'm sorry that I missed the generational conversation from Adm. Michelle Howard - I'm gonna have to get a personal tutoring session on that - but I know there's going to be a lot of opportunities here for topics that are gonna educate, inspire, engage, and elevate each one of you. Who are really our leaders of today and of the future.

I think we have a lot to celebrate. Beyond the fact that our military is kicking butt all around the world, delivering warfighting excellence every day, as you pointed out, last year, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of Executive Order 9981 - directing the desegregation of the United States Armed Forces. It was also the 50th anniversary of the All-Volunteer Force, and 50 years of women in Naval Aviation.

And I have to plug my own SWO community (and the aviation community back then), but it was the 31st anniversary of the initial repeal of the combat exclusion law that opened up the doors that would let me walk through to become the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations and for women to serve in every branch to promote to the highest level of their desire.

Having had a front-row seat to history for a longtime now, coming up on 39 years in the Navy, it is remarkable to see the impacts of all of those bold moves. The courageous people that stepped forward to make them, and their decisions, and see how far we've come as a fighting force since all of those actions were taken.

But y'all know there's more work to do. And I like to say there will always be more work to do. And we always have to keep out foot on the gas.

In this decisive decade, where the world is becoming increasingly fragile and the character of war is changing before our eyes, we need to be building great people, great leaders, great teams. And that comes from having talented people as the Secretary said, from every corner across that rich fabric of America, and even from across the world.

I think that we're strongest and most effective as a force when we build strong, inclusive, connected teams. That's how we deliver warfighting advantage every day. And that's what leadership is all about, creating the most qualified, combat-ready team possible and then giving them the tools and the skills necessary to fight and win anytime, anywhere, against any adversary.

That's how we advance leaders: connected, committed, and ready to fight for the future, and I know that's the theme of your conference this year.

So today I thought I would just spend a little bit of time talking to you about the qualities that I consider most important about being a "leader of consequence" in this decisive decade. I think this applies whether you're an officer, enlisted, civilian, veteran ... because every single one of you in this room, you have your own sphere of influence. You have an opportunity to influence that sphere. And as you get more senior, your sphere just gets bigger, and you have the opportunity to have even more influence. So, I hope some of the things that I talk about today, and the things that you're learning here today are not just retained in this room, or in your head. That you actually go back and share these conversations with your teams.

Over the last 38 years, I've kind of distilled my experiences into about six things that matter to me. And they're sort of six principles that have really been the foundation for me to stand on throughout my career. I've really come to describe them as the things that matter to me - or the things that matter the most.

So, the first one is integrity. Integrity matters. I think it is the foundation of trust as a team. We need to know that when we look to the left and the right, that the people next to us are gonna do their job, and their gonna do it with integrity. It is the foundation of trust. We have to build it up and down the chain of command. And that's how we build teams that are connected and teams that are cohered, because we trust each other. We have to know that there gonna do the right thing even when no one is looking.

It also means that we need to be our own best critics. We have to be humble; we need to be transparent about our own shortfalls if we expect our Sailors, Marines, Coastguardsmen and Merchantmen to do the same.

I think if we step back and look at it, and the things we've been working on in the Navy, that really is the essence of our Get Real Get Better (GRGB) mindset - Navy call to action - it's intended to empower people at all levels to solve problems, spot problems, break down barriers, and achieve exceptional performance. We gotta have that courage to embrace the red, call out the things that are not working, share them, and work together to correct them, assess our corrections, and then always learn.

I think integrity again is the most important characteristic that we can have as a leader.

The second thing is people. People matter. I know many of you have been involved in developing, creating, selling, maintaining, modernizing great technology over many years... but truthfully, we can have all the best equipment in the world, but without our amazing team, it can't go anywhere or do anything.

Our people make a difference. That contribution of our Sailors every day is really important. So, what you need to think about is when you go back to your commands... notice what your people are doing every day. They are having an impact. Take the time to savor those small victories, because the big ones, they're few and far between. Recognize those little victories every day and reward those who make them happen. Our people are more than just the people wearing the uniform. As I mentioned earlier, it's our spouse, it's our families, they are all part of that team. And that's part of our responsibility as leaders - to have the 360-degree approach to taking care of our people and enabling them to take care of themselves.

The third thing that matters to me is warfighting excellence... that probably came through in the beginning of my talk. This is where we make our money. It is what the American people are couniting on us to do. To deliver that, to defend our way of life every single day. I've spoken a lot about the Sea Services, and again, we're not just mariners, we are warfighters through and through. That is in our DNA. The threats to our nation are real and they are growing. The character of war is changing, and we've got to view everything we do through a warfighting lens.

For warfighting excellence to take hold, that's where we bring to bear the best talents of everybody on our team. Creating a climate where people are empowered to speak up ... another tenet of Get Real Get Better. So, we've got to make the most out of everybody's perspective... I would really like to understand more about how to make sure all of our generations feel like they're ready and they're able, and free to bring up the things they see. Because only they have that unique perspective that they can add. They will add transparency, they will help us solve our problems, and they will help us learn.

So back to the warfighting part, it doesn't matter what part of our organization you are. Whether you're on the pointiest end, which I know some of you are right now, or you're back in the rear supporting those on the pointiest end, you make a difference and you help us deliver that warfighting excellence, so we are ready to fight today and in the future.

The fourth thing that matters to me is teamwork. I was a coxswain in college - I used to be a lot smaller, so they didn't have to pull around all this weight - but the rowers were the most important thing. I got to sit in the back. I got to steer the boat. What I learned from that experience was, is it's all about the team. Everybody in that boat had to row in unison. Every oar had to go in the water at the same time, come out of the water at the same time.

When you think about teamwork - that's what you're doing every day as a leader. It doesn't matter what level of leader you are. You are going to motivate a team to persevere through adversity, and you are gonna drive them on to victory, just like the boat. It will hum along and sing. Some of you have probably been on really great teams, and they're singling along just flying down to the finish line. Then you've been on teams that are struggling a bit - just to get their oars in the water. Understand what makes the difference. Learn from those lessons. Then, when you're the leader, do it the way to make the boat win. Then everyone feels empowered that they can pull that oar to the best of their ability. The whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts.

So, it's on all of you to unleash that creative power of your Sailors and your teams.

The fifth thing that matters - safety. I have to say that because that really underpins everything we do. What we do in the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and as civilian mariners is dangerous. Accidents happen, enemies get a vote. As leaders, we gotta be on the lookout, head on a swivel, and try to figure out where our biggest vulnerabilities are. In the error chain there is always a series of events, there's a bunch of circuit breakers where everyone shuts, the Swiss cheese whole all line up... and it just takes one voice to be the one that opens the breaker, pulls apart the holes, to changes the outcome forever.

So again, you have you create that climate where people can speak up and feel comfortable being that one voice.

And finally, the sixth thing that matters to me has always been attitude. Attitude does make a difference. We need to approach each day with a winning mindset. "Stuff" happens to everyone, it's really how you react to it that makes the most difference. So, whether it's on a deployment, at home, in your squadron, in your place of employment... no one can avoid the challenges that come your way, but as a leader it's important that you help people project the positive. Not cover up things that aren't going well. Not have a fake winning mindset. But figure out how to motivate your team to win. And again, that's what we do as leaders every single day. Sailors are watching, they want their leaders to lead them.

So be positive, embrace the red, and move out with urgency and purpose. Positivity is definitely contagious, and I think will make everyone's lives better, including your own.

If you stay focused on these things. The things that really matter: integrity, people, teamwork, warfighting excellence, safety, and attitude, I know that there will be nothing that your team can't do under your leadership.

So, I want to wrap up my remarks a little bit with a couple of quotes. This is a quote that has helped every step of my way, since I was Midshipman, and it actually still helps me today.

Adm. Nimitz once said, and I'm gonna paraphrase here, "learn all you can, do your best, and don't worry about the things you can't control."

When I first joined the Navy women could not serve in command at sea, women could not serve on combatant ships... in fact there were only 17 women a year that got to go to sea when Adm. Howard or I joined the Navy team. But as my career progressed, those barriers fell, and many courageous women pioneers broke the waves - including Adm. Howard - for me to follow. They told me what I needed to do, what experiences I needed to have, what were the qualifications I needed to get, so could become a successful Surface Warfare Officer and potentially, one day, serve on a combatant ship.

So, I did my very best to do all of those things, get all the experience I could have, to learn from my Chief Petty Officers, to grow and develop as a leader. So, when the doors opened in 1993, and that combat exclusion law was repealed, I was ready to raise my hand and walk right through. And that made all the difference.

So, although today's military is different than the military I joined, and a lot of barriers have been removed, there's still work to do. There's still always going to be wrought to do, and it's all our job to make our Navy better. Make that better in your own sphere of influence. Pull every lever that you can to create a culture where every person on your team will bring their best every single day, and where our best and fully qualified leaders in our Navy will excel and make a difference.

You've gotta be up to that task. Lean on those leadership principles I just talked about. Learn all you can from each other. Do your own best and unleash that power of your teams.

Again, I'm really happy to be here today. I really appreciate the very warm welcome.

I'm gonna leave you with one last little quote. When I was a Midshipmen I had a quote book, and I wrote down all of these quotes because I knew they were going to motivate me over time, and I used them to motivate my rowers too. This one is attributed to the all-knowing "Anonymous."

It goes like this, "I wondered why somebody didn't do something. Then I realized, I am somebody."

You have the power to be that somebody. You are somebody to make a difference in America's Warfighting Navy and deliver warfighting excellence every single day, so use it.

Thank you very much.

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Report confirms famine conditions in parts of Sudan's Darfur

By Margaret Besheer August 01, 2024

A United Nations-backed food security report concluded Thursday that more than a year of war in Sudan has pushed parts of North Darfur into famine, including a displaced persons camp that houses more than a half-million people.

"According to the report, catastrophic hunger conditions are projected for the first time in the history of the IPC survey in Sudan, and 14 areas have been declared 'at risk of famine' in the coming months," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters about the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the global monitor for food insecurity.

The IPC does not declare famine but provides the evidence for an official declaration to be made.

The IPC says famine conditions are prevalent in North Darfur, including at the Zamzam displacement camp, which is about 12 kilometers (7 miles) south of the regional capital, El Fasher, and are likely to persist through the end of October.

The U.N. says intensified fighting in El Fasher has displaced about 320,000 people since mid-April, with about 150,000 to 200,000 of them believed to have moved to Zamzam camp since mid-May. It says the camp population has expanded to over half a million in just a few weeks.

Fighting between rival generals leading the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces for the past 15 months has severely hindered humanitarian access, exacerbating the hunger crisis.

In addition to the areas facing famine, the U.N. warns that half the country's population  about 25.6 million people  are at crisis levels or worse of food insecurity.

Dujarric said the World Food Program is rapidly increasing its emergency response and trying to find new ways to reach millions of people across Sudan, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

"Our colleagues at WFP are telling us that we are in a race against time to stop famine in its tracks," Dujarric said. "But there is an urgent need for a massive increase in funding to ramp up assistance at the scale required to avert famine."

The United Nations has appealed for $2.7 billion this year for Sudan but has received about a third of that  $870 million.

"We and our partners warn that if the war doesn't stop, more and more people are being pushed into catastrophic levels of hunger," Dujarric said.

Nongovernmental organization Mercy Corps said the IPC famine report is "merely the tip of the iceberg."

"We can only imagine the extent of starvation and deprivation in other regions where we lack similar data, particularly in the 14 areas identified in the latest IPC report, including Greater Darfur, the Kordofan areas, and Khartoum State," Barrett Alexander, Mercy Corps' director of programs for Sudan, said in a statement.

He said a recent assessment by his team in Central and South Darfur found that 9 out of 10 children, particularly those under age 5, are suffering from life-threatening malnutrition.

On Monday, the U.N. Security Council expressed its concern about the humanitarian situation, urging the international community to increase assistance.

On July 18, the United States announced an additional $203 million in humanitarian assistance to support those affected by the conflict both inside Sudan and those who have fled to neighboring countries.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the IPC report confirms what was known already  that people have been and continue to die in Sudan from starvation.

"Families who fled horrific violence have been going hungry for months," she said in a statement. "Children have been eating dirt and leaves, and every day, babies have been starving to death."

She urged the warring parties to attend the cease-fire talks in Switzerland on August 14, which the United States is mediating, and Switzerland and Saudi Arabia are co-hosting.

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Militancy expands in Indian-controlled side of Jammu and Kashmir

By Muheet Ul Islam August 01, 2024

Residents of Kastigarh, a sub-district in central Jammu and Kashmir, say they are staying close to their homes following a recent attack by anti-India militants that injured two soldiers who were sheltering in a dilapidated school after a patrol.

A large group of Indian forces "had decided to rest in the school after a long search in the area. At around 2 a.m. we woke up to gunfire and realized that militants had attacked them," said a local resident who requested anonymity to discuss the pre-dawn July 18 incident.

"Since then we have been living in fear. People prefer not to venture alone, especially after dark, for safety," he told VOA.

The patrol at Kastigarh was part of a larger effort of the Indian army to search for anti-India militants believed to be hiding in the dense forests and remote areas of the larger Doda district, which includes Kastigarh.

In recent months, the Jammu region of the disputed Himalayan territory has witnessed 14 skirmishes between anti-India militants and security forces, resulting in the deaths of 10 soldiers, nine civilians and five militants.

"This is the first attack in our village in 20 years. I remember the previous incident that took place in 2004 during the elections," Kumar said. "Soldiers nowadays regularly patrol in our area and during that time we feel secure," he added, saying that the villagers did not observe any suspicious activity before or after the shootout.

In June 2023, VOA reported a resurgence of militancy by separatist insurgents in Jammu after a 14-year gap. This year, the armed conflict has expanded from two to four districts, including the Hindu-dominated Reasi district.

"The deployment of troops to address border tensions with China in Ladakh has resulted in a relatively lower presence of security forces in certain areas of Jammu," said Deependra Singh Hooda, a former commanding-in-chief of the Indian army's Northern Command.

"This reduced security presence has provided an opportunity for terrorists to establish a foothold and increase their activities in the region," he told VOA.

The first major attack of the year took place in Reasi district on June 9, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi took his oath for a third consecutive term. Militants reportedly chased a passenger vehicle carrying Hindu pilgrims and later opened fire on it. The driver lost control and the vehicle fell into a gorge, resulting in the deaths of nine pilgrims, including an infant.

India blames Pakistan for the rise in militancy in the part of the disputed territory under New Delhi's control. Islamabad rejects the charge.

Ayaz Gul and Sarah Zaman contributed to this report.

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Bombing kills at least 19 in Nigeria's Borno state

By VOA News August 01, 2024

Officials in Nigeria's Borno state say 19 people were killed and at least 20 injured when a bomb exploded in a popular tea house late Wednesday, the second major attack in recent weeks.

Security and government officials say the bombing occurred at about 8pm local time in Kawuri village, about 50 kilometers from the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, where the officials say the wounded were taken for treatment.

Officials said the bomb was planted and it was not a suicide attack. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Boko Haram jihadist group and their rivals, Islamic State West Africa Province, are both active in Borno.

According to local media reports, Nigerian authorities could implement movement restrictions, vehicle checks, or curfew measures on short notice in response to the assault.

The bombing comes weeks after a series of coordinated attacks by suspected female suicide bombers that killed 32 in Borno state's Gwoza area where security officials say they targeted a wedding, a hospital and a funeral.

Borno is at the center of a 15-year Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands of people and displaced millions more. Although the Nigerian military has degraded the capabilities of the militants, they still carry out deadly attacks against civilians and security targets.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

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Iran vows revenge for Haniyeh's death as 'Middle East teetering on brink of broader conflict'

Global Times

By Zhao Yusha Published: Aug 02, 2024 12:11 AM

The situation in the Middle East is again teetering on the brink of what experts described as an "escalating and volatile conflict," as Iran vowed "harsh punishment" for Israel, which it says was responsible for assassinating Hamas' political leader, Ismail Haniyeh.

A large number of people gathered at the University of Tehran on Thursday morning for Haniyeh's funeral ceremony, Iran's state-run Press TV said. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led the funeral prayers for Haniyeh, according to Press TV.

In a statement on his official website, Iranian supreme leader said revenge was "our duty" and that Israel had "prepared a harsh punishment for itself" by killing "a dear guest in our home," AP reported.

Speaker of Iran's Parliament Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said on Thursday at the funeral procession for Haniyeh at the University of Tehran that Iran considers it a duty to respond to the Israeli crime at the right time and place, according to Islamic Republic News Agency. He noted that Israel will pay a heavy price for the crime it committed in the Iranian territory.

Israel has not admitted responsibility for the attack in Tehran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel "will exact a very heavy price from any aggression against us on any front" but did not mention the killing of Haniyeh. "There are challenging days ahead," he added.

Haniyeh was targeted and killed in an Israeli strike early Wednesday while visiting Iran after attending the inauguration of Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a statement released by Hamas, Al Jazeera reported. The head of Hamas' military wing, Mohammed Deif, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza last month, the Israeli military said Thursday, Reuters reported.

Israel also claimed that a Thursday strike in Beirut, Lebanon, killed Hezbollah's most senior military commander, CNN said.

Hezbollah Leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah will give a speech on Thursday afternoon to voice Hezbollah's political stance with regard to this attack, according to the militant group's statement issued on Wednesday.

Escalating tension

Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, believes the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran partly aims to sabotage Iran's policies and arrangement in the region. However, Liu pointed out that it's too early to say Iran will march into a full-scale war with Israel. He noted that conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, however, will probably escalate.

The US State Department on Wednesday raised its travel advisory to Lebanon to level four, which says "Do Not Travel." The State Department advised Americans in Lebanon to depart if possible, according to Reuters. Several airline companies, including Air France and Turkish Airlines, halted Beirut flights due to escalating Israel-Hezbollah tensions.

"It seems like a direct retaliation against Israel, especially under the current context, is quickly approaching as Israel is already embroiled in conflicts with Hezbollah, Hamas, and other Iranian regional allies. The risk of escalating conflict in the future is very high," Wang Jin, an associate professor at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at Northwest University in Xi'an, told the Global Times.

Reconciliation process

UN Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency meeting on Wednesday after the assassination.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said on Wednesday at the meeting that China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the assassination of Haniyeh. This act was a blatant attempt to sabotage peace efforts and wantonly trampled on the fundamental UN Charter principle of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, he said.

Fu stated that China is deeply worried about an exacerbation of the upheaval in the region that this incident may trigger.

When asked if the assassination of Haniyeh will undermine Beijing's efforts to help unite Palestinian factions, Lin Jian, spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Thursday that China supports Palestine's internal reconciliation and believes this is an important step toward solving the Palestinian question and realizing peace and stability in the Middle East.

Lin said "China commends Palestinian factions for their effort on the Beijing Declaration, and looks forward to the day when Palestinian factions achieve reconciliation and, on that basis, realize independent statehood as early as possible. We will continue to work with relevant parties toward this goal."

"The more daunting the situation is in the Middle East, the more critical it is for the international community to try to cool down the situation and enable de-escalation. China remains committed to keeping the Middle East peaceful and stable, and opposes external interference. We stand ready to work with relevant parties to work hard for lasting peace and security in the region," Lin noted.

Last month, at China's invitation, representatives of 14 Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas, held reconciliation talks and signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity in Beijing.

China's efforts to promote reconciliation of Palestinian factions are motivated by their own aspirations. The longstanding rift between Fatah and Hamas has hindered progress toward realization of a just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, said Liu, noting that Haniyeh's assassination may complicate the reconciliation process, but it won't alter the broader trend toward internal unity in Palestine.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 01 August 2024 - Day 890

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that on 26 July 2024, former Russian Deputy Defence Minister Dmitry Bulgakov was arrested on corruption charges. Bulgakov served as a Deputy Defence Minister from 2008 until 2022. According to Russian media the charges relate to the procurement of food for military personnel that was unfit for human consumption, but nonetheless bought by the Russian Ministry of Defence at inflated prices, allegedly in exchange for bribes to the then Deputy Defence Minister Bulgakov.

As previously reported, corruption is endemic in the Russian defence industry and is broadly tolerated within certain limits and as long as the individuals involved enjoy the required level of political patronage.

The full-scale war in Ukraine has generated a crackdown on corrupt practices, both in a practical sense, to reduce budgetary wastage during a very costly military campaign; but also because political patrons such as former Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, have lost direct influence over procurement processes. While current Defence Minister Andrei Belousov is likely attempting to limit corrupt practices, it is highly unlikely that he will be able or willing to eliminate corruption in Russian defence spending.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that The Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential.

Since the beginning of the day, there have been 98 combat clashes, Russian forces launched 2 rockets (2 rockets), 59 aviation strikes (54 CABs in particular) and 623 kamikaze drones strikes, carried out 3,412 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian terrorists three times unsuccessfully stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the regions of Pacific and Vovchansk. There is another fight going on near the last one.

Six times Russian forces attacked Ukrainian fortifications in the Kupyans komu direction. At this time, all these clashes in the districts of Andriyivka, Stelmakhivka and Pishchany are over.

In the Lyman direction, Russian troops four times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of settlements Torske and Makiyivka.

In the Siver direction, Ukrainian troops stopped nine Russian attempts to improve the tactical position near Verkhnyokamiansky, Spirny, Ivanodarivka and Viymka. The Russian invaders suffered losses. Another fight, in the vicinity of Viimki, is ongoing.

In the Kramators komu direction, five attempts of the zagarbnikiv to advance near the time jar, Ivanivsky and Andriyivka ended in failure.

In the Toretsky direction, the Russian occupiers for today 16 times stormed in the areas of the Iron, Northern, Toretsk and New York. Russian forces bomberduvalna aviation was active. Fighting continues in four locations - the enemy is pressing, trying to advance in the New York and Northern areas.

Intensely attacks the Russian opponent of Ukrainian defenders in the Pokrovsky direction. Throughout the day, in total, carried out 43 assault and offensive actions. The largest activity of Russian occupiers is kept in the areas of Novooleksandrivka, Progres and Zelannoy. Six boezitknen  in the direction are still ongoing. According to preliminary calculations, today Ukrainian warriors eliminated 92 and wounded 135 Russian invaders. Two cars and a D-30 cannon were destroyed. Also zneskodzeno four enemy cars, SAU 2 C1 "Gvozdika" and rszv bm-21 "hail" zagarbnikiv.

In the Kurakhiv direction at this time of the day there are four combat encounters. Russian forces unsuccessfully tried to advance in the settlements of Krasnogorivka, Paraskovievka and Konstantinivka.

In the Vremivs komu direction, the defeat of the Russian forces ended the battle near Vodanogo.

Russian forces became active in the Orihiv direction, where two attacks per day near the settlements of Robotine and Mala Tokmachka. Never been successful.

In the pridniprovsk direction, the Russian assault on the left bank of the dnieper suffered failure.

In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment.

Today we will celebrate Ukrainian warriors of the 66th separate mechanized brigade of the prince of mstislav brave, who are firmly holding the swarm of the dominating Russian forces on the eastern front.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the units of the Sever Group of Forces have engaged manpower and hardware of 42nd mechanised, 92nd assault brigades of the AFU, 112nd and 127th territorial defence brigades close to Porozok (Sumy region), Liptsy, Staritsa, and Volchansk (Kharkov region). Two counter-attacks by assault detachments of the AFU 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade and the 36th Marine Brigade have been repelled.

The AFU losses were up to 280 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

The units of the Zapad Group of Forces have improved the situation along the front line and defeated 14th, 63rd, 115th, 116th mechanised, 3rd assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the 107th Territorial Defence Brigade and servicemen of the 12th Azov Brigade near Kupyansk, Sinkovka (Kharkov region), Nadiya, Makeyevka (Lugansk People's Republic), Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic), and Serebryansky forestry.

Two counter-attacks by assault detachments of the 117th Territorial Defence Brigade have been repelled.

The AFU losses were up to 535 Ukrainian troops, one tank, one U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicle, and six motor vehicles.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, one Grad MLRS combat vehicle, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one UK-made 105-mm L-119 gun have been eliminated.

In addition, Khortitsa-M and Bukovel-AD electronic warfare stations and two field ammunition depots have been destroyed.

The units of the Yug Group of Forces have taken more advantageous lines and positions, inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of 23rd, 24th, 28th, 33rd mechanised, 144th infantry, 79th air assault brigades of the AFU, and the 116th Territorial Defence Brigade near Novy, Chasov Yar, Annovka, Elizavetovka, Katerinovka, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). One counter-attack launched the AFU 5th Assault Brigade has been repelled.

The enemy losses were up to 570 Ukrainian troops and two motor vehicles.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, Russian troops have hit one U.S.-made M270 MLRS multiple-launcher, one U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, three 152-mm D-20 howitzers, three 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and one 105-mm U.S.-made L-119 howitzer.

Two Nota electronic warfare stations and five field ammunition depots have been destroyed

The units of the Tsentr Group of Forces have improved the tactical situation and defeated 31st, 32nd mechanised, 1st tank brigades of the AFU, 109th and 111st territorial defence brigades close to Toretsk, Novogorodskoye, Rozovka, Kalinovo, and Vozdvizhenka (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, 10 counter-attacks by assault detachments of 47th, 53rd, 100th, 110th, 151st mechanised, 68th jaeger, 25th air assault brigades, the 95th Air Assault Brigade of the AFU and the Lut Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine have been repelled.

The AFU losses were up to 365 Ukrainian troops, two pickup trucks, and one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer.

The units of the Vostok Group of Forces have improved the situation along the front line and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of AFU 72nd mechanised, 58th motorised infantry brigades, 116th territorial defence and 21st national guard brigades close to Vodyanoye, Zolotaya Niva, and Storozhevoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses were up to 125 Ukrainian troops, seven motor vehicles, one 152-mm D-20 gun, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one UK-made 105-mm L-119 gun, and one Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station.

The units of the Dnepr Group of Forces have engaged formations of AFU 117th mechanised, 128th mountain assault brigades, 121st and 124th territorial defence brigades near Orekhov, Pyatikhatki (Zaporozhye region), Oskorovka, Tokarevka, and Antonovka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses were up to 90 Ukrainian troops, five motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 howitzer, and one field ammunition depot.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged three U.S.-made Patriot SAM system launchers, one UAV command post, railroad echelons with manpower and ammunition as well as clusters of enemy manpower and military hardware in 147 areas.

Air defence facilities have shot down one U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missile, 14 U.S.-made HIMARS projectiles, and 61 U.S.-made HIMARS unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, 631 airplanes and 278 helicopters, 28,795 unmanned aerial vehicles, 559 air defence missile systems, 16,734 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,395 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 12,666 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 24,250 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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Celebrating 20 years of cooperation

By Flying Officer Shanea Zeegers

31 July 2024

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is celebrating two decades of participation in Exercise Pitch Black, one of the world's premier multinational air combat training exercises.

This year, the RTAF brought five JAS 39 Gripen aircraft to demonstrate its evolving capabilities and reaffirm its commitment to regional security and cooperation.

Exercise Pitch Black 24 is the Royal Australian Air Force's biennial capstone international engagement exercise, with forces drawn from a wide range of regional, coalition and allied nations.

Group Captain Arnon Charusombat, the RTAF detachment commander, expressed the significance of this milestone.

"The Royal Thai Air Force has been participating in Exercise Pitch Black since 2004, which was 20 years ago, and we are excited to be here," Group Captain Charusombat said.

"Exercise Pitch Black is one of the most important exercises we participate in. The available air space is very large and offers a great learning opportunity."

His enthusiasm underscores the enduring partnership between Thailand and Australia, reflecting on how the exercise has become a cornerstone for mutual learning and collaboration.

Over the past two decades, the RTAF Pitch Black footprint has evolved significantly.

"The capability we have brought throughout the years has changed; 20 years ago we brought the LM F-16 aircraft, and now we have started to bring a new ability with the JAS 39 Gripen aircraft," Group Captain Charusombat said.

This transition highlights the RTAF's commitment to maintaining modern, effective air combat capabilities.

The longstanding relationship between Thailand and Australia, established in 1952, has fostered numerous collaborative efforts, including joint exercises such as Thai Boomerang, held in Thailand.

"It's a great experience working beside Australia and other nations. We share and learn together," Group Captain Charusombat said.

"By working with our partnered nations, we are able to celebrate and enhance our readiness as one team of friends.

"It's really important that we continue to work together and collaborate in support of peace and freedom."

As Exercise Pitch Black 2024 unfolds, the continued collaboration between the RTAF and its international partners reaffirms its shared commitment to regional stability and operational excellence.

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Diggers show their mettle in Malaysian jungle

By Lieutenant Chloe Reay

1 August 2024

As the waves crashed along the coastline of Sabah in East Malaysia, three nations gathered to mark the conclusion of Exercise Keris Strike 2024.

In a first for Australia, personnel from Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB) 144 joined counterparts from the United States and Malaysia for three weeks of trilateral training, including air movement operations and a field training exercise.

For Private Samuel Bond of the 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, it was his second overseas deployment in three years, a testament to the battle rhythm of the battalion and 1st Brigade.

Personnel from the three nations conducted urban operations training, close combat shooting, medical training, and section- to platoon-level attacks.

"I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the diversity in tactics and drills among the three nations. It was a great opportunity to display our own skills while assimilating American and Malaysian drills into the scenarios we conducted," Private Bond said.

Air mobile insertions into the field training exercise used US Army Black Hawks and Chinooks.

Training in a harsh and unforgiving jungle environment was what his fellow Darwin-based soldiers on RCB 144 yearned for, according to Private Bond.

"Operating in the Malaysian jungle felt familiar, yet different," he said.

"The heat, sweat and humidity reminded me of Mount Bundey Training Area, but the shade, wildlife and mud made it clear that you were in the jungle.

"The best advice I could give to someone going into the jungle for the first time would be to get a floor sewn into your mosquito net, pack light, and get used to being wet. The sooner you've accepted that you'll get wet, the easier the jungle will be."

Despite being the smallest force on the ground, the American and Malaysian leadership commended the Australian contingent for its resilience and lethality in the field environment.

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China mulls digital ID cards, sparking fears of tighter monitoring

Free speech activists call instead for an end to real-name registration for online platforms.

By Yitong Wu and Kit Sung for RFA Cantonese, Lucie Lo for RFA Mandarin 2024.08.01 -- China has revealed plans to bring in digital ID cards, a move the authorities say will protect user data, but free speech activists said the Chinese Communist Party's monitoring of online activity would only intensify under the new measure.

The Cyberspace Administration published draft rules for a digital authentication system on its website, proposing to give each internet user in China a unique code that encapsulates a person's key personal details, along with a way to use digital versions of physical ID to authenticate transactions online.

Analysts and political commentators said the rules, if implemented, would give the government "another tool" to track people's online activity, while free speech activists called for a reversal of the real-name registration system for internet users.

Since Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping took power in 2012, he has turned China into a high-tech surveillance state in which online anonymity is all but impossible, and the tools used to circumvent the Great Firewall of censorship have been outlawed, analysts told Radio Free Asia in recent interviews.

Three decades after internet access first became available in China, the country has more than a billion people online, with a thriving e-commerce sector and several massively popular homegrown social media platforms.

But despite early hopes that widespread public internet access would make censorship and political control by the ruling Chinese Communist Party harder and harder to enforce, the authorities have spent the past 30 years developing ever more effective ways to monitor and censor everything Chinese citizens do online.

According to the Cyberspace Administration, the advantage to the user would be that they wouldn't have to provide their personal data to every service provider seeking authentication -- instead, the digital ID would be enough to log them on to services, the rules said.

In cases where service providers need to see real ID, digital certificates based on physical ID documents would be provided, according to the July 26 consultation document.

The scheme will initially be voluntary, although some organizations will "encourage" users to sign up for it, the document said.

Anyone holding a Chinese ID card or passport, or a Hong Kong, Taiwan or Macau travel permit, or other nationals holding permanent residence permits would be eligible for the digital ID scheme, it said.

But activists said the move would give the authorities yet another way to hold data on individuals and monitor their online activity.

Free speech activist Xishen Tannu, who is an administrator of the free-speech campaign account Xuexi Qiangguo, said official claims that digital ID cards would protect user data were spurious, because police and government officials would have access to any information provided to service providers.

She said the scheme was an extension of the existing "real name" registration system for online platforms, that has all but removed people's ability to comment or take online action anonymously. Even if they pick a username to use online, their real name is still available to the authorities because it was mandated during the sign-up process.

French independent commentator Wang Longmeng said the move towards digital ID is another step in a slew of measures suppressing online freedom of expression since Xi Jinping took power in 2012.

"It's likely that this digital ID will become an additional ID card for Chinese people, and that the government will gain further powers to control and punish Chinese citizens," Wang told RFA Cantonese in a recent interview.

"The key to controlling the internet is controlling the people who use it," he said.

Wang also pointed to the 2017 launch of the real-name registration system as a turning point for the Chinese internet, saying that the digital ID was an extension of the same idea.

"It's like a two-in-one set of electronic handcuffs," he said.

Xishen Tannu agreed, saying the system will only hide user data from service providers, not from the government.

"The digital ID and online certificates are just real-name mobile phone numbers or ID cards in disguise," she said. "All they do is stop the platform getting the user's name, but not people within the government."

"Unlike the U.S. police, who need warrants or subpoenas to access user information during investigations, the Chinese police can get directly from any platform that is behind the Great Firewall [of Chinese censorship]," she said.

She called on the government to cancel the real-name registration system instead.

"Digital IDs treat the symptoms but not the root cause," she said. "The Chinese Communist Party is afraid that people will tell the truth on social media, so they ... put electronic shackles on them."

"But no amount of cosmetic work can get around the issues caused by the real-name system."

Richard Taylor, professor emeritus of telecommunications and law at Pennsylvania State University, told RFA Mandarin that national identification numbers are common and have multiple uses, but that the key lies in the level of access to the personal data they point to.

"A 'network number' ... is an extension and consolidation of real identification requirements while protecting personal information," Taylor said in a written reply to Radio Free Asia. "The issue becomes the uses to which it will be put, with what goals."

"Everything digital in China ... must be consistent with the security laws cited as its foundation," Taylor said. "I expect it will be used for maintaining social harmony consistent with national laws and Chinese Communist Party policies."

"I don't see it giving authorities more power, just a new tool."

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August 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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Xinjiang authorities target Uyghurs cadres in 'dark forces' crackdown

The measure is meant to purge government workers deemed disloyal to China.

By Shohret Hoshur for RFA Uyghur 2024.08.01 -- Authorities in a central Xinjiang city have detained more than 70 Uyghurs officials after purging them for being "two-faced" a part of a larger operation to investigate and jail those deemed disloyal to China and the Chinese Communist Party, police said.

Authorities in Korla, the second-largest city by population in Xinjiang, told Radio Free Asia they had so far investigated over 200 Uyghurs deemed problematic, as part of a nationwide "dark forces" crackdown on the mostly Muslim group that began on July 15, police said.

The term "two-faced" is used by authorities to describe Uyghur officials who do not willingly follow directives, exhibit signs of disloyalty or show sympathetic tendencies toward other Uyghurs in northwestern China's Xinjiang region where the ethnic group faces repression.

"Since the beginning of the crackdown on 'dark forces,' more than 200 suspects have been investigated, [and] 76 of them were determined to be two-faced," said a police officer on duty at the People's Government building in Korla.

The crackdown is the latest of a series of ongoing measures to suppress what China deems "ethnic separatist forces," "terrorist forces" and "religious extremism" in Xinjiang, home to more than 11 million Uyghurs.

It is also in keeping with policies to fully meld Uyghurs into the Chinese nation and deepen ideological control over the region.

Reexamination method

The crackdown was initiated by Xinjiang's "Combating Dark and Evil Forces" working group, which held a meeting on July 14, according to a Xinjiang TV report. The group said authorities would "identify and punish those who do not fulfill their duties in key areas using the reexamination method."

Xinjiang authorities first used the "reexamination method" in 2016 to purge Uyghur writers, artists and researchers by finding "problems" in their previous works that raised questions about their loyalty to China, and subsequently punished them.

Authorities in Korla have operated under a state of emergency since the end of 2023 and have maintained that status since the beginning of the crackdown on "dark forces," said the officer on duty at the People's Government building.

"In meetings we were told that the main targets were two-faced-people," he said. "There have been a lot of two-faced people detained since we started the attack on 'dark forces.'"

While the "attack on dark and evil forces" in Chinese provinces mainly targets gangs and criminals, authorities in Xinjiang go after Uyghurs in political and government positions, especially top Uyghur cadres, state employees and Chinese Communist Party members, according to Chinese media reports.

During the "dark forces" crackdown in Hotan, a major oasis town in southwestern Xinjiang called Hetian in Chinese, authorities investigated and punished leading cadres deemed "two-faced" for purportedly protecting "national separatists" and "religious extremists."

Authorities in Xinjiang have targeted ordinary Uyghurs during previous "reexamination" operations, jailing them for "religious extremism" for practicing their Muslim faith or studying or teaching the Quran, the central religious text of Islam, to others, even if the activities occurred a decade or two earlier.

Translated by RFA Uyghur. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Matt Reed.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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China, major democracies step up competition in Pacific

By William Yang August 01, 2024

China and democratic countries, including Australia and Japan, have increased their efforts to deepen engagement with Pacific Island countries in recent weeks, intensifying what some regional politicians and analysts describe as great power competition, especially in the security sector.

"Geopolitical competition continues to intensify in the Pacific region as traditional partners [roll out] new activities while new partners continue to show new interests," said Mihai Sora, director of the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute in Australia.

Earlier this month, Jeremiah Manele and Charlot Salwai, the prime ministers of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, made high-profile trips to China, during which they vowed to "deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership" with China.

After wrapping up his first trip to China as Solomon Islands' prime minister, Manele announced on July 16 that China is providing more than $20 million worth of "budgetary support" to the Pacific Island country. The Chinese government has yet to confirm the news publicly.

China also reiterated its commitment to help support and train the Solomon Islands' police force, which began after Honiara signed two controversial security deals with Beijing over the last two years.

Meanwhile, leaders from 18 Pacific Island countries agreed to enhance Japan's role in the region's development following a three-day summit in Tokyo in mid-July. Tokyo and Pacific Island nations also announced a joint action plan for increasing port calls by Japan's Self-Defense Force as well as deepening cooperation between coast guard agencies.

Sora said Japan's desire to deepen cooperation with Pacific countries in the security sector is a departure from its traditional role as an aid donor.

"We are seeing increased anxiety from Japan with respect to China's role and impact on international security, and they are particularly concerned with China's push into the security space in the Pacific," he told VOA in a video interview.

In a joint declaration issued at the end of the Pacific Islands leaders meeting, Japan and Pacific Island nations expressed "strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by the threat or use of force or coercion anywhere in the world." They didn't identify China in the document.

Sora said Japan's efforts are aimed at upholding the rules-based order in the Pacific region and it hopes to increase engagement with regional countries in maritime security.

Australia, which has traditionally been a security provider to regional countries, is looking into helping the Solomon Islands double the size of its police force as Canberra grows increasingly wary of Honiara's police deal with Beijing.

Australia is also providing support to Pacific Island countries' development needs, including a plan announced this week to open a new undersea cable connectivity and resilience center. The establishment of the center aims to help regional countries grow their digital economies by expanding data network connectivity.

However, some politicians from Pacific Island countries view major democracies' efforts to deepen ties with regional countries as potentially problematic.

"Instead of sending officials focusing on development to engage with Pacific Island nations, major democracies are sending more security folks to facilitate the dialogues," said Peter Kenilorea Jr., a leading independent member of parliament from the Solomon Islands.

He says that while China's attempt to increase security ties with Pacific Island countries remains his top concern, democratic countries' efforts to counter China's growing security presence in the Pacific region are overshadowing regional countries' urgent development needs.

"While attention from major democracies is there, it is not the right attention for regional countries," Kenilorea told VOA on the sidelines of the IPAC Summit in Taipei, adding that Pacific Island countries should try to direct the focus back to their development needs during dialogues with big democratic countries.

Some experts say politicians from other Pacific Island countries have expressed similar concerns about the increasing focus on security and competition with China in the Pacific region.

"There is a very healthy degree of skepticism" among Pacific leaders about what is driving major democracies' engagement with them, said Tess Newton Cain, an adjunct associate professor at Griffith Asia Institute in Australia.

"They are very clear that the reason everybody wants to be their friend and everybody wants to talk to them is because they see this as a way of containing China," she told VOA by phone.

Despite Pacific Island nations' desire to steer engagement with major powers back to development, Sora said concern about China's growing presence in the Pacific region remains the main driver of democratic countries' efforts in the region.

"Concerns about China's activities in the Pacific region allow lawmakers to mobilize more resources than if they were just looking at the region through the traditional development lens," he said.

But he adds that the securitization of the Pacific region is an "inescapable" trend.

"What differentiates various actors' approaches is their commitment to transparency and coordination of their activities with Pacific Islands' priorities," Sora said.

As great power competition in the Pacific region will likely intensify in the near future, Kenilorea Jr. said the key for Pacific Island countries to safeguard their interests is to "maneuver together."

"I think regionalism is where we can counter some of these big power challenges that we are going through," he told VOA.

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US reportedly to escalate AI chip restrictions on China, 'may incur countermeasures'

Global Times

Hegemonic move only 'impels Chinese firms to strive for tech self-reliance'

By Ma Jingjing and Chi Jingyi Published: Aug 02, 2024 12:15 AM

The Biden administration is reportedly working on a set of unilateral restrictions on China's access to artificial intelligence (AI) memory chips and equipment capable of making those products, in the latest hegemonic move to contain China's AI industry in order to maintain its global monopoly.

Chinese observers said the US cannot impede China's technological progress and will only impel Chinese enterprises to strive for technological self-reliance. They said China may take countermeasures, including lodging complaints with the WTO, when it is necessary to fight back as the US continues to expand its "small yard" policies.

Observers said the US' intensifying crackdown on and "decoupling" from China will lead to further deterioration in China-US bilateral relations, bringing monumental losses to US firms that are betting on Chinese opportunities.

US' stepped-up restrictions

Bloomberg reported on Thursday that the Biden administration is expected to announce a set of new restrictions as soon as late August to curb China's access to AI memory chips and related equipment.

The measure is designed to keep Micron Technology Inc and South Korea's leading memory chipmakers SK Hynix Inc and Samsung Electronics Co from supplying Chinese firms with so-called high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, chips, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. HBM chips are required to run AI accelerators like those offered by Nvidia Corp, it said.

"By putting patches on its chip export restrictions on China, the US' ultimate purpose is to curb China's technological development so as to maintain its global monopoly in cutting-edge technologies," He Weiwen, a senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, told the Global Times on Thursday.

He said the US' political maneuvers are not sustainable, as they go against economic rules and the interests of US enterprises and residents.

"China may take countermeasures when it is necessary," He said, noting that China could also lodge complaints with the WTO if the US' restriction measures against China reach a certain scale.

At a routine press conference on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian blasted the US for continuing to politicize trade and tech issues, tie them to national security and use them as a weapon to tighten control over chip exports to China and coerce other countries to go after China's semiconductor industry, which severely undermines international trade rules, destabilizes global industrial and supply chains, and serves no one's interests.

The Biden administration is taking an increasingly hardline stance on China issues in the election year. In June, the US Treasury Department issued draft rules for banning or requiring notification of certain investments in AI and other technology sectors in China that could "threaten US national security."

LA Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, warned that the US' intensifying crackdown on China's technological rise may further harm China-US relations and send bilateral relations to a new low.

In addition, the US' attempts to crack down on China will backfire on itself and its allies, LA told the Global Times on Thursday.

"For example, South Korea and Japan previously exported a large number of semiconductor products to China every year, but the US' export restrictions led to South Korea posting a trade deficit with China. The US' selfish moves will harm its allies' production capacity, and will prompt those countries to resist the US' coercion one day," LA said.

China market indispensable

"For US, tightening chip export controls on China is a double-edged sword," Fu Liang, a Beijing-based tech analyst, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Faced with external pressure, Chinese chip producers are accelerating research and development to boost domestic replacements, which means medium- and low-performance US chip products will become increasingly insignificant for the China market, Fu said.

Despite the Biden administration's continuous crackdown on China's high-tech field, US firms such as Nvidia are striving to tap the great potential of the huge market of the world's second-largest economy.

Nvidia is reportedly working on a special version of its AI chip for the China market. Nvidia will work with Inspur, one of its major distribution partners in China, on the launch and distribution of the chip, which is tentatively named "B20," and the shipments are planned to start in the second quarter of 2025, Reuters reported in July.

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Claiming there is a China-Russia contest over relations with North Korea is unsubstantiated, ill-motivated: FM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 01, 2024 09:27 PM

Despite the transformation in the international and regional landscape, the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have never changed the importance they attach and their commitment to the traditional friendship and cooperative relationship between China and North Korea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.

Lin made the remarks when commenting on a report that mentioned the Chinese ambassador was not spotted at the commemoration for the 71st anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War. Some say this is yet another sign that the relationship between China and North Korea is experiencing issues and that China and Russia are in a contest over relations with North Korea.

This year marks the 71st anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War. Seventy-one years ago, the Chinese People's Volunteers fought alongside the Korean people and troops and together achieved a resounding victory in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea and the Fatherland Liberation War. In that process, China and North Korea forged with blood an unbreakable friendship, Lin said.

Lin pointed out that certain countries and media outlets have been speculating and asserting that there have been issues with China-North Korea relations or there is a China-Russia contest over relations with North Korea. These are unsubstantiated, ill-motivated claims.

Lin stressed that both North Korea and Russia are China's friendly neighbors. China is happy to see North Korea and Russia grow their ties and play a constructive role for the peace and stability of this region.

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State media shows North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un leading flood rescue

Dispatched workers in China are being forced to donate to relief efforts back home.

By Moon Sung Hui, Jamin Anderson, Kim Jieun and Son Hyemin for RFA Korean 2024.08.01 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been spotted in state media leading flood relief efforts after heavy rains caused the Yalu River to swell, inundating sections of nearby towns, residents in North Korea and China told Radio Free Asia.

More than 5,000 people who were stranded by the floodwaters were saved by on-site instructions relayed by Kim, the state-run Korea Central News Agency reported, complete with photos showing him leading the rescue effort.

The South Korean government said that there was a high possibility of casualties given that North Korea was reporting about the rescue effort in such detail.

Some of the residents were trapped when they did not heed warnings to evacuate and stayed in their homes, residents said. Meanwhile, North Koreans who have been dispatched to work in China are being forced to donate to a flood relief fund from their pay.

A resident who requested for security reasons only to be identified as living near the Yalu, told RFA Korean that residents in and around Hyesan, in the northern province of Ryanggang, were facing "life threatening" moments since the river's waters began to overflow.

"The water level of the Yalu River fluctuated by up to two meters (more than 6 feet) within an hour," he said, adding that a vehicle equipped with a loudspeaker went from village to village along the river, instructing people to urgently move to higher ground.

"Despite this, the residents just stood on the levee of the Yalu River, unsure of what to do, and did not evacuate," the resident said.

Most did not want to evacuate because they did not want to leave their belongings behind for opportunistic thieves, he said.

"The area around the Yalu River has high property prices, and people with a higher standard of living in Hyesan City reside there," he said. "Because they could not suddenly move their expensive belongings, such as refrigerators, televisions, and sewing machines, they were unable to evacuate despite knowing the danger."

He said that most North Koreans cannot afford things like televisions and sewing machines even after working hard for decades.

"If the house was left empty, thieves would rush in and steal all the property in an instant, so the people felt they could not evacuate even when the water rose."

The Yalu floods have also affected Dandong, China, which lies across the river from North Korea's Sinuiju, a resident in Dandong told RFA, on condition of anonymity for personal safety.

"The Yalu River overflowed, causing water to rise up to sidewalks in Dandong," she said. "On the other side of the river in Sinuiju, North Korean soldiers were stacking sandbags all day."

An island in the river located 2 kms (1.24 miles) upstream from Sinuiju was submerged according to reports.

Relief payments

When the flooding began, the North Korean government began asking workers it dispatched to China to donate to relief efforts. But just one day later, the government stopped asking and ordered them to donate, residents in China said.

According to a report by the UN Expert Group on North Korea Sanctions published early this year, there are about 100,000 North Korean workers in over 40 countries, but mostly in China and Russia. Their presence is a violation of UN sanctions that required all dispatched workers to return to North Korea by the end of 2019 with no new worker visas issued.

North Korea has been known to get around sanctions by sending the workers on student or tourist visas.

"An order to raise funds for flood recovery was issued today at the Dandong Branch of the Consulate General in Shenyang," a resident of Dandong told RFA on condition of anonymity for personal safety.

He said that news reports showing Kim Jong Un leading rescue efforts kept coming in to companies in Dandong, so they convened an emergency meeting for each work unit and ordered them to contribute to the relief effort personally.

"However, most of the workers dispatched to China were passive about providing financial support, even though they were saddened by the reality of their country suffering from heavy flood damage," he said. "Through the meeting, some workers decided to donate 10 yuan (US$1.30) from their monthly salary, while others decided to donate up to 30 yuan ($4.15)."

The purpose of their being overseas is to raise foreign currency for the cash-strapped government, so they are already forced to donate the lion's share, and are paid only a fraction. To have to donate even more increases their hardship, the Dandong resident said.

"The reason North Korean workers are reluctant to participate in support projects is because it is difficult to live on only 300 yuan ($41.50) each month," he said. "They're out here saying that flood recovery should be something that the government should take care of."

A Chinese citizen of Korean descent in Dandong said that the North Korean consulate in Shenyang later required that each worker donate 200 yuan ($27).

"Workers were initially expected to contribute 10 yuan ($1.38) each, with officials donating 50 yuan ($6.92)," he said. "When this failed to raise the necessary amount, they upped it to 200 yuan."

He said the workers are angered that they are being made to donate so much.

"It is unfortunate that three days of heavy rain led to flood damage, but the people are complaining, wondering if they will lose all of their already tiny salary."

Translated by Leejin J. Chung and Claire S. Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August 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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North Korea shuns international aid workers amid severe flooding

By Christy Lee August 01, 2024

North Korea continues to keep its doors shut to international aid workers as the country struggles with massive flooding that destroyed thousands of homes and covered vast farmlands.

The International Federation of Red Cross told VOA on Thursday that it was assessing North Korea's humanitarian situation and needs from the floods as it remained hopeful about reentering the country.

"We are deeply concerned about the impact of the floods and are working closely with the DPRK Red Cross Society to assess the situation," the IFRC said in a statement to VOA Korean.

"With the recent opening of DPRK borders and increased international cooperation, we are hopeful about the reestablishment of IFRC's international presence in DPRK," the statement continued.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is North Korea's official name.

The U.N. resident coordinator in North Korea, Joe Colombano, told VOA on Thursday that "we stand ready to return to the country to support" North Korea as it recovers from flood damage, "as well as with longer-term resilience work, should the government so request." He also extended condolences to those impacted by the floods in a written statement from the U.N. Development Coordination Office in New York.

North Korea reopened its borders in August 2023 and lifted draconian pandemic measures put in place since 2020 that blocked all cross-border activities, including humanitarian aid.

No international aid workers are in the country despite the open border, although there was a four-day visit to Pyongyang by the head of the Food and Agricultural Organization in July.

The U.S. State Department told VOA Korean on Thursday that it hoped North Korea "will soon allow international humanitarian workers back into the country" as it stood ready to support international aid efforts.

"We continue to support international efforts to provide critical humanitarian aid to the DPRK," a State Department spokesperson said.

The U.S. provided $1 million in humanitarian aid to North Korea in 2017 after the country was hit by Typhoon Lionrock the previous year, resulting in flooding. But the U.S. does not currently provide any aid to North Korea.

After being pummeled by heavy rains since last week, North Korea has mobilized officials and residents of several provinces to send relief items such as tents, blankets, garments and medical supplies to the flood-hit areas of North Pyongan and Jagang provinces, according to state-run KCNA on Thursday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held an emergency meeting after inspecting flood-hit areas in North Pyongan province, where the rains flooded more than 4,100 houses and nearly 3,000 hectares of farmland in Sinuiju city and Uiju county that borders China, KCNA said Wednesday.

More than 4,300 people were rescued by North Korean army helicopters from the flood-hit regions, according to KCNA on Monday. But North Korea did not provide an estimated number of deaths or injured from the devastating flood.

North Korea is prone to flooding from summer downpours because the country lacks proper infrastructure to support drainage.

VOA contacted North Korea's mission at the U.N. and asked whether the country was willing to accept international aid toward flood recovery but did not receive an answer by the time this report was published.

The South Korean Unification Ministry that handles inter-Korean affairs said Thursday that North Korea seemed to have incurred considerable casualties. Some South Korean media reported the number of flood victims, including deaths and those displaced, to be more than 1,500.

Jerome Sauvage, who served as the U.N. resident coordinator in North Korea from 2009 to 2013, said the impact of the flood, including an estimated number of deaths, is difficult to assess "from a distance" and should be done from inside the country.

"Without data obtained on the ground and independently," it is also difficult to assess how much aid is needed, Sauvage said. He suggested North Korea "urgently" let in a staff for an assessment on the impact of the floods, including damage done to crops, houses and facilities.

South Korea's Red Cross said in a statement released through the Unification Ministry on Thursday that it was willing to provide relief aid to North Korean flood victims.

The Korean Red Cross said it was "ready to discuss details including relief items, amount of aid supplies and delivery methods" with the DPRK Red Cross Society as it looked forward to a "prompt response" from North Korea.

It was uncertain whether Pyongyang would accept help from Seoul amid tense relations between the two.

Keith Luse, executive director at the National Committee on North Korea in Washington, who facilitates engagement between the U.S. and North Korea, said, "If DPRK officials decide to accept assistance from other countries, China and Russia will likely be the initial points of contact."

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, told VOA that "China is paying close attention to the flooding and expresses heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and those who are affected."

"We believe that the people of the DPRK are capable of overcoming the impact of the disaster and rebuilding their homes soon," he said.

Liu added, "In the meanwhile, areas on the Chinese side near the border have also been hit by severe flooding. We hope the two sides will share flooding information in a timely way to better prevent the flooding and ensure the safety of people's life and property."

VOA contacted the Russian embassies in Washington and Seoul to ask whether Moscow had a plan to send disaster relief aid to North Korea but did not receive a reply.

Eunjung Cho contributed to this report.

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Transcript of Special Briefing on the State Visit of Prime Minister of Vietnam to India (August 01, 2024)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

August 01, 2024

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you to this Special Briefing by Secretary (East), Shri Jaideep Mazumdar on the State visit of the Prime Minister of Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Pham Minh Chinh. We are also joined on the dais by Joint Secretary (South), who looks after Vietnam in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Ashish Sinha. With that, I give the floor to Secretary Sir. Sir, over to you.

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): Thank you Randhir, and a very good evening to you all. As Randhir has just prefaced, the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has been here since the 30th evening on a State visit. When he arrived on the 30th, he was received at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherita. Yesterday he had a series of engagements, including a business event. He had brought with him a very large business delegation. This was followed by events in the Chancery, they have a new Embassy building, which was inaugurated. And they had a community event. The main official engagements were all today.

The visit of the Prime Minister is after quite some time. He has been Prime Minister since 2021 when he was appointed. He has met our Prime Minister three times last year, actually, but this is his first visit to India and was a very important visit, which comes eight years after our Prime Minister, Prime Minister Modi, paid a very historic visit to Vietnam, when our bilateral relationship was elevated to the highest level of relationship that they have, which is the comprehensive strategic partnership. And over these eight years, both sides have been working on the agenda of our bilateral partnership; and therefore, this was an occasion to take stock of where we are and to plan the road for the future.

So earlier today, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan Forecourt by the Prime Minister. You have seen the visuals. It was a very grand, solemn, grand, and yet a ceremony that was full of warmth. You saw the warmth between the two Prime Ministers in that event. This was followed, in the official engagements, by restricted level talks with our Prime Minister, followed by delegation level talks, and a lunch; and the Prime Minister called on Rashtrapati ji and also Upa-Rashtrapati ji. Honorable External Affairs Minister had met him yesterday evening. So it was a full day of engagements for the Prime Minister; and he also addressed, a little while ago, the ICWA had organized in Sapru House, a strategic talk by him on strategic policy matters.

As you know, Vietnam is one of our closest partners in the ASEAN region and a pillar of our Act East policy. It is a country with which we have a long and historic and civilizational relationship, which has blossomed into many different fields, in the defence and security field, in the economic, trade and investment field, in people-to-people contacts. So all these are very bright areas of our cooperation.

Vietnam today is a rapidly growing economy, as you know; and similar to our 'Viksit Bharat 2047', they also have a 'Vietnam 2045' vision to become a developed country, a high-income developed country by 2045. And this was a common refrain today in the discussions. The Vietnamese Prime Minister referred to it several times that we have similar ambitions. Our bilateral trade is about $15 billion, although both sides do feel that this could be significantly increased, and the very large business delegation that accompanied the Prime Minister speaks to the interest that Vietnamese business has in India.

A joint statement on enhancing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a Plan of Action for the implementation for the next four years, 2024-28, were the two key outcomes of the visit. In addition, we signed a number of agreements, nine in all, to further broaden and deepen our cooperation. These are in very diverse areas. You will see a list of that on the website. They cover everything from cooperation in medicinal plants to customs cooperation to radio and television programming, legal field, heritage conservation, etc. Both sides discussed common security challenges and agreed to further enhance our defence ties, which is a very important pillar of our partnership, as I have said. Two Lines of Credit agreements were signed between Vietnam's Ministry of Finance and the Export-Import Bank of India, amounting to US$300 million. This was part of the package that the Prime Minister, during his visit to Vietnam, had announced some time ago, and the actual identification of the projects that these two lines of credit will be used for has now been completed. One of them is for Coast Guard ships and the other is for fast border patrol boats.

Both the Prime Ministers witnessed the signing and exchange of the MoUs and at that time, they also virtually inaugurated the Army Software Park in the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang in Vietnam, which has been completed under an Indian grant. Vietnam also announced that it will join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the early completion of procedures for joining the International Solar Alliance was also indicated.

Prime Minister reiterated that Vietnam is a critical pillar in India's 'Act East Policy' and the Indo-Pacific. The leaders spoke of the importance of the rules-based order in the region, including upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and freedom of navigation and overflight. They reaffirmed that a peaceful, stable, secure, free, open, inclusive and rules-based region is in the common interest of all the countries.

The preservation of shared heritage was also one of the dimensions in which we cooperate with Vietnam. India has provided a technical assistance worth $2.25 million for conservation and restoration of UNESCO World Heritage Site at My Son in Quang Nam Province. ASI, the Archaeological Survey of India, has completed the restoration of three of the sites and a Letter of Intent was signed for the F Block of temples in the area of conservation of shared heritage. Also an MoU for development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal was also signed in this context.

The Prime Minister has underscored the importance of closer people-to-people exchanges, with tourism booming between the countries, anything between 300,000 to 400,000 in number. There are as many as 56 flights a week between the two countries, which shows that the people-to-people relationship is also booming. Both sides discussed opportunities to cooperate on Global South issues where Vietnam participated in the first and the second Voice of the Global South Summits hosted by India last year. Both sides also agreed to enhance parliamentary exchanges.

The meeting between the two leaders has been highly productive, affording them an opportunity to comprehensively review the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Vietnam's unequivocal support for India's permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council was also reiterated today, as was Vietnam's support for India playing a greater role in world affairs.

In conclusion, I could say that the India-Vietnam relationship is one of civilizational friends and India as a trusted partner was reiterated again and again by the Vietnamese Prime Minister. I will now take some questions, if you have any.

Ayushi: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Good evening. Can we have more details on the discussion in defence sector, because there were reports that Vietnam is interested in acquiring the BrahMos missile, so was there any discussion upon that and also was the recent situation in the West Asia discussed between the two leaders? Thank you.

Sidhant: Sir, Sidhant from WION. How much was the situation in South China Sea discussed? We saw the Vietnamese Prime Minister making references to it while standing alongside the Prime Minister.

Huma: Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. Was the energy security discussed because India has been looking for exploration in the South China Sea?

Rishabh: Good evening Sir, Rishabh from Times Now. The Indo-China peninsula, there is a lot of stories coming in about human trafficking, be it from Lao PDR, be it from Vietnam, Thailand or Myanmar. Was this also discussed between the leaders?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): Okay. So, I have four questions here. On the defence sector, while I will not go into specifics, within the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that we have, defence collaboration as I have said is a very important pillar; and both leaders recognize that industry collaboration is a priority. Indeed, defence industry cooperation has emerged as a very significant area as I have described to you in my initial presentation, including the defence Lines of Credit. We have signed an implementation arrangement for defence industry cooperation, which establishes a framework for such cooperation. Then we also have an overarching approach to defence supplies for Vietnam guided by their specific requirements. Technology transfers in defence production was also one of the areas identified by the Vietnamese side as an area of their interest.

Turning to the South China Sea, both sides, as I have said, discussed the importance of the South China Sea. The fact was emphasized by the Vietnamese Prime Minister that as much as 60% of global trade passes through the area and the importance of a free open waterway and sea lines was of utmost importance. Freedom of navigation and overflight is of utmost importance and that a peaceful, stable, secure, free and open and inclusive and rules-based region is something that both Vietnam and India share, as important for us as well as for others in the region.

On energy security, we have, as you know, as you rightly pointed out, we have been in the region, in Vietnam for over 35 years now, ONGC Videsh has a concession there. We operate in a block along with Vietnam and with Russia. The oil wells there have been productive for a long time. We have also now extended the concession last year and we look forward to new exploration in that region.

On the issue of scam centers that you asked about, we do not have any such instances in Vietnam, although we have in other parts of Southeast Asia. So whereas we do take this issue up in our interactions with counterparts from the countries in that region, and we have done it at the level of External Affairs Minister as well recently and whenever I also meet my counterparts, we take up these issues, but not with Vietnam, because Vietnam is not specifically involved in that.

I am sorry, I think I missed the question on West Asia. The two leaders discussed many issues, the West Asia issue did not immediately come up for discussion.

Kallol: Sir, this is Kallol Bhattacherjee from the Hindu Sir. The Vietnamese Prime Minister mentioned, Myanmar was discussed. So I wanted to know, I mean, was there a common approach discussed because he said that it's not a single country which could come up with a solution to such a problem and it required collective efforts. So could you please elaborate if there was a solution approach that was also discussed?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): So, Myanmar, of course, is also an ASEAN country, a member of ASEAN. It's also a member of BIMSTEC. It's also a neighboring country with which we share a very long border. So, being an ASEAN member state, we did have discussions with Vietnam regarding Myanmar and the fact that both India and Vietnam support the five principles that the ASEAN have emphasized as their attitude, as their policy towards Myanmar. And both sides did talk about the importance of peace and stability in Myanmar, so in that respect.

Ayanangsha: This is Ayanangsha Maitra. Sir, if you could elaborate what the two Heads of Government discussed regarding the Global South.

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): So, Prime Minister appreciated the fact that Vietnam has been very supportive of the Global South and has attended both the events that we had last year, and hoped that Vietnam would participate in our future activities with regard to the Global South. And the Vietnamese Prime Minister assured that Vietnam would be a very willing and happy participant in all our initiatives in the Global South. As I mentioned, he indicated that Vietnam is fully supportive of India's role in world affairs and all the initiatives that we take.

Huma: Sir, I just wanted to clarify. You mentioned that we are also giving them a Line of Credit in defence, so how much is that credit?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): There are two Lines of Credit. One is 180 million and the other is 120 million, so total of 300 million dollars.

Sudhi: Both in defence, Sir?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): Both in defence, yes.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming for this Press engagement and look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

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Iran will not forfeit its intrinsic right for reciprocal action against Israel: Acting FM

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

Tehran- IRNA -- Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has said that the terrorist act of the Zionist regime in assasinating Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran is a violation of the territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its national sovereignty, adding that the act is also a threat to regional and international peace and stability.

Bagheri made the remarks on Thursday in a phone conversation with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, two days after the Zionist regime assasinated Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in Tehran.

Further in the conversation, he referred to an extraordinary session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that was held at the request of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Wednesday while condemning the actions of the United States and European countries in preventing the UNSC from condemning the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran.

The Acting mnister further emphasized the need for holding an emergency meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation at the request of the Islamic Republic of Iran to condemn and confront the criminal actions of the Zionist regime.

Guterres, for his part, reiterated that he had condemned the two attacks earlier this week of the Zionist regime in south Beirut and in Tehran in a previous statement while pointing out that according to international law, the Islamic Republic of Iran has a right to legitimate defense and self-defense against any act that risks its security and violates its territorial integrity.

The UN chief also expressed concern about the possibility of a large-scale war in Lebanon.

At the end of the conversation, Bagheri emphasized that the international community should put pressure on the Zionist regime to prevent it from continuing its crimes in Gaza in order to save the oppressed people of the narrow strip of land from the attrocities of the criminal gang ruling in Tel Aviv.

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'Iran to use legitimate right to reciprocate, punish Zionist regime'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

Tehran- IRNA -- Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani says the Islamic Republic will exercise its legitimate right to reciprocate and punish the Zionist regime.

The Zionist regime has posed serious risks to regional stability and security by violating Iran's territorial integrity and national security, said Bagheri Kani in a phone conversation with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi on Thursday.

The Islamic Republic has called for holding an emergency meeting by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on the assassination of the Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh in Terhan early on Wednesday.

The terrorist act clearly violated the territorial integrity and national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the diplomat said.

For his part, the Omani foreign minister slammed the assassination of the Hamas leader.

Heading the Axis of Resistance, Haniyeh stood against the occupation in the region, he noted.

The Zionist regime should end the occupation, he said, adding that the perpetrators of the crime must be punished.

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Iran determined to take necessary action to defend national security: Acting FM

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

Tehran- IRNA -- Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has said that the Islamic Republic is resolved to take any necessary action to defend its national security.

Bagheri Kani on Wednesday sent separate letters to the UN secretary-general, the head of the UN Security Council (UNSC), and the secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), calling for the condemnation of the terrorist act of the Zionist regime in the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Political Bureau Chief of the Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas.

The Iranian diplomat in the letters urged holding a special meeting of the UNSC and an emergency meeting of the foreign ministers of the OIC.

He has categorically slammed the terrorist measures of the Zionist regime, terming it as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter.

Bagheri Kani has said that the move has violated Iran's sovereignty and national security and posed a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.

The official called on members of the UN and the OIC to unite against the illegal behavior of the racist and occupying Zionist regime and to halt the continuation of the crimes of the regime against the Palestinians.

Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were assassinated in their residence in the Iranian capital early on Wednesday.

Supreme Leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei led a funeral prayer for Haniyeh on Thursday. He will be laid to rest in the Persian Gulf state of Qatar following another funeral prayer there on Friday.

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'Iran's response to Haniyeh's assassination will be painful'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

Tehran- IRNA -- The Head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in the Iranian parliament (Majlis) has said that the Islamic Republic's response to the perpetrator of the assassination of the Hamas leader will be "painful and regrettable".

Ebrahim Azizi issued the warning on the sidelines of the funeral ceremony for Martyr Ismail Haniyeh at the University of Tehran on Thursday morning.

He also talked about the investigation process launched by the parliamentary committee with regard to Haniyeh's assassination.

Iran's response to this crime will definitely be a painful and regretful, Azizi said, adding that the enemies of the Iranian nation and the resistance front will receive an answer in the greatness of the Iranian nation and the resistance front.

He stated that the incident was investigated taking into account all dimensions on Wednesday in the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee

He also emphasized that the issue will remain on the committee's agenda and will be investigated thoroughly.

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'Anger, revenge calls grow over recent Zionist regime's crimes'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

Tehran- IRNA -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Major General Hossein Salami has emphasized that the fire of anger and desire for revenge over the recent crimes of the Zionist regime in the region, especially in Gaza, are intensifying.

In reaction to the martyrdom of Milad Bidi, a military advisor in Syria and Lebanon, General Salami expressed his condolences to the family and compatriots of the deceased in a message on Thursday.

He underlined that the anger and desire for revenge for the recent crimes committed by the Zionist regime are growing across the region.

Milad Bidi was martyred in an Israeli airstrike on a suburb of the Lebanese capital Beirut. He was killed along with Fuad Shukr, a senior figure of Hezbollah resistance movement as well as five civilians, 3 women and 2 children.

Hezbollah has confirmed the martyrdom Shukr in Tuesday's Israeli strike on an area close to the Haret Hreik neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Iran's Chief Justice Mohammad Jafar Montazeri has emphasized the need to continue the fight until the eradication of sedition from the country.

Montazeri was speaking on the sidelines of the funeral ceremony of Martyr Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political bureau, who was assassinated in Tehran.

He noted that this tragic and horrific killing, which has deeply affected the Islamic Ummah, will not go unanswered, and the criminal Israeli regime will soon be punished for its disgraceful acts.

Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were martyred in their residence in the Iranian capital in the early hours of Wednesday.



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Iran will respond to Haniyeh's assassination at proper time, place: Qalibaf

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

Tehran- IRNA -- Speaker of Iran's Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has reacted to the assassination of the Political Bureau Chief of the Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, noting that Iran considers it a duty to respond to the Israeli crime at the right time and place.

Qalibaf made the remarks at the funeral procession of Martyr Haniyeh at the University of Tehran on Thursday morning and expressed his condolences to the Islamic Ummah and freedom-loving people around the world.

The top parliamentarian stated that the assassination of resistance commanders in Beirut and Tehran was due to the weakness of the Zionist regime, noting that such assassinations and actions would not deter resistance movements against occupiers and aggressors.

Referring to the statements of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Qalibaf reiterated that Iran believes these actions took place with the support and coordination of criminal America, despite US officials' claims in the media that they were unaware of the Israeli action and had no role in it.

He emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers it a duty to respond to such crime at the right time and place, adding that the Israeli regime will pay a heavy price for the crime it committed in the Iranian territory.

He underlined that the Zionist regime's assassination drive against resistance commanders exposes its weakness and inability to face resistance fighters, noting that Haniyeh was the greatest voice of the oppressed Palestinians, and his martyrdom confirms this fact.

Referring to the crimes of the Zionist regime in the Gaza Strip and the indiscriminate killing of women, children, and civilians, Qalibaf stated, "We are witnessing a confrontation of humanity against crime in Gaza."



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Zionist regime threat to global peace, security: Iran FM spox

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2024

Tehran- IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has called the Zionist regime a dangerous threat to world peace and security as it does not attach any value to the rules and regulations of international law.

In a post published on his X social media platform on Wednesday night, Kanaani said the action of the Zionist regime in assassinating a high-ranking Palestinian political official, who was an official guest to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the elected president of the Iranian nation, is nothing but an extraterritorial assassination and and organized state terrorism.

The Zionist regime is undoubtedly a dangerous threat to world security and peace, which does not value the rules and regulations of international law, the post said.

The silence, indifference or inaction of countries and international organizations in the face of such a horrible crime, will mean encouraging state and extra-territorial terrorism and providing the basis for the continuation of adventurous and dangerous actions of the Zionist regime against the national security of countries, he added.

Separately, in response to the assassination of Fuad Shukr in Lebanon, the Iranian spokesperson stated that the anti-Zionist resistance front has become stronger with the martyrdom of its soldiers and commanders, and its determination in the battle against "the cancerous tumor of Israel" will be more stronger.

Kanaani wrote on the X network that the vicious and hypocritical act of the Zionist regime to assassinate Shekar, a senior commander of Hezbollah Resistance Movement in Beirut, is another case of organized crimes of the Apartheid regime and a flagrant violation of international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.

The Israeli action must be dealt with the strongest possible terms and be condemned by the international community, he said.

Kanaani also congratulated and condoled the Lebanese resistance, the heroic and victorious Hezbollah, the people of Lebanon, and the family of the martyr.

By continuing such crimes, the aggressor Zionist regime only adds to the global hatred and anger toward itself and digs its own grave.

Earlier on Wednesday, Kanaani in yet another post had condemned the killing of two more journalists in Gaza, saying the ruling criminal gang in Tel Aviv continue to deliberately massacre the journalists to cover up its crimes against the innocent Palestinians.

Kanaani offered his condolences on the martyrdom of Ismail al-Ghoul, Al Jazeera Arabic's famous correspondent in Gaza, and Rami al-Rifee, a Palestinian photographer, in an Israeli bombardment in west of Gaza earlier in the day.

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US, Japan eye warfighting capabilities through alliance upgrade

By Young Gyo Kim August 01, 2024

The realignment of the United States armed forces in Japan, announced on the heels of the latest U.S.-Japan security talks, will focus on developing warfighting capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, former U.S. military officials and experts say.

During a meeting of the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee in Tokyo on Sunday, the two nations agreed to upgrade the command and control of the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ), converting the current USFJ structure into a joint force headquarters.

The new headquarters will be given "expanded missions and operational responsibilities," according to a statement released after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with their Japanese counterparts, Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara.

Jerry Martinez, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general who served as the USFJ commander from 2016 to 2019, said this move is "a gigantic step forward" for the United States, Japan and the alliance at large.

"This action signals the high regard in which both countries view the alliance, as well as the need to ensure Japan is always ready to withstand any threats in the region," Martinez told VOA Korean via email on Wednesday.

"It sends a strong signal to potential threats that Japan as a whole is trained, prepared and operationally ready to meet any challenges," he said.

Harry Harris, former U.S. ambassador to South Korea during the Trump administration, told VOA Korean in an email on Tuesday that the USFJ headquarters will take on more operational command responsibilities.

"It greatly expands the heretofore limited role of the existing USFJ," said Harris, who was also commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command from 2015 to 2018.

"USFJ was not responsible for joint war planning," he said, adding that the move to set up a new headquarters recognizes "the importance in Japan of effective joint planning between the U.S. and Japan."

The reconstitution of American forces stationed in Japan, scheduled for March 2025, is widely seen as the most substantial transformation since its establishment in 1957.

"This will be the most significant change to U.S. Forces Japan since its creation and one of the strongest improvements in our military ties with Japan in 70 years," Austin said in a press conference Sunday in Tokyo.

According to experts in Washington, the changes are aimed at giving USFJ an actual warfighting command, which has, up to now, been largely assumed by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, headquartered in Hawaii.

"It was more of a command that focused on kind of day-to-day management of resources in Japan," Robert Peters, research fellow for nuclear deterrence and missile defense at the Heritage Foundation, told VOA Korean by phone on Wednesday.

"USFJ is going to have more responsibilities and more capabilities, so they're going to be able to make their own decisions when a war breaks out," he said.

Peters, who served as a special adviser in the Office of the Secretary of Defense during the Obama administration, said the new USFJ will be "more relevant to the warfighting."

James Przystup, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute's Japan Chair, told VOA Korean via email on Tuesday that the focus of the new joint command will be the closer operational integration of U.S. military assets, which encompass elements of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force.

"USFJ as it stands today serves an administrative function," Przystup said. "Establishing a joint force headquarters provides for the closer operational integration of U.S. forces deployed in Japan."

According to the joint statement of the Security Consultative Committee on Sunday, the new U.S. joint force headquarters will serve as a counterpart to Japan's Joint Operations Command, facilitating deeper interoperability and cooperation on joint bilateral operations.

The USFJ's cooperation with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) is expected to take a form different from the Combined Forces Command in South Korea, a joint warfighting headquarters consisting of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and the South Korean military.

Retired U.S. Army General Robert Abrams, who served as the commander of the USFK from 2018 to 2021, told VOA Korean in an email on Wednesday that the USFJ and JSDF are completely separate.

"There is no mention of the newly converted USFJ headquarters becoming a combined command or implying that this USFJ headquarters would have operational control of Japanese Self-Defense Forces," Abrams said. "Japan's minister of defense made clear that there was no plan to put JSDF under U.S. command."

Przystup said the new USFJ Joint Forces Command, along with Japan's own Joint Operations Command, will facilitate closer U.S.-Japan defense cooperation in dealing with security challenges posed by China as well as North Korea, "in particular with respect to operational integration of Japan's counterstrike capability within the alliance, thus enhancing alliance-based deterrence."

While Austin stressed during the Sunday press conference that "our decision to move in this direction is not based upon any threat from China," the U.S. and Japan made it clear that China's external stance and military actions pose a serious concern.

In response to an inquiry from VOA Korean, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said Tuesday that China is not a threat to global stability and peace.

"The so-called 'China threat theory' is groundless and should not be used as an excuse for military expansion," Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said in a written statement via email. "U.S.-Japan relations should not target other countries, harm their interests or undermine regional peace and stability."

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Kazakhstan: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell after meeting with Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murat Nurtleu

European External Action Service (EEAS)

01.08.2024

Astana

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Thank you my dear [Deputy Prime] Minister [of Foreign Affairs, Murat Nurtleu], thank you my friend.

This is my second official visit to Kazakhstan - but along these 5 years, we have had a very dynamic interaction between the European Union and Kazakhstan.

As my mandate representing European Union will end in three months, it was important for me to come here to Astana to reaffirm our strong interest and commitment to strengthen [our] cooperation with Central Asia as a whole, and with Kazakhstan, the biggest country in the region in particular.

Many thanks for your continued hospitality, in particular for this meeting today.

I said many times - and it is completely true that we have to develop our ties - for our common benefit, for the benefit of regional prosperity and for international stability.

Kazakhstan has a strategic geographical position; it is a great bridge between Europe and Asia.

Under the leadership of President [Kassym-Jomart] Tokayev, Kazakhstan has embarked on a path of wide-ranging political and economic reforms, that we support. We support this path to modernisation, where economic and political reforms should go hand in hand.

Promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms are key to [an] open, democratic and inclusive society.

This will increase the capacity of Kazakhstan to defend its independence, sovereignty and the ability to choose its own future.

We have been talking with you, Minister, today, and many other times during the past 5 years that we are living in times of high geopolitical instability.

Challenging events face us: from Russia's aggression against the Ukraine to the destabilising effects of the Middle East war.

This war against Ukraine represents for us an existential threat, and we consider it a blatant violation of the key principles of international law. But it is not only that. We have to be worried, concerned and engaged in trying to stop the tragedy unfolding in Gaza with growing risk of regional spillover. And the last events that we have seen with several people being killed, certainly do not contribute to the way to de-escalate the tension in the region.

We have a shared interest in defending the United Nations Charter. We highly appreciate Kazakhstan's principled support to this Charter and your commitment to international law. And we appreciate your efforts in order to reach an end to this war, using all your capacity on this side.

We encourage you to take further steps in order to make this war reach an end, and to use your influence for that.

Going to bilateral issues, when I started my mandate, the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement had not yet fully entered into force.

Now - almost five years later - its implementation is in full swing, and it is clear that it is delivering benefits for businesses and citizens on both sides.

We are your first trade partner - we represent more than one-third of all your exports -, and we are the biggest investor in the country. And that is a great thing. We are the biggest investor, and we buy one-third of your production; it is a very good economic interlink.

We have to improve our business climate, so that the companies can take full advantage of the new economic cooperation possibilities.

Kazakhstan was the first in the region to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union on Critical Raw Materials. And Critical Raw Materials will be something that will resonate in the future. Oil built the civilisation in which we are living, and raw materials will build the following civilisation.

Diversification and resilience of our supply chains is something mutually beneficial. Therefore, we welcome you to request to become a member of the recently launched Mineral Security Partnership Forum.

Connectivity is another key word. Connectivity is an area of mutual interest. Upcoming investments will enhance land connectivity by supporting the [development of] Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.

The Horizontal Aviation Agreement, which is almost ready to be installed, will boost air connectivity between the European Union and Kazakhstan, and it will be easier for me to visit you, and for you to visit me, and Europeans will have more facilities to come and to visit your beautiful country.

We are also moving forward with the implementation of the Team Europe initiative on Digital Satellite connectivity, which will represent for us an investment of a20 million. This will require a new regulatory framework, but this will provide safer satellite connectivity.

Then, there is the issue of water, energy, climate change, sustainable water resources, transboundary water governance.

It brings together over a700 million in planned projects from the European Union, in order to invest in these very critical aspects.

Last but not least: people-to-people. People's contacts and mobility are expanding. Our Schengen consulates in Kazakhstan, last year, processed a record number of 160,000 visa applications.

All that shows how dynamic our relationship is. These are good and concrete examples of mutual benefits of our growing bilateral cooperation. My main message today, my dear friend, is that we, the European Union, remain committed to maintain this positive momentum and continuing strengthening our relations further with a more positive and continuous dynamic for the benefit of our people and the whole region.

Thank you.

Link to the video (starting at 6:38): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-259908

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Myanmar opponents of military warn scores of junta staff to quit

Almost 90 joined opposition but some fled, residents said.

By RFA Burmese 2024.08.01 -- Nearly 90 junta administrators in western Myanmar abandoned their posts after opponents of military rule warned them not to support the regime, pro-democracy representatives said on Wednesday.

Activists determined to end military rule in the wake of a 2021 coup have set up various parallel administrations, from a shadow National Unity Government in exile down to village-level teams, gradually eroding the authority of the army.

In Chin state's Kanpetlet township, 88 health and education department staff had left their positions after being given notice by an anti-junta People's Administration, a resident of Kanpetlet town told Radio Free Asia.

"After being warned by the People's Administration, they came to join the Civil Disobedience Movement," said the resident, who declined to be identified, referring to a nationwide campaign against military rule.

The military plunged Myanmar into turmoil with the 2021 coup against an elected government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Civil Disobedience Movement sprang up when the army crushed demonstrations against a military takeover that brought to an end a decade of democratic reforms in a country that had endured rule by the generals since 1962.

The anti-junta administration told the staff in May that if they did not join the Civil Disobedience Movement in 60 days, they would be "dealt with according to the existing law," the resident said, referring to the movement's self-declared authority.

Armed activists opposing the military have attacked junta administrators, in particular those enforcing army conscription efforts. As of June, gunmen had killed more than 80 administrators across the country.

'Not forcing them'

Not all of the staff who resigned joined the Civil Disobedience Movement, with some fleeing to neighboring regions, like Magway or Sagaing, or even as far as the main city of Yangon, residents said.

"Some have fled because they were afraid to stay in the area, and there were others who applied to the junta to be transferred to another post," the first Kanpetlet resident said.

RFA attempted to contact some of those who had resigned but was unable to due to telecommunications blackouts plaguing large parts of the country.

A spokeswoman for Kanpetlet anti-junta People's Administration said the staff had been given the opportunity to join the anti-junta movement in the township, which boasts some 800 members.

"The main thing is that we are not forcing them to join the Civil Disobedience Movement," said the spokeswoman who declined to be named for security reasons. "We're giving them the chance because they wanted to join after we explained things carefully."

RFA called Chin state's junta spokesperson, Aung Cho, for information on the situation but he did not respond by the time of publication.

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 August 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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Bangladesh internet shutdown hits Rohingya camps hard

With mobile data finally restored, refugees speak of struggling to feed themselves.

By Suza Uddin for RFA 2024.08.01 -- When the Bangladesh government announced it was shutting down the internet on July 18 in response to student-led protests in many parts of the country, refugees living in Cox's Bazar braced themselves for yet another catastrophe.

Having fled ethnic violence in neighboring Myanmar, nearly 1 million stateless Rohingya refugees live in tightly packed border camps. The internet represents a rare lifeline in a place where freedom of movement is curtailed by the government and spiraling gang violence has created an atmosphere of terror. The refugees rely on mobile services to work and procure food, in addition to communicating with friends and family beyond the camp.

"It's affected so many corners," said Mohammad Salim Khan, a refugee who lives in Bangladesh's Kutupalong camp and works as a photographer and aid worker. In interviews conducted with Radio Free Asia in the days after the internet was restored, Khan and others said the shutdown had impinged on almost every aspect of their daily lives.

Student protests over government job quotas turned deadly last month, when clashes broke out between protesters and counterprotesters, as well as security forces. The government responded with a highly criticized shutdown of mobile networks and fixed-line internet, affecting nearly everyone in the country. While mobile internet officially went online Sunday, service remains extremely poor in many areas and some social media apps remain blocked.

While Khan is luckier than many in the camps as he is able to support himself with outside work, the shutdown meant lost assignments. Worse, he struggled to feed himself when the online systems that the World Food Programme relies on to deliver rations shut down.

"We haven't got food from WFP and many other humanitarian support services were off," he said. "It's really hampered our daily lives."

Nearly 920,000 Rohingya refugees receive food support from WFP, which provides an $11 food ration a month. A spokesperson for the agency could not be reached for comment, but a field staffer who asked to remain anonymous because they are not authorized to speak to the media said the internet shutdown greatly hampered their ability to issue electronic vouchers, which allow refugees to purchase food.

"We usually use e-voucher cards, but this time we have to provide the service manually through handwriting and collect the data manually," the staffer said. "Because of the countrywide [internet] shutdown we faced problems ... providing service."

Like many in Bangladesh, refugees rely on mobile apps to send and receive money. Those inside the camps often depend on support from family members located elsewhere.

A 55-year-old woman who asked not to be named for security reasons said the shutdown meant she has been unable to communicate with her son, who lives and works in Malaysia.

"I'm sick and I need medicine ... but my son can't communicate with us and can't send the money," she said. "I have tried to call and call but can't get through."

John Quinley, director at Fortify Rights, a human rights advocacy group, said the shutdowns had made it particularly difficult for refugees to contact humanitarian groups inside the camp, where violence is widespread. He urged the government to restore full service.

"As in other parts of the country the Bangladesh authorities have cut internet services to block information on human rights abuses from getting out. In the camps, Rohingya are still experiencing restrictions on movement, extortion and detention," he said. "The brutal crackdown on freedom of expression by the Bangladesh authorities is creating ripple effects."

Additional reporting by Abby Seiff. Edited by Abby Seiff and Kate Beddall.

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Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday, 1 August 2024

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Earlier this week, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. They discussed areas of cooperation between Pakistan and the Commonwealth and agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration in education, skills development, youth and women empowerment, health, and environmental preservation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited Tehran on Tuesday to represent Pakistan at the investiture ceremony of the President of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.

On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Minister conveyed a message of felicitations and best wishes to President of Iran on his assumption of office and congratulated the Iranian nation on the successful and smooth transitioning of power to the new political administration. The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed support and solidarity with the new Iranian administration and Pakistan's commitment to further consolidate ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Dr. Pezeshkian appreciated the felicitation messages and underlined Iran's commitment to good neighbourly relations.

Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi led the Pakistan delegation at the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held on 27 July in Vientiane, Lao PDR. At the Meeting, the Foreign Secretary emphasized Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, security, and cooperation. He appreciated ASEAN's role in regional integration and prosperity; presented Pakistan's perspective on regional conflicts in the Asia-Pacific; and emphasized the importance of dialogue and inclusiveness. The Foreign Secretary called for resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per the UN Security Council resolutions.

The seventh round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was held this week in Islamabad. The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane while the Pakistan side was headed by Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi.

Expressing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, the two sides reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and enhance bilateral dialogue and exchanges to strengthen the dialogue mechanisms. The two sides also decided to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, connectivity and culture.

Pakistan strongly condemns Israel's continuing adventurism in the region and its aggression against Lebanon with its strikes of 30th July 2024.

Israel's military aggression in Beirut is a grievous infringement on Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This attack on civilian areas is a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Lebanon and reaffirms its support for their right to live in peace and security and to enjoy their sovereignty.

Targeting individuals inside sovereign states is a violation of international law and global norms. Such acts carry the seeds of further escalation. It is yet another demonstration of indiscriminate and disproportionate Israeli aggression that has continued unabated to the detriment of regional and global peace and security.

Israel's latest actions in the region represent a dangerous expansion of hostilities that undermines efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Israel must be held accountable for its transgressions and actions. Israeli's extraterritorial acts have endangered regional security. Israel should end its unlawful military operations in violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region.

Yesterday's assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Chief of the Political Bureau of Hamas in Tehran, was an act of dangerous escalation in an already volatile region and undermines efforts for peace. We express our condolences to his family and the Palestinian people. His killers must be held to account.

Since October 2023, Israel has unleashed a campaign of terror against the Palestinian people. Its war on Gaza and the inhumane siege in violation of international human rights and humanitarian law have resulted in misery, death and destruction. These acts constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. We call upon the United Nations to uphold international law and to bring an end to the genocide of the people of Gaza.

Pakistan also reiterate support for the realization of the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, their right of return to Palestine and the establishment of an independent state of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Monday next week will be the 5th anniversary of a dark day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. On 5th August 2019, India took illegal and unilateral actions in IIOJK to undermine the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. These acts and subsequent steps taken by the Indian occupation forces were driven by a sinister plan to convert Kashmiris into a disempowered minority in their own land; and to alter the demographic structure of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in violation of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

We urge India to reverse the illegal and unilateral actions taken since 5th August 2019. India should take necessary steps to create an environment conducive to peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.

Thank you!

***

(Naveed Iqbal Siddiqui, Talon News): Ma'am, UNSC and its report declares that the Afghan Taliban and TTP Nexus pose great threat to Pakistan. The report mentions that some 800 attacks were carried out in the last few months against Pakistan security forces and report also mentions how the attack was carried out on Chinese engineers in Besham on 25th March?

Spokesperson: Yes, we have seen the 34th report of UN Monitoring Team. It endorses the view that TTP has intensified its attacks inside Pakistan that the TTP has support structures in Afghanistan. We have also noted that the report contains the view that TTP could transform into an extra-regional threat, as well as an umbrella organization for other terrorist groups. The report points out that TTP operatives and its new recruits are being trained in Afghanistan. This endorses what we have been saying for the last several months, that Afghanistan has hideouts and sanctuaries for terrorist groups, including the TTP, that continue to threaten Pakistan's security. We urge Afghanistan to take immediate, effective and robust action against these terror groups, especially the TTP, and to ensure that Afghan territory is not used as a staging ground for terrorism against Pakistan.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma'am, recently a political party named TLP staged a protest here in Islamabad, and one of their demand was to declare Israel as a terrorist state, following which Pakistani ministers from the Federal government held meetings and issued statements that Israel is a terrorist state. What is the official point of view of the foreign office in this regard?

Spokesperson: This question was asked at our last briefing as well, and I would like to reiterate what we said last time. Pakistan has expressed serious concerns about the Israel's war on Gaza and the genocide that is taking place in Gaza. We have expressed support for the case that has been brought by South Africa at the ICJ, calling for the ICJ's decision regarding genocide taking place in Gaza. We believe that the actions that Israel is taking in Gaza and in Palestinian territories are a violation of international humanitarian law, and the Israeli forces have continued in war crimes and crimes against humanity. Pakistan has also called for holding Israel accountable for those war crimes.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Yesterday, the Foreign Office had released a statement initially, which referred to Israeli adventurism in context of the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the chief of Hamas' political bureau. Hours later, the statement was quietly amended, and the word Israeli adventurism was omitted. Now two parts of the question, first, does Pakistan not believe it is Israeli adventurism? And if it doesn't, then what adventurism and whose adventurism is it referring to? Is it the region, Pakistan, Iran's neighbors, Afghanistan? I mean, who particularly and what caused this omission?

Spokesperson: My first comment to your question is that our public statements correspond to the developments that take place internationally, especially in cases where the developments are taking place at fast pace and new information is coming in. That is a general statement that I wanted to make. Secondly, with regards to the development that took place yesterday in Iran, the killing of the Chief of political bureau of Hamas, I just made a comprehensive statement on the incident. We have condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. We have extended our condolences to his family and to the people of Palestine in our statement. We also condemn Israel adventurism in the region and the acts that it is taking against its neighbours, including the attack against Lebanon on the 30th of June. We believe all these acts, including the genocide that is taking place in Gaza, are dangerous developments for this region. We also believe that Israel should be held to account for its war crimes in Gaza and occupied Palestinian territories.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma'am, as yesterday there was an attack on a UN vehicle in KPK's district Tank but since the car was bullet proof, everyone is safe. Previously, the Chinese were also attacked in which some of them died. Even Pakistani citizens are not safe and the Afghan government is not taking action regarding TTP. So, what is Pakistan's message to the foreigners? And what message would you want to give to Afghanistan regarding such incidents?

Spokesperson: Foreign diplomats, businessmen, tourists, workers, they are the guests of Pakistan and we will make every effort to ensure their safety and to facilitate their stay in Pakistan. We will continue to work with foreign missions to ensure their safety and the safety of their personnel. Our concerned departments, including this Ministry, remains engaged with foreign Missions to ensure safety of foreign diplomats.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): We have our missions in Tehran and elsewhere in the region. What is the assessment of Pakistan, under what circumstances Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated, and who is responsible for it, keeping in mind the threat issued or the warning issued of retaliation by Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. How does Pakistan assess the situation?

Spokesperson: Regarding the assassination of the Chief of the political bureau of Hamas, Pakistan is looking for further announcements from the Iranian authorities. We have complete confidence that the Iranian authorities will investigate and share the findings of this unfortunate assassination. We will make further comments when these findings come out.

(Saima Shabbir, Arab News Pakistan): My question is that the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, in its briefing at a Standing Committee of the Parliament said that the Gulf states are not taking Pakistani manpower because they are not skilled. Also that the diaspora are mostly found involved in criminal and illegal activities, especially the UAE. Is Foreign Ministry aware of this issue, and what are the steps taken by the Foreign Office?

Spokesperson: First, I would advise you to contact the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis for the basis of their statement and the statistics that they have released. We are not aware of such information and statistics. Pakistani citizens, wherever they are, they are contributing to the economy and development of the society where they are living. Pakistani nationals especially in the Middle East have been living there for decades and have positively contributed to the development of these countries. These Pakistani nationals are in millions, and they are law abiding. As far as some individual cases are concerned where Pakistani nationals may be involved in some crime, Pakistan has been very consistent. We have called on Pakistani nationals, wherever they are, to respect the laws of the host country. The host governments are appreciative of the Pakistani nationals, of their contribution to their societies and the peaceful and law-abiding nature of Pakistani workers, who live in these countries, especially in the Middle East.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): We've seen a lot of claims from the Indian side with regards to an alleged incursion from Pakistan and alleged cross border terrorism emanating from our side, with regards to the recent attacks taking place on the Indian side of Kashmir. Your comments on that?

Spokesperson: I would repeat what I've said in the past. Indian media and public officials have an obsession with Pakistan, and they habitually blame Pakistan for anything negative that happens under their watch, including in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. It is important for the Indian authorities to assess the sentiment of the people of IIOJK and to ensure that the people of IIOJK are able to exercise their rights and freedoms as enshrined under international law and UNSC resolutions.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Ma'am, what are the latest updates on trade and people's movement at Pak Afghan border?

Spokesperson: As per my understanding, as of this morning, the border situation in terms of trade remains normal.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma'am, recently the Ministry of Foreign affairs issued some pictures of the DPM's visit of Iran in which we can see a man named Ali Dar, who is not the member of Federal Cabinet nor he is MNA or a Federal Minister. So, in what capacity he visited Tehran with a government delegation on government protocol and expenses?

Spokesperson: I do not wish to comment on political undertones of this question. Secondly, as you would recall, the Prime Minister was invited to attend the Investiture Ceremony of the President of Iran. And when the Prime Minister, because of his health reasons, could not attend, he nominated a team led by the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan to represent Pakistan and express our felicitations to the President elect and to the people of Iran and that was the reason why the Pakistani delegation was in Tehran.

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Ma'am, it has been 5 years since the time India illegally changed the status of IIOJK. What plans does MoFA have to present the situation to the world? Has any dossier been prepared to present to the world.

Spokesperson: Pakistan has been expressing its serious concerns on the developments that have taken place on 5th of August 2019, in IIOJK. We have conveyed and shared multiple dossiers and papers not just with the United Nations, but with the members of the international community and with the international human rights bodies. As far as our next plans are concerned, I would like to say, stay tuned. We will be sharing further information in coming days.

(Kiran Butt, Khorasan diary): Ma'am, my question to you is regarding a statement which was issued yesterday by Iranian Foreign Ministry regarding the situation in Parachinar and there was also a tweet which was deleted later on from the twitter handle. What are your comments on it?

Spokesperson: First, killing of any human being is a tragedy. Pakistan values the life dignity and property of all its nationals. As a multi-cultural and multi-faith society, Pakistan is fully determined to foster social harmony, tolerance and mutual respect. Such statements about Pakistan domestic affairs are, therefore, unwarranted. While details may be sought from the Ministry of Interior about the developments, we believe that these statements are based on an incomplete picture of the situation in Parachinar.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Yesterday, we saw that in front of the Lahore Camp Office of the Foreign Office, a policeman was seen brutally assaulting a young individual who was supposedly or reportedly there for attestation purposes. Does Foreign Office condemn or endorse such behavior and what measures have been taken to prevent such an action?

Spokesperson: We are aware of these reports. And first, we would like to point out that this incident took place outside the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liaison Office, Lahore. Furthermore, the investigations about the incident are underway. We have also been informed that the police official has been suspended. Further information will be shared in due course..

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): The National Counter Terrorism Authority has finally listed Hafiz Gul Bahadur group and the Majeed Brigade of the BLA. These listings took place on 18th and 25th of July, subsequently. Now my question is, before these listings, Pakistan, for the longest of the times, have been calling both of these groups as a terror organization, quote, unquote. In fact, Pakistan also bombed or targeted hideouts of Hafiz Gul Bahadur in Afghanistan on the 18th of March. Now targeting a group which itself, locally, does not recognize as a terror group. I mean, is there a collapse of the system, or is there? I mean, what is this?

Spokesperson: First, I would like to state that the listing of individuals under

Schedule-IV is a legal process that has several steps, and that culminates in inclusion of a particular individual in the list of terrorist entities. For further details about the timing and the duration of this exercise, I would advise you to contact the Ministry of Interior which is the lead Ministry on this.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): I heard the Consul General of the UAE speaking in Karachi about the alleged involvement of expatriates in defaming institutions of Pakistan, the Government of Pakistan. He said they will be deported. How far this ministry has put up this case to the UAE government or assisted other departments of the government in getting these Pakistanis deported, who are propagating against the sitting government or institutions of Pakistan. What's the number of such Pakistanis to be deported from the UAE?

Spokesperson: Number one, I do not have any such figures. Confirmation of such numbers may be sought from the UAE authorities. Secondly, Pakistan has always called on its nationals abroad wherever they are to respect the laws and customs of the country. The UAE or other countries in the Middle East have their laws with respect to individuals, foreign expatriates and their participation in political activities. So, from this podium, I reiterate our request to Pakistani nationals wherever they are, to respect the local laws and the local customs, so that the life of all Pakistanis in those countries remains normal and they continue to enjoy their stay in these countries.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma'am, an American journalist, Charles Glass came to Pakistan to meet the Chairman PTI, Imran Khan and was deported yesterday. Your comment on that. And secondly, what is your message to the journalists who want to visit Pakistan?

Spokesperson: I would advise you to contact the Ministry of Information for details about this case.

(Saqib Ali Rathore, Daily Kashmir Times): Ma'am, everyday, press conferences are held by the government condemning Pakistanis abroad who talk against Pakistan and its institutions. The Ministry said these individuals will be brought back to Pakistan and legal action would be taken against them. Will there be any role of Foreign Office in this?

Spokesperson: When any legal case is brought to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to be shared with foreign governments, we take these up with the concerned governments. I am not going to comment on any political statements or press conferences, but I would like to reaffirm that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will play its part when it is called upon to play its due role in any such legal matter.

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Ma'am, what are the updates regarding the incident of Frankfurt?

Spokesperson: Frankfurt, I do not have any new updates. We remain in contact with the German authorities. We are confident that the German authorities will take effective action against all those responsible for the attack on Pakistani Consulate in Frankfurt and will hold to account those responsible for the lapses in security of Pakistani Consulate.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Foreign Secretary Syrus Qazi yesterday told to Parliamentary Committee that Foreign Office and their Missions are facing financial crisis due to a very low budget from the Government of Pakistan. Can you confirm? Second, they told the Committee that they are suspending the special passes for the truck drivers going to Afghanistan, and they are introducing passport policy for those crossing Pakistan-Afghan border. So, what is your view on this?

Spokesperson: Regarding your first question, with respect to the financial outlays for this Ministry, Pakistan Foreign Office remains engaged with the Ministry of Finance. We hope that any financial demands that this Ministry have will be resolved in consultation with the Ministry of Finance. The second question with regards to those truck drivers, who travel to Afghanistan on a regular basis, I would like to underline that Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed on an interim arrangement for these truck drivers to facilitate bilateral trade. Our position remains that one document regime is critical for smooth exchange of people across Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This is a policy that is in practice for Pakistan's other neighbours. And we believe that time has come for any Afghan nationals who come to Pakistan to come on the basis of a valid Afghan passport and a valid visa that's given by the Pakistani authorities.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma'am, just a light question. I'm here to just point out a mistake, either by you or by the Interior Ministry. On the 26th of July, Interior Ministry has issued a notification for all the ministries saying that the militant organization TTP, should not be named as TTP. You are continuously naming TTP, they have also given a new name of Kharjis. Either they are on the wrong page or you are on the wrong page?

Spokesperson: I would not like to comment on the notification made by the Ministry of Interior. A terrorist organization that uses the name of religion to kill Pakistani nationals is defined as Kharjis. The Ministry of Interior has highlighted its understanding. Since from this podium, we are addressing an international audience, including members of the foreign media, it is important for us, for them, to understand which group are we referring to, and that is why I use the particular name of this terrorist organization.

(Rizwan Abbasi, Daily Ausaf): Ma'am, few days ago, Turkiye's Foreign Minister suddenly paid a short visit to Pakistan. The Foreign Office said that it was a transit visit but Foreign Office did not provide any detail regarding meetings with officials.

Spokesperson: What the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in response to some queries which were addressed to us regarding this visit is correct. This was a transit visit of a few hours by the Foreign Minister of Turkiye, as he was traveling from Laos after attending the ARF. And it is in diplomatic practice that when a foreign dignitary is stopping over for a few hours, our senior officials meet and greet them. There was no official agenda for these meetings.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): You just affirmed that any legal case brought to the Ministry of Foreign Office will be proceeded to the foreign governments. Has there been any cases brought before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring back the absconders from abroad so far?

Spokesperson: I would not comment on cases which are sub-judice or which are under discussion between Pakistan and foreign governments. We believe these are privileged communications that take place between Pakistan and these foreign governments. So, I would not like to comment on these cases.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma'am, a lighter question. There are reports on social media that Israel's target was Shehbaz Sharif instead of Ismail Haniyeh and that's why the visit was cancelled. Need your comment on that.

Spokesperson: I think this question does not deserve an answer.

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): Ma'am, there is an ongoing protest in Gilgit Baltistan in which small traders made a sit in. They are demanding the tax imposed by FBR on transit trade to be withdrawn. Otherwise, they will continue their sit in to block the border with China. What are the details on that?

Spokesperson: As far as we understand, the issues being raised by these protesters do not pertain to a question of foreign policy. We, therefore, refer you to the concerned authorities for their views on that.

(Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma'am, after election as a Prime Minister for the third term, Indian Prime Minister Modi visited Srinagar and said that statehood of IIOJK will be restored and elections would be conducted there. How does Pakistan see this?

Spokesperson: We have said on several occasions that India does not have a locus standi to comment on the future of the Jammu and Kashmir. The future of Jammu and Kashmir would be determined according to international law, by a free and fair plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations

Thank You

***

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Belarus/Russia: Statement by the High Representative on the release of number of political prisoners

European External Action Service (EEAS)

01.08.2024

EEAS Press Team

The European Union is relieved by the release and transfer to freedom outside Russia and Belarus of a number of political prisoners, including EU citizens, facilitated with the help of TArkiye.

The released activists, human rights defenders and journalists have been unjustly persecuted and imprisoned by Russian and Belarusian regimes for political reasons and held in intolerable conditions.

Political prisoners and all those still unjustly detained in Russian and Belarusian prisons must be immediately and unconditionally released.



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IEA to hold energy security summit in UK around April-June 2025

Paris, Aug 2 (UNI) The International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Friday it would hold an international energy security summit in the United Kingdom around April-June 2025 to address evolving energy-related challenges.

"The IEA will convene an International Summit on the Future of Energy Security in the second quarter of 2025, hosted by the UK government in London, to assess the existing and future risks facing the global energy system and to prioritize the solutions and opportunities available for addressing them," the statement read.

The forum will focus on evaluating "geopolitical, technological and economic factors affecting energy security at the national and international level" and provide an opportunity for global decision makers and key actors to review the trends that are reshaping global energy security.
The Prisoner Swap: What's In It For Putin?

By Steve Gutterman August 01, 2024

Several Americans and other Westerners have been freed, along with a number of Russian citizens who had been jailed in their own country, in a major prisoner swap involving multiple nations. Why did President Vladimir Putin's government release them, and why now?

Here are three reasons.

'Patriots' And Prisoners

During his 25 years as president or prime minister, Putin has increasingly sent signals to Russians about the kind of people he sees, or wants them to believe he sees, as valuable: loyal figures who serve what he casts as the interests of the state, even if -- and perhaps especially if -- their actions are an affront to the West.

These signals have become clearer than ever since Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He has decorated soldiers from units accused of committing atrocities in the neighboring country and has clamped down ever harder on all forms of dissent, and particularly anti-war activism, at home.

Putin, a longtime officer of the Soviet KGB and the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB) before his rise to the heights of power, has repeatedly sought to show that the Kremlin elevates and protects those it sees as the right kind of Russian, including those seen as loyal members of the security services.

A glaring example of Putin's projected values is Vadim Krasikov, the former FSB officer seen as the central figure -- at least for Putin -- of the prisoner swap. Krasikov had been serving a life sentence in Germany for the 2019 murder, in broad daylight in a prominent Berlin park, of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a Georgian citizen and former field commander in Chechnya.

Prosecutors in Germany claimed Moscow ordered the assassination because Khangoshvili had commanded separatist forces in Russia's North Caucasus region from 2000 to 2004 in the Second Chechen War, which helped cement Putin's authority when he publicly played the lead role in pursuing it as prime minister in 1999 and then as president starting in 2000.

In an interview with U.S. media figure Tucker Carlson in February, Putin praised Krasikov without naming him, referring to "a person [who], due to patriotic sentiments, eliminated a bandit in one of the European capitals," and made clear that he wanted to secure the convicted murderer's release and return to Russia.

Enemies Of The State?

The flip side of holding up people like Krasikov as examples is the Russian state's mounting pressure on political opponents, civil society groups, and dissenters, particularly those -- be they well-known or unknown to the general public -- who have spoken out against the war on Ukraine.

Several of the Russians who had been imprisoned in their own country before the swap had been convicted, in trials seen in the West as entirely politically motivated, of treason or involvement in purported "extremist" activities. Others were found guilty of discrediting the Russian military or spreading what Putin's government deems false information about the war against Ukraine.

While professing to take no interest in the cases against these defendants over the years and avoiding even mentioning the name of Aleksei Navalny, the political foe who died in suspicious circumstances in an Arctic prison, Putin has repeatedly said that anyone who breaks the law must be punished.

By releasing them, however, he sends a signal that's the opposite of the message delivered about Krasikov: Good riddance to people the Kremlin portrays as enemies of the state and pawns of the West.

In March 2022, shortly after launching the invasion of Ukraine, Putin said Russians "will always be able to distinguish true patriots from scum and traitorsand will simply spit them out like a fly that has accidentally flown into their mouths."

At the same time, Putin can claim to be acting out of humanitarian interests, as he has done in the past with prisoners such as Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

Meanwhile, the death of Navalny -- which his widow and many others blame on Putin -- has enabled Russia to conduct the prisoner exchange without releasing the one opponent he may not have wanted to see at liberty, even abroad. Allies of Navalny had claimed that a swap deal that would have included his release and Krasikov's was in the works when he died.

The November Factor

The prisoner swap follows U.S.-Russian negotiations on the issue and comes just over three months before the U.S. presidential election. President Joe Biden, who has been vocal about the desire to secure the release of Americans held in Russia and elsewhere on what Washington says are spurious charges, withdrew his bid for reelection last month.

U.S.-Russian ties are close to a nadir, extremely strained by Moscow's all-out invasion of Ukraine. Whoever wins the U.S. election on November 5, former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris, releasing several Americans held in Russia cleans the slate to some degree ahead of the vote and the next U.S. president's four-year term.

Simply put, it alleviates one major irritant in relations between the two countries, one reason for the United States to be tough on Russia. Putin, who appears to be focused almost solely on the war against Ukraine, might try to use the prisoner exchange to undermine U.S. support for aid to Ukraine, particular in Congress, or to seek concessions on sanctions imposed over the war.

The Kremlin may see "an opportunity to try to isolate Ukraine," said Sam Greene, a professor at the King's Russia Institute at King's College London. "By making this exchange, Moscow is seeking to demonstrate that (a) it can negotiate in good faith, and (b) it is willing to do deals with the West."

"This will strengthen the hand of those who have been calling for Western governments to impose a cease-fire on Kyiv and weaken those who see such a cease-fire as detrimental to Ukrainian and European security in the near, medium and long terms," Greene wrote on X.

"Sowing doubt in the West about the utility of continuing to support Ukraine may be enough of a win -- but the Kremlin is taking a risk," Greene added. "If it doesn't work, and if support continues, what bargaining chips does it have left? Only escalation, really."

Despite his own public suggestions to the contrary, many analysts say Putin would prefer Trump win the election, and there had been speculation that the Kremlin might deny Biden the satisfaction of securing the release of Americans but approve a swap after the election if Trump were to win -- again, with the hope of smoothing the path for U.S. concessions on Ukraine or regional security issues.

However, doing so could come across to audiences at home as obsequious, and if Harris wins as an unneeded concession, so the Kremlin may have considered it safest to act now. In addition, Biden is a known quantity, and the Kremlin might be less confident about how Trump or Harris would approach the matter.

On the other hand, the timing of the exchange may have little to do with the U.S. election cycle, hinging more on when negotiations advanced to the point at which a swap was possible, as well as factors such as Putin's eagerness to bring Krasikov back to Russia.

Meanwhile, despite the scope of the swap, several Americans and others apparently still held in Russia -- and seen widely in the West as hostages -- remain as bargaining chips for the Kremlin. And if disputes arise in the West about the wisdom of freeing the convicted murderer Krasikov, Putin will welcome that development.

In any case, regardless of the timing, the prisoner exchange put Russia in a place where Putin, over a quarter-century in power, has always been eager for it to be: at the table with the United States.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-prisoner-swap-exchange- united-states/33059511.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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Kurmasheva, Gershkovich, Whelan, Kara-Murza Included In Historic U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap

By RFE/RL August 01, 2024

Russia, the United States, and several other countries have carried out the largest prisoner swap since the end of the Cold War, freeing 16 people -- including RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan -- from Russian and Belarusian prisons, while eight Russians were returned home.

U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the historic exchange on August 1 at a White House news conference with several family members of the Americans who had been jailed at his side.

"Their brutal ordeal is over," Biden said, calling the deal that made the exchange possible "a feat of diplomacy."

Biden slammed Russia for conducting "show trials" that led to the imprisonment of Gershkovich, Whelan, and Kurmasheva, saying "all three were falsely accused of being spies."

The prisoner swap also included dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, a dual Russian-British citizen who was imprisoned for making critical remarks about Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. government released a photo showing Gershkovich, Kurmasheva, and Whelan on a plane, saying they were on their way back home. Kara-Murza was to fly to Germany, but he told Biden in a call that he hopes to visit the United States soon.

The family members who joined Biden for the news conference included Kurmasheva's husband, Pavel Butorin, who also works for RFE/RL, and their two daughters, Bibi and Miriam. Biden said the prisoner swap was an "incredible relief" for all the family members present, adding that they had spoken to their freed loved ones by phone from the Oval Office right before the news conference.

The White House released a photo showing Kurmasheva's daughters in the Oval Office leaning over a telephone and speaking to their mother.

In an interview with RFE/RL, Butorin said he and his daughters are "overwhelmed with emotions, still trying to process what actually happened to us today, being in the White House, hearing Alsu's voice from the Oval Office, next to President Biden. That was something very special.

"But it's been an incredibly difficult year for us, and I'm glad we're at the end of this journey, and now we look forward to hugging Alsu, and to helping her reintegrate into the free world after so many months of unjust imprisonment in Russia."

During the news conference, Biden motioned for Kurmasheva's daughter, Miriam, to come closer, telling reporters that August 2 was her 13th birthday and then asking everyone to sing Happy Birthday to her. The teen was emotional as Biden put an arm around her shoulders and then wiped away a tear before walking back to her sister and father, who embraced her.

"Now she gets to celebrate with her mom," Biden said. "That's what this is all about -- families able to be together again. Like they should have been all along."

Biden said the prisoner swap required "significant concessions" from Germany, which released FSB Colonel Vadim Krasikov, a Russian convicted of the murder in 2019 of a former Chechen militant in Berlin.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the decision to release the convicted hit man had been difficult.

"Nobody took this decision to deport a murderer sentenced to life imprisonment after only a few years...lightly," Scholz said, speaking in Cologne, Germany, where some of the released prisoners were due to arrive.

"The state's interest in seeing him punished had to be weighed against the danger to the bodies and in some cases the lives of innocent people in prison in Russia and political prisoners," he told reporters.

Biden said Germany asked for nothing in exchange. The president added that the prisoner swap was "a powerful example of why it is important to have friends in the world."

Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey "stood with us," Biden said. "They made bold and brave decisions, released prisoners being held in their countries who were justifiably being held, and provided the logistical support to get the Americans home."

Biden said earlier in a statement that all told, the United States and its partners, in particular Germany, negotiated the release of 16 people from Russia and Belarus -- including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country.

Turkey's National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) said on August 1 it played "a major mediation role" in the swap involving 26 people from prisons in seven countries, "which is the most comprehensive in recent times."

It said the negotiations allowed for the exchange of "Russian citizens and citizens of Western countries imprisoned in the U.S.A., Germany, Poland, Norway, Slovenia, Russia, and Belarus," adding that German mercenary Rico Krieger imprisoned in Belarus and Russian dissident Ilya Yashin and Kraskiov imprisoned in Germany were also released.

State Department spokesman Vedant Patel called the exchange "the largest multi-country swap of its kind." Speaking at a briefing on August 1, he said the Americans would be back in the United States within hours to be reunited with their families.

The White House announced that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic party's presumptive presidential nominee in the November 5 election, would welcome them at 11:30 p.m. local time.

The eight freed Russians arrived in Moscow late on August 1. Putin welcomed them after they landed at Moscow's Vnukovo airport.

"I want to congratulate you on your return to the motherland," Putin said in comments broadcast on state TV. Addressing those who had served in Russia's military, he added: "I want to thank you for your loyalty to the oath, duty, and the motherland, which did not forget about you."

William Courtney, a career U.S. foreign service officer who worked on U.S.-Soviet arms talks before becoming U.S. ambassador to Georgia and Kazakhstan after the breakup of the Soviet Union, spoke with RFE/RL about the latest swap.

"I think it sends a message to the world that the Kremlin really would like to offload some of these internationally prominent prisoners because detaining them doesn't help Russia's image," said Courtney, now an analyst at the Washington-based think tank Rand Corp.

He said Russia didn't want Kara Murza to die in prison, like opposition politician Aleksei Navalny did in an Arctic gulag in February, "because Russia got only bad publicity" out of that.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by TASS as saying the Kremlin hoped those who had left Russia would stay away.

"I believe that all our enemies should stay [abroad], and all those who are not our enemies should return. That's my point of view," TASS cited Peskov as saying.

News of the prisoner swap was also welcomed by U.S. lawmakers; however, some Republicans questioned the "steep price" that the United States had to pay.

"Those returning to Russia are some of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's most valuable assets who will be glad to return to their villainous ways," said Senator Jim Risch (Republican-Idaho), the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

Representative Michael McCaul (Republican-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said on X that he celebrated the news but remains "concerned that continuing to trade innocent Americans for actual Russian criminals held in the U.S. and elsewhere sends a dangerous message to Putin that only encourages further hostage taking."

Speculation of a swap had grown in recent days as defense lawyers for several high-profile people being held in Russian prison facilities said the whereabouts of their clients were unknown, a situation that often arises when inmates are being moved.

One of the first signs that the swap had started on August 1 came from a group of Russian lawyers and rights defenders known as Pervy Otdel, which posted a message on Telegram noting the flight track of an Antonov plane that had been previously involved in prisoner exchanges.

Data from the flight-tracking site Flightradar24 confirmed the plane's movements, while the Russian media outlet Agenstvo reported that several special Russian government planes in recent days had traveled to and from regions where prisons holding dissidents are being held.

Meanwhile, four Russians who have been charged or jailed in the United States disappeared from a database of inmates operated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons prior to the announcement of the prisoner swap.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-prisoner-swap- belarus-gershkovich-whelan-kurmasheva/33059280.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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Who Are The 24 Prisoners Who Were Swapped In U.S.-Russia Deal?

By Mike Eckel, Carl Schreck, Steve Gutterman and Riin Aljas August 01, 2024

A veteran human rights activist. A married couple who worked for years in deep-cover aliases. Two American journalists. The son of a Russian lawmaker.

The list of people released on August 1 in a multiple-country prisoner swap, the largest of its kind since the Cold War, is a diverse and sweeping roster of personalities and backgrounds, a mix of people with little to nothing in common -- except being swept up in months of high-stakes, closed-door diplomatic wrangling.

Some were convicted by U.S. juries and sentenced to U.S. prison terms. Some were picked up on dubious allegations of espionage and railroaded through a Russian judicial system with little pretense of fair justice.

All24are now being set free, to either their home countries or elsewhere.

Here's a comprehensive list of the people released on August 1, listedby country.

Held In Russia

Evan Gershkovich

Evan Gershkovich, a reporter with the Wall Street Journal, was found guilty on July 19 by a court in Yekaterinburg on espionage charges that he, his employer, and the U.S. government have rejected as politically motivated, and sentenced him to 16 years in prison. The 32-year-old was arrested in March 2023 while on a reporting trip to Yekaterinburg.

Accredited by Russia's Foreign Ministry and based out of The Wall Street Journal's Moscow bureau, Gershkovich was accused of trying to access classified information. Gershkovich was the first American journalist to be arrested on spy accusations in post-Soviet Russia.

Last month, prosecutors accused him of working on behalf of the CIA. The Wall Street Journal Journal has vehemently denied the accusation, calling the case against him a sham.

Gershkovich, who had been held in Moscow's notorious Lefortovo prison, was officially designated as wrongfully detained.

Vladimir Kara-Murza

An opposition activist and former journalist, Vladimir Kara-Murza survived two near-fatal illnesses that U.S. authorities classified as "intentional poisoning." His denunciations of the all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine led to a treason conviction and a 25-year prison sentence.

Kara-Murza, who worked closely with assassinated Putin foe Boris Nemtsov, also cultivated strong ties with members of U.S. Congress, which he leveraged to influence U.S. policy toward Russia.

Despite warnings, Kara-Murza returned from living abroad to Russia to continue his political work. In April 2022, about two months after the Ukraine invasion, he was detained by police in Moscow for allegedly disobeying police orders.

Later that year, prosecutors filed treason charges, and in April 2023 he was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison. He was sent to a maximum-security facility in the Siberian region of Omsk, where he was also placed in solitary confinement cells.

In the months leading up to his release, his allies had warned that his health had deteriorated, and he had lost an alarming amount of weight in the maximum-security prison where he was serving his sentence -- one of the longest ever handed to a Kremlin opponent.

Alsu Kurmasheva

Alsu Kurmasheva, a Prague-based editor for RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir Service, was detained by authorities in June 2023 as she was visiting relatives in the central Russian region of Tatarstan.

A dual Russian-U.S. citizen, she was initially charged with not declaring her U.S. passport, and released, but barred from leaving the country.

That October, however, she was arrested and hit with additional charges of being an undeclared foreign agent -- under a draconian law targeting journalists, civil society activists, and others. She was later hit with an additional charge: distributing "fake" news about the Russian military, a charge stemming apparently from her work editing a book about Russians opposed to the Ukraine war.

On July 19, Kurmasheva was convicted by a Tatarstan court and sentenced to 6 A years in prison, after a secret, closed-door trial.

Paul Whelan

Paul Whelan, 54, was arrested in December 2018 while visiting Moscow for a friend's wedding, and accused of receiving a computer flash drive that contained classified information.

A former U.S. Marine who was working as a corporate security executive at the time, Whelan has said he was set up in a sting operation and that he thought the thumb drive contained vacation photographs from his friend. In June 2020, a Russian court convicted him of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in prison.

His time has been spent largely in a prison in the central region of Mordovia. Whelan's family and the U.S. government have called his conviction a sham and a mockery of justice. Whelan, who also holds British, Canadian, and Irish citizenship, was designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained.

Ilya Yashin

Ilya Yashin, 41, has been a stalwart of street protests in the Putin era and was also a close ally of Nemtsov, presenting a report on Russian involvement in the war in Ukraine's Donbas region that Nemtsov had been working on when he was shot dead in 2015.

A local lawmaker who was chairman of his Moscow district council in 2017-21, Yashin was convicted and sentenced to 8 1/2 years in prison in December 2022 over criticism of what he has called Russia's "monstrous war" in Ukraine.

The charge stemmed from YouTube posts in which Yashin spoke about the killings of civilians in Bucha, a city outside Kyiv where survivors, rights activists, and Ukrainian authorities say Russian forces committed atrocities before withdrawing following Russia's failure to capture the capital.

In his final court appearance before the verdict, Yashin urged Putin to "stop the madness" and end the war by withdrawing Russia's forces from Ukraine, adding: "Your name is now firmly associated with the words 'death' and 'destruction.'"

Oleg Orlov

Oleg Orlov, 71, is one of the most experienced and respected human rights activists in Russia, with a record of advocacy stretching back to the Soviet era and encompassing reporting on abuses in Moscow, Chechnya, and nationwide.

A co-chairman of the now outlawed Nobel Peace Prize-winning Memorial human rights center, Orlov was convicted in February of repeatedly discrediting the Russian military and sentenced to 30 months in prison, a ruling that was upheld in July.

The charge against Orlov stems from an article in which he condemned the Ukraine invasion and said that Russia was "slipping back into totalitarianism, but this time the fascist kind."

"The bloody war that Putin's regime has unleashed in Ukraine is not only the mass murder of people and the annihilation of infrastructure, economy, and cultural sites. Not only the destruction of the foundations of international law," he wrote. "It is also a severe blow to the future of Russia."

Kevin Lik

Lik, a dual German-Russian citizen, was sentenced to four years in prison in December 2023 after being convicted of treason following a closed-door trial. He was 18 years old at the time of his conviction.

A resident of the North Caucasus region of Adygea, Lik was found guilty of observing and photographing the local military base and sending the pictures by e-mail to a representative of a foreign government, according to Russian prosecutors.

Memorial designated Lik a political prisoner.

Aleksandra Skochilenko

Aleksandra Skochilenko, 33, is a St. Petersburg artist who protested against the Ukraine invasion shortly after Putin launched it in February 2022 by replacing five shelf tags in a grocery store with information about the war.

One said that Russia had "bombed an art school in Mariupol where about 400 people were seeking shelter." Another read, "Putin has been lying to you from the television screen for 20 years. The result of these lies is our willingness to accept war and senseless deaths."

Skochilenko, who usually goes by the familiar form of her name, Sasha, was convicted in November 2022 of distributing false information about the Russian military and sentenced to seven years in prison. She argued that the words on the tags were the truth.

"My great-grandfather didn't participate in World War II for four years so that Russia would become a fascist state and attack Ukraine," Skochilenko wrote on one of them. In a final statement in court, she wondered aloud why the state was frightened by "five tiny pieces of paper."

Andrei Pivovarov

Andrei Pivovarov, 42, is the former executive director of the now-defunct pro-democracy Open Russia movement set up by exiled former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky. He was detained in May 2021 after being taken off a Warsaw-bound plane just before takeoff from St. Petersburg and sentenced to four years in prison in July 2022 on a charge of heading an "undesirable organization."

Memorial has declared Pivovarov a political prisoner, saying his right to a fair trial was violated.

The "undesirable organizations" law, adopted in 2015, was part of a series of regulations pushed by the Kremlin that squeezed many nonprofit and NGOs that received funding from foreign sources -- mainly from Europe and the United States.

These laws are widely seen as a tool to stamp out political dissent and tighten the Kremlin's control over the country's political landscape.

Ksenia Fadeyeva

Ksenia Fadeyeva, 32, is a former local lawmaker and the former head of Navalny's regional office in the Siberian city of Tomsk. In December 2023, she was convicted on charges including organizing activities of an extremist group and was handed a nine-year prison term.

Her lawyer, Semyon Vodnev, called the judge's ruling "illegal, ungrounded, and unjust." He argued, among other things, that Fadeyeva had ended her involvement with Navalny's organization before it was labeled extremist in 2021.

At the time of her conviction, Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, hailed Fadeyeva as "honest and brave" and said that those who fabricated the criminal case against her would eventually face punishment.

In May, a court rejected Fadeyeva's appeal and Tomsk officials stripped her of her mandate in the city council in June.

Demuri Voronin

Political scientist Demuri Voronin, a Russian-German national, was convicted on a high treason charge and sentenced to 13 years and three months in prison by the Moscow City Court in March 2023.

Voronin was arrested in Moscow in 2021, hours before he was due to depart to Berlin. The case materials were classified, but Voronin was mentioned in a high treason case against journalist Ivan Safronov, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison in September 2022 and was declared a political prisoner by Memorial.

Voronin owned a consulting company in Moscow that collaborated with noted journalists.

Patrick Schoebel

Patrick Schoebel, a German, was arrested at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg earlier this year after officers who searched him said they found cannabis gummies. Accused of drug possession and smuggling, Schoebel was jailed in Moscow.

The Russian Federal Customs Service said Schoebel told the authorities he brought 10 gummies from Germany into Russia to have a more "restful sleep" on long flights. Russia claimed that a test of the gummies found they contained a banned substance.

Schoebel had faced up to seven years in prison, according to the Customs Service and Russian state media reports. At the time of the prisoner swap, it was not immediately clear whether he had been tried.

German Moyzhes

German Moyzhes, a dual German-Russian citizen who was living in St. Petersburg, is a lawyer and reportedly a managing partner in a company that provides support to Russians seeking residence permits in the European Union. He has also been a public advocate for pedestrian and cyclist-friendly streets.

Moyzhes was arrested in late May while riding his bicycle along an embankment in St. Petersburg, accused of treason, and sent to the Lefortovo prison. It was unclear whether his trial had begun when the exchange took place.

Lilia Chanysheva

Lilia Chanysheva, 42, is the former head of the branch of Navalny's political network in Ufa, the capital of the Bashkortostan region. The network, established for Navalny's unsuccessful bid to get on the 2018 presidential ballot and challenge Vladimir Putin, was branded "extremist" in 2021.

In June 2023, Chanysheva was convicted of crimes including creating an extremist community and inciting extremism and was sentenced to 7 A years in prison. The regional Supreme Court later extended her term by two years, saying the initial sentence was too lenient.

In comments to RFE/RL from jail before her conviction, Chanysheva described the case against her as "not only political, but actually absurd." Navalny, who died in suspicious circumstances in prison in February 2024, testified in her trial 10 months earlier.

"Think about the beautiful Russia of the future that we will achieve. Thanks to you and people like you, we will do this. You are a rock. I never doubted you, not for one second.... I am so happy I know you," Navalny said. "You have inspired a huge number of people."

Vadim Ostanin

Vadim Ostanin, 47, is the former head of a local branch of Navalny's team in the Siberian city of Barnaul.

He was arrested in December 2021 and charged with organizing an extremist community and propagating the activities of a noncommercial organization that encroaches on citizens' privacy and rights.

The charges were related to the activities of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, which published numerous investigations into corruption and cronyism involving Putin and his close associates, as well as other top Russian officials.

Ostanin was sentenced to nine years in prison in July 2023 for activities that Navalny's supporters called "legal political work." Memorial designated him a political prisoner.

Held In Belarus

Rico Krieger

A German citizen, Rico Krieger, 30, was sentenced to death in Belarus in June, before he was pardoned by Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka on July 30. Lukashenka's office provided no additional information about the reasoning behind the pardon.

Details of Krieger's case were not known until the Vyasna human rights group reported that he was sentenced to death in June for mercenary activity, terrorism, creating an extremist group, intentionally damaging a vehicle, and illegal operations with firearms and explosives.

According to Vyasna, it was the first trial in Belarus for "mercenary activity" and the charges were connected to the Kalinouski Regiment, a group of anti-government Belarusian exiles fighting for Ukraine. The Kalinouski Regiment denies any connection to the case.

Krieger was born in Berlin and worked as a paramedic for the German Red Cross, according to Vyasna. He has a young son, who lives in Germany.

He worked previously as a special security officer for the U.S. State Department in Berlin, where he gained experience in armed security operations. He then moved to health care and worked as a nurse specializing in emergency medical care.

Held In Germany

Vadim Krasikov

Vadim Krasikov, 59, also known as Vadim Sokolov, is a former Russian FSB officer currently serving a life sentence in Germany for the 2019 murder of ex-Chechen field commander Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in Berlin.

German prosecutors stated that Krasikov shot Khangoshvili from a bicycle before attempting to flee. He was arrested after being seen changing clothes behind a bush.

The German investigation identified Krasikov as a senior officer in the FSB's Vympel special forces unit. Additionally, a joint investigation by Bellingcat, The Insider, and Der Spiegel found connections between Krasikov and the FSB, linking him to other crimes.

Prosecutors in Germany claimed that Moscow ordered the assassination because Khangoshvili had commanded separatist forces in Russia's North Caucasus region from 2000 to 2004 and was seeking refuge in Germany.

In 2015, Khangoshvili survived a daylight assassination attempt in central Tbilisi, where he was shot four times in the arm and shoulder.

Krasikov has been serving his sentence in a German prison since 2021.

Held In Norway

Mikhail Mikushin

Norwegian investigators in 2023 announced that an academic who claimed Brazilian citizenship and who worked as a university lecturer was in fact an undercover Russian agent named Mikhail Mikushin.

Mikushin had first traveled to Norway, to work at the Arctic University of Norway in 2021, identifying himself as Jose Assis Giammaria, according to Norwegian media. But year later, he was arrested, first on charges of lying about his identity, and then later with being a Russian spy.

In 2023, Mikushin reportedly confessed to using a false identity.

He has been held in an Oslo prison, and had faced up to three years in prison under Norwegian espionage laws.

Held In The United States

Vladislav Klyushin

An IT entrepreneur who ran a Moscow company linked to the Russian government, Vladislav Klyushin was arrested on a ski trip in Switzerland in March 2021 on a U.S. arrest warrant for insider trading. He was accused of using hacked press releases to make stock trades.

After extradition to the United States, he was found guilty by a U.S. jury and sentenced to nine years in prison in September 2023.

During the trial, U.S. prosecutors repeatedly referenced Klyushin's partnership with a man identified as an officer with the Russian military intelligence agency widely known as the GRU. That man, Ivan Yermakov, was charged in a separate indictment brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller for the hacking of the Democratic Party during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Vadim Konoshchenok

Vadim Konoshchenok, 49, is a suspected Russian intelligence agent who was detained by Estonian authorities in October 2022. At the time of his detention on a U.S. arrest warrant, U.S. prosecutors said that Konoshchenok was attempting to cross into Russia while carrying some three dozen types of microelectronics and electronic components.

They called Konoshchenok "a critical participant in a scheme to provide sensitive, American-made electronics and ammunition in furtherance of Russia's war efforts and weapons development" in violation of U.S. sanctions.

He was taken into U.S. custody in July 2023. He pleaded not guilty to charges that, if convicted, could have resulted in a maximum 30-year prison sentence.

Roman Seleznyov

The son of a member of Russia's lower house of parliament, Roman Seleznyov was arrested by U.S. authorities in 2014 on an arrest warrant for credit card fraud. His arrest, at an airport in the Maldives, followed by a quick extradition to the U.S. territory of Guam, sparked accusations by Moscow that he was kidnapped.

U.S. investigators said they uncovered his online activities in the late 2000s and asked the Federal Security Service for help. But his online footprint soon disappeared, leading U.S. investigators to believe Russia was protecting him.

Seleznyov, whose name was spelled Seleznev in U.S. court papers, eventually received a 27-year sentence -- one of the harshest sentences ever handed down to a Russian hacker because he chose to fight his casedespite a preponderance of evidence rather than cooperate.

Held In Slovenia

Anna Dultseva And Artyom Dultsev (aka Maria Rosa Mayer Munos And Ludwig Gisch)

Ludwig Gisch and Maria Rosa Mayer Munos are Russian citizens using aliases who were arrested in Slovenia in December 2022 on charges of spying for Russia. Shortly before the prisoner swap, the couple pleaded guilty to "spying and falsifying documents." Their real names are believed to be Artyom Dultsev and Anna Dultseva, and they both hold Argentinian passports and are around 40 years old.

In 2017, the couple moved to Slovenia, where the husband ran an IT company and the wife operated an Internet art gallery. Media reports stated that they used Slovenia as a base to provide cash to Russian sleeper agents in the EU.

Following their guilty plea, a Ljubljana court on July 31 sentenced them to more than 18 months in prison but then ordered their expulsion.

Held In Poland

Pablo Gonzalez (aka Pavel Rubtsov)

Pablo Gonzalez is a Spanish-Russian freelance journalist who was arrested in Poland in February 2022 on charges of spying for Russia. Poland's ABW counterintelligence agency said in a statement at the time that it had identified him as an agent of Russian military intelligence.

Gonzalez, who was born in Russia and is also known by his Russian name, Pavel Rubtsov, was alleged by Polish intelligence to have "carried out activities for Russia using his journalistic status," including in "zones affected by armed conflicts and areas of political tension."

He was charged with "participating in the activities of foreign intelligence against Poland."

The independent Russian media outlet Agentstvo reported shortly after Gonzalez's arrest that he had compiled reports on Nemtsov's daughter, Zhanna Nemtsova, after befriending her.

Press-freedom watchdogs said Gonzalez should not be targeted for his journalistic activities and urged Poland to substantiate the charges against him.

Among the media outlets that Gonzalez had provided reporting to is the U.S.-funded broadcaster VOA, which said it had taken six stories from him in 2020-21 and conducted a review of his work following his arrest.

With reporting by RFE/RL correspondent Todd Prince, AP, AFP, the BBC, and The Moscow Times

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-prisoner-swap- belarus-gershkovich-whelan-kurmasheva/33059280.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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White House Confirms That Navalny Was Part Of Prisoner Exchange Talks

By RFE/RL August 01, 2024

White House national-security adviser Jake Sullivan said on August 1 that the United States had been working on a prisoner exchange to include Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny prior to his death.

It was the first time a U.S. government official publicly confirmed that negotiations for a prisoner swap with Navalny had been under way prior to his death on February 16.

Shortly after Navalny died, his allies said that Moscow had been in talks with the West about a prisoner exchange involving the politician. Weeks later, Russian President Vladimir Putin also said that he was prepared to release Navalny in a prisoner swap on condition that he never return to Russia.

Sullivan, speaking to reporters at the White House after the announcement of a prisoner swap involving 16 people released from prisons in Russian and Belarus in exchange for eight Russians, said that at the time of Navalny's death, officials were discussing a possible exchange involving Vadim Krasikov.

Krasikov, one of the eight Russians released in the prisoner swap announced on August 1, was convicted in Germany in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison for killing a former Chechen separatist in a Berlin park two years earlier.

After Navalny died in an Arctic prison under suspicious circumstances on February 16, senior U.S. officials made a fresh push to encourage Germany to release Krasikov. In the end, a handful of the prisoners Russia released on August 1 were either German nationals or dual German-Russian nationals.

Some of Navalny's associates were freed, including Lilia Chanysheva, Ksenia Fadeyeva, and Vadim Ostanin. The swap also included Russian opposition politician Ilya Yashin, a prominent critic of the Kremlin.

Navalny's closest ally, Leonid Volkov, lamented that the historic exchange came too late for his friend.

"Today, we're reveling in the release of political prisoners, Putin's hostages who were suffering in Putin's gulag," Volkov said on X. "But it still will be joy with tears in our eyes. 'The Navalny swap' has taken place...but without Navalny. It hurts a lot."

Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, also reacted to the prisoner swap, saying it was a "joy" to see almost a dozen Russian activists and opposition politicians freed.

"Every released political prisoner is a huge victory and a reason to celebrate," Navalnaya said on X, adding those released had been "saved from Putin's regime."

Navalnaya also spoke by phone with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Navalnaya's spokeswoman said.

Harris called to "express her support, noting Aleksei and Yulia's contribution to the fight for a democratic Russia," spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said on X.

Yarmysh said Navalnaya thanked Harris "for the U.S. assistance in organizing the exchange."

She also "called on the international community to facilitate the release of other Russian political prisoners," Yarmysh said.

Harris, the Democratic party's presumptive presidential nominee in the November 5 election, was set to welcome Kurmasheva, Gershkovich, and Whelan upon their arrival in Washington at 11:30 p.m. local time.

William Courtney, a career U.S. foreign service officer who worked on U.S.-Soviet arms talks before becoming U.S. ambassador to Georgia and Kazakhstan after the breakup of the Soviet Union, told RFE/RL that the prisoner exchange will be beneficial to the Biden administration's image.

It shows that the administration "knows how to deal with great powers who are adversaries [and] knows how to do complex negotiations," he said.

Russia gets "nothing but bad publicity internationally" for holding high-profile prisoners like the ones freed on August 1. By releasing them, the Kremlin also avoids the risk of another political prisoner dying on their watch, he added.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-navalny-prisoner- exchange-sullivan/33060145.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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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop, Moscow

1 August 2024 14:37

1466-01-08-2024

On August 1, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation initiated by the Malian side with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop.

The two ministers discussed current issues related to further development of the traditionally friendly Russian-Malian ties, including prospects for strengthening interaction in politics, trade, the economy, culture, and other areas.

The Russian side expressed its firm intention to continue rendering the necessary support to Bamako for it to address pressing socioeconomic problems, boost the combat capability of the national armed forces, and train military personnel and law enforcers with a view to dealing with the persisting terrorist threats.

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Russian Navy completes large-scale exercises on combat employment of fleets and Caspian Flotilla

01.08.2024

The Navy units involved in the scheduled exercises in operative zones of the Northern, Pacific, Baltic fleets, and in the Caspian Flotilla area of responsibility are completing their missions. Soon, the ships participated in the drills will return to the base.

'I believe, the main purpose of the exercises is achieved. The Navy Headquarters will make precise analyse of the surface fleet, naval aviation, and coastal units actions during the combat exercises,' Said Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev.

In total, around 300 surface ships and vessels, submarines, supply vessels, over 50 aircraft, over 200 combat and support vessels, and over 20,000 servicemen and civil servants from different units were engaged in the exercises. For several days, the ships' crews, the Naval Aviation, and coastal units of three fleets and the Caspian Flotilla performed more than 300 combat exercises with live fires. Moreover, anti-aircraft and artillery guns practised sea and air training targets.

The command and control bodies of the fleets and the Caspian Flotilla practised cooperation with other security agencies and federal executive authorities while training on organisation of the bases defence, suppressing illegal activities at sea, organising water rescues, and other multilevel activities.

The main goal of the drills was to check actions of the command of the Russian Navy on all levels as well as combat readiness of the ships' crews, Naval Aviation and coastal units to perform tasks according to the purpose.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov sends telegram to large formation deployed in special military operation zone

01.08.2024

The head of the Russian Defence Ministry congratulated the personnel of the Gorlovka 132th separate guard motor rifle brigade on liberation of Leninskoe of the Donetsk People's Republic.

The servicemen during the special military operation successfully complete missions at the most difficult directions. With courage and self-sacrifice they liberated 17 towns and villages from the neo-nazis. The personnel of the brigade goes on making the glory and combat history by right.

The telegram sent by the Minister says: ' Dear guardians, you advance and push the enemy in Aleksandro-Kalinovo direction, and liberate our land with courage and self-sacrifice from armed Ukrainian formations'.

The head of the MOD thanked the servicemen for their loyalty to the oath and said he was confident that the military personnel would contribute to the victory.

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Eight Russians Detained and Held in Several NATO Countries Brought Back to Fatherland - FSB

Sputnik News

20240801

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) stated that eight Russian citizens, who were detained and imprisoned in several NATO countries, have been returned to Russia. The exchange took place at Ankara airport (Turkiye) on August 1, 2024, and also included the repatriation of minor children.

The FSB's Public Relations Center announced that eight Russians, previously detained and imprisoned in several NATO countries, have been brought back to Russia. The security service added that the recently returned Russians were exchanged for a group of individuals who had been acting on behalf of foreign states, compromising Russia's security.

"On August 1, 2024, as a result of an exchange that took place at the airport in Ankara (Turkiye), eight Russian citizens, detained and imprisoned in several NATO countries, along with their minor children, were returned to their homeland," the statement said.

"Russian citizens were exchanged for a group of individuals acting in the interests of foreign states to the detriment of the security of the Russian Federation," it continued.

The return of the Russian citizens was made possible thanks to the systematic work of competent state agencies and foreign partners.

"Their return was made possible thanks to the systematic and targeted work of competent state agencies, as well as foreign partners," the statement said.

Who is returning to Russia as part of the prisoner exchange with the US:

Vadim Krasikov, a former Russian intelligence officer arrested in Germany in 2019 and accused by Berlin of terminating Chechen terrorist Zelimkhan Khangoshvili on German soil.

Ludwig Gisch and Maria Mayer, arrested in 2022 in Slovenia and accused of being deep-cover Russian intelligence operatives whose names (if Western media is to be believed) are Artem Dultsev and Anna Dultseva.

Roman Seleznev, a Russian IT specialist who was accused by US authorities of being a hacker and of defrauding banks of millions of dollars.

Vladislav Klyushin, a Russian businessman who was arrested in Switzerland in 2021 and extradited to the US. The American authorities accused Klyushin of participating in "an elaborate hack-to-trade scheme that netted approximately $93 million through securities trades based on confidential corporate information stolen from U.S. computer networks," as the US DoJ put it.

Vadim Konoshchenok, a Russian businessman who the US authorities claim has ties to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). In 2023 he was arrested in Estonia and extradited to the US to be tried on charges of smuggling dual-use technologies and ammunition from the United States to Russia.

Mikhail Mikushin, a Russian national who was arrested in Norway while posing as a Brazilian academic called Jose Assis Gaammaria. Norwegian authorities suspected him of being a Russian intelligence operative but Mikushin only admitted to using a false identity to gain employment at the University of Tromso.

Pavel Rubtsov, also known as Pablo Gonzalez Yague, is a Russian-Spanish journalist who was arrested in 2022 in Poland on suspicion of espionage.

Who left Russia with Putin's pardon as part of the prisoner swap deal:

Evan Gershkovich is a US journalist working for Wall Street Journal who was detained in Russia in March 2023 and convicted of espionage.

Paul Whelan is a Canadian-born former US marine who was arrested in Russia in 2018 and convicted of espionage two years later.

Alsu Kurmasheva is an employee of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (Western propaganda outlet branded as a foreign agent in Russia) who was arrested in Russia in 2023 on charges of spreading fakes about Russian Armed Forces.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian journalist who was arrested in Russia in 2022 and a year later convicted on charges of treason and spreading fakes about Russian Armed Forces.

Kevin Lick is a citizen of both Russia and Germany who was convicted on espionage charges in 2023. He was arrested in Russia when trying to flee to Germany with data pertaining to Russian troop movements.

Demuri Voronin is a Russian political consultant who was convicted in 2023 on charges of treason for helping deliver to German intelligence sensitive information about Russian military activities in Syria.

Andrei Pivovarov is a former executive director of the now-defunct Open Russia, a shady organization established in 2001 by the infamous Russian oligarch and convicted criminal Mikhail Khodorkovsky. In 2021 Pivovarov was arrested in Russia and convicted on charges of cooperating with an undesirable organization.

A number of Russian prisoners convicted on a variety of charges ranging from creating extremist organizations and trying to set up a terrorist network to spreading fakes about Russian Armed Forces: Ilya Yashin, Lilia Chanysheva, Ksenia Fadeeva, Vadim Ostanin, Aleksandra Skochilenko.

Also as a part of the deal Rico Krieger, a German mercenary working for Ukraine who was sentenced to death in Belarus this year after being found guilty of perpetrating an act of terrorism on Belarusian soil, was pardoned by the President of Belarus and released. Moscow is grateful to Lukashenko for a goodwill gesture.

Meanwhile, a White House National Security Council spokesperson told Sputnik that US President Joe Biden did not talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the major prisoner exchange deal that took place earlier.

"No," the spokesperson said when asked whether Biden had made contact with Putin as the prisoner swap deal was being put together.

Biden said during a press conference about the prisoner exchange that he does not need to speak with Putin following the swap.

A Sputnik

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Release of Wrongfully Detained Americans and Russian Political Prisoners

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

August 1, 2024

Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva are now on their way back to the United States from Russia. Through the extraordinary efforts of countless people in the State Department and across our government, the United States was able to strike an agreement to secure their freedom, as well as that of Vladimir Kara-Murza and twelve others held prisoner inside Russia.

We are grateful for the support we had from a number of our allies who made this deal possible, in particular Germany, Poland, Norway, and Slovenia. We further appreciate the Turkish government providing a location for the safe return of these individuals to the United States and Germany.

Through many difficult conversations over the past several years, I told the families of those wrongfully detained in Russia that we would not forget them. I know there are many times over those years where they have wondered if our work would ever bear fruit. But I also know that they never gave up hope, and neither did we.

Under President Biden's leadership, we have secured the release of dozens of Americans who were held hostage or wrongfully detained. My pledge to the families of those still separated from their families is the same that I made to those returning home today. We will not forget you, and we will not rest until you see your loved ones again.

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Foreign Secretary David Lammy responds to the release of British nationals from prison in Russia.

1 August 2024

The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

I strongly welcome the news that Russia has released a number of prisoners today, and am particularly relieved that British nationals Vladimir Kara-Murza and Paul Whelan will soon be reunited with their families.

Mr Kara-Murza is a dedicated opponent of Putin's regime. He should never have been in prison in the first place: the Russian authorities imprisoned him in life-threatening conditions because he courageously told the truth about the war in Ukraine. I pay tribute to his family's courage in the face of such hardship and hope to speak to him soon.

Paul Whelan and his family have also experienced an unimaginable ordeal. I look forward to speaking to him as he returns home to his family in the United States after over 5 years in detention.
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Remarks by Vice President Harris on Freeing Americans Detained in Russia

August 01, 2024

George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Houston, Texas

3:29 P.M. CDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Sorry to keep you guys out in the heat.

Okay. You ready?

As President Biden announced earlier today, American citizens Paul, Evan, Aslu, and green-card holder Vladimir, who were unjustly held in Russia, will soon be re- a reunited with their loved ones.

They and their families have shown incredible courage in the face of atrocious and devastating circumstances.

Russian authorities arrested, convicted them in sham trials, and sentenced them to long prison terms. This has been an appalling perversion of justice.

Over many years, President Biden and I and our team have engaged in complex diplomatic negotiations to bring these wrongfully detained Americans home. We never stopped fighting for their release. And today, in spite of all of their suffering, it gives me great comfort to know that their horrible ordeal is finally over.

This exchange also includes the release of Russian political prisoners, including those who worked with Aleksey Navalny.

Earlier today, I spoke with the Aleksey's widow, Yulia, to discuss the significance of their release. And as I told her a this being an additional time from previous conversations with her a the United States stands with all of those who are fighting for freedom in Russia.

As we celebrate today's news, we must also keep front of mind that there are other Americans that are unjustly being held in places around the world, and we will never stop fighting for their release.

As vice president, it has been my honor to work alongside our president, Joe Biden, to bring home more than 70 Americans in the last three and a half years. And we will never waver in our commitment to bring home every American who has been wrongfully detained or held hostage.

That is my solemn commitment to my fellow Americans, which I will always honor.

Thank you all. Thank you.

END 3:31 P.M. CDT

# # #

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Readout of Vice President Harris's Call with Yulia Navalnaya

August 01, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexey Navalny, following the release of 16 individuals from Russia, including three American citizens, one American green card holder, as well as five German citizens and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners, several of whom worked with Navalny in his efforts to combat corruption and to build a free, democratic Russia. The Vice President welcomed the release of these individuals and reaffirmed that she will continue to stand with those fighting for freedom in Russia and around the world. The Vice President commended Navalnaya for her courage in continuing her husband's work for justice and the rule of the law in Russia. The Vice President previously met with Navalnaya in February 2024 at the Munich Security Conference, just hours after the terrible news broke of Navalny's death in a Russian prison. The Vice President wrote a piece about Yulia Navalnaya for TIME Magazine's "The 100 Most Influential People of 2024."

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Background Press Call on Today's Multilateral Prisoner Exchange

August 01, 2024

Via Teleconference

8:05 A.M. EDT

MS. WATERS: Morning, everybody. I'm just going to give folks another minute to join.

All right, let's get started.

I just want to take a quick minute at the top here to discuss the ground rules. This call and its content are going to be held under a strict embargo until we notify the participants of the call that the individuals that we're going to discuss are in U.S. custody, are safe, and on the way back to the United States.

I anticipate, for planning purposes, that that will come no earlier than 11:00 a.m. this morning. We're still hours away from something taking place here.

One other note on the ground rules. I know that the invitation that went out said that this call is on background. The topper of this call, which will be delivered by National Security Advisor Sullivan, is quotable, it is on the record. And then the contents of the Q&A are going to be on background.

For awareness but not for reporting, the senior administration official who will do the Q&A is [senior administration official].

And with that, I will waste no time and I will hand it over to Jake.

MR. SULLIVAN: Good morning, everyone. This morning, the President is gathering the families of Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza at the White House to share with them the news that an exchange is underway to secure the release of their loved ones from Russia.

As Kate just said, we expect that exchange will take place in the next few hours. And if successful a and I underscore "if" because nothing is done until it's done a Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir will at long last be reunited with their loved ones and be home safe.

All told, if successful, the exchange will result in the release of 16 individuals currently detained in Russia in exchange for 8 individuals held in the United States, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, and Poland.

Paul, Evan, and Alsu are American citizens. Vladimir is a green card holder, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, as many of you know.

Five wrongfully detained German citizens and seven other Russian citizens, all political prisoners in their own country, will also be released and will leave Russia.

Today's exchange will be historic. Not since the Cold War has there been a similar number of individuals exchanged in this way. And there has never, so far as we know, been an exchange involving so many countries, so many close U.S. partners and allies working together. It's the culmination of many rounds of complex, painstaking negotiations over many, many months.

There are a few critical moments that led to today that I'd like to walk you all through.

To take a step back: Throughout this administration, President Biden has prioritized the safe return of all Americans held hostage and wrongfully detained abroad. Since 2021, the President has brought home more than 70 such Americans from countries all around the world, including Afghanistan, Burma, Gaza, Haiti, Iran, Russia, Venezuela, West Africa, and from other parts of the world in cases that we have quite deliberately kept discreet for particular reasons.

In the context of the war against Ukraine and the overall degradation of our relations with Russia, securing the release of Americans detained in Russia has been uniquely challenging. We've been working to secure Paul Whelan's release since we came into office. He was detained before we came into office. These efforts were obviously made more complicated and new challenges were presented to us with the arrest of Evan Gershkovich in March of 2023 and Alsu Kurmasheva in June of 2023.

It became clear that the Russians would not agree to the release of these individuals without an exchange that included Vadim Krasikov, a Russian criminal who was in German custody, not someone we could offer ourselves. That required extensive diplomatic engagement with our German counterparts, starting at the top with the President himself, who worked this issue directly with Chancellor Scholz. We are deeply grateful to Germany for their partnership.

Other nations were also critical to securing this deal. Norway, Slovenia, and Poland all had custody of additional Russians included in this exchange. President Biden and his team, including a lot of dedicated people at the NSC, the CIA, the State Department, engaged with all of these countries to get to the result we achieved today. We are deeply grateful for the partnership of Norway, Slovenia, and Poland. We also are deeply grateful to Turkey for providing the critical logistic support that has made this deal possible.

Ultimately, these allies, these partners, and the continued engagement that we had with them, and then the direct engagement we had with Russian officials, allowed us to piece together a package of 8 individuals of interest to Russia for the 16 individuals, including German nationals, Russian political prisoners, and U.S. citizens we hope and expect to see coming out of Russia today.

Over the course of the administration, there have also been countless engagements between U.S. government officials and these detained Americans directly, and their families, to check in on their wellbeing, to keep them updated on the status of their cases. And that started at the very top with the President, but also includes the efforts of many throughout the White House and at the State Department.

We're working hard to make today a very good day and one we can build on for all the others who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, or any American who finds themselves in this kind of distress anywhere. We have no higher priority.

And I will leave it at that and turn it over, as Kate said, to [senior administration official] to answer your questions. And in the meantime, I will be keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks, everybody.

MS. WATERS: Thanks. And with that, we'll open it up to questions. Our first question is going to go to Jenny Hansler with CNN.

Q Thanks so much for doing the call, guys. I have a number of questions. What was the impact of Navalny's death on these negotiations? How much did things slow down after that?

And can you describe a little bit what the linchpin was for Germany to finally agree to release Krasikov?

And then, if possible, can you just tell us the names of the people that Russia is getting back and getting released beyond the Americans? Thank you.

MS. WATERS: Jenny, on the full list of names, I'll disseminate that to everybody who's joining this call on background just so that I don't have to make [senior administration official] struggle through pronouncing a long list of names and save everybody a little time. So we'll send the full list of names around, of the 24.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Jenny, in terms of Navalny's death, as you know, just like you all, we learned about that when it happened, in mid-February of this year.

Later, the same day we learned, the 16th of February, Jake held a previously scheduled meeting he already had with Ella Milman and Mikhail Gershkovich in his office. Jake has made it a priority, since even before the administration took office, to focus the national security team on the cases of all Americans that are being wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world and to put forward a strategy to get them home. And then part of that was constantly meetings with the families. And on this day a on that day, he actually did have, again, a previously scheduled meeting with two of the family members in his office there.

At the time, on that day a honestly, to be frank with you a the team felt like the wind had been taken out of our sails in terms of efforts to get Paul and Evan back home. And Jake, however, felt differently. And he stressed to both Ella and Mikhail that he still saw a path forward. He thought it was going to be a little bit more of a rocky path and it might take us a little bit longer than we thought, but he gathered the team together and he told them to not let Navalny's death totally torpedo our opportunities to get these folks out. And he instructed them to come up with some additional options to make it politically viable, particularly politically viable to the Germans.

And then, if I could just fast-forward, this kind of gets a it actually is a great segue to your second question. A couple of months later a so now we're talking April 24 a Jake drafted a letter that the President sent to Chancellor Scholz, basically with the outlines of a proposal that reflected over a year of Jake's work and the team's work. And Jake really led those efforts with the U.S. and with our counterparts to start to flesh out the actual details.

But it all culminated, really, in a call by President Biden to Chancellor Scholz and then a follow-on visit by Chancellor Scholz in February, where, basically, Chancellor Scholz responded to the President, saying, "For you, I will do this." The President then turned to Jake and said, "Get it done."

So there was concern about Navalny's death slowing things down. Jake still felt optimistic, kept the families informed, instructed the team to move forward, and also worked closely with the President.

But it really a you know, internally, a lot of leadership by Jake and the team. Certainly externally, a lot of leadership by President Biden and building on the relationships that he has, particularly a really good relationship with Chancellor Scholz, again, to the point where Chancellor Scholz told the President, "For you, I will do this." And then here we are.

MS. WATERS: Next, we'll go to Nick Schifrin with PBS.

Q Hey, [senior administration official]. Thanks so much. And shout-out to Kate. Thank you so much for taking us through this, not only this morning, but ahead of today.

I know this will be a little sensitive, but as best you can, can you lift the veil a little bit on the negotiations about the names, especially of the Russians? You know, Europe has picked up a the U.S. has quite a few Russian intelligence agents. The act of figuring out which ones of those Russia was most interested beyond Krasikov, can you talk at all about how that was done a whether the mechanics or working with allies or the intelligence negotiations that happened with Russia and figure out which ones of these people detained they actually wanted and how much they were worth?

And number two, you know, everyone, of course, can celebrate the number 16 for 8, but at the same time, you know, the 16 are guilty of journalism; they're fighting for democracy. You know, the Russians are criminals. They're intelligence agents. You know, Krasikov murdered two people in a children's playground. Why do you think this is a good deal? Thanks.

Hello? Hello?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Was I muted?

MS. WATERS: Oh, it looks like we were muted that entire time. Apologies.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: That's really a shame because a

Q Sorry.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: a what I had just delivered was so eloquent, and now I'm not going to be able to repeat it.

What I was trying to say was: I wouldn't be at liberty to get into the specific discussions over each individual, Nick. First of all, we want to preserve the sanctity of diplomatic conversations. But it was a lot of intense diplomacy by Jake, by our State Department colleagues, and certainly by the intelligence community to work with our international allies and partners from, you know, four different countries, as well as with our Russian interlocutors, to get the right mix here.

And we believe that this is an appropriate deal that gets, again, 16 individuals out of Russian custody. And that's important.

You mentioned Krasikov. He was certainly the biggest fish that the Russians wanted back. And we are tur- a nobody is turning a blind eye to his crimes and to his connection to Russian intelligence services.

But, look, in order to secure the release of innocent people overseas and innocent Americans, you have to make some tough decisions; you have to make some tough calls.

And this deal is no different than any other one that the President has presided over or led our administration through. This one required some tough decisions too.

But in the end, Paul and Evan and Alsu and Vladimir will come home and be back with their families. And that's not insignificant. If any of these individuals that are returning to Russia decide to pick up their old ways and take up their old efforts, we're going to be monitoring, we're going to be vigilant. And if and when an opportunity presents itself, we'll continue to, as we have in the past, work with our partners to hold them accountable for that.

MS. REPOSA: Thank you. Our next question will go to Peter Baker. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Yeah, thank you. Thanks for doing it. Appreciate it. Can you talk about Marc Fogel, the American teacher who is in custody in Moscow? He's not part of this deal, I take it. Is that right? And if so, is there a reason why?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: That is correct, Peter. I would tell you that with each of these exchanges, it's our goal to secure the release of as many Americans as we can.

At every step in this particular process, starting way back when we sought the release of Paul and Brittney together, as you might recall, we also a and we said at the time a we also sought the release of Mr. Fogel. Same was the case in this particular deal. We absolutely wanted Marc to be included, but it just wasn't going to happen. You do the best you can and you get what you can. Just like when we got Brittney out, we tried very hard for both Paul and Marc, and we just couldn't get the Russians there. In this case, we could get Paul; we couldn't get Marc.

So what that tells us is we got to keep redoubling our efforts, and we are. Even as you and I are speaking today, Peter, I can assure you that there are ongoing conversations and dialogue about Marc and about trying to get him a trying to get him released.

The other thing I think is important to mention is that every time you do one of these deals, you learn, you gain insight, you get perspective on what matters to the Russian side, what doesn't matter to the Russian side, and what they're willing to negotiate, what they're not willing to negotiate. And we have learned through this one as well. And we absolutely anticipate being able to learn a I'm sorry a to use the knowledge that we have gained from this particular deal to continue to work on Marc's release.

We understand that today will be a tough day for the Fogel family. We just want to make sure that they understand we have not forgotten Marc, and we're going to continue to work for his release.

MS. REPOSA: Thank you.

Q Do you have any sense of why a

MS. REPOSA: Go ahead.

Q Do you have any sense of why the Russians are so reluctant to him? And are there other Americans that we're still looking to get out of Russia, in addition to him? Or is he the last one?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah, I think in order to preserve the discussions and the negotiations that we're having about Marc, I think I'd be better if I don't get into laying out publicly what the issue is or issues are. We're trying to close those loops, and I just don't know that a public airing of it is necessarily going to help us get Marc out.

But you're right a I mean, there's a couple of other U.S. citizens who are being held abroad in other places as well. And all I would tell you is that we're continuing to work on getting them released as well. There's nothing more important to President Biden than making sure that we're looking after the safety and security of Americans overseas and, when they are wrongfully detained or held hostage, getting them home.

And as I said, more than sev- a or as Jake said, more than 70 now we've been able to secure the release of. And, of course, today is a big day as well. We're going to a we just have to keep at it, and we will.

MS. REPOSA: Thank you. Our next question will go to Andrea Mitchell. Andrea, you should be able to unmute yourself

Okay, we will come back to you. We'll go to Patsy right now.

Q Thank you, Sam. Hi, [senior administration official]. Thanks for doing this. I have two questions. The first one on the logistics. Can you speak about the flight path of the plane that will be carrying these Americans? We are hearing they're flying through Ankara. Can you confirm that?

My second question: Can you provide more details on the process in releasing our colleague, Alsu Kurmasheva? She was (inaudible) by the public; she was not even designated unlawfully detained (inaudible). When did she become part of the negotiation for this package? And any other details you can add. Thanks.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: She became part of the package of negotiations very shortly after she'd been detained. I couldn't give you the date on the calendar. I don't have that level of specificity. But as you know, she was detained back in October of last year, the fall. And shortly after that, we started including her in our discussions and our negotiating posture. And we're really glad that we're going to be able to get her home today as well.

I am not going to confirm flight paths or schedules. I think you can understand that.

One thing I wanted to a I didn't stress earlier to you all, and I want to do that now, it's a and I understand the call is under embargo, but I sure do ask you all to understand that all these individuals we're talking about, certainly these four Americans, are still in Russian custody as you and I speak right now. And so, we're going to be scrupulous about what kind of detail we put out there.

And I think, right now, I'm going to demur on talking about the actual flight path or waystations or anything like that. I'd point you back to what Jake said in his topper, thanking Turkey for some logistical support. I think I just need to leave it at that.

Bottom line is: This exchange has not occurred yet. And only after it occurs and we have confidence that our people are wheels up and on the way home, back to their families, we'll be able to talk in a little bit more detail about the actual physical process.

MS. REPOSA: Thank you. Our next question will go to Trevor Hunnicutt. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hey, thanks for doing this. Two questions. One

was just on the logistics of the Krasikov release from Germany to Russia, if there was any a how that release is being done, if that's like a pardon or what the legal mechanism is there.

And then, two, just if there's any analysis on what this means in terms of U.S.-Russia relations. Is this a sign that the two countries can do deals and can get things done?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Trevor, I think I'm going to refer you to the Germans to talk about whatever legal administrative process has been observed in terms of Krasikov, (inaudible) since he was being a he was arrested and held inside their system, their legal system. I think I'd refer you to them on that.

He was a again, as I said, he was the big fish that the Russians really wanted. And we're extremely grateful for the chance to work with Scholz and the German government for being able to participate and to include him in this exchange.

And again, I want to point to the strength of President Biden's relationships and leadership on the world stage in terms of pulling this together a I mean, not just Germany, but, you know, Norway, Slovenia, Poland.

One of the things that you all may not know is that the Sunday that the President announced he was no longer going to pursue reelection, the a and I'm not making this up a the hour before he released that statement a literally an hour before he released that statement, he was on the phone with his Slovenian counterpart, urging them to make the final arrangements and to get this deal over the finish line. That's what happens today. This exchange is not by accident. It really is the result of a heck of a lot of leadership by President Biden and by the strength of relationships.

It's also a and I know you didn't ask this, but I don't care; I'm going to go forward on this one other point: It shows the power of alliances and partnerships and why investing in alliances and partnerships really does matter and can pay what we would consider, no kidding, tangible and concrete dividends, like what we have today.

But anyway, that's a that's not what you asked. I would refer you to the German government for the administrative stuff on Krasikov.

On U.S.-Russia relations a not a bad segue then a I think what we have proven willing to do with Russia is hold them accountable for their aggression on the world stage, particularly in Ukraine, while at the same time compartmentalizing out working on securing the release of Americans that they are wrongfully detaining.

I would be cautious, and I would counsel anyone to be cautious, in surmising from this that it's some sort of breakthrough in the relationship or that it portends some dAtente with Russia or an easing of the tensions in our relationships a our relationship. That's not going to be the case given what Mr. Putin continues to do inside Ukraine and the threats that he continues to levy against our NATO Allies and our partners across Europe, the burgeoning defense relationship that he's forming with the PRC and with North Korea, with Iran. All these things are of significant concern to us, and you will not see a policy change from President Biden or the administration when it comes to standing up to Putin's aggression as a result of this.

MS. REPOSA: Thank you. We will try to go back to Andrea, if you want to try unmuting yourself again.

Okay, we will move forward.

Our next question will go to the line of Eric Tucker.

Q Hi. Thank you so much for doing this. I really appreciate it. Just a quick logistical question for you, [senior administration official]. And I am mindful of the sensitivities here, but there are now a couple of media reports this morning, first Bloomberg and now CNN, that are reporting that a massive deal is underway. And so, it feels sort of increasingly untenable to be able to keep everything under wraps.

So, to the extent there's a way to renegotiate some of the terms of the embargo to enable this piece of the story to move forward, we'd be very grateful. So I just wanted to ask that, first of all.

And then the second piece is to Krasikov, whether there was a way that you can describe why it is that the Russians were so determined to get this particular person back throughout the course of all these negotiations, what it was that you were able to glean about his significance to the Kremlin. Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, Eric. I understand some of your colleagues decided to move forward, regrettably, and to break the embargo, which we find wholly unacceptable. We also find unacceptable a we would find unacceptable any effort by us to lift the embargo given the fact, as I said earlier, I think to Trevor's question, that these folks are still in Russian custody. And we beseech you all to continue to abide by the agreement. And just because there's some stories out there, it doesn't make it right that they're there, and it certainly doesn't lift our obligation to do everything we can to get this exchange to actually happen.

I can't stress enough: These folks are still in Russian custody. They have not been handed over to us. And while we don't have any indication at this time that this exchange is not going to occur, the last thing that we would want is any reason for the Russians to renege. And I think you can understand why we're taking that so seriously and why we can't take anything for granted or at face value when it comes from the Russian side. So we've got to be careful here.

Again, I implore you all to please try to hold the line. I know it's hard. I know you're in a competitive business. But by golly, there's a whole lot of lives on the line right now and families that are literally chewing their fingernails off, and we just a we want to make sure we get this done right.

On Krasikov, I really can't get inside the Russian thinking, and I wouldn't pretend to be able to do that for you, frankly. And it's not just me; I don't think anybody here on the U.S. side has a full, complete contextual picture of why Krasikov was treated with the priority that he was by the Russian side.

I mean, look, you know, FSB connection, paid assassin, ordered by the Russian government to conduct the assassinations that he did, the murders that he did in Germany. And this is a bad dude and a member of the Russian intelligence service. So, I mean, they obviously considered him a key asset and wanted him back. And it was no small thing for the German government to agree to let him go, which is, again, why we are so extraordinarily grateful to Chancellor Scholz and his leadership here.

When I talked earlier about tough calls, you know, you look at the whole exchange here, it's a big one a and as Jake alluded to, probably the biggest one since the Cold War. Actually, it is the biggest one since the Cold War. Lots of tough calls throughout this whole exchange. And, certainly, Krasikov is one of the toughest calls that leaders had to make.

But I really a it would be difficult for me to say with great granularity why the Russians put the emphasis they did on him, but they did. And, again, thanks to some good leadership and some terrific negotiations, it worked out.

MS. REPOSA: Thank you. Our next question will go to the line of Arden Farhi. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hey, guys. Can you hear me?

MS. REPOSA: Yep, we can.

Q Can you give us any insight into what the President is doing today related to this? How he'll be monitoring it, how he'll be recognizing it once it does happen?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah. He's monitoring it in near real-time by updates from his national security team, and he will stay plugged into the process throughout the day.

As Jake mentioned in his opening statement, the President will be meeting the families today at the White House and having them in the Oval Office today, this morning. Obviously, he'll keep close tabs on the flight trajectory once they get on board and are making their way back home. He will have an opportunity to speak on this today, after being with the families and after the exchanges occur.

You can expect to see a statement from the President, a paper statement, once we know everybody is wheels up and safe and sound. We'll obviously document the meeting with the families. We hope to be able to have the families at that time at least connect with their loved ones by phone once they're on the airplane. And then the President will speak to the nation shortly after that. So, stay tuned for that. Our White House comms folks can give you the details on that. But he will make remarks around midday today.

And then, I think there'll be other opportunities that the President will take advantage of in the coming hours. But I think for right now, I need to preserve a little flexibility on that as these folks make their way home. But you will absolutely hear and see from the President by midday today on this.

Q And if I can ask one more. Jake mentioned Turkey; he thanked Turkey. Can you give us any more insight into their role here?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I really can't. The farthest I can go today is to reiterate what Jake said about logistical support, important logistical support. But out of respect to our partners, I think that's really as much detail as I can go into.

MS. REPOSA: Thank you. Before we wrap, we're going to try Andrea Mitchell one more time. There's three of you on the call, so we're going to let you all in and see if one of you can unmute.

Okay, seeing none. I will turn it over to Kate to close the call.

MS. WATERS: Thank you all for joining us. We will have an update here, as soon as we have an update to share, vis-A -vis the safety and security of these Americans. Thanks.

8:40 A.M. EDT

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Remarks by President Biden on Freeing Americans Detained in Russia

August 01, 2024

12:18 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: (Addressing the families.) Your markers here.

Hello, everyone.

We got everybody?

Well, good afternoon. And this is a very good afternoon a a very good afternoon.

Today, we're bringing home Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir a three American citizens and one American green-card holder.

All four have been imprisoned unjustly in Russia: Paul for nearly six years, Vladimir since 2022, Evan since March of 2023, and Alsu since October of 2023.

Russian authorities arrested them, convicted them in show trials, and sentenced them to long prison terms with absolutely no legitimate reason whatsoever. None.

Paul, a former Marine, who was in Russia for a wedding.

Evan, a journalist, with the Russian a in Russia a was a a was in Russia assigned by the Wall Street Journal.

Alsu, also a journalist, was in Russia to see family.

All three falsely accused of being spies.

And Vladimir, who is a Russian citizen by birth and holds an American green card, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and was a pallbearer at my friend John McCain's funeral with me. He spoke out against Putin's regime, and for that he was convicted of treason.

And now their brutal ordeal is over, and they're free.

Moments ago, the families and I were able to speak to them on the telephone from the Oval Office.

They're out of Russia.

Earlier today, they were flown to Turkey. And soon, they'll be wheels up on their way home to see their families.

This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here. And it's a relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country who've been praying for this day for a long time.

The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship a friendship. Multiple countries helped get this done. They joined a difficult, complex negotiations at my request. And I personally thank them all again. And I've thanked them personally, and I'll thank them again.

All told, Russia has released 16 prisoners. Eight Russians who were being held in the West will be sent home as well. Those 16 prisoners from Russia have a that Russia has released include 4 Americans, 5 Germans, 7 Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country.

One of those Russians runs the human rights organization Memorial, which won a Nobel Prize in 2022. Putin threw him in prison for voicing opposition to the war in Ukraine.

Four others worked with Aleksey Navalny, the political opposition leader who died in Russian prison this year.

Now they can live safely abroad and continue their work of advocating for democracy if they so choose.

This deal would not have been made possible without our allies Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey. They all stepped up, and they stood with us. They stood with us, and they made bold and brave decisions, released prisoners being held in their countries who were justifiably being held, and provided logistical support to get the Americans home.

So, for anyone who questions whether allies matter, they do. They matter.

And today is a powerful example of why it's vital to have friends in this world a friends you can trust, work with, and depend upon, especially on matters of great consequence and sensitivity like this.

Our alliances make our people safer, and we began to see that again today.

Let me say this. It says a lot about the United States that we work relentlessly to free Americans who are unjustly held around the world. It also says a lot about us that this deal includes the release of Russian political prisoners.

They stood up for democracy and human rights. Their own leaders threw them in prison. The United States helped secure their release as well. That's who we are in the United States.

We stand for freedom, for liberty, for justice a not only for our own people but for others as well. And that's why all Americans can take pride in what we've achieved today.

I want to thank everyone in my administration who helped make this happen. Our work did not start just on day one. It started before day one.

During the transition, I instructed our national security team to dig into all the cases of hostages being wrongfully detained, which were inherently a well, we inherited them from the pri- a the prior administration. I wanted to make sure we'd hit the ground running, and we did.

As of today, my administration has brought home over 70 Americans who were wrongfully detained and held hostage abroad, many since before I took office.

Additionally, I issued an executive order in 2022 authorizing penalties like sanctions and travel bans on those who hold Americans against their will. And my State Department has introduced new warnings for Americans about the risk of being wrongfully detained by a foreign government.

Deals like this one come with tough calls, and there are never any guarantees. But there's nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad. And so, we'll continue to work for the release of all wrongfully detained Americans around the world.

Let me end where I began a with Paul, Evan, and Alsu, Vladimir, and their families.

They never gave up hope. We can't imagine what they've been through a all of you. Matter of fact, this lady right here, I think, was living in the Oval Office with us for a while.

But all kidding aside, I can't imagine their joy right now. They're home.

Tomorrow is a big day a the 13th birthday of Miriam. Miriam, where are you? Come here.

You all know we have a tradition in the Biden family. We sing "Happy Birthday" on any birthday. You ready? All of you.

(Sings "Happy Birthday.")

Remember, no serious guys until you're 30. (Laughter.) God love you.

She's Alsu's daughter. Now she gets to celebrate with her mom.

That's what this is all about: Families able to be together again, like they should have been all along.

So, I want to thank you again, to everyone who did their part. In just a few hours, we'll welcome home our fellow Americans.

We're looking forward to that. God willing, we're going to be out at Andrews and get that done.

So, thank you, thank you, thank you. And this is a good day.

Q What did you say to them on the phone, sir? What did you say when they answered the phone on the other side?

THE PRESIDENT: I said, "Welcome almost home."

(Cross-talk.)

Q Mr. President, how do you keep other a how do you keep countries a these so-called "abductor states" a from simply taking more Americans in order to get more of their prisoners home? How do you end these perverse incentives, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: By r- a advising people not to go certain places, telling them what's at s- a at risk and what's at stake.

Q Mr. President, was there a turning point in these negotiations? And can you speak to the complexity of working with six countries to a to secure these releases?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, look, I'm not going to take the time now, but I'll do this later in the week.

I particularly owe a great sense of gratitude to the a the chancellor. The demands they were making of me required me to get some significant concessions from Germany, which they originally concluded they could not do because of the person in question.

But everybody stepped up. Poland stepped up. Slovenia stepped up. Turkey stepped up. And it a it matters to have relationships. It really does. These things matter.

Q Could this improve relations with Russia, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT: Pardon me?

Q Could this improve relations with Russia? Is there any avenue for that after this prisoner exchange deal?

THE PRESIDENT: As my sister might say, "Your lips to God's ears, man." I a

(Cross-talk.)

Q Mr. President, did you speak to a

Q Did you ever speak directly with Vladimir Putin about this? Or would you be willing to speak with Putin, now, directly?

THE PRESIDENT: I don't need to speak with Putin.

(Cross-talk.)

THE PRESIDENT: Anyway a

(Cross-talk.)

Q (Inaudible.) What a how did you weigh that decision of letting somebody out who, sounds like, got away with murder now?

THE PRESIDENT: I got home innocent people. Thank you.

(Cross-talk.)

All right. Thanks, everybody.

(Cross-talk.)

Q As a father, how do you feel about this?

Q Are you speaking with ErdoAYan or any of the leaders about this?

THE PRESIDENT: Say that again?

Q Are you speaking with President ErdoAYan or other leaders about this?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I've spoken with all the leaders about this.

Q What did you say to a

THE PRESIDENT: And, by the way, as a father a look, you heard me say this before, and I mean it. My dad had a simple proposition: Family is the beginning, the middle, and the end. Blood of my blood and bone of my bone.

I could think of nothing more consequential. I mean this sincerely. And having lost family, not a in a different way and not knowing what's happening their circumstance when they're accidental, would it help a it a it matters. It matters. (Inaudible.)

Q Mr. President, what did Germany ask for in response for their cooperation?

THE PRESIDENT: Nothing.

Q President Biden a

Q What did Chancellor Scholz say to you?

Q President Trump has said repeatedly that he could have gotten the hostages out without giving anything in exchange. What do you say to that? What do you say to President Trump a now former President Trump?

THE PRESIDENT: Why didn't he do it when he was president?

12:29 P.M. EDT

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Secretary Blinken's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

August 1, 2024

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud about ongoing tensions and developments in the Middle East. The Secretary emphasized the importance of reaching a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of hostages and reiterated the importance of preventing the escalation or spread of the conflict. Secretary Blinken commended Saudi Arabia's efforts to facilitate aid to Gaza.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed the need for the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to participate in planned August ceasefire talks, come to an agreement to end the conflict, and allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.

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Precision live-fire missile drills to be held in late August: Source

ROC Central News Agency

08/01/2024 08:42 PM

Taipei, Aug. 1 (CNA) Precision live-fire missile drills are set to be conducted in southern Taiwan in late August and feature the domestically-developed Chien Hsiang loitering munition, a military source told CNA on Thursday.

The annual drills will be held in areas around Jiupeng Base in Pingtung's Manjhou Township from Aug. 20-22, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The military will conduct live-fire exercises with indigenous Hsiung Feng-II (HF-2) and Hsiung Feng-III (HF-3) anti-ship missiles, the Tien-Kung III (Sky Bow III) land-based surface-to-air missiles, as well as the American-made Patriot PAC-2 surface-to-air system, the source said.

The exercises will also involve the Chien Hsiang loitering munition developed by National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the source said, indicating that the NCSIST has already delivered two different variants of the Chien Hsiang to the military.

A loitering munition, also known as a suicide drone, is a kind of aerial weapon with a built-in warhead that is typically designed to loiter around a target area until a target is located, then attack by crashing into it.

During the three-day exercises, the source said, coast guard patrol vessels are expected to be equipped with anti-ship missiles to train alongside the Navy's warships.

According to a notice released by the Maritime and Port Bureau, the areas that will be affected by the live-fire exercises will include sea and air spaces around Taitung and Pingtung counties, as well as the outlying Green Island, Orchid Island and the Hengchun Peninsula.

(By Matt Yu and Ko Lin)

Enditem/AW

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MOFA official rejects 'One China' affidavit, unable to get Macao post visa

ROC Central News Agency

08/01/2024 11:16 PM

Taipei, Aug. 1 (CNA) A Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) official set to be posted to Taiwan's representative office in Macao was unable to obtain a visa from the Macao government after refusing to sign an affidavit recognizing Beijing's "One China" principle, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Thursday.

The previous MOFA official stationed in the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Macao returned to Taiwan on July 23 after being posted there for over 10 years, said MAC deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh () at a press conference.

However, another MOFA official set to fill the vacant post was unable to obtain a visa "as the Macao government continues to unilaterally impose a political condition for visa applications," he said.

The government of the Chinese special administrative region required the new appointment to sign an affidavit adhering to the "One China" principle that "our side cannot agree to," Liang said, adding that it resulted in the individual being unable to take up the post in Macao.

Since 2019, the Macao government has required Taiwan officials at TECO-Macao, which is administered by the MAC, to sign affidavits recognizing Beijing's "One China" principle in order to be issued with new visas.

Taiwanese staffers posted to Macao before the implementation of the measure, have been able to stay in the territory by extending their original visas.

From the Taiwan government's perspective, it was not feasible to force the recently returned MOFA official to remain in Macao, Liang said, urging the Macao government "not to impose unnecessary obstacles" to new appointment taking up the post.

If the Macao government continues to insist on such requirement for Taiwanese officials, the Taiwanese authorities "will prepare for the worst" Liang said, without specifying what actions would be taken. But he noted that they would undoubtedly impact civil exchanges between Taiwan and Macao and damage the city's international image.

Regarding the impact on Taiwanese living in or traveling to Macao after the return of the MOFA official, Liang said the official's past duties included assisting with matters related to passports, entry and exit certificates, and visas.

Since the position is now vacant, those services have to be handled through online appointments and remote monitoring, causing significant inconvenience, he said.

According to information provided by the MAC, TECO-Macao should be staffed by eight Taiwanese officials, from various government agencies, such as MOFA, the MAC, and the National Immigration Agency.

After the departure of the MOFA official, only two Taiwanese officials, both MAC staff members who have been posted in the Chinese city for seven to eight years remain, along with 14 local Macao employees.

Meanwhile, Liang announced the results of the MAC's latest survey, which indicated that 84.6 percent of Taiwanese disagree with China's issuance of a new set of guidelines targeting "diehard" advocates of Taiwan independence and the implementation of new national security regulations that allow the authorities to inspect personal belongings.

According to the survey, 85.1 percent of interviewees also disagreed with China Coast Guard's claim of "regular law enforcement patrols" in waters near the Taiwan-held Kinmen Islands.

The survey, commissioned by the MAC, was conducted by National Chengchi University's Election Study Center from July 26-30 through telephone interviews with adults aged 20 and above in Taiwan.

According to the MAC, 1,073 valid samples were collected, with a confidence level of 95 percent and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.99 percentage points.

(By Sunny Lai)

Enditem/AW

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Chinese authorities' labeling of speedboat incident 'unnecessary': MAC

ROC Central News Agency

08/01/2024 11:16 PM

Taipei, Aug. 1 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Thursday that the labeling of the Kinmen speedboat incident is "unnecessary," in response to a statement by Chinese authorities describing the incident as a "malicious collision."

Negotiations on Tuesday to settle outstanding issues relating to the incident, which left two Chinese nationals dead on Feb. 14, was between the parties involved across the Taiwan Strait, said MAC deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh () at a press conference.

The negotiation between Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) and the families of the two deceased Chinese sailors, included reaching a consensus on issues such as compensation, the return of the bodies and the return of the vessel, Liang added.

"As for the many labelings (of the incident) by outsiders, I believe they are unnecessary," Liang said, noting that both sides have shown goodwill.

He expressed hope that as the incident has been resolved, both sides can now "come closer together and avoid returning to such a tense situation."

Liang made the remarks after being asked to respond to a statement by Chinese State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson Chen Binhua () on Wednesday, which stated that the Kinmen speedboat incident was a "malicious collision" event.

The basic facts of the incident are that Taiwan coast guard personnel employed a "brutal and dangerous" method to treat mainland fishermen that resulted in casualties, according to the TAO statement.

The Kinmen speedboat incident occurred on Feb. 14 when Taiwan's Coast Guard pursued a Chinese speedboat that entered prohibited waters off the coast of the Taiwan-held outlying Kinmen islands.

According to the CGA, the unnamed and unregistered Chinese boat with four people on board refused a request to board and inspect it, and later fled, setting off a high-speed chase which ended when the vessel made a sudden turn.

The speedboat collided with a CGA patrol vessel and capsized in waters near Kinmen while being pursued, leading to the deaths of two Chinese crew members. The incident raised tensions around Kinmen, located less than 10 kilometers off the coast of the Chinese city of Xiamen.

Meanwhile, Liang was also asked about developments in two other incidents concerning the Taiwanese fishing vessel Da Jin Man No. 88 and an angler surnamed Hu (), both involving Taiwan nationals detained in China.

Although Liang did not provide specific updates regarding the return of the vessel's crew members and the angler, he said that the Da Jin Man No. 88 incident occurred because the vessel violated China's regulations on a fishing moratorium and the Chinese authorities will handle it according to their laws, while describing the detention of Hu as "utterly unreasonable."

"He (Hu) was first rescued at sea in a humanitarian effort, but this humanitarian rescue turned into an unlawful detention," Liang said, emphasizing the four-month detention is "completely uncivilized."

He said that after the resolution of the Kinmen speedboat incident, the MAC hopes for better outcomes regarding the release of the individuals detained in the two incidents, "but we need to see actual action (from the Chinese side) to be sure (about their returns)."

Hu and another angler surnamed Wu () from Kinmen were detained by Chinese authorities after they lost their way during a fishing trip and were rescued by the Chinese coast guard on March 17.

Wu and his fishing boat were handed over to the Kinmen coast guard by Chinese officials on March 23, but Hu, an active soldier whose retirement was approved on May 8, has not yet been released by the Chinese authorities.

The Taiwanese fishing vessel Da Jin Man No. 88 was boarded and seized by China Coast Guard personnel at a location outside Taiwan-controlled "restricted waters" off the Kinmen islands on July 2, according the CGA.

The vessel, along with its two Taiwanese and three Indonesian crew members, were detained by the Chinese authorities for illegally operating in Chinese territorial seas, the CGA said.

Fishing vessels are prohibited from operating in China's territorial waters during the fishing moratorium, according to Chinese law.

(By Sunny Lai)

Enditem/AW

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/08/01

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Dateis

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Wednesday to Thursday, Jul. 31-Aug. 1

2.PLA activitiesis

29 PLA aircraft, and 10 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.



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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/08/02

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Dateis

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Thursday to Friday, Aug. 1-2

2.PLA activitiesis

17 PLA aircraft, and 11 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.







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New Delhi, Aug 2 (UNI) Advising the National Testing Agency to spruce up its cyber security to prevent paper leaks, the Supreme Court on Friday said that there was no systemic breach of the NEET-UG 2024 as the paper leak was only limited to Patna and Hazaribagh.



While giving its detailed reasons for not cancelling the May 5 National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Under Graduate 2024 exam for the paper leak, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud highlighted the deficiencies in the structural processes of the NTAs which caused the paper leak and told it to avoid "flip-flops" in the context of the NEET exam.



The court also ordered a comprehensive review of the NTAs administrative processes and formulation of a standard operating procedure (SOP) regarding the timeline for registration, change of exam centres, sealing and storage of answer sheets.



The Supreme Court said that we have directed that the scope of the committee already formed be expanded, the committee was originally set up by the Centre in response to the NEET controversy.



The court said that the committee's mandate should now include not only exam security but also a comprehensive review of the NTAs administrative processes.



The bench said that the committee constituted by the Centre will also consider framing standard operating procedures for technological advancements to identify potential weaknesses in the cyber security of the examination system, processes for enhanced identity checks and CCTV monitoring of exam centres.



We cannot afford this for the betterment of the students, the bench said.



Earlier on June 23, the bench comprising Chief Justice of India Chandrachud, Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra had rejected the plea for a NEET re-test and stated that detailed reasons will be given later.



The Court had delivered its judgment on a batch of petitions seeking to cancel the NEET held on May 5 for paper leak and malpractices. The results were declared on June 4.



The same bench on Friday while giving its detailed order criticised the NTA for the "flip flops" it made to conduct the NEET-UG 2024 exam.



CJI questioned the NTA for allowing candidates to change their exam centres and opening a "rear door" to allow new registration.



CJI also flagged the NTA's decision to award grace marks to 1,563 students to compensate for the loss of time they suffered for being given the wrong question paper.



The decision to give additional marks was, however, later retracted and those students were made to appear for a re-test.



CJI Chandrachud also pointed out the NTA's decision to award grace marks to students who attempted a second option for an ambiguous question.



Later, an expert panel constituted on the directions of the Supreme Court by the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi opined that the question had only one correct answer, following which the court directed the NTA to revise the result.



Because the NTA had decided to treat two answers as the correct answer, 44 students had been awarded full 720 marks, CJI pointed out.



The Court directed the committee to prepare a report by September 30 and told the Ministry of Education to formulate the programme to be implemented within a month.



The CJI said "We have highlighted all the deficiencies and the expert committee must rectify them."



Other suggestions given by the Apex Court are to review the process by which exam centres are allotted to candidates, to consider the viability of comprehensive CCTV monitoring at all exam centres, to review and suggest measures for enhancing the process for printing, and transportation of papers.



The Court also asked the agencies to explore the viability of using closed vehicles with real-time locks rather than open e-rickshaws for transportation of exam papers and to enhance identity checks at various stages, technological innovations to check impersonation and take into account privacy law.



UNI SNG RC
Zelensky calls for Russia's participation in next peace conference, 'a consideration based on reality'

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Aug 01, 2024 08:30 PM

After Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine wants Russia to be present at the next peace conference, analysts said on Thursday that Kiev's stance is based on pragmatic considerations, expressing hope that the longstanding conflict can be resolved through peaceful negotiations.

According to media outlet The Kiev Independent, Zelensky told French media in an interview published on Wednesday that Ukraine believes that Russia "must be present" at a second peace conference in order to end the war.

"I believe - as do most countries - that at the second peace summit in November, Russian representatives must be present, otherwise we won't achieve viable results," Zelensky reportedly said.

Zelensky had said in mid-July that he aimed to have a plan ready in November to hold a second international summit that representatives of Russia should attend, according to Reuters.

"Zelensky's remarks can be seen as a consideration based on reality, hoping to seek resolution through diplomatic means," Yang Jin, an associate research fellow with the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Yang noted that since the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted, both sides have been left drained and suffering significant losses. Currently, it appears that neither side can envision achieving their ultimate goals through the continued use of force.

Zelensky's remarks came after a peace conference on the Ukraine crisis held in Switzerland in June that was marked by Russia's absence. The conference ended without any significant progress, according to observers.

"Therefore, the current signal shows Ukraine's willingness to resolve the conflict through political and diplomatic channels, indicating the country's basic stance of hoping to engage in peaceful negotiations," Yang said.

During the interview with French media, Zelensky acknowledged that China was a key player but said he did not want mediation from Beijing and instead urged it to "pressure the Kremlin" to end the conflict, France media reported.

Chinese experts emphasized that China has not and will not exert pressure on either side. Rather, as a responsible major power, China is willing to play a constructive role in mediating the conflict.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui started a visit to Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia from Sunday to carry out the fourth round of shuttle diplomacy on the Ukraine crisis, further exchanging views with major members of the Global South on the current situation and the process of peace talks.

"On the Ukraine crisis, China always believes that to end the hostilities as soon as possible and seek a political settlement is in the interests of all parties. China is of the view that dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out of the Ukraine crisis," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a Monday routine press conference.

China will continue to stand on the side of peace and dialogue, support the international community in building up more consensus, and jointly look for viable means toward a political way out of the crisis, Lin said.

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Shelling, Drones Kill More Civilians As Kyiv Pleads For OK To Strike Deeper Into Russia

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 01, 2024

Russian shelling and drone strikes have killed more Ukrainian civilians in several frontline regions, officials reported on August 1, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy again appealed to Kyiv's allies to allow his forces to use Western weapons systems to strike military targets deeper inside Russia.

In the eastern region of Donetsk, one civilian was killed and 10 others were wounded by Russian artillery fire in Marynivka, regional Governor Vadym Filashkin said on August 1, while local police said a tractor driver was killed in the same locality by a Russian drone.

In Hannivka, near the flashpoint city of Pokrovsk, a Russian aerial bomb wounded three people, including a 3-year-old girl and a 15-year old girl.

Russian forces have been pressing an offensive in the Pokrovsk direction for several weeks.

In the southern region of Kherson, 20 settlements were pounded by Russian artillery from across the Dnieper River, regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. One person was killed and 10 others were wounded during the artillery barrage, Prokudin said.

In the northeastern region of Kharkiv, Russian shelling from across the border killed a 38-year-old woman and wounded a 10-year-old boy, regional governor Oleh Synyehubov said on Telegram.

In the southern city of Nikopol, Russian shelling killed a 72-year-old woman and her 40-year-old daughter, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lysak, reported on August 1. Nikopol has been a frequent target for Russian forces since the start of Moscow's unprovoked invasion.

Zelenskiy, in an interview with French media outlets, said it was paramount for Ukraine to be allowed by its allies to use Western-provided long-range missile systems to destroy military targets deeper inside Russian territory, thus preventing more Ukrainian civilian deaths.

"We hope [to get permission] with all our hearts. We do everything we can," Zelenskiy told the French outlets. "Unfortunately, our partners are afraid of this now, but they must understand that we live and we fight."

Furthermore, Zelenskiy listed the lack of permission to strike inside Russia as one of the main reasons why Russian forces have continued their incremental advance in eastern Ukraine. He also said that newly trained Ukrainian forces need more Western weapons to be ready to replace those who have been fighting for long periods of time.

The Ukrainian leader also pleaded for more advanced air-defense systems and for Western warplanes.

"We need additional resources for air defense, to prevent their aircraft from hitting our territory. It's hard to fight them in the air. That's a fact. Their fleet is larger than ours," Zelenskiy said, on the same day when officially unconfirmed media reports said that the first of several F-16 fighter jets had arrived in Ukraine, in what could be an important boost in the embattled country's capacity to repel Russian air strikes.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskiy-f16-donetsk-kharkiv- dnipropetrovsk-russia-war/33059362.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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F-16 Delivery to Ukraine Means Escalation, Lack of Any Restraints - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister

Sputnik News

20240801

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday, commenting on the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, that escalation and the fact that there are no restraints left are a problem.

Media reported on Wednesday that the first batch of several F-16s had been delivered to Ukraine and had already made the first flights in an "air defense" capacity. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said earlier on Thursday that Kiev would not comment on reports about the arrival of F-16 fighters.

"The problem is in escalation, the problem is that there are no restraints left. American assurances that no such decisions have been made and no indulgences have been given to Kiev, these assurances are worthless, we do not believe what we hear from Washington on the matter. We see opposite things in practice, it needs to stop, it should be understood that the price of all this will be further growth of tensions, new losses, new tragedies," Ryabkov said in a televised appearance on the Rossiya 1 broadcaster.

The Russian diplomat added that no Western equipment, including the delivery of the NATO-supplied F-16s, will not change the situation in the special military operation area for Ukraine.

He reiterated that any means and forces used against Russia during its special military operation in Ukraine are legitimate targets for the Russian military.

A Sputnik

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'The Only Answer is to Destroy Them': How Russia Plans to Handle Ukraine's Western-Supplied F-16s

Sputnik News

20240801

Ukraine has finally received the first small batch of F-16 fighter jets promised by the West, with some of them allegedly already participating in air defense missions, if recent Western media reports are to be believed.

While F-16 jets are indeed designed to counter relatively slow-moving airborne targets like cruise missiles, the effectiveness of these planes against Russian air raids is questionable, says Russian military analyst Dmitry Drozdenko.

"Using fighters to attack Geran-class drones is pointless, if only because the missiles used against them are much more expensive than the drones themselves," Drozdenko explains.

He further notes that any Russian group airstrike would involve up to twenty cruise missiles and the F-16 jets donated to Ukraine are unlikely to be able to shoot all these missiles down.

"I think they will try to engage in air combat and attempt to attack our Su-34 [jets] that currently inflict serious damage upon Ukrainian fortifications thanks to glide bombs with the universal gliding and correction module," Drozdenko says when asked how else Kiev may try to use these F-16s.

"As for our response, we have Su-30s and Su-35s, aircraft that are more advanced that these F-16s. And I know that our pilots are preparing to meet the enemy in our skies," he notes.

According to Drozdenko, the range of Russian warplanes' radar systems and the range of their air-to-air missiles exceed those of the radar and missiles used by F-16 so Russian have all the means to deal with the new threat.

"The only answer to this situation is to destroy this hardware, just like those Leopard and Abrams tanks," he says.

Drozdenko also speculates that Kiev may opt to station F-16s in Poland or in Romania to keep them safe from Russian airstrikes.

An F-16 would then fly to an airstrip to quickly rearm and refuel, fly a sortie from that Ukrainian airfield and then quickly flee back to an airbase in one of the two aforementioned NATO countries.

A Sputnik

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Russia Willing to Cooperate on Ukraine Crisis Resolution, Seeks Solutions Considering Its Interests

Sputnik News

20240801

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia is ready to cooperate with all those who seek to facilitate the settlement of the crisis in Ukraine, taking into account Russian interests and current realities, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik.

Commenting on the recent visit by Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Ukraine, she said his statements in general are in line with the Vatican's mediation efforts.

"Considering the significance of the Secretary of State's figure in the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, we certainly take his statements very seriously, regarding them as the official position of the Holy See," Zakharova said.

"As of today, we have not received any official requests regarding Parolin's visit to Russia. The dialogue with the Vatican continues. Our country is ready to cooperate with all those who seek to facilitate a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis with account for Russia's known interests and current realities," she said.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is open to a diplomatic resolution, yet the same seemingly does not hold true for Ukraine.

"Russia is open to all initiatives, and Russia is open to a diplomatic path to a settlement, but we see that, unfortunately, there is no such reciprocity on the part of Ukraine at the moment," Peskov said.

A Sputnik

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Ukraine Will Not Restore Transit of Russian Oil to Slovakia, Hungary - Prime Minister

Sputnik News

20240801

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said that he had held several rounds of talks with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, during which Shmygal emphasized Kiev's determination not to resume the transit of Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary.

In July, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that Ukraine had stopped the transit of Lukoil's oil. The Slovak Economy Ministry confirmed that the country was no longer receiving oil from the Russian oil giant, which was sanctioned by Ukraine.

"The sanctions imposed by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine do not pose a threat to the energy security of Slovakia and Europe as a whole, which is why their cancellation is not a subject of discussion. Therefore, we have full understanding from Brussels on this issue," Shmygal said on Telegram on Wednesday.

He added that the parties agreed on another intergovernmental meeting in October to continue "pragmatic dialogue."

On July 22, Szijjarto said that Hungary and Slovakia had launched consultations of the European Commission with Ukraine due to a stop in the transit of oil from Russia through the Druzhba pipeline. On July 24, the commission postponed the consideration of the appeal, citing the need for additional information.

A Sputnik

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We Are Preparing Agreements That Will Take Place This August - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

1 August 2024 - 19:27

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

A few things for today.

Today, I held a meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the recovery. In particular, based on the results of my trip to Kharkiv, Poltava region, Volyn and Rivne and the meetings I held. This concerns the completion of facilities, key recovery priorities, and people capable of ensuring the full implementation of state tasks. At the governmental level, we are preparing personnel decisions and additional decisions so that this fall more Ukrainian children will be able to study in schools not online, but normally - so that school life can be as normal as it is possible now, in times of war.

Second. Our relations with partners - we are preparing agreements and arrangements that will take place this August. These include security agreements - negotiations will begin tomorrow with another European country. We are also preparing the visits of leaders to Ukraine and, accordingly, the content of our negotiations and the long-term philosophy of our agreements. It is extremely important to ensure resilience for our state for years to come, which will guarantee greater capabilities for us now, this year, given the existing challenges and threats. Of course, the key task is to support both the Defense Forces and the state budget, as well as to ensure Ukraine's social resilience. I am grateful to everyone in the world who helps us. And of course, I am grateful to our warriors - to all the soldiers, sergeants, and officers on the frontline who defend our state, protect our positions, care for neighboring units, and assist when needed. The Armed Forces, the National Guard, the National Police, the border guards, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, and all other elements of our defense - I thank each and every one whose dedication is the strength of our entire state. Today, I want to especially recognize the units of the National Guard of Ukraine, particularly the 15th brigade of the National Guard, fighting in the south of Ukraine. They have achieved excellent results in destroying enemy equipment - nearly 30 Russian artillery systems destroyed in just one month, along with much other equipment. Warriors, thank you for this - thank you to the entire brigade! I would like to specifically acknowledge the soldiers - Oleksandr Khalimon, Ruslan Salin, Oleksandr Halaida, and Oleksandr Kukhar; junior sergeants - Denys Florenko, Mykola Boyko, and Andriy Kmet; Sergeant Pavlo Zavadskyi; and platoon commanders - Lieutenant Yevhen Vitushko and Illia Chornenkyi. Well done! The 1st presidential brigade of the National Guard: Soldier Yevheniy Martynenko and Sergeant Serhiy Kolisnichenko, as well as battalion commanders Lieutenant Colonels Ruslan Bayda, Volodymyr Zhdanov, and Kostiantyn Vakhramieyev. Thank you! The Omega Special Purpose Center, specifically the 4th separate detachment of the Center, is effective as usual. Thank you! And also the 5th Slobozhanska brigade of the National Guard - thank you! In the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it is worth highlighting this week the 25th separate airborne brigade and the 68th separate jaeger brigade fighting now in the most challenging Pokrovsk direction. Kharkiv direction - the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade and the 36th separate marine brigade. Thank you! Kupyansk direction - the 14th separate mechanized brigade. Well done! In the Kurakhove direction, our paratroopers from the "Seventy-ninth" deserve our unwavering gratitude. In the Toretsk direction - the 28th separate mechanized brigade. Thank you! Thank you to everyone who helps our defense, works for Ukraine, and does everything to ensure the world helps us liberate Ukraine from the occupier.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Ukrainian air defenses destroy 7 Russian drones

By VOA News August 01, 2024

Ukraine said Thursday its air defenses shot down seven Russian aerial drones that targeted areas in central and eastern Ukraine.

The Ukrainian air force said the intercepts took place over the Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Poltava regions.

In the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said Russian shelling killed one person and damaged homes, while a missile attack injured one person.

Russia's defense ministry said Wednesday it shot down a Ukrainian aerial drone over the Belgorod region, which is located across the border from Kharkiv.

Belgorod Vyacheslav Gladkov said Ukrainian drones struck three villages, damaging at least five homes. Gladkov said there were no reports of injuries.

In Bryansk, another border region, officials said air defenses shot down three Ukrainian aerial drones, but that there were no reports of injuries or damage.

Kursk Governor Alexei Smirnov reported a Ukrainian drone attack that hit a bus and injured the driver.

U.S. officials said Wednesday Ukraine had received its first shipment of F-16 fighter jets from the West, something Ukraine has been seeking for months to help it beat back the Russian invasion of its territory.

Ukraine says the F-16s are crucial because of their ability to suppress enemy air defenses.

Western allies have been slow in agreeing to supply the jets because they were fearful of escalating the conflict with Russia.

It was not immediately clear how many of the jets were included in the shipment.

NATO members Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands have pledged to provide more than 60 of the jets to Ukraine.

U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to allow allies to send the U.S.-built jets to Ukraine a year ago, after repeated requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO allies.

Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Press Conference by Security Council President on Programme of Work for August

Press Conference

Security Council

1 August 2024

The Security Council's programme for August features a first-ever discussion on enhancing Africa's effective representation in the body, as well as an open debate on the New Agenda for Peace, its President for the month told a Headquarters press conference today.

Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone), who holds the 15-member organ's rotating presidency for this month, said the signature event on Council reform will focus on the historic injustice posed by the lack of representation for his continent in the Council. It will be a high-level meeting to be held on 12 August, and will be presided by the President of his country, Julius Maada Bio.

The second signature event, the open debate on the New Agenda for Peace a to be held on 21 August a will address the global, regional and national aspects of conflict prevention, he said. It will feature briefers and experts from the United Nations and African Union, among others. The Council will also hold a thematic briefing on 7 August, on sustaining women and peace and security commitments in the context of accelerated drawdown of peace operations.

Also noting briefings on Sudan and the International Criminal Court, African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), he pointed to country-specific meetings on Yemen and Syria, as well as the monthly briefing concerning the Palestine question on 22 August.

Recalling that his country last held the presidency of the Council in December 1971 and that it is returning to the post after 53 years, he said that, in the intervening years, it went through years of civil conflict, as well as decades of post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding, in partnership with the United Nations. This unique experience has given Sierra Leone a deep belief in the role of multilateralism in maintaining peace and security. On 26 March 2014, he added, the Council held a meeting on the situation in Sierra Leone; just 10 years later the country is assuming the presidency of that body. Highlighting this remarkable transformation, he said that Sierra Leone is committed to being a "voice of reason" and "a bridge-builder" during its tenure in the Council.

He also responded to several questions posed by media correspondents. Regarding how Sierra Leone's historic experience will inform the Council's consideration of Sudan, he observed that his country's partnership with the Council represents a "success story". Noting many similarities between Sierra Leone and Sudan, he said dialogue is crucial. It takes dedicated leadership to commit to talks and engage with opposing factions. At the same time, it is crucial to deal with the humanitarian situation urgently, he stressed, adding that questions of accountability are also important.

Addressing several questions on Council reform, he reiterated that the forthcoming debate concerning Africa's representation is unprecedented and is intended to elevate the current discussion. There are significant negotiations ongoing and the African Group has made important demands which, he hoped, will be reflected in the final declaration of the Summit of the Future.

When pressed on whether a "big announcement" about a permanent seat for Africa was expected in September when the General Assembly meets, he outlined the step-by-step approach that is currently in progress. There is sufficient momentum "to really move this issue", he observed. Next year will be the eightieth anniversary of the UN and "I think questions could be asked" if the Organization reaches that milestone without a permanent seat for Africa, he said.

Several correspondents posed questions concerning Gaza and the current escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Responding, Mr. Kanu noted the meeting held Wednesday and added that Council members are deeply concerned and committed to call additional meetings, if necessary. When asked why there are no sanctions upon Israel despite its persistent atrocities a "every violation you can imagine is being committed in Gaza" a he pointed to Council resolution 2735 (2024). Sanctions are part of the toolkit of the United Nations and the process could be activated by a Council member, he said.

He also took questions regarding the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion and whether the Palestinian people have the right to resist occupation the way many African countries fought colonialism. If there's a request for Council engagement concerning the advisory opinion, the body can do so, he said in his capacity as Council President. As to the Council's role in implementing the advisory opinion, he noted that it has called on the parties to comply with their obligations under international law a which includes the orders of the International Court of Justice.

In his national capacity, he added that the Court was very authoritative regarding Palestine's right to self-determination. Further, the Court has clearly asked both the Assembly and the Council to move forward with modalities.

To a question concerning accountability for the deaths of 165 journalists killed in Gaza, he responded that his country has drawn attention to the high fatalities among journalists. There are resolutions underscoring this point, he said, adding that there should be follow-throughs. Council members must continue to amplify the need to protect those who should be protected in conflict situations, including journalists and human rights defenders.

He also pointed to Council resolution 2728 (2024), which was sponsored by the 10 elected members of the Council, describing it as a demonstration of unity. Reiterating that his country sees its role in the Council as that of a bridge-builder, he said: "We understand that the United Nations is not an organization of like-minded States [...] but you have to bring everyone together."



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Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The appeal of any brand comes primarily from the product or service it offers. However, it is often the entrepreneurial pursuit taken to reach the end result, that encompasses the true value of any enterprise. As much can be said for Tasleem Wariss journey to establishing Bubble and Bling, a collection of perfume, jewelry and skincare launching this year in Dubai, UAE.

Tasleem Waris, CEO and Founder of Bubble and Bling

Tasleem was born into a low-income family in West Bengal, India, describing her childhood as like any other child in the slums of Kolkata. From her earliest memories, she recalls sharing one bedroom with her extended family and being influenced by the cultural pressures of gender norms and social hierarchy. Yet, Tasleem had ambitions to see beyond her circumstances and big family responsibilities, embarking on a journey that would lead her to business ownership, self development and overseas travel.

Fascinated by the planes that would fly over her head as she played badminton on the streets, Tasleem aspired to become an air hostess as she grew older. Unfortunately, the financial constraints of her household did not allow her to pursue this career and she began working as a direct selling agent for a bank, whilst completing her formal education. Walking twenty minutes to reach her place of employment each day, Tasleems desire to contribute to her familys financial situation drove her unwavering commitment to provide quality in all that she worked towards. Recognizing this work ethic, she was soon offered a role in one of her clients hotels as a receptionist - where she excelled in networking and built meaningful relationships with management, colleagues and guests.

One guest in particular was a cabin crew member who informed her of mass recruitment initiatives publicized by multiple airlines through the local newspaper. Upon finding an advertisement for Air Sahara, Tasleem finally reached her childhood goal in becoming a hostess after traveling to Delhi and succeeding through the hiring process; she comments: All I had was a dream in my heart and somehow, I knew Id find a way. I remember my first flight, it still gives me goosebumps to this day. It was the culmination of a dream I held with me since my childhood.

Unfortunately, at a layover in Bombay one evening, she was informed of the hospitalization of her father. Upon hearing the news, her dreams halted in their tracks to tend to her heavily-impacted family. Her mother was forced to sell heirloom jewelry to keep up with the rising medical costs but Tasleems hope was not lost, even as the doctors advised her to turn off her fathers ventilation machine. She recalls: They told me there was a 1% chance of his survival but that was enough for me, and 20 years later my father is still with us.

The determination and endless hope exhibited by Tasleem encompasses the entrepreneurial spirit that exists within her. She takes her experiences in life and uses them to guide her work; Bubble and Bling is borne from her personal journey and inspired by her mothers loss of jewelry, her desire to make a difference and her unbeatable hope for other young women chasing their dreams. Bubble and Bling was created for everyone who was faced with the worst of life, reminding us that there is always room for growth and we must always pull ourselves back up

Today, Bubble and Bling offers natural skincare, perfume and 18 carat gold plated jewelry. She seeks to scale her business, and elevate it to the next level to ensure that her brand will surely be able to provide working opportunities for those experiencing similar hardships as she launches her brand globally. Through her brand, Tasleem wants to create a platform, especially for women, who are in need for that last ray of hope. Bubble and Bling is not just a business, it is an emotion and a victory of a dream which was seen years ago amidst all hardships. This is a true example of the saying that one should never stop hoping.







Media Contact:

Name: Tasleem Waris

Email: hello@bubbleandbling.me




China expresses appreciation to Indian side for helping injured mariner: spokesperson

Xinhua) 13:13, August 02, 2024

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Thursday expressed China's appreciation to relevant Indian departments and personnel who had recently assisted an accidentally injured Chinese mariner.

Lin made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on an incident which saw the Indian Navy and Coast Guard rescuing a Chinese mariner off Mumbai coast.

Noting that the Chinese mariner was accidentally injured when operating on a ship off Mumbai coast, Lin said that the Indian side swiftly came to his rescue and provided him with timely medical treatment.

Currently, the mariner is in stable condition and recovering back in China, Lin added.

The Chinese side expresses its heartfelt appreciation to all the departments and personnel of the Indian side who overcame the challenging conditions on the scene and successfully carried out this humanitarian rescue operation, said the spokesperson.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
US Delta, United Airlines suspend flights to Tel Aviv amid escalating tensions

New York, Aug 1 (UNI) US carriers Delta Air Lines and United Airlines on late Wednesday temporarily suspended their flights to the Israeli city of Tel Aviv amid heightening tensions in the Middle East region.

United Airlines suspended its daily services to and from Tel Aviv, beginning with the Wednesday evening's flight from Newark Liberty International Airport in New York to Tel Aviv, the company said, citing "security reasons."

"We continue to closely monitor the situation and will make decisions on resuming service with a focus on the safety of our customers and crews," a company spokesperson said in an announcement.
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Spokane, WA, Aug. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Law Office of Robert C. Hahn, III, P.S. is a full-service practice providing various legal services in bankruptcy and personal injury. Attorney Robert C. Hahn III is a highly rated and skilled attorney with over 20 years of experience handling cases with compassion and dedicated legal representation.

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Media Contact:



Company Name: The Law Office of Robert C. Hahn, III, P.S.

Contact Person: Robert Hahn

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Website: https://rhahn.com/


SIKA ACQUIRES LEADING CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS COMPANY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Sika has acquired Vinaldom, S.A.S in the Dominican Republic. For decades, Vinaldom has been successfully serving the local market with high-quality products for concrete construction. The acquisition strengthens Sikas position in the fast-growing Dominican market and offers significant cross-selling opportunities throughout the Caribbean region.

Vinaldom is a family-owned, well-established business serving a strong, loyal customer base. The product range includes concrete admixtures, fibers, adhesives, and sealants. Vinaldom is a well-managed company with an experienced sales team that has demonstrated a strong track record in terms of growth and margin development.

The acquisition will add a manufacturing facility in the Dominican Republic where Sika has not previously had its own plant. This will be the sixth factory in the Caribbean, increasing Sikas presence in the region. The enhanced production footprint, together with the expanded customer base and product offering, will improve market access and provide exciting cross-selling opportunities in the Dominican Republic and throughout the Caribbean region. Customers will benefit from a broader portfolio of durable, sustainable solutions as well as faster delivery times.

The Dominican economy has witnessed a strong, steady growth over the past few years and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5% until 2028. Major infrastructure projects in the energy and transportation sectors will create great opportunities now and in the years ahead in the Dominican market. Tourism is another important sector of the economy, with upcoming large investments in new hotels. Sika is well positioned to take advantage of the growth trends in both the infrastructure and commercial construction segments.

Mike Campion, Regional Manager Americas: With Vinaldom we will be able to serve and supply our customers in the Dominican Republic even better. The increased access to a broader customer base, supported by local manufacturing, will contribute to further expansion in the Dominican market. We warmly welcome the Vinaldom employees to the Sika team and look forward to growing our business together.

SIKA CORPORATE PROFILE

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and the industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world and, in over 400 factories, produces innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. With around 34,000 employees, the company generated sales of CHF 11.2 billion in 2023.

CONTACT

Dominik Slappnig

Corporate Communications &

Investor Relations

+41 58 436 68 21

slappnig.dominik@ch.sika.com

The media release can be downloaded from the following link:

Media Release


New York, United States , Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global IP Multimedia Subsystem IMS Market Size is to Grow from USD 2.71 Billion in 2023 to USD 9.23 Billion by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.04% during the projected period.





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The IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) is an open architecture standard built on the session initiation mechanism. It describes how applications and services are delivered to clients, regardless of the access network on which they run. IMS removes session control from the host application to maximize flexibility, while also standardizing the signaling and control layers, and also network-based and web-enabled applications and services. The IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) test and monitoring solutions market aims to ensure the longevity, dependability, and efficiency of IP-based multimedia communication networks. Additionally, 5G technology is predicted to have a big impact on telecommunications in society. It is expected to allow for the widespread digitalization of a hyper-connected society in which all people are virtually connected to the network and a range of various devices resulting in a society in which everything is connected. Compared to other systems, the IP multimedia subsystem is a less expensive choice. The cost-effectiveness of internet protocol (IP) multimedia subsystems (IMS) benefits both large and small organizations, which is another key factor driving market revenue growth. However, security problems in virtualization are a significant component that may limit industry revenue growth. When a system is connected to the internet, it raises the likelihood of cyberattacks and makes data more vulnerable to hackers, a risk that internal security systems do not often experience.

Browse key industry insights spread across 178 pages with 110 Market data tables and figures & charts from the report on the " Global IP Multimedia Subsystem IMS Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Component (Product and Services), By Mobile Operator (Mobile Operators and Fixed Operators), By End-Use Industry (Consumer and Enterprise), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023  2033."

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The services segment accounted for the largest revenue share of the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market during the projected timeframe.

Based on the component, the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market is categorized into product and services. Among these, the services segment accounted to hold the largest revenue share of the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market during the projected timeframe. This is due to the necessity to provide various communication services including as audio, video, text, and data over several devices and networks using a standardized platform. IMS provides enhanced communication capabilities and services, including rich multimedia engagement, real-time video conferencing, presence-based services, and integrated messaging.

The mobile operators segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market during the projected timeframe.

Based on the mobile operator, the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market is categorized into mobile operators and fixed operators. Among these, the mobile operators segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market during the projected timeframe. Mobile operators have faced several challenges, such as upgrading advanced technology to match current end-user expectations, fierce rivalry, and large OPEX and CAPEX. Operators seek cost-effective and scalable solutions. One of the key drivers of the mobile operator market is increased investment in 5G infrastructure implementation as a result of changing customer preferences for smartphone devices and next-generation technology.

The enterprise segment is projected to hold a significant market share of the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market during the projected timeframe.

Based on the end-use industry, the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market is divided into consumer and enterprise. Among these, the enterprise segment is projected to hold a significant market share of the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market during the projected timeframe. IP multimedia subsystem IMS market enables businesses to merge many communication channels, such as audio, video, messaging, and presence, into a single platform. This integration not only increases productivity but also streamlines communication methods, allowing individuals to work together successfully regardless of location.

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North America is expected to hold the largest share of the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market over the forecast period.

North America is expected to hold the largest share of the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market over the forecast period. The region has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure and a high adoption rate of advanced communication technologies. Major competitors in the IMS industry are based in North America, which contributes to the region's dominant position. The presence of leading technology companies, as well as extensive R&D operations, contributes to the region's market leadership. The CBRS (citizen's broadband radio service) spectrum will be made available to commercial operators and enterprises in North American countries as a result of expanding government initiatives. Individuals are accepting multimedia applications to better communication in response to the increasing use of smartphones in the United States. Government support is encouraging expansion in the North American market. Political leaders are emphasizing the expansion of current telecom networks to provide 5G network access capabilities.

Asia Pacific is predicted to grow at the fastest pace in the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market during the projected timeframe. Asia Pacific is also a significant market for 5G because of its fast expanding telecom sector and large client base. Furthermore, the region is heavily investing in the 5G business. In APAC economies, there has been a growth in the penetration of communications services, and also higher infrastructure investment by communication service providers. The Indian government is taking proactive steps to create possibilities for telecom companies to expand. In addition to retail, the Indian government has established the 'Digital India' program, which aims to integrate other sectors, including healthcare, via the internet.

The IP multimedia subsystem IMS industry in Europe is rapidly expanding. This is due to rising demand for multimedia services and the widespread adoption of LTE technology. LTE, or fourth generation (4G) technology, has emerged as the foundation for fast and reliable mobile communication. Its broad coverage and superior features make it an excellent IMS framework companion. Users in Europe have the right to smooth and effective multimedia communication due to the IMS-LTE synergy. For example, in February 2023, Virgin Media O2 announced that all O2 mobile customers have switched to their virtualized Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystems (IMS) solution, which incorporates voice over LTE (VoLTE) and voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi).

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market. Major vendors in the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market are Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Cisco Systems Inc., Amdocs Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., IBM Corporation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Nokia Corporation, Ericsson AB, Nokia, ZTE Corporation, Athonet srl, Oracle Corporation, Reliance Industries Ltd., NEC Corporation, and Others.

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Recent Developments

Ericsson and Canadian telecoms operator Videotron have signed a five-year agreement, expanding on their existing relationship. This collaboration aims to enhance Videotron's Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) deployments. It comprises software, services, and support, proving both companies' dedication to innovation and superior service for mobile clients across Canada.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the IP multimedia subsystem IMS market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Global IP Multimedia Subsystem IMS Market, By Component

Product

Services

Professional Services

Consulting

Integration and deployment

Training and support

Managed Services

Global IP Multimedia Subsystem IMS Market, By Mobile Operator

Mobile Operators

Fixed Operators

Global IP Multimedia Subsystem IMS Market, By End-use Industry

Consumer

Enterprise

Global IP Multimedia Subsystem IMS Market, By Regional Analysis

North America US Canada Mexico

Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Rest of Asia Pacific

South America Brazil Argentina Rest of South America

Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Qatar South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa



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Oslo, 2 August 2024: Scatec ASA, a leading renewable energy provider, has today signed an agreement with Greenstreet 1 Proprietary limited, a subsidiary of STANLIB Infrastructure Fund II, managed by STANLIB Asset Management Proprietary Limited (STANLIB), to sell part of its ownership in the Kalkbult, Linde, and Dreunberg solar power plants, with a total capacity of 190 MW, for a gross consideration of ZAR 921 million (USD 50 million).

Scatec currently holds an economic interest of approximately 46 percent in the Kalkbult and 44 percent in the Linde and Dreunberg solar power plants. The transaction will be conducted through a two-step process, whereby Scatec will sell down to approximately 13 percent in Kalkbult and 12 percent in Linde and Dreunberg.

Scatec remains committed to long term investment in South Africa and will continue to provide Operations & Maintenance and Asset Management services to the three facilities, which were won under Rounds 1 and 2 of South Africas REIPPP Programme.

This transaction signifies continued implementation of our strategy to recycle capital into new investments in renewable energy. We are very pleased to secure a value accretive transaction and are confident that STANLIB, who has been invested in the assets since inception, will be a solid majority owner of the asset going forward, says Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog.

Having been in South Africa for over a decade, we have grown into a leading renewable energy player in the country. South Africa will continue to remain a core growth market for us, and we will continue to build scale through new investments, including the Grootfontein solar projects under construction, the Mogobe battery storage project, and through Lyra Energy, our private sector focused vehicle, adds Pilskog.

The first phase of the transaction is estimated to close in the second half of 2024 and the second phase in the first half of 2025. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary consents including lender, shareholder, and regulatory authority approvals. The accounting effects will be disclosed at closing of the transaction.



Notes to editors

Kalkbult: The Kalkbult plant, situated in the Northern Cape region, was the first project commissioned under Round 1 REIPPP in March 2014. The project holds a 20-year PPA with Eskom, the national utility company.

The Kalkbult plant, situated in the Northern Cape region, was the first project commissioned under Round 1 REIPPP in March 2014. The project holds a 20-year PPA with Eskom, the national utility company. Linde: Situated in the arid Karoo region of the Northern Cape, Linde benefits from extremely high levels of irradiation. Linde was commissioned in July 2014 and holds a 20-year PPA with Eskom, the national utility company.

Situated in the arid Karoo region of the Northern Cape, Linde benefits from extremely high levels of irradiation. Linde was commissioned in July 2014 and holds a 20-year PPA with Eskom, the national utility company. Dreunberg: Dreunberg is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Commissioned in December 2014, Dreunberg was the second project won under Round 2 of the REIPPP Programme. The project holds a 20-year PPA with Eskom, the national utility company.

Dreunberg is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Commissioned in December 2014, Dreunberg was the second project won under Round 2 of the REIPPP Programme. The project holds a 20-year PPA with Eskom, the national utility company. STANLIB is the second largest asset manager (by assets under management) in South Africa, and part of Standard Bank Group Limited.



For further information, please contact:

For analysts and investors: Andreas Austrell, VP IR, phone: +47 974 38 686, andreas.austrell@scatec.com

For media: Meera Bhatia, SVP External Affairs & Communications, phone: +47 468 44 959, meera.bhatia@scatec.com



About Scatec

Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy emerging markets. As a long-term player, we develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.6 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. We are committed to grow our renewable energy capacity, delivered by our passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of Improving our Future. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SCATC. To learn more, visit www.scatec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn .

This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

This stock exchange announcement was published by Kine Aaltvedt, IR Analyst at Scatec ASA, on 2 August 2024 at 08:00 CEST.
Dublin, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Indonesia Telecoms Market Report - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Progress continues on Indonesia's expanding satellite and submarine cable platforms

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the telecommunications market in Indonesia, focusing on key statistics and a comparison with other regional Asian markets. It examines market characteristics, highlighting the roles of market leaders, challengers, and new entrants. The report analyzes the relationship between the telecommunications market and GDP, along with mobile and mobile broadband penetration rates versus fixed-line broadband. It includes a country overview and details the regulatory environment, featuring key institutions such as the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (MoCI) and Badan Regulasi Telekomunikasi Indonesia (BRTI), and discusses relevant laws, including the Telecommunications Laws of 1989 and 2000.

The scope encompasses an analysis of mobile network developments, including spectrum auctions, Mobile Number Portability (MNP), and the status of 4G, LTE, and 5G infrastructures. It assesses the market share and performance of major mobile operators such as Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), XL Axiata, Hutchison 3 Indonesia, Smartfren Telecom, Bakrie Telecom, Sampoerna Telekomunikasi Indonesia (STI) / Net1 Indonesia, and Internux (Bolt!).

In the fixed-line broadband sector, the report covers the offerings of major service providers like TelkomNet, Link Net, MNC Kabel Mediacom, Biznet Networks, XL Axiata, and MyRepublic. It also explores the technological landscape, including fixed wireless (Wi-Fi and WiMAX), the fixed network market, and key players like Telkom Indonesia.

The infrastructure section reviews the national telecom network, fibre networks, international infrastructure including submarine cable and satellite networks, and data centres, highlighting major providers. The report concludes with insights into smart infrastructure initiatives, smart cities, and IoT developments.

Market Insights



Indonesia comprises the world's largest archipelago, and as such the country faces a range of obstacles in terms of enabling widespread access to quality telecom services covering its population. Geographical challenges have been exacerbated by a variety of social, political, and economic problems over the years, which have kept the country's wealth distributed very thinly.



Many islands are sparsely populated, which has rendered the deployment of fixed-line infrastructure on a broad scale largely impractical. What fixed infrastructure does exist remains concentrated around major urban centres. The relatively low broadband penetration rate is partly due to under-investment by the previously state-owned incumbent Telkom, though in recent years more effort has been made to address poor connectivity in outlying areas, where a good proportion of the population resides with limited internet coverage.

There has been renewed activity in laying out fibre cables (though mostly again concentrated in built-up areas, where the return on investment is more secure), but the bundling of fixed-line telephony with TV and internet services will see the country's teledensity stabilise for the near future. For all that, Indonesia's telecom sector is largely focussed on mobile connectivity. In what has become a highly competitive market, mobile penetration reached 140% and is projected to exceed continued to increase at a steady, though slow, rate over the next five years.



With LTE being practically universally available, the major mobile operators have been busy trialling and launching 5G services in selected areas. Telkomsel was the first to go live, in Jakarta in May 2021, followed by IOH launch in Solo shortly afterwards. However, the rollout of 5G is being hampered by the lack of available suitable spectrum. Telkomsel was obliged to launch services using limited spectrum in the 2.3-2.4GHz band, which is only supported by a small number of handsets.

Much of the LTE spectrum had to be re-farmed from broadcasting services. Telkomsel was able to alleviate some of the pressure on its limited spectrum holdings after having secured 20MHz of spectrum in the 2.1GHz band at auction in November 2022. The same refarming process is likely to be considered in order for the operators to expand 5G into its core frequency bands (3.3-4.2GHz).



Key Developments:

Telkomsel and Indosat Ooredoo expand 5G services, signs agreement to merge with IndiHome.

Indonesia preps for the launch of the SATRIA-1 satellite.

Mitratel sets aside IDR1 trillion for new towers in underdeveloped and regional areas of the country.

Progress continues on the Bifrost cable system connecting the US West Coast with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

Telkom starts to build its second Hyperscale Data Center (HDC).

Telkomsel secures 20MHz of spectrum in the 2.1GHz band at auction.

Ooredoo and CK Hutchison complete the merger of their respective Indonesian mobile operations, forming Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH).

IOH contracts ZTE to develop a 5G transport network.

Key Topics Covered

Key statistics Regional Asia market comparison Market characteristics Market Leaders Market Challengers Market Entrants TMI vs GDP Mobile and mobile broadband penetration Fixed versus mobile broadband penetration Country overview Telecommunications market Regulatory environment Regulatory authority Ministry of Communication and Informatics (MoCI) Fixed-line developments Telecommunications Law 1989 Telecommunications Law 2000 Badan Regulasi Telekomunikasi Indonesia (BRTI) Foreign ownership Access Universal Service Obligation (USO) Mobile network developments Spectrum auctions Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Mobile market Mobile statistics Mobile infrastructure 5G 4G / LTE Other infrastructure developments Mobile broadband Major mobile operators Fixed-line broadband technologies Fixed wireless (Wi-Fi and WiMAX) Fixed network market Major network operator Telkom Indonesia Telecommunications infrastructure National telecom network Fibre networks International infrastructure International gateway exchanges Submarine cable networks Satellite networks Data centres Major data centre providers Smart infrastructure Smart cities and IoT Glossary of abbreviations

Companies Featured in the Report

Telkomsel

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH)

XL Axiata

Hutchison 3 Indonesia

Smartfren Telecom

Bakrie Telecom

Sampoerna Telekomunikasi Indonesia (STI) / Net1 Indonesia

Internux (Bolt!)

Fixed-line broadband market

Fixed broadband service providers

TelkomNet

Link Net

MNC Kabel Mediacom

Biznet Networks

XL Axiata

MyRepublic (Indonesia)

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About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Atlanta, Georgia, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Four specialized masters degree programs offered by Georgia State Universitys J. Mack Robinson College of Business are among the nations top 10 public university programs in new rankings from TFE Times. All four programs rose in the 2024 rankings.

Robinsons M.S. in Finance is 2nd among public university programs and 6th overall (up one spot from 2023).

The colleges M.S. in Data Science & Analytics is 4th among public university programs and 11th overall (up one spot from 2023).

Robinsons M.S. in Quantitative Risk Analysis & Management , ranked in the financial engineering category, is 4th among public university programs and 12th overall (up one spot from 2023).

ranked in the financial engineering category, is 4th among public university programs and 12th overall (up one spot from 2023). The colleges M.S. in Marketing is 6th among public university programs and 13th overall (up two spots from 2023).

It is exciting to see our TFE Times rankings rise year over year, said Brian Jennings, senior associate dean for graduate and non-degree programs. It reflects Robinsons continued investment in the quality of our programs, as well as our esteemed faculty, the excellence of our students, and the success of our alumni.

TFE Times calculates its rankings using six components related to student quality, program selectivity, and career outcomes. Learn more at https://tfetimes.com/best-graduate-schools.

Attachment
RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SECU Foundation is celebrating a significant milestone  marking its 20-year anniversary of impactful funding in support of its mission to help identify and address large scale community issues and to promote local and community development in North Carolina. To date, the largest charitable organization in the credit union industry has committed over $300 million in scholarships, grants, and loans to benefit North Carolinians in all 100 counties of the state.



One of the most remarkable aspects of SECU Foundations work is the overwhelming support it receives from the members of State Employees Credit Union (SECU) who fund the Foundation. Over 99% of SECU members with active checking accounts contribute through the reallocation of their $1 monthly maintenance fee. The unique funding concept is known as the Power of a Dollar.

When SECU Foundation was established in 2004, we never realized the far-reaching, positive impact that SECU could have on North Carolina communities through the Foundation, said SECU President and CEO Leigh Brady. Ive been amazed to watch the Foundations growth and development of grantmaking programs that have been transforming the work of non-profits and the people that they serve.

Its an exciting yet humbling time for us as we celebrate the incredible impact our work has made and the lives we have touched along the way, said SECU Foundation Executive Director Jama Campbell. The Foundations success, growth, and longevity are a true reflection of SECU members generosity and commitment to our mission and hopefully creating a ripple effect of positive and lasting change in our communities and state. Im thrilled with what has been accomplished thus far, and I am eager to see what the future holds.

SECU Foundation has used its collective contributions to address and raise the visibility of community issues in its core funding areas of education, housing, healthcare, and human services. Notable highlights include:

Awarded more than 16,000 scholarships to students attending North Carolina public universities and community colleges though its commitment to higher education.

to students attending North Carolina public universities and community colleges though its commitment to higher education. Funded over 200 unique non-profit initiatives for affordable housing, homeless shelters, healthcare for the underserved, food insecurity, child advocacy and youth services, and disaster relief to help address critical needs of communities and enhance the quality of life for residents.

for affordable housing, homeless shelters, healthcare for the underserved, food insecurity, child advocacy and youth services, and disaster relief to help address critical needs of communities and enhance the quality of life for residents. Implemented the Mission Development Grant program in 2017, providing over $3.5 million in funding to help 89 non-profits build organizational capacity, future growth, and sustainability.

program in 2017, providing over $3.5 million in funding to help 89 non-profits build organizational capacity, future growth, and sustainability. Teamed up with SECU to provide $16 million in disaster relief efforts and operational support to North Carolina non-profits during COVID-19.

to North Carolina non-profits during COVID-19. Created Disaster Response Pilot in 2023, providing $110,000 in funding to help address capacity building for North Carolina non-profits located in disaster areas as declared by federal or state governments.



As we celebrate the Foundations 20th anniversary, I cant help but reflect on the meaningful collaborations that have brought together non-profits, educators, and local organizations to improve the lives of North Carolinians and foster community and economic development throughout the state, said SECU Foundation Board Chair Chris Ayers. I look forward to what we can accomplish in the next 20 years as we broaden our efforts to make an even greater impact across our great state.

About SECU and SECU Foundation

A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 87 years. SECU is the second largest credit union in the United States with $56 billion in assets. It serves more than 2.8 million members through 275 branch offices, over 1,100 ATMs, Member Services Support via phone, www.ncsecu.org, and the SECU Mobile App. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high-impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of over $300 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide.

Contact: Jama Campbell, Executive Director, secufoundation@ncsecu.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/edfd1dcf-bf7c-4889-910b-38d43e6225c0
Fort Worth, Texas, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While some people may give you the shirt off their back, three members of one North Texas family have donated something a lot closer to their hearts  a kidney to a stranger in need.

It started with Joel Nickerson, a 43-year-old wastewater plant manager who donated a kidney in September 2023, after signing up through the National Kidney Foundation.

In December, Ava Nickerson, Joels mother and a science teacher at Valley View High School, followed her sons lead and donated a kidney at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

And most recently, Randy Nickerson, Joels father and Avas husband, returned to Texas Health Fort Worth on July 24 and donated a kidney as well.

I just look at our lives and my life and how blessed weve been, and Ive got one to give and if somebody can use it, then why not? said Randy Nickerson, a 70-year-old licensed professional counselor and retired firefighter. Its just what we should do.

For staff at Texas Health Fort Worth, where the parents surgeries were performed, the familys kindness is inspiring and a first.

Since our kidney transplant program began in 1986, we have never before had two living donors from the same immediate family, said Robyn Dye, administrator of the program. To know that three members of the same family volunteered to give life to strangers in need is truly amazing, and we are grateful that Texas Health Fort Worth was able to play a part.

An idea takes root

The idea to donate a kidney was first planted when Joel Nickerson read a magazine article by a man who had given his kidney to a stranger.

I didnt even know it was possible, Joel Nickerson said. I knew people needed kidneys but didnt know how it happened.

The idea grew in Joel, and one day, without even telling his plans to his wife, Jessica, he went to the National Kidney Foundation website and signed up to be a donor.

I take love thy neighbor seriously, so Ive always looked for those opportunities, Joel said. I saw it being a day in the hospital, a couple weeks recovery and thats it  you give somebody a new lease on life. Thats a small price to pay, and the risks just arent that big compared to the payback.

The idea spreads

Ava Nickerson had once toyed with the idea of donating after learning a friend of a friend needed a kidney, but her busy schedule kept it a passing thought. After watching her son donate, she decided to make it work.

I reached out to Texas Health, and then Randy saw the email, Ava Nickerson, 70, said, erupting into laughter. I didnt tell him I was going to do it.

Thats how we do things, Randy quipped. We just spring stuff on each other in this family.

Ava had her surgery during her holiday break from school, one of three North Texas educators who donated kidneys over a three-day span at Texas Health Fort Worth.

Her husband had no concerns about her decision.

I trust God, and it just never entered my mind that she would be in any danger, Randy said. I thought, Shes doing this out of the goodness of her heart. I wasnt worried. Not at all.

Father makes three

Randy Nickerson initially believed he was too old to donate a kidney. But when he later learned there is no maximum age limit, he jumped on the bandwagon. Texas Health Fort Worth has facilitated more than 1,250 transplants since the programs beginning; Randy was its 173rd living donor.

I had the luxury of walking alongside Ava every step of her trip. I went to Fort Worth with her, all of her tests and everything shed gone through, I knew what to expect  and they make it as easy as possible for you, he said.

Adding to his motivation, he said, was a card that his wife had received from her kidney recipient. In the note, the recipient thanked Ava for her generosity and helping him get his life back and told her that he prays for her every day.

You see that this is having a real-life impact on a person, Randy said. That put a little more emphasis on it and made it a little easier to drive to Fort Worth and back every time we had to go down there. You know, hopefully, its going to impact somebodys life for the better.

[For additional visuals, including video of interview with Nickerson family and B-roll, contact Deanna Boyd Spangler.]

 END 

About Texas Health Resources:

Texas Health Resources is a faith-based, nonprofit health system that cares for more patients in North Texas than any other provider. With a service area that consists of 16 counties and more than 8 million people, the system is committed to providing quality, coordinated care through its Texas Health Physicians Group and 29 hospital locations under the banners of Texas Health Presbyterian, Texas Health Arlington Memorial, Texas Health Harris Methodist and Texas Health Huguley. Texas Health access points and services, ranging from acute-care hospitals and trauma centers to outpatient facilities and home health and preventive services, provide the full continuum of care for all stages of life. The system has more than 4,400 licensed hospital beds, 6,600 physicians with active staff privileges and almost 29,000 employees. For more information about Texas Health, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org .

Attachment
TURIN, Italy, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An intensive course to learn all about superyacht professions. It is the 'Yachting Masterclass' held at Yacht Club de Monacos La Belle Classe Academy training center.



On Saturday 27th July, 25 participants in the Yachting Masterclass programme graduated at the Yacht Club de Monaco after three full-on months of learning. Thanks to this course Ive already landed my first job in the yachting industry and can apply my knowledge, says Niamh Murphy, yachting sales and charter assistant and winner of a study grant offered each year as part of the Masterclass. Recognition indeed for these industry newcomers who acquired in-depth expertise in the sector thanks to the numerous professionals involved like programme director Marcela de Kern Royer, Chris Andreason (Captain), Tanguy Ducros (Monaco Marine), Ralph D'azert (Superyacht Times), Tijmen Bergsma (Van Oossanen), Alex Hardy (Lateral), Marsha Van Buitenen (Feadship), Richard Hein (Thea Group), Janet Xanthopoulos (Rosemont), George Lucian (Only Yacht) and Nicolas Fry (Denison Yachting) to name a few. I looked everywhere for a yachting course and it didnt exist. I finally found this one and its perfect as it covers all topics from yachting vocab to propulsion systems, insurance, classifications and flags, yacht locations and owners, shipyards, added Celine Deissard, Sales Director in the luxury sector. Open to the public, the Yachting Masterclass course is an opportunity to discover the superyacht universe through a 360 approach that tackles 25 themes. Being based in Portugal, it allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the sector without having to travel. My knowledge of superyachts came on in leaps and bounds and gave me confidence to achieve my goals as a broker, concludes Reinoud Bicker, Yachting Branch Manager in Portugal.

From summer 2024, La Belle Classe Academy courses are open to young people aged 16-22 with the Yachting Summer Camps. At the end of a week, they can gain navigation certificates such as the coastal boat and jet ski licenses or take a first aid course, learn the art of knots and ropework, or get to grips with the basics of meteorology at fun educative workshops. After a short break in August and September, apart from the coastal license classes, courses at La Belle Classe Academy, which trains an average 200 to 250 people a year mainly between October and May, will resume 30th September, with a STCW Polar Code course for officers and captains working in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Set up in 2015 with the aim being to promote the range of trades associated with the yachting sector, La Belle Classe Academy continues to expand its program. Moreover, having recently achieved official recognition as an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) training center it can now offer the RYA Level 1 and 2 Powerboat Handling courses all-year, further expanding its range of certificated, internationally recognized courses. Under the aegis of the collective 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' initiative, the training center has established itself as one of the most important in the superyacht industry. "We are proud to contribute to the professionalization of the yachting sector and in so doing reinforcing Monacos international reputation", says Yacht Club de Monaco general secretary Bernard dAlessandri.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d2b9c85c-34c4-4280-a00a-c98f0867d6ba
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $100,000 In Toyota To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options



If you purchased or acquired securities in Toyota between June 25, 2022 and June 2, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). You may also click here for additional information: www.faruqilaw.com/TM.





NEW YORK, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota or the Company) (NYSE: TM) and reminds investors of the August 23, 2024 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, this Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts, about the Companys business and operations. Specifically, Defendants misrepresented and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Toyota understated its malfeasance relating to certification of its cars and issues relating to overall legal compliance; and (2) as a result, defendants statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

On June 3, 2024, The New York Times published an article entitled Toyota and Other Japanese Carmakers Say They Mishandled Safety Tests. This article stated, in pertinent part, that Toyota [. . .] and other top Japanese automakers said on Monday that internal investigations found they had mishandled vehicle testing on dozens of models over the past decade. Further, Toyota said it had failed to gather proper data when doing pedestrian and occupant safety tests for three models, including its popular Yaris Cross sport utility vehicle.

On this news, Toyotas American Depositary Shares (ADSs) fell $5.34 per ADS, or 2.45%, to close at $212.17 per ADS on June 3, 2024.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Toyotas conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Toyota class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/TM or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5e848124-9c14-4bab-ba13-256ecec0c433
Delhi, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The multispecific antibody market is emerging as a significant area of growth and innovation within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Multispecific antibodies, which can target multiple antigens or epitopes simultaneously, offer several advantages over traditional monoclonal antibodies, such as enhanced efficacy, reduced resistance, and the potential for more precise targeting of complex diseases like cancer. The market for these advanced therapeutics is expected to expand rapidly, driven by advancements in technology, increased investment, and a growing understanding of their therapeutic potential.

According to Neeraj Chawla, Research Head at Kuick Research, there will be exponential growth in multispecific antibodies markets over next decade driven by exponential sales growth and increasing number of clinical trials. He further added that the number of multispecific antibodies in clinical investigation is expected to surpass more than 1200 from current 900 antibodies in next couple of years. Bispecific antibodies will continue to dominate multispecific antibodies commercial and clinical landscape for next decade.

Download Research: https://www.kuickresearch.com/ccformF.php?t=1722618060

Technological advancements are key drivers of the multispecific antibody market. Innovations such as bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), dual-affinity re-targeting (DART) proteins, and tandem diabodies have enabled the development of highly specific and effective multispecific antibodies. These technologies allow for the precise targeting of multiple antigens, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes. The continuous evolution of these technologies is expected to drive the market forward, with new and improved multispecific antibodies entering clinical development and gaining regulatory approval.

Increased investment in research and development is another critical factor contributing to the growth of the multispecific antibody market. Pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms are recognizing the potential of multispecific antibodies and are investing heavily in their development. This investment is leading to a robust pipeline of multispecific antibody candidates, with several already showing promising results in preclinical and clinical trials. The influx of funding is also facilitating collaborations between industry and academia, further accelerating the pace of innovation in this field.

The growing prevalence of complex and chronic diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases, is driving the demand for more effective and targeted therapies. Multispecific antibodies, with their ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, are well-suited to address these medical needs. As a result, the market for multispecific antibodies is expected to see significant growth as these therapies offer new treatment options for patients with conditions that are difficult to manage with traditional therapies.

Regulatory agencies are increasingly recognizing the potential of multispecific antibodies and are streamlining approval processes to bring these innovative therapies to market faster. Recent approvals of multispecific antibodies have set a precedent, encouraging more companies to pursue this approach. Regulatory support, combined with the clinical success of existing multispecific antibodies, is expected to boost market growth and drive further development in this area.

Strategic collaborations and partnerships are playing a vital role in the expansion of the multispecific antibody market. Companies are joining forces to leverage each others expertise, resources, and technologies to advance the development of multispecific antibodies. These collaborations are not only accelerating the pace of research and development but are also enabling companies to navigate regulatory challenges and bring their products to market more efficiently. The trend of strategic partnerships is expected to continue, further fueling market growth.

The future of the multispecific antibody market looks promising with numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. Continued advancements in technology, increased investment, regulatory support, and strategic collaborations are all contributing to the rapid expansion of this market. As more multispecific antibodies enter clinical development and gain approval, they are expected to transform the treatment landscape for a variety of complex diseases, offering new hope for patients and driving significant market growth.
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Direct Equity Source, a leading real estate private equity firm, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with AAA Storage, an industry-leading self-storage company. Direct Equity Source, via its recently formed fund, will be the largest single investor in AAA Storages current multi-property Growth Fund I, and significantly expand its self-storage portfolio across the United States.



This partnership combines Direct Equity Source's extensive experience in real estate private equity and financial acumen with AAA Storage's operational expertise and industry-leading storage solutions. Direct Equity Sources investment will expand AAAs ability to develop, acquire, and manage state-of-the-art self-storage facilities, and office/industrial flex properties in key markets, enhancing accessibility and convenience for customers.

AAAs Growth Fund I, plans to add over 6 new self-storage, and 3 flex space property locations in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina over the next twelve months. Leveraging AAA Storage's cutting-edge technology and customer service excellence, the new facilities will offer secure, clean, and easily accessible storage options. The development of new storage and office/flex facilities is expected to create numerous job opportunities and stimulate local economies.

Stephen Lawrence, Manager of Direct Equity Source, stated, "We are thrilled to partner with AAA Storage, a leader in the self-storage industry. This collaboration aligns with our growth strategy and commitment to providing high-quality real estate solutions and investment opportunities.

Paul Bennett, President of AAA Storage, added, "Our partnership with Direct Equity Source represents a significant milestone for AAA Storage. By combining our operational strengths with Direct Equity Source's investment capabilities, we are well-positioned to expand our footprint and serve more customers with top-notch storage solutions."

For more information about this partnership and future projects, please visit www.directequitysource.com.

About Direct Equity Source:

Direct Equity Source is a premier real estate private equity firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of diverse property types. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Direct Equity Source delivers superior returns for investors while fostering sustainable growth in communities.

About AAA Storage:

AAA Storage is a leading developer and operator of self-storage solutions, offering secure, clean, and affordable storage units across the United States. With a focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence, AAA Storage ensures a seamless storage experience for both personal and business needs.

For more information, please contact:

Stephen Lawrence

Manager

Direct Equity Source

512-326-3326

info@directequitysource.com
New York, United States , Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Air Cargo Market Size to Grow from USD 151.8 Billion in 2023 to USD 221.4 Billion by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.85% during the forecast period.





Get a Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/request-sample/5302

The air cargo market, a crucial component of global trade, has grown rapidly, owing to e-commerce expansion and rising demand for on-time deliveries. Advances in technology, such as real-time tracking and automated warehousing, improve operational efficiency. The market has hurdles, such as fluctuating fuel prices and tight regulatory requirements. Major players are investing in fleet modernization and sustainable practices to reduce environmental effect. Asia-Pacific is a critical region, underpinned by strong manufacturing bases and export activity. Despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the air cargo sector is positioned for long-term expansion, fueled by globalisation and the ongoing change of supply chain dynamics. Innovations in air logistics and strategic alliances are expected to accelerate industry expansion.

Browse key industry insights spread across 215 pages with 120 Market data tables and figures & charts from the report on the " Global Air Cargo Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, by Type (Air Freight and Air Mail), Service (Express and Regular), End User (Retail, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare, Consumer Electronics, Automotive and others) and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 - 2033."

Buy Now Full Report: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/checkout/5302

Air Cargo Market Value Chain Analysis

The air cargo market value chain includes several interconnected stages, from manufacture to ultimate delivery. It starts with manufacturers and suppliers, who produce and furnish things for shipment. Freight forwarders then handle the logistics, which include documentation and customs clearance. Ground handling agents oversee cargo at airports, guaranteeing smooth loading and unloading. Airlines move cargo with specialised planes meant for freight. Ground handlers resume control upon arrival, allowing for easier transfer to local warehouses. Distribution networks, which include trucking businesses, ensure last-mile delivery to end users. Technology plays an important part throughout the process, allowing for real-time tracking and more efficient operations. Collaboration among stakeholders, from suppliers to logistics providers, is critical for ensuring efficiency and addressing the expanding needs of global trade.

Air Cargo Market Opportunity Analysis

The air cargo market offers considerable prospects, driven by the rise of e-commerce and the demand for fast, dependable delivery services. Emerging markets, notably in Asia-Pacific and Africa, have enormous potential due to increased industrialization and commercial activity. Artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and blockchain technology are poised to transform logistics, increasing efficiency and transparency. Sustainable methods, such as the use of eco-friendly aircraft and fuel alternatives, provide opportunities for expansion as environmental issues become more pressing. Furthermore, the development of specialised cargo, such as pharmaceuticals and perishables, necessitates tailored solutions, resulting in niche market potential. Strategic collaborations and infrastructure investments, particularly in developing regions, can help companies expand their markets and capitalise on the changing global supply chain landscape.

Inquire Before Buying This Research Report: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/5302

Insights by Region

North America is anticipated to dominate the Air Cargo Market from 2023 to 2033. The industry is steadily expanding, owing to substantial e-commerce growth, technical advancements, and strong economic activity. Memphis, Anchorage, and Louisville are important freight hubs, supported by major carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Automation and real-time tracking are improving operational efficiency. However, the market confronts other hurdles, including regulatory constraints, shifting fuel prices, and environmental concerns. Infrastructure investments, sustainable practices, and strategic alliances are critical to long-term growth. The North American air cargo sector remains well-positioned to capitalise on rising demand for accelerated delivery services as well as changing global trade requirements.

Asia Pacific is witnessing the fastest market growth between 2023 to 2033. The expansion is being fueled by strong manufacturing, thriving e-commerce, and broad trade networks. Major hubs such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore play critical roles in managing large cargo quantities, with support from leading airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and China Airlines. Technological advancements, such as automation and IoT, improve efficiency and tracking capabilities. Despite obstacles such as legislative impediments, fluctuating fuel costs, and environmental concerns, the region remains an important growth area. Investments in modernising infrastructure, increasing capacity, and implementing sustainable practices are vital.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market. Major vendors in Global Air Cargo Market Qatar Airways (Qatar), Etihad Airways (UAE), International Consolidated Airlines Group, SA (UK), All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd (Japan), Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Germany), Japan Airlines (Japan), The Emirates Group (UAE), Singapore Airlines (Singapore), Cargolux (Luxembourg), and other key vendors.

Get Discount At @ https://www.sphericalinsights.com/request-discount/5302

Recent Developments

In February 2022, Flexport has placed an advanced purchase order for Natilus' two large-scale freight UAV prototypes, including the 100-tonne pitting cargo drone technology, which could compete with conventional aircraft.

Market Segmentation

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2023 to 2033.

Air Cargo Market, Type Analysis

Air Freight

Air Mail

Air Cargo Market, Service Analysis

Express

Regular

Air Cargo Market, End User Analysis

Retail

Food & Beverages

Pharmaceutical and Healthcare

Consumer Electronics

Automotive

Others

Air Cargo Market, Regional Analysis

North America US Canada Mexico

Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Rest of Asia Pacific

South America Brazil Argentina Rest of South America

Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Qatar South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa



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TORONTO, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avicanna Inc. (Avicanna or the Company) (TSX: AVCN) (OTCQX: AVCNF) (FSE: 0NN) a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products announces a change of auditors from Kingston Ross Pasnak LLP (Former Auditor) to Ramirez Jimenez International CPAs (Successor Auditor) effective August 2, 2024 until the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company.



There have been no reservations or modified opinions contained in the Former Auditors reports on any of the Companys audited financial statements; and, there are no reportable events including disagreements, consultations, or unresolved issues as defined in National Instrument 51-102  Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102") (Part 4.11) between the Company and the Former Auditor, during the period that the Former Auditor acted as the Companys auditor. In accordance with NI 51-102, the Notice of Change of Auditors, together with the required letters from the Former Auditor and the Successor Auditor, have been reviewed by the audit committee and board of directors and filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

About Avicanna Inc.

Avicanna is a commercial-stage international biopharmaceutical company focused on the advancement and commercialization of cannabinoid-based products and formulations for the global medical and pharmaceutical market segments. Avicanna has an established scientific platform including R&D and clinical development leading to the commercialization of more than thirty proprietary, evidence-based finished products and supporting four commercial stage business pillars.

Medical Cannabis formulary (RHO Phyto): The formulary offers a diverse range of proprietary products including oral, sublingual, topical, and transdermal deliveries with varying ratios of cannabinoids, supported by ongoing patient, and medical community education. RHO Phyto is an established leading medical brand in Canada currently available nationwide to patients across several medical channels and continues to expand into new international markets.



The formulary offers a diverse range of proprietary products including oral, sublingual, topical, and transdermal deliveries with varying ratios of cannabinoids, supported by ongoing patient, and medical community education. RHO Phyto is an established leading medical brand in Canada currently available nationwide to patients across several medical channels and continues to expand into new international markets. Medical cannabis care platform (MyMedi.ca): MyMedi.ca is a medical cannabis care platform formed with the aim to better serve medical cannabis patients needs and enhance the patient journey. MyMedi.ca is operated by Northern Green Canada Inc. and features a diverse portfolio of products and bilingual pharmacist-led patient support programs. MyMedi.ca also provides specialty services to distinct patient groups such as veterans and collaborates with public and private payers for adjudication and reimbursement. MyMedi.ca provides educational resources to the medical community to facilitate the incorporation of medical cannabis into health care regimens.



MyMedi.ca is a medical cannabis care platform formed with the aim to better serve medical cannabis patients needs and enhance the patient journey. MyMedi.ca is operated by Northern Green Canada Inc. and features a diverse portfolio of products and bilingual pharmacist-led patient support programs. MyMedi.ca also provides specialty services to distinct patient groups such as veterans and collaborates with public and private payers for adjudication and reimbursement. MyMedi.ca provides educational resources to the medical community to facilitate the incorporation of medical cannabis into health care regimens. Pharmaceutical products (Trunerox) and pipeline: Leveraging Avicannas scientific platform, vertical integration, and real-world evidence, Avicanna has developed a pipeline of proprietary, indication-specific pharmaceutical products that are in various stages of clinical development and commercialization. These cannabinoid-based drug candidates aim to address unmet medical needs in the areas of dermatology, chronic pain, and various neurological disorders. Avicannas first indication-specific pharmaceutical drug, Trunerox, was approved Q1 2024 by the Health Authority of Colombia INVIMA as an adjuvant treatment for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome in Colombia. Trunerox has not been approved as a drug in Canada by Health Canada.



Leveraging Avicannas scientific platform, vertical integration, and real-world evidence, Avicanna has developed a pipeline of proprietary, indication-specific pharmaceutical products that are in various stages of clinical development and commercialization. These cannabinoid-based drug candidates aim to address unmet medical needs in the areas of dermatology, chronic pain, and various neurological disorders. Avicannas first indication-specific pharmaceutical drug, Trunerox, was approved Q1 2024 by the Health Authority of Colombia INVIMA as an adjuvant treatment for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome in Colombia. Trunerox has not been approved as a drug in Canada by Health Canada. Active pharmaceutical ingredients (Aureus Santa Marta): Active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) supplied by the Companys majority owned subsidiary Santa Marta Golden Hemp SAS (SMGH) is a commercial-stage business dedicated to providing a various forms high-quality CBD, THC and CBG to the Companys international partners for use in the development and production of food, cosmetics, medical, and pharmaceutical products. The business unit also forms part of the Companys supply chain and is a source of reliable input products for its consumer retail, medical cannabis, and pharmaceutical products for globally.



SOURCE Avicanna Inc.

Stay Connected

For more information about Avicanna, visit our website , contact Ivana Maric by email at info@avicanna.com or follow us on social media on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .

The Company posts updates through videos from the Company YouTube channel.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained in this news release may be identified using words such as, may, would, could, will, likely, expect, anticipate, believe, intend, plan, forecast, project, estimate, outlook and other similar expressions. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to current and future market conditions, including the market price of the common shares of the Company, and the risk factors set out in the Companys annual information form dated April 1, 2024 filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
Stock Symbol: DIAM: TSX

SASKATOON, Aug. 1, 2024 - Star Diamond Corp. ("Star Diamond" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its press release dated July 15, 2024, it has completed the acquisition of Canterra Minerals Corp.'s ("Canterra") interest in the Buffalo Hills Diamond Project (the "Project"). Star Diamond now owns 100% of the Project.

Star Diamond acquired Canterra's 50% interest in the Project, a land package consisting of 21 mineral leases covering approximately 4,800 hectares located 400 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in exchange for the issuance of 17,500,000 common shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares"). One half of the Consideration Shares are subject to a 12-month lock-up arrangement. In addition to the Consideration Shares, Canterra was granted a 1% royalty interest in the Project. All of the Consideration Shares are subject to a customary four month hold period.

About Buffalo Hills Diamond Project

Located approximately 400 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the Buffalo Hills Diamond Project includes 21 mineral leases covering 4,800 hectares and is a significant and accessible field of diamond bearing kimberlites, with similarities to the Fort a la Corne kimberlites in Saskatchewan, Canada. The Project is located in the Buffalo Hills Kimberlite District, which contains at least 38 individual kimberlite bodies, of which 26 kimberlites are diamond bearing and a number of which outcrop at surface. Exploration on these kimberlites started in 1996, and small parcels of diamonds have been collected from various exploration programs on many of those considered most prospective.

About Star Diamond Corporation

Star Diamond is a Canadian-based corporation engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. Shares of Star Diamond trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "DIAM". Star Diamond's most significant asset is its 100% interest in the Fort a la Corne Project in central Saskatchewan. These kimberlites are located in close proximity to established infrastructure, including paved highways and the electrical power grid, which provide significant advantages for future mine development.

Stay Connected with Us:

X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/StarDiamondCorp

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/star-diamond-corp/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/stardiamondcorp

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stardiamondcorp

YouTube - https://youtube.com/@StarDiamondCorp

Caution Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and/or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, Star Diamond's exploration of the Project, Star Diamond's assessment of its cost and management structure going forward.

These forward-looking statements are based on Star Diamond's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Star Diamond and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific. Risks exist that forward-looking statements will not be achieved due to a number of factors including, but not limited to, developments in world diamond markets, changes in diamond prices, risks relating to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar and other currencies relative to the US dollar, changes in exploration, development or mining plans due to exploration results and changing budget priorities of Star Diamond, the impact of changes in the laws and regulations regulating mining exploration, development, closure, judicial or regulatory judgments and legal proceedings, operational and infrastructure risks and the additional risks described in Star Diamond's most recently filed Annual Information Form, annual and interim Management Discussion and Analysis.

For further information: stardiamondcorp@stardiamondcorp.com or (306) 664-2202

www.stardiamondcorp.com

SOURCE Star Diamond Corporation
No.24-12 BMM: TSX-V

VANCOUVER, Aug. 2, 2024 - Black Mammoth Metals Corp. (TSXV: BMM) (OTC: LQRCF) ("Black Mammoth" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Antelope Creek Gold Corporation ("Antelope Creek"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Mammoth, has entered into an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") dated July 17, 2024, with a private vendor (the "Vendor") to earn a 100% interest in the Callaghan gold property (the "Callaghan Property" or the "Property"), located 24 kms NE of Austin, Nevada (see fig.1). The Company has completed a sampling program and due diligence work and has expanded the Callaghan Property through additional staking, completed on July 31, 2024.

The Callaghan Property now consists of 45 Federal lode mining claims (930 acres, 376 hectares) on BLM land and is situated on the eastern flank of the northern Toiyabe Range, Lander County, Nevada. It is located along the 120-kilometer Austin-Tonopah trend of gold occurrences, deposits and mines that include Quito, Round Mountain, and Northumberland, and is considered prospective for Carlin-type gold mineralization. The Company's Quito property is a past-producing mine on this trend.

The Callaghan Property is located within an erosional window (the Callaghan Window) that exposes highly prospective Lower Plate Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, which on the Property have been strongly altered by gold, arsenic, antimony and mercury-bearing hydrothermal fluids. The Callaghan Property contains near-surface gold mineralization in several historic drill holes at the Cottonwood Canyon area, with historic reports estimating approximately 50,000 oz @ 0.5 g/t, hosted in Upper Plate Paleozoic sedimentary rocks.

Black Mammoth has not independently confirmed the historical estimate of mineralization at the Cottonwood Canyon area. Black Mammoth is not treating the historical estimate of mineralization as current mineral resources or as historic resources, and a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate of mineralization as current mineral resources or as historic resources. A qualified person has not yet determined what work needs to be done to upgrade or verify the historical estimate of mineralization as current mineral resources or as historic resources. The historical estimate of mineralization is relevant for historical completeness but should not be relied on.

Drill Target Areas:

Rast

The Rast area has been the focus of widely spaced, and mostly shallow, historic drilling over an area largely covered by shallow alluvium. Holes intersected strong pathfinder elements and sporadic gold intercepts; however, important geochemical, structural, and stratigraphic data from these holes indicates that the potential of this area remains largely untested. Drilling in the Rast area has demonstrated the presence of anomalous gold in decalcified Lower Plate carbonate host rocks. Shallow trenches expose strongly silicified and clay-altered Orovician-age carbonate rocks (hosts at the Company's nearby Quito property and elsewhere). A 300 meter long, open-ended, easterly trending gold-arsenic-antimony soil anomaly is present to the east of the historic Rast mercury mine. In addition, Lower Plate rocks with intense alteration consistent with Carlin-type gold systems are present at surface approximately 800 meters to the northwest of the historic Rast mine. The Rast area has three target areas where there are anomalous soils at the intersection of Lower Plate carbonate host rocks below the Roberts Mountains Thrust and NW normal faults.

Cottonwood Canyon

At the Cottonwood Canyon area, historic drilling has focused on near-surface, open-pit type gold mineralization hosted in Upper Plate rocks. The Cottonwood gold mineralization may represent a leakage anomaly above a more significant target area located in favourable Lower Plate rocks at depth and is at the intersection of a NW mineralized fault, a NE fault with jasperoid, and the Roberts Mountains Thrust.

Exploration History:

Since the mid-1970s, several exploration companies have drilled over 80 holes in the Rast-Cottonwood area. Kerr McGee drilled 37 holes in the Cottonwood area in the early 1980's, roughly outlining gold mineralization in Upper Plate rocks. Most recently, during 2010-2011, Miranda Gold and Kinross conducted limited drill programs in the Cottonwood target area. The Rast area, which includes the historic mercury mine, has approximately 35 holes drilled since the 1980s. Past exploration work in addition to drilling on the Property includes surface mapping, rock-chip sampling, airborne magnetics, gravity, and soil sampling.

Acquisition Terms (in USD):

Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Antelope Creek may purchase a 100% interest in the Callaghan property by making an aggregate of $1,235,000 in cash payments in accordance with the following schedule:

Cash Payment Payment Date Status

$20,000 10 days of Effective Date paid

$10,000 1st anniversary -

$15,000 2nd anniversary -

$20,000 3rd and 4th anniversary -

$25,000 5th through 10th anniversary -

$1,000,000 11th anniversary -

$1,235,000 Total

Retained Royalty

1% NSR on all claims payable to the Vendor within the area of interest.

There are no work commitment amounts, finder's fees or share compensation in connection with the Option Agreement.

Mark J. Abrams, CPG #11451, a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and director of Black Mammoth, has reviewed and approved the technical content in this release. Historical information contained in this news release cannot be relied upon as Mr. Abrams, the Company's Qualified Person, has not prepared nor verified the historical information.

About Black Mammoth Metals Corporation:

In 2024, Black Mammoth Metals has acquired a 100% interest in the America Mine gold property, San Bernardino, CA & the Quito gold property, Lander County, NV.

At the Company's 100% owned, 1,213 hectare (2,997 acre) Happy Cat gold property, Lander County, NV, an approximate 4 square kilometre area is identified as being hydrothermally altered. Structural modelling suggests the density of the alteration and its' density contrast relative to the host rock is typical to that of alteration zones present at other Carlin-type deposits in northern Nevada. The alteration encompasses an area where northerly trending high-angle faults intersect indicated NW-trending re-activated faults that are known to be of age and orientation as ore-controlling faults occurring at other Carlin-type deposits. The Company intends to prioritize drill targets within the alteration area.

Black Mammoth also has a 100% interest in the Blanco Creek gold property in the Elk Creek Mining District, central Idaho, which hosts three historic underground mines along 3,550 meters (11,644 feet) of strike on the north-east trending regional Blanco Shear Zone. Exploration by two previous operators identified a geological target for the Blanco Creek property in the order of 1.70 to 2.48 million tons, grading 0.20 to 0.33 oz/ton Au (1.54 to 2.24 million tonnes, grading 6.85 to 11.31 g/tonne Au); see the Company's press release dated February 14, 2017.

Black Mammoth cautions investors to note the potential quantity and grade of the geological target are conceptual in nature. A qualified person has not completed sufficient work to classify the geological target as mineral resources as defined by NI 43-101, and it is uncertain if future exploration will result in the target being delineated as mineral resources.

On behalf of the board,

"Dustin Henderson"

Dustin Henderson, BBA

President & CEO

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements regarding the Company's completion of the Transaction and related transactions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include that the requisite corporate and TSXV for the Transaction may not be obtained; that the Company or IDA Mining, as applicable, may be unable to satisfy any or all closing conditions necessary for the completion of the Transaction; and other risks that are customary to transactions of this nature. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the latest technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Black Mammoth Metals Corp
The Samsung Galaxy F14 4G surfaced back in January when the company uploaded its user manual to its Indian website, and now it's finally become official for the Indian market.

The F14 4G is powered by the Snapdragon 680 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage. It has a 6.7-inch 1080x2400 LCD screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate, a 50 MP rear camera flanked by a 2 MP macro camera and 2 MP depth sensor, a 13 MP front camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a single downward-firing speaker, and a 5,000 mAh battery with support for 25W fast wired charging (though there is no charger in the box).

It runs Android 14 with One UI 6.1 on top. It measures 168 x 78 x 9 mm and weighs 194g. It is being offered in Moonlight Silver and Peppermint Green.

It will imminently be available at select brick-and-mortar retail stores for INR 8,999. On top of that there will be "attractive no-cost EMI offers", Samsung says without going into any further detail.

Via
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Buds3, and Galaxy Buds3 Pro at its Unpacked event last month, and in the meantime they have become the most controversial Samsung products in years. And it all comes down to their designs, and how similar they are to Apple's Watch Ultra, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro 2.

According to a new report out of Korea, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee has been anything but happy about this, voicing concerns about the copycat behavior in the mobile division, and even taking some (so far unnamed) actions against mobile division boss TM Roh.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (left) vs. Apple Watch Ultra (right)

An alleged insider claims the chairman himself stepped in after the controversy over Apple's design plagiarism and quality issues surrounding the Buds3 series and Galaxy Watch Ultra released last month, and the internal atmosphere at the company is now very bad.

Lee apparently asked for a change in plans for the mobile division going forward, presumably so something like this doesn't happen again in the future.

All of this is especially noteworthy considering the fact that Korean media describes the Samsung Chairman as being of a "gentle disposition" and not getting angry very easily. This time, however, it was different, we assume due to all the media reports about the similarity between the new watch and buds and Apple's products.

Samsung's Galaxy Watch line has, up until last month, had a round design that was unique to the Korean company, but the rounded circle look of the Watch Ultra is definitely going into Apple territory (though, in fairness, Apple's Watch Ultra is a rectangle, not a square).

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 (left) vs. Apple AirPods Pro 2 (right)

As for the Buds3, these are the first ever Samsung earbuds with stems, a design pioneered by Apple many years ago with the original AirPods. A lot of other companies have adopted that design, but perhaps the biggest shock for people about the Buds3 is how much of a departure they are from every single previous Galaxy Buds design.

To add insult to injury, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro also seem to have quality control issues, with widespread reports of silicone ear tips ripping when removed.

Source (in Korean)
Senators in a vote of 7-6 have rejected Bill 317-37, which would give the 18 public schools still waiting on a health inspection a waiver to open up for the school year.

Thursday is the first day of class for the Guam Department of Education, and its unclear what the fate of students at those 18 schools will be.

School officials have insisted to lawmakers that the waiver in Bill 317 is needed to open up the schools, though some senators, including education chairman Sen. Chris Barnett have remained skeptical over whether a change in Guam law is needed to reopen.

We will review our options on how we can ensure that the education of our students is not compromised or interrupted, a statement provided by GDOE Spokesperson Tes Reyes Burrier said.

We have to solidify our options in the face of opposition. Our goal is always for the safety and well-being of our island students, the GDOE statement said.

GDOE leadership has asserted that each of the 18 schools is safe and ready to open, though 14 of them failed a self-administered sanitation inspection.

Voting for Bill 317 were Sens. Roy Quinata, Joe San Agustin, Dwayne San Nicolas, Amanda Shelton, Tom Fisher, and Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes.

Voting against the measure were Sens. Barnett, Joanne Brown, Jesse Lujan, Sabina Perez, Telo Taitague, Frank Blas jr., and Speaker Therese Terlaje.

Sens. Chris Duenas and Will Parkinson were both absent and excused.

Well see where we go from here, Sen. San Nicolas, main sponsor of Bill 317, said following the failure.

I believe with all my soul, this is the right thing to do. Sorry it didnt pass  I really just did this for the kids, he told his colleagues.

Throughout debate, San Nicolas stressed that schools have been working hard to keep up with a unrealistic timeline to fix longstanding issues at GDOE campuses, and that something had to be done to keep kids in class.

Some amendments were made to the bill to make it more palatable to opponents, but a particularly controversial section allowing schools with failing health grades to open up, anyways, at the discretion of the GDOE superintendent remained when voting time came around.

Speaker Terlaje wanted to strike the section allowing failing schools to open, noting that GDOE Superintendent Swanson told lawmakers on the floor this week that he did not plan to open failing schools.

Terlaje said she did not understand the logic or politics of allowing kids back to schools infested with rats or cockroaches.

I hope that parents can remember that, that you have senators in here who want to open those schools that are not safe, she said.

San Nicolas objected, stating that GDOE had supported the language in the bill. He said staff were working to get campuses up to par.

I believe that everything that is necessary to get schools up and running is in this bill. And it gives the tools necessary for those weve entrusted with our children to do the right thing, San Nicolas said.

Sens. Barnett, Brown, Lujan, Perez, Taitague, Blas, and Speaker Terlaje voted not to allow schools with failing grades to open.

Sens. Quinata, San Agustin, San Nicolas, Shelton, Fisher, and Vice Speaker Barnes voted to keep the language.

Sens. Duenas and Parkinson were absent and excused.

Also failing was an amendment from Barnett to create an ad-hoc task force that would be responsible for observing conditions at the uninspected schools and then reporting any findings to the community.

If lawmakers were going to throw away Public Health standards, kids and families at least deserved more transparency, Barnett said.

Terlaje did pass an amendment that would bar uninspected schools from reopening until they provide a written request for an inspection to the Department of Public Health and Social Services.

Terlaje said the amendment was requested by Public Health during a public hearing for Bill 317.

Uninspected schools

Here are the 18 GDOE schools that wont be inspected by the start of the school year, and their tentative inspection dates:

Marcial Sablan Elementary School: August 2024

Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School: August 2024

Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary School: September 2024

Ordot-Chalan Pago Elementary School: September 2024

Upi Elementary School: October 2024

Machananao Elementary School: October 2024

P.C. Lujan Elementary School: November 2024

Okkodo High School: November 2024

J.Q. San Miguel Elementary School: December 2024

Capt. H. B. Price Elementary School: December 2024

Finegayan Elementary School: January 2025

D.L. Perez Elementary School: January 2025

V.S.A. Benavente Middle School: February 2025

Southern High School: February 2025

Astumbo Middle School: March 2025

Jose Rios Middle School: March 2025

Inarajan Middle School: April 2025

George Washington High School: April 2025

Only JM Guerrero, Chief Brodie, Ordot-Chalan Pago, and Astumbo Middle School gave themselves passing grades on the self-inspection.

F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School and Simon Sanchez High School, both of which remain closed, were not included in the list.

Charter schools get funding

What did pass Friday night was Bill 324, which will provide $500,000 to fund the new Business and Technology Charter School and the Chief Hurao Academy Charter School for the months of August and September.

Additional money will be appropriated to the schools through the upcoming fiscal year 2025 budget.

Main sponsor Sen. Joe San Agustin also amended the bill to provide another $450,000 to already established charter schools, to support additional students, and $50,000 to the Guam Academy Charter School Council for operations.
Raymond John Martinez Jr., better known as Boya, pleaded guilty to a charge of aiding and abetting obstruction of justice by endeavoring to influence a juror.

Co-actor Juanita Marie Quitugua Moser Martinez also took a plea deal, pleading guilty to misprision of felony.

The pair originally pleaded not guilty to charges of jury tampering in October 2022.

The charge is in connection with their federal drug trial in late 2018, which ended in a hung jury after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous decision on charges related to methamphetamine distribution and possession. Only six of the 12 jurors voted to convict.

Although they were not convicted of drug charges in the Guam federal court, the Martinezes in 2019 pleaded guilty in the Los Angeles federal court to illegal use of a communication facility, for using a telephone in connection with a felony drug crime.

They were released from prison after serving four years on drug charges. They were indicted not long after their return to Guam, and each faced obstruction charges.

Raymond Martinez pleaded guilty to the sole charge of aiding and abetting the obstruction of justice, listed as a class C felony. It carries a maximum statutory penalty of not more than a 10-year prison sentence, up to a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.

Juanita Martinez pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of misprision of a felony, listed as a class E felony. It carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison, a max fine of $250,000 and a yearlong term of supervised release.

The U.S. Attorneys Office, as part of the plea agreement, agreed to dismiss the other charges at the time of sentencing.

District Court Judge Heather Kennedy set a sentencing hearing for Oct. 31.
Each August, Dirty Linen Night beckons New Orleans art enthusiasts to explore the French Quarters numerous galleries and boutiques, cocktail in hand.

This years soiree will be held from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 10 on the 300-1100 blocks of Royal Street, although the resulting block parties tend to go a little later.

DLN invites participants to relish in everything dirty, and is the one event that celebrates the not so pristine side of the French Quarter, organizers say on their website.

Anyone whos taken a walk through the French Quarter recently  and appreciated stunning architecture, all the while sidestepping puddles of mystery liquid  understands the neighborhoods dirty charm.

The event, now celebrating its 21st birthday, was conceived as a follow-up to the more formal White Linen Night, an annual art walk held on Julia Street on the first Saturday of August.

Although Dirty Linen Night organizers suggest wearing your unwashed garb from the previous weekend, the dress code is tongue in cheek  any flowing summer wear will do.

Each gallery is free and open to the public, and a $20 wristband provides specialty cocktails, wine, beer and soft drinks. Also, $10 raffle tickets offer the chance to win prizes like signed artwork and a stay at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is calling on the Florida state attorney to file charges and prosecute former Sheriffs Deputy Eddie Duran, who shot and killed U.S. Airman Roger Fortson on May 3.

In a statement issued Thursday, Crump said the tragic incident should never have occurred, and insisted that there must be consequences for such reckless actions.

Roger Fortsons family deserves justice, and our community deserves accountability, Crump said in a statement. It is imperative that law enforcement officers who abuse their power are held responsible  how else can we expect to prevent future tragedies and rebuild trust within our communities?

Fortson, 23, was reportedly on a FaceTime call with his girlfriend when the Okaloosa County sheriffs deputy responded to a disturbance call at his apartment complex. Just seconds after opening the front door of his off-base Fort Walton Beach apartment, Deputy Duran shot Fortson six times, resulting in his death.

Following an administrative investigation, on May 31, the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office terminated Duran after determining his use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable.

An investigation by Floridas Department of Law Enforcement is still ongoing and the state attorneys office will determine if criminal charges will be filed.

Roger Fortson was shot and killed nearly three months ago, but his family and the community are still waiting for full justice, Crump said. Now that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has finished its investigation and turned it over to the State Attorneys Office for a charging decision, it is past time for State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden to act by filing charges against and prosecuting former Deputy Duran.

Crump contends that the body camera footage that captured the incident and the internal affairs investigation clearly demonstrate that the deputys use of deadly force was neither necessary nor justified.

The actions of Deputy Duran were not just negligent, they were criminal, Crump said. Roger Fortson, a dedicated airman, was tragically taken from his loved ones while holding a legally owned firearm pointed at the ground, posing no threat to anyone.

In a tragic turn of events, the Fortson family suffered a second loss on Tuesday, when Roger Fortsons 16-year-old brother, Andre Fortson, was found shot to death in the breezeway of an apartment complex in DeKalb County, Georgia.

We will continue to fight tirelessly for justice for Roger Fortson and his loved ones and to ensure that his death was not in vain, Crump said. The pursuit of justice in this case is not only about Roger and his family but about ensuring the safety and rights of every individual in our community. State Attorney Bowden Madden, the time to act is now.
Sprouts Farmers Market, the organic-forward grocery chain thats quickly becoming one of the fastest growing retailers in the country, is set to unveil three new Florida locations with the first set to celebrate its grand opening next week.

The newest Sprouts at 7187 Coastal Blvd. in Brooksville, located about 45 miles north of Tampa, will host an opening day celebration on Friday, Aug. 9, beginning at 6:45 a.m. The festivities will feature a ribbon cutting, a pop-up party, games for all guests, giveaways and food samples, including seasonal produce.

Known for its commitment to organic, natural goods, private label offerings and sustainable practices  Sprouts receipts are even double-sided to save paper  and 90% of the products in stock are minimally processed  meaning they are free of artificial flavors, food coloring, preservatives and synthetic ingredients.

Through Sprouts Food Rescue program this store will also donate groceries that are no longer fit for sale but remain edible, to Feeding Tampa Bay, a local food bank.

According to store officials, the first 100 shoppers on Friday and Saturday will receive a free Goodness its Free reusable goodie bag filled with special products and samples. And the first 400 guests on Friday will receive a free long stem rose courtesy of Falcon Farms Floral.

Shoppers will also have the chance to win a $500 Sprouts gift card up until midnight on Aug. 11 when they sign up via the Brooksville store page on Sprouts website. Further, customers who text HILL to 777-688 will receive 20% off their purchase over grand opening weekend when they scan their app account barcode at checkout.

Once open, the new Brooksville Sprouts will be open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Two other Florida locations are set to celebrate grand openings this year, including a Spouts Farmers Market at 111 Links Ave. in Sarasota, on Friday, Sept. 6  followed by another in Largo at 2156 E. Bay Drive, on a date yet to be announced.




Haiti - News : Zapping





Mission calls for armored vehicles with turrets

The Americans must provide us with armored vehicles equipped with turrets, declared a spokesman for the Commander of the Kenyan forces Godfrey Otunge "The armored vehicles provided by the United States are used to transport Kenyan troops but do not allow us to fight against armed gangs..."



An electric PM

Prime Minister Garry Conille, accompanied by Raphael HOSTY Minister of Public Works and Jean Errol Morose Director General of Electricity of Haiti, made an assessment and information visit to the E-Power S.A. power plant in Cite-Soleil. The opportunity for the Prime Minister to share the government's vision and energy policy with the members of the E-Power Board of Directors. "We must have a common reflection on the vision of the future and the resolution of some of the country's chronic problems," declared Conille.



Benin : 64th anniversary of independence

August 1st, 2024 marked the 64th anniversary of Benin's independence. On this occasion, the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) wishes health, happiness and prosperity to President Patrice Talon and the brotherly people of the Republic of Benin.



Restoring the Business Climate

Prime Minister Garry Conille had an important meeting with members of the Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIO) on the country's economic recovery. During his speech at the meeting, the Head of Government assured members of the private sector of his commitment to fighting to restore the business climate. "Together, we have developed strategic initiatives to revive the economy, restore security and promote transparency in business. The Government remains committed to supporting the private sector in its efforts for a prosperous and secure Haiti," Conille said.



Augustin believes that the President of the BNC is manipulated

Smth Augistin accused by Raoul Pascal Pierre-Louis, the President of the BNC with two of his colleagues of having demanded an amount of 100 Million Gourdes so that the President of the BNC keeps his position https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42866-haiti-flash-3-presidential-advisers-in-turmoil-scandal-or-conspiracy.html , believes that the President of the BNC board would be "manipulated by sectors wanting to discredit the Presidential Council. It is a fabricated scandal," saying he is tired of this plot. In addition, Augustin believes that the offensive aims to prevent his taking office as President of the CPT on October 7.



Drummer and singer Franck Desire on tour in Japan

Thursday, August 1sr, 2024, as part of the tour in Japan of the drummer and performer of traditional Haitian songs, Franck Desire, the Embassy of Haiti in Tokyo organized a reception in his honor. Ambassador Watson Denis presented him with a plaque of Honor and Merit in recognition of his contribution to the cultural rapprochement between Haiti and Japan.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















In summary, I argue that the government should reconsider both submitting the proposal and the regulatory alternatives, he stated in his comment.

CHANCELLOR of Justice Tuomas Poysti has questioned a government proposal for establishing new guidelines for the national conciliator for settling labour disputes between employer and employee representatives, reports Helsingin Sanomat.

The proposal stipulates that national conciliators should approach their duties in a way that ensures the smooth functioning of labour markets and wage formation in order to safeguard the national economy and other common good, in practice by making sure the settlement does not threaten the competitiveness or carrying capacity of the economy.

Poysti said the clarification could steer interpretations of the regulation so that conciliators pay greater attention to the views of employers than employees.

The government has drafted the proposal to reinforce the role of key export industries in setting maximum limits for pay rises for collective bargaining across the economy. Originally it was proposing that the national conciliator be prohibited from presenting settlement proposals with pay rises that exceed those in the export industries, a stance that was an impetus for the widespread political strikes witnessed last spring.

The divisions remain fairly clear also based on the comments, with trade unions opposing and employer organisations mostly supporting the revised proposal.

Poysti warned in his comment that the proposal could jeopardise the impartiality and independence of the national conciliator. The proposal, he added, fails to provide sound justification for interfering in the freedom of labour markets through regulation and steering what ought to be a categorically impartial conciliation proceeding.

The economic considerations emphasised in the proposal as such are acceptable, according to him.

Instead the question is can they steer negotiations and conciliation proceedings in particular solely on grounds of the law, he said.

He also expressed his concern about the future of the labour market system in Finland.

Finnish lawmakers have traditionally allowed labour market organisations to independently thrash out agreements on issues of remuneration and employment terms. Deviating from the tradition in the manner outlined in the proposal can be regarded as a clearly novel and somewhat peculiar approach, he said, in part because it gives rise to concerns that the regulations could change whenever a new government takes office.

There is a risk that each electoral term sets different objectives for conciliation, and that would not promote collective bargaining and labour market functioning in the way intended in international norms, wrote Poysti.

YLE on Monday reported that the Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland (Akava), along with many other employee organisations, is worried that the proposal would undermine the bargaining position of employees.

The proposal ignores the fact that it runs afoul of the equality act. In addition, the bargaining autonomy of parties should not be restricted according to international treaties, such as ILO principles, which is a risk with the government proposal, argued Ville Kopra, the head of labour market affairs at Akava.

Another common concern is that the proposal would complicate the effort to narrow the gender pay gap. The Ombudsman for Equality, for example, shot down the proposal as contradictory to goals of both the constitution and the equality act.

The proposed regulation would not only cement the current pay gap between genders, but widen it further, said Suvi Vilches, a senior inspector at the office of the Ombudsman for Equality.

Also Poysti pointed to possible tensions between the proposal and the constitution, binding international treaties and EU regulation. It is therefore necessary, he argued, that the proposal is evaluated by the Parliaments Constitutional Law Committee.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
The government has outlined its intention to launch a parliamentary process to merge electoral districts with an especially high hidden vote threshold  the share of votes required to win a seat in parliament  into electoral regions.

THE GOVERNMENT of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) has floated a re-think of the electoral system that would have had a tangible impact on the results of the previous parliamentary elections, reports YLE.

The first such region would be created by merging the electoral districts of Lapland and North Ostrobothnia. Both districts would remain independent and retain their current boundaries, but the votes cast in the districts would be tallied together before the seats are distributed between the districts.

The Ministry of Justice has calculated that, in the most recent parliamentary elections, the proposed merger would have granted an additional seat to the Social Democrats at the expense of the National Coalition.

Later, a similar process could be launched for any district where the number of lawmakers to be elected drops below eight or seven due to demographic trends, the government programme says.

Our calculations suggest that one such district could be Satakunta, where the number of lawmakers can drop below eight or seven in the near future, Tuomas Rekola, an advisor at the Ministry of Justice, stated to YLE in July.

Finland is presently divided into 13 electoral districts.

The objective of the re-think is to lower the hidden vote threshold. In Lapland, a candidate in the 2023 parliamentary elections needed at least 12.4 per cent of the vote to secure a seat in the Finnish Parliament, according to YLE.

The Finnish public broadcasting company revealed that the idea received a positive welcome from the party secretaries of five parliamentary parties: the Christian Democrats, Green League, Left Alliance, National Coalition and Swedish Peoples Party. Anna Moring, the party secretary of the Greens, viewed that the re-shuffle is justified because the high vote threshold is eroding voters trust in democracy in Lapland.

Also the Social Democratic Party indicated that it is open to the idea, but it has yet to lock down its stance.

Movement Now argued that the current electoral system works well, while the Finns Party did not respond to the question.

The Centre was most critical of the idea. It argued that the re-think could make the electoral system too complicated and declared that it would not support a system where votes cast in one district could influence the distribution of seats in another.

The Oulu and Lapland electoral districts together make up almost half of Finland, Antti Siika-aho, the party secretary of the opposition party, said, pointing to the geographical size of the districts.

Kristiina Kokko, the party secretary of the National Coalition, reminded YLE that high hidden vote thresholds have been recognised as a problem for decades. Kokko, who chairs the task force appointed to draft the reform, added that the goal is to secure widespread support for the reform across the political spectrum.

It does feel very challenging to find any kind of solution thatd be acceptable to absolutely everyone, she conceded.

The task force has yet to agree on one of the most important details, according to the public broadcasting company: how to re-allocate the votes a party received in an electoral region into the electoral districts.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Dr. Daniel Layish shouldn't be with us today. He only exists because of the remarkable foresight, bravery (and perhaps luck) which led to the exodus of his paternal grandparents from Slovakia in December 1939 to pre-state Israel.

Layish is the ZOA Florida Board liaison for Orlando. "With everything that has happened in Israel and on our college campuses, the ZOA's mission is more important today than ever. We are proud of Israel and will not waver in our commitment to her."

Aaron and Hedwig Fleischer fled Slovakia in December 1939 on a tugboat meant for carrying coal with only the clothes on t...
(JNS) - Anti-Israel protesters violently confronted Capitol Hill police and burned the American flag in front of Union Station on Wednesday afternoon during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hour-long address to Congress.

In what the event organizers described as a protest to "Arrest Netanyahu: Surround the Capitol," thousands of attendees rallied at the intersection of Third Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. In their permit for the event submitted to the U.S. Park Police and obtained by JNS, the Answer Coalition estimated some 5,000 total participants.

Speakers included former Gre...
WASHINGTON  In her first statement on Israel as a presidential candidate, Kamala Harris struck a markedly different tone than President Joe Biden, saying after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that she will not be silent in the face of what she called the devastation in Gaza.

The vice president met on July 25 for 40 minutes with Netanyahu, who had met with Biden earlier in the day for more than an hour. The differences between the public statements made before and after the meetings illustrate where the president and his vice president, and intended successor, diff...
(JNS) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received bursts of applause and frequent standing ovations-often from both sides of the aisle-as he delivered an address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday afternoon.

In his remarks, which ran about an hour, Netanyahu praised the longevity and closeness of the U.S.-Israeli relationship; called for a decisive victory over the Hamas terror group; and urged the United States to help defeat the Iranian regime that, he said, continues to threaten both the Jewish state and the rest of the world.

He also said it was a "profound honor...
(JNS)  The Biden administration has warned Israel against targeting Beirut in response to Hezbollahs rocket attack on Saturday that killed 12 children in the Golan Heights.

Washington fears that Israeli strikes on the Lebanese capital could lead to a major escalation, Axios reported on Sunday.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, tasked with the Lebanon portfolio by President Joe Biden earlier in his administration, spoke to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Saturday, stressing that Jerusalem has a right to defend itself against the Iranian terror proxy, but must avoid an all-out war and minimi...
(JTA) - One day after President Joe Biden ended his campaign, leading Democrats have coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris - and begun speculating about her running mate. At least two Jewish governors are thought to be top contenders.

Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro and Illinois' J.B. Pritzker were both floated as potential presidential candidates when pressure began mounting for Biden to drop out. Now, one of them could join Harris on the ticket if she wins the nomination. Another possibility is Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, whose wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, is Jewish.

A major-party pres...
(Jewish Journal via JNS)  America reached a new low this past week simultaneous with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to a joint session of Congress. Thousands of pro-Hamas activists rioted outside the Capitol Building and scuffled with the Capitol Police.

The dress rehearsal for this anti-American hatefest took place in Dearborn, Michigan, where protesters shouted Death to America! on April 5. Thats the date when the United States finally joined Europeans in realizing that there is an Islamist belief system wholly incompatible with democratic self-government and the rul...


Friday August 2, 2024





WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau visiting WFP progamme sites in Baidoa, Somalia.



Mogadishu (HOL)  Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), emphasized the urgent need for ongoing humanitarian aid in Somalia following a three-day mission to the country, where severe food insecurity and climate-related challenges persist.



Skau visited Baidoa, a region severely impacted by the 2020-2023 drought and subsequent devastating floods in November 2023. These floods, some of the worst in decades, affected two million people and displaced 750,000.





Thanks to a massive humanitarian scale-up led by WFP and international partners, Somalia narrowly averted famine in 2022. However, nearly 3.4 million Somalis still face crisis-level hunger (IPC3) despite improved food security from increased rainfall this year."Our achievements with the Government and partners are commendable, yet we cannot afford to rest. WFP remains dedicated to assisting the most vulnerable. Ensuring humanitarian access and staff safety is paramount," Skau added.Although this year's milder rains reduced flood risks, communities continue to suffer from the lingering effects of past disasters. Forecasts predict ongoing dry conditions with below-average rainfall for the upcoming season, exacerbating existing challenges."Somalia stands at a pivotal moment. We must not only provide nutritious food but also tackle the root causes of hunger and help communities adapt to recurring climate shocks," Skau emphasized.In 2023, WFP's resilience-building efforts in Somalia included supporting 315,000 people with climate-smart food systems, livelihoods, preparedness, recovery, and water resource management. The WFP's Anticipatory Action Plan also delivered early warning messages to 1.9 million people and cash transfers worth $1 million to 80,000 individuals at risk of floods in 2024. Collaborating closely with the Somali Disaster Management Agency, WFP monitors and activates early warning systems during the rainy seasons."Despite limited resources, now is the critical time to invest in resilience and climate adaptation to mitigate the impact of future shocks. WFP is intensifying efforts to build more resilient communities," Skau said.During his mission, Skau met with the Somali Deputy Prime Minister and key Ministries, including Agriculture, Energy and Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, and Livestock, as well as international development partners. Discussions focused on enhancing food systems, social protection, and embracing new technologies for sustainable development, contingent on maintaining unimpeded access to affected populations.
Adani One, the super app developed by Adani Group, initiated pilot projects with digital lending firms and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to provide loans through the platform, it was reported. Adani One is operated under Adani Enterprise Limiteds digital branch Adani Digital Labs Ltd. It has established a partnership with KrazyBee Services- the NBFC subsidiary of the fintech company KreditBee- to offer personal loans, according to a report by Moneycontrol. Adanis super app was previously focused on travel and airport services. Adani One is operated under Adani Enterprise Limiteds digital branch Adani Digital Labs Ltd.

Citing sources, the report claimed that Adani One is also in discussions with other NBFCs and fintech companies to expand its credit product offerings. A source told the outlet, More partnerships are on the way. As of now, one (KreditBee) has completed the pilots and the personal loan facility will soon reflect on the app.

The report added that owing to the partnership Adani Digital will function as a lending service provider (LSP) and will facilitate personal loans ranging from 1,000 to 5 lakh through KrazyBees resources. Commission rates will vary based on the specific agreement and the loan amount, the report said.

Additionally the company collaborated with ICICI Bank to offer a co-branded credit card with benefits on travel and flight bookings. The super app facilitates bill payments through its integration with the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), the report said.

This comes as Tata Group continues to focus on its super app Neu better despite more than two years since its launch and investments exceeding $2 billion. KreditBee is also a lending partner for Tata Neu.
Parents of 34-year-old motorcyclist Landon Embry- who died in a collision in 2022 with a Tesla Model 3 on Autopilot- filed a lawsuit against Tesla and the driver of the car. The lawsuit alleged that both driver assistance software and safety features are "defective and inadequate" which resulted in the accident that occurred in Utah when the Model 3 was travelling at a speed of 75-80 miles per hour and hit the back of Embry's Harley Davidson. Landon Embry's bike was tossed off and he was killed. Tesla 2022 Autopilot crash: Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk addresses the European Jewish Association's conference in Krakow, Poland.(AP)

The lawsuit claimed that the Model 3 driver was "tired" and in no condition to drive. The complaint also faulted the Autopilot sensorsincluding camerasfor failing to detect the motorcycle as a hazard. Suggesting that an adequate auto-braking system would have prevented the collision, the complaint said, A reasonably prudent driver, or adequate auto braking system, would have, and could have slowed or stopped without colliding with the motorcycle.

In another case, a Seattle motorcyclist, was struck and killed by a Tesla Model S running in Full Self-Driving mode. The incidents have raised red flags over the safety and reliability of Tesla's advanced driver assistance technologies.
Bhopal: A district court in Madhya Pradeshs Balaghat sentenced six accused, including two police personnel, to life imprisonment for allegedly involved in running a sextortion racket, people aware of the matter said. (Representative Photo)

In its order, special court judge K S Baria said, The crime committed by the accused is of a serious nature and is not forgivable. The court has convicted the accused under Sections 147, 386, and 120B of the IPC (Indian Penal Code) and Section 5 of the Immoral Trafficking Act.

The judge also punished them with a fine of Rs.3,000 each.

In 2012, Manish Kumar Jain, a local businessman, lodged a complaint in Kotwali police station that obscene photos and videos of him were taken and the accused had demanded Rs.10 lakh in exchange for those.

The accused threatened him with releasing the pictures to public and electronic media. Police had filed a case against 11 people, including two police personnel, who were allegedly part of the sextortion racket.

Based on evidence and witnesses presented during the hearing of the case, the court has convicted the accused assistant sub-inspector, 53-year-old Meghram Shrinil; constable Nikhlesh Singh Thakur, 44; Kamlesh Patel, 41; his wife Laxmi, 33; Manoj Paraste, 42; and Rajul, 38. Another suspect, Reshma alias Roshni Khan, 31, has been absconding after the incident for the last 12 years.

This is for the first time in MP that accused persons of sexual extortion cases have been sentenced to life imprisonment, said public prosecutor Kapil Dehriya.
In a fresh indication that assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir are imminent, the Election Commission (EC) has asked the union territory administration to transfer out officers posted in their home districts, an exercise it holds ahead of conducting elections. It has issued similar directions to the chief secretaries of Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand, regions where polls are due. In a fresh indication that assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir are imminent, the Election Commission (EC) has asked the union territory administration to transfer out officers posted in their home districts, an exercise it holds ahead of conducting elections. (PTI File Photo)

In June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Srinagar had said not only assembly polls will be held in the UT but also statehood will be restored. Last year while hearing Article 370 case, the Supreme Court had directed the ECI to hold assembly elections in UT by September 30, 2024.

Read more: Soldier injured as terrorists fire at army camp in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri

In a communication from the ECI to J&Ks chief secretary and chief electoral officer, officials have been asked that no official connected directly with polls shall be allowed to continue in the present district (revenue district) of posting if she/he is posted in her/his home district or if she/he has completed three years in that district during last four years or would be completing three years on or before September 30, 2024.

The last assembly elections in J&K were held in 2014 and then PDP and BJP formed a coalition government. However, the BJP withdrew its support from the government resulting in the fall of the government. Later, J&K came under the Presidents rule. After abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, the erstwhile state was bifurcated into two UTs, J&K and Ladakh, and fresh delimitation also increased the number of assembly seats. However, elections have been delayed which forced leaders of major political parties to meet the ECI in New Delhi. While the process for elections and revision of fresh electoral rolls has already been completed, the final dates are yet to be announced.

ECI kicks-in state assembly poll exercise

Ahead of the upcoming legislative assembly elections in Haryana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a directive to the state government regarding the transfer of officers directly connected with election duties and posted in home districts.

The terms of the current legislative assemblies of Haryana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra are set to end on November 3, 2024, January 5, 2025, and November 26, 2024, respectively. Elections for these states are scheduled for later this year.

Read more: Jail or jahannum: Minister spells out Centre's stance on terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir

I am directed to state that the terms of existing state legislative assemblies of Haryana, Jharkhand and Maharashtra are up to November 3, 2024, January 5, 2025, and November 26, 2024, respectively, and election are due in 2024. Further, the election to the legislative assembly of UT of Jammu and Kashmir is also due in near future, reads the July 31 letter of the ECI marked to chief secretary of Haryana; Chandigarh; Jharkhand, Ranchi; Maharashtra and UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

The commission has been following a consistent policy that officers directly connected with conduct of elections in an election going state/UT are not posted in their home districts or places where they have served for considerably long period, the letter says.

In line with its longstanding policy, the ECI has directed the administration of poll-bound state governments that officers directly involved in the election process will not be allowed to continue in their present districts if they are posted in their home district or have completed three years of service in that district within the last four years.

This move is aimed to ensure impartiality and prevent any undue influence or familiarity that might affect the fairness of the election process. The chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of the respective states and the union territory have been instructed to implement these transfers promptly.

The ECIs directive underscores its commitment to conducting free and fair elections and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring a level playing field for all.
A private school in south Delhi's Greater Kailash area received a bomb threat via email, prompting a search operation by the bomb detection team. The threat, however, was later declared a hoax after a thorough investigation, officials said on Friday. The school principal said that police and bomb squad are present in the school and they are checking the premises.(Representational image)

The alarming email, received around midnight, claimed that a bomb had been planted on the premises of Summer Fields School. Adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOP) designed for such emergencies, the school management evacuated the students and informed the authorities.

We received an email late at night which was checked early morning today, Shalini Agarwal, the Principal of Summer Fields School, told ANI.

As per the SOP, we evacuated the students within 10 minutes of receiving the email. We informed the police and district administration, and we are thankful to the police - they supported us magnificently as they came immediately, she added.

Agarwal said that police and bomb squad are present in the school and they are checking the premises.

"There was absolutely no panic amongst the parents," she added.

Law enforcement agencies, including a bomb detection team and a dog squad, were dispatched to the school to conduct a thorough search of the premises, police said.

Further probe is underway, they added and declared the threat a hoax.

In May, the Union home ministry stressed the need to prepare detailed protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling such situations after several schools in Delhi-NCR received similar hoax bomb threats via email. The home secretary called for close coordination between the Delhi Police and schools to prevent unnecessary panic caused by misinformation.

The ministry also stressed the need to enhance security measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras and regular monitoring of emails in schools.
The Delhi Police on Friday arrested a 28-year-old man, who allegedly killed a woman on the Gokalpuri flyover two days ago, after a brief exchange of fire in northeast Delhi. Representational image.

On Thursday, the police said they identified the accused with the help of CCTV foorage in the area. The accused, Majid Choudhary, is a history sheeter, the police said.

DCP Joy N Tirkey (northeast) said, We received information that he would be coming to Gokalpuri area to meet an associate. A team was sent to Nala Road in the area. At 3.45 am on Friday, he arrived on a motorcycle. He was signalled to stop for checking. Instead of stopping, he opened fire at the police party and fired three rounds. The police team retaliated, and he suffered bullet injuries to both his legs.

Choudhary was overpowered and caught with his pistol and bike. He sustained injuries to his left leg thigh and right leg knee in the gunfight with the police today.

When 30-year-old Simranjeet Kaur who was on a bike with her husband Heera Singh and their two sons aged 12 and 4 earlier this week, Choudhary got into a verbal spat with them after their vehicles brushed each other. Agitated, Choudhary went up the flyover and shot at Singh, but the bullet hit Kaur.

The deceased and her family were going to a bank when the incident took place on July 31 around 3 pm. Kaur was shot in the chest, and she was rushed to the hospital in a TSR but she succumbed to the injuries.
One person has been killed after a portion of a building collapsed on Friday in northwest Delhi's Jahangirpuri area. Officials are concerned that several others may be trapped under the debris. Woman being rescued from the rubble after a building collapsed in Delhi's Jahangirpuri area on Friday afternoon.(via HT )

According to Delhi Fire Services (DFS) Chief Atul Garg, so far, four people, including a woman, have been rescued and taken to the hospital. The search operation for others is underway.

The DFS chief said that they received an emergency call at 12:51 PM, after which five fire tenders were dispatched to the scene.

Local police and other rescue teams were mobilized to assist with the efforts, and the rescue operation is currently underway, officials added.
Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday arrested a Trinamool Congress (TMC) community block unit president from North 24 Parganas district and his brother in connection with the alleged Rs.2,000 crore public distribution system (PDS) scam, officials of the federal agency said. (Representative Photo)

Anisur Rehman, president of the TMCs Deganga block unit, and his brother Alif Noor were arrested after night-long interrogation at the ED office in Salt Lake on the eastern outskirts of Kolkata, officials said.

Anirsur and Alif are relatives of Abdul Barik Biswas, the rice mill owner whose home and office were raided on July 30. It is suspected that Anisur and Alif forged documents to show themselves as farmers supplying rice to the government, an ED official said on condition of anonymity.

ED officials who searched the properties of Biswas claimed that he was a close associate of former food minister Jyotipriya Mallick, who was arrested on October 27 last year.

On December 12, ED filed its first charge sheet in this case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), naming Mallick, rice mill owner and hotelier Bakibur Rahaman, and 10 shell companies.

Rahaman, who was arrested on October 14, was a key player in the siphoning operation in which his warehouses were used, ED said in the charge sheet.

ED told a Kolkata court in January this year that the scam involves around Rs.20,000 crore.

The scam, in which subsidized food grains meant for the PDS system were siphoned to the open market for sale, took place when Mallick was West Bengals food minister between 2011when TMC came to power for the first timeand 2021.

ED officials claimed on Friday that money from the illegal business is suspected to have been siphoned abroad.
Mumbai: A 25-year-old man was arrested on Thursday night for allegedly striking and killing a college professor with his vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol, police officials said. Atmaja Kasat, 45, was walking home to her home in Virar when the accident took place. HT Photo

The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday when Atmaja Kasat, 45, was walking to her home in Virar, a suburb north of Mumbai. She sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a private hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries early Friday morning.

"We have arrested Shubham Pratap Patil for causing death due to negligence and drunk driving," said Vijay Patil, senior police inspector of the Arnala police station.

This tragic event follows a string of recent road accidents in the Mumbai metropolitan area. On 20 July, a speeding BMW killed a 28-year-old man in Mumbai's Worli district. The accused, Kiran Indulkar, initially fled the scene but was later apprehended.

The victim, Vinod Laad, was returning home from work on a two-wheeler when Indulkar's BMW struck him from behind on Abdul Gaffer Khan road. Laad was rushed to hospital by local residents but died on Saturday, a week after the accident.

In a separate incident on 7 July, Mihir Shah, son of Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Shah, was arrested after his car collided with a scooter, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old woman and injuring her husband. Shah's case was presented in the Sewri court on 16 July, where he was remanded in judicial custody until 30 July.

These incidents highlight the ongoing concerns about road safety in Mumbai and its surrounding areas, particularly regarding the dangers of drink-driving and reckless behaviour behind the wheel.
A private school in south Delhi's Greater Kailash area received a bomb threat via email and it turned out to be a hoax as nothing suspicious was found after a thorough check, officials said on Friday. Thorough checking was done by a bomb detection team and nothing suspicious was found, a police officer said (Representative use)

ALSO READ | Train from Jammu evacuated in Punjab after bomb threat; 1 held in W Bengal for hoax call

The mail was received by the school around midnight. The email said that a bomb had been planted on the school's premises, they said.

Thorough checking was done by a bomb detection team and nothing suspicious was found, a police officer said and added that a dog squad was also deployed for the search.

Further probe is underway, he said and declared the threat a hoax.
The gains of reservation  despite its goal of driving equity  have flowed unequally. The dominance of some groups arising from various factors has been clear for some time now and, in the process, the marginalisation of other communities has become entrenched. It is this unmooring of reservation that the Supreme Court has tried to set right by upholding sub-categorisation within the quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The apex court overruled its own 2004 judgment in EV Chinnaiah v. State of Andhra Pradesh, in which it had held such sub-categorisation was unconstitutional. A view of supreme court of India as the court has hearing upon NEET Paper leak case in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, July 18, 2024. (Photo by Sanchit Khanna/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)

The 6:1 majority verdict recognises the heterogeneity within the reserved categories. Relative social privilege and political clout have led to a few groups enjoying almost all the benefits of reservations while others languish in backwardness that is largely unchanged since Independence. To illustrate, the Jatavs in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and the Mahars in Maharashtra have long been the most visible beneficiaries of reservation within the states SC population, thanks to their political heft, at the cost of smaller groups such as Pasis and Balmikis in UP, and Mangs in Maharashtra. And, among tribes, Santhals in Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand have a history of accessing reservation which outstrips that of other tribal communities by leagues. This is because Santhals have much higher literacy rates than other tribal groups, having taken to modern education since the 1960s, and, therefore, are more aware of the rights and benefits carved out for STs. The reserved categories heterogeneity is mirrored in the strata-within-stratum manner in which caste discrimination operates. This reality has long been recognised by the states, and few have used sub-categorisation as redress. While Dravidian politics in Tamil Nadu made it a lodestone for social justice, Punjab, where a third of the population is SC, created a 50% quota within SC reservation for two of its most oppressed SC communities. The EV Chinaiah judgment, however, was used to block attempts by states to address the unremedied backwardness of certain groups. Thus, Thursdays judgment paves the way for states to focus on uplifting the more marginalised communities among those eligible for SC/ST reservations, apportioning quotas within the quotas based on empirical and rational criteria.

A string of concurrent judgments also called for setting a creamy layer limit to SC/ST reservations, seeking to expand a concept hitherto limited to Other Backward Classes (OBC). Since the Court hasnt laid out any strict criteria, itll be up to the states to look into the advisory, though political and social opposition to such barriers will be intense.

The consequences of the verdict are likely to be sweeping and immediate. The judgment needs to be operationalised in a manner that allows for the most marginalised groups to benefit the most, but it is hard to ignore the reality that reservation has long been used as a political tool. Already, some states such as Telangana have said theyll institute sub-quotas for communities such as Madigas, fulfilling a long-pending demand. It is only to be expected that parties will use quotas to lure smaller groups  after all, the Dalit vote is no longer homogenous.

Along with the Justice G Rohini commission  created to examine sub-categorisation of OBC reservation  this verdict has the potential to create new political paradigms.
DU Admission 2024: Following the announcement of Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET UG 2024) results by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the University of Delhi has started the second phase of its Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS UG 2024) on admission.uod.ac.in. DU Admission 2024: The second phase of Delhi University's Undergraduate CSAS has started at admission.uod.ac.in(Amal KS/HT PHOTO)

Also read: Delhi University to use Class 12 marks for UG admission if seats remain vacant: VC

Ahead of appearing for CSAS Phase 2 of Delhi University UG admission, here are five things candidates should know.

In the second phase of the Common Seat Allocation System, candidates need to log in to their dashboards at ugadmission.uod.ac.in and choose their preferred programme and college combinations, subject to fulfilment of eligibility criteria. While phase 2 has started, the window to apply for phase 1 is also open. Those who could not register for Delhi University's undergraduate admissions can do it up to August 7, 4:59 pm. Candidates who have already registered for phase 1 can make corrections up to August 4 (11:59 pm). During phase 2, candidates will be required to map the subjects studied by them in Class 12 to those in which they have appeared for in CUET UG 2024. For the purpose of admission, the university will consider only those CUET papers in which the candidates have passed their board exams. Candidates must refer to the Bulletin of Information for details related to the similarity of the subjects. It will be the sole responsibility of the candidate to provide correct subject-mapping. The decision of university in this regard shall be final and binding..General Test of CUET(UG)-2024 will not be mapped to any subject, DU said. After CSAS phases 1 and 2 are over, a simulated rank list will be displayed on August 11. Candidates will be allowed to change their preferences from August 11 (5 pm) to 11:59 pm on August 12. The first merit list of DU UG admissions will be released on August 16. The university informed that the admission branch has established a helpdesk chatbot and email facility to help prospective students resolve their queries. Helpdesks have also been established at colleges, details of which can be accessed at admission.uod.ac.in. Further, the admission branch will conduct a series of webinars to hep candidates with the process of admissions.

Also read: Delhi University says increase in fee hike is routine and not a significant burden on students, details here

For further details, click here.
The University of Leeds has launched the India Anniversary Masters Scholarship 2024, aimed at supporting outstanding students from India who wish to pursue a masters degree at the University. The University of Leeds stated that to avail the scholarship, the applicant needs to be an Indian national who has received an offer to study a full-time masters programme, (Shutterstock)

Through the scholarship, the University will provide financial support to eligible students towards their tuition fees for several of its masters programmes. The University will assess applicants on their academic achievements, potential to contribute to the university community, and future aspirations in their chosen field of study.

Indian nationals who have received an offer to study a full-time masters programme at the University of Leeds can apply for the scholarship. Such applicants must be self-funded and classified as an international fee-paying student.

Also read: Planning to study or work abroad? Pick these English language learning tools

Furthermore, the applicant should meet all conditions of the academic offer and have accepted the offer on the application portal. The masters programme he/she opts for should begin in September 2024.

Also, applicants must have paid a tuition fee deposit of 3,000, if applicable, by the date specified in the offer letter.

Applicants must note that online courses are not eligible for the scholarship.

The student must be registered as a University of Leeds student at the start of February 2025.

Also read: Student loan for studying abroad: From eligibility criteria to top providers in India, here are 5 thing you must know

The release further added that the scholarship can be awarded in conjunction with any available Department/Faculty scholarships or external funding as long as this does not exceed 100% of the tuition fees.

The University stated that applicants cannot defer the scholarship award to a future year as doing so will cause them to lose the opportunity.

There is no specific application to apply for the scholarship. If an applicant meets the eligibility and award criteria, the scholarship will automatically be applied as a tuition fee deduction in the second semester of study, said the release.

Also read: Strict visa regulations students need to know before applying for US, UK, Australia and Canada

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP:

Scholarship value: 5,000 each. (INR 5.3 lakh)

Number of scholarships: No limit

Notably, a press release by the University informed that the new scholarship commits to foster educational partnerships and academic excellence with India.

For more information, prospective applicants can visit the official website here.
For students looking forward to commencing their study abroad journey in Germany, the Technical University of Munich has an important announcement to make. According to the University, to improve study conditions, such as the further development of teaching, the expansion of advising and support services, and the improvement of student infrastructure, tuition fees will be used.(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

From the winter semester 2024/25, the Technical University of Munich will charge tuition fees for international students from non-EEA countries who are newly enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters degree course, mentioned the official website of the Technical University of Munich.

While this update for international students from non-EEA countries was announced, the university confirmed that studying at TUM would remain free of tuition for students from Germany, the European Economic Area or equivalent states as well as from states with corresponding agreements, and for students who have acquired their higher education entrance qualification or an undergraduate degree in the German education system.

Technical University of Munich is one of the top public universities in Munich, Germany, and is ranked 28 in QS World University Rankings 2025. With one of the top public universities in the country introducing tuition fees for international students, it needs to be seen if other public universities too will introduce the same.

In a recent move, the German government has confirmed an increase in proof-of-funds requirements for the 2024/25 academic year. For the upcoming academic year, the funds required will increase to 11,904 (US$12,875), representing about a 6% increase over the previous level which stood at 11,208 (US$12,135), reported ICEF Monitor.

Also Read: Student loan for studying abroad: From eligibility criteria to top providers in India, here are 5 thing you must know

Details on the Tuition Fees:

As per the official website of the Technical University of Munich, the tuition fee per semester will usually be 2,000 or 3,000 euros for Bachelors programs and 4,000 or 6,000 euros for Masters programs.

According to the University, tuition fees will be used to improve study conditions, such as the further development of teaching, the expansion of advising and support services, and the improvement of student infrastructure.

The introduction of tuition fees for international students will be structured in a socially responsible manner by creating opportunities for waivers and scholarship programs, informed the Technical University of Munich.

Students have various reasons for choosing Germany as one of their top choices as a study abroad destination. Major reasons include the quality of education, comparatively low tuition fees, rich and diverse culture, etc.

With the introduction of tuition fees for international students from third countries and the increase in proof-of-funds requirements, much needs to be seen for students planning their study abroad journey.

Also Read: Study Abroad: All about Canberras top universities & scholarships
In a rare honour, Super 30 Founder Anand Kumar has been designated the Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism for 2024. Super 30 founder Anand Kumar. (HT Photo)

The agreement was signed in New Delhi on Wednesday. Anand will also go to South Korea for the official designation ceremony at the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO), Seoul Office.

"Anand Kumar, who has been quite popular in South Korea due to his pioneering Super 30 initiative, also saw the best-seller book on his life published in the Korean language. The movie 'Super 30' starring Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan was based on the life of Anand Kumar," Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director for India and SAARC Countries, KTO said.

He said Anand Kumar's pioneering initiative in the field of education would encourage bright students to explore the opportunities South Korea offers.

"It will offer an opportunity to Indians, especially the students of the 14-18 age group, to explore Korea's vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and delightful cuisine, creating lasting memories. Parents can also nominate their children for the Korea Super 30 programme by filling out the application form," he added.

The choice of Anand Kumar as the Honorary Ambassador of Korean tourism is significant for boosting ties with Korea through cultural exchanges and opening avenues for students.

Korea has also come up with the Korea Super 30 travel packages to let young students visit the country without hassles and explore the opportunities and get acquainted with the culture.

Anand Kumar said it was a good initiative in modern times to give students the much-needed exposure to a technologically advanced country.

"For me, it will be a new experience to be part of a student exchange programme at the international level. In modern times, distance does not matter. I am looking forward to this new campaign," he added.

Anand Kumar said that becoming the Hon Ambassador of Korean Tourism was not the recognition of Anand the teacher, but all the teachers of India.

"It also shows the respect an educationally advanced nation like South Korea gives to teachers," he added.
Dalljiet Kaur's marriage with Nikhil Patel hit rock-bottom when she alleged that he cheated on her. Amid the speculations about their separation, Nikhil was recently spotted at Mumbai airport with his girlfriend Safeena Nazar, according to a post by Telly Talk India. Dalljiet shared screenshots of the report and wrote an emotional note. She also shared an Instagram post of her PR manager Ash Parmar, who slammed Nikhil for marrying Dalljiet for her fame. (Also read: Dalljiet Kaur returns to Kenya after husband threatens legal action. See pic) Dalljiet Kaur wrote an emotional post after Nikhil Patel was spotted with his girlfriend.

Dalljiet shares emotional note about her marriage

Dalljiet, while sharing the news about Nikhil and Safeena, on her Instagram story and wrote, No wordsjust tears that won't stop She added Ash's post in another story and captioned it as, Thank you @Avirayit for coming out with your personal experiences too. It's easy for people to say move onHow does one undo a marriage that involved so many happy tears of so many people? The actor ended her Instagram story by thanking Ash and wrote, You are the kind of women we need in our society.

Dalljiet Kaur shared picture of Nikhil Patel with his girlfriend.

Dalljiet Kaur wrote it is hard to move on after a broken marriage.

Dalljiet's friend says Nikhil was rude to her son

Ash recently took to her Instagram handle and shared pictures of Dalljiet's wedding with Nikhil. Her caption read, @niknpatel Last time barely a bit over a year back you went to India to become famous by getting married to @kaurdalljiet and now you are there after that with the new girl. Wow (folded hands emoji) women must be a visual shoe to be replaced like this. As a PR manager, I had the privilege of working with an exceptionally talented actress whom I admired from childhood. Unfortunately, her ex husband displayed a troubling arrogance, narcissism, and rudeness. His cold demeanor towards her son was just one of many red flags that indicated his true character which I saw with my own eyes. It's disheartening to see someone of her caliber treated with such disregard. Women deserve respect and genuine support, not to be undermined by those who should be their partners. Standing up for whats right means acknowledging these issues and advocating for the respect every individual, especially women, deserve.

Dalljiet Kaur thanked her PR manager Ash Parmar for her support.

Ash also pointed out, It seems you married @kaurdalljiet not out of genuine affection but to elevate your own status. In doing so, you not only dashed her hopes of a fulfilling second chance at love,but also crushed a child's dreams of having a positive father figure. Your actions reveal a deep lack of respect for both women and family. It's crucial to confront and call out such insincerity and disrespect, as everyone deserves genuine care and respect in their relationships.

Dalljet was earlier married to Bigg Boss 16 contestant Shalin Bhanot.
Fishing boats set sail as summer ban ends on east China sea

Ecns.cn) 15:07, August 02, 2024

More than 2,600 fishing boats sail out of Jiantiao port of Sanmen County, Taizhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 1, 2014. Local fishermen began their fishing as a three-month seasonal fishing ban was lifted on Thursday. (Photo: China News Service/Sun Jinbiao)

More than 2,600 fishing boats sail out of Jiantiao port of Sanmen County, Taizhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 1, 2014. Local fishermen began their fishing as a three-month seasonal fishing ban was lifted on Thursday. (Photo: China News Service/Sun Jinbiao)

More than 2,600 fishing boats sail out of Jiantiao port of Sanmen County, Taizhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 1, 2014. Local fishermen began their fishing as a three-month seasonal fishing ban was lifted on Thursday. (Photo: China News Service/Sun Jinbiao)

More than 2,600 fishing boats sail out of Jiantiao port of Sanmen County, Taizhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 1, 2014. Local fishermen began their fishing as a three-month seasonal fishing ban was lifted on Thursday. (Photo: China News Service/Sun Jinbiao)

More than 2,600 fishing boats sail out of Jiantiao port of Sanmen County, Taizhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 1, 2014. Local fishermen began their fishing as a three-month seasonal fishing ban was lifted on Thursday. (Photo: China News Service/Sun Jinbiao)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Priyanka Chopra shared an edit of her on-stage award show dance performances from early 2000s as a throwback video, and connects it to what her husband, Nick Jonas does on a daily basis. Also read: Priyanka Chopra posts a pic of daughter Malti Marie making roti; fans go aww Priyanka Chopra is currently in Australia shooting for The Bluff.

Its the closest Ive felt to what my husband does every day, said Priyanka in the caption, tagging Nick Jonas on the post. Nicks comment steals the show as he says Baby Im your biggest fan forever and always, showing love for his wifes work.

Her Insta post

With the post, Priyanka takes her fans down memory lane with a compilation of her most loved performances over time on classic Bollywood numbers including her iconic performance on Ek Do Teen at an award show.

In the caption, Priyanka shares a piece of her personal journey in the industry, talking about her relationship with performing on stage as an entertainer. When I first started working in the movies in Mumbai, I truly did not know how much of a love affair I would have with the stage and especially dancing on it, said the former Miss World; It is intoxicating, she added.

Nostalgic mode

Making her debut in Bollywood with her role in The Hero: Love Story of a Spy in 2003, Priyanka has won many hearts and has created a fan base around the world after she extended her line of work towards Hollywood through Quantico and Baywatch.

Priyanka used her Instagram post as a channel to extend a vote of thanks to everyone who has been a part of her journey, and a tribute to her husband. This is just a throwback to a girl in her 20s shaping the woman that I am today, said Priyanka. Thank you to everyone who, without even knowing, contributed to my journey in such a big way, she added.

As soon as the post went up, the comment section was filled with overwhelming love for the actor and her work over the years. One user commented Desi Queen!; with another writing, You are a crazy inspiration for real.

What's next for her

On the work front, the actor has been shooting The Bluff in Australia. Set in the 19th-century Caribbean, the film follows the story of a former female pirate, played by Priyanka. The female pirate has a mission to protect her family. The film has been produced by Russo Brothers' banner AGBO Studios and Amazon MGM Studios. She will also be seen in Heads of State alongside John Cena and Idris Elba.
Rekha filled in late superstar Sridevi's shoes at the premiere of latter's daughter Janhvi Kapoor's new film, Ulajh, in Mumbai on Thursday evening. Janhvi invited Rekha for the screening and the veteran actor's warm gesture from the red carpet is making fans' hearts melt. Janhvi Kapoor invited Rekha to champion her at the screening of her new movie Ulajh.

Rekha's sweet gesture

A video from the screening shows Rekha touching a large background banner of the film's poster, featuring Janhvi. She then kisses it too, as if giving Janhvi and her new film her blessings.

Fans of Rekha drew a connect with Sridevi, mentioning that the two actors were always close. Sri and her were very close. Another person wrote, She is like a old granny of Bollywood stars. A fan commented, Sridevi and Rekha shared a deep bond...She had a special spark about her. She believed that after Vyjanthimala and Hema Malini, Sridevi was the third Tamil superstar in Hindi cinema.

Another fan mentioned that Rekha has always had a maternal side to her. She has been very maternal always like I remember there was an interview of hers where she's barely 30 and she was brushing her dog's coat, it was the purest most loving thing ever. Also, she has practically raised her younger siblings and got them settled etc so she has played that role since a young age."

For the premiere, Rekha wore a peach-coloured tissue silk saree with her hair decorated with flowers in her usual style. She even joined Janhvi on the red carpet and held her hand as they posed for photos.

About Ulajh

Ulajh showcases Janhvi Kapoor as Suhana, the youngest Deputy High Commissioner, who navigates a difficult mission at the London embassy under close watch. Her performance defies stereotypes, addressing nepotism head-on.

Gulshan Devaiah joins the cast as a mysterious undercover agent, injecting further suspense into the narrative. The trailer teases a labyrinth of secrets and betrayals, hinting at an internal leak that jeopardises the lives of undercover agents and throws Suhana into a desperate struggle for survival.

'Ulajh,' scripted by Sudhanshu Saria and Parveez Shaikh with dialogue by Atika Chauhan and presented by Junglee Pictures, is slated for release on August 2.
Adding to a string of celebrity burglaries this year, Sarah Hyland's Los Angeles home just became the newest victim of a scary intrusion  the scariest bit: she saw the hooded housebreakers. US model Sarah Hyland attends the Audi pre-Emmys party in West Hollywood.(AFP)

The Modern Family star's LA residence was burglarised on Saturday, but it wasn't quite night yet, police sources told TMZ. According to officials' statement, the frightening break-in happened while it was still daylight out.

Fortunately, Hyland was not directly at the receiving end of the alarming development as she is said to have been out of town when the crime broke out. Despite her in-person absence, she witnessed the incident as she caught masked individuals breaking into her place after getting an alert from her home security system.

Per official claims, the suspects entered Hyland's property by breaking a glass window, alerting her security system. Even though Sarah was away from her sweet abode, she reportedly contacted the police after seeing the surveillance footage on her phone, which caught two masked men walking out of her LA home's front door.

Also read | Kanye West's $39m Malibu mansion, which was left to rot, finally finds a buyer

However, the burglars were long before the cops arrived. Sources told the outlet that the place was as silent as ever by the time law-enforcement officials turned up. Police have yet to arrest any suspect under the ongoing active investigation.

As the cops await Hyland's return, it remains unclear if anything valuable was looted from her crib. Sarah would have to conduct an inventory to cross-check possibly missing items and their worth. She's the latest victim to the long list of LA-based robberies this year after stars like Marlon Wayans and Bhad Bhabie's abodes suffered a similar fate.

About Sarah Hyland's Los Angeles mansion

The Modern Family alum purchased the Los Angeles place before marrying The Bachelorette contestant Wells Adams. She reportedly spent $3.92 million to bag the modern farmhouse property in Studio City, California.

Also read | Beniffer 2.0 real estate unrest continues with JLo selling NYC penthouse 7 years after it was put on market

The two-story mansion was built in 2018 and has five bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms, encompassing a 5,872 square feet area. According to Architectural Digest, the place is packed with modern amenities, including an incredible theatre with stadium seating and midnight blue walls. The couple also enjoys the luxurious presence of a pristine blue pool with an inset spa, a unique dining room with an ebony hardwood ceiling and state-of-the-art lighting fixtures.

Hyland's house is equipped with smart house capabilities, as lighting, sound systems, and security cameras are all remotely operable. This presumably allowed the former Love Island USA host to catch the housebreakers on camera, even if from afar.
Ryan Reynolds has joked that he and his daughter Inez, who cameoed in Deadpool and Wolverine, argued on the set. Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds (L) and Australian actor Hugh Jackman speak on stage during Deadpool and Wolverine celebration of life fan event during Comic Con International in San Diego, California, July 25, 2024. (Photo by Chris DELMAS / AFP)(AFP)

On Thursday, August 1, Reynolds took to social media to poke fun at his 7-year-old daughter, Inez, who made a cameo as Kidpool in his latest film, Deadpool and Wolverine.

Sharing a movie still of himself as the titular anti-hero facing off against his daughter, Reynolds wrote on X (formerly Twiiter), Only costar I argued with. Most people think Kidpool is the dirtiest. But shes also pretty good at backtalk and never taking out the trash. #DeadpoolAndWolverine.

ALSO READ| NSYNC edited the title of Bye Bye Bye on YouTube with release of Deadpool & Wolverine

Ryan Reynolds' family takes over the big screen in Deadpool and Wolverine

Deadpool and Wolverine, which hit theatres on Friday, July 26, was a true family affair for Reynolds. His just-year-old son, Olin, also made a cameo as the aptly named character Baby Pool. Reynolds wife, Blake Lively, made a masked appearance as Lady Deadpool. Lively revealed via Instagram in July that Deadpool comic creator Rob Liefeld created Lady Deadpool after seeing the actress on Gossip Girl in the '00s.

The couples 4-year-old daughter, Betty, also had a role in the production, which was humorously acknowledged during the movies credits with the line, Hugh Jackman Wrangler: Betty Reynolds.

Reynolds has previously spoken about Bettys fondness for Hugh Jackman, who portrayed Wolverine. During a joint interview with Jackman at the movies premiere in July, Reynolds told Extra, Theyre all kind of in love with Uncle Hughy over here, so that worked out pretty well. He got attacked by Betty backstage, who thinks she has claws, so she goes at him. I have to actually give her a little tiny time-out.

He also told People, I don't profess that my kids are perfectly behaved. My 4-year-old Betty sort of loves Hugh, like unconditionally. And she expresses that love through unblinking violence. So she attacks him, thinking she has claws and he has a healing factor  which he might.

ALSO READ| Deadpool & Wolverine box office collection day 5: Ryan Reynolds-Hugh Jackman film takes India total to 78 crore

Along with Inez, Olin, and Betty, Reynolds and Lively also share a 9-year-old daughter named James. While promoting the third Deadpool movie, Reynolds hinted that he and Lively are open to expanding their family.

The more the merrier, he quipped to E! News in July. As many as possible. As many little heartbeats as possible, just running around, wrecking stuff in the house. I love it. Lets have more!
Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan expressed their solidarity with the victims and the families affected by Wayanad landslides in Kerala. The couple sent a joint letter to the Chief Minister's Office in Kerala and offered financial assistance to the victims. Naynathara and Vignesh took to their Instagram handles as well to share their joint statement. (Also read: Wayanad landslide: Suriya, Vikram, Mammootty, Fahadh Faasil donate to Kerala) Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan have offered help to the victims of Wayanad landslides.

Nayanthara-Vignesh extend support to Kerala government

The letter read, In the wake of the tragic landslide in Wayanad, our hearts go out to the affected families and communities. The devastation and loss experienced by the community are gut-wrenching. In these times of great need, we are reminded of the importance of coming together to support one another. As a gesture of solidarity, we are making a humble contribution of 20,00,000 (Rupees Twenty Lakhs Only) to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to provide the much-needed immediate assistance to the affected families and aid in the rebuilding process. It has been extremely heartening to see the coordinated response from our government, volunteers, rescue teams, and several other organisations, all working tirelessly to provide crucial aid and support to those in need. Let us unite in strength and compassion to help rebuild and heal.

While sharing the letter, Vignesh captioned his post as, Cant match the loses in #wayanad :( extending our support at this dark time (folded hand emojis) @nayanthara.

Suriya, Mammootty offer financial help to victims

Apart from Nayanthara and Vignesh, Tamil actors Suriya and Vikram, Malayalam actors Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan, Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya also extended their support. The actors donated to the Kerala Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund.

About Nayanthara-Vignesh

Nayanthara hails from Kerala, and her parents currently live in Thiruvalla, Kerala. She was born as Diana Mariam Kurian to Omana Kurian and Kurian Kodiyattu. Nayanthara and Vignesh are parents to twin boys named Ulag and Uyir. At present, Nayanthara is looking forward to the release of her two Tamil films  The Test and Mannangatti Since 1960. Vignesh is currently busy working on his directorial, Love Insurance Kompany.
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli review  One would argue that this is the right time to celebrate the journey of the RRR and Baahubali filmmaker, after his latest directorial is making waves not only in India, but also the US, Japan, and around the world. A new documentary on Netflix India follows Rajamouli across the two countries during the Oscars campaign and the Japanese release. But it's also evident that his glory doesn't hinge on that Oscar win. His greatness is already assumed, acknowledged and underlined whenever possible. Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli review -- Netflix India documentary celebrates the RRR filmmaker

(Also Read  MM Keeravaani says Oscar-winning Naatu Naatu from RRR is not his best song: Global recognition has come)

Celebrated like a hero

In that sense, Rajamouli is treated by this documentary just like how he treats his heroes  with awe and reverence. It's not one of those pensive director documentaries which try to unearth how his internal conflicts inform his vision. Having said that, for those who wish to look closely, there's enough nuance, just like there's plenty to read between the lines while watching Rajamouli's movies. There are bits about his influences, his flaws as a director, and even his arrogance about the craft, but only if you look too closely. In those fleeting moments, Rajamouli comes across as the most fragile, the most vulnerable, the most humane  words that aren't your first choice to describe the director or his cinema.

A still of SS Rajamouli in action from Modern Masters

When Rajamouli was once asked if he makes cinema for kids or for adults, he wittily replied that his movies are for kids and there's a latent kid in every adult. The documentary doesn't try too hard to shine a light on the child within Rajamouli, but that aspect comes out beautifully and organically in the umpteen behind-the-scenes shots where Rajamouli is performing the memorable stunts from his movies himself in order to demonstrate them to his actors. It's an infectious and enduring joy to watch him at play  wielding guns, jumping on elephants, running with horses, or crawling on the ground. He knows exactly what he wants from his actors  all they have to do is ape him.

The childlike enthusiasm also extends to his juvenile stubbornness to can a shot exactly how he visualised it. Some may call it his perfectionist streak, but when Ram Charan and Jr NTR open up on the hell they went through during the filming of RRR because Rajamouli would keep asking for retakes, you begin to wonder if every film, every day needs to be approached like one is going to war. The film set then ceases to be a playground, and turns into a battlefield. Because Rajamouli isn't tasked to build sand castles here  there's hundreds of crores of money riding on those larger-than-life sets. The stakes are too high, which is why Rajamouli explains in the documentary that while he empathises with his actors and crew, his accountability to producers turns him into a hard taskmaster.

It makes sense then that Rajamouli has employed his extended family in his core team. His father V Vijayendra Prasad is the screenwriter, his eldest cousin MM Keeravani the music composer, his wife Rama Rajamouli the costume designer, his sister-in-law Srivalli and his stepson SS Karthikeya part of the production and assistant directors team. His family is emotionally equipped with handling his relentless quest for perfection because they believe that something worthwhile would come out of it. Baahubali star Prabhas reveals that Rajamouli's modest 3BHK flat in Hyderabad is filled with his extended family at all times, which only reflects what a tight-knit unit they are. This cottage industry-like approach also helps to make a film cut across all age groups and attune it to the tastes of India's predominantly prevalent family audience.

Addressing a genius' flaws

On the flipside, having so many members from the same background and value system in the core team also runs the risk of turning every project into an echo chamber. The documentary briefly addresses the criticisms directed towards Rajamouli's movies, particularly the biggest successes i.e. Baahubali and RRR, that they're sexist in parts and are overarchingly right-wing in the imagery they invoke. Rajamouli confronts the first criticism head-on when he argues that the woke audience fails to see the symbolic significance of the superficially problematic scenes. They don't understand storytelling, he concludes haughtily.

But the second criticism is addressed with more corroboration than confrontation. Rajamouli confesses that while he's a believer of the Sanatana Dharma, he's a self-proclaimed atheist. He argues that there's scope to be both, as he believes in Karma Yoga  to be the doer instead of the worshipper. His association with God is not conditional. Although he doesn't believe in the almighty, his job as a director is to stay true to, and moreover enhance, the screenplay penned by his father, an astute believer. They have mutual respect for each other's beliefs, which don't hamper the way they work as a creative team, despite their father-son dynamics. Rajamouli says he's the cashews to his father's upma  while the latter provides the foundation, the former elevates it with his signature touches.

Rajamouli also claims that he loves Ravana more than he loves Rama. His villains like Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati in Baahubali) need to be as strong, menacing, and righteous as his heroes. He argues that while everyone sees Rama as a hero in childhood, when they grow up and approach the epics more academically, they cease to see them as binaries. Rajamouli himself is a living, breathing example of the Rama and Ravana energies. He enacts his characters with an innocence and purity that can stem only from a childlike imagination. But he also cracks the whip mercilessly to ensure his vision isn't dishonoured. While the documentary manages to paint a pretty picture of Rajamouli's genius, one wishes it could've probed further into his flaws. Unlike Rajamouli, sometimes it tends to become a slave more to the subject than to the story.
Actor Chris Evans shared that returning as Johnny Storm in Marvels Deadpool & Wolverine is an experience that he will never forget, as per The Hollywood Reporter. A file photo of Chris Evans

The actor took to his Instagram Story to express his appreciation for the films cast and director for allowing him to reprise the superhero character after a 17-year hiatus.

Thank you to Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Shawn Levy for letting me be a part of such an incredible movie! Evans wrote. Theyre three of the nicest guys youll ever meet. Special thank you to Ryan for making it all happen. Playing Johnny again was a dream come true and hell always have a special place in my heart.

Also Read: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman storm San Diego Comic-Con with Deadpool and Wolverine cameo stars. Spoilers inside!

A file photo of Chris Evans

The Ghosted star also uploaded a picture of himself standing beside three men on the Deadpool and Wolverine set.

While Evans is best recognised for his role as Steve Rogers/Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, before his exit from 2019s Avengers: Endgame, some fans forget he previously portrayed another superhero for many years. He played Johnny Storm in the films Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007).

When Evans appeared in Deadpool & Wolverine with Reynolds and Jackmans characters, many were likely expecting him to play a multiverse version of Captain America. However, it is shortly discovered that he is a version of Johnny Storm, and he continues to soar into the sky as the Human Torch, surprising even Deadpool.
Devoleena Bhattacharjee, a popular actress in the television industry, took to Instagram to lend support to actor Dalljiet Kaur. She blasted the latter's estranged Kenya-based businessman husband Nikhil Patel, who was spotted with his girlfriend in Mumbai. Devoleena Bhattacharjee lends support to actor Dalljiet Kaur, slamming her estranged husband Nikhil Patel

For the unversed, Dalljiet Kaur and Nikhil Patel got married on March 10, 2023, in a ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. She moved to Kenya but returned home to Mumbai in January 2024 with her son Jaydon. This was Dalljiet's second marriage. Later, she had accused Patel of having an extramarital affair, following which he released a statement confirming their separation.

Meanwhile, Nikhil got Devoleena's ire on social media as he was recently spotted at Mumbai airport with his girlfriend Safeena Nazar, according to a post by Telly Talk India. Dalljiet shared screenshots of the report and wrote an emotional note. She also shared an Instagram post of her PR manager Ash Parmar, who slammed Nikhil for marrying Dalljiet for her fame.

'Who gives these people the right to ruin someone else's life?'

Taking to her Insta stories, Devoleena wrote, "The person is already married and hasn't even gotten a divorce yet. He has arrived in India with his girlfriend. If I am not mistaken, it's only been a year and a half since he got married to Daljeet. Anyway, it's his life and whatever he does is his business. But who gives these people the right to ruin someone else's life?"

People like him, making a mockery of everything, every relationship, is so easy

Devoleena questioned his claims that the marriage with Dalljiet was not legal. She further added, "This gentleman claims that he didn't legally marry. Then what were those 7 pheras, if not a real wedding? For people like him, making a mockery of everything, every relationship, is so easy. And then some so-called woke people will come and gyaan denge saying if those two are happy, what's the problem? People with such limited understanding should realise that we are talking about a third person here, about Daljeet and her son. What about them? Is it that easy to forget everything and move on? Certainly, for people like Nik, this might be a common occurrence, but not for a normal human being."

'Cheating is a choice'

Warning women about such mis-deeds, Devoleena cautions them to get their marriages registered. She continues, "This is wrong and will always be wrong. This is a lesson for every girl, every family that dont trusts someone completely and dedicates their lives to such people. Be careful. Also understand that just taking the saath pheras or having a Nikah, etc does not make your marriage valid according to many and they can manipulate it if they wish to. It needs to be registered. Because there are many shameless and rude people who will take advantage of the situation and continue ruining. CHEATING IS DEFINITELY A CHOICE NIK. Also don't forget your daughters are watching you too.
With Watermelon Day tomorrow, it's time to celebrate this refreshing fruit during the monsoon season too. The red juicy fruit is beloved across the world for its sweet taste and juiciness so much so that several countries have age-old traditions to celebrate it. On Watermelon Day, the United States has seed-spitting contests and watermelon carving competitions. Japan, on the other hand, takes part in Suikawari, where a blindfolded person hits a watermelon like a pinata, hoping to split it. Watermelon feta salad is a staple of Greek cuisine, combining the sweetness of watermelon with the saltiness and creaminess of feta cheese(Photo: Instagram)

Packed with vitamins A, B6 and C, this versatile fruit can be enjoyed in savoury as well as sweet dishes. While it is a sure-shot favorite during summers, this Watermelon Day try out these innovative recipes to enjoy this hydrating fruit even in the monsoon.

Watermelon Halwa

Watermelon halwa can be enjoyed during monsoon too(Photo: Shutterstock)

Popular in South India, watermelon is added to the classic Indian dessert for a hearty and flavourful dish. Simply, blend watermelon cubes to make watermelon pulp and cook it using ghee. Once the puree is thick, mix it with cooked semolina and enjoy this unique dessert.

Watermelon Sabzi

The sweetness of the watermelon balances out the spicy notes of the sabzi, making for a tasty main course(Photo: Instagram)

The hard outer rind of watermelon is used to make a delicious sabzi, a specialty dish from Rajasthan. It is cooked with various spices such as cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, and chilli powder, along with onions and tomatoes to create a savoury curry. The sweetness of the watermelon balances out the spicy notes of the sabzi, making for a tasty main course. Executive chef Shivneet Pohoja of IT Maurya, New Delhi, explains that the watermelon rind acts as a sponge, soaking up all the goodness of the curry it is cooked in.

Watermelon Soup

The traditional Spanish soup called Gazpacho is often made with watermelon(Photo: Instagram)

Gazpacho, a traditional Spanish soup, is often made with watermelon. While initially served cold, over the years, recipes have been modified to serve this hearty soup both hot and cold, making it the perfect comfort dish all year round. Corporate chef Tarun Shetty, of Zoreko, says, To make a satisfying gazpacho, blend watermelon flesh with items such as bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning.

Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon feta salad is a staple of Greek cuisine, combining the sweetness of watermelon with the saltiness and creaminess of feta cheese(Photo: Instagram)

A classic dish served all over the world, this refreshing salads origins are unknown but hypothesised to be Mediterranean. This salad is a staple of Greek cuisine, combining the sweetness of watermelon with the saltiness and creaminess of feta cheese. Add in some olives, mint leaves, olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a light, healthy, flavourful dish.

Small side dishes

To make the perfect chaat, sprinkle some chaat masala black pepper and salt on top of watermelon chunks and serve with nuts or lentils(Photo: Instagram)

Watermelon side dishes such as raita and chaat are also delicious alternatives. For raita, simply add small watermelon slices for a complementary sweetness to the tangy taste. To make the perfect chaat, sprinkle some chaat masala black pepper and salt on top of watermelon chunks and serve with nuts or lentils.

The possibilities are endless with this fruit. Chef Prakash Yadav, Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Goa Colva, shares that watermelon pairs best with salty and tangy flavours and can also be combined with creamy or crunchy textures. He advises, Fresh herbs such as mint, basil, cilantro and parsley can elevate watermelon dishes by adding aromatic and flavour complexity. Just before serving, add herbs to maintain their freshness and vibrant flavour. Chef Daya Shanker Chaubey, Executive Chef, Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort also advises, Add watermelon to the dish towards the end of cooking time to preserve its texture and flavour.
The Supreme Court on Friday stayed a July 15 order by the Madras high court that had directed an investigation into the assets of police and revenue officials involved in the 2018 Thoothukudi firing, which resulted in the deaths of 13 people during protests against the Vedanta-owned Sterlite Copper plant. The stay was issued by a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud. (Mksr2020 / Wikimedia Commons)

The stay was issued by a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, which found merit in the arguments presented by the counsel for the police officials. The officials, through senior counsel Kapil Sibal, argued that the high courts order was unwarranted, especially in light of the clean chit given to them by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

This cannot go on forever. There is NHRC finding in our favour and then the clean chit by the CBI came. But the high court has now sent it back to the local police, Sibal argued before the bench that also included justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

Also Read:The Madras HC order on Thoothukudi firing brings into focus the industry-police nexus

Admitting the matter, the bench issued notice on the petition filed jointly by 17 police officials and stayed the high court order of a fresh inquiry against them.

On July 15, the high court had ordered a probe by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) into the assets of 21 officials named in the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commissions report, which investigated the 2018 Thoothukudi firing and concluded that there were police excesses.

The high court made the order while hearing a petition filed by human rights activist Henry Tiphagne, who sought a directive for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to reopen the case. The central body which was probing the case suo-moto had closed it in October 2018.

On the day, the high court had also criticised the CBI for exonerating the officials implicated in the commissions report, expressing its displeasure that the agency appeared to have acted in coordination with the officials, ignoring instances of police overreach. The high court remarked:

Voiceless people were at the receiving end, the persons in helm of affairs could not tolerate the prolonged, peaceful stir; and one industrialist wanted to teach a lesson, and the officials acted accordingly.

Stating that it suspects that some police officials allowed the firing to occur in order to further their own agendas, the high court directed the DVAC to submit a preliminary report detailing the assets of the officials, their spouses and close relatives within two weeks. This deadline was extended earlier this week to three months.

The Thoothukudi firing occurred in May 2018, when residents of the town gathered to peacefully protest the continued operation of the Sterlite Copper plant, which they alleged was causing severe environmental and health hazards.

The protests, which lasted for around 100 days, culminated in violence on May 22 and 23, when police opened fire on the protesters, resulting in 13 deaths and injuries to more than 100 people.

The police initially claimed that the firing was in self-defense. However, the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commissions report held 17 police personnel, a district collector, and three deputy tahsildars responsible for the incident.

The CBIs investigation into the incident had been contentious. In its initial report submitted in December 2023, the CBI named only one individual, Inspector R. Thirumalai, as responsible for the shooting. The original charges in the FIR were reportedly diluted, invoking only minor provisions.

The Madras high court rejected this report and ordered a fresh investigation, the findings of which were submitted a month ago but had not yet been taken up by the high court.
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla on Friday said that stories of the Hindu epic Mahabharata are being narrated a lot in the House, reported PTI. New Delhi, July 25 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla conducts the House proceedings during the Parliament's Monsoon Session, in New Delhi on Thursday. (ANI Photo/SansadTV)(Sansad TV)

The Speaker made the remarks while telling an MP not to narrate stories but to ask to-the-point questions.

The incident took place when BJP MP from Odisha's Bargarh, Pradip Purohit, while asking a question to the Union Ayush minister, referred to an ayurvedic college and traced back the history of the herbs found in the area to ancient times.

"Do not tell stories, ask the question (aap Mahabharat mat sunao, aap prashna poocho)," Birla told the member during the Question Hour, according to PTI.

Aaj kal, Mahabharat sunane ka kissa zyada chala hai yahan par (Nowadays, stories of the Mahabharata are being narrated a lot here), Birla quipped further.

The incident comes days after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi invoked the Mahabharata in the House, claiming that an atmosphere of fear prevails all around with a group of six trapping the entire country in a chakravyuh (a trap).

Gandhi's reference was to the Mahabharat scripture, which stated that Abhimanyu was killed in a 'chakravyuh'.

He said that the BJP government has created a chakravyuh with the concentration of financial power, institutions such as CBI, ED and Income Tax and with political executives and large business groups.

The Lok Sabha MP from Raebareli noted that the 'chakravyuh' is also called a 'padmavyuh' due to its resemblance to a lotus, which is the BJP's election symbol.

"In the 21st century, another 'chakravyuh' has been prepared. It is in the form of lotus and the prime minister (Narendra Modi) wears the symbol on his chest. What was done with Abhimanyu is being done with India, with its youth, women, farmers and small and medium businesses," Gandhi had said.

BJP's Anurag Thakur had hit back at Gandhi, saying the Congress had laid several 'chakravyuh' for the country.

Thakur added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the country out of the 'chakravyuh' of the Congress.
Air India has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv effective immediately until August 8 amid escalation of Israel-Hamas conflict. We are closely monitoring the situation and providing support to passengers with confirmed bookings during this period, offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges, Air India said in a statement. Air India suspends flights to Israel's Tel Aviv until August 8 due to Middle East crisis

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated due to the Israel-Hamas war, particularly after fears of retaliation from Iran following the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

ALSO READ- Hezbollah leader says war with Israel has entered new phase after deaths of its top leaders

Airlines are avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace and cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon due to escalating tensions in the region.

Singapore Airlines, Taiwan's EVA Air, and China Airlines are rerouting flights to avoid Iran, according to Flightradar24 data. OPSGROUP advised avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace following the killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah members.

Read view: West Asia on the brink, West needs to step in

On Tuesday evening, an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah top commander Fuad Shukr and leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israel also confirmed on Thursday that Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas' military wing, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza in July.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened "harsh punishment" for his killing.

Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israel on Thursday. Hezbollah said it launched dozens of Katyusha rockets in response to the Israeli enemy's attack on the southern village of Shama that killed a number of civilians.

ALSO READ- Hezbollah fires dozens' of rockets into Israel to 'revenge' death of top commander; IDF responds

"Israel is at a very high level of preparation for any scenario, both defensive and offensive," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

Those who attack us, we will attack in return.
Amid the controversy involving trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who is accused of submitting false disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) is now set to investigate the disability certificates of six other civil servants. In 2022, Khedkar obtained a 7 per cent locomotor disability certificate from Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital, despite the physiotherapy department reporting no disability. (HT)

According to an India Today report, the DoPT has requested the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) to have a medical board re-evaluate the disability status of these candidates. The medical certificates of these six civil servants were flagged on social media.

The UPSC said that it had reviewed data from over 15,000 candidates and found that only Khedkar had used more attempts than allowed, the report added. The board noted that this discrepancy was primarily due to Khedkar's alteration of her and her parents' names.

How did Puja Khedkar misuse the disability provision by UPSC?

According to UPSC regulations, candidates must have at least a 40 per cent disability to qualify for reservation benefits. The UPSC also offers age limit relaxations, additional attempts, and special provisions at exam centres for candidates with disabilities.

In 2022, Khedkar obtained a 7 per cent locomotor disability certificate from Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital, despite the physiotherapy department reporting no disability. She allegedly used this certificate to take the civil service exam more times than allowed, violating the rules.

Earlier this week, the UPSC cancelled Khedkar's candidature for the 2022 civil services examination and prohibited her from taking future exams. The Delhi Police have filed a case against her following a UPSC complaint.

Regarding the submission of false disability and caste certificates, the UPSC stated that it performs a preliminary check and accepts certificates as genuine if issued by competent authorities. The UPSC added that it cannot verify the authenticity of the numerous certificates submitted by candidates each year.

Delhi court rejects Khedkar's bail plea

On Thursday, Delhi's Patiala House court denied Puja Khedkar's anticipatory bail plea. The trainee IAS officer was accused of using fraudulent methods to pass the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination.

Khedkar had requested pre-arrest bail in connection with a case alleging that she faked her identity to gain additional attempts at the UPSC exam.

The court noted that the Delhi Police, the investigating agency, needs to broaden its investigation. It also instructed the police to determine if any UPSC insiders were involved in helping her achieve her goal.

On Wednesday, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelled Khedkar's provisional candidature and barred her from taking any future UPSC exams.
In 2012, a Foreigners Tribunal in Assams Silchar issued Anjali Roy, 60, and her brother notices for being suspected undocumented immigrants, saying they could not produce valid documents for police verification. She said her brother could not handle the humiliation and died by suicide, making Roy more determined to prove her Indian identity. Roy fought a successful legal battle for three years to prove her Indian identity in 2015. But she would get tied up in bureaucratic red tape for another nine years to get voting right back. Anjali Roy proved her Indian identity in 2015. (HT PHOTO)

Roys name was erased from the voter list after the tribunals notice in 2012. She said she got the certificate of her Indian identity and pleaded with election officials to include her name on the voter list ahead of the 2016 assembly elections. I appealed to them to include my name but they kept me waiting...before the 2018 panchayat election, 2019 general elections, and 2021 assembly elections but they kept asking me to wait, she said.

The absence of her name from the voter list meant Roy was denied all government facilities. I was denied food security benefits. I did not get Aadhar and could not open a bank account, she said.

Lawyer Anil Dey, who represented Roy, said she had a citizenship card issued in 1956 in her fathers name.

Roy said the family kept suffering. In 2022, my mother got a notice over suspect citizenship at 83. I had to fight for almost a decade to get my right to vote even after proving that I was not an undocumented immigrant, she said.

She said she felt at one point that her brother made the right decision to end his life. It looked like the government mechanism did not want to accept me as Indian, she said. Roy added except for her husband, all her family members were denied Aadhar cards. What was our fault? I was close to killing myself but I could not do it because it would have created additional pressure on my kids, she said.

Social activist Kamal Chakraborty said he was shocked to know that Roy wanted to apply for citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act whose rules were notified this year. ...Her family did not immigrate from Bangladesh and it would be impossible for them to show any document of that country. When I contacted them, they said that there is no other option for them. Chakraborty said that the election officials said that the list for the 2024 general elections has been prepared and her name can only be included before any upcoming poll. A by-election allowed her to reregister her name as a voter.
The Delhi government on Friday ordered a magisterial probe into the alleged lapses at Rohinis Asha Kiran home for the mentally challenged, where 14 inmates have died since January allegedly due to health issues and malnutrition. Asha Kiran in Delhis Rohini. (HT PHOTO)

Delhi minister Atishi ordered submission of a report within 48 hours while ordering the inquiry into the matter. She has sought suggestive measures to prevent any such occurrence in the future.

Delhi governments social welfare department runs Asha Kiran, which was set up in 1989, with a capacity to accommodate 350 people. The shelter home has been involved in a series of controversies over the decades due to the deaths of the inmates.

In her order to the chief secretary Naresh Kumar for the probe, Atishi cited reports about 14 deaths at Asha Kiran since January. These deaths reportedly occurred due to health issues and malnutrition and indicate the lack of availability of requisite facilities to the inmates.

Atishi said the government cannot tolerate such kind of lapses if found true. This is a serious issue which needs to be thoroughly investigated...to take hard steps to revamp [the] whole system to improve the conditions of all such homes to provide better facilities, she said. The ACS [additional chief secretary], Revenue is directed to immediately initiate a magisterial enquiry into the whole matter and submit a report on the same within 48 hours... Recommend action to be taken against those whose negligence has caused these deaths...Recommend suggestive measures to be taken to prevent [the] occurrence of such incidents in the future, the order said.

In 2014, 51 deaths were reported at the shelter, and 59 in 2005. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India in 2015 rapped the government saying the home was overcrowded, ill equipped for medical emergencies, and short on staff.
The Union government on Thursday introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the Lok Sabha, proposing key changes to the existing Disaster Management Act of 2005, including a new authority for cities. Union minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai speaks in Lok Sabha, on Thursday. (ANI)

The bill seeks to establish an Urban Disaster Management Authority for state capitals and cities with municipal corporations to address urban disasters, and proposes creating a disaster database at national and state levels.

Under the new legislation, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA) would be empowered to prepare disaster management plans, a task previously handled by executive committees at the national and state levels. The authorities would also be allowed to appoint experts and consultants.

The bills objectives cite the governments efforts to mainstream disaster management in development plans, align with Finance Commission recommendations, and incorporate lessons from past disasters.

The Disaster Management Act, 2005 has been reviewed in consultation with all stakeholders including state governments, said the objective and reasons for bringing the bill that was introduced in the Lok Sabha by minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai.

Experts, who have seen the copy of the bill, said some of the amendments were long due and practical.

Its key provisions include creation of a comprehensive disaster database including assessment, fund allocation, expenditure, preparedness, and risk registers, the formation of an Urban Disaster Management Authorities chaired by municipal commissioners, with district collectors as vice-chairpersons, and empowering the NDMA to periodically assess disaster risks, including emerging threats, and issue updated mitigation guidance.

Disaster management professional, Col (Retd) Sanjay Srivastava, from Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROSPC) and faculty at The Energy and Resources Institute School of Advanced Studies, said: There are key changes. SDMAs and NDMAs will be able to prepare the plan, which is a good move. They know the terrain and geography of the state well. The plans, earlier prepared by National Executive Committee (NEC) and the State Executive Committee (SEC) are by bureaucrats using borrowed wisdom. In a state like West Bengal, the disaster management plan for a city like Kolkata or Burdman, will be different from a hill district like Darjeeling. The local administration knows the issue well and can make specific plans. They have been empowered to bring in experts who know the subject well.

However, opposition leaders raised concerns.

Congress MP Manish Tewari sought clarification on the constitutionality of the Bill. Tewari said that the government needs to amend the Concurrent List to include a separate entry for Disaster Management. Tewari pointed out that given the increasing frequency of disasters and the fact that local authorities are usually the first responders, there is a need for a clear law with well-defined legislative powers. The Bill suffers from the malady of excessive delegation.

TMC MP Saugata Ray also opposed the Bill. He said, Multiplicity of authorities leads to confusion. The Kerala Chief Minister is saying they did not receive warnings, while the Union Home Minister is saying warnings were given. He criticized the Bill for creating additional authorities, arguing, At the time of natural disasters, this will create bureaucratic hurdles.

Rai responded to this. He said, The first responsibility to respond to a disaster is of the state; we are not interfering through this Bill.

Manu Gupta, co-founder of SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society), said: This initiative marks a transformative step toward enhancing our nations capacity for disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability. A comprehensive, centralised disaster database at both national and state levels will significantly improve our ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. At SEEDS India, we have consistently emphasized the importance of data-driven strategies in building resilient communities. The creation of this disaster database will facilitate more efficient resource allocation, better coordination among stakeholders, and timely, informed decision-making during crises.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former Union minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday accused the Congress of having conspired against reservation for backward classes and Dalits. BJP MP Anurag Thakur and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during a debate in the Parliament. (PTI Photo)

Thakur, who represents Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency in Himachal Pradesh, stoked a controversy on Tuesday while taking a dig at the Opposition for demanding a caste census. Without naming anyone, Thakur had said in the Lok Sabha, Those whose caste is not known are talking about census...

The statement evoked a sharp response from leader of the opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who rose from his seat and said, You can insult me as much as you want, but you should not forget that we will get the caste census bill passed in Parliament.

With the opposition doubling down on the BJP and its leaders for stoking the caste issue, Thakur defended his speech on Thursday.

My speech deeply hurt the sense of entitlement of some people, as a result of which the entire ecosystem of Congress is creating hue and cry. They feel only they have the right to ask questions because they are privileged... These are the same people whose ancestors used to call the backward, Dalits and deprived as buddhus (fools). Those who used to call others fools, today their own houses are full of fools, he said during a Parliament debate.

Opposition parties have cornered the government on the issue of caste census and, during the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year, alleged that the BJP had set its sights on winning 400 plus seats because it intended to scrap caste-based quotas. The allegation was refuted by the BJP, but party leaders attribute its tally shrinking from 303 in 2019 to 240 this year largely to the fear that the BJP will end reservation.

In a bid to turn the tables on the Congress, Thakur said Congress leaders used to make excuses for not giving the right of equality to Dalits and tribals. These are the same people who used to wonder how a Dalit person can stand in front of them wearing a suit and draft the Constitution... The then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had publicly referred to people from backward castes as fools, he said.

Citing an old media report, dated March 1985, Thakur said former PM Gandhi had in an interview said he will not promote fools in the name of reservation.

Will the Congress publicly condemn a very disgusting casteist statement made by Rajiv Gandhi? Will any resolution be passed against that statement? he said.

Thakur further said former PM and Congress leader Indira Gandhi did not implement the Mandal Commission report and the Kaka Kalekar report that suggested measures for caste-wise enumeration of the population in the 1961 Census, and the Congress also suppressed reservation in all technical and professional institutions.
Several political leaders on Friday slammed the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government over reports of multiple deaths of residents at a government shelter home for the mentally challenged in the Rohini area. Asha Kiran in Delhis Rohini. (HT PHOTO)(HT_PRINT)

Fourteen deaths have been reported in a month at Asha Kiran, the Delhi governments home for the mentally challenged in Rohini.

According to a report in Times of India, all the deceased patients exhibited similar symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting and the bodies of the inmates were usually sent to Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital which is 2 km away from the facility.

Also Read | Swati Maliwal slams Delhi govt over Asha Kiran shelter home deaths, demands FIR

The Delhi government has directed the Revenue Department to initiate a magisterial inquiry into the deaths of 14 inmates.

Congress leader Abhishek Dutt targeted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the capital over the incident.

This is a very sad incident...It is sad to see that on one side in a shelter home, double the capacity people are kept there and on the other side Arvind Kejriwal is living in his 170 cr 'sheesh mahal'...He used to talk about the health model...He should be immediately removed from his post... Dutta said, according to ANI.

"No action is being taken against the corrupt ministers...and, sadly, no one is resigning...The government hospitals here are only for publicity...People remember Delhi built by Sheila Dikshit..." he added.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said that strict action must been taken against those responsible.

...Everyone wants to raise the issues of women, everyone wants the women's votes...After the government is formed no one takes them seriously...Proper action should be taken against those who are responsible...Women must get justice, she said.

North East Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari blamed the AAP government in the capital, saying that the party has become insensitive.

There are no words... what kind of words should be used to alert, wake up the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. I believe even the God must be crying over this incident. I am unable to find any words other than condemning the AAP government, he told PTI.

"The Delhi government has become so insensitive that despite taking a Budget of 76,000 crore, it is not serious about giving any facilities or security," Tiwari added.

National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma, who visited the government home, said that strict probe needs to be done.

"Several death cases have been reported here and the prima facie is water is contaminated, no filter facility is there...Most of them have died due to Diarrhea...Overcrowding is there in the shelter home...No toilet facility is there...I have demanded the papers...There is no register for entry and exit...No biometric attendance is there...The staff present here are untrained and unregulated...They are getting on-the-job training...A strict and independent enquiry should be done and I will demand this from the Central government...I will submit my report also to the Central government" she told reporters, according to ANI.
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday reacted sharply to the Supreme Court's verdict explaining reasons for not cancelling the 2024 NEET-UG medical entrance examination. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.(PTI)

The Supreme Court said it did not cancel the controversy-ridden examination amid concerns of paper leak as there was no systemic breach of its sanctity. It, however, cautioned the National Testing Agency (NTA) to avoid avoid the "flip-flops" it made in relation to the NEET-UG exam.

Dharmendra Pradhan said the Supreme Court's observation that there was no systemic breach of its sanctity and no-retest is required vindicates the stand of the central government.

"'The government stands committed to Tamper-free, Transparent & Zero-error examination system'. To ensure the same we shall implement recommendations of the high-level committee of experts, at the earliest once they are submitted, the education ministry wrote on X.

He also targeted the Opposition saying that the findings and the verdict of the apex court rejects the propaganda that was being peddled.

Also Read | NEET UG Controversy: SC expands mandate of committee set up by centre to rectify structural flaws in exam system

"The findings and the verdict outrightly reject the propaganda that was being peddled. We wholeheartedly thank the Supreme Court for delivering justice and protecting the interests of lakhs of hardworking students. We shall implement Hon'ble Supreme Courts judgement in letter and spirit," Pradhan wrote on X.

Supreme Court's verdict on NEET UG 2024

On July 23, the top court dismissed the pleas seeking cancellation and re-test of the controversy-ridden exam, holding that there was no evidence on record to conclude that it was "vitiated" on account of "systemic breach" of its sanctity.

On Friday, a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, announced detailed reasons behind its verdict.

The Supreme Court said that it has highlighted all the deficiencies in the structural processes of the NTA. We cannot afford this for the betterment of the students, the bench said.

Also Read | NEET UG 2024: Number of toppers down to 17 from 61 in revised results

The top court added that the issues which have arisen must be rectified by the Centre this year itself so that it is not repeated.

The bench also issued a slew of directions and expanded the remit of the Centre-appointed committee headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to review the NTAs functioning and recommend exam reforms.

It also said the committee also consider framing standard operating procedure (SOP) for technological advancements to identify potential weaknesses in the cyber security of the examination system, processes for enhanced identity checks, CCTV camera monitoring of exam centres.
The government informed Parliament on Thursday that eight Indian nationals have so far been killed while serving with the Russian Army, double the number formally acknowledged by the external affairs ministry. Minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh at the Parliament House complex. (PTI Photo)

Minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question that the exact number of Indian nationals recruited into Russias armed forces is not known, though 63 Indians have sought early discharge.

The external affairs ministry had till now acknowledged the death of only four Indian nationals while serving with the Russian military on the frontlines of the conflict with Ukraine. Most of the Indians were recruited as support staff, such as cooks and helpers, and accompanied their units to the warfront.

Eight deaths have been reported where the citizenship of the deceased has been verified as Indian, Singh said while replying to a question from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sandeep Kumar Pathak.

Information available currently indicates that 12 Indian nationals have already left the Russian armed forces while another 63 individuals are seeking early discharge, Singh said.

The government has received requests for facilitating the early discharge of some Indian nationals purportedly recruited into the Russian armed forces in unclear circumstances. He added, The exact number of such Indian nationals is not known.

The recruitment of Indians into the Russian military became a hot button issue following the deaths of several nationals earlier this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue when he met Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual bilateral summit in Moscow last month, and the Indian side reportedly secured a promise that all such persons would be speedily sent back.

In June, India had also demanded a verified stop to the recruitment of Indian nationals in the Russian Army.

Singh said the government has provided financial support for transporting the bodies of four Indian nationals to the country and it will do the same for other cases when required.

In addition, the Russian government has informed the Indian side that compensation will be paid to the families of the dead Indians in accordance with the contracts signed by them, Singh said.

The early discharge of Indian nationals in Russias armed forces, as well as their safety and well-being, has been taken up strongly by the government with relevant authorities in Russia at various levels.

Singh said that Modi, during his recent visit to Russia, strongly reiterated the urgent need for early release of all Indian nationals from Russias armed forces. The external affairs ministry has urged all Indians to exercise due caution while seeking employment opportunities in Russia and to stay away from this conflict.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar along with election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu will visit Jammu and Kashmir from August 8-10 to review the preparedness for the upcoming assembly elections in the union territory. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu (PTI)

During their visit to Srinagar, the poll panel will engage with political parties and then meet with the chief electoral officer, UT's police nodal officer, and central forces coordinator to assess the election readiness.

The election commissioners will also review preparations with the chief secretary, police chief, district election officers, and superintendents of police from each district.

On August 10, the top EC officials will travel to Jammu to evaluate the coordination with enforcement agencies. Following this, they will hold a press conference to inform the media about the current status of election preparations.

The CEC had visited Jammu and Kashmir earlier in March, before the Lok Sabha elections and reassured both political parties and the public that assembly elections would be conducted soon.

The Election Commission of India has confirmed that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are expected to take place before the September 30 deadline set by the Supreme Court.

The Commission has also requested the Jammu and Kashmir administration to reassign officials who are stationed in their home districts and those involved in the election process who will complete a three-year term before the end of September.

Jammu and Kashmir has been without an elected government since June 2018 when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) broke its alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), forcing Mehbooba Mufti to resign as chief minister.

The state was then headed by Governor Satya Pal Malik, who dissolved the J&K Legislative Assembly on November 28, 2018, shortly after Mehbooba Mufti staked her claim to form a government with the support of the Congress and the National Conference (NC).



Less than a year later, the Narendra Modi government abrogated Article 370, thereby ending special status to J&K, which was then bifurcated into two Union terroritories.

On December 11, the Supreme Court, while upholding the abrogation of Article 370, directed the Central government to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024, and to restore statehood at the earliest.

With inputs from ANI
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the governors should act as effective bridges between the Centre and the states and urged them to interact with people and social organisations to reach out to the underprivileged section of society. PM Modi addresses inaugural session of Governors Conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Friday (Twitter/@narendramodi)

The PM was addressing the Conference of Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Friday, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu.

The conference will cover a wide range of issues, including shaping relations between the the centre and the state and also promoting welfare schemes for common people.

The PM also emphasized that the governors post is an important institution that could play a crucial role in the welfare of people of the state within the framework of the Constitution, particularly with reference to tribal areas.

The conference, headed by Murmu, has been designed to have breakaway sessions in which sub-groups of the governors will deliberate on agenda items such as the three new criminal laws, higher education, and development of tribal areas.

In her speech, Murmu maintained that the carefully crafted agenda includes issues that are crucial in achieving our national goals. She added that the deliberations of this conference would be an enriching experience for all participants and help them in their functioning.

In her inaugural remarks, the president maintained that with the implementation of the three new laws, a new era of the justice system had begun in the country, as the change was evident from the colonial-era laws.

Murmu pointed out that for the smooth functioning of democracy, it was crucial that the various central agencies work with better coordination across all the states. The president also asked the governors of the state to think about how they, as the constitutional heads of the respective states, could promote this coordination.

Governors and Lt. Governors are representatives of the President in the States and UTs.

The president also laid emphasis on quality higher education and described it as an intangible asset as it promoted individual development and social change as well as innovation and economic progress.

Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) that harped on improving the accreditation and assessment system of educational institutions, Murmu urged the governors of the state to contribute to this reform process in their capacity as the chancellors of state universities.

The government of India had been giving utmost priority to the development of the poor, the border areas, the deprived sections and areas, and people left behind in the development journey, Murmu said.

Pointing out the large section of the tribal population, she asked the governors to suggest ways to achieve inclusive development of the people of these areas.

She further said youth development and youth-led development would gain more momentum if the energy of the youth could be channeled into positive and constructive work. She told the governors that the MY Bharat campaign should get more encouragement to give more benefits to the youth.

The president also referred to the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat campaign and told the governors to contribute in further strengthening the spirit of unity.

The conference also assumed importance in the backdrop of the growing tension between governors and some of the opposition-ruled states, such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

The president, however, expressed the confidence that all the governors will continue to contribute to the service and welfare of the people, doing justice to the oath taken by them.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhara former governorpointed out the oath of the governors and urged them to discharge their constitutional responsibility of making people aware of social welfare schemes and incredible development that have taken place during the last decade.

Union home minister Amit Shah urged the governors to visit vibrant villages and aspirational districts to instill confidence among people and give fillip to developmental work.
New Delhi: IT and information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reiterated the governments stance that the government itself is best positioned to fact check misleading and false information about itself when questioned about the Press Information Bureaus controversial fact check unit in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. (ANI)

Trinamool Congresss Dola Sen asked the government if it was true that the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court had stayed the creation of the PIB fact check unit this year. As the minister of state for I&B L. Murugan was replying, Vaishnaw interrupted and defended the 2023 amendment to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, that empowers the central government to notify a fact check unit to identify any fake, false or misleading message or information about the business of the central government.

... the point is fact check related to the government of India, all the ministries, all the departments of the government of India, who is the right authority to say whether a data or an information related to a particular ministry or a particular department should not be given by anybody other than the ministry or department. That is the fundamental point under contention. The amendment under the IT Intermediary Rules which has been stayed by the honourable Supreme Court is still under contest but the fundamental principle is, our point is that anything related to the government of India, only the government of India can say whether it is a correct fact or a wrong fact. Thats our stand, Vaishnaw said.

PIB Fact Check Units creation was announced by PIB in a tweet on 29 November 2019. The Supreme Court order dated March 21 has not stayed its creation. The order only stayed its notification as the fact check unit for the purposes of fact-checking all online content related to the business of the central government after the government released such a gazette notification on March 20.

[W]e are clearly of the view that the notification dated 20 March 2024 which has been issued by the Union Government after the rejection of the application for interim relief would need to be stayed.  the challenges to the validity of Rule 3(1)(b) (v) involve serious constitutional questions. The impact of Rule 3(1)(b)(v) on the fundamental right to the freedom of speech and expression would fall for analysis by the High Court. We accordingly set aside the opinion of the third Judge dated 11 March 2024 declining interim relief and direct that pending the disposal of the proceedings before the High Court, the notification of the Union Government in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology dated 20 March 2024 shall remain stayed, the March 21 order by chief justice DY Chandrachud, and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra read.

The fact check amendment was challenged by Kunal Kamra, the Editors Guild of India, Association of Indian Magazines, and the News Broadcast and Digital Association in the Bombay High Court. It led to a split verdict and was thus referred to a third judge, Justice AS Chandurkar, for final judgement. The matter is currently being heard by the third judge in the Bombay High Court.

MoS I&B mentioned PIB FCU fact checking Mamata Banerjee

Minister of state for information and broadcasting L. Murugan said in Rajya Sabha that last week, PIBs fact check unit fact checked West Bengal chief ministers Mamata Banerjees claim that her microphone had been switched off during the NITI Ayog meeting. He was responding to a question by BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya about whether the government planned to establish a dedicated fact check unit under PIB Kolkata as fake news against the central government is the highest in West Bengal.

On July 27, the PIB FCU posted on its social media platforms, It is being claimed that the microphone of CM, West Bengal was switched off during the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Ayog #PIBFactCheck >This claim is #Misleading >The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not run 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.

In the Rajya Sabha, Murugan said that there were no plans to set up FCUs at regional level and lauded the system that is headquartered in Delhi.
New Delhi: The Union environment ministry will present its views on the need for amending the Forest Conservation Act 1980 in the Supreme Court, Union environment minister, Bhupender Yadav said in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Union Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Thursday. (ANI)

Saket Gokhale, MP and national spokesperson of All India Trinamool Congress asked Yadav if the Supreme Court had passed an interim order on February 19 stating that the definition of forest will continue as per the SCs 1996 judgement and not according to forest conservation amendment act that was brought by the Centre last year? He also asked for the rationale behind the government choosing and expanding the definition of forest in the forest conservation amendment act?

Yadav said as per Forest Survey of Indias assessment, India has recorded a net increase of 1540 sqkm in forest cover.

SC had also published a judgement in 12 December 1996 which said forests should be defined as per the dictionary meaning of the word. In the 1980 FC Act because of the provision of dictionary meaning of forest so many developmental projects were getting affected. In the amendment we have explained what cannot be considered forest, Yadav said.

The FC Amendment Act was brought in last year to bring clarity on what may not be considered forests. There is no change of definition. The matter is subjudice at the moment. We will put all our views in front of the SC. Its important to note that our total forest cover is 23.5% (77.5 million ha) and in the last ten years there has been compensatory afforestation in more than a million ha, Yadav added.

Gokhale was referring to application of retired civil servants in SC against the new amendment. The FC Amendment Act or the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam 2023 which was passed last year exempts unrecorded deemed forests, paving way for their diversion for infrastructure and other projects.

Shompen will not be disturbed

There will be surveillance towers and geo-fencing to oversee tribal settlements of the Shompen around the Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project, the environment ministry informed Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The project activities envisage no disturbance to Shompen tribe and their habitations and for the protection and safety of the tribal settlements, there is provision for geo-fencing cum surveillance towers. Further, Department of Tribal Welfare is the agency that oversees the protection and safety of the community as per the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956. In addition, the project proponent is mandated to constitute a monitoring committee for ensuring the welfare and other issues related to Shompen and Nicobarese, Kirti Vardhan Singh, minister of state, environment said responding to Gokhales questions.

In response to another question on denotifiication of wildlife sanctuaries or forest land , Singh said: The proposal to de-notify the Galathea Sanctuary in the Andaman and Nicobar (A &N) Islands was recommended by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life (SCNBWL) in its 60th meeting held on 5.01.2021. The Central Government vide letter dated 27.10.2022 has accorded the Inprinciple/Stage-1 approval for diversion of 130.75 Sq km forest land for sustainable development in Great Nicobar Island.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration was directed by the SCNBWL that a comprehensive management plan may be prepared in consultation with Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and other relevant stakeholders, and followed for conservation and protection of Leatherback Turtles in Great Nicobar Islands, Singh added.

The large nesting areas (Western flank) have been retained as such for nesting of turtles. Research unit set up by WII to undertake and monitor sea turtle related research in A&N islands is an important component of the special conditions of Environment Clearance.

The Central Government has also subsequently notified an area to an extent of zero to one kilometer around the boundary of the Galathea National Park as Ecosensitive Zone on 12th March, 2021 with the objective to ensure forest protection and biodiversity conservation in the area, Singh added.

HT reported on July 30 that members of the Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar , requesting anonymity, said they are yet to receive a response from the government on the withdrawal of the NOC as well as the request for relocation.

HT reported on April 14, 2023 that the Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar had in November 2022, withdrawn the no objection certificate (NOC) given for diversion of land in August that year roughly half of which is tribal reserve land  for the controversial Great Nicobar Township and other infrastructure projects.
Wayanad The devastation caused by landslides in Wayanad has taken a macabre turn, with rescuers now scouring through layers of slush and wrecked homes to retrieve body parts to ascertain the exact toll of the tragedy. Till Thursday, officials found 190 bodies and 100 body parts as the hopes of finding nearly 206 missing people alive waned in the north Kerala district amid stories of grief and despair from the families of the victims. Rescuers search through mud and debris for a third day after landslides set off by torrential rains in Wayanad district. (AP)

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also visited the disaster-hit region, taking stock of the relief efforts and promising to help in the rehabilitation of scores of people.

So far, the number of complete bodies found is 190. Additionally, we have retrieved 100 body parts. The number of missing is 206, revenue Minister K Rajan said.

On ground zero of Keralas worst monsoon tragedy since 2018, teams from the army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) built a 190-foot bailey bridge over the raging Iruvazhinji river, making it possible to press heavy machinery and ambulances into the rescue efforts.

We need to search the entire area with heavy equipment which can move on the bridge. It will speed up all rescue and retrieval efforts, VT Mathew, a senior army official in charge of the rescue operations, said.

Sultan MK, 47, a daily wage labourer personified the human cost of the disaster  losing 26 members of his family, 16 of them still missing.

The river was constantly rising. I told my wife and three kids to pack some clothes and headed to a relatives home five kilometres away. One of my relatives was also undergoing a surgery so I left for the hospital...In all, we have found 10 bodies. There are 16 more to go, he said.

Days of ceaseless rain precipitated two landslides within three hours in Wayanad early on Tuesday, wiping out most of Mundakkai and Chooralmala villages, decimating public infrastructure in the remote villages nestled in the Western Ghats that survived largely on tourism and tea plantations, and leaving thousands marooned. The swelling waters of the Iruvazhinji river that courses through the two villages compounded the disaster and consumed settlements along its banks.

The rescue teams struggled against the treacherous terrain as continues rain, thick mud, slippery grounds, and swollen rivers hampered their operations.

Another Rescue workers quote

Experts said the disaster, one of several that have ravaged Kerala in recent years, may have been due to the imminent impacts of the climate crisis, and worsened by soil erosion. They also pointed out that recommendations to include the region in the top tier of eco-sensitive zones were ignored and that several parts of the fragile Western Ghats were also excluded.

Authorities said they were not expecting any more survivors and were focussing on retrieving the bodies. There was no information on the number of tea-plantation workers staying in makeshift houses made of clay, wood and tin that were completely flattened by the landslides.

CM Vijayan, who visited the landslide site on Thursday and chaired an all-party meetings at the district collectorate in Kalpetta, said: The army has done an exemplary job. The officer who headed the operations of the army has informed the government that all those, who could be rescued from the landslide site, have been brought to safety. No one else is remaining.

He added that the government will now focus on rehabilitating those affected. The Rescued people are temporarily shifted to camps. Rehabilitation work will be done at the earliest. The most important thing is giving psychological support to the survivors. We have to avoid the spread of an epidemic, he said after the meeting.

Vijayan said the rescue efforts were likely to continue given the scale of the disaster. This rescue attempt is not something that can be resolved in a short period of time. As of now, 12 ministers are camping in Wayanad. Now the all-party meeting has decided that four ministers will camp here to coordinate the rescue operations, Vijayan said, adding that revenue minister K Rajan, forest minister AK Saseendran, PWD and tourism minister PA Mohamed Riyas, and SC/ST department minister O R Kelu will camp in the district.

Former Wayanad MP Rahul and Congresss candidate for the bypoll to the seat Priyanka, reached Chooralmala donning translucent blue raincoats and were briefed by officials about the rescue operations.

This is a huge tragedy...Today I feel how I felt when my father died. Here, people have not lost just a father, they have lost their brothers, sister, parents and their entire families. We should all stand with them, Rahul said.

He added that the tragedy should be declared a narural disaster considering the scale of devastation.

To me, this is a national disaster for sure. Lets see what the government says. This is not the time to talk about political issues. People require help here. They are in shock and they require medical assistance, he said.

Priyanka echoes similar sentiments, saying the pain people in the area were experiencing was unimaginable.

We are here to help them and to give as much support and comfort as we can. she said.

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin extended their condolences over the tragedy.

Our prayers are with the victims of this tragic event, and we mourn with the families who have lost loved ones. We commend the bravery of the Indian service members and first responders supporting the complex recovery effort, Biden said in a statement.

The Russian Embassy in India in a post on X said: President of #Russia Vladimir Putin sent a condolence message to President of #India Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi over the tragic consequences of the landslides in #Kerala.
New Delhi: The National Mission Agreement Board has picked Indian astronaut group captain Shubhanshu Shukla as prime gaganyatri for the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) International Space Station (ISS), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said in a statement on Friday. Indian astronaut group captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Twitter Photo)

His backup would be group captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair.

In June 2023, India and the United States had signed an agreement for a joint ISRO-NASA effort to the International Space Station. For this, the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO entered into a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) with NASA-identified service provider Axiom Space International for its Axiom-4 mission.

The assigned crewmembers will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). The recommended Gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the 1st week of August 2024, ISRO said.

During the mission, the gaganyatris will conduct selected scientific research and technology demonstration experiments on board the ISS, as well as participate in space outreach activities.

The experiences gained during this mission will be beneficial for the Indian Human Space Programme, and it will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA, ISRO said.

In 2023, the US space agency has signed an agreement with Axiom Space for the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS to target launch no earlier than August 2024 from the agencys Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Union minister Jitender Singh had earlier this week informed the Lok Sabha that one astronaut will be sent to the space station as part of the ISRO-NASA joint mission.

He also said that astronauts would be one of the four Air Force pilots being trained by the Gaganyaan Mission, who were being trained at ISROs Astronauts Training Facility in Bengaluru for the Gaganyaan mission.

Two out of three semesters of the (Gaganyatri) training programme were completed. Independent training simulators and static mockup simulators (have been) realised, the minister had informed.

On the vehicle that will put astronauts in space, Jitendra Singh said, Solid and liquid propulsion stages of a human-rated launch vehicle are ready for flight integration. C32 cryogenic stage is nearing completion. Crew module and service module structure realisation has been completed, and flight integration activities are in progress.
Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal thanked China on Friday for their message of solidarity with those affected by the landslides in Wayanad. The Indian External Affairs ministry thanked the Chinese ministry for its message of solidarity as the country grapples with thee landslides in Wayanad

In a post on X on July 31, the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs released a statement saying, China expresses deep condolences over the lives lost in the massive landslides in the Indian state of #Kerala and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured, and wish those who are injured speedy recovery.

Jaiswal thanked China for their message, days after external affairs minister Jaishankar described relations between the two countries as not doing very well earlier in the week.

Also Read: Pinarayi Vijayan on Wayanad landslides: 'Nobody left to be saved'

India and China recently concluded diplomatic talks on border affairs, with the talks described as in-depth, constructive and forward-looking in an official statement. Both countries have promised to increase communication on military and diplomatic lines in order to ensure peace on their shared borders.

Messages of support and solidarity have been flooding in from various countries in the wake of the devastating Wayanad landslides which have claimed 308 lives till now.

Also Read: Wayanad tragedy: How 140 Army personnel constructed 120-foot-long Bailey Bridge in record 31 hours

US President Joe Biden also released a statement extending condolences to those affected by the landslides and praying for those in mourning. The statement also appreciated the efforts of those involved in the rescue and relief missions.

On Tuesday, heavy rains, upto 572 mm in 24 hours, triggered a series of landslides in Wayanad district in Kerala, sweeping away homes, and roads and damaging other public infrastructure as well.

The army, NDRF and SDRF, were all involved in rescue missions, though hindered by the constant rains, swelling of rivers, and destruction of roads and bridges.

Over the last seven years, around 900 people have died in Kerala due to extreme rain and landslides, according to state government data. Environmental neglect, the warming of the Arabian Sea, and the loss of forest cover, have contributed to the region's increasing vulnerability to such natural disasters.
New Delhi: India on Friday urged its citizens in Israel to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay close to safety shelters amid rising fears that Iran would retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. An advisory issued by the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv urged Indian nationals in Israel to stay vigilant and adhere to safety protocols as advised by the local authorities

An advisory issued by the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv urged Indian nationals in Israel to stay vigilant and adhere to safety protocols as advised by the local authorities..

The advisory further said Indians should exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay close to safety shelters. The embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all Indian nationals.

There are about 26,000 Indian citizens in Israel, most of them working as caregivers for Israeli elders. There are also diamond traders, IT professionals, workers in the construction and agriculture sectors, and students. The number of Indians in the country has increased since the start of the conflict with Hamas last October as Israel began hiring more Indians to replace Palestinian workers.

The advisory from the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv came a day after the mission in Beirut urged Indian nationals to leave Lebanon because of potential threats in the region following the escalation of tensions due to the killing of leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. There are nearly 4,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon.

Top Iranian officials were set to meet representatives of regional allies from Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen to discuss retaliation against Israel after the killing of Haniyeh in Tehran. The region faces the risk of widened conflict between Israel, Iran, and its proxies after Haniyehs assassination in Tehran on Wednesday and the killing of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli strike in Beirut on Tuesday.

Haniyeh was killed with a bodyguard when an explosion ripped through the building where he was staying in Tehran. He was in Iran to attend the inauguration of new President Masoud Pezeshkian. Both Hamas and Iranian leaders blamed Israel for the strike that killed him.
India and Vietnam agreed on Thursday to bolster defence cooperation for greater stability in the Indo-Pacific and to redouble efforts for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in the face of Chinas assertive actions in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hold hands as they meet at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on Thursday. (ANI Photo/Rahul Singh)(Rahul Singh)

Following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh, the two sides also agreed on measures to bolster trade and economic cooperation, including elevating two-way trade from the current level of $15 billion, removing trade barriers and establishing an economic diplomacy dialogue.

Vietnam has emerged as a key partner for India among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for both trade and security issues. At the same time, Vietnam has looked to bolster its defence and security ties with India against the backdrop of its territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

Read more: Vietnam important partner in India's Act-East policy: PM Modi

Speaking at a media interaction following his talks with Chinh, Modi said the two sides had adopted a new Plan of Action to strengthen the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2016.

New steps have been taken for cooperation in the field of defence and security...The agreement on a $300-million credit line will strengthen Vietnams maritime security, Modi said.

Noting that Vietnam is an important partner in Indias Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision, Modi said: We share unison in our views regarding the Indo-Pacific region. We support evolution, not expansionism.

Chinh said the two sides would redouble their efforts for peace, stability and security in the South China Sea, and for the peaceful settlement of disputes based on respecting international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.

Read more: Gautam Adani considers investing in Vietnam's airports: What we know so far

We agreed to share information and work together to make the South China Sea into the waters of peace, stability, friendship and cooperation, where safety, security and freedom of navigation and overflight is upheld, he said, speaking in Vietnamese.

Chinh proposed that in the field of trade and investment, the two sides should double bilateral trade and investment over the next three to five years, for which a new mechanism would be needed. He said the two sides will establish an economic diplomacy dialogue at the level of deputy foreign minister.

Later in the day, while delivering the Sapru House Lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs, Chinh suggested that the two countries should work on a new trade and economic cooperation agreement. He also invited greater Indian investments in key areas such as infrastructure, air and maritime connectivity, and oil and gas.

Read more: India, Vietnam to expand cooperation during PM Pham Minh Chinhs New Delhi visit

A joint statement issued by India and Vietnam said both sides had agreed on closer cooperation for removing trade barriers to enhance bilateral trade. They said the ongoing review of the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement should lead to a more user-friendly, simple and trade facilitative regime.

Vietnam welcomed Indian investments in high technology, IT, manufacturing industries, textiles, semiconductors, renewable energy, while India sought investments from Vietnam in agriculture, aquaculture, wood processing, urban development, production of bamboo and forestry products, digital technology and e-vehicles, the joint statement said.

Modi and Chinh virtually inaugurated an Army Software Park at the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang that was built using an Indian grant of $5 million. The facility serves as an IT and foreign language centre and carries out igital transformation missions for the military and other sectors.

The two sides finalised two dollar credit line agreements worth $300 million. They also signed seven agreements, including memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the Central Agricultural University in Imphal and the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences for cooperation in agricultural research, and between Vietnams justice ministry and Indias law ministry on cooperation in the legal field.

Modi said the two sides also decided to emphasise cooperation on terrorism and cyber security, and an agreement had been reached between the central banks of the two countries for digital payment connectivity.

Chinh referred to Indias role as the voice of the Global South and said the country has an increasingly greater role and status in the world to contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity. The Asia [and] Indo-Pacific is a locomotive for growth for the world, but it is also where major power politics are taking place fiercely. Security challenges, especially non-traditional security challenges interspersed with each other are becoming fiercer, he said.

We are at a time where there is inter-twining of opportunities and challenges...but there are more challenges than there are opportunities, Chinh added.
India and Vietnam agreed on Thursday to bolster defence cooperation for greater stability in the Indo-Pacific and to redouble efforts for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in the face of Chinas assertive actions in the region. The two sides finalised two dollar credit line agreements worth $300 million. (Narendra Modi | Official X account)

Following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh, the two sides also agreed on measures to bolster trade and economic cooperation, including elevating two-way trade from the current level of $15 billion, removing trade barriers and establishing an economic diplomacy dialogue.

Vietnam has emerged as a key partner for India among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for both trade and security issues. At the same time, Vietnam has looked to bolster its defence and security ties with India against the backdrop of its territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

Speaking at a media interaction following his talks with Chinh, Modi said the two sides had adopted a new Plan of Action to strengthen the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2016.

New steps have been taken for cooperation in the field of defence and security...The agreement on a $300-million credit line will strengthen Vietnams maritime security, Modi said.

Noting that Vietnam is an important partner in Indias Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision, Modi said: We share unison in our views regarding the Indo-Pacific region. We support evolution, not expansionism.

Also Read: Vietnam important partner in Indias Act-East policy: PM Modi

Chinh said the two sides would redouble their efforts for peace, stability and security in the South China Sea, and for the peaceful settlement of disputes based on respecting international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.

We agreed to share information and work together to make the South China Sea into the waters of peace, stability, friendship and cooperation, where safety, security and freedom of navigation and overflight is upheld, he said, speaking in Vietnamese.

Chinh proposed that in the field of trade and investment, the two sides should double bilateral trade and investment over the next three to five years, for which a new mechanism would be needed. He said the two sides will establish an economic diplomacy dialogue at the level of deputy foreign minister.

Later in the day, while delivering the Sapru House Lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs, Chinh suggested that the two countries should work on a new trade and economic cooperation agreement. He also invited greater Indian investments in key areas such as infrastructure, air and maritime connectivity, and oil and gas.

A joint statement issued by India and Vietnam said both sides had agreed on closer cooperation for removing trade barriers to enhance bilateral trade. They said the ongoing review of the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement should lead to a more user-friendly, simple and trade facilitative regime.

Vietnam welcomed Indian investments in high technology, IT, manufacturing industries, textiles, semiconductors, renewable energy, while India sought investments from Vietnam in agriculture, aquaculture, wood processing, urban development, production of bamboo and forestry products, digital technology and e-vehicles, the joint statement said.

Modi and Chinh virtually inaugurated an Army Software Park at the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang that was built using an Indian grant of $5 million. The facility serves as an IT and foreign language centre and carries out igital transformation missions for the military and other sectors.

The two sides finalised two dollar credit line agreements worth $300 million. They also signed seven agreements, including memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the Central Agricultural University in Imphal and the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences for cooperation in agricultural research, and between Vietnams justice ministry and Indias law ministry on cooperation in the legal field.

Modi said the two sides also decided to emphasise cooperation on terrorism and cyber security, and an agreement had been reached between the central banks of the two countries for digital payment connectivity.

Chinh referred to Indias role as the voice of the Global South and said the country has an increasingly greater role and status in the world to contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity. The Asia [and] Indo-Pacific is a locomotive for growth for the world, but it is also where major power politics are taking place fiercely. Security challenges, especially non-traditional security challenges interspersed with each other are becoming fiercer, he said.

We are at a time where there is inter-twining of opportunities and challenges...but there are more challenges than there are opportunities, Chinh added.
Justice Pankaj Mithal, while concurring with the majority view on sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), delivered a sharply critical opinion against the broader caste-based reservation policy in India, as he described the existing system as a trap that perpetuates division and dependency, rather than fostering genuine equality. Justice Mithal also lamented the burden that the reservation policy has placed on the judiciary, noting that it has led to an enormous amount of litigation, particularly in the high courts and Supreme Court. (ANI)

His opinion, though in line with the majority on the issue at hand, emphasised that caste should no longer be the basis for reservation and that other criteria, such as economic status, living conditions and vocation, should be considered instead.

While calling for a periodical review of the reservation policy to ensure that it remains relevant and effective, justice Mithal also advocated for limiting reservation benefits to the first generation within a family, arguing that once a family has benefited from reservation, subsequent generations should not be eligible. This, he suggested, would prevent the creation of a vested interest in reservation and ensure that the benefits of social justice policies are more widely distributed.

I would not be suggesting dismantling of an existing building without erecting a new one in its place which may prove to be more useful, said the judge.

Justice Mithals opinion highlighted skepticism about the efficacy and long-term consequences of reservations based solely on caste. In his view, the policy, initially intended to uplift the marginalised, not only failed to achieve its intended goals of social and economic upliftment but also revived casteism.

The judges critique began with a historical overview of the reservation system, acknowledging its roots in the need for social justice before the judge underscored his view that while the intentions behind the policy could be noble, its implementation led to significant and unintended consequences.

Questioning the very premise of caste-based reservations, the judge regretted that the Constitutions vision was for a casteless society, yet the reservation policy inadvertently entrenched caste divisions rather than dissolving them.

With the adoption of the Constitution, we again tried to move into a casteless society but in the name of social welfare to uplift the depressed and the backward classes, we again fell into the trap of caste system. We gave privilege of reservation to the depressed or the backward class or the Scheduled Caste to bring about equality, said justice Mithal.

Directing his criticism at the long-term sustainability of the reservation system, the judge said: It is common understanding that what is conceded once to appease any class cannot be taken back. So are the benefits extended to the reserved category of persons under the Constitution. Each concession once made, just goes on swelling like a raisin/balloon. This actually happened with the policy of reservation also.

He maintained that reservation is one of the modes of helping or uplifting the status of the OBCs/SCs/STs but anyone suggesting another or a better way of helping the so-called depressed classes or the downtrodden or the marginalised persons of the society is immediately pounced upon as anti-Dalit.

Justice Mithal also lamented the burden that the reservation policy has placed on the judiciary, noting that it has led to an enormous amount of litigation, particularly in the high courts and Supreme Court. He added that the policys piecemeal implementation has resulted in constant legal challenges, causing delays in recruitment and admissions processes and leading to a proliferation of stop-gap and ad-hoc appointments. These issues, the judge said, could have been avoided if a robust reservation policy with a vision had been envisaged under the constitutional provisions in the very beginning instead of making piecemeal changes.

Referring to social unrest that reservation policies have sparked over the years, justice Mithal recalled the widespread violence during the anti-Mandal Commission protests in 1990 and the student-led agitations against reservations in 2006. According to the judge, these events were ample indication of the deep divisions that reservation policies have created within Indian society, as he disapproved of focussing on caste as the primary criterion for reservation.

The government has used caste as the basis for the upliftment rather than identifying the class of people on the basis of vocation or their social and economic conditions who actually require help to be promoted to the level of the forward class, he held.

Justice Mithal further asserted that the reservation policy, while intended to uplift the most disadvantaged, has largely benefited those who are already relatively affluent or urbanised within the backward classes. Citing relevant statistics, he noted that most students from the most backward classes drop out of school before reaching high school, denying them the benefits of reservation at higher levels of education and employment.

The statistics proves that the deprived and the marginalised persons have not been able to achieve the benefit of reservation 37 which is permissible at higher level as about 50% of the students from the most backward classes drop out of school before Class-V and 75% drop out before Class-VIII. The figure goes to even 95% when it comes to the level of high school. Thus, only the children of some of the castes, who are already affluent or urbanised, are able to obtain higher education and the benefits of reservation. This, the judge said, is evidence that the current system has failed to uplift those who are most in need, rued the judge.
Most states in the northeast received less than normal rainfall in June and July this year, India Meteorological Department (IMD) data showed. Assam witnessed heavy rainfall early in July when several districts were inundated. (AFP photo)

According to IMD, the same trend is likely to continue in August and September as wellthe second half of the monsoon season, which in turn could impact crop yields and power generation.

Till the end of July, Arunachal Pradesh had 19% less rainfall than normal, Assam got 5% less, Nagaland received 26% less, Manipur at 48% less while Mizoram and Tripura received 32% and 11% less precipitation respectively.

Meghalaya was the only state which recorded 1% more rainfall than normal in the first two months of monsoon this year.

The IMD had categorised rainfall in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram as deficient this season.

In northeast, the normal rainfall figures are higher than rest of India. Therefore, even if theres little less precipitation, the figures reflect that. Our long-range forecast of the monsoon issued in May had already predicted below normal rainfall in some areas of northeast. So, this was expected, said Sunit Das, scientist at IMG office in Guwahati.

Also Read:Himachal cloudbursts: 50 missing; IMD issues flash floods warning, red alert for Kullu, Mandi, Kangra

According to IMD data, rainfall in all northeastern states saw a decline in intensity than normal in July.

In July, Meghalaya recorded 19% less rainfall, Manipur 42%, Arunachal Pradesh recorded 31% less rainfall, Assam 21% while Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura received 26% less rainfall.

Usually, northeast receives most rainfall due to instances of monsoon trough. This season there has been less of that, and it could be one reason for less rainfall. The trend will continue for August and September due to impact of La Nina, said Das.

While most parts of the country are expected to get normal and above normal rainfall in August and September, the trend of less rainfall is likely to continue all over the northeast, IMD stated.

Many parts of northeast and adjoining areas of east India, Ladakh, Saurashtra ad Kutch and some isolated pockets of central and peninsular India where below normal rainfall is likely, an IMD release issued on Thursday, said.
NEET-UG 2024 verdict: The Supreme Court on Friday, August 2, said the National Testing Agency or NTA must avoid the "flip-flops" it made in relation to the NEET-UG 2024 exam. Such "flip-flops" in a national exam do not serve the interests of the students, it said. The Supreme Court was pronouncing its verdict containing reasons for not cancelling the 2024 NEET-UG medical entrance examination, despite a raging controversy over paper allegations and other irregularities in the exam. NEET aspirants assembles on the Supreme court of India premises during a hearing on NEET paper leak case in New Delhi. (Sanchit Khanna/HT)

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, also said the expert committee must rectify the deficiencies in the exam system.

The Supreme Court said that in its judgment, it has highlighted all the deficiencies in the structural processes of the NTA. We cannot afford this for the betterment of the students, said the Supreme Court.

The top court added that the issues which have arisen must be rectified by the Centre this year itself so that it is not repeated.

The Supreme Court, however, said there was no systemic breach of the NEET-UG 2024 papers, and the leak was only limited to Patna and Hazaribagh.

The Supreme Court, in its judgment, also said the committee constituted by the Centre also consider framing standard operating procedure (SOP) for technological advancements to identify potential weaknesses in the cyber security of the examination system, processes for enhanced identity checks, CCTV camera monitoring of exam centres.

The bench also issued a slew of directions and expanded the remit of the Centre-appointed committee headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to review the NTAs functioning and recommend exam reforms.

It said since the remit of the panel has been expanded, the committee would submit its report by September 30 on various measures to rectify deficiencies in the examination system.

The bench said the Radhakrishnan panel should consider framing standard operating procedure for adoption of technological advancements to strengthen the examination system.

The top court said the issues which have arisen during the NEET-UG examination should be rectified by the Centre.

Supreme Court's July 23 verdict on NEET UG 2024

On July 23, the top court dismissed the pleas seeking cancellation and re-test of the controversy-ridden exam, holding that there was no evidence on record to conclude that it was "vitiated" on account of "systemic breach" of its sanctity.

The Supreme Court, while pronouncing the order, said its detailed reasons would follow.

The interim verdict came as a shot in the arm for the embattled NDA government and the NTA, which were facing strong criticism and protests, on streets and in Parliament, over alleged large-scale malpractices like question paper leak, fraud and impersonation in the prestigious test held on May 5.

Over 23 lakh students gave the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) in 2024 for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) from August 21 to September 4 in the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. The exam was held on June 18 but cancelled a day later due to allegations of paper leaks. The exam was held on June 18 but cancelled a day later due to allegations of paper leaks. (X)

The notification regarding the allocation of exam centres will be posted on the NTA website 10 days before the exam. The exam was conducted on June 18 in pen and paper format, split into two shifts.

On June 19, the Union education ministry said the UGC-NET was cancelled based on inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics suggesting a compromise in the examinations integrity. To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process...a fresh examination shall be conducted, said the ministry. The matter was referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an investigation.

The Supreme Court last month declined to entertain a plea challenging the governments decision to cancel the UGC-NET.

The exam is held biannually for a Junior Research Fellowship, appointment as an assistant professors, and admissions to PhD programmes. The UGC-NET consists of two papers, both objective-type, multiple-choice questions, with no break between them.
The ongoing monsoon session of the Parliament in Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between the Opposition parties and ruling dispensation over the recent changes made to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) syllabus. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon session of Parliament. (PTI photo)

The discussion took place during the debate on the demand for grants for the education ministry in Lok Sabha which was later passed through voice vote without any changes.

The All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government for fudging with the existing textbooks.

Direct connection can be drawn between policies of the government and the continued education backwardness of the Muslims. In both higher education and schooling, Muslims want to get formal education but because of government apathy and negligence, the Muslim dropout of education system is sooner than children of any other community, Owaisi said.

Also Read:NCERT releases textbook rooted in Indian context

Congress MP and Whip in the House Mohammad Jawed also reiterated that Mughals historical presence cannot be erased merely by removing their names from textbooks.

Mughals were here for 330 years, they are not going to be removed just because you remove the name, Jawed said.

If there were no Muslims in this country, the BJP could not have opened its account, he added.

He continued his verbal tirade asking BJP to not discriminate and criticised the government over the recent cases of paper leaks.

Outside Parliament, test papers are getting leaked and inside Parliament, the roof is leaking..., he said.

Not only the textbook revision issue, but the Opposition also tried to corner the government on the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) too.

Reacting to the opposition party MPs comments, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the NEP, saying that it is based on principles of accountability, affordability, accessibility, equitability, and quality.

He highlighted the expansion in spending on higher education by 63% and primary education by 40% since 2013-14.

Pradhan also noted that the new education pattern includes a 5+3+3+4 system and said that there has been an increase in female teachers from 36 lakh to 48 lakh.

Addressing the controversy over the NCERT syllabus, Pradhan said, Western influence in the Indian education system has to be removed?, he said.

The National Education Policy is not just a 60-page policy document. It is a philosophical element for the rebuilding of India, enhancing brotherhood in the world, and solving global problems. The entire nation unanimously accepts it today, Pradhan said.

Echoing similar sentiments, BJP MP Sambit Patra accused opposition parties of hypocrisy regarding reservations and claimed that quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) were removed from Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University during Congress rule.

The Congress will have to answer (for this), Patra said.

He highlighted an increase in the budget allocation for education to 1.48 lakh crore, emphasising the governments commitment to becoming a global solution provider through skills and innovation.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Pratima Mondal also questioned the government for omitting chapters on significant Muslim rulers.

The systematic revision of textbooks under the current government poses a threat to our childrens intellectual integrity, Mondal said.

She also referenced the 2018 removal of Darwins theory of evolution from the curriculum, noting that it had been entirely excluded from textbooks by 2022-23.

Deleting chapters on Muslim rules, Gujarat riots, have been widely criticised by academicians... these changes are leading to intellectual stagnation, political manipulation, and are targeting the intellect of Indian students, she added.

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, on the other hand, praised the governments initiatives, arguing that the NEP addresses significant challenges and that education in mother tongue will benefit many.

He criticised the Congress for failing to implement the Mandal Commission report for ten years and claimed, If there is any party which is anti-SC, ST, OBC, it is the Congress.
Parliament Session Live Updates: The proceedings of the Lok Sabha are underway during the Monsoon Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi on July 31.

Parliament Session Live Updates: As the Parliament continues its Monsoon Session on Friday, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha discuss the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), unemployment, and regulation of airfares. Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha agenda today  Union ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal, Prataprao Jadhav, Anupriya Patel, Kritivardhan Singh, and Shantanu Thakur will present papers in the Lok Sabha....Read More

 Arjun Ram Meghwal from the Ministry of Law and Justice will provide an update on government business for the rest of the 2nd session of the 18th Lok Sabha.

 Union minister JP Nadda will propose the election of a member to the Governing Council of the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Shillong.

Discussions on the Union Budget 2024 is going on in both Houses of Parliament. Opposition parties are calling the budget "discriminatory," whereas the government is praising it as "visionary." The budget session, which began on July 22, will conclude on August 12.
President Droupadi Murmu will visit Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste next week to take forward bilateral ties with the three countries in areas such as defence and security, trade, education and people-to-people contacts. The visit is in keeping with Indias special focus on Southeast Asia and the Pacific under its Act East policy. (@rashtrapatibhvn)

Murmu will meet the top leadership of the three countries and interact with the Indian diaspora on all legs of her tour during August 5-10, secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar of the external affairs ministry told a media briefing on Friday. The visit is in keeping with Indias special focus on Southeast Asia and the Pacific under its Act East policy, he said.

This will be first visit by an Indian president to Fiji and Timor-Leste, which is set to become the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Also Read: Governors should act as effective bridges between Centre and states: PM Modi

While in Fiji during August 5-6, Murmu will meet President Wiliame Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. She will address Fijis Parliament and interact with the Indian diaspora.

India has had a diplomatic presence in Fiji since 1948, and people of Indian origin arrived in the country as indentured labour in 1857. People of Indian ancestry now make up more than a third of Fijis population and the visit reflects Indias commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties, Mazumdar said.

India has been a strong development partner for Fiji, implementing several projects, such as setting up a 100-bed hospital in Suva, and offering credit lines.

Murmu will next travel to New Zealand during August 8-9 for the first presidential visit from the Indian side after eight years. She will meet Governor General Cindy Kiro, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and deputy prime minister Winston Peters.

New Zealand has identified India as a special focus country for bilateral relations and as a key partner for defence, security, trade and investment. Education is a key aspect of bilateral relations, and there are 8,000 Indian students in New Zealand, the second largest group of foreign students.

Murmu will also address an international education conference in Wellington, at which India is the guest of honour, and interact with the Indian diaspora.

While in Timor-Leste on August 10, Murmu will meet President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Gusmao, and interact with the Indian community. India is looking to bolster cooperation with Timor-Lester in areas such as IT, digitalisation, healthcare and agriculture. Murmus visit comes about seven months after Ramos-Hortas trip to India.

India has announced that it will open a mission in Timor-Leste, and a team will travel to Dili shortly to complete the formalities. India is also in the process of appointing an ambassador and the process is expected to be completed in the next couple of months, Mazumdar said. Timor-Leste too will open a mission in New Delhi.

India has strong and historic connections with all three countries and all the sides can do more in terms of defence and security and development cooperation, Mazumdar said. Defence and security is an important aspect of discussions with New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific region, he said.
Torrential rain pummelled Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand following a string of cloudbursts on Thursday morning, leading to brimming rivers sweeping away houses, wrecking bridges and decimating roads  the latest ecological challenges for the fragile hill states that have been battered by the climate crisis. The damaged Manali-Chandigarh highway in Kullu on Thursday. (PTI)

Authorities in the two states said that at least 17 people were killed and several others feared washed away, warning that the chances of finding survivors were dim despite relief efforts by teams from the army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), apart from state disaster relief forces and local police.

Four people were killed and over 50 missing following cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh, where rains washed away key public infrastructure, including parts of the main highway between Chandigarh and Manali, according to officials aware of the matter. Meanwhile, four people were still in a tunnel that was cut off after a landslide in Kullu district, with authorities pausing rescue efforts after sunset, adding that they will resume on Friday morning.

Read more: Pinarayi Vijayan on Wayanad landslides: 'Nobody left to be saved'

In neighbouring Uttarkahand, at least 13 people were killed, six injured and one person remained missing after overnight showers rocked the states brittle infrastructure and prompted authorities to rescue 1,500 pilgrims stranded on various spots along the Kedarnath Yatra route.

Over the past 24 hours, heavy showers also lashed Rajasthan, where four people were killed, Delhi, which reported six deaths in rain-related incidents, Gurugram, where three people were electrocuted, and Noida, where two died in a house collapse.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday warned that a reprieve may not be forthcoming, with north India predicted to receive rain for at least five more days. It issued a red alert for Himachal Pradesh, warning Kangra, Kullu and Mandi districts of strong spells of rain on Friday.

Crucially, severe rain in Himachal Pradesh in July last year triggered a domino effect that engulfed parts of Punjab and Haryana, and eventually led to the Yamuna river swelling in Delhi and swallowing vast swathes of its banks in the Capitals worst floods ever. Experts and officials have, as a result, kept a close eye on rains in the hill state. To be sure, Himachal Pradesh recorded more than 300 cloudbursts at the time.

Read more: 'Saw sister's house being washed away': Wayanad victims share tragic stories of loss

On Thursday, the Himachal Pradesh emergency operation centre said the state reported cloudbursts in Kullu, Padhar in Mandi and Rampur in Shimla districts.

A cloudburst near Shrikhand Mahadev, Kullu, on Wednesday night triggered flash floods in Sarpara, Ganvi and Kurban drain, which in turn fed the larger Samej Khud drains in Rampur, killing two people and leaving about 30 missing, said Shimla superintendent of police (SP) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi.

The showers pushed up levels of the Parvati and Beas rivers in Kullu, sending sheets of water roaring downstream.

Landslides also wrecked the Manali-Chandigarh National Highway at several places, said an official.

Army, NDRF, SDRF and ITBP teams were deployed to rescue missing people.

Kullu deputy commissioner Torul S Raveesh also said a breach was reported in the Malana Dam, but assured that the situation is under control.

Some people are stuck in the Malana I hydropower project. They are in underground buildings and safe. NDRF and Home Guard teams are making efforts to rescue them, she said.

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu convened an emergency meeting of senior officers

Saving valuable human lives is the top priority at the moment and all government machinery will focus on this, he said.

The cloudburst incident took place around 4.40am. Around 50 people are missing and two bodies have been recovered. Heavy rain is expected in the next 36 hours. The DC (district commissioner), SDRF, and NDRF teams have reached the spot. I have also spoken to the Union home minister (Amit Shah), said Sukhu.

Shah assured Sukhu of central assistance and NDRF support.

Himachal Pradesh received an average of 37.7mm rainfall on Thursday, nearly three times the normal of 9.3mm. Shimla, Kullu and Mandi reported an excess of 264%, 453% and 300% respectively.

Uttarakhand received 37.8mm of rain in 24 hours till 8.30am on Thursday, but much of this was concentrated in Haridwar and Dehradun.

Sharp showers began lashing the state around 8pm on Wednesday, inundating several parts of Haridwar and Dehradun and swelling several rivers. As the water gushed downstream, water levels in the Alaknanda river Rudraprayag began shot up to 1,974.6m at 10pm, just a metre short of the warning level.

The local Met office said Dehradun clocked 172mm of rain.

A house collapsed in Bharpur village of Haridwar district, killing four people and injuring six, said police, adding that two people were electrocuted at Roorkee bus stand.

In Jakhanyali village, Tehri district, three members of a family were killed in a landslide that barrelled through their roadside eatery following a cloudburst, said officials

Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Jakhanyali village and met families of those killed.

I have directed officials concerned to provide immediate relief to the disaster-affected people and assess the damages in the affected areas, he said.

Authorities rescued more than 1,500 pilgrims stranded on the Kedarnath route, which was battered by boulders amid the rain and landslides.

Officials said 425 pilgrims were brought to safety from Lincholi and Bhimbali districts using helicopters and 1,100 pilgrims were escorted to Sonprayag on foot.

Tarkeshwar Singh, a pilgrim from Nepal said, I left for Kedarnath Dham from Gaurikund on Wednesday. But after trekking a short while, I stopped because it started raining heavily and was stranded. I was rescued by an NDRF team that arrived in the morning.
Rain Today Live Updates: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited Samej in Shimla to take stock of the situation.

Rain Today Highlights: Death toll in Himachal Pradesh due to flash floods climbed to 8 on Friday as three more bodies were recovered during rescue operations. The flash floods in Nirmand, Sainj and Malana areas in Kullu, Padhar in Mandi and Rampur in Shimla districts of state were triggered by cloudburst incidents. The search for 45 people who are missing still continues....Read More

Rescue operations to trace 45 missing people in Himachal Pradesh after the cloud burst incidents in three districts of the state began again on Friday, reported PTI. IMD has issued a red alert warning for Friday in Kullu, Mandi and Kangara districts in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu along with Education Minister Rohit Thakur visited Samej on the border of Shimla and Kullu district to take stock of the situation and talk to the victims, reported PTI.

BJP Lok Sabha MP from Handi in Himachal Pradesh, Kangana Ranaut on Friday expressed her condolences to the state after it was hit by flash floods triggered by cloud burst incidents which hit the state on Wednesday. She assured that PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have taken stock of the situation and would do the needful and she hopes to go there after her work in Delhi is done.

Flight operations to and fro Kazi Nazrul Islam (KNI) airport in Andal, Bengal have been temporarily suspended due to waterlogging in airport premises due to consistent rainfall overnight. Several places at the approach road to the airport were also waterlogged.

Around three flights including two from New Delhi and Bengaluru have been cancelled for the day, an official told PTI.

A senior official in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand said on Friday that as many as 3,000 people have been rescued after rain wreaked havoc on the state on Wednesday. Uttarakhand Disaster Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, also added that there are still about 1,000 left to be rescued in Kedarnath

IMD has predicted that Uttarakhand will receive heavy rainfall till Saturday. In the landslide-stricken state, heavy overnight rain on Thursday in Uttarakhand claimed at least 14 lives, flattened homes and left several areas submerged, reported news agency PTI

ALSO READ | 14 killed in heavy rains in Uttarakhand; Kedarnath Yatra halted

In Wayanad, situation remains grim with death toll hitting 318 in the rain-triggered landslides which happened during the early hours of Tuesday in Mundakkai, Chooralmala and Attamala regions, reported OnManorama as 10:11 am on Friday. A orange alert has been issued in the district by the Indian Meteorological Department.

The death toll reached 190 on Thursday reported PTI with more than 225 others injured, mostly in the worst-hit areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala, an official told.

ALSO READ | Kerala rain: Schools closed in 7 districts; reports say Wayanad landslides death toll now 290 | Top updates

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts on Friday and educational institutions will remain shut in Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, reported OnManorama. In Palakkad, district collector has declared holiday for schools, anganwadis, tuition centres and madrasas. Schools in Ernakulam and Idukki which are running relief camps are also shut down.
Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government told the high court on Friday that it has finalised the model rules for gaming and amusement activities in the state and will be soon implemented. A massive fire broke out at the TRP Malls game zone in Gujarats Rajkot on May 25 (File Photo)

A division bench of chief justice Sunita Agarwal and justice Pranav Trivedi was hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) over the Rajkot game zone fire incident in May this year that claimed 27 lives.

Advocate General (AG) Kamal Trivedi, appearing for the state, told the court that the government has framed the model rules for what would be called Gujarat Amusement Rides and Gaming Zone Activities (Safety) Rules, 2024.

He said the rules were framed in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (w) of sub-section (1) of section 33 of the Gujarat Police Act, 1951, and while the model rules were framed by the home department, the commissioners of police of various districts would implement the final rules.

When asked about the date for the rules to be notified, Trivedi said within a fortnight.

When asked about the scope and area of the rules, the advocate general said that they were very wide, encompassing the definition of various types of games, procedures for the installation of amusement rides that are to be operated for a period extending three months, licensing provisions, inspection of the rides, and so on. The rules also defined amusement rides.

Amusement rides, defined under these rules as mechanical devices that carry or convey passengers along a fixed or restricted route for amusement, pleasure, thrills, or excitement, would now be subject to stringent safety regulations, according to the proposed model rules.

These rides, which include popular attractions like bumper cars, roller coasters, ferris wheels, and water slides, must adhere to specific safety standards to operate within the state, it said.

Trivedi further told the court that central to these safety measures is the Ride Safety & Inspection Committee, composed of technical experts from the state government, board, or corporation.

This committee is responsible for inspecting and certifying rides before they become operational, conducting regular safety inspections, and investigating any accidents to recommend necessary improvements, he said.

The committee operates at two levelsthe City Ride Safety & Inspection Committee, overseen by the commissioner of policeand the District Ride Safety & Inspection Committee, managed by the district magistrate.

The court asked Trivedi that while it would require two weeks for notification of the rules, the government should constitute the committee and notify the constitution of the committee in another one weeks time.

The government has woken up only after the Rajkot incident. These rules were supposed to be framed much earlier. But there were no rules in place. Now that the rules are there and once the authorities are there, the government will not be able to shift responsibility, said chief justice Agarwal.

Trivedi told the court that before any amusement ride intended for operation exceeding three months can be installed, the organisers must secure permission from the licensing authority.

This process involves submitting a detailed application, obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various safety and structural authorities, and undergoing a review by the relevant Ride Safety & Inspection Committee.

A deadly blaze broke out on the evening of May 25 at the TRP Game Zone located in Rajkots Nana-Mava locality, in which 27 people, including children, were killed.

The fire is believed to have been caused by welding work being carried out at the facility, which lacked a NOC from the fire department and had only one entry-exit point, trapping many visitors inside.
The Supreme Court is set to pronounce the detailed judgement today giving reasons for trashing petitions seeking cancellation and re-test of the controversy-ridden NEET-UG exam. The Supreme Court stressed that the petitioners would have to adduce more evidence to show the widespread nature of the leak.(ANI)

A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, delivered an interim verdict last month on a batch of petitions seeking a re-test of NEET-UG 2024 to preserve the exam's sanctity following the allegations of paper leaks.

Over 23 lakh students appeared for NEET-UG 2024, vying for admission to prestigious courses like MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH. The exam, held on May 5, became controversial due to reported large-scale malpractices. The NTA and the NDA government faced severe backlash, with protests erupting both on the streets and in Parliament.

Read: NEET-UG verdict is not a clean chit

The Supreme Court heard submissions from a battery of lawyers, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for the Centre and National Testing Agency, and senior advocates Narender Hooda, Sanjay Hegde, and Mathews Nedumpara representing the petitioners.

Given the urgency and impact on millions of students, the bench, instead of reserving its verdict, reconvened late in the evening to dictate its order. Chief Justice Chandrachud, in the interim order, noted that the data provided by the NTA and others did not substantiate claims of a systemic leak or widespread fraud sufficient to invalidate the exam results.

While acknowledging the confirmed leaks in Hazaribagh and Patna, the court highlighted the need for a nuanced approach, distinguishing between tainted and untainted students.

Ordering a re-test, the court opined, would have severe repercussions, disrupting the admission schedule, affecting medical education, and disadvantaging marginalized groups benefiting from reservation policies.

The bench concluded that the malpractices, though present, were not pervasive enough to warrant cancelling the entire exam.

The bench said ordering cancellation of the entire exam was not justified on application of "settled principles propounded by this court on the basis of material on record".

The court also ruled on a disputed physics question in the exam, accepting the expert report from IIT Delhi, which confirmed a single correct answer.

"In view of the experts' determination, we have no manner of doubt with regard to the correct option... we accept the IIT Delhi report and accordingly the NTA shall re-tally the NEET UG result on the basis that option 4 represents the only correct answer to the question," it said.

Meanwhile, the CBI has filed its first charge sheet in the paper leak case naming 13 people as accused.

Among those named in the first charge sheet are Nitish Kumar, Amit Anand, Sikander Yadvendu, Ashutosh Kumar-1, Roshan Kumar, Manish Prakash, Ashutosh Kumar-2, Akhilesh Kumar, Avdesh Kumar, Anurag Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, Shivnandan Kumar, and Ayush Raj.

A CBI spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday, CBI has utilized advanced forensic techniques, artificial intelligence technology, CCTV footage, tower location analysis, etc. to gather evidence against the accused.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been picked to fly on an upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.(Wikimedia Commons)

ISRO said that its Human Space Flight Centre has entered into a space flight agreement with Axiom Space Inc, USA for its Axiom-4 mission to the space station.

For this, a National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two 'Gaganyatris' as prime and backup mission pilots for this mission.

While Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime pilot, Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has been selected as backup.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi announces names of astronauts for Gaganyaan space flight mission

The assigned crewmembers will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). The recommended gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the first week of August 2024, ISRO said in a statement.

ISRO said that in their mission, the Gaganyatris will undertake selected scientific research and technology demonstration experiments on board the ISS and engage in space outreach activities.

The experiences gained during this mission will be beneficial for the Indian Human Space Programme and it will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA, the Indian space agency said.

A joint statement issued by ISRO and US space agency NASA in June 2023, during the official state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the USA, had envisioned a joint ISRO-NASA mission to the space station.

The Axiom-4 mission (Ax-4) is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) conducted by Axiom Space, in partnership with NASA and SpaceX.

Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?

Born in Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow on 10 October 1985, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned on 17 June 2006 in the fighter stream of the IAF.

Also Read | Two UP-born among 4 IAF officers selected for Gaganyaan

He is a fighter combat leader and a test pilot with approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience. He has flown variety of aircraft, including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, An-32, etc.

Who is Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan?

Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair was born in Thiruvazhiyad, Kerala on 26 August 1976.

He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and recipient of the Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy. He was commissioned on 19 December 1998 in the fighter stream of Indian Air Force (IAF). He is a Cat A flying instructor and a test pilot with approximately 3,000 hours of flying experience. He has flown variety of aircraft, including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Hawk, Dornier, An-32, etc.

He is also the alumnus of United States Staff College and a DS at DSSC, Wellington and FIS, Tambaram. He has commanded a premier fighter Su-30 squadron.
The Embassy of India in Israel issued a security advisory on Friday, advising all Indian citizens in Israel to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety guidelines amidst the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.



In view of prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the local authorities, said the embassy in a post on X (formerly Twitter). A flag flies at half-mast at the Turkey embassy in response to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, in Tel Aviv, Israel, August 2, 2024. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes(REUTERS)

The embassy also told Indian nationals to avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters.



The embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals, embassy added.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated due to the Israel-Hamas war, particularly after fears of retaliation from Iran following the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

On July 30 evening, an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah top commander Fuad Shukr and leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israel also confirmed on August 1 that Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas' military wing, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza in July.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened "harsh punishment" for his killing.

Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israel on July 30. Hezbollah said it launched dozens of Katyusha rockets in response to the Israeli enemy's attack on the southern village of Shama that killed a number of civilians.

Air India has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv effective immediately until August 8 amid escalation of Israel-Hamas conflict.

We are closely monitoring the situation and providing support to passengers with confirmed bookings during this period, offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges, Air India said in a statement.

Airlines are avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace and cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon due to escalating tensions in the region.
Aam Aadmi Party's Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Friday called out the Delhi government for its alleged lack of action regarding the recent deaths at the Asha Kiran shelter home, a mental health facility run by the Delhi government. The inmates allegedly died due to health issues and malnutrition. Swati Maliwal alleged that during her inspection at the Asha Kiran facility earlier, there was no sufficient staff or doctors available there. (ANI)

ALSO READ | 13 deaths in July: Delhi govt orders probe into Asha Kiran facility after alarming report

Maliwal said, In the past 20 days 13 deaths have occurred at Asha Kiran shelter home run by the Delhi government...The reasons are yet not known...When I was there in DCW, I inspected the situation here...the situation here is very bad as there is no proper staffing, and no proper doctors are there

Maliwal also alleged that they had filed a report earlier which was submitted to the Delhi government but there was no action. She said,"We made a report at that time and submitted it to the Delhi Government, but no action was taken at that time," demanding that the issue be taken up and an FIR to be lodged. She said she would bring up this issue in the Parliament as well.

On Friday, the Delhi government ordered a magisterial inquiry into the recent deaths at the mental health facility. Delhi minister Atishi directed the additional chief secretary to file a report regarding the matter within 48 hours.

According to a TOI report, 12 patients including 10 women died in the second half of July with more than 45 inmates, an unusually high number sent for outside treatments. However, only one body among the 12 was received for an autopsy. All the deceased patients exhibited similar symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting and the bodies of the inmates were usually sent to Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital which is 2 km away from the facility, where they also treated the ill inmates.

Earlier on Friday, National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma slammed the Delhi government, saying, Asha Kiran has 450 people staying without proper food, water and medication. Atishi should be made responsible for contaminated water they are been provided

Sharma questioned the Delhi government demanding accountability.Young lives are lost because of sheer negligence of the Delhi government. Who is responsible for these deaths?, she asked.

Set up in 1989 with a capacity to accommodate 350 people in the Rohini area of North Delhi, Asha Kiran is run by the Delhi government's Social Welfare department without a head following the resignation of Raaj Kumar Anand.

(with inputs from news agencies)
Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, the minister of state for communications, told Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the Telecommunications Act, 2023, does not have any provisions for telecom surveillance, in response to a question by Trinamool Congress MP Mausam Noor. The Act does not have provision for telecom surveillance, the response read. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, the minister of state for communications, told Rajya Sabha on Thursday (ANI)

This response, however, struck experts as odd given that section 20 of the act, which was brought into force on June 26, provides for interception for national security, public order, and other allied reasons.

The parliamentary response from the minister of state for communications is baffling as Section 20 of statute clearly provides for interception in certain circumstances. Hence, the response as provided on the floor of the house that the 2023 statute contains no provision for surveillance is beyond comprehension in face of expressed statutory language, especially when he admits that Section 20 has been brought into force, Priyadarshi Banerjee, partner at Delhi-based Banerjee & Grewal Advocates, said.

Interception is a subset of surveillance. The two cannot be disconnected, Banerjee explained.

The executive director of digital rights organisation Internet Freedom Foundation, Prateek Waghre too said the response was puzzling since Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, includes interception powers, much like Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

Noor had also asked for a list of authorised agencies that can order telecom surveillance under the Telecom Act, and the oversight mechanisms in law that can stop the abuse of telecom surveillance by security agencies.
The Telangana government will promulgate ordinance, if necessary, to implement the reservations for the sub-castes of scheduled castes, in accordance with the Supreme Court verdict on SC sub-classification, chief minister A Revanth Reddy announced on Thursday. Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy and other leaders celebrate the Supreme Court judgment, in Hyderabad on Thursday. (ANI)

The government will also take appropriate measures to implement the reservations for Madiga and Mala sub-castes in the job notifications issued recently. If necessary, we shall promulgate an ordinance in this direction, Revanth Reddy said, adding that the state government would take a decision soon on the categorisation of SCs into four sub-groups  A, B, C and D.

On Thursday, a seven-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud upheld the classification of SCs into sub-groups for implementation of reservations in education and employment.

Reddy said that no efforts were made during the previous Bharata Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government on representing the case in the Supreme Court. When our former MLA A Sampath Kumar sought to raise the SC categorisation issue in the state assembly through an adjournment motion, he was suspended from the House, he said.

Soon after the Congress came to power in December 2023, deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and state health minister Damodara Raja Narasimha had sent the state advocate general to the apex court to argue the case on behalf of the state government on December 23, 2023.

The ministers took up the issue with the legal experts and made them present a strong case on the SC categorisation in the Supreme Court. Our efforts paid off ultimately and the Supreme Court gave the judgement in favour of categorisation, the chief minister said as he thanked the apex court in resolving the long pending issue.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao welcomed the Supreme Court judgement on SC categorisation. Right from the beginning, our party made a sincere effort to achieve the categorisation. When we were in power, we adopted a resolution in the state assembly in favour of the SC categorisation and sent it to the Centre, he said.

He recalled that BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) personally gave a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in support of SC categorisation. While other political parties took a dual stand on the categorisation issue, only KCR had viewed the issue in the angle of social justice. He was of the view that the demand for SC categorisation was as genuine as the demand for separate Telangana state, he said.

KTR demanded that the Congress government in the state should immediately begin the exercise for implementation of the SC categorisation, as per the Supreme Court verdict. The BRS will extend all its cooperation to the state government in this regard, he said.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has decided against making any comments on the Supreme Court verdict on SC reservations. A senior party leader said Telangana state BJP president G Kishan Reddy asked the party leaders not to make any statements on the issue till the central party leadership officially declared its stand.

Telugu Desam Party general secretary and Andhra Pradesh state IT minister Nara Lokesh also welcomed the Supreme Court judgement on SC categorisation.

He reminded that it was the TDP government, led by N Chandrababu Naidu, which had issued an ordinance in 1999 itself, categorising SCs into four sub-groups, that led to Madigas getting jobs. We are committed to implementing the SC reservations again, as per the Supreme Court verdict. Our agenda is to ensure political and economic empowerment of all sections of society, he said.
The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that state governments have the authority to create subclassifications within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for the purpose of preferential reservations, in a verdict that will have far-reaching implications for reservation policies for marginalised communities. The Supreme Court. (Arvind Yadav/HT)

By allowing subclassification, the Supreme Court has opened the door for states to identify and provide targeted benefits to the most disadvantaged subgroups within the broader SC/ST categories, provided they base their decisions on empirical evidence and rational criteria.

The decision by a seven-judge Constitution bench was passed with a 6-1 majority, with the majority overruling the apex courts earlier decision in the 2004 EV Chinnaiah case, which had held that subclassification within SC/STs was impermissible as it treated these groups as homogenous classes.

Historical and empirical evidence demonstrates that the SCs are a socially heterogeneous class. Thus, the state in exercise of the power under Articles 15(4) and 16(4) can further classify the SCs if (a) there is a rational principle for differentiation; and (b) the rational principle has a nexus with the purpose of subclassification, the verdict said.

Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, and justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra and Satish Chandra Sharma comprised the majority while justice Bela M Trivedi dissented. The bench rendered six separate opinions. CJI Chandrachud wrote an opinion for himself and justice Misra while justices Gavai, Nath, Mithal and Sharma wrote separate but concurring opinions. Justice Trivedis dissenting opinion affirmed the 2004 Chinnaiah ruling.

Significantly, one concurring judgment also called for identifying and excluding the creamy layer from SC/ST reservations, extending a concept hitherto used only for other backward classes (OBC) to weed out economically well-off people from the ambit of quotas. Another judge called for reservation benefits to be extended only for one generation.

The State must evolve a policy for identifying the creamy layer even from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes so as exclude them from the benefit of affirmative action. In my view, only this and this alone can achieve the real equality as enshrined under the Constitution, justice BR Gavai said, and was supported by CJI Chandrachud, and justices Vikram Nath, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra and Satish Chandra Sharma.

Read more: States empowered to make sub-classifications in SC, ST for quota: Supreme Court

The majority ruling acknowledged the social and economic diversity within SC/ST communities and allowed states to provide targeted benefits to the most disadvantaged subgroups, thereby promoting a more equitable distribution of affirmative action.

Marking a significant shift in the landscape of reservation policies in India, the court held that the SC/ST communities are not homogenous but are a socially heterogenous class and that there are varying degrees of backwardness within these groups that ought to be addressed by the State for the fulfilment of the constitutional goal of social equality.

The ruling held that subclassification within SCs does not violate Article 341(presidential order identifying SCs) of the Constitution, provided that it does not lead to the exclusion of any caste from the list of SC. However, any preference or exclusive benefit to certain castes within such reserved categories must be justified by data and empirical evidence, it declared. To be sure, the judgment interpreted only Article 341 because that was the bone of contention in the case before it, but the principles enunciated in the verdict applies to both SCs and STs.

Holding that states can create subclassifications within SC/STs if there is a rational basis for doing so, such as inadequate representation of certain castes in public services, the majority verdict stated that the states must collect data on this inadequacy and demonstrate that it is linked to the castes backwardness. The judgment also stated that the State must establish that the inadequacy of representation of a caste/group is because of its backwardness.

Simultaneously, the court made it clear that states would not be allowed to set aside all of the seats designated for SC/STs in favour of a single subclass, disregarding all other castes on the list and that the subclassification would also be amenable to judicial review.

This judgment is poised to have a profound impact on the implementation of reservation policies across India, empowering state governments to tailor their reservation policies to address the nuanced and diverse needs of marginalised communities. This ruling also has the potential to influence future debates on reservation policies in India, particularly in relation to other marginalised groups.

At the heart of the matter before the seven-judge bench was whether subclassification within the SC/ST categories is constitutionally permissible. This debate stemmed from the long-standing issue of whether all subgroups within SCs and STs, which are constitutionally recognised as homogenous classes, should be treated equally or if a more granular approach should be allowed to ensure that the most disadvantaged within these groups receive adequate benefits.

The genesis of this legal battle lies in the 2004 Supreme Court judgment in EV Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh, where a five-judge bench ruled that subclassification within SCs/STs was not permissible. This judgment held that SCs and STs form homogenous classes and that any attempt to create subgroups for preferential treatment would violate the principle of equality. It further held that tweaking with the reservation policy by the states violated Article 341 of the Constitution. This provision allows the President of India to notify a list of SCs for each state and stipulates that the list can only be modified by parliament. This ruling became the basis for several legal challenges, particularly against state policies that sought to provide specific benefits to certain sub-castes within the SC/ST categories.

A significant case in this context involved the Punjab government, which in 1975 issued a notification dividing its existing 25% reservation for SCs into two categories - half of the reserved seats were earmarked for Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs, with the remaining half allocated to other SC groups. This notification was quashed by the Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2006, citing the Chinnaiah judgment. In response, the Punjab government passed the Punjab Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes (Reservation in Services) Act, 2006, which introduced a first preference reservation for Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs. However, this too was struck down by the high court, leading to an appeal in the Supreme Court.

In 2020, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court referred the matter to a larger bench, observing that the Chinnaiah judgment required reconsideration.

Over three days of hearings in February 2024, the seven-judge bench grappled with the complex arguments for and against subclassification. The Union government, along with several states including Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, strongly supported subclassification, arguing that it is essential for ensuring that the benefits of reservation truly reach the most marginalised within the SC/ST communities. On the other hand, opponents of subclassification argued that it could lead to political manipulation and the fragmentation of SC/ST unity.

The CJIs judgment held that inter-se backwardness within the SC/STs is a roadblock to achieving substantive equality. Subclassification is one of the means to achieve substantive equality. The doctrine of classification gives content to the guarantee of equal protection of the laws. Under this approach, the focus is on the equality of results or opportunities over equality of treatment...The principle of subclassification will be applicable to the Scheduled Castes if the social positions of the constituents among the castes/groups is not comparable, it said.

Drawing on the precedent set by the nine-judge bench verdict in the Indra Sawhney case (1992), which upheld subclassification within Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the court ruled that this principle could also be extended to SC/STs under Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution that empowers the State to make special provisions for the socially and educationally backward classes.

One of the pivotal aspects of the judgment was the interpretation of Article 341(1) of the Constitution, which deals with the identification of SCs. This judgment clarified that the provision does not create a homogenous class but allows for the inclusion of various castes within the SC category, each of which can be treated differently based on empirical evidence.

Additionally, the court addressed the role of Article 335, which mandates that the claims of SC/STs should be considered in public appointments, consistent with the maintenance of administrative efficiency. The judgment ruled that efficiency should be interpreted in a manner that promotes inclusion and equality, rather than as a limitation on the power of states to grant reservations. The ruling stressed that the efficiency of administration must be viewed in a manner which promotes inclusion and equality.

The judgment clarified that the States course of action is subject to judicial review and that the subclassification followed must be justified based on empirical data gathered by the State.

While the State may embark on an exercise of subclassification, it must do so on the basis of quantifiable and demonstrable data bearing on levels of backwardness and representation in the services of the State. It cannot, in other words, merely act on its whims or as a matter of political expediency, held the court.

The judgment further clarified that although sub-categorisation based on each caste is permissible, there can never be a situation where seats are allocated for every caste separately.

POLITICAL RESPONSES
New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday released the revised regulations to set standards of quality of service (QoS) for telecom and internet service providers that have more than 10,000 subscribers. This includes landline services, mobile services, and broadband services. (Representative Photo)

This common set of regulations, called the Standards of Quality of Service of Access (wireline and wireless) and Broadband (wireline and wireless) Service Regulations, 2024, replaces and supersedes the three older regulations.

The new regulations were finalised after the telecom regulatory held a consultation with stakeholders that started in August 2023.

QoS performance of mobile services will be monitored monthly instead of quarterly. To enable a smooth transition, the service providers have been given six months from the effective date of regulation. Benchmarks for parameters such as network availability, call drop rate, packet drop rate, and latency have been tightened to ensure better QoS. However, service providers will be given six to thirty months to upgrade their networks.

Under the new regulations, the service providers must publish on their website their QoS performance across parameters such as cumulative downtime (when cells were not available for service), mean time to repair, how long it takes to fix a fault, latency and packet drop rate for broadband services, connections with good voice quality, and others prescribed in the regulations.

Service providers must also display technology-wise (2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G) mobile coverage maps on their websites so that customers can make informed decisions.

Acceptable amount of latency has been revised while new parametersjitter (latency variation above and below the mean latency value) and packet drop rates (percentage of voice packets dropped by or lost in the network while uplinking or downlinking data)have been introduced.

To ensure that all service providers are evaluated across the same parameters, the regulations prescribe a detailed measurement methodology for different parameters.

Graded financial disincentives (FD) that increase with continued non-compliance have been introduced for all services; earlier, they were graded only for some services.

For instance, the minister of state for communications informed the Lok Sabha in a written response on Wednesday that in FY24, a financial disincentive of Rs.1 lakh was imposed on MTNL for a higher than acceptable amount of drop call rate.

In FY23, no FDs were imposed. In FY22 and FY21, FDs of Rs.7 lakh and Rs.15 lakh, respectively, were imposed on BSNL. In FY21, Rs.5 lakh FD was imposed on Idea (not Vodafone Idea Limited). In FY20, FDs worth Rs.42 lakh, Rs.8.5 lakh and rs.2.5 lakh were imposed on BSNL, Idea, and Vodafone, respectively.
Expressing solidarity with Rahul Gandhi over his claim that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is planning to raid him, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday said all the partners of the opposition INDIA bloc will strongly oppose if the agency knocks at the doors of the Congress leader. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP K.C. Venugopal during the Monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi.(PTI)

Chaturvedi said that the ruling BJP had not learned any lessons from the recent Lok Sabha election results and warned that the people were closely watching the actions of the central agencies.

The people are watching how all the agencies are being misused to target opposition leaders. Today, all our central agencies have bowed down to the central government, the Rajya Sabha said.

Being the LoP, Rahul Gandhi is raising issues concerning the people. If ED knocks at the doors of Rahul Gandhi, all the partners of INDIA alliance will strongly oppose it, she added.

Her remarks come in the wake of Rahul Gandhis claim that the ED was planning a raid on him following his critical Chakravyuh speech during the discussion on the Union budget.

Also Read: BJP has created a Chakravyuha: Rahul Gandhi lashes out at govt in Lok Sabha

Gandhi said on X (formerly Twitter) that ED insiders had informed him about the planned raid, to which he responded by saying he would be waiting for the agency with open arms, even offering them chai and biscuits.

Apparently, 2 in 1 didnt like my Chakravyuh speech. ED insiders tell me a raid is being planned, Gandhi posted. Waiting with open arms @dir_ed..Chai and biscuits on me.

During the budget discussion, Gandhi used the Mahabharata concept of Chakravyuh to criticise the BJP. He argued that the BJP had created a modern-day 'Chakravyuh' in the form of a lotus, in an apparent reference to the BJP's symbol.

He accused the government of entrapping various sectors of Indian society, including youth, women, farmers, and small and medium businesses.

Gandhi claimed that six individuals, including Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, were at the center of this 'Chakravyuh'. Although he attempted to name four others, Speaker Om Birla disallowed it on the grounds that they were not members of the House.

Later, in a post on X, Gandhi said, Today a 21st century lotus-shaped Chakravyuh is trapping India and is controlled by six figures: Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Adani, Ambani, Ajit Doval, and Mohan Bhagwat.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has hit out at the Pinarayi Vijayan government after the Kerala government requested the state's scientific community on Thursday to refrain from sharing their opinions and study reports on the Wayanad landslides with the media. However, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday night directed chief secretary V Venu to withdraw the controversial note issued by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan visits the landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad on Thursday to assess the ongoing rescue operations. (Pinarayi Vijayan/X)

In a statement on Thursday night, Pinarayi Vijayan said the news that the SDMA had directed scientific institutions and scientists not to visit the disaster-affected Meppadi panchayat in Wayanad and not to express their opinions was misleading.

The clarification comes even as the BJP targeted the Kerala government for the alleged gag order.

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tejasvi Surya alleged that emergency & censorship come naturally to communists.

In a post on social media platform X, Tejasvi Surya wrote, An atrocious order has been passed by Kerala Govt restraining Science & Tech institutions from field visits as well as sharing details & reports of disaster affected areas.

The state govt is frightened that such activities will expose that the Wayanad Landslides is a Communist Govt-made disaster which happened from neglecting a series of early warnings from multiple agencies regarding the sensitivity of the region's landscape, the BJP MP from Karnataka added while sharing a copy of the purported order.

Another BJP leader and former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar hit out at the INDIA block over the CPM government's order.

Everything .. I repeat .. Every single thing that INDI alliance says or does - like this official CPM govt order silencing science community - is built around hypocrisy, double standards and outright lies, Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote on X.

Amid criticism, Pinarayi Vijayan, in the statement, said, "The state government does not have such a policy."

"The chief secretary has been directed to immediately intervene and withdraw the communication that conveyed such a message," he said.

Scientific community strongly protests

Earlier, the scientific community had strongly protested against the note prepared by State Relief Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Disaster Management, Tinku Biswal which directed all science and technology institutions in the state not to undertake any field visits to Meppadi Panchayat in Wayanad, where several people were killed in the devastating landslides on Tuesday.

What did the note say?

The note had said the scientific community should restrain themselves from sharing their opinions and study reports with the media. It also stated that prior permission from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) was required to undertake any studies in the disaster-affected area.

The massive landslides struck Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday morning, killing at least 190 people and injuring many. With nearly 200 people missing, the death toll is expected to rise.
In a bid to intensify rescue operations in landslide-hit areas of Wayanad, Indian Army personnel constructed a 120-foot-long bailey bridge within 31 hours to connect the worst-affected areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala. The Indian Army completes the construction of Cl 24 Bailey Bridge in record time on Thursday. The bridge connecting Chooralmala with Mundakkai over the Iruvanipzha River is open to traffic and handed over to the civil administration.(ANI)

The construction of the bridge, with a weight capacity of 24 tons, began on the evening of July 31 and was completed by the next day. The Indian Army tested its structural integrity by driving an ambulance and later a military truck.

In a remarkable feat of engineering and professional skills the Indian Army's Engineer Task Force swiftly constructed the Bailey Bridge over the Iruvanipzha River at Chooralmala, significantly accelerating rescue operations in Wayanad, the Southern Command said on X.

To speed up the rescue operation, ten specialised teams, equipped with all necessary rescue apparatus, including dog squads and heavy earth-moving equipment have been formed. These teams commenced the combing operations early morning through six designated zones: Punchirimattom, Mundekkai, School area, Chooralmala town, Village area and Downstream, ensuring a thorough and efficient search and relentless rescue mission, it added.

The massive landslides struck Mundakkai and Churalmala in Wayanad in the early hours of July 30, causing extensive destruction. Reports claim that about 290 people have been killed, and the possibility of finding any more survivors remains extremely low.

How the bridge was built

The 120-foot-long bailey bridge was constructed at the same spot where a 100-foot-long concrete bridge was washed away in the landslides.

Due to its length, the bridge was built with a pier in the middle of the river, news agency PTI reported.

Materials for building the bridge were transported to Kannur in two aircraft from Delhi and Bengaluru. They were then taken to Wayanad in trucks.

Army soldiers make a bailey bridge as rescuers search through mud and debris for a third day after landslides set off by torrential rains in Wayanad district on August 1.(AP)

Onmanorama reported that 140 personnel from Madras Engineer Group began construction of the bridge at 9am on July 31.

Major general Mathew, spearheading the operation, told Onmanorama that a total of 19 steel panels were used to build the bridge, which is supported by a single pier.

Also Read | Man loses 26 family members in Wayanad tragedy

The officer added that adverse weather and lack of adequate space made the task of constructing the bridge a challenge. "But we are used to these conditions," he said.

Another unidentified officer concurred that the limited space at the bridge's opening hampered the pace of construction. He also blamed frequent visits by VIPs and weather conditions.

"Despite all these, our officers worked non-stop, all through the night, pausing only to have food to build the bridge," the officer said, according to Onmanorama.

He added that the bridge was ready at 6 pm on August 1, 31 hours after the work started.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Friday that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been chosen as the prime Gaganyatri for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.(Wikimedia Commons)

A National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two 'Gaganyatris' for this mission, designating one as the prime pilot and the other as the backup.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime pilot, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will serve as the backup pilot.

The assigned crewmembers will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). The recommended gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the first week of August 2024, ISRO asserted in a statement.

Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?

- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, graduated from the National Defence Academy. He joined the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on June 17, 2006.

- According to The Times of India report, Shubhanshu is married to a dentist from Jankipuram, and they have a four-year-old son. He is the first member of his family to join the defence forces.

- The TOI report quoted that Suchi Shukla, Shubhanshu's older sister, as saying that he was a 14-year-old high school student during the Kargil war. Two years later, he took an application form for the National Defence Academy (NDA) from a friend who decided not to apply and submitted it without telling his parents.

- Eighteen years later, now 38, Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla enrolled himself for the Gaganyaan Mission, India's first crewed space mission, without informing his family.

- A graduate of City Montessori School, Shubhanshu joined the Indian Air Force on June 17, 2006, in the fighter stream. He is a fighter combat leader and test pilot with approximately 2,000 hours of flight experience.

- On February 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Shubhanshu's name, along with three other astronauts, at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, for the Gaganyaan Mission. These four astronauts will travel to low-earth orbit as part of ISROs first crewed space mission.
It can be hard being a naysayer on Instagram, where one must be happy, positive and peddling in order to make it.

But the harder it becomes to say Stop is that even true, the more essential it is to do it.

That is what drives embryologist Dr Tanaya Narendra aka @dr_cuterus, 30. Her mission is to keep people from using products that cannot help them, and could actually harm. Its horrifying when a 14-year-old writes to me saying they have chemical burns after bleaching their genitals, says the doctor from Allahabad with 1.8 million followers.

Revant Himatsingkas mission is simpler, but somehow more controversial. On his popular account, @Foodpharmer, which has a following of 2.7 million, the 32-year-old simply reads out food labels and explains what they mean.

Somehow this has turned him into a hero to some (I get stopped in the street and asked for selfies) and a villain to others (a common question from fans is How many cases currently? The answer right now is six).

The first case scared him. Then lawyers showed up to tell him what he already knew: he had done nothing wrong. And fear turned to anger. Why shouldnt I be able to talk about whats on food labels? he says. So this is now the purpose of his account.

In a world of influencers peddling commercial content disguised as personal experience and opinion, it is a financial non-starter to do the opposite and shout out the very things that companies do not want broadcast. And so de-influencers such as Himatsingka and Dr Narendra dont expect to earn any real money from their accounts.

He speaks at corporate events to keep going. She has her clinic and her patients, and occasional projects with the union government and World Health Organization (WHO).

Even travel content creator Aakanksha Monga can see the difference in the number of views she gets  for posts that discuss what a place is really like  and the far higher numbers of views for cookie-cutter, faux-picturesque Reels about top 10 things to do.

She has 1.1 million followers, though, and she believes these are travellers who want to make informed choices.

Promoting mindful choices is what drives Soumya Manthena of @greenfeetcleanfeet. Her account explores make-dont-buy recipes for things ranging from cleaning liquids to protein supplements. She also explores why popular hashtags (#GoGreen; #ClosetCleanse) can do more harm than good.

There is something for everyone to do. But the right kind of change involves understanding the trade-offs involved, Manthena says. There is no need to blindly shift from a plastic comb to a wooden one that may break faster, or throw out a perfectly good polyester outfit just to hoard new handloom sarees.

Instead, she says, look within before ordering online: What do you have in your closet, kitchen cabinet or storeroom that could be modified, repurposed or reused?

This kind of thing could open up new battlefronts for brands, says Michael Serazio, journalist, communications professor at Boston College and author of The Authenticity Industries: Keeping It Real in Media, Culture, and Politics (2023). Authenticity is a kind of quasi-religion now, across many domains of media and culture. When social media is saturated with promotional content, de-influencing becomes a way of standing out authentically.

If de-influencers  currently a small but growing group around the world  can stay the course and multiply, it could be a public-relations crisis for certain brands, adds Kristen Ruby, a New-York based social-media analyst, TV commentator and head of an eponymous PR agency. Watch out for the mission itself being hijacked, Serazio says, with fake de-influencers being paid by one corporation to criticise another.

What does it take to stay authentic, in an increasingly inauthentic realm? Meet our pick of Indias top de-influencers today.

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Beyond buzzwords: Reading food labels

Your best bet, if you want a healthy meal full of nutrients and fibre, is fresh produce. For packaged food, just know roughly whats in it  learn to check the label, not just the front of the pack  and then decide, says Himatsingka. (Yashvardhan Singh)

Revant Himatsingka, 32, doesnt see what all the fuss is about.

He analyses food labels online, and is hailed as something of a hero for it. People stop him in the street and ask for selfies. A common question, gleefully asked, is how many cases he currently faces (the answer is six).

I like to think of my work as a review, he says. If I dont like a movie Ive watched, I can easily talk about why I disliked it, and no one would file lawsuits. So why cant I just read the label of a food product and tell people what I see?

Himatsingka, who has an MBA from Wharton School, has built up a following of 2.7 million on Instagram (@Foodpharmer), in just over a year, doing this.

His explainer Reels focus on nutrition literacy, pointing out, for instance, that if one reads a certain label carefully one can see that there is more sugar than tomato paste in that brand of ketchup, and no hazelnuts at all in a certain chocolate-hazelnut spread.

He lays out guidelines for how to distinguish between healthy and healthy-sounding tags (multigrain bread may still have maida or refined wheat flour as its main ingredient, he says).

Himatsingka first became wary of packaged foods while living in the land of bad food choices, the US, where he spent 13 years studying and then working as a management consultant. While there, he also wrote a self-help book titled Selfienomics (2016). Then, in the pandemic, he quit his job and returned home to Kolkata (he now lives in Mumbai).

He had about 1,000 followers when he began posting regularly, in 2023, to promote his book. It contained a chapter about food labels, so he created a video about the sugar content in Bournvita (which was then 50 gm per 100 gm; it has since been reduced by 15%).

The post went viral, and he was served his first legal notice, by the brands owner Mondelez.

The next few days were pure panic, he recalls. I was confused. My family was scared. We were talking to lawyers all the time. Far-flung relatives would call to tell me that life as an activist would only lead to jail time.

His follower count shot up to 100,000 in nine days. Then lawyers turned up in his feed, offering pro-bono representation. The think tank Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest India (NAPi) spoke up in his support. He went from being afraid to being angry.

Why shouldnt he be able to talk about what was on food labels? He decided this would be the purpose of his account.

I intentionally read only whats on the packaging, to show how several top brands routinely contradict themselves, he says. I dont ever say things like Sugar is poison or Do not eat this. I just think people should know what they are choosing.

Since no one is ever likely to pay him for his posts, he has found other ways to earn from his work. His primary revenue stream at the moment is speaking at corporate events.

Theres still a long way to go, he says. When people run into him in public, for instance, they often ask: Is xyz brand safe? And he has to explain the difference between safe and healthy.

Sometimes I also wish people would ask me about my life outside food labels, he adds, laughing. I do have more on my mind than the amount of sugar in a glass of cola.

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What bras, lotions and steam can and cannot do

Dr Narendra delivers her advice with tact, empathy and humour. Your vagina is not a momo; it does not need steaming, she says.

As an embryologist who routinely consults with couples struggling to have a child, Dr Tanaya Narendra, 30, answers strange questions for a living.

Could eating a banana daily help me guarantee a son? Could the delay be because I am not manly enough? (The answers, of course, are why; and of course not.)

As @dr_cuterus on Instagram, she has gathered a following of 1.8 million with her simple truth-telling and myth-busting. She receives messages that range from the heartbreaking (My husband thinks my body is abnormal) to the absurd (Can I make my face brighter by massaging it with semen?).

Her mission, lately  amid a new wave of products aimed at womens hygiene  is keeping the uninformed safe. Its horrifying when a 14-year-old writes to me saying they have chemical burns after bleaching their genitals, says the doctor from Allahabad.

And so she breaks down how bras cannot change the shape of a womans breasts; why creams cannot alter their size; and why chemical-laden vaginal cleansers are not doctor-recommended. She does it all with tact, empathy and humour. (Your vagina is not a momo; it does not need steaming.)

She has received one legal notice so far; the case has since been dropped. She often gets DMs from company representatives threatening to sue, but no one else has.

Meanwhile, she expanded her Instagram operation in 2022 and now has a team of three helping her with her content. These are people with different backgrounds and sexual orientations, so they can help me create content thats inclusive and can change the kind of healthcare I provide, she says.

She has worked on projects with Indias union ministry of health and family welfare, and the World Health Organization (WHO), and is determined to use these and other non-commercial means to keep her work on Instagram going.

It makes me very angry that the misinformation crisis is getting harder to fight, she says. But that only means its more important to keep fighting.

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Waste not: Home is where the mart is

Manthena explores make-dont-buy recipes for things ranging from cleaning liquids to protein supplements.

It was a sense of loneliness that prompted computer engineer-turned-homemaker Soumya Manthena, 39, to set up an Instagram account about sustainable living, in 2019.

I felt like I was the only one carrying my steel bottle around. It was becoming hard to stay motivated, she says. I started out just looking for community.

She found it, and a lot more. As she posted about her experiments with things like homemade bio-enzyme cleaners, she was surprised to see engagement climb. People wrote in with questions, shared hacks and stories of their own hits and misses.

She was soon segueing into other subjects she felt passionately about: waste audits, greenwashing, the ills of fast fashion.

Today, her handle @greenfeetcleanfeet has over 27,000 followers. Her posts and videos promote small, slow, mindful lifestyle changes that could include shopping at the local kirana store to reduce the use of packaging, learning about which fabrics last longest, or making ones own protein supplements.

She explains why a sudden closet cleanse can do more harm than good. Theres no need to blindly shift from a plastic comb to a wooden one that may break faster, or throw out a perfectly good polyester outfit just to hoard new handloom saris. The right kind of switch involves understanding the trade-offs involved.

With a view to helping people understand the trade-offs, Manthena walks her followers through No Buy Challenges, Book Swaps and Waste Audits, using examples from her own life in Hyderabad.

She turns down all offers from brands because the idea is to discourage consumption and remind people to look within, in the closet, kitchen cabinet, storeroom, for things that can be reused or repurposed instead.

One of the things to consume less of, she points out, is social media itself. She recently took a break that ends next week, to get away from the dread of eco-anxiety that creeps in when one is so involved, and recalibrate.

It can get stressful online, she says. There will always be people who find fault with what you do. Dont let them keep you from living a better life.

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Wander woman: The truth about travel

Monga uses her account to show what travelling solo, or summers in Europe, can really be like. And to point the way to quieter haunts and slower ways of seeing the world.

When Aakanksha Monga was planning her trip to the Nubra Valley in Ladakh three years ago, she couldnt wait to see the picturesque dunes and double-humped Bactrian camel described by so many travel vloggers on Instagram.

What she saw instead shook her. The desert I saw was filthy, with trash strewn everywhere, she says. The camels looked scrawny and tired.

It made her think about how travel-related content often misrepresents the experience, deliberately leaving out the uncomfortable details.

Fresh out of college and working remotely with a management consultancy, she began to travel more herself, to Himachal Pradesh, Goa, the Andaman Islands. She began posting tips and impressions on Instagram in response to questions from friends and colleagues.

As she talked about which places were over-hyped, what she really appreciated about a destination, and secret haunts and quieter getaways, she saw her follower count climb, from about 20,000 in 2021 to 1.1 million today.

Monga, 25, has since quit her job and is now a full-time content creator. In some of her videos, she busts myths about travel in general, discussing aspects such as travel burnout and the legitimate fear of falling ill while far from home.

Its the opposite of what most brands who approach her want her to do. Her videos dont get the reach of Reels that list top ten things to do. I feel a sense of responsibility, knowing that my job has both positive and negative impacts on a place, she says. But I think people should make informed choices.

In a world of AI-generated content and filters on everything, she adds, she can also sleep at night  wherever in the world she is  knowing that she didnt lie to her audience.
The paparazzi clicked Katrina Kaif outside the Mumbai airport today. For her arrival in the city, Katrina chose a simple yellow organza suit set. The actor, rumoured to be pregnant with her and Vicky Kaushal's first child, proved 'more is less' with her elegant ensemble. Read on as we decode her ethnic look. (Also Read | Janhvi Kapoor dazzles in fresh-off-the-runway mini dress for Ulajh screening; internet compares it to 'rawa dosa') Katrina Kaif wears a simple yellow suit for her airport look. (Instagram )

Katrina Kaif wears a yellow suit set for her airport look

Katrina Kaif arrived in Mumbai today, and for her airport look, the actor chose a simple yellow suit set. The organza ensemble features an anarkali kurta, palazzo pants, and a dupatta. Her kurta has a V neckline, white and pink floral applique embroidery done on the neck and sleeves, a sheer overlay with silk lining, a relaxed silhouette, and full-length sheer sleeves.

Katrina paired the kurta with matching palazzo pants featuring intricate kadhai on the hem. Lastly, a pale yellow organza dupatta, draped on her shoulder and featuring scalloped embroidery and floral threadwork, completed the ensemble. She styled the ensemble with embroidered cream juttis, tinted sunnies, loose tresses, pink lips, and a glowing no-makeup look.

How did the internet react?

Fans loved Katrina's simple look at the airport. One user commented under a paparazzi video, "Always favourite." Another wrote, "She is always elegant." A fan remarked, "She is so gorgeous."

About Katrina Kaif's pregnancy rumours

Over the past few months, rumours about Katrina's pregnancy have been floating around. Recently, when Katrina made an appearance at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding, fans speculated that she was hiding her baby bump.

About Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal's marriage

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal tied the knot after dating for a few years. The couple got married on December 9, 2021, at Six Senses Resort, Fort Barwara, in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. The couple wore Sabyasachi clothing for their special day.
Newlyweds Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani recently travelled to Paris with their family. During an outing in the City of Love, Radhika wore a colourful maxi dress. We found the price of the ensemble and it's actually rather easy on the pocket. Of course, we are talking about the Ambani pocket here. Read on to know the details. (Also Read | Katrina Kaif chooses simple yellow suit, no makeup for airport look after Austria vacay. Watch) Radhika Merchant wears a colourful maxi dress for an outing with Anant Ambani. (Instagram )

Radhika Merchant wears a maxi dress for an outing with Anant Ambani: What is its price?

Radhika Merchant's maxi dress for an outing in Paris with her husband, Anant Ambani, is an excellent sartorial pick for enjoying brunch outings. It is from the ready-to-wear collection of the clothing label Sandro Paris. The ensemble is called Patchwork Maxi Dress. Adding it to your closet will cost 18,675 (206.5 Euros) approximately.

The price of Radhika Merchant's dress for her Paris outing. (eu.sandro-paris.com)

Decoding Radhika Merchant's dress

Radhika's sleeveless maxi dress features a patchwork design in purple, pink, yellow, and blue hues. The shirt-style collar neckline, pinstripe patterns, button fastening on the bodice, a tie knot detail, a flared tiered skirt, an elasticated waist, and a relaxed silhouette completed the details of the ensemble.

Radhika paired the ensemble with minimal accessories, including printed Dior slip-on sandals, diamond hoop earrings, and a ring. She tied her tresses in a simple ponytail and opted for a no-makeup look to round off the styling.

Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani's outing

The paparazzi in Paris captured Radhika and Anant enjoying a stroll. They were also seen exiting a Hermes store and visiting the Olympic venue to attend a game event. Later, the couple bid goodbye and hugged Nita Ambani and Mukesh Ambani outside their hotel in Paris.

Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani's wedding

Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani tied the knot in a lavish wedding in Mumbai. The ceremonies took place over three days, and many A-listers, including Bollywood and international celebs, global leaders, and politicians, were in attendance. The guest list included Shah Rukh Khan, Kim Kardashian, Salman Khan, Narendra Modi, Priyanka Chopra, Tony Blair, John Cena, Deepika Padukone, Boris Johnson, and more.
Television actors Nakul Mehta and Jankee Parekh Mehta indulged in a dreamy and romantic vacation in London. They enjoyed the cool British summer holiday, savouring good food and exploring iconic locations. Nakul Mehta and his wife Jankee Parekh Mehta went on a romantic vacation in London.

Londons summer is graceful with mild temperatures around 19 degrees Celsius, sun-kissed cityscape, cerulean skies, and a gentle breeze trailing you everywhere. A city of endless possibilities, go spontaneous and explore the city like never before. With pleasant weather and your partner by your side, London will make you fall in love again. An epic romantic gateway awaits in London and June to August is the best time to visit.

Summer has never looked more romantic. Albeit, it's unexpected to call summer romantic when the sun is anything but merciless. The London summer sun is merry and mellow, always piggybacking on the winds and mild temperatures. If youre planning a romantic vacation with your beau, explore London in summer. Here are some of the romantic places you can visit on your next trip with your other half.

London Eye

Get cosy high up in London(Pixabay)

Be on top of the world at the London Eye and bask in the magnificent vistas. With the Thames flowing through the city's heart and miles of clear London panorama, the London Eye makes London intimate and personal for you. The observation wheel has glass pods from where you see the London skyline. The Cupid Capsule provides a personal capsule with only you and your beloved. The Champagne Experience option is also available to celebrate London in a classy way. The London Eye bears witness to countless marriage proposals.

ALSO READ: Inspired by Kriti Sanon's Greek summer holiday? Here are the top must-visit places in Mykonos

Royal Observatory

Stargazing is an underrated romantic way to bond with each other. (Pixabay)

For a stellar date night, visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Prepare to gaze at the night skys constellation of stars through telescopes. Stargaze together and wonder about the cosmic connection and if you are woven from the same stardust. Or hold time together, literally, by standing on the prime meridian line. Wish your ardent desires by the 4.5 billion old meteorite rock on display, as old as our earth and sun. The Royal Observatory reminds you to cherish your time with your loved ones, humbling all humans with their minuscule existence in time and space.

Regent Park

Regent Park is a birdwatching haven(Pexels)

Live your Bridgerton moment and stroll through Regent's Park with intertwined hands. Lush greenery and vibrant blooms call for a peaceful heart-to-heart conversation with your beau. Relax by the lake to bird-watch, ideal for bird lovers. Regent's Park is home to over 200 species of birds. One of the calming spots in London tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Regent's Park is a perfect date place to enjoy each others company.

ALSO READ: Huma Qureshis birthday bash got you dreaming of Monaco? Check out these must-visit spots

Primrose Hill

A climb that's worth it.(Pixabay)

From Primrose Hill, you get a sprawling view of London all around, highlighting the iconic landmarks. The sunsets from Primrose Hill's viewpoint are otherworldly, with the horizon as the canvas. The surrounding neighborhood is aesthetic and features colorful and sophisticated townhouses."

Burlington Arcade

Window shop at Burlington Arcade.(Pixabay)

A luxurious extravaganza awaits at Burlington Arcade with countless boutiques, art galleries, and home to high-end watches and jewellery. Luxury titans like Chanel, Cartier, and Alexander Mcqueen come together under one roof for the ultimate luxury experience. Window shopping is an underrated romantic activity, or maybe if you wish to dip your toes in luxury retail therapy, go ahead and splurge.

ALSO READ: Inspired by Raveena Tandon's latest holiday? Top must-visit places in Budapest
Four years after it passed a law ostensibly to prevent fraudulent religious conversions, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to get tougher. The maximum punishment for marrying a woman by deceiving her or converting her religion is now life imprisonment, instead of the earlier 10 years. Earlier, only a family member could lodge a complaint, now anybody can. Bail conditions are at par with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Indian women travel in the ladies compartment of a local train in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) (AP)

Versions of the anti-conversion law have been passed by eight Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states where, according to Census 2011, 40.34% of our population lives. The laws require prior permission from a state official to convert. Interfaith marriages without sarkari approval are null and void. And while such marriages arent actually banned, conversion for marriage is now practically impossible in these states.

Of course, there is the Special Marriage Act (SMA), 1954 under which couples can marry. However, the SMA requires a one-month notice to be posted in public with the names, phone numbers and addresses of the couple, making them vulnerable to vigilante groups and their own families. So, for an interfaith couple, according to the Law Commission in a 2018 report, conversion is often the more expedient alternative.

The anti-conversion laws are clear about their intent. The Uttarakhand version claims several instances where people convert themselves to the other religion only for the purpose of marriage with the girl [sic] of that religion and after marriage, they got that girl [sic] converted to their own religion. You get the gist. More than marriage, these unconstitutional laws curtail the autonomy of women. In modern India, the idea of a sexually independent adult woman is so frightening that khap panchayats in Haryana recently reiterated their demand for a law mandating parental consent for love marriages. This is not the loony fringe. The idea was also debated in the Gujarat assembly.

Eighteen months after the Supreme Court transferred separate petitions challenging the anti-conversion laws from eight states to itself, it is yet to hold its first hearing. Why is this not a priority in a country where parents kill their daughters in the name of honour?

Meanwhile, in January, the Allahabad high court (HC) refused to grant protection to eight interfaith couples, saying their marriages were not compliant with the anti-conversion law. In June, the Madhya Pradesh HC refused, bizarrely, to protect a Muslim man and Hindu woman seeking to marry under the SMA.

Over seven decades after Independence, after gaining hard-won rights, women are still being infantilised and treated as gullible people incapable of making their own decisions in love and marriage. This is the very definition of a nanny State taking control over citizens in the name of protection.

Manu, the law-giver, believed women must not be granted independence, and should remain under the control of their fathers, husbands and, finally, sons.

Manu is believed to have lived in the fourth century BC. We are now in 2024, but some ideas, it would seem, havent changed.

Namita Bhandare writes on gender. The views expressed are personal
Defence minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh must be all smiles as, after 23 years, the Supreme Court has virtually vindicated his quota within quota policy, founded on the sub-classification of SCs/STs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) over two decades ago.

The intent behind his brilliant political move was to divide the homogenous groups of OBCs and Dalits, which largely supported the Opposition parties  the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.

After a major poll setback in Uttar Pradesh in 2024, largely due to the consolidation of the backwards and Dalits in favour of the Opposition bloc, the strategists in the BJP may have a relook at Singh's policy.

As chief minister of the state in 2001, Rajnath Singh constituted a three-member social justice committee, headed by parliamentary affairs minister Hukum Singh, to look into the existing government schemes, programmes and facilities for the welfare of SCs, STs and OBCs.

It had generated a lot of heat in the states political circles as assembly elections were due in early 2002. While some of his own party leaders were circumspect about Singhs political gamble, as it apparently violated the Constitution, Rajnath had consistently held the view: Let them go to court. I am fighting to give justice to the deprived lot. I am confident of getting success in my mission. God will support me as I am trying to do justice with the deprived lot. He had planned public rallies after the Cabinet approved the recommendations.

The committee, constituted on June 28 that year, submitted the 200-page report to the state government in a record two months time on August 31. The recommendations were implemented in October 2021, stayed by the Supreme Court in December 2021 and scrapped by the Mayawati government in May 2003. It found the Yadavs and the Jatavs grabbing a lions share of the quota, depriving the poorer castes of its benefits.

Singhs trump card had failed him in the elections as the BJP won 88 assembly seats in a house of 403, much below the majority mark. Mayawati became the chief minister of a BSP-BJP coalition government after a brief spell of Presidents rule. No party had won a majority.

The BJP failed to divide or damage the backwards Dalit-dominated Opposition parties.

Much to the political discomfiture of Singh, Mayawati scrapped the much-hyped quota within quota policy with the support of BJP ministers. She had even spilled the beans, telling one and all about her one-on-one meeting with the then irrigation minister Om Prakash Singh who requested her to look into the new reservation policy. Mayawati said she had frankly asked OP Singh if Rajnath Singh would not feel offended if she withdrew the quota within quota policy, OP Singhs curt reply was: We have to watch the interest of the schedule castes and backwards and not one person.

She, thereafter, consulted Lalji Tandon before moving the proposal to the cabinet, of which the creator of the social justice report, Hukum Singh, was a member.

The committee had received and considered 3,233 representations from various interested groups in the state. It also looked into both the employment and education levels of various OBCs and Scheduled Castes. The committee not only toured the state extensively but also studied the caste arrangements in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Bihar. It also analysed SC, ST and OBC groups in 11,27,311 government posts in UP.

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet accepted the report on September 13, 2001, and on September 15, 2001, the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (Reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs (Amendment Ordinance 2001) was accepted by the governor.

According to its report, there were 66 SC groups and 79 OBC groups in Uttar Pradesh. It found the Chamars/Jatavs among SCs and Yadavs among OBCs occupying the maximum share of government jobs. In higher education also among SCs, Jatavs occupied 49.54% of reserved seats followed by Koris (12.04%), Pasis (10.04%) and Dhobis (10.04%), Among the OBCs, Yadavs occupied 32.37% followed by Kurmis 11.24%.

The findings were on the expected lines. Chamars (a Scheduled Caste) formed the largest population of 1.58 crore, followed by 1.46 crore Yadav and 1.38 crore Brahmins and 1 crore Thakurs. The population of others like Kurmi, Jat, Pasi, Kevat, Kumhar, and Gurjar ranged from 10 lakh to 54 lakh.

The government had then recommended sub-classification of OBCs and SCs to ensure social justice: 10% SC reservation for Jatavs and 11% reservation for the remaining 65 castes. The OBCs were to be divided into three schedules, namely backward castes, most backward castes and extremely backward castes. Yadavs/Ahirs were to get 5% of the 27% quota, eight B castes (including Kurmi, Jat, Gujar etc) to get 9% and 70 extremely backward castes to get 14%.

This was not the first time that an effort was made to spread social justice within deprived communities. The then Uttar Pradesh chief minister HN Bahuguna had also established a three-member committee in 1975 to do a deep survey of backward classes. Headed by Chhedi Lal Sathi, the committee, in its report, had found 41 most backward castes, with a wide difference in their social and economic status, accounting for 26% of the population. They had suggested a 17% reservation for them.

Sunita Aron is a consulting editor with the HT based in Lucknow. You can find her on X as @overto. The weekly column, Keeping up with UP tackles everything from politics to social and cultural mores in the country's most populous state. The views expressed are personal.
Governments would like to lay the entire blame for the recent Wayanad landslide and the humongous loss of lives on the very heavy rains, claiming that the whole range of human interventions, such as quarrying of the rocks in the vicinity and levelling of the land to create tourist resorts with their lakes had no role to play in triggering this tragedy. People watch as search operations are carried out after landslides hit Mundakkai village in Wayanad district in the southern state of Kerala, India, August 1, 2024. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas (REUTERS)

However, the intense rains themselves may be related to such activities as quarrying rocks. India is characterised by the worlds highest levels of aerosols, minute particles emanating from dust from construction, mining and quarrying, pulverising rocks to produce mechanical sand, automobile emissions, and burning of coal in thermal power plants. As water vapour in air laden with aerosols begins to condense, it initially forms myriads of small water droplets. These then coalesce to form larger, heavy water drops that lead to intense rain over shorter periods. So, what would otherwise have constituted a gentle drizzle lasting six hours, now beats down intensely for 30 minutes. The Konkan, the Western Ghats crestline and the adjoining Deccan Plateau regions of Maharashtra experienced such an intense lashing of rainfall last on June 22, 2021, while areas of Kerala suffered this again in mid-October that year. People in the hilly districts of Maharashtra are convinced that never have there been such severe episodes of very intense rain concentrated over a short period of time.

The floods of August 2018, preceded by unusually high rainfall, were the worst experienced by Kerala in nearly a century. Over 483 people died, and 140 went missing. The highly reputed River Research Centre (RRC) in Chalakudy, Kerala, has provided a detailed and instructive case study of the 2018 floods. The Chalakudy basin has a number of dams. In 2018, the catchments of the river received good rainfall from the second half of May, with a few high rainfall spells in June and July. The dams were quickly getting filled, and the monsoon was still very active, not even halfway through. Hence, it was evident that once the series of dams were full, heavy spells of rain would result in substantially higher floods. From July 17, 2018 onwards, RRC experts and the Chalakudy River Protection Forum made futile attempts to alert government officials of the need to take preventive measures, such as initiating the gradual release of water from the various dams to reduce the threat of severe floods. This was ignored, and it is certain that the maximum flood level could have been reduced by at least 12 metres, had there been enough storage space in the reservoirs.

The intense rains during the monsoon of 2021 in Konkan districts also led to several major landslides that took a heavy toll on human lives. The worst was at Taliye in Raigad district in which 124 people were killed. This is a region plagued by unregulated rock quarries that engage in extensive blasting along with deforestation triggered by road construction. A road is under construction to connect Khed to Mahabaleshwar through Hatlot Ghat. No provision is made to permit the flow of water, which consequently stagnates along the road. This resulted in a landslide at Birmani in Khed taluka, killing two people and five cattle.

These landslides and disasters in the Konkan region of Maharashtra in June-July 2021 were followed by a series of similar disasters in the Kottayam and Idukki districts of Kerala around October 16, 2021. As in Maharashtra, landslides were accompanied by intense rainfall. And, just as in Maharashtra, in Kerala, rock quarries and similar disturbances were associated with the tragedies. In Kerala, the worst to suffer was Plappally in Koottickal in Kottayam. A number of quarries have been operating in this region for over a decade, adversely affecting people in many ways, and people had been agitating to stop their operation. The quarry operators paid no heed, and the quarries did not stop work even during torrential rains. So, even when landslides hit Koottickal on October 16, the quarries continued operation. Locals said that sounds of explosions from the quarries could be heard during the disaster. Although only three quarries are mentioned in the official data, more than 17 were spotted in the satellite image. As many as 5,924 quarries continue functioning in Kerala despite such calamities. In fact, the state government approved 223 new quarries after the 2018 floods. This is going on, although it is well established that there is a close link between hard rock quarrying and slope failures in the form of landslides.

In Kadanad, about 25 km as the crow flies from Koottickal, an attempt was made to put together carefully compiled information to combat this menace. In 2008, Maju Puthenkandam, as the president of the Kadanad panchayat, set up the Biodiversity Management Committee, whose activities were coordinated by several experts and volunteers in all 13 wards of the panchayat. By pooling together information from all farmers and other members of the community, Puthenkandam and the committee prepared the Peoples Biodiversity Register. This document noted that the quarrying of rocks in the biodiversity-rich Perumkunnu Hills was detrimental to it and should be halted. This report was endorsed by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. The Kerala high court examined this case in 2012 and upheld the Kadanad gram panchayatsdecision not to allow quarrying as it was based on solid evidence. Vested interests then swung into action and alleged that the panchayat was being declared as an ecologically sensitive area, and farmers and people would only suffer even more by coming under the tyranny of the forest department. Regretfully, the forest department is serving as a tool of moneyed interests, and by harassing people, turns them against environmental protection. Due to this pressure, the Kadanad panchayat withdrew the resolution. But, a beginning has been made and one can only hope that this will lead to fruitful action in the new ICT revolution age.

Madhav Gadgil is an ecologist and founder of the Centre for Ecological Studies at the Indian Institute of Science. The views expressed are personal
Bharat Realty Venture Pvt Ltd (BRVPL) said on August 2 that the construction of the sixth Taj Hotel in North Goa's Anjuna area will begin from next month and will be completed in the next three years by September 2027. The 170-key sea-view hotel will be constructed on a land parcel spread across 17 acres and cost 300 crore, the company said in a statement. Bharat Realty Venture Pvt Ltd (BRVPL) on August 2 said that the construction of sixth Taj Hotel in North Goa's Anjuna area will begin from next month and will be completed in the next three years by September 2027. (Picture for representational purposes only)(HT Files)

"GTDC handed over the vacant site in April 2024, and construction will begin in September 2024. The construction is expected to be completed in the next three years by September 2027. This will be the sixth Taj Hotel in Goa," said the company statement.

The company in July 2024 had announced its partnership with The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) operating under the Taj brand by signing a management contract for operating the facility. BRVPL has said it has entered into a 60-year lease with Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) for the land parcel.

"Bharat will have to build the hotel at their own cost and operate the facility for which they have paid an upfront fee of 35 crore to GTDC and shall pay 5% of the gross top-line revenues to GTDC," the company said in the statement on August 2.

The property has an unobstructed view of the Arabian sea. "This property will showcase North Goa's largest dining area with outdoor grounds, perfect for social gatherings and weddings. This partnership promises to redefine luxury and elevate the hospitality experience in one of India's most sought-after destinations," said the company.

Also Read: Goa real estate market: Young professionals are now investing in villa properties due to attractive rental yields

"This partnership was our first in the hospitality sector, underscoring our shared vision of delivering exceptional hospitality experiences and contributing to Goa's tourism landscape. This hotel will offer a new luxury destination for travellers," said Dhaval Barot, MD and CEO of Bharat Realty Venture Pvt Ltd.

Apart from the hospitality sector venture in Goa, BRVPL is involved in construction of luxury residential projects in Mumbai. The company has a presence in areas like Andheri, Vile Parle, Thane.

Goa real estate market

Delhi-NCR-based listed real estate developer DLF is expected to launch 62 ultra luxury villas in Goa priced between 40 crore and 50 crore in the second half of the financial year 2024-2025, company sources had told HT.com

Also Read: DLF to enter Goa market, to launch luxury villas for 40 to 50 crore

The luxury villa project is located on a hill named Reis Mago in Goa which is around 32 km away from the Goa International Airport in Dabolim.

As per Sothebys International Realty (ISIR)s Luxury Outlook Survey 2024, around 35 percent of holiday home buyers preferred Goa as a second home destination, which highlights Goas appeal among India's wealthy.

Also Read: After Ayodhya, The House of Abhinandan Lodha plans to launch projects in Shimla, Amritsar and Vrindavan this year

Goa was recently also featured on the second spot with 90% appreciation in launch prices of residential units in the second home destination over the last five years, a report released by PropEquity had said.
Lakshya Sen made headlines after he defeated Indonesian badminton player Jonatan Christie in a do-or-die group stage match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. During the match, one particular shot by Sen left people in disbelief - a no-look backhand. Expectedly, Indian fans were overjoyed, and most took to social media to share their excitement. The list also includes business tycoon Anand Mahindra. In his witty style, he wrote that he would cry foul and file a suit if he ever got Sen as his opponent. Anand Mahindras post on Lakshya Sen's backhand at the 2024 Paris Olympics has amused people. (HT File Photo, Screengrab)

If I were his opponent, I would cry foul and file a suit claiming that I was confronted by an unnatural opponent who possessed three arms, Anand Mahindra wrote as he shared a video on X. The clip captures the badminton player's insane backhand.

Take a look at the entire post here:

With over two million views, the post has further accumulated several comments. People couldnt hold back while posting their excitement about Sens backhand.

What did X users say about this post?

An X user wrote, I was fortunate enough to watch this live. This is new India. Unconventional, aggressive, energetic and resourceful. Another added, Yes! This is the backhand which could have shocked even the greatest of greats! Amazing Innovation in skills!

India would be competing for the top three in the Olympics if we had increased the budget for sports, said one individual. A fourth joined and commented, Amazing. I cant stand on my feet for 10 minutes straight, and how do these athletes fly on their toes?

Lakshya bagged a straight-game win over world number 4 badminton player Jonatan Christie. With this win, Sen paved his way to the pre-quarterfinals of the men's singles badminton tournament at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics.

In 2016, 15-year-old Lakshya Sen became the youngest player to reach the Indian national mens singles final. In the process, he overtook his mentor, Prakash Padukone, legendary badminton player and Deepika Padukones father.

What are your thoughts on Anand Mahindras post on Lakshya Sen?
Venezuelan authorities on Friday ratified Nicolas Maduro's election victory as the number of nations recognizing his opposition rival as the true winner mounted. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (Reuters/File)

Gripped by anxiety after Sunday's disputed presidential vote, the oil-rich nation braced for fresh protests as both Maduro and the opposition called for their supporters to demonstrate this weekend.

Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay and Costa Rica on Friday recognized opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the president-elect of Venezuela, joining the United States and Peru in rejecting the official results.

Venezuela's election authority meanwhile ratified Maduro's win with 52 percent of the vote and said Gonzalez Urrutia had garnered 43 percent of ballots.

Maduro, 61, has reacted fiercely to criticism of his victory and has vowed to lock up opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and her presidential candidate Gonzalez Urrutia, saying they "should be behind bars."

Gonzalez Urrutia did not show up to a hearing at the Supreme Court after Maduro requested the tribunal investigate and certify the election result.

However, other opposition candidates summoned to the hearing called for a detailed vote count to be made public.

Voting records "are fundamental for transparency, they are fundamental for peace," said Enrique Marquez, who also ran against Maduro, as part of a smaller opposition group.

- 'Fearing for my life' -

Machado, who had been barred from running herself, wrote in the Wall Street Journal that she was in hiding and "fearing for my life," along with other opposition leaders.

She also called on supporters to gather on Saturday "in every city" to protest Maduro's reelection.

"We remain firm and tomorrow we will take to the streets," opposition member Delsa Solorzano told a press conference.

"Maria Corina is fine ... she will be with us" at the march, she added.

Maduro, for his part, has called for daily mobilization, with "the mother of all marches to celebrate the victory of peace" to be held Saturday.

The NGO Foro Penal reported 11 dead in protests that erupted on Monday and Tuesday as Venezuelans took to the street in anger, saying their vote had been stolen. Machado said at least 20 people had been killed.

The crackdown on protests has sparked fear among opposition supporters.

"We have dead, wounded, detainees, missing people... People know it. They are afraid. They know they are going to find themselves facing armed people ... ferocious wolves," said Katiusca Camargo, an activist in the Petare slum in eastern Caracas.

The opposition this week launched a website with copies of 84 percent of ballots cast, showing an easy win for Gonzalez Urrutia. The government claims these are forged.

- 'Overwhelming evidence' -

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken said Thursday there was "overwhelming evidence" that Gonzalez Urrutia had won the election.

On Friday, Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino said that Gonzalez Urrutia was the "legitimate winner and president-elect." Peru has also recognized the 74-year-old retired diplomat as the rightful winner.

Uruguay Foreign Minister Omar Paganini said "it is clear" Gonzalez Urrutia "obtained the majority of votes." Ecuador said Gonzalez Urrutia was the "legitimate winner" of the vote and Costa Rica said he was the "indisputable" winner.

Argentina, Uruguay, Peru and Costa Rica are among eight critical Latin American nations whose diplomatic staff have been asked to leave Venezuela since the election. Caracas also withdrew its staff from those countries.

Brazil has assumed custody of the Peruvian embassy as well as the Argentine embassy, which is housing six Venezuelan opposition figures seeking safety from authorities.

In a joint statement, the governments of Brazil, Colombia and Mexico urged an "impartial verification" of the result, also calling for Caracas to publish voting data broken down by polling stations.

- 'Bloodbath' -

Sunday's elections were held in the shadow of Maduro's warnings of a "bloodbath" if he were to lose, and amid widespread fear the vote would be rigged.

Authorities said more than 1,000 people were arrested in protests that erupted after the election.

Maduro has led the oil-rich country since 2013, presiding over a GDP drop of 80 percent that pushed more than seven million of once-wealthy Venezuela's 30 million citizens to emigrate. Experts blame economic mismanagement and US sanctions for the collapse.

He is accused of locking up critics and harassing opponents in a climate of rising authoritarianism.

Maduro's previous reelection, in 2018, was rejected by dozens of Latin American as well as the United States and EU members.

Years of damaging US sanctions have failed to dislodge the president, who enjoys loyalty from the military leadership, electoral bodies, courts and other state institutions, as well as the backing of Russia, China and Cuba.
Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israel on Thursday in response to an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon that claimed life of a top commander earlier this week. The attack was Hezbollah's first since an Israeli airstrike killed its top commander Fuad Shukr on Tuesday evening, with leader Hassan Nasrallah saying operations would resume on Friday morning. Hezbollah attacks with rockets on Israel after commander's death.(X/@Israel)

The Iran-backed group said it launched dozens of Katyusha rockets "in response to the Israeli enemy's attack on... (the southern village of Shama) that killed a number of civilians".

The Israeli military said its air force hit the Hezbollah launcher used for the rockets shortly after the attack. The IDF said that only five of the barrage of rockets could enter the country and there are no reports of any losses.

ALSO READ- Hamas chief killing: Iran orders direct attack; US speaks on right to defend

Israel also blames Lebanese government

Israel also blamed Lebanese government responsible for Hezbollah attack.

We will not allow anyone to terrorize the people of Israel, it said in an X post.

Hours after Shukr's death, a strike in Tehran killed Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, an ally of Hezbollah. Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for the attack, but Israel has declined to comment.

Israel on Thursday also confirmed that the head of Hamas military wing, Mohammed Deif, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza in July.

ALSO READ- Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, killed in Iran, shared stage with Nitin Gadkari, others yesterday

Laugh a bit and you will cry a lot: Hezbollah leader

In a virtual video speech to mourners gathered around Shukurs coffin in a Beirut suburb, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared, "We have entered a new phase that is different from the previous period."

Referring to the Israelis, he said, Do they expect that Hajj Ismail Haniyeh will be killed in Iran and Iran will remain silent?

"Laugh a bit and you will cry a lot," he warned.

ALSO READ- Who is Khaled Meshaal, set to be Hamas chief after Ismail Haniyeh assassinated?

Biden promises new defensive US military deployments

US president Joe Biden promised Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu "new defensive US military deployments" amid threats of retaliation from Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah leaders' assassinations.

The White House reported that Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israels security against all threats from Iran and its proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. During their call, Biden discussed efforts to bolster Israel's defense against threats such as ballistic missiles and drones, including new defensive US military deployments.

Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel is at a "very high level of preparedness" in response to potential reprisals for the recent assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
Toronto: In a surprising development, the Indian Government has asked the social media company X to block a pair of handles that have been prominent in criticising and countering pro-Khalistan propaganda in Canada. The handle of Canadian journalist Mocha Bezirgan, which has been blocked in India by X at the request of the Indian government.

The handles, which appear to be blocked in India, are those of Mocha Bezirgan, a Calgary-based independent journalist and Journalist V, who divides his time between Toronto and the Bay Area in California. They were informed by Xs legal department of the legal removal demand from the Indian Government on Thursday.

The notice stated the demand came as it was deemed the accounts content violates Indias Information Technology Act, 2000. X told them Indian law obligates it to withhold access to this content in India but it will remain available elsewhere.

Bezirgan has reported from various pro-Khalistan events in Canada, including from the so-called referendum in Calgary on Sunday, organised by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice or SFJ. For his troubles, he has been accused of being part of a spy network run by India with his image used in that context in a post from SFJ.

He has also received threats, including a message in mid-July, when a person identifying himself as Arshdeep Hans wrote, Your days are numbered. Im coming to Calgary soon.  Ima kill you when I see you.

In a message to the Hindustan Times, Journalist V, who wished to remain anonymous, said, As a freelance journalist covering issues faced by the diaspora in North America, I was shocked to find my Twitter account withheld in India. Other journalists reporting on pro-Khalistan extremism in North America have faced similar restrictions.

He said this action raised questions about the criteria used and their impact on reporting diaspora issues, adding he was seeking clarity on the reasons and the process for addressing this.

My goal was to bring out factual information regarding the presence of pro-Khalistani extremism in North America that has becoming an increasing concern for the Indian diaspora, he said. This was prompted by the killing of pro-Khalistan element Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18 last year when he saw that Canadian media was whitewashing who he was and reports from Indian media were often dismissed as govt propaganda.
The new acting chief of the U.S. Secret Service said that local police in Pennsylvania should not be held responsible for security failures leading up to the assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump last month. WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 30: Acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr.'s glasses are fogged as he testifies before a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security and Government Affairs committees in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on July 30, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by CHIP SOMODEVILLA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

"In no way should any state or local agency supporting us in Butler on July 13th be held responsible for a Secret Service failure," U.S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe told reporters on Friday. "This was a Secret Service failure. That roof line should have been covered - we should have had better eyes on (that)."

In testimony to Congress earlier this week, Rowe had blamed the failure on local law enforcement.

The first shooting of a U.S. president or major party candidate in more than four decades was a glaring security lapse that led last week to former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's resignation under bipartisan congressional pressure.

Officials said that 20-year-old Thomas Crooks fired the shots that wounded Trump's right ear, killed one rally attendee and wounded two others with an AR-15-style rifle, before law enforcement snipers shot and killed him.
Prince Harry may forgo attending the funeral of his uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, amid the ongoing Royal Family drama. Will Prince Harry attend his uncle's funeral? Strained family relations make it uncertain. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)(AP)

Lord Fellowes, who was married to Lady Jane Spencer, the late Princess Diana's sister, passed away at the age of 82 due to undisclosed causes.

Lord Fellowes served as the late Queen Elizabeth II's private secretary for nine critical years, from 1990 to 1999.

Despite helping Queen Elizabeth craft a speech that posthumously described Diana as an exceptional and gifted human being, the late Princess of Wales was not particularly fond of him, referring to him as a faceless man in grey.

Lord Fellowes attended both Prince William and Harry's weddings.

ALSO READ| Meghan Markle was really surprised how lavishly Wales living than they are

A former friend of Prince Harry, however, told The Daily Beast, The death will be a huge blow to the Spencer family. In normal times it would be unimaginable that Harry would not be there to support Jane. Of course, he would want to be there.

It will be a huge gathering of the Spencer clan. But these are not normal times, and it may well be that everyone feels Harrys attendance would just create too much drama. It will be very sad for him if he cant make it.

Prince Harry's relationship with family makes funeral attendance unlikely

The relationship between Harry and his family has been strained ever since he relocated to the US with his wife, Meghan Markle, in January 2020 after stepping down from royal duties. After moving to Montecito, Prince Harry and Meghan were vocal about the royal family's secret. They made several bombshell revelations through various interviews, the Netflix tell-al docu-series Harry & Meghan, and the duke's 2023 memoir, Spare. And royal rift deepens between the Sussexes and their family.

In the memoir, the Duke of Sussex described his brother, Prince William, as being critical of Meghan, alleging that William called her difficult, rude, and abrasive.

ALSO READ| Meghan Markle wishes Prince Harry would let go of these lawsuits because

Friends of the duke also claimed that King Charles III is refusing to take Prince Harry's calls nowadays.

He gets 'unavailable right now'. His calls go unanswered. He has tried to reach out about the King's health, but those calls go unanswered too, he said, and added the father-son are into complete silence.
King Charles III is reportedly refusing to take Prince Harry's calls, as their deepening rift within the Royal Family continues, according to one Harry's friend. Report reveals rift between Prince Harry-Meghan Markle and King Charles over security and funding(AP)

Friends of the Duke of Sussex claim that His Majesty is no longer responding to his estranged son's calls or letters, exacerbating the tension between them.

The last time the Duke and the monarch saw each other was in February when they met for 45 minutes in London following the King's cancer diagnosis. Since then, their communication has reportedly deteriorated, particularly amid escalating tensions over Prince Harry's ongoing struggle for automatic security when he is in the UK.

Even during Prince Harry's brief May visit for the Invictus Games, Charles didn't met him due to his full schedule.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry may skip his uncle, Lord Fellowes' funeral because everyone feels

King Charles III 'refusing to take Prince Harry's calls'

Sources close to Harry indicate that he is frightened for the safety of his wife Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

He fears a sudden knife or acid on Meghan. It only takes one lone actor [who reads negative stories about Harry and Meghan in the press] with a knife or acid, the duke stated at ITV documentary Tabloids on Trial.

Harry believes that the King has the authority to intervene in his ongoing court case with the Home Office regarding his security. According to sources quoted in People, the issue of security started as a point of frustration but has now led to complete silence between father and son.

The friend of Harrys shared, He gets unavailable right now. His calls go unanswered. He has tried to reach out about the Kings health, but those calls go unanswered too.

The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) makes decisions regarding the Duke of Sussex's security. This committee operates independently of the King and is part of the Home Office. Despite this, Harry seems to believe that his father could influence the proceedings.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry fears a knife or acid attack on Meghan Marke if they

The duke lost his High Court challenge in London against the UK Government over his right to state-funded police protection. He had expressed to a judge that he did not feel safe bringing his children, Archie and Lilibet, to the UK without proper security and could not risk putting Meghan in danger like that.

Prince Harry feels Its still dangerous to travel to King's landing with his family cause all it takes is one lone actor to harm his family.
Toronto: As sentiment in Canada against high levels of immigration continues to rise, shades of xenophobia targeting the largest cohort of newcomers, those from India and particularly Sikhs, have become evident. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (AFP)

According to a recent poll from the agency Leger for Association of Canadian Studies, 60 per cent of the respondents felt there were too many immigrants, an increase of 10 per cent since February. The number was at 35 per cent in March 2019, when 49 per cent felt the right number of immigrants were coming into the country. That latter figure has dropped to 28 per cent now.

This level to opposition to immigration is at its highest in this century as per the Association.

Indians are the largest cohort of the immigrants, whether they are permanent residents or are on temporary visas like study permits. And among them the most visible are the Sikhs, because they are distinct in appearance.

That has led to as racist physical attacks last months in the province of Ontario alone, with an incident that occurred in the town of Peterborough being classified as a hate crime by local police. According to a release from Peterborough Police, early on July 25, four young men spat at a person and knocked his turban off.

Online attacks have also multiplied including allegations of open defecation, which have illustrated with signs showing a turbaned person squatting on a beach.

But at its heart is a cost-of-living crisis including shelter affordability which the Government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been unable to address adequately. As Shinder Purewal, professor of political science at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia said, Interestingly, the reason for anti-immigration sentiment has changed in Canada. They used to say that third world people are flooding Canada to take away our jobs. Now immigrants, especially international students, are bringing billions and the complaint is that their money has driven up prices.

The virulent nature of the response has also concerned Dr Satwinder Kaur Bains, as she said that at this juncture in time we are seeing racism in the form of deliberate and egregious dis/misinformation (read fake) about fellow Canadians. While Sikhs and other visible immigrant communities are part of the larger tropes that are constant in Canada  that immigration (read racialized immigration) is bad for Canada, there is a lack of response by Canadians to the xenophobia that is prevalent in our communities. Bains is the director of the South Asian Studies Institute in British Columbia.

Political commentators like Spencer Fernando have described this as misdirected anger, as he noted recently that some have gone beyond criticizing the consequences of unsustainable immigration and are now seemingly focused on demonizing Indo-Canadians  often in explicitly racist terms.

As always, all of us need to ensure that the backlash to failed government policy doesnt result in Canada losing our soul or losing our sense of basic decency, he added.

The change from being a country welcoming of immigrants to one wary of them has worried those like Purewal, who faced racism almost every day after his family moved to Vancouver in 1979. Such open racism against Indian origin immigrants has not existed in Canada in recent times, but he feared it may be emerging again.
A wildfire burning in Colorados heavily populated Front Range region has burned dozens of homes and outbuildings, while a second fire crept within a quarter-mile of evacuated homes near Denver on Thursday. Smoke rises from the Stone Canyon fire near Lyons, Boulder County, Colorado, U.S., July 30, 2024, in this screengrab taken from a handout video. Colorado Parks and Wildlife/Handout via REUTERS(via REUTERS)

Authorities said they were hopeful that hundreds of threatened homes could be saved. But firefighters working in the tree-covered foothills on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains faced sweltering temperatures, and some were sidelined by heat exhaustion.

The struggle to contain the blazes came after authorities said Wednesday that a person was killed in a wildfire west of Lyons, Colorado. The person's remains were found inside one of five houses that burned.

Almost 100 large fires are raging across the West. The largest, in Northern California, has burned more than 400 houses and other structures, officials reported.

New, large fires were reported in Idaho, southeast Montana and north Texas.

About two dozen homes and outbuildings were damaged or destroyed in a wildfire, near Loveland, Colorado, authorities disclosed after an initial survey of the burn area.

Meanwhile the Quarry Fire southwest of the Denver suburb of Littleton encroached on several large subdivisions after people in 600 homes were ordered to evacuate.

ALSO READ| California wildfire grows bigger than Los Angeles as 5,500 firefighters battling the blaze

By Thursday afternoon, firefighting aircraft zipped back and forth between the blaze and a nearby reservoir. Planes skimmed the surface to scoop up water and hovering helicopters pumped water into their tanks before returning to the fire to dump their loads.

Jim and Meg Lutes watched from an overlook near their house northeast of the fire as smoke plumed up from the ridges. Their community west of Littleton was not under evacuation orders, but the couple had been ready to start packing a day earlier when flames could be seen blanketing the mountains.

It can come over that hill pretty quick if the wind changes, said Jim Lutes, 64, pointing to a nearby ridge.

Firefighters injured, homes threatened as wildfires rage

Five firefighters were injured Wednesday, including four who had heat exhaustion, said Mark Techmeyer, a spokesperson with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office.

The fire was in steep terrain that made it difficult to access but had been held to less than one square mile (1.8 square kilometers) with no houses yet destroyed, authorities said. It remained a major hazard, with hot temperatures and low humidity elevating the danger.

The fire was discovered Tuesday night by a deputy on patrol in what authorities described as "open areas. It was small at first but quickly spread.

I think anytime that you see a small fire in an area like that at 9:00 at night, it makes you scratch your head a little bit," Techmeyer said at a Wednesday briefing when asked if he thought the fire was suspicious.

On Thursday he said the fire has proven to be one of the most challenging firefights Ive seen," as helicopters passed overhead.

He was flanked by hillsides where firefighters labored to keep the blaze from hopping a road separating the conflagration from populated areas.

If we lose that fight, the fire is coming this way, Techmeyer said, motioning toward dense neighborhoods and Littleton.

The ranks of firefighters doubled since the day before, from 75 to 155, most of them volunteers. No structures had been lost as of Thursday afternoon but authorities expected the battle to be a long one.

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin, which operates a large facility just outside the evacuation zone, closed it as a precaution.

Miles to the north near Lyons, officials lifted some evacuations and reported making progress on the Stone Canyon Fire, which has killed one person and destroyed five houses. The cause is under investigation.

ALSO READ| Man accused in court of starting a huge wildfire in California: Thousands evacuated and acres destroyed

California's arson-caused Park Fire northeast of Chico continued to grow, covering about 610 square miles (1,590 square kilometers) as of Thursday morning. That's more than 25 times the size of New York's Manhattan Island.

Losses also increased. The latest updates tallied 437 structures destroyed and 42 damaged, according to Cal Fire. The fire was 18% contained.

Authorities said they faced critical fire weather in the coming days with potential triple-digit temperatures, thunderstorms and erratic winds. Almost 6,000 personnel were helping battle the Park Fire as more fire crews arrived from Utah and Texas.

Scientists say extreme wildfires are becoming more common and destructive in the U.S. West and others parts of the world as climate change warms the planet and droughts become more severe.
Former President Donald Trump is facing huge backlash for his recent Black or Indian? confusing comments about VP Kamala Harris' race have led many netizens to question his understanding of biracial individuals. Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump speaks on a panel of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Wednesday. (REUTERS)

The controversy stems from Trump's appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago on July 31. During the event, Trump was asked, Some of your own supporters, including Republicans on Capitol Hill, have labelled Vice President Kamala Harris  who is the first Black and Asian American woman to serve as Vice President be on a major party ticket  as a 'DEI hire.' Is that acceptable language to you? And will you tell those Republicans and those supporters to stop it?

I didn't know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black and now she wants to be known as black,  Trump replied.

ALSO READ| Black or Indian? Donald Trump launches racially insensitive attack on Kamala Harris

She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black. So I don't know. Is she Indian, or is she Black?

Netizens ridicule Trump over racial comments on Harris

One user on X (formerly Twiiter) shared a Venn diagram illustrating Harris' heritage, with one circle labeled Indian mother, the other Jamaican father, and the intersection labeled Kamala. The post's caption read, Just a little diagram to make it easier for MAGAs who can't read but understand.

Donald Trump might actually be the dumbest man in America. Either that, or he's the most racist. Honestly, both are probably true, another user posted.

Kamalas mother is Indian and father is Irish/Indian, who happens to be a Marxist professor with ancestors that owned a slave plantation in Jamaica. You wont hear that in the legacy fake news media though, another one chimed in.

Trump, however, later reinforced his claims on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, Crazy Kamala is saying shes Indian, not Black. This is a big deal. Stone cold phony. She uses everybody, including her racial identity!

ALSO READ| Who are Kamala Harris' top VP contenders? Here's what poll shows

Kamala Harris, who was born in California to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, is the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the office of Vice President in the States.

Later in the day Harris took to her X account, calling his statements the same old show.

She wrote, Let me just say: The American people deserve better than Donald Trumps divisiveness and disrespect.
The former chief of the Honduran National Police was sentenced Thursday to 19 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to protect shipments of cocaine destined for the United States. Juan Carlos Bonilla Valladares, 64, better known as El Tigre or The Tiger, was a member of the Honduran National Police for decades before becoming its leader for a year in 2012.(AP)

Juan Carlos Bonilla Valladares, 64, better known as El Tigre or The Tiger, was a member of the Honduran National Police for decades before becoming its leader for a year in 2012.

He rose to power by enabling cocaine trafficking on a massive sale and using violence, including murder, to protect the drug trade, prosecutors said in a presentencing brief. They had asked that he be sentenced to 30 years in prison.

The sentence in Manhattan federal court was announced by Judge P. Kevin Castel.

In a brief by the defense, attorney Donald Vogelman requested a sentence of 10 years in prison. He wrote that Bonilla Valladares was not always involved in illegal activities and that although he admitted his guilt in a drug conspiracy, he adamantly denies being involved in any murders.

From time to time he was involved in the illegal drug trade. He actually did good work in service to his country most of the time. He was a very gifted man who lived a dual life which was unfortunate, Vogelman said.

The lawyer said his client was in poor health and will be a marked man if he survives incarceration and is returned to Honduras.

He will not go back to criminal activities. That chapter in his life is behind him, the lawyer said.

In Honduras, retired Honduran National Police commissioner Henry Osorio Canales said the sentence was the latest example of how his country's institutions were at the service of drug traffickers.

We had a government that was in criminal hands, which steered the destiny of the people and El Tigre was its armed branch, he said.

A son of Bonilla Valladares by the same name, Juan Carlos Bonilla, who was in the courtroom Thursday, told Honduras HRN radio that his father maintains his innocence and only made a guilty plea because he hopes to one day be free again.

He told us it was all a political persecution, the younger Bonilla said. Today was very difficult to see my father in that situation. He added that his father would appeal his sentence.

Prosecutors said Bonilla Valladares accepted lucrative bribes for providing armed protection as cocaine was transported across Honduras. They said he directed other corrupt law enforcement officers to protect those shipments and furnished sensitive law enforcement information about pending raids to his co-conspirators.

He was arrested March 9, 2022, after he was labeled by U.S. prosecutors as a co-conspirator of former President Juan Orlando Hernandez and the presidents brother Tony Hernandez. Prosecutors said prior to his sentencing that the brothers were the powerful political allies of Bonilla Valladares.

In June, Juan Orlando Hernandez was sentenced to 45 years in prison in Manhattan federal court after he was convicted in March on drug charges after a two-week trial that was closely followed in his home country.

Tony Hernandez, a former Honduran congressman, was sentenced to life in a U.S. prison in 2021 in the same courthouse for his own conviction on drug charges.

In a release, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said Valladares committed the very crimes he was sworn to prevent.

Anne Milgram, administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Bonilla Valladares exploited his position as head of the Honduran National Police to traffic cocaine to the United States and protect drug traffickers.
Evan Gershkovich, the American journalist and reporter who was detained in Russia on charges of espionage in March 2023, arrived in the US on Thursday, August 1. He was released from Russia as a part of the biggest prisoner swaps deal between Moscow and the West since the Cold War. US journalist Evan Gershkovich was reunited with his family after being released from Russia. He was freed months after Tucker Carlson interviewed Vladimir Putin.(AP/X)

Around 26 people, including Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post columnist Vladimir Kara-Murza, journalist Alsu Kurmasheva of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and former Marine Paul Whelan, were involved in the historic prisoner swap.

Before leaving the prison, Gershkovich made a surprising request to the Russian government, seeking an opportunity to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Gershkovich had to pen down an official appeal for presidential pardon to Putin as part of the release procedure formalities.

He mentioned about his plea for an interview with the Kremlin leader at the bottom of the document, the WSJ stated, detailing the convoluted diplomatic process that US officials and Gershkovich's family encountered in order to secure his release from the Russia prison. However, it hasn't been confirmed yet if Putin saw the letter or responded to it.

What was the role of Tucker Carlson in Gershkovich's release?

When Berlin and Washington were chalking out the way to crack a deal with Russia, Tucker Carlson emerged as an unexpected new negotiator with Moscow.

Notably, the WSJ journalist's release came months after the former Fox News host took Putin's interview, which was exclusively aired on social media.

Carlson informed the Russian President's advisors that he intended to ask Putin to release Gershkovich. Responding to him, Putin's close aide called his plan a great idea, hinting that he might get a favorable response.

Also Read: Russia issues chilling warning to released US prisoners after historic swap: Let the traitors now

Putin publicly raised his demand

During a two-hour long interview with Putin, Carlson pressed his case, saying, This guy is obviously not a spy, he's just a kid.

Hes being held hostage in exchangeMaybe it degrades Russia to do that, the American host added.

Expressing protest, Putin for the first time openly declared that he wanted one person in return, who was serving a sentence in an allied country of the US.

The Kremlin leader was alluding to Vadim Krasikov, his patriot, who was serving his sentence in German jail. Therefore, the US was not eligible to offer him to Russia.

After Putin took Carlson on a tour of the Kremlin, the TV pundit came back to the topic of Gershkovich and asked, Why are you doing this?..Its hurting you.

In response, Putin held Washington responsible for the issue, asserting that Russia had clarified what it wanted. He further criticised the fact that the US didn't take more action to extradite its alleged spies.

The impact of Carlson interview

After Carlson's interview with Putin garnered over 200 million views, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Washington to speak with Biden on the matter. They both decided to explore Krasikov as the centerpiece of a deal that would lead to release of several inmates, including Gershkovich, Whelan, and the now-deceased Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. In exchange, Russia would be able to get its spies held in Norway and Slovenia.

The landmark development came after months of careful diplomacy by the representatives from the United States, Germany, Russia, and other countries, as well as family members who stood firmly for their loved ones behind the bars.

Gershkovich's mother Ella Milman was instrumental in securing her son's release. She discussed his situation with journalists and world leaders.
Donald Trumps VP pick, JD Vance, recently found himself in the spotlightnot for any past statement blunders, but for his eye-catching makeup. The internet has been buzzing, questioning how his piercing blue eyes shine so brightly, with many noting how his dark eyelashes frame them perfectly. This online chatter didnt escape the attention of TikTok creators and comedy show hosts like Desi Lydic of The Daily Show and Jimmy Fallon who took a comedic jab at Vance's makeup choices. JD Vance defends childless cat ladies remark amid massive criticism (AP Photo/Adam Bettcher)(AP)

TikTok reviews JD Vance's makeup

JD Vances eye makeup has taken TikTok by storm, with users scanning his 'smokey' eyes and wondering, "Does he wear eyeliner?" American comedian Desi Lydic took to her satirical news program, the Daily Show to deliver a humorous review of what the public has been gossiping about since Vance entered the heated presidential campaign.

Also read: US election: Kamala Harris' winning odds hit an all time high against Trump, in betting market

The segment, titled "Reviewing Republicans' Beauty Trends," began with Lydic sharing how fans had flooded her DMs, asking her to review JD Vance's fierce eye makeup. She comically described his eyeliner technique, suggesting he applied strokes to the inner parts of his eyes to make his baby blue eyes pop, or perhaps, she quipped, its the dark, black part of his soul, maybe its Maybelline!

Lydic then continued her comedic critique by noting how Vance manages to maintain his look throughout a day filled with interviews. Taking a playful dig at his book, Hillbilly Elegy, she speculated that he might be using a Maybelline shade called "Faux Hillbilly" or Revlon's "Business Ewok." She also commented on the Republican efforts to court Silicon Valley fundraisers, blending her makeup review with a sharp political jab.

Tonight show host, Jimmy Fallon also took a lighthearted jab at Vances makeup. A video shows Jimmy reacting to the graph which shows how Google searches for Does Vance wear eyeliner has skyrocketed. Many TikTok creators also shared their content decoding the style, brand and in some cases recreating the whole look. It won't be wrong to say, the Ohio senator has sparked some fashion frenzy.

Internet reacts

Searching J.D. Vance and eyeliner on Twitter reveals numerous posts questioning if the senator and Republican vice-presidential candidate is using makeup. Im waiting for JDs Tutorial on correct Smokey strokes, a social media user wrote. Another is convinced that he uses some top-notch quality makeup urged to name the brand and shaded. As an esthetician and makeup artist for 25 years, when I saw him I knew he was tinting his lashes, one more said.

Also read: Kamala Harris accidentally calls herself president and the crowds reaction is wild: Watch

Many even seized the chance to promote men wearing makeup, stating that Vance's eyes pop and look beautiful with makeup, and questioned what was wrong with that. Others, however, didn't forget his 'cat ladies' and 'drag queen' comments, labelling him as hypocritical for wearing makeup.

Luna Viola, a makeup artist, spoke to The List and said it's pretty likely ance wears some kind of eye makeup, which a lot of public people do. She hinted it could be a dark brown pencil liner on his lower eyelid. But, Viola also pointed out that Vance might just be lucky to have really thick eyelashes and nice genes.
The historic prisoner swap that brought about the release of US journalist Evan Gershkovich and 15 others was made possible by a personal promise German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made to US President Joe Biden during a White House visit. But until Thursday, it was far from clear the plan would succeed. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greet reporter Evan Gershkovich at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)(AP)

During the 9 February trip, Biden appealed to Scholz to release Vadim Krasikov, a convicted Russian killer serving a life sentence for murder in Germany, as part of a complex six-country arrangement.

The German leader was reticent at first: Krasikov had gunned down a Chechen separatist in 2019 in broad daylight in Berlins Tiergarten park, supposedly at the personal order of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the end, Scholz conceded, based on a warm relationship with the US president that has led the chancellor to describe Biden as a close friend.

It was two guys actually trying to figure out a solution, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters Thursday after the deal was unveiled. That was the nature of all of the conversations, and ultimately, the chancellor was able to say to the president, Lets do this.

ALSO READ| Trump blasts Biden's decision on Whelan, Gershkovich exchange: Our negotiators are embarrassment

Scholz had agreed to the prisoner swap on the assumption that it would also involve Russian activist Alexey Navalny, who died a week later while imprisoned in Russia.

When Navalny died on Feb. 16, Sullivan happened to be meeting with Gershkovichs parents, Ella Milman and Mikhail Gershkovich, a senior US administration official said. The Wall Street Journal reporter was being held in Russia on espionage charges  charges that he and the Journal reject.

The national security team worried that Navalnys death would impact their efforts to secure the release of Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, another American held prisoner in Russia, the official said. But Sullivan stressed to Evan Gershkovichs parents that he still saw a path forward.

Shortly after, Putin made it clear in an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that any deal would be contingent on Krasikovs release. We have certain conditions that are being discussed through channels between special services, Putin said. I believe an agreement can be reached.

How Biden secured the release of US Journalist Gershkovich

In April, Sullivan drafted a proposal for Scholz on Bidens behalf that reflected more than a years worth of work by the White House national security team, according to the senior US official.

Meanwhile, German officials repeatedly denied reports that Krasikov might be part of a deal. Scholz declined to comment on the matter whenever he was asked about it.

Final arrangements came together on July 21, after Biden called Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob urging him to help seal the deal by releasing two Russians held as spies in that country, according to a US official.

It was an intense day for the 81-year-old president. About an hour later, Biden announced he was ending his reelection campaign.

Scholz broke his silence Thursday evening, interrupting his summer vacation to welcome German nationals released as part of the exchange.

ALSO READ| Obama lauds Biden for US-Russia prisoner swap that secured freedom for 3 American citizens

Nobody took the decision lightly to let go a murderer serving a life sentence after only a few years, Scholz said at the Cologne, Germany, airport. But the governments obligation to protect its citizens, and solidarity with the US, mattered more, he said.

Biden said Thursday he owes Scholz a great sense of gratitude.

The demands they were making of me required me to get some significant concessions from Germany, which they originally concluded they could not do because of the person in question, the president said at the White House.
Kamala Harris, the presumed Democratic Party presidential nominee, has intensified her campaign against Republican rival candidate Donald Trump ahead of the November elections. While the former President questioned whether Harris is Indian or Black and Vance bashed her with childless cat ladies remark, the US VP's family, be it her husband or two step kids, have stood like a strong pillar of support for the US VP amid the baseless attacks. Kamala Harris' husband Doug Emhoff, who tied the knot with Harris in 2014 after a year of courtship, unveiled the 2024 campaign merchandise, featuring a photo of him at 20 years old with thick brown hair and a blue Laguna Beach T-shirt.(AP/Harris Official Store)

On Thursday, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who tied the knot with Harris in 2014 after a year of courtship, unveiled the 2024 campaign merchandise, featuring a photo of him at 20 years old with thick brown hair and a blue Laguna Beach T-shirt.

Kamala's campaign team tells me you liked this photo so much they made merch out of it, Emhoff wrote on X, with a link to the Harris official store.

You wanted them, you got em. Use the code DOUG for 20% off, but dont tell them I told you that, he added.

The throwback image of Emhoff was first posted by him in 2020 with a caption#MeAt20.

Earlier in July, Emhoff's picture went viral on social media after one netizen wrote: I need Gen z to see this picture of Kamalas husband in the 80s and make him TikToks white boy of the month. The post immediately garnered over 2.2 million views, prompting Emhoff to announce the new merchandise.

According to the store, Harris' supporters and Emhoff fans can choose from four different items -- a $32 Throwback Doug tank or tee, a $20 Throwback Doug mug or $6 sticker two-pack.

Looks like a future First Gentleman to me, the product description on the website states. It informed that all the purchase will be donated to the Harris Victory Fund.

Also Read: Kamala Harris secures enough votes to become Democratic presidential nominee: I am honored

Social media reacts to Emhoff's merch drop

In response to the merchandise release, one fan remarked on X that she would be getting the mug to quench my thirst, while another commented that they might need to go with the First Dude throwback tank.

A third person said, I have never felt this directly marketed to in my entire lifetime.

As a non-Jewish woman who long ago married a nice Jewish boy from New Jersey (still friends with him and his second wife 45 years after we divorced), I feel this merch was made specifically for me and my credit card is about to melt down! Thanks for giving us what we need! the fourth user reacted.

Harris' husband caught huge attention in America after she was chosen as Joe Biden's vice president in November 2020. Several of Harris' supporters started calling him Wife Guy for his steadfast support to her political career.

And now some netizens have started saying that he will become the First Wife Guy if Harris wins the 2024 White House race.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were treated to the lavish dinner at the Palace of Versailles in September 2023, costing the French Presidents office nearly 475,000 ($515,000), as per the data revealed by Frances public auditor on Monday. Britain's King Charles and French President Emmanuel Macron drink after a toast during a state banquet at the Palace of Versailles, west of Paris, on September 20, 2023, on the first day of a British royal state visit to France. DANIEL LEAL/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo(via REUTERS)

The British monarch and his spouse attended the banquet as part of a three-day state visit to France.

The lavish affair saw around 180 guests, including Mick Jagger, Hugh Grant, Sex Education star Emma Mackey, and French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg, according to local media.

The guests were offered a wide range of delicacies, including crab cakes, feast of blue lobster, and champagne-marinated chicken. However, the opulent meal for King Charles left a deep hole of 8.3 million in the Elysee Palaces budget last year.

The watchdog, which evaluates the finances of the French president, including expenditures on personnel, security, and foreign missions, said that the expenses associated with the Elysee Palace exceeded 125 million ($136 million) in 2023, a 14% increase over the previous year.

European Union issues warning to France

The overspending was a part of a larger 2023 budget discord for the French government, which has garnered a scolding from the European Union.

France spent over 166,000 ($180,000) on catering for the state dinner. In addition, other expenses such as decorations, furniture and flowers amounted to 42,000 ($46,000).

Meanwhile, the audit office emphasised the need for significant efforts in 2024 in a bid to rebuild and maintain the financial balance of the presidency. It also revealed that France spent 412,000 ($447,000) on state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

France received a formal warning from the European Union last month on its budget deficit, which was the largest among the 27 members of the bloc. The national debt in France has also skyrocketed to around 111% of GDP.

Also Read: Prince Harry's calls to King Charles III reportedly go unanswered amid deepening royal rift

Netizens react after revelation of Frances public auditor data

Following the report on France's expenditure on the state dinner for Charles, both Britons and French expressed their opinions.

Ridiculous, said it before and saying it again. By birth they have a privileged life. The monarchy is there to serve. It does not make profit, it does not have a say in ruling this country, one X user wrote.

Well, surely that is the fault of the French President, not King Charles? another wondered, defending the monarch.

The elites are laughing at us and worse, a third user wrote.

While one Briton wrote, we did not pay for it , the French did, a French chimed in, Nice to know that all our sweat and hard work is keeping y'all fed. I'm sure that people using food banks will appreciate it.

Not our king!! What a joke with all the hungry children in the UK, another commented.
fchildA former Louisiana mayor has been arrested for allegedly raping a minor while still in office. The child rape accusations come about a week after she abruptly resigned from her post. Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts Clanton's mug shot.(Louisiana State Police)

Misty Roberts Clanton, 42, was the first woman to be elected as mayor of the Louisiana city of DeRiddler in 2018. She was charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, Louisiana State Police announced on Thursday, August 1.

The DeRiddler mayor was in her second term when an investigation, opened on July 26, following the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office requests to the state police to dig up a complaint against her.

As the investigation progressed, LSP SVU conducted interviews with two juveniles, one of which was the victim. Both juveniles confirmed Roberts had sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as Mayor, the state police statement read.

Reports suggest that the Louisiana State Police had begun investigating the said allegation about Roberts engaging in sexual relations with an underage individual who was too young to legally provide consent, as she handed in her resignation on Saturday. However, she did not mention a reason fuelling her decision at the time.

Also read | Justin Timberlake's driver's license suspended in Sag Harbor DWI case hearing

Louisiana city's first woman mayor arrested: What her attorney had to say

Although a warrant was obtained for her arrest on Wednesday, she surrendered herself on Thursday morning. She was booked into Beauregard Parish Sheriffs Office Jail at 10:13 a.m. local time, but over an hour later, she was released on a $75,000 bond, according to jail records.

Roberts' attorney, Adam Johnson, insisted on his client's innocence. My client learned late last night of a warrant, despite not being contacted to be interviewed prior to investigators obtaining the warrant, Roberts' lawyer said, per KPLC's reporting. "My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent.

He also added: We trust the public will respect her constitutional presumption of innocence which is fundamental to our system of justice. Misty and her family are very grateful for the support they have received from their friends and neighbours and we look forward to putting this unfortunate situation behind them.

Also read | Simone Biles loves her black job: Olympic GOAT seemingly takes a dig at Trump

On the other hand, Roberts' resignation fully omits any mention of the probe. Instead, she underlines her love and passion for DeRidder" in the letter. She also foregrounded how her role had rewarded her with many great relationships. Before concluding the noteaddressing her resignation, effective immediatelyshe added: I must adjust my focus and priorities.

According to the city's website, the former mayor graduated from DeRiddler High School in 2000 and received a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication, with a focus on public relations, from McNeese State University in 2004. Prior to her appointment as the city's mayor, she was DeRiddler's director of community service for nine years.

Located about 50 miles east of Jasper, Texas, and about 240 miles west of New Orleans, DeRiddler has a population of about 10,000. While the city's next mayoral elections are slated for March, city council president Randy Larken has stepped in as Roberts' temporary replacement for the time being.
Meghan Markle is set to receive a private birthday honour from King Charles and Queen Camilla, a former royal butler claims. Despite the well-documented rift within the royal family, the monarch and his consort may decide to mark the Duchess of Sussex's special day with a personal touch. Prince Harry: Britain's Meghan, Prince Harry, Queen Camilla and King Charles attend the state funeral and burial of Britain's Queen Elizabeth.(Reuters)

The former Suits alumna is approaching her 43rd birthday on August 4, and reportedly, Harry will ensure his wife is celebrated. Last year, the royal family failed to send or publicly acknowledge her 42nd birthday. It remains to be seen whether an effort to mend the relationship will be made this time.

King and Queen to send private birthday wishes to Meghan

Harry will make sure that Meghan is celebrated. I think they will get messages from the King and the Queen, Grant Harrold said as per OK Magazine. "whether that be electronically or by old-fashioned mail, I still think the King and Queen will still send birthday messages.

Also read: Prince William adds two close friends related to George and Louis to Royal payroll after dropping Camillas sister

Harrold believes this tradition is something that probably wont change even though the rift between the two families has grown deeper these days. Up until Meghans 41st birthday, both the Queen, the King, and the Prince and Princess of Wales wished Meghan through their respective social media sites, posting a photograph of her with a caption. However, in 2023, that didnt happen, leading to speculations that they might have wished her in secret.

Meghan may receive a piece of royal collection on her birthday

Speaking of official public postings on X, which now only highlight working royals, Harrold said, I doubt there will be any public wishes made. They used to post on social media, but that hasnt happened in the past few years, and I doubt that will change.

He continued, They may send a gift as well, but given everything that has happened, there might not be one. If they were all still getting along, I can imagine it would be a piece of jewellery or something from the royal collection, possibly a hand-me-down from the late Queen.

Also read: King Charles fears what Prince Harry will do when money runs dry; William will never

Meghan urged Harry to let it go

Earlier reports from PEOPLE indicated that King Charles is giving Harry the silent treatment as the Duke's legal battle in the UK over security and media invasion continues. The phones are reportedly going unanswered. Now, another insider has revealed that Meghan Markle wishes Prince Harry would "let go of these lawsuits" for security protection for their family and be free.

She wants him to be free of all of this, but she also knows that because of everything hes been through and his love for [her and their children], he cant, a former employee of the Sussexes told People. She wants him to live in a world where he is not burdened by this.
American journalist Evan Gershkovich was warmly welcomed home by his family after being freed from a Russian jail in the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War. The Wall Street Journal reporter, who spent 491 days imprisoned on false espionage charges, landed in Maryland with fellow journalist Alsu Kurmasheva and former Marine Paul Whelan, both also victims of Russias hostage diplomacy. U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about the release of Americans detained in Russia during brief remarks from the White House in Washington, U.S., August 1, 2024. REUTERS/Nathan Howard REFILE(REUTERS)

US President Joe Biden greeted them, Now their brutal ordeal is over, and theyre free

Every parent, child, spouse and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time, Biden posted. They are safe, free, and have begun their journeys back into the arms of their families.

Video shows Whelan was the first to exit the plane, saluting Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Gershkovich then hugged both leaders and joyously embraced his mother.

ALSO READ| Evan Gershkovich reunites with family in US after release from Russia, Biden calls it 'a 'feat of diplomacy'

Gershkovich's family overjoyed by his release: 'We can't wait to give him a hug'

Asked how it felt to be home, Gershkovich responded, Not bad. Eight Russians held across the US, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, and Poland were exchanged for 16 people, including seven Russian political prisoners and five wrongfully detained Germans. Germanys decision to free Vadim Krasikov, a Russian hit man and ex-intelligence officer, was key to the deal. Krasikov was welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his arrival in Moscow.

Biden, when asked for his message to Putin, said: Stop. Before his release, Gershkovich had to formally request a pardon from Putin, filling out a form in which he also requested an interview with the Russian leader.

Gershkovichs family expressed their joy and relief, stating, We cant wait to give him the biggest hug and see his sweet and brave smile up close. No family should have to go through this. They also praised the Biden administration and other Western leaders for orchestrating the deal, as well as the Wall Street Journal.

Gershkovich mother said to her in a facetime, This is momma. Do you hear me? It's your mom.

ALSO READ| How exactly Joe Biden crack the biggest prison swap since Cold War

Alsu cried on the phone call with daughters

Alsu's daughters had an emotional outburst. I'm so happy. We will see each other very soon. We're in the Oval office. The Radio Free Europe jourlist promised them to meet soon and hanged the call with a bye note.

Paul Whelan is free. Our family is grateful to the United States government for making Paul's freedom a reality. We'd like to thank President Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, and National Security Advisor Sullivan for their engagement with the Russian Federation to create the environment where Paul's freedom became a possibility, Whelan's family said in a statement.

Whelan's wife assured her, his family is with her. This is absolutely amazing. Your family is with you,she said.

Another prisoner, Vladimir Kara Murza's family, broke into tears while talking with him after they boarded their homecoming flight.

Robert Thomson, CEO of News Corp, commended Gershkovichs professional integrity and his triumph over adversity, condemning Putins regime for orchestrating the wrongful imprisonment.

Wall Street Journal publisher Almar Latour and editor-in-chief Emma Tucker also condemned the imprisonment as part of an assault on the free press and truth.

Gershkovich was arrested in March last year during a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg, falsely accused of gathering information for the CIA. Last month, he was sentenced to 16 years in a penal colony after a secretive three-day trial.

ALSO READ| Did Donald Trump just mock JD Vance? Ive always had great respect for him but

While addressing the prisoners' families in White House, Biden said, Multiple countries helped get this done.

They joined a difficult complex negotiation at my request. I personally thank them all again.
Russia issued a stern warning to the political dissidents and Western citizens the Kremlin released from jails after they were freed on Thursday in the largest prisoner swap since the end of the Cold War. Russia's Dmitry Medvedev threatened the freed prisoners, stating that they should hide under new names and actively disguise themselves.(AP)

US President Joe Biden and his VP Kamala Harris gave a heroic welcome to the three newly-freed Americans after they arrived on US soil.

Russia released 16 prisoners, including four US residents. These included former US marine Paul Whelan and journalists Alsu Kurmasheva and Evan Gershkovich.

In exchange, the West freed eight inmates, including hitman Vadim Krasikov, who was serving a life imprisonment in Berlin for the 2019 killing of a Chechen dissident.

US Presdient Joe Biden (R) and Vice President Kamala Harris (L) react as Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva (C) hugs her family members after arriving in the US.(PTI)

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother, Ella Milman, after his arrival in the US.(PTI)

Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza released from Siberian prison cell

Meanwhile, former President Dmitry Medvedev threatened the freed prisoners, stating that they should hide under new names and actively disguise themselves.

The remarks particularly came after 42-year-old Russian lawmaker Vladimir Kara-Murza, who is dual-passport holders with the UK, expressed his pleasure and joy at being released from the Siberian prison cell.

No word is strong enough for this. I was sure I was going to die in prison, he told his family who were in attendance with Biden in the Oval Office.

Kara-Murza was serving a 25-year sentence for treason in Siberia jail and there had been serious concerns that he might die in prison for opposing Putin and his war against Ukraine. Calling Putin vengeful, cowardly, greedy old man, he had said that the Russian President "still holds on with a death grip, destroying anyone in whom he sees a threat to his power."

Kara-Murza further stressed that Putin must be stopped, adding that And only Russian society itself can do this.

Also Read: How exactly Joe Biden crack the biggest prison swap since Cold War

Vladimir Kara-Murza stands behind a glass wall of an enclosure for defendants during a court hearing to consider an appeal against his prison sentence, in Moscow, Russia July 31, 2023.(REUTERS)

Russia asks traitors to actively disguise themselves

Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, wrote on Telegram: I would like, of course, for the traitors to Russia to rot in a dungeon or die in prison, as often happened. He, however, supported the repatriation of jailed spies and the 58-year-old state assassin Krasikov from the West.

Russia President Vladimir Putin's close ally asserted that it is more useful to bring out our own people who worked for the country, for the Fatherland, for all of us. He made the implication that individuals who were set free, pardoned by Putin prior to their departure, would require future security from Russian operatives.

Let the traitors now feverishly pick up new names and actively disguise themselves under witness protection programmes, Medvedev remarked.

According to the Russian state news agency, TASS, the Kremlin in a subtle warning expressed hope that those who have left Russia, whom it referred to as enemies, would stay away.

Back in the US, Biden praised his allies for making the toughest call to free the inmates, while Harris declared that it was an incredible day.

In Russia, Putin greeted the prisoners after they returned to their homeland and announced that they would be given state awards.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Russian citizens released after the Russian-US prisoner swap in Turkiye at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, Russia., 01 August 2024.(PTI)
Amidst the intense backlash being faced by the US Secret Service following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, an anonymous whistleblower has made major claims about freshly-minted Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe, who took over the top position after Kimberly Cheatle's resignation. Acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. testified before a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security and Government Affairs committees in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on July 30, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images via AFP)

The whistleblower, who has provided a Republican senator with 'disturbing evidence' on Trump's almost assassination, claims that a significant protocol was breached prior to the GOP presidential candidate's campaign rally event in Butler, Pennsylvania. The complaint was recently filed to Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri.

The whistleblower alleges that the Secret Service's Counter Surveillance Division (CSD), which is in charge of inspecting event locations beforehand, was not present at the rally and never conducted a typical evaluation prior to the event.

The source made stunning claim about Rowe, stating that he was at fault for the massive oversight as he personally directed significant cuts to CSD.

The new boss was directly responsible for cutting the countersurveillance team's workforce by 20 percent, as per the whistleblower.

Hawley disclosed all the accusations made by the whistleblower in a letter he wrote to Rowe.

The Missouri senator notifies the acting director that the whistleblower also alleges retaliation against those within the Secret Service who expressed concerns about the security at President Trump's events.

Rowe succeeded Cheatle after she quit following a contentious testimony before Congress. She refused to offer any fresh information on the historic assassination attempt on Trump, drawing derision from both Republicans and Democrats.

Did Secret Service reject request to deploy drones at Trump's rally?

Hawley has asked Rowe to provide information regarding the Secret Service's Butler rally strategy by August 8.

According to him, one whistleblower told his office the night before the rally the agency frequently rejected proposals from a local law enforcement partner to use drone technology to secure the event.

The Secret Service changed course after the shooting and suggested the local partner use drone technology to monitor the scene in the wake of the incident, the whistleblower alleged.

According to Hawley, the drones had the potential not only to detect active shooters but to eliminate them.

Also Read: Trump defends 'brave and beautiful' female Secret Service agent against sexist criticism from Elon Musk

Rowe faces calls of resignation after whistleblower's claims

Reacting to the letter shared by Hawley on his X account, several netizens expressed their outrage, with one writing, Rowe needs to be fired.

So the guy responsible for Trump nearly getting his head blown off on TV is currently the acting director of the USSS. Nice! commented Collin Rugg, the co-owner of Trending Politics.

The American people want to know why Trump was allowed on that stage and who was responsible for it, a third user wrote, while the fourth one asked, Why has nobody been fired yet?

Trump was nearly assassinated and the Secret Service was aware of the threat to his life and still did nothing to stop it, the user added.
The Justice Department sued TikTok on Friday, accusing the company of violating childrens online privacy law and running afoul of a settlement it had reached with another federal agency. FILE PHOTO: U.S. flag is placed on a TikTok logo in this illustration taken March 20, 2024. (REUTERS)

The complaint, filed together with the Federal Trade Commission in a California federal court, comes as the U.S. and the prominent social media company are embroiled in yet another legal battle that will determine if  or how  TikTok will continue to operate in the country.

The latest lawsuit focuses on allegations that TikTok, a trend-setting platform popular among young users, and its China-based parent company ByteDance violated a federal law that requires kid-oriented apps and websites to get parental consent before collecting personal information of children under 13. It also says the companies failed to honor requests from parents who wanted their children's accounts deleted, and chose not to delete accounts even when the firms knew they belonged to kids under 13.

This action is necessary to prevent the defendants, who are repeat offenders and operate on a massive scale, from collecting and using young childrens private information without any parental consent or control, Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Departments Civil Division, said in a statement.

TikTok said it disagreed with the allegations, many of which relate to past events and practices that are factually inaccurate or have been addressed.

Also read | Louisiana mayor accused and arrested for child rape a week after abrupt resignation

We offer age-appropriate experiences with stringent safeguards, proactively remove suspected underage users and have voluntarily launched features such as default screentime limits, Family Pairing, and additional privacy protections for minors, the company said in a statement.

The U.S. decided to file the lawsuit following an investigation by the FTC that looked into whether the companies were complying with a previous settlement involving TikToks predecessor, Musical.ly.

In 2019, the federal government sued Musical.ly, alleging it violated the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, by failing to notify parents about its collection and use of personal information for kids under 13.

That same year, Musical.ly  acquired by ByteDance in 2017 and merged with TikTok  agreed to pay $5.7 million to resolve those allegations. The two companies were also subject to a court order requiring them to comply with COPPA, which the government says hasnt happened.

In the complaint, the Justice Department and the FTC allege TikTok has knowingly allowed children to create accounts and retained their personal information without notifying their parents. This practice extends to accounts created in Kids Mode, a version of TikTok for children under 13. The feature allows users to view videos but bars them from uploading content.

Also read | US fails to meet expected job growth target in July; unemployment rate surges to 4.3%

The two agencies allege the information collected included activities on the app and other identifiers used to build user profiles. They also accuse TikTok of sharing the data with other companies  such as Metas Facebook and an analytics company called AppsFlyer  to persuade Kids Mode users to be on the platform more, a practice TikTok called re-targeting less active users.

The complaint says TikTok also allowed children to create accounts without having to provide their age, or obtain parental approval, by using credentials from third-party services. It classified these as age unknown accounts, which the agencies say have grown into millions.

After parents discovered some of their childrens accounts and asked for them to be deleted, federal officials said TikTok asked them to go through a convoluted process to deactivate them and frequently did not honor their requests.

Overall, the government said TikTok employed deficient policies that were unable to prevent children's accounts from proliferating on its app and suggested the company was not taking the issue seriously. In at least some periods since 2019, the complaint said TikTok's human moderators spent an average of five to seven seconds reviewing accounts flagged as potentially belonging to a child. It also said TikTok and ByteDance have technology they can use to identify and remove children's accounts, but do not use them for that reason.

The alleged violations have resulted in millions of children under 13 using the regular TikTok app, allowing them to interact with adults and access adult content, the complaint said.

In March, a person with the matter had told the AP the FTCs investigation was also looking into whether TikTok violated a portion of federal law that prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices by denying that individuals in China had access to U.S. user data.

Those allegations were not included in the complaint, which is asking the court to fine the companies and enter a preliminary injunction to prevent future violations.

Other social media companies have also come under fire for how theyve handled childrens data.

In 2019, Google and YouTube agreed to pay a $170 million fine to settle allegations that the popular video site had illegally collected personal information on children without their parents consent.

And last fall, dozens of U.S. states sued Meta Platforms Inc., which owns Facebook and Instagram, for harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. A lawsuit filed by 33 states claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents consent, in violation of COPPA. Nine attorneys general are also filing lawsuits in their respective states, bringing the total number of states taking action to 41 plus Washington, D.C.
Donald Trump has strongly criticised President Joe Biden's handling of the recent historic prisoner swap that secured the release of American journalist Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan from Russian custody. Bidens lead has shrunk over the last few days, as Trump and his family have virtually carpet bombed the key battle ground states, including as many as 15 rallies by the president.(AP Photo)

Although the swap is celebrated as the largest multi-country exchange since the Cold War, Trump has accused Biden of mishandling the high-stakes negotiation and failing to bring Americans home. He also called for more details about the prisoner exchange and highlighted what he sees as failures in the current administration's diplomatic strategy.

Donald Trump lashes out on Biden over cash exchange

Following the release of Gershkovich and Whelan, White House officials announced that the deal did not involve any cash exchange. However, this statement did not appease the GOP nominee, who took to Truth Social to challenge the denial with baseless claims.

"Are we also paying them cash? Are they giving us cash (Please withdraw that question, because Im sure the answer is NO)?" Trump wrote. Slamming the negotiators as an embarrassment he continued, "Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps, So when are they going to release the details of the prisoner swap with Russia?

Also read: Trumps nasty clash with reporter Rachel Scott on Black job 'may cost him the election', feel netizens

Reportedly Gershkovich and Whelan are among 24 prisoners from the US, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Russia, and Belarus who will be released as part of a prisoner exchange managed by Turkish intelligence.

Taking his opinion to "Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show," the Republican candidate repeated his claims that cash was part of the deal. This isnt the first instance of such accusations; he has previously repeatedly asserted that the U.S. has given Iran billions of dollars in cash.

Joe Biden responds

According to ABC News, President Joe Biden was briefly questioned by a reporter about Trump's claim regarding cash flow and the suggestion that he could have secured the hostages' release from Russia without making concessions. In response, Biden did not hold back and took a jab at his opponent, retorting, Why didnt he do it when he was president?

Also read: JD Vance's controversial criticism of Simone Biles' 2021 Tokyo exit resurfaces after Paris win

For unversed, Whelan's brother, David, had earlier criticised Trump for ignoring Paul's case and only addressing it after it gained media limelight. "Those first years were hard when the Trump Administration ignored Pauls wrongful detention, and it was media attention that helped to finally create critical mass and awareness within the U.S. government," he said in a statement to the news outlet.
Kamala Harris' prospects of clinching the 2024 presidential race have skyrocketed to an unparalleled height in the betting markets. As the campaign season heats up, Harris' chances have soared to a new zenith, even edging out those of her rival, Donald Trump, on certain platforms. Donald Trump donated to Kamala Harris re-election campaign in the past, as per reports (Photo by BILL PUGLIANO / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP, photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)

According to Polymarket, Harris currently has a 45% chance of winning the election, compared to Trump's 54%. Meanwhile, the VP surpassed the Republican candidate on Wednesday with 4 cents on PredictIt.

Kamala Harris' winability increases

Since Kamala Harris jumped into the presidential race with full backing from President Biden and Democratic donors, Donald Trump's road to winning has gotten a lot more tricky. Based on the latest guesses from Polymarket, Trump is seen as the favourite to win important battleground states like Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina, with a predicted chance of 54%. On the other hand, Harris is leading in Pennsylvania, she's tipped to win the election with a 45% chance.

Also read: Trumps nasty clash with reporter Rachel Scott on Black job 'may cost him the election', feel netizens

Harris's talk with techies

According to Benzinga, Kamala Harris' increasing popularity is attributed to her campaign's successful efforts to connect with the tech community in Silicon Valley. Her team has managed to attract the attention of Bitcoin advocate Mark Cuban and is even considering a speaking appearance at Bitcoin 2024. Discussions with industry leaders such as Ripple, Coinbase, and Circle are also underway. Despite being an underdog in prediction markets, Harris is gaining support from tech elites.

Also read: Trump blasts Biden's decision on Whelan, Gershkovich exchange: Our negotiators are embarrassment

Kamala Harris takes the lead over Donald Trump

On PredictIt, bets on Kamala Harris surged past those on Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon in the race for the next U.S. president. As of Thursday morning, a bet on Harris was priced at 54 cents, compared to 50 cents for Trump, according to the Independent.

Even though the market was all over the place, it seemed like Harris was getting the edge, which was good news for Democrats since they had struggled with Biden in the past. The PredictIt data shows that on Thursday, there were 31,375 bets for a Harris win and 25,985 for Trump.
Police arrested 14 people and rescued 10 victims during a sex trafficking sting using the San Diego Comic-Con Convention as a cover.

The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force says it carried out operations between July 25 and July 27..

"Unfortunately, sex traffickers capitalize on large-scale events such as Comic-Con to exploit their victims for profit," said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

The operation focused on targeting sex buyers as well as recovering potential victims of sex trafficking while arresting those responsible.

Law enforcement worked undercover as sex buyers in order to spot and contact victims through advertisements aiming to solicit sex.

"Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights and a crime that requires a concerted and unified response," said Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Carter.

The three-day operation resulted in the arrests of the 14 sex buyers and the rescue of nine adult victims and one 16-year-old juvenile.

"There is no more insidious crime than human trafficking," said San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martinez.

"The coercion and violence which enslaves people for profit and places them into forced labor or sex is criminal."
A housekeeper for a Las Vegas resort, is accused of mass theft from guests, including large sums of money and personal items taken from hotel rooms. She was caught wearing one victim's bracelet, cops said.

Maria Menendez Betancourt faces theft and burglary charges for multiple incidents at the Palazzo Tower at the Venetian Resort.

Authorities were contacted in early June after a guest staying at the resort reported that her room had been burglarized with more than $8,000 missing, according to KLAS-TV.

Police reviewed surveillance footage and caught Menendez Betancourt entering the room while the guest was gone, noting that she wasn't assigned to that particular floor and lacked any reason to be there.

Later that month, hotel security called law enforcement to report they had detained the housekeeper as they believed she was guilty of stealing more than $110,000 from a guest.

Menendez Betancourt was not working but was recorded on video the same day entering the property and activating a key fob that gave her access to guest rooms.

Security officials said Mendendez Betancourt entered multiple rooms on multiple floors during a 90-minute period without any work or cleaning supplies.

Shortly after, a guest notified management to say $110,000 in cash and checks disappeared while he was out.

"Menendez Betancourt discovered these items and concealed them in white bath towels [she] found in the room," documents allege.

Police took her into custody on June 18, noting she was wearing a gold bracelet she had stolen in an earlier incident.

Mendendez Betancourt was rearrested on new charges on July 12.

She posted bond and was ordered by a judge to stay away from the Las Vegas Strip.
The State Department is urging Americans to "reconsider" travel to Jamaica because of the high instances of violent crime including sexual assaults and the absence of health care.

A new travel advisory said while crime occurs throughout Jamaica, tourist areas see lower rates than the rest of the country, whose homicide rates are among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

"The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts. U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence," the State Department said in a statement issued this week.

It also said that U.S. citizens should not expect to see the same level of healthcare in the Caribbean nation that they experience at home.

"This includes generally lower levels of emergency service response times or routine care for illness or injury. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care," it said.

"Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs or always readily available, especially in rural areas," the statement continued, adding a recommendation that Americans carrying extra prescription medications with them because they could be hard to obtain in Jamaica.

For those traveling to Jamaica, the State Department urges people now to bring firearms or ammunition, noting penalties can include lengthy prison sentences.

It also advised not to walk or drive at night, avoid public buses, stay away from secluded places, do not resist a robbery attempt, and keep a low profile.
The family of Mica Miller and her estranged husband, John-Paul Miller, have settled a lawsuit following her suicide in April.

Both parties have agreed to end all legal disputes and called on protesters to drop demonstrations in front of Miller's Market Common church.

However, Mica's family and the pastor are now calling on state lawmakers to implement a coercive control law in her memory.

Attorneys announced the joint initiative following a hearing at the Horry County Porbate Court.

The combined stance means all pending lawsuits between Mica's family, John-Paul, and his Solid Rock Ministries have been addressed through a global settlement but under confidential terms, including Mica's estate, according to WBTW-TV.

"This is over. This global agreement is Mica's justice. The next step is the legislative goal. We only ask that you remember Mica as the wonderful, beautiful person that she was," said Russell Long, an attorney for John-Paul Miller.

The compromise also means that Miller will not face any civil wrongful death claims related to his wife's suicide at Lumber River State Park in Robeson County on April 27.

It was shortly after her death that her sister, Sierra Francis, filed the petition to become special administrator of her estate, but attorneys revealed that the request was withdrawn on Monday.

"I know that some of you are going to be disappointed," said Regina Ward, a Conway-based attorney representing Mica's family.

Ward noted that it could unfortunately take years for litigation of this magnitude to go through a court system.

John-Paul Miller, a senior pastor at Rock Solid Church and founder of its umbrella, Solid Rock Ministries, has continually blamed Mica's family for withholding medication that reportedly kept her mentally stable, whereas the family believes it was his abusive behavior that drove the 30-year-old to suicide.

Since her death protestors have been outside the church every Sunday demanding "Justice for Mica."

Long expects Monday's settlement to put an end to the demonstrations.

"The Francis family just asked them, through their attorney, to focus their energy on something else. She asked them to focus their energy toward the passing of this coercive control act," he said.

A South Carolina lawmaker filed a bill four years ago that would criminalize "coercive control," with punishments of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

But efforts to adopt the law have stalled in both chambers of the General Assembly.

Several states, including California, Connecticut, and Hawaii, have adopted "coercive control" laws. Meanwhile, similar efforts are pending in Florida, Maryland, New York, and Washington.
The grim news that 12-year-old Jaylen Griffin had been horrifically stabbed to death before his body was tucked away in a random New York attic only confirmed what Pastor Tim Newkirk already knew.

"In my spirit, I said if Jaylen was found dead, it would be due to stabbing or something that resembles ritual, predatorial, demonic torture," the longtime family friend told HNGN in an interview Wednesday.

It would take nearly four years before Newkirk's divine intuition would be confirmed.

Loved ones last saw Jaylen on Aug. 4, 2020, moments before he mysteriously vanished while on a snack run to a corner store in his Buffalo neighborhood.

Police quickly classified the boy as a runaway, but loved ones knew better. It was out of character for Jaylen  a homebody who happily relished in the company of his parents and his video games  to be away for too long.

Newkirk said he knew something more sinister had happened, but years would pass before a maintenance worker on April 12 would discover Jaylen's decomposing body, in a Buffalo attic at a residence frequented by police, mere blocks from where he vanished.

Before Jaylen, three other dead bodies had been found in separate instances at the dilapidated Sheffield Avenue property since 2020, records show.

Newkirk suspects whoever kidnapped, murdered and dumped Jaylen's body had "sought him out" and was "looking for the perfect opportunity" to strike.

"I think someone manipulated him and pretty much persuaded him into a place that in the beginning seemed comfortable, but then wasn't. And when Jaylen began to recognize that he was not in a comfortable environment, it turned into something else," the preacher speculated. "There was no turning Jaylen loose because of the repercussions."

"A monster will go out and portray to be an innocent, non-harmful person or entity, but really is demonic and devilish behind the scenes," explained the preacher.

"Jaylen's spirit was so strong and so enormous, that whatever happened to him, I believe in my spirit, he was fighting to get back home to his mother and his father and his family. So whoever killed Jaylen was due for a fight," Newkirk said. "He did not go down easy."

But even the discovery of Jaylen's remains have not yet proven to be a large enough break in the case to initiate the arrest of his killer, and detectives continue to be seemingly perplexed by the investigation. Without proper closure, Newkirk said he hasn't begun to truly mourn the violent loss of the innocent neighborhood boy who he and so many others in their tight-knit community grew to love.

"I haven't grieved yet. Not until there's some form of an arrest made can we start the process of pursuing justice," he said.

The vanishing of Jaylen was only the beginning of a series of tragedies to strike the Griffin family. Three months later, Jaylen's 18-year-old brother, Jawaan Griffin, was shot to death near their family's home. And last fall, their mother, 48-year-old Joann Ponzo, died from health issues complicated by a "broken heart." Now, Jaylen's father, Brian Griffin, is forced to face the 4th anniversary of Jaylen's disappearance in the absence of his wife and sons.

"The family is diminishing," said Newkirk.

As Aug. 4 approaches, the pastor is praying for a miracle in hopes Brian will be offered some sort of relief from the unrelenting heartbreak he has been forced to suffer throughout the years.

"Confess  turn yourself in," Newkirk said in a public plea for Jaylen's killer to come forward."Do the right thing. He was a baby. He was a boy who did not deserve what happened to him by any means or any circumstances. Have some empathy, be remorseful. Search in your heart and find whatever compassion that may lie in any form of conviction to fix this evil that dwells inside of you."
Sean Patrick Cirillo, 34, pleaded guilty and admitted to issuing deadly threats against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on Tuesday.

In three separate incidents in November 2023, Cirillo called the Washington, DC, office of US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and made multiple threats while speaking to staffers.

"I got a bead on her. Like a sniper rifle. A sniper rifle. And I'm gonna kill her next week. I'm gonna murder her," he said on one occasion.

"I'll kill you too if you want," and "You're gonna die. Your family is gonna die," Cirillo threatened in another call.

"Threatening to kill a public official is reprehensible," said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.

"Our office will not tolerate any form of violence, threats, or intimidation against public officials. The prosecution of individuals who threaten the lives and welfare of public servants is a top priority for our office as well as for our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners," he added.

Cirillo, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"We will not normalize violent threats in America, whether targeting elected officials or average citizens," said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.

"Our democracy depends on the ability of members of Congress to do their jobs without fearing for their safety. We will continue to prosecute threats against public servants made in any form."
Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, was arrested for allegedly having sexual relations with a juvenile, the Louisiana State Police said.

The Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office requested the Louisiana State Police Special Victim's Unit to investigate a complaint against Roberts, 42, on July 26.

Authorities interviewed two juveniles. They said one of them was the victim.

Both said Roberts had sexual intercourse with one of them.

Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for her and she turned herself in on Thursday.

She was booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center on rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles charges.

Roberts was released hours later after posting a $75,000 bond.

Her lawyer released a statement to KPLC-TV on the arrest.

"My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent," Adam Jonson said.

Roberts, in her second term, announced last Friday that she was going to be away from the office for two weeks. She resigned the next day.

In a letter to the city council she wrote, "I must adjust my focus and priorities."

The Louisiana State Police said the case remains under investigation.
I know you are but what am I?

Former President Donald Trump, reacting to Kamala Harris and her Democratic allies calling him and running mate JD Vance "weird," said that the vice president and her surrogates are the "weird" ones.

"Well, they're the weird ones, and if you've ever seen her with the laugh and everything else, that's a weird deal going on there," Trump said Thursday in an interview on the conservative The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show.

"They're the weird ones. Nobody's ever called me weird. I'm a lot of things, but weird I'm not, and I'm upfront. He's not either, I will tell you. J.D. is not at all. They are," he said.

Harris' campaign responded to Trump's interview in a posting on X.

"This is weird," Kamala HQ responded.

"Trump and Vance back states that want to surveil pregnant women," the campaign added, referring to an article in Rolling Stone and featuring a photo of Trump and Vance.

The article points out that while Trump and Vance, a Republican senator from Ohio, say they believe abortion should be left up to the states to decide, they also back states that want to monitor women's pregnancies.

Vance has also that he would be "sympathetic" to a federal law banning women from leaving their states to obtain abortions because that would be "creepy."

The Harris' campaign use of the word "weird" to needle Trump and his running mate has launched countless memes, has shown up in campaign documents and has been repeated numerous times by her surrogates, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

"I don't know who came up with the message, but I salute them," David Karpf, a strategic communication professor at George Washington University, told the Associated Press.

He said branding Trump, who relishes in coming up with pithy nicknames for his foes, is resonating with Harris supporters and "it frustrates opponents, leading them to further amplify it through off-balance responses."

"So far, at least, Trump-Vance has been incapable of finding an effective response," he said.
Vice President Kamala Harris has officially secured more than enough Democratic delegate votes to become the party's nominee for president, Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison announced Friday.

Delegates to the Democratic National Convention which convenes in Chicago later this month began voting via email on Thursday.

The voting will continue until Monday evening, but the campaign marked the instant Harris captured a majority of the votes.

"I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee," Harris said on a call with supporters, Associated Press reported.

Harrison tweeted: "Chicago, we're ready to go!! I got the gavel for this year's historic Dem Convention, where we will honor a historic, record-breaking presidency, and celebrate our nominee."

Kamala Harris has secured the delegates to soon become the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party. pic.twitter.com/qcDvube5Bu  The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) August 2, 2024

The formal nomination is expected to be finalized by Aug. 7 before the party's convention Aug. 19-22 in part because of an Aug. 7 deadline for candidates appear on the Ohio ballot.

Harris has not yet chosen her running mate.

Her campaign unveiled a new poster Friday to mark the day she captured a majority of Democratic delegates.
Notorious young gunman Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted of fatally shooting two unarmed protesters in Wisconsin, released a video Friday explaining that he was not going to vote for Donald Trump this presidential election.

Hours later he did a 180 and renewed his support for Trump.

Trump is "bad" about protecting gun rights, claimed Rittenhouse, who did not detail how the former president, who has a reputatin for strongly supporting of a wide range of gun rights, is letting him down.

Rittenhouse had said he planned to write in the name of former Libertarian presidential candidate Ron Paul, he said in on TikTok in a video posted by gun advocate Dudley Brown.

"If you cannot be completely uncompromisable on the Second Amendment, I will not vote for you," Rittenhouse said in the video.

Rittenhouse of Illinois was 17 and armed with an AR-15 style assault rifle in 2020 when he traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, for a protest against the police shooting of Black Wisconsin resident Jacob Blake.

The teen fatally shot 36-year-old protester Joseph Rosenbaum five times and then Anthony Huber, 26, who used his skateboard to try to knock Rittenhouse's rifle from his hands as he brandished it the middle of a crowd.

He also wounded volunteer medic Gaige Grosskreutz, 26, who was in the crowd.

Rittenhouse claimed he was at the protest to prevent vandalism of businesses by protesters, though though no one requested help from Rittenhouse nor other armed men at the scene.

Police, however, were videotaped thanking the self-appointed vigilantes for being there, and handed out bottles of water to them.

Rittenhouse claimed self defense at his trial. His acquittal was called "chilling" by the Wisconsin State Journal newspaper that warned it was "sure to embolden" militant gunmen who want to "take the law into their own hands."

Rittenhouse "wasn't making anyone safer by parading through crowds of angry people with a semiautomatic rifle strapped to his chest and [then] pointing it at people," the newspaper noted.

Rittenhouse met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago soon after he was cleared of charges. Trump called Rittenhouse a "really a nice young man" who was a "fan" of the former president.

MAGA did not take Rittenhouse's video well.

BYE forever I can stomach a lot of things - but backstabbing millions who supported you at your lowest point. Then turning on Trump right after he got shot. Can't stomach it - won't put up with it - forgotten forever. pic.twitter.com/7TJGfbwk4R  Catturd  (@catturd2) August 2, 2024

Friday afternoon, Rittenhouse tweeted an update.

"Over the past 12 hours, I've had a series of productive conversations with members of the Trump's team and I am confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights," Rittenhouse stated.

"My comments made last night were ill-informed and unproductive. I'm 100% behind Donald Trump and encourage every gun owner to join me in helping send him back to the White House."
China, Vietnam conclude joint counter-terrorism training

Xinhua) 16:21, August 02, 2024

NANNING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Police personnel from China and Vietnam concluded joint counter-terrorism training in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Friday.

The training was aimed at jointly addressing the threat of terrorism and focused on combating violent terrorist activities.

During the two-week program, police personnel from both sides conducted exchanges, discussions and various exercises covering subjects such as command, skills and tactics.

This joint training exercise marked the first of its kind between the Chinese People's Armed Police Force and the mobile police forces of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security. It aimed to cement friendship between the two countries, strengthen mutual trust and cooperation, and enhance joint counter-terrorism capabilities.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with PT Central Sudirman Development, for the first Andaz hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia. Slated to open in early 2028, the hotel will be an integral part of Two Sudirman Jakarta, a mixed-use two-tower development poised to be amongst the tallest skyscrapers in the country.

Located in the heart of the central business district, the hotel will be the first Andaz-branded urban hotel in Indonesia complementing Andaz Bali, a resort that opened in 2021. Andaz Jakarta Sudirman will join Hyatt's growing portfolio of 14 properties operating under the Alila, Andaz, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Place and Hyatt Regency brands in Indonesia.

Construction has begun for Two Sudirman Jakarta, which is centrally located along Sudirman Street, the main street of Jakarta's central business district. The development will have convenient access to MRT (Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit), LRT (Light Rapid Transit) and direct connectivity to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport through the Airport Rail Link, enabling travelers to seamlessly get around the city. The two towers will consist of residences, food and beverage outlets, retail spaces and offices.

Andaz Jakarta Sudirman will occupy the 40th to 72nd floors of Tower A, offering sweeping city views. The hotel's interiors, including the 198 hotel rooms and 167 serviced apartments, will be designed by Tokyo-based Design Studio Spin. Guests can look forward to the signature Andaz Lounge, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, meeting rooms, an all-day dining venue, a bar, and a specialty restaurant on the top floor.

Hotel website
The property will expand the footprint of the company's upscale brand - Aurika Hotels & Resorts.

Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. announced its latest signing under its upscale brand, Aurika Hotels & Resorts, with Aurika, Sasan Gir in Gujarat. The property is a greenfield project, slated to open in FY 2029. The property shall be operated by Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary and the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd.

Aurika, Sasan Gir will feature 82 aesthetically designed rooms and suites, along with Mirasa, the all-day dining restaurant, banquet facilities including Ekaara, the ballroom and Aurum, the boardroom and a stunning swimming pool.

Nestled in the western state of Gujarat, Gir is renowned for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. The crown jewel of this region is the Gir National Park, the only place in the world where Asiatic lions can be seen in their natural habitat. This sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering thrilling safaris and a chance to witness a rich variety of flora and fauna. Gir's landscape is dotted with teak forests, grasslands, and water bodies, creating a picturesque setting. Beyond the wildlife, Gir offers a glimpse into the local culture with its quaint villages, traditional crafts, and warm hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

Hotel website
Azam Chiragh moves into the role of cluster director of people & culture, bringing over 17 years of experience.

He has been at Avani+ Palm View since pre-opening and has also part of Hotelier Middle East's Hotel Team of the Year 2022 award. In his new position, Chiragh will be responsible for managing human resources and cultural initiatives and is expected to strengthen the people-centric initiatives for both properties on a broader scale.
Andrew van der Feltz is the Global Senior Director of Business Development for Expedia Group Media Solutions. His team works closely with agencies, destination marketing organizations, and hotel and airline partners. Prior to joining Expedia, Andrew worked at the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC). Andrew studied marketing and French in Scotland, continued his postdoc education at the Institute of Marketing in Edinburgh, and attended the Executive Educational Programme in General Management at the London Business School.
In an unprecedented move, Archipelago International, the largest privately-owned hotel management group in Southeast Asia, has joined forces with Noval Properties, a premier real estate developer in the Dominican Republic. This strategic alliance, formed in November 2023, is proud to announce the signing of six comprehensive management agreements that will see the introduction of Archipelago Internationals esteemed brands and innovative property management solutions to the Dominican Republics flourishing hospitality and real estate markets.

This collaboration is set to revolutionize the hospitality landscape in Punta Cana, featuring projects that include in Bavaro: Reserva Real by Harper, with 187 units. In Cap Cana Marina, Harbor Bay by Aston with 186 units and Juanillo Hills by Aston near Juanillo Beach with 60 units. In Cana Bay, Poseidonia by Aston with 1,319 units, Coral Cove by Aston with 72 units, and Riviera Bay by Aston with 110 units.

As Southeast Asias largest privately owned hotel management group we have vast experience of branding, operating and commercializing projects like the ones signed today. In addition, by using our proprietary operating systems and technology, we ensure that the customer journey is seamless from booking to checkout and that all of our properties benefit from our global distribution, connectivity and revenue management capabilities. Jose Luis Leonardo, Vice President Americas, Archipelago International.

We are honored to be partnering with the fantastic team at Noval Properties on such unparalleled and ambitious projects. This partnership is a testament to the synergy between our companies and the shared vision we hold for redefining hospitality standards. Noval Properties, with its impressive track record, quickly grasped the benefits of partnering with us, highlighting the strength of collaborative innovation. Archipelago International is experiencing rapid growth in the Americas region, especially in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, driven by our unique approach to providing owners, developers and investors with proven innovative branding and operational solutions for their hospitality assets. Our renowned Asian hospitality standards, leading technology solutions and flexibility as an independent company distinguish us in the marketplace and sets us apart from the competition. Gerard Byrne, Managing Director, Archipelago International

Cesar Latrilla, CEO of Noval Properties, reflects on the companys 20-year legacy in the Dominican Republic, noting its significant impact on the economic, touristic, and social well-being of the region. Noval Properties is renowned for delivering memorable experiences and contributing to the Dominican Republics development as a prime tourism and real estate destination.

About Archipelago International

Archipelago International is the largest privately-owned hotel management group in Southeast Asia, with a portfolio exceeding 45,000 rooms across 200+ locations worldwide. With a burgeoning presence in the Americas, the group offers advanced hospitality and technology solutions across its 11 award-winning brands, catering to a range of market segments.
Four Key Questions to Achieve Skills Success for U.K. Hospitality - Image Credit UKHospitality

Following two big skills-related announcements from the Government, UKHospitality skills director Sandra Kelly wrote for Propel about what this means for hospitality and how it can be a success.

A universal challenge

The most universal challenge for UK business, regardless of where they are based or the sector they are in, is that finding skilled staff is incredibly difficult.

Its not a new problem. Skills have been on the agenda for at least a generation. But in some ways we are facing a unique employment crunch.

A complex mix of an ageing society, immigration policy, the end of free movement of people and the after-effects of the pandemic mean that competition for a tight labour market is getting hotter with layers of complication and expense in the system.

The result is an economy struggling to move ahead.

So its no surprise that the new Labour government have made the skills agenda a key element of their first 100 days.

At least two of the Governments five missions rely on getting this right. They want to create the fastest growth in the G7, and break down the barriers to opportunity. Neither are realistic without an approach to skills that provides accessible pathways to training for the next generation workforce.

Theres some high politics in the fact the Prime Minister spoke alongside the Secretary of State for Education to announce the new Skills England this week because these Missions are held centrally  this is a powerful, interventionist Downing Street.

But theres a lot of practical policy here too.

Skills England will be formed from the bones of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and have the responsibility for creating a new list of levy funded training that matches the needs of employers.

So far so good.

In private conversation, the Government have given a bit more detail. They want a mix of flexible and modular in-work training, functional education for core skills like English and maths, and pre-apprenticeship training to launch careers. Can that plan work?

There are four exam questions that the hospitality industry can set them to achieve success.

First, to simplify the system. The job is to streamline thousands of qualifications to a number closer to 200 in the post-16 system with routes at level one and two into entry level job roles for highly accessible industries such as hospitality, and with routes at level three and beyond enabling progression in a sector that has unique opportunities for social mobility.

A complex system is a material barrier for employers to navigate around the day job, and just as importantly for many young people who are finding their feet and trying to work out their futures.

Second, to make sure that the flexible approach allows people who are in work to keep developing their essential employment skills and management capabilities and crucially invest in technical skills across the breadth of job roles that hospitality offers.

Third, to make sure that communities can come together to choose the skills they need locally  employers, colleges, councils and others need mechanisms to identify what skills are needed for the local economy. Skills England can play a role to ensure that national employers work with the Primary Authority principle to avoid costly duplication.

And fourth to make sure that the start of work or the beginning of careers is as simple as possible. In Hospitalitys case that means a universal entry standard that is portable, valued by employers and links to an apprenticeship as their career develops.

UKHospitality has been working with the Department for Work and Pensions, the Springboard charity and other stakeholders over the past year to design this universal entry standard passport to get people into work. This Hospitality Skills Passport would also fit the bill for those just starting work as the pre-apprenticeship skills element of the new Growth and Skills Levy with apprenticeships as the direction of travel.

If the Government gets these four exam questions right, it will have genuinely created nation-wide entry points for the next generation workforce.
YouTube Monetization and Music Marketing with TEN2 and Launchpad

Industry experts George Karalexis and Donna Budica from YouTube monetization and music marketing platform TEN2 highlight how their newest tool, Launchpad, changes digital advertising for musicians and creatives on YouTube.

from Chartmetric

In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, artists often find themselves navigating the complex waters of content creation, monetization, and audience engagement. Enter TEN2, a company dedicated to demystifying YouTube for artists and helping them harness its full potential.

In the latest installment of Chartmetrics Figure In Music series, Donna and George, the visionary founders of TEN2, share their unique journeys into the music industry, the genesis of TEN2 during the pandemic, and how their platform, LaunchPad, is revolutionizing digital advertising on YouTube for musicians and creatives.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

How did the two of you fall into the music industry?

George: I began playing guitar at five, started my first band at eight, and was signed by Island Records before graduating high school, marking the beginning of my lifelong music and entrepreneurial career. Later, at 23 years old, I transitioned to the corporate side, working at Monotone, and then started my own management, event, and ticketing company focused on electronic music. We were able to scale it successfully, always putting the artist first.

Donna: I, on the other hand, grew up in an academically driven family in Philadelphia and developed an interest in the economics and commerce of the music industry while studying Finance at Wharton. My combination of creative and business experiences, including performing in a nationally ranked a cappella group, laid the foundation for my career as an artist manager, business school graduate, and business owner.

How did TEN2 become a part of the picture?

Donna: The vision for TEN2 emerged during the pandemic when YouTube evolved from a platform for hosting music videos to a key player in the music industry, part social network and part DSP. The pandemic accelerated its role in brand building, audience development, and content monetization for artists. TEN2 was founded to provide value, insight, and actionable plans for artists on YouTube, focusing on content strategy, asset management, IP protection, and marketing. YouTube remains crucial for building artist brands, engaging with audiences, and sustaining careers through effective content monetization.

George: YouTube has historically been opaque for artists, particularly regarding monetization and user-generated content (UGC). Many companies extract value from artists rather than adding it, but YouTube offers significant revenue and insights beyond artists channels. With YouTubes multi-format options like shorts, long-form videos, and the Community tab, TEN2s core focus on marketing helps partners grow their reach and generate more revenue. Our unique approach combines revenue collection, transparency, and providing tools to help our partners succeed.

And this further led to you building Launchpad? Can you explain a little bit about the platform?

George: The core idea was to create a hub for artists to launch their careers on YouTube, addressing the issue of unscrupulous digital advertisers. Many artists are misled by advertisers who fail to provide performance reports and run ineffective campaigns. Effective advertising is more than just placing ads on videos; it requires strategic planning and transparency.

Donna: The issue lies not with YouTube advertising itself but with how some digital marketers exploit the platforms complexity. These agencies run poorly targeted ads, leading to irrelevant views and no meaningful insights for artists. LaunchPad was founded to offer honest, effective advertising with transparency and real-time analysis, enabling artists to grow their careers by reaching a highly convertible audience.

What kind of campaigns can artists run?

George: We offer always-on, on-demand advertising with real-time reporting, ensuring ads appear for relevant search terms and in-stream before videos. For example, we placed an ad for Brent Faiyaz before a Drake video, effectively targeting the 18-25 US audience. Our platform allows channel verification, API data integration, and offers simple campaign setups, maximizing advertising impact and providing valuable insights.

Donna: Our backend processes robust data sets with detailed audience profiles, especially within the music industry, offering a unique value proposition. We leverage extensive data and insights from numerous campaigns to understand audience reactions and campaign effectiveness. By using data from artists channels and our high-performing campaigns, we ensure targeted and effective advertising, such as accurately identifying a US audience for specific campaigns.

Any examples of effective campaigns so far?

George: We have had a number of successful campaigns. Our team is at its best when we are aligned with the artist and their team on the outcomes and overarching plan. When this is the case, we have seen incredible results. Over the past 18 months, we have had over 500 trending videos, 175 top 10 videos, and 43 #1 videos. Through our process and actionable insights, we are able to replicate success for our artists.

How do you navigate the regional dynamics of YouTube as a platform? For example, genres like Latin or hip hop thrive depending on location. How do you address these variations?

George: Many think of YouTube as just for music videos, but its a global platform without borders. It helps artists build a journey for their audience through various content types like music videos, blogs, and short-form content. The platforms reach and versatility make it a powerful storytelling tool across all genres  hip-hop, latin, pop, etc.

Donna: I agree with that. When it comes to performance, navigating the highs and lows globally is key. One of YouTubes strengths is its real-time analytics, providing constant insights into audience consumption. Data tells a story, and you cant argue with the facts. Regardless of audience size, the consumption habits are always there.

By analyzing this data, you can understand how different regions consume content and cater to them accordingly. Whether your audience is in Latin America, Western Europe, or Africa, the data will guide you.

Any advice for how artists can leverage these certain options for creating content? Any features they might not know about?

Donna: Consistency over frequency  across all content formats always wins. Of course, each pillar across the entire product/format suite has its own best practices. For example, on the Community tab, close-up, bright hero shots that give a voyeuristic feel tend to work well. For Shorts, avoid promo-feeling content; let the artists personality be the guide.

Each product pillar has its own playbook. From an experimental perspective, try out each format touchpoint  and remember that authenticity always wins. YouTube users are deliberate in their consumption, and searchability is key. Being authentic to your personality and brand helps the audience find you.

What kind of KPIs should artists be looking at?

Donna: Its important to distinguish between watch rate and watch time. Watch time measures how long someone watches a video, but watch rate measures the percentage of the video watched and is more crucial. Watch rate is a key performance indicator across all content types, indicating consumption, monetization, and other core drivers.

George: RPM (revenue per thousand views) is a key monetization metric reflecting net take-home pay after YouTubes cut and expenses, unlike CPM (cost per thousand views). Our team focuses on increasing RPM for clients, which can significantly impact earnings, especially with high view counts. Even a small increase in RPM can result in substantial additional revenue for artists.

YouTube monetization and music marketing

Lastly, any big trends you see on the horizon for music? Especially regarding YouTube or short form video content?

George: Thats a tough and complex question. You can never argue with an artist who has a powerful brand and loyal fanbase. Short-form content has brought the viral craze and is now helping artists reinforce their brand in smaller, bite-sized segments. I believe we will see a stronger focus on brand-building moving forward.

Donna: Thats a good point. People are prioritizing short form content due to audience consumption habits and the new products on YouTube. As an independent artist, you can capitalize on virality and audience consumption thanks to transparent analytics. This allows you to tailor your content based on near real-time data.

Currently, YouTube is the best platform for short form content, especially because it values artists IP more than other social media platforms. YouTube stands out as it combines elements of DSP, social media, and super apps. It offers subscriptions, memberships, and various monetization tools, allowing artists to understand and grow their audience effectively as the product suite expands.

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Hoosic River Measurements Taken by Army Corps of Engineers

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  A team of surveyors from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was in the city last week to collect hydrology measurements along the north, south and main reaches of the Hoosic River.

The survey is part of the three-year, $3 million feasibility study of the flood control chutes being undertaken in agreement with the city and the Hoosic River Revival.

The concrete panels that line the chutes have been decaying for years and several have already fallen into the river. While the system saved the city from periodic catastrophic floods, the chutes are now seen as unsightly, ecologically destitute, and in dire need repair or restoration.

The Hoosic River Revival has been advocating for a more modern and environmental solution to flooding risks that will also highlight the river as a recreational resource.

The Flood Risk Management Project is looking at the six miles of the North and main branches of the river and 3.5 miles of the South Branch.

The study's objectives are to reduce risks to life, health and property associated with Hoosic flooding; reduce the risk of the flood control's failure; improve community resilience; reduce the risk of flooding economically disadvantaged communities and historic properties; and increase the quantity or quality of the river habitat.

Measurements taken last week are to identify the quantity and quality of water moving through the chutes during the year and will be used to predict what might happen in the river with modernization of the flood chutes, and without any change in the chutes. This work is expected to improve the reliability of the Corps' flood management designs that were discussed last fall with the North Adams community.

Mayor Jennifer Macksey, members of her staff, and Hoosic River Revival met with the Corps of Engineers team to discuss the data and extensive technical studies the Corps is undertaking in order to evaluate the modernization options. Upon completion of the multi-year study, the Corps will recommend a modernizing plan for the deteriorating flood control system.

Later this fall, the city and HRR will again offer public meetings for the community to learn about the study's progress and to share their thoughts about activities they would like to have in and around the river.
NBCC to Host 'Back-Packed for Success'

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is hosting its 12th annual back-to-school event for kids entering kindergarten through 12th grade for Northern Berkshire students.

This includes homeschooled students.

Students will receive a free backpack to fill with school supplies. The deadline for families to register has been extended to Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 5 p.m.

The event for families living in Florida and Savoy will be located at Gabriel Abbott Memorial School, 56 North County Road, Florida on Tuesday, Aug. 13, from 5 to 6 p.m. Families picking up from Florida and Savoy will receive pre-packed backpacks and be given a choice of backpack color upon registration.

The event for families living in Williamstown, North Adams, Clarksburg, Adams and Cheshire will be located at Terra Nova community space, 85 Main St., North Adams on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. Families picking up at this location will choose their backpacks and school supplies at the event.

This event requires registration as supplies are limited. Families can register at https://bit.ly/2024backpacked or by contacting NBCC's Family Resource Center at 413-663-7588 through Wednesday, Aug.7.
The Central Artery project cut through the city's downtown 60 years ago; a feasibility study will look at how to 'reknit' the downtown.

Firm Chosen to Lead Study on 'Reconnecting' North Adams

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The city has selected a Boston firm to lead the $750,000 feasibility study of the Veterans Memorial Bridge

Stoss Landscape Urbanism and its partners are charged with providing North Adams options for addressing the failing overpass to create a more connected and thriving downtown.

"The city of North Adams is thrilled to be working with Stoss and their partners to make sure that we make inform decisions about our future and that we explore every opportunity to remedy disconnected traffic patterns downtown caused, in large part, by the Route 2 Overpass. It is imperative that, unlike the Urban Renewal programs of the past, we do so in an inclusive, collaborative way." said Mayor Jennifer Macksey in a statement announcing the selection. "We are excited by the possibility that this collaboration among the city, Stoss, Mass MoCA and NBCC will result in a truly transformative project that will benefit of the people of North Adams, surrounding communities and visitors to the city."

The city partnered with Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art to apply for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act's Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. The program is providing a $1 billion over the next five years for planning, construction and technical grants for communities affected by past infrastructure projects.

Connecting the city's massive museum and its struggling downtown has been a challenge for 25 years. A major impediment, all agree, is the decades old Central Artery project that sent a four-lane highway through the heart of the city.

The 171-foot span is in dire need of repair and deemed " structurally deficient " after the most recent inspection by the state Department of Transportation. A set of jersey barriers narrows the four-lane highway to two lanes at the midpoint. The last time it was overhauled was in 1992 with the federal government and state picking up the $2.1 million tab.

The museum and city are seeking options that include its possible removal and a reconfiguration of that busy traffic area.

"The community of North Adams has long articulated what it needs to realize for its well-being, including the potential of its creative economy," said Mass MoCA Director Kristy Edmunds. "Mass MoCA's dual mission to both create and show great art, and support economic development in North Adams means we are interdependent in finding durable and materially meaningful solutions to these once-in-a-generation issues. It will require continuous engagement, mutual innovation and dedicated investment.

"And together, we now have a beautiful chance to unlock additional federal funding to create a more intentional, community-centered future."

The planning team includes Stoss, known for managing, planning, and designing complex urban and landscape projects across Massachusetts and the world; HNTB, a provider of engineering, planning and construction services for complex and challenging projects including Boston's Casey Arborway and the I-84 and Route 8 "Mixmaster" reconstruction; Openbox, a minority-led design, research, and planning studio that focuses on community engagement and centers questions of equity; Michael Murphy Studio; an urban design, architecture, and research practice led by Michael Murphy, who previously founded MASS Design Group; James Lima Planning and Development, an equitable economic development firm that specializes in the economics of placemaking; and Transsolar, a renowned sustainable design practice that works with clients to maximize a project's environmental benefits while minimizing its impacts.

The planning team will also work with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition to convene and facilitate means of community outreach to maximize awareness of and participation in the study process.

The 1959 Route 2 overpass was identified in the North Adams Vision 2030 Plan as a significant barrier to community connectivity. The master plan was completed in 2014, and the obstacles created by the overpass are a running theme throughout. A section of the chapter on economic development names the overpass as one of the most glaring blights: "Route 2, particularly the overpass, poses a number of access, livability, and multi-modal safety barriers to fostering a people-oriented downtown and supporting economic activity for small businesses."

Stoss' President Chris Reed said the study was a "generational opportunity to right the wrongs of past transportation injustices" and "reknit" the heart of the city with economic generators Mass MoCA and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in mind.

"It's an opportunity for the people, the growing creative community of makers, and the civic cultural institutions of North Adams to re-connect, be supported, and to thrive," he said. "This is a project of connective infrastructure, to be sure, but it is also a project of seeding a new kind of public realm, one that builds equity and community and that leverages investments in ways that allow the culture and economy of North Adams to evolve and flourish."




iciHaiti - SEMAMAH : Construction of the National Institute for Training in Maritime Trades





Engineer Raphael HOSTY, Minister of Public Works and his cabinet received Eric Junior Prevost, the Director General of the Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti (SEMANAH) and three executives of the institution.



The meeting mainly focused on the development of the maritime sector in Haiti and the Ten-Year Plan 2020-2030, focused on improving maritime regulation and safety.



A key point of the discussions was the proposal to build the National Institute for Training in Maritime Trades (INFMM) financed in part by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). This project aims to address the lack of qualified professionals in the maritime sector and is part of a capacity building approach for SEMANAH, essential for enforcing the Maritime and Navigation Code of Haiti.



The architectural and technical plans of the INFMM are ready.



Engineer Raphael Hosty reaffirmed his support for SEMANAH to meet current challenges. "This meeting marks a significant step forward in the realization of strategic projects for the Haitian maritime sector, demonstrating effective collaboration between the two institutions," stressed Minister Hosty.



IH/ iciHaiti


















Brussels has told Hungary and Slovakia to wean themselves off Russian oil and seek alternative sources after they complained that Ukraine was blocking supplies from Russia.

In a letter to Budapest and Bratislava seen by the Financial Times, EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said that diversification away from Russian fossil fuels should be actively pursued.

The Hungarian and Slovak governments had asked the commission to intervene in their dispute with Ukraine after Kyiv placed sanctions on Russian energy company Lukoil.

Since they rely on Russian crude flowing through Ukraine via the Druzhba pipeline, which is also used by Lukoil, Hungary and Slovakia said the move threatened fuel shortages.



But a commission spokesperson said on Thursday the countries had enough supplies since the overall flow had not diminished. The urgent consultations the two countries demanded, under the EUs trade deal with Ukraine, were not needed.

Hungary and Slovakia were granted exemptions to an EU-wide ban on Russian oil imports following Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 because of what they said were no available alternatives.

But Dombrovskis said they could use an existing pipeline bringing shipborne crude from Croatia.

The commissions current analysis points to an adequate capacity for Hungary and Slovakia via alternative pipelines such as the Janaf Adriatic pipeline.

He added that at a meeting last week to discuss the issue by representatives of all member states a significant number . . . questioned why Hungary and Slovakia had apparently not yet explored alternatives so far.

He said that MOL, the Hungarian energy company, had set out in formal letters that Lukoil was indeed not the owner of the oil transported through Ukraine for the MOL group, meaning that the supplies coming via Druzhba were not affected by Kyivs sanctions.

Dombrovskis met Denys Shmyhal, the Ukrainian prime minister, in Brussels on Thursday and was told enough oil was still flowing through Druzhba.

MOL has long-term contracts with Russian suppliers. Crude from Russia only accounted for 3 per cent of demand in the bloc, the commission said.

Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto this week accused the commission of blackmail, saying it persecuted the two countries because of their opposition to arming Ukraine.

Szijjarto said perhaps it was Brussels, not Kyiv, that invented the whole thing . . . that wanted to blackmail two pro-peace countries that reject arms transfers.

Slovakia said it would provide additional information to the commission. As long as the unblocking of oil supplies is not resolved in any way, we still consider the situation to be serious and threatening Slovakias energy security, it added.

Relations between Hungary and Brussels have worsened in the past month after Budapest took on the rotating presidency of the EU. Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow allegedly to broker peace in Ukraine, prompting outcry from fellow EU leaders who said he did not represent them.

The commission is withholding billions in EU funds from Hungary because of concerns over the rule of law. Orban is preventing other member states getting repaid by the EU for some of the arms they have sent to Ukraine.

Slovakia, which had a recent change of government with Orban ally Robert Fico becoming prime minister last year, has threatened action against Ukraine.

Slovakia has not yet commented while a spokesperson for the Hungarian government has not yet responded to a request for comment.

(Financial Times, August 1, 2024)
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The Daily Show has ridiculed Donald Trump for sharing a video of actor Mindy Kaling teaching Kamala Harris how to cook a Southeast Indian dish while attempting to justify his recent claims that Harris just happened to turn Black.

On Thursdays (August 1) episode of Comedy Centrals hit satire news show, correspondent and guest host Ronny Chieng addressed Trumps unhinged flub, saying: Things took a weird turn this week, and now it seems like the most dominant issue is Indians?

As you all know, Vice President Kamala Harris is of Indian and Jamaican descent, and who better to understand the nuance of being mixed race than this guy?

Earlier this week, during an appearance at the annual National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago, Trump told the moderator: [Harris] was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden, she made a turn and she became a Black person.

The former President, who has faced backlash for his remarks, later shared a 2020 clip of comedian Kaling and Harris cooking Masala dosa on his Truth social platform.

Crazy Kamala is saying shes Indian, not Black. This is a big deal. Stone cold phony. She uses everybody, including her racial identity! he wrote in the posts caption.

In the video, The Mindy Project alum begins by telling Harris: What were going to cook today is an Indian recipe because you are Indian! with the VP enthusiastically concurring.

But actually, were both South Indian, Kaling adds, as Harris interjects: You look like the entire one half of my family.

Damn, I forgot how weird The Office got after Michael Scott left, Chieng joked. So Trump posted this video but Im like, how did he even find this? Was he doing deep oppo research on Mindy Kalings Instagram page? Like, how far down the Mindy rabbit hole did he go? Is he gonna come out next week like, Kamala Harris is not Black, and Mindy and BJ Novak belong together, ok? Do the right thing BJ. Make an honest Indian out of her.

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open image in gallery Ronny Chieng roasted Donald Trump over the Kamala Harris identity debate ( The Daily Show / Comedy Central )

Novak and Kaling were in an on-and-off relationship in the early aughts after having first met as co-stars on The Office. They ended their relationship in 2007 but still remain close friends.

Also, this doesnt even prove his point, Chieng continued. Hes saying that Kamala identified as Indian and not Black. And this is a video of her saying, Im half Indian. Like, what does Trump think the other half is? Woman?

How does this guy not understand what half means? the Crazy Rich Asians actor asked incredulously. Like he constantly tells us hes a genius, but he cant comprehend a golden doodle?

Concluding with a zinger, Chieng said: By the way, Trump doesnt get to decide how Black a Black person is. Only Kendrick Lamar can do that, ok? So Kendrick, weigh in here.

Chiengs quip is in reference to Lamars six-minute diss track, Euphoria, in which he hits out at Drakes biracial identity.
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Contestants on YouTuber MrBeasts new game show, Beast Games, say they are being underfed and deprived of adequate medical care.

MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, recently became the most popular YouTuber in the world.

He is known for putting together outrageous stunts that offer significant cash prizes.

In March, he announced he was teaming up with Amazon MGM Studios to create a reality competition show called Beast Games. The show promises the winner a prize of $5m, the biggest prize in streaming and television history.

Thousands of fans signed up to compete on the show, with 2,000 being selected to compete in Nevada at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders. This number will be whittled down to 1,000 who will compete in the televised event.

Competitors were aware of MrBeasts previous content, and the risks they could be expected to face in order to win. They also signed liability waivers, acknowledging that the activities may cause me death, illness, or serious bodily injury, including, but not limited to exhaustion, dehydration, overexertion, burns, and heat stroke. This sort of language is reportedly commonplace in reality television contracts.

open image in gallery Mr Beast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, is the most popular YouTuber in the world with more than 300 million subscribers ( Getty Images )

However, The New York Times reports that competitors now say they have not received adequate food or medical care.

We signed up for the show, but we didnt sign up for not being fed or watered or treated like human beings, one contestant told The Times on the condition of anonymity, as they had signed a non-disclosure agreement.

One meal, described to The Times by several different contestants, consisted of a small portion of cold oatmeal, a few pieces of raw vegetables and a single hard-boiled egg.

Contestants reported being fed these small meals twice a day, although a spokesperson for MrBeast maintained they had been offered three meals a day.

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We were treated horribly, one contestant said. They took on this challenge of 2,000 competitors. They should have known they needed an enormous crew to handle this correctly.

Several contestants said that they had sought out production staff for assistance with medical care, food and hygiene issues, only to find that staff members were unhelpful and seemed to be disorganized.

The Independent has approached MrBeast for comment.

Earlier this week, Donaldson acknowledged his use of inappropriate language in his early online days after clips from 2017 podcasts that included racist and sexist comments resurfaced.

When Jimmy was a teenager he acted like many kids and used inappropriate language while trying to be funny, a spokesperson for the YouTuber said in a statement to the Associated Press.

Over the years he has repeatedly apologised and has learned that increasing influence comes with increased responsibility to be more aware and more sensitive to the power of language.

Mr Beast has 307m subscribers on YouTube and over 103m on TikTok. According to Forbes, Donaldsons net worth was estimated to be around $500m (392m) in 2022.
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Chinas Civil Affairs University has announced a new marriage programme to promote and develop marriage-related culture, as the country renews efforts to rebuild falling birth rates.

The undergraduate programme, set to open in the Beijing institution this September, seeks to cultivate professionals to develop marriage related industries and culture, according to state media.

A fall in birth rates has prompted a population decrease in China for the second consecutive year, with marriage rates believed to be closely linked to increased births.

This decline comes despite China lifting its one-child policy in 2016 to allow couples to have a second child, before increasing it to three in 2021.

The Chinese Civil Affairs University is linked with the governments Ministry of Civil Affairs, pictured ( N509FZ/Wiki )

In 2022 marriages in China hit a record low after a downward trend lasting almost a decade, while 2023 saw the birth rate drop dramatically to half of the 2016 rate.

But there was an uptick in marriages last year, as the number of new marriages increased by 12.4 percent on the previous year - but some demographers suggested this was largely due to the backlog in marriages following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chinese policy makes marriage a requirement for couples who wish to have children, with parents needing to produce a marriage certificate to register a baby and receive benefits - a right which single woman and LGBT+ couples are not entitled to.

But the new degree programme at the Civil Affairs University has drawn widespread condemnation on social media, who see the degree as pointless in an era of declining marriage rates.

The course aims to highlight Chinas positive marriage and family culture to students and the public and advancing reform of Chinas marriage customs", and will take on 70 students from 12 provinces this year.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is leading efforts to increase the marriage rate and reduce the birth rate ( Getty Images )

They will cover topics including "family counselling, high-end wedding planning and the development of matchmaking products in the degree, which is called Marriage Services and Management.

Earlier this year China announced improved policies to promote childbirth as a government report said the regime would create a birth-friendly society and promote long term, balanced population development".

Such policies would include "refining parental leave policies, improving the mechanism for sharing the related labour costs of employers and increasing the supply of childcare services, a report from Chinese Premier Li Qiang read.

Previous efforts to boost the birthrate have included expanded maternity leave for women, increased financial and tax benefits along with housing subsidies.

Despite efforts to increase birth rate, the course was ridiculed on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with one saying: This industry is not just a sunset, its doomsday.

Another quipped that it is time to start a state-owned marriage agency, while a third suggested that such a degree was the perfect recipe for unemployment after graduation.

Young people may be avoiding marriage due to bad job prospects and low consumer confidence as a result of Chinas slowing economy.
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Police in Taiwan have busted a major child sex abuse ring involving hundreds of people, making it the largest raid on an illegal pornography racket in the islands history.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau announced on Thursday that they have arrested 449 people suspected of possessing child sexual abuse images and videos of women filmed in restrooms without their knowledge. They said that nearly 180 subscribers paid in cryptocurrency and network tokens for the illegal material, with transactions managed through overseas accounts and domains, complicating efforts to shut them down.

The accused face charges of violating Taiwans Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act, money laundering, and engaging in organised crime, the bureaus chief, Lin Chien-lung, said at a press conference.

They include teachers, civil servants, police officers, IT workers, and military personnel, according to local media reports. One of them, a man surnamed Chang, allegedly operated Chuangyi Sifang, Taiwans largest illegal pornography platform with thousands of subscribers, on behalf of its reported owner, Lao Ma, a Chinese citizen, according to the Taipei Times.

The racket also operated through another online platform and two Telegram groups. The material shared included sexual images of minors and teenagers and videos of women filmed in restrooms of public places.

open image in gallery Police seize computers, mobile phones, financial records, and cash worth 23,500 ( Criminal Investigation Bureau )

The investigation into the racket began in May and raids were conducted in June and July across Taiwan.

Mr Chang and three of his assistants were strongly suspected of committing crimes, prosecutors said.

A special task team was formed by the National Criminal Police Department and 350 police officers were mobilised to carry out two waves of synchronous sweep operations in 17 counties and cities across the country, the bureau said on Facebook.

Investigators said that 16 people were charged in the case but released on bail.

Police seized computers, cellphones, financial records, and cash worth 23,500 in currencies from Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.

Rufus Lin, director of the Criminal Investigation Bureaus high-tech crime centre, said that they faced difficulty shutting down the networks as they operated through overseas accounts and domains, despite being run from within Taiwan.

open image in gallery The racket operated through Telegram channels and two online platforms which shared sexual images of children and teenagers and videos of women ( Criminal Investigation Bureau )

In the past, Taiwans government has faced criticism from womens and childrens rights groups over lenient laws for possession of images showing child sex abuse.

There were calls to enforce tougher penalties when Taiwanese celebrity Mickey Huang Tzu-chiao was ordered to pay a fine of NT$1.2m (30,000) and write an apology after seven videos featuring minors were found on his hard drive. In the aftermath, in 2023, the maximum prison sentence was increased from two years to three and the maximum fine doubled to NT$1m (23,970).

Additionally, victims were allowed up to seven years to file a complaint instead of three.
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A court in India reportedly told a Muslim refugee from Yemen to go to Pakistan after he overstayed his visa, echoing a crass Islamophobic dog whistle that is more commonly deployed in online debates by Hindu nationalists in the country.

A judge at the Bombay High Court made the remark while hearing a plea by Khaled Gomaeai Mohammad Hasan challenging a Leave India Notice issued to him by police in the western Maharashtra state, according to local media reports.

He pleaded for protection from forcible deportation to his home country of Yemen, which has been engaged in an active civil war since 2014, saying it would pose a threat to his life and the lives of his wife and children, Indian legal website Live Law reported.

Yemen was plunged into conflict a decade ago when Houthi rebels descended from their northern stronghold and seized the capital Sanaa as well as much of the north of the country, forcing the government into exile.

A Gulf coalition led by Saudi Arabia and supported by Western nations intervened in 2015 to restore the previous administration, leading to a war that has so far left over 150,000 people dead and caused one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters.

Mr Hasan arrived in India in March 2014 on a student visa and his wife followed in 2015. After their visas expired, the couple were issued refugee cards by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

Yet in February this year, they received a police notice ordering them to leave the country.

Mr Hasan said he is applying to move to Australia. Seeking permission to stay in India until his visa for Australia came through, he told the high court that his proposed deportation was contrary to the international customary laws and the Indian constitution as it violated basic human rights, Live Law reported.

The judges responded by telling Mr Hasan to go and seek refuge in Pakistan, Indias Muslim majority neighbour with which it shares frosty ties. Mr Hasan is not understood to have any connection to that country.

Go to Pakistan is an Islamophobic dog whistle frequently used by Indias Hindu nationalists against Muslims and critics of the Narendra Modi government.

You can go to Pakistan, which is in the neighbourhood. Or you can go to any Gulf country. Do not take undue advantage of Indias liberal attitude, Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan told him according to Live Law.

The judges concluded the hearing by granting Mr Hasan and his family a 15-day temporary protection against forcible deportation while they sought clarity about the nationality of their daughter born in India.
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More than 300 people were killed and entire villages wiped out after landslides caused by heavy rainfall struck Wayanad in the southern Indian state of Kerala earlier this week, sounding alarm all over the country about the growing frequency and intensity of such disasters.

Heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides are common during South Asias monsoon season from June through September, but they have grown more destructive in recent years, in large part because of human activities.

Keralas case is illustrative. Though the occurance of the flooding and landslides was beyond human control, the extent of the disaster was not.

The first landslide hit Wayanad an hour past midnight on Tuesday. The villagers of Meppadi, Mundakkai and Chooralmala ran for their lives. Many of those who stayed were buried by landslides that followed one after the other until early dawn.

We thought the entire mountain was going to fall on us. We were fighting death that time, a villager identified only as Jayesh told India Today.

The proximate cause of the disaster was unrelenting monsoon rain. The Indian Meteorological Department said Wayanad had received 28cm of rain in the 24 hours before the landslides struck and destroyed critical infrastructure like roads, bridges and power lines along with homes and crops.

Kerala is no stranger to intense moonsoon rainfall given its geography, flanked by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats mountain range to the east. But this monsoon has been particularly severe, leading to swollen rivers, landslides and extensive flooding in the southern state as also elsewhere in the country.

Studies have shown that the climate crisis is making the monsoon particularly harsh, with rain falling in short and heavy bursts.

"Climate change is drastically altering rainfall patterns in the region," said Dr Akshay Deoras, a researcher at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.

What was once a predictable monsoon season has become increasingly erratic, with long dry spells followed by sudden, intense downpours."

This shift heightens the risk of floods and makes landslides more likely as dry soils are unable to absorb heavy rains effectively, he explained.

open image in gallery Indian army soldiers assembling a prefabricated bridge across a river on the second day of rescue operations at a landslide affected village in Wayanad in southern Kerala, India ( AP )

The rainfall is also not distributed equally. While rainfall in Keralas nothern Kannur district was 21 per cent above average between 1 June and 30 July, it was 14 per cent below average in neighbouring Wayanad and nearly 25 per cent below average in Idukki and Ernakulam.

The co-occurence of two extreme scenarios, landslides and rainfall deficit, in the same state reflects a strong spatial variability in this years monsoon rainfall, Dr Deoras said.

The expectation is that such a pattern would become more intense in the future if global warming continues.

Kerala was devastated by Cyclone Ockhi in 2017 and again by massive floods in 2018, among the worst in its history.

What Dr Deoras described isnt unique to Kerala. Its a global phenomenon driven by rising temperatures and shifting climate patterns.

open image in gallery Rescuers work at the spot after landslides hit hilly villages in Wayanad district, Kerala state, India ( AP )

The Indian Ocean, a critical driver of the region's climate, has warmed significantly, nearly 1.5C, since the industrial era began. This warming has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including the kind of heavy rains that contributed to Kerala's recent disaster, experts said.

Human activities also played a crucial role in amplifying the disaster's impact.

Deforestation, unplanned urban development and poor land-use practices have significantly compromised the region's natural defenses.

As India has sought to develop economically over the past few decades, it has built roads, bridges and mines in hilly regions. From the Himalayas in the north to the Western Ghats in the south, however, these mountainous areas are fragile.

More than half of the Western Ghats mountain range is at risk of landslides, a government panel found and called for it to be declared ecologically sensitive with the most sensitive regions protected from any kind of human activity.

According to a 2021 study, 56 per cent of Keralas landslides occurred in plantation areas. The plantations often stand where lush forests once thrived.

Wayanad lost 62 per cent of its forest cover between 1950 and 2018, according to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Studies have also suggested that a changing climate, a stronger monsoon in the past two decades and land cover changes have contributed to the increased frequency of the heavy rainfall events.

Such ecological warnings very rarely alter Indias construction plans.

"We see roads being constructed and widened without proper measures such as slope stability, retaining walls, or adequate drainage systems," said professor YP Sundriyal, head of geology at the HNB Garhwal University.

"Such infrastructure projects, carried out without considering the region's geological sensitivity, can exacerbate the risk of landslides."

open image in gallery Indian soldiers set up a prefabricated bridge for rescue operations following Tuesdays landslides at Chooralmala, Wayanad district ( AP )

Kerala has witnessed a construction boom in the last few decades, driven by rapid urbanisation and a growing population, that has often ignored ecological considerations. Buildings have been erected in areas prone to floods and landslides, with insufficient regard for safety regulations. The result is a landscape where natural disasters can have disproportionately severe consequences.

One of the most vital components of disaster management is the implementation of effective early warning systems. While Kerala has made strides in this area, significant gaps remain. Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, emphasized the need for localised early warning systems.

"Landslide-prone areas are mapped and known, yet timely evacuation and preventive measures are often lacking," he said. "We need to monitor rainfall data in these hotspots and prepare targeted early warning systems to save lives and livelihoods."

open image in gallery Rescuers search through mud and debris for a third day after landslides set off by torrential rains in Wayanad district, Kerala ( AP )

The disaster in Wayanad revealed shortcomings in the state's ability to communicate risks and coordinate evacuation. In some cases, people were unaware of imminent danger or reluctant to leave because of the lack of clear and timely information.

In any case, the response to the disaster has got mired in politicking. Indias home minister Amit Shah said in the parliament that the Kerala government did not gauge the severity of the situation accurately despite the federal government despatching nine National Disaster Response Force teams to the state on 23 July.

Had those blaming the government read the warnings, the situation would have been different, he declared.

The Kerala government denied they were warned. None of the agencies had issued a red alert for Wayanad ahead of the July 30 landslides, it said.

open image in gallery Prajesh Tindu carries his brother Alban Tindu at a government-run relief camp for survivors set up at a school building third day after landslides set off by torrential rains in Wayanad ( AP )

If disasters like this are to be avoided, experts said, urgent mitigation measures need to be implemented.

"Kerala has not been witnessing typical monsoon rains and has been struggling to achieve its average rainfall," said Mahesh Palawat, vice president of meteorology and climate change at Skymet Weather.

"Despite these heavy showers, it is yet to surpass its average rainfall so far. The rise in air and ocean temperatures has led to a drastic increase in moisture, making the atmosphere unstable."

This instability underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy involving both mitigation and adaptation measures.

"Several measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of landslides and excessive rains linked to climate change, Mr Palawat said.

Implementing robust early warning systems through enhanced weather forecasting technologies can provide timely alerts, enabling residents to evacuate and prepare."
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Halle Berry has claimed her ex-husband Olivier Martinez is delaying their agreed-upon co-parenting therapy sessions in favour of holidaying in France.

The Catwoman star and the French actor met on the set of the critically eviscerated 2012 diving thriller Dark Tide. They were married from 2013 to 2016, and had been undergoing an extremely lengthy divorce battle until 2023. They share one child, Maceo, their 10-year-old son.

In legal documents seen by The New York Post, Berry, 57, alleged that Martinez, 58, unilaterally decided to defer co-parenting therapy altogether until September because he was travelling to France in the month of July and because his brother will be visiting him in the month of August in Los Angeles.

According to the court documents filed in Los Angeles last week, they were supposed to have completed six sessions by 14 June. It is now July 26, 2024, and they have not even started, the document stated.

Berry claimed that Olivier has effectively unilaterally decided to take the summer off, noting that the therapy sessions take place on Zoom.

Berry claimed that she has been met with resistance and conflict, despite trying everything to foster a better co-parenting relationship with Olivier.

She alleged her ex has chosen to repeatedly violate agreements and court orders with careless disregard.

To him, the terms of the parties stipulated court orders are simply suggestions to follow when it benefits him and which he ignores when it does not fit his alienation agenda, the document read.

open image in gallery Martinez and Berry in 2012 ( Getty Images )

Berry said that none of this is good for the parties, and it is certainly not good for Maceo, and she wants a judge to force Martinez to attend the sessions.

Martinez has denied Berrys allegations, and claimed she filed her request when she knew hed be travelling.

In a response seen by InTouch, his team claimed Berry is constantly attempting to harass and strong-arm Respondent [Martinez] by forcing him into submission using her wealth, and the legal professionals at her disposal.

When the pair finalised their divorce last summer, it was agreed that, in addition to sharing joint legal and physical custody of their child, Berry would pay her ex $8,000 a month in child support, as well as an additional 4.3 per cent of any income she makes thats above $2m.

Berry also agreed to pay for her sons private school tuition, extracurricular activities, therapist, and health insurance.
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Jennifer Aniston previously gave a sweet birthday surprise to her then-husband, Brad Pitt, when he turned 40.

Chef Jamie Oliver recalled his get-together with Aniston in the early 2000s during an episode of the Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie radio show, which aired on July 31. During the interview, he revealed how hes previously cooked for celebrities, including Pitt.

I actually was Brad Pitts 40th birthday present from Jen, he revealed. She phoned up, and we put the phone down on her three times because we didnt believe it was her. We thought it was someone trying it on. So she had to go through her agent to my agent, but I didnt really have an agent, so it took a bit of a while.

Oliver  who previously hosted popular British cooking show The Naked Chef  continued to reflect on his conversation with the Friends alum, noting that Pitt was a big fan of his work.

She said: Would you cook for Brad? he explained. Hes well into The Naked Chef and all that business, like he watches it on TV and all that. I said: Absolutely, and Ill do it for love, because I love you guys.

He explained how he took two members of his then-small team to cook for the former couple, sharing that Pitts co-star from Fight Club, Ed Norton, and Anistons co-star from Friends, Courtney Cox, was at the birthday celebration.

While Oliver acknowledged that he doesnt necessarily make it a habit to purposefully cook for celebrities, he made an exception for Pitt. The chef also shared that he still keeps in touch with the former couple.

[I] only do it if Im working in the restaurant and theyre in, or if Im asked by someone I love or admire which was the case with Jen and Brad, he explained. It was Brads 40th, so Ive known him for 20 years now Theyre both beautiful people. I havent seen Brad for a while. I saw Jen a couple of weeks ago, and shes everything you would want her to be, and more.

Back in 2014, Olivers wife  Jools  also opened up about attending Pitts 40th birthday celebration. During an interview with Red magazine, she confessed how nervous she was to talk to Cox and Aniston.

Jamie was doing the dinner, so I had to sit and socialize with Brad and Rachel and Monica, she said, referring to the celebrities characters in the 90s sitcom. I was so embarrassed, I didnt know what to say. Brad had just done Troy and was taking his top off to show me his abs. From that moment on I just kind of took a step back from it all, it was all too much.

Aniston and Pitt were one of the most beloved couples in Hollywood, after they started dating in 1998. They officially tied the knot in 2000, before they announced their decision to split four years later.

However, Aniston has made it clear that since their split, she and her ex have stayed on good terms. During an appearance on SiriusXMs The Howard Stern Show in 2021, she opened up about her friendship with Pitt and the opportunity they had to work together again for a fundraising live table reading of Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

It was absolutely fun. Brad and I are buddies, were friends, she said, noting that theres no weirdness between them after the breakup as they still stay in contact.

And we speak, and theres no oddness at all, except for everyone that probably watched it and was wanting there to be, or assumed there to be, the Morning Show star said.
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A New Hampshire man charged with threatening the lives of presidential candidates last year has been found dead while a jury was deciding his verdict, according to court filings Thursday.

The jury began weighing the case against Tyler Anderson, 30, of Dover on Tuesday after a trial that began Monday. A message seeking comment from Andersons lawyer was not immediately returned. A court filing said the government has learned that the defendant is deceased. Prosecutors have moved to dismiss the indictment having learned Anderson has died.

Anderson was indicted by a federal grand jury in December on three counts of sending a threat using interstate commerce. Each charge provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

The U.S. Attorneys office did not name the candidates. When Anderson was arrested, a spokesperson for Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said that texts were directed at his campaign.

Anderson was arrested on Dec. 9 and was released Dec. 14. A federal judge set forth several conditions for his release, including that he avoid contact with any presidential candidate and their political campaigns.

Anderson, who was receiving mental health treatment, was also ordered to take all of his prescribed medications.

According to court documents, Anderson received a text message from the candidates campaign notifying him of a breakfast event in Portsmouth. The campaign staff received two text messages in response. One threatened to shoot the candidate in the head, and the other threatened to kill everyone at the event and desecrate their corpses.

Anderson had told the FBI in an interview that he had sent similar texts to multiple other campaigns, according to a court document.

The charges say similar texts were sent to two different candidates before the Ramaswamy messages, on Nov. 22 and Dec. 6.

A court document filed when Anderson was arrested included a screenshot of texts from Dec. 6 threatening a mass shooting in response to an invitation to see a candidate who isnt afraid to tell it like it is. Republican Chris Christie called his events Tell it Like It Is Town Halls.

A spokesperson for the Christie campaign had thanked law enforcement officials for addressing those threats.

The U.S. Department of Justice doesnt name victims out of respect for their privacy and our obligations under the Crime Victims Rights Act, a DOJ spokesperson said.
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A powerful Mexican drug cartel leader on Thursday made his second appearance in federal court in Texas after being taken into U.S. custody last week.

Ismael El Mayo Zambada, 76, used a wheelchair for the hearing before U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone in El Paso. Zambada, the longtime leader of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, eluded authorities for decades until a plane carrying him and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman," landed at an airport near El Paso on July 25. Both men were arrested and remain jailed. They are charged in the U.S. with various drug crimes.

Discussions during the short hearing Thursday included whether Zambada would be tried with co-defendants or separately. He is being held without bond and pleaded not guilty during a short hearing last week, where he also used a wheelchair.

His next hearing date was set for Sept. 9. His attorneys declined comment after Thursday's hearing.

One of his attorneys, Frank Perez, previously has alleged his client was kidnapped by Guzman Lopez and brought to the U.S. aboard a private plane. Guzman Lopez, 38, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to drug trafficking and other charges in federal court in Chicago.

Zambada was thought to be more involved in day-to-day operations of the cartel than his better-known and flashier boss, El Chapo, who was sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. in 2019.

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.

The capture of Zambada and Guzman Lopez has fueled theories about how federal authorities pulled it off and prompted Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to take the unusual step of issuing a public appeal to drug cartels not to fight each other.
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An 11-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a police car was set alight in the Hartlepool riot as seven men have been charged following the unrest.

The town was among the areas where violence broke out across the UK on Wednesday night. It came in the wake of the Southport stabbings on Monday and subsequent unrest that erupted there the following evening.

Misinformation spread widely online after the attack in which three children were killed, and eight children and two adults were injured. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has now put police on an emergency footing to deal with far-right violence as more rallies are planned for the upcoming days.

Following the disorder that broke out in Hartlepool on Wednesday, Cleveland Police said an 11-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after the burning of a police vehicle.

The force also confirmed seven men have been charged with violent disorder. A 42-year-old man was also charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker. A 28-year-old man was charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, as well as violent disorder.

A police car was burnt amid disorder in Hartlepool on Wednesday night ( PA Wire )

All seven men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Teesside Magistrates Court on Friday.

Cleveland Police said 11 other people were arrested on Wednesday evening in connection with the disorder, during which officers were attacked with missiles, glass bottles and eggs in the County Durham town.

During the violence, which involved about 150 people meeting at the Cenotaph and descending on Murray Street and the surrounding area, four police officers suffered minor injuries.

Before the protest, officers identified the suspected organiser and arrested a 51-year-old man from Hartlepool on suspicion of distributing written materials to stir up racial hatred. He has been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.

Vehicles were damaged during unrest that erupted in Hartlepool following the Southport stabbings ( PA Wire )

A woman aged 28, also from the Hartlepool area, was arrested on Wednesday before the demonstration. She was detained on suspicion of unlawfully obtaining or disclosing protected information and distributing written materials to stir up racial hatred relating to personal information placed on social media, and has been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.

Cleveland Police said it will will maintain a visible presence in the area to reassure and protect the community.

Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: This is very much a live investigation and we are continuing to work to identify those involved in the disorder yesterday evening and bring them to justice.

Disorder of this kind will not be tolerated and those found to be involved will be robustly dealt with.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, who were killed in the Southport stabbing attack ( PA Media )

Speaking outside Hartlepool Police Station on Thursday afternoon, Chief Constable Mark Webster said the events in the town were mindless thuggery and that experienced officers had never seen such disorder there before.

Asked what the motivation was for the disorder, he said: There is an opportunity to go out and damage things, and just exhibit a bit of violence. I dont think there is a principle at stake, this was not a legitimate protest or demonstration. I think there is some mindless thuggery and thats why we are being really proactive to go out and arrest people. Theres no excuse for last night.

The violence came after riots in Southport on Tuesday and further disorder in London, Aldershot and Manchester on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: Make no mistake, whether its in Southport, London or Hartlepool, these people are showing our country exactly who they are.

Rioters clash with police during a protest in Southport on Tuesday evening ( PA Wire )

Mosques targeted because theyre mosques, flares thrown at the statue of Winston Churchill, a Nazi salute at the Cenotaph.

Because lets be very clear about this. Its not protest. Its not legitimate. Its crime. Violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice.

Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash told BBC Radio 4s World At One programme on Thursday that the unrest the night before doesnt represent us as a town.

On Thursday morning, a clean-up operation began in the town as council workers were joined by volunteers in sweeping away the debris.

A police car, which was destroyed when it was set alight, had already been removed by 10am.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged with the murder of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday.
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The convicted paedophile who sent Huw Edwards indecent images of children has been revealed to be a 25-year-old man from Wales, whose family say they were unaware of his crimes.

The veteran BBC newsreader  who announced the death of the Queen and presented multiple royal weddings and Olympics ceremonies  pleaded guilty this week to three charges of making indecent images after receiving the photographs from Alex Williams, of Merthyr Tydfil.

The images, shared with Edwards via WhatsApp, came to light during an unrelated investigation into Williams by South Wales Police. A court heard this week that he forwarded 41 illegal images to the BBC presenter, including seven of the most serious type, category A.

Huw Edwards pleaded guilty on Wednesday at Westminster Magistrates Court ( Aaron Chown/PA )

The Metropolitan Police said Williams pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing category A, B and C images, as well as possessing prohibited images of children. He was convicted of seven offences and received a 12-month suspended sentence on 15 March.

Westminster Magistrates Court was told on Wednesday that the bulk of the images were sent during a two-month period, with most being sent over two days in December 2020 and the final image sent in August 2021. It was a category A video featuring a young boy, the court heard.

South Wales Police told The Guardian that Williams was arrested in August 2022 and bailed as its investigation continued. He was charged in December 2023 and appeared in court in January, when he pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing illegal images.

Pictures of Williams have now been uncovered via his social media profiles and he has gone into hiding since his messages to Edwards came to light, according to the Mail Online. The website made contact with his parents, who denied knowing their son had been convicted of sexual offences and said they had not seen him for months.

( Dimitris Legakis/Athena Pictures )

His grandmother said she had no knowledge of his conviction, according to The Times, which reported that he had been working in Cardiff in a management position after graduating from university in the Welsh capital.

Edwards was bailed after pleading guilty on Wednesday and will be sentenced at Westminster Magistrates Court on 16 September. He faces up to 10 years in prison but his barrister has called for the court to consider a suspended sentence.
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A rioter who went viral after looting a number of shops including a Lush cosmetics store in Hull has received one of the longest sentences after weeks of violent disorder.

John Honey, 25, was pictured wearing a distinctive St Georges Cross T-shirt and carrying boxes of bathbombs when the store was ransacked on 3 August, before also stealing goods from O2 and Shoezone.

As well as participating in the ransacking of the high street, he was part of a baying mob that forced three Romanian men from their BMW, leaving them terrified.

Honey has been jailed for over four years for taking part in the violent disorder (Humberside Police/PA) ( PA Media )

A court heard the driver of a BMW was left in fear for his life when more than 100 angry men descended on him and his two cousins and attempted to drag them from their vehicle during 12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence in the city on August 3.

The man said he was punched in the head, and one person tried to hit him with a metal bar.

In footage of the incident, the three terrified occupants of the car could be seen getting out with their hands raised in a gesture of surrender before fleeing to a nearby hotel, the court heard.

Honey had pulled open the passenger door while David Wilkinson, 48, was seen damaging the windscreen of the vehicle.

He has now been jailed for 56 months after previously pleading guilty to violent disorder and three charges of burglary at Lush, the O2 and Shoezone.

A manager at Lush said the incident had massively impacted staff ( X/Twitter )

Video footage played to the court showed him carrying on of the Lush branded bags and filling it with products, with the manager saying the incident had massively impacted the staff.

A previous sentencing hearing that had been due to take place earlier this week was adjourned after it emerged Honey had asked a prison probation officer if he wanted his autograph because he was famous.

During Fridays hearing, the judge was informed that Honey had developmental issues due to a difficult start to life.

Judge John Thackray KC told Honey: Im not going to hear any evidence about comments which you may or may not have made in the prison setting. Im not going to give them any relevance. If your defence say that there is now genuine remorse, Ill accept that submission.

He also admitted racially aggravated criminal damage over the BMW incident, and to damaging nine other cars during an attack on a garage.

David Wilkinson, 48, has been jailed for six years for his role in the Sunderland riots (Humberside Police) ( PA Media )

Also jailed on Friday was Wilkinson, who received a six year sentence after playing a prominent role in the riots, which saw him spitting, throwing missiles and pushing wheelie bins towards police officers.

In the same garage attack, he was seen trying to set fire to a bin on top of a pile of tyres which were already alight, sending plumes of black smoke into a workshop where a group of people were sheltering.

Four men who took part in a barrage of verbal and physical abuse towards police during the riots were also locked up at the same court.

Also jailed today for two years and two months was Paul Williams, a 45-year-old man who was at the forefront of an orgy of mindless destruction, violence and disorder in Sunderland.

During the rioting, he was seen throwing metal fencing and a can of beer at police before taking his shirt off and shouting put your shields down and lets go, lets f****** go.

Lisa Bishop was jailed for 26 months after admitting violent disorder ( Avon and Somerset Police )

A mother-of-five who was part of a terrifying mob outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Bristol has also been jailed for 26 months after throwing a can and shouting verbal abuse.

Lisa Bishop, 38, was in a prominent position outside the Mercure hotel, which left police officers overwhelmed as they struggled to maintain order.

A second riot charge has been brought by police as violent disorder suspects across the country await news on whether they will be accused of the more serious offence.

Northumbria Police said on Friday that Kieran Usher had become their second suspect to be charged with riot, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

The 32-year-old appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Friday, where prosecutors said he had acted in an aggressive manner towards police officers and threw missiles at them during the unrest.

It followed the forces announcement that a 15-year-old boy had been charged with the more serious offence after having previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder and burglary on Saturday.
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A plaque honouring Huw Edward has been removed from the walls of Cardiff Castle after he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children.

The move from Cardiff Council comes after the former presenter admitted on Wednesday to having 41 indecent images of children, sent to him by a convicted paedophile on WhatsApp.

The messages included seven category A images, the most serious type - two of which, showed a child aged between about seven and nine.

Cardiff Council confirmed the plaque was removed on Wednesday along with the audio narration guide which was removed from the app on Thursday.

An underpass mural which Edwards had been to visit in his home village of Llangennech, Carmarthenshire has also been concealed this week.

( Mark Hutchings )

The artwork, created by Steve Jenkins, 50, was painted over on Tuesday after it was revealed that Edwards had been charged with the charges over indecent child images.

In a statement for the BBC News Jenkins said: "I feel deeply saddened to have to remove it as the whole village loved it when it was first done.

"I was given the topic of the village to base the mural on and we thought it would be nice if Huw was included.

"It was lovely, he brought his mum along to see it and that's why this is such a bitter pill to swallow."

Several charities, meanwhile, have severed their allegiance with the broadcaster including The National Churches Trust and The Journalists Charity following his court appearance.

( Mark Hutchings )

In a statement from the National Churches Trust they said: In light of the news on Monday 29 July, the National Churches Trust has confirmed that Huw Edwards is no longer a Vice President for the charity.

We are shocked and saddened by the recent developments."

In its first move to conceal previous broadcasts of the presenter, the BBC has removed Edwards appearance in a Doctor Who episode on IPlayer.

He remains in the BBC archives even though this is a contested matter.

Edwards also has ties to the London Male Voice Choir, The Learned Society of Wales, Cardiff University, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and Swansea University - all of whom have been approached for comment.
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Mosques across the country are strengthening their security measures ahead of planned far-right protests  as one Muslim chaplain pledges to hand out burgers and chips to demonstrators in a gesture of peace.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said hundreds of mosques are taking protective measures, such as checking windows and doors and bringing in extra security staff, ahead of the weekend.

Disorder by the far-right first sprang up in Southport after the killing of three children in an attack during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday. Misinformation online led to violent scenes outside a mosque.

More than 30 protests are planned between Friday and Sunday across Britain and Northern Ireland.

Anti-fascist charity Hope not Hate said all the protests are anti-multiculturalism, anti-Muslim and anti-government, with two mosques named as targets. Nine anti-racism counter-protests are also being planned.

A leader at one Liverpool mosque, Adam Kelwick, has pledged to greet any protesters with free food and welcome them in.

Mr Kelwick, who worships at Abdullah Quilliam, Britains oldest mosque, said any protesters who wished to genuinely engage with us would be welcomed in to discuss with us issues which all of us face in society today.

He said in a video on social media that the mosque would provide free cold drinks, burgers and chips to anyone who turned up on Friday evening.

In a plea to protesters, he said: Bring your concerns, lets have a discussion about the issues affecting our communities and work together to solve them. Lets get rid of ignorance. Lets get rid of hatred and lets sit down together.

Riot police hold back protesters near a burning police vehicle after disorder broke out on July 30, 2024 in Southport, England. Rumours about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect in yesterday's deadly stabbing attack here have sparked a violent protest. ( Getty Images )

Secretary-general Zara Mohammed of the MCB said that the group had put together a plan in which mosques would hire paid security staff because of deep-seated anxiety and palpable fear among communities.

She said mosques talked of receiving threats on the phone about targeted attacks during a mosque security community briefing on Thursday.

Expanding on the security plan, she added: So its around protective measures: ensuring that the doors and windows are secure, carrying out a risk assessment, making sure CCTV cameras are working, and having some paid security staff on site.

She stressed the need for Muslim communities to have a direct relationship with local police forces during the disorder.

Kingswood Homes workers rebuild a wall outside the Southport Islamic Centre Mosque in Southport, Merseyside, after a protest as police officers suffered serious injuries when bricks, stones and bottles were thrown and cars were set alight during violent protests following a vigil for three girls killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club on Monday. ( PA )

Ms Mohammed said: We go by what weve seen already and from what online posters are saying, but it sounds like far-right thugs and mobs are going to seek to intimidate congregations and mosques.

In Southport they were pelting stones and glass bottles, shouting Islamophobic slurs and abuse.

So its likely that we may again see groups of men and thugs coming together outside of the mosques to intimidate.

Activists at Stand Up to Racism have said that Muslims, migrants and people of colour are all bracing for a weekend of far-right activity.

Co-convenor Weyman Bennett said: We are witnessing an unprecedented amount of far-right demos being called, which will all bring racist thugs onto our streets to threaten our communities and multicultural Britain.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said the riots were not protest and not legitimate as he vowed not to permit a breakdown of law and order.
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Cleaners in the Houses of Parliament are facing cuts of up to 25 per cent of the workforce and are complaining of uncertain and chaotic conditions, despite Sir Keir Starmers pledge to serve working people.

In May 2024, the Churchill Group was awarded the contract to clean the Houses of Parliament. But since then, Cleaners and Allied Independent Workers Union (CAIWU) claim they have faced chaos and uncertainty.

The group is planning to cut staffing by 25 per cent, a total of between 30 to 50 people. The decision was announced on 8 July, with redundancies set to start on 2 September. The union has said its members, which make up 90 per cent of the workforce, are preparing to fight back.

Sir Keir has repeatedly said his plan in government is to put Britain back in the service of working people.

But a CAIWU spokesperson said: Members of CAIWU have faced chaos and uncertainty: pressure to sign new contracts, changed pay structure and plans to cut the workforce by 25 per cent.

Despite promises from the incumbent Government to create real change for working people, Keir Starmer has ridden back on several pledges regarding an end to outsourcing since his election as Labour Party leader in 2019.

But a key question remains: if Keir Starmer and the incumbent Labour Party cant even ensure the fair and equal treatment of those in their own house, what does it say about the future of workers across the country?

It said its workers are facing increased workloads, leading to physical and mental health issues, while the private sector reaps the rewards, adding that the outsourcing process has created a two-tier workforce where those unlucky enough to be outsourced lack the same rights and allowances as their peers.

Sir Keir has repeatedly said his plan in government is to put Britain back in the service of working people ( Henry Nicholls/PA Wire )

CAIWU claimed that its members were not informed or consulted about the decision to outsource to the Churchill Group, claiming they were made aware of it on May 1, when, during their work hours, they felt pressured to sign new contracts from their new employer.

A spokesperson said: These contracts were complex and many cleaners found them difficult to understand given English was not their first language. Nonetheless, they signed the new contracts for fear of their own job security.

In an article for Labour List published in May, Commons leader Lucy Powell promised to improve Parliaments culture: enhancing and embedding employment practices, tackling abuse and harassment in parliament, making parliament a better and safer workplace with further action on exclusions and complaints; considering how parliament can better reflect our diverse country..

Responding to her remarks, a CAIWU spokesperson said: Our members, comprised primarily of migrant workers, are left wondering: why dont they count?

A UK Parliament spokesperson said: Cleaning contractors in Parliament perform a vital role and are hugely valued. Contracts with our suppliers are awarded on the basis that high standards are always met, as well as ensuring that employment rights are respected.

Both Houses are keen to ensure that matters can be resolved promptly, for the benefit of all parties, and are being kept updated on staffing arrangements with the contractor. Administrations in both Houses will ensure that parliamentary business can continue as planned.

The Churchill Group has been contacted for comment.
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Keir Starmer is being pressed by cyber experts to urgently prioritise new legislation to protect the UK from attacks and catastrophic system failures.

A report by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) has listed a series of recommendations after the last month saw more concerns about Russian cyber attacks on the UK linked to misinformation about the Southport attack, and a major outage taking down aeroplanes, trains, hospitals, broadcasters and scores of companies.

The government has listed the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill in the Kings speech but there are fears that it is not enough of a priority.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer answers questions during a press conference in Downing Street (Henry Nicholls/PA) ( PA Wire )

The BCSs recommendations include requiring company boards to include a member who will be held accountable for the firms cyber security.

It also wants to see a new cyber security code of practice with mandatory requirements to report breaches.

It wants companies to be forced to invest more in cyber security workforces, ensure resilience is part of their business plans and have more monitoring to spot problems.

The BCS has called on the government to set up a unit to support small and medium-sized businesses.

Rashik Parmar, chief executive of BCS said: "The cost of cybercrime to the UK economy runs into billions of pounds each year. This is not just about money; it's about the very fabric of our society. We cannot afford to be complacent.

He highlighted the Crowdstrike outage caused by a Microsoft update which caused chaos in the UK and around the world with computer systems failing.

Mr Parmar said: "The recent cyberattack on the NHS in London, and the Crowdstrike IT outage were a wake-up call. Lives are at stake, and we must ensure that our systems are secure and resilient by default, not as an afterthought.

The recent outage caused flights to be cancelled ( Alex Wong/Getty Images )

He added: We must have transparency from the tech giants that have such a huge impact on our everyday lives. We must also have a government that clearly recognises the importance of cybersecurity being woven into the DNA of our national infrastructure."

The call has come after former security minister Stephen McPartland pointed the finger at Russia for using social media teams and bots for fanning discontent which led to the recent riot by far-right activists in Southport following the killing of three girls and stabbing of seven others.

Mr McPartland carried out a review into cyber security and resilience in the UK which Rishi Sunaks government failed to implement because of the early election.

But he has pointed out that it is available for the new Labour government to use with recommendations including getting large companies to share intelligence and support systems.

The issue has been highlighted in a letter to The Independent from Ross Burley, the co-founder and executive director of the Centre for Information Resilience.

He said: The Centre for Information Resilience has consistently highlighted the tactics employed by state actors like Russia to spread disinformation and manipulate public opinion  including through support for the far right. Their work, particularly on projects like Eyes on Russia, demonstrates the importance of verifying information and combating false narratives that seek to undermine social cohesion and democratic processes.

We must collectively prioritise the development of greater cyber-resilience and media literacy. This includes educating the public on how to critically assess the information they encounter online and holding social media platforms accountable for the content they allow to proliferate.

Our response must be proactive and comprehensive. It is imperative that the government, tech companies, and civil society organisations work together to combat disinformation. This collaborative approach is essential not only to prevent incidents like the Southport riots but also to safeguard our democratic values against malicious interference.

A spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said: This government is committed to delivering economic stability by making our public services more resilient to cyber threats  including from foreign states like Russia and China.

That is why in the Kings Speech we unveiled the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which mandates that providers of essential infrastructure and digital services protect their supply chains from attacks.

DSIT has said that the bill will put regulators on a stronger footing and mandate wider reporting of cyber incidents, including when organisations are held to ransom, so we can better grasp and address vulnerabilities across the economy and society.
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Members of Sir Keir Starmers cabinet have had housing targets in their constituencies slashed, despite a government push to build hundreds of thousands of new homes across the UK.

Announcing new targets for housebuilding, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner this week told MPs that we must all play our part in the plan to build more homes.

She unveiled a major overhaul of the planning system last week, which will see all councils in England given mandatory housing targets as part of a plan to deliver 1.5 million more homes in the UK.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has set out an overhaul of planning rules (Andy Buchanan/PA) ( PA Wire )

But the targets, which were calculated by an algorithm, will fall in many constituencies held by cabinet ministers, analysis by the Daily Mail has shown.

Camden, Sir Keirs constituency, has seen its annual target cut from 2,842 to 2,715. Tottenham, where David Lammy is an MP, has seen its target cut from 3,431 to 2,716.

Wes Streetings constituency, Redbridge, has had its target cut by more than a third from 3,682 a year to 2,270.

Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall has seen the yearly target in her constituency, Leicester, cut from 2,435 per year to just 1,690.

Sheffield, transport secretary Louise Haighs constituency, has seen its target cut from cut from 3,036 to 2,667.

And in Bristol, the constituency of treasury chief secretary Darren Jones, the target has been slashed from 3,378 to 3,057.

One of the most significant reductions will take place in housing minister Matthew Pennycooks constituency of Greenwich, which will see a 40 per cent reduction, from 4,077 to 2,396.

While there has been some increase in targets in the constituencies of some cabinet ministers, such as chancellor Rachel Reeves and education secretary Bridget Philipson, the outcome across the cabinet is different from the shadow cabinet, which will be forced to absorb large numbers of new homes.

Rishi Sunaks North Yorkshire constituency has seen its housing target triple in size, from 1,361 to 4,232.

James Cleverly has seen the target in his Braintree constituency increase by a quarter, from 813 homes a year to 1,098.

Waverly, Jeremy Hunts constituency, has had its target increase by almost double from 710 to 1,374.

Meanwhile, East Hampshire, shadow education secretary Damian Hinds constituency, has seen its target jump from 575 to 1,074.

Overall, targets for Tory-run councils increased by an average of 43.3 per cent, while those for Labour authorities went up by an average of 7.2 per cent.

Speaking in the Commons last week, Ms Rayner warned that Britain is facing the most acute housing crisis in living memory, claiming that the number of new homes is set to drop below 200,000 this year  something she dubbed unforgivable.

The overall housing target for the UK will increase to 370,000, replacing the previous Tory governments advisory target of 300,000 homes per year.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has been contacted for comment.
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Robert Jenrick made himself the leading candidate of the Tory right with a series of hardline policies designed to take on Nigel Farages Reform UK including bringing back the Rwanda plan.

The former home office minister and communities secretary was surrounded by leading figures from the Tory right including former minister Esther McVey, who introduced him at the launch, and Common Sense Group chairman Sir John Hayes.

In a pitch made directly to the Tory membership which many believe is more rightwing than the partys MPs, Mr Jenrick promised to create a party which my good friend Suella Braverman is comfortable in.

The Newark MP chose his own constituency for the launch to prove that the party wants to reach out to the towns and countryside from the metropolitan bubble of London. But it was his collection of rightwing policies which set him apart from his rivals.

Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick speaking during his Conservative Party leadership campaign launch at the YMCA Community and Activity Village, in Newark, Nottinghamshire (Jacob King/PA) ( PA Wire )

Mr Jenrick is currently up against former business secretary Kemi Badenoch, ex-home secretaries James Cleverly and Priti Patel, former work and pensions secretary Mel Stride, and former security minister Tom Tugendhat.

He told his audience that if he could lead the Tories back to power he would absolutely take Britain out of the ECHR.

At previous event in Essex last week he pledged not to try to bring Nigel Farage into the party but he was more circumspect at his launch.

Asked if the two Reform UK MPs Nigel Farage and Lee Anderson as well as Tory rightwinger Suella Braverman would "feel comfortable" in a Conservative party he led, Mr Jenrick said: "It will definitely be a party in which my good friend Suella Braverman is comfortable. I want to build a big church, a big tent for this party.

"But it has to be a strong tent. I want to ensure that we are a big church, that it has a common creed.

"So we have to believe in Conservative principles again. I never want to be going onto a doorstep in a general election in the future and people not know what our party stands for.

"That is the essence of my campaign. If a member in this room would put on a blue rosette under my leadership they would know what it stood for, and they would have pride in wearing it."

Mr Jenrick has entered the race at the expense of Ms Braverman taking many of her supporters and the former home secretary, who easily topped polls among members for best option for leader, is yet to endorse any candidate having claimed MPs believe she is too mad and bad to be leader.

Mr Jenrick has made no secret that he moved from being a centrist to the right after serving as immigration minister in the Home Office claiming he found a department in ashes when he started the job. He resigned from rishi Sunaks government because the then prime minister refused to go far enough clamping down on immigration numbers and on the flights to Rwanda.

Mr Jenrick insisted that under him the Tories would return to the target of less than 100,000 net migration a year.

Jenrick said he would be "open to" a cap restricting immigration to less than 10,000 people a year.

Asked to put a number on his proposed immigration cap, Mr Jenrick said: "I said that it would be in the tens of thousands. I'm open to it being less.

"But the key thing is that Parliament decides the cap and every Member of Parliament votes for it, so you can hold them to account.

"Do they believe in lower migration or not? And we can finally begin to restore public trust and confidence in our legal migration system."

He added that he would "hope" to bring back the Rwanda scheme scrapped by the new Government, but this would be "four or five years away".

The Tory leadership hopeful told the audience at his campaign launch: "Despite spending more money than ever before, too much of the British state simply wasn't working. Nowhere exemplifies this challenge more than the NHS."

Mr Jenrick took aim at spending and quangos in the health service, adding: "We allowed the lions on the frontline of the NHS to be let down by the donkeys in the back offices."

He later said similar problems were faced by many western countries, but added: "The particular problems we face as a country stem from the fact that the British system is not working for the British people.

"I am not going to lie to you, for most of my time as a politician I believed our political system basically worked. I was elected 10 years ago in a by-election here in Newark, I was honoured to be a member of the government of each of the last five Conservative prime ministers. I prided myself on making the system work, on getting things done for my constituents and our country."

While he pointed to his record as housing secretary on housebuilding and reducing homelessness, Mr Jenrick added: "In the last two years, I have come to see that a different approach is needed."

Responding to Mr Jenricks Conservative Leadership campaign event, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP said: As a minister, Robert Jenrick oversaw a housing crisis and failed to address immigration, he has a terrible record tainted by failure.

Only in todays Conservative Party could someone with such a terrible record of failure think they could lead it.

Jenrick is now a symbol of the way the Conservative Party has moved further and further away from lifelong Conservative voters in the Blue Wall. People right across the country are instead putting their faith in the Liberal Democrats to get a fair deal for them.
Lost among the tumultuous events of the past week, former immigration minister Robert Jenrick formally launched his campaign bid to lead the mainstream right. Jenrick is up against shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch (still the bookies favourite), shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride, shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat, shadow home secretary James Cleverly, and former home secretary Priti Patel.

In words that any of his rivals might easily have uttered, Jenrick declared: Trust is hard-fought but easily lost. It cant be restored overnight. But if the party learns the hard lessons, listens to the country and shows the party has changed  I know we can win again. Not in two terms. Not in a decade. But at the next general election.

Fair enough, but the latest polling from YouGov highlights just how much Jenrick or any of his rivals will have to do.

So what do the public make of the Tory candidates?

Its fair to say that with riots on the streets there are more pressing concerns, but the broad verdict of the opinion polls is that voters really dont know much about the six candidates and where they do have an opinion it is overwhelmingly negative.

Whos winning with the public?

As far as the public is concerned, its easier to identify the principal loser and potential liability. Its Priti Patel. She has been around for a while in senior roles, and has got herself into a few high-profile scrapes, including operating a parallel foreign policy while on holiday in Israel and being accused of bullying by her most senior civil servant. Plus, she pioneered the doomed Rwanda scheme. A favourite of Boris Johnson, she has by far the highest recognition rating with the voters  but factoring in her personal ratings leaves her on a net score of minus 51 per cent, with only 17 per cent of people having no view on her. The least unpopular is Tugendhat, at minus 11 per cent, but this is a bit meaningless when 64 per cent of the population dont know who he is. Perhaps surprisingly, Cleverly and Badenoch, big Westminster beasts, have dont know ratings of 45 per cent and 51 per cent respectively.

Is it all bad?

No. Voters would like a clean break from the immediate Tory past, and the fact that theyre a bit fuzzy on who these people are could allow the candidates to promise a fresh start. But they would also tend to get a bit ignored, rather as Keir Starmer did in the early phase of his leadership.

What about Tory voters?

Worryingly for Badenoch, she does markedly badly with Tory voters  dividing them sharply as the most disliked candidate after Patel. Far more liked are Cleverly and Tugendhat. Of course, the more apposite question is which potential leader is more favourably viewed by those who voted Labour, Liberal Democrat and Reform UK. All six score consistently negative ratings, but Tugendhat is unusual in not being disproportionately despised by the voters the Tories will need to win over  though that may be because hes not properly defined himself (and would be well advised not to if he does get to be leader).

But its up to the membership in the end, isnt it?

Yes, though the MPs get to choose the final two to be chosen as acceptable leaders. Normally, despite some manoeuvrings, the pattern is for the final to feature a candidate of the right, and one from the more centrist One Nation wing. The latest poll, a fortnight ago, put Badenoch first for next leader on 26 per cent, ahead of Jenrick and Tugendhat on 13 per cent each, Cleverly on 9 per cent and Patel on a remarkably meagre 3 per cent. (Suella Braverman got 10 per cent but is not now running.) That shows the contest is fairly open; and that if any of the frontrunners wants to play games in the MP rounds they should try and make sure Patel ends up as their opponent in the final membership round, as she looked very easy to beat there. Putting party before country, though, this very early stage research tentatively suggests Tugendhat is best placed to win back lost voters on the centre and hard right. But theres a long way to go.
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Ukraine has taken delivery of a second Turkish-built navy corvette, officials said Friday, although they did not say specifically how the warships might be used in the war against Russia.

Ukraines first lady, Olena Zelenska, attended the launching ceremony of the Ada-class corvette during a visit to Turkey, the Ukrainian presidency announced on its website.

The corvette Ukraine already had is currently undergoing sea trials.

Turkish Ada-class ships are typically able to strike planes, other ships and submarines.

Ukraine, which has coastlines on the Black Sea and the smaller Sea of Azov, had a small navy at the time of Russias February 2022 full-scale invasion.

But it has developed deadly uncrewed sea drones that have severely limited Moscows Black Sea naval capability.

The Ukrainian presidency said the corvettes would help protect the countrys interests in the Black and Azov seas but also, in particular, in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The presidency statement did not elaborate.

International law forbids the passage of warships through Turkey's busy Bosporus Strait, which links the Mediterranean and Black seas, during times of war. However, the presidency's statement didnt say where exactly the Turkish shipyard was located, meaning it could be on the northern side of the strait, with a direct route to Ukraine.

Ukraine ordered the two Turkish corvettes under an agreement signed in 2020, the presidency said.

Ukrainian authorities last month adopted a Maritime Security Strategy that aims to rebuild its naval capability.

It is also getting help with that from Western partners. The maritime capability coalition, headed by the United Kingdom and Norway, was established last December.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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Chevron, the second-largest US oil company, plans to leave its historic headquarters in California and relocate to Texas over the next five years, citing increased regulations and state climate action.

The company, whose corporate forerunners have been based in the state since 1879, will shift its headquarters to Houston, Texas.

We believe California has a number of policies that raise costs, that hurt consumers, that discourage investment and ultimately we think thats not good for the economy in California and for consumers, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth told The Wall Street Journal.

In the last year, California passed a law putting limits on excess profit-making from refiners and sued major oil companies, including Chevron, alleging they deceived the public about the climate risks of fossil fuels for decades. The state also taxes corporate income, while Texas does not.

We believe that climate is a matter thats a global issue and is best addressed through national and global policy engagement, and not through the courts, Wirth added in his interview with the Journal.

Chevron plans to relocate from California to Houston, Texas ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Chevron has operations across California, including 2,000 employees at a corporate campus in San Ramon, and a large refinery complex in Richmond.

Its large footprint hasnt stopped California officials from scrutinizing Chevrons role in the climate crisis.

For decades and decades, the oil industry has been playing each and every one of us in this room for fools, California governor Gavin Newsom said at a 2023 speech at the UN, shortly after the suit against oil companies was filed.

They have been buying off politicians. Theyve been denying and delaying science and fundamental information that they were privy to that they didnt share or they manipulated. Their deceit and denial going back decades, have created the conditions that persist here today.

Chevron isnt the only major corporate tenant leaving the state.

Elon Musk has worked to move the headquarters of X, SpaceX, and Tesla, to Texas in recent years.

Other companies have joined the trend, including HP Enterprise and Oracle, who both left California in 2020 for Texas.
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A detective for an Arizona prosecutors office faces a murder charge for strangling his wife to death and leaving her remains in their bedroom with the kids at home as he tried to flee, police said.

John Byrd was arrested by authorities in Mesa, Arizona, earlier this week in connection to the case.

On July 31, police responded to a home for a possible missing person, according to ABC 15. Worried friends reported they hadnt seen the victim all day and she didnt show up to their regular gym class.

The friend called the victims 11-year-old son, who said he and his two siblings - aged 8 and 4 - had not seen their mom all day and she was locked in her bedroom.

The acquaintance also told police that Bryd had left home around noon and had not been seen since, according to the report. The worried friend picked up the kids and took them to her home.

John Bryd, who worked for the Maricopa County Attorneys Office, is accused of killing his wife and leaving her remains in their home with their children around. ( Maricopa County Sheriffs Office )

Police arrived and found the unnamed victim dead in the bedroom. There were no visible injuries on her at that time.

Mesa police found Byrd driving the victims vehicle and stopped him.

He was taken to a police station for questioning, where he said he had been stressed about his home and work life, according to the report. He told police that he got into a heated argument with his wife and  a switch just flipped.

Byrd told investigators that he strangled the victim and left her in the bedroom. He locked the door so their children would not see her, according to the report.

Authorities arrested Byrd and charged with second-degree murder.

Bryd was a detective with the Maricopa County Attorneys Office before his arrest. Nearby Pinal County prosecutors will handle the investigation, according to the report.
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Three Philadelphia men have been arrested a day after a woman was found dead on the rocks behind a resort in Atlantic City.

Another woman was found suffering from multiple wounds, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

Gregg Page, 34, was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, and weapons offenses, according to the prosecutor's office. Two other men, Ryan Schenck, 30, and Ramir Schenck, 27, were also arrested and charged with hindering the apprehension of a police suspect in connection with the alleged murder, WPVI reports.

The victims in the case have been identified as Carley Elbert, 32, and Kamille Stewart, 29. Elbert died from her injuries.

The Flagship resort in Atlantic City. Atlantic City Police found Carley Elbert, 32, and Kamille Stewart, 29, both shot in the head near the resort on August 1. Elbert died from her wounds, while Stewart was taken to a local hospital for treatment ( Google Maps )

Atlantic City Police responded to the scene around 4:40am August 1 after receiving a report that two women had been severely injured near the Flagship resort.

Stewart was found conscious but suffering from multiple wounds. She was then taken to AtlantiCare Medical Center. Elbert was unresponsive upon discovery and was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident. The police report noted she as wearing a swimsuit when she was killed.

A local woman told WPVI that it was unusual that someone would wear a swim suit to the area, as there is no beach nearby  just rocks.

Both women were reportedly shot in the head, according to a preliminary report. Elbert's official cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Southern Regional Medical Examiner's Office.

Security workers at the Flagship resort turned over their surveillance footage to police. Witnesses noticed a car pulling into the area just after 2am carrying five people, who exited and began walking the boardwalk, WPVI reports. Only two of the five people returned to the car about 20 minutes after they arrived. Those men then drove off.

It's unclear if the victims were part of the group.

Law enforcement investigating the murder tracked down the suspects in Philadelphia. All three were charged and booked at the Philadelphia Correctional Facility, where they will await extradition to New Jersey for trial.

The incident is still being investigated and no motive has been released in the case.
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A woman has been charged with hate crime in connection to the vandalization of the home of the Jewish director of the Brooklyn Museum, police say.

The Brooklyn Museum has been called upon by pro-Palestinian protesters earlier this year to disclose any Israel-related investments and asked them to divest from any such funding, sparking an occupation of parts of the museum in May in protest.

The following month, several homes, including that of Brooklyn Museums director Anne Pasternak, were vandalized with red paint, and a banner was erected that stated: Anne Pasternak Brooklyn Museum White-Supremacist Zionist over the front door.

The banner also depicted red hand prints and the words funds genocide can be seen at the bottom.

Along with the red paint splatters, red inverted triangles  likely used to symbolize Palestinian resistance, The Guardian said  were also painted on the windows and doors of the home. The symbol has also been used by Hamas military wing to identify Israeli military targets, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

After the incident that occurred in mid-June, New York Citys mayor Eric Adams said, This is not peaceful protest or free speech. This is a crime, and its overt, unacceptable antisemitism.

These actions will never be tolerated in New York City for any reason. Im sorry to Anne Pasternak and members of @brooklynmuseums board who woke up to hatred like this, he added.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also said at the time in a speech on the Senate floor that the vandalism was the face of hatred.

Jewish Americans made to feel unsafe in their own home  just because they are Jewish, he said. This is not even close to free speech. This is intimidation. It is scapegoating. It is dehumanization.

A banner that states Anne Pasternak Brooklyn Museum White-Supremacist Zionist hung outside of Pasternak, the Brooklyn Museum directors home. New York leaders have condemned the incident as unacceptable antisemitism ( Mayor Eric Adams via X )

Taylor Pelton, 28, has now been arrested and charged criminal mischief and criminal mischief as a hate crime in the vandalization of Pasternaks home in June, NYPD Detective Gregory Green told CNNon Thursday.

Pelton was allegedly part of a group of protesters spotted on surveillance video who carried out the vandalism on June 12, police say. The others seen in the videos were still being sought on Thursday.

Peloton was arraigned on Wednesday night and released with court supervision, a Brooklyn district attorneys office spokesperson said.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Peltons attorney, Moira Meltzer-Cohen, did not discuss the details of the charges but criticized the increasing trend of characterizing Palestine solidarity actions as hate crimes.

She added that the willingness of prosecutors to endorse the rhetorical collapse of Zionist ideology and protected religious identity, in order to criminalize criticism of Israel, signals a troubling departure from the principles on which our legal and political systems rest.

The Brooklyn Museum said it is aware of the criminal charges against the suspect, and its spokesperson, Taylor Maatman, told CNN that its leadership believes it is crucial to distinguish between peaceful protest and criminal acts.

Our museum has a long history of supporting artists free expression and uplifting people through powerful art experiences, Maatman said. Our vision remains rooted in the belief that art fosters dialogue and mutual understanding among people with diverse experiences and perspectives.

An inverted red triangle was sprayed on the windows and doors of the Brooklyn Museums directors home. A suspect has been arrested on a hate crime charge over a month after the incident ( Mayor Eric Adams via X )

The houses of other board members of the Brooklyn Museum were also vandalized, happening just weeks after hundreds of protesters demonstrated at the museum and occupied much of the lobby before unfurling a Free Palestine banner on the buildings roof.

Pro-Palestine organization Within Our Lifetime and other protest organizers have said that the museum is deeply invested in and complicit in Israels military actions in Gaza through its leadership, trustees, corporate sponsors and donors, an accusation that museum officials have denied, the AP reported.

Since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people, and the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza, which have killed more than 39,000 people, there has been an uptick in hate for Muslim and Jewish Americans.

Antisemitic, Islamophobic and anti-Arab hate incidents have climbed to unprecedented levels, according to civil rights advocates.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations says they tracked 8,061 complaints of anti-Muslim incidents in 2023, a 56 per cent increase since the previous year, with the Anti-Defamation League reporting that there has been a 140 per cent increase in antisemitic incidents in 2023 compared to the previous year.

In a further statement to The Independent, Peltons attorney Meltzer-Cohen said, What I can say is that while obviously the First Amendment does not immunize against prosecution for otherwise unlawful conduct, it does protect us against prosecution for the substance of our speech. Cases like this, where the state attempts to apply a hate crime charge, in order to deprive political speech of its protected character -- that is, in order to make certain viewpoints, as opposed to certain conduct, subject to prosecution -- should be alarming to everyone.

The Independent has contacted the Brooklyn Museum for further comment.
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A teenager has pleaded guilty to murder for shooting dead a political activist for a dollar during a botched robbery.

Lamar Kemp, 15, from Lansing, Michigan, agreed to serve between 35 and 60 years in prison for killing Theodore Ted Lawson while he was knocking on doors canvassing for the Democrats.

I shot him, the teen said at his trial in an Ingham County courthouse on Friday as he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Ingham County prosecutor John Dewane charged Kemp in October 2023 as an adult due to the nature of the crime and the teens previous record in the juvenile system.

Lawson was popular in political circles and had worked across several Democratic election campaigns, both locally and across wider Michigan.

The 63-year-old was campaigning for a Lansing City Council candidate Trini Lopez Pehlivanoglu on North Jenison Avenue at approximately 3pm on October 8, 2023 when he was shot dead.

Kemp was with two other boys when he attempted to rob Lawson, according to former Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee.

Too often, these acts of violence are by youthful offenders with no value of consequence or accountability, Sosebee said in a statement at the time of the arrest.

According to the affidavit, a surveillance camera captured Lawson leaving a driveway on 1100 North Jenison Avenue and the three subjects walking on the other side of the street.

Kemp crossed the road while the other boys walked out of view of the cameras.

One of the teenagers said they witnessed Kemp pull the trigger of his .22-calibre handgun after asking him for a dollar. The witnesses claimed that they did not know Kemp was going to open fire when he approached Lawson, police said.

Minutes earlier, the boys were seen on surveillance footage at a dollar store.

The killing did not appear to be linked to his political activities, police said.

Ive seen him before in the neighborhood, nice man, local resident Dudley Pete told Fox 47 News just days after the shooting. He knocked on my door before, being a delegate for the Democratic Party.

He added: Why would you shoot somebody for a dollar.

Ingham County Circuit Judge Joyce Draganchuk is set to sentence Kemp on September 11.
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A suspected drunk driver who allegedly drank 18 beers before smashing into a nail salon and killing four people inside has been charged with second-degree murder.

Police say that Steven Schwally, 64, was behind the wheel of the car being driven at high speed before flying into the nail salon in Deer Park, New York.

Schwally told investigators he drank 18 beers the night before the crash and had two empty bottles of Long Island iced tea in his car and hotel room.

Appearing in court in Riverhead on Thursday, Schwally, a Marine veteran, was indicted on four counts of second-degree murder, and manslaughter, as well as multiple counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, assault, vehicular assault, driving while intoxicated, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and speeding, according to WABC.

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges but will face 25 years to life if he is convicted.

Police and EMS personnel gather outside of a nail salon in Deer Park, New York, on Friday, June 28, 2024, where a minivan crash through a wall and killed four people. ( FOX5 )

Schwally, who faces a total of 38 counts, was driving a Chevrolet Traverse SUV that plowed through the front window of Hawaii Nail & Spa around 4.30pm on June 28.

Schwally told investigators he drank 18 beers the night before the crash and had two empty bottles of Long Island iced tea in his car and hotel room. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges but will face 25 years to life if he is convicted.

At the time of his arrest, Schwallys speech was slurred, his eyes were bloodshot, and his breath smelled of alcohol, prosecutors say.

After the incident, while he was in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Schwally did not ask if he had harmed anyone, but said, I havent broken any laws. Can I get my license back? Im a Marine.

The driver was going at 78mph at the time of the crash, with the accelerator 99 percent down, before driving head-on into the window of the salon, where workers and patrons were getting their treatments done, the outlet said.

Driver charged with murder after 'drinking 18 beers and driving 78mph in Long Island nail salon crash that killed 4 ( ABC7 )

The bodies of the four victims were stuck under the SUV and firefighters had to remove them first before they could get Schwally out of it.

The four victims were named as 37-year-old Jiancai Chen, the owner of the salon, Yan Xu, 41, and Meizi Zhang, 50, who were both employees, and Emilia Rennack, a 34-year-old off-duty NYPD officer who was getting her nails done ahead of a wedding.

Nine other people were injured in the tragic incident, including a 12-year-old girl, with three of them having serious injuries, prosecutors said.

Inside the car and his hotel room, authorities had discovered two large empty bottles and one full bottle of Long Island iced tea.

Receipts had shown Schwally purchased the two bottles at 11.03am that morning and was allegedly twice the legal alcohol when tested.

Prosecutors say that he went to a liquor store daily, sometimes twice a day, to get the beverage.

While the police did not find any empty cans, Schwally claimed that he hadnt stopped drinking until around 4am, prosecutors said.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said that the suspect displayed a total disregard for public safety and a depraved indifference to human life and had been drinking all day, we allege.

The owner of the salon, Jiancai Ken Chen, was a father of two young children and lived in Queens. We were such a happy family. Now its all crushed, his brother, Steven Chen, said through tears at a press conference.

Rennhack, who was also killed in the crash, lived in Brooklyn and worked at the Queens 102 Pct., with her husband Det. Carl Rennhack, whom she married in September.

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Police Officer Emilia Rennhack, whose life was taken far too soon, Police Commissioner Edward Caban wrote on X.
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An Oklahoma father and his girlfriend were arrested after police found the man's 15-year-old daughter tied up to a tree with a ratchet strap in his backyard, authorities say.

Police arrested Johnny James, 40, on a charge of aggravated child abuse and neglect. His girlfriend, Kayla Sharee Clark, 42, has also been charged with child neglect.

The incident occurred on July 28 after Washington County Sheriff's deputies responded to a home in Vera, Oklahoma. The deputies received a call reporting child abuse at the home, according to Law&Crime, which viewed a probable cause affidavit.

The woman who called police said she saw the teenage girl strapped to a tree in the backyard and believed the girl was in need of medical attention.

She described the girl as having a hole in her leg and lesions on her arms, according to the affidavit.

The woman told 911 operators that the girl had been strapped to the tree for three days, and that she had been sneaking food over to the girl to keep her alive.

Johnny James, 40, left, and Kayla Clark, 42, right, were arrested by Washington County Sheriffs deputies on a charge of child neglect after James allegedly tied his 15-year-old daughter to a tree in his backyard for repeatedly soiling herself ( Washington County Jail )

The teen and her family were reportedly visiting the area from Texas, according to deputies.

When deputies reached the girl, they found her tied to the tree and sitting on a piece of carpet. They spoke with a woman at the home who allegedly said she was unaware of the girl's condition, but then later admitted to knowing she was being mistreated but was "too afraid" to do anything about it.

When James arrived at the property, he told police that he had strapped the girl to the tree because "she cannot be trusted and likes to lie," according to deputies. He told deputies she had only been tied down for approximately an hour, contradicting the 911 caller's report.

James said the girl frequently soiled herself, and that he did not know what else to do to stop her from doing so.

Johnny explained the times she is left outside was to go to the store or church this morning due to her peeing and pooping on herself and not wanting it inside so they sat her outside that way there is no mess, the affidavit said. When Johnny was asked, he stated this was the only option to keep her restrained because he did not know what else to do to help her.

James said he thought the girl was acting out because she wanted to live with her mother, and admitted that he would need to "figure out another solution" to her problems that did not involve strapping her to a tree.

Clark denied knowing that the girl had been strapped to the tree.

Deputies arrested James and Clark, and both were booked into the Washington County Jail on $500,000 bonds. The teen was taken to a local hospital, and she and other children in the home were taken into custody by the state's Department of Human Services.
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A Louisiana mayor has been arrested days after abruptly resigning from her office amid accusations she had sex with a juvenile.

Misty Dawn Clanton Roberts, 42, stands accused of third degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, following her arrest on August 1, when she turned herself in to police.

She was released from custody one hour after being booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center on a $75,000 bond.

Roberts had written and sent a letter of resignation to the DeRidder City Council five days before her arrest, and one day after the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit was asked to investigate a complaint against her.

In her letter, dated July 27, Roberts made no reference to any claims of sexual assault, instead saying that her love and passion for DeRidder was her foundation while serving as mayor, and that she must adjust her focus and priorities.

She ended with my love for DeRidder will never waiver.

Misty Dawn Clanton Roberts has been accused of having sex with a juvenile ( Louisiana State Police )

Under state law, the secretary of state must receive a signed and notarized letter to formally process a resignation  which had not happened as of July 31, according to American Press, leaving it unclear as to whether Roberts is technically still mayor of DeRidder.

A statement on the Louisiana State Police website explained that police have interviewed two juveniles as part of their investigation, one of whom is Roberts alleged victim. Both claimed that she had sex with that juvenile while in office as mayor.

Her attorney, Adam Johnson, released his own statement saying Roberts claims she is innocent and that she is in fact innocent.

She has not been charged with a crime and/or convicted of any crime. And we trust the public will respect her constitutional presumption of innocence which is fundamental to our system of justice, he continued.

The age of consent in Louisiana is 16, with third-degree rape conviction carrying a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
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Florida police say they have solved the cold case of an unidentified woman found dead in woods five decades ago.

On July 19, 1972, the previously unidentified woman was found slain near the highway in Hernando County, Florida, wrapped in a hotel-style twin-size blanket.

Police had no clear leads and were unable to identify the body, let alone who mightve killed her.

Fifty-two years later, things have changed.

Florida police announced Thursday they had solved the murder of Peggy Joyce Shelton, who they say was killed by her ex-husband Jerry Lee Fletcher, a man responsible for a string of killings across multiple states and a potential serial killer.

Police used DNA to find Peggy Joyce Sheltons killer ( Hernando County Sheriffs )

Fletcher died in prison in 2014 serving a sentence on separate murder charges, a decade before he was identified as his wifes killer, but Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said at a press conference on Thursday hes still glad to have found a resolution to the long-running cold case.

The justice hes faced now is with his Creator, Nienhuis said. Its not going to be by a man-made court system.

Shelton and Fletcher married in 1971, according to the sheriff, though because she didnt have a criminal record and was never reported missing, officials didnt find her for years.

At the time of their marriage, Fletchers family owned a motel in Tampa between 1970 and 1973, where he lived at one time.

In 1972, Fletcher was arrested for abduction and rape of a 16-year-old girl, though he was later found not guilty.

He eventually left Florida and married another woman in 1973, and didnt list his past marriage to Shelton on official records.

Within the year, Fletcher killed again, this time a 13-year-old girl he encountered while in Illinois working as an industrial painter at a Caterpillar factory.

Fletcher raped her, strangled her, then left her body in a cemetery in a hotel-style blanket, though this time he was caught and sent to prison.

Fast forward to 2011, a detective in Pinellas County got a DNA hit on Fletcher connecting him to a similar crime, the rape and murder of 14-year-old Gina Justice, who disappeared in 1971.

Fletcher told a detective who visited him in prison to investigate that he was involved in another killing in Florida but refused to offer further details. Two former wives of Fletcher also told police investigating the case that the man was abusive and violent, and they feared he would kill them.

He pleaded guilty to the Justice killing in 2013.

By then, forensic technology had advanced to the point where detectives could take another crack at the Shelton case.

Her body was exhumed in 2015 for DNA testing, and by 2024, police were able to match her remains to a living relative.

"We never give up and these things take time, Nienhuis said at the press conference, adding that Fletcher may not technically qualify as a serial killer.

We dont want them to take 52 years, but weve got to play the hand were dealt. In 1972, when we found a body in the woods wrapped in a blanket, that was a very difficult case to solve in the 1970s. Its a little bit easier to solve today, but its still very, very difficult and the faster we can get those leads the easier it is to solve them.
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Technology failures between members of the Secret Service on the day Donald Trump hosted a rally in Pennslyvania contributed to the Secret Services inability to stop a gunman from opening fire on the former president and his supporters.

Not employing a counter-drone system, communicating on different radio systems and succumbing to bandwidth issues provided gaps that the 20-year-old shooter took advantage of, officials said.

Now, leaders of the Secret Service are facing questions about those failures and how they allowed the gunman to open fire on a presidential candidate despite police already searching for him.

Outdated technology and missed opportunities to use drone systems contributed to the failures that ultimately led to Donald Trump being shot ( AFP via Getty Images )

One issue was that the shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, used his own surveillance drone to scope out of the area of Butler County where the former president held a rally before climbing onto the roof of a nearby building with an AR-15-style rifle.

Meanwhile, the federal agency allegedly declined to use local law enforcements surveillance drone the night before the rally.

Although the Secret Service has its own counter-drone system, it was not functional on the day of the rally due to bandwidth problems, acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe told members of Congress during a hearing.

Had the agency had the counter-drone system in place, Rowe said, We could have perhaps found him, we could have maybe stopped him.

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe testified before the Senate on Tuesday about the missed opportunities to catch the gunman who opened fire at a Trump rally in July. That includes a failure to use drone technology. ( Getty Images )

When asked why the agency did not use its own satellite internet service to prevent bandwidth problems  Rowe said he had no explanation.

Other failures by the agency, such as not including the warehouse building where Crooks shot from as part of its security perimeter, made it easy for the gunman to target the former president.

Perhaps one of the most obvious technological failures was that federal agents used a radio system to communicate with one another, separate from local law enforcement officers who were assisting in security coverage that day.

Reports revealed that multiple members of local law enforcement noticed and flagged the shooters suspicious behavior before the shooting, but they had no way of contacting Secret Service agents because they operate on a different radio system.

The rooftop from which Thomas Crooks opened fire at the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally. Secret Service said had surveillance technology been used they may have been able to spot him ( Getty Images )

Moments after Trump took the stage, Crooks opened fire, killing one rallygoer and injuring three others  including the former president.

On Friday, Rowe said counter-snipers at the rally, from the local SWAT team, used their phones to message each other but Secret Service agents used a radio system.

Moving forward, what I have directed now, is that everybody should be using the radio net, Rowe said.

Though the agency is tasked with protecting current and former presidents, as well as dozens of other public officials, they have allegedly had problems with implementing technological advances over the years, according to a report from The New York Times.

Rowe told members of Congress that the multiple failures leading to the tragic shooting have haunted him, saying they cost me a lot of sleep.

A formal investigation into why the shooting happened and the failures that contributed to it is currently underway.
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Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are set to welcome Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva and Vladimir Kara-Murza as they arrive back on US soil following the largest prisoner swap with Russia since the Cold War.

The Biden administration negotiated the complex trade with Russia and several other countries, agreeing to send eight prisoners held in the West back to Russia, including Vadim Krasikov, who had been serving a life sentence for killing a Chechen-Georgian dissident in Berlin.

Speaking earlier in the day from the White House alongside the families of the four, Biden said: This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here. Its a relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country who have been praying for this day for a long time.

US Vice President Kamala Harris will return to Washington DC from Houston to welcome the Americans.

Harris, also the Democratic presidential candidate for November elections, was scheduled to return to Washington DC after delivering a eulogy at the Celebration of Life Service for late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in Houston.
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Miss Teen USA has crowned a new winner off the back of a scandal-plagued few months that has rocked the pageantry world.

Addie Carver, a 17-year-old cheerleader, dance teacher and choreographer from Mississippi, was named Miss Teen USA on Thursday in a glitzy bash in Los Angeles.

In what has been hailed as her winning answer, Carver explained to judges that if she were to win the title, she would make it her mission to know that every little girl who is just like me, once, is never alone  a reference to her mental health struggles following the death of her father when she was 13.

Carvers crowning moment comes after the title had been left unfilled when her predecessor UmaSofia Srivastava announced her shock resignation in May, just days after Miss USA Noelia Voight also relinquished the crown.

Voigt and Sravistava both issued lengthy statements online detailing their decisions to resign, with Sravistava writing that her personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.

Voigt was the first Venezuelan-American woman to win Miss USA, and Sravistava, 17, was the first Mexican-Indian American to win Miss Teen USA.

It marked the first time in 70 years of the competition, which was previously owned by Donald Trump, that both winning queens resigned their positions.

Addie Carver is crowned Miss Teen USA ( Getty Images )

Miss Teen USA 2023 runner-up Stephanie Skinner stood in solidarity with the two beauty queens, as she turned down organizers when they gave her the opportunity to pick up Srivastavas crown.

In light of recent events, I have decided to decline the title of Miss Teen USA, the then-19-year-old wrote on Instagram. This is not an easy decision. I hope for respect of my choice as this was a decision I never asked to make.

UmaSofia Srivastava (left) and Noelia Voight (right) both gave up their crowns and resigned from Miss USA in May 2024 ( Getty )

She went on to acknowledge that her word is everything, before sharing some of the upcoming responsibilities that shes now focused on. I gave my commitment to a global research career opportunity in Thailand that will require me to live abroad for the summer, she added.

The turmoil in the famed pageant organization came amid claims of mistreatment and mental abuse brought by the mothers of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA as well as former employees.

The controversies meant the proceedings had to break with years of tradition, as Carver was crowned by 28-year-old Savannah Gankiewicz, winner of Miss Hawaii USA 2023 and runner-up-turned-winner of Miss USA 2023, after she accepted the position following Voights resignation.
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The first photo released after Russian authorities on Thursday freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich , former Marine Paul Whelan , and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva shows the three aboard a US government jet, doing something they likely hadnt done much of in a while: smiling.

Whelan, who served in the US Marine Corps from 2003 to 2008 and worked as a cop before taking an office job, was arrested in Moscow in 2018 on espionage charges and sentenced to 16 years behind bars. Kurmasheva, who was working for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Prague, was arrested last fall by Russian security services and convicted less than two weeks ago for spreading false information about the Russian military. She was sentenced to 6.5 years behind bars. Gershkovich had been reporting critically, from Russia, on the countrys invasion of Ukraine, when he was arrested by the FSB on March 29, 2023, at a Yekaterinburg steakhouse.

They were finally freed thanks to intense negotiations over the past two years, before Gershkovich and Kurmasheva had even been arrested. It was a herculean effort negotiated by the White House, with crucial assists by the detainees colleagues, loved ones, tech moguls, a former secretary of state, at least one TV personality, the governments of Germany, Slovenia, Poland, Belarus, Norway, Turkey, and one particularly relentless figure: the 32-year-old Gershkovichs mom.

On Thursday, after 490 days, Gershkovich walked out of a maximum-security Russian prison as part of the biggest and most consequential such exchange since the end of the Cold War. The Journal had been intimately engaged all along with the Biden administration to free its Moscow correspondent, along with Gershkovichs mom, who had been pushing hard to make sure her sons name stayed in the press.

In all, 24 people from both sides were released, including British-Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, who received a 25-year sentence in April 2023 on charges including treason, over his public criticisms of Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine; and anti-war artist Aleksandra Skochilenko, convicted last fall of disseminating knowingly false information about the Russian Armed Forces.

For their part, US authorities gave up, among others, imprisoned hacker Vladislav Klyushin, alleged money launderer Vadim Konoshchenok, credit card fraudster Roman Seleznev, a pair of accused Russian intelligence agents jailed in Slovenia, and reportedly most important of all to Putin himself, hitman Vadim Krasikov, an FSB colonel incarcerated in Germany for the 2019 murder of Chechen military commander Zelimkhan Sultanovich Khangoshvili in a Berlin park.

A view of the tarmac in Ankara, where Thursdays prison swap took place ( AP )

The swap took place on an airport tarmac in Ankara, which untold numbers watched live on TV. However, all along, there was ongoing activity being secretly carried out behind closed doors, which the Journal documented contemporaneously but was unable to reveal until now.

For 16 months, Ella Milman had studied [Krasikovs] case, daunted that such a man could be the key to unlocking her sons freedom, according to an article the Journal published Thursday morning .

Titled Putin Wanted His Hit Man Back. A Mother Wanted Her Journalist Son to Come Home, the piece described Millman, Gershkovichs mother, as one of an extraordinary cast of characters who worked in the shadows to advance the swap.

Her sons fate rested not just on messages ferried by diplomats and spies, but years of secret interventions drawn from the ranks of prime-time TV hosts, Silicon Valley billionaires and Russian oligarchs, it said.

Gershkovich had been moldering in solitary confinement outside Moscow at Lefortovo prison, where he was prevented from meeting with officials from the US Embassy, according to the Journal.

When Gershkovich was grabbed last year by the Russians, higher-ups at the Journal immediately contacted its best sources in Washington, D.C., to sound the alarm.

We will get him back, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told them, according to the paper.

Reporter Evan Gershkovich, seen here in a Moscow court, was imprisoned on false espionage charges. The Kremlin, however, insisted on trading him for a Russian hitman imprisoned on very real murder charges ( AP )

Jailing Gershkovich was Putins best hope of forcing the Americans to hand back Krasikov, who had been close with the Russian leader for years. Putin had, in 2022, already unsuccessfully offered to trade Whelan for Krasikov, hoping the US could convince the Germans to let him go. So, last year, Putin and his top national security apparatchiks decided to up the ante and use Gershkovich as Russias next bid for Krasikov, the Journal reported on Thursday, citing dozens of interviews with people knowledgeable of the details.

Meanwhile, Millman had been contacted by Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, a former Green Beret appointed by Trump and kept on the payroll by Biden. And as Carstens worked his sources, such as a Bulgarian investigative journalist who persuaded Hillary Clinton to lobby the German government about the Krasikov-Gershkovich issue, and ultimately helped devise a list of names the Russians might swap for Gershkovich, Millman found a way to get in front of Jake Sullivan, Bidens national security adviser and the one she believed actually had the juice to make something happen, according to the Journal.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was also in the mix, playing intermediary between Biden and the German government, who Schmidt said could potentially free Krasikov for an exchange that included since-deceased opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the Journal article explains. Still, it goes on, the notion of releasing a convicted killer for anyone met with staunch opposition among German officialdom and government lawyers. In the spring of 2023, however, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz relayed a message to the Journal, through his chief of staff, that releasing Krasikov may not be easy for us, but its possible.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan was instrumental in negotiating the swap ( EPA )

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was also in the mix, playing intermediary between Biden and the German government, who Schmidt said could potentially free Krasikov for an exchange that included since-deceased opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the Journal article explains. Still, it goes on, the notion of releasing a convicted killer for anyone met with staunch opposition among German officialdom and government lawyers. In the spring of 2023, however, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz relayed a message to the Journal, through his chief of staff, that releasing Krasikov may not be easy for us, but its possible.

Following multiple backchannel meetings and interactions, and right-wing TV host Tucker Carlsons plea for Gershkovichs release while interviewing Putin for a recent special, Scholz in February finally told Biden, according to the Journal, For you, I will do this. Navalny remained central to the deal, and Putin, via Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, signaled his willingness to Carstens that he would play ball, the Journal article said, noting that FBI Director Chris Wray and Vice President Kamala Harris were now involved. And then, in February, Navalny mysteriously died at the labor camp where he was imprisoned.

The Biden administration was spooked, but in May, after several months of indecision, the president promised Millman hed formalize the Krasikov release deal with Scholz, who needed an official request from the US to give himself political cover, the Journal article said. On July 21, while Biden was at home recovering from Covid, he called the prime minister of Slovenia, which still needed to finish making final legal arrangements for the release of the two Russian spies in its custody. An hour later, according to the Journal, Biden announced he was dropping his re-election bid.

As of today, Evan Gershkovich is free. But before the Kremlin would put him on a government plane to Ankara for the prisoner swap, they made him write a personal clemency request to Putin himself. At the bottom, according to the Journal, its intrepid reporter, who soon would be back on the job, asked Putin to grant him an interview.
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The United States has recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the countrys recent presidential election, going against claims from long-time Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro that he won re-election.

Electoral data overwhelmingly demonstrate the will of the Venezuelan people, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote in a statement on Thursday. Venezuelans have voted, and their votes must count.

In the days since the election, we have consulted widely with partners and allies around the world, and while countries have taken different approaches in responding, none have concluded that Nicolas Maduro received the most votes this election, according to a statement from the State Department.

The agency said Maduros claims to have won 51 percent of the vote lack any credibility because the Maduro-controlled National Electoral Council refuses to release in-depth local election data, as the opposition has.

Fellow regional powers have called for transparency.

The US and other nations believe Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez is the rightful winner of the countrys recent presidential election, despite claims from incumbent Nicolas Maduro he won another term ( AP )

The fundamental principle of popular sovereignty should be respected based on the impartial verification of the results, the governments of Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico wrote in a joint comminque on Thursday.

Maduro, the political successor to Venezuelas leftist leader Hugo Chavez, has remained insistent that he won.

He has accused the other side of trying to launch a counter-revolution and labeled Gonzalez and the popular opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as perverse and macabre terrorists.

His security forces have killed at least 17 people, and arrested more than 750, in protests that followed the election on Sunday, according to The New York Times.

President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro celebrates after winning the presidential election on at Miraflores Palace July 28, 2024 in Caracas, Venezuela ( Getty Images )

I am writing this from hiding, fearing for my life, my freedom, and that of my fellow countrymen from the dictatorship led by Nicolas Maduro, opposition leader Corina Machado, who won a presidential primary but was barred from running against Maduro, wrote in The Wall Street Journal.

We Venezuelans have done our duty, she added. We have voted out Mr. Maduro. Now it is up to the international community to decide whether to tolerate a demonstrably illegitimate government.

Maduro wrote on Thursday in Spanish on X that, If the government of the United States is disposed to respect sovereignty and stop threatening Venezuela, we will be able to restart dialogue.
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Chelsea Clinton may be looking to follow in the footsteps of her mother and father and enter politics, with eyes set on an ambassadorship to the UK or France, according to a report.

The daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton has been working on this idea for some time now, a source close to the Clintons told The New York Post.

The former president and Secretary of State-turned-Democratic presidential candidate still carry significant sway within the party.

They were among the first high-profile Democrats to come out in support of Kamala Harris, following Joe Bidens announcement that he would not be seeking re-election.

Chelsea really wants to be the ambassador to the UK, a Clinton source told The Post. Theres a reason why Bill and Hillary came out in the first five minutes to support Kamalas presidential bid  they were currying favor.

According to sources, Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton, is interested in an ambassadorial position should Kamala Harris win the White House in November ( Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

According to the source, the former first daughter, 44, who is vice chair of the non-profit organization The Clinton Foundation, would also be open to the possibility of an ambassadorship in France.

Clinton has ties to the UK already, having earned both a Master of Philosophy degree in international relations and a doctorate degree at Oxford University in 2003 and 2014, respectively. Bill Clinton also attended the prestigious institution in 1968.

However, such high-profile positions typically go to those with more experience. Businesswoman Jane Hartley, 74, has been the ambassador to the UK since 2022, after former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg reportedly turned it down.

Hartley was also ambassador to France and Monaco during the Obama Administration and has been a major campaign fundraiser for the Democratic party, reportedly helping raise a half-million dollars for Obama.

According to The Post the family source acknowledged that the idea of Clinton taking the UK ambassadorship was of course, fantasy land.

A representative for Hillary Clinton dismissed the idea that they had rushed to endorse Harris to curry favor, saying that it had been for no other reason other than to defeat Donald Trump.

Among stupid things said by clueless people, thats pretty high up there, the rep told The Post.

A spokesperson for Chelsea Clinton also denied the reports to The Independent.

Chelsea Clinton, 44, is the vice chair of non-profit organization The Clinton Foundation ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

In their statement backing Harris, the Clintons backed Bidens decision to support Harris.

We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her, their statement read.

Weve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it.
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Did a potential $10 million cash payment from Egypts authoritarian ruler, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, have anything to do with Donald Trumps affection for him?

That was the crux of a now-closed federal probe launched in 2016, new details of which were published Friday in an investigation by The Washington Post .

The Post connected the dots from a $9,998,000 withdrawal from a Cairo bank five days before Trump was inaugurated in January 2017 to a seeming front for Egyptian intelligence, fueling an investigation into whether the former president had taken money from El-Sisi for his presidential campaign.

But the official investigation was derailed by Trumps attorney general, William Barr, before agents were able to get all the evidence they needed to bring a case, according to the Post, which the papers sources said will likely never be reopened  leaving aside the fact that the statute of limitations on prosecuting the case, which would have been charges as a campaign finance violation, expired in 2022.

Two months prior to Election Day, Trump met with El-Sisi behind closed doors on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in Manhattan ( AP )

The $100 bills spirited out of the bank weighed nearly 200 pounds in total and required four men to cart it all away, the Post report said. The CIA had received intelligence that El-Sisi had been looking to give Trumps presidential campaign a $10 million cash infusion as the election neared, and investigators were chasing down a raft of solid leads.

For example, two months prior to Election Day, Trump met with El-Sisi behind closed doors on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in Manhattan, itself a break with recent US tradition. After the meeting, the Trump campaign immediately announced that Trump promised El-Sisi that the US planned to be a loyal friend to Egypt, and called him a fantastic guy in an appearance on Fox News. Trump also made sure El-Sisi was invited to the White House, something Barack Obama, Trumps predecessor, did not do.

Investigators working for Special Counsel Robert Mueller drilled down into Trumps behavior at crucial times, and saw that when candidate Trump first met with El-Sisi in 2016, his campaign had been low on funds. Yet, Trump rebuffed pleas from his most trusted advisers, who begged him to gift his campaign enough money to pay for a final run of TV commercials going into Election Day. Then, on Oct. 28, 2016, some five weeks after meeting with El-Sisi, Trump announced he was writing a $10 million check to his campaign.

Agents and prosecutors didnt yet have a smoking gun, but they felt they were getting closer and closer and it was simply a matter of time and getting proper access to Trumps bank records. Still, by early 2019, Muellers investigation into Russian campaign interference was coming to a close, and he handed off his ancillary cases to other Justice Department prosecutors to bring in for eventual landings.

The case first went to Jessie Liu, the head federal prosecutor in DC, and a Trump appointee. When she was later nominated to be an assistant Treasury secretary, Barr ordered her to step down, after which the White House would later withdraw her nomination. In Lius place, Barr appointed Timothy Shea, someone the Post describes as a longtime ally, then got rid of Shea for unrelated reasons and brought in Michael Sherwin, a former adviser to Barr. On June 7, 2020, Sherwin shut down the Trump investigation for lack of evidence.

Trump raises a fist after his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC ( Getty Images )

Every American should be concerned about how this case ended, an unnamed source told the Post. The Justice Department is supposed to follow evidence wherever it leads  it does so all the time to determine if a crime occurred or not.

The Trump campaign called the Post story textbook fake news.

The investigation referenced found no wrongdoing and was closed, spokesman Steven Cheung said. None of the allegations or insinuations being reported on have any basis in fact.

In the past, Trump has heaped praise on various dictators  including North Koreas Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Hungarian strongman Viktor Orban.

But, as Trump himself reportedly said at the 2019 G-7 summit, El-Sisi, was his  favorite dictator .

That April, in response to questions from reporters about Sisis efforts to remain in power for at least 15 more years, Trump replied, I think hes doing a great job. I can just tell you he is doing a great job. Great president.

Trumps official actions also appeared to be those of an admirer: A year earlier, Trump casually undid a US government hold on $195 million in military aid to Egypt that had been frozen over human rights abuses under El-Sisi, then topped it up a little while later with $1.2 billion more.

Asked if he backed the efforts to allow Sisi to potentially stay in power for 15 more years, Trump told reporters: I think hes doing a great job. I dont know about the effort, I can just tell you he is doing a great job ... great president.
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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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JD Vance is desperately trying to give his new running mate credit for the high-profile prison swap carried out by the Biden administration  wildly claiming the historic moment is a testament to [Donald] Trumps strength.

On Thursday, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva were among 16 prisoners released from Russian prisons in the largest prisoner swap with the West since the end of the Cold War.

The three Americans were greeted by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their families as the aircraft touched down on US soil at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Thursday evening.

Biden claimed that all three were falsely accused of being spies who had been subjected to a show trial by the Kremlin.

The historic deal was led by the Biden administration and involved multiple nations and two years of negotiations.

It has been hailed by the White House as an act of vintage Joe Biden diplomacy, something that looks set to seal his legacy after deciding not to seek reelection this November.

But Vance, who became Trumps running mate just days following the assassination attempt last month, appears to be doing all he can to hand the credit to the former president instead.

The Ohio senator wildly claimed that the hostages were released because the Kremlin is fearful of a second Trump administration.

JD Vance said that the prisoner swap was a testament to Trumps strength ( AP )

We certainly want these Americans to come back home. It was ridiculous that they were in prison to begin with, he told CNN.

But we have to ask ourselves: Why are they coming home? And I think its because bad guys all over the world recognize Donald Trumps about to be back in office, so theyre cleaning house.

He concluded: Thats a good thing, and I think its a testament to Donald Trumps strength.

Trump has also tried to criticize Biden over the deal, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of extorting the US and falsely claiming that he gave countries nothing in return when securing the release of Americans during his time in office.

I got back many hostages, and gave the opposing Country NOTHING, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday evening. To do so is bad precedent for the future.

In reality, Trump was complicit in the return of an Iranian scientist in 2019, three Taliban prisoners from Afghanistan, an Iranian-American doctor, and almost 300 Houthi rebels from Oman all in 2020 in exchange for the release of Americans, according to an analysis by Factcheck.org.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother, Ella Milman, after his arrival in the US following a 26-person prisoner swap between Russia, the US and five other countries, at Andrews Air Base, Maryland, USA ( EPA )

Vances bizarre claims about Trumps involvement in the high-profile prisoner swap comes as he leaped to defend the Republican presidential nominee earlier this week following backlash over his disastrous appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention.

In his appearance at the conference, Trump made scathing remarks about Harris, the first Black and Asian-American vice president, claiming to a room filled with Black journalists that she only recently happened to turn Black.

I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black, he said, before asking: So I dont know  is she Indian? Or is she Black?

Once again, Vance  who has three biracial children with Indian wife Usha  sprung into action and called out the furore the former president faced as hysterical.

How nice it is to have an American leader whos not afraid to go into hostile places and actually answer some tough questions, Vance said while en route to an Arizona rally.

I think he pointed out the fundamental chameleon-like nature of Kamala Harris.
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Fox News host Jesse Watters went on a tangent about the recent White Dudes for Harris call, suggesting that men who vote for a woman candidate based on her gender are childish, have mommy issues or are only trying to be accepted by other women  much to the surprise of his co-hosts.

On Tuesdays episode of The Five, Watters criticized the recent Zoom call made up of thousands of white men, including celebrities and lawmakers, calling it a struggle session for pale, hairy, flabby California artists. Watters heavily mocked The White Dudes for Harris fundraiser, which took place on Monday. He jokingly suggested the white men who support Democratic campaigns are not doing so for policy reasons but instead trying appease women.

It was basically saying If you want to be accepted by women you should vote for a woman, Watters said.

The Fox News host went a step further, satirically hypothesizing why the men on the Zoom call were supporting Harriss presidential campaign.

To be a man and then vote for a woman just because shes a woman is either childish, that person has mommy issues or theyre just trying to be accepted by other women, Watters said.

Co-host Dana Perino interjected, What? before Watters continued.

And I heard the scientists say the other day when a man votes for a woman he actually transitions into a woman, Watters said sarcastically.

Perino retorted back in the same tone, Oh is that right?

The White Dudes for Harris fundraiser was organized by men who want to break the mold of their demographics traditional voting patterns. Actors Mark Ruffalo, Josh Gad, Mark Hamill and Jeff Bridges joined lawmakers like Pete Buttigieg and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on the call to help raise money for Harriss campaign. In total, it brought in $4 million.

Traditionally, white men vote Republican. One Pew Research Center study found that 40 percent of white men voted for Biden in the 2020 election but only 32 percent for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.

Much of the call focused on the capability of white men to change the narrative and vote for policies they agree with in the Democratic Party  regardless of the candidates sex or gender.

Although Watterss commentary was mostly exaggerated, there seemed to be a hint of honesty in the undertone.

I dont see why any man would vote Democrat, its not the party of virtue, security, its not the party of strength, its definitely not the party of family, Watters said at one point.

Fox News host Jesse Watters heavily mocked white men who are supporting Kamala Harriss presidential campaign ( Fox News )

Co-host Jeanine Piro echoed some of Watterss argument, claiming the group of white men is voting for Harris because of white guilt but poked fun at Watterss point about men transitioning into women because they vote for a woman. Drawing on her own experience running for U.S. Senate and New York Attorney General, Piro told Watters, The men who voted for me didnt turn into women.

Watters clarified that his comment was directed toward men who vote for a woman only because she is a woman.

A Fox News spokesperson told the Huffington Post that Anyone who watched the full segment can obviously tell that he [Watters] was joking which was also made clear later in the discussion.
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Vice President Kamala Harris has officially received a majority of votes from delegates to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination, making history as the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major political party.

The vice president reached the requisite 2,350 delegate votes on Friday afternoon during a virtual roll call vote ahead of this months Democratic National Convention in Chicago, according to DNC chair Jaime Harrison.

I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for president of the United States and I will tell you, the tireless work of our delegates, our state leaders, and our staff has been pivotal to making this moment possible, Harris said on the call.

Harris moved quickly to secure key endorsements and delegate pledges within days of President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the presidential campaign, which rocketed Harris to the top of the ticket. Biden, former Democratic presidents, party officials, lawmakers and scores of voters embraced her candidacy while she earned record-breaking donations to support her run.

Vice President Kamala Harris boards Air Force Two on July 27. She officially clinched the Democratic nomination for president to face Donald Trump on August 2. ( AP )

Trumps campaign came out swinging against his Democratic rival with attempts to blame her for Bidens actions in office while reviving racist claims that target her ethnicity, turbocharging racist and misogynistic attacks against her.

While both Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump saw a surge of donations after Biden ended his re-election campaign, Harris supporters injected $310 million into her campaigns coffers - more than doubling the $139 million that Trumps campaign took in.

Harris will formally accept the nomination at the partys convention beginning on August 19, officially kicking off a campaign against Trump.

The Democratic National Committee began a virtual roll call vote for delegates on Thursday, with a deadline to return ballots by Monday evening. She had secured more than enough delegate pledges before voting started. Harris is expected to announce her running mate next week, kicking off a series of campaign stops in battleground states.

DNC chair Harrison noted on the call that there is still time for delegates to cast their ballots before Monday nights deadline.

We believe in the promise of America: the promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice  not just for some, but for all, the vice president told supporters on Fridays call, according to her campaign.

And, ultimately, in this election  you all have heard me say many times  we each face the question: What kind of country do we want to live in? she added. Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear, and hate? And the beauty of our democracy is we each, every one of us, has the power to answer that question. And that is why I say, and know, the power is with the people.
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A nonpartisan organization dedicated to preventing sexual harassment in the workplace and protecting survivors has called for Vice President Kamala Harris not to name Josh Shapiro as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election, after claiming the governor of Pennsylvania failed to prevent sexual harassment in his office.

Emma Davidson Tibbs, director of the National Womens Defense League, said in a statement: Governor Shapiros office should have done a better job preventing sexual harassment happening in his own office by former cabinet secretary Mike Vereb.

She continued, including protecting the survivor who bravely came forward, ensuring that any other potential survivors felt safe in speaking up, and ensuring the harasser didnt have the opportunity to do further harm after the complaint.

Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania, with Vice President Kamala Harris ( Reuters )

Vereb, a top aide, and close ally to Shapiro, resigned abruptly in September 2023, three weeks after Shapiros administration quietly agreed to pay a settlement of $295,000, after an office employee accused Vereb of repeatedly making sexual advances toward her, as well as making inappropriate remarks about her, other members of staff and a female state senator.

The plea from the NWDL comes as all eyes move to who Harris will name as her presidential pick, which she is expected to do by Tuesday (July 6) when she will hold her first rally.

Due to take place in Pennsylvania, Harris has fuelled speculation that she will tap Shapiro as her running mate, and also suggests that her campaign has made the state, which the Democrats won back from the Republicans in 2020, a priority.

The potential 19 electoral votes if Shapiro were able to deliver Pennsylvania would be a major pickup for the Harris campaign.

Also in the running to be Harris right-hand man is Arizona senator Mark Kelly, who managed to beat off ultra-Maga candidate Blake Masters for the seat in 2022.

Harris VP candidate Mark Kelly calls out Trumps racist attack

Kelly jumped to Harris defense after GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump falsely claimed she happened to turn Black recently in front of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago on Wednesday (July 31).

Speaking to CNNs Kaitlan Collins on The Source, Kelly called Trump a desperate and scared old man.

Hes afraid to debate her. Hes certainly afraid to lose an election to her in November, and hes afraid about his own future.

Harris has not yet responded to the NWDLs statement, nor has she announced when she will make her choice.
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Vice President Kamala Harris has continued to build on her momentum since the Democratic Party coalesced around her. A new poll showed that she has made significant inroads with Latino voters and White Dudes for Harris raised more than $4 million on Monday.

But with the election 95 days away, Harris has to clear every hoop to have a chance at beating Donald Trump. That means she must ace her first big task: picking the person to run against Senator JD Vance as her running mate.

Historically, running mates have had a minimal effect on the top of the ticket. This time is different; similar to Barack Obama in 2008, Harris remains untested on the national stage and her 2020 campaign ended before the Iowa caucus. This means the running mate selection will have even higher salience.

Heres The Independents ranking of whos doing all the right moves in the veepstakes.

1. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

Governor Josh Shapiro is a high-risk-high-reward choice. An incredibly popular governor whom some have thought could become the first Jewish president, his speaking style has earned him comparisons to Obama. This weekend, he campaigned with Harris this past weekend in his home state. Republicans like former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway floated Shapiro as a running mate idea before Biden dropped out.

Some pro-Palestine activists have criticized him for his clamping down on campus protests, even though he, like many Jewish Americans, has sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government.

Shapiro will also likely face questions about his previous failed push for school vouchers in Pennsylvania. That will likely rankle some, given the fact that Harris spoke just last week to the American Federation of Teachers, one of the most influential unions.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly is one of many candidates being vetted to be the Vice Presidential running mate to Kamala Harris. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) ( (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) )

2. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona

Kelly is seen as a safe pick. Having outperformed President Joe Biden and Harris in 2020 when he won a special election, he blew out an ultra-MAGA candidate in 2022. In the past, he criticized the Biden administrations policy on immigration at the US-Mexico border.

But in a sign he might be pivoting, this week, he defended Harris, whom Republicans have dubbed the Border Czar after President Joe Biden put her in charge of handling the root causes of migration from Latin America to the United States.

I think thats just politics, Kelly told The Independent. Kelly added that he recently went to Mexico and met with its outgoing and incoming president and spoke about changes the Biden administration made toward the border.

So from the standpoint of asylum seekers, numbers are going down, but the all the hard work that she did in Northern Triangle countries, that stuff takes time, but they're starting to see some positive things.

3. Andy Beshear

The Kentucky Governor came rushing out the gate regularly defending Harris, but moreover for hitting Vance for supposedly not being a real Appalachian Hillbilly  Vance grew up in Middletown, Ohio, which is not in the Appalachian area, though Vances grandparents were from just across the river in Kentucky.

Hes been accused of being a nepo baby given that his father was a popular governor. But he apparently remains in the running given his affable nature and relative youth.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has become one of the leading attack dogs for Harris and against Republicans. ( (Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty Images) )

4. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

Democrats cant turn on any news channel without seeing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz going on the attack against Republicans. Particularly he has lobbed an attack that seems to have stuck: Republicans are weird. Democrats, including the Harris campaign, have since repeated the attacks on Republicans, including Trump and Vance.

Progressives have pushed for him to become Harriss running mate and he delivered a pep talk during the White Dudes for Harris Zoom. But he remains a longshot compared to some of the other choices.

OUT:

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

For months after her re-election, many had questioned whether Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer would run for the White House. That chorus grew louder after Bidens disastrous debate performance last month. But on Monday, she told Morning Joe: Im not a part of the vetting.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has known Vice President Kamala Harris for years. ( (Photo by Allison Joyce/Getty Images) )

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper

On the surface, Roy Cooper seemed. Theyre legitimate friends going back to Harriss days as California attorney general and Cooper holding the same job in North Carolina. Harris has visited North Carolina regularly throughout her tenure as vice president as Biden wanted to make a play in the state.

But on Monday, he shocked many and took himself out of the running.

I strongly support Vice President Harriss campaign for president, he said in a statement on X/Twitter. I know she is going to win and it was an honor to be considered for this role. This just wasnt the right time for North Carolina and for me to be running on the national ticket.

Wild card:

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg

Buttigieg was not in the initial rumblings about who should be a Harris running mate. But last week, former House Majority Whip James Clyburn, the man most people credit with making Biden president, said on MSNBC that hes been a fantastic Secretary of Transportation. He would make an outstanding VP.

Thats an endorsement Buttigieg needs for one reason alone: during his 2020 campaign, Buttigieg never fully earned the trust of Black voters and he won just one contest in the overwhelmingly white Iowa. Clyburn, one of the senior Black Democrats in Congress, could give him a boost. He also appeared during the White Dudes for Harris Zoom call. But as of right now, there is little indication Buttigieg is high on the shortlist.
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Kyle Rittenhouse, the conservative campaigner who shot two men during a Black Lives Matter protest nearly four years ago, flip-flopped this week on whether he would be voting for Former President Donald Trump in the November election.

Rittenhouse, 21, took to X on Thursday, to declare his intentions to instead write in former Libertarian presidential nominee Ron Paul, who is not running for president.

Unfortunately, Donald Trump had bad advisors making him bad on the Second Amendment and that is my issue, said Rittenhouse. If you cannot be completely uncompromisable on the Second Amendment I will not vote for you.

Rittenhouse retweeted a post from Dudley Brown, the leader of the National Association for Gun Rights, outlining the groups issues.

These include Trumps 2018 ban on bump stocks, a device that can be attached to semi-automatic rifles to fire off hundreds of bullets a minute, and Trumps prior stances on raising the age for gun purchases and his willingness to expand background checks.

On Thursday, Kyle Rittenhouse announced he is not voting for Former President Donald Trump in the November election ( AP )

Rittenhouse met Trump in 2021, nearly a week after he was cleared of all charges from the Kenosha, Wisconsin shooting a year prior. The campaigner argued that he had acted in self defense. The former president called Rittenhouse a fan.

The 21-year-olds announcement was not met with overwhelming support from his X followers, many of whom pointed out that writing in a candidate could lend support to Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running in Bidens place after he dropped out of the race this summer.

Just unfollowed you, one person wrote. MAGA raised unbelievable sums of money for you. Trump welcomed you into his home. This is how you thank him and the MAGA movement after all those years of support?

Another person commented: You are a f****** idiot. I am unfollowing you.

Following the post, Trumps team scrambled to get Rittenhouse back on their side, a move that proved successful by Friday afternoon, when Rittenhouse announced he had spent a whopping 12 hours having productive conversations with the former presidents campaign officials.

Referencing Trump, Rittenhouse said, I am confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights. My comments made last night were ill-informed and unproductive. Im 100% behind Donald Trump and encourage every gun owner to join me in helping send him back to the White House.

Rittenhouse is now the Outreach Director of Texas Gun Rights, a group that claims its working to restore the Second Amendment.

Trump, who was shot in the ear on July 13 in an assassination attempt, has made the Second Amendment a hallmark of his presidential campaign.

While speaking to the National Rifle Association in May, Trump proclaimed his intentions to roll back gun relations enacted by President Joe Biden but was not clear on what provisions hed like to undo. In the same speech, Trump further accused the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives of revoking gun licenses without merit.

In my second term, we will roll back every Biden attack on the Second Amendment. The attacks are coming fast and furious, said Trump.
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Simone Biles has taken a swipe at Donald Trump declaring she loves her Black job after she swept the board at the Paris Olympics this week.

The 27-year-old star had already earned the title of Team USAs most decorated gymnast of all time before she touched down in France. This week, she then made further history by winning her sixth Olympic gold medal and her second in this years games.

After taking gold in the all-round competition on Thursday  becoming only the third and oldest woman to take the top medal twice  Biles took to social media to troll Trump, following his shocking remarks about Kamala Harris racial heritage at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference.

Smiling and pouting in her diamond-laden team jacket, the gymnast reshared two photos of herself showing off her shimmering gold medal after scoring an impressive and 59.131, topping Brazils Rebeca Andrad by more than a point.

I love my Black job, she posted, alongside a black love heart in the early hours of Friday morning.

Social media users were quick to chime in with their very own Trump trolling, with one person commenting: Hang on Trump is saying you only just recently became Black.

Youre black now? I thought you were a gymnast? Now youre black too? a second teased.

Trump has previously been trolled online for his phrase Black jobs yet he brought up the term again during his disastrous appearance at the NABJ this week.

Speaking on stage, the former president told a roomful of Black journalists that immigrants are taking Black jobs.

When asked to define what constitutes a Black job, he claimed: A Black job is anybody that has a job. Thats what it is.

He also made scathing comments about Harris, the first Black and Asian-American vice president, wildly and falsely claiming that she happened to turn Black only recently.

I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black, he said, before asking: So I dont know - Is she Indian? Or is she Black?

Trump has faced a swarm of backlash from Democrats, pundits and the wider public for the racially-charged remarks.

Following his appearance at the event, the hashtag #WhenIturnedBlack began trending on X as social media users rallied together to mock his unhinged comments.

Donald Trump speaks on a panel of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday ( Reuters )

Where were you when the blackness finally took over your body? Share your stories. This is a safe space, former Comedy Central star Roy Wood Jr quipped in an X post along with the hashtag.

Harris prospective running mate Mark Kelly branded the comments overtly racist and said they reveal Trump to be a desperate and scared old man in an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins.

Trumps running mate JD Vance, meanwhile, was quick to leap to defend him.

The Ohio senator, who has three biracial children with his wife of Indian heritage Usha Chilukuri, brushed off the backlash as hysterical.

How nice it is to have an American leader whos not afraid to go into hostile places and actually answer some tough questions, Vance said. I think he pointed out the fundamental chameleon-like nature of Kamala Harris.
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Donald Trump reportedly didn't want to be live fact-checked during his disastrous visit to the National Association of Black Journalists' annual convention in Chicago, according to the group's president.

NABJ president Ken Lemon confirmed to Axios that Trump initially refused to take the stage if the journalists fact-checked him live. The disastrous Q&A with the former president was ultimately delayed by more than an hour  though that is not unusual for a Trump event  but he did eventually sit for the talk.

Trump blamed the delay on problems with the venue's audio. Lemon confirmed that there had been audio issues, but they were solved quickly, and that Trump's reluctance to be fact-checked was holding up the event.

Lemon told Axios that the "bigger problem was his threat not to take the stage."

He did not want to be fact-checked, but we could not let him on the stage without fact-checking, he said.

Republican presidential nominee and Donald Trump looks on as he speaks on a panel of the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago ( REUTERS )

Lemon said that he was preparing himself to go out to the crowd and explain why Trump wouldn't be appearing when the former president decided to walk out and do the Q&A.

The Trump campaign disputed Lemon's account to Axios, saying Trump had to wait for "close to" 40 minutes for an audio issue to be resolved.

Trump then had a contentious discussion with the panel journalists, and make the especially bizarre comment that Vice President Kamala Harris "turned" Black after previously describing herself as Indian.

I didnt know she was Black, he said on Wednesday. She happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black? ... I respect either one, but she obviously doesnt, because she was Indian all the way and all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a Black person.

Harris has both Black and Indian heritages. Her father is from Jamaica and her mother is Indian. The presumptive Democratic nominee for president is both the first African-American and Asian-American vice president.

When ABC News' Rachel Scott asked Trump why he made inflammatory comments about reporters of color and lied about his rivals, he simply complained that the journalists weren't being nice enough to him.

I dont think Ive been asked a question in such a horrible manner, Trump said. You dont even say hello, how are you.

It has now been revealed that Trumps disastrous Q&A with the panel almost didnt happen over his concerns about being fact-checked ( REUTERS )

Trump later repeated his claim that he has done "so much for the Black population of this country" and insisted he was the "best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln."

In the wake of Trump's comments about Harris's racial background, #WhenIturnedBlack began trending on X to mock the former president's apparent inability to comprehend the existence of a biracial individual.

Trump's convention appearance was met with concern and condemnation from some commenters online, but Lemon said the organization was acting in accordance with its guidelines when it invited the former president.

I consulted with a group of our Founders and past NABJ Presidents Tuesday on-site in Chicago, and as a group, we affirmed that the invitation to Former President Trump was in line with NABJs usual practices since 1976, Lemon said. It has always been our policy to ensure that candidates know that an invitation is not an endorsement. We also agreed that while this race is much different  and contentious  so are the consequences.

While we acknowledge the concerns expressed by our members, we believe it is important for us to provide our members with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates and hold them accountable, he added.
CPC delegation visits Timor-Leste

Xinhua) 16:22, August 02, 2024

JAKARTA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) visited Timor-Leste from Wednesday to Friday, at the invitation of the country's National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction party.

The delegation, led by Sun Haiyan, deputy head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met with Xanana Gusmao, President of the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste.

In addition, the delegation exchanged views with leaders of other major Timorese political parties and media representatives on China-Timor-Leste relations and cooperation in various fields, and expounded on outcomes of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee held in July.

The Timorese side expressed gratitude to China for its long-term support to Timor-Leste, adding it believes that China will make new achievements in its efforts with the Chinese-style modernization, bringing new opportunities for the development of Timor-Leste and the region.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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Secret Service will commit counter sniper coverage to presidential campaign events for all candidates and their running mates after the assassination attempt against Donald Trump at an outdoor rally in Pennsylvania.

Acting Secret Service director Ronald Rowe  who condemned his agencys coverage as a mission failure  told reporters on Friday that the attack on the former president was the first time that a Secret Service counter sniper had been assigned to one of Trumps events.

That counter sniper ultimately fired the single fatal shot at the 20-year-old gunman who fired eight rounds from an AR-15-style rifle while on a rooftop outside the rallys security perimeter.

The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, struck Trumps right ear, killed one rally attendee, and critically injured two others.

Rowe said that Trump and his running mate JD Vance  as well as Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her eventual running mate  will have similar counter sniper coverage moving forward.

Our campaign cadence now has obviously picked up, and were going to put all the resources out there to address any challenges that we have, Rowe said from Washington, DC, on Friday.

Rowe clarified that while the rally marked the first time that Secret Service had deployed a counter sniper to Trumps Secret Service detail, state and local law enforcement typically provide counter sniper coverage at events.

Secret Service personnel usher Donald Trump offstage after a gunman opened fire at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Secret Service officials have urged Trump to avoid outdoor rallies, but Rowe said that its on the Secret Service to make sure we create a safe environment if Trump goes back to holding rallies outdoors.

Its on us to figure out what we gotta do to mitigate that, he said.

Rowe  who replaced Kimberly Cheatle after she stepped down following growing calls from lawmakers for her resignation  admitted to members of Congress that the agency had failed on multiple levels.

That roofline shouldve been covered, he said on Friday. We shouldve had more eyes on that.

He said that in no way should any state or local agency that supported Secret Service agents in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 should be held responsible for a Secret Service failure.

Asked whether any Secret Service members have been suspended or fired, Rowe said very thorough internal disciplinary investigations will ensure that anyone responsible for agency failures will be held accountable.

Secret Service will not be able to provide real-time updates of any disciplinary actions, he said.

Acting Secret Service director Ronald Rowe testifies to members of Congress on July 30 about security failures at a Donald Trump rally ( Getty Images )

Secret Service snipers did not have any knowledge that Crooks was on a nearby roof with a firearm, according to Rowe.

Based on what I know right now, neither the Secret Service counter sniper teams nor members of the former presidents security detail had any knowledge that there was a man on the roof of the  building with a firearm, he said.

It is my understanding that personnel were not aware the assailant had a firearm until they heard gunshots, he added.

Rowe hinted at communications failures between local and federal law enforcement at the rally, as local officers had communicated with one another that an armed man was spotted on the roof 30 seconds before shots were fired. That message did not reach Secret Service.

That piece of information, that vital piece of information, and by no fault of anyone  it did not make it over, Rowe said.

Federal law enforcement were aware that local law enforcement was handling an issue related to the suspects position, but not anything about a weapon, he said.
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The U.S. and Russia on Thursday completed their largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, a deal involving 24 people, many months of negotiations and concessions from other European countries who released Russians in their custody as part of the exchange.

Here are some things to know:

Who was freed

The 24 people  some prominent, some not  included a collection of journalists and political dissidents, suspected spies, a computer hacker and a fraudster. Even a man convicted of murder.

Russia released 16 people, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan. Both were facing long prison sentences after being convicted in Russia's heavily politicized legal system of espionage charges that the U.S. government called baseless.

Also freed by Moscow was Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen convicted in July of spreading false information about the Russian military  accusations her family and employer have rejected.

Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva all arrived late Thursday at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, where they were greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Russia also released Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer serving 25 years on charges of treason widely seen as politically motivated.

The most infamous of the eight people Russia got back is Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in Germany in 2021 of killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park two years earlier, apparently on the orders of Moscows security services. It also received two alleged sleeper agents who were jailed in Slovenia, three men charged by federal authorities in the U.S. and two men returned from Norway and Poland.

A breakthrough in US-Russia relations?

That's unlikely.

The U.S. and Russia have reached several prior prisoner swaps during the course of Russia's war with Ukraine, including a December 2022 trade in which Moscow freed WNBA star Brittney Griner in exchange for notorious arms trafficker Viktor Bout.

But none of those exchanges resulted in a meaningful warming of relations, particularly at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to halt his aggression against Ukraine and as Washington continues to send significant military support to Kyiv.

Prisoner exchanges have been a rare source of compromise and an alignment of mutually agreeable interests rather than a reflection of anything broader. Even so, the fact that the countries were able to get the deal done at a time of open hostility is notable.

The Americans left behind

Though Thursday's deal involves the most well-known of the Americans held in Russia, including two who have been formally designated as wrongfully detained, there are still several others who remain.

That group includes Travis Leake, a musician convicted on drug charges and sentenced to prison; Gordon Black, an American soldier convicted of stealing and making threats of murder; Marc Fogel, a teacher also sentenced on drug charges; and Ksenia Khavana, who was arrested in Yekaterinburg in February on treason charges, accused of collecting money for Ukraines military.

Khavana had returned to Russia to visit family. The owner of the spa in California where Khavana had been working previously told The Associated Press that Khavana actually was collecting funds for humanitarian aid.

In a statement after the deal was announced, Fogel's family said it was inconceivable that he had not been included and urged the Biden administration to prioritize his release.

A senior administration official, who briefed reporters before the swap on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said the administration would be redoubling its efforts to get remaining Americans home.

The imbalance in participants

In prisoner exchanges over the past few years, the U.S. government has released criminals convicted of significant crimes, including drug and weapons traffickers and a Taliban drug lord.

The latest deal was no exception, with the U.S. and Western allies agreeing to hand back to Russia criminals regarded as properly charged and convicted.

The most notable example of that, by far, was Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in the Aug. 23, 2019, killing of Zelimkhan Tornike Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian citizen who had fought Russian troops in Chechnya and later claimed asylum in Germany.

At Krasikov's sentencing to life in prison in 2021, German judges said he had acted on the orders of Russian authorities, who gave him a false identity, passport and the resources to carry out the killing.

Throughout the course of negotiations, Russia remained adamant about getting Krasikov back, making it clear that he topped the wish list. Putin hinted earlier this year that he was interested in such a trade to free a patriot held in Germany.

By contrast, the Americans and Europeans released by Russia include people who were either designated by the U.S. as wrongfully detained  like Gershkovich and Whelan  or generally regarded as held on baseless charges.

"Deals like this one come with tough calls, Biden said but added: Theres nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad.

It could have included Navalny

Central to the deal was a man who never got to be part of it: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

At the time of his death in February, officials were discussing a possible exchange involving him and Krasikov as a way to satisfy Russia's relentless demand for Krasikov and unlock the imprisoned Americans.

Administration officials described the sudden and unexplained death of Navalny as a setback to that effort, but drew up a new plan to present to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

In the end, several associates of Navalny were released.

The politics of it all

Biden had foreshadowed his commitment to a deal last week, when he said in an Oval Office address announcing his plan to abandon his reelection bid: Were also working around the clock to bring home Americans being unjustly detained all around the world.

On Thursday, he basked in the success of a diplomatic feat executed in the final months of his administration as he welcomed the families of the returning Americans to the White House. In an apparent jab at the America First mantra of Donald Trump, the former president and current Republican nominee, Biden said: Today is a powerful example of why its vital to have friends in this world.

Trump, who during his presidency had also taken an interest in hostages and wrongfully detained Americans, claimed during the June debate with Biden that he would get Gershkovich out as soon as he won the election.

On Thursday, he bashed the deal, suggesting incorrectly on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. had given Russia cash for the deal.

Are we releasing murderers, killers, or thugs? Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps, Trump wrote.
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Russian forces are advancing gradually towards the key strategic city of Pokrovsk in the eastern region of Donetsk, as Ukraine struggles with soldier shortages as delays in military aid from the West hold up the equipping of fresh brigades.

Pokrovsk, which serves as a key supply route for other Ukrainian outposts, has become the main focus of fighting in the last few weeks. Military analysts fear that Ukrainian equipment is insufficient to hold off the advance  although they expect the Russian offensive to slow down as it reaches more built-up areas.

Russias defence ministry claimed in the last few days it had taken control of Prohres and Yevhenivka - two villages to the east of Pokrovsk - with efforts now focussed on making a breakthrough closer to Pokrovsk.

President Zelensky said recently that the fighting around the vast Donetsk frontline is proving "extremely challenging" but that Ukraine has the strength to achieve its goals.

Pokrovsk has undergone major shelling in the past months as Russia looks to take hold of a key outpost (AFP) ( AFP via Getty Images )

A Telegram post from the Khortytsia group of forces said Russia is expending huge resources to reach Pokrovsk, but that forces continue to courageously hold the defence despite a tense and difficult situation, according to the Kyiv Independent.

But Ukrainian military analyst Kostiantyn Mashovets warns that Russia is close to an operationally significant military win which they may achieve by the end of August.

Experts believe Russian forces may have created a more dynamic command structure, as they appear to be responding more quickly to Ukrainian vulnerabilities by redeploying troops at speed, Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported.

Meanwhile, Ukraine have focussed airstrikes on Russian-controlled Crimea, as a nine-story building in the city of Sevastopol was evacuated after being struck by a missile fragment.

The fragment reportedly broke through the roof but was stuck on the technical floor, meaning it did not reach any of the residents, according to the citys governor Mikhail Razvozhayev.

No one was hurt, the Russian-installed governor said, in what he described as a massive attack on the city as he warned locals not to approach any other missile fragments.

Sevastopol, the Russian-controlled Crimean city where two Ukrainian naval vessels are still moored ( AP )

Crimean Wind, a Telegram channel which reports reliably on military movements in the Crimean peninsula, said further explosions were heard in Saki - where there is an airbase - and Yevpatoria.

Other Ukrainian strikes were reported in the western Russian city of Kursk according to active governor Aleksey Smirnov, as Ukrainian Defense Forces attacked a TV tower, oil depots and an equipment factory, Liga.net reported.

In positive news for Ukraines naval forces, a Turkish warship was unveiled this morning in front of Ukrainian first lady, Olena Zelenska.

The Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi, named after the 17th century military leader, is an anti-submarine warship produced for Ukraine.

The warship is the second anti-submarine vessel built by Turkey for Ukraine ( Ministry of Defense of Ukraine )

It is the second warship of its type to be produced by Turkey for Ukraine since the outbreak of war - however it wont be officially handed over to Ukraine until the first quarter of 2027, the Kyiv Independent reports.

Rustem Umerov, Ukraines defence minister, said the warships were built due to Russian aggression, are equipped with cutting-edge weapons and will become a significant addition to our fleet.

The first F16 fighter jets have arrived in Ukraine, a huge upgrade on the fleet of Soviet-era jets it currently holds.
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An historic 18th century church in the northeastern Spanish city of Soria has undergone a controversial makeover that has left locals and expert restorers outraged.

The Ermita de Nuestra Senora del Miron, originally built in 1725, recently received a makeover that altered the churchs interior. The startled expression now evident on the face of a cherub has left many comparing the job to the notorious Ecce Homo/Monkey Christ restoration fiasco from 12 years ago.

Soria Patrimonio, a heritage preservation group, shared before-and-after photos on X, formerly Twitter, of the once-white nave now painted in dusky pink stripes.

Another photo showed close up shots of the cherubim who, after the makeover, appear to have startled expressions.

What have they done to the Ermita de Nuestra Senora del Miron? the group wrote in their post.

Its a listed building, but even if it werent, any work on a monument such as this had to be subject to minimum guarantees.

The group told El Confidencial online newspaper that the repainting has left the churchs cherubim looking caricature-like.

Cherubim are angelic beings often depicted in religious art and literature as chubby, innocent-looking children with wings. In various religious traditions, particularly in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, cherubim are considered a high-ranking order of angels.

The repainting of a church such as this one falls outside the good intervention practices that apply to buildings with heritage value, it said.

The El Confidencial article also drew comparisons with the Ecce Homo painting fiasco, asking Another Ecce Homo, but with Cherubs?, referring to the infamous restoration of a fresco of Jesus Christ called Ecce Homo in Borja, a small town in Spain, that went viral for all the wrong reasons.

An elderly parishioner and amateur artist, Cecilia Gimenez, attempted to restore the fresco, created by Spanish artist Elias Garcia Martinez in the early 20th century. But the effort went awry, giving the fresco a radically altered and amateurish appearance. The botched restoration was dubbed Monkey Christ online due to the distorted features of the figure.

Spains Professional Association of Restorers and Conservators (Acre) said the work in Soria should have been carried out by professionals and routinely monitored by restorers and conservators.

Were not talking about a failed restoration here; were talking about an assault on heritage, Francisco Manuel Espejo, president of Spains Professional Association of Restorers and Conservators, said in a statement of the failed restoration.

There needs to be multidisciplinary teams to avoid these kinds of efforts, Acre said in a separate statement written in Spanish.

There needs to be weekly inspections to keep track of the works and to prevent invasive and disrespectful alterations.

The association said it had asked the heritage department of the regional government of Castilla y Leon for an explanation.

A spokesperson for the diocese of Osma-Soria, which is responsible for the church, told The Guardian: All I can tell you is that the works on the church were carried out with the required permissions and that some people like the end result and some dont.

Spain is no stranger to botched restoration projects. In 2019, a 16th century sculpture of Saint George was renovated in a way that was criticised as cartoonish. Eventually the sculpture was restored back to its original state by experts.

At that time, Fernando Carrera, spokesman for Spains art conservation-restoration association, told AFP the incident was just the tip of the iceberg of so many cases that dont appear in the press.

Its constant, he added.
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Turkeys internet regulator has blocked access to Instagram, with local reports suggesting it relates to the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

It is the latest instance of social media clampdown in Turkey, which has a track record of shutting down websites having closed hundreds of thousands since 2022.

While the Information and Communication Technologies Authority did not give a reason behind its decision early on Friday, Turkish outlets say it is a response to Instagrams handling of condolence messages towards Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas political wing, who was killed on Wednesday (July 31).

A procession mourning Haniyeh filled Tehran, as Turkey today flies its flags at half mast ( The Associated Press )

The Ankara government had previously accused Instagram of blocking posts by Turkish users which expressed condolences regarding Haniyehs death.

On Wednesday, Turkeys communications director Fahrettin Altun wrote on X that Instagram was "impeding people from publishing messages of condolence for the martyr Haniyeh, adding that it was censorship, pure and simple.

Yeni Safak, a conservative and pro-Erdogan daily newspaper with close ties to the government, said this was behind the authoritys decision.

Sanctions for Instagrams blackout policy were swift. The Information Technologies and Communication Authority blocked access to Instagram, the outlet wrote.

Instagram has been contacted comment.

Ismail Haniyeh was killed by a hidden explosive device in Tehran on Wednesday morning ( AP )

Turkey does not consider Hamas a terror organisation, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously describing them as liberation fighters. The country has been strongly critical of Israels war in Gaza.

On Friday, all flags will be flown at half-mast as Turkey observes a day of mourning for Haniyeh, who was a close ally of Erdogan with whom he last met in April.

Haniyeh was killed in the early hours of Wednesday by a remotely-activated explosive device planted in his guest house, before he was due to attend the inauguration of newly-elected President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian.

Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbuls mayor and member of Turkeys main opposition party said the communications authority was acting like a censorship unit.

He wrote on X: Social media is a platform that everyone uses for many purposes, including for commerce and communicating. It is unacceptable that a platform used by the entire country is arbitrarily shut down one morning.

Turkey blocked access to 953,415 websites, based on 821,285 different decisions made by 833 institutions and judicial authorities, according to the Freedom of Expression Association, a non-profit organisation.

Video-sharing platform YouTube was blocked between 2007 and 2010 and sued for insulting Turkishness.
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Ukraine has received its first batch of F-16 fighter jets nearly a year after President Zelensky pleaded for them to help counter Russias invasion.

Six jets, which will be fitted with modern US weaponry, were delivered to Ukraine from the Netherlands, with more to follow shortly from Denmark.

The two countries, as well as Belgium and Norway, have promised to provide Kyiv with more than 60 of the American-made planes over the next few months.

Follow live updates on Ukraine-Russia war

The fighter jets are expected to start flying sorties in Ukrainian skies soon and will be a much-needed boost to the countrys current fleet of Soviet-era jets.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and Denmarks prime minister Mette Frederiksen sit in a F-16 in August last year

But with analysts warning the F-16s wont turn the tide of the war on their own, how will they help Kyiv fight Putins forces? The Independent takes a look below.

How will F-16s help the fight against Putins forces?

They will be able to affect some of the dynamics of the war, Federico Borsari, an analyst at the Center for European Policy Analysis, said.

Ukraine would use the jets to intercept Russian missiles and drones, suppress enemy air defence systems, and strike Russian troop positions and ammunition depots with air-to-ground missiles, Mr Borsari said. Russia has stepped up drone and missile attacks across Ukraine in recent months.

The planes advanced radars  fitted by Lockheed Martin  would allow Ukrainian pilots to pinpoint targets further away than they can in their current Soviet-era MiG-29s, Su-27s and Su-24s.

They could also carry British-supplied Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles with a range of more than 250km (155 miles), potentially striking targets inside Russia  but information on the planes capability is unclear.

A F-16 fighter aircraft is pictured ahead of the arrival of Zelensky in Brussels in June ( EPA )

What are the challenges for Ukraine?

Supporting Ukrainian troop movements on the front line with ground attacks may be too risky for the F-16s, given Russias sophisticated air defense systems.

Dr Marina Miron, analyst at the Defense Studies Department at Kings College London, also warned Kyivs nine-month training on using the F-16s was a crash course compared to the usual three-year course Western pilots receive.

The F-16s also require a large number of support personnel, such as skilled maintenance engineers, munitions loaders, intelligence analysts and emergency crews, Ms Miron added.

Ukraine must also establish a network of radar stations, reinforced hangars, a supply of spare parts and refueling systems, with quality airfields needed to store the jets, she added.

Belgian PM Alexander De Croo, right, and his defence minister Ludivine Dedonder pose with Zelensky in front of an F-16 ( AP )

How could Putin react?

Russian president Vladimir Putin would savor the image that destroying F-16s from Nato countries would bring, Mr Borsari said.

The Kremlins forces will likely try to destroy the F-16s on the ground with long-range missiles. They have already been targeting Ukraines limited number of suitable airfields.

Russias military also has what are estimated to be several hundred operational fighter jets, as well as sophisticated air surveillance radars. Russias Su-35 fighter jet will be one of the biggest threats to the F-16.

Even so, the Russians are aware that theyll be up against a more formidable aircraft than they have met so far in the war and will likely adopt a more careful approach.
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British-Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza has pledged he will return to Moscow sooner than you think despite his ordeal as a political prisoner under Vladimir Putins regime.

The Cambridge-educated political leader, who spent much of his teenage years living in London, was one of 16 prisoners swapped for eight detainees held in the West on Thursday in the largest such exchange since the Cold War

Also involved were three US citizens, including journalist Evan Gershkovich, three Germans and nine Russians. In return, Moscow received eight Russians accused of murder, spying and money laundering.

At a news conference in Bonn on Friday evening, Kara-Murza sat alongside former captives Ilya Yashin and Andrei Pivovarov, both of whom are figureheads of the Putin opposition, and recounted the moment their plane left Moscow for Ankara, Turkey.

Each of us was accompanied by our personal FSB [Russian security service] officer  who was sitting next to us on the plane, Kara-Murza said. My FSB officer ... told me the moment that our plane was taking off: Look out the window. This is the last time you will see your motherland.

I turned to this guy and I laughed. I told him: Look man, I am a historian by education. I dont only feel, I dont only believe, I know I will be back in my home country. And it will be much quicker than you think.

All three men were smiling as they faced reporters immediately after leaving a medical facility. It was, Kara-Murza said, their first venture into the outside world since being detained.

Sweet freedom: (from left) journalist and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, activist Andrei Pivovarov and opposition figure Ilya Yashin address Fridays press conference ( AFP/Getty )

The British passport holder was dressed in a light-blue baggy shirt that hung off him, a sign of the horrendous mistreatment he and so many others suffered while in detention.

Kara-Murza was arrested in April 2022 for speaking out against the war in Ukraine, charged a year later then kept in solitary confinement, in a Siberian penal colony more than 9,000km, or 5,500 miles, from his family in the US state of Virginia, for a year until his eventual exchange.

His wife Evgenia, mother Elena Gordon and lawyers had repeatedly told The Independent that time was running out for him in prison because he suffers from a debilitating nerve condition that requires constant treatment.

Upon his release, Kara-Murza revealed he had felt the same fear. In a clip of his phone call with Evgenia and two of their children in the Oval Office on Thursday, while US president Joe Biden watched on, he could be heard saying: I was sure I was going to die in prison. I cant believe whats happening. I still think I am sleeping in my prison cell.

In the week running up to his release, he described how he was taken into a room by two FSB officers, sat down beneath a portrait of Putin and asked to sign a letter to the Russian leader admitting guilt and showing remorse.

Kara-Murza said he laughed before refusing to sign the letter, telling the two officers that he considered Putin not only an illegitimate leader of Russia but also a dictator, a usurper and a murderer. After five unsuccessful attempts to make Kara-Murza sign the piece of paper, the two officers gave up and escorted the dissident back to his cell.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich (centre) and, clockwise from top left, Vladimir Kara-Murza, Paul Whelan, Lilia Chanysheva, Oleg Orlov, Sasha Skochilenko, Ilya Yashin, Alsu Kurmasheva and Andrei Pivovarov ( AP )

Two days later, he was taken back to that same room by the same two officers. He was told that his original comments on 23 July had been recorded on video camera and that they required Kara-Murza to write an official explanation for why he said what he did.

I said, give me the pen, this time I will write, the opposition figure recounted.

He then proceeded to repeat his original comments about Putin, before adding that he believed the Russian leader was personally responsible for the death of Boris Nemtsov, Alexei Navalny and thousands of civilians, including children, in Ukraine. He was then taken back to his room.

Two days later again, he was woken up at 3am, told he had 20 minutes to pack up his belongings, then taken on the eventual route to Turkey for the exchange.

But while the joy he felt to be free to see his family again was clear, Kara-Murza was at pains to express that the Putin regime had no right to expel him from his country. Nor, he added, did they ever have a legitimate reason for arresting him.

His remarks followed an emotional message in Russian from Yashin, who appeared furious that he had been removed from his country and said he had been taken against his will.

According to the Russian constitution, Kara-Murza said, it is expressly forbidden to expel Russian citizens from Russia without their consent.
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The British-Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza is one of the faces of the anti-Kremlin resistance. Following the death of Alexei Navalny in February, he became the best-known Putin critic imprisoned in Russia.

The 42-year-old University of Cambridge graduate was arrested in April 2022 hours after CNN broadcast an interview in which he said Russia was being run by a regime of murderers.

A year later, he was sentenced to 25 years in a Siberian penal colony in the Omsk region, where he was consigned to a punishment cell only three metres long and one and a half metres wide, nearly 6,000 miles from his wife and children living in the US. His fate was decried by governments across the West.

His sentence remains the longest handed down to a Kremlin critic since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Even from prison, he published opinion columns in The Washington Post that were rewarded in May with the Pulitzer Prize for commentary.

Grigory Vaypan, a senior lawyer at Memorial, Russias oldest human rights group, and laureate of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for his defence of political prisoners, said the risk of death facing Mr Kara-Murza was high.

Prominent government critics now face increased risks to their lives in Russian prisons. The more prominent the critic, the higher the risk, he told The Independent.

Who is Vladimir Kara-Murza?

The opposition politician, who is also a historian and a journalist, comes from a long line of Russian critics.

His father, journalist and television host Vladimir Alexeyevich Kara-Murza, was an outspoken critic of Leonid Brezhnev, the former Soviet Union leader, and a prominent supporter of reforms under Boris Yeltsin in the post-Soviet 1990s.

Vladimir Kara-Murza arrives with his wife Yevgenia for a hearing of the US Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs on Capitol Hill in 2017 ( AFP/Getty )

He attended school in Moscow before his mother remarried a British man and Mr Kara-Murza moved to England as a teenager. He worked in London as a journalist for independent Russian outlets before attending Trinity Hall at the University of Cambridge, where he studied history.

He entered Russian politics in the late 1990s as Vladimir Putin was quietly ascending the ranks of the Kremlin to the presidency at the turn of the millennium. He voted against Mr Putin in the 2000 election.

Mr Kara-Murza later became an advisor to government opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who was murdered in Moscow outside the Kremlin in 2015.

By this point, Mr Kara-Murza had become heavily involved in Russian opposition politics, working alongside key dissident figures such as oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky, chess grandmaster Gary Kasparov, and Mr Nemstov.

The Kremlin crackdown

French ambassador to Russia Pierre Lvy lays flowers at the place where Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was gunned down in 2015 ( AP )

In 2015, the same year that his political mentor Mr Nemstov was killed, Mr Kara-Murza was poisoned in what his wife says was a Kremlin assassination attempt. He survived that attempt on his life, only to be poisoned a second time two years later.

Evgenia Kara-Murza remembers the moment he came out of his second coma. They were in a Moscow hospital in the intensive care unit. It was their 13th wedding anniversary.

He was lying there, looking just like what someone who had been through multiple organ failure would look like, she said.

He said that he was so sorry about what had happened because he was hoping to travel to Quebec for a few days with me. Just the two of us.

I just looked at him and said: What are you talking about? You are alive. That is the best gift I could hope for.

In February 2021, a Bellingcat joint investigation alleged that Mr Kara-Murza had been followed by the same FSB unit that allegedly poisoned Alexei Navalny with a nerve agent in 2020.

He has since developed polyneuropathy, a nerve condition that affects his ability to feel his feet and hands. His wife says it was brought on by the poisoning attempts.

The invasion of Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers defending their position near Avdiivka in the Donetsk region ( EPA )

Mr Kara-Murza was one of a small number of opposition politicians who remained active in Russia after it invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and publicly condemned the war in defiance of new censorship laws.

After three speeches made in Lisbon, Helsinki and Washington, during which he condemned the invasion, Mr Kara-Murza was arrested outside his house in Moscow on 22 April 2022.

He was declared a foreign agent and accused of spreading false information about the actions of the Russian military in Ukraine in connection with a speech he had given the previous month in the Arizona House of Representatives, where he said Mr Putin was dropping cluster bombs on residential areas, mothers homes, hospitals, and schools.

In July of that year, he was additionally charged over his involvement with two foreign-based opposition forums that were labelled by the Russian state as undesirable. Finally, on 6 October, he was charged with treason. Prosecutors requested a 25-year jail term, which he would later receive in April 2023.

He was one of a number of Russian dissidents moved from prison in recent days, without a destination being given. It then transpired he had been put on a plane to Turkey along with 15 others released.
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In the space of just over 24 hours, Israel said three top leaders in militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas were confirmed killed in Gaza and the heart of the Lebanese and Iranian capitals.

For 10 months, the region has been entrenched in some of the bloodiest violence we have seen in recent times. Everything escalated when news broke on Wednesday of the Israeli-claimed killing of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in south Beirut and then the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which was also blamed on Israel. On Thursday, Israel confirmed it killed the commander of Hamass military wing, Mohammed Deif  the architect of the 7 October bloody attack on southern Israel  in an airstrike on Khan Younis, Gaza earlier in July.

The announcement of these killings  so close to each other  pushes the region towards a terrifying and murky precipice. Irans supreme leader and Hamas vowed revenge against Israel. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned there are challenging days ahead.

The United Nations secretary general and Qatar called it a dangerous escalation. Japans deputy UN representative Shino Mitsuko said the region was on the brink of all-out war.

Considering the Middle Easts current state  from Israels unprecedented razing of Gaza to the empty ghost towns of northern Israel, from the charred remains of bombed south Lebanon to the recent history of drones and missiles flying across Yemen, Syria, Iran, and Iraq  we are already in the grips of a wider conflict.

It seems everyone is waiting for an official declaration of regional war. People are not understanding the gravity of what this is, says Amjad Iraqi, a senior editor at left-wing publication +972 Magazine and an associate fellow with Chatham Houses Middle East and North Africa programme.

We have been in the midst of it already, even if its a lower-level war of attrition.

There is a kind of egotistical, unstable dance that all these actors are making with missiles and with peoples lives, while trying to explain it as calibrated responses.

Everything hinges on a ceasefire for Gaza, Mr Iraqi adds. We are at a very very dangerous point.

Amos Harel, an Israeli journalist and non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings think tank, says that while there is the old cliche that no side is interested in a regional escalation, it is an upward spiral and could become inevitable.

It continues, and theres so much space for miscalculation and disasters. It gets even harder to stop.

On Wednesday, Israel confirmed an Israeli airstrike killed Shukr, who had a $5m US bounty on his head for his role in Hezbollahs 1983 attack in Beirut, which killed 241 US service personnel.

Just a few hours later, Israel was accused of killing Haniyeh, probably the most internationally recognisable leader of Hamas, in a dawn raid in the Iranian capital a day after he attended the inauguration of Irans new president Masoud Pezeshkian. Israel has so far declined to comment on the killing.

Iranians attend the funeral procession of assassinated Hamas chief, Ismail Haniyeh ( AP )

Then on Thursday, Israel said their intelligence assessment confirmed that Mohammed Deif had been killed in a 13 July Israeli airstrikes on south Gaza. Israel said Deif, the commander of Hamass Qassam Brigades, initiated, planned and executed the 7 October massacre in Israel, during which Hamas killed around 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostage. Since then, Palestinian health officials say Israels bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 39,000 people, the majority of them women and children.

Haniyeh, who for the last few years had been based in Qatar, was known as a pragmatist compared to hardline Gaza-based leaders like Deif. He was also part of the Palestinian negotiators for a ceasefire, which just a week ago had looked promising. A truce is essential for civilians in Gaza, where famine stalks the population as well as Israels weapons that have killed tens of thousands of people. Desperate families of the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza have also been pushing for a prisoner swap ceasefire deal to bring their loved ones home.

The talks for a much-needed truce are another casualty of the assassinations. How can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side? asked Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in an unusually blunt message on X/Twitter.

Rather than serving a strategic purpose, analyst Amjad Iraqi believes the killing of Haniyeh  who, in exile in Doha may not have even been party to the organisation of Hamass 7 October attacks  sends a political message to Hamas and Iran (which is contending with this embarrassing security fiasco) as well as the Israeli public.

Even though Israels war is decimating much of Gaza, by most standards, this is not a hard success against Hamas. Hamas is obviously taking a huge beating with the massive destruction of infrastructure but lately, the Israeli army is finding itself in a bit of a quagmire, he says. News of multiple assassinations, including one deep inside Tehran, may serve to curry favour with Israelis back home.

Israeli dissent and the calls for a ceasefire have been largely directed at Mr Netanyahu  who has been accused of putting his personal interests first with a never-ending war that could save his political career.

He was always quite cautious about using military force. But this is another Netanyahu, warns Harel. After these last few years of constant elections [and] this crazy alliance that he has with the radical right, its much harder to trust his motives.

Most people are suspicious. It is no longer only a question of Israels security or strategic interests".
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Perhaps the most notorious among the eight Russians handed back Thursday by the US in a prisoner swap that freed 16 others, including American journalist Evan Gershkovich, was 58-year-old hitman Vadim Krasikov.

In 2021, Krasikov was sentenced to life in prison by a German court, which found him guilty of murder. He had been arrested after an audacious daylight assassination in Berlins Kleiner Tiergarten park, gunning down Chechen separatist commander and Kremlin enemy Zelimkhan Tornike Khangoshvili. Wearing a dark wig, Krasikov ambushed the Georgia-born 40-year-old Khangoshvili, who had been granted political asylum in Germany, shooting him twice in the head and once in the torso, using a Glock 26 fitted with a silencer, according to prosecutors.

Vadim Krasikov was arrested by police in Berlin after two teenagers reported him for fatally shooting a Kremlin foe in broad daylight ( Berlin Police )

Krasikov was quickly arrested, having been outed by a pair of teenage witnesses who told police Krasikov approached Khangoshvili on a bicycle, shot him, then ditched the bike, a bag, and the wig in the Spree River. However, the Kremlin denied any involvement or any connection between Krasikov and the Russian state. Such accusations were absolutely groundless, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at the time.

Still, Russian President Vladimir Putin made no secret of his antipathy for Khangoshvili, calling him a cruel and bloodthirsty person. And he would eventually indicate more than a passing affection for Krasikov in a February interview with American TV host Tucker Carlson, calling him a patriot and saying he had eliminated a bandit. Still, the Russians never claimed credit for him or the Khangoshvili killing  until now.

Krasikov was the first to step off a Russian government plane early Friday at Moscows Vnukovo airport, where he was greeted with a hug by Putin, who reportedly wanted Krasikov freed more than any of the others.

Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov is greeted by President Vladimir Putin, his de facto boss, after landing in Moscow ( Sputnik )

Krasikov is an FSB employee, Peskov said later at a press conference, the first confirmation that the Khangoshvili murder was indeed ordered by Russian authorities.

Seven other Russians were exchanged in Thursdays swap, which took place on an airport tarmac in Ankara, Turkey, following two years of intense negotiations. And while Krasikov was the only known assassin among them, all have their own unique, and in some cases, quite surreal, backstories.

Maria and Ludwig

Among the returnees were two Russian deep-cover sleeper agents, known in the intelligence community as illegals, Artem Dultsev and Anna Dultseva. The husband-and-wife team had been running an art gallery in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana while posing as Argentineans named Ludwig Gisch and Maria Mayer.

Ludwig and Maria were actually Russian deep-cover spies Artem Dultsev and Anna Dultseva, according to a Kremlin spokesman ( Handout )

The couples two children thought they were Argentinean, and had no idea they were Russian, until yesterday ( Handout )

Their two young daughters attended an international school in the city, and spoke fluent Spanish. The Dultsevs were arrested in December 2022, and on Thursday pleaded guilty in a Ljubljana court to spying and falsifying documents. They were sentenced to 19 months in prison, then released on time served and ordered out of the country. The next day, the pair and their children were on a flight to Turkey, which is when the girls were informed they were not, in fact, Argentineans.

The children of the illegals who arrived yesterday only found out they were Russian on the plane from Ankara, Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said at a press conference. They do not speak Russian You probably saw that when the children came down the planes steps Putin greeted them in Spanish. He said, Buenas noches.

Peskov said the two girls knew little about Russia and didnt even know who Putin was.

This is how the illegals work, he said. They make such sacrifices out of dedication to their work.

Roman Seleznev

Vladivostok native Roman Seleznev, 32, was indicted by the US in 2011 on charges of stealing millions of credit card numbers from more than 500 American businesses. He earned about $2 million in profit from selling the pilfered data, but caused nearly $170 million in losses overall, according to US investigators.

Roman Seleznev, the son of a Russian politician, made millions off of stolen credit card data ( US District Court for the Western District of Washington )

Seleznev, whose father is a member of the Russian parliament, stayed out of US authorities reach until July 2014, when he traveled to the Maldives on vacation and was arrested, then extradited to the States. He was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison .

Vladislav Klyushin

Vladislav Klyushin, who owned a Moscow IT firm called M-13, was also nabbed while vacationing, this time on a ski trip to Switzerland in March 2021. US authorities had charged Klyushin and four other Russians over a $90 million  global get-rich-quick scheme  to hack into confidential corporate records, then trade stocks using the stolen inside information. Klyushin, who was sent to the US the following year for trial, was convicted in February 2023 on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and securities fraud, and sentenced that September to nine years in prison .

Vladislav Klyushin ran a global get-rich-quick scheme that used hacked insider info to profit on manipulated stock trades ( US District Court for the District of Massachusetts )

The jury saw Mr. Klyushin for exactly what he is  a cybercriminal and a cheat, U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins said in a statement at the time. Klyushins four co-conspirators, who include a former Russian military intelligence officer wanted by the US for allegedly interfering in the 2016 presidential election, remain at large.

Mikhail Mikushin

A senior military intelligence officer with Russias GRU, Mikhail Valerievich Mikushin arrived at the University of Troms - The Arctic University of Norway in 2021 as Jose Assis Giammaria. Claiming to be a Brazilian citizen, Mikushin researched  hybrid threats , and served as a guest lecturer there until October 2022, when he was arrested and detained on charges of improper entry.

Russian spy Mikhail Mikushin lectured at a university in Norway while pretending to be a Brazilian named Jose ( Creative Commons 4.0 )

Although a joint investigation by independent Russian media outlet The Insider and open-source wizards Bellingcat definitively exposed him as a poorly disguised member of Russias intelligence services, Mikushin refused to reveal his actual identity to Norwegian authorities until December 2023. He remained in custody until Thursdays swap.

Vadim Konoshchenok

FSB officer Vadim Konoshchenok was extradited to the US in July 2023 following his arrest in Estonia, where he was accused of conspiring to illegally procure and export American military technology and ammunition for Russia to use on the battlefield against Ukraine. Let this case serve as the latest example that no matter where you are in the world, if you violate US export controls or evade US sanctions, we will not rest until you face justice in a US courtroom, US Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement announcing Konoshchenoks capture.

FSB officer Vadim Konoshchenok was accused of sanctions evasion and violating US export laws for allegedly trying to ship sensitive electronics and ammunition to Russian forces fighting in Ukraine ( US District Court for the Eastern District of New York )

This defendant smuggled hundreds of thousands of illicit munitions in support of Moscows war machine, using front companies to conceal his criminal enterprise, said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Departments National Security Division. At the time of Thursdays prisoner swap, Konoshchenok was facing up to 30 years in a US prison, if convicted.

Pavel Rubtsov

Born in Russia, Pavel Rubtsovs mother took him to live in Spain when he was 9. Just a few days after Moscow invaded Ukraine, unprovoked, in February 2022, Polish authorities announced the arrest in Nabarniz, Spain, of a freelance journalist who called himself Pablo Gonzalez but was actually Rubtsov. In reality, he was an undercover GRU officer pretending to be a writer, according to investigators.

Pavel Rubtsov was a Russian spy masquerading as a freelance journalist from Spain, according to investigators. ( Creative Commons 4.0 )

He carried out activities for Russia using his journalistic status, Polands Internal Security Agency told Voice of America. As a result, he was able to move freely around Europe and the world, including zones affected by armed conflicts and areas of political tension. Rubtsovs lawyer said his client denied the accusations, as did Rubtsovs wife of 16 years.
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Turkey has blocked Instagram, leaving users unable to get on the app.

A government minister said that parent company Meta had failed to comply with its laws and rules. It came after a senior official attacked the app over accusations that it is removing condolence posts about the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, leader of Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Turkey is one of Instagrams largest markets, and the app is hugely popular in the country. Some 91 per cent of Turkish consumers use the app, more than almost any other country, and 57 per cent of people use it for news, according to research company GWI.

For now, those users are unable to get online. But Turkey said that service would be restored if Meta complied with its requests.

We warned Instagram about certain offences. We want some rules to be followed ... We intervene when they disregard legal rules and public sensitivities. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said.

We are in contact with them. Our sensitivities are clear, as soon as they correct those shortcomings, we will remove the ban. This is a country with laws and rules. Uraloglu added.

He did not clarify what the shortcomings were.

Access to Instagram has been restricted in Turkey following the ban implemented by authorities following a court order on Friday, internet observatory NetBlocks said.

Turkish communications official Fahrettin Altun on Wednesday criticised Instagram for what he called its decision to block condolence posts after Haniyeh was killed in Tehran.

This is censorship, pure and simple, Altun, the communications director of the Turkish presidency, said on X.

There was no immediate comment from Instagram parent Meta Platforms Inc on either the ban or Altuns comments.

Turkeys Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) published the Aug. 2 decision on its website.

Additional reporting by agencies
A former police officer told an inquiry that smearing people is a security service job moments before the livestream was taken off air.

Former undercover police officer Trevor Morris  who infiltrated the Anti-Nazi League in east London, the Socialist Workers Party, and the Stephen Lawrence justice campaign in the 1990s  made the comments as he gave evidence to the Undercover Policing Inquiry on Thursday 1 August.

Mr Morris was asked about whether police had been asked to gather intelligence with which to smear the Lawrence family.

He told the inquiry that was not his job, adding that is a security service job.

The livefeed was cut moments after Mr Morris went on to say: Sorry I shouldnt say that. Lets scrap that last bit.
Since his election, Nigel Farage has spoken twice in the Commons  once, on the first day of the new parliament, to announce We are the new kids on the block; and another to make his maiden speech, in which he called for a referendum on the UKs membership of the European Court of Human Rights.

Having tried so hard to get in, the new kid on the block doesnt seem able to use his platform effectively; he seems far happier on social media and GB News, campaigning as if he is an outsider.

On Tuesday, Farage used Twitter/X  rather than a debate in the Commons  to criticise the government over the murder of three girls in Southport. He speculated about whether the murderer was being monitored by the security services and said: I just wonder whether the truth is being withheld from us. I dont know the answer to that, but I think it is a fair and legitimate question.

That is, as Sean OGrady has pointed out, the weasel formula of the conspiracy theorist through the ages. Farage wasnt saying that the deep state was complicit with the murder of three girls at a Taylor Swift dance class  he was just asking questions.

Not only that, if he had asked the questions in the Commons, he might have had some answers. But the giveaway was his failure to condemn the violence that followed the murders  violence that was whipped up by untrue rumours that the attacker had a Muslim name and had come to the UK in a small boat.

That failure gave Keir Starmer the chance to fight back against the unpleasant implication that the government was somehow responsible for the murders. The prime minister summoned police chiefs to No 10 and held a news conference. This was the right thing to do after such a horrifying crime that has shaken the nation. But it was also a rebuke to Farage, whose equivocation could have been read as an attempt to exploit the terrible incident for political advantage.

Starmer refused to refer to Farage by name at his news conference, saying, Im not going to run a running commentary on the motives of other people, but it was obvious who he meant when he said: Anybody who says or does anything that impedes their [the victims and their families] ability to get the justice they deserve cannot claim to be acting in their best interests  because theyre not.

The prime minister condemned a tiny, mindless minority in society who rioted in Southport, Hartlepool and Whitehall in London.

Starmer is well aware that Farage could start to draw support from the Labour government if he is able to speak up for people who feel threatened by crime, and who feel ignored by government, whether local or national.

But Farages attempt to do so over the terrible murders in Southport has misfired badly. He can complain all he likes about the imprecise term far right, and the implication that Reform UK has any similarity to the semi-defunct English Defence League (founded and then disowned by Tommy Robinson). But when he saw people throwing bricks at a mosque, he should have been able to condemn it.

Most people in this country are deeply sceptical of politicians. Starmer was heckled when he went to Southport to pay his respects  because people feel that the members of the establishment do not really care about them.

But most people, when they see thuggery and violence, know which side they are on. Most British people are on the side of the people of Southport who came out on Wednesday morning to clean up the streets and rebuild the wall outside the mosque.

Farage has misjudged this one. By failing to condemn the thugs, he has given Starmer the chance to align himself with the people with the brooms and the trowels who cleaned up after those whose only contribution was to sow division.
Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) is planning to buy up to 250 gigawatts of biomethane per year, and is checking if suppliers are interested in meeting its demands by publishing a Prior Information Notice (PIN) on the e-tenders system.

This would be the first time that GNI has bought biomethane, but the company has previously said it is working on a programme to meet its own gas needs from domestic renewable resources.

The shift is in tune with official government policy, which is that by 2030 it would have replaced 10pc of the natural gas that Ireland uses with biomethane, which is made by processing farm and food waste. A switch to biomethane would lead to a reduction in energy emissions.

The Government has earmarked 40m in capital funding to kick-start development.

The tender notice published by GNI says that following engagement with the market, the final procurement strategy and the heads of terms will be decided. It is currently anticipated that GNI will contract with a number of parties to provide biomethane and the contracts may be for up to 15 years, it says.

GNI needs to buy gas every year to account for shrinkage in the system, or small amounts that are lost in transit. It also uses gas both in the transport of the fuel, and in compressor stations, where it is brought down to the low pressures that are suitable for use by households and businesses.

Currently, the company uses some of the natural gas that is brought in from the Corrib field off Mayo, and also gas that is imported through a pipeline from Scotland. The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has calculated that this amounted to 1.6pc of total Irish demand last year, making the company a significant purchaser of gas.

GNI has said it is working with stakeholders to increase the biomethane sector, and recently signed a contract with Bia Energy whereby biomethane from its 63m anaerobic digestion plant in Huntstown in Dublin goes directly into the network.

There is said to be strong interest in the use of biomethane gas, with demand outstripping supply. A number of big investors, including the Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, have said they plan to develop large anaerobic digestor plants here

Irish biomethane production is behind that of some other EU countries, even though large quantities of farm waste are available to make it. The government is hoping to encourage the construction of up to 200 production plants in rural areas by 2030. Currently there are three.

The aim is that these would produce 5.7 terawatt hours (TWh) of biomethane, equivalent to 10pc of Irelands gas demand.
Customer lending stood at 21bn as the bank took a higher share of the mortgage market

PTSB enjoyed a 20pc increase in fees and commissions in the first quarter of this year after increasing how much it charges customers to have current accounts.

As it reported that pre-tax profits in the first half of 2024 almost tripled to 75m, the bank said it had earned fee income of 23m as changes to the current-account fee structure began to materialise.

This increasing trajectory is expected to continue through the second half [of the year], supporting the fees and commission income growth in 2024, it said.

Up to 500,000 customers were affected when the monthly maintenance fee for the PTSB current account went from 6 to 8.

The bank does not levy day-to-day transaction fees for lodgements and withdrawals or the setting up of standing orders and direct debits. It has said these were the first increases in current-account fees since 2019.

PTSBs chief executive Eamonn Crowley said there were no plans to make any further changes to the fee structure.

Our current account isnt just about a flat fee  it is also about the benefits we provide back to customers, he said. The more active you are with our current account, the more you are able to get back, and therefore there is a benefit to the consumer.

The banks surge in profitability came on the back of a 20m impairment release and was despite an expected 20pc increase in operating costs.

Total customer lending stood at 21bn, broadly in line with forecasts, with a non-performing loan ratio that was reduced to 1.7pc.

PTSB recently sold 348m worth of non-performing loans to a consortium that included Mars Capital.

PTSBs share of the mortgage market edged back up to 13.5pc in the second quarter, after it cut rates by 1pc earlier this year, and it said retention of existing customers was trending favourably.

The bank, which is still majority state-owned after being bailed out during the financial crash, is at a disadvantage compared to bigger rivals AIB and Bank of Ireland in the mortgage market.

Every 100 of mortgages the bank issues has a risk weighting of more than 40pc, against which it must hold expensive capital. The risk weighting on new Bank of Ireland and AIB mortgages is in the 20s.

The market continues to be impacted by the low level of switching activity, PTSB said of the mortgage market.

However we anticipate this segment will increase activity in the future as the European Central Bank reduces rates.

In terms of acquiring and retaining customer deposits, there was a balance of 23.6bn at the end of June, up about 4pc year-on-year.

This was driven by an increase in retail deposit balances to 12.9bn, with the current account balances of 9.3bn remaining broadly in line with last December.

Total operating expenses of 245m had increased by 41m year on year in line with management expectations.

Regulatory charges rose by 5m to 29m, up 21pc, in the first half of the year.

This was due to a legislative change which means the bank levy, of 24m, is now recognised in the first half of the year instead of in the last quarter of the previous year.
An Irish company that imported iron and steel fasteners, made in China but declared as coming from Indonesia, has lost a claim for repayment of 1.7m in customs duties.

Its appeal against the refusal of Revenue to repay the money was rejected by the Tax Appeals Commission (TAC).

The TAC heard the company had made 68 customs entry declarations between May 2009 and July 2012 relating to the importation of iron and steel fasteners which ostensibly originated in Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan.

At the time, the three countries benefited from preferential access to EU markets with their imports subject to zero or reduced rates of customs duties.

In 2009, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) carried out an investigation into suspected fraud around the importation of iron and steel fasteners.

Producers had complained that similar products from China were being dumped into the EU at below-normal market prices in what constituted unfair trading.

Investigators looked into the export of such goods supposedly produced in Indonesia by a company named PT. However, the TAC noted the Indonesian authorities had no record of PT carrying out any trading activity there.

The OLAF investigation resulted in the EU introducing an anti-dumping regulation in 2009. However it was repealed in 2016 after being declared invalid by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) following a complaint by Chinese manufacturers.

A separate investigation by Revenue between 2014 and 2016 concluded the iron and steel fasteners imported by the Irish company had originated in China.

The TAC heard the company was liable for common customs tariffs as Chinese goods did not benefit from preferential access to the EU market.

TAC commissioner Conor OHiggins said there was no dispute but that the goods at issue originated in China, and that 29 of the 68 declarations made by the company claimed the goods had originated in Indonesia.

The TAC said the customs authorities in Indonesia had issued certificates of origin based on false information.

Mr OHiggins said the Irish company had been given these certificates of origin, which they had passed to Irish customs authorities as proof the goods originated in Indonesia.

In the TAC appeal, the companys lawyers said it was entitled to a repayment of some or all of the customs debt as the whole amount of anti-dumping duty of more than 1.54m was never legally owed.

They said the firm was also entitled to repayment of 31,557 in common customs tariffs as its liability had arisen from an error by Indonesian customs.

But Revenue argued that the legislation repealing the anti-dumping duty prohibited those who had paid the duty from being reimbursed.

They also said Indonesia had not acted in error as its authorities had been deliberately misled by an exporter.
Jan Carson tells Rick OShea her favourite reads, including a macabre tale that made her laugh so hard

In this weeks Shelf Analysis, we speak to the Northern Irish author on her secret to being a voracious reader, her goal of reading Carson McCullers entire back catalogue and the genius of Catherine Lacey

Reading tips: Jan Carson. Photo: Sophie Bassouls via Getty Images

Rick O'Shea Fri 2 Aug 2024 at 03:30







This week my guest is Jan Carson, the brilliant Northern Irish writer Ive recommended here more than once before. Here, I ask her about three books that she recommends.
For readers yet to discover OBriens books, or those who want to take a deeper dive, here is where to begin

Edna O'Brien's The Country Girls was published in 1960, with two more books in the trilogy to come later

Edna OBrien died on July 27 at the age of 93, leaving behind a vast legacy of novels, stories, plays and non-fiction. Her work changed the face of writing in Ireland, particularly for women writers; she gave a voice to desires and aspirations that had been thought too shocking and transgressive a subject for fiction.

And although she achieved fame for her depictions of Irish life, she was a truly international writer, roaming across continents and cultures for subject matter and inspiration.

For readers yet to discover her work, or those who want to take a deeper dive, here is where to begin.

Edna O'Brien's The Country Girls was published in 1960, with two more books in the trilogy to come later

First love: The furore surrounding the publication of OBriens first novel, The Country Girls, in 1960 created a kind of foundation myth for her career, to the extent that it can become all too easy to overlook the book itself. But for all the noise surrounding this turbulent coming-of-age story  its fevered three-week genesis, its banning by the censors and burning by the outraged priesthood  its immense literary merit has not been eclipsed by its notoriety.

Cait and Babas escape from their circumscribed rural and family lives, via a repressive convent education, to the freedom of big-city Dublin is extraordinary not merely for the frankness with which OBrien sketched their sexual and emotional liberation; she also created a moving portrait of female friendship.

Intellectual Cait and hedonistic Baba battle with the limitations forced upon them, with their own differences, and with the inevitable reversals of adult life with captivating brio and determination. For all that its contemporary detail might now seem foreign to us, The Country Girls tells a timeless story of the thirst for independence and emancipation  a song of innocence and experience.

The experiment: OBriens friend Andrew OHagan likened 1972s Night to Jacobs Room by Virginia Woolf. In it, Mary Hooligan lies on a four-poster bed throughout a sleepless night, pondering the highways and byways of her life and her mind.

Like Woolf, it draws on the idea of a self-consciousness that is capacious and surprising, expressing itself through linguistic invention and caprice. And Night also suggests OBriens kinship with James Joyce, of whom she once wrote an extremely useful short biography: it revels in the sense of a person alone, with only their thoughts, memories and impressions to accompany them, a single point of view in which the present moment is assailed by the ghosts of family, friends, lovers and dreams.

House of Splendid Isolation by Edna O'Brien

The state of the nation novel: OBrien published House of Splendid Isolation in 1994, when the Good Friday Agreement was still four years off, and its premise  an IRA terrorist on the run takes an elderly woman hostage in her dilapidated Limerick mansion  was not to everyones taste.

But the novel was undoubtedly an attempt to interrogate how violence and intractable belief might yield to dialogue: Josie OMeara, a widow who has known both poverty and wealth in the course of her life, finds herself drawn into intense conversation with her captor, and the two end up sharing more of themselves than they might have ever thought possible.

Critics were divided, but the novel remains evidence of OBriens consistent attempts to explore how those separated by situation and disposition might find common ground. Its also notable that, as ever, she was willing to blend elements of genre  in this case, the thriller  into her work.

The masterpiece: When The Little Red Chairs appeared in 2016, OBrien had not written a novel for a decade, but her reappearance with this piercing account of a Bosnian Serb war criminal who settles in a small village in the west of Ireland won rave reviews, with novelist Philip Roth describing it as her masterpiece.

Its a daring and ingenious proposition: the exotic stranger who arrives in a tiny community and sets up as a holistic healer is not a white-bearded eccentric but a fugitive from international justice. His relationship with Fidelma, a middle-aged woman desperate to bear a child and thus entirely willing to be taken in by him, is the novels heart, moving its action from Cloonoila to the drab anonymity of London; but OBrien also finds the space and empathy to explore Dr Vladimir Dragans brutal past, braiding comedy, fairy tale and reportage together to remarkable effect.

Girl by Edna O'Brien

The final chapter: Almost 60 years after her first novel, OBrien published her last, Girl, a harrowing exploration of the abduction and torture of young women modelled on the kidnap of Nigerian schoolgirls by Boko Haram.

In her late eighties, she had undertaken research trips to the country, but the novel is presented not as a faithful recitation of facts and figures but as a nightmarish glimpse into the girls experiences. We follow one in particular, who escapes with her child and is later returned to her family, where she is simultaneously feted by the authorities and shunned as a single mother.

The relentlessness and cruelty of the trauma visited on Maryam causes her to lose her reason and her language: OBrien understood that some experiences lie beyond words, and that it is the novelists job to try to supply them.

If youre left wanting more: If you enjoyed The Country Girls, OBrien reprised Cait and Babas adventures in two further books, The Lonely Girl  later republished as Girl with Green Eyes  and the evocatively titled Girls in Their Married Bliss.

She was also a talented short story writer, and some of the best are brought together in 2013s The Love Object: Selected Stories.

And to find out more about her life, from her upbringing in Tuamgraney, Co Clare, through her marriage to the writer Ernest Gebler and her wildly social days in London (including a liaison with actor Robert Mitchum, and walk-on parts from Paul McCartney and Jackie Onassis), do read her memoir, Country Girl.
Whats your favourite day of the year? Your birthday? Christmas? Or how about everyones favourite, a well-known classic  International Beer Day!

(And before you ask - no, thats not just a different title for St Patricks Day.)

These type of international days have sprung up all over the place, often concocted by marketers looking for ways to promote their products.

International Beer Day was started in California in 2008, and is now marked on the first Friday of August each year  which is August 2 this year  in a move that reeks more of late-capitalistic desperation than anything else.

The official International Beer Day website says it is celebrated in 200 cities around the world, and states: International Beer Day is a global celebration of beer, taking place in pubs, breweries, and backyards all over the world. Its a day for beer lovers everywhere to raise a toast to our brewers and bartenders and rejoice in the greatness of beer!

This year Heineken in Ireland has got in on the act, saying in a campaign that brings home the message that theres more to going for a beer, than just the beer.

It has even commissioned a poem on that theme by Dublin-based poet Adam Mohamed just for the occasion.

But theyre not the worst offenders. At least International Beer Day gives you an excuse to have a good time

Here are some lesser known international days:

American pie

December 25 is probably one of the best known dates in the modern western world.

Every year, millions of children lie awake, eagerly waiting for what will be left under the Christmas tree in a celebration of National Pumpkin Pie day, of course!

Yes, you read that right. Forget about Jesus birthday, or Santa Claus, or any of your favourite Christmas traditions. December 25 should obviously instead be known as Pumpkin Pie Day.

Granted, this national day seems to be an American invention.

Jog on

Although we cant say much when were out here supposedly celebrating World Sauntering Day, which has been marked on June 19 every year since 1979.

The day was apparently created by a man known as WT Rabe in response to the popularity of jogging.

The purpose is to remind people to slow down and enjoy life. As far as Im concerned, thats what Sundays are for, but what do I know?

The truth is out there

Some of these days of imagined importance cant even get their story straight. World UFO day, for example, is celebrated on either June 24 or July 2.

When you choose to pay tribute to UFOs is decided by which event you think of as having more importance  the first reported UFO, on June 24, or the Roswell incident on July 2.

This, truly, is a matter of huge importance, and we should be calling on our world leaders to resolve the issue immediately.

Mary, Mary...

At least some of these manufactured events have the decency to maintain a sense of humour.

Bloody Mary Day is self-aware enough to occur on January 1. It acts as a tribute to those who will be downing the drink to try to remedy the after-effects of their New Years revelry.

Load of waffle

Thankfully, you wont find any of these days printed on your calendar. But you can bet that somewhere out there, some poor marketing executive is nearly in tears, trying to get International Waffle Day (March 25) to catch on.
Frances Black and band is among several acts set to perform at the Ireland for Palestine concert in Belfast

Sunday night's Spraoi parade in Waterford is one for all the family. Photo: Patrick Browne

Matt Berninger and The National will take the stage at All Together Now in Waterford. Photo by Pedro Gomes/Redferns

Its the biggest bank holiday weekend of the summer  and regardless of whether the weather co-operates or not, thousands will take to the streets of Irelands towns and cities looking to maximise their long weekend.

The good news is theres plenty happening around the country  whether youre on the search for fun with family and friends, or flying solo.

Art and the Outdoors, Parnell Square, Dublin

Both Dublin city and county have a plethora of events on offer across the weekend. The art-minded will find something in Art and the Outdoors, a free event taking place on Parnell Square outside the Hugh Lane Gallery on Saturday and Sunday.

Inspired by artists who have worked outside their studios, the family-friendly programme offers outdoor drawing, printmaking, pop-up art workshops, street art with Jess Tobin aka Novice, music, poetry, street spectacles and more. See hughlane.ie.

Pirates of Parliament Street/ Summer Puppet Theatre, Dublin

Ahoy, mateys! Budding buccaneers will enjoy this free family event in the city centre on Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2pm to 6pm, with pirate-themed games and face painting, a sword-making workshop and more.

While youre in the area with the little ones, pop into the Summer Puppet Theatre event in the Jervis Centre on Saturday, with free puppet shows throughout the afternoon as well as face-painting and balloon-modelling. Visit jervis.ie for more information.

Bray Air Display always attracts big crowds

Rush Harbour Festival, Co Dublin

Rush, the underrated gem of north county Dublin, will host its annual arts festival from Friday to Monday. Expect evening entertainment from the likes of comedian Al Porter, musical tributes from the 1980s, Abba and Elvis, as well as a funfair, food demonstrations from Catherine Fulvio and more.

The must-see Rush Air Show on Sunday afternoon gives spectators breathtaking aerial displays over the seaside town. Visit whatsoninrush Facebook page for information.

Farmleigh and Dublin Book Festival Family Fun Day, Dublin

Farmleigh is worth a wander any day of the week, but the Phoenix Park estate is teaming up with Dublin Book Festival for a Family Fun Day on Monday.

Whether youre a bookworm or not, therell be plenty for all of the family, including various events and workshops, a family scavenger hunt, arts and crafts and appearances from various childrens authors including Niamh Donnellan, Shane Hegarty and Emma-Jane Leeson. The event is free, but tickets must be booked. See dublinbookfestival.com.

Tequila Town, WigWam, Dublin

Its not often that you see another alcoholic beverage celebrated in the hometown of Guinness, but tequila lovers may be interested in stopping by WigWam on Dublins Middle Abbey Street this weekend.

A weekend-long programme incorporating tastings, cocktail-making competitions, a tequila drag brunch, tiki bingo and late night DJs awaits. See wigwamdublin.com/tequila-town.

All Together Now, Curraghmore, Waterford

One of Irelands biggest music and arts festivals runs at Waterfords Curraghmore Estate this weekend. This years bill features The National, The Prodigy, Future Islands and many more.

Unfortunately, our own Roisin Murphy had to cancel her set due to illness, but theres plenty else to entertain the masses, including comedy, food, wellness, art and family programmes. Log on to alltogethernow.ie.

Holly Johnson will perform in Belfast. Photo: Lorne Thomson

Spraoi, Waterford

The marvellous Spraoi international street arts festival rolls into the Deise from Friday to Sunday. The international street arts festival will see Waterford City taken over by a huge and varied free programme of street performers and shows from around the world, including The Grannies and Dr Jones and Professor Barnards Medicine Show.

The highlight, the Spraoi parade on Sunday night, will feature a cast of almost 200 performers and a collection of beautifully crafted puppets and floats. Visit spraoi.com.

Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann, Wexford

Its a particularly busy weekend in the south-east as the annual Fleadh Ceoil officially kicks off in Wexford Town on Sunday, with the opening ceremony taking place on The Quay at 3pm.

Numerous live performances, exhibitions and events (check site for detailed listings) get the ball rolling on the week-long event, which sees music, competitions and craic spilling out of venues and onto the streets. Further information at fleadhcheoil.ie.

Bray Air Display, Co Wicklow

For the planespotters out there, the hugely popular Bray Air Display takes to the skies in the Co. Wicklow seaside town on Saturday.

You can expect spectacular aerial feats of derring-do courtesy of the Irish Air Corps, the Royal Jordanian Falcons and more, with various aerobatics, wing walkers and iconic aircraft on display, too.

On the ground, theres a seaside funfair, arts and crafts village and even the opportunity to take a helicopter ride over Bray Head. See brayairdisplay.com for information.

Durrow Scarecrow Festival, Co Laois

In the midlands, the long-running Durrow Scarecrow Festival runs this bank holiday weekend, with a huge array of family fun on offer in the Co Laois village.

From scarecrow competitions to lazer tag, clown shows to Grand Slam wrestling and live music, kayaking, Irish dancing displays and plenty of fun for the youngest members of the family, theres something to keep everyone happy. Details at durrowscarecrowfestival.com.

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival, Co Offaly

One of the longest-running festivals of its kind in Ireland, Birr Vintage Weeks 56th edition kicks off this weekend with a jam-packed programme of visual arts, theatre, music, street theatre, pop-up performers, workshops and exhibitions. It includes live music from The Ennio Morricone Experience, a Vintage Parade, an aerial circus show and a spectacular event by fire performers Mobius on Sunday night. For details, see birrvintageweek.com.

Matt Berninger and The National will take the stage at All Together Now in Waterford. Photo by Pedro Gomes/Redferns

National Steam Rally, Stradbally, Co Laois

The Stradbally Estate is more used to seeing festival revellers traipsing through for Electric Picnic, but this weekend it will host the National Steam Rally.

This year marks the 60th anniversary celebration of the event, with the largest-ever gathering of steam engines in Ireland  as well as various demonstrations including blacksmithery, vintage car displays, sheepdog demonstrations, vintage threshing and numerous childrens activities. There will be live music on both days from country singers Susan McCann and Cliona Hagan. See irishsteam.net.

Omey Races, Connemara

If the Olympics isnt sating your appetite for sporting events, perhaps a trip to the seaside for something a little different may do the trick.

As the Galway Races winds down this weekend, the annual Omey Races in Connemara always draws big crowds for its thrilling horse races along the picturesque Omey Strand on Sunday - and you dont need to make as much of an effort with your sartorial style, either. See galwaytourism.ie/event/omeyraces.

Cork Pride, Cork City

The Rebel Countys Pride celebration goes out with a bang this weekend, with numerous events including The Big Queer Debs, a family fun day at Fitzgeralds Park, a Pride parade from 2pm on Sunday, and a closing party at The Pavilion, headlined by Irish Eurovision star (and Cork native) Bambie Thug. See corkpride.com.

Frances Black and band is among several acts set to perform at the Ireland for Palestine concert in Belfast

Feile 1980s & 90s night, Belfast

Belfast will host a musical throwback party at Falls Park on Saturday. People of a certain vintage will be treated to sets by favourites from that era, including 2Unlimited, D:Ream, Frankie Goes to Hollywoods Holly Johnson and various 80s and 90s tribute acts. Its all part of the Feile an Phobail community arts festival. See feilebelfast.com.

Ireland for Palestine Solidarity Concert, Belfast

In the same venue in Belfast on Sunday, an Ireland for Palestine concert takes place, with 14 bands and artists  including Frances Black and band, Aoife Scott and band, More Power to your Elbow, Tadhg Hickey, The Shan Vans and more.

Gates open at 2pm and all proceeds go to the Palestinian Medical Relief Society. See visitbelfast.com.
Protesters take part in a silent march through Dublin to mark 300 days of the war in Gaza. Photo: Cate McCurry/PA Wire

Several hundred pro-Palestine campaigners marched from the Dail to the spire on OConnell street on Friday to mark 300 days of Israels war in Gaza, that has cost nearly 40,000 lives.

Participants, who largely wore black and walked in silence to mimic a funeral procession, marched from the Dail, past the front gates of Trinity College. They continued down Westmoreland Street and across OConnell Bridge to the base of the Spire in front of the GPO.
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Murdered Mary Ward reported she was the victim of a violent crime in the weeks before her death
Sinn Fein housing spokesman Eoin O Broin accuses the Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien of 'political stunts'. Sinn Fein has pledged to deliver 50,000 affordable homes over five years if elected to government.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald said the target was achievable as she unveiled a new policy document on Thursday.

Sinn Fein said it would also deliver 75,000 social homes in the same period. It says the plan will see the State fund the delivery of 50,000 affordable homes through local authorities, approved housing bodies (AHBs) and community housing trusts  at a cost of 13.2 billion euro.
Emergency services have made substantial progress while battling a large fire at an industrial premises in north Dublin on Thursday evening.

A large plume of smoke could be seen from across the city and by passengers flying in and out of Dublin Airport.

Gardai and Dublin Fire Brigade attended the fire at Clonshaugh Industrial Estate in the Clonshaugh/Coolock area of Dublin 17.

Flights at the airport were not affected, although local people were advised to remain indoors.

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An image of the scene in the Clonshaugh area. Source: Dublin Fire Brigade

The fire took hold in Camfil, a Swedish company that makes air filtration systems, which is located in Clonshaugh Industrial Estate. The business premises neighbours a data centre owned by US tech giant Amazon.

Dublin Fire Brigade, who were battling the blaze late into the evening, said that some structures had collapsed at the premises.

It is believed the building suffered extensive damage, but it is not thought to have been malicious.

In an update on Thursday evening, Dublin Fire Brigade said it was beginning to scale back its response at the fire ground.

Firefighting operations are continuing at the industrial fire in Coolock this evening. Substantial progress has been made with the fire now under control, it said.

"Three fire engines will remain on scene and firefighters will continue to fight the fire overnight. Although smoke is still visible at the site it has reduced considerably. No injuries have been reported.

Earlier on Thursday, it said: At 16.59 hrs Dublin Fire Brigade received multiple 999 calls reporting a fire in an industrial unit off the Oscar Traynor Road.

Dublin Fire Brigade are advising as a precaution for local residents to close all windows and doors if affected by smoke.

"This is an ongoing operation and we expect to be at scene for the foreseeable.

If you can smell smoke we're advising local residents to close all windows and doors as a precaution

Smoke is drifting across the locality.

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A garda spokesperson added that Dublin Fire Brigade currently have primacy at the scene.

"Gardai are assisting with traffic management at this time, they said.

The industrial premises is around 3km from the disused former Crown Paints factory earmarked for asylum accommodation that has been the focus of protests and arson attacks in recent weeks, leading to initial online speculation that that premises was again on fire. However, it is not believed that Thursdays fire at the Camfil premises was anything other than accidental.

Dublin Airport said the fire, close to the airport, was not impacting any flights.

A fire in the Santry area is resulting in smoke blowing towards the airport this evening. This is not impacting on operations at the airport and flights continue to operate as normal.

"The airport team, in collaboration with AirNav Ireland, continue to monitor the situation, a spokesperson for airport operator DAA said.

Social media users from across the city posted pictures and videos of the large blaze.

Emergency services are at the scene of a massive fire in Coolock in north dublin @rtenews pic.twitter.com/o4EIpuw75X  Samantha Libreri (@SamanthaLibreri) August 1, 2024

The fire was visible from Dublin Airport also.

A fire in North Dublin, seen from Dublin Airport pic.twitter.com/XVE7vvL3NO  Diari Liffey (@DiariLiffey) August 1, 2024

Here is the fire from a closer angle posted by one social media user

Huge fire has broken out in Dublin.



It wouldn't surprise me if it's something to do with batteries (smoke looks very much like other battery fires I've posted)pic.twitter.com/fQgxfl85xQ  Volcaholic  (@volcaholic1) August 1, 2024

Camfil have been contacted for comment by the Irish Independent. .
Emergency services were alerted to a gun attack which happened on Church Road in the Mulhuddart area at around midday.

Several shots were discharged from a firearm at a car, but no injuries have been reported.

A man aged in his 20s, who is a leading figure in a west Dublin crime group, is understood to have been in the car and was the target of what is being treated as a suspected hit.

It is understood a motorbike was involved in the shooting which then sped away from the scene.

A criminal closely linked to this man has also been a high-profile target for gardai in the past.

The suspected target of today's shooting was also a close associate of Jason Hennessy Snr (48) who was shot dead in a Blanchardstown steakhouse on Christmas Eve

One of the gunmen in that murder, Tristan Sherry, was overpowered at the scene and later died, with a number of people charged before the Special Criminal Court in relation to his death.

Gardai are probing if today's gun attack is connected to that murder.

In the wake of the shooting in a crowded restaurant, a number of petrol bombings were carried out while gardai foiled one suspected murder plot.

A Garda spokesman confirmed they are investigating todays gun attack.

"Gardai at Blanchardstown are investigating the unlawful discharge of a firearm on Church Road, Mulhuddart, shortly after 12 noon on Friday, 2nd August 2024. No one was injured during the incident. The scene was forensically and technically examined by local Gardai, and the cordon has since been lifted.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to come forward. Additionally, anyone with video footage, including motorists with dashcam recordings from the area at the time, is requested to make it available to Gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station at 01 666 7000 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
Tori Towey speaking to the media after arriving home to Dublin Airport on Thursday (David Young/PA)

Tori Towey, who returned to Ireland following a travel ban in Dubai after being charged with attempted suicide, has said she thought there was no way out of her abuse.

Ms Towey (28) who is from Roscommon, but had been living and working in Dubai as a flight attendant, arrived home last month following help from the Irish Government.

Ms Towey opened up yesterday about the alleged domestic abuse she suffered while living with her husband in Dubai.

He has denied the allegations.

Speaking to presenter Victoria Derbyshire on BBC Newsnight, in her first TV interview since returning home, Ms Towey said it all started with a lot of control issues.

Obviously in the beginning I didnt see anything like that. It was when we moved in together.

"I was cut off from my friends, my family. I wasnt allowed to be on my phone. I was cut of from the rest of the world, the former Emirates flight attendant said.

She stressed that there were a lot of arguments between her and her new husband, which led to alleged physical, emotional and mental abuse.

So it was really really tough, she added.

When asked if it got so hard that she wanted to end it all, Ms Towey replied, yes.

I just couldnt see a way out, nothing was getting better, it wasnt ending. At one point, I just thought there is no way out, I cant leave, I cant do anything, Im stuck, she said.

I woke up and they had given me oxygen. I was in my pyjamas, so they got one of my dresses and told me to put it on.

From there, Ms Towey was brought straight to the police station from her home, where she said she was put in a room, while police spoke among themselves, she recalled.

I wasnt told why I was there or what I was being charged with. At this point, I didnt know if I was going to be charged with anything, she said.

Ms Towey was brought up to a jail cell in the police station, where she said about 50 other women were also in.

She described it as a narrow corridor with individual cells in the corridor, with mattresses placed on the floor, with some girls sitting on them.

When I went in, I sat down and began to speak with some of them and some of them were there for seven or 10 months for very minor things.

I didnt know how I was going to contact anyone. It was really terrifying, she said.

After returning home on July 11, Ms Towey thanked Detained in Dubai founder Radha Stirling for her help with her case, as well as Sinn Fein TD for Roscommon-Galway Claire Kerrane, who raised the case with her party leader, Mary Lou McDonald.

"They all just worked as a team and they were amazing. I'm so grateful to all of them, Ms Towey said the day after she returned home.
Tigers Childcare CEO Karen Clince said the last thing she wants to do is cater only for affluent parents, but state core funding must be increased to help sustain businesses

A leading childcare provider who warned parents of a potential 40pc increase in fees next year has met with Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman to discuss the crisis in the sector.

Tigers Childcare, which operates 22 centres across Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Cork, had recently informed thousands of parents in writing that it may be forced to withdraw from core funding this September, leading to a fee increase of up to 40pc.

"Unfortunately, as we enter year three of core funding from this September, funding once again remains inadequate and fails to cover our costs. Fees remain at 2019 levels, Karen Clince, CEO and founder of Tigers Childcare wrote in the letter to parents in July.

"This is unworkable for any business and jeopardises our ability to provide quality care.

Without urgent changes, we risk becoming unsustainable. Tough decisions are needed to keep our services safe and viable.

Since then, other providers across the country have also warned of similar measures as they struggle to remain open due to escalating costs and ongoing fee freezes.

Minister OGorman along with officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, met with Tigers Childcare yesterday to discuss the crisis facing the sector and seek more clarity on the application process for a fee increase from September.

Wed like to thank Minister OGorman for meeting with us and providing greater clarity around the application process for a fee uplift, Ms Clince said.

As one of the many providers with fees frozen at 2019 levels, it is a relief to know that we fall into the eligible category for an increase and that the application process has been simplified so that turnaround on a decision will be quicker than we originally expected.

The increase wont directly impact families financially, and it will help bring much needed certainty to them, our 400 employees and our business, she added.

She stressed the ongoing staffing challenges and the need for continuous engagement and investment in the sector in order to avert a crisis.

Tigers Childcare currently has 70 vacancies across its 22 centres, the most vacancies ever. We are not unique in this, she said.

Looking ahead to Octobers budget, Ms Clince said she hopes the government prioritises adequate funding for the sector. This includes supporting better pay for childcare workers, she said

After todays meeting I am confident that they have taken on board the challenges we face and look forward to meaningful dialogue in the future, she added.
A MAN suspected of ramming a van into the gates of multiple State and Government buildings in Dublin posted a death threat online before the rampage.

Garda have identified a social media message in which the suspect says he will kill him and anyone in my way. The target of the message is not named.

Gardai are reviewing the suspects social media accounts and have also identified images of his alleged crimes posted online.

Repairing the gates of Aras An Uachtarain Photo: Steve Humphreys

However, the incidents are not being treated as terrorism and no attempt was made to enter any of the buildings.

An investigation is underway after a the gates of Aras an Uachtarain, Custom House, and different locations at Government buildings in the city centre were rammed overnight.

Gates at Government Buildings, one of several gates damaged in the early hours of this morning. Sam Boal /Collins Photos

A man, aged in his early 40s, was arrested for road traffic offences including driving while under the influence of an intoxicant.

Former justice minister Charlie Flanagan said the ramming of official offices in Dublin is "bizarre" and "raises serious questions".

"How an individual in an ordinary commercial van could succeed in this audacious act is outlandish. The fact that he crossed the city is even more damning. A full Garda investigation must take place without delay," Mr Flanagan told the Irish independent.

The arrested man is being questioned by gardai, with sources saying there was a mental health aspect to the incidents.

Investigators have also identified a social media account believed to be connected to the suspect.

The account includes an image posted overnight of a van that had been driven into the gate of a Government department.

Gates at Government Buildings, one of several gates damaged in the early hours of this morning. Sam Boal /Collins Photos

One source told the Irish Independent: We are not dealing with a criminal mastermind here, but it will be looked at what the policing response was, and how an individual could drive across the city targeting several high-profile properties.

While this man clearly had a grievance with the Government, what sparked this is under investigation, and there is also a clear mental health aspect to this.

Gardai were alerted to an incident involving a white van on Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, at approximately 2.30am this morning.

The locations targeted included the gates at the entrance to the Taoiseachs department and the Office of the Attorney General.

Gates at the Department of the Taoiseach, one of several gates damaged in the early hours of the morning. Sam Boal /Collins Photos

Gardai believe the same vehicle was involved in similar ramming incidents at the Presidents residence, Aras an Uachtarain and the Department of Housing located at Custom House.

Its understood that the driver of the van involved did not attempt to enter the buildings, but caused significant damage to the gates of each location before driving off.

Gates at the Department of the Taoiseach damaged in the early hours of this morning Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

The front gates of the Aras were rammed at around 2.30am.

The white van was removed from the scene on Merrion Street this morning for examination.

The scene remains preserved to facilitate a technical examination this morning by the local Scenes of Crime Unit.

Former Irish contestant on Big Brother, Ray Shah, came upon the scene at Merrion Square last night and told the Irish Independent what he saw.

I was driving home after DJing at a gig on Leeson Street and turned into Merrion Street, he said.

I saw police at Government Buildings and a white van jutting into the entrance. The first thing that came into my head was that it was a ramming attempt, which it turned out was the case.

The Guards were there and a had a guy down and out of the van. He was wearing red  it looked like an all-in-one outfit, like a onesie. He was not struggling, but lying at an entrance pillar.

I pulled in to take a photo and noticed a taxi-man filming it all, so those pictures will probably turn up somewhere. The guy was face down and the police were telling him to stay down, and telling him not to move. I couldnt hear much else.

I noticed that the back of the van had its rear bumper completely off  which made me realise that he must have reversed at speed into one of the other gates first.

Then I saw the other gates further along (the North Road, beside the Attorney Generals offices) and it was wrecked. But the Guards had the situation totally under control.

I didnt hear any bangs - all that had obviously happened before I came along. But I know there is always security there and if you even go near there the cops will be out.

A Garda spokesperson said: Gardai were alerted to a single-vehicle road traffic collision on Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2 at approximately 2:30am on Friday 2nd August 2024.

The driver of the vehicle, a male in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Road Traffic Act. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in Dublin city.

Gates sealed off behind Garda tape at Aras An Uachtarain Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

The scene remains preserved to facilitate a technical examination by the local Scenes of Crime Unit this morning.

The spokesperson added that gardai were also investigating an incident of criminal damage at the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 in the early hours of this morning and a material damage road traffic collision that occurred at Custom House Quay.
I want to be the Beyonce of Irish dancing  How Kaitlyn Sardin is putting her own spin on traditional dance

The Florida-based dancer swapped ballet for Irish dancing at the age of six. Heres how shes found fans all over the world by adding a unique twist to the artform

Kaitlyn Sardin. Photo: Isabella Herrera

Azmia Riaz Fri 2 Aug 2024 at 03:30

The first thing that caught a six-year-old Kaitlyn Sardins attention about Irish dancing was how much noise it made. She was at a ballet recital in her hometown of Orlando, Florida, where Irish dancers performed at the interval  she describes it as the moment she found her calling.
As revealed exclusively by the Irish Independent, RTEs senior executives are earning more than most of their top 10 star presenters.

The news comes hot on the heels of the unveiling of the national broadcasters contentious 725m funding plan, which is set to substantially dent the public coffers.

The RTE annual report shows five management team members easily fit into the real top 10 earners list at the broadcaster.

RTEs biggest earner, for the year 2023, is now Joe Duffy on 351,000. But the next highest-paid people in RTE are not stars but deputy director general Adrian Lynch on 287,000, followed by director of operations and technology Richard Waghorn on 282,000.

The previous year Ryan Tubridy was the highest-earning presenter in RTE on 515,000, which included the last of the infamous Renault payments.

Meanwhile, the TV licence saga rolls on as heated internal government rows come to light, and the many registers of interest for RTE staff create new headaches for director general Kevin Bakhurst to sort out.

Today on the Indo Daily, Tabitha Monahan is joined by Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent, to break down the real list of top earners at RTE off the back of another turbulent period for the state broadcaster.
Since 7am yesterday morning, 211 drivers have been caught speeding

A driver in Co Carlow was caught travelling 61km/h over the speed limit

A driver in Co Carlow has been caught speeding 61km/h over the designated speed limit during the August bank holiday weekend roads policing operation.

Since 7am yesterday morning, Thursday August 1, Gardai are out detecting poor driving behaviours such as driving above the speed limit as part of the operation.

So far, almost 85,000 vehicles have been checked for speeding. 211 drivers were caught travelling over the designated speed limit, some of which were driving at speeds that were especially dangerous.

On the N81 at Tullow in Co Carlow, one driver was clocked travelling at 141km/h in an 80km/h zone, a staggering 61km/h over the speed limit.

Chief Superintendent in the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, Jane Humphries said she is gravely concerned by some of the speeds drivers are travelling at.

"Our August Bank Holiday roads policing operation has been underway since first thing yesterday morning and while we are generally seeing good levels of compliance with speed limits on roads around Ireland, I am gravely concerned by the risks taken by some drivers.

"Anyone that is prepared to drive at dangerously excessive speeds like those weve already detected, has the potential to destroy lives, if not their own, others too.

Chief Superintendent Humphries added: "We are out conducting checkpoints and using our technology to detect those speeding nationwide. Speeding is one of the foremost dangerous driving behaviours, along with using your phone while driving and being distracted.

"Please slow down and drive safely today and over the rest of the long weekend ahead as so many of us take to the roads.

Other drivers caught speeding included a motorist travelling at 196km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N55 at Kilcogy, Co Cavan and another person clocked travelling 106km/h in a 60km/h zone on the Monaghan Road, Castleblayney in Co Monaghan.
Members of the Nano Nagle School Programme that was held at MTU for two weeks this summer.

Minister for Education Norma Foley has urged third level institutions to sign up to future summer programmes in the wake of a successful pilot project in Kerry.

Munster Technological University (MTU) Kerry opened up its facilities in its Tralee campus for the summer programme to special schools in the region.

The Nano Nagle Special School in Listowel took up the opportunity to run its programme for two weeks at MTU. In its turn, MTU was able to offer a host of amenities, including access to a hydrotherapy pool which is equipped with a ceiling and pool hoist, making the pool accessible to all.

The pilot project is just one of more than 1,700 individual summer programme schemes running this summer, across primary, post-primary and special schools, for children with special educational needs or educational disadvantage.

The programmes are free-of-charge for families and are funded by a 40 million budget allocation. Minister Foley congratulated the leadership of MTU and Nano Nagle for the innovation they have displayed in running the summer programme.

I look forward to seeing similar initiatives being rolled out on other campuses around the country, Minister Foley said.

On Tuesday, the Minister met MTU staff and parents and students from Nano Nagle Special School. The programme was put together with the help of Jacqueline Halpin, the school programme organiser, and Dr Michael Hall, Head of Department of Health & Leisure Studies, and Hazel Byrne, Manager Kerry Sports Academy, the co-ordinators for MTU.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and positive experience for all of the young people involved. There is wonderful work also ongoing in the summer programme in schools right across the country. I am delighted that there has been a significant increase in the number of schools offering the summer programme, Minister Foley said.

Nationally, the number of students on the summer programme has increased from 13,000 in 2019 to 50,000 in 2023, a number that is expected to be exceeded this year.

Following the pilot, the Summer Programme Team in the Department of Education intends to reach out to third level institutions in Autumn 2024 to gauge their interest in running a summer programme in collaboration with special schools in 2025.
Nicola Pierces new book focuses on the women behind the men in Irish history

Well, Louth author Nicola Pierce is aiming to change all that with the latest book she is writing, where she examines the women behind famous Irish men, uncovering a lot more than just being a supportive wife in the shadows.

This was one of my middle-of-the-night bright ideas, to write about the wives of famous Irishman, so I've got a chapter on Mrs Daniel O'Connell, Mrs Wolftone, Mrs Brendan Behan, that sort of thing, explains Nicola, who is the author of several successful fiction and historical novels.

I've even been in touch with Brendan Behans daughter, who is delighted that somebody is actually writing about her mother instead of her father for a change!

The book is due out next year, so the chapters are coming thick and fast, and Nicola says she had plenty of women to choose from, but at times the information was hard to glean.

Charlotte Payne-Townshend (the wife of George Bernard Shaw).

I had to do a lot of reading and a lot of spending, as when I was researching Charlotte Payne-Townshend (the wife of George Bernard Shaw), I spent around 100 on his diaries to find out anything about her, she says. I am surrounded here by a mountain of books that I've collected because Im on my eighth woman Emily Shackleton, the wife of Ernest Shackleton, so I have quite a collection of books about wives! Nicola says she has found some of the research surprisingly moving.

There were two wives I didnt expect to get so emotional about; Oscar Wildes wife Constance, who was just the most lovely woman and tried to do her best for him to the end of her life and she died very young, says Nicola.

And then William Yeats wife, George Butler Yeats; she was English and years younger than him, but was an extraordinary woman but people seemed to take potshots at her because she was so much younger than him and there's this whole thing that she was into the supernatural and got him hooked.

Nicola feels that some really amazing women were overshadowed by their famous, and often not as formidable, other halves!

Beatrice Behan was an artist in her own right and had to deal with Brendans addiction to alcohol, and she tried her very best sort with him of for years, but it was just all going to end in tears, she adds.

"Eamonn De Valeras wife Sinead was another remarkable woman and even though she was a childrens writer, there was very little information about her so it was the big responsibility to tell their story so I hope that I can do them justice.

Nicolas latest book should be ready to hit the shelves in 2025.
MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchu said Minister Eamon Ryan refused to meet with her about Waterford airport due to diary commitments

An Ireland South MEP has criticised the Minister for Transport for refusing to meet with her to discuss the future funding of Waterford airport.

Cynthia Ni Mhurchu has accused Minister Eamon Ryan of dragging his feet on funding Waterford airport and called on him to release funding for the airport's runway extension immediately.

According to Ni Mhurchu, there is a 12m private investment proposal on the table but those investors will not wait around forever.

This week, Minister Eamon Ryan refused to meet with the newly elected MEP citing diary commitments as the reason for the refusal. However, Ni Mhurchu branded this a cop out and called on the Minister to engage with elected representatives and expedite the process to release the funding which will help the airport become functional again.

A runway extension will enable Waterford airport to handle jets such as those that are used by Ryanair, explained Ni Mhurchu. I recently spoke to Michael O Leary who has told me that Ryanair are interested in providing flights to and from Waterford airport.

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"I hope to meet with Ryanair again when we resume our duties in Brussels at the end of August. We need to facilitate the return of commercial flights at Waterford Airport for the first time in seven years. The economy in the South East depends on it.

We need match funding from the Minister to drive the investment on. I am today calling on Minister Ryan to engage with stakeholders to get the airport up and running again. It is not acceptable that he should refuse to meet with duly elected representatives.

Ni Mhurchu also added that Waterford airport has the potential to become Irelands first dedicated centre for aerospace research and development in collaboration with the South East Technological University.
Waterford based rescue helicopter located female

The crew were requested by the Coast Guard to launch their inshore lifeboat at 4.25 p.m. following a report that a woman was drifting on a paddle board in the direction of Bannow Bay.

There was a force 4 offshore south-westerly wind and moderate sea conditions. Friends and family members raised the alarm from Baginbun Beach when they observed the person on board the paddle board in difficulty.

The lifeboat, helmed by Mick Roche, with crew members John Colfer and Cathal OConnell onboard, launched at Fethard Harbour and made its way towards Bannow. Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117 located the female and hovered over to pinpoint her location. The lifeboat crew quickly made their way to her location, brought her on board, and returned her to her family on Baginbun Beach.

Speaking after the call-out, volunteer Helm Mick Roche said: The paddle boarder did everything right on the day. She wore a floatation device, stayed with her board when she got into difficulty and had told family and friends her plans. All of this led to a successful rescue. Mick went on to remind everyone visiting the coast in the fine weather, if you do get into difficulty or see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Crowds at the Baltinglass Palestine Solidarity group's 'Songs for Gaza' event at The Weir in Baltinglass. Photo: John Hughes

Crowds at the Baltinglass Palestine Solidarity group's 'Songs for Gaza' event at The Weir in Baltinglass. Photo: John Hughes

Members of the Baltinglass community were out in force recently to attend an open-air concert entitled Songs for Gaza aimed at sending a message of peace and freedom.

Organised by the Baltinglass Palestine Solidarity group and taking place in the park beside the Weir, the free event was a celebration of Palestinian culture, while raising awareness and support for the people of Gaza.

The audience was a mix of Palestinians, Algerians, Turkish, Syrian and many Irish, a reflection of how the demographic of Baltinglass has changed in recent times.

Music was performed by local artists Cormac Doyle, Conor Fenlon, Conor Ruadh and siblings, and Honor Heffernan and the Askamore Choir, with poems read out by Patricia Earle, Mairead Fenlon and Maram Salah from Palestine, who delivered an impassioned rendition of the Rafeef Ziadah poem We Teach Life, Sir.

Palestinian flags flanked the banks of the river with one raised 20 feet in the air, while balloons were popular with the many children from different nationalities who ran freely around the park under the watchful eye of parents, with spectators along the N81 stopped and watched from the opposite side of the river.

Ahmed Hussein, from Gaza, cooked traditional Palestinian food for the occasion and brought it for people to enjoy, showing his gratitude to the Irish people for offering him and his family refuge from the bombs of Gaza.

A donation box raised 320 to go towards UNRWA (United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestine).

From the side of our distant river to the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, we send our wishes for freedom and peace, an organiser said.

We were blessed with the weather  only a brief flirtation with the rain  lots of people attended, Ahmeds food was much admired and the performances were wonderful.

Our special thanks to the artists Conor Ruadh and Siblings, Conor Fenlon, Cormac Doyle, and Honor Heffernan and the Askamore Choir.

Also to the poetry readers Mairead Fenlon, Patricia Earle and Maram Salah, a Palestinian visitor from Carlow.

And a big thank you to North Wicklow Against Genocide for lending us the long row of Palestinian flags we flew along the river bank.

The Baltinglass Palestine Solidarity group meets biweekly at McAllister to show support for the people of Gaza and to support their right to be recognised as a Palestinian nation.
The man who shared indecent images of children with ex-BBC presenter Huw Edwards was 25-year-old convicted paedophile Alex Williams, the Metropolitan Police said.

The images, shared with Edwards by Williams via WhatsApp, came to light during an unrelated investigation by South Wales Police.

Edwards case was then passed to the Metropolitan Police, who arrested the veteran TV presenter in November last year.

The Met Police said Williams, of Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales, pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing category A, B and C images as well as possessing prohibited images of children.

On Tuesday, Edwards admitted three charges of making indecent photographs after receiving the images from Williams (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

Williams was convicted of seven offences  receiving a 12-month suspended sentence on March 15.

On Tuesday, Edwards admitted three charges of making indecent photographs after receiving the images from Williams

Westminster Magistrates Court was told seven of the indecent images shared with the veteran broadcaster by Williams were of the most serious type.

The final indecent image was sent in August 2021, a category A film featuring a young boy, with the convicted paedophile telling the newsreader the child was quite young looking and that he had more images which were illegal.
Met Eireann has issued a yellow weather warning for the upcoming bank holiday weekend and forecast "impactful" weather for this Bank Holiday weekend, with heavy rain and localised flooding in places.

"Heavy rain coupled with strong and gusty southerly winds, especially in exposed areas. Potential impacts: Localised flooding; Damage to temporary structures; Difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility, Met Eireann said.

The warning for Clare, Kerry, Galway and Mayo will last from 8pm Sunday night until midday on bank holiday Monday.

It will be mostly cloudy this morning while the east of the country will see some bright spells. Some parts might expect a little light rain and drizzle in places.

Meanwhile, a spell of persistent rain might turn heavy at times, moving in along the west coast and spreading eastwards across the country in the morning and afternoon.

The rain is expected to become lighter as it moves across eastern parts this afternoon while the western parts will see a clearance to mainly dry weather with sunshine. It will become clear later for all parts, reaching the east coast in the evening.

Temperatures will range from 17 to 23C on Friday, while it will be the warmest in the east. It might turn fresher and breezy as the rain clears.

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Tonight will be largely dry, with long clear spells and just a few showers in western and northwestern coastal areas. The night will be cooler and fresher than the recent nights, with temperatures dropping to 8 and 12C.

The Bank Holiday weekend will start off with a bright day on Saturday, with good spells of sunshine and a lot of dry weather. However, the north and the west might see scattered showers at times. Temperatures will be 16 to 19 or 20C, with fresher winds in western coastal parts.

Saturday night will be largely dry and clear but the cloud will thicken from the west of the country, with some patchy outbreaks of light rain and drizzle spreading eastwards overnight. The east and south will mostly likely remain dry. Temperatures will range from 10 to 14C, with possible fresh winds along the west coast later at night.

Sunday morning will bring some bright spells in the east and south, however it will remain cloudy and dry for most parts, apart from a little patchy rain and drizzle. However, heavy and persistent rain will move in along the west coast by early afternoon, spreading to most parts by evening. Meanwhile, some southeastern parts may escape largely dry.

Met Eireann has warned of possible localised flooding, especially across Connacht and west Munster.

Temperatures on Sunday will range from 16 to 20C but it will be a blustery day, with possible strong and gusty winds in coastal parts of the west and south.

Sunday night will see further spells of heavy rain, which might be thundery, bringing a continued chance of spot flooding.

Bank Holiday Monday will have a cloudy morning, with further spells of heavy thundery rain, especially across the midlands, east and southeast.

Met Eireann has said there is uncertainty around how fast the rain will clear but it looks like a clearance to mainly dry, bright weather will move into the northwest and west by early morning. It will later extend to most places later in the day.

The rain might linger in the eastern and southern parts for much of the day. Monday will be humid with the rain and will turn fresher as it clears, with temperatures of 18 and up to 22C.

Any lingering rain in the east and south will clear overnight while the north and west will see scattered showers. Monday night will be fresh, with temperatures of 9 and 11C.
Serial killer Levi Bellfield and others serving whole life orders will no longer be able to get married or enter into civil partnerships while behind bars (Metropolitan Police/PA)

The government has sought to block a bid by serial killer Levi Bellfield to marry behind bars as it enacts a new ban on marriage and civil partnerships for all inmates serving whole life sentences.
Why Ukraines new F-16 jets may not be the silver bullet

The long-awaited aircraft will be top target for Russia and need pilots with right training

F-16 fighter jets have been on the Ukrainian wish-list for many months but a number of obstacles will have to be dealt with before they can be effectively deployed. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)

Anastasiia Melenko Fri 2 Aug 2024 at 03:30







Ukraine has received a first batch of US-built F-16 fighter jets to help it fight Russian invasion forces, Lithuanias foreign minister and a US official have said.
Iranians follow a truck carrying the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Mourners gathered in Doha on Friday to hold funeral prayers for slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as Iran and its regional allies vowed to retaliate against Israel.

With the bodies of Haniyeh and his bodyguard in coffins draped with Palestinian flags, men knelt and prayed while senior leaders of Hamas Qatar-based political office paid their respects to Mr Haniyehs family.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Mumbai: After an unprecedented quarterly revenue in April-June period, Apple is anticipated to witness a 20 percent rise, exceeding $9.5 billion in 2024, Moneycontrol reported.

The revenue growth will be fueled not just by the iPhone, but also by other non-handset categories like MacBooks and iPads, which will play a significant role in the increase.

Apple's expanding market share in India is driven by its premium positioning, brand aspiration, and a strategic focus on increasing retail presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Increased local manufacturing under the 'Make in India' initiative is helping reduce costs. We are expecting over 20 percent growth in revenues in this calendar year as other categories also picked up, Tarun Pathak, associate director at Counterpoint Research, was quoted as saying by Moneycontrol.

The iPhone makers non-smartphone revenue is expected to hit $1.3 billion in 2024, representing a 14 percent year-on-year growth.

Meanwhile, iPhone revenues alone are projected to be approximately $8.2 billion in 2024, according to Counterpoint data accessed by Moneycontrol,

In 2023, Apple reached a milestone of shipping 10 million iPhones in a single year. According to Counterpoint estimates, this figure is expected to grow by 18-20 percent in the 2024 calendar year.

Pathak mentioned that record buying of iPhones on EMI was expected in the festive season.

He indicated that new phones would be launched around September-October, which would drive sales.

Additionally, he noted that Apple would have a wider range of portfolios in India, with even the iPhone 12 remaining relevant. He also stated that the recent price cuts would soon show results.

Apple announced its quarterly results for the fiscal 2024 third quarter, ending June 29. The company posted quarterly revenue of $85.8 billion, up 5 percent year-over-year.

During an investor call, Apple CEO Tim Cook disclosed that the company had set a new revenue record in over two dozen countries, including India.

Cook stated that quarterly revenue records were achieved in countries and regions such as Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, the UK, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Apple CEO Luca Maestri also disclosed that revenue from Mac devices had increased by 2 percent year-over-year. The company saw strong performance in emerging markets, setting June quarter records for Mac in Latin America, India, and South Asia. Maestri attributed the Mac revenue growth to the M3-powered MacBook Air.

Although Apple did not reveal specific sales or shipment figures for the Indian market, market analysts from Counterpoint and CMR reported that Apples quarterly shipments faced both sequential and annual declines.

This came on the back of intense competition, reduced seasonal demand, and heatwaves.
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Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

The Indian Embassy in Beirut on Thursday issued an advisory to its citizens where it asked nationals not to travel to Lebanon till further notice and directed those currently present in the country to leave it amid escalating tension between Israel and Hezbollah.

In its advisory, the embassy said: "In view of recent development and potential threats in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice."

"All Indian are also strongly advised to leave Labanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Beirut through their email id: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128," the statement said.

The advisory was issued by the Indian Embassy following the suspected assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on Wednesday and the killing of Shukur by Israel in Beirut later, triggering further tension in the region.

Israel's army confirmed on Thursday that Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif was killed in an airstrike last month in the southern Gaza Strip, AFP reported.

The announcement followed reports from Hamas and Iran that the Palestinian movement's chief, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran, though Israel has not commented on that claim.

We can now confirm: Mohammed Deif was eliminated.  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 1, 2024

"Mohammed Deif, the Osama bin Laden of Gaza, was eliminated on July 13," said Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

The army stated that fighter jets had struck Khan Yunis on July 13 and, based on intelligence, confirmed that Deif was killed in the strike.

Deif was killed along with one of his top commanders, Rafa Salama, the report said, citing the military.
Photo Courtesy: PIB

Indian PM Narendra Modi received the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, Nukaga Fukushiro and his delegation when they underscored the robust India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

The delegation included members of the Japanese Parliament and business leaders representing major Japanese companies.

Pleased to meet the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, Mr. Nugaka Fukushiro, accompanying MPs and the business delegation. As two democracies and trusted partners with shared interests, we remain committed to deepening our Special Strategic and Global Partnership, pic.twitter.com/v0qgiOF4qF  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 1, 2024

They highlighted key areas of collaboration and mutual interest with focus on people-to-people cooperation, besides reiterating the importance of parliamentary exchanges between India and Japan.

They expressed satisfaction at the progress made on the current target of 5 Trillion Japanese Yen investment set between India and Japan for the period 2022-27 and discussed ways to further consolidate the business & economic ties for the period beyond 2027.

"They also deliberated on how to strengthen cooperation in traditional manufacturing (monzukuri) as well as modern domains like semiconductors, EV, green and clean energy," read a government statement.

They recognized the importance of the successful and timely completion of the flagship Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project.

Nukaga proposed that India and Japan nurture and train NextGen workforce in different trades, including by conducting training in Japanese language, culture and work practices; and underlined the role of the private sector also in these endeavours.

Pleased to meet the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, Mr. Nugaka Fukushiro, accompanying MPs and the business delegation. As two democracies and trusted partners with shared interests, we remain committed to deepening our Special Strategic and Global Partnership, pic.twitter.com/v0qgiOF4qF  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 1, 2024

He said these resource persons will play the role of bridge between the two sides in times to come.



Prime Minister highlighted the conducive business environment and reforms undertaken in India for more investment and technology from Japan and assured the visiting delegation full support of the Government of India for these endeavours.
Photo courtesy: Rahul Gandhi Facebook profile

New Delhi/IBNS: Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday made an explosive claim that a raid by the Enforcement Directorate has been planned against him after the central government was allegedly miffed by his Parliament address referring to "Chakravyuh of the Mahabharata war".

Gandhi dared the ED to carry out a raid against him.

He posted on X, "Apparently, 2 in 1 didnt like my Chakravyuh speech. ED insiders tell me a raid is being planned. Waiting with open arms @dir_ed..Chai and biscuits on me."

Apparently, 2 in 1 didnt like my Chakravyuh speech. ED insiders tell me a raid is being planned.



Waiting with open arms @dir_ed..Chai and biscuits on me.  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 1, 2024

Taking reference from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government saying it has trapped the country in a 'Chakravyuh' and the Congress and the Opposition alliance will break this and give the people of the country their rights.

Participating in a discussion over the Union Budget presented last week by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Gandhi said: "Like the Chakravyuh of Mahabharat that killed Abhimanyu, another name of Chakravyuh is Padmavyuh, which is in the shape of a lotus flower."

"Youth, farmers, women, small and medium businesses are receiving the same treatment today like Abhimanyu received then," he said in the Lok Sabha.

"Abhimanyu was killed by six people. There are six people in the centre of 'Chakravyuh' and they are Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Mohan Bhagwat, Ajit Doval, Ambani and Adani," Gandhi said.

When Speaker Om Birla intervened, Gandhi said: "If you want, I will omit the names of NSA Doval, and of Ambani and Adani, and take just three names."

"The Chakravyuh that has captured India has three forces behind it. First is the idea of monopoly capital, the second element is the institutions, agencies such as CBI, ED, Income Tax department of this nation and the third is the political executive."

He said the 'Chakravyuh' is devastating the country.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday that the Indian government and the World Bank have signed an agreement for the construction of Green National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP) in an aggregate length of 781 km.

The highways are planned to be built in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

Gadkari said the highways will be constructed with loan assistance of US $ 500 million against total project cost of US $ 1288.24 million (Rs. 7,662.47 crore).

The scheduled date of completion of last package of GNHCP project is by May 2026.

The project incorporates demonstrating safe and green highway keeping in view climate resilience and use of green technologies by incorporating the following aspects:

Conservation of natural resources using cement treated sub base/reclaimed asphalt pavement;

Promote use of local/ marginal material such as lime, fly ash, waste plastic; and

Use of bio-engineering measures for slope protection like coco fibre/Jute erosion control blanket with shrub/grass plantation, hydroseeding, Shotcrete crib wall with vegetation, Bamboo Plantation, Hedge Brush Layer, interlink chain mesh with grass strips, Geocell with hydroseeding etc. in slope protection works;

Why there is a need for the project?

The use of Green technologies and bio engineering solutions particularly to Hilly area are expected to reduce carbon emissions and ensure conservation of natural resources during the life cycle (construction and operation period) of the project.

The project aims to provide smooth and motorable roads with all-weather connectivity of the nearby areas.

This will result in socio-economic development as well as enhanced trade and connectivity within the region.
Photo Courtesy: Narendra Modi X page

Indian PM Narendra Modi on Thursday said he held a productive talk with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh in New Delhi.

" Earlier today, held very productive talks with PM Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam. India cherishes the strong friendship with Vietnam. Over the years, we have deepened cooperation in trade, energy, technology, security, connectivity and more. Cultural and people-to-people linkages have also become stronger,"Modi wrote on X after the meeting.

Modi said he discussed with the Vietnamese leader about scopes in sectors like defence, maritime trade, green economy, MSME where future development is to ensure further ties between the two nations.

The Vietnamese leader was visiting India at the invitation of Modi.

He visited India from July 30 to August 1.

India and Vietnam have age-old historical and civilizational ties, which were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister to Vietnam in September 2016. India considers Vietnam as a key pillar of its Act East Policy and an important partner in its Indo-Pacific vision, read the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Photo courtesy: IBNS File

New Delhi/IBNS: The Centre is rolling out a new security plan for Jammu and Kashmir to counter the targetting of civilians and military personnel and camps by terrorists in recent weeks and months, including an attack on an Army camp in Rajouri last week, in which one soldier was injured.

In the past two months, attacks and ambushes have become regular events, particularly in the southern reaches of Pir Panjal, an area in which the spectre of terrorism had lain dormant for a long time.

Among recent ones, there was an operation in which two Army officers were killed and two Pakistani terrorists, one of them a Lashkar-e-Taiba sniper and explosives expert, were eliminated.

Overall, casualties among security forces have doubled this year compared to the past three.

According to NDTV, 17 security personnel, and as many civilians, have been killed this year.

A senior official told NDTV the increased number of military casualties is the forces' "primary concern" and this is why deployment in the area is being rationalised with new combinations.

A senior Home Ministry official said the government "cannot lose sight of the Kashmir Valley but, at the same time, we need to secure the Jammu region also".

This is why, the official explained, forces were being mobilised for deployment.

The government has begun a project to fence borders but, so far in Jammu, only 70 of 180 km have been fenced. The challenge includes the fact it is difficult to patrol areas marked as riverine with elephant grass in the rainy season.

Now, two battalions of BSF, or Border Security Force, troops comprising of 2,000 personnel have been airlifted from Odisha. They will be in Samba sector and plug gaps on the Jammu-Punjab border.

Incidentally, this comes after RR Swain, the Director-General of J&K Police, identified Punjab as one of the main routes of infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir.
Photo Courtesy: UN News

A UN independent human rights expert has welcomed the landmark prisoner swap on Thursday involving the United States, Russia and five other countries.

More than 20 people were released, including journalists and dissidents.

Among them were American Evan Gershkovich, a reporter with the Wall Street Journal; Alsu Kurmasheva a Radio Liberty journalist who holds US citizenship, and recent Pulitzer Prize winner Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian-British activist and journalist, who were all freed from Russian prisons.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, Mariana Katzarova, has repeatedly advocated for their release.

Good news in dark times

I can't even believe it, she said in an exclusive interview with UN News.

In the dark times in which we live, when every day in Russia there are new detentions, new trials, and the news reports every day about shocking human rights violations, suddenly there is such good news.

Ms. Katzarova reported that many people in Russia  human rights defenders, members of civil society  were just crying with joy that day.

This is really an unprecedented diplomatic act. And this may be the largest group of political prisoners exchanged since the Cold War, she said.

Of course, today we are glad that, in the end, people who should not have been convicted in the first place were released, such as Vladimir Kara-Murza, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, Oleg Orlov, Sasha Skochilenko, members of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, Lilia Chanisheva and Ksenia Fadeeva, and others.

Release all political prisoners

But while rejoicing, the rights expert urged the international community not to forget the political prisoners who remain behind bars, who number at least 700, though some estimates put the figure at more than 1,000.

Today, we must once again call for their immediate and unconditional release from prisons in Russia, she said.

They shouldn't be there. They are there on charges for expressing their position against the war against Ukraine.

She estimated that at least 33 journalists are in jail precisely because they have written reports and materials" against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Remembering Alexei Navalny

Today we must remember that this exchange and this release of political prisoners took place without Alexei Navalny, she noted, referring to the opposition politician who died earlier this year in a Siberian prison.

If he had survived, then he would have to be part of this exchange, she insisted.

Special Rapporteurs like Ms. Katzarova are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, which is based in Geneva.

They are mandated to monitor and report on specific country situations or thematic issues.

These experts work on a voluntary basis and are independent from any government or organization. They are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

The demonstration over the implementation of the GB Chief Courts order, which restrains the collection of income tax, sales tax, and additional sales tax on imported items from China through the Khunjerab Pass, has intensified with several agitators distorting the immigration operations and blocking the exit point to China from Pakistan through the Pass, media reports said.

Protesters threatened to block the Karakoram Highway (CPEC), the main entry and exit point at Khunjerab Top, and extend the protest to other areas of the region if their demands are not met, Dawn News reported.

GB traders continued their protest sit-in outside the Sost Dry Port for the sixth consecutive day on Wednesday, suspending all operations at the port, the newspaper reported.

The demonstrators are protesting against non implementation of Chief Courts order restraining the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Customs from collecting taxes on imported items from China through the Khunjerab Pass, among other demands.

Suspending travel to China, small traders also demonstrated outside the Pakistan Immigration office at Sost.

Due to the protest, a large number of foreigners failed to travel to China through the Pass.

The protesters claimed that Pakistan Customs officials are reluctant to address the genuine concerns of local traders, forcing them to resort to agitation, Dawn News reported.

Muhammad Iqbal, president of the GB Importers and Exporters Association, demanded that the federal government initiate an inquiry against the custom officials who denied the peoples rights and refused to implement the GB top courts decision, the newspaper reported.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Four security personnel were killed while a traffic constable sustained injuries following an armed attack in Pishin and Khyber districts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, media reports said.

Within a gap of eight hours, Pishin witnessed two attacks which left two Levis officials dead and one constable injured.

The attackers used automatic weapons on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday to target a security check post in the Milizai area of Pishin district, police told Dawn News.

The Levies personnel, Yasin Alyas and Abdul Qadeer, embraced martyrdom in the shooting, the officials said, adding that the security personnel rushed to the site and shifted the bodies to the district hospital.

The second attack occurred at a time when security forces were conducting investigations into the first incident.

Armed men riding motorcycles targeted a traffic policeman performing his duty at Jan Adha area of the busy Pishin Bazaar when he was shifted to hospital for treatment.

In another midnight attack on a check post in Khyber district, two policemen and a civilian were killed.

Police told Dawn News an unknown number of militants opened fire on the Charwazgai check post, situated on the main Torkhum Highway, near the Landi Kotal army camp.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

The Sindhi Foundation recently demonstrated outside the Pakistani Consulate in Chicago when they demanded rights for the Sindhi community in the country.

They highlighted the plight of the missing girl Priya Kumari and the alleged human rights abuses which is paralysing normal life in Pakistan.

At the forefront of the Sindhi Foundations demands is the immediate release of Priya Kumari, a Sindhi Hindu minor, abducted three years ago in Sindh Province of Pakistan, reported ANI.

According to the Sindhi Foundation, these abuses are state-sponsored, aiming to homogenise society in favour of Islam and the Urdu language.

They demanded international agencies to suspend aid to Pakistan until the human rights violations against Sindhis cease.

The protest in Chicago is part of a series of demonstrations by the Sindhi Foundation, aiming to raise awareness and garner international support for the Sindhi communitys plight in Pakistan, the news agency reported.
Photo Courtesy: Three free Americans arrive in US from Russia after prisoner swap. Photo Courtesy: Republicans against Trump X page

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and two other American nationals, who were freed from Russia in a prisoner swap deal, have arrived in the USA.

The other two people who arrived in the US are former US Marine Paul Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

This was the largest prison swapping that took place between Russia and the US ever since the Cold War.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were present on the tarmac to welcome them at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Biden said: "This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here. And its a relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country whove been praying for this day for a long time."

He further said: " The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship  friendship. Multiple countries helped get this done."

Vice President Kamala Harris said: "In spite of all of their suffering, it gives me great comfort to know that their horrible ordeal is finally over."

Sixteen people were released from Russian custody on Thursday, including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country. Moscow in return got former high-ranking FSB colonel Vadim Krasikov, as well as several individuals accused of spying or cybercrime, reported CNN.

The prison-swapping move was a major initiative and diplomatic achievement during Biden's tenure as president.

Biden, having announced he will not run for the presidential race for the second term, is serving the last six months in the top office.

Tension between the West and Russia has been high even since the conflict with Ukraine began in 2022.
The Tyrant, a Korean revenge series directed by the famous Pak-Hoon-Jung, is about to make its OTT debut soon on Disney + Hotstar. Pak-Hoon-Jung has earlier delivered hits like I saw the devil and New World. The Korean web series The Tyrant will be available on August 14 on Disney+Hotstar.

The Tyrant OTT release date Disney+ Hotstar: When to watch

The trailer for The Tyrant is being loved by many on social media platforms. The series is said to be for those who love watching action content on OTT.

Here are some reactions that came on X after users watched the trailer:

Second trailer for Park Hoon-jung's upcoming Disney+ supernatural action series "The Tyrant" streaming from August 14th !  pic.twitter.com/MiWMOoDY21  Derek Brocks (@DerekBrocks) August 1, 2024

What is The Tyrant all about?

The Tyrant is all about the revenge story of a U.S. government agent who tries to get back a new virus stolen from the South Korean government. The story revolves around the struggle of both nations to get hold of the stolen virus.

In detail:

In the series, it is shown that the government of South Korea is trying to create a bioweapon to be spread around the world later, but the US government gets to know about the plan and asks the country to hand over all the samples of the virus so far. The virus was made with the aim of enhancing human abilities.

A staff member of a government agency who runs The Tyrant Project in the series later, with his other team members, secures the virus with them. The moment the US side agent gets to know about the bioweapon, he decides to get himself involved in the matter and get the virus stollen.

Who is there in the Tyrant?

There is a long list of actors that The Tyrant has, including Kim Seon-Ho, Cha Seung-Won, and Kim Joo-Heon, among others, in lead roles.

In the month of August, the OTT platform Disney Hotstar is launching a lot of shows and web series.

To know more about the OTT debuts in August, also read: August 2024 OTT web series and movies releases: Kill, Ghud Chadi, Modern Masters and more
Actress Dalljiet Kaur and her husband Nikhil Patel have been making headlines for their public dispute for a long time now. The actress who got married to the NRI alleged he was involved in extra-marital affairs, while the latter says the problems started after she couldn't just to a new lifestyle in Kenya and chose to leave him and go back to India. Yesterday, Patel landed in Mumbai but did not meet her wife. He was spotted at the airport with his new love Safeena.

Nikhil Patel lands in Mumbai with girlfriend Safeena

In the photos and videos doing the rounds, Nikhil Patel was clearly in love with his new girlfriend. He was quite affectionate towards her. So much so, that he was clicked running his hand through her hair. As the videos went viral, Dalljiet Kaur posted an emotional and cryptic note wishing him a birthday and remembering how much effort she had put through to make his last birthday exciting and fun. As she posted this, her PR manager and friend Ash Parmar wrote a heartfelt note accusing Nikhil of using her for fame and ill-treating her son Jaydon.

Dalljiet Kaur shares cryptic birthday wish for Nikhil Patel

Credit: Instagram

In her long note, Dalljiet Kaur recalled how she had celebrated his birthday last year. "Last year, last night, I had gathered all your family members for a surprise dinner at that Asian restaurant in London. Hosting that evening as your wife was exhilaratingthough, at that moment, thats how you introduced me. After dinner, without revealing our destination, we drove to Beaconsfield for your birthday staycation. It had taken me days to finalise the hotel as I wanted it to be a special day for you. It was your first birthday after our marriage, and I was filled with excitement."

Wishing him a happy birthday, she wrote, "Today, as tears stream down my face, I want to wish you a very happy birthday, @niknpatel. Everyone says I should begin healing, but here you are, reopening all my wounds and making them bleed again. I dont think Ill ever understand. you do what you do and THE WAY YOU DO IT."

Dalljiet Kaur accused him of purposely hurting her feelings with his actions time and again

Dalljiet Kaur's emotional post on Nikhil Patel's birthday says "jaydon still calls you papa" #DalljietKaur pic.twitter.com/92YLulsKnM  Film window (@Filmwindow1) August 2, 2024

The actress, who was earlier married to Shalin Bhanot, wrote that he shifted her stuff to a storage house even before the date he had given and also wiped a wall that she had painted with her Chuda. She wrote,"Right from sending my belongings to a storage house much before the date given by you through your PR articles to wiping the wall which I had painted for months with my chuda that I loved so much. And keeping a book in the foreground saying 'subtle art of caring a FU**' You have impressive ways to hurt me. And I know you are not done. You will come up with more ways soon."

Dalljiet revealed her son still calls him Papa.

She added, "By the way Jaydon still calls you papa. Its a shame how I have to teach my 10 year old to unlearn that emotion .. you got married to me in such a big way that my child cant just erase that memory like you have.So another notice on the way for this SN too?? I am sure your PR, Pa**l, is all set."

Also Read: Dalljiet Kaur Accuses Husband Nikhil Patel Of Cheating, Here Are 4 Allegations She Has Made



Dalljiet's friend Ash Parmar reveals Nikhil used to ill-treat her son Jaydon

Meanwhile, Dalljiet's friend and PR manager also wrote a note on Instagram in which she said shared picture from their marriage ceremony in India along with a photo of Nikhil Patel with his girlfriend Safeena and revealed that he "displayed a troubling arrogance, narcissism, and rudeness" and that she saw many red flags in him including "cold demeanor towards her son".





For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Gurugram-based budget airline SpiceJet is not in the best of financial positions, to put it mildly. Due to lingering financial woes, the Ajay Singh-owned airline has failed to pay salaries to its employees on time.

Employees seem to have had enough and at least one of them has taken matters into his own hands in a rather unique way.

CREDIT: REUTERS

Spicejet employees not getting paid

A video has surfaced on social media showing an unidentified SpiceJet employee going about his life, but also telling that world how it is going.

In the video, the man can be seen taking a ride on a crowded metro with a SpiceJet-branded suitcase and a placard saying, "SpiceJet spoiled my mental health."

Also read: Here's A List Of Airlines In India That Bit The Dust

"Video reminded me of that loyal Hutch pug song, 'You and I in this beautiful world,'" journalist Tarun Shukla, who shared the video on X, said.

Video reminded me of that loyal Hutch pug song, you and I in this beautiful world, just that in here :



An unpaid @flyspicejet employee has reached a point that he is taking the airline brand everywhere with a placard saying "SpiceJet spoiled my mental health."



 pic.twitter.com/VcgyDxQ14z  Tarun Shukla (@shukla_tarun) August 2, 2024

Spicejet not depositing PF

Earlier, on July 31, Shukla had posted another video on X, in which a SpiceJet employee was seen ranting about how he was not getting paid and how the company was not depositing the amount deducted as PF into the EPFO. The video was reportedly made by the employee sitting in the SpiceJet office and posted on Instagram.

So now @flyspicejet employees are sitting in office & openly @instagram ing that their provident fund is deducted but not deposited by company?



Salary is never given on time and not even when most of the next month is over?



Must be really fed up. Hope they get it soon.



 pic.twitter.com/dkHgQhH0Q6  Tarun Shukla (@shukla_tarun) July 31, 2024

No PF contribution since January 2022

According to reports, SpiceJet has not deposited the Employee Provident Fund contributions for its 11,581 staff members since January 2022.

Last week, it was reported that SpiceJet had failed to pay the June salaries of its nearly 8,000 employees. The airline, in a statement, told The Economic Times that "Salaries for the month of June are being disbursed in a phased manner. To date, 95% of our employees have received their June salaries."

Also read: Trouble Mounts For SpiceJet As Lessors Get Three Planes Deregistered By DGCA

CREDIT: REUTERS

SpiceJet forced to cancel flights from Dubai

The airline has been battling an increasingly worsening financial crisis, including its mounting debts to aircraft lessors.

On Wednesday, hundreds of SpiceJet passengers were stranded at Dubai airport after some 10 flights to various Indian cities were canceled due to non-payment of dues by the airline to the Dubai airport authorities.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
It is a race against time as rescue teams dig through the rubble, looking for any signs of life in the aftermath of the devastating landslides that hit Kerala's Wayanad in the early hours of Tuesday.

CREDIT: PTI

Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Meppadi, Attamala, and Noolpuzha were the worst hit in the landslide, which has left close to 200 people dead and many more unaccounted for. Entire villages have been wiped out and in place of the more than 400 houses that once stood there, just around 30 are left.

CREDIT: REUTERS

Located in northern Kerala, Wayanad is a hill station famous for its lush green forests, rolling hills, and sparkling waterfalls. The hill district, which is also home to several indigenous tribal communities, first hit the limelight in 2019 when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi decided to contest the Lok Sabha Elections from there. Rahul, who won Wayanad with a historic mandate, also retained his seat in 2024. However, he decided to give it up in favor of Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh.

Wayanad, which shares Kerala's border with both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, got its name from Vayal Nadu, which translates to "the land of paddy fields."

Other than the paddy fields, Wayanad, which is located at an altitude of 7,350 ft above sea level, is home to several mountains, forests, waterfalls, historic sites, and more, making it a much sought-after tourist destination.

In 2023 alone, Wayanad saw a domestic tourist footfall of 1,750,267, which was a post-pandemic high.

Tuesday's landslide hit parts of Wayanad during the peak of the monsoon tourism season, which sees a large tourist footfall to enjoy the rains, waterfalls, and lush greenery of the hills.

Some of the most famous tourist spots in Wayanad include:

Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves is an ancient cave at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level on Ambukutty Mala. It has large rocks and a small one wedged between the other two, with two chambers inside. It is home to one of the oldest Stone Age carvings ever discovered and has prehistoric inscriptions and pictorial scripts believed to be as old as 6000 BC.

Chembra Peak

Chembra Peak, located just eight kilometers from Kalpetta, is a popular trekking spot. At a height of 2,100 meters above sea level, Chembra is the tallest peak in Wayanad and has a naturally formed heart-shaped lake on top of it.

Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar is one of the largest dams in Kerala and a major tourist attraction. There are options for boating, trekking, and nature walks at the dam.

Chain Tree of Karinthandan

According to local legend, this tree in Vythiri, which has a chain hanging from it, is believed to hold the ghost of a tribal man locked on it. According to legend a tribal man, Karinthandan, helped the British in the 18th century discover the Wayanad Ghat route, which made travel much easier. Instead of thanking Karinthandan for his help, the British engineer who was with him shot the tribal man dead.

Meenmutty Waterfalls

Meenmutty is another famous waterfall in Wayanad, located close to Kalpetta. Tourists have to trek about 2 kilometers through thick jungle to reach it. It is a sought-after location for adventure activities like rock climbing and swimming.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and is spread across four hill ranges: Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat, and Tholpetty. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, deer, and more. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which also includes the Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, as well as Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu.

CREDIT: REUTERS

What went wrong in Wayanad

Wayanad's advantage is also its disadvantage. It is part of the Western Ghats and is considered one of the most ecologically fragile zones in the country.

While tourism has undoubtedly benefited Wayanad economically, massive infrastructure projects and deforestation for agricultural purposes have been blamed for making the soil, especially on the hillsides, more prone to natural disasters like landslides.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, has given his thumbs up to a proposal to build a repository on the moon to save endangered species from extinction. Responding to a post on social media about scientists proposing to build a 'Noahs Ark' on the moon, Musk said, 'Good idea.'

Doomsday vault on moon

According to reports, the biorepositorya storage facility for frozen sampleswill be similar to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, better known as the Doomsday Vault, but will be located on the moon.

Also read: Who is Nicolas Maduro, and why has Elon Musk accepted his challenge for a fight?

CREDIT: NASA

Where will the lunar vault be built

In a recent study published in the journal BioScience, scientists discussed the possibility of obtaining samples from at-risk biodiversity on Earth and storing them frozen on the moon. The storage facility has been proposed to be built on the north or south pole of the moon, where craters create permanent shadows and maintain a constantly frigid temperature of almost -200C.

Why built a doomsday vault on moon

Scientists say that a safe storage facility outside our planet would ensure better chances of survival for some of Earth's most endangered biodiversity, even if the Doomsday Vault in Norway fails.

Also read: World's Most Critical Software Is Safe In A Deep Mine For 2000 Years, Next To Global Seed Vault

NORD GEN

"With thousands of species at risk of extinction, scientists have proposed a lunar vault filled with preserved samples of Earths most endangered creatures. The international team of experts warned that climate change and habitat loss have outpaced our ability to protect species, making urgent action necessary. A repository to safeguard biological samples from disaster is not a new idea," the post quoted by Musk stated.

Musk has similar plans to save humanity

It should be noted that Musk has been a long-standing advocate of establishing a human colony outside Earth to ensure that our species would survive. The SpaceX founder has spoken in detail about his ambitious plan to establish a human colony on Mars within the next few years.

CREDIT: Unsplash

Earlier this year, Musk said that he planned to move around one million people to Mars to establish a self-sustaining, large-scale human settlement there.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
On Saturday, an Indian woman begged her boss for a half-day leave, using the "mom card." Prachi, an X user, tweeted a screenshot of her WhatsApp conversation with her manager, which has now become popular on the social media platform.

What did the woman request from her boss?

In her message, Prachi requested a half-day vacation on Saturday | Image: X

In her message, Prachi requested a half-day off on Saturday, citing a family occasion. Likely feeling that her boss would not be pleased with the request, she sprinkled her message with multiple "pleases" and explained her situation.



Also read: Employee on month-long vacation in Italy fools boss into thinking he's working

Hello ma'am, Good Afternoon! I wanted to request a half day this Saturday. I understand a leave may be difficult given the project day, but kindly please grant me a half day, as I have to go with my family for a personal event. Please grant me the same, she wrote.

What did the boss say in response to half-day request?

Her supervisor reacted with her own request: "Please please don't take," she wrote | Image: X

Her supervisor reacted with her own request: "Please please don't take," she wrote, adding the word "Request" and three sobbing emojis.



Please na maam. I really need to, my mom will kill me, the 25-year-old employee replied.

Also read: Young employees in China are selling their bosses and jobs online. Here's why!

Imagine being 25 and still pulling the mom said no card, Prachi wrote while sharing the screenshot on X.

How did people on the internet react?

That is why I don't request leaves, I simply inform my unavailability to my direct manager, one X user declared. Imagine the toxic work culture where an employee has to beg for half day that too on a Saturday, another wrote.

I found it cute, wrote an X user. Imagine creating such a toxic culture that 25 you have to beg for a half day on Saturday and then bragging about it on SM, another countered.

imagine being 25 and still pulling the mom said no card. pic.twitter.com/msDb46YC1S  praachiii (@crankyranterr) July 31, 2024

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
Donna, a lovely puppy, recently arrived in New York after a difficult voyage through the streets of New Delhi, India.

Who rescued Donna from New Delhi?

George, Donna's new owner, initially learned about her while travelling in New Delhi | Image: Instagram

George, Donna's new owner, initially learned about her while travelling in New Delhi, where she had suffered injuries from a rail accident, resulting in the loss of one leg.



Also read: Heartwarming reunion: Lost dog travels 250 kilometers alone to find its way back home

Determined to give Donna a better life, George managed the paperwork and worked with officials in India and the United States to bring her to America. She will soon be settling in Maine with her new family.

The Dogist, an Instagram account known for street photographer Elias Weiss Friedman's beautiful dog photos, first posted the uplifting tale.

What happened with Donna?

Thanks to George, his support team, and the vet that saved her life | Image: Instagram

"While travelling in India, George visited a friend he'd met through Instagram who owns a nonprofit rescue, @pawmisetopaws. After falling for one of the rescue's dogs, Donna, George worked with @calebsopus and @straydogsupport to arrange for her travel back to the States. Thanks to George, his support team, and the vet that saved her life, Donna now spends her days as a happy tripod with her new pack in Maine!" the post's caption read.



Where is Donna now?

In a video interview with Friedman, George described Donna's journey: "Donna was hit by a train and found on the street, suffering. They healed her limb, and she unexpectedly gave birth to six puppies, all of which were adopted. She lived completely on the streets, most likely in a slum area. I reside on the coast of Maine and have a spacious yard. I also have other rescue pets. One is from Puerto Rico, the other from Alabama," he explained.

Also read: Viral video: Woman walks her pet in Paris, internet confused if it is a dog or a wolf

When asked what his favourite part about dogs is, George said, "Dogs make a stressful day better; you can look down at your dog and it calms you down." Check the viral video here.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
Neeraj Chopra, India's golden kid, is preparing for the javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics 2024, which is slated for August 6. Chopra, the defending Olympic champion, represents the hopes of millions of Indians who are looking forward to seeing him win another gold medal.

Who promised everyone free visas if Neeraj Chopra won gold at the Paris Olympics?

Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of Atlys, the online visa application platform, has guaranteed a 'free visa to everyone' if Neeraj Chopra wins gold in the Olympics | Image: X

Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of Atlys, the online visa application platform, has guaranteed a 'free visa to everyone' if Neeraj Chopra wins gold in the Olympics. Nahta announced on LinkedIn on Tuesday that if Neeraj Chopra won gold in the Olympics, he would "personally provide a free visa to everyone. Let's go."



Also read: Watch: Neeraj Chopra's training video goes viral as he arrives in Paris for the Olympics

His significant branding campaign has already resulted in a 124% increase in traffic to the Atlys website. Atlys Support shared Nahta's message on social media platform X, adding, "It's time to check off your vacation bucket list this year!! We would personally offer everyone a free visa if Neeraj Chopra wins the gold medal for India!!"

How can you avail of the free visa offer?

The visa will be absolutely free, with no hidden fees | Image: Canva

If Chopra wins the gold, Atlys will provide all users with a free visa for one day. The visa will be absolutely free, with no hidden fees.



All nations are covered, allowing consumers to choose their next travel location freely. Simply provide your email address in the comments section of Nahta's LinkedIn article, and Atlys will set up an account for you with a free Visa credit.

Also read: From Neeraj Chopra to Abhinav Bindra: Celebrating moments when the tricolour soared at the Olympic podium

How did people on the internet react?

"Awesome initiative!!! Neeraj will definitely bring laurels to our country  Best wishes from all Indians around the world Cheers,' a happy user wrote.

Another added, "Awesome Announcement and its lovely to here you from this opportunity I diffently be a part of this offer and Crete my account for next trip to Paris it self."

Another user wrote, "Rooting for our hashtag#NeerajChopra and rooting for our country in Paris Olympics 2024! Let's go!!"

Earlier this month, Atlys reported a large spike in visa applications for Paris, with over 40% more active travel listings on the platform.

This spike reflects Indians' excitement over the Olympics as well as their growing demand for international travel.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
In a recent display of enthusiasm for fitness, Zerodha CEO and co-founder Nithin Kamath took part in a fun and spontaneous push-ups challenge with his team. Known for his strong belief in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Kamaths participation in this fitness event, organized by Zerodhas venture capital fund and incubator, Rainmatter, in collaboration with Sisters In Sweat, a community focused on women's health and wellness. The quick workout session, which featured Kamath and his colleagues engaging in a one-minute push-ups challenge, not only showcased their dedication to fitness but also sparked a wave of positive reactions across social media.



Nithin Kamath's Fitness Challenge Video Goes Viral

Impromptu AMRAP workout when Sisters in Sweat were at work  1 min x pushups. pic.twitter.com/vJuC81Dz3Q  Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha) August 1, 2024

On August 1, 2024, Nithin Kamath shared a video of the workout session on his social media accounts. The video, showcasing Kamath and his colleagues doing push-ups, quickly gained popularity, amassing around 76,900 views on X (formerly Twitter) and 129,000 views on Instagram. The impromptu workout, which involved doing push-ups for one minute, was part of a broader fitness initiative.

Nithin Kamath Reveals Why Zerodha Doesn't Advertise



Social Media Reactions to Kamaths Fitness Challenge

The video attracted various comments from social media users.

One user, IPO India, praised Kamaths approach to keeping his team engaged: Thats great initiative ! Everyone should follow!.

Another user, Bhoopesh, concered asking, This is good off the market hour. I think FnO champs wont like it if its during Market hour 

"ab samjha main @zerodhaonline k glitches kyu aare hain, kaam k time pe ye harkatein hori hain thik kaha se hoga", user wrote.

One user critise, "Reason for lack of customer support after the adapter is unplugged"

Nithin Kamaths Commitment to Employee Wellness

Nithin Kamath is known for setting health and fitness challenges for Zerodha employees, often offering incentives to those who achieve their goals. In 2022, he announced a bonus of one months salary for employees who met their fitness goals on at least 90% of the days throughout the year. Kamaths dedication to promoting fitness among his team reflects his broader commitment to employee well-being.

Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath Reveals He Suffered 'Mild Stroke' 6 Weeks Ago



The push-ups challenge organized by Zerodha and led by Nithin Kamath highlights the importance of staying active and engaging in fitness activities. Watch the video of Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath participating in the challenge and see how this initiative fosters a healthy work environment.
AEGEAN Airlines has suspended all flights to and from Israel until August 6, due to the ongoing instability in the Middle East. Additionally, the airline has canceled all scheduled flights to and from Beiruts Rafic Hariri International Airport until August 8.

According to AEGEAN's website, "Due to recent events in the Middle East, we are canceling

all scheduled flights to and from Ben Gurion International Airport inuntil August 6, 2024. Passengers with flights booked up to August 30, 2024, to and fromcan call (+30) 210 6261000 to reschedule or cancel their tickets at no extra cost or apply for a Credit Voucher or Refund via aegeanair.com."

AEGEAN is also canceling all flights to and from Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut until August 8. Passengers with flights booked up to August 30, 2024, to and from Beirut can call (+30) 210 6261000 to reschedule or cancel their tickets without charge or apply for a Credit Voucher or Refund via aegeanair.com.

   iefimerida.gr
Human rights lawyer and the influencer of the #EndBadGovernace protest, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has called for the immediate suspension of the ongoing nationwide rally against bad government in Nigeria.

In a statement made available to the public on Friday, Adegboruwa stated that the demonstration had been hijacked by hoodlum.

The senior lawyer commended the citizens for coming out to express their displeasure over hardship facing the nation, adding that no leader should ever take the citizens for granted again.

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The statement reads: I appeal to the protesters to withdraw themselves from their various protest grounds and to suspend the protests immediately and indefinitely, to give room for meaningful dialogue and engagement with the government.

Given that the protests were said to have been hijacked by sponsored agents, it is necessary to avoid further losses and casualties.

The organisers of the protests and their representatives should embrace dialogue with the government.

READ MORE: EndBadGovt: Yobe Govt Imposes Curfew In Three LGAs As Hoodlums Set Seven Buses On Fire

I commend the people of Nigeria who trooped out in their large numbers to join the protests and those who stayed at home in solidarity by way of peaceful civil disobedience.

No leader should ever take the people for granted. In the peculiar circumstance of the hunger and hardship being experienced by our people across the land, the protests were more than justified.

Notice of this protest was given many weeks ago, yet nothing was done to engage the organisers of the protests to address the issues raised in their charter of demands. It is the same way that the government ignores several strike notices issued by the Labour unions until they eventually snowball into strike actions. This should not be so.

I, therefore, call upon President Bola Tinubu to directly address the nation and then engage the protesters through their representatives. Thereafter, the government should set up a committee comprising men and women of integrity to meet with the protesters to address the issues that they have raised.
The Yobe State Government has announced a 24-hour curfew on the Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru areas of the state after some hoodlums reportedly set seven buses ablaze.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the decision of the state government is coming, following the #EndBadGovernance protest in the North East state.

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It was gathered that the buses were set on fire on the premises of the local government secretariat in Potiskum on Thursday.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security matters, Brig. Gen Dahiru Abdussallam (retd), in a statement released to the public, said that the curfew would be fully enforced.

READ MORE: EndBadGovt: FCT Police Nab Man With knife Attempting To Stab Protesters (Video)

He said: The Yobe State Government has considered the security situation in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru towns where some hoodlums are taking advantage of the protest to vandalize and loot government and private properties.

In view of the above therefore, the state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru.

The public is hereby advised to abide by the curfew order and stay at home for peace to reign in these areas and the state at large.

The Security Agencies have been directed to ensure enforcement and full compliance of the curfew order.

Despite security warning and President Bola Ahmed Tinubus appeals to the protesters, some hangry Nigerians still insisted on their plans to rally against hardship facing the country.

Many governments infrastructures were also looted and set ablaze in Kano state today.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, on Thursday asked government officials to engage demonstrators amid the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

Aggrieved Nigerians had stormed several States including the FCT to express their grievance against high cost of living demanding better economic conditions for the citizens.

Despite court order restraining the protests in some states and the nations capital, the protesters came out in the numbers demanding the reversal of some government policies.

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Falana, reacting to the protests on Channels Television, said the government must stop mobilising youths to disrupt rallies.

Police operatives, he said, are empowered to provide adequate security cover for the protesters nationwide.

READ ALSO: Borno: Boko Haram Kills Four, Injures 34 Hardship Protesters

He said, We must also learn to stop mobilising people to disrupt rallies, we must stop mobilising traditional rulers and some emergency organisations to say, we are pulling out of the protests.

The government must now begin to identify those who are genuinely aggrieved and then begin to engage them, what are your complaint? So that people will have a sense of belonging.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also called on security agencies to hold talks with the protesters after receiving proper notification of the demonstrations.

The nationwide protests against economic hardship started on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and is scheduled to stretch till August 10.
The headquarters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State has been set on fire amid protests against hunger.

Violence erupted in Dutse, the state capital, as aggrieved youths stormed the APC secretariat, destroying billboards and other publicity materials before torching the building.

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Vehicles parked within the premises were also burned.



The unrest spread to other parts of the State, with armed youths defying security efforts.

In Birnin Kudu, several people sustained injuries, and the State Fertilizer Store and Grains Store were vandalized and looted.

READ ALSO: EndBadGovt: FCT Police Nab Man With knife Attempting To Stab Protesters (Video)

Additionally, the store of the state Agricultural Supply Company (JASCO) in Gumel was attacked.

Two persons were reportedly killed while many others sustained injuries after police fired live ammunition and teargas to disperse the protestants.

Findings reveal that the protest took place in over 10 Local Government Areas across the State, with reports of destruction and looting of government property.

Reports in Dutse, revealed that one of the victims was shot in front of Government House, while the other was killed at Shiwarin town when the protesters attempted to close the Maiduguri-Kano Road.
The operatives of the Kano State Police command have arrested 269 hoodlums, allegedly vandalising, looting both government and private properties during nationwide protest.

Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had earlier reported that the #Endbadgovt movement later turned to riot, which eventually led to vandalising of public infrastructures and invasion of innocent citizens shops.

The looters were seen moving valuables, including chairs, computers and other items.

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The nationwide demonstration which was initially staged to address hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria, was disrupted by hijackers in some states.

Reacting to Kano incident, the commands spokesman, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, during a parade of the suspects at the police headquarters on Friday, said that the thugs were apprehended at the premises of high courts and other public buildings, with various items found in their possession.

He added that states police force is in collaboration with other security agencies, adding that its has established a comprehensive security network to ensure that the residents could go about their legitimate activities without any let or hindrance.

READ MORE: Gov Yusuf Orders 24-Hour Curfew As Kano Protesters Vandalise, Loot NCC Building

Abdullahi said: At approximately 10:00 am today, groups of hoodlums, under the guise of participating in the nationwide protest, launched attacks on several establishments in Kano state.

In a swift and efficient response to these criminal activities, a total of 269 suspects responsible for destruction, looting, and instigating chaos under the guise of the nationwide hunger protest were arrested.

These incidents have disrupted public order and safety, necessitating immediate action by the Kano state police command.

Arson at NCC office: Multiple motor vehicles at the NCC office, Audu Bako secretariat, along Government House Kano, were set ablaze.

The fire has since been brought under control through swift intervention.


Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has denied directing telecommunications companies in the country to tamper with networks as the nationwide protests began.

Users of MTN, Airtel and other networks had complained on social media about the unusual slow speeds of browsing.

This further led to suspicions that persons within the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration gave them a directive to hamper the protests.

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READ ALSO: Protest: Lagos Cant Go The Route Of EndSARS Again  Gov. Sanwo-Olu To Residents

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday evening, Tijani said: Theres no instruction to tamper with (phone) networks.

Tijani had earlier frowned at the looting of the National Communication Commission, NCC, building in Kano State.

He said it would be a setback to the federal governments efforts at encouraging youth employment through technology.


Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has reacted to the threat against Igbos in Lagos and other South-West states.

There are calls on social media, trending under the hashtag #IgboMustGo on X, demanding the forced relocation of Igbo people back to their origin.

National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, in a Thursday statement, warned that any attack on Ndigbo in any part of the country would come with dire consequences.

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Okwu, in the statement titled Enough is Enough, vowed that Ndigbo would follow up with commensurate reaction should there be any attack on them in any part of the country.

According to him, South-Easterners had kept quiet for so long, hence endless unprovoked attacks on the Igbo people in other parts of the country.

We want to equivocally declare today that Ndigbo are not cowards; our forefathers were not cowards; they were brave and so are we.

We warn those fanning this embers of discord not to take the calmness of the lion for weakness; we are not afraid and shouldnt be pushed to the wall by faceless miscreants.

Any attack on Ndigbo by anybody will be visited with an unimaginable revenge. We are not second class citizens of this country. No one is more Nigerian than the Igbos.

For decades now, Ndigbo have borne the brunt of every crisis in this country; they have paid the price for every upheaval in the country.

This is one of the major reasons we decided not to be part of the hardship protest or whatever they called it. We knew that the moment we identify with it, they will term it Igbo protest.

Yet, the same enemies of Ndigbo, the same people who are lurking for the blood of the Igbo people are unrelenting.

However, we want to sound this note of warning to them; Enough is Enough. Any attempt to spill the blood of an Igbo man or destroy their businesses and properties will be visited with equal retaliation.

READ ALSO: Hunger Protest: For How Long Are We Going To Endure Your Hardship?  Rivers Protesters Ask Tinubu (Video)

Those threats will be resisted; henceforth any attack on any Igbo man anywhere in those aforementioned areas must be revenged with every seriousness.

We are one of the cardinal pillars of this country, so nobody should threaten the Igbo in this country any longer.

We call on Ndigbo not to be afraid to reside anywhere of their choice in the country and do their businesses; they should not mind the useless threats by those who intend to set the country ablaze, he said.

The Ohanaeze Youth President tasked security agencies to immediately arrest those who originated what he called genocidal threats against Ndigbo.

Should the security agents fail to arrest the perpetrators and instigators of war in Nigeria, we will be left with no option than to believe that they are part of the plan.

We are also calling on the Federal Government to speak up on this matter; this should not be swept under the carpet.

The Nigerian Government should take quick measures to arrest those behind this genocidal plot.

To restore the peoples confidence, the government should arrest and prosecute all the criminals making unguarded utterances on X, inciting Nigerians against each other, Okwu stated.

Okwu re-echoed his call on Ndigbo not to participate in the ongoing protest, maintaining his earlier stand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government was on the right track and should be given more time.

We reiterate our support for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government.

Once again, we thank him for the South East Development Commission which was supposed to be in place since after the war to cater for the Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction mantra.

We shall continue to advocate for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, additional states to be at par with other regions and correct imbalances on appointments in reflection of the federal character principles, he added.
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has joined the raging End Bad Governance rally, as thousands of Nigerians go to the streets to oppose the current administration.

The planned protests, which began today, August 1st, in various parts of the country, have been met with disagreement.

Mild violence has been reported in various sections of the country, with many people airing their grievances to the media.

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READ MORE: August 1 Protest: No Amount Of Money, Power, Is Worth Sacrificing Peoples Freedom  Mr. Macaroni

On Thursday, Iyabo Ojo shared a video on her Instagram page in which she openly urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution his men and allow civilians to demonstrate peacefully.

She wrote,

officialasiwajubat, please, sir, kindly speak to your men to caution their men .. allow a peaceful protest.. thank you.#peacefulprotest is their right.

SEE POST:
There was panic at Enerhen Junction, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, as thugs disrupted peaceful protest against #EndBadGovernance on Friday.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the yet to be identified group of miscreants were said to be armed with sticks, daggers, cutlasses and stones.

Addressing newsmen in Asaba, Delta State capital, one of the protesters, Edafe said that the hoodlums disrupted the peaceful protest.

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She said: Women were chanting solidarity songs and calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to provide food for citizens and restore hope when the attackers struck.

We had to run away because we didnt want to be injured. Delta State belongs to all of us.

READ MORE: EndBadGovt: Yobe Govt Imposes Curfew In Three LGAs As Hoodlums Set Seven Buses On Fire

Why are the hoodlums coming after us? Why is it that they are not protesting? But no problem, the election will come again.

We know those behind these people asking us not to protest. But the police at Enerhen Junction intervened, they rescued us.

Recall that President Tinubu, including some security agencies have issued warnings to the protesters, against possible riots and hijackers.

Despite these warnings, some demonstrators, insisted that their voices must be heaed untill the president attend to their demands.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has posited that if Nigerians want a change of the current administration, they should wait till 2027 elections.

Abiodun said this amidst the nationwide youth-led protest against high cost of living in the country.

Aggrieved Nigerians had stormed several States including the FCT, on Thursday to express their grievance demanding better economic conditions for the citizens.

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He however described some Nigerians involved in the protest against economic hardship in the country as sore losers.

The Governor said those behind the protest want to oust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from power, but are only hiding under the guise of protests to express their dissatisfaction with the President.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Abiodun said those who voted for Tinubu and want him as their President are more than those who voted against him.

READ ALSO: Protest: Videos Are Deliberately Being Manipulated, Circulated To Blackmail Me  Peter Obi

The majority of Nigerians voted for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He majorly won the election, and that says one this; those who wanted him to be president were far more than those who didnt.

The problem we have today is that Nigerians are sore losers. Rather than accept the fact that you want a regime change and wait till 2027, dont begin to sponsor faceless, leaderless protests under the guise that youre dissatisfied, he said.

According to him, the current economic challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria and instead of protests, Nigerians should join hands with President Tinubu to build the country.

The economic realities is not is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. There were protests in Ghana yesterday, there were protests in London today. So what are we talking about? The medicine for a headache is not to cut off the head. We must all work and join hands together and speak to each other. Let us have a dialogue that is constructive, the Governor added.

Despite court order restraining the protests in some states and the nations capital, the protesters came out in the numbers demanding the reversal of some government policies.
Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), says the military will take action if the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests becomes extremely violent.

The CDS said this in reaction to the vandalisation and looting of properties that characterised the protest in many parts of the country on Thursday.

Speaking with newsmen on Friday, Musa urged protesters to recognise that destruction is counterproductive and would only set the nation aback.

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While applauding the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for its attempt to establish order, he added that the military would be forced to step in if the violence persists.

His words: We should realise that these destructions and monies have to be usedmonies for development will have to be used to develop these things so we can move forward, and so instead of doing that, we should come together to make sure nothing is destroyed.

READ ALSO: Protest: Nigerians Are Sore Losers, Should Wait Till 2027, If They Want Regime Change  Dapo Abiodun

The statement has already been passed to the local, state, and federal governments. We want to warn those that are recalcitrant, those that dont want to listen, that we will not fold our hands and see our country destroyed.

We will take action, and the action that well take will be professional. Anyone who is caught will be taken to the courts to be dealt with. Let us avoid anything that will bring mayhem within our communities.

We have seen the level of destruction that has been carried out just yesterday, and so you can imagine if this continues for so long. The armed forces and the entire military security agencies will not stand by and see that to continue.

Aggrieved Nigerians had stormed several States including the FCT, on Thursday to express their grievance demanding better economic conditions for the citizens.

However, in Kano, protesters looted the newly built Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park, setting parts of it ablaze.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre was scheduled for commissioning next week.
A group of musicians who perform at the Arden Theatre are seeking union representation.

Philadelphias Local 77 of the American Federation of Musicians has filed a request with the National Labor Relations Board for a union vote following a nod from a supermajority of musicians signing union cards, according to Local 77 officials.

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It was not clear how many Arden productions each season use live music or how many musicians are typically engaged for those shows. But Ellen Trainer, president of Local 77, said that in the unions view, 16 musicians were eligible to sign cards asking to become part of an Arden bargaining unit, and 13 of them had done so, so far.

This was actually musician driven, she said of the union effort at the theater. I think the musicians have been disappointed in the fact that there is a union representing the actors  and not one representing them  and the fact that the musicians have not had any wage increases since 2016.

In 2016, Trainer said, musicians at the Old City theater were earning about 94% percent of what the actors were, and now they are making about 77% of actors wages.

Arden managing director Amy L. Murphy declined to comment.

The group of musicians seeking union representation includes string, woodwind, brass and percussion players. The union already represents musicians at the Forrest Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, and Philadelphia Theatre Company.

The next step could be an election in which the musicians vote on whether to unionize. But given the strong showing of card-signers, Local 77 this week asked the Arden to voluntarily recognize it as the musicians representative to negotiate a contract.

This is our first attempt in trying to make contact with them, she said, and hopefully we will have productive conversations.
Among the 71 artists at this year's Whitney Biennial, five have very strong ties to Philadelphia. Among them are Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich (L), Sharon Hayes ( C), and Karyn Olivier (R ). The Biennial was co-curated by ICA's former associate curator Meg Onli. Photo: Ashley Hunt (Hayes), Ryan Collerd (Olivier) Read more

The Whitney Biennial has always risen to the moment. For 81 years, American artists, provoked by a theme, have responded to the world around them and created works that have found place in the annual exhibition at New York Citys Whitney Museum of American Art.

Three cultural events served as the touchstones of this years theme  Even Better Than the Real Thing, Biennial co-organizer Meg Onli said. Two of these were around ideas of body integrity and thinking about body autonomy  the overturning of Roe v. Wade [and the] ways in which legislation has been limiting gender-affirming care for adults and children. The third is the increase of artificial intelligence in ways that are altering our ideas of truth and history. A lot of the artists, she said, used their art to think about the interior self. Its a show that talks a lot about the body, an implied body, while also not being very figurative some times.

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Onli, who was previously the Andrea B. Laporte Associate Curator at Philadelphias Institute of Contemporary Art, said the curatorial team kept coming back to the idea of real. We were thinking about a different idea of the real and thats for me, thinking about the multidimensionality of oneself, the ways in which we as people of color are often sort of monolithic and often sort of thought in these one-dimensional ways.

Breaking those boundaries are 71 artists and collectives  the majority of whom are queer, trans, or artists of color  whose works are on display at the Biennial. Five of them have honed their art in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is one of Onlis favorite cities. One thing that Ive really learned in the process of touring all of these studios, traveling around the world, is you have to have art schools and centers in which people study art in order to keep an active arts community.

In 2026, Onli, with Camden-born Philadelphian artist Alex Da Corte, will co-curate the first Roy Lichtenstein retrospective in New York in more than 30 years.

The Biennial, with its art, film program, and performances, spans four floors and presents a field survey of the state of American art today. Here are the Philadelphia artists whose work you shouldnt miss.

Sharon Hayes. Ricerche: four (2024)

Sharon Hayes, professor and chair of fine arts at UPenns Weitzman School of Design, has spent decades making art focused on sexuality and gender. In the video installation Ricerche: four, she speaks to different groups of people  one of them being a group of queer elders gathered in the Gayborhoods John C. Anderson Apartments.

Philadelphia, for Hayes, is singularly positioned inside of LGBTQ genealogies, or queer and trans genealogies. This has to do with its situatedness between D.C. and New York  there was a set of queer activists in D.C. for whom the threat of losing their jobs was really strong. But there was this really active, vibrant, and engaged community across the Eastern Seaboard. And that meant that, in some ways, Philly was a very special and dynamic site.

In the video, probed by Hayes questions, older LGBTQ Philadelphians reflect on their lives, loves, and identities. Around the screens is a circular arrangement of chairs which invites visitors to the Biennial to move forward and take a seat. Outside, one can see Ruins of Empire II or The Earth Swallows the Masters House, Newark, N.J., native Kiyan Williams crumbling facade of the White House.

Hayes studied under the artist Mary Kelly, whose Lacunae hangs in the same gallery as Ricerche: four. Also in the same gallery is UPenn alum Carolyn Lazards Toilette. Its just a total pleasure to be able to be in the same room as Carolyn, another fantastic Philly-based artist, said Hayes.

Carolyn Lazard. Toilette (2024)

MacArthur genius grant winner Carolyn Lazard grew up all over Southeastern Pennsylvania and spent a lot of their adolescence running around Philly. Their Toilette  a sculpture made of medicine cabinets filled with Vaseline  sits between Kellys and Hayes works. It, Lazard says, is inspired by the everyday acts of care that keep me and I assume, you too, alive. Im interested in how this box on the wall indexes some changes in how we relate to care as something that we do for ourselves, in the privacy of our home, as opposed to something more collective.

The artist, who remembers being slathered in Vaseline as a child, considers Philadelphia to be an important site for histories of biomedical care and harm, and as someone who is interested in those histories, the city remains an inspiration. From Pennsylvania Hospital being the first hospital in the country, the Holmesburg Prison experiments, the Morton Collection at the Penn Museum, to the Mutter Museum: This is one of the most important cities in the history of the development of race science ideology in the United States, they said.

Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich. Too Bright to See (Part I) (2022)

Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich grew up in New York Citys East Village with artist parents, in an apartment full of books. A part of my background is Jamaican, and there was a real emphasis on writers from the Caribbean, she said. I had a sense growing up that all those writers were men, whether it was like Derek Walcott or V.S. Naipaul or C.L.R. James or Aime Cesaire [or] Frantz Fanon.

She was always aware of Suzanne Cesaires existence but started to revisit her work in her 20s. What I discovered is that she was kind of the most important voice of them all. So Hunt-Ehrlich, who studied film at Temple, bought a ticket to Martinique, sat in the familys living room, and asked her daughter, How could your mother have been such an incredible writer, but we have so little of her writing?

Hunt-Ehrlich learned that Suzanne Cesaire was always writing, but she also threw a lot of her writing away.

That was like my first trip I took, and I left it a little confused. Maybe she didnt want to be remembered, Hunt-Ehrlich said. But what I ultimately realized after some time was that actually it was an opening, it was a way to really think about things like refusal, her refusal to be remembered in the ways weve been trained in.

The filmmakers deep dive into Cesaires memories and work finds expression in the video installation, Too Bright to See (Part I). There are prevailing themes of impermanence and fragility heightened by the pieces setting in the Caribbean, a place often affected by hurricanes and tornados. So I wondered if it was also kind of like this idea of writing and throwing it away  what the world [around Cesaire] does.

Karyn Olivier. How Many Ways Can You Disappear (2021), Stop Gap (2020)

Karyn Olivier, professor of sculpture at Temple Universitys Tyler School of Art and Architecture, grew up in Trinidad and Tobago. For many years, she has visited Matinicus Isle, 23 miles off the coast of Rockland, Maine, where her wifes family has a home.

A piece of driftwood she had gathered 13 years ago now finds itself in Stop Gap. Olivier kept thinking about the wood and while she grieved her best friends death during the pandemic, she finally knew what she could do with it. She had clothing left over from a previous show at ICA. She took them and filled a large, center gap in the wood.

I dont know what made me do it, but I just started filling it in. Its almost like suturing or filling in that gap, Olivier said. Of course, theyre fragments of clothing. [They could] signify my personal loss and like the losses that were all feeling [after George Floyds murder]. I could also think about the refugee crisis  These pieces of clothing are the stock filling in that space of, say, loss or sadness, or improvisation.

Right by Stop Gap sits How Many Ways Can You Disappear. Theres a mesh of lobster traps no longer in use and above it hangs a bunch of buoys deemed unusable with age. Theyre hung by what may seem to be a rope carved from marble, but its actually just salt.

When Olivier thought about casting the rope, she used different materials, even hair. Then one night, I just thought, Whats still here? Literally, What is still here? Its salt. Its still embedded in the ropes. And if you think about it, salt now is just a crystallized sea.

The Germantown resident, whose The Battle is Joined has stood in conversation with Battle of Germantown Memorial in Vernon Park, is worried about the closure of UArts and of PAFA shutting down its degree courses. But I feel like Philly is at a critical mass, that artists are making Philadelphia as amazing of a city as it is, despite its bureaucratic shortcomings. Artists and creatives are making it happen. The city is still affordable  I feel as though Philadelphia is practically and pragmatically, an easier place to be an artist. I like that.

Alex Tatarsky. Material (2024)

A trained clown, Alex Tatarsky, in their own words, moved to Philadelphia for the clowns, where they found a beautiful community of performers. It is a place with a rich, radical history of art making and political thinking. Its also affordable for artists. And its possible to have space to move and experiment and collaborate. Philadelphia fosters the possibility of radical risk-taking art, they said.

Unlike the other artists, whose art is largely rooted to one place, Tatarskys Biennial piece Material was a performance looking at the many ways in which one can interpret the word material.

The performance was improvised and extremely terrifying because every time I do [this performance], its completely different. Tatarsky exercised that muscle of improvisation at DIY venues all over Philadelphia over the past several months, including Vox Populi, the floor above the Ethiopian restaurant Abyssinia, and Space 1026.

But putting all of that in the context of an art museum  where unspoken codes of silence and propriety reign  was unnerving. My only aim was to try to follow pleasure and impulse as my guiding principles, and to think about the many meanings of the word material. There is comedic material but theres also the material conditions of our lives, which are often very difficult. Then, they added, there are physical materials that we bring into a room.

Over three days at the Whitney, Tatarsky created an improvised show with museum visitors.

Wearing gloves, the artist collected different objects from the audience to create an installation that they then put inside a vitrine and surrounded with a stanchion. That installation grew to contain all of these haunted, beautiful items that people brought, like a bloody handkerchief, a T-shirt that their mom threw in the garbage, a toothbrush from an old lover, like all of these items with a lot of memory, and so that was my way of playing with these categories, like, what do we consider art?

The Whitney Biennial runs in its entirety through Aug. 11. Floor 6 of the Biennial, which includes works by Sharon Hayes and Carolyn Lazard, will remain on view through Sept. 29. Whitney Museum of American Art. 99 Gansevoort St., New York. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (10 p.m. on Fridays). https://whitney.org/exhibitions/2024-biennial
The Delaware River Port Authority has asked a federal judge to block enforcement of subpoenas issued by a New Jersey watchdog seeking information about the transit authoritys vendors and contracts.

The subpoenas, issued last month by the New Jersey State Comptrollers Office, demand a comprehensive list of the authoritys contracts for goods or services, including construction, legal, and financial services, from 2021 through last year, according to documents filed with the lawsuit. They also seek the authoritys leases with companies for property controlled by the DRPA, including a long-term agreement with port operator Holt Logistics Corp.

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In a lawsuit filed this week in U.S. District Court in Trenton, the DRPA said the comptroller lacks the legal authority to investigate the bistate agency, which was created by Pennsylvania and New Jersey and approved by Congress. The DRPA owns and operates four bridges and the PATCO commuter line between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The NJ Comptrollers attempt to conduct investigations under authority granted to the NJ Comptroller under New Jersey law, and to further those investigations by issuing subpoenas under New Jersey law in an attempt to compel the DRPA to provide documents and witness testimony, infringes upon the DRPAs sovereign authority under the compact and deprives the DRPA of its liberty, rights, and privileges secured under the United States Constitution and federal law, the lawsuit says.

Pam Kruger, spokesperson for the Comptrollers Office, said in a statement that oversight is needed anytime there is concentrated power in order to protect New Jersey residents from fraud, waste, and abuse.

New Jersey residents want to be assured their tolls and train fares are being used responsibly, Kruger said. DRPAs effort to prevent transparency and accountability by using public funds to sue a government watchdog is bad for both New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents, and its also inconsistent with the law. We are hopeful a judge will quickly direct them to cooperate with our inquiries.

In addition to requests for documents  which hadnt been previously disclosed  the Comptrollers Office also issued a subpoena demanding sworn testimony under oath concerning the Delaware River Port Authoritys collection and maintenance of records, and practice and procedures for responding to requests for information from government entities, according to a copy of the subpoena that was included as an exhibit to the lawsuit.

That subpoena was addressed to Raymond J. Santarelli, the authoritys general counsel.

The DRPA offered to voluntarily provide the documents in exchange for the comptroller withdrawing the subpoenas, but the comptroller declined that offer, according to the suit.

The Comptrollers Office says it audits government programs, investigates misconduct by public officials and employees, and scrutinizes contracts. The acting comptroller is Kevin D. Walsh, a former civil rights and housing lawyer who was appointed to the position by Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, in 2020.

Walshs investigation comes two years after the DRPAs Office of Inspector General issued a report finding that oversight of the authoritys rental agreements was lax and that some leases had been unchanged for years. There are no policies or procedures related to management oversight of lease arrangements, and real estate activity in general, the report said.

The Inspector Generals report also said certain land leases, including one with Holt, did not have clearly defined lease termination dates and have continued at historically agreed-upon payment rates for many years without renegotiation of terms.

The Inspector General recommended negotiating such leases to reflect current market rates, and DRPA management said in the report that it would do so.

One of the subpoenas issued by the Comptrollers Office demanded any and all documents related to a 1984 lease for land beneath the Walt Whitman Bridge in connection with Holts wharf and marine terminal operations in Gloucester City.

The DRPA initially set annual rent at $19,000, or about $57,000 in todays dollars, according to the Inspector Generals report. Holts rent was reduced to $1 in 1993 as part of an unrelated agreement. The rental arrangement hasnt been updated since, according to the 2022 inspector generals report, which recommended negotiating the lease at current market rates.

A DRPA spokesperson told The Inquirer in January that the agency is completing the due diligence work necessary to take action.

Holt spokesperson Kevin Feeley told the news organization earlier this year that a portion of the seven-acre parcel was literally created by Holt in the 1980s when it built a new wharf at the adjacent Gloucester Marine Terminal, which today employs nearly 1,000 people.

The leases were negotiated fairly and with full consideration for both sides, including recognition of Holts improvements to the site as well as use restrictions, Feeley said.

Reached on Thursday, Feeley noted that Holt is not a party to the lawsuit. We have nothing to hide, and we will comply with the dictates of the court, he said in a statement.

Beyond the Inspector Generals report, the DRPAs contracting process came under scrutiny several years ago in the courts. A federal appeals court in 2017 described the authoritys decision to reject the lowest bidder on a bridge project as illegal and irrational.

The comptrollers subpoena demands documents related to Alpha Painting & Construction Co., the company that submitted the lowest bid and later filed a lawsuit.

In a separate matter, Baltimore-based Alpha in 2018 was convicted on charges of defrauding the federal Department of Transportation.
Josh Verne on vacation in London, fall 2023. The former Gladwyne resident and furniture-company heir is accused by the SEC of raising $30 million, mostly from longtime friends in the Montgomery County Jewish community, for a business that turned out to be a fraud. On Aug. 2, he was indicted on fraud charges by a federal grand jury Read more

Josh S. Verne, the furniture heir who convinced his wealthy Gladwyne friends and neighbors and some of Philadelphias best-known developers and professionals to invest $31 million in his online businesses, was charged by a federal grand jury Friday with 25 counts of fraud, plus aggravated identity theft, retaliation and threatening one of his workers to try to get them not to testify.

Verne was arrested Friday in Fort Lauderdale, where he had moved and began promoting other businesses after some of his Main Line investors demanded their money back in 2020. He is due for arraignment in Philadelphia federal court next week.

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Verne and a lawyer representing him on other fraud charges didnt immediately return calls seeking comment.

Last summer, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed civil fraud charges against Verne, accusing him of spending much of the money he raised from others on his own expensive lifestyle instead of the businesses, and hiding shortfalls with Ponzi-like payments to fool investors into giving him more money.

Vernes investors included billionaire Fanatics owner Michael Rubin and developers David Adelman and Bart Blatstein, among others. Several told The Inquirer last year that they had been contacted by criminal investigators reviewing possible federal crimes.

Joseph Kohn, the Philadelphia lawyer Verne hired to defend the SEC charges, said earlier this year that investors losses were due to market factors beyond our control. In a brief phone interview last winter, Kohn said he looked forward to telling his side of the story at the appropriate time.

Prosecutors said Friday that they are seeking $14.2 million from Verne that could be traced to his alleged crimes. Sam Katz, a Philadelphia investment banker turned filmmaker and past Republican mayoral candidate, said he and other investors, given the long delay before Verne was charged, had started expecting they would see little, if any, of the money they trusted to Verne and his companies.

According to the indictment, Vernes extended family formerly ran a wholesale furniture business, Home Line Furniture Industries, whose management he and a cousin inherited. The company shut production and sales operations in 2011.

Verne then started a payroll-deduction purchase and layaway business, WorkPaysMe.com, which he and other backers sold for $6 million in 2014. His next venture was FlockU LLC, a content site targeted at college students.

To raise more money for FlockU, the government says Verne lied to potential investors, claiming he had raised a vastly inflated $90 million from WorkPaysMe, and showing off a forged $50 million family assets statement on Goldman Sachs letterhead. He was not a Goldman Sachs customer, according to the indictment.

Among the early investments Verne gathered was $1 million from Adelman, whose businesses include national college housing manager and developer Campus Apartments, South Philly-based FS Investments, and the development group that plans to build a new Sixers arena. Impressed by Vernes inflated claims and Adelmans participation, others contributed millions more.

But FlockU failed in 2018, and Verne sold the assets for just $1, according to the government.

Failures arent unusual for early-stage investors; Verne continued to raise cash for new ventures. He next developed Ownable, a rent-to-own plan to finance laptops, smartphones and other must-have electronics for cash-poor consumers.

According to the indictment, Verne lied again, falsely claiming he was putting more than $2 million of his own money into Ownable. The government says he didnt.

Verne sold Ownable stakes to investors but used much of the money for his own personal purposes  Shore house renovations, private-jet rides, political and charitable contributions, country club payments, his daughters bat mitzvah celebration, and debts unrelated to the company.

Verne ended up borrowing money from his employees to keep the business going, according to the indictment.

Verne is also accused of fraudulently pocketing money he raised for other businesses.

Besides securities frauds and wire frauds, Verne was charged with aggravated identity theft by impersonating one of his employees to raise money for Ownable, which Verne kept.

He is charged with retaliating against, and with threatening and trying to corruptly persuade, that same employee and their spouse, to keep them from testifying to the grand jury.
Justin Mohn, seen here in a YouTube video he posted in January in which he displayed his father's severed head, wrote multiple letters to lawyers and government officials in which he claimed to be the Messiah and rightful king of the United States. Read more

Months after prosecutors say Justin Mohn decapitated his father and posted a video of his severed head on YouTube, he told a psychologist that he was the Messiah, sent by God to save America from Satanists and communists.

Mohn, 32, also said the federal government was conspiring to kill him, according to John Markey, a psychologist hired by Mohns lawyer to evaluate his mental state after he was charged with murder in connection with his fathers death.

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Prosecutors say Mohn shot his father with a 9 mm pistol in the Levittown home they shared and then cut off his head with a kitchen knife. He then took to YouTube to publicize the crime and rail against the federal government in a video that went viral.

On Thursday, at a hearing to determine whether Mohn was competent to stand trial for first-degree murder, Markey said Mohns excited rhetoric, filled with religious and political imagery, was a clear sign of a delusional disorder. He said Mohn believed the irrational things he was saying and was incapable of participating in his own defense.

But Bucks County Court Judge Stephen Corr ruled that Mohn was competent to stand trial, and he will face a preliminary hearing Aug. 22.

Corr said Mohn displayed a rational, factual understanding of the [court] proceedings and understood the charges against him and their potential penalties. The judge also agreed with prosecutors that Mohn, in filing a handwritten motion seeking to replace his lawyer, Joseph Haag, was willing and able to participate in his defense, just not with Haag.

A psychologist hired by prosecutors to evaluate Mohn said he suffered from depressive and anxiety disorders. But she said that in regular meetings with social workers and psychiatrists at the county jail, he displayed none of the delusional behavior Markey had described.

Kelly Chamberlain, the psychologist hired by the DAs Office, acknowledged that some of Mohns rhetoric was extreme, but said he had an active interest in the defense of his criminal case.

Mohn seemed alert and animated throughout the hours-long hearing Thursday, smiling and greeting his attorney and other courthouse staff. He shook his head and grinned as the two psychologists described the conversations they had with him at the county jail.

Prosecutors contend that he was in a clear state of mind when he planned and carried out the murder of his father, Michael, and bought the gun he used to kill him the day before the crime.

Hours before police in Middletown Township were called to the bloody scene, Mohn posted a graphic video to YouTube in which he displayed his fathers severed head, called the retired civil engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers a traitor, and denounced the federal government.

Authorities later tracked Mohns cell phone to the National Guard Training Center in Fort Indiantown Gap, more than 100 miles from his home. Mohn hoped to mobilize troops at the base against the government, according to prosecutors.

Investigators found him carrying a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, the gun used to kill his father, and a USB drive that contained pictures of federal buildings and directions on how to build an improvised explosive device.

While in prison, Mohn wrote letters to Russian diplomats that he intended for President Vladimir Putin, asking for political asylum and apologizing for what he described as an earlier attempt to overthrow the Putin regime, according to testimony Thursday. He sent another letter to Gov. Josh Shapiro, seeking a preemptive pardon if he was convicted of first-degree murder.
Philadelphia Police Officer Giovanni Maysonet (in Phillies cap) is escorted out of Penn Presbyterian Medical Center on March 14, 2023, as members of the Philadelphia Police Department line up outside. Read more

A 46-year-old man who pleaded guilty to shooting Philadelphia Police Officer Giovanni Maysonet last year was sentenced to 22 to 44 years in prison Friday, prosecutors said.

Eric D. Haynes, of Darby, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and related offenses in December before Common Pleas Court Judge Diana L. Anhalt who sentenced him.

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This is just one more reminder of the danger that Philadelphia police officers suffer, the danger that they endure, the potential for harm that they can suffer at any time, District Attorney Larry Krasner said at a news conference.

If we are going to have evenhanded justice, then we are, in an evenhanded way, going to have to make sure that anyone whos going to take a shot at a police officer is going to have the appropriate, just and very substantial consequence of the type that we are seeing right here, Krasner said.

Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Hojnowski, assistant supervisor of the Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Unit in the District Attorneys Office, said Maysonet appeared in court and gave a victim-impact statement.

Alison Neveil, the prosecutor in the case, was unavailable for the news briefing, but Hojnowski said it was his understanding that Maysonet was okay with the sentence that was handed down.

The Defenders Association of Philadelphia, which represented Haynes, could not be reached for comment.

Maysonet was shot Feb. 8, 2023, on the 200 block of North 60th Street in West Philadelphia after he and his partner, Officer Mychal Couch, pulled over a Lexus because of a suspected violation involving window tinting.

Maysonet walked up to the passenger-side door while Couch approached the drivers side. Haynes, who reportedly was acting very nervous and agitated, was removed from the Lexus on the passenger side by Maysonet, Hojnowski said.

Haynes had a gun in his hoodie pocket and fired two times at Maysonet.

One bullet struck Maysonets bulletproof vest, but the other hit the officer in the abdomen just below his vest.

Couch returned fire and then rushed Maysonet to the hospital. Haynes, who was not shot, ran away but was arrested later that day.

Ernest Reid, who was driving the Lexus, took off in the car but also was arrested later that day and charged with obstruction and tampering with evidence.

Reid died in January after being hospitalized for a medical incident while he was incarcerated and awaiting trial, the Metro reported.

Maysonet, who was hospitalized for about a month and required several surgeries, is still recovering and has not returned to work, Hojnowski and Krasner said.

Roosevelt Poplar, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said in a statement Friday:

We are thankful and humbled by officer Giovanni Maysonets bravery and courage. While on the job, Maysonet performed his duties with professionalism and integrity.

Prayers by the FOP and the police department continue for his full recovery, Poplar said.
Dormitories at the Glen Mills School, which was closed in 2019 after Inquirer reporting on decades of abuse against boys sent to the program. Read more

The Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Department of Human Services have agreed to pay $450,000 to settle a case brought by former students of the Glen Mills Schools, which closed in 2019 after an Inquirer investigation revealed decades of violence against boys sent to the reform school in Delaware County.

In a settlement agreement finalized Tuesday, the education department also agreed to new procedures for monitoring schools and residential programs like Glen Mills that serve children placed by courts or child welfare agencies.

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The Office of Program Monitoring and Accountability  which the department agreed to maintain through at least Jan. 17, 2027  will be directed to create a process for people to submit complaints about the schools. It will also create procedures for the department to collect data about the schools, and monitor them  with circumstances listed in the agreement that could trigger unannounced site visits.

The agreement does not address additional responsibilities for the human services department, which licenses and regulates the residential facilities, though the education department will have to periodically consult with a DHS liaison.

Both state agencies have a duty to the children in their care, to ensure theyre not only safe, but receiving the services they desperately need, said Maura McInerney, legal director of the Education Law Center, which is representing the plaintiffs. The lawsuit is still ongoing against Glen Mills and former staff.

McInerney declined to comment on the settlement agreement, beyond an agreed-upon statement acknowledging the settlement without providing additional details.

But the issue is broader than Glen Mills, said McInerney and Marsha Levick, chief legal officer of the Juvenile Law Center, which is also representing the plaintiffs.

Noting lawsuits filed this week by nearly 70 people alleging they were sexually abused by staff at juvenile placement facilities across Pennsylvania, Levick said, We continue to be living in a moment where children remain unsafe in many facilities that are regulated at the state level.

Oversight was bare-bones at best

Once the nations oldest reform school, Glen Mills was shut down in 2019 following an Inquirer investigation that detailed how for years, boys sent to the school had been beaten, then coerced into remaining silent about the abuse. Staffers threatened boys with longer placements if they spoke out, and hid children until their bruises disappeared, The Inquirer reported.

In a subsequent investigation that year, The Inquirer reported that Pennsylvanias oversight of privately run juvenile programs like Glen Mills has been bare-bones at best and negligent at worst, with complaints about physical violence in the programs largely ignored by the Department of Human Services.

A DHS spokesperson said Thursday that the department takes seriously its responsibility to protect and advance the health and safety of children at licensed facilities by ensuring that any service provider meets the requirements necessary for the safety and well-being of those in their care.

The department wants to see a strong array of services available for our children in Pennsylvania, and we are working to expand the number of beds available to our young people so we can help them get the support they need and put them on a path to success, said the spokesperson, Brandon Cwalina. He said the agreement reached this week speaks for itself.

Details of the settlement

The agreement follows a $3 million settlement reached last year with the Chester County Intermediate Unit, which had a contract with Glen Mills to educate children at the school. About 500 former students received a share of that money, including for compensatory education services.

The latest agreement applies specifically to three plaintiffs, whose full names are not included in public court documents; each suffered and witnessed severe physical abuse at Glen Mills, according to the lawsuit. The suit also describes inadequate educational services provided to the students while at Glen Mills.

Under the agreement, DHS will pay $185,000, with $55,000 to each of the plaintiffs, and $20,000 to the Juvenile Law Center.

The Department of Education will pay $240,240 into a compensatory education fund for the plaintiffs  with each plaintiffs award ranging from about $71,000 to $85,000  and another $25,000 to the Education Law Center.

As part of the new monitoring office, the education department will issue a public report annually with some of the collected data, including the nature of complaints received regarding on-grounds schools and on-grounds educational programs, according to the agreement.

A spokesperson for the department did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

A lawyer for Glen Mills, Joe McHale, said that the school had no information related to the settlement and is not able to comment.

Since its 2019 closure, Glen Mills has reopened under a new entity called the Clock Tower Schools, run by a longtime Glen Mills executive. The facility, licensed by DHS in 2023, is open and currently serving a small number of youths, said Jeff Jubelirer, a Clock Tower spokesperson.
Holy Family Child Care Center, in Manayunk, is closing Sept. 2 because of finances, the church sponsoring the center said. Read more

Dozens of Philadelphia families were blindsided this week when a childcare center run by a Manayunk Catholic church announced it would close before Labor Day because of money issues.

Holy Family Child Care, Monsignor Patrick E. Sweeney said to parents and employees in a letter, will close because it gets down to a financial decision for the sake of the larger institution. We need to make use of our resources to sponsor the mission of the church. We have few options to pay for our operating expenses, but to raise money.

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The building that now houses the childcare center, on Fountain Street near the main church, will be rented for general purposes, Sweeney wrote. In a meeting with families held Tuesday night, a church staffer said no tenant has yet been found.

The decision to close blindsided families  and staff, including director Ariel Presley, who had grown the program by leaps and bounds in the two years since she took over the center, which cares for children as young as 6 weeks old.

When Presley started working there in 2022, the school was caring for just 10 children; it now has 50, and before the shutdown announcement, had registered even more to begin later this month through next spring. Holy Family also had a waiting list of 25.

The schools collapse lays bare an industry in crisis  operating margins for early childhood centers are difficult, and the combination of rising costs and understaffing often force families scrambling for scarce spots.

Presley said when Sweeney summoned her and her assistant director to his office on Monday at noon, he said the childcare center had been ordered to close by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It was running a $160,000 deficit, Presley said Sweeney told her. Holy Family wouldnt open after Labor Day, he said. The centers 17 staff will receive two weeks severance, but only if they stay through the last day of operation.

He said, Ariel, if you choose not to stay until Sept. 2, we have to close the doors. I said, I would never do that to my families. People love coming here. Babies are happy, they dont want to leave. I will not turn my back on them, said Presley.

People at the church meeting also said officials indicated the closure was dictated by the archdiocese.

But Ken Gavin, a spokesperson for the archdiocese, said the decision was made by the pastor, Monsignor Patrick Sweeney, and not by the archdiocese.

It feels like the Hunger Games

Families have alternated between heartbreak and fury. Sean Carr, whose 1-year-old daughter, Grace, has attended Holy Family since she was 3 months old, has cycled through both, he said.

Carr has watched Grace flourish as she develops linguistically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically at Holy Family, which exceeds the highest standards of early childhood learning, he said. He was so perplexed by the abrupt closure announcement that he wrote to Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson J. Perez to appeal the decision.

Carr, a school administrator and lifelong Catholic himself, told Perez he understands the need to make tough financial decisions.

But, he wrote, seemingly no effort was made to increase tuition rates, fundraise, or identify other sources of revenue that could support the continued operation of our beloved school ... it seems as if those who made the decision to close the school were simply focused on short-term financial implications rather than the long-term impact on the school and parish community.

Katlyn Harrison, Carrs wife and Graces mother, emphasized how disruptive a closure with one months notice was for families. Carr and Harrison have made calls and scheduled tours to find a new center for Grace, but it feels like the Hunger Games for the remaining day care spots, she said.

The closure also upended Irene Contreras Reyes world, she said.

My baby learned how to crawl, how to walk, how to talk at Holy Family, said Contreras Reyes. The closure news was a shock, and sent her into a panic because we dont have a lot of day care options in Manayunk, she said  she reserved her sons spot on the Holy Family waitlist while she was newly pregnant with him.

Contreras Reyes and her husband havent found alternative placement for their son yet, despite reaching out to 13 different places. One center said they had a two-year waitlist, and another, which shes touring, costs more than my mortgage payment per month.

Contreras Reyes is also furious at the way things went down  when the parish knew the finances were dire, why didnt they call on the strong community the center had built to help brainstorm via fundraising or tuition increase?

This was the worst management that Ive ever seen, she said. Its devastating, but we are hoping to reach an agreement with the church, the archdiocese. We need responses.
Eric Fair, a certified peer specialist for The Consortium, places a flyer on a car in Kingsessing in July 2023. Read more

Philadelphia has terminated its $3.8 million contract with mental health services provider The Consortium Inc., funding that allowed the group to work with 2,500 city residents with limited ability to pay.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration took the step last month after The Consortium, which is based in West Philadelphia, let its nonprofit status lapse and amid allegations that it submitted financial audits to the city with a fraudulent letter claiming they were from an accounting firm, according to a July 18 notice from the city, first reported by Axios.

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City Solicitor Renee Garcia said that these problems reflect a pattern of governance issues and financial mismanagement at The Consortium, and that renewing the contract poses a risk to the Citys operations and more importantly to vulnerable residents receiving mental health services.

The Consortium has provided mental health, substance use disorder, and intellectual treatment for youths and adults under various contracts with the city for over five decades. It also provides mobile crisis unit coverage for West and Southwest Philadelphia.

John White Jr., president and CEO of The Consortium, said his organization is attempting to get the administration to reverse the decision. He blamed the problems on a former employee he says didnt file the proper paperwork to maintain the agencys tax-exempt status, a condition of its contract with the citys Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services.

The same employee was responsible for the problematic audits submitted to the city, White said.

The organization has since regained its status from the IRS and is working to provide new financial audits for 2022 and 2023. It already provided the city an authorized audit for 2021, White said.

We identified a problem, we fixed the problem, he said.

The Consortium will continue to receive city funds until the end of the year, to give the city time to find a new provider and to provide a transition period for patients.

The City will work swiftly with the Consortium for a smooth transition since Philadelphians mental health is a top priority for the Parker Administration, a city spokesperson said in a statement.

Mobile crisis

The Consortium has benefited from a high profile in Philadelphia. When Biden administration officials launched a national mental health lifeline  988  in the summer of 2022, they came to Philadelphia for an event at The Consortiums headquarters.

The West Philadelphia organization was thrust into the news two years prior, after two Philadelphia police officers shot and killed Walter Wallace Jr., a 27-year-old who was undergoing a mental health crisis. Wallace was a patient at The Consortium and received care there just days before his death a few blocks away.

Despite being so near, and despite three 911 calls saying Wallace was in crisis, no one contacted The Consortium. The incident exemplified for some in city government the need for a more robust behavioral health response in addition to, or instead of, police response.

Following the incident, the city invested more funds into mobile crisis units. The Consortium is the mobile crisis provider that covers West Philadelphia.

The biggest chunk of the funding that The Consortium receives annually from the city  about $1.5 million  funds mobile crisis response, the organization said. They were dispatched about 1,200 times last year in West Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, and other parts of the city in 2023.

Last week, The Consortium launched a Change.org petition urging the Parker administration to reverse course. It has garnered more than 1,100 signatures.

My hope is that the city will see what theyll be losing, White said.
Medical themed cookies at a Match Day celebration at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia on Friday, March 17, 2023. On Thursday, Temple announced it was opening a second regional campus for its medical school in Central Pa., which will enroll its first class in 2027. Read more

Temple University announced Thursday that it is opening a regional campus for its medical school in York County, roughly 100 miles west of Philadelphia.

The campus will become Temple Medical Schools second regional campus, along with St. Lukes University Health Network campus in Bethlehem and its main Health Sciences Center campus in North Philadelphia. Temple has a total of 880 medical students.

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The York campus will be run in partnership with WellSpan Health, a health provider with more than 250 patient care facilities and nine hospitals in central Pa. and northern Maryland. The proposed campus will be located in East York, in a building currently used for WellSpan administration.

The university said it expects to enroll 40 students in its first class, which will begin in August 2027 and graduate in May 2031. The central Pa. campus will employ more than 100 faculty at Temples Lewis Katz School of Medicine.

As part of their clinical training, students will work with WellSpan physicians and staff at WellSpan York Hospital, as well as other hospitals and ambulatory sites operated by WellSpan.

The collaboration between Temple and WellSpan will provide our medical students with unparalleled opportunities to learn and grow, Amy J. Goldberg, dean of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, said in a statement. Together, we will advance medical education and improve health outcomes for communities across the region.

Temple University has a strong national reputation for its educational programs, and were excited to work with such a prestigious institution knowing how it will benefit our patients, Anthony Aquilina, executive vice president and chief physician executive at WellSpan Health, said in a statement.
Izzy Muldowney found her 2020 Toyota Corolla with the window smashed and wheels stolen on the morning of January 3rd. Read more

A few days after New Years, Izzy Muldowney walked out of her North Philadelphia apartment to a nasty shock. Someone had stolen the wheels off her car.

All four tires and the rims on her 2020 Toyota Corolla were gone, and the car, with its front window smashed, and the glove box hanging open, sat atop a pair of blue and yellow soda crates.

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I just broke down and cried, trying to process everything, Muldowney said.

The early January theft presaged a busy year for wheel thieves in Philadelphia. It was one of more than 200 such incidents across the city in the first seven months of the year, according to data from the Philadelphia Police Department.

The city has seen a 53% increase in wheel thefts from the same time last year, and more than in all of 2022. Over the last two years, wheel and tire thefts are on pace to more than double.

The thefts are concentrated mostly in four neighborhoods, with more than half of the crimes occurring in Fishtown, Fairmount, Passyunk Square, and Mayfair.

People have been swapping stories online about the thefts, which often follow a pattern: thieves smash a window, take the wheel lock, and then steal the rims and tires before leaving the car balanced on crates. Neighbors shared photos of their cars in Facebook groups, advised each other on how to file insurance claims, and complained of slow police response times.

In Muldowneys case, the theft cost $5,500. It turned out that towing a car without wheels is difficult, she said, and the tow company ended up dragging the car to a repair shop, damaging the undercarriage. She had to wait several weeks for repairs because the wheels were on back-order  the mechanic told her there was high demand for replacement because of frequent theft. Insurance paid for most of the damage, but still, she said, the experience was a costly hassle that has left her nervously checking her car every time she steps outside.

Matthew Haubenstein, an automobile adjuster at 360 Collision Services in Port Richmond, said the shop has handled five to 10 cases of stolen wheels every week for months.

Many of the cars had been left on plastic crates, he said, pointing to a stack of more than a dozen soda crates lined up in a shed in the shop.

Thieves almost always target newer Hondas or Toyotas, he said, because of the quality of the rims.

Anything that looks nice, they will take, he said.

A set of rims and tires can be resold for between $1,000 and $1,500, and there is a market for high-quality rims online, said Michael Torres, another auto adjuster at the shop.

Police recommended installing wheel locks, specialized lug nuts that require a key  rather than an ordinary wrench  to remove, saying they may prevent wheel theft.

To stave off such thefts, Torres and Haubesnstein recommend that car owners take their wheel lock keys out of their vehicles after driving, calling it the best antitheft measure. If thieves cant find a key, they often move on to easier targets, they said.

Cars with stolen wheels almost always end up with damage to the suspension, bumper, and exhaust pipes, Haubenstein said, because tow trucks have to drag the vehicles into a shop for repair. And there are often delays in ordering tires and rims. Insurance will pay for the repairs, but vehicle owners must cover the deductible and spend days or weeks without a car.

These criminals dont care about who it is, but these grandmoms who get $600 a month for Social Security, got to pay their $1,000 deductibles, with no car on top of that, because the wheels are on back-order, Torres said.
Vice President Kamala Harris has a clear campaign event schedule this weekend ahead of a busy week next week, while former president Donald Trump has one Southern rally on the docket Saturday.

Harris, who obtained enough votes from Democratic delegates to secure the partys nomination Friday, has no campaign events publicly scheduled this weekend. But starting Tuesday in Philadelphia, she will kick off a seven-state tour with her as-yet-unannounced vice presidential nominee in tow.

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The Philadelphia stop is scheduled to take place at the Liacouras Center at Temple University, and marks Harris first appearance in Philadelphia since beginning her presidential campaign. Harris rally is also the Liacouras Centers second time this summer hosting a presidential rally, with Trump having stopped there back in June.

Harris Philly visit is scheduled to be her first with her running mate, whoever it may be. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is among the front-runners for the nomination, but has so far remained mum about his interest in the job when asked about it by reporters.

Following her stop in Philly, Harris is scheduled to embark in a multi-state tour, with appearances throughout the week in Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, the White House said.

Trump and his running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, have one campaign rally scheduled Saturday in Atlanta, where Harris held a rally earlier this week. That event is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

The pair has one other rally scheduled, according to the Trump campaigns website as of Friday afternoon. That event is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9, in Bozeman, Mont.
Gov. Josh Shapiro during a visit to Cheyney University in Delaware County on Friday. He visited the university to sign a bill related to higher education, but he faced questions about his prospects as a vice presidential candidate. Read more

When Vice President Kamala Harris appears for the first time with her running mate in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said he hopes and plans to be in attendance.

But its still unclear what his role will be at that event.

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Shapiro, a finalist to be Harris running mate, again on Friday declined to comment on whether he had participated in the vetting process or whether he had plans to meet with Harris this weekend. He has consistently dodged the questions about whether he wants the job, adding that its a deeply personal decision for Harris.

Harris will host a rally at Temple Universitys Liacouras Center on Tuesday with her new vice presidential candidate, before kicking off a swing state tour across the country.

Shapiro answered questions about Harris running mate selection as he appeared Friday at a bill signing at Cheyney University for higher education initiatives aimed at improving the affordability of college for in-state and out-of-state students. Such events usually draw a small gaggle of reporters, but there were more than a dozen cameras from national TV networks, all hoping to catch Shapiro. A throng of reporters shouted questions over one another.

Shapiro even joked that he wished someone would ask him about the new higher education programs, or about Cheyney, the nations first historically Black university.

Harris is a graduate of Howard University, another historically Black university.

Harris will meet with the finalists this weekend to make her final decision, according to news reports. Shapiro canceled his planned fundraisers in the Hamptons this weekend. (Other contenders to be Harris running mate reportedly canceled weekend plans as well.)

When asked about what hed be doing instead, Shapiro laughed and said Yall think Im going to tell you what Im doing? Come on.

Although Shapiro declined to speculate on Harris upcoming decision, he continued his low-key audition for the second spot by taking swings at former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance.

First, Shapiro condemned Trumps comments about Harris racial identity, in which Trump claimed this week that Harris had all of a sudden decided to be Black, because she also has South Asian heritage. His comments have been widely rejected.

Its offensive, and it is more of the same for Donald Trump, Shapiro said. He attacks other people based on what they look like, or who they pray to ... He tries to divide Americans.

Shapiro also responded to remarks from Vance, who described Shapiro in a podcast interview as, like if I try to do a really bad impression of Barack Obama, thats what it would sound like.

Shapiro also called Vance a phony baloney who doesnt know what he stands for.

That is why it is impossible for him to articulate a coherent message to the American people, Shapiro said. It is clear that Donald Trump has buyers remorse with his pick.

The governor added: If he wants to sling insults in my direction  which Im not sure is even an insult  let him do it. Thats fine. Bring it on.

Obama, Shapiro said, is probably one of our most gifted orators of my time.

Shapiro also responded to a 1993 column he wrote for his college newspaper, in which he argued that peace will never come to the Middle East, and that it no longer represents his beliefs.

In the column headlined Peace not possible, which The Inquirer uncovered and reported on Friday, the then-20-year-old Shapiro argued that Palestinians are too battle-minded to coexist with Israel and a two state-solution was unlikely.

[Thats] something I wrote when I was 20. I was 20, Shapiro said. I have said for years, years before Oct. 7, that I favor a two-state solution. Israelis and Palestinians living peacefully side-by-side, being able to determine their own futures and their own destiny.

At an unrelated event Friday, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) added his voice to the chorus Pennsylvania Democrats who are pushing for Shapiro to get the vice presidential nomination. He said Shapiro is ready to take the job as Harris vice president, adding that the governor is a great communicator who knows how to lead major initiatives in a big state.

I think Josh is prepared right now not only to do the work of a candidate for vice president, but most importantly, I think hes prepared to do the job that he and Kamala Harris would be elected in, said Casey, who is up for reelection in November.

Im obviously very biased in favor of Josh, Casey added.

Staff writer Hannah Nguyen contributed reporting.
Gov. Josh Shapiro appeared at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Wissahickon High School earlier this week in his home county of Montgomery. Read more

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro wrote in his college newspaper in 1993 that peace will never come to the Middle East and expressed skepticism about the viability of a two-state solution, describing Palestinians as too battle-minded to coexist with Israel.

Those decades-old views stand in contrast to Shapiros positions today  he supports a two-state solution in the region  as hes being vetted to be the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

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In the opinion article, titled Peace not possible, Shapiro, then a 20-year-old student at the University of Rochester, argued that a negotiated accord between Israeli and Palestinian leaders would not end conflict in the region, writing: Using history as precedent, peace between Arabs and Israelis is virtually impossible and will never come.

He described the Arab world as fractious, and wrote that the then-Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was in danger of being assassinated by his fellow belligerent Arabs.

Palestinians will not coexist peacefully, Shapiro wrote. They do not have the capabilities to establish their own homeland and make it successful even with the aid of Israel and the United States. They are too battle-minded to be able to establish a peaceful homeland of their own.

The op-ed was published in the Campus Times, the student newspaper at the university where Shapiro was once the student body president. An Inquirer reporter accessed the article this week in the newspapers archives, which are maintained by the schools library system.

The governor is on the short list to be Vice President Kamala Harris running mate  a decision she is expected to make in the coming days  and if elected Shapiro would be the nations first Jewish vice president.

Manuel Bonder, a spokesperson for Shapiro, said in a statement that the governors position has changed over the last three decades and noted his support for a two-state solution.

Governor Shapiro has built close, meaningful, informative relationships with many Muslim-American, Arab-American, Palestinian Christian, and Jewish community leaders all across Pennsylvania, Bonder said. The governor greatly values their perspectives and the experiences he has learned from over the years  and as a result, as with many issues, his views on the Middle East have evolved into the position he holds today.

In remarks to reporters Friday, Shapiro reiterated that the column does not represent his beliefs today.

I was 20, he said at an unrelated news conference in Delaware County. I have said for years, years before October 7, that I favor a two-state solution  Israelis and Palestinians living peacefully side-by-side, being able to determine their own futures and their own destiny.

 READ MORE: Would Josh Shapiros stances on Israel help or hurt Kamala Harris ticket?

As Shapiro has emerged as one of the front-runners for the vice presidential nomination, some pro-Palestine groups have opposed him, citing his views on the war in Gaza. He has been a steadfast supporter of Israel, condemning protests in December outside an Israeli-owned falafel restaurant as antisemitic and calling for police in May to end a protest encampment at the University of Pennsylvania.

Shapiro has also been deeply critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he has described as a dangerous and destructive force and one of the worst leaders of all time. In remarks to reporters last week, he said widespread suffering in Gaza is unacceptable, and has advocated for a two-state solution.

Im someone who has always been hopeful that peace would come to the Middle East, Shapiro said.

Several prominent Democrats have in recent days denounced some of the opposition to Shapiro as antisemitic. The governors stances on the conflict are generally in line with those of Harris and with other Democrats in contention for the vice presidential nomination.

Singling him out, or applying a double standard to him over the war in Gaza, is antisemitic and wrong, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D., Calif.), a candidate for U.S. Senate who is Jewish.

Shapiro wrote the college newspaper op-ed in September 1993, days after the first Oslo Accord was signed and outlined a potential pathway to end conflict in the region. His piece came just after the famous handshake between Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Arafat, chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, on the White House lawn as President Bill Clinton looked on.

In the article, Shapiro said Arafat was an egotistical, power-hungry tyrant who is in danger of being assassinated by his fellow belligerent Arabs because he does not represent the majority opinion.

He continued, writing that the only way a peace plan will be successful is if the Palestinians do not ruin it.

I find it impractical to believe that factions of Arabs can miraculously unite in peace as Palestinians, so they can coexist with Israel, he wrote.

Shapiro concluded, writing, Despite my skepticism as a Jew and a past volunteer in the Israeli army, I strongly hope and pray that this peace plan will be successful. History is not made by diplomatic handshakes between two political leaders but rather when two age-old foes can have the courage to stop hating, begin healing and exist in peace and tranquility.

Bonder, Shapiros spokesperson, said Shapiro never engaged in military activities. He said Shapiro completed a program in high school that included a variety of service projects in Israel, including on an Israeli army base. He also worked on a farm and at a fishery in a kibbutz, Bonder said.

Khalil Jahshan, executive director of The Arab Center Washington D.C., a nonpartisan think tank, said Shapiros views expressed in the article would have been considered right wing at the time, and that the prevailing sentiment then was excitement about the possibility of a two-state solution.

He said the language used smacks of intolerance and a bit of racism.

I dont believe in litmus tests, Jahshan said, acknowledging that the article is three decades old. But at the same time, it is his own words ... His name is on it. He has to assume responsibility for it. If he is indeed, as everybody knows, espousing different ideas, then its his responsibility to explain that.

The Oslo Accords, reached after years of armed conflict, were deeply controversial through the nineties  both in the Middle East and the United States  and did not bring lasting peace.

The first accord was a declaration of principles that was secretly negotiated in Norway and outlined a path to a two-state solution. Under the terms of the mutual recognition agreement, Arafat renounced terrorism and violence against Israel, and Rabin pledged to initiate a withdrawal from Gaza and part of the West Bank.

Clinton at the time hailed the accord as historic, thanking Rabin and Arafat for their tenacity and vision and vowing in a speech that the United States would assist in marshaling the resources necessary to implement the difficult details that will make real the principles to which you commit yourselves today.

Polls conducted in 1993 showed a majority of Jewish Americans were hopeful at the time that the accord would lead to an end to conflict in the region, but were still skeptical.

More than 8 in 10 respondents to an American Jewish Committee survey said they supported the Israeli governments handling of the secret negotiations, and 57% supported establishing a Palestinian state. Only a third thought the PLO could be relied on to refrain from terrorist attacks against Israel.

The full op-ed can be found here.

Staff writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed to this article.

This story was updated to include a comment from Shapiros spokesperson regarding his volunteering work on an Israeli army base.
Gov. Josh Shapiro (right) is greeted by Ryan Boyer, business manager of the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council, before start of a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris last week. Boyer and others also used the opportunity to tout Shapiro as a pick for Harris' running mate. Read more

The branding on Gov. Josh Shapiros political emails changed last week, from Shapiro for Governor to Governor Shapiro, with an image of an American flag.

It was a subtle but telling change. Shapiro wasnt running for governor anymore.

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Shapiro, a front-runner to be Vice President Kamala Harris running mate, has navigated the last two weeks with a cool but strategic demeanor as he delivers an under-the-radar  but also very public  audition for the No. 2 spot on the Democratic ticket in November.

As the other could-be running mates became frequent guests on cable news, Shapiro stayed away from the cable TV circuit and continued with his often mundane day-to-day travel that comes with being a governor, under a much brighter spotlight.

He also hit the campaign trail, attending three rallies in four days for Harris and speaking with the crushes of reporters who showed up to his governors office events. He took every question, but avoided direct discussion of the veepstakes, simply praising Harris and repeating that he didnt want to put undue pressure on her extremely personal decision.

As the announcement nears, Shapiros last week in the spotlight has illustrated his careful but purposeful messaging style. It also previewed how he might stump across the country, if selected, and showcased the fans he already has and the progressive critics who could challenge him.

Hes handled it perfectly, said Philadelphia Democratic Party chair Bob Brady, who has been openly campaigning for Shapiro to get the position. The way hes acting now is the way a vice president should act because theres a little hit on him that he could try to upstage her, hes acting perfectly, showing its not about him.

Shapiro met on Wednesday with Harris campaign as part of the vetting process, according to two sources familiar with the process. And speculation swirled that he could be her choice, first when Harris campaign announced she would debut her running mate in Philadelphia and then when Shapiro canceled planned weekend events.

But Harris campaign has not provided any insight into the decision, and others  including Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear  reportedly were also vetted.

I want a future where I can look the 47th president of the United States in the eye and say, Hello, Madam President, Shapiro said to a raucous crowd in his home county at a Harris campaign event earlier this week. He also made a number of jabs at former President Donald Trump.

How Shapiro became a VP contender

Shapiros name had already entered the conversation about possible running mates  and, previously as a longshot top-of-the-ticket replacement  weeks before it was clear that President Joe Biden would drop out of the race. Bidens decision sent the conversation about Shapiro into overdrive.

Hours after Bidens announcement, Brady began publicly pushing for Shapiro to be Harris running mate. A cascade of endorsements followed, from state House Speaker Joanna McClinton, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, labor leaders, and others. Shapiro could have said at any moment he did not want to be considered, or asked his longtime friends to stop pitching him publicly. But he didnt.

Hes said, You dont have to do that, Brady said of all the promotional work. But when I do it, he dont kick me.

But critics started weighing in as well. A group of pro-Palestinian voters wrote an open letter opposing Shapiro as a vice presidential pick because of his ardent defense of Israel. Some of Shapiros supporters rushed to his defense, arguing he was being unfairly targeted because he is Jewish.

Pushing back against criticism

When another line of criticism came in  this time over Shapiros past support for school vouchers  his staff started doing some damage control.

In a July 24 letter from more than two dozen education advocacy groups from across the country, the groups urged Harris not to pick Shapiro due to his openness to school vouchers.

We respectfully ask you not to select Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who has supported education policies mirroring Project 2025, the letter states, referring to conservative policy proposals for a second term under Trump and spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation.

It was not a coincidence that another letter came out the following day defending Shapiro, with signatures of more than 50 labor leaders, including from two Pennsylvania teachers unions. Representatives of two unions that signed the letter and another one that was asked but declined to sign on said Shapiros top aides had asked them to join the letter.

Governor Shapiro shows up every day to stand alongside us in the fight for that vision, and through tumult, we remain united by our shared interest in championing working people and investing in workers, families, and communities, the letter read.

On social media, Shapiros account touted his record on education, which includes increases to public school funding and expanding free school breakfast, mental health services, and special education programming.

For two years in a row, we worked across the aisle to deliver historic funding for our K-12 public schools, he wrote.

The looming decision

With an announcement coming any day now  at the latest on Tuesday, when Harris plans to appear for the first time with her running mate on a stage in Philadelphia  both Shapiros supporters and detractors are waiting to see if hell catapult into the national spotlight and join the ticket.

Selecting him at this moment would give the GOP much joy and, even more importantly, send a terrible message to the young, progressive, and working-class voters that VP Harris will need to win this election, said Claire Gawinowicz, a Democratic organizer in Montgomery County, who doesnt want to see Shapiro become the pick.

As hes absorbed an avalanche of national attention, Shapiros presented as unfazed. His supporters say thats partly because he came into the running mate race well defined, without much in his power to affect a decision. Hes already shown his campaigning chops in a number of moments on the national stage and as a top surrogate for Bidens campaign. In recent days he got even more attention stumping for Harris with a real-talk, style (curse words included) that some pundits compared to Barack Obamas delivery.

If you think of it as a portfolio when youre applying for a job, Josh has the portfolio, said Gianni Hill, a DNC delegate and adviser to the Philadelphia Democratic Party. A lot of the other contenders have been scrambling to put their portfolio together.

Larry Ceisler, a public affairs consultant who has known Shapiro for a long time, said Shapiros benefit to the ticket is well known and unlikely to shift with more exposure.

The thing is, Josh doesnt have to campaign for this, Ceisler said. A Democrat is not gonna win the White House without winning Pennsylvania, and thats what he brings.

On Tuesday night, one of the biggest moments of the presidential campaign will play out on Shapiros home turf. It could be a historic, career-defining moment, or a humbling curtain call on the last two weeks.

Josh is gonna be on the stage on Tuesday, Ceisler said. The only question is: Is he gonna be the guy introducing, or the guy introduced?
Senator Bob Casey secured nearly $22.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding for Philadelphia Works, Inc. after advocating for the grant since 2022. Read more

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey expressed his support for Gov. Josh Shapiro as Kamala Harriss potential running mate, following a news conference for employment nonprofit Philadelphia Works, Inc.

Shapiro is ready to take the job, said Casey (D., Pa.), calling Shapiro a great communicator who has shown through his work as governor that he knows how to lead a big state on major initiatives.

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I think Josh is prepared right now not only to do the work of a candidate for vice president, but most importantly, I think hes prepared to do the job that he and Kamala Harris would be elected in, Casey said.

The possibility of Shapiro becoming Harris running mate may leave Pennsylvanians who voted for him concerned over the governor leaving the state. But Casey said Shapiros selection would be a wonderful opportunity for the Commonwealth and a source of pride for his supporters.

Im obviously very biased in favor of Josh, he said.

Casey also spoke about the three Americans  Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva  freed from Russia Thursday. Casey said that while he is happy about that result, Americans should maintain their focus on detainee Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania teacher who is still imprisoned in Russia.

He said he spoke with U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday and urged the administration to prioritize Fogels release.

Its important that we keep his name in the news and in front of people as a diplomat, so negotiators and others within our government continue to press for his release, Casey said.

Casey was in Philadelphia Friday to discuss securing nearly $22.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding for PhilaWorks, which will support workforce training programs and provide southeastern Pennsylvanians with jobs in industries, including health care, construction, and energy sectors. It will serve 3,000 people, said Pat Clancy, CEO of PhilaWorks.

The rescue plan is the most underestimated piece of legislation in recent American history, Casey said, adding that the grant is a direct investment at a terrible time for the country, where the COVID-19 pandemic still exists.

It was a competitive process to receive funding, Casey said, as only 32 applicants out of 509 were selected.

Were grateful to see this program operational [and] were grateful to see here in West Philadelphia, the Skills Initiative, thriving and preparing folks here in the region, the future workforce of the region, for training in careers like health care and the building trades, Casey said.

No other region in the country is better positioned to take advantage of these investments than Southeastern Pennsylvania, he added.
Five days before Donald Trump became president in January 2017, a manager at a bank branch in Cairo received an unusual letter from an organization linked to the Egyptian intelligence service. It asked the bank to kindly withdraw nearly $10 million from the organizations account  all in cash.

Inside the staterun National Bank of Egypt, employees were soon busy placing bundles of $100 bills into two large bags, according to records from the bank. Four men arrived and carried away the bags, which U.S. officials later described in sealed court filings as weighing a combined 200 pounds and containing what was then a sizable share of Egypts reserve of U.S. currency.

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Federal investigators learned of the withdrawal, which has not been previously reported, early in 2019. The discovery intensified a secret criminal investigation that had begun two years earlier with classified U.S. intelligence indicating that Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi sought to give Trump $10 million to boost his 2016 presidential campaign, a Washington Post investigation has found.

Since receiving the intelligence about Sisi, the Justice Department had been examining whether money moved from Cairo to Trump, potentially violating federal law that bans U.S. candidates from taking foreign funds. Investigators had also sought to learn if money from Sisi might have factored into Trump's decision in the final days of his run for the White House to inject his campaign with $10 million of his own money.

Those questions, at least in the view of several investigators on the case, would never be answered, The Post found.

Within months of learning of the withdrawal, prosecutors and FBI agents were blocked by top Justice Department officials from obtaining bank records they believed might hold critical evidence, according to interviews with people familiar with the case as well as documents and contemporaneous notes of the investigation. The case ground to a halt by the fall of 2019 as Trumps then-attorney general, William P. Barr, raised doubts about whether there was sufficient evidence to continue the probe of Trump.

The behindthescenes drama played out during an especially tense time for the Justice Department, with Trump accusing the agency of pursuing a politically biased witch hunt against him in its probe of Russian election interference, his appointees seeking to rein in investigators they saw as partisan, and some career supervisors growing wary of plunging the agency into yet another legal battle with the president.

Every American should be concerned about how this case ended. One of the people who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the internal dissension

Barr directed Jessie Liu, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in D.C., to personally examine the classified intelligence to evaluate if further investigation was warranted. Barr later instructed FBI Director Christopher A. Wray to impose adult supervision on FBI agents Barr described as hellbent on pursuing Trumps records, according to people familiar with the exchange. It is unclear what if any actions Wray, who was also appointed by Trump, took in response.

In June of 2020, the prosecutor Barr appointed to take over the office leading the case closed the probe, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt.

That conclusion belied the months of internal disagreements over whether investigators had been allowed to go far enough in seeking that evidence.

"Every American should be concerned about how this case ended," said one of the people who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the internal dissension. "The Justice Department is supposed to follow evidence wherever it leads  it does so all the time to determine if a crime occurred or not."

A spokesman for Trumps presidential campaign did not answer a list of questions from The Post, instead referring to this story as textbook Fake News.

The investigation referenced found no wrongdoing and was closed, spokesman Steven Cheung said by email. None of the allegations or insinuations being reported on have any basis in fact. The Washington Post is consistently played for suckers by Deep State Trump-haters and bad faith actors peddling hoaxes and shams.

An Egyptian government spokesman declined to answer detailed questions sent by The Post. It is inappropriate to comment or refer to rulings issued by the judiciary system or procedures and reports taken by Justice Departments in other countries, wrote Ayman Walash, the director of the Egyptian governments Foreign Press Center. In his email, Walash also emphasized that the Justice Department had closed the investigation without charges.

As he campaigns to return to the White House, Trump has cast himself as a victim of deep state plots that sought to undermine his presidency, often focusing his ire on the Russia probe that shadowed much of his time in office.

That investigation did not ultimately find that Trump or his campaign had conspired with Moscow. But it did conclude his team expected the campaign would benefit from Russian interference. Unbeknownst to the public, during the same period, Justice Department officials were investigating whether Trump had received help from the government of another foreign country  Egypt.

In the years since the Egypt case was closed, the Sisi regimes ambitions to influence senior U.S. government officials have been laid bare by the bribery conviction of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

 READ MORE: N.J. Sen. Bob Menendez will resign following bribery conviction

Over the course of his presidency, Trump shifted U.S. policy in ways that benefited the Egyptian leader, a man he once called "my favorite dictator." In 2018, Trump's State Department released $195 million in military aid that the United States had been withholding over human rights abuses  a move that had been opposed by his first secretary of state  followed by the release of $1.2 billion more in such assistance.

The Justice Department and the U.S. attorney's office in D.C. declined to answer detailed questions for this report. The FBI declined to answer The Post's questions or to make Wray available to comment. Barr also declined to answer detailed questions for this report, and Liu did not respond to a similar inquiry.

In an interview, Michael Sherwin, the then-acting U.S. attorney who closed the case and a veteran prosecutor of complicated national security cases, said he had previously closed some where sufficient evidence never materialized. I made the same decision here and I stand by it, Sherwin said.

This exclusive account of the Egypt investigation is based on a review of thousands of pages of government records, including sealed court filings and exhibits. The Post also interviewed more than two dozen people with knowledge of the investigation. The individuals spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive probe that ended without criminal charges. Some showed The Post emails, texts and other documents corroborating their accounts.

The investigation was shrouded in secrecy for the entirety of the more than three years the case was open, from 2017 to 2020. It surfaced obliquely in that time only once, when senior judges closed a part of the federal courthouse in D.C. to hide the identities of the parties in a hearing then described as involving a stateowned foreign corporation that was resisting a subpoena. Many observers assumed the corporation was Russian.

In the final weeks of the 2020 presidential race, after the investigation had been closed, CNN revealed that the mysterious courthouse hearing involved an Egyptian bank. The network also reported that special counsel Robert S. Mueller III had led the case, which centered on an informants tip that money had flowed through the bank to help fund Trumps campaign. CNN also reported that, in the end stages of the probe, some prosecutors proposed subpoenaing Trumps financial records, before top officials ultimately concluded that the case had reached a dead-end.

At the time, Trump spokesman Jason Miller rejected the allegation of money flowing to the campaign, saying: President Trump has never received a penny from Egypt.

 READ MORE: From 2019: Mueller report released: Recap of findings and reactions to special counsels investigation

The Post investigation reveals that investigators identified a cash withdrawal in Cairo of $9,998,000  nearly identical to the amount described in the intelligence, as well as to the amount Trump had given his campaign weeks earlier. A key theory investigators pursued, based on intelligence and on international money transfers, was that Trump was willing to provide the funds to his campaign in October 2016 because he expected to be repaid by Sisi, according to people familiar with the probe.

In pursuing the Egyptian intelligence and other lines of investigation, Muellers team looked more deeply into Trumps finances than has been previously reported. The Post found that investigators obtained bank records for some of the accounts Trump used most frequently when he was a candidate for office, and that debate inside the Justice Department centered on whether investigators could obtain additional records extending into the time Trump was president. Where some career investigators saw evidence that justified digging deeper, Barr and Liu expressed doubts.

Trump's attorney general did not order the case closed, according to multiple people with knowledge of the events, but his instructions to Liu and, later, his selections to replace her, helped steer it to that end.

Team 10

One official called it jaw dropping. In early 2017, Justice Department officials were briefed on initial reports from the Central Intelligence Agency that Sisi had sought to send money to Trump.

The intelligence had come partly from a confidential informant who had previously provided useful information, according to people familiar with the matter. Intelligence the CIA gathered in other operations corroborated parts of the individual's account, The Post learned.

Justice officials sent the case to Mueller, who had been appointed in May to investigate alleged links between Trumps campaign and Russia, based on the theory that the Egypt allegations dovetailed with possible foreign election interference. Federal election law bans foreign nationals and governments from making contributions or donations or providing any other direct or indirect financial support to candidates for political office in the United States.

Mueller organized his investigators into teams with intentionally bland code names, like Team R for Russia. The team investigating Egypt was dubbed Team 10, as in $10 million, people familiar with the investigation said.

By the early summer of 2017, prosecutors and FBI agents began sizing up the sensitive intelligence, taking stock of publicly available information and pursuing other leads.

They noticed that on Sept. 19, 2016, less than two months before Election Day, then-candidate Trump had met with Sisi on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York. The campaigns account of the closed-door meeting gave no indication that Trump had held the Egyptian leader at arms length, as U.S. officials typically had done since Sisi seized power in a military coup three years earlier and swept aside the countrys first democratically elected president. After the meeting, the campaign said Trump had told Sisi the United States would be a loyal friend to Egypt if he was elected president, and on Fox News, Trump praised him as a fantastic guy.

Investigators also viewed it as potentially meaningful that, after he assumed office, Trump quickly embraced Sisi, the people said. Breaking with U.S. policy under President Barack Obama, Trump invited the Egyptian leader to be one of his first guests at the White House and met with him again, among other Arab leaders, on his first trip abroad.

As the Mueller team got going, investigators focused on how at the time candidate Trump met with Sisi in 2016, Trump's campaign had been running low on funds. They learned through interviews with the candidate's closest advisers that they had pleaded with Trump to write a check to his campaign for a final blitz of television ads. Trump repeatedly declined  until Oct. 28, roughly five weeks after the meeting with Sisi, when he announced the $10 million infusion. In the context of the Egypt intelligence, investigators considered the amount a point of interest, people familiar with the probe said. Though the infusion was recorded in campaign finance reports as a contribution, Trump's campaign finance chairman had structured the transaction as a loan that could be repaid to Trump to convince him to approve the deal, according to FBI interview notes of a key Trump adviser.

Team 10 began looking for signs of the alleged transfer of the same amount  searching for evidence of the money either leaving Egypt or arriving with Trump.

By early 2018, according to previously unreported documents reviewed by The Post, investigators had obtained records from a handful of Trumps most heavily used bank accounts and analyzed large transfers between May and November of 2016  from before the Trump-Sisi meeting in New York until after Trump wired money to his campaign.

It was a narrower window of time than investigators wanted to scrutinize, according to people familiar with internal discussions, but Mueller generally insisted on keeping the investigation as narrow as possible and not veering into Trumps finances after he became president.

The bank records offered no evidence that Trump had taken money from Egypt, according to documents reviewed by The Post.

In analyzing the records, investigators focused on two real estate transactions that brought Trump large sums in the fall of 2016, the documents showed. One of those was the refinancing of a Las Vegas property, which the New York Times later pointed to as a possible source of the $10 million infusion to his campaign. Agents concluded both were irrelevant to the Egypt investigation, according to people briefed on the case.

Peter Carr, a Justice Department spokesman, declined to comment on behalf of the former special counsels office.

In July 2018, Muellers team subpoenaed the National Bank of Egypt. The government was searching for transactions of approximately $10 million, according to people familiar with the investigation. The demand sparked a secret court battle that would consume Team 10 for the remainder of the Mueller probe.

The attorneys who represented the bank in the subpoena fight did not respond to messages seeking comment. The bank did not respond to detailed questions. The Post pieced together the court fight using records that were later released with redactions, other documents that remain secret and interviews with people with knowledge of the case.

The legal fight, which led to the mysterious closing of part of the federal courthouse in D.C. in December of that year, wound its way to the Supreme Court as each side battled over whether the state-owned, foreign bank could be compelled to produce evidence for a domestic U.S. criminal probe. In its final plea to the high court to hear the case, the bank warned that if it had to turn over records, it would wreak havoc on American foreign policy  possibly alienating U.S. allies, undermining diplomatic efforts and inviting reciprocal treatment.

The high court denied the banks request, but still the bank did not comply. By mid-January 2019, the bank had begun accruing contempt fines of $50,000 a day imposed by Beryl Howell, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for failing to turn over the records.

By early February 2019, the bank relented and delivered almost 1,000 pages, including versions of bank documents in Arabic and English.

Those bank records contained one especially tantalizing item: A short handwritten letter dated Jan. 15, 2017, in which an organization called the Research and Studies Center asked that the bank kindly withdraw a sum of US $9,998,000 from its Heliopolis branch, located about seven miles from Cairo International Airport. According to the bank records, employees assembled the money that same day, entirely in U.S. $100 bills, put it in two large bags and kept it in the bank managers office until two men associated with the account and two others came and took away the cash.

Mueller's team gathered prosecutors and agents to brief them on the newly obtained documents. To people in the room, the withdrawal seemed to bolster the classified intelligence and validate the decision to have had Mueller's team investigate, according to people familiar with the discussions.

It wasnt a smoking gun, one of those people said, describing the thinking at the time. But it was very clear that there was so much smoke and now more smoke  there must be a fire.

Mueller, meanwhile, had been moving to close down his operation, having nearly completed his probe of alleged Russian interference. By early 2019, he had asked other federal prosecutors offices to take over his teams unfinished investigations.

The U.S. attorneys office in D.C., led by Liu, took on the Egypt probe.

Liu was well regarded among the lawyers in her office. She was a Republican who had risen through the ranks of the Justice and Treasury departments over a decade, but she later ran into headwinds with pro-Trump conservatives who would on two occasions successfully oppose her nomination for more senior positions in the government. Nearly two years into the job, Liu was being asked to oversee an investigation involving the president who had appointed her.

Important customer

Lius office took an aggressive approach at first.

Her prosecutors partnered during the handoff with Muellers team in pressuring the National Bank of Egypt to release records  asking the judge to increase the contempt fine to $300,000 a day.

Her prosecutors also pushed the bank to disclose more about the Research and Studies Center. The center had virtually no public profile, and U.S. authorities suspected it was a front for the General Intelligence Service, Egypts equivalent of the CIA, according to people with knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors argued in court that the state-run Egyptian bank must be withholding details about the withdrawal. They said that the bank had not turned over a single email about the enormous same-day transaction and that the lack of any such internal communication was unthinkable.

"It strains credulity that the Bank kept such a stockpile of U.S. dollars on hand, let alone that it was able to gather it up all in less than 24 hours," read a March 21, 2019, filing signed by Liu.

The bank argued that it had nothing else to produce. The Government is beating a dead horse over and over, wrote its U.S.-based attorneys.

The two sides also argued over whether the centers address was fake. The bank had reported conducting a site visit of its client in Cairo and finding 55 people working at the address. The U.S. government produced pictures at that address showing an apartment building.

In the back-and-forth arguments in court, the bank on April 4, 2019, filed a statement from a bank manager confirming the investigators suspicion that the Research and Studies Center had a relationship with the Egyptian General Intelligence Agency, according to an English translation of the statement. Further, he wrote, the intelligence agency was another important customer of the Heliopolis Branch.

Since seizing the presidency in 2013, Sisi has greatly expanded the powers of the GIS and increasingly relied on the spy agency to maintain his political stronghold at home as well as to press his agenda abroad. In 2018, his eldest son became the services deputy director.

Top leaders of the GIS figured prominently in the trial that led last month to the conviction of Menendez on charges of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes and acting as an unregistered agent of the Egyptian government.

According to people with knowledge of the Trump probe, investigators believed that only Sisi or a government operative acting on his orders could have arranged for the $10 million cash withdrawal. They also saw hallmarks of an international money-laundering operation in the way funds moved into and through the Research and Studies Center accounts ahead of that cash withdrawal, indications of a potential crime that may or may not have been related to an effort to help Trump.

Investigators tried to connect the dots before the dramatic withdrawal involving bags of cash. They noticed that separate transactions in China and Egypt over a 14month period suggested a possible path for the $10 million.

The Research and Studies Center opened an account at the banks Heliopolis branch in November 2015, the banks records showed. In August 2016, the center opened a second account, this time in the banks Shanghai branch. Five days after that, a company that investigators believed was tied to an Egyptian oligarch initiated a transfer of $10 million into the centers Shanghai account, records showed.

The transfer was held up, then cleared for deposit in Shanghai in December, the records showed. The same amount was transferred from that account to the centers account at the Heliopolis branch shortly before the cash withdrawal there on Jan. 15, 2017.

Three days later, the center closed its account in Shanghai. Within 90 days, its account in Heliopolis was closed, too.

The Post could not determine if the Research and Studies Center still exists. A corporate registration number listed in a 2019 bank record does not appear in searches of a government website or on a commercial database of Egyptian businesses.

For U.S. authorities, in the spring of 2019, that was where the money trail went cold. A new round of investigative steps would be necessary to see if the money ever appeared on Trumps side of the ledger.

Adult supervision

In April 2019, the FBI agents and federal prosecutors proposed a plan to drill deeper, people familiar with the investigation said.

They eyed a range of investigative targets in Egypt, such as seeking additional bank records and witness interviews. But in the FBI agents' view, the people said, there was little reason to take those steps unless they could act on the most important part of their plan: looking at a wider set of Trump's banking records.

And that part of the plan proved the most contentious.

In a series of meetings beginning that April, FBI agents and supervisors told Liu they supported a proposal to subpoena Trumps banking records, according to contemporaneous notes of the discussions. Liu had concerns about the scope, the notes say.

Investigators pressed their case with Liu. They argued that Mueller had not authorized his agents to obtain records later than November of that year. In light of the newly obtained cash withdrawal records from early 2017, the investigators argued that they needed to see what had landed in Trump's accounts after that 2017 Cairo withdrawal, according to the notes and people familiar with the case.

Finally, in June, agents seemed to have a breakthrough in a meeting with Liu. According to the notes, senior officials from the FBIs Washington Field Office told her that bureau leaders supported the effort: Full FBI chain briefed up  fully supportive of an investigation  specifically bank subpoena Trump.

Liu indicated she was open to a subpoena seeking a limited amount of additional Trump bank records, according to the notes and two of the people. The agents were pleased, the people said. As she was leaving, she told the group she would need to run the matter by Barr.

It was a logical step to take in the Justice Departments standard practice of handling major, politically sensitive cases; the attorney general would have to be briefed on any probe even tangentially touching the sitting president. But investigators worried Barr might halt the effort in its tracks, two of the people said.

Just two months earlier, Barr had preempted Muellers investigative report of the Russia probe by issuing a summary declaring that it found insufficient evidence that Trump had engaged in any crime. Barrs move allowed Trump to claim total exoneration, despite Mueller citing substantial evidence that Trump had attempted to block scrutiny of his conduct.

Sometime after her June meetings with the FBI, Liu met with Barr to discuss the Egypt case. He urged her to personally review the underlying information from the CIA that had prompted the opening of the criminal investigation two years earlier, according to people with knowledge of the discussions. The case was sensitive, Barr told her, and she needed to reach her own conclusions about the merits of further investigative steps, according to people familiar with the discussion.

Liu reviewed the intelligence and visited CIA headquarters in Langley, Va., to discuss the basis for it, those people and others said. The CIA declined to respond to a detailed list of questions sent by The Post.

Afterward, and after conferring with Barr again, Liu expressed hesitancy to FBI agents and her deputies about the proposal to subpoena Trumps bank records, according to people familiar with the case. It felt to some that she had made a 180-degree turn, these people said.

Liu was concerned, according to two people familiar with her thinking, that the investigators push for additional Trump bank records could come off as a fishing expedition. She was not won over by the new records of the 2017 withdrawal, according to the people. Egypts intelligence agency might make enormous cash withdrawals for any number of reasons, she cautioned, not necessarily to donate to an American president.

Liu also expressed concern that Muellers Egypt investigators had obtained and scrutinized numerous Trump bank records for 2016 without finding anything, and now they were asking to look for even more records from 2017.

Frustrated investigators argued to Liu that in any other case  even with far less compelling evidence  they would have been able to obtain additional bank records in a heartbeat, according to one person who spoke to The Post.

Privately, Liu told some supervisors in her office that with Trump having announced his bid for a second term, the focus on a sitting president's finances made this case different, people with knowledge of the matter said. Although investigators argued that pursuing bank records would be entirely covert, Liu said she worried the Justice Department could be accused  once again  of interfering in a presidential election.

Some career supervisors briefed on the developments sympathized with the challenge Liu faced. She was being asked to take the monumental step of probing the sitting president's financial records in the wake of his claims that the Russia investigation had been based on a "hoax."

CIA officials had also relayed to Liu concerns that apart from Trumps bank records, other steps investigators also wanted to take could jeopardize their operations, according to people familiar with the discussions.

As the summer wore on, Barr also met with Wray and some of their top deputies to discuss the Egypt case. Two people with knowledge of the meeting described it to The Post.

Barr told Wray he had a problem: Liu seemed uncomfortable making key decisions in the case. Barr said she doubted that some investigative moves were justified but felt pressured by the agents. Barr said Liu worried that blocking some investigative steps might be perceived by the team as quashing a politically explosive investigation, the two people said.

Barr also told Wray he was suspicious of FBI agents on the case, as some had worked on the Mueller investigation, which he had criticized as largely unwarranted. Barr said that he wanted to be sure the director was aware of the situation and that he was applying some adult supervision to his FBI agents.

Barr stressed to Wray that the matter would come under intense scrutiny no matter what happened with the case, the people said. He warned that given the controversy surrounding the Russia investigation, and given that this new case also centered on the sitting president, they could not risk short-circuiting or rushing any investigative decisions. He said investigators needed to ensure that an appropriate legal basis, or predicate, existed before proceeding, they said.

Sometime around September 2019, FBI agents and a supervisor from the field office presented what they considered an ultimatum to Liu: authorize getting Trumps 2017 bank records or it wasnt worth continuing to investigate, according to people later briefed on the exchange. Liu listened but turned them down; she said she wasnt closing the case and was open to subpoenaing Trumps records later on if agents turned up more compelling evidence to justify doing so, these people said.

Case closed

By late 2019, Lius office was poised to make sentencing recommendations for high-profile senior Trump advisers it had prosecuted, Michael Flynn and Roger Stone  cases that could tarnish Trump and his campaign. That December, the White House nominated Liu to be an assistant secretary of the Treasury Department.

Barr seized the moment to make a change. Breaking with the tradition of allowing White House nominees to remain in their current posts until confirmed for new ones, he ordered Liu in early January 2020 to step down by the end of the month, people with knowledge of the matter said. The White House later withdrew Lius nomination.

Barr installed a longtime ally, Timothy Shea, who was then serving as a counselor to Barr and had previously worked with him in the George H.W. Bush administration. At one of Shea's first meetings, the office's senior leadership briefed him on major pending cases and outlined the Egypt probe and their proposed subpoenas for Trump bank and foreign bank records. Shea told them he was putting a hold on any investigative steps while he got up to speed, people with knowledge of Shea's instruction said.

After the meeting, investigators discussed their feeling that Sheas reaction to the Egypt case was so negative that it spelled the end of any forward movement, the people said; they did not return to press Shea for those subpoenas.

Shea declined to answer detailed questions from The Post. Shea told associates that he had not conferred with Barr about the case, according to two people familiar with Sheas description of events.

Barr, however, grew disappointed with his handpicked chief prosecutor for a separate reason, according to people familiar with Barr's thinking. Shea allowed attorneys in his office to recommend a lengthy prison sentence for Stone, who had been convicted of multiple felonies.

Less than four months after appointing him, Barr replaced Shea with Sherwin, a former Navy intelligence officer who spent a decade prosecuting counterintelligence and terrorism cases before becoming an adviser to Barr.

In a meeting the first week of June, senior leadership once again reviewed major pending cases with the new acting U.S. attorney, people familiar with the case said. Sherwin listened to the status update on the Egypt probe. Prosecutors had not been able to gather any new information for months, but they argued to Sherwin that there were still steps in the case they could pursue.

Sherwin told the team the lack of evidence meant that the case should be shut down. With some resigned to that outcome, no one spoke up to object, people familiar with the discussion told The Post.

On June 7, he sent an email to the head of the FBIs Washington Field Office. The subject line of the email, which was reviewed by The Post, read: Egypt Investigation.

Based upon review of this investigation, Sherwin began, his office would be closing the above matter because neither an indictment nor a conviction was likely.

In an interview with The Post, Sherwin said Biden administration appointees, including Attorney General Merrick Garland, who took over the department months later, could have relaunched the probe if they disagreed. The case was closed without prejudice, he said. Anyone could have reopened the case the second I left that office.

The case was not reopened.

Incoming Biden administration Justice Department leaders and prosecutors in the D.C. office were immediately consumed with cases from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, the largest investigation in the department's history.

Garland, senior members of his team, and Bidens new U.S. attorney in D.C. were never briefed on the Egypt investigation in their first year in office, one former and one current government official told The Post.

The Justice Department did not make Garland available for comment.

On Jan. 15, 2022, five years after the money left the bank in Cairo, the deadline for bringing charges under the federal statute of limitations for illegal campaign contributions expired.

Cate Brown, Alice Crites and Aaron Schaffer contributed to this report.
U.S.: King of double standards disrupting fair global competition

14:11, August 02, 2024 By Chen Zi ( People's Daily Online

Cartoon by Ma Hongliang

For some time, the U.S. has frequently hyped up the so-called issue of overcapacity in Chinas new energy sector, claiming that it is impacting the global market.

This is entirely a case of the U.S. suppressing another countrys advanced industries under the pretext of overcapacity while fabricating excuses to impose additional tariffs.

The rapid development of Chinas new energy industry is built on continuous technological innovation, a well-developed supply chain system, and sufficient market competition, not the so-called subsidies.

In contrast, the U.S. is the one that directly intervenes in market resource allocation by passing various acts and implementing exclusive and discriminatory subsidies.

Based on U.S. logic, U.S. subsidies are investment in critical industries, whereas other countries subsidies are seen as alarming unfair competition. The U.S. is indeed the king of double standards when it comes to undermining global fair competition.

Related:

U.S.: King of liars' disrupting global fair competition

U.S.: Main disruptor of fair global competition

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker (right) raises a finger for one Philadelphia, united, next to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in July. Read more

Did Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker just announce who Kamala Harris running mate will be?

As it turns out, no.

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Parker on Friday released a video on her campaigns Instagram account  her official mayoral Instagram is a different handle  that encourages voters to support Kamala Harris for president and Josh Shapiro for vice president.

It was far from clear in the video whether Parker was simply promoting the Pennsylvania governors chances of winning the veepstakes or accidentally scooping Harris big announcement.

Attempts to reach Parkers campaign were not immediately successful. But The Inquirer reached a source close to Parker who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on behalf of her campaign.

This is not an announcement of anything. This is just the mayor showing her support for a longtime friend who we know is one of the people being considered, the source said.

And so the wait continues to find out who will be Harris running mate.

Parkers video features local union leaders and elected officials praising Shapiro. That could help him rebut charges that he isnt labor-friendly due to concerns about his support for school vouchers, which is anathema to teachers unions.

I cant think of a better partner than our governor, Josh Shapiro, Parker says in the video.

Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia, who appeared in the video, said she was surprised to see the video posted on Friday but thought it was fun and agreed with the message promoting Shapiro as VP.

Ellis-Marseglia was involved in a separate pro-Harris ad arranged by the Parker campaign and said the group taped pro-Shapiro content afterward, but she didnt realize it would be used.

We did it as an after-take as kind of a joke, she said.

Staff writer Katie Bernard contributed material.
Senior residents speak during a protest against the living conditions at Brith Sholom House in April. Read more

Another member of the Lakewood, N.J., and Brooklyn-based Puretz family  which built a crumbling empire of at least 100 severely neglected affordable housing complexes including The Pavilion and Brith Sholom in Philadelphia  has been convicted of mortgage fraud conspiracy.

Chaim Eli Puretz, 29, pleaded guilty along with two coconspirators to participating in a $119 million conspiracy to defraud a financial institution in U.S. District Court in New Jersey on Thursday.

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The convictions are connected to the purchase of a Michigan office complex, called Troy Technology Park, involving the coconspirators company, Rhodium Capital Advisors. Puretz admitted that, between 2018 and 2020, he helped create phony documents that artificially inflated the purchase price.

 READ MORE: Empire of Neglect: How the Puretz family cashed in while poor renters paid the price

Puretz and his coconspirators submitted the falsified documents to a lender as proof that his company had purchased the office park for $68.8 million  when, in fact, they acquired the property for $42.7 million. The documents convinced a lender to loan them $25 million more than theyd actually paid.

The familys companies have a long history of failing to repay their loans.

His father, Aron Puretz, 53, already pleaded guilty to the Troy conspiracy. Arons brother, Chaikel Puretz, 47, is charged in Indiana with corrupt business influence and theft of $1.6 million in tenants utility payments at complexes there.

The Puretz family, whose company Apex Equity Group worked through hundreds of other corporate entities, has been in real estate for decades, undergoing a more-than-20-year roller coaster of bankruptcies, foreclosures and new investments.

 READ MORE: Five takeaways from our investigation into the Puretz family's 'Empire of Neglect'

Their tens of thousands of poor and vulnerable tenants paid the price, as the Puretz family bought up properties, burdened them with debt, skimped on repairs and allegedly stole residents utility payments, causing dozens of properties to be placed into receivership or shut down by local or federal authorities. Thousands of tenants were threatened with or endured utility shutoffs because their payments were stolen by the landlord, according to lawsuits and criminal charging documents. Some died in baking hot apartments or fires, others were sickened by mold or trapped due to broken elevators, and a child fell down an open elevator shaft.

In Philadelphia, elderly residents at Brith Sholom House in Wynnefield Heights endured leaks and mold, broken heaters, peeling floors, infestations of roaches and bedbugs, and an influx of squatters and criminal activity. The property is in receivership, pending city code-enforcement litigation and foreclosure proceedings.

Tenants have received notices warning of an impending gas shutoff related to missing utility payments. The property has also been listed for sheriffs sale.

Neglecting another Philly apartment complex

Nearby, The Pavilion, a property under a subsidy contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is also in receivership and slated for sale.

In Aron Puretzs earlier federal case, he admitted to falsifying records to deceive lenders and hide his involvement with two housing projects from HUD, as the agency had sought to cut off the landlord over chronic maintenance issues.

In his guilty pleading in June, he admitted to using a nonprofit, JPC Charities, to fraudulently get tax-exempt status and fabricating documents to secure additional mortgages purchased by Freddie Mac, a federally backed company.

The $36 million mortgage for the Brith Sholom property also shows red flags: The loan was made by a small financial institution run by the former owner of Brith Sholom House, a man named Jose Camacho, and signed by Irene Paul, a tenant of Brith Sholom who was in her 90s. Paul is now deceased. Her son said he could not make sense of why his mother would have been the signatory.

Camacho declined to answer questions.

Aron and Eli Puretz each pleaded to a single charge, and have not yet been sentenced. They have not returned calls and emails in recent weeks.

Their criminal defense lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday morning

Each of the Puretzes signed an agreement that stated the federal government would not pursue any other charges against them for commercial mortgage fraud, charities fraud, fraud on federal agencies, or investors.

Among the allegations federal prosecutors are opting not to pursue are allegations, articulated in civil court filings, that Eli Puretz stole $21.5 million from business partners in New York and defrauded investors, and that Aron Puretz improperly funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars from The Pavilion into his own pocket.

Eli Puretz is also allegedly among the partners in Bonamour Health Group, a Western Pennsylvania chain of nursing facilities, now in receivership. Staff there alleged in lawsuits that their health-insurance premium payments had been siphoned away, leaving them uninsured.

The two Rhodium coconspirators also pleaded guilty to wire fraud. All three are scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 3, and face a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
A recent $1 million listing for Mount Vernon Cemetery on Zillow quickly went viral. But the post, like the cemetery itself, contains a few plot holes.

While the aerial photos show the North Philly cemeterys 26 acres are completely reclaimed by nature (volunteers call the overgrowth the green inferno), the listing makes no mention of other features that come with the property  including 33,000 dead bodies, legions of ticks, swaths of poison ivy, stuffed animals that appear in the night, and visitors who come seeking guidance from the beyond or portals to another dimension.

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Buying Mount Vernon Cemetery, which is at Lehigh and Ridge Avenues across from Laurel Hill Cemetery, would be a big undertaking for anyone, but this property is also under conservatorship with the Philadelphia Community Development Coalition, so any sale must be court-approved.

According to a news release issued after the listing was posted, Philadelphia Community Development Coalitions hope and expectation is that Mount Vernon Cemetery Conservation Company will be able to raise enough money for the court to approve a transfer to the nonprofit. Listing the property on Zillow was part of our legal obligation to transition ownership responsibly, Philadelphia Community Development Coalition said in the release.

In other words, it was a legal requirement of the conservatorship. But as the post took off on social media and got picked up by Zillow Gone Wild  a popular account that features unusual Zillow listings  Brandon Zimmerman, volunteer coordinator with Friends of Mount Vernon, began fielding grave concerns from people whose ancestors are buried at the cemetery and those who worried it might be sold and developed.

People were panicking  they got afraid they will move the bodies and it will become a Walmart. That will not happen, Zimmerman said. There are 33,000 people here and we dont have accurate maps and records. You would have to do ground-penetrating radar over 26 acres to find everybody. There are infinitely cheaper and easier places. If youre looking for the site of your next distribution center, Mount Vernon aint it.

A chicken-and-egg problem

The cemetery was placed into conservatorship with Philadelphia Community Development Coalition in May 2021 by the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas under the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act after its previous owner, D.C. lawyer Joseph Dinsmore Murphy, let it fall into disrepair and the grounds became inaccessible to the public for decades.

When permanent stewards for the property could not be found, Mount Vernon Cemetery Conservation Company was created to receive the cemetery when the conservatorship ended, according to Thaddeus Squire, who manages Mount Vernon Cemetery Conservation Company on behalf of its owner, the nonprofit Cultural Equity Realty Trust.

But first, Mount Vernon Cemetery Conservation Company needs to raise $300,000, not to buy the cemetery  it would be transferred to the group for $1  but to manage and maintain the grounds.

We wanted to be assured we had money to do that before we receive the cemetery, Squire said. We dont want an asset we cant care for either, and caring for it is just a matter of money.

But raising money for a cemetery Mount Vernon Cemetery Conservation Company doesnt own yet has proven difficult. Currently, it has about $65,000 in pledges.

Theres been a chicken-and-egg problem, the court needs us to have the money but nobody wants to give us the money until we have the cemetery, Squire said. If we cant raise money and if there is no buyer, I dont know what happens, then were in a pickle.

Crazy cast of characters

Established in 1856 during the rural cemetery movement, when cemeteries began to be designed as green spaces and not just plots of land to house the dead, Mount Vernon is home to members of the Drew and Barrymore acting dynasties, Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers, and delegates to the Continental Congress.

While new plots havent been sold since 1968, burials still happen at plots already owned by families and people still visit their ancestors graves, Zimmerman said.

Today, foxes, deer, birds, and butterflies roam the cemetery and volunteers do their best to fight back the invasive plants taking over the monuments and grounds.

The overgrowth is like nothing youve ever seen. You can cut vegetation and two weeks later, its up to your waist, Zimmerman said. I describe it as supernatural, its unreal.

Given that it is a cemetery, other seemingly supernatural things do happen at Mount Vernon too. Zimmerman said one of his fellow volunteers once stopped a car full of little old ladies at the cemeterys gate who told him they thought it was a portal to another plane of existence.

Its a crazy cast of characters both living and dead associated with that place, he said.

Sometimes, stuffed animals will show up in the locked cemetery grounds. According to Zimmerman, the foxes who live there will sneak next door to Mount Peace Cemetery, steal the stuffed animals off graves, and bring them back to Mount Vernon to line their dens and play with.

And then theres the man who throws empty candles over the fence filled with offerings to the dead and notes asking for help with some pretty lewd things.

It would make you blush. He asks a particular woman who is actually buried in the cemetery for help with this, Zimmerman said. Shes been dead since 1933 and shes buried there with her husband. Poor Linda, the things he is asking Linda to do.

You cant get rid of this

If Mount Vernon Cemetery Conservation Company is successful in raising funds, its goal is to maintain Mount Vernon as a green space and return it to its roots as a public park with a managed, native landscape, Squire said.

For too long Mount Vernon, which was a whites-only cemetery, has been inaccessible to the predominately BIPOC communities that surround it and Mount Vernon Cemetery Conservation Company wants to change that.

This is a space that was built as a white space. It has also been literally closed to the community and yet that community is its chief beneficiary and potential user, Squire said. Were putting together a team of really interesting thinkers and folks who work on how Black and brown communities reclaim space in urban environments.

This fall, Zimmerman hopes to hold a variety of tours, from ones about Mount Vernons art and architecture to others about notable burials there, in order to raise funds for the work the volunteers do. Follow their Instagram page for more information.

Zimmerman said he always gets the same reaction from people when they tour Mount Vernon. At first, theyre horrified at the overgrowth, but then they walk to the center of the cemetery where everything is green.

I say Just shut your eyes and listen and feel, and without fail, everyone says the exact same thing, I cant believe were in Philadelphia right now and you cant get rid of this, he said.
Mercer's questionable practices were specifically linked to their "Sustainable Plus" investment option. Despite claims of excluding investments in fossil fuels, alcohol, and gambling, it was revealed that Mercer was indeed invested in sectors it purported to avoid. This revelation not only underminedMercers credibility but also raised broader concerns across Australia's $3.9 trillion pension sector, which faces growing scrutiny over environmental integrity, ASIC said.
We have taken a strategic decision to exit asset management with the intention to sell AXA Investment Managers to BNP Paribas, Buberl said. We intend to offset the resulting earnings dilution with a share buyback, and we are affirming the key financial targets of our new strategic plan. We further intend to enter into a long-term investment management agreement with BNP Paribas that would provide a wider range of investment solutions to AXA and its customers.
Last years recipients exemplify the grants transformative potential. Village to Village utilised their funds to organise a camp in the US for 60 refugee children. Helping Children Worldwide hosted a training event in Sierra Leone for almost 100 midwives, significantly advancing maternal and newborn health services. Moreover, the grants supported initiatives ranging from childbirth education in Eswatini and agricultural training in Liberia to building schools in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Whats particularly interesting for the recent versions of DarkBERT and WormGPT is that both are currently offered as apps with an option for a Siri kit. This, we assume, is a voice-enabled option, similar to how Humane pins or Rabbit R1 devices were designed to interact with AI bots. This also coincides with announcements at the 2024 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) for the same feature in an upcoming iPhone update. If confirmed, this would be the first time that these criminals surpassed actual companies in innovation, the researchers said.
Ryan Specialtys values and emphasis on profitable underwriting align with the US Assure way. Being a part of the RSUM platform, with its extensive distribution relationships and technical expertise, will enable our team to continue to grow and expand. We are very much looking forward to being a part of the Ryan Specialty family, Petway said.
Donovan indicated that to make Citizens' personal multiperil policies non-competitive, rates would need to increase by 92.8%. Furthermore, even with a 14% increase, the rates would not be actuarially sound. For example, personal multiperil rates would require a 23.1% increase to be actuarially sound, while commercial rates would need a 27.9% increase.
We are well-positioned financially, technologically, and especially with our established expertise around the world to succeed both as an insurer and a positive force for change in the industry. I am grateful to Charles for his mentoring and leadership over my career, and thankful he will remain close to the business.
Consilium brings a fresh entrepreneurial approach and an injection of creativity which has been lacking here recently from the broking community, Montieth said. I know that clients will really benefit from its creative approach to structuring insurance programmes for clients risk exposures  not settling for the status quo or simply offering off the shelf solutions.
By delivering literacy, social emotional learning and sustainability programs through arts-based lessons, we equip children with essential tools for success and we improve our corner of the world. It has been a joy to witness Fortitude Re and its volunteers in action, passionate about making a difference, Arrojo said.
BNP Paribas is in exclusive talks with French insurer AXA to buy 100% of its AXA Investment Managers arm at an agreed price of 5.1 billion euros ($5.50 billion), the euro zones biggest bank said on Thursday.

For BNP, such an acquisition would significantly boost its asset management arm as the industry is in a race for size to achieve economies of scale and lower costs.

This represents a major strategic move for AXA, Europes second-biggest insurer, as it aims to focus on its core businesses: life insurance, savings, property and casualty policies as well as health insurance.

The would-be combined entity would have total assets under management of about 1.5 trillion euros, BNP said in a statement, and it would become one of the top European asset managers after leader Amundi, which had 2.16 trillion euros of assets under management at the end of June.

BNP said it expected the transaction to close in mid-2025. The bank said the acquisition will have an impact of about 25 basis points on its CET1 ratio  a key measure of financial strength.

AXA said in a separate statement that BNP would pay 5.1 billion euros in cash.

AXA added that it would receive 300 million euros in addition for the acquisition by AXA IM of Select, a company owned by AXA that offers investment solutions, such as management of funds.

The French insurer said it would use 3.8 billion euros worth of proceeds from these sales in share buybacks. The rest of the proceeds will be spent on organic and inorganic growth, AXA Deputy CEO Frederic de Courtois said in a call with reporters.

The transaction also includes a 15-year agreement under which BNP would provide investment management services to AXA.

The deal talks were announced as AXA reported a stronger-than-expected rise in revenue in the first half of the year, with the group saying its performance was driven by growth in its property & casualty and life & health insurance business.

In the first six months of the year, the French insurer recorded gross written premiums and other revenues of 59.9 billion euros. That was up 7% year-on-year and above analysts expectations, who had forecast a median result of 59.4 billion euros in a consensus compiled by AXA.

Underlying earnings increased by 4% to 4.2 billion euros while AXAs solvency ratio, a key measure of its financial health, stood at 227% at the end of June.

AXA also announced on Thursday the acquisition of Italian insurer Gruppo Nobis for 423 million euros, a deal it expects to take place before the end of the first half of 2025.

($1 = 0.9276 euros)

(Reporting by Mathieu Rosemain; additional reporting by Anousha Sakoui and Augustin Turpin; editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Susan Fenton and Alistair Bell)

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions AXA XL
Apple on Thursday asked a U.S. judge to dismiss a lawsuit by federal and state antitrust regulators accusing it of illegally monopolizing the smartphone market, saying the case would have a judge redesign its popular iPhone.

The Justice Department, 19 states and Washington, D.C., accuse Apple of an illegal monopoly on smartphones maintained by imposing contractual restrictions on, and withholding critical access from, developers.

In a motion filed in federal court in Newark, New Jersey, Apple argued that putting reasonable limitations on third-party developers access to its technology did not amount to anti-competitive behavior, and forcing it to share technology with competitors would chill innovation.

Endorsing such a theory would require courts to oversee product-design and policy choices in dynamic technical markets, Apple said.

The lawsuit filed in March takes aim at Apples restrictions and fees on app developers, and technical roadblocks to third-party devices and services  such as smart watches, digital wallets and messaging services  that would compete with its own.

The Justice Department says that by hampering interoperability between the iPhone and third-party apps and devices, Apple locks users into its own products and harms competition in the market.

But Apple argued that the lawsuit fails to raise any evidence that its practices harm competition or consumers, who it says plausibly switch to a competitor if they dislike what iPhone features.

U.S. District Judge Julien Neals, who is overseeing the case, will receive a response from the government and a reply from Apple before deciding the motion later this year.

The case is one of five blockbuster monopoly cases pending against Big Tech companies.

Facebook parent Meta Platforms and Amazon.com are facing lawsuits by antitrust enforcers alleging they illegally maintain monopolies, and Alphabets Google is facing two such lawsuits.

Photo: AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File

Topics Lawsuits Legislation
Chevron Corp. is relocating headquarters to Houston from California after repeatedly warning that the Golden States regulatory regime was making it a tough place to do business.

The move announced Friday will end the companys more than 140 years of being based in the largest US state and comes amid a shake-up in senior leadership ranks apparently aimed at improving results.

Chevron already had slashed new investments in California refining, citing adversarial government policies in a state which has some of the most stringent environmental rules in the US. In January, refining executive Andy Walz warned that the state was playing a dangerous game with climate rules that threatened to spike gasoline prices.

Separately, Chevron missed second-quarter profit estimates, heaping pressure on Wirth to prevail in his $53 billion effort to acquire Hess Corp. Chevron shares fell as much as 3% in pre-market trading.

Also See: Exxon Surpasses Expectations as Pioneer Deal Fuels Record Output

Three senior executives are departing Chevron, including oil-production chief Nigel Hearne and Colin Parfitt, who oversees pipeline and shipping businesses.

Hearne, 56, will see his duties handed over to Vice Chairman Mike Nelson, a key lieutenant of Chief Executive Officer Mike Wirth. Parfitts replacement is Walz.

The leadership changes come just months after former Chief Financial Officer Pierre Breber issued a stern warning to employees to improve performance and results. The rebuke followed a year of dismal results stemming from refinery disruptions, weaker-than-expected oil production in the Permian Basin, and cost overruns and delays at a massive project in Kazakhstan.

Breber stepped down in March.

Second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.55 were 38 cents below the median estimate among analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. The miss was in stark contrast to the outsized profits reported by Exxon Mobil Corp., Shell Plc and BP Plc, which capitalized on strong oil and natural gas production.

The Hess takeover was agreed to nearly 10 months ago but has been delayed by an arbitration case brought by arch-rival Exxon, which claims to have a right-of-first-refusal over Hesss 30% stake in a Guyanese oil development. Chevron remains confident it will prevail but the case wont be heard until May 2025.

The arbitration case leaves Chevron in strategic limbo, with investors struggling to analyze a company that will look very different if its biggest deal in two decades succeeds. Chevron claims Exxons right to Hesss stake does not apply because the deal is structured as a corporate merger rather than an asset sale, and has vowed to walk away from Hess if the case fails.

Read More: Chevron, Hess Tumble as $53 Billion Deal Faces Long Delay

In the meantime, Wirth is trying to make the case that Chevron has a strong investment case on a standalone basis. The company is aiming for 3% production growth annually through 2027 while it plans to buy back $20 billion of stock annually and recently increased its dividend.

Even so, Chevron has significantly underperformed Exxon this year with a roughly 2% advance compared with its bigger rivals 17% gain.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics California Texas Legislation
VibraLife of Katy, LLC, a rehabilitation and assisted living facility in Katy, Texas, violated federal law when it denied an employee an accommodation for her sleep disorder and then fired her, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit, VibraLife hired an employee with a sleep disorder for a night-shift position. The job posting required the selected candidate to work 36 hours per week via three 12-hour shifts. Upon beginning her employment, the employee was notified that she would be required to work a fourth 12-hour shift every other week. The employee promptly requested an accommodation that her schedule be limited to the express terms of the job posting. Shortly after receiving the employees request for a reasonable accommodation, the employee was demoted and subsequently terminated.

Such alleged conduct violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits disability discrimination and retaliation against an employee with a disability. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. VibraLife of Katy, LLC, Civil Action No. 4:24-CV-02861) in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement via its conciliation process. The EEOC is seeking back pay, compensatory damages, and punitive damages for the employee, as well as injunctive relief to prevent future discrimination.

Source: EEOC

Topics Lawsuits Texas
Ryan Specialty, a publicly traded provider of specialty products for insurance agents, brokers and carriers, has agreed to buy US Assure Insurance Services of Florida, a company specializing in builders risk insurance.

Based in Jacksonville and founded in 1977, US Assure distributes, underwrites and services Zurich insurance programs. US Assure operates across the country and works with some 20,000 agents, the companies said in a news release. Ty Petway is CEO of the firm.

Zurich will continue as the carrier for builders risk coverage. Ryan Specialty, based in Chicago, will hold a mutually exclusive underwriting agreement with Zurich, the company said. Producers can continue to quote and issue policies at usassure.com.

The sale is expected to close in the third quarter this year, Ryan Specialty said.

Topics USA Excess Surplus
The National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on a tropical wave that could strengthen over the weekend, bringing heavy rain to parts of Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 50 Florida counties ahead of the storm. It was in the Caribbean Friday and was expected to track over Cuba and into parts of western Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center and news reports.

The wave could bring more than 12 inches of rain over the next week or so, likely causing flooding in areas of the state already facing saturated soil, tidal floods and rising sea levels. Some forecasts had the center of the rainy system landing in the Big Bend area, not far from where Hurricane Idalia made landfall last year, news reports noted.

Map image: National Hurricane Center

Topics Florida Flood
Former reality TV star Fredrik Eklund zips up and down Miami in a lilac Rolls-Royce with a turquoise interior, hunting for multi-million-dollar homes for the rich and powerful.

That is, when hes not stuck in the gridlock.

Eklund, 47, is among the thousands who have moved to south Florida in recent years, only to find themselves in the middle of one of the worst traffic messes in America. Its a transit nightmare thats costing commuters an average 70 hours each year, adding up to $3.1 billion in losses by one estimate.

Schools and traffic are the two most challenging topics for the growth of real estate values and for the growth of Miami in general, said Eklund, a former star of Bravos Million Dollar Listing series who moved to Miami in 2023.

Like other pandemic boomtowns, Miami has seen worsening traffic while authorities struggle to come up with mass-transit solutions to cope with the shift. But the problem is even more acute in the Florida city, where 8 out of 10 residents have a drivers license and 90% commute by car. Traffic delays increased 18% between 2019 and 2023, partly because soaring real estate prices drove more people to the suburbs.

To fix traffic, politicians are pitching multiple rail projects, including a local version of the Northeast Corridor, the electric railroad connecting Washington to Boston.

The Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project is a 13.5-mile (21.7 kilometer) route from downtown Miami to suburbs up north. But the corridor will take years until operational even with the help of federal funds. The plan is to ultimately connect it to similar projects being carried out by neighboring counties and create a commuter train that extends between Miami and West Palm Beach, with multiple stops along the way.

Theres also Brightline, a privately-owned, high-speed rail backed by Fortress Investment Group that connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando, with an expansion to Tampa in the works. But the trainline announced in May it was nixing the commuter pass program and has been prioritizing long-distance travelers. A roundtrip ticket between Miami and West Palm Beach can run about $70 depending on timing and perks, an expensive option for regular riders.

A separate railway service to the west of the Brightline, the Tri-Rail, has tried filling the commuter gap, but so far offers only limited express trips between Miami and West Palm Beach.

Local authorities are also attempting to overhaul bus systems, with Miami-Dade County set to roll out a $368 million Bus Rapid Transit corridor early 2025.

We grew without transit, said Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins. We really are an unplanned community that now needs to retrofit transit.

Of course, cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago have even worse congestion than Miami. But the breakneck growth of South Florida in recent years has helped magnify the problem, creating constraints for future expansion as well as friction between private and public sectors.

Those tensions were laid bare earlier this year, when Miami-Dades mayor proposed a $2.5 billion bond to tackle problems for everything from housing to parks and sewage.

The Partnership for Miami, a group of business leaders that includes Ken Griffin, Orlando Bravo and members of traditional Miami dynasties like the Mas and Perez families, took issue. One of their concerns was that the borrowing plan failed to address Miamis worsening gridlock and fund mass-transit alternatives.

The proposal, slated to be on Novembers ballot, was ultimately dropped.

I was a little surprised at how adamant they were about traffic, said Daniella Levine Cava, the county mayor. I mean, look, nobody likes the traffic. Its really impossible.

Raul Moas, president of the Partnership for Miami, said mobility projects are critical to ensuring all Miamians have access to good jobs, quality education and essential services throughout our city. The group is committed to working with public and private sector leaders to bring these solutions to our community.

Other rapidly-expanding southern cities are being plagued by similar problems.

Austin is exploring building a 10-mile, multi-billion dollar light rail system. The Austin Transit Partnership, a local government group that is helping finance the project, has faced opposition from state Attorney General Ken Paxton among others.

In Miami Beach, some residents have also pushed against mass transit projects. City commissioners voted to block connecting Miami Beach to Miamis business district through a free tram, the Metromover, citing concerns about bringing more crime and density. The Miami Beach vote is merely symbolic because Miami-Dade County can override the city.

Whether that does lead to an increase in homelessness and crime, that is front and center on my mind and our residents minds, said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, who is reimplementing a ferry service to connect the island-city to mainland Miami.

Even in Palm Beach, one of the wealthiest enclaves in America, traffic has grown into a bigger issue.

A recent study commissioned by the Palm Beach Town Council showed an average 37,000 cars come into Palm Beach during weekdays, more than four times the local population. Congestion is set to get even worse as the city implements street blockades around Mar-a-Lago after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Eklund, the real estate broker, said some of his clients are willing to pay a premium for South Florida real estate if it helps them avoid being stuck in a car. He still thinks traffic in other cities he has lived in, like LA and New York, is worse than in Miami.

At least in South Florida, it might move slow, but its always moving, he said. And you still can drive and park everywhere.

Photo: Miami Beach traffic. Martina Tuaty/Bloomberg

Anna J. Kaiser of Bloomberg helped produce this report.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
A Colorado man who aided a former insurance claims adjuster in an auto insurance claims scheme was sentenced this week.

In 2020, Brassfield, 55, of Aurora, reportedly aided former Travelers Insurance employee Colette Palin, 63, of Aurora in committing fraud. An internal company investigation by Travelers flagged several of Palins claims as suspicious, and revealed that Brassfield, a known associate of Palin, was the beneficiary of two claim checks she issued.

Palin admitted she issued fraudulent payments to herself, Brassfield, and another associate, Malee Lor, 47, a former Thornton police officer.

After Travelers referred the case to the Financial Fraud Unit in the Criminal Justice Section of the Colorado Department of Law, the states investigation found Palin issued 64 fraudulent payments totaling $268,530 between 2018 and 2020. Brassfield received $23,344 and Lor received $31,495.

All three pleaded guilty to felony theft and insurance fraud.

Brassfield was sentenced to eight years of probation, ordered to pay $23,344 in restitution and serve 80 hours of community service. Palin pleaded guilty to felony theft and fraud charges in June and is scheduled to be sentenced August 19. Lor was sentenced to 10 years of probation and 120 hours of community service. Lor will pay restitution equal to the amount stolen.

Topics Auto Fraud Colorado
A scuba dive boat captain was ordered to pay about $32,000 in restitution to the families of three of the 34 people killed in a fire aboard the vessel in 2019.

Jerry Boylans criminal negligence as captain of the Conception led to the deadliest maritime disaster in recent U.S. history. Wednesdays restitution order by a federal judge comes nearly five years after the Sept. 2, 2019, tragedy off the central California coast, which prompted changes to maritime regulations and several ongoing lawsuits.

Boylan was convicted last year of one count of misconduct or neglect of ship officer following a 10-day trial in federal court in downtown Los Angeles. The charge is a pre-Civil War statute colloquially known as seamans manslaughter that was designed to hold steamboat captains and crew responsible for maritime disasters.

Related: Captain Found Guilty of Seamans Manslaughter in Boat Fire That Killed 34 off California

He was sentenced to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. Boylan was also ordered to pay restitution to the families of the victims.

Wednesdays order granted restitution payments to just three of the victims families who submitted documentation for $32,178.82 in funeral expenses. Several other cases are still in dispute, as well as claims for lost property on the boat.

Other claims for restitution for psychological counseling, lost income, travel expenses and legal fees were not granted.

Related: Maritime Liability Rules Changed After Deadly 2019 California Boat Fire

Several families said they did not know to keep receipts for funeral expenses, or that it was too emotionally difficult to go through which physical belongings were lost on the boat.

Its too hard, said Christina Quitasol, who lost her sisters Evan, Nicole, and Angela Quitasol as well as her father Michael Quitasol. She described covering her entire living room with documents and files sorted by family member.

Its expensive to lose five members of one family, Christina Quitasol said, but she emphasized that at the end of the day, it wasnt about money, but accountability.

Related: Bill Would Change Maritime Liability Rules After California Boat Fire

Holding Boylan accountable for what was lost, she said. Their lives were priceless and to value them at the cost of their funeral expenses is upsetting and sickening.

At a previous hearing, Boylans attorney Gabriela Rivera said Boylan had no significant assets and would not be able to pay restitution. Rivera said Boylan was living off Social Security payments, had no family, and no meaningful job prospects.

Prosecutors disagreed, arguing that Boylan had assets totaling six figures and that a restitution order would mean that if he ever did come into money, he would have to pay the victims.

Boylan was out on bond and scheduled to report to the Bureau of Prisons by Aug. 8, but his defense attorney argued at a Monday hearing to allow him to remain out of prison while his appeal is ongoing. The judge did not issue a final ruling yet.

The Conception was anchored off Santa Cruz Island, 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Santa Barbara, when it caught fire before dawn on the final day of a three-day excursion, sinking less than 100 feet (30 meters) from shore.

Thirty-three passengers and a crew member perished, trapped in a bunkroom below deck. Among the dead were the deckhand, who had landed her dream job; an environmental scientist who did research in Antarctica; a globe-trotting couple; a Singaporean data scientist; and a family of three sisters, their father and his wife.

Boylan was the first to abandon ship and jump overboard. Four crew members who joined him also survived.

Prosecutors blamed Boylan for failing to post the required roving night watch and properly train his crew in firefighting. The lack of the roving watch meant the fire was able to spread undetected across the 75-foot (23-meter) boat while passengers were sleeping. The exact cause of the blaze remains undetermined.

Victims families are still locked in civil lawsuits against boat owner Glen Fritzler and his wife, who own Truth Aquatics Inc., which operated the Conception and two other scuba dive boats. Also pending is a case against the Coast Guard for what they allege was lax enforcement of the roving watch requirement.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California
The parties involved in Lahaina wildfire lawsuits against the state of Hawaii, Maui County and utilities are close to a global settlement of claims that will be worth a little over $4 billion, Gov. Josh Green told The Associated Press.

Green said hes hoping to finalize the details in coming days, perhaps as soon as Aug. 6, which would be two days before the one-year anniversary of the fire that killed 102 people and wiped out historic Lahaina.

If that could happen, it would be great. I humbly invite all the parties to finalize the agreement, Green said in an interview at his office. It appears that we are almost there, and we only have a very tiny holdout remaining.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. has agreed to pay almost $2 billion as part of a $4 billion settlement to resolve hundreds of lawsuits over wildfires in Maui that killed dozens of people and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina last year.

The company and other parties reached an agreement in principle to settle all tort claims from the disaster, according to a statement by Hawaiian Electric on Friday.

The state of Hawaii, Maui County and telecommunications companies were among the other defendants who signed the comprehensive agreement that will resolve claims on behalf of thousands of homeowners and businesses impacted by one of the worst wildfires in US history. Bloomberg News earlier reported the parties were nearing a settlement.

Achieving this resolution will allow all parties to move forward without the added challenges and divisiveness of the litigation process, Shelee Kimura, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Electric, said in the statement.

The Maui fires damaged or destroyed about 2,200 structures, the majority of them homes, and killed 102 people. The capital cost of the disaster was estimated at $5.5 billion, according to a damage assessment released last year.

Hawaiian Electric had been criticized for not turning off the power before the fires broke out in August 2023, despite warnings that hot, dry, gale-force winds would create critical fire conditions. The disaster has cast a shadow over the companys finances, causing a plunge in its share price and the slashing of its credit ratings to junk.

The utility has acknowledged strong winds downed electric power lines and snapped power poles, causing a small blaze near Lahaina the morning of Aug. 8. However, utility executives said firefighters extinguished that blaze and left the site, where a fire later flared up in the afternoon after it had turned off the power. That series of events was confirmed by a report issued in April by the Hawaii Attorney General.

Maui County had sued Hawaiian Electric, claiming it failed to properly prepare equipment for the threat of wildfires. Hawaiian Electric filed a countersuit blaming the county.

He said all the plaintiffs and defendants have agreed to the global settlement number but final details are pending.

More than 600 lawsuits have been filed over the deaths and destruction caused by the fires. In the spring, a judge appointed mediators and ordered all parties to participate in settlement talks.

Then on July 18, 2024, the Court, along with undoubtedly many others, learned for the first time details of what media reports purported to be a global settlement,' Judge Peter Cahill, who is overseeing the coordination of the lawsuits, wrote in a scheduling order last week. These reports proved to be premature.

Cahill noted that he hadnt received any notice for any party of any settlement let alone one of a global nature. However, he also hadnt been informed of any impasse in the negotiation process, he wrote.

Jake Lowenthal, a Maui attorney selected as one of five liaisons for the coordination of the cases, said Wednesday, as of now, theres no settlement.

Hawaiian Electric Company spokesperson Darren Pai said in an email that the mediation process is confidential and the company would not comment. Maui County didnt respond to an email seeking comment.

Jim Bickerton, a lawyer who filed the first lawsuit against Bishop Estate  one of the landowners sued over allegations of failing to maintain vegetation that fueled the fire  wouldnt comment on the status of current negotiations. But he said, Any settlement process would include a method for those who have not yet hired lawyers or made claims to have their claim be considered.

Green said he was traveling out of state for several weeks but ended up working on the settlement while he was away because bringing $4 billion to Lahaina would accelerate the communitys recovery. Settlements of wildfire lawsuits elsewhere have often taken years.

As I watched other regions that have gone through these disasters, I learned that they didnt reach settlement for many years, and that left people in a tangled web of despair because they couldnt really recover, Green said.

Victims would get insurance, but it was never enough, the governor said.

I acknowledge that the $3 billion thats coming from insurance is very helpful, Green said. But the additional $4 billion of settlement will hopefully make it possible for people to rebuild however they feel they need to.

In 2019, Pacific Gas and Electric settled all major claims related to deadly Northern California wildfires of 2017-2018 for $13.5 billion. The deal resolved claims over the 2018 Camp Fire, which killed 85 people and all but incinerated the town of Paradise, the 2015 Butte Fire and Oaklands 2016 Ghost Ship fire.

Separately, three years later, former PG&E executives and directors agreed to pay $117 million to settle a lawsuit over 2017-2018 wildfires.

PG&E is the nations largest utility, with an estimated 16 million customers in central and Northern California.

Associated Press journalist Jennifer Sinco Kelleher contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Claims
Clayton, Missouri - August 2, 2024 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) Perimeter Solutions, SA (NYSE: PRM) ("Perimeter" or the "Company"), a leading provider of mission-critical firefighting products and services, as well as high-quality phosphorus-based specialty chemicals, today reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Second Quarter 2024 Results

Net sales increased 67% to $127.3 million in the second quarter, as compared to $76.1 million in the prior year quarter.

Fire Safety sales increased 85% to $98.5 million, as compared to $53.1 million in the prior year quarter.



Specialty Products sales increased 25% to $28.7 million, as compared to $23.0 million in the prior year quarter.

Net Income during the second quarter was $21.7 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, a decrease of $30.3 million from net income of $52.0 million, or $0.31 per diluted share in the prior year quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 209% to $64.9 million in the second quarter, as compared to $21.0 million in the prior year quarter.

Fire Safety Adjusted EBITDA increased 237% to $55.6 million, as compared to $16.5 million in the prior year quarter.



Specialty Products Adjusted EBITDA increased 108% to $9.3 million, as compared to $4.5 million in the prior year quarter.

Year-to-Date 2024 Results

Net sales increased 55% to $186.3 million during the year-to-date period, as compared to $120.0 million in the prior-year period.

Fire Safety sales increased 72% to $123.7 million, as compared to $71.9 million in the prior year period.



Specialty Products sales increased 30% to $62.6 million, as compared to $48.1 million in the prior year period.

Net loss during the year-to-date period was $60.9 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, an increase of $122.3 million from a net income of $61.4 million, or $0.36 per diluted share in the prior year period.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 220% to $77.0 million in the year-to-date period, as compared to $24.1 million in the prior year period.

Fire Safety Adjusted EBITDA increased 321% to $55.4 million, as compared to $13.2 million in the prior year period.



Specialty Products Adjusted EBITDA increased 98% to $21.6 million, as compared to $10.9 million in the prior year period.

Conference Call and Webcast

As previously announced, Perimeter Solutions management will hold a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, August 1, 2024 to discuss financial results for the second quarter 2024. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (877) 407-9764 (toll-free) or (201) 689-8551 (toll).

The conference call will also be webcast simultaneously on Perimeter's website (https://ir.perimeter-solutions.com), accessed under the Investor Relations page. The webcast link will be made available on the Company's website prior to the start of the call; go to the investor relations page of our website to the News & Events menu and click on "Events & Presentations."

A slide presentation will also be available for reference during the conference call; go to the investor relations page of our website to the News & Events menu and click on "Events & Presentations."

Following the live webcast, a replay will be available on the Company's website. A telephonic replay will also be available approximately two hours after the call and can be accessed by dialing (877) 660-6853 (toll-free) or (201) 612-7415 (toll). The telephonic replay will be available until August 31, 2024.

About Perimeter Solutions

Perimeter Solutions is a leading global solutions provider, providing high-quality firefighting products and phosphorus-based specialty chemicals. The Company's business is organized and managed in two reporting segments: Fire Safety and Specialty Products.

The Fire Safety business consists of formulating, manufacture and sale of fire retardants and firefighting foams that assist in combating various types of fires, including wildland, structural, flammable liquids and others. Our Fire Safety business also offers specialized equipment and services, typically in conjunction with our fire management products, to support our customers' firefighting operations. Our specialized equipment includes airbase retardant storage, mixing, and delivery equipment; mobile retardant bases; retardant ground application units; mobile foam equipment; and equipment that we custom design and manufacture to meet specific customer needs. Our service network can meet the emergency resupply needs of over 150 air tanker bases in North America, as well as many other customer locations in North America and internationally. The segment is built on the premise of superior technology, exceptional responsiveness to our customers' needs, and a "never-fail" service network. The segment sells products to government agencies and commercial customers around the world.

The Specialty Products business produces and sells high quality Phosphorus Pentasulfide ("P 2 S 5 ") primarily used in the preparation of lubricant additives, including a family of compounds called Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphates ("ZDDP") that provide critical anti-wear protection to engine components. P 2 S 5 is also used in pesticide and mining chemicals applications.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will," and similar references to future periods.

Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and involve risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company's control) and assumptions. Although Perimeter believes any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect Perimeter's actual financial results and cause them to differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, including the risk factors described from time to time by us in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including, but not limited to, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers should consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statement made by Perimeter in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Perimeter undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE: Perimeter Solutions, SA.

CONTACT: ir@perimeter-solutions.com

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National Heritage Week, a nine-day island-wide event, links culture, nature and history with over 2,000 projects.

Waymarked trails that link the past with the present are an important part of that heritage.

And they are a natural fit for this years Heritage Week (August 17-25), with its theme of Connections, Routes and Networks.

It explores the many ways people are linked through their heritage  from physical pathways like roads, canals, and trails to cultural ties through family, pastimes, history and traditions.

Irelands longest national waymarked trail stretches from Dursey Island in Co Cork to Blacklion in Co Cavan.

It runs for over 700km and traverses the counties of Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan.

The Beara Breifne Way is made up of 12 existing trails or long-distance walking routes and sections that link all of these.

It traverses the Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Ancient East destination brands and generally follows the route of the legendary march taken by Donal Cam OSullivan Beara in 1602.

He led 1,000 men and women, including 400 soldiers, on an epic march north, hoping to join forces with rebel leaders in Ulster.

They sheltered and ate where they could but were ambushed time and again by native chieftains.

After 14 days, OSullivan Beara and his people reached Leitrim Castle, the stronghold of the rebel ORourke of Breifne. Only 35 of those who started the walk remained.

Places and communities which they visited along the way have developed their sections of the route for recreation and other visitor attractions.

The Way runs almost the length of the country and takes the walker and cyclist to some of its most beautiful and least explored areas.

From the rugged coast of Beara, it crosses six mountain ranges, linking bogs, woodlands, riverbanks, rolling farmland, areas of Natural Heritage and Special Protection and the lake regions of Roscommon and Leitrim.

All along the route, there are clan connections to the March of OSullivan Beare that remain unbroken to this day and the finer details of the route are supported by folk memory as much as by historical research.

However, the highlights of the walk encompass a much broader range of historical, cultural and natural points of interest from ancient stone circles and places of religious pilgrimage to Big Houses and cottages, and War of Independence ambush sites.

The 400th anniversary re-enactment of the March of OSullivan Beare led directly to the creation of this official walk. The venture came from the ground up.

It involves about 60 community groups. Over 40,000 people have walked or cycled sections of the route. Some have even travelled it on horseback.

Work is ongoing to ensure that all aspects of the routes heritage are presented along the walk with plaques and map-boards covering topics ranging from local mythology to bird. According to the Heritage Council website, almost all the land used is private. Farmers and landowners came together to grant access to walkers.

People can walk local sections or take on the challenge of the entire route using a unique walking passport to catalogue their progress over days, months or even years. Each community has chosen a stamp to represent its character.

It is the type of project that reflects the ethos of National Heritage Week, which brings together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts.

Coordinated by the Heritage Council, it has grown from a small 500-event programme to almost 2,000 in 2023.

Minister of State Malcolm Noonan said the awareness and appreciation of heritage that it has been raising over the last 25 years has helped to shape more informed views, change hearts and minds and preserve incredible resources.

Heritage Council chairperson Martina Moloney said volunteers and community groups are the foundation of this wonderful festival of heritage.

Their dedication and generosity ensure the success of Heritage Week, offering diverse and enriching experiences for anybody with even a passing interest.

She also said the invaluable support of local authority heritage and biodiversity officers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes all year round cannot be overstated.
With the Abbey going dark for the late-summer season, the Gate Theatres choice to stage Brian Friels Dancing at Lughnasa (first seen at the national theatre, of course) seems all the more apt. Its Tony-winning reputation is sure to appeal to the US tourists who were plentiful at this performance, while locals would be well advised to see this finely judged revival, directed with great subtlety by Caroline Byrne.

Lughnasa is a memory play, told from the point-of-view of the grownup Michael (Terence Keeley), as he looks back on the late summer of 1936, when he was a seven-year-old boy in the household of the five Mundy sisters. This, were later told, was when the Industrial Revolution would finally come to Ballybeg, and with it, the Chekhovian breaking apart of this unorthodox family unit.

That melancholy, dreamlike tone of nostalgia is reflected in the orange hues of Paul Keogans lighting, and, in Chiara Stephensons canny set, by the field of tall cereal crops outside the kitchen, through which characters come and go. Yet, while the sense of an ending hangs heavy, and its not a happy one, the buzzing life and defiance of the sisters is beautifully conveyed in scenes of their daily life, as we see them bickering, laughing, and dreaming.

Molly Logan, Nicky Harley, Peter Gowen and Zara Devlin in Dancing at Lughnasa. Picture: Ros Kavanagh

Ruth McGill plays Kate, the sensible one: head of the household, and a teacher to boot, giving the role unspoken dimensions and complexity. Zara Devlin gives a touching performance as Chris, the mother of young Michael. Hes a love child, his father a feckless Welshman played with great charm by Jack Meade. Molly Logan, meanwhile, revels in the irreverent, earthy wit of Maggie, and shows deep concern, as they all do, for the vulnerable Rose (Lauren Farrell).

Its those last two who will have the saddest fate; but all the sisters, to their various extents, strain against their meagre lot. That defiance and thwarted desire famously erupts in the titular dancing, as music spills from Marconi, the sisters capricious wireless. Here, the dance is directed by Sue Mythen, with a credit also to Jean Butler. Its a moment of abandon, beyond language, evoking something older, and deeper: the pagan roots of Lughnasa, scarcely obscured by a veneer of Catholicism.

Molly Logan, Zara Devlin, Jack Meade and Nicky Harley in Dancing at Lughnasa. Picture: Ros Kavanagh

Its a theme thats elaborated in the figure of Father Jack, returned from the African missions, after having gone thoroughly native. Peter Gowen gives Jack a bright dottiness as he tells his nieces of ritual and ceremony, and gives frank descriptions of alternative family arrangements that would scandalise contemporary religious mores. Jack, in other words, brings the wide world back to Ballybeg, just as the plays references to the Spanish Civil War and colonialism do.

But nothing is overstated here. Friel does not see history with a capital H as more important than, or separate from, these womens lives. Its all in fine, evocative balance. As the grownup Michael tells us in one of his precise framing speeches: atmosphere is more real than incident here, and everything is simultaneously actual and illusory.
Homemade chickpea burger with lime and coriander salsa, pan-fried Thai chicken on sticky coconut and pineapple rice, crispy nacho bowl with spiced Irish minced beef: a tempting food truck festival menu or a food waste solution?

Its both.

Over the last couple of years, you might have noticed the bright blue FoodCloud Kitchen food truck popping up at festivals and events, serving up delicious dishes made from surplus food that would otherwise end up as waste, along with a side helping of consumer awareness.

It's a really good conversation starter to say, did you know that this is food which would have otherwise been wasted? says Aoibheann O'Brien, co-founder of the Irish social enterprise that is FoodCloud. It also challenges peoples perception of what they might think of as waste food: theres a big difference between the idea of those few salad leaves composting themselves at the bottom of your fridge and the delicious bacon butty that youre just about to tuck into.

Sometimes its food that has been over produced or theres been a mistake in ordering or its after Christmas or Easter but the food is never out of date. Its not waste. Its a really valuable and delicious resource, says OBrien. She adds that all proceeds raised by the food truck go back to help us to create more and better solutions to food waste, so customers can be happy about supporting the work that FoodCloud is doing while also enjoying a good feed.

Aoibheann O'Brien, co-founder of the Irish social enterprise, FoodCloud. Picture: Naoise Culhane

The sheer scale of food waste can be hard to grasp. If it was a country, says OBrien, food waste would be the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gas after China and the USA. Thats not a statistic any of us want to be contributing to. Its something that FoodCloud has been working on reducing since OBrien and co-founder Iseult Ward embarked on a student project to create links between businesses that had food and communities that needed it in 2013 while they were still at Trinity College, Dublin. It was an idea whose time had come, explains OBrien simply. Eleven years later, they have reached a significant milestone, having saved 300 million meals from being wasted.

By using technology to solve this problem of plenty and scarcity  connecting retailers with surplus food to local charities that need that food  they created a straightforward and scalable solution to a complex issue. Now FoodCloud has two core strands. Firstly, their tech platform works to directly connect retailers and food businesses with local charities. For the second part, they have three Hubs  the first was established in Cork, followed by Dublin and Galway  dealing with large volumes of surplus food which they can redistribute to charities around the country.

Ireland is not the only country that FoodCloud operates in: they also work with international partners who use their technology to prevent food waste in Britain, Czech Republic, Slovakia and, more recently, Kenya. On any given evening, says OBrien, on our platform we can see donations coming in from Nairobi to Newbridge. The technology enables local connections, it doesnt matter where they are. That's the power of technology to create and accelerate change. It's very exciting to see the opportunities for us to share what we've done here in Ireland.

By redistributing surplus, FoodCloud can reduce the environmental impact of food waste along with alleviating food insecurity. Food waste is an environmental issue, its an economic issue and its a moral failure, says OBrien.

On one side, youre producing so much food thats not consumed and on the other side you have people who cant access food and are experiencing food poverty. This imbalance is an international issue: OBrien notes that up to 40% of all food produced worldwide is wasted and this happens all along the supply line, from agricultural production to those Sunday dinner leftovers that you put straight into the bin. Along with wasting resources devoted to cultivation, harvesting, processing, packaging and marketing, food waste also has a significant greenhouse gas footprint, especially when it ends up in landfill.

Ireland is not the only country that FoodCloud operates in: they also work with international partners who use their technology to prevent food waste in Britain, Czech Republic, Slovakia and, more recently, Kenya. Picture: Ruth Calder Potts

In 2022, FoodCloud launched their Clondalkin-based FoodCloud Kitchen, a solution we created to address the food that we cant give directly to charities, explains OBrien. Sometimes FoodCloud finds itself with a surfeit of food that their partners cant use and in their own kitchen it gets turned into meals for charities and used for catering events or corporate catering, helping us to further reduce waste. This is also the food that supplies the food truck, the mobile catering, public-facing aspect of FoodCloud Kitchen which has brought its unique zero-waste take on festival dining to events like Ballymaloe Festival of Food, Bloom and the Durrow Scarecrow Festival.

The food truck enables people to engage with the issues around food waste by showing them what can be achieved with surplus food. Its about inspiring through action, says OBrien. People are intrigued when they see the truck. Our chef Janice Downes has been working with surplus food for years, shes very creative, and she can describe how the whole thing works. People come and talk and ask for advice on avoiding food waste, especially for things like lettuce and bread. Theyre extremely supportive. People also want to share their stories of when they were growing up and nothing was wasted!

Food is a really powerful and important way of connecting people, says OBrien, and the food truck is just another aspect of this. It certainly is a delicious means of opening up the converstation about food waste.

Summertime food waste avoidance strategies from FoodCloud Kitchen chef Janice Downes

Store strawberries in a glass jar or lunch box. Dont wash berries until you are ready to eat them to prevent them from going soggy.

There are a couple of ways to store coriander [and other herbs] to ensure it lasts longer, but one of the best is to dampen a piece of kitchen roll and wrap it around the herbs, then store them in an airtight container or bag.

When you bring home spinach from the shop, take it out of the bag and put it directly into an airtight container with a piece of kitchen roll on top and put the lid on. This will help absorb moisture and keep spinach from wilting so quickly. If the kitchen roll gets too damp before you finish the spinach, replace it. Alternatively, wash, chop, freeze and add to stews as required, it only takes a minute or two to cook.

Root veg: Put wilting carrots or stalks of celery in a glass or bowl of water in the fridge to bring them back to life.

When you buy fresh ginger, peel it and place it in the freezer whole to take out and grate into recipes as you need it. Same with chillies: if you end up with more than you need, chop them finely and pop them in an airtight container in the freezer for when you need them.

The FoodCloud Kitchen food truck can be hired for private events and also pops up at festivals like Fingal County Climate Action Festival on 14 September.

Find out more at https://food.cloud/ or @foodcloudkitchen on Instagram
When he was eight years old, Colm OGaoras grandfather handed him his first fishing rod.

I started fishing when we first started going on holidays to Ballyconneelly in Connemara, recalls the Dubliner.

There was a beach right in front of the house that my grandad had built and there was no better way to spend a few hours than with a rod and a net. I was infamous for stalking every pool and cove with the rod and a little wooden fishing box that I had made for myself.

At the end of every summer, the rod was packed away until the following year. As he got older, and teenage independence saw those trips west become less frequent, Colm got out of the habit. Like so many of his generation, he moved to London, where writing, romance and work took precedence. Though he didnt know it, a flame for fishing still flickered within him. He just needed to be reminded.

I came back to that same house in Connemara with some friends for a week in 1989, recalls the 58-year-old.

The weather was glorious. The rod was in the same closet it always had been. So I dusted it off, took it down to the beach and caught a dozen pollock in half an hour, which of course had never happened before.

As soon as he returned to London, he joined a local fishing club and since then he has fished continuously, rarely taking a break of more than a few months. He and his wife Alison came home to raise their family more than 20 years ago. Today they live in Harolds Cross in Dublin so Colm spends much of his fishing time on the nearby Dodder and Liffey  though he takes every opportunity to go further afield.

Ive fished every county on the island of Ireland and probably half of the counties in Britain, says Colm.

So it gets you around. I love it. My day job [as a creative director] and my career in writing has always been quite regimented. Fishing is completely different. It gets me out of the workplace mindset. Youre in 'do not disturb mode'. That said, I dont sit in a deck chair, throw a float and bait in and wait for something to happen. Im quite competitive in my own way. I always want to catch more fish or bigger fish so there's a challenge to it.

So you do have to concentrate and that helps you to focus. Its also about being out in nature. Ill go out in snow as much as Ill go out in a heatwave. If you want to escape the hub-bub of everyday life, the screens, the deadlines, the commute, fly fishing is great.

Colm O'Gaora, fly fishing on the Dodder. Photograph: Moya Nolan

Anglers like Colm have long espoused the benefits of fishing, particularly when it comes to mental health. A recent study conducted by Ulster University and Queens University, Belfast and Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, looked at 1,752 male anglers who were asked a range of questions about their participation in recreational angling, physical activity levels, diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, and mental health and well-being.

The results found that those who took part in angling more regularly were almost 17% less likely to report being diagnosed with mental health conditions compared to those who take part in the hobby less regularly.

If we are to break it down, the benefits of fishing include being outside and being in nature, both of which are good for body and mind, says Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin.

It is known that exposure to blue spaces, in other words aquatic environments, is associated with well-being and better mental health. Fishing is goal-directed, although, as one of my friends says, 'fishing is the wrong term'. He says he spends most of the time, 'not catching fish'. In other words, fishing is goal-directed, but it also teaches that sometimes the goal is not the goal. What matters is the fishing, not the catching of the fish. From a psychological perspective, fishing fosters patience, teaches us about delayed gratification, and makes us tolerate uncertainty for long periods of time. These are important skills.

In a world that Brendan describes as over-determined and hypercognitive we could do with tapping into activities that allow us to decompress. But are the next generation still interested in such a leisurely pursuit?

There was a time when after communions and confirmations you would have a queue of youngsters outside the door eagerly waiting to purchase their first fishing rod, says George OConnell, owner of TW Murrays in Cork.

These days more kids seem happier to play a fishing game on their console. That said, there does seem to be a little increase in youngsters coming into fishing again and this is probably due to social media. We have seen multiple generations of the same families through our doors and long may it continue.

We work with a few organisations that look after young people who have had difficult upbringings and they find those in their care respond very favourably to care programmes where fishing is involved. Fishing brings a great sense of peace and relaxation as you can get away from it all and be one with nature. Catching a fish should be taken as a bonus. The sensation of hooking a trout on a fly rod cannot be matched.

Colm still has the rod his grandfather gave him all those years ago. Though he doesnt use it as much, it has come to represent one of the greatest gifts he was ever given.

As a sport or a pastime, fishing lends itself to self-improvement because once you start, youll want to get better, says Colm.

Its a great escape. You cant be on your phone when youre up to your waist in water in the Liffey.
A massive 580-home development in Douglas has been given the green light by Cork City Council.

Murnane OShea Ltd was granted planning permission for the massive development to the south of Cork City in the townlands of Castletreasure, Moneygurney and Maryborough earlier this week, one of the largest given permission in recent times in Cork.

The development was proposed as a mix of 263 houses and 317 apartments, including a mix of four-bed and three-bed semi-detached houses and townhouses, and three-bed, two-bed and one-bed apartments.

The plans also include a two-storey, 122-child capacity creche, a shop, a cafe, and other commercial retail units on site, with proposals saying the site and surrounding lands create the opportunity for a 15-minute neighbourhood.

A planning statement on behalf of the applicants by HW Planning said: The proposed development makes provision for the construction of a section and extension of the Ballybrack Valley pedestrian and cycle route.

Access to the lands will also be integrated with the Carrs Hill junction permitted by the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway scheme, and brought into effect once the motorway becomes operational.

HW Planning said the site was one of two landholdings in the area identified by the Cork City Development Plan 2022-28 as a strategic urban expansion area that will need to accommodate significant levels of housing and population growth in the coming years.

It also said Cork had been falling behind on its housing target and City Hall should prioritise larger development sites to fully support the future population of Cork.

Submissions from locals

There was a small number of submissions from locals to give their opinion on the proposed development, with one raising concerns about the impact on traffic given the lack of infrastructure in the area.

Cork City Council had originally set a date of March 27 for its decision, but sought further information from the applicant before it could make its final decision. It required details on traffic, biodiversity and drainage requirements at the site.

In an assessment, Cork City Councils senior executive transport officer said he was satisfied the proposed development would not cause unacceptable operational traffic impacts in the short term.

The site is located next to another large-scale housing scheme, with Cairn Homes starting development on the 472-home, 150m project near Douglas village in October 2021.
The family of a West Cork woman brutally murdered by her husband has initiated civil proceedings against him.

Valerie French Kilroy was 41 when her husband, James Kilroy, slaughtered her at their shared home in Mayo in June 2019. On Monday, Kilroy received the mandatory life sentence after he was found guilty of her murder.

Now her bereaved family has moved to launch civil proceedings against him to try to secure funds for his three young children who have been left motherless. The French family is also now campaigning to change the law in Valeries name.

Valeries Law, a piece of legislation which Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has begun work on drafting, would suspend guardianship rights for people convicted of killing their childs other parent. The new law would take into account the rare situations where domestic abuse victims kill their abusers.

Currently, people who kill their partners or ex-partners fully retain guardianship of any shared children. This is ultimately about protecting children. And removing the perpetrator's right to make the decisions about the childrens lives," David French said.

International precedents for such a legal change already exist. In May, the UK introduced Jades Law to automatically suspend Parental Responsibility rights of a parent guilty of killing the other parent.

The law was called after Jade Ward who was stabbed and strangled in her home in Flintshire by Russel Marsh in 2021 after she ended their relationship as their four children slept in the house. Her parents campaigned to strip him of his parental rights.

Similar laws have also been adopted in Argentina, Israel and Italy.

Five years after his sisters brutal killing, and after two collapsed trials, the jurys verdict that Kilroy was guilty of murder was a massive relief, Mr French said. Valeries body now lies in a grave in West Cork which her family visit frequently.

Kilroy has never apologised or expressed any remorse for his wifes vicious murder. His name is pointedly written without capital letters across Mr Frenchs comprehensive website on the family's campaign for Valeries Law.

There was no evidence that Kilroy had ever previously attacked Valerie, he said. In about 10% of domestic homicides, that first attack is the first and last.

He's threatened, there's an argument and he loses it completely and kills her. What is common [in domestic homicide] is the overkill. Where you don't just kill someone, you absolutely flatten them. Use multiple weapons, cause multiple injuries, many fatal.

And Valerie had more than 50 injuries.

Prosecution barrister Anne-Marie Lawler SC had suggested Kilroy was something of a waster in the trial, Mr French said. He had always been a bit apathetic, not pulling his weight, he said.

Valerie had been the main breadwinner, working as an occupational therapist, but he also mostly left her to mind the house and the children, he said.

But he would spend money on his own toys including guns, bikes, boats, an expensive ride-on mower while Valerie paid entirely for the mortgage, he said.

It seemed excessive because Valerie didn't have the same level of spending on herself and she was the one that was earning most of the money.

Shed have loved to have stayed home with the kids on a career break if she could afford it. But she was the main breadwinner. And he had a very chilled-out job and never got any promotions.

Valerie loved being a mum, Mr French said. And it didnt happen by accident, there were rounds of IVF, which is expensive, a sperm donor.

She put a lot of time and effort into becoming a mum. She was so excited to see them growing up. She felt so lucky to be a mother at all. But she felt particularly lucky to be their mother."
It is safe to assume Edna OBrien would have been gratified by the many tributes that flowed on her death this week, reflecting the high esteem in which she was deservedly held.

It wasnt always this way, however. It is probably difficult for younger generations to understand from todays vantage point why one of Irelands greatest writers was once vilified in her home country.

Although her body of work includes short stories, screenplays and stage adaptations, Edna O'Brien is best-known for her debut novel 'Country Girls', published in 1960. Picture: Brian Wharton/Getty Images

Like one of her literary heroes, James Joyce, she had to leave Ireland to give expression to her gift, spending most of her life in London.

As she wrote in an essay for The Stinging Fly: I left Ireland willingly, but I doubt that I would have found the freedom to write if I had stayed there, as the obstacles and scrutiny were oppressive.

OBriens staggering literary achievements were often overshadowed by a narrative driven by various moral agendas related to her sex, though her own relationship to feminism was not always straightforward.

She had a long and prolific career  bookended by The Country Girls, published in 1960, and her last, Girl, published in 2019. Her extraordinary staying power was testament not only to her skill as a writer but to her survival instinct and her confidence in her work.

As she said in an interview with the New York Times: I'm a good fighter. I stay the course. Part of it is to do with being a woman. I think I am what Napoleon said about Madame de Sevigne. I think like a woman and write like a man. My books are very ferocious, though the language is well wrought."

From a body of work that also contained screenplays, short stories, stage adaptations and biography, she will remain best known for her debut novel The Country Girls and the two books that followed in the trilogy, even though she said if she had to recommend any of her books it would be A Pagan Place.

She wrote The Country Girls in the space of a few weeks after arriving in London with her small sons Carlo and Sasha, in November 1958. She described the book as my experience of Ireland and my farewell to it. Her rendering of that experience and the themes of The Country Girls  the awakening, sexual and otherwise, of convent girls Kate and Baba  were not welcome in an Ireland still very much under the cosh of Archbishop John Charles McQuaid, who called it a smear on Irish womanhood.

While the book would be seen as relatively mild today, the widespread shock and revulsion at an Irish woman writing so openly about sex cannot be underestimated.

The backlash, led by the Church, was swift and vicious, and it was banned by the censor, although the controversy no doubt aided the books longevity in the collective memory. (Although OBrien did say that if as many people had read that book as claim to have done, then I would be a rich woman indeed).

She didnt hold back in her own denunciation of her home place of Tuamgraney, Co Clare, when she described how the book was burned there in an interview with the Paris Review.

It was a humble event, as befits a backward place. Two or three people had gone to Limerick and bought The Country Girls. The parish priest asked them to hand in the books, which they did, and he burnt them on the grounds of the church.My mother was very harsh about it; she thought I was a disgrace. That is the sadness  it takes you half a life to get out of the pits of darkness and stupidity. It fills me with anger, and with pity.

A decade into their marriage, OBrien left her husband Ernest Gebler. In an interview with the BBC's Michael Parkinson, she said: My writing The Country Girls was very instrumental in the ending of my marriage. If you were to ask me would I undo that, the answer is no because I believe, and my children have proved it to me, that you can be a woman and a writer and it need not damage the family life.

"But there is that thing of jealousy which we cant ignore I havent had a husband since because my actual work is a bit of a threat to men.

Edna O Brien on stage at Dublin's Gaiety Theatre in February 2010 in advance of rehearsals for her play 'Haunted'. Picture :Leon Farrell/Photocall

Although she rejected the perception of herself as a literary celebrity courted not only for her talent but her beauty, OBrien counted many rich and famous men  from JD Salinger to Sean Connery and Richard Burton  as friends, and was even at one point a patient of the controversial psychiatrist RD Laing, who convinced her to take LSD, an experience she described as terrifying.

She also exerted influence in other spheres, discussing the Irish political situation with former British prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown at Downing Street.

In later years, as the grip of the Church loosened and attitudes became more liberal, OBriens work and her influence began to be celebrated, even though her books still generated controversy. Her novel House of Splendid Isolation, about a woman held hostage by an IRA gunman, took inspiration from the life of the late former INLA leader Dominic McGlinchey, and eyebrows were raised when O'Brien interviewed him in Portlaoise Prison.

Her 2002 book In the Forest, based on the horrific murders of Imelda Riney, her three-year-old son Liam, and a priest, Fr Joseph Walsh by Brendan ODonnell, was seen by some as a step too far. She saw much of the criticism as misogynistic, telling The Observer: Of course, it would have been all right if it was a man who'd written that novel, if I had been Sebastian Barry, or Roddy Doyle, or John Banville. There are still certain no-go areas for women writers. I'm always surprised to incur such wrath.

However, when in 2019, the New Yorker ran an oddly provocative profile of OBrien herself, the Irish literary establishment rowed in to defend her.

As she moved from villain to icon in her native country, the recognition was welcomed. When she won the prestigious Frank OConnor Short Story Award in 2011 for her collection Saints and Sinners, the first Irish writer to do so, she accepted the award in person at the Metropole Hotel in Cork, saying: I havent won that many prizes in the past, so I have no qualms about accepting one on this occasion.

She also cited Cork writer OConnor as one of her literary heroes and he no doubt would have approved of her typically shrewd description of the short story form in an interview with the Irish Examiner in 2008: I love the medium of the short story, but my early works were all novels. The short stories came later. Theyre very different forms; I think of the short story as something swift, like a bullet, and the novel as being like a tank.

It cannot be overstated how OBrien was a beacon of intellect, eloquence and courage shining brightly in a time when the talents and ambitions of Irish women were quenched as soon as they flickered. It was often a lonely place to be.

As the author Colum McCann told the Irish Examiner in 2019: Edna blazed a path for many of us. She was the advance scout for so much that happened in the Irish imagination. In this sense she sometimes bore the brunt of breaking down frontiers. Things were so much easier for younger writers because they had been quite difficult for Edna.

OBrien forged her own path with what often appeared to be an indomitable fearlessness. But this combined with vulnerability, and in one respect at least, she was endearingly human.

She once told a journalist who interviewed her: Just say I was born in the mid-30s... If I die and you write my obituary, don't give my age.

Happy to grant your wish, Edna.
Theres talk of moving Bishop Eamonn Caseys remains from the crypt of the Cathedral in Galway, following the airing of RTEs documentary on the multiple accusations of child abuse against him.

Possibly, we should keep him where he is  as a reminder of just how many people helped put him there.

We should keep him there as a reminder of Patricia Donovans story. We should try to remember her name for longer than a week.

We should take to the streets for people like her, and pressure our system to change.

I had forgotten about the child sex abuse accusations against him before I sat down to watch Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets. I must have buried his secrets too. When I mentioned the documentary to friends, they had also forgotten.

They remembered Annie Murphy though  the American woman who revealed her affair with Casey in 1992 when we would have been 12. They remembered the Gay Byrne interview; we all do.

This selective amnesia is common. Nobody wants to read or hear about child sexual abuse, particularly intra-family child sexual abuse. Nobody wants to believe it either.

Writing about the 2005 allegations against Casey in the Irish Independent, David Quinn, referring to the alleged victim, Patricia Donovan, the bishops niece, wrote: The woman in question had made similar allegations against other individuals in the past, and all had proved groundless. Certainly, gardai had to investigate her claims, but they should not have been made public. It placed Eamonnn Casey under an unjustifiable cloud of suspicion.

He finishes his article with the lines: We should never again know anything about an abuse allegation until charges are pressed. A forlorn hope, alas.

Patricia Donovan only made allegations against her brother Fr Michael Donovan, and her uncle, Bishop Eamonn Casey. In both cases, she was one of a number of people making such allegations.

She was five when she says her uncle Eamonn Casey first raped her. She thought he was God. Even when she reported him in 2005, few listened. Her story, sadly, is not just about the secrets of the Church.

Patsy McGarry, an Irish Times journalist with years of experience analysing stories, speaks for many in the RTE documentary. He also proves that very little has changed since 2005.

Knowing the five separate complaints against the bishop, four of child sex abuse and one a child safeguarding concern, McGarry says, without embarrassment, that even now, he has yet to be convinced about the child abuse allegations.

He even stresses the point, the effort he has made to believe the allegations.

And I have looked at them as objectively as possible, he continues, trailing off. Im not for one minute casting doubt on the people who made these allegations. I dont know. All Im saying is in 2014 he was in no position to defend himself.

He is not casting doubt, but he has yet to be convinced. It is hard to find sense in the comment, but he is at least being truthful.

Wed rather not hear about child sex abuse. We are simply not willing to believe it, and so the victims of child sex abuse go quiet.

Vera OLeary, manager at Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, believes every survivor and victim of gender-based violence and sexual abuse should be treated the same.

After working in this role for 32 years I have a concern that the public is confused, like they think these crimes against children are not as serious because they get such light sentences," she said.

No consistency in sentencing

OLeary worries about what she refers to as a possible hierarchy of victimhood. There is no consistency in sentencing.

A woman in Cork had her suspended sentence appealed this week. She now faces a three-year sentence for serious neglect and prolonged sexual abuse of her child.

Meanwhile, a father in Dublin received a 12-year sentence for the seven years he spent sexually abusing his young son. Another father, having sexually abused his three children, has received a life sentence.

Beyond sentencing, will any of them receive therapy?

Whether people want to hear it or not, sex offenders need therapy if we are going to prevent them from offending again.

Louise Crowley, Professor in Family Law at UCC, argues: It is time to recognise the immediate need to invest in, and develop, comprehensive laws and structures for domestic violence perpetrator programmes.

With sex offenders, as a sample, we know that just one in eight sex offenders released from prison between 2017 and 2020 took part in the State's main treatment programme.

The Irish Prison Service's psychology unit believes that those who undergo this treatment are more than 3.5 times less likely to reoffend compared to those who do not.

In 2022, the Irish Prison Service's leading psychologist Dr Emma Regan stated that only one in four prisoners access the treatment.

The lack of sustained public attention does not help the failure to tackle the darkness of child sex abuse.

To illustrate the problem, we might look at our reaction to two cases in Ireland in recent months.

Natasha OBrien was viciously attacked by Cathal Crotty; he was given a suspended sentence. We took to the streets; in every major city, people raged against the injustice of it, and rightly so.

Not long after, Gerald Henry was found guilty of habitually sexually abusing his younger sisters  Miriam and Irene  when they were children, and he was a teenager. Henry was convicted but received a suspended sentence. He was between 12 and 16 when he abused his sisters, and maintains his innocence.

There was very little public reaction to Miriam Henry's story of abuse at the hands of her brother. Picture: Patrick Browne

There was very little reaction to this story, certainly nothing like the attention that was given to the Crotty case.

Both involved suspended sentences for convictions; both involved women who were willing to speak up and fight  but only one involved intra-familial child sex abuse.

We cant handle it, so the story gets buried, and our streets stay quiet.

Miriam Henry was invited onto Newstalk but the focus was on the issue of character references, not the suspended sentence. Sixteen is old enough to know better, but Gerald Henry will get no therapy or treatment.

Surely those sisters waived their right to anonymity for a reason, and by looking the other way we allow the worst to happen  nothing.

What happens to men like Gerald Henry, who never enter prison?

Yes, it is complicated by the fact that he was a teenager when he committed his crimes, but the complication is not so great that he can walk out of court without any proactive follow-up unless he fails to abide by the conditions set down by the judge.

What about Raymond Shorten, the taxi driver who abused a small girl in her grandmother's house after her mothers funeral and went on to rape two women?

Despite a Garda probe into the child sex abuse, which she reported in 2020, he kept his taxi licence until 2022 when he attacked two passengers who were drunk, and who woke to find him on top of them.

As stated in the Casey documentary, only 4% of child sex abuse claims made to the gardai are prosecuted, and even fewer result in a conviction.

Few could blame victims for staying quiet when we are still so poor at listening, at remembering, and so unwilling to fight for consistent sentencing and appropriate treatment for sex offenders.
University of Galways publishing platform, Cois Coiribe, discusses the Universitys community research and achievements and its alumni successes. The well-regarded digital magazine has covered topics ranging from Mary Robinson: Trailblazer for Global Justice and Human Rights to Water Is at the Centre of the Climate Crisis  an interview with Rory Moses McKeown, senior technical consultant at WHO.

Today, we explore an article featuring Abigail Martin, chief executive, co-founder and director of ImmuONE, and how horses inspired one scientists big invention.

Speaking with Cois Coiribes editorial team, University of Galway alumna, Dr Martin, shared her inspired ambitions to make animals lives better through science, and how that same science contributed to her research regarding human health.

Martins company, ImmuONE, developed a groundbreaking human in vitro lung product and has influenced the way that companies conduct testing, improving human safety practices. The methods used have led to a measurable reduction in animal testing, providing an ethical alternative to crucial tests needed to bring products to market.

Sonya Iovieno, head of venture and growth, HSBC Innovation Banking; Dr Abigail Martin, chief executive and co-founder, ImmuONE; Orna Murray, social entrepreneur, facilitator, educator, co-founder Move2B; Cormac Folan, chief executive and co-founder, Alder & Green Menswear, founder Ciall Ltd Digital Strategy Consulting, former Olympic rower at a 2024 London Alumni Event hosted by University of Galway.

In the article, Martin discusses her upbringing in Schull, Co Cork as well as her transition year spent in England. Horses were a large part of her life and she found herself immersed in the equestrian domain. This afforded her hands-on insight into the challenges that come with competition horses, including accidents and diseases. It was ultimately this trajectory that led Martin to explore the field of biotechnology, informing her decision to complete a science degree, awarded to her by the university in 2007.

Following a placement at Ontario Veterinary College as a research assistant, Martins work with reproductive toxicology established her growing interest in the subject, as well as its translation to human patients. After earning an MA in Toxicology from University of Galway, and a PhD in Respiratory Toxicology from University of Hertfordshire, 2019 saw Martin founding ImmuONE in partnership with Prof Victoria Hutter, CSO. Martins achievements and patented 3D human lung model had an eager market waiting, and it was then that Martin realised her researchs true potential. As part of her efforts with the Innovation-to-Commercialisation for University Research (ICURe) initiative, she received enthusiastic feedback, ultimately leading to her project being awarded a fund of 300,000 to begin commercialising proprietary technology.

Now working from a 1,500 square foot state-of-the-art facility, Martin and ImmuONE conducts research in special sterile units. Their manufacturing area provides a space to cultivate deep lung human cells, producing 3D human lung models, a unique selling point being the presence of immune cells. They carefully nourish macrophages in the models, allowing for responsive results among the 3D lungs when exposed to various chemicals. Adaptive and adverse responses are measured for clients across the globe. Incorporating Good Lab Practice (GLP), the findings from the ImmuONE lab help to not only reduce the reliance on animal testing for a wide range of products, but they enable commercial clients to confidently display cruelty-free or animal-free testing labels.

Reflecting on Covid-19, Martin considers how much remains a mystery about respiratory health, particularly in the deep lung and lower airways. Its an area of research that offers an opportunity for growth, and she encourages students to engage with study areas that inspire them most. She also reminds that exams are not the only indicator of knowledge, and that its normal to feel intimidated. To future scholars and researchers, she recommends embracing uncertainty, building a diverse network and allowing space for confidence to grow.

It was through dedication and perseverance that she achieved her well-respected status, ImmuONEs activities making a true, daily difference in peoples lives. From horses to miniature models of lungs that demystify the complex systems keeping our bodies stable, Martin has had an amazing investigative journey. And its not done yet! Theres so much more left to uncover, and she is keen to see what more she can illuminate for the ever-growing scientific community.

For more information, see impact.universityofgalway.ie
At least nine protesters were killed during mass demonstrations that turned violent in several states across Nigeria, a rights group has said.

Authorities confirmed four people were killed by a bomb and the arrests of hundreds in the protests over the countrys economic crisis.

Curfews were in place across several states.

Thousands of mostly young people poured onto the streets across Nigeria on Thursday as they protested against the countrys worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

Amnesty Internationals Nigeria director Isa Sanusi said in an interview that it independently verified the deaths that were reported by witnesses, families of the victims and lawyers.

More than 300 protesters were arrested and curfews imposed in the northern states of Kano and Katsina after the looting of government and public properties, Nigerian police said.

One police officer was also killed and several others were injured.

Several states imposed curfews (Olamikan Gbemiga/AP)

The protests were mainly over food shortages and alleged bad governance in the country.

Nigerias public officials, frequently accused of corruption, are among the best paid in Africa, a stark contrast in a country that has some of the worlds poorest and hungriest people, despite being one of the continents top oil producers.

Carrying placards, bells and Nigerias green-and-white flag, protesters chanted songs as they listed their demands, including the reinstatement of gas and electricity subsidies that were removed as part of the governments audacious reforms to grow the economy, which has had a knock-on effect on the price of just about everything else.
After months of negotiations, three US citizens; reporters Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmashev and ex-marine Paul Whelan were welcomed back to the United States by their families, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

A further 24 prisoners from different Western countries were brought home after the historic Russian prisoner trade deal.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that authorities have not detected any tangible terror threats during the first week of the Olympic Games.

In the same week, around 200 people have been arrested by security forces for various crimes.

Mr Darmanin released the first official statistics regarding the Paris Olympics security during a visit to a police station in Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris home to two major venues: the Stade de France and the Olympic Aquatics Centre.

He said there were about 200 people arrested since July 26, including 180 taken into police custody.

France has been deploying around 30,000 police officers each day during the Olympics (AP Photo/David Goldman)

They include some individuals who could have committed attacks, including on the day of the opening ceremony, Mr Darmanin said.

Yet, he added, there wasnt and as of now we arent aware of any tangible threat from (terror) organisations  There is no organised attack being planned that we are aware of.

Mr Darmanin also stressed said there was 24% less theft associated with violence as well as 10% less car theft in Paris and in the neighbouring suburban areas.

Overall petty crime was largely reduced, probably due to the hugely increased police and gendarme presence in the public areas

Overall petty crime was largely reduced, probably due to the hugely increased police and gendarme presence in the public areas, he said.

Mr Darmanin is staying on in a caretaker role at the interior ministry until a new government is formed in the wake of legislative elections earlier this month.

France has been deploying around 30,000 police officers each day to keep the Olympics safe, with a peak of 45,000 for the opening ceremony on the Seine River.

Security forces are also backed up by a 10,000-strong contingent of soldiers that has set up the largest military camp in Paris since the Second World War, from which soldiers should be able to reach any of the citys Olympic venues within 30 minutes.
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A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
On Thursday, the 25 lawmakers of the Baja California State Assembly elected June 2 took the oath of office for the new Legislative Session. Of the 25 legislators, 16 are women, two belong to Indigenous communities and one represents sexual diversity. COURTESY PHOTO
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga recently met with the Chief Executive Officer of the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATMIS), John Lentaigne, and Kenyan diplomat Martin Kimani to discuss strategies to boost his campaign for the African Union chairperson position.

Odinga, who is a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, has been eyeing the AU chairperson position and has been actively campaigning for the role. The meeting with Lentaigne and Kimani was seen as a strategic move to garner support and build alliances within the African diplomatic community.

During the meeting, Odinga discussed his vision for the AU and highlighted his plans to promote peace, security, and development on the continent. He also emphasized the need for African unity and solidarity in addressing the various challenges facing the continent.

Lentaigne and Kimani expressed their support for Odingas campaign, citing his experience and leadership qualities as key assets for the AU chairperson position. They also discussed ways to mobilize support from other African countries and rally behind Odingas candidacy.

Odingas meeting with ATMIS chief and the Kenyan diplomat is a clear indication of his determination and commitment to securing the AU chairperson position. With the backing of key figures within the African diplomatic community, Odingas campaign is expected to gain momentum in the coming months.

As the race for the AU chairperson position heats up, Odingas meeting with ATMIS chief and the Kenyan diplomat underscores the importance of building alliances and garnering support from key stakeholders. With his vision for a more united and prosperous Africa, Odingas candidacy is poised to make a significant impact on the future of the African Union.
Aug 02 (Jowhar.com)  A loud explosion and gunshots were heard at the Lido beach hotel in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

It is not known the damage caused by this explosion and there are no further reports about this explosion.The reports say that the explosion was caused by someone who planted explosives in a pedestrian area.

There are casualties as a result of the explosion, and separate forces have arrived at the scene.

On August 2nd, an unsettling incident occurred at the Lido beach hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia. A loud explosion and gunshots were heard, leading to chaos and fear among residents and visitors in the area. The exact extent of the damage caused by the explosion is currently unknown, and there have been no further reports on the situation.

According to initial reports, the explosion was believed to have been caused by someone who planted explosives in a pedestrian area near the hotel. The motive behind the attack remains unclear at this time. Unfortunately, there have been casualties as a result of the explosion, adding to the already devastating impact of the incident.

In response to the explosion, separate forces have arrived at the scene to assess the situation and provide assistance to those affected. The authorities are working diligently to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the public in Mogadishu.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is important for residents and visitors to remain vigilant and stay tuned for further updates on the situation. Jowhar.com will continue to provide the latest information and developments on this incident as they become available.

Stay tuned to jowhar.com for updates.
Aug 01 (Jowhar.com)  The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who honored the scholars who attended the Second Conference of Somali Scholars at a dinner.

The statement issued by the Conference of Ulama, urging them to strengthen unity among themselves, in order to find lasting unity among Somalis.

The President thanked the Ulemaudin for their united support to the government in protecting the Religion, Good Culture and Life of Somali citizens, and urged them to strengthen their role in guiding the nation, strengthening the government, developing the country and educating the public.

Somali scholars are the leaders of the nation and you are expected to guide the people to the path of peace, security and governance. Peace, unity and development of the Somali people depend on finding one Somali scholar.

President Hassan Sheikh urged the Ulemaudin to strengthen their efforts in fighting the Khawarij, against the wrong ideas they spread and to bring together the Somali community that has been torn apart by civil strife.
( Tomdispatch.com )  They were all buddy-buddy for the cameras, going for a joy ride in a deluxe limo and toasting each other at a gala dinner. In June, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was determined to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin in grand style on his first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years. A red carpet, flowers, and champagne: it was a veritable romance of rogues.

In reality, the two autocrats make a very odd couple. Kim is still a youngish man with a few extra pounds on his frame, while Putin is in his seventies and loves to appear shirtless on horses, the better to showcase his judo-trained body. Kim is the dynastic ruler of a small, isolated, homogeneous country that remains formally communist. By contrast, Putin presides over a multiethnic empire that stretches across 11 time zones and has formally turned its back on its communist past. Kim disparages religion but maintains a suffocating cult of personality, while Putin, who embraced religion to boost his own popularity, has yet to force Russian officials to wear pins with his face on them.

Sure, Putin and Kim have some friends in common (Chinas Xi Jinping and Americas Donald Trump), some shared enemies (the West, most democracies), and a fondness for making threats (bombastic, sometimes nuclear). But what really binds them together is a seemingly antiquated belief system whose origins stretch back two centuries.

Kim and Putin are both ardent nationalists.

The two of them believe fervently in the supremacy of the nation-state, specifically their own. They also assert the superiority of their particular ethnic groups, with Putin increasingly using russky (ethnic Russians) instead of rosissky (citizens of Russia) in his speeches and Kim following the official North Korean tradition of purging the language and culture of all outside influences.

Above all, those two leaders are united in their opposition to outsiders  other countries, international organizations, non-governmental do-goodniks  having any say over what takes place within their borders. Putin and Kim are, in other words, spokesmen for what I call the sovereignistas, a class of world leaders who insist on their sovereign right to be exceptions to the rules that govern the rest of the planet.

In reality, ultra-nationalists like Putin and Kim hold sway over much of our world and come in all too many shapes and sizes. Chinas Xi, for instance, resurrected nationalism to revive the fortunes of a communist system whose ideology no longer seemed to motivate the Chinese masses. In Germany, Sahra Wagenknecht has started a new party that officially identifies as left-wing but has right-wing nationalist takes on border controls, globalization, and green politics. Meanwhile, at the other end of the political spectrum, Indias Narendra Modi has adapted nationalism to the needs of his right-wing partys religious chauvinism devoted to making Hindu India great again.

Far from just patrolling the edges of their societies, such nationalists are increasingly prospering at their political centers. Just ask Joe Biden, who tried to counter Trumps populism by beefing up his own nationalist credentials through new restrictions at his countrys southern border and onerous new tariffs on China. Indeed, such nationalism has been part of the mainstream since revolutionaries took over the kingdom of France in the late eighteenth century and German romantics began championing das Volk (the people) around the same time. Some political scientists have even argued that nationalism was the essential ingredient in the establishment of modern democracies  that, without its ideological glue, a state couldnt have mustered enough of a consensus to govern.

In todays world, think of nationalism as a distinctly old-fashioned liqueur, like absinthe, thats enjoying a burst of renewed popularity. Politicians of all stripes have recently been adding a splash of it to their policy cocktails to get the publics attention. Worse yet, some of the more aggressive politicians like Modi, Putin, and Donald Trump are drinking the stuff straight. Beware: undiluted nationalism can go right to the head and make you do crazy things like invading neighboring countries or trying to overturn elections.

So, heres a question to consider: at a time when the most extreme problems facing the world  climate change, resource depletion, and a possible nuclear Armageddon  know no borders, why has such a parochial philosophy once again become the global ideology du jour?

Not So Flat

Like colonialism, nationalism was supposed to be extinct by now, a relic of another century, an ideology that should emit a distinct odor of mothballs. After all, over the past hundred years, the prerogatives of nation-states have been gradually eroded by U.N. treaties, the growth of transnational corporations, and the spread of a global civil society.

At a time when everyone seems in touch, no matter where we are geographically speaking, borders seem so nineteenth-century. In such a flat world, crisscrossed by TikTok, Facebook, and Zoom, shouldnt nationalism be your granddaddys moldy old philosophy?

During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union each had its post-nationalist dream. With proletarian internationalism, communism was supposed to leave nationalism in the dust, as was capitalism with its transnational corporations and its borderless business world. The European Economic Community  later the European Union (EU)  came up with an even stronger variation on that theme as European countries began to remove barriers to trade, then to the movement of capital, and ultimately to the movement of people.

In one scenario, the EU was to serve as the building block for a more peaceful, far less nationalist global order. As Richard Caplan and I wrote in an introduction to a 1996 book on Europes new nationalism, National differences  Scottish kilts, Polish hand-kissing, Swiss neutrality  would presumably continue; [however] nationalist differences, which made the continent a killing ground for centuries, would gradually fade into the history books. The rest of the world, astounded by the tranquil prosperity of European integration, would presumably follow suit.

That, unfortunately, didnt happen. After the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989, nationalism came roaring back with a vengeance, particularly in Europe. Anti-immigrant fervor spiked in eastern Germany, new independence movements gained ground in Scotland and Catalonia, and, most terrifyingly, the former country of Yugoslavia dissolved into a bloodbath of ethnic groups turning on one another.

In that immediate post-Cold War era, nationalism proved to be an effective tool wielded by the periphery against a domineering center. Decades of formal accommodation within Yugoslavia among Albanians, Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes produced much intermarriage along with all too many suppressed inter-ethnic resentments, as well as rage at Belgrade for dictating policies to the other Yugoslav republics. Fratricide also surged in the former Soviet Union between Armenians and Azeris, among ethnic groups in Georgia, and most recently, of course, between Russians and Ukrainians. When not directing outright hostility toward the Kremlin, as in Ukraine, these post-Soviet conflicts displaced their anger onto regional power centers like Tbilisi and Baku.

Nor has the supposedly post-nationalist European Union proved immune to such trends. Just replace Moscow or Belgrade with the regulatory overreach of the EUs capital city, Brussels, and the last eight years of political developments make more sense, starting with Great Britains Brexit vote in 2016. A disgust with supposedly interfering Eurocrats merged with a hitherto underappreciated nativism to send that otherwise cosmopolitan country skittering into a parochial corner.

Inspired by the British vote, Frexit, Nexit, and Grexit seemed to loom on the horizon until European sovereignistas decided that it was more useful to hijack the EUs institutions than abandon them completely. The far right not only took over national governments in Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, and almost France but also challenged Europeanists on their own turf in European Parliamentary elections. In fact, in June, the far right registered its best results ever and has formed both the third and fourth largest voting blocs in that parliament.

Why Nationalism, Why Now?

Nationalism was initially a weapon deployed against imperial centers  with the French rising up against their king, the Greeks revolting against the Ottomans, and virtually all of Latin America breaking away from Spanish or Portuguese colonials. While it can still serve that function today (just ask the Ukrainians), its now more often mobilized in response to a different kind of power: globalization and its political, economic, and social avatars.

The growth of the economic version of globalization, which began with steamships and the telegraph and, in our time, accelerated to the container ship and the Internet, has led, not surprisingly, to serious pushback. Nationalists now decry the way the architects of the global economy have lined the pockets of the rich, while robbing nation-states of the tools to steer their own economies. In a classic version of bait and switch, those architects of the worlds economy justified the removal of tariff walls and the construction of a global assembly line by pointing not to the increased wealth of the billionaire class, but to all the millions of people lifted from poverty.

Neglected until recently were the enormous numbers of middle- and working-class people who lost their jobs, savings, and dignity to the tsunami of globalization. Although some of the disgruntled did direct their anger at the globalists, they also focused it on that other vector of globalization, the ever-increasing number of desperate border-crossers searching for jobs and better lives. In that way, the rage at being left behind merged with a potent xenophobia, fueling a populist rejection of traditional parties of the center-left and center-right that backed the economic and social transformations of globalization.

But dont forget the backlash of the sovereignistas, those distinctly nationalistic autocratic leaders like Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, Syrias Bashar al-Assad, and the military junta in Myanmar who continue to fervently defend the inviolability of their countries laws and culture. Those sovereignistas have taken aim at international agreements that chipped away at national sovereignty by limiting what countries can produce (not chlorofluorocarbons, thanks to the Montreal Protocol), whom they can discriminate against (not minority groups, according to various human rights agreements), and how many people they can kill (not entire communities, as detailed in the genocide convention).

Donald Trump is, of course, the sovereignista par excellence. He opposes all international treaties that constrain American power, even ones that ultimately serve the countrys national interests like the Iran nuclear deal, the Paris climate accord, and the Open Skies arms control treaty. He styles himself an anti-globalist, even though his international businesses are anything but that. Like Xi in China, Trump is skilled at adopting and adapting an ideology fundamentally alien to his worldview to cultivate mass appeal and preempt any criticism of his world-spanning narcissism. Sure, Trumps businesses made millions overseas, even when he was president, and have employed plenty of undocumented workers at home. But no problem, since he wraps himself in an American flag, both literally and figuratively, by promising to impose tariffs on all foreign goods and deport all undocumented migrants.

Donald Trump is riding a real wave. His criticisms of globalization resonate with significant parts of the American public who have indeed suffered because of shuttered factories, bankrupt farms, and deregulated economies.

The Future of the Past

Globalization polarizes societies, enriches plutocrats, and destroys local enterprises. Its McDonalds, Microsoft, and McDonnell Douglas all wrapped up in one big gut punch. But the answer to such an assault on the local and the particular shouldnt be an appeal to nationalism or the grim language of blood and soil.

Backward-looking as it may be, nationalism is also remarkably adaptable. You can find nationalist TikTok videos, nationalist podcasts, and nationalist approaches to climate change. In the case of El Salvadors young right-wing authoritarian, Nayib Bukele, nationalism even presents itself as cool.

But the solutions put forward by nationalists across the political spectrum fail to address the common threats posed by resource depletion, economic inequality, nuclear proliferation, and the desperate overheating of this planet. Whether you slice up the world according to nation-states or pure ethnic communities, such divisions cant deal with force multipliers like pandemics and rising oceans.

The international community not only needs to expand cooperation in this moment of increasingly devastating globalized crises, but individual countries will need to give up a portion of their sovereignty to make anything truly work. Sovereignistas, for instance, would have let the ozone layer disappear. Only the Montreal Protocol, which required every country to alter its production of certain sprays and solvents, saved the planets sunscreen. The growing climate disaster needs global coordination of just that sort, but raised by the power of 10.

Yet, all too sadly, nationalism grows in soil well prepared by coercive universalism, whether the allegedly iron-clad laws of supply and demand behind globalization or the legally binding principles of international law like the Geneva Conventions. Its a terrible paradox that the more the world demands universalism, the more devastating the pushback from the sovereignistas.

Today, the options are few. A technocratic global elite could try to force necessary changes down the throats of everyone, sovereignistas included. Or perhaps the patient organizing of liberal-minded parties could someday succeed in winning back the electoral terrain that the nationalists have been acquiring. The first, however, is likely to generate insuperable resistance, while the second may not happen quickly enough, if at all.

There is, of course, a third option, struggling to grow in the shade of public attention. A new generation of internationalists is trying to extract whats good from globalization, including human-rights treaties and more generous immigration policies, while offering a sustainable economic model to replace the neoliberal fantasy of a flat world. They are doing so in institutions, in civil society, and even, every so often, in governments.

Here, subsidiarity should play a key role. A clunky word, largely unknown outside the European Union, it basically means that problems should be solved at the lowest feasible level  that is, in your neighborhood, if possible; if not, in your town, state, country, or region. Only truly global problems should be solved at a global level.

The sovereignistas claim that they alone can save their countries and cultures is a scam. In truth, they just want power for themselves, not for the people they claim to represent. The only truly workable alternative would be democracy in overlapping circles from your neighborhood all the way up to global institutions. Forget the talk about this planets nationalists and globalists. Democratic internationalists must now link arms across all those controversial borders and scale up at warp speed to save the future from all the bad ideas of the past.

Copyright 2024 John Feffer

Via Tomdispatch.com
Ali Mamouri, Deakin University | 

(The Conversation)  Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has vowed to inflict harsh punishment on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of the top Hamas political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran.

Haniyehs killing is a critical escalation in the already volatile and increasingly hostile region. But the severity of Irans response to Israel will depend on a number of factors. An all-out war is not a sure thing.

A strong, but calculated response

Ever since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and Israels subsequent invasion of Gaza, Iran and Israel have demonstrated significant restraint towards one another, drawing nuanced red lines in their proxy conflict.

Neither side has wanted to escalate the tensions into a full-scale war that could engulf the entire region. Instead, they have sought to flex their muscles to avoid appearing weak, while stopping short of provoking a major conflict.

This was evident in April when an apparent Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria killed senior Iranian military commanders. Iran retaliated with a direct drone and missile strike against Israel. The attack was seemingly intentionally designed to not cause major casualities or harm to Israel. It was also telegraphed in advance, allowing Israel and its allies to shoot down the weapons.

Iran has mostly relied on its regional allies to keep the pressure on Israel as the Gaza war has continued. These allies include Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and its proxy militant groups in Syria and Iraq.

Israel, by contrast, has followed a dual strategy: responding forcefully to Irans allies and confronting Iran directly on its soil in targeted strikes.

The assassination of Haniyeh will necessitate retaliation from Iran and its proxies. Khamenei tweeted that avenging his death is Irans duty.

However, its unlikely this act has reached the point of justifying an open war. Iranian foreign policy has adopted a high level of pragmatism, carefully calculating the militarys actions and avoiding anything that might launch a costly war with economic, political and security implications.

This doesnt mean there wont be a strong response. Irans allies, in particular Hezbollah, possess the capability of inflicting serious damage on Israel, far exceeding what they have demonstrated so far. Their attacks could intensify significantly.

A balancing act for Irans new government

Iran has also recently elected a new moderate government under the presidency of Masoud Pezeshkian. He has said he wants to prioritise reforming Irans foreign policy to create a more amicable environment in the region. This could also pave the way for better relations with Western powers, including the United States.

His administration has signalled its intention to revive the nuclear deal that then-US President Donald Trump scrapped in 2018. Iran wants relief from the international sanctions that have significantly harmed its economy and the lives of the Iranian people.

However, the assassination of Haniyeh has created a precarious situation for Irans government. It must balance the need for a robust response with the desire to pursue diplomatic and economic reforms. There are two important aspects to this.

First, the attack occurred in Tehran, which compels the government to issue a strong response. Pezeshkians tweet after the incident demonstrates this:

Iran will defend its territorial integrity and honour and make the terrorist invaders regret their cowardly action.

Any retaliation would likely increase tensions with Western countries and could hinder Pezeshkians diplomatic aims.

Second, Irans hardliners will seize this opportunity to criticise the new government, questioning its policy of reconciliation with the West. They will argue that such policies are ineffective and advocate for a more confrontational stance, thereby undermining the governments reformist agenda.

A tactical win for Israel with potential downsides

Even though Israel has not claimed responsibility for the assassination, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government may view it as a tactical win. It continues to showcase Israels ability to target high-profile adversaries.

Israel has either confirmed it has (or is believed to have) eliminated other Hamas leaders, such as deputy political chief Saleh al-Arouri, deputy chief of military operations Marwan Issa and potentially the commander of the al-Qassam Brigades, Mohammed Deif (though his death has not been confirmed).

This week, Israel also claimed responsibility for killing a senior Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, in a strike in Lebanon.

However, given the significance of Haniyeh to Hamas and the fact the killing occurred in Tehran, it comes with significant risks and potential downsides.

The assassination will almost certainly hinder the ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel. This will complicate efforts to secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages. The Israeli public is already deeply divided, with the government facing criticism for its security failures in the October 7 attack and its inability to bring the hostages home.

Cracks have also begun to emerge between Israeli military leaders and the government over the war in Gaza.

In this context, the assassination of Haniyeh is unlikely to unite Israelis. Instead, it may exacerbate existing divisions, particularly if it leads to more conflict.

Where does Hamas go from here?

Haniyeh had a significant role in Hamass leadership. He facilitated strategic relationships with influential regional players, including Iran, Turkey and Qatar. He also played a crucial role in mediating between different factions within Hamas, and between Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups.

This is especially important due to the recent agreement struck in China between 14 Palestinian factions, including Hamas and its main rival, Fatah. This deal aims to unite them to create a strong political entity to pursue a potential peace process with Israel.

His absence will undoubtedly affect Hamas. However, it is not the first time Hamas has lost prominent leaders; Israel assassinated Hamas founder Ahmed Yassin in 2004, among others.

Despite these losses, Hamas has maintained strong leadership and regional backing, particularly from Iran, Turkey and Qatar.

It is still too early to determine who will replace Haniyeh, but his successor will need to possess a similar level of regional connections and public support.

A likely candidate could be someone like Khaled Mashal, who has previously held leadership roles within Hamas and has substantial regional influence.

Ali Mamouri, Research fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Bonus Video added by Informed Comment:

Al Jazeera English: Irans Khamenei leads funeral prayers for Hamas chief Haniyeh in Tehran
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 2, 2024 /CNW/ - Black Mammoth Metals Corporation (TSXV: BMM) (OTC: LQRCF) ("Black Mammoth" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Antelope Creek Gold Corporation ("Antelope Creek"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Mammoth, has entered into an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") dated July 17, 2024, with a private vendor (the "Vendor") to earn a 100% interest in the Callaghan gold property (the "Callaghan Property" or the "Property"), located 24 kms NE of Austin, Nevada (see fig.1). The Company has completed a sampling program and due diligence work and has expanded the Callaghan Property through additional staking, completed on July 31, 2024.

The Callaghan Property now consists of 45 Federal lode mining claims (930 acres, 376 hectares) on BLM land and is situated on the eastern flank of the northern Toiyabe Range, Lander County, Nevada. It is located along the 120-kilometer Austin-Tonopah trend of gold occurrences, deposits and mines that include Quito, Round Mountain, and Northumberland, and is considered prospective for Carlin-type gold mineralization. The Company's Quito property is a past-producing mine on this trend.

The Callaghan Property is located within an erosional window (the Callaghan Window) that exposes highly prospective Lower Plate Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, which on the Property have been strongly altered by gold, arsenic, antimony and mercury-bearing hydrothermal fluids. The Callaghan Property contains near-surface gold mineralization in several historic drill holes at the Cottonwood Canyon area, with historic reports estimating approximately 50,000 oz @ 0.5 g/t, hosted in Upper Plate Paleozoic sedimentary rocks.

Black Mammoth has not independently confirmed the historical estimate of mineralization at the Cottonwood Canyon area. Black Mammoth is not treating the historical estimate of mineralization as current mineral resources or as historic resources, and a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate of mineralization as current mineral resources or as historic resources. A qualified person has not yet determined what work needs to be done to upgrade or verify the historical estimate of mineralization as current mineral resources or as historic resources. The historical estimate of mineralization is relevant for historical completeness but should not be relied on.

Drill Target Areas:

Rast

The Rast area has been the focus of widely spaced, and mostly shallow, historic drilling over an area largely covered by shallow alluvium. Holes intersected strong pathfinder elements and sporadic gold intercepts; however, important geochemical, structural, and stratigraphic data from these holes indicates that the potential of this area remains largely untested. Drilling in the Rast area has demonstrated the presence of anomalous gold in decalcified Lower Plate carbonate host rocks. Shallow trenches expose strongly silicified and clay-altered Orovician-age carbonate rocks (hosts at the Company's nearby Quito property and elsewhere). A 300 meter long, open-ended, easterly trending gold-arsenic-antimony soil anomaly is present to the east of the historic Rast mercury mine. In addition, Lower Plate rocks with intense alteration consistent with Carlin-type gold systems are present at surface approximately 800 meters to the northwest of the historic Rast mine. The Rast area has three target areas where there are anomalous soils at the intersection of Lower Plate carbonate host rocks below the Roberts Mountains Thrust and NW normal faults.

Cottonwood Canyon

At the Cottonwood Canyon area, historic drilling has focused on near-surface, open-pit type gold mineralization hosted in Upper Plate rocks. The Cottonwood gold mineralization may represent a leakage anomaly above a more significant target area located in favourable Lower Plate rocks at depth and is at the intersection of a NW mineralized fault, a NE fault with jasperoid, and the Roberts Mountains Thrust.

Exploration History:

Since the mid-1970s, several exploration companies have drilled over 80 holes in the Rast-Cottonwood area. Kerr McGee drilled 37 holes in the Cottonwood area in the early 1980's, roughly outlining gold mineralization in Upper Plate rocks. Most recently, during 2010-2011, Miranda Gold and Kinross conducted limited drill programs in the Cottonwood target area. The Rast area, which includes the historic mercury mine, has approximately 35 holes drilled since the 1980s. Past exploration work in addition to drilling on the Property includes surface mapping, rock-chip sampling, airborne magnetics, gravity, and soil sampling.

Acquisition Terms (in USD):

Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Antelope Creek may purchase a 100% interest in the Callaghan property by making an aggregate of $1,235,000 in cash payments in accordance with the following schedule:

Cash Payment Payment Date Status

$20,000 10 days of Effective Date paid

$10,000 1st anniversary -

$15,000 2nd anniversary -

$20,000 3rd and 4th anniversary -

$25,000 5th through 10th anniversary -

$1,000,000 11th anniversary -

$1,235,000 Total

Retained Royalty

1% NSR on all claims payable to the Vendor within the area of interest.

There are no work commitment amounts, finder's fees or share compensation in connection with the Option Agreement.

Mark J. Abrams, CPG #11451, a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and director of Black Mammoth, has reviewed and approved the technical content in this release. Historical information contained in this news release cannot be relied upon as Mr. Abrams, the Company's Qualified Person, has not prepared nor verified the historical information.

About Black Mammoth Metals Corporation:

In 2024, Black Mammoth Metals has acquired a 100% interest in the America Mine gold property, San Bernardino, CA & the Quito gold property, Lander County, NV.

At the Company's 100% owned, 1,213 hectare (2,997 acre) Happy Cat gold property, Lander County, NV, an approximate 4 square kilometre area is identified as being hydrothermally altered. Structural modelling suggests the density of the alteration and its' density contrast relative to the host rock is typical to that of alteration zones present at other Carlin-type deposits in northern Nevada. The alteration encompasses an area where northerly trending high-angle faults intersect indicated NW-trending re-activated faults that are known to be of age and orientation as ore-controlling faults occurring at other Carlin-type deposits. The Company intends to prioritize drill targets within the alteration area.

Black Mammoth also has a 100% interest in the Blanco Creek gold property in the Elk Creek Mining District, central Idaho, which hosts three historic underground mines along 3,550 meters (11,644 feet) of strike on the north-east trending regional Blanco Shear Zone. Exploration by two previous operators identified a geological target for the Blanco Creek property in the order of 1.70 to 2.48 million tons, grading 0.20 to 0.33 oz/ton Au (1.54 to 2.24 million tonnes, grading 6.85 to 11.31 g/tonne Au); see the Company's press release dated February 14, 2017.

Black Mammoth cautions investors to note the potential quantity and grade of the geological target are conceptual in nature. A qualified person has not completed sufficient work to classify the geological target as mineral resources as defined by NI 43-101, and it is uncertain if future exploration will result in the target being delineated as mineral resources.

On behalf of the board,

"Dustin Henderson"

Dustin Henderson, BBA

President & CEO

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements regarding the Company's completion of the Transaction and related transactions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include that the requisite corporate and TSXV for the Transaction may not be obtained; that the Company or IDA Mining, as applicable, may be unable to satisfy any or all closing conditions necessary for the completion of the Transaction; and other risks that are customary to transactions of this nature. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the latest technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
August 2, 2024 / London, Ontario  TheNewswire  Abitibi Metals Corp. (CSE:AMQ) (OTCQB:AMQFF) (FSE:FW0) (Abitibi or the Company) is pleased to announce the appointment of Norman Farrell to its board of directors, effective July 31, 2024 and appointment of Jan Urata as Corporate Secretary of the Company, effective July 16, 2024.

Norman Farrell has sat on the board of numerous junior mining companies as the founder, officer and director starting in 1987. From 1993 he was president of Forexport Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Le Groupe Forex Inc, a public company and one of Canada`s leading Oriented Strand Board manufacturer, taken over in 1999 by the multinational forest industry company Louisiana Pacific Corp. Since 2001 he has been active in consulting work mainly in the forest industry. Norman is a resident of Montreal Quebec and is well connected with junior mining focused brokers and investors within the province. Norman holds a Bachelor of Commerce from HEC of Montreal University.

Jan Urata is the Founder and President of Take It Public Services Inc., a highly motivated legal support service for top tier junior issuers in a variety of industry sectors. Ms. Urata has more than 30 years experience in the industry providing corporate secretarial services covering regulatory filings, taking corporate entities from initial seed capital stage to publicly listed status and supporting complex transactions. Ms. Uratas career began with years of experience as a legal secretary/paralegal for top Vancouver law firms before establishing Take It Public Services Inc. in 2011.

The Company also announces that Quinn Field-Dyte has resigned as a director of the Company, effective July 31, 2024. The Company thanks Mr. Field-Dyte for his contributions to the Company and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

About Abitibi Metals Corp:

Abitibi Metals Corp. is a Quebec-focused mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality base and precious metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Abitibis portfolio of strategic properties provides target-rich diversification and includes the option to earn 80% of the high-grade B26 Polymetallic Deposit, which hosts a historical resource estimate of 7.0MT @ 2.94% Cu Eq (Ind) & 4.4MT @ 2.97% Cu Eq (Inf), and the Beschefer Gold Project, where historical drilling has identified 4 historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 g/t gold highlighted by 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 metres and 13.07 g/t gold over 8.75 metres amongst four modeled zones.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Jonathon Deluce, Chief Executive Officer

For more information, please call 226-271-5170, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit https://www.abitibimetals.com.

The Company also maintains an active presence on various social media platforms to keep stakeholders and the general public informed and encourages shareholders and interested parties to follow and engage with the Company through the following channels to stay updated with the latest news, industry insights, and corporate announcements:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbitibiMetals

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Tunisian activist Sihem Bensedrine, who headed a panel tasked with uncovering abuses under the country's past autocratic rulers, has been arrested for "falsifying" the commission's report, Tunisian media reported Thursday.

Bensedrine, a prominent rights activist who headed the now-defunct Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD), was arrested for allegedly forging parts of the commission's final report published in 2020.

She has been accused of accepting a bribe to include a passage accusing the Franco-Tunisian Bank (BFT) of corruption, allegations she refuted.

Last year, a court banned Bensedrine from leaving Tunisia as prosecutors investigated the alleged falsifications.

Founded in 2014 following the pro-democracy revolution in 2011 which toppled dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the IVD received testimonies from tens of thousands of Tunisian victims of abuses including rape and torture.

Since a sweeping power grab orchestrated in 2021 by Tunisia's current President Kais Saied, who was democratically elected in 2019, numerous political figures critical of him have been arrested.

Rights group in and outside Tunisia have denounced an "authoritarian drift" and a "rollback" on freedoms as the North African country readies for presidential elections set to take place on October 6.
War raging in Sudan between the army and rival paramilitaries has pushed the Zamzam camp near Darfur's besieged city of El-Fasher into famine, a UN-backed assessment said Thursday.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) review, which is used by UN agencies, found that "famine is ongoing in July 2024 in Zamzam camp".

"The main drivers of famine in Zamzam camp are conflict and lack of humanitarian access," it said.

Aid group Plan International said that "the IPC's latest report confirms what we and our fellow humanitarians have feared for months: that children in Sudan, having endured more than a year of harrowing conflict, are now dying of hunger".

Zamzam, a displacement camp in North Darfur state which hosted some 300,000 people "has swollen to half a million people in just a few weeks" due to the fighting in nearby El-Fasher, said Mohammed Qazilbash of Plan International.

Many residents have fled brutal combat in the state capital El-Fasher, the only major city in Sudan's vast western Darfur region not under paramilitary control.

Fighting erupted in April 2023 between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces after a plan to integrate them failed, with the warring generals seizing territory.

Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including deliberately targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid.

The war has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 10 million, according to the United Nations.

As the country has been plunged into what the UN called "one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent memory", the vast majority of relief operations have been suspended due to the violence.

The IPC report noted that El-Fasher airport "is not accessible for humanitarian deliveries due to insecurity", noting that the last "delivery of food assistance to Zamzam camp was in April".

Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said last month that 63,000 children in Zamzam camp "qualify as malnourished", and 10 percent of them were "severely, acutely malnourished".

Another aid group, Save the Children, warned on Thursday that "in Sudan, time is running out to keep children alive".

"And yet parties to the conflict and those with international influence have failed to put an end to the fighting over and over again."
Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was released from a 25-year prison sentence on Thursday in a prisoner swap, has spent years warning the world of the dangers of a revanchist President Vladimir Putin.

The 42-year-old journalist and opposition activist, a dual British-Russian national, was arrested soon after Moscow launched its February 2022 invasion.

Convicted in April 2023 of treason and spreading "false information" about Russia's military, he was sentenced to one of the longest prison terms ever handed down to a Putin critic.

The judgement was condemned internationally as politically motivated and repressive.

Kara-Murza was sent last September to a penal colony in the Siberian city of Omsk, some 2,200 kilometres (1,400 miles) east of Moscow.

In July, he was moved to a prison hospital, his wife Evgenia Kara-Murza said, with lawyers denied access for several days.

The dissident suffers from a nerve disease after falling severely ill in 2015 and 2017 in what he claims were poisonings orchestrated by the Kremlin and executed by security services.

His treatment behind bars sparked international concern, particularly after the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in an Arctic prison colony in February.

"What is happening to Vladimir Kara-Murza is very frightening," Svetlana Gannushkina, a prominent Russian rights activist, told AFP last month.

"There is no doubt that he is a political prisoner, convicted for his statements," she said.

- 'The price of war' -

Kara-Murza was arrested in April 2022 after a speech in the United States where he accused Russia of "war crimes" against Ukraine.

Russia made criticism of its Ukraine campaign a crime punishable by lengthy prison sentences shortly after it despatched troops.

For years Kara-Murza had campaigned against Putin, warning Russians and Western officials about the dangers of the Kremlin leader's increasing authoritarianism at home and imperial ambitions abroad.

"Today this is obvious to everyone, but at a terrible price -- the price of war," he said at his trial.

Even before being jailed, the dissident had suffered heavily for his activism.

In 2015 he was hospitalised in Russia with acute kidney failure. Blood tests found high levels of heavy metals, but Russia refused to open a criminal probe.

In an interview with AFP, Kara-Murza recalled: "I suddenly felt that I was unable to breathe anymore."

In 2017 he was again hospitalised with organ failure and fell into a coma.

An investigation led by Bellingcat journalists in 2021 suggested Russian security agents were involved in both instances.

Russia has always denied poisoning high-profile regime opponents.

Kara-Murza's lawyers and family say he developed polyneuropathy, a nerve condition, as a result of the attacks.

His wife has repeatedly warned that his health was deteriorating in jail.

- 'Don't give up' -

Yet the risk of death did not deter Kara-Murza.

"The biggest gift that those of us who oppose Vladimir Putin could give to the Kremlin would be to give up and run away," he told AFP just before Russia invaded Ukraine.

When he learned of Navalny's death in prison, Kara-Murza again refused to stay silent.

"Alexei said: don't give up. It's impossible to give up," Kara-Murza said in communications from jail.

Kara-Murza's family has a storied tradition of opposition.

His father, also Vladimir Kara-Murza, was an outspoken critic of Soviet authorities, and came from a line of Latvian anti-Kremlin activists killed by secret police.

In the post-Soviet era, his father, then a TV presenter, introduced his son to liberal politicians.

Kara-Murza moved to the UK as a teenager with his mother, acquired British citizen and studied history at Cambridge.

-'Sudden and unexpected change' -

In 2003 he stood unsuccessfully for election in Russia.

He worked as a journalist for a variety of news outlets, including the BBC, mining his knowledge of history to understand current events.

"If there's one thing modern Russian history teaches us is that major political change in our country comes suddenly and unexpectedly," he told AFP.

He served as deputy chairman of a liberal party led by former prime minister Mikhail Kasyanov and worked for former tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky's anti-Kremlin Open Russia foundation.

As Putin mounted an increasingly aggressive crackdown on his opponents through the 2010s, Kara-Murza campaigned in the US and Europe for individual sanctions against Russian officials.

From behind bars, he continued to write and campaign, winning a Pulitzer Prize for Washington Post dispatches.

Even during his trial, Kara-Murza voiced confidence that Putin's reign would end and Russia would be free.

"The day will come when the darkness over our country will dissipate, when those who kindled and unleashed this war -- rather than those who tried to stop it -- will be recognised as criminals," he said to the court.
The court sentences Captain Moussa Dadis Camara to 20 years imprisonment. With his sentence just pronounced, the former president of Guinea wore a frozen smile. The silence was almost unreal silence as the president of the Dixinn criminal court, Ibrahima Sory 2 Tounkara, read out the verdict on Wednesday July 31, after 22 months of trial.

There was no reaction from the audience. Expectations are high, however, almost 15 years after the Conakry stadium massacre, in which more than 150 people died, hundreds were injured and more than 100 women were raped. This outburst of violence during a security forces crackdown on an opposition rally on September 28, 2009, traumatised Guinea.

It should be said that on this historic day, there were many people absent. Most of the victims, still fearing reprisals, preferred to watch the hearing on television. The lawyers seats were also empty. Counsel for the civil parties and defence decided to follow a Guinean Bar Association call to boycott the hearings in protest at enforced disappearances currently affecting civil society activists in the country.

Life sentence for fugitive Pivi

In its decision, the court upheld reclassification of the charges as crimes against humanity. Dadis Camara was convicted on the basis of his responsibility as a hierarchical superior. In the end he received a more lenient sentence than requested by the prosecution, which was seeking life imprisonment for the former head of state. Moussa Tiegboro Camara, the head of the anti-drug unit who took part with his men in the stadium crackdown, also received a 20-year sentence. Only one life sentence was handed down -- to Claude Pivi. This man, who was Minister of Presidential Security at the time of the events, has been on the run since his escape from prison in November.

Marcel Guilavogui, the Presidents former protege who was seen beating up political leaders at the stadium, was sentenced to 18 years in jail. Blaise Goumou, a gendarme under Tiegboros command, got 15 years. Mamadou Aliou Keita was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment. Paul Mansa Guilavogui was sentenced to 10 years.

In contrast, the court considered that Aboubacar Diakite (known as Toumba), Dadis Camara's aide-de-camp and head of the presidential guard, had distinguished himself by his good faith during the trial, and gave him a ten-year sentence. He has been in detention since 2017 and could be released within three years. Four defendants were acquitted, including former health minister Abdoulaye Cherif Diaby.

Human rights organisations hailed the verdict as historic. According to a press release from the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Guinean judges have sent a clear signal that no one is above the law, and those who commit crimes covered by the Rome Statute will be brought to justice.

Joy and disappointment

When the court left, there was no outpouring of joy among the few victims present. They expressed their satisfaction in a subdued way. When you accuse someone in court, you have to be there until the end, said a young woman who was raped at the stadium and who requested anonymity. Were very happy with the court presidents decision. He spoke the law. She is delighted that the charges have been reclassified as crimes against humanity, which has symbolic significance for her. Eight defendants were convicted on this basis, including the main protagonists of the case: the former president, Pivi, Tiegboro, Guilavogui and Toumba. Its a verdict to set an example, she says. They did nothing to stop the massacre. All those responsible will have to take their responsibilities now. Even so, she is disappointed that Dadis will escape life imprisonment, but says she respects the law. On the day of the verdict, the judges did not elaborate on the reasoning behind the sentence.

Dadiss lawyers to appeal

This verdict does not mark the end of the fight for the victims. There will probably be another trial. Dadiss lawyers have already announced that they will appeal.

It seems that this trial, despite its length, leaves a feeling of unfinished business for the parties. While the issue of security has been at the heart of debates in recent months and a law was passed two years ago to protect the victims, the latter claim that no measures have been implemented by the authorities and that they remain at risk after the judgment was handed down.

The fight for compensation also continues, with the verdict stipulating that it is up to those convicted to pay compensation to the plaintiffs. The amounts are astronomical, especially for people who have been in detention in some cases many years. The court decided to award each rape victim 160,000 euros, 100,000 euros for each death or disappearance, 20,000 euros for each case of torture, for each victim of assault and battery. There is very little chance that these sums will be paid and the court ordered only financial compensation, while the victims suffer from a lack of psycho-social and medical support.

The courts response on this issue has been heavily criticised by the civil parties. The State said it could conduct the trial here in Guinea. So it's up to the State to compensate, it's up to the State to assume its responsibilities, said the same survivor of the massacre.

Unsolved disappearances

The defence greeted the verdict coldly. This is a dark day for Guinean justice, commented Pepe Antoine Lamah, a leading member of the Guinean Bar and a member of Dadis Camaras defence team. He denounced the decision as iniquitous, devoid of any legal substance and handed down in violation of the rights of the defence. In his view, the charges should not have been reclassified as crimes against humanity. This issue, which caused lengthy debate when it was raised in March, came up only a few months before the end of the trial, and the court waited until the verdict to decide on it.

The trial did not live up to all its promises for the civil parties either. The case still has grey areas: victims have never been found, and the mass graves where soldiers are suspected of putting certain bodies have never been located. Dadis Camara could have helped bring out the truth, but he remained walled in silence, laments Alpha Amadou DS Bah, coordinator of the victims lawyers collective.

107 victims testified

On the whole, this first experience in Guinea of a trial for mass crimes is a generally positive one and a success for the countrys judicial system, which has succeeded in bringing a former president to trial. This alone is an exception in the history of trials for international crimes. The judiciary was also able to overcome the organisational difficulties of such a trial. The presiding judge ensured that the hearing was orderly, right up to the end. He also gave a great deal of space to the victims, who spoke in court for several months. Initially, only 50 or so were due to appear, but the number of victims increased as the hearings progressed. In all, 107 victims were able to testify.

In a country whose history is marked by repeated tragedies and dictatorships, the question now arises of this trials legacy. When the trial opened, we thought that September 28, 2022 could be declared year zero for the end of impunity in our country. Unfortunately, the abuses continue. Opponents are disappearing. Its quite frustrating to see that such practices continue, laments Bah. One thing is certain, according to the lawyer: Since the September 28 massacre has been prosecuted, it is quite possible that other cases will be too. The machine has been set in motion, and other trials will inevitably be organised.






Thursday, August 1, 2024 - Personal possessions including 11 luxury Hermes bags were stolen from the luggage of the sister-in-law to the Emir of Qatar while she took a Nice to Paris train at the weekend to watch the Olympic games.

The unnamed royal family member boarded the TGV at Cannes (one of the first stops on the route) on Saturday, July 27, it has been revealed.

She was travelling with her housekeeper, according to a police source, but soon into the trip realised her belongings, including the bags, were missing.

The two informed guards on board, who stopped the train service for around 20 minutes at Toulon station whilst they searched for the missing luggage but were not able to find it.

The case has been referred to the Toulon Criminal Court, which opened an investigation into the theft. The town of Toulon is thought to be where the thief or thieves got off the train.

The Olympics officially opened in Paris on Friday, July 26, and continue through Sunday, Aug. 11, although some team events started on July 24. The opening ceremony was held on the Seine river, which flows through Paris. The closing ceremony, which includes a parade of flags and athletes, will take place on Aug. 11.






Thursday, August 1, 2024 - General Hospital stars Cameron and Vanessa Mathison are going their separate ways.

The former couple announced they are getting a divorce on Wednesday, July 31, just four days after their 22nd wedding anniversary.

They explained their decision in a joint statement on Instagram.

"After 22 years of marriage, we have made the difficult decision to part ways," the General Hospital stars said.

"We enter this new chapter with deep love, kindness, and respect for each other. We hold gratitude in our hearts for the wonderful years we shared together."

"Our children have been and will continue to be our highest priority, and we will forever share in our devotion and love for them, their statement concluded.

Cameron and Vanessa wed on July 27, 2002, and welcomed son Lucas in April 2003. Three years later, their daughter Leila was born in July 2006.

The All My Children alum, 54, has recently spoken about some changes coming up in his life, including becoming an empty nester with his daughter leaving for college in the fall.

Just hours before announcing the divorce, he even took to Instagram to share what he and his two kids have been up to this summer.

"Summer photo dump," Cameron captioned it. "Last few weeks before Im an official empty nester."

Although Vanessa, 57, wasnt featured in any of the 10 photos, which showed the trio hiking and spending time outdoors on a trip to Arizona, she left several love emojis under the post.

During an appearance on Cheryl Burke's Sex, Lies and Spray Tans podcast in June, Cameron explained a past struggle he and Vanessa had in their marriage. When he was asked to be a contestant on Dancing With the Stars, the actor admitted he was worried about working with pro Edyta Sliwinska.

"I called [the casting director] and I said, 'Listen, I'm so happy that you've offered me the show. I can't wait. I'm in. Just do me a favor. Put me with anybody but Edyta,'" he recalled. "Because I knew my wife and I, we were going through a little bit of a challenge at that time."






Thursday, August 1, 2024 - Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel is to be freed from prison after his murder conviction was overturned in March, a court ruled today, July 31.

The 48-year-old artist was handed a life sentence in 2014 after his 2011 arrest for the killing of Clive "Lizard" Williams  whose body was never found.

Now, after 13 years behind bars, he has been freed following a successful appeal.

Kartel and his co-accused Shawn "Storm" Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John will not face a new trial, the Court of Appeal ruled today in a unanimous decision.

Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop announced the decision, saying: "We conclude that the interest of justice do not require a new trial to be ordered for the appellants."

The judge continued: "We therefore make the following order: judgments and verdicts of acquittal are entered in relation to the appellants."

She added: "That is it. The appellants are free."

In March the successful appeal  heard by the Privy Council in London, Jamaicas highest court of appeal  argued that a juror accused of attempting to bribe others should have been thrown off the trial.

Despite overturning the convictions, the Privy Council did not free the men, instead passing the decision to the Court of Appeal.

The musician, real name Adidja Palmer, is one of the Caribbean islands most popular musical artists, and has worked with the likes of Rihanna and Jay-Z.

In 2014, the 64-day trial  the longest in Jamaicas history  sentenced the co-accused to life in prison.

St John and Kartel received 35 years and 30 years minimum, while Campbell and Jones received 25 years minimum.

Kartel and his co-accused have maintained their innocence throughout.






Thursday, August 1, 2024 - US Vice President, Kamala Harris responded directly to former US President Donald Trump after he mocked her heritage.

Trump questioned Kamala Harris' racial identity during a heated exchange at a convention for black journalists.

Trump claimed the vice-president and presumptive Democratic nominee had only emphasised her Asian-American heritage until recently when, he claimed, "she became a black person".

"I didn't know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black and now she wants to be known as black," he said at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago on Wednesday, July 31.

"So I don't know - Is she Indian? Or is she black?"

Harris quickly fired back..

It was the same old show. The divisiveness and the disrespect,

And let me just say, the American people deserve better, she said. The American people deserve a leader who tells the truth, a leader who does not respond with hostility and anger when confronted with the facts. We deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us; they are an essential source of our strength.

Harris, who is Indian American, was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Her remarks on Wednesday were at the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.s 60th Biennial Boule in Houston to celebrate another member of the Divine Nine, which is made up of Black fraternities and sororities.

In this moment, once again, our nation is counting on you. To energize to organize and to mobilize, she told the crowd. Because when we organize, mountains move. When we mobilize nations change and when we vote, we make history.

As we work to move our nation forward, let us be clear, there are those who are trying to move us backward, she said.




Friday, August 2, 2024 - Undercover detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have intercepted a drug trafficker disguising herself as a normal passenger and recovered 1080 grams of cocaine.

The suspect, Bioma Alice Gbassay from Sierra Leone, thought she could slip through security checks but the vigilant team of detectives caught her right in the act.



Upon her arrival in Kenya en route to Mumbai, Bioma was escorted to the immigration offices where her luggage was picked up from the baggage hall and was taken to the Anti-narcotics office.



After a meticulous search of her body and luggage, the detectives recovered suspected narcotic drugs hidden in various places.



A whitish substance wrapped with clear tape was recovered from her inner garments.

Further, two slabs of dove soap concealing a suspicious powdery substance were also retrieved in her luggage.



After being subjected to laboratory tests, the recovered substances turned out to be cocaine.



The suspect has been processed for arraignment.









The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, August 2, 2024 - President William Rutos Cabinet Secretary nominee for Interior Prof. Kithure Kindiki appears to have given thumbs up to the police for ruthlessly dealing with Gen Zs during anti-government protests.

Speaking during his vetting by the National Assemblys Appointment Committee Chaired by Speaker Moses Wetangula, Kindiki commended the police service for its relentless efforts to deal with the criminals who infiltrated the protests.

According to Kindiki, about 54 police cars were destroyed by the demonstrators during the recent events that paralysed the country.

"I estimate that on a broader scale of things, generally, the police tried their best to protect the country against criminals, including those who visited Parliament and wanted to kill parliamentarians," Kindiki stated.

However, Kindiki refused to take responsibility for the deaths of protesters, telling the police to carry their cross.

He asked the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to go for individual police officers who killed and maimed the Gen Zs.

The police have been accused of killing 60 unarmed Gen Zs during protests, and for Kindiki to commend the police for what they did, is condemning the dead.

For the last two months, the Gen Zs have been staging weekly protests demanding accountability from President William Rutos government.

However, the protestors were met with police brutality where they maimed and killed at least 60 youths.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, August 1, 2024 - Manchester Uniteds summer signing, Leny Yoro has been ruled out for three months due to injury.

The 18-year-old French defender, who joined the club for 52 million, sustained the injury during Saturdays pre-season match against Arsenal.

Yoro was seen wearing a protective boot and using crutches at the teams training base at UCLA, and it has now been confirmed that he will be sidelined until the end of October.

Yoros absence means he will miss nine Premier League matches, including key fixtures against Liverpool, Tottenham, and Aston Villa.

Further tests will be conducted upon his return to the UK to assess the full extent of the injury.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund, who also suffered an injury in the Arsenal game, will be out for six weeks due to a hamstring issue. Hojlund, who scored Uniteds opening goal against Arsenal, will miss the upcoming Liverpool game on September 1 and will be sidelined until after the September international break.






Thursday, August 1, 2024 - Dancehall star, Vybz Kartel and his fiance Sidem Ozturk were greeted by dozens of fans upon his release from prison on Wednesday, July 31.

In his first post since the Court of Appeal acquitted him on murder charges, Kartel and Ozturk are seen sharing a kiss as he leaves the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in downtown Kingston.

Me and Wifey #AMOUT, he captioned the video.





They left the area in a white Perrys limousine.

Ozturk, a former London social worker of Turkish descent who recently moved to Jamaica, previously revealed that she started corresponding with the Vybez Kartel in 2015 but didnt meet him until she first traveled to the island in 2019.

The artists long-time common-law wife, Tanesha Shorty Johnson, who is also the mother of three of his seven children, was not spotted in any of the photos from his release. The two reportedly separated in 2018. However, in 2020, Kartel released an album titled To Tanesha, which was dedicated to and co-produced by Shorty.

In September 2022, he released an EP titled New Religion, which was dedicated to Ozturk.

Kartel, 48, has seven children with five womenfive boys and two girlsconfirmed in the tracks Man Straight (2014) and Family (2015). In addition to Shortys three boysLikkle Vybz, Likkle Addi, and Aiko, he has Shahiem, who resides in the US, referenced in About Us (2020), and a fifth son named Kahieme. His oldest daughter is AdiAnna Girl Boss Palmer, shared with entrepreneur Sherika Todd, while his youngest daughter is Amani.

In 2014, Kartel and three other men were convicted for the 2011 murder of Clive Lizard Williams. The UK-based Privy Council overturned the convictions earlier this year, and sent the case back to Court of Appeal to determine whether there should be a new trial.

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled that despite the crimes severity favoring a retrial, several strong factors opposed it. These included the prosecutions inadequate account of witnesses and trial exhibits, the time and financial costs of a new trial, its impact on the Courts resources and other pending cases, the psychological, financial, and medical effects on the appellants, and the violation of their right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time.

Watch the video below.




Friday, August 2, 2024 - A Nairobi court has ordered the extradition of murder suspect Kevin Kangethe to the United States to face murder charges for killing his girlfriend Margaret Mbitu.

Kangethe will stand trial in Massachusetts on first-degree murder charges for the 2023 death of Mbitu, a nurse.

Mbitus body was found with multiple stab wounds in his SUV in a garage at Bostons Logan Airport, two days after her family reported her missing.

Police say he had boarded a flight from Logan to Kenya the day before Mbitus body was discovered.

He was tracked down and arrested in Kenya three months after the murder but escaped from detention just one week later in a mini-van.

Kenyan police launched a manhunt and investigation, eventually tracking him down to a relatives home in Nairobi where he was re-arrested.

They also arrested four police officers, two of the suspect's relatives, and a lawyer, accusing them of aiding in the prison break.

Prosecutors in Nairobi testified that when Kangethe was arrested, he was found with items belonging to Mbitu, including her driver's license, Bank of America debit card, and a visa card.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, August 1, 2024 - The 17-year-old boy charged with the murders of three young girls during a knife rampage at a Taylor Swift themed club in Southport, UK has been revealed as Axel Rudakubana.

It comes after the Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Andrew Menary KC, took the exceptional step of lifting reporting restrictions which previously banned him from being identified due to his age.





The court heard Rudakubana was due to turn 18 next week, on August 7. Judge Menary said: Continuing to prevent the full reporting has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation, in a vacuum.

The teenager charged with the murders of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport is said to be an introvert with a background in musical theatre.

Axel Rudakubana, who turns 18 on Wednesday, was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, and had been living in the village of Banks, just outside Southport, at the time of the attack.

He has an older brother, who was also born in the Welsh capital.

Rudakubana is charged with murdering Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Hart Street in the Merseyside town on Monday.

Eight other children suffered knife wounds with five of them in a critical condition while two adults were also seriously hurt.







Two of the injured children have been discharged from hospital, Alder Hey Childrens NHS Foundation Trust said Thursday.

In a statement, the trust said: We are delighted that two of the children involved in Mondays awful incident have now been discharged.

We continue to treat five children involved in the devastating incident in Southport on Monday, including one recently transferred to us from Aintree University Hospital.

All the children in our care are currently in a stable condition. Our heartfelt sympathies remain with all those affected by Mondays incident.




Friday, August 2, 2024 - NARC-Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua has called out ODM Leader Raila Odinga, accusing him of hijacking the Gen Z movement for his selfish benefit.

Speaking during an interview, Karua blasted Raila for dancing on the graves of fallen Gen Zs by using them to advance his political agenda and secure plum jobs for his ODM allies in President William Rutos government.

According to Karua, the call for accountability within the government by the youthful protesters was neither an Azimio nor an ODM push, but somehow Baba has emerged as the winner.

I am against hijacking the demand for accountability by the Gen Zs and making it an opposition thing.

"Let the Gen Zs express themselves so that we can examine their demands, Karua stated.

"I believe each of their demands is rooted in the constitution including accountability. What the Gen Zs are asking is putting Kenya first," she added.

At the same time, Karua dismissed the call for a national conversation by Ruto and Raila, claiming the dialogue would not address any of the issues raised by Kenyans across the board.

"Do the things that the Gen Zs are saying, If you exit and want us to talk after you exit then that is okay.

"If people show a lack of confidence in you then you should resign," the former Azimio principal noted.

Karua's sentiments come a week after she formally announced her exit from Azimio due to political differences within the coalition.

The Kenyan DAILY POST








Friday, August 2, 2024 - Kapsaret Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi, was hosted for an interview by comedian Oga Obinna on Thursday night where he bragged about his lavish lifestyle.

Sudi said he has a soft spot for fancy cars, clothes, and watches and went on to flaunt his luxurious Ulsee Nardin Phantom wristwatch worth Ksh 17 million.

He claimed that he was gifted the watch by a former Prime Minister of a foreign country that he did not name.

In the video, Sudi is seen removing the watch and handing it over to Obinna.

He then instructs him to search the price of the watch online and insists it is original.

Sudis public display of opulence comes at a time when Kenyans are fed up with the lavish lifestyles displayed by Kenya Kwanza politicians amid harsh economic times.

Watch the video.

Imagine going on air in a country where the minimum wage is less than a dollar to talk about a watch worth 17 million. The majority are suffering. Most of my patients die for less than a 20th of this watch. pic.twitter.com/jXku2CJX98  JaPrado. (@Dr_AustinOmondi) August 1, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Thursday, August 1, 2024 - Ex-US President Donald Trump has revealed what his wife, Melania, did after hearing that he fell to the ground bleeding following a failed assassination plot at his rally early this month.

Trump was asked on TV about the former first ladys reaction to his assassination attempt on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania.

She was watching live. It was all over the place, it was on television, Trump told Fox News host Laura Ingraham.

She cant really even talk about it, he said. Which is OK because that means she likes me, or she loves me.

Trump added that he wasnt sure if it would be a good or bad thing if Melania could talk about it freely.

But she either likes or loves me and thats nice, he reiterated. But I will say this, when I went down, she thought the worst had happened because I went down.

Trump also said he will continue to hold outdoor rallies, despite the Secret Service reportedly advising him against doing so over concerns around security. He also vowed to hold another campaign event in Butler.

I think its important symbolically, he explained. I dont think we should be stopped by somebody that has severe mental problems or whatever his problem was.

Melania has continued to stay largely out of the public eye, even with the 2024 presidential election just over three months away. But she made a rare appearance and show of affection toward him days after the assassination attempt, at his Republican National Convention acceptance speech.




Friday, August 2, 2024 - Renowned Nairobi lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has sent a message to President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga regarding their plans to amend the 2010 constitution.

Barely a week after forming a government of national unity, Ruto and Raila Odinga have hinted at amending the 2010 constitution, to create additional executive positions such as a Prime Minister and two Deputy Prime Ministers.

The two senior politicians have even formed a secret task force to look at things that require changes.

Surprisingly, Ruto and Raila want to change the constitution without public consultation.

Reacting to this new development, Ahmednasir, who in legal circles is known as Grand Mullah stated;

Kenyans will FIGHT and DEFEAT any political ENTERPRISE to amend the 2010 constitution,

In 2020, politicians led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga attempted to amend the 2010 constitution, but their efforts were halted by the courts, which declared the move unconstitutional.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, August 2, 2024  It's the end of the road for former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala after he was kicked out as the Secretary General of President William Rutos UDA party.

Malala was dismissed as UDA Secretary General following a meeting by the party's National Executive (NEC) Meeting.

Following Malala's dismissal, Hassan Omar Hassan, the party's Vice Chairperson, was appointed as the Acting Secretary General.

"The appointment of Hon Cleophas Malala as the interim Secretary General is hereby revoked. These changes are effective immediately," read part of the statement by UDA.

According to UDA, the decision to dismiss Malala was reached after wide and consultative deliberations on the next course of action following the recent events within the party.

Consequently, UDA also vowed to make more readjustments in the party's governance and administrative measures in a bid to accelerate its agenda and to set a participative and consultative organization.

The party's National Executive Committee also directed the National Elections Board to make necessary adjustments and continue with the grassroots elections as earlier communicated.

Malala's ouster comes two days after Joe Khalende staged a hostile takeover of UDA where he stormed the party headquarters with goons and installed himself as UDA Secretary General.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
The 2024 summer blockbuster film Inside Out 2 explores the complex emotions that first hit teenagers during puberty. Briefly, the five original emotions (from the first movie in 2015) that define the behavior of childhood Riley  Joy, Anger, Fear, Sadness, and Disgust  meet new emotions that allow Riley to grow further toward young adulthood. Unfortunately, the new emotions  Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui  threaten to ruin long-standing friendships and make Riley more vulnerable to losing her sense of identity. As prehealth applicants, you likely have had to control these new emotions in preparing to become a student doctor. As health professions students, you probably experienced similar emotions when trying to impress others during your clinical rotations.

We will consider how the newer emotions contribute to your experience as a health professions student. I apologize for some plot spoilers. Throughout the article, medical school is meant to include other health professional education programs.

Anxiety

Taking control of Rileys behavior, Anxiety helps Riley to make decisions that benefit her to avoid being a social outcast. In many cases, the decisions help her grow out of her comfort zone. However, Rileys naive belief system (I am a good person, I want to help people.) becomes replaced by a belief of inadequacy (Ill never be good enough.), and, at the climax, Riley experiences a panic attack that paralyzes her and endangers her health.

Im admittedly understating the fact that anxiety dominates the mindset of most pre-health applicants (premed syndrome). For years, students dread being rejected from their desired career path, and they fret about not getting the right professors for the right classes or missing out on extracurricular opportunities. They can become consumed with getting into medical school. As a result, anxiety drives students to develop a comprehensive checklist for success, anticipate every contingency for every unanticipated disaster, and look for ulterior motives in every optional secondary essay prompt.

Social concerns amplify the anxiety further: How can you fit into the culture of their new school, make the right friends, or get along with roommates? Can you leave positive impressions with faculty or other administrators and still be cool to your peers? Do people like you enough to get elected to a leadership position in a club or across your campus? Can I get into this selective organization (such as a Greek organization) despite all the initiation hoops I must jump through? Do I emulate effortless perfection? Can I find a date for the next formal? Am I exercising or meditating enough to stay calm (asked with irony)? If not, am I doomed to an eternity of regrets and failure?

Just wait until medical school; if anything, the questions get more intense around making sure you pass your classes and avoid a remediation semester, find the right opportunity for a productive research record, or receive strong enough clerkship evaluations despite the brief exposure time to set up an application to a highly selective residency program (and thus get higher lifetime earnings). Other health professional programs share similar concerns as students seek employment or a post-graduate residency after graduation. First-generation health professions students or those from underrepresented communities may also bear the additional burden of wanting to succeed to represent and benefit their families or communities. Medical school is a crucible of stress that can transform or destroy you. Finally, theres the dark cloud of student debt.

Pervasive among medical students around the world, anxiety often develops into depression, especially among vulnerable populations. Social isolation, like during the COVID-19 global pandemic lockdowns, further exacerbates feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Students should take advantage of proactive strategies employed by schools, clinics, and hospitals to manage and mitigate the health challenges that could result from uncontrolled anxiety.

Envy

The adage comparison is the thief of joy summarizes the power of envy. Most who want to be doctors admire the mix of personal or community impact with altruism and selflessness shown by role models and mentors. Successful professionals lecture or mentor students, including significant benefactors who endow scholarships or new research facilities. Placing peers on pedestals for their outstanding grades, achievements, attractiveness, financial security, or offers of admission to brand/top-20 graduate programs may be additional fuel for motivation during the application process and health professions education.

But envy turns the admiration for the recognition of peers into an unhealthy obsession to place ones needs or desire for acknowledgment above others. Sometimes, one may find satisfaction in seeing their peers fail (known as schadenfreude). Empathy, compassion, and gratitude become victims to envy, and patient-centered care is replaced by provider/physician-centered ambition that sacrifices interprofessional teamwork and the patients welfare. This article lists some ways envy contributes to making decisions that are less professionally appropriate or contribute to burnout.

Embarrassment, the precursor to shame

Closely associated with imposter syndrome is embarrassment. Whether one is placed on the spot during a pimping session or misgendering a patient or peer, embarrassment humbles an individual who is exposed to making a mistake or showing their lack of complete preparation. Embarrassment may result when someone is reminded of more humble beginnings, as if they do not deserve the privilege of being a health care professional, so they suppress their connections to their home communities to fit in and be a perceived professional.

Keeping information private or confidential is also important in controlling embarrassment. Most do not want it known that they need or receive help because of the appearance of being impotent. One example is remediation due to failing an exam or a class; students can feel shame for having to be remediated, often something they have not experienced in their lives, and they may feel that their flaws are immutable. Those who feel such shame risk burnout or dropping out of school.

A culture rooted in dignity for others and self-care can be used to fight embarrassment. Finding constructive ways to discuss errors and correct mistakes can relieve providers self-doubt and build resilience and wisdom as part of their professional identity. By acknowledging that one does play a meaningful role in others lives and the performance of their team, students, residents, and providers can respectfully manage challenges and maintain appropriate care for their patients.

Ennui, or the boredom

After the excitement of orientation wears off, first-year students become mentally exhausted with the day-to-day grind. University professors are used to seeing bored students who attend their lectures only to scroll through their phones or laptops disengaged from the class, no matter how exciting the material is (or is not). Most pre-health students are used to showing up, checking the boxes, and tapping out to search for things they otherwise find more interesting. Tedium with experiments and data analysis often causes graduate students to question whether the Ph.D. is worth it.

Discussion of boredom in school has been ongoing for decades. Personal hobbies and habits are generally recognized as ways to fight against medical school malaise, and student affairs and organizations run programming to allow students to occasionally decompress so that their lives are not solely defined by the number of hours studying alone with flash cards. When it comes to studying things that one is not passionate about, mustering enough interest to fight ennui is challenging. Ennui comes from skepticism about the entirety of medicine and whether one truly has the passion to fulfill societys call. You can enter a state of ennui when your are exhausted from processing the emotions of anxiety, envy, and embarrassment, resigning to futility and nihilism as nothing you do seems worth the effort.

Changing routines, shifting focus, or taking an extended holiday away from the daily stress of health care can lessen burnout and ennui. By reconnecting with a belief system combining self and purpose, one can appreciate the importance of living and engaging in the moment (mindfulness), especially with a caring community. These techniques help build your resilience and curiosity which will benefit your professional and personal growth.

Bringing back joy

As the mental health crisis has worsened, more schools are welcoming open discussions of these emotions to combat moral distress. When it comes to applications to medical school, disclosure of effectively managed mental health conditions (to demonstrate resiliency or overcome adversity) does not harm an applicants chances for a fair file review.

More physicians and administrators recognize that the health care and medical education systems drain a sense of joy from those who work long enough. With increasing concern about provider burnout since the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone wants to find ways to bring joy back into medicine/health care. Instead of rewarding health professionals for practicing kenosis (an emptying of the self), leaders must offer safe spaces and opportunities to discuss experiences that cause moral distress and disengagement. Patients and the public expect our health care providers to be more than just a computer AI chatbot with hands and some therapeutics to cure our ills; they expect and deserve affirmations of empathy and dignity within the natural human connection we share.

At the movies end, Riley finds a way to find the joy she lost. She expands her circle of friends and gains confidence that despite her mistakes, she knows her family and friends will still love and care for her. The story may not be as happy or simple for everyone, but being more aware of these complex emotions during your growth as a future professional may strengthen your resolve to achieve your goals.

Good luck to all the first-year students. May you find new ways to nurture joy and your belief in your personal and professional self.

Emil Chuck is a health professional advisor.
An excerpt from Battles in White: October 7 attack: The story of the medical, nursing, and rescue teams.

Dr. Amit Frenkel is an intensive care physician at Soroka Hospital. He is married and a father of three, his wife is a psychiatrist, and his eldest son is a soldier serving in the south of the country. The family lives in Meitar, a small pastoral settlement a fifteen-minute drive from Soroka. In times of emergency at the hospital, Dr. Frenkel takes on a different role: managing mass casualty events.

In every mass casualty event, logistical preparation is of immense importance. Few deal with it as the injured arrive, but it must be considered in advance, and even while in motion. The first step is the very declaration of a mass casualty event. Who declares such an event, and what does it mean for the hospital? Declaring a mass casualty event is a formal act. It is usually done by the hospital director and requires special steps that go beyond the hospitals routine. Similar to a country declaring war, declaring a mass casualty event means that the hospital urgently summons teams from home, and simultaneously transforms various sites to prepare for the admission of the injured.

Its a moment that deviates from any other event in any hospital worldwide because its the main event for so many patients and staff members. Its a declaration that transforms the hospital into a different place. Anyone who has never seen an ER prepare for a mass casualty event will be amazed at the immense logistical operation that arises out of nowhere, with doctors, nurses, para-medical teams, and logistics personnel arriving in droves, wearing special vests reserved only for these events. The blood bank enters a state of exceptional readiness for massive blood transfusions; the ER is cleared within a short time to make room for the injured, and whole departments discharge patients to their homes or other hospitals, all to enable treatment for dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of injured people.

On that Saturday morning, Dr. Frenkel is awakened by the sound of explosions. He understands that these are rockets coming from the Gaza Strip. Within a few minutes, he receives a message from his son in the army, in the south area. His son updates Dr. Frenkel that there was a red alert and that he and the other soldiers are protected in a shelter. Given the unusual number of alerts across the country and bits of information received on social networks, he decides to head to the hospital, where the hospitals senior management also arrives.

Soroka Hospital employs over 5,000 staff members, many of whom live in southern towns, including those close to the border of the Gaza Strip. Messages from employees in areas where terrorists have infiltrated paint a horrifying picture, indicating a high potential for a mass casualty event, even in the early hours before a large number of injured would justify initiating a mass casualty protocol.

Dr. Amit Frenkel, deciding along with the hospitals management to activate the mass casualty protocol ahead of time before many injured had arrived at the hospital, described the decision as a life-saving game-changer. The early mobilization of staff, as well as keeping the night shift teams at the hospital, allowed for early preparation for the event.

The change of shifts at 7:00 a.m. in most hospitals is a time when the night team hands over to the morning team, with nurses conducting an orderly shift change in all departments, and doctors ending their shifts and reporting to the incoming doctor on duty. The decision to keep the night staff at the hospital, along with the activation of the mass casualty protocol, led to over a thousand employees being present at the hospital shortly after the event began.

Dr. Frenkel wasnt the only one arriving at those moments of uncertainty and many questions. Dr. Eitan Neeman, who was on call that weekend and intended to complete a visit, arrived at the pediatric intensive care unit. Weekend on-call doctors arrive in the morning, like on a regular workday, and stay as long as needed, with work in intensive care often not ending at a specific time. But on October 7, the hospital quickly filled with injured patients. Dr. Neeman positioned himself in the trauma room to assist in treating injured children. Shortly after, he received an urgent call and was requested to join his military reserve unit. The head of the pediatric intensive care unit arrived from home, took over for Dr. Neeman in the trauma room, and Dr. Neeman left for the military gathering point.

Dr. Frenkel and his colleagues remember the dedicated and cheerful doctor parting from them to head into a dire situation, as they were in the midst of a war that manifested not only in critically injured patients being evacuated but also in massive rocket fire threatening the hospital.

One have to understand the problematic situation in which we must manage a mass casualty event, while simultaneously facing ceaseless alarms and rockets firing near the hospital itself, adds Dr. Frenkel. If in any other mass casualty event the hospital remains outside the conflict zone, here we faced two issues: an increasingly massive intake of injured, and red alert alarms that required staff protection. Unfortunately, there are areas in the hospital that are not protected, including some of the operating rooms. The staff who were outside the hospital handling the initial triage of the injured had to enter a protected area with the injured at every alarm. This naturally created difficulty in initial sorting.

By 9:00 a.m., hundreds of doctors, nurses, and other staff members gathered in Sorokas emergency room, starting to treat the injured who were arriving. The rate of injured arriving increased  dozens per hour from different locations, including soldiers, civilians, and attendees of the Nova festival in Kibbutz Reim. Some arrived independently, by car. Some were evacuated by ambulances, and helicopters began to land one after another. Dr. Frenkel was responsible for managing this massive operation, including control over the emergency room and treating everyone. In the afternoon, the peak rate of injured arrivals occurred, with a record number of over 80 injured entering the hospital within the most intensive hour and more than 680 injured patients throughout the day, including over 130 in critical condition.

Several sites in any hospital are crucial for managing a mass casualty event. One is the emergency room. During a mass casualty event, the emergency room becomes entirely different. It is emptied of all regular patients who quickly ascend to inpatient departments, turning into an intake site for injured patients and those arriving with symptoms of anxiety.

Each type of injury has a dedicated team waiting with sheets and sequential numbers. Amid this, in addition to doctors and nurses, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists rush to support all those with anxiety and shock, all patients who witnessed horrors and are struggling to speak and function. Other critical sites include the operating rooms prepared to accept injured for emergency surgeries.

But perhaps the most critical site, in terms of managing the injured, is the shock room or trauma room. Adjacent to the emergency room, it typically looks like a small hall with several beds, each fully equipped with a ventilator, sets for treating severely injured patients, a monitor, and life-saving equipment. From here, after initial stabilization, the most critical patients are moved to one of three key locations: an operating room, a CT scan, or an intensive care unit.

Next to each bed in the shock room, an average of five or six team members are treating a severely injured patient. One is the patient care manager, usually the most senior doctor on the team, skilled in trauma management. This doctor is primarily responsible for the patient and determines the treatment order. Another doctor is positioned at the patients head, responsible for the airway, performing sedation and ventilation as needed. Simultaneously, another doctor conducts a rapid examination of the injured and also manages life-saving procedures. Additionally, at least three nurses are responsible for undressing the patient, taking vital signs, administering fluids, blood, and medications. Just one patient in the shock room can give it an appearance of constant hustle and bustle. Soroka has six such beds, prepared to handle six patients simultaneously, but it quickly becomes evident that even this is not sufficient.

Dr. Frenkel and his colleagues realize that the influx of patients, many of whom are in a critical or even life-threatening condition, necessitates doubling the capacities in the trauma room. We add six more beds to the trauma room, reaching a situation where we are treating 12 injured individuals at any given time, he explains. This decision was significant and helped the hospital cope with the event. At times, we had about a hundred staff members in the trauma room, with more and more injured arriving, many of whom were then moved to surgery or intensive care, he notes.

In all the chaos, he tries to contact his son, the soldier, in the few seconds he can spare, because personal issues cannot be entirely set aside, and in all the unimaginable moments of that Saturday morning, personal and professional lives intertwine. Dr. Frenkels son does not respond for many, too many, hours. And its not just Dr. Frenkel who experiences this, but also one of the nurses in the emergency room, whose son was called up for emergency military service and went to the front. She tries to function automatically and not think about the dangers.

Yael Dreznik is a pediatric surgeon and the author of Battles in White: 7 October attack: The story of the medical, nursing, and rescue teams.
The leadership of traders under Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) last evening resolved to resume normal businesses and have their members open up shops following a two- day strike that started on Wednesday. The latest strike was triggered by an abrupt cancellation of their meeting with president Museveni.

This follows a meeting with the traders leadership that was chaired by the Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja, assuring them that the President was considering rescheduling their meeting at as soon as possible.

The meeting was attended by among others, Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and section of land lords and arcade owners.

In a letter dated 1st August 2024 to KACITA Chairperson Thadeus Musoke, Nabbanja asks traders to continue carrying out their business as they wait for an official communication from the President regarding the pending meeting.

The letter is copied to the President and various government Ministries, Departments and Agencies including the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Attorney General, Minister for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs, State minister for Housing, Kampala Capital City Authority executive director (KCCA), and to all City Land Lords.

President Museveni had earlier scheduled the meeting for July 31st 2024 as a follow up to the one held on April 7th at Kololo Independence Grounds but unfortunately this never took place.

Addressing the media last evening, Musoke, outlines some of the resolutions of the meeting.

Basing on several engagement, consultation and the intervention of the President and instructions he issued to different agencies and even the views we have heard from sectoral leaders and structures it is obvious that every trader is willing start to work because all these traders thousands, so I appeal to our traders let us put on hold on the demonstration and resume operation as normal, he said.

Musoke also accused the Minister for Kampala Kabuye Kyofatogabye of blowing the situation out of proportion, a claim he denies.

A section of striking traders yesterday lashed out at the minister over remarks directing them to go back to villages and grow pineapples and coffee, instead of disturbing the government with strikes. The angry traders who described the ministers remarks as dismissive and arrogant, responded by calling him a beggar, who like his colleagues kneel before the president for perks and bailouts.

What brought all the demonstration was the way the ministry of on Kampala communicated, by sending us a voice note as if she was communicating to her boyfriend, yet the trading community is one of the major stakeholder in the countrys economy, so we thought the county is taking us for granted, he said.

The traders want to meet the president to get the governments final stance on their demands, including temporary suspension of implementation of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting System (EFRIS) by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for atleast one year.
Minister Martin Heydon, TD for Kildare South and Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, has welcomed the extension of parents leave and benefit from seven weeks to nine weeks, which he described as a boost to families across Kildare.

Fine Gael have increased parents leave to acknowledge the difficulties faced by families with young children, said the Minister, who is himself of some experience with a young family - albeit with no minor assistance from pharmacist and All-Star wife Brianne.

Under these new measures, you can now claim nine weeks' parents leave if your child is under the age of two on 1 August, 2024, or if your adopted child has been placed with your family less than two years by the same date.

Fine Gael introduced this leave in 2019 with an original bill published by Deputies Charlie Flanagan, David Stanton and MEP Regina Doherty.

It has been incrementally increased since and Minister Heather Humphreys has worked to ensure parents leave has been expanded from two weeks to nine weeks per parent.

This is a major support for many families so they can better balance work with family commitments.

This measure will be available to both mothers and fathers and will apply to all future parents.

Parents benefit will also increase from seven weeks to nine weeks for each parent if they qualify.

Parents benefit is paid while you are on parents leave from work if you have enough PRSI contributions.

There is no doubt that such a measure will have a positive impact on life for all families in Kildare especially those with newborn children.

Evidence shows that children benefit from being cared for and spending time with their parents when they are very young, and, as a parent myself, I know how valuable time with your children is.

Parent's leave also gives an opportunity for fathers to take this leave in addition to their two-week paternity leave, to have a total of 11 weeks off to be involved in the earliest stages of their childs development.
A man who drove a vehicle away with another man clinging to the bonnet has been given a four-year prison sentence, with the final year suspended at Kilkenny Circuit Court.

Jerry Mongon, 4 Blacken Drive, Old Tramore Road, Waterford appeared before the court last Friday for sentencing in relation to endangerment and theft at Ladywell Street, Thomastown on December 15, 2023. He was also convicted of driving without insurance on the same date. In a victim impact statement, the injured party said that on the date in question he feared he would be killed.

On Friday at Kilkenny Circuit Court Detective Garda Matt Donnellan said that a victim impact statement and a medical report were before the court. The detective garda told the court that on the date in question, following a call, he attended the scene along with a number of colleagues and met the injured party who was receiving medical attention.

The garda also told the court that on the date in question the injured party had been working on apartments when he disturbed a man stealing tools from his van. When he challenged the man to return the tools, he refused and the injured party stood in front of the vehicle the defendant was driving. The defendant then drove at him, forcing him to hold onto the bonnet and then drove out of the carpark erratically and at speed, swerving from side to side throwing him from the vehicle.

The garda also told the court at the same time, by chance, an ambulance was passing when captured the getaway car on dashcam. The car left in the direction of the Bennettsbridge and was subsequently identified on CCTV from the area and the vehicle was seized.

Gardai contacted Mongon and they met him by arrangement, when he was arrested.

Prosecuting barrister, Dylan Redmond outlined to the court that during his first interview, Mongon exercised his right to silence.

During the second garda interview he admitted driving his wifes vehicle without permission on the date in question and told the gardai that the front seat passenger was a 14-year-old child. He also claimed there was another relation in the car but Det

Gda Donnellan said from the CCTV it was clear that it was only the defendant and the child in the vehicle at the time.

The defendant told gardai that on the date in question he was driving around looking to steal tools from parked cars or vans and spotted the parked van at Ladywell Apartments. The defendant admitted to gardai that he stole the tools from the back of the work van.

Gardai obtained dashcam from two vehicles who were at the scene and this footage was played in court.

A medical report was handed into the court from St Lukes Hospital which outlined that the injured party had presented at the Emergency Department on the date in question with a headache, wound to his head and pain, tenderness to his rib cage and a friction burn to his right hip. Scans showed that he had fractured ribs and the injured party also required stitches to the wound to his head.

A victim impact statement was read out to the court which outlined how on the date in question, the injured party was working on a job in Thomastown and was at the point of returning to his van when he realised that there was someone unloading tools from the van and putting them in his car. The injured party asked him to put them back and the defendant did not, but instead drove at the injured party, and drove away with him clinging to the bonnet.

The victim told the court that during the incident he sustained a bloodied head, three broken ribs and was battered and bruised.

I was crying in shock and was in pain and in disbelief at what had happened, he said.

He also outlined that he now has a scar from the injury his sustained in the incident.

Following the incident, the man said that he withdrew into himself and felt down and disillusioned.

The actions of the assailant have completely impacted my life. I thought I was going to be killed falling off the car, he said.

I have scars physically and emotionally and in physical pain, he added.

Tools, valued at 700 which belonged to the injured partys employer were not recovered.

The defendant has 74 previous convictions including convictions for theft, possession of stolen property, criminal damage, road traffic offences and dangerous driving.

At the time of the offences before the court the defendant was on temporary release from Cork prison. He is currently serving an eight-month sentence for theft.

Defence barrister Gareth Hayden told the court that his client apologises for his conduct and to the injured party.

He is member of the Travelling community and has a significant history. He has no previous for violent or endangering offending.

It was a situation he hadnt envisaged and he clearly panicked and took actions that he should not have taken. Mr Mongon is lucky that the injured party was not more seriously injured, said Mr Hayden.

A probation report before the court outlined how the defendant believed that stealing from vehicles was a quick way to make money and the defendant describes the incident as a moment of madness. The report states that the defendant is deemed to be of a moderate risk of reoffending.

It was out of character for him. It seems like he was intent on stealing and seems that he panicked took the wrong option, added Mr Hayden.

Judge Jonathan Dunphy said that the work tools were stolen in broad daylight and that the offences had happened in the presence of a 14-year-old could.

Mr Mongon swerved, causing the injured party to fall off the bonnet, the judge said, adding that thankfully an ambulance was driving by at the same time.

The judge said that the aggravating factors included that the defendant was on bail at the time and was disqualified from driving,

These actions were extremely dangerous. He left the scene and the injured party could have been more seriously injured or killed, he said adding that he accepted that the defendants remorse was genuine.

The judge convicted him of endangerment and theft sentenced him to four years and suspended the final year subject to conditions including that he attend all appointments as directed by the Probation Services and engage with the mental health and addiction services. He also convicted the defendant of driving without insurance and sentenced him to four months. The sentences will run concurrently to each other and consecutively to the sentence he is already serving. The judge also disqualified the defendant for eight years from driving.
A man who approached another in a pub toilet to apologise for an assault has been warned to have no contact whatsoever with the injured party while the case is adjourned.



Christopher Lee, 113 Dunan, Thomastown, had pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm arising out of an incident outside a pub.



On July 3, 2022, gardai were called to an altercation outside a pub in Thomastown, just before 1am. On arrival they met Shane Butler who was in a distressed state. It was obvious to the gardai that he needed immediate medical attention.

Mr Butler identified the assailant as one of the Lees.



Mr Butler and a friend were waiting outside the pub, when gardai arrived, and the Lee group had been permitted to go back inside by the proprietor, to keep the groups separate.



Gardai learned there had been a verbal altercation inside the pub, and Mr Butler and his friends had left.

It was then Mr Lee punched him from behind.



Mr Butler obtained a deep laceration to his top lip and inside his mouth. He was taken to hospital, first to St Lukes in Kilkenny, where he presented with a gaping wound to his lip, then was referred to St Jamess hospital in Dublin, where he was seen by the plastic surgery trauma team and his wound was closed in theatre.



In Mr Butlers victim impact statement, which was read in court by Detective Garda Brian Whitty, he said that he grew up in Thomastown and it was always a safe place to live, but the events of night changed his whole perception of his hometown.

Describing how he had been victim of an unprovoked attack, Mr Butler said that since the assault he became anxious and had difficulty sleeping for months. He worried about the scar he was left with and wouldnt go into a pub on his own, to wait for friends. He was fearful of being assaulted again.



Sociable

The night in question started off very sociable, he met old friends from school. One good friend was later killed in an accident and now his last meeting with him is tainted by the memory of being assaulted that night.

The court heard Mr Lee had no previous convictions.

Barrister David Roberts, defending Mr Lee, said his client had never been on the garda radar, before or since.

When interviewed by gardai Mr Lee gave a no comment interview, but entered an early guilty plea after the book of evidence was served.

A year and a half after this incident, on St Stephens night, Mr Lee met Mr Butlers brother in the bathroom of a pub. He said he was sorry for what happened and didnt realise he had hit Shane so hard. He seemed genuinely remorseful. Shane Butler then walked into the bathroom and Mr Lee apologised to him. Mr Butler left the bathroom.



Mr Lee offered to shake hands. Shane Butler accepted his apology then left. The meeting was described as very awkward but Mr Butler said he was not scared.

Judge Jonathan Dunphy interjected to say of that encounter its very Irish, but Im telling you now, its inappropriate because Mr Lee was on bail at the time.



Mr Roberts said his client is very remorseful and embarrassed about what happened.

Mr Lee, he said, is 32, the father of an eight year-old and in full employment.



What occurred on the night in question does Mr Lee no credit whatsoever. It was a shameful incident, but it appears to be an aberration in a life that has otherwise been entirely pro-social, Mr Roberts said.



His client had consumed alcohol and his inhibitions were lowered, on the night. He knew the Butlers from around town and there was no prior bad feeling.

Mr Roberts said his client felt physically sick when he saw photographs of Mr Butlers injuries.

He accepted responsibility for his behaviour and was at low risk of reoffending, a Probation Report said.



Mr Roberts said Mr Butler and his former partner are in the process of selling their former home and this would be relevant if the court decided compensation was appropriate.

No contact

Two years down the road you are telling me this man has come in with nothing? Judge Dunphy asked.

Mr Roberts explained his client has significant financial outlays and appealed for more time to allow his client put his best foot forward.



Agreeing, the judge said he was making it a condition that Mr Lee have no contact whatsoever, directly or indirectly, with the injured party or his family members.

The matter was adjourned to the November sitting of Kilkenny Circuit Court.
A man who threw a package of 12,000 out of a car window has appeared before Kilkenny Circuit Court charged with money laundering.

Dominic Watkins, 57 Convent Lawns, Ballyfermot, Dublin, was forced out of fear to carry out the task, the court was told.

Having pleaded guilty to the charge a suspended prison sentence was imposed by Judge Jonathan Dunphy.

Evidence was heard that on December 22, 2022, gardai were conducting observation of a premises in Ferrybank, Waterford.

A car in which Mr Watkins was a passenger was seen to call to the house and make a delivery. When the car left gardai followed it. The vehicle was stopped and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Just before the vehicle was stopped, gardai observed an item being thrown from the car. They seized a bundle of cash wrapped in cling film - 12,000 in 50 notes.

Mr Watkins took full responsibility and when arrested made certain admissions to gardai.

Mr Watkins said he made the journey with a package because he had a drugs debt. This would have wiped that debt.

He was a drug courier the court was told. His role was to bring the drugs to Waterford and bring back the cash.

Mr Watkins had not been on the garda radar prior to this but he had been a drug user and had racked up a debt. He would not have profited from this task, just lessened his own debt. His client was threatened and feared the consequences if he didnt comply, the barrister said.

The defendant cooperated fully with gardai and made admissions when interviewed. He entered an early guilty plea. He said he was forced out of fear to carry out this task, according to his barrister. He was in possession of what was effectively the proceeds of crime.

A Probation Report said Mr Watkins had mental health issues and started using cannabis. He had gotten into debt and also credit card debt, but since has cleared all those debts. Letters from two banks were handed in to court to back this up.

Mr Watkins had reflected on his actions and said he acted out of fear rather than a calculated decision.

He is at low risk of reoffending, according to the report.

The defendant is a black belt in karate, which is a healthy outlet for managing his stresses.

Judge Dunphy said Mr Watkins engaged in money laundering the proceeds of drug dealing by others, but facilitated by the defendant. 12,000 is a large sum of money, the judge said, and without money laundering criminal organisations are at a distinct disadvantage and cant use their ill gotten gains.

Judge Dunphy convicted Mr Watkins of money laundering and imposed a prison sentence of two and a half years, fully suspended for two and a half years on condition he enter into a peace bond.
A Kilkenny butchers has been awarded a star in the 'Oscars' of the food world - the Great Taste Awards.

At the worlds most coveted food and drink awards, the Great Taste Awards 2024, several members of the Irish Butchers Guild have been honoured, showcasing their exceptional talent and commitment to quality. These independent butchers from across Ireland are celebrated for their innovative spirit and craftsmanship.

Kilkenny's Jon Brown and the team at Grogan & Brown Artisan Butchers were among those who received honours, winning a 1-star award for their delicious black pudding.

Jon Brown shared his excitement, stating, Receiving a 1-star award for our Black Pudding is a fantastic recognition of our dedication to quality and tradition.

Guild member B. Molloy Master Butchers, based in Ennis, Co. Clare (pictured above) achieved remarkable success with a 3-star award for their Dry Aged T-Bone Steak. They also received a 1-star award for their Dry Aged Striploin Steak and their locally sourced Rack of Clare Lamb. Winning a 3-star is an enormous achievement for our business, said Derek Molloy.

Tipperary butchers also featured prominently in this years awards. Walshs Gourmet Butcher from Clonmel won five awards, including 2-star awards for their Dry Aged Ribeye Steak and Smoky Pork & Apple Burger. They also secured 1-star awards for their Pork, Chorizo & Mozzarella Burger, Lamb, Feta & Spinach Burger, and Stout & Cheese Beef Burger.

Owner Kevin Walsh remarked, This recognition from Great Taste is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Cashel based Cashel Fine Foods t/a The Butchers Daughter was also honoured with a 1-star Award for their Traditional Handcrafted Irish Pork Sausage.

The Great Taste Awards, often referred to as the Oscars of the food world, are renowned for their rigorous judging process, where taste is paramount. In total, 13,672 products were put through the competitions rigorous blind judging process; 3,938 products were awarded a Great Taste 1-star  food and drink that delivers fantastic flavour, 1,386 were awarded a Great Taste 2-star  above and beyond delicious, and 266 were awarded a Great Taste 3-star  extraordinarily tasty.

The Irish Butchers Guild is a collective of the best butchers on the island of Ireland; north and south. Members of the Guild are highly motivated and passionate independent butchers and meat experts, dedicated to delivering uncompromising quality, craftsmanship and innovation. Members share a deep commitment to upholding their craft, to the quality and provenance of their products and to the pursuit of excellence in their businesses.
Konstantin Kostin writes:

A starker example of the naked Emperor lies in the canon in some disciplines, especially education. Imagine what the public reaction would be if it came out that the most cited and assigned books in teachers colleges were written by Nazi sympathizers, whose most influential pedagogical ideas were directly connected to their Nazi sympathizing (as opposed to, say, James Watson, whose discovery of DNA structure is not directly connected to his recreational racism). My guess is that the public would be very upset about this, and liberals would call for much more drastic government interventions in campus governance than conservatives are calling for now. Yet, replace Nazism with communism (which was even deadlier) in that sentence, and thats basically exactly what is currently happening in schools of education. The most widely assigned and cited works in the critical pedagogy canon, such as those by Paulo Freire, literally praise Lenin, Stalin, Mao, and other communist despots, encourage educators to emphasize revolutionary politics over learning reading and math, and endorse political violence.
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Contrary to what its title suggests, "Revolver" is not an action-packed film. Instead, it is a chase drama focusing on a woman's relentless pursuit of money owed to her, with insufficient thriller elements.

Jeon Do-yeon stars as Ha Soo-young, a former police officer just released from prison after being caught up in an unexpected corruption scandal two years earlier.

Accepting a deal from her then superior and lover Chief Lim (Lee Jung-jae) and Andy (Ji Chang-wook), a big shot in an investment company, she took the fall in exchange for a promised big fortune.

However, upon her release, she discovers that Chief Lim has died and her promised reward vanished. Instead, she encounters Jung Yoon-sun (Lim Ji-yeon), an unfamiliar bar hostess, and learns that the new apartment promised to her as part of the reward is now in possession of a stranger.

Sensing betrayal, Soo-young sets out to find Andy, uncovering greater and more dangerous forces along the way.

The film marks Jeon's second collaboration with director Oh Seung-uk of the crime romance "The Shameless" (2015).

Jeon delivers a powerful performance as a woman driven by an obsession with her unpaid dues in the new film. Her portrayal is calm, cold and dry, yet charged with intense energy, capturing the desperation of someone with nothing left to lose. Her physical commitment to the role is equally impressive.

Despite Jeon's compelling performance, "Revolver" falters in its execution. The film overly fixates on Soo-young, seemingly relying too heavily on Jeon's star power.

The complex web of characters and backgrounds surrounding her is inadequately explored, leaving the narratives of supporting characters underdeveloped and their relationships haphazardly addressed. This results in a scattered impression and a monotonous storyline.

As Soo-young chases Andy, the film continues to introduce new characters without providing enough engaging incidents to sustain audience interest.

The dense dialogue can be difficult to follow, potentially confusing viewers who miss key details. The film maintains a tranquil tone for much of its runtime, which may feel tedious for some before the action finally picks up toward the end.

"Revolver" opens in theaters Aug. 7. (Yonhap)
By Yi Whan-woo

The tax code revision proposals made by the government are anticipated to undergo drastic changes when the proposals are submitted to the opposition-dominated National Assembly by Sept. 2.

Announced on July 25, the proposals require amendments on 88 percent or 168 of the 191 tax laws. Therefore, approval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is inevitable for the governments tax reform to go as planned.

Under the circumstances, the DPK is arguing that the tax reform plan is largely intended to cut massive taxes for wealthy individuals in the name of offering incentives for the middle class.

The DPKs stance, according to political experts, is to not let the government take initiatives completely concerning issues that draw public interest.

The DPKs opposition centers on the inheritance tax, an additional tax on controlling shareholders and the capital gains tax on financial investments.

The inheritance tax has been facing calls for an overhaul as it has changed little for over the past 25 years, resulting in an undue tax burden on the middle class by not accurately accounting for their wealth accumulation over time.

While the DPK has partly agreed on the need for an overhaul, it argues the 2024 tax code revision goes too far to advocate for the haves instead of the middle class.

The party refers to the governments plan to increase the exemption for inheritance per child to 500 million won ($364,600) from the current 50 million won.

The party deems that the 10-fold increase is excessive and that exemption should be doubled to only 100 million won.

It is also strongly against the governments plan to lower the top rate of inheritance tax from 50 percent to 40 percent.

Koreas top tax rate is the worlds second-highest level after Japan, prompting calls for a revision to follow global standards, as it could hinder succession at family-owned businesses.

But the DPK says easing the rate is not necessary, arguing middle- or lower-income households dont have corresponding wealth anyway.

To facilitate business succession, the government wants to scrap an extra 20 percent tax imposed on controlling shareholders for holding the stocks.

The DPK points out that many of the beneficiaries will be members of chaebols or family-controlled conglomerates who can afford to pay tax to retain their business.

Concerning the capital gains tax, the government seeks to completely scrap the rule on financial investments after it was originally set to go into effect in 2023 but has been delayed to 2025.

The governments measure is in tandem with small investors worries that the policy, although it targets a handful of wealthy investors, will have a negative ripple effect on the market and inflict losses on them eventually.

The DPK is not against dropping the capital gains tax for investors. But it says the measure should be carried out only after going over adjustments.
Montenegro court upholds decision to extradite Do Kwon to Korea

By Lee Yeon-woo

After months of back and forth, the appellate court of Montenegro upheld the lower court's decisions to extradite Do Kwon to Korea, Thursday (local time). The rising possibility of Kwon facing legal penalties at his birth nation has led to significant disappointment among victims and crypto investors, even in Korea.

"In Korea, the maximum sentence for economic crimes is about 40 years. However, in the U.S., Kwon is even eligible to receive a prison term of over 100 years. Korea is merciful to criminals. That's why Kwon himself wants to be extradited to Korea. I want justice," an office worker surnamed Kim, 35, told The Korea Times.

Like Kim, many Koreans, even victims, want Kwon to face punishment in the U.S.

"I always hope, but don't have a strong belief that Kwon will face strict punishment in Korea," said Shim Jong-chan, a self-employed 28-year-old. "The case is not only for Korean investors, but also worldwide. If he has to be punished in a certain country, people believe it should be in the U.S."

"I don't want to feed him in prison with my tax," one user wrote in an online crypto community. "What a waste of money."

This, however, contradicts the legal interests, as extradition to Korea could guarantee them at least a small amount of financial compensation. If the seized amount is less than the actual losses, it may not be possible to fully compensate all victims outside the court's jurisdiction. Thus, bringing Kwon to Korea is seen as the best way to ensure the recovery of losses for Korean victims.

They are skeptical due to a lack of trust in the country's legal system, along with low expectations of retrieving compensation from Kwon, industry officials said.

"The victims do not expect any realistic compensation from the cryptocurrency fraudsters," the Korean victims of TerraUSD said in a public statement released in June. "We demand the recovery of the ill-gotten gains and severe punishment for Kwon, (co-founder) Shin Hyun-seong and other accomplices at Terraform Labs."

Around 280,000 people are known to have invested in the controversial coin from Korea. The total losses are estimated to be about $40 billion worldwide.

The backlash arose after the Montenegrin appellate court decided to uphold the lower court's decision to extradite Kwon to Korea.

The court stated that it found no issues in reviewing the Podgorica High Court's decision to prioritize Korea's extradition request over the U.S., since Korea had submitted its request first.

It also said that neither the prosecution nor the defense appealed the high court's decision, indicating that the ruling is legally binding.

Unless there are any additional unforeseen variables, Kwon is expected to soon undergo the process of being extradited to Korea. The exact date has not been set yet.

Kwon flew to Singapore in April 2022 before his TerraUSD collapsed and then disappeared from public view. He was caught at a Montenegrin airport in March while trying to use a fake Costa Rican passport.

At that point, his legal saga began. The local court's first-instance ruling decided on extradition to the U.S. Following Kwon's appeal, the high court in Podgorica decided on extradition to Korea.

However, Montenegrin Justice Minister Andrej Milovi? intervened to nullify Kwon's extradition to Korea, causing the case to return to square one. But he recently stepped down in a cabinet reshuffle, raising speculation that the resignation prompted the latest court decision.
South Korea's Navy chief has called for solidarity to deal with North Korea's nuclear threats during a U.S.-hosted meeting of senior naval officers in the Indo-Pacific region, his office said Friday.

Adm. Yang Yong-mo made the call Thursday at the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Exchange in Honolulu, attended by naval commanders taking part in the ongoing multinational Rim of the Pacific exercise near Hawaii.

"The Indo-Pacific region today faces diverse crises and challenges, such as North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," he was quoted as saying. "To wisely overcome these challenges, close solidarity and cooperation between countries gathered here are most important."

As part of such efforts, Yang proposed expanding combined logistics exercises, the Navy said.

Yang, who is on a six-day trip to Hawaii through Sunday, also met senior U.S. military commanders, including Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Adm. Stephen Kohler, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

During the talks, Yang discussed deterrence efforts against North Korea's military threats and ways to strengthen cooperation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force based on a framework document formalizing trilateral security cooperation signed late last month.

He will also visit the nuclear-powered USS Minnesota attack submarine currently docked in Hawaii on Friday and discuss ways to enhance combined drills between the allies' submarine troops. (Yonhap)
By Kim Hyun-bin

For the first time in history, a promotion ceremony for U.S. Navy personnel was held aboard a Korean naval ship, highlighting the steadfast friendship and solidarity between the two allied navies.

The ceremony took place Friday, aboard the newly commissioned frigate ROKS Gyeongnam (FFG-II), docked at the Busan Operational Base. This event, organized jointly by the Republic of Korea Navy and the U.S. Naval Forces Korea, honored U.S. Navy officers who have significantly contributed to enhancing the combined defense posture of both nations. It was attended by approximately 40 personnel from both navies and the families and friends of the honorees. The ceremony included the recitation of the promotion oath, the presentation of new rank insignia and expressions of gratitude from the newly promoted officers.

Among the promoted officers was Commander Jonathan Park, a Korean American who reconnected with Korea during his tenure as a protocol officer for U.S. Naval Forces Korea from 2013 to 2014. His diverse experience in the U.S. Navy culminated in his return to Korea in December as acting operations officer, where he played a pivotal role in planning the trilateral Freedom Edge exercise with the Korean and Japanese navies, bolstering their coordinated response capabilities to security threats.

This historic ceremony symbolizes the evolving relationship between the Korea and U.S. navies, which have been key guardians of maritime security for 71 years. The combined working system for integrated maritime operations, established following the relocation of the U.S. Naval Forces Korea headquarters from central Seoul's Yongsan District to the southern port city of Busan in February 2016, has enabled both navies to respond jointly to various maritime security challenges.
Germany on Friday formally joined the U.S.-led U.N. Command (UNC) as its 18th official member state, marking the first expansion of the multinational force in more than a decade.

Germany's admission into the unit overseeing the armistice of the 1950-53 Korean War came as South Korea has recently sought to expand cooperation with like-minded countries to better deter North Korea's evolving military threats.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said his country's decision to join the UNC reflected growing security ties between Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

"By joining the United Nations Command, we showcase our dedication to shared security and our close ties with like-minded partners, particularly the U.S. and Korea," Pistorius said during a ceremony at the command's headquarters in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.

"Our decision to join the UNC is evidence of our strong belief that European security is closely linked to the security of the Indo-Pacific."

It marked the UNC's first expansion since 2013, when Italy was reinstated as a member.

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik hailed Germany's admission during bilateral talks with Pistorius earlier in the day, saying that South Korea and the UNC now have a "new partner" to jointly respond to North Korea's threats.

"Our bilateral talks today have proven to me once again while we may be far apart geographically, our common interests and security concerns are not. In fact they are closely connected," Pistorius said during the ceremony.

The UNC was established under a 1950 U.N. mandate to support South Korea against North Korean aggression during the war, which technically has never ended as a peace treaty was not signed.

A total of 22 countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia, sent troops or medical support to the South during and right after the war. Germany provided medical assistance to South Korea from 1954-59 but was not included as a UNC member state as the armistice was signed in July 1953.

Germany applied to join the multinational command earlier this year, which President Yoon Suk Yeol welcomed during his summit talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Washington last month.

Berlin had previously attempted to join the UNC, but the move was turned down in 2019 under the previous liberal government of President Moon Jae-in amid a reconciliatory mood with North Korea. Pyongyang has long called for its dissolution.

Although South Korea is not a member state of the command, an admission into the multinational force requires consultations with the host country.

The stance has changed under the conservative Yoon administration as it has been pushing to strengthen the role of the UNC amid North Korea's growing threats.

Last year, Seoul hosted the inaugural defense ministerial meeting of UNC member states, where they vowed a "united" response to any renewal of hostilities or armed attacks challenging South Korea's security.

North Korea has pressed ahead with its spate of weapons tests this year, launching 48 missiles on 14 occasions, according to South Korean officials.

It has also forged deeper military ties with Russia, with leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signing a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty that includes a mutual defense clause during their summit in Pyongyang in June.

South Korea and the U.S. have accused Pyongyang of supplying arms to Moscow to fuel its war in Ukraine. Minister Shin said in a recent interview with Bloomberg that the North has sent 12,000 shipping containers to Russia that could hold up to 5.6 million artillery shells. (Yonhap)
A man in his 70s has been put under emergency arrest on charges of stabbing a street cleaner in her 60s to death in central Seoul early Friday, police said.

The suspect allegedly stabbed the woman, who was doing her cleaning duty at the time, at an underpass near Sungnyemun Gate at 5:10 a.m., eventually leading to her death.

Police arrived at the scene after receiving a report that someone was lying down bleeding.

The victim was taken to a hospital but pronounced dead about an hour after the attack.

Police checked surveillance cameras nearby and arrested the suspect near Seoul Station around 8:50 a.m.

The man, believed to be homeless, reportedly had a dispute with the woman before killing her.

Police plan to seek an arrest warrant for him after questioning his motives and request the National Forensic Service to conduct an autopsy on the victim.

The man tested negative in a brief reagent test and alcohol test, officials said. (Yonhap)
Car in question was not being charged at time of explosion, firefighters say

By Jung Min-ho

A blaze caused by an electric vehicle battery that left some 140 cars damaged and 23 people hospitalized in Incheon on Thursday has raised safety concerns about lithium-ion batteries.

According to the Incheon Fire Department, Friday, it took more than eight hours to put out the fire that started following an explosion of what appeared to be a Mercedes-Benz EQE model inside an underground parking lot of an apartment complex in the citys Cheongna International City.

As a result, 140 vehicles were destroyed or blackened and at least 23 people received hospital treatment for smoke inhalation. With a prolonged power outage caused by the fire, at least 121 people from 46 households were staying in temporary shelters set up at welfare centers near the apartment complex as of Friday morning.

Surveillance footage showed smoke coming out of the vehicle before it suddenly burst into flames. The car was not being charged at the time of the explosion, according to firefighters.

After receiving emergency calls, the fire department mobilized more than 170 firefighters as well as fire trucks and other equipment to extinguish the ensuing blaze. Their effort was hampered by narrow pathways to the fire source below ground. In the meantime, hundreds of residents evacuated from adjacent buildings.

In cooperation with the police, firefighters are looking into the exact cause of the explosion.

The fire case is the latest one believed to have been caused by lithium-ion batteries, which are used in many commercial products including electric cars, electric bikes, energy storage systems and toys among many others.

Lithium-ion batteries are known to be highly sensitive to high temperatures and are inherently flammable. Given that they have a high energy density, these fires can spread quickly and are difficult to extinguish.

According to research on fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, most such fires occur when the battery is being charged. But thats obviously not the reason for the Incheon case. It can also be caused by product defects or other factors.

Mercedes-Benz Korea expressed deep regret over the parking lot fire and vowed to fully cooperate with investigators in a statement sent to Yonhap, a Korean news agency.

However, the company refused to comment when asked to identify the model that is being investigated and which battery had been installed in that car.

As the investigation is still ongoing, we ask for your understanding that we cannot provide further details at this time, the company said.

According to data from the National Fire Agency, the number of fires caused by electric vehicles has been on the rise in recent years, from just three in 2018 to 72 in 2023.

As electric cars continue to grow in number around the country, so too do concerns over the safety of their batteries.

To prevent similar accidents, a group of lawmakers, led by Rep. Song Eon-seog of the ruling People Power Party, proposed a bill on Friday to install more firefighting resources near EV charging systems in parking lots.
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday named the presidential secretary for industrial policy as the new first vice industry minister, his office said.

Park Sung-taek, who previously held various key positions at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, will return to the ministry to serve as its first vice minister, according to the presidential office.

Yoon also named Kwon Gi-seob, a former vice labor minister, as the new chief of the presidential Economic, Social and Labor Council. (Yonhap)
Presidential office calls bill 'unconstitutional,' 'populist'

By Anna J. Park

The National Assembly passed a controversial cash handout bill during a plenary session, Friday. The bill stipulates that every Korean citizen, as well as qualified foreign residents of Korea, would receive at least 250,000 won ($180) worth of cash vouchers to support the recovery of people's livelihoods.

Since National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik accepted a unilateral request from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) to table the legislation a day earlier, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) responded immediately with a 24-hour filibuster in protest.

The filibuster, which began Thursday afternoon, continued for 24 hours and 5 minutes until around 3 p.m. Friday, yet it was put to an end by the opposition-controlled Assembly. Under the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can be stopped after 24 hours if at least three-fifths, or 180 lawmakers, consent to it.

The cash handout bill was then put to a vote and passed the National Assembly with 186 of 187 lawmakers present at the session voting in its favor. There was only one vote against the bill.

While Rep. Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, a former PPP chair, cast the only dissenting vote to the bill, PPP lawmakers left the plenary session in protest.

The cash handout proposal was at the top of the DPK's agenda when the 22nd National Assembly opened in May. Former party leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung has argued that the plan of providing cash vouchers worth 250,000 to 350,000 won per person  which should be used within four months  could boost spending and revive the local economy.

Regarding the bill's passage, the presidential office criticized it as unconstitutional and populist.

Speaking with reporters at the presidential office in Seoul on Friday, a senior official emphasized that the cash handout bill violates the constitutional principle of separation of powers.

"The authority to draw up the national budget belongs to the government, according to the Constitution. Thus, the legislature's attempt to mandate the executive's budget through law is unconstitutional, as it goes against the constitutional principle of separation of powers," the official said.

The official was referring to Article 57 of Korea's Constitution, which states that "the National Assembly shall, without the consent of the executive, neither increase the sum of any item of expenditure nor create any new items of expenditure in the budget submitted by the executive."

The presidential office further denounced the bill for its ineffectiveness.

"In addition to being unconstitutional, the bill's impact is minimal compared to its 13 trillion won cost," the official added.

This perspective is echoed within the PPP.

The party's lawmakers pointed out that the DPK is infringing on the executive branch's exclusive right to budget formulation, criticizing it for its populist move.

They argued that the opposition, leveraging its numerical superiority, is attempting to exercise all powers within the National Assembly to incapacitate the government.
The opposition-led National Assembly voted Friday to impeach Korea Communications Commission (KCC) Chairperson Lee Jin-sook, just two days after she took office.

The impeachment motion passed in a 186-1 vote with one abstention and Lee's duties were immediately suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to endorse or reject the impeachment, a process that usually takes a few months.

The presidential office condemned the action as "anti-constitutional and anti-legal."

"I would like to ask how the chair of the Korea Communications Commission carried out a serious violation of the Constitution or the law during her one day in office," presidential spokesperson Jeong Hye-jeon said during a press briefing, expressing "deep regret."

Lee will wait for the judgment of the Constitutional Court, she said.

"I would like to ask back what the difference is between North Korea sending trash balloons and the opposition party carrying out a trash impeachment," she added.

Introduced by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and five other minor parties in an attempt to block what they call the President Yoon Suk Yeol government's push to control public broadcasting, the motion was reported to the meeting the previous day.

"As the KCC chairperson, I intend to confidently stand up against the tyranny of the giant opposition party's pursuit of impeachment," Lee said in a statement released after the passage, adding that the trial process will reveal the motion's unfairness.

Lee was the fourth KCC chief to face impeachment in less than a year and the first to be impeached because all her predecessors resigned voluntarily in an effort to ensure that a successor could continue the duties of the KCC chairperson that holds the key to important decisions on broadcasters.

The opposition has accused Lee and former KCC chiefs under the Yoon administration of unfairly running the watchdog's decision-making standing committee, making decisions with two members while leaving the other three of the five positions vacant.

As Lee took office Wednesday, she immediately held a meeting with Kim Tae-gyu, a newly appointed member of the KCC's standing committee, and appointed six new directors at the Foundation for Broadcast Culture, the major shareholder of MBC TV, in a move strongly denounced by the DPK.

The following day, Yoon approved the appointment of seven new board members of public broadcaster KBS. All seven were recommended by the ruling People Power Party.

The KCC's five-member standing committee had remained vacant after former Chairperson Kim Hong-il and subsequent Acting Chairperson Lee Sang-in voluntarily resigned after the DPK proposed impeachment motions against them. (Yonhap)
Korea lost an appeal on Thursday against a ruling that required it to pay U.S. hedge fund Elliott more than $100 million in a dispute over the 2015 merger of two affiliates of electronics group Samsung.

Last year the Korean government was ordered to pay around $108.5 million, including damages, interest and legal fees, by the Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Korea sought to appeal against that decision at London's High Court, arguing the PCA did not have jurisdiction to make the ruling under a free trade agreement with the U.S., but its legal challenge was rejected on Thursday.

Elliott welcomed the ruling, saying in a statement that the decision was "the proper outcome based on well-established principles of English law."

Elliott had sued over the role played by Korea's National Pension Service in approving an $8 billion merger between Samsung C&T, in which Elliott was a minority stakeholder, and Cheil Industries.

The 2015 merger has also prompted similar legal action from New York hedge fund Mason Capital Management  which in April was awarded about $32 million plus interest  and separate criminal proceedings in Korea.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong was found not guilty of accounting fraud and stock manipulation by a Seoul court in February, a ruling which is under appeal by prosecutors. (Reuters)
Mercedes-Benz Korea on Friday expressed "deep regret" over a parking lot fire this week caused by an explosion of an electric vehicle.

The white EV sedan, which appeared to be of Mercedes-Benz's EQE line, caught fire in an underground parking lot inside an apartment complex in Incheon, 27 kilometers west of Seoul, on Thursday for unknown reasons before firefighters got the flames under control nearly five hours later.

Security camera footage showed smoke coming out of the car before it suddenly burst into flames. Sixteen residents, including seven children under the age of 10, were taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation. Some 70 cars inside the parking lot were reportedly damaged.

"We express our deep regret to the residents of the apartment complex and the surrounding area affected by the recent incident," Mercedes-Benz Korea said in a statement sent to Yonhap News Agency.

The company added that it takes the matter "very seriously" and expressed its commitment to cooperate fully with authorities to thoroughly examine the vehicle and determine the fundamental cause of the accident.

"As the investigation is still ongoing, we ask for your understanding that we cannot provide further details at this time," the company said.

Mercedes-Benz Korea declined to comment when asked to identify the car model and details of its internal battery. (Yonhap)




By Ko Dong-hwan

Major bakery franchise companies in Korea are still barred from opening up in local alleys where they would compete with smaller bakery shops for another five years, under a new set of mutual agreements between major companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the bakery industry, according to Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership, a private business arbitrator group, Friday.

Market observers, however, speculate that the renewed agreements to be signed on Tuesday will again shackle bakery giants like Paris Baguette and Tous Les Jours from entering the alley commerce areas and making additional sales.

The new version of the legally non-binding agreement, according to the commission, will change certain existing terms in favor of the bakery giants. Within the countrys capital region of Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, the new agreements will reduce the minimum distance between a major franchise shop and an SME-run shop from 500 meters to 400 meters.

The new guidelines will also favor the major franchises by increasing the portion of new shops they can open in the capital region from 2 percent to 5 percent of the number of shops they ran the previous year.

Despite such changes, the new mutual agreements are still hurdles to the franchise companies. The companies have been arguing that since 2013 when the terms of mutual agreements were first introduced under the countrys Act on the Promotion of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation Between Large Enterprises and Small and Medium Enterprise, the countrys bakery market has changed drastically. Outlets for bread and pastry products have since diversified from bakery shops to coffee shops, convenience stores, hypermarket chains and online malls.

Amid such market growth, however, there havent been any regulations keeping major companies clear of SMEs. This is why larger companies complained they were the only victims of the mutually agreed terms under the commission.

An official from SPC which runs Paris Baguette said he was at first doubtful whether reducing the minimum distance and increasing the number of new stores allowed for major franchise firms would be beneficial for the company.

"Now, we just dont want any trouble with those SMEs," the official said. "The coexistence of our franchisees and smaller shops in the country's bakery industry is also important to us.
The United States and Russia completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history on Thursday, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan along with dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza , in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free, officials said.

The trade followed years of secretive back-channel negotiations despite relations between Washington and Moscow being at their lowest point since the Cold War after Russian President Vladimir Putins February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The sprawling deal, the latest in a series of prisoner swaps negotiated between Russia and the U.S. in the last two years but the first to require significant concessions from other countries, was heralded by President Joe Biden as a diplomatic achievement in the final months of his administration. But the release of Americans has come at a price: Russia has secured the freedom of its own nationals convicted of serious crimes in the West by trading them for journalists, dissidents and other Westerners convicted and sentenced in a highly politicized legal system on charges the U.S. considers bogus.

Under the deal, Russia released Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who was jailed in 2023 and convicted in July of espionage charges that he and the U.S. vehemently denied and called baseless; Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive jailed since 2018 also on espionage charges he and Washington have denied; and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva , a dual U.S.-Russian citizen convicted in July of spreading false information about the Russian military, accusations her family and employer have rejected.

The dissidents released included Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer serving 25 years on charges of treason widely seen as politically motivated, 11 political prisoners being held in Russia, including associates of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and a German national arrested in Belarus.

The Russian side got Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in Germany in 2021 of killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park two years earlier, apparently on the orders of Moscows security services.

Russia also received two alleged sleeper agents who were jailed in Slovenia, as well as three men charged by federal authorities in the U.S., including Roman Seleznev, a convicted computer hacker and the son of a Russian lawmaker and Vadim Konoshchenok, a suspected Russian intelligence operative accused of providing American-made electronics and ammunition to the Russian military. Norway returned an academic arrested on suspicions of being a Russian spy, and Poland also sent back a man it detained.

Thursdays swap of 24 prisoners surpassed a deal involving 14 people that was struck in 2010. In that exchange, Washington freed 10 Russians living in the U.S. as sleepers, while Moscow deported four Russians living in their homeland, including Sergei Skripal , a double agent working with British intelligence. He and his daughter in 2018 were nearly killed by nerve agent poisoning blamed on Russian agents.

Speculation had mounted for weeks that a swap was near because of a confluence of unusual developments, including a startingly quick trial and conviction for Gershkovich that Washington regarded as a sham. He was sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison.

In a trial that concluded in two days in secrecy in the same week as Gershkovichs, Kurmasheva was convicted on charges of spreading false information about the Russian military that her family, employer and U.S. officials rejected.

Also in recent days, several other figures imprisoned in Russia for speaking out against the war in Ukraine or over their work with Navalny were moved from prison to unknown locations.

Gershkovich was arrested March 29, 2023, while on a reporting trip to the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg. Authorities claimed, without offering any evidence, that he was gathering secret information for the U.S. The son of Soviet emigres who settled in New Jersey, he moved to the country in 2017 to work for The Moscow Times newspaper before being hired by the Journal in 2022.

He had more than a dozen closed hearings over the extension of his pretrial detention or appeals for his release. He was taken to the courthouse in handcuffs and appeared in the defendants cage, often smiling for the many cameras.

U.S. officials last year made an offer to swap Gershkovich that was rejected by Russia, and Bidens Democratic administration had not made public any possible deals since then.

Gershkovich was designated as wrongfully detained, as was Whelan, who was detained in December 2018 after traveling to Russia for a wedding. Whelan was convicted of espionage charges, which he and the U.S. have also said were false and trumped up, and he was serving a 16-year prison sentence.

Whelan had been excluded from prior high-profile deals involving Russia, including the April 2022 swap by Moscow of imprisoned Marine veteran Trevor Reed for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot convicted in a drug trafficking conspiracy. That December, the U.S. released notorious arms trafficker Viktor Bout in exchange for getting back WNBA star Brittney Griner, whod been jailed on drug charges. (AP)
Iran and its regional allies vowed retaliation on Thursday for the deaths of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, raising regional tensions as mourners filled Tehran's city center calling for revenge.

A public funeral was held for Hamas's political chief Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital where he was killed early Wednesday in an attack on which Israel has not commented.

Haniyeh's body was then flown to Qatar, where he had resided and where he will be laid to rest on Friday, when his group called for a "day of furious rage" in the Palestinian territories and across the region.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, addressing the funeral of the Lebanese group's top military commander, said Israel and "those who are behind it must await our inevitable response" to Fuad Shukr's and Haniyeh's killings within hours of each other.

"You do not know what red lines you crossed," Nasrallah said, addressing Israel, a day after Shukr was killed in a strike in south Beirut.

Israel, which said Shukr's assassination was a response to deadly rocket fire last week on the annexed Golan Heights, warned its adversaries on Thursday they would "pay a very high price" for any "aggression."

"Israel is at a very high level of preparation for any scenario, both defensive and offensive," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

"Those who attack us, we will attack in return."

A source close to Hezbollah told AFP that Iranian officials met in Tehran on Wednesday with representatives of the so-called "axis of resistance," a loose alliance of Tehran-backed groups hostile to Israel, to discuss their next steps.

"Two scenarios were discussed: a simultaneous response from Iran and its allies or a staggered response from each party," said the source who had been briefed on the meeting, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

The leader of Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels vowed a "military response" to Israel's "major escalation."

Analysts told AFP that the retaliation would be measured to avoid a wider conflagration.

Iran and the groups it backs "will more than likely try to avert a war, while also strongly deterring Israel from continuing with this new policy, this targeted shock and awe," said Amal Saad, a Hezbollah researcher and lecturer at Britain's Cardiff University.

In Tehran, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led prayers for Haniyeh, having earlier threatened "harsh punishment" for his killing.

'Roaring marches'

Crowds, including women shrouded in black, carried posters of Haniyeh and Palestinian flags in a procession and ceremony that began at Tehran University, an AFP correspondent reported.

Senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Revolutionary Guards chief General Hossein Salami, attended the ceremony, state television images showed.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced the day before that Haniyeh and a bodyguard were killed in a pre-dawn strike Wednesday on their accommodation in Tehran.

The New York Times however reported, citing anonymous sources including two Iranian officials, that the blast was caused by an explosive device planted several months ago.

When asked about the report, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari told reporters "there was no other Israeli aerial attack... in all the Middle East" on the night of Shukr's killing.

Qatar-based Haniyeh had been visiting Tehran for Pezeshkian's swearing-in on Tuesday.

Pezeshkian said Iran "will continue to support with firmer determination the axis of resistance", the official IRNA news agency said.

Qatar-based network Al Jazeera reported that the plane carrying Haniyeh's body had landed in Doha, where the Palestinian leader is to be buried following prayers at the Qatari capital's largest mosque.

Hamas called in a statement for a day of protests on Friday.

"Let roaring anger marches start from every mosque," it said.

Regional tensions

The international community has called for calm and a focus on securing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip  which Haniyeh had accused Israel of obstructing.

U.S. President Joe Biden said late Thursday he was "very concerned" about rising tensions in the region, adding that the killing of Haniyeh had "not helped" the situation.

The White House said Biden spoke with Netanyahu by phone on Thursday, promising to defend Israel's security "against all threats from Iran."

"We have the basis for a ceasefire. He should move on it and they should move on it now," Biden told reporters after the call.

The prime minister of key ceasefire broker Qatar said Haniyeh's assassination had thrown the whole Gaza war mediation process into doubt.

"How can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side?" Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said on social media site X.

The killings are the latest of several major incidents that have inflamed regional tensions during the Gaza war which has drawn in Iran-backed militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for its Oct. 7 attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory campaign against Hamas has killed at least 39,480 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths. (AFP)
Mingyu's newest brand ambassadorship is making headlines in the K-pop community. Apart from the announcement of his ambassadorship, his newest photos have also trended online, leading to the reactions and compliments of CARATs.

On August 1, Korean news outlets reported that Mingyu of SEVENTEEN has now been appointed by DIOR as its newest brand ambassador. According to sources, DIOR expressed enthusiasm over Mingyu's inclusion in the luxury brand.

In a post by VOGUE Korea, the caption read:

"DIOR's new ambassador, Kim Mingyu. K-pop icon and SEVENTEEN member Mingyu will be together with DIOR as its newest brand ambassador. Mingyu deliberately embodied the unique style of Dior House, which was reinterpreted through the Artistic Director of the DIOR Men's Wear Collection, Kim Jones. We hope you will look forward to the special collaboration between DIOR and Mingyu, which will be a blend of boldness and creativity." A post shared by instagram

Earlier in February, Mingyu has already made buzz with DIOR by attending the luxury brand's 2024-2025 Fall-Winter Ready-to-Wear collection show.

Fan favorite.

Mingyu Kim from South Korean group @Pledis_17 received a particularly rapturous reception when he arrived at the #DiorAW24 https://t.co/Y1x6bS2j67 by Maria Grazia Chiuri show in Paris.#StarsinDior pic.twitter.com/xq4cQQoqbl February 27, 2024

CARATs couldn't hold back their love and support for Mingyu's DIOR ambassadorship. The photos in the post also caught spotlight due to Mingyu serving visuals, which generated compliments from netizens.

"His clothes, his hair, his beauty, everything about him is a masterpiece

"Prince of DIOR, Kim Mingyu."

"You are out of this world."

"You're so pretty, oh my goodness."

"Gorgeous, stunning, handsome, mesmerizing, and I have a shortage of words, but he still slays in every wear."

"You are so gorgeous, Kim Mingyu."

"The elegance of this man."

"Thank you for inviting Mingyu. He is truly the Prince of DIOR."

"Everything about him shouts majestic."

On social media platform X (Twitter), netizens were taken aback by Mingyu's dashing photoshoot!

In other news, Mingyu shocked fans and his fellow SEVENTEEN members with his thoughtful gesture to his parents. In the 108th episode of "GOING SEVENTEEN," Mingyu revealed the amount of money he gave to his parents on Parents' Day.

The revelation also cracked up hilarious reactions from his bandmates and fans couldn't hide how proud they were of Mingyu's generosity. To learn more about this revelation, click here!

What was your reaction to Mingyu's photoshoot? Are you looking forward to his activities with DIOR? 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: Moment Between SEVENTEEN Mingyu & BLACKPINK Lisa Resurface Following Interaction at Bvlgari Event

KpopStarz owns this article

Written by Israel Monte
After doctor Yang Jae Woong-better known as EXID Hani's fiance-issued a public apology, Dispatch spoke with the mother of Yang's deceased patient, who chastised him for being conceited and smug.

Public outcry over the tragedy has resulted in demands for accountability.

Two months ago, 33-year-old Park passed away at Yang's W Jin Hospital in Bucheon, Korea.

Since her death, no one has been held accountable.

During this time, Yang announced his marriage to Hani and continued his media appearances as usual, drawing criticism from the public and Park's family.

Park's mother protested outside the hospital, demanding the truth about her daughter's sudden death.

SOURCE

According to Dispatch, the hospital staff ignored her and reported her to the police instead of addressing her concerns.

"I lost my daughter. My family is suffering. The people from the hospital walked past me with shamelessness. Not a single one of them apologized. Then, the police showed up. So instead of apologizing to me, the hospital reported me," -Park's mother.

Dispatch detailed the events leading to Park's death on May 27, 2024, based on the National Forensic Service's autopsy report, which indicated she died due to an intestinal obstruction.

Despite her complaints of abdominal pain, the hospital confined her to an isolation room and administered tranquilizers instead of calling 911.

Park's mother expressed outrage.

"Even though my daughter complained of abdominal pain, the hospital left her confined in an isolation room. She asked for 911 to be called, but the hospital disregarded her request." -Park's Mother

Park, a talented individual who graduated from a prestigious New York university and worked as a teaching assistant in Korea, was admitted to Yang's hospital for addiction to a weight loss pill known as the "butterfly pill" (Phentermine).

She lost her life after 17 days of hospitalization.

READ MORE: Hani's Jaw-Dropping Body Changes After Leaving EXID Revealed - 'I Don't Take Care of My Body ...'

When contacted for comments, the hospital told Dispatch, "The person in charge is unavailable."

Park's mother expressed worries about the treatment process at Yang's facility in an interview with Dispatch. She mentioned that Yang was never there throughout Park's hospitalization and that there were no progress updates.

Park's mother detailed the horrendous treatment her daughter endured, which included giving her tranquilizers and confining her to an isolation chamber, which left her confused and unable to speak.

Park's cause of death was determined by the National Forensic Service to be "pseudo-intestinal obstruction," a disorder in which nerve problems induce blockage in the intestines.

The hospital refused Park's mother's appeals for appropriate medical care, classifying her daughter as a "chronic constipation patient" and refusing to provide emergency care.

Other patients reported seeing Park in severe pain, with one patient having to help her off the floor.

CCTV footage showed Park dealing with a nosebleed and asking for 911 to be called, but the hospital ignored her.

Park's mother has since filed a lawsuit against the hospital for negligent manslaughter, insisting that the hospital neglected her daughter and is fully responsible for her death.

She also pointed out that the family was not contacted on the day of Park's death, learning about it only after receiving a call from another hospital.

On May 31, 2024, four days after Park's death, Yang and Hani announced their wedding plans, which Park's family found deeply insensitive.

They have since been active in raising awareness about Park's death through public petitions, YouTube videos, and media reports.

Yang apologized through his agency, Mystic Story, which Park's family criticized as insincere.

"Yang may have issued a public apology, but he never reached out to our family directly." -Park's Mother

ALSO READ: EXID Hani Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles Amid 'Up & Down' Virality: 'I was so scared...'

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Cassidy Jones.
Amid negative reception, BLACKPINK's Lisa was reportedly vacationing with her rumored boyfriend Frederic Arnault and his family.

BLACKPINK; 's Lisa has recently been in the spotlight due to allegations of plagiarism for her solo music video, "ROCKSTAR," and rumors of her homewrecking a relationship. Amidst the controversy, netizens unexpectedly discovered that the idol was vacationing with the family of her rumored boyfriend, Frederic Arnault.

Although Lisa did not appear on camera, fans recognized a voice resembling hers in an Instagram story posted by Geraldine Guyot, Frederic Arnaults sister-in-law. In the clip, someone also mentioned Lisa by name, and the idol is supposedly seen cheering her dog on and responding to questions.

240731 - 

               gguyot:

": ..

: ..

:     (   )

:    "

  pic.twitter.com/Wt4xppmQVq July 31, 2024

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: BLACKPINK Lisa's Tuition Fees During School Days Revealed: 'I Didn't Expect That...'

Geraldine even shared a picture of two dogs, one of which was Love, Lisas pet. These clues convinced netizens that the BLACKPINK maknae was indeed traveling with Frederic Arnault and his brother Alexandre Arnaults family.

Despite the ongoing drama, Lisa was announced as the ambassador for Louis Vuitton, a key brand under the LVMH group owned by Frederic Arnaults family. Her public appearances suggest that the female idol remains unaffected by the rumors. Fans are increasingly confident that the rumors about Lisa being a sidechick are completely false.

LISA has been named the new brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton. pic.twitter.com/7neBgUsFCT  Pop Base (@PopBase) July 23, 2024

The rumored relationship between Lisa and Frederic Arnault was first brought to public attention in July 2023, when the idol was spotted resting her head affectionately on his shoulder at a French restaurant. Since then, the couple has dropped numerous hints about their relationship and have been seen traveling together around the world, but have not publicly confirmed that they are together.

lisa with frederic and alexandre arnault in Paris  pic.twitter.com/HnHch4uLjk  Lily  (@flouwie27) June 23, 2024

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: BLACKPINK Lisa Proves Her Popularity In South Korea Is Still Strong Following Latest Event

Reports claim that Frederic Arnault even introduced Lisa to his family, who welcomed her warmly. Additionally, the billionaires son met Lisas parents in September 2023.

In early May, Lisa became a topic of conversation when she attended a concert by pianist Helene Mercier, Frederic Arnaults mother, at an international music festival in South Korea. Fans circulated pictures of a congratulatory flower arrangement sent by Lisa and Frederic to the concert. These photos immediately went viral, leading netizens to speculate that Lisa might soon marry into the worlds second wealthiest family.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

CHECK THIS OUT: Solo Stans Clash Amid BLACKPINK Lisa's Success & Jennie's Indoor Vaping Controversy

For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns This

Written by Alexa Lopez
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Statement by Executive Vice-President Vestager

The European Commission takes note of IAG's announcement that it has decided to terminate its agreement with Globalia according to which IAG intended to acquire sole control over Air Europa. IAG owns several airlines, including Iberia and Vueling, and is the largest airline operator in Spain. Air Europa is the third largest airline in Spain. Up to the abandonment of the transaction, the discussions with the companies and the proposed remedy package were not able to adequately address the competition concerns identified by the Commission. The Commission had opened an in-depth investigation into the proposed transaction on 24 January 2024 and sent a Statement of Objections to IAG on 26 April 2024.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: IAG and Air Europa are leading airlines in Spain. From their hubs in Madrid, they are key providers of connectivity within Spain and between Spain, the rest of Europe and the Americas.

We looked closely at the impact of the transaction on competition, especially on those routes in which alternative flights are limited. Our in-depth analysis indicated that the merger would have negatively affected competition on a large number of domestic, short-haul and long-routes within, to and from Spain on which the two airlines compete closely.

We were concerned that the transaction may have led to adverse effects for passengers  business customers and consumers alike  in terms of increased prices or decreased quality of services. IAG offered remedies, but taking into account the results of the market test, the remedies submitted did not fully address our competition concerns.

This is the second time that the Commission was asked to assess the acquisition of Air Europa by IAG under EU merger control rules, after the first attempt failed in 2021 due to the Commission's competition concerns. Air Europa is in a stronger position today than it was in 2021 so the challenge of identifying adequate remedies was even greater than in 2021.

Background

More information will be available on the Commission's competition website, in the Commission's public case register under the case number M.11109.
ASSOCIATED PRESS

His older daughter is racing to meet him, arms outstretched, both feet off the ground, face split wide in a giddy smile. Close behind on the Tarmac, also running, are his two grinning boys, his younger daughter and his tall, attractive wife.

The joy of this reunion leaps out from the pages of history: Bob Stirm, crisp in his Air Force uniform, was finally home after nearly 5 1/2 years in the prison camps of Vietnam.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning picture that captured that very personal yet most public of moments symbolizes the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, the bittersweet homecoming of 591 American POWs in 1973.

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Twenty years later, the picture is very different. In his home near San Francisco, a Vietnam history book was opened to that page of Stirms life. He gazed at it.

I have several copies of the photo, he said, but I dont display it in the house.

Why? Stirm laughed. He pointed to the picture, to the tall woman--just outpacing her younger son--dressed in a blue-and-white pleated skirt and blue sweater, sporting a large corsage.

Because of her, he said simply.

Stirms anger and bitterness two decades later seem directed more at the woman in the famous black-and-white photo--his former wife, Loretta--than at the Vietnamese captors who tortured him.

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He said he survived the torture, the mock executions, the dread-filled days and nights, so he could return to her, only to be handed a Dear John letter by a chaplain upon his release.

I have changed drastically--forced into a situation where I finally had to grow up, the letter read in part. Bob, I feel sure that in your heart you know we cant make it together--and it doesnt make sense to be unhappy when you can do something about it. Life is too short.

To Stirm, now 60, it is cruel irony that so public a reunion had so hollow a core.

It brought a lot of notoriety and publicity to me and, unfortunately, the legal situation that I was going to be faced with, and it was kind of unwelcomed, Stirm said of the photo, taken by Associated Press photographer Sal Veder.

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In some ways, its hypocritical, because my former wife had abandoned the marriage within a year or so after I was shot down. And she did not even have the honor and integrity to be honest with the kids. She lived a lie. This picture does not show the realities that she had accepted proposals of marriage from three different men. . . . It portrays (that) everybody there was happy to see me.

But for Stirms older daughter, Lorrie Kitching, the photo captures a wonderful, pure moment in time. It brought basket after basket of fan mail and newspaper clippings from all over the world, she recalls.

Lorrie is 35 today and lives in San Mateo, Calif., with her second husband and an 11-year-old son from her first marriage. She works in the sales department of MediaSourcery, marketers of multimedia software.

Tears filled her eyes as she looked at the picture recently and saw herself at 15, about to leap into her fathers arms, her feet shod in her first pair of high heels.

Its a wonderful piece of history that we just happened to stumble into, she said. It never would have gone away in my mind, but seeing that photo brings it all back again--just all the joy that was there.

It was like Christmas, she said. You knew Christmas was going to be great, but you didnt really know what was going to happen on Christmas, and that was just like when Dad came home. It was Christmas morning.

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You were racing down the stairs because we knew that there was a great present waiting for us. Everybodys face is genuinely happy.

Directly behind Lorrie in the photo is Cindy, the youngest child. She had turned 11 only two days before. She is wearing her favorite dress, a black jumper with a lacy pinafore, knee socks and Mary Janes.

Today, she is Cindy Pierson, the 31-year-old mother of an 8-year-old girl.

It seems like another lifetime ago, she said. I look at the picture and I dont see me. . . . I dont feel like I was really a part of it. I was so young. I didnt really know him when he left and I thought it would be wonderful to have a dad because all my friends had dads at their functions.

Robert Stirm Jr. is 34 now, the father of three sons and a dentist in Concord, Calif. His sister, Cindy, is his office manager.

In the photo, he is 14, partially blocked by Lorrie, a broad smile on his face.

People recognized this photo, he said. Theres some sort of notoriety in that. But the photo per se didnt really change my life--it was my father coming home that changed my life.

Roger, 12 at the time, trails everyone, wearing a ski jacket. He followed in his fathers footsteps; he is a captain in the Air Force based in Panama City.

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And Loretta? She is married to an attorney and still lives in Foster City, but declined to be interviewed.

No one is sure why she showed up at Travis Air Force Base in California that St. Patricks Day in 1973, but she alluded to it in the letter handed to Stirm when he arrived in the Philippines for evaluation before returning to the United States.

I love you--we all love you, but you must remember how very unhappy we were together, it said. It wasnt your fault--we are extremely unsuited and managed to make each other miserable. . . .

I cant begin to tell you how proud we are of you. The children and I never missed a night saying a prayer for your safe return. I have your pictures up and your certificates and have kept you very much with us while you were gone and the children have not forgotten their father.

I would like to see you when you come home, but will understand if you would rather not.

Bob and Loretta met at a party just after he graduated from Air Force cadet school in Texas; they were married in February, 1955, when she was 19. They divorced a year after Stirm returned from Vietnam, and each remarried within six months.

She had a rough job, raising four children on her own, Lorrie said. She was very young.

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Stirm was awarded custody of Lorrie and Robert Jr., and Loretta was given custody of Roger and Cindy. She also received the family home and 42.9% of Stirms retirement pay, though the judge noted a great deal of evidence was presented to show a pattern of misconduct on her part during Stirms imprisonment.

Its not fair. Its not just, Stirm said. Im the one that lives with all the aches and pains from my imprisonment, but she continues to get paid.

Still, he said, the couple have come together for weddings and other family events, and all four children are on good terms with both parents.

Stirm retired from the Air Force in 1977 after 25 years of service. He joined Ferry Steel Products, the business his grandfather started in San Francisco, but did not find it gratifying. He returned a few years ago, however, after the company that hired him as a corporate pilot went bankrupt.

Though the picture revives the pain, it is inevitable that he see it again from time to time.

Many people try to escape the past by willing themselves to forget, by allowing the years to dull the ache and make the memories recede. But for Stirm, there will always be the picture.

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It is a tangible reminder that what kept him alive for those five years as a prisoner of war was, in part, an illusion.

The momentum to stay alive for my familys sake was very strong, because I had four neat children and what I believed to be a neat wife that I wanted to get back to see, he said quietly.

Thats a strong incentive.
On 1 August Mexicos President-electannounced that former supreme court (SCJN) president(2019-2023) will serve as the general coordinator of policy and government when she takes office on 1 October.

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On 1 August Argentinas former president(2015-2019) reappeared in public to relaunch his right-of-centre party Propuesta Republicana (PRO), mixing praise with criticism of the far-right government of President

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On 1 August Guatemalas Presidentfiled a criminal complaint against the countrys discredited attorney general, for abuse of authority and violating the constitution, calling for her to be stripped of her immunity from prosecution.

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A 30-year-old Allentown man has been charged with felony criminal homicide in the 2023 shooting death of a 58-year-old man at a city apartment, authorities announced Friday afternoon.

Evander Terrel Thompson, of the 200 block of North Nagle Street, also is facing two counts felony aggravated assault; one count felony firearms not to be carried without a license; and a misdemeanor count of possession of a prohibited firearm. Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca announced the arrest.

Thompson currently is serving time at the the Lehigh County jail on unrelated charges. He was arraigned Friday morning on the most recent charges before District Judge Mark A. McCants, who denied bail in the case.

The charges against Thompson are in connection to an alleged shooting incident that unfolded at about 1:45 a.m. Sept. 23, 2023, in the 500 block of West Allen Street. City officers responded to a 911 call for the reported shots fired on the second floor of the home, authorities said.

Investigators then found Orlando Ibanez deceased at the apartments entrance, authorities said. Near the victims body was a shell casing taken into evidence by investigators. The Lehigh County Coroners Office pronounced Ibanez dead at 2:22 a.m. Sept. 23, 2023. His cause of death was a gunshot wound to the neck and the manner was then ruled a homicide by Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio.

Investigators obtained video surveillance footage, which showed a man later identified as Thompson, entering the West Allen Street apartment minutes before the shooting and where he remained for several minutes before running away, authorities said.

Other obtained city and privately-owned surveillance footage additionally showed Thompson walking to the apartment from his North Nagle Street home and returning after the incident, authorities said. Footage also showed Thompson  prior to the shooting and wearing the same clothing  leaving an Allentown bar and restaurant just after 1 a.m. on Sept. 23, 2023, and walking to his North Nagle Street home, according to authorities.

Copies of receipts from the bar and restaurant were obtained by investigators, indicating Thompson was there in the hours before the shooting happened, authorities said.

Authorities said the gun was later recovered. The Lehigh County Ballistics laboratory compared the firearm to the shell casing found at the scene and the projectile removed from the victim during the autopsy, determining both matched the gun, authorities said.

Thompson is due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Aug. 8 before McCants. A judge will then determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.

Tonya Tharp, the Lehigh County public defender assigned to Thompson, was out of the office Friday afternoon and couldnt immediately be reached for comment.

The case was investigated by Allentown police; Allentown Police Detectives Ted Kiskeravage and Miguel Villa, as well as the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force. It will be prosecuted by Lehigh County Senior Deputy District Attorney Ramma R. Mineo and Lehigh County Chief Deputy District Attorney Jay W. Jenkins.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
The long-awaited Starbucks coffee shop with drive-thru could be weeks away from opening at the revamped Westgate Mall in Bethlehem.

Work is nearing completion on the 2,300-square-foot building at the shopping center along Schoenersville Road. Starbucks could grand open early this month after owners obtain city permits and occupancy paperwork, Marjorie Kaplan, vice president of public relations for Rutherford, New Jersey-based Axiom Communications, told lehighvalleylive.com this week.

Starbucks is known for its specialty beverages, including handcrafted espresso and tea drinks, as well as refreshers, which are made with fruit juice and lightly caffeinated with green coffee extract.

Starbucks is already in Lower Nazareth Township; Whitehall; Hanover Township, Lehigh County; Bethlehem, Lehigh County; Bethlehem Township; Upper Saucon Township; Pohatcong Township; and the Allentown area.

Signs went up indicating a temporary closure for upgrades at the Starbucks at Hamilton Crossings in Lower Macungie. The Starbucks at the Madison Farms shopping center in Bethlehem Township temporarily closed for similar work before reopening again in the spring.

A Starbucks with a drive-thru opened in December 2023 next to Jerseys Mikes in Forks Township. A Hellertown Starbucks opened in late April 2022 at Main Street and Polk Valley Road.

There are plans to build a Starbucks in Bethlehem and in the Slate Belt. Developer Posh Properties is constructing a 2,200-square-foot Starbucks on Sullivan Trail in Plainfield Township, as well as on Easton Avenue, near Clermont Street. Joe Posh, managing partner of Posh Properties, told lehighvalleylive.com Thursday the Bethlehem site is slated for a September opening while the Slate Belt location plans to open in March 2025.

Wind Creek Bethlehem announced this week it plans to open a Starbucks this fall at its mall food court, alongside a new Moes Mexican Grill and Auntie Annes pretzel shop. Moes and Auntie Annes, however, wont open until early 2025.

The Starbucks at Westgate Mall follows the grand opening of the 4,540-square-foot McDonalds with a drive-thru at the Westgate Mall on April 25. The fast-food giant sits at the malls corner near Westgate Drive and in front of the new Weis Market.

A 3,500-square-foot Peoples First Federal Credit Union building is expected to open at the corner of Schoenersville and Catasauqua roads, Kaplan said.

The credit union is nearing completion on the site of the former Dempseys American Kitchen. The restaurant in the malls parking lot previously sat vacant since the diner closed in 2005. It was then demolished to make way for the credit union.

The multi-million-dollar Westgate Mall redevelopment project is being spearheaded by Onyx Equities of Woodbridge, New Jersey.

The 3,500-square-foot Peoples First Federal Credit Union is expected to soon open at the corner of Schoenersville and Catasauqua roads. The building is nearing completion on the site of the former Dempseys American Kitchen. The restaurant in the malls parking lot previously sat vacant after the diner closed in 2005. It was then demolished.Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com

Coming soon

Crews continue to work on a new strip mall to the left of the new Weis supermarket.

The fully-leased redevelopment portion includes Qdoba Mexican Eats; Jersey Mikes; SoFresh; and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Kaplan previously said those four tenants will host grand openings this fall.

A freestanding Penn Community Bank with drive-through is being constructed next to Weis. The bank is expected to open in the fall, Kaplan had said.

The Westgate Mall site will mark Jersey Mikes sixth regional location. San Diego, California-based Qdoba Mexican Eats has a sole regional restaurant on MacArthur Road in Whitehall. SoFresh and Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be open their first regional eateries at Westgate.

Tampa, Florida-based SoFresh is known for serving up bowls, salads, quesadillas and wraps while Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers a variety of beverages, as well as sandwiches, bowls, wraps, salads, breakfast items, and sweet treats, according to the chains menu.

Crews continue to perform work on what will become a newly-constructed strip mall, to the left of the new Weis space at Westgate Mall. "Coming Soon" signs recently went up at the space set to occupy Qdoba Mexican Eats. Jersey Mikes; SoFresh; and Tropical Smoothie Cafe will fill the other spaces.Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com

Revived property

Westgate Mall was built in 1973 on Schoenersville Road near Routes 22 and 378.

Onyx Equities around 2021 started a four-phase transformation of the malls empty spaces. The 50-year-old mall is getting its second biggest overhaul in nine years.

There was a $5 million facelift in 2015, which added Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Westgate changed hands in October 2018 when it was bought by Onyx. That move came after the mall lost its anchor, The Bon-Ton, earlier that year.

Nicole Vasquez, Onyx Equities vice president of asset management, has touted the malls redevelopment.

What was once a strip mall reminiscent of the 80s is evolving into a vibrant center with something for all ages, she previously told lehighvalleylive.com.

Onyxs first three phases included: moving Weis Markets in May 2021 from a 33,000-square-foot building at the end of the center to the larger, former Bon-Ton space; the redevelopment of the former Weis space into two portions, which includes Calabasas, California-based Harbor Freight Tools; and the the demolition of about 50,463-square-feet of existing interior mall space. The interior demo work forced at least six existing retailers to relocate.

Oak Street Health in June 2023 opened its 12th statewide clinic in space that previously occupied Rite Aid. The 10,000-square-foot Rite Aid, at the south end of the shopping center, previously sat idle for two years. It shuttered in May 2021.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits, which was operating in a temporary location next to the former Amateur Athlete space, has since moved back to its original mall location. The space  in an exterior section of the shopping mall  was totally gutted and expanded before reopening in September 2023, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board spokesman Shawn Kelly had said.

Just a few empty spaces remain at Westgate Mall. They are mostly around Harbor Freight Tools, ranging from 1,200 to about 13,000 square feet. Signs at the mall indicate the 13,000-square-foot space remains available.

Westgate Malls redevelopment project led to the closure of a half dozen existing tenants. The six former Westgate businesses received letters in January 2023 from Onyx telling them they needed to vacate. They included Hawk Music Center; Westgate Jewelers; Holiday Hair; Fashion Nails; Amateur Athlete; and Subway.

The majority have since found other locations.

Hawk Music, an original tenant, earlier this year opened at Macs Hobby Hall, 721 Linden St., in Bethlehem. Westgate Jewelers in April 2023 moved into the upper level of the United Steelworkers of America building, off Center Street between Bethlehem City Hall and Nisky Hill Cemetery. Holiday Hair moved to the Pointe North Shopping Center in Hanover Township, Northampton County; and Fashion Nails bought Nail Trix in South Whitehall Township.

Amateur Athlete moved to the Lehigh Shopping Center in West Bethlehem. Subway closed at Westgate for good.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Reknowned Laois photographer Michael Scully, aged 78 and still busy working, has been covering Stradbally Steam Rally since 1965.

He is looking forward to taking more photos at the 60th celebration this August Bank Holiday weekend for the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

It is a meaningful event for Michael, as while a longtime resident of Portarlington, he himself is a Stradbally native.

He grew up on the family farm nestled in the scenic Windy Gap on the way to Carlow, a farm now run by his brother Tom.

I have colour slides from the first steam rally, on December 27 1965. That was the first real rally, it travelled from Court Square to Market Square and was stationary there for a few hours. There was a good attendance. It was a sunny, frosty day.

I think Stradbally was one of the first in Ireland to hold major steam rallies.

From 1966 it gathered in the Cosby estate and it developed over the years. It wasnt just steam, there were all sorts of vintage and stationary machines, which used belt drives to do things like saw timber.

In the 70s there were huge attendances, from all over Ireland. One year they had a hot air balloon. In later years they held helicopter rides and I went up to take aerial shots. I got a shot of the town with the windy gap in the background, that was a special one for me.

A spread from the Leinster Express special 9-page 60th anniversary feature on Stradbally Steam Rally, in shops this week.

I would go over and bring my wife Mae to visit my cousins house, Id go and take the pictures, go back home for tea and print the photographs, then come back and collect Mae, Michael said.

He has only missed two years of the rally, when he was working as a general photographer up in Sligo, doing up to two weddings a day, leaving no time for visiting home.

I remember just one year it was called off on Sunday because it was so wet, he said.

It had occasional special guests over the years too.

I remember the actor Noel Purcell being there. One year Tom McGurk and Aine OConnor from RTE were guests, that caused a stir, Michael said.

Its just a brilliant family day out because while you have to pay in, parking is free, you can even bring a caravan.

They have recently injected new ideas into it to keep it fresh. Its open to families now rather than just enthusiasts. Theres lots of vintage cars, and they added live music. Im looking forward to the first street festival this year, he said.

It will be a busy weekend for the couple, as they are invited to a 60th wedding anniversary on the Saturday. There is a big connection to the groom and the steam rally.

Its my friend Oliver McCrossan, a photographer in Newbridge, he went to the first rally too and actually has the programme from it. He hopes to make it over himself on Sunday, Michael said.

See Michael's photos of Stradbally Steam Rally over the past 60 years, in a special 9 page feature in the current Leinster Express on sale in shops now.
Gardai have revealed that over 200 drivers have been caught speeding in a nationwide operation since Thursday morning, with a Garda spokesperson "gravely concerned" at the high number.

Since 7am on Thursday, Gardai have been out in force, detecting poor driving behaviours such as driving above the speed limit as part of a the August Bank Holiday road safety operation.

So far, almost 85,000 vehicles have been checked for speeding.



In a statement, Gardai said compliance with road speeds was "positive with the majority of motorists", but revealed that 211 drivers have been detected speeding, with some have reaching notably dangerous speeds.

READ MORE - Heads up holidaymakers - new changes coming to airport liquid restrictions across Europe

One driver in Cavan was clocked by Gardai driving at 196 kilometres per hour in a 100km speed limit zone, while another driver in Monaghan was caught doing 106km/h in a 60km/h zone on the Monaghan Road in Castleblayney.

Another driver in Wexford was found to be driving 87km/h in a 50km/h zone in Murntown, while a driver on the N81 at Tullow, Co Carlow was 60km over the speed limit, driving 141km/h in an 80km/h zone.

Commenting on these detections, Chief Superintendent in the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, Jane Humphries said that anyone willing to rive at these dangerously excessive speeds "has the potential to destroy lives  if not their own, others too".

"Our August Bank Holiday roads policing operation has been underway since first thing yesterday morning and while we are generally seeing good levels of compliance with speed limits on roads around Ireland, I am gravely concerned by the risks taken by some drivers," Humphries said.

"We are out conducting checkpoints and using our technology to detect those speeding nationwide. Speeding is one of the foremost dangerous driving behaviours, along with using your phone while driving and being distracted.

"Please slow down and drive safely today and over the rest of the long weekend ahead as so many of us take to the roads.
Medal success for rowers from across the island of Ireland will inspire the next generation of Olympians, supporters have said.

The medal rush for rowers at the Paris Olympics continued on Thursday as Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch won bronze for Ireland in the final of the mens double sculls at the Stade Nautique at Vaires sur Marnes.

Barely half an hour later Rebecca Shorten from Belfast was part of Team GBs womens four which won silver, narrowly missing out on gold to the Netherlands.

It followed the gold medal success on Wednesday of Hannah Scott from Coleraine in the quadruple sculls.

Supporters gathered at Queens University Belfasts Boat Club to cheer on the Irish and GB boats in the latest finals.

Doyle, originally from Banbridge in Co Down, started rowing while studying at Queens.

Clara McClements, the Ladies Captain at the club, said the success of Doyle and Lynch had inspired all those in the club.

She said: I started rowing when I joined uni in 2021. I had never rowed before. It was a completely new sport for me and I love it.

Phil came through the same programme I did. Phil started to row at Queens.

It is great to see you can start this sport later in life and become very good at it very quickly if you approach it with the right attitude.

Hopefully it will bring new people into the sport which is what we want to do.

Reacting to the medal success of the Irish boat, she said: I would say Phil is ecstatic at the minute, hes been really working hard for years, it is not an easy thing while you are doing a degree but Phil has shown it is definitely worth it in the end.

Amazing things can be achieved with hard work.

She added: The Olympics is such an amazing thing and to see that someone who has gone through the same programme, the same university that I went to can go on and achieve amazing things gives you something to work towards. It is inspiring for everyone.

Several rowers from Methodist College in Belfast, where Shorten learnt the sport, were at the boat club to cheer on the womens fours.

Felix OGorman, 15, said nobody was disappointed that the team had been narrowly pipped to the gold medal.

He said: We are all so proud.

In here it was crazy, everyone was screaming and shouting for Rebecca. The Dutch had it, the British had it, it was just so close.

Even when they crossed the line no-one knew what the result was.

Rebecca has come to the boat house a few times, we talk about her quite often, we all know her name. Everyone looks up to her. She is a really lovely person.

It comes down to skill and determination, she has stuck to the sport and she is so talented.

He added: I think she inspires all of us. We all want to be Olympians.

Seeing results like this, knowing you can be there someday, is motivation to get up in the morning (to train).

Meanwhile, political leaders on both sides of the border hailed the latest medal successes.

Another medal for Ireland! Daire Lynch and Philip Doyle bring home a hard fought Bronze! A tough race but really proud of the lads who rowed their hearts out and were still gaining with more in the tank at the finish. Thank you Philip and Daire, youve made Ireland proud. pic.twitter.com/BI1KjA0DIm  Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 1, 2024

Taoiseach Simon Harris said on social media: Another medal for Ireland! Daire Lynch and Philip Doyle bring home a hard fought Bronze!

A tough race but really proud of the lads who rowed their hearts out and were still gaining with more in the tank at the finish.

Thank you Philip and Daire, youve made Ireland proud.

Writing on X, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said: Battling and brilliant bronze medal for Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch. Historic and superb achievement.

A great tribute to the strength and depth of Irish rowing.

More medals for our amazing NI athletes in Paris!! It is a Silver  for Rebecca and a Bronze  for Philip!  Fantastic!  pic.twitter.com/v1MZEgZKAJ  Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) August 1, 2024

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill said the medals keep on coming for our athletes at the Olympics.

She added: Huge congratulations to Rebecca Shortern on winning silver, and Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch on winning bronze!

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: More medals for our amazing NI athletes in Paris!!

It is a silver for Rebecca and a Bronze for Philip! Fantastic!
The father of missing Naas man Trevor Deely has passed away, it has been announced.

Michael Deely passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 1, and was surrounded by his loving family, in the care of the staff at TLC Centre in Maynooth.

Removal will take place on Saturday to the Church of Our Lady and St David, Naas, arriving for 10am Mass, with the Funeral taking place immediately afterwards in St Corbans Cemetery.

The Funeral Mass for Michael Deely can be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://www.naasparish.ie/our-parish/naas-website/.

'HIS HUMAN QUALITIES SET HIM APART'

A number of tributes have been paid to Michael Deely on RIP.ie's Condolence Book section.

One person said: "Sincere sympathy to the Deely family on the death of Michael.

"Ive fond memories of our days at St Brendans National School in Loughrea.

"May he Rest in Peace."

Another user said: "I am saddened to learn of the passing of Michael.

"He was a tremendous servant of the Irish Agri Food Industry throughout his professional career, those of us who were fortunate to know and work with him will remember a man of total integrity, passion and diligence.

"His human qualities set him apart; he was of gentle disposition and sincerity in his interactions.

"If he could not do you a good turn he certainly would not do you a bad one.

"May he rest in peace."

A third user described Michael Deely as 'a man of honour, courage and an inspiration to all who face great challenges.'

"God grant him eternal rest," they added.

Lastly, Westport Hurling Club said the following about Michael: "Do Mhark agus do mhuintir uile an Deely, cuirimid ar gcomhbhron o chroi chugaibh ag an am deacair seo. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam / To Mark and all the Deely family we offer our deepest sympathies to you at this difficult time. May he rest in peace."

DEATH NOTICE FOR MICHAEL DEELY

The death has occurred of Michael Deely.

Naas, Kildare / Loughrea, Galway.

August 1, 2024, (peacefully), surrounded by his loving family, in the tender loving care of the staff at TLC Centre Maynooth.

Michael, beloved husband of Ann and dear father of Mark, Michele, Pamela and Trevor (still missing).

Predeceased by his brother Ralph and sister Angela.

Michael will be forever loved and missed by his loving wife, sons, daughters, heartbroken grandchildren Megan, Ella, Lauren, Anna, Lily, Nina, Adam, Sami and Tarek, sisters Mary, Roisin, Gertie and Imelda, sons-in-law Brian and Djalel, daughter-in-law Denise, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Reposing on Friday from 5pm to 7pm at Murphy Brothers Funeral Home, Church Lane, Naas W91 VY71.

Removal on Saturday to the Church of Our Lady and St David, Naas arriving for 10am Mass.

Funeral immediately afterwards to St Corbans Cemetery.

Family flowers only please.

Donations, if desired, to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

House strictly private please.

Enquiries to Murphy Brothers Funeral Directors Church Lane, Naas.

Phone: 045 897397.

"May He Rest In Peace."
Tree Island Steel Announces Second Quarter 2024 Results





VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tree Island Steel (''Tree Island'' or the ''Company'') (TSX: TSL) announced today its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2024.



For the three-month period ended June 30, 2024, revenues, net of freight and distribution costs, decreased by $9.6 million to $54.0 million, compared to $63.6 million in 2023. Gross profit for the quarter decreased to $4.6 million, from $9.1 million in the same period in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $2.9 million, compared to $6.8 million during the same period in 2023. The largest drivers for the decreased earnings are the lower average selling prices and reduced spread over raw material costs. To a lesser extent, the shutdown of Etiwanda facility last year also impacted the volumes and revenue.

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, revenues, net of freight and distribution costs, decreased by $28.4 million to $110.5 million compared to $138.9 million in 2023 and gross profit decreased to $9.4 million from $20.9 million. The decrease is for the same factors as in the quarter. This resulted in an Adjusted EBITDA of $6.0 million, compared to $16.6 million during the same period in 2023.

"The first half of the year was challenged with customers conservatively managing their inventories and selling prices trending lower, resulting in further compression in our gross profit margins. We expect these headwinds to continue into the second half of the year. The Company is continuing to address operational challenges that have the potential to impact its future operating results and cashflows, including the ongoing trade cases in Canada and the US and increasing environmental and regulatory compliance requirements. As noted last quarter, these market conditions require careful management to maintain the Company's operating results," commented Nancy Davies, Chief Operating Officer of Tree Island Steel.

RESULTS FROM OPERATIONS Three Months Ended Six Months Ended ($'000 unless otherwise stated) June 30, June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue 57,718 67,263 118,308 147,011 Freight and distribution costs (3,732 ) (3,672 ) (7,769 ) (8,150 ) Subtotal 53,986 63,591 110,539 138,861 Cost of sales (48,013 ) (53,304 ) (98,421 ) (115,461 ) Depreciation (1,365 ) (1,205 ) (2,682 ) (2,534 ) Gross profit 4,608 9,082 9,436 20,866 Selling, general and administrative expenses (3,288 ) (3,352 ) (6,679 ) (6,836 ) Operating income 1,320 5,730 2,757 14,030 Foreign exchange gain (loss) 202 (125 ) 584 18 Loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment disposal ? (31 ) ? (97 ) Site closure costs ? (1,040 ) ? (1,340 ) Reorganization costs (11 ) (2097 ) (11 ) (2,097 ) Interest Income 128 253 335 390 Financing Expenses (568 ) (371 ) (1,128 ) (807 ) Income before income taxes 1,071 2,319 2,537 10,097 Income tax expense (461 ) (668 ) (1,301 ) (2,596 ) Net income 610 1,651 1,236 7,501 Net income per share 0.02 0.06 0.05 0.27 Dividends per share 0.03 0.05 0.06 0.10 June 30, December 31, Financial position as at: 2024 2023 Total assets 173,583 174,260 Total non?current financial liabilities 30,312 28,439 Adjusted EBITDA Three Months Ended Six Months Ended ($'000 unless otherwise stated) June 30, June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Operating income 5,730 1,320 5,730 2,757 14,030 Add back depreciation 1,365 1,205 2,682 2,534 Foreign exchange (loss) gain 202 (125 ) 584 18 Adjusted EBITDA1 2,887 6,810 6,023 16,582

1 See definition on Adjusted EBITDA in Section 2 NON?IFRS MEASURES of the June 30, 2024, MD&A.



About Tree Island Steel

Tree Island Steel, headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia since 1964, through its operating facilities in Canada and the United States, produces wire products for a diverse range of industrial, residential construction, commercial construction and agricultural applications. Its products include galvanized wire, bright wire; a broad array of fasteners, including packaged, collated and bulk nails; stucco reinforcing products; concrete reinforcing mesh; fencing and other fabricated wire products. The Company markets these products under the Tree Island, Halsteel, K-Lath, TI Wire, ToughStrand and ToughPanel brand names.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking information with respect to Tree Island including its business, operations and strategies, its dividend policy and the declaration and payment of dividends thereunder as well as financial performance and conditions. The use of forward-looking words such as, "may," "will," "expect" or similar variations generally identify such statements. Any statements that are contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Although management believes that expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties including risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Tree Island's most recent annual information form and management discussion and analysis.

The forward-looking statements contained herein reflect management's current beliefs and are based upon certain assumptions that management believes to be reasonable based on the information currently available to management. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and a number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, prospective investors should specifically consider various factors including the risks outlined herein under the heading "Risk Factors" which may cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general economic, market and business conditions, public health epidemics, the economy and potentially its supply chain, the cyclical nature of our business and demand for our products, impact of any tax reassessments or appeals therefrom, financial condition of our customers, competition, deterioration in Tree Island Steel's liquidity, leverage, and restrictive covenants, disruption in the supply of raw materials, volatility in the costs of raw materials, dependence on the construction industry, transportation costs and availability, foreign exchange fluctuations, labour relations, trade actions, dependence on key personnel and skilled workers, reliance on key customers, environmental matters, intellectual property risks, energy costs, un-insured loss, credit risk, operating risk, management of growth, success of acquisition and integration strategies, and other risks and uncertainties set forth in our publicly filed materials.

This press release has been reviewed by the Company's Board of Directors and its Audit Committee and contains information that is current as of the date of this press release, unless otherwise noted. Events occurring after that date could render the information contained herein inaccurate or misleading in a material respect. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information and management of the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by applicable securities laws.

For further information contact:

Ali Mahdavi, Investor Relations

Tree Island Steel

(416) 962-3300

e-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.treeisland.com

1 august 2024 at 16:30

News published onand distributed by:
Clip Money and Strategic Treasurer Announce Collaborative Webinar on Tackling Business Deposit Challenges





BOSTON, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clip Money, Inc. ("Clip" or "Company") (TSXV:CLIP) (OTCQB:CLPMF), a company that operates a multi-bank, self-service deposit network for businesses, is excited to announce a new collaboration with Strategic Treasurer, LLC to host an insightful live webinar titled "Identifying and Addressing Business Deposit Challenges: A B2C Focus." The event will take place on August 8 at 2pm EST, offering attendees a comprehensive look into the complexities of consumer payment deposits and collections, with Clip's President, Brian Bailey, as co-host.

Receiving cash payments from consumers can often be more complicated than business-to-business payment transactions. This webinar aims to address the growing challenges with managing cash by exploring cash deposit and collections issues related to costs, liquidity, visibility, flexibility, and safety. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into the challenges associated with receiving payments from consumers. They will also learn about the importance of simplifying the complexity of handling various payment types, particularly cash. Additionally, the webinar will identify innovations in the business deposit space. Clip's innovations include their business deposit network, which includes both ClipDrop and ClipATM, self-service solutions available at 3,000+ locations in the United States and Canada.

"Retail businesses frequently encounter obstacles when managing consumer payments, which can impact both their efficiency and profitability," said Brian Bailey, President of Clip. "This webinar is an invaluable opportunity to highlight these challenges."

Strategic Treasurer LLC echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the value of collaborative efforts in addressing industry-wide issues. "Handling legal tender is far more complex and costly than we often imagine. The business deposit space has rarely seen innovation over the past few decades despite widespread and continued use of this medium of payment. We believe discussing challenges and new ways of addressing them matters to all organizations with retail operations," said Craig Jeffery, Managing Partner of Strategic Treasurer.

For more information and to register for the webinar, click here .

About Strategic Treasurer LLC

Strategic Treasurer was founded in 2004 by Craig Jeffery, a financial expert and trusted advisor to executive treasury teams since the early 1990s. Partners and associates of Strategic Treasurer span North America and Europe. This team of experienced treasury specialists are widely recognized and respected leaders in treasury. Known for their expertise in treasury technology, risk management, and working capital as well as other cash management and banking operations, they efficiently identify issues, creatively explore ideas and options, and provide effective solutions and implementations for their valued clients.

About Clip Money Inc.

Clip operates a multi-bank cash management system for businesses through its nationwide network of ClipDrop Boxes and ClipATMs that gives users the capability of making deposits outside of their bank branch at top retailers and shopping malls. Rather than having to go to their personal bank branch or using a cash pickup service, businesses can deposit their cash at any convenient Clip network location. After being deposited, the funds will automatically be credited to the business' bank account, usually within one business day. Clip also provides businesses low denomination notes and coins through its innovative ClipChange solution, delivering change directly to a business store front on-demand. The Company combines functional hardware, an intuitive mobile app and an innovative cloud-based transaction engine that maximizes business banking transactions. Combined with mobile user applications, Clip offers a cost-effective and convenient solution for business banking deposits in metropolitan statistical areas across Canada and the United States. For more information about the Company, visit www.clipmoney.com .

For further information, please contact:

Joseph Arrage

Chief Executive Officer

tel: 844-593-2547

2 august 2024 at 08:00

News published onand distributed by:
American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee Endorses Matt Meyer for Governor





Ethiopian Americans Decide Meyer is Right for Delaware

CLAYMONT, DE / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / The American-Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) has unanimously voted to endorse Matt Meyer in his bid to become Delaware's next Governor.

AEPAC Logo

Eagle holding Ethiopian tricolor

"Like Matt, we believe leadership matters. Given his life's journey, from serving as the founder of a small business in Kenya to working as a diplomat in a war zone to teaching grade school math in our state's classrooms, we are certain Matt Meyer is the right leader for Delaware and its growing Ethiopian American Community. He has earned our enthusiastic support," said Mesfin Tegenu, AEPAC's executive chairman.

Other AEPAC leaders pointed to Meyer's business experience in Africa as having been key in gaining the group's support. "Africa is home to 20 of the world's fastest-growing economies. Matt's experience uniquely qualifies him to position Delaware as a leading trade partner with this booming continent," said AEPAC secretary Youm Fessaha.

The mission of the American-Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) is to strengthen and foster the U.S.-Ethiopia relationship, enhance both countries' security interests, as well as advance democracy, respect for human rights and free market entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. Learn more at aepact.org.

Contact Information

Christopher Drumm

Consultant

[email protected]

2153707874

SOURCE: American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee

View the original press release on newswire.com.

2 august 2024 at 10:00

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NICHI and federal government announce funding for Endaayaan Awejaa in North Bay to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs





NORTH BAY, TRADITIONAL UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, ON, Aug. 2, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, Member of Parliament for Nipissing?Timiskaming, Anthony Rota, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) Chief Executive Officer John Gordon, announced a recipient of NICHI's expression of need process to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing projects in North Bay, Ontario.

Endaayaan Awejaa, a start-up non-profit organization that provides youth and families with safe places to heal and build solid foundations for their future, received $1 million from NICHI. This funding will be put towards capacity building and enable the hiring of six dedicated staff members with a primary focus on housing and transitional support initiatives that currently support 100 youth.

Through the national process, $280.4 million out of a total funding amount of $281.5 million is being distributed to 73 projects across the country aimed at building approximately 3781 units. This funding was provided to Indigenous Services Canada through Budget 2022 and was distributed by NICHI, applying its "For Indigenous, By Indigenous" approach. NICHI brings together Indigenous-led housing, homelessness, and housing-related service delivery organizations to provide lasting solutions that address diverse housing inadequacies including homelessness for Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas.

Over 171,000 Indigenous Peoples in urban, rural and northern areas off reserve are in core housing need according to the 2021 Census. Indigenous Peoples continue to experience core housing needs at a significantly higher rate than non-Indigenous people ? with the gap between them being exacerbated by the housing and homelessness crisis and by inadequacies in distinctions-based funding. Through a For Indigenous, By Indigenous approach to Indigenous housing that recognizes Indigenous organizations are best placed to understand the needs of their communities, Indigenous Services Canada is striving to close this gap by 2030.

Access to safe and affordable housing is critical to improving health and social outcomes, and to ensure a better future for Indigenous communities. This funding initiative is part of the Government of Canada's commitment to address the social determinants of health and advance self-determination in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Articles 21 and 23.

Quotes

"The allocation and commitment of funds of $281.5 million in funds to our 73 projects, including the Endaayaan Awejaa project, achieved within a record 11 months, highlights our dedication to expediting housing solutions for Indigenous communities. Endaayaan Awejaa has been instrumental in providing holistic support and safe housing for youth in North Bay, reflecting the values of community and cultural connection that are central to our work at NICHI. We are honoured to support Endaayaan Awejaa in its mission to foster environments where Indigenous youth can thrive and grow. As the only National Indigenous Housing Organization, NICHI ensures that funding reaches those who need it most quickly and effectively through community-based knowledge and our members' thousands of years of combined Indigenous housing experience."

John Gordon

Chief Executive Officer, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated

"This funding enables Endaayaan Awejaa to hire a team that can focus in on the crucial issue of housing in a way that lines up with the values and traditions important to the members of indigenous society."

Anthony Rota

Member of Parliament for Nipissing?Timiskaming

Quick facts

On June 8, 2023 , the Government of Canada announced that the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. (NICHI) would deliver $281.5 million in immediate funding over two years to address the urgent, unmet needs of Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas.

, the Government of announced that the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. (NICHI) would deliver in immediate funding over two years to address the urgent, unmet needs of Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas. NICHI held its expression of need process from late November 2023 to January 12, 2024 , and funding was allocated to 73 non-profit, Indigenous-led housing organizations by an objective, unbiased Project Selection Advisory Council who prioritized urgent and unmet housing need in Indigenous communities across the country. $1.1 million of the total funding amount remains to be allocated

to , and funding was allocated to 73 non-profit, Indigenous-led housing organizations by an objective, unbiased Project Selection Advisory Council who prioritized urgent and unmet housing need in Indigenous communities across the country. of the total funding amount remains to be allocated The National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. (NICHI) is an Indigenous-led national housing organization working to ensure that all Indigenous people across Canada have access to supports and services that provide safe, affordable, secure and dignified housing.

have access to supports and services that provide safe, affordable, secure and dignified housing. Endaayaan Awejaa opened their doors in November of 2021, in downtown North Bay , providing youth with a safe place to develop personal and professional skills. They also provide outreach services through care packages, medicine bundles, and workshops and offer a variety of peer support programs.

, providing youth with a safe place to develop personal and professional skills. They also provide outreach services through care packages, medicine bundles, and workshops and offer a variety of peer support programs. Through this funding, additional staff members will on housing and transition support initiatives for 100 youth.

Support for projects will include funding for acquisitions of new properties and buildings, construction of new facilities, repairs and renovations, housing-related training, growing organizational capacity and administration costs.

Associated links

National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI)

Housing for Indigenous Peoples

Funding for urgent, unmet Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas to be distributed through the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated

Endaayaan Awejaa

Stay connected

Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:

X: @GCIndigenous

Facebook: @GCIndigenous

Instagram: @gcindigenous

Facebook: @GCIndigenousHealth

You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.isc.gc.ca/RSS.

SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada

2 august 2024 at 12:55

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Three recipients of the Quebec Fisheries Fund receive more than $350,000 in contributions from the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec





CAP-AUX-MEULES, QC, Aug. 2, 2024 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec are announcing more than $350,000 in funding for 3 projects in the Magdalen Islands that will help improve the efficiency, quality and sustainability of Quebec's fish and seafood sector. The Government of Canada's contribution to these 3 projects is $252,527, while the Government of Quebec is contributing $108,226.

The Quebec Fisheries Fund (QFF) supports projects in the areas of innovation, science partnerships, commercial fisheries, aquaculture and processing. As part of the QFF extension to 2026, the combined contributions of the two governments to the QFF will result in total investments of $11.6 million. They create opportunities and enhance the market value of high-quality, sustainable fish and seafood in Quebec. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) would like to reiterate that it continues to accept projects, while now giving priority to innovative projects related to redfish.

Quotes

"Today, we are announcing important funding for the fishing industry in the Magdalen Islands. Investments made under the Quebec Fisheries Fund will help stimulate our local, provincial and national economies. It's further proof that the Government of Canada is there for our coastal communities and our fish harvesters."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier

Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick Facts

The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec are announcing more than $350,000 in funding for three projects under the Quebec Fisheries Fund.

and the Government of are announcing more than in funding for three projects under the Quebec Fisheries Fund. In all, three beneficiaries from the Magdalen Islands will share the financial contributions.

The QFF supports projects in the areas of innovation, science partnerships, commercial fisheries, aquaculture and seafood harvesting and processing.

Related products

Additional information on the various projects funded by the Quebec Fisheries Fund is available in this related document.

Associated Links

Stay connected

Follow Fisheries and Oceans Canada on X, Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn.

Instagram YouTube and LinkedIn. Follow the Canadian Coast Guard on X, Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada

2 august 2024 at 14:15

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A woman holds up a sign during a tribute to Alexei Navalny at the Place du Trocadero, in Paris, on February 23, 2024. HERVE CHATEL / HANS LUCAS

Amid celebrations at getting a slew of US citizens and Kremlin opponents out of Russian prisons, the White House had one public regret Thursday: failure to get out an even bigger name  Alexei Navalny. "We had been working with our partners on a deal that would have included Alexei Navalny and, unfortunately, he died," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan revealed.

In the White House's plans, the last truly high-profile political opponent of President Vladimir Putin should have been included in the historic swap that saw 16 people  including three US citizens and a US resident  freed in return for 10 Russians chosen by the Kremlin, including two minors.

But in February 2024, just as the secret international talks were at a crucial stage, Navalny was pronounced dead at a notoriously brutal Russian Arctic prison, where he was serving a 19-year sentence after exposing Kremlin corruption.

Read more Journalist Evan Gershkovich among those released in US-Russia prisoner swap

Bravery

Navalny was a larger-than-life figure whose bravery in confronting Putin, despite the deaths of multiple other Kremlin opponents over the years, amazed Russia watchers around the world.

After surviving an assassination attempt in which he was poisoned with a rare, Soviet-designed nerve agent, and then daring to return from safety in Germany to certain arrest in Russia, Navalny took on an aura of near-invincibility.

His sudden death behind bars shocked the White House team who had been trying to get the other prisoners home. "The team felt like the wind had been taken out of our sails," a senior US official told reporters.

When the news broke, national security chief Sullivan said he happened to be with the parents of one of the other key targets in the prisoner swap plan: Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in Russia in March 2023. "On the very day that he died, I saw Evan's parents," Sullivan said. "I told them that the president was determined to get this done, even in light of that tragic news, and that we were going to work day and night to get to this day." And the plan worked.

Read more Subscribers only Even in his Moscow grave, Alexei Navalny is treated as an enemy

On Thursday, the Western-chosen prisoners  including Gershkovich and a veteran Russian human rights campaigner  were flown to Turkey and then home. They also included two former aides to Navalny: Lilia Chanysheva, 42, and Ksenia Fadeyeva, 32. The Russian-chosen prisoners  including a hitman and accused deep-cover spies  were flown to Moscow.

Read more Russia issues warrant for exiled opposition figure Yulia Navalnaya

US Vice President Kamala Harris telephoned Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya. Harris, who is running to replace Biden in November, called "to discuss the exchange and express her support," Navalnaya spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said on X. And the Russian opposition figure's widow urged efforts continue to get others out. She "called on the international community to facilitate the release of other Russian political prisoners," Yarmysh said.
Separatist rebels in northern Mali said Thursday, August 1, that they killed dozens of fighters from the Russian mercenary group Wagner and government troops near the Algerian border at the end of July. The Tuareg-led separatists said Thursday they killed 84 Wagner fighters and 47 Malian soldiers in three days of intense fighting that began on July 25 at a military camp at Tinzaouatene.

About 30 other troops or fighters, either "dead or seriously injured" were airlifted to Kidal, a key northern city, the Strategic Framework for the Defence of the People of Azawad (CSP-DPA) alliance said. It said there were also some charred bodies inside armored vehicles and transport trucks.

Azawad is the generic name for all Tuareg Berber areas, particularly in the northern half of Mali and northern and western Niger. The separatists are fighting for an independent homeland. The separatist alliance said they had taken seven Wagner and Malian government fighters hostage and said they had lost nine men in the fighting.

The Al-Qaeda-linked group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) also claimed they had attacked a Malian army convoy and allies from Wagner south of Tinzaouatene. AFP could not corroborate the figures from independent sources. The army and the Wagner group had admitted heavy losses in the region.

Read more Subscribers only In Mali, Ukraine's shadow behind rebels at war with Wagner's Russian mercenaries

Heavy Wagner losses

Analysts said this was the heaviest loss suffered so far by Wagner in Africa. The group spearheaded some of the Kremlin's longest and bloodiest military campaigns in Ukraine until a short-lived rebellion against the Russian government. It is now active in Africa.

The CSP-DPA said it had seized five armored vehicles, five pickup trucks and several arms. The Wagner Group said the rebels gained the upper hand thanks to a sandstorm, which analysts say would have negated the air support superiority of the Malian forces and their allies.

The separatists on Thursday claimed over 50 civilians of Nigerien, Sudanese and Chadian origin had been killed in revenge drone attacks by neighboring Burkina Faso. It warned Burkina Faso against getting involved "in a fighting that does not concern it". The Malian army on Tuesday said it had along with Burkina Faso staged air attacks in the Tinzaouatene region following the fighting.

Read more Subscribers only 'Africa Corps': Russia's West African presence rebranded

Malian has admitted it had suffered a "large number" of deaths during fighting in the north last week. The West African nation's military leaders who seized power in a 2020 coup have made it a priority to retake all of the country from separatists and jihadist forces linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

Under Colonel Assimi Goita, the junta broke off its traditional alliance with former colonial ruler France and has turned toward Russia. After an eight-year lull, hostilities between Mali and the separatists resumed in August 2023. The army's offensive culminated in the storming of the northern pro-independence stronghold of Kidal in November. Its capture was widely hailed across Mali as a symbolic success.

But the rebels refused to lay down their arms. Instead, they scattered across the mountainous desert region, with Malian forces in pursuit. Near Tinzaouatene, the two sides engaged in three days of intense fighting at the end of July on a scale not seen for months.

Read more Subscribers only The Bear Brigade, the Kremlin's new paramilitary outfit in Africa
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A LIMERICK man who received an accidental lodgement into his bank account of over 13,000 felt like he won the Lotto, Limerick Circuit Court heard.

The accused, who was in the throes of gambling addiction, lost 7,500 of it in Paddy Power and spent around 450 in Smyths Toys.

John OSullivan, aged 47, of Byrne Avenue, Prospect, Limerick city pleaded guilty to stealing money which was the property of Richardsons Foods, Eastway Business Park, Ballysimon in October 2022.

The prosecuting barrister, also called John OSullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Garda Enda Barrett on Friday, July 26.

The barrister said the sum of 13,519.80 was sent in error to the accuseds bank account. The money was mistakenly sent to Mr OSullivan, an ex-employee of Richardsons Foods, instead of a supplier with the same name.

The barrister said when the error was discovered, Bank of Ireland was notified but were not able to retrieve the funds.

Matthew Richardson, managing director of the company, called to Mr OSullivans home in Prospect but he wasnt there. When he contacted him by phone, Mr OSullivan acknowledged receiving the money and had spent it apart from 2,000. This was paid back in December, 2022.

The barrister said there had been 58 cash withdrawals and three purchases from Smyths Toys amounting to approximately 450.

When Mr OSullivan was interviewed by gardai he said when he saw his balance he knew he was due some tax back but I thought that was a lot of tax.

Greed got the better of me. I started to gamble at Paddy Power, he told gardai.

The court heard he lost 7,500 on gambling and spent around 450 on childrens presents.

Mr Richardson said in a victim impact statement that when he contacted Mr OSullivan, he said it was like he won the Lotto.

He said I should sack the lady who made the payment error. He knew full well that we are a small business and not some faceless multinational. He went on to display a total disregard for the impact of this substantial financial loss to our business and mental impact on former colleagues. We work on very, very low profit margins, said Mr Richardson in the statement.

He outlined that the person who made the error bore a heavy feeling of guilt and regrettably left our business by her own choice.

Amy Nix (pictured above), barrister for Mr OSullivan, said her client was never in trouble before and that it was an unusual and exceptional case.

Ms Nix said it felt like a bolt of luck at a dark time as his parents had passed away within four weeks of each other.

He was in the throes of a gambling addiction. He didnt keep any of it for himself. He lost most of it. He has a son, aged 12, and lives with his two sisters and their children. He bought presents for the children which shows the gentle nature of the man, said Ms Nix.

The barrister said Mr OSullivan is ashamed, embarrassed, remorseful and can repay 200 a month. The court heard he works as a cleaner.

He wants to right the wrong. He has not gambled since, said Ms Nix.

Judge Dermot Sheehan said it is the classic moral choice when somebody finds a large sum of money on the street - do you hand it into gardai so the person gets it back or keep it? He said in Mr OSullivans case, he spent it on gambling and toys.

The judge said the defendants contact with Mr Richardson was extraordinarily callous. Judge Sheehan said Mr OSullivan could have been paying 200 a month since December 2022 and he would have taken that into account.

He said Mr OSullivan better be here on Wednesday, July 31 with a substantial sum or he will have no choice but to give him a custodial sentence.

There is 11,500 due, said Judge Sheehan.

READ MORE: Evil person who punched girls aged 12 and 14 with closed fist jailed at Limerick court

When the matter was back before the judge on Wednesday, Ms Nix said a sum of 5,000 had been transferred to Mr Richardsons account.

Depending on the bank it can take a few days, said Ms Nix. She told Judge Sheehan that she had shown a screenshot of the transaction to Garda Barrett and he is happy that the IBAN is correct.

Ms Nix said Mr OSullivan is going to work overtime on Sundays and set up a standing order of 50 per week until the balance is cleared.

Judge Sheehan said it was an usual case and unfortunate that a man who had never come to garda attention before was before a court at this stage of his life.

He imposed a two-year prison sentence which he suspended in full due to Mr OSullivan having no previous convictions, his guilty plea and coming to court with a substantial sum.

Judge Sheehan suspended the jail sentence for four years and ordered he repay 50 a week to Richardsons Foods until the balance of 6,500 is cleared.
NEW ultra-fast charging ports have been announced for one Limerick location as part of a major government initiative.

Applegreen Electric charging station in Clondrinagh, in close proximity to Coonagh roundabout, will be getting fast and ultra-fast charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in the near future.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, announced 131 new high-powered recharging points across the country and located near motorways.

Those driving EVs in Limerick will benefit with the reassurance they will reach their destination sooner as it takes less time to charge their vehicle.

Additionally, drivers will be able to recharge sooner rather than later with the average distance between high-power recharging pools along the scheme routes being 45km.

READ MORE: Green Limerick: Sustainability experts emphasise critical need for research and standards

Minister Ryan said: EVs are an important part of our journey to reducing emissions.

They are cleaner, better cars but we want to provide extra certainty to people either using an EV now or thinking about one in the future.

Putting in place these banks of high-powered recharging points is an important first step in our commitment to people and to a more sustainable transport system.

Minister Ryan continued by promising other follow-up schemes to ensure people know that they can charge their cars easily.

The 131 recharging points will provide 24,260 kilowatts (24 megawatts) of additional recharging capacity.

They will be funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) under the first EV Charging Infrastructure LDV (Light Duty Vehicle) En-Route Grant Scheme and led by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

The grant scheme was launched in February this year and aims to accelerate the development of EV recharging infrastructure across Irelands road network by incentivising private sector involvement.

The infrastructure will be built by private business, grant aided by the Department of Transport.

They are expected to be in place by the end of 2025.
A YOUNG woman who pleaded guilty to occupying a property while not being a tenant has been fined 100 and given three months to pay.

Rebecca Conroy of Glenanaar, Ardpatrick, County Limerick appeared before Kilmallock District Court after being arrested at a property in Ballylanders on February 18 of this year.

Inspector Barry Manton told the court that Ms Conroy had been asked to leave the property on previous occasions by gardai, but that she has now vacated the premises.

The court heard that the 21-year-old woman has three previous convictions, relating to road traffic offences.

Representing Ms Conroy, barrister Donal Cronin BL said that his clients guilty plea is helpful in a case such as this, which is unusual to be before the courts.

READ MORE: Green Limerick: Homeowners having solar panel installed increases by 26%

He said that Ms Conroy was unemployed at the time and was in difficulty in terms of securing accommodation. She did not have permission to be there and failed to vacate the property when directed by gardai.

Mr Cronin added that there was no damage to the property, which was confirmed by the inspector.

The court heard that Ms Conroy is unemployed at the moment and in receipt of a social welfare payment.

Judge Patricia Harney imposed a 100 fine and gave Ms Conroy three months to pay.
CLLR Shane Hickey-OMara has called for the council to identify a central location for a youth arts space for groups in Limerick.

The Social Democrats councillor submitted this motion, which was deferred to the Community, Leisure & Culture Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), in July's first full council meeting.

In the run up to submitting this motion, I spoke to youth arts groups throughout Limerick including Limerick Youth Theatre, Limerick Youth Dance Company, Emerging Limerick Filmmakers, and Sing out with Strings. Representatives from each group strongly supported the establishment of a new youth arts space for Limerick, Cllr Hickey-OMara stated.

He continued: Each group spoke about difficulties theyve experienced in finding suitable spaces to create. While each group identified specific things they required to support their young peoples work, they aligned on the necessity that this new space be fully accessible, have sufficient storage, and have a rehearsal space large enough to allow them to expand the numbers of young people that they currently have in their groups. The number of Limerick teenagers who could benefit from youth arts is curtailed by the lack of an appropriate space.

READ MORE: No timeline in place for new library in Limerick suburb

A spokesperson from Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) confirmed that an audit was carried out on community, cultural and arts facilities in Limerick City and County in 2020, the report from which was published by LCCC.

This audit is available to help inform the decision-making by the SPC, the spokesperson added.

Cllr Hickey-OMara hopes that another audit will be carried out soon by the council.

Having worked with youth arts groups for a number of years, this issue is close to the City North councillors heart: Ive worked with hundreds of young artists in Limerick and know first-hand the struggle of trying to support young people to develop their artistic skills in unsuitable spaces.

Youth arts are invaluable as they build confidence, empathy, and connection, in addition to greatly contributing to our citys cultural life. It would be an incredible message to the young people of Limerick who live and breathe the arts if their council invests in them, their ability, and their future. I look forward to championing this project as it develops.
A brand-new hotel opens later this year in the new Crown Square, the exciting development on over 12.5 acres off the Monivea Road.



Radisson RED Galway are on the lookout for talented individuals who can create unforgettable experiences with 150 roles available across all departments of this exceptional new property.



Come along to the open recruitment event on Thursday and Friday, the 8th and 9th of August, from 11 am to 6 pm. No appointment is necessary, just come along on the day with your personality and a recent CV, meet the team and explore the exciting career opportunities.





Radisson RED Galway 2024

Radisson RED Galway will be the first ever Radisson RED in Ireland, bringing this upscale brand that presents a playful twist on the conventional to its new home in Crown Square.

Radisson RED incorporates art, music and fashion into its everyday service to create an unforgettable stay for guests, so its an excellent fit for this famously cultural city.



Radisson RED Standard Room



Radisson RED Galway is an eight-storey building with stunning views from the rooftop bar and terrace, and a lavish ground floor restaurant and bar.

Minutes from the motorways to Dublin and Limerick, Radisson RED Galway has 177 rooms in the signature and vibrant Radisson RED style, and over 560 square metres of meeting and event space.



Radisson RED hotels are to be found in major cities throughout the world, from Vienna, Brussels and Madrid to Dubai and Capetown, with properties in the UK including the multi award-winning Radisson RED Glasgow, and the flagship Radisson RED Liverpool.



Madeline Riley, Eddie Haore and Padraic Rhatigan photo credit Aengus McMahon

Apply Now! Here is the full listing of roles on LinkedIn.

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Info.galway@radissonred.com

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Mumbai: The new Labour government in the UK is willing to offer a bigger grant to Tata Steel if the company builds more downstream assets to employ some of the workers rendered jobless by the shuttering of its ageing blast furnaces.

The company is holding similar discussions with the Dutch government, where the countrys parliament has agreed to provide fiscal aid to the steelmaker to fund a similar transition at its IJmuiden-based mill, managing director T. V. Narendran said.

The Keir Starmer-led government in the UK has told Tata Steel that theres more money on the table if the Indian steelmaker decides to invest in setting up new downstream assets at Port Talbot steelworks, Narendran said. This will be in addition to the 500 million in grants promised by the previous Rishi Sunak-led Tory government to help fund Tata Steels 1.25-billion transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) based steelmaking.

Obviously, the expectation is that if they give us more money and we put up something more, then if not save jobs, we'll create some more jobs," Narendran said in an interview.

The new British government has agreed that shutting the blast furnaces was inevitable, as the old assets were not only financially unviable to run but also posed a safety risk, he said.

Progress in discussions with the UK government could help calm the nerves of Tata Steel investors amid speculation that the Labour party could go back on the 500 million grant promised by the Tories after months of negotiations. Saving jobs at Port Talbot was one of the poll promises of the Labour party.

I think people acknowledge that saving the blast furnace is not the main point. The point is, can you create a sustainable business? Can you save some more jobs?" Narendran said. The government is aligned (with us) on that subject, but still working with us to see what they can do to help us."

Jonathan Reynolds, the UK governments business secretary, did not respond to Mints emails seeking comment.

Going Dutch

Across the English Channel in the Netherlands, Tata Steel is expecting even more fiscal aid from the government that in the UK as the cost of transition would be higher there, Narendran said. In the Netherlands, Tata Steel will be installing a Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant and an EAF to cut down on emissions caused by its two blast furnaces.

The company expects the Dutch government to fund 40-60% of the transition cost, which is in line with what other European governments are offering steelmakers, according to Narendran.

Fundamentally, there should be enough support to make it a viable business case," he said. "If you look at the UK, the 1.25 billion project had no business case. But because the government is giving us 500 million, effectively, the cost for us is 750 million, so there's a business case. In the Netherlands, it will be the same thing."

The company expects to conclude the discussions by December. It plans to shut one furnace by 2030 and the second one, which was refurbished earlier this year, by 2035.

Weighing the benefits

In India, where Tata Steel is one of the oldest and largest miners, the company is closely watching the Supreme Courts last weeks judgement regarding mineral rights of the states. A nine-judge Constitution bench held by an 8:1 majority that states have the power to tax mining in their territory and that the Centres Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 does not override this power.

The apex court has reserved its judgement on whether the verdict can be applied retrospectively, a decision that could potentially trigger thousands of crores of rupees of tax demands on miners.

The decision has made Tata Steel question if it should invest in captive mines for all its iron ore requirement, Narendran said. While the company has enough captive iron ore reserves to meet all its requirements till 2030, it is contemplating whether it should invest in more captive mines beyond that to continue meeting 100% of its iron ore needs.

The key question is, do we really want 100% captive? Because you're going to bid 100% premium to get the iron ore mine. Then on top of that, you have all these state taxes," he said.

The company will weigh the benefits of having 100% iron ore demand met through captive mines versus a blend of captive mines and open market, he said.
If 1.0 was a dorm room disruptor in a hoodie and flip flops and 2.0, a chastened CEO appearing before congress in a suit and tie, 3.0 is a dgaf podcast bro espousing the promise of AI in a gold chain and sunglass tan.

Gone are the dishwater T-shirts and sweats. In their place, Zuck has embraced Capri cabana shirts and Yeezy-esque drop-shouldered tan sweatshirts. He looks like someone trying five years of menswear fashion trends in five months. He has let his hair grow out and became a fit jiu-jitsu obsessive, scrapping with podcaster Lex Fridman and spending time with MMA fighters.

The chain is the beacon of the Zuckassaince. Since spring, hes been wearing pendulous silver, and later gold necklaces in interviews and Instagram uploads. He looks like a rapper who just sold his first mixtape and bought a gold Cuban link. Or a 13-year-old who splurged out after his birthday at a mall kiosk.

The chain suits Zuckerberg in his extreme made-over moment. He looks unbothered, confident, maybe even a little swaggery. As one comment on an Instagram video in which he wears a necklace articulated, Zuckerberg appears to have Big chain energy."

Not long ago, the picture was murkier for Zuckerberg and Meta. He was ridiculed for oafish appearances (who else remembers the odd smoking meats" Facebook Live video) and a 2020 photo of him surfing while caked in so much sunscreen he looked like a geisha. Meta was beset by controversies about the content on its platforms, mocked for its Metaverse initiative and battered by an Apple privacy change that crimped digital ad revenue.

Metas controversies continue, but the gilded Zuckaissance has coincided conspicuously with a resurging period for its business, as it leans headlong into becoming an open-source AI destination. The market seems to be responding positively to the pivot: Metas stock has increased around 45% since the start of the year.

In a Bloomberg interview in July, Zuckerberg denied knowing anything about a supposed Zuckaissance," but hes clearly putting more effort into his appearance now.

Although many in the fashion world believe he must have hired a stylist, a Meta spokesperson denied such claims. The spokesperson added that some of Zucks favorite brands include Buck Mason, Todd Snyder and John Elliott. While not avant-garde labels, they do require some level of Google research (or in Zucks case, Instagram explore-page wandering) to discover.

And Zuckerberg is now engaging with the fashion world. He might not be attending fashion shows like Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, but on his Instagram account you can see him chatting in the comment section with fashion designers like Mike Amiri.

Zucks sharper image management was evident on July 4 when he uploaded an Instagram video showing himself clutching an American flag and a beer while wakeboarding. He was wearing a tuxedo and sunglasses, his chain visible over his shirt and not a trace of sunscreen. As one comment said, Bro is the coolest billionaire CEO ever."

The chain is the most ostentatious element of his style switch-up. Its something Zuckerberg has clearly thought about. In an April Instagram chat with Instagrams director of fashion partnerships, Eva Chen, Zuckerberg said that he was test-driving several necklaces: I just want to try out a bunch of different chains, get a sense of the colors, the materials, the thickness, all the different things."

First it was a silver paper-clip chain, then at his 40th birthday in May, a dangly gold link.

As summer arrived, so did another chaina gold, four-rubied medallion made by New York jeweler Eli Halili. It is inscribed with a Jewish prayer that Zuckerberg says he says to his daughters nightly. Halili said in an interview that several people had contacted him to purchase the necklace, but he had turned them down, as its a one-of-a-kind piece thats so meaningful" to Zuckerberg. He wouldnt reveal the cost, though a similar, three-rubied pendant on his website sells for $7,500.

This week, Zuckerberg received still another chain from rapper T-Pain, a gleaming triangular wad, like an oversize sharks tooth. Thats awesome," said Zuckerberg in an Instagram post of him trying it on. The other one wasnt quite big enough, this definitely, its a vibe."

Despite his relative youth, Zuckerberg is a survivor in the tech space. His loose generation of foundersGoogles Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Twitters Dorsey, Amazons Jeff Bezoshave all stepped away from the companies they created. But Zuckerberg has endured at the top.

Zuckerberg is maturing," said Eddie Tabakman, a media training PR consultant in Vancouver, who has worked with tech companies but has not been employed by Meta. He started out as this 18, 20-year-old founder in the public eye and over time hes grown and evolved."

Tabakman first noticed the inklings of a Zuck-evolution last year when the Meta founder posted a shirtless photo of himself training with MMA fighters. Theres a certain level of confidence you need to have in order to do that."

Elon Musk is picking culture war scraps on X. But Zuck? Hes wakeboarding in Lake Tahoe with his family and receiving a gold chain from his friend T-Pain.

And so there is a whatever bro, Im doing me" vibe emanating off Zuckerberg these days thats more Jeff Spicoli than Steve Jobs. In a July online video chat with The Rundown AI CEO Rowan Cheung, Zuckerberg had a clear sunglasses-tan plastered across his face. He looked like an undergrad popping into a Zoom class from his parents beach house.

Still, Zuckerberg didnt tamp down his sharky billionaire instincts for long. On Threads, when a reporter asked about the tan, Zuckerberg said it was caused by a pair of Ray-Bans, a company that Meta collaborates with.

Some onlookers wonder if Zuckerberg 3.0 is a slick PR move. Hes probably using this glow-up as a recruiting mechanism to find young Gen Z talent that he wants to bring into his company," mused Tabakman. Authenticity has now become a strategic tool," he said.

That seems to be how his millions of Instagram followers are reading it. As one comment said on this weeks video of him showing off the T-Pain chain, As AI advances, Zuck becomes more human. Coincidence? I think not."

Write to Jacob Gallagher at jacob.gallagher@wsj.com
Microsoft named OpenAI among its significant rivals, acknowledging that its most important partner in artificial intelligence is also increasingly competing for some of the same business.

The software giant, which has invested more than $13 billion in OpenAI, added the startup to its list of competitors in its fiscal 2024 report filed this weekthe first time Microsoft has designated its partner that way in the annual filing. The maker of ChatGPT joined a short list of AI rivals named in the document, including Amazon.com and Google.

The relationship has been crucial for both companies, boosting Microsoft and its Chief Executive Satya Nadella in the race to build sophisticated AI systems while giving OpenAI financial backing to make costly investments required to make those systems. Microsoft also helped shepherd OpenAI through a tumultuous year and strongly supported Chief Executive Sam Altman through his ouster and subsequent return.

The two companies fervor for AI, however, has put them increasingly at odds in some of the most promising arenas for the technology. Both are targeting growing adoption of AI by large corporations using it in areas such as customer service and software development.

OpenAI also is making a foray into internet search with the recent launch of SearchGPT, a competitor to Google and Microsofts ChatGPT-infused Bing search engine, which Nadella last year championed as an early example of how OpenAIs technology could give Microsoft an edge.

OpenAI didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

The competition has long been gathering steam.

Last year, OpenAI launched a business version of its ChatGPT tool, taking aim at a core set of customers that Microsoft targets with software such as Word and Excel. Microsoft has its own tool for business customers using OpenAIs technology.

Microsoft also has been spreading its bets, amassing AI talent and technology and developing what amounts to an OpenAI competitor inside Microsoft.

The complexity of the relationship between the companies has also swelled as regulators have begun to scrutinize it. Microsoft joined OpenAIs board of directors in an observer role after Altmans brief ousting, but relinquished that position last month after regulators raised concerns about big tech companies dominance in AI.

In its annual report, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission after its earnings report on Tuesday, Microsoft classified OpenAI as a competitor in AI products, a category that included Microsofts two biggest cloud-computing rivalsAmazon and Googleas well as Meta Platforms and Anthropic, a startup backed by Amazon.

Microsoft said they are part of a broader group, many of which are also current or potential partners." Microsoft also listed OpenAI as a competitor in search and news advertising, alongside Google and social-media portals.

Write to Asa Fitch at asa.fitch@wsj.com
Mumbai: Out with prejudice and bias, in with speed and transparency - That was the idea behind India's faceless tax assessments, which drew a virtual curtain between taxmen and assessees in 2020. Four years hence, tax lawyers feel the system has made communication harder, with more cases now landing up in court.

It is hard to communicate complex tax matters merely over audio, and many cases which are not fully understood by the assessing officers end up in courts, lawyers practising such cases said.

"Being unable to sight the adjudicating officer during the hearing requires the representative to explain each issue in detail in the absence of visual cues on how the authority is perceiving the submissions," said Abbas Jaorawala, head of direct tax at Khaitan Legal Associates (KLA)

Under the faceless assessment scheme (FAS), tax cases are randomly allotted to officers, a contrast from previous days when cases were allotted based on the area of taxpayers residence. The procedure issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes for FAS requires the officers to ensure their identity and location are not revealed to the taxpayers.

An email sent to a CBDT spokesperson remained unanswered.

Did the officer get what I said?

S.R. Patnaik, head taxation partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) said that since no individual officer is personally responsible for assessment, taxpayers worry whether the issue was adequately explained, whether the officer properly understood the issues, whether any further clarifications should be provided, whether the taxpayers written submissions are being looked into and whether adequate opportunity was granted to the taxpayer during the proceedings.

A lawyer narrated a case concerning a disputed amount of 17 crore. During the hearing, the assessing officer seemed to have agreed to the lawyers submissions and did not pose any questions. However, when the order came out, the amount of 17 crore was added to the tax amount, which prompted the lawyer to move court.

Also read | Bharti Airtel awarded network project by CBDT

In another instance, the assessing officer was proceeding to make additions towards alleged disproportionate loans granted by the assessee company to another group entity. After furnishing detailed submissions in a video-conferencing to show that no such loans were ever granted, a detailed walk-through was carried out for the assessing officer. While the taxpayer expected a favourable outcome based on such interaction and explanation, the final order turned out adverse.

Court challenges to tax orders

Faceless assessments were expected to reduce tax litigation; however, according to Prateek Bansal, taxation partner at White & Brief - Advocates & Solicitors, there had been various instances where taxpayers submission was not considered on merits, and a request for personal hearing not approved, increasing challenges to these orders in courts.

Taxpayers cannot physically file submissions, but they have to ensure the same is taken into account before passing any order. This can be problematic if the taxpayer faces an adverse outcome due to their advocates poor drafting, as there is no room to furnish clarifications," said Bansal. This, he said, leads to writ petitions in courts on grounds of violation of principles of natural justice. Bansal suggested assessing officers permit physical submissions or hearings depending on the complexity involved.

Also read | Faceless assessment: A paradigm shift in Indian revenue audits

In many cases, a physical hearing is not granted, even if it is opted for by the taxpayer, Patnaik of CAM pointed out, suggesting CBDT make it mandatory whenever the tax payers request. In virtual cases, if officers are not satisfied with the taxpayers responses, they should be mandated to issue show cause notice so that taxpayers can decide how to present their cases to the satisfaction of the concerned tax officers, said Patnaik.

Sandeep Puri, partner, Price Waterhouse & Co LLP said CBDT should consider face-to-face hearings for large taxpayers so that complex issues can be explained in detail to the officer. Where face-to-face hearings cannot be allowed, at least two video conferences may be allowed, first to explain positions in detail and second one to clarify any further doubts or questions raised by the officer", Puri suggested.

'Faceless scheme cannot have faces'

However, a senior official with direct knowledge of the process had a different take. The faceless assessment and appeal scheme with dynamic jurisdiction is meant for interaction between the assessee or her representative and the tax authority without a human interface. It is meant for ensuring fair, just, efficient, accountable and transparent assessment and appeal process. The proceedings are also video-recorded. In the faceless assessment and appeal ecosystem, the identity of the officials has to be masked and hence, their face cannot be shown. How can we have a faceless assessment scheme if the faces of officers are to be shown?," the official said on the condition of anonymity.

"Even in cases where personal hearings are allowed, for example in cases of international taxation, the assessment officers do not give any indication of their assessment of the case to the assessee. These are communicated as per the procedure. In faceless assessment and appeals too, if the officers want any information or explanation, they will ask for it. There is no case for doubts about whether the officer has understood an explanation given by the tax payer or representative," the official added.

Also read | Faceless tax assessment plan faces challenges

In 2022, the CBDT allowed an assessee or his authorized representative to make a request for personal hearing to make oral submissions before the relevant income tax officer, who will allow such hearing through the National Faceless Assessment Centre conducted exclusively through video conferencing.

Personal hearings on video conferencing have also not been smooth sailing. In situations where such hearings were granted, they were marred by erroneous links or meetings ending abruptly and tax officers' screens being blank, said Amit Gupta, partner at Saraf and Partners.

Hello, can you hear me?

Ketan Vajani, a practising tax lawyer at the Bombay High Court said lawyers faced some cases where we could not log in at the time allotted for the same, and that at times, the audio isn't clear.

These collectively lead to an ineffective hearing and defeat the whole purpose of personal hearing," he said. Recently, many judicial forums had quashed such assessment orders and sent cases back for fresh hearings after noting basic statutory procedures were not followed. He cited a Gujarat High Court order of April 2022 where the court held that once such opportunity of hearing through VC is available, it cannot be for namesake. There shall need to be response for the person to be sure that he/she is not talking to the screen and the resultant outcome also must bear its testimony.

However, CBDTs Taxnet 2.0 project may revamp the I-T departments systems, Gupta said. The project is awarded to Bharti Airtel Ltd for network connectivity and video conferencing services to address technology and bandwidth-related concerns", Gupta added.

Also read | Faceless tax assessment scheme to show human face

Experts pointed out that FAS also had a provision to include officers who would, in addition to taxation, also have industry insights for efficient hearings. However, that provision was yet to be implemented. Bansal pointed out situations where due to the automated assignment, complex tax cases had been assigned to relatively inexperienced officers. Such arbitrary allotment often leads to slower case disposal, possibly resulting in a flawed assessment order," he said.

Jaorawala from KLA also said it was imperative that the officers conducting the faceless assessment hearings have the requisite industry insights and experience to adjudicate effectively on complicated issues or transactions, especially in the context of transfer pricing, international tax, tax treaty claims, etc.

(With inputs from Gireesh Chandra Prasad)
Loan stress reared its head at CreditAccess Grameen in the June quarter, as Indias largest non-bank micro-lender joined some of its peers navigating a similar landscape.

According to Udaya Kumar Hebbar, managing director, collections were delayed due to a combination of movement restrictions during the general elections, and more borrowers turning untraceable as they moved to cities. Stress owing to migration was visible in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, Hebbar said.

Earlier, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank too had flagged stress pockets in their microfinance businesses.

Drought and heatwaves took their toll in some areas, Hebbar said. India witnessed a scorching summer this year, with temperatures touching 50 degrees. A UN report on 27 July said India reported 40,000 cases of suspected heat strokes and over 100 deaths till mid-June this year.

We observed different kinds of stress; at some places, it was migration in search of jobs and in some, it was a case of borrowers being overleveraged. These are transitory in nature and should return to normalcy in the next two to three months," Hebbar said.

Harder recovery

When people migrate to cities, it becomes harder to track them and recover loans, Hebbar said. They may come back later, but they would have turned non-performing assets (NPAs) by the time they return, and it is a common phenomenon in villages that during summer, people go to cities and after the rains, they return to the villages," he said.

CA Grameens problem is not an isolated one. Private lender Kotak Mahindra Bank has seen delinquencies and collection setbacks in parts of Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Manish Kothari, head of commercial banking at Kotak Mahindra Bank said these are all areas which may have been affected as the monsoons were pretty erratic last year with floods and pockets of drought.

Also read | Bandhan Banks asset quality issues, high credit cost keep investors on edge

Then, of course, there has been an impact of (the) heat wave in the first quarter of this year and some degree of restricted movement of people during the course of election and hence, some of the northern states were hit largely because of that. Pockets of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh were (impacted) because of monsoon as well," Kothari told analysts on 20 July.

Another lender Ujjivan Small Finance Bank recently reduced its loan growth guidance for FY25 to 20%, from 25% earlier. This was reported to be on the back of stress in certain areas.

Outstanding loans rising

Credit bureau Crif High Mark highlighted the rising delinquency in a report in June. Microfinance loans with repayments overdue between 31 and 180 days rose to 2.1% of the overall book in March, the report said, up from 2% in December. Total outstanding loans in the sector stood at 4.4 trillion as on 31 March, up 26.8% from the same period last year.

CA Grameens gross bad loan ratio, measured as loans that are overdue by more than 90 days, was at 1.13% as on 30 June, up from 0.94% as on 31 March. We provide for loans as NPA at 60 days, as against 90 days by the industry norms. Because we recognize early, our credit cost is comparatively higher," Hebbar said.

Experts said many borrowers have become over-leveraged due to a mushrooming of unregulated lenders. While the regulator has issued guidelines that monthly loan repayments should not exceed half of the overall household income, unregulated entities would not be as compliant.

Somesh Dayal, deputy director at microfinance industry body Sa-Dhan said that after covid-19, there has been rising demand for credit among people looking to raise their standard of living and start new jobs and build homes; at the same time, many new financial entities are serving these customers.

There is also a growing presence of unregistered and unofficial financial organizations offering quick and easy loans to clients who fall below the regulatory radar. We have also noticed incidents of fraud, cybercrime, and ring leaders (those taking loans through others) and all these have led to stress in a few pockets," said Dayal.

However, the microfinance sector is well-managed with proper checks and balances, a robust industry code of conduct, two self-regulatory organizations, with enforcement mechanisms and grievance redressal cells and RBI audits at regular periods, said Dayal. Apart from Sa-Dhan, the other self-regulatory organization is MFIN or Microfinance Institutions Network, which declined to comment.
China installed more solar-power capacity last year than the U.S. has built in its history. Now Beijing is worried that the push may have gone too far in some places as solar farms encroach on cropland, undermining leader Xi Jinpings goal of ensuring China can feed itself.

Backed by soaring demand for renewable energy, solar-power projects have become lucrative enoughespecially when state subsidies are includedthat some companies, local officials and farmers are trying to cash in by repurposing areas once dedicated to crops, defying Beijings diktats against developing arable land.

The issue garnered national attention after state broadcaster China Central Television aired a report on it earlier this year.

In the rural township of Muzi in Hubei province, a major grain-producing region, CCTV found that several hundred acres once earmarked as high-quality farmland" had been covered with solar photovoltaic panels, even though local authorities had announced plans in 2019 to build irrigation channels, drainage and roads there to boost crop yields and improve connectivity.

While the solar sector deserves support, no matter how good the industry, it shouldnt violate state laws and go against the central governments policies," CCTV warned. The protection of farmland is a major matter related to national security strategy."

Campaigns collide

The expose, and other similar cases, have highlighted how Xis sweeping priorities can sometimes clash on the ground.

Food security is paramount for Chinese leaders, given the countrys limited water supply and arable land. Past food shortages including the Great Famine of 1959-61 threatened stability, and climate change is raising fears of new threats to agriculture, with drought affecting parts of the country this year. Despite some increases in food production in recent years, it hasnt been enough to keep up with increasing demand.

Xi has said that officials must resolutely defend Chinas arable land red line" of roughly 300 million acres nationwide to ensure the country doesnt become more dependent on imports, including soybeans from the U.S. and elsewhere.

According to state media, the rate at which arable land has disappeared due to urbanization, illegal encroachment and other factors has accelerated in recent decades. The governments latest land survey showed China lost more than 18 million acres of arable land in the 10 years up to the end of 2019, bringing the total down to roughly 316 million acres.

As early as 2013, Ive said that we must protect farmland like how we protect giant pandas," Xi said in 2020.

But Xi has also called on local officials to promote renewable energy as part of Chinas goals of cutting carbon emissions and reducing its dependence on imported oil and coal. Government support includes subsidies, cheap loans and tax incentives for solar and wind businesses that range from small startups to major listed companies and state enterprises.

While there is no official data on how much land is being swallowed up by solar farms, government data tracked the addition of nearly 217 million kilowatts of new solar capacity last year, up 55% from 2022.

China accounted for more than half the global increase in solar capacity in 2023, according to energy research firm Wood Mackenzie. Analysts estimate China will need to expand its solar-generation capacity some 14 times from 2020 levels to realize Xis target of carbon neutrality by 2060.

Other countries, including the U.S., have also seen solar operations taking over farmlanda problem that dates back years.

A recent study by Chinese researchers estimated that in 2018, food-production losses resulting from solar-power facility development on cropland globally reached an amount sufficient for feeding 4.3 million people for a year, with a third of these losses attributable to Chinas solar-power surge.

As solar energy expands, the loss of cropland will become a pressing issue that requires urgent attention," another group of researchers warned in a November commentary published by the journal Nature Geoscience. Countries grappling with renewable energy development and facing spatial development imbalances, as in China, must be mindful of the potential conflicts between energy and land."

Competing for land

While solar-power developers run into fewer conflicts with agriculture in western China, which has more open spaces that arent ideal for farming due to low rainfall, their expansion across eastern China puts them more directly in competition with farming.

There is a lot of money to be made from renewables, while agriculture is a low-value and low-profit business," said Cosimo Ries, a renewable-energy analyst at the consulting firm Trivium China.

Officials have tried to balance the competing demands by promoting nongguang hubu, or agriculture and solar complementing each other." The idea involves encouraging agrivoltaic" facilities in which solar panels are installed in ways that allow the land to still be used for farming or grazing.

According to one Chinese academic paper, grid-connected dual-purpose agrivoltaic projects accounted for about 7% of Chinas photovoltaic capacity as of 2019.

The idea has also caught on in parts of Europe and the U.S., including California. But experts say the presence of solar panels limits what can be grown, with crops such as lettuce and broccoli tending to do better than grains that require lots of sunlight.

In practice, experts say, some Chinese solar farm developers fail to dedicate much attention to crops. Local governments, beset with heavy debts amid a nationwide real estate bust, often look the other way so long as solar developers bring investments, tax revenues and jobs.

They are eagerly selling and leasing land in return for immediate and temporary benefits," Zhu Qizhen, a professor at China Agricultural University, told a state media outlet.

Government clampdown

While Beijing still offers subsidies for solar projects, it has been punishing companies and officials it believes are exploiting government support at agricultures expense.

Beijing issued a directive last year stipulating that solar photovoltaic projects shouldnt be built on farmland, grassland or protected forest land, prompting at least 10 regional governments to publish new or updated rules on solar-power land use. The directive followed moves in 2021 in which several provinces halted new photovoltaic projects pending reviews to assess whether they improperly encroached onto arable land.

In October, Chinas Ministry of Natural Resources reprimanded authorities in the northern county of Huanglong for failing to prevent a renewable-energy firm from illegally installing solar panels on agricultural land. Authorities in the southern province of Guizhou in January ordered a local company to pay fines worth nearly $100,000 for illegally building a solar-power facility on communal farmland.

In the case of Hubei, CCTV aired aerial footage showing a sprawling array of solar panels occupying acres of land in Muzi township that residents say was previously used for growing rice. Residents said they were persuaded to lease the land to a Hong Kong-listed solar-farm company for an agrivoltaic project, but the facilitys operator only made superficial efforts to grow ricewhich isnt suited for growing under shadeand produced far lower yields than before.

Local farmers told CCTV that the areas agricultural yield had fallen by some 80%.

When approached by CCTV, a worker at the agrivoltaic facility said there was no protected cropland in the vicinity, a claim contradicted by local residents and signage stating that the area was designated high quality" farmland reserved for agriculture. The solar company didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

CCTV uncovered similar problems elsewhere in Hubei, including the township of Huaxi, where large fields of solar panels have been installed on farmland. A local land-resources official told CCTV that authorities had redesignated it as ordinary land, and compensated by earmarking other plots for food production.

Write to Chun Han Wong at chunhan.wong@wsj.com
Stock Market News: The opening session on Friday saw selling pressure on the domestic benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty 50, amid the decline in global markets.

The Sensex index fell by 708.55 points (0.87%) to 81,158.99 points, while the Nifty 50 index debuted with a fall of 221.90 points (0.89%) at 24,789 points.

Yesterday, the US and other developed nation markets were rattled by a rapid downturn in the US economy, as seen by the steep decline in the ISM Manufacturing index to 46.6, according to Dr. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

This has revived anxieties in the US of a recession. The market, which had been rising due to expectations of a gentle landing, has become uneasy due to the potential for a US recession and the potential effects on the market. The US 10-year bond yield dropped sharply to 3.95%, indicating concern in the market. The Indian market may also be impacted by this, said Vijayakumar.

Share Market Tips and Nifty 50 Outlook by Rajesh Palviya, SVP - Technical and Derivatives Research, Axis Securities The benchmark index is currently in a strong uptrend across all time frames, forming a series of higher highs and higher lows. It has recently reached an all-time high at 25,078 levels, indicating bullish sentiments. The index is well placed above its 20, 50 and 100 day SMA which reconfirms positive trend. We anticipate this momentum to continue towards 25300-25500 levels. On the other hand, a crucial support zone is placed around 24,800-24,500 levels. Both the daily and weekly RSI strength indicators are in positive terrain indicating rising strength.

Stocks in focus today - Stock recommendation for Friday by Rajesh Palviya Coal India Ltd (CMP:  540) The stock has confirmed a "triangular" breakout at 520 levels on the daily chart, indicating a continuation of the prior uptrend. It has recaptured the 20, 50, and 100-day SMAs and rebounded sharply, reaffirming bullish sentiments. This breakout is accompanied by high volume, signaling increased participation. Additionally, the daily, weekly, and monthly RSI is in positive terrain, indicating rising strength.

Investors should buy, hold and accumulate this stock with an expected upside of 555-570 with downside support zone of 525- 505 levels.

Tata Power Company Ltd (CMP:  465) The stock has broken out of the 3-4 month consolidation zone (between 460 and 400) on a closing basis, signaling a strong comeback by the bulls. This breakout was accompanied by high volume, indicating increased participation. The daily, weekly, and monthly RSI is in positive terrain showing rising strength.The stock is well placed above its 20, 50, 100 and 200 day SMA, and these averages are also rising along with the price, confirming the bullish trend.

Investors should buy, hold and accumulate this stock with an expected upside of 485-500 with downside support zone of 455-445 levels.

Hindustan Oil Exploration Co. Ltd (CMP:  286) On the monthly time frame, the stock has encountered a "multiple resistance zone" around the 241 levels when looking at closing basis.There has been a significant increase in trading volumes, indicating higher participation. The stock is well placed above its 20, 50, 100 and 200 day SMA, and these averages are also moving upwards along with the price, confirming a bullish trend. Additionally, the daily, weekly, and monthly Relative Strength Index (RSI) is in positive terrain, indicating increasing strength.

Investors should buy, hold and accumulate this stock with an expected upside of 315-335 with downside support zone of 272-260 levels.

Also Read | Indian stock market: 10 key things that changed for market overnight
Buy or sell stocks for today: The range-bound movement with a positive bias continued at the Indian stock market for the fifth day in a row on Thursday. The Nifty 50 index created history by climbing to its 25,000 peak decisively. The fifty-stock index scaled the last 1,000 points in just 24 sessions. The frontline index achieved this feat despite various challenges, such as FIIs' selling, the initial negative reaction to the Union Budget, developments on the Israel-Hamas conflict, deepening US-China trade tensions, uninspiring Q1FY25 results, etc.

Vaishali Parekh's stocks to buy today Vaishali Parekh, Vice President  Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, believes that Indian stock market sentiment has become highly bullish as the Nifty 50 index has conquered the psychological 25,000 peak. The Prabhudas Lilladher expert said that the frontline heavyweight stocks like HDFC Bank and RIL are well placed and optimistic about carrying the index to a fresh new zone in the coming days. Vaishali said that the 50-stock index has crucial support placed at 24,750, whereas the frontline index is all set to touch 25,200 and 25,500 in the near term.

Regarding stocks to buy today for intraday trading, Vaishali Parekh of Prabhudas Lilladher recommended these three buy or sell stocks: Tata Consumer Products, Minda Corp, and LT Foods.

Stock market today On the outlook for Nifty today, Vaishali Parekh said, "Nifty has conquered the 25,000 zones with strength indicated and with 24,750 zones as the near-term important support level one can anticipate further rise for next initial target of 25,500 levels as mentioned earlier with bias maintained strong. The frontline heavyweight stocks like HDFC Bank and RIL are well placed and looking positive to carry the index to a fresh new zone in the coming days."

"The Bank Nifty index has been sluggish since the last three to four sessions, hovering near the 51,600 zone for quite some time. A decisive breach above the 52,000 zone would improve the bias, and further strength will be confirmed once a breakout above 52,800 is confirmed," said Parekh.

Parekh added that Nifty today has immediate support at 24,900 while the resistance is at 25,200. The Bank Nifty would have a daily range of 51,200 to 52,000.

Vaishali Parekh's stock recommendations today 1] Tata Consumer Products: Buy at 1208.35, target 1257, stop loss 1182;

2] Minda Corp: Buy at 515, target 540, stop loss 502; and

3] LT Foods: Buy at 307, target 322, stop loss 300.
While evaluating Dixon Technologies recently, I realised that even the slightest slowdown in growth could deliver a huge blow to the stocks valuation.

A price-to-earnings ratio of 200 means that if you were to buy 100% of the company's shares, it would take 200 years for you to earn back your initial investment through its profits. Dixon is not the only Indian stock thats soaked in excess liquidity in recent months.

Inflows from foreign institutional investors (FIIs), and domestic investors by way of systematic investment plans (SIPs), have been consistent. Unlike its global peers, Indias central bank is not to blame for the excesses.

In 2006, loose monetary and credit policies of the Peoples Bank of China created a bubble in the Chinese stock market. At the time, Chinese regulators imposed policies that sought to reduce the risk of a stock market crash.

For example, the People's Bank of China raised the renminbi deposit reserve rate 10 times from the start of 2007. But this did not remove the excessive liquidity in the stock market.

A large amount of hot money continued to flow into the Shanghai Stock Exchange, driving stock prices up. At the end of 2007, global financial turbulence caused major stock markets to fall sharply. From November 2007 to January 2009, the Shanghai A-share index fell 69.2%.

By comparison, India's stock market today is largely dependent on domestic inflows. But will this liquidity be resilient in the wake of global financial tremors? That remains to be seen.

Taking some profits off the table to prepare for a market correction is never a bad idea. At Equitymaster, we always recommend that investors put some cash aside to buy more stocks when theres a correction. And I have been recommending that subscribers sell part of their holdings in stocks that have met their target prices.

Holding on is easier said than done

But which stocks should you almost never sell? To answer this, I always go back to one of my favourite memos of Howard Marks, titled Selling Out.

"When you find an investment with the potential to compound over a long period, one of the hardest things is to be patient and maintain your position as long as doing so is warranted based on the prospective return and risk.



"Investors can easily be moved to sell by news, emotion, the fact that they've made a lot of money to date, or the excitement of a new, seemingly more promising idea.



"When you look at the chart for something that's gone up and to the right for 20 years, think about all the times a holder would have had to convince himself not to sell.



"Everyone wishes they'd bought Amazon at $5 on the first day of 1998, since it's now up 660x at $3,304.

"But who would have continued to hold when the stock hit $85 in 1999  up 17x in less than two years?

"Who among those who held on would have been able to avoid panicking in 2001, as the price fell 93%, to $6?

"And who wouldn't have sold by late 2015 when it hit $600 - up 100x from the 2001 low? Yet anyone who sold at $600 captured only the first 18% of the overall rise from that low.

"This reminds me of the time I once visited Malibu with a friend and mentioned that the Rindge family is said to have bought the entire area - all 13,330 acres - in 1892 for $300,000, or $22.50 per acre. (It's clearly worth many billions today.) My friend said, Id like to have bought all of Malibu for $300,000.' My response was simple: 'You would have sold it when it got to $600,000'."

In short, a good deal of selling takes place because investors are afraid their gains will disappear.

Most people spend a lot of time and effort trying to avoid unpleasant feelings such as regret and embarrassment. What could spark such feelings more than watching a big gain evaporate?

Never sell if

If you sell an appreciated asset, that puts the gain "in the books", and it can never be taken away. Some people are thus always looking to sell their winners -- they love realised gains. There are only three reasons why you shouldn't sell a stock even at market highs.

You want to own the business, not just the stock



If you own a stake in a private company with enormous potential for compounding wealth, a strong balance sheet and great management, you should never look to sell it out of fear of a near-term correction.



Great compounders are extremely hard to find, so it's usually a mistake to let them go. Also, it's much earlier to predict the long-term outcome for a company than short-term price movements, so it doesn't make sense to trade a high-conviction outcome for a low-conviction one.

If you own a stake in a private company with enormous potential for compounding wealth, a strong balance sheet and great management, you should never look to sell it out of fear of a near-term correction. Great compounders are extremely hard to find, so it's usually a mistake to let them go. Also, it's much earlier to predict the long-term outcome for a company than short-term price movements, so it doesn't make sense to trade a high-conviction outcome for a low-conviction one. You bought it at a deep discount and have held it for years



No matter what the valuation is today, if you bought the stock at a deep discount and held it for years, youve already hedged your risks. Current valuations should not be the only reason to sell such a stock.

No matter what the valuation is today, if you bought the stock at a deep discount and held it for years, youve already hedged your risks. Current valuations should not be the only reason to sell such a stock. The company generates large cash flows and rewards investors



Businesses that are financially sound and regularly pay their healthy cash flows to shareholders by way of dividends and buybacks may be great investments to hold on to during corrections.



The dividend receipts from such stocks may, over time, more than justify the long holding tenure. Cases in point are stocks such as Asian Paints and HCL Tech.

For a list of stocks you should consider selling for fundamental reasons, check out the Equitymaster Screener.

Happy investing!

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
White House Counsel Lionel Tribbey is arguing with new staffer Ainsley Hayes about Gilbert and Sullivan. It's from Penzance or Iolanthe... one of the ones about duty, he says. Theyre all about duty, she replies. I was reminded of this exchange from The West Wing during my viewing of Sudhanshu Sarias Ulajh. The national anthemwhich was quietly excised from the Delhi theatre experience after the pandemicplayed before the film, and it seemed fitting that a film that fixates on patriotic duty would mark its return. Then I remembered: nowadays theyre all about duty.

This isnt to say Ulajh is a rabidly, or even stridently, nationalistic film. Instead, it muddies the waters somewhat. Saria and co-writers Parveez Shaikh and Atika Chohan suspend their characters between duty, morality and self-interest. There are beats youd expect from an Indian spy filmhow could there not be a military coup brewing in Pakistan?but also unexpected ones that reflect more honestly the complicated levers of cross-border relations.

Ulajh is equally a film about the weight of family. After she saves a dire situation with Nepal, Indian Foreign Services officer Suhana (Janhvi Kapoor) is fast-tracked to the position of Deputy High Commissioner to the UK. Since her father is a high-ranking diplomat (as was his father), shes seen by manyincluding her London colleagues Jacob (Meiyang Chang) and Sebin (Roshan Mathew)as a nepotistic hire. She also has a complicated relationship with her father (Adil Hussain), who doles out advice but not approval. This is a fairly unsubtle line of metatextual storytelling, given that the lead is the daughter of Sridevi and Boney Kapoor, and has been saddled with the same accusations from the day she began acting. The film repeats what has become the standard answer from star kidsnepotism exists but it isnt helpful beyond a point and besides, I work very hard.

(mild spoilers)

Almost immediately upon arrival in London, Suhana meets Nakul (Gulshan Devaiah), a Michelin-starred chef with about seven weird accents. They hit it off, and spend the night together. Its rarely good news in a Hindi film when a relationshipeven a flingprogresses this quickly. Not a huge shock, then, that Nakul turns up with a video of their encounter, and starts blackmailing Suhana for state secrets.

Ulajh never loses sight of the fact that Suhanas training is as a diplomat, not a spy. Her attempts at throwing off Nakul and, eventually, at espionage are clumsy (compare this to Sehmat in Raazi, another young woman in an equally precarious situation, but whose skills made her formidable). Its notable that Suhana is almost as worried about her familys reputation and her fathers UN posting as she is about her own career and the nation. It makes her actions less sensible than they might have been, but also gives her a clear, tangible motivation (What happened to me was personal! she snaps when Sebin urges her to put emotion aside).

Janhvi Kapoor isnt an actor whos fascinating from moment to moment, like Alia Bhatt or Kangana Ranaut in the 2010s. What she does seem to have is a clear idea of her strengths and capabilities. Shes played, in several films and with increasing confidence, a particular character type: unflashy, resourceful, thrust into a battle with overwhelming odds. You can see variations on this in Gunjan Saxena, Good Luck Jerry, Mili, Mr And Mrs Mahi and Ulajh. The performances are measured and often overshadowed by supporting turnsas she is here by Mathews grumpy subordinate (Devaiah is amusing but tonally confusing). But at the very least it feels like a career being forged, rather than a haphazard bid for stardom.
MUMBAI : India's real estate market just got a bit more transparent for tax authorities, but this increased scrutiny can change the dynamics of property transactions. A new tax rule, effective from October, will close a loophole that has allowed property buyers to skirt their tax obligations.

Under previous income tax rules, any property sold for more than 50 lakh required the buyer to deduct 1% as tax deducted at source (TDS). However, a clever workaround has been in play for years. To avoid the 1% tax deducted at source (TDS) on property sales exceeding 50 lakh, buyers would structure deals to keep individual payments below this threshold.

Read this | A guide to capital gains tax on property sales: Navigating pre-, post-2001 rules

For example, a 60 lakh property could be sold to a couple with each paying 30 lakh, or a couple could sell a property showing each received 30 lakh, effectively splitting the total transaction value.

Some people were of the stand that if they were paying less than 50 lakh individually, the 1% TDS was not required," said Nitesh Buddhadev, a chartered accountant and founder of Nimit Consultancy.

This scheme is about to end, as provisions of Budget 2024 will plug this loophole by considering the total sale consideration, not just individual payments.

As per the new rules, where there is more than one transferor or transferee in respect of an immovable property, then such consideration shall be the aggregate of the amounts paid or payable by all the transferees to the transferor or all the transferors for the transfer of such immovable property."

This means that the combined payments of all buyers will determine the TDS liability.

View Full Image (Graphics: Pranay Bhardwaj/Mint)

Key considerations

The move is expected to bolster tax collection and deter evasion in the real estate sector. However, there are nuances.

NRIs and agricultural properties: The 1% TDS rule does not apply to properties bought from non-resident Indians which instead requires a TDS of 12.5% or 30%, for properties held for the long term and short term, respectively. "With the Budget changing the LTCG (long-term capital gains) rate on property to 12.5%, the TDS applicable on properties sold by an NRI will also be 12.5%," said Ajay R Vaswani, founder of ARAS and Co.

Also read | Budget 2024: What changes in capital gains taxes mean for investors

Residents selling agricultural land are not subject to TDS. The 1% TDS is calculated on either the property sale value or the stamp duty value, whichever is higher.

PAN-Aadhar linkage: In some cases, the IT department demands a 20% TDS if the seller's PAN is not linked to their Aadhar, a rude shock for some buyers. To avoid this, Prakash Hegde, a Bangalore-based chartered accountant, recommends verifying the sellers PAN-Aadhar linkage on the income tax website.

Penalty for non-compliance

Failure to pay TDS on property sales within 30 days from the end of the month in which the transaction occurred can result in a penalty of 200 per day until paid. For example, if a property transaction occurred on 2 August, the TDS must be paid by 30 September.

Additionally, the income tax department may impose the TDS amount as a penalty.
(Bloomberg) -- The vast majority of damages from last months CrowdStrike Holdings Inc.s global IT outage will go uninsured, according to new estimates from Guy Carpenter and CyberCube Analytics Inc.

The days-long cyberincident  which grounded planes, shuttered businesses and stopped markets  cost Fortune 500 companies about $5.4 billion in damages, according to insurance company Parametrix. But insured losses are expected to be far less than that. Reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter estimated this week that insured losses will range from $300 million to $1 billion, while the risk analytics firm CyberCube puts that figure between $400 million and $1.5 billion.

The forecasts signal a relatively muted insurance response to one of the biggest cyber incidents. In its latest earnings report, CrowdStrike reported a total of nearly 24,000 enterprise customers, including nearly 60% of the Fortune 500. But, according to Guy Carpenters estimates published on Thursday, fewer than 1% of global companies with cyber insurance saw an impact from the outage.

There are some uninsured or underinsured companies suffering impacts at a wide range of severity, Erica Davis, global co-head of cyber at Guy Carpenter, told Bloomberg News, adding that other factors, including the relatively short duration of the outage, are also likely to widen the gap between actual damage and insurable damage.

Since the outage began with a botched software update rather than a cyberattack, the non-malicious nature of the incident will also limit the scope of coverage, Guy Carpenter said. CyberCube added that while the IT crash was a major event for cyber insurers, it does not come close to the destructive potential that leading insurers are holding capital against.

Marsh, the worlds largest insurance brokerage, had over 75 clients warn of potential cyber claims on July 19, the first day of the outage, Bloomberg previously reported. That number has since passed 200, said Meredith Schnur, Marshs cyber practice leader for the US and Canada.

Delta Air Lines Inc., which was dealt a notably harsh blow, has since hired attorney David Boies to seek possible compensation from CrowdStrike and Microsoft Corp. for the incident, which cost the airline $500 million, Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian told CNBC this week.

Although lawyers are circling, estimates suggest a sizable but manageable insured loss, Guy Carpenter said in its report this week.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
An email was received at a school in Delhi's Greater Kailash area, threatening to blow up the school with a bomb, Delhi Police informed on August 2 as reported by news agency ANI. According to the Delhi Police, the mail was received by the school around midnight. The email said that a bomb had been planted on the school's premises.

As per India Today report, the name of the school which received the threat mail is Summer Fields School in the Greater Kailash area. The report added that the school has been evacuated.

The Delhi police said that nothing has been found in the investigation and legal action has been initiated.

Earlier on July 30, the Somnath Express, which runs between Jammu and Rajasthan, experienced a six-hour delay after police received an anonymous bomb threat. The train was stopped at Kasu Begu railway station at 7:42 a.m., and passengers were evacuated. The threat was later confirmed to be a hoax.
(Bloomberg) -- Chevron Corp., based in California since the days of kerosene lamps, is moving headquarters to Texas after years of fighting Golden State officials over strict environmental policies and costly regulations.

The move announced Friday will end the companys 145 years of being based in the most populous US state. The shift prompted Texas Governor Greg Abbott to welcome Chevron to its true home, while a spokesperson for his California counterpart Gavin Newsom dismissed it as a logical culmination of a years-long transition by the oil giant.

Chevron already had slashed new investments in California refining, citing adversarial government policies in a state that has some of the most stringent environmental rules in the US. In January, refining executive Andy Walz warned that the state was playing a dangerous game with climate rules that threatened to spike gasoline prices.

Chief Executive Officer Mike Wirth pushed back on suggestions that the relocation is being driven by politics, saying its really to be closer to the core epicenter of our industry.

Weve had some policy differences with California, Wirth said during a Bloomberg Television interview. But this isnt a move about politics. Its a move about whats good for our company to compete and perform.

The announcement came as Chevron posted disappointing second-quarter results and outlined a shake-up in the senior leadership ranks apparently aimed at improving results.

Texas is home to a vast network of resources key to Chevrons business, from equipment vendors to universities that it taps for research and recruiting talent, Wirth noted.

Houston is the energy capital of the world, he said. Its a natural place for companies in our industry to have their home office and headquarters.

Chevron joins a long list of California emigres that includes Oracle Corp., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. and Tesla Inc. While the migration among former Silicon Valley tech giants has been largely driven by tax and and cost-of-living considerations, Chevron has been at loggerheads with state leaders over increasingly tough fossil-fuel rules.

Newsom ran for reelection in 2022 promising to wage war on Big Oil, calling for a special legislative session and asking lawmakers to impose a price gouging tax on oil companies. That was later watered down to a task force studying excess profit margins.

This announcement is the logical culmination of a long process that has repeatedly been foreshadowed by Chevron, Alex Stack, a spokesperson for the governor, wrote in a statement. Were proud of Californias place as the leading creator of clean energy jobs  a critical part of our diverse, innovative, and vibrant economy.

Wirth has been extolling the virtues of the Lone Star States business climate for at least half a decade.

The policies in California have become pretty restrictive on a lot of business fronts, not just the environment, he said during a 2019 speech in Houston.

EVs, Renewables

California has long been an incongruent state for an oil company to call home. It pioneered the push to cut tailpipe emissions in the 1960s and has adopted sweeping climate measures including a goal for California to become net zero by 2045, five years ahead of US as a whole.

Frequent droughts and wildfires mean the state is already suffering from catastrophic effects of climate change. California accounts for more than a third of the countrys EV sales. And almost all of Americas renewable diesel, made from vegetable oil and natural fats, is consumed in California.

California once played an important role in the US oil sector but output has been plunging for most of the past four decades while shale-rich states like Texas and New Mexico have seen crude production boom.

Chasing jobs and employers out of California is no way to run the economy, said Jim Wunderman, president and CEO of the Bay Area Council, a business group. Its an embarrassment.

Light taxation, business-friendly regulation and a relatively low cost of living made Texas the most desirable destination for companies relocating over the last decade, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas said in February. The state saw net migration of 7,232 firms and an addition of nearly 103,000 jobs between 2010 and 2019.

Chevron already has about 7,000 workers in the Houston region, compared to about 2,000 in San Ramon, California.

We do have a big business footprint in Texas, which is now larger than our business footprint in California, Wirth said. For many many years, that was not the case. California was our home, it was our birthplace.

--With assistance from Ruth Liao, Alix Steel and Mitchell Ferman.

(Adds comment from industry group. An earlier version corrected a description of California in the second paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
A Florida attorney pleaded guilty on Friday to using a rifle to try to detonate explosives outside the Chinese embassy last year in Washington, D.C.

Christopher Rodriguez also bombed a sculpture of communist leaders Vladimir Lenin and Mao Zedong in a courtyard outside the Texas Public Radio building in San Antonio, Texas, in 2022, according to a court filing accompanying his guilty plea.

Rodriguez, 45, of Panama City, Florida, is scheduled to be sentenced in Washington by Chief Judge James Boasberg on Oct. 28.

Under the terms of his plea deal, Rodriguez and prosecutors agreed that seven to 10 years in prison would be an appropriate sentence.

Rodriguez pleaded guilty to three counts: damaging property occupied by a foreign government, damaging federal property with explosive materials and possessing an unregistered firearm.

Rodriguez acknowledged that he drove from Florida to Washington and took a taxi to an area near the Chinese embassy in the early-morning hours of Sept. 25, 2023.

Rodriguez placed a black backpack containing about 15 pounds of explosive materials roughly 12 feet from a wall and fence around the embassy grounds. He admitted that he tried to detonate the explosives by shooting at the backpack with a rifle, but he missed his target.
Every Friday, Plain Facts publishes a compilation of data-based insights, complete with easy-to-read charts, to help you delve deeper into the stories reported by Mint in the week gone by.

Top executives and early investors in Ola Electric Mobility are poised to reap significant gains as the company prepares to be listed on the stock exchanges. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is concerned about the rapid growth in derivatives trading.

IPO bonanza

Ola Electric's initial public offering (IPO) today is expected to deliver a bonanza for its top executives and early investors, Mint reported. The company is set to become the first homegrown electric vehicle manufacturer to list on the bourses. The top 10 executives are sitting on a potential cash value of 10,260 crore, based on the lower end of the 72-76 price band. Founder Bhavish Aggarwal stands to gain the most, with his stake valued at nearly $1.2 billion.

Pulses puzzle

In the Union Budget 2024-25, the government reiterated its aim to make India self-sufficient in the production of pulses. The government had earlier set a target of ending pulses imports by December 2027. However, it faces several challenges, with the import of pulses having grown in the previous financial year. India imported 7-9% of its annual requirement for pulses from 2014-15 to 2022-23, but this rose to 16% in 2023-24 as weak and uneven rainfall reduced production, an analysis by howindialives.com showed.

UltraTech deal

32.72%: That's the stake in India Cements that the Aditya Birla Group's UltraTech Cement is set to acquire. The deal has been approved by the board of directors of UltraTech at 3,954 crore or 390 a share. This is the second time in the past two months that UltraTech has made a financial investment in India Cements, having acquired 22.77% of the company in June. With the latest investment, UltraTech Cement will become the majority shareholder with a 55.49% stake.

Rupees global push

The Budget reiterated the government's ambition of making the rupee a global currency, but experts cautioned that this would be a complex, long-term process, Mint reported. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a mechanism to allow trade settlement in rupees in July 2022, and advanced it by December 2023 with the first rupee payment for oil from the UAE. Stability in the rupee this year could prove helpful but several steps will be needed to achieve the ambitious goal.

Sebis derivatives crackdown

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), has expressed concern over the rapid growth in derivatives trading, with chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch saying, The tail had grown bigger than the dog." The markets regulator released a consultative paper that aims to curb excessive retail speculation in derivatives, including futures and options. While index options volumes have surged almost 13-fold since FY20, 85% of the unique individual and proprietary firms who traded index derivatives on NSE incurred a net trading loss.

Gaming gamble

100%: That's the percentage of foreign direct investment (FDI) the government is considering for the online gaming industry, Mint reported, quoting sources. The government is discussing the possibility of allowing FDI without the need for official approval. However, the proposal will exclude betting and gambling games. While 100% FDI in online gaming was not prohibited, regulatory uncertainties made it challenging for companies to obtain banking and government approvals, causing investors to hesitate.

Bull run bet

In the first quarter of FY25, promoters of Indias top 500 companies sold shares worth 61,840 crore, a Mint analysis showed. This marks the most aggressive selling spree by promoters in the past nine months, as they capitalise on the ongoing bull market. This trend has been growing over the past year, with previous quarterly sales totalling 59,291 crore, 24,264 crore and 21,858 crore. Most of the offloading was in sectors such as banking, pharmaceuticals, technology and construction.

Chart of the week: Rising millionaires

Amid the debate over rising income inequality worldwide, several countries are expected to see a rapid increase in the number of millionaires, with Taiwan and Turkiye topping the list, according to the Global Wealth Report 2024 by UBS. Japan and South Korea are the only countries with at least one million millionaires that are expected to see a rapid increase.

Follow our data stories on the In Charts" and Plain Facts" pages on the Mint website.
The Bar Council of India (BCI), the nation's apex regulator for legal education, has asked centres of legal education (CLEs) to align the curriculum with new criminal laws enacted in July this year, the ministry of law and justice informed the Lok Sabha on Friday in a written submission.

The BCI had written to CLEs, which include national law universities as well as private law colleges across the country, to train students to use the new criminal laws, passed by Parliament in late 2023 and enforced on 1 July.

The three new criminal lawsthe Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nyay (Suraksha) Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)have replaced the Indian Penal Code, which defined punishments for all crimes, Code of Criminal Procedure, which described the prosecution procedure, and the Evidence Act, which details the process of evidence gathering, respectively.

Also Read: Mint Explainer | India's new criminal codes: What they mean for businesses The new criminal laws have been tweaked to allow the use of technology in criminal prosecution, among other changes. For instance, the police can record a video of the crime scene with a camera under the new criminal laws.

The BCI wrote to the heads of all CLEs in May, asking for a change in the curriculum to include new criminal laws focusing on emerging domains such as blockchains, electronic discovery, cybersecurity, robotics, artificial intelligence, and bio-ethics.

Emphasis on mediation The regulator also mandated universities and colleges to include training of mediation, which is an out-of-court dispute resolution method, in the legal curriculum, according to the letter.

To be sure, alternative dispute resolution has been covered in law schools across the country as a compulsory subject.

Also Read: How Delhi HC ruling on criminal defamation will hit free speech on social media The training, however, is commonly focused on arbitration through lectures about the Arbitration and Conciliation Act but not on mediation, according to law students.

The central government passed the Mediation Act in 2023. The Centre is also expected to create the Mediation Council of India to state the rules of procedure to be followed in mediation proceedings by the end of this year, Mint reported in June.

The BCI has also asked CLEs to follow bilingual methods of instruction to make legal education more accessible across various regions of the country.
The Delhi government has ordered an inquiry after more than a dozen residents of the state-run Asha Kiran shelter home died within a few days. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation with members of the Opposition BJP led protests across the city after being denied entry into the shelter home premises.

A report is coming that 14 deaths have occurred here in the month of July...among 14 one is a child. This is a serious matter and to investigate this a magisterial enquiry has been ordered. The preliminary report will be submitted within 24 hours. We are waiting for the postmortem report and after 24 hours the preliminary report of the magisterial enquiry will come out. We will take action as per that report, Delhi Minister Atishi said.

The senior AAP leader has asked the Additional Chief Secretary for Revenue to initiate a magisterial enquiry and submit a report within 48 hours. Atishi also called for action to be taken against those who had caused the deaths through negligence.

According to a Times of India report, 12 Asha Kiran inmates died in the second half of July. Welfare department officials quoted by the publication acknowledged the surge in deaths (while disputing the number) but insisted that it could be attributed to multiple things. Reports suggest that a total of 14 residents have passed away since the beginning of 2024.

In the past 20 days 13 deaths have occurred at Asha Kiran shelter home run by the Delhi government...The reasons are yet not known...When I was there in DCW, I inspected the situation here...the situation here is very bad as there is no proper staffing, and no proper doctors are there...We made a report at that time and submitted it to the Delhi Government, but no action was taken at that time, added Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal.
Manorama Khedkar  the mother of former probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar  has been granted bail in a criminal intimidation case. The Pune rural police had arrested Khedkar earlier this year after a video of her threatening people with a gun went viral. Her husband  retired Maharashtra government officer Dilip Khedkar  was granted anticipatory bail last week.

Khedkar had made headlines after a video of her threatening people with a gun over a land dispute at Dhadwali village made the rounds on social media. She was was apprehended from a lodge at Hirkaniwadi village in Raigad district on July 18 and later remanded in judicial custody. The Khedkar couple and five others were booked under several sections of the IPC  including 307, 144 (unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapon), 147 (rioting) and 506 (criminal intimidation)  as well as the Arms Act.

The development also comes mere days after the the UPSC said that it had cancelled the provisional candidature of Puja Khedkar and debarred her from all future examinations or selections.

Also Read | Former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar denied anticipatory bail

Puja Khedkar is under scrutiny for her claims regarding disability and OBC certificates in her UPSC candidature as well as her conduct during her tenure at the Pune collectors office. The Union Public Service Commission has filed a case against the former official for fraudulently availing the benefits of quota by faking her identity to take the civil services examination beyond the permissible number of attempts.

Earlier on Thursday a Delhi court denied anticipatory bail to the former IAS probationer and directed the police to widen their probe.

Custodial interrogation of the accused is required to unearth the whole conspiracy and to establish involvement of the other persons involved in conspiracythe Delhi Police must also investigate if anyone from inside the UPSC helped Khedkar, Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala had said.
A college student was killed on Friday morning after his car rammed into a flyover in Hyderabad. The incident took place while the 19-year-old was returning home from the BNR Hills area. The BBA student from ICFAI died on the spot and his vehicle was badly damaged in the accident.

According to reports, the victim  identified as Charan  was returning to his Hyderabad home when he lost control of the speeding vehicle. The Swift Dzire car had consequently rammed into the divider of a flyover in Raidurgam. Visuals shared online showed the vehicle crumpled into a nearly unrecognisable ball of metal.

Also Read | Kerala Health Minister Veena George meets with accident en route to Wayanad

The development came even as four college students in Chennai passed away and a fifth sustained grievous injuries in an unrelated car crash on Friday. The law students had been travelling from Kovalam to Kelambakkam on Thursday evening when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The car had veered to the left of the road and overturned  killing three of the occupants trapped inside.

Passersby who noticed the incident managed to extricate two students from the mangled car and admitted them to a private hospital. One of them had later succumbed to their injuries.

Also Read | From Jharkhand to Odisha: Hundreds died in train accidents on THESE routes

Meanwhile a speeding car hit three bikes in Mumbai on Friday, injuring one person in the process. The police said that they had received information about a car that had hit four to five vehicles and then met with an accident.

Officials said that the driver of the car  24-year-old Alpesh Vivek Indulkar  was drunk when the incident took place. He was later taken into custody and a case was registered against him.

The accident came mere hours after a 46-year-old woman lost her life after being hit by a speeding car in the Virar area of Maharashtra's Palghar district on Thursday evening.
Several district authorities and security forces in Manipur's Jiribam district on Thursday facilitated a peace meeting between the Meitei and Hmar (part of the Kuki-Chin-Zo group) communities.

During the peace meet, both communities agreed to work towards restoring normalcy and preventing incidents of arson and gunfire in the district. Leaders from Meitei and Hmar groups signed a resolution agreeing to a peace meeting held at the CRPF camp in the Cachar district.

Officials from the district administration, police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles attended the meeting. Representatives of other Kuki-Zo tribes, like the Paite, Thadou, and Mizo communities, also attended the meeting.

Also Read | Manipur: Clashes erupt after security forces fire tear gas shells

This June, Jiribam district became the latest flashpoint in Manipur's ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei community from the valley and the Kuki-Zo group, a Scheduled Tribe based in the hills, which includes the Hmar community.

The resolutions stated that both parties committed to offering full cooperation to all security forces in Jiribam, ensuring controlled and coordinated movements, and reconvening on August 15.

Also Read | Supreme Court gets two new judges, first from Manipur

Following the discovery of the bodies of a Kuki-Zo man and a Meitei man in Jiribam within weeks of each other, the district experienced a series of arson and shooting incidents, including an attack that resulted in the death of a CRPF constable on July 14. Before June, the district had been relatively peaceful.

The arson spree that began in Jiribam on June 6 displaced over 2,000 individuals from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities. Meitei individuals were relocated to relief camps within Jiribam town, while Kuki-Zo-Hmar members fled to Assam, where they were sheltered in relief camps in the Cachar district.

In Jiribam, both Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities are minorities, with the majority population comprising Bengali Hindus and Muslims. Among the Kuki-Zo groups, the Hmar community is notably present in Jiribam.

Also Read | Manipur violence: Mob torches CRPF bus after asking the jawans to deboard
The Supreme Court of India on Friday will pronounce its detailed judgment on the ongoing controversy about the NEET-UG 2024 examination. On July 23, the top court rejected the plea to re-conduct the medical entrance exam following the grace marks issue. Hence, it will give reasons behind the same today.

During the previous hearing, CJI DY Chandrachud observed that a fresh exam would have serious consequences because it would affect more than 24 lakh students who appeared for the NEET UG test this year. It would disrupt the admission schedule and the counselling process, the CJI said.

NEET UG 2024 row: Here are top updates 1) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed its first chargesheet in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case on Thursday. The document named 13 individuals with the probe agency indicating that it was likely to file supplementary chargesheets as the investigation continued.

2) These 13 accused are Ashutosh Kumar-1, Ashutosh Kumar-2, Akhilesh Kumar, Abhishek Kumar, Avdesh Kumar, Anurag Yadav, Amit Anand, Ayush Raj, Nitish Kumar, Sikander Yadvendu, Roshan Kumar, Manish Prakash, and Shivnandan Kumar.

3) Around 40 individuals have been arrested in relation to the case, including 15 detained by Bihar Police. The chargesheet has been submitted under the pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code, alleging that the accused were involved in the paper leak and other irregularities.

4) CBI has utilized advanced forensic techniques, artificial intelligence technology, CCTV footage, tower location analysis and more to gather evidence against the accused. CBI is continuing further investigation against other accused or suspects and on other aspects of the case., the chargesheet read.

5) The CBI registered six FIRs after taking over the paper leak case in late June. The FIR from Bihar relates to the paper leak, while the others from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra involve impersonation of candidates and cheating. Additionally, the agency filed an FIR based on a reference from the Union Education Ministry, calling for a "comprehensive investigation" into the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 exam.

6) On June 23, 1,563 candidates who faced a time loss during the original test were reexamined. More recently, the Supreme Court had declined calls for a mass re-test of the controversy-ridden exam. The apex court noted no evidence to conclude that the entire result of NEET-UG 2024 was vitiated.
Telangana Police on Friday detained BRS MLAs, including party's working president KT Rama Rao, who were protesting against the state government over its job calendar in Hyderabad.

In a post on X, BRS said that the party MLAs and MLCs who protested against Congress government were illegally arrested by the police.

Speaking to media after detention, KT Rama Rao said that Rahul Gandhi should immediately apologise for cheating the youth of Telangana in the name of 2 lakh jobs.

The development comes amid the Congress government on Friday announcing a 'job calendar' in the Legislative Assembly as per its election promise.

The 'job calendar' gave details of 18 types of recruitment, the categories of posts covered, the month in which notification will be issued by the recruiting agency, tentative month of exam, name of the recruiting agency and the qualifications prescribed for the post, reported PTI.

According to the calendar, Group 1 Mains, for which notification has already been issued, the recruitment test would be held in October this year. The recruitment is being done by the state public service commission and exams are scheduled from October 21 to 27.

However, the opposition BRS attacked the Congress government, alleging that the 'job calendar' was bogus as there was no mention of the number of jobs that would be filled up.

On Thursday, the Telangana Assembly passed a Bill for setting up a Young India Skill University-Telangana in the state.

Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu moved the Young India Skill University Bill and the House took up a discussion on it.

It gave me immense happiness that the #TelanganaAssembly passed the Young India Skills University Telangana Bill -2024 paving way for establishing a premier institution of quality skill education. Through #SkillUniversity training will be given to lakhs of youth and provide certificates with job guarantee, said Reddy in a post on X.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on 2 August, Friday said that the the centre should expand the remit of Education Ministry appointed panel headed by ex-ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to review NTA's functioning and recommend exam reforms.

The apex court was giving out its final judgement related to the petitions challenging re-examination of the NEET-UG following controversies related to the marks.

On the remit of the committee constituted by the government, the bench laid out eight important points that has to be encompassed which are - evaluation committee, Standard Operating Procedure, review the process of alloting exam centre, processes for enhanced identity checks, CCTV monitoring of exam centres, secure logistic providers for ensuring non-tempering of papers CJI and recommend a robust grievance redressal mechanism.

The apex body further noted that the National Testing Agency (NTA) must avoid the 'flip-flops' it made in relation to the NEET UG 2024 examination.

"Such "flip-flops" in a national exam do not serve the interests of the students," said the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.
Prince Harry recently shared in interviews that he had a special bond with his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth. He also claimed that she had supported him in his legal battles. However, a Royal expert has now stated that these remarks do not sit well with Buckingham Palace courtiers.

Harry often speaks about his special bond with his grandmother. He mentioned it in a US TV interview before her death.

He claimed he wanted to protect her from those around her. In a recent interview, Harry said that she had supported his legal battles before her death in September 2022 at Balmoral.

"We had many conversations before she passed and this is very much something that she supported. She knew how much this meant to me and she's very much up there saying 'see this through to the end'," Harry said.

King Charles younger son, however, left Buckingham Palace courtiers unimpressed after making claims about the late Queen, The Daily Mail reported while citing an expert.

Harrys comments have caused a stir among Palace courtiers, who think the claims are inappropriate, according to Richard Eden. In his column, Eden mentioned that a courtier expressed displeasure with Harry's "tasteless" attempt to suggest his grandmother's support for his ongoing "crusade".

A courtier remarked that something seemed distinctly "off" about the situation. The conversation between the grandson and grandmother would remain unknown as Harry revealed only one side of the story.

Harrys distasteful comments Eden said many might find Harry's use of the late Queen's memory distasteful, especially given his disruptive behaviour during her final years.
Turkey, on Friday, blocked access to social media platform Instagram. The country's Information and Communication Technologies Authority did not cite a reason for the move. With no specified duration for the band, the mobile app is also currently inaccessible.

On Wednesday, Fahrettin Altun, the Turkish communications official had accused Instagram for blocking condolence posts on the death of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas's political chief, reported Reuters.

Altun accused Instagram for actively preventing people from posting messages of condolences for the passing of Hamas leader Haniyeh without citing any policy violations.

The Turkish official further noted that it was simply an act of censorship. "This is censorship, pure and simple," Altun, the communications director of the Turkish presidency, said on social media platform X. He further stated, that Instagram had not cited any policy violations for its action.

Meanwhile, there was no immediate comment from Instagram parent Meta, on either the ban or Altun's criticism, reported Reuters.

Turkey's Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) had publised this decision on its website on August 2.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the winning candidate of the Firozpur Parliamentary constituency in Punjab secured a mere 23.7% of the total votes polled. If we take Firozpurs 56.4% voter turnout into account, the winner had the support of 13.36% of the constituencys total registered voters.

Thus, Firozpur elected its MP with the lowest vote share of all 542 seats (keeping aside Surat where the victor was elected unopposed). Firozpur ended up with four contenders securing an almost identical vote share.

The four-way contest was so close that the difference between the winner and 4th placed candidate was just 1.1% votes (less than 13,000, i.e). Apart from Firozpur, Amritsar was the only seat where even the 4th placed candidate was able to secure enough votes to save the pre-poll deposit.

Nationwide, five seats had winners with less than a 30% share of all votes polled: Firozpur, Patiala, Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib and Faridkot, all in Punjab. The Congress won three, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) one and an independent one.

Further, 10 seats overall had a winner with less than one-third of the votes. Of these, the Congress and AAP won five and two seats respectively, with the Shiromani Akali Dal, Shiv Sena and an independent getting one seat each.

Again, eight of these ten seats are in Punjab, where no single seat winner got a vote share above 40%. The average winners vote share was 31.85%.

These outcomes are natural, given Indias first-past-the-post system (FPTP) electoral system, by which the winner is decided on a plurality basis. The candidate with the most votes wins. But the multi-corner scenario resembles that of France, which uses a runoff system. Are there lessons we can draw from France for India?

French exceptionalism: When it comes to electoral systems, each democracy adopts a method that reflects its unique political landscape and values. France provides a fascinating case study and valuable insights, particularly in the light of Punjabs Lok Sabha results.

This kind of result makes one think about the utility of the French parliamentary electoral system of having a run-off, which mandates a minimum threshold vote share that the winner must achieve within a broad FPTP framework.

The French system is a unique FPTP-runoff blend, a hybrid of the plurality and majority principles. In the first round of elections, a simple majority (above 50%) of polled votes is sufficient for a candidate to win membership of the French parliamenton the condition that it amounts to a share of at least 25% of all registered voters in the relevant constituency. If no candidate meets these criteria, a second roundor a runoffis held.

But the second round is not a standard runoff limited to a contest between the top two contenders of the first round, as it could have more candidates who qualify. French runoffs typically feature the top two candidates as well as all others who have the support of at least 12.5% of registered voters in the first round.

Unlike the first round, a majority of votes is not necessary to win in the second round; all it takes is a plurality of votes. That means the candidate with the most votes, irrespective of vote share, is elected as an MPjust like the traditional FPTP system.

The runoff stage focuses attention on the top two candidates. It compels voters to make a definitive choice between these contenders, thereby ensuring a clearer mandate for the eventual winner. In this way, the French system achieves a better plurality outcome.

It is often said that French people vote with their hearts in the first round before voting with their minds in the second. The system provides voters a second chance to assess candidates with a clearer picture of the competition and thus prospects of their preferred candidates.

Accordingly, voters can recalibrate their voting patterns for the outcome they want (by switching to a candidate with a better chance to win, for example). This reduces votes wasted on candidates with low chances. It also adds up to a better reflection of voting intent in the context of how power is eventually distributed.

So the French system offers a plurality thats more widely accepted. In essence, it picks a winner by plurality, but through a process that pushes for a majority. This optimizes outcomes at constituency level.

French results: In the recently concluded French elections, out of 577 seats in Parliament, 76 were decided in the first round itself, based on majority wins. In the 501 that saw a second round of voting, only two candidates of the first round were on the ballot in 190 seats.

But three candidates qualified for the second ballot in a record 306 seats. (In the last parliamentary elections two years ago, just eight seats were finally decided by three-way races and five constituencies had four candidates).

After this years first round, around 218 candidates of the leftist New Popular Front (NFP) alliance and President Emmanuel Macrons centrist Ensemble coalition withdrew from the race in a bid to prevent a final victory for the far-right National Rally (RN), which emerged on top in 297 constituencies in the first round. The NFP alliance had led on 159 seats in the first round, whereas Macrons Ensemble coalition came out on top in 69.

As a result of the left-versus-right standoff, the far-right RN won just 143 seats in the runoff, less than half of what it won in the first round. The NFP won 182 seats, 23 up from the first round, and Ensemble won 168 seats, 99 seats more. Hence, the eventual result significantly altered the legislative power distribution to better reflect the will of the electorate.

The Indian context: The maturity and diversity of the Indian Polity is such that even without runoff polls or thresholds, it by and large produces majority-oriented results through a plurality-based FPTP system.

In this years Lok Sabha polls, 256 out of 542 seats had winners with over 50% of votes. On 248 seats, winners got a vote share of 40%-50% (a near majority). Thus, 93% of all seats elected MPs with reasonably strong backing.

Decisive wins in India suggest a majority impulse within a plurality system. Like in France, then, while legislative authority doesnt require the support of a majority of the electorate, the system is still geared in favour of consensus building and tends to produce results with the requisite legitimacy.

Yet, India also has a few outcomes like in Punjab, with weak mandates from voters. A particularly odd case of a plurality outcome was seen in the Kanth Assembly constituency of Moradabad in the 2012 Uttar Pradesh elections.

Here, in a six-cornered contest, the winning candidateof the Peace Partyjust got 18.48% of all votes polled, which, given the turnout, implied the backing of only 12.27% of the seats total electorate.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Ladakh saw four candidates (including the winner) get vote shares between 22% and 26%. The winners margin of victory was merely 36 votes, the lowest in those polls. As with Punjabs results this year, this showed a wide range of popular preferences.

Lets experiment with runoffs: An electoral system should be robust enough to accommodate diversity. While holding two-stage polls in a large country like India is logistically difficult (and expensive), perhaps we could explore the idea of runoffs in constituencies where a plurality result has no candidate with a vote share of above 40%, say, or 33%.

This would ensure a fairer representation of the peoples will, as it would give voters a chance to vote again, resulting in a better optimized final outcome. Since there are only a few seats for which this may be needed, it will not be difficult to implement.

Democratic governance combines the representation of diverse voices with a quest for policies backed by a majority that aims for a consensus to the extent possible, with political dynamics shaping electoral outcomes.

While each system adapts to its unique cultural and political context, the underlying principles of fairness, representation and decisive mandates are universal. For peoples voices to be heard better, systems often need to evolve.

The author is deputy commissioner of police, Delhi Police. These are his personal views.
Indias transition to clean energy has been short of climate-action heroes, so its natural for investor interest to chase Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Electric, which leads the local market for electric scooters, selling four out of every ten rolling onto Indian streets.

This startup had a dream ascent to unicorn status, as it zipped past older rivals, fuelled by a perfect storm of factors: an acceleration in demand for electric vehicles (EVs), a receptive audience for an aggressive sales pitch and government support by way of a price subsidy.

For B-schools, Ola serves as a splendid case study of brand extension: from taxi services to EVs. And Ola Electric is now set to go public with an equity offer that places its value at around 33,500 crore.

Large as this may seem, its only 40% of what the company was earlier looking at, reportedly, and also a steep drop from its last funding round, which valued it at $5.4 billion. Naturally, too, Olas ramp-up to this stage invites closer scrutiny.

While Aggarwal has averred that Ola Electrics valuation was cut to make its share issue more attractive for investors, theres a trail of signs that point to a less-than-smooth ride thus far. Take the scope of Olas market ambition, a key determinant of what value it could foreseeably create for shareholders.

On Independence Day, Ola plans to reveal details of an electric motorcycle on its launch pad. Scroll back to 15 August 2022, though, and it was Indias four-wheeler market being served notice of Olas entry.

Indian carmakers are conservative, thinking that we only want small cars or maybe mid-sized cars," Aggarwal had then said at a livestream titled Mission 2022, Global automakers think that the Indian market is not ready for world-class tech and hence sell their hand-me-down tech in India... We deserve a car that defines our new destiny."

With this review of a market gap, he promised an electric car that would be the fastest made in India, with a pedal thrust taking it to 100kmph in under four seconds, a range of over 500km per charge, an all-glass roof and advanced digital tech. Its launch? 2024. Or so it said on the screen at the end of that spiel.

Today, Olas IPO papers make no mention of any electric car. According to Aggarwal, the company never formally communicated any timeline for what was showcased as an aspiration product," and its shift in priority is part of a broader strategy to build a robust EV ecosystem. The company recently set up a gigafactory in Tamil Nadu, a unit that makes lithium-ion cells to power EVs.

Although battery making success could give Ola an edge in the EV transition, the awkward car episode means it can expect hard questions from investors just to assess the realism of its business strategy. Some of its practices have been under a cloud too.

As Mint recently reported, some of its market share was on account of scooters sold to its own group entity. It also has an employee attrition rate thats higher than it should be at this stage of a startup. Earlier, its scooter safety record had attracted criticism.

Although such problems can be overcome, its clear that its management must take extra care in adapting to the discipline that a publicly listed company demands. Investors will expect strategic clarity, with no sudden swings in market focus.

An entrepreneurial culture may place a premium on flexibility, with startup lore full of quick reversals and alternative paths, but a widely held corporation must hunker down on what investors have been led to expect. Unexplained re-routing wont do.
Those who think about politics and history as a profession cant resist comparing presidential years. This is 1968 all over again." Were back to the dynamics of 72." We do this because we know political history and love it, and because there are always parallels and lessons to be learned.

But it should be said as a reminder: This year isnt like any previous time.

This is the year of the sudden, historically disastrous debate, the near-assassination of one of the nominees, the sudden removal of the president from his ticket, the sudden elevation of a vice president her own party had judged a liability, and her suddenly pulling even in a suddenly truncated campaign.

We have never had this year. And it continues to astound.

Kamala Harris just got two excellent weeks in the clear. Donald Trumps campaign had to take her down early or at least hit her hardand didnt. She has the wind at her back; hes scattered and stuck on the back of his heels. This week she had a good rally in Atlanta; he went before a hostile National Association of Black Journalists, was taken aback by his first questioners accusatory tone, matched her energy, and revealed, if you didnt know, how cutting and personal the coming months will be.

What is remarkable is how surprised the Trump campaign seems to have been by Ms. Harris. Why? Smart people understood Joe Biden would eventually have to step aside, and she was his most likely replacement. Why have they responded as if shocked? We have a trough of videos of her talking, its devastating. Where is it? Is that all youll need to make a coherent case? When are you going to locate the meaning of this thing?

San Francisco liberal," way too radical." All that feels tired, the reflex of an aged muscle. It sounds like the 1990s. This isnt the 90s. New ages need new arguments, or at least arguments freshly cast.

Can Mr. Trump shift gears? He grew up, as I did, watching The Ed Sullivan Show." Im sure it was on every Sunday night at 8 at the Trump house in Queens. On that show you saw every week the great Borscht Belt comics of 1950-70. Their timingTake my wifeplease!"is ingrained in him. What he does now is shtick, because he likes to entertain and is a performer. The boats sinking, the batterys spitting, the sharks coming! As Hannibal Lecter said, Id love to have you for dinner!"

This works so perfectly for those who support him. For everyone else its just more evidence of psychopathology. He has to freshen up his act. Can he?

Ms. Harris will dominate the coming week with the unveiling of her vice-presidential choice. Then there will be the convention, in which theyll pull out all stops. And then August will be over. Meaning a third of the 100-day campaign will be over. Does Mr. Trump know that hes fighting for his life?

I want to take a quick look at some factors that are major pluses for Ms. Harris.

 She is new. She seems a turning of the page away from Old Old Biden and Old Old Trump. She looks new, like a new era. She displays vigor and the joy of the battle. The mainstream media is on her side. Coverage hasnt been tough or demanding.

 On policy she is bold to the point of shameless. This week she essentially said: You know those policies I stood for that you dont like? I changed my mind! Her campaign began blithely disavowing previous stands, with no explanation. From the New York Timess Reid Epstein: The Harris campaign announced on Friday that the vice president no longer wanted to ban fracking, a significant shift from where she stood four years ago." Campaign officials said she also now supports increased funding for border enforcement; no longer supported a single-payer health insurance program; and echoed Mr. Bidens call for banning assault weapons but not a requirement to sell them to the federal government." Its remarkable, shes getting away with it, and its no doubt just the beginning. It will make it harder for the Trump campaign with its devastating videos.

Will the left of her party let her tack toward moderation? Yes. Shes what theyve got, and in any case people on the wings of both parties have a way of recognizing their own. Progressives arent protesting her new stands: Thats the dog that didnt bark.

 She too is a born performer. She knows what shes doing when shes campaigning. She is less sure of what shes doing when shes governing. But she gets a race. Running for the 2020 Democratic nomination, she wasnt good at strategy or policy, but the part involving performing and being a public person and speaking with merry convictionshe gets that and is good at it.

 She is beautiful. You cant take a bad picture of her. Her beauty, plus the social warmth that all who have known her over the years speak of, combines to produce: radiance. It is foolish to make believe this doesnt matter. Politicians themselves are certain it matters, which is why so many in that male-dominated profession have taken to Botox, fillers, dermabrasion, face lifts, all the cosmetic things. Because theyre in a cosmetic profession.

 She has a wave of pent-up support behind her. By November well know if something big happened. Barack Obama deliberately, painstakingly put new constituencies together. He created a movement. It had fervor and energy. What we may see this year is something differentthat a movement created Kamala Harris. That is, the old constituencies held, maintained fervor and rose again when Mr. Biden stepped aside and Ms. Harris was put on top. Im not sure weve seen that before.

She has many particular challenges. One is this: When you see Mr. Trump, thats Trump. He is what you think he is. He doesnt hide much. You look at him and think (pro or con), OK, I get it, I know who that guy is. When you see Ms. Harris, is that Harris? Is what she is showing you her? You wonder, Is this real and genuine?" I wonder how shell address that or answer it.

Another: She stumbles in interviews. Will she try to get away with not doing any?

Another: People will continue to wonder how liberal she is, and how strong she is, but I think an equally or more important question will be how serious she is. Does she think seriously, deeply, soberly? I havent seen her betray this tendency. Mr. Obama was a serious man, Hillary Clinton was fully understood as a serious woman. (Thats why her campaign could produce and she could capitalize on the famous 3 a.m. phone call" ad.) Is Ms. Harris? Is she a credible commander of the U.S. nuclear arsenal?

Some will respond, But Donald Trump isnt serious!" My answer would be: Thats why he lost the popular vote twice. If Democrats lose the popular vote, they almost certainly lose the election.

Mr. Trump himself would reply: I controlled the nuclear arsenal for four years. Nothing blew up.
Will Devendra Fadnavis be appointed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president? Amid speculation that he might replace JP Nadda, the Maharashtra deputy chief minister on Friday, August 2, dismissed these rumors, blaming the media for igniting the discussion.

When asked about the buzz over him taking over the post, Devendra Fadnavis said, This discussion [about the post of BJP chief] has been started only by the media. This is only discussed in the media.

The speculation took centerstage after Devendra Fadnavis met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Sunday, July 28.

Taking to X, Devendra Fadnavis posted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's blessings have always been and will always be with Maharashtra. Every time I meet him, I get new energy and his guidance. Today I got the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi with my family. My wife, Amrita and daughter, Divya, were with me. I am very grateful to Prime Minister Modi for giving me his valuable time!

Devendra Fadnavis, who was accompanied by his wife Amruta and daughter Divija, described the meeting with the prime minister as a courtesy call.

The term of JP Nadda, who was elevated as Union health minister in Narendra Modi's third term at the Centre, was extended but the BJP is actively seeking his successor. It has reportedly shortlisted two potential candidates: Vinod Tawde and Devendra Fadnavis.

According to a report, Devendra Fadnavis may resign as the Maharashtra deputy chief minister in the coming weeks and move to Delhi to take over his new role. And if Devendra Fadnavis moves to Delhi, Vinod Tawde may lead the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections, according to the reports.
WASHINGTONWhen Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich arrived at an Air Force base outside Washington late Thursday, it marked at least a partial vindication for President Bidens beleaguered foreign policy in his waning months in office.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted Gershkovich and two other Americans in a homecoming celebration at Joint Base Andrews. Hours earlier they had been handed over in a multicountry prisoner swap with Russia painstakingly negotiated over months, sometimes by Biden himself, drawing on friendships and allies nurtured over decades.

The prisoner deal highlighted Bidens long-espoused faith in allies, an approach that he has insisted would produce far greater foreign policy gains than former President Donald Trumps constant attacks on Americas overseas friends. The approach has yielded fewer successes for the White House in war-ridden Ukraine and the Middle East in the past four years.

Multiple countries helped get this done. They joined a difficult complex negotiation at my request," Biden said, announcing the prisoner swap at the White House Thursday, calling it a feat of diplomacy and friendship."

He hailed the contribution of U.S. allies and his relationships with foreign leadersdrawing an implicit contrast with Trump, who recently claimed he would free Gershkovich after the election without any concessions.

Lawmakers from both parties applauded the prisoner swap, though Trump didnt, claiming in a social-media post without evidence that the deal might have included secret money payments: Are we releasing murderers, killers, or thugs? Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps."

Robert OBrien, who served in Trumps administration as the special envoy for hostage affairs and later as his final national security adviser, applauded that Gershkovich, Whelan and the other prisoners can now return to their families, but said the deal came at a very heavy price."

Putin has shown that he has got the back of his arms dealers and his assassins and that improves his standing within the regime," OBrien said. It removes the risks for his operatives to go overseas in the West, kill people, take any kind of malign action and they know he will bring them home."

OBrien said the Trump administration never traded terrorists or killers for innocent Americans" and never paid a dime in ransom," despite bringing 55 hostages home.

We wouldve gotten them home in other ways," he said of the current exchange.

Several senior Republican lawmakers applauded news of the release, while also expressing worries that the deal may embolden Putin in the future.

I remain concerned that continuing to trade innocent Americans for actual Russian criminals held in the U.S. and elsewhere sends a dangerous message to Putin that only encourages further hostage taking by his regime," Republican Rep. Michael McCaul (R., Texas), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Thursday in a statement.

The deal freed 16 people held by Moscow, including Gershkovich, fellow Americans Paul Whelan, a former Marine, and Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist for the U.S. government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, as well as U.S. resident Vladimir Kara-Murza. Each had been convicted on charges in Russia that the U.S. called false or unjust.

In return, the U.S. and four other European countries returned eight Russians serving prison terms for espionage, murder and other crimes to Moscowa deal worked out in painstaking negotiations over months that U.S. officials described as one of the largest prisoner swaps ever

Putin drove a steep bargain in negotiations, insisting on the release of Vadim Krasikov, a convicted assassin employed by the Kremlin to kill a rival in the West who was serving a life sentence in Germany.

But Biden focused more on the contribution that U.S. allies made in putting the complex deal together.

Thursdays swap was negotiated by senior U.S., Russian, German and other European officials. It came together because of a confluence of interests, including Putins willingness to deal with a lame-duck president, rather than wait until after the U.S. elections when the prospects for a trade would be less certain.

Biden personally worked on the Gershkovich deal with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said Jake Sullivan, Bidens national security adviser. Harris, the likely Democratic nominee for president, met with both Scholz and the Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob separately with only a few aides present during the Munich Security Conference in February to urge both leaders to push the agreement through, according to a White House official.

Germanys decision to release Krasikov, a key Kremlin demand, was the linchpin of the deal, Biden said, one that Scholz initially rebuffed.

The demands they were making of me required me to get some significant concessions from Germany which they originally concluded they couldnt do because of the person in question," Biden said.

For Biden, the release of Gershkovich and other Americans is a rare clear-cut success. He has fallen short on other major foreign policy goals, including halting the war in Gaza, restoring a nuclear deal with Iran and helping Ukraine expel Russia from its territory.

Sullivan said that the deals complexity made it unlike any previous prisoner deal with Moscow.

There has never been an exchange involving this number of countries, this number of people changing hands," he said. The degree of complexity and number of participating countries in this exchange is unprecedented, not just in the post-Cold War era but in the history of U.S.-Soviet and U.S.-Russian relations."

Since 2021, the Biden administration has brought home more than 70 such hostages from countries around the world, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Gaza, Haiti, Iran, Russia, Venezuela and West Africa, Sullivan said. But securing the release of Americans detained in Russia has been uniquely challenging" due to the invasion of Ukraine and the deterioration in U.S.-Russia relations, he said.

The White House, in 2023, reached a similar deal to free five Americans who had been imprisoned in Iran in return for a commitment to make available billions of dollars in revenue from Iranian energy sales that had been frozen under sanctionsa concession that Trump at the time called dumb" and that made the U.S. a laughing stock."

The agreement restricted Tehran to using the funds for purchases of food, medicine and other humanitarian goods. But Tehrans access to the funds was halted after the outbreak of the Gaza war last October over its support for Hamas.

During Trumps term as president, he faced the dilemma of how much to give up for the 54-year-old Whelan, who had been arrested by Russian authorities in late 2018. At the time, White House officials saw Moscows demands to trade him for Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer then in U.S. prison, as a one-sided deal that would only encourage Putin to take more Americans as hostages.

But as Whelans case languished, Putin stockpiled his prisons with more Americans to swap for the very few Russians abroad he cared to bring back.

After Russia sentenced Gershkovich to 16 years in prison in July, Trump vowed that he would get him out after the U.S. election for no compensation," warning in a post on X that Biden would only be able to do so for a kings ransom."

Asked Thursday if he had a response to the former presidents claim that he would free the hostages without giving up anything, Biden said of Trump: Why didnt you do it as president?"

Write to David S. Cloud at david.cloud@wsj.com
Former President Donald Trump is a vocal champion of the energy industry and wants the U.S. to drill, baby, drill," while Vice President Kamala Harris has previously voiced support for a fracking ban. But figuring out which politician actually is more favorable to the industry is trickier than it seems.

In the three-week period between President Bidens poor debate performance that cemented Trumps lead and Bidens departure from the race, crude-oil prices fell 3%, while a basket of large U.S. oil-and-gas companies rose nearly 2%. They usually move in tandem, but the divergence makes sense: As industry veteran Dan Pickering, chief investment officer of Pickering Energy Partners, put it: Trump is friendlier to the industry and riskier to the commodity price, while Harris is riskier for the industry and more bullish for price.

Broadly speaking, removing barriers to drilling and pipeline-building can help support long-term growth but can also hamstring near-term commodity prices and industry profits. For example, lowering the cost of doing businesssay, through less stringent environmental rulescould help smaller, wildcatter-type producers join the drilling party, potentially pinching profitability for the industry overall. By the same token, measures that stifle industry growth can actually be great for near-term prices and profits, though maybe not in the long term.

Consider the industrys performance over Bidens presidency so far, during which he discouraged fossil-fuel production and pushed enormous subsidies for green energy: The combined free cash flow of the 10 largest components of the S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Index in the first three years of Bidens term was three times what it was during all four years under Trump, giving those companies more cash to return to shareholders. These were partly driven by higher oil prices during Bidens term, fueled by Russias invasion of Ukraine.

But capital discipline played a big role. That group of large producers is expected to devote a similar combined sum to capital expenditures over Bidens full term, despite higher oil prices, than during Trumps term. A less drilling-friendly environment is more likely to encourage companies to restrain investment in favor of returning cash to shareholders.

Overall, a Trump presidency would come with a range of possible outcomes for the industryanything from a dream to a nightmaredepending on which campaign promises he delivers on. The industrys ideal scenario would be if Trump secured congressional backing to codify changes that would encourage oil-and-gas growth and spending in the long term. These could include diminishing the Energy Departments role in permitting or granting export authority or removing greenhouse gases as a pollutant in the Clean Air Act, consulting firm Rapidan Energy Group President Bob McNally said.

But Trumps antitrade policiesif implementedhave the potential to harm the sector immediately. He has proposed a 10% tariff on all imports, as well as a 60% tariff on those from China. If imposed, the economic chill, particularly on top oil importer China, could dent energy demand.

That would have a bigger negative impact on shale production than any positive impact that easing regulation would have," said McNally. Trump is decidedly bearish for oil," noted Gary Ross, chief executive of Black Gold Investors, referring to his tariff proposals.

Trumps last term was illustrative of unpredictable outcomes for the energy industry. For example, while his administration supported LNG exports, he also ramped up trade tensions with China. Shipments to one of the worlds largest importers ceased for a year after China imposed a 25% tariff on U.S. LNG.

Meanwhile, his push for lower oil prices in 2018by asking Saudi Arabia to produce morepushed the market into oversupply and caused a sharp drop in prices that sapped producer profits. While he initially proposed to open up more of the countrys offshore areas for oil-and-gas drilling, he also frustrated the energy industry by later putting a ban on offshore drilling off the coasts of certain states, including Florida and Georgia, while campaigning for a second term.

There may be a narrower band of outcomes under Harris. She could, of course, create additional costs and headaches for the fossil-fuel industry while pushing policies that favor green energy. As a senator running in the 2020 Democratic primary, she proposed directing the Justice Department to go after oil-and-gas companies that have directly contributed to global warming.

Generally speaking, though, attempts to slow down the industry come with significant limits given increasingly antiregulation courts, according to analysis from Rapidan. Yet, Harris has already walked back her support of a fracking ban. And some of Bidens splashiest energy executive orders have been blocked by federal courts, including the pause on new drilling permits on federal land and offshore waters and on LNG export permits.

Another place presidents could make an impact is through foreign policy.

Despite recent events, Harris is more likely to maintain the status quo, keeping oil flowing from Iran and keeping Russian crude away from Western buyers. Trump could move in directions that will have diverging effects on oil prices: He could be tougher on Iran and try to reintroduce sanctions, which would be bullish for prices. On the other hand, Trump could also look to scale back sanctions on Russia, which could push down oil prices. Trump also has a friendlier relationship with Saudi Arabia, which could potentially mean OPEC+ could be more receptive to U.S. requests to open or close the taps at times of need.

Both the pro-oil president and the pro-green president come with risks for the oil-and-gas industry. Investors greatest solace might be that drilling economics, and the laws of supply and demand, are likely to overrule even a U.S. presidents intentions: Fast-improving fracking technology helped spur the shale boom during Obamas green-friendly term, while the demand crash resulting from the pandemic caused some of the most painful quarters for oil companies during Trumps oil-friendly term. Then Russias invasion of Ukraine helped companies achieve record industry profits during Bidens.

Whether it is elections or the economy, the same principle bears remembering: Its the economy, stupid.

Write to Jinjoo Lee at jinjoo.lee@wsj.com
The government on Friday approved the construction of eight new highways with a total investment of 50,655 crore as part of its bid to become a developed country by 2047.

The project, aimed at developing infrastructure across the country, received approval from the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

The eight new highways, totalling a distance of 935km, will be spread across various economic corridors and are expected to promote industrial growth, Vaishnaw added.

These highway projects will need minimum land acquisition by using existing brownfield land, Vaishnaw said, and will generate employment of 44 million man-days.

The new access-controlled expressways, designed for high-speed traffic with regulated access, will be in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.

With assembly elections approaching in Jharkhand and Maharashtra at the end of this year, the approval of road projects worth over 50,000 crore carries significant political weight.

The approved projects include a 68km ring road in Ayodhya for 3,935 crore, a 121km ring road in Guwahati for 5,729 crore, an 88km Agra-Gwalior corridor for 4,613 crore and a 231km Kharagpur-Moregram corridor for 10,247 crore.

Also read | Govt issues new guidelines to make Indian highways safer

It also includes a 214km Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad corridor for 10,534 crore, a 137km section between Pathalgaon and Gumla for 4,473 crore, a 47km ring road around Kanpur for 3,298 crore and a 30km elevated corridor between Nashik Phata and Khed for 7,827 crore.

Vaishnaw said these projects were approved after analysing data from the PM Gatishakti Portal and that they will play a crucial role in the country's economic growth.

The states will also be roped into the development of these highway projects, he said, adding, following consultations with the states, the Centre will construct ring roads in Ayodhya and Guwahati.

The 68km ring road in Ayodhya, designed to boost religious tourism to the Rama temple, will be developed under the hybrid annuity mode, while the four-lane, 121km ring road in Guwahati will be developed in build-operate-toll mode.

The four-lane Kharagpur-Moregram high-speed corridor will run for 231km at a cost 10,247 crore, Vaishnaw said, and will provide connectivity between West Bengal, Adhra Pradesh and Odisha, and the north-eastern part of the country.

The six-lane, 214km Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad high-speed corridor, costing 10,534 crore, will link the Amritsar-Jamnagar and Delhi-Mumbai corridors, enhancing freight efficiency to major ports in Maharashtra, including the new Vadhavan port.

Also read | NHAI sets up dedicated cell to review DPRs or highway projects

The Centre will construct a 137km, four-lane highway between Pathalgaon and Gumla in the Raipur-Ranchi corridor, costing 4,473 crore, to improve connectivity between mining and manufacturing regions in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

Uttar Pradesh will get one more six-lane greenfield ring road around Kanpur, Vaishnaw said. This road will be 47km long and will cost 3,298 crore.
An estimated 1m Palestinians have fled Rafah since the start of Israels offensive there on May 6th. For those who remain, the fighting has had grisly consequences. At least 45 people, including a number of children, died on May 26th after an Israeli air strike set fire to a tent camp; survivors had to pull charred bodies from the wreckage. Even those who evacuated are not entirely safe: dozens more were killed two days later in a strike near al-Mawasi, a so-called humanitarian zone" for displaced civilians.

Less macabre, but just as consequential, is what the offensive has done to the flows of aid that have kept 2.2m Palestinians alive throughout eight months of war. Consider the statistics from one recent day. The Israeli army said that 370 lorries of aid reached Gaza on May 27th, 154 of them via Kerem Shalom, a border crossing in the south. Yet the uns official tally from that day recorded zero lorries at Kerem Shalom. Neither side is lyingnor, though, are they telling the whole truth. The confusing figures show how Israels campaign in Rafah has complicated deliveries of aid.

Until it began, most of the aid reaching Gaza did so by lorry in the south, where it was collected by the un. Of the 27,608 lorries that entered between the start of the war and May 6th, around 25,000 went via the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings (see map). Over 90% of those lorries delivered goods to the un and other charities; only a small fraction carried cargo ordered by private firms.

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Deliveries reached an all-time high in April, when 5,671 lorries entered Gaza via the two southern crossings. There were also new routes for shipments to other parts of the enclave. In May Israel opened a new crossing, called West Erez, which could handle deliveries in the north. America inaugurated a temporary pier to receive supplies by sea. After months of shortages, aid workers were hopeful that the humanitarian situation was improving.

Then Israeli troops began their push into Rafah. It has caused two big problems. First is the supply of aid. Egypt stopped sending lorries to the Rafah crossing after Israeli troops seized it. Kerem Shalom has, at times, been too dangerous to use (partly because Hamas keeps firing rockets at it). The week before the Rafah offensive began, the UN received 1,601 lorries through those crossings; the week after, it recorded 63 (see chart). Most lorries entering in the south are now bound for private firms, not charities. They show up in Israels statistics, but not in the UNs.

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On most days the West Erez crossing now handles a majority of the aid entering Gaza. In the two weeks before the Rafah offensive, just 94 aid lorries used that route; in the two weeks after it began, 465 of them did. That is a five-fold increase, but it does not make up for the much larger drop in aid flows in the south.

Nor does the maritime route. In its first week the American-built pier received around 1,100 tonnes of aidthe equivalent of eight lorries a day. On May 28th the Pentagon said the pier had been damaged and needed to be towed to Israel for repairs.

Moreover, both the pier and the West Erez crossing are in northern Gaza, which has been largely depopulated. That points to a second issue. The daily figures from the Israeli army count all the lorries that clear security screening and unload their goods on the Gazan side of the border. But those deliveries are little help to Gazans unless someone can pick up the supplies and deliver them where they are needed.

Until May 6th, the UN was largely responsible for that: it sent hundreds of lorries each day to collect aid from the southern crossings. With most of Gazas 2.2m people huddled in Rafah, most aid stayed there as well; many UN lorries had to drive only a few kilometres to drop their cargo at warehouses and government offices.

Now, though, the UN says it is often too dangerous to send drivers to Kerem Shalom. Since May 6th it has dispatched just 169 lorries (an average of seven a day). On May 21st the UN halted food distribution in Rafah, citing logistical glitches. Deliveries in the north can be fraught as well: much of the aid that came via the American-built pier was seized by hungry crowds before it reached UN warehouses.

Private firms have fewer qualms about security: they send dozens of lorries to Kerem Shalom each day to collect goods and deliver them to makeshift markets. With less aid entering Gaza, these markets are now a vital lifeline. But shoppers say the prices are often high and erratic.

This makes for a bleak picture. Food, medicine and other essentials are still getting into Gaza, but some shipments are stuck in staging areas on the border. Others are sold at prices that few Gazans can afford. Israel, though, insists that it is meeting its duties under international law.

Warring states have no duty to feed the enemy, only a duty to facilitate": they must allow neutral parties to deliver humanitarian aid, which Israel has done with the UN. But those duties change if they become occupying powers. Then they must ensure the provision" of basic supplies. It is not enough passively to allow food into the territory; occupiers must themselves actively provide supplies if they are needed and cannot get through by other means.

Under international law, an army becomes an occupying power once it can exercise effective control" over a territory. The meaning of that phrase is debated. Many Israeli lawyers argue their country cannot be deemed to occupy Gaza: it has not set up a formal administration there, and its troops have withdrawn from many areas they once controlled. Perhaps Israel has been the occupying power for limited periods in particular areas, they concede, but not in Gaza as a whole.

Yet Israel now controls all of Gazas land borders, its coastline and its air space. It has thousands of troops in Rafah, a smaller number deployed along a corridor that bisects the enclave, and the freedom to send forces anywhere it wishes. It has not set up a military government for Gazabut it has the power to do so.

To many, that looks like effective control. David Cameron, Britains foreign secretary, called Israel an occupying power in March. On May 20th a panel of experts convened by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court found that Israel was certainly" an occupying power in all of or at least in substantial parts of Gaza". The prosecutor accused Israels prime minister and its defence minister of inflicting starvation as a method of war" in his request for arrest warrants in May.

For almost eight months, Israel has resisted calls to deliver aid to Gazans directly and urged the UN to do more. But the fighting in Rafah has left the UN paralysed. Whatever the legal arguments, if the offensive leads to greater hunger and disease in Gaza, many will hold Israel responsible.
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore may return from space soon. In its latest update, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the completion of Starliners return planning is expected to continue into next week.

Moreover, NASA is gearing up for the launch of the next SpaceX Crew Dragon mission, Crew-9, no earlier than August 18. In the wake of the new launch, the priority is believed to be the return of the Starliner spacecraft to free up one of the two docking ports at the International Space Station (ISS).

So, before the Crew-9 launch, NASA and Boeing officials are focused on resolving issues with Starliner, news agency ANI reported.

In briefing on July 10, a NASA official had said, The big driver is the handover that we have coming up between Crew 8 and Crew 9, which is in mid-august. So, we have to back up.

We havent yet done that yet, but obviously, a few days before that launch opportunity, we would need to get Butch and Sunny home on Starliner. So thats kind of a backend, the official had said.

He said data is being analysed to see what the earliest we could target for undocking [at the ISS] and landing on Earth.

The Crew-9 mission, targeted to launch in mid-August, will carry NASA astronauts Zena Cardman, Nick Hague, Stephanie Wilson, and cosmonaut Alexsandr Gorbunov of Roscosmos to the orbiting laboratory. As per NASA, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the crew aboard a Dragon spacecraft

Boeings Starliner spacecraft launched NASAs Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams into space on June 5. They reached the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6. They are the first astronauts to fly Boeing's troubled Starliner.

The duo was expected to return to Earth in a few weeks. However, their stay in space has been extended following thruster and helium leak anomalies on the Starliner capsule docked at the ISS.

No date has been set for the return of the two NASA astronauts from space. The Starliner capsule has been in space for 59 days and counting.

Starliner or SpaceXs Crew Dragon? Sunita and Butch to come back on... Right now, the prime option for the NASA astronauts is to return on Boeings Starliner capsule. However, an official had said on July 10, ...we decided to use Dragon as a contingency return option...and had it set up for if we needed to use it as a lifeboat...

We declared Starliner safe to we an emergency return vehicle..., the official said. Boeing's Mark Nappi earlier stressed that in an emergency, Starliner and its crew could return right now.

Starliner is go to return an emergency if the crew needed to return at any point in time, officials had said.

Meanwhile, CNBC reported on Friday that NASA management has been mulling the possibility of returning Starliner empty and instead using SpaceXs Crew Dragon spacecraft to return its astronaut.

A source told CNBC that NASAs concern with Starliner stems from not having identified the root cause for why multiple of the spacecrafts thrusters failed during docking.

There is no consensus among those responsible for making the decision, sources added.

NASA has said that one of the motives behind Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmores longer-than-scheduled stay is to identify the cause of the problem on Starliner and conduct multiple checks before returning to Earth. The thrusters on the service module are critical for the Starliner to return to Earth safely.

Teams are taking their time to analyse the results of recent docked hot-fire testing, finalize flight rationale for the spacecrafts integrated propulsion system, and confirm system reliability ahead of Starliners return to Earth from the International Space Station, NASA said on Thursday.

Boeing expects to lose $125 million As the Boeing Starliner's return to Earth is delayed indefinitely, the aerospace company expects to lose $125 million more, Business Insider reported.

As per the report, Boeing informed in a Wednesday SEC filing that because of the delays, it has "increased the reach-forward loss on the program by $125 (million)."

This was on top of the $288 million additional loss that the company had projected in 2023, per the filing.

Also Read | Sunita Williamss 1st message after delay in Boeing Starliner return from space

The quarterly earnings reported Wednesday reflected the scope of Boeing's challenges. The reported loss of $1.44 billion for the second quarter compared with a loss of $149 million a year earlier, the Associated Press reported.
Israeli Forces operate in southern Gaza. (IDF photo)

Hezbollah targeted northern Israel with barrages of rockets as Iran vowed revenge against Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Hezbollah also promised to increase attacks after Israel killed Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut on July 30.

Hezbollahs rocket fire began in the evening, aimed at several communities in the western Galilee. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said, following the sirens that sounded at 21:44 in the western Galilee area, numerous projectiles crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory, some of which were intercepted, and the rest fell in open areas. No injuries were reported.

The IDF stated it carried out retaliatory strikes against the launcher used in the attack. In addition, the IDF said it used artillery to remove threats in the areas of Rmaych and Ramyeh in southern Lebanon.

The rocket fire on the evening of August 1 appeared to be a prelude to a larger Hezbollah attack the Iranian-backed group vowed is forthcoming. The IDF has prepared for various scenarios involving attacks by Iran and its proxies.

Major General Tomer Bar, the head of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), released a statement after the completion of a recent IAF unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator course: The Israeli Air Force defends and operates in all arenas of the war, enveloping the State of Israel with dozens of aircraft, manned and unmanned, ready and prepared within minutes for any scenario, in any arena. His comments were directed at the larger threats facing Israel.

Bar said the air force would act against any threat and claimed there was nowhere that is too far for us to strike. The IAF carried out a retaliatory strike on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah after the Houthis used a drone to attack Tel Aviv on July 19. The operation, using F-15s, F-35s, and refueling aircraft, was an example of the kind of complex operation Israel could use in other scenarios.

Another type of operation carried out by the IAF was the airstrike on Hamas commander Mohammed Deif in Gaza on July 13. The IDF concluded that Deif was killed in the strike more than two weeks after it was carried out. Following precise IDF and ISA intelligence, IAF fighter jets conducted a precise, targeted strike on a compound in which Mohammed Deif and Rafaa Salameh, the Commander of Hamas Khan Yunis Brigade, were located, the IDF noted on July 13.

On the Gaza front, Israel continued small operations against Hamas. In Khan Younis, Israeli forces carried out an airstrike on launchers used by the group. In Tel al-Sultan, near Rafah, the IDF also said it dismantled a structure rigged with explosives that was used by Hamas terrorists. Hamas continues to say that it is targeting Israeli forces in southern Gaza, claiming in recent days to carry out attacks on armored vehicles. Elsewhere in Gaza, much of the fighting appears to have reduced to a relatively low-intensity conflict.

The IDF said one of the IAFs airstrikes struck the Dalal School in Shejaiya in northern Gaza. Israel accused terrorists of using the compound as a hideout for commanders and operatives. In another airstrike, Israeli forces killed Ismail al-Ghoul, who Al Jazeera said was one of its journalists.

In a joint IDF and ISA [Israel Security Agency] operation, the IAF struck and eliminated Ismail al-Ghoul, a Hamas Military Wing operative and Nukhba terrorist who participated in the October 7th Massacre and was responsible for the recording and publication of attacks against IDF troops, the IDF said. Israel is often accused of improperly targeting civilian personnel and structures, such as schools and journalists, but the IDF states that Ghoul and the Dalal School were legitimate targets linked to terrorism.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
Dear Eric: My brother and his family are born-again Christian. I stayed with him in his hometown for about a week while I was having surgery to remove my prostate.

After the stay, my brother told me that I was no longer invited to his home because my atheism made them uncomfortable, but we could always meet at a cafe.

I dont wear my atheism on my sleeve, but he did attempt to convert me. No big deal to me.

I am back in the same town for a month of radiation treatment. They asked if I needed anything, like meals prepared, and I declined.

My wife and several of his children want me to attempt reconciliation, but my exclusion from his home as an inferior person is a showstopper.

 Unwelcome Visitor

Dear Visitor: Ill refrain from expounding on the many Bible verses specifically about welcoming people into ones home. It is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than it is to define the right way for a person to practice their faith.

I wish I had more information about what prompted your brothers discomfort. Was it simply that you didnt accept his evangelizing? Im curious about whether youre in active conflict or if hes simply a my way or the highway type.

Reconciliation isnt fully your responsibility here, though. Radiation can be grueling. I cant imagine sending a family member back to an empty hotel room, even if I did pack them a bag lunch.

For now, focus on your health and peace of mind. But when youre feeling up to it, break bread at a cafe and see if you can find common ground.

(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)

2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Taylor Swift warned fans who traveled to her concert in Warsaw on Thursday to expect loud sirens in the afternoon honoring a key World War II anniversary.

When the moment came, many of the fans who arrived for the concert also stood in tribute.

The Polish capital held observances to mark the 80th anniversary of the start of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, a 63-day revolt by Polish insurgents after five years of brutal Nazi German occupation. The entire city stops and alarm sirens sound every year on Aug. 1 at the exact time when the revolt was launched.

Thousands of ticket-holders, many traveled to Warsaw from afar, were in the area of the stadium early ahead of the evening performance.

While some fans took place, their mood was celebratory at getting to hear Swift perform  while the ceremonies for the war anniversary were somber in tone. Swift is performing for three consecutive nights in Warsaw.

Swift will play again Friday and Saturday in Warsaw before heading to Austria then wrapping up her overseas tour in England. Fans looking to buy tickets to Austria or London can shop around at SeatGeek and StubHub for the best prices. Once the oversears tour is wrapped up, Swift takes a break before heading to Miami in October, which kicks off a three-city US stint. After that she will be in Toronto. Fans looking to get tickets to any of those North American shows can shop at SeatGeek and StubHub.
A Plymouth County Superior Court jury found Christine Ricci guilty on Friday of fatally stabbing her husband Michael Ricci in 2021.

Ricci, 46, of Marshfield was charged with the second-degree murder of her husband, 51, a 23-year member of the Boston Fire Department. She was also found guilty of one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Her sentencing was scheduled for 3 p.m. on Aug. 22.

During closing arguments on Thursday, Plymouth County prosecutor said Christine Ricci was filled with rage and was motivated by jealousy before twice stabbing her husband with a steak knife.

Witnesses who testified said that Christine Ricci was obsessed with learning more about an affair her husband was having, which began in fall 2018. This resulted in daily verbal fights.

Although witnesses said during the trial that the firefighter was seen with bruises and fat lips that came from his wife, none said that Michael Ricci physically abused his wife, prosecutor Jeremy Beth Kusmin said.

Their then-16-year-old daughter, Sophiya Ricci testified during the trial that her parents verbal fights were not alarming to me. I was used to it. It was January 2021, and after she heard banging downstairs, her mother called for her.

Sophiya Ricci saw her father lying on his back and her mother told her to call 911, she said.

Michael Riccis stab wounds, one in the heart and one in the upper rear left shoulder, were not consistent with the defendants account of the events, prosecutors argued in court filings.

After the incident, Christine Ricci told first responders that Michael Ricci was having a manic episode and fell. Then when first responders performed CPR, they found that he had stab wounds. She claimed she defended herself, holding a five-inch steak knife, when Michael Ricci lunged at her.

First responders saw the knife about two feet from his foot. He was brought to South Shore Hospital and pronounced dead at 5:30 p.m., according to court filings.

Christine Riccis lawyer Joshua Wood said Thursday that she was on multiple medications, suffered from panic attacks and was in counseling and therapy. Sophiya Ricci told authorities that her mother was on prescribed medication for mental illness, while her father was a sober recovering alcoholic.

Wood added that prosecutors did not present enough evidence to jurors about Christine Riccis intent in stabbing the firefighter.

Wood presented an alternate theory of the case. Christine Ricci had suicidal ideation and, in this instance, grabbed a knife to hurt herself, and her husband tried to stop her. In that moment, this ended with him being stabbed twice.

Kusmin rejected Woods theory.
An inmate at a New Hampshire jail was arrested by U.S. marshals in South Boston Friday morning after he removed his ankle bracelet and fled the hospital where he was getting treatment, authorities said.

Anthony Clark, 41, was charged Thursday with one count of violating the Fugitive Felon Act, New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said in a statement.

This law prohibits crossing state lines to avoid prosecution, imprisonment or testifying in felony cases, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Clark was arrested in South Boston Friday morning and was set to appear in federal court in Concord, New Hampshire at noon on Friday, Young added.

Clark was an inmate at the Belknap County Jail in Concord on pretrial detention, according to charging documents.

Young said that Clark was facing trial on a slew of state charges, including assault, domestic violence, strangulation, witness tampering and violating a protective order.

Clark was released on conditions to Concord Hospital in Laconia, New Hampshire for medical reasons in July, Young added. During his hospital stay, Clark wore an electronic ankle bracelet to monitor his location.

But, around 10 p.m. on Sunday, Laconia Police received a call from a concerned resident who found an ankle bracelet on High Street near Concord Hospital, according to Young.

Police confirmed the bracelet belonged to Clark and footage from Concord Hospital revealed Clark left the hospital around 1 a.m. Sunday, Young said. Once Clark removed the bracelet, it triggered the devices tamper alert, but it went undetected.

The New Hampshire U.S. Attorneys Office did not immediately respond to MassLives inquiry as to why the electronic ankle bracelets tamper alert went undetected.
Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe in a statement on Thursday called the conditions at a Shirley Avenue apartment building where a 4-year-old child fell from a third-floor balcony unacceptable and cited the property for several building violations.

The 4-year-old child was brought to Massachusetts General Hospital in critical condition after falling from the balcony, NBC Boston reported. A spokesperson for Revere Police told The Boston Globe on Thursday that the child was in stable condition.

I am praying for the speedy recovery of the child that was injured in yesterdays tragic accident, and for his family and loved ones, Keefe wrote in a statement posted to Facebook. I am grateful to our first responders for their swift action in providing aid. No family should have to live in unsafe housing conditions and landlords have a responsibility to ensure safety for their tenants.
A Russian national who was convicted of multiple counts of fraud for a hacking scheme where he and several co-conspirators hacked into a server in downtown Boston to obtain non-public information about hundreds of publicly traded companies was one of the two-dozen prisoners traded between the U.S. and Russia on Thursday.

The swap, which made national headlines as the largest between the two nations in decades, also included Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan who had been detained since 2018.

Among the prisoners released by the West was Vladislav Klyushin, of Moscow, described by the Associated Press as a wealthy businessman with ties to the Kremlin, who was sentenced to nine years in prison in Federal Court in Boston in 2023.

Klyushin had previously been convicted of securities fraud, wire fraud, gaining unauthorized access to computers, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levys office said.

As a result of the hacking scheme, Klyushin netted about $93 million in securities trades based on the confidential information he was able to obtain. Along with the prison sentence, he was ordered to forfeit $34 million and pay restitution, according to Levys office.

Klyushin was arrested in Sion, Switzerland in March 2021 and extradited to the United States in December 2021 to face federal charges in Boston.

Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division, called Klyushin a sophisticated hacker.

Levy added, This case should send a message to criminals around the world that their location does not provide anonymity and the reach of American law enforcement is long. Anyone who defrauds American companies, markets or investors, will be found and prosecuted, regardless of where they hide, or how long it takes.

The trade involving Klyushin unfolded despite relations between Washington and Moscow being at their lowest point since the Cold War after Russian President Vladimir Putins February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Negotiators in backchannel talks at one point explored an exchange involving Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, but after his death in February ultimately stitched together a 24-person deal that required significant concessions from European allies, including the release of a Russian assassin, and secured freedom for a cluster of journalists, suspected spies, political prisoners and others.

Biden trumpeted the exchange, by far the largest in a series of swaps with Russia, as a diplomatic feat while welcoming families of the returning Americans to the White House. But the deal, like others before it, reflected an innate imbalance: The U.S. and allies gave up Russians charged or convicted of serious crimes in exchange for Russia releasing journalists, dissidents and others imprisoned by the countrys highly politicized legal system on charges seen by the West as trumped-up.

Deals like this one come with tough calls, Biden said. He added, Theres nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
Northampton public schools secured an additional $192,400 in state funding, saving some positions across the district originally slated to be cut amid a record budget crunch affecting districts across the state.

Northamptons school committee voted on Wednesday to reinstate an adjustment counselor at Northampton High School and a math interventionist at John F. Kennedy Middle School. In addition, the school committee agreed to make a part-time middle school reading interventionist position full time and a part-time board certified behavior analyst full time at Ryan Road Elementary School.
Election season in Massachusetts is right around the corner  and voters have less than a month to make sure theyre registered on time.

The Massachusetts primary elections are on Sept. 3, followed by the general election, which includes the race for the White House, on Nov. 5. Heres everything you need to know about exercising your civic duty.

Dates to remember

Deadline for primary election voter registration: Aug. 24

Deadline for primary election vote-by-mail application: Aug. 26

Massachusetts primary election date: Sept. 3 . Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Deadline for presidential election voter registration: Oct. 26

Deadline for presidential election vote-by-mail application: Oct. 29

General election date: Nov. 5. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Am I registered to vote?

You can confirm youre already registered to vote by going to the Massachusetts Secretary of States website. Enter your name, date of birth and ZIP code, and to find out if your voting status is active.

Massachusetts drivers license carriers are automatically registered to vote if they renew a drivers license, learners permit, or state ID, apply for MassHealth benefits, or enroll in health insurance through HealthConnector. This is unless you have selected to opt out while doing any of those things.

Voters only need to re-register again if they have moved, changed their name, have not voted in four years or want to change political parties.

How to qualify for voting registration

Prospective voters have to meet a few qualifications when they register, according to Secretary of State William Galvins website.

All Bay State voters need to be U.S. citizens, Massachusetts residents aged 18 years old or older and not be incarcerated due to a felony conviction, Galvins office said.

How to register to vote for primary and presidential elections

Registration for all elections can happen online, by mail, or in person. Residents can also pre-register starting at the age of 16 and will be added to Massachusetts list when they turn 18.

The deadline for voter registration in Massachusetts is Aug. 24 for the primary election, and Oct. 26 for the general election.

Registering online

Those who register online on the states website must answer several questions, including:

Are you a citizen of the United States of America?

Are you at least 16 years old?

Do you have an ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles?

Prospective voters then verify their RMV ID and provide their first name, last name, date of birth, and RMV ID number. After, theyre taken to the online application and will fill out a former name and address, if applicable, along with current residential and mailing addresses and a phone number.

They will also fill out a political party or designation. Voters can choose from the Democratic, Republican or Libertarian parties, or select No party (Unenrolled, commonly referred to as Independent). For a full list of political designations, which includes Green Party USA, click the link here.

Registering by mail

Voter registration forms can be printed at this link. The form must be filled out and signed, then mailed to a prospective voters local election office and postmarked by the voter registration deadline.

Those registering to vote in Massachusetts for the first time should include a copy of identification with the applicants name and address. If a copy is not included, one must be presented the first time voting.

Registering in-person

Voter registration forms done in person are valid the day they are signed. Registering and pre-registering in person can happen at the following locations in Massachusetts:

A prospective voters local town clerks, election commission, and Boards of Registrars

The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth Elections Division

The Secretary of the Commonwealths regional offices

Where is my polling location?

To find a local poll booth location, voters can enter their address on the Secretary of Commonwealths website. This will show their precinct number, ward number, and the address of where they can vote.

Which ballot do I get?

The ballot you vote on will depend on which party you are registered under. Upon checking in at your polling location, voters are given a ballot for the party theyre registered under.

Unenrolled voters or those registered for any party other than those listed can choose any one of the party ballots at the poll. All voters are only allowed one ballot.

Do I need to show identification?

In most cases, voters do not need to show their identification to vote in Massachusetts  theyre usually asked their address and name, and poll workers check the information on their list of registered voters.

But a voter could be asked for their ID for one of the following reasons, according to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealths office:

You are an inactive voter

You are casting a provisional or challenged ballot

The poll worker has a reasonable suspicion that leads them to request identification

An ID must include a voters name and the address where they are registered to vote. Examples include a drivers license, state-issued ID card, recent utility bill, rent receipt, lease, a copy of a voter registration affidavit, or any other printed identification that contains the voters name and address.

How to vote in the primary and general elections

The primary election voting day is Sept. 3, and the general election voting day is Nov. 5.

In-person

Head over to your polling place and when you check in, provide the poll worker with your address and your name, Galvins website said. This poll worker must then repeat your name, address, and party choice back to you before marking the information on the voter list.

Independent, or unenrolled, voters  voters not registered as Democrats, Republicans, or Libertarians  must choose a partys primary to vote in, according to the secretarys website.

Vote by mail

Those who wish to vote by mail for the primary election must apply by 5 p.m. on Aug. 26, and must apply by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29 for the general election, Galvins office said.

There are certain deadlines for both elections. Primary elections have a hard deadline of 8 p.m. on Sept. 3 for mail-in ballot returns.

The general presidential election has three separate deadlines according to how the mail-in ballot is returned. These include:

If returned in-person or by dropbox: 8 p.m. on Nov. 5

If returned by domestic mail: 5 p.m. on Nov. 8 (must be postmarked by Election Day)

If returned by mail from outside the U.S. (for military and overseas voters): 5 p.m. on Nov. 15 (must be postmarked by Election Day)

The elections division refers to the same online application process for voters with disabilities, with an accessible vote-by-mail application. This application can include a type-written signature if voters are not able to independently sign their application by hand.
Editors note: This article was updated to include Sara Barber-Justs clarification of her role with the Graphic as its adviser.

Months after filing a discrimination complaint against the Amherst Regional School District, former Amherst Assistant Superintendent Doreen Reyes, formerly known as Doreen Cunningham, filed a new federal lawsuit with highly similar accusations.
WILLIAMSBURG  Exhibit A Brewing is already preparing to reopen the historic Williams House tavern, most recently Burgy Brews, but home over the years to Brewmasters Tavern and before that Opa Opa.

There is no set opening date, said Matthew Steinberg, co-founder and head brewer of Exhibit A. The brewery still must go through local and state licensing.
SPRINGFIELD  A West Springfield man was sentenced Thursday to just over two years in prison for owning a machine gun.

In U.S. District Court in Springfield, Angel Vargas Jr., 32, received 27 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
AMHERST  Since her arrest at a protest at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Annie McGrew has been pivoting between two sets of hearings: one for the misdemeanor charges she faces in court and another for violations of the colleges conduct code.

It has kept the graduate student from working toward completion of her dissertation in economics.
In an effort to learn more about how to make child care more accessible across the state, a top state education official will be visiting Springfield next week.

On Monday, Patrick Tutwiler, the education secretary, will be hosting a listening session in Springfield to inform recommendations for a Early Education and Child Care Task Force.
WESTFIELD  A familiar sight over the skies of Westfield has touched down for the last time in northern Connecticut.

A retired F-15C Eagle fighter jet stationed at the Barnes Air National Guard Base joined the collection at the New England Air Museum on Aug. 1.
Les membres du Cabinet ont pris note de lintroduction du National Flag, Arms of Mauritius, National Anthem and Other National Symbols of Mauritius (Amendment) Bill au Parlement prochainement, du State Lands (Amendment No. 2) Bill et le Pas Geometriques (Amendment) Bill, des retombees de la visite du Premier Ministre en Angleterre, de la lsite des conges public en 2025 entre autres.

1. Cabinet has agreed to the introduction of the National Flag, Arms of Mauritius, National Anthem and Other National Symbols of Mauritius (Amendment) Bill into the National Assembly, the object of which would be to provide, as is currently the case, that monochrome, greyscale and line art version of the Arms of Mauritius and the Seal of Mauritius may, with such modifications and adaptations as may be necessary, be used on every official correspondence of the Government and on such other item of the Government, including the uniform of any Government department, as may be approved.

2. Cabinet has agreed to the introduction of the State Lands (Amendment No. 2) Bill and the Pas Geometriques (Amendment) Bill into the National Assembly. The object of both Bills would be to allow the lease of a barachois, situate wholly or partly upon State land or Pas Geometriques, as the case may be, and which has been vested in the Ministry responsible for the subject of fisheries, on such terms and conditions as may be approved.

3. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the recent mission of the Prime Minister to the United Kingdom. During his mission, the Prime Minister met the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer, KCB, KC, MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Rt Hon David Lammy, MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. Discussions between the Prime Minister and his UK counterpart focused, inter alia, on the negotiations between Mauritius and the UK on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. During the visit, meetings were also held with the external lawyers of Mauritius on the Chagos Archipelago issue.

4. Cabinet has agreed to the Government Information Service (GIS) signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Library on the digitisation and storage of the GIS archives of newspapers in order to pave the way for a collaborative venture between both institutions to preserve and transfer the Archives of Newspapers of the Documentation Section of the GIS, dating as far back as 1952, to the National Library to be thereafter digitalised by the latter.

5. Cabinet has agreed to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Rabindranath Tagore Institute, Mauritius, and the Rabindranath Tagore University (RNTU), Bhopal, India. The latter was established in 2010, named after Indias first Nobel Laureate poet, painter, and thinker, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.

The scope of collaboration under the Memorandum of Understanding would include the following:

(a) academic and research collaboration in the areas of mutual interest;

(b) exchange of academic information, scholarly information, materials and publications;

(c) exchange of students and faculty;

(d) sponsorship of cooperative seminars, workshops, capacity building programme and other academic meetings; and

(e) offer of online and face-to-face courses.

6. Cabinet has agreed to the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Technology, Mauritius and the Competition Commission, Mauritius. The Memorandum of Agreement would provide for collaboration in the field of competition and enable the implementation of the following activities of mutual interest:

(a) organisation of joint workshops, specialised seminars, guest lectures and webinars with the purpose of disseminating practical information on competition economics and law;

(b) conduct of joint market studies to gather primary data and promote research in the field of competition;

(c) sponsorships of academic research projects on competition matters; and

(d) joint elaboration and delivery of executive programmes for different stakeholders, with the aim to foster knowledge for better awareness, advocacy and assessment of competition matters.

7. Cabinet has agreed to the signing of a Small Scale Funding Agreement between the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change and the United Nations Environment Programme for the implementation of the provisions of the Montreal Protocol.

To facilitate compliance with the provisions of the Protocol and enhance the capacity of National Ozone Offices, the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol provides financial assistance to developing country parties under the Institutional Strengthening Project. In that connection, the following activities would be implemented:

(a) monitoring and control of the importation of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) and the use of Hydrochloroflurocarbons, including continued capacity building programmes for Customs Officers and other law enforcement officers to combat the illegal trade of ODSs;

(b) awareness programmes and information exchange in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector to ensure that the importation of refrigerants is compliant with existing legal provisions; and

(c) support to the operation of the National Ozone Unit at the level of the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change.

8. Cabinet has agreed to the signing of an Agreement with Ukraine on mutual abolition of visa requirements for holders of Diplomatic, Service, Ordinary passports and other travel documents such as Seamans Identification Card, Crew Member Certificate, Certificate for Return to Ukraine for nationals of Ukraine. Currently, nationals of Ukraine travelling to Mauritius obtain a visa on arrival up to 90 days. However, Mauritian nationals travelling to Ukraine need to apply for a visa prior to departure. Under the Agreement, nationals of both countries, holding valid travel documents as specified in the Agreement shall enter into, stay in, exit from and transit through the territory of the State of the other country without visas, for a period not exceeding 90 days within 180 days.

9. Cabinet has taken note that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was signed on 22 July 2024 by HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE and the Attorney General, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade on behalf of Mauritius during an official ceremony held in Dubai in the virtual presence of the Prime Minister of Mauritius, and the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The CEPA was considered as a Landmark Agreement, the first in Africa which would consolidate the economic relations between Mauritius and the UAE and increase bilateral trade and investment flows.

10. Cabinet has agreed to instructions being conveyed to the Attorney Generals Office for the drafting of regulations, under the Forests and Reserves Act, to better control the exploitation of sandalwood on State and private forests land to address the illegal exploitation and exportation of sandalwood.

11. Cabinet has agreed to the implementation of the National Employment Policy 2024-2028 which would address the expressed needs, expectations and priorities for employment promotion in the following four policy priorities:

(a) stimulate Employment Growth in Emerging and Sunset Sectors;

(b) address Education and Skills Mismatch and Labour Shortage;

(c) strengthen Labour Market Policies and Institutions; and

(d) promote Quality Employment: Decent Work and Social Inclusion.

12. Cabinet has taken note of the implementation of a National Honeynet System by the Computer Emergency Response Team of Mauritius (CERT-MU). The National Honeynet System was meant for critical public organisations which would allow to detect attack patterns, techniques and tactics used by attackers. The National Honeynet System would act as a decoy system with loosely configured network settings in order to lure cyber attackers.

13. Cabinet has taken note of the adoption of the 4th Universal Periodic Review Report of Mauritius by the Human Rights Council at the 56th Session of the Council. During the adoption session, several countries intervened and commended Mauritius on its progress for the promotion and protection of human rights, its public health policy, its social protection policies and measures taken to improve childrens welfare. Non-Government Organisations also commended Mauritius for the efforts for improving human rights, including the inauguration of the International Slavery Museum.

14. Cabinet has taken note of the list of Public Holidays for the Year 2025, which is as follows:

New Year 1st January 2025 New Year 2nd January 2025 Chinese Spring Festival Wednesday 29 January Abolition of Slavery Saturday 01 February Thaipoosam Cavadee Tuesday 11 February Maha Shivaratree Wednesday 26 February Independence and Republic Day Wednesday 12 March Ugaadi Sunday 30 March Eid-Ul-Fitr** Monday 31 March Labour Day Thursday 01 May Ganesh Chaturthi Thursday 28 August Divali Monday 20 October All Saints Day Saturday 01 November Arrival of Indentured Labourers Sunday 02 November Christmas Thursday 25 December

** The exact date of this festival is subject to confirmation as its celebration depends on the visibility of the moon.

15. Cabinet has agreed to the holding of Vishwarang 2024, an International Hindi Conference, from 07 to 09 August 2024 in Mauritius by the Rabindranath Tagore University (Bhopal, India) in collaboration with the World Hindi Secretariat, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, the Rabindranath Tagore Institute, the Hindi Speaking Union, the Hindi Pracharini Sabha and the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation.

The aim of the Vishwarang 2024 would be to further promote the Hindi Language and Literature and the Indian Culture and Arts. Some 150 foreign delegates from around 20 countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, UAE, UK, USA, Vietnam, amongst others, would participate in Vishwarang 2024 along with local delegates.

16. Cabinet has taken note of the proposed visit of a team from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience (CAB) International from 05 to 08 August 2024 to Mauritius. The CAB International is an inter-governmental and non-profit organisation established by a United Nations treaty-level agreement between 48 Member Countries, including Mauritius.

The purpose of the visit would be to engage with key stakeholders in agriculture and accordingly identify opportunities for collaboration in terms of technology transfer, plant health, capacity building, digital development and access to low-risk production inputs.

17. Cabinet has taken note of the National Strategy (2024-2028) for Integrated Vector Management, prepared by the World Health Organization following a situational analysis on vector borne diseases conducted in Mauritius and Rodrigues in the context of the ongoing dengue outbreak. The National Strategy advocates for, inter alia, the:

(a) establishment of a Technical Working Group to strengthen existing capacities and set up integrated surveillance system encompassing all vector borne diseases for better coordination;

(b) reinforcement of the core entomological capacity and infrastructure for vector surveillance through recruitment, training of additional staff and enhancing collaboration with universities for specialised training of staff;

(c) setting-up of a new laboratory, namely an insectary and laboratory platform incorporating the necessary biosafety and security facilities comprising proper air-controlled system to rear mosquitoes; and

(d) setting-up of a branch of Vector Biology and Control Division in Rodrigues headed by an entomologist.

18. Cabinet has taken note that, as at 01 August 2024, there were four active cases of Dengue Fever in Mauritius, of which one person had been hospitalised. For Rodrigues, 16 active cases of Dengue Fever had been recorded and one person was hospitalised.

19. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the Study on the Determinants and Consequences of Abortion in Mauritius, conducted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with the World Health Organization. The study was conducted from December 2023 to January 2024 with the participation of 350 women aged between 18 to 49 years who were treated in public regional hospitals in year 2022 for complications following abortion.

Recommendations have been made to further improve the situation in regard to spontaneous and induced abortion. A Steering Committee chaired by the Director General Health Services, had been set up to administer and monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the study.

20. Cabinet has taken note that the Ministry of Health and Wellness would join the Rays of Hope initiative of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which was launched on the occasion of World Cancer Day in February 2022, with the objective to help increase access to cancer care through establishing, and/or expanding, national cancer control capacities and capabilities using nuclear technologies, including medical imaging, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy.

21. Cabinet has taken note of the activities being organised to mark World Breastfeeding Week 2024, which is a yearly feature, celebrated worldwide from 01 to 07 August, to raise awareness on the importance of breastfeeding and breast milk. The theme for this year is Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all. The Ministry of Health and Wellness, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, would organise an orientation workshop from 05 to 08 August 2024 to draft the required legal parameters to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in line with the International Code of Marketing of breast milk substitute.

22. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the recent participation of the Attorney General, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade in the African Trade Ministers Consultative Meeting, the 21st African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum held in Washington, DC, and bilateral meetings held in the margins of the Forum. The Minister of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training also formed

part of the Mauritius delegation. The theme for this years Forum was Beyond 2025: Reimagining AGOA for an Inclusive, Sustainable and Prosperous Tomorrow.

The Attorney General, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade co-chaired the first plenary session with the United States Trade Representative. During his intervention, the Minister underscored the role of AGOA as a powerful tool for development and regional integration and emphasised the contribution of AGOA to the development of regional value chains. The Minister also had the opportunity, on the sidelines of the Forum, to meet several key US Officials, with whom he pressed, inter alia, on the importance of the reauthorisation of AGOA by the US Congress and the Chagos Archipelago Issue.

23. Cabinet has taken note of the constitution of the Skills Development Authority Board, with Mr Pradeep Foolchand as part-time Chairperson.

24. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the National Blood Advisory Committee, with Dr Shri Baboo Megduthjee Gaya as part-time Chairperson.

25. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Board of Directors of the Civil Service College, Mauritius, with Professor Dhanjay Jhurry, GOSK, as part-time Chairperson.

26. Cabinet has taken note of the appointment of Mr Karamlall Mantadin as Director of the Rabindranath Tagore Institute.

27. Cabinet has taken note of the appointment of Dr Lee Elisa Pheiffer as Executive Director of the Quality Assurance Authority.
The Linenhall Arts Centre is hosting two top-tier literary events this September. Three Mayo-based authors will share their individual routes to successful publication at Lets Talk Publishing on Wednesday, September 18, while the publication of John Tuomeys memoir, First Quarter, will be celebrated on Friday, September 27.

During Lets Talk Publishing, Anne Walsh Donnelly, Fiona Wilde and Fiona Neary reveal how they progressed from completing a manuscript to being a published author, on quite different pathways.

Anne Walsh Donnelly writes prose, poetry and plays. Author of the novel, He Used To Be Me, published by New Island Books in 2024, her poetry collections, each published by Fly on the Wall Poetry Press, are Odd as F*ck (2021) and poetry chapbook The Woman With An Owl Tattoo in 2020.

As Iona Kane, Fiona Wilde writes contemporary sapphic romances with resilient, likeable characters who defy the odds to find love. Early on they made a decision to avoid mainstream publishing and forge their own way in independent publishing.

Fiona Nearys memoir, Parcels in the Post, Growing up with Fifty Siblings, was published in May 2024 by New Island Books, after she became a client of literary agent Brian Langan. Parcels is her first publication.

Conversation, reading and song

First Quarter - An Evening of Conversation, Reading and Song, on September 27, celebrates the publication of John Tuomeys, First Quarter. Published by Lillliput Press, Tuomey navigates the places and memories of his life over 25 years, in a personal and poetical account of childhood in Irish villages and country towns, student life in Dublin and youthful employment in London. Anne Enright deemed it A wise and lovely read.

At the event, Johns sister, poet Jean Tuomey, will read poetry to accompany his memoir. Her own collection, Swept Back (Lapwing), launched at the Linenhall in 2022. His brother, David, will sing songs mentioned in the memoir, accompanied by Teresa Burke and Kevin Frain. Pat Ruane, architect and former Conservation Officer with Cork City Council, now back home in Mayo, will introduce the evening and continue in conversation with John.

Multi-talented Tuomey is an Irish architect, co-founder of ODonnell + Tuomey, a member of Aosdana and designer of social and cultural buildings at home and abroad. He was the inaugural Professor of Architectural Design at University College Dublin and joint recipient of the RIBA Royal Gold Medal and American Academy of Arts and Letters Brunner Prize, alongside Sheila ODonnell.

Additional performances in September also include, Count To Ten, a one act comedy play by Fiona Hoban, on Thursday, September 12; the legendary Brose Walsh Showband in concert on Friday, September 13; and Jargon on Thursday, September 26.

For tickets and more details, visit www.thelinenhall.com or contact the box office on 094 9023733.
ENQUIRY DOCUMENT

BALL MILL RELINING AT KIPUSHI CORPORATION SA

ENQUIRY NUMBER: KICO-BMREL-T004

SECTION 1

INSTRUCTIONS TO TENDERERS

These instructions will not form part of the Agreement with the successful Tenderer.

1. GENERAL

This Enquiry covers the supply and/or services defined in Section 2 Specifications.

2. TENDERER

The Tenderer is the Organisation or Company which submits a tender. The Tenderer has been provided with specific Enquiry Documentation to do so.

3. COVER LETTER TO TENDER

The Tenderers letter accompanying the Tender shall state the name of the Organisation or Company, the contact person/s and contact telephone, cellular phone and email address.

4. CONSORTIUM OR JOINT VENTURE

Should an invited Tenderer wish to form a consortium or a joint venture or some other form of collaboration, the Tenderer shall formally notify the Employer within seven days from the Enquiry document issue date, whichever occurs first, advising him of the details and seek the Employers agreement to tender in such a manner.

The Employers agreement is not assured, and should the Tenderer continue without the Employers written approval, the resultant Tender may be rejected.

5. INSTRUCTIONS

Tenderers are advised to familiarise themselves with all aspects of this Enquiry before inserting any prices or rates. It is as a result of this understood and agreed that the successful Tenderer should not be entitled to any increase in the Price quoted caused by provisions not considered by the Tenderer. The Tenderer shall investigate the whole of this Enquiry to establish and comply with any requirement to provide any information via attachments. It shall briefly describe and include the following with their Tender:

5.1. A Power of Attorney authorising the signatories of the Tender to bind the Tenderer to their Tender irrevocably.

5.2. Information regarding any pending, imminent and current arbitration, mediation and litigation in which the Tenderer is involved, including details of the parties concerned, the subject of such arbitration, mediation and litigation and the disputed amount.

5.3. The Tenderers safety statistics and related performance data of similar comparison as the scope of this Enquiry.

5.4. The name and contact details of 3 (three) previous but recent Employer / Client Representatives who may vouch for the Tenderers previous performance and cooperation, should the need arise.

5.5. Provide a list of clients to which the Tenderer has successfully delivered similar services of the same nature or magnitude. Include a short description of the project, the value of the project and your specific role delivered to each client. Provide references and contact details for these clients.

5.6. Certification that the Tenderer is in good standing with the appropriate government and quasi-government organisations such as the Department of Revenue and Customs and the Ministry of Labour.

5.7. Where and when was the Organisation or Company founded?

5.8. Who are the major shareholders in the Organisation or Company?

5.9. In which country is the Organisation or Company registered? Provide registered Organisation or Company name and registration details in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

5.10. In which countries is your Organisation or Company represented?

5.11. Specify the location of your Organisation or Company head office.

5.12. Specify the location of all your Organisation or Company offices, locally and internationally.

5.13. Has your Organisation or Company or entity or any former business ever failed in the past five financial years to complete a contract, had the contract partially or fully been taken over or had a contract been varied to delete substantial work to overcome poor performance under the contract? If yes, provide details.

5.14. Has any partner, principal or director in your Organisation or Company ever been associated with any other Organisation that has failed in the past five financial years to complete a contract? If yes, provide details.

5.15. What benefits will your Organisation or Company gain through providing the service or supply to the Employer?

5.16. What is your Organisation or Company structure and ownership?

5.17. What is the total number of staff employed? Provide an Organisation chart identifying senior partners/directors and other staff.

5.18. Has any partner, principal or director in your Organisation or Company ever been convicted of an offence?

5.19. Describe the skill sets and competencies of the resources your Organisation or Company have, as well as the number of resources your Organisation or Company has in the skill sets that would likely be called for by the Employer.

5.20. Provide a summary of your order book commitments for the next three years.

5.21. Provide information that approximately defines where the focus of your business lies and indicate the prime services your Organisation or Company provides and those that it typically sub-contracts.

5.22. The Tenderer shall submit with its Tender, as a separate document, Corporate Social Investment. Such document shall show any measurements taken to fulfil corporate social investment initiatives in areas where the Tenderer is present/the willingness to contribute to existing initiatives, i.e. Development, Training, Local employment and Corporate spend.

5.23. Preference will be given to tenderers that are registered with ARSP (Autorite de Regulation de la Sous-traitance dans le secteur Prive) website:

https://arsp.cd/enregistrement-et-demande-dagrement/

5.24. Tenderers may include an allowance of 1.2% per invoice payable to ARSP, as applicable.

SUBMISSION OF TENDER

The Original Tender with all related tender data, annexures, addenda, and enclosures shall be submitted via email to kicot@kipushicorp.com, before the closing time, as follows:

Marked: Confidential

Enquiry Number: KICO-BMREL-T004

Employer: KIPUSHI CORPORATION SA

Tenders Close:

The email subject line for submissions must only reference the RFQ number of this Tender as submissions are electronically allocated. Submissions that do not contain the RFQ number as the subject line will be rejected by the Employers electronic system.

PLEASE NOTE:

You are reminded to keep a copy of the Tender for your records.

Click here to download the full DOCUMENT - PDF format
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, August 1, 2024

A federal appellate court on Thursday extended an order blocking the Federal Communications Commission's net-neutrality rules from taking effect.

In a 14-page ruling, a three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals said the FCC likely lacked authority to issue the Safeguarding and Security the Open Internet order, which reclassified broadband as a telecommunications service and imposed some common carrier rules on providers -- including bans on blocking or throttling traffic, and charging higher fees for prioritized delivery.

The Obama-era FCC passed a similar order in 2015, but a Republican-led agency repealed it in 2018.

Broadband provider organizations including NCTA--The Internet and Television Association and USTelecom--The Broadband Association sued to block the rules, arguing that the FCC lacked grounds to classify broadband as a telecommunications service. Instead, the groups argued, broadband should have remained classified as an information service. The distinction is critical because the FCC can't impose common carrier requirements on information services.

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A panel of the 6th Circuit temporarily stayed the order last month. That stay was set to expire August 5.

The appellate judges said in Thursday's ruling that the broadband groups are likely to succeed in their challenge to the rules, writing that the order implicates a major question, and that the FCC has failed to satisfy the high bar for imposing such regulations.

In 2022, the Supreme Court curtailed federal agencies' ability to issue regulations on major questions of policy. The court in that case struck down environmental regulations that had been passed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Net neutrality is likely a major question requiring clear congressional authorization, the appellate panel wrote, adding that the order deals with an issue of vast economic and political significance.

Congress and state legislatures have engaged in decades of debates over whether and how to require net neutrality, the judges wrote.

Absent a clear mandate to treat broadband as a common carrier, we cannot assume that Congress granted the Commission this sweeping power, and petitioners have accordingly shown that they are likely to succeed on the merits, the panel added.

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel called Thursday's decision a setback, but said the agency will not give up the fight for net neutrality.

The American public wants an internet that is fast, open, and fair, she stated.
He issued a statement: Rocket has an ambition to become one of North Americas most culturally significant brands. An essential component of our ability to do that is an integrated approach to performance marketing and brand media, which will happen though our partnership with Publicis. I am confident we will achieve that ambition with the help of Publicis scale and experience, in close partnership with our creative agency of record  Mirimar  and Rockets highly skilled in-house teams in Detroit and L.A.
by Ray Schultz , August 1, 2024

The journalistic world rejoiced on Thursday at the news that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was in a released in a multinational prisoner swap.

Gershkovich had been in Russian custody since March 2023, and recently was sentenced to 16 years in a penal colony for espionage.

The swap involved 24 prisoners from seven countries, including three others from the United States. Also freed were former Marine Paul Whelan, and journalists Alsu Kurmasheva and Vladimir Kara-Murza.

Its a wonderful, joyous day and were beyond thrilled and delighted to see Evan freed, said Emma Tucker, editor in chief of The Wall Street Journal, in a video. I think its a really important day for the Journal.

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The Gershkovich case symbolized the dangers and pressures faced by journalists worldwide in the current climate.

We are thrilled at the news of Evan Gershkovich being released and look forward to his imminent reunion with his family, friends, and colleagues, says Danielle Coffey, president and CEO of the News/Media Alliance. We are deeply appreciative of President Biden and the administrations tireless efforts to secure his release and their dedication to protecting journalists and the freedom of the press.

Moscow freed 16 people from custody, including prominent dissidents.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, August 1, 2024

Amazon reported that ad revenue climbed to $12.8 billion in the quarter ended June 2024 -- up from $9.5 billion a year earlier.

Analysts had expected Amazons ad business to generate $11.7 billion, per StreetAccount, a real-time equity intelligence company.

Advertising has emerged as one of the biggest profit generators, the company said Thursday. Most ad sales continue to come from sponsored product listings across its online store.

Amazon reported that total revenue rose 10% to nearly $148 billion compared with a year ago.

While online retail and cloud computing are still bigger businesses for Amazon, the company is counting on ads for more growth and profit as expansion slows elsewhere.

Online store sales grew just 5% year-over-year. Revenue from third-party seller services -- which includes commissions, and fulfillment and shipping fees -- accelerated faster, expanding 12% during the quarter.

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Revenue from Amazon Web Services, the companys cloud-computing business unit, grew about 19% to a higher-than-expected $26.28 billion.

The company has been investing in AI and cloud-computing infrastructure. Amazon Chief Financial Officer Brian Olsavsky said the companys strong capital spending will continue  at least in the near term.

One of the company's major challenges is keeping spending down, especially on technology.

Amazon is boosting capital expenditures to invest in infrastructure for AI. Olsavsky said spending in the first six months of this year was about $30.5 billion, suggesting about $16.5 billion in the second quarter.

Despite all that spending, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy during the call talked about time and cost savings from Amazon Q Developer, a generative AI (GAI) assistant used to accelerate software development. Amazon Q has agent for code transformation capabilities that can migrate code in minutes.

Amazon has migrated more than 30,000 Java JDK applications in a few months, saving more than 4,500 years of development work for thousands of develop260 million in annual cost savings.

The company also gave guidance for the current quarter that fell short of analysts' expectations.

Amazon has recently observed different online traffic patterns during specific events. It pointed to unusual business cycles for a weak forecast.

One reason that Amazon executives expect a slowdown in online shopping in the third calendar quarter is because consumers are distracted.

These events include the Paris Olympics, which began last month and continues through August 11, as well as the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally last month, and the lead up to the U.S. presidential election in November.
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Evaluation of CD3 and CD8 T-cell IHC for prognostication and prediction of benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage colorectal cancer within the QUASAR trial



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#AI breakthrough! New test can predict if #bowelcancer patients need #chemotherapy. This could spare many from unnecessary treatment. #cancer 

CD3 Score Test Predicts Stage II Cancer Recurrence

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Evaluation of CD3 and CD8 T-cell IHC for prognostication and prediction of benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage colorectal cancer within the QUASAR trial - (https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.23.02030)

A new artificial intelligence (AI) test developed could help assess the risk of bowel cancer recurrence, potentially allowing patients to avoid chemotherapy ().The test uses an AI algorithm to accurately assess the number of immune cells known as CD3 inside early-stage bowel cancer tumours. Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is found anywhere in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. It is one of the most common cancers in the world, with 1.9m cases diagnosed in 2020.In the study, the CD3 Score test reliably showed which stage II cancers were most likely to recur within five years of surgery  and this could be used by clinicians to decide which patients may need further treatment such as chemotherapy.Lead author Dr Christopher Williams, Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Research Fellow in the University of Leeds School of Medicine, said: This has the potential to be the most important test patients with early-stage bowel cancer ask for. Its fast, accurate and simple, and we hope it will make conversations about chemotherapy after surgery much more straightforward for patients and their doctors.Current methods for deciding which patients with early-stage bowel cancer need chemotherapy and which do not are unreliable. Many people receive chemotherapy when they dont need it, and unfortunately some of the people who are not offered chemotherapy go on to experience cancer recurrence.It is very difficult to decide whether people with stage II colon cancer in particular need chemotherapy after their surgery as there is generally a lower risk that this cancer will come back. The assessment method we trialled gave a stronger indication than any feature we currently assess as to whether a stage II cancer might come back.This is very useful information for doctors and their patients facing difficult decisions about whether or not to proceed with chemotherapy after surgery.Previous studies have shown that bowel and rectal tumours with higher numbers of CD3 immune cells are less likely to recur after being removed by surgery. This is because CD3 cells can attack the cancer , helping the body tackle the disease.Our study underscores the potential importance of the CD3 Score test to bowel cancer patients, providing a critical insight to physicians in driving chemotherapy options for their patients," said Kandavel Shanmugam, Clinical Research Lead at Roche Tissue Diagnostics in Tucson, Arizona, who collaborated with the researchers at the University of Leeds School of Medicine.Researchers in the current study set out to establish whether the number of CD3 cells within tumours could be used to predict the risk of a tumour coming back after surgery.They examined tissue from 868 bowel tumours at stage II and III to establish the numbers of CD3 cells within the tumours. The AI algorithm developed by the team calculated a CD3 Score based on the number of CD3 cells in different areas of the tumour. High risk scores had lower numbers of immune cells, while low risk scores showed increased numbers of immune cells.Tumours with a high-risk CD3 Score were three times more likely to have come back five years after surgery than those with a low-risk CD3 Score.Recurrence rates were reduced in both groups when patients underwent chemotherapy, but the study also showed that patients with lower numbers of immune cells were the most likely to benefit from chemotherapy.These findings can be used by doctors to decide whether a patient needs chemotherapy after bowel cancer surgery.Source-Eurekalert
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An analysis of the effect of the COVID-19-induced joint replacement deficit in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland suggests recovery will be protracted - an analysis of the National Joint Registry



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A dramatic decline in #jointreplacement surgeries was observed, with 2022 figures showing a 71.6% drop from 2019 levels, leading to a loss of more than 158,000 procedures. #bonehealth #jointhealth 

COVID-19's Impact on Joint Replacement Surgeries

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An analysis of the effect of the COVID-19-induced joint replacement deficit in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland suggests recovery will be protracted - an analysis of the National Joint Registry - (https://boneandjoint.org.uk/Article/10.1302/0301-620X.106B8.BJJ-2024-0036.R1)

A new study has found that nearly nine months' worth of joint replacement surgeriesapproximately 160,000 fewer operationshave been lost since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic ). The research indicates that merely returning to pre-pandemic levels will not address the backlog, and even with rapid expansion, it could take many years, if not decades, to resolve this joint replacement crisis.The study, published in, looked in detail at the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the numbers of joint (hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle) replacement surgery carried out in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.The researchers analysed National Joint Registry (NJR) data between January 2019 and December 2022 inclusive, which includes all NHS and privately funded hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle replacement operations.The study compared the period including and after the pandemic (2020 to 2022 inclusive) to how many operations would have been performed had surgery continued at the same level as 2019.The research team found by the end of 2022 almost three quarters of a year of planned operations - 71.6 percent of 2019 activity and 158,994 joint replacements - had been lost. This gap continues to increase and therefore the recovery from this deficit does not appear to have started. Knee, shoulder, and ankle surgery have been affected more severely than hip and elbow surgery.The NHS has been more impacted than the private sector. By 2022, NHS activity was still only 73.2 percent of 2019 levels, whereas operations in the private sector had increased to 126.8 percent of 2019 levels. The private sector is now the main provider of joint replacements (53 percent in 2022) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.Wales and Northern Ireland have been worse affected than England. Both countries recorded a backlog of more than a years worth of operations between 2020-2022; 136 percent of 2019 for Wales and 121.3 percent for Northern Ireland, whereas the deficit in England was 66.7 percent.Jonathan French, Clinical Research Fellow in the Bristol Medical School: Translational Health Science (THS), and corresponding author, said: Patients awaiting different types of joint replacement surgery in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have been affected disproportionately, and recovery to pre-pandemic levels will be challenging. This will inevitably lead to many patients enduring unnecessary pain, disability and wider decline in mental and physical wellbeing.Michael Whitehouse, Professor of Trauma and Orthopaedics in the Bristol Medical School: THS, and senior clinical lead for the paper, explained: If capacity was immediately expanded by five percent on top of 2019 levels it would take until 2040 to address the backlog. An immediate ten percent expansion, if possible, would still take until 2031 to catch up. This represents a severe challenge that is currently underestimated in planning and provision that requires prioritisation to mitigate the impact of debilitating joint related conditions on patients.Tim Wilton, Medical Director of the NJR, added: The value of the volume data held by the NJR is that we can glean an accurate insight into the longer-term impact of COVID on the supply and demand and provision of surgical orthopaedic services. There is a clear need to plan and adjust service volumes based on this insight and research, so that patient waiting list numbers start to reduce across the different joints. These data, being based against the volume of cases done in 2019, are likely to be an underestimate of the catching-up required as the volume of cases was growing every year before 2019 rather than being static.Joint replacement surgery is a common and very effective surgical procedure used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems including osteoarthritis and acute trauma. Joint replacements are long-lasting, with over half of hip and knee replacements lasting over 25 years, and 90 percent of shoulder replacements lasting over ten years.Source-Eurekalert
Around 25% of people in the US carry at least one APOE-e4 allele, significantly increasing their risk for Alzheimer's disease and treatment side effects. #alzheimersresearch #genetictesting #healthcareinnovation #medindia
Two junior enlisted Georgia National Guardsmen died Wednesday in Iraq, the Army announced Friday.

Spc. Travis Pameni, 23, and Spc. Owen Elliot, 23, both died in noncombat-related incidents, according to Army officials.

"Both of these soldiers selflessly served our state and nation," Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, the adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard, said in a statement. "We extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of both soldiers."

Read Next: Gearbox, Crew Blamed for Deadly Japan Osprey Crash in Results of Air Force Investigation

Elliot was a native of Twin City, Georgia, and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, which is headquartered in Savannah, Georgia.

Pameni, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, based out of Winder, Georgia.

The soldiers died in separate incidents in Baghdad, where the U.S. military still has a significant troop presence, according to a Pentagon official with direct knowledge of the situation. The area has been under a looming threat of drone, missile and rocket attacks, largely from Iran-backed militias.

Maj. William Carraway, a spokesperson for the Georgia National Guard, declined to comment on how the two Guardsmen died, saying only that the incidents weren't combat-related.

The deaths come a week after Iraqi officials joined American military leaders at the Pentagon to discuss the continued U.S. presence in Iraq as part of efforts to fight the Islamic State group.

At the conclusion of that meeting, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that the U.S. remained "committed" to Iraq's "sovereignty, security and stability" without directly addressing reported calls from Iraqi officials for U.S. troops to leave the country by 2025.

The overwhelming majority of deaths in the military are not related to combat, even during the peak of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Between 2006 and 2021, 19,000 troops died while in service, 32% of whom died in accidents, which can include botched training exercises, vehicle crashes and various industrial incidents, according to federal data. Only 14% of the deaths were combat related. Deaths related to accidents have been on a steady decline, though that drop broadly mirrors reductions in the number of troops in combat.

In January, three other Georgia-based soldiers were killed in an Iranian-based militia drone attack in Jordan. Staff Sgt. William Rivers, 46; Sgt. Kennedy Sanders, 24; and Sgt. Breonna Moffett, 23, were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, an Army Reserve unit based out of Fort Moore, Georgia.

Much of the Georgia National Guard has been deployed to Iraq, Kosovo and Poland in recent months. Some units in the state have also recently been involved in short-term training missions abroad, including the 170th Cyber Protection Team in Morocco, and the 214th Field Artillery Battalion in Sweden.

At any given time, some 20,000 Guardsmen are deployed abroad, according to data from the National Guard Bureau, with states having different levels of commitment to those missions overseas, particularly in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Many states also have units serving in numerous domestic missions, particularly natural disasters such as the ongoing wildfires across the country.

Related: Pentagon Identifies 3 Army Reserve Soldiers Killed in Jordan When Iran-Backed Militants Flew Drone into Living Quarters
An attorney representing two families who lost loved ones last November in an Air Force CV-22 Osprey crash due to a mechanical failure said a recently released accident report unfairly criticizes the crew, adding to the pain and suffering those families are experiencing.

Timothy Loranger, an aviation attorney and senior partner at Los Angeles' Wisner Baum law firm, said in a statement Wednesday that, while the report's findings point to a catastrophic mechanical failure, they also place blame on the crew for not responding properly, a point he and his clients contest.

"The loss of these brave individuals is a profound tragedy, and any suggestion that places blame on those who are no longer here to defend their actions only adds to the deep pain their families are already enduring," Loranger said in the statement. "These Gold Star families deserve our support and compassion, not devastating insinuations which overlook the literal cause of the tragedy and focus on the question of whether their loved ones could have done more."

Read Next: Gearbox, Crew Blamed for Deadly Japan Osprey Crash in Results of Air Force Investigation

The Air Force released its investigation into the Nov. 29 crash off the southern coast of Japan on Thursday. The findings, first reported by Military.com, pointed to gearbox components that began chipping and shredding debris that lodged between other components and caused the left proprotor to stop turning and the aircraft to plummet to the ground, killing all eight Air Force special operations airmen aboard.

But Air Force investigators also placed some blame on the crew, saying they "inadequately prioritized continuing the mission over considerations related to the risk of extended flight without redundancy."

Loranger said the findings highlight larger themes with the V-22, pointing to what he called the cultural issue of downplaying concerns as mechanical issues continue to plague the aircraft.

The attorney also represents families of Marines killed in a 2022 V-22 Osprey training crash in California. They filed a wrongful death lawsuit in May against Bell Textron and Boeing, which design and manufacture the aircraft, and Rolls-Royce, which designs and manufactures the engines.

Loranger told Military.com that the Air Force families he's representing are "interested in understanding what caused the ultimate failure of this aircraft" and they plan to further investigate the accident.

"We will be looking deeper into it, and then we'll make a decision later on about whether or not there could be litigation," he added.

During the fatal Nov. 29 flight, the pilots received alerts warning that there were tiny metal chips in the Osprey gearbox but adding that the onboard systems were addressing them. After a third warning, Air Force policy at that time stated the crew of Gundam 22 -- the Osprey's call sign -- should land as soon as practical, but the ultimate decision was up to them. They continued the mission even after receiving two more warnings, but then received a serious notification of a persistent chip in the gearbox telling them to land as soon as possible.

The aircraft crashed prior to reaching a small airport on Yakushima Island in Japan.

Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, the head of Air Force Special Operations Command, told reporters at a briefing Wednesday that the crew did not violate any policy and followed their training.

He added that "this is the first time that this specific part has failed on a V-22 of any type in almost 800,000 flight hours." Conley also noted that AFSOC protocol has changed since the Nov. 29 crash, and crews are now asked to land as soon as practical after a single chip burn warning and "as soon as possible" after a second warning.

Loranger told Military.com on Friday that it's hard to criticize the crew, especially given the fact that AFSOC has since changed its procedures regarding warnings of chips in the gearbox.

"There's a tendency to want to look at the human factor, which you have to do," Loranger said. "But now we're going to blame the pilots and say, Well, they should have done something different' when the procedure that they knew existed, the procedure itself, didn't resolve the problem. In hindsight, we now know the procedure was bad."

Related: Deadly Marine Osprey Crash Triggers Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Bell Textron, Boeing, Rolls-Royce
WASHINGTON  Russia freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich as well as jailed Kremlin critics in the largest prisoner exchange with the West in decades, in return for a prized assassin sought by President Vladimir Putin.

Now, their brutal ordeal is over and theyre free, US President Joe Biden said at a White House appearance with family members of some of the released prisoners. The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris later met the Americans freed in the swap with Russia after their plane landed back in the U.S.

The swap, which took place on the airport tarmac in Ankara, Turkey, included two dozen people, 16 going to the West and eight being returned to Russia. Among them were other American citizens as well as Russians convicted of crimes and imprisoned in the US, Germany, Poland, Norway and Slovenia.

One of those was Vadim Krasikov, who was serving a life sentence in Germany for the 2019 killing of a Chechen separatist in a Berlin park. German authorities had long resisted including him in any exchange because of the brazen nature of his crime, but Putin had made his release a top priority.

In addition to Gershkovich, who was arrested in March of last year while on a reporting assignment in Russia and later convicted of espionage  charges he and the Journal reject  Russia also let go former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who was jailed in 2018 and later convicted on spying charges he denies. The U.S. had categorized both men as unlawfully detained and had been seeking their release.

Russia also freed Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist with dual Russian and US citizenship, who was convicted last month under the Kremlins strict wartime censorship laws.

Such prisoner swaps are one of the few remaining areas of diplomatic cooperation between the US and Russia after Moscows 2022 invasion of Ukraine poisoned relations. US officials accuse the Kremlin of taking Americans hostage to win the release of Russian agents and others held in US prisons. Moscow denies that.

Not since the Cold War has there been a similar number of individuals exchanged in this way, and there has never, so far as we know, been an exchange involving so many countries, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said. Its the culmination of many rounds of complex, painstaking negotiations.

US officials described the swap as a success of their long-running efforts to win the release of Americans unjustly held abroad. Moscow insisted on the release of Krasikov in exchange for Gershkovich and Kurmasheva, the US said.

The German government did not take this decision lightly, Steffen Hebestreit, Chancellor Olaf Scholzs chief spokesman, said in a statement Thursday. The states interest in enforcing the prison sentence of a convicted criminal was balanced against the freedom, physical well-being and - in some cases - ultimately the lives of innocent people imprisoned in Russia.

The exchange represents a major victory for Putin, whod repeatedly pressed for Krasikovs release in the face of opposition from Germany. By freeing the killer, Putin, a former KGB officer, showed his security service agents and others working for the Kremlin abroad that he wont abandon them and will do whatever is necessary to secure their return, even amid the greatest confrontation since the Cold War between Russia and the West over his invasion of Ukraine.

Putin wanted a deal before the elections because after that, all the meticulous preparatory work involving several governments could have been buried, said Tatiana Stanovaya, founder of the political consultancy R.Politik, referring to the November US presidential vote. For Putin this will be confirmation that the Americans can be flexible and pragmatic when they need something.

Putin demonstrated his commitment to get his agents out with the December 2022 release of the notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the merchant of death, whod been sentenced in 2012 to 25 years in US prison. The Biden administration freed him in exchange for WNBA star Brittney Griner who was given nine years by a Russian court after customs officials at a Moscow airport found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage in February that year.

Putin said in June that Russian and US intelligence services were in contact and that the Biden administration was taking energetic steps to secure Gershkovichs release.

Former President Donald Trump, who once predicted Gershkovich would not be released unless he won the November election, criticized the deal as too favorable to Russia.

Our negotiators are always an embarrassment to us! Trump posted on his social media site.

Asked about Trumps claim that he could have freed the wrongfully detained Americans without giving up anything in exchange, Biden replied, why didnt he do it when he was president?

The latest exchange, which Turkish officials said saw two minors sent back to Russia along with the adults, included the release to the West of a number of Russian opposition figures, whove faced an intensifying Kremlin crackdown in recent years. Earlier this year, the two sides were close to an agreement that would have seen the release of Alexey Navalny, Russias most prominent opposition leader, but he died suddenly in prison before it could take place.

The swap included Kremlin critics Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin, as well as Oleg Orlov, co-chairman of the Memorial human rights group that jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. Russian authorities also released three other jailed dissidents, pro-democracy activists Liliya Chanysheva and Ksenia Fadeyeva and artist Alexandra Skochilenko.

One American who wasnt freed is Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old history teacher in Moscow who was sentenced to 14 years in 2022 after a Russian court convicted him of smuggling cannabis. He said he was carrying marijuana for medical purposes. US officials said efforts were continuing to secure his release.

In Thursdays swap, Russia also released Kevin Lik, a dual German and Russian national, who was serving a four-year prison sentence for treason for an act he allegedly committed when he was 16. As part of the deal, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Putins closest ally, on Tuesday pardoned a German citizen, Rico Krieger, whod been convicted and sentenced to death in June for mercenary activity on behalf of Ukraine.

The US released several Russians convicted on a variety of criminal charges. Among them was Vladislav Klyushin, a Kremlin-linked technology consultant serving a 9-year sentence for insider trading, Roman Seleznev, the son of a prominent Russian politician who was serving a 27-year sentence for cybercrime, and Vadim Konoshchenok, jailed on suspicion of violating US sanctions against sending military technologies to Russia. The US alleged Konoshchenok had ties to Russias Federal Security Service.

Polish authorities released Pavel Rubtsov, jailed on espionage charges, as part of the deal, while Norway let go Mikhail Mikushin, an academic who was accused of spying.

In Slovenia, meanwhile, two Russians detained as spies in 2022 pleaded guilty at a closed trial in Ljubljana and were released as part of the deal.

(Alexey Anishchuk contributed to this report.)

___

2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The federal government is giving the former U.S. Army Reserve center in Belleville to the city after nearly 60 years of military use, and the city is selling it to St. Clair County for $250,000.

In the past three weeks, both the City Council and County Board have voted to enter into an intergovernmental agreement to transfer ownership of the center, which sits on more than 5 acres at 500 South Belt East at its intersection with Illinois 13.

The county plans to use the center, which local residents often refer to as "the armory," mainly as a storage facility, according to County Board Chairman Mark Kern.

"We have emergency equipment stored at, for lack of a better word, a barn, a pole building that (MidAmerica St. Louis Airport) acquired when it bought property for the airport," he told County Board members at a committee meeting on Monday before the board voted on the agreement.

"It isn't the best facility to store items like masks and gowns and cadaver bags and all the things that you have to have for a disaster. So we'll be moving (them) to the armory, which is a much nicer, cleaner and capable building."

Kern also mentioned that the center has office space that could someday be used as a command base for St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency in case of disaster.

The sprawling brick complex was officially known as the Pfc. Raymond Gantner Army Reserve Center. It was dedicated on May 29, 1960.

Sights most visible to the public included military trucks filling the parking lot and camouflage-clad reservists doing training exercises on the grounds, next to Walnut Hill Cemetery.

John Bradley, deputy director of Army Reserve media relations, verified last week that the federal government was relinquishing the property. He said he didn't know when or why it was vacated, and he didn't call back with answers to those questions.

The center was still being used by the 657th Transportation Detachment in 2019, when the BND reported that two of its reservists had been killed in an accident in Kuwait. Several other units also have deployed overseas from Belleville.

"We met there one weekend a month," said Lori Elliott, formerly Lennon, 62, of Florissant, Missouri, who served from 1989 to 1999 with 657th reservists from Illinois and Missouri.

"We did training there, and we did a lot of the prep work before we were deployed or sent somewhere for our annual training."

Reverter Clause Expired

The city of Belleville donated land for the Army Reserve center to the federal government in the 1950s, according to Garrett Hoerner, one of the city's current attorneys.

The deed, filed in St. Clair County, included a "reverter clause," which required the property to be returned to the city if the military stopped using it for five years.

"But under Illinois law, a reverter clause can only be in effect for 40 years," Hoerner said.

As a result, U.S. representatives and senators from Illinois had to add a provision to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2023-2024 to get the property back in Belleville's hands.

The process also was delayed by federal efforts to mitigate environmental problems, such as lead, to make sure the complex was safe, Kern and Hoerner said.

Belleville City Council voted at its July 15 meeting to accept a quit-claim deed from the federal government for the property, which includes two parcels, one 5.12 acres and one .5 acres, county records show.

Ward 1 Alderman Bryan Whitaker, who works as assistant director of St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency, abstained from the vote. He didn't return multiple calls seeking information.

Also on July 15, aldermen voted to enter into the intergovernmental agreement and sell the property to the county for $250,000. Hoerner said the city hired an appraiser around the time that the military vacated, and he determined that its fair-market value was $290,000.

City officials didn't make the agreement available to the public at the July 15 meeting, but it was part of an agenda packet for the County Board meeting on Monday night.

"The City finds the Property is unnecessary and inconvenient for its use and that the best interests of the residents would be served by transferring all of its right, title and interest in the property to the County," the agreement states.

County Board members approved the agreement by a unanimous vote of 27-0 with one absence.

The county plans to buy the property and renovate the Army Reserve center with up to $1 million in federal money it received from the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic-stimulus package designed to help with COVID-19 recovery in 2021.

"There is additional money that was intended for this building should there be any roofing (problems) or whatever's going to be required to make it exactly what we want," Kern told board members.

Namesake Was WWII Hero

Raymond "Tiny" Gantner was working as a 28-year-old laborer in Belleville when he entered the service in 1941, according to a BND Answer Man column written by Roger Schlueter in 2006.

For the next four years of World War II, Gantner fought with the 7th Division of the 17th Infantry as it battled across the Aleutian and Marshall islands and Okinawa, Japan. His honors included the Bronze Star, Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart.

Gantner's most gallant feat is described on a plaque at the Army Reserve center in his hometown.

"During the advance of our troops on Attu Island, Private First Class Gantner displayed outstanding courage in the face of almost certain self-destruction when his platoon was pinned to the ground by heavy machine gun fire," the plaque reads.

"He dashed across open terrain, silenced the machine gun with grenades, and then charged forward, killing the remaining enemy with his rifle."

Gantner was killed on May 1, 1945, on Okinawa. He was 32.

In the past 20 years, the BND has reported on the comings and goings of several Army Reserve units based in Belleville, including the 871st, 458th, 969th, 892nd and 657th Transportation Detachments.

The 657th formed a Facebook group to help former reservists keep in contact, but no one has posted on it since 2021.

Elliott said she has fond memories of getting together for meetings and training exercises in Belleville, going on weekend camping trips and traveling once or twice a year to Germany, Amsterdam and other destinations for advanced training in the 1990s.

In recent years, Elliott sensed that operations at the Gantner center were winding down, and that made her sad because it was once a place full of activity and camaraderie.

"The last time I visited, there were maybe two little units left," Elliott said. "We're talking about only a handful of reservists."

City and county officials began planning for the property transfer about two years ago, Kern said. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been in charge of maintaining the vacant center.

(c) 2024 the Belleville News-Democrat (Belleville, Ill.)

Visit the Belleville News-Democrat (Belleville, Ill.) at www.bnd.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The National Guard will be without a Senate-confirmed leader until at least September after the Senate left for a five-week summer break without taking action to approve a new chief.

The National Guard vacancy is just one item in a stack of unfinished military and veterans-related business facing Congress as lawmakers head home for the end of summer, including the annual defense policy and spending bills, a bill to ensure veterans benefits payments aren't disrupted this fall, and legislation featuring a grab bag of policies that has been a top priority for veterans groups.

But the Senate's inaction on the nominee to be the new chief of the National Guard Bureau, driven by a delay in the White House making the nomination, will have the most immediate effect. Gen. Daniel Hokanson retires as chief Friday night, and without a Senate-confirmed replacement, a yet-to-be-named acting chief will take his place.

Read Next: Gearbox, Crew Blamed for Deadly Japan Osprey Crash in Results of Air Force Investigation

The Senate made some progress on shoring up National Guard leadership before leaving town. As part of a batch of military nominees approved Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Brig. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs to be the next director of the Army National Guard. Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, the nominee to be the next director of the Air National Guard, was also advanced out of the Senate Armed Services Committee this week but was not approved by the full Senate before recess.

But the nominee to be Hokanson's replacement, Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus, came with too little time for the Senate to act before breaking. The White House sent the Senate Nordhaus' nomination just last week, leaving barely any time to hold a hearing, advance his nomination out of committee, and approve him on the Senate floor before Hokanson's retirement.

Senate Armed Services Committee Jack Reed, D-R.I., previously told Military.com he was frustrated the White House didn't send a nominee with enough time to act before a gap in leadership, saying the delay "inhibits" the Senate from doing its job. Unless committee members agree to waive them, committee rules generally require at least a week's notice before a hearing can be held, as well as at least a week's wait between receiving a nomination and a vote.

The previous vice chief of the National Guard, Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville, retired in May, and the current acting vice chief, Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, is set to retire Monday, making it unclear who the acting chief will be after Hokanson officially steps down at midnight. The National Guard Bureau declined as recently as Thursday to comment on who the acting chief will be.

The National Guard Bureau held a "relinquishment ceremony" Friday in which Hokanson marked his retirement without handing over the reins to anyone.

Congress' August recess, as well as unfinished business waiting in Washington during the break, is an annual tradition. But this year's break comes amid an even more truncated legislative schedule because of November's presidential and congressional elections, leaving little time for lawmakers to finish work even after the August recess. When the House and Senate return to Washington on Sept. 9, they are scheduled to be in town for just three weeks before breaking again until Nov. 12 to give lawmakers more time to campaign.

The Senate's last day of work until September was Thursday. The House was originally scheduled to start its break the same day, but decided to leave town last week.

In addition to the National Guard nominee, other pending business in the Senate includes the annual defense policy bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA. One of the marquee issues in this year's bill is a debate over how big of a pay raise to give junior enlisted troops next year.

While the Senate Armed Services Committee advanced the bill in June, a full Senate vote has yet to be scheduled, a fact Republicans spent this week knocking Democrats on.

"While the Democratic leader avoids tough votes, our adversaries launch more missiles," Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on the Senate floor Wednesday.

The typical process for the bill involves the House and Senate approving their own versions of the legislation before negotiating on a compromise version that becomes law. But a couple times in recent years, the House and Senate agreed on a compromise without the Senate voting on its version.

Asked Thursday whether the Senate will vote on its own version of the NDAA this year or proceed straight to negotiations with the House, Reed did not directly answer, but noted that the bill has become law before without the Senate approving an initial version.

"The goal is we want to get a House-Senate NDAA passed this year," Reed told Military.com.

One of the most pressing items facing Congress when lawmakers return is government funding. Current funding expires Sept. 30, after which federal agencies would shut down and troops could miss paychecks if Congress doesn't approve new funding.

The full House has approved fiscal 2025 Pentagon and VA spending bills, but they were chock-full of partisan policy riders seen as nonstarters in the Senate. The Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced its own fiscal 2025 Pentagon and VA spending bills, but the full Senate hasn't acted on any spending bills yet. With the tight timeline between the end of the recess and the government funding deadline, Congress is expected to approve stopgap funding that simply extends this year's spending levels at least through the November election.

Also on a tight deadline is avoiding a gap in VA benefits funding. The VA has told Congress that it needs lawmakers to approve a fix for a $3 billion shortfall in disability and education benefits by Sept. 20 or else payments due Oct. 1 for those benefits could be disrupted.

Senators tried to approve a bill to plug the funding hole before leaving town, but some Republicans objected to fast-tracking the legislation without calling in VA Secretary Denis McDonough to testify about the issue.

"The sudden nature of the issue, and the sheer financial volume of the request, are both cause for concern and call into question the information previously reported by VA," Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and five other Republicans wrote in a letter to Senate Veterans Affairs Committee leadership Wednesday requesting a hearing with McDonough. "Once we get these critical answers, then we can quickly take appropriate action to ensure payments continue to our veterans and ensure this unacceptable financial mismanagement does not jeopardize veterans again."

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., the ranking member of the committee, said he expects the Senate to approve the fix quickly after returning from recess.

"I have little doubt that this is going to be fixed and not linger beyond a date in which it would have a consequence to veterans," he told reporters Thursday.

Also concerning for veterans is the fact that neither chamber of Congress acted before recess on a wide-ranging veterans policy bill that seeks to bolster home caregiver programs, provide more support for homeless veterans, and fix the VA's beleaguered electronic health records program.

Originally touted as a bipartisan agreement that could pass Congress this summer, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, as the bill is called, has become bogged down in partisanship. House Democrats are arguing that some provisions of the bill amount to backdoor efforts to privatize the VA, while some Republicans are maintaining the bill does not go far enough to expand veterans' access to non-VA care.

Caught in the middle are the veterans and caregivers who want to see the bill pass.

"It is shameful that our elected leaders left so many lifesaving and life-changing measures for veterans, caregivers and survivors on the table as they adjourned for recess," Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, said in a statement to Military.com on Friday. "This is a bill that had bipartisan support before disinformation and politics got in the way. The veterans' community remains unified in its resolve to pass this legislation because the stakes are simply too high to let it fail."

Related: National Guard May Be Without Leadership After Last-Minute White House Nomination for New Chief
The Yankees released lefty reliever Chasen Shreve from his minor league contract, tweets Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. In another small roster move, New York announced they reinstated right-hander Nick Burdi from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Yanks transferred Cody Poteet to the 60-day IL to open a 40-man roster spot for Burdi.

Shreve signed with New York in late June. He made 10 appearances for Scranton and pitched fairly well, allowing three earned runs over 11 innings. Shreve surrendered three more unearned runs but struck out 11 while only walking three. New York evidently didnt believe hed carry that form over at the major league level. Despite trading Caleb Ferguson and not adding another left-handed reliever at the deadline, theyll let Shreve depart.

The 34-year-old Shreve hasnt pitched in the big leagues this season. He has split his time between the Triple-A affiliates with the Rangers and Yankees. He made 50 MLB appearances between Detroit and Cincinnati a year ago, turning in a 4.63 earned run average with slightly better than average strikeout and walk rates over 44 2/3 frames.

New York added a pair of right-handers, Mark Leiter Jr. and Enyel De Los Santos, to their relief corps this week. Tim Hill is the only southpaw in their current bullpen while Anthony Misiewicz and Josh Maciejewski are on optional assignment in Triple-A.

Burdi is also headed to Scranton, though hes evidently healthy after losing more than two months to a right hip injury. The Louisville product has had a very difficult time staying on the mound over his professional career but continues to intrigue evaluators with a fastball that sits around 98 MPH on average. Burdi has fired 9 2/3 innings of two-run ball for New York this season, already setting a personal-high mark with 12 MLB appearances.

Poteets 60-day minimum absence is retroactive to his initial IL placement on June 15. Hell be eligible to return in the second week of August. He has yet to begin a minor league rehab assignment due to a triceps injury. Poteet started four games earlier in the year, turning in a 2.14 ERA across 21 innings.
WASHINGTON, DC  Advancing federal legislation would complete funding for a major reconstruction underway at the Soo Locks shipping complex, say lawmakers.

On Thursday, Aug. 1, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously advanced the Fiscal 2025 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, which provides more than $61.4 billion to federal agencies.
MUNISING, MI - Yurts are definitely the trending adventure on the camping scene. These round, soft-walled structures have popped up at a handful of state parks and private campgrounds, even at a Michigan ski resort.

Theyre definitely a glow-up from regular tent camping. The big spaces can be like mini studio apartments decked out with beds, inside lights, a kitchen space - even bathrooms.

If youre searching for what is likely the biggest array of yurt rental options in Michigan, look up toward the rugged coastline of Pictured Rocks. The Paddling Michigan adventure outfitter near Munising has a handful of different camping areas featuring yurts. And its not one-yurt-fits-all. There are different styles and sizes. Some are basic, and others look like tiny homes.

There are some with knockout waterfront views of Lake Superior and Munising Bay. Others are surrounded by U.P. forests.

Ive never seen a place with more yurts, said Bill Duckwall, founder and owner of the Uncle Duckys/Paddling Michigan adventure vacation company based just outside of Munising.

A yurt tucked into the woods at a Paddling Michigan campground near Munising. Photo provided by Paddling Michigan.Paddling Michigan

He has not only tapped into this yurt-booking trend, but his business also offers a bevy of vacation packages that can include overnight stays in yurts. This allows vacationers to hike, kayak, canoe, take a boat cruise, then settle back into the accommodation of their choice in the evenings.

Our main competition is the motel or a hotel, but you cant have a campfire in front of your motel room. Weve got outside grills, campfires, Adirondack chairs.

To have an outdoor experience where you are staying - we feel thats why people come up here to the U.P. You should have a different experience when you come up here.

To see all the Paddling Michigan vacation packages, check here. All the accommodation-only listings can be found on the website here.

Paddling Michigan also offers dinner and lunch cruises around the scenic Grand Island, just off the coast of Munising.

Grand Island dinner, lunch cruises show off gorgeous views near Pictured Rocks

Grand Island lunch and dinner cruises take off from the Munising area and circle the island in Lake Superior. Photo provided by Paddling Michigan.Paddling Michigan

For yurt-seekers, youll find them at Paddling Michigan campground spots like Paddlers Village Resort, the Au Train Beach Campground, and in the forest behind the Paddlers Inn Motel.

New this year are the Pictured Rocks yurts overlooking Munising Bay. And the description sounds pretty cool. Theyre described as the most luxurious glamping experience Michigan has to offer.

Sit on the huge decks with your solo stove roaring, watching boats and sea life traversing the bay, Paddling Michigan staff said. All the yurts are fully plumbed with private bathrooms, kitchenettes and king or queen size beds. Extra amenities include refrigerator, microwave, charcoal grill, picnic tables, futons, and the larger 24-foot yurts have a loft area for the kids.

The 20-foot yurts can sleep up to five people, while up to eight can sleep in the 24-foot yurts. Overnight guests there will get a complementary continental breakfast.

You can get an up-close tour of the yurts in the video below, made by our MLive Media Group marketing team.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Drivers should expect more closures on U.S. 23 and other busy corridors throughout Washtenaw County.

Bridge demolition and maintenance on U.S 23 at Plank Road in Milan will cause a series of nightly closures this weekend. To rebuild, Plank Road will also close in both directions for more than three months.

Drivers near Ypsilanti should also expect a full road closure on Hewitt Road at Washtenaw Avenue this weekend.

Heres a round-up of traffic restrictions and road work affecting commute times and travel across the county for Friday, Aug. 2, and the week ahead.

ANN ARBOR

Earhart Road: The road will shut down between Geddes Road and Pine Brae Street at 7 a.m. on Aug. 5 until Aug. 26 while DTE installs a gas pipeline.

Monroe Street: There is a full closure of Monroe Street between State Street and Tappan Avenue that began Thursday, July 25, and will last until 5 p.m. Friday, August 9, for gas main work.

Eastbound vehicles traveling on Monroe Street will detour north on State Street, east on South University Avenue and south on Tappan Avenue. Northbound vehicles traveling on Tappan Avenue will continue north on Tappan Avenue, west on South University Avenue and north on State Street to Monroe Street.

Any pedestrians traveling on the south side of Monroe Street will go to the north side.

Huron River Drive: There is a full closure of Huron River Drive between North Maple Road and North Main Street until 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, to replace a culvert.

Eastbound vehicles on Huron River Drive will detour south on North Maple Road, east on Miller and then go north on North Main Street. As for westbound traffic, vehicles will detour south on North Main Street, west on Miller and then north on North Maple Road.

Access to the Barton Dam parking lot will be maintained through Main Street during construction.

East Washington Street: The road between South Division Street and South State Street is closing until 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, so a mobile crane can operate in front of a building under construction at 616 E. Washington St.

Construction will take place between 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every weekday the closure is in effect. Local businesses will have access maintained while pedestrian traffic will continue on the north side of East Washington Street.

Detours will involve eastbound traffic on East Washington Street going north on South Division Street to East Huron Street and then east on East Huron Street to South State Street then south on South State Street back to East Washington Street.

Cyclists are encouraged to instead use the cycle track on South Division and detour south to East Liberty.

Hill Street: The westbound lanes of Hill Street are closed from Church Street to South State Street until Friday, Aug. 16.

Eastbound traffic will be maintained on the north side of the street for shared use of vehicles and bukes during the first phase. However, access to and from Oakland Avenue, Tappan Avenue and East University Avenue will not be available from the closed section of Hill Street.

Detours for westbound Hill Street traffic will move traffic north on Church Street, west on South University Avenue, south on South State Street then back to Hill Street.

Huron Street: East Huron Street is reduced to one lane from Fifth Avenue to Division Street through Aug. 30 for utility work. Drivers should expect significant delays.

One lane in each direction is closed on Huron between Glen Avenue and Fletcher Street through Sept. 3 for utility work associated with a University of Michigan project.

Westbound Huron Street from Zina Pitcher to Ingalls Street has a lane closed for permit work until Aug. 12.

Michigan Stadium area: Through Aug. 8, traffic on eastbound Keech Avenue will be detoured. There will be lane closures and interruptions on other area streets, including northbound South Main Street and westbound East Stadium Boulevard. Detours and more information is available on the citys website.

Geddes Avenue: There will be a westbound lane closure of Geddes Avenue between the U.S. 23 ramp and Earhart Road until 5 p.m. Oct. 4 for work on a gas pipeline.

The two westbound vehicle lanes of Geddes Avenue in this area have merged into one and shifted to the center lane of the road.

East Medical Center Drive/Fuller Road: Lane reductions are in place on the East Medical Center Drive bridge as part of an ongoing widening and rehabilitation project, which will restrict some turns onto Fuller Road. The current phase of construction runs through Sept. 6, and a full description of the closures around the University of Michigan Medical Center is available on the citys website.

Greenview Drive: The street is closed between Scio Church Road and West Stadium Boulevard for the street reconfiguration project through Nov. 15.

South Seventh Street: A street reconfiguration project has closed Seventh to non-resident traffic from Scio Church Road to Greenview Drive . The project will run through Aug. 24.

East Madison Street: Madison is closed between South Main Street and South Division Street for the relocation of a public utility related to the relocation of the University of Michigans Elbel Field . The closure is to last until Aug. 30, a delayed completion date.

South Fifth Avenue: The street is closed between Packard Street and Hill Street until Aug. 30  an extended completion date  for the utility relocation project.

Summer event closures:

South Main Street between William and Liberty streets will close from 10 a.m. July 31 until 1 a.m. Aug. 1 for the Electricians NTI Block Party.

Main Street from William to Huron streets and Liberty Street from Main to State streets will close from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Aug. 4 for Ann Arbor Pride.

Liberty Street will be closed from South Fifth Avenue to Division Street each Thursday between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. until Aug. 29 for Sonic Lunch events .

OTHER WASHTENAW COUNTY PROJECTS:

Ann Arbor Township - Main Street: A lane is closed for construction through Aug. 30.

Ann Arbor Township - U.S 23: Southbound U.S. 23 from Geddes Road to Huron River Drive will have a single lane close for maintenance Aug. 3.

Ann Arbor Township - U.S. 23: The east and westbound Plymouth Road ramps to U.S. 23 will be intermittently closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 5. Getting onto U.S. 23 from those ramps, drivers will see a lane closure on Aug. 5.

Pittsfield Township - Michigan Avenue: There will be single-lane closures on both directions of Michigan Avenue from U.S. 23 to Sauk Trail through Aug. 9 for construction.

Ypsilanti - Washtenaw Avenue: Two lanes will close for construction from Cross Street to Dexter Street.

WASHTENAW COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION PROJECTS

Ann Arbor Township - Gleaner Hall Road: The road will experience intermittent lane restrictions between Warren and Joy roads from Aug. 5-9.

Ann Arbor Township - Stein Road: The road between Maple Road and the end of the pavement will have intermittent lane restrictions from Aug. 5-9 as well.

Ann Arbor Township: Local soft surface roads will see intermittent lane restrictions from Aug. 7 to Aug. 16.

Augusta Township - Whittaker/Willis roads: The intersection is closed through Monday, Aug. 19, for roundabout construction. A detour map is available online.

Augusta Township - Macey Road: There will be intermittent lane restrictions between Bunton Road and Tuttle Hill Road from Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 for drainage work.

Lima Township - Dexter-Chelsea Road: There will be intermittent lane restrictions between Dancer Road and Parker Road until Aug. 21 for road resurfacing.

Lima/Sylvan Township- Waltrous Road: The road between Sager Road and Jerusalem Road will close during the day from Aug. 1 through Aug. 6 for unpaved road resurfacing.

Lodi Township: Local soft surface roads will have intermittent lane restrictions until Aug. 8 for dust control.

Milan - U.S. 23: Bridge demolition and maintenance on U.S 23 at Plank Road will cause a series of nightly closures between Friday, Aug. 2 and Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Southbound U.S. 23 from Dexter Street to Main Street will be closed beginning 8 p.m. Aug. 2 until 7 a.m. Aug. 3.

Northbound U.S. 23 will also close at Plank Road and there will be 15 minute stoppages for bridge demolition starting Aug. 3 at 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Aug. 4.

Drivers will also see nightly lane closures from Plank Road to Willow Road starting Aug. 3 until Aug. 31.

The northbound and southbound U.S. 23 ramps to Plank Road will also shut down 7 p.m. Aug. 2. The northbound ramps will reopen at 5 a.m. Aug. 5 and the southbound ramps at 5 a.m. Aug. 6.

Milan - Plank Road: To rebuild the bridge at U.S. 23, Plank Road will shut down in both directions for more than three months from Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Nov. 15.

Manchester: There will be intermittent lane restrictions along local and primary soft surface roads for dust control between Aug. 5 and Aug. 16.

Northfield Township: Local soft surface roads will have intermittent lane restrictions for dust control until Aug. 7, an extended date.

Northfield - Joy Road: There will be intermittent lane restrictions between Hellner Road and Maple Road until Aug. 5 for forestry work.

The road will also shut down during the day between Maple Road and Whitmore Lake Road for unpaved road resurfacing until Aug. 8.

The Joy Road bridge over U.S. 23 is closed indefinitely while crews complete a partial demolition of the overpass that was severely damaged when a semi truck hit it .

Northfield Township - Kearney Road: The road will close during the day between Whitmore Lake Road and Jennings Road from Aug. 8 to Aug. 14.

Northfield and Salem townships - Dixboro Road: There will be intermittent lane restrictions on Dixboro Road between 5 Mile and 6 Mile roads from until Aug. 8 for drainage work.

Pittsfield Township - Hogback Road: There will be a road closure for Hogback Road between M-17 and Clark Road for road resurfacing until Aug. 8. A detour map can be found online.

Pittsfield Township - Platt Road: The road is closed between Waterfowl Boulevard and Michigan Avenue through Aug. 9  an extended completion date  for Michigan Department of Transportation construction . A detour map is available online.

Pittsfield Township - Dayton Drive: Central Boulevard to Packard Road will see intermittent lane closures through Aug. 2 for a speed hump installation.

Pittsfield Township - Hawks Avenue: Intermittent lane closures began July 11, between Packard Road and Blossom Hill Trail and will last until Aug. 2.

Pittsfield, Ypsilanti townships - Munger Road: Between Bemis and Merritt Road, there will be intermittent lane restrictions from Aug. 8 to Aug. 16 for drainage work.

Salem Township - 7 Mile Road: The road between Pontiac Trail and Angle Road will face intermittent shoulder restrictions through Aug. 3 for aggregate shoulder placement.

Salem Township - Chubb Road: Intermittent lane restrictions will be happening between 7 Mile Road and 8 Mile Road through Aug. 8 for drainage work.

Scio Township - Jackson Road: Drivers heading west on Jackson Road will also see lane restrictions between Jackson Industrial Drive and Myrtle Avenue through mid-October.

Scio Township - Miller Road: Between Wagner Road and M-14, there will be intermittent shoulder restrictions from July 31 to Aug. 3.

Scio Township - Huron River Drive: Expect intermittent lane closures between Zeeb Road and East Delhi Road through Sept. 1 for Washtenaw County Border-to-Border Trail construction.

Scio Township - Luella Avenue: There will be intermittent lane restrictions between Park Road and Jackson Road from Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 for drainage work.

Scio Township - Burton Avenue: There will be intermittent lane restrictions between Park Road and Jackson Road from Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 for drainage work.

Scio Township - Myrtle Avenue: There will be intermittent lane restrictions between Park Road and Jackson Road from Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 for drainage work.

Scio Township- Woodlea Park Subdivision: There will be intermittent lane restrictions in the subdivision from Aug. 5 to Aug. 8.

Superior Township - Plymouth Road: The road between Dixboro Road and Short Street will experience intermittent lane restrictions through Aug. 16 for work on a non-motorized pathway. This project was extended.

Superior Township - Stephens Drive: Between Nottingham Drive and Stamford Road, there will be intermittent lane closures until Aug. 2.

Superior Township - Clark Road & MacArthur Boulevard: The intersection will close from Aug. 9 to Aug. 12 for catch basin repair.

Sylvan Township - Kalmbach Road: The road will close during the day between Garvey Road and I-94 for unpaved road resurfacing on Aug. 6 and 7.

Sylvan Township - McLure Road: Between Ridge Road and Crooked Lake Drive, the road will close in the daytime on Aug. 7 and 8 for unpaved road resurfacing.

Webster Township - Farrell Road: The street between Webster Church Road and Zeeb Road will close from July 29-31 for limestone road resurfacing.

York Township - Willis Road: There will be intermittent lane restrictions between U.S. 23 and Platt Road from July 29 to Aug. 2 for road crack sealing.

York Township - Platt Road: The road will close Aug. 6 between Begole Road and Judd Road for culvert replacement.

Ypsilanti - Hewitt Road: The road will close in both directions at Washtenaw Avenue for construction Aug. 3 and Aug. 4.

Ypsilanti Township - Ridge Road: Expect shoulder closures between Holmes Road and Mott Road for sidewalk installation through Aug. 16, an extended completion date.

Ypsilanti Township  Tyler Road: The road is closed indefinitely between McGregor Road and Airport Drive for road repairs following a washout. A reopening date has not yet been determined.

Ypsilanti Township - Bradley Avenue: There will be intermittent lane closures between Grove Road and Lakeview Avenue through Aug. 2 to install four speed humps.

Ypsilanti Township - George Avenue/Smith Avenue: There will be intermittent lane closures between Andrea Avenue and Lakeview Avenue through Aug. 2.

Ypsilanti Township - Bridge Road: The bridge over Ford Lake between Textile Road and Grove Road will see a shoulder closure through Sept. 4.

An updated list of Ann Arbor city street closures , the weekly Washtenaw County Road Commission schedule and the MDOT road closure map are all available online.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI- The Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival is returning downtown to Calder Plaza this weekend to celebrate the communitys rich heritage.

The event, benefiting the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, will take place from Aug. 2-4, and will celebrate the food, music, art and culture of Latin America.
SAGINAW, MI  William Federspiel said he wont be mad if you want to pull him over, especially when the Saginaw County sheriff is patrolling the streets in his departments latest drug forfeiture-purchased vehicle.

Federspiel this week began driving a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro, a model many highway patrol officers four decades ago used as high-speed pursuit vehicles.

Like the drug forfeiture vehicles Federspiels department purchased before it, the Camaro will serve in part as an educational tool, Federspiel said.

After all, the flashiness is part of the point.

The fast and the curious

Federspiel said he views the vehicle as a symbol of his departments intolerance of the illegal drug trade, and if people stop to ask the sheriff about the vehicle, it provides him an opportunity to explain his teams law enforcement successes.

Its a way for me to communicate with the public, Federspiel said. People come up to me all the time. They stopped me on the streets, and they want to know whats behind this car, and I get to tell them.

In the case of the Camaro, Federspiel said his department purchased the $29,000 vehicle using part of drug forfeiture funds collected after his team assisted in a case that involved Mexico drug cartel-provided cocaine sold in Saginaw County.

We intervened, we utilized the (Drug Enforcement Agency)s assistance; it was a huge investigation, $289,000 (in drugs) was taken off the streets, and some people are now in prison, Federspiel said.

We got our share of the money, and I decided to let the people know that we still do care about Saginaw County. I want these people who are doing drugs to understand we will not tolerate that.

Federspiel purchased the Camaro in an online auction. Auto shop crews then dressed up the vehicle as a classic patrol car, painting the Saginaw County Sheriffs Office logo on the drivers side door and fitting pull-over lights on its hood and near its front headlights.

Federspiel, who is campaigning this year to retain his sheriffs title, said he planned to wait to publicly unveil the vehicle until after November, to avoid the appearance of an election-season stunt.

But Federspiel said he pushed that timeline up when he learned campaigners favoring two of his election opponents captured an image of the Camaro while it was receiving maintenance. Federspiel said that image was used in campaign material that falsely claimed the sheriff purchased the car using taxpayer money.

There is not one dime of taxpayer money that went into this vehicle, or anything with it, Federspiel said. Its all drug forfeiture funds.

So, the sheriff instead began driving the Camaro this week.

Federspiel said the vehicle  purchased with about 50,000 miles on it  will be put to use the same as a traditional patrol vehicle.

While its backseats dont possess much room to transport detained individuals, Federspiel said he would instead position arrestees in the front passenger seat. Its a practice the sheriff said he performed while serving as a police officer in Florida early in his 37-year career, when he enforced law while driving a Ford Mustang in the late 1980s.

The road behind him, and ahead

During his tenure in Saginaw County  where Federspiel previously worked as a Saginaw Township police officer and was elected to the Saginaw City Council  the sheriff hasnt shied from the spotlight.

Sometimes, hes stood directly beneath it, literally.

While serving as sheriff, he has acted in local plays and continues to perform from time to time as the lead in bands covering the hits of Bob Seger and Kenny Rogers. Federspiel at times fashions his facial hair to appear identical to the two famous musicians.

The Camaro represents the latest in a line of flashy vehicles Federspiels department purchased as a way to raise awareness about his organizations pursuits.

The first drug forfeiture-purchased vehicle was bought during Federspiels second year as sheriff. In 2010, Federspiel began driving a Ford Mustang GT that was confiscated from a local drug dealer. The cars door read Taken From A Local Drug Dealer.

A Taken From a Cocaine Dealer decal was applied to the next vehicle, a 2003 Cadillac CTS.

Taken from a theft ring was emblazoned on the next vehicle, a Honda Element some called the toaster. When a retired General Motors worker chastised Federspiel for sporting a vehicle not associated with American car manufacturers, the sheriff stopped driving it, he said.

Before the Camaro, the most recent vehicle purchased via drug forfeiture funds was a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 Custom. Federspiel said the vehicles age finally caught up to it, and his department in recent years sold it to a new owner in New Jersey.

These are a good way to start a conversation about what law enforcement is doing, Federspiel said. And it reinforces the fact that we do not tolerate drug dealers in Saginaw.

Voters next week will decide if Federspiel will keep his job for at least another four years. During the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary election, the Democrat will face one of his retired lieutenants in a rematch from four years ago.

Federspiel defeated Kevin Stevens  13,835 to 8,128 votes  in August 2020.

The winner then will face Republican Jason Wise, the police chief in Zilwaukee, during the November general election. Wise faces no GOP opponent in the primary.

Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel said he will drive a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro as a patrol unit, purchased via drug forfeiture funds.The Saginaw News/MLive.com

Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw.
BAD AXE, MI  Leaving a Sault Ste. Marie foster home in a stolen vehicle, two Detroit-area teens headed south and wound up perpetrating a crime spree in Huron County, Police said.

The ordeal began about 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, when Huron County Sheriffs deputies responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash involving a 2019 Kia Soul at the intersection of M-53 and Buschlen Road. As deputies were en route, dispatchers advised them the vehicles two occupants had been seen fleeing on foot.

A Bad Axe police officer spotted the two running and caught up with them. The two males, ages 15 and 16, told the officer they were OK, though they were taken to McLaren Thumb Region Hospital for an evaluation.

The teens possessed two stolen CO2-powered BB guns and accessories.

While at the hospital, police learned the teens had abandoned a vehicle they had earlier stolen from the Sault Ste. Marie area. Police recovered that vehicle in the hospitals back parking lot, said Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson.

Once the teens were discharged from the hospital, deputies began sorting out what Hanson referred to as this somewhat complicated incident.

On separate days in recent weeks, the teens were taken from Detroit and placed in a Sault Ste. Marie foster home. On Friday, July 27, police said the two broke into a 2018 Hyundai Elantra.

Hanson said the teens hotwired the Elantra, having learned how to do so on the internet. They began heading south but had no idea how to reach Detroit and had no phone to use for navigation, Hanson said. They used money found in the Elantra, as well as funds from at least one good Samaritan, to buy gas for their trip.

Getting lost, the teens wound up in Bad Axe around 6 a.m. Saturday. They drove to the Meijer store at 100 Pigeon Road where they stole the two BB guns. They then went to the hospitals lot, where they dumped the Elantra and shot the vehicles windows out with the BB guns, Hanson said.

The teens soon found the Kia in another lot, shot out one of its windows, and hotwired it, the sheriff said. They headed north on M-53 and accelerated as they neared the Buschlen Road traffic light, which was about to turn red.

Apparently distracted by the broken glass on the floor and his foot, the teen driver lost control. The Kia rolled several times and struck a utility pole. The teens tried fleeing, only to be nabbed by the Bad Axe officer.

The teens have since been turned over to foster home representatives and retuned to Sault Ste. Marie. Investigators have requested warrants from the Huron County Prosecutors Office seeking charges of felony vehicle theft, larceny, malicious destruction of property, and leaving the scene of an accident, Hanson said.
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Preeti Kulkarni is a financial journalist with over 13 years of experience. Based in Mumbai, she covers the personal finance beat for Moneycontrol. She focusses primarily on insurance, banking, taxation and financial planning
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Tata Sons restructuring plan gets RBI nod to avert listing on bourses: Report
BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) celebrates its 97th founding anniversary on Thursday. The past few days have seen President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), engage in a string of activities concerning the military. He convened a Party leadership study session, calling for modernizing border, coastal and air defense. He wrote back to officers and soldiers of an elite army company with its history dating back to the Red Army days, urging them to strengthen training in real combat conditions. He also made an instruction on veterans' affairs, emphasizing the importance of making military service an honorable occupation and ensuring that ex-service personnel enjoy respect from the whole society. On Thursday, Xi's article on modernizing national defense and the armed forces was published by Qiushi, a flagship Party magazine. In the article, Xi said developing the people's army into a world-class military at a faster pace is a "strategic task" for building a modern socialist country in all respects. He said the military's political integrity must be enhanced and the military should be strengthened through reform, development of science and technology, as well as talent cultivation. PRESERVE POLITICAL INTEGRITY In the Qiushi article, Xi said "the barrel of the gun" should always follow the Party's order, echoing Chairman Mao's most famous dictum -- "political power comes from the barrel of a gun." Since its founding 97 years ago, the PLA has always acted and fought under the Party's absolute leadership. Precisely due to this steadfast guidance, the PLA has grown from nothing into a strong force. "History tells us that 'the Party commands the gun' is a basic guarantee to ensure the people's army maintains its essential nature and aim," Xi once said. In June, Xi convened a pivotal political work conference of the armed forces in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base where the Red Army was stationed about 90 years ago after the Long March. It was in Yan'an that Mao led the people's army to regain its strength and fight the wars that led to the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. In Yan'an, Xi emphasized the need to uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military and to build a high-quality team of cadres that is loyal, clean, responsible and capable. Since becoming China's top leader, Xi has taken steps to address concerns over weakened Party leadership in the military, an issue that people feared could undermine combat effectiveness and threaten the fundamental political principle that the Party commands the military. Over the years, the political climate within the military has improved significantly through the full implementation of the system of ultimate responsibility resting with the CMC chairman, along with advancements in integrity building and anti-corruption efforts, and adoption of other measures. STRENGTHEN THE MILITARY THROUGH REFORM In mid-July, a pivotal Party resolution adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee reiterated the importance of strengthening the military through reform to ensure the realization of the PLA's 2027 centenary goals. Reform has been the key theme as Xi has reshaped the armed forces over the past decade. Major changes have taken place within the armed forces since late November 2015, when Xi convened a key meeting in Beijing to launch "the most extensive and profound reform of national defense and the armed forces" since 1949. The PLA has dismantled long-established systems of general departments and military area commands, altered the dominance of land forces within the overall force composition, and established new leadership, management and operational command systems. Five theater commands have been established, and services have been rebalanced. The country's navy and rocket forces have expanded, the number of non-combat personnel has been reduced and combat forces have grown. The proportion of land forces in the military has dropped to below 50 percent, nearly half of all non-combatant organization personnel have been removed, and the number of officers has been reduced by 30 percent. The PLA now has a system of services that comprises the army, navy, air force and rocket force, with branches including the country's aerospace force, cyberspace force, information support force and joint logistics support force. During exercises and training, previously independent military units across different services now conduct joint operations under a theater command. Previously isolated information is now circulated efficiently among various military units within theater commands. In the latest structural reform, the PLA's information support force was established and commenced in April. Zhang Youxia, a CMC vice chairman, said the move, initiated by Xi, was to address "the most pressing need" to reshape the network information system and let it better empower joint military operations. In the reform-themed resolution adopted in July, China's leadership again pledged to "deepen the reform of joint operations systems" and "refine the functions of the CMC command center for joint operations" to enhance combat capabilities. WORLD-CLASS ARMED FORCES FOR PEACE As reshaping continues within the military, the PLA's strength has increased significantly, bringing it closer to the goal of fully transforming into a world-class military by the mid-21st century. With new types of combat forces, such as those related to strategic early warnings, long-range strikes, strategic delivery and information support strengthened, a joint combat force system primarily composed of elite forces has taken shape. On May 23, the PLA launched drills around Taiwan Island as a strong punishment for the separatist acts of "Taiwan independence" forces and a stern warning against the interference and provocation by external forces. The drills, carried out by the Eastern Theater Command, were a typical case of joint operation that involves the participation of the army, navy, air force, rocket force and other units. Such drills focus on joint sea-air combat-readiness patrols, joint precision strikes on key targets, and the joint, comprehensive seizure of battlefield control. The drills involved vessel and aircraft patrols around the island of Taiwan, and integrated operations within and outside of the island chain to test the command's joint real-combat capabilities. Military experts say the May drills have demonstrated the Chinese military's coordination abilities and overall combat strength in joint operations after its reform. While improving its military, China's commitment to the path of peaceful development and its pursuit of a national defense policy that is defensive in nature remain unchanged. When the PLA celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2017, Xi stated that the Chinese military would always be a staunch force in maintaining world peace. One often-cited example is China's role in UN peacekeeping operations. Since 1990, China has dispatched more than 50,000 peacekeepers to over 20 countries and regions, including Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan and Mali. In 2015, Xi shared the story of a female peacekeeper named He Zhihong who died in the line of duty while serving in a UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti. Xi cited a poem written by the late peacekeeper that reads "In this vast world, I may be just like a small feather. But even so, I want this feather to carry the wish for peace." "This was her wish, and it is also China's commitment to peace," Xi said. In his latest Qiushi article, Xi once again stated the peaceful nature of the PLA, no matter how strong it becomes. "The PLA has the confidence and capabilities to safeguard China's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, to provide strategic support to the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and to make greater contributions to world peace and development," he said.
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Andreas Kluth is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering European politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Mihir Sharma is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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How Do Drugs Wind Up in the Water?

How Do Drugs Wind Up in the Water?

As you may have guessed, human activities are the primary source of drugs entering water systems. Cocaine and other illegal substances can end up in the water when drug smugglers sink their own vessels to avoid being caught by the law. Sometimes, they sink accidentally.

Outside of smuggling, marijuana, cocaine and other illicit substances can be excreted by users and then enter sewage systems. Many wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to completely remove these contaminants, allowing them to pass through and eventually reach natural water bodies.

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Beyond illegal drugs, pharmaceuticals used for medical purposes can also end up in water sources. People often dispose of unused or expired medications by flushing them down toilets or sinks. Hospitals and pharmaceutical factories can also contribute to this issue if their waste management practices are not adequately regulated.

Agricultural Runoff

Agriculture is another significant contributor to water pollution. The use of veterinary drugs in livestock farming can lead to residues being washed into nearby streams and rivers during rainfall.

Pesticides and fertilizers, often containing chemicals that can degrade into drug-like substances, also contribute to the contamination of water bodies.

Industrial Discharge

Some industries  particularly those involved in chemical manufacturing  release pollutants into water systems through improper waste disposal.

The pharmaceutical industry, for example, introduces active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and antibiotics into aquatic environments primarily through the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater from manufacturing plants.

Due to their chemical stability, many drugs and their metabolites can persist for long periods once in the water. This persistence means that even low levels of contamination can accumulate over time, leading to significant concentrations that can affect marine life like Brazilian sharpnose sharks.

And this contamination is much more widespread than you think.
Illegal foreign fishing has proven problematic for decades, with finning having a significant impact on Australia's shark populations.

50 kilograms of shark fin was found on an illegal fishing vessel which was seized by Australian authorities roughly 294km northeast of Darwin. Source: AFMA and ABF

Another group of Indonesian nationals has been caught by authorities illegally fishing in Australian waters. Upon seizing their vessel, 50 kilograms of shark fin was found, in addition to 80 kilograms of bait fish and a substantial quantity of fishing equipment.

It comes as the crackdown on illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters continues with hundreds of boats caught invading the northern coast earlier this year. Shark fin and sea cucumbers are particularly sought after with the former commonly used in East and Southeast Asian high-status soups  and Aussie waters are where they're found in abundance.

The fishing boat was intercepted by Australian authorities on July 7 inside the Australian Territorial Sea near New Year Island, approximately 294 kilometres northeast of Darwin.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Lawrence Chlebeck from Humane Society International said "it's distressing to see another instance of illegal shark finning in Australian waters, and its worse to consider how much more of it might be occurring unnoticed" by maritime authorities.

"Shark populations on the high seas have declined by 70 per cent sat since 1970, yet illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing remains a massive problem," he told Yahoo. "The global community must do better to curb these activities, as healthy shark populations are crucial for healthy oceans."

Five Indonesian nationals were on board the fishing boat. Each was charged before returning to Indonesia. Source: AFMA and ABF

The crew was detained and transported to Darwin, with the vessel destroyed by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) at a land-based facility in accordance with Australian biosecurity requirements, the agency said in a joint release with the Australian Border Force (ABF) on Friday.

They were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth) in which they pleaded guilty but were released on $1,000 recognisance orders on an undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of three years.

They have since been removed from Australia and returned to Indonesia.

Why is shark finning a problem?

Shark finning results in more than 63 sharks being killed a year. Finning involves cutting off the predator's valuable fin and then dropping it back into the ocean to die. Researchers argue we should only be using fins of animals where the whole animal is processed.

Sharks need to be constantly moving forward to survive and lose the ability to move without their fins. Suffocation, blood loss as well as predation from other species mean sharks will suffer a slow and painful death after they're finned.

"Removing sharks from the marine ecosystem threatens the health of our well-managed fisheries," Justin Bathurst, AFMAs General Manager, Fisheries Operations said. "Sharks are an important part of a healthy ecosystem, helping to control the balance of marine species and ensuring ecological stability."

Australian authorities continue to target illegal fishing

AFMA, in partnership with Maritime Border Command, a multi-agency task force which includes Australian Border Force and Australian Defence Force, continues to target illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters to protect our precious marine resources. However, researchers have previously argued more should be done.

Australian authorities are also using other measures to combat illegal fishing at its source, including the delivery of public information campaigns within Indonesian fishing communities, the distribution of educational material, targeted social media campaigns, and proactive engagement with fishers.

Australia is one of the worlds biggest importers of shark fins. Source: Getty / Supplied

"Australias healthy fisheries resources are an attractive target for illegal fishing operators," Bathurst added.

"AFMA and our partner agencies remain focused on identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting illegal fishers. Those caught fishing illegally in Australian waters risk prosecution and as well as seizure and destruction of their vessel."

Key facts about shark fin usage:

Shark fins are commonly used in East and Southeast Asian soups and these dishes are associated with wealth and status.

The global shark fin trade is centred around Hong Kong, which hosts up to 50 per cent of all imports, with half of this re-exported.

Australia is responsible for about 1 per cent of products imported into China and Hong Kong.

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Update at 11:15 a.m.: CAL Fire updates that the containment on the Pedro fire burning near the Mariposa and Tuolumne County lines has grown to 25 percent, while the acreage remains 3,815. Regarding fire suppression efforts for today, they report, Crews are actively mopping up and performing suppression repairs on the fire. Their efforts include extinguishing remaining hotspots, patrolling the area to prevent flare-ups, and restoring the affected landscape. These actions are crucial for ensuring the fire is completely out and the community is safe.

All evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings, and the details can be viewed below. For a map of the fire area, click here.

Original post at 5:46 a.m.: Mariposa County, CA  The containment and acreage climbed overnight for the Pedro Fire, burning in grass and brush near the Mariposa and Tuolumne County lines. All evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings This morning, the fire is 3,815 acres and 20% contained. CAL Fire reports, Crews are making significant progress near Merced Falls Road, working diligently to cut and improve lines around the fire to increase containment. Two tankers have been assigned to assist with the efforts, and damage inspections are underway. one structure has been destroyed, three have been damaged, and another 350 are threatened.
Most people probably aren't used to seeing quite so many shiny new cars collectively waiting to meet their demise  yet that's exactly what has happened here.

ElectraMeccanica's Solo model were produced from 2018 to 2023 and initially peddled as a cheaper alternative to other EVs on the market. Source: TikTok

Mountains of brand new electric vehicles are set to be destroyed over a "defect" their manufacturer insists is unfixable. While used cars piled on top of one another at a scrapyard isn't a particularly unusual sight, most people probably aren't used to seeing quite so many shiny new models collectively waiting to meet their demise  yet that's exactly what's happening in the US right now.

Viral videos show an entire fleet of EVs stacked up in a depot waiting to be stripped for parts in Gilbert, Arizona, with tonnes of the discarded vehicles rendered so faulty they're unusable. The brand ElectraMeccanica's Solo model were produced from 2018 to 2023 and were initially peddled as a cheaper alternative to other EVs on the market like Tesla's. According to the company, they sold hundreds of them.

The three-wheeled, single-seat vehicles look similar to enclosed mini cars and retailed for A$11,000 while they were on the market. But sales came to an abrupt halt in August, 2022. Source: TikTok

Manufacturer swings axe on 'budget-friendly' EV after defect

The three-wheeled and single-seat vehicles look similar to enclosed mini cars and retailed for US$18,000 (A$27,000) while they were on the market.

However sales came to an abrupt halt in August, 2022, after ElectraMeccanica received a complaint from a customer warning their Solo had lost propulsion while driving.

While the company reportedly tried to diagnose the issue, eventually detecting the error, it was determined it was too difficult to remedy across the entire fleet. More issues surfaced in September which led the company to escalate the problem. In February 2023, it issued a recall for every vehicle sold to customers in the US  a total of 428 Solos.

Recall documents revealed ElectraMeccanica hoped to find a fix to the issue, but that never came to fruition. In April of this year, the company notified customers it would be buying back all affected vehicles. It's been reported that since then, ElectraMeccanica was purchased by electric truck company Xos, who apparently said it had no interest in repairing the Solos for resale.

The solution? Scrapping them instead.

No plans to resurrect embattled model

Online, videos emerged from the scrapyard showing dozens of red, white and black Solos all piled up onto one another, waiting to be stripped of whatever's left among them of any significant value.

An employee of the yard even told a visitor they were made to supervise the demolition to verify the Solos destruction, The Drive reported. The outlet theorised it was probably cheaper to write them all off than repair them.

"Following the recall, buyback, and ElectraMeccanicas cessation of sales, the vehicles were disposed of partly via the facility. Following the acquisition by Xos, ElectraMeccanica's few remaining operations have been wound down," a spokesperson for Xos told The Drive.

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The world's leading expert on orca behaviour travelled to the Strait of Gibraltar to understand why they were damaging boats.

Dr Ingrid Visser travelled to the Strait of Gibraltar to examine reports that orcas had been attacking boats. Source: Sea Shepherd France

Yes, orcas have been sinking expensive sailing boats but everything youve read about the situation is probably wrong.

They are being reported as killing machines and vengeful animals, and its not the truth, Sea Shepherd Frances co-founder Lamya Essemlali told Yahoo News.

Sadly, false reports have led to some truly weird behaviour from fearful international crews as they enter the Strait of Gibraltar. Locals report sailors have attached razor blades to the hulls of their craft, while others have doused the orcas with petrol and another group threw explosives at them.

So while its fun to believe orcas might be taking revenge on humans and attacking boats, experts are worried this urban legend is likely to get some orca killed, and they're urgently working to bust this myth.

Myths about why orcas are interacting with boats have led to them being attacked by frightened sailors. Source: Sea Shepherd France

New Zealand based cetacean expert Dr Ingrid Visser travelled to the Strait of Gibraltar to observe the Iberian orca populations behaviour for two weeks. And shes seen other pods of orca doing similar things back home.

Here in New Zealand most people love to see these incredible animals, even the ones who push boats around, Visser told Yahoo News.

If the orca in the Strait of Gibraltar wanted to take revenge on people, there would be a lot more sunken boats.

My opinion is its just pure play. And it just happens that youre dealing with five to nine-tonne animals, so their play results in damage to the boats. Its clear from what Ive seen that its not aggression.

How are the orcas playing with boats?

Having observed a number of Iberian orcas, Visser thinks they are focused on playing with one particular part of the boat.

Sinking the boat is not their end game. They break the rudder, play with the broken-off piece, and then depart, she said. Theyre not hanging around to watch the boat sink.

Why are so many boats being damaged?

Visser understands there has been a gradual escalation of orcas interacting with boats around the Strait of Gibraltar. Today, nearly the entire population of around 30 animals are engaging in the behaviour.

Its a cultural fad thats spread through the population. And so the number of boats they encounter has escalated.

When you're out there in the Strait of Gibraltar, you might see 20 yachts pass through in a day. And so that's 20 potential targets. And if the orca come across those boats, and they want to interact, and boats get damaged.

How fear-mongering about orcas has spread

An underwater video taken by Sea Shepherd France shows how the orca are simply playing with the boats. You can watch it below.

The ocean conservation group joined forces with Spanish-based WeWhale and formed Save the Iberian Orca to help protect Iberian population, and stop the rapid spread of incorrect information about them.

Sea Shepherd Frances Essemlali explained she became involved to help be the voice of the orcas.

The talk about this population is not about them being critically endangered, its that they're bothering boats. And I think that tells us something about our relationship to wildlife and our relationship to the ocean, she said.

While the negative reports about orca began in Spain and Portugal, the tall stories about them have been picked up around the world. When a pair of orca ventured from Spanish waters over to Brittany, in northern France, Essemlali observed absolutely horrible fear-mongering about their presence in local media.

These reports fuel a collective fear thats completely irrational. And it pushes people to have violent reactions when they see orca, she said. Some sailors confuse the size and power of the animals with aggression.

Across the Strait in Morocco, many of the fishermen operate from small wooden fishing boats and cant swim. And some have heard incorrect reports that the orcas are hungry and want to eat people alive.

This is total nonsense. And this has to be debunked. There is a lot of work to do on this matter, Essemlali said.

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Since Iran, Hezbollah, and by many accounts, Syria and Iraq are deciding how to respond to Israels assassination of Hamas negotiator Ismail Hamiyeh in Iran, its assassination of Hezbollah commander Faoud Shakr, and air strikes on Syria, and events will play out soon enough, well limit ourselves to a high level overview and some updates.

As well explain, the risk of nuclear war is real and all too high.

The US and EU are trying to persuade Iran to engage in yet another symbolic retaliation of the sort it engaged in last April after Israel struck Iran via hitting its consular compound in Damascus and killed seven military advisers. Even though the Western media pooh poohed Irans response, which was to send a very large wave of slow-moving drones and then launch precision missile strikes, the missiles not only got through but made impressively accurate hits on a supposedly super highly protected Israel airbase. In other words, in textbook conditions, with both sides agreeing on the target, Iran demonstrate its ability to surmount Israel (and US and French, who were supporting this operation) defenses, and at very low cost compared to the Western defense ($80 million to $100 million versus $1.35 billion for Israel and an additional ~$1 billion for the US).

Yet Israel continues to escalate. What is going on here?

Consider these not-mutually-exclusive possibilities.

Israel has lost its mind. Norman Finkelstein for some time has, with supporting detail, depicting Israel as having gone crazy. Notice below how the interviewer keeps trying to shut him up by persistently interrupting:

the genocidal Israeli regime has been assassinating people in Iran for decades now openly, thinking that doing so will have zero consequences. But those times are gone. There will be consequences for what Norman Finkelstein rightly called the Israeli lunatic state pic.twitter.com/I3RzkRPeIB   (@zei_squirrel) July 31, 2024

Israel believes the US can effectively protect Israel if it gets in serious trouble. Lloyd Austin saying that the US will defend Israel if attacked and the US being able to successfully defend Israel are two entirely different matters. Yet Israel confidence seems undiminished despite the US and Western failure in the test last April.

Recall Israels vulnerability is well known to the IDF even if the political leadership tells itself otherwise. Scott Ritter, who worked in Israel for many years and has contacts in the region, has repeatedly described how Israel lost both of its last two war games against a Hezbollah-like opponent. You are not suppose to lose your own war games. And every time they simulated Iran joining the fray, per Ritter, Israel was wiped off the map. And those war games included US support.

Israel believes the Axis of Resistance will not meaningfully escalate. Chatham House provides a version of this view:

Events in the Middle East during July point to a striking paradox: Israel and the Iran-led axis of resistance are inching closer to a catastrophic regional war  yet the war remains unlikely, because neither side wants it. Is that mutual apprehension enough to prevent the worst from happening? Even the most seasoned observer of the region cant answer that question with confidence. But one thing everyone can agree on is that Israels alleged killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and its assassination of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon do nothing to lower the temperature.

The big factor favoring Iran and Hezbollah continuing to exercise restraint is that both their economies are weak, Lebanons disastrously so and Irans only now reportedly being able to deliver some improvements in living standards.

A second factor, as Chatham House points out, is that neither Hamas nor Hezbollah were hurt much by these attacks. Both organizations have a lot of bench depth in their leadership ranks. And they no doubt also recognize that Israel reverting to assassinations is an admission of weakness, of being caught in a Gaza quagmire and unable to prevail in northern border area despite launching strikes at a far higher rate than Hezbollah.

A third factor is that Iran and Hezbollah have both been calculated and measured in their responses, so Israel and the US may tell themselves that after they cool off, they were revert to form. But that ignores the Nassim Nicholas Taleb warning, that the turkey has the most confidence the farmer is his friend the night before he is killed, because that is when he has the most observations of the farmer feeding him.

Iran and Hezbollah are signaling this time will be different, that they will escalate. But even so, how serious will the ratchet up be?

This Iranian commentator suggests that since Israel is already losing, Iran and the Axis of Resistance merely need to inflict more, but not radical, pain:

 Tehran's response to Haniyeh's killing will be harsher than the previous strike on Israel, Iranian analyst warns Irans retaliation to Tel Aviv for killing Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran will be more severe, more painful to the Israeli regime than what Tel Aviv pic.twitter.com/qhfonTsyeW  Sputnik (@SputnikInt) August 1, 2024

Some commentators have made much of Iran hoisting the red flag of revenge. However, the red flag by itself signifies retaliation, not necessarily escalation:

  A red flag was raised at the Jamkaran Mosque in Iran. The last times this happened were on January 3, 2020, after the death of Qasem Soleimani, and on January 5, 2024, after the Kerman bombing. Based on the nature of the various official statements, especially from pic.twitter.com/jGpsZAbSi4  The Informant (@theinformant_x) July 31, 2024

Hezbollah is clear it will Do Something:

"It is now an open battle in all fronts. Iran-backed Hezbollahs leader said the groups battle against Israel has entered a new phase and vowed to respond following the killing of a top commander of the militant group in Beirut (translation via AP) https://t.co/erVyoGdMVV pic.twitter.com/6y2IjWKmSQ  Bloomberg (@business) August 1, 2024

Arab News reports the British Foreign Secretary and Defense Secretary flying to Beirut to try to talk Hezbollah out of its resolve. Such a senior delegation is meant to impress, but I am not sure that will cut much ice.

And Israelis seem pretty worried:

ALERT BREAKING  People trying to flee Israel in a hurry, ahead of a major military escalation with Iran.. @lifepeptides

pic.twitter.com/sfIf0El6TU  Dr. Anastasia Maria Loupis (@DrLoupis) August 2, 2024

JUST IN The Tel Aviv stock exchange is plummeting as Iran's retaliation is becoming certain Lets hope its permanent pic.twitter.com/ofXvU6yypC  ADAM (@AdameMedia) August 1, 2024

One consideration favoring a harsh Axis of Resistance response is active US duplicity. From The Cradle:

Senior White House Adviser Amos Hochstein led a diplomatic disinformation campaign and deceived Lebanese officials into thinking Israel would not attack Lebanons capital or its southern suburbs, Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar reported on 1 August. Hochstein informed officials in Beirut that the Israeli strike would be outside Beirut and the suburbs. He insisted on leaking this information under what he referred to as the success of American diplomacy, according to the newspaper, calling the US officials talks with the Lebanese state a deception operation. The report adds Hochstein was trying to obtain a guarantee from Lebanese officials that Hezbollah would not respond to any potential Israeli attack in response to the strike on Majdal Shams last weekend, which Tel Aviv pinned on Hezbollah as a pretext for escalation.

Too many in Israel are itching to hit Hezbollah with a tactical nuke

Contrary to the idea above, that Israel is betting on the Axis of Resistance not moving much up the escalation ladder after the latest attacks is the idea that the Israel government is determined to gin up a wider conflict. From Middle East Eye:

In killing Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas political bureau in Tehran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent the clearest message yet to Iran and the resistance movements that he wants a regional war.

Its not pretty to see commentators pumping for do dumb shit and see what happens moves like this:

Prediction: Israel  is waiting for Islamic Republic's  retaliation to give it an excuse to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities in response. Israel's long range bombing of Yemen (2200km distance) proved that it can easily destroy Iran's facilities too (1600km distance). pic.twitter.com/1Uye0M35Kn  Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) July 31, 2024

By all accounts, Iran has more than enough in the way of conventional missiles very well bunkered (and some claim set to launch on a dead hand basis) to destroy Israel. A strike like the one described above looks primed to trigger an Israel-devastating salvo.

It seems worryingly possible that if Hezbollah or a coordinated Axis of Resistance response were deemed by Israel to be excessive, Israel could respond by striking Hezbollah with a tactical nuke. Since Hezbollahs operations are all in deep underground tunnels, that would result in disproportionate civilian deaths above ground.

Colonel Macgregor discusses this scenario in a disconcertingly calm manner below, starting at 16:15. He points out that Israel will face its toughest opponent ever in a full-bore conflict with Hezbollah and he therefore thinks Israel is prepared to make a strike with tactical nuclear bombs. He states matter-of-factly that a tactical nuclear weapon could be as small as 5 kilotons. That would be about 1/3 of the blast power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

Macgregor continues by observing that if Israel were to make a nuclear attack on Hezbollah, that Iran would enter with vehemence and has more than enough conventional weapons to overwhelm Israel defenses and inflict great damage on Israel. He anticipates that Israel would then launch a nuclear attack on Iran.

Macgregor also mentions briefly starting at 6:00 that due to the conflict, Israels population has largely left the northern and southern border areas, making it even more concentrated than usual. This creates an incentive for Israel to engage in a pre-emptive attack.

This scenario may seem a bit linear, when the possible outcomes are bushier. Nevertheless, it seems too likely that if Hezbollah and/or Iran engage in anything more that a proportional response (and per above it is Israel and the US that sit in judgement of where a response is excessive), Israel could use that at a pretext to launch a war in Lebanon, or simply skip Go and strike a part of Lebanon it contends to a prime target, as it it claims the strike would significantly damage the Hezbollah tunnel network. If that does happen, it seems far too likely that, as Macgregor anticipates, Iran launches no-holds-barred missile attacks and Israel retaliates with a major nuclear attack.

Now if Macgregor and yours truly can work out this risk, so can Iran.

So the next question is: what is Irans and the Axis of Resistances ability to destroy, in a massive, tightly time-compressed attack, to take out all or nearly all of Israels ability to launch a nuclear attack? Remember, nuclear bombs dont get up and walk to their targets. They are sent by ground or submarine launched missiles or aircraft.

Israel has five nuclear subs and they are believed to carry 200 kiloton nuclear missiles. The innertubes also report that Israel has nuclear weapons buried deep enough to be able to make a second strike even in the face of a nuclear attack. So the Axis of Resistance looks unable to make a successful preemptive strike unless they were also able to interfere with targeting, and they dont look able to do that. The only option along these lines that could work on the scale needed might be an electomagnetic pulse bomb. But theres no evidence Iran has developed, let alone tested, one, and it would be too high stakes to try a maiden run now.

So it looks all too likely that Israel not only will use nuclear, but even worse may be trying to set up events to justify deploying them. As I often say, it would be better if I were wrong.
Aimee Connor has been praised for turning her leftovers into 'delicious' new meals as Aussies continue to grapple with the cost-of-living crisis.

Aussie mum Aimee Connor has been praised for her 'genius' cost-saving food hack of repurposing leftovers. Source: Aims.lc/TikTok

A mums creative solution to reducing food waste in her home has gained attention across the country as Aussies continue to grapple with soaring grocery bills amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Aimee Connor shares snippets of her life with her more than 675,000 TikTok followers on a daily basis, but its her ability to turn her childrens leftovers into delish" new meals that has everyone talking.

From repurposing untouched pancakes into muesli, to turning cut-off sandwich crusts into cinnamon crunch cereal and mashed sweet potato into muffins  the mum has been praised for her genius concoctions, especially given the increasing costs of supermarket items.

Lets experiment, Connor said in a recent clip while cracking eggs into a bowl of chopped up pancakes which her children declared they no longer like.

Aussie mum Aimee Connor has been praised for her 'genius' cost-saving food hack of repurposing leftovers. Source: Aims.lc/TikTok

After adding some sugar, flour, oil and a couple of apples, the mum exclaims shes just had the coolest idea and mixes in some spices to create chunks of muesli she later eats with yoghurt and fruit.

She then pops the remainder in a large sealed container to keep for later  creating further meals and prompting calls for her to create a cookbook.

Mum's clever solution for lots of food waste

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, the nurse said she is often pondering what to do with scraps that havent even been breathed on due to her kids uneven appetites.

Its hard to work out what I want to eat sometimes, so trying to work out what four children want to eat is a mission, and sometimes I get it wrong! Im not one to force my children to eat something if they dont feel like it, Connor explained.

With just a handful of pantry staples, any parent can start to repurpose foods that their children turn their nose at, she said.

These include:

Self-raising flour

Oats

Honey or maple syrup or brown sugar

Oil

Butter

Eggs

Baking soda

Cinnamon

Connor told Yahoo that while she has always hated wasting food and has consistently tried to think of ways to eliminate the food waste in her house, she only recently started making videos documenting her recipes.

I thought in todays climate some other families may be in the same position as me and I could inspire others to do the same. I dont really know what I am doing at the time, I just like to mix it up and try new things, but I generally use the same sort of ingredients (and portions) and hope for the best!

I definitely think my pancake cereal was the best one I have done so far as that one really shocked me with how yummy that was!

And others agree.

Im a single mum of four and I really appreciate seeing someone else repurpose food. I do this sort of thing too. Its too expensive to waste! one viewer commented on her social media.

I love the resourcefulness! Turning soon to be waste into your breakfast! another said.

Aussies seeking help in droves amid cost-of-living crisis

Despite 3.7 million households experiencing food insecurity in 2023  10 per cent more than in 2022  each year Aussies waste around 7.6 million tonnes of food, costing families up to $2,500 and accounting for about 3 per cent of the annual greenhouse gas emissions, according to the National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study.

A photo of crowds of people lined up for a charity food service in Melbourne's inner city in June reflects the 'sad new reality' Aussies are facing in the cost-of-living crisis. Source: X

However, as the cost of living pulls the purse strings tighter and tighter, Aussies have admitted to dumpster diving and skipping meals to make ends meet. Charities providing free food have also warned the number of people seeking help has grown exponentially this year.

In June, the founder of Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne, Randa Beirouti, said it has now become normal to see huge crowds lining up outside of food banks.

Particularly in the wake of the pandemic, the rate of people reaching out for help has "skyrocketed," she said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Canadas assisted suicide regime has become a conveyor belt of horror stories

I have many fears about Canadas euthanasia regime. I am afraid that the activists at Dying with Dignity will succeed in explicitly expanding eligibility to children, the disabled, and those suffering from mental illness. I am afraid that families will one day be powerless to stop their mentally suffering loved ones from obtaining a lethal injection, and that the force of the state will stop them from intervening. I am afraid that Canadas radical leftist judiciary will strike down attempts to limit our euthanasia regime.

(Article by Jonathon Van Maren republished from LifeSiteNews.com)

But what I am most often afraid of is that we will become numb to the steady conveyer belt of horror stories that arrive almost weekly now  that the sheer volume of these stories will eventually cease to shock us, and that we will accept them as the norm not because we morally approve but because, like our tacit acceptance of abortion until birth, we simply become used to this new status quo.

For example, on July 19 I interviewed Roger Foley, a Canadian with disabilities, for LifeSiteNews. He explained how medical professionals have consistently brought up assisted suicide as an option for him, even when he has admitted that he feels suicidal. On July 10, I covered the story of Tracy Polewczuk, a woman who suffers from spina bifida. She was offered assisted suicide twice, and like Foley, explained that the pro-active offering of a lethal injection profoundly impacted her. They are not the only ones  we have been hearing these stories for years. They leak out of our medical institutions like blood seeping under a clinic door.

Heather Hancock, a Canadian with cerebral palsy, wrote an op-ed for the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition revealing that a nurse in Alberta told her to do the right thing and consider MAiD, Canadas assisted suicide program. She, too, has been encouraged to accept medicalized killing multiple times. Since the legalization of assisted suicide, she wrote, there has been a change in how she is treated:

In [the] hospital, I discovered a change in the attitudes of nurses, doctors, orderlies, and therapists. There was a subtle undercurrent that was almost tangible. I had nurses neglecting me, forcing me to try and walk while they stood at a distance and watched with arms crossed. It was evident the medical staff preferred not to treat me.

In 2018, she was asked by a doctor at Victoria General Hospital if shed ever considered assisted suicide. In 2019, at the same hospital, she was offered assisted suicide once again. To escape the medical system in British Columbia, Hancock moved to a town on the Saskatchewan-Alberta border. After a fall, she was taken to the hospital in Medicine Hat, where during a three-week stay, a nurse came to her bed and advised her to opt for assisted suicide. If I were you, I would take it in a heartbeat, the nurse said. Youre not living, youre existing. Hancock was horrified and told the nurse she would never choose assisted suicide and that her life has value and no human being has a right to say otherwise.

Stories like those of Foley, Polewczuk, Hancock, and many others should be deeply disturbing to us  they are indicative of a human rights crisis that has grown at a breathtaking pace over the past few years. Suffering, sick, and disabled Canadians are constantly being offered assisted suicide when they are at their most vulnerable, while Dying with Dignity activists and euthanasia advocates such as Dr. Ellen Wiebe claim that all is well in Canadas killing regime. Because the truth is so horrible, many people prefer to listen to these reassuring voices. The alternative is to recognize that Canadians are being bullied into lethal injections in places of care.

Despite all this, the Canadian press is now campaigning to see the last safe spaces for the suffering removed. A key goal of the euthanasia activists is to force all institutions  religious or not  to offer and conduct lethal injections on site. First suicide became a right; offering it has become an obligation. And so we get stories with titles like this, from CTV: A B.C. woman turned to MAID for peace. Her family says her death was undignified, traumatic. The parents and doctor of a woman who died by euthanasia are suing both Providence Health Care and the B.C. government because she had to transfer out of St. Pauls Hospital to get a lethal injection.

The CBC followed that story with another report focused on Providence Health Care: Providence Health reveals 19 patients were forced to transfer this year due to its MAID policy. Notice the framing of the story  no patient was forced to do anything. Some hospitals dont kill people, and so if you are seeking a lethal injection, you must transfer elsewhere. The CBC chose not to speak to disability advocates or others who could have highlighted the extreme importance of euthanasia-free places  instead, they spoke with University of Ottawa professor Daphne Gilbert, who worked with Dying with Dignity Canada on a legal challenge to force hospitals to offer it on-site. Dying with Dignity is described, absurdly, as a human-rights charity.

Canadas journalists should, at this point, know how disastrous legal euthanasia has been. They have reported many of the abuses; they have surely read coverage of the abuses published right across the anglosphere. But they have not learned their lesson. Once again, they are doing the bidding of Canadas euthanasia activists and exploiting the pain of the dying to force killing into the last safe places in the country.

Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com
CrowdStrike outage only a PRECURSOR to a BIGGER EVENT, Gen. Flynn warns

Retired Army Gen. Michael Flynn has warned that the CrowdStrike outage that impacted Microsoft systems worldwide in late July is only a precursor to a bigger event

He issued this warning during a recent appearance on the "Thrivetime Show" podcast, telling host and ReAwaken America Tour founder Clay Clark that the July 19 glitch is only a precursor to what World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab has been saying.

"This underpinning of the systems that were attacked, one of these systems was the banking system. So when we start to think about banking, airlines, medical health care, 911 services, the media got hit as well. The blue screen of death, as they describe it," said Flynn.

"Schwab just told us what is going to happen. What just happened with the cyberattack is not what he is talking about  he is talking about a much greater catastrophic event. And so, I do believe that what we saw was a precursor-type event and I think we're going to see something worse."

According to Flynn, the event mentioned by the WEF founder is going to make the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic look like child's play. He also mentioned that the July 19 outage is is yet to be determined as a real cyberattack or a purposeful and intentional cyber event conducted by CrowdStrike.

"I think this cyber event that we saw was anything but an accident, an incident or a glitch. It was not I believe it was meant to do some damage to some systems. It was also meant as a test run."

Flynn, former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency under the Department of Defense, pointed out that CrowdStrike is notorious for deceiving the American people. He recalled that the company was the one that supposedly did the investigation on the cyberattack of the Democratic National Committee file. (Related: IT blunder by Russia hacked the DNC firm CrowdStrike causes global chaos.)

Flynn: Similar glitches could impact elections

The former national security advisor to former President Donald Trump pointed out this event was going to analyze what kind of responses and consequences could happen if they shut down the airlines, health care systems, 911 services and other impactful things that drive the daily lives of people.

Flynn said people didn't do much, but they complained a lot and there was very little the American people can actually do about it.

The national bestselling author also said he is worried that if this went into the election and they shut down the election systems it could be a potential bigger issue that will impact future American elections. He warned something could happen that would give the current administration an opportunity to declare an emergency that would eventually stop the holding of an election this year because of a high risk for the threat to democracy.

"That's what we ought to be telling the American people. And that's what people need to hear from leaders like Trump and other leaders that we have that are standing up on behalf of the GOP," Flynn told Clark.

"You don't hear it coming out of the Speaker of the House. You don't hear it coming out of any of the senators that we currently have. You don't hear it coming out of any governors. These are the real threats that we face. So, if we don't overcome this, if we don't understand the enemy that we face then we can't defeat them."

Follow CyberWar.news for more stories about cyberattacks happening in America and the rest of the world.

Watch the full interview between Gen. Mike Flynn and Clay Clark below.

This video is from the Thrivetime Show channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

The CrowdStrike global outage shows the serious dangers of a centralized, digitized world.

World scrambles to restore normalcy amid biggest IT outage in history.

Michael Flynn tells The Right Side: Americans need to fix election systems and processes  Brighteon.TV.

Journalists believe US intel agencies will run some sort of cyber 9/11-style event around the 2024 election.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Britannica.com
DEFIANT: Trump to hold repeat rally at Butler, Pennsylvania  where he was nearly killed

Former President Donald Trump has announced a repeat rally at Butler, Pennsylvania  the same place where he was shot by Thomas Matthew Crooks on July 13.

Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, less than a week after the Secret Service urged him not to hold outdoor events. "I will be going back to Butler for a big and beautiful rally, honoring the soul of our beloved firefighting hero, Corey [Comperatore], and those  brave patriots injured two weeks ago. What a day it will be," he wrote.

In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump declared that he won't be scaling back his campaign events. According to some pundits, the Secret Service's request for Trump to avoid holding outdoor events and limit his appearances to indoor engagements is a form of election interference intended to suppress enthusiasm for the former president.

"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," Trump posted. "No one can ever be allowed to stop or impede free speech or [any] gathering."

Crooks fired shots at Trump during the earlier campaign rally at Butler. However, the bullet only grazed the ear of the former president. Comperatore, former chief of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, was killed while shielding his family from gunfire. (Related: Trump shot, survives ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT in Pennsylvania; shooter, one rally attendee killed, others wounded.)

Two other individuals, James Copenhaver and David Dutch, suffered critical injuries but received medical treatment. Both men have been discharged and have released statements thanking people for their support.

Secret Service snipers neutralized the 20-year-old Crooks moments after his failed assassination attempt on Trump. But the agency's slow response prompted much criticism from Republicans, which eventually led to the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle as the Secret Service director on July 23.

Secret Service admonished for failing to protect Trump

According to LifeSiteNews, the Secret Service has been roundly criticized for its failure to protect Trump on July 13. It has blamed everything from miscommunication with local police to claiming the building Crooks shot from was not only outside the perimeter but was too dangerous for agents to be stationed on because it had a "sloped" roof.

Several attendees alerted law enforcement about Crooks even before he fired at Trump. He also flew a drone around the campaign rally venue days before, and even researched the earlier assassination of President John F. Kennedy at the hands of Lee Harvey Oswald.

The Washington, D.C.-based Heritage Foundation also found that mobile devices that "regularly visited" Crooks' home and place of work also visited a location near the headquarters of the Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). According to the conservative think tank, this raises the possibility that the Deep State was involved in goading Crooks to take action against Trump.

Even U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) has expressed doubts about the FBI's ability to probe the failed assassination attempt. "We cannot trust the FBI to do an open and honest investigation," he told Fox News.

Republicans have blamed the attack on Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas repeatedly declining requests by the Trump campaign for additional security over the past two years. A day before Cheatle resigned, she admitted before Congress that the July 13 assassination attempt was the agency's biggest failure in decades.

Despite these setbacks, Trump showed up during the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin with a bandaged ear, accepting the party's presidential nomination. Following this, he and his running mate U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) held a campaign rally at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The location has a maximum capacity of around 12,000, but the number of supporters exceeded that number.

Head over to Trump.news for more stories about the former president.

Watch former President Donald Trump telling Laura Ingraham of Fox News that he plans to return to Butler, Pennsylvania for another campaign rally.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Andrew Torba: Suspected Gab account of Trump shooter contains pro-Biden posts.

FBI Director Wray reveals Trump shooter apparently researched JFK assassination.

House Speaker Johnson opens probe into Trump assassination attempt and Secret Service lapses.

Dr. McCullough and John Leake discover serious ANOMALIES in Trump assassination attempt like why did local law enforcement just LET IT HAPPEN?

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.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

Brighteon.com
SHOCKING: Harris wants to reduce the POPULATION to achieve clean air and water

The Biden administration immediately came to the rescue to minimize the effects of a recent shocking gaffe. However, it was not current President Joe Biden who committed the blunder. This time, it was the Democratic Party flag bearer Kamala, to whom he passed the baton to continue the presidential race.

In her recent speech at Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland, Harris said that a reduced population could combat climate change. "When we invest in clean energy and electric vehicles and reduce population, more of our children can breathe clean air and drink clean water," Harris said to the applauding audience.

The White House immediately released a transcript of the speech where the word "population" was crossed out and "pollution" was added in brackets to imply that this was what the "VP really intended to say."

Did you hear that? Listen again pic.twitter.com/Uh2gyL9mIZ  TaraBull (@TaraBull808) July 22, 2024

FactCheck.org even confirmed that the video where the VP said "reduce population" was real and not deepfake.

Harris's video has been spread and gone viral. A comment on a post that shared the video said, "If they want to reduce population we definitely should start with them."

Conservative radio show host Joe Pags also posted the video, indicating that Harris "wasn't supposed to say that out loud." "Reduce population?" Pags said in the video. "That is why the push for abortion. That's why the push for trans ideology. I get it now."

"Are you the population she wants to reduce?" Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky) remarked in a tweet. While Josiah Neeley, a senior fellow at the R Street Institute think tank, said "Wait, what?" of the vice president's eyebrow-raising remark.

The New York Post reported Harris, whom a recent poll found to be one of the most unpopular vice presidents in U.S. history, was known to make head-scratching remarks as Biden's right-hand woman. Earlier this month she gave a repetitive definition of the word "culture" at the Essence Festival of Culture in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans that drew mockery on social media.

"Culture is  it is a reflection of our moment in our time, right? And in present culture is the way we express how we're feeling about the moment," Harris said.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, July 24, Harris stumbled and struggled to define what artificial intelligence is during a meeting with labor union and civil rights leaders. "I think the first part of this issue that should be articulated is AI is kind of a fancy thing," Harris said. "First of all, it's two letters. It means artificial intelligence, but ultimately what it is, is it's about machine learning."

In April, she was also laughed at when she went on a puzzling digression during an abortion rights rally. "So, I think it's very important  as you have heard from so many incredible leaders for us at every moment in time and certainly this one  to see the moment in time in which we exist and are present, and to be able to contextualize it, to understand where we exist in the history and in the moment as it relates not only to the past but the future," she said.

Obamas endorse Harris

After stopping short of endorsing Harris when he spoke about Biden's withdrawal from the race, former President Barack Obama has now officially endorsed the vice president to be the Democratic presidential nominee. (Related: Obama refrains from endorsing Kamala Harris in his statement about Biden's withdrawal.)

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." He was reportedly one of the 100 top Democrats Harris spoke to after Biden announced he was quitting.

The Obamas said that they could not be "more thrilled to endorse" Harris. They vowed to do "everything we can" to elect her. "We agree with President Biden," the couple said, "choosing Kamala was one of the best decisions he's made. She has the resume to prove it."

They cited her record as California's attorney general, a U.S. senator and then vice-president saying that Harris has more than a resume. Their statement included that the VP has "the vision, character and strength that the current critical moment demands."

"There is no doubt in our mind that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people. At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope," they said in the statement that came with a video of Harris taking a phone call from the Obamas in which they pledged their support. "Oh my goodness," says the vice-president in the clip. "Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me."

Watch the video of the actual call of the Obamas to Harris.

CancelDemocrats.news has more stories related to this.

Sources for this article include:

ArmageddonProse.Substack.com

NYPost.com

WhiteHouse.gov

FactCheck.org

BBC.com
Vaccine shill Dr. Peter Hotez calls for the use of police and military forces against ANTI-VAXXERS

Vaccine shill Dr. Peter Hotez has called for the use of police and military forces against what he calls "anti-vaxxers."

The bow tie-wearing Hotez issued this call during a July 5 interview at the International Symposium of Pediatric Updates, held in Cartagena City, Colombia. He suggested that major organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) should target "anti-vaccine aggression." Despite being deleted on YouTube, the Defender obtained a copy of that interview.

"What I've said to the Biden administration is, the health sector can't solve this on its own. We're going to have to bring in [DHS], the Commerce Department [and the] Justice Department to help us understand how to do this. I've said the same to [WHO Director-General] Tedros [Adhanom Ghebreyesus]. We need the other United Nations agencies, [even] NATO," said Hotez.

"This is a security problem because it's no longer a theoretical construct or some arcane academic exercise. Two hundred thousands Americans died because of anti-vaccine aggression [and] anti-science aggression  and so, this is now a lethal force. The other side of saving lives is countering this anti-vaccine aggression."

In the same interview, Hotez linked "anti-vaxxers" to entities such as the Russian government. He also called for more stringent action against these "anti-vaxxers," and also urged medical schools to educate new doctors about anti-vaccine sentiment.

Hotez is currently the dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. He also holds patents for several vaccines and has helped developed some of these. Thus, it follows that Hotez is actively fighting "anti-vaxxers" as his income is on the line.

In March, The Hill reported that Hotez has found a "'parallel career fighting misinformation." According to the outlet, Hotez finds this endeavor "meaningful" and argues that "pushing back on the anti-vaccine movement is just as important as developing vaccines."

Several commentators weigh in on Hotez's remarks

Several commentators weighed in on the remarks by Hotez during the July 5 interview. "Peter has cashed in significantly on the [Wuhan coronavirus] COVID-19 pandemic and gets a lot of money when shots go into children's arms," said Children's Health Defense Chief Scientific Officer Brian Hooker.

Cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough remarked: "'Anti-science' and 'anti-vaxxer' are propaganda terms Hotez uses to establish a power dynamic over anyone who disagrees with him. Now Hotez is calling for a security state to enforce his propaganda instead of engaging in much needed dialogue over vaccine safety." (Related: NATURE journal publishes article by Peter Hotez calling for medical police state tyranny against vaccine skeptics.)

"Hotez presumes COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective as any vaccinologist would dream; sadly, his fantasy was over before it started. The COVID-19 vaccines were unsafe and failed to reduce hospitalization and death in prospective randomized trials or in valid observational studies. They never stopped transmission."

Microbiologist Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi questioned Hotez's scientific credentials, remarking that the vaccine shill "is not a real scientist" as "his publications transmit his personal opinions and beliefs."

"[Hotez] has never published any research article based on true scientific research. He has not conducted a single valid vaccine trial, and has zero data to back his claims. [Hotez] has been on the globalist team together with [Dr. Anthony] Fauci [and others], and is now turning to violence to silence all dissenters  this very fact disqualifies him as a physician," continued Bhakdi.

International law professor Francis Boyle also pointed out that Hotez's suggestions are a call to violate established international human rights law. He also denounced the vaccine shill's "Nazi mentality."

"Coercing vaccines upon human beings without their informed and voluntary consent violates the Nuremberg Code on Medical Experimentation, which is a crime against humanity," said Boyle, who teaches at the University of Illinois. "What we see at work here with Hotez is the Nazi mentality that pervades so many vaccinologists like him. Hotez is revealing his true colors."

Head over to VaccineWars.com for similar stories.

Watch Tucker Carlson pointing out that Dr. Peter Hotez is a "crazed publicity addict" in this clip.

This video is from the In Search Of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Peter Hotez, the vaccine scientist who refuses to debate RFK Jr., linked to "chimeric" coronavirus creation in Wuhan.

Matrixxx Grooove: Jeff and Shady blast Dr. Peter Hotez for REFUSING to debate RFK Jr. over vaccines  Brighteon.TV.

Duplicitous vaccine "scientist" Peter Hotez of Baylor refuses to debate RFK Jr., even though theres a $1.5 million charity pot.

Pseudo-scientist Peter Hotez promotes UNLIMITED COVID JABS for kids as part of the Fauci disinformation agenda and vaccine violence propaganda campaign.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

Brighteon.com
Kamala led jobs program that hired illegal who brutally beat American woman

During her time as District Attorney of San Francisco in 2009, Vice President Kamala Harris led a jobs program to rehabilitate non-violent offenders and ended up hiring an illegal immigrant who brutally attacked a young woman.

(Article by Christopher Tomlinson republished from TheNationalPulse.com)

In her 2024 presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris is attempting to highlight her prosecutorial experience to attract moderates, claiming she has never avoided confronting those who harm Americans. However, her tenure as San Francisco District Attorney faced scrutiny due to the Back on Track program.

One controversial case involved Alexander Izaguirre, a Honduran migrant with a criminal record. While in the program, Izaguirre assaulted Amanda Kiefer, severely injuring her, leaving her with a fractured skull. Kiefer, who was left with long-term trauma, later criticized the citys policies.

Harris called the incident a huge kind of pimple on the program, drawing accusations she trivialized the attack.

Harriss support for sanctuary city policies has also drawn criticism. San Franciscos policies limiting local authorities ability to question immigration status led to the release of Edwin Ramos, an illegal alien with a violent history.

Ramos went on to commit a triple murder in 2008. The city faced a lawsuit from the victims family, which was dismissed. Harris opted for a life sentence for Ramos instead of the death penalty. This record prompted former President Donald J. Trump to critique her as the original Marxist District Attorney at a recent rally.

In 2021, after becoming Vice President, Harris was put in charge of illegal immigration as Joe Bidens border czar, although her corporate media allies are denying she held such a position.

Under her watch, the U.S. southern border has seen millions of illegals flood into the country, many of whom have gone on to commit horrific crimes, including rape and murder.

Read more at: TheNationalPulse.com
Report: VACCINES and LOCKDOWNS are responsible for excess all-cause mortality, not COVID-19 infection

Vaccines and lockdowns to address the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) are to blame for the excess all-cause mortality during the pandemic , according to a new report.

The said report was published by not-for-profit corporation Correlation Canada and was authored by the group's associate researchers Denis Rancourt, Joseph Hickey and Christian Linard. It examined all-cause mortality data in 125 nations between the years 2020 and 2023.

The three researchers found that deaths commonly attributed to COVID-19 were actually due to other factors  including lockdowns and, in bitter irony, the injections touted as a solution for the pathogen. According to them, this excess all-cause mortality worldwide is incompatible with a viral respiratory disease as a primary cause of death.

"We describe plausible mechanisms and argue that the three primary causes of death associated with the excess all-cause mortality during (and after) the COVID-19 period are: biological (including psychological) stress from mandates, such as lockdowns and associated socio-economic structural changes; non-COVID-19-vaccine medical interventions, such as mechanical ventilators and drugs; and COVID-19 vaccine injection rollouts, including repeated rollouts on the same populations," they wrote.

Writing for Armageddon Prose, Ben Bartee commented on the second cause of death. He pointed out that "based on reports from countless nurses and other frontline healthcare providers," the scheme involved putting COVID-19 patients on ventilators knowing fully aware that they won't make it. Another scheme, Bartee noted, was the administration of the dangerous drug midazolam on COVID-19 patients and listing the cause of death as COVID-19 infection. (Related: UK covering up THOUSANDS of COVID-19 vaccine deaths.)

Hospitals incentivized to hook COVID-19 patients to ventilators

"Let's not be naive enough to delude ourselves into believing it was a coincidence that the hospitals were given a financial incentive to throw maximum numbers of grannies on ventilators," Bartee continued. According to the Thailand-based commentator, hospitals' payout from Medicare tripled when they did so. This was on top of the special 20 percent bonus for COVID-19 patients courtesy of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

According to WRAL News, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) estimated that the average Medicare payment for a less severe hospitalizations is at $13,297. A hospitalization where a patient is hooked to a ventilator for at least 96 hours is at $40,218.

KFF's estimate is roughly the same as numbers given by former Minnesota State Sen. Scott Jensen, a Republican, during an interview with Laura Ingraham of Fox News. According to him, a hospital gets paid $13,000 if a COVID-19 patient on Medicare is admitted and $39,000 if the patient goes on a ventilator. Jensen, a physician by profession, remarked that doctors are being encouraged to cite COVID-19 as a cause of death on death certificates  suggesting money as a motivation.

"A COVID-19 patient on a ventilator will need more services and more complicated services, not just the ventilator," said Joseph Antos, scholar in health care at the American Enterprise Institute. "It is reasonable that a patient who is on a ventilator would cost three times one who isnt that sick."

Medicare will pay hospitals a 20 percent "add-on" to the regular DRG payment for (COVID-19) patients. Thats a result of the CARES Act, the largest of the three federal stimulus laws enacted in response to the coronavirus, which was signed into law March 27.

Check out Pandemic.news for similar stories.

Watch cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough disclosing that virtually all COVID-19 related deaths occurred in hospitals below.

This video is from Follower of Christ777 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

New Zealand doctors call for criminal homicide investigations into covid-19 vaccine deaths.

UK covering up THOUSANDS of COVID-19 vaccine deaths.

Heart failure surge among children linked to COVID-19 vaccines.

European Court of Justice: Pfizer LIABLE for damage if its COVID-19 injection is defective.

NO CURE in sight for the mRNA VACCINE INJURY pandemic.

Sources include:

TheDailyBell.com

ArmageddonProse.Substack.com

WRAL.com

Brighteon.com
* In recent years, technological innovations in Nanfan have been revolutionizing China's seed industry at an unparalleled pace. * The Hainan Seed Industry Laboratory has partnered with enterprises to develop technologies that directly address their needs. * Taking a leading position in seed breeding, Nanfan has attracted more foreigners to learn its expertise and innovative technologies in recent years. SANYA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A high-tech steel framework -- resembling a colossal gantry crane -- glides over an experimental field in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, helping seed specialists develop better varieties and cultivation strategies. Spanning 5.7 meters in height and 21 meters in width, the self-developed high-throughput phenotyping platform is equipped with modular imaging units, including 3D laser scanning and thermal infrared imaging, and can collect real-time data throughout the crops' growth cycle with the use of AI technology. "In the past, we had to manually measure plant height, leaf shape and other traits. Now, we can remotely control this platform to collect crop information, which eases the burden on breeding experts and accelerates their research progress," said Li Yichao, a research assistant at the National Nanfan Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) in Sanya. Thanks to its warm climate in winter and spring, Nanfan has been a renowned national breeding base since the 1950s. While inspecting Nanfan in 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted its role as an invaluable platform for agricultural research. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged building Nanfan into a "Silicon Valley" for agriculture that encompasses research, production, sales, sci-tech exchanges and research results transformation to benefit the whole nation. In recent years, technological innovations in Nanfan have been revolutionizing China's seed industry at an unparalleled pace. A surge of advanced breeding technologies is flourishing here, continually injecting fresh dynamism into the field. SMART BREEDING Traditional breeding relies heavily on experience. Li Huihui, deputy director of the National Nanfan Research Institute of CAAS, is trying to transform this experience into a science. The intelligent breeding platform developed by Li's team has recently managed to select 1,000 rice materials based on 341 parental samples. If the 341 parental samples are all used to breed new varieties, their pairwise combinations could yield some 56,000 offspring with various traits, and screening them for superior ones would consume an enormous amount of labor and resources, Li Huihui said. The intelligent platform, jointly launched by the CAAS' National Nanfan Research Institute and Crop Sciences Institute, as well as the DAMO Academy, Alibaba's scientific research arm, integrates data management, analysis and optimization with large models and computing power. The whole-genome sequencing data of the 341 parent samples were uploaded to the platform, and its AI algorithms predicted and selected the top 1,000 offspring materials that exhibited the best possible traits. "We design algorithms to distill the wisdom of breeders from data, which is reflected in mathematical models," Li Huihui said. "These models can be seen as a 'brain.' Once we have new materials and genetic data, we can use the brain's 'logical thinking' to predict how such genotypes will develop in the future before field trials, saving breeders a lot of time." MARKET ALIGNMENT In recent years, the Hainan Seed Industry Laboratory has partnered with enterprises to develop technologies that directly address their needs. This collaborative approach effectively pools resources from businesses, social capital and academia. "Enterprises understand their challenges best, so proposed research projects are based on actual needs," said Huang Hefei, an official at the laboratory. "We also invite enterprises to participate in the project management and evaluation process, allowing them to verify the outcomes for application." Xu Miaoyun, the vice dean of the Nanfan College, Graduate School of CAAS, and her team were chosen for a project of "discovering lodging-resistant genes for corns and renovating their germplasm," a challenge raised by a seed enterprise. The deterioration of the climate and the increase in natural disasters have made plant lodging a serious problem for corn growers in China. Xu's team identified eight genes with resistance to lodging in just one year and blended these genes with the enterprise's breeding materials. They also collaborated with researchers from the enterprise to conduct field trials on these new materials. The collaboration has achieved a rapid transformation of scientific research results, shortening the breeding cycle by two to three years compared to the traditional approach. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Taking a leading position in seed breeding, Nanfan has attracted more foreigners to learn its expertise and innovative technologies in recent years. Chen Qing, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), has been focusing on green and integrated pest management for cassava in Sanya for many years. In 2023, his team welcomed a new addition, Oluwole Gregory Ijiti, who is from Nigeria, the world's largest cassava producer by harvested area. "My student is tackling the Tetranychus Urticae, a pest that heavily impacts his nation's cassava crops," Chen said. "By merging insect and pesticide resistance studies, we aim to develop pest-resistant cassava varieties, ensuring both high yields and green approaches." "My main goal is to enhance the resistance of cassava varieties to these pests," said Gregory. Over the years, Chinese research institutions have developed new cassava varieties and technologies that are now being adopted in countries like Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, Uganda and Cambodia, covering over 10 million mu (about 670,000 hectares). "Such collaboration is beneficial to both countries, and will lead to advancements beyond our national boundaries, helping to alleviate poverty and hunger," Gregory said. Enditem (Reporting by Chen Liangjie, Zhang Dan, Quan Xiaoshu, Wang Huiyu, Wang Chenxi, Luo Jiang and Chen Kaizi; Video reporter: Li Duojiang; Video editor: Liang Saiyu.)
The bodies have been identified as Peter Ray and Lixin Wang, and police are treating their deaths as suspicious.

The body of Peter Ray (pictured) and Lixin Wang were found on a luxury boat in Cammeray, Sydney this week. Source: NewsWire

A father who was found dead on his luxury boat on Wednesday had reportedly been renovating it for the last year ahead of a sea change next week, with police having no idea what his cause of death was.

The body of plumber Peter Ray was found in Cammeray on Sydney's North Shore alongside Lixin Wang's body, with the pair believed to be romantically linked and aged in their 50s or 60s.

It is understood they were due to spend the night on the 47-foot luxury boat and met one another in separate cars before boarding the vessel, however, a friend of Ray's notified the police after they were unable to get in touch with the plumber come Wednesday.

A strong smell of gas was emitting from the vessel with police approach it. Source: NewsWire

The boat was reportedly emitting a strong smell of gas fumes when authorities approached it, forcing police to notify NSW Fire and Rescue officers to assist with the search. Authorities are no further forward in understanding how the pair died, with no obvious signs of injury on their bodies.

Drugs were found on the boat and these, alongside the gas leak, are at the centre of the police investigation, with a crime scene now established.

Boat owner was eager to 'start afresh', ex-wife said

Ray's ex-wife Andrea told the Daily Telegraph he had been renovating his boat and had plans to move to Queensland on Wednesday to "start afresh". She called him a devoted father to three children, aged 29, 27 and 19.

"He's been doing it up to get it ready for racing  he was planning to race at Airlie Beach Race Week," she said, with the event due to kickoff next Thursday. Ray has reportedly participated in many sailing events in Sydney.

Police treating deaths as 'suspicious'

Police are treating the deaths as suspicious because there are no obvious signs of how the pair died.

"There is no obvious cause of death, so it's not suspicious in that there is a knife or something like that, it's more that we have to look at every piece of available evidence, NSW Police Detective Inspector Siobhan Munro said on Thursday.

The bodies are expected to undergo a post mortem examination on Friday.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Resident Biden claims were not at war anywhere in the world, while the U.S. is funding two wars, providing billions of dollars in weapons and instigating World War III

Yes, Ukraine and Israel are currently using U.S. weapons, U.S. funding, U.S. service members and U.S. government lies to fuel two wars that are bankrupting our nation, decimating our own military defenses and propagating massive loss of innocent lives around the globe. Its all part of the depopulation, destabilization, military industrial complex embezzlement scheme and the Democrats in DC are 100 percent behind it. This will get multiplicatively worse if the Democrats win the elections in November.

Resident Biden seems to have somehow rewritten the definition of war to mean that if there are no boots on the ground, or Congress doesn't "declare it," then there is no war going on. Never mind if the USA funds a war overseas, gives terrorists our missiles to launch into another country, uses our personnel to train militants how to use our weapons (munitions, tanks, jets, and missiles with nuclear warheads) and justifies it all as a means to cover up our own aggression and biological weapons of mass destruction, which are being created in labs right next to that nation. None of that matters, right?

Heres the quote from Dementia Joe himself, "Im the first president in this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world. Sure Joe. No war. And we heard you also beat Medicaid, are best friends with President Putin who runs Ukraine, and that you chose Vice President Trump to back you up if you got so sick and senile that you had to drop out of the 2024 election race.

Under Bidens new definition of not at war the U.S. could give Iran nuclear bombs and biological weapons to use on Israel or Russia, but the U.S. would not be at war

The Democrats are the party of say anything. Nearly every platform they ran on and say they support, they betray, destroy, demolish. Just last week, Resident Biden claimed, in his address to the nation, that the United States is not at war. He said, "Im the first president in this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world.

To make matters worse, just 30 minutes prior to this wonderful speech about no war, just pure unnecessary destruction and billions of dollars wasted, U.S. Central Command launched NEW strikes trying to wipe out Houthis in Yemen. This is just another among hundreds of U.S.-backed offensives, most of which kill innocent civilians and none of which have been approved by Congress.

If you dont like war and know that this kind of battling is a complete waste of energy, resources, money, lives and liberty, then you must try to ignore the fact that Bidens non-war in the Red Sea is the LARGEST NAVAL BATTLE in U.S. history since World War II.

Meanwhile, U.S. troops are also deployed in Syria and Iraq, currently fighting through our own illegal military occupation, ISIS remnants and Shia militias. Why? Get this; because they were targeting U.S. bases in response to the U.S. support of Israeli-led genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, many of whom are trapped and wounded civilians. The U.S. also bombs Somalia periodically, including multiple times THIS YEAR. Didnt you know? More ISIS (that Obama funded religiously, pun intended).

Still wondering why the sneaky Demoncrats set up for a full-on DRAFT of male and FEMALE Americans for 2025? It's called depopulation by genocide and the infertility clot shots (bird flu mRNA coming soon). Tune your apocalypse dial to Preparedness.news for updates on real news about surviving and thriving through the four wars overseas the U.S. is currently fighting in, even though our senile commander-in-chief says they dont exist.

Sources for this article include:

Censored.news

NaturalNews.com

ZeroHedge.com

News.Antiwar.com
TRUTH about Kamala Harris: She bailed out BLM rioters rather than punish them

To clean up her image before Election Day,is spreading lies about Kamala Harris and her involvement in promoting the post-George Floyd Black Lives Matter (BLM) riots.

One of Donald Trump's campaign talking points right now is that Kamala donated to a group called the Minnesota Freedom Fund (MFF) and encouraged her followers and supporters to do the same in order to bail out "dangerous criminals" involved in the George Floyd riots.

On June 1, 2020, Kamala did, in fact, tweet to her followers that she needed them to "chip in" to the MFF so it had the funds needed to post bail for BLM rioters in Minneapolis and all across Minnesota.

The Federalist co-founder and CEO Sean Davis shared a screenshot of the Kamala tweet in question, which CBS wants its followers to believe never existed.

"You don't hate the media nearly as much as you should," Davis told his followers about this mass deception. "There is nothing they won't lie about."

(Related: Did you know that Rep. Andy Ogles [R-Tenn.] introduced articles of impeachment against Kamala for her failure as "border czar," and for trying to hide Joe Biden's advanced cognitive decline from the nation.)

Kamala Harris still a partner with MFF

After WCCO, a Minnesota affiliate of CBS, tweeted that Trump was "falsely" accusing Kamala of donating to the MFF, X slapped a "Readers added context" bubble to the tweet that verifies the authenticity of the original Kamala tweet.

"On June 1, 2020, at 3:34 PM Minnesota Time, Kamala Harris tweeted 'If you're able to, chip in now to the @MNFreedomFund to help post bail for those protesting on the ground in Minnesota,'" X explained. "The tweet contained a donation link."

"This tweet has not been deleted and is available at: https://x.com/kamalaharris/status/1267555018128965643."

Documentary film producer Errol Webber (@ErrolWebber) shared the following video depicting the many dozens of deaths, hundreds of fires, and thousands of properties destroyed by the very people Kamala wanted to be released back onto the streets with the help of MFF:

In case yall forgot, here are the dozens of deaths, hundreds of fires, and thousands of properties destroyed, that @KamalaHarris and @TheDemocrats enabled, encouraged, and even funded during the Summer of Love in 2020. pic.twitter.com/UTmDJp1lZO  Errol Webber (@ErrolWebber) April 3, 2024

It turns out that Kamala is still a partner of the MFF: see for yourself.

"So, lefty media is trying to completely reinvent Kamala as a blank page and MAGA media tells me how much Lockdown Don will help my wallet," wrote "James Rodgers" (@DrJamesBRodgers) about the American political circus and the media's critical role in keeping the show going.

"They know we also have access to the internet and can look up things like voting records, debt creation, etc." #1984."

Others noted that this whole fiasco surrounding Kamala's open and vocal support for BLM rioters and the media's now-denial of it completely delegitimizes the corporate media.

"It's really no surprise that the American public has lost trust in the mainstream media," one said. "They've practically turned into the propaganda machine for the FBI, CIA, and DNC. They might as well rename themselves the Department of Misinformation because they're almost unrecognizable."

"Andrew Kerr" (@AndrewKerrNC) shared the following tweet to show that Kamala is still using her likeness to raise money for the MFF:

Kamala is using her likeness to raise money for the Minnesota Freedom Fund right now. She never shut down the fundraising link. It's still activeKamala 2020 campaign logo and all. I'll even post the link to it below so you can see for yourself! https://t.co/4asKEFVM8q pic.twitter.com/DHujXoXZk9  Andrew Kerr (@AndrewKerrNC) July 26, 2024

The latest news about the upcoming election and American politics in general can be found at Rigged.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

X.com

NaturalNews.com
Wife of Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Kamalas possible VP pick, obtained RESTRAINING ORDER against him

To protect herself and her children, Amelia "Amy" Kelly, the wife of Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), filed a restraining order against her now-ex-husband, it was revealed this week.

Dated July 8, 2004, the restraining order states that in the interest of Claudia Helen Kelly and Claire Sophia Kelly, the two then-minor children, now-Sen. Kelly was prohibited for communicating with, threatening, or in any way trying to contact his wife and their children.

Sen. Kelly, by the way, is one of the names circulating right now to possibly become Kamala Harris' vice-presidential pick.

Laura Loomer obtained a copy of the restraining order, which she posted to X for her followers to see.

"He doesn't want people knowing about his shady divorce and the restraining order that was issued against him in 2004," Loomer explained. "He goes to great lengths to keep these documents private. Sadly for him, but luckily for all of you, I have obtained these documents."

"Do you really want a man in the White House serving as Vice President whose own wife had to issue a restraining order against him to protect herself and her two minor daughters?"

(Related: House Republicans want to impeach Kamala for mismanaging the southern border while "border czar" and hiding Joe Biden's cognitive decline from the world.)

Obama endorses Sen. Kelly

Sen. Kelly's current wife is former Arizona congresswoman Gabby Giffords, whom he met at a seminar in communist China back in 2003. His first wife Amy subsequently filed for divorce in June 2004 right before getting a restraining order against him.

Loomer says that Sen. Kelly was allegedly having an affair with Giffords while he was still legally married to Amy. On Nov. 10, 2007, Sen. Kelly married Giffords, effectively destroying his family.

"This is DISQUALIFYING for someone (let alone a U.S. Senator) who is looking to be the Vice President of the United States," Loomer tweeted.

Another thing Loomer revealed is that Sen. Kelly was caught on tape riding around on a motorcycle bearing the flag of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as part of a paid promotion for a custom NASA beverage from the Shaklee Corporation  watch below:

MUST WATCH: ??DEMOCRAT SENATOR IN RUNNING TO BE @KamalaHarriss VICE PRESIDENT CAUGHT ON VIDEO RIDING AROUND ON A MOTORCYCLE WITH A CHINESE COMMUNIST FLAG IN PAID PROMOTION FOR CUSTOM @NASA BEVERAGE ??? Here is a video of Democrat Arizona Senator Mark Kelly @SenMarkKelly, https://t.co/FeWnM8PmIN pic.twitter.com/AvkDXnHGp4  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) July 27, 2024

"Prior to becoming a U.S. Senator, Mark Kelly was an astronaut, and he was selected as a NASA Space Shuttle pilot in 1996," Loomer revealed.

"Beginning in 1993 and through the end of the NASA shuttle program, Shaklee provided NASA with a customized version of its rehydration beverage, Performance, under the name 'Astroade' for use by Shuttle astronauts."

NEWS ?: Mark Kelly was a pitchman for a pyramid scheme to sell supplements, and was paid to speak at recruiting events in China. #AZSen #azpolitics https://t.co/CnBgO7FA8I pic.twitter.com/zZsXHk37hl  Senate Republicans (@NRSC) April 17, 2019

In 2012, Sen. Kelly also helped found a surveillance balloon company called World View Enterprises with funding from Tencent Holding Unlimited, one of China's largest tech companies  Tencent is also directly tied to the CCP.

World View Enterprises could be the company responsible for the infamous spy balloon that communist China sent across U.S. airspace back in 2023.

Note the fact that Sen. Kelly was also recently endorsed by Barack Obama, which says a lot about who he really is.

"I'm all for returning him to space and leaving him there," one commenter wrote about Sen. Kelly.

The contentious 2024 presidential election brings new surprises every day. You can keep up with them at Rigged.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com

X.com

TheGatewayPundit.com
Yemens Houthis pledge solidarity and support for Lebanon if Israel invades

The Houthis of Yemen have pledged their solidarity with Lebanon and Hezbollah in the face of a possible Israeli invasion

On July 29, Mohammed Abdulsalam, a spokesman for the Ansarallah Movement  the formal name of the Houthi movement  and the head of the rebel movement's delegation to the United Nations, affirmed Yemen's position against Israeli actions in a statement to media during a visit to Tehran.

Abdulsalam was in Iran for the inauguration of the country's new president, the reformist Masoud Pezeshkian, and to discuss regional tensions and how to work toward peace.

"Our stance is unequivocal against any Israeli aggression towards Palestine, Yemen and Lebanon," Abdulsalam said. "We stand with Lebanon in its defense against any Israeli actions." He described Israel as an occupier of Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese lands, portraying it as the aggressor in the region.

During a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pezeshkian warned of severe consequences for Israel if it escalates its actions against Lebanon.

The statements come amid heightened Israeli threats following rocket strikes in the occupied Golan Heights town of Majdal Shams, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children. Israel has blamed Hezbollah for the attack, though eyewitnesses and reports suggest that the casualties were caused by an Israeli Iron Dome interceptor missile.

Israel has also classified the victims as Israeli civilians despite their being Syrian residents of the occupied Golan Heights, where the majority of the population has refused Israeli citizenship since the area was occupied in 1967.

Israeli officials told media that a response plan is being developed, aimed at avoiding a broader regional conflict. (Related: Israel's "long arm" can reach its aggressors anywhere, Netanyahu warns, following massive air raid against Yemen that left 6 dead.)

"The expectation is that the response will not escalate into an all-out war," an Israeli official said. Meanwhile, other officials noted that the Israel Defense Forces are preparing for potential short-term conflict with Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting Majdal Shams on July 29, was met with anger from local residents, who accused him of war crimes. His defense minister, Bezalel Smotrich, faced similar protests while attending the funeral for the victims a day earlier.

A Hezbollah official stated on Al Jazeera that the group will determine the nature and scale of its response to any Israeli aggression. Although Hezbollah does not anticipate a ground invasion, it is reportedly prepared to retaliate if necessary.

Houthis vow to aid Iranian retaliation against Israeli assassination of Hamas leader

The Houthis have also pledged to support Tehran in an anticipated Iranian reprisal attack on Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Tehran reported that Haniyeh was assassinated on Wednesday, July 31, after he attended Pezeshkian's inauguration ceremony. Iran is providing very limited information regarding the assassination, including how Haniyeh died.

Israel has yet to claim responsibility for Haniyeh's assassination.

"Iran, us and the rest of the Axis of Resistance will all respond with deadly force," said Hamed Asem, deputy governor of Houthi-controlled Sana'a Province, during an interview.

This message of support was followed up by social media posts from Houthi leader Mohammed Al-Houthi, who condemned Haniyeh's killing as "a heinous terrorist crime and a flagrant violation of laws and ideal values."

Watch this short clip of Israel's strike on an oil refinery in the Houthi-held port city of Hodeidah in Yemen.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel conducts airstrike against Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah in Yemen, killing at least 3 and wounding 90.

Yemeni military reiterates warning to Israeli-linked ships not to pass through the Red Sea after claiming to have sunk 2 ships that violated the blockade.

Yemen's Houthis attack bulk carrier in Red Sea with suicide drone boat  first time in this conflict.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

ArabNews.com

Brighteon.com
Air New Zealand first major airline to abandon impractical climate goals, citing lack of realistic solutions

Air New Zealand has given up on its 2030 climate goal as it struggles to obtain affordable alternative fuels for its jets and fuel-efficient aircraft.

The airline also announced that it will be withdrawing from the UNs Science Based Targets initiative after announcing in 2022 that they were the worlds second carrier to have their plans validated by the framework.

The airline had previously stated its aim to decrease its carbon emissions by nearly 29% compared to 2019 levels, along with a 16.3% decline in absolute emissions. It was considered a highly ambitious goal given the fact that the global aviation industry was targeting a reduction of just 5% during the same period.

The CEO of Air New Zealand, Greg Foran, stated that it was becoming clear that delays to their fleet renewal timeline would place their target out of reach.

It is possible the airline may need to retain its existing fleet for longer than planned due to global manufacturing and supply chain issues that could potentially slow the introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft into the fleet, he noted, adding that because so many factors are beyond their control, they will be abandoning their 2030 target.

They are now working on setting a more realistic near-term target, but they emphasized that they remain committed to the broader industrys goal of reaching net zero emissions by the year 2050. They said the new targets will be designed with the challenges they are facing in terms of securing appropriate aircraft and alternative jet fuel in mind.

As the national flag carrier of New Zealand, this is a very high-profile reversal that is drawing a lot of attention to the difficulties airlines face in meeting restrictive decarbonization goals.

Other airlines will likely follow their lead

It wont be surprising to see other airlines following suit given how overly ambitious many climate goals are, especially considering that Air New Zealand was likely better positioned than many other airlines to succeed in meeting these objectives.

Griffith University sustainable tourism expert James Higham told AP: If even Air New Zealand cant do it, it kind of cements the reality that reducing emissions from aviation is an impossible task under the current technical regime.

Many airlines are finding that the sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) they need to meet these goals are not only far more expensive than traditional fuels, but theyre also difficult to produce at scale in the quantities that airlines need. The volume that is currently being produced is just a small fraction of the overall demand for them.

Compounding the issue is the failure of major plane manufacturers to deliver new aircraft on time, with Boeing and Airbus alike underdelivering in recent years due to problems in the supply chain. Overall, the production of more efficient planes is considerably behind schedule.

The airline also cited regulatory and policy support at the domestic and global levels as part of the reason it was abandoning its goals.

Several other airlines have already reversed their commitment to meeting their near-term emissions goals, including Lufthansa in Germany, Japan Airlines, easyJet in the UK, LATAM Airlines Chile and United Airlines in the United States.

In addition, Lufthansa, which is Germanys flag carrier and the second-largest airline in Europe in terms of passengers carried, announced last month that it would be adding environmental charges onto its airfares to cover the costs involved in adhering to new EU rules on emissions reductions. The charge could be as much as 72 euros ($77) per flight depending on the ticket type.

Sources for this article include:

ClimateDepot.com

BBC.com

APNews.com
Defense Department discovers $2B worth of ACCOUNTING ERRORS for Ukraine aid

The Department of Defense (DoD) has discovered accounting errors amounting to $2 billion in aid sent to Ukraine.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed this discovery in a July 25 report, noting that the DoD has faced challenges in accurately valuing defense articles sent to Kyiv due to unclear accounting definitions. This valuation errors applied to missiles, ammunition and other equipment, according to the report.

Last year, the Defense Department claimed that staff used "replacement value" instead of "depreciated value" to tabulate the billions in materiel sent to Ukraine. This resulted in a $6.2 billion error that created a path for additional billions more to be sent to Kyiv. Coupled with the $2 billion error disclosed in the July 25 GAO report, the total improperly valued military materiel has now reached $8.2 billion.

GAO was established to provide Congress, the heads of executive agencies, and the public with timely, fact-based, non-partisan information that can be used to improve government and save taxpayers billions of dollars, according to its website. Its work is done at the request of congressional committees or subcommittees or is statutorily required by public laws or committee reports, per Congressional protocols. (Related: No more! European countries call for end to Ukraine funding.)

According to the GAO, a vague definition of value in the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) and the absence of valuation guidance for the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) have led to inconsistent numbers in the reporting of military aid. One example indicated in the report was 10 vehicles being valued at $7 million, contrary to their supporting documentation that showed their actual value of zero as indicated in their net book value.

Singh defends Pentagon's inflated valuation

DoD Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters that weapons sent to Ukraine from U.S. military stockpiles using the PDA were overvalued. She added that the department used the cost to replace the arms rather than the depreciated value, making the amount on paper bigger than it actually is.

"In a significant number of cases, services used replacement costs rather than net book value, thereby overestimating the value of the equipment drawn down from U.S. stocks and provided to Ukraine," Singh said.

The spokeswoman added that the DoD overvalued by $3.6 billion for the 2023 fiscal year, and by $2.6 billion for the 2022 fiscal year. Singh nevertheless reiterated: "These valuation errors in no way limit or restricted the size of any of our PDAs or impacted the provision of support to Ukraine."

In May, reports first surfaced alleging that the Defense Department may have overvalued weapons it was sending to Ukraine. At the time, the estimated error would account for at least $3 billion in new funds, which has more than doubled since then. The additional funds meant that the White House might not need to ask Congress to authorize more spending on Ukraine before the end of the 2023 fiscal year, which is Sept. 30 for the federal government.

A month prior, a massive foreign aid bill  which included $61 billion for Kyiv  was signed into law. The April aid bill came despite Kyiv's inability to win the war or reclaim significant territory already seized by Russia.

Given the findings of the July 25 report, the GAO has made some recommendations to Congress about the matter. It told the legislative branch to clarify how value is defined in the context of defense articles under PDA.

It has also issued seven recommendations to the DoD. These include updating its guidance to include a PDA-specific valuation section and developing component-specific valuation procedures. The Defense Department later said it has concurred with all of the GAO's recommendations and has outlined actions to address these issues.

Visit UkraineWitness.com for similar stories.

Watch Mike Benz explaining that the "Ukraine aid" defense funding is a lie in the clip below.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Dem-controlled Congress trying to ram through another massive Ukraine funding bill before cost-cutting GOP takes over.

Pentagon: Ukraine has received more than ONE MILLION artillery rounds from the US.

U.S. dumps another $1.7 billion into Ukraine the very same day U.S. national debt reached $35 trillion.

Ukraine so desperate for new troops that Zelensky is now drafting PRISONERS to fight his war.

Ukraine armed forces chief reportedly refused an order from Zelensky to execute an offensive.

Sources include:

News.AntiWar.com

Brighteon.com
Dr. Roger Marshall announces full investigation into bias, censorship at Google: a propaganda wing of the Left

A prominent Republican doctor who is seeking a U.S. Senate seat in the state of Kansas has announced the launch of a full investigation into Google over bias and censorship claims.

On X, Dr. Roger Marshall revealed that he wants to get to the bottom of Google's restrictions on the free flow of information, seeing as how it has become the world's number-one search engine.

"No more hiding behind your algorithm  your time is up," Dr. Marshall wrote, calling Google "a propaganda wing of the Left."

(Related: Google News has somehow become even more biased since 2022: just six percent of the articles displayed lean "right" while a whopping 63 percent lean "left.")

Google censoring searches for information about Trump assassination attempt

In a July 31 letter to Sundar Pichai, Google's CEO, Dr. Marshall addressed Google's censorship of information about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump at the former president's July 13 rally in Butler, Penn.

Accusing the search engine giant of violating Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA), Dr. Marshall wrote that omitting suggestions "to the most obvious and recent victim of an assassination attempt shows a willful discrimination against President Trump and users of your search engine."

"Furthermore, Google's decision to selectively erect hurdles to those seeking to obtain more information regarding one of the most important events in recent American history places you in the role of information arbiter, well beyond the scope of your firm's purported purpose," Dr. Marshall continued.

Since Google advertises its search engine as an aggregator, it is criminal for the company to censor search results due to political bias.

"If Google wishes to become to [sic] a publishing firm or editor, Congress could then regulate accordingly by removing the sacred Section 230 protections your firm has long used to silence conservative voices," Dr. Marshall warned Pichai.

Google insists that "no manual action" is censoring its search results, but Dr. Marshall is not buying it, nor are many others who are privy to what Google is really doing behind the scenes.

Either far fewer people than expected were searching Google for information about the Trump assassination attempt, or Google is censoring its autocomplete function to avoid pointing people in the direction of information about what was reported to have happened in Butler.

"If the autocomplete function is truly reflective of the recent searches completed on Google, the self-learning algorithms should have easily adjusted their autocomplete function during a massive increase in search queries over the last two weeks," Dr. Marshall wrote.

Since Google's own employees have come forward in the past to claim that the company's standard is to play "whatever political side of the fence" the country is on, Dr. Marshall is convinced that a hidden conspiracy is taking place with Google's algorithms.

To get to the bottom of what is allegedly occurring at Google, Dr. Marshall and his colleagues are planning to do everything within their power to probe the Alphabet umbrella company for evidence of lies and wrongdoing  and they want answers by no later than August 9.

The goal is to have the truth on full display before the November election so American voters can make a more informed decision about who to choose.

"When searching for Trump rally, Google's top picks are for Kamala Harris," alleged someone in response to Dr. Marshall's post. "This is total election interference."

Another urged Dr. Marshall to also look into potential White House involvement in Google censorship. It happened during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic," and it is more than likely happening again with the Trump assassination attempt.

More related news about Big Tech censorship can be found at Censorship.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.comspeech police
Facebook ADMITS to censoring Trump assassination attempt photo

The image of President Trump rising up, fist in the air, shouting FIGHT will go down in history as legendary.

(Article republished from WLTReport.com)

Its one of the things that has convinced a lot of people who were not Trump supporters before to go full MAGA.

So, it makes sense that far-left-run search engines and social media platforms would want to keep people from seeing it.

And, thats exactly what Facebook has just admitted to doing.

?#BREAKING: Facebook has officially admitted that it wrongly censored the historic, iconic photo of former President Trump pumping his fist with his ear bleeding after the tragic event that occurred during his rally in Pennsylvania, saying this was an error pic.twitter.com/EdlATA0rp4  R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) July 29, 2024

BREAKING: @Meta/@facebook now reporting the photo of President Trump right after the assassination attempt as an altered photo & is blocking it from being viewed on their platforms. This is just a continued attempt to scrub the assassination from the public mind. @elonmuskpic.twitter.com/E4Emv5sK8l  Bradley Brewer ?? (@realBradBrewer) July 29, 2024

Posts featuring the iconic photo of the assassination attempt on Trump were flagged as misinformation and altered photos.

After being called out over it, Facebook admitted to censoring the photo and apologized for the so-called mistake.

Meta Communications Director Dani Lever responded to a post from Charlie Kirk on X about the censorship, calling the fact check an error.

Yes, this was an error. This fact check was initially applied to a doctored photo showing the secret service agents smiling, and in some cases our systems incorrectly applied that fact check to the real photo. This has been fixed and we apologize for the mistake.  Dani Lever (@Dani_Lever) July 29, 2024

More details from The New York Post:

Facebook acknowledged that it mistakenly censored the iconic image of former President Donald Trump with his fist raised in the immediate aftermath of the July 13 assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. A post on Mark Zuckerbergs social media site by a user with the handle End Wokeness that showed the Republican presidential candidate defiantly pumping his fist in the air while blood streams down his face had initially been flagged as misinformation. The user was threatened with being deplatformed. However, on Monday, Dani Lever, a spokesperson for the social networks parent company, Meta, admitted the tech giant made a mistake.

Raw Story added:

Meta, the company behind Facebook, has apologized for removing a photo of former President Donald Trump shortly after he was shot in the ear at a Pennsylvania campaign rally earlier this month. Shortly after some right-wing social media accounts complained that Facebook was preventing them from sharing a photo of Trump in the wake of the shooting, Facebook spokesperson Dani Lever took to Twitter to explain that the image should not have been censored. This was an error, Lever wrote. This fact check was initially applied to a doctored photo showing the secret service agents smiling, and in some cases our systems incorrectly applied that fact check to the real photo. This has been fixed and we apologize for the mistake.

Read more at: WLTReport.com
Republican Attorney General sues Department of Health and Human Services

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued the Biden administrations Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

(Article republished from WLTReport.com)

Paxton has sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Secretary Xavier Becerra, and other members of the Biden Administration for adopting a rule that purports to nullify parents state-law rights to consent to their childrens medical care, Paxtons office stated in a press release.

Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Biden Administration Over Rule Forcing Health Entities to Provide Contraceptives To Minors Without Parental Consent, in Violation of State Law: https://t.co/mrB1sJsO6f  Texas Attorney General (@TXAG) July 25, 2024

From Ken Paxtons office:

For more than 50 years, the Title X statute of the federal Public Health Service Act has provided grants to increase the availability of comprehensive voluntary family planning services. While HHS distributes these federally funded grants, organizations receiving funds must still comply with relevant state laws. Previously, a federal district court and a unanimous panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held that Title X projects must comply with Texass parental-consent laws when dispensing prescription contraceptives to minors. Yet the Biden Administrations agency rule defies this binding legal precedent by forbidding Title X projects from obtaining parental consent before providing contraceptives to minors, even though Texas law and the precedent of the Fifth Circuit require it. The lawsuit brought by Attorney General Paxton demands that the courts vacate this patently unlawful agency rule and issue a permanent injunction against its continued enforcement.

By attempting to force Texas healthcare providers to offer contraceptives to children without parental consent, the Biden Administration continues to prove they will do anything to implement their extremist agendaeven undermine the Constitution and violate the law, Paxton said.

Federal courts have already shut down their previous attack on parental rights, and I will ensure that we stop them once again, he added.

KTSA News reports:

Attorney General Paxton says the Biden Administrations agency rule defies binding legal precedent by forbidding Title X projects from obtaining parental consent before providing contraceptives to minors, even though Texas law and the precedent of the Fifth Circuit require it. The lawsuit brought by Attorney General Paxton demands that the courts vacate this patently unlawful agency rule and issue a permanent injunction against its continued enforcement.

Read the filing HERE.

Read more at: WLTReport.com
Secret Services Cheatle and Rowe covered Trumps Jan. 6, 2021 rally, sought intelligence on Proud Boys before deleting all texts  did they allow the insurrection?

The trail of corruption within the United States Secret Service (USSS) goes much further back than just Donald Trump's July 13, 2024, rally in Butler, Penn.

New revelations show that under the control of Kim Cheatle and Ronald Rowe, the Secret Service also failed to perform its proper duties at Trump's Jan. 6, 2021, rally at the U.S. Capitol, also known as the "insurrection."

Cheatle, who recently resigned from her post in disgrace, along with Rowe, the new acting director of Secret Service  Rowe has worked for the Secret Service for many years under other titles  had specific oversight roles on January 6 to protect Trump from harm.

At the time, Cheatle was tasked with being the direct supervisor over Robert Engel, the lead Secret Service agent at the rally. Rowe held the role of deputy assistant director over Trump's detail, this according to the transcript of former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Anthony Ornato's interview with the January 6 committee.

Rowe reportedly sought information about the Proud Boys group prior to what happened on January 6. Rowe emailed Robert Engel on Dec. 12, 2020, to ask why the Secret Service had not been warned that the leaders of the Proud Boys were participating in a tour of the White House.

(Related: Rowe is also responsible for denying Trump the security resources and personnel he has been requesting for rallies going back several years, which put the former president at risk.)

Secret Service deleted all text communications from January 5-6, 2021

Then-Vice President Kamala Harris also came dangerously close to encountering the pipe bomb that was placed at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on January 6, due to a Secret Service "security lapse" that still has no explanation.

The Office of Protective Operations at the Secret Service, which was overseen by both Cheatle and Rowe at the time  Cheatle was assistant director and Rowe was deputy assistant director  failed to protect Kamala despite being responsible for all protective operations concerning her safety.

These and other failures likely explain why the Secret Service conveniently deleted all internal text communications from January 5 and January 6. Neither Rowe nor Cheatle, nor any other law enforcement official involved in protective operations for Kamala that day, are fessing up as to what happened that fateful day or why internal communications about it were scrubbed.

Cheatle is listed as being among the Secret Service personnel whose phones were subpoenaed over the deleted text messages, but it was Rowe who authored the coverup letter that was sent in response to the subpoena claiming the text messages were all deleted "as part of a device-replacement program."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to stonewall congressional investigators not only concerning the events of July 13 but also those of January 6. DHS is withholding the January 6 committee interview transcripts of "ten current and former employees" of the Secret Service who were involved in operations that day, including Cheatle and Engel.

What this all means is that we now only have Rowe, dubbed by some as "Cheatle 2.0," to provide "transparency" as to what really happened on July 13. Is there any chance that Rowe will actually tell the truth?

"He might as well be Cheatle," someone on X wrote about Rowe. "It goes much deeper than the USSS anyway."

"Why did the USSS fire the sniper who took out the threat?" asked another about the events of July 13. "People need to dig deep into this."

"The dam looks as though it is ready to break," wrote another about how these lies cannot persist forever.

The latest news about Trump's efforts to secure another White House term can be found at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
The new information has revealed how vital the ancient structures were to the lives of our ancestors.

The new discovery reveals that a smaller pyramid at the Teotihuacan ruins in Mexico is actually central to the geometrical alignment of the monuments. Source: INAH (photograph by Rafael Morales Orozco, retouching by Arturo Montero)

Its called The Birthplace of the Gods. It was built to mirror the heavens on the Earth. Now, archaeologists think we may have it all upside down.

The Pyramid of the Sun. The Pyramid of the Moon. The Feathered Serpent Pyramid (Ciudadela).

These famous monuments of Teotihuacan are some of Mexicos most spectacular pieces of ancient architecture. And they are the most dramatic elements in a strictly ordered landscape full of sacred geometry.

For decades, historians have believed the enormous Pyramid of the Sun served the central role in the ritual clockwork that governed the lives of the 2,000-year-old citys 200,000 people.

But a new survey of the alignments of the smaller Pyramid of the Moon has placed it at the heart of the citys design.

Archaeologists have long noted the 2.4km long ceremonial causeway, called the Miccaotli (Avenue of the Dead), marches past the Pyramid of the Sun to end at the base of the Pyramid of the Moon.

The Avenue of the Dead ends at the Pyramid of the Moon. Source: Google Earth

The other end is left open, bounded by the monumental Serpent Pyramid and Great Compound (marketplace).

It is thanks to the masterful design of this causeway that when you walk along it, the observers vision is guided by the architectural landscape towards the Pyramid of the Moon, says Aaron Uriel Gonzalez Benitez of Mexicos National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH).

New survey makes significant discovery

A desire to pinpoint the relative significance of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon to Teotihuacan led to the new archaeoastronomy survey with the University of Tepeyac.

They plotted the positions of the corners and peaks of the pyramids and other monumental structures. Then, they examined their arrangement with one another and the surrounding landscape.

They found the Pyramid of the Moon - not the Sun - is aligned to mark the summer solstice (longest day of the year) sunrise and winter solstice (shortest day) sunset.

Its northeast corner points directly to the nearby sacred El Xihuingo volcano. At dawn on the summer solstice, the Sun can be seen rising over its peak along this line.

The Pyramid of the Moon is aligned to mark the summer solstice sunrise and winter solstice sunset. Source: Relatando Historias

The southwest corner is similarly oriented towards a peak named Chiconautla. From the Temple of the Moon on the winter solstice, the Sun slips from view over its crest.

The Pyramid of the Moon, located at the end of the Avenue of the Dead, is the most important building in Teotihuacan because it provided the necessary presence to produce a frontal effect to the plaza intended to contain the congregation, a National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) statement reads.

Its a similar story for the Pyramid of the Sun.

Its aligned to capture the lunistices - when the Moon reaches its northernmost and southernmost points in the sky over the course of a month.

And while the Avenue of the Dead passes its base, its not the focus of the processional path.

The corners of the Pyramid of the Sun are angled to capture the movements of the Moon, while its staircase and ceremonial platform observe the Suns arrival at a vital point on the calendar. Source: Relatando Historias

The 'masterful design' of the pyramid complex shows how much the ancient civilisation that lived there new about astronomy. Source: Relatando Historias

How the number 52 balanced a complex calendar

But the researchers note the apparently discordant angles of its staircase and ceremonial platform are positioned to observe the sunset on April 29 and August 13 - 52 days before and after the summer solstice.

This was central to balancing the long-term accuracy of the Teotihuacans complex ritual calendar.

The relevance of the number 52 in the pre-Hispanic worldview was based on the criterion that every 52 years a New Fire (age) was completed, of 18,980 days, called xiuhmolpilli, The (INAH) release reads.

This made the calendar wheel that combined the xihuitl calendar, of 365 days, consistent with the ritual calendar of 260 days, called tonalpohualli.

The alignment of the pyramids was significant to the people who lived in the ancient city - shown on the map on the right - thousands of years ago. Source: Arturo Montero, INAH

Original names of pyramids still unknown

The heart of the problem is that nobody knows what the original occupants of Teotihuacan called their iconic pyramids.

The names we have were given to the Spanish Conquistadors by the Aztecs almost 1000 years after the citys fall. By the time of the Aztecs, whose capital was nearby, the original significance of Teotihuacans ruined monuments was likely to have been lost.

Mesoamerican Teotihuacan is believed to have been founded in about 400 BC. It was a period dominated by the famous Mayan culture. But this city-state stood apart, following its own religious, cultural, and artistic path to become the largest metropolis of its time in the Americas.

Its iconic pyramids and apartment compounds evolved into their current form by about 300 AD. But the city was destroyed by fire sometime around 550 AD and fell into decline.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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State Department refusing to call IDFs gang rape of an illegally detained Palestinian a WAR CRIME incident

The U.S. Department of State has declined to categorize the rape of an illegally detained Palestinian prisoner by Israeli soldiers at the Sde Teiman detention facility as a war crime

Al Quds reporter Said Arikat questioned State Department spokesman Vedant Patel about the incident. The prisoner, who sustained severe rectal injuries, was transferred to a hospital and is reported to have suffered damage so severe that he could not walk.

This incident is consistent with broader allegations of abuse at Sde Teiman, a facility previously described by Israeli whistleblowers and former Palestinian detainees as a site of widespread torture and mistreatment.

Arikat asked Patel if such reports  of rape, torture and killing in Israeli detention camps  should be considered war crimes.

Patel responded: "The reports of abuse are deeply concerning. We have consistently communicated to Israel and the IDF that all detainees must be treated humanely and with dignity according to humanitarian law."

He added that the U.S. intends to let "due process" run its course regarding the Israeli soldiers involved. (Related: Only a failing US empire would be so blind as to cheer Netanyahu and his genocide.)

When pressed by Arikat on whether proven abuse would qualify as a war crime, Patel stated: "I am not a legal expert. I imagine it would be inconsistent with Israeli law."

The arrest of the Israeli soldiers accused of rape has sparked significant controversy and protests in Israel.

Far-right activists and members of the Israeli Knesset or parliament, including one member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, have rallied in defense of the soldiers and have even tried to argue that it should be legal to sexually abuse Palestinians.

UN commission accuses Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza

A new report from a United Nations-backed independent commission accused the Israeli military of committing war crimes in Gaza.

Navi Pillay, chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, recently presented the findings to the UN Human Rights Council.

The report alleged that Israels use of heavy weapons in densely populated Gaza was an "intentional and direct attack" on civilians, contributing to forced starvation, extermination, and severe mistreatment. It also asserts that Israeli forces engaged in sexual and gender-based violence, aiming to humiliate and further subordinate Palestinians.

Pillay criticized Israeli operations for failing to achieve their stated objectives  destroying Hamas and freeing hostages  at the cost of thousands of lives. The commission found patterns of sexual violence perpetrated by Israeli forces and noted similar abuses against Palestinian women and men.

The report also highlighted a deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, where violence against Palestinians has surged. While condemning the actions of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on Oct. 7, the commission emphasized that both sides have committed war crimes.

Israeli attacks since Oct. 7 have resulted in over 38,000 deaths in Gaza, with 40 percent being children, according to local health sources. The report, the UN's first in-depth examination of the conflict since the start of the current war, also addresses the impact on healthcare and education in Gaza.

Pillay lamented the Israeli government's denial of access to the commission, which has prevented a full investigation of the situation. The commission's findings, which include extensive documentation and annexes on both sides' actions, may influence future legal proceedings and Western policy toward Israel.

Palestinian ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi thanked the commission for its report and condemned Israeli actions as part of a "genocidal war." At the council meeting, Israel featured an emotional address by the mother of a captive held in Gaza, calling for support against hostage-taking and exploitation.

Human rights lawyer Toby Cadman indicated that while the report may not immediately alter Israeli conduct, it could affect future legal actions and lead to reconsideration of Western support for Israel.

Watch this clip discussing how Netanyahu risks civil war with members of his own coalition if he prosecutes Israeli military members who sexually assaulted illegally detained Palestinians.

This video is from the Neroke-5 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

ICJ orders Israel to end its 57-year military occupation of Palestinian territories "as rapidly as possible."

Israel seeks to label UN agency responsible for aiding Palestinian refugees as terrorist organization.

Netanyahu demands U.S. expedite aid to Israel, says Americans protesting Israel 'stand with evil.'

Sources include:

News.AntiWar.com

CBSNews.com

Aljazeera.com

Brighteon.com
U.K. High Court of Justice upholds Downing Streets ban on PUBERTY BLOCKERS

A high court in the United Kingdom has upheld an earlier ban on puberty blockers put in place by the British government.

Justice Beverley Lang of the High Court of Justice in London affirmed the prohibition in a July 29 decision. She cited the Cass Review commissioned by the National Health Service (NHS) to back up her ruling. According to the said study, the evidence supporting so-called "gender-affirming care" is weak and that there are unknown risks that come with puberty blockers.

TransActual UK, an LGBT activist group, and an unnamed youth challenged the ban by former British Health Secretary Victoria Atkins on prescribing these puberty blockers. Lang upheld the prohibition, preventing the NHS from prescribing these medications outside of clinical trials and also limits their availability from private providers. (Related: Puberty blockers are QUACK medicine backed by nothing... chemical child abuse is now demanded by LGBT pushers conspiring with evil doctors.)

The NHS had already ceased prescribing puberty blockers the previous year  citing insufficient evidence regarding their benefits and potential harms. TransActual Healthcare Director Chay Brown expressed concern that the government imposed the ban and subsequently sought justification for it. Brown highlighted the distress of young transgender individuals in the U.K. who feel neglected by the medical community and believe their existence has been politicized.

While the ban was initiated by the recently ousted Conservative government, it might become a permanent measure under the new Labor administration. Incumbent British Health Secretary Wes Streeting endorsed the court's decision  emphasizing a cautious approach.

Puberty blockers used in America to treat gender dysphoria despite lack of FDA approval

Investigative journalist and author Gerry Posner pointed out that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved puberty blockers for treating gender dysphoria. He argues that these drugs can have serious and lasting effects.

The U.S. regulator has approved these medications for other uses such as certain infertility issues, treating endometriosis, prostate cancer and a rare genetic condition in children.

However, since puberty blockers are not FDA-approved for treating gender dysphoria, doctors prescribe these drugs to minors "off-label" for a purpose not officially approved by the FDA. In some U.S. states, teens as young as 15 can receive puberty blockers without parental consent.

Supporters of puberty blockers argue that they are largely safe and reversible. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) claims these treatments can be stopped without lasting effects. However, a report from Britain's NHS suggests that these drugs may trap children in a treatment path as 96 to 98 percent of those who start puberty blockers go on to take cross-sex hormones.

Despite claims that puberty blockers have been safely used since the late 1980s, significant evidence points to serious long-term side effects.

In 2017, the Center for Investigative Reporting disclosed that the FDA had received over 10,000 adverse event reports from women who took "Lupron" off-label as children to increase their height. The side effects included bone density loss, cognitive issues, dental issues, fertility problems, fibromyalgia, joint pains, migraines, mood swings, seizures, spinal problems and suicidal thoughts. Recently, the FDA added another warning about the risk of brain swelling and vision loss in children on these medications.

The lack of conclusive research demonstrating that the benefits of puberty blockers outweigh the risks has led to increased scrutiny in the U.S. and internationally. Several U.S. states with Republican-majority legislatures have restricted or banned gender-affirming care for minors.

Finland, Norway and Sweden have also scaled back the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors, citing concerns over side effects. In the U.K., the NHS closed its largest youth gender clinic after numerous clinicians resigned, alleging pressure to over-diagnose vulnerable youth and prescribe inappropriate treatments.

Nevertheless, the prevailing medical practice in the U.S. and much of Europe continues to favor "gender-affirming" treatments over alternative approaches, like watchful waiting and therapy.

Visit Gender.news for similar stories.

Puberty blockers are now banned in the United Kingdom. Watch this video.

This video is from the Neroke-5 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Study: 34% of children put on transgender puberty blockers end up becoming mental cases.

Mayo Clinic study reveals disturbing impact of puberty blockers on testicular development.

Former chief pediatrician at Texas Childrens Hospital who endorsed puberty blockers for minors now serves in the Biden administration.

U.K. report: Halting puberty blockers DOES NOT increase suicide ideation in gender-confused youth.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

APNews.com 1

APNews.com 2

WSJ.com

Brighteon.com
U.S. leading diplomatic efforts to prevent Israel from retaliating against Hezbollah strikes

The United States is spearheading a diplomatic effort to dissuade Israel from striking Beirut or major civilian infrastructure in Lebanon following a deadly rocket attack on the Golan Heights

The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children, has intensified the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. According to sources, including Lebanese and Iranian officials as well as Middle Eastern and European diplomats, Washington is working to prevent a full-scale war.

The U.S. and Israel have both blamed Hezbollah for the rocket attack, though the group has denied involvement.

The focus of the high-speed diplomacy is to limit Israel's retaliation by urging it to avoid targeting densely populated areas such as Beirut, its southern suburbs and crucial infrastructure like airports and bridges.

Lebanese Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab, who has been in contact with U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein since the attack, emphasized that avoiding civilian areas could help mitigate the risk of major escalation.

Israeli officials have expressed their intent to strike back against Hezbollah but have stated that they do not aim to escalate the conflict to a full-scale war. (Related: Israel's "long arm" can reach its aggressors anywhere, Netanyahu warns, following massive air raid against Yemen that left 6 dead.)

However, diplomats noted that Israel has not committed to refraining from strikes on Beirut or its suburbs.

The U.S. State Department declined to provide details on the diplomatic discussions but reiterated its commitment to finding a "durable solution" to cease cross-border violence. Our support for Israels security is ironclad and unwavering against all Iran-backed threats, including Hezbollah, a spokesperson said.

White House spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that Israel has the right to respond to the rocket attack but stressed that no one desires a broader war.

Weve had discussions at multiple levels, Kirby said, though he did not elaborate on the specifics.

The Israeli Prime Minister's office did not respond to requests for comment, and Hezbollah also declined to comment.

The current diplomatic push echoes efforts seen during April's missile and drone exchanges between Israel and Iran, following an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. In that instance, a similar diplomatic effort was employed to manage the conflict and prevent further escalation.

U.S. pressuring Iran not to escalate conflict with Israel

An Iranian official disclosed that the U.S. has issued warnings to Tehran, advising against any actions that would further escalate the situation. The official noted that such escalation would have adverse effects on all involved parties.

Hezbollah, a key component of Irans "Axis of Resistance" and an ally of the Palestinian group Hamas, has been involved in frequent skirmishes with Israeli forces along Lebanons southern border since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict last October.

During the 2006 Lebanon War, Israeli forces conducted extensive bombing campaigns in Beirut, targeting Hezbollah-affiliated structures and civilian infrastructure, including the airport and bridges. This previous conflict set a precedent for the severe consequences of escalated hostilities.

A French diplomat revealed that Paris has also been engaged in mediating between Israel and Hezbollah to de-escalate the situation. France, with its historic ties to Lebanon and approximately 20,000 French citizens residing there, has been active in diplomatic efforts.

Israel's war cabinet has also recently voted to give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant the power to authorize the timing and nature of any response against Hezbollah.

Watch this episode of "Maverick News Live" discussing Israeli strikes on Lebanon and its alleged assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

This video is from the channel Maverick News on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel seeks to label UN agency responsible for aiding Palestinian refugees as terrorist organization.

Israeli strike on UN-run school that housed displaced families in Nuseirat kills 23 Palestinians.

Israel conducts airstrike against Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah in Yemen, killing at least 3 and wounding 90.

Sources include:

RT.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
The defect could see car bonnets fly up while vehicles are in motion.

Tens of thousands of Australian Tesla owners have been warned to urgently check their vehicles after a software glitch was detected that could see bonnets fly up without warning.

The federal government's Vehicle Recalls service this morning issued a notice warning those who own Tesla Model Y and Model 3 cars made between 2020 and 2024. It is expected 35,000 vehicles in Australia are affected.

" Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of 'open bonnet'," the notice read.

Tesla will contact owners whose cars have been affected. Source: Getty Images.

How to tell if your Tesla has been recalled

"If the vehicle is driven with an unlatched bonnet, it may open abruptly when driving and could result in obstruction of the driver's view. Obstruction of the drivers view may increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to road users."

The notice advised owners will be contacted by Tesla and an over-the-air software (OTA) update will be installed on all affected cars. An over-the-air update, also known as over-the-air programming, is an update to an embedded system that is delivered through a wireless network, such as Wi-Fi or a cellular network.

If Tesla owners are running on software version 2024.20.3 or later, they're not impacted.

"You can confirm your vehicle's software version by tapping 'Controls' > 'Software' on your touchscreen," the notice continued. Customers with questions have been told to contact Tesla at csau@tesla.com or on 1800 646 952.

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Brooke Sorlie and Aaron French, both 20, and Charlie Quinn, 18, were all pronounced dead at the scene in Tarago in rural NSW on Sunday.

Brooke Sorlie, top, and Charlie Quinn, bottom, were both killed when the vehicle the group were travelling in "left the road and rolled".

A 21-year-old, allegedly driving on a suspended licence, has been charged over a horrific car crash that killed three young people in rural NSW last weekend.

Police say the tragedy occurred on Sunday at the intersection of Bungendore and Collector roads in Tarago  a small town in the NSW Southern Tablelands  when the vehicle the group were travelling in "left the road and rolled" and flipped "to rest on its roof".

It's alleged the group became "trapped" in the badly damaged vehicle and were unable to free themselves. Inside the car were two women Brooke Sorlie, 20, and Charlie Quinn, 18, and another man Aaron French, 20,  all three died at the scene.

Driver charged over fatal car crash

The vehicle's driver, a 21-year-old man, was able to get out of the vehicle unassisted and escaped with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

He was taken to Canberra Hospital and also underwent mandatory testing. This week specialist officers investigating the crash alleged the young man had a suspended licence.

On Thursday, the driver attended Nowra Police Station where he was arrested and charged with three counts of negligent driving occasioning death and one count of driving a motor vehicle with a suspended licence, police said.

He has been granted conditional bail and will appear at Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday. Investigations are ongoing.

Brooke Sorlie is being remembered as a 'kind and positive' woman who 'always had time for everyone'. Her boyfriend Aaron French, 20, was also killed (not pictured). Source: Facebook

Loved ones remember young women 'taken too soon'

Sorlie, Quinn and French are all believed to be from the Shoalhaven region, with tributes flowing on social media as their identities emerged.

"My condolences to Brooke's family. A smart young lady gone to soon, this has truly come as a shock for us all," a loved one wrote of Sorlie. "I just got a phone call two hours ago  totally devastated," another woman said.

"Taken but never forgotten," wrote another. A friend of Sorlie's who spoke to media described the 21-year-old as somebody who "always had time for anyone" and who was "loved by everyone and had a contagious smile".

Charlie Quinn was just 18 years old. Source: Facebook

First responder's chilling account of driver's 'screams'

A first responder to the scene described hearing the harrowing "screams" of one of the men involved, who begged her to save his girlfriend. "They were unconscious. We were giving them CPR but it just wouldn't work. It was awful," she told Daily Mail Australia.

Online, people were critical of the roads in the area, claiming the conditions are poor. One person said the stretch was "one of the worst roads I've driven on" with "patched potholes everywhere".

Another said "it's been shocking for years" arguing it's "not fair that the roads are in this condition."

Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Putin meets Russians freed after prisoner swap at Moscow airport

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resident Vladimir Putin late on Thursday met Russian citizens, who were detained in foreign countries and returned to their homeland after a prisoners' exchange deal, at Vnukovo Airport here.

Putin congratulated them and announced that they will be nominated for state awards.

"First of all, I want to congratulate you all on your return to your homeland. Now I want to address those of you who are directly involved in military service. I want to thank you for your loyalty to the oath, your duty and the homeland, which has never forgotten you for a minute - and here you are at home," the President said while addressing them at the airport.

The meeting was also attended by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin and Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov.

The prisoner swap deal, mediated by Turkey, involved seven countries -- the US, Norway, Germany, Poland, Russia, Belarus and Slovenia.

The most notable Russian prisoner released in the exchange was Vadim Krasikov, who was jailed for life in Germany for the 2019 murder in Berlin of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a former Chechen separatist leader. The Germans were reluctant to release him but, according to reports, Biden personally got involved and called Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

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UK PM condemns far-right for violent demonstrations after Southport stabbing

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K Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned far-right demonstrators for the violent disorder seen in parts of the country after a deadly knife attack in Southport on Monday.

"It's not protest. It's not legitimate. It's a crime. Violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice," he said during a press conference held at Downing Street on Thursday.

Three children died and multiple others were injured after the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport, northwest England. A 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, although the motivation behind the attack remains unclear.

Online misinformation about the teenager's identity, targeting immigrants and Muslims, is thought to have fueled the violent protests in Southport, Hartlepool, and London, Xinhua news agency reported.

Since the attack, far-right activists have held several violent protests, which saw a mosque in Southport being attacked, and a police car in Hartlepool set on fire. Meanwhile, around 100 people were arrested after flares and bricks were hurled at the gates of Downing Street on Wednesday.

"The far right are showing who they are, we have to show who we are in response to that," Starmer said, adding: "Mosques targeted because they're mosques, flares thrown at the statue of Winston Churchill, a Nazi salute at the Cenotaph."

The Prime Minister announced that a national unit will be established across police forces to tackle violent disorder.

"These thugs are mobile. They move from community to community. We must have a policing response that can do the same," he said.

Starmer also urged social media companies to take responsibility in the country's fight against misinformation and violence.

"Let me also say to large social media companies and those who run them: violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, is also a crime, it's happening on your premises, and the law must be upheld everywhere," he said.

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Biden, Netanyahu discuss new deployments of US troops in Israel amid Iranian threats

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S President Joe Biden discussed new American military deployments to counter Iranian threats of direct attack against Israel during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday night.

"The President reaffirmed his commitment to Israel's security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis," the White House said in a statement after the call.

Together with this commitment to Israel's defence, Biden also stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to de-escalate broader tensions in the region.

US Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army has geared up for any Iranian assault against Israel after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday.

Sources in the Israeli Defence Minister's office told IANS that after Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei's remarks about a retaliatory attack on Israel to avenge the killing of Haniyeh, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has prepared itself for any eventuality.

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Apple sets another quarterly revenue record in India: Tim Cook

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pple has once again set quarterly revenue record (April-June period) in India, riding on robust local manufacturing amid the government's push and growing export figures.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said during the company's Q3 earnings call that they have set quarterly revenue records in more than two dozen countries and regions, including India, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, the UK, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.

"And we set an all-time revenue record in services, which grew 14 per cent," Cook told analysts.

iPhone maker Apple achieved record exports numbers in the April-June quarter in India, reaching around $3.8 billion.

Riding on the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, Apple reached a new all-time high in the Q1 FY25, according to industry data.

Apple reported a new June quarter revenue record of $85.8 billion, up 5 per cent from a year ago.

Luca Maestri, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Apple, said that Mac generated $7 billion in revenue, up 2 per cent year-over-year, driven by the MacBook Air powered by the M3 chip.

"We saw particularly strong performance in our emerging markets, with June quarter records for Mac in Latin America, India, and South Asia," he informed.

Prabhu Ram, VP-Industry Research Group, CyberMedia Research (CMR) told IANS that the iPhone 15 series continued to keep pace.

"We believe Apple has sufficient headroom for growth in India over the upcoming quarters, with the new iPhone series and the festive season sales," Ram said.

In the last fiscal (FY24), the Cupertino-based tech giant saw its sales hitting new highs amid increased manufacturing and a growing premiumisation trend.

The tech giant saw robust around $8 billion sales in India in the last fiscal -- a nearly 33 per cent surge (on-year).

According to industry estimates, iPhone shipments are projected to increase by over 20 per cent this year on the back of domestic manufacturing support and strong distribution.

India's electronics sector experienced rapid growth, reaching $155 billion in FY23.

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Mideast tensions: Air India suspends flights to and from Tel Aviv till Aug 8

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mid growing tensions in parts of the Middle East, Air India on Friday announced to suspend flight operations to and from Tel Aviv till August 8 with immediate effect.

The country's flagship carrier operates four flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv on a weekly basis.

In a post on X social media platform, the country's flagship carrier said that in view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, "we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including August 8, 2024."

Air India further said that they are continuously monitoring the situation and are "extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges".

"Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority," said the Tata-owned airline.

Air India on Thursday cancelled its flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv and Tel Aviv to Delhi on August 1 due to operational reasons.

German carrier Lufthansa and Italian airline ITA have also suspended flights amid the Hamas tensions.

Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh, who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, was killed along with his bodyguard on Wednesday.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps accused Israel of carrying out the "terrorist attack", vowing "a harsh and painful response" to Israel over Haniyeh's assassination.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday confirmed that Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the airstrikes carried out by the IDF fighter jets, last month.

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Akshay Kumar: Will keep working until they have to shoot me down

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ctor Akshay Kumar, who will soon be seen in the upcoming film 'Khel Khel Mein', has spoken about facing failure and emphasised that he will keep working until they have to shoot him down.

During the trailer launch, Akshay addressed recent setbacks, saying, "Four to five films did not work. I get messages like 'Sorry yaar, don't worry'. I have not died. I receive messages that feel like obituaries. A journalist even wrote, 'Don't worry, you will be back'. I replied, 'Where have I gone?' "

The actor asserted his commitment to his career, stating that he is here and will always work "no matter what".

"I am here, and I will always work, no matter what anyone says. You have to wake up, go exercise, and then go to work. Whatever I earn, I earn on my own... I will keep working until they have to shoot me down," Akshay concluded.

The over-three-minute trailer begins with a group of friends and their partners gathering for a game night.

The ladies discuss how every man has secrets and a "boys' group".

The trailer then shows Vaani Kapoor's character suggesting a game where phones become "public property," and anyone who loses must share their messages with everyone present.

'Khel Khel Mein', directed by Mudassar Aziz, is an official adaptation of the Italian comedy thriller 'Perfect Strangers' and is scheduled for release on August 15.

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'Bigg Boss OTT 3': Anil Kapoor says contestants have become like his own kids

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head of the grand finale of 'Bigg Boss OTT 3' on Friday, veteran actor Anil Kapoor, who made his debut with the controversial reality show, shared that the contestants have become like his own children, making it tough for him to say goodbye.

The actor said: "Being a part of 'Bigg Boss OTT 3' has felt like joining a big, crazy family. The contestants have become like my own kids, and it's tough for me to say goodbye. I've loved every minute of this journey, and I'm so proud of how far everyone has come."

"Each of them brought so much energy and fun to the house, and I've grown quite attached to them. The grand finale is going to be exciting, but I'll definitely miss the daily dose of 'Bigg Boss' drama in my life," added Anil.

Before the winner is announced, the Top 5 contestants get a chance to meet their family members after a month-long stint in the show.

A promo shared by the channel on Instagram was captioned: "Gharwalon ka bhar aaya dil aur tham gayi dhadkanein jab vo mile apnon se."

Kritika Malik's mother came to meet her, and the two got emotional. Her mother was heard telling her to win the trophy.

Sai Ketan's rumoured partner, Shivangi Khedkar, was seen telling him to come out as a new person.

Naezy was seen telling his father how he learned several lessons, including taking on responsibility.

Former contestant and tarot card reader Munisha Khatwani predicts Naezy and Sana Makbul as the top two.

She shared that Naezy has a slightly greater chance of winning.

"Sana Makbul and Naezy both have strong stats at the moment, and I see them in the top two, but Naezy has slightly greater chances to be the winner! His stars are very powerful right now."

"Sana also has chances to win, but Naezy's planets, like Venus, are particularly strong at the moment, so he might lift the trophy! Both their stars are very powerful, with Venus being especially influential," Munisha said ahead of the finale.

She added that she still feels slightly more confident about Sana.

"But may the best person win. Sana got the card of the sun, and Naezy got the card of the world. Both these cards indicate success, so it's a bit difficult to say exactly, but whoever wins, they both will greatly benefit from this show!"

Reflecting on her journey in season 3, Munisha said: "I had a fantastic journey; it has been really positive for me. I received a great response. The show brought out everyone's personality. Some people bonded well, and some had a good journey and learned valuable life lessons. It was a great experience, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!"

The 'Bigg Boss OTT 3' Grand Finale will take place on JioCinema Premium.

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Assam sees surge in Japanese Encephalitis cases

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ssam has been witnessing a surge in Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases in the past few months, said officials here on Friday.

Since April 1 this year, the Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) admitted 90 patients suffering from the deadly flavivirus. Of these 22 patients succumbed to the virus.

The number of JE patients this year has increased significantly. In 2023, a total of 54 people were admitted to the hospital, according to Dr Abhijit Sarma, Superintendent of GMCH.

"At the moment, 40 patients are receiving care at GMCH; four of them are critically ill, while the other patients are stable. Sadly, 22 patients passed away --many of them were brought to us when their condition had worsened," Dr Sarma told IANS on Friday.

He said that several patients were moved to the GMCH for tertiary care after first getting admitted to the private hospitals. And, when they arrived, their condition had already gravely deteriorated.

These patients' Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were startlingly low; some of them scored as low as 3/15, which denotes a serious impairment of consciousness. This had a role in the increased death rate that was noted this year, the doctor said.

Additionally, Dr Sarma emphasised the difficulties in treating Japanese Encephalitis, pointing out that no medication can treat the infection.

"Japanese Encephalitis is always treated with symptoms. Patients who have a fever are prescribed fever-reducing medicine. They receive treatment if they are having convulsions. Moreover, injections such as Mannitol are used to relieve symptoms. Twenty-three people have recovered thus far," he said.

The senior health professional also urged people to reach the hospital after the immediate onset of symptoms like high fever, disorientation, low consciousness, convulsion, etc.

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While many residents thought the famous map of the world pool was lost forever, these photos are proof at least some of it is still there.

The Map of the World swimming pool in Newcastle was hidden under the sand for 50 years before huge swells made it reappear. Source: Facebook

Recent wild weather and huge swells has helped solve a 50-year-old mystery hidden under the sand on one Aussie beach. One eagle-eyed resident made the surprise discovery after recognising unique red markings on a patch of rock on Friday.

While some might think nothing of it, the red rock is part of a long-lost sea pool that featured a "legendary" concrete map of the world carved into the Young Mariners Pool in Newcastle, NSW.

For the past 50 years, it's been hidden under sand after being previously destroyed by storms. In the past, residents couldn't agree whether it still existed, or was lost to the ocean.

People get excited because the pool has a sort of mythical aura, local historian Greg Ray told Yahoo News.

Another angle showing the Map of the World swimming pool in Newcastle. Source: Facebook

The pool, first opened in the 1930s, was a popular swimming hole for residents, but was badly damaged in the 1970s by storms. Its understood that the continents were broken up and dumped off Nobbys breakwater by local council.

While initially after the map was broken up, the red concrete which represented Commonwealth countries, could still be seen there for some time until it faded and weathered beyond recognition for decades.

A lot of people think the old continents are still under the sand and they regularly dig for them, said Ray. Others think there is nothing at all left, so they are amazed when the weather exposes a remnant.

For older people, the pool is associated with very happy childhood memories. For young people, its a tantalizing legend.

Large swells from low-pressure system lead to 'nice surprise'

Locals called the discovery a nice surprise to see the Map of the World uncovered. Over the last few days, large swells from a low-pressure system over the Tasman sea have pounded the NSW shoreline.

Residents were left delighted by the discovery believing there was nothing left of the unique piece of local history.

I thought there wasn't anything left. It's nice to see a little bit of history has been left behind," said one resident.

"I remember that as a child," added another.

"It is an absolute shame to see part of Newcastle's history lost forever," said another.

Newcastle City Council were contacted by Yahoo News for comment.

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Turkey blocks access to Instagram amid censorship allegations

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urkey has blocked access to Instagram, the Turkish Regulatory Authority for Digital Information and Communications (BTK) announced on Friday without specifying the reason or duration of the ban.

The move follows allegations levelled by BTK Head Fahrettin Altun, who accused the social media platform of preventing Turkish citizens from posting messages of condolences on the passing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

"I strongly condemn the social media platform Instagram which is actively preventing people from posting messages of condolences on the passing of Hamas leader Haniyeh without citing any policy violations. This is censorship, pure and simple," Altun said in a post on X.

He went on to label this act by the Meta-owned social media platform as "censorship, pure and simple".

The high-ranking Turkish official added: "We will defend freedom of speech against these platforms that have shown many times that they are primarily in the service of a global exploitative system of injustice."

The issue came to light on Friday when several users in Turkey took to their X handles to complain about being unable to refresh their feed on Instagram.

There has been no immediate response from Meta, Instagram's parent company, regarding the issue or Altun's statement.

Hamas leader Haniyeh was also considered close to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He was killed, along with his bodyguard, in Tehran on Wednesday while he was in the Iranian capital to attend President Masoud Pezeshkian's swearing-in ceremony.

Hamas and Iran, along with many other countries, have accused Israel of the attack, however, the government led by Benjamin Netanyahu is yet to make an official statement on it.

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Maha govt finalising Karjat studio takeover as family marks art director Nitin Desai's first death anniversary

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solemn memorial was held on Friday to mark the first death anniversary of ace art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai -- who died by suicide on this day last year -- at his N.D. Art World studio complex in Karjat.

According to the late art director's uncle Shrikant Desai, certain rituals and ceremonies were performed as per Hindu tenets in the memory of Nitin Desai which were attended by his wife Neha N. Desai, and their daughter Tanvi, along with other relatives, around 90-plus studio staffers, and locals.

Their two other children, Mansi, who is married and settled in the US, and her younger brother Kant, studying there, could not attend the ceremony in person, he said.

The sudden demise of Nitin Desai (57) shocked Bollywood and Hollywood circles, raising questions on the fate of the debt-ridden studio complex which he passionately developed for years after its founding in 2004.

Nitin Desai was buried under a huge debt of around Rs 252 crore, and faced insolvency proceedings under CIRP initiated against him in July 2023 by the National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai.

The debtors included the ECL Finance Company/Edelweiss Group even as the family claimed that they had paid up some Rs 90 crore of the dues.

However, now there is a ray of hope with the Maharashtra government working speedily to take over the entire studio spread across 45 acres of land, and is likely to develop and run it on the lines of the Film City in Mumbai.

"In the past year, we had at least three meetings with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, besides my nephew's close friend Vinod Tawde. As per indications, the government is likely to finalise the takeover of the studio this month," Shrikant Desai told IANS.

As per the discussions, the government will pay off all the dues, creditors, lenders, and others, and then plan to revive the studio complex to its original glory, as the vicinity is now classified as a 'no-development zone' for any private projects.

To a question, Shrikant Desai said the studio has been functioning with many shooting assignments landing there. It earned around Rs 9 crore in the past year, with 90-odd staffers continuing in service.

"Presently, I am managing the studio affairs. All the income that is earned, we pay to the NCLT which in turn is clearing off the past debts and staff salaries, maintenance, and other bills here. However, once the government takes it over, we hope that all the dues will be cleared at one go," Shrikant Desai said.

Referring to the series of cases filed against some of the lenders for alleged abetment to (Nitin Desai's) suicide, Shrikant Desai said that since the studio takeover plans are currently in their final stages, he would not comment on it.

Based on a complaint by Neha Desai in August 2023, the Khalapur police station filed an FIR against ECL Finance Co/Edelweiss Group and five of its officials.

She had claimed that the officials of the two companies were regularly harassing her husband (Nitin Desai) for the dues, and owing to the mental stress, he resorted to the extreme step, as she submitted audio 'suicide recordings' to the police.

Later, Shrikant Desai contended that many investors were ready to help out but the Edelweiss Group blocked his moves, pressured him, charged interest at exorbitant rates, and also threatened to send bouncers to capture the studio premises.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)

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Gillian Anderson goes back to Northern Ireland to film another gritty drama

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ollywood star Gillian Anderson has returned to Northern Ireland to film another gritty drama after she shot for the serial killer drama 'The Fall' in the picturesque locale.

Anderson is returning to Northern Ireland to work on the series 'Trespasses', which is an adaptation of Northern Irish writer Louise Kennedy's book, which Channel 4 bought to make into a four-part series, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Anderson, who will also be credited as an executive producer on the project, said she was delighted to be asked to play Gina, the mother of character Cushla.

She said: "I fell in love with Louise's stunning book when I read it in proof. I was immediately drawn to the tragi-comic creation that is Gina and couldn't resist when Louise asked me to play her.

"Reading (screenwriter) Ailbhe (Keoghan)'s brilliant scripts confirmed how vividly this story could translate to screen and with (director) Dawn (Shadforth) at the helm and (actors) Lola (Petticrew) and Tom (Cullen) alongside, I'm delighted to be part of the 'Trespasses' family."

The drama is being made in conjunction with BAFTA award-winning and double Oscar-nominated Wildgaze Films, which was behind "Brooklyn" and "An Education".

Writer Louise's debut novel was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction, and Lola, 28, will play Cushla, while Gillian's co-star Tom, 39, is portraying barrister Michael.

Set in 1975 as the Troubles were still raging in Northern Ireland, 'Trespasses' is based in a town just outside Belfast and features Catholic school teacher Cushla's difficult relationship with Protestant lawyer Michael - who often defends IRA suspects.

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India's seafood exports have surged by 31 pc to Rs 61,044 crore: Minister

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s a result of various efforts made by the government, India's seafood exports have increased from Rs 46,662.85 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 61,043.68 crore in 2023-24, registering a growth of 30.81 per cent, the Parliament was informed on Friday.

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada furnished figures in the Rajya Sabha to show that the total production and export of marine products in the country has been increasing steadily over the last five years.

The government regularly monitors and reviews export performance, including that of marine products, along with export promotion bodies and the Indian missions abroad with the objective of enhancing exports vis-a-vis the previous year. Internal targets are used for monitoring purposes only, and have been fixed at $7.86 billion for 2024-25, he added.

Prasada also said that the Government through the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), a statutory organisation under the administrative control of the Department of Commerce, provides assistance for upgrading infrastructure facilities for value addition, establishing testing laboratories, participating in international trade fairs, and providing technical assistance for aquaculture production meant for exports.

The reduction in import duties on various inputs used for the manufacture of prawn and shrimp feed and fish feed announced in Budget 2024-25 will make Indian seafood-based value-added products more competitive in international markets and help in the increase of exports, he added.

The import duties were reduced from 15 per cent to nil on fish lipid oil (HS 1504 20) & algal prime (flour) (HS 2102 2000), from 5 per cent to nil on krill meal (HS 2301 20), mineral and vitamin premixes (HS 2309 90 90), from 30 per cent to nil on crude fish oil, from 15 per cent to 5 per cent on prawn and shrimps feed (2309 90 31) and fish feed (2309 90 39), from 30 per cent to nil on pre-dust breaded powder.

The government has also increased the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) from 2.5 per cent to 3.1 per cent for various seafood products and with the maximum value cap per kg increased to Rs 69, which will also encourage the export of such products, the minister pointed out.

Furthermore, the Department of Fisheries is implementing the flagship Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore in the fisheries sector for 5 years i.e. FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 to promote exports. The scheme intends to address critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality of catch/harvests, technology infusion, post-harvest infrastructure, modernisation and strengthening of the value chain, reduction of post-harvest losses and traceability, he stated.

Since 2020-21, the Centre's Department of Fisheries has approved proposals to the tune of Rs 1283.47 crore for the development of cold chain infrastructure under PMMSY which includes the construction of 586 cold storages, modernisation of 78 cold storages/ice plants and 26588 post-harvest transportation facilities, Prasada added.

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NASA scientist Ken Jacobs, a Rantoul Township High School and University of Illinois graduate, explains the intricacies of the RS-25 engine that powered the new Space Launch System during the 2022 Artemis I unmanned mission to the moon and back. Jacobs monitored the liquid-propellant engines during the mission.
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From the war on drugs to the current wave of legalization efforts, public opinion in the United States has shifted on few issues like it has with marijuana. How and why have attitudes and policies changed so drastically and rapidly?

That's the question posed by Daniel Mallinson, associate professor of public policy and administration at Penn State Harrisburg, and Lee Hannah, professor of political science at Wright State University, in their new book, "Green Rush: The Rise of Medical Marijuana in the United States."

While there are a lot of good books on the topic, we didn't think anyone had centered the states as the main locus of innovation and experimentation." Lee Hannah, professor of political science, Wright State University

The use, sale and possession of marijuana is prohibited by federal law. Yet, currently, 38 states and the District of Columbia has legalized the medical use of marijuana while 24 states and D.C. have legalized marijuana for recreational use.

Mallinson and Hannah, state politics scholars who met as doctoral students at Penn State, wanted to tell a comprehensive story about medical marijuana. In their book, the authors examine the history of cannabis legalization, how medical marijuana programs started to get passed in the states, how states like Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia have implemented their legalization efforts and how state policy initiatives have influenced conversations on the national level.

"You cannot understand marijuana policy in the United States, and really the changes in drug policy more broadly, without studying what's happening at the state level," Mallinson said.

Penn State News spoke with Mallinson about the book, the rise of medical marijuana in America and the role Pennsylvania has played.

Q: Let's start with some basic definitions. What is considered medical use of marijuana?

Mallinson: We focus on what we call comprehensive medical marijuana laws where there's legal protection from state prosecution for possession and use and there's access to product, such as through dispensaries or home grown. There are usually regulations on the industry too, like packaging and advertising regulations and tracking.

States design their programs differently. More conservative states, including Pennsylvania, adopted programs that are more structured and have more regulations and restrictions. In Pennsylvania, you must have a condition that's on the list of conditions approved for medical cannabis and you have to go to a registered physician. Other states, like California, have looser regulations.

Q: How has the public perception of medical marijuana has changed over the years?

Mallinson: The percentage of Americans who think marijuana should be legalized has increased from 12% in 1969 to nearly 70% today. That's a huge change and, like same sex marriage, it's one of those issues where you see a large change in public opinion very quickly.

In the book, we talk about the image of the user and how medical use of marijuana is in some ways an easier sell. Initially, it's the cancer patient, AIDS patient and glaucoma patient.

Then, after the war on terror era, veterans start to push for legalization for medical use for things like post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. Groups of moms whose kids have severe epilepsy diseases -; marijuana proves pretty efficacious in reducing seizures -; who also advocate for legalization. These groups, which are broadly viewed more positively, helped push the issue into more conservative states.

Q: What were the key considerations in passing Pennsylvania's medical marijuana law?

Mallinson: Pennsylvania has an interesting history. Medical marijuana legislation was introduced by the Democrats in the Republican-controlled state Senate in the early 2010s, but it wasn't going anywhere until Republican state Senator Mike Folmer got involved.

He said he was swayed by a group of moms who came and talked to him about medical marijuana and the benefits for their kids. Folmer also had cancer and, at the time, people didn't know that he had used cannabis during treatment. That was revealed later, though he maintained that wasn't his motivation for championing medical marijuana. This also coincides with increasing opioid overdoses in the state which, combined with increasing conversation about whether cannabis could be a substitute for opioids, also helped push medical marijuana forward.

It was an uphill battle, but Folmer was well-respected and medical marijuana passed in the state Senate. It eventually passed in the House, which also had a Republican majority, and was signed into law in 2016 by Governor Tom Wolf. Getting Republicans on board in a state like Pennsylvania was important and you see that happening now with recreational marijuana legislation, which has Republican co-sponsors.

Q: You've mentioned that what happens on the state level affects what's happens on the national level. What role has Pennsylvania played in this larger national conversation around medical marijuana policies?

Mallinson: We have a strong supporter of legalizing cannabis for adult use in Pennsylvania's Senator John Fetterman. He was credited with moving Wolf on the issue, who wasn't very supportive early on, and he's taken that to the Senate.

Pennsylvania was also one of the first states to adopt a social equity component in its medical marijuana law, which has become a cornerstone issue in the legalization of marijuana for recreational use and a major sticking point in Congress as they're working on cannabis legislation.

Prior to legalization, you could go to jail for possession and young people of color were disproportionately affected. What happens now that it's legal and there are rules that say you can't be involved in the industry if you have a prior marijuana conviction? Social equity programs aim to address the inequities so that people can participate. They can also work to repair harms to communities affected by the war on drugs.

Q: Where do we go from here, both on a state and federal level?

Mallinson: On the state level, the conversation around adult-use recreational marijuana has ramped up. It has Republican co-sponsors in both chambers and Governor Josh Shapiro is open to it. It's a big shift and there seems to be decent momentum. How long will it take? I don't know.

On the federal level, the Department of Justice has proposed rescheduling marijuana, which would ease restrictions. It's a big departure from past federal policy but wouldn't legalize it or make the state programs legal. But there are still a lot of open questions and rescheduling does not solve all of the problems with state-legal marijuana. Is it inevitable that the federal government will legalize or totally decriminalize marijuana? Maybe? But Lee and I are very cautious about how fast the federal government will do anything.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have created a panel that is able to provide a diagnosis for >90% of pediatric cancer patients by sequencing 0.15% of the human genome. The panel is a cost-effective way to test and classify childhood malignancies and to help guide patient treatment. The panel's performance and validation were published this week in Clinical Cancer Research.

Finding the mutations in a child's cancer with powerful sequencing technology can lead to better outcomes. Physicians use that knowledge to tailor targeted treatments to the specific cancer-causing mutations affecting each patient. However, current high-end whole genome sequencing requires physical and computational infrastructure that most institutions lack. To address this bottleneck, the St. Jude team developed SJPedPanel, which targets a smaller subset of genes, focusing on those well known to be involved in childhood cancer, instead of looking at the entire genome.

We have performed clinical genomics for quite a few years and one of the challenges is diagnosing every tumor, especially those with a low percentage of cancer cells in the tested sample. So, we created SJPedPanel as a summary to concentrate most of the genetic knowledge we have gained in the last decade into one smaller test that can be used clinically." Xiaotu Ma, PhD, co-corresponding author, St. Jude Department of Computational Biology

The proof is in the panel

The group designed the new panel from the beginning for pediatric cancer samples, while other genetic panels were designed for adult cancers and then adapted for children. The scientists also had practical insights into the realities of detecting certain mutations, allowing them to select the most informative genes to include. Those differences led to huge outperformances when compared to existing cancer gene panels.

"We compared this panel with six other commercially available panels," Ma said. "SJPedPanel provides the most coverage of pediatric cancer driver genes, providing close to 90% when others are closer to 60% coverage."

That improved performance was the result of dedicated effort. "We performed an iterative optimization of a careful panel design based on our knowledge of pediatric cancer genetics," said co-corresponding author John Easton, PhD, St. Jude Computational Biology Genomics Laboratory director, who previously served as the leader of the validation laboratory for the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project. "And we pursued that iterative process with the panel manufacturer to ensure its capabilities."

In addition to working better than adapting adult-focused cancer gene panels, the St. Jude panel can also outperform gold-standard whole genome sequencing in some circumstances. Whole genome sequencing interrogates the entire human genome which makes it difficult to use for the detection of low cell count cancers due to required high-depth sampling.

"There are certain situations, such as low tumor purity samples or even testing after a bone marrow transplantation, where our current clinical whole genome sequencing approach doesn't work," said co-corresponding author Jeffery Klco, MD, PhD, St. Jude Department of Pathology. "This fills an important clinical gap for our patients."

Focus on childhood cancer genetics

One reason the panel has had such an immediate impact is its unique nature and origin. St. Jude was one of the hospitals that originated the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project, which sequenced hundreds of patients to provide the most detailed overview of the genomic landscape of pediatric cancer. Prior research focused only on adult cancers, which are genetically distinct from childhood malignancies.

"We've taken all of the knowledge gained from the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project and other sequencing activities within the research space and have used that knowledge to generate this panel, which is now clinically implemented and has been run on over 600 samples in our clinical lab," said Klco.

That legacy of expertise in childhood cancer genetics will continue to be built upon by incorporating more recent findings into the panel. For example, including the UBTF gene, which was discovered by Klco's group in 2022. "Clinicians can feel comfortable knowing that the clinical sequencing that we provide to their patients is based on very current research results," Klco said.

Sharing success to save children

The success of the panel could have real consequences for patients around the world. Correctly diagnosing childhood cancer, and diagnosing it early, can help guide treatment and lead to better outcomes. However, whole genome sequencing requires expensive physical and digital infrastructure. The panel will give institutions without those resources a better chance at identifying those cancers.

"Panels like this are easier for a clinical or research lab to implement into pipelines than whole genome sequencing," Easton said. "Not every place has the sequencing and analysis capabilities to deal with whole genome. We've given the field a more sensitive and practical test."

While the panel will be commercially available, the St. Jude group also intends to freely share the knowledge of its makeup to help as many children as possible.

"Now that we have this panel, scientists around the world will be able to use it," Ma said. "The panel is tiny. So, the costs, both sequencing and analytical costs, are going to be minimal and likely viable to use in developing countries and underserved regions."

"We would be thrilled if more and more centers use this panel for sequencing pediatric cancers," Klco said, "because we believe it will lead to better patient care and outcomes."

Authors and funding

The study's co-first authors are Pandurang Kolekar, Vidya Balagopal and Li Dong, all of St. Jude. The study's other authors are Joy Nakitandwe, Cleveland Clinic; Yanling Liu, Scott Foy, Quang Tran, Heather Mulder, Anna Huskey, Emily Plyler, Zhikai Liang, Jingqun Ma, Jiali Gu, Maria Namwanje, Jamie Maciaszek, Debbie Payne-Turner, Saradhi Mallampati and Lu Wang, St. Jude.

The study was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute (R01CA273326), National Institutes of Health (Cancer Center Support Grant P30CA021765) and ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization of St. Jude.
Remote healthcare delivery, commonly known as telehealth or telemedicine, is often beneficial for patients who have difficulty visiting their preferred healthcare providers in person. Use of the technology was rising steadily in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic and it has now become commonplace.

In a recent paper, Zihan Ye, assistant professor of finance at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, and co-authors Kimberly Cornaggia (Penn State University) and Xuelin Li (Columbia Business School) investigated the financial effects of telemedicine. Their research reveals that the convenient service may have unexpected consequences on patients' long-term access to acute care.

Redistribution of hospital operations and access to capital

Most remote healthcare delivery comes from urban hospitals, which are more likely than their rural counterparts to have the workforce, infrastructure and profit potential to provide such services. Technology enables rural patients to access these facilities' often superior care without the expense and time commitment associated with travel. Even when rural patients receive local in-person care, such as surgery, many still opt for telehealth services from urban providers for initial consultations and recovery monitoring.

However, telemedicine usage can have a surprising impact on rural communities' access to local care. By analyzing data from medical claims and hospital financial statements, Ye and her coresearchers found that rural healthcare providers lose patients to urban hospitals that offer telehealth. In turn, this loss negatively impacts rural hospitals, influencing their investment decisions and capital structure, and leading to the divestment of physicians, nurses and intensive care units.

Rural hospitals are losing, on average, a lot of money. There are more bankruptcies of rural hospitals than urban ones. Local governments and authorities are trying hard to protect them so local patients can have access to healthcare providers. From a policy perspective, there should be more collaboration programs where the rural hospitals can get a share from this telehealth provision so they do not end up in bankruptcy." Zihan Ye, assistant professor of finance, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business

Telehealth demand drives price wars

By offering remote healthcare delivery, hospitals can increase demand for their services. Telemedicine provides patients with more choices, intensifying competition among hospitals and often leading to a price war, with urban hospitals typically charging more than their rural counterparts. Rural hospitals, which do not benefit as much from an influx of additional patients, generally do not adopt telehealth services. As a result, these rural facilities attract fewer patients and face indirect price reductions.

Insurance reimbursement also influences hospitals' decisions to offer telehealth services. Healthcare facilities treating a significant number of Medicare and Medicaid patients face a reimbursement risk. "Medicare and Medicaid are known for under-reimbursement, so when hospitals take those patients, they might not get reimbursed as much compared to commercial insurances," says Ye.

Downgraded credit ratings and higher yield requirements

Since urban healthcare facilities receive most of the revenue generated by telehealth services, rural hospitals face lower net income and profit margins. This financial strain leads to higher leverage and results in downgraded credit ratings for bonds issued by these rural hospitals. "Bond repayment depends on the issuer's future cash flows, so when rural hospitals lose patients to urban ones and their cash flow starts to deteriorate, investors face higher risk and require higher yield," Ye says. "So now when the rural hospitals issue bonds, they will have to offer a higher yield, and that translates into a financial burden for them."

While patients choose remote healthcare primarily because of convenient access to superior care, Ye says these patients should consider long-term financial ramifications, as should policymakers who have the power to influence which providers can afford to offer telemedicine at all.

"As communication technology now impacts all of our lives, we should be aware of the consequences that come with it," Ye says. "When patients are getting access to better healthcare through telehealth, they should also be aware of the potential negative spillovers to rural hospitals and rural patients."
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) today called on researchers and governments to strengthen and accelerate global research to prepare for the next pandemic.

They emphasized the importance of expanding research to encompass entire families of pathogens that can infect humansregardless of their perceived pandemic riskas well as focusing on individual pathogens. The approach proposes using prototype pathogens as guides or pathfinders to develop the knowledge base for entire pathogen families.

At the Global Pandemic Preparedness Summit 2024 held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, WHO R&D Blueprint for Epidemics issued a report urging a broader-based approach by researchers and countries. This approach aims to create broadly applicable knowledge, tools and countermeasures that can be rapidly adapted to emerging threats. This strategy also aims to speed up surveillance and research to understand how pathogens transmit and infect humans and how the immune system responds to them.

The report's authors likened its updated recommendation to imagining scientists as individuals searching for lost keys on a street (the next pandemic pathogen). The area illuminated by the streetlight represents well-studied pathogens with known pandemic potential. By researching prototype pathogens, we can expand the lighted area, gaining knowledge and understanding of pathogen families that might currently be in the dark. The dark spaces in this metaphor include many regions of the world, particularly resource-scarce settings with high biodiversity, which are still under monitored and understudied. These places might harbour novel pathogens, but lack the infrastructure and resources to conduct comprehensive research.

"WHO's scientific framework for epidemic and pandemic research preparedness is a vital shift in how the world approaches countermeasure development, and one that is strongly supported by CEPI. As presented at the Global Pandemic Preparedness Summit 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this framework will help steer and coordinate research into entire pathogen families, a strategy that aims to bolster the world's ability to swiftly respond to unforeseen variants, emerging pathogens, zoonotic spillover, and unknown threats referred to as pathogen X", said Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI.

The prioritization work underpinning the report involved over 200 scientists from more than 50 countries, who evaluated the science and evidence on 28 virus families and one core group of bacteria, encompassing 1652 pathogens. The epidemic and pandemic risk was determined by considering available information on transmission patterns, virulence, and availability of diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments.

CEPI and WHO also called for globally coordinated, collaborative research to prepare for potential pandemics.

History teaches us that the next pandemic is a matter of when, not if. It also teaches us the importance of science and political resolve in blunting its impact. We need that same combination of science and political resolve to come together as we prepare for the next pandemic. Advancing our knowledge of the many pathogens that surround us is a global project requiring the participation of scientists from every country." Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

To facilitate this, WHO is engaging research institutions across the world to establish a Collaborative Open Research Consortium (CORC) for each pathogen family, with a WHO Collaborating Centre acting as the research hub for each family.

These CORCs around the world will involve researchers, developers, funders, regulators, trial experts and others, with the aim to promote greater research collaboration and equitable participation, particularly from places where the pathogens are known to or highly likely to circulate.
Facing an ultracompetitive market in one of the nation's fastest-growing cities, UF Health is trying a new way to attract patients: a combination emergency room and urgent care center.

In the past year and a half, UF Health and a private equity-backed company, Intuitive Health, have opened three centers that offer both types of care 24/7 so patients don't have to decide which facility they need.

Instead, doctors there decide whether it's urgent or emergency care the health system bills accordingly  and inform the patient of their decision at the time of the service.

"Most of the time you do not realize where you should go  to an urgent care or an ER  and that triage decision you make can have dramatic economic repercussions," said Steven Wylie, associate vice president for planning and business development at UF Health Jacksonville. About 70% of patients at its facilities are billed at urgent care rates, Wylie said.

Emergency care is almost always more expensive than urgent care. For patients who might otherwise show up at the ER with an urgent care-level problem  a small cut that requires stitches or an infection treatable with antibiotics  the savings could be hundreds or thousands of dollars.

While no research has been conducted on this new hybrid model, consumer advocates worry hospitals are more likely to route patients to costlier ER-level care whenever possible.

For instance, some services that trigger higher-priced, ER-level care at UF Health's facilities  such as blood work and ultrasounds  can be obtained at some urgent care centers.

"That sounds crazy, that a blood test can trigger an ER fee, which can cost thousands of dollars," said Cynthia Fisher, founder and chair of PatientRightsAdvocate.org, a patient advocacy organization.

For UF Health, the hybrid centers can increase profits because they help attract patients. Those patient visits can lead to more revenue through diagnostic testing and referrals for specialists or inpatient care.

Offering less expensive urgent care around-the-clock, the hybrid facilities stand out in an industry known for its aggressive billing practices.

On a recent visit to one of UF Health's facilities about 15 miles southeast of downtown, several patients said in interviews that they sought a short wait for care. None had sat in the waiting room more than five minutes.

"Sometimes urgent care sends you to the ER, so here you can get everything," said Andrea Cruz, 24, who was pregnant and came in for shortness of breath. Cruz said she was being treated as an ER patient because she needed blood tests and monitoring.

"It's good to have a place like this that can treat you no matter what," said Penny Wilding, 91, who said she has no regular physician and was being evaluated for a likely urinary tract infection.

UF Health is one of about a dozen health systems in 10 states partnering with Intuitive Health to set up and run hybrid ER-urgent care facilities. More are in the works; VHC Health, a large hospital in Arlington, Virginia, plans to start building one this year.

Intuitive Health was established in 2008 by three emergency physicians. For several years the company ran independent combination ER-urgent care centers in Texas.

Then Altamont Capital Partners, a multibillion-dollar private equity firm based in Palo Alto, California, bought a majority stake in Intuitive in 2014.

Soon after, the company began partnering with hospitals to open facilities in states including Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, and Delaware. Under their agreements, the hospitals handle medical staff and billing while Intuitive manages administrative functions  including initial efforts to collect payment, including checking insurance and taking copays  and nonclinical staff, said Thom Herrmann, CEO of Intuitive Health.

Herrmann said hospitals have become more interested in the concept as Medicare and other insurers pay for value instead of just a fee for each service. That means hospitals have an incentive to find ways to treat patients for less.

And Intuitive has a strong incentive to partner with hospitals, said Christine Monahan, an assistant research professor at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University: Facilities licensed as freestanding emergency rooms  as Intuitive's are  must be affiliated with hospitals to be covered by Medicare.

At the combo facilities, emergency room specialists determine whether to bill for higher-priced ER or lower-priced urgent care after patients undergo a medical screening. They compare the care needed against a list of criteria that trigger emergency-level care and bills, such as the patient requiring IV fluids or cardiac monitoring.

Inside its combo facilities, UF posts a sign listing some of the urgent care services it offers, including treatment for ear infections, sprains, and minor wounds. When its doctors determine ER-level care is necessary, UF requires patients to sign a form acknowledging they will be billed for an ER visit.

Patients who opt out of ER care at that time are charged a triage fee. UF would not disclose the amount of the fee, saying it varies.

UF officials say patients pay only for the level of care they need. Its centers accept most insurance plans, including Medicare, which covers people older than 65 and those with disabilities, and Medicaid, the program for low-income people.

But there are important caveats, said Fisher, the patient advocate.

Patients who pay cash for urgent care at UF's hybrid centers are charged an "all-inclusive" $250 fee, whether they need an X-ray or a rapid strep test, to name two such services, or both.

But if they use insurance, patients may have higher cost sharing if their health plan is charged more than it would pay for stand-alone urgent care, she said.

Also, federal surprise billing protections that shield patients in an ER don't extend to urgent care centers, Fisher said.

Herrmann said Intuitive's facilities charge commercial insurers for urgent care the same as if they provided only urgent care. But Medicare may pay more.

While urgent care has long been intended for minor injuries and illnesses and ERs are supposed to be for life- or health-threatening conditions, the two models have melded in recent years. Urgent care clinics have increased the scope of injuries and conditions they can treat, while hospitals have taken to advertising ER wait times on highway billboards to attract patients.

Intuitive is credited with pioneering hybrid ER-urgent care, though its facilities are not the only ones with both "emergency" and "urgent care" on their signs. Such branding can sometimes confuse patients.

While Intuitive's hybrid facilities offer some price transparency, providers have the upper hand on cost, said Vivian Ho, a health economist at Rice University in Texas. "Patients are at the mercy of what the hospital tells them," she said.

But Daniel Marthey, an assistant professor of health policy and management at Texas A&M University, said the facilities can help patients find a lower-cost option for care by avoiding steep ER bills when they need only urgent-level care. "This is a potentially good thing for patients," he said.

Marthey said hospitals may be investing in hybrid facilities to make up for lost revenue after federal surprise medical billing protections took effect in 2022 and restricted what hospitals could charge patients treated by out-of-network providers, particularly in emergencies.

"Basically, they are just competing for market share," Marthey said.

UF Health has placed its new facilities in suburban areas near freestanding ERs owned by competitors HCA Healthcare and Ascension rather than near its downtown hospital in Jacksonville. It is also building a fourth facility, near The Villages, a large retirement community more than 100 miles south.

"This has been more of an offensive move to expand our market reach and go into suburban markets," Wylie said.

Though the three centers are not state-approved to care for trauma patients, doctors there said they can handle almost any emergency, including heart attacks and strokes. Patients needing hospitalization are taken by ambulance to the UF hospital about 20 minutes away. If they need to follow up with a specialist, they're referred to a UF physician.

"If you fall and sprain your leg and need an X-ray and crutches, you can come here and get charged urgent care," said Justin Nippert, medical director of two of UF's combo centers. "But if you break your ankle and need it put back in place it can get treated here, too. It's a one-stop shop."
CAR-T cells are highly effective in treating selected blood cancers. However, challenges remain with this new therapy, which was first approved in 2017 in the USA and a year later in Europe for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). For instance, no effective CAR-T cell therapies for solid tumors exist. Furthermore, CAR-T-induced remissions are not always durable, and the production of CAR-T cells is slow and laborious.

Dr. Karl Petri of the University Hospital Wurzburg (UKW) / Julius-Maximilians-University Wurzburg aims to address these issues using an advanced CRISPR method to increase the efficiency of cancer-directed immunotherapies. The German Research Foundation (DFG) supports his research project with nearly two million euros over the next six years under the Emmy Noether Program.

Prime-CAR Inspection project in the Emmy Noether Program of the DFG

His project is called Prime-CAR Inspection. "Prime" stands for the CRISPR 2.0 method CRISPR Prime Editing, which allows for targeted and programmable incorporation of DNA changes into therapeutic T cells; "CAR" stands for chimeric antigen receptor, which equips the patient's own T cells to recognize and target specific surface molecules of cancer cells; "Inspection" refers to the safety validation of new gene-editing methods using advanced molecular diagnostics.

While the conventional CRISPR-Cas9 method introduces a double-strand break into the DNA molecule, the CRISPR Prime Editing method requires only a single-strand break, allowing for more precise genome modifications." Dr. Karl Petri of the University Hospital Wurzburg (UKW) / Julius-Maximilians-University Wurzburg

All twelve possible base pair substitutions, as well as small insertions and deletions, can be precisely incorporated into the T cell genome using CRISPR Prime Editing.



Karl Petri states: "If CRISPR-Cas9 is described as DNA scissors that can selectively knock out gene functions, then Prime Editing is comparable to an eraser and pencil that can be used to rewrite DNA precisely."

In addition to optimizing gene-editing techniques, the Prime-CAR Inspection project also aims to standardize the safety validation of new gene-editing techniques to facilitate clinical translation and ultimately provide more effective CAR-T cell products for patients with multiple myeloma and other cancers.

Improving cancer-targeted CAR-T cells with safety-validated CRISPR prime editors

"Currently, CAR-T cell therapy is approved for selected blood cancers. Our goal is to expand the application of CAR-T cell therapies and improve their effectiveness so that solid tumors can also be effectively treated with CAR-T cells. We also want to modify CAR-T cells to achieve longer and more durable remissions," says Karl Petri.



His research also focuses on allogeneic CAR-T cells, modified T cells from healthy donors. "With CRISPR 2.0 editing, certain molecules on CAR-T cells could be modified so that the immune system does not reject the foreign cells. This way, larger quantities of CAR-T cells can be produced more cost-effectively.".



For CAR-T cell therapy, white blood cells are separated from the rest of the blood components through leukapheresis from the patients' blood. The cells are genetically modified in the laboratory and reintroduced to the patients as a living drug via a ten-minute infusion. A single "activated" T cell can destroy 1000 tumor cells. Ideally, the T cells remain in the body for life, eliminating hidden or newly emerged tumor cells.

University Medicine Wurzburg offers a unique research environment

Karl Petri came to Wurzburg in the summer of 2023 after a six-year research stay at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. Under the mentorship of Prof. J. Keith Joung and Dr. Vikram Pattanayak, he focused intensively on new technologies like CRISPR 2.0 gene editing in the USA.



Dr. Petri explains that Wurzburg offers a unique research environment for realizing the Prime-CAR Inspection Program. Prof. Hermann Einsele, Director of the Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II at UKW pioneered CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma, the second most common blood cancer after leukemia. Prof. Michael Hudecek, head of the Chair for Cellular Immunotherapy, established his own translational research program for CAR-T cells in Wurzburg in 2012 and has been repeatedly recognized for his innovative methods.



The campus also hosts the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), led by Prof. Jorg Vogel, offering synergy with its expertise in molecular biology methods. HIRI is also home to Prof. Chase Beisel, a pioneer of CRISPR research, enabling further synergies and collaborations. Further interactions, particularly in the editing of immune cells, arise with the neighboring Max Planck Research Group for System Immunology (WUSI), an initiative of Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg (JMU) and the Max Planck Society (MPG).

About the Emmy Noether Program:

The German Research Foundation's Emmy Noether Program is aimed at exceptionally qualified postdocs and junior professors in the early stages of their scientific careers. The program allows them to qualify for a university professorship by independently leading an Emmy Noether group over a period of six years.
Lectrix EV, the electric mobility arm of SAR Group, partners with Electric One Energy Pvt. Ltd., a top player in the EV superstore industry.

This new partnership is set to expand Lectrix EVs market reach and provide Electric One Energy with a dependable ally and high-quality electric vehicles.

Electric One Energy, known for its extensive dealer network across India, offers a major opportunity for Lectrix EV. This partnership will make Lectrix EVs affordable, high-quality electric vehicles more accessible to both Indian and international buyers. Future plans include exporting to SAARC countries, building on Electric Ones existing presence in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Pritesh Talwar, President of EV Business at Lectrix EV, commented, This collaboration with Electric One will also help us penetrate the market more and ensure quality products and service for Electric Ones customers. We are looking forward to making a big impact with this partnership.

Amit Das, Founder and CEO of Electric One Energy Pvt. Ltd., added, We have been looking to collaborate with a brand that is reliable and offers solutions that work well for the growing EV market in India. Lectrix EV understands the pain points and offers solutions for them. Their ecosystem will benefit our customers.

Electric One Energy has been searching for a reliable partner to enhance its range of premium electric vehicles. Lectrix EV, known for its high-performing two-wheelers, flexible business models like Battery-as-a-Service (BAAS), and robust charging infrastructure, fits the bill perfectly. This partnership reflects Lectrixs ability to meet the high standards and varied needs of the Indian EV market.
Stocks To Watch On August 2: Sensex advanced 126 points to close at an all-time high, while broader Nifty scaled the historic 25,000 mount for the first time in a volatile trade on Thursday. In todays trade, shares of Titan, Hindustan Zinc, ITC, SpiceJet, Zomato among others will be in focus due to first quarter results and various news developments.

Key Earnings to watch: Archean Chemical Industries, CAMS, Delhivery, Dhanuka Agritech, Glaxosmithkline Pharmaceuticals, Hindustan Zinc, Kirloskar Brothers, LIC Housing Finance, Medplus Health Services, Mold-Tek Packaging, PSP Projects, Saregama India, Sheela Foam, Sudarshan Chemical Industries, Titan Company, UPL, and Zydus Wellness will release their Q1 FY25 results on August 02.

Infosys: Infosys announced on Thursday that Karnatakas Goods and Services Tax Department has withdrawn the pre-show cause notice issued to the Bengaluru-based software services provider.

The company was asked to provide additional responses to the Directorate General of GST Intelligences central authority regarding the matter, though no further details were provided in its statement to the exchanges.

Adani Enterprises: Adani Enterprises recorded its fiscal first-quarter profit at Rs 1454.50 crore, posting a growth of 115.8% in comparison to Rs 673.93 crore during the corresponding quarter of FY24. It posted revenue from operations at Rs 25,472.40 crore, up 12.5% as against Rs 22,644.47 crore reported during the same period of the previous fiscal year, driven by strong operational performance by ANIL Ecosystem and Airports.

Dabur: Dabur reported better-than-expected June quarter profit, driven by volume growth in rural markets. The company reported an 8% jump in its consolidated net profit for Q1FY25 to Rs 500 crore, against a Bloomberg consensus estimate of Rs 496 crore. Consolidated revenue for the quarter stood at Rs 3,349 crore, up 7% on year, slightly above the Bloomberg consensus estimate of Rs 3,343 crore.

Tata Motors: Tata Motors reported a 74% on year jump in its consolidated net profit to Rs 5,566 crore in Q1 FY25 in comparison to Rs 3,203 crore. The automaker stated that its June quarter revenue from operations rose 5.7% to Rs 1,07,316 crore, from Rs 1,01,528 crore a year ago.

JSW Infrastructure: JSW Group has announced plans to transform its infrastructure arm, JSW Infrastructure, into a complete logistics solutions provider. It also plans to increase its cargo handling capacity by 2.4 times. Arun Maheshwari, joint managing director and CEO of JSW Infrastructure, spoke to Financial Express about the companys strategy and outlook for the business.

Thermax: Thermax Group reported an 82% year-on-year growth in consolidated net profit to Rs 109 crore for the April-June quarter, with revenue increasing by 13% y-o-y to Rs 2,184 crore. Last years profit was adversely impacted by an exceptional charge of Rs 51 crore related to litigation. The order booking for the June quarter stood at Rs 2,569 crore, with the order balance as of June 30, up 2% to Rs 10,681 crore.

Zomato: Zomato posted its fiscal first quarter earnings with profit at Rs 253 crore, a growth of 12550% in comparison to Rs 2 crore recorded during the corresponding quarter of FY24. Q1FY24 was the first quarter when Zomato was in black. It posted revenue from operations at Rs 4,206 crore, up 74.1% as against Rs 2,416 crore during the same period of previous fiscal year.

Sun Pharmaceutical: Sun Pharmaceuticals Q1FY25 net profit came in at Rs 2,835.62 crore, up 40.2% from Rs 2,022.54 crore in Q1FY24. The companys consolidated Q1FY25 revenue from operations came in at Rs 12,653 crore, up 6% from Rs 11,940.84 crore a year ago. The Q1 performance was driven by strong sales in both domestic and US markets. The India formulation sales came in 16.4% higher while US formulation sales were stable at $466 million.

ITC: ITC announced its fiscal first-quarter earnings with a profit of Rs 5176.99 crore, marginally lower than Rs 5190.71 crore recorded during the first quarter of the previous fiscal year. Its revenue from operations stood at Rs 20,029.60 crore, up 3% as against Rs 19446.49 crore recorded during the June quarter of FY24.
The University of Delhi (DU) has launched the second phase of the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) for undergraduate (UG) admissions for the academic session 202425 starting August 1, 2024. Following the completion of CSAS Phase 1, candidates can now select their preferred programmes and college combinations for the next round. To participate in this selection process, candidates need to log in to their dashboard on the official website, ugadmission.uod.ac.in.

The official notice reads, Candidates who have still not registered themselves on the CSAS portal will also be able to register as the University has decided to keep both the phases open till 04:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 07, 2024. Phase-I and Phase-Il will close at 04:59p.m. Wednesday, August 07, 2024 and the preferences saved/submitted by the candidate will get auto-locked on reaching the deadline of 05:00 pm Friday, August 09, 2024.

DU UG CSAS Phase 2: Counselling Schedule

Correction Window for Phase I Candidates: July 30, 2024, to August 4, 2024, till 11:59 pm.

CSAS Preference Filling: August 1, 2024, to August 7, 2024, till 4:59 pm.

Preferences Auto-locking: 5:00 pm on August 9, 2024.

Simulated Rank Declaration: 5:00 pm on August 11, 2024.

Preference of Change Window: 5:00 pm on August 11, 2024, to August 12, 2024, till 11:59 pm.

First CSAS Allocation List: 5:00 pm on August 16, 2024.

First Round of Allocation and Admission

Acceptance of Allocated Seat: August 16, 2024, to August 18, 2024, till 4:59 pm.

Verification and Approval by College: August 16, 2024, to August 20, 2024, till 4:59 pm.

Last date of Online Fee Payment: August 21, 2024 till 4:59 pm.

Second Round of Allocation and Admission

Display of Vacant Seats: 5:00 pm on August 22, 2024.

Re-order of Higher Preferences: August 22, 2024, to August 23, 2024, till 4:59 pm.

Second CSAS Allocation: 5:00 pm on August 25, 2024,

Acceptance of Allocated Seat: August 25, 2024, to August 27, 2024, till 4:59 pm.

Verification and Approval by College: August 25, 2024, to August 29, 2024, till 4:59 pm.

Last Date for Online Fee Payment: 4:59 pm on August 30, 2024.

According to the University of Delhis (UoD) guidelines for calculating programme-specific merit scores, candidates must align the subjects they studied in Class 12 with those they appeared for in the CUET-2024 during Phase II. Only CUET papers from candidates who have passed their Class 12 board exams will be considered. Applicants should refer to the Bulletin of Information for details on subject similarities. It is the candidates responsibility to ensure accurate subject mapping, as this decision is final and binding. Note that there will be no subject mapping required for the General Test of CUET(UG)-2024.

According to the official notice, the University of Delhi will announce additional rounds of the admission process based on seat availability. The Admission Branch has established email support, chatbots, and helpdesks to assist prospective students. Many colleges will also have dedicated helpdesks. Additionally, a series of webinars will be conducted to guide applicants through the admissions process, with the first one scheduled to be live on the official UnivofDelhi YouTube channel on Friday, August 2, 2024, at noon.
Several aspirants of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (PG) 2024 have taken to social media demanding reassignment of the allotment of test cities. The exam is scheduled to be conducted on August 11. Several students have claimed they received exam centres in another state which would be very far away from their current city. The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has written to the health minister JP Nadda seeking a re-evaluation of the exam centres.

Taking to microblogging site X, the association wrote, FAIMA request Honble Minister JP Nadda for intervention to re-evaluate the allocated NEET PG exam centers for students across India & re evaluate the allocated NEET PG exam centre for students across India. Students were asked to choose four preferred cities while filing the application form however, several of them claimed that they were not assigned any of the selected cities, the association said.

Numerous students have been assigned centres that are geographically distant from their homes, leading to high travel costs including last minute bookings for flights, trains or buses, reads the letter adding that it also includes expensive last minute bookings. This would complicate the students travel and accommodation arrangements, the letter adds.

#FAIMA request Honble Minister @MoHFW_INDIA @JPNadda Ji for intervention to re-evaluate the allocated NEET PG exam centers for students across India &re evaluate the allocated NEET PG exam centre for students across India.@ANI @PTI_News @DghsIndia@JPNaddaoffice @NMC_IND pic.twitter.com/cJEDjPmuN1 FAIMA Doctors Association (@FAIMA_INDIA_) August 2, 2024

The NEET PG test will be administered using a computer-based test mode (CBT). The exam will consist of 200 multiple-choice questions for 800 marks. Four marks will be given for each right response, and one mark will be subtracted for each incorrect response. To be considered for admission to 26,699 Doctor of Medicine (MD), 13,886 Master of Surgery (MS) and 922 PG Diploma seats, candidates must pass the exam.
Led by Major Seeta Ashok Shelke, the Madras Engineering Group of the Indian Army in Bengaluru, also called Madras Sappers, on Thursday completed the construction of the 190-ft-long Bailey bridge in Wayanad district which was hit by devastating landslides on Tuesday.

Shelke, from Maharashtra, led the Bailey bridge operation, which will ensure connectivity between worst-hit Mundakkai and Chooralmala. The construction of the bridge started at 9.30 pm on Wednesday and was completed by 5.30 pm on Thursday.

ALSO READ | Wayanad Landslide Toll Crosses 300

The massive landslides which struck Wayanad on Tuesday claimed the lives of at least 300 people. Indian Army, NDRF along with local emergency response departments have undertaken a massive search and rescue operation to trace people feared to be trapped in the tragedy.

LANDSLIDE TO LIFELINE

Major General V T Mathew, GOC-Karnataka and Kerala Sub-Area crossed the bridge in his official vehicle after the completion of the construction of the structure, which has a weight-carrying capacity of 24 tonnes. The Class 24 Bailey Bridge constructed in Wayanad district will connect Chooralmala with Mundakkai over the Iruvanjippuzha River.

From #Landslide to #Lifeline. When nature knocked down a bridge,#IndianArmy swiftly constructed a more resilient one. True to form, the Army Commander fearlessly led the way across the #BaileyBridge, the Defence PRO said in a post on X.

Earlier, the Indian Army Southern Command Pune posted on X, Persevering and relentless, despite facing inclement weather, rising water levels and the challenges of working through the night, the Madras Engineers Group (MEG) team is inching towards completing the bridge at Chooralmala.

Following the vehicle of the commander, the Army medical unit and a military truck passed through the bridge, after which it was handed over to the civil administration.

#WayanadLandslidesInclement weather, raising water levels, debris, restricted space seems like a daunting task for rescue for many but not for #IndianArmy. #MadrasSappers displaying indomitable spirit, never say die attitude and supreme commitment in the relief operations pic.twitter.com/l7kqLvzoOY  Southern Command INDIAN ARMY (@IaSouthern) August 1, 2024

WHY THE NEED FOR THE BRIDGE?

The bridge connecting the two places had washed away in the devastating landslide that happened on Tuesday.

The rescue workers had made temporary wooden bridges between landmasses to cross over and help those stranded there. However, in the heavy rains on Wednesday, those temporary structures, too, failed.

The materials for building the bridge were flown into Kannur airport from Delhi and Bengaluru and brought to Wayanad by 17 trucks.

#WATCH | Search and rescue operations continue in landslide-affected areas in Keralas Wayanad; Bailey Bridge is being constructed to facilitate quick evacuation of those stranded in the area. pic.twitter.com/yWqESJ4ixP ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2024

WHAT IS A BAILEY BRIDGE?

A portable, pre-fabricated truss bridge that played a crucial role during World War II, Bailey bridge is known for its quick assembly, modularity and strength. It was designed by Sir Donald Coleman Bailey, a British civil servant and engineer, in the late 1940s. Their effectiveness led to adoption by Allied forces, revolutionising military engineering.

They were used after Mumbais Elphinstone Road stampede in 2017 and even recently in Sikkim.

They are preferred in rescue operations owing to:

Quick assembly by a smaller team

Can be transported using trucks or helicopters

They support heavy loads

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Namma Bengaluru (@nammabengaluroo)

WHO ARE MADRAS SAPPERS OR THAMBIS?

The Madras Sappers is an engineer group of the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army, which originated in the erstwhile Madras Presidency army of the British Raj. This regiment has its headquarters in Bengaluru. The Madras Sappers were the only regiment of the Madras Presidency Army to survive the reorganisations that took place between 1862 and 1928. The thambis, as the troops of the Madras Sappers are popularly known, with their hallmark Shakos, have distinguished themselves in many battlefields around the world for more than 200 years.

Inputs from Harish Upadhya, Agencies
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In July 2024, ZEEKR, the premium electric vehicle brand under Geely Holding, delivered 15,655 new vehicles, marking a 30% year-on-year jump, but facing a 22% month-on-month decline, according to the carmaker's sales results.

From January to July this year, ZEEKR delivered a total of 103,525 vehicles, achieving an 89% soar compared to the same period of last year.

All New ZEEKR 009; photo credit: ZEEKR

On August 1, ZEEKR announced the delivery of its 300,000th vehicle, a ZEEKR 009 Grand MPV. It took the automaker only 33 months to reach this milestone.

The All New ZEEKR 009 officially hit the market on July 19, marking a significant upgrade for ZEEKR's MPV lineup. The first batch of the new ZEEKR 009s was delivered from ZEEKR's 5G Smart Factory on July 22. Remarkably, within 10 days of its launch, the models fixed orders surpassed 6,000 units.

In 2024, ZEEKR has introduced several heavyweight new models. Apart from the aforesaid All New ZEEKR 009, the carmaker announced on July 10 its first family SUV had been named ZEEKR 7X, which is built on the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform. Additionally, on April 25, the ZEEKR MIX, the brand's first model built on the SEA-M architecture, debuted at the Auto China 2024 in Beijing, and its official images were released in July. Both models are slated for market launch in the second half of the year.

As for global business development, ZEEKR has expanded into multiple markets, including Hong Kong, Macao, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, as well as Europe, Latin America, and Australia. As of June this year, ZEEKR has opened 429 stores worldwide, with plans to increase this number to over 520 by the end of the year.
The Western Ghats, extending for about 1,500 km parallel to the southwest coast, is the most prominent orographic feature of the Indian Peninsula. A global biodiversity hotspot and one of the most irreplaceable areas for conservation, this region with a staggeringly high plant and animal diversity overlapping with a dense human population has been under rising population and development pressure for years, according to environmental activists.

Despite a lower number of landslides compared to the Western Himalayan region, the Western Ghats have become a vulnerable hotspot due to environmental degradation, high population, and household density, especially in Kerala, as evidenced by this weeks tragedy in Wayanad that has claimed hundreds of lives. The replacement of natural vegetation with plantations has worsened the impacts, say experts. The Centre has now issued a draft notification to declare around 57,000 square kilometre (sq km) of Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive area. The area includes 13 villages in Wayanad and around 10,000 sq km in the state of Kerala.

Birth of a mountain, life in it

Geological evidence indicates that the mountains were formed during the break-up of the supercontinent of Gondwana. The mountains came along the west coast of India somewhere in the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods when India separated from the African continent.

Spread over the six states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat (as well as the two union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry), this area encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, from wet to dry regions in the west-to-east direction. It is home to the largest populations of tigers, Asian elephants, and various other species. Moreover, the Western Ghats boasts a significant number of endemic species. The forests here include evergreen rainforests, montane forests, a unique shola-grassland mosaic, as well as moist and dry deciduous forests, along with shrubs. Additionally, the presence of several peninsular rivers sustains numerous ecosystems and supports the livelihoods of millions of people.

Effect on monsoon

The mountains of the Western Ghats and their characteristic montane forest ecosystems influence the Indian monsoon weather patterns that mediate the warm tropical climate of the region, presenting one of the best examples of the tropical monsoon system on the planet.

The Ghats act as a key barrier, intercepting the rain-laden monsoon winds that sweep in from the south-west during late summer.

High points

The mountains in the Western Ghats can be divided into three parts: the northern section with an elevation ranging from 900-1,500 m (3,000-4,900 ft), the middle section starting from the south of Goa with a lower elevation of less than 900 m (3,000 ft), and the southern section where the altitude rises again.

The mountain range has several peaks that are over 2,000 m (6,600 ft), with Anamudi (2,695 m (8,842 ft)) being the highest. The average elevation is around 1,200 m (3,900 ft). Several major riversnotably the Krishna, Godavari, and Kaverihave their headwaters in the Western Ghats.

Human interference

Historically, the Western Ghats were covered in dense forests. which formed the natural habitat for wildlife along with the native tribal people. Its inaccessibility made it difficult for people from the plains to cultivate the land and build settlements.

After the establishment of British colonial rule in the region, large swathes of territory were cleared for agricultural plantations and timber. The forests in the Western Ghats were severely fragmented due to clear-felling for plantations. The introduction of non-native species threatened the rare endemic species and habitat specialists, which depleted faster than other species. Complex and species-rich habitats like the tropical rainforests are much more adversely affected than other habitats. The primary threats to fauna were not only from habitat loss, but also from overexploitation, illicit grazing, mining, poaching, and introduced species.

Treasure trove of flora and fauna

The forests of the Western Ghats include some of the best representatives of non-equatorial tropical evergreen forests in the world.

At least 325 globally threatened (IUCN Red Data List) species occur here. The globally threatened flora and fauna in the Western Ghats are represented by 229 plant species, 31 mammal species, 15 bird species, 43 amphibian species, 5 reptile species and 1 fish species. Of the total 325 globally threatened species in the Western Ghats, 129 are classified as Vulnerable, 145 as Endangered and 51 as Critically Endangered.

Government measures

The Government of India has established many protected areas, including two biosphere reserves, 13 national parks to restrict human access, several wildlife sanctuaries to protect specific endangered species, and many reserve forests.

In August 2011, the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), also known as the Gadgil Commission after its chairman Madhav Gadgil, appointed by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, designated the entire region as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) and assigned three levels of Ecological Sensitivity to its different regions. Subsequent committees formed have recommended various suggestions to protect the region.

In 2006, India applied to the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) for the Western Ghats to be listed as a protected World Heritage Site. In 2012, 39 sites divided into seven clusters across the Western Ghats, were declared as World Heritage Sites.

(With agency inputs)
In the aftermath of the Wayanad tragedy, the Centre has issued a draft notification to declare around 57,000 square kilometer (sq km) of Western Ghats as an ecologically-sensitive area. The area includes 13 villages in Wayanad and around 10,000 sq km in the state of Kerala. News18 has exclusively accessed this detailed draft notification issued by the Centre on July 31, which proposed declaring nearly 36% of Western Ghats as eco-sensitive.

Citizens have been given 60 days to offer their comments to the Centre, following which the final notification will be published either state-wise or a combined order, the draft notification says. An area of 56,826 sq km in six states  Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Gujarat  is proposed to be declared ecologically sensitive, bringing in a host of restrictions on commercial activity here. This will include 9,994 sq km in Kerala, including 13 villages in Wayanad, the document says.

ALSO READ | Led by Maharashtra Army Woman, Wayanad Connector Built In 20 Hours: What Is Bailey Bridge? Who Are Madras Sappers?

This is the sixth time the draft notification has been issued by the Centre. The last draft was issued in July 2022 and a committee was also constituted to finalise the notification in consultation with the state governments.

Rampant commercialisation and absence of the ecologically sensitive area tag have been identified as the major reasons behind the Wayanad tragedy, in which close to 300 people have lost their lives. The villages in Wayanad proposed to be declared as eco-sensitive zone are Periya, Thirunelli, Thondernad, Thrissilery, Kidanganad, Noolpuzha, Achooranam, Chundel, Kottappadi, Kunnathidavaka, Pozhuthana, Thariyod and Vellarimala, as per the draft notification of the Centre.

The process to declare areas of the Western Ghats spread across six states as ecologically sensitive has been on since 2013 when a High-Level working Group had submitted its report. The activities which will be banned on the ecologically-sensitive area will be mining (with existing mines phased out in five years), new thermal plants, industries in the red category, and all new and expansion projects of building and construction with built up area of 20,000 sq m, the notification says.

Centre issues draft notification to declare approximately 60,000 sq kms across 6 states, including Kerala, in western ghats as eco sensitive zonesNews18s @AmanKayamHai_ explains the govt proposal @akankshaswarups | #NationAt5 #WayanadDisaster #Kerala pic.twitter.com/SGTvVO9Bjg  News18 (@CNNnews18) August 2, 2024

IMPORTANCE OF WESTERN GHATS

The Western Ghats are an important geological landform on the fringe of the west coast of India and are the origin of Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery and a number of other rivers. The Ghats extend over a distance of approximately 1500 km from Tapti river in the north to Kanyakumari in the south with an average elevation of more than 600 m and traverses through six states namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The High-Level Working Group was set up under the UPA tenure to find a way forward to prevent further degradation of the fragile ecology of Western Ghats, the document says.

ALSO READ | Wayanad Landslides: What Exactly Happened? Why Western Ghats Region Of Kerala Is Prone To Disasters

The High-Level Working Group had submitted its report to the Centre on April 15, 2013, which was sent to the six states for their considered views on the report. The Group identified approximately 37% of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive, which covers an area of 59,940 sq km of natural landscape of Western Ghats. The Ecologically Sensitive Area recommended by the Kerala state government was spread over an area of 9,993.7 sq km, which includes 9,107 sq km of forest area and 886.7 sq km of non-forest area, compared to the 13,108 sq km recommended by the High-Level Working Group, the document says.

WHAT WILL THE BAN COVER?

There shall be a complete ban on mining, quarrying and sand mining in Ecologically Sensitive Area and all existing mines shall be phased out within five years from the date of issue of the final notification or on the expiry of the existing mining lease, and whichever is earlier. No new thermal power projects and expansion of existing plants shall be allowed in the Ecologically Sensitive Area.

All new red category of industries as specified by the Central Pollution Control Board or State Pollution Control Board and the expansion of such existing industries shall be banned and the list of red category of industries shall be as specified by the Central Pollution Control Board. All existing red category of industries including health care establishments shall continue in Ecologically Sensitive Area under the applicable rules and regulations.

ALSO READ | Told Him That We Had Lost Everything: Wayanad Survivor Recounts Spending Night Next to Tusker

All new and expansion projects of building and construction with built up area of 20,000 sq m and above and all new and expansion townships and area development projects with an area of 50 hectares and above or with built up area of 1,50,000 sq m and above shall be prohibited.

New Hydropower projects shall be allowed provided there is uninterrupted ecological flow of at least thirty percent of the rivers flow in lean season, till a comprehensive study establishes individual baselines for each project.

The provisions of this notification shall not affect the ownership of the property in the Ecologically Sensitive Area, the document says.

The state-wise area of Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area proposed by the Centre 449 sq km in Gujarat, 17,340 sq km in Maharashtra, 1461 sq km in Goa, 20,668 sq km in Karnataka, 6,914 sq km in Tamil Nadu and 9,993 sq km in Kerala.
Air India on Friday announced the suspension of all flights to and from Tel Aviv, effective immediately until August 8, due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and is offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation fees for passengers.

In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 08 August 2024, Air India said in a post on X. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges, it added.

ANNOUNCEMENTIn view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 08 August 2024. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support  Air India (@airindia) August 2, 2024

READ MORE: Israel On High Alert After Twin Hamas, Hezbollah Killings; Biden, Netanyahu Hold Phone Call As Iran Vows Response

The Air India cancellation follows as the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) was on high alert amid an antiquated response to the assassinations of Hezbollahs military chief in Beirut and Hamass leader. On Wednesday, Ismail Haniyeh was killed shortly after attending the inauguration of Irans new president in Tehran. While Israel has not claimed responsibility, Iran has accused the US of involvement and threatened retaliation.

This assassination follows the killing of Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut just a day earlier. Shukurs death came after a rocket attack in the Golan Heights that killed 12 people, an incident Hezbollah denied responsibility for. The situation remains tense, with both Hamas and Hezbollah promising to retaliate against Israel.

More Cancellations

Airlines are avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace and cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon, as concerns grow over a possible conflict in the region after the killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah this week.

According to flight tracker Flightradar24, Singapore Airlines appeared to no longer be using Iranian airspace for any of its routes. Taiwans EVA Air and China Airlines also appeared to be avoiding Iran airspace for flights to Amsterdam on Friday which previously had flown over Iran.

Many airlines, including US and European airlines, already avoid flying over Iran, especially since the reciprocal missile and drone attacks in April between Iran and Israel. Singapore Airlines flight to London Heathrow early on Friday went north of Iran through Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, rather than crossing through Iran as it did the day before, Flightradar24 showed. Over the past two days, Germanys Lufthansa Group, US carriers United Airlines and Delta Air, and Italys ITA Airways said they had suspended flights to Tel Aviv.

(With agency inputs)
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) removed the Border Security Force (BSF) Director General (DG) Nitin Agrawal and his deputy Special DG (West) Y B Khurania, sending them back to their respective state cadres with immediate effect, a government order issued on Friday said.

DG BSF Nitin Agarwal has been repatriated two years before his tenure was to end. The appointments committee of cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for premature repatriation of Nitin Agarwal, IPS KL (89), DG, BSF to his parent cadre with immediate effect, the order said.

1989-batch Kerala cadre officer, Agrawal, and Khurania from the 1990-batch of the Odisha cadre have been prematurely repatriated with immediate effect, according to separate orders issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Khurania is likely to be the new DGP of Odisha Police.

While no reason for the sudden decision was mentioned in the official order, sources said the recent spate of infiltration in Jammu could be a reason for the drastic decision.

It is suspected that terrorists were managing to infiltrate from the international border which is guarded by the BSF, an officer from Jammu and Kashmir told CNN News18.

At least one terrorist apprehended from Kathua told the police, as per sources, that he infiltrated along the Unjh Daria, which is along the international borders guarded by the BSF forces in Punjab. Indian army also suspected that infiltration was happening from the Punjab and Jammu international border. The terrorists were then allegedly using the highway to reach forested areas of Kathua, Dodda, Rajouri and Poonch.

Y B Khurania was special DG in charge of the BSF Western command. Jammu and Punjab both fall within the purview of the western command.

The decision of ACC would see a complete overhaul of BSF leadership for Jammu.

Agrawal had taken charge as the Border Security Force chief in June last year, while Khurania, as the special DG (West), was heading the formation of the force along the Pakistan border.
A private school in Delhis Greater Kailash area on Friday received an email threatening to blow up the school with a bomb, reported news agency ANI citing the Police. The building was evacuated as a precautionary measure.

According to the police, the email was received by the school around midnight, claimed that a bomb was planted in the schools premises on Thursday. Thorough checking was done by a bomb detection team and nothing suspicious was found, a police officer said and added that a dog squad was also deployed for the search.

The police added that a case was registered, and a probe was underway.

Last week, a hoax call of a bomb in a cluster bus was received at Nazafgarh, that caused panic among the passengers. 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. Upon thorough checking, nothing was found.

Earlier in May, over 130 schools across Delhi-NCR received bomb threats causing much panic among the students and administration.

Sanskriti School in Chanakyapuri police station area, Mother Mary School in Mayur Vihar of East Delhi, DPS School in Dwarka, DAV School, Amity Schools in Pushp Vihar and Saket district among schools in Delhi that received bomb threats via E-mail. Delhi Public School, Noida is one of the schools that received the bomb threat via E-mail.

Investigation agencies suspected that the email, which was sent to schools in Delhi-NCR, originated from a server located in Russia.

Recently, schools, hospitals and airports have been targeted by bomb threats. Previously, over 60 schools, the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and over half a dozen government hospitals in the national capital received bomb threats through emails. Delhi police later said that nothing suspicious was found.
Sacked IAS trainee Puja Khedkar is still in India and has not fled abroad, sources informed. Earlier, reports claimed that she had fled to Dubai fearing arrest. According to sources, no immigration record was found regarding Kedkars travel.

The authorities are hunting for Khedkar as the sacked IAS trainee went missing fearing arrest. Reportedly, she also switched off her phone.

The speculations emerged after Delhis Patiala House Court on Thursday denied anticipatory bail to Khedkar, stating that allegations levelled against her are serious and require a thorough investigation.

After Delhi court denies bail , sacked IAS Trainee Pooja Khedkar goes missing. Phone switched off , authorities hunt for sacked IAS Trainee.News18s @kotakyesha share more | @GrihaAtul #UPSCStudent #PoojaKedkar #DelhiHighCourt pic.twitter.com/SuCshJEGVU  News18 (@CNNnews18) August 2, 2024

Custodial interrogation of the accused is required to unearth the whole conspiracy and to establish involvement of the other persons involved in conspiracy, Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala said.

Khedkar, who has not been arrested in the case, had approached the court through her lawyer, saying she faces immediate threat of arrest.

In response to Khedkars claim she was falsely implicated in the case and was a victim of media trial and witch-hunt, the judge said the argument was not tenable because there were sufficient incriminating material on record. Therefore, reporting of the incriminating material which is on record could not be considered as media trial or witch hunt, the judge said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the UPSC cancelled the provisional candidature of Khedkar and debarred her from taking future exams.

A Show Cause Notice (SCN) was issued by the UPSC to Khedkar, a provisionally recommended candidate of the Civil Services Examination-2022 (CSE-2022) on July 18 for fraudulently availing attempts beyond the permissible limit provided for in the Examination Rules by faking her identity.

She was asked submit her response to the SCN by July 25. However, she requested for further time till August 4 so that she could gather the necessary documents for her response but she was given until July 30 to submit the documents, which she failed to do.

Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, is accused of posing as an OBC non-creamy layer candidate in her Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) candidature. She also claimed that she was visually and mentally disabled, but refused to take tests to corroborate her claims. The UPSC had lodged a criminal case against her, alleging that she had manipulated her identity, including her parents names, to secure a place in the civil service.

The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie had issued eight memos to Khedkar for misconduct during her training. These accumulating charges against her intensified the pressure for her arrest.

She came under the spotlight after reports about her alleged demands for a separate office and official car and unauthorised use of a beacon on her private car during her posting in Pune emerged. She was subsequently transferred to Washim from Pune.
Mumbai Traffic LIVE Updates: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has taken decisive action to address the traffic chaos on the Mumbai-Nashik highway. On Thursday, he instructed the administration to take immediate measures, including the suspension of officials if traffic flow does not improve within 10 days. He has also requested that authorities draft a proposal to halt toll collection on the highway until necessary repairs are made and potholes are filled.

Meanwhile, as Mumbai braces for increased rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert, the city faces potential water-logging and disruptions in traffic.

The traffic is also likely to be affected due to the ongoing flyover works at several locations, including Asangaon and Vashind, and potholes have formed due to rains.

Compounding the issue, the Sion Bridge, a historical landmark, is set to be demolished and reconstructed, leading to significant traffic restrictions. The Sion Road Over Bridge (ROB) will be closed from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2026, for this project.

Stay tuned for the latest Mumbai traffic LIVE updates. Get real-time information on traffic jams and police advisories at news18.com.
A five-member judicial commission formed to probe the on-camera killing of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Khalid Azim, alias Ashraf, in police custody last year has ruled out negligence on the part of the police or any possibility of any pre-planned conspiracy.

Besides, another two-member commission formed to probe the three encounters of the accused in the Umesh Pal murder case  including Atiq Ahmeds son Asad and his aide Ghulam  has said retaliatory firing by police was in self-defence.

Both the reports were tabled during the ongoing monsoon session of UP assembly on Thursday.

Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf were shot dead amid heavy police protection by three small-time criminals while being taken for a medical examination at Motilal Nehru (Colvin) Divisional Hospital in Prayagraj on April 15, 2023. No negligence or laxity was found on the part of the 21 police personnel deployed for their security. The attackers, disguised as media persons among the live coverage crew, launched an unexpected assault. There was no way the police could have averted the attack, given the assailants infiltration and the chaotic environment, the commissions report stated.

The UP government had formed a five-member judicial commission headed by former chief justice of Allahabad High Court Justice Dilip Babasaheb Bhosale to probe the incident. It also included former chief justice of Jharkhand High Court Justice Virendra Singh, who was the vice-chairman of the commission; retired Justice Arvind Kumar TripathiII, retired district judge Brijesh Kumar Soni and retired IPS officer Subesh Kumar Singh.

As per the commission report, live coverage of Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf ensured the assailants were well aware of their movements and no recce was required before committing the crime. The three assailants  Sunny Singh, Luvlesh Tiwari and Arun Kumar Maurya  were holding a mic while approaching Atiq and Ashraf along with other media persons and suddenly opened fire, the report stated.

Meanwhile, the other two-member judicial commission chaired by Justice (retd) Rajiv Lochan Mehrotra said in the three encounters of the accused in the Umesh Pal murder case, the police opened fire in self-defence. Retired director general (DG) Vijay Kumar Gupta was also a part of the commission.

Atiq Ahmeds aides Arbaz and Vijay Kumar Chowdhary alias Usman were killed in retaliatory firing by police in self-defence in Prayagraj on February 27, 2023, and March 6, 2023, respectively. Similarly, Atiqs son Asad and his aide Ghulam were killed in retaliatory firing by police in self-defence in Jhansi on April 13, 2023, the report said.

All the four people killed were prime accused in the sensational killings of lawyer Krishna Kumar Pal alias Umesh Pal and his two gunners in Prayagraj on February 24, 2023.
Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime astronaut for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

On Friday, ISRO announced that its Human Space Flight Centre has signed a space flight agreement with Axiom Space Inc., USA, for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.

The National Mission Assignment Board has recommended Shukla as the prime gaganyatri and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the backup gaganyatri for the mission.

The assigned crewmembers will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). The recommended gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the first week of August 2024, ISRO said in a statement.

During the mission, the gaganyatris will undertake selected scientific research and technology demonstration experiments on board the ISS as well as engage in space outreach activities.

Who Is Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla?

Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla, hailing from Lucknow, is an alumnus of City Montessori School in Aliganj. Commissioned as a fighter pilot in 2006, he has accumulated over 16 years of service and more than 2,000 flying hours.

Fondly called as Gunjan, Shubanshu is the youngest of three siblings and the first in his family to join the armed forces. He is also a father to a four-year-old son, and his family considers this a momentous occasion.

Shubanshu was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on June 17, 2006, and describes his career as a rollercoaster ride. He has excelled in his field, becoming a fighter combat leader and test pilot with experience in various aircraft, including the Su-30MKI, MIG-21, MIG-29, Jaguar, and Hawk.

On February 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced Shubanshus selection, along with three other astronauts, for the Gaganyaan mission at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. The four will embark on ISROs first crewed space mission to low Earth orbit.

ALSO READ: Indian Astronaut In Space Soon: Shubhanshu Shukla, Prashanth Nair Selected For ISS Mission As ISRO Signs Deal

Gaganyaan, Indias first human spaceflight mission, is slated for launch in 2025 and aims to send a manned crew on a three-day mission to orbit 400 km above Earth before returning.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced in the Lok Sabha last week that ISRO has partnered with NASA and Axiom Space for this joint mission.

This is a collaborative effort of ISRO, NASA, and NASA-identified private entity, i.e., Axiom Space. Recently, ISRO has signed a Space Flight Agreement with Axiom Space for this joint mission to the ISS, he said

The astronauts have already completed basic spaceflight training in Russia and are currently undergoing advanced training at ISROs Astronaut Training Facility (ATF) in Bengaluru.

(With inputs from agencies)
Jammu and Kashmir will soon have young troops to deal with terrorism more effectively.

According to a senior official in the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government has initiated the process of recruiting and creating new posts in the two main forces  BSF and the CRPF. The plan is to include young troops in these forces up to the ground commander level, which will revamp the entire structure of deployment, making the forces younger.

The Border Security Force (BSF), which is primarily deployed along the India-Pakistan border, has created 7,210 posts this year, mainly comprising Group B and C level officials, with additional recruitment at the Assistant Commandant level.

Similarly, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will fill 11,000 posts, including Assistant Commandant positions. These vacancies will primarily address the need for younger officers to be deployed in elite wings and in the tense areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

The idea is to have young commanders on the ground to conduct operations and supervise a young crop of troops with a high level of fitness. This will overhaul the complete structure of the forces to be supervised by mature leadership at the top. CRPF and BSF will also recruit over 100 officers each this year, a senior government official aware of the development told News18.

The Central Armed Police Forces will be filling 506 posts of Assistant Commandants. Of these, BSF will fill 186 vacancies, while CRPF will recruit 120 Assistant Commandants who will undergo rigorous training. As Naxalism has decreased by almost 70 per cent, the CRPF will deploy these young recruits primarily in Jammu and Kashmir, with a few joining the VVIP security unit.

With the Jammu region witnessing an increase in terror activities, the young officers will have an edge in operations as it will be easier for them to navigate the terrain.

The CRPF is already facing an acute shortage of young officers and troops. Consequently, the force has increased the age limit for joining elite units such as CoBRA, the anti-Naxal unit. The issue of aged commanders has also been raised in joint meetings at the highest levels.
Read the full story on The Auto Wire

What Could This Florida Trooper Have Done Differently?

Cops, just like everyone else, sometimes dont do things the best way possible. Thats especially true when people watch dashcam footage of chases and can unemotionally make observations about what they supposedly wouldve done to avoid a perceived mistake. Its with that in mind we present this pursuit footage from Florida Highway Patrol where a trooper has to make a split-second decision some are criticizing.

Watch a cop wreck out trying to PIT a pizza delivery car.

The chase, which happened back in April 2024, started after the trooper noticed a black Dodge Charger going over 110 mph and weaving through traffic on Interstate 275. After observing the suspect vehicle, the trooper tried pulling it over but the muscle car accelerated to over 147 mph.

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At that speed, the slower-moving vehicles all over the interstate come up quickly, so the trooper is focused not only on catching the fleeing Mopar but also not hitting some innocent family. Its a delicate balance but he does a good job of managing both.

After a bit, the Dodge driver exits the interstate and tries his luck on surface streets. He blasts through a red light, luckily not causing a crash, as the trooper tries negotiating the intersection with more care.

With a little bit more breathing room, the suspect still knows hes not out of the woods. Thankfully the other lights they travel through are green, allowing the trooper to close the gap up again. But theres a problem ahead which quickly emerges: the opposing lane of traffic on the two-lane road is blocked by a parked box truck.

Thats not a huge deal and is something the trooper can see as they approach. What he cant spot as the suspect slams on his brakes is theres a car coming the over direction around the truck, in their lane of travel.

Had the suspect and trooper not been speeding, that wouldnt have been a problem. Unable to stop in time, the Charger driver tries squeezing the big muscle car between the other car and box truck.

Story continues

The trooper, on the other hand, has even less time to react as the suspect hits the one car and truck, then the FHP cruiser does the same. The gap just isnt big enough to fully accommodate either car.

Badly damaged, the suspect cant push the Mopar muscle car to really get going again. Thats when the trooper takes advantage and PITs the suspect out, turning the pursuit into a foot chase.

The question we have for everyone is if you think the trooper couldve or shouldve handled the situation differently? We know hindsight is 20/20 and that plenty of people will have unrealistic suggestions of what the trooper shouldve done, but we still want to hear it from you.

Tell us what you think.

Image via Scooper/YouTube

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A 24-year-old man who was allegedly buried alive by four men over a land dispute was dug up by stray dogs in Uttar Pradeshs Agra.

The victim, identified as Roop Kishor was assaulted by four men, identified as Ankit, Gaurav, Karan, and Akash, on July 18 in Agras Artoni area. The attackers also strangled him and then buried him on their farm, assuming he had died.

However, Kishor survived and regained consciousness after the stray dogs dug up the area where he was buried and began biting his exposed flesh. As per media reports, the man managed to walk to a nearby area where locals helped him and took him to the hospital for treatment.

Kishors mother claimed that the accused men had forcibly taken her son from their home, brutally assaulted and strangled him, and then buried him in a ditch on their farm.

An FIR has been filed against the four men, and a police investigation against the accused are currently underway.
Sayani Das, a girl from an ordinary middle-class family in Kalna town of East Burdwan, has set out to conquer the North Channel. According to reports, she started swimming at an early age and initially her father taught her. Since childhood, she decided to become a swimmer. She has developed herself as a swimmer through hard training. Sayanis dream is to conquer Sapta Sindhu. Previously, Saini conquered the English Channel, Catalina, Molokai, and the Cook Strait. Sayani Das has won four channels out of seven till now. Currently, remaining are the North Channel, Sugarloaf, and Gibraltar. This time, Sayani Das took a flight on Thursday evening to win the fifth Sindh of the Seven Sindh, the North Channel. In a recent media interaction, she said, The North Channel is the coldest among Sapts industries. Because thats why Ive been taking ice baths since May. Because there is a lot of difference between the temperature of India and the temperature there. Since I am going twenty days early, I will try to get some practice there as well.

Sayani Das is optimistic about winning the North Channel. She had to take out loans to finance several large sums of money. She regretfully said, I never got the support of the administrative officials before leaving, but after coming, there are a lot of flowers and garlands. It is very disappointing that we are treated like this in a place like India.

Sayani Das is always positive before every channel wins. Similarly, this time too, Sayani is working on a different excitement to win the North Channel. Winning the North Channel is a big challenge for her. Thats because not only India, but no one in Asia could conquer this fifth channel of Sapta Sindhu. There are also problems with temperature, jellyfish, and currents in the North Channel. If she wins this channel, her name will be written in history as the first female swimmer of India and Asia to do so.
The Rescue teams, including Indian Army, NDRF along with local emergency response departments are working against the time under harsh conditions in Keralas Wayanad to search for survivors trapped in collapsed buildings, three days after massive landslides struck the hill district.

The massive landslides which struck Wayanad on Tuesday claimed the lives of at least 308 people, according to Kerala Health Minister Veena George. Additionally, approx 300 people are still missing, according to Kerala ADGP M R Ajith Kumar.

Rescue operations, which entered the fourth day on Friday, further widened and also included a drone-based radar to find the survivors.

The rescue efforts have been hindered by several challenges, including treacherous terrain due to destroyed roads and bridges, and a shortage of heavy equipment, making it difficult for rescue teams to clear mud and huge uprooted trees that fell on houses and other buildings.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has completed the construction of 190-ft-long Bailey Bridge in record time. The bridge will help connect the worst-affected areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala over the Iruvanjippuzha River. The bridge connecting the two places had washed away in the devastating landslide that happened on Tuesday.

Following Are The Latest Updates:

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday described the landslides in Wayanad district of Kerala as a terrible tragedy of such magnitude in a single area that the state has not seen till now, and said that it should be treated differently. Gandhi said that he was going to raise the matter in Delhi and also with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as this is a different level of tragedy and should be treated differently.

George informed that post-mortem procedures of 199 bodies have been conducted so far in Wayanad. In a post on Facebook, she said that additionally, DNA samples of 130 body parts were also taken.

A Mental Health Disaster Management team has been formed in Kerala to provide psychosocial support to survivors of the devastating landslide at Wayanad. George said a 121-member team of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric social workers and counsellors was formed on Tuesday, soon after the disaster struck the hilly district of Kerala.

Continuing with the rescue and relief operations, Indian Navy ALH of INS Garuda undertook aerial reconnaissance of the affected area and airlifted 12 state police personnel along with rescue eqpt to the disaster area which was inaccessible by road.

40 teams of rescuers began search operations in landslide-hit Wayanad district on the fourth day on Friday, officials said. The 40 teams will conduct search operations in six zones of the landslides-hit areas  Attamala and Aaranmala (first), Mundakkai (second), Punchirimattam (third), Vellarimala village (fourth), GVHSS Vellarimala (fifth), and riverbank (sixth).

Major Seeta Ashok Shelke, a female officer lead Bailey bridge operation to ensure connectivity to landslide hit Mundakkai.

Indian army in a rescue operation, found four alive individuals  two males and two females  who were stranded in Padavetti Kunnu, Wayanad. The operation was carried out with precision and care, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved. A casualty evacuation was coordinated, and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was launched to facilitate the rescue. The swift response and seamless execution of the operation ensured the timely evacuation of the stranded individuals. Unfortunately, one of the rescued females is experiencing difficulties with her leg and is receiving necessary medical attention.

Indian Air Force is flying a C-130 aircraft from Hindon air base to Wayanad, it will carry specialised Drone Systems along with a team of experts to Wayanad for sub-soil evacuation monitoring. These drone systems will look for people stuck under the soil.

The Indian Army achieved a major accomplishment with the successful completion of the construction of the 190-ft-long Bailey bridge that will help connect the worst-affected areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala. The construction of the bridge started at 9.30 pm on Wednesday and was completed by 5.30 pm on Thursday. Following the vehicle of the commander, the Army medical unit and a military truck passed through the bridge, after which it was handed over to the civil administration.

The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall for Wayanad and several other Kerala districts till August 5. In wake of the rain predictions, all educational institutions, including schools, colleges and tuition centres, in Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasragod districts have been ordered to remained closed on Friday.

Telecom operators are augmenting and restoring connectivity on a war footing in landslide-hit Wayanad district of Kerala to ensure communications between rescue teams, government officials and the public, an official statement said on Thursday. The telecom infrastructure has been augmented and restored to provide continuous coverage in Wayanad by operators BSNL, Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea, the statement said.

The Kerala government requested the states scientific community on Thursday to refrain from sharing their opinions and study reports on the Wayanad landslides with the media. Later the order was withdrawn. Vijayan said the news that the SDMA had directed scientific institutions and scientists not to visit the disaster-affected Meppadi panchayat in Wayanad and not to express their opinions was misleading.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that thousands of people are in relief camps and were in mental trauma. I visited the hospitals and camps. Our priority is to provide psychological support and focus on controlling contagious diseases, she added.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasised the ongoing rescue efforts, and said the coordinated operation, involving various forces, officials, and local volunteers, is focused on rescuing victims and recovering the bodies of the missing. He said the survivors are being housed in relief camps and that the government plans to prioritize the rehabilitation of the disaster-affected persons.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the landslide site at Chooralmala, Wayanad, on Thursday to take a stock of situation in the landslide hit region.

Rahul, a former MP from Wayanad, said it was a terrible tragedy for Wayanad, Kerala, and the nation. Today, I feel how I felt when my father died. Here people have not just lost a father but an entire family. We all owe these people respect and affection. The whole nations attention is towards Wayanad, he said.

Additionally, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while expressing her deep sorrow over the incident, said that two Trinamool Congress MPs, Saket Gokhale and Sushmita Dev, would travel to the affected areas in the southern state to provide assistance and support to the families impacted by the disaster.

Massive landslides triggered by torrential rains struck the picturesque hamlets of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha in the early hours of Tuesday, killing over 290 people, including women and children.

With inputs from agencies
The state assembly on Wednesday cleared the Uttar Pradesh Nazul Properties (Management and Utilization for Public Purposes) Bill, 2024 amidst strong opposition not only by the INDIA bloc but also from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs and allies. However, the Bill was sent to select committee soon after it was passed.

The ongoing UP Assembly session was in for a surprise on Wednesday, the day when the infamous Uttar Pradesh Nazul Properties (Management and Utilization for Public Purposes) Bill, 2024 was tabled in the state assembly. What came as a bigger surprise and embarrassment for the Yogi government was its own MLAs raising objections along with its allies and the opposition against the bill.

What is Uttar Pradesh Nazul Properties (Management and Utilization for Public Purposes) Bill, 2024?

The Uttar Pradesh Nazul Property Bill, 2024, aims to regulate Nazul land  government-owned but not directly managed as state property  by preventing its conversion into private ownership. Under this Bill, court proceedings or applications for transferring Nazul land to private individuals or institutions will be cancelled and rejected, ensuring these lands remain under government control. If payments were made anticipating ownership changes, the Bill mandates refunds with interest calculated at the State Bank of Indias Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) from the deposit date.

Additionally, the Bill allows the government to extend lease for current leaseholders in good standing, who regularly pay rent and comply with lease terms. This ensures compliant leaseholders can continue using the land while maintaining it as government property. The Bill aims to streamline Nazul land management and prevent unauthorised privatisation.

When BJPs Own MLAs Objected To The Bill

BJP MLA from Prayagraj Harshvardhan Bajpai on Wednesday objected to his governments Bill preventing the conversion of Nazul land into private freehold. If the government takes one or two (properties), nothing will change. But I am talking about those who live in one or two-room slums. In Prayagraj, they are called Sagar Pesha. This term originates from the British Raj, where Shagird Pesha (followers in service) were given space near bungalows. These families are living there since the time of British rule over 100 years ago On one hand, we are giving houses to the poor under the PM Awas Yojna, and on the other hand, we are telling thousands of families to get out. We are taking the land. Ye nyaysangat nahi hai (This is not lawful), said Harshvardhan Bajpai, who was perhaps the first one to raise the objection.

Adding more clarity to his point, Bajpai further gave an example of a homemaker, stating that he met a homemaker whose house is located in a 100-yard area. She told me what the government will get from this sau gaj land Our top leadership wants that the property rights of the people should be clear. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has also spoken many times to bring a law to bring clarity in property rights and intellectual property rights, added Bajpai.

Bajpais response got a thumping support from the opposition. However, even before Bajpai could speak further over the bill, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna stood up and told Bajpai, Aap samajh nahi rahe ho. Pahle padh toh lo (You are not getting it. First, read it). However, Bajpai continued to say that there should be a provision in the law that those possessing Nazul land should get a chance to convert these pieces of land into a freehold.

Another BJP MLA from Prayagraj district, Sidharth Nath Singh, was the second one to register his objection to the bill, suggesting that suggestions should be taken into consideration. Singh said that those with bonafide ownership of Nazul land should get their lease renewed.

Similarly, Jansatta Dal Loktantrik MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh said that this bill may be small, but its consequences are big. He said that Siddharth Nath Singh and Harshvardhan are opposing this bill in the interest of the party. He questioned that in a case it has come to light that the High Court is also on Nazul land, and whether that will also be vacated. He appealed to the government to reconsider this Bill.

Anil Tripathi of the Nishad Party demanded an amendment to the bill and advocated for it to be handed over to the Select Committee. Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra Mona termed the bill anti-people, urging reconsideration. She argued that the law would destroy homes built with a lifetimes hard-earned money, rendering lakhs homeless and facilitating large-scale misuse. She noted that government offices and hospitals are built on Nazul land.

Opposition Demands Withdrawal, UP Govt Clarifies

Samajwadi Party MLAs, however, rushed into the well of the House, raised slogans and staged a dharna, demanding withdrawal of the bill.

However, State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna assured the House that economically weaker sections have been given relief in the bill. He stated, The state government will take cognizance of the points raised by the Opposition, and the weaker sections will not be evicted. Khanna emphasised, Under the Constitution, Nazul land belongs to the government, and people cannot get ownership. No person will be deprived of property if allotted by the authority under the law. Those who have deposited money will get their lease renewed.

Khanna assured that people who have not violated conditions and maintained the lease will get relief; their lease will be renewed. He added, The state government has the power to frame rules under the bill. The conditions will be defined in the rules. Educational institutions will not be removed. The rights of people will be protected. Khanna emphasised, Government land is used in the public interest and development.

He further stated, People can get their lease renewed for 30 years if they have not violated the rules. They also have the option to get their money back if they do not want to renew the lease.

Bill Sent to Select Committee

The Bill, after being passed in the UP Assembly, was sent to a select committee following its introduction in the Upper House. Some BJP legislators expressed concerns to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, leading to a meeting involving the BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhary and Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak. It was decided that Chaudhary would propose referring the bill to the select committee.

Deputy CM Maurya tabled the bill in the legislative council, and Chaudhary proposed its referral to the committee, which was supported by BJP MLCs and both deputy CMs. Chairman Kunwar Manvendra Singh approved the proposal, with the select committee set to report back in two months. The council comprises 79 BJP MLCs and five from allied parties. Notably, the Nishad Party and Jansatta Dal (Loktantrik), allies of BJP, had opposed the bill in the state assembly.

Why is Nazul Property Bill Needed?

Khanna highlighted the urgent need for land for various development activities of public importance. He stated, To make land available for use in development activities, the recourse is to acquire land that would incur a huge expenditure and enormous delay in the process. Khanna explained that Uttar Pradesh has Nazul land leased to private individuals and entities under the Government Grants Act of 1895 and 1960. The UP government has, from time to time, come out with a policy of declaring Nazul land freehold in the public interest, he said.

Khanna pointed out that earlier policies led to multifarious claims, draining land banks. It is no longer in the interest of the UP government to continue with these policies and to permit conversion of Nazul land into freehold in view of the public interest, he argued. He asserted, If the state government re-enters its Nazul land, it will ensure that land is available to the government without acquiring land under the land acquisition laws.

Following the repeal of the Government Grants Act of 1895 by Parliament, the UP government suspended all policies related to the management and disposal of Nazul land. Khanna said, A large number of litigations are pending in courts seeking conversion of Nazul land into freehold, resulting in uncertainties in respect of the interest of the government.

He concluded, There is a need for legislation that would cater to the interest of the state government so that Nazul land can be reclaimed by the government for public use and development activities that were hampered for want of land.

However, despite the uproar, twists and turns, the UP Assembly eventually passed the Nazul Properties Bill, ensuring relief for the economically weaker section of the society.
Delhi minister Atishi on Friday ordered a magisterial probe into the alleged lapses after 13 deaths were reported in a month in a shelter home for mentally challenged in Rohini.

The AAP leader ordered submission of a report within 48 hours while ordering the inquiry into the matter. She has sought suggestive measures to prevent any such occurrence in the future. In her letter, Atishi noted that there were 14 deaths since January 2024 at the shelter home.

Delhi Min. Atishis Strict Orders into the Asha Kiran Shelter Home Incident.Minister @AtishiAAP directs Addl. Chief Sec. Revenue to :Initiate a Magisterial Inquiry.Take Action Against Negligent officers. Recommend Measures to Prevent such incidents. The Delhi pic.twitter.com/eo4zjmGhN3  AAP (@AamAadmiParty) August 2, 2024

The minister also sought recommendations on action to be taken against those whose negligence had caused the deaths.

However, National Commission of Women chairperson Rekha Sharma hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government over the tragic incident, saying that its an utter failure on behalf of the government.

While speaking to News 18, Sharma said that the commission would carry a thorough and comprehensive probe into the grave matter to get a logical conclusion.

She also assured to provide every possible assistance to the victims, and the girls living in Delhi governments Asha Kiran shelter home.

For years, the Asha Kiran shelter home run by the Delhi government has lost all asha (hope). People are suffering and dying in it and the Delhi government does nothing, nothing at all. Taking cognisance and sending my team to enquire into it, Sharma said.

The women commission has also sent a fact-finding team to the shelter to take congnisance of the matter.

Meanwhile, the SDM has expressed his concern over the matter. He said that 13 children died in governments Asha Kiran Care Home in the last 20 days. So far 27 deaths have occurred this year, which is much higher than last year.

The SDM said that the actual cause of death is not known yet, and it would be revealed after the post-mortem reports.

According to official sources, a majority of inmates who died were aged between 20 and 30, and the cause of death was reported to be health issues and malnutrition.

BJP leader Rekha Sharma lambasted AAP-led government for their negligence. Asha Kiran, which is a unit of the Delhi government, where it is said that disabled people are kept and are given care but deaths are constantly happening in this shelter home. In the year 2024, 27 people have died. In the month of July itself, 17 people died, as per our information. The administration is not telling the reason, we dont know what is there in the SDM inquiry, all the officers are sitting with the gates closed, no one is allowed to go inside, we are not allowed to go inside. As per our information, the children are getting dirty water, they dont get food, they dont get treatment. An inquiry should be conducted and all the officers who are involved in this should be punished she said.

#WATCH | Delhi: National Vice President BJP Mahila Morcha, Rekha Gupta says Asha Kiran, which is a unit of the Delhi government, where it is said that disabled people are kept and are given care but deaths are constantly happening in this shelter home. In the year 2024, 27 https://t.co/5oyd1R43vI pic.twitter.com/V8uSaLteOE ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2024

Delhi governments social welfare department runs Asha Kiran, which was set up in 1989, with a capacity to accommodate 350 people.
FRIENDSHIP DAY 2024 DATE IN INDIA: Friendship Day celebrates the important relationships we have formed throughout our lives with our friends. Since friendship isnt dependent on caste, creed, age, religion, ethnicity, or social expectations, it is ultimately one of the most authentic types of relationships and Friendship Day is celebrated to honour this unique bond. As the event is observed on the first Sunday of every August, it will be celebrated on August 4 this year.

ALSO READ: Happy Friendship Day Wishes Images 2024: Best 100+ Wishes, Quotes, Free Images & Shayaris in Hindi to Share

Friendship Day History

Friendship Day was introduced in 1930 as a marketing ploy by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards. However, it quickly became more popular in the US and other parts of the world. The first official World Friendship Day was proposed in Paraguay in 1958, and the UN named Winnie the Pooh the worlds Ambassador of Friendship in 1998. Finally, the United Nations officially declared July 30th as International Friendship Day, but it is celebrated on the first Sunday of August in India.

Friendship Day Significance

As per UN, problems like poverty and violations of human rights persist and threaten development, security, social cohesion, and interpersonal peace in the global community. In order to ensure that we erase all the elements that endanger a peaceful future together, we must strive to build strong bonds of trust with one another by commemorating International Friendship Day.

We often take the relationships we have with our friends for granted. Thus, a day such as Friendship Day serves as a reminder to express our gratitude to our friends for their friendship and everything they have done for us.

Friendship Day 2024: How To Celebrate

Friendship Day is celebrated differently across cultures and nations.

In India, friends exchange bands, cards, and gifts with each other. Heartfelt posts, images, and recollections flood social media sites, with hashtags like #FriendshipDay trending all day long.

In addition, a lot of people plan celebrations, get-togethers, and excursions to honor the day.
Hariyali Teej is a significant festival marked by the married women in India. The celebration is popular in North Indian states, particularly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Typically occurring two days ahead of Nag Panchami, Hariyali Teej falls on Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the Shravana month and honours Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As per the Gregorian calendar, the festival is scheduled to be celebrated this year on August 7.

Hariyali Teej History

Hariyali Teej commemorates Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvatis love and sacred union.

Parvati is said to have had 107 births before she was able to marry Lord Shiva. When Parvati took birth for the 108th time, she could marry Lord Shiva on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Shravan.

ALSO READ: Alia Bhatt to Kiara Advani: Celeb-inspired Outfits to Wear This Hariyali Teej 2024!

She broke off all ties during that time, and for a while she lived her days chewing on dry leaves. But Lord Shivas strict discipline of celibacy prevented him from realising Parvatis love for him.

Parvati understood that in order to attract Lord Shivas attention, she needed to show him her love. After making the perilous trek to the Himalayas, she settled in a cave wherein she was totally engrossed in her adoration of Lord Shiva.

With her devotion for Lord Shiva, Parvati carved a Shiva Lingam out of sand. Lord Shiva, pleased by her devotion, stood before her and granted her desire.

ALSO READ: Hariyali Teej 2024: Surprise Your Wife with These Unique Gifts!

Because of the fast she had kept and the ceremonies she had performed during the day, Lord Shiva declared that Goddess Parvati was his wife.

Since then, it has been thought that any woman who observes this fast with complete devotion would receive the benefits she desires from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Hariyali Teej Significance

On Hariyali Teej, Hindu women fast without drinking water for the whole day and offer prayers for their husbands to enjoy long and successful lives.

According to Hindu mythology, a woman may shield her spouse from all dangers if she wears all 16 ornaments. This is particularly meaningful for the newlyweds.

Hariyali Teej Puja Vidhi

The house is cleaned, sanitised, and adorned with flowers on this day. The home is adorned with a Shiv Lingam, Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha. Following this, the deities are worshipped in a sixteen-step ceremony, and the Puja continues all night. Women observe a Nirjala Vrat (fast) on Hariyali Teej, during which they abstain from eating or drinking anything for the whole day. Both married and single women may perform the vrat. Married women fast for the blessings of wealth, harmony, and long life for their spouse and family. Unmarried women fast in the aim of meeting a decent spouse and leading a happy marriage. After 24 hours, when all the rites associated with the Hariyali Teej Puja and Vrat are performed, women can consume water.

Hariyali Teej Shubh Muhurat

As per Drik Panchang, tritiya tithi begins at 07:52 PM on August 6 and ends at 10:05 PM on August 7.
Ajay Devgn and Tabu starrer Auron Mein Kahan Tha Dum has finally been released. The films release was postponed for a long time. Well, amid this the actor decided to have an Ask Me Anything session with his fans. Many of them asked him several questions. But one question grabbed everyones attention. A fan asked him about an update on Son of Sardar 2.

A fan asked him, Sir son of sardar 2 kab aayege? On this Ajay Devgn replied, Thoda ruk jaao paaji. As per reports, Ajay and Sanjay will be seen in a hilarious face-off again but this time, reports claim that instead of Sonakshi Sinha, Mrunal Thakur will be the leading lady. Reports claim that the shoot will begin in Scotland soon. A source told Mid-Day, That said, since the characters of Billu and Jassi were loved by the audiences, the two actors are expected to stick to their characters names. Their dynamics, however, will be different. While the two were at loggerheads with hilarious results in Son of Sardaar, this time, their rivalry will be intense, with Sanjays role leaning towards the antagonist. Off screen, the two actors are close friends, and Ajay has made sure that Sanjay has a fantastic role in the second part.

Ajay, Sanjay and Mrunal Thakur, who has been roped in as the female lead, will kick off a 50-day schedule in Scotland. It is famous for its castles, historic towns, lochs, and beaches, with many episodes of Game of Thrones, and much of the Harry Potter franchise having been shot there, the source added.

The direction team had done a recce earlier this year, and finalised the scenic towns of Glencoe and Glenfinnan, as well as sites such as the Culross Palace, Doune Castle, Preston Mill and Falkland Palace. The locations form a fitting backdrop for the kind of action and drama that the director has in mind. A few romantic songs featuring Ajay and Mrunal will also be shot in the countrys picturesque locales, added the source.

The film will be directed by Vijay Kumar Arora and comes nearly 12 years after the original. The first film featured Ajay Devgn trying to win Sonakshi Sinhas hand in marriage by trying to impress her older brother, played by Sanjay Dutt. However, as per reports, Sonakshi Sinha will not be a part of the sequel. A release date for the film is yet to be decided.
Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, has quickly become a prominent figure in Bollywood thanks to his energetic and mysterious presence. The social media sensation is not just well connected with Gen Z and senior artists of Bollywood, but hes also favourite among internet users. Today, on August 2, Orry turns a year older and his Bollywood friends made sure to celebrate his special day. One of his close friends is Ananya Panday, who shared a sweet post featuring a photo of the two from Shah Rukh Khans birthday celebration. The actress jokingly referred to Orry as omnipresent, as he seems to be everywhere, from major events to glamorous weddings.

The two are known for being party animals and the Instagram story Ananya shared perfectly captured their energetic spirit. This year, Orry is celebrating his birthday a bit differently. Instead of partying all night with his Bollywood friends, the internet personality is enjoying a peaceful birthday in Cardigan, UK. Orry recently posted photos and videos from his time in this picturesque Welsh town, celebrating his special day away from the spotlight. Meanwhile, Ananya wishing Orry wrote, Happy birthday orridge the omnipresent.

Orry and Ananya Panday often shower each other with praise during interviews and on social media. In a recent chat on Things2Do, Orhan praised the Liger star for her energetic personality, according to him, she lights up every gathering she attends. He mentioned that her fun and approachable nature makes her a favourite person at parties, as she always lifts everyones mood and interacts with others in a friendly, down to earth manner.

Orhan said, Ananya Panday will not come to a party if her energy is low, shes tired or shes not feeling it or shes not in the mood, she wont. If she comes, she comes with the attitude that shes going to be fun and bubbly and be a life like a glowing life of the party. I know many times if Ive had a party at home and the party is not picking up but then Ananya Panday shows up and everyone are just excited to see her. Star presence is a thing and shes excited to be there. Yes, shes bubbly and shes cute and she doesnt have sass and attitude, so shes talking to everyone and everyones talking to her. Ive introduced many people to Ananya and no one has ever said, Shes those snooty Bollywood girl, Ive never got that feedback.

The social media sensation also praised Ananya for her genuine presence at parties. He shared that her energy doesnt fade throughout the night, she remains cheerful from start to finish. Unlike some people who might act friendly but then change when they turn around, Ananya stays true to herself and keeps her positive vibe consistent. Orry also mentioned that while he considers himself energetic, Ananyas level of enthusiasm is truly impressive.
Dalljiet Kaurs separation from her husband Nikhil Patel is not a secret. The two, who tied the knot in March 2023, have already filed for divorce. While the two continue to make several allegations against each other, Dalljiet took to her Instagram handle on Friday morning to share their wedding pictures.

Sharing their wedding pictures, Dalljiet Kaur penned down an emotional note and sent birthday wishes to Nikhil. She accused him of hurting her and revealed that her son, Jaydon, still calls him papa.

Today, as tears stream down my face, I want to wish you a very happy birthday, @niknpatel. Everyone says I should begin healing, but here you are, reopening all my wounds and making them bleed again. I dont think Ill ever understand. you do what you do and THE WAY YOU DO IT, she wrote.

Right from sending my belongings to a storage house much before the date given by you through your PR articles to wiping the wall which I had painted for months with my chuda that I loved so much. And keeping a book in the foreground saying subtle art of caring a FU** You have impressive ways to hurt me. And I know you are not done. You will come up with more ways soon, the actress added.

By the way, Jaydon still calls you papa. Its a shame how I have to teach my 10-year-old to unlearn that emotion .. you got married to me in such a big way that my child cant just erase that memory like you have, Dalljiet concluded.

Rumours of Dalljiet and Nikhils separation first made headlines in February this year i.e. after 10 months of their wedding. However, Nikhil confirmed their separation in May when he told E-Times, In January this year, Dalljiet decided to leave Kenya with her son Jaydon and return to India, which ultimately led to our separation. We both realized that the foundation of our blended family wasnt as strong as we had hoped, making it hard for Dalljiet to settle in Kenya. In March 2023, we held an Indian wedding ceremony in Mumbai. Though it held cultural significance, it was not legally binding. This ceremony was intended to reassure Dalljiets family about her move to Kenya.

While Dalljiet is back to India with her son, Nikhil previously also sent a legal notice to the actress and accused her of harassment. ETimes reported that Patel said, under the Indian Penal Code, The Information Technology Act of 2000 (India), and The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012 (India), Dalljiet Kaurs social media posts accusing him of an extra-marital affair were wrong.

This was Dalljiet Kaurs second marriage. She was previously married to Shalin Bhanot but the two parted ways in 2015 after she accused him of domestic violence.
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How many of these Japanese rides do you already know?

Japanese domestic market (JDM) cars are many, which is really something for a tiny island nation off the coast of the Asian continent. Thanks to several factors which lined up after the close of WWII, the Japanese became prolific at designing and building all kinds of vehicles. While we have seen a number of their cars in the United States, many more have never reached these shores, with the exception of a rare oddball imported by a diehard fan.

Some JDM cars are just bizarrely weird, especially the notoriously small Kei cars. Others are so cool youll be wondering why theyre not more widely-known here.

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Just how many of the following obscure JDM cars did you already know about? Which one would you want to put in your garage?

Honda Beat

Eight Obscure JDM Cars

Its not every day you run across a Honda that was designed by none other than Pininfarina, but thats not the end of the uniqueness for the Honda Beat. This Kei car is of course tiny, and it has a mid-engine layout, which made it popular for Japanese wanting an economical yet fun roadster. During its production run from 1991 to 1996 Honda cranked out over 33,000 Beats

Suzuki Cappuccino

Eight Obscure JDM Cars

Apparently, the Japanese love their caffeine as much as they love their cars. Why else would there be the Suzuki Cappuccino? This little Kei car has a detachable hardtop and has been held up by some as an excellent alternative to the venerable Mazda Miata. Tipping the scale at a mere 1,598 pounds the thing uses a punch turbo three-cylinder engine. Youre not going to win any drag races with this Suzuki, but its a lot of fun on Tsukuba Circuit or a mountain road with plenty of chicanes.

Nissan Pao

Eight Obscure JDM Cars

One of the Nissan Pike cars, the Nissan Pao is nowhere as famous as the Figaro or others. Still, it has that retro-cool look that hearkens back to the 1950s even though this car was launched in the 1980s. The throwback details on this little Nissan are many, including those cute round headlights, exposed door hinges, huge speedometer centered over the steering wheel, body-color door panels/dash/steering wheel, interior switchgear, etc. One of the most bizarre features on the Pao is the rearview mirror, which Is five mirrors joined together, spanning from one side of the headliner to the other.

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Autozam AZ-1

Eight Obscure JDM Cars

Yet another Kei car on the list, this is another one with a mid-engine layout. The Autozam brand might not be familiar to you, since its a JDM brand owned by Mazda. Besides that adorable front fascia, especially the round headlights, the AZ-1 is known for its gullwing doors. You just dont expect such a dramatic feature on a Kei car. That hood scoop helps feed the 657cc turbocharged engine sourced from Suzuki. Even in Japan these cars are rare, since they were only made from 1992 to 1994.

Toyota Mega Cruiser

Eight Obscure JDM Cars

When you think of Japanese off-roaders, the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Pathfinder, and Mitsubishi Montero no doubt come to mind first. What you probably dont know is Toyota made a more hardcore trail runner for the military market, and it was called the Mega Cruiser. Yes, its a subtle name but the Japan Self-Defense Forces went for it anyway as a good vehicle for keeping the peace. Just like with so many other military vehicles, Toyota then made a civilian version. Among the cool standard features was a 4.1-liter turbo-diesel engine, four-wheel steering, and three lockable differentials. Toyota made the Mega Cruiser from 1995 to 2002.

Nissan Cima

Eight Obscure JDM Cars

A full-size luxury sedan still being sold in Japan, the Nissan Cima gets its name from the Spanish word which means summit. Of all the interesting details about this car, the hood ornament is particularly unique. Instead of a person, animal, or even an airplane like what you see on so many, the Nissan Cimas hood ornament is an acanthus leaf. The ancient Greeks used those leaves to make a wreath worn like a crown, which you see replicated sometimes for the Olympics. We received a version of the Cima here in the United States for a while, the Infiniti Q45, but it has since been discontinued. In Japan the Cima is still being made.

Suzuki Mighty Boy

Eight Obscure JDM Cars

This little Kei car is actually a truck. Its hard to tell until youre looking at the rear, but theres a bed partially hiding behind the B-pillars, making the Suzuki Mighty Boy look more like a hatchback from some angles. If that bed looks like it couldnt be that big, youre right. A mere two feet of depth means you cant fit that much in the payload, so the utility factor is a little questionable. Made from 1983 to 1988, this car was classified in Japan as a commercial vehicle and thus wasnt subjected to the same taxes as consumer cars. Theres still a cult following for the Mighty Boy today.

Nissan Fairlady 200ZR

Eight Obscure JDM Cars

While here in the United States we got the Z31 chassis with the 300ZX slapped on it, in Japan enthusiasts were able to enjoy the Nissan Fairlady 200ZR. The center hood scoop gives away a unique element about this sports car: it was the last Nissan Z to use an inline-six engine, the RB20DET. Thats the same engine used in the Nissan Skyline, only adding to the allure of this once-forbidden Japanese fruit.

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One of the prominent documentary filmmakers, Anand Patwardhan recently won the Best Long Documentary and Best Editing at the 16th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK), which concluded here on Wednesday, July 31. The Jai Bhim Comrade director donated his cash prizes from the festival to the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund in the wake of the Wayanad (Kerala) tragedy. The awards carried Rs 2 lakh for a long documentary and Rs 20,000 for best editing. He has won these awards for the film The World is Family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). In the Wayanad tragedy, multiple landslides have caused massive destruction, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. Anand Patwardhans film won the best long documentary award  which brought him Rs 2 lakh  as well as the best editing in a long documentary (which contains a cash prize of Rs 20,000. He donated the cash to the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). In his speech, the director said that his heart is with the people of the Wayanad and expressed hope that they will be able to start their lives afresh once again.

Malayalam celeb couple Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya Nazim also donated Rs 25 lakh to aid the victims. They released a press note confirming the contribution, writing, We are making a donation of Rs 25 lakh to the CMDRF. We hope this modest contribution will help provide necessary assistance to those in dire need. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people as they navigate this difficult period. Together, we may endure and overcome.

Malayalam actor Mammootty and his son and actor Dulquer Salmaan also donated Rs 35 lakh to the relief fund. Mammootty spoke to the press and said that at the moment, he has only contributed a small amount to the relief measures. Reportedly, his charitable trust is also helping those in dire need and has mobilised to provide essential items to the victims. This includes supplying food items, medicines, clothes and other important things.

As per a BBC report, these landslides are the worst disaster to occur in Kerala since 2018. In 2018, the floods killed more than 400 people.

Follow Live coverage of Bigg Boss OTT Season 3 Grand Finale & Winner Here.
Bigg Boss OTT 3, the Anil Kapoor-hosted controversial reality show, is about to conclude tonight, August 2. Since the finale is near, fans have been rooting for their favourite contestants and are excited to see who will win the trophy and the Rs 25 lakh prize money. Ahead of the grand finale episode, lets take a look at the top 5 contestants of Bigg Boss OTT 3 and recall their journey inside the house:

Ranvir Shorey

Actor Ranvir Shorey is one of the strongest contenders fighting to clinch the Bigg Boss OTT 3 winner trophy and the prize money. His journey in the Bigg Boss OTT 3 house has been full of debates and heated arguments, especially with co-contestants Sana Makbul, Vishal Pandey and Lovekesh Kataria.

The Ek Tha Tiger actor never shied away from expressing his honest thoughts, even if it meant going against all the co-contestants. He has always maintained his stance in every situation. Not just this, he is also among the most entertaining contestants of BB OTT 3. His wit and humour has impressed fans, making him one of the finalists.

Sana Makbul

Another strong contender predicted to become the winner of Bigg Boss OTT 3 is television actress Sana Makbul. Despite the contestants and haters calling her manipulative, egoistic and selfish, Sana managed to make it to the finals. Throughout her journey, Sana got nominated for elimination almost every week and was also labelled as the villain of the house.

Naezy

Rapper Naved Shaikh aka Naezy has also made it to the top 5 contenders of Bigg Boss OTT 3. However, avid viewers didnt expect the rapper to make it this far as he received a lot of backlash due to his lazy gameplay. In a recent media interaction episode, a journalist told Neazy that he had been sleeping inside the BB OTT 3 house ever since the show started and didnt entertain the audience.

During his journey on the reality show, Neazy also made several revelations about his past life. From his parents being against his rapping career to him being imprisoned for a year during the filming of Gully Boy. The rapper enjoys a massive fan base on social media.

Kritika Malik

YouTuber Kritika Maliks marriage life is one of the most discussed topics of Bigg Boss OTT 3. Several accusations were made against Kritika on the reality show and she was also labelled as a home-wrecker for marrying her best friends husband, Armaan Malik. On the other hand, Armaan was criticised for setting a negative example with his polygamous lifestyle.

But despite all the difficulties, Kritika has made it to the finale week. She has always maintained a good relationship with most of her fellow contestants inside the BB house and has been vocal about her thoughts.

Sai Ketan Rao

The fifth contestant who secured his place in the top 5 is TV actor Sai Ketan Rao. Many people admired him for staying loyal to himself and prioritising meaningful relationships over personal gain inside the BB OTT 3 house. In his journey, Sai Ketan has continuously shown respect and decency to his fellow participants.

However, many people also accused him of not showing his true personality on the reality show and said that the reason why he made it to the finale was because of his smart gameplay.

Who will win Bigg Boss OTT 3? Follow this space for update updates related to Bigg Boss OTT 3 grand finale.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of Citadel: Honey Bunny, the upcoming Indian spy action thriller series starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. A spin-off of the American TV series Citadel, led by Priyanka Chopra, this new series has been generating buzz ever since its announcement. The teaser, released on August 1, has received widespread acclaim. Adding to the excitement, Salman Khan extended his best wishes for the series on social media.

On August 2, Salman Khan took to Instagram to re-share the teaser video of Citadel: Honey Bunny. Praising the series, directed by Raj & DK, Salman wrote, Arre wah V.D., Citadel Honey Bunny? Lagta hai baat bunny aur honey ke saath citaphal bhi khane milega raat baki hai coming to see grandfather (my friend David), u, Rohit, Lalli ma and the kids son and granddaughter tonite

Priyanka Chopra, who starred in the original American version of Citadel, also showed her support. She re-shared the post from the makers of Citadel: Honey Bunny. In her post, Priyanka dropped multiple collision emojis and tagged the lead stars, directors Raj & DK, and the producers.

The makers captioned the teaser with, Honey Bunny Release date declassified! #CitadelHoneyBunnyOnPrime #CitadelOnPrime #CitadelHoneyBunny.

At the teaser release event on August 1, Varun Dhawan revealed that the series producers were very particular about maintaining his look for the show. Varun shared, The makers were very concerned and gave me strict instructions: If you are doing this, you cannot do another project during this time, no ads. This is your look; you can only be in this. I enjoyed it more because I got to be in this character for a much longer period of time.

Citadel: Honey Bunny also features Kay Kay Menon, Saqib Saleem, and Sikandar Kher. The series is set to be released in multiple languages, with Citadel: Diana (Italian) premiering on October 10, 2024, followed by Citadel: Honey Bunny (Hindi) on November 7, 2024.

Follow Live coverage of Bigg Boss OTT Season 3 Grand Finale & Winner Here.
Shekhar Home is touted to be an Indian adaptation of the fictional detective character Sherlock Holmes, created by acclaimed British novelist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The series stars Kay Kay Menon in the role of the titular character, alongside Rasika Dugal, Ranvir Shorey, and Kaushik Sen. The makers have released the trailer of the detective drama and have also announced the release date. The 6-episode series is produced by BBC Studios Productions India and directed by Rohan Sippy and Srijit Mukherjee. It is all set to release on August 14, 2024.

Have a look at the video:

Set in the early 1990s in the tranquil town of Lonpur, Bengal, the show is an ode to times when technology was unheard of, and human intelligence was the only thing one could rely on. Kay Kay Menon essays the titular role of Shekhar Home, who is both eccentric and brilliant. Fate makes him cross paths with Jayvrat Sahni, a middle-aged bachelor, played by Ranvir Shorey, who goes on to become an unexpected ally, and together, they embark on a journey of solving mysteries across East India. The duo delves into cases that range from blackmail and murder to supernatural occurrences. Shekhars sharp intellect becomes his greatest tool as he navigates a world where criminals lurk in unexpected places, ensuring each revelation is both surprising and thrilling. The series perfectly blends the intensity of suspense drama with a hint of humour, promising a compelling story of friendship, love, betrayal, crime, conspiracy, and exhilarating escapades.

Talking about his role, Kay Kay Menon said, Shekhars character took me back to the good old days. I re-lived the memories of the time when social media was not even a thing. After reading the script and analysing this role, I was drawn to the complexity of unravelling mysteries. The series isnt just about solving crimesits also about exploring human nature in all its aspects- from love and loyalty to betrayal and deceit. Playing Shekhar was a pure delight. Im excited to bring Shekhar to all of you.

Rasika Dugal commented, Working on Shekhar Home has been a fun journey. It was a delight to collaborate with talented actors like Kay Kay Menon and Ranvir Shorey. And to be directed by Rohan Sippy. My character, Iraboty, is a force to reckon witha strong, determined woman driven by the quest for justice. She has a compelling journey and the dynamic between Shekhar and Iraboty adds a layer of intrigue. Their bond, evolving through shared challenges and discoveries, gives a glimpse of a partnership that goes beyond solving the case.

Kirti Kulhari said, Shekhar Home is one of those rare scripts that grab hold of you from the very first readyou instantly know you must be a part of it. It seamlessly blends mystery with humour, creating a narrative that resonates across a wide spectrum of audiences. From the moment I stepped onto the set, I knew this was going to be a special journey, and my character is an interesting one. The series is a testament to the brilliant writing and the seamless direction that allowed us to create a series that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
Janhvi Kapoors highly-anticipated film, Ulajh, is out in theatres now. The Sudhanshu Saria directorial features Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Matthew and Janhvi Kapoor trying to untangle bureaucracy in this spy thriller. After the films release, Gulshan took to his X handle to urge the audience to promote the film via word of mouth.

Gulshan wrote, Word Of Mouth is the Mt Everest of publicity. It cant be created without the organic support of the audience. This is what every movie in the cinemas hopes & prays. #Ulajh is in cinemas today. I fell in love with movies since I was 6/7 years old. Its always a special feeling to have a theatrical release. Its been a little over 13 years in the business now & ya the ability to handle stress gets better & better with experience, so Im not really stressed or anything. If the audience deems it fit, they will give us the gift of their very precious & coveted WOM. See yall at the movies.

Check out his post here:

Word Of Mouth is the Mt Everest of publicity.It cant be created without the organic support of the audience. This is what every movie in the cinemas hopes & prays. #Ulajh is in cinemas today.I fell in love with movies since I was 6/7 years old. Its always a special pic.twitter.com/DbCbH2CJZ2 SuperGullu (@gulshandevaiah) August 2, 2024

Headlined by Janhvi and Gulshan, Ulajh revolves around Suhana Bhatia (Janhvi), a young government official in the embassy of India in the United Kingdom. Coming from a legacy family, Suhana is burdened with a cloud of nepotism over her head while she tries to wrap her mind around her new position in the UK. However, she meets a mysterious man and is enamoured by him. Then ensues a saga of deception and trickery.

News18 Showsha gave the film 3 out of 5 stars. Our review of the film read, Despite the shortcomings in the writing, Sudhanshu Saria manages to get the cast right. This works brilliantly in his favour. With Ulajh, Janhvi has proved that she not only has a knack for interesting concepts (Mili and Good Luck Jerry are also good examples of this) but has been working on her craft as well. She does a great job in the film, especially in the action sequences.

The highlight of the film is undoubtedly Gulshan Devaiah. The actor delivers a memorable performance. He goes from looking hot to truly getting under your skin in two hours, and I am here for it. Another standout performance in the film was by Roshan Mathew. The actor is on fire from the word go. He has a few of the best lines in the film. His rapport with Janhvi is fun to watch. I wouldnt mind watching a haters-turned-lovers story featuring the two, the review also mentioned.

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Ulajh Movie Review: With a title like Ulajh, you would expect a multitude of tangled plots to explore. However, Janhvi Kapoor and Gulshan Devaiahs film isnt as tangled as even a jalebi. Directed by Sudhanshu Saria, who helmed the National Award-winning film Knock Knock Knock, Ulajh falls under the umbrella of patriotic films but plays a reverse card on patriotism. While the approach was unusual compared to recent patriotic films, it did not reach its full potential.

Lets begin with what Ulajh is truly about. Headlined by Janhvi and Gulshan, the film revolves around Suhana Bhatia (Janhvi), a young government official in the embassy of India in the United Kingdom. Coming from a legacy family, Suhana is burdened with a cloud of nepotism over her head while she tries to wrap her mind around her new position in the UK. However, she meets a mysterious man and is enamoured by him. The man quickly sweeps her off her feet, and they end up hooking up.

While she thinks it is love, Suhana soon realises she has walked into a trap. She is asked to betray her nation for her reputation. The dilemma entangles her duty to the country in every passing scene.

The film is not Ulajhi enough. The script offers an interesting perspective on a government official caught between her fathers dignity and her duty towards the country. However, it could have been executed better. At the beginning of the film, Suhana is shown as a street-smart government employee ready to take on a massive position. Scenes also show that she does her full research before investing in people. However, as the movie progresses, she is shown as a naive government official making one mistake after another.

While the initial few mistakes propel the film in a certain direction, the film then starts dumbing her character down. This makes the second half terribly silly and predictable. The film has a couple of high moments, but they are also lost to predictability. The script either needed a little more depth or could have used a tighter editing approach to make it truly hard-hitting.

Despite the shortcomings in the writing, Sudhanshu Saria manages to get the cast right. This works brilliantly in his favor. With Ulajh, Janhvi has proved that she not only has a knack for interesting concepts (Mili and Good Luck Jerry are also good examples of this) but has been working on her craft as well. She does a great job in the film, especially in the action sequences.

The highlight of the film is undoubtedly Gulshan Devaiah. The actor delivers a memorable performance. He goes from looking hot to truly getting under your skin in two hours, and I am here for it. Another standout performance in the film was by Roshan Mathew. The actor is on fire from the word go. He has a few of the best lines in the film. His rapport with Janhvi is fun to watch. I wouldnt mind watching a haters-turned-lovers story featuring the two.

Rajesh Tailang has also delivered a memorable performance in the film. What is heartbreaking to see is Meiyang Chang being underused. I was hoping to see a little more of him in the film.

What also stands out in the film is its music. Shashwat Sachdev elevates non-dialogue-heavy scenes with his creative touch. A special shoutout to Janhvis wardrobe in the film.

Bottom line: Ulajh tries its best to keep you on the edge. However, the story lacks the punch. Watch the film only for the impressive cast.
Vicky Kaushal is basking under the success of his recently released film Bad Newz co starring Tritpii Dimri and Ammy Virk. The romantic comedy has been getting an overwhelming response from the audience. Well, today the actor penned a sweet note for his fans and thanked them for making the film a global entertainer.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Vicky shared the poster reading a global entertainer. Grateful to each and every one of you who made this happen!!! read the caption. As soon as he shared, fans also reacted. One of the fans wrote, This was so good and funny. Simply Outstanding. Another wrote, I enjoyed this movie a lot. A light hearted fun flick. And, Vicky as usual you were fabulous.

Take a look here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09)

Within 2 weeks, the film has minted nearly Rs 50 Crores at the ticket window. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to his X handle to praise the film and wrote, The weekend growth [58.56%] has come in #BadNewz sees a significant upward trend on [second] Sat, bringing it closer to the  50 cr mark This escalation in numbers is commendable given the stiff competition from the mighty #DeadpoolAndWolverine. [Week 2] Fri 2.22 cr, Sat 3.52 cr. Total:  49.86 cr. #India biz. #Boxoffice.

Backed by producers Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Amritpal Singh Bindra, and Anand Tiwari, Bad Newz is a rom-com that features a fresh trio of talents  Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, and Ammy Virk. The films offbeat storyline, where Dimris character finds out shes expecting twins from two different fathers, portrayed by Kaushal and Virk, has intrigued audiences and sparked curiosity about the movies plot.

Vicky Kaushal has also been grabbing attention for his dance moves in the Tauba Tauba song. Besides this, his sizzling chemistry with Triptii in the intimate song Jaanam has also grabbed everyones attention. Directed by Anand Tiwari, Bad Newz also features Neha Dhupia.

News18 Showsha reviewed the film with 3 stars and wrote, Vicky gives it his all to Akhil Chaddha, who seems like an extension of Vicky Sandhu or more appropriately, a mix of Vicky Sandhu and Rocky Randhawa. He maybe impish but hes the greenest green flag, who loves selflessly with all his heart. Its him who single-handedly tries to elevate this middling script. His comic timing is great but he surely deserved funnier dialogues. His banter with Ammy are pure gold. A special mention goes to the scene where Akhil and Gurbir meet for the first time at a doctors clinic to get their paternity tests done. Their chemistry, in all honesty, is richer than the one shared by Akhil and Saloni.

Follow Live coverage of Bigg Boss OTT Season 3 Grand Finale & Winner Here.
The final show of the FDCI x India Couture Week 2024 saw Vicky Kaushal walking down the ramp for ace designer Falguni Shane Peacock. The actor stole the limelight with his enthralling presence and rightfully so. After the event, Vicky treated his fans to a closer look at his ramp walk and we couldnt take our eyes off him. What caught our attention was Vickys brother and actor Sunny Kaushals comment in the video.

In the clip, Vicky Kaushal looked dashing in pale golden dust sherwani. The blingy enough traditional attire boasted heavy embroidery and structured fit, giving the actor a royal look. While we were trying to hold our breath looking at the actor, he just took it away when he winked at the audience. Sharing the video, Vicky wrote, About Last Night.

Sunny Kaushal had the cutest reaction to his brothers post as he commented on the video, Arey handsome boyyy.. aise aankh marega toh glaciers toh pighalenge hi (Hey handsome boyyy.. Glaciers are sure to melt if you are going to wink like this). Vicky Kaushals Bad Newz co-star Ammy Virk also reacted to the clip saying, Mera bhraaaaa, followed by a red heart emoji.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09)

ICYMI Vicky Kaushal was joined by Rashmika Mandanna on stage as the actress also played muse to the fashion designer. In a video surfaced on social media, the talented duo held hands as they walked the ramp together, dressed in their gorgeous outfits. Flaunting their million-dollar smiles, the stars also blew kisses towards the audience. Vicky, in the video, donned the same outfit as that of the one in the clip posted on Instagram. Rashmika, on the other hand, looked ethereal in an ivory lehenga adorned with intricate sequins and beadwork.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)

Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna will be sharing screen space in the film Chhava. The period drama film will see Vicky essaying the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Rashmika will be joining her to play his on-screen wife, Yesubai Bhonsale. In a conversation with ANI after the event, Rashmika noted, We had a blast shooting for Chhava. We have been keeping Chhava as a very hush hush because we want to package it beautifully for all of you. But I had a blast working with Vicky and today I am walking with him, which made it more special. We have something very exciting for you. Look forward to it.
The landslides that took place in the district of Wayanad, Kerala have left the people staying in that area in distress. The death toll has already reached over 300 with more than 200 injured. Several celebrities from around the country have extended their condolences to the people who are suffering due to the environmental disaster. Many of them have also donated for the betterment of their life. The government has posted thousands of NDRF and rescue officials. Recently, actor Mohanlal has shared a special post thanking the officials for their tireless effort in rescuing the victims. Let us know more about this development here.

Mohanlal took to Facebook to thank the officials for their diligent duty towards the betterment of the citizens of the country. The actor posted some pictures of the rescue operations that took place in the affected areas and captioned it, I salute the courage of the selfless volunteers, policemen, Fire & Rescue, NDRF, army soldiers, government officials, and every person working tirelessly to provide relief to the victims of the Wayanad disaster. I am grateful for the efforts of my 122 Infantry Battalion, TA Madras, who have been at the forefront of the relief mission. We have faced challenges before and emerged stronger. I pray that we stand united and show the strength of our unity in this difficult time. Jai Hind!"

The actor earlier shared another post urging the public to avoid spreading false information regarding the incident. He spoke about the importance of staying safe and responsible. He wrote, In light of the ongoing heavy rainfall and the natural disaster, please make every effort to stay safe. Fully abide by the government orders and avoid travel as much as possible. Please avoid sharing any false news and information regarding the incident. Control Room Numbers: 9656938689, 8086010833," when translated to English.

As per media reports, actor Mammoottys charitable trust stepped up to provide aid and support in the affected areas at the request of Mohanlal. Adding to it, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has mentioned that saving the lives of the victims is the priority of the government. Actor Mammootty and Dulquer Salmaan reportedly donated Rs 20 lakh and Rs 15 lakh respectively to the Chief Ministers distress relief fund. The actors handed over the donation to Minister P. Rajeev.
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), an area of high strategic importance located in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), exemplifies the misgovernance by the Pakistani state. Despite its abundant natural resources, breathtaking scenery, and geopolitical significance, GB has long suffered from chronic underdevelopment, poor governance, and systemic neglect. The ongoing protests in the area spotlight these problems, highlighting the gap between the commitments made by successive governments and the harsh reality faced by the inhabitants of GB.

To understand the plight of this region, one needs to delve into the historical background, governance difficulties, infrastructural deficiencies, and the recent surge of protests exacerbating the regions suffering. The story of Gilgit-Baltistan is a classic case of neglect and mismanagement. After the partition of British India in 1947, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, encompassing GB, became a centre of geopolitical conflict. The Gilgit Scouts, a local militia, led a revolt against the Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh, resulting in the regions accession to Pakistan. Nevertheless, the incorporation of GB into Pakistans administrative structure was neither comprehensive nor transparent.

In the initial years following its accession, Pakistan pledged development and integration for Gilgit-Baltistan. However, these commitments were rarely fulfilled. For example, the region was not accorded full provincial status and instead operated under a quasi-autonomous administrative framework, characterised by sporadic federal oversight. This ambiguous administrative status resulted in prolonged neglect. According to a report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), the lack of clear administrative direction led to substantial deficiencies in public services and development efforts.

In 2020, the World Banks Pakistan Economic Survey revealed that GB, despite its strategic significance, received less than 0.5 per cent of the federal development budget, a sharp contrast to the allocations for other provinces.

Governance Issues

The governance framework in Gilgit-Baltistan is intricate and riddled with inefficiencies. The region is overseen by a combination of federal and local authorities, a system that frequently leads to bureaucratic delays and a lack of accountability. Although the GB Legislative Assembly is elected, it possesses limited powers and operates under the federal governments supervision. This setup has created a disconnect between local governance and the populations needs. Corruption and mismanagement have further worsened governance challenges. Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for Pakistan has consistently reported high corruption levels, with GB being no exception.

A 2023 survey by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) revealed that 68 per cent of respondents in GB considered corruption a significant barrier to effective governance. Administrative inefficiencies are evident in the regions failure to manage development projects effectively. For example, the much-anticipated Diamer-Bhasha Dam, a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the regions economic prospects, has faced numerous delays. Proposed initially in 1998, the dam has achieved only 30 per cent completion by 2024, plagued by cost overruns and allegations of mismanagement.

Infrastructure Deficits

There are critical gaps when it comes to infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan. The poor state of infrastructure has a direct impact on various aspects of daily life and economic activities. While the regions difficult terrain is frequently mentioned as a major barrier, the situation has worsened because of inadequate investment and poor planning.

Transportation

The transportation network in Gilgit-Baltistan is limited and poorly maintained. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, GB has only 3,000 kilometres of paved roads, which is inadequate given the regions geographical expanse and population. Many remote areas remain inaccessible, especially during winter when snowfall disrupts travel. The lack of connectivity greatly impedes trade and access to essential services. The Karakoram Highway (KKH), the main route linking GB with the rest of Pakistan and China, is often congested and plagued by maintenance problems.

Healthcare

The healthcare system in Gilgit-Baltistan is in a critical condition. Each district has only one major hospital, and many of these are poorly equipped. A 2022 report by the Health Department of Gilgit-Baltistan disclosed that over 50 per cent of healthcare facilities lacked essential medical equipment, and 30 per cent were understaffed. Residents often need to travel to Islamabad or other major cities for specialised medical care, which is both time-consuming and expensive.

Education

The educational infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan is equally underdeveloped. According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics, the literacy rate in GB is 60 per cent, considerably lower than the national average of 75 per cent. Many schools in the area are in poor condition, lacking essential facilities and educational resources. The 2023 Pakistan Education Statistics report indicated that around 40 per cent of schools in GB function without sufficient teaching staff or basic amenities, resulting in a substandard educational experience.

Neglect of the Local Population

The neglect of Gilgit-Baltistans population is a critical issue that has fuelled longstanding grievances. Despite the regions strategic importance, local communities have faced marginalisation and exclusion from the benefits of national development. The economic disparity between GB and other regions of Pakistan is stark. The regions economy relies heavily on agriculture and tourism, but limited infrastructure and administrative support hinder growth.

The 2023 Pakistan Economic Survey revealed that GBs per capita income is 30 per cent lower than the national average. The regions natural resources, including minerals and hydropower potential, have been exploited with minimal benefits accruing to local communities.

The absence of industrial development at the local level has contributed to high unemployment rates, with youth unemployment in GB reaching 20 per cent compared to the national average of 10 per cent. Moreover, the Central governments focus on geopolitical and strategic interests has often sidelined the needs of GBs residents. The regions strategic importance in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has led to resource allocation on priority basis to those national security and infrastructure projects that do not necessarily benefit the local population. The lack of investment in local economic development has perpetuated a cycle of poverty and marginalisation.

Mass Protests and the Demand for Change

The discontent in Gilgit-Baltistan has culminated in massive protests that have lasted for over a year now. These demonstrations stem from various grievances, including demands for greater political representation, improved infrastructure, demand for subsidies and a fairer distribution of resources. These protests have seen widespread participation from diverse ethnic and social groups.

Demonstrators have increasingly called for increased autonomy, arguing that the current administrative arrangements do not address the regions specific needs. They have also demanded major improvements in healthcare, education, and transportation, highlighting the disparity between governmental promises and the reality on the ground. In response, Islamabad has promised a whole lot of measures but things havent really progressed on ground. The use of force to suppress protests and the arrest of activists have further fuelled tensions, with many protesters expressing scepticism about the governments commitment to meaningful change.

International attention has also been drawn to the situation in GB. Human rights organisations and international media have highlighted the regions plight, calling for greater accountability and support for the local population. The ongoing protests serve as a stark reminder of the need for a comprehensive and transparent approach to addressing the challenges faced by Gilgit-Baltistan.

Conclusion

The situation in Gilgit-Baltistan epitomises misgovernance, underdevelopment, and regional bias and neglect. Despite the regions strategic importance, it has not experienced the development and prosperity promised to its inhabitants over several years. This has led to widespread discontent and protests. Only through a committed and transparent effort can Gilgit-Baltistan overcome its longstanding challenges and achieve the progress long denied to its people. However, given the current state of affairs in Pakistan, it is highly unlikely that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will receive any immediate relief.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
HEFEI  Surrounded by a huge reservoir and dense vegetation, an islet in Hefei, Anhui province, looks tranquil. Yet it is devoted to something very big, namely nuclear fusion research with the future of humanity in mind. Science Island is an epitome of innovation and the opening-up of China's science and technology in pursuit of future clean energy, as well as solutions to climate change and health problems, through global cooperation. "One thing I really like here is, as you can see in the control room, the large number of young people that are involved in the project. This is exactly what fusion needs," said Richard Pitts, leader of the Experiments and Plasma Operation Section of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). Being built in France by seven ITER members  China, the European Union, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States, ITER will be the world's largest experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor. A tokamak is basically a magnetic cage designed to confine, shape and control the super-hot plasmas that make fusion reactions possible. Pitts said that ITER should be seen as a foundational project to bring nations together, and China is a perfect example of this. China officially joined the ITER program in 2006. Nearly 10 percent of the procurement packages were undertaken by China. The Institute of Plasma Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP), located on the island, is the main unit of the Chinese mission. "China is leading nuclear fusion. Our cooperation in basic research gave very good results in applied research," Grigory Trubnikov, director of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research and an academician at the Russian Academy of Sciences, said while visiting the island on July 1. "We have a lot of plans together, and not only in basic research, but also in engineering, physics, novel energy, biomedicine and more to improve the quality of people's lives," he noted. Science Island is home to the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), known as the "Chinese artificial sun". Its ultimate goal is to create nuclear fusion like the sun, using substances abundant in the sea to provide a steady stream of clean energy. In 2023, a new construction and operation plan was developed for the ITER program, which requires experimentation to find and solve potential problems. With the same technology path and experimental conditions as ITER, EAST was chosen by the ITER organization as a partner in optimizing its new plans. China has been sharing the EAST achievements globally. In May 2023, the Chinese Academy of Sciences officially launched a pilot program on magnetic confinement fusion energy research for open innovation, aiming to build a globally competitive open innovation ecosystem. With the support of major scientific facilities including EAST, ASIPP has actively facilitated the development of relevant disciplines and experimental devices in countries in Southeast Asia, West Asia, South America and North Africa. On July 25, 2023, Thailand's first experimental tokamak device was officially launched, the fruit of a joint collaboration between ASIPP and the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology. Aiming to enhance Thailand's capability in fusion research, the two sides had decided to join hands to build the first tokamak device in an ASEAN country, while also helping Thailand cultivate a team of young talent in fusion research.
Read the full story on Backfire News

Fleeing Motorcyclist Catches Fire In Wild Police Chase

Sometimes we say someones on fire figuratively because theyre doing something so well, its like they are unstoppable. This motorcyclist wasnt riding super great as he tried fleeing from Arkansas State Police through Little Rock, but he still was on fire at the end of the pursuit, and not because he was doing well. Instead, the guy literally caught fire after troopers tased him.

Watch a motorcyclist survive a rapid series of near misses.

A trooper started pursuing the black sport bike back on October 13, 2022 after noticing it didnt have a plate. Usually, when guys dont register their motorcycle or they take off the license plate its not for good reasons.

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Sure enough, when the trooper switches on his lights in the dashcam footage, we see the suspect accelerate and try ditching his pursuer. The operative word here is try because this guy spends a lot of his time looking back to see if the trooper is still there or struggling to get through the gears on his bike.

There are even a few moments when the suspect basically stops as he struggles to literally get it in gear. Perhaps the trooper shouldve just given the motorcycle a little love tap with his push bar and ended the chase there?

Instead, it goes on and we continue to see mediocre to bad riding skills on display. We think the lead trooper was pretty nice, considering he had a few chances to really knock the suspect to the ground but probably didnt want to injure the guy.

After leading troopers onto the highway and back on surface streets, through a retail parking lot and into a neighborhood, the rider decides to ditch his sport bike and run away on foot. But hes equally unskilled on two legs, so troopers run him down easily and one deploys his taser.

Thats when the suspect catches fire. The taser obviously ignited something on him: too much Axe body spray, fumes from a leak in the motorcycles fuel tank, or clothing the state of California has found catch fire easily  we dont know. But troopers get fire extinguishers, put out the blaze, then arrest the guy, ending another wild chase.

Image via CopWatch 247/YouTube
India has a proven track record of overcoming the most adverse challenges, be it economic, social, or complex health issues. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been a paradigm shift in Indias efforts towards eliminating diseases, particularly Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The progress in eliminating diseases like Kala Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis) has been groundbreaking, with all endemic blocks achieving the elimination threshold by December 2023.

India is also on the brink of similar success with Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), commonly known as haathi paon or elephantiasis. This entirely preventable disease currently affects people in 345 districts across 20 states and Union Territories, impacting both health and socioeconomic development. LF presents in two chronic conditions: lymphoedema  swelling of tissues or limbs, and hydrocele  swelling of the scrotum. These conditions lead to severe disability, with statistics indicating 6.19 lakh cases of lymphoedema and 1.26 lakh cases of hydrocele active today.

In response to this public health challenge, India had launched an innovative strategy in 2023, spearheaded by the then Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. The five-pronged strategy aims to achieve LF elimination by 2027, three years ahead of the global target. This strategy includes mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns twice a year, early diagnosis and treatment, engagement of medical colleges for morbidity management and disability (MMDP) services, Integrated Vector Control, and inter-sectoral convergence with allied departments. The strategy leverages digital platforms for LF and explores alternate diagnostics.

The ambitious program, led by the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), goes beyond conventional methods, addressing multifaceted challenges posed by LF. Following this direction, we have seen success. For instance, the bi-annual MDA campaigns achieved an impressive coverage rate of 82.5 per cent in 2023. The rounds provide free medicines to populations in endemic states, that are safe and can be consumed by all apart from children below the age of 2 years, pregnant women, and seriously ill individuals. Efforts are now underway to surpass a 95 per cent coverage rate in the coming years for widespread consumption of essential medications for LF prevention.

The Government of India is actively working to alleviate suffering through morbidity management and disability prevention services, utilising the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to provide financial provisions for hydrocelectomy surgeries. In 2023, 50 per cent of hydrocelectomy cases from 2022 were successfully operated, and 54 per cent of lymphoedema cases received MMDP kits. Ongoing efforts aim to eliminate the backlog of hydrocele surgeries and ensure 100 per cent distribution of MMDP kits, improving the quality of life for LF patients. The involvement of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) is crucial for enhancing LF outcomes.

Most importantly, integrated vector control efforts are crucial for elimination. Coordinated actions across multiple departments and public health issues are necessary to ensure that messages about curbing mosquito breeding, using tools effectively to prevent mosquito bites, and maintaining hygiene and sanitation are conveyed. Therefore, inter-sectoral convergence is vital for success, involving engagement from diverse stakeholders, including Panchayati Raj institutions, educational bodies, rural development agencies, tribal affairs departments, urban bodies, and medical colleges. These collaborations have proven successful during the MDA rounds.

As India strives to eliminate LF ahead of the global target, building upon past successes and addressing remaining challenges is crucial. By integrating government initiatives and leveraging the extensive network of AB-HWCs, India aims to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of LF interventions, realising the vision of an LF-free India. The pioneering five-pronged strategy represents a paradigm shift, offering a comprehensive and globally replicable framework for LF elimination, laying the foundation for a future where LF is a distant memory, and communities thrive free from this preventable disease.

Dr Tanu Jain, is Director, National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has initiated preparations for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, focusing heavily on all 36 constituencies of Mumbai. The party believes that winning these seats is crucial for establishing a government in the state.

According to sources within the BJP, the party has formed teams that will survey these constituencies and prepare reports detailing the ground situation. These reports will assist the state leadership, central observers, and central leaders, who will be assigned to oversee the state, in deciding whether to repeat the current candidates, introduce new faces, or leave the constituencies to alliance partners.

The BJP is also working on a strategy to consolidate Hindu votes in these constituencies as a counterbalance to Muslim votes. In the recent general elections in Maharashtra, Muslim votes were consolidated against the BJP and the entire Mahayuti alliance, which led to the ruling coalitions underperformance compared to the 2019 general elections. The teams preparing these reports will focus on how to attract more Hindu votes, gathering data that will be crucial during the election period.

Sources have also indicated that Ashwini Vaishnaw, who has been appointed co-incharge for Maharashtra, will be devising a special strategy for Mumbai. After the reports are submitted, Vaishnaw will collaborate with the state leadership to finalise the strategy. The report will categorise constituencies into two main groups: those where the BJP has a strong voter base and those where the party scored lower. It will also include information about the popularity of candidates, the status of development projects, the position of the opposition, and additional steps needed to defeat opponents. Sources also mentioned that the BJP will enlist the help of RSS cadres to prepare this ground report.

The Mahayuti alliance has yet to start negotiations among alliance partners over seat-sharing, as the BJP is waiting for the results of a survey conducted in July. The Shiv Sena, led by chief minister Eknath Shinde, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by deputy CM Ajit Pawar, will both face their first state assembly elections since splitting from their parent parties. They aim to improve their performance compared to the Lok Sabha elections and are expected to negotiate assertively with the BJP over seat allocation. Regarding Mumbai and Thane, Shinde is likely to demand a significant share of seats, citing his partys performance in the recent general elections.
Goas political landscape has once again been shaken by allegations of a major broadband scam involving the states Information Technology (IT) department. Opposition leader Vijai Sardesai has accused IT Minister Rohan Khaunte and indirectly implicated Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in a scam worth Rs 182 crore. Sardesais claims centre on the controversial extension of the Goa BroadBand Network (GBBN) contract with United Telecom Ltd (UTL), a move he argues reeks of corruption and administrative misconduct.

Khaunte explained that the extension was necessary because all of the governments e-governance projects rely on the internet and intranet services provided through the Goa Broadband Network (GBBN). Khaunte stated that the next three years of the extension would be used to develop a network connecting Goa using Central government funds. Khaunte also informed the House that issues raised by the CAG had been addressed and that Rs 131.21 crore had been paid to United Telecom Ltd and other contractors from April 1, 2020, to date. Additionally, he mentioned that the state government received Rs 12 crore as its share of GWAVE services revenue from United Telecom Ltd.

The Minister highlighted that the GBBN broadband initiative had connected 1,906 locations across Goa, including government offices and village panchayats. He emphasised the cost efficiency of the project, noting that while the government spends Rs 22.80 crore per year on the initiative, the revenue generated through GWAVE stands at Rs 12 crore. He also noted that aligning the States requirements with the Central governments Bharat Net 3.0 scheme could save Goa Rs 784 crore in infrastructure and operational costs.

What Sardesai Said in Goa Assembly

In a fiery assembly session on Wednesday, Sardesai demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged scam, threatening to take the matter to the judiciary if the government fails to respond. The GBBN contract, which expired in July 2019 after ten years of subpar service, was extended by a year rather than being put out for tender again. According to Sardesai, Khaunte, who held the IT portfolio at the time and continues to do so, noted in official documents the need for approval from the council of ministersa process that was allegedly bypassed.

The extension of the GBBN contract has raised eyebrows, especially since a 2015 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report had criticised the networks poor and unstable connectivity. Further complicating the issue were warnings from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to replace the service provider, as well as concerns raised by the Finance Department regarding technical deviations and excessive fees. Despite these red flags, the government chose to extend the contract until July 2027, a decision that Sardesai argued defies logic and raises suspicions of deeper corruption.

Sardesai questioned why the government would approve an extension worth Rs 182 crore when the Finance Department had clearly recommended against it. He suggested that the decision exemplifies a disregard for financial and technical norms within the IT ministry, pointing to a larger issue of corruption in the government.

In response to these allegations, Minister Rohan Khaunte stated that the GBBN provides essential internet services for all e-governance projects in Goa. He added that the government plans to use the next three years to establish a viable network using central funds, with the aim of significantly improving services within two years. However, Sardesais allegations have cast a shadow over these plans, demanding greater transparency and accountability from the government.

This is the second allegation Sardesai has leveled against the government in the span of three days. Earlier, he accused Chief Minister Pramod Sawant of giving concessions in revenue to the private company handling Mopa airport operations, which he claims will cost the state exchequer Rs 207 crore.
Governors and state governments have usually had an uneasy relationship, especially if they belong to opposition-ruled states.

Governors are appointed by the President on the advice of the Union government and this is considered the genesis of mistrust and lack of communication between them and the state government. This is more so if the Governor is seen to be proactive. Take the example of both Bengal governors  CV Ananda Bose and his predecessor Jagdeep Dhankhar.

The reason why there could be more confrontation in the coming days is that the two-day conference of governors  scheduled to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Union ministers  has on its agenda the issue of Peoples Governor.

Sources say the agenda copy seen by News18 focuses on the point that governors should not be mute spectators. They must step in and also seen to be stepping in. Whenever there are issues concerning people, they should not hesitate to take a stand and also push or reprimand the state government, if necessary. A top source said: This applies to all governors. So even in BJP-ruled states, the governors are expected to be proactive.

While the agenda does not mention this specifically, sources say the governors will be encouraged at the conference to use social media to educate and alert people. Not just this, the agenda expects the governors to push for Viksit Bharat, focus on public interaction with civil societies, and better coordination with Centre and states.

In the past, Bose faced attacks from Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the Sandeshkhali issue when he travelled and met the victims. Recently, the Tamil Nadu government went to the Supreme Court, accusing governor RN Ravi of running a parallel government by refusing to listen to the states advice to appoint DMK leader Ponmudy as minister when the top court suspended his conviction.

Its an awkward and quaint situation. While the president and prime minister dont want governors to be mere ceremonial jewels, opposition state governments will never be comfortable with their activism as they perceive it as snooping by the Centre.
Union Agriculture Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday took a swipe at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that while people typically associate Mahabharata with Lord Krishna, the opposition tends to recall Shakuni, Chaupar, and Chakravyuhsymbols of deceit and injustice.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Chouhan remarked, When we go to the Mahabharata period, we see Lord Krishna, while the opposition remembers Shakuni, Chausar, Chakravyuh and all these words that are linked to unrighteousness.

Jaki rahi bhavna jaisi, prabhu murat dekhi tin taisi, he stated, implying that ones perception reflects their intentions.

   ,                  ,    -             pic.twitter.com/SPoWddDSDW  Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) August 2, 2024

The Union minister noted that Shakuni is seen as a symbol of deceit, betrayal, and fraud, and questioned, Why does Congress always think of these negative aspects?.

In contrast, he emphasised that people generally think of Lord Krishna when talking about the Mahabharata.

Chouhans comments came in the context of a recent speech made by Rahul Gandhi earlier this week, who claimed that the country is being ensnared in a chakravyuh created by a small group.

The former Madhya Pradesh CM also accused the Congress of having an anti-farmer DNA, claiming that the party never prioritised the agricultural sector throughout its rule since Independence.

Congress ke DNA mein hi kisan-virodh hai. Aaj se nahi, prarambh se hi Congress ki prathmiktayein galat rahi hai (Congress DNA is anti-farmer. Not from today, but since the beginning, it has misplaced priorities), he said.

He added that during the rule of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the government used to forcibly collect levies from farmers. While late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi talked about agricultural price policies, Chouhan argued that he did not take concrete steps to improve farmers income.

Additionally, he pointed out that the UPA government from 2004 to 2014 was marked by scandals.

The priorities of Congress were wrong. Under the leadership of Modi ji, the priorities were changed, he said, asserting that the BJP-led NDA government is now working with a clear roadmap for the growth of the agricultural sector.

(With inputs from PTI)
Minister of state for communications Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani told Parliament on Thursday that as of March 2024, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the country has a total of 954.40 million internet subscribers.

The minister shared comprehensive data, highlighting significant variations in internet penetration across different states and union territories (UTs) in both urban and rural areas. According to the response by the MoS, India has 398.35 million internet subscribers in rural areas and 556.05 million in urban areas.

Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of total internet subscribers (129.53 million), the data shows. However, while the number of urban internet subscribers is 65.76 million, in the rural region there are 63.77 million users, suggesting a narrowing digital divide within the state. Maharashtra, second on the list in terms of total users (109.75 million), leads with the highest number of urban internet subscribers (75.99 million), while in the rural areas, the figure is 33.76 million. This underscores the states substantial urban population and economic activity.

West Bengal ranks third, with a total of 63.18 million internet subscribers. The state has 25.15 million rural users and 38.04 million urban users, indicating a balanced distribution. Then comes Tamil Nadu with a total of 61.23 million internet users. Of these, 17.23 million are rural subscribers, and 44.00 million are urban subscribers, highlighting the states significant urban user base. Karnataka rounds out the top five, with 57.88 million total internet users. This includes 20.79 million rural and 37.09 million urban subscribers.

Among all the states, the fewest internet users are in Sikkim, which has a total of 600,000 subscribers, divided almost equally between its rural (0.31 million) and urban (0.29 million) populations. This illustrates the states small but evenly distributed user base. Arunachal Pradesh, another state with low internet penetration, has 890,000 total subscribers, with 530,000 rural and 370,000 urban users, highlighting its largely rural demographic.

The list of states with below 10 million total subscribers also includes Himachal Pradesh (6.60 million), Manipur (2.25 million), Meghalaya (2.07 million), Mizoram (1.24 million), Nagaland (1.66 million), Tripura (2.18 million), and Uttarakhand (9.84 million).

On the other end of the spectrum, the union territory with the highest number of internet users is Delhi, boasting a significant 35.18 million subscribers. This figure highlights Delhis status, including being the capital of the country, as a densely populated and highly urbanised area with substantial internet penetration.

Following Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir stands out with 9.55 million internet users. Puducherry, despite being smaller in size compared to other regions, has a notable 1.25 million internet users. This reflects the regions relatively high internet penetration rate among its residents. While Chandigarh also features prominently with 1.32 million subscribers, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which includes Daman and Diu, has 0.84 million internet users.
The Karnataka Transport Department has set a deadline of September 15 for all vehicle owners to install High Security Registration Plates (HSRP). Unfortunately, the new rule has attracted scammers, who are manipulating innocent people. Recently, a 42-year-old man from Bengaluru lost nearly Rs 96,000 in a cyber fraud while trying to book his HSRP. The scam happened when he attempted to book his HSRP through a fake website called BookMyHSRP.net on July 9.

The fraudsters tricked Vijith Kumar by sending a message on July 16, claiming that his address was incorrect and urged him to update the required details in the provided link. By clicking the link, he unknowingly provided personal information that led to financial loss.

According to Asianet News, after entering his details on the fake link, Kumar quickly noticed strange transactions on his credit card. He soon realised he had been scammed when Rs 95,854 disappeared from his account. The fraudsters did not take the money all at once, they first withdrew Rs 54,773.97, and then took another Rs 41,080.48.

Once he understood that he was tricked, Kumar reported the incident to Bagalur police station. Authorities have since filed an FIR against the unknown scammers under Information Technology Act and BNS Sections 318 (4) and 319 (2). They are currently investigating the email ID and account details of the scammers.

Vijith Kumar told The Times of India that as soon as he saw the suspicious transaction messages, he quickly blocked his account and credit card. The next day, he visited the bank to report the unauthorized transactions and also reached out to the cyber helpline at 1930. A senior police officer claimed that the fraudsters instructed Kumar to make a small payment to release his parcel. However, the officer revealed that Kumar did not specify the amount he was asked to pay in his complaint.

Usually, fraudsters ask for Rs 2 to Rs 20. They ask for the payment to get the banking details of gullible people and siphon off the money. Well once again take details from Kumar and investigate, the officer added.

To ensure safety, people should use only the official links, transport.karnataka.gov.in and www.siam.in.
Imagine walking through lush greenery, surrounded by tall, dense trees and grasslands. It sounds peaceful and familiar, right? But theres something truly extraordinary about the trees at Slope Point, the southernmost tip of New Zealands South Island. While trees themselves are a common sight, the way these particular trees grow is anything but ordinary. Confused? You wouldnt be the only one  many visitors to Slope Point are equally curious and baffled. Here, the trees do not grow like the rest of the world. They are specially shaped by the relentless winds into unique, bizarre forms and it creates a scene unlike any other.

At Slope Point, the trees are like nothing youve seen before. The tree species themselves are not unique to the island, but the way they grow here is extraordinary. Instead of growing upright, these trees are bent sideways, resembling thick, windswept hair. This unusual growth pattern is due to Slope Points extreme location. Situated about 4,803 kilometers (2,984 miles) from the South Pole and 5,140 kilometers (3,193 miles) below the equator, it endures relentless winds daily, informs Pubity.

Slope Point experiences some of the harshest weather. The powerful air currents from the Southern Ocean create intense winds that are so strong that they permanently shape the trees into twisted forms. The place is so unwelcoming that only sheep and a few dedicated farmers have inhabited it. The trees unique, crooked shapes add to the locations unique beauty.

Atlas Obscura terms these trees as bent at odd angles. According to it, these trees must have been originally planted by sheep farmers to provide shelter for their flocks against the wild weather. Cold air from the Antarctic Ocean rushes over the Southern Ocean without any barriers, gaining strength and hitting the trees with full force, bending them northward.

On a pleasant day, beams of sunlight spotlight the gnarled knot, giving it the appearance of a surreal piece of art. Against the ominous gray skies of a drearier visit, the mangled mass seems almost sinister, describes Atlas Obscura.

For tourists, Slope Point is a beautiful place to visit. Green pastures stretch to the horizon, leading to rocky cliffs that drop into the sea.
Narinder Kaur, who turned shoplifting into a full time job, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for duping top UK retailers for 500,000 (approximately Rs 5 crore). Also known as Nina Tiara, the 54-year-old scammed over 1,000 stores within four years time across the UK. Kaur has a history of stealing items since her teenage years, she targeted major brands like Boots, Debenhams, John Lewis, Monsoon, House of Fraser and TK Maxx between July 2015 and September 2019. Her fraudulent activity involved entering stores, taking products and then asking for refunds as if she had purchased them previously. Her actions were caught on CCTV and when the court was shown footage, they gave her a hefty prison sentence.

As per The Guardian, during the police investigation, authorities recovered 150,000 (approximately Rs 1 crore) in cash and other stolen items at Kaurs home in a Wiltshire village. At Gloucester Crown Court, Judge Lawrie described Kaur a thoroughly dishonest individual, and compared her fraud with an Olympian scale. Reportedly, she even used 17 different names and following the expose, she was found guilty of 26 charges, including fraud, money laundering and attempting to interfere with justice.

In a statement released by West Mercia police, a fraud investigator, Steve Tristram said, Kaur is a calculated individual who committed offences across the country, dishonestly claiming refunds on items she had stolen. She showed no remorse for her actions and even thought she would get away with submitting false documents to the court with the intention of perverting the course of justice. West Mercia Police took ownership of the investigation into Narinder Kaur in 2018. Working with National Business Crime Solution, an organisation representing retailers, and other police forces as a multi-agency approach, we were able to investigate further into her criminal activity and found fraudulent activity in her bank accounts which subsequently brought her to justice.

Police estimated that between 2015 and 2019, Narinder Kaur illegally obtained about 2,000 (approximately Rs 2 lakh) in refunds every week, which is close to 500,000 (approximately Rs 5 crore) of fraud money. Despite being under investigation for the crimes, the woman started a new scam by targeting other businesses, by using stolen credit card details from innocent individuals to commit more fraud.

According to Daily Mail, Narinder Kaurs biggest fraud involved boots, where she managed to get 60,787 (approximately Rs 64 lakh) in refunds. She also received 42,853.65 (approximately Rs 45 lakh) from Debenhams, despite spending just 3,681.33 (approximately Rs 3 lakh) in four years.

The woman also scammed John Lewis for 33,131.61 (approximately Rs 35 lakh) and claimed 23,000 (approximately Rs 24 lakh) from Monsoon stores in various regions. She tricked Homesense for 18,000 (approximately Rs 19 lakh), TK Maxx of around 14,500 (approximately Rs 15 lakh) and Homebase of 3,200 (approximately Rs 3 lakh). The court also claimed that Kaur attempted to cheat Wiltshire Council for 7,400 (approximately Rs 7 lakh) by making overpayments with stolen credit card details.
Just before his release as part of a historic Russia-US prisoner swap, Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich made a daring last request to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Gershkovich, who had been detained in Russia for over a year on espionage charges, filled out a form requesting presidential clemency and used the final line to ask if Putin would grant him an interview, the New York Post reported. On Thursday, a long and complex negotiation ended with the release of 24 prisoners, including former marine Paul Whelan and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

Im grateful to share the sublime news that our colleague Evan Gershkovich has finally been released after almost 500 days in a Russian prison, said Robert Thomson, CEO of NewsCorp, the WSJs parent company. The negotiations for the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War also involved discussions between US President Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in February.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva were greeted by cheers from family and friends as they disembarked a plane, before each embracing Biden and Harris. https://t.co/A3cEHVotNu pic.twitter.com/BEajQDWTSm The Moscow Times (@MoscowTimes) August 2, 2024

READ MORE: Its Your Mom: Tears And Hugs As US Families Reunite With Prisoners Freed In Major Russia Swap | WATCH

The talks on prisoner swap were so sensitive that officials used analog methods to communicate, hand-delivering documents to avoid leaks. CIA Director William Burns traveled to Turkey to finalise logistics for the swap, which included the release of eight Russian convicts. The swap included the release of other prominent Kremlin critics, such as Vladimir Kara-Murza, a journalist sentenced to 25 years on treason charges.

In his first comments after being released, Gershkovich drew attention to the hundreds of political prisoners still held in Russia. His release comes after he faced solitary confinement in Moscows Lefortovo Prison, a facility known for housing political prisoners and serious criminals. During his time in prison, Gershkovich focused on improving his writing skills, reading Russian classics, and maintaining communication with family and supporters.

Evan on hundreds of political prisoners who are still being kept in Russia pic.twitter.com/6R8mKw5Yft Andrew Roth (@Andrew__Roth) August 2, 2024

READ MORE: Are We Releasing Murderers, Killers? Trump Slams Biden Over Largest Russian Prisoner Swap In Decades

Former US President Donald Trump has launched a sharp attack against President Joe Biden over the US governments handling of the prisoner swap that secured the release of the Wall Street Journal reporter. The Republican presidential nominee, who said he did not have details of the swap, asked whether murderers, killers, or thugs were released.

So when are they going to release the details of the prisoner swap with Russia? How many people do we get versus them? Are we also paying them cash? Are they giving us cash (Please withdraw that question, because Im sure the answer is NO)? Are we releasing murderers, killers, or thugs? Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps, Trump wrote on his Truth social account.
LOS ANGELESOn Friday morning, adult industry talent agent and LA Direct agency owner Derek Hay was sentenced to 270 days in county jail and two years probation for his guilty plea on two counts in what the State of California called a prostitution racket.

Hay, who appeared in court with his attorney for sentencing, wore a black sweatshirt and jeans and showed no emotion as he was led away to immediately begin his jail sentence.

In late May, Hay pleaded guilty to two felony counts of perjury and conspiracy to commit pandering as part of a plea agreement in the case against him and the two co-defendants originally brought in 2020 by then-California Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

A total of 12 felony counts were initially filed against Hay and his co-defendants, but current California AG Rob Bonta secured a new grand jury indictment in September of 2022 that brought more charges, including counts of pimping, pandering, conspiracy, money laundering and perjury. Hay was arraigned on the grand jury indictment in March 2023.

Five actresses involved in the case, referred to as the Jane Does, originally accused Hay and his agency LA Direct of labor code violations in 2018 via a complaint filed on their behalf by attorney Allan Gelbard before the California Labor Commissioner's Office. The labor hearings stretched throughout 2019, and in 2020, Labor Commissioner hearing officer Patricia Salazar found for the five models, ruling that Hay violated the law when he withheld commission payments to the performers. Hay was ordered to pay back the commissions, including attorney fees and court costs. Hay's attorney, Richard Freeman, told AVN at the time that he immediately filed an appeal for trial de novo in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Eventually identifying themselves, all five modelsCharlotte Cross, Shay Evans, Sofi Ryan, Andi Rye and Hadley Viscaraappeared at a July 17 sentencing hearing under their performing names to testify in the penalty phase of the proceedings. In addition, an impact statement was read on behalf of onetime adult performer Bobbi Dylan.

Unable to complete sentencing at the July 17 hearing, Judge Charmaine F. Olmeda this morning cautioned lawyers to be brief with any additional exhibits or arguments, having already spent a day on witness impact statements and closing arguments at the July hearing.

Regarding Hay, State Attorney Jeffrey Segal asked the court for the maximum penaltysix years in state prison followed by probation. He cited Hays violation of fiduciary duty with the use of a state-issued license to perpetrate a criminal enterprise.

Segal also revealed to the court that Hay had successfully applied to legally change his name to Andrew Gallagher in August 2022, one month before the original indictment in the case was filed in September of that year. The timing of the name change, as well as Hays status as a resident of Nevada, created significant concerns for compliance with any probation orders issued in California, Segal said. Hays also known as moniker was added to the record by the court, while Hays attorney stated that he had not been aware of the name change previously.

The state attorney also pointed out that Hay had deliberately perjured himself under direct examination by his attorney Freeman, and that the court should take into consideration Hays dishonesty and lack of remorse.

Segal added that no contact orders against defendants should be issued to protect the witnesses, who feared retribution and harassment. He noted also that the co-defendant in the case who was sentenced separately on August 26, received a sentence of 270 days in county jail with probation, and was out by Sunday due to jail overcrowding. Segal recommended to the court that if Hay were to be released early on probation, a more appropriate sentence would be to allow Hay to serve his sentence with a period of community service, so that he might experience some form of punishment.

The court recognized his statement and noted that early release due to jail overcrowding was outside of its purview.

Freeman made a short statement on Hays behalf and said that Hay stood before the court, in full acknowledgment of the offenses to which hed pleaded guilty and that he accepted responsibility for his actions. However, regarding additional accusations made against his client, Freeman reiterated that Hay was not guilty of other charges made in the case and that his involvement with the witnesses had been minimal, all of which should be taken into consideration during sentencing.

Hays co-defendant who was sentenced this morning received six years in state prison on all counts, to be served concurrently. The judge noted the sentence was subject to Californias three strikes legislation since the co-defendant had been charged with a felony in 2016, and was on probation when the current offenses were committed. The state had asked the court to impose a maximum sentence of 18 years, citing the previous conviction.

Hay and his co-defendants are also facing a civil suit on behalf of the Jane Doe victims. The only Jane Doe in court this morning to witness sentencing was Hadley Viscara.

She told AVN, Its been six years of emotional turmoil for me, and Derek Hay got 270 days in jail. He will never understand what he put me throughbut I hope he forgives himself. I have, but he still needs to pay for his crimes.

She added that she felt pity for him.

UPDATE (4:18 p.m.): Attorney Gelbard, who also attended this mornings hearing, was asked about the significance of todays sentencing.

It should let performers know that when their agents break the law, there will be a price to pay. We do believe the sentence is light, but the Judge, who usually handles murder trials and gang cases, didnt see this as deserving of a harsher sentence. But even if Derek Hay (aka Andrew Gallagher) gets out in a few weeks, hell be on probation for several years and hes now going to live his life as a convicted felon. Obviously, I expect his talent agency license to be revoked very quickly.

As to whether he expects Hay to be released early from county jail due to overcrowding, as one of his co-defendants reportedly has been, Gelbard said, Overcrowding is a serious issue that involves constitutional issues as well as basic humanity. There are too many criminals and only so many jail cells. The sheriffs department has to choose between releasing murderers or lesser-grade criminals. It seems reasonable that non-violent criminals would be released to make room for more dangerous individuals. So, I wouldnt be surprised if he serves way less than the 270-day sentence hes received.

Regarding the still pending civil case against Hay and his co-defendants, Gelbard commented, The judge in the civil case has been apprised of the recent developments and has asked that we file a renewed Motion for Summary Judgement. Ill be filing that motion shortly. The guilty plea, while obviously significant, isnt the only recent major development in my clients favor. Several new cases have held that agents using unapproved contracts and charging fees not on the approved fee scheduleincluding booking feesis unlawful. The Labor Commission has disapproved of a line of cases that Hays attorney has been arguing allowed for booking fees.

He added, "There are multiple findings of fact and conclusions of law regarding Direct Models illegal activities including their use of unapproved contracts, charging fees not on the approved Schedule, and sending their performers to unsafe jobs that appear to be dispositive as to several causes of action in our case. We obtained Direct Models accounting files which have been examined by our forensic accountant, which show that they altered their records, trying to evade liability."

AVN has also sought comment from Freeman, Hay's attorney, regarding the possible impact of today's sentencing on the forthcoming civil trial, but had received none as of post time. This story will be updated when and if any such comment is received.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Thursday said its military is on high alert and ready to handle any threat, as the country braces for a response to the assassinations this week of Hezbollahs military chief in Beirut and Hamass leader in Tehran. A series of killings of anti-Israel militant leaders is raising fears of a regional conflict and jeopardising fragile ceasefire talks in Gaza.

On Wednesday, Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of Hamas, was killed shortly after attending the inauguration of Irans new president in Tehran. While Israel has not claimed responsibility, Iran has accused the US of involvement and threatened retaliation against Israel. This assassination follows the killing of Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut just a day earlier.

Hamas, Hezbollah vow response

Shukurs death came after a rocket attack in the Golan Heights that killed 12 people, an incident Hezbollah denied responsibility for. The situation remains tense, with both Hamas and Hezbollah vowing to retaliate, raising concerns that the conflict could escalate further in the region. Since the beginning of the war. we have faced various threats from far and near, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a press conference. We have proven recently that the State of Israel knows how to deal with threats in defense, and to respond with a mighty attack, Hagari added.

Hezbollah is a global terror organization that poses a global threat. Their ongoing aggression and attacks are dragging the region into a wider escalation. While we prefer to resolve hostilities without a wider war, we remain fully prepared for any scenario.Listen to IDF pic.twitter.com/aCooOx7x0b  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 1, 2024

Good defence systems

Hagari said the IDF is holding continuous assessments on the situation, but as of now, there is no change to Home Front Command guidelines for civilians. We have our finger on the pulse all the time. We have very good defence systems, and we have international allies that bolstered their forces in the area to aid us against these threats, he said. But alongside this, Hagari said that Israels defenses are not hermetic.

Be vigilant and continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command, he said, adding that if there are any changes, the military will update immediately. Hagari said that the IDF is on high alert, both in defense and in attack. IDF troops are deployed in the air, at sea, and on the ground, and are ready for any scenario, and especially with plans to carry out attacks in the immediate time-frame.

Biden-Netanyahu Call

US President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday that Washington is committed to defending Israels security against all threats from Iran, the White House said, after the assassination of a top Hamas leader in Tehran. Biden, who was joined on the call by Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, also stressed the ongoing efforts to de-escalate broader tensions in the region, the White House said in a statement.

Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israels security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Huthis, the White House said in a readout of the presidents call with Netanyahu. The president discussed efforts to support Israels defense against threats, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive US military deployments, it said.

Potential retaliation

Top Iranian officials will meet the representatives of Irans regional allies from Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen on Thursday to discuss potential retaliation against Israel after the killing of the Hamas leader in Tehran. Representatives of Irans Palestinian allies Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, as well as Yemens Tehran-backed Houthi movement, Lebanons Hezbollah and Iraqi resistance groups will attend the meeting in Tehran, said the sources, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Iran and the resistance members will conduct a thorough assessment after the meeting in Tehran to find the best and most effective way to retaliate against the Zionist regime (Israel), said a senior Iranian official, with direct knowledge of the meeting to news agency Reuters. Another Iranian official said Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior members of Irans elite Revolutionary Guards will attend.

How Iran and the resistance front will respond is currently being reviewed  This will certainly happen and the Zionist regime (Israel) will undoubtedly regret it, General Mohammad Baqeri, Irans armed forces chief of staff, told state TV on Thursday. Haniyeh and the leader of the Islamic Jihad, Ziad al-Nakhala, as well as senior representatives of Yemens Tehran-backed Houthi movement and Lebanons Hezbollah, attended the inauguration ceremony for Irans new president in Tehran on Tuesday. Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassim and lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah were in Iran for the inauguration and have remained there for the funeral and meeting, the agency said.

Major Repercussions

Hamas armed wing has said in a statement Haniyehs killing would take the battle to new dimensions and have major repercussions. Promising to retaliate, Iran said the U.S. bore responsibility because of its support for Israel. Iran asked key commanders of the Iraqi resistance groups to travel to Tehran on Wednesday to attend an urgent meeting to discuss retaliation against recent Israeli strikes, including in Lebanon and Iran and the U.S. strike in Iraq, said an Iraqi militia local commander.

Another militia source said the resistance group commanders left to attend Haniyehs funeral and also to attend a top urgent meeting to decide the following steps to retaliate against Israel and the United States. Iranians turned out to mourn Haniyeh on Thursday, a day after he was assassinated. All fronts of the resistance will take revenge for Haniyehs blood, Ali Akbar Ahmadian, the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, told Irans semi-official Mehr news agency.

(With agency inputs)
Families of US prisoners, including a Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who were freed by Russia in the largest swap since the Cold War, had an emotional reunion with their loved ones on Thursday.

This is momma. Do you hear me? Its your mom, Gershkovichs mother tells her son in the emotional video, of the virtual reunion, posted by US President Joe Bidens social media account on X. We just want to say how overwhelmed we are, Biden tells the released detainees as the families stand around the presidential Resolute Desk.

Youve been wrongfully detained for a long time, and we are glad you are home, he adds. Russia freed Gershkovich, former US marine Paul Whelan and others on Thursday as part of the elaborate multi-country exchange that the White House said involved 24 prisoners, including Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov, released by Germany.

Every parent, child, spouse, and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time.In just a few short hours when our fellow Americans return home, those prayers will be answered. pic.twitter.com/2xglu30HE9  President Biden (@POTUS) August 2, 2024

Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva greeted by POTUS, VPOTUS, and then, RUNS with open arms to her daughters and husband on the tarmac of Andrews.What a joyous, beautiful reunion!! pic.twitter.com/IWjtSkI87w Mike Valerio (@ValerioCNN) August 2, 2024

No word is strong enough

Every parent, child, spouse and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time, Biden posted about the deal, which was negotiated in secrecy. In the video, Biden tells family members the detainees have been released and are heading to board the plane that will take them from Russia to the United States. No word is strong enough for this. I was sure I was going to die in prison, Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza tells his family as they weep. I still think I am sleeping in my prison cell in Omsk instead of hearing your voice.

Tonight is about reuniting families.Welcome home, Paul, Evan, and Alsu. Youre right where you belong. pic.twitter.com/PIp7ghOs7z  President Biden (@POTUS) August 2, 2024

Grand Russian Welcome

Meanwhile in Russia, President Vladimir Putin met the prisoners returning to Russia at the airport after they landed in Moscow. Putin arrived at Vnukovo-2 airport to personally greet Russians recently released from detention in Western countries. Putin waited by the planes boarding stairs, where the Rossiya Special Flight Squadron aircraft was parked, and the released Russians were welcomed with a red carpet and around 40 ceremonial guards from the Presidential Regiment.

After several minutes of waiting while the planes crew completed post-flight procedures, Putin greeted each individual with a handshake or a hug as they disembarked. Anna Dultseva, who was moved to tears as she exited the plane, received a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek from Putin. He also presented her and her daughter with bouquets of roses and hydrangeas. In the terminal, Putin delivered a brief speech, expressing gratitude for their loyalty.

In a statement, the Russian Embassy in Washington said the Russian diplomats will do their best to secure the release of dozens of Russians who remain jailed in the US. Dozens of Russians still remain behind bars in the United States, looking at their fatherland with hope and waiting to be released, the embassy said in a statement, according to TASS. We will pay maximum effort in order to secure the release or improve the plight of our citizens, caught in the wheels of local justice.

(With agency inputs)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned social media companies that they must uphold laws that prohibit the incitement of violence online after misinformation around a fatal mass stabbing earlier in the week sparked violent scenes.

A 17-year-old boy appeared in an English court on Thursday charged with the murder of three young girls in a knife attack at a summer dance class in Southport that has shocked the nation and sparked two nights of violent protests.

The disturbances followed the rapid spread of false information on social media that the suspect in the stabbings was a radical Islamist migrant, with anti-immigrant protesters descending on Southport from elsewhere, attacking police and targeting a mosque. Starmer said that the disturbances were not legitimate protests, saying it was criminal disorder that was clearly driven by far-right hatred before adding a warning to tech companies.

My statement on the violent disorder following the horrific tragedy in Southport. https://t.co/TxBT79DH0b Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 1, 2024

BLIZZARD OF FALSE INFORMATION

Let me also say to large social media companies, and those who run them, violent disorder clearly whipped up online: that is also a crime. Its happening on your premises, and the law must be upheld everywhere, he said at a news conference, adding there was a balance to be struck in handling such platforms. Its an amazing opportunity that we all enjoy There is also a responsibility that goes with it. Thats a space for a mature conversation to take place.

Campaign group Hope Not Hate said that the riot in Southport on Tuesday followed a blizzard of false information around the attack, much of it circulated by far-right accounts online. The 17-year-old suspect was not initially named due to rules regarding children who are charged with crimes, before a judge then ruled that media could name him as Axel Rudakubana. He turns 18 next week and police have said he was born in Cardiff.

But a claim that the suspect was an asylum seeker or immigrant has been viewed at least 15.7 million times across X, Facebook, Instagram and other platforms, a Reuters analysis showed. A false claim that he was an undocumented migrant who arrived in a small boat appeared on the website Channel 3 Now, who later apologised for publishing information that was misleading and not accurate.

Internet personality Andrew Tate on Tuesday shared a picture of a man he said was responsible for the attack with the caption straight off the boat, but the claim was also incorrect as it was a picture of a 51-year-old man arrested for a separate stabbing in Ireland last year. Separately, a Channel 4 analysis showed that 49% of traffic on social media platform X referencing Southport Muslim  in reference to an unevidenced claim about the attackers religion  came from the United States, with 30% coming from Britain.

Police have said the incident was not being treated as terror-related, and have urged people not to speculate on details while the investigation continues. Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform Party, on Tuesday said he wondered whether the truth is being withheld from us as he questioned why the incident wasnt being treated as terror-related and asked if the suspect had been monitored by security services.

After criticism from several people including Starmers deputy Angela Rayner, accusing Farage of stoking conspiracy theories, Farage said he thought his gentle questions were fair and reasonable while adding that the internet had at the same time been awash with unfounded theories. Starmer declined to be drawn into commenting on what Farage had said, reiterating that his focus was on the families and police officers impacted. But Starmer warned that any misinformation that interfered in the work of authorities could jeopardise attempts to hold a fair trial. The price for a trial that is prejudiced is ultimately paid by the victims and their families who are deprived of the justice that they deserve, he said.
US officials have arrested two Indian nationals with drugs worth USD 10 million, the Department of Justice said. Simranjit Singh, 28, and Gusimrat Singh, 19, of Fresno, California were each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, it said.

Both made initial appearances before a federal court in Boston on July 29 and remain in federal custody. They were detained after local police found in the cab of the tractor trailer, over 400-kg bricks of suspected cocaine worth more than USD 10.5 million.

The sheer amount of drugs seized in this one case is disturbing and dangerous. These defendants allegedly took a cross-country trip to distribute illicit narcotics into Massachusetts communities, said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S Levy.

According to charging documents, on July 29, at 10.15 pm, a white tractor trailer arrived at a planned Andover address to deliver methamphetamine to the undercover agents. The driver and passenger of that tractor trailer, later identified as Gusimrat Singh and Simranjit Singh, allegedly handed off 65 pounds of suspected methamphetamine to the undercover agents.

The men were immediately taken into custody. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to USD 1,000,000.
Photo Credit: CBS Sports Network

Former Miami Marlins executive and current frequent guest on the Dan Le Batard Show David Samson has been in the headlines as of late following his recent comments about new New York Yankees star Jazz Chisholm. And on Thursday, the cast of Boomer and Gio on WFAN shared their rather negative opinions of Samson.

To say the least, Samson has been less than impressed with Chisholms hot start with the Yankees, calling the former cover athlete of MLB The Show average and adding that he expects him to come back to reality very soon.

Hes average, Dan, Samson told Dan Le Batard on Wednesdays episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz. I know youre excited about him because he was on the front of the show. That was all (Derek) Jeter doing that. All the talk of Jeter, of being his idol, it was all ridiculousness. Jazz needed to be traded off this team, and the fact that he was given to the Yankees, whatever happens with the Yankees is fine. Hes not the star; hes not the center of attention.

Hes gotten off to a good start, and thats going to maybe give him the false sense that hes the center of some amount of attention. But wait til he goes 1-for-13 in New York. In Miami, it gets ignored with one camera. In New York, youre on the back page of The Post. So be careful what you wish for.

The Boomer and Gio cast addressed these comments on their show on Thursday. And Giannotti was particularly critical of the former Marlins executive.

David Samson sounds like a really annoying defense attorney, said Gregg Giannotti. Shut up, you little twerp. God damn, just shut up. David Samson seems like a very intelligent guy, and he has given us news this morning. But his voice is just ugh.

Dan Le Batard probably doesnt have to worry about losing David Samson to WFAN pic.twitter.com/PtO03MnwY7  Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 1, 2024

Samson seemingly took notice of these comments, firing a shot back at Giannotti by seemingly implying that Jon Stugotz Weiner, who recently made a push to get hired at WFAN, may take Giannottis job.

Twerp? Is that the best you got @GioWFAN? Disappointing, wrote Samson on X. And weve never met. And dont worry about me. As for Stugotz, thats a different story. #waittosee.

Twerp? Is that the best you got @GioWFAN? Disappointing. And weve never met. And dont worry about me. As for @stugotz790 , thats a different story. #waittosee https://t.co/G4yLbAJQ3S  David P. Samson (@DavidPSamson) August 1, 2024

Obviously, there is no love lost between Giannotti and Samson. But thus far, Samson has very clearly been wrong about the new Yankees slugger. In four games with the organization, Chisholm is currently slashing .368/.400/1.000 with four home runs and eight RBIs.

[Awful Announcing on X, David P. Samson on X]
Multimedia Journalist/Weekend Anchor

Aaron grew up in Farmington Minnesota, just south of the Twin Cities. He went to college in Orlando Florida at Full Sail University studying sports broadcasting. Aaron has a passion for small-town stories. Bringing the voices of the community to light on a wide range of topics. On his off days, you can find Aaron hiking, hanging out by any body of water and collecting music on vinyl.
The lawyers representing four pro-democracy campaigners arrested at the Robert Mugabe Airport on Wednesday have detailed the horrific treatment their clients endured at the hands of state agents.

Vusumuzi Moyo, Samuel Gwenzi, Namatai Kwekweza, and Robson Chere, were forcibly removed from a plane bound for Victoria Falls, and reportedly tortured while being held incommunicado for hours.

They appeared at the Harare Magistrate Court on Friday facing charges of disorderly conduct after they were allegedly involved in a demonstration against Timbas detention.

The courtroom fell silent as lawyers Jeremiah Bhamu, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa, Roseline Hanzi, and Charles Kwaramba from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) described the systematic assault their clients faced.

Namatai Kwekweza, a human rights activist, was subjected to particularly cruel treatment. One of her assailants, fully aware of her recent dental procedure, deliberately shoved a shoe into her mouth, inflicting excruciating pain. A metal bar was also forced into her mouth, further compounding her suffering.

Kwekweza was also threatened with further violence if she refused to cooperate. Her phone, laptop, and passport were seized.

The cruelty of their actions was intensified by the fact that Kwekweza was not even in Zimbabwe when the alleged crime was committed at the Harare Magistrate Court on June 27, 2024.

Moyo who is said to be a sound engineer for a prominent musician was also beaten up.

Robson Chere, a prominent activist, described a relentless assault that left him physically and emotionally scarred.

He was allegedly beaten with an iron bar, leaving him with bloodshot eyes for two days. His phone was used to record the assault, further adding to his humiliation.

Cheres ordeal continued with waterboarding, a terrifying torture technique. His dreadlocks were forcibly cut off, a deliberate act of humiliation.

His lawyers detailed how the assailants threatened to kill him or rape his wife if any demonstrations took place ahead of the SADC Summit. They also made chilling threats against his family.

Samuel Gwenzi, another human rights defender, recounted being struck with open palms and iron bars.

He was forced to chant Zanu-PF slogans and declare his Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party a Western puppet party. The assailants also threatened to kill other opposition leaders, including Ostalos Siziba and Takudzwa Ngadziore, if they planned any protests. They even threatened to harm Gwenzis children.

Gwenzis phone was seized, and he was subjected to further beatings.

In response, the state, represented by Brian Chirenje, simply stated that they had initiated investigations into the matter. CITE
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced legislation Thursday affirming that presidents do not have immunity for criminal actions, an attempt to reverse the Supreme Court's landmark decision last month. Schumer's No Kings Act would declare that presidents are not immune from criminal law and clarify that Congress, not the Supreme Court, determines to whom federal criminal law is applied, the AP reports. The court's Republican-appointed majority decided July 1 that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken within their official dutiesa decision that threw into doubt the Justice Department's case against Donald Trump for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss.

Schumer said Congress has an obligation and the constitutional authority to check the Supreme Court on its decision. "Given the dangerous and consequential implications of the court's ruling, legislation would be the fastest and most efficient method to correcting the grave precedent the Trump ruling presented," he said. The Senate bill, which has more than two dozen Democratic cosponsors, comes after President Biden called on lawmakers earlier this week to ratify a constitutional amendment limiting presidential immunity, along with establishing term limits and an enforceable ethics code for the court's nine justices. Democratic Rep. Joseph Morelle has proposed a constitutional amendment in the House.

Republicans in Congress rallied around Trump in celebrating the immunity decision as a victory. Without GOP support, per the AP, Schumer's bill has little chance of passing. A constitutional amendment would be even more difficult to pass. Such a resolution takes a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate and ratification by three-fourths of the states. Still, Democrats see the proposals as a warning to the court and an effort that will rally their voting base ahead of the presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running against Trump in November, said this week the reforms are needed because "there is a clear crisis of confidence facing the Supreme Court."

(More presidential immunity stories.)
The Wall Street Journal takes an extensive look at the "secret negotiations" that led to "one of the most complicated prisoner swaps in history"a swap that saw one of its own reporters, Evan Gershkovich, freed from Russian custody along with 15 other people in exchange for eight prisoners released by Western nations. Among the details revealed in the article is Gershkovich's final request from his captors.

As part of the process of being allowed to leave prison, he had to fill out an official request for presidential clemency, addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The reporter wasn't expected to write anything in one long blank space included on the formthe Journal explains prisoners could write something there if they wanted, but it was typically left empty. Instead, he filled it entirely, writing in "formal high Russian." The very last line included his request: for Putin to sit down for an interview with him. (Read the full story at the Journal.)
The Israeli military's attack on an aid convoy in Gaza in April that killed seven people was the result of serious failures of defense procedures, mistaken identification, and errors in decision-making, according to an Australian investigation that was made public Friday. Australia initiated the investigation to examine Tel Aviv's response to the widely condemned Israeli Defense Forces' drone strikes on three World Central Kitchen vehicles on April 1, the AP reports. Australian Zomi Frankcom, three of her aid worker colleagues, and three British personal security staff died in the attack.
Four Las Vegas teenagers accused in the fatal beating of their high school classmate have agreed to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in a deal that will keep them from being tried as adults, lawyers said Thursday. The teens were originally charged in January as adults with second-degree murder and conspiracy in the November death of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis Jr.. Cellphone video of the fatal beating was shared across social media. The deal announced during a hearing Thursday before Clark County District Judge Tierra Jones calls for the four to be sent to juvenile court and face an undetermined length of imprisonment in a juvenile detention center, the AP reports.

Should any of the teens back out of the deal, then all four would again be charged in adult court, Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani said. "The offer is contingent on everyone's acceptance," Giordani said. The four were among nine teenagers who were arrested in Lewis' death. Lewis was attacked on Nov. 1 just off the campus of Rancho High School where all were students. Authorities have said the students agreed to meet in the alley to fight over a vape pen and wireless headphones that had been stolen from Lewis' friend. Lewis died from his injuries six days later.

Defense lawyer Robert Draskovich, representing one of the four defendants, called the deadly fight a tragedy, but said convicting the four students of murder as adults would have been a second tragedy. He acknowledged that his client was among those who kicked Lewis while he was on the ground but said a jury also would have seen video showing at least one of the people in a group with Lewis had a knife.

"I'm just so dumbfounded and hurt and confused," Mellisa Ready, Jonathan Lewis' mother, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I don't even know what's going on, and I should know." She told KLAS that she had heard from the Clark County district attorney's office that the teens were going to plead guilty to murder in the adult court system.

Giordani declined to comment after the hearing Thursday but provided a statement to AP from Clark County DA Steve Wolfson's office. It acknowledged Lewis' mother's comments and "the pain (she) is going through as she mourns the loss of her son." But it said she had been informed last week about the terms of the negotiations.

(More Las Vegas stories.)
With the circumstances of his capture still unclear, Sinaloa cartel co-founder Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada appeared in a Texas court Thursday. The 76-year-old Mexican citizen pleaded not guilty to all federal charges against him last week and is being held without bond. Reuters reports that Zambada was in a wheelchair and wore a navy sweatshirt that read "carpe diem""seize the day"during Thursday's brief hearing in El Paso. US District Judge Kathleen Cardone said the next status conference hearing will be on Sept. 9.
/

'There Was No Deal to Be Had' Without Vadim Krasikov

A look inside the unprecedented prisoner swap that was months in the making
Slovakian swimmer Tamara Potocka collapsed poolside Friday morning after a qualifying heat of the women's 200-meter individual medley at the Paris Olympics. Potocka, 21, collapsed as she got out of the water and almost immediately was surrounded by a half-dozen medical attendants, who put her on a stretcher after about a minute and carried her off the pool deck, per the AP . First aid was administered to Potocka, who was seen wearing an oxygen mask as she was taken away for medical attention.

Medical personal at the pool said she was conscious. Slovakian officials later said that Potocka had suffered an asthma attack, reports ESPN. "Tamara has asthma," Slovakian team leader Ivana Lange said in a statement. "This whole combination of nervous and physical tension while she did not have her inhaler immediately available to use contributed to the creation of this problem." Lange added that Potocka was given oxygen and necessary meds, and that "the doctor told me that she must be monitored for several more hours."

Israeli swimmer Leah Polonsky, who swam two heats after Potocka, said swimmers know their sport has inherent risks. "Of course that's something in the back of your mind, but we do every day push ourselves to the limit," she noted, per the AP. "You always know something like that can happen. It's not something you think about during the race, but it's always there." This is the first Olympics for Potocka, who finished seventh in her heat in a time of 2 minutes, 14.2 seconds. Her time wasn't fast enough to advance her to the semifinals of the event, which eliminated her from the competition.

(More 2024 Paris Olympics stories.)
The Justice Department sued TikTok on Friday, accusing the company of violating children's online privacy law and running afoul of a settlement it had reached with another federal agency. The complaint, filed together with the Federal Trade Commission in a California federal court, focuses on allegations that the platform and its China-based parent company ByteDance violated a federal law that requires kid-oriented apps and websites to get parental consent before collecting personal information of children under 13. Legal battles between the US government and the social media company could determine ifor howTikTok will continue to operate in the country, the AP reports.

"This action is necessary to prevent the defendants, who are repeat offenders and operate on a massive scale, from collecting and using young children's private information without any parental consent or control," Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, said in a statement. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The US decided to file the lawsuit following an investigation by the FTC into whether the companies were complying with a previous settlement involving TikTok's predecessor, Musica.ly. In 2019, the federal government sued Musical.ly, alleging it violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act by failing to notify parents about its collection and use of personal information for kids under 13.

That same year, Musical.lyacquired by ByteDance in 2017 and merged with TikTokagreed to pay $5.7 million over those allegations. The two companies were subject to a court order requiring them to comply with COPPA, which the government says hasn't happened. In the complaint, the Justice Department and the FTC allege TikTok has knowingly allowed children to create accounts and retained their personal information without notifying their parents. This practice extends to accounts created in "Kids Mode," a version of TikTok for children under 13, the department said. (Ireland has made a similar objection.)




The US Capitol building is seen in Washington, DC, on Nov 8, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

Global Times-In a conversation with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chan Heng Chee, ambassador-at-large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, repeatedly expressed concerns from Southeast Asian countries about the US' growing trend toward trade protectionism. She said she gets discouraged when she hears Americans say they can't do trade, and is very worried about the US "small yard, high fence" policy, as it is becoming a bigger yard and higher fences. This mirrors the deep concerns of Washington's Asian allies about the US' growing trade protectionism and reckless high-tech crackdowns.

Singapore is one of the stops on Blinken's 18th visit to the Asia-Pacific region since becoming Secretary of State. His visit has largely revolved around China, with the aim of strengthening the "Indo-Pacific Strategy" and using the pretext of US-defined "freedom and openness" to form more exclusive cliques. During the conversation in Singapore on about protectionism nesday, Ambassador Chan questioned the US about its generalization of security which she believes is causing the definition of national security to become "looser and looser." Chan's concerns about these worrying trends in the US are representative.

Ironically, in response to Chan's questions, Blinken stated that the US government wants to "make sure that even as we're taking what we believe are necessary measures to protect our security, we're not doing it in a way that undermines, inhibits trade." This suggests that the US promises to protect trade freedom while implementing trade protectionism, a contradictory commitment. But Blinken indicates that the US will allow these two almost opposite terms to coexist.

In the conversation, there is also a pair of terms that are difficult to coexist: "minilaterals" and "multilateral system." The multilateral system represents openness and inclusivity, while the minilateral system is the exclusionary cliques that the US has become more adept at forming in recent years. Faced with Ambassador Chan's questioning of the Biden administration's obsession with creating minilaterals such as Quad, AUKUS to meet security objectives, Blinken stated that the multilateral system remains an important part of US' cooperation with countries around the world. This response was pale and unconvincing.

What we see is that the so-called multilateral system Washington has been promoting is operating based on the idea of America First. In fact, it is not even a multilateral mechanism but a truly minilateral one. Washington's minilateralism is essentially a selfish act that protects US' core interests, said Sun Xihui, an associate research fellow with the National Institute of International Strategy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The strategy inevitably harms the interests of other countries, including US allies. Therefore, if the strategy is implemented in the long term, it will inevitably lead to conflicts of interest between the US and its allies.

The dialogue between Ambassador Chan and Blinken is a good footnote on Southeast Asian countries' views on the US. As a neutral and politically independent country, Singapore's voices effectively represent the sentiments of Southeast Asian countries regarding the negative impact of US technology restrictions and trade policies. This should serve as a wake-up call for the US.

In order to block China's technological advancement, the US has spared no effort in building "small yard, high fence" and suppressing China's technological development, even at the cost of disrupting global technological cooperation and supply chains. This has led to concerns in countries like Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries that the US' abuse of economic tools to achieve geopolitical goals will have a significant impact on the global economy and even threaten global stability.

The current US strategy is at odds with the traditional development concepts of Southeast Asian countries. If the US continues to push for "small yard, high fence" approaches or other anti-globalization measures such as minilateralism, it will only bring harm to Southeast Asia without any benefits.

Blinken's assurances will not only be scrutinized by Southeast Asian nations but also by other countries worldwide affected by US trade protectionism. It is crucial for the US to fulfill its promises rather than offering empty assurances to temporarily alleviate concerns. Repeatedly failing to deliver on promises will only erode trust and credibility in the long run.
With Democrats calling out Donald Trump over his apparent lack of enthusiasm for debating Vice President Kamala Harris, the Republican nominee expressed a willingness before backing off it. "Well, I want to," Trump said in an interview with Maria Bartiromo that was conducted Thursday and aired Friday on Fox Business. "I mean right now I say, why should I do a debate?" he said. "I'm leading in the polls. And, everybody knows her, everybody knows me." Trump has waffled on the issue lately, saying last week he'd "absolutely" debate Harris, then saying he "probably" would. His campaign has declined to commit to the event, the Hill reports.

Harris brought up the issue at a rally in Georgia this week. "Well, Donald, I do hope you'll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage," she told the crowd, "because as the saying goes, if you got something to say, say it to my face." The Democratic National Committee is trying to say the same thing to Trump's face by placing print and online ads in newspapers in cities ahead of the Republican nominee's appearances there. The DNC has different versions of the ads, per ABC News, but they include wording about Trump being "afraid to debate." The first ad was bought for Friday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Friday, the day before Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, plan an event in the city.

The campaigns of Trump and President Biden had agreed to a debate on Sept. 10, but the GOP nominee has suggested Biden's withdrawal from the race means there's no such commitment anymore. Jason Miller, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, told Axios there will be a debate, though not necessarily on that date. A Harris campaign spokesperson said this week that it's up to Trump. "Vice President Harris will be on the debate stage September 10th," Ammar Moussa said. "Donald Trump can show up, or not." (More Donald Trump 2024 stories.)
A half-dozen masked assailants ransacked the Caracas headquarters of Venezuela's opposition Friday in an escalation of violence against President Nicolas Maduro's challengers after several countries called for proof of his claim he had won the disputed presidential election. Assailants broke down doors and hauled away valuable documents and equipment in the raid around 3am, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's party said. Several walls were covered in black spray paint, the AP reports. The raid follows threats by top officials, including Maduro, to arrest Machado, who has gone into hiding while still urging Venezuelans and the international community to challenge Sunday's election results.

The Biden administration has thrown its support behind the opposition, recognizing Edmundo Gonzalez as the victor and discrediting the National Electoral Council's official results. Gonzalez was tapped in April as a last-minute stand-in for Machado, who was barred from running for office. The US announcement followed calls from multiple governments, including Maduro's close regional allies, for Venezuela's electoral authorities to release precinct-level vote counts, as it has done during previous elections. The electoral body declared Maduro the winner Monday, but the main opposition coalition revealed hours later that it had collected copies of more than 80% of the country's 30,000 voting talliesprintouts from the electronic voting machinesand that they show Gonzalez prevailed by a more than 2-to-1 margin.

Gonzalez, whose location also is unknown, posted a message Friday on X thanking the US "for recognizing the will of the Venezuelan people." On Friday, Venezuelan electoral authorities gave an updated vote count but not the precinct-level tallies demanded, per the AP. National Electoral Council President Elvis Amoroso said that with 96.9% of tally sheets counted, Maduro's margin of victory was more than 8 percentage points over Gonzalez: 52% to 43.2%. He attributed the delay in updating results to attacks on the "technological infrastructure." On Friday, Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the lower house of Russia's parliament, emphasized that Russian election monitors have witnessed Maduro's legitimate victory. He accused the US of fomenting tensions in the country.

(More Venezuela elections stories.)
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Bar Association will hold a wide-ranging consultation meeting on Saturday to discuss the draft of the new Advocacy Law. The meeting will be attended by lawyers from across the country.

The association's president, Salah Al-Madfa, announced that the meeting will focus on the newly received draft law from the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments.

Al Madfa emphasized the importance of the meeting, urging all lawyers to participate in the discussion. He highlighted that the draft law is of great interest to all lawyers in the kingdom.

Al Madfa further confirmed that the draft law includes several positive aspects sought by the Bahrain Bar Association, including introducing an entrance exam for aspiring lawyers, making the wearing of a lawyer's robe mandatory, creating a new degree for appellate lawyers, introducing a mandatory code of conduct, eliminating the requirement of a Sharia law exam for lawyers studying abroad, criminalizing impersonation of a lawyer, and criminalizing verbal or physical assault against lawyers.

The Bahrain Bar Association believes that this draft law represents a significant step forward in enhancing the legal profession in Bahrain. The consultation meeting will be an opportunity for lawyers to voice their opinions and contribute to the finalization of the law.
98% of executives expect to see a significant rise in spending on AI for cloud over the next two years

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and BENGALURU, India, July 31, 2024 /CNW/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, in collaboration with MIT Technology Review Insights, today announced the release of a new report: Reimagining Cloud Strategy for AI-first Enterprises. The report analyzed 500 global industry leaders with at least $500M in revenue across sectors to understand their organization's cloud and data readiness as they prepare to launch AI initiatives at scale.

The survey found that most companies are still experimenting and preparing their infrastructure landscape for AI from a cloud perspectiveand many are planning additional investments to accelerate their infrastructure progress.

As the cloud has evolved beyond its initial purpose as a storage tool and cost saver, realizing AI's full potential and becoming a truly 'AI-first enterprise' will require a significant, sustained investment in cloud infrastructure and strategy. The report's key findings include:

Around two-thirds (67%) of respondents have a 'developed' or 'advanced' cloud infrastructure . Only one-third (33%) classify their cloud infrastructure as'growing' or 'nascent.'

. Only one-third (33%) classify their cloud infrastructure as'growing' or 'nascent.' Less than 10% of executives have fully integrated AI into their operations. While nearly half (48%) of executives say their firms are experimenting with AI, only 8% say they've comprehensively integrated AI into their business.

While nearly half (48%) of executives say their firms are experimenting with AI, only 8% say they've comprehensively integrated AI into their business. Companies have varied strategies for optimizing their cloud systems to support AI initiatives. Half of the executives report they're using cloud services only to integrate data for AI purposes. Another 30% are using cloud infrastructure for computing capacity, and just 13% report having a 'detailed roadmap' on how cloud investments will advance AI adoption beyond data and computer power/scale.

Half of the executives report they're using cloud services only to integrate data for AI purposes. Another 30% are using cloud infrastructure for computing capacity, and just 13% report having a 'detailed roadmap' on how cloud investments will advance AI adoption beyond data and computer power/scale. Complexity, security, safety, and data challenges are all hurdles to cloud-ready AI systems. When asked about the factors limiting their organization's cloud readiness for AI, 45% of respondents cite 'concerns about data security and ethical use of data, privacy, and overall safety.'

When asked about the factors limiting their organization's cloud readiness for AI, 45% of respondents cite 'concerns about data security and ethical use of data, privacy, and overall safety.' Spending on cloud systems is expected to climb. A significant percentage (71%) of executives expect spending on cloud infrastructure for AI will increase by at least 25% in the next two years. More than one-quarter (27%) predict it will increase by 50-100%.

"Today, we are in the early stages of reimagining enterprise with AI and as we move towards a human plus AI collaborative state, cloud & data will be the catalyst in scaling AI," said Mohammed Rafee Tarafdar, Chief Technology Officer, Infosys. "However, just 13% of the executives have a 'detailed roadmap' on how cloud investments will advance AI adoption beyond data and computational power. By leveraging the cloud and adopting responsible AI practices, businesses can navigate this transformation and achieve sustainable growth."

"Although 67% of executives have advanced cloud infrastructures, only a small percentage have fully integrated AI into their operations," said Laurel Ruma, Global Editorial Director, MIT Technology Review Insights. "Despite concerns about data security and privacy, a majority are planning significant investments in cloud technology for AI in the coming years. It is clear that cloud-enabled AI is the future, and companies are eager to invest."

"Along with the ever-increasing relevance of cloud, we are also seeing that the focus and resources of several companies are towards implementing fully integrated AI systems. They expect to see significant growth in spending on this over the next several years," said Anant Adya, Executive Vice President and Service Offering Head, Infosys. "With 71% of executives expecting spending on cloud infrastructure for AI to increase by at least 25% in the next two years, it is clear that an integrated cloud and AI strategy will be the foundation for AI transformation for organizations moving forward."

About MIT Technology Review Insights

MIT Technology Review Insights is the custom publishing division of MIT Technology Review, the world's longest-running technology magazine, backed by the world's foremost technology institutionproducing live events and research on the leading technology and business challenges of the day. Insights conducts qualitative and quantitative research and analysis in the U.S. and abroad and publishes a wide variety of content, including articles, reports, infographics, videos, and podcasts. And through its growing MIT Technology Review Global Insights Panel, Insights has unparalleled access to senior-level executives, innovators, and entrepreneurs worldwide for surveys and in-depth interviews.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/4364085/Infosys_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Infosys

For more information, please contact: [email protected]
Asep was selected to be a part of a special series titled Empowered, Hosted by Meg Ryan, focusing on science, technology and medicine leaders.

VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Asep Medical Holdings Inc. ("Asep Inc." or the "Company") (CSE: ASEP) (OTCQB: SEPSF) (FSE: JJ8) is pleased to announce that its innovative sepsis diagnostic test will be getting national exposure in the US through a documentary series called Empowered, Hosted by Meg Ryan, now being aired on Public Television. The documentary, written and produced by Summit Studios of Boca Raton, FL, features interviews with Asep's Founder and CEO, Dr. Robert E. W. Hancock and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Evan Haney. To view the documentary, click here.

In July of 2023, one of Asep's news releases announcing its groundbreaking AI-based technology for the rapid identification of sepsis caught the attention of the producers of the docuseries. Sepsis is a debilitating and severe disease that is responsible for one in five deaths worldwide1, and essentially all deaths from pandemic microbes like COVID-19. After a few meetings, the producers decided to bring the Asep story to its audience of over 60 million households in the US. The segment is distributed to over 170 Public Television stations in the US and will continue running for about a year.

"This is an exciting opportunity for us to help educate a large audience about the seriousness of sepsis and provide hope for a faster, more reliable diagnostic tool for emergency room teams worldwide," said Dr. Hancock. "Once our technology is FDA cleared, we expect to see our test kits widely distributed to hospitals across the US."

According to Dr. Evan Haney, Asep's CSO, "It is critical to identify sepsis as early as possible due to the 7.6% increased risk of death2 for every hour of delay in diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment. No conventional assay accurately predicts sepsis onset in the first hours after a patient enters the hospital. Our team has found that our test, called SepsetER, can help assess whether a patient will subsequently acquire sepsis in 9 out of 10 patients in the ICU, and 7 of 10 patients in the emergency department, based on analysis of company and published data."

The technology was developed using an innovative team approach, including microbiologists and computer scientists at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. "We've harnessed the power of AI to identify a minimum number of genes involved in the immune dysfunction underlying sepsis and translated this discovery to an in vitro diagnostic assay that can accurately identify those patients at highest risk of progressing to sepsis and associated organ failure," said Dr. Hancock.

Chief Operating Officer Tim Murphy said, "We hope that current and prospective investors will take the time to tune in to PBS and learn a little more about our Company and the great work our scientific team is doing to tackle a global health crisis where every hour counts."

ABOUT ASEP MEDICAL HOLDINGS INC.

Asep Medical Holdings Inc. (asepmedical.com) is dedicated to addressing the global issue of antibiotic failure by developing novel solutions for significant unmet medical needs in human medicine. The Company is a consolidation of three existing private companies, all with technology in advanced development  Sepset Biosciences Inc. (proprietary diagnostic tools to enable the early and timely identification of sepsis), ABT Innovations Inc. (broad-spectrum therapeutic agents to address multi-drug resistant biofilm infections), and SafeCoat Medical Inc. (an antimicrobial peptide, anti-fouling medical device coating technology).

Sepset Biosciences Inc. (sepset.ca) is developing a diagnostic technology that involves a patient gene expression signature that helps assess the development of severe sepsis, one of the significant diseases leading to antibiotic failure, since antibiotics are the primary treatment for sepsis. Sepsis was responsible for nearly 20% of all deaths on the planet in 2017 and essentially all deaths due to COVID-19 and other pandemics. The SepsetER test is a blood-based gene expression assay that is straightforward to implement, and results are obtained about an hour after taking a blood sample in the emergency room or intensive care unit. This proprietary diagnostic technology differs from current diagnostic tests, enabling the risk assessment for progression to severe sepsis within 60 minutes of initiating the test. Bacterial culture, the gold standard, provides a diagnosis after ~15 hours but can be as long as three days. Asep Inc. believes its test will enable physicians to make critical early decisions regarding appropriate therapies and thus reduce overall morbidity and mortality due to sepsis.

ABT Innovations Inc.'s (abtinnovations.ca) peptide technology covers a broad range of therapeutic applications, including bacterial biofilm infections (medical device infections, chronic infections, lung, bladder, wound, dental, skin, ear-nose and throat, sinusitis, orthopaedic, etc.), anti-inflammatories, anti-infective immune-modulators and vaccine adjuvants. The company is in the pre-clinical development phase with promising data.

SafeCoat Medical Inc.'s (safecoatmedical.com) technology incorporates self-assembling biocompatible polymers combined with conjugated antimicrobial peptides and applied to virtually any surface as stable antimicrobial and/or anti-fouling coatings. Of particular interest is the application of this versatile antimicrobial coating to various medical devices and implants that often become contaminated with biofilm infections. SafeCoat is optimizing methods to manufacture and apply these anti-bacterial coatings to a host of surfaces and can tailor the composition of the coating and associated peptide sequences for any desired application.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates," "plan," "continue," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "may," "will," "potential," "proposed," "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements include but are not limited to the successful clinical testing of our Sepsis in vitro diagnostic test and its intended filing for regulatory market authorization; the Company not receiving regulatory market authorization as planned or at all; the undertaking of pre-clinical studies on our lead therapeutic, with the expectation that this will lead to fast-track clinical trials; the timeframe for identification of sepsis with the company's products; the potential opportunities for the generation of revenue; the therapeutic benefits of the company's products; and other statements regarding the company's proposed business plans. Various assumptions were used in drawing conclusions or making the predictions contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks including the risk that the company's products may not perform as expected; that the company may not receive the requisite regulatory market authorization or results of testing; the Company's testing of the products may not be successful and market authorization may not be obtained in the estimated timelines or at all; the company may not be able to generate revenue from its products as expected or at all; the market for the company's products may not be as described in this news release; and various other risk factors identified in the Asep Medical Inc.'s prospectus dated November 9, 2021, and in the company's management discussion and analysis, available for review under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Asep Medical Inc. is under no obligation and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

ENDNOTES

1 https://www.biophysics.org/2024meeting#/

2 Kumar, A. et al. Duration of hypotension before initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy is the critical determinant of survival in human septic shock. Crit Care Med 34, 15891596 (2006).

SOURCE ASEP Medical Holdings Inc.

Chris Dallin, Marketing Director, Asep Medical Holdings Inc., E. [email protected], T. +1 (604) 362-3654
AlgosOne's AI trading solution takes a leap forward with new architecture that reduces risk and increases yields

PRAGUE, July 31, 2024 /CNW/ -- AlgosOne.ai is pleased to announce a system upgrade that enhances performance and boosts client profits. The new AlgosOne solution does for trading what ChatGPT4o did for text and Sora and Kling did for video.

Exploiting new, advanced deep-learning capabilities, developed in-house, AlgosOne's upgraded algorithms are now basing decisions on larger and more diverse multimodal data sources. With broader access to real-time, high-quality data, the new self-correcting version of the AI learns from its past activity, and is able to detect potentially high-risk and high-probability trades, with greater predictive accuracy. As a result, AlgosOne's already unmatched trade success rate is now almost 10% higher, reaching 90% for some users.

Eray Erdogan, AlgosOne's Community Relations Manager stated: "We're delighted to be harnessing the power of next-generation neural network architecture and groundbreaking attention-based models to fulfill our core mission, making the markets accessible to everyone, with no coding, strategy creation or trade execution required."

Another AlgosOne innovation in 2024 is high-yield trading accounts. They are locked for periods of 24-36 months and all trades are auto-approved, so clients don't need to confirm certain trades, within a given time frame. High-yield accounts also generate a higher annual percentage yield than standard 12 to 24-month contracts, since profits are compounded for a longer period, and they exclusively use a newly developed version of the AI, which is optimized for long-term trading.

Eray notes: "We're always improving our algorithms so our users incur less risk and earn increasingly impressive returns. AlgosOne's new version does just that, consistently delivering profits that are unmatched in the industry, while the reserve fund balance, now exceeding $37M, provides full client capital coverage."

Always pushing ahead, in Q4, AlgosOne will be launching the AiAO token sale. Token holders will gain part ownership in the AI model, receiving dividends, and have a voice in its future development.

To learn more view the website, or register with the AlgosOne app.

About Algosone.ai

Algosone.ai is a regulated platform at the forefront of AI trading. It combines proprietary algorithms with advanced natural language processing models to analyze vast datasets and predict price trajectories across diverse market sectors. Using its machine-learning capabilities the platform is fully automated, trading and managing risk for clients, with ever-increasing accuracy.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2472639/AlgosOne_Logo.jpg

SOURCE AlgosOne.ai

Alex Andera; [email protected]; + 37256702182
More than $1 million to create jobs and expand aviation capacity for communities in the Athabasca Basin region and across Saskatchewan

STONY RAPIDS, SK, Aug. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Canada's vast geography means that air transport plays an essential role in linking communities together. In northern communities especially, the only year-round access is often by air. The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are supporting the province's aviation industry by investing in a program to offer commercial pilot training that will assist candidates from northern communities to build successful careers in aviation while making a positive impact on air service in their region.

An image of a man wearing a reflective vest, carrying a box, and smiling while walking away from a twin propeller plane in the background, with text: "A collaborative investment of $1M for Indigenous commercial pilot training in Northern Saskatchewan". (CNW Group/Prairies Economic Development Canada)

Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, and Athabasca MLA Jim Lemaigre on behalf of Saskatchewan Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison, announced a joint investment of $1,006,500 to assist the Ya'thi Nene Land and Resource Office in delivering commercial pilot training to Indigenous residents of Northern Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan's mining and energy sectors play an important role in the growth of the provincial economy, and air transportation is crucial to support Northern mining operations. This program will help improve accessibility to the North and remote communities, while creating growth in this region of the province and increasing Indigenous employment in the aviation sector.

This project, called the Dziret'ai Pilot Training Program, will provide skills and academic upgrading to 15 student applicants, 10 of whom will be selected to enter the professional pilot training program to start in January 2025. Students who complete the 2-year program will be guaranteed jobs with Rise Air as First Officers.

The investments from PrairiesCan ($631,500) and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and Career Training ($375,000) will leverage industry cash and in-kind contributions and funding from Prince Albert Grand Council ($315,000), Cameco ($200,000), Orano Canada ($50,000), SSR Mining ($50,000), Rise Air ($690,000) and Ya'thi Nene ($100,000).

Quotes

"Our government is supporting the growth of the Indigenous workforce in the Athabasca Basin," said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. "This collaboration will result in new opportunities for local people to train as commercial pilots and help the industry grow, while at the same time, providing employers with a workforce from the region and supporting strong and resilient communities with more good jobs."

- The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan

"Air transportation is essential for connecting remote and northern communities and supporting our growing economy. With growing demand of airline pilots there is a critical need to support the training and development of pilots," said Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison. "We are proud to invest in this pathway for local Indigenous pilots from the Athabasca region to serve their communities and facilitate economic growth in our province."

- The Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister for Immigration and Career Training,

Government of Saskatchewan

"We are thrilled to launch the Dziret'ai Pilot Training Program, which reaffirms our commitment to partnerships and collaboration," says Mary Denechezhe, YNLR Board Chair. "This program not only empowers our community members but also echoes our mission to foster sustainable development and opportunities in the Athabasca Basin. Together with our partners, we are creating pathways to success for Indigenous residents and women, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive in the aviation industry."

- Mary Denechezhe, Chair of the Board of Directors, Ya'Thi Nene Lands and Resources

Quick facts

PrairiesCan is the federal department that diversifies the economy across the Canadian Prairies. PrairiesCan leads in building a strong, competitive Canadian economy by supporting business, innovation, and community economic development unique to Alberta , Saskatchewan , and Manitoba .

, , and . The Government of Saskatchewan's Ministry of Immigration and Career Training works directly with Indigenous organizations and communities to identify opportunities and pathways that help increase Indigenous participation in the economy.

Ministry of Immigration and Career Training works directly with Indigenous organizations and communities to identify opportunities and pathways that help increase Indigenous participation in the economy. This investment supports the Government of Saskatchewan's recently released Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy. In the strategy the province outlines how it is ensuring Saskatchewan has the labour force needed to meet employer demand and ensure that Saskatchewan people have the first opportunity to benefit from the province's growing economy.

Associated links

Stay connected

Follow PrairiesCan on Twitter and LinkedIn

Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378

TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388

SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada

Contacts: Kyle Allen, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, [email protected]; Rhonda Shymko, A/Communications Manager, Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected]; Nipun Taneja, Immigration and Career Training, Phone: 306-510-2786, [email protected]
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 1, 2024 /CNW/ -- The Frost & Sullivan Institute is excited to unveil the 2024 Enlightened Leadership Best Practices Recognition winners from Middle East, Africa and Europe. These outstanding organizations have masterfully blended growth with their commitment to global stewardship. These exceptional companies, through their dedication to 'innovating to zero' to address critical challenges such as carbon emissions, inclusivity in the workforce, women's empowerment, and diversity, have set a new standard for responsible growth and have had a transformative impact on a global scale.

"In todays interconnected world, these awardees stand as models of corporate excellence, seamlessly integrating their growth ambitions with a genuine dedication to driving global progress. Their innovative strategies elevate their industries and highlight the profound link between business success and global well-being, paving the way for future milestones in social and environmental progress., remarked Asha Sridar, Manager of the Frost & Sullivan Institute.

"Through the Enlightened Growth Leadership Best Practices Recognition, 2024 we celebrate companies that have exemplified a steadfast commitment to integrating profitability with sustainability. In today's interconnected world, these awardees stand as models of corporate excellence, seamlessly integrating their growth ambitions with a genuine dedication to driving global progress. Their innovative strategies elevate their industries and highlight the profound link between business success and global well-being, paving the way for future milestones in social and environmental progress.," remarked Asha Sridar, Manager of the Frost & Sullivan Institute.

The selection process for these prestigious awards involves a rigorous evaluation using our proprietary eight-step methodology. This includes in-depth research, comprehensive analysis, and benchmarking against critical performance indicators such as growth excellence, 'innovating to zero' initiatives, and advancements in the customer value chain. Our global think tank examines how these companies contribute to the global economy and the future of our planet.

The Frost & Sullivan Institute extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 Enlightened Growth Leadership Best Practices Recognition from the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Their exceptional contributions will be honored at a prestigious awards ceremony hosted in association with the Strategic Consortium of Intelligence People (SCIP) in Barcelona later this year. These companies serve as inspiring examples of how business success can be aligned with the well-being of our planet and its people.

Recipients:

Arabian Internet & Communications Services Co

ASBISC Enterprises PLC.

DP World

Gold Fields Limited

Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (PLC)

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)

Ma'aden

Saudi Arabian Oil Co.

Sibanye-Stillwater

SolarEdge

A2A S.p.A

AB IGNITIS GRUPE

Acea Spa

AF Gruppen

AFRY AB

Agsm Verona S.p.A

Aker BP

Allegro

ALTANA PHARMA AG

ams-OSRAM AG

ASL Aviation Holdings

ASM International N.V.

ASML

AstraZeneca

T&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft INC

AUTO1 Group

Beijer Ref AB

BioNTech SE

BKW

Breedon Group plc

Capgemini

Cellnex

Centrica plc

CEZ, a. s.

CMA CGM Group

ACCIONA ENERGIA

CSL

Daikin

Deliveroo plc

About Frost & Sullivan Institute

The Frost & Sullivan Institute (FSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to utilizing business practices to address global priorities. The genesis of the institute goes back to the vision of either creating or becoming part of a solution that addresses threats to humanity. The Institute has identified strategic imperatives for transformation and believes that we can truly accelerate innovation to zero. To learn more about FSI, visit www.frostandsullivaninstitute.org

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Media Contact:

Bivechana Gautam

Email: [email protected]

Related Links

www.frost.com

www.frostandsullivaninstitute.org

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
The problem is that you didnt stay on your property, she said. Though certainly you just being in your yard with a firearm is going to cause people concern, given what has happened in our country.

Earlier in the week, the BPD and SD2 conducted drills to prepare for a potential school shooting.

BPD and local law enforcement partners conducted a tactical armed intruder drill Wednesday at Billings West High School. That afternoon, the school district practiced how they would reunify children with parents after a mass casualty event.
A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from Cision Distribution this week

TORONTO, Aug. 2, 2024 /CNW/ - With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on Cision. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

Cision Canada - The Weekly Round-Up (PRNewsfoto/Cision Canada)

Read more of the latest releases from Cision, see our resources for journalists, and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @cnwnews.

About Cision Canada

Cision is a comprehensive communications platform enabling more than 100,000 public relations and marketing professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of communication professionals to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including Newswire, Brandwatch, Cision Communications Cloud and Cision Insights. To learn more, visit www.cision.ca and follow @CisionCA on Twitter.

SOURCE Cision Canada

For questions, contact the team at [email protected].
The Burlington County Farmers Market has been named the best farmers market in New Jersey, according to the results of an online poll conducted by the American Farmland Trust. The market, which narrowly beat out the West Windsor Community Farmers Market, received 1,483 votes in the Americas Farmers Market Celebration poll that ended on July 31.

In addition to being ranked No. 1 in the state, the Burlington County Farmers Market also placed third in the Northeast region. The vote totals are available on the American Farmland Trust website at https://markets.farmland.org/.

This marks the first time the Burlington County Farmers Market has taken the top spot in New Jersey during the annual poll. Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson expressed pride in the achievement, stating, Burlington County is No. 1 in New Jersey for acres of farmland preserved and were proud to now be the home of New Jerseys No. 1 farmers market. This is a big win for Burlington Countys farms, small business owners and the residents who support them and our market.

To learn more about the Burlington County Farmers Market, including a weekly rundown of expected vendors and activities, interested individuals can visit the markets website at https://www.burlcoagcenter.com/farmers-market/ or follow the market on social media at https://www.facebook.com/burlcofarmersmarket.

* * *

Submit Burlington County community news to burlington@njadvancemedia.com.



Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
A 26-year-old New Jersey man who gave two teenagers drugs in exchange for what authorities called sexual favors has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison.

Nafis H. Wiggins will also be required to register as a sex offender and be on parole for life, the Morris County Prosecutors Office said Friday.

Wiggins recruited the 14-year-old and 15-year-old by text message before meeting them in Chatham Township and Chatham Borough on multiple occasions between Aug. 1 and Sept. 28, 2023, officials said. He then drove the pair to more secluded areas to use drugs and sexually assault them, prosecutors said.

Wiggins, of Newark, pleaded guilty in March to two counts of luring as well as drug distribution. He had also been charged with human trafficking, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child after he was arrested in December 2023 near Chatham High School.

He had been held at the Morris County jail since being arrested.
A mom left her infant daughter in the car for hours in Morris County during a heat wave last month, leading to her death, authorities said.

Livia Patelli, 33, of East Hanover, has been charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child after investigators alleged that she left the 6-month-old alone in her car for four-and-a-half hours, the Morris County Prosecutors Office said. She was released on Thursday after appearing in court.

Someone called 911 around 1:30 p.m. on July 17, reporting that a child was alone in a car in a parking lot near South Ridgedale Avenue at Route 10 in East Hanover.

First responders removed the girl from the vehicle and attempted life-saving aid on the scene, authorities said.

The infant was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, prosecutors said.

Temperatures in the area reached as high as 105 degrees on the day of the incident, according to the National Weather Service.

Patelli was also brought to a hospital for treatment, but prosecutors did not provide details about her condition.

She is at least the second New Jersey parent to be charged in a hot car death this summer.

Avraham Chaitovsky, 28, of Jackson, was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child last month after authorities said he left his 8-week old daughter in a parked car for four hours, resulting in the babys death.

So far in 2024, 18 children across America have died of heat strokes inside parked vehicles, according to the National Safety Council. In 2023, there were 29 reported child hot car deaths, the organization said.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
New Jersey Supreme Court Justices said a bi-state toll commission was in the right when its policies barred a contractor from bidding on a contract to build the massive Scudders Fall bridge replacement that carries I-295 over the Delaware River between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The Aug. 1 opinion said that the Delaware River Joint Toll bridge Commission properly used a Project Labor Agreement, or PLA, in seeking and qualifying contractors to bid on the project. It overturned an earlier lower court appellate ruling.

The PLA required a successful contractor and all subcontractors to hire much of their project workforce through two local unions. Contractors were also permitted to hire up to 25% of the project workforce from other unidentified unions or non-union laborers.

The original suit filed by George Harms Construction Company, challenged the use of a PLA because its employees were represented by a union that wasnt part of the agreement, which precluded the company from bidding on the bridge project.

While the Scudder Falls bridge was completed in 2022, the Supreme Court opinion said Thursdays decision would affect future bridge projects.

We commend the Court for its decision, Commission officials said in a statement. The Commission serves a critical public function, and todays decision appropriately recognizes that the two states entrusted the Commission with the broad discretion necessary to fulfill its bi-state transportation mission.

In 2023, the appellate judges based their decision on the fact that while New Jersey has a state law about the use of PLAs, Pennsylvania does not. The 90-year old compact that created the bi-state commission has no language requiring or prohibiting PLA use. Based on that, the judges said the commission had no legal basis to require use of a PLA.

But the high court disagreed, saying the powers granted to the commission in the compact that created it encompass the power to use a PLA. The justices wrote the Appellate Division erred when it sought to ascertain whether New Jersey and Pennsylvania have complementary and parallel state laws, completely apart from the Compact, that authorize the use of PLAs.

Neither state has laws banning the use of a PLA, the judges wrote.

Commission officials said the ruling moves the legal matter a significant step closer to resolution after eight years of litigation.

The Scudder Falls Toll Bridges first span opened with tolls in the Pennsylvania direction in July 2019. The multi-faceted five-year-long Scudder Falls Bridge Replacement Project was finally completed in October 2022, he said.

After a consultants study, the commission decided to use a Project Labor Agreement and identified two local building and construction trades councils and their affiliated local unions: the Mercer-Burlington Counties and Vicinity Building Trades Council, AFL-CIO; and the Building and Construction Trades Council of Philadelphia and Vicinity, AFL-CIO.

Harms had a labor agreement with a different union, the United Steel Workers.

Attorneys for Harms and the steel workers union sent a letter to the commission asking them to include the union in the PLA because it had a Harmony Agreement with AFL-CIOs Building and Construction Trades Department, allowing employees from both unions to work side by side on the same projects.

The commission did not respond to that letter, court documents said.

Harms threatened to seek an injunction to prevent the project from moving forward unless the commission added USW as a signatory union to the PLA, court papers said. On Dec. 2, 2016, the commission filed a complaint, alleging it would suffer irreparable financial harm if Harms obtained an injunction. The injunction was denied on Jan. 5, 2017.

In September 2017, the court allowed Harms to counterclaim for punitive and compensatory damages, and file breach of fiduciary duty against the commission. In that action, Harms also claimed the commission violated New Jersey and Pennsylvania competitive bidding laws in addition to national labor laws.

On Dec. 23, 2020, the lower court dismissed Harms counterclaims and denied the companys motion to reinstate counterclaims and for sanctions. Harms appealed before the end of 2020.

Harms argued in court papers that it would have submitted a lower proposal, if it had been allowed to bid, that would have saved the commission $69 million over a $396 million contract was awarded to the Trumbull Corporation in January 2017. Trumbull was the only bidder on the project.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry.
Donald Trump described Kyle Rittenhouse as a fan of his and a nice young man after meeting him at his Mar-a-Lago estate after Rittenhouse was acquitted of all charges in the deadly Kenosha shootings that became a flashpoint in the debate over guns, vigilantism and racial injustice in the U.S.

But apparently Rittenhouse isnt such a huge fan after all.

He took to X after apparently facing backlash for saying he wouldnt vote for Trump this November. Instead, he plans to write in former Texas Congressman Ron Paul.

A lot of people are upset that I said that Im going to be writing in Ron Paul for president of the United States. And that is true, I will be writing in Ron Paul, Rittenhouse said in a video. Unfortunately, Donald Trump had bad advisers making him bad on Second Amendment and that is my issue. If you cannot be completely, uncompromisable on the Second Amendment, I will not vote for you.

He added: I support my decision and I have no takebacks.

He also posted a picture of him posing with the former lawmaker.

Rittenhouse was charged with homicide, attempted homicide and reckless endangering for killing two men and wounding a third with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle in the summer of 2020 during a tumultuous night of protests over the shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake, by a white Kenosha, Wisconsin, police officer.

Rittenhouse, a then-17-year-old former police youth cadet, said that he went to Kenosha to protect property from rioters but that he came under attack and feared for his life. He was acquitted a year later.

Joe Biden called for calm at the time, saying that while the outcome of the case will leave many Americans feeling angry and concerned, myself included, we must acknowledge that the jury has spoken.

Trump, who at the time of the shootings said it appeared Rittenhouse had been very violently attacked, issued a statement at the time congratulating Rittenhouse on the verdict, adding if thats not self defense, nothing is!

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
It didnt take long for Yankees newcomer Jazz Chisholm Jr. to win over the fan base in New York. Even radio hosts, known for tearing into the Bronx Bombers of late, are coming to the super utilitys defense.

On Friday morning, WFANs Greg Giannotti, the cohost of the stations morning show, Boomer & Gio, took shots at former Marlins president David Sampson, who recently called Chisholm average.

David Samson sounds like a really annoying defense attorney, said Giannotti, via Awful Announcing. Shut up, you little twerp. God damn, just shut up. David Samson seems like a very intelligent guy, and he has given us news this morning. But his voice is just ugh.

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RESTORING THE GLORY

Samson fired back, posting this response on X/Twitter:

Twerp? Is that the best you got, (Giannotti)? Disappointing. And weve never met. And dont worry about me. As for (Stugotz), thats a different story.

Chisholm has gotten off to a hot start with the Yankees, going 7-for-19 (.368 batting average) with a 1.400 OPS, including four home runs and eight RBIs in four games.

This, Sampson intimate on Wednesdays episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, is a mere mirage. Just wait until he hits the skids.

Hes gotten off to a good start, and thats going to maybe give him the false sense that hes the center of some amount of attention, Samson said. But wait til he goes 1-for-13 in New York. In Miami, it gets ignored with one camera. In New York, youre on the back page of The Post. So be careful what you wish for.

The addition of Chisholm has provided the Yankees with a much-needed boost. Since acquiring him, the Yankees havent lost  theyre in the midst of a five-game winning street  and hes proven to be a team player, willing to do whatever it takes to win, even playing third base for the first time in his career.

This is in stark contrast to Yankees lifer Gleyber Torres, who recently bemoaned the idea of playing any position other than second base.

Im a second baseman, Torres said, so I play second base.

Chisholm will certainly go on a slump at some point in his Yankees tenure, no player avoids a bad stretch, but if his start in the Bronx is evidence of anything, its that he relishes the pressure. Thats more than you cant say about many big leaguers.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Manny Gomez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.
A man has pleaded guilty to thirteen offences of breeding dogs without a licence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Torridge District Council reported that Andrew Watts of Milton Damerel was found guilty and ordered to pay over 16,000 in fines at Barnstaple Magistrates Court on Friday, July 26.

ABOVE: Pregnant Cocker Spaniel 'Poppy'. Image: Torridge District Council



In August 2023, the Torridge Licensing Team received a complaint regarding an online advertisement for Hungarian Vizsla puppies.

The complainant raised concerns about the welfare of the underweight puppies and the breeder's practices, prompting an immediate investigation.

In October 2023, Torridge Licensing Officers coordinated a joint operation with the Police, RSPCA, and a veterinary surgeon to carry out a search warrant at Mr Watts' property.

Upon arrival, the team discovered eighteen dogs living in dreadful conditions, including underweight Hungarian Vizsla puppies and their mother in unsanitary surroundings.

The mother, suffering from severe diarrhoea, and her puppies were promptly handed over to the council and taken away.

Additionally, a heavily pregnant Cocker Spaniel in poor health was found at the same location.

The investigation revealed deplorable conditions in the property's kennels, with officers needing frequent breaks outside due to the overpowering stench of urine and faeces.

The dogs were kept in dark, damp, and filthy environments, with many suffering burns to their paws from prolonged exposure to urine.

Inside the house, a well-maintained room was set up for buyers to interact with the puppies, complete with a designated play area.

Some mother dogs had been bred twice a year.

Numerous buyers reported that the puppies they bought had health issues such as upset stomachs and worms.

Many of the dogs required months of care and rehabilitation before they could be rehomed. The dogs were handed over to animal rescue organisations that assisted with collecting, transporting, and finding new homes for them.

It was uncovered that three of the mother dogs were pregnant when they were taken in. Despite this unexpected situation, all the dogs received the necessary care and veterinary attention, thanks to The Dogs Trust, RSPCA, and Margaret Green Animal Rescue.

The council has said they are pleased to report that all the mothers and their puppies, born in the care of animal charities, have been adopted into loving homes.

A spokesperson for the council said: We are especially happy for Red and her sweet puppies, who melted the hearts of many families eagerly waiting to welcome them into their homes.

Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health & Community Safety, said: It's truly heartbreaking to witness animals being kept in such poor conditions. Im very proud of the Torridge Officers who worked brilliantly with other organisations to stop this illegal act. The case shines a light on the importance of choosing puppies from licensed breeders who adhere to the numerous requirements under The Animal Welfare Act 2006. Torridge Officers are committed to investigating unlicensed animal activities and taking cases to court when necessary. If you're considering giving a home to a dog or puppy, please think about reaching out to rescue centres  there are so many dogs in need. If you are interested in buying a puppy from a licensed breeder, please be sure to visit the Torridge website beforehand at www.torridge.gov.uk/publicregister.
Sudan has in this century endured genocide, civil war and partition, and now its crisis has worsened. Famine has officially been declared in part of the Darfur region in western Sudan.

Growing starvation has been apparent for many months, so this is in part a failure of the international community to apply adequate pressure on rival parties in Sudan and to provide adequate resources to address the crisis. Far more attention has been directed to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and while that is understandable, the upshot is that children are dying unnecessarily in Sudan.

Malnutrition is widespread around the world  about one-fifth of all children globally are physically stunted from inadequate food  but this only very rarely rises to the level of famine. In the 21st century, this is only the third official famine, after one in Somalia in 2011 and one in South Sudan in 2017.

The famine review committee, a group of independent nutrition experts, declared on Thursday that famine had officially arrived at the Zamzam camp, home to about 500,000 displaced people near the city of El Fasher in Darfur.
The leader of one of New Yorks most elite private schools has left his post after an academic year marked by infighting among parents, students, faculty and alumni over the war in Gaza.

Joe Algrant stepped down on Thursday as the head of school at Ethical Culture Fieldston School after a two-year tenure, to pursue other personal and professional goals and opportunities, according to an email sent to the school community by the Fieldston board of trustees. Mr. Algrant, who said in the email that the school has the strongest and most vital mission, purpose, and values of any school I have known, declined to comment.

This spring, Fieldston was torn apart by pro-Palestinian student activism, including graffiti on the high school that drew widespread public attention. Parents complained that school administrators did not do enough to bring factions together or to articulate and enforce rules around activism, antisemitism and Islamophobia.

The friction at Fieldston was mirrored at private schools across the city. Mr. Algrants departure comes less that two months after the board of the Collegiate School, another elite private school in New York, announced that its head of school would depart, after an internal report found disquieting problems of religious and cultural bias at the school.
Mayor Eric Adams won a legal victory on Thursday when a state judge blocked a lawsuit seeking to force New York City to expand a housing voucher program to address rising homelessness.

Last year, the City Council passed a package of bills to make more people eligible for vouchers. Mr. Adams vetoed the legislation, saying it would be too costly.

The Council overrode his veto, and tenants sued to force the city to implement the law.

On Thursday, the State Supreme Court judge, Lyle E. Frank, ruled in favor of the mayor, arguing that the Council did not have the authority to approve the laws and that it was a state matter.

Mr. Adams, a Democrat in his first term, celebrated the ruling in a statement, adding: We are hopeful that our partners in the Council will join us in remaining committed to working to connect New Yorkers in need with safe, affordable, permanent housing.
On a Sunday night in July, a Venezuelan migrant was shot in the chest and killed in a small park in Brooklyn, a few blocks from a hulking cluster of buildings used as migrant shelters.

Moments later, two other migrants were shot and killed outside the shelters, and the police began investigating whether the two incidents were connected. Speculation swirled that the back-to-back shootings were tied to migrant gangs, unsettling nearby residents.

Then, this week, detectives made an unpublicized breakthrough: They arrested a New York City parks worker on murder charges on Monday, accusing him of fatally shooting the Venezuelan man in the park on July 21.

The police said that the worker, Elijah Mitchell, fired multiple shots at the man, Arturo Jose Rodriguez-Marcano, 30, before driving away in a blue sedan, according to a law enforcement official and a complaint filed in Criminal Court in Brooklyn.
A gunman shot two police sergeants who were trying to arrest him minutes after an armed robbery in a mahjong parlor on the Lower East Side in Manhattan on Thursday, Police Department officials said.

One officer was shot in the groin, and the other was grazed by a bullet in the leg, Joseph Kenny, the chief of detectives, said at a news conference on Thursday at Bellevue Hospital, where the officers were being treated for their wounds. Both were in stable condition, said Chief Kenny, who was joined at the news conference by Mayor Eric Adams.

The sergeant who was grazed will be released from the hospital on Thursday night, and the sergeant who was shot in the groin will be held overnight for observation. A man, Joshua Dorsett, 22, was taken into custody at the scene, Chief Kenny said.

Around 4:15 p.m., the police responded to a 911 call regarding a man on the second floor of a building on Canal Street near Eldridge Street, Chief Kenny said. The man, whom the police later identified as Mr. Dorsett, had pulled out a gun and pointed it at several women at the mahjong parlor, a popular neighborhood spot where people gather and bet money on mahjong games, he said.
You cant say you werent warned. Right there in the middle of my Times bio, it says, If there were a Nerd Olympics, I might take the gold medal. It means Im ready to bend your ear over Star Wars. We can talk for hours about Dune. But if you really want to get me wound up, say something about J.R.R. Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings.

These days, however, Tolkien isnt just relevant to nerd world. It feels strange to say this, but the proper interpretation of his work has geopolitical implications. Critical factions of the new right at home and the far right in Europe have latched on to Tolkiens work. By new right I mean the post-Reagan right, a movement that embraces state power as a means of fighting and winning the culture war. But theyre getting Tolkien wrong, and the way in which they are getting Tolkien wrong matters for all of us.

Last month, Politicos Adam Wren wrote an extended analysis of the way that the Lord of the Rings trilogy shaped JD Vance. On a 2021 podcast, Vance said, Im a big Lord of the Rings guy, and I think, not realizing it at the time, but a lot of my conservative worldview was influenced by Tolkien growing up. Vance named his venture capital firm, Narya, after a magical elven ring. His political ally and benefactor Peter Thiel named one of his companies Palantir, another magical object in Lord of the Rings. Vance also invested in Anduril Industries, a defense firm named after Aragorns sword.

(Full disclosure: One of my most prized possessions is a replica of Anduril. My wife, Nancy, commissioned a swordsmith to make it for me almost 20 years ago. She gets me.)
A turning point came on June 25, when a group of C.I.A. officers sat across from their Russian counterparts during a secret meeting in a Middle Eastern capital.

The Americans floated a proposal: an exchange of two dozen prisoners sitting in jails in Russia, the United States and scattered across Europe, a far bigger and more complex deal than either side had previously contemplated but one that would give both Moscow and Western nations more reasons to say yes.

Quiet negotiations between the United States and Russia over a possible prisoner swap had dragged on for more than a year. They were punctuated by only occasional glimpses of hope for the families of the American prisoners  including Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, and Paul Whelan, an American security contractor  growing increasingly impatient for their ordeal to end. Those hopes were always dashed when one of the two sides balked.

But the June meeting changed things, according to accounts from American and Western officials and other people familiar with the long process of bringing the deal to fruition.
Good evening! Yesterday, former President Donald Trump attacked Vice President Kamala Harris over her racial identity, which is something she rarely talked about before a key moment in the spring of 2023. I asked my colleague Erica Green, a White House correspondent, to tell us how Harriss little-noticed moves in that period reshaped her vice presidency and laid the groundwork for her campaign against Trump.  Jess Bidgood

On March 28, 2023, while Vice President Kamala Harris was visiting Ghana, she made a decision that surprised members of her staff.

They had worked for weeks on remarks for her to deliver in the country, part of a visit to deepen Americas ties with the continent, but Harris changed the plan. Instead, she decided to do something unusual: She talked about her lineage and its impact on her life.

This continent, of course, has a special significance for me personally as the first Black vice president of the United States of America, she said.
A leader of a white supremacist prison gang was one of three prisoners killed when a fight broke out Tuesday morning at a Nevada prison, the states Department of Corrections said.

Nine other inmates were also treated for injuries, and no corrections officers were hurt at Ely State Prison, a maximum-security prison nine miles north of the city of Ely in White Pine County.

On Wednesday, the Nevada Department of Corrections identified Zackaria Luz and Connor Brown as being two of the inmates killed in the fight but withheld the third prisoners identity until a next-of-kin was notified, a statement said.

Mr. Luz, 43, was serving seven to 18 years for racketeering, the Department of Corrections said.

In a 2019 indictment that also charged 22 other people, Mr. Luz was previously indicted as a leader of a white-supremacist gang called the Aryan Warriors, The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
Manfred Kirchheimer, a filmmaker who was drawn to stickball, jazz, subway graffiti, gargoyles on old buildings and the memories of aging immigrants, and who after decades of slowpoke perfectionism earned a reputation as a master of nonfiction cinema, died on July 16 at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He was 93.

The cause was cancer, his son Gabe said.

Mr. Kirchheimer often wrote, produced, directed and edited his movies as well as photographed them. He worked hard to get funding from nonprofit sources, and he earned a living as a freelance film editor and a film professor at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan from the mid-1970s until the mid-2010s.

His camera moved at the speed of people-watching: lingering for an extra moment to relish a certain scene, turning to something else in the bounty of street sights, then returning his gaze somewhere it had already been, hungry for a second helping.

He found dignity and delight in what other New Yorkers overlooked or even disdained. Mayor Ed Koch, for instance, called subway graffiti blight, but Mr. Kirchheimer exulted in the subway exteriors of the late 1970s as traveling canvases. He made the subway the main character of his 1981 movie, Stations of the Elevated, with a soundtrack by Charles Mingus that suggested that graffiti could have the same rough, improvisational genius as his jazz.
The Paris police are investigating death threats and online harassment targeting Thomas Jolly, the Olympic opening ceremonys artistic director, the Paris prosecutors office said on Friday.

While the opening ceremony was broadly praised in France, a banquet scene featuring drag queens fueled intense controversy in conservative circles after some people interpreted it as a parody of The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vincis painting of a biblical scene.

Mr. Jolly had filed a complaint earlier this week after he received a barrage of insults and threats online, some based on his his sexual orientation, the prosecutors office said. Mr. Jolly was also targeted by insults based on a false assumption that he was from Israel, the office said.

The Paris prosecutors office said it had opened a hate speech investigation.

The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, released a statement on Friday supporting Mr. Jolly. Paris was proud and honored to be able to count on his talent to magnify our city and tell the world what we are all about, she said. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, Paris will always stand by artists, creation and freedom.
Their brutal ordeal is over

President Biden and Kamala Harris, the vice president, welcomed home Americans who had been released from Russian custody, including the Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland last night. Their brutal ordeal is over, and theyre free, Biden said earlier in the day.

The complex deal for their release  which came together after elaborate negotiations involving seven countries  was a diplomatic victory for Biden, who has long pledged to bring imprisoned Americans home. Sixteen people in total were released by Russia, and in exchange, eight people were freed by the West.

In a statement, Gershkovichs family thanked Biden and other officials for helping to secure his release after 16 months in a Russian prison. At the air base, after stepping off the plane and talking with Biden and Harris, Gershkovich hugged a family member and lifted her into the air.

Analysis: The linchpin of the deal for Russia was the release of the assassin Vadim Krasikov from a German prison, which President Vladimir Putin had long sought. Russia passed a law in 2006 which formally permitted the extrajudicial killing abroad of those Moscow accuses of extremism and terrorism, Neil MacFarquhar, a reporter for The Times who has covered the Kremlin for years, said. In the eyes of the Kremlin, Krasikovs assassination in Berlin of a Chechen separatist leader whom Russia labeled a terrorist was legitimate.
Slowdown fears

Global markets are a blur of red on Friday as investors fret that the U.S. economy is heading for a slowdown.

Lackluster tech earnings are weighing on sentiment (more on that below), but the bigger worry is a softening jobs market and a spending pullback by consumers that threatens to crimp corporate profit.

That shines a spotlight on Fridays jobs report, scheduled for release at 8:30 a.m. Eastern, and bolsters calls on the Fed to lower interest rates at its next meeting, in September.

Theres even talk that the central bank could consider a jumbo half-percentage-point rate cut to pull off its hope for a soft landing in which inflation is cooled without tipping the economy into recession.
A Delaware judge on Friday questioned lawyers for Tesla about why the company asked shareholders to vote on a $55 billion pay package for its chief executive, Elon Musk, after she had struck it down in January.

The judge, Chancellor Kathaleen St. J. McCormick of the Delaware Court of Chancery, noted at a hearing in Wilmington that there was no legal precedent for the companys decision, which led to an overwhelming shareholder vote in favor of the compensation package in June.

This has never been done before, she said in an exchange with a lawyer representing Mr. Musk and Teslas directors. There is no Delaware law on this, correct?

The lawyer, David E. Ross, acknowledged there was no exact precedent for having shareholders overturn a judges decision in similar cases. But he asserted that the June vote showed that Teslas shareholders were willing to award Mr. Musk the package even after being provided a lot more information about how it had been devised.
Chevron, the second-largest U.S. oil company, is moving its headquarters to Houston from California, formalizing a long-expected breakup with a state that has pushed aggressively to address climate change.

It is the latest example of businesses voting with their feet against politicians and regulators who want them to take swifter action to reduce the emissions that are heating the planet.

Companies across the oil and gas industry have also been consolidating operations and trimming spending to improve their standing on Wall Street. Many investors reduced their exposure to the industry because it had delivered subpar returns for many years leading up to the pandemic.

The State of California sued Chevron and other large oil companies last year, claiming that they misled the public about the risks of fossil fuels, whose extraction and use are leading causes of climate change.
In 1996, when Peter Hessler taught at a small college in Sichuan Province, 90 percent of his students came from villages. Mr. Hessler, 5 feet 9 inches, towered over them by about half a head. They often had just one outfit to wear: a blue suit jacket, or maybe a knockoff Chicago Bulls jersey. One student told him decades later that he could afford only one meal a day.

Mr. Hessler returned to China in 2019 to teach at Sichuan University-Pittsburgh Institute. This time, all his nonfiction writing students came from cities, and some of the women in his class were even taller than him. A couple of students wore retro Air Jordans that cost hundreds of dollars.

The changes he observed reflected how, in a generation, China had transformed. The countrys population flipped from 70 percent villagers to two-thirds city dwellers. Economic output per person rose twentyfold, according to the World Bank. A 2020 study in The Lancet, a medical journal, reported that, out of 200 countries, boys in China had the largest increase in height from 1985 to 2019, while Chinese girls had the third largest.

But the political system that defined society had not changed one bit, Mr. Hessler writes in his new book, Other Rivers: A Chinese Education.
In a few short months, diplomats from nearly all the worlds countries will descend on Azerbaijan, a small petrostate on the Caspian Sea, nestled between Russia and Iran, to wrangle over how best to avoid the ever-growing dangers of climate change.

Its an unlikely place for such talk: It is out of the way, under authoritarian rule and, crucially, hyper-dependent on fossil fuels. Azerbaijan is hosting the annual climate summit, called COP29, only by dint of a quirky United Nations selection process that left it as the last option on the table.

Mukhtar Babayev, an amiable midlevel bureaucrat put in charge of the talks, scarcely anticipated filling such a high-stakes role. We are not famous as a green transition ideas developer, he said last week in a wide-ranging interview in the Azerbaijani countryside. Yes, for us it is new.

Mr. Babayev, 56, and his team are tasked with balancing nearly impossibly divergent interests, from dominant petrostates like Saudi Arabia to sinking island states like Vanuatu. Its a seemingly vertical learning curve for officials who acknowledge their inexperience in global climate politics.

They also acknowledge that they are under pressure from some people in their own country, who fear the global energy transition away from fossil fuels. Nearly all of Azerbaijans exports are oil and gas. Mr. Babayev himself spent most of his career rising through the middle ranks of the state oil company.

And despite broad agreement that the world must stop burning fossil fuels as quickly as possible, Mr. Babayev offered a defense of those who produce them, particularly natural gas, which has transformed his country into a bigger player on the geopolitical stage in recent years as Europe scrambled to find replacements for Russian supplies.
A few days ago, at an ornate hilltop hotel in Azerbaijans wine country with panoramic views of the Caucasus foothills, the worlds top climate diplomats debated how to marshal whopping amounts of money to fight global warming and compensate poor and vulnerable countries that suffer its worst effects.

Some say single-digit trillions. Some say double-digit, said Yalchin Rafiyev, Azerbaijans chief climate negotiator.

The meeting was a pre-meeting, of sorts, for the main event: Novembers United Nations sponsored climate negotiations, known as COP29, to be held in the seaside capital, Baku, a few hours away.

At previous summits, the worlds nations had struggled to agree on a seemingly basic premise in the fight against climate change, namely that humanitys reliance on fossil fuels must be curbed as quickly as possible.
Any discussion of Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who is on Kamala Harriss shortlist of vice-presidential picks, invariably includes the phrase former NASA astronaut. He flew four Space Shuttle missions  two as commander  the desideratum of a childs imagining of a future career and a killer resume line for anyone running for public office.

For Ms. Harris, the spaceflight factor may be overestimated and underappreciated all at once: Mr. Kelly projects an image of masculinity and strength that could reassure any swing voters or others who may be reluctant to cast a vote for a female former senator from liberal California. Whether or not Mr. Kelly is the V.P. choice, the qualities he brings  sobriety, consistency and military experience  are welcome contributions to the future of Democratic politics.

Mr. Kellys strengths as a running mate and a potential governing partner go deeper than the NASA logo. What astronauts actually do on the job is more mundane than Han Solo derring-do and serves as a better match for the tedious and often boring realities of governing than the passing florescence of politics.

We looked for three main criteria, said Chris Hadfield, a retired astronaut who helped write the selection guidelines at NASA. Healthy life habits, the proven ability to learn complicated things quickly and the ability to make good decisions of extremely high consequences.
JD Vance is one of the first important politicians in the United States to directly take up one of the preoccupations of this newsletter  the ongoing collapse of birthrates across the developed world and the grim consequences of an aging, childless future  and its fair to say it isnt going well so far. Not just his dig at childless cat ladies but also his past support for a system where parents cast votes on behalf of their children have been fodder for the Democratic Partys newfound narrative about the Trump-Vance ticket: that its creepy, bizarre, weird.

Even when the cats are left out of it, alas, the problem of weirdness is a chronic one for pro-natalists. I have many years of experience talking to people (to you, dear readers, but also to friends and neighbors and relations) about the birth dearth, and I can promise that no matter how you frame the issue, pro-natalism often comes across as extremely strange.

This is not to concede that it is actually weird to care about the birthrate: Children are good, human beings are good, a prosperous future for the human race is good, and its absurd not to care about looming depopulation and all the social and economic problems that come trailing in its wake. Future generations (to the extent that they exist!) will find it much, much stranger that so many people barely noticed this issue or dismissed it than that a Republican vice-presidential candidate once floated giving children political representation through their parents.

But if you are a pro-natalist, you still have to understand the reasons an aura of weirdness hangs over the idea.
A few days ago, Russian political prisoners started vanishing from their prison colonies: Their lawyers would come to see them only to be told their clients were no longer there. The disappearance of an inmate is often bad news  it can mean a move to a more remote colony, illness or death. But as the number of missing prisoners grew, in the Russian dissident community a mounting sense of anticipation replaced the concern. A trade, a prominent Russian in exile posted on his Facebook page, without bothering to explain the reference. Definitely a trade, posted a young Russian activist in exile, a day later. I am hopeful and Im afraid to say the word, posted another.

On Thursday, Russia released the Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, along with 15 other inmates. In exchange, Germany, the United States, Slovenia, Norway and Poland together released a total of eight prisoners, including the Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov. It was the largest and most complicated prisoner swap in U.S. history. It was also the largest such bargain the West has ever struck with Russia, a country whose legal system is designed to punish opponents of the regime and to generate hostages.

The story of this exchange began a year before Gershkovichs arrest, in late January 2022. Christo Grozev, an investigative journalist living in Vienna, was strolling along Silver Lake Reservoir in Los Angeles with Maria Pevchikh, a leading figure in the anti-corruption movement started by the Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny.
I dont think war is inevitable, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday, after senior leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas were killed in pinpoint attacks in a suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, and Tehran. He was right; war is never inevitable until it breaks out. But suddenly the possibility of an all-in conflict of unpredictable breadth between Israel and its Iran-backed enemies, into which the United States would most likely be drawn, had become a dangerous possibility.

Israel acknowledged the first strike, which killed Fuad Shukr, a senior military commander of Hezbollah, on Tuesday, but said nothing about the second, the assassination of a top Hamas political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in the capital of Iran. He was killed by an explosive device planted in an Iranian guesthouse weeks earlier, and both Iran and Hamas accused Israel of doing it.

The war whoops sounded instantly and loudly. Even in the confusing and shifting enmities of the Middle East there are unspoken red lines, and two assassinations inside capital cities was a provocation that demands retaliation. For Iran, the killing of a senior Hamas leader while he was attending the inauguration of the new Iranian president was a humiliation that the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared it was our duty to avenge. Mr. Haniyeh, moreover, was a top Hamas negotiator in cease-fire talks, raising questions about whether those negotiations would be put on a long hold.

Nonetheless, Mr. Austin, who was on a visit to the Philippines, went on to suggest that there was still room for diplomacy. He and the secretary of state, Antony Blinken, who was also traveling in Asia, both acknowledged that they had no advance warning of the attack on Mr. Haniyeh  a sobering testimony to the limits of American leverage over a conflict on which the United States has expended vast treasure and diplomatic capital over many decades.
This week Senator Joe Manchin, independent from West Virginia, called a committee vote on a bill to speed up approval of energy projects that puts environmentalists in a tough spot. It gives them something they badly want, along with something they strongly oppose.

The bill boosts solar and wind by making it easier to build transmission lines to carry green power from where its generated to where its needed. But it also boosts fossil fuels by opening public lands and waters to oil and gas leasing, and makes it easier to export liquefied natural gas.

The fight against climate change depends on the choices that humans make, and this vote was one of the more important choices of the year. If polar bears had internet connections, they would have watched the proceedings live.

The committee voted 15 to 4 in favor of the bill, which now goes to the full Senate for consideration. On one hand, its nice to see Republicans and Democrats finding common cause for a change. On the other hand, from what I know of the legislation, I think I would have been a nay. Its far too friendly to fossil fuels.
Tracy Nailor, a 56-year-old Atlanta pediatrician, wasnt particularly impressed with Kamala Harris when she first ran for president. I think I succumbed to the narrative about her, she said. She thought Harris wasnt experienced or accomplished enough to merit the Democratic nomination. I just didnt know enough, she said. I didnt do my homework. Instead of Harris, she supported the trusted, familiar Joe Biden in the last election.

But as Bidens most recent presidential campaign ground on, her faith wavered. She knew it was going to be hard for the aging president to win again. I was not hopeless, but I was definitely concerned, she said. Amid all that worry, the sudden ascension of Harris felt like deliverance. Im a person that believes in spirit, and Im a person who believes that but God. And I say that a lot: But God. She meant that no matter how desperate the situation and improbable the possibility of rescue, God can always turn things around. I feel like thats whats happened, she said. This is not only a political movement. This is a social movement. This is an inflection point. And this is, to me, a spiritual movement.

I met Nailor in a hallway of the Georgia State Convocation Center, where around 10,000 people had gathered on Tuesday for a raucous and ebullient Harris rally. She was dressed in the pink and green of the A.K.A.s, the Black sorority that both she and Harris belong to, and was reveling in the events electricity. Ive lived in Atlanta for almost 30 years, she said. Ive seen people that I havent seen in decades. Its just so hopeful and so much happiness.
To the Editor:

Re Journalists and Dissidents Freed From Russia in Swap of 24 Inmates (front page, Aug. 2):

As a former U.S. journalist in Moscow, I am naturally delighted that Evan Gershkovich is back at home after 16 months of wrongful detention in Russia. But it is galling to see him and other innocent Americans being exchanged in a Cold War-style spy swap for a trained assassin and long-term sleeper agents.

Engaging in hostage diplomacy only encourages hostile governments to seize more Americans as hostages whenever they want to recover one of their own killers or spies.

Even at the height of the Cold War, American journalists in Moscow never feared arbitrary detention in a K.G.B. prison. The worst that could happen to us was expulsion. Now that Evans ordeal is over, we need to explore ways to better protect fully accredited journalists who are simply doing their job under difficult circumstances.

It seems that the only language that authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin understand is reciprocity. The next time that an American journalist is seized in Russia, the U.S. government should use its powers under a law such as the Alien Enemies Act to intern one or more of the many Russian journalists allowed to operate freely in this country.
In the aftermath of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump on July 13, a video with images of Jesus crowned with thorns, blood running down his face, followed by photos of the former president circulated on social media. Days later, at the Republican National Convention, the evangelist Franklin Graham endorsed Mr. Trump from the stage, saying that God spared his life.

But the idea of Mr. Trump as chosen by God has infuriated those evangelicals who believe that he stands in direct opposition to their faith. Their existence highlights an often-overlooked fact about the American religious landscape: Evangelicals are not a monolith.

The troubling ascendancy of white Christian nationalism has galvanized evangelicals for whom following Jesus demands speaking truth to power, as well as building the kingdom of heaven on earth in actionable ways. In 2024, this includes mobilizing voters against the former president.

Although this broader evangelical movement is often referred to as the evangelical left, it adheres to no party. This isnt about being a Democrat or a Republican, Jim Wallis, an evangelical Christian pastor, author and justice activist, told me. Instead believers like him say they refuse worldly labels and division.
INTERNATIONAL

An article on Thursday about the conviction of Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara, the former president of Guinea, on crimes against humanity misstated how many people have died in protests under the current rule of Col. Mamady Doumbouya, which began in 2021, according to Amnesty International. It is 47, not more than 100. (Over 100 protesters have been killed in Guinea since 2019, according to Amnesty International.)

NATIONAL

An article on Thursday about wildfires across the Western United States included an incorrect comparison between the amount of acres that have burned on average across the United States over the past decade and the size of California. Seven million acres is less than a tenth the size of California, not roughly half.

ARTS

An article on Thursday about a vanishing grass weaving art form in Hawaii misspelled a word for grasses used to make a thatched roof and a related phrase that means to gain strength through closeness. The grasses are known as pili and the phrase is to build pilina together, not pilana.

Errors are corrected during the press run whenever possible, so some errors noted here may not have appeared in all editions.
Under a huppah in a cornfield in Glenwood, Iowa, Sammi Rose Cannold and Safiullah Rauf took turns reading excerpts from a notebook that she had written in nearly every day for several months.

Day 32 of captivity. I dream of the day that I get to read this sentence back to myself, while sitting next to you on a porch somewhere, or something stupid like that, Mr. Rauf read from Ms. Cannolds notebook. But todays the first time since this started that I have fully doubted if that day will come.

In December 2021, two months after becoming a couple, Mr. Rauf, an Afghan American humanitarian who goes by Safi, was taken hostage by the Taliban. Ms. Cannold wasnt sure she would ever see him again.

Even better than sitting on a porch, on July 20, Mr. Rauf recited that sentence as they were married in front of 300 guests. His father, an imam, had led them through the nikah, the Muslim marriage ceremony. Ms. Cannolds 98-year-old Jewish grandmother read a variation of the seven blessings in Hebrew and English.
For years, defense lawyers in the Guantanamo cases have spoken of reviewing disturbing government photos of the prisoners being held by the C.I.A. in the Bush administrations secret overseas prison, the black sites. But they were marked classified, and the world was not allowed to see them. Until now.

Lawyers in the Sept. 11 case have released a single photo taken by the C.I.A. of one prisoner, Ammar al-Baluchi, showing his gaunt, malnourished naked body, circa 2004 at an overseas prison.

The lawyers said the photo, which was first published by the Guardian newspaper, emerged through a classification review process at the military commissions, the war court at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Senator JD Vance of Ohio, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, is a pioneer in what friends and critics alike call a new form of Republican economic thinking. Its a vision to steer the economy toward advancing socially conservative goals, even when those policies defy conservative orthodoxy about government intervention in private markets.

Those who know him well say Mr. Vances economic views have evolved to match his deepening commitment to social conservative causes, along with his growing anger at the role large companies play in shaping American society and politics.

Mr. Vance has built his brief political career on that new brand of economic populism.

He has championed efforts to reward families for having children, with tax breaks that some Republican economists say discourage people from working. He has also pushed to disempower large businesses, particularly tech companies that Mr. Vance and his allies say have used their market power to silence conservatives and hurt workers and children, through support for aggressive antitrust enforcement and even some corporate tax increases.

Hes a social conservative first, said Michael R. Strain, an economist at the conservative American Enterprise Institute in Washington who has known Mr. Vance and discussed policy with him for years, well before he decided to enter politics.
Read updated coverage of Tropical Storm Debby.

Tropical Storm Debby formed just off the Gulf Coast of the United States on Saturday afternoon, the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, and was expected to make landfall in Florida as a hurricane.

A hurricane warning was issued for parts of Florida and tropical storm warnings were extended on Saturday as the tropical depression became a tropical storm and moved over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, threatening to bring heavy rain, gusty winds and the potential for flash flooding.

Tropical Storm Debby was roughly 50 miles west-southwest of Dry Tortugas, Fla., and 260 miles south-southwest of Tampa, late on Saturday night, with maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour.
To become a bird, pull an oversize T-shirt over your arms and torso. Hide your legs. Let your hands stick out like claws and your empty sleeves flap like wings.

Now use your claws to grip some kind of railing. Take a selfie and upload it to social media with a chirpy caption.

Some young people in China are pretending to be birds as a way of dealing with the pressures of working, studying or looking for jobs after graduation, among other familiar challenges. Sometimes they just want a break from being human at a moment when their futures feel uncertain in the face of slowing economic growth.

Birds can fly free and aimlessly in the sky, said Wang Weihan, 20, a finance student in Shanghai who pretended to be a bird in his dorm room. He said the social media trend expresses the innate desire within every person for freedom.
For the 16 people released from Russian captivity on Thursday in a landmark prisoner swap, the exchange brought a moment of momentous relief. But many others were left behind.

Hundreds of prisoners in Russia  including Americans and prominent Russian political activists, journalists and artists  are still waiting, hoping that another diplomatic agreement or turn of events might secure their release.

One of them is Marc Fogel, an American history teacher who worked for almost a decade at the Anglo-American school in Moscow. In 2021, when trying to enter Russia, Mr. Fogel was arrested and accused of smuggling drugs after a small amount of medical marijuana was discovered in his luggage. His relatives have said it was to treat severe pain.

In June 2022, Mr. Fogel, a native of Western Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug smuggling. In Russia, lesser sentences have often been given to convicted murderers.
The convicted Russian killer bounded off a plane in Moscow on Thursday, hours after Germany freed him in a wide-ranging prison exchange with Russia. President Vladimir V. Putin hugged him on the tarmac, in a heros welcome.

Zurab Khangoshvili, the brother of the Chechen exile shot by the assassin, repeatedly scrolled through the video of the scene, watching from his home in Germany with profound sadness, he said.

It squeezed my heart, he said, as he thought about his dead brother. No German authorities gave the family advance notice, he said. That man killed someone here, and then he went back to Russia to a welcoming ceremony with this huge red carpet. It was unfair.

Germany played a critical role in the complicated trade that on Thursday secured the release of 16 prisoners to the West in exchange for eight prisoners to Russia. No part of that deal was more fraught than agreeing to release Vadim Krasikov, sentenced to life in prison in 2021 for killing Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a Chechen separatist commander who had sought asylum in Germany.
Ilya Yashin, one of the Russian dissidents traded to the West in Thursdays prisoner exchange for a group of Russian agents, cybercriminals and an assassin, said on Friday that he did not want his freedom if it meant leaving his country.

I will never make peace with the role of an emigrant, Mr. Yashin, 41, said at a news conference with other newly freed Russians in Bonn, Germany.

He described a statement he wrote before he was moved from his penal colony, insisting that he did not consent to be exchanged, which he said included the declaration, The Russian Constitution bans sending a citizen of the Russian Federation abroad without his consent. As a Russian citizen, I confirm that I do not give permission to be sent outside of Russia.

He said he was told that if he attempted to return, he would meet the same fate as Aleksei A. Navalny, the opposition leader who died in February in the Arctic penal colony where he was serving several sentences on what Western governments and human rights groups said were trumped-up charges.
The convicted assassin who was the linchpin of the biggest prisoner swap in decades is a member of the most powerful security agency in Russia, the Kremlin acknowledged on Friday, and had served in a special unit with some agents who now guard President Vladimir V. Putin.

The ties help explain Mr. Putins determination to free the assassin, Vadim Krasikov, from the German prison where he was serving time for murder. The effort culminated on Thursday when Mr. Krasikov and seven other former prisoners returned to Moscow after an exchange with Western nations that involved 24 adults and seven countries.

This was the first time that Moscow had admitted that Mr. Krasikov had been working for the Russian state in the Federal Security Service, or F.S.B., an agency that is a successor to the Soviet K.G.B., in which Mr. Putin served in the early stage of his career. The F.S.B. was also the agency that was at the center of the negotiations with the C.I.A. about the swap, Dmitri S. Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said.

Mr. Peskov also revealed that the two children of Artyom and Anna Dultsev  who had served as deep-cover, sleeper spies in the Russian illegals program and were imprisoned in Slovenia  had learned only while on the plane to Moscow that they were Russian and had anything to do with Russia.
Dr. Khaled El Serr last spoke to his family in mid-March, a week before Israeli troops raided the hospital in southern Gaza where he worked as a surgeon.

No one has seen or heard of him ever again, said his cousin, Osaid AlSerr, a surgical resident in the United States. We do not even know whether he is dead or alive.

Dr. El Serr was arrested by the Israeli military, according to Amnesty International, citing the accounts of co-workers and Palestinian detainees who have been released. But the military has refused to say whether it is holding him.

His story is not unique. More than 300 of Gazas health workers are in Israeli detention, the enclaves health ministry says, while others have been detained for a time and then released. And according to the World Health Organization, 500 have been killed in the war, out of a prewar total of about 20,000.

Based on estimates of the wars toll, that means medical workers have been killed and detained at higher rates than Gazans generally, a severe blow to a health care system whose facilities have been devastated by war, and a population weakened by hunger, lack of clean water and the rampant spread of diseases.

That equates to an average of two health care workers killed every day, with one in every 40 health care workers, or 2.5 percent of Gazas health care work force, now dead, Medical Aid for Palestinians, a British charity, said in a statement.
Thousands packed Qatars largest mosque on Friday for the funeral of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamass political leader, hours after President Biden said his killing could hurt the monthslong effort to negotiate a cease-fire in Gaza.

Mr. Haniyeh, who was based in the Persian Gulf nation, had been a negotiator in the cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas. His death in an explosion in Iran on Wednesday and the assassination of the Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon on Tuesday have put the Middle East on edge, bracing for a possible escalation in retaliatory violence.

Asked by a reporter on Thursday night whether the killing of Mr. Haniyeh had ruined the prospect of a negotiated cease-fire in Gaza, Mr. Biden said, It has not helped.

He added that he had a very direct conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel earlier that day and had urged him to agree to a deal to stop the war in Gaza and free the remaining people kidnapped in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on Friday ordered additional combat aircraft and missile-shooting warships to the Middle East in response to threats from Iran and its proxies in Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen to attack Israel in the coming days to avenge the death of Ismail Haniyeh, the Pentagon said.

The military will send one additional squadron of Air Force F-22 fighter jets, an unspecified number of additional Navy cruisers and destroyers capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, and, if needed, more land-based ballistic-missile defense systems.

To maintain the presence of an aircraft carrier and its accompanying warships in the region, Mr. Austin also directed the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, now in the eastern Pacific, to relieve the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt in the next couple of weeks when it is scheduled to return home.

Some ships already in the western Mediterranean Sea will move east, closer to the coast of Israel to provide more security, a senior Pentagon official said.
Ripley PR is named public relations agency of record for EDEN, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry startup. The company cited Ripley's agency's expertise in the home service, tech and startup markets as the deciding factor in its decision. EDEN's customizable digital sales enablement tool integrates into an HVAC contractor's website to provide a 24/7 interactive online experience for homeowners by providing them with accurate estimates based on the contractor's pricing. "Ripley PR's demonstrated success in helping tech companies build brand awareness and their knowledge of the home service industry is exactly the expertise a startup like EDEN needs when entering the market," said EDEN co-founder and CEO Ben Phillips. "Having a PR partner that understands how our Instant Quote solution can help both homeowners and contractors means that we will be targeting the right audiences for our application.

Rubenstein Public Relations signs on as agency of record for artificial intelligence platform EdgeRunner AI. RPR will work to refine EdgeRunner's messaging, positioning and corporate identity within the US market. The campaign's goal is to establish EdgeRunner as a leading player in the AI industry, leveraging its commitment to developing ultra-efficient, task-specific AI models for edge devices. The company's technology aims to provide robust and secure AI solutions that meet the stringent demands of national security and defense. The collaboration marks RPR's continued expansion into the innovative technology sector, further solidifying its position as a leader in public relations for high-tech industries, including artificial intelligence, enterprise software, clean energy and biotech.

Praytell adds Go Providence, Travel Portland and Visit Sacramento to its travel client roster. For Go Providence (aka Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau), Praytell is serving as US social media, influencer and PR agency of record for both leisure travel and meetings & conventions. Travel Portland has engaged the agency to handle PR and influencer relations for leisure travel and meetings & conventions, with a focus on the US market. As PR agency of record for the US for Visit Sacramento, Praytell will provide strategic media relations programming. From the moment we first spoke, the Praytell team just got it, said Visit Sacramento chief operating officer Kari Miskit. They intrinsically understood what makes us unique. And moreover, they dont waste time with the low hanging fruit; they swing for the fences.

Workhouse is appointed AOR for the expansion campaign of the Its a Wonderful Life Museum in Seneca Falls, New York. As AOR, Workhouse will direct a pro bono campaign of branded visibility, including global public relations, experiential promotions, and celebrity partnerships. The expansion campaign aims to prepare for the worldwide celebration of the 80th anniversary of the film in December 2026. We look forward to working with the creative talents of Workhouse to promote the exciting expansion of our Museum, said Anwei S. Law, President of the Board of Trustees for The Seneca Falls Its a Wonderful Life Museum. The expanded Museum will develop new ways to promote the timeless message of Its a Wonderful Life as we re-create sets from the film, design innovative interactive exhibits and bring to memory all of those who have impacted our lives.
Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow Weather Warning for parts of Ireland with stormy conditions to batter the country.

Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow Rain Warning for Clare, Kerry, Galway and Mayo from 8pm on Sunday until noon on Monday.

According to Met Eireann there will be heavy rain coupled with strong and gusty southerly winds, especially in exposed areas.



Potential impacts include localised flooding, damage to temporary structures, difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, Saturday, will be a bright day with good spells of sunshine and while there'll be a lot of dry weather, there'll be a scattering of showers too, especially for the north and west. Highest temperatures of 16 to 19 or 20 degrees in mostly moderate southwest to west winds, fresher at times in western coastal parts.

Largely dry early on Saturday night with clear spells but cloud will thicken from the west, with some patchy outbreaks of light rain and drizzle spreading eastwards overnight, though it'll likely hold mostly dry in the east and south. Lowest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees in mostly light to moderate southwest winds, but increasing moderate to fresh along the west coast later.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, some bright spells are possible in the east and south, though in general it'll be cloudy on Sunday morning, but dry for most apart from a little patchy light rain and drizzle. However, heavy and persistent rain will move in along the west coast by the early afternoon, spreading to most parts through the afternoon and evening, though some southeastern parts may escape largely dry.

Localised flooding is possible, especially across parts of Connacht, and possibly west Munster. Highest temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees and its going to be a blustery day with mostly fresh and gusty southerly winds, the winds strong and gusty in coastal parts of the west and south.

Sunday night will see spells of very heavy rain, thundery in places, with the continued chance of spot flooding. A clearance may start to move into parts of the northwest and west later in the night. Humid with lowest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds, starting to ease overnight.

It'll be mostly cloudy at first on Monday, with further spells of heavy possibly thundery rain, especially across the midlands, east and southeast. While there's some uncertainty as regards how fast the rain will clear, it looks like a clearance to mainly dry, bright weather will have moved into the northwest and west by the early morning and will then extend to most places through the morning and afternoon. However the rain may linger in parts of the east and south for much, if not all of the day. Humid with the rain, but it'll turn fresher in the clearance, with highest temperatures of 18 to 22 degrees in mostly moderate, occasionally fresh, southwest winds, veering westerly.
Deputy Michael Lowry says that during the course of this week, he has had discussions with Senior Executives in the HSE to establish the factual position regarding the new Nenagh Community Nursing Home.

He says: It has been confirmed to me that Bartra Healthcare has been awarded the contract. This operator has experience in running several Nursing Units, including a similar facility, namely Beaumont House, in Dublin.

Beaumont Lodge is a 220-bed sub-acute Transitional Care Unit. All the main Hospitals in Dublin successfully use this Unit as a step-down progressive care facility.

The Nenagh Unit is contracted to Bartra Healthcare for one year only. A Consultant-led team of Doctors, Nurses, and Therapists will be on site.

The facility will be run as a Community Step-Down Rehab and will support the clinical needs of those transferred from UHL.

North Tipperary patients will benefit from this facility and will be prioritised for admission to the unit.

The commencement date for the transfer of the first patients is the middle of this month (August).

The Unit will then transfer back to its original purpose as a Community Nursing Home, with the transfer of patients from St. Conlons in September 2025.

This decision was understandably greeted with disappointment by the patients and staff at St.Conlons he says, adding, The decision was taken at the most senior level of Management at the HSE, supported by the Minister for Health.

It was taken in the context of the appalling overcrowding and unacceptable conditions at University Hospital Limerick
Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow Weather Warning for parts of Ireland with what it describes as 'impactful weather' set to batter the country this weekend.

According to Met Eireannm some impactful weather is on the way for Sunday, Sunday night and into Bank holiday Monday in parts too, with heavy rain and localised flooding expected in places, as a humid, moisture-laden airmass moves in over the country

Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow Rain Warning for Clare, Kerry, Galway and Mayo from 8pm on Sunday until noon on Monday.

According to Met Eireann there will be heavy rain coupled with strong and gusty southerly winds, especially in exposed areas.



Potential impacts include localised flooding, damage to temporary structures, difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, Saturday, will be a bright day with good spells of sunshine and while there'll be a lot of dry weather, there'll be a scattering of showers too, especially for the north and west. Highest temperatures of 16 to 19 or 20 degrees in mostly moderate southwest to west winds, fresher at times in western coastal parts.

Largely dry early on Saturday night with clear spells but cloud will thicken from the west, with some patchy outbreaks of light rain and drizzle spreading eastwards overnight, though it'll likely hold mostly dry in the east and south. Lowest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees in mostly light to moderate southwest winds, but increasing moderate to fresh along the west coast later.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, some bright spells are possible in the east and south, though in general it'll be cloudy on Sunday morning, but dry for most apart from a little patchy light rain and drizzle. However, heavy and persistent rain will move in along the west coast by the early afternoon, spreading to most parts through the afternoon and evening, though some southeastern parts may escape largely dry.

Localised flooding is possible, especially across parts of Connacht, and possibly west Munster. Highest temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees and its going to be a blustery day with mostly fresh and gusty southerly winds, the winds strong and gusty in coastal parts of the west and south.

Sunday night will see spells of very heavy rain, thundery in places, with the continued chance of spot flooding. A clearance may start to move into parts of the northwest and west later in the night. Humid with lowest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds, starting to ease overnight.

It'll be mostly cloudy at first on Monday, with further spells of heavy possibly thundery rain, especially across the midlands, east and southeast. While there's some uncertainty as regards how fast the rain will clear, it looks like a clearance to mainly dry, bright weather will have moved into the northwest and west by the early morning and will then extend to most places through the morning and afternoon. However the rain may linger in parts of the east and south for much, if not all of the day. Humid with the rain, but it'll turn fresher in the clearance, with highest temperatures of 18 to 22 degrees in mostly moderate, occasionally fresh, southwest winds, veering westerly.
THERE was great news from Shinrone Heritage Group this week as they announced that The Heritage Council had agreed to fund their community research project focusing on the medieval graveyard of St Marys Church of Ireland.

Speaking to the Midland Tribune, Ger Murphy explained the funding was secured for the Heritage Group to commission research on the grave memorials at the site and undertake a geophysical survey in the hope of locating the subterranean remains of the medieval church at St Marys.

We are all thrilled here in Shinone to have been awarded this funding, which enables our community to explore, record, and celebrate our rich past here in South Offaly. Ger added that Shinrone Heritage Group was one of over 400 who submitted applications for funding from The Heritage Council, of which 100 were selected. So we here in Shinrone recognise the time and effort of all who contributed to making the application a success, says Ger.

The Heritage Group is working closely with historian Stephen Callaghan to survey the memorials and archaeologist Dr Ger Dowling to undertake the geophysical survey of where old maps indicate the medical church was located. Having both Stephen and Ger Dowling on board from the outset was key to our application's success, with The Heritage Council recognising that the project structure is well supported, with good expertise available.

The present Church of St Marys was built in the 1820s, replacing an earlier church that was located on the grounds of the current graveyard. The old church is shown on the Down Survey Map of c1657 and described at that time as the walls of a church, a reference likely reflecting its ruinous state following the Cromwellian Wars. We can assume, says Ger Murphy, that the church was rebuilt in the following years, and by 1809 it was depicted as a T-plan structure on William Larkins Map of County Offaly. He adds that evidence from the old maps, a number of masonry fragments reused as grave markers, and a portion of a twin-light ogee window all support the belief that the church's origins were in the later medieval period.

Dr Dowling outlined that the geophysical survey will seek to identify any walls lying below the surface. As Ger points out, the use of geophysical surveying allows us to digitally dig below the surface without disturbing burials.

Stephen Callaghan, who recently completed a similar survey of Kilcommon, was keen to point out that an initial assessment of the memorials in Shinrone had already identified a number of unique and important grave markers. Stephen added that field research like that been undertaken by Dr Dowling and himself was key to capturing the stories of those interred in St Marys and the historical significance of the site to the development of Shinrone Village.

And is all this research on the dead not plain macabre? Ger Murphy thinks not for to quote the Dance of Death: No matter what ones status is in life, the dance of death unites us all.

Shinrone Heritage Group will be sharing their preliminary findings of the memorial survey and geophysical scan during Heritage Week.
SOFTSWISS unveils a free ebook detailing effective marketing strategies for online casinos, emphasizing trust and tailored player experiences.

SOFTSWISS, a leader in iGaming solutions, has released a free ebook titled "How to Market Online Casino." The ebook offers insights and strategies for successful online casino marketing in 2024. It covers various marketing channels and best practices to help operators navigate the evolving landscape.

The Importance of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing remains a cornerstone strategy for online casino operators in 2024, often contributing to 50-80% of player acquisitions. SOFTSWISS, with over 15 years of experience in iGaming solutions, emphasizes the significance of this approach in their newly released ebook, "How to Market Online Casino."

Comprehensive Survey and Expert Insights

The ebook is based on a thorough survey of leading casino operators and industry stakeholders, coupled with the expertise of the award-winning SOFTSWISS Marketing team. This guide aims to push the boundaries of traditional casino promotional strategies by providing an in-depth look at various marketing channels, tactics, and challenges.

Building Trust with Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

One innovative strategy highlighted in the ebook is using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) platforms as partners. According to SOFTSWISS clients, partnering with ADR providers not only aids in dispute resolution but also enhances brand credibility and player trust. Promoting player trust is crucial for a successful online casinos marketing strategy, and ADR platforms play a vital role.

Emphasizing Player Uniqueness

Another critical strategy discussed is the focus on creating unique gaming experiences tailored to the target audience. Instead of mimicking larger casinos, operators are encouraged to craft distinct and engaging experiences that cater to their players' preferences. This approach ensures that the online casino stands out in a crowded market.

Valentina Bagniya's Perspective

Valentina Bagniya, Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, stresses the importance of a strong brand in the ever-evolving landscape of online casinos. She highlights that a strong brand is what players remember, what makes them return, and what defines the casino's reputation among players and competitors. This insight underscores the necessity of maintaining a robust brand presence in the market.

Additional Resources from SOFTSWISS

In addition to the marketing ebook, SOFTSWISS has published two more free insightful resources this year. The "iGaming in South Africa" market overview provides a detailed look at the unique aspects of the South African gambling market. The "Sportsbook Budget Calculator" offers best practices for launching a sportsbook, including a ready-to-use P&L calculator for project costing.

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, consisting of over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds numerous gaming licenses and provides comprehensive iGaming software solutions. Their product portfolio includes an Online Casino Platform, a Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, an Affilka affiliate platform, a Sportsbook Platform, and a Jackpot Aggregator. Notably 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimized online casino solution.

Conclusion

The "How to Market Online Casino" ebook by SOFTSWISS is a valuable resource for online casino operators looking to enhance their marketing strategies in 2024. By focusing on trust-building through ADR platforms and creating unique player experiences, operators can navigate the challenges of the ever-evolving iGaming landscape and achieve sustained success.
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

Ambassador Samantha Power, former US Ambassador to the UN, and now director of USAID, an office of the US State Department, traveled to Armenia on July 10 to strong-arm Prime MInister Nikol Pashinyan into buying gas from Azerbaijan, instead of Russia.

Armenia currently imports almost all of its hydrocarbons from Russia and Iran via gas pipeline.

The President Joe Biden administration supports the war in Ukraine by providing billions of dollars of weapons to Ukraine to fight Russia.

Prior to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline being destroyed, Biden had made a speech promising that the US would prevent Russia from selling gas to Germany and Europe. It is an economic war waged on Russia, as well as militarily on the battlefields.

On February 28, 2023, the American Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Seymour Hersh, published an article exposing how the Biden administration had blown up the Nord Stream 2 underwater pipeline designed to deliver gas to Germany and Europe.

The Nord Stream 2 had been sanctioned by Germany, and Biden was afraid that Germany would lift the sanctions because of a bad winter.

According to Hersh, Biden was obsessed with reelection in 2024, and wanted to win the war in Ukraine. Biden's advisors in the Oval Office feared that Germany and Western Europe might stop weapons support to Ukraine, and the German chancellor could turn the pipeline on.

Biden placed winning the war in Ukraine above the warmth and health of the German people, even though winning a war in Ukraine is improbable, according to military experts.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), has criticized Power's trip to Armenia because USAID hasn't provided financial support to Armenians who left Karabakh and returned to their homeland Armenia as displaced persons, and victims of ethnic cleansing.

Despite previous visits and flowery speeches, Power has not initiated any funding programs for the Karabakh Armenians who lost their homes, possessions, lands and livelihoods.

In September 2023, almost 200,000 ethnic Armenians fled the battles, and eventual defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh following Azerbaijan's victory ending three decades of ethnic Armenian separatist rule there.

Protesters on the streets of Yerevan blamed the policies of Pashinyan for the defeat.

Power arrived in Yerevan on September 25 and said, "The United States is deeply concerned about reports on the humanitarian conditions in Nagorno-Karabakh and calls for unimpeded access for international humanitarian organizations and commercial traffic."

The ANCA say the needy are still waiting for help from Power and the Biden administration.

During Azerbaijan's attacks on the Armenia people living in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, the US supported the Azerbaijan government. There is no reason for the government of Armenia to view the US as a friend, or supporter.

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(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently raised alarms over China's "destabilizing actions" in the South China Sea during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. This interaction underscores the growing complexities in US-China relations, marked by an increasing rivalry yet an undeniable need to maintain open lines of communication.

The South China Sea remains a highly contentious region, with Beijing asserting extensive territorial claims that overlap with those of several Southeast Asian nations. The US, advocating for freedom of navigation and the rule of international law, views China's militarization and assertive actions in these waters as destabilizing. Blinken's concerns highlight the US commitment to countering any unilateral attempts by China to change the status quo, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Beyond the maritime disputes, Blinken also addressed China's support for Russia's defense industrial base. Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the US perceives Beijing's assistance to Moscow as a troubling development, potentially undermining global security and the sanctions imposed on Russia. Blinken's warning that the US would take "appropriate measures" if China continues its support indicates a readiness to impose further economic or diplomatic consequences, aiming to pressure Beijing into reconsidering its stance.

The Chinese foreign ministry's response, articulated by Wang Yi, reflects Beijing's viewpoint that the US holds "a wrong perception of China." This assertion points to a fundamental disconnect in how each nation views the other's intentions and actions. Wang's call for a return to a "rational and pragmatic China policy" suggests that Beijing seeks a more measured approach from Washington, one that potentially acknowledges China's growing influence and interests.

Despite these profound disagreements, both sides recognize the importance of keeping communication channels open. The statement from the Chinese foreign ministry affirming continued dialogue is crucial in preventing miscalculations and managing the competitive aspects of the US-China relationship. Open communication serves as a vital mechanism to address contentious issues, find common ground where possible, and avoid escalation into open conflict.

The meeting between Blinken and Wang Yi illustrates the delicate balance that defines current US-China relations.

At the core of US-China relations lies a deep-seated strategic competition. Both nations vie for influence in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, with each seeking to assert its vision of international order. The US, championing democratic values and a rules-based international system, perceives China's rise and its assertive actions-- such as those in the South China Sea-- as challenges to global norms. Conversely, China views its ascendance as a return to historical prominence and seeks to reshape the international order to better reflect its interests and values.

Despite strategic rivalries, the US and China are deeply economically intertwined. Trade and investment between the two countries remain substantial, with both economies benefiting from this interconnectedness. This economic interdependence creates a layer of mutual reliance that tempers the competitive aspects of the relationship. However, it also generates friction, as issues like trade imbalances, intellectual property rights, and market access become points of contention.

While rivalry and strategic competition are prominent, there is also an underlying acknowledgment of the need for dialogue and cooperation on global challenges. Moving forward, it will be essential for both nations to navigate this complex landscape with a combination of firmness on core interests and openness to pragmatic engagement.

The dynamics of US-China relations, as highlighted by the recent meeting between Blinken and Wang Yi, reflect a multifaceted interplay of competition, concern, and cautious communication. The South China Sea and China's support for Russia are just two of many issues that will require careful management to ensure stability and peace in the international arena.
Hyderabad, Telangana, India - August 2, 2024 - AppsTek Corp, a leader in digital transformation, has been named The Most Recommended Technology Company of 2024 by Business Connect in recognition of its innovative flagship solution, Capten.ai. This award underscores the company's commitment to driving technological progress and addressing critical industry challenges. AppsTek Corp's leadership, with its forward-thinking approach, has positioned the company at the forefront of the industry. As Venkata 
Inside a downtown Portland building, a group of artists are hard at work, adding finishing touches to an array of cat sculptures. Fans of the movie, Coraline, will recognize that the stylized feline figures are inspired by the black cat who, in the 2009 animated feature, is a tantalizingly ambiguous creature.

The Cat, as the creature is succinctly known, is one of the key supporting characters in Coraline, the first feature from Laika, the Hillsboro-based animation studio. The movie, made in the meticulous, time-consuming stop-motion animation format, was adapted from a novella by Neil Gaiman, and was written and directed by Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas).

A success when it was originally released, the Oscar-nominated movie has, if anything, grown even more popular in the years since. In 2023, for example, a limited re-released from Fathom Events was a surprise hit.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Coraline, and as part of the birthday bash, an installation called Coralines Curious Cat Trail is coming to Portland. The artists in the downtown cat studio on a recent Thursday afternoon are in the process of creating the 30 cat sculptures that will be set up in locations mostly concentrated in downtown Portland.

The cat trail is a joint effort from Laika, the Visit Downtown Campaign, OHSU Doernbecher Childrens Hospital, and Wild in Art, a U.K.-based art installation producer that has worked on such projects as public art trails for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

In March, we put out a call for artists, and got 80 designs, says Sydney Mead, director of downtown campaigns for Downtown Portland Clean & Safe and the Visit Downtown campaign, a project of the Portland Metro Chamber, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, and the City of Portland.

The list got whittled down, and sponsors picked the final designs, says Mead. Wieden + Kennedy is one of the sponsors (as is The Oregonian/OregonLive), and Arielle Wilkins, a senior designer at the advertising agencys Portland office, is among the artists finalizing a creation for the cat trail.

Wilkins, who moved from New York to Portland about three-and-a-half years ago, wanted to participate not only because shes an artist, but also out of a desire to bring some energy back to Portland.

The city has gone through plenty of challenges and bad publicity in recent years, and Wilkins is eager to show the vibrancy of the Rose City. She hopes that Coralines Curious Cat Trail will be an example of coming back from these dark times, she says, and reclaiming what she calls the sparkle of Portland.

The plot of Coraline involves an 11-year-old girl (voiced by Dakota Fanning), who is having trouble adjusting to her new family home in Oregon. One day, she discovers a portal to another world, one that at first seems happy and ideal. But Coraline soon learns  with some help from The Cat (voiced by Keith David)  that the parallel universe is far more sinister than it initially seems.

The fiberglass feline figures for the cat trail -- which will be nearly six-feet tall once theyre installed -- all began as black cats, large versions modeled after the Coraline character. But the artists are putting their own individual stamps on the sculptures.

Wilkins, for example, loves that Portland is close to nature, and so she has adorned her cat with hundreds of flowers made out of resin, in a vibrant rainbow of colors, scarlet, blue, pink, purple, yellow, and more. Wilkins still has to add gold foil to her cats nose, to complete the look.

Nearby, Celeste Potgieter is applying paint to one of her two colorful cat sculptures. Potgieter moved to Portland about two years ago, after growing up in South Africa and living in other cities prior to settling in the Rose City.

Shes enamored of Portland, Potgieter says, and appreciates the freedom, and self-expression that proliferates here. People are allowed to do what they want, she says.

I do love cats, Potgieter says, adding, Im a dog person, too. Both of her cat sculptures are painted with bold colors. In one figure, the cats body is a fanciful map, with notable Oregon locations painted on, including Cannon Beach, Crater Lake, the Oregon dunes, the Columbia Gorge, and more.

The second cat sculpture is called Keep Portland Weird, Potgieter says, and is adorned with a unicorn hat, blue zebra stripes, glitter, and more local images, including a rendition of Bigfoot.

Rae Sheridan, who lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia, before moving to Portland, was motivated to offer a sense of hope, she says. Her cat, Infinity Kitty, was influenced by the late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and is shiny black, with vivid colors and designs, its huge eyes painted in striking shades of blue and purple.

With recent reports about vandalism in Portland, and authorities attempts to combat it, Mead says some of the cat figures will feature graffiti-resistant coatings. Were going to be watching these very closely, she said. We have faith in the city of Portland.

Though the news about Portland can be a little daunting, Mead says, Im very proud of our city for our innovation. Were harnessing all this creative energy for good.

Coralines Curious Cat Trail will be officially unveiled on Friday, Aug. 2, and the figures will be display for 10 weeks. At the end of the event, the sculptures will be auctioned off, with proceeds to benefit OHSU Doernbecher Childrens Hospital. The installation will also include an app and website, maps and a customized Spotify playlist.

 Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist

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American rock band Kings of Leon is coming to Portland on Wednesday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Moda Center as part of their 2024 Can We Please Have Fun tour. Tickets are still available for the highly-anticipated show at a variety of price points, starting at only $18 per seat.

You can purchase tickets to see Kings of Leon from Vivid Seats, Stub Hub, and Ticketmaster.

Through a special arrangement, if you are purchasing tickets for the first time through Vivid Seats, use our special discount promo code Oregon20 at checkout to save $20 on orders of $200 or more for the event you plan on attending.

Kings of Leon is an American indie rock band originally from Tennessee. They are composed of brothers Caleb Followill, Nathan Followill, and Jared Followill, with their cousin Matthew Followill. They formed in 1999 and rose to fame in the early 2000s with songs like Sex on Fire and Use Somebody. On August 28, they will be at the Moda Center for their latest tour.
Two new items have appeared in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, and I hope that youll enjoy them:

The Anomaly: Elliott Wests Continental Reckoning and its Latter-day Saints, written by Robert Swanson

Review of Elliott West, Continental Reckoning: The American West in the Age of Expansion (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2023). 704 pages, $39.95 (hardcover). Abstract: This review explores how Latter-day Saints are portrayed in a new landmark history of the American West. Noting the authors generally accurate portrayal of the Saints, this review focuses on some areas that were missing in this Bancroft Prize winning book that has numerous implications for Latter-day Saint studies.

Uncanonized Revelations, written by Kent P. Jackson

Review of Stephen O. Smoot and Brian C. Passantino, eds., Joseph Smiths Uncanonized Revelations (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2024). 184 pages, $24.99 (hardcover). Abstract: In an important new volume, we now have easy access to revelations received by the Prophet Joseph Smith that were not included in the Doctrine and Covenants.

I call attention here to a couple of the sessions that will be held this coming week at the annual FAIR LDS conference, which runs on Thursday and Friday.

Thursday, August 8th Session 3: Appreciating Brother Brigham 10:35 AM  11:00 AM Main Hall 100 General Session Daniel Peterson

President, The Interpreter Foundation Brigham Young has always taken heavy criticism, and denigrating him seems to be back in fashion  even among some members of his church. I want to raise a voice on his behalf.

Session 7: Not By Bread Alone: Capturing the Inspirational Stories of the Saints in Africa on Film  The Interpreter Foundation Panel Discussion

General Session

4:10 PM  4:30 PM

Main Hall 100

Description Panel by The Interpreter Foundation Presenters: Jeffrey Bradshaw and Junior Banza The Interpreter Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization focused on the scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, the Bible, and the Doctrine and Covenants), early Latter-day Saint history, and related subjects. Not By Bread Alone: Stories of the Saints in Africa is a film series exploring the lives of African Saints who thirsted for tranquility and found personal peace in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Episodes in the series will be published over the next few years, starting in 2024. Video shorts will be posted monthly. The film series is produced by the Interpreter Foundation, a non-profit organization whose aim is to support the Church through scholarship. The point of contact for the project is Jeffrey M. Bradshaw. We are working in association with Redbrick Filmworks, an award-winning Latter-day Saint producer of inspirational media.

My interest was piqued last night by reading Alexander Batthyany, Letter to the Editor: Terminal Lucidity: The Need for Accuracy and Integrity, Journal of Near-Death Studies 41/1 (2023): 67-71.

Dr. Batthyany is the Director and Chair of the Institute for Theoretical Psychology and Personalist Studies at the Pazmany Peter Catholic University in Budapest, Hungary, and his letter is a complaint that, in a recently published book, Raymond Moody and Paul Perry have misrepresented a significant element of what science knows about the phenomenon of terminal lucidity. And, from what I understand and can see, his complaint seems justified.

I have a particular personal interest, though, in that phenomenon, knowing of a striking case of it in my wifes own family involving someone that I actually (briefly) knew. Here, I share a pair of quotations from Dr. Batthyanys letter:

In the recently published book Proof of Life After Life: 7 Reasons to Believe There Is an Afterlife, written by Raymond Moody, Jr., MD, PhD, and Paul Perry (2023), an entire chapter is dedicated to the topic of terminal lucidity (TL). In TL, individuals with severe cognitive impairments  such as one of the dementias  unexpectedly experience a brief period of mental clarity shortly before death; these are episodes of unexpected, spontaneous, meaningful, and relevant communication or connectedness in a patient who is assumed to have permanently lost the capacity for coherent verbal or behavior interaction due to a progressive and pathophysiologic dementing process (Mashour et al., 2019). This working definition was the consensus of an interdisciplinary expert research workshop and panel on paradoxical (or terminal) lucidity held at the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, MD, in the summer of 2018; I was a member of that panel. We reached this agreement after reviewing and analyzing case histories, medical histories, and outcomes of TL episodes (Eldadah et al., 2019). In our workshop and in the resulting White Paper, we also highlighted the extensive parallels between TL and near-death experiences. Both phenomena suggest an expanded view not only of the mind near or at death but also of the overall brain-mind relationship, insofar as in both cases coherent mental activity can be observed alongside significantly reduced or impaired brain foundation at or near death. (67) [T]erminal lucidity pertains to unanticipated moments of clarity in patients whose pathophysiological conditions would typically preclude any higher cognitive or mental functions; most of these patients suffered from dementia or other cognitive impairments, yet, nearing death, became lucid and communicative again, if only for a brief period of time. (69)

The passage in the book by Moody and Perry that Batthyany cites and to which he specifically objects is found on their page ten:

Terminal lucidity (TL) is defined as a flash of lucidity and vigor that takes place shortly before death. It sometimes happens in the absence of detectable brain activity. In other words, those who are brain-dead can suddenly re-emerge from apparent death, shocking their loved ones and hospital staff with a return befitting Lazarus, albeit brief. Patients who are brain-dead make a profound temporary come back, speaking clearly about specific things (family matters, for instance) despite EEGs showing that the brain itself is not functioning. It is as though the brain has been bypassed by a consciousness that does not require great matter. (cited on 68)

Dr. Batthyany, however, says that neither he nor anybody with whom he has spoken is aware of any instance of terminal lucidity  and there are now approximately 600 documented case studies of the phenomenon  during which the brain activity of the patient was being monitored by instruments. Moreover, he observes, since the patients in question were still breathing, and since their brains were still regulating heart rate and blood pressure, they could not have been fully brain-dead.

Still, he seems open to the idea that the phenomenon of terminal lucidity may offer an important window onto the relationship between mind and brain and even the survival of the human personality beyond death. And Im inclined to agree. Ive thought so ever since, not long after my wife and I were married, a case of TL appeared within her family.

This sorta thing jes sorta makes yer blood boil, dont it? From the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File:

How the Church of Jesus Christ is helping Maui wildfires victims 1 year later: 5 Latter-day Saints died in the fires, and 80 members of a single congregation, the Lahaina 1st Ward, lost their homes

Posted from Depoe Bay, Oregon
My most recent article for Meridian Magazine has now gone up: The Journey to the Earliest Book of Mormon Text: Royal Skousens 36-year Project. I hope to see y9u on Saturday, 10 August 2024, between twelve oclock noon and 3 PM.

I also hope that you will enjoy this new series of short video features from the Interpreter Foundation and that, if you do, youll share them further. Here is the latest, entitled Oliver Cowdery was sincere and featuring the always-interesting Latter-day Saint historian Don Bradley:

Coverage of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the news and in popular media is sometimes friendly and pleasant, often reflexively hostile, and at other times merely weird. I offer here three recent and quite different examples:

(1)

So the Church announces that a new medical school will be launched at Brigham Young University, with a special focus  though, I presume, not sole focus  on the humanitarian issues that face the Church in its global mission. Good news, right? More trained people to treat injuries and fight diseases and promote human welfare. Well, maybe, but first we have to think of problems. Will the new medical school vigorously pursue gender reassignment surgery? Will it focus on the particular health problems faced by practicing homosexuals? Will it regard abortion on demand as a central sacrament of the faith? After all, these are the most important and urgent health changes facing the world today. Consider this article, in Newsweek: New Mormon-Funded Medical School Raises Questions. (Please note, by the way, that the Newsweek reporter goes, for answers to her questions, to a Catholic medical ethicist at Georgetown University.)

But my attention was particularly caught by some of the letters from readers that followed the article, according to which degrees from BYUs medical school will be worthless because faith and medical science are incompatible and because BYUs medical training will focus mostly on magical underwear, priesthood blessings, and the like, rather than on mainstream medical methodologies.

Some people apparently believe that women should be allowed to choose any path in life that they desire, entirely free of patriarchal oppression, but also that some paths deserve neither respect nor toleration.

(3)

This seems somehow a bit different from the Walt Disney with which I grew up:

The Daily Mail: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Meet the sizzling Utah momfluencers behind scandalous new reality show about SWINGING TikTok stars

Manchester Evening News: Viral Mormon sex scandal which went viral on TikTok set for reality TV series It seems, incidentally, that the viral scandal went viral

Variety: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Chronicles Swinging Sex Scandal in New Hulu Series

Well, we took a break from our daily routine of reading, writing, walking along the cliffs edge, and looking out at the ocean to go for a whale-watching cruise out of the tiny harbor of Depoe Bay. It is, after all, Schweizer Bundesfeiertag (Swiss National Day), so  for that and another reason  the day seemed well worth celebrating.

There is a resident pod of whales just off the coast here, and weve actually seen them from our condo here on previous stays. Apparently, however, the whales have been curiously shy for the past couple of weeks or longer, although I did see at least one and probably two while out for a stroll yesterday afternoon. There were reputedly two that had been located this morning, although we saw only one, pretty much right outside of the entrance to the Bay. We watched it for quite a while and then headed north in quest of the second. But we never found it, so we returned and watched the first one again. I also spotted a seal, and others saw a large jellyfish.
Some Catholics and other Christians are now lamenting the denunciation and outrage over what happened in the opening ceremony of the Olympics, with the mockery of the Last Supper and the hyper-sexualized mythological paganism . They have vociferously complained that too many (?) have expressed themselves in a manner that exhibits what they believe to be hatred, and works against a proper witness and evangelism. This is my reply regarding that particular issue.

***

First of all, as a preliminary note concerning my own views: I dont hate or despise any of these people (or anyone whatsoever, for that matter). Ive devoted my lifes work to evangelism of all people, and I will talk to anyone towards that end. For example, I once had a nice, civil discussion with a self-described trans Satanist atheist. I dont care what anyone has done or what category they may be considered to be in. Ive lived that reality for over forty years, as an apologist (both as a Protestant and Catholic).

*

That said, what I do hate is mockery of sacred things, and in this instance, especially since it was condoned at the high level of the Olympics, with maybe 1/5 or 1/6 of the world watching. Im with Bishop Barron. Catholics and other Christians must denounce that. Its not hatred of people that motivates this. The same proverbially meek and mild Jesus Who ate with sinners, forgave the adulteress, etc. also denounced public displays of sacrilege and blasphemy in no uncertain terms, with very strong righteous indignation (including, on one occasion, with a whip, to boot!):

Matthew 21:12-13 (RSV) And Jesus entered the temple of God and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. [13] He said to them, It is written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you make it a den of robbers.

John 2:14-16 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers at their business. [15] And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. [16] And he told those who sold the pigeons, Take these things away; you shall not make my Fathers house a house of trade. * Matthew 23:23-38 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. [24] You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel! [25] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of extortion and rapacity. [26] You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean. [27] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead mens bones and all uncleanness. [28] So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. [29] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, [30] saying, `If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets. [31] Thus you witness against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. [32] Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. [33] You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? [34] Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, [35] that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. [36] Truly, I say to you, all this will come upon this generation. [37] O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! [38] Behold, your house is forsaken and desolate.

*** Please Hit Subscribe! If you have received benefit from this or any of my other 4,800+ articles, please follow this blog by signing up (with your email address) on the sidebar to the right (you may have to scroll down a bit), above where there is an icon bar, Sign Me Up!: to receive notice when I post a new blog article. This is the equivalent of subscribing to a YouTube channel. Please also consider following me on Twitter / X and purchasing one or more of my 55 books. All of this helps me get more exposure, and (however little!) more income for my full-time apologetics work. Thanks so much and happy reading! ***

St. Paul told us to imitate him, as he in turn imitated Christ (1 Cor 11:1) and wrote, you became imitators of us and of the Lord (1 Thess 1:6).

Part of imitating our Lord Jesus Christ is expressing indignation at blasphemy, where warranted, since He did that. I think the opening of the Olympics is of such influence and import that we must speak out when blasphemy occurs. If we dont, it will only get worse and worse and more people will reject Christianity. That aspect is largely ignored.

*

This is not about currently fashionable no-limitations libertarianism and folks supposed rights to do whatever they want, whenever or wherever, no matter how much it may harm others. This is about the gospel and spirituality, and the souls of all the individuals involved. Even from a secular perspective, society doesnt gain anything by one group of people mocking what another much larger group holds sacred. The people doing this are the most harmed; therefore it is a loving act to suggest that they stop doing so. The outcry I am seeing is contending that those of us protesting this outrage supposedly dont care about the people who did this. Nothing could be further from the truth.

*

We must protest with love, of course, but we dont refrain from doing it for fear of the disapproval of the world and the flak we catch from the world-system as a result, and the ever-present misguided accusations of hatred when we express Christian morality and piety. We must love the sinner but not the sin. We can do both. Christians can walk and chew gum at the same time. St. Paul wrote: Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind (Rom 12:2). The Phillips paraphrase delightfully renders this as, Dont let the world squeeze you into its own mould.

*

As far as denouncing the Christians  however many there are  who truly cant renounce sin and blasphemy without hatred or conspiratorialism, etc., I totally agree. But I partially disagree as to when and where and to what extent that is occurring. Some Christians, no doubt (as is always the case; people being people), have gone overboard in denouncing this. But we dont throw the baby out with the bathwater because of that. We do it the right way and denounce the wrong way.

*

If we are silent when this garbage gets worse and worse, then we have only ourselves to blame for the culture going further and further towards the devil. If that happens, millions of souls are lost, too. Were evangelists, but were also salt and light and the city on a hill. We must render our opinion on something like this, and yes, reason with them and show love, too. And again, the people most harmed are the ones committing the mockery and sacrilege. To oppose it is at the same time an act of love towards them.

*

Christianity is not mere warm fuzzy feel-goodism. We have spiritual and theological and moral truth to share, and its good for everyone. The comes a time when further attempts to evangelize are futile and we must move on. This was true even of Jesus and Paul, as well as the disciples:

Luke 9:5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them. * Matthew 13:57-58 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house. [58] And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. * Acts 18:4-6 And he argued in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks. [5] When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with preaching, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. [6] And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, Your blood be upon your heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.

Jesus also severely rebuked  almost cursed  those who deliberately rejected His (or His disciples) message:

Matthew 11:20-24 Then he began to upbraid the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. [21] Woe to you, Chorazin! woe to you, Beth-saida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. [23] And you, Caperna-um, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [24] But I tell you that it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you. * Luke 10:8-16 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; [9] heal the sick in it and say to them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you. [10] But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, [11] `Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near. [12] I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town. [13] Woe to you, Chorazin! woe to you, Beth-saida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. [14] But it shall be more tolerable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. [15] And you, Caperna-um, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. [16] He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.

There are many reasons (besides Christians acting stupidly and hypocritically and lacking love) why Jesus said that we would be hated by all for His names sake (Mt 10:22; Mk 13:13; Lk 21:17). The world (i.e., the world-system; Gk., kosmos) hated and killed Him. It will always hate us, too: no matter how polite and nicey-nicey and tolerant we are  and how reasonable and intellectual  we attempt to be. The world will always oppose the message of the gospel and of the fullness of Catholic Christianity, because it is under the domain of Satan (Acts 26:18; Rev 12:9).

*

If anyone doubts this, spend a year in an atheist forum, as I have done, and see how wildly popular you are.
My book the Intimate Way of Zen: Effort, Surrender, and Awakening on the Spiritual Journey was officially released by Shambhala Publications on the 23rd of July!

Its my sixth book. And the first not published by a non-profit house. Which has had small but discernible consequences. Mainly in that there is actually staff trying to get publicity for the book and arranging for me to speak here and there. There have also been nice reviews at Publishers Weekly and Spirituality & Practice . Additionally, Spark Zen and Tricycle have published excerpts from the book.

Sadly, because of family issues, I cant range as far as Id hoped. But I have a schedule and doing what I can.

Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasadena generously hosted the book launch the following Sunday, the 28th. I read from the book and then as a mini fundraiser for the church they sold copies and I signed those who wanted signatures. Sold twenty-five, which Ive been told was pretty good.

Then in all my years as a writer I had my only second book signing ever at a bookstore. Book Soup is a well oiled machine so far as speakers and readers are concerned. I think they have someone every night of the month.

It was set up so that my old friend and colleague, Dr Chris Hoff would interview me. Id do some reading out of the book. Take questions and provide answers. And sign books. Chris, Jan, and I were provided with designated parking spaces. Which considering this was Hollywood and in a very upscale area, was a mercy. We had arrived early (thank goodness for the advanced planning, it took an hour and a half to drive what the google machine said would take forty-five minutes. It was about the same for Chris  thanks to LA afternoon traffic).

The set up is one of the aisles of the store, with a podium and two high chairs and mics at one end and a row of side by side chairs down the aisle. I didnt count, maybe a dozen chairs.

Three people ended up showing up.

Chris and I are both pros in the public speaking world, as it were, and we gave it our one hundred percent. And actually it was fun. Chris interviewed me, he was very evocative and kept it close to what I explored in the book, and I responded. With a softball throw, I responded with a brief reading from the book. Then I answered questions from all three, people. and only one used the opportunity to expound on something of deep interest to him but totally unconnected to what was going on.

Ended up selling a book to one of the three. And the event manager purchase another for her boy friend.

While the hawking of ones book must present the odd occasion of ego gratification, Im mainly experiencing opportunities for modesty and the odd splash of embarrassment. So far Amazon has had three readers reviews, and all are five stars. But I have those other five books I published in the past, and Im waiting for the one star with the comment theyd have given it minus if that were an option. It will happen.

As a spiritual practitioner, I guess I should be grateful.

And.

I still have a bit of the tour ahead for me.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam is set to grace the inaugural National Sales Leaders Conference (NSLC) slated for August 14th and 15th as the special guest of honour.



The event which will be held at the Accra International Conference Centre will also be attended by a Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi; the Chief Executive Officer of MGA Consulting Ghana Limited, Michael Abbiw; the President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana, Dr Daniel Kasser Tee; business executives, captains of industries, among others.



NSLC Activities



The NSLC will spotlight innovations in sales, revenue growth strategies, sustainable sales strategies, and sales leadership. Attendees will be able to engage in keynote sessions, seminars, panel discussions, and workshops that address critical sales issues across various industries. These activities help sales leaders stay competitive, expand their professional networks, and enhance their organisations brand recognition and credibility, ultimately driving revenue growth.



About the National Sales Leaders Conference



The conference is a premier sales event organised by CorEvents Solutions and MGA Consulting Ghana Limited in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana. The conference aims to initiate a national dialogue on the pivotal role of sales within organizations and its contribution to the Ghanaian economy. The conference is on theTHEME:

Sales Unleashed:

The Role of Sales in Sustained Organizational Revenue Growth and Economic Development, highlighting the importance of effective sales strategies in achieving economic success.



Organizations are encouraged to leverage this conference to empower their sales teams with modern technologies and strategies that can transform their operations.









Source: ASAHUDU ANKIILU, Contributor









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Minister of Health, has discounted reports that the government has paid an amount of Thirty-four million dollars ($34 million) in relation to the Ambulance spare parts deal with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited.



Appearing before the Government Assurance Committee of Parliament on Thursday August 1, the Health Minister stated that, the government has not released the said amount of money to the ministry as payment for the Ambulance Spare Parts deal with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited.



Dr. Okoe Boye said, I spoke to one of the Deputy Governors who I had a working relationship with when I was at Health Insurance and the Deputy Governor made me aware that not even a dollar has been given to the provider.



She used some terms that it is actually a letter of credit and that it is when the provider has actually performed, and supplied parts to certain tunes that they are empowered to pay for the work done. And so the governor made me understand that they have it with them, but they have not paid.



His revelations follows recent publication made by the North Tongu Member of Parliament who doubles as the Chairman of the Government Assurance Committee of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who had alleged that the former Finance Minister together with the outgone Health minister, Kwaku Agyeman Manu had conspired with Service Ghana Auto group limited to swindle the country of its funds.



According to the North Tongu lawmaker, Ken Ofori-Atta approved the deal just five days before leaving office as finance Minister, which according to raises the suspicion of impropriety thereby questioning the ability of Service Ghana Auto group Limited to deliver taking into consideration the time taken for its incorporation into Ghanas business space.



Meanwhile, Service Ghana Auto Group Limited (SGAGL) has refuted allegations of inflated costs in its contract for the after-sales service and maintenance of 307 ambulances.



In a statement released on Thursday, August 1, 2024, SGAGL responded to claims by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who alleged financial improprieties surrounding the procurement and maintenance of the ambulances. SGAGL stated that the allegations raised by the MP are baseless and unfounded.



SGAGL is an SPV of a consortium of seven companies that participated in a competitive procurement process, not sole-sourced, and was adjudged on merit to procure and provide after-sales service and maintenance for 307 Mercedes Benz Sprinter ambulances for the National Ambulance Service (NAS).

Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, revealed that he has over 100 biological children from sperm donations made over the past 15 years.



Initially, he started donating sperm to help a friend facing fertility issues. Durov's contributions have aided numerous couples across 12 countries. He continues to support the endeavor despite being unmarried.



The co-founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app has claimed that he has over 100 biological children but he is still unmarried.

Explaining the situation on Telegram, Pavel Durov, said that he had started donating sperm 15 years ago at the request of his friend.



The Russian-born IT entrepreneur said, "He (his friend) said that he and his wife couldnt have kids due to a fertility issue and asked me to donate sperm at a clinic for them to have a baby.



I laughed my ass off before realizing he was dead serious."He quoted doctors as saying that high quality donor material was in short supply and that it was his civic duty to donate sperm anonymously to help more couples.



This sounded crazy enough to get me to sign up for sperm donation.He further stated that his donations had helped a hundred couples in 12 countries to conceive kids and still today one IVF clinic has frozen sperm available so that other family can use them in future.



My past donating activity has helped over a hundred couples in 12 countries to have kids.



Moreover, many years after I stopped being a donor, at least one IVF clinic still has my frozen sperm available for anonymous use by families who want to have kids.

Source: Timesofindia.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Yango Group, a global tech company that creates daily services, launches Yango Education programme in Ghana.



This initiative aims to offer all Ghanaians aged 18 and above who have completed basic education free access to online introductory data analytics courses.



This comes at a time when technology is at the heart of almost every human endeavor and the country keeps growing in the digital landscape.



Yango Education offers all Ghanaians the chance to delve into the basics of data analysis in a world where digital technology is a crucial part of business operations.



By learning how to collect, analyze, and present data on business growth, users develop a skill that helps with their personal and professional career developments, make them competitive in the job market, enable career growth opportunities and enhance their decision-making skills.



"We are excited to announce the commencement of the Yango Education Programme in Ghana after successful launches in Zambia and Ivory Coast. With this program, we aim to offer free IT courses, empowering individuals to succeed in the digital economy. Education is a powerful tool for driving innovation and fostering growth, and at Yango, we are committed to supporting the talents of Ghana. We anticipate a positive impact on the entire Ghanaian community by offering these free IT courses", Tom Ofonime, Country Manager for Yango in Ghana, said.



Yango will provide free access to an online education course in Python and SQL data analysis.



To be eligible for the courses, candidates must have a laptop or PC and an internet connection, be over 18 years of age and have a high school diploma.



The priority would be given to those who want to continue education and pursue a career in data analysis.



The course will be provided to 500 students throughout the year who will be selected after application review and personal interviews with the Yango team. The first batch will have about 250 beneficiaries.



Meanwhile, Felix Agbolosu, a Yango partner driver, is enthusiastic about the opportunity for him and his niece to benefit from this initiative.



"Offering this educational course for Ghanaians is a very good initiative by Yango. It is an act of care and concern for the well-being of the Ghanaian community. IT education has become very important in the world these days and Im happy to benefit from such an essential course. I believe this will help me, my family and many other beneficiaries learn more about technology and apply the knowledge gained in our daily lives."



In practical terms, the course lasts 80 hours at a rate of 20 hours per week, giving a total of one month's learning.



Find out more and apply for the Yango Education program here.





Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah has disclosed that lack of trust in the judiciary system is a recipe for chaos in the upcoming December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.



According to him, if politicians do not trust the judiciary, it is becomes difficult for peace to prevail before, during and after the elections.



Speaking at an election forum in Accra, the National Security Minister admonished politicians to desist from passing comments that have the tendency of inciting political party sympathisers to engage in violence which will mar the peace of the country.



He, therefore, urged politicians not to run down the judiciary with their unsavoury comments during the campaign period.



As Ghana prepares to go to the polls come December 7 2024, the various political parties and independent candidates have started making their manifestos known to the electorates. The ruling New Patriotic Party faces a fierce contention from the National Democratic Congress, whose flag bearer had lost to the incumbent President, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo.



The NDC desires a come-back while the NPP seeks to retain the power, thereby, breaking the 8-year cycle.



There have been constant backlash from the opposition party as well as the leader, John Dramani Mahama, who have accused the judiciary of working in favour of the ruling government, however, the national Security Minister, shares the opinion that, such comments should not be taken into the campaign as it would have a dire repercussion on the electoral integrity of the country.



We may for the first time experience a situation where none of the major political parties will be willing to explore the courts to address their grievances.



Indeed I have heard some senior people in the political space saying that, that they have lost faith in the courts ability to address their concerns when it comes to elections. So this can create a situation that can set the stage for chaos.



And it underscores the need for us to build a robust and transparent electoral system where results coming from same will be acceptable by all parties.



The Minister further urged citizens to prioritise peace in the upcoming polls.



Ghanaians must also be aware of their responsibilities. They must not allow themselves to be used by politicians who lose elections. Peace is very expensive and sometimes we have to make sacrifices one time or the other to maintain it. So may nobody participate in violence. So those who lose, accept it peacefully, he said.

Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, is currently in the Western North Region to campaign and canvass for votes for her husband and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, towards the December 7 general election.



The Second Lady, who is touring the area for six days, is expected to engage some key stakeholders and the general public to discuss the vision and policies outlined by the NPPs presidential candidate.



She will highlight, among others, the reasons the NPP should be retained in power to continue the progress and development of Ghana.



The Communication Officer of the NPP in Western North Region, Addo Yaw Harry, said the Second Lady started the visit on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 adding that she will pay a courtesy call on the Omanhene of Sefwi and meet with queen mothers.



He said Samira Bawumia and her entourage will also visit Aowin, Bodi, Juaboso, Suaman, SefwiWiawso Market, Akontombra, Bia East, Bia West and Bibiani/Ahwiaso/Bekwai.



He encouraged the residents to actively participate in the various engagements, to gain insights into the NPPs plans and policies for the countrys future.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A former Central Regional Minister and a member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwamena Duncan has said that the National Democratic Congress (NDC)s campaign launched in Tamale, the capital of the Northern region on July 27, 2024, was borne out of fear and panic.



The NDC launched their campaign in Tamale. The campaign launch witnessed an array of political liturgies from the rank and file of the party.



Present at the campaign launch in the heart of the Northern region was the revered National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the flag bearer of the party, John Dramani Mahama, his running mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, amongst many national and regional executives of the party.



However, Kwamena Duncan, during a live radio discussion on Peace FMs 'Kokrokoo' morning show on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, stated that, the launch of the campaign was as a result of panic reaction from the pressure being mounted on them by the flag bearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP at large.



"NDCs campaign launch in Tamale on Saturday, if you will be truthful to yourself, was a panic reaction done out of fear. If you observe carefully how the organization of the campaign went, you will realise that the NDCs effort could not match NPPs Dr. Mahamudu Bawumias constituency by constituency campaign.



Theres grave fear in the NDC and John Mahama which resulted in the rush to have their campaign launched, he stressed.













Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organizer of the governing New Patriotic Party, has appealed to Ghanaians to give the party and their flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the opportunity to break the 8-year governance cycle.



Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo", Salam touted the achievements of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration from road sector to various infrastructure developments that, to him, outweigh the track record of the Mahama government.



He cautioned the electorates not to bring back the former President and leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, into power.



"Let us not sell our color TV for black and white...Let's not take a step forward and two steps backwards. I believe that the one or two mistakes that this government has made, we can correct the government and get it working better for the Ghanaian people", he admonished.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Salam Mustapha has called out what he terms as the "hypocrisy" of the opposition National Democratic Congress regarding their behavior towards the Judiciary.



Contributing to Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, the NPP National Youth Organizer took a swipe at the opposition party following their excitement over the acquittal of their Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson.



"The NDC, all of a sudden, have found value in our judicial system. The same judicial system that they attacked, dragged them, labeled them, vilified them, insulted them that at a point they made the Judiciary lose its savor just because of their own parochial interest", he stated.



He reminded the NDC that "all the 3 Justices on the panel were all appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo but there was 2:1 majority decision", stressing "I haven't heard the NDC calling them the unprintable and those unsavory names they pour on the Judiciary whenever they lose in another case".



Salam warned the NDC over their double standards, saying "everything cannot be at the whims and caprices of the NDC...It's becoming annoying and we have encouraged this for too long...and a stop must be put to this nonsense of the NDC".





An Accra Court of Appeal has acquitted Ato Forson who was accused by the Attorney-General of financial malfeasance resulting from the purchase of some ambulances for Ghana.The two, Ato Forson and Jakpa, were said to have caused the State a financial loss of 2.37 million and were arraigned before an Accra High Court.The Minority Leader filed for a no case which was turned down by the High Court but in the Appeals Court led by Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackah-Boafo and Justice Philip Bright Mensah, won his case by 2:1 majority ruling with Justice Alex Poku Acheampong dissenting to this decision.The Court of Appeal ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case for the Minority Leader to answer.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Actor and comedy skitmaker, Ebenezer Akwasi Antwi, popularly known as Dr Likee, has announced his intention to retire from acting.



In an interview circulating on social media, Dr Likee explained the reasons behind his decision. Despite his dedication and hard work in helping up-and-coming actors and content creators succeed on YouTube, he expressed frustration over false accusations and negative remarks directed towards him.



Two weeks after I return to Ghana, I wont do it again. I am not going to act nor will I produce movies again, he stated. Dr Likee highlighted the demanding nature of his work, noting that he often works from 6am to 6pm, which has taken a toll on him.



He also addressed accusations of favoritism, asserting that he has worked with a wide range of creators and refuted claims that he has preferred collaborators.



Present all the creators here and point out who I have not worked with before, he challenged.



Dr Likee has been instrumental in the recent resurgence of the Kumawood movie industry. His popular YouTube comedy skits have not only entertained audiences but have also provided a platform for many emerging talents, including Kyekyeku, 39/40, C-confion, Jordan, and Sobolo, among others.



When I quit, I wont be accused or blamed for anything, he concluded, hinting that his departure would bring him peace from the scrutiny and false allegations.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Abdoulaye Traore, popularly known as ABD Traore, the visionary Founder and CEO of WatsUp Agency and WatsUp TV, who recently launched JetSila Private Jet, was spotted at McDan Aviation, the official operator of the private jet terminal at Kotoka International Airport in Ghana, ahead of his recent trip to the US.



JetSila Private Jet, which has commenced operations in Ghana, aims to revolutionize the private aviation sector by offering unmatched luxury services to clients across the globe. Traores use of JetSila for his own travel underscores his confidence in the service's quality and excellence.



Sharing his experience, ABD Traore expressed his enthusiasm about the capabilities of JetSila Private Jet, highlighting its potential to enhance Ghana's status as a crucial gateway for business and investment in the subregion.



With JetSila Private Jet, Abdoulaye Traore continues to expand his legacy of innovation and excellence, setting new benchmarks in every industry he touches. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury travel, JetSila stands ready to deliver an exceptional experience, every time.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A woman left her infant daughter in the car for hours in Morris County during a heat wave last month, leading to her death, authorities said.

Livia Patelli, 33, of East Hanover, has been charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child after investigators alleged that she left the 6-month-old alone in her car for four-and-a-half hours, the Morris County Prosecutors Office said. She was released on Thursday after appearing in court.

Someone called 911 around 1:30 p.m. on July 17, reporting that a child was alone in a car in a parking lot near South Ridgedale Avenue at Route 10 in East Hanover.

First responders removed the girl from the vehicle and attempted life-saving aid on the scene, authorities said. The infant was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, prosecutors said.

Temperatures in the area reached as high as 105 degrees on the day of the incident, according to the National Weather Service.

Patelli was also taken to a hospital for treatment, but prosecutors did not provide details about her condition.

She is at least the second New Jersey parent to be charged in a hot car death this summer.

Avraham Chaitovsky, 28, of Jackson, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child last month after authorities said he left his 8-week-old daughter in a parked car for four hours, resulting in the babys death.

So far in 2024, 18 children across America have died of heat strokes inside parked vehicles, according to the National Safety Council. In 2023, there were 29 reported child hot car deaths, the organization said.

Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
Award-winning author Neil Gaiman, 63, known for such works as the comic book series Sandman, as well as prose books like Coraline, American Gods and Stardust, is facing multiple accusations of sexual assault by several women.

In an exclusive multi-part podcast series entitled Master: the Allegations Against Neil Gaiman Tortoise Media reported last month on two initial accusations from two women.

One of the women, who was 23 at the time she was hired in 2022 to work as a nanny for Gaimans child, said that Gaiman assaulted her only a few hours after their initial meeting. She said that during a three-week relationship, he performed rough and degrading penetrative sexual acts. Tortoise Media said that it had spoken with the womans friends and examined her notes and messages that corroborate her story.

The second woman, who was 18 at the time, said she met Gaiman in 2003 at a Florida book signing. She began a relationship with him when she was 20 and he was in his 40s and said that she submitted to painful sex that she neither wanted nor enjoyed.

Then, on July 28, a woman using the pseudonym Claire came forward on an episode of the podcast Am I Broken: Survivor Stories and said she had been groomed and sexually coerced by Gaiman.

Most recently, two more accusations were revealed by Tortoise Media on Thursday.

Caroline Wallner, who was a divorced mother of three living at Gaimans Woodstock, New York, property between 2014 and 2021, told Tortoise Media that after she and her husband separated, Gaiman, who was married to musician Amanda Palmer at the time, began pressuring her for sex.

There were little hints of, Were going to need the house. And I remember saying, lets talk about it. Lets figure it out. Thats when he would just come to my studio and make me give him [oral sex], Wallner said. And he can say it was consensual. But why would I do that? It was because I was scared of losing my place.

She added that whenever she would refuse Gaimans advances, he would remind her that his wife wanted the house back, saying on one occasion, You take care of me and Ill take care of you.

After Gaiman left the property during the COVID pandemic, he began sending her sexually explicit photos and videos of himself. When she stopped answering his calls, she was told by Gaimans business manager to vacate the property.

Wallner eventually signed a non-disclosure agreement in return for a $275,000 payment.

Julia Hobsbawm, the second woman in the new report, told the outlet she was 22 in 1986 when Gaiman made an aggressive, unwanted pass while in her apartment, forcing his tongue into her mouth, and pushing her onto her couch before she was able to free herself.

Gaiman has denied all of the accusations thus far, Tortoise Media said.

Many of Gaimans works have been adapted for movies and television, including Sandman, Coraline, American Gods, Stardust and Good Omens, which he co-wrote with the late Terry Pratchett.

He has won the World Fantasy Award, the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award and the Bram Stoker Award. He also won the Newberry Medal for his 2008 young adult novel, The Graveyard Book.
Legendary actor Jack Nicholson got some heartbreaking news Thursday as his longtime agent, Sandy Bresler, died.

Bresler, 87, reportedly died after a short illness.

The Hollywood Reporter said that the actor and agent first met in the 1960s while serving in the California Air National Guard. The site said Bresler, the son of a Hollywood producer himself, began working as Nicholsons agent in 1961.

He became an icon among agents with a personal client list that eventually grew to include Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid and Louise Linton. He served as Nicholsons agent for more than 60 years.

Bresler had a sextuple heart bypass surgery in 2003, the Hollywood Reporter said.

The site said he was survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy, a son, Eric, a daughter, Jennifer, and twin grandsons, Brandon and Jonah.

It said his funeral is set for Aug. 6 at hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
By ANITA SNOW, The Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP)  Mexican farm worker Avelino Vazquez Navarro didnt have air conditioning in the motor home where he died last month in Washington state as temperatures surged into the triple digits.

For the last dozen years, the 61-year-old spent much of the year working near Pasco, Washington, sending money to his wife and daughters in the Pacific coast state of Nayarit, Mexico, and traveling back every Christmas.

Now, the family is raising money to bring his remains home.

If this motor home would have had AC and it was running, then it most likely would have helped, said Franklin County Coroner Curtis McGary, who determined Vazquez Navarros death was heat-related, with alcohol intoxication as a contributing cause.

Most heat-related deaths involve homeless people living outdoors. But those who die inside without sufficient cooling also are vulnerable, typically older than 60, living alone and with limited income.

Underscoring the inequities around energy and access to air conditioning as summers grow hotter, many victims are Black, Indigenous or Latino, like Vazquez Navarro.

Air conditioning is not a luxury; its a necessity, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, which represents state energy assistance programs. Its a public health issue and its an affordability issue.

People living in mobile homes or in aging trailers and RVs are especially likely to lack proper cooling. Nearly a quarter of the indoor heat deaths in Arizonas Maricopa County last year were in those kinds of dwellings, which are transformed into a broiling tin can by the blazing desert sun.

The mobile home where Shirley Kouplen lived shown Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Phoenix. Her mobile home cooling system stopped working during the sweltering heatwave of 2023, and by the time emergency responders arrived, the 70-year-old widow's temperature was 107.1 degrees and she died. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)AP

Mobile homes can really heat up because they dont always have the best insulation and are often made of metal, said Dana Kennedy, AARP director in Arizona, where many heat-related deaths occur.

Research shows mobile home dwellers are particularly at risk in blistering hot Phoenix, where 113-degree Fahrenheit weather is forecast for this weekend.

People are exposed to the elements more than in other housing, said Patricia Solis, executive director of the Knowledge Exchange for Resilience at Arizona State University, who worked on mapping hot weather impacts on mobile home parks for a state preparedness plan.

Worse, some parks bar residents from making modifications that could cool their homes, citing esthetic concerns. A new Arizona law required parks for the first time this summer to let residents install cooling methods such as window units, shade awnings and shutters.

In Arizonas Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, 156 of 645 heat-related deaths last year occurred indoors in uncooled environments. In most cases, a unit was present but was not working, was without electricity or turned off, public health officials said.

One victim was Shirley Marie Kouplen, who died after being overcome by high temperatures inside her Phoenix mobile home amid a heat wave when the extension cord providing her electricity was unplugged.

Emergency responders recorded the 70-year-old widows body temperature at 107.1 F. Kouplen, who was diabetic and had high blood pressure, was rushed to a hospital, where she died.

Kouplen apparently was struggling financially, if the shabby condition of her mobile home was any indication. It still sits on Lot 60, surrounded by a chain-link fence with a locked gate and a dirt driveway overgrown with weeds.

Its unclear how the cord got unplugged, if Kouplen had an electricity account or how she got her power.

Losing your air conditioning is now a life-threatening event, said Texas A&M University climate scientist Andrew Dessler, who grew up in hot, humid Houston in the 1970s. You didnt want to lose your air conditioning, but it wasnt going to kill you. And now it is.

Arizonas regulated utilities have been banned since 2022 from cutting off power during the summer, following the 2018 death of a 72-year-old woman after Arizona Public Service disconnected her electricity over a $51 debt.

Ann Porter, spokesperson for Arizona Public Service, which provides electricity to homes in the park where Kouplen lived, said due to privacy concerns the company could not say if she had an account at the time of her death or in the past. Porter said the utility does not cut power from June 1 to Oct. 15.

Cutoffs can occur after those dates if mounting debts are not paid.

Arizona is among 19 states with shut-off protections, leaving about half of the U.S. population without safeguards against losing electricity during the summer, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association said in a new study.

Almost 20% of very-low income families have no air conditioning at all, especially in places like Washington state where they werent commonly installed before climate-fueled heat waves grew increasingly stronger, frequent and longer lasting.

Chicago, better known for its cold winters, saw a heat wave kill 739 mostly older people over five days in 1995. Amid high humidity and temperatures over 100 F, most victims had no air conditioning or couldnt afford to turn on their units.

In 2022, Chicago adopted a cooling ordinance after three women died in their apartments in a building for older adults on an unusually warm spring day. Certain residential buildings must now have at least one air conditioned common area for cooling when the heat index exceeds 80 F and cooling is unavailable in individual units.

A new report estimates the average cost for U.S. families to keep cool from June to September will grow nationwide by 7.9% this year, from $661 in 2023 to $719 this summer.

Wolf noted the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which grants money to states to help families pay for heating and cooling, is underfunded, with 80% going to heat homes in winter.
Update: Kyle Rittenhouse takes back stance on not voting for Trump just hours after he said no take backs

Kyle Rittenhouse really likes guns, he really likes the second amendment, and because of that he doesnt like Donald Trump for president.

Its 2024 folks. The build to the November election is here, and in that mix, a one-time darling of the MAGA movement  Rittenhouse  is now getting hammered by those very same folks online for telling people not to vote for Trump.

It started on X, formerly Twitter, with Rittenhouse posting a photo of himself next to Ron Paul.

There arent many people in this world I get excited to meet but meeting (Ron Paul) was an incredible pleasure, he wrote.

But it didnt stop there. There is video that Rittenhouse shared to his X account with the caption, You must stand by your principles.

And, in that video, he explains why he will not vote for Trump.

A lot of people are upset because I said Im going to be writing in Ron Paul for president of the United States, and that is true. I will be writing in Ron Paul, Rittenhouse explains. Unfortunately, Donald Trump had bad advisors making him bad on the second amendment and that is my issue. If you cannot be completely uncompromisable on the second amendment I will not vote for you, and I will write somebody else in.

We need champions for the second amendment, or our rights will be eaten away and eroded each day, Rittenhouse continued. I support my decision, and I have no take backs.

No take backs guys. No matter how many hate-filled X responses you throw at him.

Trump and MAGA had our back, but now you dont have his, the Marjorie Taylor Greene Presse Release (Parody) account responded.

This seems like desperate attempt for attention, Nick Scortor wrote.

You are a (expletive) idiot, Philip Anderson wrote. I am unfollowing you.

Anderson also continued about Kamala Harris supposedly wanting to confiscate guns and people hunting down Republicans, for some reason.

There were plenty more comments  those were some of the nicer ones  ripping Rittenhouse so it looks like his days of feeling the love from the folks in that movement might very well be over. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

You can see his video and some of the responses here.

Also, the post below didnt age well:

Trump showed support for me from the beginning. I will gladly support and stand up for a President who cares about the American people and does what is right.   Kyle Rittenhouse (@ThisIsKyleR) April 6, 2023

Rittenhouse, of course, rose to fame in that world after he shot three people killing two, during a racial injustice protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2020. He claimed self-defense and was acquitted of all charges in relation to the shootings in 2021, making him a poster boy for gun groups, and he introduced himself in this latest video denouncing Trump as outreach director for Texas gun rights.
Supporters of a Pennsylvania man held for nearly three years in Russia received a kick in the gut when they learned Thursday that he was not part of a prisoner swap, said a longtime friend.

Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old resident of Oakmont, Allegheny County, is serving a 14-year sentence in a maximum-security penal county after being caught at a Russian airport in August 2021 with just over half an ounce of marijuana prescribed by a physician for chronic back pain.
By Jack Panyard, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS)

A Conoy Township girl who was 10 days from turning 3 years old was killed July 20 in a farming incident at her home.

Maria Nolt, 2, was hit by a tractor on the 2300 block of River Road in Bainbridge just after 10 a.m., according to the Dauphin County coroner and radio dispatches. Nolt was taken to Hershey Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

The coroners office said Nolt died of complications of multiple traumatic injuries from farm machinery and ruled it accidental. The office said the tractor that hit Nolt was towing a pull-behind unit, but did not provide further details about what happened.

Susquehanna Regional Police Detective Wilfredo Rivera confirmed the death and said the department continues to investigate. He did not share further details.

Nolt is survived by her parents, five siblings and three grandparents, according to her obituary. White Oak Mennonite Church held her funeral service July 26.

This is at least the third farm-related death of a child this year in Lancaster County. A 3-year-old Amish boy from Christiana was killed June 3 when he came in contact with ventilation machinery in a barn. A 9-year-old Amish girl died June 25 in Salisbury Township after a horse she was leading bolted, pulling her with it.

Lancaster County, the states leading agricultural producer, has more farm-related deaths than any other county in the state.

The county has seen from one to seven farm deaths a year since 2000, and children are the most likely victims. Children 5 or younger account for 14 of the 26 farm deaths covered by LNP since 2016; teenagers and young children account for six other deaths.
HARRISBURG, Pa.  More than a dozen third-party candidates for president, U.S. Senate and three statewide offices filed paperwork ahead of Thursdays deadline to get on Novembers general election ballot in Pennsylvania, raising the possibility that they could play spoiler in high-stakes and close races in the battleground state.

Pennsylvania is expected to have a decisive role in the Nov. 5 presidential election between Republican nominee Donald Trump and likely Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

A third-party candidates draw in a general election, while usually very small, could help tilt a close race between the major party candidates.

Four third-party candidates filed to run for president by Thursdays 5 p.m. deadline.

Those include Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the We the People Party, Jill Stein of the Green Party, and Claudia De la Cruz of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, according to information from the states election office. Because its national convention came after Pennsylvanias signature-gathering period began, the Libertarian Party submitted signatures under a stand-in candidate who will be replaced by its presidential nominee, Chase Oliver, the party said.

Kennedy filed in June and has gained traction with a famous name and a loyal base.

Strategists from both major parties fear that he has the potential to do better than any independent presidential candidate in decades and tip the election against them.

The filings, however, may not be the last word. Legal challenges can be filed through Aug. 8 to contest whether the candidates met the requirement of filing the signatures of 5,000 registered voters.

With its 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania is a top-tier prize that has swung between the parties in the last two presidential elections. Both were closely contested: In 2016, Trump won Pennsylvania by 44,000 votes over Democrat Hillary Clinton, and four years later Democrat Joe Biden beat Trump by 81,000 votes.

The Senate contest between Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Republican David McCormick could help determine control of the chamber. Three third-party candidates filed to run: John Thomas of the Libertarian Party, Leila Hazou of the Green Party and Bernard Selker of the Constitution Party.

Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein, center, links arms with others while surrounding pro-Palestinian protesters as police show up to their encampment on the campus of Washington University, Saturday, April 27, 2024, in St. Louis, Mo. Dozens were arrested during the protest. (Christine Tannous/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)AP

For the open attorney generals office, Democrat Eugene DePasquale and Republican Dave Sunday are the major party nominees. Third-party candidates filing by Thursdays deadline were Robert Cowburn of the Libertarian Party, Richard Weiss of the Green Party, Eric Settle of the Forward Party and Justin Magill of the Constitution Party.

For treasurer, the Republican incumbent, Stacy Garrity, is being challenged by Democrat Erin McClelland. Third-party candidates who filed to run for the office are Nickolas Ciesielski of the Libertarian Party, Chris Foster of the Forward Party and Troy Bowman of the Constitution Party.

For auditor general, the Republican incumbent, Tim DeFoor, is being challenged by Democrat Malcolm Kenyatta. Third-party candidates who filed to run for the office are Reece Smith of the Libertarian Party and Alan Goodrich of the Constitution Party.

Follow the APs coverage of the 2024 election at apnews.com/hub/election-2024.
On Friday at 4:09 p.m. an updated excessive heat warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 8 p.m. for Eastern Montgomery and Lower Bucks as well as Delaware and Philadelphia counties.

"Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 108 degrees," can be anticipated according to the weather service. "Any showers and thunderstorms will bring relief from the excessive heat."

"Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events," describes the weather service.

Hot weather safety: Weather service tips for staying safe and healthy

Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Seek cool shelter: Stay in an air-conditioned room.

Avoid sun exposure: Stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Child and pet safety: Never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially during hot weather when car interiors can become dangerously hot in a matter of minutes.

Caution outdoors: If you work or spend time outside, be sure to take additional safety measures.

Time your activities wisely: If possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening when the heat is less intense.

Recognize heat-related issues: Recognize the warning signs and familiarize yourself with symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Stay cool with clothing: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to help your body stay cool.

Additional tips for outdoor workers:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas for outdoor workers.

If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.

In emergencies, call 911 for immediate assistance.

These NWS heat safety directives are essential for safeguarding your well-being when facing high temperatures. Stay well-informed and take the necessary precautions to shield yourself and others from the potential hazards of extreme heat.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
BetMGM Casino Air New 'Jackpots' TV Ad

Sam Coyle Senior Casino & Gaming Manager Copy link

BetMGM, one of the top-tier sportsbook and casino operators in the US, is debuting their new TV spot, 'You Never Know When', focusing on the unpredictable excitement of progressive jackpots.

The new 30-second spot for television and social media for BetMGM Casino captures a spokesperson attempting to explain progressive jackpots but who is continually interrupted by another winning jackpot and ensuing celebrations. Each successive blast of pyrotechnics was produced live on set for the full dramatic impact.

'You Never Know When' - Progressive Jackpot Slots from BetMGM Casino

The new BetMGM Casino commercial, which will air on TV as well as appear across social media, is based on explaining progressive jackpots and how they work. Unfortunately for the determined presenter, the jackpots keep on dropping, interrupting his flow.

Take a look for yourself at the commercial, produced by Emmy-wining agency Highdive:

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Donald Trump got shot at, picked a running mate, and held a convention, and he raised less money in a month than Kamala Harris did in a week.

Politico reported:

Former President Donald Trump pulled in nearly $140 million in July, his campaign announced Thursday, a major haul coming off of the Republican National Convention and an assassination attempt.

The haul represents a major increase from June, when his campaign and other affiliated groups raised just under $112 million. Vice President Kamala Harris campaign hasnt released its July total yet but said it raised $200 million in just the first week of her run.

It also known that the funds kept pouring in for Harris through the end of the month, so her July total should be eye popping and August could be huge after she names her running mate and accepts the nomination at the Democratic convention.

Trump is in trouble. Even though he tried to exploit the assassination attempt and get his supporters to open up their wallets, he could not keep up with the prenominal pace of Harriss fundraising.

Vice President Harris also has access to all of the Biden campaign operation and fundraising, so her sprint for the White House should be very well funded.

If Harris pulls and stays ahead in the polls, Trumps fundraising will dry up. These next two months will be critical, but Kamala Harris is in an outstanding fundraising position against Donald Trump.
Trump is now claiming that he doesnt need to debate Vice President Kamala Harris because everyone already knows him. The Harris campaign told Trump to man up.

Trump Has A New Excuse For Not Debating Harris

Trump said, Oh, they say Trumps not doing the debate. Its the same thing theyll say now. Right now, I say why should I do a debate? Im leading in the polls and everybody knows her. Everybody knows me.

Video of Trump on Fox News:

Trump: Why should I debate? Everybody knows me pic.twitter.com/qGZJdjJf7S  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 2, 2024

The Harris Campaign Responds To Trumps Refusal To Debate

Harris for President Co-chair Cedric Richmond responded, Donald Trump needs to man up. Hes got no problem spreading lies and hateful garbage at his rallies or in interviews with right-wing commentators. But hes apparently too scared to do it standing across the stage from the Vice President of the United States. Since he talks the talk, he should walk the walk and  as Vice President Harris said earlier this week  say it to her face on September 10. Shell be there waiting to see if hell show up.

Donald Trump Is Afraid To Debate Kamala Harris

If Trumps interview with three female black journalists was an indication of how he would do in a debate, Donald Trump should be afraid to debate the Vice President.

Trump has consistently demonstrated a fear of debating anyone younger than he is during the 2024 presidential campaign. The ex-president likely knows that his weaknesses and limitations will be exposed in a debate against a younger opponent.

If Trump stands side by side with Kamala Harris, he is going to look old, and the contrast of the campaign will be made clear to voters.

The Harris campaign has done a good job of defining the election as a choice between the past and future, and if Trump appears with Harris it could end any hope he has of winning.
JD Vance tried to insult Gov. Josh Shapiro by comparing him to Barack Obama, and Shapiro took apart Trumps running mate.

A reporter told Gov. Shapiro, Governor, JD Vance just said this about you, and these are his words, quote, he compared you to a really bad impression of Barack Obama. What is your response to that?

Shapiro said:

Is that what he said? Thats great. I love how we get the real-time quotes here. I mean, look, I dont know. Barack Obama was probably our most gifted orator of my time, so its kind of a weird insult, I guess.

But, look, Ill say this about JD Vance. Yeah. It is real hard being honest with the American people. When youre not being honest with yourself. JD Vance is a total phony baloney. He is the most inorganic candidate I think I have ever seen on the national stage. He doesnt know what he believes. And that is why it is impossible for him to articulate a coherent message to the American people.

Cause he doesnt believe it. This guy is not exactly off to a good start. And it is clear that Donald Trump really has buyers remorse with his pick. So if he wants to sling insults in my direction, which Im not even sure is an insult, let him do it. Thats fine. Bring it on. Ill be ready for whatever the hell JD Vance throws in my direction.

Video:

Reporter: Vance compared you to a really bad impression of Obama Shapiro: Barack Obama was probably our most gifted orator of my time, so thats kind of a weird insult. Ill say this about JD Vance: its really hard being honest with the American people when youre not being pic.twitter.com/0UY8T7KGJw  Acyn (@Acyn) August 2, 2024

Trump made a big mistake in picking Vance, and he seems to know it, which is why the ex-president claimed that running mate choices dont matter.

Except Trump is the oldest major party nominee in American history, so his running mate choice matters. The odds of an 82 year old Donald Trump still being alive and well in four years are not great. Trump showed no thought about the country when he picked Vance.

Also, JD Vance has been a terrible candidate. He was an awful Senate candidate who only won the seat because of Ohios Republican lean. Vance has been a bad senator, so it should not shock anyone that he is a lousy running mate.

On the other hand, Josh Shapiro is showing why Vice President Harris should choose him. Shapiro is a gifted communicator with outstanding political skills, who has executive experience, and would be ready to govern if necessary.

Shapiro is everything Vance isnt, and a Shapiro vs. Vance vice presidential debate would not be pretty for Republicans.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham broke with Donald Trump after the former president not only questioned Vice President Kamala Harris' Black identity but went on to suggest she adopted her racial profile for political gain.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, the Senate's only Black Republican and a Trump backer, declined to comment when contacted by The Post and Courier.

The split-screen reaction from South Carolina's two Republican senators illustrates how GOP lawmakers are reacting to Trump's stunning comments about Harris and her race delivered July 31 in front of a room full of Black journalists in Chicago.

Graham is one of a handful of high-profile Republicans who chided Trump for his remarks.

He put it plainly on Aug. 1, saying Trump should not have made the comments.

"I've known the vice president for a while and she's always embraced her heritage proudly, as she should," Graham said in a statement shared with The Post and Courier.

"My problem with Vice President Harris is the policy choices she's made," he continued. "The world is on fire and the country is in decline because of these policy choices, and we need new leadership."

Graham, a staunch Trump ally, momentarily distanced himself from the 2024 GOP presidential nominee after Trump questioned Harris' racial identity and wrongly claimed she had only promoted her Indian heritage.

"I've known her a long time indirectly, not directly very much, and she was always of Indian heritage, Trump told a gathering of the National Association of Black Journalists. "And she was only promoting Indian heritage."
News / National

by Staff reporter

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Bulawayo senator Gideon Shoko has been arrested by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department's Law and Order division in Bulawayo on charges that have not yet been disclosed.Shoko's arrest occurs amid a government crackdown on human rights defenders and dissent ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit scheduled to take place in Harare this month.CCC spokesperson Promise Mkhwananzi confirmed Shoko's arrest, describing it as a tactic by the State to suppress local opposition by targeting individuals closely associated with former CCC president Nelson Chamisa."The government has suspended the Bill of Rights without the support of Parliament. President Emmerson Mnangagwa must declare that he has suspended the constitution," Mkhwananzi stated.Mkhwananzi also mentioned that there are other similar arrests happening across the country.However, Bulawayo Police spokesperson Inspector Abednigo Ncube claimed to be unaware of Shoko's arrest, stating, "I am not aware of the matter yet."Details of the charges against Shoko are still pending. Shoko was one of the senators recalled by CCC's self-styled interim secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu.
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Contact Hagens Berman to Join Class Action Against ABRSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: May 7, 2021 - July 11, 2024Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 30, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/ABR Contact the Firm Attorney Now: ABR@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Securities Class Action Against Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (ABR):Arbor Realty Trust (ABR) is under fire from investors who allege the mortgage real estate investment trust misled them about the health of its loan portfolio. A federal class-action lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of New York accuses ABR of providing false and misleading information about its financial performance between May 7, 2021 and July 11, 2024.The complaint contends that ABR painted a rosy picture of its business, particularly the quality of its loan book, in public filings and earnings calls. However, this rosy view began to unravel on Mar. 14, 2023 when NINGI Research published a report questioning the value of ABR's real estate holdings, specifically its mobile home portfolio. ABR's stock price dipped following the report.The pressure on ABR intensified on Dec. 5, 2023 when activist short seller Viceroy Research released a scathing report alleging widespread issues with the company's loan book. The report sent ABR's stock price lower.However, it was the dramatic plunge on July 12, 2024 that ignited investor fury. Following a Bloomberg report that federal prosecutors were investigating ABR's lending practices, the company's stock price plummeted, wiping out billions in shareholder value.Investors allege that ABR's misrepresentations artificially inflated its stock price, causing significant financial losses to those who purchased the company's shares during the class period. The lawsuit seeks damages for the investors."We are investigating whether Arbor may have hid operational and financial risks from investors," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Arbor and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Arbor case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Arbor should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email ABR@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
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WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Ariento Inc. has achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching Gold status on CMMC Marketplace, a pivotal platform for vendors and organizations seeking to meet the Department of Defense's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards. Gold status is awarded to service providers, resellers, or vendors that have at least 10 verified reviews and are in the top three for net promoter score (NPS) within their vertical. The eight verticals are C3PAO, CMMC Readiness, Reseller, Managed Service Provider (MSP), Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), On Premise Service Provider, Licensed Training Provider (LTP) and Cloud Service Provider (CSP). NPS measures the number of customers who have worked with Ariento in any of these verticals that would recommend the company.This recognition is a testament to Ariento's consistently demonstrated expertise in the field and commitment to providing top-tier cybersecurity solutions and services to government contractors and organizations striving to meet the requirements of CMMC.As both a managed service provider (MSP) and C3PAO, Ariento is uniquely positioned in the CMMC market and has proven to be a key player with their comprehensive range of service offerings. The company's track record of excellence in advisory and consulting, managed services, procurement and resale has led to its recognition as the number one combined CMMC MSP and authorized C3PAO.Ariento is also a featured Microsoft and Cisco Resale Partner on the CMMC Marketplace. Ariento's partnership with Microsoft includes the reselling, implementation, and support of Microsoft 365 Commercial and Government Community Cloud (GCC and GCC-High) services, as well as Azure Commercial and Azure Government services. In collaboration with Cisco, Ariento resells Meraki, Umbrella, and Duo products, all of which have achieved Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) certification.The CMMC Marketplace is the trusted platform for connecting verified CMMC vendors and service providers with organizations that need their products and services. Ariento's recognition and status as a C3PAO, MSP and featured resale partner is a significant endorsement of its ability to support the federal government's initiative to bolster the cybersecurity posture of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).For more information on Ariento, please visit ariento.com . For more information on CMMC Marketplace, please visit cmmcmarketplace.org About Ariento Inc.: Ariento Inc. is the #1 combined CMMC managed service provider and authorized C3PAO and a premier provider of cybersecurity and IT solutions for government contractors and organizations. As a C3PAO, reseller and MSP, Ariento offers a suite of services designed to assist clients in navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity regulations and standards.Contact InformationMadeline AuBuchon Project Manager | Program Management Office communications@ ariento.com 703-867-3347Bryan Crosson Director, Business Development bryan@ ariento.com 703-682-8322SOURCE: Ariento Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSXV:BAY)(OTCQB:ATBHF) ("Aston Bay" or the "Company") advises that it has granted stock options exercisable to acquire 2,300,000 common shares in the Company to certain officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company. The incentive stock options have an exercise price of $0.105 per share with a five-year term and will vest one-third on the date of grant, and one-third on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant.About Aston Bay Holdings Aston Bay is a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for high-grade critical and precious metal deposits in Nunavut, Canada and Virginia, USA. The Company is led by CEO Thomas Ullrich with exploration in Virginia directed by the Company's advisor, Don Taylor, the 2018 Thayer Lindsley Award winner for his discovery of the Taylor Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in Arizona.The Company is currently exploring the Storm Copper and Epworth Properties in Nunavut, and the high-grade Buckingham Gold Vein in central Virginia. The company is also in advanced stages of negotiation on other lands with high-grade critical metals potential in North AmericaThe Company and its joint venture partners, American West Metals Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tornado Metals Ltd. (collectively, "American West"), have formed a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture and are finalizing a joint venture agreement in respect of the Storm Project property, which hosts the Storm Copper Project and the Seal Zinc Deposit. Under the unincorporated joint venture, Aston Bay shall have a free carried interest until American West has made a decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study, meaning American West will be solely responsible for funding the joint venture until such decision is made. After such decision is made, Aston Bay will be diluted in the event it does not elect to contribute its proportionate share and its interest in the Storm Project property will be converted into a 2% net smelter returns royalty if its interest is diluted to below 10%.The Company's public disclosure documents are available on www.sedarplus.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer thomas.ullrich@astonbayholdings.com (416) 456-3516SOURCE: Aston Bay Holdings Ltd.
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Winnett recognized for helping to build one of the most prestigious accelerators in the worldBERKELEY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Berkeley SkyDeck, the global hub for entrepreneurship and leading accelerator, today announced that Executive Director Caroline Winnett has been named to the Forbes 50 Over 50 list in the Innovation category. This prestigious list, created in collaboration with Mika Brzezinski's Know Your Value initiative, honors 200 women who demonstrate exceptional innovation, achieve outstanding business performance, and drive significant impact within their industries. Winnett was recognized for her dedication to building SkyDeck into one of the world's premier accelerators, expanding its reach into Europe and with key partnerships around the globe."When I joined SkyDeck as its executive director a decade ago, I knew it would be a unique and challenging journey. Together, we've built SkyDeck into a globally-renowned accelerator, with our alumni collectively raising $2 billion. While I'm deeply honored to be included in this year's Forbes 50 Over 50, this recognition also celebrates the collective efforts of our entire team and community," said Winnett. "These years post-50 have been the most fulfilling of my life, and I absolutely love my work with SkyDeck and our companies to bring their groundbreaking ideas to market." With an acceptance rate around 1%, Berkeley SkyDeck stands as one of the most competitive accelerators, with more than 1,600 companies as alumni. Since its inception, SkyDeck has seen exponential growth, expanding from 50 applications per class to over 2,000. Each batch, comprising 20-25 startups, receives $200,000 in funding from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund, $750,000 in free and discounted resources, and access to the vast Berkeley SkyDeck network.Winnett played a significant role in establishing the unique relationship between the SkyDeck Fund and UC Berkeley: the fund shares half of its profits with the university to continue delivering excellence in education. To date, the SkyDeck Fund has invested in 160 companies and 60% of those companies have gone on to raise additional funding. Furthermore, Winnett has been instrumental in SkyDeck's international expansion with the establishment of SkyDeck Europe in Milan in 2022. She also spearheaded partnerships with many international organizations including the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Swedish Energy Agency (SEA), and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) of Taiwan.Winnett brings a broad range of experience to her role at Berkeley SkyDeck. She initially was a concert violinist, then a publisher, before co-founding NeuroFocus. As its chief marketing officer, she led the company to over $25 million in revenue and an acquisition by Nielsen in 2011. She subsequently founded a second neuroscience-focused company and served as an advisor to several others. In addition to her work with SkyDeck, she serves on the board of trustees of Cal Performances. Personally, her accomplishments include completing an Ironman Triathlon and scaling El Capitan.Berkeley SkyDeck recently opened applications for its Batch 19, which is the first to feature three new track chairs for the Chip and Bio Tracks. Batch 19 will also be the first time the SkyDeck accelerator is open to all US and international founders, regardless of their UC Berkeley affiliation. Applications are due August 23, with orientation scheduled for November 4.About Berkeley SkyDeckBerkeley SkyDeck is a leading accelerator and the global hub for entrepreneurship. As UC Berkeley's largest and most prominent accelerator, SkyDeck combines hands-on mentorship with the vast resources of its research university. SkyDeck is the only accelerator of its kind that offers the value of a dedicated investment fund alongside the resources and network of a top university. To date, SkyDeck startups have raised more than $2 billion in aggregate. Participating startups have access to SkyDeck's 700 advisors, 70 industry partners, and a network of more than 510,000 UC Berkeley alumni. For more information, see skydeck.berkeley.edu Media contactSongue PR for Berkeley SkyDeck skydeck@ songuepr.com SOURCE: Berkeley SkyDeck
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DEA SUMMONS HAVE BEEN SERVEDSummons have been served on DEA officials, the Attorney General and the Administrative Law Judge to appear in Rhode Island federal court on MMJ's complaint.WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / In recent social media posts, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) claimed that the Biden administration had "reclassified marijuana" and ended the "failed approach to marijuana," symbolized with green checkmark emojis.However, Tim Moynahan, lawyer and chairman of MMJ BioPharma Cultivation, criticized these claims, emphasizing that actions are more significant than words. MMJ BioPharma Cultivation filed a lawsuit in April 2024against the DEA for delaying the approval process for marijuana clinical research by withholding the necessary federal DEA registrations. The idea that the administration has ended the "failed approach to marijuana" is even more of a stretch considering that, even if cannabis is rescheduled, it would remain federally illegal, maintaining the status quo policy of prohibition.The idea that the administration has ended the "failed approach to marijuana" is even more of a stretch considering that, even if cannabis is rescheduled, it would remain federally illegal, maintaining the status quo policy of prohibition.Summons have been served on the DEA officials, the Attorney General, and the Administrative Law Judge to appear in federal court.MMJ's Strategic Shift: Cannabis 3.0Speaking at a Cannabis Forum, Duane Boise highlighted MMJ's strategic focus on pharmaceutical drug development and clinical trials, rather than relying on the uncertain path of federal legalization for recreational and medicinal marijuana businesses, MMJ's innovative approach is set to define the emerging "Cannabis 3.0" era.FDA Approval for THC-CBD DrugsMMJ BioPharma's triad of companies, in collaboration with a specialty Schedule I pharmaceutical soft gelatin manufacturing company, has successfully manufactured a THC-CBD medicine formulated from cannabis plant compounds. This novel pharmaceutical will undergo clinical trials to demonstrate its safety, efficacy, and treatment potential for multiple sclerosis (MS) and Huntington's disease (HD) patients. Upon FDA approval for clinical trials, MMJ will be the only company with a natural plant extract-based THC and CBD final dose form pill. This product is manufactured following the FDA's current Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines.Dr. Elio Mariani, MMJ's CEO, noted, "MMJ International Holdings has diligently worked for years to develop the pill and compile the data mandated by the FDA for approval." Supreme Court Ruling Challenges Chevron Deference and DEA PoliciesThe Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn theChevron doctrine marks a significant shift in administrative law , reducing federal agencies' power to interpret ambiguous statutes and enhancing judicial oversight.Understanding Chevron DeferenceEstablished in 1984, the Chevron doctrine allowed courts to defer to agency interpretations of ambiguous statutes, provided the interpretation was reasonable. This doctrine granted agencies like the DEA substantial authority to define and enforce rules based on their interpretations of statutory ambiguities.Impact of the Ruling on the DEA and MMJ BioPharma CultivationThe Supreme Court's decision challenges this deference, impacting on-going cases like MMJ BioPharma Cultivation's legal battle against the DEA. With Chevron deference curtailed, the DEA will face increased legal challenges. MMJ BioPharma will argue that theDEA's restrictive interpretation of their own rules can be reviewed and overturned in federal court.MMJ BioPharma's Unanswered Appeals to Rhode Island SenatorsMMJ BioPharma sent letters to Senator Jack Reed and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse seeking intervention and support on the marijuana issue. However, there was no response or intervention from the two Rhode Island Senators, failing to address the critical delays and challenges faced by MMJ BioPharma in advancing marijuana pharmaceutical research.The Biden-Harris administration's marijuana policy has been criticizedby MMJ BioPharma Cultivation and others for its lack of effective action. MMJ continues to challenge the DEA's delays in granting research registrations in federal court. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court's recent decision to limit Chevron deference provides a new legal pathway for MMJ to contest DEA's uncompassionate policies toward manufacturing medicine for suffering patients. The lack of response from Senators Reed and Whitehouse further underscores the challenges and ambiguity presented to MMJ BioPharma in advancing their research and development efforts.MMJ is represented by attorney Megan Sheehan.CONTACT: Madison Hisey media@ mmjih.com 203-231-8583SOURCE: MMJ BioPharma Cultivation
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For the greater Phoenix area, the client-centered firm provides personalized services on long-term investment goals to build wealth and help Arizona families achieve financial freedom.SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 /DeGreen Private Wealth LLC (DPW), an investment management and financial planning company, is proud to announce its official launch as Arizona's premier independent, fee-only, fiduciary investment advisor. As the founder and CEO of DeGreen Private Wealth LLC, Sam DeGreen is an industry veteran who has created a client-centric firm prioritizing trust, transparency, and long-term financial well-being. He is committed to providing objective fiduciary advice and personalized investment strategies for clients.Sam DeGreen Sam DeGreen, Founder and CEO A New BeginningDeGreen Private Wealth LLC is built upon a 30-year family tradition of prudent wealth management, helping to pioneer the use of low-cost, highly diversified, tax-efficient, index-tracking, U.S. traded exchange-traded fund (ETF) portfolios. Today, ETFs are renowned for their flexibility, transparency, and cost-effectiveness and have become America's most popular investment vehicle.DeGreen's carefully crafted ETF portfolios are meticulously designed to meet the individual investment objectives of each client, ensuring tailored strategies that align with personal financial goals. DeGreen Private Wealth uses industry-leader Charles Schwab for its client's funds.Fee-Only Fiduciary StandardAs a fee-only fiduciary advisor, DeGreen Private Wealth LLC operates under a strict ethical obligation to act in the best interest of its clients. DPW's independence allows it to offer unbiased advice, free from the conflicts of interest that arise from commission-based sales. Clients can trust that their financial well-being is the firm's sole priority.Radio ShowSam DeGreen will continue hosting his weekly radio show, "Freedom Through Finance," broadcasting at a new time on Saturdays from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. MST on News Talk 550 KFYI.For further information, please visit DeGreenPrivateWealth.com About DeGreen Private Wealth LLCTo learn more about DPW and how we can assist you, visit our website at www.DeGreenPrivateWealth.com . You can also reach us at (480) 771-7000 or Sam@ DeGreenWealth.com Contact InformationDeGreen Private Wealth LLCEmail: Sam@ DeGreenWealth.com Phone: (480) 771-7000 Website: DeGreenPrivateWealth.com Address: 14301 N. 87th St. Suite 117, Scottsdale, AZ 85260For further information, please contact us at the details above.Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. Prospective clients are encouraged to seek personalized advice before making any investment decisions.Contact InformationSam DeGreenFounder & CEOsam@ degreenwealth.com 480-771-7000SOURCE: DeGreen Private WealthView the original press release on newswire.com
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SAN ANTONIO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the Elevate Conference, which took place on July 25th in San Antonio, Texas. The event brought together a dynamic group of high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators for a day of inspiration, learning, and quality introductions.Jacqueline Hernandez & Faten Bazzi The founders of Entrepreneurial EmpireJacqueline Hernandez and Faten Bazzi, two women founders of Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting, are driven by the belief that bringing entrepreneurs together fosters growth, learning, and increased professional revenue. As hosts of the first ELEVATE conference in a quarterly series that will continue to take place in San Antonio, Jacqueline and Faten are committed to disrupting traditional approaches and creating new introductions. Their mission is to empower businesses to unlock their full potential and make a lasting impact through their core principles: Polish, Position, and Elevate. This series will bring people from all over the country to blend insights and grow the market in an accelerated way for local San Antonians.The Elevate Conference featured a panel of distinguished speakers who shared their stories, insights, and strategies for success. Attendees had the unique opportunity to hear from industry leaders who have navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship and emerged victorious. The panel provided invaluable advice on a range of topics, including strategic planning, brand development, collaborations, and market expansion.Attendees raved about the event, sharing deep gratitude, stating, "This event has truly changed my life," said a participant, and another remarking, "This was the best event I have attended here in San Antonio," while many other guests praised the high-quality value and introductions.The conference was particularly notable for attracting high-net-worth individuals, providing an elevated experience in introductions that led to significant deal flow opportunities. This unique aspect underscored the importance of building a supportive and collaborative entrepreneurial community.In addition to the dynamic sessions, Jacqueline Hernandez held a special book signing of her latest published work, 'Entrepreneurial Empire.' Where the participants of the event received a personally signed copy, adding a unique and inspiring touch to the event."We are thrilled with the turnout and the positive feedback we received from attendees," said Jacqueline Hernandez, Founder of Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting. "Our goal was to create a space where entrepreneurs could access exclusive information, learn from industry titans, and tackle the hard conversations about business ownership. We aimed to help entrepreneurs expand their personal influential reach, and based on the results, we believe our conference achieved all of this." Co-founder Faten Bazzi added, "The stories and insights shared by our speakers were filled with information that cannot be Googled. As a Business Development Consultant, hosting this event was our opportunity to give back to the local community in a meaningful and impactful way, setting a higher standard for entrepreneurs." Jacqueline and Faten, the hosts of the Elevate Conference, extend their heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, participants, and volunteers who made this event possible. The guests' enthusiasm and engagement were vital to the success of the Elevate Conference.For more information about Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting and upcoming events, please visit our website, Entrepreneurial Empire, or contact us at jacqueline@ entrepreneurial-empire.com About Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting Entrepreneurial Empire Consulting is a leading consulting firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals. Founded by Jacqueline Hernandez and co-founded by Faten Bazzi, the firm offers strategic planning, branding, and market authority services to empower businesses to unlock their full potential. Guided by our core principles of Polish, Position, and Elevate, we strive to create lasting impacts for our clients.Click here to watch the exciting reel from the Elevate event and see the highlights for yourself.Contact: Jacqueline Hernandez & Faten bazziFounders of Entrepreneurial Empire jacqueline@ entrepreneurial-empire.comEntrepreneurial EmpireEntrepreneurial Empire Consulting thanks attendees for making the Elevate Conference a memorable event.Contact Information Jacqueline HernandezFounder and CEOjacqueline@ entrepreneurial-empire.com 4088028663Related ImagesOur SpeakersGuestSOURCE: Entrepreneurial EmpireView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 23:29:13

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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSXV:GBU)("Gabriel" or the "Company") announces the publication of its Second Quarter Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the period ended June 30, 2024.SummaryOn March 8, 2024, Gabriel announced that a majority of the presiding tribunal ("Tribunal"), over the strong dissent of one of the three arbitrators, had issued a final decision ("Arbitral Decision") dismissing the ICSID arbitration claims filed against the Romanian State ("ICSID Arbitration") and awarded Romania approximately US$10 million in costs ("Costs Order").The Arbitral Decision is binding on the parties and the amount payable incurs simple interest from the date of the Arbitral Decision at the 3-month US Treasury rate.On July 8, 2024, Gabriel announced that it has filed an application requesting the annulment of the Arbitral Decision ("Annulment Application") on grounds including that:the two arbitrators who rendered the majority decision lacked the qualities of independence and impartiality that the ICSID Convention requires, and failed to adequately disclose relationships;the Arbitral Decision suffers from manifest excesses of power by disregarding the applicable law, multiple serious departures from fundamental rules of procedure, and failures to state reasons for decisions made on several of the most fundamental aspects of the claims.On July 12, 2024, the Acting Secretary-General of ICSID registered the Annulment Application and notified the parties of the provisional stay of enforcement of the Costs Order.On June 20,2024, RMGC was notified that the Romanian National Agency for Mineral Resources ("NAMR") had rejected its application for extension of the term of the License for an additional five years, as provided by Romanian law ("LicenseExtension Application"). Gabriel and RMGC will pursue all options to defend and reinstate its legal rights.On April 26, 2024 Gabriel announced a fundraising of up to US$5.575 million and on May 17, 2024 the Company announced proceeds received of US$3.25 million (approximately $4.4 million). No further funds are expected in this regard.As at June 30, 2024, the Company held $2.5 million of cash and cash equivalents (Q1 2024 $2.2 million), excluding prepayment of $2 million set aside in respect of certain legal fees in the Annulment process.Excluding the Costs Order and amounts prepaid, Gabriel believes that it has sufficient funding necessary to cover its planned activities through to the end of September 2024 and will need to raise additional financing during the third quarter of 2024 to fund its working capital requirements.The net loss for the second quarter of 2024 was $3.2 million (Q1 2024 $1.8 million).Further information and commentary on the results in the second quarter of 2024 is given below. The Company has filed its Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for Q2 2024 and related Management's Discussion & Analysis on SEDAR+ and each is available for review on the Company's website at www.gabrielresources.com For information on this press release, please contact:Dragos TanasePresident & CEO dt@ gabrielresources.com Richard BrownChief Financial Officer richard.brown@gabrielresources.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Further InformationStatus of the ICSID ArbitrationThe ICSID Arbitration sought compensation for all of the loss and damage suffered by Gabriel and its wholly-owned indirect subsidiary, Gabriel Resources (Jersey) Limited (together "Claimants") resulting from the Romanian State's wrongful conduct in respect of the Rosia Montana gold and silver project, together with the gold, silver and porphyry copper deposits defined in the Bucium concession area ("Projects") and related licenses.Annulment ApplicationThe Company previously announced that it strongly disagrees with the Arbitral Decision, which it believes is at odds with the opinion of the dissenting arbitrator and inconsistent with any objective assessment of the evidence presented.Accordingly, on July 5, 2024, the Claimants filed with the Annulment Application which sets out the grounds under Article 52 of the ICSID Convention that warrant the annulment of the Arbitral Decision.The annulment process prescribed by the ICSID Convention is not an appeal of the merits of the Arbitral Decision, but a procedure which would, if successful, extinguish the Arbitral Decision, including the Costs Order.There can be no assurances that any annulment process pursuant to the ICSID Convention will result in a positive outcome for the Company or advance in a customary or predictable manner or be completed or settled within any specific or reasonable period of time.Stay' of Enforcement of Costs OrderThe Company considers that the Costs Order is unjust and inequitable given the manner in which the Tribunal conducted, and the Romanian State approached its defence of, the ICSID Arbitration case, which introduced significant delays to the procedure and significantly increased Claimants' costs. The Arbitral Decision is binding on the parties and the amount payable incurs simple interest from the date of the Arbitral Decision at the 3-month US Treasury rate.The Annulment Application, in accordance with Article 52(5) of the ICSID Convention, also requests a stay of enforcement of the Costs Order pending a decision thereon by the Ad-Hoc Committee following its appointment and due consideration of the matter.On July 12, 2024, the Acting Secretary-General of ICSID registered the Annulment Application and notified the parties of the provisional stay of enforcement of the Costs Order.The Company announced on April 4, 2024 that the Government of Romania has requested the Claimants to settle the Costs Order and noted that they will take action to enforce the same. In this regard, the Romanian State has sought precautionary measures in Romania to impose restrictions on the sale or transfer of the shares held by Gabriel Jersey in RMGC, pending settlement of the Costs Order. The Company believes that these actions are premature and suffer from serious procedural infirmities, Gabriel Jersey and RMGC have submitted complaints before the Romanian courts challenging these measures. Gabriel will vigorously defend its rights and interest in Romania and elsewhere.As noted above, the Annulment Application requests a provisional stay against enforcement of the Costs Order. The imposition of the provisional stay was notified to the Parties by ICSID on
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 23:02:14

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Green Bridge Metals Corporation (CNSX:GRBM)(OTCQB:GBMCF)(FWB:J48) (WKN:A3EW4S) ("Green Bridge" or the "Company") wishes to clarify certain technical disclosure, as detailed below, following a technical disclosure review by the Mining Group in the Corporate Finance Division of the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC").The Company has not completed adequate work to develop a resource estimate in compliance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") at the SCZ project. In addition, the Company wishes to clarify that its Chrome Puddy project is in the exploration stage, and that, contrary to National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), the mineral resource estimate previously disclosed by the Company in respect of the project is not supported by a NI 43-101 compliant technical report and should not be relied upon unless and until it is supported by a NI 43-101 compliant technical report.Furthermore, the Company clarifies the following disclosures in its investor presentation, news releases and website:a. disclosures relating to historical estimates in respect of its Chrome Puddy project do not contain the supporting disclosures required by section 2.4 of NI 43-101; accordingly, the Company restates this information as follows:"A historical mineral resource based on limited drilling south of Puddy Lake was presented in 1966 by Commerce Nickel Mines Ltd. (CNML). CNML reported a nickeliferous magnetite mineral resource estimate of 30 million tons grading 0.27% Ni, 0.017% C o and 7.2% recoverable Fe to a depth of 400 ft (122 m) (Annual Report 1966). This historical mineral resource estimate was calculated prior to the implementation of the standards for disclosure set forth in NI 43-101 and current CIM standards for mineral resource estimation. The historical drill and assay results were reported in a manner that was consistent with the exploration practices at that time. Diamond drill holes by CNML, that are the basis of the historical mineral resource, are presented on maps that can be reasonably accurately located on the basis of lakeshore and topographic features and the logs for such diamond drill holes are available in public files, as are the 1965 assay certificates by Technical Laboratory Services, which was a reputable assay lab. A longitudinal section evaluation of relatively widely spaced drill intersections shows continuity of mineralization and that the reported tonnage and grade estimates are reasonable. However there have been no independent validations of the historical assay drill core results and the assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare the historical estimate are not all known. Resource definitions, terminology, and reporting standards have changed significantly since these series of reports. The estimate is considered historical in nature and a QP has not done sufficient work to independently validate the assay drill core results and evaluate these resources as current resources. Therefore, the Company is treating the estimate as historical in nature.b. disclosures regarding certain exploration information were not supported by data verifications required by sections 3.2 and 3.3 of NI 43-101; accordingly, the Company restates this information to include the following:"All sample results are considered historical and are from samples that were not collected by the Company. The QP has not done sufficient work to validate the assay drill core results, nor to verify sample collection methods, analyses, or QA/QC information for these samples." c. concerning disclosures relating to the Crawford deposit nearby to the Chrome Puddy project, the Company notes that such disclosures relate solely to the Crawford deposit, in which the Company does not hold an interest, and that there can be no assurance that the Company will obtain similar information or results from the Chrome Puddy project nor is the Company implying that it will obtain similar results on the Chrome Puddy project;i. concerning drilling target information, the Company notes that such information did not contain the supporting disclosures required by Section 2.3(2) of NI 43-101, accordingly, the Company re-states this information as follows:"Based on historically reported mineralized drill holes over a 1.9 km strike length the Company has an exploration target estimated at 25 to 50 Mt at a grade of 0.25% to 0.30% Ni which it will endeavour to validate and refine by upcoming surface exploration and airborne geophysical surveys. However, the Company notes that the potential quantity and grade of the exploration target is conceptual in nature, and that there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and that it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource."; ii. concerning the "Sample Results" disclosed, the Company provides verifications pursuant to Sections 3.2 and 3.3 of NI-43-101 as follows:"All sample results are considered historical and were not collected by the Company. The QP has not done sufficient work to independently validate the assay drill core results, nor to verify the sample data." iii. With respect to the Company's disclosures contained in its presentations, website and news releases relating to adjacent and regional projects, the Company clarifies that such disclosures relate solely to adjacent and regional projects in which the Company does not hold an interest, and that there can be no assurance that the Company will obtain similar information or results from its own projects regardless of proximity, nor is the Company implying that it will obtain similar results on its own projects.The Company has removed the above-mentioned investor presentations and technical disclosures from its website, and notes that investors should not rely upon the information which the Company is retracting by way of this news release.In addition, the Company notes disclosures contained in the Chrome Puddy Report are not compliant with NI 43-101 and should not be relied upon unless and until such disclosures are supported in compliance with NI 43-101 by an updated report. The Company intends to file a new technical report relating to its Chrome Puddy project by August 8, 2024.Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P. Geol, P. Geo, is an independent qualified person as defined under NI 43-101 who supervised the preparation of and approves the scientific and technical content of this news release.About Green Bridge Metals Green Bridge Metals Corporation (formerly Mich Resources Ltd.) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on acquiring battery metal' rich mineral assets and the development of t
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 16:14:03

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- A delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, visited Vietnam as part of broader ASEAN mission.- Hong Kong aims to help Vietnamese businesses leverage its dynamic start-up ecosystem and superconnector role in new sectors, such as innovation and technology (I&T), sustainability and green finance- 30 MoUs were signed to strengthen bilateral tiesHo Chi Minh City, Aug 2, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - A delegation, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and led by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Mr John Lee, successfully concluded a week-long ASEAN mission to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.Over 50 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed, signalling closer bilateral cooperation based on a shared vision of prosperity and growth in Asia.Over the past week, the delegation comprising some 30 leaders of international, Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong enterprises and conglomerates operating in finance and insurance, I&T, professional services, infrastructure, transport and logistics, energy and hospitality, strengthened ties, expanded networks and discussed collaboration opportunities in Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).Concluding the ASEAN trip on 2 Aug, Mr Lee said: During our six-day trip, we visited four cities across the three countries and participated in some 30 events. These included meetings with senior leaders and officials, visits to enterprises and Belt and Road projects, exchanges with the business communities in the four cities, and engaging in activities to promote people-to-people connections. Mr Lee added that members of the delegation will share their insights and experiences of this visit through their extensive networks.Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said the focus of the mission is to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and ASEAN, our second-largest trading partner, by introducing the latest business opportunities offered by Hong Kong.In recent years, Hong Kong has been making tremendous advances in new sectors, such as innovation and sustainability. Our advances in greentech, smart manufacturing and supply chain management, reinforced by our world-class R&D and IP infrastructure and robust government support, provide a lot of opportunities for us to collaborate with ASEAN businesses, he pointed out, adding 55 MoUs signed during the trip paves the way for deeper collaboration in the future.We would like to express our appreciation to the Hong Kong SAR Government and all business delegates for their support. Looking ahead, the HKTDC will continue to help businesses connect with opportunities and build a global ecosystem through our worldwide network of 50 offices, Dr Lam added.During the visit to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, 30 MoUs were signed by members of the delegation, Vietnamese government bodies and Vietnamese companies in the areas of trade and investment promotion, finance, fintech, transport and logistics and education.Delegates also met with executives and key members of local chambers of commerce, including the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and key corporations, including VinGroup and Tessellation Binh Duong Co Ltd., to explore business opportunities.To foster collaboration opportunities via the Hong Kong platform, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (HKETO Singapore) and HKTDC co-organised a business luncheon in Vietnam, which was attended by some 220 business leaders and key officials.During the visit, 30 MoUs were signed by the following members of the delegation, Vietnamese government bodies and Vietnamese companies to deepen cooperation across diverse areas:1.Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of Hong Kong, China, and Ministry of Finance of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;2.Invest Hong Kong and the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA), Ministry of Planning and Investment of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;3.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI);4.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade);5.Airport Authority Hong Kong and Vietnam Airlines JSC;6.Airport Authority and Airport Corporation of Vietnam;7.Airport Authority Hong Kong and Sovico Group;8.Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI);9.Invest Hong Kong and Hong Kong Business Association in Vietnam;10.Hong Kong Tourism Board and Traveloka;11.Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited and China Business Association Ho Chi Minh City Branch;China Business Association Guangdong Enterprises Association in Vietnam; Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam;12.CCB International Capital Limited and VinaCapital Holdings Ltd;13.Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park J.V. Co., Ltd. (VSIP);14.FWD Group and Junior Achievement Vietnam;15.HKU Business School and Ho Chi Minh University of Banking (HUB);16.HKU Business School and University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH);17.Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Viet Nam National University - Ho Chi Minh City;18.Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh High School for the Gifted;19.SF Supply Chain and NTQ;20.Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and Computime Group Limited;21.Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and Kingboard Holdings Limited;22.Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and Stavian Group Joint Stock Company;23.Sunwah Group (Hong Kong) and Becamex IDC Corp;24.Tekcent Limited and Locamos Technology;25.Tekcent Limited and Quickom;26.The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Hong Kong Office and 315 Medical Joint Stock Company;27.The Vietnam Association HK (VAHK) and Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam (HKBAV);28.The Vietnam Association HK (VAHK) and Viet Nam Young Entrepreneur's Association (VNYEA);29.VRCN Limited and Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam; and30.VRCN Limited and QuickomRead more: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/92078/
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by Sgtaff reporter

Trump just told the world that KAMALA HARRIS ISN'T BLACK





"I didn't know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black. 



Now she wants to be known as black



She was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made a pic.twitter.com/PmTfACv4wl MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) July 31, 2024

Former US President Donald Trump has ridiculed Vice President Kamala Harris for talking up her Indian heritage for years until she "all of a suddenbecame a black person." The White House lashed out at Trump in response, stating that the former president has no "right to tell someone who they are."Trump commented on Harris' race during a combative panel interview at a National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago on Wednesday. Asked whether he considered Harris a "DEI hire" - someone hired for their race or gender, Trump replied that he thinks the situation "is maybe a little bit different.""She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage," he elaborated. "I didn't know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black and now she wants to be known as black. So I don't know, is she Indian or is she black?""You know what, I respect either one, but she obviously doesn't, because she was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made a turn, she became a black person," Trump continued, to laughter from the audience.Born in California to an Indian mother and Jamaican father, Harris is often described as the US' first African American and first Asian American vice president. Around the time of her election to the US Senate in 2016, some American media outlets including the Associated Press, The Hill, and local newspaper the Sacramento Bee described her as "Indian-American," while others, including ABC and NBC, described her as "African-American."Kamala Harris: The Soros candidate?Both descriptors were used interchangeably by the media during Harris' time in the Senate, and during her abortive presidential campaign in 2019.In a 2020 post on X marking India's independence day, Harris described Indians as "our people."Responding to Trump on social media, Harris accused her Republican opponent of peddling "divisiveness and disrespect." White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called Trump's remarks "repulsive and insulting."Nobody "has any right to tell someone who they are, how they identify. That is no-one's right," Jean-Pierre told reporters on Thursday.Seemingly undeterred by this condemnation, Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Friday to share a photograph of a young Harris and her family in traditional Indian dress. "Thank you Kamala for the nice picture you sent from many years ago! Your warmth, friendship, and love of your Indian Heritage are very much appreciated," he wrote.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 18:02:17

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From Passion to Purpose: Founder Jackie Loos is Here to Make an ImpactMIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Founder Jackie Loos is introducing the world to her brand Tone Cosmetics. Jackie has been a cosmetics aficionado for as long as she can remember. Long before cruelty-free, vegan, organic, and clean products made their way into what's now considered the norm, she found herself researching brands to ensure they were in fact cruelty-free and used non-toxic ingredients. A couple of years ago, she found herself working her 9-5 but lacking the fire that fuels true passion - prompting her bold decision to take matters into her own hands. It was at that moment that she dove into doing research on types of products to formulate and cosmetic labs that met her standards. And that is how the ethically-minded Tone Cosmetics brand was born.Every product is thoughtfully made and is cruelty-free, meaning that these products are not tested on animals, the lab that works with them does not test on animals, and the ingredients are sourced from locations that do not conduct animal testing. Tone Cosmetics is made right here in the USA and has several stellar products, but the star of the show is definitely the Vitamin C Serum. This product is packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid, making it effective but also gentle on the skin.As a founder, Jackie admits that there have been things she's had to overcome in order to stay committed to creating high-quality skincare that not only enhances beauty but also nourishes the soul. "Introducing new products into the market comes with a price tag," Loos says, "Luckily, I have a wonderful family behind me who have contributed to my success. The main hurdle I've had to overcome is imposter syndrome. I'm passionate about skincare, but I'm not a chemist. It took me a while to realize that I can talk about my products and ingredients proudly despite not having a background in chemistry. "In addition to their meticulously crafted formulas, this brand stays true to their purpose by giving back to their community. "I work with local animal rescues. I have some rescue dogs of my own, and I'm also a doggie foster mom until they find their forever homes. Fostering is important but can be expensive on the rescue. Tone will be donating a portion of sales to local foster-based animal rescues." Tone Cosmetics will never veer from cruelty-free practices and Founder Jackie Loos is thrilled to be part of the conscious beauty revolution. With Tone Cosmetics, customers not only invest in their skin but also contribute to a brighter, greener future for our planet. Unleash your radiance with Tone Cosmetics today, and experience skincare that transcends the ordinary - a skincare line with a heart, soul, and a commitment to making a difference. Customers can receive 20% off a purchase at ToneCosmetics.com now through September 30th.Contact:jackie@ tonecosmetics.com Contact InformationJackie LoosFounderjackie@ tonecosmetics.com SOURCE: Tone CosmeticsView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 21:01:42

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KARE PharmTech: Empowering Physicians, Pharmacists, and Patients to Improve Patient CareTAMPA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / KARE PharmTech announces the successful conclusion of the Empowered Pharmacies Futures Summit, held on July 28 and 29, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. This landmark event signifies a major milestone in KARE's mission to revolutionize the healthcare landscape by empowering independent community pharmacies to compete and thrive in a challenging environment.Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Kiran "Dr. K" Patel, KARE PharmTech is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions that enable local community pharmacies to flourish. The event brought together KARE executives, industry leaders, pharmacy owners, and physicians to share KARE's vision and build partnerships.KARE PharmTech: Empowering Physicians, Pharmacists, and Patients to Improve Patient CareDr. K, Founder & Chairman, and Mital Panara, Founder and CEO of KARE PharmTech, emphasized the importance of innovative leadership and outlined KARE's strategic goals. The focus is on enhancing the patient-pharmacist relationship and advancing AI technology through KARE PharmTech."KARE PharmTech is focused on executing our vision to disrupt the healthcare pharmacy business. By empowering community pharmacies with innovative solutions, we aim to drive meaningful change and support their success," said Mital Panara, CEO and Founder of KARE PharmTech.KARE PharmTech: A.I. Powered Healthcare TechnologyPresentations on KARE PharmTech's platform and AI cutting-edge technologies included KARE's HUB Services, Rx-Discount Card, Provider Solutions, and Telehealth platform, to name a few. Many in attendance, including independent pharmacy owners from around the country, commented favorably on KARE PharmTech's platforms and the many ways KARE GPO, KARE Pillbox, KARE Clinical, and the KARE Pharmacy Management System (PMS) will streamline operations and foster greater connectivity within the pharmacy ecosystem."It was exciting to see the overwhelmingly positive response from so many in attendance. KARE is changing the way healthcare is done and using technology as a backbone to improve the experience for patients. We are excited to bring this disruptive platform to market," said Chuck Jenkins, Chief Commercial Officer of KARE PharmTech & Rx Partners.KARE Rx Partners: Building a Network of Community PharmaciesSessions focused on KARE Rx Partners featured discussions with KARE Rx Anchor Partners and KARE Rx Ambassadors, concentrating on collaboration and strategic growth. KARE Rx Partners is committed to creating a network of community pharmacies to support and enhance their competitiveness in the market.Future Collaborations and Strategic AlliancesKARE PharmTech is also exploring strategic partnerships to further its transformative plan. While formal announcements are pending, one such significant partnership on the horizon is with myphysician360, a telemedicine company that partners with community pharmacies."myphysician360's innovative approach to improving access to care and quality outcomes through its vast network of local community pharmacies is a great complement to the KARE PharmTech's strategic transformative plan," said Michael Muchnicki, CEO of myphysician360 and KARE PharmTech Executive.Empowering the Future of Community PharmaciesKARE Rx Partners aims to become the third-largest pharmacy chain in the U.S. by 2026. Powered by AI cutting-edge technology, KARE PharmTech is designed to improve patient experiences, drive cost savings, and enhance healthcare outcomes. Dr. K's vision is to transform the delivery system, empowering local pharmacies to thrive and compete. This bottom-up approach builds partnerships that prioritize patient needs.Leadership and Vision: Dr. K's ImpactDr. K's background in building successful healthcare businesses, including leading WellCare, Freedom Health, and Optimum Healthcare, has provided invaluable insights into creating thriving enterprises. As Chairman and Founder of KARE PharmTech, and a prolific entrepreneur with a portfolio of companies each valued near or above $1 billion, Dr. K's astute intellect and aggressive business-building style are instrumental in KARE's success. His ventures span various industries, from developing immunotherapies for cancer with Morphogenesis, Inc., to solar-powered EV-charging infrastructure with Magentapower, and innovative medical devices with Concept Medical."Driving change through new tech platforms like this venture makes it possible to preserve the patient/pharmacist relationship," explained Dr. K.Addressing The Critical Needs Through an AI-Powered EcosystemAt KARE, we are uniting and organizing the most under-utilized segment of the healthcare industry  the independent, community pharmacy. KARE Rx Partners is dedicated to transforming community pharmacies into thriving healthcare service hubs. Our AI-powered ecosystem, developed by KARE PharmTech, is designed to increase access, improve outcomes, and drive profitability through our HUB & Spoke pharmacy distribution model."These days, there are a lot more questions than there are resources for answers. KARE is on it," said Mital Panara. Dr. K and Mr. Panara firmly believe this support is long overdue.KARE PharmTechKARE Rx Partners 5600 Mariner St Tampa, FL 33609Dr. K Empowered Pharmacies Futures Summit Kick-Off Remarks: https://youtu.be/Z1bu09yDhrQ?si=_tGSaVKJQ_hnXPvS Contact Information:Swati PatelDirector of Account Managementsnpatel@ karehp.com 8135512393Christopher SurrellVice President, Marketingcsurrell@ karehp.com 734-717-9511SOURCE: KARE PharmTechView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 17:00:17

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Liberty Robotics, formerly Liberty Reach, provides 3D volumetric vision guidance systems for robotic applications. Liberty Robotics' systems improve manufacturing, material/part handling, and logistics operations that are performed in industrial environments.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / LMI Technologies (LMI), the global leader in 3D scanning and inspection solutions, today announced the acquisition of Liberty Robotics (LR), a pioneering provider of 3D machine vision solutions for robotic guidance in the automotive and material handling/packaging and logistics industries.Liberty Robotics Acquired by LMI Technologies Liberty Robotics, formerly Liberty Reach, provides 3D volumetric vision guidance systems for robotic applications. Liberty Robotics' systems improve manufacturing, material/part handling, and logistics operations. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Liberty Robotics has established itself as a key player in automation for the automotive sector, renowned for its innovative VFix and VGuide systems, which enable precise end-of-arm robotic guidance for applications including part handling and the application of coatings and sealers. Liberty Robotics systems are actively running in the facilities of many of the world's leading automotive manufacturers.Liberty Robotics has leveraged its experience and expertise from the automotive industry to develop robotic vision guidance systems for applications in material handling/packaging and logistics. VPack and VPick allow for automated mono and mixed-case palletizing, depalletizing, decanting, and delayering that enable fully autonomous material handling in logistics centers."We are thrilled to welcome Liberty Robotics into the LMI family," said Mark Radford, CEO of LMI Technologies. "This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our strategic growth, expanding our solution-based capabilities in the automotive and packaging and logistics industries. Liberty Robotics brings deep expertise in robot integration with large field-of-view snapshot scanning as well as powerful application-level software, including its industry-leading solutions for vision-based robotic guidance and mixed-case palletization that perfectly complement LMI's advanced smart 3D sensor technology infrastructure and global market presence." The acquisition will enable LMI to leverage Liberty Robotics' strong foothold in North America to expand its footprint globally. With LMI's extensive network, the acquisition is poised to accelerate the company's growth in markets across North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. In the packaging and logistics space, LR's unique, industry-leading solutions for handling mixed pallets of boxes that vary in size, color, and pattern will drive rapid business growth in material handling applications given the high demand for automation in this area."We see tremendous synergies between LMI and Liberty Robotics," added Radford. "Liberty Robotics' proven technologies and talented team will greatly enhance our ability to deliver integrated, high-value solutions to our customers worldwide. Together, we aim to set new benchmarks in factory automation efficiency and innovation." For more information on the full range of Liberty Robotics' products, please visit https://www.liberty-robotics.com/ . Additional information will be communicated on the LMI website at www.lmi3D.com in the months to come upon the successful integration of Liberty Robotics with LMI Technologies.Perella Weinberg Partners LP served as financial advisor to Liberty Robotics.About Liberty RoboticsLiberty Robotics specializes in 3D machine vision solutions for robotic guidance, empowering manufacturers with advanced automation capabilities. For more information, visit www.liberty-robotics.com About LMI TechnologiesAs the global leader in 3D scanning and inspection, LMI Technologies works to advance quality and productivity with 3D sensor technology. Our award-winning, FactorySmart laser, snapshot, and line confocal sensors improve the quality and efficiency of factory production by providing fast, accurate, reliable inspection solutions that leverage smart 3D technologies.Unlike contact-based measurement or 2D vision, our non-contact solutions add 3D shape information that is critical to achieving 100% quality control. We also offer turnkey AI-based solutions to deploy the power of deep-learning-driven visual inspection into your industrial production processes.To learn more about how LMI's inspection solutions can benefit your business, we invite you to contact us at contact@ lmi3d.com or visit us at www.lmi3d.com to explore the possibilities of smart 3D technology.Media Contact: Theresa NgRegional Marketing Specialist, AMERLMI TechnologiesTel.: +1 604 636 1011E-mail: theresa.ng@lmi3d.com Contact InformationTheresa NgRegional Marketing Specialist AMERtheresa.ng@lmi3d.com +1 604 636 1011SOURCE: LMI TechnologiesView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 18:01:27

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LINCOLN, NE / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy, a leader in pharmacy services for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), is thrilled to announce a new technology partnership with Impruvon Health. This collaboration introduces new options to Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy customers, including technology aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals by promoting independence and improving medication compliance.Impruvon Technology Impruvon Health offers solutions designed to empower individuals with IDD and their support teams, aiding them in managing their medications effectively and independently. The integration of this technology aligns with Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy's core objectives to increase awareness, drive adoption, enhance independence, and build robust partnerships with healthcare providers.Key Benefits of Impruvon's Enabling Technology:Promotes Independence: Supports individuals and their care teams in managing medications safely.Improves Compliance: Ensures medications are taken correctly and on time, enhancing health outcomes."Our commitment to our community goes beyond providing medications. Looking forward, it's about integrating collaborative technology solutions that empower individuals to lead more independent and healthy lives," said Scott Louderback, CEO of Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy. "This partnership with Impruvon Health is another way to continue moving forward in our mission to deliver compassionate, innovative care." Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy invites individual patients, caregivers, and organizations supporting individuals with IDD to learn more by attending one of our upcoming webinars with Impruvon Health.To register for an upcoming educational webinar, please visit https://www.neighborhoodrx.com/impruvon About Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy specializes in providing comprehensive medication management and pharmacy support to individuals with IDD and their care teams. Through innovative technology and personalized care, Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy ensures the highest standards of safety and efficacy in medication management.About Impruvon Health For more about how Impruvon Health is transforming medication management with advanced technology solutions, visit Impruvon's website.Contact:Stacy Wilson816.654.6200 stacy@ neighborhoodrx.com Contact InformationStacy WilsonDirector of Business Developmentstacy@ neighborhoodrx.com (816) 654-6200SOURCE: Neighborhood LTC PharmacyView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 11:40:11

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DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) continues to emphasize its investment focus within the consumer staples sector. Made up of stocks within the S&P 500, XLP offers investors exposure to companies involved in the provision of essential goods and services.The fund is structured around industries that traditionally show resilience, by focusing on everyday essentials.Highlighted Holdings* in XLP's Portfolio:Procter & Gamble (14.72%): A well-known multinational corporation with a diverse product line in personal health/consumer health, and personal care/hygiene.Costco Wholesale (14.25%): A global chain known for its membership warehouses, offering a broad selection of merchandise.Walmart (10.94%): The largest retailer globally, offering a wide range of products at discounted prices.Coca-Cola (9.33%): Recognized as the largest beverage company globally, Coca-Cola operates in more than 200 countries.PepsiCo (4.52%): Offers a variety of beverages and snack foods recognized worldwide.Philip Morris Int'l (4.45%): Engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products.Mondelez (3.83%): Specializes in chocolate, biscuits, gum, candy, coffee, and powdered beverages.Colgate-Palmolive (3.47%): Focuses on oral care, personal care, home care, and pet nutrition products.Altria (3.41%): Known for producing tobacco, cigarettes, and related products.Target (2.99%): A retailer that provides a diverse assortment of goods.Investment Focus on Essential Goods and Services:The composition of XLP's portfolio underscores its commitment to industries anticipated to maintain steady demand irrespective of economic conditions. This approach is reflective of a strategy aiming to provide investors with exposure to segments of the market where consumer demand persists.With assets totaling over $15 billion, XLP represents a notable presence in the ETF landscape since its inception in 1998. It offers an expense ratio of 0.09%**, positioning itself as a fund that focuses on large-cap companies within the consumer staples sector.About Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP):XLP is part of the Select Sector SPDR suite, which targets specific sectors of the S&P 500. By concentrating on companies that produce and distribute essential goods and services, XLP aims to offer a reflection of the consumer staples sector.DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication.About the Company:Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals.*Holdings, Weightings & Assets as of 6/30/24 subject to change**Ordinary brokerage fees applyDISCLOSURESThe S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing.One may not invest directly in an index.Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightingsAll ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and nondiversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk.An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com . Read the prospectus carefully before investing.ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust.Media Contact:Company: Select Sector SPDRsContact: Dan Dolan*Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203Country: United StatesEmail: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust.SEL007683 EXP 9/30/24Contact DetailsDan Dolan+1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ SOURCE: SELECT SECTOR SPDR
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 07:01:12

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Federal judges in Kansas and Missouri recently halted the implementation of the Biden Administration's Saving on A Valuable Education plan (SAVE) plan whose purpose was to alleviate the burden ofstudent loans.Using provisions from the Higher Education Act, President Biden viewed it as the next plausible route for extensive relief, even though a key revelation from the White House suggested that participants under the SAVE plan would approximately repay just seventy one cents for each dollar borrowed. Contrasting this against the conventional loan paradigm, SAVE feels more akin to a quasi-grant system than a traditional loan scheme.This ruling followed Biden's first $400 billion forgiveness attempt which the Supreme Court struck down a year ago, asserting that the Administration overstepped its bounds regarding student loan debt cancellation. While those - politically motivated - initiatives address a pressing concern, it is also crucial to recognize that merely canceling debts does not tackle the root problem plaguing our higher education system.A national crisisWe currently find ourselves amidst a national crisis where Americans are declaring bankruptcy in pursuit of a college education. Arecent surveyfrom Gallup and Lumina Foundation shows that seventy one percent of respondents have delayed a major life milestone due to the burden of their student loans. The issue lies in the nature of those loans, resembling a tax that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy and leading the government to garnish wages until the debt is settled.If we fail to reform the college financing system, there is further danger that lies ahead. The Bennett hypothesis (named after former Education Secretary William J. Bennett) sheds light on a critical aspect of this issue. Government loans, meant to support aspiring students, have inadvertently contributed to skyrocketing tuition fees. Since 1980, college tuition has surged by a staggering 1,300%, a trend directly linked to the availability of government loans. It is time to recognize that a fundamental shift in the financing paradigm is necessary to break this cycle.One of the critical flaws in our current system is the lack of accountability in higher education institutions. Colleges operate without proper customer service mechanisms and bear no responsibility for the aftermath of the product they sell. There is a pressing need for colleges to be pressed to lower tuition fees and ensure the success of their students.A practical solutionThere is a socially responsible way to address this growing student debt crisis, and for that we must advocate for a transition of student financing back into the hands of the private market. Income-contingent financing products, like the one we propose at our company YELO Funding, emerge as a viable alternative, where repayments are tied to one's income, ensuring a fair and reasonable burden on graduates.By investing in the students' success, this system creates a better alignment of interests than the conventional loan programs and helps students make better career choice by incentivizing them to select programs with favorable career outcomes that are independent of their financial obligations. Eventually, a portion of this repayment should even be backstopped by the colleges to hold them accountable for the quality and outcomes of the education they provide. In short, shifting towards income-contingent financing would place a shared responsibility on both students and colleges, fostering a more sustainable and equitable higher education system. And the law of supply and demand will eventually bring back to earth the tuition of a lot of those programs.The American dream itself is at stake in this discussion. As we navigate the complexities of college financing, we must not only focus on short-term solutions but also lay the groundwork for a system that encourages responsibility, transparency, and fairness. Debt cancellation is not the answer, although it does buy votes in an election year. To truly safeguard our children's future, we must fundamentally reshape how we finance higher education. As education costs continue to soar and economic conditions remain unpredictable, financial structures must evolve to support - rather than hinder - students' educational pursuits. Income-contingent financing products, with their income-tied repayment systems, inherently recognize the cyclical nature of economic realities and adapt accordingly. It is time to break free from the cycle of passing the ball to the next generation and build a system that fosters success for all.Daniel Rubin is the founder and CEO of YELO Funding, Inc. He has over 25 years of principal investing, investment banking, restructuring and operational experience, including roles as co-founding partner of YAD Capital, COO/CFO at Halpern Real Estate Ventures, investment banker at Lehman Brothers, private equity investor at JEN Partners, and turnaround consultant at Deloitte. Dan has invested in and/or advised on approximately $5 billion of corporate finance transactions.Media Details Company Name: Yelo FundingCity and Country: New York, USAMail: info@ yelofunding.com Website: yelofunding.com SOURCE: Yelo Funding
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 16:30:29

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VANCOUVER, BC and HONG KONG / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Reyna Gold Corp. (TSXV:REYG)(OTCQB:REYGF) ("Reyna" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its flagship project Gryphon Summit in Nevada as well as announce the final drilling results of its Phase 2 drilling at its La Gloria property in Sonora, Mexico.Reyna Gold is pleased to provide an update on its flagship Gryphon project in Nevada which is been explored on a 50/50 option agreement basis with its sister company Reyna Silver. Our joined technical team has been hard at work this spring developing targets and we are now in the stage of building the pads and mobilizing the drill rig with drilling starting in the next few days.As the company shifts focus to its Nevada project this summer we are pleased to announce below the final remaining drill results from La Gloria.Reyna Gold is pleased with the drilling done at the project to date which is consistent to the grades observed in projects in the region. Reyna Gold's management is actively looking to extract value of this project either through a JV, partnership or a sale of the project which is very attractive to a number of producers who are in our immediate vicinity.Highlights:Drilling at the Western target showed large-mineralized zones in strongly deformed rocks.LG-23-58: 39.10m of 0.29 g/t Gold including 4.85m of 0.99 g/t AuDrill Highlights include:LG-23-59: 14.20m of 0.26 g/t GoldLG-23-60: 12.70m of 0.23 g/t Gold & 3.30m of 0.92 g/t GoldLG-23-46: 44.75m of 0.15 g/t GoldStep-out drilling at La Republicana continued to hit board intersects of gold mineralization close to the surfaceDrill Highlights include:LG-23-49: 35.20m of 0.23 g/t Gold & 13.70m of 0.19 g/t GoldLG-23-42: 25.35m of 0.23 g/t Gold & 1.65m @ 0.50% Cu, 71.82 g/t Ag, 0.55% PbLG-23-46: 44.75m of 0.15 g/t GoldWestern TargetIn the Western target, new assay results have been received from Holes LG-23-045, LG-23-046, and LG-23-058 to LG-23-060. These drill holes were carried out to test the NE-SW trending veins and veinlets system, as well as secondary NW-SE systems; The system is developed within a dioritic unit with degrees of variable metamorphisms (schistosity zones) and meta-sedimentary rocks, as well as dikes/sills of andesitic composition.Figure 1: Western Target Drill Hole Locations"Large deformed zones with quartz veins were intercepted with Gold values, and some rock intervals present higher-grade metamorphism; Furthermore, the correlation of Au-Bi with the possible relationship of an intrusive at depth is interesting. Coupled with the first results from drill holes LG-23-37 and LG-23-38 with the extensive intervals intercepted with anomalies of Zinc, Molybdenum, and the same relationship of high Bismuth values in relation to gold in the system, the project has great potential for a large intrusive orebody at depth and the opportunity for new discovery on the Caborca Gold Belt" said Ariel Navarro, VP Exploration of Reyna Gold.Recent exploration in the most northwest area of the Western target within a large magnetic dipole anomaly shows evidence of the magmatic relationship in the area and the presence of a deep intrusive, with a high content of iron sulfides, oxidized sulfides, and ilmenite in the area, as well, oxidized copper, with the presence of chalcopyrite, and chalcocite; In addition, a series of tourmaline and hydrothermal breccias in the area located in a magnetic low is closely related to a porphyric rock of dioritic composition with disseminated pyrite and copper anomalies in the intrusive body, this evidence and the correlation with the results of the drilling, show affinity with higher temperature systems and a generation of several superimposed hydrothermal and mineralogical systems.Figure 2: Northwest zone location within the Western targetFigure 3: Silica-ilmenite replacement bands in calcareous sandstone within the Western target La Republicana ZoneThe objective of drilling these additional drill holes in the La Republicana was to continue outlining the mineralized zone (Republicana Main) of approximately 200 m by 150 m and, subsequently, also step-out drilling into new parts of the La Republicana system.It is also important to mention the area of the LG-23-35 hole (24 m @ 0.36 g/t gold), which may be a parallel system to the main one, located 500 m southwest of LG-22-30 (main area). This zone shows the potential for multiple systems within the La Republicana Zone.To date, 18 drill holes have been drilled in the La Republicana for a total of 1,977m.Figure 4: La Republicana Drill Hole Locations Las Carmelitas TargetWithin the Las Carmelitas area to date, 6 holes have been drilled for a total of 831m. The drilling objective focused on the IP geophysical survey anomalies, the geochemical anomalies with high Copper-Antimony-Mercury values, as well as the extensive silica alteration zone (ASTER & WV3).Within the drilling, a polymictic conglomerate was cut with large areas of calcite-quartz veinlets and some areas with silica replacement. The drill holes were shallow with respect to the geophysical anomalies and the depth relationship with the Big-Pit mineralized zone, so the marked objectives could not be reached due to the great thickness of up to 250m of conglomerate, but the increase in silica at depth, as well as the low-temperature geochemical anomalies on the surface, and the deep IP anomalies show us a high potential in the area to be discovered at depth. There were no significant values encountered in the drill holes.Table 1: Highlights Drill Results La Republicana & Western TargetsThe full list of assays and details of drill hole depth, dip, and azimuth may be foundhere(Ctrl + Click to open the link) on Reyna Gold's website reynagold.com Gryphon Summit, NevadaThe Company's focus is now on its Gryphon Summit Asset in Nevada. The Company is assessing options to continue advancing the La Gloria Property to unlock its vast geological potential on one of the world's major gold belts.Gryphon Summit is a combined Carlin-type and CRD Gryphon Summit Project in Eureka Co., Nevada. Initial Drilling of the property by Reyna Gold and Reyna Silver will commerce over the summer months.The full version of the Reyna Silver and Reyna Gold Initiates 43-101 Exploration Report on Gryphon Summit press release can be foundhere(Ctrl + Click to open the link) on Reyna Gold's website reynagold.com Michael Wood Chief Executive OfficerFor Further Information, Please Contact:Reyna Gold Corp.Michael Wood, Chief Executive Officer info@ reynagold.com; About Reyna Gold Corp.Reyna Gold Corp. is a gold exploration company focused on district-scale ex
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-03 00:35:39

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NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Section 8 Karim has announced the successful closure of 150 rental properties, marking a significant milestone in its rapid expansion strategy. In a letter to its clients, Section 8 Karim celebrated this achievement and affirmed the company's commitment to providing quality housing for Section 8 tenants while capitalizing on the lucrative opportunities within the government-subsidized housing market.Karim Naoum, Louisiana's youngest Section 8 landlord, has a fresh take on property acquisition and management. The company is setting new benchmarks, using insider insights into the Section 8 system to boost returns for investors."Our success stems from a deep understanding of the Section 8 program and its nuances," Karim explained. "Focusing on single-family homes under $100,000 in landlord-friendly states, we've created a scalable model that benefits both investors and tenants." Section 8 Karim's got a game plan that leans on DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans, relying on the property's rental income for qualification. This tactic means low down payments, usually in the $8,000 to $12,000 range, making Section 8 investments more accessible for a broader crowd of investors."One of the biggest misconceptions in this market is that there are no cities with properties from 60-80k that work with Section 8," Karim pointed out. "Truth is that there are a ton of cities that could cash flow 500-800/M per property in the south and the Midwest at that price range. Getting started with Section 8 can be complex, though it doesn't require anyone to be a genius or anything special. Like all things, it can be mastered through trial and error, but this can become expensive rather quickly." Section 8 Karim helps its clients avoid this hurdle and earn a high return on investment. The team has developed proprietary methods for negotiating rents with Section 8 authorities, ensuring that properties consistently earn 10-30% above market rates. Additionally, their streamlined process for passing inspections and managing paperwork has significantly reduced the administrative burden on investors.One of the most innovative aspects of Section 8 Karim's approach is its ability to acquire and manage properties entirely out of state. This remote investing model allows for greater diversification and takes advantage of the most favorable markets nationwide."We've dispelled many myths about Section 8 rentals," Karim continued. "Our data shows that the average Section 8 tenant stays in a property for 7.5 years, providing stable, long-term income for investors. And, with rents guaranteed by the government, our model offers recession-proof returns." Section 8 Karim's success is not just about profits. The company takes pride in providing quality housing for individuals in need, aligning financial goals with social responsibility. This devotion to quality has driven an astounding 92% success rate among the 1,000+ students mentored through their Recession Proof Blueprints program. The company's aiming high, with dreams of owning over $100 million in rental properties in the next year or two.About Section 8 KarimSection 8 Karim was founded by Karim Naoum, the youngest Section 8 landlord in Louisiana. Specializing in acquiring and managing Section 8 rentals, the company has developed the Recession Proof Blueprint, a comprehensive system to learn how to Buy and Scale a Section 8 Portfolio.Media Details:Company name: Section 8 KarimPress Contact: Karim Naoum Email: karim@ recessionproofblueprints.com Website: https://recessionproofblueprints.com/ SOURCE: Section 8 Karim
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 04:50:55

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NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / August 1, 2024 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until August 30, 2024to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Seritage Growth Properties ("Seritage" or the "Company") (NYSE:SRG), if they purchased the Company's securities between July 7, 2022 and May 10, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Seritage and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-srg/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byAugust 30, 2024 .About the LawsuitSeritage and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On August 14, 2023, the Company disclosed a "material weakness" in its internal control over financial reporting "due to a deficiency in the design of our control over the identification of impairment indicators for investments in real estate and documentation of evidence of review" related "to the failure to identify potential indicators of impairment related to development projects in a timely manner." On this news, the price of Seritage's shares fell $0.86, or 9.67%, to close at $8.03 per share on August 15, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume.Then, on May 10, 2024, the Company released its 1Q2024 financial results, disclosing that it was "adjusting [its] pricing projections for some of [its] assets" resulting in the gross value of the Company's portfolio of assets being reduced by at least $325 million. On this news, the price of Seritage's shares fell $2.54, or 27.3%, to close at $6.78 per share on May 13, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume.The case is He v. Seritage Growth Properties, et al., No. 1:24-cv-05007.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com CONTACT: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-02 22:31:32

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PORT HUENEME, CA AND VENTURA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2024 / Following the exciting announcement of a $16 million sub-award from the California State Transportation Agency's Port and Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP) grant, the Ventura Port District and the Port of Hueneme are set to commence the next phase of the Commercial Fish Landing Modernization Project.Current squid operations at the Port of Hueneme are set to move to a new location at the Ventura Harbor.The PFIP grant, awarded to the Port of Hueneme last year for its PACED (Port Action, Climate, and Environmental Development) Program, is part of the $1.2 billion one-time funding initiative by the California State Legislature and is targeted for projects that enhance the capacity, safety, efficiency, and resilience of goods movement through California's maritime ports, while also focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the impact on adjacent communities."These funds are coming from the State of California, and I would be remiss for not thanking CalSTA for including this project as one of the projects being funded by the Port and Freight Infrastructure Program," said Ventura Port District General Manager Brian D. Pendleton. "I would like to thank the Port of Hueneme for providing the opportunity to pursue this partnership grant for these synergies between our agencies." While Ventura Harbor does not directly move goods, the relocation of the Port of Hueneme's commercial fishing facilities to Ventura Harbor will enhance cargo efficiency at the Port of Hueneme.The Board of Port Commissioners for the Port of Hueneme approved the agreement on Monday, July 15, 2024, followed by the Ventura Port District's Board's approval on Wednesday, July 19, 2024. This partnership exemplifies a shared vision for enhancing the economic vitality and infrastructure of Ventura County's waterfront."The Port of Hueneme expresses its deepest appreciation to the Ventura Port District, CalSTA, and all parties involved in securing this pivotal grant," said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District. "We are poised to embark on a transformative journey by improving goods movement at the Port of Hueneme and enhancing Ventura Harbor's role as a vital component of California's maritime industry." Squid operations located at the Port of Hueneme.With the sub-award agreement approved, the next steps involve the Ventura Port District and the Port of Hueneme working closely to procure environmental review and engineering design services."I would like to express my thanks to the team for pulling this project together," said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director for the Port of Hueneme. "Both agencies fully embraced this vision for a project that was mutually beneficial." Local squid operations. (Photo Credit: Dan Harding)In January 2023, the Oxnard Harbor District (which owns the Port of Hueneme) extended an invitation to the Ventura Port District to join as a sub-applicant in the PFIP grant application for the relocation of the Commercial Fish Landing Modernization Project to fund the modernization of Ventura Harbor's commercial fish offloading facilities. This project is pivotal in improving cargo efficiency at the Port of Hueneme by relocating its commercial fishing activities to Ventura Harbor and deconflicting the backland cargo area of the Port of Hueneme. At the same time, the grant will fund the development of a brand-new facility, designed to improve and increase the squid landing capacity including absorbing the fish offloading activities transitioning from the Port of Hueneme, which will keep commerce and jobs in the region. The project underscores both agencies' commitment to ensuring Ventura County remains a competitive and thriving hub for commercial fishing and increased cargo commerce.Mike Blumenberg, Ventura Port District Chair of the Board, said it is important to include the Commercial Fish Landing Modernization Project as part of the District's upcoming public workshop on September 14, which will include a focus on business continuity and ensuring the project is completed within the timeframe of the grant."I am thrilled that the Port of Hueneme reached out to us and gave us the opportunity to work together," Blumenberg said. "Let's preserve our local stakeholders - the fishing industry - and preserve our local businesses and coordinate to move forward." About Ventura Port District: The Ventura Port District is dedicated to maintaining a safe and navigable harbor while promoting a vibrant and sustainable seaside destination. Through strategic initiatives focused on economic development, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, the District fosters a thriving harbor community for residents, fishermen, tourists, and the environment.About the Port of Hueneme : The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 24,997 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit.www.portofh.org Press Contacts: Letitia AustinPublic & Government Relations Manager, Port of Hueneme laustin@ portofh.org (805) 816-8324Todd MitchellSenior Business Operations Manager, Ventura Port District tmitchell@ venturaharbor.com (805) 621-7169SOURCE: Port of Hueneme
News / National

by Staff reporter

The United Nations (UN) flash appeal for $430 million to assist in drought prevention in Zimbabwe is still far from its target, with slightly over US$100 million raised.The flash appeal highlights the critical need for additional international support to provide food, water, and other essential resources to the 3.1 million people affected by the worst El Nino-induced drought Zimbabwe has experienced in 43 years, making it a crisis of historic proportions.The ongoing funding shortfall underscores the challenges of addressing the immediate and long-term needs of communities facing extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change.According to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Edward Kallon, while there have been contributions, the funding remains "far, far behind" the necessary level to meet the urgent needs of those affected by the drought."We have received some contribution from member states, but we are still far, far behind our target of being able to mobilise these resources to meet the needs at hand," Kallon said during a press conference in Bulawayo Wednesday to assess the impact of El Nino in Matabeleland and provide an update on current humanitarian efforts."It's a crisis that requires investment not only in addressing the current relief requirements but also investing in medium and longer-term development support that the government will need to be able to cope with the impact of climate change and El Nino in general," he said.Kallon added he and his colleagues who toured parts of Matabeleland have heard a lot from people affected by the drought."We are now a little bit clear on the magnitude of the problem and the impact it is having at household level," he said, noting that having engaged the government and affected communities, this drought crisis "is the first of its kind in 43 years."The UN Assistant Secretary-General and Climate Crisis Coordinator, Reena Ghelani also emphasised the severity of the drought, noting that communities are at the start of what promises to be an extremely challenging period.Ghelani said communities are bracing themselves for this continued lean period." I heard from a woman who was in Lingwe (in Matobo, Matabeleland South) saying this is the worst she has experienced in her lifetime," she said, adding the second observation witnessed is the "fast and speedy government response."As Zimbabwe deals with this terrible drought, the appeal for international assistance remains urgent, with the UN Climate Crisis Coordinator urging the international community to "come in fast and support," since climate disasters and droughts have become more common."We're very grateful for the money that's been provided, but we need more and we need it now," Ghelani said."Consider what's going to happen in the medium and longer term to support these communities so that they can provide for their children."
Despite evidence that shows that police attacked peaceful protesters in Abuja without being provoked, police chief Kayode Egbetokun says police did not violate the fundamental rights of any of the protesters.

Mr Egbetokun, in a statement released late on Friday, said the police acted professionally in Abuja and other states where protests occurred despite the violent activities of some rioters who infiltrated the protests.

In spite of the refusal of the protesters, for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them. At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.

Mr Egbetokuns claim of not breaching the fundamental rights of Abuja protesters contradicts the findings of journalists and witnesses who were present during the protest.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how police fired tear gas repeatedly on peaceful protesters who were marching from the MKO Abiola Stadium to the Eagle Square in Abuja. The police action is believed to have been done to prevent the protesters from reaching the Eagle Square.

Police officers in Abuja also targeted journalists and assaulted and arrested two of them, including a PREMIUM TIMES reporter, despite identifying themselves as journalists. The journalists were later released.

In his statement, Mr Egbetokun also confirmed that the protests turned violent in some states such as Kano, Gombe and Niger.

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He, however, kept mum on the death that has been confirmed in Niger State, allegedly from a police bullet.

Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest. Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it.

Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed. The motive of the rioters was basically two: loot and destroy both private and government property.

Read Mr Egbetokuns full statement below.

SPEECH BY THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE, IGP KAYODE ADEOLU EGBETOKUN, Ph.D., NPM, ON DAY ONE OF THE PLANNED NATIONWIDE PROTEST (AUGUST 1, 2024) AT THE IGP CONFERENCE HALL, FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA.

Protocols

Fellow Nigerians and Compatriots,

It is with grave sense of responsibility that I address you this evening. You will recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on 1st August, 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal indicating that some groups were mobilizing our youths for violent protests with intent to create anarchy in the country. While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones, refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to guarantee peaceful protest.

2. On the basis of these intelligence, the police advised that the protests should be shelved at the instant time. Where the organisers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations. This would have enabled the police provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest. This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.

3. While we affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.

4. Despite our suspicions, we showed good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest as the promoters pledged. Our men deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for observance of same.

5. Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest. Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it. Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed. The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property. The destruction so far has been mind-boggling. There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. Police stations have been destroyed, there has been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.

6. In spite of the refusal of the protesters, for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them. At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.

7. In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured.

8. We alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers. Yesterday in Lagos, our EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device (IED).

9. Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.

10. We wish to advise law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.

11. In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order. We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.

12. Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilize the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens. The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.

13. We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period. Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country.

14. Thank you.

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At least one protester has been confirmed dead after police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Suleja, Niger State, on Thursday.

Neighbours and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) confirmed the death of Yahaya Isah, who was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the protest against bad governance.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the protests, held in various Nigerian towns on Thursday. The police used force, including firing tear gas, to disperse protesters in some cities like Abuja and Suleja.

Mr Isah was reportedly hit by a stray bullet while riding his motorcycle near the Suleja Police Station where the Niger protesters gathered.

There were reports that many people were shot in the violence but a resident of the area, Ismaila Liman, told PREMIUM TIMES that he could only confirm two.

He named the two as Mr Isah and Mallam Abu, who he said also died on the spot.

The Chairman of the Suleja branch of NBA, Abdullahi Liman, confirmed only Mr Isahs death to the Daily Trust newspaper.

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I got information that a man was shot dead and I came to the house of the victim (Mr Isah) to confirm things for myself and I have seen the corpse, the lawyer said.

Many were shot

Some residents of the area said three others were shot at the same scene as Mr Isah, while two more were shot at the Suleja Junction. However, it is unclear if these victims survived and PREMIUM TIMES has not been able to confirm the actual number of victims involved.

The situation in Suleja is tense, with residents describing the scene as ugly.

When contacted, Wasiu Abiodun, the police spokesperson in Niger, said he had not received any report of such.

However, he shared a statement explaining how the police arrested 11 violent protesters in the state.

Mr Abiodun, a police superintendent, claimed that the suspects vandalised and set ablaze the secretariat of Tafa Local Government Area in Sabon Wuse, Niger State.

Two cars were also burnt and two others vandalised, he wrote. They further looted valuables there-in.

According to him, the suspects who wielded different dangerous weapons were dispersed from the scene.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the nationwide protest against government policies such as removal of petrol subsidies.

The policies have led to Nigerias worst cost of living crisis in a generation but the government says the policies are essential and the economy would soon improve.

The government appealed to Nigerians not to embark on the protests but the organisers remained defiant and held the protests in several states.

The protest turned violent in places like Abuja, Kano, Niger, Gombe and Jigawa states.

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Nigerians are calling on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to resign after his infamous comment that he and others in the government would be eating while Nigerians protest.

Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be here eating, Mr Akpabio said on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at an event organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Amnesty International Nigeria, on Thursday, berated Mr Akpabio for the comment, which it described as insensitive and reckless.

Amnesty International strongly condemns the insensitive and reckless comments attributed to the President of the Senate Godswill Obot Akpabio regarding plans of some Nigerians to peacefully protest current economic hardship, the rights group said in a statement posted on X.

Taunting people seeking accountability is unacceptable: Millions of Nigerians are currently on the brink of starvation because of corruption and mismanagement, and mocking them is a stain on the exalted office held by Mr Akpabio. Harmful and irresponsible rhetorics from government officials  at this difficult time  must end, it added.

Akpabio must go

During the first day of the nationwide protest against economic hardship in Nigeria, the hashtag #AkpabioMustGo trended throughout the whole on X.

He needs to go; its not negotiable. A strong message must be sent to that Senate seat, said an X user @Asah_Mike.

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Why senators havent impeached him from that seat still baffles me, said another X user, @Galadima_Samaru.

Theyre mere toothless mannequins. They dont have what it takes, another X user, @Ibnwalee, responded, apparently referring to Mr Akpabios colleagues in the Senate.

An X user, @HelenOlotu, said the Senate president is a disgrace to Nigeria.

Mr Akpabio should be removed as the senate president. He has continued to reel out statements that do not put into consideration the plight of Nigerians. He is not fit to be saddled on the hallowed seat of the senate president, another X user, @esho_emmy, said on the microblogging platform.

An X user, @bukola23, said, Nigeria needs a mature and circumspect Senate president.

It says a lot about who we are, having such a man as president of the Senate, another X user, @PeluAwofeso, responded.

Stopping corruption is very far away from us, she added.

A very bad representation, and its heartbreaking, @bukola23, the X user who began the conversation, concurred.

An X user, @BigChiefDamian, believes that nothing good will come from Mr Akpabio if he remains the Senate president. It is time to impeach Godswill Akpabio, he said, adding that the Senate president is against the people and that Nigerians would not have it.

He consistently makes reckless statements unbefitting of a Senate president, he said.

Dear Senators, it is time to impeach Godswill Akpabio. It is still one of you that will replace him as Senate President, rights activist Aisha Yesufu said on X.

You will not encounter any resistance, she added.

Akpabio represents everything that is wrong with Nigerian governance today. Shameless greed, arrogance and insensitivity, Remi Adekoya, a politics lecturer in the UK, said on X.

Mr Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, is known for often making controversial and embarrassing remarks over serious national issues.

Akpabio spoke down on Senator Natasha, Senator Ireti, and many other senators. He apologised, and we accepted. He spoke down on the market women and men involved in the fire incident, (and) he apologised again, (and) we accepted. Akpabio has now made a joke of Nigerian protesters and masses. We do not want an apology, we want resignation, an X user, @HauwaAllahbura, said.

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Amid concerns that the #EndBadGovernance protest might turn violent in Lagos State, demonstrations on Thursday were peaceful.

A large procession of protesters, mainly youths, kicked off demonstrations around 8 a.m. in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital, before marching to Ojota where they joined other demonstrators.

Chanting and singing solidarity songs, the protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, such as End bad governance, We are hungry, There is too much suffering, and Reverse electricity tariff now.

One of the protesters, Mojola Bankole, who described herself as a widow and breadwinner of her house, expressed frustration over Nigerias failing economy.

As a single mother, she said providing for her children had been difficult.

Im a mother of three, I cant feed them. I do more than one job just to survive, Mrs Bankole told PREMIUM TIMES.

Another protester, Mira Friday, urged President Bola Tinubu to address the rising cost of living in the country.

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We cant afford to eat one meal a day. Things are getting costly every day. Cost of transportation has also risen. We want the government to bring down the price of fuel and food, Ms Friday said.

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) were at the protest ground to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The police officers were fully decked with riot helmets, ballistic vests, shields, and batons. Armored vehicles were spotted at the protest ground just as a white helicopter was seen hovering around Freedom Park, venue of the protest in Ojota at the beginning of the protest.

Day One of the #EndBadGovernance protest in Lagos ended peacefully at about 4 p.m., as protesters rounded off demonstrations, promising to resume tomorrow.

The nationwide protest is expected to hold for 10 days between 1 and 10 August.

Recall that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had on Wednesday, appealed to the protesters to be peaceful with their demonstrations, urging them to reflect on the tragic events of the EndSARS protest in 2020 that began peacefully before it was hijacked, leading to widespread destruction of property.

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Listen here on your chosen podcast platform.

Scientists believe an ancient Egyptian mummy with a screaming facial expression may have died wailing in pain around 3,000 years ago.

The mummy is called Screaming Woman but her eternal expression of agony has puzzled experts for 90 years.

Using new technology to analyse the remains, archaeologists now believe she died crying in distress and her muscles quickly stiffened and froze shortly after her death, immortalising her anguish.

However, they said the cause of her death, which may have been violent, remains a mystery.

Funds worth 1.3billion that were due to be spent on technology and AI projects in the UK have been scrapped by the new Labour government, because the cash was unfunded by the previous government.

It included 800 million for the creation of an exascale supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh and 500 million of additional funding for the AI Research Resource, a scheme which helps fund computing power for AI.

The Government said it was pulling together its own plans to invest in the right computer infrastructure as part of its AI Opportunities Action Plan.

There is investment coming into the UK though; speaking on our sister podcast How to be a CEO, Salesforce UK & Ireland CEO Zahra Bahrololoumi told us theyre setting up an AI centre in London, to boost peoples digital skills.

Sir Keir Starmer has warned that social media carries responsibility over tackling misinformation.

He made the statement in the wake of violent protests around the country following the stabbings in Southport.

The PM suggested he wanted to work together with social media firms to keep the country safe, and get the relevant people around the table to fix the problems.

Earlier this week, Merseyside Police issued a warning over the spreading online of an incorrect name for the Southport attacker  now named as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana  and a false story around his background.

Its rumoured Google could reveal four new smartphones during its event on the 13th August.

According to the rumours, they could include the standard Pixel 9, as well as the Pixel 9 Pro, a larger Pro XL device and a foldable Pro Fold model.

It has been less than twelve months since the tech giant released its Pixel 8 series devices, but the key features expected from these new smartphones include bigger screens, better cameras, and a lot more RAM to power its Gemini AI software.

Its thought the AI tools will include a potential photo-editing powerhouse called Studio and a feature called Pixel Screenshots which reportedly allows users to search through their screenshots using AI, similar to how Microsofts Recall feature works with documents.

Also in this episode:

Unhealthy preoccupation with phones linked to teenage anxiety and depression

Star Wars Outlaws described as like Red Dead Redemption in space

Taco Bell to roll out AI drive-thrus at hundreds of stores

Listen above, find us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you stream your podcasts.
Protesters on Thursday looted a truckload of rice at Urora community in Ikpoba-okha Local Government of Edo State.

Witnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the protesters found the vehicle parked on a road as they protested in the community.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke anonymously, told NAN that the rice might be from the federal government for Edo residents but was allegedly diverted.

They alleged that the politicians representing the state had been diverting palliatives meant for Edo residents because the rice was in 10kg sacks.

They vowed to search for all locations where federal government palliatives designated for Edo were hidden.

The protesters also made videos of the looting from the unidentified truck.

The state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement, denied that the rice belonged to the state.

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Mr Nehikhare alleged that the videos making the rounds as regards the looting were a desperate attempt to score cheap political points by opposition parties.

He said, The Edo State Government has received information about the looting of bags of rice from an unidentified truck and private residences in parts of Benin City in the wake of the EndBadBGovernance protests.

The videos making the rounds are said to have emanated from the Urora axis of Ikpoba Hill, Benin, and the government does not have a warehouse in that location, he said.

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Some members of the House of Representatives have condemned the calls for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, from office.

Messrs Kyari and Ahmed are under investigation by a House committee due to allegations brought forward by Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group.

On Thursday, a group of lawmakers, who claimed to be about 50 in number, held a press conference at the National Assembly Complex to rally support for Messrs Kyari and Ahmed.

Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), who spoke on behalf of the group, said the House committee handling the matter must be impartial.

Mr Osawaru, flanked by 29 other lawmakers, said there are others not present at the briefing who also support the move to protect the regulators.

Dispute between Dangote and the regulators

The Dangote Group and the petroleum regulators in Nigeria have been at loggerheads over the control of the petroleum downstream market in the past couple of months.

Last month, Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at the Dangote Group, accused the NMDPRA of allowing marketers to import dirty fuel into the country.

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Mr Ahmed responded with a claim that diesel from the plant, as well as that from modular refineries like Waltersmith and Aradel, contains high sulphur levels.

On Saturday, Mr Dangote debunked the claim during a tour of both the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser Limited complex by members of the House of Representatives, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and other members.

During another media chat, Mr Dangote made some allegations about a blending plant in Malta where some government officials have stakes.

Last week, the House resolved that Mr Ahmed should be suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation into the matter. However, President Bola Tinubu has yet to comply with the resolution of the House.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, had asked President Tinubu to immediately dismiss Mr Kyari and other inherited appointees.

Call for sack amid investigation Unparliamentary Mr Osawaru

Speaking on the call for the sack of Messrs Kyari and Ahmed, Mr Osawaru said they should be given a fair hearing and allowed to present their side of the story.

We are aware that the investigation is ongoing and a final decision has not been reached. However, our attention has been drawn to some media reports calling for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL and the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA while the investigation is ongoing.

We wish to state that it is in the parliamentary culture to afford parties in an investigation the right to a fair hearing. Therefore, the call for the removal of anyone while the investigation is pending is premature.

We therefore call on all Nigerians to be patient and law-abiding in expectation of a better Nigeria, Mr Osawaru said.

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The police in Edo State say they have arrested five suspected kidnappers who allegedly killed their victim, Smart Nwashiri, 29, after receiving a N200,000 ransom.

Briefing reporters in Benin on Thursday, the state Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, said the suspects allegedly committed the crime in Ologbo community near Benin City.

Mr Adegboye said the suspects, whose names were withheld, hail from Delta State but reside in Edo, on 17 June, lured the victim into their hideout on the pretence of selling a vehicle spare parts to him.

The police commissioner claimed the victim might have been a serial receiver of stolen items from the suspects.

They all conspired, kidnapped the victim and demanded a ransom of N1 million, but the victim could only offer N200,000 to them.

The suspects (allegedly) stabbed the victim, several times, to death and buried him in a shallow grave in a bid to cover their heinous act, the commissioner said.

The police chief said the weapon, the corpse and the motorcycle of the victim had been recovered, adding that the suspects would be charged in court once the investigation was completed.

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In an interview with journalists, the gang leader said they killed the victim to avoid being caught because the man knew them.

(NAN)

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On Thursday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Edo State Government traded words over the ownership of the rice truck looted at a warehouse in Benin.

Some residents of Benin were sighted in a viral video looting the rice at a warehouse in Urora, Uhunmwonde Local Government, as the nationwide protest was going on.

In the video, the looters were heard alleging that the warehouse belonged to the state government.

Most residents were seen carrying more than a 10kg bag of rice.

At a news conference on Thursday, the Acting State Chairman of the APC, Jarret Tenebe, said the video had allegedly exposed Governor Godwin Obasekis deliberate plan to deprive Edo people of the federal governments palliative.

Mr Tenebe alleged that there were reports that a prominent PDP market woman leader sold a substantial part of the rice in markets.

If Edo people were in doubt, the video that emerged in the social media today, where an abandoned trailer load of repackaged federal government rice with Edo State Government inscription has exposed the state government.

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The rice was discovered by Urora residents and has exposed Obasekis deliberate plan to deprive Edo people of accessing the different palliative measures of the federal government.

We have intelligence reports on several warehouses in the state, hoarding rice and other grains meant for Edo people.

There are reports also that a substantial part of the rice is being sold in markets by a prominent PDP market woman leader, the state opposition party leader said.

The APC leader said hoarding the rice was an economic sabotage, which the Economic and Financial Crime Commission must take note of.

Edo government reacts

However, in its reaction, the Edo State Government denied ownership of the warehouse.

A statement by the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the government did not keep relief materials in its warehouses

The commissioner said the governments feeding programme for vulnerable persons in the state was being implemented through religious bodies.

Mr Nehikhare, however, accused the state chapter of the APC of being responsible for the video.

The Edo State Government has received information about the looting of bags of rice from an unidentified truck and private residences in parts of Benin City in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The videos making the rounds are said to have emanated from the Urora axis of Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, and the government does not have a warehouse in that location.

The video is the handiwork of the APC in a desperate attempt to score cheap political points.

The government supports the vulnerable with relief materials through religious organisations, particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Muslim leaders in the State.

The State government does not keep any relief material by itself but reaches out to the people through these channels, said the commissioner.

Mr Nehikhare also slammed the opposition party for the video, which he said was misleading. He said, We will not put this tactic past the APC, which is spreading malicious content to score cheap political points.

This condemnable action is intended to cause chaos in the state, he said.

(NAN)

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said it has concluded a comprehensive investigation into Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), uncovering significant transparency and consumer communication breaches.

The inquiry, initiated in June 2019, centred on the companies shift from traditional sugar to non-nutritive sweeteners in their Coke, Fanta, and Sprite brands, a change not adequately communicated to consumers.

According to a statement signed by the management, FCCPCs investigation revealed that Coca-Cola and NBC had repeatedly violated the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), particularly concerning misleading trade descriptions and unfair marketing tactics.

It said the companies marketed the Original Taste, Less Sugar variant as identical to the classic Coca-Cola, despite differences in formulation. This misrepresentation extended to their other products, with similar undisclosed changes in Fanta and Sprite.

By December 2020, the FCCPC said it had gathered substantial evidence demonstrating these violations.

The commission said it found that Coca-Cola and NBC had failed to provide clear and accurate information to consumers, intentionally misleading them about the nature of their products. The companies internal documents further indicated awareness of the ineffectiveness of their product differentiations and continued misleading practices.

In an attempt to resolve the matter, FCCPC said Coca-Cola and NBC initially agreed to adopt more transparent product descriptions. However, they later abandoned this commitment, opting for a business strategy that failed to meet regulatory standards.

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This move prompted the FCCPC to re-engage with the companies, but Coca-Cola and NBCs efforts remained inadequate despite numerous opportunities to comply.

On 29 July, the FCCPC issued a Final Order detailing its findings.

The order highlighted Coca-Cola and NBCs use of misleading trade descriptions, particularly in the marketing of Coca-Cola Original Taste and its Less Sugar variant. The companies were also found to have employed unfair marketing tactics, violating several sections of the FCCPA.

Misleading trade descriptions under Section 116 FCCPA by continuing to mislead consumers to believing Coca-Cola Original Taste is not materially different from Coca-Cola Original Taste Less Sugar.

Unfair marketing tactics: Contrary to Section 124(1)(a) of the FCCPA, Coca-Cola Nigeria markets Coca-Cola Original Taste Less Sugar in packaging first, indistinguishable, and now not sufficiently distinguishable from Coca-Cola Original Taste, contrary to Sections 123(1)(a), (b), and (c) of the FCCPA, it said.

Also, the FCCPC noted that NBC misled consumers by using identical packaging for both the Zero Sugar and 50:50 variants of the Limca Lime-Lemon flavoured drink, further contravening regulatory standards.

The commission said it has reserved judgement on the issue of Abuse of Dominance and the appropriate penalties under the FCCPA and the Administrative Penalties Regulation 2020, which will be imposed in due course.

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Today, the #EndBadGovernance protesters are expected to take to the streets of major states across Nigeria to continue their demonstration against poor governance and economic hardship. This marks the second day of what the protest organisers christened the #10daysofrage demonstration.

On Thursday when the peaceful demonstration began, PREMIUM TIMES reported how it gradually turned violent in states such as Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Abuja and Niger. However, protests were not recorded in some states like Ekiti and most of the southeastern states of the country.

While several properties were destroyed and businesses grounded in states where the protests turned violent on Thursday, at least one protester was confirmed after police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Suleja, Niger State. Although some residents claimed that more people were shot and killed during the protest, only one has been confirmed so far.

Similarly, the protests in Abuja became violent after the police fired tear gas indiscriminately in an attempt to prevent the protesters from accessing the iconic Eagle Square ground in the Three Arms Zone of Abuja.

In Kano and Gombe states, the protest turned violent after some youth took to the streets with dangerous weapons, invading stores and looting businesses and a yet-to-be-commissioned government facility.

Many people were injured on Thursday, while some policemen specifically targeted journalists and arrested at least two of them in Abuja, including a PREMIUM TIMES journalist whose phone was seized after he was beaten despite identifying himself as a journalist.

8:30 a.m: Policemen urge the #EndBadGovernance protesters outside the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos, to maintain calm and refrain from obstructing the road during their demonstration.

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8:45 a.m: Heavy police presence as protesters assemble at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom park to continue the hardship protest.

There are less protesters compared to the same time yesterday (Monday) when they converged on Ikeja Underbridge.

Business seems to have resumed in many parts of the state as there are more activities going on compared to yesterday.

Protesters in Port Harcourt have converged at the Pleasure Park to continue their demonstrations, Channels TV reports.

9:39 a.m:

Compared to Day 1, Thursday, there are more cars on the Umaru Musa YarAdua Expressway, popularly known as Airport Road on Day 2, Friday. There are more commercial taxis on the road on Friday morning.

9:45 a.m: Residents opposed to the #EndBadGovernance protest storm Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park clash briefly with protesters as some of the protesters move to set up public address systems inside the park.

They insist the protest be moved off the Ikorodu Road and be held inside the park.

10:35 a.m:

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Lagos, Paul Okafor, addresses protesters, appreciating them for being peaceful conduct since the protest started yesterday, Thursday.

Mr Okafor pleaded with the protesters to move inside the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos, to avoid blocking vehicular movement on the main road.

The protesters refused and insisted on remaining on the road as they continued chanting protest songs.

Security agencies have clashed with protesters in the Gwagwalada area of Abuja, Channels TV is reporting.

The protesters had barricaded the main Lokoja-Abuja Expressway preventing vehicular movement in the area.

Some motorists had their cars smashed, with the main road blocked around Dagiri, Wazobia Park, and SDP Junction all along the main Expressway.

11:00 a.m: Protesters hold emergency press conference at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lago, over suspected plans by hoodlums to disrupt the peaceful protest.

According to the National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Hassan-Taiwo Soweto, one protester was injured by the police while four were arrested on their way home after the protest on Thursday along Oregun road for no reason.

Mr Soweto said though protesters were released yesterday but the actions of the police go against their claims to protect us.

11:44 a.m: The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Adegoke Fayoade, arrives Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Lagos, to address the press.

11:53a.m: Police block mounted a roadblock to stop protesters from marching beyond the designated location at Ojota, Lagos.

The police have barricaded the road leading into the Central Business District, preventing the procession from entering the city centre.

After rounds of teargas were fired at the crowd, they managed to push the demonstrators back towards the stadium.

Hundreds of protesters had earlier gathered at Moshood Abiola Stadium to mobilise more people to join the demonstrations. After over four hours of waiting, they marched towards the city.

Less than 30 minutes into the march, the police barricaded the road and fired rounds of teargas at the unarmed protesters.

1:22 p.m: So far, the police have been able to disperse the protesters away from the National Stadium, while the military has taken position around Galadinmawa Roundabout.

Many have fled toward Games Village.

1:30 p.m: The protest in Ojota, Lagos, has turned festive, blocking vehicular movement on the Ojota-Maryland road.

1:50 p.m: Abuja Protesters back at Moshood Abiola stadium. The police had earlier dispersed much of the protesters when they moved towards independence avenue and marching towards the Eagles Square.

Some protesters claimed the police shot live ammunition at protesters and that some people were injured.

Our reporters have not seen any injured person.

1:55 p.m: Protesters accuses security officials of firing ammunition

Protesters at Moshood Abiola Stadium have accused security officials of firing live ammunition.

The protesters said security officials fired live ammunition at times while trying to stop them from marching to eagle square.

Two protesters were reportedly hit in the process and have been taken to the hospital.

However, theres no evidence to corroborate this claim.

One of the protesters, who identified herself as Ann, said the official who shot at them was in one of the buses carrying out anti-protest demonstrators.

She said, officials came from the car carrying some group of anti-protesters and started firing live ammunition at us. I saw him, he was wearing black.

At 4:16pm, Protesters are in procession to Federal Secretariat

4:18 p.m. The crowd of protesters is now dispersing from the Moshood Abiola Stadium as the evening sets in. They are heading toward the city gate.

4:30 p.m. Protesters march towards the Abuja City Gate and are being escorted by security forces in their vehicles.

At 4:40 p.m., protesters in the Abuja procession sang the old National Anthem instead of the new National Anthem.

5:17 p.m. A female protester collapsed after the police tear-gassed the protesting crowd in Abuja.

6:08 p.m: No protesters were present at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.

Follow PREMIUM TIMES on this page for live updates of the protests across Nigeria.

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The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, on Thursday, declared a curfew after the #EndBadGovernance protest turned into a looting spree in the state.

The governor, in a broadcast, said the curfew is with immediate effect, but it will be relaxed from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday to allow Muslims to participate in the Jummat congregational prayers.

Mr Namadi described the protest in the state as strange, saying it was carried out primarily by underaged children led by sponsors with vested interests.

He said the protesters destroyed and looted public properties in the state, which made it necessary to impose the curfew to prevent further damage.

The governor said the curfew would continue until the situation is assessed and evaluated to determine the next line of action.

Damages caused by protesters

Meanwhile, the police in the state warned that the curfew would be enforced urging residents to abide by the directives.

The police spokesperson in the state, Lawan Adam, in a statement, said the protesters attacked government and individual storage facilities and burned vehicles parked at a local government secretariat.

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Mr Adam said the protesters broke into the Hadejia local council secretariat and caused havoc.

The police said the protesters set fire to six vehicles parked at the premises of the local government secretariat.

He said the protesters also vandalised a storage facility of the Jigawa Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (JARDA) and stole fertilisers and food items.

Also, the police said the protesters in Gumel Local Government Area, razed the residence of the member representing Gumel, Sule-tankarkar, Maigari, Gagarawa Federal Constituency, Nazifi Sani.

The spokesperson said the marauding hoodlums also vandalised the NITDA office, looted the APC state secretariat and set it ablaze, vandalised the Jigawa Agricultural Supply Company (JASCO) store and carted away fertiliser and food items in the Birnin Kudu local council area.

Mr Adam said the protesters attempted to attack the residence of the senator for Jigawa North-west district, Babangida Hussaini, in Kazaure town.

Recovery and arrest

The police statement said 55 suspects were arrested, and looted items were recovered during the protest.

Weve arrested 55 suspects, recovered motorcycles 35, tricycles 3 bicycles 12 bags of fertiliser, 111 chairs 9, and cartons of mosquito nets 40, the police spokesperson said.

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Reactions have continued to trail PREMIUM TIMES publication on how President Bola Tinubu awarded a cargo contract that is already existing.

On 13 July, the Federal Executive Council, chaired by Mr Tinubu, approved the advanced cargo tracking system contract to P-Lyne Energy Limited. If completed, the project will enable the country to track every cargo of crude oil loaded in Nigeria up to its destination.

Reacting to the PREMIUM TIMES investigation on Monday, the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) condemned the new oil and gas metering contracts awarded by Mr Tinubu, saying the procurement blatantly undermines Nigerias national interest and reeks of high-level corruption.

The group said they were disappointed about the recent revelation on the contracts. It noted the processes defy all public procurement standards, raising more questions than answers at a critical time when our nation is battling with serious economic and security issues.

The new contract for the engineering audit of upstream measurement equipment and facilities in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Upstream was awarded to PE Energy Limited, for the sum of $21 million while another contract for Advanced Cargo Tracking was given to P-Lyne Energy Limited for an amount yet to be disclosed.

A PREMIUM TIMES investigation shows that a similar cargo contract was awarded in March 2023 by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The previous government engaged a consortium comprising Antaser Nigeria Limited and five other companies to implement the Cargo Tracking System for 15 years.

The existing contract is a PPP arrangement with no cost to the federal government. It was expected that Antaser Nigeria Limited would implement the International Cargo Tracking Scheme (ICTN), including crude oil exports in Nigeria for a period of fifteen years on No cure, No Pay Basis, with a revenue sharing ratio of 60:40 accruable to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

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In their statement on Monday, CASER said the two recent contracts awarded by Mr Tinubu are a clear duplication of services that are meant to be at a total zero cost to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the implementation of the ICTN.

It is important to question why the Nigerian Shippers Council and the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy have not activated the existing contract with the Antasser-led consortium, instead, they have allowed for duplication of the same contract to another agency of the same government, the group said.

This duplication seems to either be motivated by corruption and the self-enrichment of certain individuals in positions of power or the refusal of a cabal benefiting from the status quo. The conclusion is easily reached due to the speed and lack of transparency in the processes that led to the recent announcement of the appointment of PE Energy Ltd and -P Lyne Energy Ltd to execute a part of an already awarded contract.

The CSO urged President Tinubu to immediately stop the unnecessary and unjust duplication of the award of the oil and gas metering and cargo monitoring contract and implement the already existing contract.

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (FCCPC) has said it will not be forced to reconsider the $220 million data privacy violation fine against WhatsApp- a social media platform.

In a statement posted on its X handle on Thursday,, the agency noted that WhatsApps claim that it may be forced to exit the country due to the fine appears to be a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.

This is in response to a report published by TechCabal that the instant messaging App may withdraw its service over the regulators demand.

We want to be really clear that technically, based on the order, it would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally, a spokesperson for WhatsApp told the medium.

Data privacy violation

WhatsApp owned by Meta Platform Incorporation was investigated for an alleged violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

WhatsApp was fined after a three-year investigation alleging that the companys privacy policy was foisted on users.

According to the statement, the regulator found that Meta Parties (WhatsApp) engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of the FCCPA and the NDPR laws.

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The agency said at the time that: These infringements included denying Nigerians the right to control their personal data, transferring and sharing Nigerian user data without authorisation, discriminating against Nigerian users compared to users in other jurisdictions and abusing their dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies.

The final order requires Meta Parties to take steps to comply with Nigerian law, stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, change their practices to meet Nigerian standards and respect consumer rights.

To deter future violations and ensure accountability for the alleged infringements the FCCPC also imposed a monetary penalty of $220 million.

The regulator reiterated that the decision to enforce the consumer protection law is a positive step towards a fairer digital market in Nigeria.

The commission also noted Nigerias case will not be different as similar measures are taken in other countries without forcing digital companies to leave the market.

In a recent lawsuit, WhatsApp parent company agreed to pay $1.4 billion in the United States over allegations of illegal biometric data collection without the users consent.

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A group of 36 civil society organisations condemned on Friday what they described as an intentional disruption of the internet amid the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

This action constitutes an unacceptable breach of established norms and standards under regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a State party and must be halted forthwith, the groups wrote in an open letter to key government agencies.

The letter was addressed to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

The groups alleged the throttling of internet speed nationwide, aimed at slowing down information dissemination.

They asked the relevant agencies of the government to respect citizens rights and immediately cease further disruptions of network services and attempts at future network shutdowns.

The weaponisation of Internet disruptions and blocking or shutdowns during political unrest only exacerbates the underlying concerns of citizens. These shutdowns go against Chapter four of Nigerias Constitution that assures its citizens of their rights to freedom of conscience, expression, assembly and association, the groups said.

Nigerians woke up in many parts of the country to experience poor internet connections on Thursday, the first day of the anti-government protest.

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The protest, billed to be held nationwide for 10 days, is against President Bola Tinubus handling of the economy, which aggrieved protesters said had brought untold hardships to millions of Nigerians.

Many have attributed the poor internet connections experienced in many parts of the country to the governments interference to stifle the government protests before the demonstrations began on Thursday.

Read the open letter in full here.

Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)

Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON)

Lagos, Nigeria, 02nd August, 2024: We, the undersigned organisations, in the strongest terms possible, condemn the intentional disruption of access to the internet in Nigeria following protests that erupted in several states across the country on the 1st of August, 2024. This action constitutes an unacceptable breach of established norms and standards under regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a State party and must be halted forthwith.

A joint reading of investigative reports by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism fij.ng, Peoples Gazette, and individual measurements by netizens using internet measurement tools have revealed throttling of internet speed nationwide, aimed at slowing down information dissemination.

The weaponisation of Internet disruptions and blocking or shutdowns during political unrest only exacerbates the underlying concerns of citizens. These shutdowns go against Chapter four of Nigerias Constitution that assures its citizens of their rights to freedom of conscience, expression, assembly and association.

Article 9(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights guarantees access to information as the right to receive information, a principle also upheld by Article 19(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Furthermore, disruptions create significant obstacles that damage the free flow of information, which may, in turn, erode trust and increase the likelihood of hostilities and violence. Shutdowns also disrupt financial transactions, commerce, industry, labour markets and essential service delivery platforms. The government must note that the majority of its citizens are currently at home and need digital platforms to work and communicate. Disruptions such as this can lead to further apprehension and heating up of the polity.

In a suit filed to challenge the Twitter ban by the Nigerian government in June 2021, the ECOWAS Court declared that Nigerias seven-month Twitter ban was unlawful. The Court held that it violated the freedom of expression of people in Nigeria and required the government to take steps to ensure it does not repeat similar acts of censorship in the future.

As spelt out by Principle 37 of the Declaration of Principles On Freedom Of Expression And Access To Information In Africa, states must facilitate the rights to freedom of expression and access to information online and the means necessary to exercise these rights. They must also recognise that universal, equitable, affordable and meaningful access to the internet is necessary for the realisation of freedom of expression, access to information and the exercise of other human rights. Further to this, Principle 38(2) provides that States shall not engage in or condone any disruption of access to the internet and other digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population. The government also failed to acknowledge or provide an explanation for the measures, including their legal basis and underlying grounds.

Furthermore, the Coalition calls on the government of Nigeria to adhere to the objective of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance under Article 2(10) to promote the establishment of necessary conditions to foster citizen participation, transparency, access to information, freedom of the press and accountability in the management of public affairs. An open internet will ensure this compliance and the promotion of human rights under Article 4 of the Charter.

At uncertain times such as this, it is important to keep all communication channels open without disrupting and impacting quality of access. This is necessary to ensure citizens are able to communicate seamlessly and access accurate information about the state of things.

We call on relevant agencies of the government to respect citizens rights and immediately cease further disruptions of network services and attempts at future network shutdowns.

Signed by:

Accountability Lab Nigeria

Africa Cybersecurity Alliance

Africa Media and Information Technology Initiative (AfriMITI)

African Academic Network on Internet Policy (AANOIP.ORG)

African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)

Afroleadership Cameroon

BONews Service

Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative

Bridges and Hands Foundation

Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)

Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO Ethiopia)

Digicivic Initiative

Digital Grassroots (DIGRA)

E-Governance and Internet Governance Foundation for Africa (EGIGFA)

Equip Africa Integrated Development Initiative

FactCheck Africa Initiative

Farnnel Women Foundation.

Global Rights

Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria

Institutional and sustainable Development Foundation (ISDF)

Jonction,senegal

KnowledgeHouseAfrica (KHA)

Media and Information Literacy & Intercultural Dialogue Foundation (MILID)

Media Career Development Network

Media Rights Agenda (MRA)

National Roundtable on Business and Human Rights

Paradigm Initiative

Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)

TechHerNG

Techsocietal

The Abuja School of School and Political Thought

The African Internet Rights Alliance (AIRA)

Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative

West Africa ICT Action Network

West African Digital Rights Defenders coalition

World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF)

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Some protesters at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja have called on President Bola Tinubu to address them.

Some of them told PREMIUM TIMES they could leave the streets if the president addressed them.

Tunde Shuaib, a protester wearing the branded cap of the Take It Back Movement, one of the groups leading the protest, said the protesters are not animals.

He said he would leave the street if the president could come out and address the demonstrators.

However, some of them said only a decisive decision, such as reducing fuel prices and addressing insecurity, could remove them from the streets.

Everything is going to be normal if the government brings back the (petrol) subsidy, a female protester clad in hijab said.

The return of petrol subsidies is one of the major demands of the protesters. President Tinubu announced the removal of subsidies on petrol last year, triggering Nigerias worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

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Suwaiba Abdullahi, a nursing mother carrying her two-month-old baby, said she joined the rally to protest against insecurity and hardship.

Ms Abdullahi, who has been part of the protests since Thursday, explained that bandits, in March, killed her husband on his farm in Katsina State.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which aim to raise concerns about hardship exacerbated by unfavourable government policies, began Thursday in various parts of the country.

The protest turned violent in some northern states including Kano, Jigawa and Niger, forcing the government to impose curfews. At least five people have been killed in these states and several properties damaged.

In Abuja, on Thursday, the atmosphere of the peaceful protest changed as pro-government protesters arrived at the venue of the protest in 11 coaster buses.

They would later mix with the anti-government protesters while the latter group marched towards Eagle Square.

However, the protesters were prevented from marching into the Three Arms Zone, the seat of the Nigerian government. The police fired tear gas at the protesters and some of them hurled the tear gas canisters back at the police.

The protesters later dispersed on Thursday but reconvened on Friday morning at the MKO Abiola Stadium.

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned a social media campaign for forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other states in the South-west region of Nigeria.

The trolling, using the IgboMustGo hashtag, a recurrent social media campaign, recently gained traction following the perceived support of Igbo people for the ongoing nationwide anti-government protests.

The #EndBadGovernance protest, aimed at pressuring President Bola Tinubu to address the hardship millions of Nigerians face because of his economic policies, did not kick off in the Igbo-dominated South-east as it did in other parts of the country on Thursday.

Reacting to the new wave of trolling, Atiku denounced it as deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation.

His reaction in his post on X was accompanied by a screenshot of the post by an X handle issuing a one-month ultimatum for Igbo people to vacate Lagos.

In cautioning against such ethnicity profiling, Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, referenced the Rwandan genocide as a fallout of unchecked ethnic hatred.

History has shown us the consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to fester, as seen in Rwanda. What began with inflammatory rhetoric led to devastating outcomes. We must learn from these lessons and act decisively, Atiku wrote.

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He called for immediate and strong action from the Nigerian government and law enforcement agencies to address the situation.

I call on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate and strong action against those inciting such hatred and division. It is imperative to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence. The rule of law must prevail, and those found guilty of incitement should face the full extent of legal consequences, his post further read.

Atiku noted the importance of Lagos and the South-west as culturally diverse regions where various ethnic groups, including the Igbo community, contribute significantly to the local economy and cultural fabric.

The trolling has been a recurrent development in Lagos during election cycles where Igbos were perceived to give bloc support to candidates with Igbo leaning.

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Amnesty International has condemned the killing of peaceful demonstrators in Northern Nigeria by the security forces for clamouring against economic hardship in the country.

In a series of tweets posted on its verified X account on Friday, the human rights organisation called on the government at all levels to ensure that those responsible for the gruesome killing are brought to justice.

The Nigerian authorities must investigate these incidents and ensure that security personnel suspected of responsibility for deadly use of force are held to account through fair trial. Violent crackdown on peaceful protesters is unjustified and unacceptable.

Our findings, so far, show that security personnel at the locations where lives were lost deliberately used tactics designed to kill while dealing with gatherings of people protesting hunger and deep poverty, the rights group said.

The organisation said that the Nigerian security agencies unlawful attitude of using firearms as tactical tools for the management of protests must end.

It said the protest has recorded deaths from different areas in Borno, Kaduna and Niger States.

Protest

Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the #EndBadGovernance protest occasioned by President Bola Tinubus policies turned violent in some states as thousands of Nigerians began a 10-day nationwide protest on Thursday to express their frustration over lingering economic hardship.

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In some cases, the violence was caused by the actions of security officials while in others, the violence occurred due to the actions of some overzealous protesters or counter-protesters.

The police in Kaduna State, along with the army and other sister security agencies embarked on a Confidence Building Show of Force Operation in Kaduna on Wednesday.

At least one protester has been confirmed dead after police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Suleja, Niger State, on Thursday.

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The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has pleaded with citizens to call off the ongoing nationwide protest and give the government a chance to redeem itself.

The council acknowledged the widespread challenges driving the protests but emphasised that civil unrest is not a viable solution and would only worsen the nations fragile state.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammed Saad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Friday in Abuja.

The council expressed deep concerns over the outcome of the nationwide protests.

It observed with heavy heart the happenings in the country as a result of the protest that commenced in a peaceful manner on Thursday but turned violent which had resulted in loss of lives and property.

Despite pleas from all quarters, the protest took a turn for the worse and became violent later in the day.

In just a few hours, lives and property were lost due to this unfortunate scenario. In just one day, lives and enormous amount of property have been destroyed.

Imagine if this continues for a prolonged period of time. Only God knows the extent of damage that will be incurred, it said.

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The council also urged security agencies to be more professional in the discharge of their duties.

NIREC urged the government to expedite action toward meeting the yearnings and needs of citizens.

We need a peaceful and tranquil nation we can be proud to call our own. May God bless us all.

Recall that organisers of the protest had said it would be held from 1 August to 10 August.

However, there have been numerous calls for them to stop the protests on the grounds that their voices have already been heard.

(NAN)

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The Nigerian Army has released the statement below denying that soldiers participated in the looting of a store in Kano during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest.

Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu spoke about a video that showed some cooking oil jars being conveyed in an army vehicle while violent protesters looted shops in Kano.

Mr Nwachukwu said some hoodlums had looted a store before the arrival of soldiers.

The troops intercepted some of the hoodlums and recovered some of the looted items, which they were conveying back to the store when another distress call of a planned attack on the Kano State Government House was received, he said.

Read the full statement below.

The Nigerian Army (NA) has been notified of a viral video circulating in the social media, insinuating that troops participated in the looting spree by some unscrupulous persons who took advantage of the protest to perpetrate the looting that occurred on Thursday, 1 August 2024 in Kano.

The NA by this statement wishes to set the record straight and correct this misinformation. Contrary to the misconception portrayed in the purported video, soldiers of 3 Brigade NA responded to a distress call of hoodlums attack on Barakat Stores in the metropolis, the swift intervention of the soldiers however prevented the hoodlums from having a filled day. The troops intercepted some of the hoodlums and recovered some of the looted items, which they were conveying back to the Store, when another distress call of a planned attack on the Kano State Government House was received. Considering the urgency of the imminent attack, the troops immediately diverted to respond to the distress call in order to protect the Government House from the hoodlums attack. It was in the course of the response to distress call about possible attack on Kano Government House, that the video was shot. The fluidity and urgency of the distress call explain why troops in the video were not overly bothered when some hoodlums even stole from the troops truck while in motion. At that juncture, preventing the attack on the Government House was more expedient.

Troops have since moved the recovered gallons of cooking oil and other items back to the store, where they were safely handed-over to the rightful owner. The management of Barakat stores has acknowledged and appreciated the effort of the troops and their professional conduct in a letter conveyed by the organizations General Manager.

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The NA commends the troops for their swift effort and professional conduct in maintaining law and order and prevention of wanton looting by the hoodlums. These actions demonstrate the NAs commitment and resolve to protect lives and property of the citizenry.

We urge the public to be cautious of misinformation and verify facts before drawing conclusions. We appreciate the cooperation and support of law-abiding members of the public in ensuring peace and safety at this critical moment.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU

Major General

Director Army Public Relations

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A female protester collapsed in Abuja on Friday after police officers fired tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters at the MKO Abiola Stadium.

The protesters dispersed after the police fired multiple rounds of tear gas at them. However, two sturdy protesters stayed back, defied the health hazard of the tear gas and called for help for the young woman who collapsed.

The woman has been taken to the hospital for treatment.

The police in Abuja, like in many other parts of Nigeria, have made it a habit to disrupt peaceful protests with tear gas without concern for the health implications of such.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the police repeatedly used tear gas to disperse protesters in Abuja, on Thursday and Friday. However, the protesters regrouped each time and have vowed to continue their daily protest as part of the 10 days of rage called by the organisers.

How it happened

At about 5:00 p.m on Friday, the peaceful demonstrators, who were moving and chanting to the rhythm of the music from a moving van, were suddenly surrounded by the police officers in front and behind, leaving the protesters in the centre of the road behind the stadium.

The well kitted policemen suddenly fired multiple rounds of tear gas at the protesting crowd and the journalists covering the protest.

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Some of the protesters and journalists fell into the roadside drainage channel, in an attempt to escape the tear gas.

Several protesters sustained injuries from the commotion, and shortly afterward, the young woman slumped on the grassy sidewalk of the stadiums fence.

This is Abuja, we will show them ( protesters) what we are made of, PREMIUM TIMES heard one of the police officers say.

The security officials eventually moved away from the scene, while some protesters were seen calling for help from passersby.

After the incident, PREMIUM TIMES observed that the protesters could not regroup to continue the protest. At about 6:00 pm , only heavily armed police officers were seen by the main entrance to the MKO Abiola Stadium.

Todays protests marked the second day of what the protest organisers christened the #10daysofrage demonstration. Their demands include the reintroduction of petrol subsidies and reduction in the salaries and allowances of public officials.

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Gunmen have attacked a military checkpoint in Ebonyi State, Nigerias south-east.

The attack, according to the police, occurred on Friday morning in Amangwu Axis of the Amasiri-Owutu-Edda Expressway, Edda Local Government Area of the state.

Edda was formerly known as Afikpo South Local Government Area before it was renamed by the then Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, in 2023.

The attack

The police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the attack to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.

Mr Ukandu, a deputy superintendent of police, said the details of the attack were still sketchy as of press time.

It is not yet certain if there were casualties. The attack was carried out by gunmen in the area, who operated with motorcycles, he said.

Some residents of the area, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, said although they were not aware of the attack, the hoodlums must have been part of those enforcing an illegal sit-at-home order in the South-east.

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You know they said the sit-at-home will be for four-days starting from 29 July, one of the residents, who asked not to be named, said.

Increased attacks

Like other states in Nigerias south-east, security has deteriorated in Ebonyi State with frequent attacks by armed persons.

The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities.

The latest attack occurred about a month after gunmen attacked a police facility in the Ivo Local Government Area of the state with five persons confirmed dead.

The Nigerian government has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. However, the group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.

IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of the south-south Nigeria.

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Senators and House of Representatives members from the South-eastern states have called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to arrest social media handlers circulating the #IgboMustGo, online with the Cybercrime Act.

Leader of the South-east Caucus in the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and his counterpart in the House, Igariwey Enwo, made the call in a statement jointly signed on Friday, on behalf of the entire federal lawmakers from the South-eastern states.

The #IgboMustGo is a social media campaign for the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other South-west states of the country within one month.

It gained traction on social media since the beginning of the 10day #EndBadGovernanance nationwide protest, which commenced on 1 August.

Reacting to the social media campaign,

the lawmakers said such a campaign was what degenerated into a civil war that claimed the lives of millions of Nigerians.

They also gave instances of the genocide in Rwanda and the xenophobia in South Africa.

The federal lawmakers however urged security agencies to begin the arrest of social media handlers spreading the forced relocation of Igbo people from the South-west states.

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This dangerous ethnic profiling is unwarranted and must stop. It was such profiling that led to the millions of deaths in Nigeria from the 1950s to the unfortunate civil war in 1967 to 1970. Elsewhere in Africa, it led to the genocide in Rwanda and xenophobia in South Africa.

Such should not be our fate again in Nigeria.

We demand, therefore, that the security agencies bring to book the purveyors of these hate speeches in line with the Cybercrimes Act and criminal laws of the country, they demanded.

The lawmakers, however, appealed to the Igbo people to stay away from the protests and remain law-abiding.

We continue to appeal to Igbos across the country to stay away from the protests, and remain law-abiding.

Why Igbos stayed away from protest

The lawmakers reiterated that there were no protest on the #EndBadGovernanance in the South-eastern states because leaders of the Igbo descendant, governors and lawmakers agreed not to partake in the protest.

The attention of the South-east Caucus of the National Assembly has been drawn to the unfortunate and dangerous ethnic profiling of Igbos in the ongoing mass protests across the country.

For the records, the Igbo nation, in obedience to the advice of their leaders  Governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, parliamentarians and others in the private sector- had taken a reasoned and strategic decision not to participate in the ongoing nationwide protests. This is evident in the relative calm experienced in the five South-eastern states.

We are, therefore, surprised and disappointed that Igbos are still made scapegoats and targeted as instigators of protests, as shown in several statements (such as the Igbo Must Go hashtag and call by a certain Lagospedia X(Twitter) handle) and videos seen online.

It would be recalled that there were threats and intimidation meted out against the Igbos in Lagos during and after the 2023 presidential election.

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the police authorities to probe and sanction their officers who attacked journalists during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests in Abuja on Thursday.

It called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the incident and take necessary steps to hold perpetrators accountable and report the action taken to NHRC within 10 days.

The statement identified four journalists, including a PREMIUM TIMES reporter, who were attacked during the protest at Eagle Square in Abuja on Thursday.

They include a Daily Independent newspaper journalist, Jide Oyekunle, who is also chairperson of the FCT Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ).

The rest are Yakubu Mohammed of PREMIUM TIMES, Mary Adeboye of News Central Television, and Kayode Jaiyeola, a photojournalist with Punch Newspaper.

NHRC said on Friday that the journalists did not deserve the treatment the police meted out to them.

The act is a clear violation of their fundamental human rights and a blatant attempt to suppress the freedom of the press, the statement quoted the Executive Secretary of the commission, Anthony Ojukwu, as saying.

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On Thursday, the #EndBadGoveranceInNigeria protests began in many parts of the country, including Abuja, demanding a drastic action of President Bolas Tinubu to address the hardship many Nigerians face as a result of his economic policies.

The protests, which the organisers had planned to hold for 10 days, continued on Friday.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how, on Thursday, the police fired tear gas repeatedly on peaceful protesters who were marching from the MKO Abiola Stadium to the Eagle Square in Abuja.

Police officers targeted journalists during the demonstrations in Abuja on Thursday.

They assaulted and arrested two of them, including Mr Mohammed of PREMIUM TIMES reporter, despite identifying themselves as journalists. The journalists were later released.

The police action is believed to have been done to prevent the protesters from reaching Eagle Square.

The incident came barely 24 hours after the NHRC issued an extensive protest advisory on how the police and other relevant agencies should guarantee security during the demonstrations and how protesters should conduct themselves.

Journalists usually fall victim to police brutality during protests in Nigeria.

In 2018, two journalists  Okodi Okodi and Owoidoho Udofia  were molested and detained while covering a protest in Akwa Ibom State. They also sustained injuries.

Read the NHRCs full press release here.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) strongly condemns the molestation of journalists by the Nigerian Police at Eagle Square during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.

According to the Executive Secretary (ES) of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR SAN, the act is a clear violation of their fundamental human rights and a blatant attempt to suppress the freedom of press.

The NHRC emphasises that journalists have the constitutional right to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, harassment, or molestation he said.

He lamented that those molested, including Jide Oyekunle, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ) FCT Correspondents Chapel and journalist with Daily Independent Newspaper; Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times; Mary Adeboye of News Central Television and Kayode Jaiyeola, a Photojournalist with Punch Newspaper, did not deserve the treatment that was meted on them.

According to the ES, the Polices actions undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law. We call on the Nigerian Police to respect the rights of journalists and protesters, and to ensure that their actions align with international human rights standards.

Dr. Ojukwu said the Commission is calling on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the incident and take necessary steps to hold perpetrators accountable and report the action taken to NHRC within 10 days.

We reiterate our commitment to protecting human rights and promoting a culture of respect for the rule of law in Nigeria, he added.

Obinna Nwakonye

Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages.

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The sound of sirens and squealing children will fill the air once again as National Night Out rolls through Chippewa Falls.

National Night Out will take place Tuesday evening at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds.

The event is an annual community-building campaign that provides an opportunity to bring law enforcement, EMS and firefighters together with local residents under positive circumstances.

Tuesdays event will offer free food, drinks and ice cream while supplies last, kids games, activities, a dunk tank, scavenger hunt and K9 demonstrations.

National Night Out is a great opportunity for the community to come together and just have fun, said Chippewa Falls fire chief Jason Thom. People young and old can enjoy the activities, interact with local emergency responders, see some of their equipment and even dunk a firefighter or police officer in the dunk tank. It is a really fun event for us as well.

Millions of Americans take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities each year. National Night Out events happen in all 50 states, U.S. territories and on military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August.

If you go What: National Night Out When: 5-8 p.m. Aug. 6 Where: Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 225 Edward St., Chippewa Falls

In Chippewa Falls, children get to hold fire hoses, climb into ambulances, pretend to drive police cars, run through water from fire pump trucks and watch demonstrations.

The event is also a useful recruitment tool for Chippewa County first responders.

The best part of the event is interacting with locals and seeing if they want to be volunteer firefighters, Chippewa Falls fire Lt. Kevin Steinmetz said in 2023.

Were running shy of them, he said. Its getting to be a pretty good concern right now. Ten years ago it wasnt too bad, but now were all getting to retirement age.

Chippewa Falls police chief Ryan Douglas said Thursday that National Night Out has aided the department as it continues to recruit new officers.

A lot of the new hires that we have in the process now have mentioned our outreach in the community, our public perception and the way the community views us and likes us, Douglas said. They specifically mentioned that they went to National Night Out and theyve seen interactions with officers, the community and the vendors. Theyve commented on the amount of support that we have. I can see there's a correlation there.

While recruitment is especially important for smaller departments across the region, National Night Out does more than entice would-be officers. It continues to thrill young people who get to play in ambulances, pretend to drive fire trucks and splash in fire hoses that are set up to entertain and cool people off.

The point of it obviously is just that interaction with law enforcement. Its a public service with the community and its outreach to those that don't have contact with law enforcement throughout the year, Douglas said. Its a positive interaction that we can provide to help the community and, you know, obviously the kids are a huge portion of it.

Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes said he loves National Night Out because it offers the public an opportunity to have positive interactions with law enforcement.

I believe National Night Out is a great community event that is an outstanding example of community oriented policing, Hakes said Thursday. It is a night full of laughs and positive interactions between law enforcement and the communities we protect.

Police chief Daryl Pries of Cadott said in 2023 that National Night Out helps his law enforcement team promote things they do in the community.

Were also just here interacting with people, he said.

Pries helped show off a car that has been used by the Chippewa County Drug Task Force during the 2023 National Night Out. Although the vehicle is mainly used for demonstrations or at events, it is a fully functioning police vehicle that happens to look like a race car.

Pries said he enjoys interacting with children at the events and letting them sit in the police vehicles.

It means a lot. I mean hey, I got four kids, he said. Its just something different for the kids to see a police car that looks like this. They think its a Hot Wheel like you buy at Dollar General.

IN PHOTOS: National Night Out 2022 in Chippewa Falls
The Nigerian National Committee of International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has observed with concern a series of indiscriminate attacks on journalists covering the #ENDBADGOBERNANCE protests in the country.

We hasten to remind law enforcement agencies that it is the constitutional duty of journalists to cover the protests. They should, therefore, not be attacked while carrying out their duties.

While we recognise the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order, it is also the responsibility of journalists to inform the public of happenings in the country.

Law enforcement agencies are also duty bound to protect journalists. In this regard, we call on the police to investigate attacks on journalists covering the protests. We also demand that journalists be protected from attacks.

Reported attacks on journalists include the following:

Benard Akede of News Central Television was allegedly interrupted and harassed by Police officers who barred him and other journalists from interviewing anyone during a live broadcast in Lagos.

In Kano, a vehicle belonging to Channels Television and conveying about eleven journalists was vandalized. The journalists were traumatised, and one of them, Ibrahim Isah, of TVC was assaulted.

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Also, in Kano, another vehicle belonging to Premier Radio was also attacked. A car belonging to Cool/Wazobia/Arewa FM Kano was also not spared.

In Abuja, the nations capital, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was attacked and injured by police officers who hit him with the butt of their guns and their batons and caused injuries to his head while covering the protest.

Cameras belonging to journalists were also destroyed by police officers. Jide Oyekunle, a photojournalist with Daily Independent and Chairman of FCT Correspondent Chapel of the NUJ, was arrested and his mobile telephone seized by Police officers.

These are in addition to journalists being teargassed alongside other protesters.

We call on heads of security agencies to instruct their operatives to stop further attacks on journalists. All culpable law enforcement officers will be held to account.

Musikilu Mojeed

President

IPI Nigeria

Tobi Soniyi

Legal Adviser

IPI Nigeria

Friday August 2, 2024

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Agbeses comments were as unfortunate and unacceptable as they were embarrassing. In his zeal to be seen as protecting the interests of a Nigerian businessman, he compromised one of the key principles of parliamentary procedures  the principle of fair hearing. By castigating and condemning the NNPCL and NMDPRA without providing them opportunity to state their case, he had constituted him him into the accuser, witness, judge and jury.

Last week Philip Agbese, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency in Kogi State, waded into the disagreement between Mr Aliko Dangote, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over the supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery, as well as NMDPRAs allegation of the poor quality of diesel produced by Dangote Refinery. In that intervention, Agbese had, in a biased manner, attacked the leadership of NNPCL and NMDPRA for conspiring with foreigners (represented by International Oil Companies) to frustrate a Nigerian businessman.

It has turned out that Agbeses colleagues in parliament, who I thought condoned his faux pas, are just as displeased as I and many others are, who had spoken out against his unfortunate outburst.

Leading a-50 member strong House of Representatives group, Honourable Billy Famous Osawaru (Edo State) told journalists in Abuja that jumping to conclusions in a matter still under investigation by a designated committee of the House, was against parliamentary culture. He said the parliamentary culture entailed affording parties in investigation the right of fair hearing and called on the committee handling the probe to be impartial.

Nigerians will recall the hike in fuel prices and associated challenges are fundamental concerns. The House of Representatives vide its resolutions mandated the joint committee of the house on Midstream and Downstream Petroleum to investigate issues in the oil and gas sector.

We are aware that investigation is ongoing and final decision has not been reached. However, our attention has been drawn to some media reports calling for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL and the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA while the above investigation is subsisting.

We wish to state that it is in the parliamentary culture to afford parties in an investigation that right to fair hearing. Therefore, the cal for removal of anyone while investigation is pending is premature. We Therefore call on all Nigerians to be patient and law abiding in expectation of a better Nigeria, Osawaru said.

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Agbeses comments were as unfortunate and unacceptable as they were embarrassing. In his zeal to be seen as protecting the interests of a Nigerian businessman, he compromised one of the key principles of parliamentary procedures  the principle of fair hearing. By castigating and condemning the NNPCL and NMDPRA without providing them opportunity to state their case, he had constituted him him into the accuser, witness, judge and jury.

The intervention of Agbeses colleagues at this time is crucial. Whilst we must ensure that all businesses operating in the same sector are on an even keel, the necessity of ensuring that they operate within guidelines provided by Nigerian laws is just as is important, and it is the duty of agencies like NMDPRA to ensure that this happens.

As I observed in my last intervention on this matter, there is a reason that government in its wisdom set up institutions to regulate the activities of business organisations and entities.

That the NNPCL itself is a business organisation operating in the same field as Dangote Refinery and is thus not obligated to mollycoddle or babysit it, was conveniently lost on Agbese as is the fact that the NMDPRA, as the regulatory agency overseeing the Midstream and Downstream sectors of the Nigerian oil and gas sector, is constitutionally mandated to scrutinise the operations of business entities like Dangote Refinery.

If Agbese felt for any reason that Dangote as an indigenous businessman had been unfairly treated by the NMDPRA or that the NNPCL had colluded with foreigners to undermine it, what he ought to have done was to call for a parliamentary inquiry into the whole affair, instead of taking the ill-advised route he followed.

So, why should the NMDPRA be demonised by legislator for doing its job to the extent of calling for the sack of the head of that agency?

Why should our lawmakers, including the leadership of the two chambers, troop like school children on excursion to the Dangote Refinery? What do they intend to achieve? Why should Representative Agbese, a lawmaker elected to protect the interest of all Nigerians, weigh in on behalf of one individual and give him a clean bill of health without subjecting his operations to serious scrutiny?

These are questions begging for answers. The NMDPRA was created to oversee companies like Dangote Refinery operating in the Midstream and Downstream sectors of the Nigerian petroleum industry. If any member of the National Assembly is displeased by the manner it is carrying out its duties, it can summon the head of that agency to parliament for questioning, instead of denigrating both the agency and its CEO publicly without conducting an impartial and independent inquiry as Rep. Agbese has done.

One of the reasons for regulation in any sphere of human activity is the need to ensure compliance, fair practice and to provide a level playing field for everyone regardless of status, religion or creed.

It was the reason the philosophers, John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, justified government. In fact, Hobbes said the absence of a measure of control over individuals through laws and the threat of punishment would create a Darwinian jungle of survival of the fittest, where life would become nasty, brutish and short.

Business regulation exists to ensure that no one business is given advantage over others in the same industry. If it is allowed to happen, a monopoly would created, which would in addition to crippling competition, lead to the exploitation of consumers by the monopolistic entity.

In Europe and America, the bastions of free market capitalism, regulation is serious business.

In the United States, in particular, the issue of one business dominating a field is something seriously frowned at. In that country, three laws  the Sherman Act of 1890, the Clayton Act of 1914, and the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914.  form the tripod of antitrust laws that regulate the conduct of businesses. They promote competition and prevent the emergence of monopolies. These laws can be enforced in both civil and criminal matters.

To underscore how seriously the American government frowns at monopoly, for two years, from 1999, it was locked in an anti-trust battle with IT company, Microsoft, accusing it of illegally monopolising the web browser market for Windows, primarily through the legal and technical restrictions it put on the abilities of PC manufacturers (OEMs) and users to uninstall Internet Explorer and use other programmes such as Netscape and Java.

The company was brought before a US court, which ordered its break up. Following an appeal by the company, and subsequent discussions between the parties, a settlement was reached, leading the US Department of Justice to announce on 6 September, 2001 that it was no longer seeking to break up Microsoft and would instead seek a lesser antitrust penalty. Microsoft, for its part, decided to draft a settlement proposal allowing PC manufacturers to adopt non-Microsoft software.

As recently as two months ago in the same United States, the Federal Aviation Administration, the body regulating the aviation industry in America, has been engaging aircraft manufacturing company, Boeing, in discussions over the safety of its aircraft.

The FAA became worried after the crash of a Boeing aircraft in January this year and increased its oversight on the manufacturer. Boeing has been compelled to come up with a roadmap intended to set a new standard for safety and effective transform their safety culture.

Aside Boeing other top companies in the United States, like Facebook, have come under the radar of regulatory authorities. In the midst of all of it, the regulatory bodies were left by parliament and the executive branch of government to do their job.

Tunde Olaniyi writes from Oshogbo.

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As the governments panic grew, a brilliant government Minister then initiated a poker move to break the deadlock. He convened hungry people in Abuja and promised to pay them handsomely if they protested against protest at the Eagle Square. They did and held up their beautiful Dont Protest posters for the cameras. Unfortunately for him, many of the rented protesters were not paid their promised five thousand naira each and they started to protest to journalists that they were still in the normal mode of hunger and suffering.

Yesterday, the protests started and are scheduled to continue for eight more days. It was not supposed to happen. The government said it must not happen, it will not happen and it should not happen, because it is addressing all the complaints of the movement. The people did not believe the government and disregarded all the threats and inducements. The core message is clear: hunger and suffering in Nigeria today is real and although government is all-powerful, hunger breeds anger and protest. It is that simple.

The politics is more complex as governmental panic was caused by the Kenyan youth, whose protest turned into an attempted insurrection to bring down their government. No government accepts the possibility of an insurrection. It will fight it with determination and the fight might be effective or less effective. The Nigerian governments fight has so far been less effective for the simple reason that it refused to address the fundaments  the hunger and the suffering. Government had a months notice to respond to the demands of the protesters but chose to play politics.

The governments response through its security agencies started with ethnic baiting, as it suggested that Peter Obi and IPOB militants are the culprits who are determined to bring down the Tinubu administration by claiming there is hunger in the land. Government supporters in Lagos threatened the Igbo community, as they had done during the 2023 elections. The day before the protest was to start, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu made a passionate speech to his Igbo community, warning members not to protest. We know that ethnic baiting often works in Nigeria but government underestimated the fundaments, which are real.

The government also massively mobilised religious and traditional leaders, brought them to Abuja where they were given marching orders to stop their people from protesting. As is usually the case, they obeyed the instructions given, begged their people not to protest and received jeers and insults in return  after all the hunger and suffering are real.

The internet became an ally of the protest movement as videos of a certain Bola Tinubu making the case for the legitimacy of protest and the responsibility of security forces to protect, not attack, protesters spread. The government got trapped in a language dilemma. If the current President was once a protester who had elegantly defended the constitutional right to protest, they had to adopt a more complex argument that blunted their message.

The government then made it clear to the youth that every protest ends in violence and its business is to protect the people from violence. The youth were duly informed (threatened) that the army, police and other security agencies would deal with them if they dared to protest. The cheeky youth responded that they had read the Constitution and it guarantees their freedom to protest and they would operate by the Constitution, rather than governments anti-constitutional threats. The governments response was that the law and order threat was justified because no one knows the organisers (dont forget at one point it was Peter Obi), so the security establishment would do its work. When the government realised the threats would not work, it started having meetings with the youth to beg them to cancel the protest. Eureka, the government had suddenly discovered the unknown protesters.

As the governments panic grew, a brilliant government Minister then initiated a poker move to break the deadlock. He convened hungry people in Abuja and promised to pay them handsomely if they protested against protest at the Eagle Square. They did and held up their beautiful Dont Protest posters for the cameras. Unfortunately for him, many of the rented protesters were not paid their promised five thousand naira each and they started to protest to journalists that they were still in the normal mode of hunger and suffering. As the government itself was organising protests, the failed poker move became the strongest legitimation for the protest to hold.

The internet became an ally of the protest movement as videos of a certain Bola Tinubu making the case for the legitimacy of protest and the responsibility of security forces to protect, not attack, protesters spread. The government got trapped in a language dilemma. If the current President was once a protester who had elegantly defended the constitutional right to protest, they had to adopt a more complex argument that blunted their message. On the one hand, protest is allowed by our laws but on the other hand protest is not allowed by our laws, as it always leads to violence. This lack of clarity weakened the argument of the government.

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In desperation, the government rushed to the courts and obtained rulings that the demonstrators must be confined to specific named spaces in Abuja, Lagos, Ilorin and so on. Maybe it would have worked had the protestors not been obliged to march to these named spaces of confinement. That was how the protests happened in many parts of the country.

The reality in Nigeria is that often, it is the way government polices protests or uses thugs that produces violence. In addition, the insensitivity of the Nigerian ruling class is another factor. The Senate President, Akpabio, who has an uncommon ability to annoy people, made jest of the protesters by announcing that they will be eating while the protesters were demonstrating.

The protest was themed 10 Days of Rage, as a response to economic challenges, perceived as the negative impacts of President Bola Tinubus policies, which have led to a severe cost of living crisis and widespread socio-economic grievances. The philosopher, Bob Marley, has sung that a hungry mob is an angry mob, as such the government had legitimate fears of possible violence. The reality in Nigeria is that often, it is the way government polices protests or uses thugs that produces violence. In addition, the insensitivity of the Nigerian ruling class is another factor. The Senate President, Akpabio, who has an uncommon ability to annoy people, made jest of the protesters by announcing that they will be eating while the protesters were demonstrating. Every Nigerian understood what he meant by eating  the ruling class will continue with its culture of reckless corruption that ensures that the governed dont benefit from governance. The roots of the anger are that the cost of corruption is very high in our society and the suffering of our people is directly linked to this history.

Given this history, one of my greatest fears about the future of Nigeria is our collective loss of the capacity for anger. It was the Cameroonian author, Celestin Monga who reminded us in his book, The Anthropology of Anger, that the capacity of civil society and citizens in Africa to advance the developmental and democratic agenda of their countries is a function of their ability to express outrage at the destruction of their societies and its assets. The nouns that define how we feel are important indications of our capacity to act. Anger, rage, fury, ire, wrath, resentment and indignation are vital elements in creating human agency. Fury denotes our marked displeasure at a particular situation and demonstrates we have not given up and substituted anger for passive sadness at the terrible states of affairs we find ourselves in.

For over sixty years, every week, Nigerians have been inundated with news stories about corruption; starting from the small brown envelopes in the 1960s to huge Ghana must go bags in the 1990s. The process culminated in simply taking billions of dollars from the Central Bank or NNPCL and brazenly posting the money to private accounts.

My sense was that rather than channel energy on per second bursts of indignation, Nigerians took a more strategic approach of working to remove corrupt governments through electoral means and bring on board new governments with the resolve to fight corruption. Today, it has become clear that elections cannot redeem government as the corrupt have the resources and skills to reproduce themselves through manipulating the electoral process. And when people come out to show their anger, they get killed.

A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES.

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In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Praise be to Allah Who has permitted to us that which is Halal i.e., lawful and good and has forbidden to us that which is Haram i.e., unlawful and bad. I praise Him, may He be exalted, as one who acknowledges His blessings; I give thanks to Him, may He be glorified and exalted, as one who acknowledges His bounty. I Praise Him as He deserves to be praised, for He is the Most Praiseworthy and Most Glorious, deserving of all thanks and praise. I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner or associate. In what He has permitted to us, He has caused us to have no need of that which is forbidden. And I bear witness that our Prophet Muhammad is His Servant and His Messenger, the best of humankind; may Allah send blessings and peace upon him and his noble Family and Companions, and the generation following the Companions and those who follow them in truth. To proceed:

Fear Allah, O servant of Allah, and give thanks to Him for having guided you to Islam and having sufficed you with that which is permitted so that you have no need of that which is forbidden.

Dear brothers and sisters! Indeed, Islam brought a comprehensive system that provides guidelines for all aspects of life and shows how peoples needs are to be dealt with in all their affairs, at both the individual and communal level in the best manner. It has set up a system by means of which people establish their relationship with Allah and their dealings with all His servants. All this is within the limits of what is Halal and good, and within the framework of what is permitted and prescribed  a sound framework that sets out guidelines concerning peoples rights and dues, protects their interests, wards off harm and bad things from them, and guards their lives, honour and wealth, on the basis of justice, light and guidance.

Islam has also prescribed sound beliefs and sublime acts of worship and establish a connection between the individual and his Lord, and all of that is based on the Quran and Sunnah. Moreover, Islam has drawn up guidelines for people in the field of interactions with one another, within the just and sound framework that is controlled by Shariah guidelines, conditions and etiquette that must be taken into consideration and adhered to, and all interactions should be undertaken within these limits and guidelines. Therefore, there should be no chaos, wrongdoing, transgression, robbery, deceit, delays in payment, ambiguity in buying, fraud or betrayal. Rather, there should be fairness, respect, justice, sincerity, clarity and paying attention to the rights of others.

Allah Almighty says:

O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves unjustly except it be a trade amongst you, by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you. And whoever commits that through aggression and injustice, We shall cast him into the Fire, and that is easy for Allah. [Quran, 4:29-30]

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And He the Most High says:

And eat up not one anothers property unjustly (in any illegal way e.g. stealing, robbing, deceiving, etc.), nor give bribery to the rulers (judges before presenting your cases) that you may knowingly eat up a part of the property of others sinfully. [Quran, 2:188]

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said in the great sermon (Khutbah) that he delivered on the Day of Arafah:

Your blood, your wealth and your honour are sacred to you, as sacred as this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this land of yours.

Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy upon him) and others narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

It is not permissible to take the wealth of a people unless he gives it willingly. [Narrated by Ahmad and Abu Yaala, from the Hadith of the paternal uncle of Abu Hurrah, ar-Riqashi]

Imam Muslim (may Allah have mercy upon him) narrated from Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

Allah is Good and does not accept anything but that which is good. Allah has enjoined upon the believers that which He has enjoined upon the Messengers. He says: O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Taiyibat [all kinds of Halal (legal) foods which Allah has made legal (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits, etc.], and do righteous deeds. Verily! I am Well-Acquainted with what you do. [Quran, 23:51] and He says: O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you with, and be grateful to Allah, if it is indeed He Whom you worship. [Quran, 2:172] Then he mentioned a man who undertakes a lengthy journey and is dishevelled and dusty, raising his hands towards heaven and saying, O Lord, O Lord! but his food is Haram, his drink is Haram, his clothing is Haram, he is nourished with Haram so how can he receive a response? [Muslim]

Dear servants of Allah! Among the basic principles of Islamic Shariah, on which the scholars are agreed, is that cases of necessity make forbidden things permissible.

And the meaning of necessity knows no laws is, a person who is in great need of something will find a way to get it, and break the law if needed. They also said, Necessity Is The Mother Of Invention. Meaning the same thing, thats a person who is in great need of something will find a way to get it.

And it can be also translated as, Necessity may authorise forbidden acts   

There is a great deal of evidence to support this principle in the noble Quran and the Prophets Sunnah, for example, the verses in which Allah Almighty says:

Forbidden to you (for food) are: the dead animals  cattle  beast not slaughtered, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which Allahs Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering (that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah, or has been slaughtered for idols) and that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by the goring of horns  and that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal  unless you are able to slaughter it (before its death)  and that which is sacrificed (slaughtered) on AnNusub (stonealtars). (Forbidden) also is to use arrows seeking luck or decision; (all) that is Fisqun (disobedience of Allah and sin). This day, those who disbelieved have given up all hope of your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat these above mentioned meats), then surely, Allah is OftForgiving, Most Merciful. [Quran, 5:3]

And He the Most High says:

And why should you not eat of that (meat) on which Allahs Name has been pronounced (at the time of slaughtering the animal), while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity? [Quran, 6:119]

My people! Examples of this principle include the following:

1. Eating dead meat for one who cannot find anything else and fears that he will die of hunger.

2. Speaking words of kufr when subjected to torture and force.

3. Warding off an aggressor even if that leads to killing him.

[For more explanation please see the book, al-Ashba wal-Nazair, by Ibn Nujaim, page 85]

Necessity means cases in which a person will be harmed if he does not take the haram option, in which the harm will affect the five essentials which are: religion, life, honour, reason and wealth.

With regard to the conditions of a haram thing becoming permissible in the case of necessity, Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Uthaimin (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned two conditions for that and he explained them in abundant detail with examples, as well as mentioning some objections and the response to them. Hence we will limit ourselves to quoting his words. He (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

This principle is one of the basic fiqh principles which are indicated by shariah: Everything that is forbidden becomes permissible in the case of necessity. So what is forbidden becomes permissible in the case of necessity, but there are two conditions. The first condition: We should be compelled to do this specific haram thing, meaning that we cannot find anything with which to meet that necessity except this haram thing. If we can find something else, then it does not become permissible, even though it could meet our necessity. The second condition: The necessity should be met by that haram thing; if that is not the case, then it remains haram. If we are not certain whether it will meet the necessity or not, then it also remains haram. That is because doing something haram is definitely wrong and meeting necessity by means of it is something concerning which there is doubt, so we should not transgress by doing that which is definitely haram for the sake of something concerning which there is doubt. Hence the ruling varies concerning a starving man who cannot find anything but dead meat. In this case we say, Eat the dead meat. If he says that this is committing a haram action, we say that it has become permissible because of necessity, because you have nothing else to eat apart from this and because if you eat it you will meet that necessity. It was said to a man: If you drink alcohol, you will be cured of sickness. In this case we say: It is not permissible for you to drink alcohol even if you are told that it will heal you from sickness. Why is that? Firstly, because there is no certainty that he will be healed by it; he may drink it and not be healed of sickness. We see many sick people taking beneficial medicines that they do not benefit from. Secondly, the sick person may recover without any treatment, by putting his trust in Allah and praying to Him, and by means of peoples prayer (Dua) for him and so on. This is from the point of view of reason. From the point of view of evidence, it is narrated in a Hadith from the Prophet (Peace be upon him) that he said: Allah does not put your healing in that which He has forbidden to you. The rationale behind this Hadith is clear, because Allah only forbade it to us because it is harmful to us, so how can that which is haram be a healing and a remedy? Hence it is haram to use haram things as treatment, as the scholars have stated, and it cannot be said that this is a case of necessity, as some people think. If someone were to say that a person is choking and he has nothing except a cup of wine, so is it permissible for him to drink this cup to stop him choking? The answer is yes, because the two conditions are met in this case. He is compelled to use this exact thing and we are certain that the necessity will be met by it, so we would say: Drink the wine. But once the choking has stopped, he should stop drinking. If someone were to say that a man found some meat that had been slaughtered in the halal manner and some meat from an animal that had died a natural death, can he eat the dead meat because he is forced to do so by necessity? The answer is that he cannot do that, because the necessity can be met by something else, so it is not permissible because the first condition is not met. If a person were to say, I am thirsty and I have nothing but a cup of wine; can I drink it? The answer is no, as the scholars said, because this is not a case of necessity; rather it will only make him more thirsty, so there is no benefit in transgressing and doing something haram, because necessity will not be warded off by it and the second condition is not fulfilled. If a person were to say: If a sick person has no choice but to drink blood as a remedy, is it permissible for him to do that? The answer is that it is not permissible for him to do that, because the two conditions are not met. [Plesse see Sharhu Manzumah Usul al-Fiqh wa Qawaidihi, page 59-61]

Therefore the Islamic and the other legal systems recognises necessity as a justification; it exempts individuals from legal responsibility when they act under the circumstance of necessity.

Dear brothers and sisters! I will like to mention a good response from my brother Malam Mahdi Shehu, a response to the insensitivity of some Nigerian governors to peoples suffering. Yes, someone among our leaders has even been reported calling Nigerians as idiots. Wallahul mustaan!

Malam Mahdi Shehu responded as follows:

TO HOPE UZODIMA & CO: STOP PRETENDING & WAKE UP FROM YOUR COLLECTIVE SLUMBER:

Last week, the APC Governors met in Abuja and declared that, WE ARE YET TO UNDERSTAND THE REASONS WHY NIGERIANS ARE COMPLAING TO A POINT OF PLANNING A PROTEST. My measured response is as follows:

1. MAJORITY NIGERIANS ARE ANGRY AND DETERMINED TO PROTEST DESPITE THE BLACKMAIL, INTIMIDATION AND INDUCEMENT.

2. Nigerians are complaining and preparing to protest against your collective breach of trust.

3. Deliberate sadism, elective greed. Unprecedented looting of public treasury, industrial insensitivity, disgusting living in denials,

4. Selfish and lavish lifestyles at the expense of the majority, wilful breach of budgetary laws, procurement, and other acts.

5. Nigerians are complaining and preparing to protest against your crude arrogance, pomposity, and callousness.

6. Because Nigeria is drifting into anarchy arising from your collective failure, derailment, and mans inhumanity to man.

7. Nigerians are saying that you are wicked, unjust, and greedy with ungodly behaviours.

8. If you hate protest, It means you hate yourself, which implies that you need a psychiatrist help to come out from an inevitable self blame.

Yes, dear brothers and sisters! Im in support of the opinion that in Islam protest is not allowed, but with this Islamic principle, ad-Daruratu Tubihul Mahzurat: Necessity knows no laws, now I inclined to the opinion of supporting the protest, considering the situations in our dear county and our dear states!!!

Fellow Nigerians! Our brother, Abubakar Wido Jalo wrote, and which is very true, he said:

As you prepare for the protest, note that as a citizens of Nigeria, you have the right to peaceful assembly and protest. Also note that these rights are not absolute. Government also has the right and duty to maintain peace, security and the protection of lives and Property. If what we want is a better Nigeria then the preservation and the intrest of our dear country Nigeria must come first. Protest peacefully and insist on good governance but note that violent protest will only take us backward as a country. Say yes to peaceful protest. Say no to bad governance. Say no to violent protest. Say no to looting and stealing of private businesses. Say no to destruction of government properties. Know that Governance is a continuim, and bad governance did not start with President Tinubu. Infact at a point we fought slavery and won. We fought colonialism and won. We will fight bad governance and win In Shaa Allah. Know that we cannot fix a country by destroying it. Destruction and violent protest did not fix Sudan. Destruction and violent protest did not fix Libya, etc etc. Therefore destruction will not fix Nigeria. Rather, peaceful engagement through peaceful protest and dialogue. We must have a country first before we can fix it. Nigeria, our great country must come first.

Respected brothers and sisters! The permitting of haram (the unlawful) under necessity is meant to make life easy and less oppressive for people.

That the necessity removes restriction is an important juridical rule. It shows that the Islamic Shariah (law) is not heedless of the exigencies of life nor to human weakness and our ability to face them; it allows the Muslim under the compulsion of necessity to do things which would otherwise be prohibited in order to meet the necessity and save himself from harm.

Necessity means harm. That is, when a person undergoes an excessive situation that could hurt him or destroy his body, part of his body, his mind, his family, his money or his religion.

The prohibited are the things that Allah ordained Muslims not to do whether these things are disliked or forbidden. This juridical rule is supported by a number of verses in the Quran as well as from the Sunnah (the Prophetic guidance).

All the texts (Nusus) has clearly stated that prohibited food becomes permissible in times of emergency, i.e. extreme hunger or insecurity.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

The harm should be removed.

The permitting of haram under necessity is meant to make life easy and less oppressive for human beings. Allah Almighty says:

Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you [Quran, 2:185]

In another verse He the Most High says:

Allah would make the burden light for you for man was created weak. [Quran, 4:28]

However, the rule of necessity should in no way be used as a pretext to relish haram and embrace it with eagerness, or to succumb to desires, for it is well established that surrender to desires (the prohibited ones) is conducive to grave corruption. Allah Almighty says:

And if the Truth had followed their desires the Heavens and the Earth and whoever is in it would have been corrupted. We have brought them their Reminder but from their Reminder they turn away. [Quran, 23:71]

To prevent those inclined to follow their desires from exploiting this great principle and using it as a tool for realising their evil purposes the jurists of Islam established a number of stipulations that govern the use of this Islamic rule, as mentioned by our great Shaikh Muhammad Salih Uthaimin.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah Mosque; and late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.

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Following the sudden outbreak of violence that characterised the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Kaduna, the State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 25 suspected miscreants involved in violent conducts in the state.

The 25 suspects were arrested with exhibits indicating their violent tendencies. The exhibits included scissors, jack knife and even live 7.62 X 39mm ammunition recovered from one Hassan Ibrahim of Rigasa area Kaduna. Similarly, one suspect was arrested dressed in Police camouflage uniform for deception.

The State Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi Ali, in a statement cautioned all parents and guardians to restrain their wards from indulging in disturbance of public peace. He further said the Command would not hesitate to treat all violent tendencies with the seriousness they deserved.

As earlier envisaged, the somewhat peaceful protest was hijacked by hoodlums who took undue advantage of the protest to unleash mayhem on the state.

In one ugly incident, the unruly miscreants attempted to gain access into the Kaduna State Government House before they were resisted by the security personnel stationed at the premises. In the fracas, two police men were injured while the glass of the Police armoured personnel carrier stationed at the entrance of the Government House was broken.

They rampaging protesters went further to attack the office and staff of the Kaduna State traffic law enforcement agency (KASTLEA) and torched the former along with other adjoining state government offices.

Despite the Inspector General of Polices advice to groups intending to protest, to liaise with the Commissioner of Police of the respective states they wished to protest, in order to fashion out modalities for peaceful protests, the State Police Command said that no individual or group had as at Friday notified the Command of its intention to protest in the state.

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In the absence of such a notice, the Police said it would be presumed that there was no group or individual to be held accountable. The Command warned that any attempt to protest violently, the persons or groups involved would be termed miscreants and be treated as such.

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Escalating chaos on the second day of the #EndBadGovernance protest has overwhelmed the police in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, with the authorities responding by deploying soldiers to control the protesters.

Defying a 24-hour curfew declared on Thursday, the protesters took to the streets again from the early hours of Friday morning.

The situation turned volatile in Gwange, a densely populated suburb with a restive population. Protesters, armed with sticks and sharp objects, clashed with the police, who responded with volleys of teargas.

However, police efforts to disperse the crowds failed as protesters, picked up teargas canisters and threw them back at the officers, leading to a prolonged exchange.

We fear for our lives here because some of the boys are going beyond the limits to destroy public property and attack the police, said Yusuf Biliya, a resident of Gwange who spoke with a PREMIUM TIMES reporter on the phone.

The authorities later deployed soldiers to Gwange to restore order and disperse the rioting youths.

However, state authorities announced a temporary relaxation of the curfew to allow Muslim residents to observe the Jumaat prayers.

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Given the prevailing security situation, the Borno State Government and heads of state security agencies, after due consultation, have relaxed the curfew from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., said Nahum Dasso, Assistant Superintendent of Police and Public Relations Officer.

This is to enable Muslim faithful to observe Jumaat prayer, Mr Dasso added, urging the public to attend prayers at nearby mosques.

The curfew will recommence at 3 p.m. on Friday and continue until 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The authorities appealed for calm and assured residents of their commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of lives and property in the state.

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Protesters returned to the streets of Abuja on Friday to demand an end to insecurity and economic hardship.

The Friday crowd in Abuja was much smaller than that on Thursday when hundreds of protesters expressed their grievances about the countrys cost-of-living crisis.

Thursdays peaceful demonstration turned violent after the police fired tear gas at the protesters. Undeterred, many of the protesters returned on Friday.

The protesters, many of them young people, said they were frustrated by the countrys economic conditions and had vowed days of rage in demonstrations. The protests are scheduled to last for ten days.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Friday, one of the protesters, Suwaiba Abdullahi, said she is willing to sacrifice her life for the protests until the authorities listen to their pleas.

Ms Abdullahi said her husband was killed recently in the northern part of the country and life has been so miserable ever since. The widow, who is a nursing mother, said she was arrested on Thursday, but she remained undeterred, which is why she returned to the protests shortly after regaining freedom.

I am ready to die, Ms Abdullahi continued, calling on the president to address hunger and insecurity in the country.

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Nigerians chanting we are hungry marched through the streets of several cities on Thursday. Five states, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Borno and Yobe, all in the northern parts of the country, imposed a 24-hour curfew after the protests turned violent.

On Friday, a heavy police and military presence was visible around the MKO Abiola Stadium in Nigerias capital, with officers in cars and trucks guarding the expressway that leads to the airport and the city centre.

A different set of protesters also gathered in Gwagwalada, where they temporarily blocked the Lokoja-Abuja expressway.

A combined team of security operatives later dispersed the scores of protesters by firing tear gas, eventually leading to the reopening of the major road for vehicular movement.

Some motorists had their cars smashed along Dagiri, Wazobia Park and SDP Junction, Channels TV reported.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the protesters are calling for the reversal of the fuel price hike, the restoration of affordable electricity tariffs, and the reduction of import duties to their previous rates.

The groups also demand the reversal of the hike in tertiary education fees by many institutions.

The protesters are also demanding full transparency and accountability in governance, including the public disclosure and reduction of public officials salaries and allowances and an emergency fund to support SMEs.

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The Katsina State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.

The Secretary to Government of the State, Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, announced the decision in a statement issued in Katsina on Thursday.

The statement was signed by Abdullahi Aliyu-Yaradua, the Director of media at the office of the Secretary to the state government.

According to him, the government under the Acting Governor, Faruq Jobe, has also banned unusual gatherings and all types of protest across the State.

He explained further that the decision followed an emergency State Security Council meeting convened on the report of breakdown of law and order in some parts of the State as a result of the nationwide protest.

The acting governor had earlier received a group of Civil Society Organizations who were on a peaceful demonstration at the Government House and pledged to deliver their messages to the appropriate authority.

However, later government received reports that some miscreants had hijacked the protest and unleashed their ulterior motives of shop breaking, looting and vandalisation of public and private properties.

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Therefore, the government found it necessary to impose these measures to safeguard peoples lives and properties in the State, he said.

According to him, people are therefore warned to remain calm and law abiding as the security agencies had been directed to arrest any individual or group of persons on violating the orders.

He said that the acting governor has appealed to the people in the state to continue with their legitimate activities within the free movement period.

Police detain 50 suspected miscreants

Meanwhile, the Police Command in Katsina State has detained 50 suspected miscreants during the nationwide protests over the economic hardship in the state.

The commands Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Katsina.

He, however, said that no loss of life was recorded during the protests in the state.

He said, The state is now relatively calm as the protests have been contained.

Aliyu added that the security arrangements have been reinforced in the state.

READ ALSO: Police may join forces with military to block violent protest Police IG

The Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who monitored the situation in Katsina observed that some youths vandalised some public properties.

The youths vandalised street lights and took away cables, solar panels and poles.

They also destroyed drainages, culverts and removed rods, among others.

(NAN)

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The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has sealed the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) over a N600 million tax liability.

Speaking to journalists after the exercise in the early hours of Friday, the Executive Chairman of KADIRS, Jerry Adams, said the operation was an execution of a court order to restrain KAEDCO over the liability due to the state.

Mr Adams explained that the N600 million tax liability was from 2015 to 2022. He said when they did all the reconciliations with KAEDCO, the firm agreed to pay a substantial amount of the liability.

The executive chairman, however, lamented, Till this moment, since last year that the liability was established, KAEDCO has not met what it committed to do.

We are backed by the law to seal and take over their premises in order to ensure compliance, and that is what we executed this morning, he said.

Mr Adams called on other businesses, individuals, corporate organisations and the public to always ensure voluntary compliance in tax payments.

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

(NAN)

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Preliminary reports of damage incurred from the violent turn of the #EndBadGovernance protest of Thursday in Kano State are emerging with evidence that protesters carted away records and other essentials kept as exhibits in the State High Court.

The protesters invaded the courts headquarters at the Audu Bako State Secretariat near the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) digital park, also looted on Thursday.

A senior court official told PREMIUM TIMES off-the-record on Friday that the rioters broke into the courts store, stole an unspecified amount of money and guns seized from kidnappers and kept as exhibits in ongoing cases.

Official and private vehicles parked at the premises of the state high court were razed and some vandalised by the protesters. Offices in the state high court headquarters were vandalised, the official said.

The (protesters) destroyed the new and old case files. They scatter everything in the buildings. Case exhibits, including guns kept in the courts store, were also looted. Some of the burned vehicles parked at the court premises are exhibits in an ongoing case, the official source asking not to be addressed by name because he was not authorised to speak.

The official said several essential documents kept in the courts archives since 1963 were looted.

The official said details of the losses and damage recorded from the violent actions would be communicated to the authorities.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

He said the court had inaugurated a committee to compile and report what had happened during the invasion.

The #EndBadGovernance protest turned violent in Kano on Thursday.

PREMIUM TIMES observed how some protesters around BUK Road ignored police advice and made bonfires with used tyres on a highway, causing obstruction and panic.

Protesters broke into several private and government stores in the metropolis and looted food items.

The protesters later converged at the Kano Government House, where they delivered their charter of demands to the governor, Abba Yusuf.

Earlier on Wednesday, Governor Yusuf, at a town hall meeting attended by the reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, backed the protests. But he advised the organisers to be civil and submit their demands to him for delivery to President Bola Tinubu.

At the meeting, also attended by the states council of Ulamas, traditional rulers, and the business community, Mr Yusuf said the exorbitant petroleum and electricity prices have caused severe hardship.

Government should review electricity tariff. It is another burden on Nigerians. We call on the federal government to reduce the prices as it would ease the hardship on Nigerians, the governor stated.

Mr Yusuf stressed the constitutional rights of citizens to express displeasure over government policies but advised the protesters to be peaceful.

Nigerians have the right to conduct protests, but they should be peaceful. The situation in the country is what prompted the protest.

But the protest should be peaceful. We will not condone lawlessness, a situation where people would be killed, government formations be attacked, schools attacked, Mr Yusuf had said.

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The reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, has urged parents in Kano not to allow their children and wards to continue participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest.

Mr Sanusi said this a day after the demonstrations turned into an orgy of looting and destruction of properties that also featured the killing of some protesters in the state.

Three protesters were reportedly killed on Thursday in the violent protests in the state. However, the police and the government have yet to speak about the deaths.

Mr Sanusi, at a press conference at his palace on Friday, described the protest as a sad moment and a setback for the development initiatives for the state.

Today is a sad day for the people of Kano as we reflect on the events of yesterday. The violence of yesterday was why scholars and leaders kept warning against the possibility that miscreants and agents of destruction would hijack peaceful demonstrations and use that opportunity to cause mayhem, which led to the loss of lives, destruction of properties, and injuries to countless people.

As we said during the stakeholders meeting, any violence in Kano only hurts Kano, it hurts innocent people. The young people who died are our children, the property that was burnt and stolen belong to the people of Kano, Mr Sanusi said.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how on Wednesday Governor Abba Yusuf, at a town hall meeting in the Government House attended by Mr Sanusi, backed the protests.

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 governor advised the organisers to be civil and submit their demands to him for delivery to President Bola Tinubu.

In his remarks at the event, the reinstated emir, Mr Sanusi raised concerns about the protest and called on the organisers to identify themselves.

I am not against the protest but who are the organisers of the protest, and what are their agendas? We need to know all these before joining the protest, Mr Sanusi said at the town hall meeting at the government house on Wednesday.

But after the protest turned violent, Mr Sanusi said the destruction of properties and lives of the protesters had set the state backward.

We have set ourselves back. The printing press that was burnt will have to be rebuilt, the machines will have to be bought and these are funds that could have gone into youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, education, healthcare and nutrition, and addressing the very problems that we are protesting against, Mr Sanusi lamented.

He said the the digital centre of excellence that was built by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was aimed at educating the youth, provide them with digital training, and prepare them for examinations.

We have vandalised and destroyed the computers, and we have wasted hundreds of millions of Naira that was supposed to be an investment in human capital.

I am calling on the people of Kano not to allow themselves to repeat what happened yesterday or to be deceived into continuing with this kind of mayhem. Parents should advise their children, ward heads, district heads, imams should call on our people and let them now understand that this violence only hurts Kano, only sets Kano back and nobody is going to come to fix our problems, Mr Sanusi appealed.

We pray to Allah to have mercy on the souls that have passed away (in the protest), to restore the wealth of those who have been looted or vandalised, and to grant good health to those who are injured in a short time, he added.

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo Council, has announced the restriction of visitors to the Press Centre until the ongoing nationwide protest against economic hardship is over.

In a statement on Friday in Benin by Festus Alenkhe and Andy Egbon, the chairperson and secretary of the council, respectively, the union said that the centre would be closed from 6 p.m. until further notice.

This is to ensure that individuals with ulterior motives do not use the Press Centre as a haven to congregate, the statement said.

The NUJ leadership urged every member to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

It added that the safety and well-being of journalists and visitors to the centre was of utmost priority to the union.

(NAN)

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged his administrations commitment to collaborating with Rotary International to enhance humanitarian services in the state.

This announcement came during a meeting with the District Governors of Rotary International Districts 9112 and 9111, Rotarian Olufemi Adenekan and Rotarian Oluwole Kukoyi, at Lagos House, Marina.

In his statement shared on social media, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his appreciation for the work Rotary International does globally and locally, highlighting the organisations core principles of service and addressing urgent community needs.

Today, I welcomed the District Governors of Rotary International Districts 9112 and 9111, Rotarian Olufemi Adenekan and Rotarian Oluwole Kukoyi, to Lagos House, Marina. During our meeting, I reiterated our dedication to collaborating so as to strengthen humanitarian services and tackle the urgent needs of our citizens, which are core principles of Rotary International, the governor wrote.

The governor emphasised the importance of partnership between the government and non-governmental organisations like Rotary International in delivering impactful projects and services.

The collaboration aims to address various issues such as healthcare, education, and community development, which are vital for improving the quality of life for Lagos residents.

This meeting marks a significant step towards fostering public-private partnerships that can effectively tackle the socio-economic challenges facing Lagos State.

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

By leveraging Rotary Internationals extensive network and experience in humanitarian efforts, the state government aims to enhance its capacity to meet the needs of its citizens.

Governor Sanwo-Olus commitment to such collaborations reflects a broader strategy to engage with civil society organisations in promoting sustainable development and ensuring inclusive growth within Lagos State.

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Historic Downtown Sevierville, Tennessee | September 7th

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The second annual Stillwell Festival, set for Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 4-8 pm, celebrates the rich culinary and artistic talents of the Appalachian region and promises a vibrant showcase of chefs, brewers, and musicians.

"We were thrilled with the response to last year's event," said David Rule, partner at Mountain Hospitality Concepts and Executive Chef of The Appalachian. "This year, we're raising the bar with new chefs, collaborative dishes, and more breweries."

Stillwell Festival celebrates the rich culinary and artistic talents of the Appalachian region. Post this

Festival highlights include live fire demonstrations presented by chefs from top Southeastern restaurants, including Osteria Stella, RT Lodge, and The Plaid Apron. Stillwell guests are invited to enjoy small plates of prepared dishes paired with a wide range of beers from upscale regional microbreweries.

In addition, guests can groove to the music of popular Appalachian Space Funk artist Rossdafareye and peruse a curated exhibit celebrating local visual artists.

The Stillwell Festival is presented by KATOM, a leader in commercial kitchen supplies. "We are proud to support this celebration of regional food culture," said Charley Bible, KaTom Vice President of Business Development. "The Stillwell Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who loves the culinary and artistic traditions of the Southeast."

Organized by Mountain Hospitality Concepts, the Stillwell Festival brings together the best of the region's food, brews, and arts. Sevierville, Tennessee is in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and is known as the hometown of music superstar Dolly Parton. Tickets are available now at www.stillwellfestival.com or through Eventbrite.

SOURCE SEVIERVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Growing senior population requires new strategies to improve care and reduce costs

CHICAGO, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a new Age Friendly Hospital Measure Thursday based on work by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and designed to improve the care and outcomes of older adult patients. This measure, which becomes effective January 1, 2025, will help hospitals provide high-quality, patient-centered care for older adults by driving improvement in five key areas.

All hospitals participating in the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program (IQR) must report on their compliance with the measure and could face significant financial penalties if they fail to do so. The measure will be reported on the CMS Care Compare website to allow patients and caregivers to know which hospitals deliver age-friendly care for seniors.

The ACS led the development of the Age Friendly Hospital Measure in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) with support from The John A. Hartford Foundation.

This new type of "programmatic" measure is developed principally based on the standards of the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program, launched in 2019 to meet the specific needs of older adult patients undergoing surgery. The ACS GSV program is grounded in scientific evidence and provides hospitals with proven ways to improve such things as postoperative delirium-related complications, reduce readmissions costs, and enhance patient quality of life. Using GSV, a hospital can reduce the average length of a patient's stay  generating significant cost savings while helping patients achieve their care goals. The ACS is offering a new level of the GSV program specifically tailored to address the five domains included in the measure.

"The creation of the Age Friendly Hospital Measure represents a significant step forward in recognizing the unique needs of older patients. We are proud to be strong advocates for this new measure because we are confident that it will lead to improved care and outcomes for this patient population," said ACS Executive Director & CEO Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS. "The ACS GSV Program will help hospitals meet these new requirements, and will also help them improve care, shorten the length of stay for many patients, and reduce the costs for the delivery of care."

Improving Older Adult Care

Meeting the complex care needs of older adults has become a more urgent imperative, given the dramatic increase in this population expected in the coming decades. The number of Americans over the age of 65 will more than double over the next 40 years, topping 80 million by 2040. Today, patients 65 years and older account for more than 40% of all inpatient operations  a number that is expected to grow.

"With the aging and expanding population, hospitals are seeing significant increases in the number of older adult patients who routinely have additional care needs that we haven't always effectively addressed. Our Geriatric Surgery Verification Program, or GSV, gives hospitals a proven and feasible way to deliver superior care, reduce complications, and improve overall outcomes for these patients. Importantly, the GSV gives hospitals the tools to deliver this higher quality of care more efficiently, translating to lower costs," said Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, Director of the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care. "One of the biggest challenges hospitals have is addressing postoperative delirium which occurs in 25% of patients, costs a hospital about $20,000 per episode, and greatly impacts patients and caregivers. The GSV program provides effective strategies to reduce the chances of delirium which leads to fewer days in the hospital, improved outcomes for patients, and significant cost savings."

The Age Friendly Hospital Measure will evaluate hospitals' progress toward improving care for patients aged 65 and above across various settings, including hospital wards, operating rooms, and emergency departments. The measure is structured into five domains:

Eliciting Patient Healthcare Goals: Ensures patient health-related goals and treatment preferences are obtained to inform shared decision-making. Responsible Medication Management: Optimizes medication management by monitoring pharmacological records to avoid inappropriate drugs for older adults. Frailty Screening and Intervention: Screens for cognitive impairment (including delirium), mobility, and malnutrition, allowing for early detection and intervention. Social Vulnerability: Recognizes and addresses social issues impacting older adults as part of the care plan such as social isolation, economic insecurity, ageism, caregiver stress, limited access to healthcare and elder abuse. Age-Friendly Care Leadership: Identifies an age-friendly champion or committee in the hospital to ensure compliance with all components of the measure.

Collaboration and Support

The ACS, IHI, and ACEP worked collaboratively over the last few years to bring this measure to fruition, believing that it will better position hospitals to care for this growing population.

"We are grateful for the strong collaboration with IHI, ACEP, and The John A. Hartford Foundation to advocate for this measure with CMS. Our work together highlights how we can partner with CMS and other leading organizations to design new, evidenced-based, and impactful quality measures that will lead to meaningful improvement in the care our older patients receive," said Dr. Ko.

"Every older person who visits a hospital deserves and should demand age-friendly care that is centered on what matters to them," said Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, president, The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF). "With this essential new measure of quality in the Medicare program, hospital leadership will now publicly report on how well they address the most critical factors affecting the health outcomes of older adults, including their medications, mentation and mobility in the context of social vulnerability. The great news is that we philanthropically support programs that can help every hospital say 'yes' when they are asked if they deliver age-friendly care."

Learn more about the Geriatric Surgery Verification Program.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The ACS is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The ACS has approximately 90,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the ACS.

Follow the ACS on social media: X | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook

SOURCE American College of Surgeons
LUXEMBOURG, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Adecoagro S.A. (the " Issuer ") announces the early results of its previously announced tender offer (the " Tender Offer ") to purchase for cash up to US$100.0 million in aggregate principal amount (subject to increase or decrease by the Issuer, in its sole discretion, the " Maximum Tender Amount ") of its 6.000% senior notes due 2027 (the " Notes ").

The Tender Offer is being made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in an offer to purchase, dated July 22, 2024 (the " Offer to Purchase "). Any capitalized term used but not defined in this press release has the respective meaning set forth in the Offer to Purchase.

The following table sets forth the material pricing terms of the Tender Offer:

Title of Security CUSIP / ISIN Principal Amount Outstanding Tender Offer Consideration(1) Early Tender Premium (2) Total Consideration(3)

6.000% Senior Notes due 2027 CUSIP No. 144A: 00676L AA4/ Reg. S: L00849 AA4 ISIN No. 144A: US00676LAA44/ Reg. S: USL00849AA47 US$500,000,000 US$950.00 US$30.00 US$980.00

















(1) The amount to be paid for each US$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date and accepted for purchase. In addition, Accrued Interest (as defined herein) will be paid. (2) Per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase. (3) The amount to be paid for each US$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase. The Total Consideration includes an Early Tender Premium of US$30.00 for each US$1,000 principal amount of Notes. In addition, Accrued Interest will be paid.





























Consideration

Holders who validly tendered their Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 2, 2024 (such time and date, the " Early Tender Date ") and did not validly withdraw their Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 2, 2024 (such time and date, the " Withdrawal Date ") will be eligible to receive the Total Consideration of US$980.00 per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes tendered (the " Total Consideration "). The Total Consideration includes an Early Tender Premium of US$30.00 per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes tendered (the " Early Tender Premium ").

Holders who validly tender Notes after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 19, 2024 (such time and date, the " Expiration Date ") will not be eligible to receive the Early Tender Premium and will therefore only be eligible to receive the Tender Offer Consideration of US$950.00 per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes tendered (the " Tender Consideration ").

Holders whose Notes are accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will also be paid accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes (" Accrued Interest ") up to, but excluding, the applicable Settlement Date (as defined below).

Early Settlement and Final Settlement

As of the Early Tender Date, US$83,656,000 in aggregate principal amount of Notes had been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) by Holders.

Assuming satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Tender Offer, the Issuer will accept for purchase all of the Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) in the Tender Offer at or prior to the Early Tender Date and intends to make payment in cash of an amount equal to the Total Consideration, plus Accrued Interest for all such Notes on August 6, 2024 (the " Early Settlement Date "). The Withdrawal Date of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 2, 2024 has passed and, accordingly, Notes validly tendered in the Tender Offer, including after the Early Tender Date, may not be withdrawn.

Subject to the Maximum Tender Amount, the Issuer expects to settle all Notes not previously settled on the Early Settlement Date, if any, on or about the second business day following the Expiration Date (the Final Settlement Date "). Any references to " Settlement Date " refer to each of the Early Settlement Date and the Final Settlement Date as context may require.

Proration

The Tender Offer is not oversubscribed at the Early Tender Date. If the purchase of all Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date (when combined with all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Date) would cause the Issuer to accept for purchase an aggregate principal amount of Notes that exceeds the Maximum Tender Amount, then the Tender Offer will be oversubscribed at the Expiration Date and, assuming satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Tender Offer, the Issuer will purchase on the Final Settlement Date all Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date and accepted for purchase, on a prorated basis according to the principal amount of such Notes, such that the Issuer purchases an aggregate principal amount of Notes that does not exceed the Maximum Tender Amount.

All tendered Notes not accepted will be promptly credited to the Holder's account with DTC or otherwise returned to the Holder without cost.

Conditions and Waiver

The Issuer's obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer is conditioned upon the satisfaction or, when applicable, waiver of certain conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase.

The Issuer has the right to amend or terminate the Tender Offer at any time and to increase or decrease the Maximum Tender Amount in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law. If the Tender Offer is terminated at any time, the Notes tendered will be promptly returned to the tendering Holders without compensation or cost to such Holders and will remain outstanding. The Issuer reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to not accept any tenders of Notes for any reason. The Issuer and its affiliates reserve the absolute right, in their sole discretion, from time to time to redeem or purchase any Notes that remain outstanding after the Expiration Date through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices as they may determine, which may be more or less than the price to be paid pursuant to the Tender Offer.

The Tender and Information Agent

Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available to Holders from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the tender agent and the information agent for the Tender Offer (the " Tender and Information Agent "). Requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase should be directed to D.F. King at +1 (800) 755-7250 (toll-free), (212) 269-5550 (collect) or [email protected].

The Dealer Managers

The Issuer has engaged J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC to act as dealer managers (the " Dealer Managers ") in connection with the Tender Offer. In such capacity, the Dealer Managers may contact Holders regarding the Tender Offer and may request brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies and other nominees to forward the Offer to Purchase and related materials to beneficial owners of Notes. The Dealer Managers can be contacted at their telephone numbers set forth on the back cover page of the Offer to Purchase with questions regarding the Tender Offer.

Disclaimer

This press release must be read in conjunction with the Offer to Purchase. This press release and the Offer to Purchase contain important information that must be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Tender Offer. If any Holder is in any doubt as to the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own legal, tax, accounting and financial advice, including as to any tax consequences, from its attorney, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. None of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Dealer Managers, the Tender and Information Agent or any affiliate of such persons expresses any opinion as to whether the terms of the Tender Offer are fair to any Holder. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender any Notes and, if so, the principal amount of Notes to tender.

Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor have any such documents been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer to Purchase or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary. This Offer to Purchase has not been approved by and will not be submitted for approval to the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier for the purposes of approval under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as amended, and/or the Luxembourg Law dated 16 July 2019 on prospectuses for securities, as amended.

Under no circumstances shall this press release constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of the Issuer, the Guarantors or any of their affiliates in the United States, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or in any other jurisdiction. The Tender Offer is not being made to, nor will the Issuer accept tenders of Notes from, Holders in any jurisdiction in which the Tender Offer would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction.

Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature or that relate to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that the transactions described in this press release will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions. Neither the Issuer nor the Guarantors undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any other reason.

SOURCE Adecoagro S.A.

For questions please contact:

Victoria Cabello

IR Officer

Email: [email protected]

About Adecoagro:

Adecoagro is a leading sustainable production company in South America. Adecoagro owns 210.4 thousand hectares of farmland and several industrial facilities spread across the most productive regions of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, where it produces over 2.8 million tons of agricultural products and over 1 million MWh of renewable electricity.

SOURCE Adecoagro S.A.
BALTIMORE, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AGM Financial Services, a nationally licensed FHA lender and GNMA seller/servicer, announces a significant expansion of its Midwest operations with the addition of two key professionals. This strategic move strengthens AGM's market presence and lending expertise across the country, with a particular focus on enhancing services in the Chicago and St. Louis markets.

Brent Frank joins AGM as Senior Vice President of Originations, based in the Chicago office. Randall Forguson takes on the role of Origination Associate for AGM in the St. Louis office.

Brent Frank joins AGM as Senior Vice President of Originations, based in the Chicago office. With over 40 years of lending expertise, Brent brings extensive experience in FHA Market Rate Multifamily, affordable housing, and bridge lending. His background includes roles as a Chicago area Bank President and Senior Lender at both closely held and publicly traded commercial banks.

Randall Forguson takes on the role of Origination Associate in the St. Louis office. Forguson combines technical prowess with a strong customer focus, having spent four years in information systems and virtual infrastructure in San Francisco before transitioning to originations at a national commercial real estate finance company. His analytical skills and three years of direct client experience make him a valuable addition to the AGM team.

Myles Perkins, President and Owner of AGM, expressed enthusiasm about the new hires: "We're thrilled to welcome Brent and Randy to AGM. As a boutique firm that prides itself on personalized attention, the addition of their localized experience will further enhance the high-touch services we provide our developer clients." Myles added, "As we grow, we're also excited about the opportunity to offer new products, including innovative solutions for construction loans."

These strategic hires underscore AGM's commitment to growth and excellence despite a challenging year in commercial construction. Myles is positioning the company for continued success in 2025 by meeting diverse client needs across the nation.

About AGM Financial Services, Inc. Family-owned with over 30 years of experience, AGM has closed over $10 billion in FHA-insured multifamily project loans nationwide. We underwrite, fund, and service all of our loans. Developers and owners can count on AGM to be accessible, transparent, consistent, and ready to lend. From new construction to substantial rehabilitation to acquisition and refinance  for both market-rate and affordable projects  we can get the deal done. To learn more about AGM, call 800.729.4266 or visit agmfinancial.com.

Media Contact

Dina Wasmer

410-366-9479 x101

[email protected]

SOURCE AGM Financial Services
The open-source model improves on Whisper by using multi-head attention to achieve speedup and reduced latency while retaining full speech recognition accuracy

TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- aiOla, a leader in speech recognition technology, has announced today the release of its new open-source AI model, Whisper-Medusa. The new model, based on a multi-head attention architecture, outperforms OpenAI's Whisper, the most popular and best available AI speech recognition model, by performing 50% faster with no loss in performance.

The automatic speech recognition market size is projected to grow to $7.14 billion this year. As voice becomes an integrated feature in most connected devices and AI chatbots, speech recognition has emerged as a vital technology field. Amid this rapid expansion, OpenAI disrupted the automatic speech recognition landscape by releasing Whisper, an open-source model considered superior to any other commercial or open-source speech recognition model available today. Whisper, with more than 5 million downloads per month, has become the gold standard for automatic speech recognition systems and is powering tens of thousands of applications.

aiOla's new open-source model, Whisper-Medusa, greatly improves the speed compared to Whisper by altering how the model predicts tokens. While Whisper predicts one token at a time, Whisper-Medusa can predict ten at a time, resulting in a 50% increase in speech prediction speed and generation runtime. As a result of this significant advancement, aiOla has decided to release the model's weights and code today on GitHub and Hugging Face for the community to access.

"Creating Whisper-Medusa was not an easy task, but its significance to the community is profound," said Gill Hetz, VP of Research at aiOla."Improving the speed and latency of LLMs is much easier to do than with automatic speech recognition systems. The encoder and decoder architectures present unique challenges due to the complexity of processing continuous audio signals and handling noise or accents. We addressed these challenges by employing our novel multi-head attention approach, which resulted in a model with nearly double the prediction speed while maintaining Whisper's high levels of accuracy. It's a major feat, and we are very proud to be the first in the industry to successfully leverage multi-head attention architecture for automatic speech recognition systems and bring it to the public. "

Whisper-Medusa, based on multi-head attention, is trained using weak supervision. In this process, the main components of Whisper are initially frozen while additional parameters are trained. This training process involves using Whisper to transcribe audio datasets and employing these transcriptions as labels for training Medusa's additional token prediction modules. aiOla currently offers Whisper-Medusa as a 10-head model, with future plans to release a 20-head version with equivalent accuracy.

About aiOla:

aiOla's patented technology comprehends over 100 languages, and discerns jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms, demonstrating a low error rate even in noisy environments. aiOla's technology converts manual processes in critical industries into data-driven, paperless, AI-powered workflows through cutting-edge speech recognition.

Contact:

Ali Goldberg

Concrete Media for aiOla

[email protected]

SOURCE aiOla
ZURICH, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Amcor plc (NYSE: AMCR; ASX: AMC) will announce its full year results for the twelve months ended 30 June 2024 after the US market closes on Thursday 15 August 2024.

A conference call and webcast to discuss the results will be held at 5.30pm US Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday 15 August 2024 / 7.30am Australian Eastern Standard Time on Friday 16 August 2024. For those wishing to participate in the call please use the following dial-in numbers:

USA: 800 715 9871 (toll-free) USA: 646 307 1963 (local) Australia: 1800 519 630 (toll-free)

02 9133 7103 (local)

United Kingdom: 0800 358 0970 (toll-free)

020 3433 3846 (local)

Hong Kong: +852 3002 3410 (local) Singapore: +65 3159 5133 (local) All other countries: +1 646 307 1963 (this is not a toll-free number)



Conference ID 9115937

Access to the webcast and supporting materials will be available via the Investors section of Amcor's website (www.amcor.com/investors). A webcast replay will be available at the conclusion of the call.

For further information please contact:

Investors: Tracey Whitehead

Global Head of Investor Relations

Amcor

+61 3 9226 9028 / +1 224-478-5790 [email protected] Damien Bird

Vice President Investor Relations

Amcor

+61 3 9226 9070 [email protected] Damon Wright

Vice President Investor Relations

Amcor

+ 1 224 313 7141 / +1 949 202 9682 [email protected] Media  Europe

Ernesto Duran

Head of Global Communications

Amcor

+41 78 698 69 40

[email protected] Media  Australia

James Strong

Citadel-MAGNUS +61 448 881 174

[email protected] Media  North America

Julie Liedtke

Director, Media Relations

Amcor

+1 847 204 2319

[email protected]

About Amcor

Amcor is a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and personal-care, and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect their products, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains through a range of flexible and rigid packaging, specialty cartons, closures, and services. The company is focused on making packaging that is increasingly light-weighted, recyclable and reusable, and made using an increasing amount of recycled content. In fiscal year 2023, around 41,000 Amcor people generated US$14.7 billion in annual sales from operations that span 218 locations in 41 countries. NYSE: AMCR; ASX: AMC

www.amcor.com I LinkedIn I Facebook I Twitter I YouTube

SOURCE Amcor
JERUSALEM, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship), in partnership with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency for Israel, welcomed an aliyah flight of 155 new French immigrants at Ben Gurion Airport. This latest flight brings the number of French olim (immigrants) who have arrived in Israel since the outbreak of the war to more than 1,000.

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) welcomed a flight of 155 olim (immigrants) from France in Israel on Thursday, August, 1, 2024. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) welcomed a flight of 155 olim (immigrants) from France in Israel on Thursday, August, 1, 2024.

The flight was greeted with an emotional ceremony attended by Ofir Sofer, Israeli Minster of Aliyah and Integration; Ayelet Shiloh Tamir, the Director General of The Fellowship's Israel office; and Yaakov Hagoel, Chair of the World Zionist Organization.

According to the latest data, more than 24,000 people have made aliyah (immigrated) to Israel from dozens of countries since October 7, a massive 520 percent reported increase in new applications as compared to the same period last yearfrom France alone, over 7,000 new applications compared to 1,200 the year before. Among the top reasons cited by olim to move is a clear desire to live in Israel and be part of the modern Zionist experiencea desire which has become increasingly urgent in light of the ongoing war.

Among the olim are Duli and Yonatan Gluch and their two children, who will be moving to Ashdod. Duli acknowledges that growing antisemitism in France made the decision to move more urgent: "I have become more and more afraid to allow my kids go outside with a kippah. In our neighborhood, it's gotten very scary, with signs all over the place supporting the Palestinians and the sense that, as Jews, we are being targeted."

Yonatan said that several months ago while driving, another car stopped him and two people jumped out, brandishing a knife. "They saw I was a JewI know that's why they wanted to attack me. We don't feel protected in France, and we simply can't sit back and wait for an October 7th type attack to happen here."

The new immigrants will reside in communities throughout Israel, including Netanya, Raanana, Hadera, Givat Shmuel, and Ashdod. In recent months, the Ministry and the Jewish Agency have intensified Aliyah operations in France, supporting the practical and financial needs of tens of thousands of new immigrants each year.

Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of The Fellowship said, "Even in the height of a devastating war, we are blessed to see people recognizing that Israel remains the spiritual and physical land that we call home. Together with our partners and with the support of our hundreds of thousands of donors around the world, we are committed to working tirelessly to help Jews come home to Israel. Days like this serve as a deeply emotional and inspiring reflection of the strength of Zionism. We congratulate all these families and will continue to support their journey as they acclimate into their new lives."

Ofir Sofer, Minister of Aliya and Integration said: "Every aliyah of Jews excites the country anew, but those who are arriving now, especially since October 7, are particularly moving and provide support to the entire nation. We are working to encourage the aliyah of Jews from all over the world, while also striving to ease the integration of olim in all areas of life, from assistance with rent or home purchases to employment, academic studies, Hebrew studies, and community support. I call upon the public in Israelwelcome them as they are arriving right now. Let the olim feel part of the Israeli public."

Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization said: "As the world observes the achievements and dreams coming true at the Olympics, we are witnessing the realization of dreams for Jewish immigrants from France despite the most challenging period in Israel's history. While airlines cancel flights to Israel and travel warnings are issued globally, 155 new immigrants (olim) from France have arrived to establish their new home here. I wish them all a warm welcome, a supportive community, and abundant opportunities on their life-changing journey in Israel."

Amira Ahronovitz, CEO of the Jewish Agency said: "Aliyah is a key element in building Israel's strength and resilience. Since the war broke out, more than 20,000 olim arrived in Israel from all corners of the world. Each and every one of these olim is part of the story we all share. Their decision to make aliyah, precisely now, reflects the deep and existential partnership between Israel and the global Jewry. The Jewish Agency will continue to strengthen the Jewish communities and assist any Jew who wishes to immigrate to Israel, together with its partners in Israel and around the world."

About the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

For more than 40 years, The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) has been the leading non-profit building bridges between Christians and Jews, blessing Israel and the Jewish people around the world with humanitarian care and lifesaving aid. In 2023, the Fellowship helped more than 2 million people living in poverty, helped thousands make aliyah back to their homeland, Israel, and helped strengthen Israel's security infrastructure. To learn more about the Fellowship's work, visit www.ifcj.org.

About Yael Eckstein

As President and CEO of The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship), Yael Eckstein oversees all programs and serves as the international spokesperson for the organization. With over a decade of non-profit experience in multiple roles, Yael has the rare distinction of being a woman leading one of the world's largest religious charitable organizations. In 2021, she launched her podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots, in which she shares spiritual insights and lessons from the Torah, and invites leading Christian and Jewish thought leaders to discuss Jewish-Christian relations and Israel's significance on the world stage. She is the 2023 recipient of the Jerusalem Post's Humanitarian Award, and in 2020, 2021 and 2023, was named to the publication's list of 50 Most Influential Jews. Born and raised outside of Chicago, Yael is based in Israel with her husband and their four children.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Anivive Lifesciences Inc, a One Health technology company today announced that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded Anivive a new contract (#75N93024C00009) worth up to $33M to support the development of a vaccine against the fungus Coccidioides, which causes Valley Fever.

Contract funding aims to utilize the underlying science in Anivive's animal health Valley Fever vaccine for dogs, currently under review by USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics, to develop a similar vaccine for humans. The funding will address IND-enabling activities, including additional manufacturing, formulation, extensive safety testing, and an IND submission, before then completing a human Phase 1 clinical trial.

... holds potential to be the first vaccine to prevent a serious systemic fungal infection common to humans and animals. Post this

Rising temperatures and extreme weather are setting the stage for increases in fungal diseases. Recognizing the growing global public health problem, in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever list of fungal "priority pathogens," calling for policy improvements and research in such areas as fungal disease distribution, patterns of antifungal resistance, and who is most at risk of exposure and disease. Currently, there are no antifungal vaccines approved for human or animal use.

"Anivive is honored to receive this NIAID contract, which will greatly accelerate our efforts to commercialize a vaccine to protect people against Valley Fever," said Dr. Edward Robb, Anivive Lifesciences Chief Strategy Officer and Principal Investigator. "This collaborative effort has delivered a significant step forward in the field of vaccinology and holds the potential to be the first vaccine to prevent a serious systemic fungal infection common to humans and animals," said Robb.

Anivive has built a strong research team to catalyze this breakthrough and deliver a first-in-class solution for an emerging fungal disease. Additionally, this program is supported by: Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona College of Medicine for the non-clinical development, Recipharm for the contract manufacturing, Quigley BioPharma for vaccine development support and Latham BioPharm Group, part of Sia Partners for the program management, financial compliance, quality assurance and additional technical subject matter expertise.

About Anivive Lifesciences

Anivive is a pet pharmaceutical company at the intersection of biotech, AI, software, and veterinary medicine. Our proprietary software platform accelerates the development of new, affordable diagnostics, treatments and preventatives for various life-threatening diseases in pets. Anivive's pipeline includes 8+ first-in-class technologies for three critical areas: Oncology, virology and infectious disease. Anivive is a privately held company based in Long Beach, California. Visit www.anivive.com to learn more.

About Recipharm

Recipharm is a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) in the pharmaceutical industry employing over 7,000 employees. Recipharm offers manufacturing services of pharmaceuticals and biologics in various dosage forms, production of clinical trial material and APIs, pharmaceutical product development and development and manufacturing of medical devices. Recipharm manufactures several hundred different products for customers ranging from big pharma to smaller research and development companies. The company operates development and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden

About Quigley BioPharma LLC

Quigley BioPharma LLC (Quigley) is a Contract Product Development Organization specializing in strategies to streamline and accelerate advanced development of biological products for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, cancer and allergies. Quigleys unique, industry-experienced, multi-disciplinary development team with 10 successful product launches offers a turnkey solution to public and private biotechnology and pharmaceutical enterprises allowing flexibility in resource allocation and enhanced return on investment.

About Latham BioPharm Group

Latham BioPharm Group (LBG) is a leading life science consulting company that works with pharmaceutical, biotech, CROs, academia, and medical device/diagnostic companies alike to solve complex business, regulatory, and product development challenges.

About University of Arizona Valley Fever Center for Excellence

The Arizona Board of Regents established the UA Valley Fever Center for Excellence in 1996 for the benefit of the entire state. Based at the UA Health Sciences campuswhich includes the UA College of Medicine  Tucson, College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing and Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Healththe center has developed a research base that includes the state's three universities, and an information program for the scientific community and the general public. Its work encompasses public awareness, clinical guidelines and training, and research into rapid detection methods for the disease as well as development of a vaccine for both animals and humans.

SOURCE Anivive Lifesciences Inc.
LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AdTech Holding, the Cyprus-based international hub focused on creating startup ecosystems and delivering innovative AdTech and MarTech solutions, is excited to announce the HackTech 2024, the third annual and largest open hackathon in Cyprus, to be held on the 23rd and 24th of November in Limassol. Participants can join here.

Hackathons 2022 and 2023 were proudly endorsed by industry leaders and organizations such as the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus, TechIsland, IAB Europe and more.

Hackathon

Building on the success of previous years, HackTech 2024 brings together 150 talented participants to create groundbreaking IT solutions. This year's hackathon challenges will focus on two key areas:

IT Solutions to Improve Life in Cyprus

Self-Improvement: Education, Health, Sports

The HackTech 2024 will follow the same engaging format, providing participants 48 hours to develop their projects. Each team will present its work to a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience of tech enthusiasts and potential investors.

Alex Vasekin, CEO of AdTech Holding, expressed his vision about how HackTech constantly develops:

HackTech has become a truly global event, reflecting the commitment of its team and participants to address the most pressing needs of Cyprus society. Each year, we see projects that not only showcase incredible innovation but also respond directly to key challenges faced by the Cyprus community. As HackTech continues to expand globally, we are proud to lead the industry by fostering solutions that make a tangible impact. Our goal is to drive the future of technology while reinforcing our role as a leader in the tech ecosystem.

This year's Hackathon Platinum Sponsor is the Tribe  top recruitment company that specializes in providing HR solutions for IT companies in Cyprus. They connect the best talent with employers, offering comprehensive support throughout the hiring process.

Prizes and Recognition: Three winners in each challenge, as well as the winner of the People's Choice Award. Additionally, AdTech Holding will provide informational support to winners after the event.

Who can participate: Hackathon team invites Developers, Product Designers, DevOps, and other IT professionals. Those with their own ideas as well as those who want to join and collaborate are welcomed.

To discuss sponsorship or partnership, please contact [email protected].

Registration is open until November 20, 2024

Hackathon: November 23-24, 2024

Awards ceremony: November 24, 2024

Where: The Warehouse by ITQuarter, Limassol.

Press contact:

Mikhail Goryunov

+35795989881

[email protected]

SOURCE AdTech Holding
Boryung promoted Humans In Space by hosting a roadshow at ASCEND, the world's premier space conference.

For the second consecutive year, Boryung's CEO and Chairman, Jay Kim , was invited to deliver the opening speech at ASCEND and to present as a featured speaker in the main sessions.

, was invited to deliver the opening speech at ASCEND and to present as a featured speaker in the main sessions. Boryung signed M OUs with Varda and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) to further develop the HIS platform.

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 2, Boryung announced that it hosted the 2024 Humans In Space (HIS) roadshow at the Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery (ASCEND), the premier space industry event, held in Las Vegas from July 30 to August 1.

Boryung's CEO and Chairman, Jay Kim, presented at the panel discussion of the 2024 ASCEND. (PRNewsfoto/Boryung)

ASCEND is an annual space industry conference organized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the world's largest aerospace technical society. Co-hosted with the Aviation Forum this year, the event attracted nearly 3,800 global experts from government, industry, and academia, including representatives from NASA, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin to discuss the latest advancements in space exploration.

Boryung organized a dedicated session and operated an exclusive booth to foster engagement in the global space healthcare ecosystem and the HIS platform. The session focused on underscoring the significance of space healthcare in future space exploration. It also presented the outcomes of the HIS Challenge held thus far and outlined the future roadmap for the initiative.

The final round of this year's Humans In Space Challenge will be co-hosted with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan in October. The startups and researchers selected through the final round will have the opportunity to send their ideas and experiments to orbit through Axiom Space's crewed mission (Ax-Mission).

Jay Kim, Boryung's CEO and Chairman, delivered the opening speech this year for the second consecutive year. He also participated in a panel discussion on the 'Importance of International Collaboration in Space Exploration.' The panel included industry experts such as Karen Feldstein, NASA Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations, and Debra Facktor, the Head of U.S. Space Systems for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense.

Citing the partnership between Boryung and Axiom Space as an example, Jay Kim emphasized that "collaboration between Korea and the United States in the private sector is paving the way for Korea to leverage space infrastructure." He further underscored that "global cooperation, competition, and government investment are all essential for developing a sustainable space economy."

Boryung also signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Varda Space Industries, Inc. and AIAA at the HIS exhibition booth during ASCEND to expand the reach of the HIS platform. By partnering with these organizations, Boryung intends to continuously elevate the HIS platform by leveraging the capabilities and networks of the involved parties.

Varda, the world's first in-space pharmaceutical processing and hypersonic Earth re-entry logistics company, successfully processed a new form of the antiretroviral drug ritonavir in orbit. Varda's W-1 capsule was the first-ever commercial spacecraft to land on US soil when it re-entered in Feb. 2024. Future HIS Challenge winners will have a chance to leverage Varda's platform for conducting research in low-Earth orbit. Furthermore, Varda's experts will contribute to the HIS Challenge as esteemed judges.

"Building upon last year's success, we had the opportunity to meet with a diverse group of experts at this year's ASCEND and discuss potential partnerships," stated Jack Lim, the Head of New Portfolio Investment Group at Boryung. "These valuable exchanges have strengthened the HIS platform's position as a leading global initiative in the space healthcare sector."

About Boryung

Boryung is a healthcare investment company founded in 1957 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. Following the company's mission to become an indispensable contributor to human health, the company has expanded their business portfolio to the space healthcare industry. Recognizing space as a new realm for growth, Boryung acknowledges the increasing number of individuals anticipated to embark on prolonged space missions, highlighting the importance of ensuring human survival in the hostile space environment. Hence, the company believes there will be substantial opportunities to foster new technologies and meet the emerging needs in this field.

SOURCE Boryung
SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Boviet Solar Technology Co. Ltd. (the "Company" or "Boviet Solar"), a solar energy technology company specializing in manufacturing monocrystalline PV cells, Gamma Series Monofacial, and Vega Series Bifacial PV Modules, announced today that it has been ranked as a top 10 PV module manufacturer by Sinovoltaics in its latest PV Module Manufacturer Ranking Report, which measures financial stability.

Sinovoltaics specializes in technical compliance and quality assurance services for solar photovoltaics and battery energy storage systems. Edition 3 of Sinovoltaics' PV Module Manufacturer Ranking report includes the financial stability scores of 65 publicly listed Asian, European, and American solar PV module manufacturers.

For stakeholders in solar projects, the financial strength of the manufacturer is vital. Post this

Since 2021, Sinovoltaics has collected publicly available financial data to rank companies based on the Altman Z-Score, a widely recognized financial assessment tool that assesses the financial stability of manufacturers, identifying which companies are financially secure and which are at risk of going bankrupt within the next two years. The main factors affecting the Sinovoltaics' rankings include:

Working Capital

Total Assets

Retained Earnings

Earnings Before Interest & Tax

Market Value of Equity

Total Liabilities

Sales

For stakeholders in solar projects, the financial strength of the manufacturer is vital. PV modules from financially stable manufacturers help mitigate the risk of a collapsing return on investment (ROI) in any PV project. A PV module manufacturer's financial stability impacts the validity and enforceability of its warranty policies. Being ranked in the top 10 of Sinovoltaics' PV Module Manufacturer Ranking Report is an important indicator of Boviet Solar's reliability as a long-term industry partner that clients and financial institutions can trust.

"We are thrilled to be in the Top 10 of Sinovoltaics' ranking of PV module manufacturers," said Scott Chen, VP of Global Sales and Marketing. "This recognition underscores our dedication to financial stability in the solar industry. By consistently prioritizing innovation and rigorous financial management, we ensure that our PV modules remain reliable and trustworthy. Our inclusion in this prestigious ranking reflects our commitment to providing high-quality products and services that support our clients' success."

"We are pleased to see that Boviet Solar has ranked well in our latest ranking report," said Dricus de Rooij, co-founder and CEO of Sinovoltaics. "Given the current market dynamics, it's essential for renewable energy developers to have a clear view of a manufacturer's financial trajectory and a perspective that extends beyond quarterly fluctuations."

"This recognition underscores our financial stability and commitment to quality. As a trusted solar industry partner, we remain dedicated to ensuring the long-term success of our clients and advancing sustainable energy solutions globally," said Sienna Cen, President of Boviet Solar USA.

Boviet Solar has consistently demonstrated strong bankability, as evidenced by its inclusion in several prestigious industry rankings and assessments. Boviet Solar has been named one of the top 10 Global bankable PV module manufacturers by Wood Mackenzie. Boviet Solar's PV Modules are known for their power, performance, and quality and have been rated as top performers in other notable reliability scorecards since 2019. Black & Veatch successfully completed an independent assessment of Boviet Solar's manufacturing facilities in 2022. These accolades collectively affirm Boviet Solar's commitment to excellence and its role as a dependable partner in the renewable energy sector.

ABOUT BOVIET SOLAR

Founded in 2013 in Vietnam, Boviet Solar is a leading solar technology company that specializes in the manufacturing of Monocrystalline PERC, TOPCon PV cells and Gamma Series Monofacial, Vega Series Bifacial PV modules, as well as solar project development. The company offers business, financial stability, technological know-how, manufacturing excellence, top-performing PV modules, supply chain transparency and strong environmental, social, corporate governance protocol and client relations based on mutual partnership. As of January 2024, Boviet Solar's annual PV cell and PV module manufacturing capacity is 3.0 GW, it has delivered a total of 6.2 GW since inception and mainly focuses on the U.S.A market.

The company works with EPCs, developers, installers, and contractors to deliver top-performing PV modules for utility-scale, commercial, industrial, and residential solar projects. With a proven track record of successfully working with many of the industry's leading players, Boviet Solar has been named a top 10 global bankable PV module manufacturer by Wood Mackenzie. Boviet Solar's PV Modules are known for their power, performance, and quality and have been rated as top performers in notable PV module reliability scorecards since 2019. Black & Veatch successfully completed an independent assessment of Boviet Solar's manufacturing facilities in 2022. Boviet Solar's manufacturing facilities are located in Vietnam and the U.S., and it has offices in the United States, Germany, and China, with its global headquarters in Vietnam. For more information about our company and products, please visit www.bovietsolar.com

SOURCE Boviet Solar
BEVERLY, Mass., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cambridge Biotherapies, a leader in advanced mental health treatments, proudly announces the introduction of Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray therapy at its Beverly location, with plans to expand to other centers in the coming months. This breakthrough treatment offers rapid relief for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression and is covered by most insurance companies

Personalized and Affordable Care

Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray therapy

Cambridge Biotherapies is committed to tailoring treatments to meet each patient's unique needs. Spravato is administered under the careful supervision of healthcare professionals in a supportive and comfortable environment. Additionally, Spravato is covered by most insurance providers, making it a more accessible option compared to IV ketamine therapy.

Revolutionizing Affordable Depression Treatment

Daniel Brenner, M.D., Founder and Medical Director of Cambridge Biotherapies, emphasized the transformative potential of this treatment: "Spravato represents a significant advancement in our ability to treat severe depression affordably. It's common to see remarkable improvements in patients who previously had few options. We are thrilled to offer this life-changing therapy to our community."

Comprehensive Support at Every Step

Patients start their treatment journey with a thorough evaluation to determine eligibility and set therapeutic goals. The treatment involves self-administration of the nasal spray in a controlled clinical setting, followed by a two-hour monitoring period to ensure safety and effectiveness. Ongoing support and follow-up appointments help integrate the therapeutic benefits into daily life.

Expanding Access Across Massachusetts

Cambridge Biotherapies offers Spravato therapy in its Beverly & Cambridge locations and will extend this service to its Amherst location by early Fall 2024. Each center is staffed by specialists trained in the compassionate administration of Spravato, ensuring patients receive the highest level of care.

Learn More and Schedule a Consultation

For more information about Spravato and to schedule a no-charge consultation, visit Cambridge Biotherapies or call (888) 646-0566.

About Cambridge Biotherapies

Cambridge Biotherapies is a premier mental health treatment center dedicated to redefining mental health care through innovative therapies. Led by Harvard-trained psychiatrist Daniel Brenner, M.D. the center specializes in treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Ketamine Infusion Therapy, Psychedelic Therapy, and Medication Management. With locations in Amherst, Beverly, and Cambridge, Cambridge Biotherapies is committed to providing leading-edge treatments and transforming lives.

SOURCE Cambridge Biotherapies
CHICAGO and LIMA, Peru, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Creation Investments Capital Management, LLC, a leading global impact investor in emerging markets, today announced that Peruvian microfinance company Los Andes has closed a $10 million capital round led by Accion Digital Transformation Fund. The capital raise will support the strategic M&A and digital transformation plans of Los Andes, which serves micro and small entrepreneurs in rural Peru.

Creation Investments first invested in Los Andes in 2016 and has led several subsequent funding rounds. From offices in Chicago, Mexico City, and Bangalore, Creation Investments currently manages $2.1 billion in assets. Since its inception in 2007, Creation has invested in 31 portfolio companies operating across eight countries and is focused on financial services and financial inclusion for the unbanked and underbanked population in emerging markets.

Managed by Accion Impact Management, the Accion Digital Transformation Fund builds on global nonprofit Accion's experience supporting banks and finance companies around the world the globe to connect millions of people and small businesses into the digital economy. Their expertise and investment capital, as part of their digital transformation strategy, will provide valuable strategic support for Los Andes' digital transformation efforts. Los Andes will draw on lessons from across Accion's global work to help deliver new digital products and increase the use of digital processes.

Los Andes has over 26 years of experience in the microfinance sector in rural Peru. The company serves around 85,000 borrowers and over 227,000 savings clients. Through digital transformation and enablement, Los Andes aims to significantly expand its client base among the country's 2.1 million micro, small, and medium enterprises. Los Andes sees significant opportunity to consolidate the microfinance sector through strategic M&A, driving scale and greater social impact.

"We are excited to welcome Accion Digital Transformation Fund as a key shareholder in Los Andes to bolster the company's growth plan driven by strategic M&A and digital transformation," said Bryan Wagner, Creation Partner and Los Andes Board Member. "Los Andes has demonstrated the ability to maintain profitability while promoting financial inclusion in the most underserved areas of rural Peru."

Rosanna Ramos-Velita, Los Andes Board Chair, added, "As a women-led board and organization with the goal of promoting financial services to women in rural areas of Peru, we are thrilled to welcome Accion as a new partner and continue our work with Creation Investments."

About Los Andes

Los Andes is a microfinance entity with over 26 years of experience, which aims to support and serve Peru's most vulnerable population through financial inclusion. It is profitable and has achieved substantial growth over its history. Currently, it has 101 branches for its 85,000 borrowers, 40% of which are rural and 47% of which are women. Los Andes aspires to become Peru's leading rural bank. Additionally, Rosanna Ramos-Velita, the board chair of Los Andes, is the first woman to head a Peruvian financial institution and is among Forbes' 50 most empowered women in Peru. More at www.losandes.pe.

About Accion

Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the nearly two billion people who are failed by the global financial system. We develop and scale responsible digital financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, so they can make informed decisions and improve their lives. Through targeted investment strategies, advisory, and expert thought leadership, we work with local partners to develop and scale cheaper, more accessible, and customer-friendly financial solutions. Since 1961, Accion has helped build more than 267 financial service providers serving low-income clients in 75 countries, reaching 440 million people. More at www.accion.org.

About Accion Impact Management

Accion Impact Management is Accion's platform for impact investments in financial inclusion leveraging third-party capital. It is a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Please note that registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Accion Impact Management is staffed by a team of expert investment professionals, working to harness the capital markets to provide high-quality and affordable financial services to people who are currently excluded from the financial system. Managed by Accion Impact Management, the $152.5 million Accion Digital Transformation Fund invests in banks and finance companies serving micro, small, and medium enterprises across South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, providing growth capital and strategic support for digital transformation. More at https://accion.org/accionimpactmanagement.

About Creation Investments

Creation Investments Capital Management, LLC is a leading global impact investment manager in emerging markets. Creation Investments seeks out the next generation of financial services firms focused on increasing access to capital and providing financial products to the unbanked and underbanked in emerging markets. The firm aims to improve the lives of those living at the bottom of the economic pyramid, reducing poverty and its ill effects in the developing world through market-based solutions. Creation Investments is headquartered in Chicago and has offices in Bangalore, Dallas, and Mexico City. As of March. 31, 2024, Creation Investments had $2.1 billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit www.creationinvestments.com.

Media Contacts for Creation Investments:

Margaret Kirch Cohen

Newton Park PR, LLC

M: +1 847-507-2229

[email protected]

Rich Chimberg

Newton Park PR, LLC

M: +1 617-312-4281

[email protected]

SOURCE Creation Investments Capital Management, LLC
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 29, 2024, United States District Judge Rudolph Contreras ordered payment of nearly $2 billion in a judgment favoring a group of 112 plaintiffs, comprised of Navy Veterans and surviving family members as well as family members of the 17 Navy Sailors who were killed in the terrorist attack on the U.S.S. Cole naval ship that occurred on October 12, 2000 in the Port of Aden, Yemen.

The July 29, 2024 Mona Gunn v. Islamic Republic of Iran Order granting judgment against Iran awarded $1.956 billion to the plaintiffs represented by the national personal injury firm, The Carlson Law Firm. The Gunn Complaint, filed on April 30, 2021, included 34 surviving sailors along with 21 of their family members and 57 Gold Star Family Members who sought justice on behalf of their loved ones who lost their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Gunn v. Iran was the second successful lawsuit pursued by The Carlson Law Firm on behalf of victims and families of the U.S.S. Cole attack. The first win was Taitt v. Iran on March 16, 2023. The Taitt case resulted in a judgment of $807 million in favor of 58 plaintiffs. Both lawsuits against Iran for its support of the terrorists who perpetrated the USS Cole attack were joint efforts between The Carlson Law Firm, Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher, and The Law Office of DeJon R. Lewis. The Law Office of Nelson M. Jones, III and The Hall Law Firm were also important parts of the legal team that secured the victory in Gunn v Iran.

International litigation is a complex endeavor due to factors such as determining the appropriate venue and how the legal systems of different jurisdictions may interact and be applied to parties from different countries. Moreover, all elements of a claim against a sovereign nation must be proven to "the judge's satisfaction." The USS Cole bombing litigation was further complicated by the strained relations with the defendant nation of Iran. Iran was held liable in this litigation because the terrorist attack was perpetrated by Iran State-Funded actors, including Al-Qaeda operatives.

"As a veteran, representing our nation's best in such meaningful litigation brings an immense sense of pride," said Managing Partner Craig Carlson. "We are currently working on seeking justice for a third group of victims that continue to suffer to this day due to the attack on the U.S.S. Cole."

At the time of the attack, 299 crew members were on the U.S.S. Cole. To date, The Carlson Law Firm has successfully represented 170 plaintiffs, comprised of veterans and their family members. Further litigation is in development to help over two hundred more deserving plaintiffs in their quest for justice.

"Our military's service is one of our national treasures," said Carlson. "As such, advocating for the veterans that defend and uphold America's liberties is a priority."

Veterans and surviving family members who were harmed by the U.S.S. Cole bombing may be eligible for compensation and should not delay in seeking legal representation. Common injuries include:

Blast Injuries: lung damage, internal organ damage and bleeding, ruptured eardrums

Shrapnel Wounds

Burns

Fractures

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Hearing Loss

Psychological Injuries: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression

About The Carlson Law Firm

The Carlson Law Firm is a national, veteran-owned law firm committed to justice for veterans and military families. For 48 years, Carlson's legal team has sought to provide legal services founded on the principles of fair, determined and compassionate advocacy. The Carlson Law Firm has successfully treated cases involving state-sponsored terrorism and military injuries. An experienced and diverse team is available to assist in the areas of personal injury, dangerous drugs, commercial crashes, family matters and criminal defense.

References

"Carlson Law Firm Obtains $807M Judgment for Victims of USS Cole Bombing." The Carlson Law Firm, March 16, 2023. https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/news-and-update/807m-award-cole

Mona Gunn v. Islamic Republic of Iran, No. 1:21-cv-001187 (U.S. Dist. Ct. D.C. 2021)

Mona Gunn v. Islamic Republic of Iran, No. 1:21-cv-001187, Order Granting Default Judgment, July 29, 2024 (U.S. Dist. Ct. D.C. 2024)

"USS Cole Bombing." FBI, https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/uss-cole-bombing

"USS Cole (DDG-67) Determined Warrior, 1996." Naval History and Heritage Command, https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/ships/modern-ships/uss-cole.html#:~:text=On%2012%20October,efforts%20saved%20her

Media Contact:

Shanilis Ortiz Reyes

254-526-5688

[email protected]

SOURCE The Carlson Law Firm
PARAMUS, N.J, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Octapharma USA, Inc. has announced the expanded approval of fibryga, Fibrinogen (Human) Lyophilized Powder for Reconstitution, for fibrinogen replacement in bleeding patients with acquired fibrinogen deficiency (AFD) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As the first and only on-demand, virus-inactivated, human plasma-derived fibrinogen concentrate option with this approval, fibryga represents a rapid and more precise option for severe bleeding scenarios than the current standard of care (cryoprecipitate).

Fibrinogen plays an important role in coagulation and blood clotting in emergency and surgical settings. Fibrinogen is the first coagulation factor to drop to critically low levels during severe bleeding episodes. Rapid replenishment of fibrinogen is essential for achieving hemostasis in bleeding patients. Acquired fibrinogen deficiency (AFD) often results from severe bleeding and can impair blood clot formation, increasing the risk of ongoing hemorrhage in patients. Cryoprecipitate, which was introduced in 1964, comes with significant drawbacks, including long thawing and preparation processes, variable levels of fibrinogen, inclusion of additional coagulation-dependent components, and a higher risk of viral transmission. The approval of fibryga for AFD is a major advancement from the current standard of care. As a lyophilized powder, it can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated and can be quickly reconstituted at the point of patient care. It's precise and delivers a highly purified and consistent amount of fibrinogen for accurate treatment.

"In the surgical theater, time matters. And confidence matters. This expanded FDA approval of fibryga represents a major step forward in our commitment to redefining the standard of care for patients experiencing major bleeding. It provides an important option for providers who must act urgently," said Flemming Nielsen, President, Octapharma USA, Inc. "We are proud to be the first to offer this therapeutic advancementand a new standard of careto hospitals, anesthesiologists, surgeons, OB/GYNs, and patients across the United States."

The expanded FDA approval of fibryga was based on the FIBRES [FIBrinogen REplenishment in Surgery] study published in JAMA, which was a head-to-head, multicenter, randomized clinical trial in 735 patients, demonstrating that fibrinogen concentrate was non-inferior to cryoprecipitate and may be used instead of cryoprecipitate for the treatment of bleeding related to AFD. Fibryga has already received regulatory approval for the treatment of AFD in both the European Union in 2019 and Canada in 2020.

Today's approval marks the third FDA approval received to date for fibryga. In 2017, the FDA granted an approval for acute bleeding episodes in adults and adolescents with congenital fibrinogen deficiency, including afibrinogenemia and hypofibrinogenemia. A second was received in 2020 for pediatric patients under 12 years for treatment of acute bleeding episodes in congenital fibrinogen deficiency.

"The recent FDA approval is the result of years of dedicated research and development in fibrinogen replacement," commented Huub Kreuwel, Ph.D., VP of Medical Affairs at Octapharma USA, Inc. "Fibryga's expanded indication will allow practitioners and health systems to support a broader range of patients with serious bleeding complications who require fibrinogen replacement therapy."

The medical community has welcomed this approval as a significant advancement in patient care for those with AFD. "This first-in-class FDA approval for fibryga, a fibrinogen concentrate with an expanded indication to treat bleeding patients urgently in need of fibrinogen replacement, is an important step toward improving patient safety and outcomes. Compared to cryoprecipitate, fibrinogen concentrate allows for targeted dosing and faster treatment of low fibrinogen in maternal hemorrhage," states John Kowalczyk, MD, and Michaela Farber, MD, MS, Division of Obstetric Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Octapharma is committed to working closely with healthcare providers and patient organizations to ensure broad access to fibryga for those who can benefit from it.

For more information about the FIBRES study, please review our journal publication: Effect of Fibrinogen Concentrate vs Cryoprecipitate on Blood Component Transfusion After Cardiac Surgery The FIBRES Randomized Clinical Trial

Indications and Important Safety Information for fibryga

Indications and Usage

Fibryga is a human fibrinogen concentrate indicated for fibrinogen supplementation in bleeding patients with acquired fibrinogen deficiency and in treatment of acute bleeding episodes in patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiency, including afibrinogenemia and hypofibrinogenemia.

Fibryga is not indicated for dysfibrinogenemia.

Contraindications

Fibryga is contraindicated in individuals who have manifested severe immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to fibryga or its components (Sodium Citrate Dihydrate; Glycine; L-Arginine Hydrochloride).

Warnings and Precautions

Monitor patients for early signs of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions. If necessary, discontinue administration and institute appropriate treatment.

Thrombotic events have been reported in patients receiving fibryga. Treatment with human fibrinogen concentrate has been associated with thrombosis at target plasma fibrinogen levels that were below 150 mg/dL. The thrombotic risks may be greater when the target fibrinogen plasma level is 150 mg/dL. Weigh the benefits of administration versus the risks of thrombosis.

Fibryga is made from pooled human plasma. Products made from human plasma may contain infectious agents, e.g., viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent.

Adverse Reactions

The most serious adverse reactions observed with fibryga are thromboembolic episodes and anaphylactic-type reactions.

The most common adverse reactions observed in clinical studies with fibryga in acquired fibrinogen deficiency (>5% of patients) were abnormal hepatic function, acute kidney injury, anemia, atrial fibrillation, delirium and renal failure.

The most common adverse reactions observed in clinical studies with fibryga in congenital fibrinogen deficiency (>5% of patients) were nausea, vomiting, pyrexia (fever) and thrombocytosis.

Please see fibryga full Prescribing Information. For more information about fibryga, please visit fibrygausa.com.

About Octapharma and Octapharma USA

Headquartered in Lachen, Switzerland, Octapharma is one of the largest human protein manufacturers in the world, developing and producing human proteins from human plasma and human cell lines.

Octapharma employs nearly 12,000 employees worldwide to support the treatment of patients in 118 countries with products across three therapeutic areas: Immunotherapy, Hematology, and Critical Care.

Octapharma has seven R&D sites and five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Austria, France, Germany and Sweden, and operates more than 190 plasma donation centers across Europe and the US. Octapharma has 40 years of experience in patient care. The company's American subsidiary, Octapharma USA, Inc., is located in Paramus, N.J. For more information, please visit octapharmausa.com.

SOURCE Octapharma
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year in a row, Florida Realtors, the largest professional trade association in Florida, has been named one of Florida's "Best Companies To Work For."

The annual Best Companies To Work For list, featured in a special August issue of Florida Trend magazine, ranks 100 companies in small, medium and large employer categories. Florida Realtors ranked 24th in the best mid-sized category (50-249 employees). To read more about the top 100, go to the digital version of Florida Trend's 2024 "Best Companies To Work For" special issue.

"Creating a culture of trust and empowerment is an everyday process," says Florida Realtors CEO Margy Grant. "Here at Florida Realtors, we invite our employees into the discussion for our mission to be the 'Voice for Real Estate in Florida'  they're as important to our brand as any of our products, tools or services."

Florida Realtors has 149 employees and two Florida offices: its headquarters in Orlando and a public policy office in Tallahassee. As the state Realtor association, it provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to 238,000 members in 51 local Realtor boards and associations.

To participate in the "Best Companies To Work For In Florida" program, companies or government entities were required to have at least 15 workers in Florida and to be in operation at least one year. Those that chose to participate underwent an evaluation of their workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The process also included a survey to measure employee satisfaction. Questions focused on nine themes: general employee experience; role satisfaction; communication and workplace culture; supervisor relationship; training, technology and development; diversity and inclusion; leadership; benefits; and work-life balance.

The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. digital edition of Florida Trend's 2024 "Best Companies To Work For" special issue.

"Innovative, inspirational and visionaries ... these Florida companies continue to set trends for others to follow," says Florida Trend Publisher David Denor. "This group of impressive companies continues to recruit, retain and deliver unique workplace environments for their employees and clients alike. The 'Best Companies To Work For In Florida' are risk takers that provide us with a glimpse of what tomorrow's workforce and workplace environments could look like."

The "Best Companies To Work For In Florida" program is managed by Florida Trend and Workforce Research Group and is endorsed by the HR Florida State Council. Workforce Research Group handled the registration, survey and analysis and determined the final rankings.

Florida Trend business magazine is read by more than 235,000 business executives, civic leaders and government officials each month. It covers regional and statewide business news, industry executives and the business sectors they represent, as well as Florida's lifestyle, arts and culture scene.

Florida Realtors serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to 238,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors Newsroom website is available at http://floridarealtors.org/newsroom

SOURCE Florida Realtors
KETTERING, Ohio, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dogs are our best friends. But they can also be a handful, especially when pet and parent aren't communicating well. Retired police officer Steve Dunham began training dogs as a hobby while in the military. More than 25 years later, that passion still moves him to help families and dogs enjoy better, more stress-free lives together. Originally training only police dogs, he rebranded several years ago to work with family pets at Dog Training Personalized, LLC, Kettering, Ohio. Dunham's unique, no-nonsense approach stems from more than 25 years of training and practice focused on better communication between the owner and the dog.

Steve Dunham is a retired police officer and K9 handler who now runs Dog Training Personalized, LLC, in Kettering, Ohio.

While in the service, Dunham got a German Shepherd puppy and worked out a deal to board with a local dog trainer who was starting. The trainer needed help, and Dunham wanted to learn how to train his dog, setting in motion a lifelong career.

"Training and handling working dogs was my passion," Dunham explained. I immersed myself in learning anything and everything I could by attending schools, workshops, reading, and working with hundreds of dogs."

After the military, he entered police work. Dunham joined the Franklin Police Department in Warren County, Ohio, where he eventually became a K-9 handler. Over the years, he's trained dogs for several southwestern Ohio police departments, from Beavercreek to Hamilton.

Dunham retired from the force in 2016 and opened a police canine training business. A few years later, he rebranded his company and shifted from working only with police dogs to focusing on family pets. Dog Training Personalized, LLC helps families and dogs overcome common behavioral issues such as barking, leash pulling, jumping, responding to calls, and more. (Video: How to teach your dog to heel with Steve Dunham.)

According to Dunham, the most critical aspects of practical dog training are consistency and timing. "One of the greatest hurdles as a dog trainer is teaching the owners that kind of timing and being consistent," he explained. "When the animal is learning something new, they're stressed, so is the owner."

"For instance, if no one's ever told the dog to 'stay,' they don't know what that means. They want to get up and move," Dunham continued. "When they do, you have to put them back into the same position and location and frequently reinforce the good behavior with a reward." (Watch the full interview with Steve Dunham here.)

Dunham can also help with a variety of other, more specific issues a family and pet might be experiencing, such as aggressiveness and anxiety. Scent work, behavior medication, and other specialized training are also available.

Dog Training Personalized, LLC., is located at 2763 Culver Ave. in Kettering, Ohio. For more information, visit www.dogtrainingpersonalized.com or call Steve Dunham at 937-232-7034 or email at [email protected].

SOURCE Steve Dunham
CIXI, China, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 2, 2024, GONEO and VDE held a certification ceremony in Cixi, Zhejiang Province, China. The VDE (Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies), a leading certification organization in Europe, awarded GONEO's power track socket with the prestigious VDE certification. This certification underscores the product's adherence to stringent safety, quality, and performance standards, enhancing GONEO's competitiveness in the international market and highlighting its commitment to product excellence, safety, and innovation.

Power Track Socket The two certificate holders in the middle are Sven Ohrke, CEO of VDE Global Services(Left), GONEO Group Chairman Liping Ruan(Right).

As a leader in China's socket industry, GONEO has established the world's largest wall switch and converter production base, with an annual capacity of 1 billion units, distributed across 1.1 million sales outlets worldwide. GONEO remains dedicated to creating durable sockets, continuously innovating and expanding its product line from traditional sockets to smart home solutions and new energy products.

The GONEO power track socket, newly certified by VDE, features a unique design, intelligent usage scenarios, and triple safety protection. Its patented instant rudder component technology allows for a single-click safe switch, enhancing electrical safety. The 4.5mm narrow track design prevents accidental touches by children, and its 960C heat resistance surpasses industry standards. The product has won international design awards, including the iF, Red Dot, and German Design Awards, highlighting GONEO's dedication to quality and innovation.

The ceremony was attended by Sven Ohrke, CEO of VDE Global Services, Zhongxian Wu, CEO of VDE China, and Andreas Loof, Sales Director of VDE Global Services, along with GONEO Group Chairman Liping Ruan, Vice President Weiwei Xie, and Director of the Electrical Converter Juncheng Shan. Guests toured GONEO's automated production lines and advanced laboratories, where the VDE team praised GONEO's craftsmanship and quality control.

In subsequent discussions, both parties expressed optimism about future collaborations. Sven Ohrke and Zhongxian Wu commended the quality and safety of GONEO's products, looking forward to deeper cooperation in more fields. Liping Ruan, Chairman of GONEO Group, said, "The VDE certification is a clear validation of GONEO's high-quality products, accelerating our international journey and reinforcing our commitment to excellence. GONEO is dedicated to providing superior electrical connection products and services to consumers worldwide."

Contact: [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2473605/GONEO_Achieves_Prestigious_VDE_Certification.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2473606/GONEO_Achieves_Prestigious_VDE_Certification_Elevating_Global_Competitiveness.jpg
ROANOKE, Va., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hollins University is launching a new initiative that will enable academically talented young women from across the country to complete a four-year degree with the direct costs of attendance (tuition, on-campus food and housing, and fees) fully covered.

Beginning today, first-time, first-year domestic undergraduate students who apply to attend Hollins and are eligible for the Pell Grant (generally those whose family household income is at or below $65,000) will automatically receive consideration for a Hollins Opportunity for Promise through Education (HOPE) scholarship. HOPE Scholars, who will begin at Hollins in fall 2025, will have the direct cost of on-campus food and housing (traditionally noted as "room and board") and fees covered in addition to tuition.

"We believe in the power of the Hollins academic and residential experience and want to ensure that students can access this experience regardless of income level. At Hollins, students learn inside and outside of the classroom, and the generous and comprehensive HOPE Scholars program makes a holistic experience possible," states President Mary Dana Hinton.

"To the future leaders, the budding scientists, the talented artists, and the change-makers: We see you, and we know you're the future," Hinton says. "Our HOPE Scholars program will allow you to pursue your passions and achieve a college education with no debt and no loans." She adds that HOPE is made possible through funding from Hollins as well as applicable federal and state grants.

Hollins established its original HOPE Scholars program in 2021 to cover the cost of tuition for qualified students who live within a 40-mile radius of Roanoke, Virginia. Since that time, Hinton explains, "HOPE students have thrived at Hollins. The program's tremendous success encouraged us to think more broadly, expand nationally, and enhance the scholarship benefits beyond just tuition, allowing our students to have a remarkable residential experience as well."

Emphasizing that "affordability has been and will remain a priority for Hollins," Vice President for Enrollment Management Ashley Browning notes that "our many other generous scholarships remain in place for those who do not qualify for HOPE. Accepted students will continue to receive a minimum of $24,000 in scholarships, and accepted Virginia residents receive at least $29,000 through a combination of Hollins scholarships and the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG). In fact, the average Hollins undergraduate student today receives over $34,000 in scholarship and grants, which is well over half the cost of attendance."

Hinton believes that taking the HOPE program nationwide "will elevate what Hollins can be when we lift our eyes with love in our hearts. HOPE will meaningfully alter the course of Hollins' future as we strive to become the nation's leading liberal arts college for women and a leader in higher education for social, economic, and civic mobility."

Fundraising to meet the needs of the program's initial two years is already well underway and ongoing, with a plan to fund the program in perpetuity through additional gifts to the endowment. Hinton adds, "Our ability to offer HOPE scholarships is only possible because of the incredible generosity of our Hollins alumnae/i and friends. Our trustees have given us their full confidence, and as more people learn more about it, we invite them to show their enthusiastic support for and investment in this amazing program because of the impact it will have on future generations of students."

For more information, visit www.hollins.edu/hope.

Founded in 1842, Hollins University is dedicated to academic excellence, creativity, belonging, and preparing students for lives of purpose. Hollins provides an outstanding and academically rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education for women and entrepreneurial and innovative graduate programs for all in a gender-inclusive environment.

SOURCE Hollins University
LOS ANGELES , Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Irresistible Foods Group, Inc. (IFG), a family-owned house of brands including King's Hawaiian, Grillo's Pickles, Shaka Tea, Innovation Bakers, and the IFG Restaurant Group, is thrilled to announce they have formed a strategic partnership with The Killer Brownie Company, the #1 selling gourmet brownie company in the nation, to accelerate future growth in the Killer Brownie brand.

The Killer Brownie Company logo Killer Brownie stack

Killer Brownie is famous for the brand's irresistibly indulgent flavors and textures of their premium brownies. It was founded by Dorothy Lane Market CEO, Norman Mayne, in 1988 and originally sold in the three family-owned Dorothy Lane Market stores in Ohio. In recent years, Killer Brownie has expanded from Dorothy Lane Market to grocery stores across much of the United States.

Dorothy Lane Market CEO Norman Mayne said about the partnership: "It's not in our nature to take on partners, so in order for us to do so, it would have to be with a very special family-owned business who would share the same values that we have at Killer Brownie and Dorothy Lane Market. We found such a family, the Taira Family and their President John Linehan. For us, the future is bright to have partners who are such incredible folks." IFG President John Linehan said: "This is a partnership between two wonderful families that share similar values and long records of being great employers and members of their communities. They are also close friends who have been talking about and planning this partnership for several years. We could not be more excited about our future together." Killer Brownie CEO Chimene Mayne Ross added, "The IFG team and the Taira Family have been amazing to work with. Like us, they prioritize people and culture first. The future is going to be "Killer"!"

The original IFG business was founded in 1950 in Hilo, Hawaii as a small bakery that became known on the Big Island as the King's Hawaiian Brand. Almost 75 years later it is still 100 % family owned and is now IFG, a group of food and beverage companies that include King's Hawaiians, Grillo's Pickles, Shaka Tea, the IFG Restaurant Group and Innovation Bakers. The IFG model is highly decentralized with leadership of every company resident in that company. As such, Killer Brownie's executive team and management group are planning to remain in place leading the company to a great future.

IFG and Killer Brownie want to thank Cody Peak Advisors and the Baird Business Owner Solutions group for their excellent assistance in completing this partnership.

For further information, please contact Sam Hurster, Senior Director at IFG: [email protected]

SOURCE Irresistible Foods Group
CHANGSHA, China, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Image Possibilities" Coproduction Plan (IP PLAN) 2024 was launched in Changsha on July 30th. The event brought together international directors and producers, industry representatives, academic experts, and media for the official kickoff.

Du Zhanyuan, President of China International Communications Group, expressed anticipation for the collaboration between Chinese and foreign filmmakers. He emphasized the importance of showcasing Chinese culture and development to the world through authentic and relatable storytelling.

IP PLAN 2024 Launches: Global Call for Chinese Stories

The launch ceremony featured insights from IP PLAN mentor Vikram Channa and filmmaker Arthur Jones, who shared their experiences in international co-production and personal storytelling. Malcolm Clarke, a British documentary filmmaker and IP PLAN mentor, stressed the need for trust and creativity among filmmakers to effectively tell Chinese stories.

IP PLAN is a comprehensive production program seeking both original concepts and completed films. Selected projects will receive professional training, production support, with the opportunity to be broadcast on CCTV-9 and other international platforms.

The initiative aims to foster global collaboration, promote cultural exchange, and create compelling visual stories that highlight the richness of China's stories. IP PLAN is jointly organized by China International Communications Group, CCTV-9, and Discovery Channel. Submissions are open until August 31st.

Submissions email [email protected]

Theme Video: https://youtu.be/GFrYH6PKtJo

For more information, please visit:

https://ipplan.ccicd.org.cn/project-register

SOURCE IP PLAN
Over 50 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in this year's Comprehensive Country Exhibition. Notably, Norway, Benin, Burundi, and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) will make their debut at the event. The Comprehensive Country Exhibition will integrate important time points such as the year of bilateral diplomatic relations, year of culture and tourism, and year of people-to-people exchanges to showcase the achievements of bilateral cooperation between China and other countries.

Enterprise & Business Exhibition will feature six major exhibition areas: Food and Agricultural Products, Automobiles, Technology Equipment, Consumer Goods, Medical Equipment and Healthcare Products, and Trade in Service, while continuing its commitment to the Innovation Incubation Zone. To date, the total booked exhibition space has exceeded 360,000 square meters. The organization of trade missions and professional visitors is progressing rapidly, with an expected increase in the number of professional visitors at the 7th CIIE.

This year's Hongqiao International Economic Forum will feature the main forum and various related sub-forums under the theme of "High-Standard Opening up for Universally Beneficial and Inclusive Economic Globalization." These events will include the launch of the "World Openness Report 2024" and an international seminar focused on discussing the findings of the report. To enhance interactions during the forum, efforts will also be made to hold pre-ceremony exchange activities, which are known as CIIE & HQF Gala.

The application for the supporting events of the 7th CIIE, which has been open since June 19, will conclude on August 31. People-to-people exchange activities for this year's expo have invited relevant institutions from both domestic and international arenas to organize cultural performances around major bilateral and multilateral themes, aiming to demonstrate the fruitful results of friendly exchanges between China and other countries.

Furthermore, a new round of the "CIIE Stories" collection was launched globally. Individuals or organizations who have participated CIIE before are encouraged to submit through the official email [email protected] or via the official website to share their "CIIE Voices."

With so many showing interest in the trade fair, be sure to secure your spot at CIIE:

Sign up as an exhibitor:

https://www.ciie.org/exhibition/f/book/register?locale=en

Sign up as a professional visitor:

Registration-China International Import Expo Bureau

Contact: Ms. Cui Yan

Tel.: 0086-21-968888

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE China International Import Expo (CIIE)
- Returns to Profitability with Net Income of $0.6 Million -

SINGAPORE, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LITB) ("LightInTheBox" or the "Company"), an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships products to consumers worldwide, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

"The second quarter of 2024 was a challenging one, with intensified competition and high traffic acquisition costs in the global e-commerce market continuing to weigh on our topline," said Mr. Jian He, Chairman and CEO of LightInTheBox. "However, our strategic pivot to prioritize profitability proved effective, resulting in a turnaround with net income reaching $0.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 compared with a loss for the same period of last year and the first quarter of this year. Meanwhile, we continued to refine our differentiation strategy with a focus on strengthening localized operations, propelling progress in certain product lines."

"Encouraged by the outcomes of these initiatives, we will continue to concentrate on overall efficiency and profitability amid the evolving environment. Additionally, we will further upgrade our products, services and customer experience, as well as our localized operations, to differentiate ourselves and build brand recognition and loyalty in this competitive industry. As always, we are committed to driving high-quality development and delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders in the long run," Mr. He concluded.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Total revenues were $69.4 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with $191.8 million in the same period of 2023.

were in the second quarter of 2024, compared with in the same period of 2023. Net income was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with net loss of $1.5 million in the same period of 2023.

was in the second quarter of 2024, compared with net loss of in the same period of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was an income of $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $0.7 million in the same period of 2023.

First Half 2024 Financial Highlights

Total revenues were $140.5 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $339.5 million in the same period of 2023.

were in the first half of 2024, compared with in the same period of 2023. Net loss was $3.2 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $5.4 million in the same period of 2023.

was in the first half of 2024, compared with in the same period of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.9 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $3.8 million in the same period of 2023.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Total revenues decreased by 63.8% year-over-year to $69.4 million from $191.8 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Total cost of revenues was $26.1 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with $81.6 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Gross profit in the second quarter of 2024 was $43.3 million, compared with $110.2 million in the same quarter of 2023. Gross margin was 62.4% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 57.5% in the same quarter of 2023.

Total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $42.7 million, compared with $111.8 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Fulfillment expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $5.0 million , compared with $9.9 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, fulfillment expenses were 7.2% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 5.2% in the same quarter of 2023 and 8.1% in the first quarter of 2024.





, compared with in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, fulfillment expenses were 7.2% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 5.2% in the same quarter of 2023 and 8.1% in the first quarter of 2024. Selling and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $31.5 million , compared with $94.0 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses were 45.5% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 49.0% in the same quarter of 2023 and 46.0% in the first quarter of 2024.





, compared with in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses were 45.5% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 49.0% in the same quarter of 2023 and 46.0% in the first quarter of 2024. G&A expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $6.4 million , compared with $8.2 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, G&A expenses were 9.2% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 4.3% in the same quarter of 2023 and 10.2% in the first quarter of 2024. As part of G&A expenses, R&D expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $4.0 million , compared with $5.1 million in the same quarter of 2023 and $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2024.

Income from operations was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $1.6 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Net income was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $1.5 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Net income per American Depository Share ("ADS") was $0.01 in the second quarter of 2024, compared with net loss per ADS of $0.01 in the same quarter of 2023. Each ADS represents two ordinary shares. The diluted net income per ADS in the second quarter of 2024 was $0.01, compared with net loss per ADS of $0.01 in the same quarter of 2023.

In the second quarter of 2024, the Company's basic weighted average number of ADSs used in computing the net income per ADS was 110,342,430.

Adjusted EBITDA was an income of $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $0.7 million in the same quarter of 2023.

As of June 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of $27.9 million, compared with $71.7 million as of December 31, 2023.

First Half 2024 Financial Results

Total revenues decreased by 58.6% year-over-year to $140.5 million from $339.5 million in the same period of 2023.

Total cost of revenues was $55.8 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $146.9 million in the same period of 2023.

Gross profit in the first half of 2024 was $84.7 million, compared with $192.7 million in the same period of 2023. Gross margin was 60.3% in the first half of 2024, compared with 56.7% in the same period of 2023.

Total operating expenses in the first half of 2024 were $88.1 million, compared with $198.2 million in the same period of 2023.

Fulfillment expenses in the first half of 2024 were $10.8 million , compared with $18.5 million in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, fulfillment expenses were 7.7% in the first half of 2024, compared with 5.5% in the same period of 2023.





, compared with in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, fulfillment expenses were 7.7% in the first half of 2024, compared with 5.5% in the same period of 2023. Selling and marketing expenses in the first half of 2024 were $64.3 million , compared with $163.2 million in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses were 45.7% for the first half of 2024, compared with 48.0% in the same period of 2023.





, compared with in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses were 45.7% for the first half of 2024, compared with 48.0% in the same period of 2023. G&A expenses in the first half of 2024 were $13.7 million , compared with $17.2 million in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, G&A expenses were 9.7% for the first half of 2024, compared with 5.1% in the same period of 2023. Included in G&A expenses, R&D expenses in the first half of 2024 were $8.6 million , compared with $10.3 million in the same period of 2023.

Loss from operations was $3.4 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $5.6 million in the same period of 2023.

Net loss was $3.2 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $5.4 million in the same period of 2023.

Net loss per American Depository Share ("ADS") was $0.03 in the first half of 2024, compared with $0.05 in the same period of 2023. Each ADS represents two ordinary shares. The diluted net loss per ADS for the first half of 2024 was $0.03, compared with $0.05 in the same period of 2023.

In the first half of 2024, the Company's basic weighted average number of ADSs used in computing the net loss per ADS was 110,802,352.

Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.9 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $3.8 million in the same period of 2023.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses a non-GAAP measure, Adjusted EBITDA, as a supplemental measure to review and assess operating performance. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The Company's non-GAAP financial measure excludes share-based compensation expenses, depreciation and amortization expenses, interest income, interest expenses and income tax expense.

The Company presents this non-GAAP financial measure because it is used by management to evaluate operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measure helps identify underlying trends in its business. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measure could provide further information about the Company's results of operations and enhance the overall understanding of the Company's past performance and future prospects.

The non-GAAP financial measure is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as an analytical tool. The Company's non-GAAP financial measure does not reflect all items of income and expenses that affect the Company's operations and does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Further, the non-GAAP measure may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. The Company compensates for the limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating performance. The Company encourages you to review the Company's financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

For more information on the non-GAAP financial measure, please see the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release.

Conference Call

The Company's management will hold an earnings conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on August 2, 2024 (9:00 p.m. Hong Kong/Singapore Time on the same day).

Preregistration Information

Participants can register for the conference call by going to https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10040986-jh7t5r.html. Upon registration, participants will receive dial-in numbers, an event passcode, and a unique access PIN.

To join the conference, simply dial the number in the calendar invite you receive after preregistering, enter the event passcode followed by your unique access PIN, and you will be connected to the conference instantly.

A telephone replay will be available two hours after the conclusion of the conference call through August 9, 2024. The dial-in details are:

US/Canada: +1-855-883-1031 Singapore: 800-101-3223 Hong Kong, China: 800-930-639 Replay PIN: 10040986



Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's Investor Relations website at http://ir.lightinthebox.com.

About LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

LightInTheBox is an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships products to consumers worldwide. With a focus on serving its middle-aged and senior customers, LightInTheBox leverages its global supply chain and logistics networks, along with its in-house R&D and design capabilities to offer a wide selection of comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and visually interesting apparel that brings fresh joy to customers. LightInTheBox operates its business through www.lightinthebox.com, www.ezbuy.sg and other websites as well as mobile applications, which are available in over 20 major languages and over 140 countries and regions. The Company is headquartered in Singapore, with additional offices in California, Shanghai and Beijing.

For more information, please visit www.lightinthebox.com.

Investor Relations Contact

Investor Relations

LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

Email: [email protected]

Jenny Cai

Piacente Financial Communications

Email: [email protected]

Brandi Piacente

Piacente Financial Communications

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

Email: [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "targets" and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about LightInTheBox's beliefs and expectations, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as LightInTheBox's strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements.

LightInTheBox may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: LightInTheBox's goals and strategies; LightInTheBox's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the global online retail market; LightInTheBox's ability to attract customers and further enhance customer experience and product offerings; LightInTheBox's ability to strengthen its supply chain efficiency and optimize its logistics network; LightInTheBox's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products; competition; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in LightInTheBox's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and LightInTheBox does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (U.S. dollars in thousands, or otherwise noted)





As of December 31,



As of June 30,





2023



2024

ASSETS















Current Assets















Cash and cash equivalents



66,425





25,287

Restricted cash



5,279





2,624

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses



634





994

Inventories



5,767





4,480

Prepaid expenses and other current assets



6,875





9,098

Total current assets



84,980





42,483

Property and equipment, net



2,789





2,145

Intangible assets, net



3,604





3,089

Goodwill



27,393





26,778

Operating lease right-of-use assets



6,559





6,934

Long-term rental deposits



392





312

Long-term investment



-





74

Other non-current assets



592





-

TOTAL ASSETS



126,309





81,815



















LIABILITIES AND EQUITY / (DEFICIT)















Current Liabilities















Accounts payable



15,846





14,227

Advance from customers



17,001





13,258

Operating lease liabilities



5,046





4,049

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities



94,622





61,891

Total current liabilities



132,515





93,425



















Operating lease liabilities



1,915





1,650

Deferred tax liabilities



154





150

Unrecognized tax benefits



107





107

TOTAL LIABILITIES



134,691





95,332



















EQUITY / (DEFICIT)















Ordinary shares



17





17

Additional paid-in capital



283,137





282,862

Treasury shares



(30,359)





(31,045)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss



(1,856)





(2,823)

Accumulated deficit



(259,321)





(262,528)

TOTAL EQUITY / (DEFICIT)



(8,382)





(13,517)

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY / (DEFICIT)



126,309





81,815



LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data, or otherwise noted)









Three Months Ended June 30,



Six Months Ended June 30,





2023



2024



2023



2024

Revenues































Product sales



189,730





67,152





334,331





134,983

Services and others



2,037





2,210





5,217





5,548

Total revenues



191,767





69,362





339,548





140,531

Cost of revenues































Product sales



(81,142)





(25,513)





(145,318)





(54,583)

Services and others



(435)





(559)





(1,538)





(1,209)

Total Cost of revenues



(81,577)





(26,072)





(146,856)





(55,792)

Gross profit



110,190





43,290





192,692





84,739

Operating expenses































Fulfillment



(9,906)





(5,010)





(18,542)





(10,756)

Selling and marketing



(94,038)





(31,527)





(163,150)





(64,268)

General and administrative



(8,176)





(6,411)





(17,233)





(13,670)

Other operating income



332





277





677





563

Total operating expenses



(111,788)





(42,671)





(198,248)





(88,131)

(Loss) / income from operations



(1,598)





619





(5,556)





(3,392)

Interest income



143





14





173





84

Interest expense



(1)





-





(2)





-

Other (expense) / income, net



(1)





(9)





20





102

Total other income



141





5





191





186

(Loss) / income before income taxes



(1,457)





624





(5,365)





(3,206)

Income tax expense



-





(1)





(48)





(1)

Net (loss) / income



(1,457)





623





(5,413)





(3,207)

Net (loss) / income attributable to LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.



(1,457)





623





(5,413)





(3,207)



































Weighted average numbers of shares used in calculating (loss) / income per ordinary share































-Basic



226,738,924





220,684,859





226,699,828





221,604,704

-Diluted



226,738,924





221,451,741





226,699,828





221,604,704



































Net (loss) / income per ordinary share































-Basic



(0.01)





0.00





(0.02)





(0.01)

-Diluted



(0.01)





0.00





(0.02)





(0.01)



































Net (loss) / income per ADS (2 ordinary shares equal to 1 ADS)































-Basic



(0.01)





0.01





(0.05)





(0.03)

-Diluted



(0.01)





0.01





(0.05)





(0.03)



LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results (U.S. dollars in thousands, or otherwise noted)





Three Months Ended June 30,



Six Months Ended June 30,





2023



2024



2023



2024

Net (loss) / income



(1,457)





623





(5,413)





(3,207)

Less: Interest income



143





14





173





84

Interest expense



(1)





-





(2)





-

Income tax expense



-





(1)





(48)





(1)

Depreciation and amortization



(826)





(521)





(1,655)





(1,147)

EBITDA



(773)





1,131





(3,881)





(2,143)

Less: Share-based compensation



(78)





(52)





(83)





(276)

Adjusted EBITDA*



(695)





1,183





(3,798)





(1,867)





* Adjusted EBITDA represents net (loss) / income before share-based compensation expense, interest income, interest

expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expenses.



SOURCE LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With summer in full swing, Miami Beach continues to offer new experiences for travelers to discover in the month of August. From candlelit musical concerts to decadent, multi- course menus at notable restaurants to cultural wonders and exhibitions, visitors can easily expand their travel horizons this season and enjoy signature savings on hotel stays. The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) has recently introduced a number of resources to help make planning seamless including the free EXP Miami Beach Tours App, now available on Apple and Google, (EXPMiamiBeach.Tours), a dedicated monthly newsletter with special discounts and insider recommendations, visit www.miamibeachvca.com to subscribe, and a collection of dynamic videos showcasing how to go beyond the beach at @experiencemiamibeach on Instagram.

With summer in full swing, Miami Beach continues to offer new experiences for travelers to discover in the month of August. From candlelit musical concerts to decadent, multi- course menus at notable restaurants to cultural wonders and exhibitions, visitors can easily expand their travel horizons this season and enjoy signature savings on hotel stays.

"August is one of the best months to experience Miami Beach thanks to a collection of unique activities including Miami Spice menus at Miami Beach restaurants, indoor performances by talented musicians and artists, limited-time exhibitions and more," says Peggy Benua, Chairwoman, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. "Travelers can also find preferred rates at leading hotels on the beach, providing the opportunity to getaway and relax with less crowds."

This summer, a diverse line-up to suit any traveler awaits including the August 17th installment of Candlelight, a performance at Eden Roc Miami Beach featuring a multi-sensory musical experience with the music of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole under the gentle glow of candlelight. Culinary-minded visitors can plan on Miami Spice lunch, brunch or dinner at key dining spots like Bagatelle Miami, Estiatorio Milos, the new Cartagena at SLS South Beach and Lucky Cat, all featuring three-course for just $30-$35 for lunch and brunch and $45-$60 for dinner. Take a break between activities and discover hidden gems and art in public places through the self-guided walking tours available in the Experience Miami Beach app, a perfect way to explore the area's architectural wonders and installations by global artists. For dance lovers, Miami Beach locations are set to welcome the 29th season of the International Ballet Festival of Miami presenting over 100 principal dancers and curated performances by ballet companies from all over the world as well as modern and contemporary dance ensembles, and from August 16-18th, the Spirit of Japan Festival will transform the Miami Beach Convention Center into an immersive center to explore Japanese culture through food, performances, exhibits and activities.

"Each year, we are proud to welcome and offer returning and new experiences to our visitors along with savings and opportunities to savor summer on Miami Beach," adds Grisette Marcos, Executive Director, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, "Details on destination happenings in August and throughout the year can be easily accessed through our interactive app, web site and social media handles."

Travelers ready to make plans can also enjoy specialty summer offers at destination hotels including family-friendly perks valued at more than $150, including free meals for kids 12 and younger, discounted tickets to attractions, SoBe Kids Club savings and spa discounts at Loews Miami Beach and 15% off stays of three nights or more at Ocean Drive's iconic Betsy Hotel.

Become a Miami Beach insider now and download the EXP Miami Beach Tours App, sign up for a dedicated newsletter featuring events and special offers at destination hotels and restaurants at https://www.miamibeachvca.com/ and follow the @experiencemiamibeach handles on Instagram and Facebook.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

SOURCE Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority
MCU recognized among New York's best employers for workplace culture, compensation, benefits, wellness initiatives, leadership, and more

NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Municipal Credit Union (MCU), Metro New York's largest credit union, has been recognized as one of New York's Best & Brightest Companies to Work For by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). This certification underscores MCU's commitment to fostering an outstanding workplace environment and excellence in human resource practices.

MCU is one of only 10 companies in New York State to receive this honor this quarter, highlighting its exceptional efforts to foster a positive and productive workplace. The Best & Brightest Companies to Work For program identifies and honors organizations that excel in employee enrichment, engagement, and retention. Selected companies are evaluated based on various criteria, including leadership, strategic planning, and overall company performance, as well as their community initiatives, corporate responsibility, and work-life balance programs.

"We are honored to have been chosen for such an important designation," said Kyle Markland, CEO of MCU. "Day in and day out, we strive to create a workplace that proves our commitment to our employees and to our core value of Teamwork  we work together as ONE TEAM. We're thrilled that such efforts are not going unnoticed and will continue to create a community at MCU that lives up to being one of the best and brightest teams for our members, employees, and fellow New Yorkers."

"This award is a testament to the entire MCU team's commitment to excellence, and particularly recognizes the efforts of our Human Resources and Learning & Development teams," added Toni-Ann Sforza, MCU's Chief Operating Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer. "Their unwavering focus on meaningful employee engagement and opportunities for their fellow employees creates a welcoming and positive culture. They set the bar high to help make MCU a better place to work."

The selection process for the Best & Brightest Companies to Work For involves a comprehensive assessment by an independent research firm, which reviews key measures such as compensation, benefits, employee solutions, creative wellness initiatives, and employee education and development. MCU's innovative practices and commitment to employee satisfaction have set it apart as a leader among New York employers.

The National Association for Business Resources, with over 25 years of experience in conducting these competitions, provides winning companies with benchmarking, resources, and networking opportunities to further enhance their workplace practices and employee satisfaction.

About Municipal Credit Union

Established in 1916 in New York City, Municipal Credit Union is the oldest credit union in New York. By providing a full range of financial services to municipal employees, police officers, firefighters, teachers, health care workers and others, MCU has grown to $4.35 billion in assets and to over 600,000 members. Today, MCU membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in New York City. MCU is an equal opportunity lender and deposits are insured to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration. To learn more, visit www.nymcu.org.

About the National Association for Business Resources

The National Association for Business Resources (NABR) offers recognition programs that celebrate excellence in various aspects of business, including workplace culture, wellness initiatives, and leadership. The Best & Brightest Companies to Work For program identifies and honors companies that deliver exceptional employment practices and demonstrate an impressive commitment to their employees.

Press Contact:

Berlin Rosen

+1 (732) 995 9335

[email protected]

SOURCE Municipal Credit Union
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission, four crew members are preparing to launch for a long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station.

NASA astronauts Commander Anne McClain and Pilot Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Mission Specialist Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Mission Specialist Kirill Peskov will join astronauts at the orbiting laboratory no earlier than February 2025.

NASAs SpaceX Crew-10 members (pictured from left to right) NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers, Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, NASA astronaut Anne McClain, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi

The flight is the 10th crew rotation with SpaceX to the station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. While aboard, the international crew will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to help prepare humans for future missions and benefit people on Earth.

Selected by NASA as an astronaut in 2013, this will be McClain's second spaceflight. A colonel in the U.S. Army, she earned her bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and holds master's degrees in Aerospace Engineering, International Security, and Strategic Studies. The Spokane, Washington, native was an instructor pilot in the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland. McClain has more than 2,300 flight hours in 24 rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, including more than 800 in combat, and was a member of the U.S. Women's National Rugby Team. On her first spaceflight, McClain spent 204 days as a flight engineer during Expeditions 58 and 59 and was the lead on two spacewalks, totaling 13 hours and 8 minutes. Since then, she has served in various roles, including branch chief and space station assistant to the chief of NASA's Astronaut Office.

Ayers is a major in the U.S. Air Force and the first member of NASA's 2021 astronaut class named to a crew. The Colorado native graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs with a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and a minor in Russian, where she was a member of the academy's varsity volleyball team. She later earned a master's in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Rice University in Houston. Ayers served as an instructor pilot and mission commander in the T-38 ADAIR and F-22 Raptor, leading multinational and multiservice missions worldwide. She has more than 1,400 total flight hours, including more than 200 in combat.

With 113 days in space, this mission also will mark Onishi's second trip to the space station. After being selected by JAXA in 2009, he flew as a flight engineer for Expeditions 48 and 49 became the first Japanese astronaut to robotically capture the Cygnus spacecraft. He also constructed a new experimental environment aboard Kibo, the station's Japanese experiment module. Since his spaceflight, Onishi became certified as a JAXA flight director, leading the team responsible for operating Kibo from JAXA Mission Control in Tsukuba, Japan. He holds a bachelor's degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Tokyo and was a pilot for All Nippon Airways, flying more than 3,700 flight hours in the Boeing 767.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission also will be Peskov's first spaceflight. Before his selection as a cosmonaut in 2018, he earned a degree in Engineering from the Ulyanovsk Civil Aviation School and was a co-pilot on the Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft for airlines Nordwind and Ikar. Assigned as a test-cosmonaut in 2020, he has additional experience in skydiving, zero-gravity training, scuba diving, and wilderness survival.

For more than two decades, people have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. The station is a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and to expand commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. As commercial companies focus on providing human space transportation services and destinations as part of a robust low Earth orbit economy, NASA's Artemis campaign is underway at the Moon, where the agency is preparing for future human exploration of Mars.

Find more information on NASA's Commercial Crew Program at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

SOURCE NASA
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking study published today in Frontiers in Psychiatry reveals that over sixty individuals with eating disorders have undergone assisted death in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States. Notably, some of the cases occurred in countries where assisted death is legally restricted to terminal conditions, exposing significant oversight gaps and raising urgent ethical questions about current policies.

"This finding is deeply concerning and will send shockwaves through our community," said Chelsea Roff, Executive Director of the nonprofit Eat Breathe Thrive and lead author of the study. "We have concerns they may only be the tip of the iceberg. We found significant gaps in reporting, suggesting the actual number of cases may be much higher."

KEY FINDINGS:

Over 60 patients with eating disorders underwent assisted death between 2012 and 2024, including in countries which restrict the practice to terminal conditions.

In the United States , patients with eating disorders were granted access to lethal medications based on the controversial pseudo diagnosis of "terminal anorexia."

, patients with eating disorders were granted access to lethal medications based on the controversial pseudo diagnosis of "terminal anorexia." In other countries, physicians stated that eating disorder patients were eligible for assisted suicide because their condition was "hopeless" and "untreatable."

One-third of the patients were under the age of thirty when they underwent assisted death.

The study comes at a critical time, as eating disorders surge and many patients struggle to access treatment. Residential and inpatient treatment can cost more than $2,000/day, and few private treatment centers accept public insurance. In some cases, these patients must wait over a year to get access to the treatment they need.

The researchers found that in many cases, physicians erroneously claimed the patients had terminal and incurable conditions in order to grant access to lethal medications. "These rationales lack an empirical basis and perpetuate stigma," said Catherine Cook-Cottone, study author and researcher at University at Buffalo. "The idea that patients with eating disorders are untreatable, treatment-resistant, or unable to recover has no place in medicine."

The study underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive reporting and stringent oversight in cases of assisted death involving psychiatric conditions. For more information, the full article can be accessed here .

A joint statement from over 100 leading experts and organizations against the practice of assisted suicide has been issued in response to the study and can be found here .

Press Contact:

Bianca Ngala

[email protected]



SOURCE Eat Breathe Thrive
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - NexGen Energy Ltd. ("NexGen" or the "Company") (TSX: NXE) (NYSE: NXE) (ASX: NXG) is pleased to announce the Company will host its 2024 second quarter conference call on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 8:30 am Eastern Standard Time.

During the call, NexGen's President and Chief Executive Officer, Leigh Curyer, Chief Commercial Officer, Travis McPherson, and Chief Financial Officer, Benjamin Salter will provide an update on the Company's 100% owned Rook I Project (the "Project") covering all aspects including Federal permitting, project development and procurement, updated economics, exploration at Patterson Corridor East, treasury, together with current market dynamics and marketing strategy.

Call-in Details:

Date: Thursday, August 8, 2024

Time: 8:30 am Eastern Standard Time

RapidConnect URL: https://emportal.ink/3Sgb7pG

North America Toll Free: 1-800-836-8184

Australia Toll-Free: 612-8017-1385

Prior to the call, the Company will file its second quarter of 2024 Financial Statements and Management Discussion & Analysis on August 7th post-market. These fillings will be available for review on the NexGen website under Reports and Filings and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. In addition, a replay will be available on the NexGen website under Events & Presentations.

Further Information is available at www.nexgenenergy.ca.

About NexGen

NexGen Energy is a Canadian company focused on delivering clean energy fuel for the future. The Company's flagship Rook I Project is being optimally developed into the largest low cost producing uranium mine globally, incorporating the most elite standards in environmental and social governance. The Rook I Project is supported by a NI 43-101 compliant Feasibility Study which outlines the elite environmental performance and industry leading economics. NexGen is led by a team of experienced uranium and mining industry professionals with expertise across the entire mining life cycle, including exploration, financing, project engineering and construction, operations and closure. NexGen is leveraging its proven experience to deliver a Project that leads the entire mining industry socially, technically and environmentally. The Project and prospective portfolio in northern Saskatchewan will provide generational long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits for Saskatchewan, Canada, and the world.





NexGen is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "NXE" and on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol "NXG" providing access to global investors to participate in NexGen's mission of solving three major global challenges in decarbonization, energy security and access to power. The Company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with its primary operations office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws and regulations and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, the 2021 Arrow Deposit, Rook I Project and estimates of uranium production, grade and long-term average uranium prices, anticipated effects of completed drill results on the Rook I Project, planned work programs, completion of further site investigations and engineering work to support basic engineering of the project and expected outcomes. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Statements relating to "mineral resources" are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment that, based on certain estimates and assumptions, the mineral resources described can be profitably produced in the future.

Forward-looking information and statements are based on the then current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about NexGen's business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Forward-looking information and statements are made based upon numerous assumptions, including among others, that the mineral reserve and resources estimates and the key assumptions and parameters on which such estimates are based are as set out in this news release and the technical report for the property, the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price and market supply of uranium, the cost of planned exploration activities, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment, supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct NexGen's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate in the future.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of NexGen to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of NexGen expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others, the existence of negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of the availability of additional financing, the risk that pending assay results will not confirm previously announced preliminary results, conclusions of economic valuations, the risk that actual results of exploration activities will be different than anticipated, the cost of labour, equipment or materials will increase more than expected, that the future price of uranium will decline or otherwise not rise to an economic level, the appeal of alternate sources of energy to uranium-produced energy, that the Canadian dollar will strengthen against the U.S. dollar, that mineral resources and reserves are not as estimated, that actual costs or actual results of reclamation activities are greater than expected, that changes in project parameters and plans continue to be refined and may result in increased costs, of unexpected variations in mineral resources and reserves, grade or recovery rates or other risks generally associated with mining, unanticipated delays in obtaining governmental, regulatory or First Nations approvals, risks related to First Nations title and consultation, reliance upon key management and other personnel, deficiencies in the Company's title to its properties, uninsurable risks, failure to manage conflicts of interest, failure to obtain or maintain required permits and licences, risks related to changes in laws, regulations, policy and public perception, as well as those factors or other risks as more fully described in NexGen's Annual Information Form dated March 6, 2024 filed with the securities commissions of all of the provinces of Canada except Quebec and in NexGen's 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and Edgar at www.sec.gov.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or statements or implied by forward-looking information or statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE NexGen Energy Ltd.
OSAKA, Japan, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD. (hereinafter "Nippon Shokubai") headquartered in Osaka, Japan, hereby announces that the company resolved, at its board meeting held on July 30, 2024, to give approval to an investment plan at PT. NIPPON SHOKUBAI INDONESIA (hereinafter "NSI"). The plan is to build a superabsorbent polymer (hereinafter "SAP") plant capable of producing 50,000 metric tons per year ("t/y"), as follows.

Logo: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104641/202407314414/_prw_PI2fl_e6rk0zC2.png

1. Background of investment

SAP, one of Nippon Shokubai's core products, shows steady growth of demand as a key material for diapers globally, particularly in the regions where their populations are anticipated to increase rapidly.

As a result of the study, Nippon Shokubai decided to expand the capacity of NSI as it had already expanded its production facility of acrylic acid (hereinafter "AA") by 100,000 t/y (total AA capacity after the expansion: 240,000 t/y) and can take advantage of its strength from the vertically integrated production from AA to SAP to meet the strong demand growth in the Asian region in anticipation of synergistic effects with the existing plant. On the other hand, for the old SAP production facilities with relatively low productivity in Himeji, Japan, Nippon Shokubai will consider stopping some of these facilities to optimize Nippon Shokubai's global SAP supply network in future.

2. Feature of investment

Production capacity: SAP 50,000 t/y

(current capacity 90,000 t/y, total 140,000 t/y after completion)

Schedule: Mechanical completion -- January 2027

Commercial operation -- July 2027

Location: Existing plant site of NSI

Investment amount: Approx. 110 million USD

3. Corporate outline of NSI

Established: August 1996

Location: Cilegon, Banten Province, Republic of Indonesia (head office and plant)

Representative: Shinichiro Yoshimoto (Mr.) President Director

Description of business: Manufacture and sale of acrylic acid, acrylates, and superabsorbent polymers

Capital: 120 million USD (paid-in capital), 99.9% contributed by Nippon Shokubai

Number of employees: 448 (as of March 31, 2024)

Website: https://shokubai.co.id/

Photo: PT. NIPPON SHOKUBAI INDONESIA

https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104641/202407314414/_prw_PI1fl_5OeBzfD7.jpg

Related release:

Inauguration Ceremony Held for a New Acrylic Acid Facility in Indonesia (May 24, 2023)

https://www.shokubai.co.jp/en/news/2023052412480/

About NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD.: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202407314414-O1-bEqjgA2r.pdf

For more information: https://www.shokubai.co.jp/en

SOURCE NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD.
BOZEN, Italy, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OncoBeta, a leading medical device company specialising in innovative epidermal radioisotope therapies, has announced the expansion of Rhenium-SCT (Skin Cancer Therapy) treatment services in Italy with the Bolzano Hospital the latest to come on board. This marks a significant advancement in the availability of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) treatment options within the country.

Rhenium skin cancer therapy is an advanced radionuclide therapy that offers a painless,*1,2 single-session,1-3 non-invasive1 treatment without disfiguring scarring.1,4 Treatment with Rhenium-SCT employs a superficial application of a paste containing -emitting particles directly over the NMSC lesion, targeting cancer cells without the need for surgery.1,4

Dr. Mohsen Farsad at Bolzano Hospital has been impressed with the Rhenium-SCT device, noting, "I have witnessed impressive outcomes with several patients treated here in Italy already, and am pleased with the design of the device technology."

"Rhenium skin cancer therapy fulfills many patients' desires for a non-surgical alternative for the treatment of NMSCs especially in relation to difficult localisations. I am pleased to continue treating suitable patients with Rhenium-SCT," adds Dr. Farsad.

Shannon D. Brown III, CCO at OncoBeta, says, "While surgical intervention remains the standard-of-care for NMSC treatment, it often leads to suboptimal outcomes. Rhenium-SCT offers a non-surgical alternative with a simple application directly to the area needed to treat, and allows patients to resume their daily activities with minimal disruption."

According to GLOBOCAN estimates, the number of new NMSC cases in Italy is projected to rise from 29,000 to 41,700 between 2022 and 2045.5 Epidemiological data for Europe shows an annual incidence rate of NMSCs at 129.3 cases per 100,000 men and 90.8 per 100,000 women. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) accounts for approximately 15% of all diagnosed cancers in Italy, with an annual incidence of around 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.6

Dr. Gerhard Dahlhoff, Medical Director at OncoBeta, emphasised, "Rhenium-SCT enables targeted, non-invasive treatment of NMSCs while preserving adjacent healthy tissue. This patient-friendly approach underscores our commitment to enhancing treatment options for those affected by NMSCs."

Rhenium-SCT is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia. Rhenium-SCT will be provided to patients at Bolzano Hospital by OncoBeta's distribution partner, DSD Pharma.

About the Rhenium-SCT (Skin Cancer Therapy)

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common form of cancer in humans.1 The most common cause of NMSC is sun exposure, while other predisposing factors include genetic skin conditions and immunosuppressive diseases or treatments.1,4

The Rhenium-SCT is a painless,*1,2 single session,1-3 non-invasive1 therapy that provides aesthetic results, even in cases otherwise considered difficult to treat.1,4,7 The Rhenium-SCT utilizes the radioisotope rhenium-188 in an epidermal application with optimal properties for the treatment of NMSCs (non-melanoma skin cancers). The Rhenium-SCT is a precise, personalized therapy that is only applied to the area needed to treat without affecting the healthy tissue.4,7 The specially designed device ensures the Rhenium-SCT compound never comes in direct contact with the patient's skin and the application is safe and simple for the applying physician. Most cases of NMSCs (basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas) can be treated using the Rhenium-SCT in one single session. 1-4 Scar-free healing of the treated lesion area and the regeneration of healthy tissue occurs usually within a few weeks after treatment.1,7,8

About OncoBeta

OncoBeta with its headquarters located in Garching near Munich, Germany, is a privately held medical device company, specializing in the development and commercialization of state-of-the-art, innovative therapies. Since its foundation, OncoBeta has concentrated its efforts on the development, regulatory approval(s) and commercialization of the epidermal radioisotope therapy Rhenium-SCT (Skin Cancer Therapy), targeting NMSCs. OncoBeta has perfected the customized application and device management system in conformity with all health, safety, and environmental protection regulatory standards.

Find out more about the Rhenium-SCT at www.oncobeta.com

Follow us on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncobeta-gmbh/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oncobeta/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncobeta_gmbh/

About DSD Pharma

DSD Pharma is a distributor for diagnostics, theranostics and radiopharmaceutical/medical devices in the field of nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals. DSD Pharma offers a product portfolio developed together at the forefront of research to its customers. This ensures the safety of latest technologies for the HCP and the best available diagnosis/theranosis/therapy for the patient.

Find out more about DSD Pharma at www.dsd-pharma.com

Forward-looking statements

This announcement includes forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of OncoBeta's control and which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning OncoBeta's plans, objectives, goals, future events, performance and/or other information that is not historical information. All such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. OncoBeta undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made, except as required by law.

*No reported pain during procedure.1,2

Complete tumour regression in 98.5% of lesions treated.3

A treatment is considered non-invasive when no cut or break in the skin is created.9

References

Castellucci P, et al. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2021; 48: 15111521. Cipriani C, et al. J Dermatol Treat. 2022;33(2):969975. Epub 22 Jul 2020 . Cipriani C, et al. In Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine. 2014. RP Baum (Ed), New York : Springer. Tietze JK, et al. Clin Nucl Med. 2023;48:86976. Global Burden of Disease Cancer Collaboration, et al. JAMA Oncol. 2019;5(12):1749-1768. Sordi E, et al. Epidemiologia. 2024;5:110. Cipriani C, et al. International J Nucl Med. 2017; July:114112. Sedda AF, et al. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2008;33(6):745749. Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. Acronym and glossary of terms. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/acronyms-and-glossary-terms. (Accessed June 2024 ).

Contact:

Jane Morey

***@moreymedia.com.au

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/13032012

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE OncoBeta GmbH
New addition makes Paw Prosper the largest provider of pet mobility products worldwide

DENVER, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Paw Prosper, a pet health and wellness platform aimed at providing efficacious solutions to larger pet wellness challenges, is excited to announce that Walkin' Pets, longtime provider of pet wheelchairs and mobility support products, is now part of the Paw Prosper family of brands. Through this strategic addition, Paw Prosper continues to invest in its commitment to help pets stay healthy, recover quickly and age gracefully.

"This acquisition strengthens our ability to support the needs of mobility-challenged pets," states Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper. "With their portfolio of mobility support products and their extensive pet-loving community, Walkin' Pets will help us in our mission to ensure every pet parent has the tools, information, and resources they need to help their animal live a long, healthy, movement-filled life."

Walkin' Pets was founded in 2000 on the belief that a mobility problem does not need to be a critical, end-of-life decision. Through its products, education and resources, Walkin' Pets has grown to be a trusted resource for pet parents and a leader in mobility solutions. Located in Amherst, NH, Walkin' Pets has helped over 1.85 million aging, injured, and disabled dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, and other animals worldwide. With the support of Paw Prosper's extensive expertise, global footprint and deep partnerships, the goal is to help even more animals in the future.

"We are always excited when we can take another step towards addressing the challenges animals face as they age," says DeCaire. "It's what drives us every day and will continue to be our north star as we grow and innovate."

Paw Prosper is committed to ensuring uninterrupted service and support during this transition.

About Paw Prosper

Paw Prosper is focused on helping pets stay healthy, recover quickly and age gracefully. With a focus on truly efficacious solutions to the challenges of injury and aging, Paw Prosper aims to provide industry experts and pet parents alike with the products, tools and information they need to help pets overcome larger wellness challenges. Paw Prosper was established in 2022 and is based in Denver, Colorado with offices in Toronto, Canada; Branford, Connecticut; Englewood, Florida; and the Netherlands. For more information, go here .

About Walkin Pets

For over 20 years, Walkin' Pets has committed to making a difference for families and advocating for pets dealing with mobility challenges. Located in Amherst, NH, Walkin' Pets products have helped over 1.85 million aging, injured, and disabled pets worldwide. Walkin' Pets offers the tools and mobility solutions that pets need to live an active and healthy life. For more information, go here .

Media Contact:

Kathryn Groenewold

Director of Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE Paw Prosper
Brand Named Best of the Best and Top Franchise Choice for Multi-Unit Franchisees

NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearle Vision is proud to announce its inclusion in two prestigious categories in Entrepreneur's 2024 rankings: Best of the Best Franchises and Top Franchise Brands for Multi-Unit Franchisees. These honors highlight Pearle Vision's reputation as a leader in the optical industry.

The recognition in the Best of the Best Franchises category is directly connected to the company's exceptional performance as the No. 1 eyecare and eyewear brand in Entrepreneur's 2024 Franchise 500.

"At Pearle Vision, we believe that outstanding franchisors are differentiated by their commitment to earn their royalties by providing robust systems and processes that create opportunities for franchisee success," said Gunjan Kumar, president of Retail Licensed Brands and Pearle Vision NA. "Our focus remains steadfast on delivering exceptional support to ensure our franchisees have every tool necessary to thrive."

The company's inclusion in the Top Franchise Brands for Multi-Unit Franchisees category spotlights its appeal to investors and optometrists looking to expand their business portfolios. Pearle Vision encourages multi-unit ownership through structured growth paths, area development agreements, and systems to support the smooth integration of existing optical practices into the Pearle Vision network.

"Pearle Vision supports its multi-unit owners with an integrated supply chain and advanced operating model that alleviates the burdens of day-to-day management across various locations," said Michael Weaver, Pearle Vision's senior director of licensing and development. "This efficient system streamlines operations and enhances overall efficiency and profitability, making multi-unit ownership a more manageable and attractive endeavor."

Best of the Best Franchises

Pearle Vision's recognition in the Best of the Best Franchises category highlights the qualities that set the best franchisors apart:

Commitment to Franchisee Success: Delivering exceptional support and maintaining the integrity of the brand to drive traffic and build patient loyalty.

Delivering exceptional support and maintaining the integrity of the brand to drive traffic and build patient loyalty. Innovation: Investing in new technologies and expanding online services to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency.

Investing in new technologies and expanding online services to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency. Operational Excellence: Implementing an integrated supply chain and automated replenishment system to ensure optimal inventory levels and profitability.

Top Franchise Brands for Multi-Unit Franchisees

Pearle Vision fosters multi-unit ownership through:

Structured Growth Paths: Offering area development agreements that facilitate focused and strategic expansion.

Offering area development agreements that facilitate focused and strategic expansion. Seamless Transitions: The Ignite program supports the conversion of existing optical practices into the franchise network.

The Ignite program supports the conversion of existing optical practices into the franchise network. Operational Support: Providing an integrated supply chain and automated replenishment system to streamline operations across multiple locations.

Pearle Vision is experiencing rapid growth and seeks passionate individuals with strong leadership, financial management, and strategic planning skills to join its network. As a multi-unit franchise owner with Pearle Vision, optometrists and entrepreneurs can make a significant impact in the optical industry while enriching communities by enhancing vision and health.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Pearle Vision, visit https://www.ownapearlevision.com.

About Pearle Vision Franchising

Pearle Vision, established by Dr. Stanley Pearle in 1961 and now part of EssilorLuxottica, continues to be a trusted leader in the optical industry. Ranked No. 1 in the Eye Care category for four years running by Entrepreneur magazine, Pearle Vision supports over 560 locations through a strong franchise network. The brand enhances franchise success with superior products, advanced supply chains, and comprehensive franchisee support dedicated to maintaining Dr. Pearle's legacy of genuine eye care. Pearle Vision invites entrepreneurial leaders to join its mission of providing exceptional vision care across North America.

Media Contact:

Tammy Delgado

[email protected]

SOURCE Pearle Vision
CHICAGO, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE: RYI), a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, announced today its acquisition of Production Metals, LLC ("Production Metals"), a distributor of aluminum, stainless, and specialty steels. Based in Monroe, Connecticut, Production Metals serves New England and the surrounding area with bar, tube, sheet, and plate products along with precision sawing, lasering, and water jet cutting.

"On behalf of all Ryerson Stakeholders, we could not be more excited in welcoming Production Metals to the Ryerson Family of Companies, as we have here the opportunity to bolster our value-added aluminum, stainless, and specialty steel offerings in the Northeastern United States and throughout the entire Ryerson network of service centers," said Eddie Lehner, Ryerson's President and Chief Executive Officer. "In addition to serving the aerospace, defense, and semiconductor end markets, Production Metals has a reputation for service that aligns with Ryerson's commitment to providing great customer experiences, and their precision cutting capabilities add to our value-added business. Craig and his team at Production Metals have proven over the past five-plus years that creative entrepreneurship is alive and thriving in our industry, and we look forward to seeing that vision through to its fullest potential."

Craig Yarde, Chief Executive Officer of Production Metals, stated, "Our globally sourced network of mills and suppliers enables Production Metals to provide cost savings and quick, seamless delivery to customers. As we join the Ryerson Family of Companies, we are pleased to bring with us our expertise in aluminum, stainless, and specialty steel products."

About Ryerson

Ryerson is a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China. Founded in 1842, Ryerson has around 4,400 employees in over 110 locations. Visit Ryerson at www.ryerson.com.

Safe Harbor Provision

Certain statements made in this release and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding our future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, estimates, objectives, or projections relating to the future. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "objectives," "goals," "preliminary," "range," "believes," "expects," "may," "estimates," "will," "should," "plans," or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. The Company cautions that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and may involve significant risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may vary materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Among the factors that significantly impact our business are: the cyclicality of our business; the highly competitive, volatile, and fragmented metals industry in which we operate; the impact of geopolitical events; fluctuating metal prices; our indebtedness and the covenants in instruments governing such indebtedness; the integration of acquired operations; regulatory and other operational risks associated with our operations located inside and outside of the United States; the influence of a single investor group over our policies and procedures; work stoppages; obligations under certain employee retirement benefit plans; currency fluctuations; and consolidation in the metals industry. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various factors, including those set forth above and those set forth under "Risk Factors" in our most recent our annual report on Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, we caution against placing undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, new information or otherwise.

SOURCE Ryerson Holding Corporation
Agile OKRs is designed for anyone who wants to leverage this goal-setting framework to help organizations mobilize strategies with clear objectives and key results.

DENVER, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scrum Alliance is excited to announce the launch of Agile OKRs, a cutting-edge microcredential course designed to equip learners with the essential skills needed to utilize objectives and key results (OKRs) effectively. This course prepares professionals from any industry to mobilize strategy with clear goals using the OKR approach.

Agile OKRs badge from Scrum Alliance

This course is designed to equip anyone, regardless of role or industry, with the skills and knowledge to align teams to top business priorities with OKRs. The course is a good match for professionals who have never used OKRs before or who are using them currently but struggling to get the full benefit. Plus, this course covers the implementation of OKRs for agile teams. Students will learn how OKRs can be integrated seamlessly with scrum and strategic agile planning.

"We're launching our new OKR microcredential course as part of our mission to advance the skills of today's workforce," said Scrum Alliance Chief Executive Officer Tristan Boutros. "Agile OKRs is an opportunity for learners to upskill in one of the most popular and fast-growing goal-setting approaches. OKRs are used by today's biggest, most successful companies, many of which are also using agile practices to achieve better, faster, more competitive business outcomes. Joining OKRs with agile practices aligns the day-to-day work of employees with the top priorities of the organization, which not only helps the business achieve its goals, but also drives employee engagement and satisfaction by connecting their work with the strategic mission."

The course includes:

Goal-Setting Fundamentals: Learn the basics of effective goal setting.

Learn the basics of effective goal setting. Strategic Planning and Alignment: Understand how to align team goals with organizational strategy.

Understand how to align team goals with organizational strategy. Objectives and Key Results: Master the OKR framework for measurable success.

Master the OKR framework for measurable success. OKRs in Scrum and Antipatterns: Discover how to integrate OKRs into scrum practices and avoid common pitfalls.

Scrum Alliance-approved trainers will offer this course live. Prospective students can use the Scrum Alliance online course search to find class listings filtered by date, time, instructor, region, and format. Register now to secure your spot.

Why choose Agile OKRs?

In Agile OKRs, students can expect to learn how to write OKRs and implement them effectively. With ready-to-use information, Agile OKRs equips students to leverage an OKR program at their organization or in their team.

Some of the benefits of taking this course include:

Enhance Alignment: Effectively align goals with initiatives across an entire organization.

Effectively align goals with initiatives across an entire organization. Increase Transparency: Track progress openly and effectively while clearly communicating strategy and top priorities to your organization.

Track progress openly and effectively while clearly communicating strategy and top priorities to your organization. Boost Focus: Maintain clear and measurable targets to drive success.

Maintain clear and measurable targets to drive success. Adaptability: Learn to adjust goals in response to changing business landscapes.

Upon completing the course, students will receive a Scrum Alliance Agile OKRs microcredential that never expires, adding an in-demand credential to their professional portfolio.

About Scrum Alliance

Scrum Alliance is a nonprofit association with more than 1,200,000 members worldwide. Its mission is to advance real-world agility by equipping and inspiring the changemaker in everyone. Visit scrumalliance.org.

Connect with us:

https://x.com/ScrumAlliance

https://www.facebook.com/scrumalliance

https://www.linkedin.com/company/scrum-alliance

https://www.youtube.com/user/scrumalliance

Media Contact:

Tess Martin

957-097-3380

[email protected]

SOURCE Scrum Alliance
NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Brookfield Business Partners L.P. ("Brookfield" or the "Company") (NYSE: BBU). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Brookfield and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

In April 2022, Brookfield purchased CDK Global ("CDK"), a provider of software to car dealerships, for $6.41 billion. Then, on June 19, 2024, CDK announced that it was investigating a cyber incident and had shut down all of its systems proactively, significantly disrupting operations at car dealerships across the U.S. and Canada. CDK subsequently acknowledged that it had been the victim of a cyberattack and that its systems were hacked a second time as it tried to restore services.

On this news, Brookfield's unit price fell $2.19 per unit, or 11.13%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $17.49 per unit on June 21, 2024.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Danielle Peyton

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. ("CenterPoint" or the "Company") (NYSE: CNP). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether CenterPoint and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On July 8, 2024, Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 storm. The impact of the storm left roughly 2.2 million CenterPoint customers without power. Six days after the storm, some 270,000 homes and businesses in the Houston area were still without power. At a press conference on July 14, 2024, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that he was demanding an investigation into CenterPoint's response to Hurricane Beryl. Among other comments, Governor Abbott said that CenterPoint did not have "an adequate number of workers pre-staged" before the storm hit.

On this news, CenterPoint's stock price fell $2.02 per share, or 6.67%, to close at $28.28 per share on July 15, 2024.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Danielle Peyton

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of MediaAlpha, Inc. ("MediaAlpha" or the "Company") (NYSE: MAX). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether MediaAlpha and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On June 24, 2024, Wolfpack Research published a report entitled "MAX: Our Investigation Reveals MAX Is Participating in Consumer Fraud." In pertinent part, Wolfpack announced that it was "short the insurance lead generator, MediaAlpha, Inc. (NYSE: MAX) following our research into the company's [Health Insurance] segment[.]" Wolfpack stated that it believed "[MediaAlpha] uses dishonest and sometimes outright fraudulent ads along with deceptive websites to trick consumers into providing their personal information in exchange for a health insurance 'quote.' [MediaAlpha] then sells this information as raw lead data or uses it to generate clicks or calls for its lead-buying partners. Our investigation indicates as much as 78% of [MediaAlpha's] Health [Insurance] lead-buying partners are running boiler room health insurance scams or are flagrantly violating laws concerning telemarketing."

On this news, MediaAlpha's stock price fell $1.92 per share, or 11.84%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $14.29 per share on June 25, 2024.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Danielle Peyton

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
We're proud to support Envirothon to inspire students to take action in their local communities. Post this

"Empowering youth through educational programs and competitions like NCF-Envirothon is key to solving the planet's most pressing environmental challenges such as the need to create clean, renewable energy," said Stewart Leeth, chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. "Sustainability has been a long-term priority for Smithfield, and we're proud to support Envirothon to inspire students to take action in their local communities."

Smithfield provided $30,000 to be awarded as scholarships to the top three teams in the national competition, as well as an additional $59,000 to support 51 state competitions held across the country earlier this year.

"The NCF-Envirothon and student teams from across the world competing this year are grateful for Smithfield's continued support of the National Conservation Foundation and our programs," said Jeremy Peters, NCF executive director. "Smithfield's sponsorship helps support the 50,000 high school students globally who participate each year and makes it possible to provide opportunities like NCF-Envirothon at the global level and in many of our partner states."

The 2024 NCF-Envirothon competition topic is renewable energy for a sustainable future, highlighting the ongoing work to build a vibrant renewable energy industry. Students learn about different sources of renewable energy, challenges facing the transition from traditional fossil fuels to renewables, environmental, economic and social impacts of energy consumption and how individuals can affect change in their communities.

Smithfield is a partner in two renewable natural gas (RNG) joint ventures: one with Dominion Energy, known as Align RNG, and a second with Roeslein Alternative Energy and TPG Rise, known as Monarch Bioenergy. These projects transform methane from hog manure into carbon-negative renewable natural gas (RNG) on farms.

The company's Grayson, Kentucky, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Tar Heel, North Carolina, food-processing facilities also produce biogas from wastewater that is used on-site as a replacement for natural gas or refined to create RNG that is injected into a local natural gas pipeline.

For more information about Smithfield's sustainability efforts and its 2023 sustainability impact report, please visit smithfieldfoods.com/sustainability.

About Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is a U.S. food company that employs more than 54,000 people in seven countries and partners with thousands of American farmers. As one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies, we are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly." to feed a growing world population. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs in all 50 U.S. states. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich, Gwaltney and Nathan's Famous, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Threads.

About NCF-Envirothon:

NCF-Envirothon is a hands-on, environmental problem-solving leadership development program that includes a competition involving high school students annually throughout the U.S., Canada, China and Singapore. Participating teams complete training and testing in five natural resource categories: soils/land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and current environmental issues. The program combines in-class curriculum and hands-on field experience to provide an E-STEM program for students in environmental education, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

NCF-Envirothon works in partnership with local conservation districts and their state associations, forestry associations, educators, school officials and cooperating natural resources agencies to organize and conduct competitions on the local, regional, state and/or provincial level. Winning teams from each state and province advance to a final competition for the opportunity to compete for recognition, scholarships and prizes, as well as understanding of natural resources issues. For more information on this exciting program, visit www.envirothon.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE Smithfield Foods, Inc.
MORRUMBENE, Mozambique, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi, a solar technology manufacturer, and Senergia, a Swedish solar energy wholesaler, have teamed up with the non-profit "Project Vita" to donate a solar-powered freshwater system to a maternity clinic in Linga Linga, Mozambique. This initiative involves constructing a water tower and installing LONGi solar panels to power a water pump filling a water tank, providing freshwater to the clinic. The project, completed in May 2024, has already benefited 58 newborns.

Michel Olofsson, Project Vita's founder, emphasized the importance of hygiene in maternity clinics, noting the partnership's role in addressing the lack of fresh, running water in rural Africa, which is crucial for reducing maternal and infant mortality.

Anton Obrink, Senergia's project manager, highlighted Mozambique's severe lack of electricity access, 99% of Linga Linga's population living without it. He stressed the importance of direct, impactful aid in such impoverished regions.

Daniel Ong, Head of Marketing for LONGi Europe, praised the project's significant impact, citing solar energy as a transformative force for rural areas in Africa. He emphasized the reliability and efficiency of the solar modules used, even in challenging climates.

Collaborative Efforts with Local Communities

Project Vita ensured close collaboration with local authorities and community members to determine and implement the best solutions. The maternity clinic's construction marked a significant milestone for Linga Linga, where women previously faced arduous journeys to the nearest health facility. The clinic now offers antenatal and postnatal care, significantly improving healthcare.

Impact of Simple Off-Grid Energy Solutions

The solar-powered freshwater system is crucial for reducing infection risks during childbirth and improving daily operations. Despite global declines in maternal mortality, Africa still faces high rates. Michel Olofsson affirmed the life-saving impact of such installations.

Read more: https://www.longi.com/eu/news/solar-partners-aid-africa-newborns-mothers-with-solar-freshwater/

- Picture is available at AP 

Contact:

Nadine Butow

[email protected]

+49(0)69-5800780080

SOURCE LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
ABU DHABI, UAE, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector, has provided revolutionary gene therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) for the first time in Abu Dhabi and outside the United States.

DoH provides gene therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for the first time in Abu Dhabi and outside the US (PRNewsfoto/The Department of Health  Abu Dhabi)

While previously the therapy was accessible only in the United States, this groundbreaking treatment will now also be offered at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), part of SEHA; a subsidiary of PureHealth, further cementing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading healthcare destination and life sciences hub globally. The treatment was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2023, and it was administered to an Emirati DMD patient by a specialist team led by a consultant paediatric neurologist from SKMC, in collaboration with the Department's Research and Innovation Centre on March 19th 2024.

DMD is a hereditary neuromuscular disorder that causes the muscles to gradually weaken over time. Through this treatment, DoH and the SKMC medical team used Delandistrogene moxeparvovec; a one-time injection that has proven to be effective in addressing the underlying cause of DMD. The treatment can potentially transform the disease trajectory by delivering functional dystrophin genes into patient cells which help the body produce biologically active dystrophin protein for muscle function, improving muscle strength and the patient's quality of life. Following the FDA's announcement of expanding the Delandistrogene moxeparvovec treatment to children four and above, DoH remains committed to providing comprehensive care and support to affected patients and their families.

H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: "This medical milestone underscores Abu Dhabi's continuous dedication to adopting world-class healthcare innovations that create a distinguished and holistic healthcare experience to all members of the community and beyond. We are committed to continuing to bring advanced preventative, diagnostics and therapeutic capabilities to the region, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading healthcare and medical tourism destination".

Dr. Omar Ismayl, Head of Paediatric Neurology and Consultant at SKMC, said: "We at the Paediatric Neurology Department at SKMC are thrilled to use the gene therapy delandistrogene moxeparvovec for the first-time in Abu Dhabi. At SKMC, we are always committed to providing our patients with the most advanced, evidence-based management and treatment. This gene therapy underscores SEHA's commitment to providing access to the world's most advanced treatments and technologies, aligning with PureHealth's mission to unlock the science of longevity. It has the potential to change the unpleasant natural history and progression of this condition. This achievement would not have happened without the immense hard work and support from all the staff at SKMC and DoH."

DMD results from variations in a muscle protein called dystrophin, which normally maintains the integrity of muscle cells. When variations in this protein arise, muscle fibres break down, leading to a gradual weakening of the muscles that is eventually fatal due to cardiac or respiratory failure. Research indicates that DMD almost always affects males and is very rare in females. With an average life expectancy of 30 years, it affects an estimated one in 3,500-5,000 boys worldwide.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2474679/The_Department_of_Health_Abu_Dhabi.jpg

SOURCE The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi
BEIJING, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from People's Daily:

My name is K. C. Ma. I'm the vice president of the Flying Tiger Historical Organization.

The delegation of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation attended a Flying Tigers historical photo exhibition in Beijing on Oct. 302023.(Photo by Zhang Penghui/People's Daily)

My bond with the Flying Tigers dates back to the 1980s, a time when China just started its reform and opening-up process, leading to a surge in foreign visitors and a growing need for interpreters. Leveraging my Chinese language proficiency, I started working as an accompanying interpreter for American tourists in China.

In the following years, I had the privilege of accompanying many veterans of Flying Tigers on their return visits to China, retracing the places where they had fought and lived.

Walking alongside these veterans and immersing myself in their daily lives, I came to understand their courageous acts and heard the stories of their wartime experiences. I was deeply moved by their stories and began to gather historical documents for research. I hope that the spirit of Flying Tigers will be carried on from generation to generation among Chinese and American peoples to reinforce the historical underpinning of people-to-people exchanges between our two countries.

To better facilitate the research, working together with my colleague, we started preparing for the establishment of the Flying Tiger Historical Organization in 2002, which was officially launched in 2007, primarily composed of Flying Tigers veterans, their families, and sponsors.

Throughout the years, we have been involved in building the Flying Tiger Heritage Park in Guilin, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and donated nearly 3,000 historical artifacts to the park, including a C-47 aircraft. During World War II, the Flying Tigers created "The Hump" airlift to transport much-needed supplies to China. More than 1,000 Chinese and American airmen lost their lives on this air route, with C-47 being their primary aircraft.

In 2015, we discovered this still operational C-47 aircraft in Australia and refurbished it for the purpose of recreating the historic "The Hump" airlift. We invited five pilots with exceptional C-47 experienced veterans from the United States (US) and Australia, with an average age of 71.8, to pilot this 72-year-old "vintage aircraft."

In August 2016, the veterans started their journey from Australia. Over the course of 90 days, they flew across six countries, encountered two engine replacements, and made an emergency landing. Without navigation equipment, they relied entirely on manual piloting to navigate through the Himalayas. Finally, they arrived in Guilin. As they stepped out of the plane onto the Chinese ground, the airport erupted in applause. Everyone present was filled with excitement and admiration!

Since 2003, I have organized over 20 trips to China for Flying Tigers veterans and their families and friends, as well as enthusiasts of Flying Tigers history. Through these visits, I have experienced numerous emotions and witnessed the profound friendship between the Flying Tigers veterans and the Chinese people, a friendship that had withstood the test of blood and fire. These experiences have deeply engraved in my heart, reinforcing my commitment to carrying on the spirit of the Flying Tigers.

Over the years, there is one visit to China that has remained vivid in my memory. It was in March 2004 when I accompanied a group of 32 Flying Tigers veterans and their friends and families to China. Despite a long flight of over 10 hours, these elderly veterans showed no signs of fatigue. Their eyes were filled with excitement and determination as they set foot on Chinese soil, from which they had been separated for over 60 years.

We visited multiple places during the trip. In Shijiazhuang, capital of North China's Hebei province, the veterans reunited with the Chinese guerrilla fighters who had previously saved them. They slowly made their way towards each other. Though only a few steps apart, for them it was a distance spanning decades. They embraced each other tightly, shaking hands with all their strength, and a flood of excited words burst forth, expressing the deep friendship forged in the fires of war.

During a subsequent gathering, a Chinese guerrilla veteran, dressed in a Zhongshan suit, showed us a photo he had cherished for many years - a group picture with Flying Tigers members. Following that, he began to recount a true story.

On a late autumn day in 1943, a plane flown by a pilot of the Flying Tigers was hit by the Japanese army, which forced him to parachute and land near the outskirts of Shijiazhuang.

The Japanese soldiers launched an extensive search for him. Promptly detecting the situation, nearby Chinese guerrilla fighters immediately initiated an emergency rescue mission. Due to the lack of natural hiding spots in the Haihe Plain where Shijiazhuang is located, the guerrilla fighters led him to a hidden underground tunnel.

Even in the tunnel, the searching sounds of Japanese troops could be heard from time to time. Hiding with them was a young woman with an infant. Due to the thin air, the baby cried incessantly, struggling to breathe. To prevent the Japanese soldiers from hearing any sound, the young woman tightly covered the baby's mouth with her own hands until the soldiers left.

Eventually, the Flying Tigers member was successfully rescued, but the adorable baby lost its life due to suffocation, forever leaving its mother's loving embrace. Later, the guerrilla fighters escorted the pilot through various challenges and safely brought him back to the main base camp.

As the story was told, all Flying Tigers veterans stood up to pay their respect with a moment of silence and a military salute, while the Chinese guerrilla veterans rose in response and returned the salute. They then held each other close in a tight embrace.

As the gathering came to close, the guerrilla veteran solemnly entrusted us with the important task of finding this pilot, an honorable mission we were proud to undertake. In our extensive search over the years, we have reviewed a large number of historical documents, hosted gatherings and birthday celebrations for Flying Tigers members and their families, and visited Flying Tigers veterans who are of similar age to the pilot, all in an effort to trace his whereabouts. Regrettably, we have not been able to fulfill this wish yet.

Even after two decades, the story I heard in Shijiazhuang still resurfaces frequently in my mind. I am determined to keep looking for this pilot, hoping that the old comrades have another chance to reunite.

For me, carrying on the invaluable legacy of Flying Tigers has become a mission I will pursue throughout my life. I will continue to tell the story of Flying Tigers, promoting people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between the US and China and deepening the friendship among Chinese and American peoples from generation to generation.

SOURCE People's Daily
Adult Use Sales to Commence at Beavercreek, Columbus, and Westerville Locations

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announced the upcoming launch of adult use sales on Tuesday, August 6th, at our dispensaries located in Beavercreek, Columbus, and Westerville.

Trulieve will launch adult use sales in Ohio on Tuesday, August 6th at dispensaries located in Beavercreek, Columbus, and Westerville.

"We are excited to be among the first group of operators to launch adult use sales in Ohio following a successful ballot initiative last year," said Trulieve's Chief Executive Officer Kim Rivers. "We are committed to maintaining excellent service standards for our existing medical patients while welcoming new adult use customers to our dispensaries."

Trulieve has three cannabis dispensaries in the state with locations as follows:

4370 Tonawanda Trail, Beavercreek

2950 N. High Street, Columbus

8295 Sancus Blvd, Westerville

Trulieve dispensaries offer customers a wide assortment of products featuring popular brands and accessible form factors including capsules, edibles, flower, tinctures and topicals.

For more information on store activations and locations in Ohio, please visit https://www.trulieve.com/dispensaries/ohio.

About Trulieve

Trulieve is an industry leading, vertically integrated cannabis company and multi-state operator in the U.S., with leading market positions in Arizona, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Trulieve is poised for accelerated growth and expansion, building scale in retail and distribution in new and existing markets through its hub strategy. By providing innovative, high-quality products across its brand portfolio, Trulieve delivers optimal customer experiences and increases access to cannabis, helping patients and customers to live without limits. Trulieve is listed on the CSE under the symbol TRUL and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol TCNNF. For more information, please visit Trulieve.com.

Facebook: @Trulieve

Instagram: @Trulieve_

X: @Trulieve

Investor Contact

Christine Hersey, Vice President of Investor Relations

+1 (424) 202-0210

[email protected]

Media Contact

Phil Buck, APR, Corporate Communications Manager

+1 (406) 370-6226

[email protected]

SOURCE Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
The wooden door market is experiencing growth due to the increase in urbanization, a rise in disposable incomes and home renovations and new constructions, where wooden doors are preferred for their aesthetic appeal and durability

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Wooden Doors Market by Material Type (Hardwood and Softwood), Product Type (Panel Doors, Flush Doors, Glazed Doors, and Others), Application (Household and Commercial): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2032". According to the report, the wooden doors market was valued at $48.2 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $76.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2032.

Prime determinants of growth

Eco-conscious consumers are opting for sustainable building materials, boosting the popularity of wooden doors. In addition, advancements in wood treatment technologies enhance the durability and maintenance of wooden doors, making them more attractive to homeowners. The trend towards personalized home decor also plays a significant role, as wooden doors offer versatility in design and customization.



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Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20242032 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $48.2 billion Market Size in 2032 $76.2 billion CAGR 5.3 % No. of Pages in Report 250 Segments covered Material, Product Type, Application, and Region Drivers Growing demand for aesthetically pleasing and durable building materials. Expanding construction activities in residential and commercial sectors. Increasing preference for eco-friendly and sustainable construction practices. Opportunities Collaborations with architects and designers to develop unique door designs. Restraints Fluctuating prices of wood and related materials.



The hardwood segment held the highest market share in 2023

Based on material, the hardwood segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than three-fifth of wooden doors market size due to several factors. Firstly, hardwoods like oak, mahogany, and cherry offer superior durability and aesthetic appeal, making them preferred choices for high-end residential and commercial projects. Secondly, the perception of hardwoods as premium materials contributes to their popularity among consumers seeking luxury and quality. Additionally, advancements in hardwood processing technologies have expanded design possibilities, further fueling demand.



Buy This Research Report (199 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures) @

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/25c37a07e7c85cf5e40c9e91d259e992

The panel door segment held the highest market share in 2023

Based on product type, the panel door held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the wooden doors market share, due to its widespread adoption driven by multiple factors. Firstly, panel doors offer versatility in design, accommodating various architectural styles and interior decor preferences. Secondly, advancements in manufacturing techniques have enhanced the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of producing panel doors. Additionally, panel doors provide better insulation and soundproofing compared to other door types, meeting the demand for energy-efficient and acoustically optimized spaces.

The household segment held the highest market share in 2023

Based on application, the household has the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than four-fifths of the wooden doors market revenue due to robust residential construction activities worldwide have fueled demand for wooden doors in homes. Secondly, renovation and remodeling projects in the household sector continue to drive sales. Additionally, increasing consumer preference for wooden doors in residential settings, driven by their aesthetic appeal, durability, and customization options, further consolidates the household segment's dominance in the market.

North America to maintain its dominance by 2032.

Based on region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2023, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global wooden door market revenue owing to robust construction activities, particularly in the residential sector, have driven demand for wooden doors. The region's strong economy and high consumer spending bolstered sales. Additionally, growing awareness and preference for eco-friendly and sustainable construction materials have contributed to the dominance of wooden doors in North America. These factors collectively solidified North America's leading position in the market.

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Leading Market Players: -

Masonite International Corporation

JELD-WEN Holding, Inc.

Pella Corporation

Simpson Door Company

Andersen Corporation

Steves & Sons, Inc.

Sun Mountain , Inc.

, Inc. Woodgrain Millwork, Inc.

Bayer Built Woodworks

Artisan Hardware

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global wooden door market. These players have adopted different strategies such as product launch, acquisition, agreement and partnership and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Trending Reports in Wooden Industry (Book Now with 15% Discount):



Wood-based Panel Market is projected to reach $354.9 billion by 2031



Plywood Market is projected to reach $100.2 billion by 2032



Engineered Wood Market is expected to reach $400,450.9 million by 2027

Interior Doors Market is projected to reach $93.1 billion by 2030

Sectional Doors Market is projected to reach $8.6 billion by 2031

Acoustical Doors Market - Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Door And Window Hardware Market - Global Report opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2033

About us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact us:

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Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Allied Market Research
UTRECHT, Netherlands , Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- XXImo, the innovative mobility payment platform provider, is excited to announce the appointment of Rick Centeno as its new CEO, effective August 1, 2024. Centeno will spearhead the company's mission to become the foremost provider of payment solutions in the European mobility sector.

Rick Centeno (PRNewsfoto/XXImo)

Rick Centeno brings a wealth of experience to XXImo, having been involved with the company since June. His impressive track record in scaling and transforming payment organizations at renowned companies such as Zalando and Booking.com makes him an ideal fit for XXImo's ambitious goals. XXImo, a subsidiary of AutoBinck Group, aims to establish itself as the leading multimodal payment platform for the European mobility market.

XXImo's robust platform is built on a foundation of proven regulatory and technological components, including its license from DNB as a payment institution and electronic money institution, Visa Principal Membership, Apple/Google Pay integration, and AWS cloud capabilities. Michel Cornelissen, CFO of AutoBinck Group and interim CEO of XXImo for the past eight months, expressed his confidence in Centeno's leadership: "Rick's extensive experience with regulated entities and his strong leadership in technology-driven organizations make him the perfect leader for XXImo as we substantially scale our operations."

Rick Centeno shared his enthusiasm for his new role: "I fully support XXImo's vision and am thrilled to lead the company into its next phase. Our integrated white-label mobility payment service platform, combined with advanced spend-control technology, uniquely positions us to play a pivotal role in the transition from closed loop to open loop payments in the European mobility ecosystem. I am eager to take on this challenge and ensure XXImo becomes a dominant player in Europe." Over the past two months, Centeno has already begun collaborating with XXImo's core team, setting the stage for the company's continued growth and success.

XXImo is part of AutoBinck Group, a portfolio company with companies in the energy and mobility sectors. AutoBinck Group's mission is 'Making innovative mobility and energy solutions accessible for all'. The Group generates around 1B in revenue, employs over 1,700 people and operates in 31 countries.

About XXImo

XXImo's innovative Mobility Management Payment Platform empowers businesses to develop seamless multi-model travel solutions by offering innovative, flexible and compliant payment capabilities for fuel, EV-charging, parking, public transport, and other mobility related services. Established 13 years ago, XXImo has evolved from a mobility card provider into a full-service platform supporting businesses in creating seamless travel solutions for their customers. The company's head office is located in Utrecht, it employs more than 80 professionals across Europe and is active in the UK, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. For more information check xximo.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2474473/Rick_Centeno.jpg

SOURCE XXImo
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For first time, UNSC to discuss reforming itself: Council President. Image Source: IANS News

United Nations, Aug 2 : For the first time, the UN Security Council will discuss reforming itself with the aim of building momentum for the long-stalled reform process, Council President Michael Imran Kanu has said.

Although the negotiations for reform are taking place in the General Assembly, bringing the matter to the Council is "really to elevate the discussion" and get support for rectifying historical injustices, Sierra Leone's Permanent Representative Kanu told reporters on Thursday after his country took over the Council's rotating presidency for this month.

"In the process to get reform, we need all of the permanent five members to agree" to it ultimately, he noted.

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Wonie Bio will preside over the high-level meeting, an "unprecedented" event, on August 12, Kanu said.

The Council will also hold a meeting next Thursday on threats to international peace and security from terrorists, he said.

Focusing on Africa, which is the largest group at the UN with 54 members, he said that the country was dealt a "historical injustice" by being denied permanent membership of the Council.

Most of the peacekeeping operations that the Council mandates are also in Africa.

The permanent members have expressed support for Africa getting permanent seats to "specifically rectify this injustice" and he expected a "clear declaration of support for the rectification of historical injustice", he said.

Africa cannot continue to be excluded from permanent membership when the UN turns 80 next year, Kanu said.

The African nations demand two permanent seats and the addition of at least two more to the three non-permanent seats it has.

The Council discussion should add momentum to the declaration that the Assembly is working for the Summit of the Future that is scheduled for September when the world leaders will work for a consensus on the world organisation's roadmap, he said.

The negotiations for the Council reforms have been stalemated in the Assembly because a small group of countries have used procedural manoeuvres to prevent the adoption of a negotiating document that would allow the discussions to move forward.

India is one of the aspirants for a permanent seat in the Council a" a position it was deprived of as it was still a British colony when the UN was formed in 1945.

The momentum being built by the African nations and their supporters brings pressure on the countries blocking the reform process to break the logjam.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
London, Aug 2 : UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned far-right demonstrators for the violent disorder seen in parts of the country after a deadly knife attack in Southport on Monday.

"It's not protest. It's not legitimate. It's a crime. Violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice," he said during a press conference held at Downing Street on Thursday.

Three children died and multiple others were injured after the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport, northwest England. A 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, although the motivation behind the attack remains unclear.

Online misinformation about the teenager's identity, targeting immigrants and Muslims, is thought to have fueled the violent protests in Southport, Hartlepool, and London, Xinhua news agency reported.

Since the attack, far-right activists have held several violent protests, which saw a mosque in Southport being attacked, and a police car in Hartlepool set on fire. Meanwhile, around 100 people were arrested after flares and bricks were hurled at the gates of Downing Street on Wednesday.

"The far right are showing who they are, we have to show who we are in response to that," Starmer said, adding: "Mosques targeted because they're mosques, flares thrown at the statue of Winston Churchill, a Nazi salute at the Cenotaph."

The Prime Minister announced that a national unit will be established across police forces to tackle violent disorder.

"These thugs are mobile. They move from community to community. We must have a policing response that can do the same," he said.

Starmer also urged social media companies to take responsibility in the country's fight against misinformation and violence.

"Let me also say to large social media companies and those who run them: violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, is also a crime, it's happening on your premises, and the law must be upheld everywhere," he said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Sanaa, Aug 2 : Yemen's Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has warned that the group will "inevitably" mount a military response to Israel's recent "escalation".

"The stance of the 'axis of resistance' is unequivocal: There must be a military response to Israeli transgressions," al-Houthi said on Thursday in a televised address.

The Houthi leader condemned the killing of Hamas Politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh as "a blatant violation of international norms", and "a brazen crime that underscores Israel's disregard for human rights", Xinhua news agency reported.

He further denounced Tuesday's Israeli airstrike in the Lebanese capital of Beirut that killed a senior Hezbollah commander, Fouad Shokor, labelling it a "dangerous escalation."

The Houthi group, now controlling large swathes of northern Yemen, is aligned with the anti-Israel "axis of resistance," which also includes Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and militant groups in Iraq, among others.

Since November last year, the Houthi group has been targeting ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden using ballistic missiles and bomb-laden drones to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Haniyeh, who was in the Iranian capital of Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, was killed alongside his bodyguard early Wednesday when their residence was struck. Iran has accused Israel of carrying out the assassination, though Israel has not confirmed its involvement.
Washington, Aug 2 : US President Joe Biden discussed new American military deployments to counter Iranian threats of direct attack against Israel during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday night.

"The President reaffirmed his commitment to Israel's security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis," the White House said in a statement after the call.

Together with this commitment to Israel's defence, Biden also stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to de-escalate broader tensions in the region.

US Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army has geared up for any Iranian assault against Israel after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday.

Sources in the Israeli Defence Minister's office told IANS that after Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei's remarks about a retaliatory attack on Israel to avenge the killing of Haniyeh, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has prepared itself for any eventuality.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Seoul, Aug 2 : South Korea's Navy chief has called for solidarity to deal with North Korea's nuclear threats during a US-hosted meeting of senior naval officers in the Indo-Pacific region, his office said on Friday.

Admiral Yang Yong-mo made the call Thursday at the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Exchange in Honolulu, attended by naval commanders taking part in the ongoing multinational Rim of the Pacific exercise near Hawaii, Yonhap news agency reported.

"The Indo-Pacific region today faces diverse crises and challenges, such as North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," he was quoted as saying. "To wisely overcome these challenges, close solidarity and cooperation between countries gathered here are most important."

As part of such efforts, Yang proposed expanding combined logistics exercises, the Navy said.

Yang, who is on a six-day trip to Hawaii through Sunday, also met senior US military commanders, including Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command and Admiral Stephen Kohler, commander of the US Pacific Fleet.

During the talks, Yang discussed deterrence efforts against North Korea's military threats and ways to strengthen cooperation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force based on a framework document formalising trilateral security cooperation signed late last month.

He will also visit the nuclear-powered USS Minnesota attack submarine currently docked in Hawaii on Friday and discuss ways to enhance combined drills between the allies' submarine troops.
Its difficult to decide which is more surprising: a respiratory therapist-turned-seafood supplier, a fish market that doesnt exude a piscine smell or wild Chilean sea bass sold in the foothills of Central Virginia.

Customers can find all three at the recently opened Crozet Seafood Supply, operating out of the former Bacio Mediterranean restaurant in Crozets Clover Lawn Village.

The community has really, really come out, owner Jayson Johnson told The Daily Progress. People want a good seafood option. They want something thats fresh. They want something thats focused on sustainability.

Fresh and sustainable are in plentiful supply in the shipments of fish, shrimp, crab and lobster that arrive at the store from ports up and down the East Coast and beyond each day. Johnson rises early every morning to speak with vendors about their catch of the day, haggle over prices and prioritize those that use environmentally friendly fishing practices. He purchases mahi mahi caught on lines instead of big nets, the halibut comes from regions with regulations to prevent overfishing and any farm-sourced fish are acquired and raised organically.

If you take a deep breath, I dont think you smell anything. Thats because our fish is so fresh it doesnt have time to develop a smell, said Johnson, gesturing to the shops two spotless glass cases with filleted wild sockeye salmon, rainbow trout and swordfish on ice inside.

The absence of an unpleasant fishy odor is also due to Johnsons emphasis on cleaning out the cases at the end of each day, a sanitary practice that hails from his decade working as a respiratory therapist in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Virginia Childrens Hospital.

Without an assault on their olfactory senses, customers might also be more inclined to sample some of the seafood salads and sandwiches that the business chef, Mick Markley, whips up in the kitchen daily. Containers of yellowfin tuna salad or shrimp crab macaroni salad are for sale in the front cases, while lunch orders for lobster rolls, crab cake sliders or tuna fish sandwiches are sent to the back to be made fresh on buttery bread from Praha Bohemian Bakery and Cafe, which opened just up the road last year.

Much to Johnsons surprise, the hot sandwiches quickly became a local favorite after Crozet Seafood Supply opened in March, with people dropping by during their lunch break to enjoy a savory taste of the sea at one of the tables in front of his store. In order to keep up with the demand, he said hes ordering about 125 pounds of Maine lobsters every week.

Markley also created a lobster bisque for the menu, but as the temperatures began to climb this summer, customers appetite for a steaming cup of soup began to drop. So, Markley has been making a gazpacho, a chilled broth of blended tomato, cucumber and sweet red peppers garnished with sweet pickled shrimp, diced heirloom tomatoes, chives with a drizzle of olive oil. Markley said hes even experimenting with a watermelon-based version that may become available soon.

For those who may not have the same level of culinary expertise as Markley, but are eager to try their hand at cooking rockfish, a small display sits on the table near the entrance of the store with a number of recipes to choose from. Johnson recognized that people who arent entirely comfortable preparing fish or scallops may be less inclined to purchase a $30 cut of grouper. So, using some of his own recipes and others he likes, he created recipe cards for customers to follow with all of the ingredients available in his store.

Aside from fresh seafood, Crozet Seafood Supply also carries a wide selection of spices, sauces, crackers and other goods to accompany the main course  all of which are locally sourced. Bottles of Fermented Fire Hot Sauce from Roanoke and spices from the Shenandoah Spice Company are lined up near boxes of Scratch Pasta from Lynchburg. The store also offers a number of alcoholic beverages, including beers from Charlottesville-based Three Notchd Brewing Company.

Im trying to be a one-stop shop, said Johnson. We want to give people ideas to try things and even the courage and the confidence to try something maybe they havent. Thats why we have all this other stuff, trying to make it all a holistic one stop, and its really worked.

Another way the business plans to better equip customers in the kitchen is through a tasting class. When class is in session, Markley shows students how to prepare three different types of fish, along with the sides and drinks to pair with them.

The class was inspired by an event the business recently offered to the community a couple of weeks ago, during which Johnson brought in a sushi chef from Japan, who was on her way to teach a sushi-making course in Washington, D.C. Local sushi enthusiasts leapt at the opportunity, and the class sold out, so Johnson hopes to bring chef Ririka Evans back soon.

Were trying to do things that are really authentic and really unique; were trying to bring an experience to the community, he said.

The inspiration for Crozet Seafood Supply came from Richmonds Surfside Sustainable Seafood, founded by one of Johnsons high school friends, Lenny Craig. Johnson, who was contemplating a career change, recognized how successful the Richmond location was becoming and suggested branching out to his neck of the woods in Crozet. The two began to figure out a business plan last April with Craig helping Johnson get connected with vendors and other industry resources.

The lions share of his experience has been in medicine, but Crozet Seafood Supply is not Johnsons first entrepreneurial venture. He spent six years working for a nonprofit organization in Costa Rica that served at-risk youth and ensured they received adequate health care, school supplies and food. While he was living in the Central American country, he noticed its flourishing craft beer industry and decided, Im going to put a craft beer tour together, which, also, promptly filled up. Thus began the Costa Rica Brew Pass company.

Hes even begun to contemplate integrating his two startups to offer a Costa Rican fishing tour sometime next spring. This is far from the only idea Johnsons got brewing for his new business  hed like to get a food truck to cater at local events and vineyards  but for now, hes focused on taking it one step at a time.

We dont want to get ahead of ourselves, he said. We dont want to do anything poorly, so were taking our time, but we do have desires. But were going to try and get this perfected first.

Crozet Seafood Supply is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. The shop is closed Sunday.
Bengaluru, Aug 2 : Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara indicated on Friday that the Karnataka government would challenge Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot's show cause notice to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in court.

HM Parameshwara stated that if the Governor acts against the Constitution, the government will naturally approach the judiciary.

Speaking to reporters about the potential conflict between the Governor and the state government, HM Parameshwara said, "Conflicts between the state and the Governor can arise on many occasions. Both the Governor and the state government must ensure that they carry out their duties lawfully."

He continued, "Initially, the government attempted to communicate with the Governor regarding his decision to issue a show cause notice to CM Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. We have shown the Governor that he is wrong. It would be beneficial if he rectifies his mistake as the protector of the Constitution."

HM Parameshwara emphasised that the Governor, as the constitutional head, should adhere to the Constitution.

"When he acts against the Constitution, it is natural for the government to approach the judiciary," he added.

Pointing out that the law requires the Governor to justify his decision, HM Parameshwara said the Governor has the right to consent to prosecution, but he must explain the situations and circumstances under which he grants such consent.

"The law must be in agreement with his actions," he stated.

HM Parameshwara noted that the Governor is not currently in the city, and the Cabinet's decision would have already been sent to his office.

"In our Cabinet meeting, we discussed the matter of the Governor issuing a show cause notice to the CM on the same day he received the complaint, without reviewing it. Despite many requests for permission in other cases, the Governor has not granted consent," he said.

He criticised the Governor's haste in issuing the show cause notice to CM Siddaramaiah.

"The notice was issued within 30 minutes of receiving the submission from TJ Abraham. This suggests that decisions were made in advance. We will advise the Governor on legal terms. The Council of Ministers has already advised him, and we are confident that he will not grant permission. If the Governor consents to prosecution, we will face it legally," HM Parameshwara stated.

Regarding the joint BJP-JD(S) padyatra to the native place of CM Siddaramaiah from Bengaluru, he said, "We have decided to permit the padyatra since the BJP and JD(S) have assured that it will be conducted peacefully. Our earlier decision to deny permission was based on concerns about law and order. Given their assurances, we are now considering granting permission."

When asked about the Congress party's counter-strategy, he explained that the truth must be communicated to the public when the government faces allegations.

Therefore, the party is holding press conferences to address these issues, he said.

Addressing rumours about 40,000 women going missing over three years in the state, HM Parameshwara dismissed the statistics as incorrect. "The police have tracked more than 50 to 60 per cent of the missing women," he said.

Regarding the charge sheet against JD(S) MLA and former PM HD Deve Gowda's son HD Revanna and others in a kidnapping case related to the sex videos case involving Prajwal Revanna, he stated, "Observations have been made, and the charges explained in detail. The charge sheet has been filed based on police evidence. The order is pending; we will see what happens."
Mumbai, Aug 2 : Actor Varun Dhawan has revealed the perfect mix to create "pan-India chemistry", stating that it takes a "North boy + South girl" to achieve it.

Mumbai, Aug 2 (IANS) Actor Varun Dhawan has revealed the perfect mix to create "pan-India chemistry", stating that it takes a "North boy + South girl" to achieve it.

Taking to Instagram on Friday, Varun shared a series of pictures from the trailer launch of 'Citadel: Honey Bunny'.

The pictures feature actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu alongside Varun.

"North boy + South girl = pan INDIA chemistry. Yesterday was everything I hoped for. Thank you for the love on the teaser," the actor wrote.

Varun then went on to praise working with directors Raj and DK.

"Teaming up with @rajanddk has been fantastic. Over that, getting the @therussobrothers to produce this with @dr_films is even more special. @amazonprime has been great partners in providing us this platform to truly tell this global badass romance," he shared.

'Citadel: Honey Bunny', an Indian adaptation of the Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden-starrer 'Citadel', is set to stream from November 7.

During the trailer launch on Thursday, Varun shared that this is the second time in his career after 'Badlapur' that he is part of a dark narrative.

'Citadel: Honey Bunny' also stars Kay Kay Menon and is set to drop on Prime Video.

On the film front, Varun will next be seen in the action thriller film 'Baby John' by Kalees. The film is slated to release on Christmas 2024.

In June, the makers and the actor announced the new release date. The film was earlier scheduled to hit the screens on May 31. The reason for pushing the release date was the heavy reliance on visual effects and action sequences, according to a statement.

The film marks the Hindi film debut of actress Keerthy Suresh and also features Wamiqa Gabbi, who is making her silver screen debut.

The cast includes Jackie Shroff and Rajpal Yadav in this action entertainer.

Varun also has 'Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari' with Janhvi Kapoor.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Hyderabad, Aug 2 : Taking another U-turn, BRS MLA Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy on Friday met Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and expressed his desire to continue in the Congress party.

Krishna Mohan Reddy, who had quit Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and joined the Congress party last month, had called on BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao on Tuesday and announced his return to the BRS.

On Friday, Krishnamohan Reddy along with Excise and Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao met the Chief Minister at his residence. They left together for the Assembly to attend the session.

The MLA's meeting came with the Chief Minister a day after the Excise Minister met him and convinced him to continue in the ruling party.

Krishnamohan Reddy represents the Gadwal constituency in the undivided Mahabubnagar district. Both the Chief Minister and Excise Minister also come from the same district.

On Tuesday, the Gadwal MLA met Rama Rao in the Assembly and expressed his wish to return to the BRS.

The MLA was reportedly unhappy over some Congress leaders in the constituency opposing his entry into the party. He also said to have conveyed to the Minister that the government had to take steps for the development of his constituency as he had convinced his supporters that he had joined the Congress for the development of the constituency. Krishna Rao assured the MLA that the government will take steps in this direction.

On July 6, Krishna Mohan Reddy joined the ruling party in the presence of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.

He is among 10 MLAs of the BRS who have defected to Congress since March.

Former Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, who is one of the defectors, hosted a dinner on Wednesday. The Chief Minister, a few ministers and defectors had attended the meeting. The defectors were assured a good political future in the ruling party.

BRS had bagged 39 seats in the 119-member Assembly. However, its tally came down to 28 with the defection of 10 MLAs and the defeat at the hands of Congress in the Secunderabad Cantonment Assembly by-election.

The tally of Congress party has gone up to 72.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Global smartphone shipments grew 8 per cent (year-on-year) in the second quarter of 2024, as Samsung retained the top position globally, accounting for 19 per cent share, a report said on Friday.

Global smartphone revenues also went up 8 per cent YoY, while the average selling price (ASP) reached the highest level for a second quarter, according to Counterpoint Research.

This marks the third-consecutive quarter posting growth for the global smartphone market.

"Europe and Asia Pacific also registered double-digit growth. However, India witnessed a marginal decline due to a seasonal slump aggravated by a severe heatwave," said senior analyst Prachir Singh.

Apple led the smartphone market revenues with a 42 per cent share.

Among the top five OEMs, Xiaomi's revenue growth was the fastest in a second consecutive quarter as it maintained a strong performance in its key markets, the report mentioned.

Research Director Jeff Fieldhack said that there were worries that iPhone volumes would disappoint after North American carriers reported record low upgrade rates and lower iPhone sales.

"We estimate Apple iPhone volumes were flat and revenue declined by 1 per cent YoY despite Pro series sales growth. The outlook for Apple looks solid as there is more supply chain excitement for the upcoming iPhone 16 family and big expectations for Apple Intelligence," Fieldhack added.

The ongoing premiumisation trend, coupled with the AI trend, is likely going to push up the ASPs and revenues in the coming quarters, said Research Director Tarun Pathak.

"We estimate that GenAI's share of overall smartphone shipments will reach 11 per cent by 2024," Pathak added.
Riyadh, Aug 2 : Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed regional developments in the Middle East over the phone, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Both sides highlighted the significance of reducing escalation and reaching a sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the report said.

The phone call came following Israeli escalation over the past two days, raising fears of a wider regional conflict, Xinhua news agency reported.

Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh, who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, was killed along with his bodyguard early Wednesday when their residence in the Iranian capital of Tehran was hit. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps accused Israel of carrying out the "terrorist attack," vowing "a harsh and painful response" to Israel over Haniyeh's assassination.

In addition, an Israeli drone fired on Tuesday evening three missiles at a position near the Shura Council of Hezbollah in Dahieh in Beirut's southern suburbs, killing Fouad Shokor, Hezbollah's top military commander, and seven civilians.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah threatened a definite and painful response to the Israeli attack at the appropriate time and place.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Former Congress leader and Peethadhishwar of Sambhal Kalki Dham Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Friday attacked the Samajwadi Party and Congress over their silence in the gang-rape case of a 12-year-old girl in Ayodhya.

Acharya Pramod wrote on his social media account X, "Secularism's ''warriors,' you won't go to the Ram Temple, but at least go to Ayodhya to meet the 12-year-old girl who was gang-raped by a leader of your party."

In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a 12-year-old Hindu girl was allegedly gang-raped by Moid Khan, a Samajwadi Party leader, and his servant, Raju Khan.

The incident is reported to have happened over two months ago in the Purakalandar police station area of Ayodhya.

According to reports, the two also made a video of the act and threatened her. After making the video, the accused continued to assault the girl for about two months. Her trauma came to light when the girl complained of stomach ache to her family, who took her to a doctor and it was discovered that she was pregnant.

The Samajwadi Party leader owns a bakery in the area and is alleged to have lured the girl with the promise of a job.

The police have arrested the Samajwadi Party leader and his servant.

Earlier, the girlas family accused the police of shielding Khan due to his political connections.

On Thursday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mentioned the case in the Assembly and said, "The accused belongs to the Samajwadi Party and is close to an MP, but the party leaders are not saying anything on this...The Samajwadi Party has not taken any action against him so far..."
Bengaluru, Aug 2 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while responding on Friday to the issue of a show cause notice to him by the Governor, said that a reply has been given by the ministers.

Governor Gehlot had issued a show cause notice to CM Siddaramaiah in connection with alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority, asking why prosecution consent should not be given against him.

Speaking to the media after participating in the inaugural ceremony of '13th Bengaluru India Nano', a nanotechnology event in Bengaluru, CM Siddaramaiah made his first statement on the notice.

He stated that the answer had been given by the ministers to the show cause notice issued to him.

"The reply has been prepared by the Cabinet and it has been decided to advise the Governor to withdraw the notice given to the Chief Minister and to reject the complaint made by Mr Abraham," he said.

The Karnataka government on Thursday appealed to the Governor to withdraw the show cause notice and reject the petition by social activist TJ Abraham.

Addressing a press conference at the Vidhana Soudha, Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar said, "The council of ministers strongly urges the honourable Governor to withdraw notice issued to CM Siddaramaiah and also to reject the said petition by TJ Abraham. We make this appeal with all humility and humbleness. I want to bring it to the notice of the people of the state that this is murder of democracy and the Constitution."

The show cause notice to Siddaramaiah on July 26, stated, "On perusal of request for prosecution against you, it is seen that the allegations against you are of serious nature and prima facie seems plausible. It is also noticed that a complaint has already been filed against you in the Lokayukta police station in Mysuru by the petitioner on July 18."

The notice further stated, "I direct you to submit your reply on the allegations levied against you within seven days with supporting documents as to why permission for prosecution should not be granted against you to the petitioner."
Bhopal, Aug 2 : A wanted criminal was arrested following a brief encounter in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior on Friday, said officials here.

The accused person had shot dead a woman last week and was absconding.

The crime branch team of Gwalior district police received information about the accused late at night as he was trying to escape from Sheetla Mata Mandir Road via Shivpuri Link Road. Police pickets in the city were put on alert, while several teams of the crime branch were deployed to different locations. When he was sighted by a team, he tried to escape and fired at the police with a pistol while running along the railway track.

The police retaliated and the accused sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment, police said.

"The accused was trying to escape from the police and realizing that he was cornered, the accused opened fire at police. In response, police also shot at his leg and overpowered him. The accused has been identified as Akash Jadoun, who had killed a woman in Gwalior on July 29," Superintendent of Police (SP) Dharmaveer Singh said.

Singh further said that Jadoun was the prime accused in the murder of a woman, while other accused were arrested following the incident. "A case was registered in connection with the murder of a woman at Madhav Ganj police station on July 29. One of the accused named Soham was already arrested in that case and the main accused Akash Jadoun was on the run. Now, he is in the hospital and proceedings of the arrest will be made soon," the police officer said.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has given its approval to two Hydro Pumped Storage Plants (PSPs), which include the 600 MW Upper Indravati in Odisha being developed by OHPC Ltd and 2000 MW Sharavathy in Karnataka being developed by KPCL, the Union Ministry of Power announced on Friday.

The approval given to Odisha government-owned OHPC and Karnataka government-owned KPCL has been fast-tracked to expedite the projects.

CEA has also received a huge number of proposals for Hydro PSPs (around 60 GW), under Survey & Investigation for the preparation of DPRs (detailed project reports). All the developers are at various stages of preparation for DPR. After the preparation of DPRs, these PSPs will be uploaded by the developers on the CEA website for concurrence by the CEA, according to the official statement.

To fast-track the concurrence process of PSPs in line with the Centreas ease of doing business drive, CEA has further revised the guidelines to simplify the process for preparation of DPRs of PSPs and cut short the time required for its concurrence, the official statement said.

The earlier Checklist of Documents required for the examination of various aspects of DPRs has been shortened to make it easier for applicants, and the developers are now allowed to submit the DPR online with the completion of the first 13 chapters. Some of the chapters have also been dispensed with to make the DPR shorter.

The mandatory requirement of approval of Cost & Financial Chapters has been done away with and these chapters need to be submitted only for reference and record.

For close loop Hydro PSP, there is no requirement to submit the alternative location plan for the reservoir as was the case earlier.

The requirement of sending the DPR for re-examination has also been scrapped, which is expected to save around a 4 to 5-month period in the concurrence process.

Besides, the process for giving the early excavation permission at the risk and cost of the developers has been streamlined so that advance action can be taken by the developers to start the work at the site. This is expected to save around a 6 to 8-month period in the execution of the project. The developers have also been advised to carry out the investigations in time and submit the reports to the appraising agencies so that parallel activities can be done by the appraising agencies. This is also expected to save around a 1 to 2-month period.

The government has prioritised the development of Energy Storage Systems, particularly PSPs to ensure the energy security of the country. As per the Nation Electricity Plan (Generation), the installed capacity of Energy Storage Systems, including BESS, is projected as 74 GW by 2031-32.
Bengaluru, Aug 2 : Inaugurating the '13th Bengaluru India Nano', the prestigious nano technology event, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday that the city will transform into India's nano technology hub in coming years.

Addressing the gathering, CM Siddaramaiah stated, "I am quite confident that, with the support of premier research institutions like IISc, JNCASR, NCBS, CeNS etc, Bengaluru will be transformed into the Nano Tech Hub of India and will keep up its eminent position in this emerging technology in the years to come."

"I call upon our scientists and engineers to come up with innovative nanotechnology-based solutions for food security, energy security, water purification, infrastructure, medicine, health care and waste management as well as to combat environmental hazards, which are expected to increase many folds in the near future due to urbanisation, population growth and change in lifestyle," he stated.

"I consider that international events like this will provide enough opportunity for networking, interactions for knowledge sharing, exchange of technology, skill development and business collaboration," he opined.

"I take this chance to invite our young entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity to establish their new ventures in the state, based on collaboration and co-operation with visionary leaders and experts.

"Our government will provide all possible support for emerging entrepreneurs to make Karnataka a favourable ecosystem for the growth of this sunrise industry," CM Siddaramaiah assured.

"I would like to thank Bharat Ratna Prof. CNR Rao, for his constant guidance in organising this event right from its inception in 2007," he stated.

"I congratulate Prof. Arindam Ghosh, who receives the prestigious Prof. CNR Rao Bengaluru India Nano Science Award in this august gathering. It is always stimulating and an enjoyable experience for me to be a part of any science and technology related activity in the state.

"Karnataka has always been well-known not only for its rich cultural heritage, but also for its strong base for educational and research activities. Our state is always in the forefront with respect to technology-based innovations," he stated.
Patna, Aug 2 : As RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav readies to embark on a statewide yatra in Bihar on August 17, Prashant Kishor, the chief of Jan Suraaj, on Friday took a dig at him, saying that he remembered the people only after being sidelined by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

"Tejashwi Yadav was the Deputy Chief Minister till yesterday, but Nitish Kumar sidelined him, so now he is remembering the people of Bihar," Kishor said.

He also highlighted the differences between his padayatra and Yadav's yatra. He stated, "I have been doing padaatra for the last 18 months. Unlike others, I am not holding a rally one day and asking for votes the next day, nor am I planning to contest elections on the third day. I am not walking with a policeman like others."

Prashant Kishor also challenged CM Nitish Kumar to undertake a Yatra without the protection of police and security forces.

"I am doing padayatra without any security or police protection but I want to challenge Nitish Kumar to do the same. I openly challenge Nitish Kumar to remove security around him and walk into any village or Panchayat of Bihar. He does not have the courage to walk in any Panchayat without security forces," he said.

Kishor emphasized that his Jan Suraj Padyatra is not about seeking votes or political power but about creating awareness among the people of Bihar.

"I do not have any party and I am not asking for votes from anyone. I am not saying to make me the Chief Minister. My Jan Suraj Padyatra is to create awareness among the people of Bihar. I just want to say to the people of Bihar to rise above caste boundaries and vote for political parties that care about your children," Kishor said.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav through this Yatra aims to connect with the people before the 2025 Assembly election.
Washington, Aug 2 : Three American citizens, Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and American green card holder Vladimir Kara-Murza, have returned to the United States after a prisoner swap with Russia on Thursday that US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan described as "one of the largest and certainly the most complex exchange in history".

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with the families of the freed individuals, welcomed them as they arrived at the Joint Base Andrews from Ankara in Turkey.

Announcing their arrival Biden stated on X, "Tonight is about reuniting families. Welcome home, Paul, Evan, and Alsu. You're right where you belong".

Earlier, Biden invited the family members to his Oval Office the moment the exchange was completed on the tarmac in Ankara.

"Today, I stood beside the families of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir in the Oval Office as they spoke to their loved ones for the first time since they regained freedom. These families never lost hope," he said.

At least two dozen detainees were involved in the swap with prisoners released from seven countries -- the US, Norway, Germany, Poland, Russia, Belarus and Slovenia.

Gershkovich, the 32-year-old correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, was arrested by Russian authorities in March 2023 on the charges of espionage. He was convicted last month and sentenced to 16 years in a high-security prison.

Whelan, the 54-year-old ex-Marine, was arrested in Russia in December 2018 on espionage charges and was serving a 16-year jail term.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a British-Russian dissident and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison on treason-related charges was also released from prison.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday called up Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and assured him of all help for the rescue operations in the state that has been hit by cloudbursts, leaving many people stranded.

Chief Minister Dhami shared the information about the Home Minister's call on his social media handle on X.

CM Dhami mentioned, "Honourable Minister of Home Affairs and Co-operation Minister, Mr. Amit Shah, called to get updates about the disaster in various parts of the state. During the call, he was given detailed information about the relief and rescue operations being conducted on a war footing in the affected areas."

"The Honourable Home Minister assured all possible assistance for the safety of the state's residents and devotees. Standing firm during such a difficult time of disaster provides us all with strength. Thank you very much, Honorable Home Minister, for your guidance!" he added.

On Wednesday evening, due to a cloudburst a 30-meter stretch near Bhimbali got damaged. Also, the water level of the Mandakini River has risen.

Three members of a family were among 12 people killed due to heavy overnight rains in Uttarakhand that caused flooding and house collapses.

Rescue operations for stranded pilgrims on the Kedarnath trek are going on.

On the first day of the rescue, 3,300 pilgrims were evacuated through pedestrian path, while 700 pilgrims were rescued by helicopter.

The stranded pilgrims were rescued and brought to Gauchar by the Army's MI 17 helicopter.

On Friday, the second day of the rescue operation, 4,000 stranded pilgrims will be evacuated.

People stranded in various places are being rescued with the help of helicopters and rescue teams of the SDRF, NDRF and district police.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj visited the site to assess the situation and boost the morale of the pilgrims.

The administration has also arranged food for the pilgrims.
Los Angeles, Aug 2 : Celebrated chef Jamie Oliver has spoken about the special role he played in Hollywood star Brad Pitt's 40th birthday celebration when the actor was married to actress Jennifer Aniston.

Pitt and Aniston were married for five years, from 2000 to 2005.

"I was actually Brad Pitt's 40th birthday present from Jen," Oliver said on the podcast Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie on Nova FM.

"She phoned up and we put the phone down on her three times because we didn't believe it was her. So she had to go through her agent to my agent," he added.

Oliver also recalled Aniston asking, "Would you cook for Brad? He watches you on TiVo."

"Absolutely. I'll do it for love because I love you guys," the chef recalled, reports People.com.

Oliver then revealed which celebrities he cooked for at the party, including Aniston's 'Friends' co-star Courteney Cox, who played the role of Monica on the popular show.

"They're both beautiful people," Oliver said of Aniston and Pitt.

Oliver added: "I haven't seen Brad for a while, but I saw Jen not so long ago, a couple of weeks ago, and she's everything you would want her to be and more."

Aniston and Pitt were introduced by their managers and secretly dated before tying the knot in a 2000 ceremony.

On the podcast, Oliver was promoting his new cookbook, Simply Jamie, which drops in September.

Oliver, who is also a restaurateur and cookbook author, is popular for his casual approach to cuisine.

He gained fame when his series 'The Naked Chef 'started airing in 1995.

In 2005, he launched a campaign to introduce healthier foods to schoolchildren.

He opened his first restaurant, Jamie's Italian, in Oxford in 2008.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Delhi High Court on Friday rejected a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar challenging his arrest in the Swati Maliwal assault case.

New Delhi, Aug 2 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Friday rejected a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwalas aide Bibhav Kumar challenging his arrest in the Swati Maliwal assault case.

He had argued that his arrest was conducted in violation of the Supreme Court's guidelines established in the landmark Arnesh Kumar judgment, which outlines the procedures and conditions under which arrests should be made to prevent unnecessary detentions.

In his petition, Bibhav Kumar urged the Delhi High Court to declare his arrest unlawful, asserting that the authorities did not adhere to the legal standards mandated by the apex court.

The Arnesh Kumar judgment says that arrests should only be made in cases where it is absolutely necessary and mandates that police officers must provide reasons for arresting an individual in writing.

Bibhav Kumar contended that his arrest did not meet these criteria and therefore constituted a breach of his legal rights. He had also sought financial compensation for the alleged illegal detention, arguing that it caused him undue distress and damage.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court on Thursday rapped Bibhav Kumar as it heard his bail plea, remarking that the accused did not feel shame to assault a young woman.

"We don't want to read in open court. But once she tells him (Bibhav Kumar) to stop because of this particular physical condition, this man continues. What he thinks, the power has gotten to his head?" the top court said.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court rejected Bibhav Kumaras bail plea saying that at this stage, the possibility of tampering with the evidence or influencing the witnesses cannot be ruled out by the accused, who happened to be the personal secretary of Delhi CM.

Kumar was arrested on May 18 in connection with the assault on Maliwal on May 13 and produced late at night before a local court which sent him to five days of police custody.

Delhi Police registered a case against Bibhav Kumar after he allegedly assaulted Maliwal at the Chief Minister's residence.

The FIR at the Civil Lines police station includes charges under Sections 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 341 (wrongful restraint), 354(B) (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code.
Washington, Aug 2 : The Biden administration is convinced that Iran will attack Israel in the coming days and is preparing to help it repel it , three American sources told Axios, according to which the Iranian attack - in retaliation for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran - could follow the same pattern as the one conducted on April 13, but potentially larger, could involve the Lebanese Hezbollah.

But the administration fears that, unlike four months ago, it may be more difficult to mobilise the same regional and international coalition that helped Israel defend itself from the swarm of drones and missiles launched in April, reports Adnkronos news agency.

The killing of Ismail Haniyeh "does not help" efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza with Hamas, US President Joe Biden admitted, speaking to reporters at the Andrews air base where he went to welcome prisoners exchanged with Russia.

Biden - who yesterday had a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - said he was "very concerned" about the latest escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

"We have a ceasefire base, it has to go forward and they have to go forward," the president urged again, in a reference to the phone call with Netanyahu, which he called "very direct."

Ismail Haniyeh will be buried in Qatar today. The body of the Hamas political leader arrived in Doha yesterday from Iran, after thousands of people attended his funeral in Tehran.

According to Hamas and Qatari state media, the funeral prayer will be held after the Friday prayer at Qatar's national mosque, followed by burial in the city of Lusail.
Pyeongtaek Aug 2 : Germany on Friday formally joined the US-led UN Command (UNC) as the 18th official member state, marking the first expansion of the multinational force in more than a decade.

Germany's admission into the unit overseeing the armistice of the 1950-53 Korean War came as South Korea has recently sought to expand cooperation with like-minded countries to better deter North Korea's evolving military threats, Yonhap news agency reported.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said his country's decision to join the UNC reflected growing security ties between Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

"By joining the United Nations Command, we showcase our dedication to shared security and our close ties with like-minded partners, particularly the US and Korea," Pistorius said at a ceremony at the command's headquarters in Pyeongtaek, 60 kilometres south of Seoul.

"Our decision to join the UNC is evidence of our strong belief that European security is closely linked to the security of the Indo-Pacific."

It marked the first expansion of the command since 2013 when Italy was reinstated as a member.

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik hailed Germany's admission during bilateral talks with Pistorius earlier in the day, saying that South Korea and the UNC now have a "new partner" to jointly respond to North Korea's threats.

"Our bilateral talks today have proven to me once again while we may be far apart geographically, our common interests and security concerns are not. In fact they are closely connected," Pistorius said during the ceremony.

The command was established under a 1950 UN mandate to support South Korea against North Korean aggression during the war, which technically has never ended as a peace treaty was not signed.

A total of 22 countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia, sent troops or medical support to the South during and right after the war. Germany provided medical assistance to South Korea from 1954-59 but was not included as a UNC member state as the armistice was signed in July 1953.

Germany applied to join the multinational command earlier this year, which President Yoon Suk Yeol welcomed during his summit talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Washington last month.

Berlin had previously attempted to join the UNC, but the move was turned down in 2019 under the previous liberal government of President Moon Jae-in amid a reconciliatory mood with North Korea. Pyongyang has long called for dissolving the command.

Although South Korea is not a member state of the command, admission into the multinational force requires consultations with the host country.

The stance has changed under the conservative Yoon administration as it has pushed to strengthen the role of the UNC amid growing North Korean threats.

Last year, Seoul hosted the inaugural defense ministerial meeting of UNC member states, where they vowed a "united" response to any renewal of hostilities or armed attack challenging South Korea's security.

North Korea has pressed ahead with its spate of weapons tests this year, launching 48 missiles on 14 occasions, according to South Korean officials.

It has also forged deeper military ties with Russia, with leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signing a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty that includes a mutual defense clause during their summit in Pyongyang in June.

South Korea and the US have accused Pyongyang of supplying arms to Moscow to fuel its war in Ukraine. Minister Shin said in a recent interview with Bloomberg that the North has sent 12,000 shipping containers to Russia that could hold up to 5.6 million artillery shells.
Tehran, Aug 2 : Iran has called a summit in Tehran with its regionally allied militias to prepare a retaliation against Israel after the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital. But which groups are part of the Axis of Resistance - which stretches from Iran to Yemen, passing through Gaza, Iraq and Syria - against whom Benjamin Netanyahu has declared he wants to continue the "existential war"? Adnkronos news agency reports:

Hamas

Designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union, founded in 1987 during the first Palestinian Intifada, it is an offshoot of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. For years, Iran has provided limited material support to the Islamic resistance group, which is Sunni and with which it has often found itself on the opposite side of the fence, as in Syria, where Tehran supported the government of President Bashar al-Assad, while Hamas supported the anti-regime rebels. But one goal unites them beyond their differences: the destruction of Israel. Before the war that began on October 7, it had about 20,000 militants.

Islamic Jihad

With around 1,000 members, it is the smaller of the two main militant groups based in the Gaza Strip and the closest to Iran. Founded in 1981, the Sunni militant group was inspired by Iran's Islamic revolution two years earlier. Given Tehran's ambition to establish a foothold in the occupied Palestinian territories, Iran has provided the group with significant financial support and weapons.

Hezbollah

The "Party of God" emerged in 1982 as a paramilitary militia during the Lebanon-Israel conflict, with the support of Iran, which sought to unite a variety of Lebanese Shiite militant groups into a unified organization. Its leaders are modeled after Ayatollah Khomeini, and its military forces were trained and organized by a contingent of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The heavily-armed group shares Iranian Shiite Islamist ideology and is widely considered more powerful than the Lebanese state.

Houthis

Formed in 1992, the movement took control of much of Yemen during the civil war that began in 2014, when it captured Sanaa and overthrew the Saudi-backed government. They belong to the Zaydi sect of Shiite Islam. On October 31, they announced that they had entered the conflict between Israel and Gaza by launching drones and missiles toward the Jewish state and into the Red Sea against all US and British merchant ships and warships participating in the "aggression."

Islamic Resistance in Iraq

An umbrella group that brings together several armed Shiite Islamist factions, it has been responsible for several attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, the deadliest of which was on January 28, when a drone killed three American soldiers at a border base in Jordan. The United States responded with heavy retaliatory air strikes against Iran-linked targets in Syria and Iraq.

Syria

The government of President Bashar al-Assad is part of the Axis of Resistance, but has not played a direct role in the current conflict. However, there have been attacks by Iranian-backed militias against US forces in the east of the country, and Israeli airstrikes in Syria against Iranian personnel and Hezbollah members.
Faridabad, Aug 2 : Doctors saved a five-year-old Rajasthani girl suffering from severe congenital scoliosis -- a spinal deformity by birth -- with a lifesaving and complex spine surgery.

Affecting about one in 10,000 newborns, congenital scoliosis occurs when the vertebrae do not form normally before a baby is born.

The child, the daughter of a cloth dealer from Rajasthan's Kothputli, was facing extreme pain and significant risks to her heart and lung development due to her spinal deformity, making the surgery urgent and indispensable.

A normal spine appears straight when viewed from the front or back, but in scoliosis, it curves in a C or S shape. Severe scoliosis, with curves exceeding 60 degrees, can pressure the heart and lungs, particularly in growing children.

The patient first started displaying signs of spine deformity when she was around three years of age. This started increasing rapidly as she grew.

She also started developing severe pain on one side of her waist as her rib cage had started digging into her pelvic bone because of a spinal curve.

Additionally, she started developing shortness of breath after normal work and play, possibly because of compression of the lungs on one side of the spinal curve.

"The girl's scoliosis curve was around 90 degrees at admission and was increasing rapidly as seen in serial X-rays," said Tarun Suri, Senior Consultant and HoD, Spine Surgery, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

"She had also developed severe costo-pelvic impingement, a condition in which a patient's rib cage starts digging into the pelvic bone and causes severe pain; the space available for left lung and heart had also decreased considerably due to severe scoliosis, making this surgery so vital," Suri added.

The doctors opted for advanced intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) technology, in which the function of the spinal cord is continuously monitored throughout the surgery.

"Since the patient was only five years old at the time of surgery, extensive fusion of the thoracic spine was not possible as it would impede the growth of her thoracic cavity, crucial for lung development. Therefore, she underwent growing rod surgery, where screws are placed at the top and bottom of the spine, connected by rods that are lengthened every six months to accommodate spinal growth until she is about 10 years old. At that point, definitive fusion surgery can be performed," Suri said.

The girl recovered very fast after the six-hour-long surgery.

A brace was made for her to support the spine and she was made to walk two days after the surgery. She had a good correction of the curvature of her spine and the pain was also reduced. Postoperative X-rays showed good correction, said the doctor.
Lucknow/New Delhi, Aug 2 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the Samajwadi Party (SP) over the gang rape of a 12-year-old girl in Ayodhya.

Speaking in the UP Assembly, CM Adityanath said, "Moin Khan, who is an active member of SP and a member of Ayodhya MP's team, has been found involved in the rape of a 12-year-old minor belonging to the most backward caste. The accused sits, eats and walks with the SP MP and the party has not yet taken action against him."

Citing the NCRB data from 2016 to 2024, he said, "There has been a decline of 86.47 per cent in dacoity, 78.17 per cent in robbery, 43.21 per cent in murder, and 70 per cent in kidnapping for ransom."

CM Adityanath also showed the data on the issues of crime related to women. He said that there has been a decrease of 17.43 per cent in dowry deaths, 25.30 per cent in rape, 16.56 per cent in outraging modesty and 0.17 per cent in kidnapping.

He further said that looking at the national average, crimes against women have reduced significantly in Uttar Pradesh from 2017 to 2022.

According to the data, crimes against women had increased more in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Odisha and West Bengal as compared to UP.

In the case of rape, during this period, more crimes were committed in Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Rajasthan and Jharkhand than in UP which ranks 24th in this.

UP ranks 17th in outraging modesty, which means that in 16 states, more crimes have been committed than in UP.

SP leader Moin Khan and his servant, Raju Khan, who allegedly gang raped the minor girl, have been arrested by the police.
Raigad : , Aug 2 (IANS) A solemn memorial was held on Friday to mark the first death anniversary of ace art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai -- who died by suicide on this day last year -- at his N.D. Art World studio complex in Karjat.

According to the late art director's uncle Shrikant Desai, certain rituals and ceremonies were performed as per Hindu tenets in the memory of Nitin Desai which were attended by his wife Neha N. Desai, and their daughter Tanvi, along with other relatives, around 90-plus studio staffers, and locals.

Their two other children, Mansi, who is married and settled in the US, and her younger brother Kant, studying there, could not attend the ceremony in person, he said.

The sudden demise of Nitin Desai (57) shocked Bollywood and Hollywood circles, raising questions on the fate of the debt-ridden studio complex which he passionately developed for years after its founding in 2004.

Nitin Desai was buried under a huge debt of around Rs 252 crore, and faced insolvency proceedings under CIRP initiated against him in July 2023 by the National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai.

The debtors included the ECL Finance Company/Edelweiss Group even as the family claimed that they had paid up some Rs 90 crore of the dues.

However, now there is a ray of hope with the Maharashtra government working speedily to take over the entire studio spread across 45 acres of land, and is likely to develop and run it on the lines of the Film City in Mumbai.

"In the past year, we had at least three meetings with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, besides my nephew's close friend Vinod Tawde. As per indications, the government is likely to finalise the takeover of the studio this month," Shrikant Desai told IANS.

As per the discussions, the government will pay off all the dues, creditors, lenders, and others, and then plan to revive the studio complex to its original glory, as the vicinity is now classified as a 'no-development zone' for any private projects.

To a question, Shrikant Desai said the studio has been functioning with many shooting assignments landing there. It earned around Rs 9 crore in the past year, with 90-odd staffers continuing in service.

"Presently, I am managing the studio affairs. All the income that is earned, we pay to the NCLT which in turn is clearing off the past debts and staff salaries, maintenance, and other bills here. However, once the government takes it over, we hope that all the dues will be cleared at one go," Shrikant Desai said.

Referring to the series of cases filed against some of the lenders for alleged abetment to (Nitin Desai's) suicide, Shrikant Desai said that since the studio takeover plans are currently in their final stages, he would not comment on it.

Based on a complaint by Neha Desai in August 2023, the Khalapur police station filed an FIR against ECL Finance Co/Edelweiss Group and five of its officials.

She had claimed that the officials of the two companies were regularly harassing her husband (Nitin Desai) for the dues, and owing to the mental stress, he resorted to the extreme step, as she submitted audio 'suicide recordings' to the police.

Later, Shrikant Desai contended that many investors were ready to help out but the Edelweiss Group blocked his moves, pressured him, charged interest at exorbitant rates, and also threatened to send bouncers to capture the studio premises.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)
Mumbai, Aug 2 : Actress Ekta Tiwari, who plays an antagonist in the show 'Gudiya Rani', believes that such characters allow actors to explore unique and bizarre traits, providing a creatively satisfying experience.

Ekta, who portrays the character 'Flower' in the show, shared how different this role is from the other characters she has played.

The 'Tere Mere Sapne' actress said: "Playing positive or negative characters on any platform or project is a responsibility, and I feel an actor can easily switch between them. However, playing a lead protagonist comes with limitations. Such characters are always portrayed as responsible, ethical, and thoughtful. I feel from a writer's, director's, and actor's point of view, there are many limitations to a positive character."

"On the other hand," Ekta continued, "negative characters, even if they are not violent, allow an actor to explore unique and bizarre traits, which can be creatively satisfying. These characters provide an artist with opportunities to explore new things and look beautiful on screen. For the first time, I am playing a negative character in 'Gudiya Rani'."

The actress further said: "It's a colourful character. It's not just about enjoying playing negative roles over positive ones; itas more about how each role has its own challenges and attractions. Negative characters often require an intense and sharp performance."

When asked if she is scared of being typecast, Ekta replied: "There's no fear of being typecast; the fun lies in the diverse experiences. Yes, there is a practice in our industry of typecasting all the artists, which should be broken. No matter how many negative characters I play, I don't think I would be typecast. There is an emotional journey of my character, which results in her actions and reactions in the show."

'Gudiya Rani' will air soon on Dangal TV.
Kolkata, Aug 2 : BJP legislators led by the leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari walked out of the West Bengal Assembly on Friday, the 10th day of the ongoing monsoon session of the House, as a mark of protest against the allotment of limited time for discussion on the adjournment motion brought by BJP on exorbitant price of food items in the retail markets in the state.

After the adjournment motion was read out by the BJP legislator Narahari Mahato, Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay admitted the motion and allotted 20 minutes for discussion.

In the meantime, state's parliamentary affairs minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay launched a scathing attack on the BJP and said raising the issue of price rise does not suit a party which had imposed GST on medical equipment.

"The price rise for essential commodities is dependent on the rise in fuel price. You all know that. Still, you are trying to make politics on this issue while remaining silent on crucial issues like election bonds and the rise in the price of medicines. The members of the task forces are moving into the retail markets of the state trying to bring the prices of food items under control. Already the prices of vegetables have come under control to a great extent," Chattopadhyay said.

Thereafter, the minister engaged in a war of words with the leader of the opposition. The other BJP legislators also joined the protest complaining that they were allotted limited time for discussion on such a crucial issue.

Soon after, the BJP legislators led by Adhikari walked out of the House and continued their protest at the Assembly lobby displaying posters and shouting slogans.

Later giving his reaction to the matter, the Speaker said that it was unfortunate that even after time was allotted for discussion on an issue raised by the opposition, they staged a walkout.

"The minister was replying. Some might like the reply, some might not. But all have to be listened to as demanded in the system of Parliamentary democracy," the Speaker said.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Former Congress leader and Peethadhishwar of Sambhal Kalki Dham, Acharya Pramod Krishnam spoke to IANS on Friday about Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's comments about plans for ED raids against him and the gang rape of a 12-year-old girl in Ayodhya.

New Delhi, Aug 2 (IANS) Former Congress leader and Peethadhishwar of Sambhal Kalki Dham, Acharya Pramod Krishnam spoke to IANS on Friday about Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhias comments about plans for ED raids against him and the gang rape of a 12-year-old girl in Ayodhya.

Q: The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said that an ED raid is being planned against him after his Chakravyuh speech in Parliament.

A: Rahul Gandhi is a big leader, leading such a big party. He is the most powerful leader of a century-old party. He shouldn't be so afraid of the ED that it haunts him even in the wee hours. He should take inspiration from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is doing his duty even from jail despite his illness. Rahul Gandhi should reveal where the funds given by George Soros to divide Sanatan are. Rahul Gandhi should summon the ED and explain to them about Young India, created to take over National Herald, and disclose who all were made directors and why. He should not fear the ED but tell them where the coal and mining scam money from UPA-I and UPA-II is. As the scriptures say, aSatyamev Jayate.a If truth is in your heart, you should disclose everything. Donat do this drama that ED is coming because of your speech in Parliament. The ED case has been on you for 10 years. Donat mislead the country; speak the truth.

Q: Why does Rahul Gandhi dislike questions about his caste?

A: For so many years in every meeting you have been asking about peopleas castes. You even ask journalists their caste. Arenat you ashamed? Do you want to drown this country in the poison of casteism? But if someone asks you about your caste, you get angry. You are a leader of Mahatma Gandhi's party, learn some restraint. Mahatma Gandhi said if someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other. Face the bitter truth and accept it.

Q: Your tweet today slams the so-called awarriors of secularisma and asks them to go to Ayodhya to meet the 12-year-old gang rape victim. Whatas your take on this?

A: It's very sad and painful. What happened to that 12-year-old girl who was raped is horrifying. And the rapist sits next to the Samajwadi Party MP, and all the awarriors of secularisma are silent. No one dares to speak. Akhilesh Yadav is silent, Dimple Yadav is unaware, and thereas no word from Rahul Gandhi. Everyone is silent because that girl is poor, and the rapist belongs to a aseculara party. They didn't visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, but they should visit the Dalit girlas family to understand her pain.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Hiring in India saw a 12 per cent increase in July compared to the same month last year, as most sectors reported healthy double-digit growths with pharma/biotech and FMCG leading the way, a report showed on Friday.

Compared to June, there was an 11 per cent growth in hiring (quarter-on-quarter), according to the Naukri JobSpeak Index.

The pharma/biotech sector recorded a substantial 26 per cent YoY increase, with Baroda (61 per cent) and Hyderabad (39 per cent) driving the surge.

Similarly, hiring in the FMCG sector grew by 26 per cent, led by Bengaluru (52 per cent) and Kolkata (43 per cent). The real estate sector also demonstrated a strong 23 per cent growth in hiring, driven by Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad, the data showed.

The IT sector experienced a healthy 17 per cent growth in July as compared to last year.

"This is the first month this year that we have seen positive growth, and the fact that it's cutting across sectors and geographies, makes it truly promising," said Dr Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer of Naukri. This broad-based, positive shift could potentially be the onset of an upcycle in the Indian white-collar job market, he added.

Among the roles seeing the highest growth in hiring were machine learning engineers, data scientists, BI managers, and product managers. Global Capability Centres (GCC) saw a 12 per cent YoY increase, driven by hiring in Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad. Gujarat continued to lead the pack with Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Baroda recording 39 per cent, 38 per cent and 25 per cent growth, respectively. According to the report, Hyderabad emerged as a key hub for job creation across multiple key industries.

--IANS

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Kinshasa, Aug 2 : People in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have lately been caught up in fresh fighting pitting government troops against two rebel groups, the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

In Cantine, a village in the eastern North Kivu Province, about 100 villagers were massacred in early June by ADF rebels; the DRC military vowed to fight back.

"The challenges are numerous for our soldiers, and we have only one message for this population: we are going to win this war," Jacques Ychaligonza Nduru, Deputy Chief of Staff of the DRC armed forces, told Xinhua news agency from Cantine.

The ADF, founded in the 1990s by several opposition movements in Uganda, was defeated by the Ugandan army, but its members have remained active in the eastern DRC. The ADF declared its affiliation with the Islamic State in 2017.

Since late 2021, the Ugandan and Congolese militaries have launched joint operations against ADF rebels in the eastern DRC.

The Congolese army's fight against the ADF started in 2016, when government troops went deep into the forest of the Beni territory, where the village of Cantine is located, to hunt down ADF rebels, who have also been targeted by a special brigade consisting of Tanzanian, Malawian, and South African peacekeepers. In 2017, at least 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers were killed in an ADF attack on their base in Beni.

Since June, ADF rebels have been approaching areas previously controlled by government forces, despite a joint operation by the DRC military and the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, which began in May.

"We are aware of people's concern over this situation, which particularly disturbs us as an army responsible for protecting them and their property," admitted Nduru, in charge of operations and intelligence, who recently traveled to Beni to reassure the population.

"Trust us. Trust your army," he said, Xinhua news agency reported.

In addition to the hostilities with ADF rebels, people in the eastern DRC also have to face the advances of M23 fighters, who have taken over several towns since June in the Lubero territory of North Kivu, where the ADF is also active.

According to residents interviewed by Xinhua in Beni and surrounding areas, government soldiers are seen as being overwhelmed by the dual challenge of ADF and M23 rebels. The M23 resurfaced in late 2021 after its defeat in 2013.

"Our soldiers have been engaged in various operations across the country, particularly in North Kivu, for years without rest," said one resident, who requested anonymity. "That is why we have concerns about the advance of the M23 rebellion. That's why we support the community self-defense initiative alongside the army."

In July, recruitment activities were seen in Beni for the creation of local self-defense forces to protect the community against the resurgence of ADF rebels, who are taking advantage of a security vacuum made possible by M23 advances.

"We fear that if the M23 rebels advance, most of the soldiers (deployed here to fight against the ADF) might be withdrawn and sent to operations against the M23," said Mumbere Pascal, a Cantine resident.

Asked by Xinhua about a possible collusion between the M23 and the ADF, military authorities in the area said everything remains to be confirmed by the relevant services.

"The similarity and succession of events in the region are still strange to us," said one military official involved in operations against the rebels. "At a time when we were facing the advance of the M23 rebels in the Lubero territory toward Kanyabayonga, the ADF, which had never attacked in Lubero, also started attacking civilians."

"This raises many questions about the timing of these attacks," he said.

On Tuesday, it was announced that under the mediation of Angolan President Joao Lourenco, the foreign ministers of the DRC, Angola, and Rwanda agreed on a ceasefire between the warring parties in the eastern DRC, which will come into effect on Aug. 4. The belligerents involved in the ceasefire were not specified.

The fresh ceasefire, welcomed by the United Nations, follows a humanitarian truce between the DRC military and the M23 that is scheduled to end on Aug. 3.

However, the ongoing humanitarian truce has not been fully honored, with fighting reported between government troops and M23 rebels in Bweremana, a village in the Masisi territory of North Kivu, where civilians were killed by several bombs.

Earlier, on July 11, the DRC military accused the M23 of violating the truce and denounced their "legendary belligerent attitude" of wanting to keep displaced populations in atrocious conditions by depriving them of humanitarian aid.

A political solution to the M23 crisis has been called for by the international community, including the UN Security Council.

The DRC government has insisted that negotiations on the matter must be conducted within the framework of the Luanda process, as seen in the ministerial meeting held on Tuesday.

"We remain firm on our position that any discussion will take place within the framework of the Luanda peace process," initiated by the Angolan president, DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner said in early July, in response to a question about dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda.

The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, an accusation that Kigali rejects.

The DRC has been plagued by violence for about three decades. In 2008, the International Rescue Committee, a non-governmental organization, reported 5.4 million deaths from 1997 to 2008 in the country.

The eastern DRC is now facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

In the first four months of this year, more than 900,000 people were reported as newly displaced, bringing the total number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the DRC to about 7.3 million, including over 5.6 million in the three eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Agartala, Aug 2 : Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Tripura Assembly and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury on Friday said that "due to criminalisation of politics, ethnic violence to numerous crimes have been taking place during the last 6 years' rule of BJP-led government in the state".

A CPI-M legislature party delegation led by the LoP on Thursday visited Ganda Twisa, where large-scale arson, attacks and looting took place on July 12 after the death of a tribal college student, Parameshwar Reang, who succumbed to injuries after being assaulted on July 7.

According to officials, over 40 houses, 30 shops, and many vehicles were either burnt or severely damaged by the attackers in the mixed-populated Ganda Twisa area (in Dhalai district), located 130 km from Agartala.

Over 400 men, women and children belonging to 165 families are still sheltered in a special camp since the ethnic violence broke out.

Detailing the visit of the delegation to the violence-hit Ganda Twisa, the LoP demanded impartial investigation of the violence by constituting a Special Investigating Team (SIT) led by a senior-ranking police officer.

"After the unfortunate death of Parameshwar Reang, ill-motivated perpetrators involving some innocent people in a pre-planned manner undertook large-scale attacks, arson, and looting. The attackers did not even spare the hundreds of cattles," the Left leader told the media and demanded a visit by Chief Minister Manik Saha in the violence-hit Ganda Twisa.

The LoP claimed that the state administration did not take any steps to facilitate the return of the affected people to their villages and did not provide basic assistance to the hapless people sheltered in the relief camp.

He said that "due to criminalisation of politics by the ruling BJP and non-punishment to the accused persons, ethnic violence to varied crimes and misdeeds have been taking place since 2018 in Tripura".

"Without taking action against the criminals and attackers, the police are arresting the victims and that is unprecedented in the entire country. Lawlessness increased to a large extent due to the misgovernance of the BJP government. Taking advantage of the situation, criminals recently murdered the secretary of a prominent club in the outskirts of the city," Chaudhury said.

The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) also expressed shock and dismay over the ethnic violence in Ganda Twisa and served notice to the Director General of Police and the District Magistrate of Dhalai district, officials said.

The three-member rights panel, headed by Swapan Chandra Das, retired Tripura High Court judge, said that inaction or negligence on the part of public servants in preventing the commission of a violation of human rights is also actionable and, therefore, the notices are issued to submit the preliminary report within three weeks for further course of action.

The Tripura government has recently sanctioned Rs 6 lakh in favour of Kharagaram Reang, father of Parameshwar Reang while Rs 1.54 crore has been sanctioned for providing financial assistance to 165 affected families.

Immediately after the violence, financial assistance of Rs 25,000 was given to each of the affected families as interim relief by the district administration, an official said.
Kolkata, Aug 2 : West Bengal Labour Minister Moloy Ghatak told the Assembly on Friday that over 21 lakh individuals from the state are operating as migrant workers in different states across the country.

Speaking during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Assembly, Naushad Siddique, the lone All India Secular Front (AISF) legislator, raised two questions -- on the number of closed factories in West Bengal, and the total number of people working as migrant workers in other states.

In reply, Ghatak said that 21,59,737 individuals from Bengal are currently working as migrant labourers in different states, with the majority concentrated in Maharashtra.

Replying to the first query, Ghatak said as of FY 2023-24, the number of closed factories in Bengal stood at 169, two less than the figures of FY 2022-23.

He also informed the House that 242 migrant workers from the state are currently stuck in Kerala due to the devastations caused by landslides in Wayanad, out of whom 155 are in contract with the state government.
Kuala Lumpur, Aug 2 : Despite poor manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) reading in July, economists still expect the recovery in Malaysia's manufacturing sector.

Kenanga Research said in a note on Friday that it still expects the recovery in Malaysia's manufacturing sector especially the export-oriented industries, to gain momentum in the second half of the year.

According to the research house, this optimism is driven by the anticipated technology upcycle, fueled by higher demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and various stimulus measures in China.

However, downside risks persist, particularly from external factors like renewed global trade tensions, the escalating Middle East crisis and the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, which continue to weigh on the global supply chains and demand, it said.

However, given the better-than-expected second quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth in Malaysia, Kenanga maintained its bullish outlook on Malaysia's full year GDP growth.

"We expect it to settle near our upper-end target range of 4.5 percent to 5 percent, thanks to strong domestic demand and continued expansion in the services sector," it said, Xinhua news agency reported.

MIDF Research also said in a note on Friday that it still projected better external trade performance for Malaysia in the second half.

It reiterated its projection for Malaysia's exports of goods to rebound and expand by 5.2 percent in 2024.

According to MIDF Research, the dip in Malaysia's PMI also aligns with the deterioration seen in other countries.

PublicInvest Research projected Malaysia's exports to increase by 5.4 percent year on year in 2024.

The positive outlook is bolstered by enhanced economic governance and an improved competitiveness ranking, it noted.

Malaysia's PMI is expected to align with global trends, surpassing the 50-level mark in the second half, assuming the stabilization of global uncertainties, according to the research house.

The S&P Global Market Intelligence said on Thursday that Malaysia's manufacturing PMI fell to a three-month low of 49.7 in July from 49.9 in June, amid renewed moderation in new orders, signaling a fractional moderation in the health of the sector.
Islamabad, Aug 2 : At least two policemen were killed and two others wounded in an attack on a judges' convoy in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, police said.

The attack happened near the Bhagwal area of Tank district of the province when unknown "terrorists" targeted the judges' vehicle with gunfire, critically injuring four cops, said police officials in Tank district, Xinhua news agency reported.

Two of the injured policemen succumbed to their injuries at a hospital in the district, said police officials, adding that the judges remained unhurt, who were on their way home under tight security arrangements.

A heavy contingent of police reached the area after the attack. Police have started an investigation and launched a search operation in the surrounding areas to arrest the perpetrators involved.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
Bengaluru, Aug 2 : TJ Abraham, the petitioner who sought permission for prosecution of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from the Governor of Karnataka, stated on Friday that Thaawar Chand Gehlot has no choice but to grant sanction.

Social activist TJ Abraham, who moved the petition against CM Siddaramaiah in connection with his alleged involvement in the irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), told IANS, on Friday, "The Governor has no choice but to grant sanction. I am hopeful. If there is nothing in the complaint, why did the Karnataka government convene a Cabinet meeting for three hours? Why did 10 to 12 Cabinet ministers hold a press conference? If my complaint does not contain any stuff, why are we seeing this kind of disturbed activity?"

"The government has advised the Governor to withdraw the notice and reject the complaint, but is he bound by their advice? The Governor is bound by the Act. The Prevention of Corruption Act very clearly says, when there is a request for sanction for prosecution the Governor is supposed to give a notice and opportunity to that person against whom the allegation is being made and then take a decision on according sanction for prosecution," Abraham pointed out.

"It is a clear cut case. He has to give permission because he is convinced. The case is simple, when there is no agricultural land, how did you buy agricultural land? How did it become your land? You can't claim right over that land because it belongs to someone else. The sites in that land are in someone else's name," he stated.

On charges of him being a habitual filer of complaints against leaders, Abraham stated, "I am a habitual complaint filing person. I have filed several complaints and I also have allegations against me. People have made false allegations. I would call them false, but they have made allegations, whether they are false or not I won't be able to certify as the courts will have to decide and I will wait for it."

"My point is that is there anything wrong with the claims that I have made in the complaint against CM Siddaramaiah to the Governor? Or are they illegal? They (Congress leaders) have not answered it," he emphasised.
Aizawl, Aug 2 : A ministerial-level meeting of the Mizoram and Assam governments will be held in Aizawl on August 9 to find a lasting solution to the decades-old inter-state border dispute between the two northeastern states, officials said on Friday.

A senior official of the Mizoram Home Department said that Home Minister K. Sapdanga would lead the stateas delegation while the Assam delegation would be headed by the stateas Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora.

Due to the Assembly election in Mizoram in November last year and Lok Sabha elections in April-June, the pending meeting between the two states could not be held for a long time, the official said.

He said that as per the decision of the ministerial level meeting held in Guwahati in November 2022, the Mizoram government has already submitted a list of 62 border villages to the Assam government that are within the Mizoram territory.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Lalduhoma during a meeting on February 9 in Guwahati agreed to make joint efforts to resolve the long-pending inter-state border issue. Assam and Mizoram share a 164.6 km-long border with Mizoram's Aizawl, Kolasib, and Mamit districts abutting southern Assam's Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi districts.

Amid the long-standing border dispute between the two states, the border area saw its worst-ever violence on July 26, 2021, when the Assam and Mizoram Police exchanged fire in the disputed area near Vairengte village on National Highway 306, leaving six Assam Police personnel dead and many injured.

Mizoram claims that 509 square miles of the reserved forest, notified in 1875 under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) 1873, falls within its territory. Assam, on the other hand, regarded the border shown on a map prepared by the Survey of India in 1933 as its current boundary. The border dispute began in 1972 when Mizoram, then one of the districts of Assam became a Union Territory and the boundary between Assam and Mizoram was vaguely made under the North-East Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971, without any ground demarcation.
Jaipur, August 2 : Angry protesters pelted stones at the police in Rajasthan's Banswara district on Friday over a proposed nuclear power plant there, leaving two cops injured.

In response, the police fired tear gas shells and also opened fire in the air, besides resorting to lathicharge to disperse the mob.

The proposed 2,800 MW NPCIL nuclear power plant near the Pratap Dairy in Chhoti Sarwan village has led to the displacement of the local residents, while many villagers have refused to vacate their land despite compensation.

Accordingly, a police squad reached the NPCIL plant premises on Thursday night to remove the people occupying the site.

On Friday, scores of villagers, including the families displaced due to the land acquisition for the proposed nuclear plant, faced off with the police near the Pratap Dairy.

The clash broke out after the large police force deployed there started driving people away from the plant premises, triggering violent reactions from the locals who pelted stones on the cops leaving two of them injured.

Kaluram, the sub-inspector of Aambapur police station, Banswara, told IANS, "Tension escalated at the proposed nuclear site after the villagers staged a protest. A wall was to be constructed on Friday, which triggered the agitation."

The police have detained some of the protesters who were taken to the Kotwali police station.

As per officials, more than 200 police personnel are present on the spot.
Jammu, Aug 2 : Security forces were put on high alert in Jammu on Friday after a Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist went missing from his home district of Kulgam in the Kashmir Valley, officials said.

The Hizbul terrorist, Yasir Bhat was on bail when he went missing from Kulgam district on Thursday.

Police have distributed the poster pictures of the terrorist so that he can be identified and brought to justice.

Two civilians - Mohammad Riyaz of the Valley and Mohammad Shariq of Uttarakhand - were killed and 32 others injured when Bhat carried out a grenade attack at the Jammu bus stand in March 2019. He was arrested from Nagrota, a day after the attack, while trying to escape to Valley. He confessed to having carried out the attack at the direction of Hizbul commander, Farooq Ahmad.

Officials said that since Bhat was a juvenile, the court had granted him bail which he has now jumped.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the guidelines issued by the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) and National Aids Control Organisation (NACO), imposing a blanket restriction on transgender persons, female sex workers, and gay men from donating blood.

Issuing notice, a bench, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, directed the listing of the plea with a similar pending matter.

The plea, filed through advocate Ibad Mushtaq, said that the blanket prohibition provided under the 2017 Guidelines on Blood Donor Selection and Blood Donor Referral issued by the NBTC and NACO is a violation of the right to equality, dignity and life protected under Articles 14, 15, 17 and 21 of the Constitution.

"The impugned guidelines themselves are based on a highly prejudicial and presumptive view taken with regard to gay men in the 1980s in the United States of America and have since been revisited by majority of countries, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Israel and Canada, amongst others, the governments of which have come out with revised guidelines for blood donors which do not impose a blanket restriction on gay men or gender queer persons from donating blood," it said.

The PIL said that a blanket restriction on blood donation is based on an assumption that a particular group of persons may be suffering from sexually transmitted diseases, however, screening of blood donors is conducted for every donation before a possible transfusion and in an era, where medical technology and education, especially in the field of haematology has progressed by leaps and bounds, a blanket prohibition emanating from a highly discriminatory view of gay persons, does not stand to reason.
Shimla, Aug : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at 20 locations across Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh in connection with a case involving the alleged creation of fake Ayushman Bharat AB-PMJAY ID cards and violations of the scheme by several hospitals.

These actions were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

In Himachal Pradesh, the searches were carried out in the districts of Kangra, Una, Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu. According to an ED press release, the searches were conducted against Shree Banke Bihari Hospital, Fortis Hospital Himachal Healthcare Private Ltd, City Super Specialty Hospital, Shri Balaji Hospital, Shri Harihar Hospital, Sood Nursing Home, Neelkanth Hospital and their key management persons Dr Vijender Minhas, Raghubir Singh Bali, Dr Pradeep Makkar, Dr Rajesh Sharma, Manish Bhatia, Dr Manoj Sood, and Dr Hemant Kumar, respectively.

The ED initiated the investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV & ACB), Una under various sections of the IPC, 1860 against Kiran Soni, Shree Banke Bihari Hospital, Una and others for generating fake AB-PMJAY ID cards.

The ED investigation revealed that apart from Bankey Bihari Hospital, Shri Balaji Hospital, Sood Nursing Home, Fortis Hospital, and Sri Harihar Hospital etc. availed benefits of the AB-PMJAY scheme. During the investigation, as many as 373 fake Ayushman Cards have been identified wherein claims of about Rs 40.68 lakh (approx) were made for reimbursement from the government in the name of treatments given to the said Ayushman Card beneficiaries, the ED release said.

The list of such fake beneficiaries included the names of Rajnish Kumar (ABPMJAY Card No. PPKZU26H7) and Pooja Dhiman (ABPMJAY Card No. PICHWGI08), who on verification, even denied possession or any information of any such PMJAY Card.

The ED says that "they never underwent any such treatment in any of these hospitals. Apart from this, hospitals have made claims for treatments/surgery/admission which were actually never given/done to the patient".

"Raksha Devi (having PMJAY ID- PLOE81RR2Q) was denied admission in the hospital, however, the hospital dishonestly and illegally blocked the package of Raksha Devi. The investigation also revealed that these hospitals were de-empanelled from the Ayushman Bharat scheme for illegal practices and non-compliance with procedures/guidelines. 8937 Ayushman Bharat golden cards have so far been scrapped in HP for alleged violation of the AB-PMJAY scheme. As per investigation conducted so far, the case involves Proceeds of Crime (PoC) of about Rs 25 crore."

According to the press release, ED searches led to the discovery of cash of Rs 88 lakh (approx), four bank lockers, and 140 related bank accounts. Further, apart from immovable and movable properties, books of accounts and other documents, 16 digital devices in the form of mobile phones/ iPads, hard disks, and pen drives containing information regarding claims and documents related to AB-PMJAY, Himcare and other health schemes were found and seized.

The seized documents contain information about claims of the hospitals and included suspicious transactions worth Rs 21 crore for 23,000 patients. Searches also revealed several cases having severe mismatches in claims made to Govt. and actual data and data available in files in the hospital. It was also observed that several files regarding claims in the names of patients have gone missing.
Kolkata, Aug 2 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday wrote to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking the withdrawal of 18 per cent GST on life insurance and health insurance policies and products.

In the communique, the Chief Minister also objected to the withdrawal of deductions in the new tax regime under Sections 80C and 80D of the Income Tax Act.

"The primary objective of life and health insurance is to provide financial security and support during unexpected times such as illness, accidents, and deaths. These policies play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals and their families are able to cope with the financial hardships during such challenging times," she said in the letter.

According to Banerjee, imposition of GST on insurance premiums will increase the financial burden on the people and will hence act as a deterrent for many people in taking new policies or continuing with the existing ones.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that imposing GST on health and life insurance will put the common people under greater stress, depriving them of the benefits of social security net.

"In light of the above considerations, I request you to kindly review the anti-people taxation policies and withdraw the GST on life insurance and health insurance premiums, and include deduction under Sections 80C and 80D of the Income Tax on such premiums in the new regime.

"This will facilitate wider insurance coverage for the common people with more mental and financial stability," she said.
Cairo, Aug 2 : At least two people were killed and 25 injured when a truck rear-ended a passenger bus on a highway near Cairo on Friday, health sources said.

The bus, carrying holidaymakers, overturned after being hit at high speed in the morning, the sources at Matrouh Hospital told Xinhua news agency.

Some 20 ambulances transported the wounded to three hospitals, they added.

The public prosecutor has ordered an investigation into the accident and the truck driver has been detained for drug tests.

Road accidents are common in Egypt and often blamed on speeding, poor road conditions, and lax enforcement of traffic laws. The government has invested in upgrading the road network in recent years.
New Delhi, August 2 : Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Friday called for a review of the design, and construction of the new Parliament building in the national capital after videos showed the roof of the new building leaking due to heavy rain in Delhi.

Gogoi attacked the Central government on the issue, saying that the Parliament belongs to the people of the country, and not to one party or any individual.

Taking to X, the Jorhat MP said, "The design, construction, and facilities within the new Indian parliament need to be reviewed. There is much to be done for it to reflect the greatest traditions of Indian parliamentary democracy. The Parliament belongs to the people of India and not to one party or one individual. I hope that the views of all major parties will be taken in due time."

Earlier, another Congress MP Manickam Tagore posted a video on X showing water dripping from the roof of a lobby into a bucket placed on the floor inside the new Parliament building.

He wrote, "Paper leakage outside, water leakage inside. The recent water leakage in the Parliament lobby used by the President highlights urgent weather resilience issues in the new building, just a year after completion. Moving an adjournment motion on this issue in the Lok Sabha."

Tagore later submitted an adjournment motion seeking the formation of a special committee led by MPs to inspect the building and assess the "causes of the leaks, evaluate the design and materials, and recommend necessary repairs".
Pune, Aug 2 : A Pune court on Friday granted bail of Rs 50,000 to Manorama D. Khedkar - the mother of the former IAS Probationary Officer Puja M.D. Khedkar - 15 days after she was arrested in a criminal intimidation case.

Pune, Aug 2 (IANS) A Pune court on Friday granted bail of Rs 50,000 to Manorama D. Khedkar a" the mother of the former IAS Probationary Officer Puja M.D. Khedkar a" 15 days after she was arrested in a criminal intimidation case.

A former village sarpanch (headwoman), Manorama Khedkar, was nabbed from a lodge in Raigad on July 18 by the Paud Police, remanded to police custody twice and then to 14 days judicial remand.

Granting her bail on Friday, Additional Sessions Judge Ajit N. Mare imposed several conditions including not to contact or influence the complainants/witnesses, keeping off the jurisdiction of the Paud Police Station till the investigations are on, not leave Pune district and cooperating with the police and other agencies.

Manorama D. Khedkar came to prominence after a 2023 video surfaced in which she was seen waving a pistol at some farmers in Mulshi allegedly threatening them to part off with the land.

Her husband Dilip Khedkar, a retired state government employee, had been granted anticipatory bail in the same case.

Their daughter and ex-IAS-PO Puja Khedkar is embroiled in a series of shocking controversies that saw the UPSC striking down her provisional candidature from the CSE-2022 and permanently barring her from all future examinations/selections on July 31 for her various actions including flouting UPSC rules on the number of attempts for the civil services exams.

The Paud Police Station had booked the Khedkar couple and five others, besides invoking various sections of the IPC and the Arms Act.

Incidentally, Puja Khedkar a" whose current whereabouts are not known since over a fortnight a" was refused anticipatory bail by a Delhi Court on August 1, even as the Delhi Police and various other agencies expanded the scope of their investigations against her.

In view of the latest developments, Puja Khedkar -- who was posted in Pune and Washim collectorates -- could face arrest by the Maharashtra and Delhi Police.
Kampala, Aug 2 : Uganda on Friday announced the detection of two cases of mpox imported from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the western district of Kasese.

The cases were among six suspected infections in Mpondwe and Bwera, towns bordering the DRC, according to Henry Mwebesa, Director General of Health Services at Uganda's Ministry of Health, in a statement issued in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

He said samples from a 37-year-old Ugandan woman married to a Congolese national and a 22-year-old Congolese female tested positive for the viral disease. "Findings reveal that transmission did not take place in Uganda and to date, no secondary transmission has been linked to the two cases," said Mwebesa.

"So far, nine contacts are under follow-up. Uganda continues to monitor the evolving situation in the DRC where cases have been reported in nearly all provinces, the latest being North Kivu, specifically Goma," he said while confirming the deployment of a rapid response team to Kasese to collaborate with district authorities in controlling the imported cases, Xinhua news agency reported.

The East African Community (EAC), a regional bloc, issued an alert Monday, urging its eight member states to educate citizens on protecting themselves and preventing the spread of mpox. This followed reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) warning of mpox outbreaks in Burundi and the DRC, both EAC members.

Meanwhile, Kenya's Ministry of Health declared a case of mpox Wednesday following its detection in Taita Taveta, southeast of the country's capital of Nairobi.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, transmits through close contact with infected animals or humans, contaminated objects, and respiratory droplets, causes symptoms including skin rash, fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes, as per WHO guidelines.
Colombo, Aug 2 : The Sri Lankan government will address the water scarcity issues in the country's northern province by commencing the 'River for Jaffna' project, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Friday.

Attending the opening of a seawater desalination plant, a part of the Jaffna-Kilinochchi Water Supply Project in northern Sri Lanka, Wickremesinghe said he hopes to transform the north into a developed province within the next 5-10 years, Xinhua news agency reported.

Wickremesinghe said the government plans to provide safe drinking water to 300,000 people and improve sanitation facilities for 80,000 people in the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts of Sri Lanka's Northern Province through the Jaffna-Kilinochchi Water Supply Project.

In mid-2022, only 5 per cent of the Northern Province's drinking water needs were met through piped water, but from Friday this will increase to 40 percent, the President's Media Division said.
Ambikapur : , Aug 2 (IANS) The public hearing for the proposed Kente Extension open-cast mine project, organised by the Environmental Protection Board in the Udaipur block of Chhattisgarh's Surguja district, concluded successfully on Friday.

The state-owned Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVUNL) will open a new captive coal mine spanning across 1,760 hectares with an annual coal production capacity of 11 million tonnes and a state-of-the-art washery project.

This development comes after the successful 12-year operation of the Surguja-based Parsa East Kete Basan (PEKB) Block, which produces 15 million tonnes of coal annually.

Besides Kete Extension and PEKB Block, the Centre has also allocated Parsa Block to RRVUNL in the Surguja district. Better access to coal from captive mines will reduce Rajasthan's dependence on Coal India and expensive imported coal to fuel its power generation units.

The Coal Ministry has awarded the PEKB Block a prestigious five-star rating in recognition of its excellent operations. RRVUNL has made substantial investments in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, livelihood, and rural infrastructure development. The support from hundreds of locals for yet another coal block has validated RRVUNL's impactful CSR initiatives.

Thousands of villagers from Udaipur tehsil's Kente, Basen, Chakeri, Parogiya, and other nearby villages within a 10-km radius started arriving at 8 a.m. despite the rain to express their support for the public hearing scheduled for 11 a.m. The hearing lasted for seven hours.

Vijay Singh Porte, the Environmental Protection Board Regional Officer, Sarguja, and Sunil Kumar Nayak, the Additional District Magistrate, chaired the hearing.

Deputy Sarpanch of Parsa, Ganeshram Yadav, said: "With the help of the locals, RRVUNL has given a new identity to Sarguja by planting more than 12 lakh trees on the previously mined land of the PEKB Block, making it a model mine in the country. Rajasthan's power utility runs cost-free English medium schools, skill development centres, clinics, and ambulance services. We hope that RRVUNL will further promote these initiatives by opening the Kente Extension mine."

The villagers discussed issues of regional development, job management, and self-employment during the meeting. Officials and dignitaries expressed support for the Kente Extension Coal Block, believing it would bring new development and job opportunities to the area.

Supporting the Kete Extension, Trilochan Pekra from Chakeri village said: "This project will provide job and self-employment opportunities to the women and youth of our village in the backward region. RRVUNL's operations and CSR efforts have demonstrated that the Nigam will bring prosperity to the locals."

Urmila Pando from Basen village said: "Many women, including myself, have gained self-employment with the opening of the PEKB Mine. Today, the women in our group have become self-reliant through the women's cooperatives engaged in diversified business activities. Hence, I support the Kete Extension Project."

V.P. Garg, the Additional Chief Engineer of RRVUNL, provided information about the Chhattisgarh project. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bansingh Netam, the Town Inspector of Udaipur Chandra Kumari, and Udaypur Block Tehsildas Chandrashila Jayswal were in attendance. Garg also expressed the Nigamas commitment to continue the developmental initiatives.

At the public hearing, RRVUNL's Superintendent Engineer Ashok Prasad and Adani Enterprises Ltd's Sarguja Cluster Chief Manoj Kumar Shahi, were also present, among other officials.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The government has paid out a subsidy of Rs 36,993.4 crore during the first four months of the current financial year (April-July 22) to ensure adequate availability of fertilisers at affordable prices to farmers in the country, Minister of State Anupriya Patel told the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Under the DBT (direct benefit transfer) in fertilisers system, 100 per cent subsidy on various fertiliser grades is released to the fertiliser companies, on actual sales to the beneficiaries based on Aadhaar authentication through POS devices installed at each retail shop, Anupriya Patel said.

Similarly, a subsidy of Rs 1.95 lakh crore was released in the last year (2023-24) to provide farmers with fertilisers at lower prices.

The Union Minister also said that to ensure a balanced use of fertiliser, the Central government through various schemes viz. Indigenous P&K, Imported P&K, Indigenous Urea and Imported Urea provide nutrient-rich subsidised fertilisers to the farmers.

Further, the Government has approved the Market Development Assistance (MDA)@Rs 1,500/MT to promote organic fertilisers, she added.

The minister further stated that the Indian Council of Agriculture & Research (ICAR) has recommended the use of soil test based balanced and integrated fertiliser management practices through conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources (compost, bio-fertilizers, green manure etc.,), split application and placement of nitrogenous fertilizers, use of slow releasing N-fertilisers, nitrification inhibitors and use of neem coated urea et.

The minister also said that water is a state subject and initiatives on water management, including its quality, is primarily the responsibility of the states. However, various steps have been taken by the Central government to improve the quality of groundwater in the country.

Data on groundwater quality available with the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) are made available in the public domain through reports as well as through the website -- cgwb.gov.in -- for use by various stakeholders.

The data is also shared with concerned state governments to take necessary remedial measures.

Besides, awareness generation programmes on various aspects of groundwater including preventing groundwater pollution and safe use of contaminated water are being conducted by CGWB periodically, she added.
Kuala Lumpur, Aug 2 : Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will evaluate the progress of the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok bridge upgrading project on Saturday, Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday.

The two officials will undertake a working visit to Sungai Golok, Thailand, and Rantau Panjang, Malaysia, and evaluate the progress of the project, one of the main border connectivity initiatives between the two countries, the ministry said, Xinhua news agency reported.

The two leaders will also discuss land boundary matters, connectivity initiatives to advance socioeconomic development in border areas and the Southern Thailand peace dialogue process, it said in a statement.

"The visit builds on the momentum of both leaders' previous engagement in Sadao, Thailand in November 2023, reaffirming Malaysia and Thailand's commitment to promoting people-to-people ties and enhancing economic activities along the northern Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand regions," it said.
Nairobi, Aug 2 : The Horn of Africa would experience below-average rainfall during the October-December season, potentially leading to drought conditions, international agencies warned on Friday.

The agencies, which include the United Nations World Food Programme, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Climate Prediction and Applications Center (ICPAC) of the East African bloc of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, said in an alert that climate models have predicted a transition to La Nina conditions during the second half of 2024, which could bring below-average rainfall.

"The greatest impacts are expected in central and southern Somalia, southern Ethiopia, and the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya," the institutions said in an alert issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, Xinhua news agency reported.

Other countries to be affected are Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania, where the second rain season happens in October-December.

The first rain season runs from March to May.

The agencies noted that the below-average rains would lead to "crop failures, deteriorating pastoral conditions, water shortages, atypical livestock movements, increased disease outbreaks, and heightened food insecurity and malnutrition."

They called on humanitarian partners to engage with local and national governments to support their contingency planning, the implementation of preparedness activities, and the identification of anticipatory actions, to mitigate the impacts of potential below-average rains.

The Horn of Africa has experienced severe drought events in the past, including in 2010/2011, 2016/2017, and 2020/2023, which were characterized by consecutive seasons of poor rainful, the ICPAC said.

The droughts, exacerbated by higher-than-usual temperatures, have led to severe pasture and water shortages, livestock fatalities, failed cropping seasons, population displacements, rising food prices, worsening human health, and widespread food insecurity and malnutrition among pastoral and agro-pastoral communities.

According to the WFP, some 20.4 million people across Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, are currently facing high levels of food insecurity and in need of urgent assistance.

Acute malnutrition continues to be a major source of concern with estimates indicating that more than 6.2 million children below five years will suffer from acute malnutrition in 2024 in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, out of which 1.7 million will suffer from severe acute malnutrition, added the UN agency.
Ankara, Aug 2 : Turkish and Syrian presidents have recently expressed optimism about potential meetings to improve bilateral relations, but experts caution that full diplomatic rapprochement remains uncertain given the decade-long rift.

Formal diplomatic relations between Turkey and Syria were severed following the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, with Turkey backing opposition groups against the Assad government. While there have been signs of thawing relations in recent years, substantial progress remains elusive.

In early July, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country would extend an invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad "any time" for possible talks to mend ties between the two countries, emphasising his country's desire to restore bilateral relations to their previous levels.

In response, Assad said in mid-July that "Syria insists that the meeting is necessary regardless of the level ... and a meeting is being arranged at the security level by some intermediaries." However, he also emphasised Syria's key security concerns as a precondition.

On July 24, the Turkish newspaper 'Aydinlik' published a "draft roadmap" outlining potential terms for an agreement. If accepted, the roadmap would lead to a memorandum of understanding signed by Turkish and Syrian security officials, setting the stage for an official meeting between the two countries' leaders.

Aydinlik claimed it obtained the draft from reliable "government sources" and that it includes provisions for Turkey to ban the activities of Syrian opposition groups on its territory and to return regions it controls in northern Syria before a complete Turkish withdrawal. In exchange, Syria would accept one to two million Syrian refugees currently in Turkey and ensure that a "moderate" Syrian opposition, acceptable to Damascus, participates in the government.

Despite the recent positive signals, experts warn that normalising relations will be a complex and prolonged process.

Gulru Gezer, a former Turkish diplomat and policy program director at the Ankara-based think tank TEPAV, said that "there is a long and bumpy road ahead" in the Turkey-Syria detente due to critical issues that need to be addressed between the neighbours.

"We haven't had a dialogue since the outbreak of the civil war in Syria. That is why it will take time to fully, if possible, normalise relations," Gezer said. "There are many issues that need to be agreed upon before the two sides get together. I don't think we are there yet," she added.

Amid Turkey's economic downturn and rising anti-migrant sentiment, the public has been urging the government to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees. "The refugee issue is very sensitive in Turkey. Their potential return will take time," Gezer noted.

Still, Gezer believed that progress on counter-terrorism and establishing a sustainable security environment could facilitate talks between Ankara and Damascus.
Hyderabad, Aug 2 : The Telangana government on Friday released the job calendar, giving details of the conduct of recruitment exams and the vacancies to be filled in the government departments.

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced the job calendar in the Assembly, meeting a key demand of the unemployed youth and job aspirants.

The calendar contains details like the months when the job notification will be issued, the qualifications required for vacancies to be filled, the exam schedule, and the recruiting agency.

As per the job calendar, the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TGSPSC) will conduct the Group 1 exams in October, Group 2 in December, and Group 3 in November this year.

Group I Mains will be conducted from October 21 to October 27. The notification was already issued in February. Exams for Group III Services will be held from November 17 to November 18. The notification for the exam was issued in December 2022 but the exams were postponed multiple times due to various reasons.

The Health Department will recruit lab technicians/nurses/pharmacists and the notification will be issued in September while the exam will be held in November.

The exams for Group II Services will be held in December. The notification was issued in December 2022.

For the recruitment of engineers in the Telangana Transmission Corporation (TGTRANSCO), notification will be issued in October while exams will be conducted in January 2025.

For Gazetted Engineering Services, the notification will also be issued in October while exams will be conducted in January 2025. The Teacher Eligibility Test will be held in January 2025, and the notification will be issued in November.

Group I-Prelims will be held in February 2025 and the notification will be issued in October. For gazetted and other services, exams will be held in April 2025 and notification will be issued in January 2025. DSC for recruitment of teachers will be held in April 2025 and the notification for the same will be issued in February 2025.

Recruitment of Forest Beat Officers will be conducted in May 2025. Another Teacher Eligibility Test will be conducted in June 2025.

Another Group I-Mains will be held in October 2025 and the notification will be issued in July 2025.

For Sub-Inspector Civil posts, exams will be conducted in August 2025. For Police Constable Civil posts, recruitment will be held in August 2025. Academic posts in degree colleges will be filled in September 2025. Degree lecturers in residential colleges will also be recruited in September 2025. Another Group II exam will be conducted in October 2025 and Group III along with Group IV will be conducted in November 2025. Recruitment for executive cadre posts will be conducted in November 2025.

The Congress, in its election manifesto, had promised to fill 2 lakh vacancies in government departments in the first year. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said last week that the state government will recruit 30,000 employees in the next three months. He claimed that since coming to power in December last year, the Congress government has so far recruited 30,000 employees.

The Chief Minister had said by providing 60,000 jobs even before completing one year, his government was demonstrating its sincerity and creating confidence among the unemployed.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : In a bid to improve logistics efficiency, reduce congestion and enhance connectivity across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet on Friday approved eight National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects, spanning 936 km with a total investment of Rs 50,655 crore.

The implementation of these eight projects will generate an estimated 4.42 crore man-days of direct and indirect employment, the government said.

PM Modi said in a post on X that this is a transformative boost to India's infrastructure landscape.

"The Cabinet's approval of 8 National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects at an expenditure of over Rs 50,000 crore will have a multiplier effect on our economic growth and boost employment opportunities," the Prime Minister said.

"It also underlines our commitment to a futuristic and connected India," he added.

The projects include six-lane Agra-Gwalior National High-Speed Corridor; four-lane Kharagpur-Moregram National High-Speed Corridor; six-lane Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad National High-Speed Corridor; four-lane Ayodhya Ring Road; a five-lane section between Pathalgaon and Gumla on the Raipur-Ranchi National High-Speed Corridor; six-lane Kanpur Ring Road; four-lane Northern Guwahati Bypass; and widening/improvement of the existing Guwahati Bypass and Eight-lane elevated Nashik Phata-Khed Corridor near Pune.

The government also said that every rupee spent on infrastructure development has a multiplier effect of about 2.5-3 times on GDP.

Commenting on the announcement of the Ayodhya Ring Road project, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said in a post on X: "Chaired by Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, the Union Cabinet approved the 68 km long, 4-lane access-controlled Ayodhya Ring Road at a cost of Rs 3,935 crore.

"This road will enhance access for pilgrims traveling to Shri Ram Mandir, situated 4 km away from the proposed Ring Road. It will alleviate congestion by diverting long-distance traffic and improving local mobility.

"Additionally, the Ring Road will improve connectivity to Inland Waterways (NW 40) via Naya Ghat, facilitating efficient multimodal freight transport."
Jaipur, August 2 : The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Rajasthan on Friday raided nine locations connected to Yogesh Acharya, the Acting Commissioner of the Sanchore Municipal Council.

The ACB teams seized four luxury cars, more than 40 branded watches, gold-studded cellphones, Rs 22 lakh in cash, documents for seven residential and commercial plots, along with gold and silver jewellery during the operation.

ACB Director General Ravi Prakash Mehrada said, "Raids were carried out at nine locations connected to Yogesh Acharya in Sanchore, Sumerpur, Balwana, Koliwada, Pali, Jodhpur, and Jaipur.

"During the operation, the ACB found a bank locker and documents of several bank accounts from the Acting Commissioner's place. A farmhouse equipped with luxury facilities was also found. According to the documents found so far, Yogesh Acharya is estimated to have acquired several properties worth crores of rupees."

Acharya reportedly has farmhouses in Balwana and Koliwada in the Sumerpur area of Pali district, which was also raided.

The ACB team also conducted a search operation at the rented house of an associate of Acharya near the Chamundanagar Marudhar School in Pali.

Meharda said, "The bureau headquarters received a confidential complaint alleging Yogesh Acharya acquired properties disproportionate to his income, whose market value runs into crores of rupees. The complaint was found to be genuine after verification."
Agartala, Aug 2 : Infiltration from Bangladesh into Tripura remained unabated with seven more Bangladesh nationals arrested in the state on Friday for their illegal entry into India, an official said on Friday.

A police officer said that during a routine check-up, the police arrested the seven Bangladesh citizens, all third-genders, at Panisagar in northern Tripura when they were travelling in a Guwahati bound bus.

"The detainees confessed that they were trying to go to Mumbai via Guwahati. They are keen to board a Mumbai-bound train in Assam. They are giving contradictory statements about their plan to go to Mumbai," a police officer told the media.

He said that some fake Aadhaar cards were found in their custody.

A day earlier, eight Bangladeshi nationals, including two women and two Indian touts were arrested by Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel at the Agartala railway station before they could board the train to move to some other states in India.

Over the last two-and-a-half months, more than 170 Bangladeshi nationals and 32 Rohingyas were arrested by the GRP, Border Security Force (BSF), and Tripura Police from the Agartala railway station and various other places in Tripura after they illegally entered India.

Meanwhile, a BSF spokesperson said that the border guarding troops on Friday foiled an infiltration bid in northern Tripura's Kailashahar area.

He said that a BSF ambush party, which was ahead of the border fence in the area of Tillabazar Border Out Post, observed some suspicious movement of 15-20 Bangladeshi nationals moving towards the border fence from the Bangladesh side with an intention to cross over and enter India.

"When the BSF ambush party challenged the group of infiltrators to stop, they did not pay heed and further tried to forcibly cross the Border Fence. One stun grenade was fired by the BSF party to deter the infiltration bid. But some of the infiltrators, who were equipped with sharp-edged weapons, tried to attack the BSF party.

"As a part of the graded response and non-lethal strategy, one round of pump action gun was then fired. When the non-lethal approach failed to make any difference, one round of 5.56 INSAS was fired towards the Bangladeshi nationals, then they managed to flee towards their homes (on the Bangladesh side)," the spokesman said.

He said that in view of ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, the BSF has stepped up its vigilance along the 856-km border with Tripura and maintained close coordination with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at various levels.
Washington, Aug 2 : US Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday won the Democratic nomination for President, securing a majority of votes of the delegates.

She will be crowned the partyas nominee ceremonially at a convention later this month.

"I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party following the close of voting" on August 5, Democratic National Committee chair Chair Jaime Harrison said Friday.

Harris told supporters on a call she was "honoured to be the presumptive Democratic nominee".

Voting began online on Thursday and is scheduled to end on Monday although Harris has clinched the prize.
Hyderabad, Aug 3 : Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra on Friday agreed to adopt the automotive department in Young India Skill University being established by the Telangana government here.

Anand Mahindra called on Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the latteras Jubilee Hills residence on Friday.

According to the Chief Ministeras Office (CMO), Revanth Reddy discussed Mahindra Group's investments in the state and other issues with Anand Mahindra.

The Mahindra group Chairman agreed to adopt the automotive department at the Young India Skill University, saying the company will depute a team to visit the university soon.

He also came forward for the expansion of the Club Mahindra Holiday Resort in Hyderabad, the CMO said.

Automotive & Electric Vehicles is one of the 17 verticals in which the university will impart skills to the students.

A Bill for setting up the university was passed in the state Assembly on Thursday. The government announced that the university will offer courses in six verticals for the academic year 2024-25.

Leading corporates have come forward to be partners for the six schools - School of Pharma and Life Sciences, E-commerce & Logistics, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), Construction & Interiors, Retail Operations & Management and Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics.

The industry partners for the six schools include Adani Logistics, O9 Solutions, Dr Reddyas Labs, State Bank of India (SBI), National Academy of Construction (NAC), Retailers Association of India, and Telangana VFX, Animation and Gaming Association.
Hyderabad, Aug 3 : A police case has been registered in connection with morphed videos of Telangana ministers Danasari Anasuya alias Seethakka and Ponnam Prabhakar.

On a complaint by Congress leader and lawyer Tejavath Venkata Naik, Cyber Crime Police registered a case on Friday and took up investigation.

The complainant alleged that some individuals morphed videos of Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka and Transport Minister Prabhakar and posted them on social media. The Congress leader said videos were taken from live proceedings of the Assembly and morphed.

Earlier, the Assembly took a serious view of a morphed video of the Assembly proceedings insulting Seethakka.

Assembly Speaker G. Prasad Kumar said stringent action will be initiated against those found guilty of the offence, noting that civil society would hang its head in shame once it watches the morphed video.

The Speaker's statement came after Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu requested him to take action, saying the morphed video was an affront to the dignity of the House.

"All the legislators need to join hands cutting across party lines in protecting the dignity of the House," he said.

While some members of the ruling Congress blamed Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) for morphed videos, BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao said no one from BRS took the videos. Stating that all the cameras are under the Speaker's control, the BRS leader said he can check who has done it.

Rama Rao also said that character assassination on social media is not confined to one person, and from the Prime Minister to Chief Minister to Ministers and MLAs, all were being targeted and this was happening from all sides.
New Delhi/Aizawl, Aug 3 : Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma held a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and urged him to hold talks with the tribal leaders of the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, as part of the efforts to resolve the ethnic crisis prevailing in the neighbouring state, officials said.

An official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Aizawl said that the Mizoram CM held a meeting with the Union Home Minister at the latter's residence on Thursday and discussed the ethnic strife in Manipur.

"Lalduhoma requested HM Shah to arrange a meeting between officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the leaders of Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), which represents all tribal communities in Manipur," the official added.

The Mizoram Chief Minister also informed Union Home Minister Shah that he was invited by his Manipur counterpart, N. Biren Singh, to visit Imphal and expressed his willingness to accept the invitation.

Meanwhile, an official of the Manipur CMO said in Imphal that on the sidelines of the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi last week, Chief Minister Biren Singh discussed various matters concerning the northeast region with the Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

The CMO official in Aizawl said that the Mizoram CM also expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Shah for sanctioning Rs 10 crore for the displaced people sheltered in Mizoram.

More than 35,120 refugees from Myanmar took shelter in Mizoram after the military takeover in the conflict-ridden country in February 2021 while more than 2,000 Bangladeshi tribals have been staying in Mizoram since November 2022.

At present, there were 4,215 internally displaced people (IDPs) from Manipur taking shelter in several districts of Mizoram after the ethnic violence broke out in the neighbouring state in May last year.

At the peak of the Manipur ethnic turmoil, more than 12,000 IDPs from Manipur were taking refuge in Mizoram, though many have since returned to their native state.

The Mizoram CMO official said that during their discussion, the Union Home Minister informed Mizoram CM Lalduhoma that the Special Central Team for Cyclone Remal had already submitted their reports and assistance for it is expected soon.

--IANS

sc/khz
Imphal, Aug 3 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Friday said that 10,675 illegal immigrants, mostly Myanmarese, were detected in the state in the last five years.

Replying to the queries of the MLAs in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said that the Free Movement regime (FMR) has been kept under suspension since June 29, 2021, and the Home Ministry has recommended to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to completely scrap the FMR.

Singh, who also holds the Home portfolio, said that the state government has initiated the process to set up six new police stations and 34 police outposts in areas along the 398-km-long border with Myanmar to strengthen the security of the border villages to curb infiltration.

Replying to a question of MLA Surjakumar Okram, the Chief Minister said that 10,675 illegal immigrants, belonging to Myanmar, Bangladesh, Norway, China and Nepal, have been detected in the state in the last five years.

"Around 85 immigrants were deported. Approximately 143 immigrants are in the detention centre. The state government has incurred over Rs 85.55 lakh for maintenance of detainees in the detention centre," the Chief Minister said.

He stated that a committee has been constituted to conduct a verification drive for the identification of illegal Myanmar immigrants in Churachandpur, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Kamjong and Pherzawl districts.

"Before the ongoing violence broke out on May 3 last year, the Committee detected 2,480 illegal Myanmar immigrants. The Central government has announced that the India-Myanmar border would be fenced completely. Border fencing work along Manipur has already started," Biren Singh said.

"District police have been alerted to keep strict monitoring/checking of illegal infiltration along the Indo-Myanmar Border. Frequent patrolling, frisking and checking are conducted with input collected from sources to detect illegal immigrants.

"All illegal immigrants are confined to local temporary shelter homes located along Indo-Myanmar border villages," the Chief Minister further said, adding that the migrants have been provided humanitarian support after proper identification and verification by way of taking biometric and biographic details.

Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier announced the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the erection of fencing along the entire 1,643-km India-Myanmar border to ensure the internal security of the country and to maintain the demographic structure of the northeastern states bordering Myanmar.

The FMR allows citizens residing close to both sides of the border to move 16 km into each other's territory without a passport or visa.

Four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram -- share a border with Myanmar.
Paris, Aug 3 : Pistol ace Manu Bhaker will get an unprecedented third individual medal for an Indian in the Olympic Games in the Women's 25m Final, hoping to add to the two bronze she has already won so far in the 2024 edition. Manu Bhaker who has already won bronze medals in the Women's 10m Air Pistol event and the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event so far, will be aiming for her third medal in Chateauroux at 13:00 on Saturday.

Manu, who is the first Indian to win two medals in the same edition of the Olympics, had finished second in the qualifying round on Friday. While Manu will be going for a medal, woman archers Bhajan Kaur and Deepika Kumari will be hoping to get into the semifinals of the Women's Individual rounds when they compete in the quarterfinals starting at 13:52 IST.

Deepika will meet Germany's Michelle Kroppen in the 1/8 Elimination Round while Bhajan Kaur will meet Indonesia's Diananda Choirunisa in the next match at 13:05 IST.

If they get past their opponents, Bhajan Kaur and Deepika will qualify for the next stage which will be held later in the afternoon. They are now the only Indian archers remaining in the fray in Paris after the pair of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat narrowly missed the bronze medal, losing to an American pair in the playoff. If Bhajan and Deepika get past their opponents.

In Sailing, Nethra Kumanan and Vishnu Saravanan will compete in the next two races in the women's and women's Dinghy to be held from 15:35 IST onwards.

In shooting, Raiza Dhillon and Maheshwari Chauhan will aim at the first day of the qualification round in Women's Skeet starting at 12:30 IST. Male shotgun exponent Anat Jeet Singh Naruka will continue to try his luck on the second day of the qualification round at 12:30 IST, hoping to qualify for the final.

In the evening, shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor will be in the fray if he qualifies for the Men's Shot Put final, which will be held at 23:08 IST.

The day will end for the Indian contingent after boxer Nishant Dev takes to the rings in the Men's 71kg quarterfinal against Mexico's Marco Alonso Verde Alvarez at 00:18 on Sunday.
Paris, Aug 3 : Pistol ace Manu Bhaker will get an unprecedented third individual medal for an Indian in the Olympic Games in the Women's 25m Final, hoping to add to the two bronze she has already won so far in the 2024 edition. Manu Bhaker who has already won bronze medals in the Women's 10m Air Pistol event and the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event so far, will be aiming for her third medal in Chateauroux at 13:00 on Saturday.

Manu, who is the first Indian to win two medals in the same edition of the Olympics, had finished second in the qualifying round on Friday. While Manu will be going for a medal, woman archers Bhajan Kaur and Deepika Kumari will be hoping to get into the semifinals of the Women's Individual rounds when they compete in the quarterfinals starting at 13:52 IST.

Deepika will meet Germany's Michelle Kroppen in the 1/8 Elimination Round while Bhajan Kaur will meet Indonesia's Diananda Choirunisa in the next match at 13:05 IST.

If they get past their opponents, Bhajan Kaur and Deepika will qualify for the next stage which will be held later in the afternoon. They are now the only Indian archers remaining in the fray in Paris after the pair of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat narrowly missed the bronze medal, losing to an American pair in the playoff. If Bhajan and Deepika get past their opponents.

In Sailing, Nethra Kumanan and Vishnu Saravanan will compete in the next two races in the women's and women's Dinghy to be held from 15:35 IST onwards.

In shooting, Raiza Dhillon and Maheshwari Chauhan will aim at the first day of the qualification round in Women's Skeet starting at 12:30 IST. Male shotgun exponent Anat Jeet Singh Naruka will continue to try his luck on the second day of the qualification round at 12:30 IST, hoping to qualify for the final.

The day will end for the Indian contingent after boxer Nishant Dev takes to the rings in the Men's 71kg quarterfinal against Mexico's Marco Alonso Verde Alvarez at 00:18 on Sunday.
Maureen Johnson is no stranger to the mystery genre. In her latest standalone venture following her bestselling Truly Devious series, Death at Morning House, a gay teen investigates not one but two murders that have taken place at her eerie new place of work. Marlowe Wexler escapes from the aftermath of an embarrassing first date to Morning House, a mansion that previously housed the infamous Ralston family. While working there, Marlowe uncovers new revelations about the Ralston murder case while investigating the sudden death of her new boss. We spoke with Johnson about her writing process, grappling with the truth of the past, and the marriage of comedy and mystery in her work.

For the last few years, youve been expanding upon the Truly Devious universe. What made you want to step out of it for this new book?

Mysteries are generally one and done. There are mysteries that have a continuing detective. Stevie Bell [of the Truly Devious books] is a continuing detective, but in many mysteries, you get the case and thats it. And then theres the single mystery stories. Its just natural to do a stand-alone mystery and its a big challenge.

What goes into crafting a good teen detective? What are some of the traits necessary and how did you incorporate them into Marlowe?

 I love a classic mystery, a puzzle. 

The traits are the same as an adult detective. Whats different are their limitations in society. Because theyre teens they havent started a career. They dont have six ex-wives or ex-husbands. They dont have a past. You just have to take into account that they dont have certain job experience, life experience, or sometimes financial resources. Theyre operating at a disadvantage, but an advantage is that theyre probably underestimated.

What is the process in crafting your stories?

I love a classic mystery, a puzzle. I always start at the central problem, with the case of what happened, because a murder mystery involves someone being killed. I start with the why and then I go to the how and the who. I always build a case file; I write out the entire set of circumstances that was behind what happened. And I may update that as I work. But I always say, This is actually what happened, and this is why these other things happen.

What was behind the decision to make this a dual timeline mystery? What did you want to explore through each investigation?

I think that mysteries are all about looking back. It may be back a couple of hours, or maybe back 100 years, it doesnt really matter. Its always about going back and figuring out how we got to where we are now. And I wanted to make something that talked about our American past: the stuff we dont talk about that we need to talk about. [Its about] building something that seems like a monument, an important house by an important family, and asking, What was really going on inside of this house?

This book plays with the idea of revisionist history, particularly with how people of the present day view the Ralston family in comparison to the realities of their lives. Why was that important to portray?

Its based on absolutely everything thats happening around us all the time. We are deliberately removing histories. If people try to talk about certain aspects of history, they get in trouble, or the books get removed. Or we take down a statue and everyone freaks out. The things that are in that book that the Ralston family espouses, like eugenics, werent fringe at all. It was commonplace. That was part of the culture. And we ignore all these things to our peril. Its all about [how] we revere them because of a big expensive house. Like, they live in a big house, they must be right. We revere the house instead of [looking at] the lives of the people in it or around it.

A throughline in both mysteries is the difficulty of loving someone you may not particularly like all the time. Why was that an important theme for you to explore?

It happens to almost everyone. Certainly right now, we might have a lot of disagreements with people about stuff, even within our own families. And how do you resolve that? What do you do? Thats just a fact of life that you may have difficult relationships sometimes. You have to navigate having people in your family who have beliefs that are very different from yours. I feel like that is a real experience, and maybe one thats in the forefront of a lot of our minds right now.

This story begins with Marlowes attempts to impress a girl, and throughout the novel we see Marlowe evolve through her approach to her romantic relationships. Why did you want to incorporate romance into this mystery?

I have a lot of writer friends, and we all get together and work and talk about story with each other. And I am frequently pursued by my friends who ask me, Hows your romance plot going? And I run away! Sometimes physically, because Im like, I do not want to talk about it! Im not a romance writer. I have written them, but I see myself as really kind of bad at it. So I said, why not embrace that feeling? Embrace the feeling of someone whos wildly romantic and bad at it and make that your thing. I thought it was funny to create someone who is a romantic and is just not super good at it.

This mystery is filled with humor via Marlowes narration. Can you talk a bit about the relationship between mystery and comedy and striking that balance?

I just write in the way that I write. There are mysteries that are very deadly serious, and there are some that are more light. I think you can strike as many tones as you like, as long as you have a character [whose] moral and general worldview remains consistent. I think Marlowe finds herself. And I imagine itd be quite frightening to find a dead body or to be like, Oh, everyone around me is disappearing and dying. And Im like, this is how I would react. I would be cracking jokes left and right out of sheer terror. Thats my attitude towards life. Yeah, it might get you eventually, but just keep laughing.

Whats next for you?

Right now, I am working on the final draft of a dossier mystery. They used to make them in the 30s. Its where you get a letter saying they need your help with this case, and you get the full case documents and a sealed solution in the back. And theres going to be two more Stevie Bell mysteries.

Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson. HarperTeen, $19.99 Aug. 6 ISBN 978-0-06-325595-1.
Denver's iconic Tattered Cover Book Store has named longtime employee Derek Holland to the role of managing director in the wake of the chains recent sale to Barnes & Noble. Holland will be the senior store manager, based in Colfax, Colo., per a release, with overall responsibility for all bookselling operations at Tattered Covers four locations.

Holland, a native Denverite, has been a bookseller and store manager at Tattered Cover for close to 35 years. He was first hired in 1989, and has since worked at every Tattered Cover location. He has also served on the American Booksellers Association's diversity, equity, and inclusion committee.

"I am honored to take leadership of Tattered Cover as we set about to restore the bookstore to excellence," Holland said. "I know after 34 years working as a bookseller at Tattered Cover the extraordinary quality of which our stores are capable."

While Holland takes on his new role, several key store managers will remain in their current positions: Katie Bierzychudek continues as store manager for the Colfax location; Scott Patnesky remains store manager of the Aspen Grove outlet; and John Michael Wolter continues as store manager of the store at Stanley Market Place.

Prior Tattered Cover CEO Brad Dempsey and COO Jeremy Patlen have left the company. Reflecting on his tenure, Dempsey said, "I am proud of the work we have accomplished over the past year and grateful for the opportunity to work with this iconic bookstore. I will be looking forward to seeing this revered group of stores thrive in the community for years to come."

The changes come in the wake of Tattered Cover's acquisition, made through its subsidiary TC Acquisition Co. LLC, by Barnes & Noble and its owner, Elliott Investment Management, for $1.83 million. The sale followed Tattered Cover's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in late 2023 under its previous owners, the investment group named Bended Page. Despite the change in ownership, Tattered Cover retained its name and branding.

James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble, has described the acquisition as an effort to preserve great independent bookstores. "If I can keep an independent store alive, I will," Daunt told PW, drawing parallels to similar acquisitions in the UK, where B&N has purchased independent bookstore brands like Blackwell's and Foyles. Daunt added, "store teams run their stores to their own idiosyncrasies while benefiting from the support structures of the wider business."

For his part, Holland will be challenged to both revitalize the store and honor its storied history. A key to this will be the support of the stores staff and the local community. "I am grateful for the support of my fellow booksellers, and above all the tremendous loyalty of our cherished customers," Holland said.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  The Purdue University Board of Trustees on Friday (Aug. 2) ratified faculty appointments and approved resolutions of appreciation.

The newly ratified faculty appointments are:

David Bahr as the Blacutt-Underwood Head of Materials Engineering

Kevin Otto as the Dane A. Miller Head of Biomedical Engineering

Zhihong Chen as the Reilly Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Shirley Dyke as the Donald A. and Patricia A. Coates Professor of Innovation in Mechanical Engineering

Elisa Bertino as the Samuel Conte Distinguished Professor in Computer Science

Catherine (Cammie) McBride as Distinguished Professor of Human Development and Family Science

David Bahr

Bahr came to Purdue in 2012 as a professor and head of the School of Materials Engineering. His research focuses on the micromechanical behavior of materials and how that impacts materials reliability. Bahr is a fellow of ASM International and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is also a member of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) and the Materials Research Society (MRS). He serves as the editor-in-chief of MRS Advances and is a member of the editorial board of International Materials Reviews. His honors and awards include a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers for his work with the Department of Energy on stockpile stewardship; ASM Internationals Bradley Stoughton Award; and, from TMS, the AIME Robert Lansing Hardy Award and the Alexander Scott Distinguished Service Award.

Kevin Otto

Otto began his faculty career at Purdue in 2006, spending eight years at the university before joining the University of Florida. He returned to Purdue in 2024 as a professor and the Dane A. Miller Head of the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. His interests lie in engineering neural interfaces for both research purposes and treatment options in neurological injuries or disease. His research focuses on multichannel implantable microdevices in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. These interfaces are being investigated for many applications, including sensory replacement, cognitive functional therapy and neuromodulation for autonomic therapies. Otto is a fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and is a senior member of IEEE. He has also served on numerous editorial and advisory boards, such as ACS (American Chemical Society) Applied Materials & Interfaces, Advanced Biosystems, Biochemical Sciences and IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. His honors and awards include Purdues Seed for Success Award; the University of Floridas Doctoral Dissertation Advisor/Mentoring Award, Biomedical Engineering Service Award and Biomedical Engineering Research Award; the Weldon Schools Faculty Service Award; the Weldon School Graduate Student Associations Outstanding Faculty Award; and more.

Zhihong Chen

Prior to joining Purdues Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2010, Chen was a research staff member at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center. In 2008, she assumed the role of manager for IBMs Carbon Technology Group, leading initiatives in the exploration and development of carbon-based technologies. At Purdue, Chens research focuses on the design and fabrication of novel materials, devices and circuits for beyond-CMOS applications and novel computing schemes. Her leadership includes serving as the director of the Semiconductor Research Corp. (SRC) nCORE NEW LIMITS center, a collaborative, multiuniversity initiative funded by SRC and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, dedicated to 2D materials research. Since 2023, Chen has held the position of the Mary Jo and Robert L. Kirk Director of the Birck Nanotechnology Center. For the scientific community, she served as the technical program chair for the 2020 Device Research Conference and as its general chair in 2021. She has also served as the program chair and later as the general chair for the International Interconnect Technology Conference since 2022. She is an IEEE Fellow for her contributions to the understanding and applications of low-dimensional nanomaterials.

Shirley Dyke

Dyke came to Purdue in 2009 with a joint appointment in the School of Mechanical Engineering and the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering. Her research focuses on the development and implementation of intelligent structures, and her innovations encompass structural control technologies, structural health monitoring, real-time hybrid simulation, and machine learning and computer vision for structural damage assessment. Dyke is the director of the NASA-funded Resilient ExtraTerrestrial Habitat Institute (RETHi) and the director of Purdues Intelligent Infrastructure Systems Lab at Bowen Lab. She previously served as editor-in-chief of Engineering Structures and has served or is serving on several other editorial boards, such as the Journal of Disaster Prevention Engineering, Smart Structures and Systems, and Earthquake Engineering and Resilience. Her awards and honors include the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the National Science Foundation, the George W. Housner Structural Control & Monitoring Medal from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Structural Health Monitoring Person of the Year Award, the International Association on Structural Safety and Reliability Junior Research Award, the ANCRiSST Young Investigator Award, and more.

Elisa Bertino

Bertino came to Purdue in 2004 as a professor of computer science and the research director for the Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS). Her research interests lie in computer and network security, with a focus on wireless network security and software security, and the use of AI for cybersecurity. Bertino serves or has served on the editorial boards of several journals, including ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) Transactions on Information and System Security, IEEE Security & Privacy and IEEE Transactions on Dependable and Secure Computing. She also served as the program chair of the 36th International Conference on Very Large Data Bases. Bertino is a fellow of IEEE and ACM. Her honors and awards include the IEEE Computer Societys Technical Achievement Award and Tsutomu Kanai Award; the Research Innovation Award from the IEEE Technical Committee on Services Computing; the ACM Athena Lecturer Award; the International Federation for Information Processings Kristian Beckman Award; the IEEE Innovation in Societal Infrastructure Award; the Purdue College of Sciences Faculty Research Award; and more. Bertino was also named to the GSMA Mobile Security Research Hall of Fame for her work on 4G and 5G cellular network security. She is currently serving as ACMs vice president.

Catherine (Cammie) McBride

McBride joined the faculty at Purdue in 2022 as the associate dean for research for the College of Health and Human Sciences and a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science. Her work focuses on early literacy and mathematics development across cultures, reading and writing development and impairment across cultures, and parenting for learning and psychosocial outcomes. She previously served as the president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading (SSSR) and was the founding president of the Association for Reading and Writing in Asia. McBride has served on the Scientific Advisory Board for the International Dyslexia Association and the Publications Committee for the Society for Research in Child Development. She is a member and fellow of several other professional societies, such as The Reading League, Association for Psychological Science (APS) and Society for Research in Child Development. She is the author of two books and more than 250 peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as the editor of six books. McBride also currently serves as co-lead on a $1.5 million grant from Lilly to improve teacher training in the area of literacy. She is a 2024 recipient of the APS Mentorship Award, the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning and the SSSR Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award.

In other action, trustees approved resolutions of appreciation for friends of the university who recently contributed $1 million or more to Purdue. Those are:

Patrick and Darcy Eibs, to support the Division of Financial Aid and the College of Liberal Arts

INvestED, to support the Office of the President

Joseph and Angela Fuller, to support the College of Liberal Arts and the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

An anonymous gift to support Purdue University Fort Wayne

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research institution demonstrating excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, including nearly 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 13 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap  including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative  at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.
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While praising the internship scheme announced in the Budget, India Inc wants clarity on how it will be implemented.

The scheme is expected to help companies address the skill gap in employment.

Dheeraj Hinduja, chairman, auto major Ashok Leyland, said: We had started an internship programme at our plant in Pantnagar, which we established in 2010 with colleges there.

"The government has left it to each company to see how it can support the programme.

"The scheme should support students in finding jobs. Our support in the programme continues in Pantnagar.

Ramesh Alluri Reddy, chief executive officer (CEO), TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, said the Budgets emphasis on skill development and job creation was commendable.

But the scheme requires clarity. The lack of detailed provisions on qualifications and procedural guidelines could impede its rollout and compliance.

For instance, the definition of a premier institution

remains nebulous.

This vagueness could lead to disparate interpretations and distorted implementation.

Additionally, the age bracket of 21-24 lacks specificity regarding employment status and economic conditions, he said.

Sanjay Nayar, president of Assocham, and former CEO, KKR & Cos India unit, said: Industry is poised to benefit from the scheme  the initiative has the potential to bridge the skill gap, particularly in sectors that demand them.

All stakeholders will be keen to be part of the consultation process for finalising a framework for the internship scheme.

"While the Budget proposals provide for companies to use 10 per cent of their CSR (corporate social responsibility) funds for the internship cost, raising the CSR fund limit may even improve industry response, Nayar said.

Officials of construction and engineering major L&T, which has in the past complained about skilled labour shortage, said if India was to grow, one of its positives was its population.

We need to invest in health and education for all, and the tax collected should be used for this purpose.

"It is a positive that the government is talking about labour, and it has to be a long-term plan.

"If the government invests in health and education, industry will take care of the skill part, said R Shankar Raman, chief financial officer and whole-time director, L&T.

The construction industry, which companies such as L&T and Tata Projects operate in, is facing a labour crunch of 10-15 per cent, specific to skilled labour.

Ritesh Singh, chief human resources officer, Tata Projects, is hopeful the Budget initiatives will help address some of these issues.

He said: We undertake similar upskilling under our own schemes, using our manpower costs.

"With the Budget announcement, we will explore if we could utilise CSR funds for this.

I do not expect it to add any further costs.

Kamal Karanth, CEO and founder, Xpheno, a specialised staffing firm, said the paid internship scheme was a good start on fresher employment.

He said the number of undergraduate and postgraduate students in all streams of education in the country was between 9.4 million and 9.6 million.

With 20-23 per cent of them pursuing higher education, we see 7.2-7.5 million people entering the job market each year.

"Even in the most buoyant years, the high-potential tech sector absorbs only 600,000. Therefore, creating seven-eight million jobs annually is a challenge for all sectors and enterprises, with market variables high enough to question its feasibility, he said.

A senior executive of an information-technology (IT) firm said implementing the voluntary skill scheme would be a problem.

This will not lead to the making of a productive workforce.

"The other problem is overheads. For every person that comes on board the person has to be given computers, a salary, proper office space, etc.

"If the government is allowing companies to use CSR funds then many would just do lip service to this.

A senior official at an industry body told Business Standard in pre-Budget meetings participants had acknowledged there was an employment paradox in India.

Companies are saying there are not enough people and people are saying there are not enough jobs, he said.

The only way to bridge this gap is to involve industry and tell them to train people in the skills they want.

Aditya Ghosh, chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry National Committee on Skills, said the scheme would enable industry to get fresh people, who could transition into full-time employees.
'The larger story of systematic destruction, which can and has been quantified, goes mysteriously missing from any political and/or public discourse about the ongoing devastation in the Ghats,' notes Prem Panicker.

IMAGE: A drone view shows damaged houses at a landslide site in Wayanad. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

"It is not nature that kills, it is what we do to nature that kills us."

In all the years of knowing my friend Arati Kumar-Rao, I've lost count of the number of times I have heard her say this, on stage and off.

Nature, she consistently argues, can be nurturing if you learn Her ways and study how to live with Her; the reverse side of that coin is that if you do things that impact Nature without understanding what you are doing and what the effects will be, she will turn unbelievably violent. (If her award-winning book Marginlands -- which I cannot recommend highly enough -- has a central theme, it is encapsulated in that one line.)

Over the past two days of following the catastrophe still unfolding in Wayanad, those words kept coming back to me, because what we are witnessing is, at least in part, the downstream impact of what we have perpetrated elsewhere.

While spending a large part of yesterday evening and most of the night fielding calls from cousins who are part of the rescue efforts and transmitting their requirements to those in a position to help, I thought back to a field trip Arati and I had taken in 2019.

For the most part, we were walking the Kerala coastline as part of a recce, and we were bemused by what we say.

It's like that Dorothy Parker line: When you get there, there is no there, there.

Kovalam beach, a constant trope in 'God's own country' travel ads, does not exist, nor does neighbouring Shankhumugam.

Kerala's coastline, from before Vizhinjam as you come down from Kanyakumari all the way to Kollam and even beyond, is one long seawall, punctuated by occasional patches of sand.

IMAGE: Drone views shows landslide sites. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Arati has written about the causes and the devastating impact of erosion in the 'Eating Up The Coast' chapter of Marginlands, so I won't go into that here.

What struck us then, and what made us want to revisit the land again, is a fundamental question: To build all these sea walls takes thousands of tons of rock. Where is it coming from?

Simple: The Western Ghats. And that is only the beginning of the problem.

In February 2023, ISRO released its Landslide Atlas. (external link) Wayanad district ranked 13th in the list of landslide prone areas, out of a total of 147 districts countrywide.

A statistic is worth noting: In 2014, ISRO recorded nine landslides in Kerala during the monsoon season.

In 2017, ISRO recorded 45 landslides during the same season. (A Scroll story from August 2023 cites even more startling figures (external link): In Kerala, ISRO recorded nine landslides in 2014, and 45 in 2017. In 2018, that number shot up to 5,181.)

What caused this escalation? Even as bodies are still being recovered from the ruins of what were once two towns, the blame game is in overdrive.

One BJP MP blamed encroachments by Muslims. The Union home minister said in Parliament that the loss of lives was because the state government had not heeded the warnings issued by his ministry seven days before the catastrophe.

No such warning was ever issued; the first time the Met department warned of intense rain with the possibility of landslides was the morning after the landslide had already occurred.

The Hume Centre for Ecology, based in Kalpetta, Wayanad, however had issued a warning (external link) of possible landslides, some 15 hours before the devastation began.

Various others have blamed the state government for ignoring warning signs and permitting unbridled construction in what is an ecologically sensitive region.

IMAGE: A drone view shows Indian Army and rescue teams building a temporary bridge to cross a river at a landslide site in Wayanad. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

In 2020, the State Disaster Management Authority advised relocation of 4,000 families from the landslide-prone areas in Wayanad. Mundakkai was among these areas.

Several such articles have appeared over the last two days, pinning the blame on various factors.

There are trace elements of truth in all of those, but I'll leave that lie for now -- an ongoing catastrophe is no time for a detailed post-mortem.

I'll get back to this later, once the rescue operations are completed, or terminated, plus I have a trip through that region coming up around 17 August, which is an opportunity to gather more information. (In passing, word from the ground is that the sub-200 official toll is nowhere close to reality -- north of 700 is the estimate I'm getting from people on the ground.)

My intent here is to zoom out to a bigger picture, a part of which Arati and I had witnessed at first hand during our field trip.

In August 2015, the then Congress government gave formal permission to Adani Ports and SEZ to build a deepwater port in Vizhinjam, in Trivandrum district.

To build the port, the group had to first create a breakwater -- which is, a wall extending into the sea over 3.18 km.

To do that takes rock -- millions of tons of rock. Guess where the rock comes from?

The mining of rock from the Western Ghats region for this project came up before the National Green Tribunal, in 2019.

In its affidavit to the court, AVPPL (Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited) submitted (external link) that it needed 130 lakh metric tons of rock (see #39 in the affidavit) for the construction of the breakwater. It said that 55 lakh MT of that amount still needed to be mined.

Inference, 75 lakh MT had already been mined between 2015 and 2019.

AVPPL argued (see #38) that there is both a distinction and a difference between its mining operations and that of companies engaged in general quarrying.

The crux of its argument was that it was not using the mined rock for commercial profiteering. 'Therefore, a balance needs to be struck between the protection of environment and Sustainable Development,' it said.

Shorn of verbiage, the argument is simply this: What we are doing is 'development', what the other fellows are doing is environmental damage.

The argument that there is no commercial element in AVPPL's quarrying operations is specious.

IMAGE: Bodies recovered are being moved to safer locations for further action by the civil administration. Photograph: DefencePROkochi/X

In August 2019, the group received permission (external link) for 19 rock quarries (additional to the permits it had earlier acquired and begun mining from).

12 of these were to be operated directly by the group for construction of the seawall. The others were in partnership with private operators, with AVPPL getting 50% of the quarried stone, while the other 50% would be commercially exploited.

Note that this flies in the face of AVPPL's submission before the NGT that there would be no commercial exploitation of the mining licenses whatsoever.

Also worth noting is that in August 2019, when AVPPL received permission for additional quarries, the selfsame state government had issued a blanket ban (external link) on rock mining in the state.

Not that such bans are effective -- a headline statistic from this Mongabay piece (external link) says Kerala has a total of 5924 functioning stone quarries, though only 750 of these have obtained mandatory permission from the Department of Mining and Geology.

I am not suggesting that the rock mining, by AVPPL and others, is the proximate cause of the current catastrophe.

I am, however, saying that the massive mining of rock from the Western Ghats region has rendered an already unstable region even more prone to widespread destruction.

I'm also saying that governments -- state and Centre both -- cutting across political divides, in all of the seven states along the span of the Ghats, are complicit in the ongoing devastation of the highly sensitive ecology.

And I'm saying this now because we are yet again in the noise cycle, which runs thus: A disaster happens.

The media breathlessly reports the mounting toll, spiced with sob stories from survivors (I am not saying it shouldn't). Polity plays the blame-the-other-guy game.

Analysts pick on a visible symptom, rather than the underlying cause. And then we move on to the next story, and the next.

The larger story of systematic destruction, which can and has been quantified, goes mysteriously missing from any political and/or public discourse about the ongoing devastation in the Ghats.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
'He fears that the youth tide has gone against him and he will be swept away in the next assembly election in the state.'

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs holding a banner protesting against the state government over various issues, in Ranchi on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Anant Kumar Ojha, the Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Jharkhand's Sahebganj, tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com about the scenes that have been unfolding inside and outside the Jharkhand assembly since July 31 and explains why and how Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto suspended 18 BJP MLAs from the House till 2 pm on August 2.

Ojha is among the 18 suspended BJP MLAs.

The special session, which was to end on August 2, was called to allow Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren prove his majority after he was released on bail by the Jharkhand high court in a money laundering case, for which he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, and remained in jail for five months.

Soren had resigned as chief minister following his arrest; Champai Soren assumed charge as chief minister.

Why were 18 BJP MLAs suspended by Jharkhand Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto?

We have been demanding answers from Chief Minister Hemant Soren revolving around his party (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha)'s promises before the 2019 assembly election that they will provide employment to 5 lakh youth every year.

Besides, those post graduates and graduates to whom the government could not provide jobs, they had promised to pay Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000 as unemployment allowance.

They had also promised to make permanent all the contract workers in Jharkhand. We wanted to expose how inadequate and how unsuccessful the Hemant Soren has government been in fulfilling the promises it made in its 2019 election manifesto, and we had requested the speaker that we wanted to move a resolution in the House. But the speaker dismissed our fair and legislative demand in a very unceremonious fashion.

He just read our resolution and peremptorily dismissed it.

All the BJP MLAs in the House were repeatedly requesting the chief minister, who is the leader of the House, to at least answer our questions in the assembly. We wanted to initiate a discussion on the same.

When the speaker repeatedly rejected our proposals, the Leader of the Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri persisted with our request to have the chief minister reply to our motion. When all our requests and efforts paid no fruits, the LoP decided that we would not vacate the House unless the CM participated in the discussion.

What has been happening in the Jharkhand assembly since July 31?

We started our democratic and peaceful protest inside the House since yesterday afternoon after the speaker adjourned the session.

To discourage and unnerve us the electricity connection was cut off yesterday night, the air conditioner was switched off, our access to toilets and washrooms were restricted. After our protests, thankfully the washrooms were opened for use.

Roads leading to the assembly were blocked.

We were pushed out of the House into the lobby and then the marshals on duty were ordered to push all of us towards the gate.

Despite all this torture we remained unmoved and continued our agitation since 2.30 pm yesterday (July 31) and today we were unceremoniously suspended from the House till 2 pm, tomorrow (August 2, which also happens to be the last day of the last session of the Jharkhand assembly; the next session can only take place after a new government is formed in the state by December 2024; state elections are likely to be scheduled in November or December).

It was like an undeclared emergency.

IMAGE: BJP MLAs protest against the Jharkhand government after 18 party MLAs were suspended from the state Assembly in Ranchi, August 1, 2024. Anant Kumar Ojha is sin a pink jacket and yellow kurta. Photograph: ANI Photo

What happened on Thursday?

As soon as we entered the assembly today, at the behest of the Hemant Soren government, the speaker directly read out his decision to disallow any sort of discussion in the House.

This government is deliberately running away from discussion and debate on the floor of the House because it knows it has nothing to show as far as fulfillment of their promises is concerned.

Hemant Soren fears that he will be exposed before the people of Jharkhand just before the assembly election. So, at his behest he got the speaker to suspend 18 of our MLAs despite our democratic and peaceful protests.

The JMM-Congress-RJD alliance government is purposely running away from our questions. To gag our voices, to suffocate the aspirations of the people of the state, the Hemant Soren government played out this charade of suspension.

There are allegations that BJP MLAs created a ruckus, engaged in tearing up some documents, after entering the well of the House...

Nothing of this sort happened.

What in fact happened and is more shameful is that the parliamentary affairs minister (Rameshwar Oraon) moved a counter-resolution in the House and the speaker just read it out before suspending 18 of our MLAs. Such a shameful act is unprecedented in the history of any legislative assembly or in Parliament.

Immediately after reading out from this counter-resolution, the speaker handed out his suspension orders and we were shoved out of the House by the marshals.

Why do you think Chief Minister Hemant Soren didn't want to reply to your questions?

He fears that the youth tide has gone against him and he will be swept away in the next assembly election in the state. He was just trying to delay the inevitable by running away from our questions and discussions in the House.

They can suppress our voices against their misdeeds and bad policies in the House but how will they stop us from raising issues that have assumed dangerous levels in the state?

They can't run away from answering issues like why, how and what led to change in demographics in one of our districts adjoining West Bengal.

They will have to answer why and how illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators are getting a foothold in Jharkhand and who is helping them do this.

Just today, our election campaign coordinator and Assam Chief Minister Himanata Biswa Sarma was not allowed to visit Gopinathpur in Pakur district by illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators from West Bengal.

This government adopts maun (silence) when questioned about illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingyas in Jharkhand. Their politics of appeasement has led to gradual shift in demographics of Pakur district bordering with West Bengal.

Our humble request to the Jharkhand chief minister is to answer all the burning issues troubling the state including the reason why tje tribal population in Santhal-Paraganas dropped by more than 12 per cent and how Bangladeshis and Rohingyas infiltrators are illegally swallowing tribal lands.

Fake domiciles and proofs of residence in huge numbers are being dished out to these infiltrators by the government. This government had started CID investigations into these reports since 2021 but even three years later they have not shared any report in the House.
'Except that the population was much less.'

'I remember my uncle and family moving away from the base of a hill whenever it rained for more than a couple of days without a dry day in between.'

'Perhaps the older generations knew if it rained for more than a certain time, they must pack up to a camp or to a relative.'

'As some of the interviews of the survivors on the Malayalam television channels show, the elderly people had a premonition a tragedy would happen, and those who acted on those premonitions survived.'

IMAGE: Indian Air Force and the National Disaster Response Force conduct rescue and relief operations in landslide-affected Attamala, Mundakai and Chooralmala areas in Wayanad. Photograph: ANI Photo

"If volcanoes and hurricanes can be predicted, and people shifted in advance in developed countries, why can't we have sensors in the mountain tops and slopes to give early warning signals?" asks former editor of Caravan Dr Vinod K Jose.

Dr Jose grew up in Wayanad, and returned after working in New York and New Delhi for twenty five years. He is currently working on a book on Indian politics.

In the concluding part of his interview to Rediff.com's Archana Masih, Dr Jose speaks about why policies based on science that preserve our inherited natural assets should be the need of the hour.

PART 1 of the interview: 'Climate Change Is The Main Villain'

What damage has the construction of tourist resorts done to this sensitive zone? How responsible are such projects for the tragedy?

What are some of the other 'development projects' that have contributed to such a disaster?

Clearly, inquiry must be carried out to see if there are tourist projects that have come up violating existing laws.

The existing laws themselves are quite stringent. But detailed inquiries must be carried out to see if practices or businesses are violating laws. From mindless tourism, governments must promote responsible tourism.

The latter is possible, as we see in many western tourist spots, and even in countries like Indonesia. From the usage of plastic to automobile to construction rules, it is possible to promote tourism without harming the environment.

People must be given the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature, Wayanad that way is very blessed with greenery, rivers, ancient caves, wildlife etc.

The need of the hour is, without destroying the tourism economy, how to fix all the problems that such an industry throws up.

IMAGE: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi at a landslide site in Chooralmala, August 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Reports say Wayanad had record footfalls this time. Living in Wayanad, did you feel so?

Has unplanned tourism damaged this eco-sensitive region considerably?

A few kilometres from where the current tragedy took place is Lakkidi, the village that used to record the highest rainfall in the world for many years together in the nineteenth and the twentieth century.

I remember growing up in Wayanad, it used to rain every second day. After a gap of twenty five years, I returned to Wayanad recently. But that non-stop rain that Wayanad was known for had disappeared.

This season, from June first onwards, I noticed that the rain was consistent, if not pouring down, drizzling always, and in no time, muddy puddles got formed, and roads became streams. It reminded me of the kind of rains in my childhood.

The flipside of such non-stop rain is that the soil would become loose, the trees would have taken the shock of the winds, making the roots weak, the rocks shake and can get misplaced at the slightest slip.

Landslides used to be quite frequent in the olden days too, except that the population was much less. I remember my uncle and family moving away from the base of a hill whenever it rained for more than a couple of days without a dry day in between.

Perhaps the older generations knew if it rained for more than a certain time, they must pack up to a camp or to a relative. As some of the interviews of the survivors on the Malayalam television channels show, the elderly people had a premonition a tragedy would happen, and those who acted on those premonitions survived.

In the absence of people with such spiritual connection to the soil, weather and waters, the warnings must have come using technology and science. But it is sad that we do not develop science to help people in India.

If volcanoes and hurricanes can be predicted, and people shifted in advance in developed countries, why can't we have sensors in the mountain tops and slopes to give early warning signals?

The fact remains that our governments do not care for people. When our leaders realise a photo-op with a just-escaped group of people moving from a landslide would have the same political currency of a photo-op with a rocket going to orbit, we would be in a better position.

For now, finding solutions to fix landslides or to stop bridges from collapsing is rarely the thing for our current breed of leaders.

IMAGE: Rescue and relief operations being conducted in landslide-affected Attamala, Mundakai and Chooralmala areas in Wayanad. Photograph: ANI Photo

What alarm bells does this tragedy sound for the Wayanad-Kozhikode tunnel road project which is supposed to commence construction soon?

Environmentalists have campaigned against it but the project is seemingly going ahead -- what dangers does this portend?

I'm not an expert to comment on this. This project will need proper scientific study, especially in the light of the current tragedy.

The stretch of mountains from Anakkampoil in Kozhikode and ending at Meppady in Wayanad is the upper crest of the proposed tunnel.

People must be taken into confidence with proper studies before going ahead with any such plans.

If a Pragati Maidan to Ring Road tunnel of one-kilometre-long in the national capital is getting flooded in every drizzle since its inauguration, I really don't trust our engineering contractors winning business deals these days to develop a nine-kilometre long tunnel, cutting massive rocky mountains in the Western Ghats.

As a citizen, I have my doubts and fears.

IMAGE: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visits landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad, to assess the ongoing rescue operations, August 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Are ecological concerns being ignored without any concern for the future in the race of 'development'?

In ecologically fragile areas like Wayanad -- or in other places like Uttarakhand, Himachal which have seen similar disasters, what should be the ideal way or the mechanism to harness sustainable development and minimises environmental damage?

How can such disasters be prevented?

As they tell us, the eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats are in the list of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biodiversity.

In India, if we do not recognise what that means to make policies, without making it a human rights violation issue of the people living there, then we really don't know what we are doing with the natural assets we inherited.

IMAGE: The Indian Army completes the construction of a Cl 24 Bailey Bridge in record time.

The bridge connecting Chooralmala with Mundakkai over the Iruvanipzha river is open to traffic and handed over to the civil administration, August 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Expressways, tunnels, high speed trains, airports... are largely seen as the symbols of development.

Important as they are, do you feel that these projects get far more attention at the cost of health, education and other concerns that affect the people?

I believe better roads and tunnels must be built when there's a need and if it is sanctioned by science.

Trains, for instance. The more Vande Bharat services we start, worse the regular train services become. So the priority for a politician is to start something new and big, as opposed to fixing an existing service. That thinking is not coming from a good place.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Kerala general education minister, V Sivankutty, on Friday said at least 49 children have either been missing or dead in the devastating landslides that hit Wayanad district three days ago.

IMAGE: A doctor examines a child inside a relief camp, after landslides hit several villages in Wayanad district, in Meppadi, in Kerala, August 2, 2024. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Sivankutty said the government higher secondary school at Vellarimala has been completely destroyed by the natural disaster, while four other schools in the vicinity have also suffered major or minor damage.

"As per the reports, 49 children are either dead or missing. The Vellarimala GHSS has been completely destroyed. The GLPS Mundakkai has been partially damaged. Three other schools have also suffered minor damage," he said.

The minister added that many of the surviving children have lost their textbooks and certificates, among others, and the government will consider all these matters and help them after a discussion with the chief minister.

"The Vellarimala GHSS has to be rebuilt. The other four schools, including that at Mundakkai, require some maintenance work," he added.

According to the state government, 210 bodies, including those of 83 women and 29 children, have been recovered so far.

The government said that 218 people are missing, according to the records of Wayanad district administration, after taking into account Aadhaar documents, details of tourists, checking with Asha workers, and speaking to people in the relief camps and hospitals.

The district administration, meanwhile, said that around 9,910 people displaced by the landslides have been moved to 94 relief camps in Wayanad.

Several people remain missing, and rescue teams are battling adverse conditions, including waterlogged soil, as they search through destroyed homes and buildings looking for survivors and bodies.
A judicial commission formed to investigate the murder of gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in police custody has ruled out any "pre-planned conspiracy" or "police negligence".

IMAGE: Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed being escorted to a hospital by police for a medical checkup, in Prayagraj before they were shot dead by three men. Photograph: PTI Photo

The commission's report was tabled in the Uttar Pradesh assembly on the last day of the monsoon session on Thursday.

The five-member commission under former Allahabad high court judge Dilip B Bhosale was tasked to probe the April 2023 murder of the former lawmaker and his brother.

Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf were shot dead at point-blank range by three men posing as journalists in the middle of a media interaction while police personnel were escorting them to a medical college in Prayagraj for a checkup.

The two brothers had been brought to Prayagraj by police in connection with the murder of Umesh Pal, a witness to the 2005 killing of BSP MLA Raju Pal in which Atiq Ahmed and others were prime accused.

In its report, the commission concluded, "The incident of 15th April 2023 in which accused Atiq Ahmed and his brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf, who were on police custody remand in connection with the Umesh Pal murder case under Police Station Shahganj, Prayagraj, were shot dead by three unknown assailants, cannot be said to be the result of a pre-planned conspiracy executed by the State Police."

It also gave a clean chit to the police, saying, "The incident of 15 April, 2023 in which accused Atiq Ahmed and his brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf were killed by unknown assailants, was not the result of police negligence nor was it possible for them to avoid the incident."

Considering that the three assailants who shot Atiq Ahmed and his brother posed as journalists, the commission suggested the media "observe certain restraints while covering such incidents".

It also recommended that the media shall be regulated and controlled by the authorities concerned particularly in case of any sensational incident.

"Media shall not be allowed to telecast live any event/incident in such a manner that it gives the plan/information about the movements of the accused/victims as well as the activities of the police in connection with the said incident," the commission suggested.

"Media shall not be briefed or informed about the stages of investigation of any crime such as taking the accused for recovery of incriminating objects," it said.

"When an investigation is in progress into a crime of public importance, the media should avoid conducting any talk show which may hamper the ongoing investigation," the panel added.

Umesh Pal and his police security guard were shot dead outside his home in the Dhoomanganj area of Prayagraj in February 2023.
The Centre on Friday removed the chief of the Border Security Force and another top officer of the paramilitary force which guards the sensitive India-Pakistan border, including the Jammu region where a spate of terror attacks have claimed 22 lives in recent past.

IMAGE: BSF chief Nitin Agrawal (second from left) along with BSF Western Command special director general YB Khurania (left), BSF Jammu frontier inspector general DK Boora arrive for a two-day visit to assess the security situation along the International Border, in Jammu, July 21, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Border Security Force director general Nitin Agrawal and his deputy special DG (West) YB Khurania were sent back to their respective state cadres with immediate effect, according to a government order.

The repatriation orders for the two Indian Police Service officers come in the backdrop of a spate of terror incidents in the Jammu region, along the India-Pakistan border.

At least 22 people, including 11 security personnel and a village defence guard member, have been killed this year in such incidents in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua and Doda districts.

The BSF, which is entrusted to guard this front, has denied any instances of infiltration.

Five terrorists were also killed in two encounters in Kathua and Doda districts last month.

Separate orders issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet conveyed they were being "prematurely" repatriated with "immediate effect."

Agrawal is a 1989-batch Kerala cadre IPS officer, while Khurania belongs to the 1990-batch of the Odisha cadre.

Khurania is expected to be made the head of the police force or the director general of police in Odisha where the new BJP government has just taken charge.

Agrawal had taken charge as the Border Security Force chief in June last year and he was scheduled to retire in July, 2026.

Khurania, as the special DG (West), was heading the formation of the force along the Pakistan border that runs for about 2,289 kms along Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat in India's western flank.

Interspersed with dense forests and mountainous terrain, the Jammu region accounts for 485 kms of this border.

The about 2.65-lakh personnel strong BSF guards Indian borders with Pakistan in the west and Bangladesh in the east.

In a separate order, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet also appointed 1989-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer Amrit Mohan Prasad as a SDG in the Central Reserve Police Force.
The Indian Air Force's Chinook and MI17 helicopters on Friday joined the rescue operations in Uttarakhand to evacuate pilgrims still stranded on the rain-ravaged trek route to Kedarnath.

IMAGE: Stranded pilgrims and devotees are being evacuated after a cloudburst struck Kedarnath, in Rudraprayag. Photograph: ANI Photo

The trek route to Kedarnath suffered extensive damage as a result of a cloudburst in Junglechatti near Lincholi on Wednesday night.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said since the start of rescue operations on Thursday morning, 5,000 people have been evacuated to safety, with some being airlifted.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) aided in the rescue efforts, he said.

"Heavy rain has caused extensive damage. The entire government machinery, the NDRF, SDRF, district administration and the state's disaster management department are engaged in the rescue work. On my request to the PMO, the IAF's Chinook and MI17 helicopters have also joined the rescue operations," Dhami told PTI Videos.

"If the weather remains good, all stranded pilgrims will be taken to safe locations by this evening," the chief minister added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Dhami over the phone to enquire about the relief and rescue operations and assured him of all possible help to deal with the situation.

According to officials, nearly 21,00 people were rescued on Friday by 3.30 pm.

Aerial and surface rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF personnel on Thursday led to the safe evacuation of more than 3,000 pilgrims.

As many as 18,000 food packets and 35,000 water bottles have been distributed among pilgrims stranded in Kedarnath, Lincholi, Bhimbali, Sonprayag, Shersi, Guptkashi and Chaimasi, a release from the state government said.

Additional Chief Medical Officer Vimal Gusain said 286 people were provided medical care.

Two helpline numbers -- 7579257572 and 01364-233387 -- and one emergency number 112 have also been issued by the district administration to help people get information about their stranded kin among the pilgrims, they said.

The pilgrims got stranded beyond Bhimbali along the Gaurikund-Kedarnath trek route when a 20-25 metre stretch of the road was washed out by the violent currents of the Mandakini river on Wednesday night.

The trek route to the Himalayan temple is blocked by boulders at Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi and Bhimbali.

However, the stranded pilgrims are safe, officials said.

The yatra to Kedarnath has been put on hold for the time being, with an advisory of the district administration asking pilgrims to wait wherever they are till the route is cleared of debris and restored.
Representatives of Meitei and Hmar communities agreed to make full efforts to restore normalcy in violence-hit Jiribam district of Manipur.

IMAGE: Members of Tribal community stage a protest against the ethnic violence in Manipur, at Aarey Colony, Goregaon, in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo

The agreement was reached between the warring sides at a meeting held at a CRPF facility in adjoining Assam's Cachar on Thursday. The meeting was moderated by Jiribam district administration, Assam Rifles and CRPF personnel, officials said.

Representatives of Thadou, Paite and Mizo communities of Jiribam district were also present in the meeting.

"The meeting resolved that both sides will make full efforts to bring normalcy and prevent incidents of arson and firing. Both sides shall give full cooperation to all the security forces operating in Jiribam district. Both sides agreed to facilitate controlled and coordinated movement," a joint statement issued and signed by representatives of all the participating communities said.

The next meeting will be held on August 15.

More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.

Ethnically-diverse Jiribam, which was largely untouched by ethnic violence in Imphal Valley and adjoining hills, erupted in violence after a mutilated body of a farmer was found in the fields in June this year.

Thousands had to leave their homes and relocate to relief camps due to incidents of arson by both sides. A CRPF jawan was also killed in an ambush by militants during patrolling by security forces in mid-July.
A Pune court on Friday granted bail to former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar's mother Manorama in an attempt to murder case which was filed after she was seen in a video allegedly brandishing a gun while confronting a group of people over a land dispute.

IMAGE: IAS officer Puja Khedkar's mother Manorama Khedkar faces legal action for allegedly threatening some persons with a gun. Photograph: X

Additional sessions judge AN Mare granted bail to Manorama Khedkar, a fortnight after she was arrested, and imposed a set of conditions on her, said her counsel advocate Sudhir Shah.

The Judge, while allowing the bail application, stated in the order that Manorama Khedkar be released on executing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with one or more sureties of the same amount.

The court asked the accused not to influence witnesses and cooperate in the investigation of the case.

"The applicant shall not contact the informant and witnesses in the case by any mode of communication and shall not try to influence them in any manner," the order stated.

The order also stated that the applicant shall not enter the jurisdiction of Pune's Paud police station, where the case has been registered, till the investigation was completed and cooperate in the ongoing probe.

She should attend the police station concerned as and when required by the investigating officer and for such purpose, she can enter its jurisdiction, it said.

The applicant shall not leave Pune district without informing the investigating officer and jurisdictional magistrate till the probe against her was completed, said the court.

Advocate Shah, during his argument on the bail plea, told the court that the application of IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) was unwarranted in the case as no bullet was fired.

The Pune rural police had launched a search for Manorama Khedkar and her husband Dilip, a retired Maharashtra government officer, after a video surfaced showing her allegedly threatening some persons with a gun over a land dispute at Dhadwali village in Pune's Mulshi tehsil in 2023.

The video came to light around the time when Puja Khedkar's selection for civil services was under the scanner.

The police had booked the Khedkar couple and five others under IPC sections, including 307 (attempt to murder), 144 (unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapon), 147 (rioting) and 506 (criminal intimidation) besides invoking the Arms Act.

Manorama Khedkar was apprehended from a lodge in Hirkaniwadi village in Raigad district and placed under arrest in mid-July. Her husband Dilip Khedkar has already secured anticipatory bail in the case.

The Union Public Service Commission on Wednesday said it had cancelled the provisional candidature of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar and debarred her from all future examinations or selections.

A day later, a Delhi court denied anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar, who has been accused of cheating and wrongly availing of OBC and disability quota benefits, saying these are serious allegations that "require a thorough investigation".
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hit out at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and said that Rahul Gandhi would have to reveal his caste identity if the census is conducted.

IMAGE: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi arrives at the Parliament House during the Monsoon Session, in New Delhi . Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

"Earlier Rahul Gandhi used to ask journalists about their caste. Now when people ask him about his caste, he has a problem with it. Will the caste census be conducted without asking about caste? He says I will get the caste census done but will not reveal my caste, how will this happen? Rahul will have to reveal his caste if the census is conducted," Assam CM told reporters on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused BJP MP Anurag Thakur of "abusing and insulting" him during the Lok Sabha discussion on the Union Budget.

Thakur had engaged in a heated exchange with Gandhi, criticising those who questioned the caste census while not revealing their caste.

"Those whose caste is not known, talk about the caste-census. I want to remind the Speaker that in this House itself, a former prime minister RG-1 (Rajiv Gandhi) had opposed reservation for OBCs," the BJP MP said.

In response, Rahul Gandhi said, "Whoever raises the issues of Adivasi, Dalit and the backward, is abused. I will accept these abuses willingly. Anurag Thakur has abused me and insulted me, but I do not want any apology."

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav intervened, questioning Thakur on how one could inquire about a person's caste.

"How can you ask about caste?" Yadav asked Thakur in the Lower House.

The Congress party has promised to pass a constitutional amendment to raise the Supreme Court-mandated 50 per cent cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC), as per its poll manifesto.

The party also promised to conduct a nationwide Socio-Economic and Caste Census to enumerate the castes and sub-castes and their socio-economic conditions.
Chinese Consul General in Mumbai Kong Xianhua has said his country is ready to work with India to bridge the gap between the people of the two neighbours, recalling the Indian help during the Sino-Japanese war.

IMAGE: Chinese Consul General in Mumbai Kong Xianhua . Photograph: @ChineseCGMumbai

The senior diplomat on Thursday visited the Indian Coast Guard Headquarters (West) to express gratitude to the maritime security agency for saving Chinese mariners over the past two years, an official statement said.

Kong met Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander of Indian Coast Guard (West), and said China is ready to work with India friends to bridge the gap between the people of the two countries and strengthen friendship.

... our two peoples will walk together like brothers and sisters, he said.

The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have jointly carried out a successful rescue mission to evacuate a Chinese mariner who was critically injured and suffering heavy blood loss on July 24, the statement said.

The Indian Coast Guard responded immediately to the medical emergency. The rescue team overcame the strong wind and high waves to evacuate him to hospital. Thanks to the Indian Coast Guard's prompt rescue and professional treatment, the mariner recovered very well and has already been back to China, Kong said.

Today I come here on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and all the officers and pay my highest tribute to the Indian Coast Guard, Kong told IG Sharma, as per the statement said.

Kong recalled that in 1938, an Indian medical mission went to China to help Chinese people fight against Japanese aggression.

Dr Kotnis, one of the doctors who was from Solapur (in Maharashtra), sacrificed his life for the great cause of Chinese people's liberation. Many Chinese people also gave their firm support for India's independence, the diplomat said.

In the current context, these rescue missions for Chinese citizens carried out by the Indian Coast Guard are of great significance and importance and strengthen the friendship between the two neighbours, he said

A Chinese idiom goes compassion knows no borders'. We are ready to work with our Indian friends to bridge the gap between our two peoples and strengthen our friendship and our two peoples will walk together like brothers and sisters, the diplomat said.

He said the Indian Coast Guard has saved three Chinese mariners in the consular district of the Consulate General alone over the past two years.

Kong said, These rescue missions not only fulfil the (Coast Guard's) motto of Vayam Rakshamah' (we protect), but also demonstrate the common philosophy of People First, Life First in both China and India.

Sharma said over the past decade, the Indian Coast Guard has saved 27 Chinese citizens.
Rescue teams on Friday deployed advanced technical gadgets and dogs to pull out possible survivors or remove bodies buried under the debris created by one of the worst natural calamities to have struck Kerala, the Wayanad landslides, even as hands of friendship extended from far corners of the state to the hilly district.

IMAGE: Boulders and debris cover an area at the epicenter of landslides Punchirimattam, Mundakkai in Wayanad on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Among them was a Kollam woman who had parted with her meagre savings to benefit the affected persons in Wayanad.

A teaseller, Subaida may not have matched the businesspersons and celebrities who donated lakhs of rupees towards relief and rehabilitation efforts, but her contribution of Rs 10,000 and the family pensions was a gesture worth the mention.

On Friday, rescuers used GPS coordinates from aerial drone pictures and cell phones, including the last location of people who lived in the landslides-hit areas of Wayanad to help locate survivors, amidst accelerated search operations after the completion of the 190-foot-long Bailey bridge by the Army.

Raising hopes for life inside a collapsed building, which is thickly covered by mud, rescuers conducting search operations with an advanced radar system in the landslide-hit Mundakkai village have detected a signal indicating breathing.

An official involved in the operation said that a "blue signal" was received on the radar while searching the area where the house was previously located in the severely affected Mundakkai village.

However, the search ended on Friday evening as the rescue personnel concluded a human presence under the debris was unlikely.

In a late evening Facebook post, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the search for life continues, with radars detecting even the slightest movements, offering glimmers of hope.

"Amid the darkness and rubble of the collapsed building, rescuers continue their efforts, determined to find any remaining survivors," he said.

Earlier, a family of four was rescued from an isolated house in an area near Padavetti Kunnu on the fourth day of the deadly landslides, giving hope to hundreds of rescuers, racing against time to search for survivors. With nearly 300 persons still missing, the death toll is expected to go up.

As many as 210 people have died and 273 were injured in the massive landslides that hit Wayanad district in the wee hours of July 30.

Additionally, 134 body parts were also recovered, according to the Kerala health department.

The search and rescue operations that resumed early on Friday received an impetus as the Bailey bridge helped the rescue teams to move the heavy machinery, including excavators, and ambulances to the worst-affected Mundakkai and Chooralmala hamlets.

According to official sources, the extent of human loss will emerge when rescuers clear houses covered by debris and wooden logs using heavy machinery.

Authorities reported that many more body parts had been collected and genetic testing was underway to identify the remains.

Kerala PWD minister PA Mohammed Riyas said in the evening that 218 persons are missing, according to the records of the district administration, after taking into account Aadhaar documents, details of tourists, checking with ASHA workers and speaking to people in the relief camps and hospitals.

Earlier in the day, Kerala additional director general of police MR Ajith Kumar said 300 people were still missing.

Around 40 rescue teams along with cadaver dogs are conducting search operations in six zones of the landslides-hit areas -- Attamala and Aaranmala (first), Mundakkai (second), Punchirimattam (third), Vellarimala village (fourth), GVHSS Vellarimala (fifth), and riverbank (sixth), officials said.

In addition to this, a three-pronged search operation has also been launched, focusing on the Chaliyar river. The eight police stations, along the 40-km stretch of the river, have joined forces with local swimming experts to search for bodies that may have flown downstream or trapped along the riverbanks.

Simultaneously, another search operation is being conducted using a police helicopter.

Besides this, the Coast Guard, Navy, and Forest Department also jointly conducted a search operation focusing on the riverbanks and areas where bodies may be trapped.

District collector Meghashree DR said GPS coordinates from aerial drone pictures and cell phones, including the last location of people who lived in the landslide-hit areas, have been used to identify spots where search and rescue operations can be focused.

She also said aerial photographs taken by drones have helped identify GPS coordinates of specific search locations.

"We mapped this data and gave it to all the teams so that the search and rescue operations can proceed efficiently and speedily," she said.

State revenue minister K Rajan, a day ago, had said a drone-based radar from Delhi would arrive on Saturday to locate bodies buried in the mud.

He also said that currently, six dogs are assisting in the search operation and four more will join from Tamil Nadu.

The dogs are using their keen sense of smell to help find survivors trapped in the rubble.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the affected areas.

He said he was going to raise the matter in Delhi and also with Vijayan as "this is a different level of tragedy and should be treated differently".

He promised that the Congress party would build more than 100 houses in Wayanad.
The Supreme Court on Friday expanded the remit of the Centre-appointed seven-member expert panel headed by former Indian Space Research Organisation chief K Radhakrishnan constituted to review the functioning of the National Testing Agency and recommend exam reforms.

IMAGE: NEET aspirants protest against the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on June 12, 2024. Photograph: Ritik Jain/ANI Photo

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra gave the detailed reasons for their July 23 order of not scrapping the controversy-ridden NEET-UG 24 examination.

The bench was also critical of the conduct of the NTA which holds the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test.

It flagged multiple lapses on the part of NTA like the security breach at an examination centre in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh where the rear door of the strongroom was opened and unauthorised people were permitted to access the question papers, transportation of question papers by e-rickshaws and distribution of wrong set of question papers among the candidates.

Besides Radhakrishnan, other members of the expert committee are: Randeep Guleria, B J Rao, Ramamurthy K, Pankaj Bansal, Aditya Mittal and Govind Jaiswal.

The bench said the remit of the committee, in addition to the tasks that it has been entrusted with by the union government and the NTA, shall encompass examination security and administration, data security and technological enhancements.

Its responsibilities will also include policy and stakeholder engagement, collaboration and international cooperation, and recommendations for providing mental health support to students and training of NTA staff.

Elaborating on examination security and administration, the bench said the panel would evaluate and recommend reforms in the mechanism of administration of the exam, which includes ensuring rigorous checks and balances at every stage, from setting the question papers to declaring the final results.

"Recommend stricter procedures for verifying candidate identities, if required, with a view to preventing impersonation and ensuring that only registered and authorised candidates are allowed to take the exams.

"Such processes may include, but are not limited to, enhanced identity checks at various stages of the exam (such as registration, entry to the exam centre, and before the commencement of the exam), and technological innovations to prevent impersonation. All procedures should comply with laws on privacy," the bench said.

It added that the panel would also consider the viability of comprehensive CCTV surveillance systems at all examination centres, including real-time monitoring and recording of all activities.

"The aim is to deter and detect any malpractice or unauthorized activities and to provide evidence in case of incidents," the bench said as it expanded the scope of terms and reference of the panel.

"Stringent action in accordance with law shall be taken against every candidate who is detected or who may hereafter be detected to have been the beneficiary of any malpractice," the bench said.

It noted that the Ministry of Education constituted the expert committee by a notification dated June 22, 2024, which stated that its report shall be submitted within two months from the date of the issue of the notification.

"This would be August 22, 2024. However, in view of the expanded remit of the committee in terms of this judgement, additional time may be required for a holistic report on various aspects related to the conduct of the NEET. Therefore, the report of the committee shall be submitted to the ministry of education by September 30, 2024," the bench said.

It said the Ministry of Education shall take a decision on the recommendations made by the committee within a period of one month from receiving the report.

"It shall prepare and begin to implement a plan of action on this basis. The ministry of education shall report compliance with these directions within two weeks of taking the decision on the implementation of the recommendations," the bench said and ordered listing of the matter before an appropriate bench for verification of the compliance.

The top court said if any student, including in the present batch, has an individual grievance not bearing on the issues which have been resolved by the present judgement, it would be open to them to pursue their rights and remedies in accordance with law, including by moving the jurisdictional high courts.

"However, before moving the high court for the grant of relief, the petitioners would have to seek the withdrawal of their petitions before this court, if any have been filed," the bench added.

Over 23 lakh students took the NEET-UG in 2024 held on May 5 for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses.
Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who heads the ruling Nationalist Congress Party, on Friday said he would quit politics if the veracity of the reports about him visiting New Delhi in disguise to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah before his party forged an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, was proven.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais (third from right) during his ceremonial farewell, as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (third from left), deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis (second from right), Ajit Pawar (right), governor's wife Rambai Bais and Maharashtra chief secretary Sujata Saunik at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, July 30, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

But if the reports are found to be wrong, those who made these allegations against him should quit politics, he challenged the leaders from the Opposition parties, as he alleged that efforts were on to defame him.

Reports published in a section of the media claimed that during an informal interaction held recently, Pawar himself said that he held some meetings with Amit Shah in the national capital on the alliance between the two parties.

During that interaction, he reportedly said, "I used to wear a mask and a cap during air travel while going to Delhi to attend those meetings. I had changed my name also for air travel."

Latching on to his reported statements, the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar leaders targeted him.

However, talking to reporters in Nashik on Friday, Pawar said he does not do politics by hiding anything.

"I am an activist who works in democracy. I don't have the habit of doing politics by hiding anything. However, we have been maligned by the opponents with fake narratives and false news," he said.

Pawar said his opponents have resorted to such moves as they were shattered due to the good schemes being implemented by the government.

"The news of me going to Delhi in disguise is false. If I want to go anywhere, I will go openly. There is no need for me to be afraid of anyone. If the reports of disguise are proven, I will quit politics," he said.

He said facts should be verified at Parliament and if the reports are proven right, he will quit politics.

"But if the reports are found incorrect, those who made the allegations without any evidence or facts should quit politics," Pawar said.

"When this incident occurred, I was the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra assembly. Everyone recognises me and therefore, such an incident is impossible. Everything going on at present is wrong. These reports do not have any basis or evidence," he added.

"At present, efforts are being made in the state to defame me. The number of talkative people has increased. The morning siren says anything about anyone," Pawar said, apparently referring to Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut.

The state government has launched various schemes after proper thinking and there is a plan about how these schemes can be run permanently.

"People should believe in us. I keep my promises. You give your blessings, these schemes will continue," he said.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 59F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Chance of a shower or two during the evening, followed by partly cloudy skies overnight. Low 41F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
MONTPELIER  Academy School and state staff were protected under federal law when they accidentally vaccinated a 6-year-old child against COVID-19 without authorization from the parents, according to a Vermont Supreme Court decision.

"We conclude that defendants are immune from suit under the Federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act)," the court said in a decision issued Friday.

The Politellas, a Brattleboro family, had been unsuccessful when they brought the case to the Windham Superior Court, Civil Division. Their complaint was dismissed by Judge Michael Kainen last year.

Judge finds school has immunity in unauthorized vaccination of 6-year-old NEWFANE  A judge dealt some blows to a lawsuit seeking damages related to the vaccination o

The parents hadn't consented to their son being vaccinated at a clinic hosted at the school in November 2021 in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Health. After realizing the mistake, school officials called the family to apologize, according to the decision.

In a letter to families at the time, Superintendent Mark Speno said staff were "deeply sorry that this mistake happened, and have worked internally to improve our screening procedures."

The Health Department has worked to evaluate its procedures to ensure that this does not happen again," Speno wrote. "Thankfully, we are not aware of any harm to the student because of this mistake. We take our responsibilities to students and families very seriously, and we respect parents rights to make health care decisions for their children.

Defendants included the state of Vermont, the Windham Southeast School District, Speno, the principal and assistant principal, a teacher, the school nurse, Vermont's deputy health commissioner, the child's pediatrician and five unnamed state employees or volunteers, according to the Supreme Court decision. Their defense was supported by the Supreme Court.

"We conclude that the PREP Act immunizes every defendant in this case and this fact alone is enough to dismiss the case," the decision states.

Congress passed the law in 2005, authorizing the secretary of Health and Human Services to issue a declaration when the official makes a determination that a disease or other health condition or threat to health constitutes a public health emergency," according to the decision. Under the law, vaccine is considered "a covered countermeasure."

"During a public-health emergency, certain 'covered persons' are immune from all claims causally related to the administration of a covered countermeasure," the decision states. "The 'sole exception' to the PREP Acts grant of immunity is a federal cause of action against a covered person whose 'willful misconduct' causes 'death or serious physical injury.'"

The child experienced no issues as a result of the vaccination, according to the decision.
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WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-7 on Thursday to advance the name of Attorney Mary Kay Lanthier of Orwell to serve as the next federal judge for Vermont.

It was somewhat smooth sailing for Lanthier at the latest hearing, although the Judiciary Committee went into recess for more than an hour shortly before the members were due to vote on her nomination.

When it came time to reconvene Thursday afternoon, the hearing room was unavailable, and the Senators moved to another room without live streaming services for the public to watch the proceedings.

Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Illinois, the committee chair, noted at the start of the hearing that the Senate was trying to finish lots of business before leaving Washington for the summer recess on Thursday.

Lanthier's name will go to the full Senate, but it will be after Labor Day when Congress resumes.

Lanthier also had smooth sailing in June when the same committee conducted a hearing for four women to serve various judicial posts  two for courts of appeal and two for the district court level. The other three nominees found their going a little rougher that day.

Lanthier, 53, has been the supervisory attorney for the Rutland County Public Defender's Office since 2007.

She was one of seven women nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden that were on the agenda Thursday for consideration by the committee. The Democrats, which have an 11-10 edge over Republicans on the committee, prevailed on each of the seven votes to advance the nominations.

Lanthier and a judge for Pennsylvania both received 13 votes  the most among all seven candidates on Thursday.

Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt. was named to the Senate Judiciary Committee last year to replace Vermont's former senior senator, Patrick J. Leahy, a longtime member of the powerful panel. He played a key role in getting the nomination moving.

Lanthier's name popped to the head of the Vermont list earlier this summer after a screening panel overseen by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. initially had proposed three other people.

Three other lawyers that had been proposed for the judgeship in January by the screening committee were put on the back burner this spring without explanation, while the FBI and Department of Justice vetted Lanthier.

Assistant Federal Defender Steven L. Barth, Vermont Law School Professor Jessica C. Brown and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher were deemed initially qualified by the Vermont screening committee.

Biden, however, has made clear he is looking for women, people of color, other minorities and public defenders to serve as judges.

That appeared to put Brown, who was a public defender for 24 years in New Hampshire and Vermont, out in front over the two white men. But Vermont News & Media reported in June that the Department of Justice and the FBI were completing a background check on Lanthier.

President Joe Biden subsequently announced he would nominate Lanthier for the lifetime appointment as one of two trial court judges for Vermont. No explanation was given for bypassing the first three.

Vermont is seeking a replacement for Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford of Burlington, who has served since August 2014. Crawford, 70, is taking Senior Status, which will allow him a reduced load. He is a former state trial court judge and associate justice of the Vermont Supreme Court.

If approved by the full U.S. Senate, Lanthier would be based at the federal courthouse at 151 West Street in Rutland. The title of chief federal judge was passed back to Vermont's other fulltime district judge, Christina Reiss in Burlington, in July. She had previously held the post from 2010 to 2017.

Welch has been under pressure to help ramrod the Lanthier nomination through because Judge Reiss will be the lone fulltime district court judge serving the state as of Aug. 10.

Reiss is able to designate some additional court cases and hearings to U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle in Burlington.

About half the work on the federal docket involves criminal cases. The other half is civil  a mixture that includes a wide range of cases ranging from civil rights to employment discrimination to contract disputes and more.

The annual pay for federal district court judges was bumped this year from $232,600 to $243,300.

Lanthier wrote on her application that 100 percent of her time as a lawyer has been spent in state courts.

The senators never asked Lanthier about the selection process and the controversial screening committee of Democrats and Progressives.

The screening panel Sanders helped set up for the Vermont judgeship has come under fire from lawyers, courthouse personnel and the public. Three of the seven lawyers selected by Sanders for the screening have never filed or defended a single case in federal court in Vermont. A fourth member had less than a dozen cases in Vermont over the years.

It was shortly after the news broke that Lanthier was approached by a member of Sanders staff for an interview.

Lanthier has dodged the Vermont news media since her name first surfaced as a candidate.

The June hearing in Washington, D.C. marked the first public discussion of Lanthier's nomination. There has been no chance for the public to weigh in during any hearing in Vermont.

The 11-10 edge of Democrats over Republicans on the judiciary committee can be critical as Biden is trying to push through as many judicial appointments as possible before the General Election in November in case the Democrats lose the White House.

Lanthier had a half dozen letters of support from state prosecutors, the Defender General, a former longtime Rutland County police chief, a retired state judge and the president of the Vermont Bar Association.

One letter also came from the American College of Trial Lawyers and signed by Vermont Chapter Chair Michael Desautels, the Chief Federal Defender in Vermont and past Chapter Chair Ritchie E. Berger of Burlington. Lanthier is also a past chair for the group.

It was co-signed by two dozen other members.

Lanthier began her legal career as a judicial law clerk for the trial courts in Chittenden County and Addison County from 1996 to 1998.

She was an associate at Keiner & Dumont law firm in Middlebury from 1998 to 2000 before becoming a public defender representing indigent people charged in Addison County from 2000 to 2003.

Lanthier was hired as an associate and later promoted to partner in the law firm Marsh & Wagner in Middlebury from 2003 to 2007 before taking her state job in Rutland County.

Besides criminal law, Lanthier had worked primarily on family law and workers compensation cases.

Lanthier received her undergraduate degree from Amherst College in 1993 and her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law in 1996. She taught either one or two evidence labs each spring semester between 2017 and 2023 at Vermont Law and Graduate School.

She serves as the treasurer for the Vermont Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
There were 25 residences along with 118 other structures destroyed in the Gwen Fire, according to updated information on the Idaho Fire Map.

The fire, which was judged 65% contained Thursday morning, roared through an area east of Lewiston last week. The fire threatened towns like Juliaetta and Myrtle, but the structures lost were in rural areas.

The fires area remained unchanged Thursday. It spread over 28,805 acres, according to the latest Idaho Department of Lands news release.

Crews on Wednesday worked the north, west and south perimeters of the fire. Unmanned aircraft are scouting for hot spots and documenting areas disturbed by suppression activities. Fixed-wing aircraft will conduct infrared surveillance to verify the findings of crews on the ground and of unmanned aircraft.

Work is still underway to restore power to areas of the Idaho Highway 3 corridor, according to the news release.

Lower Granite Fire now 59% contained

The Lower Granite Fire in Garfield County was considered 59% contained Thursday, according to an evening news release from the Incident Management Team.

The fire, which ignited Monday, has covered 14,482 acres. Crew worked Thursday on the south flank along the Wawawai Grade Road and Kirby-Mayview Road.
Welcome to The Azadi Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that unpacks the key issues in Afghanistan. To subscribe, click here.

I'm Abubakar Siddique, senior correspondent at RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. Here's what I've been tracking and what I'm keeping an eye on in the days ahead.

The Key Issue

A new report by the United Nations says Afghanistan under Taliban rule is turning into a hub for extremist groups.



Terrorism emanating from Afghanistan will be a driver of insecurity in the region and further afield, said the report by the UN Security Council committee that monitors the Islamic State (IS) extremist group and the Al-Qaeda terrorist network.



Issued on July 22, the report details how extremist groups with thousands of fighters endanger the security of Afghanistans neighbors and pose a growing threat globally.



The report identified Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), the Afghanistan branch of IS, as the most serious threat in the Central and South Asia region and said the group was projecting terror beyond Afghanistan.



The report said Al-Qaeda was adopting strategic patience in Afghanistan. Building ties with the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) extremist group that is waging an insurgency against Islamabad, Al-Qaeda could transform the Pakistani militants into a regional threat, the report warned.



With Taliban acquiescence, and at times support, TTP has intensified attacks inside Pakistan, the report said, noting that the Pakistani group is estimated to have around 6,500 fighters.

Why It's Important: Nearly three years after the Talibans return to power, there are increasing fears that Afghanistan is once again turning into the headquarters of global terrorism.



The Taliban has battled against IS-K and claims to have severely curtailed its operations in Afghanistan. But the Talibans alliances and relations with other extremist groups, including the TTP, have allowed militancy to flourish in the region.



For now, fewer Afghans are dying in terrorist attacks than in recent years, according to a new report by the Institute of Economics and Peace, an Australian think tank. But attacks by Afghanistan-based militant groups abroad are increasing.



External attacks by extremist groups based in Afghanistan could provoke retaliation against the Taliban. Islamabad has already carried out air strikes inside Afghanistan in response to TTP attacks.



The United States says it is working to prevent the reemergence of external terrorism threats from Afghanistan. Vedant Patel, a deputy spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said on August 1 that Washington is employing international cooperation to ensure that Afghanistan does not become a launching pad for terrorist attacks.

What's Next: The Taliban is expected to keep fighting IS-K because of ideological differences.



But it is unlikely to stop harboring or clamp down on other extremist groups on Afghan soil. That will continue to make Afghanistan a threat to the region and beyond.

What To Keep An Eye On

The Talibans unrecognized government on July 30 announced that it was cutting ties with 14 Afghan diplomatic missions abroad and will cease to accept consular documents issued by those missions.



They include Afghan missions in Australia, Canada, Poland, Greece, London, Belgium, Berlin, Bonn, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Sweden, and Norway.



But many of those missions have vowed to defy the Taliban and continue their consular and diplomatic services without any interruption.



Until the Taliban take steps to gain domestic and international legitimacy, their announcements will have no bearing on our work, Muhibullah Taib, an Afghan diplomat in Switzerland, told RFE/RLs Radio Azadi.



The Talibans decision is likely to impact hundreds of thousands of Afghans based abroad.



It will not allow Afghans to travel, Hamza Khan, an Afghan living in France, told Radio Azadi. We demand that the Taliban rescind this decision.

Why It's Important: Since seizing power, the Taliban has tried to gain control of Afghan diplomatic missions abroad in a bid to boost its legitimacy.



So far, the Taliban has successfully assumed control of Afghan diplomatic missions in more than a dozen countries in the region.



But it now appears to be seeking to assert authority over missions in Western nations where Afghan diplomats appointed by the previous government have resisted working with the Taliban.

That's all from me for now.

Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you have. You can always reach us at azadi.english@rferl.org

Until next time,

Abubakar Siddique

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every Friday.
RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was expected to be reunited with her family near Washington, D.C., after she was freed from a Russian prison in a historic prisoner swap. While awaiting her return, Kurmasheva's husband, Pavel Butorin, who also works for RFE/RL, spoke about the ordeal that their family endured during Kurmasheva's unjust imprisonment for more than nine months.
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
There were violent clashes between protesters and police in Karachi on August 2 as hundreds gathered to demand the return of or information about missing relatives. Human rights groups allege that the disappearances are a result of Pakistani intelligence agencies kidnapping people and leaving their families in the dark about their whereabouts and well-being. They say rallies demanding answers are routinely suppressed by the police.
Alsu Kurmasheva, Evan Gershkovich, and Paul Whelan -- three of the 24 detainees involved in the largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War ended  have returned to the United States where they were greeted by President Joe Biden and family amid cheers from those gathered at Joint Base Andrews outside of Washington, D.C.

Arriving from Turkey where part of the exchange took place on August 1, the three were part of a group of 16 prisoners Russia and its close ally Belarus released in exchange for eight Russians held in the United States and several other countries.



Biden, who earlier in the day hailed the historic exchange at a White House news conference, was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris to welcome the three as family members, colleagues, and media looked on.



Kurmasheva, a journalist for RFE/RL, Gershkovich, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, and Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive, are all U.S. citizens.

Whelan, a former Marine, was the first to emerge from the plane and saluted Biden as he came down the steps and onto the tarmac. After saluting back and shaking hands, the president took off his lapel pin and gave it to Whelan, who had been in Russian detention for more than five years, the longest period of the three returnees.



Gershkovich, who also received applause as he embraced the president, followed, while Kurmasheva was the last of the three to come off the plane, also hugging Biden amid applause from the crowd.



The 32-year-old Gershkovich was detained in Russia in March 2023 while out on a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg. He was sentenced in July to 16 years in prison on spying charges that were rejected by the United States and his employer, the Wall Street Journal.



"Not bad," he replied as he greeted fellow journalists who asked how it felt to finally be home after spending 491 days in detention.

Kurmasheva, a 47-year-old mother of two, was arrested in Kazan in October 2023 and first charged with failing to register as a "foreign agent" under a punitive Russian law that targets journalists, civil society activists, and others. She was subsequently charged with spreading falsehoods about the Russian military and sentenced to 6 1/2 years.



In announcing the swap earlier in the day, Biden slammed Russia for conducting "show trials" that led to the imprisonment of Gershkovich, Whelan, and Kurmasheva, saying "all three were falsely accused of being spies."



When asked what he would say to Russian President Vladimir Putin after the swap, the president replied: Stop, a reference to taking Americans into custody on dubious charges.



Biden noted earlier that the prisoner swap required "significant concessions" from Germany, which released FSB Colonel Vadim Krasikov, a Russian convicted of the murder in 2019 of a former Chechen militant in Berlin.

The trade came even with relations between Washington and Moscow eroding to their lowest point in decades after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.



The prisoner swap included dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, a dual Russian-British citizen who was imprisoned for making critical remarks about the invasion.



Kara-Murza also holds a green card, which allows a person to live and work permanently in the United States, but traveled first to Germany where he and two other Russian activists, Andrei Pivovarov and Ilya Yashin, held a news conference in which they vowed to continue fighting for a free Russia.

"Alsu, Evan, Paul, Vladimir and others, you belong home with your families and loved ones!" European Council President Charles Michel said in a post on X. "I thank all those, also in Europe, who helped to make the diplomatic deal possible. EU will continue supporting and standing for all those illegally detained in Russia and elsewhere."



After spending time with family and friends, Kurmasheva, Gershkovich, and Whelan traveled on to San Antonio, Texas, for medical treatment and debriefing by U.S. officials.

The release of 16 people from Russia and Belarus included five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country.

In an interview with RFE/RL's North.Realities service, the parents of Ksenia Fadeyeva, another of the Russian activists released by Moscow in the exchange, said the first time they suspected something was in the works was when they began hearing more and more about the topic of prisoner exchanges in the media.



"She certainly didnt think shed be released like this. Neither did we. It's just some kind of miracle," said her mother, Iryna Fadeyeva.



Ksenia Fadeyeva, 32, is a former local lawmaker and the former head of the late opposition leader Aleksei Navalny's regional office in the Siberian city of Tomsk. In December 2023, she was convicted on charges including organizing activities of an extremist group and was handed a nine-year prison term. She is now in Germany after the exchange but did not appear at the news conference in Bonn with Kara-Murza, Pivovarov, and Yashin.



"We don't know anything for sure yet, but we are ordinary citizens, not military personnel, without restrictions on entering and exiting the country. I think they will let us see each other," her father, Vladislav Fadeyev, said.



German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the decision to release Krasikov, a convicted hit man, had been difficult.



"Nobody took this decision to deport a murderer sentenced to life imprisonment after only a few years...lightly," Scholz said, speaking in Cologne, Germany, on August 1.

"The state's interest in seeing him punished had to be weighed against the danger to the bodies and in some cases the lives of innocent people in prison in Russia and political prisoners," he told reporters.

Biden said Germany asked for nothing in exchange. The president added that the prisoner swap was "a powerful example of why it is important to have friends in the world."

While those released celebrated, they also said they remained concerned for others who weren't included in the swap.



Marc Fogel, a 62-year-old English teacher, is one such case.



He was arrested at an airport in Moscow in 2021 for carrying about half an ounce of medical marijuana he said he had been prescribed to manage severe pain following surgeries on his back, shoulder, and knee. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison after prosecutors claimed he intended to sell the drugs to his students.



Senior U.S. officials said they tried to include Fogel in the exchange, but Russia rejected his inclusion.



That did little to help calm the despair Fogel's family felt after word came that he would not be returning home with the others. In a statement after the deal was made public, his family said it was "inconceivable" that he had not been part and urged the Biden administration to make his release a priority.



Poland, Slovenia, and Norway also played roles in the swap by releasing Russians back to Moscow that they held.



Turkey, a NATO ally that also has warm relations with Moscow, was heavily involved in facilitating talks on the swap, with Ankara hosting the actual exchange of the prisoners.
One of those returned to Russia in a mass prisoner swap with the West was convicted of murder in Berlin. The widow of the victim told us she was surprised and outraged when she heard her husbands killer had been released.
GORNJE NEDELJICE, Serbia -- A Serbian government decision to resume preparations for a massive lithium mine to feed a growing global market for rechargeable batteries has ignited fresh grassroots opposition two years after the foreign-backed project was put on hold amid nationwide anger.

Last month, Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic's government quickly seized on a Constitutional Court ruling and fresh impetus from Brussels on battery-supply chains to reinstate the plan for the multibillion-dollar mine in the Jadar Valley, western Serbia.

But residents in the communities affected by the planned mine have erupted in protest since the government began its new push to shepherd the Anglo-Australian mine operator Rio Tinto's project through to completion by 2028.

Under the original plan, approximately 50 households in the western Serbian village of Gornje Nedeljice and two additional localities -- Slatina and Brezjak -- with a combined population of approximately 1,000 individuals, were to be relocated due to the mine's construction. Rio Tinto had said the residents would be compensated for leaving their homes.

Protests Round Two

The recent government decision has reignited the opposition from residents who have already rejected compensation and from municipalities that banded together with residents, two years ago, to actively oppose any mining project. There are still long-running concerns about the potential environmental impact of the mine in one of the most polluted corners of Europe and Serbian lawmakers' push, three years ago, to make it easier to force people off of land "in the public interest."

"It just flared up all of a sudden," Ivan Bjelic, a veteran activist who helped organize street blockades last year over perceived electoral injustice, says of the public outbursts.

There were demonstrations last week in the towns of Arilje, Bogatic, Koceljeva, Krupanje, Negotin, and Valjevo as locals mobilized quickly via telephone and social media. More protests followed in Arandjelovac, Kosjeric, Kraljevo, Ljig, Mladenovac, and Sabac.

Bjelic insists the "spontaneous and self-organized" demonstrations can prove more effective than partisan attacks led by the country's notoriously fractious organized opposition.

Some might question whether the local protests have been spontaneous, since many of the groups that mobilized to oppose the Rio Tinto project two years ago remain active and repeatedly warned that the multinational had "never left" and the government was likely to return to the project.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and governments led by his long-ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have consistently pushed for the Rio Tinto project to kick-start foreign investment, claiming it will bring well-paid jobs to the EU candidate country's sluggish economy.

Rio Tinto has consistently pledged that the combined $2.5 billion complex with underground mine, processing plant, and storage for mineral waste will provide 1,300 jobs and be safe for the environment.

"The company can claim with certainty that life in the Jadar Valley can continue unhindered alongside underground mining and ore processing," the company has told RFE/RL's Balkan Service.

Most opposition parties oppose the mine, but Belgrade-based political analyst Cvijetin Milivojevic says those same parties have also failed to introduce a citizens' petition against the lithium project into the National Assembly, Serbia's unicameral parliament, in any meaningful way.

"People who live in locations that are potential sites of exploitation have the most right to lead protests," Milivojevic says. "Those people are a greater danger to this government than the opposition."

The demands from opposition parties in the National Assembly have varied, with some seeking a special session to debate lithium mining and a possible ban, while others have encouraged public protests, a rebellion, or a referendum.

Opposition Urged To Back Off

Ana Brnabic, the then-prime minister and an SNS ally of Vucic, revoked Rio Tinto's permits in 2022 amid pushback from environmentalists and municipalities resisting buyouts of local property, saying, "We have listened to the people." Public anger had boiled over months earlier over an ultimately abortive attempt to quietly amend Serbian legislation to make it easier to appropriate land "in the public interest."

After Serbia's Constitutional Court declared last month that the postponement and rescindment of permits were illegal, Brnabic, who is now speaker of parliament, said she'd "obviously" been wrong. She has since announced the creation of a parliamentary commission on the Jadar project, but she has also urged the opposition to "drop" its resistance to it.

That seems unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Aleksandar Jovanovic, known by his nickname Cuta, is a lawmaker for the Ecological Uprising party that was born during the 2021-22 protests against the Jadar project. Last week, he said he was "ready for rebellion and uprising" and announced a "military, technical, and strategic" defense plan to protect residents of Gornje Nedeljice from displacement and to keep Rio Tinto or its allies out.

"When they arrive," he told the NIN weekly, "we will defend ourselves physically, logistically, and tactically -- as any fight against an enemy deserves."

Lithium, dubbed "white gold" for its worth and silvery appearance, is a key metal for use in rechargeable batteries for electric cars (EVs), smartphones, and laptop computers.

The European Union, candidate country Serbia's biggest trading partner, has made boosting battery production and lithium supplies on the continent a priority to reduce dependence on China.

Brussels and Belgrade on July 19 signed a memorandum of understanding on "a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials, battery value chains, and electric vehicles" days after the Constitutional Court's decision, exacerbating fears that locals were being sold out for foreign interests.

Rio Tinto has claimed that the Jadar project could supply about 58,000 tons of lithium a year -- enough to equip some 15-20 percent of Europe's EV production.

But the right-leaning, euroskeptic Serbian media group NSPM recently published a poll suggesting that more than half of Serbians still oppose the Rio Tinto project.

"I've never been a member of any political party, nor am I motivated to topple anyone from power, but only to stop this project and have everything reexamined once more," Snezana Jurisic, a protester in Bogatic, about 50 kilometers from the planned site, told RFE/RL.

She says she can't recall the last major demonstration in Bogatic. But she and an estimated 1,000 others attended a protest there on July 27 to demand a stop to the Jadar project.

Jurisic is convinced that the groundswell of opposition can persuade the government to rethink the project. "I saw my old history teacher, my friends, schoolmates," says Jurisic. "I saw that I wasn't alone and that there are more of us, and now it's easier for me. It gave me hope."

Written by Andy Heil based on reporting by RFE/RL Balkan Service correspondents Nevena Bogdanovic and Jovana Krstic
Flying Rivers: Heavy Rainfall Leads To Devastating Floods in India

Recent heavy rains and floods have severely impacted various regions of India.

Flying Rivers: Recent heavy rains and floods have severely impacted various regions of India, resulting in numerous fatalities and displacing thousands. While flooding is a regular occurrence during South Asias monsoon season, climate change has made these events increasingly unpredictable, with intense rainfall followed by prolonged dry spells.

Scientists now point to a particular phenomenon exacerbating these conditions: atmospheric rivers. Also known as "flying rivers," these storms are vast, invisible currents of water vapor formed over warm oceans. As seawater evaporates, the vapor forms a band or column in the lower atmosphere that moves from tropical to cooler latitudes, delivering substantial rainfall or snowfall that can trigger devastating floods or avalanches.

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These atmospheric rivers transport approximately 90% of the mid-latitude water vapor across the Earth and typically carry about twice the volume of the Amazon River, the largest river by discharge. With global temperatures rising, atmospheric rivers are becoming longer, wider, and more intense, thereby increasing flood risks for millions of people worldwide.

In India, meteorologists have observed that the warming of the Indian Ocean has intensified these "flying rivers," significantly affecting monsoon rains from June to September. A 2023 study published in Nature documented 574 atmospheric rivers during the monsoon seasons from 1951 to 2020, noting an increased frequency of these extreme weather events over time. The study found that nearly 80% of the most severe atmospheric rivers in the last two decades resulted in significant flooding in India.

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the University of California, who conducted the study, identified that seven of Indias ten most severe floods between 1985 and 2020 were linked to atmospheric rivers. The study highlights that evaporation from the Indian Ocean has surged in recent decades, leading to more frequent and intense atmospheric rivers and associated floods.

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Dr. Roxy Matthew Koll, an atmospheric scientist with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, "There is increased variability in the moisture transported to the Indian subcontinent during the monsoon season. Consequently, atmospheric rivers can dump a significant amount of moisture in a few hours to a few days, resulting in more frequent landslides and flash floods across the country."

As the climate continues to warm, the impact of these atmospheric rivers on Indias monsoon patterns and flood risks is expected to grow, presenting ongoing challenges for disaster management and mitigation efforts in the region.
Jalandhar Court Sends Former Punjab Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu To 5-Day Custody

Ashu, 53, was taken into custody following interrogation at the EDs zonal office.

Bharat Bhushan Ashu Arrest Latest News: In a major development, the Jalandhar Court on Friday sent former Punjab Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu to 5-day custody.

According to the information, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Bharat Bhushan Ashu, a former Punjab minister and Congress leader, on Thursday in connection with a money-laundering case linked to a tender scam.

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Ashu, 53, was taken into custody following interrogation at the EDs zonal office.

In August 2023, the ED conducted raids at Ashus residence, the home of Raman Balasubramaniumformer chairman of the Ludhiana Improvement Trustand other locations.

The investigation into money laundering is based on a Punjab Vigilance Bureau FIR related to the state's 2021 transportation and labor cartage policy, and complaints about a Ludhiana Improvement Trust "scam" involving the allocation of plots to fictitious individuals.

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The ED alleged that tenders were awarded to contractors who had approached Ashu through Rakesh Kumar Singla, chairman of CVC, Food and Civil Supplies.

Notably, Ashu previously served as Punjab's minister for food and civil supplies.

(For more updates apart from, Former Punjab Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu arrest latest news, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
August 2, 2024 UPDATE

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 02.08.2024, 19:54

ANAF. In July, the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) exceeded a historic revenue threshold of 50 billion lei (approximately 10 billion euros), announced the Romanian Minister of Finance, Marcel Bolos. According to the minister, the level of collection in the first seven months of the year is over one hundred percent. Bolos also says that digitization tools are beginning to produce visible results and urges citizens to come up with proposals for rendering the ANAF activity more effective.

Food industry. The government has finalized the selection process for the projects benefitting from financial support as part of a multiannual national program for the development and modernization of the food industry, INVESTALIM. New plants for processing meat, sugar, oil and fruit, as well as milling and bakery factories are to be built in Romania. 41 projects were considered eligible for funding, with the total amount of investment worth some 4.5 billion lei, of which state aid accounts for around 2.7 billion lei, said agriculture minister Florin Barbu. According to prime minister Marcel Ciolacu, the strategic objective is to develop the ability to produce raw materials for the food industry originating from Romanian farmers.



Gathering. Between 12,000 and 15,000 Saxons from Europe and North America are arriving these days in Sibiu, in the center of Romania, to attend their second International Meeting. The program of the three days includes over 50 cultural events: concerts, theater performances and folk dances, film presentations, exhibitions, guided tours of the city. The organizers hope to have more participants than in the previous meeting, in 2017, when around 12,000 Saxons from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Romania, the United States and Canada attended. The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, will also participate in the event.

Roma. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis sent a message on the occasion of the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day in which he states that efforts must be continued to condemn and actively combat ideas or behaviors that polarize, prejudice or stigmatize any kind of person or group. We pay a pious tribute to the Roma who were victims of the genocide during the Second World War and we reaffirm our commitment to valuing and defending fundamental rights and human dignity  wrote the president. On Friday, Romania also marked the National Roma Holocaust Remembrance Day.



Release. The European Union welcomed Moscows decision to free a number of detainees considered to be unfairly persecuted as part of an extensive prisoner swap between Russia and a number of western countries. Turkey was involved in coordinating the exchange of 26 prisoners, including the American journalist Evan Gershkovich. The exchange involved persons detained in seven different countries: the US, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia and Belarus. The move was hailed by the European Union, which firmly called for the release of all political detainees, France Presse reports. Russian president Vladimir Putin greeted the 8 Russian citizens freed on the Vnukovo airport in Moscow.

AI. The Artificial Intelligence Act, the first such regulation in the world, has come into force in the European Union. It seeks to ensure that AI programs used or developed in the Union are trustworthy and compliant with peoples fundamental rights. At the same time, the regulation aims to create a harmonised internal market across all member states, and the European Commission says it provides a favourable environment for innovation and investment. AI systems are to comply with strict requirements, including high quality of data sets, logging of activity, clear user information and a high level of accuracy and cyber security. The systems considered a clear risk to peoples fundamental rights will be banned, including systems or applications that manipulate human behaviour and which allow social scoring by governments or companies.

Olympic Games. On Friday, Ioana Vrinceanu and Roxana Anghel won the silver medal in the womens coxless pair at the Paris Olympic Games, while Ionela Cozmiuc and Gianina van Groningen won the silver in the lightweight womens double sculls. Romania has four other medals to its record, namely two gold, one silver and one bronze. The swimmer David Popovici won the gold in 200 meter freestyle, and Andrei Cornea and Marian Enache in mens double sculls. Ancuta Bodnar and Simona Radis won the silver in womens double sculls and David Popovici a bronze in the 100 m freestyle. (MI)
Another clean audit for Rhodes University in its 120th anniversary year

By the Division of Communication and Advancement

Rhodes University Council has welcomed a clean audit with no findings for the 2023 financial year. The results further extend the institutions established impeccable financial performance and stewardship record.

Council is pleased by this effort and the positive outcome in the first year of the Universitys five-year Institutional Development Plan 2023-2028, the institutional blueprint for achieving academic excellence and ensuring long-term sustainability, Council chairperson Judge Gerald Bloem said.

The financial statements and the annual report paint a fantastic picture of which students, staff, alumni, funders and all stakeholders can be proud. This is a positive reflection on the governance and management of this 120-year-old University, Judge Bloem said.

The unqualified audit report states that no significant control deficiencies were identified, and no material matters were found in the financial statements.

Chief Financial Officer Mr Kamlesh Riga said the audit report focused on four significant risk areas. These, he said, included:

Revenue recognition covering private gifts and grants, other non-recurring income, and income from research and contracts. The audit looked at the completeness of the revenue recorded.

Management override of controls specific to transaction testing and journal entries.

Performance report related to students' access, success and research output.

Supply chain management looking at conflicts of interest, declaration, and general institutional procurement processes.

The report of the external auditors, SAB&T, stated that it conducted robust and substantive testing, with rigorous auditing of policies and key controls. The four focus areas were found to be in good standing, and no material errors were identified.

The Director of Institutional Research, Planning & Quality Promotion, Dr Remy Nnadozie, said the University was returning to the pre-COVID-19 performance standards in various areas. These included the student success rate of 84% in 2023, two percentage points above the target set for the year.

He said several other targets, including for graduates, particularly at the undergraduate level, were also exceeded.

However, the overall student enrolment target was not met, especially for returning undergraduate and postgraduate students. The University has developed a plan to address student recruitment, support, retention, and success.

The audit report also raised concern about the rising student debt due, in part, to the National Students Financial Aid Scheme capping residence accommodation fees in 2023. It drew attention to the student debt impairment provision, which increased from R24 million in 2022 to R91 million.

Rhodes University has identified student debt as a significant threat to its operations. As part of its 120th anniversary celebrations, it has launched several fundraising initiatives, including Unlocking Futures, to alleviate student indebtedness and the institution's sustainability threat.
[L-R] Professor Patrice Mwepu, Professor 'Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela, Dr Boudina McConnachie, Professor Sizwe mabizela

By Siyamthanda Hobo

Rhodes University recently honoured Dr Boudina McConnachie with the Vice Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award (2023). This accolade, awarded annually to educators with fewer than ten years of teaching experience, recognises exceptional contributions to teaching excellence, innovation, and dedication.

The evening commenced with a welcoming address by Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela, who introduced Dr McConnachies work. The ceremony was attended by academic and support staff, family members of Dr McConnachie, and various guests; all gathered to celebrate the impact of her teaching career.

Dr McConnachies journey began at Umtata High School in the Eastern Cape, an interracial government school. This experience shaped her commitment to African cultural activism. Her undergraduate studies at the University of Cape Town focused on classical flute and indigenous African music, with an emphasis on traditional instruments such as the Uhadi and Mbira under the mentorship of Professor Dizu Plaatjies.

Further advancing her academic career, Dr McConnachie completed her honours degree in Indigenous African Music Performance and Music Education, followed by a masters degree in African music and Copyright Issues and a PhD in African Musical Arts Curriculum Development at Rhodes University. Her career as an educator began at Victoria Girls High School in Makhanda, where she made significant strides in music education before joining Rhodes University as a lecturer in 2015.

Dr McConnachies teaching philosophy, which she elaborated on in her distinguished lecture titled Harmonising Innovation: Embodied, Transgressive, Indigenous, and Permissive Approaches in Teaching and Learning, emphasises the integration of experiential learning, transgressive teaching methods, and the application of Indigenous knowledge. Her approach challenges traditional Eurocentric educational paradigms and fosters an inclusive, transformative learning environment that respects diverse knowledge systems.

The impact of Dr McConnachies teaching extends beyond her classroom. Her contributions to ethnomusicology are recognised within and beyond the Rhodes University community. Many of her students have become internationally acclaimed musicians, promoting a love for music in various communities. Her scholarly work includes several articles, podcasts, and textbooks, such as "Listen and Learn: Music Made Easy" and "My Music, My Classroom," which are utilised in educational settings across the country.

Under Dr McConnachies leadership, the Department of Music and Musicology at Rhodes University has flourished. Her approach to the instrumental music studies course has led to increased enrolment and enthusiasm for African music and ensemble performance. Her commitment to active, self-directed learning and community engagement has enriched the academic experience for her students and supported local musicians through various initiatives.

Dr McConnachies contributions have earned her numerous accolades. She won the 2024 National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences Digital Award for Best Exhibition Catalogue and has participated in fellowships such as the Teaching Advancement at University Fellowship and the Future Professors Programme. In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to her mentors, colleagues, students, and family, acknowledging their vital role in her journey.

The evenings festivities concluded with a performance by the Rhodes University Chamber Choir, reflecting Dr McConnachies dynamic approach to teaching and her passion for music. The performance highlighted her educational methods and celebrated her contributions to the Universitys cultural and academic life.

Dr McConnachies recognition as the recipient of the 2023 Vice Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award underscores her contributions to teaching, her innovative approaches to education, and her influence on students and the broader academic community. The celebration of her achievements at Rhodes University was a testament to her career and her dedication to fostering an inclusive and transformative learning environment.
Honda has overtaken Hero MotoCorp both in domestic and export market on a YoY basis and in terms of total YTD sales

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has overtaken Hero MotoCorp in two wheeler sales in July 2024. Honda dispatched a total of 4.83 lakh two-wheelers and 4.39 lakh units in the domestic market in July while Hero dispatched a total of 3.70 lakh units in the past month and 3.47 lakh units in domestic markets.

Honda Overtakes Hero  Becomes No 1 2W brand of India

Honda has experienced strong sales both in domestic and export markets allowing the automaker to surge over market leader Hero MotoCorp last month by 1,12,726 units. The gap in sales between these two OEMs have been shrinking ever since the split in 2011 and had narrowed down considerably in recent months. For the first time, Honda has overtaken Hero in the domestic market monthly sales.

Honda has reported total two wheeler sales at 4,83,100 units in July 2024. This was a growth of 42.80% over 3,38,310 units sold in July 2023 relating to a volume increase of 1,44,790 units. This included 4,39,110 units sold in domestic markets, a 41.26% YoY growth from 3,10,867 units sold in July 2023 while exports surged 60.27% to 43,982 units in the past month over 27,443 units shipped in the same month last year. While the companys domestic share is at 90.90%, exports command a 9.10% share. However, when comparing sales on a month-on-month (MoM) basis, Honda has seen a 9.01% decline in domestic sales from 4,82,597 units sold in June 2024. Exports held their ground with a 21.49% improvement over 36,202 units shipped in June 2024. Lower domestic sales took total MoM sales down by 6.88% from 5,18,799 units sold in June 2024.

Honda has also done exceedingly well in terms of year-to-date (YTD) sales. Total sales during the period April to July 2024 stood at 20,36,292 units, up 49.01% over 13,66,542 units sold in the corresponding months of 2023. This was a volume improvement of 6,69,749 units. The company excelled both in domestic and export markets with a 46.74% growth in domestic sales from 12,63,056 units to 18,53,350 units. Exports on the other hand surged 76.78% from 1,03,487 units shipped during the April-July 2023 period to 1,82,942 units in the same period of the current year.

Hero MotoCorp YoY and YTD Sales July 2024

Hero MotoCorp that has seen a slew of big launches in the premium segment in the recent past and is actively testing the new Xpulse 210, has recorded sales of 3,70,374 units in July 2024. This included 3,40,390 motorcycles and 29,884 scooters, both of which have declined on a YoY basis by 5.60% and 2.72% respectively. Domestic sales also took a beating down by 6.43% to 3,47,335 units while there had been 3,71,204 units sold in July 2023. Exports of the company increased to 22,739 units in July 2024 from 20,106 units shipped in July 2023. Hero MotoCorp has presence across 48 global markets with production facilities in India, Bangladesh and Colombia.

Month-on-month sales also remained in the negative in domestic markets while exports grew immensely. Motorcycle sales dipped 28.07% from 4,73,228 units sold in June 2024 relating to a 1,32,838 unit volume decline. Scooter sales saw a narrower fall by 1.11% from 30,220 units sold in June 2024. Total domestic sales dipped by 29.32% from 4,91,416 units sold in June 2024 while exports improved by a massive 88.99% to 22,739 units last month from only 12,032 units shipped in June 2024.

YTD sales of Hero MotoCorp showed off more positive results as total sales grew by 9.27% to 19,05,530 units in the April-July 2024 period over 17,43,884 units sold in the same months last year. Motorcycle sales were up 9.74% to 17,81,346 units from 16,23,232 units while scooter sales grew by2.84% to 1,24,084 units from 1,20,652 units.

Total domestic sales also saw an 8.47% growth while exports improved by 33.02% to 18,31,497 units and 73,733 units respectively. Hero MotoCorp asserts that supply chain constraints and logistics disruptions impacted dispatches and plans to boost sales leading to the festive season.
Being the most affordable variant to get a sunroof, Hyundai Venue S(O)+ unlocks better sales potential as it bears a trendy feature

To boost sales against rival brands like Tata Motors, Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motors India has been strengthening their sub 4m SUV portfolio. In that regard, Hyundai Venue now gets a new variant that packs trendy features at an affordable price point. It is called S(O)+ and is positioned above S(O). Lets take a look.

Hyundai Venue S(O)+ Variant Launch

The Hyundai Venue is among the best-selling sub 4m SUVs in India. Even though it received a facelift in June 2022, Venue has been showing its age when compared to its cousin Kia Sonet. To boost sales, Hyundai has now come up with an attractive new variant with trendy features to attract buyers.

Where pricing is concerned, Hyundai Venue S(O)+ costs Rs 9,99,900 (Ex-sh) and is positioned above S(O) that costs Rs 9.89 lakh (Ex-sh). Hyundai Venue S(O)+ comes equipped with a sole 1.2L 4-cylinder NA petrol engine, mated to a sole 5-speed manual gearbox option. No Turbo, no Auto.

The main highlight of this variant is that it is now the most affordable variant in Venues lineup to offer an electrically operated sunroof. This feature alone is likely to attract a lot of buyers towards it. At the Rs 10 lakh (Ex-sh) price point. Most of the strong positives of Venue are carried over with this new variant as well.

Venue S(O)+ features

Other than the sunroof, Hyundai Venue SX(O)+ also gets features like LED projector headlights, LED DRLs, an 8-inch free-standing infotainment screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a TFT MID display in instrument cluster and others.

Where safety is concerned, Hyundai offers 6 airbags as standard across all the variants of all its models. Venue S(O)+ is not different. Other than that, there is TPMS, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist, automatic headlights, rear view camera among other features. Higher variants of Venue get Level-1 ADAS suite too.

Mechanically, Venue S(O)+ will offer same performance as that of the current-gen Venue with 1.2L engine. This 1.2L petrol engine develops 82 bhp of peak power and 114 Nm of peak torque. Other variants of Venue gets 1.0L Turbo petrol engine that develops 118 bhp and 172 Nm and 1.5L diesel engine will develop 99 bhp and 240 Nm.

Within the sub-4-meter compact SUV segment. Hyundai Venue rivals Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, Mahindra XUV3XO, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and from Hyundais sister brand, Kia Sonet.

Also read  Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Hy-CNG Duo launched
Best AI Tools for Marketing and Sales.

In todays fast-paced business world, managing various communication channels efficiently is crucial for success. Enter Glassix, a comprehensive business communication tool that can streamline all your conversations in one inbox. From AI-powered chatbots to personalized interactions, Glassix aims to enhance customer experience and save valuable time for businesses of all sizes.

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Conversation routing engine: Assign conversations to qualified agents dynamically and customize routing rules to ensure effective triage at scale.

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The Glassix visual chatbot builder allows non-technical business managers to design automated flows coupled with Conversational AI and deploy them simultaneously across all channels. Easily launch new chatbots in minutes and deploy them with just one click. Monitor chatbot conversations in real time and enable agent takeover to improve customer satisfaction and close rate.

Glassix helps businesses drive customer delight through personalized and automated interactions, allowing teams to converse like pros effortlessly. With features like instant messaging, live chat, social media integration, and instant channel change, Glassix ensures seamless conversation continuity across various channels.

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Take advantage of Glassixs customer communications platform to automate interactions and leave your customers saying wow. Dont just take our word for it, read our customer stories to see the results for yourself.

Whether youre a large corporation or a small business, Glassix offers the tools you need to enhance your customer experience and streamline your communication channels. Stay connected anytime, anywhere with Glassix.

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Discover more Ai business tools .

In the fast-paced world of business, data visualization has become a crucial tool for making informed decisions and communicating complex information effectively. One such tool that aims to simplify the process of creating dynamic and engaging data visualizations is Lyche3e.

Features:

Instant Charts: Lyche3e allows users to create animated, shareable data visualizations from existing spreadsheet tools without any coding required. This feature ensures zero hassle and saves time for business managers.

Maximal Data Protection: With Lyche3e, users can create charts without saving any data into the platforms database, ensuring maximum data protection. The tool promises never to misuse or share the users data without consent.

Fast and Efficient: Lyche3e prides itself on its Blink Of An Eye level instant visualization capabilities, ensuring that users can create stunning charts in a matter of seconds. This feature eliminates any waiting time and enhances productivity.

Engage Your Audience: The tool offers professional-quality data graphics and animated stories that bring data to life, making it easier to engage with stakeholders and team members effectively.

Cost-Effective: Lyche3e eliminates unnecessary features and focuses on providing a user-friendly platform that caters to the specific needs of business managers, making it a cost-effective solution.

Variety Of Chart Options: Users can choose from a range of chart types, including pie, histogram, line, and bar charts, allowing them to customize their data visualization according to their preferences.

Your Favorite Sources: Lyche3e supports data import from various sources, including Excel, Notion, Google Sheets, .csv, .xlsx files, with JSON support coming soon. Users can also source data directly from platforms like Twitter, CoinGecko, Instagram, Meta, and Reddit.Share, Publish, Present, Embed, Download: Lyche3e enables seamless sharing of presentations with teams and audiences, allowing users to publish standalone websites, create collections of pages, publish as a grid, download as JPG, or share directly to social media platforms.

With a user-friendly platform that requires no coding skills or technical language, Lyche3e is a versatile tool that simplifies the process of data visualization for business managers. Its focus on data protection, speed, engagement, and cost-effectiveness makes it a suitable choice for businesses looking to enhance their data visualization capabilities.

lych3e  Pricing

Trial: $6.99/month after 48 hrs free. Try Easy Charts Lifetime: $13.99 once or $69.99 for Lychee Lifetime. Limited time promos available. Includes various features like instant graphs, unlimited exports, and future updates.

Visit lych3e.com/charts for more.

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Dynamic Business brings you the key startup fundraising from this week:

InvestorHub Secures $9M in Extended Series A Funding

InvestorHub, a direct-to-investor marketing platform, has closed its Series A funding round with an additional $4 million, bringing the total to $9 million. The extension round was led by EVP, with follow-on investments from Archangel Ventures and Flying Fox Ventures. This marks the second capital raise for InvestorHub in less than two years following its rebranding from Fresh Equities.

The company previously secured $4 million in May 2023 and reopened for investors after tripling its revenue over the subsequent 13 months, which sparked significant additional interest in the platform.

iLAuNCH Offers $100,000 Grants

The iLAuNCH Trailblazer program has injected another $1 million into funding the commercialization of university research for the space industry. Backed by the federal government, the program will offer seed funding grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for proof-of-concept demonstrator technologies with commercial potential.

Applications are now open for the fund, named Fast Track, in collaboration with the University of Southern Queensland, Australian National University, and University of South Australia.

Slice Raises $7.5M in Seed Round

Slice, a fintech addressing the challenge of booking affordable holiday fares in advance, has raised $7.5 million in a Seed round, marking one of 2024s largest Seed rounds. This is Slices first external capital raise after six years of bootstrapping. The round was led by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India), and the fintech also secured a $10 million debt facility from Melbourne-based alternative asset management firm Roadnight Capital.

Sindy Labs Joins UC Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator with $300,000 Funding

Sindy Labs, a startup focused on monitoring university student learning, has been accepted into the University of California, Berkeleys SkyDeck accelerator program. As part of the deal, Sindy Labs will receive US$200,000 (A$305,000) in funding.

Founded by former University of Melbourne medical student Benjamin Arya, Taha Ansari, and Oliver Cucanic, Sindy Labs aims to enhance the educational experience for students through innovative learning assessments.

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A police officer talks with tourists in front of the Bali Bomb Monument in Indonesia in 2016. Photo by Reuters

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, welcomed 6.4 million foreign tourists from January to June, marking a 21% increase compared to the same period last year but this number is only one-third of the tourists received by Thailand.

"This is the highest number of international visitors that Indonesia has recorded in the first half of the year since 2020," stated Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, the acting head of the Central Statistics Agency, as quoted by Antara News Agency.

In June alone, Indonesia saw 1.2 million foreign tourists, primarily from Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia. The country aims to attract 17 million foreign visitors this year after receiving 11.7 million last year.

Despite the increase, Indonesia's foreign tourist arrivals were lower than those of some neighboring Southeast Asian countries.

Thailand welcomed 17.5 million foreign tourists in the first half of the year, while Vietnam recorded 8.8 million, and Singapore had 8.24 million.

Indonesia plans to grant visa-free entry to 20 countries, including Australia, China, and India, by October, according to the Jakarta Globe.
Israel responded to the recent tragic terrorist attack by Hezbollah on children and teens in the Golan Heights with a targeted missile strike in Beirut. A top Hezbollah leader, Fuad Shukr, who was responsible for the attack on the children, was killed.

At a UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs Robert Wood began with a clear statement:

Israel has a right to defend itself against attacks from Hezbollah and other terrorists. This is precisely what it did on July 30, when it independently responded to Hezbollahs July 28 attack on Majdal Shams, which killed 12 children. ... [T]here is no doubt  absolutely none  that Hezbollah was responsible for this attack, which used an Iranian weapon, and was launched from a portion of Lebanon controlled by Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has repeatedly fired rockets at Israel since October 8, with Irans support and backing, said Ambassador Wood. And, he noted, Hezbollah is not the only Iranian-backed group in the region that has taken advantage of the situation in Gaza to undermine peace and security. Iran also arms and supports the Houthis, Hamas, and terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq.

Ambassador Wood underscored that a broader war is neither imminent nor inevitable, although the opportunistic attacks by Iran and its network of terrorist proxies and partners across the region have repeatedly brought us closer to a regional conflict:

[T]he United States will continue to lead the way in diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza and reduce regional tensions. ... A ceasefire agreement is the surest way to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and unlock the possibility of broader stability.

We believe that there is still time and space for a diplomatic solution, said Ambassador Wood:

We encourage members of this [Security] Council with direct influence over Iran to increase pressure on it to stop escalating its proxy conflict against Israel and other actors. Indeed, every member of this Council should call on Iran to stop arming, advising, and financing terrorist groups and to rein in the actions of proxies and partners who threaten regional peace and security.

In this dangerous moment, Ambassador Wood declared, it is imperative that we work together to reduce tensions in the region.
The relationship between the United States and the Philippines is the strongest that its ever been, declared Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a recent visit to the island nation.

Our armed forces are working on more shared priorities in more places than ever before. Were now allocating an additional $500 million in Foreign Military Financing to the Philippines to boost security collaboration with our oldest treaty ally in this region  new steps to strengthen the alliance: a once-in-a-generation investment to help modernize the Filipino armed forces and coast guard, our first bilateral Security Sector Assistance Roadmap, doubling our investments in the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, he said.

Of concern to both the United States and the Philippines are some of the actions that the Peoples Republic of China has taken in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and elsewhere. Thats why the U.S. welcomes the provisional agreement reached between the PRC and the Philippines on the rotation and resupply of the Second Thomas Shoal. Indeed, the first resupply mission subsequent to that understanding went forward without incident, noted Secretary Blinken:

Its very important that that be the standard, not the exception. And as I said to the Chinese foreign minister when we met in Laos a few days ago, China must uphold its commitments to not obstruct the Philippines in their resupply missions.

The United States stands by its ironclad defense commitment to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty. That extends to armed attacks on Filipino armed forces, public vessels or aircraft  including the coast guard  anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.

The U.S. and the Philippines are equally focused on their economic partnership, said Secretary Blinken:

The Philippines is a priority partner on semiconductor manufacturing. Twenty percent of global assembly, testing, and packaging takes place here in the Philippines. Thanks to the CHIPS Act, were finalizing collaboration to support the strengthening of Filipino capacity. Were focused on workforce development as well as on regulatory reform.

The U.S. is also investing in high-quality, high-impact infrastructure via the Luzon Economic Corridor through investments in rail, port modernization, clean energy, semiconductor supply chains, and agribusiness.

The partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines is more important than ever, said Secretary Blinken, and our commitment to growing it now and for the years ahead is resolute.
HgCapital Trust announced an investment in CTAIMA and E-coordina, two Iberian companies specialising in contractor management, risk, and compliance software, on Friday.

The London-listed firm said the financial terms of the transaction were not being disclosed, but said it would invest around 11.5m, with other institutional clients of Hg also participating through the Hg Mercury 4 Fund.

It said the investment was Hg's first platform investment in Iberia, continuing its focus on mission-critical B2B compliance software.

The merger of CTAIMA and E-coordina was designed to create a leading contractor compliance platform in the Iberian market, with co-CEOs Lorenzo Zavala and Luis de los Santos at the helm to drive growth and innovation.

The new entity was expected to enhance its product offering and expand its reach across Europe and Latin America, building on significant growth already achieved by both companies.

CTAIMA, based in Tarragona, Spain, had evolved from a consulting firm into an international software-as-a-service platform, connecting over 100,000 contractors and subcontractors with more than 1,000 clients across 17 countries.

Following the transaction, HgCapital Trusts liquid resources available for future investments were estimated to be 496m, representing 21% of its estimated net asset value as of 30 June.

The investment reduced its outstanding commitments to invest in Hg transactions to about 713m, or 30% of the estimated net asset value.

At 1041 BST, shares in HgCapital Trust were down 3.83% at 527p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Amy Neff

(photo: Sylvie Rosokoff)

Amy Neff's debut novel is The Days I Loved You Most (Park Row), a stunning love story and immersive family drama set in a New England beach town. Neff lives in Connecticut with her husband, two sons, and their rescue dog.

Joseph and Evelyn are genuine, fully developed characters, their marriage a remarkable example of lifelong devotion. Were they inspired by real people?

That means so much to hear, thank you. Joseph and Evelyn are completely works of fiction; their story is not my family story, although their setting is inspired by my family place. That said, I was lucky to have great examples growing up which have informed my definition of love. My grandparents had a beautiful marriage for over 50 years, until we lost my grandfather swiftly and unexpectedly to cancer. The years my grandmother lived without him always struck me as bittersweet, seeing grandchildren marry and snuggling great grandchildren, but not being able to share those happy moments with the one she loved most.

Jane refers to her parents' relationship as "impenetrable, a united front to a fault." What is the cost of this exceptional, almost exclusionary, marital bond for the rest of the family?

Their great love affects each of their three children in different ways. Jane, their oldest, is disillusioned by a damaging relationship in her past, and bristles against the idea that you need another person to be complete. Thomas is extremely private and guards his emotions, prioritizing his career over his marriage. Violet, their youngest, idealizes her parent's relationship as a fairy-tale romance, and the reality of her own marriage always pales in comparison. Their children have always understood that if forced to choose, their parents would choose each other, and that devotion turns into the catalyst for Joseph and Evelyn's unthinkable decision.

Stonybrook is a fictionalized version of the New England beach town where your family summered. Which aspects of your own experiences did you incorporate into the book?

I wanted to explore all that comes with committing not only to another person, but to a place. I grew up spending summers on a shared lot with my extended family. The two cottages were revolving doors of cousins, aunts and uncles, and my summers were filled with sun-soaked beach days and big family dinners with people shouting over each other to be heard. It was the most beautiful chaos and an idyllic childhood. It is a very special place to me, and the sense of calm and belonging I feel along the shore imprinted on me so deeply I wanted to capture those feelings within the pages of this book.

At its core, The Days I Loved You Most is a captivating love story with Joseph and Evelyn as the primary narrators, but it also includes the perspectives of their three adult children. What made you decide to add Jane, Thomas, and Violet?

When I set out to write this novel, it was important to me that it remained first and foremost a love story. Originally, and for many drafts, the only two points of view were Joseph's and Evelyn's. An editor I worked with along the way made the case for hearing from their children, because as much as it is a love story, it is also a family story, and the decisions made between them don't exist in a vacuum. I loved writing those three chapters because they give crucial context and alternate perspectives to explore. I had spent so much time with the family that their voices came easily, as though they had been banging on the door, relieved to finally be let out. I'm so glad they got to speak for themselves.

You mention that The Days I Loved You Most has been a lesson in novel writing. May I ask you to expand on that and share insight into the challenges of breaking into the publishing industry as a debut writer?

I have always been an avid reader, so I had a sense of what worked, and had been writing all my life. But I embarked on this journey blissfully naive, for the fun and challenge of it, and followed where it led. I learned a lot about structure and pacing as I went, but I think some of the magic for me was the not knowing. I wasn't trying to hit certain beats, or follow a formula. These things can be incredibly helpful, and certainly is more efficient. But the meandering was all discovery and play. When I took the novel as far as I could on my own, I worked with editors that brought out different elements, and I learned so much from each draft. Breaking into the industry was much harder. It took me five years of querying this book to get a literary agent. Each batch of rejections, I revised again. I dug in deeper, uncovering layers to the characters, their motivations and fears, and the book was better for every year spent working on it.

How would you describe your creative process?

I am very disciplined. I like yellow legal pads and notecards and carving out overly ambitious schedules. To revise, I'd break down the weeks or months it would take, and then divide the number of chapters based on that timeframe. For the better half of my writing journey, I was pregnant and/or raising babies and toddlers full time. I don't write every day. It's not possible for this phase of life, at least for me. But I made time where I could, in early mornings, late nights, during the short-lived era of naptime, and in the rare stretches I could steal away thanks to sitters and grandparents. I took my self-imposed writing schedule seriously, long before there was anyone else holding me accountable. I found a way to move forward, even if I only had minutes. And there were stretches when I didn't touch the book at all. There are chapters that I wrote in one sitting, and ones that have been reworked and threaded throughout, and many scenes that were written and cut completely. I wrote far more than what ended up in the final version, and that helped me understand my characters on a far deeper level.

Do you have advice for fledgling authors launching their writing life while navigating the demands of raising a family?

Be patient with yourself. There is such an emphasis on getting published quickly, and getting your book out there fast. Don't buy into this. My journey was 10 years long. I started querying before I had children, and my children are now three and nearly five. It's not a race, and it's okay if it takes longer than you expect. My book is better for the years spent in revisions. Outsource what you can, ask for help. Take your writing seriously. Carve out time, but remember this season with your family is precious and fleeting, too. It's okay to not write every day. Stick with whatever you can commit to. The only one who can write your book is you, but give yourself grace when inevitably someone throws up, or your perfect flow is interrupted by someone needing to be wiped. As long as you keep going, you'll get there. --Shahina Piyarali
Pop quiz: Who won the Olympic gold medal for Mixed Literature at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris?

Give up? Well, Geo-Charles (France) took gold for Jeux Olympiques, while the silver medal was shared between Margaret Stuart (Great Britain) for Sword Songs and Charles Gonnet (France) for Vers le Dieu d'Olympie. Bronze medals went to Josef Petersen (Denmark) for Euryale and Oliver St. John Gogarty (Ireland) for Ode pour les Jeux de Tailteann. Belated congratulations to the medalists.

From 1912 to 1948, Olympic medals were awarded for artistic creations inspired by sport. Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics, had envisioned the games as a celebration of both physical and intellectual pursuits. Beginning with the Stockholm, Sweden games in 1912, medals were awarded in five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting and sculpture. Later the categories were expanded to be more specific, as in mixed literature, as well as dramatic, lyric & speculative, and epic works.

In 1949 the International Olympic Committee decided that since almost all contestants in the art competitions were professionals, this didn't reflect the amateur status of the Olympics (at the time, though as we know times have changed). The IOC attempted to revive art competitions at Helsinki, Finland in 1952, but the idea was rejected by the hosts.

Before the 2024 Olympic Games, booksellers turned out to be the surprising early upset winners when Les Bouquiniustes won the first competition of the games after French President Emmanuel Macron intervened in a controversial battle to remove the legendary Parisian booksellers from the banks of the river Seine due to security reasons involving the opening ceremonies. A new ruling finally allowed hundreds of Bouquinistes, who operate from dark green boxes by the river, to stay at their historic locations. Could the original decision to remove them have been an overreaction?

In anticipation of the craziness in the host city during the games, legendary Paris bookseller Shakespeare & Co. issued this cautionary note to customers due to its location near the center of the action: "Planning on visiting us between 27 July and 11 August? While we expect to be open as usual during this period, the Olympic Games may have an impact on the access to our shop and our hours. To be sure you come when we're open, keep checking this post or our website for updates. We'll post all information here as soon as we have it. Thanks for your understanding."

On this side of the pond, booksellers have been engaging in their own Olympic moments of glory.

The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, Ariz., shared a special photo on Facebook: "From April of 2022 and a visit to the site to be developed for the 2024 Olympics surfing in Tahiti. It was a fair drive from Papeete with little info structure yet available. The bridge sports the Olympic rings promising amazing things to come."

Last week Harvard Book Store, Cambridge, Mass., featured a dramatic video preview: "Coming this summer.... Let the games begin! Celebrate Paris 2024 with your favorite landmark indie as the booksellers compete to see who's the best of the best..... And for our first event: the Receipt Paper Toss! Standing by the register and aiming for the trash can behind Info, how many baskets can you make in 60 seconds?"

At Athena Books

"We've got Olympic fever, do you??" asked Athena Books, Old Greenwich, Conn., which shared a photo of the shop's sidewalk chalkboard promoting in-store "Reading Olympics" events like the couch slouch, the high shelf reach, competitive stacking, one-sitting finish, and spring for the last page.

Brick & Mortar Books, Redmond, Wash., offered coverage of the Bookseller Olympics, including the always exciting window washing event, while Chapter One Bookstore & More, Mendham, N.J., has been "hosting the BOOK OLYMPICS! Vote on our story for which books you want to advance to the next round! Whichever book takes home the gold will be 15% off for a week!" Here are the finalists.

Love's Sweet Arrow, Tinley Park, Ill., posted: "As a former competitive gymnast, today is so exciting and rewarding to see. Not just for the US women's gymnastics, but for all of the gymnasts. There was so much artistry, strength, and talent on display and so much overcoming adversity and perseverance!"

Old Town Books, Alexandria, Va., offered a list of "bookish things that aren't in the Olympics but should be," including listening to an audiobook at 1.5x speed, having a TBR with 10-plus books, reading multiple books at a time, finishing a long book just before book club, and supporting your local indie bookstore."

At Books on the Square

Book displays have been a popular, and logical, option. "Do you have a future Olympian in your household?" asked Books on the Square, Providence, R.I.. "Our booksellers are so excited for the Olympics and we have a great selection of books for you to enjoy!"

In videos, Curious Iguana, Frederick, Md., highlighted "books to read if you love watching the Olympics" and Third Place Books, with three stores in the Seattle, Wash., area, suggested "what to read after watching the Olympics."

Other bookshops promoting Olympic-themed titles online include 2 Dandelions Bookshop, Brighton, Mich.; Skylark Books, Columbia, Md. ("Apparently there are some sporty-type things going on somewhere."); and Poppy Books & Gifts, Spanish Fork, Utah. ("Who else is as hyped about the Olympics as we are?? Here's a book recommendation based on your favorite sport.").

Capturing the true bookish Olympic spirit, the Book & Cover, Chattanooga, Tenn., posted: "If reading was an Olympic sport, you'd all medal. Read books. Think athlete."
The United States has recognized Venezuelas opposition presidential candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, as the winner of the countrys disputed election.

The United States applauds the Venezuelan people for their participation in the July 28 presidential election despite significant challenges, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement. At least 12 million Venezuelans peacefully went to the polls and exercised one of the most powerful rights given to people in any democracy: the right to vote. Unfortunately, the vote count was deeply flawed, and the outcome does not represent the will of the Venezuelan people.

State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel noted that the sum of more than the 80 percent of the tally sheets published by the democratic opposition and received directly from polling stations show that Edmundo Gonzalez received an overwhelming majority of the votes in this election.

The [National Election Councils] rapid declaration of Maduro as the winner comes with no supporting evidence, and meanwhile Venezuelan opposition and civil society provided decisive evidence showing that Edmundo Gonzalez received a majority of the votes in this election, he said.

Independent observers have corroborated these facts, and this outcome was also supported by election day exit polls and quick counts.

As the independent Carter Centers observation mission reported, the CNEs failure to provide the precinct-level official results, as well as irregularities throughout the process, have stripped the CNEs announced outcome of any credibility.

Given the overwhelming evidence, said Secretary Blinken, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez won the most votes in Venezuelas July 28 presidential election.

The United States also rejects Maduros threats to arrest opposition leaders, including Edmundo Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado, as an undemocratic attempt to repress political participation and retain power. The safety and security of the democratic opposition leaders and members must be protected, stressed Secretary Blinken. He added, All Venezuelans arrested while peacefully exercising their right to participate in the electoral process or demand transparency in the tabulation and announcement of results should be released immediately.

We congratulate Edmundo Gonzalez on his successful campaign, said Secretary Blinken. Now is the time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people.
Inaugurating the 13th edition of Bengaluru India Nano, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared the citys imminent transformation into Indias nano technology hub. The event, a significant milestone in the field, saw enthusiastic participation from experts and stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, CM Siddaramaiah expressed his confidence in Bengalurus potential, backed by premier research institutions such as IISc, JNCASR, NCBS, and CeNS. With the support of these esteemed institutions, Bengaluru will be transformed into the Nano Tech Hub of India, maintaining its eminent position in this emerging technology, he asserted.

The Chief Minister emphasized the crucial role of nanotechnology in addressing various challenges. I call upon our scientists and engineers to develop innovative nanotechnology-based solutions for food security, energy security, water purification, infrastructure, medicine, health care, and waste management. These solutions are vital to combat the environmental hazards expected to rise due to urbanization, population growth, and lifestyle changes, he stated.

Highlighting the significance of the event, CM Siddaramaiah said, International events like this provide ample opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, technology exchange, skill development, and business collaboration. He extended an invitation to young entrepreneurs to leverage these opportunities and establish new ventures in Karnataka, assuring government support to create a favorable ecosystem for the growth of the nanotechnology industry.

India Nano Science Award, recognizing his contributions to the field. CM Siddaramaiah also expressed his gratitude to Bharat Ratna Prof. CNR Rao for his continuous guidance in organizing the event since its inception in 2007. He congratulated Prof. Arindam Ghosh, the recipient of the prestigious Prof. CNR Rao Bengaluru, recognizing his contributions to the field.

Reflecting on Karnatakas legacy, the Chief Minister remarked, Karnataka has always been renowned for its rich cultural heritage and strong foundation in educational and research activities. Our state is at the forefront of technology-based innovations.
Italian electric motor component manufacturer EuroGroup Laminations (EGLA) has announced a strategic move into the Indian market by acquiring a 40% stake in Kumar Precision Stampings. This investment is part of a broader expansion strategy that also includes a new joint venture agreement in China.

EGLA, renowned for its expertise in producing stators and rotors critical components for electric motors and generators will invest 19.9 million euros in Kumar Precision Stampings. Kumar Precision is known for its production of similar components for various industrial applications. The acquisition, expected to be finalized by the end of the year, will grant EGLA control over Kumar through a shareholder agreement.

The announcement comes shortly after EGLA's strategic move in China, following Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to the country. Meloni emphasized the importance of enhancing Italy's economic ties with China, the worlds second-largest economy.

electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. As part of this deal, EGLA will establish a new research and development center for innovative technologies at Hixih's industrial base in Shandong province. Additionally, a high-tech industrial plant will be set up for the production of motor cores for New Energy Vehicles. EGLA has signed a preliminary agreement with Chinese automotive component manufacturer Hixih Rubber Industry Group to form a joint venture. The agreement aims to bolster EGLAs presence in the Chinese market, particularly with. As part of this deal, EGLA will establish a new research and development center for innovative technologies at Hixih's industrial base in Shandong province. Additionally, a high-tech industrial plant will be set up for the production of motor cores for New Energy Vehicles.

Currently, EGLA operates two production facilities in China: one for its EV & Automotive business unit and another for its industrial business unit. The new R&D center and production plant will further enhance the company's capabilities and commercial reach in the growing EV sector.
Somdip Dey, CEO of Nosh Technologies, holding the honor certificate from IEEE SA

In an exciting development for the global tech community, Somdip Dey, a renowned technologist and entrepreneur, has been honored by the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) for his outstanding contributions to the development of the International Standard ISO/IEC/IEEE 23026:2023. This recognition marks another significant milestone in Dey's illustrious career, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the landscape of website systems engineering and management.

A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

Dey's journey in the realm of technological innovation is nothing short of remarkable. He has been at the forefront of numerous groundbreaking projects, including spearheading Nosh Technologies' efforts in food waste reduction with AI, which earned them the prestigious Innovate UK Unlocking Potential grant. His work has been extensively covered by Silicon India, which previously detailed his impressive career trajectory and the relentless pursuit of technological solutions for societal challenges.

The Importance of ISO/IEC/IEEE 23026:2023

The ISO/IEC/IEEE 23026:2023 standard, which Dey helped co-develop, is critical in the field of systems engineering and management of websites. This standard sets comprehensive guidelines for the lifecycle of websites, encompassing everything from strategy and design to testing and management. It aims to enhance the usability, accessibility, and maintainability of websites, making them more efficient and user-friendly.

In the digital age, websites serve as the primary interface between organizations and their stakeholders. Ensuring that these digital platforms are well-designed and managed is crucial for effective communication and service delivery. The ISO/IEC/IEEE 23026:2023 standard addresses these needs by providing a framework that helps organizations develop and maintain websites that are not only functional but also secure and accessible to all users. This is particularly important for websites that disseminate ICT (Information and Communications Technology) information, as it ensures that critical data is easily accessible and understandable.

Dey's Contributions to the Standard

Dey has been an integral part of the development of this standard since 2012, contributing to both the 2015 and 2023 versions. His work in this area has been instrumental in setting benchmarks for quality and usability in web-based information systems. His expertise has helped shape the guidelines that ensure websites are designed and maintained with a focus on user experience, security, and accessibility.

In his work on the standard, Dey has emphasized the importance of designing websites that are easy to navigate and accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This aligns with global trends towards inclusive design, ensuring that digital platforms are usable by the widest possible audience. Furthermore, his contributions have helped organizations implement consistent and efficient practices for website development and maintenance, which are critical for maintaining the integrity and reliability of digital information systems.

Dey went on to social media platforms like Instagram to share this achievement by saying, Im thrilled to announce that I was honoured by the IEEE Standards Association for my (outstanding) contributions to the development of the International Standard ISO/IEC/IEEE 23026:2023!

Looking Forward

The recognition from IEEE SA is not just a personal achievement for Dey but also a testament to the importance of the work being done in the field of digital standards. As organizations continue to rely more heavily on digital platforms, the need for robust standards like ISO/IEC/IEEE 23026:2023 becomes increasingly important. These standards help ensure that websites can serve their intended purpose effectively, providing users with reliable, secure, and accessible information.

For Dey, this honor is a reflection of his ongoing commitment to advancing technology in ways that benefit society as a whole. His work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, setting new standards for excellence in the tech industry. As he moves forward, the global community can look forward to more groundbreaking contributions from this innovative leader.
Spacenet Enterprises India Ltd, a company listed on the NSE, and Modern Fuel Technologies, a prominent Russian firm, are excited to announce a joint venture focused on implementing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects throughout India. As India becomes one of the world's fastest-growing economies, poised to rank among the top three economic powers in the next 10-15 years, the demand for energy is expected to soar. This growth is accompanied by a significant shift towards clean energy, with high-polluting sectors transitioning to natural gas. The proposed joint venture is strategically positioned to capitalize on this trend by developing LNG infrastructure across the nation.

Prakash Dasigi, Executive Director of Spacenet Enterprises, and Aleksander Sorokin, General Director of Modern Gas Technologies, expressed the optimism about this venture. "This partnership will be a significant step towards enhancing India's LNG infrastructure and promoting cleaner energy solutions," said Dasigi. Sorokin added, "Our combined expertise will drive the development of modern LNG solutions across various sectors in India".

The shift towards natural gas as an alternative fuel for automobiles is accelerating due to its higher efficiency and cleaner emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. Natural gas is 30-40% more efficient and produces 40% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than coal and 30% less than oil. In the race to net zero, LNG serves as a crucial 'feedstock' for low-carbon hydrogen, supporting the emerging hydrogen economy.

The project will also focus on retrofitting heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) to use LNG, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. According to the Shell LNG Outlook 2024, global LNG demand is projected to increase by over 50% by 2040, driven by industrial coal-to-gas switching in China and increased usage in South and Southeast Asia. In 2022, the total global LNG trade reached 402.8 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), with India importing 20.79 MMTPA, representing 5% of the global LNG trade.
A Massachusetts mafiosi had his 25-year sentence extended by 51 months for his alleged involvement in the prison murder of notorious Boston gangster James Whitey Bulger in 2018, the Daily News is reporting.

Paul J. DeCologero had been previously sentenced in 2006 for allegedly attempting to kill a teenage witness with heroin during a criminal case, the report said.

The 89-year-old Bulger, who was captured after 16 years on the lam, was reportedly bludgeoned to death with a lock attached to a belt only hours after being transferred into the general population at USP Hazelton in West Virginia, the report said.

According to the outlet, another inmate testified that DeCologero and two other men were overheard saying they intended to kill Bulger for being a snitch.

While prosecutors believe the claim that DeCologero served as a lookout during the incident, his attorneys stated that he was guilty in a limited role, the report said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Just before sunrise Wednesday morning, Staten Island saw the first gun-related homicide of the year. Shamel Massie, 28, was shot in the head and both arms while steps away from his home in the Mariners Harbor Houses.

After the slaying, faith and community leaders vowed to continue to work to address gun violence in North Shore communities.

Local leaders acknowledged the drop in gun violence this year compared to the year prior, but they raised concerns a potential uptick could be on the horizon. The tragic shooting came a little more than a month after leaders celebrated a more than 1,000-day streak without gun violence around the Mariners Harbor housing complex.

According to the citys CompStat system, there were 9 shooting incidents that resulted in 9 gunshot victims in the borough through July 28 this year. There has been a 55% decrease in shooting victims and a 50% decrease in shooting incidents so far in 2024 when compared to 2023.

Mike Perry is the program manager of True 2 Life, a Stapleton-based organization that is part of New York Citys Crisis Management System (CMS). CMS consists of community-based organizations that provide violence intervention and support systems in communities heavily impacted by gun violence.

The streak doesnt matter to us. I say that in a sense of the numbers dont matter. Were more concerned with what we have to deal with now and that is to deal with two families who have been affected by this, said Perry, a city-commissioned violence interrupter. Of course its important to mark these milestones. However, when these things get broken, our sentiments are with the families.

Perry works closely with the community to help curb the gun violence plaguing the North Shore. He also provides resources for families and individuals who are victims of violence.

We dont really look at it as a start over because with us at True 2 Life, one day without a shooting on the North Shore of Staten Island in any neighborhood is a success for us, said Perry. The numbers really speak toward the Mariners Harbor community first and foremost, but secondly our staff who has been mediating hundreds and hundreds of conflicts, that goes into that 1,500-plus day-streak almost 2,000.

Perry referenced True 2 Lifes 10-year track record of mediating conflict and deterring violence as proof that Wednesdays deadly shooting highlights the need for continued anti-gun violence advocacy.

The work continues, said Perry. The young man who lost his life is very close with our organization and the people who work with us live in Mariners Harbor, so hes a very liked, well-mannered man who lost his life, so my staff is grieving.

According to Perry, his team of experts have already reached out to the Massie family with support and resources to help them give Shamel a proper send off.

On the flip side of the coin, Perry said that True 2 Life will also help the family of the person that carried out Massies murder.

I dont know if the person who did it has kids. I know they have parents, I know they have family. We just want to provide levels of support for all of the parties involved, said Perry. We are not here to make any arrests  that is not what we do. That is a job for the NYPD. We are here to service both sides of the situation.

Perry wanted Staten Islanders to know that there are other ways to go about handling conflict and that taking a persons life is never the answer.

This borough needs to know that you have an organization of men and women who are expert conflict mediators and we have an amazing track record with productivity in mediating these conflicts, Perry said. Im talking about some really high risk stuff. I just want to offer our mentorship to anybody dealing with conflict that could lead to violence.

Candles are placed at the entrance to 56 Roxbury St. in the Mariners Harbor Houses where Shamel Massie, 28, was fatally shot and a second 28-year-old man was wounded on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staff shot

Concerns over domino effect

Staten Island faith leader Minister Robert Perkins expressed disappointment about the violence in Mariners Harbor.

I think its definitely a tragic loss, it really is senseless, said Perkins. Ive been on Staten Island over 30 years and one thing Ive noticed about the Island is that when the weather changes  especially toward the summer, it has a way of increasing the violence in some parts of the borough. Its just what it is, I cant put it another way.

On Tuesday, Perkins attended a community board meeting at the 120th Precinct in St. George. In the meeting, Perkins said they were celebrating the fact that there had been zero fatal shootings in the area this year.

I was so excited about it being August and to hear about the shooting happening this morning after having that meeting is heart-breaking, because of the fact that that guy wasnt a bad guy at all, Perkins said. When its all said and done, its probably over something so senseless, that theyve could have had a conversation about it.

Now, Perkins is concerned that a domino effect of violence could be on the horizon for the borough.

Another bad thing about this situation is that on Staten Island, so many people are connected and theres always the chance that something be connected to the shooting, said Perkins. For this to have been a peaceful summer and for that to have taken place, people are kind of like, Im concerned now, because violence like this sets off something that shouldnt have been triggered.

A piece of advice Perkins wished to bestow upon young people is something his mother advised him of as a youngster: Know yourself by understanding who you are and who you are not.

Once you do that, Perkins said, the world will not be able to define you.

Understand who you are not, understand your value. You mean something to somebody, but you really need to mean something to yourself, said Perkins bluntly. The truth of the matter is its really about self love if you dont have self love, then you cant love somebody.

Perkins called for continued efforts to steer youths away from violence.

We really need these kids to wrap their minds around the fact that what they are seeing right now is not normal and that there is something terribly wrong with it, he said.

Perkins suggests that post-primary education, like having a trade, could assist in quelling violence committed by young people because then they will have something to look forward to in their lives.

A lot of the programs that I work with is putting kids into college, so that they can see past their hand its not these kids fault, said Perkins. You look at some of these parents and we have parents who have two and three jobs, single parent homes. A lot of these kids are being raised by these games, phones, by these videos  theres something really incorrect with that. I just think it just comes down to self love man.

Perkins said that, young people should take advice from Kenny Rogers song The Gambler.

You gotta know when to hold them, know when to fold them; and know when to walk away, Perkins sighed.
A mom left her infant daughter in the car for hours in Morris County during a heat wave last month, leading to her death, authorities said.

Livia Patelli, 33, of East Hanover, has been charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child after investigators alleged that she left the 6-month-old alone in her car for four-and-a-half hours, the Morris County Prosecutors Office said. She was released on Thursday after appearing in court.

Someone called 911 around 1:30 p.m. on July 17, reporting that a child was alone in a car in a parking lot near South Ridgedale Avenue at Route 10 in East Hanover.

First responders removed the girl from the vehicle and attempted life-saving aid on the scene, authorities said.

The infant was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, prosecutors said.

Temperatures in the area reached as high as 105 degrees on the day of the incident, according to the National Weather Service.

Patelli was also brought to a hospital for treatment, but prosecutors did not provide details about her condition.

She is at least the second New Jersey parent to be charged in a hot car death this summer.

Avraham Chaitovsky, 28, of Jackson, was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child last month after authorities said he left his 8-week old daughter in a parked car for four hours, resulting in the babys death.

So far in 2024, 18 children across America have died of heat strokes inside parked vehicles, according to the National Safety Council. In 2023, there were 29 reported child hot car deaths, the organization said
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A bipartisan bill looking to combat sexual assault on college campuses, strengthen accountability and transparency for institutions is being reintroduced by senators and representatives.

The Campus Accountability and Safety Act is being championed by New Yorks own Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R  IA), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R  PA), and Rep. Ro Khanna (D  CA).

According to a written statement, the act would improve the way institutions of higher education address and report incidents of sexual assault that take place on their campuses, and it would protect both survivors and accused students by ensuring that schools have a uniform and fair process for investigating and conducting campus disciplinary proceedings. Additionally, it would create new resources and support services for survivors and set new notification requirements for both survivors and accused students involved in the campus disciplinary process.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Community members and local politicians gathered outside the Manor Road Post Office in Castleton Corners to discuss concerns about the removal of drive-through mailboxes at the heavily frequented post office.

To respond to mail theft, vandalizations and check fraud incidents, the Manor Road Post Office removed their drive-through mailboxes, causing a stir among community members. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Borough President Vito Fossella and Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo joined members of the National Association of Letter Carriers to address the situation at a press conference on Friday.

According to Malliotakis, checks being stolen in transit or from mailboxes have resulted in $1.7 million in theft from taxpayers.

For years, weve had drive-by drop-off boxes where residents in our community can drop off their mail. All of a sudden, those mailboxes are gone. And theres a note that says collection boxes removed permanently due to an increase in vandalism and theft, Malliotakis said. Were very disturbed by this development.

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella and Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo joined members of the National Association of Letter Carriers at the Manor Road Post Office in Castleton Corners to respond to drive-through mailbox removal. (Staten Island Advance/Sonya Gugliara)Sonya Gugliara

Malliotakis explained that other post offices across Staten Island are experiencing similar issues, including the Tottenville and Port Richmond offices.

Removing the drive-through mailboxes was mainly done to reduce crime and keep peoples mail secure. However, community members are outraged by the inconvenience of their absence.

We just became aware of this issue, about removing the boxes throughout Staten Island, John Cruz, Staten Island and Brooklyn Branch President of Letter Carriers, said. Were doing our own investigation because were here to service the community - and it is a big impact on the community.

Kristin Golar DeFendis, a Westerleigh resident of 32 years, took to the podium and expressed her views of the situation.

Kristin Golar DeFendis, resident of Westerleigh, with her mother on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the Manor Road Post Office in Castleton Corners discussing drive-through mailbox removal. (Staten Island Advance/Sonya Gugliara)Sonya Gugliara

Those mailboxes have been extremely convenient, DeFendis said. Im now a mother of two young children  this is incredibly impossible for me to drop off letters because it now requires me to bring a two-year-old and a six-month-old out of the car, into the post office to drop off three letters. Instead of punishing the Westerleigh residents, the North Shore residents, and catering to criminals, it really should be the other way around.

Malliotakis, Fossella, Pirozzolo, District Attorney Michael McMahon, Senator Andrew Lanza and Council Member David Carr sent a letter to Postmaster Francis Paulin about the situation, suggesting that the situation be handled differently.

What were calling forward is the Postmaster General to work with us to make sure these boxes are placed back where they were and lets look at some security measures that can be implemented instead, Malliotakis said.

These measures include more security cameras, an increased presence of postal police and of course, the reinstallation of the drive-through mailboxes.

Malliotakis called the community to action. She said that constituents should report check fraud to their local precincts. According to the congresswoman, there has been a slight increase in the number of reported check fraud incidents, which was the catalyst for the mailbox removals.

While this removal of drive-through mailboxes occurred in my district, this post office is critical to the Island as a whole, not just local residents, Carr said. While a certain level of security might be sacrificed for convenience, the solution is to educate residents to not leave critical mail or mail with checks in mailboxes, rather than just taking them out entirely.

She also noted that people should reach out to local political offices with these incidents.

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella and Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo joined members of the National Association of Letter Carriers at the Manor Road Post Office in Castleton Corners to respond to drive-through mailbox removal. (Staten Island Advance/Sonya Gugliara)Sonya Gugliara

As a preventative action, Malliotakis recommended that people use unwashable ink when writing checks.

This is a case where convenience and commonsense gets thrown out the window because crooks take advantage of what happens not just across Staten Island, but the city and state, Fossella said. This is not a criticism of the postal service or the postal carriers, its not a criticism of the NYPD, this is just highlighting what has been a good thing for this community

Fossella reiterated Malliotakis point that the goal is to have the convenient drop boxes replaced.

We want to reinstate and replace these drop boxes here. If there are thefts, lets get the guys who do it and put them behind bars if necessary, but lets not give in, Fossella continued, Im optimistic that we can work out a solution to get these things back.

The politicians behind the letter to the Post Master want to protect Staten Island residents from crime without punishing them for the actions of criminals.

As criminals and their nefarious plots evolve, so too must the methods of law enforcement and those tasked with protecting the public. However, those advancements should not come at the expense of our residents benefit, McMahon said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The New York Community Trust and Robin Hood are offering at least $4 million to nonprofit organizations supporting the citys migrants.

Philanthropy, nonprofits, and government have each invested substantial time and money to help meet the needs of new New Yorkers, Shawn Morehead, The Trusts vice president for grants, said in a press release. By developing a unified approach, The Funds for the Newest New Yorkers aim to build coordinated, resilient systems that can support current and future arrivals to the city.

This funding will help organizations accommodate the over 200,000 migrants and asylum seekers who have arrived in New York City since 2022. The Funds for the Newest New Yorkers is an initiative that will facilitate economic inclusion and mobility for newly arrived immigrants while strengthening the citys social service infrastructure and resilience against future crises that cause strain, according to the press release.

By giving nonprofits the opportunity to aid the migrant population, the New York Community Trust and Robin Hood hope to promote both long and short-term support for the community.

The New York City Community Trust encourages philanthropy, equity and innovation throughout New York. Robin Hood is a poverty-fighting organization that prioritizes upward mobility. The partnership between these two groups is to improve lives through the establishment of infrastructure and enhancement of social services, according to the press release.

On Staten Island specifically, this funding will bring nonprofits the increased ability to provide migrants with legal support and resources, as well as help those living in shelters. Organizations will be able to offer education, job training, English classes, childcare and more.

The New York Community Trust and Robin Hood hope that this money will promote coordination between government agencies and the private sector to support community members.

The Funds for the Newest New Yorkers are not just about financial support, but are catalyzing a new infrastructure to aid the nonprofits and governmental agencies on the frontlines of social service delivery in a way that neither can accomplish alone. Long after this crisis recedes, we hope this work will influence future public funding design and decisions to strengthen the sector and our response mode to newcomers in need, Emary Aronson, chief knowledge officer and senior advisor to the CEO at Robin Hood, said.

The advisory board of this initiative includes representatives from the offices of Mayor Eric Adams, Comptroller Brad Lander and Gov. Kathy Hochul. Philanthropic organizations like the UJA Federation and Ford Foundation are also involved.

Nonprofit organizations on Staten Island can apply for this funding until September 16 here: grantseeker.thenytrust.org/RobinHood.

Immigrants helped to make our city what it is today. They are valued members of our community and we must ensure that structures remain in place to aid their resiliency, enabling them to thrive because New York must always be a beacon of hope and opportunity, Aronson said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that the New York State Police are now accepting applications for the trooper entrance exam, with testing to begin on August 15.

According to a statement, the recruitment period follows a $66 million investment by the governor to fund additional State Police Academy classes.

Public safety is my top priority, and we will continue to make record investments in law enforcement so that New York state is best prepared to protect New Yorkers, Hochul said. By investing $66 million in additional academy classes, we hope to increase the number of potential New York State Troopers serving our great state. I encourage those interested in a rewarding career to apply now.

With respect to diversity, the State Police will be participating in the national 30x30 pledge  a commitment to increase the number of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030.

Minimum qualifications needed to sign up for the exam:

Must be a U.S. citizen.

Candidates must be at least 20 years old and a maximum of 34 years old at the time of application.

The maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active military duty  up to a maximum of seven years.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to apply.

60 college credits are required at time of appointment, 30 for those who have qualifying military service or police training.

Salary & Benefits:

Starting salary for academy appointees is $59,612.

After one year of service, the minimum compensation rises to $98,300.

For complete information, including details of the revised tattoo policy, go to: https://joinstatepolice.ny.gov/qualifications.
Good morning Staten Island, and welcome to the brand new daily SILive.com morning report.

Today, we delve into pressing issues and heartwarming stories from Staten Island. Our top three topics include a significant raid that exposed ghost guns, a nonprofits commendable efforts to aid Ukrainian refugees, and the ongoing battle against gun violence. Updates on local health concerns and an enticing food crawl event are also part of our coverage.

Note that the stories in the report are editorially curated and then summarized and read aloud by artificial intelligence. Some variations in pronunciation, tone or diction may result.

To get full reporting on each of these stories, check out the links below:

Ghost guns, ammo discovered at Staten Island home during raid, authorities allege

Determined nonprofit supports Ukrainian Refugees, unites community

The work continues. After slaying, Staten Island leaders vow to keep fighting gun violence

Staten Island tops NYC boroughs in adult diabetes

Tastes of the Towns: 22 restaurants in 2024 food crawl

We want to know what you think! All feedback is valuable. After youve listened, take our 3-question survey here to let us share your thoughts.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Attorney Andrea Morse, the Democratic nominee for Congress in New Yorks 11th District held a press conference Thursday afternoon in the shadow of the Staten Island Supreme courthouse in St. George to announce the kickoff of her campaign.

Morse, 62, a mother of three from Randall Manor, took the opportunity to point out why shes the better candidate, emphasizing the differences between herself and incumbent Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) whos held the seat since 2021.

I have dedicated my career to fighting against corruption on behalf of my clients, ensuring that justice prevails, and fairness is upheld. I am a proud mother, wife and lawyer. I am not a politician, she said.

Morse said she never envisioned herself running for office, but believes there are too many issues facing the country for her to sit out.

Our community deserves a representative who is truly dedicated to serving you, not herself, Morse said. My opponent, Nicole Malliotakis, is more interested in personal gain than public service. She had inside information from a classified Ways and Means Committee to profit off the stock market. This is a blatant disregard and contempt for the ethical standards we expect from our leaders.

While a spokesperson for Malliotakis didnt immediately respond to a request for comment about Morses allegation, Natalie Baldassarre, communications director for the congresswoman, previously told the Advance that the incident has already been investigated, with the congresswoman being cleared of wrongdoing.

Morse added that if Malliotakis were truly for the people and not for herself, she would vote on a bill banning stock trading by all members of Congress. She also alleged that during Malliotakis mayoral campaign, she was a harsh critic of former President Donald Trump and claimed to have never supported him, but that the congresswoman spends more time on TV at Trump court dates and rallies than she does in passing bills that would benefit Staten Island and South Brooklyn.

The candidate and lifelong Staten Islander emphasized that shes committed to rooting out corruption in our politics and handing power back to the people, before touching on key issues, including climate crisis; supporting law enforcement; and investing in community programs and opportunities for youth.

Referring to Malliotakis as Donald Trump and J.D. Vances handmaiden, she also claimed that Malliotakis has impeded progress on bipartisan support for comprehensive immigration reform.

Together we can build a future that reflects the best of Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn. A future where our government works for us, where our environment is protected, our streets are safe, our borders are secure, and our economy is strong and fair. My name is Andrea Morse, and with your support, we will bring real change to Staten Island and South Brooklyn, she said.

Asked by the Advance/SILive.com why she believes she has a chance of capturing victory in a traditionally Republican stronghold, Morse said shes received an overwhelmingly positive reception from residents while knocking on doors throughout the borough and South Brooklyn.

People are so ready for a change. They have seen through the Trump/Malliotakis agenda, Morse said. They have read Project 2025, which is a horrible blueprint for our future. The word is out and the response Im getting has been overwhelmingly positive from neighborhoods all over Staten Island.
If youre heading out to the Hamptons on Friday, better give yourself even more travel time than usual.

Former President Donald Trump will visit South Fork on Long Island this afternoon and evening for a fundraiser that will lead to significant road closures and traffic gridlock in the area, News 12 Long Island reported.

During that time, drivers can expect rolling road closures and gridlock between Westhampton and Bridgehampton, the television station reported.

Be advised on Friday, August 2nd, 2024 there will be extensive rolling road closures and heavy gridlock throughout the afternoon and evening hours in the areas of Westhampton, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Shinnecock Hills, North Sea, Watermill and Bridgehampton, police said in a statement.

Southampton Town police are working with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service, in preparation for the event.

Drivers heading out to the Hamptons are being advised to make alternate route plans and to avoid the area if possible.

The fundraising dinner is being hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald LP CEO Howard Lutnick, Fox News reported. Lutnick hopes to raise more than $10 for the former GOP president at the soiree.

In addition to Trump, Douglas Emhoff will also be on Long Island on Friday, campaigning for his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Emhoff is expected to attend the Harris Victory Fund campaign fundraising event on Fire Island.

Other attendees are expected to include Chasten Buttigieg, husband of Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

The events come as it was reported that Harris had raised a whopping $310 million for her presidential campaign in July, twice what Trump raised during the month.

Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president after President Joe Biden bowed out of the race and tabbed her as his White House successor.
Broadcasting icon Katie Couric has a warning for Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democrats: get back in touch with working class voters.

The former Today show icon said that the Democrats have kind of lost working class voters and that that could hurt Harris as she vies for the White House against former GOP President Donald Trump.

I think that there needs to be a greater connection between the working class and the Democratic Party, because, lets face itthe Democrats have kind of lost the working class, Couric told former Obama White House deputy chief of staff Alyssa Mastromonaco on theHysteria podcast, according to Fox News.

The liberal Couric said that the presence of International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean OBrien at last months Republican National Convention should make Dems take notice.

You had the head of the Teamsters at the RNC, you have people buying into this notion that Republicans care about dinner table issues much more than Democrats, Couric said. And these narratives, I think, have become too deeply entrenched about liberal college-educated elites who are condescending.

Couric said that Dems began to lose the support of working class voters when Hillary Clinton infamously referred to Trump supporters as a basket of deplorables, a moment seen by many as a turning point in Trumps upset White House win in 2016.

Couric said that Harris needs to reach out to regular Joes and that the Democrats overall need to form a much stronger connection to working class voters.

She said that Dems cant just give up on that voting bloc and that they should say to those voters, Hey, we care about you, we care about your issues, we know a lot of things have really been hardbut this is how were going to help. I just want to see [Harris] with a welding hat on, working with regular Joes.

Couric also isnt with the Dems targeting Trump and Republicans as weird.

You can think their behavior and their rhetoric is weird, Couric said, but you can also do a better job of reaching out to disaffected voters who are non-college educated white people, in particular, who feel left out.
Multiple gold medal Olympic gymnast Simone Biles had five simple words for former President Donald Trump: I like my black job.

Thats what Biles posted on her X account on Friday, an apparent swipe at Trump, CNBC reported.

Biles posted the comment after winning her second individual all around gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

I love my black job  https://t.co/c5wPc6xOY3  Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) August 2, 2024

Trump has many times referred to Black jobs, including during his widely panned appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists conference, where he also mocked Vice President Kamala Harris racial identity.

Trump on the campaign trail, for example, has said that illegal immigrants are taking Black jobs.

Theyre taking Black jobs, and theyre taking Hispanic jobs, and you havent seen it yet, but youre going to see something thats going to be the worst in our history, Trump said during his June debate with President Joe Biden.

CNBC said that data does not support Trumps comments about immigrants taking Black and Hispanic jobs.

When asked at the NABJ conference to define a Black job, Trump said, A Black job is anybody that has a job.

Thats what it is. Anybody that has  theyre taking the employment away from Black people. Theyre coming in, and theyre coming in, theyre invading, he said.

Trump touched off a firestorm when he said at the conference that Harris, whose father is Jamaican and whose mother is Indian, had not always presented herself as Black.

Biles, widely seen as the greatest American gymnast of all time, won her second individual all-around gold medal in Paris on Thursday.

Biles is the most decorated U.S. gymnast in history, with nine Olympic medals, six of them gold.

She is also the first American to win the individual gold more than once, and the first Olympic gymnast ever to win two in nonconsecutive Games.

Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, is also taking new heat after his past comments about Biles resurfaced.

Vance slammed the media for supporting Biles in her weakest moment when she withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Sydney property company that swooped on the Adelphi Hotel last year is kissing its Melbourne aspirations goodbye and putting the Flinders Lane property back on the market.

Property hospitality firm Virtical, currently embroiled in court action over the aborted $61 million acquisition of Kinselas and the Courthouse Hotel in Sydneys Oxford Street, is hoping to flip the hotel for more than the $25 million it paid in May 2023.

The Adelphi Hotel on Melbournes Flinders Lane is back on the market.

It has refurbished the Adelphi in the past 12 months. Nomad remains open while another restaurant and bar closed three months ago.

Virtical managing director John Palasty said: We are reluctantly putting the Adelphi on the market as it is a great asset with enormous potential. However, we have decided to focus on our Sydney CBD assets.
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Exclusive FoodComing soon Failed Botswana Butchery site in Martin Place to be reborn as huge hospitality hub The team behind glamorous CBD venue Shell House will start work immediately on The International at the entrance to the new Martin Place station. Scott Bolles August 2, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The sprawling Martin Place site left empty by the recent closure of the failed Botswana Butchery restaurant will be reborn as a multi-level mega hospitality hub  complete with wine bar, upmarket restaurant and rooftop bar  from the team behind Shell House, the glamour venue on Wynyard Lane. Building work will commence as early as next week at The International Martin Place. The timing is serendipitous, given that the new Martin Place underground metro will open soon. The new metro is a game changer, says Brett Robinson, group chief executive of The Point, the hospitality group behind Shell House and the incoming International project. Train lines from all over Sydney feed into it. Itll activate that top end of town, which we think is under-serviced. The Points group food and beverage director Alex Kirkwood, culinary director Joel Bickford, director and interior stylist Anna Hewett, owner/CEO Brett Robinson and group executive chef Danny Corbett. Jonny Valiant With plans to open for the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, November 5, The International will be close to the metros Martin Place entrance. A number of seasoned hospitality players have also spotted its potential, with Melbourne pastry mecca Lune Croissanterie opening and Etymon Projects (the team behind The Charles Grand Brasserie in the city and Loulou Bistro in Lavender Bay) launching a Mediterranean restaurant called Martin 21, with a cafe sidekick, Martys, nearby.

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Robinson says he was approached by Dexus, the investment trust property that owns 25 Martin Place, where Botswana Butchery traded, because of The Points success operating a similarly scaled site at Shell House, where it juggles a two-hat restaurant, cocktail bar and bistro. It was announced in April that Botswana Butchery restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra had entered voluntary administration, along with sibling Sydney Asian-inspired restaurant White + Wongs, in one of the biggest hospitality shake-outs of 2024. Shell House Dining Room and Terrace will soon have a new sibling. Jennifer Soo Licensed for 878 patrons, the sites revamp  led by designer Anna Hewett with local studio Woods Baggot  will nod to Harry Seidler, the architect of the building that used to be known as the MLC Centre. Guests at The International will be able to choose between a wine bar with small plates from a wood-fired oven, a high-level dining room on the middle level and a rooftop bar and kitchen. Itll be snack culture up there, skewers, Robinson says of the rooftop offering. We like the word international; it gives us a bit of culinary freedom. Group culinary director Joel Bickford will oversee the venues food offering.

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While Robinson concedes the industry is going through a difficult time and construction costs are skyrocketing (The International is fortunate in that it will be able to repurpose Botswanas two-year-old kitchen), The Point is taking a long-term position. And with one of the groups other projects, Fort Denison, delayed until late 2025, The Point had a match-fit opening team to call on. Martin 21 and Martys cafe chef Sebastien Lutaud. Steven Woodburn Robinsons bullish outlook about the upper slopes of Martin Place is centred on its mix of luxury international retail brands, nearby attractions such as the Theatre Royal and businesses including Macquarie Group. Sebastien Lutaud, from the incoming Martin 21 restaurant and Martys cafe, spent years living in France, observing the impact of train movements on the ebb and flow of the restaurant businesses. I feel like it will put that part of the city on the map, Lutaud told the Herald in May. Why Martin Place is set to become Sydneys hot new go-to hospitality hub
ELKO  A statewide political leader and head of the Nevada Democratic Party met this week with several dozen union members and others to rally support for both Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Jacky Rosen and other priorities of her party.

State Democratic Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno, who represents a section of northern Las Vegas in the Nevada Assembly, met in downtown Elko with members of Laborers International Union of North America Local 169 on Wednesday evening, soliciting support for the candidates and other issues.

In a brief phone conversation following her stop in Elko as she tours the state, Monroe-Moreno acknowledged the areas conservative leanings, but said her goal is to create dialog no matter what party a person supports.

My philosophy and for politics, for my own district, and in this role as state party chair, is that we have to build community, she said. And I am a Democrat. A registered Democrat, yes. But as an elected official  I dont call myself a politician, Im an elected official  that was elected to serve our community, our state. It doesnt matter what party youre in, my work doesnt change.

She said mining, so prevalent in Elko and Northeastern Nevada, is not a political wedge. Rather, its a benefit to the state and an opportunity for job seekers.

I have been trying to encourage some of our youth from the south that are looking for meaningful, high-paying jobs to come into the mines because those are great jobs, union jobs paying excellent wages, said Monroe-Moreno, the Assemblys speaker pro-tem.

When you look at who we are as a state, the resources we bring in, its mining and gaming. Mining in the north gaming in the south, thats what the states built on, she said.

Shes on a tour to promote the partys agenda and candidates, certainly, but Monroe-Moreno said it goes beyond just that.

Im here to serve the state. So, building communities for me, being out talking to people, listening to them. We dont always have to agree with each other, but my job is to hear from all of our constituents statewide, she said. But I do have a, you know, a mission to get Democrats elected up and down the ballot. But as an elected official, my job is to listen to all my voters, statewide, and thats what were doing on this 17-county tour.

To that end, she said she cant convince everyone her party and her candidates are the right way to go.

My job and my goal as the state party chair is not to change these peoples mindset right? My job as an elected official and in this role is to tell the story of what Democrats have done in the state, both in the state Legislature and at our federal level, Monroe-Moreno said. When you look at the Biden-Harris team and the work that they have put in with our bipartisan infrastructure bill, with the ACA  when you look at the jobs that have come to the state of Nevada, 285,000 new jobs, a $3.5 billion investment, and a lot of that in rural communities  and voters may not know, no matter what party theyre registered, they may not know that, but its part of my job, to tell the story.

If that convinces someone to change their party affiliation, thats fine, but my mission is not that. My mission is to tell the story of what were doing and will continue doing the work for all Nevadans, no matter what party theyre in.

Rosen, who is running for re-election against Republican Sam Brown, has done a lot for this state entirely, being there to the cast votes to make sure that this state is not left out of the priorities in Washington, said Monroe-Moreno, who spent 30 years in law enforcement before entering politics.

She said Rosen has worked on bipartisan measure during her time in the Senate and is there fighting for all of us, and I think people know that throughout the state, no matter what party theyre in, they recognize the support and the work that our senator is doing in Washington for Nevada.

She acknowledged the politics of Elko County, and her partys uphill climb.

This county is a red county, but I have to tell you we had an event in this county last night with over 40 Democrats in attendance, but there were also people in attendance that were nonpartisan and Republican. It was a friendly gathering. We had conversations, because thats what youre supposed to do, Monroe-Moreno said.

If you dont talk to each other, you dont get to good policies right. I gotta tell you, no matter where I went in this county yesterday, I had a good reception from your neighbors and your community. So, no one asked me, Hey little Black girl, you are a Democrat? No. The people in Elko County welcomed us with open arms and I didnt ask them what party they were. It didnt matter, she said.

But at our event, we had a huge number of Democrats who were in attendance, but there were nonpartisans and Republicans in the room that listened to what we had to say and had good comments in return. And there were some things we may not have agreed on, but we were able to have a civil conversation about it.

Monroe-Moreno concluded, Thats what I love about this state.
Donald Trump should meet my kids. His reluctance to acknowledge that someone can have parents of different ethnicities plays to a sad but common modern cultural illiteracy around mixed-race families.

In a moment that took the US political landscape to new heights of absurdity, Trump  speaking at a convention for black journalists of all places  remarked, in reference to his opponent Kamala Harris: I dont know. Is she Indian? Or is she black?

Indian or black? Vice President Kamala Harris, to answer Donald Trumps question, is both. Credit: AP

Harris has Jamaican and Indian-born parents. The answer to Trumps question is pretty clear to anyone who understands human reproduction.

As someone with mixed-race kids, I know I shouldnt take Trumps little pot-shot personally. It was clearly a political play targeted at the industrial swing states and undecided black voters. Trump was seeking to frame Harris as a free-floating globalist outside of the cultural stable of white America and, at the same time, not black enough to be Americas second black president. Ive worked in politics. I get it. But political dog whistles dont happen in moral vacuums. They speak to something already alive in hearts and minds.
A Sydney man is facing life in prison after an anonymous tip led police to 900 kilograms of methamphetamine smuggled into Australia hidden inside industrial machines from the United States.

Police received a call to Crime Stoppers last month alerting them to the alleged drug importation. The US Homeland Security Investigations agency also passed on information to their Australian counterparts that indicated the drugs may have been imported from the US.

A south-west Sydney man has been charged for his alleged involvement. Credit: Australian Federal Police

Australian Border Force officers detected and removed 896 kilograms of methamphetamine from a shipping container at Port Botany, before it was delivered to its intended destination at Warwick Farm.

The drugs were found in individually wrapped packages. Police estimate the seizure amount to almost 9 million individual street deals worth $828 million.
Almost a month after three children were killed in a western Sydney house fire allegedly lit by their father, their grieving mother carried her youngest daughters tiny pink coffin from a heartbreaking funeral service.

To my beautiful angels, no words can describe how much I miss you. How unfair it is that you had to go so soon, their mother Stacey Gammage said in a tribute read at the service.

Stacey Gammage carries her baby daughter Willows casket from her childrens funeral service. Credit: Nine News

Mourners gathered at Minchinburys Pinegrove Memorial Park on Friday to remember Dean, 6, Jaxson, 3, and Willow, five months, who all died in the blaze at Lalor Park last month.

Rose flower petals were handed out and pastel balloons were released into the air as mourners farewelled the children, who were in tiny caskets.
In relation to this DA the applicant has made a declaration of an affiliation, being a friend of the Mayor, the planning assessment report says. The declared nature of the affiliation is friend.

When Feros purchased a hotel in the Shire suburb of Caringbah from a former schoolmate of Pesce via a family company CNF Holdings in 2016 with plans to renovate, he felt the need to declare a conflict of interest due to his relationship with Pesce.

Pesce has spoken warmly of Feros in the years since, according to local media, including at a private function at the opening of the Highfield Caringbah venue after the Feros Group was awarded the Australian Hotel Associations Hotel of the Year accolade for one of the other pubs in its empire, the Prince in Kirrawee.

Chris Feros

But when Pesce voted in July on an $8 million council plan to take over redevelopment of the North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, which is set to include new sections to accommodate a bar and restaurant and kiosk operated by the Feros Group, he decided no declaration of affiliation was required.

When asked whether he remained friends with Feros, and whether he should have declared a conflict of interest in relation to the surf club vote, Pesce indicated he only regarded Feros as an acquaintance.

I know Mr Feros as an acquaintance who I meet occasionally through my role as councillor, however I have never had any business relationship with him or any of his businesses, Pesce told the Herald. I have never met him outside of the Sutherland Shire.
A Sydney mayor who was served with an interim apprehended domestic violence order protecting her ex-partner has vowed she will run in the council elections despite an extremely difficult fortnight.

Hawkesbury Mayor Sarah McMahon and her former partner, property director Matthew Bennett, were handed interim ADVOs last month over allegations they have made against each other.

Liberal Hawkesbury Mayor Sarah McMahon and her estranged partner Matthew Bennett. Credit: Facebook

Neither has been charged with any criminal offence.

In her first public remarks on the matter, McMahon said serving the Hawkesbury community had been her greatest honour, and she would contest the local government poll on September 14.
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 Wearing a black puffer jacket and black jeans, sporting silvering hair and beard, legendary crime reporter Neil Mercer already has a beer at hand and is chatting affably to the staff at the Iron Duke Hotel as I arrive. Its a winters afternoon and there are a few young-professional types enjoying lunch, probably oblivious to the Iron Dukes former reputation as one of the most notorious pubs in the country. This is not Mercers first, second or even third visit to the once-renowned gangsters hangout where rival rogues toes were reputedly separated from their feet in the cellar. Its about my tenth visit, he says with a laugh. Journalist and author Neil Mercers career trajectory was changed by the death of drug dealer Warren Lanfranchi. Credit: Nikki Short The last time was to catch up with an old villain and the time before that was to film the late disgraced detective Roger Rogerson in the pubs sinister crypt. Some of the real-life action in Mercers new book, The Kingpin and the Crooked Cop, featuring the brutal underworld crime figure Arthur Neddy Smith and his pal, the murderous detective Rogerson, takes place at the scene of our luncheon rendezvous, on the corner of McEvoy Street and Botany Road, Alexandria. Mercer recounts the morning of April 2, 1986, when Smith crawled into the Iron Duke after an attempt to murder him had failed. The crime boss was walking along McEvoy Street when a Holden Kingswood crossed to the wrong side of the road and onto the pavement, mowing him down. The car then tried to reverse over him.

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On hand to offer Smith sanctuary was the pubs new publican, Billy Duff, whose change of career came from being booted from the police force earlier that year because of his improper association with criminals, including the very same injured crook bleeding before him on the threshold of the Iron Duke. Coincidentally, the same day of the murder attempt on Smith, Duffs good mate Rogerson was charged with misconduct for improperly associating with none other than one Neddy Smith. A week later he too was out of the police force. As we sit at a bar table, Mercer points out where controversial broadcaster Alan Jones did the honours by launching Rogersons own book The Dark Side in October 2009. Alan Jones listens to Roger Rogerson at the launch of Rogersons book at the Iron Duke in 2009. Credit: Peter Rae When Jones said, We need more police like Roger Rogerson, there were all these old cops and crooks, including Karl Bonnette [once described as the godfather of the Sydney underworld]. They were just looking at each other sideways and going, f---, says Mercer. Jones also urged the audience not to believe everything they read or heard about the states most notoriously corrupt detective. By the time of his book launch, Rogerson had been twice jailed for perverting the course of justice and for lying to the Police Integrity Commission. He was suspected of murdering drug dealer Warren Lanfranchi and, miraculously, hed been acquitted of conspiring to murder undercover cop Michael Drury.

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In the years following, Rogerson engaged in some of his unique old-style policing which included ripping off a drug dealing uni student and murdering him. Rogerson, who was jailed for life, died in January. Mercers rise to becoming a legendary crime reporter was very much tied to his reporting on Rogersons slither into infamy, but the tale is momentarily interrupted by the arrival of his impressive chicken parmigiana. Classic! Wow, that looks great, extolls Mercer who offers me some of his generous accompaniment of chips before my own miso salmon, on a bed of cauliflower arrives. Mercer, who effortlessly demolishes his parmie, recounts his first encounter with Rogerson. Its December 1982 and Mercer is working for The Sydney Morning Herald when he lands a much sought-after interview with Rogerson. Mercer has never forgotten Roger Rogerson looking him straight in the eye as the bent cop denied being involved in criminal activities. Credit: Peter Morris I regret it, of course I do, Rogerson told Mercer of the Lanfranchi shooting the previous year. I regret being put in a situation where a mans life is taken. I believe I acted in good faith, and that if I had not shot him, he would have shot me. When it was published, the story was accompanied by Peter Morris famous photograph of Rogerson and Mercer as they walk to a coffee shop in Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, where Rogerson was then stationed. Rogerson, hands behind his back, is wearing a beige safari suit, while Mercer, shirt sleeves rolled up, pen in his shirt pocket and tie askew. While you cant tell from the photo if Rogerson is armed, I ask Mercer about what he has clipped to his belt.

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The latest technology: a pager! he replied, adding that he largely ignored it because its beep meant that the chief of staff was trying to get hold of him. The unwavering intensity of Rogersons stare has stayed with Mercer all these years. His gaze never wavered even as he coolly denied the rumours of his involvement in corruption, heroin dealing and skimming the proceeds of armed robberies. As Mercer looks back over his award-winning career as an investigative and crime reporter on both screen and in print, he notes, The only outfit I havent worked for is Ten. The chicken parmigiana and the miso salmon at the Iron Duke Hotel. Credit: Nikki Short Our paths have crossed continuously over the years, and at one stage  back in 1988  we both worked at the ABCs Four Corners. I was a researcher when the charismatic Mercer won a Walkley Award for his program on the convicted Whiskey Au Go Go killer James Finch. Nepotism is vastly underrated, hoots Mercer as he recounts his start in journalism at the age of 17. Born in Perth in 1954, Mercer went straight from school to a cadetship at The West (The West Australian).

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It helped that his grandfather was a journalist on The Farmers Weekly, his older brother was a journalist at The West, while his uncle also worked there in distribution. After a stint doing the shipping and weather reports, Mercer was dispatched to The South Western Times in Bunbury, two hours drive south of Perth. At the local paper, which came out twice a week, Mercer was rather improbably appointed the papers racing and trotting reporter. I didnt know one end of a horse from another: the perfect man for the job, he laughs. He recalls meeting the president of the district trotting club who told him he had a trotter running in a forthcoming race and that Mercer should get on it. Loading Mercer, who was earning $40 a week, lashed out, putting on a dollar. The nag in question romped home at 15 to one. When told of Mercers modest outlay, the president said he would have lent him a tenner for the bet. Back in the office, Mercers eyes widened as the editor enlightened me about running dead, pulling up horses and race fixing. Mercer thinks the president later ended up in jail. Theres no doubt, looking back, the race was fixed. I just didnt have a bloody clue, Mercer said.

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The death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom was a result of the Israeli Defence Forces serious procedural failures, an Australian special adviser report has found.

The World Central Kitchen aid worker was killed in Gaza on April 1 after Israeli armed drones attacked a convoy of vehicles she was travelling in, sparking international condemnation of Israels practices in the war.

Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, 43, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza while helping to deliver food. Credit: Facebook

An investigation by the Israeli Defence Force released on April 5 found the tragedy was caused when Israeli officers identified two gunmen travelling with the three aid trucks. At the time, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was not satisfied with the information and appointed Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin to serve as special adviser to the government on Israels response to the strikes.

The report, released on Friday, found it was likely that the armed security for the World Central Kitchen aid convoy gave the appearance of the presence of Hamas as it had not been notified or approved by a unit of the Israeli government called the Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza (CLA).
Its midday somewhere in the world is an excuse Ive employed rather too frequently when opening a bottle of wine pre-lunch. But today, its precisely 12pm when a mobile cocktail cart appears on Silver Rays pool deck, right alongside our sun loungers.

Ive only just finished a very good flat white (made using Illy coffee by a well-trained barista) but it seems churlish to refuse the offer of an aperitif, especially as Shiraj, the bartender at the cart, is mixing Agua de Valencia cocktails in honour of our next port of call.

Silverseas newest ship, Silver Ray, at port in Lisbon.

He blends freshly squeezed orange juice with small-batch oak-aged spiced gin, vodka, cava (sparkling wine) and ice. Its fruity and refreshing  perfect for this warm summers day.

Having visited Lisbon, Cadiz and Malaga in quick succession, were luxuriating in a lazy day at sea, heading to Valencia on board Silverseas newest ship during one of its first voyages.
One chooses accommodation based on location, price and facilities, so price is significant, and when booking motel accommodation through a well-known online booking agent, I was quoted one price. However, on arrival, the price had gone up by 10 per cent, and it was too late to back out. Ive experienced this with Airbnb in France and dont use that site any more, but surely under Australian law, a quote is a quote? On writing to both the motel and the booking agent, my complaint was dismissed as normal procedure. Is it really normal? How do we know what we will be charged?

John Davies, Mullumbimby. NSW Letter of the week: Day on the tiles The Douro by train. Credit: Getty Images Reading about the new Australian-owned ship set to cruise the Douro (Traveller, July 13) reminded me of why a train trip along Portugals Douro River is a quick, pleasant and easy way to experience it if you havent time for a cruise. On what proved to be a magical day, my husband and I took the 9.10am train to Pinhao from Portos beautiful blue-tiled station, sitting on the right-hand side of the carriage with the Douro beside us for most of the two-and-a-half hour journey. On arrival, we travelled up the Douro itself in a rabelo, a flat-bottomed small boat used to take port wine barrels to Porto, with views of vine-covered hills. Then we tasted local wines at the train station before catching the 2.20pm train back to Porto.

Patricia Harrington, Kerang, Vic

Dont stray from Stayz Reading Pillow squawk, (Traveller Letters, July 20) and Jacqueline Wilkes Airbnb complaints just confirms my belief in Stayz and Vrbo as superior options. I have not used them in Europe but the two properties my husband and I chose in England were exceptional. Friends and I have used the service extensively in both New Zealand and Australia and have never been disappointed in a property. There is always the chance that the northern and southern hemispheres just have different standards or that I have been lucky in my choices, but whatever the reason, I continue to recommend Stayz to whoever will listen.

Daniela Scalcon, Cabarita, NSW Fares fair Qatar Airlines offers four different versions of their business-class fares. If Ross Duncan (Traveller Letters, July 13) had wanted a flight that included access to the airline lounge and free seat choice he could have selected Business Comfort but it would have also cost him about $2500 more for a trip to London. Many travellers are prepared to forgo lounge access and seat selection (all business flat-bed seats are excellent) and use the savings elsewhere. Its called offering customers choice, and Qatar should be applauded, not criticised, for it.

David Parker, Geelong West, Vic EDITORS NOTE: Our Tripologist, Michael Gebicki, has taken a detailed look at so-called unbundled business class fares and the value (or not) they offer. Read more here.

Be prepared Rachel Burns (Traveller Letters, July 20) refers to the impact of inadequate meal services on her husbands type-1 diabetes when travelling. I believe someone who travels with a life-threatening chronic condition must prepare their own nutrition and not expect airlines to manage this vital health aspect.

Lisa Lashansky, Elsternwick, Vic Shining light Exploring Palau. Credit: Getty Images Rebecca McGowans fears (Traveller Letters, July 20) that she may ruin Palau by highlighting its under-touristed beauty overlook the countrys strengths as a destination. I also flew the direct Nauru Airlines Brisbane-Palau route recently and experienced a spectacular, immersive, oceanic wildlife safari. Ive seen places of abused and trampled former beauty, but Palau exemplifies sustainable tourism. Palauans protect their ecology and require visitors to pledge respect for the environment and culture upon arrival. This commitment is actively upheld with gentle kindness by locals, ensuring Palau remains a haven of unspoiled beauty and a profound lesson in sustainable tourism. A destination you have to see to believe.

Kell McGregor, Mittagong NSW

Tip of the week: Putting the fast in Belfast A Dublin-to-Belfast trip means a hire car or bus  to tear up the busy motorway  or, as I discovered recently, a ride on the fast train. Its plush, cheap, frequent and quiet, with reliable Wi-Fi and device chargers. Rock up to Connolly station (on the suburban Dublin train route), find the Belfast platform and enjoy a pleasant two-hour express ride along the coast to Lanyon Place Station. Large suitcases wont fit in the overhead luggage nets and, as I discovered, even the conductor cant find a spot for the big ones, so try to travel light.

Andrea Breen Hobart, Tas Vacuum bags suck I agree packing cubes are essential but vacuum bags  while a great idea in theory  seemed heavy after packing coats and clothing for the freezing cold in Banff, Canada, last winter. Also, chasing a vacuum with the appropriate nozzle in some hotels was a pain when it came time to repack.

Thi-Anh Smith, Lennox Head, NSW Patience exhausted

I agree with John Evans (Traveller Letters, July 20) about QR codes. In Chile last year QR codes were prevalent in bars and restaurants. All well and good, but you need to have mobile roaming activated to access them and not every venue provides their own Wi-Fi. It makes for a lot of hassle just to order a beer. The final straw came after a lengthy queue for the Santiago cable car. At the gate, we were directed to a QR code. When I finally managed to access the ticket page, the transaction would not translate into English and the transaction was rejected. The gate attendant eventually directed a small group of unhappy tourists to a cafe where we could buy paper tickets. We salute the green intentions, but QR codes are exhausting, particularly in a foreign language.

Julie-Anne Justus, Box Hill South, Vic Flying the coupon Im curious to know if anyone else has experienced Agodas at best confusing, and at worst dodgy, coupon discounts on accommodation bookings? I recently had several coupons saved and Agoda says I just need to apply for one on their payments page. Alas, when I get to that page there is nowhere in fact to apply any coupon code/discount. For Agoda, and some hotels, that might be a good thing.

Ross Duncan, Potts Point, NSW Track stars Cirque de Mafate, Reunion. Credit: Alamy

Further to your story (Traveller, July 21) on unsung wonders of the world, in the Reunion Islands in the Indian Ocean, the Postmen of the Peaks trek 140 kilometres every week on goat-like tracks, delivering mail and essential supplies to more than 300 households in the Cirque de Mafate, a valley more than 1000 metres deep. This cirque, or valley, has no roads, cars or electricity and is home to 700 descendants of slaves, who fled the sugar cane plantations back in the 19th century. A French territory, it remains unknown to most travellers (except for our French amis) and these adrenaline seeking souls test their limits in the islands interior, hiking this unsung wonder of a mail route.

Roxanne Le Blanc, Croydon, Vic Statements of facts A distracting and often time-consuming task when travelling is checking credit and debit card statements against the myriad different forms of receipts (electronic, paper, or none at all). The time limit to challenge a disputed card charge is generally only 60 days (although some credit card providers allow longer periods). When travelling for an extended period we do a quick check of our card statements to see if they look reasonable. In particular, we look at: large ticket items (typically accommodation, restaurants and travel expenses) and any duplicate amounts on the same date. If these are from the same provider they can be easily corrected by your card provider. Applying these guidelines has meant weve never incurred any fraudulent charges on our cards

Paul Blume, Petersham, NSW The Letter of the Week writer wins three Hardie Grant travel books. See hardiegrant.com
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) shakes hands with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, New Delhi on August 1, 2024  Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Prime Minister Pham congratulated India on its remarkable strides in economy, sci-tech, national defense, infrastructure, and improving living standards.

He treasured the Indian President and Government for extending condolences over the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, a close friend of the Indian people.

Viet Nam, said the Prime Minister, always bears in mind India's invaluable support during its past struggle for national liberation and its ongoing construction and development especially India's assistance with medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also added that Viet Nam always supports for Indias increasing role and position in the region and the international arena.

The Prime Minister took the occasion to seek Indian support for Viet Nam in terms of national defense, preferential credit packages, personnel training as well as capacity-building.

He proposed doubling two-way trade, investment, and tourism by 2030 and increasing the frequency of direct flights to facilitate exchanges between localities and their people.

In reply, President Droupadi Murmu said that she was pleased to witness the fast development of the bilateral relations in recent years, especially since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016.

She highly spoke of the outcomes of the talks between the two Prime Ministers, particularly the adoption of the joint statement on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and deepening cooperation based on the "Five Mores" principle./.
PHILIPSBURG:---On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, the Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina, accompanied by his Chief of Cabinet and delegation, visited the Police Station in Philipsburg. This visit offered a crucial opportunity for the Prime Minister to engage in meaningful dialogue with the management team of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM).

During the discussion, several critical issues were highlighted, including personnel and material shortages, as well as the legal status of KPSM personnel. The Prime Minister and his team received a comprehensive tour of the police station, allowing them to witness firsthand the challenging conditions under which the officers operate, especially concerning the status of the holding cells managed by KPSM and vehicles.

In his address, the Prime Minister acknowledged the precarious situation the country is currently facing. Despite these challenges and the crisis of gun violence in Sint Maarten, he emphasized the urgent need to address the issues confronting the police force as soon as possible. He expressed his commitment to finding solutions to improve the working conditions and resources available to KPSM.

The management team of KPSM expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for his visit and his proactive approach to resolving the bottlenecks faced by the organization during this crisis period. The Prime Minister's willingness to understand and address these issues provides a hopeful outlook for the future operations of KPSM.

KPSM Press Release.
~Exciting Update for all children born to Non-Dutch Parents~

PHILIPSBURG:--- After months of diligent work, Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg has officially submitted the draft amendment of LTU to Parliament, which will benefit children born to non-Dutch parents.

This is a significant milestone in her legislative agenda, says MP Roseburg.

This amendment focuses on making the immigration law more inclusive and beneficial for children born in Sint Maarten to non-Dutch parents.

Addressing the current hiccups and challenges faced by Sint Maarten society aims to create a more efficient and fair process for everyone. Stay tuned for more details in the near future as MP Roseburg continues to work tirelessly for a better future.

What's the Next step?

1. Review by Raad van Advies:

The draft amendment will be submitted to the esteemed Council of Advice for their expert comments and suggestions. This step ensures that all aspects of the amendment are carefully considered and aligned with the best interests of Sint Maarten.

2. Feedback and Adjustments:

After the Raad van Advies provides their feedback, necessary adjustments will be made to refine the amendment. This process is crucial for ensuring that the legislation is thorough and effective.

3. Parliamentary Debate:

Once revised, the amended draft will return to parliament for a detailed debate and discussion among our representatives. This stage is vital for democratic deliberation and ensures that all viewpoints are heard.

4. Final Approval:

After a successful debate, the amendment will proceed to the final approval stage. Upon approval, it will be enacted into law, marking a significant step forward for our community.
PHILIPSBURG:---Member of Parliament Akeem Arrindell has been arrested by detectives of the Landsrecherche late Thursday evening.

Detectives searched the office of the Member of Parliament on Wednesday morning, and the Prosecutor's Office said in a press release that three people were arrested. The identities of the three arrested persons were not released.

On Thursday, MP Arrindell was interrogated all day by detectives, and it was only late Thursday evening that the Member of Parliament and his attorney were informed that Arrindell would be arrested and placed into custody overnight.

Efforts to contact the Attorney representing Arrindell Thursday evening proved futile. So far, the Prosecutors Office has not confirmed the arrest of the Member of Parliament.
Saint Martin:--- Recently, the island of Saint-Martin has been confronted with a new threat: the invasion of its territory by the Bare-eyed Pigeon (Patagioenas corensis). Although the species, native to South America, was first observed on the island only about ten years ago, a newly published scientific study confirms an alarming scenario: its rapid expansion across the entire island. This invasion, with potentially significant ecological consequences, can only be controlled through strong and immediate measures.

Invasive Exotic Species: A Threat to the Environment

Invasive exotic species pose a considerable threat to biodiversity, particularly in insular environments where ecosystems are more vulnerable. Introduced intentionally or accidentally, these species generally have a negative impact on native species, potentially leading to their extinction in extreme cases. Their economic impact can be equally significant, causing damage to agriculture, fishing,

tourism, and public health through the transport of pathogens. Preventing their introduction or establishment is, therefore, a priority for conservation biologists.

The Bare-eyed Pigeon in Saint-Martin: An Alarming Situation

A scientific study led by Dr. Christopher Cambrone (scientific project coordinator at Caribaea Initiative and specialist in the study of columbids in the Antilles) and two colleagues provides unprecedented evidence of the species' progressive invasion since its introduction to Saint-Martin.

In addition to recent field observations made by the researchers themselves, the study heavily relied on data collected over several years through "citizen science." The use of this kind of data is possible because the Bare-eyed Pigeon is particularly easy to recognize, notably due to the large blue circles around its eyes, which distinctly differentiate it from other columbid species on the island. Therefore, observations of the species made by amateur or experienced naturalists, compiled on dedicated platforms, can be considered reliable and used to trace the species' expansion. The researchers analyzed all available data for the species within the famous eBird database, accessible to everyone.

The first observation of the Bare-eyed Pigeon on the island dates back to January 21, 2013, near "Salines d'Orient" (northeast of the island). Since then, the number of observations has significantly increased, with only about twenty reports between 2013 and 2019 but more than 60 between 2023 and early 2024. A spatial expansion was also highlighted, with sightings initially concentrated in the northern and western regions of the island, before spreading south. This expansion was accompanied by habitat diversification. Initially present in coastal habitats, the species began to increasingly exploit forested and urbanized areas. Finally, the article highlights a significant increase in the Bare-eyed Pigeon population size, with an increasing likelihood of observing multiple individuals at once rather than a single one.

While multiple introductions of the species cannot be ruled out at this time, the population increase and habitat diversification seem more likely to result from the species reproducing on the island from a small number of initially introduced individuals, an hypothesis supported by the observation of an individual nesting in an urban area.

An Ecological Threat Likely to Spread to Other Islands

The proliferation of the Bare-eyed Pigeon poses a threat to native bird species, particularly pigeons and doves, through competition for food resources and nesting sites. The species' adaptability to urban environments further increases its potential for expansion. The problem posed by the introduction of the Bare-eyed Pigeon is not limited to Saint-Martin. The species' flight capabilities, potentially enhanced by favorable winds, could allow it to reach neighboring islands, such as Anguilla and Saint-Barthelemy, in the short or medium term. Furthermore, the Bare-eyed Pigeon is naturally adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, and its regional expansion could be facilitated by climate change, which, according to predictive models, will lead to significant drying of the insular Caribbean during the 21st century.

Eradicating the Intruder?

In cases of exotic species introduction, scientific data shows that there is a very narrow time window, limited to the very first years of establishment, during which it is still possible to act for eradication. After this, species regulation becomes impossible or requires prohibitive human and financial resources. The authors of the study, therefore, make an urgent appeal to local and regional authorities

to take immediate measures to manage this invasion before it is too late. They recommend the rapid eradication of the Bare-eyed Pigeon in Saint-Martin. While trapping could be effective, it is non-selective and requires a significant investment of time. The authors thus suggest quickly placing the Bare-eyed Pigeon on the list of huntable species in Saint-Martin. They also recommend close cooperation between administrative authorities on the French and Dutch parts of the island to coordinate eradication and public awareness campaigns.

The Bare-eyed Pigeon, among other Columbidae present in Saint-Martin  Caribaea Initiative

Reference

Cambrone, C., Levesque, A. & Cezilly, F. 2024. Using citizen science and field surveys to document the introduction, establishment, and rapid spread of the Bare-eyed Pigeon, Patagioenas corensis, on the island of Saint-Martin, West Indies. Biology 13: 585.

Contact: Dr. Christopher Cambrone, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This study was conducted as part of the ESPACYPA project, dedicated to the study of several avian species in the Lesser Antilles. The project is led by Caribaea Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to the scientific study and conservation of Caribbean biodiversity, with financial support from the Federation Departementale des Chasseurs de Guadeloupe and the DEAL Guadeloupe (via the Plan France Relance).
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Akeem Arrindell, arrested on Thursday evening, was released from police custody today, Friday.

Arrindell was arrested on suspicion of Vote Buying and being part of a criminal organization on Thursday.

In a press release, the prosecutor's office said that they arrested three persons in a vote-buying investigation while they searched the Member of Parliament's office.

Three suspects so far have been arrested today, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, on suspicion of, among others, participating in a criminal organization to buy votes for which a Member of the Sint Maarten Parliament was the primary beneficiary.

On the same day, the MP's workplace in the Parliament Building at the center of the case was searched as part of the ongoing investigation by the National Detectives under the direction of the examining judge.

The investigation, code-named Aconitum, is conducted by the National Detectives under the authority of the Prosecutors Office, Sint Maarten.

The National Detectives specialize in investigating criminal activities within government, with a particular focus on civil servants.

In the meantime, the United Peoples Party, in a press release, said they are standing behind their member of parliament, who is also a candidate in the August 19th snap elections.

The UPP said in a press release that the political interference by the justice system needs to stop. The UPP also said that Arrindell is innocent until proven guilty.

They explained that for years, the Public Prosecutors Office has faced accusations of using its power to influence election outcomes. As election periods approach, the community often braces for the arrest and detention of public figuresactions many believe are designed to sway public opinion against certain political parties, particularly the UPP. Since 2010, a clear pattern has emerged: whenever the UPP gains momentum, a political figure is detained, often without substantial evidence.

UPP Announces Release of MP Akeem Arrindell Following Questioning



The United People's Party (UPP) is pleased to announce that the Honourable Member of Parliament, Akeem Arrindell, is at home with his friends and family after being questioned. This marks a significant victory in our ongoing fight for fairness and respect for the rights of our citizens and elected officials.

The UPP remains confident that the people of St. Maarten will see this incident for what it truly is. MP Arrindell will be re-elected on August 19, 2024, and will continue his dedicated service to the people of St. Maarten. This event underscores our commitment to justice and the democratic process, and we stand resolute in our support for MP Arrindell.
NATO says cooperation by allies sealed Russia prisoner swap



Brussels, Belgium, Aug 1 (AFP) Aug 01, 2024



NATO on Thursday hailed the release of prisoners from Russia in a swap with the West it said resulted from alliance members working closely together.

"I welcome today's release of wrongfully detained Allied citizens and Russian political prisoners. Close cooperation between NATO allies made this achievement possible," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said.

"It came at a cost, but it was weighted against the freedom and the lives of people unjustly imprisoned."

Jailed US journalist Evan Gershkovich and a Russian intelligence colonel jailed for a Berlin murder were among two dozen prisoners freed Thursday in the biggest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War.

The prisoners were flown to Turkey's capital Ankara from Russia, the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Belarus under the complex deal.

In total, 10 Russians -- including two minors -- were exchanged for 16 Westerners and Russians imprisoned in Russia.

"Journalists and political opposition must be free to voice legitimate views without intimidation," Stotlenberg said.

"While the release of this group of political prisoners is a victory for diplomacy, too many others remain wrongly detained in Russia. I call for all those still unjustly imprisoned to be released."
Negotiator of 2015 nuclear deal named Iran VP



Tehran, Aug 1 (AFP) Aug 01, 2024



Iran's new reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has named the negotiator of the 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, Mohammad Javad Zarif, as his vice-president for strategic affairs, state media reported Thursday.

"You are tasked with overseeing major national and international developments as well as how far we succeed in achieving the goals of the constitution," Pezeshkian said in a letter of appointment carried by the official IRNA news agency.

Foreign minister between 2013 and 2021 in the government of moderate president Hassan Rouhani, Zarif became a familiar figure on the international stage during the lengthy negotiations for the 2015 accord.

The deal was effectively torpedoed three years later when then president Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the deal and reimposed crippling US sanctions which he required allies to respect.

But it made Zarif a figurehead for the more open, outward-looking Iran that Pezeshkian pledged to strive for during his campaign, in which he was frequently joined by the former top diplomat.
Israel says Hamas militant killed in strike Jazeera said hit journalists



Jerusalem, Aug 1 (AFP) Aug 01, 2024



The Israeli military said on Thursday it had "eliminated" a Hamas militant in an air strike in Gaza, which Al Jazeera reported had killed two of its journalists.

On Wednesday, Al Jazeera said its Arabic channel correspondent Ismail al-Ghoul and cameraman Rami al-Rifi were "targeted by Israeli occupation forces" in an air strike during their coverage of Gaza's Al-Shati refugee camp.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the military said its fighter jets "struck and eliminated Ismail al-Ghoul, a Hamas military wing operative".

Ghoul had "participated in the October 7 massacre".

"As part of his role in the military wing, Ghoul instructed other operatives on how to record operations and was actively involved in recording and publicising attacks against (Israeli) troops."

Al Jazeera bureau chief for Ramallah and Jerusalem, Walid al-Omari, rejected the military's accusation.

"It is completely false," he said in a statement to journalists.

"Al Jazeera rejects the claim and the lies and considers them a blatant attempt to justify targeting journalists in Gaza."

He said Ghoul had been previously detained by the army for 12 hours in March and then released "unconditionally".

"If their claims were true, would they have released him?

"It is clear that the occupation authorities are trying to justify their crime by claiming that he was one of the elite (Hamas militants) and participated in the October 7 attack."

Since the start of the war in Gaza on October 7, Al Jazeera has aired continuous on-the-ground reporting on the effects of Israel's campaign.

The network's office in Gaza has already been bombed in the conflict and two other correspondents killed.

Al Jazeera has been the focus of months of criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.

Last month, an Israeli court confirmed it had extended a ban on the network, which broadcasts in Arabic and English, initially placed on Al Jazeera in early May.

In January, Israel said an Al Jazeera staff journalist and a freelancer killed in an air strike in Gaza were "terror operatives".

The following month, it accused another journalist with the channel who was wounded in a separate strike of being a "deputy company commander" with Hamas.

Al Jazeera has fiercely denied Israel's allegations and accused it of systematically targeting its employees in the Gaza Strip.

Its bureau chief in Gaza, Wael al-Dahdouh, was wounded in an Israeli strike in December that killed the network's cameraman.

His wife, two of their children and a grandson were killed in the October bombardment of central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp.

His eldest son was the Al Jazeera staff journalist killed in January when a strike targeted a car in Rafah.
Japan, Philippines hold first joint naval exercise



Manila, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2024



The Philippine and Japanese navies held their first joint exercise on Friday in the South China Sea, as the two US allies boost security ties in the face of China's growing pressure.

The drills followed the signing less than a month ago of an agreement between Manila and Tokyo to allow the deployment of troops on each other's territory.

The Japanese destroyer JS Sazanami and the Philippine guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal took part in the two countries' first bilateral "Maritime Cooperative Activity", the Philippine military said in a statement.

"This activity was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation towards realising a free and open Indo-Pacific."

The two vessels held a communications exercise and undertook tactical manoeuvres in the West Philippine Sea, Manila's name for parts of the South China Sea that are closest to the Filipino coast.

These "enhanced the tactical capabilities of the Philippine Navy and the (Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force) and reinforced the strong ties and mutual commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region," the statement added.

A similar exercise was held two days earlier, also in South China Sea waters close to the Philippines, between the Filipino navy patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz and the US Navy's littoral combat ship USS Mobile.

The Philippines and Japan are longtime allies of the United States, which has been strengthening its alliances from Canberra to Tokyo to counter China's growing military might and influence in the region.

The deepening of Filipino-Japanese security ties comes as China's sabre-rattling towards Taiwan and over the South China Sea fuels fears of a potential conflict that could drag in the United States.

There have been escalating confrontations at sea between Chinese and Philippine ships as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to nearly all of the strategic South China Sea.
Myanmar airstrikes on border hospital near China kill 10: media



Bangkok, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2024



Myanmar military airstrikes hit a hospital in a city controlled by an ethnic minority armed group close to the China border killing 10 people, local media reported on Friday.

Military planes carried out at least two air strikes on Laukkai city, normally home to some 25,000 people, late on Thursday night, a resident told AFP, requesting anonymity for security reasons.

Local media quoted one resident as saying 10 civilians were killed in the strike.

Myanmar's northern Shan state has been rocked by fighting since late June when an alliance of ethnic minority armed groups renewed an offensive against the military along a major trade highway to China.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) group have held Laukkai since January after more than 2,000 junta troops surrendered there in one of the military's biggest defeats in decades.

MNDAA spokesman Li Jiawen told AFP a military airstrike had hit a hospital in Laukkai, but he had no information yet on casualties.

The junta has been approached for comment.

The junta has bombed Laukkai several times in recent weeks after the MNDAA renewed its offensive in northern Shan state, shredding a Beijing-brokered ceasefire.

Pictures taken on Thursday and shared with AFP by the Laukkai resident showed deserted streets.

In recent days MNDAA fighters have entered the town of Lashio, also in northern Shan state and home to the military's northeastern command.

Fighting was ongoing in Lashio on Friday, a military source told AFP, requesting anonymity to talk to the media.

Local media, citing a local resident, reported that MNDAA fighters had entered a military hospital in Lashio and killed an unspecified number of patients and medical staff.

AFP was unable to reach people on the ground in Lashio or confirm the report.

Dozens of civilians have been killed or wounded in the recent fighting in Shan state according to the junta and local rescue groups.

Neither the junta nor the ethnic alliance have released figures on their own casualties.

Myanmar's borderlands are home to myriad ethnic armed groups who have battled the military since independence from Britain in 1948 for autonomy and control of lucrative resources.

Some have given shelter and training to newer "People's Defence Forces" (PDFs) that have sprung up to battle the military after the coup in 2021.

China is a major ally and arms supplier to the junta, but analysts say it also maintains ties with armed ethnic groups in Myanmar that hold territory near its border.
Thousands in Qatar bid farewell to slain Hamas chief



Doha, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2024



Mourners and supporters bid farewell Friday in Qatar to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh after his killing in Tehran, blamed on Israel, has heightened regional tensions as the Gaza war dragged on.

Thousands of people gathered at the Gulf emirate's largest mosque, where Haniyeh's casket, draped in a Palestinian flag, was taken before leaving again for burial in Lusail, north of Doha.

Haniyeh, the Palestinian armed group's political chief, played a key role in mediated talks aimed at ending nearly 10 months of war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

His killing triggered calls for revenge and raised questions about the continued viability of such negotiations.

Mourners lined up for funeral prayers inside Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque, while others prayed on mats outside in temperatures that reached 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit).

The ceremony ended in angry chants, but the short-lived demonstration quickly dispersed.

"He was a symbol, a resistance leader... people are angry," said Taher Adel, 25, a Jordanian student residing in the Qatari capital.

Haniyeh's predecessor Khaled Meshaal spoke at the ceremony, saying the slain leader had "served his cause, his people... and never abandoned them".

Turkey and Pakistan announced a day of mourning on Friday to honour Haniyeh, while Hamas called for a "day of furious rage".

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan were among the officials at the funeral.

"Ismail Hanyieh is a symbol for all Muslims," Qatari Ahmed Mahmoud, 48, told AFP at the ceremony.

"There must be a reaction. Israel must know we will defend ourselves."

Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the president of the United Arab Emirates, said his country -- which in 2020 normalised ties with Israel -- rejects "violence and political assassination in all its forms".

Many Doha mourners wore scarves that combined the Palestinian flag with a checkered keffiyeh pattern and the message in English: "Free Palestine".



- High-profile killings -



Haniyeh and a bodyguard were killed in a pre-dawn "hit" on their accommodation in Tehran Wednesday, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said. Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the swearing-in of President Masoud Pezeshkian a day earlier.

Israel, accused by Hamas, Iran and others of the attack, has not directly commented on it.

The killing of Qatar-based Haniyeh is among several incidents since April that have sent regional tensions soaring during the Gaza war, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.

Iranian officials met with representatives of these groups on Wednesday to discuss the next steps, a source close to Lebanon's Hezbollah movement told AFP.

"Two scenarios were discussed: a simultaneous response from Iran and its allies or a staggered response from each party," said the source who had been briefed on the meeting and requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant met with his visiting British counterpart John Healey on Friday and stressed "the importance of establishing a coalition" to support "Israel's defence against Iran and its proxies", Gallant's office said.

France urged its nationals visiting Iran to leave "due to the increased risk of a military escalation".

During the Gaza war, Hezbollah and Israeli forces have engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire, and did so again on Friday.

In Gaza, the civil defence agency reported several people killed in the territory's north, and Israel's military said it had killed around 30 militants near Rafah, in the south.

Haniyeh's assassination came hours after Israel struck a southern suburb of Beirut, killing Fuad Shukr, the military commander of Lebanese Hamas ally Hezbollah.

Haniyeh's deputy, Saleh al-Aruri, was killed in Beirut early this year.

In another high-profile killing, Israel's army on Thursday confirmed that an air strike in July killed Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif in Gaza.

Israel "delivered crushing blows to all our enemies", said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.



- Deal 'off the table' -



Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for its October 7 attack that ignited the war in Gaza.

The attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory campaign against Hamas has killed at least 39,480 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

On Thursday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led prayers for Haniyeh in Tehran, having earlier threatened "harsh punishment" for his killing.

The New York Times, citing Middle Eastern officials, has reported that Haniyeh was killed by an explosive device planted weeks ago at a Tehran guesthouse.

Asked about the report, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari told journalists "there was no other Israeli aerial attack... in all the Middle East" on the night of Shukr's killing in Lebanon.

Israel said Shukr's assassination -- for which Hezbollah said retaliation was "inevitable" -- was a response to rocket fire which killed 12 youths last week in the annexed Golan Heights.

Iranian news agency Fars said the US report was a "lie", insisting that the Hamas leader was killed by a "projectile".

Analyst Hugh Lovatt said Haniyeh's killing at the very least "will mean that a ceasefire deal with Israel is now totally off of the table".

The White House said US President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu by telephone on Thursday and affirmed his commitment to defend Israel's security "against all threats from Iran".

"We have the basis for a ceasefire (in Gaza)... They should move on it now," Biden told reporters after the call.

csp-ho/hkb/
US to bolster defensive capabilities in Middle East: Pentagon



Washington, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2024



The United States plans to bolster its defensive capabilities in the Middle East to protect American forces and help defend Israel, the Pentagon said on Friday.

The announcement comes after Iran and its regional allies vowed retaliation for the killings of a Hamas leader in Tehran and a Hezbollah commander in Beirut, fueling fears of a broader conflict in the region.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin "will be directing multiple forthcoming force posture moves to bolster force protection for US forces region-wide, to provide elevated support to the defense of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to this evolving crisis," Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said.

"In terms of what specifics that means, I don't have that for you right now," Singh told journalists, adding that "these would be defensive capabilities if needed."

Israel killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut on Tuesday, a move it said was a response to deadly rocket fire last week on the annexed Golan Heights.

Hours later, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in the Iranian capital -- an attack on which Israel has not yet commented.

A source close to Hezbollah told AFP that Iranian officials met in Tehran on Wednesday with representatives of the so-called "axis of resistance," a loose alliance of Tehran-backed groups hostile to Israel, to discuss their next steps.

"Two scenarios were discussed: a simultaneous response from Iran and its allies or a staggered response from each party," said the source, who had been briefed on the meeting, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

In April, Iran carried out its first direct attack on Israeli soil, firing a barrage of drones and missiles after a strike blamed on Israel killed Revolutionary Guards at Tehran's consulate in Damascus.

American forces helped defend Israel against the attack.
Slain Hamas chief laid to rest in Qatar as escalation fears grow



Doha, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2024



Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was buried in Qatar on Friday after his killing in Tehran, an attack blamed on Israel that has heightened regional tensions as the Gaza war drags on.

Haniyeh was laid to rest in Lusail, north of the capital Doha, following funeral prayers at the Gulf emirate's largest mosque attended by thousands of people.

Haniyeh, the Palestinian militant group's political chief, played a key role in negotiations for an end to nearly 10 months of war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

Mourners lined up inside Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque, where Haniyeh's casket, draped in a Palestinian flag, was briefly carried in to the shouts of angry mourners.

Others prayed on mats outside in temperatures that reached 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit).

"He was a symbol, a resistance leader... people are angry," said Taher Adel, 25, a Jordanian student residing in the Qatari capital.

The burial was restricted to a small number of people including one of Haniyeh's daughters, Sara, who shared a video on social media showing her pouring holy water over a pebble-topped grave before lowering her head to kiss it.

Many mourners in Doha wore scarves that combined the Palestinian flag with a checkered keffiyeh pattern and the message in English: "Free Palestine".

In Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, a senior Palestinian Muslim cleric, 85-year-old Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, was detained on suspicion of inciting "terrorism" after calling Haniyeh a "martyr" in his sermon at the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque, his lawyer told AFP.

Fighting meanwhile continued in Hamas-ruled Gaza, where the civil defence agency reported several people killed in the territory's north, and the Israeli military said rockets were fired at Israel, causing no casualties.



- 'Critical moment' -



Haniyeh and a bodyguard were killed in a pre-dawn "hit" on their accommodation in Tehran Wednesday, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said. Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the swearing-in of President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday.

Israel, accused by Hamas, Iran and others of the attack, has not directly commented on it.

The killing of Qatar-based Haniyeh is among a series of tit-for-tat attacks since April that have sent regional tensions soaring.

Iranian officials met with represenatives of allied armed groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen on Wednesday to discuss the next steps, either "a simultaneous response from Iran and its allies or a staggered response from each party", a source close to Lebanon's Hezbollah movement told AFP.

Military chief Herzi Halevi told troops Israel would respond "very strongly" to any attack, an army statement said.

Israel ally the United States plans to bolster defences in the region and "provide elevated support to the defence of Israel", Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said without specifying.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant met with his visiting British counterpart John Healey on Friday and called for an international coalition to support "Israel's defence against Iran and its proxies", Gallant's office said.

Healey said "we urged all sides to show restraint and dial down the tension at this critical moment".

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who visited the region this week, said there was an "urgent need for de-escalation".

"The risk that the situation on the ground could deteriorate rapidly is rising," Lammy said in a statement, calling for "an immediate ceasefire" in Gaza with hostages released and aid "getting in in sufficient quantity".

US President Joe Biden, after a Thursday telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told reporters: "We have the basis for a ceasefire... They should move on it now."



- Gaza in ruins -



Haniyeh's assassination came hours after Israel struck a southern suburb of Beirut, killing Fuad Shukr, the military commander of Lebanese Hamas ally Hezbollah.

During the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel, Hezbollah and Israeli forces have engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire, and did so again on Friday.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for the October 7 attack which resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory campaign against Hamas has killed at least 39,480 people in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

The fighting has sparked a dire humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory. On Friday, the UN Satellite Centre said nearly two-thirds of the buildings in Gaza, or 151,265 structures, have been damaged or destroyed during the war.

On Thursday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led prayers for Haniyeh in Tehran, having earlier threatened "harsh punishment" for his killing.

The New York Times, citing Middle Eastern officials, has reported that Haniyeh was killed by an explosive device planted weeks ago at a Tehran guesthouse.

Asked about the report, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari told journalists "there was no other Israeli aerial attack... in all the Middle East" on the night of Shukr's killing in Lebanon.

Israel said Shukr's assassination -- for which Hezbollah said retaliation was "inevitable" -- was a response to rocket fire which killed 12 children last week in the annexed Golan Heights.

Iranian news agency Fars said the US report of a pre-planted bomb was a "lie", insisting that the Hamas leader was killed by a "projectile".

csp-ho/ami/kir
In June 2024, the Trades Union Congress warned that the government must bring in maximum working temperatures. It said that continuing to work in hot weather can lead to dehydration, rashes, fainting and  in extreme cases  loss of consciousness. It added that outdoor workers are three times more likely to develop skin cancer.
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He profited from the sites in the form of donations from users, and it is clear that others were inspired by the hateful and racist material they were able to access online - including those from overseas

Bethan David, CPS Counter Terrorism Division
The police continue to work around the clock to keep our places of worship and communities safe and proactively engage with Londons diverse communities  listening and acting on concerns raised. Our city is united against all forms of hate and we will continue to work closely together and do all we can to support faith leaders and communities to ensure London is safe and welcoming for everyone.
These are children that have had their limbs blown off and what weve got to offer them is paracetamol and ibuprofen because all of the supply chains have broken down, and its really difficult to get hold of anything stronger than that, she said.
We have powers under existing legislation to stop you organising this now and to take action accordingly, and if you do take action and are not part of any organised group, be prepared to face the full force of the law on this criminal activity.
The victim was Zelimkhan "Tornike" Khangoshvili, a Georgian who had fought against Russian forces in Chechnya before seeking refuge in Germany. Krasikov, equipped with a silenced pistol, executed the murder with chilling efficiency. In an attempt to cover his tracks, he was observed discarding the weapon, along with a bicycle and a wig, into a nearby river.
The seaside resorts of Eforie Nord and Eforie Sud top the preferences of Romanian Black Sea vacationers with 24.4 percent of the votes, followed by Mamaia with 20.7 percent, shows a survey by online booking platform Travelminit.ro.

According to the survey, the Romanian seaside had a very busy first half summer season, especially due to the two big music festivals organized in early July that drew tens of thousands of festival-goers to the Black Sea resorts."Hotels are still the most sought accommodation type on the Romanian coast, with 57.7 percent of the participants in the survey preferring them. Next are the guesthouses and apartments, which are the predominant option for larger groups. At the same time, 40 percent of Romanians go for accommodation with no meal plan, which means that most prefer flexibility in this regard and go dine at terraces and restaurants, as well as at self-service eateries," the release mentions.As far as the length of the stay is concerned, most Romanians prefer 5-7 days (54 percent), and only 10 percent would have a vacation longer than 7 days. Last but not least, the personal car remains the main means of travel to the sea, especially since most tourists go on vacation with their family or as a couple.
DES PERES  A former longtime alderman here was sentenced to five years of probation Thursday for embezzling $220,000 over the last decade from a St. Louis commercial condominium association that hired him to manage its property.

John Pound, 80, was also ordered to pay $292,305 restitution to the association. He pleaded guilty in March to three counts of wire fraud, a felony, and resigned from his public office in Des Peres.

Pound was first elected in 2002, had represented Des Peress first ward for more than 20 years and twice served one-year terms as the six-member board of aldermens president.

In 2003, the condominium association 22 North Euclid Commercial hired Pound to manage its properties at 22 North Euclid Avenue, in St. Louis Central West End neighborhood, according to a federal indictment.

From 2010 through 2020, Pound secretly paid himself larger commissions, higher monthly fees and hourly rates than authorized and concealed the inflated fees and fraudulent payments in annual budgets he prepared for the association, according to the indictment. At least three of the fraudulent transactions were done through interstate wire transmission.

Pounds conviction disqualified him from reelection in the April general municipal election. State law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony from holding elected office.

Jennifer Weller, an attorney, won election to Pounds former seat in April, defeating two other candidates.

Pound, who resigned too late to remove his name from the ballot, received 15 votes, about 5% of the votes cast.
ST. LOUIS  The acting superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools was asked to resign from her previous job in a district outside Seattle by teachers accusing her of demeaning and insulting staff, violating student privacy and ignoring special education.

Millicent Borishade served as chief academic officer for one year in the Tukwila School District and resigned just before joining her friend Keisha Scarlett, the newly hired superintendent at SLPS, in July 2023.

We have seen ourselves as a community who work collaboratively to better serve our students. Under the leadership of Dr. Millicent Borishade, this collaborative spirit has been denied repeatedly, reads a May 2023 letter from the Tukwila Education Association describing the unions vote of no confidence. The primary concern of our membership, as always, is the impact on students resulting from the dysfunction of our current leadership.

Tukwila is a small district just south of Seattle where most of the 3,000 students come from low-income families, many of them homeless or recent immigrants. One teacher said Borishade called families from Somalia lazy in a staff meeting. Borishade also denied the spending of grant money on graduation caps and gowns for five homeless students.

In recent interviews with the Post-Dispatch, several SLPS staff members have recalled similar behavior from Borishade. One principal posted anonymously to social media that Borishade belittles staff and doesnt value collaboration, but instead creates impossible conditions for us to work under.

George Sells, spokesman for SLPS, said in a statement that Borishade is unapologetically a warm demander of excellence and a champion for children. Sometimes that makes adults uncomfortable. Her focus today is on getting (SLPS) ready to receive our students. That is where all of our energy should be.

The St. Louis Board of Education last week promoted Borishade from deputy superintendent to temporarily replace the ousted superintendent Scarlett pending an investigation into the districts hiring and spending in the administrators first year.

At a closed session meeting July 25, SLPS board president Toni Cousins, vice president Matt Davis, secretary Donna Jones and member Tracy Hykes voted in favor of promoting Borishade, while member Emily Hubbard voted against. Members Sadie Weiss and Natalie Vowell abstained.

When asked why Scarlett was replaced with one of her first hires and closest friends, Cousins said Borishade was already running the day-to-day operations in the district. Borishade does not hold a superintendents certificate in Missouri, a requirement for full state accreditation.

The board has voted, and we have confidence she is the person to get it done, Cousins said.

Borishade is one of at least nine administrators hired at SLPS in the last year with connections to Scarlett and her previous role as an administrator for Seattle Public Schools. Most bypassed the traditional hiring process including job interviews, according to SLPS central office staff.

The new chief of schools who started in SLPS last month, Allison Deno, also received a vote of no confidence from Tukwila teachers at the same time as Borishade. Deno serves as board president for Borishades consulting group Children Ready to Learn and was executive director of multilingual services for Tukwila schools from November 2022 to June.

Dr. Deno has continuously made decisions that negatively affect our students without allowing the professionals who work with our population to have any input. We need leaders who lead with integrity, compassion, and a willingness to learn about the community we serve, not ones who lead with bullying, intimidation, and consistently show no desire to learn about the community we serve, reads the May 2023 letter from the Tukwila teachers union calling on Deno to resign.

Other recent Seattle-area hires at SLPS include Denos husband Tim Schultz, who started as contract compliance manager last month.

Manal Al-ansi was hired as chief of staff in August 2023 from Seattle Public Schools, where she led racial equity programs.

Nikka Lemons became deputy chief operating officer in March after working as director of equity initiatives and outcomes in Seattle Public Schools. She is also the founder of the consulting firm Azimu Group which has worked for SLPS.

Matthias Greywoode, chief financial officer, is also chief financial officer for Azimu Group.

Fatimata Sow was hired as senior project manager in summer 2023 and promoted to deputy chief of staff in January. Sow was previously an intern at Seattle Public Schools.

Sows husband Thierno Barro has held various tech positions in SLPS since December and became deputy chief information officer this month.

Zithri Saleem, the new chief information officer, was a frequent consultant for Seattle Public Schools.

Staffers said Al-ansi, Lemons, Sow, Barro and Saleem have all left SLPS in the last week, along with Phoenix Jackson, the new chief of communications who garnered headlines for saying she would float between her home in Houston and a condo in St. Louis.
ST. LOUIS  Mayor Tishaura O. Jones has called on the Missouri auditor to investigate St. Louis Public Schools, where the superintendent was placed on leave over financial dealings.

As Mayor, I have extremely limited authority over SLPS or the SLPS Board. However, shortly, the City will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for auditing services for the SLPS Board, for a period of three fiscal years, beginning with the 2023-24 school year, Jones wrote Friday to Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick. I believe that, under the current circumstances, having a companion audit performed by your office that fully assesses recent SLPS administrative and Board practices is also necessary.

The state auditor and a spokesman for SLPS could not be immediately reached for comment Friday.

In a split vote, the St. Louis Board of Education placed Superintendent Keisha Scarlett on temporary paid leave July 25 pending the outcome of an investigation into her spending and hiring practices. During Scarletts yearlong stint as superintendent, the school districts general operating budget plunged from a surplus of $17 million to a projected deficit of $35 million. The school board in September will consider a property tax hike to help boost revenues.

The SLPS board has also come under scrutiny for its oversight of the district after approving more than 20 new administrators and consultants that had prior connections to Scarlett and her last employer, Seattle Public Schools.

Jones sent a letter on July 26 offering the citys assistance to the SLPS board, which has not responded to the mayor.

The school board replaced Scarlett with acting superintendent Millicent Borishade, one of her first hires and closest friends. Borishade does not have a Missouri superintendents certificate and received a vote of no confidence from teachers in her last school district outside Seattle.

Borishade on Thursday canceled the annual back-to-school pep rally for SLPS staff scheduled for Aug. 12 at the Enterprise Center.

As a former teacher and principal, I understand the importance of having ample time in your building and classroom to prepare for the first day of school. In the spirit of ensuring you have enough time in your classrooms, August 12th will be set aside for that purpose, Borishade wrote to principals, teachers and staff.

The turmoil in leadership comes just two weeks before the first day of school, as families are still unclear how their children will get to school because of a critical bus shortage. A community meeting will be held Tuesday at Vashon High School to discuss the transportation plan.
A T-45C Goshawk training jet takes off from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington in October 2023 in the Atlantic Ocean. Some Goshawks resumed flying July 24, 2024, following a two-week safety pause in the fleet, the Navy said in a statement this week. (August Clawson/U.S. Navy)

The Navy recently returned some of its Goshawk training jets to the skies after a two-week safety pause but still is evaluating the airworthiness of the remaining planes, according to the service.

T-45C flights resumed July 24, a Navy statement Thursday said. That decision came after a determination that a portion of the fleet could safely restart operations, Navy spokesman Lt. John Lobkowicz said in the statement.

It was unclear Friday how many of the tandem jets had been deemed safe for flight and how many remained on the ground. But the service has about 149 of them, USNI News reported in May.

Goshawks primarily are used to train Navy and Marine aircraft carrier pilots. The Navy is considering replacing the aging class, which has been operational since 1991, according to USNI.

The fleet was grounded July 10 after a Goshawk assigned to Training Air Wing 2, based in Kingsville, Texas, experienced an in-flight engine malfunction after takeoff from Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport.

The plane made an emergency landing at Meacham Airport in Fort Worth with the pilot reporting no injuries, the Navy said.

But a subsequent engine inspection revealed unspecified damage. The incident remains under investigation by the Chief of Naval Air Training and Naval Air Systems Command, the service said.

In April, the Navy grounded the fleet after a Goshawk assigned to Training Air Wing 1 experienced an engine malfunction related to a blade fault, USNI reported. The planes were cleared to fly again on May 9.

Goshawk flights also were put on a two-week safety pause in 2022 after a blade failure in the turbofan engine.
Innova Medical Group headquarters in a luxury office building on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California, on July 23, 2021. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  A script for a biopic called Overnight Billionaire recounts the extraordinary life of Charles Huang, a Chinese villager who overcomes long odds to educate himself and become a Hong Kong corporate analyst.

After immigrating to Los Angeles, Huang builds a COVID-19 testing company that is key to the United Kingdom weathering the pandemic.

The draft concludes on a high note, with a TV host acknowledging to the now-fabulously wealthy Huang that his story is one in a billion.

Reality has been less rosy for the real-life Huang.

After securing a lucrative testing deal with the British government, Huang and his partners have become embroiled in multiple legal disputes over at least $2 billion Pasadena, California-based Innova Medical Group earned in profits during the pandemic.

Huang has alleged in civil lawsuits that two former executives defrauded Innova of more than $100 million, which they have denied. One of those executives accused Huang of squandering company funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, half-cocked business gambles and luxuries for his friends and girlfriends, according to a Los Angeles County Superior Court lawsuit filed last year by Robert Kasprzak. Huang is a high-end con artist who claims he can see the future, the lawsuit says.

Another lawsuit, filed by Kening Xu, one of Huangs former business associates, accuses Huang of treating Innovas private equity parent as his personal property, awarding himself and others more than half its shares while making numerous reckless investments. Huang has denied the claims.

The unusually contentious litigation includes at least 10 state and federal lawsuits, among them a sexual battery complaint filed against Huang by a former employee, which he has denied. Huang also alleges he was the victim of an extortion plot being prosecuted in Pasadena that involves a purported sex tape.

Huang did not respond to a detailed list of questions, but in a statement Innova disputed the claims.

These baseless accusations come from people who have either engaged in unlawful or improper activity, vastly overstated their contributions to the company, or claim to be entitled to millions of dollars they neither earned nor deserve. The companies and Dr. Huang choose to litigate these matters in the proper venue, a court of law, when they expect to be completely vindicated and to see justice served, the statement said.

The controversy  a familiar tale of what can happen to a startup suddenly flush with success and money  has renewed scrutiny of Innova and its antigen test. In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration said the tests lacked adequate trial data and could present a serious risk to the public health. The company later resolved those issues with the agency.

The British government stuck by Innova, citing its own studies, but questions have lingered about the tests efficacy and how the business was able to win such large contracts. An independent inquiry into that countrys pandemic response is expected to include the contracts with Innova.

This was an enormous sum of money that was spent, and we still dont understand how Innova came to be chosen, said barrister Jo Maugham, founder of the Good Law Project, a U.K. legal advocacy group.

Humble beginnings in rural China

Huang, 60, grew up in a poor village outside Wuhan, China. The oldest son of a large family, he managed to gain entrance to Wuhan University and go on to receive an MBA and a doctorate in marketing at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, according to a translated interview he gave to ODK Media, an Asian streaming service.

He headed to Hong Kong, where he worked on and off for more than a decade as an analyst, including covering the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. He boasts on the website of his Pasaca Capital private equity firm that he predicted the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

Huang also partnered with Yang Rong, the billionaire founder of Brilliance Group, a Chinese vehicle maker. Yang, also known as Benjamin Yeung, fled China in 2002 after getting into a dispute with a Communist Party leader, settling in the upscale San Gabriel Valley community of Bradbury.

Huang eventually settled with his family nearby in Arcadia. In 2009, the two men proposed building a $4-billion hybrid vehicle plant in Baldwin County, Ala., but the project fizzled.

In 2016, Huang formed Pasaca Capital Inc. to look for acquisitions, and later reconnected with an old business associate: Daniel Elliott, an entrepreneur and engineer who also had ambitions to make it big.

Elliott, who grew up in Rancho Dominguez in L.A. County, forged a career in battery technology and electric vehicles. In 2007, he was invited to the White House, where he advised President George W. Bush on electrifying the transportation sector.

Later, he was the chief executive of a company that proposed building a $372-million battery plant in eastern Kentucky, but the project ended up in bankruptcy.

Elliott, 52, said Pasaca was in negotiations to buy Sandoz, the generic pharmaceutical business of the Swiss drug company Novartis, when the pandemic struck and Huang pitched another idea.

Charles called me in January (2020), and said, Hey, do you want to get into the COVID-testing business? and I was like, What the hell do I know about COVID testing?  Elliott recalled.

Soon convinced, Elliott called on an old friend for help: Kasprzak, an attorney he had worked with on past ventures.

A promising antigen test

Huang incorporated Innova Medical Group as a subsidiary of Pasaca in March 2020.

The partners first tried to sell off-the-shelf tests that detect antibodies created by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

When that didnt work, Elliott said, he called Dr. Deborah Birx, President Trumps coronavirus response coordinator. She told him what were needed were tests that could detect antigen proteins produced by the immune response to COVID-19 that could be done at home.

Birx said that she doesnt recall the conversation but that at a White House meeting on March 4, 2020, she told a group of pharmaceutical executives that they needed to make the tests, with Abbott Laboratories producing its BinaxNow test by June.

Innova scoured Asia for test makers, settling on Xiamen Biotime Biotechnology in Xiamen, China. A deal was reached for the company to make 1 billion tests, Elliott said.

Elliott said he called governments around the world and made headway in Britain, with Innova submitting tests for evaluation by Operation Moonshot, a program in then-Prime Minister Boris Johnsons administration that involved mailing millions of antigen tests to households.

Innova needed a U.K. company to submit its application and hand-deliver tests to a government laboratory evaluating drug company submissions, Elliott said. Innova reached a deal with Disruptive Nanotechnology Ltd. I probably was sleeping two hours a night, recalled Elliott, who said he was constantly on the phone with government officials and the prime ministers offices at 10 Downing St.

Dr. Tim Peto, an Oxford University scientist who led the initial government study, said Innova was chosen after its test passed the threshold of performance and the company showed it could supply large quantities. It wasnt taken forward because it was clearly the best of the bunch, he said.

On Sept. 17, 2020, the government placed an initial $138 million order for tests, with Innova delivering 18 million in 15 days, Elliott said. The British military flew to China to receive them from Biotime.

In the ODK YouTube video, Huang called it his proudest moment. Despite numerous challenges, we conquered them all, he said.

In all, Innova would deliver about 2 billion tests to the British government, Elliott said, with the company signing additional contracts.

The total revenue from the contracts was at least $5 billion, according to a U.K. government website, with Xu claiming in his lawsuit that profits from the government contract topped $2 billion. Elliott said 178 improvements were made to the test, with the company selling them in smaller quantities in about 20 countries, including France, Brazil and Qatar.

The incredible success was liberating after all the struggles to raise funds, Huang told ODK Media: We no longer have to seek money from investors, as we are investors ourselves.

A financial windfall

One of Innovas early acquisitions, Elliott said, was MPS Medical, an Orange County company it wanted to employ for making antigen tests for the U.S. market, which it didnt pursue. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was hired as a consultant to assist in expanding business internationally.

I thought we were there to build a legacy company that my kids could work in, Elliott said. We were buying other technologies and other companies.

Huang leads multiple businesses, according to a spokesperson, including drug distributor Mullan Pharmaceutical and Nanojet Technologies, a high-tech disinfectant company. Pasaca also operates a jet charter service.

With his newfound wealth, Huang displayed remarkable generosity, buying Elliott a $110,715 Patek Philippe watch and giving Kasprzak a $163,705 Breguet watch, according to lawsuits filed last year against the two men in Nevada by Pasaca and Innova.

His philanthropic aspirations were even larger. In September 2021, he gave $70 million to the University of Strathclyde. An additional $40 million was donated to Wuhan University. He was recognized as Philanthropreneur of the Year in 2021 by the California Assembly.

But Elliott said he was becoming frustrated with how the company was being run and in April 2021 sent a memo, reviewed by The Times, to board members expressing his concerns.

Elliott resigned May 1, 2022, after negotiating a severance package that included $62.5 million in cash for his Pasaca stock, a Gulfstream jet and the forgiveness of $19.5 million in company loans, according to the Nevada lawsuit filed against him. He had previously received $63 million in dividends and additional compensation, the lawsuit said.

Kasprzak, Innovas chief legal officer, was named the companys chief executive, and it seemed like a good fit. In the ODK YouTube video, he praised Huang as a visionary.

The honeymoon didnt last long.

Kasprzak in his lawsuit says he reached an agreement with Huang to buy out his Pasaca shares for at least $75 million as part of his exit agreement. However, he alleges he was terminated in September and defamed by Huang, who said he was taking over as interim chief executive in an companywide email that stated: I have zero tolerance for internal and external corruption, racial discrimination, sexual harassment and all other bad behaviors.

An Innova representative denied the email was defamatory, saying Huang was making only a statement of principles and that section of the email was not directed to any person in particular.

Allegations of stolen funds

Huang alleged he had learned that commissions he believed were going to Disruptive Nanotechnology and Nano LiquiTec, another Innova intermediary, were actually stolen by Elliott and Kasprzak, according to the Nevada lawsuits filed against the men.

The lawsuits accused the men of setting up a company in October 2020 called Nano Holdings  a name they assert was intended to confuse Huang  to skim 2% of commissions from the U.K. test sales.

A total of $106 million is alleged to have been stolen, largely through that scheme.

The lawsuit against Elliott cites messages between the two men allegedly discussing the scheme, including a WhatsApp message Elliott sent to Kasprzak on the day he asked Huang to sign the Nano Holdings commission agreement: You and I will make $10m EACH! In our side business this year.

The messages are presented out of context, said Elliotts attorney, Mark Holscher. Elliott alleges that Huang knew and agreed to the creation of Nano Holdings as a way to increase the two mens compensation without other Innova and Pasaca employees finding out and demanding additional compensation.

Two Pasaca business associates have signed sworn declarations viewed by The Times stating that Huang told them he knew the Nano commission payments were going to Elliott and Kasprzak, Holscher said. Huang has denied such knowledge.

Kasprzak also states in a declaration in response to the Nevada lawsuit filed against him that Huang knew the details of the Nano Holdings venture. He is alleged to have made $77 million in compensation and other benefits in addition to the stolen commissions. Kasprzak then filed his own L.A. County lawsuit in April 2023 accusing Huang of misappropriating funds from the company.

The lawsuit said the allegations of wrongdoing against him were a pretext to fire him without paying him the $75 million for his shares  despite his allegations that Innovas success was largely due to his and Elliotts efforts. The lawsuit cites a letter sent by Boris Johnsons secretary of state for health and social care to the two men, applauding their hard work and diligence in securing the antigen tests. It does not mention Huang.

The lawsuit further states that Huang took advantage of his control over Pasaca and Innova to divvy up ownership shares to his benefit, transfer $200 million to bank accounts in Hong Kong and Singapore and make more than $200 million in bad investments.

Huang also is accused of spending funds on private jets, an $18-million Bradbury mansion dubbed the CEO house, to hire mistresses and to produce the fictionalized and idealized Overnight Billionaire movie project. All in all, it says that more than $1 billion was transferred out of Innova to Pasaca.

An Innova representative said all the allegations against Huang are false.

The Elliott and Kasprzak disputes are now being heard in separate arbitration cases. Kasprzak declined an interview through his attorney, Chris Casamassima, who said his client did not receive any improper compensation from Pasaca or anyone else, and to the contrary, he is still owed a substantial sum of money.

Also in arbitration is the lawsuit by Xu, 61, who is the nephew of Yang, Huangs former business partner. He is demanding $400 million, or about a fifth of the alleged profits, as one of the five co-venturers of the enterprise. Huang denies he owes the money.

Last week, two former Pasaca executives filed a federal lawsuit in L.A. against Huang citing accusations in Kasprzaks complaint and seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in restitution. Huang denied any wrongdoing.

Disruptive Nanotechnology has sued Elliott, Kasprzak and Huang, as well as Pasaca and Innova, alleging it was defrauded out of $500 million when its commissions were reduced. Elliott, Kasprzak and Huang deny any wrongdoing.

Amid the legal wrangling, Huang found himself the target of an alleged extortion plot. In May 2023, the Los Angeles County district attorneys office filed felony extortion charges against a married couple and Sunny Sun, a former Pasaca employee.

The alleged plot involved a purported video of Huang having sex with Sun surreptitiously recorded at a company condo, according to a Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department investigative report reviewed by The Times. Huang told investigators he had sex with Sun and had been threatened that the video would be posted online unless he paid $20 million, the report said. All three have pleaded not guilty and posted bail. A preliminary hearing has not yet been held.

Garo Madenlian, Suns attorney, said he believed his client would be exonerated. In fact, I think she is the victim, he said.

Meanwhile, Huang and another Pasaca executive have been accused of sexual battery and sex trafficking in civil litigation filed in April in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The complaint by a Jane Doe alleges she was hired to lead Pasacas public relations in 2022 despite a lack of experience. She asserts in the suit she was actually lured to the company to provide Huang sexual services.

An Innova representative said the allegations are false and part of an extortion attempt.

As for Overnight Billionaire, an Innova representative said the film was being delayed because of all the litigation.

It has a new title, One in a Billion, according to IMDb, which lists the the film as in development.

2024 Los Angeles Times.

Visit at latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
An aerial view of the impact site, showing the bomb crater and the buildings of the nearby Gregg property, outside Florence, S.C., in 1958. (WikiMedia Commons)

(Tribune News Service)  Helen Gregg was 6 years old when her world blew up.

She remembers vividly the day in 1958 when she was playing in front of her childhood home outside Florence when everything was shook by an explosion  the result of the accidental aerial release of a nuclear bomb.

It was sunny. It was a pretty day, said Helen Holladay, as shes known now. Then the ground started shaking, things were hitting us in the head ... everything that was destroyed up in air was coming back down on us, pieces of timber and everything.

Unlike other kids who grew up during the Cold War, Holladay had never done the duck and cover drill in school, but if we had been trained, wed have known what we did was right, she said. Dropping to the ground just felt like the safest place to be.

When she looked up, her house was partially collapsed, and her father, Walter Gregg, and brother Walter Jr. were walking out of the garage covered in blood.

They had no idea what had happened. Her father, who worked for the railroad, initially thought a plane had crashed. But what actually happened was one of the rarest events in the history of the atomic age. A passing U.S. Air Force bomber had accidentally released a (fortunately unloaded) nuclear bomb in transit from an air base in Savannah to Europe.

The back of the Gregg house after the detonation in 1958. (WikiMedia Commons)

Had the fissile material been loaded into the bomb, the accidental release could have spread radioactive material across the Pee Dee. As it was, the bombs conventional TNT payload still did significant damage to the nearby Mars Bluff home of the Gregg family when it landed in a wooded area on March 11, 1958, and left the family with superficial but still-frightening injuries.

My mother was injured the worse, said Holladay, now 72. The house caved in on top of her, and she had cuts all over. Daddy had cuts over his back, because he was standing over my brother trying to get out of the garage that was falling in. No one was killed in the blast.

The highly destructive weapon was dropped through sheer human error on the part of the flight crew, said Stephen Motte, curator at the Florence County Museum, which has an exhibit on the Mars Bluff bomb incident.

They were flying at 1,500 feet, approaching Florence, and the pilot had noticed that the indicator light in the cockpit had come on, Motte recounts. There was a problem in the bomb bay, so the bombardier went in ... the space was not much larger than the bomb is. He stands up to get a better look, and he reaches up and grabs something, and it turns out it was the emergency release cable.

The bomb was released from its clamps and fell on the bomb bay doors, which held for a second or two, before breaking open and dropping a military-grade warhead on the Gregg home just east of Florence.

While the plane circled above trying to assess the damage, the Greggs were picked up by a passing car on Highway 301 that had seen the explosion and were taken for treatment.

A Mark 6 nuclear bomb, similar to the one dropped in the 1958 incident outside of Florence, S.C., is seen at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (WikiMedia Commons)

Local people responded first, and thats why the story made it out to the media, Motte said. The Air Force did not want to tell this story. It was the Cold War, tensions were high, and people were certainly fearing the worse.

We walked away with nothing

The Greggs property was eventually surrounded by military personnel who prevented the family from returning to their home, partly to maintain secrecy and partly because of fears of radioactive contamination.

We couldnt even wear any of our clothes, Holladay said. They had them cleaned from the house, and they itched so bad. They sent them to laboratories to check them out.

It turned out the impact was so great, it infused the insulation out of the wall into the clothes, Holladay said. We walked away with nothing, absolutely nothing.

Holladay doesnt believe the Air Force treated the family very well after their ordeal, and they ultimately took the government to court to receive compensation. She also recalls one particular return to the damaged old house, after the family had moved into her aunt and uncles nearby dairy farm.

We had a cat at the time, and they wouldnt let back on the property, she said. So we snuck through the woods and found our kitten behind the refrigerator and took it to my aunt and uncles next door.

But the outpouring of support from the community was overwhelming. The manager of the local store told Walter Gregg to take whatever his family needed and pay for it as they could. Holladays aunt took the furniture from a family beach house and used it to furnish a small apartment for the displaced family.

If not for the good people of Florence, we would have never made it, she said. The government did nothing for us, except give us a hard time.

During the familys suit against the government, the Greggs were told the crew of the bomber was stationed overseas and unavailable to be called to court. But about seven years after the bombing, Holladay remembers the pilots visiting the family and offering their apologies.

A historical marker erected in 2008 near the site of the 1958 nuclear incident near Florence, S.C. (WikiMedia Commons)

Over the years, the bombing was largely forgotten. The Greggs home was pulled down and they moved into Florence. The crater from the blast is still visible, and at one point a private kiosk with information about the bombing was erected next to it, but it otherwise remained in an undeveloped wooded area.

The crater itself was behind the treeline, so you wouldnt know it was there unless somebody showed you, Motte said. Theres a state historical marker nearby (on U.S. 301, roughly a mile away), but its a bit misleading, because its not that close to the crater site.

As the area has slowly developed, the fence of a private home now backs up to the crater, and further growth in the area may swallow it up completely.

While the explosion was a big deal for her generation, Holladay said today younger people dont know anything about it.

Motte says Florences growing population means fewer people there have any connection to the event. But he says it still deserves to be remembered for the unique event that it was.

You wouldnt be afraid your own government would drop a bomb on you, he said.

2024 The State.

Visit thestate.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(Red Grandy/Stars and Stripes)

Torrejon Air Base, Spain, May 1964: Taking no chances whatsoever, airmen on the flight line at Torrejon Air Base team up to make sure every last buckle is properly fastened on Ann-Margrets life vest. The actress, who would visit many more military facilities over the years on USO tours and become a favorite of service members, was in Spain for the filming of The Pleasure Seekers, which also starred Carol Lynley and Pamela Tiffin. Her most recent release was the Elvis Presley film, Viva Las Vegas.

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Fighters with North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, intercept a Russian Tu-96 strategic bomber in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, July 24, 2024. (North American Aerospace Defense Command)

Former Rep. Jane Harmon, co-chair of the congressionally mandated Commission on the National Defense Strategy to assess the viability of Americas defense strategy, warned in a just-released report that the security environment for the United States is blinking red. While the report details a number of valid concerns, it is what the report doesnt say that should be most alarming.

There is a major and alarming imbalance between the United States stated strategic objectives and the resources necessary to attain them. This imbalance cannot be rectified by spending more money on national defense. What is needed  desperately needed  is an immediate recognition that without major changes in our foreign policy and military capacity, we place our very national security at unacceptable risk.

The report warns that since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the no-limits partnership between China and Russia has only deepened and broadened to include a military and economic partnership with Iran and North Korea. This new alignment of nations opposed to U.S. interests, the report continued, creates a real risk, if not likelihood, that conflict anywhere could become a multi-theater or global war.

America, the authors contend, is unable to meet the equipment, technology, and munitions needs of the United States and its allies and partners, to engage in such a global fight. To change that dynamic, they argue the U.S. needs to create much greater capacity to produce, maintain, and replenish weapons and munitions. Addressing the shortfall will require increased investment, additional manufacturing and development capacity, joint and coproduction with allies, and additional flexibility in acquisition systems.

As evidence of how significant is the gap between national strategy and capacity, the report cites recent wargames that reveal the Pentagon could deplete its key ammunition stocks in a major war with China over Taiwan in three to four weeks. Anti-ship missiles could be exhausted in a few days. Replacing these expended munitions, the report concludes, would take years.

After accurately exposing the significant lack of industrial capacity to fight a war against China, one would expect the authors to recommend an appetite suppressant and scale back our ambitions to match our capacity. Instead, counterintuitively and inexplicably, the report recommends the U.S. armed forces be sized and structured to simultaneously:

Defend the homeland. Maintain a global posture. Deter China from taking territory in the Indo-Pacific and fight and win if needed. Lead NATO to deter and, if necessary, defeat Russian aggression. And continue to sustain activities in the Middle East and be ready to fight Iran. To fund the capacity to perform these missions, unsurprisingly, the reports authors recommend a significant increase in defense spending.

Dont miss the mammoth implications of what this report suggests. They openly admit that if the U.S. got into a fight with China over Taiwan  just the one fight  we would run out of key ammunition categories in mere weeks. The congressionally mandated authors then inexplicably suggest we need to expand our mission set to be able to simultaneously fight and defeat China, Russia and Iran, while defending our border and maintaining a global posture!

To create that capacity, the United States would have to go on a major, World War II-style full industrial mobilization (not to mention increasing our active forces to possibly triple our current levels), costing trillions of dollars over many years above current defense budget! It should be plain to any normal thinking person that what this report suggests is not only unattainable in both geostrategic and economic terms, but also highly unwise.

What do supporters of this plan think will be the reaction around the world were such a plan put into effect? China and Russia, along with North Korea and Iran, have already been pushed into each others arms by our current support to Ukraine and Taiwan. Imagine what they would do if they saw us openly declare a doctrine of building physical capacity needed to defeat each in a war. This axis would, without a doubt, pour resources into deterring  or even matching  our bolstered capabilities. Far from ensuring our security, we would be locked in an escalating cycle of military tensions with nuclear adversaries.

What the United States should do instead is take a sober look at ends and means. We should establish defense priorities aligned with a realistic assessment of reasonable and attainable foreign policy objectives. That means first and foremost acknowledging there are limits to our power. Seeking to be able to fight and win wars against two superpowers and a regional Middle East nation simultaneously comes close to the very definition of irrational thinking.

It should be an imperative that America has a strong, well-funded and fully trained armed force that is able to defend our borders and, along with our allies, defend shared interests around the world if allies are attacked. We should not go in search of dragons to slay. America should seek to create a safe and secure environment that has the best chance of success and at the lowest possible cost. That means significantly elevating diplomacy, adopting an appropriate amount of humility and being open to win-win solutions to global challenges (even when dealing with competitors).

Seeking to secure America by expanding our military capacity along the lines advocated in the Commission on National Defense Strategy will fail. Trying will likely either bankrupt us, or, in the worst case, spark wars against strong adversaries we would otherwise never need to fight. Setting sober defense priorities associated with an achievable foreign policy is a far better option to keep us safe and prosperous.

Daniel L. Davis is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel with four combat deployments. He is currently Senior Fellow for Defense Priorities & host of the Daniel Davis Deep Dive show.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez wave a Venezuelan Flag during a protest against the result of the presidential election on July 30, 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela. (Alfredo Lasry R/Getty Images/TNS)

Banned opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called for protests across Venezuela to defend what her party sees as its rightful electoral victory, as President Joe Bidens top diplomat said the U.S. backs a transition of power.

Washingtons declaration that Machados stand-in candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, clearly won the vote ratchets up pressure on Nicolas Maduros socialist regime.

Both sides have called their supporters into the streets this weekend, setting up the potential for violent clashes. Maduros government has rounded up hundreds of protesters already, and Machados party headquarters was ransacked overnight.

We will all gather with our family, with our kids, our grandchildren, our grandparents in all of Venezuelas cities on Saturday morning, Machado said Thursday in a video posted on X.

The U.S. told an emergency meeting of the Organization of American States on Wednesday that Gonzalez defeated Maduro in last Sundays vote. Secretary Antony Blinken doubled down on that assessment shortly after the opposition urged its supporters to take to the streets.

It is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuelas July 28 presidential election, Blinken said Thursday in a statement. While he stopped short of calling Gonzalez president-elect, he urged Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition and said the U.S. supports re-establishing democratic norms in Venezuela.

Machado said in an opinion article published earlier Thursday in the Wall Street Journal that she is in hiding and fearing for her life after Maduro called for her and Gonzalez to be jailed for decades. Its unclear if Machado and Gonzalez will attend the protests, but the call for nationwide demonstrations comes as foreign nations are being increasingly vocal in supporting their win against Maduro, who has governed Venezuela since 2013.

I could be captured as I write these words, Machado wrote. A separate piece by the newspapers editorial board said the government had already issued their arrest warrants, but the countrys top prosecutor didnt respond to a request to confirm.

We Venezuelans have done our duty. We have voted out Mr. Maduro, she wrote. Now it is up to the international community to decide whether to tolerate a demonstrably illegitimate government.

She said that repression by the government must stop immediately, so that an urgent agreement can take place to facilitate the transition to democracy.

Just hours after Machados opinion piece was published, Maduro addressed the nation on state television, warning that two maximum-security state prisons that were under renovation would soon be ready for the thousands of Venezuelans who have protested the election results.

The Tocoron and Tocuyito prisons will be ready in 15 days, and will take in the more than 1,200 protesters who have been arrested since Monday and another 1,000 who are still to be apprehended, he said. It was the latest hard line hes taken against protesters, after on Wednesday promising they would serve at least 30 years in prison.

Diosdado Cabello, head of the ruling Socialist Party and a close Maduro ally, called for government loyalists to mount counter-demonstrations on Saturday.

At least 11 people have been killed so far since nationwide protests broke out, with non-profit groups that track the clashes registering more than 560 demonstrations across all 24 states in Venezuela.

Machado said most of her team is also currently in hiding, and six of her top aides who had taken refuge in the Argentine embassy in Caracas fear an imminent raid, she said. Her headquarters in eastern Caracas was assaulted by six masked assailants, according to a post on X by her party Friday morning. The men broke into the office, stole equipment and documents, and sprayed graffiti on the walls.

Brazil took custody of Argentinas mission Thursday morning, and Maduro has promised to respect the sovereignty of the embassy, according to a Brazilian official familiar with the matter. Argentinas embassy staff were expelled by Maduro, who also gave diplomats from Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Panama and the Dominican Republic until Friday to leave.

Instead of hiding, Machado and Gonzalez should appear before the prosecutors office, Maduro said Wednesday, building on top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguezs call for her arrest after Venezuelans took to the streets to protest this week.

Amid speculation of their potential detentions, Costa Rica offered political asylum to Machado, Gonzalez and all those facing persecution. Machado said after the offer was made on Tuesday that she was grateful but that her duty was to continue fighting along Venezuelan people. It remains unclear if she is willing to accept the proposal. Her press team didnt immediately reply to a request for comment.

The international community has long applied sanctions on Venezuela to weaken and potentially unseat Maduro with no success. Since Sundays election, the U.S. and other Latin American nations have said Maduro needs to provide proof of his self-declared win by showing ballot tabulations. The Group of Seven released a statement Thursday calling for the release of detailed voting data, and for maximum restraint in the country and for a peaceful, democratic and Venezuelan-led solution.

Maduros administration also complained this week that the Biden administration hadnt complied with part of a deal it signed with the U.S. in Qatar last year involving sanctions applied against Venezuela.

On Thursday, Venezuela published what it said is a copy of the deal. The document says the U.S. would have had to lift some of its sanctions if the South American nation invited observers to monitor its election. The sanctions werent lifted, however, after Venezuela invited them in March.

The document also said that all candidates complying with the law should be allowed to participate in this years election, without naming any names.

With assistance from Eric Martin.

2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The decommissioned amphibious transport dock USS Dubuque smokes after taking a direct hit with a missile off Hawaii during the Rim of the Pacific exercise on July 11, 2024. (Perla Alfaro/U.S. Army)

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  The biennial Rim of the Pacific maritime exercise ended its six-week run Thursday in Hawaii, a span that included the sinking of two decommissioned warships by numerous weapons systems wielded by a multinational force.

The exercise, which began in late June in waters off Hawaii, is touted as the worlds largest international series of naval drills.

Twenty-nine nations participated this years RIMPAC, which included 40 ships, 150 aircraft, three submarines, 14 land-based armed forces and 25,000 personnel.

The sinking of two warship hulks is twice the number sunk in previous RIMPAC exercises.

The decommissioned USS Dubuque, an amphibious transport dock, was sunk July 11. A week later, the 820-foot-long former USS Tarawa, an amphibious assault ship the size of a small aircraft carrier, was sunk July 19.

The ships went down in waters 15,000 feet deep about 50 nautical miles off the northern coast of Kauai, the westernmost island in the Hawaiian chain.

The decommissioned USS Tarawa, an amphibious assault ship, is escorted out of Pearl Harbor to the open sea during the Rim of the Pacific exercise on July 16, 2024. (Courtney Strahan/U.S. Navy)

Using advanced weapons and seeing the professionalism of our teams during these drills shows our commitment to keeping the Indo-Pacific region safe and open. Vice Adm. John Wade, commander of the exercises Combined Task Force and of 3rd Fleet, said in a July 23 news release.

The release makes no mention of China in describing the long-planned sinking exercises, but that nations growing military might is regarded by the Pentagon as Americas pacing challenge.

One aspect of the sinking exercise demonstrated that warships anywhere in the world could be vulnerable to a quick and devastating attack by U.S. forces in the event of a conflict.

In a test dubbed Quicksink, an Air Force B-2 stealth bomber delivered a guided bomb on the Tarawa, which displaced 38,900 tons.

The demonstration proved that the B-2 provides a low-cost, air-delivered method for defeating surface vessels, the Navy said in its release.

The official China Military Online took note in a July 24 article by Yang Zhen, the deputy director of the Northeast Asia Research Center, Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. Zhang wrote that this years RIMPAC clearly aimed to demonstrate the joint forces ability to target Chinese assets.

Chinas Type 075 amphibious assault ship has a displacement similar to the Tarawa, and some countries participating in the exercise didnt bother to conceal the fact that RIMPAC 2024 is highly targeted at China, which has surprised many, Zhang wrote.

Japanese soldiers fire a Type 12 surface-to-ship missile during a Rim of the Pacific sinking exercise on Kauai, Hawaii, on July 12, 2024. (Perla Alfaro/U.S. Army)

Quicksink was funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and aimed to provide options to neutralize surface maritime threats while demonstrating the inherent flexibility of the joint force.

Given the B-2s stealth, range and payload capacity, the bomber could play a significant role in any future naval conflict with China. It can fly 6,000 miles without refueling, cruise about 560 mph at 50,000 feet and carry roughly 50,000 pounds of bombs.

This capability is an answer to an urgent need to quickly neutralize maritime threats over massive expanses of ocean around the world at minimal costs, the Navy news release states.

A Navy F/A-18 jet also hit the Tarawa with a Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, or LRSAM, which the news release described as a precise, stealthy and survivable cruise missile.

The missile carries a 1,000-pound warhead and can reach targets more than 200 miles distant.

Air Force B-1B bombers also routinely deploy with LRSAMs.

U.S. Army units teamed with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces 5th Surface-to-Ship Field Artillery Regiment to sink the Dubuque, the Army said in a July 11 news release.

The Armys 1st Multi-Domain Task Force fired on the ship using High Mobility Army Rocket System, or HIMARS, launchers deployed at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands on Kauai.

The Japanese forces fired on the ship from the same location with Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles, the Army news release states.

Units from Australia, Malaysia, the Netherlands and South Korea also participated in the sinking exercise.

The power of RIMPAC is in how it strengthens relationships between participating nations by challenging us to conduct realistic and relevant training together, Royal Australian Air Force Air Commodore Louise desJardins, commander of the exercises Combined Force Air Component, said in the news release.
American and Japanese flags fly together during joint training on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, in October 2023. (Jennifer Andrade/U.S. Marine Corps)

TOKYO  A U.S.-based IT defense contractor recently extended by five years its contract to maintain and improve Japans Central Command System, the digital network for information sharing within the countrys Self-Defense Forces.

Leidos Inc., of Reston, Va., obtained $16.5 million to continue providing system engineering, hardware, software, operation, maintenance and other services, according to a Department of Defense announcement July 22.

The contract continues a long relationship between Leidos and the Japanese military, said Rory Tibbals, director of Japan Programs for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Aerial Networks Division, at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., which administers the contract.

When Americas two globetrotting Cabinet secretaries  Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken  met with their counterparts in Tokyo on July 28, they pledged to strengthen their military connections, including enhanced communication, to offset challenges from Chinas growing presence in the region, according to a readout of their meeting.

The two allied militaries communicate with each other through high-level networks, including Japans Global Command and Control System, which links its Self-Defense Forces, a U.S.-Japan Network and the U.S. Joint Global Command and Control System.

This most recent contract award is no major upgrade, Tibbals said in responses provided July 29 by Hanscom spokeswoman Nicole Collins. But it gives an example of the ongoing ties that the U.S. and Japan agreed to draw even tighter.

Leidos has supported this important Japanese program for over 10 years. The services are focused on maintaining, securing, and upgrading the existing systems in accordance with Japans Defense Buildup Plan, Tibbals said in the July 29 email.

According to that plan, Japan intends to strengthen its defense capabilities by 2027 to take primary responsibility for dealing with invasions and threats with the support of its ally and others, according to a December 2022 copy of the 55-page document.

The Leidos contract provides a broad range of services that support U.S.-Japan coordination on crisis planning, bilateral operations and exercises, according to the contract announcement.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense declined comment on the contract renewal. A representative for Leidos did not respond to a July 23 email seeking further information.

The Foreign Military Sales program within the State Department pays $3.9 million of the contract cost, according to the DOD announcement. Work takes place at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, at the Japan Air Self-Defense Base in Tokyo and in Reston.

Leidos works in cybersecurity, digital modernization and artificial intelligence, according to its website, although AI is not part of this contract, Tibbals said. Leidos merged with the information systems subsidiary of Lockheed Martin in 2016 to create a separate company still affiliated with Lockheed.

Stars and Stripes reporter Hana Kusumoto contributed to this report.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius passes his country's flag to Army Gen. Paul LaCamera, the head of U.N. Command and U.S. Forces Korea, during a ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  Germany on Friday joined United Nations Command, now 18 countries upholding the 71-year-old armistice agreement between North and South Korea.

Germanys membership became official with a ceremony outside U.N. Command headquarters at Camp Humphreys. It was presided over by the head of the command, Army Gen. Paul LaCamera; German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius; and the chairman of South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Kim Myung-soo.

In a speech to about 500 people, LaCamera, who also leads the U.S. Forces Korea, said Germany was no exception to the countries who assisted the command during and after the 1950-53 Korean War.

The addition of Germany diversifies the perspectives and the resources available to the U.N. Command and enhances our collective expertise and capabilities, LaCamera said.

Pistorius said Germanys membership in the U.S.-led command underscored Berlins dedication to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

We need to show unity  we need to stand firm against those who want to undermine peace and stability, he said. By joining the U.N. Command, we showcase our dedication to share  our close ties with like-minded partners, particularly the U.S. and Korea.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Pistorius said talks are scheduled next month on Germanys contribution in troops to the command.

Germany has joined the United States and South Korea in condemning North Koreas behavior.

Army Gen. Paul LaCamera, the head of U.N. Command and U.S. Forces Korea, walks with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during a ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

After the North launched several short-range ballistic missiles on May 30, Germanys Foreign Ministry released a statement accusing Pyongyang of violating U.N. Security Council resolutions and endangering security both in the East Asia region and worldwide.

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces invaded the South to unite the peninsula under communist rule. North Korean troops captured Seoul three days after the invasion, prompting the U.N. Security Council to establish the U.N. Command on July 7, 1950.

As the three-year war developed into a stalemate at the border dividing the peninsula, North Korea, China and the U.N. Command agreed to an armistice on July 27, 1953.

Twenty-two countries provided combat troops and medical aid to the command during the war.

West Germany  at the time half of another nation divided by communism  pledged to establish a field hospital in May 1953; however, the armistice was already signed by the time German aid arrived at Busan, South Koreas largest port.

Those resources were used to build a hospital staffed by 117 German medical personnel, according to U.N. Command records. From 1954 to 1959, German doctors and nurses treated around 270,000 South Koreans and delivered roughly 6,000 babies.

Since the armistice signing, the command has enforced the agreement terms and provided security at the Demilitarized Zone between the two Koreas.

The other 17 member countries are Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Italy was the last country to join the command in 2013.
Black widow, redback and brown widow spiders have a red hourglass-shaped mark on their stomachs. (Pixabay)

Navy spouse Tiffany Russell is no arachnophile.

The wife of Lt. Chadd Russell, of Strike Fighter Squadron 195, lives at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, south of Hiroshima. Unfortunately, invasive species of venomous spiders have plagued the installation for years.

The thought of poisonous spiders on base scares me, she told Stars and Stripes via Facebook Messenger on Friday. I think the base should offer pest control.

On Thursday, MCAS Iwakuni notified Yamaguchi prefecture and Iwakuni city it had exterminated 460 black widow, redback and brown widow spiders between April 22 and July 21, an official with the citys environmental policy section said by phone Friday.

Thats more than twice as the 246 the base dispatched during the same period last year, the city official said.

Many Japanese government officials speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.

Russell, of Reno, Nev., said she finds spiders once a day in small corners, in the track of the sliding door and in the kitchen. She uses insecticide powder and peppermint to combat the eight-legged creatures.

I dont contact housing, she said. I just handle it myself; housing takes too long to respond.

The city and the prefecture were first notified that venomous spiders were discovered on base in 2000, the official said. The redback spider, a native of Australia and a relative of the black widow, first appeared in Japan in 1995 in Osaka, according to Australias ABC News.

They turned up in 2014 in Mitaka, a western Tokyo suburb, where a dozen redbacks were quickly rounded up after terrifying local parents.

Its unthinkable that they only exist in Mitaka, so theyll probably be found in many other areas of Tokyo from now on, ABC quoted a government official as saying in October that year.

Only the female bite is dangerous, according to the Australia Museum website. A bite can cause severe headaches, muscular pain and, in some cases, death.

However, humans are not likely to be bitten unless they thrust a body part directly into the spiders web. Because of the redbacks small jaws, many bites are ineffective, the museum states.

All three spiders are considered invasive species. All three have a red hourglass-shaped mark on their stomachs, the official said. Redback spiders also have a red dorsal stripe.

Officials with the Tokyo Metropolitan government and Environment Ministry have warned people not to touch spiders with their bare hands.

MCAS Iwakuni reports its spider exterminations four times a year to the prefecture and the city, the official said. None of those spiders were found outside the base during those three months.

Our greatest concern is that the spiders will go outside of the fence and cause damage to the residents, the official said. We will also keep our eyes out.

If bitten by a spider, seek immediate medical care. If possible, kill the spider and take it with you so doctors can identify the species.

So far, no one in Japan has died from a spider bite, the official said.

The spiders are not aggressive, and they wont attack you unless you bother them, he said.
Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother, Ella Milman, after greeting President Biden and Vice President Harris at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Thursday. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)

As journalist Evan Gershkovich and other Americans released in a historic prisoner exchange arrived in Texas for medical treatment, and freed members of the Russian opposition reunited joyfully in Cologne, Germany, the Kremlin on Friday voiced triumph at bringing home elite spies and an operative convicted of murder.

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, also swiftly squashed any suggestion that the swap - the most complex since the Cold War - marked any thawing of relations that could open the way for peace talks in the war against Ukraine.

His remarks suggested that releasing prisoners was a low common denominator of mutual interests. If we are talking about Ukraine and more complex international problems, this is a completely different matter,

Peskov said, asked by The Washington Post if the exchange was a sign that Russia would be ready to compromise and end the invasion of its neighbor.

The principles there are completely different. They are the principles of the national interests of our country, the national security interests, and the work there is carried out in a different mode and according to different principles, he said. Peskov said the exchange was negotiated by the CIA and Russias Federal Security Service, or FSB. Tatyana Stanovaya, a Russia analyst and founder of R. Politik political consultancy, now based in France, said no one should expect a breakthrough in U.S.-Russia relations after the exchange, in which Russia released 16 prisoners, including some of Russias most prominent opposition figures. In return, Western nations released eight prisoners plus two children whose parents were captured Russian spies.

There is no indication that the current exchange will facilitate peace talks concerning Ukraine, Stanovaya said. Instead, it reflects the current situation, where each side learns to live with mutual intransigence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin at Moscows Vnukovo airport warmly embraced Vadim Krasikov, a state assassin who was freed from prison in Germany, where he was sentenced to life for killing a former Chechen rebel in broad daylight in a park in Berlin. In sharp contrast at the U.S. homecoming at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Gershkovich was embraced by President Biden and Vice President Harris before hugging his mother and lifting her into the air.

The Americans - Gershkovich, ex-Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva - were to be taken to the Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, the Wall Street Journal reported. The images of the dual reunions, on airfields 4,855 miles apart, conveyed two distinct worlds that connected for a brief moment in an exchange that showcased on the one hand Western concern not only for its own jailed citizens but also for persecuted Russian dissidents, and on the other Russias celebration of covert operatives, criminals and a convicted assassin.

Peskov confirmed openly for the first time that Krasikov had been a member of the elite Alpha unit of the FSB even though Moscow had denied any involvement in Krasikovs murder of killing of the Chechen commander, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in 2019.

Peskov also said that a member of Russian military intelligence was returned.

Earlier, investigative group Bellingcat, which first identified Krasikov, had reported that he was part of Alphas sister agency Vympel, another elite special unit of the FSB.

Peskov also said that Krasikov had served with members of Putins security detail, and that the old comrades met at the airport after the presidential welcome.

Asked about Putins hug for Krasikov, Peskov said the president greeted Krasikov informally because of Krasikovs previous role as an Alpha operative. Putin, a former KGB agent, seemed singularly focused on winning Krasikovs release.

It is very important, Peskov said, explaining Putins decision to personally greet the returning prisoners, doing so along with his top security chiefs and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. He choose to honor those who serve their country and those who after difficult trials got a chance to return to their homeland.

At the airport, Putin highlighted some of the operatives military service to the Russian state, promising medals and indicating he would ensure they were well looked after.

Especially to those who have military service, I want to thank you for your loyalty to your oath, Putin said in a hall at the airport after presenting flowers to deep cover spy Anna Dultseva. She returned home with her husband, Artyom Dultsev, also a spy, and their two children.

You will all receive state awards, Putin said. We will see each other again. We will talk about your future. But for now I just want to congratulate you on your return. Thank you. Putins reception of the family was like a scene straight out of The Americans, a television drama based on actual undercover Russian spies, known as the illegals, who lived in the United States and tried to blend in as normal citizens.

Peskov offered eye-opening details about the family and their children, offering a window into the world of deep cover agents. Dultsev and Dultseva posed as Argentine art dealers and were caught and imprisoned in Slovenia. The children had no idea they were Russian, do not speak Russian, and did not know who Putin was when he greeted them, Peskov said. He said Putin greeted them in Spanish. The children of the undercover intelligence agents who arrived here yesterday learned they were Russian only after the plane took off from Ankara, Peskov said. They did not know they were Russian and related to our country until then.

He continued: The children of the undercover agents asked their parents yesterday who had greeted them. They did not even know who Putin is.

This is how undercover agents work and what sacrifices they make for their work and commitment to the cause, Peskov said, adding that the imprisoned Dultsevs did not see their children as often as they would have liked.

Dultseva, holding her daughters hand, shed tears as she walked down the aircraft stairs to meet Putin, who was waiting with large flower bouquets for her and the girl.

Before the passengers disembarked, Putin was shown on state television at the bottom of the aircraft stairs, checking with reception staff that all was in order.

Critics of the Russian leader immediately seized on his warm welcome. Krasikov is an FSB killer from one of the FSBs most secretive and lethal units, Christo Grozev, of the investigative site Bellingcat, who was a close associate of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, posted Friday on X.

Bellingcat revealed Krasikovs true identity after he was arrested carrying a passport with a fake name, and Grozev helped formulate the initial idea of an exchange for Krasikov, originally designed to secure Navalnys release. Instead, Navalny died in an Arctic prison in February in mysterious circumstances before the deal could be sealed.

Grozev, Navalnys wife, Yulia Navalnaya, and other members of Navalnys team have accused Putin of ordering him killed. The Kremlin has denied any role in his death.

Konstantin Sonin, economist and Russia analyst at the University of Chicago, wrote that even after analyzing Putins actions for 20 years he still finds ways to dumbfound me.

Contract killers returning to the U.S.S.R. in Soviet times were greeted warmly - but secretly, Sonin posted on X. Putin seems no longer to care about any audience save for the FSB/spy community.

Russias hawkish Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova drove home the contrast between Russia and the West, saying it illustrated Russias composure.

What many people called exchange, I would call a battle of composure, Zakharova posted on the Telegram messaging platform on Friday. The self-possession of the prisoners, the self-possession of the political authorities, the self-possession of the intelligence services. By all accounts we are the best. She said it was proof that Russia will not abandon our own.

The last exchange of such complexity occurred in 1985, when the Soviet Union exchanged 25 Western spies for four Warsaw Pact agents at the Glienicke Bridge between West Berlin and Potsdam.

But the mood at that time was different: a reformist Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev had just come to power, signaling his readiness for more open relations, and paving the way for a meeting with president Ronald Reagan in Geneva later than year.

The following year, the Soviet Union released Soviet Jewish dissident Natan Sharansky and three others in return for five Warsaw Pact spies, setting the stage for an arms control summit in Reykjavik, Iceland later that year. Landmark arms control deals followed.

But there are no signs now of a thaw in U.S.-Russia relations, with the prisoner exchange seen by the Kremlin as a pragmatic deal in Russias short-term interests. As president, Putin has taken an increasingly harsh anti-Western position, challenging global norms, invading neighboring countries, sending assassins to kill foes abroad, interfering in foreign elections, sowing disinformation, and suspending Russian cooperation with the last surviving arms control deal, New START, last year.

Mark Galeotti, a Russian analyst at the Royal United Services Institute, a think tank focused on security issues, also played down the chances of a breakthrough in U.S.-Russia relations following the swap. Instead, it appears likely that each side will snap back to their adversarial position as Russia seeks to undercut American dominance, Galeotti said.

It could be a minor trust-building step, he said, but no more.
Yermak at the Office of the President in Kyiv on July 31. (Julia Kochetova/Bloomberg)

When world leaders gathered in Switzerland in June to discuss the war in Ukraine, the choreography offered a glimpse into the power games playing out behind the scenes in Kyiv as Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks to maintain support.

As the presidents and prime ministers gathered for the family photo in the picturebook Alpine setting, a towering Ukrainian official in green fatigues was positioned in the center of the group, barely an arms length from his boss.

Anyone whos dealt with the Ukrainian president is likely to recognize Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff who is constantly at his side. His incongruous position - in front of US Vice President Kamala Harris, between the Swiss president and the future head of NATO - indicates the growing influence of Zelenskyys closest adviser within Ukraines wartime hierarchy. An adviser to Yermak said the lineup for the picture was organized by the Swiss hosts and Yermaks inclusion reflected his role in the meeting.

As Russias assault stretches deep into its third year, some of Ukraines international backers are growing concerned about just how much decision making is concentrated in the hands of 52-year-old Yermak, a one-time film producer, who has become the sole gatekeeper to the president with a direct say in everything from foreign policy to military planning.

Im not involved in every job, Im only coordinating, Yermak said in an interview at his office in Kyiv on Wednesday. Yes, Im very proud that the president asks my opinion, but he asks for my opinion because I get results.

The concerns about Yermak are surfacing at a perilous moment for Zelenskyy.

Ukraine is struggling to fend off a renewed Russian offensive and bracing for the next winter with its energy infrastructure in tatters, while the US election and the possibility of Donald Trumps return to the White House pose questions over how long Kyiv will be able to count on the support of its allies. The president himself is also vulnerable to accusations that he lacks legitimacy - his term would have ended on May 20 had martial law not postponed an election.

The idea that Zelenskyy lacks a proper mandate to lead the Ukrainian war effort is a talking point pushed by his enemies in the Kremlin. But like most of the best propaganda, it taps into real questions over how viable it is to suspend the normal democratic process over the long run, especially with signs of frustrations with the government starting to emerge.

This all is done simply to attack me, Zelenskyy told Bloomberg Television in a July 3 interview, in which he called Yermak a powerful manager.

The president bridled at criticism that Yermaks ascent has amassed power in too few hands, saying that scrutiny over his chief of staff fits too cozily with a Kremlin-led disinformation campaign. He does what I tell him to do - and he fulfills the tasks, he said.

Yermaks rise has been accompanied by the fall of many others near the top - a parliamentary speaker, a central bank governor and his predecessor as chief of staff among them - often at the hands of the top aide, according to the people familiar with the issue who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A further shakeup is in the offing. The Ukrainian leader confirmed last month that hes considering a cabinet overhaul, though he declined to comment on widespread speculation that he may swap out Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

The head of the presidential administration informally has always had a great deal of power in Ukraine, said Oxana Shevel, an associate professor of political science at Tufts University near Boston, who added that mistrust of Yermak among the Ukrainian public may limit the aides options in future. Rubbing Shoulders

One delegation described a headstrong official with vast influence, often pushing ambitions that outstrip reality, including a demand for a large fleet of F-16 jets. Though the first fighter planes arrived this week, that project has been beleaguered by delays, spare-parts shortages and a language barrier between Ukrainian pilots and trainers thats significantly scaled back initial targets, Bloomberg reported last month.

Yermak isnt one to operate in the shadows of power and - at six feet, three inches - he towers over Zelenskyy. His social media profile is replete with one-on-one images of Yermak with Pope Francis, French President Emmanuel Macron and others - often with his boss nowhere in sight.

A June 7 post on his Telegram channel showed Yermak shaking hands with US President Joe Biden, while Zelenskyy nearby greeted Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin - a protocol reversal that triggered wry commentary in Kyiv.

The dynamic has prompted a common quip among Ukrainians on the chief of staff: Hes not number one, but hes not number two either.

The power dynamic is a serious matter for NATO allies and international donors - including the European Union and the International Monetary Fund - who have made transparency a benchmark condition for transferring funds.

The personnel moves attributed to Yermak have raised concern that any further tightening among Zelenskyy and his inner circle could sap energy for badly needed reforms - even measures to fight corruption and bolster the rule of law, according to people familiar with assessments in Western capitals.

But Yermaks mandate is broader than that of any of his predecessors. Hes been central in every key wartime decision: replacing Zelenskyys top general, sourcing weapons supplies, negotiating security guarantees, overseeing prisoner swaps and - at the Swiss summit - winning over the Global South to Kyivs cause.

Some officials have compared his role to a chief executive officer, with Zelenskyy acting as chairman.

Of course I read and hear about people talking about my power, but please, tell me, how am I using this power? To work 24 hours, seven days, to take on more obligations and more risks, Yermak said in the interview.

Zelenskyy, he added, is a person who thinks its important to listen and to know the different opinions. He always makes the decisions himself. The Kubrakov Affair

Allies have been watching closely. The replacement of Ukraines popular top general, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, in February raised hackles in NATO capitals over a shakeup just as Kyiv confronted a fresh Russian offensive.

In May, Yermak was instrumental in the removal of Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, an official who once had a direct line to Zelenskyy and was close to the Biden administration, according to people familiar with the ouster.

The presidential office failed to adequately explain the departure among other personnel changes, leaving foreign governments to puzzle over the move, the people said.

Pointedly, the US ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, posted a message on social platform X lauding Kubrakov on May 9, the day the minister was dismissed in a parliamentary vote. Brink thanked Kubrakov for a great partnership over the past two years as he worked to support Ukraines exports, energy infrastructure and economic growth.

I look forward to staying close to help Ukraine win the war & win the future, the ambassador posted.

The flagship diplomatic effort in Switzerland, where Yermak took such a position of prominence didnt go to plan either. At the end of the two-day summit in Lucerne, a culmination of months of diplomacy, Ukraine failed to win over key nations that attended, including India, Indonesia, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

Nevertheless, Zelenskyy has tolerated Yermaks sometimes ruthless methods because he regards him as a problem solver who offers swift, straightforward solutions without burdening the president, according to people familiar with the relationship. Zelenskyys trust for Yermak was on par with that of his wife, Olena Zelenska. Yermak even used to join the couple on overseas holidays before the war, they said.

Another official from a NATO government said the chief-of-staff role in Ukraines presidential system is always vulnerable to speculation over conspiracies - and that Yermak had a solid reputation for getting things done. The proximity between Zelenskyy and his top aide is reflected in the close quarters of the presidential compound on Bankova street, once a thriving section of downtown Kyiv that is now a fortified warren of barriers and checkpoints. Zelenskyy and his inner circle have called it home since the war began.

Hes a very strong personality, Yermak said of his boss. Everything he has, he made it himself. Nobody helped him. And I can say the same about me.

Yermaks resume reflects a privileged Soviet upbringing. His father worked in the Soviet embassy in Afghanistan in the late 1980s. After graduating from the Institute of International Relations at Kyivs Taras Shevchenko University with a law degree, Yermak set up a firm specializing in intellectual property rights in the late 1990s. His work for Ukraines biggest television station, Inter, brought him into contact with Zelenskyy, who was an executive producer. He tracked Zelenskyys rise from a comic actor and star of the television comedy `Servant of the People - in which he depicted a school teacher who becomes president - to high office.

Yermaks first task after he joined Zelenskyys newly elected administration in 2019 was as a liaison to Rudy Giuliani, Trumps chief lieutenant in Ukraine as the then-president sought to push authorities in Kyiv to investigate Biden in the runup to their 2020 election contest.

The top aide was initially the main channel for Giuliani as he tried push Zelenskyy to announce an investigation. Their exchanges led to Trumps July 2019 phone call with Zelenskyy, which triggered accusations of soliciting interference from a foreign government and culminated in Trumps first impeachment. Russia Is Not Motivated

His next assignment was as Ukraines chief negotiator as part of the Minsk agreement that sought to defuse tensions with Russia over its backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine. The encounters with Kremlin officials earned Yermak a reputation for taking uncompromising positions in the diplomatic process, often viewing the world in black and white, according to people familiar with the discussions with Russian officials. Yermaks more recent diplomatic foray has been as the architect of Ukraines peace blueprint, which aims to bring allies outside the West on board with Kyivs demands to end the war before a negotiation process with a more isolated Russia begins.

Despite the setback in Switzerland, Yermak said hed press ahead in getting the backing of partners - with a follow-up summit where Russia, though its dismissed the blueprint, could be present. Speaking to journalists days after the summit, the chief aide conceded that Ukraine is at a disadvantage when it comes to the Kremlins resources - but that Kyiv could still win.

Russia is not motivated, Yermak told journalists on a conference call. In the end, victory is on the side of people who are motivated.

With assistance from Reinie Booysen, Courtney McBride, Ilya Arkhipov, Irina Reznik, Olesia Safronova, Volodymyr Verbianyi, Andrea Palasciano, Alberto Nardelli, Natalia Ojewska, Torrey Clark, Stuart Livingstone-Wallace and Maxim Edwards.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg went to George Washington University Hospital for cancer treatment. Records showing details of that were released online in 2019. (Rebecca DAngelo for The Washington Post )

A 34-year-old man was convicted Wednesday of illegally accessing the private medical data of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2019 but acquitted of posting the information to an online message board where conspiracists falsely claimed Democratic politicians were covering up her death.

Trent J. Russell testified in his own defense near the end of a two-day trial in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va., repeatedly asserting that he never viewed or posted the justices confidential medical information, which showed details of her cancer treatments at George Washington University Hospital.

I never looked at medical records for patients I wasnt assigned to, said Russell, who in court testimony portrayed himself as a longtime first responder and former Army combat medic who did a tour of duty in Afghanistan. He denied being a conspiracy theorist.

After a half-day of deliberations, jurors convicted Russell of wrongfully obtaining Ginsburgs private health information and destroying records in a federal investigation. He was found not guilty of wrongfully disclosing the information.

The justices hospital chart first surfaced on 4chan, then spread to Twitter and YouTube, attracting immediate attention from federal investigators and prompting alarm from U.S. Supreme Court police officials, one of whom testified in the case about discreetly shepherding the justice to cancer treatments, in part to protect her privacy. She died in 2020 at age 87.

The original post had been deleted by the time federal agents were investigating the data breach, witnesses testified, and when the FBI contacted 4chan to determine who posted Ginsburgs medical chart, the website said it could no longer provide such information as the time of posting or the posters IP address because of the deletion.

Russell had access to the hospitals patient records because he worked as an organ transplant coordinator who would evaluate patients near death across 48 hospitals in the Washington region, he testified. He conceded on the witness stand to frequenting 4chan and enjoying discussions there about TV, movies, video games, current events - and conspiracy theories - for two decades.

FBI agents and a former hospital administrator testified that they traced the Jan. 7, 2019, search for Ginsburgs patient chart to one of Russells home computers. Russell initially told federal agents in February 2019 that it was possible his cats had run across his keyboard, although he later said he was joking. He told the jury he had no idea how Ginsburgs records turned up on his screen. I feel like everyones made typos, he said.

The federal agents testified that his cellphone location data placed him in the area of his Arlington residence at the time his hospital credentials were being used to access Ginsburgs medical chart from his home computer. Federal prosecutors in Virginia argued that Russell violated Ginsburgs right to privacy under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), even though he had received regular training and reminders not to access or disclose private medical data.

Ginsburg had not been referred as a potential organ donor to Russells employer, the Washington Regional Transplant Community, and Russell therefore had no reason to be searching for her patient chart, witnesses testified.

U.S. officials said Russell falsely told investigators during the February 2019 interview that his phone had been stolen. They said he deleted data on a hard drive before turning it over to the FBI for inspection. Russells attorney, Charles Burnham, said that was a mischaracterization by the federal agents. Russell had only formatted the drive, which is not quite the same as deleting its data, he argued. (Formatting a hard drive entails deleting data to improve its performance.)

You didnt think it would be relevant that data on your hard drive was no longer on your hard drive? Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell asked Russell during cross-examination.

The FBI nonetheless was able to recover a trove of telling evidence, witnesses testified. The screenshot posted to 4chan, showing Ginsburgs cancer treatments between around 2014 and 2018, came with a message: She died dec 31st.

An FBI agent who scanned Russells hard drive said she found indications that he had visited multiple posts on 4chan discussing a conspiracy theory laced with antisemitic tropes that Democratic politicians were covering up Ginsburgs death.

The agent said she found an image mimicking a poster for the 1989 film Weekend at Bernies, labeled Weekend at Ginsburgs. It showed then-Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) propping up Ginsburg from both sides, in a morbid play on how the movie characters cover up Bernies death so that they can use his beach house.

Prosecutors said they also found 4chan posts on his hard drive delving into other antisemitic conspiracy theories, including one titled Mossad just tried to assassinate Trump during the White House Christmas tree Lighting and a Google search for dirty jew.

Russell testified that he had last voted in the 2012 presidential election for President Barack Obama and that he was not prejudiced against Jewish people such as Ginsburg or any race or ethnicity.

Obviously Im not antisemitic, he said. I have Jewish friends.

Of Ginsburg, he said, I respect her service.

U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff scheduled sentencing for Nov. 7. Russell, who now resides in Nebraska, faces a maximum sentence of 21 years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines, though he is likely to get far less as a first-time offender.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg listens during an interview in front of the White House July 23, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The Biden administration proposed a rule on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, that would prevent airlines from charging extra for families with young children to sit near each other in a push to crack down on so-called junk fees. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)

WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service)  The Biden administration proposed a rule on Thursday that would prevent airlines from charging extra for families with young children to sit near each other in a push to crack down on so-called junk fees.

The rule is the administrations third this year focused on passenger protection, adding to one seeking price transparency and another requiring quick refunds on canceled flights.

This is, of course, part of the bigger picture of the Biden-Harris administrations work to protect the rights of consumers, including airline passengers, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on a call with reporters. Families dont need any additional stresses or costs when flying on top of how demanding it can be to be a parent flying with your kids.

The proposed rule would require airlines to seat parents next to their young children, defined as 13 and under, for free within 48 hours of booking. That means adjacent or in the same row, but not separated by an aisle, in every class of service. Airlines would be prohibited from defining class in a way that limits availability of family seating.

In situations where it is impossible to provide adjacent seating for multiple young children, it would require seats across the aisle from, directly in front of, or directly behind the parent or accompanying adult.

If adjacent family seats are not available at booking, airlines would be required to provide passengers the choice between receiving a full refund or waiting for family seating to become available later. If they choose to wait and adjacent seats do not free up, airlines must give families an option to rebook for free on the next flight with available family seating.

Airlines would also have to disclose clearly and conspicuously that family seating is free. Airlines that violate the rule would be subject to civil penalties for each violation.

White House officials said on a call with reporters that the fee-free family seating rule would save a family of four as much as $200 per round trip if seat fees are $25. Buttigieg added that it would also avoid situations where passengers are asked to give up their seat for a family to sit together.

The notion of fee-free family seating has been popular among lawmakers in Congress. Lawmakers included a provision directing the Federal Aviation Administration to propose a rule banning such fees in an FAA reauthorization bill passed earlier this year.

Airlines for America, which has opposed many Biden administration airlines rules, has argued that many airlines already provide family seating free of charge.

According to DOTs Airline Customer Service Dashboard, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines are among the larger air carriers that have not committed to fee-free family seating.

The proposed rule comes just a few days after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with airlines and blocked a previous Biden administration rule requiring airlines to disclose extra service fees. In a decision filed Monday, the court said the rule likely exceeds DOT authority and will irreparably harm airlines.

The airline industry lobby is trying to tie this up with lawsuits, but we will not back down from protecting passengers, Buttigieg wrote on X after the ruling. Airlines are simply wrong to argue that merely having to disclose their fees would irreparably harm them. Its common sense.

2024 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Visit cqrollcall.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Raj Iyer speaks at the Pentagon on Feb. 10, 2023, as the Armys chief information officer. His transition from that job to the private sector in March 2023 is the subject of a Justice Department investigation. ServiceNow, the company involved in the investigation, reported its concerns after an internal investigation found Iyers hiring violated company policy. (Army )

A former Army chief information officers move into civilian employment has sparked a Justice Department investigation after the company that hired him received a complaint about his involvement in a government contract, according to ServiceNow, the technology vendor embroiled in the situation.

ServiceNow said it is cooperating with federal investigators and has informed the Defense Department inspector general and the Army Suspension and Debarment Office about the inquiry. The Army office makes decisions on whether companies violated policies and should be barred from contracting with the service for a length of time.

Raj Iyer, who the Army hired in November 2020 as its first civilian chief information officer, left that job in March 2023 to lead the global public sector for ServiceNow, a cloud-based software and artificial intelligence company based in California.

A year after Iyer joined ServiceNow, the company said it had received an internal complaint about his hiring and potential compliance issues during the procurement process of one of its government contracts, according to a company report released July 24.

Through a ServiceNow investigation that involved outside legal counsel, the company determined its president and chief operations officer Chirantan CJ Desai violated company policy regarding a possible conflict when hiring Iyer, according to the report.

Desai cooperated with the investigation and said he did not intentionally violate policy, yet he and Iyer resigned from ServiceNow last month.

ServiceNow believes this was an isolated incident, said Madison DaValle, spokeswoman for the company. The investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to cooperate with the government entities reviewing this matter as it moves towards resolution. We have a longstanding reputation for integrity and compliance. This means we take swift and immediate action not only on improper conduct but even on conduct that could create an appearance of impropriety.

The Justice Department and Pentagon inspector general declined to comment about or confirm investigations. The Army is aware of the situation but cannot comment at this time, said Maj. Montrell Russell, a spokesman for the Army.

Iyer said Thursday that he did not commit any wrongdoing and his time in the Army was guided by integrity and a steadfast commitment to the best interests of the U.S. Army and the American people.

My resignation from ServiceNow was voluntary and aligns with my personal values, and I do not wish to have my integrity questioned as a result of a potentially compromised hiring process, he said.

The fact that two people resigned their jobs is a big deal, said Dan Meyer, a Washington-based attorney with Tully Rinckey who specializes in federal employment law.

When a federal employee leaves the government, he or she cant engage with their previous agency for one year. Theres also a lifetime ban for that person to work on anything where they made substantial decisions, he said.

ServiceNow did not name the contract in question, though DaValle said it was a consolidation of several contracts.

The Army touted in May 2023 that it awarded a $432 million, five-year contract to Carahsoft Technology Corporation for ServiceNow Term Software Licensing in December 2022  three months before Iyer went to work there.

Army Contracting Command described the deal as an enterprise agreement that consolidated existing management licenses and the purchase of new ones. It was intended to improve the Army Enterprise Service Desk, which personnel use to resolve technical issues.

Senior leadership in Iyers office were involved in the sole-source contract that was rushed through at the end of the year to lock in cheaper pricing, according to the Army.

Sole-sourcing contracts is a red flag for investigators, Meyer said. If there was no competition, this may have been a case of steering contracts.

From his own time as a federal investigator, he said sole-source contracts tend to catch the attention of investigators to take a hard look at the process.

The contract has been 33% fulfilled, according to online records.

Army Contracting Command did not respond to questions about the contract or whether there are any investigations into it.
Sgt. Richard Ganske, a soldier with the 84th Combat Engineer Battalion, uses a bulldozer to push refuse into a burn pit in Balad, Iraq, on Sept. 24, 2004. Inclusion on the Department of Veterans Affairs burn pit registry is now automatic for certain deployment locations, including Iraq. (Abel Trevino/U.S. Army)

The registry of people exposed to toxic fumes while serving in the U.S. military is now automatically including those who deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan or any of the Middle Eastern, African and Asian nations on a newly expanded list.

The revamped Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry contains the names of approximately 4.7 million current and former service members from campaigns as far back as 1990, the Defense Department said in a statement Thursday.

Legislation requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to create the registry stemmed from the raft of medical issues reported by veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where burn pits were used extensively to dispose of trash.

Master Sgt. Darryl Sterling, an equipment manager with the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, tosses unserviceable uniform items into a burn pit at Balad Air Base, Iraq, on March 10, 2008. Inclusion on the Department of Veterans Affairs burn pit registry is now automatic for certain deployment locations, including Iraq. (Julianne Showalter/U.S. Air Force)

Being part of the registry is a way for individuals to help and improve our understanding of the challenges faced by service members and veterans affected by these exposures, Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, said in the statement.

The latest version not only makes inclusion automatic and based on deployment location, but also eliminates the need for the questionnaire the VA had been using for registry enrollment.

Applicants found the 140-question document lengthy and difficult to answer, according to an October 2022 study released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

It found that the registry could not support research for the cause or origin of a veterans disease or condition or adequately monitor those exposed to airborne hazards.

Its unclear whether the questionnaire is gone for good. A VA spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for clarification Friday.

As with the old system, no medical information is stored in the registry, the VA website said. The data includes military personnel information and demographics, such as service members gender, race and ethnicity, as well as deployment locations.

The data is accessible only to a select group of VA epidemiologists and researchers, it added.

The registry was launched in 2014 at the direction of Congress to spur clinical research and advance treatments for troops who had been exposed to toxic pollutants.

Those enrolled in the previous registry were carried over to the new system, the VA website said. Procedures have also been added so service members and veterans can opt out or re-enter the registry.

Active-duty service members can submit an inquiry to confirm their enrollment status, while veterans can contact their local environmental health coordinator, the VA said.

For anyone who wants to join the registry manually, instructions on the website explain the process. More information is available online or by phone at 1-800-698-2411.

Inclusion is based on Defense Department records and not on any specific exposure, the VA said. Veterans or service members, living or dead, will be enrolled if they served in:

Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom or New Dawn

Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Djibouti, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Persian Gulf waters, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, Syria or Uzbekistan between Aug. 2, 1990 and Aug. 31, 2021

Somalia, Egypt or the Southeast Asian theater of military operations since Aug. 2, 1990

Afghanistan, Djibouti, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan or Yemen anytime after Sept. 11, 2001

Airspaces associated with the aforementioned countries.

Care and benefits are not affected by participation in the burn pit registry, according to the VA website.
The High Court heard that Murray rejects a finding that he breached the prison rules by making a threatening phone call on June 26

Convicted rapist Michael Murray has brought a High Court challenge against sanctions he received from prison authorities for allegedly making a threatening phone call stating there was a bomb at the home of the Taoiseach Simon Harris.

The High Court heard that Murray rejects a finding that he breached the prison rules by making a threatening phone call on June 26 last from the Midlands Prison, where he is currently incarcerated.

It is claimed that the threat was made by Murray in a call to the Samaritans.

Arising out of the allegation Murray was made the subject of a disciplinary procedure which was heard by the Midlands Prison Governor.

The governor found that the prisoner had engaged in misconduct by misusing the prison's phone system.

After finding that such behaviour contravenes the 2007 Prison Rules, the governor imposed a sanction of 40 days loss of ordinary privileges within the prison and 12 days remission from Murray's sentence.

Both the governor's finding and the sanctions imposed were upheld on an appeal to the Irish Prison Operations Directorate.

Through his lawyers Murray has brought High Court judicial review proceedings, in which he claims the sanctions are unlawful and should be set aside.

He claims that after he denied the claim against him he was not given a proper opportunity to respond to the allegation.

He claims that during the disciplinary hearing he asked to be provided with the information supporting the allegation against him.

He says that his request was refused on the grounds that the material was confidential.

He further claims that he was not informed about the nature of the evidence used against him.

In his High Court action against the governor of the Midlands Prison, where he is represented by Niall Storan BL, instructed by John Shanley Solicitors, Murray seeks various orders and declarations including an order quashing the decision against him and sanctions imposed.

He also seeks a declaration from the court that the disciplining of a prisoner under the 2007 rules for misconduct is subject to the principles of natural justice and fair procedures.

The Irish Prison Service, the Minister for Justice & Equality, Ireland and the Attorney General are notice parties to the judicial review proceedings.

The matter came before Mr Justice Tony O'Connor during Friday's High Court vacation sitting.

The judge said that he was prepared to grant Murray permission, on an ex-parte basis, to bring his challenge.

The judge said he was also prepared to grant the applicant a stay on the sanctions from being implemented until his action has been determined by the court.

The case was adjourned and will come before the court after the new legal term commences in October.

Murray (53), formerly of Seafield Road, Killiney, Co Dublin, is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence at the prison.

In 2013 he was jailed for 19 years for the rape of a woman whose child he abducted.

In 2021 he was convicted, and jailed for a further 16 years, on charges including threatening to kill and harassing lawyers who had prosecuted him.

Earlier this year Murray was given an additional two years in prison for phoning in a false bomb threat against the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.

Murray, who had denied the charges against him, is not expected to be released from prison until 2037.
Aaron Reville, 27, of Tulip Court, Darndale, was charged with theft of a broken-down Citroen car

A DUBLIN man accused of stealing to benefit a criminal organisation has been remanded in custody.

Aaron Reville, 27, of Tulip Court, Darndale, was charged with theft of a broken-down Citroen car belonging to a man in north Dublin in April 2023.

Dublin District Court heard he was also charged with stealing 300 from another person at the same location and committing a theft for the benefit of a criminal organisation.

Judge Michael Connellan said the District Court did not have jurisdiction to adjudicate on bail for Mr Revilles criminal organisation-related charge.

He told the defence they would need to apply in the High Court.

Garda Shane Kennedy told Judge Connellan that Mr Reville did not reply when charged, and the officer said he intended to object to bail.

The accused was granted legal aid and remanded in custody to appear again next week.

Dillon Loftus

Co-defendant Dillon Loftus, 31, was accused of threatening a woman that he would kill or cause serious harm to her husband, the owner of the stolen car, on August 28 last year, at a residential address in Harmonstown, in north Dublin.

Garda Ciaran McCabe told Judge Connellan that Mr Loftus, of Ribh Road, Harmonstown, made no reply to the charge.

The Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment at a higher level.

There was no objection to bail set at 200, but he was ordered to sign on three days a week at his local station, remain contactable on a specific phone number and not contact the car owner, his partner, or their children.

The court heard that co-defendants are due to appear in the District Court on September 23 to be served with books of evidence and returned for trial.

Judge Connellan agreed to postpone Mr Loftuss case to that date for the same purpose. They have yet to indicate how they will plead.
Andrew Boyle (27) was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court.

A man alleged to have laundered 10,000 through a bank account has been sent forward for trial.

Andrew Boyle (27) was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court.

The accused, with an address at Oldchurch Grove, Clondalkin, is charged with converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing and using property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct, namely money to the value of 10,000.

The alleged offence took place at AIB in Tower Road, Clondalkin, on dates between January 5 and January 8, 2021.

A State solicitor said that the book of evidence had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge David McHugh gave Mr Boyle the formal alibi caution.

The judge assigned defence solicitor Liam Cadogan and one junior counsel on free legal aid.

Judge McHugh further remanded Mr Boyle on the same bail terms to appear before a court in the Criminal Courts of Justice on a date in October.

Mr Boyle has not yet indicated how he intends pleading to the charge.
The manager, Mr B, joined the firm in May 2021 with over three decades experience in hospitality, including a previous three-year stint at the same company in a senior position, the tribunal was told.

Cropped shot of a diverse group of businesspeople sitting and using technology while waiting for their interview in the office

A manager who said he was subjected to a constant stream of sexually inappropriate texts from a senior colleague at a hospitality company after a short flirtation with the woman has won 45,000 for sexual harassment.

The Workplace Relations Commission made the award against an unidentified pub group on foot of a complaint of discrimination by way of sexual harassment in breach of the Employment Equality Act 1998. It rejected further claims of constructive dismissal and victimisation brought by the man, who was granted anonymity in a decision published on Thursday.

The manager, Mr B, joined the firm in May 2021 with over three decades experience in hospitality, including a previous three-year stint at the same company in a senior position, the tribunal was told.

Read more Chief suspect in gun murder of Joshua Itseli is arrested after returning from England

He claimed the companys financial controller, Ms A, became flirty with him in August 2021 and that it escalated when Ms A attempted to kiss [him] the following month, which he avoided.

He told the tribunal Ms A was not pleased, but that after being taunted for a week they kissed in the office.

Mr B said he had two kisses with Ms A over a three to four week period but then told her that it had to stop and denied there was any relationship.

Ms A would not stop, added.

A constant stream of sexually inappropriate texts, photographs and videos by WhatsApp followed for the rest of the time he spent working for the firm up to July 2022, even though he said he made it repeatedly clear to Ms A [that] he was not interested, the WRC noted in a summary of his evidence.

He later ceased communications with Ms A and blocked her number, the tribunal was told.

Alan Cronan BL, appearing instructed by Sean Ormonde & Co, Solicitors, submitted that Ms A made his clients working life impossible, culminating in his resignation.

This included berating him for refusing to meet her, blackmailing and manipulating him, accusing him of being a liar, alleging he would not have secured employment without her, encouraging him to resign, threatening to resign so she could be in a relationship with him, insulting, alleging she was suicidal and making veiled threats, it was submitted.

Mr Cronan submitted that the company had not communicated any anti-harassment policy to his client and that it was vicariously liable for Ms As conduct, arguing Mr B had been entitled to resign.

Denying the claims on behalf of the pub group, Peter Ryan of RA Consulting submitted that the complainant, in spite of his long experience in human resources, had sought to engage in a secretive consensual exchange with a workplace peer before the relationship soured.

The companys position was that the manager did not report to Ms A, but rather directly to the owner. However, the complainant said he reported to both Ms A and the owner of the firm.

The company believes fault lies with the complainant who engaged in secret and clandestine exchanges while totally disregarding policies he was paid to uphold as a senior manager, Mr Ryan added.

Adjudicator Davnet ODriscoll said he accepted the managers evidence that he was initially involved with Ms A but then rejected her advances.

She wrote that the record of text messages between the two colleagues showed persistent sexually inappropriate messaging by Ms A which had lasted until August 2022  along with messages in which the complainant repeatedly told her that her actions were unwanted after an initial "short flirtation".

I am fully satisfied the actions of Ms A had the purpose or effect of violating the complainants dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, and degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for him, she wrote.

She found the companys procedures on preventing sexual harassment were clearly deficient and upheld the mans complaint of discrimination by way of sexual harassment under the Employment Equality Act 1998.

However, she found there was no evidence of victimisation under that act and added that the worker had not met the threshold to establish a case of constructive dismissal in respect of his dismissal on 22 July 2022.

This was because he had failed to make a compliant to his employer about the sexual harassment prior to his resignation, Ms ODriscoll wrote.

She awarded the manager 45,000 in compensation for the discrimination.
Joshua Itseli (20) was shot dead in Drimnagh last May 6 after a gunman opened fire in a residential street with an AR-15 assault rifle.

Chief suspect in gun murder of Joshua Itseli is arrested after returning from England

The chief suspect in the gun murder of a young man in Dublin has been arrested after returning to Ireland from England.

Joshua Itseli (20) was shot dead in Drimnagh last May 6 after a gunman opened fire in a residential street with an AR-15 assault rifle.

Detectives believe the victim and his associates were on their way to carry out a pipe-bomb attack on a rival gang when they were intercepted and shots were fired.

Itseli was struck in the head, suffering fatal injuries, and gardai suspect he was shot accidentally by one of his associates.

The chief suspect in the murder was arrested near the scene that night, but he was later released from custody.

The Dublin criminal, who is aged in his early 20s, is before the courts on serious charges and was on bail at the time of the murder over a violent attack on a woman.

After being released without charge as part of the murder inquiry, he fled Ireland and was hiding out in Liverpool in recent months.

It is now understood he was arrested in Dublin city centre earlier this week after returning home.

He was detained on foot of multiple warrants issued by the courts, but his arrest is not connected to the murder of Itseli.

The suspect was brought to court and later remanded in custody.

A source said: Several warrants had been issued for this individuals arrest, but he had gone to ground.

Gardai had intelligence that he had returned and he was arrested earlier this week, and he is now off the streets.

A prolific car thief from the Dublin 12 area is suspected of being the target of the failed pipe-bomb attack

Detectives at Sundrive Road garda station are investigating Itselis murder and are completing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Officers hope to bring charges against a number of individuals, including the criminal who fatally wounded the victim.

It is understood a large amount of evidence has been gathered as part of the investigation, including CCTV footage of the incident.

The rifle used in the murder was recovered close to the scene on the junction of Knocknarea Road and Curlew Road, and it has undergone forensic examinations, while clothing allegedly linking those involved was also seized.

Gardai have made a number of arrests as part of the investigation and identified Itselis associates who were at the scene, as well as rival gang members who confronted them on the night of the shooting.

Several properties were searched in the week following the murder, while a number of cars of interest that were at the scene were also recovered.

A prolific car thief from the Dublin 12 area is suspected of being the target of the failed pipe-bomb attack.

His home was raided by armed gardai in June as part of an investigation into stolen vehicles that is unrelated to the murder.

Itseli was known to local gardai over his involvement in the drugs trade and was before the courts on drug-dealing charges.

Last summer, he was detained twice for possession of crack cocaine, with the values seized totalling more than 30,000.
The man was found hiding in a car after the incident

A man armed with a boxcutter launched an attack outside a much loved Irish pub in Boston this week.

A 26-year-old man was arrested during the frightening incident in the early hours of Monday, July 29.

The man is now facing assault and battery charges after cops said he randomly attacked a person with a boxcutter.

Tahjay Jones, of Boston, was arrested around 2:30 a.m. Monday and charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon as well as assault and battery, Boston Police announced in a statement.

Detectives rushed to 2 Center Plaza, the address for The Dubliner Irish Pub, after receiving a call that a man had been injured by a person carrying a blade.

Two people were injured with one being stabbed, according to reports. There are no indications about what caused the violence.

One of the victims declined medical treatment, while another was rushed to hospital.

Staff at the venue made the call to police after seeing the incident unfold outside on the street.

Mr Jones was arrested by cops after they found him hiding in a car near the crime scene.

It is being reported that he was seated inside a vehicle with a group of females, when police moved in.
The woman  a 27-year-old mother of two  was discovered after gardai and paramedics were called to a property in Midleton town centre shortly after 4pm

Gardai have arrested a man on suspicion of murder after a woman was found with suspected stab injuries in a burning Cork flat.

The woman  a 27-year-old mother of two  was discovered after gardai and paramedics were called to a property in Midleton town centre shortly after 4pm today.

On arrival after the alarm was raised, emergency services realised that the building on Connolly Street-Main Street area of Midleton was on fire.

The man, in his 30s, was arrested in Midleton under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and can be questioned for up to 24 hours.

The man in custody is known to the deceased woman.

Units of Cork Fire Brigade were at the scene within minutes on Friday afternoon as smoke was seen billowing from the roof of the two-storey property.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene as emergency services dealt with the fire to prevent it spreading to other adjacent buildings.

Initial indications are that the woman did not die as a result of the blaze, with injuries visible to emergency services personnel which were inconsistent with a fire.

The injuries involved are believed to involve stab and slash-type wounds inflicted by a sharp implement.

However, gardai will not be able to determine a precise cause of death for the young woman until after a post mortem examination is conducted at Cork University Hospital (CUH).

The Office of the State Pathologist has been notified and a post mortem examination is expected to be conducted by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster on Saturday.

It is understood that the course of the investigation will be determined by the results of the post mortem examination.

Midleton gardai immediately sealed off the scene to facilitate the work of the fire brigade.

Traffic diversions were put in place and motorists were urged to avoid the area.

Brigade personnel quickly brought the blaze under control but damping down operations are expected to continue for some time.

The scene will remain sealed off to allow for a full examination by Garda forensic and technical experts which is expected to take at least 24 to 36 hours.

Gardai are now checking CCTV security camera footage from premises in the general area to determine all movements both to and from the property involved.

It is understood the woman was resident in a flat in the property which is located just metres from the centre of the bustling east Cork town.

The woman had previously lived at other addresses in Cork and in the greater Dublin area.

Officers are also expected to commence door-to-door inquiries to determine if anyone heard or saw anything suspicious over Friday morning and early afternoon.

Midleton-based Cork East TD Pat Buckley said the community was reeling from the tragedy.

"The entire town of Midleton is in shock," he said.

"Everyone is looking forward to the August bank holiday weekend and then to hear that a young woman has lost her life is truly heartbreaking."

"This is a very tightknit and close community so it is going to have a terrible impact. Our hearts go out to the family of this woman and they will be in our thoughts and prayers over the coming days."

This evening, gardai said they were investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of the woman, following an incident at a domestic residence in Midleton.

Shortly after 4.15pm, gardai and emergency services responded to reports of an incident at an apartment off Main Street, Midleton, a Garda spokesperson said.

"The woman was found at the scene with serious injuries and received emergency medical treatment but was pronounced deceased short time later.

A man in his 30s has been arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in the Southern Region."

Gardai added that the scene has been preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

The local Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified. An incident room has been established at Midleton Garda Station, and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation.

A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has also been assigned to support the family.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Additionally, they are appealing to those with camera footage, including dashcam recordings from motorists in the Connolly Street / Main Street areas of Midleton this afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Midleton Garda Station at 021-462 1550 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
Sunday World sources say a phone was recovered after prison searches this week but fear it will be difficult to find direct proof.

LIMERICK gangland figure Dessie Dundon has been transferred to another prison following an arson attack on a prison officers home this week.

Dundon, who is serving life for his role in the feud murder of Kieran Keane in 2003, is one of a number of prisoners suspected of organising the attack.

Sunday World sources say a phone was recovered after prison searches this week but fear it will be difficult to find direct proof.

Dundon lost his enhanced prisoner status after a stash of tablets was found in his cell last month.

He has since been moved to Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon, according to sources.

Also moved out of Mountjoy to Cork Prison were brothers Glen and Gary Thompson who are serving time for their part in a plot to kill Pasty Hutch for the Kinahan Cartel.

All three are connected to seizures of contraband found on the same wing of Mountjoy prison.

It is suspected the officer was targeted because of his work with a specialist unit that targets organised crime gangs behind bars.

Locked-up gangsters are constantly vying for control of the lucrative drugs market behind bars where drugs can change hands for up four times their street price.

The attack which as been branded as sinister by the Prison officers Association happened at a house in Co Meath last Monday night.

A window on the targeted house was broken and a possible petrol bomb thrown in.

Both the officer and his wife were reported to be in the house at the time but were not injured and the officer was able to douse the flames himself.

Gardai suspect the attacker suffered injuries and have appealed for information about anyone with unexplained burns to the hands.

It is believed that a Skoda Octavia, used in the arson attack was stolen in the Crumlin area of Dublin last November.

The car, which was fitted with false plates, was found burnt out just a short distance from the prison officers home in Co Meath.

The POA deputy general secretary Gabriel Keaveny has called on the justice minister and the garda commissioner to take whatever action is necessary to ensure prison officers and their families are safe in their own homes.

The Dundon gang have a track record of making threats from prison where Dessies two brothers Wayne and John are also serving life for murder.

In 2008 the Sunday World reported how one officer was followed from his place of work and two guns were pointed at him while stopped at traffic lights.

Then in 2012 John Dundon was suspected of trying to place a contract on the head of prison governor.

All three brothers appeared in court in 2019 charges with possessing mobile phone but the charges were later struck out.

The charges arose from a search in May 2017 of the Dundon brothers cells at Portlaoise prison in which smuggled items were found.

It included four phones, including an iPhone, along with steroids, syringes, makeshift weapons and computer sticks to connect to TV-streaming websites.

Three of the cell doors had been barricaded from the inside to prevent a surprise raid by prison officers, according to sources at the time.

During the search Wayne soiled himself in a bid to frustrate the search team and attempted to drop a mobile phone out of his cell window.
The target of the message is not named.

Gates sealed off behind Garda tape at Aras An Uachtarain Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Gates at the Department of the Taoiseach, one of several gates damaged in the early hours of the morning. Sam Boal /Collins Photos

Gates at the rear entrance to Leinster House, one of several gates damaged in the early hours of this morning. Sam Boal /Collins Photos

Gates at Government Buildings, one of several gates damaged in the early hours of this morning. Sam Boal /Collins Photos

Gates at Government Buildings, one of several gates damaged in the early hours of this morning. Sam Boal /Collins Photos

Gates at the Department of the Taoiseach damaged in the early hours of this morning Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Gates at the Department of the Taoiseach damaged in the early hours of this morning Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Gates at Government Buildings, one of several gates damaged in the early hours of the morning. Sam Boal /Collins Photos

A MAN suspected of ramming a van into the gates of multiple State and Government buildings in Dublin posted a death threat online before the rampage.

Garda have identified a social media message in which the suspect says he will kill him and anyone in my way. The target of the message is not named.

Gardai are reviewing the suspects social media accounts and have also identified images of his alleged crimes posted online.

However, the incidents are not being treated as terrorism and no attempt was made to enter any of the buildings.

An investigation is underway after a the gates of Aras an Uachtarain, Custom House, and different locations at Government buildings in the city centre were rammed overnight.

Gates at Government Buildings, one of several gates damaged in the early hours of this morning. Sam Boal /Collins Photos

A man, aged in his early 40s, was arrested for road traffic offences including driving while under the influence of an intoxicant.

He is being questioned by gardai, with sources saying there was a mental health aspect to the incidents.

Investigators have also identified a social media account believed to be connected to the suspect.

The account includes an image posted overnight of a van that had been driven into the gate of a Government department.

Gates at Government Buildings, one of several gates damaged in the early hours of this morning. Sam Boal /Collins Photos

One source told the Irish Independent: We are not dealing with a criminal mastermind here, but it will be looked at what the policing response was, and how an individual could drive across the city targeting several high-profile properties.

While this man clearly had a grievance with the Government, what sparked this is under investigation, and there is also a clear mental health aspect to this.

Gardai were alerted to an incident involving a white van on Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, at approximately 2.30am this morning.

The locations targeted included the gates at the entrance to the Taoiseachs apartment and the Office of the Attorney General.

Gates at the Department of the Taoiseach, one of several gates damaged in the early hours of the morning. Sam Boal /Collins Photos

Gardai believe the same vehicle was involved in similar ramming incidents at the Presidents residence, Aras an Uachtarain and the Department of Housing located at Custom House.

Its understood that the driver of the van involved did not attempt to enter the buildings, but caused significant damage to the gates of each location before driving off.

Gates at the Department of the Taoiseach damaged in the early hours of this morning Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

The front gates of the Aras were rammed at around 2.30am.

The white van was removed from the scene on Merrion Street this morning for examination.

The scene remains preserved to facilitate a technical examination this morning by the local Scenes of Crime Unit.

A Garda spokesperson said: Gardai were alerted to a single-vehicle road traffic collision on Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2 at approximately 2:30am on Friday 2nd August 2024.

The driver of the vehicle, a male in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Road Traffic Act. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in Dublin city.

The scene remains preserved to facilitate a technical examination by the local Scenes of Crime Unit this morning.

The spokesperson added that gardai were also investigating an incident of criminal damage at the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 in the early hours of this morning and a material damage road traffic collision that occurred at Custom House Quay.
The protests are being planned for areas such as Southport, Leeds and Bristol.

Police officers look on as people attend the Enough is Enough protest in Whitehall, London (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

More than a dozen protests have been planned for the coming days in the wake of the Southport stabbings, as Sir Keir Starmer announced a new national response to the violent disorder linking police forces across the country.

The PA news agency found evidence of at least 15 protests advertised online, some calling for participants to bring England flags and a number contain phrases such as enough is enough, save our kids or stop the boats.

The protests are being planned for areas such as Southport, Leeds and Bristol.

Two counter-protests are also being advertised online.

Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana (centre) covering his face as he appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

It comes after the 17-year-old charged with the murder of three girls in the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and was named as Axel Rudakubana, from Banks in Lancashire.

The defendant is charged with the murder of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, in Southport on Monday.

He is also charged with the attempted murder of yoga class instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes and eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, as well as with possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

He was remanded to youth detention accommodation and will next appear in court in October.

The attack, which happened at a dance class on Hart Street in Southport just before midday on Monday, has sparked incidents of violent disorder in some towns in England.

Undated handout photo issued by Merseyside Police of (left to right) six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, the three children killed in a knife attack during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school on Monday (Merseyside Police/PA)

Thousands of people turned out to pay their respects to the victims at a vigil in Southport on Tuesday evening, but violence later erupted outside a mosque in the town with 53 police officers and three police dogs injured.

On Wednesday evening, more than 100 protesters were arrested on Whitehall, where bottles and cans were thrown at police, and violence broke out in Hartlepool, County Durham.

Cleveland Police have so far made 12 arrests, one of which was an 11-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of arson after a police vehicle was set alight.

Police in Manchester confronted another demonstration outside the Holiday Inn on Oldham Road before dispersing the crowd after protesters started throwing beer bottles at officers and members of the public.

During a press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned far-right hatred in the wake of the Southport stabbings as he announced a new national response to the violent disorder.

People look at floral tributes on Maple Street, Southport (Danny Lawson/PA)

Sir Keir said: The far right are showing who they are  we have to show who we are in response to that.

The new national capability will involve sharing intelligence, wider deployment of facial recognition technology and criminal behaviour orders to restrict the movement of those involved, Sir Keir said.

The Prime Minister also sounded a note of caution to social media companies after misinformation spread online about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect, including false claims that he was an asylum seeker.

The press conference was held shortly after police chiefs from Scotland Yard, Merseyside and West Yorkshire were summoned to Downing Street for crisis talks with the PM and his ministers following the violence.

He hit out at a gang of thugs who descended on Southport to riot following the initial attack, saying that as a result the community had been forced to suffer twice.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Henry Nicholls/PA)

Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had been criticised for posting a video on social media after the Southport stabbings where he insinuated the truth was being held from the public as to the identity of the attacker.

Posting to X on Thursday evening, the MP for Clacton warned that recent rioting is nothing compared to what he believes is to occur.

He said: We need to start getting tough. We need to use stop and search, regardless of the colour of the skin of anyone that gets stopped.

We need tougher prison sentences for anybody carrying a knife. We need folks to get real.

Because Ill tell you what, what youve seen on the streets of Hartlepool, of London, of Southport, is nothing to what could happen over the course of the next few weeks.

Lets have proper law and order. But Mr Starmer, just to blame a few far right thugs, to say thats the root of our problems, doesnt work.

Meanwhile, buildings across the North West of England will light up pink this weekend in memory of those killed in the Southport attack, as fundraisers for those affected have raised tens of thousands of pounds.

Landmarks including St Georges Hall and the Cunard Building in Liverpool, the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Chester Town Hall will also be illuminated, as well as hospitals across the North West.

It comes after the Southport Stronger Together appeal was launched by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, in partnership with Sefton Council and Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS).

The appeal, which was launched with a 50,000 donation from the Liverpool ONE Foundation, aims to help those experiencing bereavement, serious injury, hardship or psychological issues who were directly impacted by the attack.

It will also offer help to community organisations working in Southport.
Stephen Earle (52) from Crosby, Liverpool went on the run in Portugal for four years before he was tracked down and extradited back to the UK

A leading member of a Merseyside crime gang that that trafficked heroin and cocaine between England and Scotland has been jailed.

Stephen Earle (52) from Crosby, Liverpool went on the run in Portugal for four years before he was tracked down and extradited back to the UK.

Earle, who had worked closely with his cousin Terence Earle to import large amounts of cocaine and heroin and move them between Merseyside and Motherwell, was arrested in Faro in January and extradited on March 18.

Terence Earle (50) was jailed for 16-and-a-half years in April last year.

Terence and Stephen had used the EncroChat handles ThickBoar and Octo-hand on the encrypted communications platform where they discussed prices for buying and selling the drugs as well as the logistics of trafficking.

Earle on his travels

They were aided by Stanley Feerick, 70, and Lee Baxter, 50 who have also been sentenced for their part in the class A operation and Feerick in relation to the creation of an amphetamine lab in Scotland.

Stephen Earle was sentenced to 11 years and four months imprisonment after pleading guilty to four drugs supply charges at Liverpool Crown Court on April 16.

The NCAs investigation formed part of Operation Venetic, the UK NCA-led law enforcement response to the takedown of the EncroChat service in June 2020.

NCA Branch Commander Jon Sayers said Stephen Earle was a key part of a dangerous organised crime group that shipped class A drugs to be dealt across communities in England and Scotland.

This lethal trade is closely linked to exploitation and violence, so bringing this OCG to justice has helped protect the public, Sayer said.

Earles arrest in Portugal shows that law enforcements collective reach is wide and there is no place to hide for people engaged in drug trafficking.

The NCA has the capability and international relationships to find you and make you pay for your crimes.
Joaquin Guzman Lopez was arrested last week alongside Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada by US agents

Lawyers for the son of the notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman have said he did not kidnap his father's former business partner.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez was arrested last week alongside Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada by US agents when their plane landed at a small airfield in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

Zambada, who co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel with El Chapo, is considered one of the biggest names in Mexicos drug trafficking history.

He is expected to appear in a US court on Thursday after pleading not guilty last week to drug trafficking charges following his dramatic arrest.

Guzman Lopez also pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges on Tuesday in Chicago federal court.

His father, El Chapo, is currently serving a life sentence in a maximum security prison in Colorado.

Reacting to reports that Guzman Lopez (38) had betrayed the veteran 76-year-old Zambada to the Americans, family lawyer, Jose Luis Gonzalez, said "a kidnapping is out of the question".

Asked on Mexican Radio Formula whether Guzman Lopez may have duped Zambada, the lawyer insisted that Los Chapitos, as El Chapo's four sons are known, abide by their father's rules and they followed the usual policy.

However, Zambada's own lawyer, has accused Guzman Lopez of having "kidnapped" his client on Saturday.

Frank Perez claimed that Guzman Lopez and six men in military uniforms ambushed Zambada near the Sinaloa state capital of Culiacan.

He says they forced the elderly gangster onto a plane against his will before flying to Dona Ana County International Jetport near El Paso.

US officials also said last week that Guzman Lopez tricked Zambada into boarding the plane by telling him they were going to scope out real estate in northern Mexico, only to fly north of the border.

It has been reported that Lopez had made a deal with American law enforcement to turn himself and Zambada in because he blamed Mayo for the capture of his father, DailyMail.com writes.

However, Guzmans family lawyer insisted that both men had surrendered voluntary after years of negotiations with US authorities who have offered a reward of up to $15m for information leading to Zambada's capture.

Both Guzman Lopez and Zambada have since pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in the US.

Guzman Lopez's brother, Ovidio, has also pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges having been arrested last year and extradited to the US.

After the arrests, Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador appealed for clam and urged drug cartels not to attack each other.

Zambada was charged with racketeering conspiracy and murder in furtherance of drug trafficking In a case that was brought in Texas in 2012.

Prosecutors said cartel members under the leadership of Zambada and El Chapo kidnapped a Texas resident in 2009 to following the loss of a seized marijuana shipment.

They are also accused of kidnapping a US citizen and two members of his family in 2010.

Zambada also faces charges in four other federal jurisdictions, including the Brooklyn borough of New York City, where El Chapo was tried and convicted.

In the Brooklyn case, Zambada is charged with conspiring to manufacture and distribute fentanyl, a lethal synthetic opioid that led to an epidemic throughout the US.
Gardai have detected some especially dangerous drivers on the roads following the launch of their special bank holidays roads operation.

Gardai have been put in force since 7am on Thursday, on the alert for poor driving behaviours, such as driving above the speed limit, as part of their August Bank Holiday Weekend Roads Policing Operation.

So far, almost 85,000 vehicles have been checked for speeding.

Gardai said that it was positive that the majority of motorists are travelling within the designated speed, however, 211 drivers have been detected and some have been especially dangerous.

In just one example, one driver was caught doing 196km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N55 at Kilcogy, Co Cavan.

Another was busted travelling at 87km/h in a 50km/h zone in Murntown, Co Wexford, while another was clocked at 106km/h in a 60km/h zone on the Monaghan Road, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.

Yet another was caught going at 141km/h in an 80km/h zone on the N81 at Tullow, Co. Carlow

Chief Superintendent in the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, Jane Humphries said that while they are generally seeing good levels of compliance with speed limits on roads around Ireland, I am gravely concerned by the risks taken by some drivers.

"Anyone that is prepared to drive at dangerously excessive speeds like those weve already detected, has the potential to destroy lives  if not their own, others too, Chief Superintendent Humphries said.

"We are out conducting checkpoints and using our technology to detect those speeding nationwide. Speeding is one of the foremost dangerous driving behaviours, along with using your phone while driving and being distracted.

"Please slow down and drive safely today and over the rest of the long weekend ahead as so many of us take to the roads.
Meabh Hargaden was last seen at approximately 3.15pm today in Monkstown, Co Dublin

Meabh Hargaden was last seen at approximately 3.15pm today in Monkstown, Co Dublin.

Gardai are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a 12-year-old girl missing from her home in Dublin.

Meabh Hargaden was last seen at approximately 3.15pm today in Monkstown, Co Dublin.

She is described as being approximately 5 foot 5 inches in height with long brown hair and blue eyes.

When last seen, she was wearing a navy hoodie, blue flared jeans, and light blue runners.

Anyone with information on Meabhs whereabouts is asked to contact Dun Laoghaire Garda Station on 01 666 5000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station, a garda spokesperson said.
The chip giant has confirmed that it will let over 15pc of its headcount go after another set of disappointing financial results

Intel is to cut 15pc of its global workforce of over 100,000 people, the company said today.

"Intel expects to reduce headcount by greater than 15pc with the majority completed by the end of 2024, the chip giant said in a statement on Thursday.

The company will streamline its operations and meaningfully cut spending and headcount, reducing non-GAAP R&D and marketing, general and administrative to approximately $20 billion in 2024 and approximately $17.5 billion in 2025, with further reductions expected in 2026.

The news leaves around 5,000 employees at the companys Leixlip site waiting to hear whether any will be affected.

Intel announced the news after worse-than-expected quarterly financial results, which saw revenue fall 1pc compared to the same three month period last year.

It comes as rivals such as Nvidia continue to gain market share.

Earlier this year, Intel completed a deal to sell 49pc of its Fab 34 plant at the Kildare facility for $11bn to a US private equity fund, Apollo Global Management.
A man has been arrested after at least three gates at Government Buildings were damaged in a suspected ramming incident in the early hours.

Gardai were alerted to an incident involving a white van on Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, at approximately 2.30am this morning.

A male in his 40s, who was the driver of this vehicle, was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Road Traffic Act.

Read more Chief suspect in gun murder of Joshua Itseli is arrested after returning from England

He is currently detained at a Garda station in Dublin City under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

The white van has been removed from the scene this morning for examination.

This morning damage could be seen to the gates of the Department of the Taoiseach and the the Office of the Attorney General.

The scene remains preserved to facilitate a technical examination this morning by the local Scenes of Crime Unit.

"Investigations are ongoing," a Garda spokesperson said.

More to follow...
I would appeal for everybody, everybody to push back against any of this utter, awful nonsense

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher speaking during a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

Police on the streets of Hartlepool following violent demonstrations across England (Owen Humphreys/PA)

The PSNI has said it is aware of calls "to block roads using women and children" and for a far-right march to an Islamic centre in Belfast to be held on Saturday.

The calls came after serious rioting in England in recent days after three young girls died after being stabbed at a Taylor Swift themed dance party in Southport.

The 17-year-old charged with the murder of three girls in Southport appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, and was named as Axel Rudakubana, from Banks in Lancashire.

He is charged with the murder of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven.

Rudakubana is also charged with the attempted murder of yoga class instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes and eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and with possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

The judge in the case took the extraordinary step of naming the defendant despite his age due to disinformation being circulated online, including that the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker

PSNI Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said: "Police are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland this Saturday, 3rd of August.

"We are aware of specific calls to block roads using women and children between 12 midday to 2pm in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Bangor and north, south, east and west Belfast.

"We are also aware of calls for protest at 12 midday at Belfast City Hall and a 1pm march to the Islamic Centre, University Road, Belfast.

"To date no such procession has been notified to the parades commission.

"It is unclear at this time what the actual provenance for these posts or appetite for this activity is.

"We will continue to plan a proportionate policing response and will continue to engage with those groups likely to be affected by any protest activity."

Social media calls for anti-Islamic protests in Northern Ireland this weekend are being investigated by police.

Posts have circulated urging people to take to the streets in Northern Ireland, following violent demonstrations around England in the wake of the stabbings in Southport.

Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said he was aware of a social media post calling for a gathering at Belfast City Hall and a subsequent protest march.

Officers are working to establish if the calls will materialise in protests on the ground.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher urged people to push back against what he branded poisonous nonsense from anti-Islamists.

At yesterdays Policing Board meeting, Mr Boutcher was asked if he was aware of posts calling on people to attend a series of anti-Islamic events on Saturday.

We are aware of it, were still trying to understand whos behind it, he said.

Theres no set organisation showing themselves on social media which sort of defines the cowardly nature of the people who do this nonsense.

There is obviously, from the social media calling, an intention to try and do something on Saturday.

We have got a gold (command) structure in place around this.

Were looking into the intelligence now to see who, if anybody, is actually involved and going to respond to this.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher speaking during a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

His comments came after two nights of disorder in England following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport on Monday.

Violent unrest erupted in Southport as well as in London, Hartlepool and Manchester.

I would point people to what happened in London yesterday and Hartlepool, and obviously Southport, this is based on poisonous nonsense, Mr Boutcher said.

It has no basis in a society thats seen what hatefulness can do to a society and I would appeal for everybody, everybody to push back against any of this utter awful nonsense.

But if there is going to be any gatherings, we will police them and we will police them effectively.

Mr Singleton, meanwhile, warned that any march needed the permission of the Parades Commission. No request had been lodged as of yesterday evening.

Id advise that if anybody was planning on attending that, the fact that thats not notified, of course, could mean that they could see themselves liable to a criminal investigation, he said.

It came as Sir Keir Starmer condemned far-right hatred in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

The British prime minister announced a new national response to the violent disorder linking police forces across the country.

He said thugs involved in the scenes of unrest should not pretend they are speaking for the grieving families of the three young girls killed in the initial attack.

At a press conference following riots in which bricks were hurled at police officers and a local mosque targeted, Mr Starmer warned: The far right are showing who they are  we have to show who we are in response to that.

The prime minister also sounded a note of caution to social media companies after misinformation spread online about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect, including false claims that he was an asylum seeker.

Let me also say to large social media companies and those who run them: violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, that is also a crime, its happening on your premises, and the law must be upheld everywhere, he said.

Mr Starmer, a former director of public prosecutions, also warned that speculating about the attack could risk prejudicing the active criminal proceedings against the suspect and impeding justice for the bereaved families.

Asked what his message was to Muslims who may be concerned after a mosque was targeted in the violence in Southport, he said: In relation to the Muslim community, let me be very clear: I will take every step thats necessary to keep you safe.
Kevin OSullivans in Iowa looks like the real deal

A pair of American entrepreneurs built an entire Irish pub inside their mansion, which has just sold for nearly 10 million.

Tom and Molly Bedell, founders of lifestyle brand Two Old Hippies, put a full Irish pub called Kevin OSullivans inside Peace Harbour House on West Lake Okoboji in Iowa.

The house just sold for over $9.5 making it the most expensive home ever sold in the state.

Its been a dream to create a home where we could raise our kids during their high school years and host our family gatherings, while supporting the advancement of our community and businesses, Tom Bedell said in a news release.

Irish pub in home

Over the last 20 years, we have celebrated a life of love and dedication to the Iowa Great Lakes through Peace Harbor, and were thrilled that another family has the chance to define its new purpose.

Kevin OSullivans Irish pub, created after the owners took a journey to Ireland, isnt just a little bar located within this epic home.

As well as having its own front shop face and entrance completely decked out like something found on the streets of any Irish town, the home-based Irish pub has a full wood-panelled bar, wooden bar stools, a music area and even a snug.

Snug (Image: Peace-harbor-house)

Mr Bedell reportedly named the pub Kevin OSullivan's after a leprechaun he had when he was a child.

'He brought his team to Dublin to ensure all details of the pub were an exact replica of what you see in Ireland,' listing agent Holly Lovell of @properties-elleven Christies International Real Estate, told the Wall Street Journal.

In 2009, Tom and Molly Bedell launched their business Two Old Hippies, which features guitars, apparel and gifts at a site in Nashville.

Bar area

The couple decided to put Peace Harbor on the market, citing the difficulty of maintaining homes both in Iowa and Tennessee.

Elsewhere in the 24,000 square foot house are nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, six fireplaces and enough space to park 10 vehicles as well as a fitness area, art gallery, conference room, conversation area and an absolutely gigantic gathering room, all kitted out with a nautical theme brought to life with blue Brazilian marble throughout the property.

"Favourite summertime hangout? The circle room. It's the best space to sip a cocktail, enjoy conversation with friends, and watch the sunset over the lake, Mr Bedell said.
Not surprisingly, a judge dismissed his bonkers claim and he was fined and banned from driving.

This is the convicted anti-lockdown protester who believes he can break the law because he is only passing through life.

Charles ONeill is wanted by police in Northern Ireland after he was convicted of taking part in an illegal protest at a school in Derry.

ONeill (58) failed to turn up in court for sentencing last year and a warrant for his arrest remains live.

Details have now emerged about a separate incident when he was stopped by gardai while driving in Co Donegal and asked to produce his motor insurance certificate.

In a bizarre excuse, ONeill told a garda officer he did not need insurance as he was only passing through life.

Not surprisingly, a judge dismissed his bonkers claim and he was fined and banned from driving.

However, just like the case in Derry, ONeill failed to turn up in court for the sentencing.

The Derry man was one of four people who entered St Brigids College in the city on September 11, 2020 to protest about the Covid safety regulations in place at the school.

They pressed the buzzer at the schools entrance door and, when questioned why they were at the school, one of them answered it was in relation to a child safety issue.

As a result, the door was opened and they were allowed in to the school building.

At a previous court hearing, the schools principal, Padraig O Mianain, said he went to the reception area after being contacted by a staff member about the intruders.

Mr O Mianain said he found three men and a woman who came towards him claiming they were going to serve papers from the people.

We are the people and we are here to serve legal documents, they told him.

Mr O Mianain said he found the people to be aggressive and intimidatory, and they repeated they wanted to serve lawful documents.

He said that the group, who videoed the principal and other school staff during the incident, claimed the school was abusing pupils due to Covid regulations, such as the wearing of masks and social distancing.

Mr O Mianain said the group became more aggressive and were asked repeatedly to leave but refused to do so.

He said he tried to divert the group outside and eventually he got them outside and closed the gate.

He said the whole incident lasted for around 25 minutes.

Mr O Mianain described the protesters behaviour as threatening and bullying.

ONeill represented himself at initial court hearings and said the incident at the school occurred during what he referred to as the scamdemic.

He was charged with trespassing at the school and failing to leave the premises when asked to do so.

ONeill denied the charges and a contest was due to take place at Derry Magistrates Court on March 23 last year.

However, he did not turn up for the hearing.

After hearing the evidence in relation to the 2020 incident, Judge Barney McElholm convicted ONeill and criticised the actions of the protesters. He said the group had entered the school illegally under false pretences.

If someone wants to make an argument they should go to the government or organise a public meeting but what you dont do is go into a school where there are vulnerable children and make a scene, said the judge.

That is completely and utterly untenable. They have no lawful right to go on these premises and video children and members of staff, added Judge McElholm, who described the documents which the protesters claimed had a legal basis as gibberish.

A warrant was issued for ONeills arrest but sources have told the Sunday World that he has still not been brought before a court to be sentenced in connection with the school protest.

On March 24 last year, just a day after he had been due to contest the school trespass charge, ONeill was stopped by gardai while driving through Burt, close to the Derry/Donegal border.

Garda Thomas Duggan told a recent hearing of Buncrana District Court he had been on mobile patrol when he first encountered ONeill.

Garda Duggan said he observed a Northern-registered white Kia travelling in front of him that afternoon.

The vehicle then pulled in to the side of the road. I observed the driver getting out of the vehicle and I continued on my journey.

A short distance down the road I noticed that the system in my vehicle detected that the driver of the vehicle was to be questioned regarding ownership of the vehicle. It was a Mobility UK alert that had come through to the ANPR system [Automatic Number Plate Recognition].

Garda Duggan returned to the Kia vehicle and spoke to the male driver, who refused to identify himself.

I informed him that my system had triggered an alert regarding the ownership of the vehicle.

He told me that it wasnt a Garda problem and that he didnt have to provide his name to me.

He refused to produce a driving licence. I then demanded to see his certificate of insurance but he refused to identify himself.

He was at a water well by the side of the road and he continued filling water.

Garda Duggan said he then sought assistance, before Mr ONeill produced an ecclesiastical certificate to him.

Ecclesiastical means of or relating to the church or the clergy.

He produced a certificate to say that he was ecclesiastical and that he was only passing through life and didnt need insurance, said Garda Duggan.

He would just say that his name was Paul but eventually after about 20 minutes he came to his senses and identified himself as Charles Paul ONeill.

ONeill gave his address as Rooskey, Quigleys Point in Co Donegal.

Garda Duggan instructed ONeill to produce his licence and a certificate of insurance to a garda station within ten days. However, no such documents were ever produced.

Garda Duggan told the court that the vehicle was subsequently detained and handed back to the relevant owner.

On the charge of driving without insurance, ONeill was banned from driving for two years and fined 250. He was also fined 150 for driving without a licence and an additional 150 for refusing to give his name.

Gardai were unaware at the time about the charges faced by ONeill in relation to the school protest in Derry.
The incident took place when the newlyweds were holidaying in Provence, France in 2011 and a member of the paparazzi took long-lens photographs of the princess topless as she sunbathed on the balcony of their chateau.

Prince William was furious at Donald Trump for claiming that Kate only [had] herself to blame when she was photographed topless, a new biography has revealed.

The incident took place when the newlyweds were holidaying in Provence, France in 2011 and a member of the paparazzi took long-lens photographs of the princess topless as she sunbathed on the balcony of their chateau.

Royal biographer Rob Jobson wrote that it was the couples first major altercation with the press and their representatives had to spring into action to prevent the publication of the photographs.

While it was eventually ruled a breach of the couples privacy and those involved were fined, it did not stop the widespread circulation of the photographs and commentary on their content.

Jobson added: William was reportedly furious when Donald Trump tweeted, Kate Middleton is great  but she shouldnt be sunbathing in the nude  only herself to blame. Who wouldnt take Kates picture and make lots of money if she does the nude sunbathing thing? Come on Kate!

The entire affair had left the duchess feeling violated, the biographer explained of the incident that saw the French edition of Closer magazine fined 100,000 in damages.

This, however, was far from the only time that the heir to the throne was allegedly enraged by comments about his wife.

He described Meghan Markle as rude when she was surprised that Kate was unhappy that she had blamed her baby brain for forgetting a detail of her wedding while expecting Prince Louis.

Jobson wrote: Catherine, according to Harrys memoir Spare, confronted Meghan about the baby brain comment and said, You talked about my hormones. We are not close enough for you to talk about my hormones.

Meghan was surprised, according to Harry, and said it was the way she spoke to her girlfriends.

William stepped in and apparently pointed at Meghan and called her rude. Meghan stood up to him and said, Take your finger out of my face.

Things had definitely cooled between them, if not soured.

The relationship between the two couples has continued to deteriorate since Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in 2020.

Prince Harrys bombshell 2023 memoir Spare further strained relations alongside several tell-all interviews from the Sussexes.

While the couple have reportedly reached out to the Princess of Wales as she continues to receive treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, they have not been photographed in public together since the late Queens death in September 2022.

The Independent has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment.
The video of him visiting the pubs, which had been recommended to him by his followers as rough pubs, has already been watched 250,000 times.

A YouTube star got more than he bargained for when he recently visited some of Belfasts roughest pubs.

The Honest Places YouTube channel features a guy called Danny travelling around bars in some of the UKs toughest cities and towns.

However, during a recent trip to some of Belfasts so-called roughest boozers, Danny was surprised at how welcoming they were.

The video of him visiting the pubs, which had been recommended to him by his followers as rough pubs, has already been watched 250,000 times, despite only being uploaded four weeks ago.

Almost 1,500 people have also left comments about the video, the vast majority of them positive about the boozers of Belfast.

The first port of call for Danny and a pal was The Pony Club pub on Forster Street, just off the Shankill Road.

He reveals the pints in The Pony Club cost between 3.30 and 3.60, which he says compares well with his native Manchester where pints can cost 6.

Diamond Jubilee

As he leaves, Danny describes The Pony Club as probably the friendliest pub I have ever been in.

It is a bit rough and ready, like on the outside the decors not been touched up but thats what gives it personality, he tells the camera.

For me personally, that is my type of pub. A solid 8 out of 10 and the Guinness  creamy, smooth, goes down quick  thats probably a nine out of ten.

Next the lads take a walk up the Shankill Road to The Rex Bar. The first person who features in their video inside the bar is a man dressed as a crocodile.

Turns out he was part of a stag party in the Shankill Road boozer.

Danny, who has almost 50,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel, highlights that the barmaid did not hand over their pints until the Guinness had fully settled.

He describes the pints, which cost 4.10, in the Rex as solid and another nine out of ten.

The next stop on their Belfast pub crawl is The Royal Bar, a short distance up the Shankill Road.

The Royal Bar

After ordering their pints, Danny asks the barmaid why, like the previous bar, she did not hand over the Guinness until they have fully settled.

She tells him the general rule is not to hand over a pint for 10 seconds after it is poured to allow time for it to fully settle.

After taking his first sip, Darren says the pints are getting better.

They then take to the Shankill Road and ask people for their suggestions for a rough pub.

One person tells them to head to The Diamond Jubilee bar a short distance away. As he approaches the pub, Darren notices all the windows on the building have protective grills, something he describes ominously as a good sign.

Inside, they again order two pints of Guinness at a cost of 4.10 each.

And once again they are happy with the choice, saying the Guinness matches up to the excellent pints they had already downed in the other pubs.

Rex Bar

The YouTubers finish their Belfast pub crawl with a visit to the Crown Bar in the city centre, which they describe as the most tourist pub in the city.

The pub is, as usual, busy with a mix of locals and visitors. The two lads pay a total of 12 for their two pints of Guinness. Despite the jump in price from the previous pubs, Danny says the Guinness here is still banging.

As he finishes off the video about his trip to Belfast, Danny is full of praise for the pubs he has called to.

I like to go to the rough, dingy pubs but it is as rough as you make it. Whats rough to someone might not be rough to someone else.

They havent really been rough to be fair, they have been pretty decent.

In the large number of comments under his video, one viewer questions what represents a rough pub.

The danger is relative. Locals will react more positively to a tourist than another local, especially a stranger, they write.

The Falls and Shankill are less than a mile apart and people from both sides know each other. There was no danger for you because of what I just said. But locals from either side venturing into one anothers pubs wouldnt be so safe.

The majority of the comments are positive about the welcome which awaits people in Belfast.

Been to Belfast many a time and always had a warm welcome, writes one viewer.

Another comments: Its only rough because of the history and the fears/prejudices of people who live here. If youd went to the Falls Road you would have got the same warm welcome even in the dingiest spots. Avoid politics and its rare youll get hassle in any bar.
A Kaimai resident who describes State Highway 29 as "abysmal" is taking his frustrations to Members of Parliament and Western Bay of Plenty councillors following a serious truck and car crash on the highway last month.

In a letter to Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford, Minister of Transport Simeon Brown, and WBOPDC councillors Margaret Murray-Benge and Don Thwaites, Gary Benner highlights the state of SH29 and the disruptions caused by serious crashes and road closures.

Today [July 17] yet again, an accident on the Kaimai Range has disrupted the lives of so many people, says Gary in his letter.

Given the state of the road, the huge traffic use, and under resourcing over many decades, I appreciate there are no short solutions. However, as a resident here may I suggest the following to mitigate the massive disruption until the proper resources are allocated.

Traffic backed-up on SH29 on July 17, 2024, on the Matamata side of the Kaimai Range. Photo: Supplied.

Gary then outlines four suggestions.

When accidents occur, there is assigned a Rapid Response Team to get the road open as quickly as possible. I appreciate the need for ambulances and others to recover, treat, and despatch injured or deceased persons, but by then the RRT should have been able to photograph the scene with a drone to record the necessary evidence, and have removal vehicles ready and waiting to move any crashed vehicles out of the way - even if only to the side to allow traffic to flow again.

He acknowledges that accidents seem to happen at the busiest of times and goes on to address how the public could be alerted and updated following a crash.

NEMA System could be used to send mobile alerts to all in the immediate area. There are only two or three cell towers covering the Kaimais so the messages can be localised - and people living here would like to know as well, so people in cars can make informed decisions as to whether to stay / wait in their cars or turn around and return to base.

Gary Benner. Photo: Supplied.

Gary, who has worked in Civil Defence Alerting since 2004, also suggests the same system could be used to provide regular updates as to when the road is likely to be cleared.

Also communicate updates every half hour to SunLive, who do a pretty good job anyway, and the BOP Times so they can update their websites.

Also update the NZTA Journeys and AA Roadwatch websites half-hourly or as the situation changes - again so people can manage their situation as appropriate.

Truck crash on SH29. Photo: Supplied.

Gary says there could also be better management of the dynamic speed signs which are often set to 60/80 kph on sunny clear days.

The result is that they are not respected by drivers, says Gary.

They are also all set to one speed for the whole of each side of the Kaimai Range, so some fog at the top means that people are expected to drive at 80km per hour from just past Soldiers Rd for 5km in clear, sunny, dry conditions.

This is crazy and sends the message to the drivers that the systems and people controlling it are not doing their job, or the system is deficient, and therefore they will not follow or respect those speed limits.

Having had a career in building such systems, I see it as very badly designed, and operated, and not fit for purpose.

Traffic delays on SH29 following a crash in October 2020. Photo: Supplied.

Gary's fourth suggestion for mitigating disruptions is to have better signage at exit points.

For almost nine years I have been campaigning along with Margaret Murray-Benge to have better design and control at the entry and exit points to the highway over the Kaimais. eg. Old Kaimai Rd, Poripori Rd etc, says Gary.

While reconstructing these may take some time, a very simple action is to place large signs to indicate / caution drivers approaching these intersections, warning them of vehicles stopping in the right-hand lanes waiting to turn into their respective road.

My own experience over the last 17 years has often been terrifying as inattentive drivers swerve at the last minute to avoid rear ending my car. My experience is not unique, and has been shared with the whole community, and is well documented already. Will it take a death or two to get some action for something as simple as this?

The Kaimai public meeting held in May 2023. Photo: Gary Benner.

Gary also mentions in his letter the public meeting held on May 23, 2023, where these issues were brought to light, and which was attended by politicians and 150 local residents.

Thats actually almost everybody who lives here, says Gary who included a link to the Youtube recording of the meeting.

You may wish to review the video again and make actions to implement at least some of the suggestions to keep our roads safe and effective."

The abysmal state of this road [SH29] means we have serious accidents here on almost a weekly basis, yet there is nothing been done to mitigate the significant effects on people who need to use the road," says Gary.

From disruption to business and personal reasons e.g. just today [June 17] we had a family crisis in the Waikato, and my wife was required to travel there, only to find the road closed indefinitely. Not good enough!

Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford. Photo: Supplied.

Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford has responded to Garys letter, acknowledging the frustrations that Gary and many others in the area are facing with serious accidents occurring on an almost weekly basis.

We havent forgotten the public meeting we attended in May of last year and the frustrations we heard clearly from the local residents on the state of the road and the many safety risks that exist at present," says Tom.

Crash on SH29 in October 2020. Photo: Heather Seath.

We have included State Highway 29 as one of our 17 Roads of National Significance (RoNS) across the country, which will support economic growth and get people and freight to where they want to go, quickly and safely.

The first seven new Roads of National Significance are expected to begin procurement, enabling works and construction in the next three years.

State Highway 29 is included as one of these first seven new roads that will begin in the next three years.

Gary Benner has been filming at the intersection hotspots, recording the difficulties experienced by residents exiting the roads onto SH29, for example the Old Kaimai Rd. Photo: Gary Benner.

Tom says investments in this essential corridor will make it easier for New Zealanders to get where they need to go, create a more productive and resilient transport network, drive economic growth, and unlock land for thousands of new houses.

We are taking actions to deliver on our commitment to upgrade State Highway 29 so that this critical road is safe and reliable for Kiwis travelling through the Bay of Plenty, says Tom.

The SH29 Roads of National Significance project does not include the stretch of SH29 over the Kaimai Range. Work on SH29 Tauriko West will see improvements from Omanawa bridge to SH29A Barkes Corner and addresses accesses at Belk and Gargan Rds.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships, David Speirs, says State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range is a priority route with 14,000 vehicles including several thousand heavy vehicles using the road every day.

NZTA appreciates it is critical to ensure SH29 is safe and accessible for all road users, he says.

We are aware of community concerns with local road accesses on to SH29 and were awaiting outcomes of the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme, which will provide improvements to safety if funded.

Proposed improvements to the SH29 Tauriko to the Kaimai Range summit will include minor upgrades to rural intersections including signs and markings and potential changes to speed limits at intersections.

There are many competing priorities across the state highway network nationwide and funding will be allocated based on the highest need, he says.

The process of a crash scene is managed and processed by NZ Police. NZTA supports NZ Police with traffic management and communication to road users through social media, Journey Manager and traffic bulletins where required.

He says NZTA maintenance crews undertake regular inspections throughout winter and promptly address any defects in the road surface over the Kaimai Range.

In an effort to improve efficiency and safety, NZTA is undertaking asphalt renewals and other routine maintenance activities such as clearing drains, sign maintenance and road marking in a series of overnight closures this year.

While disruptive in the short term, everyone benefits from a more reliable and safer route over the Kaimai Range.

-SunLive has approached Simeon Brown for comment.
More than 300 Bay of Plenty families from Bangladesh are in pain as they watch their families face violence from police and government authorities in their home country  so will protest in Tauranga this Sunday, August 4.

Bay of Plenty Bangladesh Community member Kamal Hossain says their families back home are facing violence from police and other government forces  border guards, the Rapid Action Battalion and even the Army  as students protest in Bangladesh to change the Quota system in public job sectors.

Kamal says Bangladesh is facing civil unrest after a Supreme Court ruling that under the quota system, some 56% of sought-after civil service jobs are being reserved for relatives of veterans who fought in the Bangladesh War of Independence from Pakistan in 1971.

He says many of the countrys contemporary political elite are related to that generation and are being favoured by this ruling.

Soldiers have been patrolling the deserted streets of the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka, and the Government ordered all offices and institutions to stay closed for two days after at least 114 people were killed this week during student-led protests against government job quotas, according to a NZ Herald article published on July 21.

The Bay of Plentys Bangladesh Community has decided to gather and protest this Sunday, August 4, at 11am on the corner of 15th Ave and Cameron Rd by Tauranga Boys College to raise awareness about whats happening to their families in their home country.

We are protesting for justice, humanity and democracy in Bangladesh. There is no democracy at all in Bangladesh, says Kamal.



Sojib Ahmed, left, Shaikh Imran, Sadia Mallik Kakon, Rabeya Sultana, Kamal Hossain. Photo: John Borren

People have no rights in Bangladesh. The current Government is fully corrupted. If anyone says anything about their rights, police shoot and kill them.

Our aim is to protest to create pressure to stop killing the innocent students and people and establish justice in the country. The public should know what is happening, they should not be biased by the government-controlled media and their administration.

We stand on behalf of the Bangladesh community, for the people and students in Bangladesh who are being killed by Bangladeshi police and by the non-electrode Government agency.

Kamal says the Bangladeshi Government doesnt want to show their brutality and cruelty to people outside Bangladesh.

We are very concerned for our family back home. We are worried as there is no way to communicate. They have disconnected all internet and phone lines.

Many media are completely shut down but open only those who talk in favour of the Government. We are so worried about our relatives. All social media has now stopped broadcast news.

Almost everyone in Bangladesh is offline. We dont know whats going on in Bangladesh now.

Kamal says this protest is to tell the Bangladeshi Government: Please stop killing our students and people.

The Bangladesh community here invites fellow BOP residents to join this Sundays protest at 11am.

- SunLive
Former Tauranga commissioner Shadrach Rolleston has landed a new role with the Hauraki District Council as it weighs up an application by Oceana Gold to rezone nearly 50 properties.

Shadrach was one of four commissioners appointed to replace the Tauranga City Council which was sacked by then Minister for Local Government Nanaia Mahuta in 2019. With the election of a new council on July 20, the commissioners terms have now ended.

The Hauraki District Council has now appointed Shadrach as an independent commissioner because his specialised knowledge and background in Te Ao Maori and Tikanga Maori will be useful for the planning committee hearing the application.

OceanaGold (New Zealand) Ltd has applied to the Hauraki District Council for a private plan change to rezone 47 properties that are owned by, or under the control of OceanaGold, to sit within the Martha Mineral Zone in the Hauraki District Plan.

All 47 properties are in the vicinity of the existing Martha Pit and the change of zone would still require resource consent to expand the Martha Pit across all, or part of, those properties (as a discretionary activity).

Public notification of the proposed plan change occurred on February 15 with the submission period running until March 28.

Seventy-eight submissions were received.

A summary of the decisions requested in submissions was prepared and further submissions were called for from May 16.

By the close of the further submission period on May 30, three further submissions had been received.

Council staff and experts are still working to assess what is being proposed by OceanaGold in light of the matters raised in submissions and further submissions.

A report to the Wednesday meeting showed iwi had been consulted and council staff subsequently recommended that an independent Resource Management Act (RMA) commissioner be appointed to the planning committee.

Shadrachs appointment would be in place of Hauraki mayor Toby Adams who was previously appointed by the council as a member of the committee to hear the proposal.

During iwi consultation on plan changes being processed by the council, the view was expressed that, given the significance of Pukewa (previously Martha Hill) to local iwi and the inclusion of a cultural balance plan as a mechanism within the proposal, there would be benefit in appointing a commissioner with specialised knowledge and background in Te Ao Maori/Tikanga Maori.

The view of the planning committee was sought, and it was subsequently recommended such a commissioner be identified and engaged, in place of Adams, as four commissioners was seen as proportionate for the matters raised in the proposal.

Staff investigated potential commissioners and Shadrach had the appropriate background and experience.

Staff then approached Shadrach who indicated he was ready and available to assist.

The report stated that while there was no requirement for the council to appoint a commissioner with an understanding of Te Ao Maori/Tikanga Maori when considered appropriate by an iwi authority, there was no reason why the council would not appoint a commissioner such as Shadrach to the planning committee, assuming the council thought that it was appropriate.

Engaging an independent commissioner, in addition to the already appointed chair Alan Watson would add additional costs.

However, actual and reasonable costs could be recovered from the applicant in accordance with provisions in the RMA.

Given the significance of what is being proposed, particularly in relation to potential effects on a number of property owners/ratepayers, having two independent commissioners (of the four commissioners) is not seen as being unreasonable.

The options were to retain the status quo, hear the proposal via the already appointed committee, appoint Shadrach or appoint a different independent commissioner.

Council staff anticipated the hearings panel would be able to recommend a decision to the council prior to Christmas 2024, with the appeal period [appeals on council decisions are able to be made to the Environment Court] to be advertised in the new year.

An attached curriculum vitae showed Shadrach had worked with the Ministry for the Environment, Waka Kotahi SmartGrowth Bay of Plenty, Beca, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Ministry of Transport and New Zealand Post in various advisory roles.
The New Zealand Transport Agency App is now available for everyone to use, following successful public Beta testing from May through to July.

The NZTA App is a secure digital one stop shop for drivers to access their licence and vehicle information, as well as making on-line payments, says Liz Maguire, Chief Digital Officer at NZTA.

Feedback provided during user testing was incredibly positive, with great feedback received for improvements that weve now made to the App functionality, as well as looking at features to include in future versions.

During testing, the App was accessed over 75,000 times, with 12,000 payments initiated, providing confidence that transport users value accessing our services digitally.

Future updates will allow users to easily pay tolls and view their vehicles safety ratings, as well as pave the way for a Digital Driver Licence in New Zealand.

We anticipate use of the App will result in significant long-term savings of over $5 million per year over the next five years on postage and other administration costs for processing transactions and responding to contact centre queries, says Maguire.

The NZTA App is available on both iPhone and Android devices. You can download the app in the Apple App Store and Google Play store, or by searching NZTA Waka Kotahi in the relevant app store.

More information on the NZTA App can be found at www.nzta.govt.nz/app

The current version of the App allows customers to:

 View their Driver Licence details, including classes and endorsements held.

 View any demerit points on their licence.

 View their vehicle details, Rego and WoF expiry dates.

 Access a quick link to online payments for Rego and to buy RUC.

In future releases, customers will benefit from additional features including:

 The option to receive messages, notifications, and reminders directly in the App and the choice to opt out from receiving paper correspondence for activities they can complete online themselves.

 Keeping contact details up to date so that labels are delivered successfully. Allowing electronic notifications with the ability to instantly act (e.g. registration due with a Pay Now option)

 Change of registered person (change of ownership)

 View and pay tolls

 View, dispute or pay infringement fees

 View expiry dates and renew vehicle registration.

 View the safety rating of their vehicle.

NZTA anticipates that use of the App will result in significant long-term savings on postage and other administrative costs for processing transactions and responding to queries through the NZTA contact centre:

 Reducing cost to serve by $14.6m over five years (~$2.9m per year) of projected growth in operational costs due to higher vehicle use and regulatory changes. This includes savings on postage cost increases, RUC applying to EVs and Demerit points applying to Safety Camera Offences.

 Reducing the write-off amount of RUC by $12.9m over 5 years (~$2.5m per year) by providing a more convenient way to pay for the type of customers who tend to pay late (private use light vehicles, now including EVs and PHEVs).

 Enabling customers to self-serve on simple types of calls they typically call the contact centre about. The App will help reduce calls for 6 of the top 12 call intents. Those issues include:

- Registration label issues  missing, lost, or incorrect.

- Updating address, phone number or email.

- Driver licence card has not arrived in post.

- Enquiries regarding vehicle registration.

- Enquiries regarding vehicle registration being cancelled/lapsed.

- Road User Charges (RUC)  distance licence enquiry.

NZTA has begun initial work on what legislative requirements would be required to deliver a Digital Drivers Licence in New Zealand in the next few years.

NZTA will be working with the Digital Public Service branch at the Department of Internal affairs to ensure all requirements of a future Digital Drivers Licence meet New Zealand and international standards.
A phone scam is trending in the community where a scammer is pretending to be a police officer to take advantage of people, particularly vulnerable and older people.

Police are aware of reports emerging overnight where people have received a phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer, says police.

The alleged officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial information from you.

"People have been directed to go to the bank and withdraw money for evidence of the scam."

police say this is a scam  no legitimate police officer will ever ask you to hand over money for any reason.

"Overnight we have had five instances of this being reported, people need to be vigilant.

"Enquiries into reports of scams of a similar nature received last week remain ongoing.

"We appreciate these scammers are convincing, but New Zealand police will never contact you and ask you to withdraw money."

They say New Zealand police will also never contact people seeking their banking details, card numbers, PIN or passwords.

"Older members of our community are being targeted and police urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives to make them aware this activity is a scam.

"There are instances where legitimate police officers will contact you as part of their duties."

Remember:

 Police will never ask for details about your bank cards, PIN or passwords over the phone.

 Trust your instincts.

If something doesn't feel right, or is too good to be true, it probably is.

 If you are uncertain, ask for the officers details.

Hang up, contact 105 and request the officer to contact you.

 Police arent in the business of offering prize money.

If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to police.

Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the NetSafe website: https://netsafe.org.nz/
DOC staff are appealing for information after 21 protected red-billed gulls were killed by a driver who allegedly drove their vehicle through the birds colony on Pukehina Beach late last month.

CCTV footage of the incident, which occurred on July 26, shows a dark coloured four-wheel drive vehicle being driven along the beach at Dotterel Point at about 12.20am.

DOC was made aware of the incident after local farmer Ray Neville spottted the scene when he went for a morning fish.

In a statement released this week, Department of Conservation Principal Investigation Officer Hayden Loper says the carnage was quite confronting for rangers.

The number of gulls killed suggests the birds were either resting or young and naive enough to have had slow reactions to the threat posed by the driver and their vehicle.

Red-billed gulls may seem commonplace, but they are listed as at risk  declining and are absolutely protected under the Wildlife Act 1953.There is no excuse for this kind of behaviour, says Hayden.

The run-over seagulls cover the Bay of Plenty beach. Photo / Ray Neville.

Extending from Pukehina Surf Rescue to the mouth of the Waihi estuary, Dotterel Point is a coastal dune providing habitat to many vulnerable species including New Zealand dotterel, variable oystercatchers, gulls, and lizards. Local community group Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society have been working since 2012 to protect the fragile sandspit ecosystem.

The vehicle drivers actions cause the gulls to scatter, before the driver and vehicle are seen looping back along the beach, says Hayden.

The deaths of these protected birds were entirely avoidable, and its hit our team quite hard.

The run-over seagulls cover the Bay of Plenty beach. Photo / Ray Neville.

Waikato University associate professor in ecology, biodiversity and animal behaviour, Nick Ling says gulls often roost on land at night,whether in places like headlands or beaches.

This is quite common, unlike many other seabirds that will roost overnight at sea. In fact gulls can almost be regarded as land birds rather than seabirds as they typically find most of their food on land or close to shore and usually dont venture very far from shore.

So, it looks like what has happened in this case is that there was presumably a large group of gulls night roosting on the beach and the vehicle has caught them out.

Nick says those that werent able to get out of the way in time from that much larger group have been run over.

He says why they didnt react in time in response to the vehicle can only be speculated at  "maybe the car didnt have its lights on or the sound of the oncoming vehicle was confusing in some way".

Whatever the reason it highlights the issue with vehicles on beaches and the threats that they pose to wildlife.

One can sympathise with vehicles that may access the beach for genuine reasons but if its just joy riding then that is not acceptable, especially when tragedies such as this occur.

A deceased red billed gull in a tyre track at Dotterel Point. Photo: N Lunson/DOC.

DOC says the actions of the driver also violate Western Bay of Plenty District Council bylaws for appropriate vehicle beach access.

Hayden says it is believed the offending driver was behind the wheel of a dark coloured Toyota Hilux or similar vehicle, with a distinctive bull bar, and the driver may be a local resident.

It seems they may have left through one of the smaller beach access points, indicating the driver is very familiar with the area.

Although the footage has the driver and vehicle on the beach for approximately four minutes, covering 500m, tracks further down the beach had disappeared with the tide; so the exact exit location is unknown.

Killing absolutely protected wildlife carries a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000, or both. See Western Bay of Plenty District Council Bylaws for more information about council bylaws.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident should please call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or email Investigations@doc.govt.nz quoting incident number CLE-7188.
The new Tauranga City Council will hold its inaugural meeting this afternoon with a swearing in ceremony where new mayor Mahe Drysdale will choose his deputy.

The council was elected last month after it had been run by government-appointed commissioners since the sacking of the entire council for dysfunction in December 2020.

In April the Local Government Minister Simeon Brown rejected a request from the four commissioners, led by Anne Tolley, for a hybrid of commissioners and councillors in favour of restoring full democracy to the council.

The election means Drysdale, who won the mayoralty by 6000 votes, will take on a four-year term as leader of New Zealand's fifth largest city in his first role in local government politics.

The 10-member council is made up of only two previous councillors including Papamoa ward's Steve Morris who was one of the 2019 councillors who was discharged of his duties by then Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta.

Mahe Drysdale. Photo: SunLive/Alisha Evans.

The other is Rick Curach in the Arataki ward who makes his latest stint on council the seventh time he has been elected.

The rest of the seven ward councillors are new to the council table and include Jen Scoular for Mauao/Mount Maunganui, Glen Crowther for Matua-Otumoetai, Rod Taylor for Te Papa, Kevin Schuler for Bethlehem, Marten Rozeboom for Tauriko, Hautapu Baker for Welcome Bay, Rick Curach for Arataki, Steve Morris for Papamoa and Mikaere Sydney for the new Te Awanui Maori ward.

Scoular was the only woman elected to the council.

At today's ceremony Drysdale, who lives in Cambridge, will address the council followed by a chance for the individual councillors to also speak.

Drysdale, who did not return RNZ calls, will also select his deputy mayor and a date will be set for the first council meeting where official business will be on the agenda.

The meeting is being held at the University of Waikato campus in Durham St at 2.30pm and will be livestreamed.

SunLive will have an update on the swearing in later this afternoon.

-RNZ.
Agencies helping women escape abusive partners are providing more food parcels and clothing than ever due to the cost of living crisis.

They are also worried more woman are staying in dangerous relationships because they cannot afford to leave.

Women's Refuge spokesperson Susan Barker says financial hardship was making bad situations worse.

She says they knew some women were staying with abusive partners because they were in poverty.

"We're concerned there are a lot of women out there we know that are in unsafe situations living with an abuser and the viability of leaving with the huge financial pressure of not being able to afford to live is obviously going to affect their decision as to whether they are even going to attempt to reach out for help."

Susan says 67 per cent of family violence incidents went unreported.

"It's really concerning for us if you think about a healthy relationship and financial pressure of not being able to put food on the table, pay your bills, is going to cause a lot of friction. We think that if there's already abuse present it's going to make these situations worse and more volatile."

Women's Refuge has 40 safe houses across the country.

Susan says the average stay had increased from 26 days to over 30 days because it was more difficult for women starting over to get back on their feet.

"For the women that are reaching out for help to us, we're finding they're needing much greater support when it comes to basics like food, clothing, shelter and staying with us for longer."

Shine has a free helpline and provides safe houses for women escaping abuse.

Its senior family violence advisor Rachel Kain says economic hardship was more common among those requesting help.

"Our frontline are reporting that nearly every single person who's enrolled in our programmes, for people experiencing violence and people using violence, need food support."

She says Shine received 30 per cent more calls for help in the first three months of this year, compared to the same period in 2023.

"Poverty, stress, financial hardship don't cause family violence [but] they can make the violence worse, more severe. The primary outcome is it limits the options that people have."

Rachel says the wait for state or emergency housing was also a problem, with affordable rentals hard to find.

Auckland University's Family Violence Clearing House pools research from around the world to help inform policy-makers.

Its kaiwhakahaere (manager) Charlotte Moore says housing was a top priority.

"Access to housing is huge. Continuing to ensure that the state is growing its stock of social housing and that that social housing is warm, safe, accessible, plentiful is really important."

She says the welfare system also needed to be accessible and not leave people in a worse-off situation.

"I think that ensuring that our welfare system is really keyed up in terms of understanding the dynamics of [family violence] and not being punitive in its approach to dealing with people seeking welfare is really important."

Charlotte says one good step was a policy framework introduced in 2023 that aimed to get government agencies to consider the impact of family violence as a contributing factor to the financial debt people owed the state.

Where to get help for family violence

Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843

It's Not OK 0800 456 450

Shine: 0508 744 633

Victim Support: 0800 842 846

HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655 - push 0 at the menu

The National Network of Family Violence Services NZ has information on specialist family violence agencies.

-RNZ
Tauranga has officially returned to democracy with mayor Mahe Drysdale and his team of councillors being sworn in.

Tauranga City Councils inaugural meeting of the newly elected council was held at the University of Waikatos Tauranga Campus on Friday afternoon.

Drysdale said it was an auspicious day for the councils governance team as they took their oaths in front of family, friends, local MPs, and mayors from other districts.

Most of us are new to our roles and to the organisation so have much to learn about the multi-billion-dollar business, which is crucial to the health, wellbeing, and everyday lifestyles of the people of Tauranga City.

Drysdale said it was an honour to wear the same mayoral chains and robes that his late grandfather and much-loved mayor Sir Bob Owens wore.

Also, for his wife Juliette to wear the mayoress chains his grandmother Joy once wore.

Owens was mayor of Tauranga from 1968 to 1977 and mayor of Mount Maunganui borough from 1971 to 1974.



Taurangas new council Marten Rozeboom, Kevin Schuler, Glen Crowther, Steve Morris, Mahe Drysdale, Jen Scoular, Rick Curach, Hautapu Baker, Rod Taylor. Absent: Mikaere Sydney. Photo: David Hall/SunLive.

Making up Drysdales team are Steve Morris  Papamoa ward, Rick Curach - Arataki ward, Jen Scoular - Mauao/Mount Maunganui, Glen Crowther - Matua-Otumoetai, Rod Taylor - Te Papa, Kevin Schuler  Bethlehem, Marten Rozeboom  Tauriko, Hautapu Baker - Welcome Bay and Mikaere Sydney in the new Maori ward Te Awanui.

Sydney was unable to attend due to illness and Drysdale said he looked forward to welcoming him onto council when he was able.

Morris and Curach are the only two to have served on the council previously.

The team of 10, elected on July 20, replaced the government-appointed commission that ran Tauranga from February 2021 after the previous dysfunctional council was sacked.

The new council wanted to ensure Tauranga has a vibrant future, said Drysdale.

Open and honest debate is a hallmark of democracy, but once the decision is made, its the governance teams job to embrace it, see it through, and support the council to deliver it.

Our city expects nothing less than governance that is respectful and is united and its determination to deliver the bright future the people of Tauranga want and deserve.

Drysdale said he looked forward to charting a different course and working with his team and council staff to realise Taurangas potential.



Deputy mayor Jen Scoular said she was disappointed to be the only woman at the council table. Photo: David Hall/SunLive.

Taurangas only woman councillor, Scoular, was named deputy mayor.

She said she was disappointed not to be joined by more women at the council table and that the opinions of both genders needed to be represented.

It will take the effort of every one of us to ensure Tauranga is the best city to live, learn, work and play.

Our success will be measured not only by the projects we complete or the policies we implement, but by the impact we have on the lives of our people.

At the next council meeting on August 15, the councillors salaries will be decided from the $1.2m remuneration pool.

The minimum yearly salary for a councillor will be $87,695 and Drysdale will earn $179,316.

Committees will also be decided at that meeting.

The council will serve a four-year term rather than the normal three, a first for New Zealand.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Louise Montefiore Malaga Friday, 2 August 2024, 13:34 | Updated 14:32h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Today, the Parque de San Rafael is a little slice of tranquillity in western Malaga city. People walk their dogs or lie reading on the grass, and children run around the new playground. But the marble pyramid in the park, which stands at eight metres tall, is a stark reminder of San Rafael's tragic past. Inaugurated in 2014, it serves as a mausoleum for the 2,840 victims exhumed from mass graves at this site, which once was the Cementerio de San Rafael. These are some of the 4,471 people murdered here during the Civil War and Franco's dictatorship.

The excavation team confirmed, at the time, that the mass graves at San Rafael were the largest extermination zone of Francoist repression in Spain. In fact, this is thought to be one of the largest set of graves exhumed at one site in all of Europe. Relatives of the victims first requested for their bodies to be recovered in 2003. In the summer of 2005, the universities of Malaga and Granada, as well as the regional Andalusian government and the Malaga Association Against Silence and Forgetting, carried out a series of studies which located five mass graves at the old San Rafael cemetery. The exhumation of victims took place between 2006 and 2009; nine mass graves were discovered, and almost 3,000 bodies were recovered.

Zoom The old cemetery wall still stands as a symbol of historical memory. Louise Montefiore

San Rafael was opened in 1867 as Malaga's second cemetery, after the Cementerio de San Miguel became overcrowded. The two cemeteries closed in 1987, with both since reopening as parks. Funding for the transformation of San Rafael was initially provided in 2009, with the idea of transforming it into a space of historical memory. When converting the old cemetery into a park, the city council agreed to keep part of the old wall as a symbol of the memory of those who had been ruthlessly killed there.

Zoom The mausoleum is set in the heart of the recently constructed park. Louise Montefiore

Initially, there was talk of the park being named 'Parque de la Memoria', although today it is known simply as the Parque de San Rafael. Original plans also included a monolith in the park alongside the pyramid. Today, this impressive marble pyramid bears the names of the victims who now rest below it, inscribed across its facades alongside a quote which reads, "In memory of those who lost their lives in defence of freedom and democracy, whose remains rest in this mausoleum and other places." On the 11 January every year since its inauguration, a ceremony, led by the mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, is held in memory of the victims.

Malaga suffered greatly during the Civil War. At the start of the conflict, it experienced a revolutionary movement which took the lives of an estimated 2,500 people. When Franco's forces launched the brutal Battle of Malaga in early 1937, with the support of Italy and Nazi Germany, the Nationalists took control of the province. Those civilians who attempted to flee towards Almeria were bombed, shelled and shot at by Nationalist tanks, planes and ships, in what is known as the 'Desbanda'. Between 3,000 and 5,000 were killed, many of whom were mothers carrying children.

Zoom Malaga's old Jewish cemetery, to the west of the park. Louise Montefiore

Andres Fernandez Martin and Francisco Espinosa Jimenez have written an extensive history of the conversion of San Rafael into a site of memory. Their book, San Rafael (Malaga): Las Fosas, Febrero 1937- Noviembre 1955, details the eleven years between families requesting the exhumations of victims from San Rafael, and the inauguration of the pyramid.

Malaga's old Jewish cemetery also lies in the grounds of the Parque de San Rafael, although it is currently in a state of disrepair.

The mausoleum at San Rafael is a poignant symbol of the history which Malaga must not forget, and has become a monument important for many - here, people can pay respect to the lives lost at the cemetery, in Malaga, and further afield in the tragedy of the Civil War.
Lorena Cadiz Mijas Friday, 2 August 2024, 19:05 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Mijas needs a new Guardia Civil headquarters and more officers in the municipality. This is the opinion of the town council, which, through its mayor, Ana Mata (PP), has written to Spain's ministry of interior requesting an "urgent" response to an "unsustainable situation" caused by the progressive increase in population experienced by this municipality, which now has more than 90,000 registered inhabitants. A growth which, according to the mayor, has not been accompanied by an increase in the number of state security forces in the town, unlike in other neighbouring municipalities.

It was also stated in the letter that Mijas has an area of about 150 square kilometres, which makes it one of the largest towns in Malaga province. In the municipality there are urban, rural, coastal and non-coastal urban areas that need the attention of both the Guardia Civil and the Local Police. To this end, the number of Guardia Civil officers available is 150, which for the councillor for security, Juan Carlos Cuevas, means that the town is "under-staffed".

Zoom The mayor and councillor for security show the letter sent to the ministry. SUR

"We have a very small number of officers for the size of our population. We are the third largest municipality in the province, but this is not reflected in the number of officers. The comparison is very simple: in ten square kilometres and with a smaller population than Mijas, Fuengirola has 300 National Police officers", said the councillor, who also pointed out that Marbella has more than 400 National Police officers for a population of more than 156,000 inhabitants.

Available land

As far as infrastructure is concerned, both the mayor and the councillor said that land has been available to the government for years for the creation of a new Guardia Civil headquarters, as "the current facility has become obsolete and has a pressing lack of space for the officers to live in".

According to the data provided, the Mijas Local Police force receives daily calls from the Guardia Civil requesting collaboration "due to the lack of resources to deal with emergencies": In addition to this request for assistance, during the period from January to July 2024, "our switchboard has handled 2,400 more calls than in the same period last year. This increase in the demand for services reflects the urgent need to reinforce the Civil Guard's resources in our municipality".

"We are talking about such an important issue as security, so we hope that the ministry of interior is aware that the reality of Mijas is not the same as it was thirty years ago. In addition, the Guardia Civil who serve in our municipality deserve to have the best services and facilities, so we are willing to cede the land for this new headquarters that is so necessary," the mayor said.
Javier Almellones Huelva Friday, 2 August 2024, 11:49 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Its fine white sand beaches, the restaurants along the emblematic Calle Ancha and its natural coastal enclaves have turned Punta Umbria, a town in the province of Huelva, into one of the most popular tourist destinations on Andalucia's Atlantic coast.

But Punta Umbria also holds an important place in the history not only of Spain but of all of Europe, as this was the town where the body of William Martin, 'the man who never existed', was found in April 1943.

A secret, risky, but masterful plan involved the appearance of a floating corpse, that of an invented major in the British army, on the beach of La Bota in Punta Umbria. He was carrying documents stating that the Allies were planning on landing in Greece and Sardinia. This was nothing more than a deception operation to disguise the Allied invasion of Sicily. Accordingly, the Germans sent troops to Greece and Sardinia, neglecting defences in Sicily. This allowed for a successful invasion of the island in July 1943 by Allied forces.

Zoom Calle Ancha, a busy street in summer. SUR

This plan, Operation Mincemeat, marked a key turning point in the course of the Second World War. It is undoubtedly the most notable chapter in Punta Umbria's history.

But the town has other important historical links with the UK. The Brits working for the Rio Tinto Company Limited settled in Punta Umbria in the late 19th century, when the town was dedicated to what remains one of its main sources of income, fishing.

Next to the fishing village, the British discovered the quality of the surrounding white sand beaches, along which they established holiday homes. Some architectural traces of this period remain. The Casa de los Ingleses museum, for instance, is a reconstruction of one of these holiday homes, and is well worth a visit.

Punta Umbria still retains an interesting historical and ethnographic legacy from this era, although much has changed since then. Today, it is a tourist town, loved for its ideal location and incredible beaches.

Indeed, in recent years, its beaches have become some of the most visited on the Huelva coast. Their vastness and the quality of their sand are good excuses to visit them as soon as the summer season begins.

Zoom La Bota beach, where William Martin was found. SUR

The most popular is the urban beach, which runs parallel to Avenida Oceano. Around here, you will find some of the city's best-known restaurants and even one of the most famous beach bars in the country, Mosquito Club, which was once recognised as the best in Spain.

Other beaches along the coastline of Punta de Gracia include Los Enebrales, located in a stunning nature reserve of the same name.

This enclave can be explored by taking scenic rides along the cycle path that runs parallel to it, or along the wooden walkways. Behind these paths you can enjoy the beach, a serene refuge for those wanting to escape the crowded shores. There is also a beach bar here, Enebral, where good food is served in a relaxed setting.

Another of Punta Umbria's selling points is its location next to the Odiel estuary. Therefore, not only does it have an important fishing port, but it has also been connected for decades to the city of Huelva by means of the 'canoa', a boat that was once fundamental for communications between the urban areas. This has even been declared an Asset of National Tourist Interest in Andalucia.
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Big Lots is closing more stores than previously announced, including two in Central New York.

The discount retail chain said last month it would close 35 to 40 locations after reporting a net loss of $205 million in the quarter ending May 4, 2024. The company named another hundred stores earlier this week, and now the list has grown even larger.

As of Friday morning, ten Big Lots stores are set to close in New York state, including previously announced stores in Carle Place, Centereach and Queensbury. The latest closures include two stores in Buffalo and locations in Canandaigua, Ithaca, New Hartford, Plattsburgh and Poughkeepsie.

Exact closing dates were not announced, but 20% off sales are being offered at locations going out of business.

Tyler Gibbons, who identified himself as the manager of Big Lots in Ithaca, said the Cayuga Shopping Center location will likely close in October depending on liquidation and final sell-through.

This decision has been incredibly difficult for us, Gibbons wrote on Facebook. Despite our best efforts to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing market, the time has come to close our doors. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support, loyalty, and trust over the years. Your patronage has meant the world to us, and it has been an honor to serve this wonderful community.

According to its website, Big Lots still has another 50 locations operating in New York state, including stores in Auburn, Binghamton, Buffalo (Clarence), Clifton Park, Cortland, Geneva, Hamilton, Liverpool, Massena, Mattydale, Niagara Falls, Oneida, Oswego, Pulaski, Rochester, Rome, Troy, Utica and Watertown.

However, the company has warned that its survival may be in doubt and bankruptcy is possible.

Big Lots CEO Bruce Thorn cited a challenging consumer environment and a continued pullback in consumer spending by our core customers, particularly in high ticket discretionary items. Its stock has reportedly fallen from more than $70 in 2021 to $1.02 on Wednesday.

Big Lots had more than 1,400 stores at the beginning of 2023. At least 10% of its total U.S. footprint will close this year, with more closures likely.

Based on our current cash and liquidity projections, and uncertainties with respect to the mitigating effect of managements plans, the Company has concluded there is a significant likelihood that it will be unable to comply with the Excess Availability Covenant under the 2022 Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Facility within the next 12 months, which raises substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern, the company said in a June SEC filing.

Big Lots stores closing in New York state (as of Aug. 2, 2024):

Buffalo (Linden Corners): 2276 Delaware Ave

Buffalo (Sloan): 698 S Ogden St

Canandaigua: 4406 State Route 5 & 20, Ste 129

Carle Place: 260 Voice Rd

Centereach: 231 Centereach Mall

Ithaca: 2309 N Triphammer Rd

New Hartford: 4645 Commercial Dr

Plattsburgh: 316 Cornelia St

Poughkeepsie: 43 Burnett Blvd

Queensbury: 751 Upper Glen St, Ste 2
P!NKs Summer Carnival Tour is returning to the US for its second North American leg, which will stop in multiple cities throughout the Northeast, including Syracuse, NY at the JMA Wireless Dome on October 6.

Other nearby cities include Toronto, Philadelphia, Foxborough, Hershey and East Rutherford, before concluding on November 20 in Columbia, SC.

Shell be joined by special guests Sheryl Crow, KidCutUp and The Script for select dates.

The three-time Grammy Award-winner, best known for hits like Just Give Me a Reason, So What, Raise Your Glass and Try, is renowned for her powerful vocals and dynamic live performances, which feature high-energy, acrobatic stunts and spectacular production value.

The first half of her Summer Carnival Tour, which began back in 2023, has broken numerous sales and venue records and became the eighth highest-grossing tour of 2023, according to Deadline.

Where to buy P!NK concert tickets

Limited standard admission tickets can be purchased online through Ticketmaster, although many of P!NKs shows have already sold out.

For her Syracuse show, for example, only video view and platinum seating remain, starting at $244.75.

Fans looking for greater availability and deals will have better luck on secondary market platforms such as Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and StubHub, where prices start as low as $22 (for her Los Angeles show).

A complete list of P!NKs Summer Carnival Tour dates is available here.

Cant get enough live music? P!NK isnt the only touring artist. Check out other favorites who know how to put on an unforgettable show, including Sabrina Carpenter, Childish Gambino, Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan and Imagine Dragons.
- After a substantial renovation at their Skaneateles Lake home at 130 Locust Lane in Moravia, Jeff and Marybeth Carlberg have shared it with renters. "It is where our guests have celebrated family and friends," Marybeth said. "We have loved hearing the laughter." Jeff says you can see the sunsets from the water. Courtesy of Rick Policastro PhotographyCourtesy of Rick Policastro Photography
In brief: Chrome is gaining three new AI features powered by Google's latest language models. There's a new Google Lens integration for visually searching any on-screen images and text, a Tab Compare feature that automatically generates product comparison overviews, and enhanced history search using natural language queries.

Starting with the Google Lens integration, you can now access the image recognition tool on the desktop version of Chrome with a few clicks. All you have to do is select the Lens icon in Chrome's address bar, and then click or drag over any image, object, or text on a webpage. The browser will use AI to analyze and identify what you selected, displaying visual matches and other relevant info in a handy side panel.

You can then tap into Google's multi-search talents to refine your hunt even further by color, brand name, or other details. Alternatively, just ask Chrome a follow-up question and let the AI dig deeper into the topic for you, potentially providing an "AI Overview" that pulls key insights from around the web.

Another new trick is called Tab Compare: a smart solution for everyone who endlessly bounces between open tabs while online shopping and researching purchases.

Tab Compare will automatically generate a slick comparison table that neatly summarizes all the key details about the products you're eyeing  pulling everything into one view so you can skip the tab juggling act.

Lastly, Chrome is getting an AI-powered upgrade to its history search capabilities. You'll be able to use natural language to search your Chrome history in a more conversational way. For example, you could just type "What was that ice cream shop I looked at last week?" and let the AI dig through your past browsing to hopefully resurface the right site.

That may raise some privacy red flags, but Google says the feature will be entirely optional for those who want it and you can easily turn it on or off in your settings. The company also assures users that the feature will never include any browsing data from incognito mode.

The AI-powered Google Lens visual search capabilities will arrive via Chrome's latest update rolling out over the next few days. The other two features are coming in the next few weeks, but will initially only be available in the US. A broader rollout is set to follow.
The previous launch of a satellite by Japan's Astroscale only had one purpose, and it was to photograph the old and forgotten rockets that are left in the low-Earth orbit, showing off the massive collection of space garbage. Most things in orbit are forgotten spacecraft technology by different companies and space agencies, left to float around without anyone retrieving them.

Several efforts by different agencies are to deorbit or push it back to the planet to disintegrate, but most are left to rot in the cosmos.

Old, Forgotten Rockets in Orbit Photographed by Japan's Astroscale

It was revealed by a report from ArsTechnica that there are currently 2,000 dead, old, and forgotten rockets in orbit that are still mostly intact, and they make up a significant cause of the rising space garbage problem. The good thing is, there are efforts from the likes of Japan's Astroscale who are keeping tabs on the space junk present in the orbit and taking photographs of them.

This is through the satellite which they launched last February which hitched a ride with Rocket Lab, and it is called the ADRAS-1 (Active Debris Removal by Astroscale Japan). According to the company, it is the world's first debris inspection spacecraft which is part of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration Program.

Space Garbage Now: ADRAS-1's Successful Orbit Mission

The main mission of Astroscale's ADRAS-1 was to photograph the H-IIA rocket, this mission was completed last month, and it successfully gathered the data needed by engineers regarding the dead upper stage spacecraft. The ADRAS-1 centered on the method called rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) to observe the space garbage, no longer needing to dock.

The Earth's Orbit and the Floating Space Junk

Earth's pollution on the ground has already gained massive awareness among the general public, and this has already sparked significant efforts and movement from humans, and there are also efforts for space. It was revealed by researchers and experts that there is a growing space junk problem in Earth's orbit, and if this problem worsens, it could trap humans on the planet should there be an international catastrophe.

While awareness is already on the rise, the efforts are still minimal from different companies and space agencies, but thereare already promising proposals and concepts that look to join the cause of cleaning up the orbit. Airbus introduced its development called the 'Detumbler' which will keep orbiting dead spacecraft from getting out of line and potentially fall back into the planet.

Currently, companies are already looking for ways to dispose of these kinds of floating objects beyond the skies, and it is not only to protect humans but also to avoid polluting the new frontier. Japan's Astroscale is addressing it with a different approach, and this is by taking photographs of what is presently dead in orbit, offering a potential spotting method to keep tabs on the garbage.
The rise of complaints against Intel's computer chipset known as the Raptor Lake, its 13th and 14th generation, is now transforming into a possible class action lawsuit that would have the company in the hot seat. In recent months, there have been many complaints from different users who have faced issues with the use of the latest Intel chipsets that were not performing as expected.

It is also known that Intel already acknowledged the issue with a message to the community, claiming that its chips as far as 20203 are affected by the issue.

Intel to Face a Class Action Lawsuit for its Raptor Lake

The law firm called Abington Cole + Ellery has posted a notice to users who were affected by the known issue of Intel's 13th and 14th-generation chipsets, particularly those who have the Raptor Lake processors from 2023. The notice to users is calling upon those who are affected by the issue to join the class they are forming for a class-action lawsuit against the company.

Originally posted last July 30 only, the firm is now building a case against Intel and zhaving them answer to the issues customers faced with their faulty processors.

It was revealed in the proposed lawsuit that Intel's 13th and 14th-generation chips have instability issues, centering on elevated operating voltages.

Read Also : Intel to Revolutionize Paris Olympics 2024 With Cutting-Edge AI Technology

Intel's 13th and 14th Gen Chips Face These Issues

The issue is not a speculation from users or the firm as it was previously confirmed by Intel's employee on a community forum that these 13th and 14th gen chips are indeed faulty. This centers on processors that were made as far as 2023, and this is a result of a microcode algorithm that leads to incorrect voltage notices to the processor, ultimately running into problems.

Intel's Computer Chips

For many years, Intel has been known for its development of its computer chips that significantly power a significant chunk of PCs in the world, with a yearly release for its new processors. In 2022, Intel introduced the world to its 13th-generation Raptor Lake chipset which was its flagship series that lasted until 2023, a chip that rivals AMD's Zen 4 Ryzen 7000.

It was succeeded by the 14th-generation chipset known as the Meteor Lake, and it has significantly changed the design and manufacturing of the computer processor compared to last year's mode. Intel's architecture of the chip centers on a LEGO-like CPU design, touting the massive new capabilities of its renowned Core i-series, first unveiled in last year's Computex.

Despite being one of the best-known chip manufacturers for well over fifty decades already, lately, Intel has fallen behind other chip manufacturing companies and is facing a massive controversy over its design and quality. The issue is real for users who bought the 13th and 14th gen chipset, and now lawyers are assembling a class for a possible lawsuit to fall on Intel's lap.
We might not see Apple's first foldable iPad in action next year, according to Haitong Securities analyst Jeff Pu. With this, the delay is already foreseen, but this might pave the way for the redesigned iPhone 17 and the potential debut of the Slim model.

Looking further ahead, Pu expects the Cupertino giant to unveil its first foldable devices in 2026.

The Foldable Future: iPads and iPhones

Pu highlights Apple's focus on foldable devices, with plans to introduce both foldable iPads and iPhones by 2026. Although a foldable iPad was initially expected in late 2025, concerns about display durability have pushed the timeline back, according to MacRumors.

The foldable iPad is projected to feature a 20.3-inch display when unfolded, while the foldable iPhone might adopt a design similar to Samsung's Z Flip. Apple aims to eliminate the crease in the display when folded, enhancing its attractiveness to consumers.

Related Article : Apple is Testing Foldable iPhones But Face Challenges, Coming Later than Expected

iPhone 17: A Redesign with Advanced Features

The iPhone 17 is poised to drive significant sales due to its innovative features and fresh design. Pu suggests that the new model will include Apple Intelligence features, increased memory, and a compelling new design. This anticipated upgrade cycle will likely attract users who purchased iPhones between 2021 and 2023 and are now ready for an upgrade.

This marks the first mention of a redesigned iPhone 17, with Apple expected to retain the Dynamic Island design. However, the under-panel Face ID technology is not expected until the iPhone 18 Pro.

It's noteworthy to mention that the base model iPhone 17 will reportedly feature an Always-On Display and ProMotion technology, enhancing its appeal.

Is the iPhone 17 Slim Coming?

Apple's rumored iPhone 17 Slim could also boost sales by replacing the Plus version with a higher-end model. This new iPhone is expected to start at around $1,299, making it the most expensive iPhone to date.

Despite its sleek, ultra-thin design, the iPhone 17 Slim will include an A19 chip, 8 GB of RAM, and two main cameras. However, it may be seen as underpowered and overpriced compared to the iPhone 17 Pro.

If the iPhone 17 Slim is indeed coming a year from now, the death of the iPhone 16 Plus will be imminent.

Exciting Times Ahead for Apple Fans

Spain became the latest country to investigate Apple over its anti-competitive behavior. The country's watchdog has started its probe about its App Store.

(Photo : Laurenz Heymann from Unsplash)

Apple's future looks promising with the anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 and the introduction of foldable devices. These innovations reflect Apple's commitment to pushing technological boundaries and meeting consumer demands.

As we look forward to these developments, it's clear that Apple continues to set the standard for innovation in the tech industry. In the future, these will be trend-setters that fans always long to see.
13 killed in India floods, stranded pilgrims airlifted



Dehradun, India, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2024



Monsoon downpours caused flash floods that killed 13 people in India's Himalayan foothills, officials said Friday, with helicopters rescuing hundreds stranded near a renowned Hindu shrine.

Flooding and landslides are common and cause widespread devastation during India's treacherous monsoon season, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity.

Thirteen deaths have been reported across the northern state of Uttarakhand so far, disaster official Vinod Kumar Suman told AFP.

District officials said around 700 people were rescued by airlift while travelling to Kedarnath temple, a popular pilgrimage destination dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva.

"We are flying multiple choppers to bring down the pilgrims who were on their way," Suman said.

The temple sits nearly 3,600 metres (11,800 feet) above sea level and access is only possible in the summer via a gruelling 22-kilometre (14-mile) uphill trek.

It is thronged by thousands of pilgrims each year at a time when the annual monsoon downpours are at their peak.

Monsoon rains across the region from June to September offer respite from the summer heat and are crucial to replenishing water supplies.

They are also vital for agriculture, and therefore the livelihoods of millions of farmers and food security for South Asia's nearly two billion people.

More than 200 people were killed in the southern state of Kerala this week when landslides hit villages and tea plantations, with search and rescue operations ongoing.

Two others were killed this week in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh state, where rescuers are still searching for more than two dozen reported missing.
South Korea says no response from North on flood relief offer



Seoul, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2024



South Korea said Friday it had received no response after trying to contact the North to offer humanitarian aid following reports of deaths and heavy damage caused by recent flooding.

Seoul's unification ministry said in a statement Thursday that it was willing to "urgently provide" humanitarian assistance to "North Korean disaster victims" impacted by the downpours.

The ministry attempted to contact the North to make an offer of aid via the Koreas' liaison office communication channel, but Pyongyang has not responded, Seoul said Friday.

"We will not make assumptions about the situation and look forward to a prompt response (from the North) to our proposal," Kim In-ae, the deputy spokesperson for the ministry, told reporters.

North Korea said earlier this week that a "record downpour" hit its northern border areas near China, resulting in "a grave crisis in which more than 5,000 inhabitants were isolated in the zone vulnerable to flooding".

On Wednesday, Pyongyang said many "public buildings, facilities, roads and railways, including more than 4,100 dwelling houses and nearly 3,000 hectares of farmlands" were flooded in its northern regions of Sinuiju and Uiju.

That same day, North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong Un "proposed to strictly punish" officials who neglected their disaster prevention duties, which had caused unspecified deaths or injuries "that can not be allowed".

A report by South Korea's TV Chosun said hundreds of people could have been killed.

Kim has been shown in multiple videos this week traversing flood waters in a rubber boat, overseeing rescue operations involving military helicopters.

Natural disasters tend to have a greater impact on the isolated and impoverished North due to its weak infrastructure, while deforestation has left it vulnerable to flooding.

- 'Deep condolences' -



Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with the North bolstering military ties with Russia while sending thousands of trash-carrying balloons to the South.

In response, Seoul's military blasts K-pop and anti-regime messages from border loudspeakers and recently resumed live-fire drills on border islands and near the demilitarised zone that divides the Korean peninsula.

Despite the heightened tensions on the peninsula, South Korea's unification ministry on Thursday expressed "deep sympathy" for the flood victims in the North.

Seoul's foreign ministry also issued a separate statement Friday, extending its "deep condolences" to the North Koreans who have been "affected by the recent heavy rainfall".

South Korea has "consistently maintained the position that it will continue humanitarian assistance to North Korea", regardless of the "political and military situation," the foreign ministry added.

Pyongyang unilaterally cut off all official military and political communication links with Seoul in 2020 and blew up a disused inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border.

The inter-Korean liaison office channel was restored in 2021, but the North has not been responding to the hotline calls since April 2023.

Despite the North's lack of response, Seoul has been attempting to communicate with the North through the channel twice daily, every day, according to the unification ministry.
China plans to adopt volume-based emissions reduction targets



Beijing, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2024



China is planning a major change in how it sets its climate targets, adopting carbon dioxide emissions reduction by volume rather than relative to economic growth, its top economic planner announced Friday.

With its population of 1.4 billion and a massive manufacturing industry, China is by far the world's largest emitter of the greenhouse gases that scientists say drive climate change and make extreme weather more frequent and intense.

Until now the country had set itself climate targets based on the carbon intensity of its economic growth, meaning it set objectives to reduce its emissions per unit of wealth produced.

"Once peak carbon emissions are reached" -- which China is aiming for by 2030 -- "a dual carbon emission control system will be implemented, with total volume control as the main target", China's powerful NRDC economic planning agency said.

"China is now gradually extricating emissions reductions from economic growth," said Greenpeace China analyst Yao Zhe.

"This new approach will help align China's domestic action with its international commitments," she added.

While China has pledged to peak emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, the country is expected to use this new methodology to set new climate objectives, according to experts.

Under the Paris climate agreement, countries are supposed to outline how they intend to contribute to collective efforts to confront climate change in plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

To meet global climate goals, countries are expected to submit enhanced targets for 2035 before a UN deadline of February 10, 2025.

"The (Chinese) NDC will contain an absolute emission reduction target with the target year 2035. China has committed to release it by February 2025," Li Shuo, a climate expert at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), a think tank, told AFP.

"This will be the first time we see an absolute emission target from China."

To achieve its climate goals, the Asian giant is massively expanding its renewable energy capacity.

If renewable capacity continues to grow at record levels, China's emissions may have peaked in 2023, according to experts.
"We want water": Sicilians protest against shortages



Rome, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2024



Hundreds of Sicilians protested on Friday against water shortages and poor water management on the Italian island, hit by a severe drought this year.

People in the city of Agrigento in Sicily demonstrated to draw the attention of local authorities, holding a banner reading "we want water", and shouting "shame, shame" and "water is a right for all, water is a fundamental right".

The march's organisers stressed that "the population is exhausted by constant water shortages and the ineffective management of water resources" on the drought-affected island.

"The water situation in the city and in the province has become unbearable, with frequent cuts and unsustainable rationing," the group said in a statement.

Agrigento, a city of 55,000 on the southern coast of Sicily, is best-known for its "valley of the temples", an important archeological site housing well-preserved Greek temples on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Sicilian officials at an emergency meeting on Friday adopted measures that should increase the amount of water available in Agrigento by 20 percent in the next 10 days, according to news agency Ansa.

Agrigento's archdiocese on Friday denounced the "inadequate water supply" and asked for "urgent and effective emergency solutions".

The Italian government in early May declared a state of emergency for the southern island, unblocking funds to purchase water tanker trucks, drill wells and renovate pumping and desalination stations.

Once the breadbasket of ancient Rome, Sicily is expected this year to see its wheat harvest collapse by more than 50 percent, according to agricultural lobby Coldiretti.

Meanwhile, 5,800 hectares (14,000 acres) of agricultural land have gone up in flames since the beginning of July due to wildfires that erupt in the dry conditions, said the group, on an island heavily affected by human-induced climate change.

The effects of the drought are exacerbated by a lack of investment in infrastructure to prevent water from being wasted, Coldiretti said.

According to Italy's National Institute of Statistics (Istat), Sicily has one of the country's highest rates of wasted drinking water, with 51.6 percent of water lost from distribution circuits in 2022.
It also revealed that Adrian Huber, a senior legal counsel at Fortescue, gave direct instructions to Lancasters Investigations to undertake some of the surveillance activities. On Tuesday 7 May 2024, Mr Huber instructed Lancasters Investigations to immediately reinstate their surveillance of the below locations in order to locate Dr Kolodziejczyk, and to immediately report to Fortescue any sighting of Dr Kolodziejczyk, it was revealed in an affidavit by Paul Dewar. Dewar is from Davies Collison Cave, the law firm acting for Fortescue in the intellectual property case. Private investigators working for Fortescue followed Bart Kolodziejczyk, Element Zeros co-founder, to the airport on multiple occassions. Elsewhere in that affidavit, Dewar detailed again Hubers instruction to Lancasters Investigations. I am informed by Mr Huber and believe it to be true that he today instructed Lancasters to investigate whether Dr Kolodziejczyk and Mr Masterman are presently located in [Western Australias] Port Hedland or Boodarie. I am informed by Mr Huber and I believe it to be true that he has today examined Dr Kolodziejczyks Facebook, X and lnstagram accounts, and they do not provide any indication as to Dr Kolodziejczyks present location.

Huber was also included in the correspondence between Lancasters Investigations and external lawyers, as was Phil McKeiver, who was Fortescues chief general counsel. Loading McKeiver had last month offered his resignation over the surveillance tactics that were used, but has been retained by Fortescue, albeit without his previous responsibility as company secretary. In Dewars affidavit, he said it was Fortescue that had engaged Lancasters Investigations with the aim of establishing the identity and location of each of the respondents to the search order application. The spying that was carried out occurred over a three-week period in April and May this year. It included photographing and following the three men, including to the gym, cafes, to the beach, shopping centres, the airport, the hairdresser, accountant, and other meetings, as well as to their work and homes.

The spying occurred in Melbourne and Perth and included following Kolodziejczyk and his wife to their childs daycare centre. It also included detailing the school times of a teenage family member of Winther-Jensen. The spying also included details of the arrival of personal mail and packages at the mens home addresses, providing walking maps of routes they took, and floor plans of Kolodziejczyk and Winther-Jensens homes. Photos were taken of mail delivered to Mastermans home address, and investigators also searched his rubbish bin. It was noted the previous mail was still protruding from the mailbox, the investigators report said of Mastermans house. Also noted was there were two new letters. A search of the garbage bins noted no new rubbish at this time. Masterman was surveilled by the private investigator even though he was not a party to the search orders that Fortescue would seek in the Federal Court. Private investigators working for Fortescue conducted surveillance of Element Zero co-founder Michael Masterman.

Element Zero staff who were also not party to the search orders were also photographed and followed by Lancasters Investigations, and the report details the use of covert cameras to surveil the office. Fortescue conducted the surveillance to obtain search orders that allowed it to raid Element Zeros office and the homes of Kolodziejczyk and Winther-Jensen, which would result in it gathering almost 3 terabytes of data from company documents and their personal devices, email and cloud accounts. Element Zeros lawyers have objected to the huge amount of data that was gathered during those raids, claiming there is a substantial amount of confidential and private information that does not relate to the court case. Private investigators employed by Fortescue spied on Bjorn Winther-Jensen, including following him to the gym. Element Zero was formed by Kolodziejczyk and Masterman at the end of 2022. Masterman has had a long career in the energy industry, including as chief financial officer of what was then known as Fortescue Future Industries (FFI).

Kolodziejczyk was once FFIs chief scientist and led a push to develop green hydrogen to decarbonise the companys mining operations and shipping fleet. Fortescue has since wound down its hydrogen ambitions. Loading Kolodziejczyk is now Element Zeros chief technology officer. Winther-Jensen also worked as a scientist at FFI before joining Element Zero. He departed Element Zero in January this year. Element Zero ambition is to reduce the carbon footprint of iron ore, Australias most lucrative export industry. It has patented a technology that aims to convert metal ores to metals, not only iron ore, with zero carbon emissions. Fortescue has said it would vigorously defend its intellectual property in the development of cutting-edge solutions to decarbonise its Australian iron ore operations by the end of the decade.
From home-schooled boy to online drug lord Benthall grew up in Houston, an only child, home-schooled by his parents, who were religious Christians. His mother, Sharon Benthall, a community college instructor, described her boy as reserved, cautious and very bright. His father, Larry, a software manager, would hold young Blake on his lap as he worked on a desktop computer. By age 7, Blake was making websites for hiccup cures and his Beanie Babies collection. At 14, he started a hosting company for online games with another teen he had met on AOL Instant Messenger. He used his mothers PayPal account to order a computer server to the family homes doorstep and promised to pay her back with his customers subscription fees. After briefly attending Florida College, a small Christian school near Tampa, Benthall moved to San Francisco in 2009 to chase his tech dreams. He worked for a start-up building a play-date-scheduling app for parents. It failed in four months. He bounced back and forth between the Bay Area and Florida and from gig to gig, spending much of his free time going down internet rabbit holes. One of the deepest concerned bitcoin, the digital currency then worth around $US130 that allowed people to make anonymous online purchases. He read a 2013 interview with a mysterious figure calling himself the Dread Pirate Roberts who ran a site called Silk Road, a dark-web marketplace that trafficked mostly in illegal drugs. The site relied on bitcoin and Tor, a software that anonymises online identity to provide privacy to buyers and sellers  and authorities seemed helpless to do anything about it.

Benthall liked the idea of browsing the internet without his activity being linked to his computer. He downloaded Tor. One October afternoon in 2013, Benthall was at an Equinox gym in downtown San Francisco when he saw breaking news on the overhead television: law enforcement had taken down Silk Road and arrested the Dread Pirate Roberts, whose real name was Ross Ulbricht. Ulbricht, 29, was a fellow Texan also living in San Francisco. He was arrested at a library within walking distance of Benthalls home in the Mission District. Benthall quickly finished his workout and hurried home to indulge in dark net popcorn, as he put it. The FBI had already taken Silk Road offline, but the sites forum was still active. Some users were freaking out about being identified and arrested, but to Benthalls surprise, others were already talking about starting a new drug marketplace. Believing that the chatter could be erased at any moment, Benthall used a computer program to save the forums posts.

Thus began Benthalls new career. A Silk Road moderator who saw that data was being copied from the forum demanded to know who was responsible. When Benthall revealed himself over an anonymous chat service, the moderator peppered him with technical questions and eventually offered Benthall $US50,000 in bitcoin to build a new site. Collaborating on an illicit narcotics bazaar while the authorities snooped around sounded like a bad idea, but Benthall was low on money. He was interviewing for a job at SpaceX, Elon Musks up-and-coming rocket manufacturer, but he didnt have an offer. He convinced himself that the Silk Road gig was just some temporary coding. At 25, I didnt understand conspiracy laws, Benthall said. I could be this nameless behind the scenes dev guy. It felt like very low risk. Jared Der-Yeghiayan, an undercover agent from the Department of Homeland Security who was part of a sting operation on Blake Benthall and the Silk Road 2.0 online black market Credit: NYT He spent the next three weeks coding what would become Silk Road 2.0, which opened a month after Ulbrichts arrest.

Benthall planned to walk away, but the moderator who had hired him offered a 50 per cent split of the profits if he continued running the sites servers. I was definitely aware that it was illegal, Benthall said. But the site received 100,000 sign-ups on its first day. It was a great feeling like, oh, people are finally using something Ive built. Then he got an offer from SpaceX to start as a flight software engineer in December. He was now doubly employed. Silk Road 2.0 grew rapidly, but Benthalls partner, later arrested and identified as a 19-year-old who lived in England, wanted out. Benthall had to choose between shuttering the marketplace or running it alone. I took over full leadership, Benthall said. Here I am, you know, suddenly in charge of the largest website selling drugs in the world, like overnight.

The work kept him up through the night, and he struggled to focus at his day job. By night he was raking in money. Silk Road 2.0 took a roughly 8 per cent cut of every transaction, so he was making as much as $US500,000 a month, part of which he used to pay a dozen anonymous users to help him with customer service. The bust Among the anonymous users whom Benthall hired to help with customer service was Jared Der-Yeghiayan, an undercover agent from the Department of Homeland Security. Der-Yeghiayan had helped investigate the original Silk Road, posing as an eager community moderator to gain the trust of Ulbricht. Now he had to do it all over again. Der-Yeghiayan knew Benthall only by his pseudonymous handle, Defcon, and he was impressed by Defcons technical acumen.

The agent burrowed into the Silk Road 2.0 operation over several months, but the breakthrough came from researchers at Carnegie Mellon University. Around this time, the researchers developed a method to expose the locations of the servers used to host dark websites that Tor had sought to obscure. Federal authorities subpoenaed their findings and were then able to tie Benthalls name to the machines hosting Silk Road 2.0. Benthall ended up working with authorities and even conducted training for the FBI. Credit: Bloomberg They put Benthall under surveillance for five months to collect more evidence. Then, on a November afternoon in 2014, as he pulled away from his house in his Tesla, three vehicles blocked him in. Federal agents emerged and put him under arrest. Der-Yeghiayan and Vincent DAgostino, an FBI agent from New York who had also worked on the original Silk Road case, led him back into his house, sat the handcuffed Benthall on his bed and got to work. During the months of surveillance, DAgostino felt as if he had a pretty good handle on who Benthall was. He didnt strike DAgostino, who previously worked the organised crime beat, as a hardened criminal.

So inside Benthalls apartment, DAgostino and Der-Yeghiayan told Benthall that they knew he was Defcon and showed him chat logs that he thought had been long deleted. They told him they had already raided his parents home in Houston and urged him to cooperate. Benthall knew he was in deep trouble. He agreed to hand over the digital keys to the site and its bitcoin wallets and huddled in his bedroom with the investigators past midnight, filling in gaps in their knowledge about how Silk Road 2.0 operated. He couldnt name names, because everyone involved was anonymous, but he did create a tool to extract data they wanted from the site. There was an immediate remorse from him, Der-Yeghiayan said, and I felt like it was genuine. Working with the Feds Benthall spent the first nights after his arrest in an Oakland jail, after a federal prosecutor, Katie Haun, argued against bail. At a hearing, a judge told him he faced a minimum of 10 years in prison. He was eventually moved to Queens Detention Centre in New York, where he would be prosecuted.

A couple of weeks after his arrival, DAgostino checked Benthall out of the detention centre and took him to a windowless interrogation room in the FBIs office near Chinatown. After handcuffing him to the desk, the agent put a laptop in front of him and asked him to provide technical help. The authorities raid on Silk Road 2.0 was the first of dozens of seizures of dark-net marketplaces. The FBI was drowning in data, DAgostino said, and needed someone with technical skills to help make sense of it. With the blessing of federal prosecutors, the investigators began discussing a cooperation agreement with Benthalls lawyer, Jean-Jacques Cabou. If Benthall assisted the government, a judge might, at some future point, grant him a more lenient sentence. Retired FBI Agent Vincent DAgostino, who was part of a sting operation on Blake Benthall and is now an investor in his new enterprise. Credit: NYT The meetings continued. Soon, Benthall was being left alone in the locked FBI interrogation room to work, the handcuffs off but needing a chaperone to go to the bathroom.

In July 2015, Benthall pleaded guilty to four counts, including narcotics trafficking and money laundering. He signed a cooperation agreement formalising his commitment to work for the government. After eight months of incarceration, Benthall was permitted to move to an apartment in Queens. He became a full-time, ankle-monitor-wearing cybercrime consultant, paid in freedom and a stipend that covered dollar pizza slices, toothpaste and subway rides. Benthall helped investigate large-scale corporate hacks, traced bitcoin transactions to try to identify criminals and even conducted a training at the FBIs office in Quantico, Virginia. A new beginning? Over the next five years, Benthall worked alongside some of the same agents who had taken down Silk Road and Silk Road 2.0. But as time went on, some of those government employees left for the private sector  more specifically, the crypto industry  as bitcoin went mainstream and surpassed $US10,000. The most prominent was Haun, the federal prosecutor who had argued against Benthalls bail. She joined the venture capital firm Andreesen Horowitz in 2018 to invest in crypto companies and raised her own $US1.5 billion fund four years later.

DAgostino, who had started out as a bitcoin sceptic, came around to the idea that it was going to change the world. He set up bitcoin-mining software at his home and eventually left the FBI to join a private security firm, offering help to companies hit by ransomware attacks. Der-Yeghiayan now works for Chainalysis, a blockchain analysis company. As the authorities around him departed, Benthall wondered how much longer he would be tethered to government service. Technically, he was out on bail, but he had not been sentenced, and there was no set end date for his penance. The COVID-19 pandemic offered Benthall a potential escape. When everyone stopped going to the office in early 2020, Benthall asked a judge if he could live and work from his parents home in Houston. The spring of the next year, hoping he had done enough, Benthall asked the court to formally sentence him for his crimes. In March 2021, he and his parents flew to Manhattan for the hearing. Benthall received the sentence he was hoping for: Time served with three years probation, during which he was required to keep working for the government, unpaid, as needed.

He needed to pay back his parents, who had dipped into their retirement funds to cover his legal bills. Benthall also had become a father while he was cooperating with the government. Loading After three job offers were rescinded, Benthall decided to start Fathom(x) in the spring of 2022. It was, he said, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to be a founder  a legitimate one, this time. Fathom(x)s pitch is simple: It will verify whether a company has the cryptocurrency it claims to have and whether its clean. Its founder sees his years of government work as enhancing his credibility. He is also pleased to have DAgostino as an investor in Fathom(x). I made the agent who arrested me, a believer in me, Benthall said. When Benthall founded the start-up, he called DAgostino for advice. The former FBI agent wanted to invest. The person Im talking to now is not the person I arrested 10 years ago, DAgostino said.
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 Australia has never seen a better year for discovering ancient Egypt, which is also the title of the show at the National Museum of Australia. Weve had the wildly successful Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs at the Australian Museum; Pharaoh, on display at the National Gallery of Victoria; and this large survey from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, which provides another good reason for visiting Canberra, alongside the Gauguin exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia. This may be as close as Australia has come to an outbreak of Egyptomania  a syndrome that has returned periodically throughout history, although its major onset occurred after Napoleons Egyptian campaign of 1798-1801. The invasion was a military failure (although Napoleon did his best to make it sound like a triumph), but it would produce the landmark series of publications known as the Description de lEgypte (1809-29). When Jean-Francois Champollion deciphered the Rosetta Stone circa 1822, teaching us how to read hieroglyphics, it opened the door to a flood of new interest from scholars, artists, writers, fashion and furniture designers. Ancient Egypt was suddenly a la mode, and the hunt for souvenirs became an industry. In the Victorian era that interest was bolstered by Amelia Edwardss best-selling travel book, A Thousand Miles Up the Nile (1877), which stimulated a new wave of cultural tourism. The big bang, however, came with Howard Carters unearthing of Tutankhamuns tomb in 1922, an event which has never lost its place in the popular imagination. Mention Egypt and most people think of Tutankhamuns golden funerary mask, its blank-eyed stare drawing us 3000 years into the past. Outer coffin of Panesy, 22nd Dynasty, about 943746 BCE at the National Museum of Australia, Discovering Ancient Egypt. Credit: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (Leiden, The Netherlands) The Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden aka the RMO) in Leiden, the Netherlands, opened in 1818, which is impressive. Its even more impressive that some items in its collection were acquired in 1620, albeit partly to make mummy powder for dubious medical purposes. The museum has more than 25,000 objects in its permanent collection, of which 200 have been allowed to travel to Australia to be shown in Perth, Canberra and Brisbane. Discovering Ancient Egypt doesnt have the showmanship of Ramses, or the extraordinary design of Pharaoh, but its an intelligent, well-chosen exhibition that tells viewers almost everything they need to know about its subject. Its also the only show that includes human mummies, for which audiences have a morbid fascination. Perhaps because of their regular appearance in B-grade horror movies, the mummies attract more attention than anything else in the Egyptian departments of museums, but the current climate is making institutions nervous. In this show, the mummies are displayed in a special area, with a cautionary sign for those who might be upset or offended at the sight of human remains. Theres even a translucent trigger warning page in the catalogue before one reaches the relevant entry.

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Am I alone in thinking this is over the top? If someone cant bring themselves to look at a bandaged figure that died thousands of years ago, one wonders how they will cope with those experiences of death, illness and personal grief that are rites of everyday life. This kind of extreme sensitivity is making it progressively harder for archaeologists to examine burial sites, a process that helps us understand much that is relevant today. Model boat, 11th Dynasty, about 20801940 BCE. Credit: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden To take an example close to home, its only through the efforts of archaeologists that Indigenous people can say theyve been here for 65,000 years, but the sacredness now invested in ancient bones means the scientists are being progressively blocked from undertaking this kind of research. It has become a huge issue to find protocols that respect Indigenous sensitivities but dont derail efforts to learn more about people and civilisations of the past. The day is not far off when mummies will be kept in storage and shown only to authorised parties. That will be a blow to ancient Egypts popularity, as they are a vital part of the story of the preparation for the afterlife that dominates every Egyptian exhibition. Its not only the elaborate sarcophagi; its the tomb paintings, the sculptures and steles; the papyrus copies of the Book of the Dead; the canopic jars in which the organs of the embalmed person were preserved; the tiny shabti figures meant to provide a workforce in the afterlife, and so on. The bulk of our knowledge of the Pharaonic period has come out of tombs, as all those items intended for use in the next world have been exhumed, collected and analysed in this one. This show has a number of spectacular, beautifully preserved sarcophagi, such as the Outer Coffin of Panesy, a priest from the 22nd Dynasty (943-746 BCE). More monochromatic than most of these coffins, Panesys face has been left in its natural wood. On the inside of the coffin lid, we find a large-scale depiction of the sky goddess, Nut. Stela of Pamaaf, Third Intermediate Period, 22nd Dynasty, about 943746 BCE. Credit: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden The inner and outer coffins of another priest, Amenhotep (21st Dynasty, 1076-944 BCE), are more glittering affairs, covered in gold paint, hieroglyphs, small images and faience inserts. A more modest version of Nut spreads large wings across the torso of the deceased. If we discount the mummies, these ornately decorated coffins are this exhibitions major attractions. They testify to the importance assigned to the preparation for life after death and the central role art played in ancient Egypt. The inscriptions on the sarcophagi, the tomb paintings and sculptures had religious and metaphysical significance. The Book of the Dead was a practical manual helping the deceased negotiate the journey to the next world. The amulets placed on the body were also magical charms.

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An unusually prolonged coastal storm has pummelled beaches from Sydney to Newcastle in the past week, causing sand dune erosion that could take years to recover.

Beaches facing south and south-east were most exposed to several days of strong southerly swells. Sydneys northern beaches were among the worst hit.

Beach and sand dune erosion in Dee Why on Sydneys northern beaches. Credit: Nick Moir

Beach erosion has damaged sand dunes at South Curl Curl and Dee Why, and eroded front yards along the Collaroy and Narrabeen waterfront. Sand is virtually non-existent under the controversial seawall built to protect multimillion-dollar homes in Collaroy.

Dr Mitchell Harley, an expert in coastal erosion at the University of NSW, said beaches from Eden to Coffs Harbour had lost sand, but the Sydney-Newcastle region had copped the brunt of the storm.
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Eating outJust open Bourke Streets slick new sushi train (driven by dining big guns) has plates from just $4.80 Two stalwarts of Melbourne hospitality, Con Christopoulos and Victor Liong, have transformed a magic restaurant space into Bossa Nova, a sushi spot with Brazilian flair. Tomas Telegramma August 2, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As featured in the September 2024 hit list. See all stories .

Con Christopoulos, one of Melbournes most respected restaurateurs, knows that Bossa Nova is an unusual name for the slick CBD sushi train hes just opened with chef Victor Liong, of the two-hatted Lee Ho Fook. But while the overarching concept is a cultural mash-up, dont expect Brazilian sushi. Bossa Nova is a sushi train and bar with a Brazilian bent. Simon Schluter Having a Brazilian name gives us permission to veer off from the whole Japanese thing and bring in bossa nova music and, of course, delicious Caipirinhas, says Christopoulos, who was inspired by the large Japanese population during his travels through Brazil. Christopoulos  also behind such stalwarts as The European and City Wine Shop  has brought Bossa Nova to life in a Bourke Street site hes had for nearly 20 years, first as cafe-bar-gallery Self Preservation, and most recently as Greek restaurant Kafeneion. Theres a bit of magic in this space, says Christopoulos. There always has been.

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Con Christopolous in his new sushi train restaurant, Bossa Nova. Simon Shcluter Above the original Self Preservation signage on the facade, Bossa Nova now glows in red neon, beckoning visitors into a familiar space with an unfamiliar showpiece: a shiny sushi train imported from Taiwan atop a solid-brass, curved-edge table dotted with 28 stools. (You can also load up a tray with plates and sit at one of the indoor or outdoor tables, if you prefer.) The sushi train sits atop a solid-brass, curved-edge table. Simon Schluter Plates range from $4.80 to $12 and, as is customary, each price has a corresponding colour. Its mostly self-service, which helps keep it wallet-friendly.

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Producing such good food at such a good price, something has to give, and thats service, says Christopoulos. Its a way to control wages  the number-one issue at the moment. Top restaurant tastemakers to change everything you thought you knew about CBD sushi trains Liong and his team are mainly keeping things classic, slicing and dicing fish in a turbocharged kitchen upstairs, then plating all sorts of nigiri and maki rolls downstairs. The key ingredient: a blend of premium yumepirika rice from Hokkaido and Australian koshihikari rice, seasoned with a vinegar mixture developed in-house. Expect several different cuts of Ora King salmon, the belly topped with grated ginger; freshwater and saltwater eel, both flame-seared; and more. We love working with local suppliers and fisheries within Australia and New Zealand, says Liong. When in season, we are looking forward to presenting local bonito and Spanish mackerel. Prices range from $4.50 to $12 per plate at Bossa Nova. Simon Schluter

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Beyond sushi  and the train  there will be several rotating a la carte specials, made to order. You might find freshly shucked Appellation oysters with bonito-vinegar jelly and ginger vinaigrette; grilled wagyu ox-tongue with yuzu relish and mustard cress; or fresh scallops served on their shell. Im being cheeky and mirroring what I love at Cons other venues, and bringing a Japanese flair to them, says Liong. The marinara pasta at City Wine Shop is a favourite. At Bossa Nova, we will do a pipis-and-clam udon with seaweed butter. And the [City Wine Shop] crowd-favourite schnitzel will come in the form of a pork katsu with very traditional accompaniments. Alongside that aforementioned Caipirinha, a lime-forward cocktail made with the Brazilian sugarcane spirit cachaca, theres an interesting edit of wines by the half-bottle, and a short-but-sweet sake list that favours approachability and affordability. Sake can be a blind spot for people, says Christopoulos. So we wanted to simplify it  and sharpen our pencil on the prices. Open Tue-Sat 11.30am-midnight

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An alternative therapy clinic in Sydneys north-west has been forced to close its doors as part of the state healthcare watchdogs crackdown on a controversial medical procedure banned by regulators in the United States.

The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission issued an interim prohibition order against the Ozone Clinic in Castle Hill while it investigates a complaint made about it by a member of the public.

Some of the services advertised on the Ozone Clinic website, which has since been deleted but is available through an internet archive. Credit: WayBack Machine

A commission spokesperson said the order was necessary to protect public health and safety but said they could not comment on the specifics of the complaint during the investigation.

This action follows the execution of a search warrant on July 25, 2024 as part of an ongoing investigation into ozone therapy practices, specifically intravenous and skin puncture procedures, the spokesperson said. Public safety is paramount when seeking alternative health treatments.
A former Catholic brother convicted of sexually abusing 35 children more than three decades ago has been jailed again.

Frank Terrance Keating was sentenced in the Brisbane District Court on Friday after earlier pleading guilty to indecent treatment and carnal knowledge charges involving children.

He worked as a teacher, then principal at the De La Salle college at Scarborough, north of Brisbane.

The 81-year-old has been convicted previously in Queensland and in Victoria for similar offences committed in that state.

Judge Paul Smith said Keating had committed a total of 63 offences against 35 children over about 20 years.
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 Archives Fine Books belongs to a different era. Behind the doors of the brick building on Charlotte Street, the tightly packed shelves, filled with thousands of old and new books, carve the generous space into narrow rows. Piles line the front counter, spilling towards the aisles. Footsteps on the wooden floorboards will likely rouse the gaze of one of the stores owners, Dawn Albinger and Hamish Alcorn, from the pages of a book. When theyre not maintaining one of the largest second-hand bookstores in Australia or pricing rare collectibles, theyre often perched among the growing collection with a title in hand. Archives first owner, Emmanuel Meschers, is credited with the sign promising One Million Books. Credit: Markus Ravik With every passing year, the store becomes more remarkable for the newcomer walking in, Hamish says. People from all over the world walk in and go: Oh my god, Ive never seen anything like this.

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Its old, Dawn adds, but its charming. The husband and wife owners are sitting in the stores back annex, an expansive room that was part of a printing press in the 1920s. Emmanuel Meschers, the man credited for the sign out front promising One Million Books, founded Archives Fine Books in 1985. Hamish worked briefly for the next owner, before taking over in 2008. When the opportunity came up, I kind of begged and borrowed, he says. Hamish and Dawn first met in 1986 while working at La Boite Theatre on Hale Street. They were friends first  lovers and business partners later. Credit: Markus Ravik The charm of Archives Fine Books is not just in the history of the John Mills Himself building, or the magnitude of its collection  from literature and fantasy, to religion, law and philosophy. Spend an hour or two absorbed in the owners story and youll find it has all the makings of a classic. Love and destiny. Survival and perseverance. Courage.

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It was a pretty maverick journey, before I got the job here, Hamish says, planting his bare feet on the floor. Born in Mackay, Hamish moved to Brisbane when he was five. Hes been a beekeeper and a cab driver, and holds a degree in classics. I spent a fair amount of time either unemployed or unemployed in the winter while I was beekeeping in the summer, he says. That was 15 years of my life. As bookstore owners, there have been many storms to weather. But Dawn and Hamish have no regrets having followed their bliss. Credit: Markus Ravik Dawn was born in Philadelphia and grew up all around the place thanks to teacher parents, before settling in Brisbane. I kept leaving and coming back, she says.

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Hamish and Dawn are deep thinkers, invested from young ages in the arts and creative pursuits. They first met in their early 20s while working at La Boite Theatre on Hale Street. They describe heady days, ignited by the political climate of the 80s. It was a very alive time in the arts because there was something to push against, Dawn says. Everything felt very deeply meaningful ... we felt very young and free. That is partly why I fell in love with Brisbane at that point. Hamish still remembers the first time he saw Dawn. She was on stage and I was in the sound box. You came out and did a speech, he says, turning to her, and I thought you looked absolutely effing gorgeous. That first meeting came a year after Archives opened. It would be many years  and a marriage each  before they reconnected and became its custodians.

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[Hamish] quite literally asked me on the phone: Can you imagine living in Brisbane again?  Dawn says. I imagined Id come back and make theatre. The store seduced me. Hamish Alcorn and Dawn Albinger at their bookstore, Archives Fine Books, in Brisbanes Charlotte Street. Credit: Mary-Paula Ibrahim This storys happy ending was not guaranteed. Hamish took over the business in August 2008, a few months before the global financial crisis hit, with ebooks and Kindles already reshaping the publishing industry. That process of everyone pulling in their belts simultaneously ratchets technology, Hamish says. Thats when a lot of bookshops started dying. Several CBD stores, including Borders and Mary Streets Folio Books, have closed since, some immediately after the crisis, others when COVID hit. If we were straight business people, we would have abandoned this long ago. Our accountant told us it was a passion project, Hamish says, laughing.

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Billions of dollars in federal funding Victoria wants for the Suburban Rail Loop has been held up for almost two years because the state government has refused to hand over crucial details to Infrastructure Australia to make sure the project stacks up.

The peak infrastructure body criticised the original business case it was given in August 2022 and a month later asked for detailed costs of each section of the rail loop, the most likely cost-benefit ratios for each stage, the overarching strategic plan for the project, and information about how the state expected to generate funding through value capture.

Premier Jacinta Allan has overseen the Suburban Rail Loop project since its inception. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

But newly uncovered emails show the state government has repeatedly ignored Infrastructure Australias attempts over two years to get those details. When The Age asked Premier Jacinta Allans government about it, her office did not explain why the information had not been provided.

The inability of Infrastructure Australia to get answers casts doubt on more than $11 billion the state government wants to help fund the $35 billion first stage of the rail project. The Albanese government has repeatedly said that funding is contingent on the project being assessed by infrastructure bureaucrats.
Rachel Burns (Rants + raves, July 20) refers to the impact of inadequate meal services on her husbands type-1 diabetes when travelling. I believe someone who travels with a life-threatening chronic condition must prepare their own nutrition and not expect airlines to manage this vital health aspect.

Lisa Lashansky, Elsternwick, Vic

Arrivals pall

If theres a plus side to the new ultra-inefficient immigration system that greets you when returning to Australia from your overseas trip, its that the eternal waiting time is a good opportunity to chat to your fellow passengers to agree that our arrival system is the worst in the world. How can we get it so wrong? First, the signage is poor and my daughter and I witnessed many tired overseas tourists with young children getting in the wrong queue, only to be told they werent eligible to go through the e-gates due to their party having a child under 10. Secondly, we had to complete questions at a kiosk before being allowed to go through a further electronic barrier. For those of us who are eligible for the e-gates, we often wait behind the more digitally challenged who struggle to complete the questions at the first electronic kiosk, further adding time. Surely, these questions could be asked ahead of time, as they do in Singapore. After the thrill of getting through immigration and seeing your bags do their third loop of the carousel, another long customs queue awaits where we are barked at by not-so-friendly staff to have our paper documents ready. There is at least some friendly banter while waiting in this second line when a young backpacker, not so fresh from an overnight flight from Bali remarks: It [the queuing] makes you not want to go on holiday.

Pru Clements, Parkdale, Vic

Shining light
Washington: In the span of a few frenetic and unforgettable weeks, Donald Trump has narrowly avoided an assassination attempt and then accepted the Republican presidential nomination, President Joe Biden abandoned his re-election bid after imploding on a debate stage, and Vice President Kamala Harris secured enough support to become Trumps new challenger.

The buzz surrounding Kamala Harris is reminiscent of Barack Obamas history-making 2008 campaign. Credit: Bloomberg

While a Harris victory is far from assured, the shift in energy and enthusiasm is palpable, reminiscent of Barack Obamas history-making 2008 presidential campaign.

Whether Bidens 59-year-old vice president can convert this honeymoon period into sustained momentum is yet to be seen  particularly in the critical rust belt battleground states that will decide the election: Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

As Americas oldest president now knows only too well, politics is a fickle and brutal business, where fortunes can change overnight, and the only thing you should expect is the unexpected.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. The captain of the Uzbekistan Airways aircraft, operating the Istanbul-Samarkand flight, requested an emergency landing at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Trend reports.

The reason for this was a sudden deterioration in the health of one of the passengers.

All airport services were brought to a state of full readiness to respond promptly to the situation.

The Airbus A320 successfully landed at Baku Airport at 18:45 local time. The passenger was immediately given first aid. After his health improved and with his consent, the passenger continued the journey to his destination.

The aircraft departed from Baku to Samarkand at 21:07 local time.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. Azerbaijani supplies open up additional opportunities for Slovenia's gas diversification, Slovenian Minister of the Environment, Climate, and Energy Bojan Kumer said today in Ljubljana, commenting on the start of Azerbaijani gas supplies by SOCAR on August 1, Trend reports.

"I believe that this and future agreements will foster long-term, successful cooperation not only between our two companies but also between our two countries," he stated.

The minister highlighted that Slovenia has been actively diversifying its natural gas supply routes.

"This has enabled us to secure and reliably supply natural gas to Slovenia for the upcoming winter," Kumer added.

The minister emphasized that Azerbaijani supplies, as a key strategic partner for the EU, provide Slovenia with an important opportunity to further diversify its gas sources.

Kumer also mentioned that during his visit to Baku on July 17, 2024, alongside Azerbaijani Energy Minister Perviz Shahbazov, an agreement was reached to explore new avenues for cooperation between companies from both countries.

"We have identified new areas for collaboration, including hydrogen, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy sources," he noted.

On August 1, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) began gas supplies to Slovenia. These supplies are in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, signed on July 17 this year, which aims to expand cooperation in the gas sector between SOCAR and Geoplin, Slovenias largest natural gas company.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on approving the model regulations on tourist and recreational zones and amending several decrees and orders of the President of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

According to the amendments, the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan is the central executive body implementing state policy and regulation in the field of tourism, including the activities of tourist and recreational zones and the protection of historical and cultural monuments located in the territories under its jurisdiction.
800 mn People lifted out of poverty due to Indias digital revolution: UNGA chief





NEW DELHI :

DENNIS Francis, President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), has highlighted the contribution of mobile phones and digital banking services in India in lifting 800 million people out of poverty. Addressing the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations on Accelerating progress towards Zero Hunger for the current and future generations, Francis gave Indias example while explaining the change that technology and innovation can bring in the lives of people from developing countries. India has been able to lift 800 million people out of poverty over the last five or six years simply by the use of a smartphone.

Rural farmers in India, who never had a relationship with a banking system, are now able to transact all their businesses on their smartphone, Francis, a seasoned diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago, told the gathering. They pay their bills and they receive payments for orders... 800 million people lifted out of poverty because there is a high level of internet penetration in India and almost everyone has a cellphone, he added. The UNGA President then went on to speak on closing the gap between the developed and developing countries of the world with respect to technology and innovation. The playing field is not levelled. This is, in fact, an important descriptor of the distinction between the Global North and Global South. Rather that gap being closed, we are witnessing it being widened, he mentioned.
ELIMINATION





THE elimination of Hamas supreme leader Ismail Haniyeh in air-strikes in Iran has triggered a serious chain reaction in politics -- and terrorism. Though Israel has not said a word about the elimination of the Hamas leader, every possible party to the Middle-East situation suspects that the air-strikes were masterminded and conducted by the Jewish country. Hence the Iranian vow to avenge the killing since it took place on its soil and also since Iran has been a sponsor of terrorism of various kinds for a long time. The possibilities, therefore, cannot be denied that in the wake of the Ismail Haniyeh killing, a series of counter-strikes on Israel may take place and cause pretty severe damage -- not just of life and property, but also to the reputation of Israel as an invincible power in Middle East. The details of the air-strikes that claimed Ismail Haniyehs life will, of course, come out soon. But it is not beyond reason to understand why the current conflict has taken place and is continuing despite several measures to calm things down. Those details apart, it is obvious that it was Hamas that originally provided the trigger to Israel to act tough and attack Hamas strong-holds at every possible place in MiddleEast.

The elimination may cause a little dent into the terrorist group Hamas. But soon, some other leader would come in and represent the Hamas interests. The hostility, thus, will continue, no matter the diplomacy, threats and counter-threats. Recent events have proved the conflict will get intensified all the more -- causing worry around the world for right reasons. The trouble with Islamic terrorism and extremism is that its proponents often trigger conflicts as part of their global strategy to keep up hostilities with other civilisations. What political or non-political purpose will terrorism serve is not known to possibly anybody in the world. Yet, terrorism has almost come to be symbolised as an activity undertaken by Islamic groups -- targeting other civilisations. The question is not of a popular theory of clash of civilisations etc; it is of the purpose the Islamic terror masterminds have in their mind while inflicting upon the larger world a senseless violent activity. When the Hamas attack took place almost without any obvious provocation, those who knew international realpolitik sensed trouble to erupt and continue for long with major consequences.

The elimination of Ismail Haniyeh is one of the markers of the trouble. It is more than clear that the current hostilities would not end unless there is a logical solution to the problem of Islamic terrorism often sponsored by regimes in different countries with ample resources and little commitment to larger global good. Cornered by all those negative forces, Israel has often felt compelled to act back in the toughest possible manner. The current air-strikes and other action are the outcome of that existential compulsion which the Islamic world is unwilling to consider. If the hostilities were to be stopped, then a complete cessation of terrorist activity also must take place -- which nobody is willing to guarantee. If the Islamic terror outfits continue with their activities, and expect Israel to keep bearing the brunt all the time without retaliation, then such an expectation is lopsided and would not serve any purpose. Unfortunately, thanks to various political pulls and pushes, some world powers also play a blow-hot-blowcold game all the time. Such politics often acts as a trigger to trouble -- which should now become a matter of serious global consideration. The killing of Ismail Haniyeh is a natural outcome of continued hostilities triggered mostly by the Islamic terror eco-system -- which cannot be forgotten.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. The US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs, Yuri Kim, has taken an incorrect stance on the right of return and discriminated against Azerbaijanis during the "US Role for a New Regional Order in the South Caucasus" event, which was organized by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace last week, the Western Azerbaijan Community said, Trend reports.

It is noted that, while discussing the right of return for Armenians who voluntarily left the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, Kim did not address the right of return for Azerbaijanis who were forcibly expelled from Armenia. This omission is viewed as discrimination against Azerbaijanis on ethnic and religious grounds. Such a stance by the US official contradicts the principle of equal rights and impedes peace and reconciliation in the region.

The community also highlighted that a letter sent to US Secretary Antony Blinken last April regarding the right of return for Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia remains unanswered. Instead of making divisive statements, Yuri Kim should address this letter, which falls within her responsibilities, according to the community.

"Reaffirming its commitment to international law norms and principles, the Western Azerbaijan Community will continue its resolute efforts to secure the right of return for Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia and to restore their damaged cultural heritage. The community demands that the US government cease its ethnic and religious discrimination regarding human rights issues and respect the right of return for Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia," the statement reads.

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Hamas Military Chief Mohammed Deif killed in July 13 strike, confirms Israel





JERUSALEM :

THE Israeli military said on Thursday that it has confirmed that the head of Hamas military wing, Mohammed Deif, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza in July. Israel targeted Deif in a July 13 strike that hit a compound on the outskirts of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, but the military said for weeks it was working to determine if he died in the blast. Hamas has denied he was killed. More than 90 other people, including displaced civilians in nearby tents, were killed in the strike, Gaza health officials said at the time. In a statement Thursday, the Israeli military said that following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas. The Israeli confirmation came a day after an apparent Israeli airstrike in Tehran killed Hamas top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh. Israel has not confirmed or denied being behind the attack, but Iran has vowed retaliation. Along with Deif and Haniyeh, Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas top leader in Gaza, Yehya Sinwar, but he has so far remained elusive. Israel says Sinwar and Deif were the masterminds of the October 7 attack in which Hamas-led militants rampaged in southern Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and taking some 250 others hostage.
Niyojan Bhavan faces fire NOC heat





By Sagar Mohod :

Fire Deptt turns down PWD request for NOC on the eve of DPC meeting, issues notice for not knowing procedure Maiden meeting of DPC at Niyojan Bhavan today Niyojan Bhavan that had been awaiting formal inauguration, is the brainchild of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. A meeting of District Planning Committee (DPC) is scheduled here before Assembly election on August 2. The Ground-2 building is located in the Civil Lines area, at the erstwhile Panchayat Samiti office. During his stint as Chief Minister, Fadnavis had sanctioned the proposal from District Collector for a DPC building so that all meetings could be held here in a proper environment. Now, a supervisory committee has also been constituted by the MahaYuti Government for scrutinising proposals that are forwarded to the DPC. So, the Niyojan Bhavan would be quite useful in future.

Niyojan Bhavan, the swanky new building for District Planning Committee (DPC), is set for inauguration on Friday sans mandatory clearance from Fire and Emergency Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). The Bhavan is set to host maiden meet of DPC to be chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Devendra Fadnavis post its formal inauguration. As per rules, any new multistoried building requires mandatory occupancy certificate along with No Objection Certificate (NOC) for fire installations and the fire exits. The Public Works Department (PWD) that constructed the Niyojan Bhavan woke-up to realisation about NOC from Fire Department on eve of its inauguration. The building was ready since last few months and one wonder why PWD officials waited so long to seek mandatory clearances. Till filing of the report, Fire Department did not accord its NOC to PWD's application as same was in contravention of laid down rules.

As per sources, the agency nominated by PWD approached Fire Department on Friday for NOC to Niyojan Bhavan. For Fire Department officials it was a shocker since this was first time anyone had come for NOC directly whereas the rules state that the move comes post querry from Town Planning Department of NMC. A builder or agnecy first applies to Town Planning seeking occupancy certificate and before that NOC from Fire Department is sought. For the same, Town Planning forwards the file for occupancy certificate with a covering letter. Only after green signal from Fire Department further clearences are accorded.

Though PWD officials made a last minute dash for NOC from Fire Department, same was not fruitful as latter referred to rules. So the Niyojan Bhavan is readied by PWD for the maiden meet of DPC. As per information with The Hitavada, the PWD-appointed agency sought NOC from NMCs Fire and Emergency Department on Thursday, a day before the first meeting at the place. It is learnt the officials of Fire Department turned back the agency stating that the application was not as per the prescribed laid-down norms. The officials also issued notice to the agency as to why its licence should not be suspended for not knowing the rules for seeking fire NOC, it is learnt from sources. Prior to providing NOC, the developer of new building has to submit necessary documents as to affixing of necessary and compulsory fire fighting equipment. Also the applicant also lists the fire fighting arrangements in place in the building. Post application, the Fire Department team goes for spot inspection of new buildings to satisfy that all the necessary fire fighting equipments are properly in place.

Also the equipments have to be as per laid-down specifications. It's strange that PWD which is an apex agency in the State is oblivious of rules. Niyojan Bhavan is a three-storeyed building meant exclusively to house Planning Department and for holding regular meets of DPC. Normally, DPC meets are held at either Bachat Bhavan in Collectorate compound and a full-fledged meet chaired by Guardian Minister is held at Deshpande Hall. When The Hitavada contacted Abhijeet Kuchewar, Executive Engineer, PWD, Division No. 1, Nagpur, to ascertain the facts he claimed that there was no requirement for buildings having height of 15 to below 24 meters. Since Niyojan Bhavan is having less that 24 meters height as per rules there is no need for clearance from Fire Department of Local Self Government authority, he claimed.

He, however, admitted that the PWD did apply for NOC as it was unaware of the rules. Kuchewar also claimed that PWD has got the mandatory occupancy certificate from Town Planning, NMC. When Kuchewar was further pressed for clarification he said the matter should be clarified from Electrical Wing of PWD. B P Chandankhede, Chief Fire Officer (CFO), NMC, was firm that rules are same for all and there cannot be any two sets of norms, one for commoners and other for Government Department. On the contrary, as per UDCPR rules only, building having height of 15 to 24 meters do require NOC from Fire Department. And if PWD officials are clear about non requirement of NoC, then CFO wondered why all the builders are approaching Fire Department for clearances.
Police solve Sagars triple murder mystery





Our Correspondent

Sagar,

As suspected, the triple murder in Sagar was committed by the deceaseds brother-in-law. Vandana, wife of Vishesh Patel, her two daughters Anvika and Awanti, were brutally killed on Tuesday night at Nepal Palace, Sagar, by Pravesh, who is brother-in-law of deceased. The triple murder case rocked the city and since the beginning police and family members were suspecting Pravesh. He was angry after his sister-in-law Vandana had taunted him. He first attacked her with a sickle, the elder daughter came to save her mother. The accused then attacked the minor girl with sickle repeatedly 7-8 times until she died and then he killed Vandana. Then he entered the bedroom where the younger daughter was crying, he smashed her head with a stone.

He hid his blood stained clothes in the kitchen and wore his elder brothers clothes. He tried to show the murder as a loot incident and took out cash, ornaments from the cupboard and then fled away. He was helped by his friend to sell the ornaments stolen by him. Police have arrested both the accused. Murder accused Pravesh Patel (30), his friend Prakash Patel (27) have been arrested. Pravesh was in PWD Department and posted in Damoh. Police have recovered clothes of his elder brother, doormat, stone, sickle, gold necklace, four silver bangles, Rs 10,000 cash and Scooty. Prakash was not directly involved in murder but he helped Pravesh in selling the ornaments. The accused confessed to police that on July 30 at around 5 pm he reached his elder brother Visheshs house at Nepal Palace. His sister-in -law Vandana, two niece were at home. His elder brother was at work.

The accused then demanded money from her. She said that due to him, their progress is getting hampered as he is regularly taking money from his brother. Pravesh got enraged and pushed Vandana, then he brought a sickle and attacked Vandana and his nieces with it. He changed the clothes washed blood stains and fled away with cash and valuables. Then he met his friend and with his help he sold the ornaments, paid Rs 97,000 to Prakash as loan and went back to Damoh. He then reached his in-laws house at Sarsadi village. Police reached there and arrested him. He misled police and after strict interrogation he confessed of his crime.

Police are making detailed investigation to find whether some more were involved in the crime and helped him in the triple murder. Police informed that murder accused was habitual of online gambling, betting and hence was under debt. He got a job in PWD after the demise of his father on compassionate grounds. Since last three years he was in job and two years back he got married. Vishesh, his elder brother, had cleared his debt of Rs 9 to 10 lakh and still he was angry with his brother.
President Xi Jinping calls for hi-tech smartsystem to bolster Chinas border defence





BEIJING :

CHINESE President Xi Jinping has called for greater use of technology and the deployment of a smart system for border defence to meet new opportunitiesandchallenges, amidst Beijings unresolvedlandandmaritime territorial disputes with its neighbours. The instructions were made during a group studysessiononTuesday attended by the Communist Partys 24-member Politburo, its top policymaking body. Xi highlighted the need to strengthen technological empowerment in border defence, enhance the development of new methods and conditions for border, maritime, and air defence, and build a comprehensive and smart management and control system,HongKong-based South China Morning Post reported on Thursday.

This aligns with Xis repeated calls to improve the use of advanced technology in the armed forces to meet modernisation goals by 2027 and achieve the goal of building a world-class military by 2050. Tuesdays meeting lacked details about what the smart systems would entail,thePostreportsaid. However, an article published last year in the PLA Daily, the official newspaper of thePeoples Liberation Army, said technological advancements for border defence included modernised reconnaissance, surveillance, and early warning networks for efficient monitoring, as well as unmanned weapons incorporating AI. Xi called for efforts to build a strong, stable, and modern border defence, as well as air and sea defence, to safeguard the countrys national security and interests.

As the world undergoes a century of acceleratingchanges, the influencing factors have become increasingly complex. The constructionof border, maritime, and airdefence faces new opportunities and challenges, Xi said. China is facing tensions onmultiple fronts, including themilitary standoff with India ineasternLadakhsinceMay2020after Chinese troops aggressivelymoved closertotheLAC. Since then, the two sideshave so far held 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the stand off.Thet wosidesso far agreedtodisengage from four points, namely theGalwan Valley, the PangongLake, Hot Springs, and JiananDaban (Gogra) in easternLadakh. India is pressing thePLA to disengage from theDepsang and Demchok areas, maintaining thatthere cannotbe the restoration of normalcy in its relations with Chinaas long as the state of the borders remains abnormal.
Rains wreak havoc in HP, Ukhand, Bihar





NEW DELHI :

29 killed in three States due to cloudburst, rains and lightning

FIVE people were killed and about 50 missing following several incidents of cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh where rains washed away many houses, bridges and roads, officials said on Thursday. Twelve people, including three of a family, were killed and six injured in heavy overnight rains that triggered flooding and house collapse as several rivers swelled in Uttarakhand, officials said. In Bihar, Twelve people were killed by lightning strikes across four districts in the last 24 hours. The state emergency operation centre said the cloudbursts took place in Nirmand, Sainj and Malana areas in Kullu, Padhar in Mandi and Rampur in Shimla districts.

The local Meteorological office has issued a red alert of heavy to extremely heavy rains along with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in three districts of Kangra, Kullu and Mandi on Thursday. Water gushed into many homes in Dehradun besides leaving the roads heavily waterlogged at various places in the city
Shocker from Indore Children take legal action against parents for restricting them to watch TV and mobile!





By Bhavana Aparajita :

Shukla Excessive watching on TV and mobile by their children have become common concern in many households, but in Indore a unique and controversial case is being registered as children have taken legal action against their parents for restricting their access to television and mobile devices. The children went to the police station to lodge a complaint. The complaint led to charges under the Juvenile Justice Act, citing excessive scolding and physical discipline concerning the use of mobile phones and television by the children.

Police filed an FIR against the parents. The matter became so complicated that it reached the High Court and Indore Police imposed a section with a punishment of 7 years. The case, which could potentially result in a seven-year sentence for the parents or fine, is currently under judicial review after reaching the Madhya Pradesh High Court. At present, an interim stay has been imposed on the case. The case is registered at Chandan Nagar Police Station of Indore. A 21-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son who reached the police station and made complaint against their parents. Police lodged an FIR against them. The High Court has put an interim stay on the trial started against the parents in the district court. Children are currently residing with their aunt, following their FIR against their parents.
Turmoil in Balochistan





Sir,

Since Pakistan came into being in 1947 that nation has treated its biggest province Balochistan as a colony.Hence this province is again on boil. The last few days have brought tensions in this mineral rich region. Pak authorities are using brute force to stop peaceful protest rally. This has inflamed already volatile situation. Those in power have no realization of the seriousness and gravity of situation.

Thousands of people from across the province have gathered in Gwadar , protesting not only against enforced disappearances but also for their democratic rights. Many marchers have been detained and roadblocks placed in many parts. However determined protesters have foiled all administrations efforts. Angry protesters have brought life to halt in all major towns. Anti-establishment protests have spread to the large part of province.The scale of atrocities and brutality committed by Pakistani troops against their fellow Muslim brothers is appalling to say the least.

Satish B Marathe
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. Armenia continues its policy of mine terror and does not abandon its actions that threaten the lives and health of people even after delimitation, the Azerbaijani Ombudsman's Office told Trend.

"Three civilians and one serviceman were injured today in Gizilhajili village of the Gazakh district after landmines buried by Armenia exploded. The settlement on the delineation of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, agreed on April 19 of this year, stipulated the return of this village to Azerbaijan.

We reiterate that the lack of accurate mine maps from the Armenian side seriously impedes the safe return of former internally displaced persons to their lands, their right to live in a healthy environment, the delimitation process, and the ongoing rebuilding and construction work in the region.

The international community must pressure Armenia to provide accurate mine maps to our country rather than remain silent about the Armenian mine terror," said the ombudsman's office.

Previously, the Prosecutor General's Office, State Border Service, and Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) released a joint statement following the mine incident.

"As a result of the incident, a warrant officer from the Border Service, Khayal Ahadli, and ANAMA employee Afig Mehdizade sustained leg injuries from an anti-personnel mine explosion while performing demining duties. The agency employees, Elchin Alakbarov and Yavar Mirzayev, received shrapnel injuries. The injured were immediately hospitalized, and their lives are out of danger," the statement said.

The statement highlighted that the Shamkir Military Prosecutor's Office and the Gazakh District Prosecutor's Office, along with the assistance of a forensic prosecutor, are conducting an examination of the scene and performing other essential procedural actions.

An investigation into the incident is underway by the prosecutorial authorities, the joint statement added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. The submission of the parliamentary election candidacy documents to the district election commission in Azerbaijan has ended, Trend reports.

In fact, the ball started rolling for the submission of the documents required for a candidate on July 13.

To note, on June 28, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree dissolving the sixth convocation of the Azerbaijani Parliament and scheduling a snap election for September 1.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. The New York Times has published an article by correspondent Hannah Beech entitled Olympic Surfing Comes to a Poisoned Paradise.

Nuclear tests in French Polynesia have caused serious health problems for people living in the region.

From 1966 to 1996, France conducted 193 nuclear tests in French Polynesia. These tests were conducted on the atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa and created a serious danger for local residents. The impact of the tests was manifested not only at the moment of the direct explosion, but also in long-term radiation exposure.

Hannah Beech's article talks about the negative consequences of France's nuclear tests in French Polynesia, in particular, points out the extent of the damage caused to the population of Teahupo'o, located on the island of Tahiti, where the Olympic surfing competitions will be held in 2024. The article talks about the health consequences of nuclear tests for local residents, including minors, and how the French government has historically mitigated the health risks associated with nuclear testing.

It is noted that despite the fact that 50 years have passed since the July 1974 nuclear tests that resulted in high levels of radiation, the people of Teahupo'o are still struggling with the severe consequences of nuclear testing. Despite the fact that surfing competitions are currently taking place at the French Olympics, the region bears the marks of a painful history of radiation exposure.

The article details the health problems of the locals due to nuclear testing, including high rates of cancer and its negative effects. It is emphasized that the French government, responsible for the spread of radiation in the area, has created bureaucratic barriers to providing promised compensation to the population, who are still fighting to receive it.

According to one of the local municipal leaders, Roniu Tupana Poare, while the people of Teahupo'o are proud that France, the host of the Olympics, is bringing surfing to their area, they also feel resentment towards France for the pain caused by nuclear testing.

After decades of neglect by France, in 2010 the French government began the process of paying compensation, acknowledging the harmful effects of nuclear testing. However, the lack of support due to the bureaucratic process left those who applied frustrated. In the first years, only 11 victims were approved. After a wave of discontent, in 2023 only 108 people were officially declared radiation victims, but this is only a fraction of those affected by radiation. Polynesian officials estimate that about 10,000 people were exposed to high levels of nuclear radiation. But researchers say about 110,000 people were directly affected, with about 90 percent of the population exposed to nuclear radiation in the 1970s.

The article notes that the historical events surrounding nuclear testing were covered up by France, leaving today's youth with little information about the risks of past tests and their effects.

One of the sisters of the mayor of Teahupo'o, Ms Poare, who was diagnosed with cancer, was among those who applied for compensation. But Ms Poare says France's recognition of her as a victim does not cure her. While she is glad that the Olympic surfing competitions took place in Teahupo'o, she has said that she hates France because of the health problems that have periodically plagued her family.

Construction work ahead of the Olympics has caused extensive damage to coral reefs and wetlands.

A study has been conducted into the harmful effects of the tests at Mururoa and Fangataufa on the eastern edge of French Polynesia, and when French President Emmanuel Macron visited the area in 2021, he acknowledged that the state "owed" French Polynesia 193 nuclear tests. Representative of the Assembly of Polynesia Heinui Le Caille noted that justice is needed not only for the islands of French Polynesia affected by these events, but also for the Pacific Ocean as a whole.

President of French Polynesia Moetai Brotherson said that four members of his family had died from diseases caused by radiation. Out of fear that radiation could leak into the soil, his grandfather was buried in a lead-lined coffin. He noted that although the tests had been suspended, people were still dying from these complications, and the French state must take responsibility.

Founder of the Tavini party and former President of French Polynesia Oscar Temaru led the complaint against France at the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. And he calls French Polynesia a victim of nuclear colonization. For this reason, he stressed the importance of achieving freedom.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. Four men who got caught in a mine incident are now in the emergency department of the Central Hospital of Azerbaijan's Gazakh district, nursing their wounds, a source in the Administration of the Regional Medical Divisions (TABIB) told Trend.

'The persons born in 1995 and 1998, who sustained leg injuries from the mine explosion, were placed in the intensive care unit of the medical facility after receiving the necessary medical assistance. The condition of both injured individuals is assessed as moderate.

The other two persons, born in 1989 and 2002, who were diagnosed with multiple shrapnel wounds in various parts of the body, received first aid in the emergency department and were discharged from the hospital as their condition is assessed as stable," the source explained.

Landmines laid during Armenian occupation exploded today in Gizilhajili village, which was returned to Azerbaijan by Armenia on the basis of an agreement on the delimitation of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border reached on April 19, 2024.

"As a result of the incident, warrant officer from the Border Service Khayal Ahadli, and ANAMA employee Afig Mehdizade sustained leg injuries from an anti-personnel mine explosion while performing demining duties. The agency employees - Elchin Alakbarov and Yavar Mirzayev received shrapnel injuries. The injured were immediately hospitalized, and their lives are out of danger," the joint statement of the country's Prosecutor General's Office, State Border Service and Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) said.

The statement highlighted that the Shamkir Military Prosecutor's Office and the Gazakh District Prosecutor's Office, along with the assistance of a forensic prosecutor, are currently conducting an examination of the scene and performing other essential procedural actions.

An investigation into the incident is underway by the prosecutorial authorities," the joint statement added.

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32nd Manipur Shooting Competition from August 17

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IMPHAL, Aug 2 : The 32nd edition of the Manipur Shooting Competition 2024 is scheduled to commence from August 19 under the aegis of the Manipur Rifles Association at the association's shooting range.

The competition will be held in strict adherence to the latest NRAI rule published in March this year, said Manipur Rifles Association in a statement.

Shooters intending to take part in the competition may avail further details from the competition director at Manipur Shooting Range in Taothong from 10.30 am to 3 pm, it added.


BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. The International Energy Agency (IEA) will convene an International Summit on the Future of Energy Security in the second quarter of 2025, Trend reports via the IEA. .

Hosted by the UK government in London, this summit aims to assess the current and future risks to the global energy system and identify solutions and opportunities to address them.

The summit will explore the geopolitical, technological, and economic factors impacting energy security at both national and international levels. It will provide a platform for global decision-makers and key stakeholders to review the trends reshaping global energy security.

Key topics will include shifts in energy demand, supply, and trade; the adoption of clean and efficient energy solutions; the availability of essential minerals and metals for clean energy technologies, such as wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and battery storage; and investment strategies during the transition away from fossil fuels.

This summit is set to be a pivotal event for addressing the evolving landscape of energy security and fostering collaboration among global leaders.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol pointed out that the global energy crisis delivered a sobering reminder to countries around the world on the importance of energy security and its implications for economies.

From its founding 50 years ago, the IEA has been a leader in safeguarding energy security and anticipating emerging risks. As the nature of energy security evolves amid looming threats, the IEA will continue to do all it can to ensure uninterrupted access to energy at affordable prices while honouring global climate commitments, he added.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Indo-Naga peace talks : Nine years of FA and still floundering

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Notwithstanding insurmountable challenges in the face of geo-political uncertainties, the ongoing peace talks requires amicable conclusion under current Naga leadershipNgaranmi ShimrayIn 1997, the Indo-Naga Ceasefire brought about a measure of calm in the States of Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The willingness of both parties, India and NSCN, to search for peace through talks and dialogue was received by the Naga public with great hope and expectations. Countless parleys conducted year after year yielded the FA (Framework Agreement) on 3rd August 2015 which is regarded as a precursor to final peace settlement. But contrary to expectations the FA, instead of smoothening the process to the finale, has ruffled the feathers of both parties leading to different interpretations of specified competencies. Ultimatum set by then Interlocutor Mr RN Ravi, when he was the Governor of Nagaland, resulted in hardening of stance on the issues of a Flag and Constitution (Yehzabo) for the Nagas. The peace effort has completed 27 years with no end in sight. At the current rate of progress, the quest for peace will most likely be passed on to younger generation as the older ones fade away with age. But herein lies the risk of the peace talks faltering and taking a turn for the worst as the younger leaders may lack the forbearance and patience unlike their older generation.Historical decisions of political significance have always been taken by the Central Government when a single political party enjoyed single party majority to form the Central Government. The Congress could resolve the Mizo insurgency in Lushai Hills with the Mizoram Accord and the student agitation with the Assam Accord when it had majority in Parliament. Similarly, under a single party majority Central Government in the 17th Lok Sabha, the BJP removed the special provisions for Jammu & Kashmir by abrogating Article 370. Peace agreements are political in nature and require single party majority in Parliament to push Constitutional amendment and force the partners to fall in line with the majority party. The 18th Lok Sabha has produced a coalition Government and it is becoming doubtful if the Naga Peace talks can be concluded during the term of this Parliament.Given the acrimonious political climate in the country with a resurgent Opposition alliance, the likelihood of any historical decision under a coalition Government is becoming slimmer.The by- elections to 13 Assembly seats in seven States held after the 2024 Parliamentary elections resulted in the Opposition parties winning seats from States ruled by BJP. The combined Opposition parties won 10 seats while 3 went to BJP. These results, albeit a little early for sweeping conclusion, seems to indicate that the BJP is losing steam and coalition Governments are here to stay.If the coalition Government trend continues, the Indo-Naga Peace Talks may see no end in sight for a few more general elections and change of guards to younger leadership would become a certainty. No one can predict how the younger leadership will deal with the peace negotiations. Only time will tell whether a pedestrian pace of peace effort will be tolerated by younger leadership and snapping of patience of youthful leadership cannot be ruled out. If this happens, the North Eastern region will slip into conflict and it will be the saddest day in the history of the region. The break down of talks would deter militant organisations thinking of peace talks with the Government of India to shy away as the sincerity and credibility of the Central Government would be seriously dented.Consider the J&K quagmire for a moment. In August 2019, decision was taken to abrogate Article 370. On 31st October 2019, Jammu & Kashmir was downgraded to a Union Territory with legislature and Ladakh was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and made a separate Union Territory. However, elections to J&K UT are yet to be held as the LG (Lieutenant Governor) of J&K is still grappling with law & order problems. On a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution the Supreme Court has already ruled that the State of Jammu and Kashmir does not have internal sovereignty different from other States of the country and upheld as valid the exercise of Presidential power to issue Constitutional order abrogating Article 370 of Constitution. Given the three contentiousissues which have bogged down the Indo-Naga peace talks, the demands of the Naga peace negotiators, which is similar to those removed from erstwhile J&K State, will be contentious and continue to be challenging for the negotiators.The Naga peace negotiations have been long and exhausting, but given the changed political climate of coalition Government at the Centre, the stalemate is likely to continue.There is also the risk of one of the negotiating party pulling out unilaterally from the ceasefire agreement. This will have dangerous consequences for the North Eastern region, currently impacted by the geo-political upheaval inneighbouring Myanmar and the aggressive stance of China over Arunachal, and should not be allowed to happen.The task ahead for negotiators of the Indo-Naga Peace Talks, notwithstanding the insurmountable, difficult and torturous challenges, begs for serious consideration of both parties for renewed efforts to find a solution.They should not allow 27 years of negotiations to be wasted. It is, therefore of the utmost importance that earnest efforts have to be made by both parties to find a solution under the current Naga leadership by building consensus with different political parties in Parliament.It will be befitting for both negotiating parties to celebrate and reaffirm their commitment to the Framework Agreement on the 3rd of August 2024 and vow to work with an accommodative spirit by both sides to find a peaceful settlement as early as possible.
The Chitranjali Campus Film Society, Raja Narendralal Khan Womens College (autonomous), in association with the Federation of Film Societies of India (eastern region) and Midnapore Film Society, successfully organized a three-day Indo-Bangladesh Bangla Film Festival from 29 July to 31 July.

The festival was inaugurated by eminent filmmaker Atanu Ghosh, whose insightful speech on truth, reality, and cinematic representations captivated the audience. The inaugural event was also graced by the presence of Premendra Mazumder, vice-president of FFSI, Sankar Pal, joint general secretary of FFSI and Satyajyoti Adhikari, general secretary of Midnapore Film Society.

Dr. Jayasree Laha, Principal of Raja Narendralal Khan Womens College expressed confidence that the festival would inspire students, researchers, and academics to delve deeper into film analysis and appreciation.

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Dr Soumyadeep Chakraborty, Secretary of Chitranjali Campus Film Society, highlighted the critical and aesthetic value of the five films screened during the event: Binisutoy, Iti Tomari Dhaka, Maya, Pap Punyo, and Beauty Circus. He noted that these films opened new avenues for the audience to critique and understand the contemporary cultural climate globally.
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The mayor of Asansol Municipal Corporation (AMC), Bidhan Upadhyay has distributed guppy fish to kill the larvae of the mosquitoes as the cases of malaria and dengue increased alarmingly in the state.

The latest victim of malaria is a person from Behala and in the past six months more than two hundred people have suffered from malaria and two of them have died.

The monsoon has just peaked in south Bengal and it is feared that in the coming days the dengue and malaria cases will further increase.

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We have distributed one lakh guppy fish to be dropped at the permanent and temporary water bodies, spread over the 106 wards of the Asansol Municipal Corporation to kill the larva of the mosquitoes, said Mr Upadhyay.

The AMC has also directed its sanitation department staff to remain alert and regularly spray insecticide and bleaching powder and not to allow storage of water in the localities.

The Asansol Municipal Corporation handed over the guppy fish at an event today. Amarnath Chatterjee, chairman and deputy mayor, Wasimul Haque were also present.

The civic body is also in touch with the authorities of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in Sanctoria, IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) of Sail in Burnpur and the Divisional Railway Managers Office in Asansol so that these respective central government organizations also maintain and clean their townships to prevent spreading of dengue and malaria in the Asansol region.
A coal mine of the Eastern Coalfields Limited of Coal India, operating 200 metres below the surface, has topped the country in question of safer mining and has been awarded by the Director General of Mines Safety. The ECL operates within the Raniganj Coalfields, where the county first recorded coal extraction in 1774 by two Britishers.

The Shyamsundarpur colliery, under the Bankola Area of ECL, bagged the topmost position in the category Coal Belowground Large at the Mines Safety Awards (MSA) 2024 held recently at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata.

Samiran Dutta, chairman-cum-managing director, ECL and Niladri Roy, director (technical), ECL were handed over the award by Prabhat Kumar, director general, DGMS.

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The Shyamsundarpur mine, as Roy said, Currently operates Coal excavation works from nearly 200 metres depth below the surface and has a reserve of around 40 million tonnes. The underground mine has a capacity to produce 1.59 million tonnes annually.

The Mines Safety Awards (MSA) 2024 was a national-level event designed to promote best practices and enhance safety in mining operations across the country. It has been initiated by All India Mines Safety Association (AIMSA) under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) along with Coal India Limited.

The underground mines operational for at least six months during the contest year is considered to have difficult mining conditions and satisfies certain technical conditions like, working degree III gassy seam, having longwall faces worked for at least six months, having mechanized development, having depillaring workings with thickness of extraction greater than 3.6 metres and, working seam having a gradient of 1 in 3 or steeper.

The Chinakuri coal mine in ECL, incidentally is the deepest underground colliery in the country. The mine operates 613 metres deep. The ECL, having 55 operational mines, had planned to produce 51 million tonnes in 2023-24 and now has set a goal for capacity addition of further 20 million tonnes by 2028, the senior officials said.
A section of Siliguri residents has expressed their unhappiness over a few administrative decisions. The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) has been demolishing encroachments and illegal constructions along main roads, while the Siliguri Metropolitan Police (SMP) has launched a special drive against unauthorised e-rickshaws (totos), on main roads in Siliguri and adjoining areas.

The SMCs plan to clear pavements and unauthorised structures on high drains along roadsides, where many street vendors do business, follows instructions from chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Interestingly, councillors and members of the mayor in-council from the Trinamul Congress have started protesting against the ongoing eviction drive due to pressure from the street vendors.

Over the past few days, hawkers with TMC party flags have held protest rallies, demanding rehabilitation and have prevented SMC officials from continuing the eviction drive. Today, despite the presence of police, SMC officials had to retreat from the Mallaguri area, near Darjeeling More.

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Reacting to the protests, mayor Goutam Deb told the media that the eviction drive was in line with state government policy, which must be executed through dialogue with the agitators. Meanwhile, SMP has launched a special drive against unauthorised totos from Bagdogra to Siliguri to reduce road congestion.

A group of four-wheeler cab drivers and owners has been protesting against unauthorised totos, claiming they hamper their business. A clash ensued between toto drivers and cab drivers. Today, these toto drivers expressed their unhappiness over the decision to stop their operations. Conversely, a group of Siliguri residents alleged that some toto drivers were involved in crimes, though the SMP officially announced that these were just rumours and warned against spreading them.

With upcoming festivals like Durga Puja, the SMP has constituted combat forces to monitor crime in Siliguri. Police commissioner C Sudhakar informed the media about plans to closely monitor crime-prone zones and other areas through a recently developed and well-equipped CCTV network. Notably, Siliguri police stations have thwarted organised crimes by apprehending armed criminals in various areas over the past few weeks.
The state health department has decided to set up a seven-storied state-of-the-art Institute of Neurosciences on 17, Convent Road in the eastern part of the city.

The finance department has already approved around Rs 59 crore for the civil and electrical constructions of the seven-storey building and two electrical sub-stations inside the project premises. The institute will be operational for patients ahead of Assembly elections in the state, scheduled in 2026.

Dr Aniruddha Neogy, special secretary, medical education research and training (MERT) at Swasthya Bhaban on Thursday has written to the principal of the Calcutta National Medical College Hospital (CNMCH) informing him about the administrative clearance of the project.

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The institute, which is hardly one kilometre away from CNMCH, will be kept under the administrative control of the teaching hospital in terms of patient-care services and academic activities, its learnt.

According to the letter, the finance department has given its nod to release funds in three financial years, 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27 respectively. In the first phase, Rs 7 crore will be given while for the second phase, Rs 35 crore have been allotted. The rest of the amount will be distributed in the third and final phase in 2026-27, the letter stated.

The state PWD will be the implementing agency for the construction of the project.

With regular surge in number of patients suffering from different neurological disorders and head injury cases, caused mainly in road accidents, the state government has decided to build the Institute of Neuroscience equipped with all kinds of hi-end treatment facilities and skilled human resources like experienced specialists in neuro-medicine and neuro-surgery.

The sole state-run Bangur Institute of Neuroscience (BIN), attached with the SSKM Hospital, is overcrowded, with a huge rush of patients from across the state. Patients rush will be reduced once the new institute on Convent Road becomes operational and we hope that it will be functional for patients by April 2026, Dr Neogy told The Statesman today.

Nothing has been decided on how many indoor beds will be there in the new hospital. PWD will start the construction work soon, he added.

Besides the existing state-run BIN, a premier private hospital for neuroscience at Mullickbazar in the city caters to patients of neurological ailments.

The BIN, which can accommodate around 250 beds, is too overburdened to give proper and prompt treatment to patients.

It takes a minimum couple of months to get dates of neurological investigations like EEG, CT scan, MRI etc at the BIN, a senior teaching doctor of the institute said.
A fresh controversy over MGNREGA has arisen after hundreds of vendors, who have supplied materials, staged a protest near Uttarkanya, the branch secretariat in Siliguri today.

Vendors from eight districts of north Bengal rallied, intending to march to Uttarkanya to demand payments pending since 2020.

When the police prevented them from marching, they staged a protest in the nearby Fulbari area. With police assistance, a delegation submitted a memorandum to an official at Uttarkanya.

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According to the vendors, nearly Rs 5 crore in payments is pending in each district since the financial year 2020-21.

The agitators have announced that if they do not receive a positive response from the state government, they will march to Nabanna, and eventually to Delhi to demand the pending dues.

Speaking to reporters, Abhijit Biswas, a leader of the North Bengal MGNREGA Vendors Association, said, We are on the brink of extinction as the government has not yet cleared payments for materials supplied for the 100-day job scheme. Since 2020, payments have not been made by the government. In each district, at least Rs 5 crore is due.

We have been caught in the middle of the ongoing blame game between the central government and the state government. The Centre blames the state for the lack of a proper utilization certificate, while the state government alleges that the Centre has stopped funding the 100-day job scheme, Mr Biswas added. As the state government has made payments to 100-day job cardholders from its own sources, why should vendors be deprived of their legitimate claims?

Mr Biswas also disclosed that they had supplied several items as materials, including bricks, sand, cement and iron rods.
Indias seafood exports have increased from Rs 46,662.85 Crore in 2019-20 to Rs 61043.68 Crore in 2023-24 registering a growth of 30.81%, said Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada in a reply in Rajya Sabha.

As per the data shared by the MoS, in 2023-24, 182.70 lakh tonne marine products were produced out of which, 18.19 lakh tonnes were exported.

Internal targets are used for monitoring purpose only, and have been fixed at USD 7.86 billion for 2024-25, he stated.

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He highlighted that the reduction in import duties on various ingredients /inputs for manufacture of prawn and shrimp feed/fish feed announced in Budget 2024-25 will make Indian seafood-based value-added products more competitive in international markets and help in increase of exports.

The reduction of import duties include from 15% to Nil on Fish lipid Oil & Algal prime (flour), from 5% to Nil on Krill meal, Mineral and Vitamin Premixes, from 30% to Nil on Crude Fish Oil, from 15% to 5% on Prawn and shrimps feed and fish feed, from 30% to Nil on pre-dust breaded powder.

The Government has also increased the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) from 2.5% to 3.1% for various seafood products and with maximum value cap per kg increased to Rs. 69.00, which will also encourage export of such products.

Since 2020-21, the Department of Fisheries has approved proposals to the tune of Rs 1283.47 crore for development of cold chain infrastructure under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) which includes construction of 586 cold storages, modernization of 78 cold storages/ice plants and 26588 post-harvest transportation facilities.
BJP workers of Delhis North West district staged a protest outside Asha Kiran Home against the death of 13 children highlighting the poor state of the shelter home in Rohini.

The protest was led by senior MCD councilor Rekha Gupta and saffron party leader Satya Narayan Gautam.

Gupta claimed that crores of rupees were allocated by the Kejriwal Government to the home shelter, but the funds must have been misused.

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She said there was nothing in the name of facilities inside this shelter as the children are being supplied with dirty water through tankers. No ambulance facility is available to take them to the hospital.

She further stated that there is no nutritious food available, which is why the children are dying one after another.

On Friday, BJP leaders visited the shelter home to inquire about its state of affairs, but the officials of Asha Kiran Home and the Kejriwal Government did not allow them to meet the mentally challenged individuals, she added.

She asked what exactly is going on inside this shelter that is being hidden from the people of Delhi.
The Delhi BJP on Friday submitted its a complaint to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleging a scam in the desilting of drains in the city asking the probe agency to investigate the same.

A Delhi BJP delegation led by Deputy Leader of Opposition in Assembly Mohan Singh Bisht, including media head Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Councilor Sandeep Kapoor and office secretary Brijesh Rai visited the CBI office and filed a complaint signed by Rai, demanding an inquiry into the alleged desilting scam by Delhi Governments Irrigation Department, PWD, Delhi Jal Board and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

The complaint is for alleged offences under the Prevention of Corruption (PC Act), with respect to the works carried out towards desilting activity, cleaning of small and big drains.

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The complaint alleges that accumulation of water on roads when it rains is normal, but here in Delhi this year even 15 to 30 mins of rain left roads waterlogged for hours.

The Delhi BJP on Thursday had alleged a scam of hundreds of crores of rupees in the works of desilting of drains in Delhi by the state governments agencies and demanded a CBI into the matter.

State unit president of the saffron party Virendra Sachdeva has alleged that corruption of Delhi government and MCD was responsible for the deaths of three civil services aspirants, who died in the Old Rajinder Nagar basement flooding incident.

BJP leaders including Bisht and Brijesh Rai have said that its shameful to see Delhi inundated in 10 mins of rain.

They claim that from the study its clear that state government departments have not sent even a single truck of drain silt to any of the dedicated landfill site.

Meanwhile, the AAP has said that questions raised by BJP were old and added that it was the Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj who had asserted for an audit of the desilting work, to be done by a third-party.
Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi, on Friday, ordered a magisterial inquiry into the reported death of 14 inmates at the Asha Kiran shelter home, run by the government in Rohini here.

In a note to the ACS, Revenue, Atishi said, Today, I have come across a news report about the 14 deaths since January, 2024, in the government home for the mentally challenged (Asha Kiran) located at Rohini, Delhi. These deaths reportedly occurred due to health issues and malnutrition which indicates lack of availability of requisite facilities to the inmates.

It is very shocking to hear such bad news in the capital city of Delhi. We cannot tolerate such lapses, if found true, she said.

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Stating that this is a very serious issue, the minister said this needs to be thoroughly investigated in order to take hard steps to revamp the whole system to improve the conditions of all such homes to provide better facilities to the inmates.

She directed the ACS to immediately initiate a magisterial inquiry into the whole matter as reported in the news report and submit a report on the same within 48 hours.

The Minister asked the official to recommend action against those whose negligence has caused these deaths measures to be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.
In a significant development, crime branch of the Delhi Police arrested a social media influencer wanted in connection with an armed robbery that took place in July last year, the police said on Friday.

The arrested accused was identified as Saad, who had been evading arrest for the past year and was finally apprehended in the Darya Ganj area of the national capital.

The robbery that targeted a collection agent in Meena Bazar, Jama Masjid involved Rs 14 lakh. According to the police, the victim reported the matter to the Kotwali police station on July 17, 2023 complaining that he was robbed by four persons at gunpoint.

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Later, an FIR under sections 392/397/34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertain to robbery and the acts committed by several persons in furtherance of a common intention, was registered.

During investigation, the local police identified the four accused, including one juvenile. While three of the accused were apprehended, Saad remained absconding.

A breakthrough in this case came when a team from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Crime Branch received a tip-off about Saads whereabouts. Based on this, a trap was laid by the cops at Darya Ganj, resulting in his arrest.

During interrogation, he confessed to his involvement in the robbery and revealed that he and his associates had been monitoring individuals collecting cash from shopkeepers in Meena Bazar. They planned the crime, arranged for a country-made pistol, and executed the robbery.

Saad, despite his criminal activities, gained popularity as a social media influencer. He had a significant following on TikTok, with 1.5 lakh followers, before the platform was banned in India. Subsequently, he transitioned to Instagram, where he currently has around 18,000 followers.

His online persona is in stark contrast to his real-life involvement in criminal activities, including past incidents of snatching while he was a juvenile.

He was born and raised in Delhi and was educated up to the 10th grade.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. In a strategic move to bolster Georgia's financial landscape, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is investing $150 million in TBC Bank, the nation's largest bank, Trend reports via the IFC.

This investment aims to significantly improve access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and strengthen the country's burgeoning climate finance market.

The 2023 World Bank Group's Enterprise Surveys highlight that access to finance remains a significant hurdle for smaller businesses in Georgia. Addressing this challenge, IFC's funding will be directed entirely towards TBC Bank's SME clients, with half of the amount specifically allocated for renewable energy and energy-efficient SMEs. This initiative is expected to help avoid up to 30,000 tons of CO2 equivalent annually by 2028.

This financial boost from IFC is set to expand TBC Bank's SME and climate finance portfolios. Moreover, the project aims to reinforce Georgia's climate finance market by promoting best practices in sustainable lending.

Since 1995, IFC has played a crucial role in fostering private sector growth in Georgia. The corporation has provided around $2 billion in long-term financing across 62 projects in various sectors, including financial services, agribusiness, manufacturing, and infrastructure. This includes nearly $1 billion mobilized from partners. Additionally, IFC has supported over $394 million in trade through its trade finance program and executed several advisory projects focused on private sector development.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Veteran actress Dimple Kapadia was a naive teenager when she fell in love with superstar Rajesh Khanna and they tied the knot. An old interview of the Tenet actress has resurfaced where she reminisced about her marriage with the Amar Prem star and how her filmy and naive nature left her disappointed. The Bobby star revealed that she had expected Rajesh Khanna to sing Mere Sapno Ki Rani for her atop a mountain, but when it didnt happen, she was taken aback.

Sharing this adorable anecdote in an interview at FICCI FLO Jaipur Chapter a few years ago, Dimple disclosed that because she was such a filmy kid, she genuinely believed that Rajesh Khanna ji would sing Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu. She thought the legendary star would take her to the mountains and sing. Laughing as she shared the incident, she revealed she was quite young and heavily influenced by movies.

Expanding on the story, the actress added, I swear I am not lying because I was so young. And there was such an impact of the movies. So when we reached the mountains and there was no song, no gust of wind, I was in a bad state because my dream was shattered. Because I seriously believed it. I mean, how dumb can you get? But well, that was me.

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Reminiscing about their first meeting, Dimple detailed how they met during the same interview, recounting their meet-cute which resembled scenes from films. Recalling the encounter, Dimple mentioned meeting Rajesh Khanna shortly after signing her blockbuster debut film Bobby opposite Rishi Kapoor, when she was just 15 and he was significantly older. She recalled they were both on a flight to Ahmedabad for an event, and they happened to sit next to each other. So, he sat next to me, and I was looking at him. Very cleverly, I told him, There will be a lot of crowd there, will you hold my hand? He said Yes, of course. I asked, Forever? I was very filmy and yeah, the rest is history. It happened.

Dimple Kapadia, who reminisced fondly about her love story with Rajesh Khanna, also described the role of Mrs. Rajesh Khanna as the best role of her life. After their marriage, Dimple took a break from films. Although they separated after 8 years, they never divorced. They have two daughters, Twinkle and Rinke Khanna. In the same interview, the star also revealed that she got her debut role because of her leprosy.
The trailer of the awaited Jio Cinema series, Shekhar Home was unveiled on August 1. The series is poised to premiere on the streaming platform on August 15 and has been headlined by the celebrated actor Kay Kay Menon who is known for his roles in Haider, Special OPS, and The Railway Men. The series is inspired by Arthur Conan Doyles works featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes.

In the slated series, while Menon will play the high-functioning sociopaths role who is at once eccentric and brilliant, Ranvir Shorey will play his sidekicks role, Dr Watson. The duo will be joined by Rasika Dugal and Kirti Kulhari in key roles. The 6-episode show is produced by BBC Studios Productions India with Rohan Sippy and Srijit Mukherjee directing the project.

Set in the early 1990s in the fictional town of Lonpur, West Bengal, the series will follow eccentric genius Shekhar Home, (Kay Kay Menon) and his middle-aged bachelor partner in solving crimes, Jayvrat Sahni (Ranvir Shorey). Together the duo embarks on an exhilarating journey solving crimes blending Homes deduction powers with Sahnis medical prowess.

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Catch the thrilling trailer here:

In a statement, the cast members reflected on their roles and the upcoming show, teasing netizens about what the series will hold. Talking about the slated release, Kay Kay Menon revealed that he was instantly drawn to the character and the shows narrative. He said, Shekhars character took me back to the good old days. I re-lived the memories of the time when social media was not even a thing. After reading the script and analysing this role, I was drawn to the complexity of unravelling mysteries.

He added that the series isnt just about solving crimes, but also about exploring the intricacies of human nature in all its aspects- ranging from love and loyalty to betrayal and deceit. Playing Shekhar was a pure delight for the actor who is excited to bring the role to his fans.

On the other hand, Mirzapur fame Rasika Duggal expressed her delight over starring with the talented actors. Talking about her role, she said that her character, Iraboty, is a force to reckon with, she is a strong, determined woman driven by the quest for justice. Iraboty has a compelling journey and the dynamic between Shekhar and Iraboty has added a layer of intrigue to the show. The detective and Irabotys bond will evolve through shared challenges and discoveries, bringing to the front the glimpse of a partnership that will go beyond solving the case.

Meanwhile, Kirit Kulhari shared, Shekhar Home is one of those rare scripts that grab hold of you from the very first readyou instantly know you must be a part of it. It seamlessly blends mystery with humour, creating a narrative that resonates across a wide spectrum of audiences.

The tantalizing trailer of the upcoming series has piqued fans curiosities as it promises to deliver a thrilling ride with its narrative.
Matt Damon, known for his long-standing partnership with Ben Affleck, is now teaming up with Casey Affleck, Bens brother, for a new comedy film titled The Instigators. The movie, directed by Doug Liman, centers around a comedic heist plot set in Massachusetts, hometown to both Damon and the Affleck brothers.

At the New York premiere of The Instigators, Damon expressed his excitement about working with Casey, emphasizing their deep-rooted friendship and shared history. The two actors, who grew up together in Cambridge, Massachusetts, first gained acclaim for their roles in the Oscar-winning film Good Will Hunting over two decades ago.

This collaboration feels like coming full circle, Damon shared. After 43 years of friendship, being able to work together on something we loveit just doesnt get any better than that.

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The chemistry between Damon and Casey on screen has been noted by director Doug Liman, who compared it to iconic pairings like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Liman highlighted how their real-life camaraderie adds depth to their on-screen performances.

While Damon has a storied history of collaborations with Ben Affleck, including notable films like Good Will Hunting and The Last Duel, The Instigators marks a fresh opportunity for Casey to step into the spotlight supported by his brothers production efforts.

Liman, reflecting on the casting decisions, noted Caseys chance to shine independently: This project allowed Casey to showcase his talent without any overshadowing. Its clear how much Ben supports his brothers career.

The Instigators promises to blend humor with hometown nostalgia, offering audiences a new perspective on Damon and Casey Afflecks dynamic both in front of and behind the camera. As the film gears up for release, fans can anticipate a comedic caper infused with the authenticity of lifelong friendships and familial support in Hollywood.
Two children died of food poisoning and twelve others have been hospitalized in the Udhampur district of Jammu.

Two of them in a serious condition have been sent to the medical college hospital here for treatment.

Officials said they had consumed food in a marriage party in the Satyalta village of Ghordi block of the district three days ago after which they showed symptoms of diarrhea and started vomiting.

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They were initially rushed to the Ramnagar hospital and were subsequently shifted to the hospital at Udhampur where the medical authorities said that two children were brought dead.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur said that 14 persons, most of them children, had reported to the Associated Hospital Government Medical College Udhampur with complaints of loose motion and diarrhea.

A preliminary investigation suggests food poisoning as the likely cause of the tragic incident.

An inquiry has been initiated to thoroughly probe the matter. Under the direction of the DC Udhampur, a team has been constituted to visit the site and conduct a detailed investigation.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the development of 8 important National High Speed Corridor projects with a length of 936 km at a cost of Rs 50,655 crore across the country. Implementation of these 8 projects will generate an estimated 4.42 crore mandays of direct and indirect employment. The 6-Lane Agra  Gwalior National High-Speed Corridor: The 88-km high-speed corridor will be developed on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) mode as a fully access-controlled 6-lane corridor at a total capital cost of Rs. 4,613 crore. Advertisement

The project will supplement the existing 4-lane National Highway to increase the traffic capacity by more than 2 times in the Agra  Gwalior section of the North South Corridor (Srinagar  Kanyakumari).

The corridor will enhance connectivity to key tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh (e.g., Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, etc) and Madhya Pradesh (e.g., Gwalior Fort, etc). It will reduce the distance between Agra and Gwalior by 7 per cent and the travel time by 50 per cent, thereby bringing in a substantial reduction in logistics cost. The 6 lane access-controlled Agra- Gwalior greenfield highway will be starting from design km 0.000 (near village Deori in district Agra) to design km 88-400 (near village Susera in district Gwalior) in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh including the overlay/strengthening and other road safety and improvement works on existing Agra-Gwalior section of NH-44. The 4-Lane Kharagpur  Moregram National High-Speed Corridor: The 231-km 4-lane access-controlled high-speed corridor between Kharagpur and Moregram will be developed in Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a total capital cost of Rs 10,247 crore.

The new corridor will supplement the existing 2-lane National Highway to increase the traffic capacity by about 5 times between Kharagpur and Moregram. It will provide efficient connectivity for traffic between states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh etc. on one end and the North-Eastern part of the country on the other.

The corridor will enable reduction in travel time from existing 9 to 10 hours to 3 to 5 hours for freight vehicles between Kharagpur and Moregram, thereby reducing logistics cost. The 6-Lane Tharad  Deesa  Mehsana  Ahmedabad National High-Speed Corridor: The 214-km 6-Lane High-Speed Corridor will be developed in Build  Operate  Transfer (BOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs 10,534 Crore.

The Tharad  Ahmedabad corridor will provide connectivity between two key National Corridors in the state of Gujarat, viz., Amritsar  Jamnagar Corridor and Delhi  Mumbai Expressway, thereby providing seamless connectivity for the freight vehicles originating from industrial regions of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to the major ports in Maharashtra (JNPT, Mumbai and newly-sanctioned Vadhavan port).

The corridor will also provide connectivity to key tourist destinations in Rajasthan (e.g., Mehrangarh Fort, Dilwara Temple, etc.) and Gujarat (e.g., Rani ka Vav, Ambaji Temple, etc.). It will further reduce the distance between Tharad and Ahmedabad by 20 per cent and the travel time by 60 per cent, thereby improving logistics efficiency. The 4-lane Ayodhya Ring Road: The 68-km 4-lane access-controlled Ayodhya Ring Road will be developed in Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a total capital cost of Rs 3,935 crore. The Ring Road will reduce congestion on National Highways passing through the city, viz., NH 27 (East West Corridor), NH 227 A, NH 227B. NH 330, NH 330A, and NH 135A, thereby enabling fast movement of pilgrims visiting the Rama Mandir.

The Ring Road will also provide seamless connectivity to national and international tourists arriving from Lucknow International Airport, Ayodhya Airport and major railway stations in the city. The 4-Lane Section between Pathalgaon and Gumla of Raipur-Ranchi National Highspeed Corridor: The 137-krn 4-lane access-controlled Pathalgaon  Gumla section of Raipur  Ranchi Corridor will be developed in Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a total capital cost of Rs 4,473 crore to complete the whole corridor. It will enhance connectivity between mining areas in Gumla, Lohardaga, Raigarh, Korba and Dhanbad and industrial and manufacturing zones located in Raipur, Durg, Korba, Bilaspur, Bokaro, and Dhanbad. The 4-Lane Pathalgaon-Kunkun- Chhattisgarh/Jharkhand Border-Gumla-Bharda section of National Highway-43 will be starting from end point of National Highway-130A near Turua Ama village and ending at Chainage 82+150 of Palma-Gumla Road near Bharda village as part of Raipur-Dhanbad Economic Corridor. The 6-Lane Kanpur Ring Road: The 47-km 6-Lane Access-Controlled section of Kanpur Ring Road will be developed in Engineering, Procurement and Construction Mode (EPC) at a total capital cost of Rs 3,298 crore.

This section will complete the 6-lane National Highway Ring around Kanpur. The Ring Road will enable segregation of long-distance traffic on the key National Highways, viz., NH 19  Golden Quadrilateral, NH 27  East West Corridor, NH 34 and upcoming Lucknow  Kanpur Expressway and Ganga Expressway from the city-bound traffic, thereby improving logistics efficiency for freight travelling between Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. The Six-Lane Greenfield Kanpur Ring Road will be starting from Design Chainage (Ch.) 23+325 to Design Ch. 68+650 (Length = 46.775 km) with Airport Link Road (Length = 1.45 km). The 4-Lane Northern Guwahati Bypass and Widening/Improvement of Existing Guwahati Bypass: 121-km Guwahati Ring Road will be developed in Build Operate Toll (BOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 5,729 Crore in three sections viz., 4-lane Access-Controlled Northern Guwahati Bypass (56 km), widening of the existing 4-lane bypass on NH 27 to 6 lanes (8 km), and improvement of existing bypass on NH 27 (58 km). A major bridge over river Brahmaputra will also be constructed as a part of the project.

The Guwahati Ring Road will provide seamless connectivity to long-distance traffic plying on National Highway 27 (the East West Corridor), which is the gateway to the North-East Region of the country. The Ring Road will ease congestion on major National Highways around Guwahati, connecting major cities/ towns in the region  Siliguri, Silchar, Shillong, Jorhat, Tezpur, Jogighopa, and Barpeta. The 8-Lane Elevated Nashik Phata  Khed Corridor near Pune: 30-km 8-Lane elevated National High-Speed Corridor from Nashik Phata to Khed near Pune will be developed on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) at a total capital cost of Rs. 7,827 Crore. The elevated corridor will provide seamless high-speed connectivity for traffic originating from/ heading to industrial centers of Chakan, Bhosari etc. on NH-60 between Pune and Nashik. The corridor will also alleviate serious congestion around Pimpri-Chinchwad. The 8-Lane Elevated Flyover at Tier  1 on Single Pier including Upgradation of Existing Road to 4/6 Lane with 2 Lane Service Road on both sides of Nashik Phata to Khed will be completed on (Pkg-1: from km 12.190 to km 28.925 & Pkg-2: from km 28.925 to km 42.113) section of NH-60 in the state of Maharashtra.
The Bihar government has divested IAS officer Sanjeev Hans of the charge of Principal Secretary of the Energy Department and shifted him to the General Administration Department (GAD).

The state governments move came on Thursday, days after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated an investigation into the charges of disproportionate assets against him.

The ED recently conducted raids at Hans residences in Patna, Delhi and Pune.

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The 1997 batch IAS officer, who was also Chairman cum Managing Director of the Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited, is also accused in a rape case.

IAS officer Sandeep Poundrik, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Industry Department, has been given the additional charge of the posts held by Hans.
The death toll in the devastating landslides that hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai in the Wayanad district on Tuesday morning touched 339 on Friday as the Army, NDRF and navy personnel recovered more bodies. However, the official count stands at around 200. With nearly 300 persons still missing the death toll is expected to go up.

It has been reported that the thermal scanner of the Army detected the presence of life under the debris in Mundakkai. An Army official told the media that the thermal scanner detected a signal of breathing during the search. A shop was located on the spot where the signal was received. It is suspected that either a human or an animal could be trapped there. Army and NDRF personnel have intensified the search on the spot. A medical team has also moved to the place.

On Thursday, the fourth day of the rescue operations in landslide-hit Wayanad, four people, who were living in isolation in a house near the disaster area, were rescued by the Army. Two women and two men were found in a house in Patavettikunnu. Johnny, Jomol, Abraham and Christy were rescued from Kanjirakat. The search team found them at their house in Patavettikun.

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On Thursday, 40 teams were carrying out search operations in Mundakkai and Churalmala region, dividing the search area into 6 zones,in a more planned manner. The first zone is the combined area of Attamala and Aaranmala. Mundakkai is the second zone, Punjirimattam is the third zone, Vellarimala Village Road is the fourth zone, and GVHSS Vellarimala is the fifth zone. The banks of the river are the sixth zone.

The search operation is being carried out jointly by the Army, NDRF, DSG, Coast Guard, Navy, and other departments. Each team will consist of three local people and one forest department employee. In addition, the search operation will continue within the 40-kilometer radius of the Chaliyar River police station limits.

Forest Department officials, on Thursday, rescued a man and his three children of a family trapped in the forest near Soochipara waterfall. They were rescued after an eight-hour long mission. Knowing that some people belonging to the tribal colony are trapped, the forest department officials went to Eratkund Colony and saved them. It was a very adventurous trip. It was difficult to reach the colony at the foot of Soochipara Falls, Range Officer K. Ashif said.

Of the bodies recovered so far, some have been found in the Chaliyar river, which flows into the neighbouring Malappuram district. The river carried around 173 bodies, or rather parts of human bodies mutilated by the vengeful landslide, for around 25 km to Pothukallu near Nilambur in Malappuram district. 60 bodies and 113 body parts were recovered by rescuers from Chaliyar River in the last four days. The DNA of the body parts has been taken.

Meanwhile, the Kerala government ordered eight police stations adjoining the Chaliyar River in the Malappuram district to muster teams of local scouts and divers to recover the bodies of Wayanad landslide victims washed downstream by the swollen Iruvanjippuzha river adjacent to the disaster zone.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Friday, ICUs are ready in Wayanad hospitals to provide intensive care to those rescued from the disaster areas.

Hospitals including Manjeri Medical College and Kozhikode Medical College, which can be reached by airlift, have also been set up to provide treatment for those who have been rescued, she said

Veena George said so far, the postmortem procedures of 199 dead bodies have been completed. Apart from this, DNA samples of body parts were also taken. She also said that a Mental Health Disaster Management team has been formed in Kerala to provide psychosocial support to survivors of the devastating landslide at Wayanad.

Meanwhile, the Army has completed the construction of a 190-m-long Bailey bridge over Chooralmala river by Thursday afternoon, to connect Chooralmala to Mundakkai. A team from the Madras Engineer Group, also known as the Madras Sappers, was engaged in the construction. This bridge is helping to speed up the rescue operations. More machinery, including excavators meant for the rescue operations could be moved through this bridge. It is after a gruelling day and night of tireless efforts that the Army successfully constructed the 190-foot-long steel bridge, designed to withstand heavy rains and floods.

In this connection, a viral photo on social media has become a powerful rebuttal to those who doubt womens contributions to rescue operations. The photo features Major Sita Shelke, a woman army engineer, standing triumphantly on the Bailey bridge constructed by the Army at Mundakkai following a landslide. As the photo went viral on social media, it brought recognition to Major Shelkes leadership in building the crucial bridge, showcasing her pivotal role in the rescue operation.

Six canines of the Kerala Police and the Indian Army came in handy in the search operations held at Chooralmala and Mundakkayi. In the past two days alone, two cadaver tracing dogs of Kochi city police helped authorities trace as many as six bodies hidden in the debris.

Kerala Police canines  Murphy, Maya and Maggi  on Wednesday helped in tracing four bodies from the debris. Murphy and Maya are of Belgian Malinois breed and Maggie is of Labrador Retriever breed.

The Army flew in three canines from Remount Veterinary Corps (RMC), Meerut, for the search operation. Jackey, Dixy and Sara are of Labrador Retriever breed. They helped in tracing a body in Mundakkayi on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Congress MP M Shashi Tharoor sought the landslides to be declared as a calamity of severe nature. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he said this would facilitate urgent assistance from MPs to the affected areas.
Reacting to Yogi Adityanaths fulminations in the state assembly on Thursday, Akhilesh Yadav wanted to know the reason behind the sudden emotional outburst of the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.

In his address in the Assembly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, I have not come here to do a job. If I wanted prestige, I would have got it in the math. We have come to change the system. Whoever commits any wrong will suffer the consequences.

In a post on social media platform X on Friday, the Samajwadi Party president said that the question is who has hurt his reputation.

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Why is Delhis anger vented on Lucknow? The question is who harmed his reputation? Why such indirect attacks. Is anyone behind it, he asked.

Earlier, the ruling BJP had witnessed rumblings in its cadre after Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya issued a statement in the BJP Working Committee that the organisation was bigger than the government. His statement reflected the differences that have cropped up with the BJP after its debacle in the Lok Sabha polls.

However, before the monsoon session of the legislature in UP, both the deputy chief ministers along with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the media and the infighting seems to have ended for the time being.
Demanding the withdrawal of the controversial Nazul Land Bill passed by the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav claimed on Friday that the Bill is inhumane.

This Bill is against the people and is going to destroy their homes. It should be taken back immediately, he demanded in a statement here.

He said that people are already struggling to find livelihoods, and now the BJP wants to take away their houses as well.

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The BJP takes pleasure in hurting the people. Ever since it came to power, people have been struggling for livelihood and employment, and now the party wants to take away their houses as well, he alleged.

The SP president said some people might have the choice of two locations, but not everyone is like them. What will the BJP gain by destroying inhabited houses? Will the BJP make people homeless for the land mafia? he stated.

Akhilesh Yadav said, If the BJP feels that this decision is right, we challenge them to implement it across the country because Nazul land is not only in UP but throughout the nation.

He said, The SP demands that the inhumane Nazul Land Bill be withdrawn forever.

The controversial Nazul Land Bill was passed by the state assembly despite protests from ruling BJP members.

However, on the proposal of BJP MLC and state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, the Bill has been referred to the select committee of the state legislative council.
Stating that there was no systemic breach in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024, the Supreme Court on Friday said the National Testing Agency (NTA) should avoid flip-flops in conducting the exams and mishaps orchestrated by it was a luxury students cannot afford.

Pronouncing the detailed judgement on pleas seeking cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 over allegation of paper leak and malpractices which has already been rejected on July 23, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud heading a bench also comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra said, The NTA must avoid the flip-flops it has done in this case. These flip-flops of the NTA do not serve the interests of the students.

Asking the Central government to completely restructure the examination process, the judgment said an exam may be cancelled only when its sanctity is found to have been compromised at a systemic level and it is impossible to separate the tainted candidates from the untainted ones.

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Stating that there was no systemic breach in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 exam, the court said that whatever happened was limited to Hazaribagh and Patna and, hence, no retest would be needed with respect to this years NEET-UG.

It directed the Centre-appointed committee to recommend and implement top-to-bottom overhauling of the exam process, including security improvements, data protection measures, periodic audits, surprise inspections of examination centres, grievance redressal mechanisms for students and foolproof logistics.

In view of its directions which are over and above the reference by the Central government, the top court extended the term of the committee by five weeks asking it to submit its report by September 30 instead of August 22, as mandated earlier.

Flagging the issue of papers being transported to some examination centres by battery-rickshaw, rear door of the strongroom being kept open, granting compensatory marks, then grace marks which led to 44 candidates getting 720/720, the court in its order said, We have highlighted all errors of NTA and thus committee should identify and rectify these. These issues which have arisen must be rectified by the Union of India this year itself so that it is not repeated.

The top court had on July 23, refused to order retest of the NEET-UG 2024 holding that there was no material before the court to warrant such a course which is fraught with serious consequences, cascading effects including the availability of the medical doctors in the future.

Refusing the plea seeking the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2024to and its reconduct, the court had said, There is absence of material on record to lead to conclusion that the results of the exam is vitiated or that there is a systematic breach of the sanctity of the exam.

The order of the top court came on a batch of pleas seeking direction to recall NEET-UG 2024 results and to conduct the examination afresh, alleging paper leakage and malpractices in the test held.

The petitioner candidates who had appeared for NEET-UG 2024 had approached the top court and raised the issue of leakage of question paper, awarding compensatory marks and anomaly in question papers coupled with other irregularities in the conduct of the exam.

NEET-UG examination, conducted by NTA, is a first step for admissions into MBBS, BDS and AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.

The NEET-UG, 2024 was held at 4,750 centres across 571 cities within the country and abroad.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 2. The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Baku, presents promising opportunities for the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Secretary General of OTS Kubanychbek Omuraliev told AstanaTimes, Trend reports.

"Environmental sustainability and resilience will be at the forefront of our agenda. The upcoming COP29 Summit in Baku presents promising opportunities for our organization to make significant contributions to this area," he said.

To note, this November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, with its secretariat in Bonn.

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The Supreme Court will, on Friday, pronounce its judgment containing detailed reasons for not cancelling the NEET-UG 2024 exam amid the allegation of paper leak and other irregularities.

As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, will deliver its verdict on August 2.

On July 23, referring to the data analytics undertaken by IIT Madras and other statistics placed on record, the top court refused to order a re-test and observed that there was no systematic leak of the NEET-UG question paper.

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The SC had said that it was mindful of the fact that directing a fresh exam would be replete with serious consequences for over 2 million students who had appeared for the NEET-UG exam on May 5. It clarified that its judgment wont prevent authorities from taking action against candidates who had secured admission using malpractices. It also asked the National Testing Agency (NTA) to re-tally the marks afresh in view of the opinion rendered by the expert panel of IIT Delhi in respect of a contentious physics question, saying that two options cannot be treated as the correct answers to a question.

In an earlier hearing, the SC had asked the Director of IIT Delhi to constitute a team of three experts to formulate its opinion on the correct option.

During the hearing on pleas seeking cancellation of the NEET-UG, a petitioner pointed out that as many as 44 candidates were able to secure full marks on account of the ambiguous question, and questioned the NTAs decision to award compensatory marks in violation of its own instructions asking students to follow the latest NCERT textbook.
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said with the implementation of three new laws related to criminal justice, a new era of the justice system had begun in the country.

Murmu who inaugurated two-day Conference of Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan here said, The change in our thinking was evident from the names of the laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.

She said for the smooth functioning of democracy, it was crucial that the various central agencies work with better coordination across all the states.

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Murmu advised the Governors to think about how they, as the constitutional heads of the respective states, can promote this coordination.

She said quality higher education was an intangible asset as it promoted individual development and social change as well as innovation and economic progress.

Murmu said the National Education Policy emphasised upon improving the Accreditation and Assessment system of educational institutions.

She urged the Governors to contribute to this reform process in their capacity as the chancellors of state universities.

The president said the Government of India had been giving utmost priority to the development of the poor, the border areas, the deprived sections and areas, and people left behind in the development journey.

She pointed out that a large section of the countrys tribal population lives in the Scheduled and Tribal areas, and urged the Governors to suggest ways to achieve inclusive development of the people of these areas.

The president said youth development and youth-led development would gain more momentum if the energy of the youth could be channelised into positive and constructive work.

The MY Bharat campaign provides a well-thought-out system for this purpose, Murmu said.

The Governors should encourage the people associated with this campaign so that more and more youth get benefitted, she said.

Referring to the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat campaign, she noted that it enabled the people of different states and UTs to understand each other and connect with each other.

The president urged the Governors to contribute in further strengthening the spirit of unity.

She said many efforts are being made to deal with the challenges such as climate change and global warming.

Murmu said the Governors can contribute to this by making the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign a peoples movement on a larger scale.

The president said by encouraging natural farming, we can increase soil fertility and enhance farmers income.

She said to promote natural farming, the Raj Bhavans can lead by example.

Murmu expressed the confidence that all the Governors will continue to contribute to the service and welfare of the people, doing justice to the oath taken by them.

In her opening remarks, the president said the agenda for this conference included carefully chosen issues that are crucial in achieving our national goals.

She said the deliberations of this conference would be an enriching experience for all participants and help them in their functioning.

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also addressed the inaugural session.

Dhankhar, referred to the oath of the Governors and urged them to discharge their constitutional responsibility of making people aware of social welfare schemes and incredible development that have taken place during the last decade.

In his address, the prime minister, urged the Governors to play the role of an effective bridge between the Centre and the State and interact with people and social organisations in a manner to co-opt those who are underprivileged.

He said the post of the Governor was an important institution which could play a crucial role in the welfare of people of the state within the framework of the Constitution, particularly with reference to tribal areas.

Shah, delineated the course of discussions that the two day-conference will take and urged the Governors to visit Vibrant Villages and Aspirational Districts to instill confidence among people and give fillip to developmental work.
Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Friday inaugurated the Network Operations Centre, along with Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, at the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) Delhi Campus.

The Centre hosts indigenously developed security infrastructure for identification and monitoring of cyber threats in the telecom network in the country. Various malicious activities such as malware, ransomware, DoS, DDoS, DNS amplification, malicious domain communications, etc can now be actively identified.

Scindia also made a pilot 5G call in the live network of BSNL. This 5G call was made utilising the indigenously developed 5G Radio and 5G core (NSA).

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They also visited the CDOT Centre of Innovation and the ITU area office located in the CDOT campus. During the visit, they also interacted with the entrepreneurs being supported by CDOT.

The Ministers reviewed C-DOTs other ongoing indigenous technology programmes including 4G/5G, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC), Cyber Security solutions, Disaster Management Cell broadcast solutions, optical and advanced security projects.

Scindia interacted with young engineers and researchers involved in the design and development of Telecom technologies. C-DOTs engineers demonstrated various innovative Telecom technologies to the Minister in several technology labs.

Scindia and Dr Sekhar lauded the efforts of C-DOTs teams in creating multiple indigenous telecom products and solutions, including an end -to-end 4G/5G system fully developed using home-grown technology. They hailed this achievement as a concrete step towards achieving the Governments vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and assured support and stimulus to research and innovation.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured the mother of the Ayodhya rape victim that the government is committed to delivering justice.

During their Friday meeting at his official residence, the CM promised that those responsible for the brutal crime would face strict action.

The victims mother, who demanded the death penalty for the perpetrators, expressed confidence in the CMs commitment to justice.

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Additionally, Adityanath assured her that the properties of the accused, Samajwadi Party leader Moin Khan, would be investigated and that any illegal properties would be demolished. Bikapur MLA Amit Singh Chauhan was also present at the meeting.

In the disgraceful incident that occurred in the Pura Kalandar police station area of Ayodhya, SP leader Moin Khan and his servant are accused of raping and blackmailing a 12-year-old girl from a backward class.

Moin Khan is reportedly close to SP MP Awadhesh Prasad from Faizabad. Just a day earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep displeasure while addressing the matter in the assembly. He strongly condemned the Samajwadi Party leaders for showing leniency towards the accused.

After meeting with the victims mother on Friday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed officials to make special arrangements for the girls health and safety.

He also directed Anita Agarwal, a member of the State Child Rights Protection Commission, to visit the rape victim at Ayodhya District Womens Hospital.

Upon arriving in Ayodhya, Agarwal inquired about the girls condition, held a special meeting with her family, and assured them of justice. She condemned the brutality inflicted on the 12-year-old, highlighting that the girl was lured and assaulted while working in the fields.

Agarwal emphasized that strict action is being taken to ensure the culprits face the harshest punishment. The District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police have also assured us of this, she said.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath prioritizes a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women. Recently, he criticized the Samajwadi Party for their leniency towards such crimes, recalling that during their government, rapists were excused as they are boys and boys make mistakes.

In contrast, the strict policies of the Yogi administration have led to a significant reduction in crimes against women in Uttar Pradesh.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the state has seen a 17.43 per cent decrease in dowry deaths, a 25.30% reduction in rapes, a 16.56 per cent drop in cases of sexual harrasment, and a 0.17 per cent decrease in kidnappings.

From 2017 to 2022, Uttar Pradesh has performed better than the national average, with states like Telangana, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Maharashtra recording higher increases in crimes against women.

In terms of rape, UP ranks 24th, and in sexual harassment cases, it ranks 17th, indicating that 16 other states have higher incidences of crimes against women.

On the other hand, Commission member Anita Agarwal directed the Chief Medical Officer to transfer the victim from the general ward to a private ward and to restrict access to unauthorized visitors.

She instructed the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police to implement stringent security measures at the district hospital and the victims residence to ensure her safety.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi claimed on Friday that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is planning a raid against him in the wake of his recent chakravyuh remarks against the BJP-led government at the Centre.

Gandhi, who represents Uttar Pradeshs Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency in the Lok Sabha, said he is waiting with open arms to welcome the Central probe agency.

Referring to his 29th July speech in the lower house, the LoP wrote in a post on X, Apparently, 2 in 1 didnt like my Chakravyuh speech. ED insiders tell me a raid is being planned.

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Waiting with open arms ED..chai and biscuits on me, Gandhi said.

Participating in the discussion on the Union Budget, Gandhi, while attacking the ruling dispensation, said the 21st century lotus-shaped chakravyuh is trapping India and is controlled by six people.

In Kurukshetra, Abhimanyu was trapped and killed in a Chakravyuh  a formation controlled by six people, and also known as Padmavyuh for its resemblance to a lotus formation. Today, a 21st century lotus-shaped Chakravyuh is trapping India and is controlled by six figures: Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Adani, Ambani, Ajit Doval, and Mohan Bhagwat, he said.

The LoP alleged that this modern chakravyuh has trapped the youth in a chakravyuh of unemployment and paper peak, farmers in a chakravyuh of debt, middle class in a chakravyuh of tax,

MSMEs in a chakravyuh of tax terrorism, jawans in a chakravyuh of Agnipath and SC, ST, OBC and minorities in a chakravyuh of anyay (injustice)

He said, the INDIA bloc has taken the first steps to break this chakravyuh and will continue to fight until this atmosphere of fear is replaced. The BJP should not mistake Indias youth for Abhimanyu. They are Arjun and will break free from this chakravyuh.

Notably, Congress MP Manickam Tagore, on Friday, gave an adjournment notice in the Lok Sabha alleging misuse of probe agencies by the government.

In his notice, Tagore said, The Opposition condemns the BJP governments misuse of agencies like the ED, CBI and Income Tax for political harassment. Despite their reduced number from 303 to 240 seats and the reliance on alliances with TDP and JDU, the government continues to deploy these agencies to intimidate opposition leaders and force compliance, undermining democratic principles.

This misuse of state power is unacceptable and threatens the integrity of our institutions. We demand an immediate cessation of these practices and call for respect for democratic norms and the autonomy of our agencies. Our democracys health depends on impartial governance and fair political engagement, he said.
In a major crackdown on reckless behaviour, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has apprehended a YouTuber for endangering public safety by criminally tampering with railway tracks for publicity.

Viral videos on X had shown a person placing various kinds of objects on railway tracks, prompting an urgent investigation, the Ministry of Railways said on Friday.

The culprit, Gulzar Sheikh has uploaded more than 250 videos on his YouTube channel and has over 2 lakhs subscribers. His on-camera activities posed a significant risk to both railway safety and operations, the Ministry said.

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Through a detailed analysis of Sheikhs YouTube profile and social media presence, RPF Unchahar, Northern Railway registered the offence under various provisions of the Railway Act on August 1. On the same day, a joint team of RPF and Local Police arrested Gulzar Sheikh, son of Syed Ahmed from his residence in Khandrauli Village, Soraon (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh.

While appreciating the RPF, Lucknow Division for the prompt and effective action, DG RPF emphasised that legal action against Gulzar Sheikh would serve as a strong deterrent to persons attempting to compromise the safety of Indian Railways.

He reiterated the importance of railway safety and assured the public that any attempts to undermine rail safety will be met with firm resolve and strict legal action and those engaging in such activities will be prosecuted to ensure maximum punishment.

DG RPF also appealed to the public not to indulge in such activities and report any acts which compromise the railway security and safety. Such information can be given to the Railway Protection Force or on Rail Madad through the toll-free helpline number 139.
The landslide in Wayanad, Kerala, is a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of our natural landscapes to the forces of climate change. This catastrophe, which claimed over 165 lives and left hundreds missing or injured, is a tragic echo of the 2018 floods that devastated the same region. As soldiers and rescuers brave treacherous conditions to search for survivors, we must confront the broader implications of this disaster and the urgent need for climate action. Kerala, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and thriving biodiversity, has become a hotspot for extreme weather events.

The landslide in Wayanad, triggered by incessant monsoon rains, is a consequence of unprecedented rainfall that overwhelmed the regions natural defences. Experts have highlighted that the Arabian Sea is warming at an accelerated rate, contributing to the formation of deep convective clouds and heavy rainfall, and the Western Ghats are fragile. This phenomenon, intensified by climate change, has turned the states lush hills and valleys into potential death traps. The devastation in Wayanad is not merely a natural disaster but a human one, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and unplanned development. The destruction of the main bridge linking Mundakkai to Chooralmala underscores the fragility of our built environment in the face of natural calamities. The need for resilient infrastructure, capable of withstanding extreme weather, has never been more urgent.

As we rebuild, we must prioritise sustainable practices that respect the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Moreover, the plight of the affected communities in Wayanad sheds light on the social dimensions of climate change. The majority of the victims were from hillside villages and tea and cardamom estates, areas often inhabited by marginalized groups. These communities, already vulnerable due to socio-economic factors, are disproportionately impacted by climate-induced disasters. It is imperative that our response to such events includes a focus on social equity, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives. In the wake of the Wayanad landslide, we must also re-evaluate our approach to disaster preparedness and response.

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The swift deployment of the Indian Army and the coordinated efforts of rescue teams have been commendable. However, the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions highlight the need for more robust and proactive measures. Investing in early warning systems, community education, and emergency response infrastructure can significantly mitigate the impact of future disasters. The Wayanad tragedy is a call to action for policymakers, environmentalists, and citizens alike. Climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality that demands immediate attention. As we mourn the lives lost and support those affected, we must also commit to long-term strategies that address the root causes of such disasters. Ultimately, the resilience of Keralas landscapes and communities will depend on our collective will to embrace climate action. The Wayanad landslide serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved and the urgent need for a concerted effort to safeguard our planet for future generations.
June, July and August of 1947 were marked by frenetic political activity, stormy meetings and historic decisions at the highest levels of the Government of India, princely India and political parties who were to shape the course of history, with the partition of India fast becoming a reality. In the White Paper of July 1948, titled White Paper on Indian States, a landmark date is stated to be 13 June 1947 when the Government of India decided to set up a Department to conduct relations with the States in matters of common concern.

On this day, the Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten invited Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel and Acharya Kripalani (on behalf of the Congress), MA Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan, and Sardar Nishtar (on behalf of the Muslim League); and Sardar Baldev Singh (on behalf of the Sikhs) to attend an informal meeting to discuss the problem of the States. In a press communique issued on 27 June 1947, it was announced by the Viceroy: In order that the successor Governments will each have an organisation to conduct its relations with the Indian States when the Political Department is wound up, His Excellency the Viceroy, in consultation with the Cabinet, has decided to create a new Department called the States Department to deal with matters arising between the Central Government and the Indian States.

This Department will be in charge of Sardar Patel, who will work in consultation with Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar. There is confusion, ignorance and misinformation regarding India before Independence. The White Paper referred to an earlier 1929 report. It was titled the Harcourt Butler Committee report and stated: To politically understand pre-Independent India, it can be safely said there were two Indias. There was the British India or Provinces, governed by the Crown according to the statutes of Parliament and enactments of the Indian Legislature; and the Indian States under the suzerainty of the Crown and still for the most part under the personal rule of the Princes.

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The Indian States were often referred to as Princely India or Princely States. The Butler report stated that geographically India is one and indivisible. The problem of statesmanship is to hold the two together. The report questioned: Were there really two Indias? And was the problem merely to hold them together? The geographical set-up of the Indian States did not coincide with any ethnic, racial, or linguistic divisions. The people of the Provinces and the States had suffered alike from waves of foreign invasions and foreign domination. Close ties of cultural affinity, no less than those of blood and sentiment, bound the people of the Indian States and the British Provinces together. What was it then that separated Indian States from the rest of India? Firstly, there was the historical factor.

Unlike the Provinces, the States had not been annexed by the British Government. Secondly, the States maintained the traditional monarchical form of Government. There were Maharajas, Maharanas, Maharawals, Maharaos, Rajas, Nizam, Nawabs, Khans or Mirs who had been rulers for generations, if not centuries. There were States like Hyderabad and Kashmir the size of the United Kingdom: Kashmir State was spread over 84,471 square miles, while Hyderabad State had a territory of 82,313 miles. There were 150 States which had territories of more than 10,000 square miles and 67 which had territories ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 square miles. There were 202 States having each an area of less than 10 square miles.

The Indian States constituted about 45 per cent of the total Indian territories and almost 24 per cent of the Indian population lived in the States, according to the White Paper. Historically the main common feature that distinguished the States from the Provinces was that the States had not been annexed by the British Power. In their individual origin, however, the evolution and growth of States represented different processes. The historical perspective has often been ignored in contemporary debates on the role of Princely India. The White Paper noted: Firstly, there were the old established States, such as those in Rajputana, in existence before the main waves of foreign invasion took place. Secondly, another class consisted mainly of the States with Muslim-dynasties founded by the nobles or the Viceroys of the invading foreign Emperors.

Thirdly, there were the States which emerged in the period of decline of the Mughal power and prior to the final stages of consolidation of British territory. Then there were the newer States, which the British recognised during the final period of consolidation. Only one State, namely Benares, was set up and recognised since the assumption of the Government of India by the Crown. For Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and the States Department, the challenge was to face the aftermath of the Partition which was a severe blow to the political and geographical integrity of India.

The economic development and cultural expression of the Indian people was dependent on how the new India would take shape. On the day the States Department came into being, i.e, 5 July, 1947, Sardar Patel, as Member for the States Department, issued an important statement defining the policy of the Government of India. He assured the States that no more was asked of them than accession on three subjects of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Communications, in which the common interests of the country were involved, and that their autonomous existence would be scrupulously respected. He gave a further assurance that it would not be the policy of the States Department to conduct relations with the States in any manner which favoured of the domination of one over the other; and that if there would be any domination, it would be the domination of mutual interests and welfare. It is the lesson of history, said Sardar Patel, that it was owing to her political condition and our inability to make a united stand that India succumbed to successive waves of invaders.

Our mutual conflicts, and internecine quarrels and jealousies have in the past been the cause of our downfall and our falling victims to foreign domination a number of times. We cannot afford to fall into those errors or traps again. We are on the threshold of independence. It is true that we have not been able to preserve the unity of the country entirely unimpaired in the final stage. To the bitter disappointment and sorrow of many of us some parts have chosen to go out of India and to set up their own Government. But there can be no question that despite this separation a fundamental homogeneity of culture and sentiment reinforced by the compulsive logic of mutual interests would continue to govern us. Besides the geographical and historical perspectives, the earlier Reports and White Papers disregard the spiritual heritage of Princely India, especially for the centuries-old States established in pre-modern times.

They had a divine right to rule; a right which they had internalized, and which had been legitimized by social acceptance over generations and centuries. They drew their political and sociocultural strength from these spiritual legacies be it Vedic, Shaivite, Vaishnavite, Shaktism, Sikhism or Islamic. It accounted for the cultural diversity of Princely India and their die-hard faith in divinity in sharp contradistinction with modern constitutional rights and privileges. The White Paper highlighted that the internal administration of the States and their political set-up varied greatly. There was a very wide difference in the degree of administrative efficiency reached by the most advanced and the most backward.

According to the information circulated by the Chamber of Princes in 1946, over 60 States had set up some form of legislative bodies. Through the 5 July 1947 statement can be discerned the concerns of Sardar Patel and his sense of history. We are at a momentous stage in the history of India. By common endeavour we can raise the country to a new greatness while lack of unity will expose us to fresh calamities. I hope the Indian States will bear in mind that the alternative to co-operation in the general interest is anarchy and chaos which will overwhelm great and small in a common ruin if we are unable to act together in the minimum of common tasks.

The warning is clearly spelt out too when he minced no words, stating, Let not the future generation curse us for having had the opportunity but failed to turn it to our mutual advantage. Instead, let it be our proud privilege to leave a legacy of mutually beneficial relationship which would raise this Sacred Land to its proper place amongst the nations of the world and turn it into an abode of peace and prosperity. These were precious lessons of history from Sardar Patel for the Republic of India.

(The writer is an authorresearcher on history and heritage issues and a former deputy curator of Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya)
The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran marks a critical and perilous turning point in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. This act has far-reaching implications, not only for the immediate actors involved but also for the broader geopolitical landscape. Haniyehs assassination is likely to inflame an already volatile region. His role as a prominent figure in Hamas and his close ties to Iran made him a key player in the West Asian power dynamics. The immediate fallout from his death is expected to be severe, with Hamas vowing to continue its struggle and Irans Revolutionary Guards investigating the incident. The possibility of retaliation and further escalation of violence looms large. The timing of this assassination cannot be ignored.

Coming on the heels of Israels claim of killing a senior Hezbollah commander, it seems calculated to disrupt any nascent peace efforts. The swearing-in of Irans new President and Haniyehs presence at the ceremony underscore the delicate nature of these relationships. Tehrans response to this provocation will be crucial in determining the next steps in this unfolding crisis. For Israel, this move appears to be part of a broader strategy to weaken its adversaries by targeting their leadership. However, this approach risks deepening the cycle of violence. The war in Gaza, initiated by the Hamasled attack on Israel, has already led to immense loss of life and suffering. Over 39,000 people have been killed, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen.

The assassination of Haniyeh adds another layer of complexity to an already dire situation. The international community, particularly the United States, finds itself in a challenging position. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins statement of support for Israel underscores Washingtons commitment to its ally, yet the call for easing tensions reflects an understanding of the broader implications. The US and other global powers must navigate this intricate web of alliances and enmities carefully, striving to prevent further destabilisation. n West Asia, the repercussions of Haniyehs assassination will be felt acutely. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbass condemnation and the call for mass demonstrations in the West Bank highlight the potential for widespread unrest. The fragile peace in Lebanon is also at risk, especially given the recent killing of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr and the subsequent Israeli strike in the Golan Heights.

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India, as a nation with historical and strategic interests in West Asia, must closely monitor these developments. The stability of this region has direct implications for Indias energy security, diaspora welfare, and broader foreign policy objectives. India has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and must continue to push for dialogue and diplomacy amidst this heightened tension. As the region braces for potential retaliation and increased violence, the international community must redouble its efforts to broker peace and support humanitarian relief for those caught in the crossfire.
American journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan were released by Russia on Thursday in an exchange of prisoners that has been described as the largest since the height of the Cold War.

At least two dozen detainees were involved in the swap with prisoners released from seven countries  the US, Norway, Germany, Poland, Russia, Belarus and Slovenia. The deal was mediated by Turkey and took place at the Ankara airport.

The deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy, President Joe Biden said, announcing the exchange. All told, weve negotiated the release of 16 people from Russia  including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country. Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over, he said.

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And let me be clear: I will not stop working until every American wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world is reunited with their family. My administration has now brought home over 70 such Americans, many of whom were in captivity since before I took office, President Biden added.

Gershkovich, the 32-year-old correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, was arrested by Russian authorities in March 2023 on the charges of espionage. He was convicted last month and sentenced to 16 years in a high-security prison.

Whelan, the 54-year-old ex-Marine, was arrested in Russia in December 2018 on espionage charges and was serving a 16-year jail term. Vladimir Kara-Murza, a British-Russian dissident and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison on treason-related charges was also released from prison.

Biden was with the families of Whelan, Gershkovich and Kara-Murza at the White House while the exchange was underway in Ankara, Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, told reporters.

The most notable Russian prisoner released in the exchange was Vadim Krasikov, who was jailed for life in Germany for the 2019 murder in Berlin of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a former Chechen separatist leader. The Germans were reluctant to release him but, according to reports, Biden personally got involved and called Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 2. Kazakhstan will appoint an ambassador to the Congo, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during talks with President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Trend reports via Akorda, the Kazakh president's press service.

"We regard your country as a key partner on the African continent. Despite the geographical distance, we are keen to enhance our bilateral relations and leverage the substantial potential for collaboration between our nations. It is crucial to intensify our cooperation in various sectors, including trade and economy, agriculture, transportation and logistics, industry, investment, new technologies, space exploration, and mining. I am confident that the agreements signed during today's visit will significantly advance our trade and economic ties. A clear demonstration of our commitment will be the appointment of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Congo," Tokayev said.

Denis Sassou Nguesso emphasized that the appointment of a Kazakhstani diplomatic representative to the Congo will enhance bilateral cooperation.

"This decision clearly reflects your commitment to strengthening effective interaction between Astana and Brazzaville. Our governments have developed several agreements that we are eager to implement together. I am confident that this collaborative effort will be productive and mutually beneficial. Kazakhstan has made significant strides in recent years, and we are keen to deepen our economic cooperation with your country," he stated.

During the meeting, the heads of state also explored the potential for advancing the Kazakh-Congolese partnership. They specifically focused on expanding cooperation in trade and economics, energy, transport and logistics, mining, cultural, and humanitarian fields, as well as finance and digitalization.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has announced that it targeted Israeli sites with rockets in response to an airstrike on southern Lebanon that killed four Syrians.

In response to the attack that targeted Chamaa and the martyrdom of several civilians, the Islamic Resistance fighters bombed today enemy army sites in western Galilee and the settlement of Matzuva with dozens of Katyusha rockets, it said in a statement on Thursday.

Hezbollah added that it also attacked the Jal al-Alam site with rockets, Xinhua news agency reported.

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Lebanese military sources told the news agency that the Lebanese army monitored the launching of about 70 surface-to-surface rockets in two separate batches from the Lebanese side into Israel, and some of them were intercepted by the Israeli Iron Dome missile defence system.

Israels public broadcaster, KAN, reported that the rockets were launched towards the Western Galilee, with 15 of them being intercepted.

The Israeli army in a statement said that five projectiles crossed from Lebanon into Israel, some of which were intercepted, and the rest fell in open areas. No injuries were reported.

The latest attacks came amid rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel following Tuesdays Israeli attack on Dahieh in Beiruts southern suburbs, killing Hezbollahs top military commander, Fouad Shokor. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah threatened a definite and painful response to the Israeli attack at the appropriate time and place.
India has proposed to Vietnam cooperation in emerging areas such as cyber security, information security, military medicine and submarine search and rescue.

The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue was held here on Thursday. It was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Deputy Minister of National Defence of Vietnam Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the range of bilateral defence cooperation issues and noted the transformative progress in the ties after the signing of Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030 in June 2022 during the visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Vietnam.

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Vietnam proposed five focus areas for cooperation which included delegation exchanges and dialogue, staff-talks; Service-to-Service cooperation; Education and training; and Defence Industry cooperation. The Defence Secretary welcomed the five point proposal and proposed cooperation in emerging areas of concern for both countries like Cyber Security, Information Security, Military Medicine, Submarine Search & Rescue, the Ministry of Defence said here on Friday.

The Defence Secretary highlighted the potential of domestic defence industry to fulfill capacity and capability enhancement of Friendly Foreign Countries, and looked forward to fruitful partnership with Vietnam Peoples Armed Forces, and their industries.

After the meeting, the Defence Secretary and the Deputy Minister of National Defence of Vietnam signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of training including exchange of instructors and experts.

Defence cooperation is one of the strong pillars of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam. Vietnam is an important partner in Indias Act East Policy and in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Amid Chinas aggressive posturing on maritime issues, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced a $300million credit line to strengthen Vietnams maritime security and asserted that India will continue its cooperation with the Southeast Asian nation for a free, open, rules-based and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

India and Vietnam have also decided that they will intensify cooperation on the issue of terrorism and cyber security, he said at a press conference with visiting Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh after wide-ranging talks between them.

Pham Minh Chinh was on a three-day state visit to India from July 30 to August 1.


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Fund raising by companies big and small by going public on the stock exchanges has been on the rise over the last few years. So much so that India now ranks on top in total number of IPOs. The Securities and Exchange Board of India wants to simplify and ease things further for new companies looking to list. In that endeavour, the market regulator will soon come out with what it calls demystified offer document for companies.

"We think too much mystery has been created around this thing called DRHP (draft red herring prospectus) and this whole process of getting listed. It actually isn't that complex. So, what we are creating now is to create a template fill in the blanks IPO document, which says you fill in these blanks, if you have any complexity in filling it up, then there is a separate column there, in which you articulate that complexity," SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch said on Friday.

She was speaking at the annual capital market conference of industry body FICCI. According to Buch, the document will be precise as well as meaningful and make life lot easier for companies who are waiting to list on stock exchanges.

"It will smoothen the processing time within SEBI itself; we are hoping we will bring down the approval time even more than what we have today and at the same time, it will demystify the entire process of filing and going through a listing process," Buch said.

Not just IPOs, the regulator is also looking to make raising funds easier for companies that are already listed. Today, many companies look to raise money via rights issue of shares or preferential allotment of shares. SEBI is planning a new product that will be a combination of sorts.

"A new innovation brought forward by the SEBI team is a combo product of a rights issue and preferential allotment. What this is going to achieve is quite transformational, get the best of both worlds. You gets the best of a rights issue, you get the best of the preferential allotment," said the SEBI chief.

While this new product is still a work in progress, according to her, the entire end-to-end process could be completed in 23 days as compared to even preferential allotment, which despite the speed still takes 42 days.

"We should now create this equivalent of eastern express highway to be able to do fund raising in a way that is fast, cost effective and at the same protects the investor, because its the right way to preferential allotment," Buch said.

As such SEBI has begun speeding up a lot of its processes in recent times, with the use of new technology and tools, including AI.

The regulator has already implemented AI within SEBI for processing public documents, for instance a REIT (real estate investment trust) or an InvIT (infrastructure investment trust) annual report. Earlier, an employee at SEBI would go through the entire document to check compliance. That now is being largely done by using AI, which an officer then validates post some manual checking. Nearly 80 per cent of the work is being done by AI, said Buch. SEBI is also working on AI-based processing of IPO documents.
British actor Daniel Caltagirone, who is set to make his Kollywood debut with the movie Thangalaan, directed by Pa Ranjith and starring Vikram in the lead, revealed that his role in the movie is not merely a "token" presence.

Caltagirone plays the antagonist in the movie in Thangalaan, which is an action drama set in the 19th century in the Kolar gold mines.

London-born Caltagirone is popular for his roles in movies like The Pianist, Legionnaire, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider The Cradle of Life.

The actor had long conversation with Pa. Ranjith about his character before he agreed to take up the role.

"When I first got hired by Ranjith, we had a long conversation. I didn't audition for him, he just called my agent saying 'This guy is interesting, I want to work with him'," the actor said during the promotion of Thangalaan.

He said the director assured him that his role would not be that of a cliched British character that comes in.

The director wanted him to be "one of the first British actors to do something different" in Indian cinema.

"If that works, that would be amazing for me as one of the first (British actors) in the lead in a film that's just not going to be a token," Caltagirone said.

"In the film, you'll see flashes of the character trying to fight because he's had this rough existence. Life has dealt these bad hands to him. What you see is the product of that but what you also see is the man being turned bad. Then, you've got the same with Vikram's character but obviously I'm not going to spoil the ending. Our characters become possessed by the desire, need and greed to obtain gold. I hope I've done my job well."

Caltagirone said he got lucky with his co-stars.

Look who I had dinner with last week in London.  My friend and super talented co-star @MalavikaM_

We are both extremely excited about the forthcoming release of #Thangalaan ! Hold tight! Not long now! pic.twitter.com/fF35qlghio  Daniel Caltagirone (@DanCaltagirone) October 16, 2023

"I was nervous about how the big Indian stars would treat me. Everyone sort of got down really well... I have this huge amount of respect for Indian actors because they do things above and beyond a lot of time than their western counterparts, who have their stunt guys step in straightaway or they can't get their hair messed up and stuff. I was told I was going to be doing a lot during stunts and I was like 'Yeah, let's do it!'"
The Madras Engineering Group of the Indian Army constructed a 190-ft-long Bailey Bridge to help connect the worst-affected areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala in Wayanad district of Kerala.

The Class 24 Bailey Bridge would connect Chooralmala with Mundakkai over the Iruvanjippuzha River.

It took #Indian Army just 36 hours to build this #Bailey Bridge across a river in #Wayanad devastated by a horrific #landslide. It can withstand weight of up to 24 tonnes Hats off to the #Army. #WayanadDisaster #WayanadLanslide #WayanadTragedy #WayanadFloods pic.twitter.com/PurYJaGqYz  George Mathew (@GeorgeMathew500) August 1, 2024

The materials for building the bridge were flown into Kannur airport from Delhi and Bengaluru and brought to Wayanad by 17 trucks.

Major General V T Mathew, GOC-Karnataka and Kerala Sub-Area crossed the bridge in his official vehicle after the completion of the construction of the structure. The bridge has a weight-carrying capacity of 24 tonnes.

#WayanadLandslides



Inclement weather, raising water levels, debris, restricted space seems like a daunting task for rescue for many but not for #IndianArmy. #MadrasSappers displaying indomitable spirit, never say die attitude and supreme commitment in the relief operations pic.twitter.com/l7kqLvzoOY  Southern Command INDIAN ARMY (@IaSouthern) August 1, 2024

What is Bailey Bridge

A portable, pre-fabricated truss bridge, Bailey Bridge is designed for quick assembly and deployment during military operations and rescue operations during natural calamities. Named after its inventor, Sir Donald Coleman Bailey, the bridge was developed by the British during World War II.

Designed during a period when fast mobility and efficient logistics were crucial to military operations, this bridge is a modular system of prefabricated steel trusses that could be quickly assembled within a few hours, without any specialised tools or heavy equipment.

Bailey bridges were used extensively to help Allied forces to cross rivers and ravines, maintain supply lines, and advance their positions. Apart from its military use, it has come to be extremely useful during emergency bridge repairs and temporary crossings during natural disasters such as floods, bridge collapses, and earthquakes.

"The characteristics of the Bailey bridge were standardization and simplicity of panels, readiness of assembly in the field, capacity for additional strengthening by doubling or tripling the truss girders, and adaptability to long spans with the aid of pontoons," notes Encyclopdia Britannica.
The Centre on Friday removed the chief of the BSF and another top officer of the paramilitary force which guards the sensitive India-Pakistan border, including the Jammu region where a spate of terror attacks have claimed 22 lives in recent past.

Border Security Force Director General (DG) Nitin Agrawal and his deputy Special DG (West) Y B Khurania were sent back to their respective state cadres with immediate effect, according to a government order.

The repatriation orders for the two Indian Police Service (IPS) officers come in the backdrop of a spate of terror incidents in the Jammu region, along the India-Pakistan border.

At least 22 people, including 11 security personnel and a village defence guard (VDG) member, have been killed this year in such incidents in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua and Doda districts.

The BSF, which is entrusted to guard this front, has denied any instances of infiltration.

Five terrorists were also killed in two encounters in Kathua and Doda districts last month.

Separate orders issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) conveyed they were being "prematurely" repatriated with "immediate effect."

Agrawal is a 1989-batch Kerala cadre IPS officer, while Khurania belongs to the 1990-batch of the Odisha cadre.

Khurania is expected to be made the head of the police force or the director general of police (DGP) in Odisha where the new BJP government has just taken charge.

Agrawal had taken charge as the Border Security Force chief in June last year and he was scheduled to retire in July, 2026.

Khurania, as the special DG (West), was heading the formation of the force along the Pakistan border that runs for about 2,289 kms along Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat in India's western flank.

Interspersed with dense forests and mountainous terrain, the Jammu region accounts for 485 kms of this border.

The about 2.65-lakh personnel strong BSF guards Indian borders with Pakistan in the west and Bangladesh in the east.

In a separate order, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet also appointed 1989-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer Amrit Mohan Prasad as a SDG in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
A political storm has erupted after it came to light that 14 deaths, 13 adults and one minor, were reported in July 2024 at Asha Kiran, the Delhi government's home for the mentally challenged in Rohini.



Asha Kiran facility falls under the Social Welfare Department, which department is currently "headless" following the resignation of Raaj Kumar Anand. Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi said the guilty will not be spared if any negligence is found in connection to the running of the institution. Meanwhile, The Delhi Lieutenant Governor on Friday sought a report within a week. As things stand, here are the latest developments about the Asha Kiran deaths that have rocked Delhi:

1. Minister Atishi said out of late 14 inmates, some had comorbidities. "Some of those who succumbed were hospitalised in June. What I am saying is that their deaths need to be medically examined also," she told the press. The autopsy of the late patients is not completed yet.

2. Meanwhile, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said most of the women who died in the Asha Kiran Shelter home were under 40 years of age. The facility can only accommodate 250 people at a time, but as many as 450 people were staying there sans proper food, water and medication, news agency PTI quoted the NCW chairperson as saying.

3. Levelling further allegations of mismanagement, Rekha Sharma said, "... prima facie is water is contaminated, no filter facility is there...Most of them have died due to diarrhoea... No toilet facility is there...I have demanded the papers...There is no register for entry and exit...No biometric attendance is there...The staff present here are untrained and unregulated...They are getting on-the-job training... I will submit my report also to the Central government..."

#WATCH | Deaths at Asha Kiran shelter home in Delhi | National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma says, "Several death cases have been reported here and the prima facie is water is contaminated, no filter facility is there...Most of them have died due to pic.twitter.com/rJiYRfNMV8  ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2024

4. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has asked a white paper on the running of all shelter homes run by the Social Welfare Department, Women and Child Department and DUSIB, including expenditure, facilities, number of inmates, and medical facilities available be prepared and submitted within three weeks, he demanded.

#WATCH | Deaths at Asha Kiran shelter home in Delhi | NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo says, "We have come to know about this. I have spoken with the officers concerned in Delhi Government's Department of Women and Child pic.twitter.com/k3bWKXRVVf  ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2024

5. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has also taken note of the incident. According to its chairperson Priyank Kanoongo, the body will go through the medical reports and autopsy to learn more about the demise of the minor victim. "We are issuing notice to Delhi government to make the postmortem report, medical reports and other details available to us... NCPCR has made a portal, a monitoring app and we have given its access to the Delhi government. They are requested to upload reports of inspections of Children's Homes in Delhi. Unfortunately, the Delhi Government is indifferent regarding the inspection of Children's Homes. They don't do inspections. If they don't do it, there will be irregularities and such incidents will keep happening..."
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 2. As part of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso to Kazakhstan, 10 major bilateral agreements were signed between the countries, Trend reports, citing the press service of the president of Kazakhstan.

Thus, the following documents were signed:

- agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Republic of the Congo on mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports;

- memorandum on political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie, and Congolese Abroad of the Republic of the Congo;

- memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy of the Republic of Congo on cooperation in the fields of information and communication technologies, e-government services, space activities, and cybersecurity;

- memorandum between the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Mining Industries and Geology of the Republic of Congo in the field of mining and geology;

- memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of electricity between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Energy and Hydropower of the Republic of Congo;

- memorandum of understanding between the Astana International Financial Center and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of the Congo;

- agreement on cooperation in the oil and gas industry between KazMunayGas and the National Petroleum Company of the Republic of Congo;

- memorandum of cooperation in the field of information and communication technologies between National Information Technologies and the National Authority of Regulation of Posts and Telecommunications (ARPCE) of the Republic of the Congo;

- memorandum of cooperation in the field of space systems for remote sensing of the Earth between Kazakhstan, Gharysh Sapary, and the National Authority of Regulation of Posts and Telecommunications (ARPCE) of the Republic of Congo;

- memorandum of cooperation in the field of cybersecurity between MSSP GL and the National Authority of Regulation of Posts and Telecommunications (ARPCE) of the Republic of the Congo.
Three days since a landslide battered Kerala's hilly district of Wayanad, killing over 319 people, rescue personnel on Friday found four people, holed up inside a remote, marooned home in the Munakkai hamlet. The two men and two women were rescued by the Army officials and moved to a relative's house.

Army officials identified them as Johnu, Joemol, Abraham Mathew and Christy, hailing from the Padavettikunnu area in Mundakkai. V T Mathew, a top army commander, told Reuters that all four were not buried. "They were just in a remote area," he added. One of the women suffered an injury on her leg.



Rescue officials added that they received information about them on Friday morning. "They were holed up inside a homestay, on the right side of the area which was washed away by the landslide. They decided to stay put after being convinced that the worst was over. They had pets with them and were reluctant to move from their house despite nobody living in the area anymore," the officials added.



However, the rescue personnel convinced them to relocate to a relative's house and were safely moved from the area.



Meanwhile, a drone-based radar has been brought to Wayanad from Delhi to identify bodies buried in debris. Four cadaver dogs are also on their way to Wayanad from Chennai to help in rescue operations.



On Friday, the authorities formed 40 search teams to cover over six zones. Besides a three-pronged search operation has also been launched, focusing on the Chaliyar river.



Our Indian Army constructed a huge Bailey Bridge in Wayanad in record time.



Salute to our bravehearts  pic.twitter.com/KJBnparVW8  Sunanda Roy  (@SaffronSunanda) August 2, 2024

Local swimming experts have also been roped into searching the river for bodies that may have flown downstream or been trapped along the riverbanks. The operations will be monitored by eight police stations, along the 40-km stretch of Chaliyar. The search will also focus on the riverbanks and areas where bodies may be trapped.



Simultaneously, another search operation is being conducted using a police helicopter.



The District Collector said GPS coordinates from aerial drone pictures and cell phones, including the last location of people who lived in the landslide-hit areas, have been used to identify spots where search and rescue operations can be focused.
The Karnataka cabinet, on Thursday, passed a resolution to advise the governor to withdraw the show cause notice issued to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scam involving his wife B.M. Parvati and reject a complaint filed against the CM by an RTI activist alleging massive irregularities in MUDA.

Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot had issued a show cause notice to the chief minister a day after a delegation of BJP and JD(S) legislators gave him a memorandum demanding a CBI probe into the scam and pressed for the CM's resignation. On July 26, RTI activist T.J. Abraham, in his complaint to the governor, sought sanction to prosecute the chief minister alleging that Siddaramaiahs family was involved in the scam as 14 alternative compensatory sites were illegally allotted to CMs wife on January 5, 2022, causing a loss of Rs 45 crore to the states coffers.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who chaired the cabinet meeting after being authorised by the CM, said the governor had issued the show cause notice in undue haste and ignoring the procedural requirement on July 26, soon after Abraham filed a complaint.

The cabinet has discussed threadbare the issue of issuance of show cause notice to the CM and taking note of the entire factual matrix and the settled legal position, the cabinet has unanimously resolved to advise the governor to withdraw the notice. There is neither any investigation nor any evidence to suggest that the CM is involved in the MUDA irregularities. On July 15, the governor had sought a report from the chief secretary on the MUDA irregularities and suggested a judicial inquiry into the alleged irregularities, Shivakumar said.

Accordingly, the CM set up a judicial commission of Justice P.N. Desai to investigate the case. The petitioner T.J. Abraham filed his petition before the governor on July 26. The chief secretary also sent a report regarding this on the same day. But the governor has issued a show cause notice without taking into consideration the report sent by the chief secretary. The governor has issued a notice in haste. This is a gross misuse of the Constitutional office of the governor. It is a murder of democracy and the Constitution. We suspect this is a ploy by the BJP to pull down a democratically elected government with a thumping majority of 136 seats.

Shivakumar said the CMs wife was well within her right as someone who lost land to seek alternative sites as compensation as per the existing law.

Further, he defended the CMs family saying, CMs brother-in-law purchased the said land five years after the denotification and gifted it to his sister through a gift deed. But the Muda developed this land without re-notifying it and distributed to others. After CMs wife asked for compensation from MUDA, they realised the mistake and decided to issue compensation on a 50:50 basis. When this decision was taken, all the members of Muda were from BJP and JD(S) including G.T. Deve Gowda and Ramadas as it happened during the BJP rule, alleged Shivakumar.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah, in his defence, had claimed that his family property in Kesare village measuring 3 acres and 16 guntas had been "illegally" acquired by MUDA, which later allotted 14 alternative sites as compensation at Vijayanagar. We did not ask MUDA to allot sites in the upmarket Vijayanagar layout. We will return the sites if MUDA pays us the current value of our landRs 62 crore, said Siddaramaiah.

Meanwhile, the BJP and JD(S) are preparing for an eight-day padayatra from Bengaluru to Mysuru claiming that it would draw peoples attention to the massive scam in allotment of sites and gross misuse of power by the chief minister.

Shivakumar, who is also the KPCC chief, stated that the BJP and JD(S) were free to take out the padayatra, but they could not make a case against the CM as no rule was flouted. In fact, it was the BJP government which was in power when CMs wife was allotted alternative sites. We will also expose the 30-odd scams that occurred during the BJP rule, said Shivakumar.

Allegations against CM

1992: MUDA issues preliminary notification to acquire land owned by Devaraj Bin Ninga alias Javara.

1997: MUDA takes custody of the land and deposits relief in court.

1998: Only 3.16 acres of Sy No. 464, Kesare village in Mysuru district gets de-notified, despite there being no proposal from MUDA or the land owner.

2004: B.M. Mallikarjunaswamy, brother-in-law of Siddaramaiah, buys the land from Devaraj Bin Ninga alias Javara, which is said to be unlawful as there are three legal heirs/sons to the original owner.

2005: Mallikarjunaswamy applies for change of land use and secures conversion of land from agriculture into residential purpose from DC office for a land that was already developed in 1990s.

2009: MUDA introduces 50:50 scheme.

2010: Mallikarjunaswamy gifts the land to Parvati in the name of Arishina  Kunkuma custom, raising questions over Mallikarjunas financial capacity.

2013: Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act are passed.

2014: Parvathi applies for compensation from MUDA stating that 3.16 acres of land belonging to her in Kesare village near Outer Ring Road, has been developed by MUDA without her knowledge. MUDA admits they have developed sites on the (Devanur 3rd Stage) in 2002 on Parvatis land.

2020: High Court directs MUDA to return land to the original owner. 50:50 scheme is scrapped by BJP government.

In 2021, MUDA, under its 50:50 scheme for land-losers, ordered the allotment of 14 residential sites measuring a total of 38,284 sq. ft in the upscale Vijayanagar 3rd and 4th stages instead of Devanur layout, despite the latter having several vacant sites. The BJP alleged the market value of the land in a prime area like Vijayanagar is much higher than that of Devanur layout.

In March and November 2023, MUDA's modus operandi of site allotment scam was exposed. Dr K.V. Rajendra IAS, the former Mysuru D.C and Chairman of MUDA who alerted the state government about procedural lapses in the allotment of sites in other developed areas on a 50:50 sharing basis to compensate land owners.

On March 14, 2023, based on DCs letter, the Urban Development Department (UDD) secretary directed MUDA to halt the allocation/distribution of sites to land owners in alternative areas developed under a 50:50 sharing basis. But the UDD and MUDA authorities ignored the reports and continued with the allotments. These sites were allegedly de-notified and dropped from the acquisition list. The state govt is said to have incurred a loss of more than Rs 5,000 crore, alleged BJP.

July 2024: Government order institutes inquiry into site allotments; BJP protests outside CM's office, demanding his resignation and a CBI inquiry.

July 15, 2024: Governor seeks a report from the government.

July 26: The BJP and RTI activist T.J. Abraham give separate memorandum to the governor seeking CBI probe into the scam. Abraham also seeks sanction to prosecute the chief minister.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi claimed that he will soon become the target of an Enforcement Directorate raid.

He cited his recent speech using the 'chakravyuh' military formation metaphor to hit out at the ruling government as the trigger for this planned raid.

The Congress leader, in a X post, claimed that he had been informed by some of the "insiders" in the ED about the planned raid.

"Apparently, 2 in 1 didnt like my Chakravyuh speech. ED insiders tell me a raid is being planned."

Welcoming such a raid, the Congress leader, tagging the official X account of the director of the Enforcement Directorate said tea and biscuits for those who are coming to raid are on him.

A few days ago, during a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Union budget, the Congress leader cited the Chkravyuh military formation in Mahabharata to say that a similar formation is being made by six people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani to harm people.

'Chakravyuh' refers to a multi-layered military formation aimed at trapping a warrior by opponents placed strategically in an alignment resembling a lotus-shaped labyrinth.

"In the 21st century, another 'chakravyuh' has been formed. It is in the form of lotus and the prime minister wears the symbol on his chest. What was done with Abhinmanyu is being done with India, with its youth, women, farmers and small and medium businesses," the Congress leader had said.

The 'chakravyuh' is also called a 'padmavyuh' for its resemblance to a lotus (BJP's election symbol) formation, Gandhi had observed.
Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi met with the district administration and local body representatives and discussed relief measures in landslide-hit Wayanad.



The Congress leaders were in Wayanad for the second day and visited landslide-affected areas. The leaders, accompanied by the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheeshan, met with the district administration and discussed rescue operations. Rahul Gandhi, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Congress leaders were briefed by the district administration and forest officers about the ongoing rescue operations in Wayanad and relief measures.

LoP Shri @RahulGandhi and AICC General Secretary Smt @priyankagandhi today received a briefing from the District Administration in the Forest Office on the recent landslides & rescue operations at Wayanad. pic.twitter.com/OJZB1ZYunc  Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) August 2, 2024

Addressing presspersons, Rahul said, This is a terrible tragedy. Today we had a meeting with the administration and panchayat. They briefed us on the number of casualties they expect, the number of houses that had been damaged and their strategy. We said that we are here to help. The Congress leader added, Congress family would like to commit to build 100 plus houses in Wayanad. Kerala has not seen such a tragedy. I will raise it in Delhi and with the Kerala chief minister. This is a different level of tragedy and should be treated differently, ANI reported.

LoP Shri @RahulGandhi & AICC General Secretary Smt. @priyankagandhi ji meet the Meppadi Gram Panchayat delegation, understanding their concerns and needs in the wake of the devastating landslides in Wayanad.



 Kerala pic.twitter.com/ZcpMd8V5sn  Congress (@INCIndia) August 2, 2024

Rescue operations are being conducted on war footing in Wayanad and as many as 40 teams are conducting searches in six zones on day four of rescue operations. The death toll has crossed over 330 and 295 persons are still missing.
Death toll in the landslides in Wayanad district of Kerala has climbed to 316 even as rescue operations entered the fourth day on Friday.

According to a report by Malayala Manorama, as many as 298 people are still missing. Twenty-nine children are among those missing.

Forty teams of rescuers began search operations braving rain. The completion of a 190-foot-long Bailey bridge that will help the movement of heavy machinery, including excavators, and ambulances to Mundakkai and Chooralmala hamlets that have been the worst affected will expedite the rescue operations.

Indian army engineers in action fabricating the Bailey Bridge at Wayanad. Constructed in record time pic.twitter.com/9POfAvrdAF  Maj Gen Harsha Kakar (@kakar_harsha) August 2, 2024

The Madras Sappers, with their unwavering spirit, resilience, and exceptional commitment to the relief efforts, completed the 190-foot Bailey Bridge in record time, the Indian Army Southern Command in Pune said in a X post.

#WayanadLandslides



Inclement weather, raising water levels, debris, restricted space seems like a daunting task for rescue for many but not for #IndianArmy. #MadrasSappers displaying indomitable spirit, never say die attitude and supreme commitment in the relief operations pic.twitter.com/l7kqLvzoOY  Southern Command INDIAN ARMY (@IaSouthern) August 1, 2024

The rescue teams, which include personnel from the army, NDRF, DSG, Coast Guard, Navy, and MEG along with three locals and one forest department employee, will conduct search operations in six zonesAttamala and Aaranmala (first), Mundakkai (second), Punchirimattam (third), Vellarimala village (fourth), GVHSS Vellarimala (fifth), and riverbank (sixth).

#WATCH | Kerala: Search and rescue operations continue at landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad.



The current death toll stands at 308, as per Kerala Health Minister Veena George pic.twitter.com/CY0iOuPHf4  ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2024

The eight police stations, along the 40-km stretch of Chaliyar, will join forces with swimming experts in the area to search the river for bodies that may have flown downstream or are trapped along the riverbanks.

More than 1,600 people are involved in the rescue operations. A drone-based radar from Delhi is expected to arrive in the district on Saturday to locate bodies buried in the mud.

Meanwhile, according to the IMD, the intensity of rain in the state has been decreasing.
As the rescue operations in landslide-battered Wayanad continue, a female Indian Army officer, who oversaw the construction of Bailey Bridge, is being hailed for her selfless service.

Major Sita Shelke worked for 31 hours without a break to construct the 190-ft Bailey bridge in Wayanad's Chooralmala so that the rescue officials could reach the Mundakai hamlet, which was cut off from mainland after the landslides washed away the connecting bridge.



Major Sita Shelke

Major Shelke is reportedly the only female officer in the 70-member team from the Army's Madras Engineering Group (MEG) from Bengaluru. Known as the Madras Sappers, this engineering unit is tasked with clearing the way for the army, building bridges, and finding and defusing landmines on a war front. The group also assists in rescue operations during natural disasters and was very active in Kerala during the 2018 floods.



VIDEO | Wayanad landslides: The Indian Army launched Class 24 Bailey Bridge in Kerala's Wayanad district earlier today. The bridge will connect Chooralmala with Mundakkai over Iruvanipzha river and can take load of 24 tons. #WayanadLanslide



(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/8Fyw5sO7fl  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 1, 2024

Pictures of Major Shelke, standing atop the bridge, went viral on social media on Friday, breaking all gender stereotypes.



Sharing her image one user wrote: "Proud of you, Major Sita Shelke and the Engineer Regiment. Successfully constructing the Bailey Bridge in Wayanad in less than 24 hours is incredible!." Local media reports too hailed "tigress" Shelke for her role in speeding up the rescue operations.



Major Shelke, who joined the Army in 2012, hails from Ahmed Nagar in Maharashtra. She completed her training from Chennai OTA.



The bridge made using 19 steel panels is supported by a single pier. These panels were shipped from Bengaluru in 20 trucks to Chooralmala on Tuesday, the same day the landslide struck Wayanad. The Army has also informed that the bridge would remain in Wayanad till a new bridge is constructed by the authorities.



Meanwhile, thanks to the Bailey Bridge, the search and rescue operations that got underway early morning received an impetus. Now that the connection has been restored, heavy machinery, including excavators, and ambulances, can reach the worst-affected Mundakkai and Chooralmala hamlets.


Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday announced that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is chosen to fly on the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is designated as the prime astronaut to fly on the mission, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will be the backup astronaut.

In an official release, the ISRO said its Human Space Flight Centre has entered into a space flight agreement with US' Axiom Space Inc. For the mission, the National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two gaganyatris.

The Board has "recommended two 'gaganyatris' (space travellers) --Group Captain Shukla (prime) and Group Captain Nair (backup), read the statement.

"The assigned crew members will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). The recommended gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the first week of August 2024," said ISRO.

Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair | X

The 'gaganyatris' will be undertaking selected scientific research and technology demonstration experiments on board the ISS and engage in space outreach activities, it added.

"The experiences gained during this mission will be beneficial for the Indian Human Space Programme and it will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA," the Indian space agency said.

A joint statement issued by ISRO and NASA IN June last year had envisioned a joint ISRO-NASA mission to the space station. The decision was announced after Prime Minister Narendra Modis official state visit to the US.

Who is Group Shubhanshu Shukla?

Born in Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow in 1985, Shukla is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy. He was commissioned on June 17, 2006 in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

He is a Fighter Combat Leader and a test pilot with approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience. He has flown a variety of aircraft including Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32, among others.

Who is Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair?

Born in Kerala's Thiruvazhiyad on August 26, 1976, he is also an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and a recipient of the Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy. He was commissioned on December 19, 1998 in the fighter stream of the IAF.

Group Captain Nair is a Category-A flying Instructor - the highest that a pilot can achieve, and a test pilot with approximately 3,000 hours of flying experience. He has also flown several aircraft including Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Hawk, Dornier and An-32.

He is an alumnus of the United States Staff College and a Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and the Flying Instructors School, Tambaram.
As far as spy thrillers go, Ulajh (Entangle) is a dull wanna-be.

The film has an impressive ensemble of actors and all the razzmatazz that goes into making a spy thriller. There are foreign locations, high commissioners, and foreign embassies. It also has a cast of characters from ISI to RAW, chatter about Islamabad, Kathmandu, terrorists, and men in the shadows weaving webs of intrigue around two key characters  a patriotic IFS officer and a Pakistani VIP.

But all these are like items that make up the scenery of 'Ulajh' which, at its core, is a film about daddys little girl who wants to play spy-spy to impress him.

'Ulajh' is centred around Suhana Bhatia (Janhvi Kapoor), a young diplomat from an illustrious family. She has been to St Stephens, Harvard, and has just been made India's deputy high commissioner in London.

Her daddy, Dhanraj Bhatia (Adil Hussain), seems a bit off, and she feels that he thinks shes not up for the task. But his concerns are larger and about to come true.

In London, Suhana encounters the disapproval of colleagues who dismiss her as a nepo kid, but finds some thrilling company in a Michelin star chef, Nakul (Gulshan Devaiah). Soon they become a thing with date nights and booty calls. Except, things are not as they seem. A lot happens suddenly. Critical official information is leaked, and Suhana finds herself in the middle of a betrayal-cum-blackmail scheme.

A driver who seems to have a network and abilities beyond what's required of him is killed, and senior RAW officials begin an investigation. Meanwhile, a foreign minister is pursuing his own agenda, while a Pakistani middleman who doesnt want peace in the subcontinent is busy trying to sabotage a VIP visit. All of this leads to one sharpshooter who must be stopped by Suhana and her newly-acquired sweet ally, Sebin (Roshan Mathew).

The problem with 'Ulajh', written, by Parveez Shaikh and Sudhanshu Saria, who has also directed it, is that its screenplay is sometimes steeped in the reality and bureaucracy of the Indian foreign service, but conveniently all of it disappears when it comes to Suhana going out on a limb to save the day and her reputation. Important people get killed and bodies are disposed of, but no one seems to care.

This whimsy world it is set in, which asserts itself whenever the writers want, and disappears when inconvenient, makes the film filmy and flimsy.

But then, 'Ulajh' is not really interested in being a nail-biting spy thriller. It is an elaborate showpiece for Kapoor to show off her chops. Kapoor, 27, seems to have nailed the whole stardom enterprise. She has a long list of endorsements and engagements promoting fashion and health brands that she focuses on when she is not acting. But when she does act in films, mostly she picks roles that offer some creative challenge.

From 'Dhadak' to 'Gunjan Saxena' to 'Roohi' and 'Mili', shes played an Air Force officer, a ghost, a girl trying to save the boy she loves, and a girl stuck in a freezer. And now she's played a diplomat-spy on a mission.

'Ulajh' begins nicely, but after about 30 minutes, it begins to slump.

The proceedings are dreary and illogical. Dramatic things happen with little or no consequence. And Suhana does so much, yet no one catches on, which makes you think that India is running the most unintelligent intelligence network.

But Kapoor, with her big kohled eyes and innocent Bambi-in-distress look, tries to hold the film together to the best of her ability. Which is a shame really because 'Ulajh' has great actors who could have added some spunk and fun to counter her constant babe-in-distress flailing and running around.

But thats not what 'Ulajh' is.

Its a joyless film about a daddys little girl who must somehow redeem herself at least in her father's eyes. On that count the film delivers. On all other counts, it fails.

Film: Ulajh

Cast: Janhvi Kapoor, Roshan Mathew, Gulshan Devaiah, Adil Hussain, Meiyang Chang, Rajesh Tailang

Direction: Sudhanshu Saria

Rating: 2/5
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 2: Piramal Finance is offering free credit reports to all consumers. This initiative aims to empower individuals with easy access to credit scores and detailed reports, facilitating better financial decisions and enhanced credit management.



Consumers can now obtain a comprehensive credit report through Piramal Finances user-friendly platform with just a few clicks. This service is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of one's credit health, including credit score, credit history, and insights into factors affecting the score.



Key Features of the Free Credit Report Service:



1. Easy Accessibility: Users can access their credit report through a simple and intuitive online process.



2. Detailed Insights: The report includes a detailed analysis of credit accounts, outstanding balances, repayment history, and more.



3. Actionable Information: Understand factors impacting the credit score and get tips on how to improve it.



4. Secure and Confidential: Piramal Finance ensures that all user data is handled with the highest standards of security and confidentiality.



Free access to credit reports, will not only promote financial literacy but also help individuals take control of their financial health. Understanding your credit score is the first step towards achieving financial stability and planning for the future.



This initiative reflects Piramal Finances commitment to enhancing financial well-being and supporting customers in their financial journeys. Whether planning for a major purchase, applying for a loan, or simply seeking to improve financial habits, the free credit report service is an invaluable tool for consumers.



To access your free credit report, visit 



https://www.piramalfinance.com/creditreport/user/creditPage



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], August 2: Spacenet Enterprises India Ltd, a listed company on NSE (Symbol-SPCNET) and Modern Fuel Technologies, a leading Russian company, are pleased to announce a joint venture aimed at executing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects across India.



As India emerges as one of the fastest-growing economy in the world and is poised to be one of the top three economic powers in the next 10-15 years, the demand for energy is set to rise exponentially. This growth is coupled with a significant shift towards clean energy, driven by high-polluting sectors moving towards natural gas. This joint venture as proposed is positioned to capitalize on this trend by developing LNG infrastructure across the country.



Prakash Dasigi, Executive Director of Spacenet Enterprises, and Aleksander Sorokin, General Director of Modern Gas Technologies, expressed the optimism about this venture. "This partnership will be a significant step towards enhancing India's LNG infrastructure and promoting cleaner energy solutions," said Dasigi. Sorokin added, "Our combined expertise will drive the development of modern LNG solutions across various sectors in India."



Project Phases:



 Phase 1 (FY 2025-27): Establishment of 20 LNG gas stations and fuel retail outlets.



 Phase 2: Expansion to 180 LNG gas stations and fuel retail outlets nationwide.



The shift towards natural gas as an alternative fuel for automobiles is accelerating due to its higher efficiency and cleaner emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. Natural gas is 30-40% more efficient and produces 40% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than coal and 30% less than oil. In the race to net zero, LNG serves as a crucial 'feedstock' for low-carbon hydrogen, supporting the emerging hydrogen economy.



The project will also promote RETROFITTING heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) to use LNG, contributing to energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. According to the Shell LNG Outlook 2024, global demand for LNG is expected to rise by over 50% by 2040, driven by industrial coal-to-gas switching in China and increased usage in South and Southeast Asia.



In 2022, the total LNG traded worldwide was 402.8 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA). India imported 20.79 MMTPA, accounting for 5% of the global LNG trade.



This joint venture highlights the shared commitment of both companies in developing energy, transport, and other economic sectors through the use of modern LNG technologies and solutions. The project is financed by a major Russian bank, will see Spacenet holding a 15-25% stake, adding significant value to the company. The collaboration aims to foster the growth of clean energy infrastructure and support India's transition towards a more sustainable energy future.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan has recommended its citizens refrain from visiting Israel and Lebanon, Trend reports via the Kazakh MFA's press service.

"The deteriorating Middle East situation prompts Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to warn nationals to avoid Israel and Lebanon until the situation stabilizes. Kazakhstanis in these countries should stay home unless required, follow heightened security measures, stay attentive, keep up with the news, and stay in touch with the ministry of foreign affairs and the Kazakh embassies in Israel and Lebanon," the message stated.

The Kazakh MFA further noted that Kazakhstani nationals in these countries and their relatives in Kazakhstan can use emergency communication lines for timely information.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) Air India on Friday announced suspending flights to Tel Aviv till August 8, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Tata Group-owned airline operates four weekly flights to the Israeli city from the national capital.

"In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 08 August 2024. We are continuously monitoring the situation...," the carrier said in a post on X.

The airline also said it was extending support to passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges.

On Thursday, Air India cancelled its flight to Tel Aviv.

Tensions continue to remain high in the Middle East amid conflict between Israel and various groups, including Hamas.

Earlier this year also, Air India had briefly suspended flights to Tel Aviv at different points of time due to the Middle East tensions.

After nearly five months, the carrier had recommenced the services to the Israeli city on March 3.

Air India had suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv starting on October 7, 2023, after the Hamas group's attack on the Israeli city.
Colombo, Aug 2 (PTI) Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Friday set October 14 as the date for the hearing of five fundamental rights petitions filed against the wind power plant undertaken by the Indian conglomerate Adani Group in the north-eastern region of Mannar.

The three-member bench of the apex court here ordered the respondents to file objections before September 13.

Environmental NGOs had filed petitions claiming that the project endangers biodiversity and poses a threat to migratory birds.

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society filed the case, naming the government, the Board of Investment and the Central Environmental Authority among others as respondents.

The environmental rights group had claimed in court that a decision by the Cabinet to treat the Adani wind power project as a Sri Lanka-India government-to-government venture was illegal and that it would cause immense damage to the migratory bird population causing environmental hazards.

The group had also challenged the action by Minister of Environment Pavithra Wanniarachchi to exclude the Mannar districts Viddathalathivu area from being a forest reserve, an action taken to facilitate the project.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had originally on June 18 given Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, the Cabinet and the Adani Group three weeks to file preliminary objections to the petition.

In May, the government approved a 20-year power purchase agreement with Adani Green Energy to develop 484 MW wind power stations in Sri Lanka.

These renewable energy projects entail two wind energy projects; a 250 MW in the north-eastern district of Mannar and a 234 MW project at Pooneryn in the north. The total investment is proposed to be USD 750 million.

The Sri Lanka government has said the Adani group investment was vital to achieving its target of 70 per cent of its power needs to renewable energy sources by 2030.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) Being 'anti-farmer' is in the DNA of Congress, said Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday as he took on opposition parties for accusing the Modi government of working against the interest of the farm sector.

Replying to a discussion on the working of his ministry in the Rajya Sabha, the Union minister said the central government increased the budget outlay for the sector many-fold in the last 10 years from 2013-14.

He said farmers are getting fertilisers at highly subsidised prices and will continue to get the farm nutrients at low prices.

"Being anti-farmer is in the DNA of Congress. Priorities of Congress have been misplaced since the beginning," Chouhan said while highlighting the works done by the Modi government in the crucial agriculture sector.

On the other hand, he said, the current government has set six priorities, including increasing farm production, reducing input cost, providing remunerative prices and adequate relief in case of calamities.

The minister, also a former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, assured the opposition parties that the central government was open to considering their concrete suggestions and implementing the workable ones.

During the discussion, opposition parties said the Modi government has not done anything for the agriculture sector in the 10-year rule, and even the latest Union Budget falls short of expectations.

Chouhan also stressed that the Modi government considers farmers as "God" and not a "vote bank" as he dismissed allegations of opposition parties of inadequate government procurement on MSP.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) The Centre is best suited to determine whether a particular fact related to it is correct or wrong, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Friday while making the government's stand clear on the PIB's Fact Check Unit.

He was replying to a supplementary query during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha related to the Supreme Court's stay on the Centre's notification on setting up a fact-checking unit.

"The amendment in the IT Intermediary Rules which has been stayed by the Supreme Court, that is still under contest but the fundamental principle is, our point is, anything related to the government of India, only the government can say whether it is a correct fact or a wrong fact. That is our stand," Vaishnaw, the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, said.

The Supreme Court in March this year stayed the Centre's notification on setting up a fact-checking unit under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) to identify fake news about the Union government.

The Fact Check Unit was notified on March 20 under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, by the Ministry of Electronics and IT.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud set aside the March 11 order of the Bombay High Court which had refused to grant interim stay on setting up the FCU under the amended IT Rules to identify fake and false content on social media about the Union government.

Replying to another supplementary question, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said the Centre has no plans to establish regional fact checking units under the PIB.

While speaking on incidents of factually incorrect information being circulated, without naming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Murugan cited the example of a chief minister who recently came to Delhi to attend government think tank Niti Aayog's meeting and claimed that her microphone was switched off, terming the statement "misleading".

"Last week also a chief minister came here in Delhi to attend a NITI Aayog meeting. In that meeting she mentioned that her mike was switched off. But we had an issue that this statement is misleading," said the minister.

However, he clarified that the Centre does not have plans to establish regional fact checking units.

"We don't have a plan to establish fact check units at the regional level.

The Fact Check Unit is in Delhi. We have a very good system here," Murugan said.

When the minister was challenged to prove by a member his statement that incidents of fake news are most rampant in West Bengal, he agreed to authenticate his claim with data.

A Fact Check Unit (FCU) has been set up under Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in November, 2019 to counter fake news relating to the central government. After verifying the authenticity of news from authorised sources in ministries/departments, FCU posts correct information on its social media platforms.

PIB under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has its headquarters at New Delhi and 5 zones comprising 19 regional offices in various states.

The regional office at Kolkata comes under East Zone and at present has 18 permanent employees and 1 contractual employee.
Chennai, Aug 2 (PTI) The Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) has accused film, television and stage actors' union Nadigar Sangam of lying, and said they did inform it about producers facing financial problems because of the inability of actors such as Dhanush to commit to dates for shoots.

According to an TFPC statement issued on August 1, the producers body had informed the Nadigar Sangam a year ago about five top stars whose call sheets were "causing a lot of headaches" to producers. This was also reported in the media at that time, the statement pointed out.

The TFPC has scheduled a meeting on Friday to review the decisions they made public on July 29.



It was only when Nadigar Sangam could not give any concrete solutions to us that we went public with our decisions, to safeguard our interests, the statement said.



Besides calling out Dhanush, the producers body had also said on July 29 that there will be no shooting from November 1, until the issue of the skyrocketing fees of artistes and technicians is sorted out.



The producers also said the actors and technicians can be signed on for new films only after they complete their existing projects.



The TFPC had also called for a temporary ban on signing new films from August 15 to put in place fresh guidelines. The producers said they were forced to set new guidelines as several producers are suffering because they have been unable to screen their films due to unavailability of theatres.



The producers body also insisted that films featuring big stars be released on OTT platforms only after they are screened in theatres for eight weeks.



The demands of the producers have been met with stiff resistance from The South Indian Artistes Association (SIAA) -- the official name of Nadigar Sangam.



The same day, on July 29, actor Karthi and a few other representatives of SIAA told reporters that the TFPCs decisions, particularly the one calling for stopping shooting of films from November 1, are arbitrary and illegal and would affect the livelihoods of thousands of people involved in filmmaking.



They also claimed that Dhanushs name was dropped by the producers body out of the blue, without due process being followed.



However, the TFPC is standing firm in its decision to stop the shooting of films from November 11, until new guidelines are in place.



The others (Tamil Film Producers Association, Tamil Nadu Distributors Association and Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association) have agreed to the decisions. It is only fair that Nadigar Sangam too agrees to these conditions, the TFPC statement said.
Singapore, Aug 2 (PTI) A former Indian-origin Singaporean lawyer, M Ravi was sentenced on Friday to 14 weeks' jail and fined SGD 5,500 (USD 4,120) for his latest string of crimes that involved pushing or injuring strangers and acquaintances - including a Hindu temple priest in the city-state.

The 55-year-old disbarred human rights lawyer was also ordered to pay SGD 30 as compensation to one of the victims he had injured, Channel News Asia reported.

Ravi committed the offences between November 2021 to September 2023.

He made a scene at Sri Mariamman Temple on July 9, 2023, pushing his way to the front of queueing devotees, tipping over a plate of offerings and smearing holy ash on himself.

He pushed a priest who was trying to intervene and asked loudly why there were so many foreigners and a need to queue. The century-old temple is one of the favourite spots among tourists.

While Ravi has been known for his brushes with the law, this is the first time he is being sentenced to jail for criminal offences, according to the channel report.

He was previously given a mandatory treatment order (MTO) in 2018 to address his bipolar disorder, a condition he has been outspoken about.

In sentencing, Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan largely rejected the defence's call to place mitigating weight on Ravi's bipolar condition.

This was because of several factors - first, he has had insight into his condition for many years, but still failed to fully comply with treatment and medication.

The prosecution sought 18 to 24 weeks' jail for Ravi and a fine, while defence lawyers asked for not more than seven weeks' jail and a fine.

Ravi was previously fined for disorderly behaviour in 2004 and given the MTO in 2018 for causing hurt by a rash act and lurking house trespass among other charges.
Peshawar, Aug 2 (PTI) Militants attacked a convoy of judges proceeding to homes after duty hours in the restive northwest Pakistan on Friday, local police said.

The judges convoy that was proceeding from Tank district courts to their homes in Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after duty hours was under tight security arrangements when armed militants ambushed it.

However, no casualties or injuries were reported as firing is continuing between the police and militants on Tank- DI Khan road, police said.

The current attack adds to the ongoing series of such terror attacks across the country, but more so in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan experienced 1,514 terror attacks in 2023, resulting in 2,922 casualties, according to a report from the Interior Ministry presented to the National Assembly.

News portal The Nation said the report reveals that 572 armed forces personnel were killed and 1,292 were injured in these attacks.

The report also covers the period from January to April 2024, during which 561 terror attacks occurred and led to the deaths of 167 security personnel and 118 civilians, the news report said.
Lahore, Aug 2 (PTI) A senior leader of jailed former prime minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party was shot dead in Lahore while he was coming out of a mosque after offering Friday prayers, police said.

Dr Shahid Saddique Khan was coming out of a mosque in Valancia Town in Lahore after offering Friday prayers when four unidentified men opened fire on him and fled on two motorcycles. He was shifted to a hospital where he succumbed to his wounds, a Lahore police spokesperson told PTI.

The spokesperson said that the Lahore police chief has constituted a special team to probe the incident.

Khan was the owner of a private hospital and former information secretary of PTIs Punjab chapter.

IGP Punjab Dr Usman Anwar has directed the Lahore police to immediately arrest the perpetrators.

The PTI has been at loggerheads with the establishment ever since the May 9, 2023, riots in which party workers attacked the state and military installations following the arrest of Khan in an alleged corruption case.
Washington, Aug 2 (PTI) Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump received USD 138.7 million in donations in July, a hefty sum but much behind the USD 200 million his Democratic rival Vice President Kamala Harris raked in in the week after announcing her candidacy.

The 78-year-old former president also has USD 327 million in cash on hand.

There has never been anything like the MAGA (Make America Great Again) Movement. We raised USD 139 Million in July alone. We now have a whopping USD 327 Million Cash On Hand. Trump said on Truth Social, his social media platform.

Spectacular support from Great American Patriots who are donating to our Campaign for President of the United States, and helping out in many other ways. Much work to be done, but I will always keep fighting for YOU. Our Country is failing, but we will turn it around, quickly, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!, he said on Thursday.

The Trump Campaign, in a statement, said these numbers reflect continued momentum with donors at every level and provide the resources for the final 96 days until victory on November 5.

July saw several major moments in Trumps re-election campaign, as the former president survived an assassination attempt; formally accepted the Republican presidential nomination and tapped J D Vance as his running mate.

His July sum eclipsed his USD 111.8 million June total but fell short of the USD 141 million in contributions he received in May, the same month he was found guilty in the Manhattan hush-money case.

The Harris campaign has not released full numbers for their fundraising totals in July. However, the campaign did reveal that they raised over USD 200 million in the first week after her candidacy was announcedincluding USD 81 million raised within the first 24 hours of her campaign.

Harris haul does not include funds the vice president inherited from Bidens campaign and committee accounts, which the Trump campaign has asked the Federal Election Commission to look into, arguing that the transfer is the largest campaign finance violation in American history.

With less than 100 days until the election, Trump is focussing his campaign on Harris' race.

Trump participated in a controversial live interview at a convention of Black journalists in Chicago and quickly stumbled into racially insensitive remarks about Harris as he questioned her identity and qualifications.

Trump falsely claimed Harris had only emphasised her Asian-American heritage until recently when, he said, "she became a black person" for political gain.

Ive known her a long time, indirectly, not directly very much, and she was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage," Trump said at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago on Wednesday.

"I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black," he said during a tense appearance at the conference, where the audience at times gasped and scoffed at his remarks.

"So I don't know - Is she Indian? Or is she black?" Trump asked.

Harris mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was Indian and her father, Donald Jasper Harris, is Jamaican; both immigrated to the US.

His remarks underscored the Trump campaigns floundering efforts to blunt the momentum of Harris since President Joe Biden agreed to drop his reelection bid. Opinion polls showed that Harris has narrowed the gap with her Republican rival.
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
Peshawar, Aug 2 (PTI) Two police personnel on security duty of judges were killed and two others injured on Friday when their convoy was ambushed by terrorists in the restive in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwest Pakistan, police said.

All the three judges remained safe in the shootout.

The judges convoy that was proceeding from Tank district courts to their homes in Dera Ismail Khan after duty hours was under tight security arrangements when armed militants attacked it.

Two policemen were killed in the line of duty while protecting the judges in the convoy from lethal armed attack by the militants. Two others were injured, a police official said.

The ambush is continuing between the police and militants on Tank- DI Khan road, police said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister of the province Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the attack on judges vehicles and sought a report. Expressing his condolences over the death of two policemen, Gandapur also called for making tighter the security cordon for the judges.

The current attack adds to the ongoing series of such terror attacks across the country, but more so in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan experienced 1,514 terror attacks in 2023, resulting in 2,922 casualties, according to a report from the Interior Ministry presented to the National Assembly.

The report reveals that 572 armed forces personnel were killed and 1,292 were injured in these attacks.

The report also covers the period from January to April 2024, during which 561 terror attacks occurred and led to the deaths of 167 security personnel and 118 civilians, the news report said.
London, Aug 2 (PTI) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a new scheme that pulls together police and intelligence resources to clamp down on violent disorder on the streets of London amid reports of further protests planned by far-right groups following the fatal stabbing of three schoolgirls.

The new National Violent Disorder Programme is designed to stop criminals intent on causing violence and unrest by bringing together policing capabilities from across the UK to share intelligence on the activity of mobs for officials to make swift arrests.

Violent protests included a mosque being attacked in Southport  the site of Monday's stabbings in north-west England, several police officers injured, objects hurled and vehicles set on fire as the unrest spread around the country to Downing Street in London.

Its not a protest. Its not legitimate. Its a crime and violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice, said Starmer, after an urgent meeting with police chiefs on Thursday.

Whether its in Southport, London or Hartlepool, these people are showing our country exactly who they are. Mosques targeted because they are mosques, flares thrown at the statue of Winston Churchill, a Nazi salute at the Cenotaph  weve resolved to show who we are. A country that will not allow understandable fear to curdle into division and hate in our communities, he said.

The authorities stressed that extremist groups will not be allowed to hide behind the legitimate right to protest to wreak havoc and intimidation.

Police are already tracking down those involved in violence and anyone else thinking of joining in should know they will face the full force of the law, said Chief Constable Andy Marsh, CEO at the College of Policing.

Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, a 17-year-old Wales-born resident of the nearby village of Banks in Lancashire of Rwandan heritage, was charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a knife in the Southport attack on Thursday.

Judge Andrew Menary lifted the legal restriction on naming the minor accused partly to prevent further misinformation from being spread across social media over Rudakubanas religious affiliation and immigration status.

Let me also say to large social media companies and those who run them: violent disorder clearly whipped up online is also a crime. Its happening on your premises and the law must be upheld everywhere, Starmer said during his Downing Street address.

Three children  six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar  died as a result of the attack at The Hart Space community centre in Southport on Monday. A Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop aimed at primary school children was taking place at the time of the attack in the seaside town north of the city of Liverpool.

Eight other children suffered stab wounds in the attack, five of whom remain in critical condition in hospital. Two adults, including one of the organisers of the event, also suffered critical injuries.

The new violent disorder programme he announced will support the swift deployment of surge teams to forces who need them, including when they are faced with intelligence that suggests organised violence in a particular area.

Southport suffered a horrific attack that no community should ever have to face. But instead of being shown respect for their grief, the community had to endure violent disorder and thuggery, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said.

Criminals need to face the full force of the law and today we made clear that the police have our strong support in keeping the streets safe. We will work with senior police officers across the country to make sure there is rapid intelligence sharing and swift action to stop violent disorder and make sure criminals pay the price, she said.
Colombo, Aug 2 (PTI) Twenty-one Indian fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy were repatriated and are on their way to Chennai from Colombo, the Indian High Commission here said on Friday.

The Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Indian Consulate in Jaffna in cooperation with the Sri Lankan government authorities had secured the release of the Indian fishermen.

"Returning home! 21 Indian fishermen have been successfully repatriated and are on their way to Chennai from Colombo," the High Commission posted on X along with a photograph of the released fishermen.

Taking to X on Thursday, the Indian mission had said, "DHC @DrSatyanjal and other officials met the fishermen today, ascertained their well-being and assured their repatriation within a day."

The fishermen issue is a contentious one in the ties between India and Sri Lanka, with Lankan Navy personnel even firing at Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait and seizing their boats in several alleged incidents of illegally entering Sri Lankan territorial waters.

An Indian fisherman was killed and another went missing following a collision on Thursday morning between a Sri Lankan naval vessel and an Indian fishing boat allegedly poaching in the island nation's territorial waters.

In New Delhi, the Sri Lankan acting high commissioner was called to the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday and a strong protest was registered over the incident.

On June 25, a senior sailor from the Sri Lanka Navy Special Boat Squadron died in an incident blamed on the aggressive manoeuvres of an Indian trawler, resisting its seizure, the Sri Lankan Navy said.

The Palk Strait, a narrow strip of water separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, is a rich fishing ground for fishermen from both countries.

Fishermen from both countries are arrested frequently for inadvertently trespassing into each others waters.
Washington, Aug 2 (PTI) US officials have arrested two Indian nationals with drugs worth USD 10 million, the Department of Justice said.

Simranjit Singh, 28, and Gusimrat Singh, 19, of Fresno, California were each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, it said.

Both made initial appearances before a federal court in Boston on July 29 and remain in federal custody. They were detained after local police found in the cab of the tractor trailer, over 400-kg bricks of suspected cocaine worth more than USD 10.5 million.

The sheer amount of drugs seized in this one case is disturbing and dangerous. These defendants allegedly took a cross-country trip to distribute illicit narcotics into Massachusetts communities, said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S Levy.

According to charging documents, on July 29, at 10.15 pm, a white tractor trailer arrived at a planned Andover address to deliver methamphetamine to the undercover agents. The driver and passenger of that tractor trailer, later identified as Gusimrat Singh and Simranjit Singh, allegedly handed off 65 pounds of suspected methamphetamine to the undercover agents. The men were immediately taken into custody.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to USD 1,000,000.
Washington, Aug 2 (AP) The Justice Department sued TikTok on Friday, accusing the company of violating children's online privacy law and running afoul of a settlement it had reached with another federal agency.

The complaint, filed together with the Federal Trade Commission in a California federal court, comes as the US and the prominent social media company are embroiled in yet another legal battle that will determine if  or how  TikTok will continue to operate in the country.

The latest lawsuit focuses on allegations that TikTok, a trend-setting platform popular among young users, and its China-based parent company ByteDance violated a federal law that requires kid-oriented apps and websites to get parental consent before collecting personal information of children under 13.

TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This action is necessary to prevent the defendants, who are repeat offenders and operate on a massive scale, from collecting and using young children's private information without any parental consent or control, Brian M Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, said in a statement.

The US decided to file the lawsuit following an investigation by the FTC that looked into whether the companies were complying with a previous settlement involving TikTok's predecessor, Musical.ly.

In 2019, the federal government sued Musical.ly, alleging it violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, by failing to notify parents about its collection and use of personal information for kids under 13.

That same year, Musical.ly  acquired by ByteDance in 2017 and merged with TikTok  agreed to pay $5.7 million to resolve those allegations. The two companies were also subject to a court order requiring them to comply with COPPA, which the government says hasn't happened.

In the complaint, the Justice Department and the FTC allege TikTok has knowingly allowed children to create accounts and retained their personal information without notifying their parents. This practice extends to accounts created in Kids Mode, a version of TikTok for children under 13, Justice said in a press release explaining the lawsuit.

The two agencies allege the information collected included activities on the app and other identifiers used to build user profiles. They also accuse TikTok of sharing the data with other companies  such as Meta's Facebook and an analytics company called AppsFlyer  to persuade Kids Mode users to be on the platform more, a practice TikTok called re-targeting less active users.

The complaint says TikTok also allowed children to create accounts without having to provide their age, or obtain parental approval, by using credentials from third-party services. It classified these as age unknown accounts, which the agencies say have grown into millions.

After parents discovered some of their children's accounts and asked for them to be deleted, federal officials said their requests were not honoured. In a press release explaining the lawsuit, Justice said the alleged violations have resulted in millions of children under 13 using the regular TikTok app, allowing them to interact with adults and access adult content.

In March, a person with the matter had told the AP the FTC's investigation was also looking into whether TikTok violated a portion of federal law that prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices by denying that individuals in China had access to US user data.

Those allegations were not included in the complaint, which is seeking civil penalties and injunctive relief. (AP) SCY

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Washington, Aug 2 (PTI) Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday said that he has not yet decided on whether to participate in a debate with his potential Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Well, I want to. And were leading in the polls it seems by quite a bit still...Shes (Harris) better than he (Joe Biden) is, but I think ultimately shell be worse than him, Trump told Fox News in an interview.

If I didnt do the debate, theyd say, Oh Trumps not doing the debate. Its the same thing theyll say now. I mean right now I say, why should I do a debate? Im leading in the polls. And everybody knows her, everybody knows me, said the former president.

The Harris Campaign slammed Trump for not agreeing to a debate so far. Yet again, he dodged, squirmed, and made excuses for why hes too scared to face Kamala Harris on the debate stage, the rival campaign said.

The Harris Campaign has alleged that Trump, who once said he would debate any time, any place, is backing down from his commitment to debate. "And its no mystery why?"

The last time Trump faced tough questions at NABJ, he imploded in a train wreck of an interview that went off the rails seconds after it began and had to be abruptly cut off by his team, it said.

Given another opportunity to back up his words with action, Trump apparently couldnt muster the courage to face tough questions -- or his opponent -- on the debate stage, the Harris Campaign alleged.

Donald Trump needs to man up. Hes got no problem spreading lies and hateful garbage at his rallies or in interviews with right-wing commentators. But hes apparently too scared to do it standing across the stage from the Vice President of the United States, said Harris for President co-chair Cedric Richmond.

Since he talks the talk, he should walk the walk and  as Vice President Harris said earlier this week  say it to her face on September 10. Shell be there waiting to see if hell show up, Richmond said.
Washington, Aug 2 (PTI) Republican presidential nominee and former president Donald Trump has said that his campaign raised USD 139 million in July and has USD 327 million cash on hand.

There has never been anything like the MAGA Movement. We raised $139 Million Dollars in July alone. We now have a whopping $327 Million Cash On Hand. Trump said on Truth Social, his social media platform.

Spectacular support from Great American Patriots who are donating to our Campaign for President of the United States, and helping out in many other ways. Much work to be done, but I will always keep fighting for YOU. Our Country is failing, but we will turn it around, quickly, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!, he said on Thursday.

The Trump Campaign, in a statement, said these numbers reflect continued momentum with donors at every level and provide the resources for the final 96 days until victory on November 5th.
Washington, Aug 2 (PTI) US President Joe Biden on Thursday spoke to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reaffirmed his commitment to Israel's security against all threats from Iran, the White House said.

Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call.

The president reaffirmed his commitment to Israel's security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, said a readout of the call.

The president discussed efforts to support Israels defence against threats, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive US military deployments, it said.

Together with this commitment to Israels defence, the president stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to de-escalate broader tensions in the region. Vice President Harris also joined the call, the White House said.
Joint Base Andrews (US), Aug 2 (AP) A plane believed to be carrying three Americans freed in a prisoner swap with Russia after years in captivity has landed at a US air base.

The jet touched down shortly before midnight at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and relatives of the former prisoners waited to greet them.

The Americans landed nearly 12 hours after leaving Turkey, where they were among 24 exchanged in the largest post-Soviet prisoner swap. They were shown smiling on board the jet in a photo released by the White House. (AP)

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Ahmedabad, Aug 2 (PTI) Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani on Friday said he has drawn the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to various issues related to Asiatic lions in Gujarat and the need for more facilities and infrastructure for tourists visiting Gir forest.

Nathwani, a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment, Forest and Climate Change, presented the first copy of his new book 'Call of the Gir' to Modi in New Delhi on July 31.

Talking to reporters about his interaction with the prime minister, Nathwani said he stressed the need for new lion sanctuaries like Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and the expansion of Keshod airport.

"I met the PM in Delhi and discussed about Gir and lion conservation. There are now four cubs, a male lion and two lionesses in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Porbandar district, developed recently by the state forest department as a second home for lions," he said.

As per the last census conducted in 2020, Gujarat is home to 674 Asiatic lions.

"New wildlife sanctuaries should be developed considering the rising population of lions. The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary has reached its threshold because it can only accommodate a maximum of 60 to 65 lions. Irrespective of the census, I believe there are nearly 900 lions in Gujarat."

He said steps need to be taken because lions have started moving out of Gir and are now in 14 districts.

"A busy port like Pipavav in Amreli district is home to nearly 50 lions. Similarly, lions are sighted in Palitana in Bhavnagar and sometimes near the Dwarka coastline. They are expanding their territories and entering such places because they aren't finding enough space," the MP said.

New sanctuaries can be created to accommodate these big cats, and nilgais (blue bulls) can also be shifted there to ensure the availability of prey, he said.

Nathwani, the director of corporate affairs at Reliance Industries Ltd, said nearly one lakh tourists visit Gir sanctuary every year, and Keshod in Junagadh district is the nearest airport.

We have been working to increase flights to Keshod airport. Hardly two flights arrive at this airport every week. You can reach Gir in half an hour from Keshod," he said.

"During my discussion with the PM, I suggested that flight traffic at Keshod will increase if the runway is extended by 300 meters. Another point was the lack of good hotels for foreign tourists," he said.

About recent incidents of lions being run over by trains near Gir forest, Nathwani said the fences the forest department had erected on both sides of tracks were stolen at several places.

A new design for fences is under consideration, he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. German federal states are actively strengthening bilateral relations with Kyrgyzstan, Gabriela Guellil, German Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, told Trend in an exclusive interview.

"The engagement of Germany in a wide range of fields includes cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Bavaria. Special dynamics in Bavarian-Kyrgyz relations have been observed during my three years of residence. High-ranking Kyrgyz politicians have visited Munich and participated in discussions with a variety of their compatriots. Omurbek Tekebaev, the Kyrgyz Ambassador to Germany, has also conducted numerous excursions to Bavaria, which have served as a foundation for a more comprehensive discussion on a variety of subjects, including the tender for Manas Airport," she said.

The ambassador emphasized that a recent but crucial focus has been on recruiting qualified labor for employment in Bavarian companies.

"At present, a substantial number of Kyrgyz students have been recruited for seasonal employment in Bavaria. Furthermore, Kyrgyz Au Pairs are currently residing in Bavarian households, where they are responsible for the care of juvenile children," she noted.

Guellil said that the Cham region in northern Bavaria is actively hiring young people from Kyrgyzstan so that they can join the workforce after getting the right training. Twenty people took part in this pilot project last year, and plans are to raise that number to fifty this year.

"I believe such initiatives will foster friendships, enhance skills, meet the labor demands of our industries, and promote cultural exchange. A delegation from Cham has recently completed a productive visit to Kyrgyzstan. This is concrete action, and we will continue on this path," she added.

The ambassador pointed out that there are plenty of areas where we can kick it up a notch in terms of cooperation. One hurdle is the need to have a good grasp of the German language in order to pursue vocational training or find a job.

"The Kyrgyz educational system is mostly responsible for this. It's critical to look into what Bavaria, and Germany more generally, can do to lend a hand," she stressed.

Guellil also highlighted the Kyrgyz-German Business Council, established two years ago, aimed at deepening business-to-business relations.

All things considered, the ambassador drove home the point that there are plenty of fish in the sea and fertile ground for collaboration that perfectly match the top goals of both Germany and Kyrgyzstan.
Mumbai, Aug 2 (PTI) Chinese Consul General in Mumbai Kong Xianhua has said his country is ready to work with India to bridge the gap between the people of the two neighbours, recalling the Indian help during the Sino-Japanese war.

The senior diplomat on Thursday visited the Indian Coast Guard Headquarters (West) to express gratitude to the maritime security agency for saving Chinese mariners over the past two years, an official statement said.

Kong met Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander of Indian Coast Guard (West), and said China is ready to work with India friends to bridge the gap between the people of the two countries and strengthen friendship.

... our two peoples will walk together like brothers and sisters, he said.

The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have jointly carried out a successful rescue mission to evacuate a Chinese mariner who was critically injured and suffering heavy blood loss on July 24, the statement said.

The Indian Coast Guard responded immediately to the medical emergency. The rescue team overcame the strong wind and high waves to evacuate him to hospital. Thanks to the Indian Coast Guard's prompt rescue and professional treatment, the mariner recovered very well and has already been back to China, Kong said.

Today I come here on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and all the officers and pay my highest tribute to the Indian Coast Guard, Kong told IG Sharma, as per the statement said.

Kong recalled that in 1938, an Indian medical mission went to China to help Chinese people fight against Japanese aggression.

Dr Kotnis, one of the doctors who was from Solapur (in Maharashtra), sacrificed his life for the great cause of Chinese people's liberation. Many Chinese people also gave their firm support for India's independence, the diplomat said.

In the current context, these rescue missions for Chinese citizens carried out by the Indian Coast Guard are of great significance and importance and strengthen the friendship between the two neighbours, he said

A Chinese idiom goes compassion knows no borders. We are ready to work with our Indian friends to bridge the gap between our two peoples and strengthen our friendship and our two peoples will walk together like brothers and sisters, the diplomat said.

He said the Indian Coast Guard has saved three Chinese mariners in the consular district of the Consulate General alone over the past two years.



Kong said, These rescue missions not only fulfil the (Coast Guards) motto of Vayam Rakshamah (we protect), but also demonstrate the common philosophy of People First, Life First in both China and India.

Sharma said over the past decade, the Indian Coast Guard has saved 27 Chinese citizens.
Aizawl, Aug 2 (PTI) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma may soon visit Imphal to meet his Manipur counterpart N. Biren Singh to address the ongoing ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities, an official statement said on Friday.

The statement, however, did not clarify whether Lalduhoma would mediate discussions between Meitei and Kuki-Zo organisations.

During a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on August 1, Lalduhoma mentioned that Singh had invited him to Imphal and expressed his willingness to comply with the request.

"I was invited by Manipur CM Biren Singh to visit Imphal. I want to respond and comply with his request," Laldhuoma was quoted as telling Shah in the statement.

Sources revealed that Singh made the invitation during a meeting with Lalduhoma on the sidelines of the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on July 28.

During the meeting with Shah, Lalduhoma suggested facilitating a dialogue between the Home Ministry and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), a tribal organisation representing the Kuki-Zo community, to resolve the conflict, the statement added.

On Monday, various ethnic-based groups representing the Kuki-Hmar-Mizo-Zomi communities formed a political platform called the 'Kuki-Zo Council' to represent their interests in future talks with the Centre. The council's full committee and statement of purpose are expected to be finalised on August 7, sources said.

The Kuki-Zo organisations, along with 10 Kuki MLAs and Kuki insurgent groups, currently under the suspension of operations (SoO) pact with the Centre and Manipur government, have demanded a separate Union territory with legislature, similar to Pondicherry, as a solution to the conflict.

Meitei organisations, however, have rejected this proposal and instead call for an Assam-type National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify "illegal migrants" from the Kuki-Zo communities.

The Manipur Chief Minister told the Assembly recently that the ethnic violence has resulted in 226 deaths since May 2023, with 39 people still missing and over 59,000 displaced in relief camps. The conflict has also led to the destruction of 11,133 houses and damage to 4,569 others, he added.
Jamshedpur, Aug 2 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday slammed the JMM-led coalition government in Jharkhand for maintaining silence over the issue of infiltration to pursue its vote-bank politics in the state.

Sarma, who is also the BJP's Jharkhand election co-in charge, asserted that it is everyone's responsibility to stop infiltration, not just that of the Union government.

The demography of Jharkhand is changing fast after Assam, West Bengal and Tripura, but the coalition government in Jharkhand was silent on the issue for the sake of appeasement, he said while addressing BJP workers at Tulsi Bhawan here.

The assembly elections are due in Jharkhand later this year.

Bangladeshi infiltration is at its peak in the Santal Pargana region of the state. They are grabbing lands of adivasis and dalits and committing atrocities on them, Sarma claimed.

The number of Bangladeshi infiltrators has gone up from 20 per cent to 48 per cent in 20 assembly segments of the state, he asserted.

If this trend continues, the day is not far when infiltrators will sit in assemblies, the Assam CM said.

He also said there was strong resentment among people against the JMM-led coalition in the state, asserting that the BJP was the only party that can protect Jharkhands glorious culture and tradition and its rivers, forests and land.
Agartala, Aug 2 (PTI) The Tripura government has decided to relocate a land customs station (LCS) from Manughat to Murticherra in Unakoti district following objection of the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) to expansion of the existing facility, an official said.

Around 100 acres of land was acquired for building warehouse, parking area among other facilities at Manughat LCS and the foundation stone was laid by former state industries minister Tapan Chakraborty but work could not progress as the BGB protested the proposed facelift, citing the Indira-Mujib Pact which stated that no construction activity could be undertaken within 150 yards of the international border.

To explore the feasibility of a new location for the existing LCS, an administrative team headed by Deputy Director of Industries and Commerce Department, Swapan Mitra, visited a spot near Murticherra, around 10 km from the existing LCS.

"Today, we visited a new location for LCS, Manughat as development of infrastructure at the existing site has been stalled for several years. The BGB has been opposing any construction work at the existing place. So, we visited the alternative place, Murticherra, for relocation of the existing LCS," Mitra told reporters on Thursday.

At Murticherra, around 12 acres of land are available for relocation of the LCS.

"A proposal for the relocation of the LCS will be sent to the Bangladesh government through the Centre for its green signal. If Dhaka gives its consent, we will shift the LCS to Murticherra," he said.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) India and Vietnam have held a key defence meeting here during which it was proposed to have cooperation in emerging areas such as cyber security, information security, military medicine and submarine search and rescue, officials said on Friday.

The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue took place in New Delhi on Thursday. It was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Deputy Minister of National Defence of Vietnam Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, they said.

"During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the range of bilateral defence cooperation issues and noted the transformative progress in the ties after the signing of the 'Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030' in June 2022 during the visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Vietnam," the defence ministry said in a statement.

After the meeting, the defence secretary and the deputy minister of national defence of Vietnam signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of training, including exchange of instructors and experts.

"Vietnam proposed five focus areas for cooperation which included delegation exchanges and dialogue, staff-talks; Service-to-Service cooperation; education and training; and defence industry cooperation," the statement said.

The defence secretary welcomed the five-point proposal and proposed cooperation in emerging areas such as cyber security, information security, military medicine and submarine search and rescue, it said.

Aramane highlighted the potential of domestic defence industry to fulfill capacity and capability enhancement of friendly foreign countries and looked forward to fruitful partnership with Vietnam People's Armed Forces and their industries.

Defence cooperation is one of the strong pillars of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam. Vietnam is an important partner in India's Act East Policy and in the Indo-Pacific Region, it added.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) With senior BJD leader Mamata Mohanta joining the BJP after resigning as a Rajya Sabha member, the Congress claimed on Friday that the "true face of the BJP vis-a-vis regional parties" has been revealed and said BJD chief Naveen Patnaik must be wondering "who will be next".

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said for over 20 years, the BJD and the BJP were "two sides of the same coin  scratching each other's backs as they gave the impression of being rivals".

Patnaik even ensured that BJP leader Ashwini Vaishnaw got elected to the Rajya Sabha twice, he said.

"Now the true face of the BJP vis-a-vis regional parties has been revealed. It has got a BJD Rajya Sabha MP to resign her seat and has rewarded her. The seat will now go to the BJP," the Congress leader said.

"Poor Naveen-babu must be wondering who will be next," Ramesh said.

Former BJD leader Mohanta joined the BJP here on Thursday, a day after resigning as a Rajya Sabha member and quitting the Naveen Patnaik-led party.

Mohanta joined the BJP at the party's headquarters here in the presence of senior party leaders, including national secretary Arun Singh and Odisha in-charge Vijay Pal Singh.

Some of the BJP MPs from Odisha were also present on the occasion.

With her exit, the BJD's strength in the Rajya Sabha has dropped to eight. It does not have any MP in the Lok Sabha.

There are 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Odisha.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday claimed that an Enforcement Directorate raid is being planned against him after his 'chakravyuh' speech in Parliament.

Gandhi said he was "waiting with open arms".

Apparently, 2 in 1 didn't like my Chakravyuh speech. ED insiders' tell me a raid is being planned, Gandhi said in a post on X early Friday.

Waiting with open arms @dir_ed ..Chai and biscuits on me, the former Congress chief said.

Using the 'chakravyuh' metaphor as a leitmotif, Gandhi on Monday claimed that an atmosphere of fear prevails all around with a group of six trapping the entire country in a 'chakravyuh' he promised would be broken by the INDIA bloc.

Participating in the debate in the Lok Sabha on Budget 2024-25, Gandhi had said the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will ensure that a legal guarantee for MSP as well as a caste census is passed by the House.

Thousands of years ago in Haryana's Kurukshetra, six people killed a youth, Abhimanyu, in a 'chakravyuh', he had said, adding that a 'chakravyuh' has violence and fear.

Gandhi's reference was to the Mahabharat legend according to which Abhimanyu was killed in a 'chakravyuh'. 'Chakravyuh' refers to a multi-layered military formation aimed at trapping a warrior by opponents placed strategically in an alignment resembling a lotus-shaped labyrinth.

He had said the 'chakravyuh' is also called a 'padmavyuh' for its resemblance to a lotus (BJP's election symbol) formation.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) The Supreme Court's observation on no systemic breach of sanctity in the 2024 NEET-UG exam has vindicated the government's stand, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Friday.

Hitting out at the opposition over its criticism of the national medical entrance exam amid allegations of irregularities, including question paper leak, the minister on X said, "The cloud of lies may hide the sun of truth for some time, but truth always wins" and added that findings and the verdict "outrightly rejects the propaganda that was being peddled".

The top court on Friday said it did not cancel the controversy-ridden NEET-UG 2024 examination amid concerns of paper leak because there was no systemic breach of its sanctity.

In its detailed reasons for the order which was pronounced on July 23, a bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said the National Testing Agency (NTA) must stop its flip-flop which was noticed this year as it does not serve the interest of students.

In his post on X, Pradhan said, "Supreme Court's observation on no systemic breach of sanctity in NEET-UG exam and therefore, no re-exam vindicates the stand of the government. The government stands committed to 'tamper-free, transparent and zero-error examination system."

"For ensuring the same we shall implement recommendations of the high-level committee of experts, at the earliest once they are submitted. The findings and the verdict outrightly rejects the propaganda that was being peddled. We whole-heartedly thank Supreme Court for delivering justice and protecting the interests of lakhs of hardworking students. We shall implement court's judgement in letter and spirit," he said.

The Union education ministry on June 22 set up a seven-member panel headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to review the NTA's functioning and recommend exam reforms.

On July 23, the top court dismissed the pleas seeking cancellation and re-test of the May 5 exam, holding that there was no evidence on record to conclude that it was "vitiated" on account of "systemic breach" of its sanctity. The court, while pronouncing the order, had said its detailed reasons would follow.

The interim verdict came as a shot in the arm for the embattled BJP-led NDA government and the NTA, which were facing strong criticism and protests, on streets and in Parliament, over alleged large-scale malpractices like question paper leak, fraud and impersonation in the prestigious test.

More than 23 lakh students gave the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) in 2024 for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) Delhi minister Atishi on Friday directed the Revenue Department to initiate a magisterial inquiry into the deaths of 14 inmates of the Asha Kiran shelter home in northwest Delhi's Rohini and submit a report within 48 hours.

Asha Kiran is a Delhi government-run facility for "mentally challenged" and comes under its Social Welfare Department. The department is currently without a head following the resignation of Raaj Kumar Anand.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently lodged in Tihar jail, has not assigned the charge of the department to any minister.

Taking cognisance of news reports on the deaths since January this year, Atishi said they "reportedly occurred due to health issues and malnutrition and indicates the lack of availability of requisite facilities to the inmates".

"It is very shocking to hear such bad news in the capital city of Delhi and we cannot tolerate such kind of lapses, if found true. This is a very serious issue and needs to be thoroughly investigated in order to take hard steps to revamp whole system to improve the conditions of all such homes to provide better facilities to the inmates," the minister said.

She directed the additional chief secretary revenue to immediately initiate a magisterial inquiry into the whole matter as reported in the news report and submit a report within 48 hours.

"Recommend action to be taken against those whose negligence has caused these deaths. Recommend suggestive measures to be taken to prevent occurrence of such incidents in future," the note issued by the minister here said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said its MP from northwest Delhi, Yogendra Chandoliya, will raise the issue in Lok Sabha and its party leaders will visit the shelter home.

All India BJP Mahila Morcha vice president Rekha Gupta, BJP MLA from Rohini Vijender Gupta and the party's North West district president Satyanarain Gautam tried to enter the shelter home but the gates were not opened for them, following which they staged a protest.

Earlier in the day, Delhi cabinet minister Gopal Rai slammed the BJP over the visit.

"BJP is reaching Asha Kiran to protest. They did not protest over the deaths of mother-son, who drowned in a waterlogged drain, since that matter comes under DDA. They ran away from there. I want to say that this dual model of politics has to stop," Rai said.

"The concerned minister is monitoring it. Whoever will be guilty will not be spared. Whatever power we have, we will take action. We are standing with the people of Delhi, whether the issue is related to MCD or DDA," he added.

Tanuja, 22, and her three-year-old son Priyansh had gone to a weekly market in east Delhi's Ghazipur area when they fell into a waterlogged drain and drowned during Wednesday evening's intense spell of downpour in the city.
Jalandhar (Punjab), Aug 2 (PTI) The Congress' Punjab unit chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Friday condemned the arrest of former minister and his party colleague Bharat Bhushan Ashu in a tender "scam"-linked money-laundering case.

Ashu was on Friday sent to Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand for five days after being produced in a local court.

A former food and civil supplies minister and the working president of the Congress in Punjab, Ashu was taken into custody on Thursday following a day-long questioning at the ED's zonal office in Jalandhar.

The money-laundering investigation stems from a Punjab Vigilance Bureau FIR registered in connection with an alleged scam related to the allotment of tenders for foodgrain transportation on fake registration numbers of vehicles during the Congress regime.

Ashu was arrested by the bureau in August 2022.

Reacting to the ED action, Ludhiana MP Warring said in a post on X, "We strongly condemn the arrest of Ashu by the ED. We stand by him. This vendetta politics cannot stop us from fighting for truth and justice."

Ashu represented Ludhiana (West) in the Punjab Assembly.

Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira also condemned the arrest.

"Although investigative agencies can probe and arrest anyone, the case of the ED arresting Bharat Bhushan Ashu, an ex-minister @INCPunjab, is a double jeopardy according to law!" he said in a post on X.

"He was earlier arrested by the vigilance bureau of @BhagwantMann and spent seven months in jail and the ED arrest is also for the same crime, if committed! It means he's being punished twice for the same offence!" he added.

The ED raided the premises of Ashu, Raman Balasubramanium, a former chairman of the Ludhiana Improvement Trust, and some others in August 2023.

"Through this favouritism, the allottee contractors got undue advantages, causing loss to the government exchequer," the federal probe agency had alleged.

Khaira said in his post, "...we all know the arrests made by ED during the BJP regime are based on political directions and the conviction rate of ED is very meagre, so the sole aim of governments is to harass and destroy the image of a person ... hence I condemn this politically motivated arrest and urge @INCIndia to support him."
Bhopal, Aug 1 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh government on Thursday airlifted 51 people of the state from Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand with the help of the hill state authorities and brought them to Rudraprayag, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said.

Ten more people are stranded at Kedarnath, but they were shifted to safer places, Yadav said.

A total of 61 people from Badarwas town in Shivpuri district went for the Char Dham pilgrimage tour in Uttarakhand by bus and other four-wheelers. They got stranded in Kedarnath following a landslide, he said in a statement.

"As soon as we got information about them, we immediately contacted Uttarakhand government and airlifted 51 out of the total 61 stranded persons through a helicopter to Rudraprayag, Yadav said.

The remaining persons are safe in Kedarnath, and the state government is in contact with the Uttarakhand government on the matter, he said.

Yadav said that his government will ensure that pilgrims wont suffer during pilgrimage tours. This incident took place because of rain, but all of them are safe.
Wayanad (Kerala), Aug 2 (PTI) Braving rains and adverse terrain, 40 teams of rescuers began search operations in landslide-hit Wayanad district on the fourth day on Friday, officials said.

The search and rescue operations that got underway early morning received an impetus due to the completion of the 190-foot-long Bailey bridge that will enable the movement of heavy machinery, including excavators, and ambulances to the worst-affected Mundakkai and Chooralmala hamlets, they said.

The 40 teams will conduct search operations in six zones of the landslides-hit areas -- Attamala and Aaranmala (first), Mundakkai (second), Punchirimattam (third), Vellarimala village (fourth), GVHSS Vellarimala (fifth), and riverbank (sixth).

The joint teams will include personnel from the army, NDRF, DSG, Coast Guard, Navy, and MEG along with three locals and one forest department employee.

In addition to this, a three-pronged search operation will begin, focusing on the Chaliyar River, according to the rescue plan devised by the authorities.

The eight police stations, along the 40-km stretch of Chaliyar, will join forces with local swimming experts to search the river for bodies that may have flown downstream or are trapped along the riverbanks.

Simultaneously, another search operation will be conducted using a police helicopter.

Besides this, the Coast Guard, Navy, and Forest Department will jointly conduct a search operation focusing on the riverbanks and areas where bodies may be trapped, according to the rescue plan.

State Revenue Minister K Rajan, a day ago, had said that a drone-based radar from Delhi would arrive on Saturday to locate bodies buried in the mud.

He also said that currently, six dogs are assisting in the search operation and four more will arrive in Wayanad from Tamil Nadu.
Wayanad, Aug 2 (PTI) Amidst the harrowing reports from Wayanad, which was hit by a recent catastrophic landslide, a daring attempt by forest officers who rescued four toddlers and their parents belonging to a tribal community is gaining attention.

A four-member team led by Kalpetta Range Forest Officer, K Hashis, on Thursday undertook a dangerous trek deep inside the forest to rescue a tribal family which included four toddlers aged between one and four.

The family, which belongs to the Paniya community of Wayanad, was stranded in a cave atop a hill overlooking a deep gorge, and it took over a four-and-a-half-hour trek for the team to reach there.

Speaking to PTI on Friday, Hashis said they found the mother and a four-year-old child wandering near the forest region on Thursday and, upon inquiry, came to know about her three other children and their father stranded in a cave without food.

Hashis said the family belonged to a particular section of the tribal community, which generally avoided interactions with outsiders.

"They normally survive on forest products and sell them in the local market to purchase rice. However, it seems like, due to the landslide and the heavy rains, they were unable to procure any food," he said.

The Forest Range Officer narrated their perilous journey, in which they had to encounter slippery and steep rocks amid heavy downpours.

"The children were tired, and we fed them with whatever we had carried. Later, after much persuasion, their father agreed to come with us, and we tied the children to our bodies and started our trek back," Hashis said.

The officers had to tie ropes to trees and rocks to climb the slippery rocks, which he described as hazardous.

They returned to the Attamala anti-poaching office, where the children were fed and given clothes and footwear.

"Currently, they are housed there. The children are safe now," he said.

The visual of one of the officers holding a child close went viral on social media on Friday.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to social media to hail the challenging attempt of the forest officials.

"Six precious lives were saved from a remote tribal settlement after a tireless 8-hour operation by our courageous forest officials in landslide-hit Wayanad. Their heroism reminds us that Kerala's resilience shines brightest in the darkest times. United in hope, we will rebuild and emerge stronger," Vijayan posted on 'X' on Friday.

Along with Hashis, section forest officer, B S Jayachandran, beat forest officer, K Anil Kumar and RRT (Rapid Response Team) member Anoop Thomas took part in the over seven-kilometer-long journey to rescue the family.

As the rain intensified, the forest department shifted most of the members of the tribal communities in Wayanad to secure places.

The said family, however, had been living inside the forest for some time, the officer added.
Budaun (UP), Aug 2 (PTI) A couple died of electrocution after coming in contact with a high-tension wire in the Musajhag area of this Uttar Pradesh district on Friday, police said.

Dev Pal Singh (52), a resident of Dudhari village in the Dataganj Kotwali area, and his wife Meena Devi (52) were returning home on a motorcycle when a high-tension wire fell on them, the police said.

Sub-district magistrate Sukhlal Verma said the couple was charred to death.

The electricity department's superintendent engineer was informed, he added.

Extreme heat and overloading caused the dilapidated power line to snap, Verma said and assured the couple's family of government assistance.

Passersby made videos of the couple burning but no one tried to save them, the police said.

The fire was controlled after the police arrived, they said.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem, they added.
Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, waves to the crowd as he walks toward the podium during a campaign event in Glendale, Ariz., Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
A new poll conducted by Richard Baris has found that US Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, holds a narrow lead over former US President Donald Trump among Jewish voters in the 2024 presidential election, leading him by a margin of 52.7% to 45.9%.

However, the poll also indicates a softening of support for Democrats among Jewish voters, likely due to dissatisfaction with the Biden administrations handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Jewish voters have traditionally leaned Democratic, with an average margin of 71% to 26% since 1968.

Pollster Richard Baris notes that Jewish voters dont trust Kamala Harris as much as they trusted Joe Biden, and suggests that the Biden administrations anti-Israel policies may be driving a partial exodus of Jewish voters to the Republican Party.

Harris is expected to take an even more adversarial approach to Israel than Biden, and has faced criticism for her handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Trump, on the other hand, has won support from a large number Jewish voters for his pro-Israel policies during his presidency.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A 47-year-old London-based Mohel, Yonason Abraham, has been refused bail after being charged with performing an illegal circumcision on a young Muslim child in Dublin. A father of 10, the Mohel was arrested on Tuesday and appeared before Dublin District Court on Thursday.

Detective Garda Megan Furey objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case, citing a potential maximum fine of 130,000 and five years imprisonment. She also expressed concerns about the Mohels flight risk, as he had no ties to Ireland and had booked a return flight for the same evening he arrived.

The defense solicitor, Tertius Van Eeden, argued that his client was a trained Mohel, and had been so for over 13 years. He also offered an independent surety of 5,000 and promised that he would not perform any further procedures in Ireland.

However, Judge Michael Connellan refused bail due to the supposed seriousness of the case, potential flight risk, and strength of evidence. Abraham was remanded in custody pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and will appear again on August 6th at Cloverhill District Court.

Please daven for Yehonasan Asher Yehuda ben Michal.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
New details emerged Friday on the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War, with the Kremlin acknowledging for the first time that some of the Russians held in the West were from its security services. Families of freed dissidents, meanwhile, expressed their joy at the surprise release.

While journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva and former Marine Paul Whelan were greeted by their families and President Joe Biden in Maryland on Thursday night, President Vladimir Putin embraced each of the Russian returnees at Moscows Vnukovo Airport, and promised them state awards and a talk about your future.

Among the eight returning to Moscow was Vadim Krasikov, a Russian assassin who was serving a life sentence in Germany for the 2019 killing of a former Chechen fighter in a Berlin park. German judges said the murder was carried out on orders from Russian authorities.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday that Krasikov is an officer of the Federal Security Service, or FSB  a fact reported in the West even as Moscow denied any state involvement.

He also said Krasikov once served in the FSBs special Alpha unit, along with some of Putins bodyguards.

Naturally, they also greeted each other yesterday when they saw each other, Peskov said, underscoring Putins high interest in including Kresikov in the swap.

Peskov also confirmed that the couple released in Slovenia  Artem Dultsov and Anna Dultsova  were undercover intelligence officers commonly known as illegals. Posing as Argentine expats, they used Ljubljana as their base since 2017 to relay Moscows orders to other sleeper agents and were arrested on espionage charges in 2022.

Their two children joined them as they flew to Moscow via Ankara, Turkey, where the mass exchange took place. They do not speak Russian, and only learned their parents were Russian nationals sometime on the flight, Peskov said.

They also did not know who Putin was, asking who is it greeting them, he added.

Thats how illegals work, and thats the sacrifices they make because of their dedication to their work, Peskov said.

Two dozen prisoners were freed in the historic trade, which was in the works for months and unfolded despite relations between Washington and Moscow being at their lowest point since the Cold War after Putins February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow freed 15 people in the exchange  Americans, Germans and Russian dissidents  most of whom have been jailed on charges widely seen as politically motivated. Another German national was released by Belarus.

Among the dissidents released were Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer serving 25 years on charges of treason widely seen as politically motivated; associates of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny; Oleg Orlov, a veteran human rights campaigner, and Ilya Yashin, imprisoned for criticizing the war in Ukraine.

They were flown to Germany amid an outpouring of joy from their supporters and relatives  but also some shock and surprise.

God, it is such happiness! I cried so much when I found out. And later, too. And Im about to cry again now, as well, said Tatyana Usmanova, the wife of Andrei Pivovarov, another opposition activist released in the swap, writing on Facebook as she flew to meet him. Pivovarov was arrested in 2021 and sentenced to four years in prison.

In a phone call to Biden, Kara-Murza said no word is strong enough for this.

I dont believe whats happening. I still think Im sleeping in my prison cell in (the Siberian city of) Omsk instead of hearing your voice. But I just want you to know that youve done a wonderful thing by saving so many people, he said in a video posted on X.

(AP)
The former chief of the Honduran National Police was sentenced Thursday to 19 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to protect shipments of cocaine destined for the United States.

Juan Carlos Bonilla Valladares, 64, better known as El Tigre or The Tiger, was a member of the Honduran National Police for decades before becoming its leader for a year in 2012.

He rose to power by enabling cocaine trafficking on a massive sale and using violence, including murder, to protect the drug trade, prosecutors said in a presentencing brief. They had asked that he be sentenced to 30 years in prison.

The sentence in Manhattan federal court was announced by Judge P. Kevin Castel.

In a brief by the defense, attorney Donald Vogelman requested a sentence of 10 years in prison. He wrote that Bonilla Valladares was not always involved in illegal activities and that although he admitted his guilt in a drug conspiracy, he adamantly denies being involved in any murders.

From time to time he was involved in the illegal drug trade. He actually did good work in service to his country most of the time. He was a very gifted man who lived a dual life which was unfortunate, Vogelman said.

The lawyer said his client was in poor health and will be a marked man if he survives incarceration and is returned to Honduras.

He will not go back to criminal activities. That chapter in his life is behind him, the lawyer said.

In Honduras, retired Honduran National Police commissioner Henry Osorio Canales said the sentence was the latest example of how his countrys institutions were at the service of drug traffickers.

We had a government that was in criminal hands, which steered the destiny of the people and El Tigre was its armed branch, he said.

A son of Bonilla Valladares by the same name, Juan Carlos Bonilla, who was in the courtroom Thursday, told Honduras HRN radio that his father maintains his innocence and only made a guilty plea because he hopes to one day be free again.

He told us it was all a political persecution, the younger Bonilla said. Today was very difficult to see my father in that situation. He added that his father would appeal his sentence.

Prosecutors said Bonilla Valladares accepted lucrative bribes for providing armed protection as cocaine was transported across Honduras. They said he directed other corrupt law enforcement officers to protect those shipments and furnished sensitive law enforcement information about pending raids to his co-conspirators.

He was arrested March 9, 2022, after he was labeled by U.S. prosecutors as a co-conspirator of former President Juan Orlando Hernandez and the presidents brother Tony Hernandez. Prosecutors said prior to his sentencing that the brothers were the powerful political allies of Bonilla Valladares.

In June, Juan Orlando Hernandez was sentenced to 45 years in prison in Manhattan federal court after he was convicted in March on drug charges after a two-week trial that was closely followed in his home country.

Tony Hernandez, a former Honduran congressman, was sentenced to life in a U.S. prison in 2021 in the same courthouse for his own conviction on drug charges.

In a release, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said Valladares committed the very crimes he was sworn to prevent.

Anne Milgram, administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Bonilla Valladares exploited his position as head of the Honduran National Police to traffic cocaine to the United States and protect drug traffickers.

(AP)
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

According to a report by Channel 12, the security for Prime Minister Netanyahu and his staff has been increased following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The ShaBak has ordered Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials to only attend events with easily accessible shelters and avoid tours of open areas near any of the war fronts. This comes as Iran and Hamas have both vowed to retaliate against the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Not only is Netanyahus safety a matter of concern, but the safety of Israel itself is on everyones minds. Virtually every airline other than El-Al has cancelled its flights. The entire IDF is on high alert.

There is one step, however, that can be taken, which has not yet been done  that Netanyahu can opt to exercise which will ensure the safety of both the Prime Minister as well as the safety of the country. It was a step advocated by Netanyahus own political mentor. In fact, this step has protected Israel from the date of its inception.

There are extraordinary powers to this step -as found in Israels Constitution (section 1:2:3)

Lets just take a walk back to 1982. It was somewhat of a tight battle. Prime Minister Menachem Begin faced an irreligious Knesset membership when he argued that El Al, Israels national airline, should not be flying on Shabbos.

Israels Constitution of course is the Torah, and Genesis 2:3 tells us how G-d Al-Mighty blessed the seventh day. The prayers that Jews recite every Friday evening include the words, ki hi mekor haBracha  She, the Shabbos, is the source of all blessing.

Prime Minister Menachem Begin began:

Forty years ago, I returned from exile to Eretz Yisrael. Engraved in my memory still are the lives of millions of Jews, simple, ordinary folk, eking out a livelihood in that forlorn Diaspora where the storms of anti-Semitism raged. They were not permitted to work on the Christian day of rest, and they refused to work on their day of rest. For they lived by the commandment, Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. So each week they forswore two whole days of hard-won bread. This meant destitution for many. But they would not desecrate the Sabbath day.

Shabbos is one of the loftiest values in all of humanity, it originated with us. It is all ours. No other civilization in history knew of a day of rest. Ancient Egypt had a great culture whose treasures are on view to this day, yet the Egypt of antiquity did not know of a day of rest. The Greeks of old excelled in philosophy and the arts, yet they did not know of a day of rest. Rome established mighty empires and instituted a system of law still relevant to this day, yet they did not know of a day of rest. Neither did the civilizations of Assyria, Babylon, Persia, India, China  none of them knew of a day of rest.

One nation alone sanctified Shabbos, a small nation, the nation that heard the voice at Sinai,  so that your man-servant and your maid-servant may rest as well as you. Ours was the nation that enthroned Shabbos as sovereign Queen.

So, are we in our own reborn Jewish state to allow our blue-and-white El Al planes to fly to and fro as if broadcasting to the world that there is no Shabbos in Israel? Should we, who by faith and tradition heard the commandment at Sinai, now deliver a message to all and sundry through our blue-and-white El Al planes  No, dont remember the Sabbath day. Forget the Sabbath day! Desecrate the Sabbath day. I shudder at the thought.

That was Prime Minister Menachem Begin. But it can also be Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Shabbos observance has always had a remarkably protective quality. It has kept the nation of Israel alive since our inception.

One may wonder why this is so. And the answer is that Shabbos has always been the defining characteristic of the nation of Israel  the symbol or flag of the Jewish nation.

Just as patriots look at their flag as more than a mere dyed cloth with fancy designs, so too is Shabbos viewed in the eyes of the Jewish people. The Sheiltos of Rav Achai Gaon explains that G-d has instructed us to rest on Shabbos, just as He rested from all creative acts on Shabbos. Observing Shabbos is a sign of our deep belief in G-d  that it was He who Created the world. Not observing the Sabbath is like stepping on the flag. You have an opportunity now  to honor that flag.

Please do not let the opportunity to honor the flag pass by.

It is not just Jews who have an abiding belief in G-d. A Gallup poll taken in June of 2016 of over 1000 Americans in all fifty states showed that 89% of Americans believe in G-d. This figure has been constant since Gallup first started surveying this in the 1940s.

But, for Jews, it is more than this too.

Our belief in G-d is not just limited to the notion that an omnipotent entity created the world. No. An integral aspect of Torah theology is that this omnipotent entity is the source of all good.

He rewards good and punishes evil. The Jewish understanding of G-d and His unique Oneness is that ethics and monotheism are intrinsically interwoven with each other.

In other theologies they may be two separate concepts.

Not so in Judaism.

A belief in the Oneness of G-d perforce also includes the notion that He defines what goodness is. Altruism, goodness, and ethical behavior are not the results of evolutionary biology  no, they are part and parcel of the Creator Himself.

Indeed, this is the raison detre of Creation itself  so that G-d Al-Mighty can reward those who follow His will. If, in the path of life, we successfully attempt to both emulate G-d and follow His instructions too  then we will be rewarded.

The Observance of Shabbos is thus the flag of the Jewish people  the idea and notion that represents all this.

Speaking of history, two thousand years ago, Roman civilization dominated the world. Many nations have battled the Romans, the Mithridates, the Parthians, the Sassanians, and especially the Carthaginians. The Carthaginians had three major wars with the Romans and lost the last and most critical one. The Romans destroyed the city of Carthage.

The Incas and the Aztecs were highly evolved civilizations in the Americas. The Spanish conquerors destroyed these civilizations approximately 500 years ago. These people assimilated into the melting pot of what is now Latin America.

It is unimaginable to think that these civilizations, the Carthaginians, the Incas, and Aztecs could survive intact after these long centuries exiled, so to speak, from their homeland or city and deprived of their socio-religious cultural center.

It is even more unimaginable for these civilizations, after many long centuries of such an exile, to return to their land. Finally, it is entirely inconceivable that the homeland remained unimproved and uncultivated for those many long centuries, until its people had returned.

Yet, this is precisely what happened to the Jewish people.

The Romans had conquered the land of Israel. They destroyed the Temple. They ransacked Jerusalem and exiled the Jewish people.

Josephus (Wars of the Jews 7:1:1) writes that Jerusalem was so thoroughly razed to the ground by those that demolished it to its foundations, that nothing was left that could ever persuade visitors that it had once been a place of habitation. The Romans re-named the holy city of Jerusalem Aelia Capitolina. The Jews were exiled and spread throughout the western world. There they remained for twenty, yes, twenty centuries.

All of this leads to the incontrovertible fact that there is a G-d that runs the world.

This G-d is clearly concerned with the destiny of the Jewish people. This G-d, according to the sacred writings of the Jewish people, rewards good and punishes evil.

Indeed, G-d, in the eyes of Judaism, is the essence of all that is good. All this was revealed to the Jewish nation at the foot of Mount Sinai. This occurred over 3300 years ago.

The Jewish people were given a unique mission. The mission is to declare the concept of G-d and the obligation to emulate Him in all we do  in all our actions. This mission has only been partially completed. The vast majority of the peoples of the world are only somewhat aware of who G-d is, but have a woefully incomplete picture.

Judaism has always felt that concepts and ideas are not enough  they must be accompanied by action.

For example, a person who wishes to become a master musician cannot merely peruse the musical notes of a concerto but must actually practice music. Hours and hours of practice are necessary. By the same token, a student of the martial arts cannot become a proficient fighter merely by reading a karate instruction manual. Years and years of practice are required for the proficiency and expertise to develop.

The prophets of Israel speak of the noble ideals of universal peace, brotherhood, seeking truth and justice, and walking humbly before G-d. They speak of the notion of hakaras haTov  recognizing the good that one has done for them. But Judaism requires that these noble ideas be put into action through the vehicle known as Mitzvah.

Thus, there is a commandment to give charity. There is a commandment to recite a short formula thanking G-d for the bread that we have consumed. And the observance of Shabbos is no different.

The concept of G-d to the genuine Sabbath observer is tangible and real. The exodus from Egypt is as genuine and vivid to the Sabbath observer as is the placing of a man on the moon during the Apollo space missions in the 1960s.

Prime Minister, come back to the greatest flag the world has ever known. Come back to the badge, the flag that declares to the world that there is an Al-Mighty G-d who rewards good and punishes evil.

Become Shomer Shabbat. It is your grandfathers legacy, a Rabbi who had studied in the great Yeshiva of Volozhin, started by Rabbi Chaim Volozhin student of the famed Vilna Gaon. It is your mentor, Menachem Begins legacy.

Shabbos observance will protect you, it will protect the entire nation. And it will be your greatest legacy.

The author can be reached at [email protected]
The IDFs Home Front Command on Thursday issued a closure order to the Strauss ice cream manufacturing plant in Akko which uses ammonia for its operation.

Several other factories in the north that use hazardous materials were instructed to empty and dispose of gas reserves to mitigate risk to the public in the event of Hezbollah strikes from Lebanon.

Ynet reported that the IDF also demanded that Strauss limit the amount of ammonia stored on site as part of emergency regulations for northern Israel. According to the report, ice cream production requires ammonia for cooling production systems and freezers, and ice cream cannot be manufactured without it.

Strauss workers said an ice cream shortage is not expected if the closure lasts only a few days as it has a sufficient stockpile for the summer.

Following Home Front Command directives, we are temporarily halting operations at the Strauss ice cream plant in Akko, Unilever [which owns the factory] confirmed.

The head of the Chatzor HaGlilit Regional Council, Michael Kabesa, urged Home Front Command officers to order the Pri HaGalil food plant to empty its ammonia reserves as well, citing potential risks to residents.

The situation is heating up and we cannot be caught unprepared, Kabesa told Ynet. The eliminations and expected Hezbollah response indicate a high potential for escalation.

Beginning on October 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets, missiles and drones at Israel, factories near the border, such as in Kiryat Shmona, began minimizing the use of ammonia to mitigate public risk.

The Home Front Command maintains continuous contact with all factories in its jurisdiction, conducting daily inspections and regular assessments with local authorities and the Environmental Protection Ministry to ensure preparedness and a full understanding of hazardous material stock levels, the IDF stated.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah issued threats against Israel on Thursday, asserting that the IDF had crossed red lines with the assassination of Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. Speaking in a televised address during Shukrs funeral, Nasrallah declared that Israel should prepare for rage and revenge on all the fronts supporting Gaza, indicating that the conflict had entered a new phase.

Israelis will weep terribly in the days ahead, Nasrallah stated, as Israel heightened its readiness for potential retaliation from Hezbollah and Iran. While Israel has not officially taken responsibility for Haniyehs death in Tehran, both Tehran and Hamas have blamed the Israeli state.

Shukrs death on Tuesday night marks the most significant blow to Hezbollah in nearly two decades. The assassination, along with the ongoing Gaza conflict, risks escalating the tit-for-tat exchanges across the Israel-Lebanon border into a wider regional conflict.

Nasrallah said that Hezbollah was paying the price for its support for Gaza and the Palestinian people and announced an open battle on all fronts. He further claimed that Israels actions, including the assassination of Shukr, amounted to an act of war. Nasrallah also denied Hezbollahs involvement in a recent rocket attack on the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children. He suggested that an Israeli interceptor might have been responsible for the tragedy.

In his speech, Nasrallah hinted at international pressure for Hezbollah to respond in a controlled manner or not at all. However, he noted, There is no discussion on this point. The only things lying between us and you are the days, the nights, and the battlefield, asserting that a response from Hezbollah was inevitable.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Nasrallahs threats, saying that Israel is very prepared for any scenario  both defensively and offensively. He warned that Israel would impose a very heavy price for any act of aggression against us from any arena. Netanyahu also confirmed the killing of Hamas military chief Muhammad Deif, describing him as Israels number one wanted man for years and reiterating Israels policy: Whoever hurts us, we hurt them.

IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari echoed Netanyahus sentiments, saying that the military was prepared for any threat and urging the public to follow safety guidelines. Hagari also refuted claims of additional Israeli strikes in the region on the night of Haniyehs death.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari played coy when asked about Israeli involvement in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, saying that the military only carried out one airstrike on Tuesday night, which killed Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

We struck on Tuesday night in Lebanon and killed Fuad Shukr in an accurate aerial strike. I want to emphasize, there was no other aerial strike, not a missile and not an Israeli drone, in the entire Middle East that night, and I wont comment further, Hagari said.

This statement comes after The New York Times reported that Haniyehs death was caused by a sophisticated, remote-controlled bomb smuggled into his room at a Tehran guesthouse, where he was staying for the inauguration of Irans new president.

Iran has vowed to exact revenge on Israel for Haniyehs death, although Jerusalem has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Further details about the elimination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh have been revealed.

Axios reported that Israeli intelligence received information months ago about which building and exact room Haniyeh stayed in when he visited Tehran.

The bomb, which was planted in June, was a high-tech device that used artificial intelligence.

It was detonated remotely by Mossad operatives who traveled to Iran after receiving intelligence that Hanieyh was indeed in the room.

According to the report, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made the decision to assassinate Haniyeh, not only to bring him to justice for the October 7 assault, but because he was serving as an obstacle to a hostage deal.

A source told Axios that Haniyeh insisted on a more hardline view on a deal than Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar and was making negotiations difficult.

Haniyeh presented a pragmatic face to the mediators but internally inside Hamas led a hard line, the source said.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
According to a report by Saudi Al-Hadath news outlet, citing unnamed sources within the Biden administration, the US has not received any indication that Iran is preparing for an imminent military strike on Israel.

US intelligence has not detected any significant movement of Iranian forces or equipment in recent days, and there are no signs that Iran is gearing up for an imminent strike on Israel. Additionally, Irans proxies in the region have not taken any steps that would signal they were preparing to launch a major attack on behalf of Iran.

One official said, Tehran will take time to decide on the type of response it launches, and it will take time to prepare the response. The official also noted that even if an attack were to occur, it would not likely be a large-scale assault, as Iran does not want war with Israel any more than Israel wants war with it.

However, the official cautioned, But you are dealing with the Middle East, and anything can happen.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Western intelligence sources have revealed that Iran is planning to attack Israel on Tisha BAv in response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, and that it will be coordinated with Hezbollah.

According to Sky News Arabia, the attack is planned for August 12-13, when Tisha BAv begins. Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has vowed to take revenge for Haniyehs assassination, writing on social media, Following this bitter, tragic eventit is our duty to take revenge.

The report suggests that targeting Israel on Tisha BAv has emotional and psychological significance, aiming to exploit Jewish Israelis vulnerability on this day. Historical traumas and images of destruction may be revived, and the attack may bring an element of surprise, catching security forces off guard.

Iran allegedly hopes to transmit a message to the Islamic world that Israel is vulnerable to destruction, potentially pushing the international community to seek political solutions to the conflict. The attack may also boost morale for terror groups attacking Israel, showing that Iran will continue to support them.

This would not be the first time Iran has attempted to attack Israel. In April, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles, but 99% were shot down by Israel and its allies, causing only minor damage.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Scrutiny: Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky

Keir Starmer is not known for loose language. So it was fascinating to hear him cautioning against 'flogging off' vital assets when unveiling plans to make Britain a green energy powerhouse.

The Prime Minister doesn't appear to sit in the camp which argues that selling the 'crown jewels' to foreign buyers shows confidence in Britain.

It should come as no surprise that the Government has decided to probe the 3.6billion bid for the Royal Mail by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky by invoking the National Security & Investment Act.

There has been a vain belief on the board of the Royal Mail owner International Distribution Services (IDS), among advisers and bankers (set to collect 146m of fees) that the deal rapidly could be completed.

The hope was it could be done under the radar in the aftermath of the election.

Confidence was supported by the 2022 probe of Kretinsky  dubbed the 'Czech Sphinx'  as he built a 27.5 per cent IDS stake.

No security threat was found because of links to Russia or any other state.

If one looks at the way that Whitehall has deployed the act so far, it has only used the powers to interfere with deals when there is fear of tech transfer to potentially hostile nations such as China.

Often it is forgotten that the act has a much broader remit. It draws lessons from the powerful and uncompromising US Committee on Foreign Investment.

Japan's Nippon Steel currently is being stalled in its ambition to acquire US Steel by Joe Biden's White House.

With determination, the sale of Royal Mail could face a public interest test in Britain. The Cabinet Office will seek to establish whether there is a link between Kretinsky, the Slovak gas pipelines concern Eustream and Russia.

There apparently is no such direct relationship. However, Kretinsky is not bidding alone. His partner, J&T Capital, is an offshoot of a less-than transparent Slovak group of which much less is known.

Understanding J&T ought to be a critical part of the scrutiny.

An immediate consequence of 'calling in' the deal is that the City referee, the Takeover Panel, has suspended the August 4 timetable for an offer to be finalised.

Panel rules are on hold until the regulatory hurdles have been cleared.

And in the meantime the Kretinsky advisory bandwagon rolls on. It is understood his team are keeping in close touch with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, who will be anxious to tie down firm undertakings made between Kretinsky and the company.

Among the items to be covered are the Universal Service Obligation (USO), jobs, headquarters and the future role of the main employee group the Communications Workers Union.

There is a concern that the five-year standstill is not long enough to be a defence against the defenestration of the Royal Mail.

Moreover, Kretinsky, having established a dialogue with the trade union, plans to keep on talking.

All of this is taking place against a fascinating background. To restore profitability the Royal Mail needs regulator Ofcom to approve changes to the USO.

A key change would be an end to the requirement that second-class mail be delivered six days a week.

A new approach could add up to 300m to 350m in earnings to the Royal Mail. That would mean Kretinsky would have to considerably raise his bid price.

Important lessons can be learnt from the US. One Boston-based American investor explains there is a severe risk of loss of business unless Ofcom acts speedily.

The US Postal Service, facing many of the same challenges, has become a problem for Washington. A private sector competitor, UPS, has stolen the postal service business by deploying better technology, logistics and tracking.

In the UK Apollo-owned Evri (formerly Hermes) is seeking to do the same to the Royal Mail.

If the Government is serious about ending the sale of vital enterprises overseas then the best financial way of blocking an unwanted deal is to change the USO mandate.

Kretinsky, J&T and advisers face a long and arduous path to winning.

The big question now is whether they can stay the distance.
Recently ranked the worst airline for customer service for the third year running, budget carrier Wizz Air swung to a loss in the first quarter.

Investors are already unhappy with the Budapest-based airline over boardroom pay, with top managers due to get millions of pounds worth of free shares just for staying.

And its annual meeting today is likely to be fractious. Last year investors rebelled against an extension to a scheme to give chief executive Jozsef Varadi a bonus of up to 100million if the share price soared  but the stock is now down over 25 per cent in the year-to-date following a 22.6 per cent, or 433p, drop to 1480p yesterday.

Turbulence: Budget carrier Wizz Air took bottom place on the FTSE 350 index after swinging to a loss in the first quarter

Wizz achieved first-quarter revenue growth, but a loss reflected a rise in financing expenses, partly owing to costs related to its plane engines being plagued by unpredictable issues, which will spill over into the second quarter.

The FTSE 100 fell 1 per cent, or 84.62 points, to 8283.36. Meanwhile the FTSE 250 dipped 0.7 per cent, or 141.48 points, to 21,459.23.

Investors had another plethora of results to digest. Medical equipment manufacturer Smith & Nephew gained 6.8 per cent, or 76p, to 1199p after interim profits came in ahead of expectations, helped by a turnaround plan.

First-half revenues rose 4.3 per cent to 2.2billion, while operating profits jumped 19.5 per cent to 257million.

BAE Systems fell 0.9 per cent, or 12p, to 1285p after the defence firm upgraded its 2024 forecasts to reflect strong deliveries of military kit and benefits from a US acquisition.

And Sensodyne toothpaste and Panadol painkillers maker Haleon took on 2.4 per cent, or 8.4p to 358p as it predicted high single-digit growth in organic operating profit in 2024, after strong demand for oral care products and vitamins.

Stock Watch - Oxford Nanopore Oxford Nanopore has attracted an equity investment from Novo Holdings, which manages the assets of top Danish drugs giant Novo Nordisk. Novo is investing 50million via a share subscription, a figure revised down from 60million after strong demand from investors in a concurrent share placing. It raised 80million, increased from an initial 75million, with the oversubscribed placing priced at 120p per share. Shares rose 7.6 per cent, or 9.2p, to 130p.

London Stock Exchange Group rose 4 per cent, or 382p, to 9852p after it reported first-half income above expectations, helped by progress with its Microsoft venture, and a rise in subscription value.

But Schroders dropped 9.7 per cent, or 38.2p, to 354.6p as it posted a fall in first-half net operating income even though it has record high assets under management, of 773.7billion.

Outsourcer Serco shed 6.3 per cent, or 12.1p to 179.4p after a fall in first-half profits and revenues while it reiterated annual guidance.

Vesuvius lost 11.8 per cent, or 57p, to 426.5p as the ceramics engineers first-half revenue and profits fell and said an end-market recovery will now only materialise next year.

And Melrose fell 12.5 per cent, or 73.8p, to 515p as lower 2025 sales guidance look the shine off results which the aerospace components firm said beat its expectations.

But Vanquis Banking rose 2.4 per cent, or 1.3p to 56.1p as the lender, formerly Provident Financial, saw weak half-year results offset by savings.

And industrial threads firm Coats added 12.9 per cent, or 11.5p, to 101p as it lauded a recovery in footwear and apparel sectors.

Gulf Marine Services rose 11.8 per cent, or 2p, to 19p after the provider of self-propelled support vessels for energy projects said it will reinstate its dividend.
Lifeline: Belfast shipyard Harland and Wolff has secured nearly 20m from lenders

Crisis-hit Harland and Wolff has secured nearly 20million from lenders as it fights off administration.

The Belfast shipyard, which built the Titanic, has reached a deal with its existing Wall Street lender Riverstone to expand its credit facility, on which it pays 14 per cent interest, from 90million to 110million.

It is thought a condition was the exit of boss John Wood after the Government said it would not provide a 200million loan guarantee.

We are grateful to our lenders in continuing their commitment to support stabilisation, said Malcolm Groat, Harland chairman. However, its Scilly Isle ferry service is being axed.

The group has 1,500 workers a in Belfast, Devon, and Methil and Arnish in Scotland. Matt Roberts, at the GMB union, said: Now it can focus on its core business and what we know GMB members can deliver.

'The sites remain crucial to domestic sovereign capabilities in shipbuilding and renewables.
Boost: Boss 'Turbo' Tufan Erginbilgic

Rolls-Royce is to hand 700 worth of shares to all staff as the aerospace giant cheers a successful turnaround.

Chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic said the engine maker will give 150 shares to 'every colleague, in every part of our organisation' in September.

It follows half-year results this week, with Rolls announcing a first dividend since the pandemic.

The move was cheered by investors who had been calling for Erginbilgic to reinstate the prized payout.

Shares flew to a record high on Thursday but fell back 3.6 per cent, or 17.2p, to 463.9p yesterday. It has around 42,000 people worldwide and all are set to get shares.

In an internal message to employees, Erginbilgic said that the resumption of the dividend payout marked an 'important moment' for shareholders and future investors.

He added: 'These results have been made possible thanks to your hard work and our collective actions.

'You are making the difference. It is therefore important that you share in our success. That is why we are giving you the opportunity to own part of Rolls-Royce.'

'Turbo' Tufan, as he is better known, joined at the start of 2023 when Rolls was struggling to recover from the pandemic and had racked up mammoth losses as planes were grounded.

But he has cut costs  expected to fall by 200m a year by the end of 2025  and paid down debts.

Last October, Rolls announced 2,500 job cuts. The shares' value have more than quadrupled since the start of 2023, a factor that has earned Erginbilgic his nickname of 'Turbo' Tufan.
Baku. Azerbaijan. August 2. The largest prisoner swap since the Cold War took place between the United States and Russia.

Three U.S. citizens held in Russian prisons have been returned to their country, Trend reports.

Among them is Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. According to a White House statement, the swap was based on complex negotiations between Russia and other countries.

Turkiye coordinated the swap. A total of 24 prisoners were released. Russia released 16 prisoners.
Baku. Azerbaijan. August 2. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pope Francis held a telephone conversation, Trend reports with reference to the communications department of the Turkish presidential administration.

Erdogan drew attention to the immoral scenes that took place at the opening of the Olympic Games in Paris.

President Erdogan stressed that attacks on religious and moral values and trampling on human dignity are unacceptable under the name of freedom of expression and tolerance.

The Turkish leader noted that the immoral scenes in Paris offended the feelings of Muslims, as well as the Christian world. "It is important to raise our voices against such actions together and take a united position," he said.

Erdogan recalled that the goal of the Olympic Games is not an attack on religious values and the promotion of heretical ideas, but to unite people.

He called the attacks on religious values as part of the Olympics held in France "an alarming signal about the moral crisis in which the world finds itself."

The Pope expressed gratitude to the Turkish president for his efforts to restore peace and his sensitivity to the degradation of religious values.
Baku. Azerbaijan. August 2. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Weisal bin Farhan Al Saud and discussed the situation in the Middle East, Trend reports.

This was reported by Saudi Arabian media.

During the talks, the parties reviewed the latest developments in the region and stressed the importance of reducing escalation and achieving a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

At the same time, the foreign ministers of the two countries discussed the situation in Sudan.
Baku. Azerbaijan. August 2. The Supreme Military Council of Turkiye has released information on new appointments and personnel changes in the ranks of the country's Armed Forces, Trend reports.

Meeting of the Council chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was held in Ankara.

By decision of the Council, the ranks of 23 generals and admirals were promoted, and 77 colonels were awarded the ranks of generals and admirals.

In addition, the service term of 34 generals and admirals was extended by one year, and 455 colonels by two years.

A total of 31 generals and admirals retired.

The decision will come into force on August 30, and the number of generals and admirals serving in the Turkish army will increase from the current 281 to 327.
The climate is changing and it is absolutely impossible to deny it, which is why traveling by environmentally friendly means of transportation is becoming increasingly popular. For example, more and more tourists are choosing to go on vacation by train.

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For those who want to see Europe without polluting the air with air travel, Euronews has compiled seven interesting cities with good rail connections. An additional bonus is that these regions have a rather cool climate, so you can hide from the summer heat.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The always laid-back capital of the Netherlands offers leisurely strolls along canals and endless rows of colorful buildings with sharp roofs. Be sure to visit the Van Gogh Museum or the 17th-century Royal Palace.

Berchtesgaden, Germany

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This small Bavarian town is home to a picturesque karst lake, so what can be better than to take a dip in the cool water of the alpine mountains? Moreover, the reservoir is surrounded by gentle green mountains. However, don't forget a sweater as the air can be really fresh in the evening.

Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France

The tourist town at the foot of the famous Mont Blanc is a land where coolness always reigns. You can enjoy the tranquility here or you can go from here to conquer the highest peak of the Alps. It will take three days on foot. Alternatively, you can take a cable car from Chamonix to Aiguille du Midi, a peak in the Mont Blanc massif with a height of 3842 meters.

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Copenhagen, Denmark

The Danish capital is famous for its leisurely pace of life, rich culture and delicious beer. Stroll along Copenhagen's canals, head to the Designmuseum Danmark to admire the quirky interiors, or walk in the footsteps of 17th-century kings at Rosenborg Castle.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Fairy-tale spires and a maze of cobblestone streets are just part of the charm of Scotland's capital. Climb to the top of Arthur's Seat for a breathtaking view of the city ad enjoy the eternal coolness. The average winter temperature here is +1C, and in summer, 15-17 degrees Celsius is considered a real heat wave by the locals.

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Liverpool, United Kingdom

This city in England is likely to welcome you with rain and wind, as well as with a rich culture. The Beatles Story Museum, dedicated to the history of the legendary Liverpool Four, is worth a visit. Take a walk on the water on the Mersey Ferry and admire the Gothic Liverpool Cathedral from under an umbrella.

Oslo, Norway

The Norwegian fjords are a real business card of the country. And you can admire them without leaving the capital city of Oslo. You can swim in the refreshing waters of the fjord of the same name, have a picnic in the forest or go to explore the ruins of monasteries, listen to music at the Opera House or look at the Viking ships in the museum dedicated to them.

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Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
One of the rarest animals on the planet was born in Chester Zoo, which is the largest animal facility in the UK. The zoo's population has been replenished with a Persian onagra, which was born to the oldest representative of the species, Azita.

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Initially, the habitat of the mammals, which are distant relatives of domestic donkeys, was semi-desert regions of Iran. However, due to the negative impact of many external factors, less than 600 representatives remained in the wild, the BBC writes.

Mike Jordan, director of Chester Zoo, said that they decided to name the newborn Jasper because it means "treasure" in Persian. He noted that every employee of the institution was delighted with the appearance of the new onagra.

"He is full of energy and likes to playfully kick up dust as he runs around his habitat," the man added.

Representatives of the zoo noticed that the mammal's mother, Azita, takes special care of the cub and is engaged in its upbringing.

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Conservationists working in the British zoo explained that the birth of a new representative of Persian onagri is a real miracle, as the number of rare animals has decreased by 50% due to poaching, drought, and disease.

"Given that their numbers in the wild have declined so rapidly and the species is teetering on the brink of extinction in Iran, it is unfortunately very possible that onagri could become extinct in the wild within our lifetime," Mike Jordan shared the disappointing data.

However, the staff of Chester Zoo hopes that they will still be able to protect the unique animals from extinction.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told how pets feel the death of their owners.

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Across the board . . . Every candidate in this election claims they'll do more than their predecessor to fight crime . . .

From the subject of a recent report from Mary Sanchez . . . Even she seems skeptical of this claim given that KCMO has always suffered memory loss after elections . . . Check-it:



"Kansas City experienced its deadliest year on record in 2023, although homicides are down so far in 2024. With longtime Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker stepping down, multiple Democrats and a Republican are proposing ways to refocus the office.



"Not surprisingly, the candidates for Jackson County prosecutor promise what many voters want to hear.



"They vow to prosecute more crimes than the current prosecutor, Jean Peters Baker, especially nonviolent, lower-level property crimes and drug cases."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
One of the pilots of the UK airline easyJet lost consciousness during a flight from London to Lisbon. At the time of the incident, there were 193 passengers on board.

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A red code was issued due to an unexpected health problem, the Mirror reports. The signal is given to protect passengers and flight attendants. In such situations, pilots are usually required to make an emergency landing at the nearest designated location.

The plane, which was carrying nearly 200 passengers, took off from London Luton Airport and was headed to Lisbon. However, during the flight, the co-pilot felt unwell and lost consciousness. Panic broke out in the cabin, and the crew had to issue a red code.

Fortunately, the other pilot managed to land safely, so none of the passengers were injured. Upon arrival in the Portuguese capital, the victim was immediately taken to Santa Maria Hospital.

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This is not the first time such an incident has occurred among airline employees. Last year, a Ryanair plane made an emergency landing at Faro Airport as one of the pilots felt unwell too.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Nowadays hottie Jordan goes by her given name and is back in Germany living her best life. Still we offer tribute to her #TBT body of work that inspires another quick peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Local Throwback Reporting

Kansas City and Paris may be more alike than thought, 'Paris of the Plains' phrase explained The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics are taking place more than 4,500 miles away from Kansas City. Some people say we're a lot closer to Paris, France, than you might think.

Talking Points For Furry Friends

KC Pet Project pushes $3.65 animal adoptions for 'brat summer' KC Pet Project is hosting an adoption event from August 1-4 in honor of brat summer. Adult dogs and cats can be adopted for only $3.65.

Home Team Wins Another

Pasquantino, Lugo lead Royals to 7-1 win They call him Two Homer Vinnie, these days

Of Midwest Concern . . .

Another farm bill extension looks likely as Congress faces deadline, tough negotiations Getting a new farm bill across the finish line in 2024 is likely doomed against a ticking clock, hot-button issues and election year politics.

Celebration Of Life In JoCo

Ambulance crew, Overland Park police and firefighters, helped deliver baby Thursday on busy roadway A Johnson County MED-ACT crew, along with Overland Park police and firefighters, helped a woman deliver a baby Thursday.

Translation: "Worst time" of her life is behind her

"Schlimmste Zeit" ihres Lebens hinter sich Umut Kekilli und Ina Schnitzer haben eine schwere Zeit hinter sich, sie nennt es "schlimmste Zeit" ihres Lebens. Los ging es mit Tinnitus.

White House Preps For War?!?

Biden weighs more US defenses for Israel as the region prepares for Iranian retaliation | CNN Politics President Joe Biden is weighing more US defenses in the Middle as the US prepares for an Iranian retaliation against Israel that officials say could include an attack on American forces.

Veep Takes Different Path

Kamala Harris ditches Joe Biden's strategy in presidential campaign She has changed the campaign's main theme song to Beyonce's "Freedom."

MAGA Questions Trade

'We Never Make Good Deals': Trump Criticizes Russia Prisoner Swap And Presses For Details About Who US Released While Trump criticized the trade and sought more details about who was released, President Joe Biden said it was "a feat of diplomacy" to return three Americans home.

Holy Land Under Threat

Hezbollah leader says conflict with Israel in 'new phase' after killings The killing of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders crossed "red lines", Hassan Nasrallah says, but he stops short of declaring all-out war.

What's The Deal With Eastern Europe?!?

Zelensky names one condition for Ukraine to give up territory Ukrainian president told French media that he did not rule out a referendum to decide the future of occupied territory and the end of the war.

Internets News To Make TKC Readers Feel Old . . .

Can MrBeast spin his way out of sudden crisis at his nice-guy empire? "He can calculate his way out of this, but it will be tough," a source close to Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, told The Post.

Local Creatives Prep Pumpkin Spice Season Of Performance

2024 Fall Arts Preview - IN Kansas City Magazine The weather's cooling down, but the arts scene in Kansas City is heating up. The 2024-2025 season is here, and our world-class arts and cultural destinations have pulled out all the stops this year. Our local talent is the best it's ever been, and you're not going to want to miss a minute of it....

Summer Breeze Redux . . .

Humidity and heat to come down slightly this weekend Conditions on Friday and Saturday will be significantly more comfortable than recent days in Kansas CIty

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
KCPD is looking for help with an introduction . . . We shared this post because the photo doesn't exactly match up with so much fear in one of Kansas City's last remaining middle-class suburban enclaves.



Here's the word . . .



"This porch pirate stole valuables from the Brookside area on July 29th. Lets identify her."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KCPD: "Criminals continue to take what is not theirs, but our Property Crimes detectives are determined to find justice. Know her? Recognize the suspect vehicle?"

Developing . . .
This Summer City Hall has spent most of their time tinkering with traffic.

To wit . . .

ASK AROUND: THE STATED GOAL IS TO SLOW TRAFFIC DOWN!!!

So, when stuck in traffic . . . Our Mayor & council are likely directly responsible one way or another.

Accordingly . . . Here's the latest update, a peek at methodology and the first round of impediments thrown at speedy drivers . . .



On Thursday, July 25, 2024, the Kansas City Council approved the installation. This is in addition to the 300 Vision Zero projects already completed or in progress. This initiative will construct two (2) speed humps at approximately 50 locations, addressing longstanding traffic safety concerns and utilizing data-driven methodologies for selection and implementation.



Speed humps require vehicles to travel at significantly lower speeds to reduce jarring.



Initiated in response to traffic calming requests submitted through the Citys 311 system, the speed hump project underscores a commitment to equitable distribution and effective deployment of traffic calming measures aligned with eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.



The speed hump implementation plan aligns installation with the Street Preservation Program, creating significant cost savings of tax dollars by leveraging resurfacing funds. The installation of the selected speed hump locations will begin immediately in coordination with the resurfacing schedule, allowing staff to complete significantly more projects citywide.



How are speed hump locations selected?



Speed hump candidates were evaluated based on varying factors, including their proximity to the High Injury Network and schools and their classification within the Department of Transportation Equitable Transportation Community (DOT ETC). This multi-faceted approach addresses both immediate safety concerns and long-term community impact. The distribution of speed humps among City Council Districts was carefully determined to reflect community needs, traffic safety priorities, and equitable distribution. Based on data from 311 requests between 2021 and 2023, each district's share of requests guided the allocation, ensuring a fair and balanced approach to deployment . . .

The below list of speed hump locations include those approved by City Council on July 25, 2024, and locations approved through a separate process to improve safety around the community.



Selected Speed Hump Locations

Council District 1, 6 locations



8004 NE 106th Pl

1605 NE 94th St

9407 N Lydia Ave

NE 90th St, N Lewis Ave to N Lane Ave

N Harrison St, NE 106th St to NE 107th St

N Shoal Creek Valley Dr, N Booth Ave to N Wallace Ave



Council District 2, 4 locations



5236 N Askew Ave

7618 N Avalon St

4500 NE Sunnybrook Ln

8247 N Stoddard Ave



Council District 3, 15 locations



3046 Highland Ave

1334 E 33rd St

3812 South Benton Ave

3416 South Benton Ave

2629 Chestnut Ave

3630 Chestnut Ave

4000 E 24th St

3919 Tracy Ave

3917 Wabash Ave

2810 E 11th St

2639 E 7th St

4137 College Ave

4701 E 40th Ter

2623 E 29th St

3304 Michigan Ave



Council District 4, 15 locations



1107 Newton Ave

1239 Topping Ave

2600 Campbell St

320 Colorado Ave

3331 Wyandotte St

Warwick Blvd, E 39th St to E 45th St

Pennsylvania Ave, Valentine Rd to 40th St

3917 Charlotte St

437 Denver Ave

441 White Ave

4617 E 8th St

4812 E 6th St

N Troost Ave & NE Davidson Rd

W 27th St & Jarboe St

Jarboe St, 30th St to 31st St



Council District 5, 13 locations



3606 E 72nd St

7308 Ruskin Way

5629 College Ave

7019 Askew Ave

6332 College Ave

6631 College Ave

6601 Bellefontaine Ave

1312 E 61st St

2402 E 70th St

5544 Forest Ave

11409 Colorado

3511 E 70th

Brooklyn Ave, E 74th St to E 75th St



Council District 6, 11 locations



720 E 71st Ter

11003 Elmwood Dr

7240 Pennsylvania Ave

8711 Hiawatha Rd

W 49th, Brookside Blvd to Wornall Rd

9407 Madison Ave

3317 E 105th Ter

4830 Westwood Rd

74th & Campbell

W 55th St, Ward Pkwy to Pennsylvania Ave

Campbell St, E 74th St to E 75th St



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KCMO: New Speed Humps = Safer Streets
In a somewhat cryptic comment . . . Mayor Q offered his support for Asians living in the US.

However, it's unclear what kind of hateration he's talking about . . .

He's probably referring to so many anti-China adverts during the Missouri primary. But most people are smart enough to put campaign rhetoric in its proper perspective.

Also . . .

The Asian heritage of the Veep is also a current topic of political debate as South Asian argumentation is probably one of the lesser MAGA talking points.

And . . .

Statistical methodology, crime classification and politics have clouded a somewhat recent debate over this horrific stat:

Hate crimes against Asians rose 76% in 2020 amid pandemic, FBI says



Either way . . .



Here's the word from Mayor Q that piqued the interests of BEST & BRIGHTEST TKC READERS:



"As bigotry floods our airwaves this election season, just a reminder that the Chinese government is not the same as Chinese people, Chinese Americans, or all Asian Americans. Theres enough hate on our AAPI community. Lets respect and show love to our neighbors."

Read more of the conversation via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

KOMU: "During this election cycle, a popular talking point has been to criticize the foreign ownership of agricultural land in Missouri and across the United States, particularly by China."

Newsweek: What Kamala Harris Has Said About Her Own Identity

Axios: Asian Americans fear hate crimes are rising

NBC: Viral images show people of color as anti-Asian perpetrators. That misses the big picture.

New York Daily News: Trump posts photo of Kamala Harris wearing Indian attire in new she became Black smear

Slate: Coverage of Bay Area Anti-Asian Violence Is Missing a Key Element -- Understanding the complex historical interplay between Black and Asian communities can help us avoid simplistic narratives today.

Developing . . .
Credit where it's due . . .

Directing the effort against retail sales rather than consumption takes away some of the profit motive but doesn't heap more work onto police.

In the meantime . . .

Here's some insight into the effort and seemingly well-meaning effort to keep youngsters from turning into stoners . . . Check-it . . .



This is a way for the state to crack down on businesses that are selling unregulated cannabis product. Parson said Thursday, theres been a 600% increase in the number of kids ages 5 and under who have experienced cannabis poisoning. Starting next month, the state will be taking disciplinary action on certain businesses selling the unregulated products.



Sellers are free to distribute these products without regulation, even as they are untested on humans, Parson said.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

New Missouri executive order bans sale of 'psychoactive' cannabis products Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has signed an executive order to ban the sale of hemp-infused products with "psychoactive cannabis compounds" unless it comes from an "approved source....
Actually . . .

This screed is nice but it's not gonna help.

In fact . . .

The newspaper is doing climate activists a service by painting this issue as a culture war battle instead of legit concern about creating affordable housing.

Still . . .

There is support for these kind of talking points in Missouri, but not amongst voting blocs in KCMO:



"The building code adopted in October 2022 has created detrimental effects for Kansas City residents, all for the sake of pursuing a radical climate agenda that puts a misguided and bureaucratic agenda first while placing Missourians last. If these building codes are maintained as they currently are, they would continue only to obstruct and impede housing affordability for working families, who deserve better from the council."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
An missive from the news cartel mistakenly believed the promises of politicos.

Now . . .

Capitalizing on taxpayer discontent and social media trickery . . . Kansas is ready to land a kill shot against Missouri and steal pro-teams.

Here's the premise of a recent round-up with a few interesting tidbits . . .



"The bidding war for the teams is being viewed as particularly irresponsible by those who hailed a 2019 compact between Kansas and Missouri that some had hoped would set a new model for states across the country to curb corporate tax incentives.



"Five years ago, the Democratic governor of Kansas and the Republican governor of Missouri celebrated an end to the so-called economic Border War, a long-standing practice in which governments would offer lucrative subsidies to lure companies back and forth across state lines in the Kansas City area. People saw the practice as wasteful, since it paid companies to relocate without spurring new growth for the regional economy.



"The truce was momentous for Kansas and Missouri, two states whose rivalry traces back to bloody Civil War days. But it also garnered national acclaim from both liberals and conservatives who saw the move as a blow to corporate welfare and the cynical practice of companies pitting governments against each other.



"But more powerful than the bipartisan cross-border cease-fire, apparently, is the allure of a new professional sports venue."





Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
In a scathing post this week, the activist "KC Defender" blog garnered hundreds of social media likes and shares by promoting racially charged arguments blaming authorities, a landlord and local media for the tragic death of a youngster after a horrific fall from a window at Independence Towers.

Here is a quote from the upstart organization that was once celebrated, often quoted and promoted by local "public" media organizations . . .



"To make matters worse, prosecutors have now charged the grieving parents with child endangerment, compounding their unimaginable loss with criminalization and incarceration . . . White Media Criminalizes & Plasters Mugshots of Black Parent Victims"

Their racially charged language is often overlooked by supporters and to this day their "news" reports are shared by other activist groups like KC Tenants.

However an important contradiction emerges today which debunks the narrative promoted by these prominent KC-area activists . . .

POLICE DOX REPORTING CLAIMS HISTORY OF NEGLECT FROM PARENTS BEFORE YOUNGSTER'S DEADLY FALL!!!

Again . . . This is a tragic story and the politics of the horrific incident won't do much to address the safety concerns of other neighbors or help to heal the broken hearts of the youngster's extended family.

Still . . . This fact is relevant in order to dispute so much misinformation brazenly circulated amongst local urban communities . . .

"A police report reveals the older brother of a little boy who died after falling from an eighth floor apartment was found wandering a week prior."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

KSHB: Brother of boy who fell to his death at Independence apartment was found wandering a week before, report says

Police records link parents of missing child to child death investigation Independence police records link the parents charged in a child death to a child police found wandering around alone last week.

Developing . . .


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Varanasi is the most sacred and the oldest city of India. Taj Mahal Tours is owned by Culture Holidays India Pvt. Ltd., offering exclusively curated Varanasi tour packages.



(TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - August 1st, 2024 - Thursday, 01 August 2024, Delhi, India- Varanasi is the most sacred and the oldest city of India. Taj Mahal Tours is owned by Culture Holidays India Pvt. Ltd., offering exclusively curated Varanasi tour packages. The tour package is designed with a well-structured itinerary that ensures comfort and hassle-free traveling. People, who are spiritually active, look for spiritual vibes and incarnation, and see Varanasi as the most important and sacred site that attracts travellers from across the world.



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Tajmahaltours.com or Taj Mahal Tours is the reputed website owned by Culture Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. where incredibly designed tour packages are available. These packages are well-designed and bring an opportunity to dive into the soul of India. All the packages are affordably priced and serve the convenience of traveling anywhere in India to capture the best memories with their loved ones. Whether it is about taking a walk through the beautiful sites adorned with natural beauty or the forts that speak their ancient historical tales, Taj Mahal Tours lets you enjoy traveling the way travelers want. The most memorable trips of a lifetime always begin at Taj Mahal Tours. For more information, visit tajmahaltours.com ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release :



CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Taj Mahal Tours Company: Culture Holidays Pvt Ltd Phone: + 91 11 4142 5213 Email: info@tajmahaltours.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS
Russians do not stop attacking civilians in the Kharkiv region. On the morning of August 2, the occupiers hit a bus with people in the Dergachiv community with a drone: people were injured, all of them construction workers, and one of the wounded is in serious condition.

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Another arrival was recorded near a residential building in Kupiansk, with a victim and an injured person. This was reported by the head of Kharkiv regional military administration Oleh Syniehubov.

"At about 9:00 a.m., the occupants hit a bus with people in Derhachiv community with a drone. Six civilians were injured, five in moderate condition and one in serious condition. All the victims are construction workers," the statement said.

Syniehubov added that law enforcement and emergency services are working at the scene of another terrorist attack by Russian troops.

Later, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine noted that a total of seven people were injured in the enemy strike.

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Around 1 p.m., Syniehubov reported another Russian crime: The invaders attacked Kupiansk.

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"Unfortunately, a civilian woman was killed. Another woman was wounded and hospitalized. The enemy hit near the residential building where the victims were staying. The details are being established," said the head of the JFO.

The police of the Kharkiv region clarified that the attack on Kupiansk was launched at about 11:40 a.m. According to preliminary data, the Russians hit the residential sector of the city with a cluster munition.

"Two local residents were wounded in the shelling, one of them, a woman born in 1958, died. The second woman, who was wounded, was hospitalized. The investigative team of the Kupiansk police department, criminalists, and explosives experts arrived at the scene. Investigators opened criminal proceedings over the violation of the laws and customs of war under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine," the regional police said.

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As a reminder, the day before, on August 1, Russians attacked the Mykolaiv region with drones. The occupiers hit a kindergarten in the Kutsurubska community. Fortunately, the institution was closed, so there were no casualties.

The occupiers also killed a mother and daughter in Nikopol. The younger woman was 40 years old, the older one was 72 years old  she died on her birthday.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
On Thursday, August 1, 98 combat engagements between the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Russian occupation forces took place on the battlefield in Ukraine. The army of the aggressor state continues to actively attack in Pokrovsk and Toretsk directions, and the enemy has also intensified its attacks in Orikhiv direction.

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This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 22:00. It emphasized that defense forces are making efforts to disrupt the plans of the Russian occupiers and deplete their combat potential.

In the Kharkiv sector, the invaders unsuccessfully stormed the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the areas of Tykhyi and Vovchansk three times. Another battle is underway near Vovchansk.

In the Kupyansk sector, the enemy attacked Ukrainian troops' fortifications six times in the areas of Andriivka, Stelmakhivka and Pishchane. They were unsuccessful.

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In the Lyman sector, Russian troops stormed the positions of the defense forces four times near Torske and Makiivka.

In the Kramatorsk sector, five attempts by the invaders to advance near Chasovyi Yar, Ivanivske and Andriivka failed.

In the Siversk sector, our troops stopped nine enemy attempts to improve their tactical position near Verkhniokamianske, Spirne, Ivanodariivka and Vyimka. The occupants suffered losses. Another battle near Vyimka is ongoing.

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In the Toretsk sector, the occupants attacked 16 times in the areas of Zalizne, Pivnichne, Toretsk and Nw York. Fighting continues in four locations. The enemy is putting pressure, trying to advance in the areas of New York and Pivnichne.

In the Pokrovsk sector, the enemy carried out 43 offensive actions. The occupants were most active in the areas of Novooleksandrivka, Prohres and Zhelanne. Six combat engagements in the sector are still ongoing.

According to preliminary estimates, the Ukrainian Armed Forces eliminated 92 occupants and wounded 135. Two vehicles and a D-30 cannon were destroyed. Four enemy vehicles, 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems and BM-21 Grad MLRS were also eliminated.

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Four combat engagements took place in the Kurakhove sector. Russian terrorists unsuccessfully tried to advance in the vicinity of Krasnohorivka, Paraskoviivka and Kostiantynivka.

In the Vremivsk sector, the battle near Vodiane resulted in the enemy's defeat.

The enemy became more active in the Orikhivsk sector, where they conducted two attacks near Robotyne and Mala Tokmachka during the day. They were unsuccessful.

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In the Prydniprovskyi sector, an enemy assault on the left bank of the Dnipro failed.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
UAF volcano field school explores 20th centurys biggest eruption

In the southern mountains of Katmai National Park and Preserve sits Novarupta volcano, which in 1912 belched the 20th centurys largest eruption.

In early July, just over 112 years later, it and its surroundings were a two-week outdoor classroom led by research associate professor Pavel Izbekov of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute.

Photo by Seth Adams

Research associate professor Pavel Izbekov photographs students on the return from a day hike with Novarupta in the background.

Eight students from across the United States were the latest participants in the International Volcanological Field School, which began in the late 1980s and became a for-credit offering in 2004.

Katmai, with Novarupta and the related Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, is a prime place for teaching volcanology.

This is a historical eruption that is well documented, Izbekov said. It had a profound impact on the environment and the local population. This emphasizes the importance of volcano research and monitoring.

Students learn about volcanic processes through examination of the areas volcanic products. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is famous for its vast deposits of volcanic ash and pyroclastic flow material, which are the primary volcanic products found there.

Novarupta volcano erupted from June 6 to June 8, 1912.

The eruption is considered the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century in terms of the volume of material ejected. The volcano expelled approximately 3.1 to 3.6 cubic miles of magma, about 30 times the volume ejected during the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state.

Photo by Seth Adams

Students examine cracks formed after lava that flowed over the Mageik Glacier in Alaskas Katmai National Park and Preserve. Lava flowed over the ice, then left a hanging shelf of rock after the glacier melted from under it. The shelf collapsed, leaving cracks where it split from the rest of the flow.

Novaruptas eruption produced a pyroclastic flow that covered about 40 square miles with ash and pumice to depths of up to 700 feet, destroying all vegetation and animal life in its path. The flow created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, named for the thousands of fumaroles venting steam and gasses after the eruption.

What does Izbekov, as a volcanologist, find most interesting about the Novarupta eruption and its aftermath?

The magma diversity of the eruption is truly fascinating, he said. One of the biggest questions is where the magmas came from? Did they occupy the same magma reservoir prior to eruption or arrive from drastically different domains?

Students leave the field school with a profound understanding.

One of the main messages they can take home is that it can take only 60 hours to erupt 13 cubic kilometers of magma and turn a vegetated valley into a Martian desert, which, even after 100 years, will not recover from the devastation, Izbekov said.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Pavel Izbekov, 907-474-5269, peizbekov@alaska.edu

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International diplomacy is working against the clock to prevent the Middle East powder keg from exploding after the assassinations of several Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, which have brought the spiral of tension in the region to its most dangerous point in the almost 10 months of conflict in Gaza. With eyes focused on Tehran and Beirut, peacemaking efforts are coming mainly from the countries that have mediated in recent months to try to get Israel and Hamas to agree on a ceasefire that would allow the release of the Israeli hostages in Gaza and bring closer the end of the war. Among these mediators is the United States, Israels main ally and, at the same time, with close contacts among Gulf countries that can build bridges with Iran.

Israel is on high alert for possible responses to its attacks in Lebanon against the Lebanese militia party Hezbollah, and to the assassination in Iran of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, an action for which nobody has taken responsibility. Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned about a harsh punishment and Hezbollah has made it known that the determination and stubbornness of the resistance fighters will only increase after the death in an attack on its number two official, Fuad Shukr. Israel also announced on Thursday that an attack last month in Gaza killed Hamas military chief, Mohammed Deif.

The U.S. government, mired in a complicated election campaign, is concerned that the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran could derail negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and lead to a flare-up of tensions. There are fears that the death of the leader of the radical Palestinian groups delegation in those talks could precipitate a reaction from Iran that could trigger a regional war.

Speaking from Mongolia, where he is on a tour of Asia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has launched an appeal to all parties to avoid any possible action that could fuel tensions, in an apparent message to Israel. Right now the path that the region is on is toward more conflict, more violence, more suffering, more insecurity. And it is crucial that we break the cycle, and that starts with a ceasefire that weve been working on and I believe is not only achievable; it has to be achieved, he said. It all starts with a ceasefire, and to get there it also first requires all parties to stop taking any escalatory actions. It also requires them to find reasons to come to an agreement, not to look for reasons to delay or say no to the agreement.

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby has also called for calm, saying on Wednesday that it is too early to know what effect Haniyehs killing will have on the talks. Speaking from Qatar, another key mediator in the negotiations, Prime Minister Mohamed al Thani asked skeptically on social media: Can mediation succeed when one side kills the others negotiator?

State Secretary Antony Blinken during a news conference in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), on Thursday. Rentsendorj Bazarsukh (REUTERS)

Uncertainty

The United States had said in previous days that these negotiations were closer than ever to yielding results; an assertion that it previously stated on several occasions in the past without achieving an agreement like the one that allowed the release of a handful of hostages last November and briefly halted hostilities.

For the United States, it is essential that the talks do not fail. It does not want, in any way, to be dragged into a regional conflict, especially in the final stage of a tight election campaign that will culminate in November with the presidential election. President Joe Biden, who announced his withdrawal from the race 10 days ago, is staking a large part of his legacy as U.S. president on what happens in the Middle East, and he is personally involved in efforts to reach an agreement. On Thursday, he spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a conversation about efforts to cool tensions in which Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris also participated. We believe that there is still time and space for a diplomatic solution, said Kirby on Wednesday.

Amid the tension, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have cancelled flights to Israel, while the State Department is urging its citizens not to travel to Lebanon. The United States has deployed about a dozen warships in the area, including the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, according to The Washington Post, although the Pentagon has not announced any new troop movements so far.

Along with the U.S., Qatar and Egypt are leading the negotiations to try to achieve a truce in Gaza. Both have acknowledged that the assassinations of the leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas are not helping and have blamed Israel, but like Washington, neither has announced that contacts and ceasefire negotiations have ended.

In an area where none of the actors is in favor of giving in, as that would be equivalent to defeat, putting on the brakes requires the kind of time that is not available amidst the growing threats. A large-scale regional confrontation would be very difficult to walk back. That is why, in addition to the months-long ceasefire talks, a new diplomatic front is now being formed, whose mission is to go beyond the clash between Hamas and Israel and to focus efforts on preventing revenge operations from being launched from Beirut or Tehran.

With the Olympic Games underway in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to pull the strings to contain Lebanon and Iran. On his X account, he alternates sporting glory with the role he wants to maintain as an actor in global geostrategy. Our thoughts are with the hostages held for 300 days by Hamas. France continues to work for their release, he wrote on Thursday. The president also spoke by telephone on Monday with the new president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, whom he asked to stop promoting destabilizing agents in the region, in reference to Hezbollah and Hamas.

Haniyeh was killed in the Iranian capital, where he was attending Pezeshkians inauguration, in what amounts to a humiliation for Tehran, which directly accuses Israel of the killing. But the kind of diplomatic work mentioned by Macron cannot be carried out by Washington, which does not have direct relations with the Ayatollahs regime.

Amid the warlike dialectic between both sides, Israeli military sources say that with regard to the Hezbollah threat they do not want an escalation and that they are not closing the door to diplomacy, but at the same time they want to make it clear that they are prepared for a high-level frontal war.

The other hotbed of tension is Tehran. I dont think Iran wants a major escalation now, said Negar Mortazavi, an Iran expert and senior analyst at the Center for International Policy, speaking to Al Jazeera.

In mid-April, in response to a bombing of its consulate in Damascus, Syria, the Ayatollahs' regime launched an unprecedented attack on Israel with more than 200 missiles and drones, but without causing any fatalities. The Israeli response, five days later, was measured and the exchange of attacks did not go any further. "I expect a similar situation again this time," Mortazavi added.

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The story made it into newspapers such as Spains La Vanguardia on May 6. The Science Diplomacy Center for Africa had just been inaugurated in Kigali (Rwanda), an ambitious institution promoted by the Barcelona association SciTech DiploHub together with the city governments of Barcelona and the Rwandan capital, as well as the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) and the Association of African Universities. The press release sent by the Spanish entity included statements by the executive director of NASAC, Jackie Kado, who expressed her pride at being able to work with SciTech DiploHub. In the photo distributed to the media she appeared next to Alexis Roig, the executive director of SciTech DiploHub, during the presentation ceremony of the center in Kigali. It was all a fabrication.

It is disturbing, says Jackie Kado. I was never there for the launch of the Science Diplomacy Center for Africa. I never made the statement bearing my name either. I do not even know if the Center exists. Kado met Alexis Roig on May 1 at a conference in Kigali about the use of science as a tool for cooperation between cities. That was all. On May 6, however, SciTech DiploHub sent a press release to the media announcing the opening of a research center in the heart of Africa with an unprecedented investment of three million euros thanks to funds from the European Commission. Kado declares herself shocked by these blatant falsehoods.

Alexis Roig founded the SciTech DiploHub association in Barcelona in 2018, with the aim of establishing scientific links with other cities and organizations. One person who worked with him from the start describes him as a megalomaniac with a spectacular imagination who hyperbolically exaggerated his own achievements from the beginning, causing several of his collaborators, most of whom were very young and unpaid, to walk away from the project. In 2020, the city of Barcelona granted him a direct subsidy of 120,000 for the international economic promotion of the Catalan capital as a city of science and innovation, until 2023. On July 10, SciTech DiploHub sent out a news release alleging it had organized a world summit in Barcelona with 1,300 global leaders, ministers and Nobel Prize winners  an event that never took place.

In its statement about the new center in Kigali, Alexis Roigs association proclaimed that it was the largest investment in scientific cooperation with Africa ever made from Spain. A spokesperson for the European Commission says that it has no record of European funds being allocated to this alleged center. Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, Director General of Communications at the Kigali City Council, denies that the Rwandan capital had anything to do with this alleged project. There is no collaboration between the Kigali City Council and SciTech DiploHub, she insisted.

The news has shocked local authorities. The lawyer Kayihura Muganga Didas, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda and chairperson of the Kigali City Council, replies bluntly: I know nothing about this center. The head of the Association of African Universities, Olusola Oyewole, also said that it is false that his organization is involved in this alleged project.

The Barcelona City Council has not participated in this project and it did not know anything about it Pau Solanilla, former chief of international relations for the City of Barcelona

Alexis Roig was one of many speakers at the annual conference of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice in Kigali in early May, where he allegedly announced the launch of the new Science Diplomacy Center for Africa. Daan du Toit, Director General of Science and Innovation for the South African government, was also at the conference. I dont know anything about this center, other than the media statement [sent by SciTech DiploHub], which I saw after the Kigali meeting (which I attended, but I only saw the statement afterwards). All I can say for certain is that the South African Government is not involved, says Du Toit. The fact that he knows nothing about it is particularly significant because his team is promoting a similar but genuine initiative: the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa, in Pretoria.

Until a few weeks ago, Pau Solanilla was in charge of International Relations at Barcelona City Council. He recalls that on May 2 he received a message from Alexis Roig, informing him that SciTech DiploHub had closed a super cool deal with the city of Kigali, the Network of African Science Academies and the Association of African Universities, to open a science diplomacy center co-directed from Barcelona. Roig asked him for a statement of support and Solanilla sent him some generic phrases, in the vein of scientific and technological diplomacy is a central tool for the external activities of Barcelona and Spain.

On May 6, Solanilla came across the news that the Barcelona City Council had inaugurated the Science Diplomacy Center for Africa in Kigali that same day. The Barcelona City Council has not participated in this project and it did not know anything about it, Solanilla emphasizes. An official spokesperson states that at this time the council has no relationship with SciTech DiploHub or with Alexis Roig, who, nevertheless, presents himself as Barcelonas chief Science and Tech Envoy.

On Wednesday and Thursday, this newspaper asked Roig for some proof of the existence of the Science Diplomacy Center for Africa, but received no response to the messages sent through WhatsApp. The executive director of SciTech DiploHub did speak to EL PAIS for 20 minutes by phone on July 23, to discuss the alleged world summit held in Barcelona days before with 1,300 global leaders, including ministers, Nobel Prize winners and the Jordanian princess Sumaya bint Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society of her country. Roig was not able to provide any names of those alleged attendees.

Was the princess of Jordan there?

Yeah.

Was she there in person?

No, she participated through video conference.

Faris Alsaka, Princess Sumaya bint El Hassans assistant, told EL PAIS that the royal received an invitation to participate in an event in Barcelona and declined. Her Royal Highness did not participate, neither in person nor via webcam.

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A House committee may subpoena Columbia University if it fails to comply with an ongoing investigation into rising antisemitism on college campuses.

House Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx, of North Carolina, issued a written warning to Columbia University on Thursday, citing the institution's lack of response to document requests related to antisemitic incidents, protests and campus safety. Foxx emphasized that Columbia has not provided crucial documents, such as communications from board members, records of board meetings and student disciplinary actions following the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, despite requests made months ago.

"Columbia has stonewalled us, and this is the last chance for Columbia to comply voluntarily," Foxx told NPR. " ... We feel like the administration is just not taking the problem seriously."

The committee has set an Aug. 8 deadline for Columbia to produce the requested documents or face subpoenas.

The university has stated that it is reviewing the committee's letter and remains committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of hate. Many students were suspended or arrested following pro-Palestinian protests and encampments at the school last spring.

"Everybody's concern is ensuring the safety of Jewish students on campus. That is at the bottom of this, and that's why we are pressing these people to let us know what their actions are," she said. "If they don't take serious actions, the students don't know if they'll be safe this fall, and that's important."
The United States has recognized opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner of the election held last Sunday in Venezuela, and has called for the beginning of a transition process. After four days during which Washington has demanded that the government release the vote tally sheets that, according to the ruling party in Caracas, give victory to President Nicolas Maduro, State Secretary Antony Blinken has gone a step further. In a statement he declared that given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuelas July 28 presidential election.

These are the harshest statements to date from Washington regarding the Venezuelan election, which has been heavily criticized by various countries, NGOs and international organizations  from the Organization of American States (OAS) to the G7 and the Carter Center  due to the lack of transparency in providing evidence of the results.

Venezuelas government-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the winner on Sunday, but the failure to publish precinct-level official results has sparked all kinds of criticism and suspicions about an electoral process that neither the European Union nor the OAS were able to oversee. The Carter Center, which was able to send 17 observers, has concluded that Sundays elections cannot be considered democratic. This lack of transparency has sparked serious street protests since Monday in the Andean country.

The opposition claims that it has at least 84% of the voting records straight from polling stations and that these award the victory to Gonzalez Urrutia. These records, Blinken says, show that his advantage over Maduro is insurmountable. We congratulate Edmundo Gonzalez on his successful campaign, he said in his statement. The time has come for the parties to begin discussions on a peaceful and respectful transition in accordance with Venezuelas electoral law and the will of the Venezuelan people.

The Secretary of States statement comes a day after the Organization of American States held a special session to address the situation in Venezuela. There, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State For Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols also said that there is overwhelming evidence that the opposition leader won by millions of votes. He also urged other governments to recognize Gonzalez Urrutia as the fair winner of the elections Those that fail to do so are only enabling Maduro and his representatives to attempt a massive fraud and disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles.

In his statement, Blinken also condemned the threats of arrest in Venezuela against opposition leaders, including Maria Corina Machado. The opposition leader, accused by Maduro of being a criminal and a fascist, denounced on Thursday in an article published in The Wall Street Journal that she has gone into hiding: I am writing this from hiding, fearing for my life, my freedom. Both she and Gonzalez Urrutia appeared in public for the last time on Tuesday, at a mass demonstration with their supporters. They have not been seen since then.

The United States rejects Maduros unsubstantiated allegations against opposition leaders. Maduro and his representatives threats to arrest opposition leaders, including Edmundo Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado, are an undemocratic attempt to repress political participation and retain power, said Blinken in his statement.

Blinkens remarks come shortly after the foreign ministers of the G7, the group that brings together some of the most advanced economies in the world, demanded that Maduro officially publish the vote tallies; this group also demanded maximum restraint in dealing with the opposition and the people participating in the protests.

It is estimated that nearly eight million Venezuelans have left the country in recent years. More than 800,000 Venezuelans have arrived in the United States since 2021, of which 114,695 arrived in the first half of this year.

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LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2024) Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has taken notice of the murder of Dr Shahid Siddique, a private hospital owner in Valencia Town, and sought a report from DIG Operations Lahore.

Dr.

Usman Anwar has ordered the immediate arrest of those involved in the shooting, instructing that all available resources be utilized for their arrest.

The IG Punjab emphasized that suspects should be arrested swiftly based on evidences, including footages from Safe City cameras, and that no effort should be spared in ensuring prompt justice for the victim's family.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2024) Karachi Administration has decided to immediately start the process of removing illegal and unsafe billboards from the city.

The unsafe and illegal billboards installed in the city have been identified and their list has been provided to the Deputy Commissioners for action.

This decision was made in a meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, said a statement on Friday.

Deputy Commissioner Keamari Junaid Khan was present and other Deputy Commissioners joined via video link.

They briefed about the illegal billboards and hoardings in their respective districts.

The meeting decided that the Deputy Commissioners would take priority actions in collaboration with SBCA Town Administrations concerned and other relevant agencies.

The Commissioner said that the decision has been made to prevent accidents caused by unsafe billboards and to stop violations of government policy.

Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Commissioner Karachi Rabia Syed presented a report on the survey of unsafe and illegal billboards installed in the city.

The Commissioner directed all Deputy Commissioners to take priority actions to remove illegal and unsafe billboards and start immediate action.

According to details, 20 billboards each have been identified for removal in District South and East, while 9 billboards in Central and 6 in Korangi have been decided to be removed through priority actions.

The Deputy Commissioners have been provided with the list of billboards required for immediate action.

The Deputy Commissioners have been asked to form special teams in their respective districts to remove billboards and start immediate action.

The special team for taking action will comprise officers from relevant agencies, including Sindh Buildings Control Authority and Town Administrations.
PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2024) As the nation gears up to celebrate another Independence Day on August 14, our motherland demands result oriented policies and measures from our ruling elites, political parties, judiciary and other pillars of state to pave way for a glorious future.

With 77 years down the road and people still looking for panacea to their hardships, the downtrodden are once again looking towards those in the helm of affairs to unveil some program for their overall socio-economic uplift.

When we ponder on philosophy of Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal and wisdom of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, we feel we have not yet become a nation but a crowd running towards an unknown destination.

Peeping through the history, we find that during 800 years rule of British regime especially after failure of 1857 uprising, Muslims were increasingly marginalized, oppressed and deprived of fundamental rights and liberties in United India.

They faced intellectual, political and educational decline under the British rule and relegated to status of rivals after East India Company overthrew the Mughal emperors as we feel today among the comity of nations.

Then Sir Syed Ahmed Khan emerged on the horizon as a beacon of hope for Muslims as a prominent educationist and ignited quest for knowledge among Muslims by establishing educational institutes.

"Sir Syed Ahmed Khan led an intellectual revolution among Muslims through educational, political and social reforms. His efforts ensured political rehabilitation of Muslims and their social, economic, and educational advancement," said Muhammad Younas Khan, Chairman Pakistan Studies Department, Islamia College, Peshawar.

Sir Syed established a modern school at Ali Garh for Muslim students that became a college in 1877 and then a university where Muslim students were imparted modern education. All India Muhammadan Educational Conference (AIMEC), founded in Aligarh in 1886, was Sir Syeds vision for modern education, socio-economic empowerment and political unity among Muslims.

"Sir Syeds reforms excelled Muslims in various fields whose strong voices, the British rulers also had to listen, Younas noted and said prominent figures like Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, Abdur Rab Nishtar, Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar, Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan and Chaudhry Rehmat Ali also joined hands with Sir Syed for wellbeing of Muslims.

Dr Younas said the independence movement gained momentum with the establishment of All India Muslim League (AIML) on December 30, 1906 in Dhaka and its efforts resulted in right for Muslims to elect their representatives to Legislative Councils under 1909 Indian Legislative Act.

In 1913, the Muslims demanded appropriate self-government in India through a resolution supported by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who joined AIML in the same year after observing the Indian Congresss insincerity towards Muslims.

From there onwards, after passing through different phases, the destination got clear after Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbals historic 1930 address in Allahabad where he proposed a separate state for Muslims of India.

Allama Iqbal articulated the two-nation theory, stressing a separate homeland for Muslims, Dr. Younas said and explained that Pakistan Movement progressed significantly after Chaudhary Rehmat Ali proposed the name "Pakistan" in 1933. The name Pakistan and Iqbals address set a clear direction for Muslims to achieve their goal.

The historic movement reached its zenith on March 23, 1940, when Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the passing of historic Pakistan Resolution in Lahore.

Thereafter, Quaid-e-Azam reorganized AIML on modern lines, visiting Muslim-majority provinces to gather support. His untiring efforts gained overwhelming support in the 1945-46 elections, where AIML won all reserved Muslim seats in central assembly and majority of provincial seats.

Following AIMLs success, Quaid-e-Azam insisted on Pakistans establishment before the Cabinet Mission of 1946 that eventually resulted in a partition plan proposed by Lord Mountbatten, announced on June 3, 1947.

It was only after a relentless struggle by Muslim leaders of India under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that Pakistan appeared on the world map on August 14, 1947 and the nation celebrates this day every year as Independence Day.

Sharing this story or some of historic events does not only mean to remind people about creation of Pakistan but more importantly the spirits, leadership and conduct of our forefather who burnt midnight oil to win this country.

But, this discussion brings to our mind; are we still the same who created a motherland. Perhaps not, as over the period we have far deviated from the advices and morals of our great leaders. Today we need to ponder how, a struggle starting from Ali Garh reached culmination to create a separate homeland.

If we think for a while, we find all revered values like education, unity among ranks, clear vision, untiring struggle, honesty, truthfulness, righteousness and commitment to a cause, united at one place that made our ancestors to create a homeland.

But, when we forgot their teachings, we plunged deeper and deeper into pits of humiliation, backwardness, dishonesty, adulteration, tax evasion, bribery, nepotism and number of other evils shattering the fabric of a vision given to us by our forefathers.

Therefore, on this Independence Day, let us revive the same spirit of our elders to once again to steer the nation out of social turmoil and challenges and secure a bright future for our coming generations.

APP/fam/taj/maz (APP Feature Service)
(@Abdulla99267510)

Funeral prayer in absentia for chief of Political Bureau of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh, who was martyred in Tehran on Wednesday, will be offered after Friday prayers across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-August 2nd, 2024) Pakistan is observing mourning day across the country today in solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters and to condemn the ongoing Israeli brutalities.

The decision was taken in a consultative meeting of the government allied parties held in Islamabad under the chair of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the deteriorating situation in Palestine.

In an a joint declaration, it was also announced that the funeral prayer in absentia for chief of Political Bureau of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh, who was martyred in Tehran on Wednesday, will be offered after Friday prayers across the country.

The meeting, also decided to present a resolution in the Parliament to express full solidarity with the people of Palestine.

The participants of the meeting strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli brutalities in Palestine for last nine months, and expressed full solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters.

The declaration, also urged the international community, including the United Nations to break their silence and immediately get stopped the ongoing genocide of the oppressed Palestinians by the Zionist forces and bring Israel to justice for war crimes.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said silence of the international community over the ongoing Israeli barbarism in Palestine is a matter of grave concern.

The Prime Minister said assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is condemnable. He said Israel has grossly violated the resolutions adopted by world bodies, including the United Nations Security Council and the decision of the International Court of Justice.

He said the International Court of Justice has declared Israels oppression as genocide.

Shehbaz Sharif said preventing Israel from this genocide is a big challenge for the modern world.

He, however, appreciated the countries, which have condemned the ongoing Israeli oppression in Gaza.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a warning of medium to high level flood lanes in Hill Torrents

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2024) The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a warning of medium to high level flood lanes in Hill Torrents.

Heavy rains may lead to high level flooding in the hilly areas of Mount Sulaiman. During the next 72 hours, there is a possibility of moderate to high level flooding in the rivers of Dera Ghazi Khan region. The PDMA has issued an alert to Commissioner Dera Ghazi Khan, concerned DCs and administration.

The PDMA Punjab issued instructions to Irrigation Department, Health Department, Rescue 1122, Livestock and other administrations to complete advance arrangements.

Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabil Javed issued instructions to the administration of the respective districts to remain alert.

He said that safety measures should be ensured in view of possible flooding. Rescue and relief operations should be ensured in a timely manner in view of possible floods. The settlements along the rivers and mountains should be moved to safer places.

DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said that the message of the Chief Minister should be conveyed to the people that they should not risk their lives in the flood situation. "The Punjab government will take full care of you and your property. In case of danger you have to leave the houses and cooperate with the administration," he said and added that citizens should be informed through print, electronic, social media, announcements in mosques and local media. In case of emergency call PDMA helpline 1129.
Dera Ismail Khan, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2024) Deputy commissioner Dera and Chief executive officer of Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) Sarah Rehman has said the organisation is committed to providing better living conditions to the people of DI Khan.

She stated this during her first visit to WSSC to review the companys performance and identify ways to enhance its functions. She also inspected the various sections of the company office.

On this occasion, DC also chaired the meeting with company's officials and discussed and deliberated in detail on various issues related to the functioning of WSSC.

The official of WSSC brief the Deputy Commissioner on WSSC operations and informed that the company is working for provision of quality water and sanitation services to the 08 urban and semi urban Union Councils of DIKhan, a population of more than 0.350 Million.

The Company is a consumer oriented organization responsible for production, transmission and distribution of potable water to citizens of the city, managing sewerage system within the 08 UCs of city to ensure hygienic environment, development of scheme to cover short falls in services and collection of revenues for sustained economic viability.

During the meeting, the participants thoroughly reviewed the performance of WSSC and analyzed its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.

They also considered various recommendations for improving the companys operations and tried to identify actionable steps that could be taken to enhance its overall effectiveness, drawing on their collective expertise and experience.

WSSC responded effectively during Muhamrram and Ashura by provided services in 48 Thalla Jat, 3000 ton of waste disposed of and provide extraordinary cleanliness arrangements for the citizens of DIKhan, the official told during the briefing.

Deputy Commissioner expressed her satisfaction on the briefing and said that all the available resources will be utilized to provide best sanitation services to the citizens of DIKhan.

She appreciate the staff and sanitation workers of the company for successful cleanliness operations and providing the best services to the citizens.

Being a CEO I am committed to run the operations of WSSC DIKhan as envisaged by Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We are working on WSSC 5 years business plan (2020-2025) to secure more funding from public and Private sectors, she added.

She said that providing the best services delivery to the citizens is our top priority.
(@FahadShabbir)

Jerusalem, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2024) Palestinian militant group Hamas prepares to choose a political leader after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in a Wednesday attack in Tehran blamed on Israel.

Speculation is swirling over the crucial succession almost 10 months into the Gaza war which erupted following Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.

Qatar-based Haniyeh, elected Hamas's political chief in 2017, died in a pre-dawn strike on his accommodation while he was visiting the Iranian capital for the swearing-in ceremony of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The context of this succession -- a violent death amid a months-long war in Gaza -- may influence the future of Hamas more than the individual personality of its leader.

Despite the emergence of pragmatists moving toward indirect recognition of Israel's right to exist, Hamas members remain committed to an uncompromising approach to the struggle for a Palestinian state, including through armed means.

A source from the group told AFP that "relations with Arab and Islamic countries" will also be taken into account in picking its next leader.

Here are some of the senior officials tipped as Hamas's next potential political leader:

Khalil al-Hayya is the deputy head of Hamas's political bureau in the Gaza Strip, and said to be well acquainted with the group's leader in the territory Yahya Sinwar.

In 2006 Hayya headed Hamas's parliamentary bloc, which had just won elections. The subsequent months of political and administrative discord marked the beginning of the schism between the Islamist movement and Fatah, the party of Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas.

Hayya, who has repeatedly stressed the importance of armed struggle, lost several family members in Israeli military operations including one that targeted his house in the northern Gaza Strip in 2007.

The senior member of Hamas's political bureau is considered similar to Haniyeh in his pragmatic approach to negotiations.

For instance, Marzuk has spoken out in favour of a "long-term ceasefire" with Israel, and favours accepting the Palestinian borders drawn after the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, which remains contentious for some within Hamas.

In the 1990s he lived in the United States, where he was arrested on charges of raising funds for the movement's armed wing.

He then lived in exile, including in Jordan, Egypt and Qatar.

He has previously been mentioned as a possible successor to Hamas leaders, without success so far.

Hamas's long-time treasurer was close to Haniyeh, and has sometimes been described as one of his right-hand men.

After being detained in Israeli prisons, he was released in 2011 as part of an exchange for the release of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier held hostage for five years.

Jabarin, who has strong ties with Turkey, where he once lived, has recruited people for large-scale money-laundering activities, two of whom were arrested in Israel in 2018.

He has also taken part in deadly operations carried out by Hamas's armed wing.

Haniyeh's predecessor has lived in exile since 1967, in Jordan, Qatar, Syria and other countries.

He was propelled to the head of the movement after Israel killed Hamas's founder, Ahmed Yassin, and then his successor Abdelaziz al-Rantisi.

In 1997 Meshaal survived a poisoning assassination attempt in Amman by agents of Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service.

While living in Syria, he criticised the Damascus regime for its violent repression of anti-government protests, a crackdown which had caused friction with Iran, Syria's strategic ally and a major supporter of Hamas.

Sinwar, elected in February 2017 to lead Hamas in the Gaza Strip, is a hardliner and an alleged mastermind of the October 7 attack.

The ascetic 61-year-old spent 23 years in Israeli prisons before being released in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange.

Born in Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip, he joined Hamas when it was founded in 1987, the year of the first intifada or uprising.

He would go on to establish Majd, the group's internal security service.

The former elite commander in the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, is wanted by Israel and appears on the United States' list of sanctioned international terrorists.

Sinwar, who shrouds his movements in the highest secrecy, has not appeared in public since October 7.

crb/bfi/th/jd/ami/it
(@FahadShabbir)

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2024) Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip have witnessed "unspeakable atrocities" following 300 days of Israeli attacks on the enclave, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has said.

"The children of Gaza are going through unspeakable atrocities," UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

They "are living in trauma and shock due to 300 days of war, displacement, loss and pain."

The UN agency launched a learning program for the traumatized children in the war-torn enclave.

This first step in a much longer road focuses on activities that will give children a refuge from the horrors they continue to live through, Lazzarini said

Children make up half the population in Gaza, or more than one million people.

They are traumatized and shocked, said Scott Anderson, UNRWAs director in Gaza.

The Back to Learning programme was launched to help children cope and just be children, he said. It will give them safe spaces to play, learn, grow, reunite with old friends and make new ones.

The first phase will see an expansion of ongoing psychosocial support activities, focused on arts, music and sports, in addition to raising awareness on the risks of explosive ordnance.

The second phase will transition to include informal learning activities, with reading, writing and math lessons.

UNRWA plans to provide formal education for children in Gaza as soon as conditions permit.

For this, Gaza urgently needs an immediate, durable ceasefire for the sake of children and their futures, Anderson said.

Also on Thursday, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, warned that ongoing hostilities, repeated evacuation orders, access impediments and other challenges continue to hamper efforts to deliver aid in Gaza.

The World Food Programme (WFP) and other agencies are still unable to get enough food into and around the enclave due to the lack of border crossings, difficulty in getting authorisations for convoy movements and a lack of public order and safety.

More than 20 WFP food distribution points have been lost due to recent evacuation orders, and kitchens and bakeries have been forced to relocate.

Following evacuation orders issued last week in Khan Younis, WFP is distributing one food parcel per family, reaching about 8,000 so far.

With increased needs and limited stocks, the agency is having to reduce rations to one parcel per family to ensure people get food to meet their most basic needs, but it is not enough, OCHA said.

Additionally, only 12 of 18 bakeries in Gaza are operating, and those in middle areas only have enough fuel to last for a few days.

Despite the challenges, WFP was able to reach nearly 1.2 million people in July with food, wheat flour or hot meals, although rations were reduced and irregular.

Humanitarian partners also voiced concern over the destruction of the Canada reservoir in Rafah, which was blown up last week.

The reservoir has a holding capacity of some 3,000 cubic metres of water and until recently served thousands of displaced people sheltering in Rafah.

They warned, however, that its destruction could hinder the return of residents to Rafah and further push families to resort to drinking unsafe water, thus putting them at risk of dehydration, malnutrition and disease.
New York, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2024) US oil and gas giant ExxonMobil reported higher profits Friday as it pointed to the benefits of its acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources, while earnings at rival Chevron dipped on lower refining results.

ExxonMobil rode the contribution from Pioneer, a big player in the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, to record oil and gas output during the quarter.

Profits at ExxonMobil jumped 17 percent to $9.2 billion on a 12 percent increase in revenues to $93.1 billion, topping analyst estimates on both counts.

The petroleum heavyweight pointed to a lift in output from the Permian Basin following the Pioneer deal, which has also put the company on track for higher capital spending this year.

Another bright spot is ExxonMobil's venture in Guyana, where the company during the second quarter filed an application for a seventh development with Guyanese officials, with anticipated startup in 2029.

These upstream highlights made up for a sharp drop in energy products due to excess supply of petroleum products that weakened profit margins.

Meanwhile, Chevron reported profits of $4.4 billion, down 26 percent from the year-ago period on revenues of $51.2 billion, up five percent.

Upstream profits fell somewhat compared to the year-ago period, with Chevron citing downtime in Australia and an exit from Myanmar, offsetting higher volumes in the United States.

The bigger hit to Chevron's results was in the downstream, where profits fell by 60 percent due to weak profit margins.

Chevron's outlook has also been clouded by uncertainty surrounding its proposed $53 billion takeover of US oil company Hess.

The deal, which was announced in October, has been significantly delayed by ExxonMobil, which has argued it has "pre-emption rights" on the Stabroek venture in Guyana in which Hess has a stake.

Chevron has said it could exit the Hess deal if it doesn't include Guyana.

The case is going to arbitration.

On Wednesday, Chevron disclosed that the arbitration hearing would take place in May 2025, with a decision expected in the following three months.

Chevron, which had previously hoped for the arbitration hearing in 2024, "had expected and requested that this hearing be held earlier, but the arbitrators' common schedules did not make this possible," the company said in a securities filing.

ExxonMobil, which announced its Pioneer deal about two weeks before Chevron unveiled the Hess transaction, appeared to allude to the Hess deal delay in the company's press release.

"We closed on our transformative merger with Pioneer in about half the time of similar deals," said ExxonMobil Chief Executive Darren Woods.

ExxonMobil completed the $60 billion takeover of Pioneer in early May.

Shares of ExonMobil fell 0.4 percent, while Chevron fell 1.9 percent in pre-market trading.
NEW YORK, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2024) Top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated Wednesday by a bomb that was covertly smuggled into the Tehran guesthouse where he was staying two months before his arrival, according to a leading American newspaper.

Haniyeh, 62, who was initially thought to have been killed in an airstrike, died from a remotely detonated bomb inside the guesthouse, The New York Times reported, saying it interviewed seven middle Eastern officials, including two Iranians and an American official in this regard.

The bomb was hidden inside the guesthouse approximately two months before Haniyehs visit, five of the Middle Eastern officials told the Times.

Quoting sources, the Times said the bomb detonated remotely once it was confirmed Haniyeh was inside the room at around 2 a.m. local time.

The explosion was so targeted that the room where the leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, next door sustained little damage, Iranian officials told The Times.

The officials likened the attacks precision to the killing of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was assassinated by Israel using a remote controlled machine gun in 2020

The explosion also killed a bodyguard, according to the report.

The guesthouse Haniyeh was staying at is run and protected by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in Neshat, a neighborhood of northern Tehran.

IRGC members briefed on the incident said the explosion shook the entire building, shattering windows and causing part of an exterior wall to collapse.

Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Irans new president.

Born in the Gaza Strip in 1963, Haniyeh had been a prominent member of Hamas since the 1980s and, in 1989, spent three years imprisoned by Israel during the first Palestinian uprising.

Upon his return to Gaza in 1997 after spending years in exile with other Hamas leaders, Haniyeh was appointed leader and president of the political bureau of Hamas, solidifying his influence and power within the organization.

In 2006, President Mahmoud Abbas appointed Haniyeh as Palestinian prime minister after Hamas won the most seats in national elections. He was then elected head of Hamas political bureau in 2017 and was widely considered Hamas overall leader until his assassination.

An Israeli airstrike killed three of Haniyehs sons and four of his grandchildren, who were traveling in a car through Gazas Shati refugee camp to visit family on the first day of the Muslim holiday Eid-al-Fitr in April 2024.

APP/ift
Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data

Four days after Venezuelas July 28 election, there are growing suspicions of electoral fraud. The ruling party-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner on Sunday, giving him 51.2% of the vote, compared to 44.2% for his rival, opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. In its announcement, it described the results as irreversible, bypassing the transparency and integrity procedures required, and without providing any data to facilitate verification of its claims. At the same time, the opposition has claimed a comfortable victory, 67% to 30%, based on more than 24,000 voter tallies of which it claims to have a copy. These tallies have been posted on a website, which has joined other sites that are sharing similar data.

Given this discrepancy, what can be concluded? My opinion is clear now: the data provided by the opposition is more in-depth and more verifiable.

The Maduro governments data is poor

On Sunday night, the CNE announced the election results with a bulletin containing just six figures: three voting figures  for Maduro, Edmundo Gonzalez and others  and three corresponding percentages. These percentages were made when the CNE said the count was at 80% and indicated an irreversible trend. But since then, there has been no further update. Four days have passed, and although it is shocking and goes against established procedures, the government has not offered any further data on the election results.

The CNE has not published the tally sheets or the full results. In Venezuela, there is electronic voting. The electronic machines provide every voter a paper receipt that shows which candidate they chose. Voters are supposed to deposit their receipts at ballot boxes before exiting the polls. After polls close, each machine prints a tally sheet showing the candidates names and the votes each received. These tally sheets are given to present and parties, and sent electronically to the CNE, which is in charge of calculating the totals. The CNE was supposed to publish the results, broken down by polling center and electronic machine, based on the tallies, but in the middle of the night on Sunday, its website stopped working. It is still not online.

The government has also not provided the verification records, which certify that the planned Citizen Verification Audit (which compares a count of the paper receipts to confirm the machines printout is correct) was successfully carried out.

No subnational results have been offered either. The CNE has not published the results of the vote by municipality or by region. It has only released a handful of total figures from Sunday night.

As if that were not enough, the six-figure results offered by the CNE are also suspicious. Why? The voting figures for Maduro, Edmundo, and Others coincide with an exact percentage of votes up to the sixth decimal. It would be extremely rare for such a result to happen by chance: it is difficult for it to happen with one candidate  the odds are one in a thousand , but for it to happen with two candidates, the odds are one in a million.

Whats behind this exactitude? The easiest explanation is to imagine that the number of votes offered by the CNE is a figure calculated from percentages: they started from the total votes (10,058,774), took a round percentage, like Maduros 51.2%, and with that, they calculated his votes: 5,150,092.288. Since it is absurd to give results with decimals, they left it at 5,150,092. That is why the percentages would be almost be rounded numbers, but not completely, only to the sixth decimal. It is not impossible to believe that those percentages are the correct ones, and that the CNE calculated the votes from them instead of using the votes actually counted, but it is a strange method, to say the least.

The oppositions data is much more in-depth

After spending the morning gathering information, the opposition held a press conference on Monday afternoon and announced that they had obtained 73% of the voting tallies. The results of these paper receipts contradicted the CNEs figures, and gave them the victory. Since then, the opposition has continued to collect tally sheets and has posted them on various websites. The most recent update, made on Thursday, claims to contain 24,576 tallies, which is 81.8% of the total. Anyone can search for a vote, consult the detailed results and even download a scanned copy.

Two fragments from one of the tallies. A complete record has six or seven times more information.

Each record contains a lot of information: all the results of the polling station, a QR code version of them, their identifier, the date and time of closing, a security hash chain, and the name and signature of the members of the polling station, the witnesses and even the operator of the voting machine. The records are an essential element to clarify the result of the election, because they are potentially verifiable. For example, their information can be compared with other paper documents from the day, such as the tallies of the Verification Audit.

Unlike the CNE, the website that the opposition has published with the tally sheets offers the results in each parish, municipality and Venezuelan state, allowing users to analyze the figures.

I myself have been able to access the tabulated data of 997 of these polling stations. I have used the subset that was processed by an independent civil society group, which prefers not to be named for fear of repression, and validated by a group of academics from the Federal University of Pernambuco and the University of Michigan. Before the elections, they chose 1,500 representative polling stations in the country, with pre-registration. They obtained information from 997 tally sheets at the 1,500 polling stations, and from there, applying a formal and documented methodology, they produced an estimate of the final result: 66% for Edmundo Gonzalez and 31% for Maduro.

A thorough audit of these data takes time, but my first impression is positive  in the past I have handled data from dozens of elections in many countries. For example, in the first graph, I show the votes for Maduro and Edmundo for each polling station. I have calculated their percentages and marked those tally sheets with whole percentages, which are few, as to be expected.

In this second graph, I have taken voting data from more than 200 Venezuelan parishes and cross-referenced it with a socioeconomic indicator provided by the Venezuelan National Institute of Statistics. It is just an example, but a plausible pattern appears: according to the data from the voting records, Maduro won more votes in the most disadvantaged regions.

The conclusion is simple: the Maduro government has barely provided any data to support its declaration of victory, while the Venezuelan opposition has set up an operation to collect and present thousands of records. It offers more information, is more transparent, has opened itself to evaluation and scrutiny, and in this way, has increased the credibility of its results.

The only alternative for Chavismo is to undertake a very rapid exercise in transparency. Or perhaps it is already too late? Suspicions of irregularities are growing with each day the ruling party keeps the country in the dark.

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Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2024) Donald Trump is facing a fierce backlash for questioning the race of US election rival Kamala Harris, but to those acquainted with the Republican's long history of inflammatory language and behavior around the issue, the smear was nothing new.

Trump's political career was forged in the cauldron of the 2010s "birther" conspiracy theory that sought to delegitimize then-president Barack Obama -- who had a Kenyan father -- by claiming falsely that he was born abroad.

Those who say Trump is racist point to dozens of other controversies the property tycoon has stoked, from being sued in the 1970s for discrimination against Black tenants to his notorious pandering to white supremacist marchers in 2017.

Trump's worst impulses resurfaced Wednesday with his outlandish claim that Harris -- the first female and non-white vice president -- recently "became a Black person" for political convenience.

Like an estimated 34 million Americans in the nation's fastest-growing demographic, Harris is mixed race and has been consistent in celebrating her Black and South Asian identity.

The attack handed Trump back a media spotlight that had evaded him since Harris's game-changing entry into the White House race, but it also honed attention on his extensive record of racial transgressions.

"He did crap the bed... The only question is whether he's going to roll around in it or get up and change the sheets," veteran strategist Scott Jennings, a onetime aide to former President George W. Bush, told CNN.

- 'Lion's den' -

Trump's inflammatory comments came amid a barrage of insults and falsehoods as he attacked Harris during a combative interaction with African American journalists in Chicago.

The 78-year-old is desperate to woo Black voters from Harris -- who has erased his polling leads since jumping into the race -- but the invitation was already controversial, given his well-documented history of denigrating Black female reporters.

Jennings suggested that Trump should move on from the scandal, but the former president has been doubling down, sharing images of Harris celebrating her Indian origins as some kind of ill-conceived "gotcha."

Riding high after surviving an assassination bid in July, Trump saw his campaign thrown into chaos when the 59-year-old vice president replaced Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket for the November 5 election.

Keith Gaddie, a politics professor at Texas Christian University, said Trump's motivation for his latest remarks was likely a compulsion to grab back the limelight, as "no one is talking about assassination attempts anymore."

But he also sees significance in the context -- a conversation with three African American interviewers in front of an audience of fellow Black journalists -- and believes the ex-president was playing "the gladiator in the lion's den" for his white base.

"He essentially decided to battle his opponent by proxy, by battling with Black female journalists," Gaddie said.

- 'No sense of decency' -

Bill Kristol, chief of staff from 1989-93 to then vice president Dan Quayle, said Trump's goal was likely to revive old characterizations of Harris as inauthentic after her pivot to the political left during her 2020 Primary campaign.

"Trump has no sense of decency. It would be nice if this were disqualifying for political success," Kristol wrote in a newsletter Thursday for center-right publication The Bulwark.

"But decency doesn't always prevail in this world of ours. Decency needs to be aggressively defended. Indecency needs to be exposed and denounced."

While some observers see Trump's racial remarks as part of some clever political strategy rather than the intemperate outbursts of a bigot, analysts are mixed on whether they are helpful.

"Birtherism made him an avatar of populist conservatism in 2011 and his attacks on Mexicans and Muslims played a critical role in his victories in 2016," said Donald Nieman, a political analyst and professor at Binghamton University in New York state.

"They stoke the passion of the base and that's important. But they also turn off a lot of the few swing voters who play a critical role in deciding elections these days -- as the results in 2018, 2020, and 2022 suggest."

Political scientist Nicholas Creel, of Georgia College and State University, told AFP the latest controversy lays bare Trump's lack of self-control and narcissism -- "Trump being Trump" -- rather than some underlying strategy.

"The best way to view this specific scandal is not as some sort of fifth-dimensional chess strategy whereby he was looking to excite his base via dog whistles," he said, "but simply as an insensitive comment from a latently racist old man who thinks he can do no wrong."
Caracas, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2024) Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called Thursday for protests "in every city" in the nation on Saturday to denounce the disputed reelection of President Nicolas Maduro.

The oil-rich Latin American nation was plunged into political crisis after Maduro was announced the victor of Sunday's election -- a result that defied pre-election polls and has drawn global criticism.

"We must remain firm, organized and mobilized with the pride of having achieved a historic victory on July 28, and the awareness that to claim victory we will also go all the way," Machado said on social media.

Earlier Thursday, she wrote in the Wall Street Journal that she was in hiding and "fearing for my life" after Maduro's contested victory, which led to hundreds of arrests following deadly protests this week.

Machado reiterated her claim that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia was the rightful winner, saying he won "67 percent to 30 percent" based on tallies obtained from most of the nation's polling stations.

The government-aligned National Electoral Council declared that Maduro won with 51 percent of the vote. Maduro has said he has evidence of his victory and was "ready to present 100 percent of the records."

"You have blood on your hands," Maduro said Wednesday, referring to Gonzalez Urrutia and Machado. "They should be behind bars."

Machado -- who was barred from running in the election by institutions loyal to Maduro -- said most opposition figures were now in hiding.

"I could be captured as I write these words," Machado wrote, calling for "those who reject authoritarianism and support democracy to join the Venezuelan people in our noble cause."

At least 20 people have died in protests that erupted after the election, according to Machado, while more than 1,000 have been jailed.

Venezuela's supreme court has summoned all presidential candidates to a hearing on Friday afternoon following Maduro's request that it initiate a process to investigate and certify the election result.

After days of anxiety that left streets largely deserted, normal life has begun to resume in the capital Caracas, with shops opening and public transport operating.

But regional spats were widening, with Venezuela withdrawing diplomats from eight critical Latin American countries and asking envoys from those nations to leave its territory.

Argentine President Javier Milei said his country's diplomatic staff left Venezuela on Thursday and thanked Brazil for taking custody of its embassy.

Six Venezuelan opposition figures are currently under protection at the Argentine embassy.

Brazil's foreign ministry announced it was also taking over representation of Peru in Venezuela.

Peru recognized Gonzalez Urrutia as Venezuela's legitimate president on Tuesday, prompting Caracas to sever diplomatic ties.

The United States and the European Union have demanded Venezuelan authorities release detailed voting data, with top US diplomat Antony Blinken saying there was "overwhelming evidence" that Gonzalez Urrutia won the election.

In a joint statement, the governments of Brazil, Colombia and Mexico urged an "impartial verification" of the result, also calling for Caracas to publish voting data broken down by polling stations.

Sunday's elections were held in the shadow of Maduro's warnings of a "bloodbath" if he were to lose, and amid widespread fear the vote would be rigged.

Attorney General Tarek William Saab said more than 1,000 people were arrested in protests that erupted on Monday and Tuesday in the wake of the election.

He also said one military officer was killed and 77 officials were injured.

Maduro has led the oil-rich country since 2013, presiding over a GDP drop of 80 percent that pushed more than seven million of once-wealthy Venezuela's 30 million citizens to emigrate.

He is accused of locking up critics and harassing opponents in a climate of rising authoritarianism.

Maduro's previous reelection, in 2018, was rejected by dozens of Latin American and other countries, including the United States and EU members.

Years of damaging US sanctions failed to dislodge the president, who enjoys loyalty from the military leadership, electoral bodies, courts and other state institutions, as well as the backing of Russia, China and Cuba.
The largest prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia since the Cold War, an update on the U.S. presidential election, and we explore how the election might influence U.S. support for Israel amid regional conflicts. Join us for The Inside Story: USA Votes 2024.
Ten years ago, the Islamic State terrorist group inflicted genocide and mass displacement on the Yazidi ethno-religious minority in northern Iraq. Thousands returned home this year at the urging of the Iraqi government. But as VOAs Kawa Omar reports, many now live in sweltering tents on their ruined properties.
American permanent resident Vladimir Kara-Murza told reporters on Friday he had expected to die in a Russian prison.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, who had been serving a 25-year prison sentence following a 2022 arrest, was freed Thursday in a historic prisoner swap negotiated by the U.S. and its allies with Russia.

Kara-Murza spoke to the media in Bonn, Germany, with two of the seven Russians  Ilya Yashin and Andrei Pivovarov  also freed in the deal.

At the briefing, he detailed the harsh conditions he was subjected to, including 10 months in solitary confinement, and restricted contact with family. He said Russia allowed him only one call to his wife and two with his children in the entire time of his nearly two years in detention.

Kara-Murza said Germanys decision to release a high-profile assassin  Vadim Krasikov  as part of the exchange wasn't an easy decision.

Pivovarov, who headed the opposition group Open Russia, said the historic deal saved the lives of some of those detained. And he drew a sharp distinction between everyday Russians and the authoritarian regime.

"It is wrong to associate Russian people with the government's policies," said Pivovarov, adding that their task was to work to make Russia "free and democratic."

Yashin, a Russian activist jailed for supporting the war in Ukraine, said he had not wanted to be deported in any swap. He said he feared the action could encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to take more political prisoners.

"I did not give my consent to being sent outside of Russia," he told reporters in Bonn. "What happened on August 1 is not an exchange. This is my expulsion from Russia against my will. My first wish in Ankara was to buy a ticket and go back to Russia."

Yashin said a Federal Security Service agent told him that if he returned "your days will end like Navalny's." Alexey Navalny died in a remote prison colony before any deal to secure his release could be made.

Yashin on Friday said Putin bears the responsibility for that death.

Kara-Murza was convicted of treason for his speeches against Russia's war in Ukraine, including one made to the Arizona House of Representatives. In 2018 he was a pallbearer at Senator John McCain's funeral alongside U.S. President Joe Biden.

In total, seven Russian political prisoners were freed and removed from Russia in the deal, along with five Germans, three American citizens and green card holder Kara-Murza.

'They stepped up'

President Biden greeted the Americans  journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva and former Marine Paul Wheelan  as they arrived at Joint Base Andrews late Thursday.

Speaking with the gathered media, Biden praised the partnership with U.S. allies, saying, They stepped up, they took a chance for us, and it mattered a lot.

Those allies  Germany, Poland, Norway and Slovenia helped the U.S. with the never-before-seen multi-country negotiations that played out over months to secure the largest swap with Russia since the Cold War.

The toughest call in this one was for other countries, Biden acknowledged late Thursday as the hostages and their families hugged in the background. I asked them to do some things that were against their immediate self-interest and really very difficult for them to do, particularly Germany and Slovenia.

Germanys part in the deal involved handing over to Russia convicted killer Krasikov.

And Slovenia in the last part of a multipart deal had on Wednesday pardoned and expelled two Russian spies.

Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar on social media praised her countrys part in the deal.

Slovenia and its intelligence agencies worked tirelessly and with great sensitivity with our allies and partners in prisoner exchange which successfully concluded yesterday, she said Friday on X. I would like to pay respect and compliment everyone involved in this difficult action that saved lives.

'Many had feared for their health'

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday said he had spoken at length with those freed from Russian prisons who traveled to Germany.

"Many did not expect this to happen now and are still very full of the feelings associated with suddenly being able to be free after all," he told reporters. "Many had feared for their health and even their lives."

Germany held the primary person the Kremlin wanted in the deal.

That convicted killer, Krasikov, and six other Russians were welcomed back by Putin in a scene that mirrored that at Andrews air base.

But while the West welcomed home political prisoners  journalists, opposition voices and activists  taken by Russia, Putin greeted convicted killers and spies.

Some information in this report came from Reuters.
Bill Eigel, a Republican senator who is seeking his party's nomination for governor of Missouri. In an image from his new television ad.

Ever since Donald Trump emerged on the American political arena, the campaigns and statements by candidates who agree with his ideology have taken an equally radical and even more extreme turn. The most recent case is that of Republican Senator Bill Eigel, who is seeking his partys nomination for governor of the State of Missouri. In his new television ad, which has been much talked about, even among his own partys contenders, Eigel has been criticized for the racist bigotry with which he addresses the issue of immigration in order to seduce conservative voters.

With the American flag in the background, and standing next to an alleged translator who repeats some of his words in Spanish, Eigel promises drastic measures against illegal immigration. As his first proposal, he announced that there will be no more taxpayer handouts for illegals, period, nada, zilch, zero.

As a governor he will throw them in jail and send them back where they came from, the smiling candidate continues, while his translator puts his hands on his head and exclaims: Ay, caramba! The 30-second commercial ends with the caption No more illegal immigrants, while in the background, Mexican trumpet music plays to the sound of someone exclaiming Looney Tunes character Speedy Gonzales famous catchphrase: Andale, andale, arriba, arriba!

Eigel likes to show off his anti-woke ideology, (Here in Missouri we believe in boys and girls, not its, they or thems) his worship of God and not abortion; his support for gun ownership and his an anti-immigrant policy. The senator has been seen in other campaign videos with a flamethrower, in the style of the ultra-conservative president of Argentina Javier Milei with his chainsaw; in another video, with the American national anthem in the background, he burns the Chinese flag as a patriotic salute for the 4th of July.

Eigel, 46, who on his Twitter account, boasts of being the conservative candidate supported by Trump, a Christian and former Air Force veteran  where he served for eight years  has defended the video with even stronger statements posted in a tweet on his profile: The partys over. Pack your bags. Youre getting the hell outta here.

Eigels propaganda, which has been in circulation for almost a week, has not gone unnoticed by the other seven Republican candidates who aspire to win the nomination for governor of Missouri in the primary elections, which will be held on August 6. It has also been noticed by the Democratic Party and by the Latino community in that state.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has warned that as the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States, LULAC believes that the current climate of hate speech and vitriolic rhetoric in political campaigns is deeply damaging to our democracy and must come to an end. However, despite widespread unrest among the Latino community, the candidates radical strategy appears to be having results.

Eigel, a member of the Senate since 2017  representing the 23rd District, part of St. Charles County  has, according to various polls, managed to make a jump in his claims by turning the electoral race into a three-way contest between himself and his party's favorite candidates, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

According to a poll commissioned in June by American Dream PAC, the political action committee backing Kehoe, the front-runners were tied at 27%, with Eigel in third place at 16%. About a quarter of respondents were undecided. This, of course, was before the video hype.

A grenade launcher for Make America Great Again justice

The effect of Trumps rhetoric has permeated not only the Republican race for Missouri governor, but also the states choice of its next attorney general. Will Scharf, one of the tycoons lawyers who played a key role in defending the Republican presidential candidates immunity from the classified documents case, has run in a primary against the states current attorney general, Andrew Bailey. Both are competing for the former presidents sympathy with a series of lawsuits and complaints in their names.

Are you sick and tired of Joe Bidens attacks on President Trump, our Constitution, and the MAGA agenda? Scharf writes in a post on X. In the video that accompanies the caption, the lawyer can be seen in what appears to be a meadow where leaves with evidence and accusations against the former president are falling. The jurist is then seen cocking a grenade launcher, firing at the stack of boxes full of documents and watching them explode. Its time for a Missouri Attorney General who will return fire.

NEW CAMPAIGN AD



Are you sick and tired of Joe Bidens attacks on President Trump, our Constitution, and the MAGA agenda?



Its time for a Missouri Attorney General who will return fire. pic.twitter.com/xTk7uNde9y  Will Scharf (@willscharf) July 9, 2024

Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville was also in the eye of the storm after making statements in which he referred to immigrants as garbage, amid criticism of the current governments immigration policy and the leadership ability of the vice president and the Democratic presumptive presidential nominee, Kamala Harris.

How can you put somebody in charge of a situation where you let 15, possibly even 20 million people come into our country? Now some of these people are good, but most of them are garbage. They come from jails and prisons in other countries, Tuberville said during an interview with Fox Business.

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Afghan diplomats and diplomatic missions in Europe, Australia and Canada say they will continue providing consular services despite the Taliban's recent announcement disavowing them.

The Taliban's Foreign Ministry announced in a statement Tuesday that it would not recognize the legitimacy of consular services performed at Afghan diplomatic missions in Australia, Canada and 11 European countries.

"[T]he consular services such as deeds, endorsements, NOCs, issuing passports, passport renewal stickers, visa stickers, etc., from the missions in London, Belgium, Berlin, Bonn ... Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Canada and Australia are no longer accepted by MoFA and relevant departments, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs bears no responsibility toward these documents and no actions will be taken thereof," read the statement.

Afghan diplomats working in the 13 missions disavowed by the Taliban are the employees of the former Afghan government, which collapsed after the Taliban seized power in August 2021. They have remained at their posts in the years since, helping Afghan citizens with a range of consular services.

Representatives of the missions said they would continue their services without interruption.

"The diplomatic and consular missions of Afghanistan in Europe, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere remain committed to continue providing consular services within the framework of national and international laws and regulations, and in understanding and collaboration with host country authorities," said a statement issued on Tuesday by the Coordination Council of Ambassadors and General Consulates of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

"I am confident that the consular services [in these countries] would continue as usual," said Nigara Mirdad, Afghanistan's deputy ambassador in Poland.

She added that the consular services are permitted by the host countries and provided in accordance with international conventions and laws.

In the council's statement, the Taliban said they "repeatedly urged" the missions in these countries to engage with the Taliban's Kabul-based rulers, but "unfortunately, the actions of most of the missions are carried out without coordination, arbitrary and in explicit violation of the existing accepted principles."

Mirdad called the Taliban's decision "unreasonable" and said that consular services are "transparent and based on Afghan laws."

She added that the diplomats working in the missions do not recognize the Taliban's government as it does not have "any internal and international legitimacy."

"Instead, the Taliban should work on its government's internal legitimacy and respect human rights and Afghanistan's commitments to the international conventions and laws," Mirdad said.

The Taliban's government is not yet recognized by any country, although China has accepted the credentials of the Taliban's ambassador to Beijing.

The international community says that to gain recognition, the Taliban must honor their commitment to respect women's rights and form an inclusive government in Afghanistan.

While the Taliban lack formal international recognition, some countries have handed over their local Afghan diplomatic missions to the Taliban.

In March 2023, the Taliban said they sent diplomats to at least 14 countries.

Last week, the spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said in a news conference that "visas to people in Afghanistan are being given and that to and fro movement is happening."

In November, the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi closed as the diplomats appointed by the former government were not given visas.

Afghan diplomats in Spain and the Netherlands announced in October that they established contact with the Taliban's Foreign Ministry.

Diplomatic missions in these two countries are not included in the list of missions that the Taliban announced cutting ties with.

Shah Sultan Akifi, former cultural attache of Afghanistan in Moscow, told VOA that the Taliban's decision would not affect the operations of the 14 diplomatic missions listed in the announcement, but it would "create problems" for ordinary Afghans living in the host countries.

"It will be problematic for Afghans who want to travel to Afghanistan or those who want to attest their documents if the Taliban don't accept the consular services in these countries," Akifi said.

Farkhunda Paimani and Noshaba Ashna of VOA's Afghan Service contributed to this report, which originated in VOA's Afghan Service.
Katie Ledecky advanced to the finals of the women's 800-meter freestyle Friday at the Paris Olympics with a chance to make even more history.

With a victory, Ledecky would join fellow American Michael Phelps as the only swimmers  of any gender and from any country  to win four gold medals in the same event.

Ledecky had the fastest time in the morning heats (8 minutes, 16.62 seconds) and will swim the 800 final Saturday night, when she will be an overwhelming favorite for gold.

She is the record holder at the distance with a time of 8:04.79.

Ledecky was beaten in this event earlier this year in a regional meet in Florida by Canadian Summer McIntosh, her first loss at the distance in 13 years.

McIntosh is not swimming the 800 in Paris. She has already won gold in the 200 fly and 400-meter individual medley and added silver in the 400 freestyle.

Ledecky first won this event in the 2012 London Olympics. Phelps won the 200 individual medley four times.

I try not to really think about it, Ledecky said Friday. Just taking it one event at a time and I know I have challenges in each of my events.

When it's all said and done, I'll enjoy it, she added.

There is more for the record books.

A victory would give Ledecky her ninth Olympic gold medal. That will tie her for second for the most gold medals in the Olympics  Summer or Winter  in any sport.

She would join Finnish distance runner Paavo Nurmi, Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, American swimmer Mark Spitz and American sprinter Carl Lewis. American gymnast Simone Biles won her sixth gold medal Thursday, and she has a chance to win three more in the vault, balance beam and floor exercise events this weekend.

This is also a reminder of Phelps' grandeur. He won 23 gold medals, a mark that seems almost untouchable.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that negotiations are in progress with armed militias in the Amhara region to peacefully resolve the ongoing conflict there.

Speaking at a meeting with financial leaders in Addis Ababa on Friday, the prime minister said the federal government has been making efforts to reach out to the rebels but hinted that a lack of unity among the armed groups could be an obstacle.

I havent revealed this so far but to let you know today, it has been a while since we started talks with armed groups operating in the Amhara region, he said in Amharic, speaking to participants of the meeting. The problem so far is that there is no centralized group. When we reach an understanding with one group we dont agree with the other.

The prime minister said efforts have been made to make the groups come together to create enabling conditions for talks.

But we have started talks with some of the groups; there are groups that have started continuous talks with the government, he said.

The prime minister did not identify which armed groups were involved in the talks and when the talks started. The format of the talks is also not yet clear.

Group denies it's talking to government

A spokesperson for one of the Fano armed groups fighting in the Amhara region denies talks with the government. Fano is an ethnic Amhara militia without a formal structure and there are several groups operating in different parts of the Amhara region.

Simeneh Mulatu, head of the foreign and diaspora affairs department for the Fano militias in Gojjam, told VOA that there have not been any talks or negotiations they started with the government.

Leaders of other Fano factions operating in the region could not be reached for comment.

Official unaware of reports of talks

Despite the prime ministers remarks, an official with the Amhara regions peace council set up in June also appears to be unaware of the reports of talks with the armed militias.

Eyachew Teshale told VOA that they are not aware of any formal peace talks that are going on between the government and the Fano armed group.

Fighting between federal government forces and Fano broke out a year ago after reports emerged that the government was planning to disarm the regional paramilitary forces to integrate them into other security structures, including the federal army.

In November last year, the Ethiopian government held talks with the other rebel group fighting in the Oromiya region, the Oromo Liberation Army. The two sides failed to narrow their differences during the two rounds of talks that took place in Tanzania.

This story originated in the Horn of Africas Amharic Service.
Authorities in northwestern Pakistan said Friday that suspected militants had ambushed and opened fire on a vehicle transporting a group of local judges, killing two police officers who were escorting them.

The deadly shooting took place in Tank, a militancy-hit district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. Area police officials said the attack also injured two of their personnel, but all three judges escaped unharmed.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the shooting.

Militants linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, a globally designated terrorist group, routinely target security forces and government officials in Tank and surrounding districts, killing dozens of people in recent weeks.

On Wednesday, unidentified attackers fired at a bulletproof vehicle transporting Pakistani staff of a United Nations development agency in Tank, but they escaped unharmed.

Pakistan maintains that the TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, and militants linked to other anti-state groups have taken shelter and orchestrated cross-border attacks from sanctuaries in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan has hideouts and sanctuaries for terrorist groups, including the TTP, that continue to threaten Pakistan's security, Mumtaz Baloch, the Pakistani foreign ministry spokesperson, reiterated Thursday at her weekly news conference.

We urge Afghanistan to take immediate, effective, and robust action against these terror groups, especially the TTP, and to ensure that Afghan territory is not used as a staging ground for terrorism against Pakistan, Baloch stated.

Afghanistans de facto Taliban government denies the presence of foreign militants in the country, saying it does not allow anyone to threaten neighboring countries, including Pakistan, from Afghan soil.

The United States and the United Nations have expressed concerns over the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. They have identified Islamic State Khorasan, or IS-K, an Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State, as the most serious regional threat.

ISIS-K is a transnational terrorist network that has the ambition and capacity to launch international terrorist attacks, Vedant Patel, the U.S. State Department principal deputy spokesperson, told a news conference on Thursday. He used an acronym for the Afghan branch of the militant network.

Patel said that Washington is working to ensure Afghanistan never serves as a launching pad for terrorist attacks against the U.S. or its allies.

We are cooperating with partners and allies, including in the immediate region, and were working vigilantly to prevent the re-emergence of external threats from Afghanistan, including by working with partners to counteract terrorist recruitment efforts as well.

A recent U.N. report estimated that up to 6,500 TTP militants are based in Afghanistan and are being trained, as well as armed at al-Qaida-run camps there, leading to an increase in attacks in Pakistan.
The historic prisoner swap with Russia that freed U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and 15 other Westerners was the fruit of painstaking, secret talks  and one crucial phone call from President Joe Biden an hour before he dropped his reelection bid.

Biden welcomed the families of the three U.S. citizens and one U.S. resident to the White House on Thursday, just as the release was taking place in Ankara.

After placing an emotional phone call to their loved ones from the Oval Office, they appeared with the president in front of journalists.

Asked what he'd told the newly liberated Americans, Biden answered: "I said, 'Welcome almost home.' "

But the smiles hid the pain of waiting during long months of feverish negotiations.

The White House had worked desperately  and largely out of public view  to free Wall Street Journal reporter Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporter Alsu Kurmasheva and U.S. green card holder Vladimir Kara-Murza, an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kurmasheva is a Prague-based editor on the Tatar-Bashkir Service of VOA sister outlet Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

This meant high-level talks with Russia at a time when East-West relations are in open conflict over the Ukraine war.

But it also meant, say U.S. officials, leaning hard on European allies reluctant to give in to Moscow's demands for getting back a string of Russian citizens imprisoned in the West for serious crimes.

In the end, Biden secured the key piece of the puzzle on July 21  the very day that the 81-year-old Democrat stunned the world by announcing that he would no longer stand in November's election.

Holed up in his Delaware beach home with COVID-19, he was about to release his shock statement. Yet before that, he had one more bit of work on the prisoner deal to do.

"I'm not making this up  literally an hour before he released that statement, he was on the phone with his Slovenian counterpart, urging them to make the final arrangements and to get this deal over the finish line," a senior U.S. official told reporters.

Slovenia later freed two of the Russians, who had been convicted by a court of spying.

But no one knew for certain that the deal would go through until the very end.

In a sign of the strain on negotiators and families alike, Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan choked up on the White House podium as he welcomed what he called a "good day."

"We held our breath and crossed our fingers until just a couple of hours ago," he said.

The process leading to Thursday's news began all the way back in 2018 when Whelan was arrested and Donald Trump was U.S. president.

Not only was Whelan not freed, but then Gershkovich was arrested while reporting in Yekaterinburg in March 2023. Suddenly, "these efforts were obviously made more complicated," Sullivan said.

In what critics describe as state-sponsored hostage-taking, Moscow's biggest condition was the release of Vadim Krasikov, a Russian jailed in Germany for assassinating a former Chechen rebel commander in Berlin in 2019.

Germany balked at giving up a hitman who had carried out such a brazen murder on its soil.

To persuade Berlin, Sullivan said, "required extensive diplomatic engagement with our German counterparts, starting at the top with the president."

Then in February this year, the tense diplomatic to-and-fro took another dark turn when Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny  who Sullivan revealed Thursday had also been on the U.S. wish list for release  died in a Russian prison.

"The team felt like the wind had been taken out of our sails," the senior U.S. official added.

By coincidence, Gershkovich's mother and father were meeting with Sullivan at the White House that same day. It's "going to be a little bit more of a rocky path," he told them.

The breakthrough came during Oval Office talks between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Biden in April.

"Chancellor Scholz responded to the president saying, 'For you, I will do this,' " added the U.S. official.

Biden on Thursday thanked Scholz, praising the "bold and brave" decisions by allies.

And once the deal was outlined, a careful choreography ensued.

Russia fast-tracked a trial for Gershkovich, which ended with him receiving a 16-year jail sentence  but which behind the scenes indicated that Russia was preparing for the swap.

Finally, the White House ceremony on Thursday brought this diplomatic and intensely personal journey to a head.

Noting that it was the 13th birthday of Kurmasheva's daughter, Miriam Butorin, Biden asked the assembled family members and journalists to sing "Happy Birthday"  perhaps the happiest possible.
Human rights defenders  including a United Nations special rapporteur  are condemning the arrests and alleged torture of Zimbabweans who called for the release of opposition activists arrested in late June.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government says it's not going to take chances that protests could disrupt a Southern African Development Community summit later this month.

Four human rights activists  Vusumuzi Moyo, Namatai Kwekweza, Samuel Gwenzi and Robson Chere  arrived at the so-called Rotten Row Magistrates court in Harare Friday with members of the police.

The four walked into court hours after Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights released photos showing bruises, welts and blood on their bodies.

Douglas Coltart is with the organization, which is representing the four.

The horrific human rights abuses that we have seen over the past few days are not just crimes under Zimbabwean law which they are, but they also crimes under international law," said Coltart. "And I think it is very important for Zimbabwean authorities who are involved with giving orders for these atrocities to be perpetrated or those who are carrying them out to understand that while they may think that they will always be impunity, they will come a time where there will be accountability for these abuses.

On Friday, the four were charged with disorderly conduct for protesting the detention of 79 opposition supporters who have been in custody since June on charges of holding an illegal gathering.

Speaking to VOA Friday, Mary Lawlor, a U.N. special rapporteur on human rights defenders, said she was disappointed by the arrests and apparent torture of the four activists by Zimbabwean authorities.

From what I understand, they were taken off a flight, held incommunicado for a number of hours before being charged with disorderly conduct as a result of their participation in a peaceful protest calling for the release of opposition political figures," said Lawlor. "I unreservedly call for the immediate release of all four detained activists and an investigation into the allegations of maltreatment to which they were subjected to while in custody.

Late Thursday, Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, flanked by Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and several high-ranking police officers, said the government is aware of attempts to disrupt the smooth flow of the SADC summit that Zimbabwe is hosting in about two weeks.

He said the government would not allow illegal gatherings ahead of the summit.

It is clear that the organizers seek to provoke a heavy-handed response from government which they assume would attract global attention and put Zimbabwe on the spotlight. We have been through such episodes before and are prepared for same," said Kazembe.

"The attempts of rendering the country ungovernable will be met with befitting responses," he said. "Let those seeking to create an atmosphere of despondency among peace-loving citizens, let them be warned that such antics will not be tolerated. Fellow Zimbabweans, we assure you all to deal with those bent on lawlessness."

On Friday, the four arrested activists submitted an application for bail and applied for discharge, saying they had been tortured after they were taken off their flight earlier this week.
The Kenyan Health Ministry has dispatched health care workers to Taita-Taveta County, where a case of mpox was detected Wednesday.

Authorities say the person who tested positive for the virus traveled through the county along the Kenyan-Tanzanian border.

Kenya Health Ministry Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said health officials were deployed in an effort to prevent the virus from spreading.

We are doing what we are calling contact tracing and more surveillance. We have enhanced surveillance but even in itself by the virtue that our teams were able to detect this it shows you how much enhancement we have done at the border, Muthoni said. Our port health officers at all 32 points of entry are well trained and we are able to monitor any kind of outbreak that may be at the border level.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is endemic to forested areas of East, Central, and West Africa.

Virus symptoms include high fever, skin rash, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and general body aches. The virus can spread through direct contact with a sick person and also through respiratory droplets.

According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 1,450 people have died of mpox across 15 African countries since the start of 2022.

In the past seven months, 14,250 mpox cases and 456 deaths have been recorded.

Taita-Taveta County resident Haji Mohamed Mwakio told VOA he is concerned for himself and his community because he has not seen any measures being taken advising the community to practice healthy living.

Taita-Taveta County is home to more than 340,000 people. Muthoni of the Ministry of Health said medical officials are following up on the patient and the people he met.

We have been able to isolate this patient after testing, Muthoni said. We are yet to confirm how many people he was with, so we have deployed our health teams to Taita-Taveta for the response.

Health officials are concerned about an outbreak of the virus across several countries.

According to the Associated Press, Burundi, Central African Republic, and Rwanda reported mpox cases for the first time this week.

Mwakio said the countries need to work together to manage the spread of the virus by taking precautions and control measures at border points. He also said governments should help the communities understand the situation and how they can protect themselves.

On Sunday, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, an organization that develops vaccines against emerging infectious diseases, announced plans to give an mpox vaccine to those who have been exposed to the virus to see if it can protect them from the illness.
Election observers and global democratic powers continue to express concern over the disputed July 28 presidential election in Venezuela.

The government-aligned National Electoral Council, or NEC, certified the vote for President Nicolas Maduro, securing him a third six-year term in office.

On August 1, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there was overwhelming evidence the opposition had won.

Blinken said the results released by the Maduro-controlled NEC were deeply flawed, yielding an announced outcome that does not represent the will of the Venezuelan people.

Independent exit polls conducted by domestic and international election monitors and opposition tallies show that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia of the Unitary Platform won by a comfortable margin. That prompted thousands of Venezuelans to take to the streets and protest the official results.

Maduro and his allies have floated unfounded conspiracy theories that foreign-backed hackers and power failures have kept them from releasing an official tally. They also doubled down on efforts to discredit the opposition, including by labelling it extremist.

The head of the Madura-controlled national assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, accused the opposition of leading a fascist conspiracy aimed at sparking a civil war.

Rodriguez called for the arrest of popular opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, whom the Madura-controlled Supreme Court barred from running, and her stand-in Gonzalez.

In some instances, protesters had torn down Maduro campaign posters or destroyed statues of Maduros deceased predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab seized on the incidents to depict the protesters as violent extremists instrumental in a foreign plot to exterminate Venezuelans.

There are no antigovernmental protests taking place, but rather pockets of violence with destabilizing purposes that seek to create conditions for foreign intervention by spreading chaos in the national territory, Saab said on July 30, 2023.

That is false.

Thousands of dissatisfied voters took to the streets amid credible allegations of vote rigging that fixed Maduros win.

Initially peaceful, the protests have turned increasingly violent after a crackdown by security forces.

Years of economic mismanagement have resulted in poverty and food insecurity, prompting millions of Venezuelans to leave the country. Those realities drove many poor and working-class Venezuelans who previously backed Maduros left-wing populist political ideology to support the opposition.

When Maduro declared victory on July 29, spontaneous pot banging protests, called Cacerolazo, erupted in the capital, Caracas, including in former Maduro strongholds.

Gonzalez and Machado called on their supporters to protest peacefully on July 30.

Maduro, who accused the opposition of fomenting a coup, likewise called on government supporters to take to the streets.

On July 30, the BBC reported that thousands of people walked for miles from slums in the mountains surrounding Caracas to the presidential palace.

The opposition also marched in the cities of Valencia, Maracay, San Cristobal, Maracaibo and Barquisimeto, Reuters reported.

Maduro responded to calls to concede the election by deploying the national guard.

CNN journalists on the ground witnessed national guard soldiers repressing the mostly peaceful protests with tear gas and batons.

Journalists from Reuters likewise witnessed security forces attack protesters.

Security forces have also fired rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators.

There have been instances when demonstrators assaulted national guard members, and some protesters responded to national guard attacks by throwing rocks and even Molotov cocktails.

As of August 2, the Venezuelan Rights group Foro Penal said 11 people had been killed and 711 arrested since protesters took to the streets on July 29.

The Washington Post, citing multiple sources, said that at least 16 people had died.

Blinken said the violence had resulted from Venezuelan authorities undemocratic attempt to repress political participation and retain power.

Law enforcement and security forces should not become an instrument of political violence used against citizens exercising their democratic rights, Blinken said on August 1.

Meanwhile, the evidence is building that Maduro's team stole the election.

Election authorities claimed Maduro had received 5.15 million votes against 4.45 million for Gonzalez.

Brian Nichols, U.S. assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, said that is impossible, based on published data.

The electronic voting machines at polling stations produce a paper receipt, which voters deposited at ballot boxes to confirm whom they voted for. Once the polls closed, the voting machines produce a record showing how many votes each candidate got.

Party representatives are supposed to be given a copy of each tally sheet, and electoral authorities receive them as well.

As of August 2, the opposition and others publicly posted 24,576 precinct-level vote tally sheets  just under 82% of the 30,026 total.

Those tally sheets account for nearly 10.7 million of the 12 million-plus total votes cast during the election.

Voters also have the option of entering their identity card information on the website, where they can see the individual results from the polling station where they are registered to vote.

The tabulation of these detailed results clearly show an irrefutable result  Edmundo Gonzalez won with 67% of these votes compared to 30% for Maduro, a margin of victory for Gonzalez of 3.9 million votes and 37 percentage points. Simply put, there are not enough votes in remaining tally sheets or actas to overcome such a deficit, Nichols said on July 31.

U.S. President Joe Biden, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and even Maduro allies have called on Venezuelan authorities to release detailed vote counts, as they did in the past.

Maduro told the U.S. to stay out of Venezuelas business, while also claiming he would ask the government-aligned Supreme Court to review the vote.

The Atlanta-based Carter Center, which monitored the election and found it to be undemocratic, said the Supreme Court could not offer an independent assessment.
Separatist rebels in northern Mali said Thursday that they killed dozens of fighters from the Russian mercenary group Wagner and government troops near the Algerian border at the end of July.

The Tuareg-led separatists said Thursday they killed 84 Wagner fighters and 47 Malian soldiers in three days of intense fighting that began on July 25 at a military camp at Tinzaouaten.

About 30 other troops or fighters, either "dead or seriously injured," were airlifted to Kidal, a key northern city, the Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad (CSP-DPA) alliance said.

It said there were also some charred bodies inside armored vehicles and transport trucks.

Azawad is the generic name for all Tuareg Berber areas, particularly in the northern half of Mali and northern and western Niger. The separatists are fighting for an independent homeland.

The separatist alliance said it had taken seven Wagner and Malian government fighters hostage and that it had lost nine men in the fighting.

The al-Qaida-linked group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) also claimed its fighters had attacked a Malian army convoy and allies from Wagner south of Tinzaouaten.

AFP could not corroborate the figures from independent sources. The army and the Wagner group had admitted heavy losses in the region.

Analysts said these were the heaviest losses suffered so far by Wagner in Africa.

The group spearheaded some of the Kremlin's longest and bloodiest military campaigns in Ukraine until a short-lived rebellion against the Russian government. It is now active in Africa.

The CSP-DPA said it had seized five armored vehicles, five pickups and several arms.

The Wagner Group said the rebels gained the upper hand thanks to a sandstorm, which analysts say would have negated the air support superiority of the Malian forces and their allies.

The separatists on Thursday claimed more than 50 civilians of Nigerien, Sudanese and Chadian origin had been killed in revenge drone attacks by neighboring Burkina Faso.

The separatists warned Burkina Faso against getting involved "in fighting that does not concern it."

The Malian army on Tuesday said it, along with Burkina Faso, had staged air attacks in the Tinzaouaten region following the fighting.

Mali has admitted it suffered a "large number" of deaths during fighting in the north last week.

The West African nation's military leaders who seized power in a 2020 coup have made it a priority to retake all of the country from separatists and jihadi forces linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State terror group.

Under Colonel Assimi Goita, the junta broke off its traditional alliance with former colonial ruler France and has turned toward Russia.

After an eight-year lull, hostilities between Mali and the separatists resumed in August 2023. The army's offensive culminated in the storming of the northern pro-independence stronghold of Kidal in November.

Its capture was widely hailed across Mali as a symbolic success.

But the rebels refused to lay down their arms. Instead, they scattered across the mountainous desert region, with Malian forces in pursuit.

Near Tinzaouaten, the two sides engaged in three days of intense fighting at the end of July on a scale not seen for months.
Police in Nigeria say at least five people were killed when nationwide economic protests turned violent in some major cities Thursday, while the rights group Amnesty International says 13 protesters were killed by security personnel.

In a statement posted to the social media platform X, Nigerias inspector-general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, said hoodlums instigated a mass uprising under the guise of protest in several major cities, looting and destroying businesses as well as government buildings, including police stations.

Egbetokun said there was destruction in the cities of Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Abuja, Niger, and Jigawa. He said there were unprovoked attacks on security personnel in Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, and said one police officer was killed, although he did not provide details.

The inspector-general also said a bomb went off in a crowd of protesters in Borno on Thursday, killing four and injuring at least 34 others.

He said all units of the Nigerian police force have been put on alert and said they would get assistance from the military if the need arises.

The Associated Press, citing Nigerian police, said more than 300 people were arrested Thursday.

In a post to its X account late Thursday, Amnesty International Nigeria said security personnel fired live ammunition at peaceful protesters during demonstrations, killing six people in Suleja Niger state, four people in the Borno states capital, Maiduguri, and three in Kaduna.

Thousands had taken to the streets in Nigerian cities in anti-government demonstrations against economic hardships as well as longstanding systemic issues such as corruption and press freedom. Organizers said they were inspired by recent anti-government protests in Kenya that forced that countrys president to cancel proposed tax increases and dissolve his cabinet.

The protests are intended to go on for 10 days, and there were reports of continued protests in several cities Friday.

Police used tear gas Thursday to disperse crowds in the capital, Abuja, and in the nations second-largest city, Kano, where demonstrators attempted to start fires outside government buildings.

Amid a heavy security presence in the commercial capital, Lagos, protesters marched toward government buildings, ringing bells, chanting and carrying placards denouncing corruption and Nigerias green and white flag. They were led down the street by armed security personnel.

Many Nigerians blame the cost-of-living crisis on reforms introduced last year by President Bola Tinubu, who canceled a popular fuel subsidy and took steps that devalued the naira.

Ahead of the protests, lawmakers in the national assembly last week voted to more than double the monthly minimum wage of federal workers from 30,000 naira to 70,000 naira, about $43. The president signed the bill into law earlier this week, but it appeared to do little to dampen calls for a nationwide demonstration.

Religious leaders and other social groups tried to discourage the protests out of fear that, like the Kenya protests, they could turn violent. International group Human Rights Watch warned that Nigerian government rhetoric ahead of the protests raised fears of a violent crackdown.

Last week, Inspector-General Egbetokun warned, "Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategizing and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests. ... We must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
At the close of the Republican Party convention where he was crowned the presidential candidate, Donald Trump, fresh from an attack, was trying to display moderation and poise. But that was last month, when he had an electoral tailwind and the polls were giving him an ever-growing lead over his Democratic rival, Joe Biden. After the presidents decision not to run for re-election, and with Vice President Kamala Harris gaining ground in this eventful election campaign, the Republican has resorted to one of his favorite strategies: personal and racial insults.

His remarks at the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago on Wednesday sparked controversy. Right from the start of his speech on a panel with three Black journalists, he launched into a personal attack on his rival. I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. Now she wants to be known as Black. So I dont know  is she Indian or is she Black? he insisted about the vice president, whose father is Jamaican and whose mother is Indian. Harris describes herself as Black in her autobiography and she graduated from Howard University, originally created for African-American students. Trump insinuated that she had only reached the position she now occupies because of her skin color, not because of her merits.

It was not the only comment that drew gasps of astonishment. Asked about the economy, and his earlier remarks that millions of immigrants come to the United States to take away jobs from Black people, he clarified that by this he meant all kinds of jobs.

Without mentioning him, Harris responded hours later at a convention of Sigma Gamma Rho, a Black womens sorority: The American people deserve a leader who tells the truth, a leader who does not respond with hostility and anger when confronted with the facts. We deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us  they are an essential source of our strength. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre demanded respect for the vice president.

The presidents remarks were reminiscent of his comments against President Barack Obama in 2011, before he became a political candidate, questioning whether he was actually born in the United States. They also caused unrest even within his own party. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, one of the few Republican lawmakers who has not declared her support for Trump, considered the former presidents comments very unfortunate.

The criticism has not deterred him. The Republican presidential candidate posted a photo of Harris wearing an Indian sari on his social media accounts on Thursday, implying again that the vice president is not Black, but Indian.

One in 10 Americans, or 33.8 million, say they identify with at least two races, according to the latest U.S. census from 2020. A decade earlier, that number was much lower, at nine million people. Former Trump spokeswoman Alyssa Farah Griffin has said that most Americans, though apparently not Trump, understand the concept of being biracial, and talking about someones racial identity that way is offensive.

Trumps remarks to Black journalists came as the former president is trying to court African-American voters, who traditionally form the Democratic electoral base, but who during Joe Bidens years in office had begun to move closer to the Republicans. The former president is scheduled to participate in a rally in Atlanta, where Harris held her largest rally there on Tuesday. Her audience was overwhelmingly African-American.

A new round of polls in the battleground states that will decide the outcome of the election, conducted by the conservative agency Public Opinion Strategies, showed on Thursday that Harris is ahead of Trump in Pennsylvania by 48% to 45% and in Wisconsin, by 48% to 46%. In Arizona and Nevada, the roles are reversed, with the Republican leading 48% and 46%, respectively, while the vice president has 43% and 45%. In Michigan, the two are tied at 45%.

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North Korea continues to keep its doors shut to international aid workers as the country struggles with massive flooding that destroyed thousands of homes and covered vast farmlands.

The International Federation of Red Cross told VOA on Thursday that it was assessing North Koreas humanitarian situation and needs from the floods as it remained hopeful about reentering the country.

We are deeply concerned about the impact of the floods and are working closely with the DPRK Red Cross Society to assess the situation, the IFRC said in a statement to VOA Korean.

With the recent opening of DPRK borders and increased international cooperation, we are hopeful about the reestablishment of IFRCs international presence in DPRK, the statement continued.

The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea is North Koreas official name.

The U.N. resident coordinator in North Korea, Joe Colombano, told VOA on Thursday that "we stand ready to return to the country to support" North Korea as it recovers from flood damage, "as well as with longer-term resilience work, should the government so request." He also extended condolences to those impacted by the floods in a written statement from the U.N. Development Coordination Office in New York.

North Korea reopened its borders in August 2023 and lifted draconian pandemic measures put in place since 2020 that blocked all cross-border activities, including humanitarian aid.

No international aid workers are in the country despite the open border, although there was a four-day visit to Pyongyang by the head of the Food and Agricultural Organization in July.

The U.S. State Department told VOA Korean on Thursday that it hoped North Korea will soon allow international humanitarian workers back into the country as it stood ready to support international aid efforts.

We continue to support international efforts to provide critical humanitarian aid to the DPRK, a State Department spokesperson said.

The U.S. provided $1 million in humanitarian aid to North Korea in 2017 after the country was hit by Typhoon Lionrock the previous year, resulting in flooding. But the U.S. does not currently provide any aid to North Korea.

After being pummeled by heavy rains since last week, North Korea has mobilized officials and residents of several provinces to send relief items such as tents, blankets, garments and medical supplies to the flood-hit areas of North Pyongan and Jagang provinces, according to state-run KCNA on Thursday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held an emergency meeting after inspecting flood-hit areas in North Pyongan province, where the rains flooded more than 4,100 houses and nearly 3,000 hectares of farmland in Sinuiju city and Uiju county that borders China, KCNA said Wednesday.

More than 4,300 people were rescued by North Korean army helicopters from the flood-hit regions, according to KCNA on Monday. But North Korea did not provide an estimated number of deaths or injured from the devastating flood.

North Korea is prone to flooding from summer downpours because the country lacks proper infrastructure to support drainage.

VOA contacted North Koreas mission at the U.N. and asked whether the country was willing to accept international aid toward flood recovery but did not receive an answer by the time this report was published.

The South Korean Unification Ministry that handles inter-Korean affairs said Thursday that North Korea seemed to have incurred considerable casualties. Some South Korean media reported the number of flood victims, including deaths and those displaced, to be more than 1,500.

Jerome Sauvage, who served as the U.N. resident coordinator in North Korea from 2009 to 2013, said the impact of the flood, including an estimated number of deaths, is difficult to assess from a distance and should be done from inside the country.

Without data obtained on the ground and independently, it is also difficult to assess how much aid is needed, Sauvage said. He suggested North Korea urgently let in a staff for an assessment on the impact of the floods, including damage done to crops, houses and facilities.

South Koreas Red Cross said in a statement released through the Unification Ministry on Thursday that it was willing to provide relief aid to North Korean flood victims.

The Korean Red Cross said it was ready to discuss details including relief items, amount of aid supplies and delivery methods with the DPRK Red Cross Society as it looked forward to a prompt response from North Korea.

It was uncertain whether Pyongyang would accept help from Seoul amid tense relations between the two.

Keith Luse, executive director at the National Committee on North Korea in Washington, who facilitates engagement between the U.S. and North Korea, said, If DPRK officials decide to accept assistance from other countries, China and Russia will likely be the initial points of contact.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, told VOA that China is paying close attention to the flooding and expresses heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and those who are affected.

We believe that the people of the DPRK are capable of overcoming the impact of the disaster and rebuilding their homes soon, he said.

Liu added, In the meanwhile, areas on the Chinese side near the border have also been hit by severe flooding. We hope the two sides will share flooding information in a timely way to better prevent the flooding and ensure the safety of peoples life and property.

VOA contacted the Russian embassies in Washington and Seoul to ask whether Moscow had a plan to send disaster relief aid to North Korea but did not receive a reply.

Eunjung Cho contributed to this report.
Qatar on Friday is due to hold funeral ceremonies for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh after his killing in Tehran, an attack blamed on Israel that has deepened fears of a regional escalation.

Haniyeh, the Palestinian armed group's political chief, had resided in Doha along with other members of the Hamas political office.

He will be buried at a cemetery in Lusail, north of the Qatari capital, following funeral prayers at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab mosque, the gas-rich emirate's largest.

His killing sparked calls for revenge and is among several incidents that have inflamed regional tensions during the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas which has drawn in Iran-backed militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.

Hamas has said that "Arab and Islamic leaders" as well as representatives of other Palestinian factions and members of the public would attend the events.

Haniyeh and a bodyguard were killed in the pre-dawn attack on their accommodation in Tehran early on Wednesday, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said.

He had traveled to Iran to attend Tuesday's swearing-in of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Israel, accused by Hamas, Iran and others of the attack, has not directly commented on it.

The Hamas leader's assassination came just hours after Israel struck a southern suburb of Beirut, killing Fuad Shukr, the military commander of Hamas-allied Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

In Tehran on Thursday, crowds of mourners paid their respects during a public funeral ceremony for Haniyeh.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led the prayers, having earlier threatened "harsh punishment" for his killing.

'Rage'

Turkey and Pakistan announced a day of mourning on Friday in honor of Haniyeh, while Hamas has called for a "day of furious rage" to coincide with the burial.

The Palestinian group encouraged "roaring anger marches... from every mosque" following Friday prayers to protest Haniyeh's killing as well as the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for its October 7 attack on Israel that ignited the war in Gaza.

That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory campaign against Hamas has killed at least 39,480 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

'High price'

Haniyeh's coffin arrived in Doha on Thursday afternoon, Qatar-based network Al Jazeera reported, broadcasting images of a convoy including internal security force vehicles travelling down Doha's shore-hugging corniche road.

Qatar has hosted Hamas's political bureau with the blessing of the United States since 2012 following the Palestinian militant group's closure of its office in Damascus.

Haniyeh had played a key role in talks for a potential truce in Gaza, liaising with mediators Qatar, which has led months of behind-the-scenes negotiations alongside Egypt and the United States.

U.S. President Joe Biden said late on Thursday that he was "very concerned" about rising tensions in the region and added that the killing of Haniyeh had "not helped" the situation.

The White House said Biden spoke with Netanyahu by telephone on Thursday, promising to defend Israel's security "against all threats from Iran."

"We have the basis for a cease-fire. He should move on it, and they should move on it now," Biden told reporters after the call.

Reacting to Haniyeh's death, Qatar's prime minister said the killing had thrown the Gaza war mediation process into doubt.

"How can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side?" Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on social media site X.

The international community called for calm and a focus on securing a cease-fire in Gaza -- which Haniyeh had accused Israel of obstructing.

Israel warned its adversaries on Thursday that they would "pay a very high price" for any "aggression."

"Israel is at a very high level of preparation for any scenario, both defensive and offensive," Netanyahu said in a statement.

"Those who attack us, we will attack in return."
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The United Nations' climate crisis coordinator and a top World Food Program official are in southern Africa, assessing a drought-driven humanitarian crisis blamed on the El Nino weather phenomenon and climate change. Columbus Mavhunga joined them in some of Zimbabwe's most affected places, where water sources are drying up. Camera: Columbus Mavhunga
Canada and the United States have concluded negotiations on an agreement that will accelerate the development of Canadas commercial space launch industry and provide Canada with advanced U.S. technology, according to the Canadian Foreign Ministry.

The Technology Safeguards Agreement, which has yet to be signed, grants Canada access to U.S. space launch technology, expertise and data, while safeguarding sensitive Amercian technology. The agreements ratification is pending final review and authorizations from both sides.

The conclusion of negotiations between Canada and the United States means that we are one step closer to finalizing this agreement, which, when in force, will position our country to be a global leader in commercial space launch, said Melanie Joly, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a statement.

Commercial space launch technology included in the agreement would bolster a Canadian effort to increase the ability of private companies to launch satellites into space. That, according to a statement released by government agency Transport Canada, would provide benefits to Canadas job market, economy, research innovation and national security.

Maritime Launch, the company in charge of building Canadas first commercial spaceport in the east coast province of Nova Scotia, commented on the completion of negotiations with the U.S.

This bilateral treaty, when in force, will be critical to building a thriving space sector in Canada, said Stephen Matier, president and CEO of Maritime Launch Services, and a former contractor for the U.S. space agency NASA.

Todays announcement is a clear signal that Canada is open for business and looks forward to welcoming U.S. clients to launch from Canadas first commercial spaceport, Spaceport Nova Scotia, he added.

The U.S. leads the world in private sector space launches, accounting for 87% of all launch-specific private investment in 2023, according to a report by the U.S. International Trade Commission.

It is great to see companies invest their own capital toward innovative commercial space capabilities, and weve seen how these types of partnerships benefit both the private sector and NASA, said Phil McAlister, director of commercial spaceflight at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The companies can leverage NASAs vast knowledge and experience, and the agency can be a customer for the capabilities included in the agreements in the future.
The realignment of the United States armed forces in Japan, announced on the heels of the latest U.S.-Japan security talks, will focus on developing warfighting capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, former U.S. military officials and experts say.

During a meeting of the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee in Tokyo on Sunday, the two nations agreed to upgrade the command and control of the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ), converting the current USFJ structure into a joint force headquarters.

The new headquarters will be given "expanded missions and operational responsibilities," according to a statement released after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with their Japanese counterparts, Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara.

Jerry Martinez, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general who served as the USFJ commander from 2016 to 2019, said this move is "a gigantic step forward" for the United States, Japan and the alliance at large.

"This action signals the high regard in which both countries view the alliance, as well as the need to ensure Japan is always ready to withstand any threats in the region," Martinez told VOA Korean via email on Wednesday.

"It sends a strong signal to potential threats that Japan as a whole is trained, prepared and operationally ready to meet any challenges," he said.

Harry Harris, former U.S. ambassador to South Korea during the Trump administration, told VOA Korean in an email on Tuesday that the USFJ headquarters will take on more operational command responsibilities.

"It greatly expands the heretofore limited role of the existing USFJ," said Harris, who was also commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command from 2015 to 2018.

"USFJ was not responsible for joint war planning," he said, adding that the move to set up a new headquarters recognizes "the importance in Japan of effective joint planning between the U.S. and Japan."

The reconstitution of American forces stationed in Japan, scheduled for March 2025, is widely seen as the most substantial transformation since its establishment in 1957.

"This will be the most significant change to U.S. Forces Japan since its creation and one of the strongest improvements in our military ties with Japan in 70 years," Austin said in a press conference Sunday in Tokyo.

According to experts in Washington, the changes are aimed at giving USFJ an actual warfighting command, which has, up to now, been largely assumed by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, headquartered in Hawaii.

"It was more of a command that focused on kind of day-to-day management of resources in Japan," Robert Peters, research fellow for nuclear deterrence and missile defense at the Heritage Foundation, told VOA Korean by phone on Wednesday.

"USFJ is going to have more responsibilities and more capabilities, so they're going to be able to make their own decisions when a war breaks out," he said.

Peters, who served as a special adviser in the Office of the Secretary of Defense during the Obama administration, said the new USFJ will be "more relevant to the warfighting."

James Przystup, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute's Japan Chair, told VOA Korean via email on Tuesday that the focus of the new joint command will be the closer operational integration of U.S. military assets, which encompass elements of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force.

"USFJ as it stands today serves an administrative function," Przystup said. "Establishing a joint force headquarters provides for the closer operational integration of U.S. forces deployed in Japan."

According to the joint statement of the Security Consultative Committee on Sunday, the new U.S. joint force headquarters will serve as a counterpart to Japan's Joint Operations Command, facilitating deeper interoperability and cooperation on joint bilateral operations.

The USFJ's cooperation with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) is expected to take a form different from the Combined Forces Command in South Korea, a joint warfighting headquarters consisting of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and the South Korean military.

Retired U.S. Army General Robert Abrams, who served as the commander of the USFK from 2018 to 2021, told VOA Korean in an email on Wednesday that the USFJ and JSDF are completely separate.

"There is no mention of the newly converted USFJ headquarters becoming a combined command or implying that this USFJ headquarters would have operational control of Japanese Self-Defense Forces," Abrams said. "Japan's minister of defense made clear that there was no plan to put JSDF under U.S. command."

Przystup said the new USFJ Joint Forces Command, along with Japan's own Joint Operations Command, will facilitate closer U.S.-Japan defense cooperation in dealing with security challenges posed by China as well as North Korea, "in particular with respect to operational integration of Japan's counterstrike capability within the alliance, thus enhancing alliance-based deterrence."

While Austin stressed during the Sunday press conference that "our decision to move in this direction is not based upon any threat from China," the U.S. and Japan made it clear that China's external stance and military actions pose a serious concern.

In response to an inquiry from VOA Korean, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said Tuesday that China is not a threat to global stability and peace.

"The so-called 'China threat theory' is groundless and should not be used as an excuse for military expansion," Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said in a written statement via email. "U.S.-Japan relations should not target other countries, harm their interests or undermine regional peace and stability."
Representative Jim McGovern, the most recent U.S. lawmaker to be put under Chinese sanctions, says he will wear the sanctions "as a badge of honor," calling on the Chinese government to end its oppressive actions in Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong in a statement emailed to VOA from the representative's media office Friday.

"These absurd sanctions against me only serve to highlight how PRC leaders are afraid of free and open debate. They seek to punish and silence those who disagree with them. But the world is watching what they do, and people who care about human rights will not be silent," he said in the statement.

China placed McGovern under sanctions Wednesday for frequently "interfering in China's internal affairs." In his politics, McGovern has taken on the Tibetan cause, sponsoring a bill advocating for a peaceful resolution of the China-Tibet dispute that President Joe Biden signed into law on July 12.

China views Tibet as an "inseparable part of China since ancient times," despite supporters of the Tibetan Government in Exile and the Dalai Lama saying that Tibet has historically been independent. Chinese state-sponsored media Xinhua said McGovern's Tibet-China Dispute Act "grossly interferes in China's internal affairs," violates international law and distorts historical facts to suppress China and encourage Tibetan separatist movements.

Framed as a response to McGovern's efforts to undermine Chinese territorial sovereignty, the sanctions freeze the representative's Chinese assets, prohibit organizations or individuals in China from engaging with him, and ban him and his family from entering Chinese territory, according to a publication from Xinhua.

McGovern, who represents the state of Massachusetts in the House of Representatives, has no assets or business dealings in China.

McGovern's Tibet-China Dispute Act, gives the State Department increased authority to counter Chinese disinformation about Tibet and promotes the resumption of talks between Chinese leaders and the Dalai Lama. No such talks have occurred since 2010.

China stands accused of large-scale human rights abuses in Tibet, which the congressman hoped to alleviate with this legislation.

In a statement released on June 12 when the bill passed the House, McGovern said, "The People's Republic of China has systematically denied Tibetans the right to self-determination and continues to deliberately erase Tibetan religion, culture and language.

"The ongoing oppression of the Tibetan people is a grave tragedy, and our bill provides further tools that empower both America and the international community to stand up for justice and peace," he said.

Among the signees of the statement were House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Senator Todd Young, McGovern and Senator Jeff Merkley.

China has sanctioned other U.S. representatives for their involvement in an issue that threatens Chinese territorial homogeneity. Over the last year, China has sanctioned Representative McCaul and former Representative Mike Gallagher over their support for Taiwan.
The U.S. government on Thursday recognized Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the South American country's presidential election, discrediting the results announced by electoral authorities who declared President Nicolas Maduro the victor.

"Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela's July 28 presidential election," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner of Sunday's highly anticipated election, but the president's main challenger, Gonzalez, and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado have said they obtained more than two-thirds of the tally sheets that each electronic voting machine printed after polls closed.

They said the release of the data on those tallies would prove Maduro lost.

The announcement from the U.S. government came amid diplomatic efforts to persuade Maduro to release vote tallies from the election and increasing calls for an independent review of the results, according to officials from Brazil and Mexico.

Government officials from Brazil, Colombia and Mexico have been in communication with Maduro's administration to persuade him to show the vote tally sheets from Sunday's election and allow impartial verification, a Brazilian government official told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The officials have told Venezuela's government that showing the data is the only way to dispel any doubt about the results, said the Brazilian official, who asked not to be identified because of a lack of authorization to publicly speak about the diplomatic efforts.

A Mexican official, who spoke on condition of anonymity for the same reason, confirmed that the three governments have been discussing the issue with Venezuela but did not provide details.

Earlier, Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he planned to speak with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and President Gustavo Petro of Colombia, and that his government believed it was important that the electoral tallies be made public.

Later Thursday, the governments of Brazil, Colombia and Mexico jointly called on Venezuela's electoral authorities "to move forward expeditiously and publicly release" detailed voting data, but they did not confirm any diplomatic efforts to persuade Maduro's government to publish the vote tallies.

On Monday, after the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner of the election, thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets. The government said it arrested hundreds of protesters, and Venezuela-based human rights organization Foro Penal said 11 people were killed. Dozens more were arrested the following day, including former opposition candidate Freddy Superlano.

Opposition leader Machado  who was barred from running for president  and Gonzalez addressed a huge rally of their supporters in the capital, Caracas, on Tuesday, but they have not been seen in public since. Later that day, the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, called for their arrest, calling them criminals and fascists.

In an op-ed published Thursday in The Wall Street Journal, Machado said she was "hiding, fearing for my life, my freedom, and that of my fellow countrymen." She reasserted that the opposition had physical evidence that Maduro lost the election and urged the international community to intervene.

"We have voted Mr. Maduro out," she wrote. "Now it is up to the international community to decide whether to tolerate a demonstrably illegitimate government."

On Wednesday, Maduro asked Venezuela's highest court to conduct an audit of the election, but that request drew almost immediate criticism from foreign observers who said the court was too close to the government to produce an independent review.

It wasn't clear if Maduro's first concession to demands for more transparency was the result of the discussions with Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Venezuela's president confirmed during a news conference on Wednesday that he had spoken with Petro about it.

On Thursday, the court accepted Maduro's request for an audit and ordered him, Gonzalez and the eight other candidates who participated in the presidential election to appear before the justices Friday.

Asked why electoral authorities have not released detailed vote counts, Maduro said the National Electoral Council has come under attack, including cyberattacks, without elaborating.

The Brazilian official said the diplomatic efforts were intended only to promote dialogue among Venezuelan stakeholders to negotiate a solution to the disputed election. The official said this would include releasing voting data and allowing independent verification.

Lopez Obrador said Mexico hoped the will of Venezuela's people would be respected and that there would be no violence. He added that Mexico expected "that the evidence, the electoral results records, be presented."
Washington rejected Vietnams request to be designated as a market economy, the U.S. Commerce Department said Friday.

The United States has classified Vietnam as a non-market economy since 2002, due to Hanois state intervention in economic affairs such as trade, pricing and currency. There are 12 other countries the United States classifies as a non-market economy including China, Russia and North Korea.

Vietnam sought to be upgraded from this classification due to recent economic reforms and policy commitments, and appealed to U.S. officials directly, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

The U.S. Department of Commerce said its decision to maintain Hanois market classification was based on a thorough evaluation of comments from U.S. domestic industries and the Vietnamese government.

Despite Vietnams substantive reforms made over the past 20 years, the extensive government involvement in Vietnams economy distorts Vietnamese prices and costs and ultimately render them unusable for the purpose of calculating U.S. antidumping duties, the department said in a statement.

Hanois request for reclassification was made in September last year amid strengthening relations between the U.S. and Vietnam.

The request was made the same month President Joe Biden visited Vietnam for talks, during which Washington and Hanoi upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level of diplomatic ties granted by Vietnam.

Vietnam has also signed many free trade agreements with the United States indicating a greater focus on access to the U.S. market, and Washington removed Hanoi from its monitoring list for currency manipulation.

Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade said upgrading Vietnam would have been a fair move.

"Vietnam regrets that despite several positive improvements in the Vietnamese economy recently, the U.S. Department of Commerce still has not recognized Vietnam as a market economy country," it said in a statement.

Opponents of Vietnams reclassification say Hanoi is a growing threat to Washingtons manufacturing base, as more Chinese firms are setting up shop in Vietnam to avoid U.S. taxes on Chinese imports.

Vietnam has increasingly emerged as an important part of the global supply chain as many Western companies have sought to move their operations away from China in attempts to avoid geopolitical disruptions.

The decision on whether to upgrade Hanois status comes at a delicate time before U.S. elections in November, as both parties look to take a stand for workers rights.

In July, Republican Senator Tom Cotton wrote a letter co-signed by six other Republican senators urging Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to not approve Vietnams request citing, controlled currency, lack of labor rights, and extensive state intervention in the country.

There is no doubt that the countrys non-market economic practices already violate fair competition and lawful trade, the senators wrote.

Also in opposition to a reclassification were a group of Democrats, including senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, who noted more than two dozen antidumping orders against Vietnam by the U.S., and pending dumping investigations.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.


Student protesters on college campuses frequently invoke the First Amendment to shelter their actions, which often include chanting slogans, occupying buildings and setting up encampments. Legal experts have weighed in on how these activities are protected  or not  under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

This past spring, student protests brought about by the Israel-Hamas war popped up at many U.S. college campuses. The students protested the war's rising death toll and called for universities to separate themselves from companies advancing Israels military efforts in Gaza.

In June, Louisiana enacted a new law limiting speech on university campuses in response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations at colleges.

Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, signed Senate Bill 294, which exempts any act that bears a criminal penalty from free-speech protections. Campus free-speech policies no longer defend civil disobedience, says the website Louisiana Illuminator.

"What we need on college campuses is education, not activists," Republican state Senator Valarie Hodges, who filed the bill, told the Illuminator.

These laws aim to curb civil disobedience and protests, especially those related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

We are once again in our history seeing laws that likely target speech, especially speech that some might find objectionable, Roy Gutterman, director of the Tully Center for Free Speech at Syracuse University, said in an email to VOA.

We saw it in the Red Scares, during the civil rights movement and during anti-war protests in the 1960s, he said.

Under the law, activities in which an individual or group is knowingly being monetarily funded or organized by any individual, corporation, business or organization that has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization or foreign adversary by the United States Department of State is also barred from protection.

Zach Greenberg of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression told VOA that it is important such policies be enforced in a content viewpoint neutral manner, meaning that they can't be enforced against people differently based on what they say and what they believe.

Gutterman said the First Amendment is the protection for citizens to be able to speak, publish, gather and complain about government policy without legal restrictions or punishment for that expression.

But, of course, there are lots of specific exemptions, like causing a riot, defaming someone and many others, he told VOA.

These limitations might take many different forms, such as controlling the amount of noise that people can produce, limiting the number of demonstrators who can occupy a certain space, prohibiting protests in the early morning or late at night, and regulating the size and positioning of signs on public property.

Greenberg said that while the First Amendment generally protects students right to protest, this protection has limits. "Speech is protected unless it falls into categories like discriminatory harassment or severe disruption," he said.

Encampments, which are often used in protests, are not typically protected and can be regulated through content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions, he said, adding that this means the First Amendment does not establish a right to occupy a campus as an expression of protest.

The limitations can also vary based on whether the protest is at a public or a private university.

"Public universities are bound by the First Amendment, whereas private universities are only bound by their own policies, which can act as a contractual obligation to provide free speech," Greenberg said.

Gutterman agreed that private colleges are not bound by the First Amendment in the same way as public colleges but said they still should operate within the spirit of free speech values and academic freedom.

He also pointed out that activities such as occupying buildings or setting up encampments generally fall outside First Amendment protections. "You do not have a First Amendment right to stay overnight in a park, and similar restrictions apply on campus," he said.

Last month, The New York Times reported that when police were called in to break up a student encampment at Columbia University in April, it was the first major detainment of protesters. Since then, more than 3,100 people have been arrested or detained on campuses across the country, the Times reported. Most charges were for trespassing or disturbing the peace, but some people have faced more-serious charges, such as resisting arrest.

As student protests evolve, understanding the balance between free speech rights and university policies remains crucial. Universities are required to navigate these issues to protect free speech while maintaining campus safety and order.
Heated debates among Russian military bloggers over the deaths of possibly dozens of Wagner Group mercenaries in Mali are highlighting discord and desolation within that community, says a researcher into Russian military propaganda.

The debates, prompted by a desert ambush last week in which a Wagner Group patrol was virtually wiped out, are appearing on a network of blogs known as the Z-channels, according to Ivan Filippov, author of the "All Quiet on ZzzzzzWestern Front Telegram channel.

In an interview with Alexey Gorbachev of VOAs Russian Service, Filippov described the Z-channels as an extensive network  run by propagandists, people calling themselves war correspondents, and other sincere supporters of Russian aggression.

The blogs began appearing on the Telegram messaging app after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022, according to the independent Russian media outlet Meduza.

Many of the Z-channels have ties with Wagner and supported Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhins mini-mutiny against the Kremlin in 2023, weeks before he and the groups co-founder and commander, Dmitry Utkin, died in a plane crash.

Shortly after Prigozhins death, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Defense Ministry to adopt Wagner troops, formalizing them as part of the military.

Filippov said some of the Z-authors have been highly critical of Wagners new commanders, suggesting that bad decision-making led to its scouts in Mali being ambushed and killed. They estimated the number of Wagner personnel killed by Tuareg separatists at between 20 and 80, making it the groups worst single defeat in Africa.

And one of the largest military Z-channels, Rybar, which has more than a million subscribers  writes that the Wagnerites neglected security measures and sent a detachment with three armored vehicles and several dozen people to a place where, according to their own words, there were more than 1,000 militants, Filippov said.

One important thing is that among the people who died was the administrator of a rather significant military Z-channel, connected precisely with Wagner, the Grey Zone channel, he added.

Current Time TV, a Russian-language television and digital network led by RFE/RL in partnership with VOA, wrote in its Telegram channel daily newsletter on July 29 that Nikita Fedyanin, known by the call sign Bely, was the Grey Zone Telegram channel administrator killed in the Mali fighting.

According to Filippov, the loss of Fedyanin and Grey Zone is significant, because the channel played a leading role in the Z-channel ecosystem.

[I]t was a pro-war channel, the author of which took direct part in the war and wished victory to Russian weapons, he told VOA. But it was one of the Z-channels that wrote a lot and very openly about the problems of the Russian army, about losses, and which was quite valuable precisely for research because Grey Zone could periodically find topics that other channels avoided.

It is important to understand that the Z-space is structured in such a way that there are topics that people are afraid to write about, and everyone is waiting for who will write first, and then an avalanche [of messages] begins.

In its July 29 daily newsletter, Current Time also reported that the July 25-26 battle in Mali took the life of one of the most famous Wagner PMC commanders, Anton Elizarov (aka Lotus).

It added, however, that there are sources claiming that he was captured and has already been exchanged.

Filippov told VOA that many of those discussing the deaths of the Wagner fighters in Mali attribute the groups military debacle there to the new command.

They say that the situation in Mali is connected with the fact that without Utkin, disarray and confusion began, the quality of command, the amount of money, the quality of equipment and many other things dropped sharply, Filippov said.

He said the Z-authors look back at Wagner under the leadership of Utkin and Prigozhin as a golden age, while now Lotus is in charge, who many of them consider an incompetent leader.

Wagners loyalty to Prigozhin and Utkin is on full display in a campaign that Z-bloggers launched asking volunteers to create superhero-styled avatars and emojis glamorizing their dead bosses.

The United Nations has said that under Prigozhins and Utkins leadership, the Wagner Group committed atrocities that may constitute war crimes, while fighting on behalf of Russia in Syria, Africa and Ukraine.
State security agents have launched a massive nationwide crackdown in Zimbabwe against pro-democracy activists, including a minister of religion and student leader, resulting in an international condemnation by western nations, the European Union and other organizations.

Although police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi was unreachable for comment, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights reports that police today arrested opposition Citizens Coalition for Change activists in Kariba, Bulawayo, Mutare, Harare and other cities in what appears to be a nationwide operation following remarks by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe that they will deal ruthlessly with those planning to state protests before and during the forthcoming SADC Summit in Harare.

Among those also arrested today are Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe party, Bishop Kevin Nyamukapa, student leader Emmanuel Stima and others.

At the same time, pro-democracy activists - Robson Chere of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, education leader Namatai Kwekweza Councillor Samuel Gwenzi and Vusumuzi Sibanda, who were arrested on Wednesday in plane in Harare on their way to a meeting in Victoria Falls, appeared in court today facing charges of violating some provisions of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.

Chere was allegedly seriously beaten up by state security agents.

The four allegedly spearheaded a peaceful protest outside the magistrates courts recently demanding the release of 78 CCC activists, including their leader Jameson Timba, who were arrested at his home while commemorating the Day of the African Child.

Reacting to the arrests, the United States Embassy in Harare, said, The increasing reports of detention & violence toward Zimbabweans exercising their constitutional rights of freedom of expression & assembly run counter to the democratic principles upon which SADC is built.

The British government has also expressed dismay over the arrests. In a statement, the British High Commission in Harare said, Following these developments and statements by the Govt of Zimbabwe closely. Ahead of this months SADC summit in Harare, we urge the authorities to uphold the rule of law, including constitutional rights to assembly and association, and to ensure due process for all Zimbabweans.

The European Union noted that the arrests were a violation of the rights of Zimbabweans. We the Heads of Mission of the European Union in Harare are deeply concerned about the multiple arrests that have occurred over the last two months.

Margret Verwijk, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia, said the arrests were disturbing.

We urge the authorities to uphold fundamental freedoms in line with the Zimbabwe Constitution and international human rights obligations including on arrest, detention and legal proceedings.

According to Mary Lawlor, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, the United Nations is shocked by reports that HRDs including Namatai Kwekweza and robson Chere were detained yesterday in Zimbabwe  and at least one mistreated in custody. Namatai joined us last year for a meeting on youth HRDs & is an inspirational young woman. All must be released now.

The Zimbabwean government is tightlipped over the arrests amid indications that more arrests will be made within the next 24 hours as the country clamps down on opponents ahead of the SADC Summit slated for August 16.

Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe was unreachable for comment as his mobile phose was switched off. Presidential spokesperson George Charamba was also unreachable for comment as he was not responding to calls on his mobile phone.
Photo-Illustration: Vulture and Getty Images

This article was originally published on November 24, 2020. We are recirculating it now timed to the release of Trap.

The Christmas rom-com is a delicate genre. Its innumerable entries fail far more often than they succeed, usually in attempts to re-create the rare triumph of a predecessor. For every The Holiday, there is a Holidate; for every The Family Stone, there is a Love the Coopers; and so on forever. Which is why I was equal parts terrified and thrilled when I heard about Clea DuValls Happiest Season, an attempt to elevate the genre by doing what everyone should have been doing all along: making it gay and centering it on a bleached-blonde Kristen Stewart desperate to propose to her tall girlfriend, Mackenzie Davis. As a queer Jewish woman obsessed with both Christmas and Kristen Stewart, this movie felt tailored to me specifically; its failure would, not to be gay, ruin my life.

Which is why I was relieved when Happiest Season turned out not only to be cute and heartwarming but also to feature Kristen Stewart in a low-cut tuxedo and an undone tie and let her walk around drunk for a while. My only real quibble with the film is its central plot point: Daviss Harper is too scared to tell her conservative family that shes gay and dating Stewarts Abby. In the process, she nearly alienates Stewart. I dont want to minimize anyones struggle, but I have to believe there is no family on earth that would be upset to learn one of its constituents is dating Kristen Stewart. I dont care if your dad is a megachurch pastor. Even he would be like,  okay, NICE.

But I digress. Im here to talk about something else. Most of Happiest Season is high-key gay in that it centers on two lesbians making out in a basement in secret. But theres one (arguably, but not actually  youll see) low-key gay moment that struck me as particularly inspired on DuValls part. Early on, Harpers uptight mom (Mary Steenburgen) is showing Abby (whom she believes to be Harpers orphan roommate) around their home, the sort of stately redbrick manse that is a requirement for all Christmas-movie families. The tour concludes in Harpers old bedroom, where her kooky sister, Jane (Mary Holland), wrenches open Harpers closet door to reveal a series of pasted-up photos of various nondescript hunks. None of the men are remotely recognizable, save for one large central photo of 1998s hottest bachelor, Joshua D. Hartnett. Looks, talent, brains, Hartnetts got it all! reads the poster, which has seemingly been ripped from a Teen Beat. Abby, trying not to laugh, breathes, Wow. Jane presses her face against Joshs singed brow. I know, right? Is it hot in here, or is it just him?

The scene is meant to indicate just how deep in the closet Harper is and has always been, even going so far as to painstakingly decorate her own literal closet with photos of oiled-up men. But as I watched the moment unfold, it dawned on me that perhaps theres another layer beneath that surface reading. Queerness is so often about subtext; I have to believe that writer-director DuVall, a queer woman whose second middle name is DEtienne, would not place a photo of Josh Hartnett in a movie without imbuing it with multiple meanings. After all, the two once co-starred in The Faculty, a movie about the importance of questioning the motives, and alleged species, of heteronormative authority figures. More important, they look very similar. I began to wonder if, by including this poster in Harpers closet, DuVall was nodding to the fact that, for a certain subset of millennial women, Josh Hartnett was a quiet stepping-stone on the way to true queerness, i.e., lusting after Clea DuVall.

As a young, burgeoning bisexual who thought her feelings toward Topanga on Boy Meets World were pure hair envy, my feelings about Hartnett were, to put it gently, rabid. One of my favorite youthful activities was to pore through magazines cutting out photos of Hartnetts sturdy face and then gluing them onto poster boards, which I then placed in prominent spaces around my bedroom. Although the internet existed at this point in time, it was hardly the Josh Hartnett SEO machine that it is today, so I got my Hartnett news via mail from my moms friend DeDe, who lived in Minneapolis  Hartnetts hometown, which, at one point, considered his every move to be worthy of newsprint. For many years, I followed his career through its especially sharp twists and turns: the Trip Fontaine Magic Man years; the dog-tag Pearl Harbor era; that time he fought over Leelee Sobieski with Chris Klein and somebody died of cancer (?); his sexy Chicago romantic thriller; the time he made Shannyn Sossamon come using a flower; and even a few of the movies he made when he decided he didnt want to be famous, then decided he did want to be famous but then it was too late, and now that hes not really famous anymore, every time people interview him theyre like, Wait, why arent you famous anymore?

But back to the gay part. Hartnetts appeal was obvious to anyone growing up in the 90s with any sort of libido: the squinting eyes, the quiet brooding, the swoopy hair, the unibrow that indicated he did not care that he had a unibrow. It would be difficult for anyone, even megachurch pastors, to avoid feeling an attraction to Joshua Hartnett at his peak. But the working theory I developed upon watching Happiest Season is that he was particularly attractive to young, confused gay women growing up in the 90s. Again, in large part, due to the fact that he looked a lot like DuVall  who, thanks to But Im a Cheerleader, was a burgeoning queer icon herself at that point despite still being in the closet (see what I mean about the layers??).

It certainly helped, too, that Hartnetts movies were shot through with queer subtext: Both Here on Earth and Pearl Harbor are about two men who cannot be together, so they fight over Kate Beckinsale and Leelee Sobieski; hes also in a movie about a British hairdressing competition. And viewed from space, Hartnetts career arc is itself something of a queer narrative: He burned so brightly and then disappeared into exile in Europe, much like Oscar Wilde. No matter how you slice it, I realized, Josh Hartnett was the perfect gay gateway drug.

To test this theory, I reached out to every queer woman I have ever met and asked them, Did you, at one point on your gay journey, have an obsession with Josh Hartnett? I didnt know this was the question I had been waiting for all my life, but here we are, said Jessica. I was absolutely into him. I just rewatched The Virgin Suicides for the first time in 15 years and remembered how insanely into him I was when the movie came out. Hes in the Heath LedgerKeanu ReevesTom Hardy school of men that women who are into women find hot.

Nearly all my friends replies confirmed in one way or another that 40 Days and 40 Nights is a key component in Hartnetts queer appeal  that the movie is canonically gay in a way that also turned all my friends gay, in the same way that all video games make people murderers. Haley said she think[s] all the time about that scene in 40 Days and 40 Nights when he makes Shannyn Sossamon come from a feather [Ed. note: Its a flower, but a feather is equally gay]. Everything about that was gay, thanks! At first, Teo seemed loath to admit her lust for Hartnett: Okay  honestly? Yes, I was into him. Not as intensely as Orlando Bloom, but it existed for me. But she had a lot to say about 40 Days lesbian resonance: Honestly, I think what was going on there is that he was in that movie about the man who tries not to come for 40 days and 40 nights, and even though, from what I remember of that movie, it is explicitly misogynist, its still a very lesbian way of thinking about sex. That stupid flower scene was the only PG-13 lesbian sex scene of the early 2000s. She added that he also has a very soft butch look in that movie. Our conversation quickly turned into a discussion of Sossamons superior hotness. That girl looks like a girl who should be dating a lesbian, and Josh Hartnett looks like a lesbian, concluded Teo.

Days later, I had the opportunity to speak to Sossamon herself for a different story and decided to spring the same question on her: Did she know that she and Hartnett, together, represented a bisexual awakening for millions* (*unsubstantiated) of women around the world? That was only my second movie, but Josh is very charming. I totally get it, she said, expertly dodging the question. I havent talked to him in a long time, but I remember hes incredibly charming and warm. Sensing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I asked what she recalled about filming the orgasm-with-a-flower scene. I was nervous because I was like, How exactly are we going to do this? she said, laughing. In my real life, I cant imagine in a million years [orgasming via flower]. Everyones preferences are different. I remember being on set, it was very difficult not to laugh. I was like, Who would do this? And then the director kept saying, You know, some people might, some people might. And I was like, All right.

There were, however, some people I polled who took specific issue with 40 Days and 40 Nights, suggesting that Hartnetts queer appeal lay elsewhere. My friend Claire, who loved him in The Virgin Suicides and other things when he was younger, said, I vaguely remember being annoyed by that movie, like he was betraying me by doing that character. When I asked why, she said, I think I liked the denial aspect of it (longing/celibacy  VERY queer), but he was kind of a frat bro in a way that I didnt like, even though he finds his sensitive side. She added that, while she preferred the longing Josh Hartnett, who doesnt get laid or sully himself, he does feel like a queer root and that his Penny Dreadful character hooking up with Dorian Gray was the hottest thing ever. (See below.)

Without prompting, several friends brought up the fact that Hartnett and

DuVall are twins. I do think theres something sort of girlie about him, said Marian. He looks like the dyke from But Im a Cheerleader a little bit. My friend Jamie did not want to get into it any further, except to say, Ya, hes gay. Everyone is gay, Rachel. You can quote me on that, followed by a flamingo emoji. (To be clear, I do not think Hartnett himself is gay, though I dont think hes not not gay. Josh, call me. Just to tell me if youre gay.)

There were a few outliers on the Josh Hartnett Queer Root front. My personal opinion would be no, though he does have the Leo squint, and maybe its all in the squint, said my friend Hallie, referring to the ne plus ultra bisexual root, young Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo + Juliet. I confirmed that squinting was gay canon. Squints make you gay, she said. If you squint hard enough, everyone is gay. My Australian friend Estelle took issue with Hartnetts irreducible Americana energy. He came across as too wholesome America for me, she said. When I asked who had been her Josh Hartnett, she replied, Unintimidating guys like JTT and Jonathan Brandis (RIP). Probably most telling is Elijah Wood. Madison said she was too young to have appreciated Hartnett in his prime, and Clio, who doesnt watch movies, said, Who is Josh Hartnett again?

To balance out my very scientific, unimpeachable study, I reached out to my only 100 percent straight female friend, Hazel, and asked if she had ever been into Hartnett. I was not, she said. I then texted a bunch of my gay male friends and asked the same question. Most expressed ambivalence or light appreciation. Okay, I am weird (not into Brad Pitt), so take this with the tiniest grain of salt imaginable: never into him, said Dan. His partner, Chanan, agreed. No strong feelings but only because he reminds me of Ashton Kutcher, he said. (He did not elaborate.) My friends Ryan and Ryan, who contractually must always be quoted as one person, said they probably did a little because Hartnett kind of had Ethan Hawke vibes: tall and scraggly, kind of dirty looking but not filthy. I kind of forgot about him until just now, though. (I take issue with the description of Hartnett as scraggly; he is more square.) The one outlier here was my friend David Michael, who said, This brings me back to stealing my sisters magazines with shots from Pearl Harbor. Hes very pretty and would obviously be a gentle lover.

Which, of course, brings us back to the stolen magazine shot in Happiest Season. Its possible that the poster is just a poster and that the film is meant to be read purely on a surface level, ignoring all subtextual implications about how Tiger Beat was secretly pushing the gay agenda to its legions of horny tween fans. But I believe gay Christmas intellectual Clea DuVall wouldnt place Josh Hartnetts SpongeBob-shaped visage in her movie without first considering the profound implications of doing so. I believe she was doing whatever the progressive version of dog whistling is at all of us young, queer millennial girls, letting us know she knew that when we were all papering our rooms with photos of Josh, we secretly wanted to be papering our rooms with photos of her.
Streamliner At your service. Photo: ABC/Everett Collection

Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune fans might need to break out the potent potables after reading this news: The 24/7 Pluto channels devoted to both shows have quietly ended their runs on the platform. Back in 2022, series distributor Sony Pictures Television struck a two-year licensing agreement with Pluto for the pair of iconic game shows, allowing hundreds of classic episodes to live on separate FAST channels as well as stream on demand. Game-show nerds were ecstatic when the channels launched on August 1, 2022, and again when Pluto added more new episodes of the shows last year. But while Pluto and Sony did have conversations about renewing their agreement, a source familiar with the situation says the two parties were not able to reach an agreement on extending their arrangement.

And so on Thursday, August 1, with no new deal in place between Sony and Pluto, the channels and on-demand episodes just vanished with zero advance notice  leaving fans to ponder the question What Are: Things That Are Annoying About Streaming? Pluto has been informing users on social media that the shows are no longer on the service; a rep for the platform declined further comment. A rep for Sony had no comment about the departures  and whether or not the studio has plans to move its Jeopardy! and Wheel channels to another streamer. But one person familiar with the studios thinking understands Sony is looking to expand its distribution strategy for classic episodes, with the goal of offering more streaming opportunities for audiences to watch the shows. When we broke the story about the quizzers landing on Pluto back in 22, sources told us multiple platforms had expressed interest in licensing the shows. Psst, Tubi: You have control of the board.

This story has been updated.
With some changes coming to Credit Union services in Waterford, it had been speculated that changes were also being made to the Cairde Credit Union services.

Having recently spoken with the Waterford News & Star, Manager of Cairde Credit Unions, Sean Cleary, clarified that no services will be reduced in any of the Dungarvan, Tallow, Kilmacthomas, and Lismore/Cappoquin branches.

"There are no plans to close any offices or reduce any services in any of Cairde's offices," said Mr Cleary.

"We've invested heavily in all offices since we merged a year and a half ago. We've introduced new services to all those offices. And our plan is to continue to do that and not only improve the services but hopefully increase the time that all services are available to members," he added.

The concerns caught the attention of Cllrs Conor McGuinness and Donnchadh Mulcahy, who also spoke with management.

"The message is clear," said Cllr McGuinness, "there is a commitment to maintain and enhance services across all offices.

Despite this, neither the Irish League of Credit Unions, nor Cairde Credit Union have confirmed if redundancies have been offered to staff in the meantime.
Our digital and physical lives have never been more intertwined, but pretty soon, it will be a little bit easier for Australians to disconnect. A new law will allow Australia to follow in the footsteps of countries like France by enshrining employees rights to unplug and ignore that late night Slack message or email.

From August 26, changes to the Australian Fair Work Act means workers will have the formal right to disconnect from all work communication outside of their usual work hours (for small businesses, these changes come into effect from August 2025).

John Hopkins, Associate Professor of Management at Swinburne, welcomes the change. Over the last two decades, the growth in digital technologies has really meant that everybody is available 24/7. Contact happens whenever is convenient for the sender or the caller and we dont have any laws around it, so I think this is certainly a step in the right direction, he says.

Is it going to be perfect? I very much doubt it, but its better than what weve got currently, which is gothic.

But switching off after hours is easier said than done. While workplace cultural changes go beyond the individual, here are some strategies to help you properly disconnect come August 26.
The fact that she was raped was traumatic and terrible, but it needed something more to gain the attention of the media. It was a tale that needed a villain, and she cast Linda Reynolds in that role, Bennett said. There is a level of sophistication in this planning. Bennett repeatedly insisted the defamation suit against Higgins on Friday by affirming the case was not about her alleged rape by former colleague Bruce Lehrmann in 2019  a claim Lehrmann denies. Reynolds watched on from the front row of the public gallery as Bennett pored over the personal injury claim Higgins threatened to launch against the former defence minister, WA Senator Michaelia Cash and the Commonwealth in 2021 over its handling of the rape allegation, culminating in a $2.4 million settlement. Bennett told the court Reynolds was sidelined in the dispute, which was being handled on her behalf by federal government solicitors, and that its prompt settlement and the media coverage that followed implied guilt  specifically, an article published by Maiden on the day the deed was penned.

This is a confidential mediation that the ink is still drying on, Bennett said. A photo of Brittany Higgins and Senator Linda Reynolds taken on May 16, 2019, showing her wearing the white dress she wore on the night of her alleged rape on March 23 that year. Any person in Australia reading this would think the allegations made by Higgins were so true, so damning and so correct against Reynolds that the Commonwealth paid millions in damages on proceedings not yet filed. The claims made by Ms Higgins were false, and Senator Reynolds was denied the time and appropriate funding to defend the actions of herself and her staff. The court was shown more than a dozen photographs from Higgins brief stint on the campaign trail in Perth ahead of the 2019 federal election, a six-week period during which she claims she was ostracised and shut in a hotel room seven days a week.

But Bennett said the evidence suggested otherwise, with photographs, social media posts and correspondence tendered as evidence showing Higgins door-knocking, fine dining, and rubbing shoulders with senior figures within the party, from Morrison to former Indigenous Affairs minister Ken Wyatt. She doesnt appear to be anything other than a young, vivacious, door-knocker campaigning, he said. Reynolds smiled at her partner Robert Reid as photographs flashed for the public gallery documenting her federal election campaign. That album included photographs showing Higgins sitting alongside Reynolds at her birthday dinner, celebrating her re-election and visiting her home for a post-campaign debrief and text messages in which Higgins told a former boyfriend she and Reynolds had a solid chat. Its event, after event, after event, all of which could have been provided to the Commonwealth to confirm the statements by Ms Higgins [in the compensation claim] were palpably false, Bennett said.

Bennett laid bare Reynolds response and that of her team to the security breach by Lehrmann and Higgins in entering the ministers office after hours in March 2019 and the rape allegation that later surfaced. Senator Reynolds was protective of Higgins. She told [chief of staff] Fiona Brown to speak to the Australian Federal Police, he said. To her credit, Brown said no, that it was Brittanys choice. What else could they do in this situation? Loading The trial comes more than a year after Reynolds made good on her threat to sue Higgins for defamation over several social media posts accusing her of harassment, claiming they damaged her reputation, brought her into public hatred and caused her distress and embarrassment.

The former defence minister was already locked in an almost identical defamation row with Sharaz, who bowed out after declaring he did not have the financial means to take it to trial. According to court documents filed by Reynolds legal team, the posts implied the former minister had engaged in misconduct, inadequately supported Higgins and wanted to silence victims of sexual assault. Higgins has fiercely defended the action on the basis her posts were substantially true. The former staffer insists Reynolds mishandled her rape complaint and weaponised the media to pursue a campaign against her, including by leaking confidential government emails to journalists. Reynolds is expected to spend several days in the witness box before her high-profile colleagues take the stand, including former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Senator Cash.
The first regional seminar bringing together COLIBRI Project focal points for the Latin America and Caribbean region was held from 4 to 6 June 2024 in Asuncion, Paraguay. The event brought together 35 focal points from 31 different administrations in 8 partner countries: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

The seminar provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen the regional COLIBRI network, fostering a constructive exchange of best practices in the cooperation domain. During the event, representatives of the participating administrations presented their National Action Plans (NAPs), which are an effective tool for assessing progress made with the implementation of the COLIBRI Project strategy.

The seminar was officially opened by the Representative of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Paraguay and the National Director of the National Tax Revenue Directorate (DNIT), who highlighted the relevance of the COLIBRI Project in the fight against transnational organized crime in the general aviation sector.

The event was also an opportunity for external partners to present their work, in particular the SEACOP Project, an initiative under the EU's Global Illicit Flows Programme (GIFP) umbrella. SEACOP is a key partner of the COLIBRI Project, strengthening the response to intermodal trafficking (the combined use of air, maritime and land transport).

The Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics) - MAOC (N), the COLIBRI Projects strategic operational partner, was also present. The complementary nature of the COLIBRI Project and the MAOC(N) was highlighted throughout the regional seminar. MAOC(N)'s mission is to support the European fight against drug trafficking by sea and air across the Atlantic and Mediterranean, bound for Europe. The COLIBRI Project is helping strengthen national, regional and international coordination and cooperation in this area, as well as building institutional relationships between partner countries through its capacity-building activities and the provision of data-sharing tools, such as the Geoportal and its mobile application.

Among the highlights of the seminar, the Geoportal emerged as an essential tool for gathering information, conducting risk analysis and following up on investigations. In this connection, the presentation by the Colombian Air Force attracted a great deal of interest. The presentation showed how the Geoportal can serve as a key tool for planning preventive controls using satellite imagery to generate information and intelligence, for example on the development of clandestine runways and territory over time, and for organizing responsive controls accordingly.

The Head of the WCO Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) for South America also outlined the main features and benefits offered by CENcomm, the WCO's secure real-time communications system.

The presentation on the use of open-source intelligence (OSINT) was another key moment. It emphasized the synergy between the use of OSINT and the Geoportal control data, resulting in more effective risk analysis and better-targeted control operations.

Finally, the importance of cooperation with the judiciary was stressed. The Deputy Prosecutor from Argentinas Office of the Attorney General for Drug-Related Crimes (Procuraduria de Narcocriminalidad - PROCUNAR), presented the functions performed by this Office, which is specialized in combating drug trafficking and related crime. The Deputy Prosecutor described the mechanisms and resources available to promote international cooperation, such as existing conventions and the Iberoamerican Network of Anti-Drug Prosecutors, and highlighted the challenges faced, for example the transnational nature of criminal groups activities.

For more information about the COLIBRI Project, please visit colibri.wcoomd.org or contact the WCO Secretariat at colibri@wcoomd.org.
As part of the WCO Women in Customs campaign, the WCO Secretariat spoke with Rajitha Kalhari Komangoda, Deputy Director in the Cargo Examination Directorate of Sri Lanka Customs, on 25 July 2024. Rajithas story is one of determination in a predominantly male-dominated environment. Braving challenges such as bias against womens ability to carry out operational activities, she developed sound expertise in various fields and took advantage of opportunities offered by the WCO to study abroad and to support the deployment of the National Customs Enforcement Network (nCEN) application in the WCO Asia/Pacific region. She finds joy not only in her job, but also in her love of coffee, which drove her to learn the art of the barista.

WCO: Rajitha, can you tell us a bit about how you began your career in the Customs Administration of Sri Lanka?

Rajitha Kalhari Komangoda: Absolutely. I joined Customs in 2008. At that time, I was working for a public administration as a management assistant and I had graduated from the University of Kelaniya with a Bachelor of Biological Sciences. I couldnt find a job related to my degree, so I had opted to become a public servant.

My mother, who worked as a book-keeper for a governmental agency, saw in the Government Gazette that the Customs Administration was organizing an open competitive examination for the recruitment to the post of Assistant Superintendent of Customs. Although neither of us knew much about Customs, I decided to give it a go. I had applied for several public servant positions, but Customs was the first agency to call me for an interview and to offer me a job.

WCO: Reflecting on your career, how do you feel about the path you chose?

Rajitha Kalhari Komangoda: Looking back, I know I made the right decision! It was a leap of faith, but one Im so glad I took. I genuinely love my job. Customs work is so incredibly diverse and, in Sri Lanka, Customs officers are rotated among different directorates every two years, and to different branches within the respective directorate every six months. This constant change requires you to always be learning. We also receive training regularly. Recently, I had the time and opportunity to enrol in a Diploma programme in gemmology, which is a prerequisite to get employed in the Customs Gemmology Unit. I learned about the chemistry behind the formation of gemstones and how to identify different types of gemstones. I got to actually examine various gemstones which are produced in Sri Lanka. It was really exciting.

Since January 2023, Ive been serving as a Deputy Director of Customs, initially in the Central Intelligence Directorate and now in the Cargo Examination Directorate. Today, I manage teams that examine cargo in container yards. After 16 years in Customs, Ive built extensive knowledge and know-how. Ive worked at the airport and at the seaport, and handled issues ranging from post-clearance audit to biodiversity protection. This diverse experience allowed me to contribute to drafting our five-year strategic plan in 2023, which was a significant milestone for me.

WCO: Speaking of milestones, were there any key moments in your career?

Rajitha Kalhari Komangoda: In Sri Lanka Customs, the career system is based on seniority, but two events significantly influenced my professional growth, both linked to the WCO.

In 2013, I applied for the 2014/2015 Strategic Management and Intellectual Property Rights Programme (SMIPRP) at Tokyos Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU). The Programme, funded by Japan Customs and managed by the WCO Secretariat, was a transformative experience. Before Japan, I was shy and quite reserved. Spending a year abroad and meeting with Customs officers from various parts of the world helped me to become a more assertive and self-confident person.

The second key moment came when I was working at the Central Intelligence Directorate. In 2017, Sri Lanka Customs decided to implement the nCEN application to address the lack of an enforcement database. I was one of four officers designated as nCEN project leaders and was nominated as the WCO nCEN programme leader for Sri Lanka. Thanks to our hard work, Sri Lanka Customs became the 2019 Regional nCEN Programme Leader, promoting the tool across the WCO Asia/Pacific region and organizing workshops for other countries using the application. In 2023, I was accredited as a WCO Technical Operational Adviser on the nCEN and, although Ive moved out of the Central Intelligence Directorate, I still have the same responsibilities with respect to the nCEN and can still support nCEN deployments in other countries.

WCO: Can you share some of the unique challenges that women face in your Administration?

Rajitha Kalhari Komangoda: The first challenge is to be recruited. Customs opened recruitment to women through the open competitive exam only in 1993, and no more than 10% of the number of approved vacancies is reserved for female applicants, despite many women applying. Women represent 9% of the Customs Service staff today. This number does not take into account women employed in Customs to work as administrative and management assistants and who are employed for limited periods of three and five years respectively. In other public administrations, they are better represented. As far as I know, in Sri Lanka, the issue may be specific to enforcement agencies such as Customs and Police.

However, once recruited, women and men are given equal opportunities, with promotion based on seniority. Both genders can apply for training and programmes, and expect equal treatment in the selection process.

Being single, I cannot speak about the challenges faced by women with children. However, I look after my parents, and the flexibility required by the job in terms of working hours calls for organization and planning. Like men, women in Customs sometimes have to work at night and this can be challenging if you have family responsibilities. I also encountered some bias when I first joined, with senior officers telling me that Customs wasnt a good job for ladies. While progress is being made, men are still adjusting to the idea of working alongside women.

The imbalance in the numbers also translates into practical issues. Many Customs facilities lack washrooms reserved for women. In one instance, I was posted in an area without a washroom for women. When I made a request for a dedicated washroom, the sign on one of the washrooms was changed to ladies only but I would still sometimes see men inside when I needed to use it, and I felt embarrassed. This is a particularly sensitive problem, especially when women need to change into uniform. Women must sometimes change outside the workplace or commute to headquarters for this.

Logistics become even more complicated when women are transferred to distant Customs offices since there are no gender specific accommodation complexes, resulting in lady officers privacy being compromised. In such cases, women might be provided with their own accommodation, which can be far from the workplace and impractical for transport, as there may be hazards such as elephants crossing roads and making commuting difficult and even unsafe for women.

WCO: Would you have any advice for women working in Customs?

Rajitha Kalhari Komangoda: Build your confidence, take advantage of opportunities, embrace challenging roles as it will develop your leadership skills, and also apply to WCO professional development programmes. I have actually been encouraging many young officers, both men and women, to apply for WCO programmes and have offered guidance whenever I have been asked.

WCO: Outside of your work, do you have any interests or hobbies?

Rajitha Kalhari Komangoda: There is definitely one that comes to mind - my love of coffee. While Sri Lanka is well known for its tea, it also produces coffee, and a coffee culture is emerging. Being an nCEN Adviser provided me with an opportunity to travel in the region and taste different coffees. Last year, I enrolled on a barista course, attending training during weekends and evenings. I bought a small coffee machine for my home and love making coffee for my loved ones.

WCO: Thank you Rajitha for giving us a glimpse of your personal and professional life. We believe that through these kinds of open and honest conversations, we can support progress on gender equity.

Rajitha Kalhari Komangoda: Thank you. I feel honoured to participate in such an initiative.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 2, 2024 - 22:48 | All, Japan

A university student was arrested Friday for allegedly shooting at people on train platforms in Tokyo with a BB gun from his nearby apartment, police said.

Kengo Naganuma, 24, lives just 40 meters away from a platform of JR Hirai Station in Tokyo's Edogawa Ward and is suspected of having targeted people there from his balcony. The police confiscated eight airsoft guns from his home.

"I wanted to shoot people and see their reactions," Naganuma was quoted as telling the police. He also told them he had done it on other occasions.

He is suspected of violating a law on physical violence, allegedly hitting a woman in her 30s on the back with four BB pellets and a man in his 60s on the left shoulder with one pellet between July 27 and 28. No one was injured in the incidents.

A total of about 80 BB pellets were discovered on the platform during these two days.

The police are also investigating similar shooting incidents at the station, as passenger claims of being shot were reported on July 21 and 26.

Related coverage:

Psychiatric exam finds ex-Japan PM Abe shooter mentally fit

2 men face murder charges over burned bodies found north of Tokyo

Man suspected of firing gun in fight on Tokyo road
KYODO NEWS - Aug 2, 2024 - 17:31 | World, All

A Chinese veteran staged a protest over his treatment Thursday evening by holding up a banner in a major shopping district in Beijing, according to images posted on the social media platform X, with police vehicles and ambulances mobilized to the scene.

The veteran, clad in a military uniform, unfurled the banner from the rooftop of a building in the Wangfujing area, accusing a district office in Kunming city, Yunnan Province, of "smothering a retired soldier who had served for 12 years." The Chinese People's Liberation Army marked its 97th founding anniversary on Thursday.

A video posted on the X platform showed the area was cordoned off, causing ripples among pedestrians.

Retired soldiers have faced difficulty in finding new jobs amid a slowing growth in the world's second-largest economy, prompting a decision by the ruling Communist Party at a key meeting last month to offer support for them to secure employment.

The incident followed the posting of footage on the X platform earlier this week in the central Chinese province of Hunan that showed a banner hung from a pedestrian bridge calling for a democratic government.

The banner in the video shared on Tuesday sought equality, freedom, reforms and elections, while a loudspeaker blared calls for the ouster of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and urged workers to go on strike and students to boycott classes.

Shortly before the start of the Chinese Communist Party's twice-a-decade congress in October 2022, banners criticizing Xi and calling for freedom were displayed at a pedestrian bridge in Beijing. During the congress, Xi secured a norm-breaking third five-year term as general secretary.

Related coverage:

China, Hong Kong tighten security on 35th anniv. of Tiananmen crackdown

China vows to deepen reforms, ex-minister Qin leaves top party body
The restoration of the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) between Claremorris and Athenry has been included in the latest All-Island Strategic Rail Review published last week.

The comprehensive review, jointly commissioned by authorities in the north and south, sets out a transformative vision for Irelands rail system up to 2050. It outlines 32 recommendations including reopening the WRC between Claremorris and Athenry.

The report identified restoring the WRC as a potential intervention to improve connectivity within the western region and adjacent regions. It said this would be beneficial for freight and would allow a direct freight route from Ballina and Westport to ports on the south coast, avoiding congested rail lines around Dublin.

The report said the Claremorris-Athenry railway can be reinstated relatively soon. Other interventions include improving service frequencies between key Mayo towns and Athlone by building more passing loops on this corridor.

The report said decarbonisation strategies should be pursued and implemented. This includes the procurement of hybrid and electric rolling stock in the medium term. The report suggests regional lines, such as the reopened Claremorris to Athenry line through Tuam, could be served by hybrid solutions, such a battery and/or a hydrogen-operated train.

Colman O Raghallaigh, spokesperson for West on Track, said the group warmly welcomed the news, adding there should be no further delay in beginning work on the existing railway which he described as a shovel-ready project that could be operational within the next four years. He also noted that the link has been included in the EUs Ten-T network, making it eligible for European funding.

People in the West will expect to see appropriate initial funding being made available to initiate the work of restoring the line without delay. An implementation strategy, currently being developed in association with the European Investment Bank is due to be published shortly.

A spokesperson for the board of Ireland West Airport Knock has said the WRC needs to be developed onwards from Claremorris onto Sligo with connectivity to the airport via Charlestown. They also called for the N17 to be upgraded to motorway status.

The airport board believes that the further development of this rail corridor onwards from Claremorris for both passenger and freight to Sligo with sustainable connectivity from Charlestown into the airport would significantly contribute to the future sustainable development of ground transportation to and from Ireland West Airport.

A strategic connection to the rail network would contribute significantly to a more integrated and sustainable form of travel for the many international visitors and travelling public using the airport from across the region.
A new exhibition by photographer Tom Wood was officially opened at the Cultural and Civic Centre in Crossmolina on Friday, July 12th.

The event was a great success, with over 150 people in attendance. The attendees were local, national and international, and included students.

Two distinguished guests spoke: Diarmaid Ferriter, Modern History Professor, UCD and Trish Lambe, CEO, Photo Museum Ireland. Both prominent speakers, they are admirers of Woods photography for years and together with their interest in the art form and the history associated with it, they enthralled the fortunate audience.

Local curators, Siobhan Gough and Vivian Wood, welcomed and thanked everyone who helped with the success of the exhibition. They gave the background to how it came about and their roles in it.

Toms son, Ciaran, also spoke of his fathers life work. He described how he studied Fine Art in England at Leicester Polytechnic in 1973, where extensive viewing of experimental films led him to photography, in which he is self-taught. The Wood family moved to New Brighton, Merseyside in 1978 and for the next 25 years, Tom photographed constantly in and around Liverpool, producing an enormous collection of work, renowned around the world.

"It was really lucky that I ended up in Merseyside where there were so many Irish... Just looking at the faces, there's a certain shared cultural sensibility, in this body language. It probably helped me," Tom remarked.

Tom was born in Crossmolina in 1951 and moved to England when he was four years old. He returned frequently with his father to visit his extended family in Crossmolina. Woods sensitive and close relationship with the place of his birth is never more evident than in his photography, which has been widely praised.

Richard B Woodward of the Wall Street Journal said: Among the most thoughtful photographers working today, in any style.

Bob Quinn of the Irish Arts Review said: "His instinct is innocent, Blakean, impeccable. In his images we see ourselves... in a celebration."

Wood's strong desire to exhibit in his birthplace has not been made available to him, until now.

Crossmolina Community Council and Crossmolina RSS are thrilled to be in a position to showcase the Tom Wood exhibition at the Cultural and Civic Centre. It is a 'select snapshot' of 50 years of his work and includes some of his best-known photographs, previously exhibited extensively around the world, alongside never-before-seen video work.

"When I would visit Ireland during all these other projects, whatever I was learning at the time was influencing whatever I did in Ireland that year," said Tom.

The curators hope that audiences far and near will visit the exhibition and take time to experience the work of a world-renowned artist back in his hometown.

The exhibition continues over the weekends of August - Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Mondays, from 10am to 4pm, until Sunday, August 25th, at the Cultural and Civic Centre, Mullenmore Street, Crossmolina, F26 A0C7.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 2, 2024 - 09:04 | All, Japan, World

A team of four astronauts, including Takuya Onishi of Japan, will start staying aboard the International Space Station from February next year at the earliest, NASA said Thursday.

With NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, as well as Kirill Peskov of Russia, the 48-year-old Japanese astronaut is expected to remain there for six months to engage in scientific experiments and technology demonstrations.

They will travel to the orbiting laboratory using a SpaceX Dragon space capsule. The upcoming trip marks SpaceX's 10th crew rotation mission since 2020, when it first carried NASA astronauts to the laboratory.

The experiments include a microgravity research project. Onishi, a former All Nippon Airways pilot, was selected as an astronaut candidate by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in 2009.

He last participated in an ISS mission in 2016, being in space for 113 days between July and October of that year. It will mark his second trip to the laboratory.

Following his mission, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, a 54-year-old former Air Self-Defense Force pilot, is due to follow suit, but his departure date has yet to be announced.

Yui was initially scheduled to travel around 2024, but his departure has been delayed by a year.

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KYODO NEWS - Aug 2, 2024 - 14:01 | All, Japan

The value of Japan's food, agricultural, forestry and fisheries product exports in the first half of 2024 fell 1.8 percent from a year earlier to 701.3 billion yen ($4.7 billion), marking the first decline in four years due to lower shipments to China, government data showed Friday.

The decrease in the January-June period reflected China's import ban on Japanese marine products over the discharge of wastewater from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The value of shipments to China dropped 43.8 percent to 78.4 billion yen, with scallop exports dropping to zero from 22.3 billion yen in the same period last year.

Scallop exports to the United States and Vietnam grew as the Japanese government helped producers find new markets, but the rise could not make up for the loss of sales to China, the data showed.

While overall exports to China and Hong Kong were down, shipments to other countries and areas rose 14.3 percent, supported by higher demand not only in the retail but the restaurant industry. The weakening of the yen also contributed to the stronger demand by making Japanese products comparatively cheaper overseas.

By country, the United States was the biggest buyer, up 19.9 percent at 115.6 billion yen boosted by increased exports of scallops and sake among other products.

Hong Kong ranked second, down 10.5 percent at 103.2 billion yen, followed by China, which dropped from the top spot last year.

By item, exports of seasonings soared 21.9 percent to 29.8 billion yen as the popularity of Japanese food grew, particularly in Europe and the United States.

Exports of beef, chicken, rice and apples hit record highs since comparable data became available in 2002, while green tea saw a 36.8 percent jump to 15.9 billion yen.

Related coverage:

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GAZA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 Palestinians were killed during an Israeli bombing of a school sheltering displaced families in the Shujaiya neighborhood of Gaza City on Thursday, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.

The Israeli airstrike targeted the Dalal Mughrabi school, and the victims included women and children, WAFA said.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the Israeli Air Force, based on intelligence, struck "terrorists" operating inside a compound within the Dalal Mughrabi School.

"The compound was used by Hamas as a hideout for commanders and operatives and to plan terror attacks against the State of Israel," said the IDF.

It noted that prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, surveillance, and additional intelligence.

Israel has launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out a surprise attack on southern Israel, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage.

During the past 24 hours, the Israeli military killed 35 people and wounded 55 others in the enclave, bringing the total death toll to 39,480 and injuries to 91,128 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement Thursday. 
TEHRAN, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday appointed former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as vice president for strategic affairs and head of the Center for Strategic Studies, the official news agency IRNA reported.

Pezeshkian made the appointment in a decree after taking oath of office before the Iranian parliament on Tuesday, the report said.

In his decree, the Iranian president called on Zarif to monitor and directly inform him of major domestic and international developments and the administration's extent of success in achieving the objectives set by the country's Constitution, as well as implementing the 20-year vision document and general policies introduced by Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Zarif, 64, was Iran's foreign minister from 2013 to 2021 in the government of former President Hassan Rouhani.

Pezeshkian on Sunday appointed Mohammad-Reza Aref as his first vice president. 
CHANGSHA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-four days after a dike breach was sealed at the embankment of China's second-largest freshwater lake of Dongting, rice transplanters began shuttling into once flood-submerged fields on Thursday to catch up with agricultural production.

On July 5, the dike breach at the lake levee in Tuanzhou Township in central China's Hunan Province flooded an area of 47 square kilometers. Rescuers managed to fix the breach on July 8.

Xie Bin, captain of a rescue team from the provincial flood control and drought relief force, said more than 200 million cubic meters of water needed to be drained after the flooding. His team of 35 people came to help, bringing 13 water-draining trucks and 300 water pumps from the provincial capital of Changsha.

In total, more than 3,800 rescue personnel from across the country arrived in Tuanzhou, bringing with them more than 1,500 sets of water drainage equipment to join the rescue operation.

"Long arrays of water pumping machines roared together to drain the flood over the past few days. Now only about 100 are needed to keep working and would leave in another two days as the drainage came to an end," said Xie.

The lakeside land is one of the country's important grain producing areas. Tuanzhou Township's drained area has more than 4,000 mu (266.7 hectares) of paddy farmland. Currently, 30 rice transplanters and 20 rotary tillers are operating at full capacity for rice planting.

Wei Wenfang, deputy director of the agriculture and rural bureau of Huarong County that administers Tuanzhou, said that the local government would provide farmers affected by the disaster with free rice seedlings and agricultural services.

"Planting on 3,000 mu of rice fields will be completed before Aug. 3," he said.

Local rice grower Feng Zhonghe said he had planted more than 500 mu of rice and soybeans prior to the flooding.

"The rice yield would certainly fall this year due to the flooding. But with the government's post-disaster measures to help transplant rice and the agricultural insurance to compensate for the losses, I can still expect to see some slim profits from farming this year," he said.

While rescuers worked to drain the flooded fields, Feng purchased two pumps for emergency purposes, as well as fertilizer and insecticide to prepare for the rice plants growth.

Hunan has suffered the strongest rainfall this year since June 16, swelling the Dongting lake. The dike breach was initially measured at about 10 meters wide but it continued to expand, forcing a relocation of approximately 5,000 residents.

A large amount of lake water overflowed from the gap at a fast flow rate, making it difficult to fix. Sand carrier ships were dispatched, and trucks were deployed to fill the gap. 
CAIRO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud discussed the "serious regional escalation in the past few days" during a phone call on Friday.

The escalation was attributed to Israel's "extremist policies" and "adopted assassination approach," according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

The two ministers emphasized the importance of halting the ongoing escalation and urged major countries, particularly the United States, to fulfill their responsibilities and help stop the wave of violence.

Egypt is committed to continuing coordination and consultation with Saudi Arabia to address international and regional challenges, the statement added.

The Saudi foreign minister affirmed ongoing cooperation with Egypt on regional issues to achieve the interests of both nations and ensure regional stability and security. 
SUVA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- China's policies and strategies on poverty alleviation and rural development are people-centered and based on reality, which are worth learning for Fiji, a Fiji official has said.

Ro Teimumu Kepa, paramount chief of Rewa province, made the remarks on Thursday at a press briefing held by the Chinese Embassy in Fiji.

Kepa led a delegation of Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs for a week-long visit to China late last month. They visited the provinces of Yunnan, Fujian and Zhejiang to learn about China's successful poverty alleviation and rural development strategies.

She told the media that seeing China's development firsthand was an invaluable experience for the delegation, giving them a broader view of the world's second-largest economy.

During the tour, they interacted with many provincial and district officials and locals in the rural villages, who were able to explain to them the Chinese path to development and poverty alleviation in a very simple and meaningful way, said Kepa.

"That makes a huge impact on the delegation to see and believe that ethnic people in rural and remote areas of China, who in many ways were like Fijians themselves, were able to take the steps out of poverty," the paramount chief said.

China won the battle against absolute poverty in 2020 and met its poverty alleviation targets under the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.

"A decade in advance was not just big talk to showcase China's success, but it was seen as we had witnessed," Kepa underscored.

Recalling their visit to Malipo County in Yunnan Province, the chief said they saw how policies and reforms were implemented based on local conditions, and how China was able to protect and promote the cultural diversity of the ethnic groups.

She believes that the Fijian villages could also specialize in what suits their local conditions and circumstances to improve the standard of living.

"They would also need help along the way with Chinese assistance on this journey," Kepa added.

According to the chief, the Rewa province will pilot a poverty reduction project with a strategy adopted from China to alleviate poverty in iTaukei (Indigenous Fijians) communities.

It's reported that Indigenous Fijians make up 75 percent of people living in poverty in the island nation. 
International tourists dressed in antique style Chinese attire pose for photos with Chinese tourists at the Grand Tang Mall, a bustling pedestrian area, in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 14, 2024. [Xinhua/Wang Jialin]

Since the beginning of this year, an increasing number of foreign tourists have come to Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, to experience the beauty and unique cultural resources of a city with 3,100 years of history, 1,100 of which it served as the capital for 13 dynasties.

Growing Popularity

On April 7, following China's visa-free policy implemented on March 14 for six European countries, including Austria, Shaanxi welcomed its first large-scale international tourist group. The group consisted of 80 Austrian tourists, most of which were members of the Vienna University Philharmonic's Symphonic Women's Choir.

During their stay in Xi'an, a music tour of choral art and cultural exchange activities was held in the Qujiang Hall of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Center.

In addition, they visited scenic areas including the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the ancient Xi'an City Wall, and the Datang Everbright City, a tourist landmark featuring a grand street designed to resemble an ancient street of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). They also watched a dance show on the Tang Dynasty, attended a dumpling banquet, and savored local snacks.

Veronika Schmid, deputy head of the tourist group, said they managed to make a trip to China after the visa-free policy was implemented.

Noting that visiting the Terracotta Warriors had been her dream for years, she said she would organize more Austrian visitors to travel to Shaanxi in the future.

As inbound tourism gains momentum, streets in Xi'an are packed with more and more foreign tourists.

Recently, 35 American students and teachers arrived in the ancient city for a summer camp. They visited historical sites, including the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and experienced the charm of intangible cultural heritages like shadow puppetry, clay sculpture, and paper cutting.

"The Terracotta Warriors are so cool," said an American student who loves Chinese history.

Data shows that from January to April this year, Xi'an welcomed 132,500 inbound tourist visits, and Alipay transactions by inbound tourists in the city increased nearly seven times compared to the same period last year.

Diverse Experiences

As night fell, the Datang Everbright City lit up with colorful lanterns and was teeming with tourists. Dressed in Hanfu, the traditional attire of the Han ethnic group, Antonio from Spain and his family members had an immersive experience of the culture of the Tang Dynasty.

"The mix of traditional and modern elements is truly mesmerizing," Antonio said, adding that they felt the charm of the lighting, music, and traditional Chinese architecture at the tourist attraction. "People here are very friendly," he noted.

At the Huaqing Palace scenic area, another spectacle unfolded. Oliver, an Australian visitor, watched the live historical dance drama "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" with his Chinese friends. The performance narrates the legendary love story of Tang Emperor Li Longji and his favorite concubine Yang Yuhuan.

"The unique costumes of the performers and the ever-changing stage lighting are very distinctive," Oliver said. "Especially impressive is how the mountain behind the stage becomes part of the performance. It's breathtaking," Oliver added.

New scenes, forms, and industries enable foreign tourists to enjoy a diverse range of unique travel experiences as they wander through the ancient city of Xi'an.

Convenient Visits

Thanks to a series of measures, Xi'an has become much more welcoming and accessible to foreign tourists.

A service platform for the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum was launched on April 3, allowing overseas tourists to buy tickets online. "By the end of May this year, the platform provided services in 24 languages, enabling tourists from 39 countries and regions to use 29 currencies when making visit reservations. More than 15,000 foreign visitors had booked tickets on the platform," said Zhou Ping, deputy director of the museum.

At the 12 ticket booths of the ancient Xi'an City Wall scenic area, POS machines accept payments with international bank cards like Visa and MasterCard, as well as UnionPay, facilitating swift entry, according to Shang Chuqiao, a staff member of the scenic area.

These POS machines can be found at all the city's 5A-class tourist attractions, the highest level obtainable in China's tourist attraction rating system, Xi'an metro stations and railway stations, the Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, as well as many shopping malls, convenience stores and restaurants.

(Source: People's Daily Online)

Editor: Wang Shasha
KATHMANDU, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli gave a full shape to the Council of Ministers on Friday by introducing three state ministers.

"President Ram Chandra Poudel, on the recommendation of the prime minister, appointed three state ministers and assigned them to their ministries," Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, spokesperson for the President's Office, said in a statement.

Two of the state ministers are from the ruling Nepali Congress party, while the other is from the Nagarik Unmukti Party.

Oli, chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), took office on July 15 as the head of a new four-party government along with 21 ministers.

Under Nepal's constitution, the Council of Ministers can have no more than 25 members. 
University engineers producing final prototype mirror for worlds largest telescope

This article is old - Published: Friday, Aug 2nd, 2024

A team of engineers are producing the the final prototype mirror for the worlds largest telescope.

Glyndwr Innovations Ltd (GIL)  a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wrexham University  have signed their latest contract with the European Southern Observatory (ESO) for the production of ESOs Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)s M5 commissioning mirror.

The contract signing took place at ESOs headquarters in Garching, Germany  with remote participation from the UK, including Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor at Wrexham University. The signing signals the telescope taking another step successful towards completion.

ESO is building this groundbreaking telescope on Cerro Armazones mountain, situated at 3,046 meters above sea level in Chiles Atacama Desert.

The telescope will feature a colossal 39-metre main mirror (M1) which is composed of 798 individual hexagonal segments, making it the largest telescope in the world for both visible and infrared light. It incorporates an advanced five-mirror optical system designed to view the universe with unparalleled clarity.

Each of the ELTs mirrors (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5) has unique shapes, sizes, and functions, working together seamlessly to deliver superior observational capabilities.

The engineering team at GIL, based at the OpTIC Technology Centre, located at the Universitys St Asaph campus, have had long-term involvement in the ELT project since they helped develop the manufacturing processes for the M1 mirror segments optimising the process so that the mirrors could be produced to the required specification at the necessary delivery rates.

The M5 mirror is a crucial part of the ELTs adaptive-optics system design: it will adjust its position up to 10 times per second without bending to allow the telescope to obtain the sharpest possible images.

Like the rest of the ELT, M5 is pushing technology to its limits  at 2.7 by 2.2 metres and weighing approximately 400 kg, it is the largest tip-tilt mirror ever produced.

Since such a large silicon-carbide mirror, with such strict polishing requirements, has never been produced before, there are risks associated with manufacturing it which could possibly delay the ELT project schedule.

To ensure that the ELT is ready to observe the skies before the end of the decade, ESO has partnered with Glyndwr Innovations to create an alternative M5 mirror, called the M5 commissioning mirror, to be used to commission the telescope and demonstrate its performance prior to the installation of the silicon-carbide M5 mirror.

Dr Ian Barwick, Head of Operations at Glyndwr Innovations, praised the Glyndwr Innovations team for their extraordinary efforts and capability.

He said: We are extremely pleased to have secured this latest contract with ESO to supply an M5 commissioning mirror for the ELT. This M5 commissioning mirror, part of the ELTs optical system, helps stabilize images against vibrations and wind, enhancing image quality.

We have been working with ESO for more than a decade now, so we are delighted to continue to meet their needs as part of this incredible  but also challenging  project. Id like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our talented team of engineers for their extraordinary efforts and capability.

Its a remarkable project to be a part of  and further enhances our world-class reputation.
University Hospital, Camden Division, ambulances and emergency trucks rush to the emergency room at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. [AP Photo/Mel Evans]

There is an acute shortage of nurses in hospitals and care facilities across the United States, with the total deficit of nurses numbering in the hundreds of thousands since the beginning of the pandemic. A 2023 survey by AMN Healthcare found that 94 percent of nurses said there is a shortage of nurses in their area, with half saying the shortage is severe. This crisis is trending in an increasingly dangerous direction, with up to 900,000 nurses expected to drop out of the workforce by 2027, in large part from burnout.

The shortage of nurses in the US is already at its worst in four decades and, even counting new nurses entering the workforce, is expected by the Bureau of Labor to widen by hundreds of thousands of nurses per year. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) last year described the global nurse shortage as a global health emergency.

Nurses working at care facilities, and particularly hospitals, are already working in conditions of chronic understaffing. This exacerbates the widespread burnout of nurses, including the 47 percent of nurses reporting high levels of burnout in the average US hospital, according to the publication STAT, and the two out of three nurses nationwide who report having to take care of too many patients, according to a nationwide State of Nursing Poll 2024 by Incredible Health.

The WSWS spoke to a nurse who works at Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, Massachusetts. Nashoba is one of two facilities, the other being Carney Hospital in Dorchester, that Steward Health Care has announced will be closed by the end of August. Dallas-based Steward filed for bankruptcy in May. The for-profit healthcare giants predatory and parasitic financial dealings have enriched its executives to the tune of $1 billion, while healthcare workers and patients are paying the price.

The nurse said, Well, all the social workers on the unit I work on, the GPU (Geriatric Psychiatric Unit), all quit, about a month ago, so theres no social workers on the unit.

The way it works, is if you have 15 patients or under, you get three nurses. And if you go over 15, were supposed to have four nurses on the 3 to 11 shifts. So, over the course of the last year, people have quit, and they havent refilled the positions. I think the last person that they hired was in maybe November or December.

Understaffing also puts patients wellbeing in danger. In the years since the beginning of the pandemic, medical errors have been on the rise, with a 19 percent rise in adverse effects (medical mistakes) reported in 2022 by the Joint Commission, a non-profit that accredits health organizations. This is due to both staff shortages and the reliance on temporary workers. Eighty-eight percent of nurses are concerned that the staffing crisis is taking a toll on patient care quality, according to the Incredible Health poll.

The Nashoba nurse raised how this is affecting patients. Weve had patients that have been stuck on the unit for six months, eight months, you know; some of them who probably never should have been brought there in the first place, he said. Because generally, the criteria to be sectioned to a psychiatric unit is you have to be a danger to yourself or others, but some of the people should be in a skilled nursing facility.

In my unit, theyre taking just straight-up Med-Surg [medical-surgical unit] patients and saying they should be in psych. Oh yeah, this person has multi-organ failure. Their kidneys dont work; they have a mass on their pancreas and their liver is shut down. So, theyre depressed. We need to put them on the GPU.

The pandemic has also inflicted enormous mental trauma for nurses who have been at the forefront of the COVID crisis. Nurses were forced to work in dire conditions in which containment of the virus and even mitigation measures were ultimately abandoned by the federal and state governments.

Not unrelated to the reactionary anti-science social climate that has been fomented during the pandemic has been the rise in patient violence and abuse of nurses. Half of nurses polled by Incredible Health say they face violence and abuse by patients, with 26 percent saying it is driving them out of the profession.

Lack of adequate staffing, high levels of exploitation and challenging care conditions have also resulted in an increase in accidents and drowsy driving for nurses. As the WSWS detailed in a recent article about an accident that saw an exhausted nurse drive off the top of a parking garage in Massachusetts, 95 percent of automotive crashes involving nurses are the result of drowsy driving. A 2019 study revealed that the incidence of drowsy driving has doubled among nurses in the last 30 years. This has doubtless become a more serious problem since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Nurse-to-patient ratios and the staffing crisis have been at the forefront of strikes and petitions to state governments by nurses in the last four years, although they have only received vague concessions from employers. The political establishment has done nothing to enforce what laws exist or have been recently passed on staffing levels.

Staffing problems are not an accident, but a deliberate policy put forward to run hospitals as leanly as possible to maximize profit. Both the Democrats and Republicans defend the for-profit healthcare system, putting forward programs like Obamacare which incentivizes hospitals to slash costs and cut staff in accordance with the wishes of insurance company and healthcare monopolies. Workers are routinely told there is no money for the hiring of new staff or livable wages while $1 trillion is spent on war and healthcare giants rake in hundreds of billions.

Healthcare workers are fighting back, striking and voicing their opposition across the country. In 2023, half of the 33 major strikes in the US were from healthcare workers. This year, there have been only three strikes of healthcare workers over 1,000 workers. This is not because conditions have improved, but because the trade unions have turned to more aggressive measures to keep opposition at bay.

Nurses unions have come to rotten deals with the healthcare companies, often resulting in flimsy, unenforced agreements on staffing that are left by the wayside as soon the dust settles from major strikes. It is not from a lack of militancy that nurses have been unable to force healthcare companies to properly staff hospitals and other medical facilities. Instead, it is the betrayals of unions, the corporate controlled political establishment and the criminality of the capitalist profit system itself which is to blame.

In addition, the capitalist drive to a third world war is incompatible with public health and the long-term survival of the worlds population. Tens of millions of lives were sacrificed during the pandemic through what became a deliberate policy of promoting the diseases spread to keep big business and the stock market satisfied. The pandemic has revealed that the ruling class is hostile to public health and is willing to let hundreds of millions, or even billions, die in furtherance of the conquest of profit.

Appeals to any faction of the ruling class will do nothing to ameliorate this situation in the US and around the world. The Biden-Harris administrations strategy has been to work together with the labor unions and corporations to isolate and betray the growing militancy of workers across many different sectors.

Nurses must unite independently of the big-business parties and the union apparatus in the building of independent rank-and-file committees to connect the fight of nurses with that of workers across all industries, both in the US and internationally. Only in this way can healthcare workers bring to bear the immense social power necessary to cast off the profit system and establish genuine socialized medical care to provide for the needs of workers and patients alike.
MOSCOW, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed the return of several Russian citizens who had been released as part of a prisoner exchange with Western countries, Russia's TASS News Agency reported on Friday.

The report said a special flight carrying the freed Russians landed at Moscow's Vnukovo-2 Airport, where a red carpet and a guard of honor from the Presidential Regiment awaited.

At the airport, Putin greeted each individual with a handshake or a hug. Among those he welcomed was Vadim Krasikov, who was released by Germany.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Federal Security Service Director Alexander Bortnikov, who accompanied Putin, also greeted the returning Russians.

Putin delivered a brief speech at the airport, expressing gratitude for the loyalty of the released Russians and congratulating them on their return. 
A pin hangs from a vest worn by union organizer and former Amazon worker Connor Spence outside the Amazon warehouse in the borough of Staten Island in New York in Tuesday, June 18, 2024. [AP Photo/Haleluya Hadero]

In an election marked by an abysmal 5 percent turnout, a reform slate became the new leadership of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), which is based at Amazons JFK8 fulfillment center in Staten Island, New York. Only 247 of the facilitys 5,312 workers cast ballots, which reflects JFK8 workers lack of faith in the ALU. Since it won a unionization election at JFK8 more than two years ago, on the basis that it was a more democratic, rank-and-file- led alternative to the established bureaucratically-controlled unions, the ALU has not achieved any meaningful improvements for workers.

It is notable that the turnout in the ALU leadership election was even lower than the 9 percent turnout in the United Auto Workers (UAW) leadership election of 2022. The latter contest, which was marked by systematic voter suppression on the part of the UAW bureaucracy, had the lowest turnout of any national union election in US history. The ALU election held at the end of July represents a new nadir.

Unlike previous ALU elections, this vote was held by mail. Some workers reported that they did not receive their ballots in time, and others described the voting instructions as confusing. In addition, the vendor handling the election was changed at the last minute. These reports recall the voter-suppression tactics also used in the UAW election.

The winning slate included candidates from the ALU Democratic Reform Caucus. Former Amazon worker Connor Spence, who led the slate, was sworn in as the unions president on Wednesday. The slates candidates won all 15 of the unions top leadership positions, including vice president, secretary-treasurer and recording secretary.

Spence formed the ALU Democratic Reform Caucus amid a factional struggle within the ALU leadership. The reform caucus criticized the leadership of ALU founder Chris Smalls, whom it accused of authoritarian methods and a lack of transparency. The caucus sued the other ALU leaders last year and demanded a leadership election. The recent election, which was overseen by a court-approved monitor, resulted from a settlement reached between the two factions.

The ALU-Maat slate, which was named after an Egyptian goddess, included other current and former ALU officials. This slate, which Smalls endorsed, was defeated, as was the Workers First slate led by Michelle Valentin Nieves, another ALU organizer.

None of the three factions of the ALU leadership offered a way forward for workers at JFK8. Workers mass abstention from the election reflects their understanding of this fact.

A major reason for the ALUs victory in the 2022 representation election was its leaderships insistence that the ALU was distinct from and independent of the established trade unions, which have discredited themselves through decades of sellouts. But almost immediately after the ALUs election victory, Smalls began meeting with major union bureaucrats. He first met Sean OBrien, president of the Teamsters, which is notorious for its ties not only to organized crime, but also to the US government. The Teamsters and other unions began providing the ALU leadership with money and other resources, along with advice about how to do business with Amazon.

The embrace of the union bureaucracy, as well as the Democratic Party, rapidly drew the ALU away from the workers who had voted for it. When a representation election was held at LDJ5, an Amazon warehouse across the street from JFK8, workers voted against joining the ALU by a margin of about two-thirds. Other attempts to organize Amazon facilities in New York and elsewhere also failed. As the difficulties mounted, the ALU leaders deepened these corrupt ties, especially as their difficulties increased and their finances were depleted, and away from JFK8 workers.

The culmination of this embrace of the labor bureaucracy was the ALU leaderships decision to seek affiliation with the Teamsters. Although the Smalls faction and the reform faction negotiated with OBrien and his minions separately, the entire ALU leadership endorsed affiliation. In an election held in June, most JFK8 workers voted in favor of affiliation with the Teamsters, but turnout was only 16 percent. The result was the creation of ALU  International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1, an autonomous local within the Teamsters.

The Teamsters bureaucracy has a long history of betraying its members interests, overriding their democratically expressed will and enforcing the demands of the companies. Last year, after much bombast about preparations for a strike at UPS, OBrien oversaw the ratification of a national contract that is enabling the company to lay off more than 12,000 employees and close or automate hundreds of facilities. Top Teamsters officials have yet to acknowledge publicly that the layoffs are taking place. Carol Tome, CEO of UPS, bragged that the contract was really good for shareholders.

In July, OBrien spoke at the Republican National Convention, which was a degraded fascist spectacle. The Teamsters president expressed his admiration for former president Donald Trump, who attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election and remain in power as a dictator.

It needs to be easier for companies to remain in America, OBrien said, signaling his readiness to slash workers wages and benefits to make American businesses competitive with those in developing countries. Overflowing with nationalismand even including rhetoric copied from Hitler, when he denounced global elites for their lack of loyalty to the USOBriens speech reflected the willingness of a section of the trade union bureaucracy to throw in its lot with fascism.

Spence has promised to hold joint strategy sessions with the Teamsters and bring Amazon to the table. But any contract negotiated under the aegis of OBrien will betray the JFK8 workers and maintain Amazons regime of exploitation, as workers at UPS can attest.

The only way for JFK8 workers to secure better wages, improved benefits and a safer workplace is for them to wage the fight themselves. They can take the initiative by forming a rank-and-file committee that is independent of the ALU and of both pro-corporate political parties.

Through democratic structures workers control, they can identify their needs and develop a strategy to win them. To fight the retail behemoth, JFK8 workers will need to reach out to workers at LDJ5 and other facilities, as well as workers at UPS and throughout the logistics industry.
Tens of thousands of people across India have suffered heat strokes over the past two months, with hundreds, and most likely thousands, losing their lives. Due to the lack of reliable statistics on deaths in Indiawhich has been glaringly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemicmost heat stroke deaths will have gone unreported or have been attributed to other causes.

Just between June 11 and June 19, 192 heat-related deaths were recorded among homeless people in the capital city of Delhi, according to the non-governmental organization Centre for Holistic Development. Police said that 50 bodies were retrieved in the 48 hours of June 19 and 20. Due to the extreme heat, at least 40,000 people have suffered heat strokes since March.

A parking attendant covers his face with a scarf to protect himself from the harsh sun on a hot summer day in New Delhi, India, Monday, May 27, 2024. [AP Photo/Manish Swarup]

Ajay Chauhan, a physician at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RMLH) in Delhi, declared, This is an unprecedented heat wave. In my 13 years here, I dont recall signing a death certificate for heat stroke. This year, Ive signed numerous, BBC reported.

In large Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, researchers have pointed to a phenomenon termed the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. In these crowded urban settings, temperatures can be several degrees higher than in surrounding non-urban areas, with the temperature differential even greater at night. The heat is trapped in concrete structures and tarmac roads along with air pollutants. This has been exacerbated by the waste heat from air conditioners and other machinery and the lack of green space.

According to a new study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, the average warming caused by urbanization in India is 0.2 degrees Celsius every decade. Urbanization is responsible for around 37.7 percent of overall urban warming, or about 60 percent more warming in over 140 major Indian cities as compared to non-urban areas.

This is an indication that the majority of the victims of the increased number and intensity of heat waves come from the working class, particularly its most impoverished layers who migrate to cities to find jobs and struggle to survive in poverty. Three-quarters of Indias workforce work in heat-exposed industries, such as construction, mining and agriculture. This is exacerbated during heat waves, as there are less safe and productive work hours during the day. According to a Lancet study, severe heat in India cost the country 167.2 billion potential labour hours in 2021.

According to the IIT findings, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Rajkot have the biggest urban effects on warming temperatures, while the Delhi national capital region and Pune were ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

Indias weather agency, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said the heat wave experienced this spring and summer is among the longest in the countrys history. Delhi has been struggling under a prolonged heat wave, with daily temperatures topping 40 C (104 F) in May and June and at one point reaching 50 C (122 F). Rajasthan registered 50.8 C, while in Haryana, the maximum temperature reached 50.3 C in May.

At least 37 cities had temperatures above 45 Celsius, resulting in warnings of a very high likelihood of heat-related illnesses for the populace. High temperatures at night, up to 36 Celsius in certain areas, pose a further risk, since people are unable to cool down.

This year Northwest India experienced its warmest June since at least 1901, with the highest recorded temperature of 38 C. IMD reported that four of its 18 stations in the Northeastern region had recorded their highest-ever maximum temperatures: Lumding in Assam at 43 C, Silchar in Assam at 40 C, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh at 40.5 C, and Passighat in Arunachal Pradesh at 39.6 C. Four other stations in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh registered their highest-ever maximum temperatures in May.

Extreme heat forced Indias schools to close early for the summer.

On May 31, a 17-year-old teenager who had passed his 12th grade died from a suspected heat stroke in Thiruninravur, Chennai. The deceased, Shakthi, fainted due to his inability to resist the intense sun while attending the funeral of his classmate Harisudhan, who had died of heart illness. Shakthi was rushed to Kilpakkam Government Hospital in Chennai, where he died without responding to medical treatment. The doctors who examined him stated he died as a result of non-functioning sweat glands and other complications.

A huge majority of respondents to a recent Greenpeace survey on how heat affects street vendors in Delhi claimed health difficulties as a result of the hot weather. Irritation was the most prevalent symptom affecting almost 75 percent, followed by headaches, dehydration, sunburn, weariness and muscle cramps. Most people struggled to get medical care due to lack of money.

India registered 2,227 deaths as a result of extreme weather events in 2022, the countrys sixth warmest year on record since 1901, according to the Climate of India During 2022 study released by the IMD. During a horrific heat wave that persisted in North India in June 2023, more than 98 people died in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh alone, as a result of intense heat events that happened between June 14 and June 16, 2023.

In light of these previous fatal heat waves and the availability of suggested guidelines by various scholars and research institutes, the Indian governments failure to develop a heat wave response plan is scandalous. It is yet another stark example of the Indian capitalist elites callous indifference to the most vulnerable working class sections of society.

The heat wave has been compounded by an ongoing water crisis, which further raises the risk of people suffering dehydration and all the attendant maladies associated with it amid the high temperatures.

Yale Universitys 2022 unsafe drinking water index ranked India 141 out of 180 countries, with nearly 70 percent of Indias water supply contaminated. According to the National Institution for Transforming Indias (NITI) 2018 Composite Water Management Index report, about 600 million people are experiencing high to extreme water stress due to lack of ready access to potable water. Inadequate access to safe water is estimated to cause 200,000 fatalities per year.

This shows that at the behest of Indias capitalist elite, the national and state governments, including those led by the ostensible opposition parties, have systematically placed protecting investor wealth and corporate profit ahead of saving human lives. This is why they have refused to provide and protect such a basic amenity as water, and failed to mobilize the resources needed to combat the extreme heat weather to protect the working masses.

According to research published in Science Advances last month, life expectancy at birth was 2.6 years lower and mortality was 17% higher in 2020 than in 2019, implying 1.19 million excess deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This is eight times more than the Narendra Modi-led BJP governments official claim of 148,738 COVID-19 deaths in 2020.

Previous studies have shown that Indian authorities have vastly undercounted the number of COVID-19 fatalities. While the government has claimed 481,000 Indians succumbed to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, the WHO has estimated the true total was nearly 10 times that, or around 4.7 million.

The significance of the Science Advances study, which was based on government mortality records, is that it shows Indias first 2020 COVID-19 wave was far more deadly than hitherto recognized. Predictably, Indias far-right BJP government has angrily dismissed the study, just as it has all the others that have credibly demonstrated that Indias COVID-19 fatality figures are a fraud. With the full complicity of the Congress Party and the rest of the opposition, Modi and the BJP are deliberately covering up the pandemics true impact so as to justify their criminal profits-before-lives pandemic response and continued indifference to public health.

This is similarly true of the official response to this years heat wave and the ongoing impact of climate change. Preventable and catastrophic loss of life in India is the product of state policy.

Scientists have repeatedly warned of the enormous rise in greenhouse gas emissions and their potentially disastrous effects. Capitalist-induced climate change, primarily caused by the use of fossil fuels, is making heat waves hotter and more likely to occur around the planet, according to scientists who study how severe weather occurrences are changing. Cities are particularly vulnerable to the combined effects of urbanisation and climate change.

Dr. Rahula Mahanta, head of the Interdisciplinary Climate Research Center at Cotton University in Assam, said El Nino, a recurring abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, played a role in the recent record-breaking temperatures. The weather pattern is known to cause excessive heat throughout various parts of the world.

Climate scientists have been warning for decades about the hazards of excessive heat, which is only getting worse.

The growing number of intense heat events around the world in recent years indicate that climate models have underestimated the rate and intensity of global warming. Heat beyond the limits of human endurance is no longer a distant dystopian future.

According to a study published in the journal Nature Cities, this heat has a long-term impact on other aspects of climate, such as rainfall and pollutants.

Global warming is producing extreme weather events across the world. It necessitates immediate and globally coordinated action to prevent a huge death toll, especially among vulnerable sections of society and millions from losing their livelihoods. But this cannot and will not be done by the rival nationally-based capitalist elites that plunder nature, just as they savagely exploit the working class so as to prevail in the struggle for profits, resources and geostrategic advantage.

The international working class, which suffers most from extreme weather events, is the only social force with the power to overthrow capitalism and establish a socialist society, in which human needs will prevail over private profit, so as to ensure that the planet remains livable and societys wealth is used to provide well-paying jobs and quality public services for all.
On Monday, police in the western Illinois city of Macomb released edited body camera footage depicting the March 16 police murder of Anthony George and four-year-old Terrell Miller, whom George was attempting to use as a human shield. The footage shows quite clearly the callous brutality of the police, their complete indifference to human life, as they operate in a manner identical to that of an occupying military force.

The video of the event shows the whole incident to have taken place in around 16 seconds from the point when the police officers entered the apartment of Keianna Miller, Terrells mother, after officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting domestic violence at the residence.

Having heard a woman screaming, Hes stabbing me, the police officers forced their way into the apartment, encountering Miller. Miller was ordered out of the apartment and warned officers that her son was in another room.

The police officers then turned toward that room and encountered Anthony George, Millers boyfriend, whom Miller reported was intoxicated. George ducked behind a wall and came out holding Terrell along with two knives which he was pressing against the boys body. An officer fired one shot, the immediate aftermath of which is not depicted, which hit Terrell in the head, continuing on into Georges throat, killing them both. This sequence itself occurs in just about five seconds.

Keianna Millers attorney, Marleen Suarez, noted at a news conference on Monday, there was no de-escalation, no negotiations. I find it hard to believe that in the heat of that moment, he did not stop and think. I dont know what made him think he could make that shot.

Miller herself said, They couldve done anything besides use their weapon, they had tasers, they had pepper spray, they had all these non-lethal ways to get Anthony George, and they decided not to do it.

Terrell Miller [Photo: GoFundMe]

According to several reports, the identity of the police officer who fired the fatal shot is Lt. Nick Goc. The other officer involved in the murder was Korri Cameron. Both officers have been on paid administrative leave since the shooting.

Goc has been a police officer with the Macomb Police Department since 2007. In 2019, he won the departments Officer of the Year Award, and he has worked as a field training officer for the department since 2008. Goc is a member of the Macomb/McDonough County Strategic Response Team, a tactical unit no doubt well versed in employing extreme violence during its operations.

Despite the callous indifference to human life displayed by Goc, prosecutors in western Illinois made the decision that the police officers would not be charged. Jonathan H. Barnard of the Illinois States Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, which was asked by the local states attorney Matt Kwacala to weigh in on the decision, wrote in a letter to Kwacala on July 8, 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.

Even though prosecutors declined to file charges against Goc or his partner, Macombs police chief, Jeff Hamer, is reportedly still conducting his own internal investigation of the incident, no doubt in a continuing attempt to defuse widespread anger over the shocking actions of the police.

Indeed, police and prosecutors in Macomb have worked systematically to slow-walk the investigation and prevent the full details from being released all at once in order to ultimately provide the officers with impunity. Investigation of the incident was first shunted to the Illinois State Police (ISP), while the decision about criminal charges was given to Barnard, a former prosecutor in a nearby county. Even though the decision not to charge the police officers was communicated to the local states attorney on July 8, this was not revealed until July 23.

Suarez, Millers attorney, stated at the news conference that she intends to file a civil lawsuit over the killing of Terrell. As she noted, Its hard to find justice sometimes in a civil courtroom, but it may be the only alternative open to us at this point. According to Suarez, Terrells family believes the police officer acted recklessly.

Miller herself made clear that the actions of the police were not ultimately an issue of racism. She stated A lot of people want to make it a racial thing but its really not. He [Terrell Miller] couldve been anybodys son, but hes Americas nephew, thats what Im starting to say.

According to the Washington Post police shootings database, Miller is the youngest child in Illinois to be killed by police since the newspaper started compiling data in 2015. The website Mapping Police Violence notes that 772 people have been killed by police as of July 20, with 13 in Illinois alone.

Although Miller said she hopes officers will receive regular de-escalation training, police violence is not a matter of training or reform. The terror and violence meted out by the police is a consequence of the extreme levels of social inequality in the United States.

As the WSWS pointed out in relation to the police execution of Sonya Massey last month in Springfield, Illinois:

The question of police violence and how to end it is a class question. While the Democrats and Republicans promote the myth that the police exist to protect and serve the entire population, with a few wrinkles that can be ironed out with more training and funding, in reality, they are armed forces created to enforce inequality and protect the property interests of the ruling class. The police operate as roving gangs and death squads on behalf of the capitalist state whose target is the internal enemy: the working class.

Notably, there have been no public comments on the release of the video by local politicians, including Mayor Michael J. Inman, a retired Illinois State Police officer. Illinois billionaire Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker has remained silent on the police murder of Terrell Miller. Pritzker is reportedly being vetted as a potential pick for vice president on a ticket with former prosecutor Kamala Harris.
A worker clears the mud in a riverside park in Dandong, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Aug. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

DANDONG, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- As the water level of the Yalu River gradually dropped in Dandong, dredging and sand removal work has been carried out orderly in urban areas along the river. Shops are ready to resume business, and roads along the river have been restored to traffic.

Since July, Dandong has experienced seven episodes of heavy rain, accumulating a total of 486.5 millimeters of rainfall, 90 percent more than the historical average for this period over many years.

Staff members of the power supply service command center of State Grid Dandong Power Supply Company work during an inspection in Zhenxing District of Dandong, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Aug. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Workers clear the mud on a road in Dandong, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Aug. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Long Lei)
BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government plans to employ 7,000 retired teachers to work in the country's underdeveloped areas this year, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Education on Friday.

The recruitment drive is part of an action plan the government launched in 2018 to enhance the quality of rural education by employing retired teachers to work in rural areas.

According to the statement, the drive will be geared mainly at retired principals, teaching research staff and experienced teachers aged up to 65. Teaching professionals recruited under the plan will work at schools in counties, towns and rural areas in ethnic minority communities, and in border areas, remote areas and other areas that lack education resources.

More than 20,000 retired primary and middle school teachers had been recruited under the action plan by November 2023, according to the ministry. 
JAKARTA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The immigration authorities on Indonesia's Bali island announced on Friday that they have intensified supervision of foreign nationals, especially tourists, as a proactive measure in response to a surge in tourist arrivals.

The province's official immigration data showed that from January to July this year, Bali recorded 3.89 million foreign tourists visiting the famous resort island in Indonesia. The number significantly rose from 2.9 million visits reported during the same period of 2023.

The foreign tourists visiting Bali this year were dominated by nationals of Australia (877,329 people), India (328,767), and China (278,329).

"We have to maintain security, order and comfort for all people, including tourists. That is why tight monitoring is important," head of the regional office of Indonesia's Ministry of Law and Human Rights Pramella Yunidar Pasaribu confirmed over a phone call.

The surveillance measures involved a more thorough inspection of travel documents, including passports, visas, and residence permits. The authorities also strengthened the integrated immigration information system to monitor the foreigners' movements.

The immigration office has also installed 30 units of autogate or immigration automation facilities at international arrival terminals at the Ngurah Rai International Airport.

In addition, immigration checkpoints have significantly integrated facial recognition technology for enhanced face recognition and management control. 
After this years State Fair, Milles Italian Sausage will no longer be operated by the Mille family  much to the disappointment of Italian sausage fans and State Fair-goers alike. The family business is the longest-running concession stand at the fair and has sold sausages for 93 years.

The Mille family plans to hand off the business to a private owner, who will continue to use the Mille family name and their proprietary sausage recipe. Mike Mille said that the decision to sell the business was bittersweet, but necessary in lieu of his grandchildren leaving for college.

He and the other Mille siblings are the primary partners of the business, while their adult children work full time. Without the grandchildren, the family was unsure whether operations could continue.

I just felt that the time was right to make that change, he said.

After 93 years at Wisconsin State Fair, the Mille family is selling their Italian sausage business.

When the fair opened the Mille family was finalizing discussions with a buyer. While Mille did not disclose their name, he said that the new owner is someone who currently works at a concession stand at State Fair.

Like many other fair-goers, Tom Saldudge headed over to Milles after hearing about the familys final year of operating the business. He has been a customer since 2001 and has visited the sausage join every year since then.

While he is disappointed by the news, Saldudge said that hes willing to give the new owner a chance.

Ill try it, said Saldudge. As long as they dont change much, well be fine.

After hearing this was the last State Fair for the Mille family, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson joined the line for a mild Italian sausage sandwich.

Also standing in line was Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who had ordered a mild Italian sausage sandwich. I saw the story that this is their last year, for 93 years. So I wanted to come back one last time, said Johnson.

Mike Mille began working for the concession stand when he was ten, after his grandparents founded the business. Sixty years later, Mike Mille prepares a batch of sausages for the familys last State Fair.

Mille expressed his gratitude to loyal customers.

We have to thank our loyal customers that have been great to the Mille family for many, many years. We have a beautiful following that is just tremendous.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: State Fair stalwarts, Mille's Italian Sausage, is selling the business
Love Island USA Fan Favorite Leah Kateb Spills the Tea on How Her Sexy Villa Wardrobe Came Together

She also revealed which Islander borrowed her clothes the most while filming

Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Leah Kateb

When it comes to Love Island, flirting and fashion go hand in hand, meaning competing Islanders are always decked out in their sexiest summer outfits.

This year's season of Love Island USA featured plenty of memorable looks, from Rob Rauschs country-boy overalls to host Ariana Madixs entire collection of glam dresses. However, there was one contestant in particular who captured everyones attention with her closet  Leah Kateb.

Kateb, 24, quickly became a fan favorite with her cool girl attitude, viral one-liners (if you cant stop saying Now, youre sending three home  same) and, of course, her wardrobe.

Now she's spilling the tea on how it came to be.

On a new episode of the Cancelled with Tana Mongeau & Brooke Schofield podcast, Kateb said that she packed four pieces of luggage and 15 pairs of shoes, and had only two closets in the Fiji Villa. She added that Kaylor Martin also had a robust assortment of clothes.

Related: Love Island USA's Leah Kateb Says Her Relationship with Miguel Harichi Is 'on the Way' to Becoming Official (Exclusive)

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Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Leah Kateb

Katebs curation was so good that even some of her costars borrowed clothes, including her best friend and season 6 winner, Serena Page.

Serenas so funny f---ing. Every night shed be like, Leah, Im gonna go shopping in your closet tonight, and Im like, Go at it baby. I love sharing clothes and I love matching with my girls," Kateb said on Cancelled. "So it made me so happy seeing everyone wear my clothes.

It turns out that Katebs older sister Daria was the mastermind behind the chic selections, which included a vintage Roberto Cavalli silk halterneck dress.

My sister is behind all of my clothes. I cant dress myself for s--t. When I try to dress myself, I will stand in front of the mirror and panic, Kateb admitted, adding that sometimes she struggles with body dysmorphia before going out.

She gets fashion. That s--- comes to her so easily, she praised her sibling.

Related: Ariana Madix Says Her Love Island Outfits Are Like 'Children' to Her: 'Can't Pick a Favorite' (Exclusive)

Katebs style isnt the only part of her life that fans have been keeping up with since she returned to her home city of Los Angeles.

All eyes are still on her love life ever since she and Miguel Harichi ended their time on the series as runner-ups.

"I wouldnt be worried about us. Were really locked in, Kateb told PEOPLE exclusively of their relationship status in July. Not only is she confident in their love, she also believes that Harichi is the "best person I've ever met in my life."

Related: Love Island USA's Leah Kateb Says Her Relationship with Miguel Harichi Is 'on the Way' to Becoming Official (Exclusive)

Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Miguel Harichi and Leah Kateb

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"I have nothing but good things to say about him," Kateb said of the British model, 27. "He is an honest, good man, and I feel very lucky that we're even at the place that we're at. I think that he just gets me so well  like better than anyone ever has."

"He is so understanding. He gives me so many perspectives on everything. I think that he taught me so much as well. I think, like, you can literally see the growth of me throughout the villa, and I give a lot of credit to him for that," she continues. "He is, for sure, a big reason for how much I was just growing and changing in the villa, and for the better. Like he is behind it. And I just appreciate him so much."



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Read the original article on People.
Though the night of pageantry began with 51 delegates from across the United States, at the conclusion of the 2024 Miss Teen USA competition there was just one teary winner: 16-year-old Addison Addie Carver of Mississippi.

Across the nights proceedings, which aired live on the CW Network from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, there were evening gowns, semi-formal gowns bedecked with horrid oversized bows, absurd state costumes and, in a tea party montage highlighting some of the pre-pageant proceedings, all sorts and styles of fascinators. Honestly, pageants need more fascinators. (There was also the activewear round, but let's not pretend anyone knows what thats about.)

In the oft-controversial Q&A round, Carver spoke of mental health struggles she experienced after her fathers death from lung cancer, and how she found hope through dance. Her pageant platform seeks to now offer that opportunity to other young people.

Addison Addie Carver of Mississippi twirls onstage during the evening gown competition at the 2024 Miss Teen USA Pageant on August 1, 2024 in Los Angeles. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Heavy is the head that wears the crown

Hanging over the nights proceedings was the recent resignation of the 2023 Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava of New Jersey, whose decision to step down closely followed that of the 2023 Miss USA, Noelia Voigt of Utah.

Though neither addressed their departures in particularly specific terms themselvesallegedly due to non-disclosure agreements they had signeda flurry of reporting pointed to claims of bullying and mismanagement from pageant officials, and from the Miss USA Organizations president and CEO, Laylah Rose. Both the queens mothers also spoke out on their behalf in an interview with Good Morning America.

How the Miss USA Pageant Ended Up Such a Hot Mess

Rose provided a pre-recorded message early on in the pageant that made no mention of the controversy eithereven if some of the platitudes offered read a little pointed. Being a trailblazer demands courage and resilience, Rose said. It means forging ahead despite obstacles, seeing potential where others see impossibility and turning dreams into reality with unwavering belief.

I continue to have faith in the importance of leadership within the Miss USA Organization, she continued. As we look to these young delegates, let us find our own courage to dream big, take risks and embrace the unknown.

Srivastava was never actually replaced as Miss Teen USA; the 2023 pageants first runner-up, who would normally be expected to step into the title, chose instead to pass and so the title remained vacant. Instead, the reigning Miss USA, Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii (who did choose to take over for Voigt), appeared for the tiara-placing honor.

Also at the pageant, the participation of 17-year-old Kayla Kosmalski of Delaware marked the first-ever state-level titleholder with Down Syndrome to compete at either the Miss USA or Miss Teen USA pageant. She did not make the top 20.

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BETTENDORF  Out with the new and in with old seemed to be the motto here at the inaugural Bettendorf Americana, the vintage car and antique show and auction organized by TV personality Rob Wolfe of "American Pickers" that drew thousands of people from all over the country Thursday.

As vendors began to pack away their items for the night, Wolfe was already thinking about the next year.

"We're going to build this bigger next year," Wolfe said. "We want to make this big, and everybody has seen what the vision is. That's the biggest thing for me: to get the vendors here and wrap their heads around it. This will always be a success and will get better with more time."

More: Rob Wolfe of 'American Pickers' to bring 400 to 500 old cars to the Bettendorf riverfront

Wolfe highlights the rich history that came alive on the event's first day, with restored vintage cars shining in the parking lot on a hot Iowa summer day. The atmosphere was further enriched by presidential pins, original gas pumps, and classic advertising signs inside the corral space, all of which added a vibrant touch to the already historic river town.

Rob Wolfe, of "American Pickers," right, chats with a vendor at Bettendorf Americana at the Isle of Capri casino on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Bettendorf, Iowa.

More than 350 vendors converged from every corner of Iowa, East Coast states such as Massachusetts and Connecticut, Southern states including Florida and Texas, and even West Coast places like California and Washington. They shared their unique wares and stories to cultivate community and see what what others brought.

More: Rob Wolfe of 'American Pickers' shares his 5 best tips for hunting down antiques

Shaun Higgins, a friend of Wolfe, made the 20-hour drive from Berkley, Connecticut. This was the farthest he has traveled for a show, and the fwill ever go. For the past 30 years, Higgins has been collecting automobilia and has been interested in old-school neon signs and advertisements from an early age.

"When Robbie approached me about it, it sounded pretty exciting," Higgins said. I was more than happy to throw my support behind him, and hopefully, it just takes off. I would love to see it become successful and come out here every year."

Shaun Higgins, of Massechusetts, chats at his booth at Bettendorf Americana at the Isle of Capri casino on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Bettendorf, Iowa.

More: Barry Manilow performs a catalog of his biggest hits during his final show in Des Moines

For Wolfe and Higgins, the camaraderie of events like Bettendorf Americana and others is part of the fun. They also enjoy discovering new things and echo the fact that there is something for everyone.

"You can find something here, whether it's something that reminds you of your childhood, something you saw on TV, the car you used to have when you were a kid, or something your parents had," Higgins said. "I would encourage anybody that has an interest to come out to a show; you can go on Facebook and join a group, but to me, physically touching a sign and holding it and looking at it is so much different than buying it from a picture online."

The $10 three-day admission wristband proceeds go to scholarships for students with a keen interest in antiques, preservation or auctions. Wolfe hopes to raise as much as $100,000 for the cause.

What might seem like a dated tradition to onlookers is undoubtedly alive with younger generations. At the roadshow, teenagers are in tow with their parents gathering treasures. Wolfe sees this with his daughter, who only buys clothes at secondhand thrift stores.

"People want stuff with history and stories," Wolfe said. "It doesn't matter what you buy in this world. You buy it because you like it."

More: 'American Pickers' star Rob Wolfe brings antiques to Bettendorf Americana: See photos

Emilee Close, left, and William, 4, look at toy cars at Bettendorf Americana at the Isle of Capri casino on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Bettendorf, Iowa.

On the first day, Wolfe even picked up treasures while doing laps around the event space, including a 19th century French bulldog "Growler," a paper mache pull chain toy that makes a growling noise when pulled. He snagged this find for $500 when others online can range in price from $1,000 to $3,500.

"People think I'm a sign guy, but I am an antique guy," Wolfe said.

Bettendorf Americana will continue through Saturday, with wristbands still for sale upon entrance.

On Friday, the highly anticipated auction hosted by Richmond Auctions will commence. The South Carolina auction house specializes in automobilia, and the lot includes 300 lots of neon, porcelain and tin signs that will be up for bids.

Notably, Richmond Auction set a world record for the most expensive antique advertising sign sold at auction, a 48-inch, double-sided porcelain Musgo Gasoline sign. The selling price of $1.5 million broke the previous record of $400,000.

Sale items are displayed on tables prior to the Bettendorf Americana auction, run by Richmond Auctions, at the Isle of Capri casino on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Bettendorf, Iowa.

More: Can't see Chappell Roan at Hinterland? You can enjoy ice cream inspired by the singer

"We are looking forward to this one-of-a-kind opportunity to work alongside Rob Wolfe of 'American Pickers' and bring this auction to life," said Jordan Richmond, owner and founder of Richmond Auctions, in a news release. "Rob Wolfe is an icon, and we know that this event will be like no other. We are excited to present this assortment of unique pieces to collectors and enthusiasts alike."

While the event is in full swing, Wolfe is excited about what is next, including expanding the auction to a two-day event with double the items.

"We are excited to see everyone back at the same time next year," Wolfe said.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: American Pickers' Rob Wolfe says Bettendorf Americana is an early hit
8 tips on how to enjoy Florida theme parks during hot, humid weather

Whether they've traveled 5 miles or 500, one of the top experiences for any theme park junkies is the moment they finally stepped into their favorite park. However, that moment could easily be dampened (and at risk) by extreme heat.

As Florida ventures further into its hot season, weather experts are advising people to stay safe and alert when they're outside as temperatures continue to climb.

If you're planning on making a trip to a theme park this summer, make sure you know the best ways to stay safe and cool. Here's what to know.

How hot has it been in Florida this summer?

People take shade near the Conn Beach boardwalk, Friday, June 7, 2024, in Vero Beach. Temperatures across portions of Florida could hit record highs over the weekend before tropical moisture arrives next week. AccuWeather forecasters are predicting temperatures could be 5 to 10 degrees above historical averages Friday through Sunday.

Let's be real  it's been borderline miserable outside heat-wise.

Florida has been breaking heat records all year, with frequent triple-digit heat indexes, 11 cities breaking all-time heat records over the Memorial Day holiday and more in June and heat advisories issued nearly every week. July 21 was ever found to be the hottest day on record for the Earth, according to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

As the state enters August, heat advisories are still in effect for multiple cities across Florida. According to Florida State University's Climate Center, it is common for the daily temperature range to be between 73 F and 95 F during August, which a range of this size could produce a 19 heating degree-day.

What is the busiest time for Florida theme parks?

Peak season for Florida's theme parks is considered March until August, which includes spring break, summer vacation, and holidays.

For example, MagicGuides shared last year that these are times with the highest attendance rates at Walt Disney World parks:

Presidents Day week (the third week in February)

Spring Break period, from mid-March through to late April

Memorial Day weekend

Summer (mid-June through Labor Day)

Thanksgiving week

Christmas week, until January 1

When are the best days to go to Disney? Look toward October, one analysis says

Who is most at risk for extreme heat?

According to a new report from the nonprofit Florida Policy Institute, Florida has the highest number of heat-related illnesses in the nation. The Sunshine State saw 31,011 emergency room visits and hospitalizations between 2018 and 2022, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

People more at risk from extreme heat include:

Pregnant people

People with heart or lung conditions

Young children, especially those under age 4

Older adults, especially those over 65

People with Alzheimer's or other dementia-related illnesses

People who are overweight

People on certain medications

Athletes

People who work outside, especially roofers

And don't forget any furry friends, who don't like the heat any more than you do and have fewer ways to cool off.

How do I keep cool at theme parks?

Don't let the heat and humidity keep you away from the fun of Florida theme parks. Here's eight tips about staying cool even in Florida temperatures:

Check weather before you leave for theme parks

Before you even head out for your theme park trip, look at weather reports for the entire day to prepare properly. Is it going to rain later? Bring an umbrella. Is the temperature going to raise significantly? Pack extra water bottles and wear the right clothing.

Be aware that weather can easily change throughout the same and differ slightly from reports in the early morning. Pack accordingly for your trip.

Avoid going to theme parks during the middle part of the day

Whether they were there to relieve pre-Hurricane Dorian stress or because they'd arrived in Florida for pre-planned vacations, crowds descended on Magic Kingdom and other WDW parks over the weekend.

Avoid being in the theme park in the middle of the day as temperatures peak mid-day and theme parks are typically at their busiest in the middle of the day. If possible, try getting to the park early, then take a mid-day break and come back in the evening when temperatures drop again.

Stay indoors and seek air-conditioned building if possible

While most sections of theme parks are outdoors, try to spend as much time indoors and in A/C as possible. This can mean exploring the stores a little more, enjoying a treat at a cafe or attending some of the shows.

Stay hydrated as much as possible

This may seem obvious, but drinking water is crucial to staying cool in Florida. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. If you don't want to constantly pay for bottled water, utilize the theme park water fountains to fill up a reusable water bottle.

Avoid alcoholic, sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can be dehydrating. As tempting as they might be.

Dress in light, comfy clothing

Stick to light colors and materials. As much as you might look good in dark clothing, you'll regret it when it is absorbing the intense power of the Florida sun.

You should also dress light, avoiding long sleeves and pants if possible. For bonus points, bring a hat to protect your face and scalp from the sun.

Take longer and more frequent breaks

For when you do find yourself getting overheated and overwhelmed, listen to your body. Take breaks whenever you need it.

Map out the best places to take a break at the parks. Florida theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, have maps of their parks posted online. You can use these maps to figure out which areas are shaded or air-conditioned.

Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke

The signs of heat stroke.

The initial signs of heat-related illness are muscle cramps and thirst, according to the National Weather Service. This can progress to heat exhaustion, which symptoms look like:

Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat;

Heavy sweating;

Faintness;

Dizziness;

Fatigue;

Weak, rapid pulse;

Low blood pressure upon standing;

Muscle cramps.

"If youre experiencing heat exhaustion for an extended period of time, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke can come on quickly if its very hot or youre overexerting yourself," Healthline said.

According to the CDC, heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. The symptoms of heat stroke:

Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech

Loss of consciousness (coma)

Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

Seizures

Very high body temperature

Seek out first aid stations inside the theme parks if needed

Do not hesitate to look at park maps for first aid stations in case you get overheated or notice signs of heat-related illness.

Contributing reporting: Kendall Little, Naples Daily News

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Disney, Universal: See tips for staying safe, cool in Florida heat
The Best 6 Fire Extinguishers For Your Home, According to an Expert



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We all want to believe that well never need to put out a fire at home. But just like we pay for car insurance just in case we get in an accident, having a small fire extinguisher at home is an easy way to prepare for the worst, even as you hope for the best.

As a technical piece of safety gear, there are a fair number of standards and certifications that the fire extinguishers must meet, which can make them seem impenetrable at a glance. We spoke to an experienced fire chief, who gave us recommendations on what to look for while you shop, as well as some specific recommendations.

The Best Home Fire Extinguishers

The Experts

Tim Sendelbach: I'm a 38-year student and educator of fire and emergency services, currently serving as Fire Chief for the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, which serves the greater area around Loveland, Colorado. I'm a credentialed Chief Fire Officer and Chief Training Officer with the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), and have served as a chief fire officer across seven states. I also served as the Editor-in-Chief for FireRescue Magazine and FirefighterNation.

Steven T. Wright: I'm a journalist covering tech and gear for publications like Ars Technica, Polygon, and USA Today. These recommendations are based on the advice and recommendations I received during my interview with Chief Sendelbach, as well as additional research from official firefighting organizations like the National Fire Protection Association.

What To Consider in a Home Fire Extinguisher

There are a few basic things that you should know about fire extinguishers before you buy one and set it up at home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), every fire extinguisher features a series of letter-based ratingsA, B, C, D and Kwhich signal what kinds of fire you can effectively put out with that extinguisher. Most fire extinguisherscertainly all the ones in this guidewill feature multiple ratings, so theyll work well in a variety of situations.

Class A includes "ordinary combustible materials" like paper, wood, trash, cloth, and plastics.

Class B includes flammable liquids such as oil and grease.

Class C includes energized electrical equipment.

Class D includes combustible metals, such as magnesium.

Class K includes fires in industrial cooking appliances involving vegetable or animal oil. (According to multiple fire safety blogs, Class K extinguishers are made for large commercial kitchens. Unless you use a deep fryer regularly, an ABC extinguisher is better fit for a home kitchen.)

Fire Chief Sendelbach recommends looking for a fire extinguisher with class ABC ratings that hold at least 5 pounds of extinguishing agent. Keep in mind that manufacturers measure both the amount of the extinguishing agent and the total weight of a fire extinguisher in pounds. (For example, an extinguisher with 5 pounds of extinguishing agent often weighs around 10 pounds.) If you see two different weights, the lighter weight is likely the amount of agent, and the heavy one tells you the total.

"A multi-purpose ABC extinguisher can suppress most household-type fires," Sendelbach says. "Any local hardware store or large commercial retail center will sell fire extinguishers--the key is to select the right size and type."

Most ABC-rated fire extinguishers at major retailers have the same chemical agent, monoammonium phosphate (MAP). Sendelbach recommends it as the right chemical material for most home extinguishers.

You may find some ABC-rated extinguishers out there that use other chemicals, such as Halon 1211, which are also effective but dont leave any residue behind. While thats a nice perk, they tend to be more expensive than MAP-based extinguishers. Given that, we did not include any in this guide.

In addition, all fire extinguishers feature a second alphanumeric rating, which combines their class ratings with other important specifications about their fire-stopping power. Frankly, this code is confusing at a glance, but helpful to understand.

For example, our overall pick, the First Alert PRO5, is rated 3-A:40-B:C. The number linked to the A3 in this casetells you how much fire-quenching power is in the extinguisher. Each whole number corresponds to 1.25 gallons of water, so a rating of "3" means 3.75 gallons of water. The number linked to the B40 herenotes the maximum area you can extinguish in square feet. The C, as we mentioned, signals that it is also a class C fire extinguisher.

The NFPA generally recommends having a 2-A:10-B:C in your main living area, plus one for every level of your home. Some might consider a larger extinguisher to be overkill, but Sendelbach argues, "It's better to have more extinguishing agent than not enough."

How We Selected The Best Home Fire Extinguishers

Our recommendations for the best home fire extinguishers are heavily based on advice from Chief Sendelbach and fire prevention guidelines from the NFPA. We also consulted other experts and fire prevention resources, such as the Fire Equipment Manufacturers' Association.

We prioritized picks that are widely available at online and brick-and-mortar retailers, and opted for models that are rechargeable, which means they can be refilled with their designated chemical agent by a professional. You can get your extinguisher recharged at your local fire equipment specialty supplier, or even at your local firehouse if they have the right equipment.

We selected fire extinguishers in a variety of sizes to fit different rooms and storage needs, as well as the capabilities of different people who may need to use an extinguisher. In addition to extinguishers, we rounded out our picks with a few other pieces of fire safety equipment that our experts suggested we recommend in the interest of a robust fire safety response kit.

Our Full Fire Extinguisher Reviews

Shop Now PRO5 Rechargeable Heavy Duty Fire Extinguisher amazon.com $41.99

The First Alert PRO5 is arguably the easiest extinguisher to find that meets all of our expert's requirements. Its 3-A:40-B:C rating far exceeds the NFPA's recommended minimum guideline, but doesnt cost much more than smaller extinguishers that barely meet it.

At just over 10 pounds, it sits at a middle point between small options for cars and kitchen cabinets, and true heavy duty extinguishers for commercial use. Its large size makes it a good choice for large rooms like a kitchen or main living space. It also makes it hard to store discreetly, but thats not necessarily a bad thing: If a fire starts, you dont want to have to rummage through a closet to find it.

Plus, you can get it recharged at your local specialty fire supply store. When it comes to a primary extinguisher for your home, this is our recommendation.

Shop Now KD143 Fire Extinguisher for Home & Office Use amazon.com $44.94

The Kidde KD143 is a more compact fire extinguisher that's best suited for a supplementary role. It's great for areas that are unlikely to experience large fires, but pose some risk, such as outbuildings, crowded upstairs rooms, or the back of a large truck or van.

Its 4 pounds of extinguishing agent is comparable to that of our best overall pick, and should be enough to cover most household fire situations. Meanwhile, it's small enough for almost anyone to use it.

Like our top pick, the KD143 is easy to find at lots of stores, and can be recharged by a professional at your local specialty fire supply store. This shouldnt be your one-and-only fire extinguisher, but its a great just-in-case option to store somewhere far from your primary protection.

Shop Now FA110 Multipurpose Home Fire Extinguisher amazon.com $25.49

Realistically, not every vehicle has room for a 5-pound fire extinguisher, especially if you need to find a place to keep it out of the hands of young and curious kids. The Kidde FA110 is an even smaller secondary fire extinguisher that packs 2.5 pounds of chemical agent into a container small enough to wedge beneath front seat or the back of the trunk.

Rated 1-A:10-B:C, its suitable for a small vehicle fire. Unlike our other picks, however, this one isnt rechargeable, so you will have to replace it after you use it.

Shop Now B260 6 Liter Class AK Fire Extinguisher amazon.com $246.00

In general, experts recommend Class K fire extinguishers for professional chefs, and home cooks who do a lot of high-risk home cooking, especially deep-frying. They use chemical agents like potassium acetate that, unlike traditional "dry chemical" ABC extinguishers, deploy a "wet chemical" mist that blankets the oil or grease that prevents the fire from getting oxygen. (They also leave less residue behind than other extinguishing agents.)

If you use a deep fryer at home often, deep fry a turkey at thanksgiving, or cook in a food truck, you may want to think about keeping a class K fire extinguisher on hand, in addition to a standard ABC model.

All that said, class K extinguishers are heavy, expensive and arent always that easy to find. Amerex is one of the most-trusted names in fire extinguishers, and its B260 Class K model is one of the easiest to find anywhere in the US. If youre in the market for a Class K extinguisher, this is the one to get.

Shop Now EZ Fire Spray amazon.com $30.77

Nothing can replace having a full-size fire extinguisher at home when you need it. That said, portable aerosol fire sprays like this can from Fire Alert are extremely handy for small kitchen fires that youre likely to catch as they start. I personally used one to put out a stovetop grease fire on Thanksgiving many years ago.

Its a great (and relatively affordable) way to add some easily accessible extra protection to your kitchen, garage, or by your grillwherever fire hazards tend to crop up. The spray is made with potassium lactate, a "wet chemical" extinguishing agent similar to our class K pick. It blankets the grease and oil, depriving the fire of oxygen, while leaving relatively little residue behind. It's a good Plan B, especially in a crowded space.

Shop Now Fiberglass Fire Blanket amazon.com $11.99

Generally speaking, fire blankets are not as effective at putting out flames as even a small extinguisher. That said, a fiberglass fire blanket like this one from Aksipo can be useful for putting out an unruly grill or other small fires, covering a cooking surface to snuff it out.

While fire blankets are easy to use, they can also be dangerous since you have to get very close to the fire to put it out. As this post from Quick Response Fire Supply points out, fire blankets are best used for small cooking fires or to put out a fire on a persons body. Once a fire starts to spread, they are far less effective. A fire extinguisher should always be your primary fire safety precaution.

Fire Safety 101 From Chief Sendelbach

How Do I Use a Fire Extinguisher?

To learn and remember how to use a fire extinguisher, Sendelbach recommends a mnemonic: When using a fire extinguisher, you want to PASS:

Pull the pin.

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire

Squeeze the handle

Sweep the hose from side-to-side until the active burning is no longer visible.

Additionally, Sendelbach says to avoid turning your back on a fire, even while escaping. Instead, back up while facing the blaze, especially if there are flammable liquids present.

Where Should I Put My Fire Extinguisher?

According to Sendelbach, fires are most likely to occur in your kitchen and garage, so those are the best places to keep them on hand. He recommends keeping one below your kitchen sink (near your oven), and one by the door leading to the garage.

"If possible, Id recommend having the extinguisher in your garage mounted on a wall near the door," he says. "Mounting an extinguisher reduces the chances of something being stored in front of or blocking access. By placing it near the exit, you can make a quick attempt to extinguish the fire and if unsuccessful, you can quickly evacuate to safety if necessary."

What are the benefits of using a rechargeable fire extinguisher? Are there any drawbacks?

We recommend rechargeable fire extinguishers because recharging is often more cost-effective than purchasing a new one after every use, but Sendelbach says that it is not a safety concern. The important thing is that you have a fully charged fire extinguisher when you need it. If you use your fire extinguisher, even a little bit, make sure to recharge or replace it ASAP.

What other fire safety equipment do I need?

In addition to a working ABC-class fire extinguisher, Sendelbach says that every home must have a set of working smoke detectors, preferably with integrated CO2 detection. "One in every bedroom and a minimum of one on every floor," he says. He also recommends residential fire sprinklers if that's an option for you.

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Tables full of visitors eat and drink on a warm night along West Simpson Street during the first night of the Greater Alliance Carnation Festival's Food Fest at University of Mount Union on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

Warm temperatures and bright sunshine were plentiful Thursday night at the Campus Lakes at University of Mount Union for the opening night of the 2024 Greater Alliance Carnation Festival Food Fest. The good weather brought out a very large crowd, which enjoyed food vendors and a seat in the shade to take in Jimmy and the Soul Blazers performance. Carnation Queen Oneal Everett and her court of Miss Congeniality Lilyan Ronske, 1st Attendant Isabella Hall, 2nd Attendant Alexandra Ritchie and 3rd Attendant Sophia Ayers made their way through the crowd just a few days after they were selected at the July 27 pageant at Alliance High School. The festival moves into high gear this weekend, with Saturday's Community Luncheon featuring the great-great nephew of scarlet carnation creator Levi Lamborn speaking. Mike Lamborn, a winery owner from California's Napa Valley, will stick around to enjoy more of the festival this coming week. Saturday also marks the kickoff of the annual wildly popular Friends of Rodman Library Used Book Sale. The first day is a members-only day, but memberships will be for sale at the door. Don't miss Saturday's Auto Show at Glamorgan Castle; or the children's Pedal Tractor Pull at Mount Union. Sunday will include a Fishing Derby at 8:30 a.m.; the Pump-In and Muster that kicks off at 9 a.m. at Glamorgan Castle; and the Kick-Off Parade at 1 p.m. This also is the final weekend for Shakespeare at the Castle, featuring "Romeo and Juliet. Details on all these events are available at carnationfestival.com.

Alliance Community Pantry gift: Carnation Festival queen contenders donate 1,900 pounds of food

2024 Carnation Festival Queen Oneal Everett, center back, and her court share a laugh with their chaperone, Anissa DeSanzo, second from left in pink dress, during the first night of the Greater Alliance Carnation Festival's Food Fest at University of Mount Union on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

Jimmy and The Soul Blazers performs Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, on the first night of the Greater Alliance Carnation Festival's Food Fest at University of Mount Union. The event will continue Friday and Saturday, with free concerts both days.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Greater Alliance Carnation Festival attracts huge crowd to Food Fest
Cincinnati named a Top 10 destination for beer lovers, in time for International Beer Day

A new study confirms what Cincinnati beer lovers have likely known all along -- the city is a Top 10 destination for craft beer. And the news comes just in time for International Beer Day.

The Queen City came in at No. 8 on Tasting Table's ranking of the 15 best US cities for beer lovers in 2024. The study evaluated metrics such as the number of breweries, bars, beer-tasting tours and the average cost of beer.

Here's what to know.

Here's what makes Cincinnati a great city for craft beer lovers

The city offers 1.35 breweries per 10,000 residents, according to the study, making it a notable spot for craft beer lovers.

Tasting Table's study also cites Cincinnatis beer scene, which it calls "deeply rooted in its German heritage, which shines through in its popular Oktoberfest celebrations."

Breweries named in the study include Rhinegeist, known for having the highest sales volume in the city, Taft's Brewing Co., housed in a historic church, and Braxton Brewing Co., a favorite among sports fans.

The city also offers six beer-tasting tours, according to the study, including the unique 'Darkside of Brewing' tour along the Brewery Heritage Trail, which combines brewery visits with true crime stories.

"With 12.95 bars per 10,000 residents and an average pint costing $5.50, Cincinnati provides a diverse and rich beer experience, solidifying its position as one of the top beer cities in the U.S. for 2024," according to a press release from Tasting Table.

Rhinegeist recently marked its 11th anniversary in Cincinnati.

Cheers to great beers! Cincinnati bar named one of best in US. Why the 'civilized dive bar' is so special

Other Ohio cities in Tasting Table's Top 100

Several other Ohio cities were noted in Tasting Table's study, including:

No. 18, Dayton: The city features 0.96 breweries and 12.77 bars per 10,000 residents, according to the study, which notes that Dayton offers a lively and engaging beer scene. The average cost of a pint is $4.50.

No. 25, Cleveland: The city is "known for its vibrant beer scene and numerous beer-related activities," according to the study

No. 45, Akron: It has a "rich beer culture and affordable beer prices," per Tasting Table.

No. 51, Columbus: This city has "a mix of bars and breweries contributing to its reputation as a noteworthy city for beer enthusiasts."

No. 57, Toledo: It has an "emerging beer scene and diverse beer-related activities."

The Top 15 cities for beer lovers

Asheville, North Carolina Pensacola, Florida Las Vegas, Nevada Portland, Maine Greenville, South Carolina Lancaster, Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Cincinnati New Orleans Portland, Oregon

When is International Beer Day 2024?

According to its website, "International Beer Day is a global celebration of beer, taking place in pubs, breweries, and backyards all over the world."

Celebrated on the first Friday in August each year -- which this year is Aug. 2 -- the day's purpose, according to the site, is:

"To gather with friends and enjoy the deliciousness that is beer."

"To celebrate the dedicated men and women who brew and serve our beer."

"To bring the world together by celebrating the beers of all nations and cultures on this one remarkable day."

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Why Cincinnati is a Top 10 destination city for beer lovers, per study
While it's impossible to predict how long a marriage will last, there are some signs to look out for.

A couples therapist shared some of the most important qualities of a healthy, happy relationship.

Expressing gratitude and knowing when to take time-outs can help your marriage last.

Before you marry a partner, you should make sure your relationship is solid.

While it's hard to predict if a marriage will last, Avigail Lev, a San Francisco therapist who treats couples, said there are a few habits you should adopt  and signs to look out for  if you want a lengthy, loving partnership.

You both 'accept influence' from each other

John and Julie Gottman, famed relationship psychologists who are also married to each other, researched the most important elements of healthy marriages for decades.

In one long-term study on newlyweds, the ability to "accept influence" from a partner predicted happier marriages.

"It's the idea that your partner is impacted by your thoughts and feelings," Lev told Business Insider. You don't feel the need to be passive-aggressive or threaten to leave for them to make adjustments for you. Instead, they pay attention to what you say, take your emotions seriously, and are actively interested in finding solutions with you.

Lev said that healthy relationships need both people to be "willing participants" ready to communicate, listen to each other, and change in ways that make both parties happy. Otherwise, you stay stuck in conflict or cycles of punishing each other, eroding trust.

You know your values  and align with them

One of the biggest reasons people feel unsure about their relationships is that they don't know themselves, Lev said. They might not know if their criticisms of their partner are too unreasonable or if they're mismatched.

She tells clients to do a simple exercise: track your values.

To start, you write down your 10 most important values, like honesty, cooperation, or a sense of humor. Next, put a number next to each of those values, ranking their importance. "If everything is a 10, you're not going to get that in a partner," Lev said.

For the next three months, consistently score yourself and your partner on each value. Do you want affection from your partner but not give it back? Do you crave adventurousness but never suggest ideas for dates? This exercise will expose the gaps.

"I've never seen a partner be able to end a relationship when they themselves score low on their own values," Lev said. If you can't live up to your own standards, it's impossible to tell if your standards are too high.

If your partner accepts influence, they'll often start to mirror your positive changes. If you score high on collaboration and accountability but your partner stays the same, "there's your answer" that you're in the wrong relationship, Lev said.

You have your own lives

Another important quality is interdependence. It's not only about having your own hobbies and friends but also about having your own beliefs and emotions.

"Couples often start sharing a mind, almost," Lev said. "When people get too enmeshed and codependent, it actually harms the relationship in many ways. It breaks down passion and excitement and respect."

If you expect that you think and feel about everything the same way, you may start making assumptions that you already know what the other person is thinking. But in a healthy relationship, "you don't expect your partner to be psychic and know all of your needs," Lev said.

You know when to take breaks

One of the most effective things Lev sees successful couples do is take time-outs during heated conflicts.

"A lot of couples don't understand that once you're triggered, you're no longer in your prefrontal cortex," Lev said. "You're in your primitive amygdala brain. You're not coherent, and you need to stop."

Couples who recognize when they're emotionally dysregulated and can take a 30-minute break are usually much more productive in their arguments  and avoid saying things that linger long past a squabble over dishes.

Otherwise, Lev said, they end up trying to regulate each other's emotions instead of talking through their needs.

The better option is to wait until you're calm and explain how a specific behavior, like sporadic texting, makes you feel.

You express gratitude

Another Gottman rule that Lev loves is the "magic relationship ratio" of having five positive interactions for every negative one.

"For every criticism, you should give five compliments," she said. Expressing gratitude for your partner, hugging them, or appreciating a small change they made are all ways to keep your marriage optimistic and light.

It doesn't mean you should opt for toxic positivity in your relationship. "We don't have to decrease criticisms," she said. "We just add more appreciation and gratitude."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Set in the alpine hamlet of Vals, 7132's thermal baths are a standalone architectural marvel.

Julien Balmer/Courtesy of 7132 Hotel

Its hard to imagine a more dramatic way to arrive at a hotel than via private helicopter through one of the worlds most famous mountain ranges. But soon after boarding a sleek black Airbus EC 130 chopper at the Zurich airport, two other guests and I are gushing over the panoramic views of the Swiss Alps en route to 7132, a five-star resort in the alpine hamlet of Vals.

Surrounded by rugged, snow-capped peaks, lush valleys spread out below, and the occasional hang glider soaring past, I lose track of how many times I squealed, Wow! When our pilot, Dani, maneuvers us for landing, Im simultaneously relieved and disappointed.

Julien Balmer/Courtesy of 7132 Hotel

But plenty more delights  if not the adrenaline-pumping thrill of a helicopter ride  awaited at 7132, starting with its stunning thermal baths. A masterpiece by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, the striking space has drawn design gurus and wellness seekers for nearly three decades, and for three days, I was grateful to be one of them.

The property has also proven its culinary prowess in recent years, with a Michelin star awarded to its fine-dining restaurant, 7132 Silver, in 2015 and a second in 2016. Now, executive chef Marcel Koolen, who came on board in 2020, and his team are literally taking the hotels cuisine to new heights with an alfresco private dining experience at 6,500 feet above sea level, starring high-quality local and forest-foraged ingredients cooked on an open fire and paired with exclusive vintages of Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne.

Julien Balmer/Courtesy of 7132 Hotel

When it's good weather on our days off, most of us on the team always go to that location, Koolen, originally from the Netherlands, tells me in the 7132 Silver kitchen. Everyone brings something, and we just do a little cooking jam. Thats where the idea started to do this with the guests. We make sure its a completely different experience from here in the restaurant, but still on a two Michelin-star level.

During my stay, I was among the lucky first guests to enjoy this fancy mountaintop meal, which is part of the just-launched Beyond the Clouds package with helicopter transfers, a glacier picnic, and other luxurious perks  7132s fanciest offering yet. However, my favorite moments were less bucket-list extravagant and more everyday idyllic: morning runs against the backdrop of the Alps, followed by a lavish breakfast, soaking in the thermal baths, and relaxing on my terrace while listening to the tinkling cowbells  the soothing soundtrack in this part of the world.

Considering a stay of your own at 7132 Hotel? Heres the full review from my recent visit.







7132 Hotel

The unbeatable location smack-dab amidst majestic mountain peaks and waterfalls is nirvana for outdoor enthusiasts, while the charming hamlet of Vals is only a 10-minute walk.

Access to the thermal baths and breakfast are included in all rooms. The breakfast features an impressive buffet of homemade breads, yogurt, and fresh fruit, accompanied by elevated a la carte dishes like dill-marinated char and eggs Benedict.

Spa suites are like a private wellness sanctuary, equipped with large round tubs and in-shower steam rooms; free minibars, including beer and soft drinks, are restocked daily.

The service staff, many from Italy, are helpful and downright fun. They are always happy to snap a photo (or squeeze into your selfie!) and offer local tips.







The Rooms

Julien Balmer/Courtesy of 7132 Hotel

The starchitect team of Zumthor, Tadao Ando, and Kengo Kuma, from Japan, and American Thom Mayne helmed a massive renovation of the original mid-century modern hotel, a five-year project that wrapped in 2017. Their styles are showcased in the House of Architects, whose 73 rooms each have a unique design (rates start at around $400). For architecture diehards, three splurge-worthy, Kuma-designed penthouse suites ooze with understated luxury: think wood-and-quartzite features, soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows. (Rates start at $3,500 per night, with a two-night minimum, but include helicopter transfers.)

Julien Balmer/Courtesy of 7132 Hotel

Meanwhile, the 22-room 7132 Hotel offers spacious, five-star digs with spa-like bathrooms and expansive terraces overlooking alpine views (from $1,000). My 650-square-foot spa deluxe room was divine, with an entire room dedicated to the tub, a massive shower, and a huge walk-in closet. But I especially loved just sitting in the high-backed easy chair and gazing at the bucolic Swiss landscapes, half-expecting Heidi and her grandfather to wander out of their cabin. My only gripe: The room was quite warm, but the staff brought me a Dyson cooling unit that I turned on in the evenings.

Food and Drink

Julien Balmer/Courtesy of 7132 Hotel

7132 Silver is everything youd expect from a two-Michelin star experience. But Koolen and his team have put their stamp on the menu with creative, vegetable-forward dishes, many sourced from the hotels farm down the road. Meanwhile, sommelier Franziska Wolfle is a whiz with wine pairings. I also loved the classic dishes  like a dynamite surf and turf  at the snazzy 7132 Red. Breakfasts were excellent, too: Its hard to beat tucking into a perfectly cooked omelet, homemade bread, and farm butter against a backdrop of the Swiss Alps. For late-night bites, cocktails, and live music, Blue Bar hits all the right notes.

Activities and Experiences

Not surprisingly, activities center on the abundant outdoor playground in Vals and beyond. In fact, a hiking trail winding through an alpine forest is accessible right outside the lobby. You can also rent an e-mountain bike; ask for a map and trail recommendations depending on your skill level. The hotel also offers other unique packages, including movie nights at the thermal baths and guided tours around town.

The Spa

Julien Balmer/Courtesy of 7132 Hotel

Yes, theres a lovely on-site spa, as well as a well-equipped gym, but the thermal baths steal the show on the wellness front. Zumthors striking design features some 60,000 slabs of quartzite housing six pools of highly mineralized spring water, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. Pools connect indoor and outdoor areas, with comfy lounge chairs positioned throughout. (Insider tip: cell phones are strictly prohibited). Weekdays are considerably less busy than weekends.

Living in Europe, Im no stranger to thermal baths, but 7132s experience is in a class of its own. I especially loved the invigorating cold plunge after boiling myself in the hot pool, while the darkened room with lighted water and floating chamomile petals was downright dreamy. Night bathing, meanwhile, is especially suited for night owls since its available from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. I didnt partake, but it received solid reviews from my travel companions (with one caveat: There was more than one couple engaged in a heated makeout session).

Accessibility and Sustainability

Elevators offer access to all floors, while the thermal baths have ramps. However, guests with limited mobility should contact the hotel ahead of time for more information, as some rooms have steps. (In fact, a step in my bathroom area  the only design flaw I noticed  could have broken my toe on my first day had I not been wearing the slippers provided. From then on, housekeeping staff placed a towel over the step.)

On the sustainability front, an innovative system converts heat from thermal water into energy that heats the entire property, including the baths. All dairy products and eggs are sourced from farmers in Vals, while meat and fish come mostly from local farmers or within Switzerland. Koolens team also regularly forages for berries, mushrooms, and herbs to use in their dishes.

Location

Vals is a paradise for outdoorsy types. The local ski resort draws the downhill set during winter, while in summer, the gondola, located about a mile from the hotel, takes hikers up the mountain. Meanwhile, hiking and biking trails galore offer quad-burning, all-day adventures and shorter (but still strenuous) jaunts.

Vals is about a two-hour drive from Zurich (the hotel can book transfers; the trip via helicopter takes about 45 minutes). The closest train stations are Ilanz and Chur, each about 30 minutes away.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

In addition to House of Architects rooms, which are more affordable and include breakfast and thermal bath access, budget-conscious travelers can consider 7132 Glenner. Rates at this 12-room, chalet-style hotel, about a 10-minute walk from the main property, start around $280, including thermal bath access. Finally, you may be able to snag a double or single room in 7132s five-star section on the website. These rooms arent heavily promoted, but their rates can be significantly lower.



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A full moon rises behind clouds in Andria, Puglia, Italy, on Aug. 29, 2023. . | Credit: Lorenzo Di Cola/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Tonight (Aug. 19) skywatchers will be able to gaze upon a most "unconventional" full moon, because it will also be  a "Blue Moon."

But wait a minute, you might ask ... isn't a "Blue Moon" defined as the second full moon that occurs during a calendar month? August's full moon falls on Aug. 19 and it will be the only full moon of August 2024. So how can we call it a "Blue" moon?

Yet it indeed is a "Blue" moon, but only if we follow a now somewhat obscure rule. In fact, the current "two full moons in one month" rule has superseded the rule that would allow us to call this month's full moon "blue."

The Almanac rule

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The confusion over exactly how to brand a particular full moon as "blue" can be traced back to "Sky & Telescope" magazine, which turned a literary lemon into lemonade by proclaiming that  however unintentional  it changed pop culture and the English language in unexpected ways.

In the July 1943 issue of "Sky & Telescope," in a question-and-answer column written by Lawrence J. Lafleur, there was a reference made to the term "Blue Moon." Mr. Lafleur cited the unusual term from a copy of the 1937 edition of the now-defunct Maine Farmers' Almanac (NOT to be confused with The Farmers' Almanac which is still published in Lewiston, Maine).

On the almanac page for August 1937, their calendrical meaning for the term "Blue Moon" was given.

That explanation said that occasionally "... one of the four seasons would contain four full moons instead of the usual three."

"There are seven Blue Moons in a Lunar Cycle of nineteen years," continued the Almanac, ending on the comment that, "In olden times the almanac makers had much difficulty calculating the occurrence of the Blue Moon and this uncertainty gave rise to the expression 'Once in a Blue Moon.'"

An unfortunate oversight

But while Mr. LaFleur quoted the Almanac's account, he made one very significant omission: He never specified any date for the Blue Moon.

And as it turned out, in 1937, it occurred on Aug. 21. That was the third full moon in the summer of 1937, a summer season that would see a total of four full moons. Names were assigned to each moon in a season: For example, the first moon of summer was called the early summer moon, the second was the midsummer moon, and the last was called the late summer moon. But when a particular season has four moons the third was apparently called a "Blue" Moon so that the fourth and final one can continue to be called the late moon.

So where did we get the "two full moons in a month rule" that is so popular today?

The large face of the full shines bright in a dark starry sky.

Pruett's Mistake

Once again, we must turn to the pages of "Sky & Telescope." This time, on page 3 of the March 1946 issue, James Hugh Pruett wrote an article, "Once in a Blue Moon," in which he made a reference to the term "Blue Moon" and referenced Mr. LaFleur's "Sky&Telescope" article from July 1943. But because Pruett had no specific dates to fall back on, his interpretation of the ruling given by the Maine Farmers' Almanac was highly subjective. Pruett ultimately came to this conclusion:

"Seven times in 19 years there were - and still are - 13 full moons in a year. This gives 11 months with one full moon each and one with two. This second in a month, so I interpret it, was called Blue Moon."

How unfortunate that Mr. Pruett did not have a copy of that 1937 almanac at hand, or else he would have almost certainly noticed that his "two full moons in a single month assumption" would have been completely wrong. For the Blue Moon date of August 21, 1937  as is the case in August 2024  was most definitely not the second full moon that month!

Going viral!

a newspaper column with the title

Mr. Pruett's 1946 explanation was, of course, the wrong interpretation and it might have been completely forgotten were it not for Deborah Byrd who used it on her popular National Public Radio program, StarDate on Jan. 31, 1980. We could almost say that in the aftermath of her radio show, the incorrect Blue Moon rule "went viral." Over the next decade, this new blue moon definition started appearing in such diverse places such as the Kids edition of the World Almanac , and the board game Trivial Pursuit.

I must confess that I was even involved in helping to perpetuate the new Blue Moon phenomenon. More than 40 years ago, in the Dec. 1, 1982 edition of The New York Times, I made reference to it in the "New York Day by Day" column.

And shortly thereafter the new definition started receiving international press coverage.

Meanwhile, the original Maine Farmers' Almanac rule had been all but forgotten.

Playing by the (old) rules

Now, let's come back to this August's full moon.

Under the "old" Almanac rule, this would be a "Blue Moon."

For the summer season of 2024, there are four full moons:

June 21 Early Summer Moon

July 21 Midsummer Moon

Aug. 19 Blue Moon

Sep. 17 Late Summer Moon

This means that under the original Maine Almanac rule  the one promoted by Mr. Lafleur and later misinterpreted by Mr. Pruett  the third full moon of the 2024 summer season on Aug. 19 would be a Blue Moon.

Truly blue!

So, can the moon ever appear to actually turn blue?



Yes ... but only under certain atmospheric conditions. In the aftermath of the massive 1884 volcanic eruption of Krakatoa, a tremendous cloud of ash and dust was injected into the stratosphere (5 to 30 miles or 8 to 48 km) above Earth's surface). The tiny ash particles  about one micron in size  acted as a filter, scattering red light and turning both the moon and the sun a distinct bluish hue as seen from many locations in the Northern Hemisphere for many months after the explosion.



In addition, other volcanic eruptions have also been known to cause blue moons including the 1983 eruption of El Chichon volcano in Mexico and the eruption of the Philippines Mount Pinatubo in 1991.

And on Sept. 24, 1950, a 200-mile-wide (321 km) swath of smoke from a series of smoldering fires in the forests of Northern Alberta in Canada cast an awesome pall over the Great Lakes, parts of New York State and Southern New England. The smoke produced an unusual midday darkness and caused the disk of the sun to shine in eerie hues of pink, blue and even lavender!

a large cloud of ash and smoke rises into the air above a desert landscape

Additional information

Explore Blue Moons in a nutshell with ESA's useful Blue Moon infographic . Check out this cool image of a Blue Moon captured by the European weather satellite MSG-3 just before the moon disappeared out of sight. Discover the difference between types of full moons with NASA.

Interestingly, this is the second consecutive August containing a Blue Moon. Last year, on Aug. 30, we had the second of two full moons in a calendar moon  maybe we should call it "Pruett's Blue Moon Rule." In addition, that full moon was also the closest and largest full moon of 2023; a " Super Blue Moon ."

Take your pick!

So which definition of a Blue Moon do you prefer? If you go by Pruett's misinterpretation of the second full moon occurring within a calendar month, then that will happen in May 2026. The second full moon in that month  the "blue" moon  will come on May 31.

But if you prefer the "Maine Almanac Rule," where there are four full moons occurring during a single season (as will be the case this year), that will happen again in 2029. During that summer, the fourth full moon arrives a mere 39 minutes before the occurrence of the autumnal equinox (the official start of the fall season). So, the full moon of Aug. 23, 2029, can also be considered "blue."

And if you don't care for the blue moniker, you can always fall back on the traditional Native American branding of the August full moon: The Sturgeon Moon, named after North America's largest fish, the sturgeon.

Seems a bit fishy to me.

Want to get a closer look at the moon? Make sure to take a look at our guides to the best telescopes and best binoculars.

And if you want to photograph the moon, we have tips for how to photograph the moon as well as guides to the best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography.

Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium . He writes about astronomy for Natural History magazine , the Farmers' Almanac and other publications.
NAPLES, NY  The goal was twofold. Brew a tasty beer and have a portion of the proceeds go to the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association to help perform its mission. In doing so, according to Naples Brewing Co. co-owner Larkin Ryan, the hope also is to spread the word about the Watershed Association's goals and the steps people can take to help preserve the lake.

Apparently, mission accomplished, as Naples Brewery has just produced its second run of Lakeside Cream Ale. The first sold out.

Its definitely a beer that we know people love to drink in the summertime, Ryan said.

The brewery team had made donations and been a member of the organization since opening in the picturesque Ontario County village three years ago, but Ryan said they wanted to take more action.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of Naples Brewing Co.'s Lakeside Cream Ale goes to the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association.

Members of the Watershed Association and Naples Brewery team met over the winter to brainstorm ideas.

Working with the entire Naples Brewing team has been a great experience, said Lindsay McMillan, association director of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association.

Early on in the collaboration, we connected over the common cause of watershed protection and how we could work together to raise awareness for lake health, McMillan said.

Besides an easy-drinking summer beer, they decided to include facts about the lake on the eye-catching blue-hued can as well as the Watershed Association logo. A QR code takes the lake-conscious beer drinker to the Watershed Associations website to learn more about what it does and more about Canandaigua Lake.

Ordinarily, the more you drink the more you think you know.

But in this case, do you know how much water Canandaigua Lake holds or how deep the lake is? You would by sipping on a Lakeside Cream Ale in this learn-as-you-drink experience.

We had fun going back and forth with what the label should look like, Ryan said.

The brewery, which has hosted rain barrel workshops put on by the Watershed Association, makes note on the label that it sources water from the Canandaigua Lake in its beers.

This new beer not only celebrates our watershed but also educates with fun lake facts on every can, McMillan said. Its incredible to have such great business supporters that deeply care about our local environment and want to contribute to the overall mission of protecting Canandaigua Lake!

What the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association does

The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association strives to preserve, protect and restore the lake and its watershed for current and future generations through education, scientific research and advocating sound public policy.

The organization has been involved in the study of harmful blue-green algae in the lake as well as advocates for its overall health. One example is the Lake Friendly Living initiative, which Naples Brewing has taken part in. Taking the pledge means practicing lake-friendly lawn care by saying no to harmful chemicals and excess fertilizers, reducing household hazardous waste an planting native species, among other actions.

The organization also is involved in raising awareness of the impact of invasive species on the lake and watershed and how to address these unwelcome visitors.

Following along with everything they do is important, Ryan said. Anything we can do to further the cause.

More about Lakeside Cream Ale

Theres no mistaking that Lakeside Cream Ale is a New York beer. As its a cream ale, local corn is used in the brewing process, Ryan said.

Also, Naples Brewing used malt from Murmuration Malts in Bloomfield and Mackinac hops from Cobblestone Hops Farm in Ontario, Wayne County.

"Everything that we brew is brewed on site, Ryan said. Its a super tiny building. We maximize the space as much as we can.

Where to get Lakeside Cream Ale

Lakeside Cream Ale is available on draft and in four-packs of 16-ounce cans at Naples Brewing Co., 104 N. Main St., Naples. Visitors are asked to park in the nearby municipal parking lot on Mill Street in the village.

Naples Brewing Co. hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 4 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 2 to 9 p.m. Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. The brewery is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Naples Brewing's Lakeside Cream Ale helps lake organization efforts
Extra Sides: The story behind the Union Hotel operators unique name

Extra Sides: The story behind the Union Hotel operators unique name

DE PERE, Wis. (WFRV)  When you ring the Union Hotel Supper Club for reservations, chances are the voice on the other end of the line is Makim Boyd.

Boyd is the fourth generation of owners and operators of the hotel on the national and state historic registry and is part of the Packers Heritage Trail.

Extra Sides: Christmas Eve tradition at Simpsons in Waupaca

The first in his family to take over back in 1918 was the Maternowski family of Polish and German descent.

His first name is steeped in Irish tradition, as explained to him, which he then shared with Local 5 News.

It was a great-great grandfathers name, Makim began. He was the first in our family to come over from Ireland. My father thought I should take on that name.

As Makim went on, he explained that its origin is with the last name.

The second-born son in Ireland took on the mothers maiden name. So, in all likelihood, thats where it derived from.

Makim says from what hes been able to gather the Irish part of that family tree was from County Sligo in the Republic of Ireland.

It was a curious twist for Local 5 reporter Michele McCormack whose family members told her also have roots in the same county.

It is just one example of the many stories and conversations that pop up when you spend a little extra time enjoying your cocktail before sitting down to supper.

Thats why Sam Boyd, a fifth generation now tending bar, has continued working here.

Im Makims nephew, and I started as a dishwasher, Sam shared. Started at 14. Now Im 28. Been here ever since.

He says for intense as the dinner hour can get, he does enjoy the work.

Youre really running, but youre having fun. Youre talking with everyone. You meet a lot of people. Especially during Packers season.

Sam says conversation will start among strangers who wind up leaving as friends.

Theyll start talking. They make small connections with people theyve never met before. Its cool seeing that every night.

As Michele let Sam in on the unexpected Sligo County connection, he didnt miss a beat.

Well, there, were related somehow, he said with a smile and laugh.

Connections over supper that can only be found in a supper club.

Its a Wisconsin thing.

Extra Sides: Behind the gold carpet on the ceiling of Moxies Supper Club in Casco

The Union Hotel Supper Club is at 200 N. Broadway at James Street in De Pere.

Reservations are encouraged.

To hear more dish, check out our podcast.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 new food kiosk will be feeding hungry visitors in City Hall Park this summer. Himalayan D'lite, owned by Sherpa Foods, will open this weekend, offering momos and other Nepalese dishes year-round in the park.

The kiosk was initially part of the original City Hall Park redesign in 2020, but funds couldn't support its building. The Burlington City Council approved moving forward with the project in May 2023 with the help of American Rescue Plan Act Infrastructure investments. After a series of requests for proposals, Himalayan D'lite was chosen, along with Brooklyn-based design studio REINZ + OEI as the designer of the kiosk.

Samantha McGinnis, assistant director of downtown projects and events for the Department of Business and Workforce Development, said that this kiosk is an exciting step for Burlington, creating an "immersive experience" in City Hall Park. Hydrangeas are in full bloom, the splash pad is ready for kids, and live music fills the greenery weekly  the kiosk is another addition to that lively lineup.

The Himalayan D'lite kiosk sits in City Hall Park July 26, 2024, a week before its opening. A collaboration between the city of Burlington and Sherpa Foods, the kiosk will operate year-round.

Himalayan D'lite

Nurbu Sherpa, owner of Himalayan D'lite, said this is a full-circle moment for his business.

His company, Sherpa Foods, began as a food stand at the Burlington Farmers Market back when it was in City Hall Park. Along with chow mein and fried rice, momos are the crowning jewel of Himalayan D'lite. A version of a dumpling, it is filled with minced meats and vegetables and served warm.

Since then, he and his wife, Phura, grew their business to become a staple wholesaler in New England. They expanded to catering events in and around Burlington and through word of mouth continued to grow their business.

In 2015, Sherpa Foods began selling their momos in local stores like City Market and Healthy Living. Recently, their line of Himalayan Style Hot Sauce called Momo Sauce, which comes in mild, hot, sesame and maple flavors, has become available in Whole Foods throughout New England and in Home Goods nationwide.

Sherpa said one of his goals was to have a brick-and-mortar store. In 2023, they opened their first fast casual cafe in South Burlington. It's been successful, and this kiosk will be one of many locations he hopes are to come.

Sherpa hopes to take some of his ideas from the cafe, like a momo eating contest they had in May, and apply it to the kiosk.

Giving back to the community

Along with good food and fun events, Sherpa wants to give back to the community. Every month, a percentage of proceeds  or food  will be donated to various nonprofits. The organizations will vary, and the community will have a say in who they want to donate the money to when they order.

The Himalayan D'lite kiosk sits in City Hall Park July 26, 2024, a week before its opening. A collaboration between the city of Burlington and Sherpa Foods, the kiosk will operate year-round.

The bright blue-and-green kiosk was designed by artists Wade Jeffree and Leta Sobierajski, The Cloud, as people have taken to calling it, brings a splash of color and creativity to downtown.

The kiosk will be open year-round, with hours for the moment being 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is subject to change depending on the time of year and flow of business.

Sherpa referred to it as an "experiment" while he and his staff gauge how business is run in City Hall Park and adjust accordingly. The kiosk will be credit and debit card only.

Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Himalayan D'lite offers Nepalese food at City Hall Park in Burlington
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Check out community events around New Mexico from August 2-8.

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Albuquerque Notices

 Museum of Nuclear Science and History opening new exhibit  The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History is unveiling a new exhibit: Mission Aerospace. The new exhibit is a multi-layered, interactive exploration of aviation history and aerospace milestones. The new exhibit opens June 22 and runs through October 6.

 Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center closes temporarily for pool work  The community center will be closed Monday, July 29, through Sunday, Aug. 4. Crews are crews working to connect the pools power system. The new aquatics facility will include an outdoor pool, a stand-alone waterslide, and a lobby/check-in area for guests.

 Shoppers call for changes to make Coronado Center safer  Albuquerque police acknowledged the problem on Friday after yet another shooting at Coronado Center. Starting with the shooting outside the mall on Black Friday last year, then a shooting inside the food court back in March, and now, Fridays incident where a security guard was shot.

 Albuquerque will use state funding to expand community cleanup events  The City of Albuquerques Solid Waste Department and Keep Albuquerque Beautiful have received $60,000 in state funding to help clean up the community. The money will be used to expand two city-wide community cleanup events and allow the department to help residents host cleanup events in their neighborhoods.

 City of Albuquerque providing food, clothes for families in need  The City of Albuquerque has several resources available for families who may need assistance with food and clothes during the summer. Resources include summer youth programs, clothing banks, and food assistance.

 Summer program helps Albuquerque students prepare for next school year  Horizons Albuquerque is helping under-resourced students in grades 1 through 11 with the goal of advancing educational equity. Students not only focus on academics, but also learn skills like guitar playing, robotics, and how to swim.

 City of Albuquerque looking for volunteers to help monitor trails  Trail Watch volunteers work under the Open Space Division and report wildlife and visitor activities, maintenance needs, suspicious activity, and other information. Training and a background check are required to become a Trail Watch Volunteer.

 Free summer lunch program returns in Bernalillo County  Beginning June 3, free lunch will be served daily to children at different locations around Bernalillo County. Children must be between the ages of 1 to 18 years old to receive a meal. Meals must be consumed at the meal site (except for non-congregate sites), all meals are first come, first served, and participants must receive the entire meal.

 Explora hosting Mosaic of Marks, Words, and Material exhibition  The exhibition runs from May 15  August 16. The exhibit will include an art studio where young visitors, their families, and educators can explore hands-on mark-making materials.

 New Mexico State Fair holding auditions to sing the National Anthem  The live auditions will be at the Boxcar Stage from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the EXPO New Mexico on August 6. To audition live, you must sign up by August 5.

New Mexico Notices

 New Mexico State Fair announces official beer for 2024  Ex Novos new Barrel Racer Blonde will be on tap at the fair in September and at retailers across the state starting Aug. 6. Barrel Racer Blonde was brewed with American and German noble hops. It will also be served at Ex Novo Brewing, 4895 Corrales Road in Corrales. The New Mexico State Fair is scheduled for Sept. 5-15.

 NMDOT receives $71M grant to replace two bridges on I-25 in Socorro County  The grant funding is through the Federal Highway Administrations (FHWA) competitive Bridge Investment Program and will go toward new bridges that span over Nogal Canyon. NMDOT said the existing truss bridges have experienced deterioration and are approaching the end of their service lives.

 City of Las Vegas easing water restrictions for restaurants, car washes  The city implemented restrictions in June when heavy rains hit the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire burn scar and washed soot and debris into the citys water supply. The city said they are able to ease up the restrictions because water reserves have been stabilized.

 New Medicaid programs launching in New Mexico  Food-insecure pregnant beneficiaries with nutrition-sensitive conditions, such as gestational diabetes, will be eligible to receive nutritious, prepared meals or healthy groceries to support their health needs and improve maternal health outcomes in New Mexico. The state is now going to start an implementation planning process in order to launch these new programs in 2025.

 Santa Fe County opens new Regional Emergency Communication Center  The state-of-the-art emergency dispatch center equips dispatchers with cutting-edge technology, including modernized dispatch consoles and redundant systems.

 Free summer food service program for children resumes in New Mexico  The Early Childhood Education and Care Department in New Mexico has begun its free food service for children ages 1-18. The service aims to provide free meals to children during summer break. The department said more than 600 locations in the state are providing free meals through August.

 Federal funding will help three New Mexico tribal communities build affordable housing  Three tribal communities in New Mexico were awarded a total of $10.5 million to create more affordable housing. The San Ildefonso Housing Authority, the Santa Clara Housing Authority, and the Zuni Housing Authority received funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

 FEMA: Additional disaster assistance available for New Mexico following fires, flooding in Ruidoso area  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Wednesday announced that President Joe Biden authorized an increase to the federal cost share to 100% for 30 days. The additional disaster assistance will also cover emergency protective measures.

 Hot food SNAP benefits extended in NM; Disaster food benefits expanded to Rio Arriba, San Juan counties  SNAP customers in New Mexico will have an additional 30 days, or until Aug. 25, to purchase hot prepared foods from deli departments at EBT-authorized retailers. The New Mexico Health Care Authority requested and was granted this emergency measure in the wake of fires and flooding. This benefit is not applicable to restaurants or other non-EBT-authorized retailers.

 Santa Fe hosts Summer Fire Truck Spray Down events for kids  The City of Santa Fe Community Engagement Department and Santa Fe Fire Department are providing a free way for kids to cool down this summer. The departments host Summer Fire Truck Spray Down events at Swan Park.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Not one, not two, but three listings on real estate sites in one neighborhood are tied to the HGTV Dream Home in Florida.

Two months after HGTV announced Marie Fratta of Westchester County, New York, won the 2024 HGTV Dream Home on Anastasia Island, Florida, the house was listed for sale. Zillow and Realtor.com show an asking price of $1.9 million. Though one site labels the house as "active under contract," that means an offer was accepted but not final.

The other listings include a $2.6 million home on the same street and an empty lot nearby. Both listings cite the proximity of the HGTV Dream Home, which is in the Pelican Reef waterfront community near St. Augustine.

Below is what we know about the 2024 HGTV Dream Home in Florida, how much it would cost to buy it and info about the other listings.

Who won 2024 HGTV Dream Home on Anastasia Island in Florida sweepstakes contest?

On May 22, 2024, HGTV announced the identity of the winner of the HGTV Dream Home on Anastasia Island in Northeast Florida, described as "a grand coastal escape." Marie Fratta of New York won the sweepstakes contest. She was randomly drawn from more than 130 million entries to the sweepstakes, which lasted from Dec. 22, 2023, to Feb. 15, 2024. The 2024 HGTV Dream Home was listed for sale July 11, 2024.

The luxurious home was designed by architect Michael Stauffer, built by local builder Glenn Layton Homes with interior design by Brian Patrick Flynn. The three-bedroom, four-bathroom home is about 3,300 square feet with views of the Matanzas River and the St. Augustine Lighthouse.

How much is 2024 HGTV Dream Home in Florida on Zillow and Realtor.com?

As of Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, the asking price for the 2024 HGTV Dream Home on Anastasia Island, Florida, or 214 Pelican Reef Drive, St. Augustine, was $1,999,950, listed by Rebecca Staples and brokered by Xcellence Realty.

Description of the 2024 HGTV Dream Home in Florida: "The home combines classic coastal elegance with modern touches and layers of natural textures drenched in soothing blue and white hues. Upon entry, guests will be instantly taken away by the beautiful views of the waterfront. The front door leads to the great room with an open concept that includes a living room with sleek sofas and a fireplace, a dining room with a beach inspired distressed table, and a bright blue cabinet filled kitchen. The laundry room and well-organized mudroom sit between the kitchen and an attached two-car garage. The main bedroom looks up to airy skylights and offers a private retreat from the rest of the home with a walk-in closet and main bathroom. The house is perfect for entertaining with two guest suites and a loft that provides a cozy space with a wet bar and a mini fridge. The spacious backyard is a true dreamy getaway with an outdoor kitchen and high-top bar, a pool with an elevated platform and a pergola."

How much is HGTV Dream Home 2024 worth? What is total HGTV Dream Home grand prize package worth?

Value of the total Anastasia Island HGTV Dream Home package is estimated at just over $2.2 million. According to contest rules, as winner of the sweepstakes, Marie Fratta of New York would receive:

Keys to the fully furnished home, which, according to rules, includes home furnishings, fixtures, artwork and merchandise for an approximate retail value of $2,069,595

A new Mercedes-Benz E Class sedan worth about $70,000, according to the rules

$100,000 cash

Is there a lump sum or 'cash option' for HGTV Dream Home 2024 contest? Do winners keep the Dream Home?

Because the 2024 HGTV Dream Home on Anastasia Island, Florida (near St. Augustine), is on the market, that means the sweepstakes winner, Marie Fratta of Westchester County, New York, likely selected the cash option rather than keep the Dream Home. (Most HGTV Dream Home winners have done this.)

The contest rules state: "In lieu of taking title to the HGTV Dream Home 2024 (and the contents of the HGTV Dream Home 2024), the grand prize winner will have the option of receiving $650,000 in cash (the "cash option"). If the grand prize winner cannot take possession of the HGTV Dream Home 2024 ... the grand prize winner shall receive the cash option. Total value of the grand prize is $820,000" if the cash option is selected vs. the HGTV Dream Home 2024.

Fratta has the option of receiving $650,000 in cash.

Is there a home near 2024 HGTV Dream Home in Florida that's for sale?

Since July, there has been a renovated home on the market near the 2024 Florida HGTV Dream Home. It's a five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom, 3,768-square-foot home. Real estate sites like Zillow and Realtor.com are promoting the listing of the Pelican Reef waterfront home.

Here's a brief description, according to those sites: "Elevate your lifestyle in this captivating intracoastal waterfront masterpiece! Pelican Reef is Anastasia Island's premier waterfront community and home of the $2.2 million HGTV dream home giveaway! This stunning residence has one of a kind water views of historic downtown and is ideally located between downtown, the lighthouse and iconic beaches. Step into the realm of tranquility as you enter this completely renovated home. From the finest finishes to the thoughtful architectural details, this home has been meticulously renovated from top to bottom with smart design with focus on water views, and family gatherings. With a seamless fusion of elegance and coastal charm, every corner of this residence exudes warmth and relaxation. For the avid boater, your deep water dock awaits, ready to launch to endless adventures along shimmering blue waters right from your doorstep with quick access to offshore! ... Whether you are unwinding after a long day or entertaining guests under the stars, this outdoor retreat is sure to delight."

What are the features of the $2.6 million Pelican Reef home?

In addition to bragging rights for being close to the 2024 HGTV Dream Home, the listing at 120 Pelican Reef Drive, St. Augustine, for $2.6 million features:

water views of historic downtown

proximity to downtown, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and iconic beaches

hardwood oak floors

wet bar

custom master suite that is spa-like, offering his-and-her bathroom space

5 bedrooms, each with its own in-suite full bathroom

110-foot dock with rock barrier

2 full-length porches

a second living space on the lower level with kitchen area, 3 large bedrooms with in-suite bathrooms

office/flex space

oversized laundry room

three-car garage with custom wall tool cabinets and a shop area

pool and hot tub

How much is the vacant lot/land near 2024 HGTV Dream Home on Anastasia Island, Florida?

According to the listing site for the vacant lot/land at 1 Pelican Reef Drive, St. Augustine, the asking price is $374,000 for 0.73 acres, as of Friday, Aug. 2. Maps show it is about a half-mile from the 2024 HGTV Dream Home on Pelican Reef Drive in St. Augustine, Florida.

According to the Realtor.com and Zillow descriptions, the lot is an "amazing marsh view lot in Yachtsman's Point at Pelican Reef. With the right design you will have Intracoastal views towards the Pelican Reef Marina and between the two waterfront homes. Yachtsman's Point is the final phase of Pelican Reef and will be an exclusive collection of 13 custom homes with the first one completed being the recently awarded HGTV Dream Home. This lot will have salt marsh and lighthouse views to the rear with no rear neighbor. There is a neighborhood marina for the residents use and the potential to buy a boat slip."

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Zillow, Realtor asking price of HGTV Dream Home on Anastasia Island
VIENNA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) of OPEC+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, on Thursday confirmed the oil-producer group's commitment to its current output policy.

The JMMC said in a statement following its meeting earlier that day that it reviewed the crude production data for May and June and noted the "high overall conformity" for the OPEC+ countries.

The committee also noted the assurance from Iraq, Kazakhstan and Russia during the meeting to achieve full conformity to the current production policy. Last week, OPEC Secretariat said it had received compensation plans from the three countries for their overproduced oil volumes in the first half of 2024.

In June, an OPEC+ ministerial meeting decided to extend its current output cuts at least into the third quarter of this year. Eight OPEC+ countries also announced at the meeting the extension of their voluntary output cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day to the end of September this year, which will be gradually phased out every month until the end of September 2025.

At Thursday's meeting, the eight countries reiterated that "the gradual phase-out of the voluntary reduction of oil production could be paused or reversed, depending on prevailing market conditions," according to the JMMC statement.

The JMMC comprises oil ministers from the OPEC+ countries. It has no decision-making power but provides policy recommendations for the OPEC+ ministerial meeting, the group's decision-making body. It also has the authority to convene additional committee meetings or to request OPEC+ ministerial meetings, according to OPEC.

The next JMMC meeting is scheduled for Oct. 2. 
Let's be honest, round watermelons are a bit inconvenient. Their shape makes them prone to rolling, so you have to keep an eye on them. One little bump off the counter, and you could end up with a watermelon explosion. Not to mention, if you want to chill them in the fridge, they never quite sit right, taking up awkward space. By the way, instead of chilling watermelon, try freezing it for delicious watermelon shaved ice.

To solve this problem, Japan, a country known for adopting many cool innovations like advanced bidet toilets in 80% of households, started growing square watermelons in the late 1970s. These unique melons are grown each year between June and July in the city of Zentsuji. However, they're not cheap. To get one, you need to visit Japan and pay $100 minimum. In expensive cities like Tokyo, it's more common to pay around $200, and prices can reach as high as $500. You can also apparently get one shipped, though it may set you back $800, and we couldn't find any places offering them for sale. Considering only 300 of these square watermelons are produced annually, and as few as 70 during a bad harvest year, the cost starts to make sense.

Read more: 3 Smarter Ways To Hack A Bag Of Ice Apart

How Are They Made Square?

square watermelon Japan - Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images

While you might have imagined a special square watermelon seed coveted by Japanese farmers, there is actually no such thing (and the legend about growing a watermelon in your belly by eating the seed is a myth too). Watermelons are made square by growing them in carefully designed molds. Thesy are very strong to prevent the watermelon from breaking through and transparent to allow sunlight to reach the fruit for its distinct green color. The end product measures exactly 18 centimeters x 18 centimeters, perfectly fitting the shelves in Japanese refrigerators. Only the best watermelons that meet quality standards, including specific weight requirements and having uniformly aligned stripes, can be sold.

From the time the watermelon is placed inside the growing box to when it's harvested is only 10 days. The watermelons are picked while they're immature, so they'll last as long as possible. Unfortunately, this means they don't taste very good. Think of the bland, hard texture of an unripe watermelon. Previously, they were grown to taste like the juicy summer watermelons we all know and love, but these only had about a week of shelf life.

Square watermelon farming is a meticulous process with farmers checking each watermelon 2-3 times a day, and even a small scratch can result in a defect that doubles the fruit's size. This made the cost of producing them for short-term consumption impractical. With the current method of producing them, the watermelons last for up to six months.

Why Pay So Much For A Watermelon You Can't Eat?

square watermelon in department store - Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images

Despite not being edible, square watermelons still have a special place in Japanese culture as esteemed decorative objects. You're most likely to see them in fancy five-star hotels and upscale department stores, where they are used to draw customers in and showcase the establishment's opulence.

Each square watermelon comes with its own cushion and soft packing material for protection, along with a guide for decorating it with a ribbon. These watermelons are meant to be marveled at for their whimsical, fun appearance and the incredible craftsmanship behind them. Farmers often describe them as a way to "blow away the summer heat," visually reminding viewers of cooling off with a fresh watermelon slice and instantly uplifting their spirits (via Japanese Food Guide).

Gifting a square watermelon is the ultimate gesture of extravagance and appreciation in Japan. Gift-giving is a cherished tradition in Japanese culture, observed several times each year to convey respect and gratitude. Among the many gift options, fruit is a popular choice. In fact, you can find flawlessly packed, picture-perfect fruit in almost every market and department store. They even have stunningly arranged fruit baskets that are a feast for the eyes. So, if you ever want to make a grand statement, why not go for a square watermelon?

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Im a spine doctor  do this one stretch daily to avoid pain as you age

Experts say stretching the hip flexors can alleviate the aches and pains of aging.

The hips dont lie  and neither do the hip flexors.

Tight muscles make daily life more difficult, and sedentary jobs exacerbate the challenges. While we inevitably lose flexibility as we age, we can take steps (or stretches, rather) to slow down the process.

All stretches benefit the body, but focusing on the hip flexors is crucial to maintaining mobility in our golden years. A 2021 analysis found that stretching the hip flexors positively affects the joints, ligaments and muscles around the hip, improving balance and reducing lower back pain.

A hip lift or bridge lift promotes circulation and joint lubrication. Getty Images

Gavin Hamer, a physical therapist and the national director of clinical education at Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers, told HuffPost this week that stretching aids the body by improving circulation and joint lubrication.

Dr. Georgiy Brusovanik, an orthopedic spine surgeon based in Florida, explained to the outlet that while loss of hip cartilage, like disc degeneration, is an unavoidable consequence of the aging process, stretching is our best defense.

As the joint capsule ages, it gets inflamed and ossifies  parts of it literally turn to bone, Brusovanik said. Stretching may counter that process and maintain a more natural range of motion.

Brusovanik suggests everyone practice hip extensions to counteract the effects of the positions we normally take, such as being curled up at night or hunched over a desk during the day.

To do a hip extension, also known as a bridge pose or bridge lift, lay on your back with your knees bent and feet on the ground.

Place your hands under your lower back or on the floor and lift your hips as high as possible.

Lunge stretches are also beneficial for hip mobility. Getty Images

Brusovanik explains that this simple stretch is essential to counter cartilage loss.

While aging inevitably changes our bodies, taking proactive steps to preserve hip flexibility can significantly improve the quality of life, he told HuffPost. By embracing regular exercise routines that prioritize joint mobility and health, individuals can potentially mitigate the effects of aging on hip stiffness and maintain an active lifestyle for years to come.

In addition to the bridge lift, Hamer reports that integrating lunge and butterfly stretches as well as yoga or Pilates into your daily routine can do wonders for mobility.

Cat-cow is an example of an active or dynamic stretch. Getty Images

Regardless of the physical activity you engage in, TODAY.com recommends preparing the body with dynamic stretching beforehand. Also known as active stretching, this type of movement increases blood flow.

Dynamic stretches. which utilize a full range of motion to improve mobility and reduce the risk of injury, include the cat-cow, lunge twist and good morning stretches.
Jason and Amanda Ray, a husband and wife duo under who work under the name Double Negative Photography, spend their time traveling to Mississippi's military parks, historic sites and long-forgotten cemeteries to capture the state's memories for a new generation.

The couple take all their photos through medium format photography, further adding to the archival character. Double Negative Photography recently received the Mississippi Arts Commission FY25 Individual Artist Fellowship grant to support their work capturing Mississippi's past through the lens of their Yashica Mat 124-g and D film cameras.

Jason said he and Amanda, both natives of Florence, Mississippi, mainly worked with digital photography for the first several years of their careers. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the couple, like many others during times of quarantine and isolation, took up a new hobby: film photography.

The couple had dabbled in film photography before, but switched their careers completely from digital to film in 2020.

The couple's interest in film photography stemmed from a desire to find something more than digital could offer. Amanda said film photography offers a unique lens and mood not possible when using a digital camera.

"When I was a teenager, I used to be totally obsessed with those old vintage noir Hollywood portraits that had these dark shadows and dreamy sort of quality," Amanda said. "I never really understood how they were able to achieve that, especially almost 100 years ago."

The difference has, in part, to do with how many pixels are captured on a digital camera. A dark, mood-setting shadow captured in digital will show much more detail than the same shadow captured on film.

Amanda Ray (left) and Jason Ray (right) of Double Negative Photography use medium-format photography to archive Mississippi history in cemeteries, military parks and historic buildings around the state.

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"I think the real goal of our photography is to give the viewer this timeless quality, this kind of mysterious, timeless essence that you really just can't get when you have too much data and things are too crisp," Amanda said.

Film photography is also a much more tedious process than snapping a photo on a digital camera. Each film roll contains only 12 shots, meaning the photographer has to frequently change out the roll and wind it back up. The initial set up is also more involved. Jason said it takes Amanda and him anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to set up a single shot.

Jason and Amanda lived in Austin for about a decade before returning to their home state. One of the first places they explored upon their return was the Vicksburg National Cemetery. Since then, the couple have photographed almost every major cemetery in Mississippi and some smaller, off-the-beaten-path cemeteries and Native American burial grounds, too.

Jason and Amanda plan to use the MAC grant funding, a total of $4,200, to document some of the ways those smaller cemeteries have fallen by the wayside from lack of proper care.

"With the lack of care that's being attended to them now, they're not going to last another hundred years," Jason said.

Double Negative Photography has been featured internationally in publications including Vogue Italia, Lomography Magazine, Black and White Magazine, Dodho Magazine and Dark Beauty Magazine.

Along with the MAC fellowship grant, Jason and Amanda also recently received an endorsement from the Arts Council of England for a tier-one global talent visa. Starting in late August, the couple and their daughter, Ruby, 9, will travel back and forth for several months from England to Mississippi.

Both locations offer opportunities to capture unique historical sites.

"All the monuments that were built to honor the dead really make Mississippi so unique," Amanda said. "You can't really find that in any other state to this degree."

Both Jason and Amanda expressed their gratitude for support from the Mississippi Arts Commission. In particular, Jason credited Lauren Rhodes, the MAC director of grants, for helping Double Negative Photography achieve the global talent visa.

"What I think we're both most proud of is that we've been able to get Mississippi on the global map," Amanda said. "We have pictures that are featuring Mississippi people, faces, monuments and places that are in galleries in Budapest, in Spain, just all over the world."

Jason said he's also excited to continue to infuse Mississippi culture into different parts of the world as the family traverses the United Kingdom countryside.

"We get to take our Mississippi accents and our culture and everything over to England to contribute to their culture," Jason said. "Every step of the way on this journey, we're going to be representing Mississippi."

Jason and Amanda's photography portfolio is published on their website.

Madison County: Germantown High School opens 24 new classrooms amid growing population

Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@jackson.gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Local photographer couple receives grant, archives state history on film
Warning: This piece contains photographs of deceased children who have been posed to look as if they are sleeping. The families of these children have given News 19 permission to show their photos in hopes of reaching families who may one day find themselves with the option to use the services provided by Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The saying goes a picture is worth a thousand words, but it can be worth more when there arent words for the unspeakable: the loss of a newborn.

Nationwide nonprofit Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is made up of a network of volunteer photographers. When called, they travel to hospitals nearby and take Remembrance Portraits of a family with the child they will have to leave the hospital without.

These arent just the last pictures a family will have. Oftentimes, they are the only pictures they can show people of their baby, photographer Burt Rich said.

Rich is the North Alabama area coordinator for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. He has photographed more than 200 sessions for families across the Tennessee Valley.

I can visualize the babies and the parents because it means so much to me, he said. We talk to the baby as if the baby could hear us. Thats one of the reasons we want to do the photos in the room with mom and we want mom to know we recognize that child.

One of those mothers is Laura Deffenbaugh.

You could have your moment with your baby and grieve how you needed to, remember the moment, and he was just kind of there, almost in the background, Laura said.

The Deffenbaughs have used Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep twice; in 2015 for their daughter Charlotte. In 2017, for their son Henry.

It was all we were going to have left, especially the next few days and youre waiting and its all you have left, husband Charlie Deffenbaugh said.

Charlie and Laura Deffenbaugh said the pictures helped their daughter Nora process the loss as well.

Kids have a hard time processing those emotions. Adults do too, but kids have a hard time understanding that especially, so for her to have something to look at and remember, it just gives you peace, Laura Deffenbaugh said.

Parents and siblings can be in the photographs too.

[Lauras] heart was radiating out of her face. The pain and the love simultaneously for what she was going through with this baby lying on her lap. It grabs me, Ill tell you that, Rich said.

On other occasions, parents are apprehensive about touching the child during shoots and would rather stand back while Rich works.

I would say over 90% of the time, when mom has not wanted to be in the pictures, when I finish the baby-only pictures 10 feet away from her and then pull the baby over and say Mom, can I borrow your hand? Shell hold the babys hand and before long, shes feeling the toes and I would ask, Are you okay holding your baby? And normally, usually, Yes. So I just have to be ready and moms do what moms do, and thats the most natural thing in the world.

A nurse stands by during each session, ready to step in and comfort a mother as needed. Huntsville Hospital Palliative Care and NICU Small Baby Coordinator Beth Kirby and Rich have worked together for more shoots than she can remember.

We have really terrible experiences when a baby dies. We cant fix everything. All that we can do in those moments is do everything we can to make them feel as much of a family as they can be, Kirby said.

She explained that nurses go through the motions of bathing and dressing the child, doing fingerprints and giving the family time to be together. Then they ask if the family would like photographs. Kirby said she encourages family to consider it, not from the position of a nurse, but a fellow mother who has lost a child.

Before I became a nurse, my husband and I had a loss and the nurses were wonderful here taking care of us and took pictures of our son. But we didnt have Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep back then, she said.

She and Rich explain that Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is not simply documenting the loss of a child. Before photographers return any photographs to the parent, they undergo an editing process. They are studio-quality in black and white and sepia. They are also re-touched.

The color view shows all the pain involved, Rich said. The color will bring back all of those bad emotions, whereas our pictures are gently retouched. The trauma of delivery has been removed.

The photographs are sent via email link. The link will never expire, so a family can choose to view the photographs when they are ready. Rich said some families decide they never want to view them, and Rich understands that too.

Then there are times a parent initially rejects the offer of their services entirely, and he understands that too. One of those mothers is Fern Jones.

She lost her daughter Jase in 2013.

It was so emotional and just the idea was off-putting and so initially I was like, No thank you,' Jones said.

Then Rich spoke to Jones about a loss of his own, and the grieving process that led him to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

My oldest grandson passed away in 2010, he said.

TJ was 19 when he died, two years after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

I did a lot of photography during those two years, Rich said.

He told me about his own experience with his grandson and he had documented it. He told me that it would be amazing to me later. I may not appreciate it at that moment because of my grief and he was absolutely correct. It changed my life, Jones said.

Jones pictures of her daughter now hang above her bed. She also wrote an article about her grieving process and what those photos mean to her now.

If you go on the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep website, you will see us, and its part of [Jases] legacy, Jones said. He basically brought her back to life in a way, in a form. She is going to forever live on because of what Mr. Burt did for me.

A photograph may feel as light as a feather, but the weight it can carry is immeasurable for those who have experienced loss.

You are laying your loved one, your baby, to rest. Theres no more  but those pictures give you something to hold on to. It gives you things to treasure. Its a gift. It really is a gift, Jones said.

Theyre priceless to me. Priceless, truly, Laura Deffenbaugh said.

Rich is in his 80s now and drives from Tennessee to North Alabama whenever his services are needed. He has no plans to change that.

The story is important. Its there. And the love that was in the room is definitely in those images, he said.

Rich and the organization are asking for more volunteers, whether it be for dispatch, photography or editing, he said even doing one shoot a year can help the organization immensely. To learn more about volunteering, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
How do places get their names? Here are the origins of 22 North Jersey town names

The Garden State is filled with some seeming unusual town names. Ho-Ho-Kus? Moonachie? Nutley? Orange? Seeing these words on a street sign might make you scratch your head trying to think about where they came from.

But everything must have an origin, and North Jersey town names are no different. While some may be more obvious than others, almost all of them tell a story about our state's history.

It's nearly impossible to dive into the origins of every North Jersey town name in one sitting, but here's 22 of them to get you started:

Bloomfield

Officially incorporated in 1812 after ceding from Newark, Bloomfield was named after Joseph Bloomfield, who served as a Revolutionary War general and the fourth governor of New Jersey from 1801 to 1812.

Boonton

In the mid-1700s, Boonton was originally incorporated as a village of workmen and their families known as Boone-Towne, named after seventh Colonial Governor Thomas Boone. The town was then incorporated in 1867, when its name became Boonton.

Cedar Grove

Cedar Grove was originally part of Caldwell Township in 1787 and known as Vernon Valley by the 1800s  though renamed to Verona because of another Vernon Valley in Sussex County. Verona Township separated from Caldwell Township in 1892, and split into Verona Township and Verona Borough in 1902. Finally, in 1908, Cedar Grove separated from Verona Borough and officially became its own municipality. The town was named after the cedar trees that once covered the areas valleys and hillsides.

Essex Fells

An aerial view of Essex Fells and the New York City sklyine.

While originally part of Caldwell Township in 1787 after purchased as part of the Horseneck Tract, Essex Fells became its own municipality in 1902. The borough's name is derived from Essex County, as well as from John R. Fell, the son-in-law of American banker Anthony Drexel and the majority shareholder of the development company that was responsible for planning the community. And Fells also refers to the hilly terrain of the area.

Glen Ridge

Glen Ridge was originally part of Bloomfield Township after it separated from Newark in 1812. Then, in 1895, Glen Ridge separated from Bloomfield and officially became its own municipality. The borough's name comes from the ridge formed by Toney's Brook, which the community borders.

Ho-Ho-Kus

Originally created in 1905 as Orvil, Ho-Ho-Kus was officially incorporated as a borough in 1908. The most accepted origin of the borough's name is a contraction of "Mehokhokus" or "Mah-Ho-Ho-Kus," which is a Delaware Native American term for "The Red Cedar."

Irvington

Like most towns in eastern Essex County, Irvington began as part of Newark. In 1834, the town became part of Clinton Township, which also encompassed present-day Newark, South Orange and Maplewood. After separating from Clinton Township, Irvington officially formed as a village in 1874. The municipality was named in honor of Washington Irving, an American writer, historian and diplomat.

Kinnelon

Exterior photo showing the front of St. Hubert's Chapel in Kinnelon on 10/19/21.

Kinnelon was officially incorporated as a borough in 1922 from portions of Pequannock Township. The borough is named after Francis S. Kinney, the manufacturer of Sweet Caporal cigarettes, who purchased about 5,000 acres in 1883. Kinney built the famous St. Hubert's Castle in 1886 on Lake Kinnelon, and the family kept the other acreage mostly undeveloped into the 1920s.

Livingston

After people from the communities of Centerville, Cheapside, Morehousetown, Northfield, Squiretown, Teedtown and Washington Place began petitioned to become one community in 1811, Livingston was officially incorporated in 1813. The town was named after William Livingston, who served as the first governor of New Jersey during the Revolutionary War and helped frame the United States Constitution.

Maplewood

Present-day Maplewood was formed as South Orange Township in 1861, and portions of it were taken to form the present-day South Orange in 1869. The township was officially renamed to Maplewood in 1922. The name comes from the creation of the Morris and Essex Railroad station in the area, built by John Shedden in 1860. The new station was named Maplewood Station after a large maple tree nearby, as well as the great maple swamp that was well known in the community. This was the first time that the name Maplewood appeared, and the new name for the community was born.

Millburn

Millburn was incorporated as a township in 1857 from portions of Springfield Township. While the area had several names, including Rum Brook, Vauxhall, Milltown and Millville, the name Millburn was chosen because many of the town's residents were from Scotland and the mill burns  the Scotch word for "river" or "stream"  reminded them of home.

Montclair

Downtown Montclair.

When Bloomfield authorities chose not to authorize the creation of another railroad in the area to extend the Northern New Jersey railroad from Jersey City, Montclair separated from the municipality and was incorporated as its own town in 1868. Montclair's name comes from the French words for "clear mountain" or "bright mountain."

Moonachie

Moonachie was originally part of Lodi Township in 1825, but separated to become its own borough in 1910. Though it is smaller today, as portions of the borough were taken to form Teterboro in 1917. It is rumored that a Native American chief named Monaghie is responsible for the community's name, according to the borough's website.

Mount Olive

After separating from Roxbury Township, Mount Olive was officially incorporated in 1871. The town was named after local land owner Benjamin Olive. The town is comprised of two sections: Budd Lake  named after John Budd, who purchased 1,300 acres in the area in 1714  and Flanders, which was named after a group of early settlers who vacationed in Flanders, Long Island.

Newark

While Newark was officially incorporated in 1693, several Essex County towns had broken off from the city to create their own municipalities since then. The name Newark is thought to have come from the home of pastor Abraham Pierson, who went to Newark from the English community of Newark-on-Trent.

Nutley

Present-day Nutley was first incorporated in 1874 as Franklin Township after taking land from Belleville. In 1902, the area's name was changed to Nutley after an increase in population prompted a change in the form of government. The town's name comes from the large estate established by the Satterthwaite family in 1844, which was located along the banks of the Passaic River.

Oradell

Jun 1, 2024; Haworth, NJ, United States; Veolia and Hackensack Riverkeeper team up for Oradell Reservoir Day on Saturday. The reservoir is open one day a year to the community for canoeing and kayaking.

In early history, the area of Oradell was home to Lenape settlements, a refuge for French Huguenot settlers escaping religious persecution and an encampment site during the Revolutionary War. Then, in 1894, Oradell was officially incorporated as Delford. In 1920, the borough's name was changed to Oradell based on the results of a referendum, and the change was credited to the borough's second mayor, Daniel Demarest. The name was inspired by the geography of the area, with "ora" meaning "at the border of" in Latin, and "dell" meaning "small valley."

Parsippany

Parsippany-Troy Hills was officially incorporated in 1928 after separating from Hanover Township, but the area had historically been occupied by Native Americans who hunted and fished in the area. The town's name comes from the Lenni-Lenape Delaware term, "Parseponong," meaning "where the waters come together."

Rockaway

Hawk Watch at Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Rockaway Township

Known in early history as Rockaway Village, the first settlers arrived in the area in 1730 and it became a center of trade, manufacture and religion by 1760. Then, Rockaway was officially incorporated as a borough in 1894. The name Rockaway was given by Dutch Settlers in 1715. It is based on the Native American word "Rechouwakie," which means "the places of sand."

Orange

The Township of Orange was created in 1806 when the territory that is presently home to the Oranges separated from Newark. Then, in 1860, Orange was incorporated as a town and the other areas had separated on various dates: South Orange in 1861, Fairmount  which later became part of West Orange  in 1862, East Orange in 1863 and West Orange  now including Fairmount  in 1863. The name Orange was derived from the name of England's ruling house, the House of Orange.

Totowa

Totowa was officially incorporated in 1898 after splitting from portions of Manchester Township and Wayne Township. The name of the borough comes from the Native American term for the Great Falls in Paterson, meaning "sinking or falling water" or "between mountains and water."

Wayne

Originally inhabited by Native Americans who hunted and fished in the area, the land was purchased from them in 1695 by English investors sent from New York City. Wayne was officially established as a town in 1847, and was named after Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay , on X @maddiemcgayy , and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How 22 North Jersey towns got their names
Who rescued the rabbit at WaterFire? The organization wants to know.

The mystery of the woman who jumped into the Providence River to rescue what is presumed to be a wild rabbit is still unsolved.

But WaterFire Providence is still hoping to learn more.

To recap: At the July 4 WaterFire, a woman jumped into the river to rescue a rabbit as the crowd yelled for her to get out of the water. The woman was then picked up by one of the WaterFire boats, with the rabbit safe on board. A video on TikTok of the whole thing (that mislabeled the rescued creature as a ferret) went viral.

Still curious about what happened, the organizers of WaterFire are hoping to find out more, while also creating an engagement opportunity for children and artists.

WaterFire Providence is releasing two wanted posters with awards to encourage children to join in solving the mystery of the rescued rabbit and the young woman who jumped into save him.

The wanted posters are seeking children's drawings of Mr. Bunaby Bunny - named for WaterFire creator Barnaby Evans - or the unknown rescuer who dove into the river to save the bunny.

While we certainly dont want anyone swimming through the fires, we do recognize the intent to protect wildlife, Evans stated. It is a core value of our organization.

WaterFire looking for bunny rescuer

WaterFire is hoping the bunny rescuer will reach out directly at bunny@waterfire.org.

Evans said there is a special reward.

WaterFire holding art contest

Keeping the fun going, WaterFire is holding an art contest.

The drawings that are submitted will help with the research and writing of the next WaterFire childrens book, "The WaterFire Bunny," which will debut this fall.

WaterFire is inviting children to create and share drawings related to any of the following images:

Drawings of how they imagine the bunny rescue on July 4 might have looked

Mr. Bunaby Bunny enjoying WaterFire Providence

Drawings of bunnies kids encounter, who might be the missing Mr. Bunaby Bunny

Portraits of the anonymous bunny rescuer

Drawings of their favorite thing at WaterFire

A WaterFire volunteer holds a frightened rabbit that was rescued by a young woman from the Providence River on July 4, 2024.

Where can the drawings be submitted?

For the WaterFire lighting on Aug. 3, drawings may be brought directly to the lighting and presented in person to the WaterFire "Bunny Central Bureau Office" on College Street.

For subsequent lightings, the drawings can be brought to the office, but the better option is to submit them free online at bunny.waterfire.org. Drawings will be accepted for the rest of the WaterFire season, with awards presented at each full lighting.

What are some of the awards?

WaterFire will give out at least six bunny-related awards at every full lighting starting with the Aug. 17 lighting.

Children and adults are welcome to send in drawings which will be shared can be shared on social media. There will be three finalists for children under 16 and three finalists for adults, according to a press release. The judges winning top choices of best drawing will receive the following:

Will get on board one of the WaterFire boats one hour before sunset at WaterFire (each with an adult guardian) to serve as WaterFire Bunny Sheriffs to officially inspect the river and to certify that there are no bunnies swimming in the river.

Will receive a copy of the WaterFire Bunny Sheriffs Official Certification document*

Artwork will be included in the digital online gallery and in the WaterFire Bunny Newsletter

Artists will meet WaterFire founder Barnaby Evans to enjoy Greggs Famous Carrot Cake

Will receive an elegant pewter bunny pin*

Will receive a Bunny Sheriff badge to keep, with a membership card*

Artwork may be included in the illustrations of "The WaterFire Bunny"

The ones marked with an * will only be awarded to children age 16 and younger.

What will the WaterFire Book be about?

The second WaterFire childrens book, The WaterFire Bunny, will be written by author, Kiki Latimer, and is being illustrated by Bunny Griffeth, who also created the vchildrens book, The WaterFire Duck.

We are working on a fascinating new story about an intrepid bunny and his adventures in the park with WaterFire and what he learns about life," Evans stated. "The book will create a new family tradition for WaterFire while sharing some of Rhode Islands rich history in a fun way.

This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: WaterFire is looking for the woman who jumped into the river for a rabbit
This small town Indiana cat needs some big help. Oscar is also accepting thoughts and purrs

Oscar, McCorsdville's official mascot, has been roaming Town Hall for 16 years.

McCordsvilles town mascot has had his ups and downs in his 16 years representing the city.

Hes been shot at, dodged traffic on State Road 67, gone missing for three months and been accidentally adopted. But mostly hes been cuddled and loved.

Now Oscar the cat needs his constituents' help.

The stray cat who wandered into Town Hall the year Barack Obama was elected president has a tumor on his mouth that requires hypothyroid medications. The municipal employees who are his caretakers have a box for donations in the Town Hall lobby to pay for the meds and special foods. Oscar is also accepting thoughts and purrs.

"He's slowed down a little but he still has a lot of grit," said Katie Stancombe, a building inspector for the town of 10,370, northeast of Indianapolis.

Regular visitors to Town Hall know Oscar well as the furtive unofficial greeter, slinking from one desk to another. The black cat has become so familiar the Town Council in 2019 named him as Town Mascot.

Though the kitty is getting long in the tooth, Oscar is no grouch; his name is an acronym for OutSide Cat at Rear. Thats what employees called him after hed hang outside the police department looking for food and pets.

At first hed stay in the police department but gradually he started making the whole town hall his home, said Tonya Galbraith, the former town manager of 16 years.

Oscars an indoor-outdoor feline whos got plenty of comfy options indoors and adventurous choices outside.

After the town hall moved across Broadway in 2009, employees weren't sure whether Oscar would come along. He not only made the move but continued to visit his old haunt, darting across the busy road several times, until he was sure that there was no one left there to feed him.

Oscar once sent employees into the street handing out missing leaflets after he disappeared, only to come sauntering back home months later, seemingly unruffled by his mysterious pilgrimage.

On another occasion, a resident who saw Oscar in the Town Hall parking lot mistook him for a stray and hauled him to the Humane Society of Hamilton County. Officials there quickly determined he had a home office and returned him to Town Hall.

Oscar, McCorsdville's official mascot, has been roaming Town Hall for 16 years.

Stancombe and Allyson Hamlin, an administrative assistant, are Oscars chief caretakers but said all 15 office employees chip in to provide food and litter for him.

Oscar doesn't have a secret way to get in and out of the buildings but will let the office know when it's time to get some fresh air.

He paces back and forth or he hangs out by the window, Hamlin said. Hes pretty vocal about going out.

His age and medical condition have made Oscar more of a homebody lately, which means a lot of sleeping on office desks, chairs and cabinets.

He likes to sleep on computer keyboards and nestle in your arms when you're typing, Stancombe said.

Stancombe said Oscar is too old to have the tumor removed and they give him pills twice a day with his meals.

At first he was prescribed liquid medicine but that is not his jam, Stancombe said.

The kitty had one other medical emergency a few years ago when he came back from a day trip behaving sluggishly. A vet checked him out and found he had been hit by BB gun fire, perhaps for chasing backyard birds or rabbits.

Hes scrappy when hes outside, Stancombe said. But hes a lover when hes in the office.

Those who would like to donate can use the drop box located at Town Hall, or they can mail a check made out to "Town of McCordsville. Attn: Oscar " 6280 W. 800 N., McCordsville, IN 46055.

Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418 or email him at john.tuohy@indystar.com. Follow him on Facebook and X/Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana town adopted 'scrappy' cat 16 years ago, now he needs some help
You have three more days this year to visit a national park in California for free. Here's when

Spend your Sunday seeing some of the tallest trees on Earth or getting a taste of open skies when entrance fees at national parks in California are waived.

Its one of six opportunities during the year where the entrance is free to any National Park Service site across the country, including all national battlefields, seashores, monuments, and more. Remember that other fees may still apply, such as the cost to camp or participate in a special tour, according to the National Park Service.

The final two days to visit for free this year are Sept. 28, which commemorates National Public Lands Day, and Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day.

How many national parks does California have?

California has nine national parks, the most in America. Those are:

Channel Islands National Park

Death Valley National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pinnacles National Park

Redwood National Park

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

Yosemite National Park

The National Park Service manages other places in California, such as the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park. View a list of National Park Service sites by state at nps.gov.

Last year, Joshua Tree National Park welcomed a record-breaking 3.2 million people.

In Central California, park rangers are warning visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks that park rivers can be dangerous. Melting snow from the mountains makes river waters swift and icy cold, and as a result extremely hazardous.

Visitors to Yosemite National Park need a reservation to get into the park through Aug. 17. From Aug. 17 to Oct. 27, reservations will be required on weekends.

Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Travel to California's national parks and get free entrance Sunday
1 hospitalized after being shot in leg in Springfield

A person is hospitalized after being shot in the leg in Springfield early Friday.

>>3 Ohio officers stabbed, suspect dead after standoff

Police and medics responded around 2:15 a.m. to the 1200 block of Lagonda Avenue on initial reports of a shooting.

Medics transported the male victim to Springfield Regional Hospital after being shot in the leg, a Springfield Lieutenant told News Center 7.

He will be transported to Miami Valley Hospital.

No suspects are in custody.

News Center 7 is working to learn what led to the shooting.

We will update this story.
Delegates pose for a photo at the launching ceremony of the Hainan Airlines' Shenzhen-Budapest direct flight route at the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest, Hungary, Aug. 2, 2024. A passenger plane taking off from Shenzhen in southern China landed at the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport on Friday, marking the inaugural flight of Hainan Airlines' new direct route between Shenzhen and Budapest. The Budapest-Shenzhen route will operate two flights per week, on Mondays and Fridays. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

BUDAPEST, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A passenger plane taking off from Shenzhen in southern China landed at the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport on Friday, marking the inaugural flight of Hainan Airlines' new direct route between Shenzhen and Budapest.

"With the launch of the Hainan Airlines' Shenzhen-Budapest direct flight route, the number of direct flights between Budapest and major Chinese cities has increased to seven, and the number of direct passenger flights between China and Hungary has reached 21 per week," Gong Tao, Chinese ambassador to Hungary, said at the launching ceremony.

The Budapest-Shenzhen route will operate two flights per week, on Mondays and Fridays.

Gong emphasized that the increase in direct flights between China and Hungary will further enhance people-to-people exchanges, and facilitate economic, trade, and cultural cooperation between the two countries. He said this development is another important achievement in China-Hungary relations.

Ferenc Antal, the deputy state secretary for Strategic Transactions at the Hungarian Ministry for National Economy, described the route as "a new milestone in the qualitative development of the relationship between the two countries."

"The opening of the direct flight between Budapest and Shenzhen not only expands travel opportunities between the two cities, but also gives new impetus to deepening economic, commercial, and cultural relations," Antal said.

Yan Bo, vice president of operations of Hainan Airlines, said the Budapest-Shenzhen route will provide more convenient, enjoyable, and comfortable travel services for passengers from both countries and build a new aerial bridge for cultural exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

Shenzhen in China's southern Guangdong Province has long been at the forefront of economic and trade cooperation with Hungary. Shenzhen-based companies such as Huawei, ZTE, and BYD have established their presence in Hungary since years ago.

A passenger plane arrives at the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest, Hungary, Aug. 2, 2024. A passenger plane taking off from Shenzhen in southern China landed at the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport on Friday, marking the inaugural flight of Hainan Airlines' new direct route between Shenzhen and Budapest. The Budapest-Shenzhen route will operate two flights per week, on Mondays and Fridays. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
$15 million awarded to Sacramento County to provide options for those transitioning out of homelessness

(FOX40.COM)  Sacramento County was recently awarded $15 million as part of a $133 million grant to provide temporary, safe housing for people transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing, the county government said on Thursday.

According to the county, the funding comes from the California Department of Health Care Services Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program (BHBH). Sacramento County, which received $43 million from the DHCS in the first round of funding, said it committed the money to develop strategies addressing behavioral health and housing challenges.

First, the County invested in 100 Safe Stay beds dedicated to individuals experiencing both homelessness and behavioral health issues, Sacramento County officials said. The second strategy involves collaborating with community-based organizations in Sacramento County to generate innovative ideas for transitional housing.

ADUs in Sacramento County: Free plans for independent living facilities

Of those 100 beds built with the first round of funding, 80 remain unused, 56 from the East Parkway campus, and 24 from the Florin Safe Stay campus. With the additional round of funding announced on Thursday, officials said the county hopes to build 66 new Safe Stay beds for the Watt Safe Stay campus.

On July 9, Sacramento County approved adding about 135 more beds for people who are dealing with behavioral health challenges, including sober living programs. These beds are in various phases of construction, officials said.

Sacramento County Behavioral Health Director Dr. Ryan Quist said, Each dollar received translates into meaningful change, offering hope, support, and a pathway to treatment for those in need. Quist continued, Id like to thank the State for believing in our mission and empowering Sacramento County to continue the important bridge housing work. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of so many [people.]

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Lamar Kemp, 15, appears in Judge Joyce Draganchuk's courtroom, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to the October 2023 murder of Theodore (Ted) Lawson. Also pictured is Ingham County Public Defender Keith Watson.

LANSING  A Lansing teenager pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Friday in connection with the fatal shooting of a political activist during an apparent robbery attempt last fall.

Under an agreement negotiated by prosecutors and defense attorneys, Lamar Patrick Kemp, 15, would serve a fixed minimum sentence of 35 years in prison for shooting and killing Theodore "Ted" Lawson while Lawson was campaigning for a Lansing City Council candidate in north Lansing in October. The agreement calls for Kemp to receive a maximum sentence of no less than 60 years.

Ingham County Circuit Judge Joyce Draganchuk accepted the plea and set sentencing for Sept. 11. If she decides she can't go along with the sentencing agreement, Kemp would be given the opportunity to withdraw his guilty plea.

Standing at a podium in yellow jail coveralls and belly chains, Kemp politely answered Draganchuk's questions and admitted pointing a .22-caliber gun at Lawson and shooting him.

"I shot him," Kemp told her.

Lawson, 63, was well-known in political circles and had worked on many election campaigns for Democrats locally and statewide. He was a member of Ingham County's Board of Canvassers and served as secretary for the Ingham County Democratic Party.

He was knocking on doors for City Council candidate Trini Lopez Pehlivanoglu in the 1100 block of North Jenison Avenue on Oct. 8 when he was shot, Pehlivanoglu told the State Journal in the days following the shooting. Police and prosecutors confirmed that account but said the killing did not appear to be connected to Lawson's political activities or beliefs.

Then-Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee said Kemp intended to get money from Lawson in what he described as an attempted robbery. There was no evidence politics had anything to do with the shooting, he said.

Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane opted to charge Kemp as an adult, citing the nature of the offense and Kemp's prior record in the juvenile system.

In a court affidavit, police said Kemp was with two other teenagers that afternoon, one of whom said he saw Kemp shoot Lawson after asking him for a dollar.

Theodore "Ted" Lawson

A surveillance camera captured Lawson leaving a driveway on North Jenison while three "subjects" walked on the other side of the street, a detective said in the affidavit. A person later identified as Kemp crossed the street to approach Lawson, and the two walked out of camera view, the detective wrote.

The video captured the sound of a gunshot and showed Kemp and two companions running south on North Jenison, out of the camera's view.

The same three suspects were captured on video at a dollar store on North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard just minutes before the shooting, the detective wrote. Juvenile Court officers were able to identify all three youths.

The plea deal also resolves a separate but related case in which Kemp was charged with trying to intimidate witnesses in the case from the Ingham County Jail, where he was being held in connection with the murder case. Kemp's communications privileges at the jail were seriously limited as a result. Dewane said at the time his office also authorized intimidation charges against three adults in connection with the case. He did not identify them or disclose details about the allegations.

Lamar Kemp, 14, leaves Judge Joyce Draganchuk's courtroom, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing in October 2023 murder of Theodore (Ted) Lawson.

Deputy Chief Assistant Ingham County Prosecutor Bill Crino told Draganchuk the intimidation case would be dismissed as part of the deal.

Had Kemp gone to trial, a first-degree murder conviction might have been a possible outcome. First-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without chance of parole, but the U.S. Supreme Court has held that automatic life sentences for juvenile offenders are unconstitutional. With rare exceptions, the maximum sentence for first-degree murder for a juvenile is now 40 to 60 years in prison.

Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on X @KBPalm_lsj.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Teen, 15, agrees to plea deal in murder of Ingham County Democratic Party secretary Ted Lawson
A sign next to the entrance indicates the location of the public prosecutor's office at Neuruppin District Court. Carsten Koall/dpa

A 17-year-old from northern Germany was sentenced to four years in a juvenile detention facility for his part in a planned attack on a Christmas market, a court spokesman said on Friday.

He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, a spokesman for the Neuruppin district court announced.

In the closed main hearing, the accusations of the public prosecutor general's office were essentially confirmed, the spokesman said.

The accused, a Chechen, had become increasingly radicalized and had agreed with a 15-year-old accomplice to procure a truck and use it to kill as many people as possible at the Christmas market in Leverkusen-Opladen in western Germany.

The younger accomplice was previously sentenced to four years' imprisonment by the Cologne district court for his part in the planned attack.

They were both arrested at the end of last year. As they were minors at the time of the offence, the hearings were held in camera.

The judgment of the district court in Neuruppin is not final as the defendant and the public prosecutor's office can launch appeals.

A sign next to the entrance indicates the location of the public prosecutor's office at Neuruppin District Court. Carsten Koall/dpa
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  Two people were arrested in Tyler after an investigation into human trafficking.

Underage sex workers rescued from bogus health spa

Working with the Texas Attorney Generals Office Human Trafficking Unit and the North Texas Human Trafficking Task Force, Tyler police arrested 24-year-old James Emmitt Dews III and 23-year-old Hannah Nicole Moore for trafficking a child.

Mugshot of Hannah Moore, courtesy of Smith County Jail Records

Mugshot of James Dews, courtesy of Smith County Jail Records

Dews and Moore were booked into the Smith County Jail on Thursday and each given a $750,000 bond.

REPORT: DOJ details abuse of juveniles by Texas detention centers

According to probable cause affidavits for both Moore and Dews, they arranged for a minor to have sex with various people in exchange for money, and they benefitted financially from the arrangement.

The investigation started when a teenagers mother reported finding concerning things in her childs cell phone, including messages between the teen and two contacts identified as JD and Hannah.

According to the affidavit, JD said he would pick her up and show her the hustle game before asking for inappropriate pictures. The detective also found where Hannah was advising the minor how to interact with several different individuals and gave her a list of prices to charge.

Chinese nationals arrested in East Texas, $250k in gold bars seized after traffic stop

It was obvious Hannah was coordinating meet ups with several individuals for the minor, the affidavit stated.

In a forensic interview, the victim identified JD as the pimp. In a later interview with police, the victim said that Hannah handled all the ads on a website known for prostitutions and escorts to have sexual intercourse in exchange for money. She would also allegedly send up the johns for the minor to perform sexual acts for money.

For the Silent and the Childrens Advocacy Center of Smith County also provided resources and assistance during this investigation, police said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
2 Baby Boys, Both 6 Months Old, Die After Being Left in Hot Cars in Separate States on Same Day

Both babies died  one in Arizona, the other in Louisiana  on July 30

Getty A stock photo of a baby in a car seat.

Two baby boys died on Tuesday, July 30 in hot car-related deaths as temperatures soared around the U.S., authorities said.

The deaths happened in separate states: one in Arizona, the other, in Louisiana.

Both of the deceased were 6-months-old. The Arizona victim's name has not yet been released, but the baby in Louisiana has been identified by the East Baton Rouge Coroners Office as Weston Crowdus, according to BRProud.

This story, sadly, isnt uncommon. Around 37 children under the age of 14 die from being left in a hot car each year, according to NoHeatStroke.org, which studies child vehicular heatstroke deaths. Since 1998, more than 960 children have died from vehicular heatstroke, the National Safety Council reported.

In most cases, a child is left in the car unintentionally. Parents or caregivers change their routine  maybe a mom takes the child to daycare instead of the dad  and forget that their kid is in the backseat.

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.

Yavapai County Sheriff's Office/facebook A photo of a Yavapai County Sheriff's Office police car.

Related: Dozens of Kids Die in Hot Cars Every Year: How Good Intentions and Faulty Memory Can Create Disaster

For the death in Cordes Lakes, Arizona, a juvenile has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office confirmed in a Facebook post on Thursday, Aug. 1.

The baby there had been left in a hot car for approximately seven hours, and was pronounced dead on the scene by deputies and the fire department.

Authorities said the child's mother and her baby had gotten a ride from a neighbor into Prescott Valley earlier that day. When the infant fell asleep in the neighbor's car on the way back, the mother asked the neighbor to drop the baby off with his father, "who would be home shortly," while she went to work.



But the neighbor claimed to forget, YSCO said, and left the baby in the back seat after arriving home around 2 p.m.. Their car had been parked the car "in the hot sun."

Temperatures hit around 100 degrees in the Cordes Lakes area on Tuesday, according to AccuWeather reports.



Hours later, at around 8:45 p.m., the baby's father returned and reached out to the mother, asking for the child's whereabouts. "The mother, still at work, immediately called the neighbor responsible for her baby," police states. "It was then the neighbor realized that the baby was left in the car."

Related: Prevent Hot-Car Deaths: A Checklist for Parents

The sun on a hot day

Related: What to Know About Hot Car Deaths and How to Avoid Them

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the tragedy that led to Weston Crowdus' dead was also blamed on a caretaker's mental slip.

The parent accidentally forgot to drop the baby off at daycare and went to work," a representative for the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office told WVLA. The parent "then went to pick the baby up from daycare and realized that the baby was still in the car."

Baton Rouge was under an "excessive heat warning," according to AccuWeather, with temperatures said to hit around 97 degrees on Tuesday, with a heat index of 112 degrees.



Per WBRZ, deputies responded to the home around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday.

An autopsy took place on Wednesday, July 31, BRProud reported, though the East Baton Rouge Coroner didn't immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Police have not yet made any charges, ABC News reported, though the investigation is still ongoing. The East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office also did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.



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Read the original article on People.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Two Buffalo men were arrested Thursday in connection with a shooting on Smith Street last month that left one injured, Buffalo police officials announced.

Officials said around 11 p.m. on July 16, officers responded to the 100 block of Smith Street, near South Park Avenue, where they found a victim  a 25-year-old man from Buffalo  suffering from a gunshot wound.

Its alleged that four unknown men unlawfully entered a home and shot the victim, police said.

The victim was transported to ECMC by ambulance where he was treated and released.

Ismael Gonzalez-Colon, 35, was charged with the following:

one count of second-degree attempted murder

one count of first-degree burglary

one count of first-degree robbery

one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon

one count of second-degree reckless endangerment

Lemuel Moro Ferrer, 24, was charged with one count of first-degree burglary and one count of first-degree robbery.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Latest Local News

Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
(BCN)  The Marin County District Attorneys Office filed a 12-count complaint last week against two people involved in a $900,000 mortgage fraud scheme against an older Marin resident.

The office said in August 2022, Ronnie Curtis Baker, 58, of Solano, falsely represented himself as a licensed contractor and defrauded an 80-year-old Marin County man.

He was allegedly helped by Kimberly Mallory, 52, of Napa, a notary public.

The complaint, filed in Marin County Superior Court, alleges multiple felony violations of elder abuse, theft, forgery, mortgage fraud, and money laundering.

It also alleges white-collar crime enhancements due to the amount of the theft.

Baker allegedly has six prior felony convictions in Solano and Napa counties for forgery and fraud.

Woman arrested for arson in connection with Novato encampment fire

Elder fraud targets our most vulnerable community members, and unfortunately these pervasive and predatory crimes happen far too often in Marin, said District Attorney Lori Frugoli. We are fortunate to have a dedicated real estate investigator to ensure those who commit these offenses are held accountable.

If convicted, Baker faces up to 23 years in state prison, while Mallory faces up to 9 years in state prison. Both are also subject to fines equal to double the amount of loss to the victim.

Baker was arrested July 25 at his residence following the execution of a search warrant by the Marin County DAs Office and the Northern California Computer Crimes Task Force.

Mallory surrendered to the Marin County Jail on July 26, following the filing of the complaint. If you believe you have been a victim of real estate fraud, please contact Investigator Mark Reischel at (415) 473-7552.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The Bassfield community came together in December 2021 after a 2-year-old boy was taken from an apartment complex in the town of less than 200.

Law enforcement from several agencies sprang into action and led a search that lasted 15 hours, until the boy was found.

On Friday, two people pleaded guilty to charges connected with the boy's disappearance, including kidnapping and sexual battery.

Bassfield resident 35-year-old Keldrick Jernell Magee and Seminary resident 64-year-old Kim Steward Lodge appeared before 15th Circuit Judge Prentiss Harrell in Jefferson Davis County. Each of them were convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping, tampering with evidence, sexual battery and forcible rape.

This case is the nightmare of every person," 15th Circuit District Attorney Hal Kittrell said in a news release. "To have a baby taken and abused in the way these defendants abused this 2-year-old is horrific. That the child lived and healed from these brutal crimes is a miracle. That he is now a normal, happy child is a miracle."

Volunteers on Dec. 31, 2021, helped law enforcement officials search for a 2-year-old boy who was reported missing Dec. 30, 2021, in the Bassfield community.

The boy went missing the morning of Dec. 30, 2021. Hundreds of volunteers helped law enforcement search for him. The child was found the following day, alone and naked, on the side of the road in Sumrall.

The child was taken to Forrest General Hospital where medical personnel noticed injuries indicating sexual abuse. He was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson for further evaluation and treatment.

The search for the child's kidnappers continued. Magee, the toddler's cousin, was the last-known person with the child.

Investigators worked backward using surveillance cameras from where the boy was found to track the vehicle Magee was in to a home in Seminary, where both men were arrested on Jan. 5, 2022. The men, who were in a relationship, were preparing to leave the state.

Lodge later told law enforcement officers what he and Magee did to the child.

"There are no words to adequately describe the defendants in this case," Kittrell said. "In the same vein, there is no penalty under the law that they can receive that adequately punishes them for their vile crimes. However, we have ensured that they do not walk in the light of day again."

Magee was sentenced to 42 years in prison, which he will serve day for day. Lodge was sentenced to 40 years, with a minimum of 20 to serve. Both men must pay fines and restitution in addition to their prison time.

"Their sentences, which equate to a day less than their individual life expectancies, begin to provide justice for not only the community, but for the victim in this case," Kittrell said. "In the 24 years that I've been doing this, this was the most egregious case I ever had. Everyone, from law enforcement to medical personnel, crime lab analysts to lay witnesses, have been emotionally impacted by it."

Kittrell said the case was resolved through the work of the Jefferson Davis County Sheriffs Department, Covington County Sheriffs Department, Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Sumrall Police Department, Hattiesburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Kittrell also thanked prosecutors Carpenter Marsalis and Laurel Brinkley for their work on this case.

"Even though they are seasoned prosecutors who have both specialized in prosecuting crimes of sexual assault, this case impacted them more severely than other cases of this nature and I appreciate their efforts," Kittrell said.

Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: 2 men guilty of kidnapping, rape of Bassfield toddler
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Two men wanted for attempted murder in Myrtle Beach were arrested Thursday in Virginia, police said.

JayQuan OShawn Pollard, 26, and Xaviar Isiah Austin, 31, were arrested on fugitive warrants by the Lynchburg, Virginia, police and the U.S. Marshals Service. The arrests are in connection with an April 8 shooting in the 1500 block of Pachino Drive in Myrtle Beach.

Police responded initially at about 11:20 p.m. to a report of an aggravated assault but found a person who had been shot. Their injuries were not life-threatening, and no other details were immediately available.

Pollard and Austin are facing charges of attempted murder, burglary and failure to appear on an underlying charge of burglary. Austin is also being charged with criminal conspiracy, failure to appear on an underlying charge of computer use to commit a sex offense with a child under 18 and failure to comply with a court order.

Police said they will face extradition to South Carolina. Anyone with information is asked to call Myrtle Beach police at 843-918-1382.

* * *

Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
2 Miami Valley firefighters getting nearly $280K in federal funding for resources

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Fire departments in the Miami Valley will be on the receiving end of federal funding.

A press release from U.S. Rep. Mike Turners Office announced that funds were allocated from the Department of Homeland Securitys Fiscal Year 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program.

The AFG program is in place to aid in the obtainment of resources that will equip and train emergency personnel, enhance efficiencies and ultimately bolster communities.

Two fire departments will be receiving funding on behalf of the program:

The Xenia Township Fire Department: $226,037.14

The New Jasper Township Fire Department: $52,714.28

In total, $278,751 is being provided to these departments.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Displaced people gather to receive free breakfast meals at a neighborhood in Omdurman city, Sudan, on Aug. 1, 2024. More than half of Sudan's population now face acute hunger, a UN spokesman said on Thursday. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir)

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- More than half of Sudan's population now face acute hunger, a UN spokesman said on Thursday.

"More than half the population, that is 26 million human beings in Sudan, now face acute hunger, including 755,000 people facing catastrophic conditions, with hunger-related deaths also being recorded," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at a daily briefing.

According to the latest report of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), catastrophic hunger conditions have been projected for the first time in the history of the IPC survey in Sudan, Dujarric said.

Fourteen areas in the country have been declared "at risk of famine" in the coming months, he said.

"Just to give you some context, one in every two Sudanese struggles to put enough food on their plates every single day," the spokesman added.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is scaling up its emergency response to save more lives in the country, by increasing the amount of assistance, and identifying innovative and effective ways to deliver immediate assistance to millions of people across Sudan and specially in hard-to-reach areas, according to Dujarric.

"WFP warns that we are in a race against time to stop famine in its tracks," he said, highlighting an urgent need for a massive increase in funding to ramp up assistance at the scale required to avert famine.

The United Nations and its partners warn that more people in Sudan will be pushed into catastrophic levels of hunger if the current war, which started in April 2023, doesn't stop. 

Volunteers of a charity organization prepare to distribute food for displaced people at a neighborhood in Omdurman city, Sudan, on Aug. 1, 2024. More than half of Sudan's population now face acute hunger, a UN spokesman said on Thursday. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir)

Displaced people gather to receive free breakfast meals at a neighborhood in Omdurman city, Sudan, on Aug. 1, 2024. More than half of Sudan's population now face acute hunger, a UN spokesman said on Thursday. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir)

Displaced people gather to receive free breakfast meals at a neighborhood in Omdurman city, Sudan, on Aug. 1, 2024. More than half of Sudan's population now face acute hunger, a UN spokesman said on Thursday. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir)

Displaced people gather to receive free breakfast meals at a neighborhood in Omdurman city, Sudan, on Aug. 1, 2024. More than half of Sudan's population now face acute hunger, a UN spokesman said on Thursday. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir)
$2 million scratch-off ticket, lifeguard save at the oceanfront, new food assistance program | Top WAVY stories this week

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY)  Take a look at some of the top stories on WAVY.com from the week of July 29. Click here for more local news.

WAVY Local News

NC woman wins $2 million from scratch-off ticket

Itching to get your hands some big bucks? A scratch-off might be just the ticket.

VSP: 1 dead in single-vehicle crash on I-64 exit ramp

A man involved in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday on the exit ramp of Interstate 64 eastbound to I-264 in Norfolk has died, Virginia State Police said.

VBPD: Driver arrested after crash on Shipps Corner Road that killed two

Virginia Beach Police have arrested the driver of the vehicle they say was responsible for a crash Wednesday morning that killed two of his passengers.

Lifeguard saves person who swam 300 yards away from the shore

It was a moment that put her years of training to the test, as a swimmer needed help 300 yards away from the shoreline.

New book on Virginia Beachs Witch of Pungo tries to separate history from legend

Ever since her infamous ducking back in 1706, folklore and tall tales have been intricately woven into the legend of Virginia Beachs Witch of Pungo, Grace Sherwood.

Gen X, millennials at higher risk for 17 cancers than older generations

Gen X and millennials are being diagnosed with cancer at a higher rate than past generations, according to a new study done by the American Cancer Society.

OBX_food_pantries_struggling_to_meet_inc_2_20190123232127

USDA to introduce new food assistance program for families in VA and NC

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expected to launch a new food assistance program for families across the United States, including Virginia and North Carolina.

Two people face charges following deadly accident involving wild horse in Corolla

Two people face charges after a wild stallion was hit by a side-by-side UTV, or utility task vehicle, on the Outer Banks over the weekend. The horse had to be euthanized

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
2 renowned strategists say the US should defend Taiwan with nuclear strikes. Experts say such talk is just a taste of what's to come.

2 renowned strategists say the US should defend Taiwan with nuclear strikes. Experts say such talk is just a taste of what's to come.

Two Atlantic Council papers on a Taiwan war suggested the US plan for nuclear strikes on China.

They were met with backlash from some nuclear scholars, who worry such rhetoric only provokes Beijing.

Their debate underscores a shift among leading thinkers toward a more aggressive nuclear posture.

Sipping coffee on a winter break morning, David Kearn of St. John's University scanned through his day's list of memos and reports when a new paper caught his eye.

"The role of nuclear weapons in a Taiwan crisis," read its title.

Published by the Atlantic Council in late November, the report discussed how a potential US-China war over Taiwan might play out  and how the Pentagon might win with tactical nuclear bombs.

Kearn was stunned. This was coming from a serious analyst for an organization of repute.

"I mean, geez," the associate professor of government and politics told Business Insider. "This really seems like a radical departure even for the defense think tank world."

In his 20 years of researching nuclear arms  including a post at RAND and advising the US Defense Secretary's office  he'd never seen such overt posturing about nukes against China.

The paper's author, Greg Weaver, is influential and experienced. A former deputy director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Weaver was also principal director for US nuclear and missile defense policy at the Defense Department during the Obama years.

One possible nuclear target, his paper wrote, might be Chinese ground troops sailing across the Taiwan Strait.

A week later, the Atlantic Council published a separate, similar paper by political scientist Matthew Kroenig. He was one of 12 experts appointed by Congress to advise US nuclear strategy. His report's title began: "Deliberate nuclear use in a war over Taiwan."

Neither author outright argued for a first-strike nuclear attack on China. But they asked the US to seriously consider the option for a Taiwan war, largely as a deterrent  and to let Beijing know it's on the table.

Alarmed, several US nuclear scholars rushed to criticize the papers, including Kearn, who slammed them as "strategic myopia" in a scathing commentary.

Months later, the November reports still rest uneasily with top academics, who see the papers as inflammatory fringe rhetoric that's leaping to the fore in the US. But Kroenig and Weaver's arguments have been met with approval from other respected figures in nuclear scholarship, who say the outrage is unwarranted.

Their debate underscores a deeper shift among leading US minds toward a starkly more aggressive nuclear posture against China, which the US says will become a rival nuclear superpower by 2035 but has refused to take part in crucial talks so far.

Business Insider spoke to nine nuclear arms scholars and US-China relations experts about the November reports and their implications on two countries so entangled in their economies and influence.

"Now that China is becoming conventionally powerful, the US threats of nuclear first-use are moving further to the forefront," said James Acton, co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"My sense is that what Greg and Matt were writing is very much a reflection of what already goes on within the US military," he added.

'The Chinese read everything we write about them'

To be sure, US nuclear policy doesn't rule out first strikes. But scholars who disagree with Kroenig and Weaver, several of whom work closely with experts in China, warned against the idea of making a threat.

"It's a dangerous line of thinking, and it's extremely reckless," said Lyle Goldstein, director of the China Initiative at Brown University.

He said such threats would only escalate tensions, not shock China into backing off from Taiwan as Kroenig and Weaver might hope.

Beijing has known for decades that the Pentagon may launch a nuclear first strike, said Goldstein. The US once floated nuclear retaliation in 1958 if China invaded Taiwan, and stationed nuclear weapons on the island until 1974.

When Goldstein visited China in early 2023, local experts reiterated to him that the country sees Washington as growing extremely aggressive, and still actively discusses how the US may launch a nuclear strike.

"Maybe Kroenig is right. Maybe China will say: 'OK, we don't want nuclear war, forget this whole thing, we're not interested in Taiwan at all.' But I don't think so at all," Goldstein said. "In fact, I think the opposite will happen."

Acton of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace also disagreed that the US should emphasize its strike capabilities.

"China already thinks this. Chinese experts write a lot about how they think the US sees the nuclear threshold as being very low," he said.

Francesca Giovannini, executive director of the Project on Managing the Atom at Harvard University's Kennedy School, fears all sides are losing clarity on the mutual boundaries that prevent a large-scale nuclear war.

"In China, it is obvious in their minds that the US now treats Taiwan as it would treat South Korea or Japan," she said. "And when all of a sudden we talk about using nuclear weapons in the Taiwan Strait, we are very clearly blurring the commitments we have made."

Taiwan is not a formal US ally, and Giovannini says American thought leaders are conflating a loss of primacy in the Indo-Pacific with an existential threat.

She is sure that China is watching Kroenig and Weaver's rhetoric, even if their reports may not represent US policy.

"The Chinese read everything that we write about them. Everything," she said.

The Chinese foreign affairs ministry and embassy in Washington, DC, did not respond to requests for comment from BI.

The case for nukes in the Taiwan Strait

Kroenig, a professor at Georgetown University, was commissioned last year by Congress to advise the US on nuclear strategy.

He believes that if Taiwan falls, so too will America's credibility as a leading power. That makes Taiwan a core US interest, he said, and one the US should consider protecting with nuclear weapons.

Concerns are now growing that China is catching up in conventional arms, with missiles that can kill aircraft carriers and long-range strikes threatening Guam.

Some observers speculate that if Beijing thinks the gap has truly closed, it may be willing to invade on the gamble that the US won't risk conflict. After all, should the US go to war and fail to win handily, global faith in Washington would crack.

"One way deterrence could fail is if Xi Jinping thinks: 'Maybe this will be easy, maybe I can get away with it,'" Kroenig said.

Hence, his November report suggested that the US move past strategic ambiguity and declare Taiwan part of its nuclear umbrella. It would essentially tell Beijing that an invasion of the island risks nuclear war, he said.

To back up that threat, he said, the US must show that it has the capability to nuke targets like navy ships, military installations in the South China Sea, and even on the Chinese mainland.

"What's the benefit of reassuring Xi that our nuclear weapons are not relevant?" he said.

Weaver's report works off a forecast for 2027, when China is expected to possess 700 nuclear warheads. He, too, told BI that deterrence is the main goal, and said his paper doesn't call for the US to rely on tactical nuclear strikes for Taiwan.

But if open conflict does break out, they could be useful as a warfighting tool, he said.

"The Chinese amphibious landing force would be a stationary target for hours if not days, and it would be off the coast," he said. "So relatively low-yield nuclear weapons could destroy that amphibious force and do little to no collateral damage onshore in Taiwan."

A heavyweight in nuclear policy, he said his intention was to advocate for more strategic options for the US president. There is concern that if the US is stretched across two theaters at once  potentially one with Russia and one with China  it would need solutions like nukes to deter or fight one of those wars.

"It's not the preferred course, but it's an option that the Chinese need to understand is there, and they need to take seriously," he said.

A spokesperson for the US State Department declined to comment on Kroenig and Weaver's reports, but said the US maintains a "very high bar for nuclear employment.'"

"The United States would only consider the use of nuclear weapons in extreme circumstances to defend the vital interests of the United States or its Allies and partners," they said.

'It's important the Chinese understand this'

Marshall Billingslea, the former US special presidential envoy for arms control, told BI he didn't see why the reports caused such a stir.

"We do already keep track of and plan for and are able to strike targets in China if that should become necessary. It's important that the Chinese understand this," said Billingslea, who led US negotiations with Russia in 2020 on the New START Treaty.

And it is China's actions that should be cause for worry, he added.

US intelligence has charted a sudden burst in nuclear build-up from Bejing, which bolstered its arsenal to 500 warheads in 2023, up from 400 in 2022. China denies any expansion, and concerns abound in the US that it may soon become a rogue nuclear superpower.

"Since the dawn of the atomic era, we have not had a three-way nuclear arms race, but that is precisely what China is creating, that unpredictable, unstable dynamic," said Billingslea.

Rebeccah Heinrichs, director of the Hudson Institute's Keystone Defense Initiative, agreed with Kroenig and Weaver's core thesis, also describing a Taiwan invasion as a "clear threat to US vital interests."

"It would be foolish not to give the President of the United States and his military forces the most effective means to convince the PRC it will not take Taiwan at an acceptable cost," she said.

When Weaver was asked if more aggressive rhetoric from the US could be used by China to justify its nuclear build-up, he said Beijing's expansion is happening regardless.

"They were already doing that," he said. "They were doing that long before Matt and I wrote our analyses."

Some experts fear a wider fallout

On the other hand, Jake Werner, acting director of the East Asia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statescraft, raised concern that the November reports would empower anti-US parties in China.

"The American public doesn't understand that there are different positions in the Chinese debate. There are people who are very aggressive, there are people who are very cautious," he told BI.

"Because threat perceptions are so elevated on the Chinese side, saying things like this is bound to be used in a way that exacerbates fear in the Chinese public, if not among officials," he said.

Kearn of St. Johns University said the US has more than China to worry about if it makes the threat; it could lose credibility with allies like South Korea or Japan if they believe Washington is bluffing.

"On what foundation of diplomatic or political relations can you even pretend to have credibility in that situation, of threatening the use of nuclear weapons for the first time since 1945?" he said.

He added that threatening war  much less nuclear war  over Taiwan would be deeply unpopular at home.

"That's not where the American people are, by any poll I've ever seen," he said.

Kroenig believes the gravity of nuclear escalation and annihilation will still give Beijing pause if it considers invading Taiwan.

"Even if they suspected it's a bluff, if they think there's even a 10% chance of nuclear war, that would be pretty significant to strengthen deterrence," said Kroenig.

Read the original article on Business Insider
CARROLLTON, Ala. (WIAT)  Two Pickens County men were sentenced to serve 20 years in prison for sexually abusing children, according to 24th Judicial Circuit of Alabama District Attorney Andrew Hamlin on Friday.

Timothy Lee Ferguson, a 44-year-old man from Reform, was sentenced to prison until 2043. Torey Scott Thompson, 33, of Gordo, is also set to stay in prison until 2043. The men entered guilty pleas in unrelated cases in July.

Court filings provide additional details of the US first nitrogen gas execution

Because of the circumstances surrounding the crimes and the victims ages, Hamlin stated Ferguson and Thompson are not eligible for early release and parole. Hamlin noted negotiated settlements followed consultation with the victims families, and that no children testified at trial in these cases.

These convictions represent our commitment to protecting and obtaining justice for the most vulnerable members of our community, Hamlin said in a statement. Our team of investigators and prosecutors will continue to vigorously pursue those who prey upon children and work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents in our jurisdiction.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
20-year-old college student from Hickory falls 400 feet to his death at the Grand Canyon

HICKORY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A 20-year-old college student from Hickory, North Carolina fell approximately 400 feet to his death at the Grand Canyon National Park.

Abel Joseph Mejia, 20, of Hickory, was at the national park for a mission trip, according to Turning Point Pentecostal Church.

Please keep the Mejia family in your prayers! the church shared on social media. Abel passed away from a tragic accident while on a missions trip. He is the brother of Josh, a recent IBC graduate that has visited Turning Point on numerous occasions.

The deadly accident happened at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, July 31. The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of a man who fell from the rim approximately  mile west of Pipe Creek Overlook. Rangers located the body of Mejia 400 ft. below the rim.

Mejia was near the edge of the rim when he suffered an accidental fall, park rangers said.

Mejias college shared on social media that He was known for his warm smile and gentle spirit, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

We feel deep sadness due to the tragic loss of one of our students, Abel Mejia. Abel lost his life yesterday in an accident while visiting the Grand Canyon. He was known for his warm smile and gentle spirit, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him, Indiana Bible College shared. Let us all join together in prayer for the entire Mejia family during this difficult time. May God bring comfort and peace to all who are grieving.

An investigation is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiners Office.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Pinellas County residents go to cast their voting ballots at the Coliseum polling precinct on Nov. 8, 2022 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images)

Voter intimidation, an exodus of election workers fed up with harassment and continued misinformation and disinformation campaigns threaten the integrity of the November elections, say officials with the government watchdog group Common Cause.

This year will be the first presidential election since the big lie, Common Cause President Virginia Kase Solomon said on a July 30 video call with reporters.

She was referring to the effort by then-President Donald Trump and his allies to undermine Trumps reelection loss in 2020 by promoting a series of unfounded conspiracy theories and encouraging supporters to obstruct Congress certification of the results on Jan. 6, 2021.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan organization and Solomon and other speakers did not mention Trump, who is again the Republican nominee for president, by name.

But Solomon said the countrys election integrity was damaged by the 2020 experience, with many veteran election workers opting to leave the profession rather than deal with the threats and harassment from believers in election conspiracies.

Were still living with the legacy of those lies, she said. Theyve undermined the faith of many Americans in our elections and fed anger and heated rhetoric  Those lies have also led to threats and harassment to election officials who have seen massive turnover in their ranks.

On top of those challenges, election workers and voters also must deal this cycle with improving generative artificial intelligence tools that make disinformation easier than ever, Common Cause experts said.

And state laws, such as a measure that went into effect in Florida after the 2022 elections to cancel automatic delivery of vote-by-mail ballots, promise further confusion and disenfranchisement, they said.

To combat those threats to election integrity, the group is gearing up for campaign-season education drives.

Threats of violence

Instances of actual political violence remain rare, Suzanne Almeida, a Common Cause director of state operations who also leads the groups work on political violence, said.

But threats, militant language, doxing and other harassment continue, Almeida said.

That has affected election workers, with a recent study from the left-leaning Brennan Center for Justice finding that 38% of election workers had experienced threats and more than half of local election officials feared for their safety.

While surveys, including a recent University of California-Davis study, show that voters of both parties reject political violence, candidates who have large platforms have used them to drive turnout, Almeida said.

We are seeing the normalization of hate, violent rhetoric, violent threats and harassment as a viable political strategy, she said.

A spokesperson for the Trump campaign did not respond to a message seeking comment Tuesday.

AI and misinformation

Intentional efforts to disinform voters and accidental spreading of misinformation remain a growing problem, Common Causes media and democracy program director Ishan Mehta said.

The expansion and improvement of generative artificial intelligence makes it easier to create and spread fraudulent campaign content.

The ubiquity of these tools means that you dont have to be a computer expert anymore to have misinformation that would convince a lot, over half the population, Mehta said.

Social media platforms that surged misinformation enforcement after Jan. 6 have now backed off enforcing misinformation, he said.

Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, tweeted a doctored video of likely Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris over the weekend. Musk, who has endorsed Trump, bought the platform in 2022. He boasts 192 million followers.

Florida law

Amy Keith, the executive director of Common Cause Florida, said recent changes to state election law will create confusion and deprive some voters of ballots.

More than 1.9 million Floridians who received a mail-in ballot in 2022 will not receive one this cycle, she said. The state enacted a law after that election that required voters to send new requests for mail-in ballots with additional identification.

Even if some of those 1.9 million people might not wish to vote by mail this year, we know that thousands and thousands of Florida voters are likely expecting a mail ballot to arrive in their mailbox, she said. And it isnt going to.

Ahead of the states Aug. 20 primary, Common Cause and allied groups are really working to spread the message to voters that they need to request a mail-in ballot if they wish to vote that way, and that they can vote in person even if they have requested a mail ballot, Keith said.

Deploying poll monitors

While predicting widespread violence on Election Day would not happen, Common Cause Pennsylvania Executive Director Philip Hensley-Robin anticipated some instances of political violence or intimidation.

The group would send hundreds of poll monitors across the commonwealth to record such instances, with monitors who will also be trained in deescalation, he said.

Hensley-Robin began his remarks by acknowledging the tragic events of the assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, but said the isolated incident would not deter voters from turning out.

He also anticipated that some would mount spurious lawsuits to disenfranchise voters and undermine public confidence in the election, but predicted those would be quickly dismissed.

Trumps campaign lost scores of lawsuits challenging 2020 election results.

Voter outreach

Solomon said Common Cause would be reminding voters to be on the lookout for misinformation and disinformation, especially from AI, and that its likely Election Day will end without a clear winner in the presidential race, a situation that has encouraged conspiracy theories about election fraud.

Thats not a sign that anything is wrong, she said.

The group will also be in touch with election workers to understand their needs and to offer assistance, she said.

She added that democracy had to be proactive.

In the 2020 election, I think there was a false narrative that came out of that, and that was that democracy held and did what it was supposed to do, she said. And one of the things that I like to remind people of is that democracy did not hold. We made it hold.
SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  Baja California received 3.5 million foreign visitors who sought medical or dental care last year, contributing $2 billion to the state economy.

For Ricardo Vega Montiel, president of the Baja Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery College, those numbers could be better.

Considering everything thats going on, these external factors are having a negative impact, he said, referring to the ongoing violence in cities such as Tijuana and reports of illegal work being done by unlicensed doctors and clinics throughout the state, which keep many woud-be patients away.

Doctors in Baja ask state to promote their services as business slumps

Were actually in a very tranquil state with calm waters right now, Vega Montiel said. In spite of the adversities, medical tourism remains strong in Baja California compared to other economic sectors such as hotels, restaurants, tourist-oriented businesses.

Vega Montiel said a bilingual campaign to draw medical tourists from the U.S. to Tijuana needs to be reignited.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

This drive was started seven years ago with great success, but now its stalled, he said. Tijuana remains in chaos, people dont know where to go, the GPS systems dont work because the streets arent logged properly, this all has to change  we could be doing so much better as a city and as an industry.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
3 arrested in Okaloosa County after drug bust: Sheriffs Office

3 arrested in Okaloosa County after drug bust: Sheriffs Office

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  Deputies with the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office said they arrested three people after executing a narcotics search warrant on a home in the Fort Walton Beach area.

According to an OCSO Facebook post, members of the Multi-Agency Drug Task Force executed the warrant at a home on Laurie Drive on Wednesday, July 31.

Escambia County Sheriffs Office seeks missing woman  Silver Alert activated

LOCATION:

This embedded content is not available in your region.

While searching the home, deputies found fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA and narcotics, according to OCSO.

Andrea Wade. (Photo courtesy of the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office)

Tramon Coward. (Photo courtesy of the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office)

Crystal Dubois. (Photo courtesy of the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office)

(Photo courtesy of the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office)

(Photo courtesy of the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office)

(Photo courtesy of the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office)

(Photo courtesy of the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office)

Sea turtle nest found under house on Dauphin Island

Three people were arrested including:

34-year-old Crystal Dubois has been charged with possession of drug equipment.

36-year-old Tramon Coward has been charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance and resisting the execution of a search warrant.

31-year-old Andrea Wade was arrested for two outstanding arrest warrants.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Three people, including a 79-year-old man and an 11-month-old, were taken to the hospital after a deep fryer at a Market Basket in Plymouth shot out hot oil in the grocery store Thursday.

The kitchens deep fryer erupted around 6:45 p.m., shooting cooking oil to the ceiling and cause grease to splatter around 15 feet away.

Responding Plymouth firefighters found three people, a 79-year-old man, a 31-year-old male Market Basket worker and an 11-month-old child suffering from burns.

The Plymouth Fire Department says the 79-year-old man was severely burned and taken to Massachusetts General Hospital Sumner Redstone Burn Center. The Market Basket worker and child were taken to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth.

The incident is under investigation by the Plymouth Fire Department and OSHA.

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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Three people suffered minor injuries Thursday after a fire broke out at a Lemon Hill home, as firefighters detained and then released a person of interest in the incident, Sacramento fire officials said.

The Sacramento Fire Department was called just before 4 p.m. to a home at the corner of Iowa Avenue and 42nd Street for reports of a residential fire. Heavy flames swept through the homes front as firefighters quickly sprayed water, the Fire Department said online.

Two people were taken to the hospital, said Capt. Justin Sylvia, a spokesman for the Fire Department. A person was taken to UC Davis Medical Center with minor burn injuries, according to archived radio dispatches.

Sylvia said a person of interest was detained at the scene but has been released. Arson investigators were called to the fire.

The investigation is ongoing into the fires cause, Sylvia said.

Structure Fire:



4200 block of Iowa Ave.



Crews arrived to heavy fire from the front of a house. A quick knockdown was made and person of interest was detained who may have possibly started the fire. Investigators are responding. One person with minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/DJdJce1cCA  Sacramento Fire Department (@SacFirePIO) August 1, 2024
MANILA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed after a fire broke out early Friday morning in a four-level commercial building in Manila City in the Philippine capital, a village official told a local radio. 
WASHINGTON  The United States and Russia completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history on Thursday, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, along with dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free.

Gershkovich, Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist with dual U.S.-Russia citizenship, arrived on American soil shortly before midnight for a joyful reunion with their families. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were also there to greet them.

The trade unfolded despite relations between Washington and Moscow being at their lowest point since the Cold War after Russian President Vladimir Putins February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Negotiators in backchannel talks at one point explored an exchange involving Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, but after his death in February ultimately stitched together a 24-person deal that required significant concessions from European allies, including the release of a Russian assassin, and secured freedom for a cluster of journalists, suspected spies, political prisoners and others.



Biden trumpeted the exchange, by far the largest in a series of swaps with Russia, as a diplomatic feat while welcoming families of the returning Americans to the White House. But the deal, like others before it, reflected an innate imbalance: The U.S. and allies gave up Russians charged or convicted of serious crimes in exchange for Russia releasing journalists, dissidents and others imprisoned by the countrys highly politicized legal system on charges seen by the West as trumped-up.

Deals like this one come with tough calls, Biden said. He added: Theres nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad.

Under the deal, Russia released Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who was jailed in 2023 and convicted in July of espionage charges that he and the U.S. government vehemently denied. His family said in a statement released by the newspaper that we cant wait to give him the biggest hug and see his sweet and brave smile up close. The papers editor-in-chief, Emma Tucker, called it a joyous day.

Also released was Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive jailed since 2018, also on espionage charges he and Washington have denied, and Kurmasheva, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist convicted in July of spreading false information about the Russian military, accusations her family and employer have rejected.



The dissidents released included Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer serving 25 years on charges of treason widely seen as politically motivated, as well as multiple associates of Navalny. Freed Kremlin critics included Oleg Orlov, a veteran human rights campaigner convicted of discrediting the Russian military, and Ilya Yashin, imprisoned for criticizing the war in Ukraine.

The Russian side got Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in Germany in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison for killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park two years earlier, apparently on the orders of Moscows security services. Throughout the negotiations, Moscow had been persistent in pressing for his release, with Putin himself raising it.

At the time of Navalnys death, officials were discussing a possible exchange involving Krasikov. But with that prospect erased, senior U.S. officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan, made a fresh push to encourage Germany to release Krasikov. In the end, a handful of the prisoners Russia released were either German nationals or dual German-Russian nationals.



Russia also received two alleged sleeper agents jailed in Slovenia, as well as three men charged by federal authorities in the U.S., including Roman Seleznev, a convicted computer hacker and the son of a Russian lawmaker, and Vadim Konoshchenok, a suspected Russian intelligence operative accused of providing American-made electronics and ammunition to the Russian military. Norway returned an academic arrested on suspicions of being a Russian spy; Poland sent back a man it detained on espionage charges.

Today is a powerful example of why its vital to have friends in this world, Biden said.
The United States and Russia completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history on Thursday, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, along with dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free.

Gershkovich, Whelan, and Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist with dual U.S.-Russia citizenship, arrived on American soil shortly before midnight for a joyful reunion with their families. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris also were at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to greet them and dispense hugs all around.

The trade unfolded despite relations between Washington and Moscow being at their lowest point since the Cold War after Russian President Vladimir Putins February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Negotiators in backchannel talks at one point explored an exchange involving Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, but after his death in February ultimately stitched together a 24-person deal that required significant concessions from European allies, including the release of a Russian assassin, and secured freedom for a cluster of journalists, suspected spies, political prisoners and others.

Biden trumpeted the exchange, by far the largest in a series of swaps with Russia, as a diplomatic feat while welcoming families of the returning Americans to the White House. But the deal, like others before it, reflected an innate imbalance: The U.S. and allies gave up Russians charged or convicted of serious crimes in exchange for Russia releasing journalists, dissidents, and others imprisoned by the countrys highly politicized legal system on charges seen by the West as trumped-up.

Deals like this one come with tough calls, Biden said. He added, Theres nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad.

Under the deal, Russia released Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who was jailed in 2023 and convicted in July of espionage charges that he and the U.S. government vehemently denied. His family said in a statement released by the newspaper that we cant wait to give him the biggest hug and see his sweet and brave smile up close. The papers editor-in-chief, Emma Tucker, called it a joyous day.

President Joe Biden, center, and Vice President Kamala Harris, left, greet Paul Whelan, right, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following their release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

While we waited for this momentous day, we were determined to be as loud as we could be on Evans behalf. We are so grateful for all the voices that were raised when his was silent. We can finally say, in unison, Welcome home, Evan, she wrote in a letter posted online.

Also released was Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive jailed since 2018, also on espionage charges he and Washington have denied, and Kurmasheva, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist convicted in July of spreading false information about the Russian military, accusations her family and employer have rejected.

The three flew from Maryland to Texas and landed at Joint Base San Antonio early Friday to begin medical evaluations after spending some time with their family members. If they choose, they can receive the treatment the military offers to wrongfully detained Americans.

The dissidents released included Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer serving 25 years on charges of treason widely seen as politically motivated, as well as multiple associates of Navalny. Freed Kremlin critics included Oleg Orlov, a veteran human rights campaigner convicted of discrediting the Russian military, and Ilya Yashin, imprisoned for criticizing the war in Ukraine.

The Russian side got Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in Germany in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison for killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park two years earlier, apparently on the orders of Moscows security services. Throughout the negotiations, Moscow had been persistent in pressing for his release, with Putin himself raising it.

At the time of Navalnys death, officials were discussing a possible exchange involving Krasikov. But with that prospect erased, senior U.S. officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan, made a fresh push to encourage Germany to release Krasikov. In the end, a handful of the prisoners Russia released were either German nationals or dual German-Russian nationals.

Russia also received two alleged sleeper agents jailed in Slovenia, as well as three men charged by federal authorities in the U.S., including Roman Seleznev, a convicted computer hacker and the son of a Russian lawmaker, and Vadim Konoshchenok, a suspected Russian intelligence operative accused of providing American-made electronics and ammunition to the Russian military. Norway returned an academic arrested on suspicions of being a Russian spy; Poland sent back a man it detained on espionage charges.

Today is a powerful example of why its vital to have friends in this world, Biden said.

Alsu Kurmasheva, second right, hugs her husband Pavel Butorin, from left, and daughters Miriam Butorin and Bibi Butorin at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following her release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Alsu Kurmasheva, center, hugs her daughters Miriam Butorin, left, and Bibi Butorin at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following her release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

All told, six countries released at least one prisoner, and a seventh, Turkey, participated by hosting the location for the swap, in Ankara.

Biden placed securing the release of Americans held wrongfully overseas at the top of his foreign policy agenda for the six months before he left office. In an Oval Office address discussing his decision to drop his bid for a second term, Biden said, Were also working around the clock to bring home Americans being unjustly detained all around the world.

At one point Thursday, he grabbed the hand of Whelans sister, Elizabeth, and said she had practically been living at the White House as the administration tried to free Paul. He then motioned for Kurmashevas daughter, Miriam, to come closer and took her hand, telling the room it was her 13th birthday. He asked everyone to sing Happy Birthday with him. She wiped tears from her eyes.

The Biden administration has now brought home more than 70 Americans detained in other countries as part of deals that have required the U.S. to give up a broad array of convicted criminals, including for drug and weapons offenses. The swaps, though celebrated with fanfare, have spurred criticism that they incentivize future hostage-taking and give adversaries leverage over the U.S. and its allies.

The U.S. governments top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, has sought to defend the deals by saying the number of wrongfully detained Americans has actually gone down even as swaps have increased.

Tucker, the Journals editor-in-chief, acknowledged the debate, writing, We know the U.S. government is keenly aware, as are we, that the only way to prevent a quickening cycle of arresting innocent people as pawns in cynical geopolitical games is to remove the incentive for Russia and other nations that pursue the same detestable practice.

Though she called for a change to the dynamic, for now, she wrote, we are celebrating the return of Evan.

Thursdays swap of 24 prisoners surpassed a deal involving 14 people that was struck in 2010. In that exchange, Washington freed 10 Russians living in the U.S. as sleepers, while Moscow deported four Russians, including Sergei Skripal, a double agent working with British intelligence. He and his daughter in 2018 were nearly killed in Britain by nerve agent poisoning blamed on Russian agents.

Speculation had mounted for weeks that a swap was near because of a confluence of unusual developments, including a startlingly quick trial for Gershkovich, which Washington regarded as a sham. He was sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison.

In a trial that concluded in two days in secrecy in the same week as Gershkovichs, Kurmasheva was convicted on charges of spreading false information about the Russian military that her family, employer and U.S. officials rejected. Also in recent days, several other figures imprisoned in Russia for speaking out against the war in Ukraine or over their work with Navalny were moved from prison to unknown locations.

Gershkovich was arrested March 29, 2023, while on a reporting trip to the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg. Authorities claimed, without offering any evidence, that he was gathering secret information for the U.S. The son of Soviet emigres who settled in New Jersey, he moved to Russia in 2017 to work for The Moscow Times newspaper before being hired by the Journal in 2022.

Gershkovich was designated as wrongfully detained, as was Whelan, who was detained in December 2018 after traveling to Russia for a wedding.

Whelan, who was serving a 16-year prison sentence, had been excluded from prior high-profile deals involving Russia, including the April 2022 swap by Moscow of imprisoned Marine veteran Trevor Reed for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot convicted in a drug trafficking conspiracy. That December, the U.S. released notorious arms trafficker Viktor Bout in exchange for WNBA star Brittney Griner, who had been jailed on drug charges.

Paul Whelan is free. Our family is grateful to the United States government for making Pauls freedom a reality, his family said in a statement.

On a warm and steamy night, the freed Americans lingered on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, soaking up the moment of their return to the U.S. They took selfies with family members and friends, shared hugs with Biden and Harris, and patted loved ones on the back and smothered them with kisses.

At one point, Biden gave Whelan the flag pin off his own lapel.

___

Litvinova reported from Tallinn, Estonia, and Lee from Mongolia. Associated Press writers Jonathan J. Cooper at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and Zeke Miller and Colleen Long contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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4 arrested in connection to illegal chop shop in Hartford

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Hartford police say a juvenile was among the four people arrested after detectives tracked down an illegal chop shop this week.

Police said the Greater Hartford Regional Auto Theft Task Force has been looking into an increase in auto theft, wheel/tire theft and car break-ins across the city.

Hartford anti-violence group gets $500K from federal government

As a result, on Aug. 1 they identified an illegal chop shop at a residential address in the south district of the city. Police declined to provide a more specific location.

Three stolen vehicles were found on the property, along with methods for masking and hiding the identification of the vehicles.

Hartford mayor and police chief walk the beat

Three people were arrested on scene: 30-year-old Nelson Rivera-Rodriguez, 27-year-old Kellmar Reyes and 44-year-old Jose Rivera were each charged with chop shop, three counts of theft of a motor vehicle, and three counts of second-degree larceny.

Police said Rivera-Rodriguez also had an extraditable arrest warrant out of Massachusetts in connection to a large scale auto theft ring.

(Hartford Police)

A juvenile was also arrested Thursday after police said they were found inside a stolen vehicle and purposely collided with two occupied police cruisers while trying to flee the area.

No injuries were reported from the incident.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Johnson City voters rejected four Chamber of Commerce-supported changes to the citys charter Thursday in a move that will also keep city elections in November.

ELECTION RESULTS

The local Democratic party and another group had publicly opposed all the changes, each of which required approval from a majority of voters to approve.

One local Democratic leader, Sylvain Bruni, said in a statement the results were an example of what happens when people put democratic principles before party-line politics. He called them a victory for democracy, transparency, and accountability in local government.

Voters came closest to approving a slight procedural change to how the annual budget is published. Advocates  including the local Chamber of Commerce  had said all three procedural changes would make the city more efficient and business-friendly.

Bobby Harshbarger defeats Sen. Jon Lundberg in state Senate GOP primary

But the results mean commission elections will remain on November ballots instead of moving to August, when county local general elections occur. Passage of that measure would have meant one-time extensions of all five commissioner terms from four years to nearly six, including the three that are up for election in November.

The (City Commission) tried to bully its way to consolidate power at the expense of residents voices and knowledge, Bruni said.

The changes were first floated in early 2024 and city commissioners approved putting them to voters in the spring. Commissioners interviewed about the measures expressed support and gained the chambers support as well.

We are disheartened to see that the proposed charter changes did not pass tonight, the Chamber of Commerce said in a statement Thursday night. We felt they would remove restrictions on our business community, and its unfortunate to not see these come to pass.

In a nutshell, the changes would have shortened from three to two the number of readings required for an ordinance to pass; alter but not eliminate requirements for publishing the citys proposed annual budget before its voted on; and allow the city manager to appoint temp employees for periods exceeding 90 days.

Three measures that failed did so by fairly wide margins that were made far wider on election day. Each was at around 52% against in early voting, but that number grew to 59% for each as election day margins ran more than 2-1 against.

Renea Jones wins GOP primary in Tennessee House District 4

The only referendum that nearly passed reads, Shall the Charter of the City of Johnson City be amended to allow publication of the proposed budget ordinance once at least ten (10) days prior to when the governing body will consider final passage of the proposed budget ordinance? It received 49% support.

Total voting on each measure ranged from a low of 4,632 to a high of 4,737.

The change in the election calendar would have moved city general elections from November to August just a decade after theyd been changed from April to November. One upshot would have been that the three candidates elected this November would serve 21 months longer than the traditional four-year term. The two commissioners not up for re-election, Jenny Brock and John Hunter, will also would have seen their current terms extended to nearly six years.

Most Tennessee municipalities require two readings for final passage of an ordinance. A public hearing would still have been held on any ordinance but would have been during the first, rather than second reading.

All four changes were opposed by the Washington County Democratic Party, and also by a coalition of local organizations, Protect the Peoples Voice. Members included the Northeast Tennessee Democratic Socialists of America, the Pride Community Center, Ride JC and the Tri-Cities Mutual Aid Network, along with the countys democratic party.

A right-leaning group affiliated with Tennessee Stands called East TN Freedom also opposed the four ballot measures, each of which stood alone for a pass or fail vote.

The intent is to keep municipal elections in line with other local elections as opposed to being eclipsed by national issues, Assistant City Manager Steve Willis said in a statement provided to News Channel 11 when the proposals first went to the city commissions agenda in March.

Clifton Worley to fill remainder of Eddie Testers term as Johnson County sheriff

Bruni said the outcome involved a broad coalition from both parties and independents who, armed with the knowledge about the impact of these changes, turned them down.

It makes the point that the citizenry wants to be engaged with its municipal government  As we go into the November election, it is encouraging to see that voters believe a better future is possible for our city.

Three months ahead of this years city election, incumbents Aaron Murphy and Joe Wise have picked up and resubmitted election petitions, while incumbent Todd Fowler has picked up a petition but not yet submitted it.

Fowler and Wise would be seeking their third terms, with Murphy seeking his second. Five other candidates have picked up petitions so far, with the deadline for filing completed petitions Aug. 15. They include T.R. Dunn, John Baker, Joseph Coates, Jay Emberton and Greg Cox.

Commissioners Jenny Brock and John Hunters terms will be up for reelection in November 2026. Brock has served since 2013 and Hunter since 2018.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN)  Five people from the United States have been arrested related to a money laundering conspiracy. Authorities say the investigation is separate but related to the sextortion death of Marquette teenager, Jordan DeMay.

Five people will each face a single count of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.

The five suspects are:

Johnathan Demetrius Green, 32, Stone Mountain, Georgia

Jarell Daivon Williams, 31, McDonough, Georgia

Dinsimore Guyton Robinson, 30, Huntsville, Alabama

Kendall Ormond London, Jr., 32, Lithonia, Georgia

Brian Keith Coldmon, Jr., 30, Stone Mountain, Georgia.

According to U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten, the suspects facilitated the sextortion schemes by receiving funds from the victims and funneling the money in the form of crypto currency to co-conspirators in Nigeria. The suspects would take a portion of the money for facilitating the transactions.

State Rep. Hill, others introduce Jordan Ds Law to combat online sextortion

In the announcement on Friday, U.S. Attorney Totten announced that in March of 2022, Jordan DeMay sent money to suspect Johnathan Green.

Every day Americans fall victim to financial scams, including sextortion, romance scams, and consumer fraud, said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. Senior citizens, children, and teenagers are especially vulnerable. The result of these crimes can be devastating, as the death of Jordan DeMay makes painfully clear. Todays charges send a loud and clear message that we will chase down everyone who enables these crimes, including the U.S.-based money launderers.

FBI agents arrested the five suspects on August 1, 2024. They appeared in federal court the same day. They are expected to be arraigned in Michigan in the next few weeks.

The five defendants who allegedly conspired to aid Nigerian sextortionists through money laundering participated in the financial manipulation of vulnerable and young victims, said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. The FBI continues to spread awareness about financial sextortion and will continue to work with our partners at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria and the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Two of the three defendants in Jordan DeMays sextortion death were extradited from Nigeria and in April of this year, pled guilty to conspiring to sexually exploit teenage boys.

Mother, responding officer react to landmark guilty pleas in sextortion case

Those defendants, Samuel Ogoshi and Samson Ogoshi will be sentenced at the federal Courthouse in Marquette on September 5.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.
Note: This topic may be sensitive to some readers. Viewer discretion advised.

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Its been almost five years since the tragic mass shooting in the Oregon District.

Police shot and killed the gunman, but not before he killed nine people and injured dozens more. That night, local trauma centers were flooded with victims.

2 NEWS spoke with a trauma surgeon on duty that night, who says hes most struck by whats changed since that night in 2019, including how health professionals address mental health and trauma.

You didnt think of these mass casualty events as being something that would occur in Dayton, Ohio, said Doctor Randy Woods, trauma surgeon at Miami Valley Hospital.

Oregon District mass shooting memorial coming to life

Doctor Randy Woods recounts the night he and other doctors faced tragedy after a gunman opened fire on a crowd of people in the Oregon District.

While on duty, he and his team learned patients were on the way and that something horrible had happened. Doctors on-call that night immediately began to show up at the hospital to help wherever they could.

We as a trauma team were able to overcome the adversity that came at us that night, said Woods.

After that night, Woods says other hospitals from around the country sent flowers, banners and letters of encouragement for the hospital faculty and staff who helped save lights on Aug. 4, 2019.

Now, he says, with national shootings happening more frequently, this has changed.

Mass casualty events have become such a common occurrence that that no longer happens, said Woods.

Woods says the Oregon District shooting highlighted how much more work needs to be done to address the mental health crisis in America.

The Oregon shooting, the tornadoes, the pandemic and much more have led us to realize that mental health is a disease process thats rampant in our communities, said Woods.

A memorial created for the nine victims is nearing completion. The Seed of Life 8-4 Memorial will be dedicated this Sunday, five years to the day of the shooting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
COFFEY COUNTY (KSNT)  Workers are moving a massive transformer weighing hundreds of thousands of pounds through Coffey County Friday.

The Coffey County Sheriffs Office posted an alert to social media on Aug. 2 regarding the movements of a transformer weighing 600,000 pounds as it moves between Lebo and Wolf Creek. The load is moving only at around four or five mph.

(Photo Courtesy/Coffey County Sheriffs Office)

(Photo Courtesy/Coffey County Sheriffs Office)

(Photo Courtesy/Coffey County Sheriffs Office)

The transformer is being moved by a large crawler with 144 tires on its way to the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Plant. The transformer is slated to arrive at its destination around 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 2.

Man on motorcycle dies on I-70 after crashing head-on into semi-truck

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.
8 Things To Do This Weekend: Brass City Jazz Fest, Goshen Open Farm Tour & Dinosaur State Park Day

8 Things To Do This Weekend: Brass City Jazz Fest, Goshen Open Farm Tour & Dinosaur State Park Day

Looking for weekend activities? We have eight ideas for you!

Saturday, bring your family and friends to the free Brass City Jazz Fest at Library Park with great music and food trucks, along with arts and crafts vendors.

This weekend, you can see twelve farms in one town thanks to the Goshen Open Farm Tour. Visit spots like Thorncrest Farm and Ivy Mountain Goat Farm.

Saturday, take the kids to Dinosaur State Park Day with free admission, live animal programs, science stations and more! Seeing the dino prints is a treat.

Go down to the fairgrounds for the Orange Volunteer Firemens Carnival, a beloved tradition, with rides, food, a raffle and fireworks on Saturday night.

Saturday, head to Connecticut National Guard Day at the Connecticut Air and Space Center. Stand under the wings of a massive cargo aircraft and even tour it.

Its Beat the Heat Weekend at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History with Family Day on Saturday, a free, indoor music event with food and games.

All weekend, enjoy Railway Days at the Danbury Railway Museum with educational activities and free train rides. Also, explore the museum full of artifacts.

Hike the peaks, explore the Freedom Trail, see art and hear music during Weekend in Norfolk celebrating the nature and culture of this beautiful area.

Please send information for future events to Sarah.Cody@wtnh.com.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Two years ago, a man and two women  a Ukrainian rock musician turned soldier, a military medic, and a female pediatric surgeon  faced potential conviction in one of Ukraine's most high-profile assassination cases: the 2016 car bombing of journalist Pavel Sheremet.

But in the wake of Russias full-scale invasion, the controversial case lingers in limbo after two top suspects were released to serve again in Ukraines military. The third, having been freed on house arrest earlier, has been permitted back into the operating room to perform heart surgery on children.

Andriy Antonenko, who earned the nickname Riffmaster while playing music for soldiers before becoming one himself in 2017, has been serving in Ukraines special forces after being released from house arrest in early 2022.

Heart surgeon Yulia Kuzmenko has been working at a clinic adjacent to Kyivs Okhmatdyt hospital hit by Russia's July 8 missile attack on Ukraine that killed at least 41 civilians and injured 149 others.

Citing CCTV footage and other evidence that critics claim is inconclusive, prosecutors continue to argue that on the fateful night of July 20, 2016, the two strolled through downtown Kyiv disguised in hoodies and under the cover of darkness to plant the bomb that killed Sheremet early that morning on his way to work.

Meanwhile, army medic Yana Duhar, who was accused of staking out downtown Kyiv to help plan out the bomb planting, has returned to active duty. She has been treating injured soldiers on the front line soon after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022.

All three have previously denied the allegations and claim to be framed as part of a coverup.

This case still troubles me," Duhar told the Kyiv Independent. But now we have to fight the foreign enemy and only later will we be able to fight the domestic one.

Lawyers representing Antonenko and Kuzmenko said both declined to comment.

The three suspects had been in custody since being arrested in 2019 but were later gradually released from 2020 to 2024. A new trial in the increasingly bizarre case was set in 2023 but suspended indefinitely in January 2024 due to the two suspects military service.

The investigation into the murder of Sheremet, despite being a top litmus test for Ukraine's ability to deliver justice and the rule of law, appears to have reached a dead end. Doubt looms on whether the case by prosecutors holds up and if all investigative leads were properly pursued by them.

The court and the prosecutors say the current hurdles are due to formal reasons, such as two suspects' military service during Russia's full-scale invasion.

But critics say that this is an excuse, attributing the dead end to law enforcement's inability or reluctance to solve the murder case.

The case highlights the impunity of those who commit crimes against journalists in Ukraine. More than 50 journalists have been killed in the country since it became independent in 1991. In most cases, the organizers have not been identified.

At least 16 high-profile assassinations of journalists, activists, and other people have taken place in Ukraine since 2016. Most are unsolved.

Read also: Ukraines judicial reform relaunch shows mixed results so far

The victim and on-again, off-again trial

Belarus native Sheremet worked as a journalist in Russia and later Ukraine after fleeing the oppressive leadership in his home country. He held various journalist gigs over many years. He was a well-known media figure in all three countries over decades, rubbing shoulders with opposition leaders in Russia and top officials in Ukraine.

Before the car that he drove down Kyivs Ivan Franko Street exploded, he was the executive director of the independent online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda and a journalist at Radio Vesti, a station owned by Oleksandr Klymenko, an ally of pro-Russian ex-President Viktor Yanukovych.

Pavel Sheremet in UCU School of Journalism in Lviv, Ukraine in an undated photo. The Minsk-born journalist, 44, was killed in the car blast in central Kyiv on July 20, 2016. (UCU School of Journalism / Facebook)

Sheremet was the common-law husband of Olena Prytula, the owner and former chief editor of Ukrainska Pravda. They were living on the same street where he was murdered.

The publication's founder, investigative journalist Georgy Gongadze, was killed in 2000.

Gongadzes murder has never been fully solved, either. A decade later, following years of alleged coverups, a police chief and three subordinates were convicted of beheading Gongadze and burning his body. Nobody has been charged for ordering the murder despite evidence that high-ranking officials discussed silencing him.

Regarding solving Sheremets murder, there were many hopes and expectations at the beginning," Sevhil Musayeva, chief editor of Ukrainska Pravda, told the Kyiv Independent.

"Many years have passed, and the case has effectively collapsed. No one has apologized (for botching it). No one realizes what actually happened."

She added that it is yet another "shameful story for Ukraine's law enforcement system" and that it demonstrates its "inability to solve such crimes."

Police experts inspect the damaged car of journalist Pavel Sheremet in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 20, 2016. 44-year-old Belarusian-born journalist Pavel Sheremet was killed in a car explosion in downtown Kyiv. (Vasyl Shevchenko/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Musayeva also said that interest in the Sheremet case has subsided because of Russia's full-scale invasion and that the law enforcement system was taking advantage of it.

"The law enforcement system is delaying this trial to ensure that less attention is paid," she said. "And they have done their best to make sure that attention disappears."

Kyivs Shevchenkivsky District Court, which had been conducting the Sheremet trial, as well as the Prosecutor Generals Office and the Presidents Office did not respond to requests for comment.

Read also: Alexei Navalnys life and death as main opponent to Putin regime

The suspects

The three suspects were identified and arrested in December 2019, three years after the murder.

Two key suspects, Kuzmenko and Antonenko, admit to having met and chatted in messages before the hit on Sheremet, with Kuzmenko attending one of Antonenkos musical performances. But there is no evidence that they had prior contact with Duhar, the third suspect.

The case initially presented the trio as acting on their own, deciding to murder the journalist to destabilize the political situation in Ukraine.

The rock musician Antonenko has been described by investigators as an "ultranationalist."

Danish journalist Johannes Wamberg Andersen, who used to live in Ukraine and had been acquainted with Antonenko since 2008, told the Kyiv Independent that he was "an ordinary guy."

Ukrainian serviceman and musician Andriy Antonenko, who was detained on suspicion of involvement in the killing of journalist Pavel Sheremet in 2016, stands inside a defendant's cage during a court hearing in Kyiv, Ukraine on Dec. 13, 2019 (Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"He didn't seem to be very political before 2014," Andersen said. His songs were in Russian. Language politics didn't seem to bother him a lot."

But after Russia annexed Crimea and invaded the eastern Donbas region in 2014, Antonenko "got inspired by the spirit of volunteers and people fighting for Ukraine," according to Andersen.

From 2015 to 2017, Antonenko regularly performed for soldiers on the front line in the Donbas and volunteered to help the army.

In 2017, he joined the Special Operations Forces as a volunteer fighter. Due to the secrecy of special forces, which conduct operations both on the front line and behind enemy lines, it is unclear where exactly he is deployed now.

Suspect Yana Duhar sits between her lawyers during a court hearing on her preventive measure in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 13, 2019, during investigations in the murder case of journalist Pavel Sheremet. (Sergii Kharchenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Antonenko was released from a detention facility in 2021 and put under house arrest, which ended soon after the Russian invasion began in 2022.

Another suspect, Duhar, joined the army as a volunteer in 2016, months before the murder, becoming a military medic.

She was released from house arrest in 2020, a year after being detained.

Duhar quit the army in 2021 because it was difficult for her to simultaneously serve and participate in Sheremet case hearings.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, Duhar was mobilized as a conscript. Women in Ukraine who are medical professionals can be drafted to serve in the military as medics.

She heads a medical station at the 25th Airborne Brigade, which is deployed in Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast  one of the hottest frontline regions now where Russias invading army is advancing.

Children's surgeon Yulia Kuzmenko attends a hearing in Kyiv district court in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 13, 2019. (Sergei Supinsky /AFP via Getty Images)

The third suspect, Kuzmenko, is a surgeon at the Center for Children's Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. Like Antonenko, she has helped the military as a volunteer since Russias earlier war in the Donbas was launched in 2014.

Kuzmenko was released from a detention facility in 2020 and put under house arrest, which expired in January 2024.

On July 8, the cardiology center's premises located near the Okhmatdyt childrens hospital in Kyiv were damaged by a Russian missile attack. Kuzmenko posted photos of the damage caused by the strike on Facebook and invited donations to help rebuild the hospital.

Read also: Prigozhins death latest in a series of unsolved murders in Putins Russia. Whats next?

Trial interrupted by war

The case against the three suspects made it to court in 2020, four years after the murder.

By 2022, Kyivs Shevchenkivsky District Court had considered most of the evidence but the trial was interrupted by the war. One of the jurors left the country, and another was drafted.

As a result, the court decided in June 2023 to start the trial again from scratch, including re-consideration of evidence, which has yet to begin.

Vitaly Tytych, a criminal lawyer and ex-head of civic watchdog Public Integrity Council, argued that the court's actions "violate the right to a fair trial within reasonable time."

He told the Kyiv Independent that the trial did not need to be restarted and that substitute jurors should have been present to ensure its continuation.

Meanwhile, Musayeva argued that "they could have found another way out  such as contacting jurors via video conference.

Chief editor of Ukrayinska Pravda Sevgil Musayeva speaks during the opening of a memorial for journalist Pavel Sheremet at the site where he was killed by a car bomb four years ago, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on 20 July 2020. (STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In January 2024, the court suspended the Sheremet murder case altogether because two of the suspects, Antonenko and Duhar, were serving in the army.

Antonenkos lawyer Stanislav Kulyk told the Kyiv Independent that the court had no other option because the law requires suspending criminal cases in case of military service. Both suspects joined the military voluntarily.

Tytych disagreed with this interpretation, saying that courts can suspend trials in such cases under Ukrainian law but are not required to do so.

He added that, in other cases in which he had participated, mobilized soldiers were taking part in trials despite their military service during the full-scale invasion. Suspects also often take part in criminal proceedings via video conferences.

"But this law is routinely used by courts to exempt criminals from responsibility," Tytych added.

Musayeva also questioned the logic of the court's decision to suspend the case.

"This was a half-measure," she said. "They should have either closed the case or presented additional evidence and achieved a court verdict."

The evidence

The evidence against the suspects is based mainly on CCTV footage from surveillance cameras but also tapped phone conversations that raise suspicion about possible motivations.

CCTV cameras recorded figures resembling a man and a woman planting a bomb under Sheremets car on the night before the early morning murder. Investigators claim they were Kuzmenko and Antonenko. Another camera captured a woman taking photos of surveillance cameras in the area days before the attack. The police argue that this was Duhar.

The forensic experts cited by investigators concluded that it's impossible to identify the people who planted the bomb based on facial features because the videos are blurry.

Consequently, the evidence is focused on an anthropometric and gait analysis carried out by Ukrainian experts and British expert Ivan Birch.

However, the reliability of the analysis has been questioned. According to lawyers and forensic experts, anthropometric and gait analysis can be used as secondary proof but not as the main evidence in criminal cases.

"No new evidence has been provided (apart from the anthropometric and gait analysis)," Musayeva said. "A lot of people have the impression that the (suspects) are innocent and that they have been prosecuted on trumped-up charges."

A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation also told the Kyiv Independent that the anthropometric and gait analysis is dubious. Moreover, the gait analysis is not based on methods that are legally acceptable in Ukraine, the source added.

"The evidence should be beyond reasonable doubt for an outside observer, the source said. "If eight years have passed, and people still ask the question whether it's them (in the video), there is something wrong with this case."

The police have also unveiled alleged recordings of tapped conversations in which Kuzmenko and a friend discuss attacking Kyiv with multiple rocket launchers, with Kuzmenko saying she has no pity for Kyiv" because the city does not care about Russia's war in Donbas that started in 2014.

They also discuss kidnapping high-profile war veteran Marusia Zverobiys children to portray it as an act by the authorities and trigger protests.

It is not clear if the statements were part of a serious plan or just chatter, and there is no mention of Sheremet in them.

According to the investigators initial version, the suspects espoused ultranationalist ideas, idolized the Aryan races greatness and murdered Sheremet to destabilize the political situation.

The police later changed the charges, saying that the perpetrators had unidentified personal motives and planned the murder as a high-profile event in order to provoke major protests.

Participants of the "Half a year behind bars. Where's your justice, Mr. President?" rally in support of Yulia Kuzmenko, Andriy Antonenko, and Yana Duhar outside the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 25, 2020. (Hennadii Minchenko/ Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

People march through at the Khreshchatyk street during the rally in Kyiv, Ukraine, July 4, 2020. (Sergii Kharchenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told the Kyiv Independent that he believes the motive does not make sense. No proof of the suspects motivation and their alleged intentions to destabilize the political situation were presented, the source added.

Investigators in their case point to unidentified organizers that may have compelled the three suspects to conduct the hit but their motives remain unclear.

The main issue is the organizers, not the perpetrators, Kuzmenkos former lawyer Serhiy Kuzan told the Kyiv Independent.

The case has been under heavy public scrutiny since the suspects were arrested in 2019 due to the political context surrounding it. The then-Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, a massively unpopular top official seen as problematic by civil society, backed the case and presented it to the public.

Avakov was quickly accused of using the arrests as a publicity stunt to impress the recently elected President Volodymyr Zelensky rather than a real effort to solve the murder case.

Zelensky backed the case by appearing at the press conference to unveil the suspects alongside Avakov. Supporters of Zelenskys main political opponent, ex-President Petro Poroshenko, rallied behind the suspects.

Kuzmenkos former lawyer, Kuzan, said that both Avakov and supporters of Poroshenko had tried to politicize the Sheremet case. Poroshenko's supporters have often used the Sheremet case in their political rhetoric, accusing Zelensky's administration of persecuting war veterans and Ukrainian patriots.

Avakov organized a PR stunt, he said. This is unacceptable. The investigation should not be based on political expediency.

However, the case has not seen much progress even after Avakov resigned as interior minister in 2021. Avakov did not respond to inquiries, and a confidant of his declined to provide comments about the case.

"My impressions from the trial were as negative as possible, and later it became just ridiculous," Duhar told the Kyiv Independent. "Were the judges biased? Absolutely! They considered (the case) not according to the letter of the law but the way they were ordered."

She said "the prosecutor's office should have dropped the charges after all their evidence had been examined."

"Neither the media nor the public have seen any convincing evidence of our involvement," Duhar added.

Belarusian and Russian leads

Ukrainska Pravdas chief editor, Musayeva, believes that all alternate versions "must be seriously considered" and that law enforcement agencies have failed to investigate them effectively.

One of the versions is that the murder could be linked to Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenkos regime.

Sheremet, a Belarusian, was highly critical of Lukashenko and regularly covered his wrongdoings, including alleged political assassinations ordered by the strongman. Sheremet founded the Belarusian Partisan, a news site highly critical of Lukashenko.

In 2021 the Brussels-based publication EUobserver and the Belarusian Peoples Tribunal, an opposition group, published an alleged leaked tape featuring Vadym Zaitsev, former head of the KGB, the Belarusian state security committee.

We should take care of Sheremet, who is a massive pain in the ass, Zaitsev allegedly said in 2012, according to the tape. Well plant (a bomb) and so on and this f*cking rat will be taken down in f*cking pieces  legs in one direction, arms in the other direction. If everything (looks like) natural causes, it wont get into peoples minds the same way.

Musayeva believes the Belarusian version is plausible, saying that Sheremet was a major enemy of Lukashenko.

Another Belarusian link is Serhiy Korotkikh, a Belarusian nationalist with links to neo-Nazi groups and a fighter in Ukraine's Azov regiment.

Korotkikh is a friend and relative of former Belarusian police officer Valery Ignatovych, who was convicted in 2002 for kidnapping and murdering Sheremets cameraman and friend Dmitry Zavadsky in 2000.

A screenshot of Serhiy Korotkikh, a Belarusian nationalist. (Youtube)

Late on July 19, 2016, on the eve of Sheremets murder, six Azov fighters, including Korotkikh and Azov leader Andriy Biletsky, met with Sheremet near his home. The Azov fighters later said that they were going to participate in a coal miners rally the next day and sought Sheremets advice about the events media strategy.

Oleh Odnorozhenko, a former deputy commander of Azov, told the Kyiv Post in 2020 that Sheremet had tried to find out whether Korotkikh had something to do with Zavadskys murder and could have received information that Korotkikh is implicated in the Zavadsky case.

Odnorozhenko, who has fled to Poland due to his conflict with Azovs leadership, also claimed that two days before the murder Sheremet and Korotkikh had a quarrel. According to him, the two met in Kyiv. They argued loudly, with several people overhearing it but not understanding the essence of the argument, which Odnorozhenko said had something to do with Belarus.

Korotkikh has been accused of having links to Belarusian intelligence agencies because he served in Belarus military intelligence and studied at the Belarusian KGB school in the 1990s.

The law enforcement source familiar with the investigation said the Korotkikh version is plausible because he had a potential motive  Sheremets interest in uncovering the truth of who was behind the death of his cameraman Zavadsky. Korotkikh was questioned within the Sheremet investigation.

Korotkikh has denied his involvement in the murder, presenting himself as a friend of Sheremet.

Korotkikh has also been accused of having links to Russian intelligence agencies, which he denied.

In the early 2000s, Korotkikh and Maksim Gritsai, whose brother is an officer of Russias FSB intelligence agency, co-founded a Russian neo-Nazi group called the National Socialist Society.

The brother of another leader of the National Socialist Society, Dmitry Rumyantsev, is a member of advisory bodies at Russias Presidential Administration and other state bodies.

Ukraine's Interior Ministry said in 2016 that Russia's potential involvement in Sheremet's murder was being investigated.

The SBU trace

Another alternative version is linked to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

In 2017, the Slidstvo.info investigative journalism outlet identified that a former SBU officer, Ihor Ustymenko, was present near Sheremets car when the bomb was planted under it.

The SBU said Ustymenko had stopped working for the service in 2014. Ustymenko said that he had been hired as a security guard to protect children who were in the area at the moment.

In 2019, the police also claimed, based on the interception of their phone calls, that Antonenko, Duhar and Kuzmenko had links to about 15 SBU officers.

Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov during the Ukrainian Government's meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 31, 2015. (Sergii Kharchenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Avakov also claimed in 2019 that SBU officers had seized data from several CCTV cameras near Sheremets house and refused to give it to the police. The statement was made amid a cold confrontation between the police and the SBU, and the security service denied the accusation.

From 2015 to 2016, Ukrainska Pravda journalists, including Sheremet, suspected that they were subject to surveillance by the authorities. At one point, the publications office got an envelope containing printouts of their conversations.

Only the SBU can independently conduct surveillance like phone tapping in Ukraine, while other agencies have to go through the SBU for such operations.

Saken Aimurzayev, former chief editor of Vesti Radio, told the Kyiv Post in 2020 that he and Sheremet suspected both the SBU and the police of conducting such surveillance towards them. Aimurzayev worked with Sheremet at Radio Vesti and lived in the same apartment building with him.

Read also: Judicial reform in limbo as only few tainted judges are fired or convicted

Case on hold until war ends?

The trial can only resume when the military service of Duhar and Antonenko ends, according to Duhar's lawyer Mykola Orekhovsky and Antonenko's lawyer Stanislav Kulik.

Another option is that the prosecutors will decide to close the case due to a lack of evidence, the lawyers said.

But the crucial issue is whether justice will ever be delivered in the Sheremet investigation.

Kuzan, who defended one of the suspects, said there should be more public pressure on the investigators to make them solve the case.

A woman lays flowers at the memorial unveiled in remembrance of journalist Pavel Sheremet at the intersection of Bohdana Khmelnytskoho and Ivana Franka Streets close to the scene of the tragedy, Kyiv, capital of Ukraine on July 20, 2020. (Pavlo Bagmut/ Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

If you don't have proof, close the case, he said. If you do, investigate and continue.

Meanwhile, Musayeva is skeptical about the prospects of the case.

"I don't believe that we'll find any new information (on the case) under the current administration," Musayeva said. "I don't see any political will. After the war is over, maybe there will be changes."

Duhar, one of the suspects, said that its hard to talk about the future of the case since there's a war in our country, and it's almost impossible to forecast what will happen next.

Read also: Ukraines anti-corruption bureau makes progress yet doesnt take on top presidential allies

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The Beck Cultural Exchange Center will celebrate Emancipation Day in Tennessee for 2024 by honoring the legacy of the late Judge William Hastie during its annual Eighth of August Jubilee at the Tennessee Theatre.

Born in Knoxville in 1904, Hastie was the first African American ever to serve as a federal judge in the United States court.

"This is our 10th year of having our 8th of August Jubilee, so we wanted to do something special during a very pivotal time in our country," the Rev. Renee Kesler, executive director of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, told Knox News. "Hastie always called Knoxville home, and his rich history is one of those stories that we needed to tell. As part of that, we invited his son as our special guest to honor his father's legacy. This award is given to those who are not only from East Tennessee, but who have a history that's rooted in freedom and justice and equality."

The Beck Center event on Aug. 8 will feature a VIP red carpet celebration, a performance by jazz artist Kelle Jolly, and an appearance by Emmy-winning filmmaker, author and activist Loki Mulholland, son of civil rights icon Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, who one of the Freedom Riders arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1961.

Additionally, during the celebration the Beck Center will premiere an exclusive feature film detailing the life and accomplishments of the late judge.

Find information about reserving tickets for the Beck Center Eighth of August Jubilee online at beckcenter.net. The VIP reception will begin at 4 p.m., and the program will start at 5:30 p.m.

William Hastie (1904-76) grew up in the house on the corner of Woodlawn Pike and E. Moody. Hastie went on to be Americas first African American federal judge. He later was the first African American to serve as a governor, as the territorial governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, 1946-49.

Hastie's legacy championed civil rights and the judiciary

Raised in East and South Knoxville during his childhood, Hastie went on to break numerous racial barriers throughout his distinguished career. He was the first African American to serve as a federal judge, and his legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice paved the way for future generations of Black legal professionals. Hastie's academic brilliance earned him a scholarship to Amherst College, followed by a law degree from Harvard Law School, where he later became the first African American to serve on the school's faculty.

As an influential advocate for civil rights, Hastie worked alongside prominent figures like Thurgood Marshall and played a crucial role in dismantling segregationist policies serving on the bench up until he died in 1976. His commitment to equality extended beyond the courtroom, impacting educational institutions and public policies across the nation.

The country's first black federal judge William H. Hastie. Photo from Beck Cultural Exchange Center.

Why Tennessee recognizes Aug. 8 as Emancipation Day

On Aug. 8, 1863, African Americans in Tennessee were freed from slavery. The day commemorates the moment when military governor Andrew Johnson of Tennessee - later the 17th president of the United States - emancipated his own enslaved individuals, an event preceding the nationally recognized Juneteenth. As Union forces advanced and occupied territories, they disseminated the Emancipation Proclamation, leading to various states celebrating emancipation on different dates. Aug. 8 was designated as Emancipation Day in Tennessee. That date is now celebrated in at least seven states - including in Kentucky and Missouri - and 55 communities.

Angela Dennis is the Knox News race, justice and equity reporter.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Beck Center 8th of August event to honor legacy of Judge William Hastie
BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- China will strive to ensure its network of free trade areas (FTAs) can contribute about 40 percent of the total foreign trade by 2030, an official said Friday.

Li Yongjie, deputy international trade representative of the Ministry of Commerce, told a press conference that China will further expand its globally-oriented network of high-standard FTAs to cover more countries and regions while fostering broader opening up and deeper reforms.

China has so far signed 22 free trade agreements with 29 countries and regions, accounting for a third of its foreign trade.

Li pledged to work toward joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), conclude negotiations on Version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN FTA at the earliest, and promote the FTA among China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and others.

When establishing new FTAs, China will expand the tariff-free product list, further open the telecom, medical care and tourism sectors, and include rules involving the digital economy, the green economy, intellectual property rights, and mutual recognition of standards, Li said.

To align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, the country will advance reforms in property rights protection, industrial subsidies, environmental protection, labor protection, government procurement, e-commerce, the financial sector, and other areas, she added. 
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other Al Qaeda members behind the 9/11 attacks pleaded guilty to 2,976 counts of murder, U.S. military prosecutors revealed in a letter to 9/11 victim families on Wednesday. In exchange, the 9/11 plotters will escape the death penalty. The letter called the plea deal "the best path to finality and justice in this case."

Mohammed and his accomplices were first taken into U.S. custody in 2003. There was little doubt of their guilt; Mohammed admitted to plotting the attacks to a TV reporter a year before his capture. So why was a plea deal in a shadowy military court more than twenty years later the best that the U.S. government could do?

It was a self-inflicted problem. Rather than letting law enforcement handle a massacre on American soil, President George W. Bush had the suspects rounded up into secretive torture prisons, forever tainting the evidence. No court would admit torture-derived confessionsand any statement made after the torture could also be challenged by lawyers. After all, several known innocents have also confessed under torture.

When the Obama administration tried to put Mohammed on trial in New York, the scene of his crime, politicians from both parties helped stir up public outrage. Congress passed a bipartisan law preventing Al Qaeda suspects from being moved to the U.S. mainland. Instead, Mohammed and other defendants were tried by a Guantanamo Bay military tribunal that delivered neither fairness and transparency nor swift justice. It was the worst of all worlds.

The relatives of many victims felt blindsided by the plea deal.

"There's a sense of betrayal amongst the 9/11 family members right now," Brett Eagleson, president of the nonprofit 9/11 Justice, told SpyTalk, a Substack focused on national security. "We weren't consulted in any way on what was going to be happening down in Guantanamo."

The 9/11 plotters' guilty plea was one of many missed opportunities for closure on the War on Terror. After killing Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the Obama administration could have declared victory and begun the process of moving on. Instead, he promised endless war.

"His death does not mark the end of our effort," President Barack Obama said in his announcement of bin Laden's death. "There is no doubt that Al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We mustand we willremain vigilant at home and abroad."

This "vigilance abroad" meant war against an ever-shifting alphabet soup of Islamist rebels, most of whom had nothing to do with 9/11 and some of whom didn't exist when the War on Terror began. The American public was left confused about what they were even fighting for or against. As Rep. Sara Jacobs (DCalif.) pointed out at a hearing last year, even the list of groups that the U.S. government considers to be "Al Qaeda affiliates" is classified.

Meanwhile, the constant feeling of siege corroded American domestic politics. Counterterrorism became an excuse to militarize the police. Obama-era defenses of drone strikes were recycled into anti-immigrant conspiracy theories. Concerns about "radicalization" and "extremism" were used to push for online censorship.

"The same tools that destabilized foreign countries were bound to destabilize America," wrote journalist Spencer Ackerman in his 2020 book, Reign of Terror. "Experiencing neither peace nor victory for such a sustained period was a volatile condition for millions of people."

All the while, it was easy to forget that the people who sparked all this fear to begin withthe perpetrators of 9/11were either dead or behind bars.

Perhaps Bush and Obama's decisions are understandable, if not excusable, because the trauma of 9/11 was still so raw. But those decisions prevented this wound from ever healing. Two decades on, the closest thing to "finality and justice" is a sad, quiet compromise.

The post The 9/11 Plotters Should Have Been Found Guilty in a Real Court appeared first on Reason.com.
Survivors of 9/11 who battled cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in the years since the attacks were devastated and enraged to learn that the terror plots mastermind and two co-conspirators will escape the death penalty.

Several victims, whose ailments were brought on by toxic debris from the felled Twin Towers, on Thursday slammed the plea deals that US military prosecutors struck with three accused terrorists held on Guantanamo Bay, including primary plotter Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

Survivors of the 9/11 terror attacks with debilitating illnesses told The Post that they were angered by the plea deal reached with three terrorists to let them avoid the death penalty. Photo by SETH MCALLISTER/AFP via Getty Images

Im disgusted. He killed 3,000 people and more than 3,000 if you consider all of the people who have been dying since he caused all of this pain and suffering, Steven Hanges, a retired 20-year veteran of the NY Highway Patrol, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer late last year.

The latest on the plea deal that spares 9/11 terrorists the death penalty

That man, at the very least, should get the same that he gave us, Hanges told The Post of Mohammed.

Richie Alles, 67, a retired Deputy FDNY Chief who was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Facebook

Hanges, who began developing pulmonary symptoms in the weeks after 9/11 and has suffered from rhinitis, sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea in the years since, has had his tumor removed and is doing well. But the news of the plea deals brought the emotional pain right back.

They made a deal with the devil, he said.

Edgardo Lopez, 57, an ex-NYPD officer and 9/11 first responder who got throat cancer and lost a vocal cord from an aggressive course of chemotherapy and radiation, said the defendants should have gotten an automatic death sentence right off the bat.

There should have never been a plea deal, he said.

9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was involved in the deal. Derek Poteet via AP

Im an eye for an eye type person, he added. If you commit a heinous act, causing the death of not one but about 3,000 people  nah, I dont think so. They got it easy.

Despite getting both prostate and skin cancer since the attacks, retired FDNY Deputy Chief Al Santora said he considers himself one of the lucky ones compared to others who were in and around Ground Zero on that fateful Tuesday.

Santora and his wife, Maureen, lost their son Christopher, 23, an FDNY firefighter who was killed in the attacks.

The couple was blindsided by the terrorists plea deal, only learning about it when they started getting calls from reporters.

Retired FDNY Deputy Chief Al Santora and his wife Maureen lost their son Christopher in 9/11. Gabriella Bass

I think were spending a lot of time and effort for something unnecessary, he said, referring to the suspects protracted cases which have lasted over 20 years.

They could have been tried, and what I think is they should have been put to death.

Richie Alles, 67, a retired Deputy FDNY Chief who was diagnosed with prostate cancer last November, said those who have been battling 9/11 illnesses all consider ourselves ticking time bombs, grimly acknowledging that its not a question of if, but when youre going to get an illness.

Mustafa Ahmed Adam al-Hawsawi took the plea deal. EPA

Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash was also involved in the deal.

He said he wasnt surprised by his diagnosis, and has so far been managing it as best he can.

At least Im still here to be able to tell the story, he said.

Alles said he believes the US Justice Department has done a disservice to families who lost loved ones on 9/11, as well as the families of the innocent first responders and survivors who have been sickened with cancers in the aftermath.

It wasnt just first responders who contracted illnesses from being in close proximity to the attacks.

Michael Barasch, 69, managing partner at the Barasch & McGarry Law Firm, was and still is a lawyer at 11 Park Place, where he represents firefighters. Hes also a legal advocate for the Feal Good Foundation, which works to help emergency personnel who were injured or sickened on the job.

Barasch, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago and skin cancer last year, said not a day goes by without one or two of his clients dying of a 9/11-related illness.

Six-thousand people have now had their deaths linked to 9/11-illnesses. Double the amount of people who died that day. Ive been hearing from these clients and theyre outraged. They waited 23 years for their day in court  its not just the defendants day in court, its the victims day in court.

He said the plea deal denies 9/11 families that long awaited opportunity. It denies them the justice they deserve.

Michael Barasch attorney for Confucius Plaza Tenants Association speaking to the press. R Umar Abbasi

Department heads and union bosses of first responder agencies suffered enormous casualties in the terror attacks, many of them from cancer or other diseases years later.

The Port Authority lost 84 employees on 9/11 including 37 Port Authority police officers, and those losses have only been compounded by the growing list of colleagues who succumb to diseases they contracted after the attacks, said Port Authority PBA president Frank Conti.

This plea agreement is not justice. Instead, it represents a failure of the system to bring these murderers to trial for more than 20 years, he said.

The terrorists are being held at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. AP

These men are responsible for the outright murder of 2,977 men, women and children on that terrible day. They are also responsible for many hundreds more who have succumbed to disease over these past two decades.

The FDNY lost 343 members on Sept. 11, 2001 and more perish all the time from diseases the aftermath of the attack stirred up.

Andy Ansbro, President of the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association  whose NYPD Transit Division chief father died last June of 9/11-related illness after a multi-year cancer fight  said the union is shocked and disgusted that the US government would offer the terror suspects a plea deal.

FDNY firefighters at the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks. Corbis via Getty Images

Every month we are losing firefighters to 9/11 illnesses. We are disgusted that they allowed this to happen without seeing this through to executions.

Jim Brosi, head of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, echoed the anger of other groups and agencies, calling the plea deal outrageous.

Firefighters continue to die as a result of these attacks orchestrated by these terrorists  its difficult to imagine why this plea deal was offered to monsters who caused the death of nearly 3,000 people, and whose crimes continue to take the lives of those exposed to the harmful effects of Ground Zero, he said.

Where is the justice weve been promised for 23 years?

 Additional reporting by Larry Celona
An Abilene man has been indicted with first-degree murder in connection to a fentanyl-related overdose death.

Frederick Lamonn Hunter, 49, was indicted Thursday on first-degree murder, as well as on a third-degree felony charge of delivery of fentanyl causing death.

Hunter was being held Friday in the Taylor County Jail on a $200,000 bond for the murder charge and a $5,000 bond for a charge related to possession of a hydrocodone, according to jail records.

Texas House Bill 6 and companion Senate Bill 645 allow "prosecutors to seek murder charges against a person who supplies/distributes fentanyl that leads to an overdose death," according to a police press release.

An Abilene man was charged with first-degree murder in connection to a fentanyl-related overdose death, the Abilene Police Department announced Wednesday.

'Deceased behind the wheel'

On Jan. 15, 2023, Joanna Bryant, 32, was found "deceased behind the wheel of her vehicle at the Cedar Creek apartment complex parking lot from an apparent overdose," according to the Abilene police.

The police subsequently completed a lengthy investigation, which led to Hunter's arrest in May.

He faces a possible five to 99 years or life in prison if convicted of the murder charge. Anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court beyond a reasonable doubt.

Jerrill Kenyon Russell's first-degree murder charge was likely the first in Taylor County related to a fentanyl-induced death.

Russell's charge is in connection to the death of 20-year-old Jessalyn Star Sturgill after she allegedly ingested fake Percocet laced with fentanyl, according to allegations in court documents.

Fentanyl is "definitely on the rise the last couple of years" across Texas, Mary Avalos Belli, the Abilene crime lab manager, said earlier this year.

One pill containing fentanyl can kill because seven out of every 10 pills the DEA seizes contain a lethal dose of fentanyl, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

Abilene's first fentanyl-related murder Taylor County likely sees its first fentanyl-related murder charge

Fentanyl, on the rise Abilene crime lab official: Fentanyl 'on the rise'

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Abilene man indicted on fentanyl-related murder charge
Tatiana Pino was menaced by attempts on her life that included fentanyl poisoning, the ramming of her car with a flatbed truck and being chased by a gunman outside her home, according to federal prosecutors.

Now, a newly filed indictment includes a previously unknown detail  that prominent Miami-Dade developer Sergio Pino suggested one crew he hired to kill his estranged wife inject her with a liquid substance to make her death look like a heart attack.

Pino, 67, killed himself with a gun at his Cocoplum home after FBI agents came to arrest him on the morning of July 16, but he appears as an unindicted co-conspirator in the indictment charging six men with the murder-for-hire conspiracy and three others with related offenses.

The indictment, which was returned by a Miami federal grand jury this week, is the latest development in the FBIs two-year long investigation into the late home builders attempts to kill his wife, Tatiana Pino, 55, as their marriage dissolved  including allegations of fentanyl poisoning, arson attacks, using a flatbed truck to ram the wifes vehicle and ultimately deploying a hit man to threaten her with a gun in the driveway of her home in Pinecrest on June 23. The FBI raided Pinos home and business in Coral Gables the following day.

Read more: Tatiana Pinos life as a target: poisoned at home, followed from church, cars set ablaze

The freshest detail in the indictment, which follows a series of FBI criminal complaints and affidavits leading to the nine mens arrests in recent months, revolves around Pinos hiring of a second crew of men to kill his wife before a critical divorce trial this summer and then cover it up.

Co-conspirator 1 [Sergio Pino] provided the second crew with a financial incentive to ensure the crime was not traced back to him, according to the indictment. Co-conspirator 1 suggested that the second crew should kill Victim 1 [Tatiana Pino] by injecting her with a provided liquid substance to make her death appear to be a heart attack.

There are no other details about the alleged injection scheme in the indictment, though a source familiar with the plan to induce a cardiac arrest said it was abandoned in favor of trying to shoot Tatiana Pino outside her home while making it look like part of an armed robbery.

The indictment also states that the first crew of men in the murder-for-hire scheme planned to poison Tatiana Pino with cyanide and arsenic, in addition to fentanyl. The FBI had previously made a general statement about the planned use of other drugs to harm her.

Because of his death, Pino has not been charged with the nine other defendants. Pinos defense attorney, Sam Rabin, declined to comment.

Sergio and Tatiana Pino, in an undated photo

The indictment released Friday also says Pino insisted on dealing exclusively with the leader of the second crew to conceal his involvement in this murder for hire scheme.

The leader of the crew, Fausto Villar, a former felon who served six years in state prison for an armed robbery conviction, was working as a roofer for Pino when the developer hired him for the alleged hit job, according to FBI court records. In turn, Villar recruited an ex-felon he knew from prison, Avery Bivins, who served 12 years for drug dealing and attempted murder convictions, to coordinate the scheme to kill Pinos wife, FBI records show.

Bivins then brought in a friend, Clementa Johnson, to execute the hit, and Johnson tapped his cousin, Vernon Green, to go to the wifes home to threaten her with a gun after she returned from Sunday church services, according to FBI records. Green not only brandished the weapon as Tatiana Pino slammed the horn of her car and sped off into her backyard, but he also pointed the firearm in the face of Pinos adult daughter, who came outside during the commotion.

Another member of the second crew is Diori Barnard, who is accused of providing back-up support.

On Friday, Bivins, Johnson and Green pleaded not guilty in Miami federal court. Their respective attorneys, Humberto Dominguez, Jordan Lewin and Richard Serafini, declined to comment after the arraignments, saying they just received indictment but have yet to see any FBI evidence from federal prosecutors Abbie Waxman, Brian Dobbins and Ignacio Vazquez.

Villars arraignment is on Monday. Barnards arraignment has not been set.

Read more: How a former felon helped FBI build case against developer in murder-for-hire scheme

In addition to those five men, Bayron Bennett, who worked as a hired hand on Pinos yacht, is also charged with the murder conspiracy.

At Pinos direction, Bennett coordinated the first attempt to kill the developers wife last year, according to the indictment. The crew included three other defendants  Michael Dulfo, Jerren Howard and Edner Etienne  who are charged with lesser offenses, such as stalking Tatiana Pino and torching three vehicles belonging to her sister.

In August of last year, Etienne rammed a rented Home Depot flatbed truck backwards into Tatiana Pinos car after she pulled into her driveway, according to court documents. Etienne fled the scene.

Co-conspirator 1 [Sergio Pino] directed Bayron Bennett and his crew in this scheme and insisted that Bennett deal exclusively with Co-conspirator 1 to conceal his involvement in this murder for hire scheme, the indictment says.

To distract attention away from the threats on his wife, Pino also directed Bennett to have his crew torch his own vehicle in September 2023, thereby generating a false police report, and further solicited individuals to shoot a firearm at his property [in Cocoplum]  all in an effort to conceal his involvement in the murder for hire scheme, according to the indictment.

Pino also used the first crew with a plan to poison his wife with cyanide, arsenic and fentanyl, the indictment says, though it does not provide further details.

At a July 17 news conference after the FBIs attempt to arrest Pino at his home, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe said the first crew actually obtained fentanyl to assist Pino in his effort to kill his wife.

Our investigation has shown that the target of the fentanyl poisoning was his wife, FBI special agent Jeff Veltri told reporters.

It was for a prolonged period of time that she was exposed to fentanyl and other drugs, Veltri said, but he declined to say how they were administered to her, including whether Pino or others tampered with her prescription medication.
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ)  The Altoona Curve hosted a life-changing parade for nine local children with disabilities.

On Thursday, the children were presented with adaptive bikes and strollers. After they received them they were able to ride their new bikes on the field for the first time.

Five-year-old Baylee from Sproul received her new adaptive bike and adaptive stroller. Her mom Katherine shared why the equipment means so much.

Baylee cant balance herself on a normal bike. With an adaptive bike of her own, Baylee will finally be able to go out and ride bikes with all of us! She can be like her big brother and sister without having to wonder why shes the only one not riding a bike. This will bring our family closer together, Katherine said.

Blair County family finds more than missing dog

Five-year-old Weston from Cresson also received a new adaptive bike and stroller.

The adaptive bike will impact Weston in more ways than one. It will benefit Weston with muscle development and movement, circulation, joint modality, core development, coordination and balance, Westons mom Jessica said.

The Altoona Curve partnered with Variety, a childrens charity in Pittsburgh, to make this memorable night happen. Varietys CEO, Tom Baker, says this night is all for the kids and their families.

Its really all about the kids. So its and making sure the kids that wouldnt normally be able to ride a bike, get to ride a bike with their friends in their neighborhood, with their brothers and sisters, Baker said.

Another child who received both an adaptive bike and stroller is 5-year-old Mark who is from Berlin, Pennsylvania. His mom spoke about what this newfound freedom will be like for Mark.

He wants so badly to have the freedom and to feel like other kids his age. He would feel more independent and less restricted with both a bike AND stroller. The bike will make him smile so much bigger and feel more like a typical 5-year-old kid. The bike will also help his motor skills and development, Marks mom Gabreanna, said.

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Variety has now presented more than 415 pieces of life-changing adaptive equipment to local youth in Blair, Cambria and Somerset counties.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
Addiction Recovery Care, Kentucky's largest provider of drug and alcohol treatment, has offices and other facilities in Louisa, photographed June 27, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Matthew Mueller)

Kentuckys largest provider of addiction treatment services, Addiction Recovery Care, or ARC, is the subject of an FBI investigation into possible health care fraud, according to a July 30 post on a website of the federal agencys Louisville office.

ARC, which is funded almost entirely through Kentuckys Medicaid program, has not been charged with any crime but the agency is asking people with information to fill out an online form if you believe you were victimized by ARC or have information relevant to this investigation.

ARC, a for-profit company based in Louisa, and whose CEO and affiliates have emerged as prolific political donors in recent years, said in a statement from spokesman Kyle Collier that it is cooperating with the FBI.

We have recently learned that there is a federal investigation into ARC, the statement said. As we all know, healthcare is one of the most highly regulated fields in the country, and addiction treatment is among the most highly scrutinized healthcare services. ARC is a trailblazer in the field of addiction services. We are confident in our program and in the services we offer. We, and our legal counsel, are cooperating fully in the investigation.

Collier directed further inquiries to ARCs chief legal officer, Jessica Burke, who provided a similar statement.

ARC has developed a reputation for aggressive expansion since it was launched by Tim Robinson, a Lawrence County lawyer who founded the company with a single halfway house for alcohol treatment in 2010. Fueled by the availability of new Medicaid funds for substance use disorder treatment since 2014 under the Affordable Care Act, ARC operates some 1,800 treatment beds in 24 counties and reaches hundreds more clients through outpatient services, the Kentucky Lantern reported in July.

Last year, ARC took in $130 million in Medicaid funds, the government health plan which gets most of its money from the federal government, making it by far the states largest provider of substance use services.

Robinson and his wife, Lelia, own ARC and some related entities which provide them with an annual income of $533,400, according to a 2022 tax filing of a related non-profit company, Odyssey Inc.

The company has been singled out for praise by politicians including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who spoke at an ARC ribbon cutting for a new ARC facility in March.

With the help of organizations like ARC, we are working to build a safer, healthier commonwealth for our people, Beshear said.

He also praised Robinson, ARCs founder, in his State of the Commonwealth speech in January.

With us today, Beshear said, is Tim Robinson, founder and CEO of ARC, an essential partner in our fight against addiction.  Im proud to say we now have more treatment beds per capita than any other state in the country.

From mid-2021 through the end of 2023 Robinson, his corporations and employees gave at least $252,500 to political committees supporting Beshear, according to reporter Tom Loftus analysis in the Kentucky Lantern of campaign finance records.

The donations to Democrat Beshear were a shift in the giving pattern for Robinson, a lifelong and loyal Republican. He also gave big to Beshears opponent in the 2019 governors race, Republican incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin.

The Lanterns analysis shows that  including money contributed to Beshear committees  Robinson, his corporations and employees have made at least $570,000 in political contributions over the past decade as his for-profit company grew.

He also has donated to Kentucky Republican lawmakers including some who wrote recent letters on ARCs behalf, asking that rate cuts proposed to ARC and other addiction providers be suspended until further study.

The rate cuts of 15% to20% proposed by three of the six private insurance companies that process state Medicaid claims became public this week at a legislative hearing. ARC and another provider told lawmakers that such cuts would devastate Kentuckys efforts to turn the tide of addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Kentucky has made significant strides in access to treatment, Matt Brown, chief administrative officer for Addiction Recovery Care, or ARC, told a legislative committee Tuesday. With these cuts, it could completely set back addiction treatment in our state 20 years.

Six national insurance companies known as managed care organizations, or MCOs, handle the majority of the states $16 billion a year Medicaid business. Under contracts with the state, they are paid a fixed rate per member to cover the cost of care.

Brown, the ARC official, told lawmakers this is no time to cut payments for addiction services, citing some indicators of success.

Brown noted that overdose deaths in Kentucky have declined for the past two years after years of rising. Kentucky also has the most treatment beds per resident, most of them through ARC, he said.

The states latest annual overdose report, released in June, shows a decrease in deaths to 1,984 from 2,200 the year before, a decline of 9.8%.

In a statement released after the hearing on the cuts, the Kentucky Association of Health Plans, which represents the MCOs, said its members are proud to work collaboratively with quality, trustworthy providers of behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment and access to those services is top of mind to ensure those in need receive care.

Health plans strive for the best networks possible and are encouraged by the state to prioritize plan member outcomes and value-based care, it said.

The FBI posting on the website seeking information on ARC does not provide further information about the nature of the investigation,

A spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A questionnaire people are asked to fill out includes several questions including whether they have been or are a patient at ARC and if so, what services were received. It also asks whether the person responding has ever made a complaint before about ARC and if so, to whom.

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Adult-use marijuana sales will begin next week across Ohio

Adult-use marijuana sales will begin across Ohio next week, according to a spokesperson from the Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN).

Ohioans over the age of 21 will be able to purchase adult-use marijuana products at participating state-licensed dispensaries as early as August 6.

>>RELATED: Miami Valley dispensary part of select few approved to grow recreational pot

I cant emphasize enough the work that OHCANN members alongside DCC have put in to bring us to this day. We are stepping into a new future for Ohio where citizens will have access to safe products and communities will feel the benefits of this growing industry through tax revenue and job opportunities, OHCANN spokesperson Tom Haren said.

A spokesperson from the Ohio Department of Commerce confirmed that some adult-use marijuana sales will begin Tuesday.

Some dispensaries may need additional time to prepare for the influx of customers, the OHCANN spokesperson said.

Customers should make sure their licensed dispensary is approved for adult-use sales before showing up.

>>RELATED: Ohio voters pass measure to legalize recreational marijuana

Pure Ohio Wellness Chief Operating Officer Tracey McMillin told News Center 7 that they will be open for adult-use marijuana sales on August 6 at 10 a.m.

News Center 7 is working to learn what other area dispensaries will start selling adult-use marijuana next week.

The Ohio Department of Commerce spokesperson said the Division of Cannabis Control will update this map to show what dispensaries will sell adult-use marijuana.

We will continue to follow this story.
Afghanistan sprinter uses Olympic trip to shine light on how women are treated in her country

Kimia Yousofi, of Afghanistan, makes a political statement after a heat in the women's 100-meter run at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP)  To get a sense of the real race Afghanistan's lone woman at the Olympic track meet is running, one only needed to look at the back of her bib.

On it, in handwritten script, were the words, spelled like this: Eduction" and "Our Rights.

Women and girls in Afghanistan have suffered immensely since Kimia Yousofi's home country was taken over by the Taliban in August 2021. A United Nations report last year said the country has become the most repressive in the world for women and girls, who are deprived of virtually all their basic rights.

I think I feel a responsibility for Afghan girls because they cant talk, Yousofi said Friday after finishing last in her 100-meter preliminary heat.

Her 13.42-second sprint down the track was not the main point of this trip. Yousofi's story was a bracing illustration of how these trips to the Olympics aren't always about winning and losing.

Im not a politics person, I just do what I think is true, Yousofi said. I can talk with media. I can be the voice of Afghan girls. I (can) tell (people) what they want  they want basic rights, education and sports.

Before she was born, Yousofi's parents fled Afghanistan during the Taliban's previous rule. She and her three brothers were born and raised in neighboring Iran.

In 2012, when she was 16, Yousofi took part in a talent search for Afghan immigrant girls living in Iran. She later returned to Afghanistan to train for a chance to represent the country at the 2016 Olympics. These are her third Games.

But after the Taliban took over her country again, at around the time the Tokyo Games started, she moved to Australia with the help of officials there and the International Olympic Committee. She has been living in Sydney, trying to get better at speaking English. When she goes back, she will start looking for a job.

Had she sought one, she almost certainly would have earned a place on the Olympic refugee team that is designed for displaced athletes like her.

But she wanted to represent her country, flaws and all, with a hope that this trip to the Olympics will help shine a light on the way women are treated there.

This is my flag, this is my country," she said. This is my land.

___

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
Drones are now being used to inspect ultra-high voltage (UHV) power lines in east China's Anhui Province. Follow Belarusian student Nastya to find out how they work. #GLOBALink




By Nellie Peyton

PRETORIA (Reuters) - Powerful and politically-connected "construction mafias" are scaring away investors and holding back infrastructure projects needed to grow South Africa's economy, the country's new public works and infrastructure minister said on Friday.

Dean Macpherson took office last month in South Africa's new coalition government and is now tasked with helping execute President Cyril Ramaphosa's plan to turn the country into a construction site.

Ramaphosa said in his first policy speech to the new parliament that inclusive economic growth would be driven by massive investment in infrastructure. But for that to happen the state will need to tackle the rampant criminal gangs that invade construction sites, Macpherson said in an interview.

"It's a big threat to us," he said. "It actually physically stops projects that are underway (and) it creates a barrier to entry for the private sector because if there's going to be stoppages and cost overruns, that eats into their margins."

"Why would you deploy capital that's going to sit in a project indefinitely, possibly, and that you're then going to have to start paying more and more towards to keep gangsters off of your site?" he said.

"Mafias" in South Africa's construction sector initially surfaced in the east coast province of KwaZulu-Natal about a decade ago and have since expanded across all provinces, according to a 2023 report by the Cape Town-based Inclusive Society Institute.

The groups typically invade construction sites, demanding money or a stake in development projects, and use violence or intimidation to get what they want, it said.

They also have close ties with corrupt politicians, said Macpherson, who is the former provincial chairperson for KwaZulu-Natal for the Democratic Alliance (DA), previously the main opposition party which has now joined the government.

Macpherson said he would meet various state actors next month to come up with a national strategy for tackling the gangs, and that Ramaphosa had identified it as a priority.

"A lot of people have spoken to us, particularly on the institutional funding side, to say it is the single biggest risk for them that they invest in something and these projects just stop for eternity," he said.

His department is looking at new funding models to attract private sector investment, he said, adding Treasury was working on reforms to the publicprivate partnership regulations that would help.

(Reporting by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
The family of a 25-year-old Georgia airman killed in an Osprey crash during a training exercise in Japan last year now knows what caused it.

Staff Sergeant Jake Turnage was killed on November 29, 2023, along with seven other crew members.

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After nearly a year of investigation, this week the Air Force determined that the crash was caused by cracks in a metal gear and the pilots decision to continue flying.

Channel 2s Audrey Washington spoke to Turnages aunt, Dawn Dickerson, who said her nephew had always wanted to join the military.

Hes always wanted, since he was little, to go into the military. He was very excited about his job and he was a very hard worker, Erickson said.

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Erickson said shes glad to finally have answers about how her nephew died.

It helps to know what happened and to know that he didnt suffer for very long, Erikson said.

Aviation analyst John Nance told Washington that the Osprey has a very good record of delivering people right where you need them, but that when things go wrong, the aircraft is hard to control.

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham released a statement shortly after the crash, describing Turnage as a beloved husband, brother, and son, as well as a fun-loving and dedicated Noncommissioned Officer.

Jakes humor and zeal were contagious. His magnetic personality was always uplifting and lightened the load of his squadron mates. He loved to fly and to learn. His enthusiasm and positive attitude inspired others every day, Oldham said.

The family is now working on plans to memorialize Turnage in November.
DES MOINES, Iowa  The Des Moines International Airport and the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation are collaborating to bring five public art installations to the airports new terminal slated to open in early 2027.

The Executive Director for the airport, Kevin Foley, said the goal of the airport expansion is to keep up with increasing air travel. The terminal will add six new gates, bringing the total to 18. It will also house a new walkway, a couple of new restaurants, and a new coffee shop.

Were increasing our capacity by 50%, which is very, very important because during our peak periods, we are literally out of space to park airplanes, said Foley.

Grimes Sweetcorn is now shipping to out of state customers

This increase in capacity will bring more flights to the airport and will help prevent competition between the Des Moines International Airport and others. According to Foley, increased competition may cause ticket prices to rise, so the expansion should help keep ticket prices steady.

The project is expected to cost the airport $445 million.

The airport partnered with the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation in 2023 to help make the experience in the terminal more enjoyable for the estimated three million travelers who come through the airport every year. They decided to showcase public art within the new terminal.

For that first-time visitor, whether that be international or domestic, coming into the Des Moines Metro area, this gives them the sense that we are modern. Were much, much more than corn fields and soybean fields, said Foley.

This initiative was led by Alexa McCarthy, the Executive Director of the Public Art Foundation, since she joined the foundation in September 2023. Her team created an international pool of artists and choose whose work will be displayed.

All of the pieces will be site-specific sculptural installations that will engage with the architecture and will be made from materials that can be maintained for a long time, like metals and glass.

Site One is the interior expanse from check-in to baggage claim. New York-based artist and Iowa City native, Anne Lindberg, will display her installation there.

Site Two is the east and west panels of the glass elevator. New York-based artist Adam Frank will work on this area.

Site Three is a suspended installation that will be at the meeter-greeter space, as described by McCarthy. The foundation will work with Gordon Huether out of Napa, California for this piece.

Site Four will feature New York-based Alteronce Gumby. His work will be adjacent to the metter-greeter space on a long wall.

Site Five is different from the other installations because the foundation wanted to highlight a local artist. The location for this project is on the exterior of the terminal in the bus shelter area. Matt Niebuhr of RDG Art Studio in Des Moines was chosen to create a multi-faceted exterior site.

McCarthy said she is excited to work with the artists and architects on these projects. To support the artist selection and installation process, the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation initiated a $4 million fundraising effort in late 2023. So far, over 60 donors contributed and helped them raise around 82% of their fundraising goal.

I hope the project will be meaningful and impactful to the Des Moines Metro at the greater state, she said.

Fundraising will continue through 2025.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Jim Rauh with a photo of his son, Thomas Rauh, who died from a fentanyl overdose.

An Akron family has been awarded millions of dollars after suing a drug trafficking organization for wrongful death due to fentanyl poisoning, according to a news release from Families Against Fentanyl.

A federal judge issued a $30 million judgement against the Zheng drug trafficking organization after Families Against Fentanyl founder Jim Rauh filed a lawsuit against the group. Rauh and his family have been awarded a combined total judgement of $48 million after a Summit County judge issued an $18 million judgement in 2023.

Our son Tommy was stolen from us. He never stood a chance against the incredibly potent fentanyl provided by the Zheng cartel," Rauh said in the release. "To save lives, we must stop the foreign manufacturers and traffickers of illegal fentanyl and hold them accountable. In Toms memory, our family is committed to doing our part.

Rauh's son Tommy fatally overdosed in 2015.

The Rauh family pledges to dedicate the money to addressing the fentanyl crisis through Families Against Fentanyl if the funds are recovered.

'Moving forward': Akron businessman works to make fentanyl weapon of mass destruction after son's death

Rauh spoke with the Beacon Journal in August 2023 when he was working to get fentanyl classified as a weapon of mass destruction. He had been pushing for it since 2021 when he outlined those concerns in a letter to President Joe Biden and convinced some high-profile experts to sign on. Among those signing at the time were former CIA Director John O. Brennan and former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, the first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron family awarded millions after suing Chinese drug traffickers
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall prior to the State of the State address by Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 in Montgomery, Ala. (Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector)

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird led a coalition of attorneys general in a letter responding to the U.S. Treasury Departments opposition to state laws that restrict banks from considering social or environmental factors when investing.

The Treasury Departments letter, obtained by The Associated Press, warned that these banking laws could hurt national security efforts to counter money laundering and terrorism financing.

Birds letter, which was sent directly to Treasury Department Secretary Janet Yellen and signed by 20 Republican state attorneys general, dismissed those concerns and accused the department of trying to stoke opposition to these laws.

All of us oppose this latest attempt by the Biden-Harris Administration to fearmonger and stoke confusion about state laws to advance activists extreme agendas, the letter reads.

The Treasury Departments letter singles out a recently passed law in Florida but other states like Iowa, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana and South Dakota have similar laws.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, who signed the letter, said in a statement Friday that states were protecting their residents from far-left radical experiments like a social credit score.

Under Biden-Harris leadership, the Treasury Department has been weaponized to threaten and browbeat states that push back against their radical ideology by making outrageous accusations that simply are not true, the statement said.

These laws generally prevent banking institutions from denying financial services over non-measurable risks associated with social, environmental or governmental concerns.

Proponents of these laws argue they are necessary to prevent banks from discriminating against those they politically oppose.

Bird said in a press release that laws like Iowas or Floridas ensured banks couldnt use woke politics when determining who to work with and demanded that the department stop its fearmongering.

The Biden-Harris administration is scheming to block state laws that ban banks from playing woke politics and discriminating against those they disagree with, Bird said in a press release. Americans need access to basic resources like bank accounts and debit cards to pay their bills and provide for their families. No one should be hung out to dry because they are on the wrong side of a banks woke politics.

The Treasury Department wrote that these laws heighten the risk that international drug traffickers, transnational organized criminals, terrorists and corrupt foreign officials will use the U.S. financial system to launder money, evade sanctions, and threaten our national security.

The letter from the attorneys general stands by those laws and alleges the department is using the concern over national security to promote woke political agendas.

The Treasury Department has once again forsaken its statutory role and instead chosen to intervene on behalf of activists seeking to hijack the financial system for their political ends, the letter reads. It is even more disappointing that the Treasury Department would use national security as cover for large banks abuse of power to achieve those ends.

Other states with attorneys general who signed the letter include Florida, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Alabama Reflector Editor Brian Lyman contributed to this report.

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and X.

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Alaska sets new temperature records amid severe heat wave: 'That just cannot happen here'

Fears of record temperatures in Fairbanks, Alaska, were realized in late July, with thermometers hitting 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

What's happening?

According to Scientific American, Alaska is experiencing an unusually warm period of weather because of a "strong bubble of warm air" and high pressure, as meteorologist Greg Michels detailed.

The hottest-ever July 22 was recorded, landing at 90 degrees Fahrenheit to beat the previous high of 89, as The Washington Post observed.

Michels noted that with fewer clouds in the sky, thanks to the high-pressure system, the sun's rays are uninhibited on the way down to Earth, making the air heat up quickly.

With the summer solstice on June 20 leaving a full two hours less daylight time for heat to accumulate by late July, the record high temperature is additionally concerning. While temperature highs are seen elsewhere in the United States during the summer months, climate scientist Brian Brettschneider told Scientific American "that just cannot happen here ... because you need that sun angle, the hours of daylight."

Why are record-high temperatures in Alaska concerning?

Thermometers are hitting new highs across the globe, so it's not entirely surprising that Alaska is witnessing them, too. However, residents of the state are not equipped to deal with excessive heat, and public health warnings have been issued.

Homes are built to withstand the extreme colds that are typical in the area, so when the temperature creeps higher, trapping heat inside can become uncomfortable and potentially deadly.

Air conditioning units are flying off the shelves, as Uma Bhatt, a climate scientist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, told Scientific American. While this is an effective method of cooling, these units require a lot of energy to run, putting a strain on the electricity grid in a time of high demand. This could result in power outages, causing additional problems for residents.

Air or heat pumps are an alternative method to cool (or heat) a property that requires significantly less energy, and they are much cheaper to run. With high temperatures perhaps a more regular occurrence, residents might want to look into the technology.

What should you do in excessive heat?

Staying in air-conditioned areas and away from the outdoor heat is important to help regulate body temperature and avoid the risk of heat-related illnesses. However, air conditioning isn't as ubiquitous in Alaska as it is in other areas of the United States.

Community cooling areas, such as in public libraries or schools, are increasingly popular as temperatures creep upward, so finding these spots is an ideal way to beat the sun's blast.

Otherwise, avoiding strenuous activity, wearing lightweight clothing, and drinking lots of water is advised by UNICEF.

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Homer's Small Boat Harbor in Kachemak Bay on July 5, 2024. (Photo by Barbara Norton/Alaska Beacon)

On Wednesday, the five members of Alaskas highest court heard arguments in a lawsuit that seeks to restore a ban on personal watercraft, commonly known as Jet Skis, in a pair of conservation areas near Homer.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang repealed the 19-year-old ban in 2020, an act that prompted a lawsuit from the Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition and three other nonprofits.

In 2023, an Alaska Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, and the state appealed that decision to the high court.

Jet skis are polarizing. People love them. Or they hate them. Whether to allow their use in Kachemak Bay divided the local community back in the 2000s, and it has continued to divide the local community ever since, state attorneys wrote in a filing with the Supreme Court.

In the lower court, and in arguments to the Supreme Court, attorney Samuel Gottstein  representing supporters of the ban  said that the state law that created the conservation areas prohibits the commissioner from revoking the watercraft ban once it was installed by regulation by a prior commissioner.

Justice Jude Pate interrupted Gottstein as he laid out the argument.

Wait a second, Pate said. So as a matter of logic  if they didnt have the authority to repeal it, they didnt have the authority to enact it. Doesnt that automatically follow?

Gottstein responded by turning to the original law, which says that the state should protect and preserve habitat areas especially crucial to the perpetuation of fish and wildlife and to restrict all other uses not compatible with that primary purpose.

Supporters of the ban argue that personal watercraft arent compatible with that purpose, so the department might be able to ban them but not return them to the conservation areas.

Its like a parent saying, I brought you into this world and I can take you out of it, Gottstein told the justices on Wednesday. The reality is, no parent has that right, just like Fish and Game doesnt have that right.

The state disagrees, and in both written and oral arguments, attorneys for the Department of Law said that the lower courts decision was based on a bad interpretation of state law.

Decisions on uses within (conservation areas), to the extent they affect fish and wildlife and their habitat, fall to the commissioner under his general authority from the Legislature, wrote Assistant Attorney General Laura Wolff, who represented the department in court.

Gottstein said that even if the court rules that the commissioner does have the power to eliminate the ban, it should rule against Vincent-Langs 2020 repeal because it acted arbitrarily, without regard for public input and analysis, and in a way that was inconsistent with other regulations.

The state disputes all three of those points, and Wolff suggested in written arguments that the issue could be sent back to the lower court for further judgment.

On Wednesday, she acknowledged that the high court could short-circuit the process and decide all issues right now.

I think this court should reverse the (lower court) order that was clearly wrong, she said.

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Michelle Bittner, who sued the state over its program that is killing bears and wolves to boost the faltering Mulchatna caribou herd, stands in the courtroom after arguing her case to the Alaska Supreme Court on July 31,2024. Bittner's case was dismissed by a Superior Court judge who determined that she did not have legal standing in the matter. Bittner asked the Supreme Court to reverse that ruling. Behind her, a court employee is preparing the room for the next hearing of the day. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Anchorage attorney Michelle Bittner, who sued the state over its program that is killing bears and wolves to boost the faltering Mulchatna caribou herd, stands in the courtroom after arguing her case to the Alaska Supreme Court on Wednesday. Bittner's case was dismissed by a Superior Court judge who determined that she did not have legal standing in the matter. Bittner asked the Supreme Court to reverse that ruling. Behind her, a court employee is preparing the room for the next hearing of the day. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Do nonhunting Alaskans who enjoy viewing wildlife have legal standing to challenge a state program that kills scores of bears and wolves for the purpose of boosting caribou numbers?

That is the question now before the Alaska Supreme Court. In a hearing in Anchorage, Michelle Bittner, an Anchorage attorney who opposes the states predator control program in Western Alaska, asked the justices to reverse a lower court decision that dismissed her complaint against the state Board of Game and Department of Fish and Game.

A state Superior Court judge found in October that Bittner did not have sufficient interest in the regions wildlife to qualify for what is known in legal terms as standing. The term refers to the authority to challenge an action or law in court.

Bittner told the justices that, as a citizen of Alaska, a state where all residents are entitled through the constitution to benefit from commonly held natural resources, she does have standing to challenge the state program that is culling bears and wolves to aid the faltering Mulchatna caribou herd.

A bear sits on the grass on Aug. 10, 2023, in Katmai National Park and Preserve. (Photo by F. Jimenez/National Park Service)

In 2022, the programs first year, the state killed 94 brown bears, five black bears and five wolves. The program has continued, and the total is now up to over 180 and 40 wolves, a toll that affects her as an Alaskan who values wildlife, Bittner told the justices.

My interests are that wildlife is part of my identity and experiences as an Alaska. I want to live in a place where wildlife is flourishing. I am exhilarated by viewing wildlife in their natural habitat. And I cherish wildlife, including predators, she said. She described how she has visited Western Alaska and viewed and fished among the salmon-eating bears in Katmai National Park and Preserve.

She also has a legitimate interest as a citizen in ensuring that the state follows its own regulations, laws and constitution in making wildlife decisions, she said.

Bittners case before the Supreme Court is just a small portion of the legal fight against the Mulchatna predator control program, which the state intends to continue through 2028.

Another lawsuit filed a year ago against the state by the Alaska Wildlife Alliance alleges that the program is illegal, ignores scientific information indicating that predators are not the cause of the caribou herds problems and was adopted hurriedly without proper public notice. That lawsuit is pending in state Superior Court, and it is before the same judge who dismissed Bittners complaint, Andrew Guidi.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has defended the Mulchatna predator control program.

Caribou cross the Kanektok River in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge on Aug. 25, 2009. The Mulchatna caribou herd, which ranges in the refuge, has declined sharply since the 1990s. (Photo by Allen Miller/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Still, Senior Assistant Alaska Attorney General Cheryl Brooking told the Supreme Court justices on Wednesday, the legal merits of the program were not up for their immediate consideration.

Instead, Brooking said, what is to be determined is whether Bittners case was properly dismissed. The states position is that Bittners connection to bears and wolves that may have been killed is too vague to qualify her for standing, Brooking said. Bittner has not shown evidence that she was harmed by the predator-control policy, she said.

This court has said that standing is required, or a case must be dismissed. And if theres no harm that has been alleged, no direct and personal harm, then that requires dismissal, she said.

Bittners position is weakened because she has not revealed any specific plans to return in the future to the area where bear populations may have been affected by predator control, Brooking said. It is also weakened by her failure to testify or comment to the Board of Game at its 2022 meeting when it authorized the Mulchatna predator control program, she said.

Both Bittner and the Alaska Wildlife Alliance allege that the Board of Game failed to give sufficient public notice about the rule it adopted.

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BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) on Friday announced a package of new measures encouraging TV stations to enrich programs through collaboration with internet platforms.

TV broadcasters will be supported to cooperate with internet platforms to bring excellent dramas, movies, documentaries, animations and variety shows produced by those platforms to TV screens, according to the NRTA document.

TV stations are also encouraged to pool their resources for major news programs and introduce preferential policies to encourage creative productions, particularly realistic productions.

They are also expected to import high-quality programs, including dramas, animations and documentaries. 
The New Mexico judge who dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin has denounced the prosecution for misconduct, finding that it intentionally and deliberately withheld key evidence from the defense.

First Judicial District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, in an order issued on Wednesday, faulted prosecutors for willful and deliberate misconduct warranting dismissal of charges against the actor. Lead special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, she found, not only repeatedly failed to fulfill discovery obligations but also gave inconsistent testimony related to the evidence she suppressed.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Baldwins involuntary manslaughter trial abruptly ended in stunning fashion on July 12 after an unexpected, labyrinthian hearing over how police and prosecutors treated a handful of bullets. It related to retired Arizona police officer Troy Teske turning over a collection of live ammunition to the Santa Fe Sheriffs Office. While the bullets were taken in by crime scene technician Marissa Poppell, they werent inventoried with the Rust case, effectively hiding the evidence from Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez.

In Teskes telling, the rounds he handed over had Starline brass casings with nickel primers that matched the live bullet that killed Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, according to lawyers for Baldwin.

When Morrissey took the stand to defend her decision, a rare move in which she was essentially cornered into inserting herself into the case to defend its integrity, she said, there is absolutely nothing about the ammunition that Troy Teske had that has any evidentiary value in the Gutierrez case. Morrissey repeatedly stressed that the bullets didnt match the round that killed Hutchins, and thus, didnt need to be provided to the defense.

But when Sommer examined the ammunition in open court with the prosecution and defense surrounding her, some of the rounds appeared to resemble those found on set after the shooting.

The court, in Wednesdays order, said Morrissey made the deliberate, intentional decision to place the Teske-supplied ammunition under a non-Rust case to suppress the evidence. These materials, she found, couldve absolved Baldwin.

Evidence regarding the source of the live round that killed Ms. Hutchins, and additional information concerning how that live round arrived on the Rust set, likely affects the jurys calculus of proximate cause and negligence by a third person or persons, the judge explained.

The late disclosure altered the blueprint for Baldwins defense because his lawyers couldnt forensically analyze the bullets, according to the order. Sommer stated, Given the States egregious discovery violations constituting misconduct and the false testimony elicited during trial, dismissal with prejudice is the appropriate remedy.

Morrissey was appointed to the case after several missteps by Andrea Reeb, the former special prosecutor initially tapped to handle it. This included citing a firearm law that wasnt in effect at the time of the shooting and embarking on a media tour to discuss the case. Reeb was later forced to step down due to a conflict of interest with her elected position in the New Mexico House of Representatives, with leaked emails indicating that she sought to leverage the case for political gain.

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LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR)  The Alexander Mountain Fire has forced people from their homes for days. Yet evacuees remain hopeful, even as the blaze had grown to 8,089 acres with just 1% containment as of Thursday afternoon.

The wildfire west of Loveland has destroyed or damaged dozens of structures near Palisade Mountain and Snow Top drives.

Beware: Colorado wildfire fundraising scams reported by disaster management

Joyce Catchot said she saw the first plume of smoke on Monday morning and got the notice to evacuate shortly after.

I had a sheriff knock on my front door, sheriff knock on my back door, and say, You got to leave,' she said.

At first, she said she was confused and hesitant because it did not look like the fire was that close.

And he said, Superior burned down in 30 minutes. That scared me. I packed up in 10 minutes and got out, Catchot said.

Colorado wildfire evacuees rush to leave their homes

Sheila Sellers and her husband were evacuated around the same time.

In the afternoon, they evacuated Waltonia Road where we live, Sellers said. Basically, we took out the cars, got those out and what we could put in the cars. Half the stuff I need is back at the house.

Sellers said this is the third time they have had to evacuate since they moved to the area in 1971. By now, she said you learn to take only the things you know you cannot replace.

We brought, actually, some swords back from England from World War II from my father, Seller said.

Bookmark this: Colorado Wildfire Map

Catchot said from her experience evacuating from floods in Florida, she knows to keep important things in a place you can easily find and grab them in an emergency.

You just grab your important papers. You should always have them locked up somewhere where you can get them. And you grab your animals, a few clothes and you leave, Catchot said.

Colorado Wildfires

Community comes together in time of need

In the meantime, evacuees said they are thankful to their community and the firefighters and volunteers all working tirelessly during this time.

Thanks to the community and all of Colorado and around the country and everyone helping, Catchot said.

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Find daily updates for the Alexander Mountain Fire on the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1s Facebook page.

In the meantime, the American Red Cross said the best way to support evacuees is through monetary donations 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 FOX31 Denver.
Northern Colorado could get some relief from hot and dry conditions moving into next week.

Since the Alexander Mountain Fire ignited west of Loveland on Monday, temperatures in the upper 90s have persisted in the area. Thats expected to change next week, according to the National Weather Service.

Highs through the high and mid-90s are expected to continue through the weekend, with windy conditions expected to accompany those high temperatures.

The forecast improves toward the end of next week, with the long-range forecast showing temperatures dropping to the low 80s starting Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to hold in the mid- to high 80s for the following week.

Above-average rainfall is expected throughout the state over the next two weeks. A chance of afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms is in the forecast starting Friday and continuing through the end of next week in the area, according to the National Weather Service.

What's that? Yes, we have isolated showers and storms on radar!



They'll stay south of Denver tonight, but a few more around the area Friday afternoon and early evening. #COwx pic.twitter.com/AVLeCbBndc  NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) August 2, 2024

Alexander Mountain Fire to continue causing poor air quality in Loveland, Berthoud

Air quality remained hazardous in west Loveland on Friday due to the smoke from the Alexander Mountain Fire. Those closest to the fire should avoid all physical activity and go somewhere with air conditioning if you need to cool off instead of opening windows, according to the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

Air quality in Fort Collins and parts of Loveland was moderate Friday, which means for most people it's OK to be outside or open windows as long as you don't see or smell smoke  though hazy conditions persisted through much of Fort Collins on Friday morning.

Air quality levels will remain elevated across the Front Range until cooler temperatures arrive next week, according to the smoke outlook provided by the U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.

The most impacted areas will continue to be west Loveland, and the communities of Drake, Glen Haven and Red Feather Lakes will likely experience intermittent smoke impacts through the weekend, depending on fire activity and wind.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment continues to warn of unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups along the Front Range from Douglas County through Larimer and Weld counties due to "hot and sunny weather, combined with continued impacts from wildfire smoke."

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Cooler temperatures, rain forecast for Alexander Mountain Fire area
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  Yates Automotive, an auto repair shop and gas station in Alexandria, is donating some of their gas proceeds to benefit a local homeless shelter this month.

Yates Auto, located at 317 E. Braddock Road, is donating two cents per gallon to Carpenters Shelter, a local homeless shelter on Henry Street.

Mariah Careys Christmas Time tour coming to DC, Baltimore

The mission of the shelter is to provide support for unhoused people or those at risk of being unhoused through safe temporary housing, housing placement, education and advocacy, according to their website.

According to a post from Carpenters Shelter, Yates Auto began the donations in July and will continue them through August.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The Alley is for sale

CHICAGO  The Alley, Chicagos iconic spot that celebrates counterculture, is up for sale.

The business is currently located at 2620 West Fletcher Street in Avondale but for many years was a landmark on Clark Street in Lakeview.

Axios Chicago and Block Club Chicago report that Mark Thomas, the owner, is looking to sell the business but still hopes to be involved and trademark the name.

After several decades on Clark, and a four year break, The Alley reopened in Avondale in 2020.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Alsu Kurmasheva's family has been in disbelief since being invited to the White House and learning of her release in Thursday's historical 24-prisoner exchange between the United States, Russia and several other countries.

Speaking with "ABC News Live," Kurmasheva's husband, Pavel Butorin, said he will believe it when he sees his wife and can hug her.

"I'm still in disbelief. I think I'll believe it when I actually see Alsu  when we are able to hug her. It's been an unreal day," Butorin said.

PHOTO: Former prisoner held by Russia US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva runs to her daughters Miriam Butorin and Bibi Butorinas as she arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Aug. 1, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

Kurmasheva landed back on U.S. soil at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, D.C., late Thursday evening. She was greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris before being hugged by her husband and two daughters.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden, hugs Alsu Kurmasheva at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following her release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Aug. 1, 2024. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Kurmasheva's oldest daughter Bibi Butorin said her younger sister's 13th birthday is on Friday, calling their mom's return the "best birthday present ever."

A court convicted Kurmasheva -- a Russian-American journalist working for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), who lived in Prague, Czech Republic for over two decades -- last month for spreading false information about the Russian army.

PHOTO: Russian-American journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Alsu Kurmasheva, who is in custody after she was accused of violating Russia's law on foreign agents, attends a court hearing in Kazan, Russia, on May 31, 2024. (Alexey Nasyrov/Reuters, FILE)

MORE: Timeline of Evan Gershkovich's and Paul Whelan's detainment in Russia

Her conviction and six-and-a-half-year prison sentence by a court in Kazan, Russia, came on the same day another Russian court convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years.

Gershkovich was also released in the prisoner exchange.

Butorin and his daughter, Bibi Butorin said they were able to speak with Kurmasheva on the phone from the White House before she landed back in the U.S.

"She's in good spirits, and she's so happy to be coming home to us," Bibi Butorin told "ABC News Live."

PHOTO: The family of Alsu Kurmasheva embrace while listening to US President Joe Biden speaking on a prisoner swap with Russia, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 1, 2024. (Michael Reynolds/EPA via Shutterstock)

The family took the phone call while standing next to the president.

"It was something very special to us," Pavel Butorin said.

Bibi Butorin told "ABC News Live" that the months apart from her mom were hard, and she is thankful Kurmasheva is coming home.

"I think for me, definitely it was very discouraging not having my mom with me, especially for so many months. I missed her. I still miss her more than I can even say. And so I'm so grateful and happy that she [gets] to come back to me," she said.

PHOTO: The family of Alsu Kurmasheva, daughter Bibi Butorin and husband Pavel Butorin, speak during an interview with ABC News Live. (ABC News)

Kurmasheva traveled to Russia in May 2023 to help care for her mother. She was temporarily detained at the Kazan airport after trying to return home in June. Authorities confiscated her U.S. and Russian passports, preventing her from leaving the country.

She was eventually fined 10,000 rubles ($103) for failure to register her U.S. passport with Russian authorities. However, before she could pay the fine, she was detained again on Oct. 18, 2023, for failing to declare herself a "foreign agent," according to RFE/RL.

In December, Russian authorities launched a third investigation against her for "spreading false information" about Russia's military. She was convicted following a "rapid and secret trial" that lasted only two days, according to the Associated Press.

On Thursday afternoon, Harris, the now-presumptive Democratic Party nominee, made a statement to cameras as she left Houston, notably mentioning her role in the prisoner release.

"Over many years, President Biden and I, and our team have engaged in complex diplomatic negotiations to bring these wrongfully detained Americans home," Harris said. "We never stopped fighting for their release, and today, in spite of all of their suffering, it gives me great comfort to know that their horrible ordeal is finally over."

Alsu Kurmasheva's family still in 'disbelief' she's free after Russian prisoner exchange originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
When the American Bar Associations Task Force for American Democracy officially launches Thursday, it will call on Americas lawyers to take up the clarion call to defend the U.S. constitutional democracy against the serious threat of rising authoritarianism.

Our country and democracy face a wide variety of serious threats, including that of rising authoritarianism, the bipartisan task force wrote in its opening report. For the first time in our history, we did not have a peaceful transition of power in our last presidential election.

Just as doctors were on the frontlines of the nations response to the COVID-19 pandemic, lawyers must now answer the clarion call to defend Americas constitutional democracy and the rule of law, the document reads, the group wrote.

The New York Times first obtained the groups opening statement and report. The group has 30 lawyers and is co-chaired by retired conservative federal judge J. Michael Luttig and former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.

The task force was first put together by ABA President Mary Smith in the hopes of grappling with deep political divisions and pervasive misinformation about our electoral processes.

Through extensive research, community engagement via listening tours and numerous consultations, the Task Force has identified key issues undermining our democratic institutions. Notably, the rise of misinformation, the normalization of political violence and a growing disillusionment with democratic governance, she wrote.

The report does not explicitly mention former President Trump and a group of conservative lawyers efforts to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power during the 2020 election by casting doubts on the fairness of the election. Trump has been indicted for his involvement in the efforts to overturn the election.

To date, neither Trump nor any of these attorneys  led by conservative law professor John Eastman, former Trump Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro and Jenna Ellis  have been able to prove any of their allegations about the 2020 election, which President Biden won in a free and fair contest.

In fact, most of those attorneys are now facing disbarment proceedings as well as trials for fraud, according to CNN.

The New York Bar has also disbarred Rudy Giuliani.

Trump has not fully committed to supporting the results of the 2024 election, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he would need to see if the election was carried out freely and fairly.

The report calls on lawyers to remain engaged in the political process by voting and ensuring their friends and family members vote. It also advocates for them to be democracy leaders by advocating for judges, election officials and poll workers.

The report also calls on them to volunteer in the electoral process by signing up to be poll workers, providing accurate legal information to people in their community concerned about election integrity, or joining the Election Official Legal Defense Network.

The report stressed the importance of lawyers providing counsel to clients that must always be faithful to and consistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States and the constitutions and laws of the states in which the advice and counsel is given, warning that lawyers who fail to do so will be held accountable.

Lawyers have the unique skills and obligation to defend democracy, the Constitution and the rule of law as each takes an oath to do just that, the report added. We encourage state licensing authorities to be quick to investigate and act on any such violations, especially when related to our elections.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Three American families are reunited after a major prisoner swap with Russia.

The deal was diplomatically complex and involved years of negotiations with multiple different countries.

This prisoner exchange is historic. The largest since the cold war and just before midnight the deal unfolded on American soil.

There were tears on the tarmac during the heartfelt homecoming of three newly freed Americans.

I feel great. Its a long time coming. So, Im glad to be back said newly freed American Paul Whelan.

President Biden and Vice President Harris celebrated the emotional reunion with the families.

This is about the essence of who we are as a country. It really is about personal relationships. Its about family, said Biden.

The deal involved a total of 24 prisoners, and it took serious concessions from western countries.

Russia and Belarus freed 16 people in exchange for the release of eight Russian prisoners from the U.S. and European allies, including a Russian assassin and spies.

Alliances make a difference. They stepped up, they took a chance for us. It mattered a lot, said Biden.

The deal allowed three Americans to come home. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich who was jailed in 2023, retired U.S, marine Paul Whelan and Russian American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva who arrested last October.

Its an incredible day. You can see it in the families, in their eyes and in their cries, said Harris.

Republicans criticized the Biden administration for the exchange, saying it encourages future kidnapping, but President Biden says its his job to get Americans back home despite the risks.

I dont buy this idea that, youre gonna let these people rot in jail because other people may be captured, said Biden.

Among the critics is former president Donald Trump who posted on Truth Social demanding more details about the trade and raising concerns about the precedent it sets.

The White House says they agonized over the question whether prisoner swaps put America and our allies in danger. The national security adviser says the benefits outweigh the risks.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TOKYO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, saw a significant drop on Friday morning, plunging more than 2,000 points and falling below the 37,000 mark.

This represented one of the steepest declines since early February during intraday trading.

The sharp downturn in the Tokyo stock market is largely attributed to growing concerns over the slowing U.S. economy, market watcher here noted, as investor sentiment has been negatively impacted by recent economic data from the United States, which suggests a potential deceleration in economic growth.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 1,715.67 points, or 4.50 percent, from Thursday to 36,410.66. The broader Topix index was down 118.87 points, or 4.40 percent, at 2,584.82.

The extensive sell-off in Tokyo was marked by a broad-based decline, with almost all sectors experiencing losses. Major contributors to the plunge included securities house, insurance and bank issues. 
Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden greet Journalist Evan Gershkovich who was recently released from a Russian prison in a prisoner swap at Joint Base Andrews on Thursday night in Prince Georges County, Md. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Three American citizens released in a historic prisoner swap with Russia arrived in the United States late Thursday and were greeted on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala.

The plane touched down at 11:37 p.m. EDT Thursday at the Maryland base, hours after Biden announced that he had secured the release of U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

The prison swap involved 24 prisoners, 16 held by Russia, including five Germans and seven Russian political prisoners, some of whom worked with the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and eight Russians jailed in the United States, Germany, Norway Slovenia and Poland.

Whelan, who was arrested in Russia in 2018 and sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison for espionage in 2020, was the first to touch U.S. soil, descending from the stairs of the plane to grasp the out the outstretched hand of the president.

Gershkovich was the second to deplane followed by Kurmasheva, who was embraced by her crying daughters on the tarmac. They were both arrested last year amid Russia's war in Ukraine, Gershkovich for espionage and Kurmasheva for spreading false information about the Russian army.

Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden greet Paul Whelan his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Thursday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

Biden told reporters who witnessed the deplaning that he feels "wonderful" and that the release of the Americans "was a long time coming."

He credited the prisoner swap to diplomacy, stating the deal was made possible as a result of alliances.

President Joe Biden greets Paul Whelan his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Thursday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

"I meant what I said, alliances make a difference," he said. "They stepped up, took a chance for us. And it mattered a lot."

He said it was other countries, and not the United States, that had to make the tough calls as Biden explained he had asked them to "do some things that were against their immediate self interest."

Vice President Kamala Harris greets reporter Evan Gershkovich following his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Thursday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

Germany and Slovenia in particular, he said.

Though specifics were not released, Slovenia released two Russian spies, according to the Slovenia Press Agency, while The Guardian reported that Berlin released imprisoned Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov.

Alsu Kurmasheva, second right, hugs her husband, Pavel Butorin, from left, and daughters Miriam Butorin and Bibi Butorin at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

In Russia, President Vladimir Putin met with a slew of those released in the prisoner exchange. Video of the meeting shows he also greeted them at an airport.

Biden said he knew a deal was in place "awhile ago" but they needed to ensure all those involved were on the same page, while stating that "Slovenia made the right move at the right time."

Elizabeth Whelan greets her brother Paul Whelan following his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Thursday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

"It's time to trust," he said. "It matters. Other leaders trust you, you trust them you get can get things done. And that's how this got done, with a lot of help."

Harris credited the prisoner swap on Biden's diplomatic skills to bring nations together.

"This is just an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and understands the strength that rests in understanding the signification of diplomacy and strengthening alliances," she said.

Earlier in the day, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters that the final piece of the swap was completed the afternoon of July 21, a Sunday, in a call with Slovenia Prime Minister Robert Golob.

He also said Vladimir Kara-Murza -- a Russian journalist with British citizenship who also holds a U.S. green card and was released Thursday -- would be going to Germany, but with expectations that he will be in the United States soon.

He added that they were working on Navalny being involvement in the prisoner swap. Navalny died in a Russian prison mid-February.

According to a readout from the White House, Harris spoke to Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, on Thursday before the released Americans returned home.

Harris commended her for "her courage in continuing her husband's work for justice and the rule of law in Russia."

On X, Navalnaya listed the names of many of those who had been released Thursday, stating they had been "saved from Putin's regime."

"It was a huge, long and very difficult work, with negotiations spanning several years. In February, many different people came together for another attempt to save them all. And now, they are all free," she said.

"It's a joy to know them all out of captivity. Every released political prisoner is a huge victory and a reason to celebrate. No one should be held hostage by Putin, subjected to torture, or left to die in his prisons."

She said they are still fighting for the release of Daniel Kholodny, Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser Igor Sergunin. Sullivan named Marc Fogel as an American detained by Russia they were still working to free.
Who are the Americans still detained in Russian prisons? Here's the list.

After an extensive prisoner swap that brought home Americans including Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, there are still more Americans being held in Russian prisons.

The swap executed on Thursday saw 16 people released from Russian prisons, including the three Americans, while eight Russians were released from custody in the U.S., Germany, Norway, Slovenia and Poland. In addition to the three U.S. citizens, Vladimir Kara-Murza, a green card holder, was also freed.

The return of the Americans, who arrived back on U.S. soil late Thursday night, was widely celebrated, as family members greeted family members that in some cases hadn't been seen for months or years. But other families said they're still waiting for good news about their loved ones being held in Russia.

One such family is that of Marc Fogel, a teacher who was arrested in a Moscow airport in 2021 and sentenced to 14 years in prison for carrying a small amount of medical marijuana. Fogel's family said they "are completely heartbroken and outraged" that he wasn't included in the swap in a statement shared with USA TODAY.

Who are the Americans still detained in Russia? Here's what to know:

Marc Fogel

Fogel, in his early 60s, is a history teacher from Pennsylvania who taught at an Anglo-American School in Moscow for nearly a decade.

In 2021, Fogel was detained at the airport and charged with possession of cannabis, illegal in Russia. His family has said he was prescribed the marijuana to treat chronic back pain. Though his case has drawn similarities to Brittany Griner's case (she was released as part of a smaller prisoner swap in December 2022), Fogel has never been labeled as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government, frustrating his family and a group of bipartisan lawmakers.

"Marc is not rich, a celebrity, or connected to powerful patrons. All he has is his family, led by his 95-year-old mother, Malphine, who is fighting for her sons rights. This fight has been met not with support and understanding, but with stonewalling, double standards, andtodayabandoning Marc to die in prison for less than an ounce of medical marijuana prescribed to manage his severe decades-long spinal disease," the statement from Fogel's family said.

Read more here.

Gordon Black

Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, an active duty U.S. soldier, was detained in Russia earlier this year on theft charges.

The U.S. Army said he made an unauthorized trip to Russia from South Korea, where he had been stationed. Russian officials said he traveled there to meet a Russian woman he met in South Korea. Black, 34 at the time of his arrest, was being "out processed" to Texas when, instead of boarding his flight to the U.S., he went "through China to Vladivostok, Russia, for personal reasons," Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith said in May.

Gordon Black, a U.S. Army staff sergeant, who was detained in Russia on May 2 on suspicion of stealing from a woman he was in a relationship with, appears in a court in Vladivostok, Russia, on June 19, 2024.

U.S. authorities said there was no evidence it was Black's intention to stay in Russia.

According to his charges, a 32-year-old woman made a police report that Black had stolen 10,000 rubles, or $113, from her. He was sentenced to three years and nine months in a Russian prison.

Robert Gilman

A former Marine, Robert Gilman was arrested and sentenced to 4.5 years in prison  later reduced to 3.5 years  for assaulting a police officer while drunk. A new trial began earlier this summer, according to a Russian state news agency.

Gilman has said he doesn't remember the assault and that he has apologized to Russia and the police officer. His initial sentence was handed down in October 2022.

Ksenia Karelina

Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S. and Russian citizen, was detained and accused of treason in February while she was visiting family. The 32-year-old Los Angeles resident could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted in a trial that is set to begin next week.

A portrait of Ksenia Karelina with her former in-laws and ex-husband in Maryland on December 13, 2015.

Russia's Federal Security Service accused her of collecting funds for the Ukrainian army. Her family said she donated $51.80 to a charity raising money for humanitarian aid for Ukrainians impacted by the war.

"I'm happy for the people, the Americans, who have returned to their families," Karelina's boyfriend, Christopher van Heerden, told Reuters. "This makes me hopeful. At the same time, I'm heartbroken and sad ... she's not on the list."

"I just want Ksenia back."

PRISONER SWAP: 7 countries, secret meetings and a mom. Behind the deal that freed Gershkovich and Whelan

Robert Romanov Woodland

Last month, a Russian court sentenced Robert Romanov Woodland, 32, to 12.5 years in a maximum-security penal colony in a drug trafficking case. Woodland is a dual citizen adopted from Russia in 1993 by American parents, he told a newspaper in 2020.

Russian authorities said Woodland had transported about 50 grams of mephedrone, a kind of amphetamine, and intended to sell it from an apartment in Moscow. He was accused of operating as part of a large criminal group. Woodland said he was in Russia to meet his biological mother. His lawyer, Stanislav Kshevitsky, told Reuters he had partially admitted guilt in the case.

Eugene Spector

Eugene Spector, who was born in Russia but later moved to the U.S. and got his citizenship, is a businessman who was serving as chairman of a company that specialized in cancer drugs, state media said. He was arrested in 2021 and is serving a 3.5 year sentence for espionage. He pleaded guilty to helping bribe an assistant to a former Russian deputy prime minister.

Michael Travis Leake

American musician and former U.S. paratrooper Michael Travis Leake was sentenced last month to 13 years in prison for drug smuggling. Leake, who is in his early 50s, was arrested last year.

U.S. citizen Michael Travis Leake, accused of drug smuggling, stands alongside Russian citizen Veronika Grabanchuk in an enclosure for defendants as they attend a court hearing in Moscow, Russia, in this still image from video, released on July 18, 2024.

He is a former songwriter in the Moscow-based rock band Lovi Noch and previously worked there as an English teacher. He was also featured in a 2014 episode of the late Anthony Bourdain's "Parts Unknown," CNN reported.

David Barnes

Texas man David Barnes has been detained in Russia since 2022. In February of this year, he was sentenced to 21 years in prison after his Russian ex-wife accused him of abusing his two sons in the U.S.

Texas authorities said they didn't find evidence to file charges against him there. Barnes was detained in Russia while his family said he was there to visit his children and file for visitation rights, ABC News reported.

The children's mother, Svetlana Koptyaeva, allegedly took the children out of the U.S. against a court order and a warrant was issued for her arrest by Montgomery County, Texas, officials, according to the outlet. She told ABC News she left with the children for their protection.

"There was almost no evidence that the court could base that verdict on," Gleb Glinka, Barnes' attorney, told ABC News, adding that he planned to appeal.

Contributing: Christopher Cann, Tom Vanden Brook and Dan Morrison, USA TODAY; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Despite prisoner swap, these Americans remain detained in Russia
FILE - San Francisco district attorney candidate Kamala Harris, left, serves meals while volunteering in San Francisco, Nov. 27, 2003. Vice President Harris and other politicians of color have often had to code-switch, or purposely adjust one's speech style and express to optimize relatability and ensure their message had cultural resonance. To imply, as former President Donald Trump did Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at a meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, that Harris and others are inauthentic for doing so speaks to a belief that whiteness is still the default in politics and democracy. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Kamala Harris has range. She can grill nominees for the Supreme Court or meet with foreign dignitaries, then pivot to hosting a Diwali celebration or dancing enthusiastically alongside an HBCU-styled marching band.

It is a dexterity that Harris, the first Black woman and Asian American to serve as vice president, developed as a person of color to navigate the corridors of power or Main Street in a nation where race and identity influence how one is received or embraced.

Harris, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, is an adroit code-switcher, a term that can include deliberately adjusting ones speech style and expression to optimize relatability and ensure she gets a message across.

Former President Donald Trump, during a contentious interview session at a meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, showed no familiarity with the concept. He implied that Harris is inauthentic for embracing all aspects of her heritage. His failure to recognize code-switching also speaks to a prevailing belief that whiteness, often correlated with speaking in plainly enunciated English, is the default in our politics and democracy.

We need to be celebrating our whole selves, which means we need to celebrate all of our identities, said Christine Chen, co-founder and executive director of APIAVote, a nonpartisan civic engagement organization focused on the Asian American Pacific Islander community.

The more that a candidate can embrace their multiple identities, I think thats a way to connect with different communities and different people who identify on different issues that you stand on, added Chen, who is Chinese American.

Trump, who falsely suggested to the annual gathering of Black journalists that the vice president has been misleading voters about her race, waded into murkier waters by insinuating Harris cannot be trusted because she happened to turn Black after she promoted her Indian heritage.

Harris doesnt need to code-switch to prove she is a Black and Indian American woman; she was born that way.

Shereen Marisol Meraji, former co-host of the award-winning NPR podcast Code Switch, said Harris' identity is layered and can still be challenging to navigate in a nation that once encouraged multiracial people to favor one identity over another.

If you walk through the world as I have, where I'm trying very much to embrace both sides of myself, then it's like you get put through these authenticity tests, said Meraji, who is of Iranian and Puerto Rican heritage.

An assistant professor of race and journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, Meraji added: The ability to code-switch and go into different communities ... it is a huge asset. And I think for people who are in competition with Kamala Harris, it's also quite threatening.

Many politicians of color code-switch to ensure vital information is delivered to voters and constituents with cultural resonance. This is a familiar concept among Americans of color, including the 33.8 million people identified as being more than one race, according to the last U.S. Census.

Code-switching is hardly new and it isnt a skill entirely foreign to white people. But it remains one of the most effective communication tools that politicians of color use to wield influence and gain power in venues where they have historically not had it.

Code-switching can help increase the likelihood of receiving fair treatment, getting quality service or landing job opportunities for people who are disadvantaged or overlooked due to systemic racism.

After Trump questioned Harriss race, in response to a question about his own diversity, equity and inclusion rhetoric, interviewer Rachel Scott of ABC News countered by citing elements of the vice presidents biography that might prove she is Black.

Scott noted that Harris attended Howard University, one of the nations most prominent historically Black colleges and universities. At Howard, Harris pledged the historically Black sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. And, most pointedly, her Jamaican father and Indian mother both immigrated to the U.S. during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

It is also false to claim that Harris has only embraced being Black or Indian, or code-switched between the two, when it benefited her politically.

In 2003, the year Harris was elected San Francisco district attorney, she told a local newspaper chain that many people were not used to her identity. My Indian heritage is just as strong as my African American heritage. One does not exclude the other, Harris said.

As a candidate for California attorney general, she spoke of her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, teaching her and her sister to share in the pride of our culture. In 2009, Harris told the outlet India Abroad, When we think about it, India is the oldest democracy in the world  so that is part of my background, and without question has had a great deal of influence on what I do today and who I am.

During the 2012 reelection campaign of Barack Obama, the nations first Black president, Harris related to being the underdog in races where her opponent could outspend her on commercial and ads. I beat the odds to become the first Black attorney general, she said, referring to her 2010 election in California.

Trump's challenging of Harris' identify, which drew groans and laughter, had echoes of him as the chief propagator of a false theory that Obama was ineligible to be president because was not born in the U.S.. Trumps Republican running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, on Wednesday aligned with Trump when he suggested Harris is a phony who caters to whatever audience is in front of her.

I dont know if you saw this, but earlier this week  she went down to Georgia and started talking with a fake southern accent, Vance told an audience at a rally in Glendale, Arizona, referencing Harriss Atlanta campaign event that featured a predominantly Black audience.

Vance, a white man whose wife is Indian American and whose three children are of mixed heritage, is far from the first American politician to fixate on the speech and accents of politicians of color. In 2010, the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid came under under fire for comments he made years earlier suggesting Obamas appealed to voters because he was a fair-skinned Black man with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.

White politicians, too, have been known to code-switch when they are in front of largely Black or Latino audiences. And many have done so to varying degrees of success. In 2006, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was criticized for adapting her speech cadence while delivering remarks at Coretta Scott Kings funeral at Atlantas historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached.

The difference is that in the not so distant past, career survival for white politicians did not hinge on their ability to code-switch. Harris continues to have a different lived experience.

Chen said politicians of any race or identity can develop healthy relationships across all communities if they show compassion and are responsive to their constituents needs.

Whether you are white or Black or any other identity, how you show up in the community will determine whether or not its an authentic relationship, she said. Youre going to be able to address their concerns more effectively because youre actually more educated and understand what theyre going through.

____

Associated Press researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed.

____

Aaron Morrison is the APs Race and Ethnicity News Editor and reported from New York. He can be reached at amorrison@ap.org.
The first week of school is finally here.

Superintendents, principals, teachers, and other staff members were available Thursday morning to help Anderson County students adjust to new routines, get on and off the bus, find their classes, and ensure everyone felt welcomed and supported on the first day of school.

Traffic around schools is always challenging during the first few days of the school year, and Anderson County officials asked for patience with traffic delays.

"Buses and transportation ran smoothly this morning except for heavier traffic around schools," said District Four Superintendent Dee Christopher.

One bus assigned to a McCants Middle School route suffered a flat tire, which affected that route. However, most others were within a pretty good timeframe on Thursday.

"Overall, this has been a very good first day for student transportation," said Leonard Galloway, assistant superintendent for Anderson District Five Student Services. "As always, the routes were a little delayed on the first day as the primary focus was safety and ensuring everyone was on the right bus and was familiar with their stops."

District One Superintendent Seth Young said he worked with principals to ensure that they could hit the ground running with high expectations for students on day one. "Our teachers have worked really hard this week getting ready," he said.

Principal Brenna Horn, left, gets ready to visit a class while Dr. Seth Young, Superintendent Anderson School District One, greets students during the first day of school at Powdersville Elementary on Hood Road in Greenville, S.C. Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Young said District One adjusted the start and end times for elementary, middle, and high schools this year to reduce traffic at Powdersville, Wren, and Palmetto.

This change aims to alleviate congestion during peak hours, making the commute safer and more efficient for everyone. By staggering the start and end times, the district hopes to minimize the overlap of school traffic, providing parents with relief so they can enter and exit the building on time.

Officials said parents and guardians should plan for extra time during drop-offs and pickups to account for the increased congestion. Carpooling and using school bus services can help alleviate some of the traffic pressures.

Students arrive with parents for the first day of school at Anderson School District Five's Whitehall Elementary in Anderson, S.C. Thursday, August 1, 2024.

District Five Superintendent Dr. Brenda Kelly was at Whitehall Elementary School Thursday morning, welcoming students back to school. "Our first goal always is to keep our children safe in a learning environment where they can be comfortable and happy," Kelly said.

District Four had a similar scene Thursday morning.

"District Four welcomed over 3,150 students this year, the most the district has ever seen," said Superintendent Dee Christopher. "We are closely monitoring class sizes in all schools to assess whether we will need to add more teaching positions in the future."

Back-to-school orientation

Before the summer break ended, Anderson County school districts held back-to-school orientation to help families and students prepare for the upcoming academic year.

"We've had open houses and meet-the-teacher nights where we've been able to connect with our parents, and we're just going to continue to do what's necessary to build on that positive momentum," said District One's Young.

Adryanne Powell, left, smiles with Deja Parks, right, during the first day of school at Anderson School District Five's Whitehall Elementary in Anderson, S.C. Thursday, August 1, 2024.

District Two Superintendent Jason Johns expressed his appreciation for District Two teachers. "This year's open house was incredibly well attended across the district," he said. "We largely credit this to school-to-family communication before students return."

These sessions allow students and parents to meet teachers, learn about the classes they will be taking, and familiarize themselves with their school and classrooms.

What to know about upgraded school maintenance?

Over the summer, districts around the county worked to improve maintenance issues, such as repairing school buildings, upgrading HVAC systems, and enhancing security measures.

District Two's Johns said their maintenance department completed several significant capital improvement projects this summer. These projects included replacing the HVAC system at one of their elementary schools, replacing the roof at Belton Honea Path High School, and constructing a new preschool wing at a Honea Path elementary school.

Belton- Honea Path High School building near the Anderson School District Two office in Belton March 2019.

The new 3K-4K wing at Honea Path Elementary School was recently finished and will be used starting this school year. The new addition provides a new front entrance, office space, and four classrooms, including rooms for two 4K classes, a 3K/4K tuition-based class, and one special education class.

SC standards for English and Math

South Carolina has established new standards for English and math. The 2024 South Carolina College- and Career-Ready ELA Standards will be fully implemented and assessed in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Students and educators must familiarize themselves with the updated curriculum and assessment criteria. The changes aim to better prepare students for post-secondary education and career opportunities. All Anderson County schools will implement new teaching strategies and materials to align with these standards.

Katie Black, middle, Teacher of the Year from Whitehall Elementary School, stands with her Principal Missy McKenzie, left, and Dr. Brenda Kelley, Anderson School District Five Superintendent, at the Back-To-School Celebration at Newspring Church in Anderson, S.C. Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

"This summer, we spent three days with our new teachers teaching our district culture, having them work with their mentor, a veteran teacher assigned to them for the entire year, and leading them through our district classroom management program," District Two's Johns said.

District Five Superintendent Kelly mentioned that they have been working for two years to complete an initiative in reading. "It's called letter training," she said. "Orton Gillingham and our teaching staff have worked extensively, spending hours ensuring that they understand reading and its five components."

Katie Black, Anderson School District Five Teacher of the Year, reads a book to her students during the first day of school at Anderson School District Five's Whitehall Elementary in Anderson, S.C. Thursday, August 1, 2024.

"Being a successful reader requires mastering all five components. These trainings will give our teachers the in-depth knowledge to understand which areas might need additional interventions if a student is not reading on grade level. Through these two programs, we're able to meet our students where they are to achieve the academic gains we were hoping for. Anderson District One teachers are also undergoing literacy training, in line with the state's focus on the science of reading initiatives."

Randy Rucker, top, a first-year teacher who graduated from USC Upstate in the Call Me Mister Program, talks with fourth grade students he gave books to during the first day of school at Anderson School District Five's Whitehall Elementary in Anderson, S.C. Thursday, August 1, 2024.

"We want all of our elementary teachers from kindergarten through 5th grade to have the same training and background in phonics and the science of reading," Young of District One said. "Therefore, we decided to invest in our 4th and 5th-grade teachers as well so that they are all speaking the same language and hearing the same things."

Are there enough bus drivers?

No school district in Anderson County has reported a need for bus drivers for the 2024-25 school year, but if you are licensed and want to apply, they encourage you to apply.

A school bus rides by during the first day of school at Anderson School District Five's Whitehall Elementary in Anderson, S.C. Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Will there be crossing guards on duty?

School districts can implement a school crossing guard based on the traffic at certain intersections.

"We have strong partnerships with the Anderson County Sheriff's Office and the Williamston Police Department," District One's Young said. "They provide crossing guards to assist with various intersections."

A Westside High School crossing guard, directs cars, buses and pedestrians on a busy State Highway 28 Bypass, her first day back in Anderson, S.C. in 2022.

"When crossing guards are unavailable, our school resource officers always jump in and do whatever is necessary to help students get in, out, and back into school as easily as possible," Young said.

What to know about school resource officers?

School resource officers are in place to assist the school administration and keep students, staff, and visitors safe on school property. All six school districts have Anderson County Sheriff Deputies serving as SROs.

They also help conduct safety drills to prepare students and staff for various emergencies, including fire evacuations and lockdown procedures.

What to know about updated vaccinations?

At the start of each school year, children enrolled in school must be current on certain vaccinations. This helps protect the health of children, teachers, and school staff in group settings every day.

Vaccines are a safe and effective way of protecting our children from diseases like chicken pox, whooping cough, mumps, and measles, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DPH Deputy Director for Health Promotion and Services and Chief Medical Officer.

Principal Brenna Horn, left, talks with school nurse Shannon Moore during the first day of school at Anderson School District One Powdersville Elementary on Hood Road in Greenville, S.C. Thursday, August 1, 2024.

District school nurses have been notified about the updated vaccination requirements and exclusion list. They are prepared to check students' vaccination records and ensure compliance to protect the health and safety of all students.

Click here to view the South Carolina Department of Public Health's updated School and Childcare Exclusion List .

Hurricane season, emergency drills, communication and coordination

School is back in session, but it's also the peak of hurricane season, which means dangerous thunderstorms that may produce tornadoes. Ensuring school safety is a top priority for educators and administrators.

Districts must have emergency preparedness plans to ensure the safety of all students and staff during an emergency. These plans include regular drills, staff communication, and local emergency services coordination. Shelters are designated within school buildings to provide safety in severe weather.

Justin Goldsmith, Assistant Principal, gives a thumbs up to students in Gabi Hilliard's class at toward the end of a Statewide tornado drill at the school in Anderson Friday, March 11, 2022. Tornadoes most often occur in South Carolina from March to May, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.

"Our schools have gone through intense training ... to ensure that our teachers and every staff member are trained to ensure that your student is safe every day," District Five's Kelly said. "We also offered professional development classes to ensure that every employee knows exactly what they need to do to ensure safety in all schools."

District One Superintendent Young said they use ALICE, which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate, to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

Classmates take cover in Catherine Mazza's fifth grade class during the SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill at Whitehall Elementary School in Anderson, S.C. Thursday, October 20, 2022. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division called the drill taking place around the Southeast "the world's largest earthquake drill," according to their social media post Wednesday, noting over 2.1 million people registered to participate. Instructions at the elementary school were to "Drop, Cover and Hold. Drop to the floor, take cover under a nearby desk or table facing away from windows. Cover eyes, hold on to table or desk, assist those needing special assistance, and wait for further instruction."

"We want to have environments where if students see something that makes them uncomfortable, they can go to an adult and let them know, and then we address those behaviors as necessary," Young said.

He mentioned that being in school leadership requires staying alert as things can change quickly, especially the weather. "We receive guidance from the National Weather Service and Anderson County Emergency Management," Young said.

SC school's cell phone policy

This year, South Carolina has prohibited students from using mobile phones at school, and state funding could be lost for non-compliance.

"I worked on July 18 with Superintendent (Ellen) Weaver and superintendents around the state," District Five's Kelly said. "We were looking at and talking about that proviso and helping the state to create their policy.

"As soon as the State Department creates its policy and it is passed, it will send that to school districts, and then school districts will create a policy that mirrors that."

Pay attention to how digital media may be negatively affecting your children.

"We've received guidance from the officials in Columbia about providing school districts with the necessary guidance for our policies," District One's Young said. "We are collaborating with our families to ensure that we create an environment that minimizes distractions for students as effectively as possible."

All South Carolina schools must adopt and implement the new mobile phone policy by January 2025.

First day back to school

"As parents, administrators, principals, and teachers prepare students for another 190-day school year, it's important to remember that your children are loved, they're safe, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure that the environment that they sit in every day supports them, encourages them, helps them to reach their potential," said District Five's Moore.

Dr. Seth Young, Superintendent Anderson School District One, greets students during the first day of school at Powdersville Elementary on Hood Road in Greenville, S.C. Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Students in Anderson County returned for first day of school
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles warded off a well-funded challenge from Metro Council member Courtney Johnston in Thursday's GOP primary, likely cementing his grip on Tennessee's newly-drawn Republican leaning 5th Congressional District.

Cheers and applause abruptly broke out from a back corner of Ludlow & Prime steakhouse in Franklin as the race was called for Ogles, who had the backing of former President Donald Trump. Ogles earned 54.8% to Johnstons 45.2% in Thursdays election, as of 8:27 p.m. The Associated Press called the race for Ogles shortly before 8:30 p.m.

"We came, we saw, we conquered," Ogles declared, taking the stage at his victory party around 8:45 p.m.

Ogles will now face Democratic nominee Maryam Abolfazli, who was unopposed in her primary, in November.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles addresses his supporters after winning the Republican nomination for a second term at an election night returns party at Ludlow & Prime in Franklin, Tenn., Thursday night, Aug. 1, 2024.

On Thursday evening, supporters at Ogles' victory party waited for more than an hour for the congressman to appear, and as the race was called, showed their phones to those seated next to them and standing at the bar. Robert Swope, a former Nashville Metro Council member, picked up a microphone from where Ogles was expected to deliver a speech.

I am looking at the secretary of states website, Swope said, holding up his phone and reading the vote totals.

Guests yelled in support, one saying, Yay Andy Ogles.

I know the local news media hates this, Swope said. The crowd laughed, and the claps and cheers continued.

Ogles, joined by his wife and three children, and thanked God, his family and Tori Venable, the state director of Americans for Prosperity, an influential Koch brothers-funded political group that backed his campaign.

Johnston sought to unseat the freshman congressman, arguing that Ogles gets nothing done in Washington, and constituents deserved better representation. She ran as a conservative outsider ready to take on career politicians, and earned the backing of established Tennessee Republicans like former Gov. Bill Haslam and former U.S. Sens. Bob Corker and Bill Frist.

Johnston earned the backing of an independent political action committee called Conservatives with Character, which spent upward of $350,000 supporting her bid. She also earned the endorsement of all Fraternal Order of Police lodges.

In his victory speech, Ogles accused Johnston of assassinating his character because she cant run on her record.

But the 5th Congressional District wasnt buying any of that B.S., Ogles said. Johnston ran a spirited race, he said, adding her team put in a good effort, but obviously we prevailed.

The republic is at stake, he said while Celebration by Kool & the Gang began to play. I won because of you, Im here for you.

Ogles' base of support in the new districts rural areas proved formidable, and openly coordinated grassroots support from Americans for Prosperity Action aided his own campaign operations. The PAC spent heavily in mailers, doorhangers, postage, and digital ads to boost its former lobbyists incumbency, bringing him over the finish line.

Johnston calls race 'honor of my life'

A Louisiana native, Johnston is a small business owner and real estate agent who first ran for public office in 2019 seeking to unseat her Metro council member after a bad experience following a break-in at her Crieve Hall home.

Since her election, Johnston has been a conservative voice in the majority progressive body. She says legislation authorizing a License Plate Reader pilot program is her biggest success, having championed the bill through a months-long fight, arguing that the devices  already in use in several Nashville suburbs  would act as a "force multiplier" for police in missing persons and property cases.

Courtney Johnston speaks to the crowd after it was announced Andy Ogles defeated Johnston in GOP race for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, at an election watch party at AC Hotel in Brentwood, Tenn., Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

The resulting six-month LPR pilot program resulted in recovery of 87 stolen vehicles, recovery of 14 guns, and police made 130 felony charges. Mayor Freddie O'Connell's administration has not yet moved forward to implement the program.

Johnston has also backed legislation to require the city to build financial reserves with revenue from a recent 34% property tax increase, in an effort to prevent the need for another such increase in the future. After initial skepticism, she voted to support the $2.1 billion Titans stadium deal, voted against the 34% property tax increase in 2020, supported bringing the Republican National Convention to Nashville, and opposed Metro using tax dollars to purchase new properties.

"It's been the honor of my life," Johnston told supporters at her election night event in Brentwood. "We have worked so hard, and we've left it all on the field, we gave it everything we got. I believe in my message, and I will continue to believe in good, honest representation with a heart for public service to make our community better."

Lynne Carlton, mother of Courtney Johnston, embraces her after it was announced Andy Ogles defeated Johnston in GOP race for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District AC Hotel in Brentwood, Tenn., Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

Johnston family friend Jon Mabe, 57, of Nashville said he wished things had turned out differently, but is glad Johnston will continue work on the Metro Council.

"The reason we supported her is because she is doing it for the right reasons," Mabe said.

Brenda Griffin, 76, called Johnston "a natural campaigner," and criticized Ogles' lack of accessibility to constituents in Davidson County.

He spent a lot of money from the taxpayers but there was little return," Griffin said.

Live election results: See the latest results from the Republican primary in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District

Ogles House Freedom Caucus support

Ogles also earned support from the House Freedom Caucus, which he is reportedly eyeing to chair if reelected, and the Volunteers for Freedom PAC, an independent political action committee funded in part by Nashville Auto magnate Lee Beaman. Beaman is listed on all Ogles' campaign mailers as his campaign treasurer, but FEC filings list another treasurer.

Ogles was first elected to Congress in 2022, 20 years after first running for a U.S. House seat, beating four opponents in a crowded Republican primary with support from his former employer, Americans for Prosperity. Even before being sworn in, Ogles was one of 20 far-right Republicans who did not support former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during 11 rounds of voting, delaying start of Congressional business in 2023. He later supported McCarthy during ouster votes later that year.

Ogles has prolifically introduced legislation during his first term, including bills like the Study Abroad Act to ship pro-terrorist student protesters to Gaza, the "Let Trump Speak Act" to ban judges from issuing gag orders for defendants, and the No Juicing Joe Act require reporting of the presidents pharmaceutical use. But none of Ogles original legislation has moved forward. Ogles has said it's important to file these bills, as they will start moving through Congress when former President Donald Trump is reelected.

Ogles has spent significantly more than his Republican colleagues on office and travel expenses paid by taxpayers. Ogles has spent $335,000 on taxpayer-funded mailers to tout his records, and another $30,00 in travel and expense reimbursements since taking office.

Melissa and Chad Argo of Chapel Hill, Tenn., go over election returns with Robert Swope at U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles' election night watch party at Ludlow & Prime in Franklin, Tenn., Thursday night, Aug. 1, 2024.

Prior to his election to Congress, Ogles won his first election, becoming mayor of Maury County in 2018. As mayor, Ogles supported a sales tax increase, and later vetoed a property tax hike without offering an alternative revenue plan. County commissioners overrode his veto. His personal interest disclosures as mayor left off thousands of dollars of financial interests.

The GOP race for the 5th Congressional District was the most high-profile U.S. House contest in Middle Tennessee. In the 7th Congressional District, incumbent U.S. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, and former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry were running unopposed in the Republican and Democratic primaries, respectively.

In the 6th Congressional District, incumbent U.S. Rep. John Rose, R-Cookeville, ran unopposed in the GOP primary. Democrat Lore Bergman was leading a three-way Democratic primary against Clay Faircloth and Cyril Focht. As of 9:30 p.m., the race had not yet been called.

As part of a Republican-led redistricting effort that broke up the Democratic stronghold, Davidson County is now divided between the 5th, 6th and 7th Congressional districts.

In the 4th Congressional District, incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-South Pittsburg, easily defeated Thomas Davis in the Republican primary. He will now face Victoria Broderick in the November general election. The district includes Rutherford County.

Antonia Lopez, and Angela Gruber contributed.

Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com or on X @Vivian_E_Jones.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Andy Ogles beats Courtney Johnston in Republican race for 5th District
An electronic display with rotating political messages is pictured outside of the Jimmy's Roadhouse sports bar in Newaygo, Mich., Tuesday, July 9, 2024. While Michigan remains one of the crown jewels of the fall presidential campaign, the focus on Tuesday, Aug. 6, turns to state primaries that may play a decisive role in deciding control of the narrowly divided Senate, House and state legislature. (AP Photo/Robert Yoon)

NEWAYGO, Mich. (AP)  While Michigan remains one of the crown jewels of the fall presidential campaign, the focus on Tuesday turns to state primaries that may play a major role in deciding control of the narrowly divided U.S. Senate and U.S. House as well as the state legislature.

Topping the list of contests is the race to replace Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who announced in January that she would not seek a fifth term. The Democratic primary features three-term U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin and actor and Detroit small business owner Hill Harper.

Slotkin has kept her Lansing-area swing district in Democratic hands by slim margins since her first election in 2018. She won her current 7th Congressional District with just shy of 52% of the vote in 2022, her largest vote share of her three campaigns. She won a similar district in 2018 and 2020 with less than 51% of the vote.

If she wins the primary as expected, shell face another tough contest against the likely Republican nominee, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who is looking to end his partys 24-year drought in Michigan U.S. Senate races. The former House Intelligence Committee chairman and former CNN host launched his campaign in September and has since thinned the Republican primary field as the states party establishment has rallied behind him. Rogers remaining primary opponents include former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, best known for voting to impeach President Donald Trump and for leaving the GOP to become an independent and then a Libertarian. Also running is Sherry ODonnell, a physician and former congressional candidate.

Slotkin enjoys a sizable financial advantage in the race. She has raised and banked more campaign funds than the rest of the Democratic and Republican fields combined.

Running to replace Slotkin in the 7th Congressional District are Democrat Curtis Hertel and Republican Tom Barrett, both former state senators. Both are uncontested for their parties nominations. Voters in the 7th District narrowly backed Republican Trump in 2016 and Democrat Joe Biden in 2020.

Other Michigan congressional seats that could decide control of the U.S. House in November are in the 3rd, 8th and 10th districts, all of which have contested primaries on Tuesday.

In the Grand Rapids-based 3rd District in Western Michigan, Republicans Paul Hudson and Michael Markey are vying for the nomination to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, who is favored in her primary. Democrat Hillary Clinton barely edged Trump among 3rd District voters in 2016, while Biden won more handily in 2020.

In the 8th District, which includes Flint and Saginaw, three Democrats and three Republicans are running to replace Democratic U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, who is not seeking a seventh term.

In the 10th District, which includes most of Macomb and part of Oakland counties in the northern Detroit suburbs, Democrat Carl Marlinga hopes for a rematch against first-term Republican U.S. Rep. John James, but he must first defeat three other candidates for his partys nomination. James edged Marlinga in the 2022 election, 48.8% to 48.3%. Voters in the 10th District slightly preferred Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections. Macomb is home to a type of key swing voters often referred to as Reagan Democrats.

Voters throughout the state will also choose nominees in 67 contested state House primaries. Democrats won a narrow majority of both chambers of the state legislature in the 2022 midterm elections. All 110 state House seats are at stake in November. State Senate seats will not be up for election until 2026.

Heres a look at what to expect on Tuesday:

Primary day

Michigans state primary will be held Tuesday. The last polls close at 9 p.m. ET, although most of the state closes at 8 p.m. ET. All polls close at 8 p.m. local time.

What's on the ballot

The Associated Press will provide vote results and declare winners in contested primaries for U.S. Senate, U.S. House and state House.

Who gets to vote

Michigan has an open primary system, which means any registered voter may participate in any partys primary.

Decision notes

The key, vote-rich counties in statewide Michigan elections are Wayne (home to Detroit), Oakland, Macomb, Kent (home to Grand Rapids), Genesee (home to Flint) and Washtenaw (home to Ann Arbor).

In the Republican U.S. Senate primary, Rogers is the front-runner but may do particularly well in the areas he represented in Congress. That generally covered the Republican portions of Oakland County as well as the Republican areas roughly in between Detroit, Lansing and Flint. He lives in southwestern Michigan.

Detroit-area businessman Sandy Pensler withdrew from the race in July but will still appear on the ballot. He received 45% of the vote in the 2018 U.S. Senate primary against James. Pensler carried most of northern Michigan and the eastern third of the Upper Peninsula. His exit from the race should benefit Rogers, whom he endorsed.

The Associated Press does not make projections and will declare a winner only when its determined there is no scenario that would allow the trailing candidates to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.

Recounts are automatic in statewide races in Michigan if the margin between the top two candidates is 2,000 votes or fewer. Candidates may request and pay for a recount regardless of the vote margin, and the state covers the cost if the recount changes the outcome. State party chairs may request recounts for state legislative races if the margin is fewer than 500 votes in state Senate races and fewer than 200 votes in state House races. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is eligible for a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome. A new recount law signed by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in July will not take effect until after the 2024 presidential election.

What do turnout and advance vote look like?

As of July 9, there were about 8.3 million registered voters in Michigan.

In the 2022 midterm primaries, turnout was about 12% of registered voters for the Democratic primary and 13% in the Republican primary. About 55% of voters in the 2022 midterm primaries and about 35% of voters in the 2024 presidential primaries were cast before primary day.

As of Thursday, a total of 870,2307 ballots had cast ballots before primary day.

How long does vote-counting usually take?

In the 2022 midterm primary, the AP first reported results at 8:13 p.m. ET, or 13 minutes after the first polls closed. The election night tabulation ended at 4:05 a.m. ET with about 96% of total votes counted.

Are we there yet?

As of Tuesday, there will be 91 days until the November general election.

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Follow the AP's coverage of the 2024 election at https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024.
FILE - The Capitol in Olympia, Wash., is pictured Oct. 9, 2018. Five months after holding its presidential primaries, Washington state is looking further down the ticket to select candidates to compete for federal and state offices in the November 2024 elections. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Five months after holding its presidential primaries, Washington state is looking further down the ticket and selecting candidates to compete for federal and state offices in November.

A handful of retirements  most notably those of third-term Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, Democratic Rep. Derek Kilmer and Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers  have injected some excitement into primaries for this left-leaning state.

The governor's race has drawn a crowded field, with 28 candidates, including the state's current attorney general, Bob Ferguson. That figure doesnt include two additional Democratic candidates also named Bob Ferguson, both recruited by a conservative activist, who withdrew from the ballot shortly after filing. The short-lived gag hasnt seemed to take the wind out of Attorney General Fergusons sails, as hes raised more than $8.6 million  more than double the next-best funded candidate.

The states eight other executive offices are also up this year. Three of them do not include incumbents. Ferguson is leaving the attorney generals office to seek the governorship, while Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz is running for U.S. House and Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, who faced accusations of creating a hostile workplace and calls to resign during his current term, is not running for reelection.

Kilmer represents the states 6th Congressional District, which includes the entire Olympia Peninsula and the city of Tacoma. Its been represented by a Democrat since 1965. Franz, a Democrat, has raised about $1.4 million, with fellow Democrat and state Sen. Emily Randall running second in the money race with around $1 million.

Both could find themselves on the ballot in November, as Washington has a top-two primary system in which all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party and the top two finishers advance to the general election.

McMorris Rodgers seat, which covers the eastern third of the state and includes Spokane, has drawn almost one-dozen candidates. Many have elected experience, including Spokane County treasurer and former state Sen. Michael Baumgartner, the races top fundraiser, and state Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber. McMorris Rodgers hasnt endorsed anyone in the race.

In the southwestern corner, the states 3rd Congressional District is likely to be a key race in November. Democratic incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez pulled off an upset in the 2022 midterms, flipping the district. She has vastly outraised her primary challengers, and with her path to November looking fairly straightforward, her seat will be a prime target for Republicans come fall.

Heres a look at what to expect on Tuesday:

Primary day

The Washington state primary will be held Tuesday. Polls close at 11 p.m. ET.

What's on the ballot

The Associated Press will provide coverage for 62 contested races, including all-party primaries for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state executive offices, state Supreme Court and both state legislative chambers.

Who gets to vote

Any registered voter in Washington may participate in the primary election.

Decision notes

Besides conducting all-party primaries, Washington conducts its elections entirely by mail. All registered voters are sent an absentee ballot, and as long as the ballots are postmarked by election day, they can be counted.

Like other all-mail states, Washington tends to count its vote relatively slowly. In state races, slow vote-counting could delay a call for one or both spots on the November ballot if its not clear which candidates will prevail once all votes are tabulated.

For statewide races, the key counties to watch are the populous counties of King, which includes Seattle, and its northern and southern neighbors, Pierce and Snohomish.

The AP does not make projections and will declare a winner only when its determined there is no scenario that would allow the trailing candidates to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.

What do turnout and advance vote look like?

As of July 19, there were 4,831,157 registered voters in Washington. Washington does not register voters by party.

In the 2024 presidential primaries, turnout was 35% of just under 4.9 million registered voters.

Absentee ballots began going out on July 19. As of July 31, more than 608,000 ballots had been cast in the all-party primaries.

How long does vote-counting usually take?

In the 2024 Democratic presidential primary, the AP first reported results at 11:02 p.m. ET, or two minutes after polls closed. The election night tabulation ended at 11:30 p.m. ET with about 71% of total votes counted.

Are we there yet?

As of Tuesday, there will be 91 days until the November general election.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the 2024 election at https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024.
Voters look at electoral lists prior to the opening of the polls for presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

July 26 - Aug. 1, 2024

President Nicolas Maduro came under pressure to release vote tallies from Venezuelas presidential election, after opposition leaders disputed his claim of victory.

Human remains were excavated at a Uruguayan military base. Bolivian bus drivers whipped a colleague for breaking their strike against fuel shortages.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte gave her second State of the Nation address. The Rural Society held its annual exposition in Argentina. Russian training ship Smolnyy arrived to Havana Bay in Cuba.

This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The selection was curated by AP photo editor Leslie Mazoch based in Mexico City.

___

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AP Images blog: http://apimagesblog.com

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X: http://twitter.com/AP_Images
BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- China reported 108 million cases of direct trans-provincial settlement of medical bills in the first half (H1) of 2024, a surge of 124.7 percent compared with the same period last year, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA).

Direct trans-provincial settlement refers to the on-site reimbursement of medical costs incurred from cross-regional medical visits within the coverage of China's basic medical insurance system.

Before the policy was implemented across the country in 2017, patients had to return to the region where their medical insurance was registered to receive any reimbursements. Earlier before, medical insurance reimbursement was once limited to treatment at designated hospitals in a patient's assigned region.

Cross-regional medical visits, especially patient transfers to higher-tier hospitals, are common in China, where over 95 percent of the population is covered by basic medical insurance.

The direct trans-provincial medical bill settlement now covers both outpatient and inpatient visits, making public access to medical care much more convenient.

The NHSA said that as of the end of June 2024, the number of designated medical institutions covered by the trans-provincial settlement policy had increased by 11.45 percent from the end of 2023 to 613,400, including 396,100 pharmacies. 
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Distinct minority groups cannot join together in coalitions to claim their votes are diluted in redistricting cases under the Voting Rights Act, a divided federal appeals court ruled Thursday, acknowledging that it was reversing years of its own precedent.

At issue was a redistricting case in Galveston County, Texas, where Black and Latino groups had joined to challenge district maps drawn by the county commission.

A federal district judge had rejected the maps, saying they diluted minority strength. A three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals initially upheld the decision before the full court decided to reconsider the issue, resulting in Thursdays 12-6 decision.

Judge Edith Jones, writing for the majority, said such challenges by minority coalitions do not comport with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and are not supported by Supreme Court precedent. The decision reverses a 1988 5th Circuit decision and is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Nowhere does Section 2 indicate that two minority groups may combine forces to pursue a vote dilution claim, wrote Jones, who was nominated to the court by former President Ronald Reagan. On the contrary, the statute identifies the subject of a vote dilution claim as a class, in the singular, not the plural.

Jones was joined by 11 other nominees of Republican presidents on the court. Dissenting were five members nominated by Democratic presidents and one nominee of a Republican president. The 5th Circuit reviews cases from federal district courts in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Today, the majority finally dismantled the effectiveness of the Voting Rights Act in this circuit, leaving four decades of en banc precedent flattened in its wake, dissenting Judge Dana Douglas, nominated to the court by President Joe Biden. Her dissent noted that Galveston County figures prominently in the nations Juneteenth celebrations, marking the date in 1865, when Union soldiers told enslaved Black people in Galveston that they had been freed.

To reach its conclusion, the majority must reject well-established methods of statutory interpretation, jumping through hoops to find exceptions, Douglas wrote.
FILE - A man walks in front of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Jan. 7, 2015, in New Orleans. A divided court ruled that separate, distinct minority groups cannot join together in coalitions to claim their votes are diluted in redistricting cases under the federal Voting Rights Act on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman, File)

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Distinct minority groups cannot join together in coalitions to claim their votes are diluted in redistricting cases under the Voting Rights Act, a divided federal appeals court ruled Thursday, acknowledging that it was reversing years of its own precedent.

At issue was a redistricting case in Galveston County, Texas, where Black and Latino groups had joined to challenge district maps drawn by the county commission. A federal district judge had rejected the maps, saying they diluted minority strength. A three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals initially upheld the decision before the full court decided to reconsider the issue, resulting in Thursday's 12-6 decision.

Judge Edith Jones, writing for the majority, said such challenges by minority coalitions do not comport with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and are not supported by Supreme Court precedent The decision reverses a 1988 5th Circuit decision and is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Nowhere does Section 2 indicate that two minority groups may combine forces to pursue a vote dilution claim, Jones, nominated to the court by former President Ronald Reagan, wrote. On the contrary, the statute identifies the subject of a vote dilution claim as a class, in the singular, not the plural.

Jones was joined by 11 other nominees of Republican presidents on the court. Dissenting were five members nominated by Democratic presidents and one nominee of a Republican president. The 5th Circuit reviews cases from federal district courts in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Today, the majority finally dismantled the effectiveness of the Voting Rights Act in this circuit, leaving four decades of en banc precedent flattened in its wake, dissenting Judge Dana Douglas, nominated to the court by President Joe Biden. Her dissent noted that Galveston County figures prominently in the nation's Juneteenth celebrations, marking the date in 1865, when Union soldiers told enslaved Black people in Galveston that they had been freed.

To reach its conclusion, the majority must reject well-established methods of statutory interpretation, jumping through hoops to find exceptions, Douglas wrote.
Apple is asking a federal judge to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and 16 state attorneys general against the iPhone maker, which they allege maintains an illegal monopoly over the smartphone market.

The tech giant argued in a filing Thursday that it is not a monopolist and that its design choices have not had any anticompetitive effects on the market.

Apple has invested billions of dollars to create a revolutionary, cutting-edge product and to distinguish iPhone in a fiercely competitive smartphone market through consumer-oriented features, the filing reads.

This lawsuit is based on the false premise that iPhones success has come not through building a superior product that consumers trust and love, but through Apples intentional degradation of iPhone to block purported competitive threats, it continues.

The DOJ sued Apple in March, accusing the company of maintaining a monopoly over the smartphone market by undermining apps, products and services that would make users less reliant on the iPhone and promote greater interoperability.

The agency alleges that the iPhone maker has stifled competition by imposing a series of shapeshifting rules and restrictions in its App Store guidelines and developer agreements that allow it to extract higher fees, thwart innovation, offer a less secure or degraded user experience, and throttle competitive alternatives.

It has pointed to Apples treatment of super apps, cloud streaming services, cross-platform messaging, non-Apple smartwatches and third-party digital wallets.

However, the tech giant argued Thursday that it is not deterring customers from switching to competitors, such as Google or Samsung.

Users unhappy with Apples reasonable policies on third-party access can and do switch away to competitors devices, where those limits do not exist, Apple wrote in the filing. This disconnect between the conduct that is alleged to be exclusionary and the lack of any harm in the smartphone market is fatal to the Governments theory and requires dismissal.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Argentina to use AI to stop crime before it happens

The government of Argentinian President Javier Milei is rolling out with new AI technology aimed at preventing crime. File Photo by Gala Abramovich/EPA-EFE

Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Argentina has announced plans to use artificial intelligence to predict crimes before they're committed, the country recently announced.

The plan was announced by the Ministry of Security as Argentina takes its next step toward using artificial intelligence in more and different ways.

The new AI unit will focus on the "prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crime," in addition to conducting drone surveillance, patrolling social media and using facial recognition to bolster security measures, a statement said.

The announcement comes after Buenos Aires court ruled in 2023 that facial recognition technology by the government was unconstitutional in the city. The judge in the case said the system was installed without complying with the legal requirements for the protection of the personal rights of the inhabitants of the City of Buenos Aires," a statement said.

Human rights groups have gone a step further, and are concerned that implementing the technology could infringe on freedom of expression as people are concerned over government monitoring of their social media posts, and having a chilling effect on what they choose to publish.

Still others are worried about how AI will affect the academic world, including what academics and students will share and whether it will be monitored by the emerging technology.

The Argentine Center for Studies on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information has said AI and similar technologies have been used to profile academics, journalists, politicians and activists.

They wanted to know how the technologies were developed, where they came from and how they will be used. The group called any lack of accountability The group said any lack of accountability would be "worrying."

President Javier Milei made a trip to Silicon Valley earlier this year that is now being seen differently in light of the move to bolster crime detection using AI. In May, he met with several tech leaders and encouraged them to consider investing in his country.
The Arizona Department of Education is again leaving districts and schools holding an empty bag.

Months after unexpectedly cutting Title I funds to Arizonas poorest students and schools, the department has made a substantial, surprise reduction to school improvement grant funds to schools serving students who struggle the most.

And just as a new school year begins.

Days ago, as superintendents were welcoming teachers back for the school year, districts and charter schools received cryptic communication informing them that the Office for School Improvement was reviewing grants to ensure that all requested expenses are reasonable, necessary, and allocable.

That message was immediately followed by short, scripted meetings and phone calls informing districts that drastic cuts  more than 50% for some school districts  had been made to the grants dedicated to improving student achievement in this new school year.

School improvement clawbacks are 'unprecedented'

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne speaks to media inside the library of West Point Elementary School in Surprise on June 21, 2023.

Its a punch in the gut for school leaders facing the end of pandemic-era funding and a shrinking Title I program, which offers additional funding to schools with high percentages of low-income students.

Traditional district and charter schools received multiple approvals from Arizona Department of Education (ADE) program specialists and directors for these school improvement grants well before last school year ended.

They spent months working with ADE-approved vendors developing an academic plan, identifying and selecting resources and curricula, organizing and providing training led by experts, and even hiring key personnel.

Oh, and did I mention that ADE has to approve a schools improvement plan before it can purchase training, resources and personnel?

District and charter leaders Ive spoken with indicate that ADEs rationale for these cuts are due to a decrease in the federal funds that support the grants. Thats the same line they used in explaining last school years shrinkage of Title I funding that left schools scrambling to offset unexpected deficits.

A Phoenix-area school district grant specialist I spoke with described these most recent clawbacks as unprecedented, explaining that funding is sometimes adjusted after-the-fact, but its usually a difference of $5,000 or less.

These cuts result in districts losing tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. This, after they have already built their budgets and hired staff for the year based on those funds.

Some cut training. Others must lay off teachers

The scramble in making up for these cuts varies, as it appears the reductions were not equitable.

Some districts are cutting teacher training, rescinding contracts with ADE-approved vendors that provide it. Others are having to lay off grant-funded teachers, just as the school year begins.

A superintendent from a Valley district says this isnt the first time ADE has taken back money due to a spreadsheet mistake, leaving schools to bear the weight of their error.

Tom Horne's 'English-only' crusade: Is costing Arizona

He asked not to be identified, but said, Someone is not taking care of the math at ADE. There now seems to be a cash grab going on across the state, kind of like going through the couch cushions looking for spare change. But its ultimately impacting the kids who need help the most.

No one at ADE seems to be able or willing to explain the methodology for the funding cuts, or if the reductions are being made equitably across the various iterations of school improvement grants. School leaders have posed these and other questions to ADE but have heard only silence in return.

That raises many questions for Tom Horne

I have questions, too.

Besides shilling for private voucher schools, what is Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne focused on? With these reductions once again taking educators by surprise, it certainly isnt communicating with the public schools he was elected to serve.

How are schools expected to trust ADE when approved funding can suddenly be reduced or eliminated? How are they supposed to set and balance a budget when the numbers they work with become arbitrary?

Why is ADE choosing to balance its budget on the backs of our most vulnerable children and the schools that serve them?

Most importantly, why do we let them?

Rhonda Cagle is founder of Leverage Consulting Agency, serving educational and non-profit agencies. She is a member of the Board of Contributors for The Arizona Republic. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter): @RhondaCagle1.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona yanks cash from its poorest schools (again) and doesn't care
Arizona Supreme Court (with Goldwater Institute's help) stabs city workers in the back

I would not necessarily say that the lawyers in their fancy suits at the Goldwater Institute actively hate working people.

But they do seem to hate it when working people stand up for themselves. They hate it when working people bargain collectively to improve their lives and provide their families with a happier, healthier future.

So, for years the legal eagles at the institute have done everything they can to undermine the effectiveness of unions that serve city workers.

And this week, the Arizona Supreme Court handed the Goldwater suits a big victory. The judges decided that a city and a union cannot enter into a contract that allows union people release time, which means dealing with union issues while being paid.

Goldwater has made this argument before

The Goldwater Institute sued the city of Phoenix on behalf of two city employees and the court ruled that release time violates the Arizona Constitutions gift clause.

In a news release, the institute said release time was one of the most offensive and unlawful ways the government spends your money.

That argument isnt new. And neither is it new for Goldwater to make it. In a case back in 2015, the institutes vice president for litigation, Clint Bolick, called negotiated release time a huge and widespread taxpayer scam.

The difference between then and now is that instead of being the attack dog for Goldwater, Bolick is now on the Arizona Supreme Court, thanks to some crony court packing by for former Gov. Doug Ducey.

In fact, Supreme Court justice Bolick made it

Not only that, but Bolick actually authored the decision outlawing release time.

Conflict of interest, anyone? According to Arizona Code of Judicial Conduct, judges are supposed to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. And theres WAY more than appearances here.

Bolick, you may remember, is one of the judges on the Supreme Court who welcomed a return to the 1864 abortion ban.

A public vote on his retention  or not  is also on the November ballot. Another thing worth remembering.

Release time has served cities and unions well

Having union officials on release time helps a city with personnel issues. They serve as a liaison between employees and management. They participate on task forces aimed at fixing city problems.

The program provides a better opportunity for more reasoned contract negotiations and the resolution of conflict disputes. It demonstrates a sense of respect and value for those who work for us.

Phoenix union policy: Cheats taxpayers and hurts workers

The court said of release time that the costs and benefits here are so one-sided. The Goldwater lawyers said a city gets effectively nothing.

Really? Is that how they see it?

Arizona workers have our backs. Why stab theirs?

Because when were in trouble and call for help, police officers and firefighters come running. They dont ask about our political affiliations or religious beliefs or economic status or anything else.

If the situation requires them to risk their lives for us, they do it, no questions asked.

And we are lucky as well to have the men and woman who maintain the conveniences that keep a city running and that we rely on each day. Things we take for granted because theyre taken care of so efficiently. The streets where we drive. Trash removal. Park maintenance. Clean water. Busses and transportation. It goes on.

The men and women who work for a city arent wealthy big wigs with offices at think tanks like Goldwater. Theyre our neighbors.

Goldwater Institute elites arent out to protect taxpayers. Theyre out to crush municipal unions.

It makes no sense. These are the people who have our backs.

Why would we stab theirs?

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Supreme Court defangs unions, and in the worst way possible
Phoenix violated the state constitution by paying city employees nearly half a million dollars to work for their labor union during work hours, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. The decision throws into question the legality of labor union contracts in Phoenix, other cities and the state.

In a unanimous ruling, the justices said Phoenix's contract with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME, violated the gift clause of the Arizona Constitution because its "release time" provisions were "substantially disproportionate to any benefits received by the city."

The provisions release city employees from their normal job duties to conduct "lawful union activities" while the city still pays their normal wages. The state gift clause bars governments from giving money to private groups without a roughly equal public benefit.

Phoenix's 2019 contract with AFSCME, which represents 1,500 blue-collar city employees, including sanitation workers, childcare providers, detention officers and 911 dispatchers, provided roughly $499,000 in release time.

The city and union argued that release time promotes positive worker-management relations and that the cost should be weighed against the total benefit the workers provide the city.

The Maricopa County Superior Court initially sided with the city, as did the Arizona Court of Appeals. The Arizona Supreme Court did not.

Justice Clint Bolick, authoring the opinion, wrote that "the costs and benefits here are so one-sided that it is difficult to envision how such expansive release time provisions could ever survive (legality)."

The Arizona Supreme Court's decision delivers a significant loss for the local labor movement and upends a widespread practice used in cities such as Tucson, Mesa, Glendale and Peoria.

The latest ruling came after two non-unionized city employees sued the city in 2019 over release time given to AFSCME, saying the provisions violated their free speech rights, Arizona right-to-work laws and the gift clause.

The justices rejected the free speech and right-to-work claims but struck down Phoenix's release time provisions on the grounds that the city was getting "microscopic" returns compared to what it spent.

The high court also doubted whether release time provided any public benefit at all since the city had no control or supervision over the employees, "which is an essential criterion in determining public purpose," Bolick wrote. That could invite more legal challenges.

"The plain language of the Gift Clause aims to prevent subsidies to private individuals, associations or corporations. The release time provisions at issue are precisely that: a 'release' from the ordinary duties for which employees were hired, to instead perform .... union activities," Bolick wrote.

He noted that while the justices pay deference to what elected officials view as a public benefit when evaluating for potential gift clause violations, the judiciary ultimately gets to decide.

The opinion also opened the door to legal challenges about funding release time through reduced or diverted employee compensation because employees "would be required, against their will, to support union activities (including collective bargaining) with which they might disagree."

Jon Riches, Vice President of Litigation at the Goldwater Institute, a libertarian-leaning think tank that represented the non-unionized employees, said the ruling was a "watershed decision that ensures taxpayer dollars will be spent to advance public interests, not private special interests, including the politically powerful special interests of government labor unions."

Riches and the Goldwater Institute have long criticized union release time, saying the subsidies are especially "pernicious" when unions use the time to lobby political candidates and meet with political action committees.

He added that only 45% of employees AFSCME represents are members, meaning the bargaining unit "negotiated itself a very nice perk that didn't go to all employees but rather AFSCME itself."

Frank Piccioli, president of AFSCME's Phoenix branch, Local 2384, said the ruling takes workers' rights backward and criticized Bolick for not recusing himself given his prior employment at the Goldwater Institute.

"After 45 years of having union release time in the City of Phoenix to be able to help members get FMLA when it's denied, or fight for raises, or ballistic vests for detention officers, or higher wages to better staff 911, this seems to wipe that away and say, 'Never mind. We can no longer do that,'" Piccioli said.

"It means the workers of Phoenix no longer have a voice," he said, adding, "The reality is they don't like what we do because they don't like working people."

As union president, Piccioli is one of the city employees who is on full-time release. He represents union members in disputes with the city and said it's his work that keeps Phoenix from having to hire a gargantuan HR staff. He negotiates contracts, works on the health and safety team and keeps problems from going to court.

If he weren't on release, he would work as a 911 dispatcher.

The Supreme Court's ruling, he said, tells him to go back to his dispatcher job and "somehow do all this work at night" outside of city hours.

Doing that, he said, will hurt the city workers and, ultimately, the residents because better conditions for workers translates to better service for residents. He pointed to his advocacy pushing the city to hire more 911 dispatchers to reduce response times.

Piccioli denied using release time for political activity, pointing to the 2022 law passed by Gov. Doug Ducey. The law forbids union members from using release time to lobby for or against political candidates, legislation, ordinances or ballot measures  though it exempted police and fire union members, which Piccioli criticized.

Pro-union bill: Sen. Mark Kelly is backing a pro-union bill. Here's why that matters

Phoenix is evaluating labor contracts. How many union positions are affected?

Phoenix Communications Director Dan Wilson said city attorneys were evaluating all their labor union contracts in light of the ruling.

Wilson said he could not immediately provide the amount Phoenix spends on release time across their five union contracts per year. However, it is likely significant.

While AFSCME's city contract provided four full-time release positions, the city's contract with Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, which represents rank-and-file police officers, funds six full-time release positions.

Piccioli said representatives from all the Phoenix unions would meet over the next few days to discuss and understand the ruling's impacts.

A spokesperson for Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the mayor "believes our working labor relationships have a significant public benefit. While she disagrees with the Supreme Courts decision today, the city seeks to comply with all court orders and will work to revise its MOU to reflect this ruling.

Arizona Supreme Court ruling backtracks but doesn't reverse its older decision

The Arizona Supreme Court's decision backtracks on its 2016 case, Cheatham v. DiCiccio, but it does not formally reverse it.

In that case, taxpayers, again represented by the Goldwater Institute, sued the city over the police union's release time positions, claiming gift clause violation. That high court accepted the city's argument that harmonious labor-management relations constituted adequate public benefits, and determined the positions did not violate the gift clause.

Release time didn't violate the gift clause, then-Chief Justice Scott Bales wrote, because the release time positions were negotiated in exchange for wages and benefits that would have otherwise been provided  unlike the current case. Also, the Bales court found, courts should defer to what cities say is a commensurate return.

Bolick, who was not on the Arizona Supreme Court in 2016, wrote of the Cheatham case that the court should not have paid such deference to elected officials on what constitutes adequate return because it is an "objective inquiry that does not involve subjective policy decisions."

Only two of the justices who were on the state Supreme Court in 2016 remain: Chief Justice Ann Timmer and Justice Robert Brummel. Both justices dissented in the Cheatham case, arguing release time did violate the state's gift clause.

In the opinion issued Wednesday, the justices left open one way governments could legally provide release time: vacation hours.

"Employees could voluntarily donate vacation hours for release time, thus potentially avoiding any Gift Clause violations," the opinion said.

Riches, of the Goldwater Institute, said all cities should evaluate their labor union contracts in light of the ruling.

"To the extent these gifts exist in other contracts, those contracts are now constitutionally suspect," Riches said.

Reporter Taylor Seely covers Phoenix for The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by phone at 480-476-6116.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Supreme Court strikes down labor union release time in Phoenix
Arkansas man in custody for pointing gun at child

Arkansas man in custody for pointing gun at child

JAY, Okla.  An Arkansas man accused of pointing a gun at a five-year-old child was taken into custody by Oklahoma law enforcement officers at a rural Delaware County residence.

Mackenley King Thompson, 26, of Bentonville, Ark., is being held in the Delaware County jail.

Capt. James Morgan with the Delaware County Sheriffs Department said Thompson is accused of a domestic violence attack where he beat up his girlfriend and pointed a revolver at a child.

Thankfully, the gun did not discharge, Morgan said;

Warrants out of Arkansas include attempted capital murder, aggravated assault, terrorist threatening, possession of a firearm by a certain person, and interfering with emergency communication devices.

Morgan said the sheriffs department received a tip Thompson was at a Zena residence. He was taken into custody without incident, he said.

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PULASKI COUNTY, Ark.  More than 30 National Guardsmen from Arkansas are soon being deployed to Romania for nine months.

At a deployment ceremony hosted at Camp Robinson, the members of the 216th Military Police Company being deployed were sent off in style.

Arkansas National Guard set for deployment to Romania

Music, promotions, reenlisting and awards all accompanied the farewell, one of the last times the soldiers will be in Arkansas for months. For Captain William Winn, its his first deployment.

Overall, I think were very excited and ready to do our part, explained Winn, accompanied by his wife, Heaven.

Winn is just one of many headed to Romania to strengthen alliances and assist in keeping the peace in eastern Europe, a mission thats more important now than ever.

The 871st troop battalion is getting ready to send their 216th military police company, one platoon, over to Romania for a 9-month deployment, Col. Anthony Sanders explained.

Arkansas National Guard heads to southern border in Texas

While the event was special for the service members honored, it was also special because of who was in the audience: the family and friends of those about to leave, celebrating their loved ones and getting ready to say goodbye.

To have their families here to witness this, it means a lot to the service members as well as their families, Sanders said.

Families like the Winns, who said they were honored to do their duty even if the parting is bittersweet.

Arkansas National Guard member awarded after saving the lives of car crash victims

Company members have known for months they would be headed overseas and have been training for weeks on base. The Guardsmen will first head to Fort Bliss in Texas for mobilization before flying over to Romania.

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Maj. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, secretary of the Arkansas Department of the Military and adjutant general of the states National Guard. (John Oldham/U.S. Army)

The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved Arkansas top military officer as the next director of the Army National Guard, following a nomination from President Joe Biden last month.

Maj. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, secretary of the Arkansas Department of the Military and adjutant general of the states National Guard, will be the first Arkansas national guardsman to assume the federal role, according to a press release from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Without question, I am a product of the incredible example of past Arkansas leaders as well as the formative experiences that were provided to me by the Arkansas National Guard, Stubbs said in a statement. I will take every Arkansas Guardsman with me into this next assignment and will work hard every day to make them and my state proud.

The Army National Guard serves both communities and the country in cases of domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts and more, according to its website. As opposed to active duty military positions, serving in the Guard is primarily a part-time role that allows flexibility for career and educational opportunities.

In Arkansas, the state National Guard has in recent years been deployed to provide potable water in communities with outages and aid in clean-up efforts after severe weather. Sanders has also occasionally deployed members of the state National Guard to the countrys southern border, where they assisted Texas authorities in curbing illegal immigration.

Stubbs, whose official start in his new role has not yet been announced, is expected to be promoted to lieutenant general and oversee all programs and policies that affect the Army National Guard for the next four years.

For nearly the last 30 years, Stubbs has donned the uniform of an Arkansas National Guardsman. In January 2023, Sanders appointed him to serve in the states top military position.

On good days and tough ones, I knew I could count on Major General Stubbs to lead Arkansas National Guard, Sanders said in a press release.

She offered Stubbs her congratulations and said, our nation is better off because of his promotion and leadership.

Alexa Henning, Sanders spokesperson, did not reply to questions about plans to appoint someone in Stubbs absence by the time of publication.

Stubbs will replace Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, who has led the Army National Guard for the last four years and is expected to retire Aug. 5.

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by Burak Akinci

ANKARA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkish and Syrian presidents have recently expressed optimism about potential meetings to improve bilateral relations, but experts caution that full diplomatic rapprochement remains uncertain given the decade-long rift.

Formal diplomatic relations between Turkiye and Syria were severed following the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, with Turkiye backing opposition groups against the Assad government. While there have been signs of thawing relations in recent years, substantial progress remains elusive.

In early July, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country would extend an invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad "any time" for possible talks to mend ties between the two countries, emphasizing his country's desire to restore bilateral relations to their previous levels.

In response, Assad said in mid-July that "Syria insists that the meeting is necessary regardless of the level ... and a meeting is being arranged at the security level by some intermediaries." However, he also emphasized Syria's key security concerns as a precondition.

On July 24, the Turkish newspaper Aydinlik published a "draft roadmap" outlining potential terms for an agreement. If accepted, the roadmap would lead to a memorandum of understanding signed by Turkish and Syrian security officials, setting the stage for an official meeting between the two countries' leaders.

Aydinlik claimed it obtained the draft from reliable "government sources" and that it includes provisions for Turkiye to ban the activities of Syrian opposition groups on its territory and to return regions it controls in northern Syria before a complete Turkish withdrawal. In exchange, Syria would accept 1 to 2 million Syrian refugees currently in Turkiye and ensure that a "moderate" Syrian opposition, acceptable to Damascus, participates in the government.

Despite the recent positive signals, experts warn that normalizing relations will be a complex and prolonged process.

Gulru Gezer, a former Turkish diplomat and policy program director at the Ankara-based think tank TEPAV, said that "there is a long and bumpy road ahead" in the Turkiye-Syria detente due to critical issues that need to be addressed between the neighbors.

"We haven't had a dialogue since the outbreak of the civil war in Syria. That is why it will take time to fully, if possible, normalize relations," Gezer said. "There are many issues that need to be agreed upon before the two sides get together. I don't think we are there yet," she added.

Amid Turkiye's economic downturn and rising anti-migrant sentiment, the public has been urging the government to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees. "The refugee issue is very sensitive in Turkiye. Their potential return will take time," Gezer noted.

Still, Gezer believed that progress on counter-terrorism and establishing a sustainable security environment could facilitate talks between Ankara and Damascus. 
Armed and dangerous NC man wanted for home invasion, more

MCDOWELL COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Local and state officials are searching for a man who allegedly broke into a McDowell County home Thursday night.

According to the sheriffs office, Ryan Ricky Houston, 41, is wanted for multiple felony warrants in the county.

Ryan Ricky Houston (Photo/McDowell County Sheriffs Office)

Officials said that Houston broke into the home shortly before midnight, assaulted the homeowner and stole a car and firearm. Deputies eventually located the car on I-40 near exit 90.

Houston is believed to have then broken into Skyline Marine, stealing a blue 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The four-door pickup truck is a 44 LTZ.

Deputies said the back windshield has the phrases Skyline Marine, Honda and Bass Cat on it.

This is not Houstons first run-in with the law. The 41-year-old is currently out on bond for attempted first degree murder and assault on law enforcement in Buncombe County.

Law enforcement said that Houston is believed to be armed and dangerous, and that anyone who sees Houston or the vehicle do not approach and call (828) 652-2235 or 911 immediately.

Photo of truck stolen from Skyline Marine in McDowell County, N.C. (From: McDowell Co. Sheriffs Office)

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  The United States Army has announced the death of two Georgia Army National Guard soldiers in Baghdad, including a specialist assigned in Savannah.

According to a release from Army Public Affairs, Spc. Owen James Elliot died on July 31, 2024, as a result of a non-combat-related incident. He was 23 years old.

Elliot was originally from Twin City, Georgia, and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, Savannah.

The release also announced the death of Spc. Travis Jordan Pameni, also 23 years old, of Douglasville.

Pameni was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, Lawrenceville. According to the release, the death was also non-combat-related.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Specialist Pameni and Specialist Elliot, said Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, The Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard. Both of these Soldiers selflessly served our state and nation. We extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of both Soldiers.

These incidents are unrelated and under investigation, officials said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
The Army has laid out a requirement for an AIM-120 AMRAAM-like interceptor that is the same general size as an AIM-9X SIdewinder for its Enduring Shield air defense system.

The U.S. Army sees new rocket motors, as well as miniaturized seekers and guidance systems, as key elements of a next generation surface-to-air interceptor. The goal is for that missile to offer capability akin to the AIM-120D Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), but have the same form factor as an AIM-9X Sidewinder so it can fit in the launchers that are part of the services Enduring Shield air defense system. The Army wants the second interceptor for Enduring Shield, which is set to enter service first with AIM-9X, primarily to help better address growing threats posed by supersonic cruise missiles, though it would also expand its capabilities more broadly.

Army Brig. Gen. Frank Lozano talked about his services interest in the new interceptor for Enduring Shield at a talk the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) think tank hosted earlier this week. Lozano is currently head of the Armys Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space.

"I have been signaling to industry the need for improved propellant recipes so that we get longer ranges and shorter time of flight..to look for an essentially an AIM-120D like capability in an AIM-9X package. I'm looking for magazine depth" #IFPC ~ Brigadier General Frank Lozano https://t.co/UiqGcyfE6w pic.twitter.com/8VPRvYpRVO  AirPower 2.0 (MIL_STD) (@AirPowerNEW1) July 31, 2024

Ive been signaling to industry the need for improved propellant recipes so that we get longer ranges and shorter time of flight, Lozano told the gathering at CSIS on Tuesday. The new interceptor also needs to have improved engagement [capabilities] that allow us to hit those faster moving supersonic cruise missile threats.

My team is preparing to execute a full and open in FY25 [Fiscal Year 2025] to look for essentially what Ive been communicating[, which] is an AIM-120D-like capability in an AIM-9X package, Lozano continued.

The AIM-120D is thought to have a range outwards of 100 miles in an air-launched mode where the missile can take advantage of the speed of the launch platform and the benefits of altitude. Without any other changes to the design, the missiles reach would be significantly reduced when fired from the ground. The same applies to AIM-9X, which has maximum range of well over a dozen miles. The AIM-120D and AIM-9X are around 12 and nearly 10 feet long, respectively. Even with truncated fins, the AIM-120D still takes up more space width-wise than the Sidewinder, as well.

A picture offering a look at the relative sizes of the AIM-9X (at top) and the AIM-120 (below, without fins fitted). USAF

The key is magazine depth, Lozano added in reference to the dimensional requirements. The current palletized launcher for the Enduring Shield system is designed to able to be loaded with up to 18 AIM-9Xs, each in individual launch canisters, at a time.

The launcher is based on an earlier design called the Multi-Mission Launcher (MML). The Army previously demonstrated the MML was capable of firing a variety of other interceptors, including the Tamir used in the Israeli Iron Dome system, the radar-guided AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire, and a diminutive Lockheed Martin design called Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK). Hit-to-kill in MHTK referred to the missile being designed to destroy targets by force of impact rather than with a traditional warhead. All of these are of course smaller and shorter-ranged than the AIM-120D.

Of all the companies Ive interacted with, its about eight or nine, nobody has an off-the-shelf capability ready to go, Brig. Gen. Lozano said on the sidelines of the Eurosatory defense exposition in Paris back in June, according to Breaking Defense. So, were looking at the miniaturization of a rocket motor and were looking at the miniaturization of a flight guidance section of the missile midsection and were looking at the miniaturization of improved seeker capability.

At that time, Lozano also highlighted the desire for an AIM-120D-like capability that would fit into an Enduring Shield launcher holding 18 interceptors.

While there may not be readily available existing options to meet these requirements, there are potential starting places that might help accelerate work on the compact air defense interceptor the Army wants. The War Zone has previously explored in detail how a new highly-loaded-grain, high-performance motor already proposed as an upgrade for the AIM-9X, along with other improvements, could produce a missile with greater range and capabilities, but without major changes to its form factor.

The AMRAAMs manufacturer Raytheon has itself proposed a miniature derivative of that missile called Peregrine for air-to-air use in the past. Raytheon also worked with the U.S. Air Force in the past on an air-launched Miniature Self-Defense Munition (MSDM) concept, which also included the development of a miniaturized seeker. The MSDM was envisioned as being significantly shorter than even the AIM-9X.

An artists conception of the Peregrine missile. Raytheon

Other companies have pitched similar concepts over the years, generally with an eye toward increasing magazine depth on tactical jets, with Lockheed Martins Cuda being a prime example. Cuda was also a hit-kill design, and being able to repurpose or even eliminate the space required for a warhead could be an important component in meeting the Armys demands.

A rendering of Lockheed Martins Cuda. via GlobalSecurity.org

The Army might be able to leverage work on AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) for the Air Force and the Navy. The AIM-260 is being designed to have a similar form factor to the AIM-120, but also offer significantly greater range and other improved capabilities. An advanced solid-fuel rocket motor therefore seems very likely to be part of JATMs development given the dimensional constraints.

The Armys interest in a ground-launched AIM-120D-like capability does raise the question about why the service does not just buy more National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS). The service has a small number of NASAMS, the launchers for which can be loaded with AIM-120s and AIM-9Xs, as well as other interceptors, which it has primarily deployed around Washington, D.C., and the greater capital region.

A NASMAS launcher seen firing an AIM-120 missile. Kongsberg

At Eurosatory in June, Brig Gen. Lozano explained that while the Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) could help fill that capability gap with the AIM-120D Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, ultimately thats not an option since the system has a magazine depth of six rounds, Breaking Defense reported. The cost of supporting a foreign system that the U.S. does not hold intellectual property rights to, he added, is also a hindrance.

The Army used somewhat similar arguments to justify its decision not to field Israels Iron Dome, a system that is also now entering service with the U.S. Marine Corps, and to pursue Enduring Shield instead. Its important to note here that NASAMS was developed jointly by Norways Kongsberg Defense and Raytheon in the United States, and components thereof are produced in the latter country. NASAMS is also designed to be readily adaptable, including when it comes to launchers and other hardware, to meet customer requirements. Conversely, a new AIM-9X-sized interceptor with AIM-120-like capabilities could be of interest to NASAMS operators, among others.

Regardless of what interceptors the Army ultimately fields as part of Enduring Shield, the U.S. military is increasingly concerned with cruise missile threats both in the context of future expeditionary operations and when it comes to defending the homeland. Great power competitors like China and Russia, as well as smaller adversaries like North Korea and Iran, continue to develop and field increasingly more capable cruise missile designs. This includes types boasting supersonic speeds, as well as one claimed to be able to reach hypersonic velocities, typically defined as anything about Mach 5. Cruise missiles also continue to proliferate around the world, including with non-state actors like Iranian-backed Houthi and Hezbollah militants in Yemen and Lebanon, respectively.

What the Army has not been as actively highlighting when it comes to Enduring Shield is that it has not had any sort of middle-tier air defense capability since the retirement of the Hawk system in the 1990s. The same goes for the Marine Corps, which has drawn a direct link between this gap and the acquisition of its version of Iron Dome, which it calls the Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC).

A Marine Corps MRIC Expeditionary Launcher. USMC A Marine Corps MRIC Expeditionary Launcher. A total of 10 Tamir missile canisters are seen here loaded on the launcher, which can hold up to 20 at a time. USMC

The ongoing war in Ukraine, in particular, has underscored the continued relevance of medium-range surface-to-air missile systems against cruise missiles, as well as drones and other aerial threats. Hawk is among the air defense systems the United States and other Western countries have sent to the Ukrainian military to help meet its air and missile needs.

The Armys air defense branch, especially its units equipped equipped with Patriot long-range surface-to-air missile systems, is heavily strained as it is. The service is hoping to significantly enlarge its force structure in this regard in the coming years, including with new and expanded short-range and long-range air and missile defense capabilities. Enduring Shield, the fielding of which has been delayed due to supply chain and other issues, is another key part of this plan, though it is unclear when it might now begin entering operational service. The first unit set to receive those systems  1st Battalion, 51st Air Defense Artillery Regiment  has already been established and is using existing prototypes to help develop tactics, techniques, and procedures.

A prototype launcher seen being tested as part of the development of the Enduring Shield system. US Army

In the meantime, the Army is already working to increase Enduring Shields already important middle-tier air defense capabilities with the addition of a new Sidewinder-sized interceptor with capability closer to the AIM-120.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  After an east Arkansas man was charged with multiple counts of rape and grooming a minor for future sex trafficking, WREG looked into the red flags associated with sex trafficking that could be warnings for parents.

The sex or human trafficking of not just adults, but our children is alarming, disturbing, and a problem in the Mid-South. Law enforcement officers say this should be a wake-up call for parents.

AR man charged with rape, grooming after police find juvenile in apartment

Sex Trafficking and all of the various things out there for young people, parents really have to have a relationship with their children, said Forrest City Police Chief Ronald Broussard.

Broussard says a child under the age of 16 is one of the latest victims of sex trafficking.

This week, 34-year-old Amos Hines was arrested and charged with 30 counts of rape, grooming a minor for future sex trafficking, and endangering the welfare of a minor.

As a parent, my heart goes out to all of them, especially these new-age parents. When we put all that, we put in our children, theres more to put in because for every level theres another different devil, Broussard said.

The devil, in this case, is predators preying on children.

Its absolutely happening. As a matter of fact, its happening every day and I think we dont realize the rate that it occurs, said Tyreece Miller, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee.

Miller tells WREG that many sex trafficking victims are children who run away from home.

Most people dont realize this, but one in six children who run away become the victim of human or sex trafficking and approximately 61,000 children are trafficked every year, said Miller.

In this digital age, many children are exploited online, putting kids at risk.

Another red flag for parents to watch out for is when children receive unexplained gifts, cash, or clothes from strangers.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.

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Theyll lure them with things such as money, drugs, and once they use these drugs to get them under the influence, and once they get them under the influence, they get them addicted and theyll do anything to feed that addiction, Miller said.

This is a wake-up call for parents and a warning to predators from law enforcement.

Children are precious, innocent souls and were going to do everything we can to help protect them. Thats why law enforcement is training and becoming better equipped at recognizing these things, said Miller.

The suspect in the Forrest City case was arrested on Monday and is being held on a $250,000 bond. The juvenile is in a facility seeking treatment.

If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Arthur Jemison, the city of Detroit's former top housing and planning executive, departs his job in Boston to serve as director of the Detroit Housing Commission.

Detroit city government's former planning executive, who left to take on various roles, including running Boston's planning and development agency, is returning to Detroit.

Arthur Jemison has been appointed to serve as executive director of the Detroit Housing Commission. He previously held various roles in Detroit, including chief of services and infrastructure, and group executive for planning, housing and development.

The Detroit Housing Commission aims to provide affordable housing for low and moderate-income residents across metro Detroit. The commission manages about 4,000 housing units for seniors and families, according to the agency. Jemison's arrival comes at a time when the commission "recognizes a need for organizational change" to better serve residents and properties.

"I am honored to have the DHC Board's trust to implement the changes needed at the Housing Commission. I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with our tenants and the Commission's staff and partners like (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) to improve the quality of life in Detroit and for all the people and communities we impact," Jemison said in a statement.

Jemison left the city in 2021 to join President Joe Biden's administration to serve as principal deputy assistant secretary of housing and urban development in the office of community planning and development. A year later, he moved to Boston to serve as the city's chief planner and director of the planning and development agency. Jemison was considered a "highly regarded official" in Boston, often serving as a buffer between the mayor and development community, the Boston Globe reports.

His appointment to the housing commission comes amid turbulence within the agency. Outlier Media reports that that employees within the agency have faced burnout and resignations due to heavy demands and unresolved complaints.

Jemison could not be immediately reached.

Jemison's previous roles in Detroit

He began working for the city in 2014 amid Detroit's bankruptcy. His role including moving various projects forward, such as the Michigan Central Station redevelopment, Stellantis expansion, the launch of the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, and the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund. Jemison was also responsible for improving Detroit's compliance with federal regulators to monitor federal funding in neighborhoods amid a federal probe. The city's demolition program was temporarily suspended in 2016 by the U.S. Treasury Department for improper documentation and bidding.

He previously told the Free Press that amid bankruptcy and a series of public corruption cases putting Detroit under a national spotlight, the city was able to prove it could spend federal money with better compliance.

"That was at the forefront of my mind. The city was recovering from bankruptcy, there were questions about our ability to manage and making sure we were doing our very best for better compliance, better movement of money but also trying new things, Jemison previously told the Free Press.

Richard Hosey, president of the Detroit Housing Commission board, praised Chief Operating Officer Irene Tucker's management for her role as interim chief executive officer ahead of Jemison's appointment.

Her leadership allowed us to search for a dynamic candidate who not only knows and loves Detroit but also brings national and local experience to lead the team to new heights. Getting Arthur back to the city in this role at this crucial time for DHC is a big win for the Housing Commission and affordable housing in Detroit. We look forward to the incredible work he and Irene will do," Hosey said in a statement.

Mayor Mike Duggan praised his former cabinet member.

"Arthur was an exceptional leader for the city's housing department, and he will be the same for the Detroit Housing Commission. He knows the issues Housing Commission residents face every day and will bring them real change," Duggan said in a statement.

Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Arthur Jemison departs Boston to run Detroit Housing Commission
Ascension St. Vincents Southside recently earned four stars in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 2024 Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings.

According to a news release, the ratings assess the quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. Overall ratings are made based on 46 publicly reported quality measures.

The national average star rating is 3.13. Thats down from 3.19 in 2023.

The average star rating for Ascension hospitals nationwide is 3.48 stars.

Its an honor for CMS to have our care facility rated among the highest performing hospitals in Northeast Florida, Kevin Rinks, President and CEO of St. Vincents Southside, said in a news release. This is a testament to the commitment of our caregivers and associates who deliver high quality and compassionate care for the patients and communities we serve every day.

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ASHEVILLE - As the area continues to see a record level of air traffic, the Asheville Regional Airport will receive a total of over $12 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration to continue their efforts to construct a new terminal.

The $400 million project to expand the Asheville Airport comes as the it has continued to see record growth in passenger activity and continued interest from mainstream airlines.

Allegiant Airlines has expanded services multiple times in the past year at the airport, while the airport recently reported that American Airlines saw a 23% increase in enplanements  meaning the number of passengers boarding planes at the airport in May 2024 compared to May 2023. In the same time, United Airlines, with an increased number of available flights, has seen a 52% increase in enplanements.

The project is expected to be completed in phases, where the first phase the new north concourse  is expected to be finished by summer 2025, with airport officials recently stating they were "on pace" to meet that deadline.

A new north concourse is currently under construction at Asheville Regional Airport.

An $8.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the project was announced by the office of North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis' in a Aug. 1 news release.

This funding will be used to continue the much-needed expansion at AVL to accommodate more passengers coming to Western North Carolina, Tillis said.

The FAA also announced another $3.5 million grant through the Airport Improvement Program on July 26. The grant will go toward acquiring a new airport rescue and firefighting vehicle, continuing the expansion and rehabilitating the airport taxiway.

Funding for the grants comes from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has also provided funding for other regional projects, including the proposed rail line from Asheville to Salisbury. Tillis had helped draft the bill, which was spearheaded by the Biden-Harris Administration and saw partial bipartisan support.

"We applied for and are thrilled to receive this BIL funding for the AVL Forward project that will result in a new passenger terminal for our region," Airport spokesperson Tina Kinsey told the Citizen Times Aug. 1.

"Our $400M+ financing plan was established before we ever broke ground on this historic project and includes approximately $78M in federal grants, including this newest BIL award. The remaining costs will be covered by airport financing," Kinsey continued.

Though former Western North Carolina Republican Rep. Madison Cawthorn had voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill in 2021, current WNC Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards lauded the recent grants.

The $12 million in grants paves the way for the future of aviation in Western North Carolina where residents and visitors alike will be able to access better quality and more comfortable travel to and from our mountains," Edwards said in an Aug. 1 news release.

Edwards had previously served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee and had been supported by Tillis in the primary against Cawthorn.

More: Asheville Airport's new air traffic control tower gets construction boost with $3.5M grant

The security line flows through the Asheville Airport July 18, 2024.

New TSA lane installed

Following several broken records in the past few months, the Asheville Regional Airport has officially installed a fourth Transportation Security Administration lane. Airport CEO Lew Bleiweis said it "couldn't come at a better time."

The growth is real at AVL, and weve exceeded our record passenger numbers from 2023 every month this year so far. Our security lines were at capacity. TSA has seen our growth and responded to ensure our passengers can move through screening more quickly," Bleiweis said in a July 26 news release.

He also said the airport reported that two days this summer have exceeded their single day passenger records, with over 6,400 passengers being screened in the span of a day.

Asheville Regional Airport President and CEO Lew Bleiweis stands in the new north concourse, currently under construction at the airport in Fletcher, June 7, 2024.

More: Henderson Sheriff's office, judge ask to dismiss federal civil rights lawsuit against them

More: 304-unit Asheville complex proposed for site owned by Henderson County state senator

Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville Airport expansion nets $12M in grants amid daily records
We asked local SC governments for their city managers file. Its not going very well

Editors note: This story was updated to provide a response from the City of Myrtle Beach. (Updated Aug. 2 at 1:30 p.m.)

Two weeks after a Freedom of Information Act request was submitted, the City of North Myrtle Beach has yet to respond.

In the wake of North Myrtle Beachs City Manager, Mike Mahaney, submitting a job application to a town in Florida, The Sun News submitted a Freedom of Information Act Requests to the local municipalities in Horry County, South Carolina and see what would happen.

The requests were all for the same documents: the City Managers personnel file.

On July 18, the requests were submitted to the City of Myrtle Beach, the City of North Myrtle Beach, the Town of Surfside and the City of Conway.

As of Aug. 1, the only municipality to have completed the request has been Conway.

According to state FOIA statutes, they are all required to respond to the request within 10 business days, which would have been today, Aug. 1.

The City of Myrtle Beach Meredith Denari director of public information sent an email Aug. 2, per South Carolina FOIA law, the public body has 20 business days to make a determination as to the availability of the requested records because the records are older than two years, Section 30-4-30(C). The majority of Foxs record is older than two years (begins 2014) and quite long. In addition, personnel records also include personal information such as social security numbers, dates of birth, medical and insurance information, and banking information, all of which must be carefully reviewed and redacted.

North Myrtle Beach currently utilizes an online portal system to track their Freedom of Information Act requests. As of Thursday afternoon, the request for Mahaneys complete personnel file remained in progress.

Those same laws dictate to local governments that they have 30 calendar days to complete the request, which would be Aug. 17.

This request follows another one submitted by the local outlet MyHorryNews, who reported that back in April they filed the same request for Mahaneys file, and it was denied.

State law says that denial is illegal, and that since Mahaney is a public servant, the records that make up his file are public.

Mahaney is no stranger to transparency issues and controversy, having potentially violated city policies by wearing a body camera to a groundbreaking ceremony last spring.

He later told The Sun News that the camera wasnt turned on during the event and was worn at the suggestion of police chief Dana Crowell.
WASHINGTON (AP)  It was December 2022 and the U.S. governments chief hostage negotiator had just delivered Brittney Griner back to America after her 10-month imprisonment in Russia. Roger Carstens went to his hotel room anticipating a quick snooze after several sleepless days and had just put his head on the pillow when the phone rang.

On the other end was Paul Whelan from Russia, asking why the trade that brought home Griner had left him behind.

The call was a reminder that a deal heralded for bringing home a celebrated athlete had left neither side fully satisfied. The U.S. still needed to bring back Whelan, who was serving a lengthy prison sentence on espionage charges that Washington considered bogus. And Russia had its eyes set on someone too: an assassin jailed in Germany named Vadim Krasikov.

So, further negotiations were needed, culminating Thursday in a 24-person blockbuster swap.

That the latest exchange included both Whelan and Krasikov was no small thing.

It required the U.S. to regroup after the unexpected death in February of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, whod been seen as a cog in a potential exchange. It depended on the willingness of Germany to release a Russian who just five years earlier had committed a cold-blooded killing on its soil, and for other European countries to give up prisoners. And it forced Russia to part with Americans, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, it had stockpiled as trade bait.

And just like every other deal before it, it required the U.S. and its allies to reluctantly accept that the price of freeing people they regarded as clearly innocent was to release prisoners determined to be clearly guilty.

U.S. officials had known for some time that Krasikov would be essential to any deal for Whelan  and later Gershkovich.

Russia raised him relentlessly. President Vladimir Putin called him a patriot, perhaps sensing an opportunity to signal how far Russia would go to bring home anyone who might get caught. When Krasikov was sentenced in 2021, German judges determined that his killing two years earlier of a Georgian citizen whod fought Russian troops in Chechnya was no random hit but rather ordered by the Russian secret services, which had given him a false identity, passport and the resources to carry out the murder.

Over the course of this negotiation, we did reach the conclusion that Krasikov was a key, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said.

The U.S. had shown a willingness to release from its own prisons significant criminals, including a Taliban drug lord and notorious arms trafficker Viktor Bout, as part of prisoner swaps. But Krasikov was held by Germany, which balked at the idea.

The issue was pressed repeatedly in furtive conversations that Sullivan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and others had with various European foreign ministers, who were asked who they had in custody that the Russians might want.

The ground changed with the emergence of an unlikely candidate for Russia to trade.

Navalny, Russias best-known opposition politician, was serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges that he rejected as politically motivated. He had close ties with Germany and had been treated there while recovering from a Russian poisoning attempt. The parties pressed forward on a deal involving Navalny and Krasikov that would unlock Gershkovich and Whelan and satisfy a core and unshakeable Russian demand.

But Navalny died unexpectedly in the Arctic penal colony where he was imprisoned, leaving U.S. officials feeling like the wind had been taken out of our sails, said a senior administration official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. Even Putin after Navalnys death said he had supported the idea of a swap.

On the day of Navalnys death, Sullivan was coincidentally scheduled to meet with Gershkovichs family about the outlines of the emerging deal. After the Russian opposition leader was found dead, officials were forced back to the drawing board to develop an arrangement acceptable to all parties.

The White House developed lists of political prisoners in Russia who might be of interest to Germany. During the course of negotiations, it also proposed to Germany exchanges that didnt include Krasikov.

By this past spring, Sullivan and the U.S. team thought they had a workable plan. What they needed was approval from Germany. Sullivan drafted a letter for President Joe Biden to send to Chancellor Olaf Scholz with the outlines of the proposal.

Scholz told Biden words to the effect of, For you, I will do this, according to Sullivan and the senior administration official. Biden turned to Sullivan and said, Get it done.

Added into the mix during negotiations was Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist who was arrested on dubious allegations in October 2023 and ultimately included in the deal, along with Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer serving 25 years on charges of treason widely seen as politically motivated,

Biden later said Germany asked for nothing in return, holding the conversation up as a testament to the need for strong and stable alliances, though the final deal did include the release of five German nationals.

There were still other pieces to work out.

Even as Biden was making one of the most consequential decisions of his political life  to abandon his reelection bid  he was simultaneously working to build cooperation from allies to get a deal done. An hour before he posted his letter on July 21 announcing he wouldnt seek another term, Sullivan said, Biden was on the phone with his Slovenian counterpart seeking to secure her agreement to release a pair of Russian sleeper agents as part of the deal. (Norway and Poland also each released prisoners to Russia).

In an interview with The Associated Press, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said he viewed the deal as a way to preserve relations with both Russia and Western allies  and to ensure goodwill in the event Norway needed a similar favor in the future.

Maybe one day in the future we will be remembered when we have somebody we need to get out, he said.

In recent days, CIA Director Bill Burns visited Turkey to meet with his counterpart to negotiate the handoff logistics.

Early Thursday six U.S.-registered private jets converged on Ankara, the Turkish capital, from Washington Dulles International Airport, Poland, Slovenia, Germany and Norway carrying the Russian prisoners to be handed over and preparing to take the freed Americans and other detainees back to their home countries.

The Biden administration had quietly summoned the families of the detained Americans to the White House in the days before the swap, insisting on secrecy. While a complicated dance played out to complete the swap on the tarmac half a world away, the families waited in the White House for the first word their loved ones were out of Russian hands.

Biden himself broke the news to the families in the Oval Office once he got firm confirmation by speaking to the Americans in Ankara.

I said, Welcome almost home, Biden told reporters later. He then swiftly turned the phone over to their loved ones. Biden also shared a brief reminiscence about Kara-Murza, who with Biden was a pallbearer at the funeral for Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Hovering over the deal was a recognition of its innate imbalance: The U.S. and other Western nations had given up people seen as properly convicted, or at least charged, of crimes including murder; Russia released journalists, dissidents and others regarded by the West as held on trumped-on charges.

It is difficult to send back a convicted criminal to secure the release of an innocent American, Sullivan conceded to reporters Thursday. Even The Wall Street Journals top editor, Emma Tucker, acknowledged that reality, writing in a letter published online that the swaps terms were predictable as the only solution given President Putins cynicism.

Later, the family members joined Biden as he announced the deal from the State Dining Room of the White House.

Biden emphasized his commitment to getting the Americans back, even as he and other officials acknowledged the imbalance in facilitating the release of a convicted murderer for a wrongfully detained American. Critics of such deals have long worried that they incentivize future hostage-taking.

For the families, though, the immediate focus remained on being reunited with their loved ones.

A plane carrying the American detainees touched down before midnight at Joint Base Andrews just outside Washington, with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on hand for their arrival.

Gershkvovich hugged both, then turned his attention to his mother, Ella Milman, who quickened her pace as she approached him with wide-open arms. He embraced her, hoisting her into the air in celebration.

The freed Americans lingered on the steamy tarmac to soak up the moment of their return to the U.S. They took selfies with family members and friends, shared hugs with Biden and Harris, and patted loved ones on the back. At one point, Biden gave Whelan the flag pin off his own lapel.

I feel great, Whelan said. Its a long time coming.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A registered sex offender who recorded himself sexually assaulting a baby girl in Muskegon County was sentenced this week to 60 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child.

The sentence comes just days after a separate West Michigan judge gave Jimmy Creekmore Jr. a 50- to 100-year term for child abuse and rape involving a different victim. In that case, the victim was beaten and sexually assaulted.

This is one of the worst cases weve seen, Muskegon County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Maat said. The defendant is a depraved individual who certainly deserves to die in prison.

In the federal case, authorities say Creekmore in 2021 used a 1-year-old girl to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which he photographed. The following year, he engaged a 2-year-old girl in sexually explicit conduct, which was recorded on video, records show.

Creekmore pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation earlier this year. In exchange for his plea, four other counts were dismissed.

A federal judge sentenced him to 60 years and ordered Creekmore to pay $13,500 in restitution and a $10,500 special assessment.

Creekmore, 38, was indicted last year. He has convictions in state court that landed him on Michigans sex offender registry, including an April conviction in Muskegon for sexual assault of a child.

In that case, Muskegon County Circuit Judge Annette Smedley on July 25 sentenced Creekmore to 50 to 100 years in prison. Creekmore came under investigation in January 2023 after the child was hospitalized.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- China will advance people-centered new-type urbanization through concrete measures, according to a State Council Information Office press conference held on Friday.

The country plans to support more rural migrant workers in settling down in urban areas and aims to lift the urbanization rate of permanent residents to nearly 70 percent within five years, according to a five-year action plan on people-centered new-type urbanization unveiled Wednesday by the State Council, China's cabinet.

China's urbanization rate of permanent residents stood at 66.16 percent by the end of 2023, a marked rise from 53.1 percent by the end of 2012, said Zheng Bei, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, adding that a total of 165 million rural people became urban residents through the country's household registration system in the past decade.

China will implement targeted measures in two key types of areas. In regions with low urbanization rates and large populations, the focus will be on enhancing the level of urbanization, while in areas with relatively high urbanization rates and continuous population agglomeration, the goal will be to cultivate modern metropolitan areas, Zheng explained.

China will continue to implement proactive fiscal measures to support the people-centered new-type urbanization, said Fu Jinling, a finance ministry official.

For example, during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), a total of 60 billion yuan (about 8.41 billion U.S. dollars) will be invested to promote the construction of sponge cities, Fu added.

He noted that in 2023, the central government earmarked 140 billion yuan of national bonds to support key cities across the country in enhancing their urban drainage and flood control capabilities.

Shang Jianhua, an official of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, stated that with nearly 300 million rural migrant workers in China, the ministry has adopted multiple measures in recent years to enhance their employment opportunities and will continue with these efforts.

The measures include expanding employment channels, optimizing employment services, enhancing skills training and safeguarding the rights and interests of workers, according to Shang. 
Auburns top leaders spoke at a public safety meeting to address the recent string of deadly violence involving the youth.

The citys mayor and police chief spoke to more than 50 people, who attended the event at the Church of Nazarene in Auburn Thursday morning.

The mayor said she is concerned about the youth violence across the United States, but especially within Auburn.

There are many people in our community who are hurting right now, she said. We are here to work on how to come together.

This is my neighborhood, and I am very concerned over juvenile crime, juvenile violence, the mayor added.

Mark Caillier, the citys police chief, said the department is experiencing a staffing shortage like many other departments across the region and country.

He said the recent string of violence involves juveniles who are not from Auburn but come to the city to commit crimes.

A lot of these incidents are connected probably to 15 to 20 juveniles and its happening throughout region with these juveniles, he said.

The Auburn Police Department is currently working with other agencies across King County, including law enforcement in Kent, Federal Way and Seattle, to address the violence at a regional level, Caillier said.

Its kind of small core thats committing a lot of these crimes across the region and thats who we focus on, he added.

We asked both city leaders what the city is currently doing  thats different from previous years  to address the violence and overcome the challenges they had shared.

I dont know if I have a ready answer, the chief said. We do continue investigate these crimes. We make arrests when we can. The problem is when you cant predict everything.

A number of people at the meeting shared mixed reactions with KIRO 7 News.

Families were grateful for the chance to talk with city leaders, while others expressed that they had hoped for tangible solutions.

KIRO 7 News spoke with Lonnisha Landry, who lost her 16-year-old son, Xavier Landry, to gun violence less than three weeks ago in a gas station parking lot on A Street, about the citys response.

Youre not doing enough. Youre leaving grieving mothers to having to figure things, she said. When the city is crying out and theres blood being shed, were expecting people who have leading roles to do their part. So maybe if we push for a curfew, it would cut back on some of the gun violence because most of the gun violence at this time is from youth.

While Landry understands the Auburn Police Department is facing a staffing shortage, she said the city needs to be more proactive and find other solutions to help keep children safe.

I lost my son. So as a grieving mom, Im just crying out for all mothers to say sometimes we cant do it by ourselves, and we need the communitys help. We need judges and we need legislatures, senators, mayors and the police chief to stand with us and say, Okay, we understand this is the problem and were going to help the streets feel safe, she said.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  August has been designated as Pedestrian Safety Month now in its 15th year, to raise awareness about pedestrian safety.

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Officials report that so far in 2024, there have been 20 pedestrian fatalities, with 13 of these occurring when pedestrians were crossing the street outside marked crosswalks.

Throughout the month, a series of events will be held to remind both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant.

When were walkingwhether its with our dogs, for our health, with strollers, or just for exercisewe need to look out for each other and stay alert, said Governor Josh Green.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The Department of Transportation and traffic safety partners hope the governors proclamation will encourage improved safety measures for both motorists and pedestrians.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The city of Austin has chosen its next police chief, pending approval from the mayor and city council during a special meeting they have scheduled for Aug. 6.

After more than 30 people applied for the position, the city boiled it down to two candidates: Lisa Davis and Jeffrey Norman, and ultimately chose Davis.

Lisa Davis named Austins next police chief

Davis is currently the assistant chief of the Cincinnati Police Department and also serves as an assistant chief over the departments investigations bureau. Norman is the chief of the Milwaukee Police Department.

Davis will be the second woman in Austins history to hold the permanent chief role, according to the city.

Collaboration and trust are the foundation of my approach to public safety, Davis said. I am honored to be selected as Austins Chief of Police and I cant wait to begin building relationships with our officers, city leaders, and community members so we can work together to ensure Austin is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

City leaders and organizations have issued reactions in response to the citys choice. Below are those statements.

City Manager T.C. Broadnax

The Chief of Police is a critical position for any city and, as Ive said since joining the City of Austin in early May, identifying a permanent police chief was a top priority for me, Broadnax said. I appreciate the invaluable feedback Ive received, which has helped inform my decision. I have elected to move Chief Davis forward for confirmation by the City Council as she has a stellar record in her extensive career in law enforcement, and I am confident that she will earn the trust and confidence of our Austin Police officers and our community. T.C. Broadnax

Austin Police Womens Association

The Austin Police Womens Association is thrilled at the selection of Lisa Davis for the next Chief of Police for the Austin Police Department. We are excited to help support Chief Davis as she brings fresh ideas, energy and a commitment to serving our community. Throughout the hiring process she has been accessible, engaging and thoughtful about the challenges that exist in policing in Austin, Texas. Our membership is excited to join Chief Davis in the hard work ahead to make our community safer and ensure a better quality of life for APD officers. Sgt. Melanie Rodriguez

President of the Austin Police Womens Association

The Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association (LGPOA)

The Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association, (LGPOA), recently learned Austin City Manager Broadnax selected Cincinnati Assistant Chief Lisa Davis as his choice to be the next permanent Police Chief of Austin. We are encouraged by his selection as we feel she is better suited to represent the diversity that is Austin. We had expressed serious concerns to city management about Chief Norman and his lack of engagement and support of our community. We are thankful those concerns were heard and evaluated by the City Manager. Should City Council confirm her appointment, we look forward to working with Chief Davis in continuing to provide the level of service, dedication, and excellence the diverse citizens of Austin demand and deserve. Sergeant Michael Wilmore-Crumrine

President  Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association

Austin Police Association

This has been a tough search, but I want to thank City Manager Broadnax for making sure he did his due diligence to make the best selection possible. It was no easy task, especially to recognize when more time is needed to make the best decision. Ive had the opportunity to speak with Chief Davis and Im looking forward to working with her to make sure we are doing everything we can to take care of the men and women who keep this city safe. Our job is to take care of the officers, who then take care of our city. Austin Police Association

More information about Davis career background can be found on the City of Austins website.

KXAN will continue updating this story as we receive more statements.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A 19-year-old Austin man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to robbing postal workers for their master keys, with one case taking place last December in Leander.

Cody Smith was one of five other people who also pleaded guilty. A sixth person, Samuel Williams, was arrested on July 30 in St. Louis, according to a press release sent by the U.S. attorney's office of the Western District of Texas.

Smith and Williams, 19, are said to have approached a mail carrier on Dec. 4 wearing dark hooded sweatshirts and masks in the 2000 block of Lucky Lane. They then demanded the postal worker give them the carrier's United States Postal Service "arrow key," before ripping it from the carrier's belt and running to a getaway vehicle.

Charging documents said postal inspectors found checks made out to other people and mailed from Leander when they raided Smith's apartment in Austin. Along with the mail key from Leander, investigating agents also found 11 semiautomatic rifles and two semiautomatic handguns in Smith's apartment.

Christian Mosquera, 21, and Nicholas Williams, 21, assisted in the robbery as driver and look-out, respectively, while Camren Hamilton, 22, and Jonathan Rangel, 27, also had roles in the conspiracy, the release said.

Smith pleaded guilty to one count of robbery of mail matter or other property and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery of mail matter or other property. He could face up to 10 years in prison for the robbery charge and up to five years for the conspiracy charge.

Federal Judge David Ezra, who's served since 1988, will sentence Smith at a later date.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin man pleads guilty to robbing mail carrier in Leander last year
Editors Note: The above video shows KXAN News top morning headlines from Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.

AUSTIN (KXAN)  The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) said a 19 year old pleaded guilty to charges related to conspiracy and mail robbery.

According to the DOJ, Cody Smith, of Austin, and five codefendants targeted U.S. Postal Service letter carriers in 2023 to steal Arrow Keys, allowing them to open mailboxes unlawfully.

The DOJ identified the codefendants as Samuel Williams, 19, Christian Mosquera, 21, Nicholas Williams, 21, Camren Hamilton, 22, and Jonathan Rangel, 27.

INVESTIGATIONS: Mail-theft ring tied to USPS robberies busted in Austin

According to the Justice Department, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of robbery of mail matter or other property and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery of mail matter or other property.

For the robbery charge, the DOJ said Smith faced faces a up to ten years in prison and up to five years in prison for the conspiracy charge. He does not yet have a sentencing date.

The DOJ said Mosquera, Nicholas Williams, Hamilton and Rangel also pleaded guilty to charges and were scheduled for sentence hearings in September.

RELATED: 2 men indicted for allegedly robbing postal carriers in Round Rock

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Austin Police Department, Round Rock Police Department and Georgetown Police Department each help investigate the case, according to the DOJ.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Lisa Davis, an assistant chief of the Cincinnati Police Department, is likely to be the next permanent chief of the Austin Police Department after City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced Friday he had selected her for the position.

Davis' appointment requires Austin City Council approval. Mayor Kirk Watson and council members will consider it at 1 p.m. Tuesday during a special-called meeting.

The two finalists for the role were Davis and Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. They were selected from an initial pool of 32 people.

The Chief of Police is a critical position for any city and, as Ive said since joining the City of Austin in early May, identifying a permanent police chief was a top priority for me, Broadnax said in a news release. I appreciate the invaluable feedback Ive received, which has helped inform my decision. I have elected to move Chief Davis forward for confirmation by the City Council as she has a stellar record in her extensive career in law enforcement, and I am confident that she will earn the trust and confidence of our Austin Police officers and our community.

A Cincinnati native, Davis is also a U.S. Navy veteran and started her career as a police officer with the Cincinnati Police Department in 1992. Davis worked her way up the ranks in her 30 years with the department, reaching her latest role as assistant chief and investigations bureau commander, overseeing homicide, major offenders, narcotics and personal crimes.

More: Lisa Davis, hopeful to be next Austin police chief, aims to boost recruitment, morale

Davis will be the 11th chief of the Austin Police Department and the second woman to serve in the role of permanent chief.

She will inherit a Police Department that's been struggling the past few years with both a morale and staffing crisis, as the department currently has nearly 340 vacancies of sworn officers.

She's also coming in at a time when the city and the Austin Police Association, the union that represents officers, have been without a long-term contract for more than a year. Recent rounds of bargaining indicate both sides could soon reach a tentative deal.

Additionally, voters approved sweeping changes to increase civilian oversight of police last year, but activists say the city has still not met those standards, which is at the heart of a pending lawsuit.

Davis said in the news release that she is looking forward to collaborating with officers, city leaders and the community.

"I am just humbled by this and truly look forward to the work of building strong relationships between the APD and the community and tackling hard issues together," Davis said in a statement to the American-Statesman.

Lisa Davis, assistant chief of the Cincinnati Police Department, speaks with community members during a meet-and-greet hosted by the city of Austin at the Palmer Events Center on July 23. Davis will be the next permanent chief of the Austin Police Department, City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced Friday.

Friday's news release said that Davis created a citywide problem-solving unit that reduced crime in violent locations in Cincinnati. She also started a specialized unit to address at-risk populations in the community such as the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities and human trafficking victims.

The announcement comes after a monthslong search process that advocates from across the political spectrum have criticized as being secretive and as one that should have produced a larger field of finalists.

Broadnax ultimately made his decision after several interviews with the finalists, including community panels. Davis and Norman also participated in press conferences and a public meet-and-greet event last week.

The Austin Police Department has been without a permanent chief since last September after former chief Joseph Chacon announced his retirement. Robin Henderson, who was chief of staff under Chacon, has been serving as the interim chief of police for nearly a year. Henderson said she would not apply for the permanent position.

Michael Bullock, president of the Austin Police Association, said he appreciates Broadnaxs work on this tough search for the next police chief. He said officers will miss Henderson, as she was well liked within the department, and that her leaving will result in a major void.

Officers reacted positively to the possibility of Davis becoming chief, Bullock said. Most officers hope Davis will focus on staffing, morale and infrastructure needs, he added.

Bullock said he appreciated Broadnax's work in the search for a chief and that he hopes Davis will help bring the department "into a better spot as we try to get out of our staffing crisis and a lot of the public safety issues we're having right now."

Local leaders react to Davis' appointment

Mayor Kirk Watson declined to comment, noting that he would save his statements until Tuesdays special meeting.

Council Members Natasha Harper-Madison and Leslie Poole declined to comment Friday. Poole said she would save her statements until closer to Tuesdays special meeting.

Council members who commented on Davis' appointment expressed hope about Davis' ability to improve public safety and transparency in the Police Department.

Council Member Vanessa Fuentes congratulated Davis in a written statement and said she is looking forward to meeting with her before finalizing the appointment to discuss Davis goals and vision for Austin.

Leading our police department is no simple task, but Davis's strengths and experiences demonstrate her ability to lead with empathy, justice, and a strong sense of community, Fuentes said in a written statement.

Council Member Jose Velasquez said he had spoken to Davis about how important community policing and transparency are to him.

"It is incredibly important to me that our police chief leads with integrity and is fully committed to rebuilding trust, and working collaboratively with the council and our community," Velasquez said in a written statement.

Council Member Jose Chito Vela said that although Davis comes from a smaller city and department, he believes Davis has the experience necessary to lead the Austin Police Department.

Vela said he was impressed with her work to target and reduce crime in violent hotspots, as that's something his district struggles with.

"I'm optimistic about where we're going in terms of public safety," Vela said. "I know that it's been a very tumultuous few years. But I do feel like things are falling into place and that we can move forward in a positive direction and really strengthen public safety."

Council Member Ryan Alter said in a written statement he was impressed with Davis thoughtful responses when he met her and that she has the experience to lead the Police Department.

I look forward to working together to forge stronger partnerships between the Department and City Council and the Department and the community to make Austin a place where everyone feels safe, he said.

Council Member Mackenzie Kelly said in a written statement that she was pleased to hear Davis was selected.

I look forward to working alongside Ms. Davis to enhance our communitys safety and well-being, Kelly said. Our city is truly unique, and we deserve nothing but the best in leadership to foster growth and harmony as we navigate the challenges ahead.

Council Member Paige Ellis said in a written statement she supports Davis in being the next chief of police for Austin.

I represent a district that wants quick response times for 911 calls, proper investigation of sexual assault cases, and to trust that the police officer responding to our call has the training they need to keep everyone safe," Ellis said. "She has the experience and skills to lead the Austin Police Department through its next chapter."

Council Member Zohaib Zo Qadri congratulated Davis on her appointment and said he looks forward to working with her.

In my conversations with her during the interview process, I stressed the importance of having a Chief (who) values transparency and accountability, who will be a good faith partner with Council and the community, and who is willing to uphold and enact the police reforms adopted by voters, Qadri said in a written statement.

Council Member Alison Alter said that after meeting with both candidates, attending the public meet-and-greet and talking with professionals, she felt Davis was the best pick to lead the Austin Police Department.

Alter said she specifically spoke with Davis about the department's sexual assault response and police academy, both of which have been called to reform in recent years.

"I was impressed with her ability to speak about the issues with humanity and very specific, concrete things that she had done, which made me feel like she was action-oriented and evidence-based and deeply interested in working collaboratively in support of our officers and our community," Alter said.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Lisa Davis, of Cincinnati police department, tapped as next Austin chief
Australia says Israel did not deliberately kill foreign aid workers in Gaza

By Lewis Jackson

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Israeli air strikes that killed international aid workers in Gaza in April were the result of serious operational failures but were not intentional, according to an Australian government review of the incident released on Friday.

Three Israeli air strikes hit the convoy of aid vehicles travelling through Gaza on April 1, killing seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) staff, including Australian team leader Zomi Frankcom. Palestinians and citizens of the United States, Britain and Poland were also among those killed.

The killings drew widespread condemnation from Israel's allies as well as accusations by some that Israel had deliberately targeted the aid workers, a claim it rejected.

An Australian review into the deaths said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) decided to launch missiles at the convoy after mistakenly believing it was being hijacked by Hamas fighters, who were in fact locally-contracted security guards.

In addition, information about the WCK convoy's movements had not reached the IDF team behind the strike, it said. This confusion was compounded because Israeli officials could not directly communicate with the aid convoy, the review added.

IDF staff also violated standard procedures in ordering the second and third strikes on the convoy without carrying out another identification process, it said.

"In this incident, it appears that the IDF controls failed, leading to errors in decision making and a misidentification, likely compounded by a level of confirmation bias," according to Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, who travelled to Israel to investigate the deaths.

"Based on the information available to me, it is my assessment that the IDF strike on the WCK aid workers was not knowingly or deliberately directed against the WCK."

Israel's investigation into the deaths had been "timely, appropriate and, with some exceptions, sufficient," he said.

Binskin said an apology and compensation for the families were important considerations for Israel, but stopped short of recommending Australia demand either of Israel.

The IDF has apologised and dismissed two senior commanders involved in the strikes. Three other commanders were formally reprimanded. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were unintended and tragic.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia wanted those accountable to be held responsible, including criminal charges if appropriate.

Wong said she had written to her Israeli counterpart calling for greater protection for humanitarian workers.

"This is not an isolated incident," she said.

"We have seen 250 aid workers killed during this conflict and we have also seen recent events where UN vehicles have been fired upon and it is clear that more needs to be done."

The family of slain aid worker Frankcom called the Australian review an important first step and said they hoped Israel would conduct further investigations followed by appropriate action.

(Reporting by Lewis Jackson; Editing by Alasdair Pal and Miral Fahmy)
A Palestinian man inspects the carcass of a car used by U.S.-based aid group World Central Kitchen that was hit by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on April 1. On Friday, Australia said serious failures committed by Israeli resulted in the strike that killed seven WCK workers. File Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI

Aug. 2 (UPI) -- A report published Friday by Australia found fatal Israeli airstrikes targeting a World Central Kitchen convoy in April was the result of "serious failures" committed by the Middle Eastern country's military.

Seven workers of the U.S.-based World Central Kitchen non-governmental organization were killed April 1 in three Israeli airstrikes on their convoy as they were in the process of moving aid in the Gaza Strip where Israel is waging war against Iran-backed Hamas.

The incident attracted international condemnation and marked a shift in the Biden administration taking a more vocal stance criticizing Israel for the method of its war in the Palestinian enclave.

Three British nationals, an American-Canadian, a Palestinian, a Pole and Australian Zomi Frankcom were among the dead.

A week after the strike, Australia's foreign minister, Sen. Penny Wong, appointed Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin as special advisor to the Australian government to investigate the strike.

His report published Friday found that while the Israel Defense Forces did not deliberately or knowingly target the WCK convoy failures to follow its own procedures, mistaken identification and errors in decision making resulted in the deadly strike.

According to the report, there was a "significant breakdown in situational awareness" partially attributed to the presence of locally hired security guards IDF confused for Hamas militants and a failure of the IDF to fully disseminate and read the convoy's detailed movement plan.

"While the presence of armed gunmen with the WCK aid convey did contribute to the breakdown of situational awareness, ultimately, that is why professional and disciplined militaries, such as the IDF, have multiple controls in place to mitigate the associated risks," Binskin said in the report.

"In this incident, it appears that the IDF controls failed, leading to errors in decision making and a misidentification, likely compound by a level of confirmation bias."

Among the report's recommendations is for Australia to maintain calls on Israel to evolve and improve coordination within the IDF and with NGOs and improve deconfliction measures in Gaza.

It also urges Australia to emphasize to Israel "the importance of adherence to the Law of Armed Conflict."

Binskin concluded his report by stating Israel should make "an appropriate apology" to all the families who lost loved ones in the the strike.

Hong said in a statement that following the report that "Australia is pressing Israel to reform its coordination with humanitarian organizations to protect civilians and aid workers."

"The Australian government will persist until proper protections for aid workers are in place. The best protection for aid workers -- and civilians -- is a cease-fire," she said.

The IDF had launched its own investigation into the strike and had determined it was "a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to mistaken identification, errors in decision making and an attack contrary to the Standard Operating Procedures."
CCTV: Recently, the Australia China Business Council (ACBC) released a report on the economic impact of trade with China on Australian households. The report shows that Australias trade intensity with China increased average Australian household disposable income by an average of AU$ 2,600 in the financial year 2022-23, which equates to 4.6 percent of the average household disposable income. Two-way trade with China contributed to 595,600 jobs in Australia, which cuts 4.2 percent of Australian households costs of living. The bigger the share of Chinese imports in Australias total imports, the greater the reduction in Australians costs of living. Whats Chinas comments?

Lin Jian: China noted ACBCs report. The facts and statistics in the report reveal the enormous benefits brought by trade with China to the Australians and the win-win nature of China-Australia trade ties. This once again demonstrates that Chinas development is an opportunity, not a challenge for Australia.

China and Australia have a lot to offer each others economy and are natural partners. China is further deepening reform across the board and advancing Chinese modernization, which will generate more opportunities for China-Australia cooperation. The two countries share a promising future for cooperation. More cooperation will help turn our complementary advantages into strong drivers of development in both countries. It will also keep global industrial and supply chains stable and fully functional, and more importantly, contribute to the sustained economic recovery of the two countries, the region and the wider world. China stands ready to work with Australia to take the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries as a new beginning, implement the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries and the deliverables of Premier Li Qiangs June visit to Australia, explore new cooperation areas, make the pie of mutually beneficial cooperation bigger, and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

AFP: Russia and several Western countries swapped 26 prisoners, including a Wall Street Journal journalist. Does China have any comment on that?

Lin Jian: We noted the media reports. The US and Russia are permanent members of the UN Security Council and major countries with influence. We hope the two countries can resolve the issues in their bilateral relations through communication and dialogue, which would be conducive to regional and global peace and stability.

China Daily: Israel launched an airstrike on the southern suburb of Lebanons capital Beirut several days ago. The death toll has risen to seven and more than 80 people were wounded in the attack. We noted that countries including Lebanon, Russia, Iran and Syria have condemned the attack. Any comment on this? Does China condemn the attack?

Lin Jian: China condemns all acts that harm civilians. We are deeply concerned over the current situation and call on relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint, and avoid further escalation.

Beijing Daily: It was reported that President of Timor-Leste Jose Manuel Ramos-Horta said at an interview during his visit to China that his priority for cooperation with China would be sectors like health, education and agriculture. If China is to deliver to Timor-Leste in five years free of extreme poverty and so on, he will be eternally, eternally grateful. Timor-Leste is not caught up in the rivalry between major countries and it will not take a side. Timor-Leste had exceptionally good relations with both China and the US. On military cooperation, he said that the irony is the country with a military presence in Timor-Leste is not China, it is three Western countries. What is Chinas comment? How would you comment on the outcomes of President Ramos-Hortas visit?

Lin Jian: Earlier this week, President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta concluded his state visit to China. During the visit, President Xi Jinping had talks with him. Premier Li Qiang and Chairman Zhao Leji met with him respectively. The two sides reached broad important consensus and issued the joint statement on strengthening comprehensive strategic partnership. Both China and Timor-Leste will carry forward the fine tradition of mutual trust and win-win cooperation, and strive for a general direction of building the China-Timor-Leste Community with a shared future. The two countries agreed to jointly uphold regional peace, development and prosperity, oppose cobbling together any exclusive groupings in the region, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

President Jose Ramos-Hortas remarks demonstrate once again that peace and development is the aspiration of countries in the region, and hegemonism and power politics will not be popular among the people. China follows a path of peaceful development, treats other countries as equals regardless of their size, strives for common development in the region, and will, as always, firmly support the people of Timor-Leste in choosing the development path best suited to their national circumstances. China stands ready to work with Timor-Leste and other countries in the region to keep the region peaceful and stable and promote solidarity and cooperation.

Phoenix TV: The US Department of the Interior released the second volume of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report. The report disclosed that nearly 1,000 Indigenous children died while attending boarding schools operated or supported by the US government where many Indigenous children suffered from physical abuse, and were forced to change beliefs and punished for using their Native languages. All these left intergenerational trauma on the Indigenous communities. Whats Chinas comment?

Lin Jian: China noted the report. The history of the founding of the US was also a history of the suffering of Native Americans. The maltreatment of Indigenous people was an original sin and the existence of those Indian boarding schools is the biggest evidence. Historically, the US committed cultural, psychological, and physical genocide of Native Americans, who even till today remain an invisible community and disappearing minority.

Regrettably, the US has long been evading and trying to cover up that dark chapter of history. Not only that, the US has been spreading disinformation about so-called forced labor and forced assimilation under the pretext of human rights against other countries. The US turns a blind eye to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The US uses so-called exterritoriality to exonerate its troops that are responsible for gruesome crimes abroad, such as the death of civilians and the torture of prisoners. Is the report a genuine reflection on US historic crimes? Or is it just a perfunctory reaction to pressure? There seems to be a continued disconnect between what the US says and what it does.

The historical injustice long suffered by Native Americans must receive full and serious attention and the human rights abuses inflicted by the US in the world must be addressed. The US needs to draw lessons from history, take a hard look at its track record, and stop its human rights abuses and using human rights as a pretext to interfere in other countries internal affairs.

Shenzhen TV: Its reported that PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC) announced that Indonesian drivers are capable of driving the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) at 350 kilometers per hour. This symbolizes great progress in driver training in the Jakarta-Bandung HSR project, and lays the foundation for Indonesias own operation and maintenance of the railway. Whats Chinas comments?

Lin Jian: Since the Jakarta-Bandung HSR started operation last year, the Chinese and Indonesian teams have worked together in an all-round way on the high-speed railway operation, personnel training and technology transfer. As far as I know, the Chinese team has trained the first group of over 160 personnel, including drivers, in the Jakarta-Bandung HSR project. Indonesia now has its own high-speed railway tech team, which is something we are truly glad about. This is a vivid epitome of the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Indonesia and says a lot about how the Belt and Road cooperation is truly guided by the principles of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. China stands ready to work with Indonesia to make the Jakarta-Bandung HSR a continuous success and a source of prosperity, happiness and safe and high-quality travel for Indonesia.

*********************************************

During the summer, the MFA regular press conference will be in recess from August 5 to 16 and resume on August 19.

During the recess, journalists may submit questions to the Spokespersons Office via fax, E-mail or WeChat. Notice on any special press briefing will be put on the website of the MFA International Press Center.

Wish all journalists a pleasant summer.
HONG KONG, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- For many non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents, the month of August unfolds with not just scorching heat, intermittent showers and forced stay indoors, but "fresh starts" of more flexible and leisurely journeys.

From now on, and for the next five years, they will be traveling at ease with their new travel permits, the first batch of which having been issued starting Wednesday.

A Singaporean surnamed Wong and her family were among those who were queuing to get their "dream permits" at an application service center for mainland travel permits in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, on Day One of the permit's issuance.

"We are super excited to get the permits so that we can travel to the Chinese mainland much more easily. We're planning to take our kids to nearby Shenzhen and some other mainland cities in a week or two," said Wong. Wong said she and her family have lately been taken away by tempting cuisine options and landscape shots of Chinese mainland cities on Xiaohongshu, an Instagram-like app popular among the Chinese.

"With a new permit, we can literally go anytime we want, for example, on the weekend," she told Xinhua.

In fact, many shared the joy of Wong. According to stipulations, holders of the permit will be allowed multiple entries into the Chinese mainland within a five-year validity period, with each stay not exceeding 90 days.

After receiving his permit, an Indian businessman by the name of Rajim said he "couldn't wait" to see for himself what those second and third-tier cities in the Chinese mainland are like. In the past, he has been to metropolises including Beijing and Shanghai, but is now yearning to see around influencer city Chengdu.

"I filled up my form right away on July 10, Day One of the application, and later had my fingerprint, photo and documents collected. On-site procedures took no more than 15 minutes. And I now get my permit in about three weeks," he said. "The whole process went on relatively smoothly."

"With a new pass, it will definitely be much more convenient because I no longer have to line up. I'm gonna experience the express channel at the border with a card almost as handy as the Octopus Card," said Gary Lim, a member of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong) committee, who came here for the permits with his wife, also an applicant, and was planning to visit a few mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in mid-August.

Alfred Buchner, a former committee member of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao, who came to pick up his permit with his wife and daughter, called this new measure "a boon for expats like himself based in Hong Kong," as they will be able to arrange their trips to the Chinese mainland more flexibly without restrictions by scenic spot reservations, hotel bookings or the weather.

Paul McComb, executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, told Xinhua earlier that with the implementation of the new travel policy, Hong Kong, with an enabling business environment and internationally-aligned legal and tax systems, will further leverage its role as a "super connector" between the Chinese mainland and the overseas, and is expected to be more appealing because "capital will flow to where the opportunities are."

Prior to the issuance, many Hongkongers said the time queueing for entry could last for up to an hour, but now things are "going electronic" in many ways. Dato' Gan Khai Choon, chair of the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao and a seasoned entrepreneur himself, said the permit will benefit him, a frequent visitor to the Chinese mainland, hugely.

"The smoother travel can potentially draw a growing list of businessmen and professionals like me who have the demand to travel around between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong," Gan said, adding that up till now, dozens of members of his chamber have filed their applications. 
YANKTON, S.D. (KCAU)  The identity of a victim killed after a Yankton County plane crash on Wednesday has been identified.

The Yankton County Sheriffs Office said that the lone victim of the crash was identified as Charles Lawrence Schneider, 67, of Sioux Falls.

Crashed plane

Wednesday night, the sheriffs office said first responders were called around 7:48 a.m. for a plane crash near the intersection of 449th Avenue and 298th Street. That is about three miles southwest of Irene. Responders arrived to the scene to find Schneider dead.

USD Athletics unveils new secondary logo

An investigation into the crash is still ongoing as the sheriffs office works with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board for more details on the cause.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Authorities raid Old Hickory home of man accused of moving drugs through US mail

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Last week, law enforcement raided an Old Hickory home and seized pounds of drugs shipped through the mail as part of a a joint operation led by the Williamson County Sheriffs Office, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the Fairview Police Department, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

It all began with narcotics officers getting a tip about mushrooms and marijuana being moved through the mail.

Williamson County investigators contacted USPS, who flagged an address and watched for packages coming under a fake name. Then, a drug detection dog alerted to a package that contained narcotics. As a result, authorities did a controlled delivery and obtained a search warrant for the home.

On Thursday, July 25, law enforcement moved in and executed that search warrant at the Old Hickory address. Body camera footage shows shows authorities armed with assault weapons.

The sheriffs office with a search warrant! Come to the door! a deputy ordered.

Drug agents seize 150 pounds of marijuana bound for Kentucky

Drug agents entered the Old Hickory and searched it, leading to the seizure of a pound of marijuana, a pound of psilocybin mushrooms, two firearms, close to $2,000 in cash, and multiple shipping labels from previous deliveries.

Its just not a big deal to them to put it in the mail and ship it. All they need is a fake name, a fake address, and deliver the package and, I mean, its totally undetected unless youve got somebody thats on their A game in the postal service thats watching for those suspicious packages, a law enforcement officer explained.

According to Williamson County officials, the prime suspect in the Old Hickory case was a 20-year-old man. This suspect allegedly moved large quantities of narcotics through the U.S. mail, typically shipping it from out west to his Old Hickory home under a fake name.

It was evident he hasnt had a job in several years, and that was the income for him, a drug agent said.

So he hasnt had a job, he had lots of cash, hes certainly not paying taxes  is that accurate? News 2s Andy Cordan asked.

Absolutely, the agent replied.

2 arrested on drug charges in Christian County after found unconscious in vehicle

According to investigators, drug dealers are effectively bringing unknown quantities of narcotics into Middle Tennessee through the mail because, as some suspects have said, its easy.

We interviewed a kid yesterday, totally unrelated to this [case], and he just flat out told us hes been getting all his stuff through the mail, and I said, You mean the U.S. Postal Service? He said, Yep,' the drug agent recalled, adding that this individual admitted he has shipped hundreds of pounds of drugs over the years.

While law enforcement seized the contraband in this operation, as well as the suspects vehicle, the main suspect has not been arrested yet. Authorities said charges are pending as this investigation intensifies

Weve got friends in every county that touches us, and were not afraid to use those friends. Weve got friends with TBI, and well fly under any banner we need to to get back to the source, so if you want to come to Williamson County and deliver that stuff, play at your own risk because well come to Nashville or wherever we need to go to come and get you, the agent said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

U.S. Postal Inspector Nathaniel Sims of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service issued the following statement to News 2 on Thursday, Aug. 1.

The postal service has no interest in being the unwitting accomplice to anyone using the U.S. mail to distribute illegal drugs. Winning the battle against illicit drugs is a top priority for the postal service and the United States Postal Inspection Service. To achieve that goal, postal inspectors proactively seek to identify (and remove or seize) illegal drug shipments in the mail. Im sure you can understand that the investigative methods used by postal inspectors are sensitive and must remain confidential, but they are effective in helping to locate drug shipments of all kinds. In 2021, postal inspectors investigating the shipment of illegal drugs by mail initiated 2,311 cases, made 2,110 arrests, and obtained 1,949 convictions. Though Im not able to release information about ongoing investigations, Id suggest the enforcement action involved in your inquiry illustrates the effectiveness of the work of postal inspectors and their law enforcement partners in removing illegal drugs from the mail stream and identifying those who use the mail to send or receive illegal drugs.

No additional details have been released about this incident.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Authorities in Wisconsin respond to abandoned 911 call to find 42-year-old dead, suspect taken into custody

RICHFIELD, Wis. (WFRV)  A 42-year-old Wisconsin woman is dead, and a 41-year-old man was taken into custody after what authorities believe to be an early morning homicide.

According to a release, the Washington County Sheriffs Office began an investigation on Thursday morning when deputies were sent to a residence on the 3500 block of Pleasant Hill for an abandoned 911 call.

Teenager arrested for arson, allegedly set Fond du Lac High School concession stand bathroom on fire

Upon arrival, deputies located the woman dead at the residence. The suspect, a 41-year-old Richfield man, was apprehended at the scene and is currently in custody.

Deputies say that the suspect and the victim are known to each other, and with the suspect in custody, there is no ongoing threat to the public.

18-year-old pleads guilty for role in April 2023 Fond du Lac County fentanyl overdose

The case remains active and ongoing, and out of respect for the families, the Washington County Sheriffs Office will not be releasing names at this time.

Additional information will be provided as the investigation continues.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
"The backbone to our building": Principal transfer for Patersons School 15 is under fire

PATERSON  The proposed transfer of popular School 15 Principal Ramona Garcia ignited a wave of passionate opposition among educators who work for her and parents whose children are under her tutelage.

Almost two-thirds of the 45 teachers at the long-struggling elementary school contacted Paterson Press within a five-hour period on Thursday, asserting that Garcias departure would be detrimental to its 590 students.

The teachers described Garcia as a hardworking, kindhearted, committed educator. Some said they would have left the Paterson district for better-paying jobs in other towns had it not been for the opportunity to have Garcia as a mentor. They also questioned the wisdom of the districts plan to have School 15 and Roberto Clemente Elementary School  two buildings just a few blocks apart in Patersons 5th Ward  swap principals.

Paterson Board of Education on Tuesday April 30, 2024.

One parent, Ruth Rodrguez, said her 10-year-old son cried when he heard Garcia would be leaving School 15, and she said the principal has been like a second mother to her two boys. The president of School 15s parent association, Rieti Tello, also strongly opposed the switch.

She is always ready to listen to our voices, Tello said in a message translated by her son. I have seen how she always thinks of the children first. She has a love that very few show for the school.

What comes next?

The first wave of affected educators had not been told of their new assignments until Tuesday evening, according to Grace Giglio, president of Patersons principals union. Two additional principals got notice on Wednesday that they, too, would be transferred from their schools to as-yet undetermined positions, Giglio said.

Some educators questioned what they described as the last-minute rush to make the changes, saying there wasnt enough transparency.

The Board of Education had been scheduled to vote on Garcias transfer  along with principal changes at nine other city schools  during a special meeting Wednesday night. But officials canceled that meeting because board members wanted to discuss the reasons for the changes  something that would require the district to send written advance notice to the principals.

The district as of Thursday afternoon had not yet decided when the discussion and possible vote on the principal transfers would take place.

The proposed plan is still under evaluation, Superintendent Laurie Newell said in a statement issued by the districts communications office. The reassignment of principals at certain schools is being carefully considered to address specific needs within each school and improve the educational outcomes for our students.

We believe the recommended changes will bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the schools, benefiting both students and staff, Newell added. Our ultimate goal is to create the best possible learning environment for our students, and we are confident that the proposed reassignments will contribute positively to that objective.

Some school board members already have expressed support for Newells plan.

I understand that staff gets attached to building leadership, but the superintendent must make data-driven decisions that align building leadership with the needs of our district, said board member Joel Ramirez. I trust Dr. Newell in her plan to set Paterson up for success, which begins with changes like this one.

More from Paterson Press: Paterson superintendent moves 10 principals to different schools

How is School 15's academic performance?

The school performance reports issued by the New Jersey Department of Education say 88.3% of the students at School 15 failed the state math test in 2022-23 and that more than 90% failed the Language Arts exam. The schools failing rate for math went down compared with 2021-22, but its failing rate for Language Arts increased.

Educators opposing Garcias transfer asserted that she had improved School 15s academic performance. When Paterson Press asked them about the state performance reports, the teachers said the data doesnt show the true picture of the school. They noted that School 15 has a very high chronic absenteeism rate and that many children come from transient families that move around so much theres little consistency in their education.

One teacher, Adrianna Salas, talked about Garcias role in helping newcomers to the United States feel welcome at School 15.

She has navigated us through a huge influx of students coming from overseas, Salas said. These are children of migrants that have not had an easy journey to the United States. Some of these children have seen things and experienced things that we cannot fathom, but Mrs. Garcia has been there to help them acclimate to the huge change in language and culture and day-to-day life that our country has to offer.

Teacher Gabrielle Jimenez said employees at the school were distraught when they heard their principal might be moved.

Mrs. Garcia is the backbone to our building, and works endlessly to fight for our students best interests, and takes time to make personal relationships, she said.

Several educators from Roberto Clemente School also contacted Paterson Press to express their opposition to the principal switch. They said their school would be worse off if their principal, Bridget Naveira, is moved to School 15.

Ms. Naveira is an amazing leader, one who truly cares about our students and her staff, said Roberto Clemente School educator Loida Aviles. She went above and beyond to accommodate the needs of both students and staff and has never stopped going the extra mile! I know that Ms. Garcia is also a talented administrator who is beloved by her staff, which is why this switch is not necessary.

What are the proposed principal assignments in Paterson?

Here are the other proposed principal changes:

Joanne Riviello is moving from School 21 to John F. Kennedy High School.

Sham Bacchus will be going from New Roberto Clemente Middle School to Eastside High School.

Edgard Nieves is being transferred from Eastside to School 21.

Dorothy Douge is moving from School 26 to the Early Childhood Learning Center.

Stanley Sumter from the Early Chikdhood Center to School 26.

Richard Sanducci Jr. from Dale Avenue School to New Roberto Clemente.

Amod Field from Joseph A. Taub Middle School Adult and Continuing Education.

Lolita Vaughn from School 10 to Dale Avenue.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ School 15 principal transfer criticized
I almost feel bad for President Joe Biden.

After he was pushed out of the presidential race by Democratic Party bosses last month, Biden has become  simply put  irrelevant as he waits out the end of his one term in office.

In a desperate ploy to remind people hes still president (as all eyes have shifted to Vice President Kamala Harris), Biden penned an opinion column in The Washington Post this week, laying out several reforms for the U.S. Supreme Court.

The president's ideas should be shelved as quickly as his relevance.

Biden has joined the chorus of Democrats and their media allies saying there is a crisis at the highest court, with faux ethics scandals and flag-flying controversies.

This is a false narrative, and its a dangerous message to spread in an already polarized country. It probably wouldnt surprise you that the only justices who have come under Democrats scrutiny are the ones appointed by Republican presidents.

Democrats are always smugly telling us how they are the only ones who can preserve democracy  while they back ideas that would undermine one of our nations most esteemed institutions.

Rewriting history: To prove fealty to Kamala Harris, the media gaslights voters by rewriting her past

Biden wrote: What is happening now is not normal, and it undermines the publics confidence in the courts decisions, including those impacting personal freedoms.

What isnt normal is the level of orchestrated attacks on one branch of government by another one. The steady drumbeat of negative attention on the conservative majority of the nation's highest court is what has caused public confidence to drop  not its actions.

Democrats throw a tantrum because they don't like court's decisions

Demonstrators in front of the White House on July 29, 2024.

Lets be real about whats going on. Biden and Democrats are angry about decisions the court has made in recent years. First and foremost, they are aghast that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and returned limits on abortion to the states.

They want retribution.

Plus, the court has slapped down Bidens numerous attempts at executive overreach throughout his presidency  most notably last year when it ruled that his efforts to cancel hundreds of billions in student debt were unconstitutional.

Biden strikes out: Courts keep telling Biden his student loan scam is illegal. Will it stop him? Nah!

Biden claims he has great respect for our institutions and the separation of powers, yet he has flaunted his disdain for the courts decisions and specifically said its ruling on student loans wouldnt stop him from similar efforts.

In other words, the Supreme Court did its job by serving as a check on another branch of government.

The Supreme Court tried to block me from relieving student debt. But they didnt stop me.



Ive relieved student debt for over 5 million Americans. Im going to keep going. pic.twitter.com/m1yh6lYGph  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 30, 2024

Bidens proposed changes would blur the lines of the governments separation of powers and the independence the court has enjoyed since its inception.

One upside: They are not likely to go anywhere soon. Republicans in Congress strongly oppose Bidens blueprint, and any amendment to the Constitution would first need approval from two-thirds of the House and Senate, a high bar.

Yet, Harris  the likely Democratic presidential nominee  has embraced the reforms, meaning these are talking points that we will keep hearing about through the election.

Term limits for justices? Bad idea.

The worst idea is to impose term limits for justices. Biden proposes 18-year term limits for the nine justices, meaning a president would be able to appoint a new justice every two years.

Its hard to miss the hypocrisy of Biden, who spent nearly four decades in the Senate, arguing passionately for term limits.

Identity politics: White women and white dudes pledge their allegiance to Kamala Harris. Talk about weird.

While terms limits may sound nice  and offers Democrats a way to offload the sitting justices they despise  it goes against what our founders envisioned in the Constitution when they clearly wrote that justices and federal judges shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour.

In other words, these are lifetime appointments, until death, retirement or impeachment intervene.

Biden once opposed meddling with the high court, including efforts to pack the court to dilute justices whom one may not like. What Biden is proposing now is not unlike what President Franklin Roosevelt tried to do in 1937, when he was perturbed that the Supreme Court had blocked some of his big-government expansion.

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.

Adam White, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who served in 2021 on Bidens Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States, has closely studied policies such as term limits and court-packing. While he came into the assignment open to term limits via constitutional amendment, White told me he concluded that they'd be unwise in part because of fundamental shifts they'd spur in presidential power and the role of the Senate in confirming judicial nominations.

Plus, various term-limit proposals are really just court-packing by another name, White observed.

Biden may desperately want to stay relevant, but misguided proposals to shake up the Supreme Court arent the way to go about it.

Ingrid Jacques is a columnist at USA TODAY. Contact her at ijacques@usatoday.com or on X, formerly Twitter: @Ingrid_Jacques.

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: Biden Supreme Court reforms are terrible  and reek of desperation
Ongoing heat waves have triggered fires throughout the Balkans and southern Europe, with countries such as Bulgaria and Albania currently receiving international firefighting aid through an EU support system.

Serbia has sent helicopters to North Macedonia to help combat wildfires that continue to burn out of control in heatwave temperatures in the landlocked Balkan country.

Firefighting helicopters were also being used on the slopes of Mount Kozjak, near the Prohor Pcinjski monastery in South Serbia.

Large wildfires in parts of North Macedonia this week destroyed and damaged homes, forced evacuations and claimed the life of an elderly resident in a village some 60 kilometres east of the capital Skopje.

Strong winds accelerated the spread of wildfires in parts of eastern and central North Macedonia since Monday, officials said.

Wildfires continued to burn in Albania on Wednesday, coming close to homes in the southern village of Mashkullore, but causing no damage.

Hundreds of Albanian firefighters, military personnel and volunteers managed to get a major fire in the coastal town of Shengjin under control after it damaged a roof and two beach bars, sending visitors fleeing in panic.

An Albanian army Cougar helicopter and two Italian Canadair planes, part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, helped spare the beach town from the flames.

In Croatia, fires that erupted in the Dalmation coast also forced residents to evacuate but no casualties were reported.

According to the Croatian emergency services, 755 firefighters were deployed to 122 different fires in Croatia, with the help of 10 Canadair planes.

The Croatian fire brigade confirmed that fires in all areas had been successfully contained as of Thursday.

Extreme heat continues to scorch other parts of Europe as well, with nine municipalities across Spain under orange warnings for high temperatures.

Experts say it's time to act to avoid more climate-based disasters across Europe and urge European leaders to address the concerning trends in weather across the continent.
Putin ally hints Kremlin assassins could be sent to hunt down prisoners freed in historic swap

Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president, warned the prisoners to 'actively disguise themselves' - EKTERINA SHTUKINA/POOL SPUTNIK

The Kremlin has suggested that Russian assassins could be sent to hunt down the political detainees freed by Vladimir Putin in the biggest prisoner swap with Moscow since the Cold War.

Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president, warned that the prisoners would have to go into hiding after their release, despite having been pardoned by Putin.

I would like, of course, for the traitors to Russia to rot in a dungeon or die in prison, as often happened, Mr Medvedev, a close Putin ally, said.

Let the traitors now feverishly select new names and actively disguise themselves under the witness protection programme, he added in a thinly veiled threat.

Its more useful to bring out our own people who worked for the country, for the fatherland, for all of us, he said, as he defended the swap, which included a hitman jailed for murder in Germany.

Sir Bill Browder fears Britons could be taken hostage - DAVID ROSE

As president, Mr Medvedev pardoned Sergei Skripal in 2010, after the former GRU agent was jailed for spying for Britain. Russian assassins later tried to poison Mr Skripal with a nerve agent in Salisbury.

In Germany, Vladimir Kara-Murza, the British-Russian journalist, refused to be cowed by Kremlin threats after his release in the historic spy swap. I know I will return to Russia. The day will come when Russia is free, he told reporters in Bonn.

Mr Kara-Murza, a 42-year-old Putin critic, politician and journalist, was in captivity for two-and-a-half years and was sentenced to 25 years on politically motivated charges of treason in Russia in 2023.

Sir Bill Browder, a financier and anti-Putin activist, fought tirelessly for his friend, who had voluntarily returned to Russia out of patriotism and a sense of duty, to be released in the historic exchange.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a British-Russian Putin critic who was sentenced to 25 years on politically motivated charges of treason in 2023, was among those freed - AP

He urged the Government to ban Britons from travelling to Russia because of the risk of state-sponsored kidnapping by the Kremlin.

Sir Bill, the head of the Global Magnitsky Justice organisation, told The Telegraph: Putin is a criminal. Its a criminal regime. And I think that we should acknowledge it as such, and put policies in place based on those definitions. And one of those policies should be to prevent people from travelling to Russia.

The Telegraph understands that Lord Cameron, the former foreign secretary, raised the potential release of Mr Kara-Murza with the Americans more than once.

With Berlins assent a key part of the swap, he also pressed Annalena Baerbock, his German counterpart, to ensure Mr Kara-Murza was among those freed.

Government officials had long been involved in the discussions to have him included on any potential list as the outlines of a deal emerged.

Roman Abramovich, the former Chelsea FC owner, reportedly relayed a message to Putin broaching the idea of an exchange after meeting with Roger Carstens, the US special presidential envoy for hostage affairs.

A Bulgarian journalist played a key role in the release after jotting down the names of prisoners the US could trade on a cocktail napkin during a meeting with Mr Carstens at a restaurant.

Joe Biden also thanked Turkey for its mediation role in brokering the agreement.

Expert on hostage diplomacy

German experts have also warned of the risk that Putin could start taking more prisoners to use as leverage in negotiations with the West.

A senior expert on hostage diplomacy, who wished not to be named, told the Bild newspaper: Despite all the joy for the freed hostages and their families, as a state, we must be careful not to open Pandoras box if Putin starts to arbitrarily arrest and convict people in order to then be able to blackmail our governments.

Bernd Schmidbauer, the ex-hostage negotiator for former German chancellor Helmut Kohl, added: We always made sure that the negotiations took place on an equal footing and that we did not make ourselves vulnerable to blackmail in the future.

The swap has been controversial in Germany because one of the Russian prisoners released was Vadim Krasikov, a notorious pro-Putin hitman, who gunned down a Chechen dissident while speeding through Berlins Tiergarten on a bicycle.

Inga Schulz, a lawyer representing the family of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, the victim, said it was devastating that Krasikov would be free after just five years in prison.

She said: On the one hand we are happy that a life has been saved, on the other hand, we are disappointed that the world apparently is not based on law and order, not even in countries where the law reigns supreme.

Two Kremlin spies freed in the exchange were so deep undercover that their children didnt know they were Russian until they arrived in Moscow.

The couple had been arrested and convicted in Slovenia of pretending to be Argentinians as they secretly worked for Russian intelligence.

All the freed prisoners, including sleeper agents Anna and Artem Dultsev, and their children, were met by Vladimir Putin, who greeted the youngsters in Spanish: Buenas noches (Good evening).

In the US, senior Republicans warned the swap does little to discourage Putins reprehensible behaviour. Mitch McConnell and Mike Johnson predicted that the costs of hostage diplomacy will continue to rise in a joint statement.

France called for the release of French citizen Laurent Vinatier and other people still arbitrarily detained in the country.

Russia is delaying exchanges of prisoners of war to destabilise Kyiv, the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre think-tank wrote in a report, another example of how Moscow is using hostage diplomacy.

Russia and Ukraine have conducted 54 successful prisoner exchanges, releasing 3,405 Ukrainians in the process, since the start of full-scale invasion in February 2022.

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Bangladesh bans Jamaat-e-Islami party following violent protests that left more than 200 dead

Bangladesh on Thursday banned the Jamaat-e-Islami party, its student wing and other associate bodies as militant and terrorist organizations as part of a nationwide crackdown following weeks of violent protests that left more than 200 people dead and thousands injured.

Bangladeshs Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her political partners blamed Jamaat-e-Islami, its Islami Chhatra Shibir student wing and other associate bodies for inciting violence during recent student protests over a quota system for government jobs.

In an official circular seen by The Associated Press, Bangladeshs Ministry of Home Affairs said Thursday the ban was imposed under an anti-terrorism law.

Since July 15, at least 211 people have died and more than 10,000 people were arrested across the country.

The chief of Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday rejected the decision in a statement, calling it anti-constitutional, and denied it was behind the recent violence.

The government carried out massacres by party cadres and state law and order forces in the country to suppress the non-political movement of students. The countrys teachers, cultural personalities, journalists and people of different professions are protesting against this genocide of the government, said Shafiqur Rahman, the party chief.

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MANILA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Board of Investments (BOI) on Friday said it approved 1.15 trillion pesos (about 19.7 billion U.S. dollars) worth of investments from January to July this year, 65 percent higher than the pledges recorded in the same period in 2023.

The BOI, an agency under the Department of Trade and Industry, said approved projects include a solar project with battery energy storage, a biscuit manufacturing and processing facility, solar rooftop projects, and an activated carbon and charcoal production facility.

Trade and Industry Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said the Philippines' target is "to hit or even surpass" 1.6 trillion pesos (about 27.5 billion dollars) in approved investments this year.

"With the momentum we have built, we are confident in achieving and exceeding this goal, driving economic development," Rodolfo said.

BOI reports that the approved investments during the first seven months of this year will create over 27,000 jobs once the registered projects are fully operational. 
A decade ago, few states had early childhood education apprenticeships. As of last year, 35 states have programs for child care and early childhood education. (Getty image)

Tiaja Gundy was just 19 years old when she started working at Federal Hill House, an early learning center in Providence, Rhode Island. It was 2016, and back then, she lacked experience and expertise working with young children. She had no intention of staying in the field long-term.

But the work grew on her. Gundy started out as a floater, helping with infants, toddlers and preschoolers as needed. She found she loved being around children.

This story was originally published by The 19th

As years passed, Gundy gained experience, and she moved into an assistant teaching position in a toddler classroom. Yet she was still missing some of the critical knowledge about child development that would allow her to continue growing in her career.

In 2021, Gundy recalls, one of her supervisors pulled her aside, and said, Youre very promising. I know you can go farther in this field, then told her about an interesting opportunity.

Rhode Island was launching a registered apprenticeship program for early childhood educators. With her employers support, Gundy would get to continue her paid teaching job as she took college courses, pursuing a Child Development Associate (CDA), a nationally recognized credential for those who work in early care and education settings. It would set her up to one day become a lead teacher. The apprenticeship would come with guaranteed wage increases, too.

The thought of balancing both work and school again was daunting, Gundy admits, but she was encouraged by her colleagues and excited to deepen her understanding of early childhood education. She decided to apply.

For decades, apprenticeship has been a popular career pathway for occupations such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters. In early care and education, however, there was limited uptake of the model.

Recently, that has changed  and fast. A decade ago, only a handful of states had registered apprenticeship programs in early childhood education. Five years ago, that had risen to about a dozen. As of last year, 35 states had an apprenticeship program for child care and early childhood education, and another seven states were developing them, according to a report published by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) in 2023.

In 2021, the last year for which there is available data, early childhood education was one of the five fastest-growing occupations for apprenticeship, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Theres just been an explosion, says Linda Smith, who authored the BPCs apprenticeship report last summer and has since joined the Buffett Early Childhood Institute as director of policy. It is happening all over this country.

Explaining the explosion

Smith sees at least two reasons for the emergence and rapid growth of this model in early childhood education.

The first is that more federal funding has become available in recent years. At least 10 states are using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to build or expand their child care apprenticeship programs, and 13 are using Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five funds. As many as 15 states are using money from the Child Care and Development Fund, which received a $15 billion boost under ARPA.

Tiaja Gundy was just 19 years old when she started working at an early learning center in Providence, Rhode Island. (

The second reason is that there is increased awareness of how essential and how endangered the early care and education sector is.

Were in a tough spot right now with child care in this country, Smith says soberly. We have a workforce problem on our hands. Everyone is crying for child care workers. They cant fill jobs. Wages are low. Child care programs cant compete with big box stores, fast food, you name it.

Broad recognition of that reality, Smith says, made policymakers and other leaders more willing to invest in the early education workforce.

It also helps, she adds, that people understand what apprenticeships are. Its a well-established model that they can visualize and  importantly  measure.

Randi Wolfe, founder and executive director of Early Care and Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS), an organization that provides training and technical assistance to get programs registered as apprenticeships, believes this model is proliferating in early care and education because its a natural fit for the fields workforce development needs.

The early care and education workforce, Wolfe points out, is mostly made up of low-income women, and they are disproportionately women of color, immigrants, non-native English speakers and first-generation college students.

Asking those people to do an internship that is unpaid creates unintended inequity, Wolfe says. From day one, an apprentice is a W-2 employee. There is no such thing as an unpaid apprentice.

It works well for both educators and early learning programs, she adds. Early childhood educators who cant afford to miss out on wages while they earn a degree get to do both at the same time  and at little or no cost. They get raises throughout the apprenticeship and, in many cases, are eligible for a promotion once they complete it.

Their employers, meanwhile, end up with highly skilled teachers who, after investing significant time and energy into their careers, are more likely to remain in the field.

Theyre the best qualified candidate, Wolfe says of apprentices. Youve trained them. Youve grown them.

For early learning programs, better-qualified teachers can also help them move up the scale on their states quality rating system. Higher quality ratings are tied to higher subsidy reimbursement rates in many states. In short, apprentices help a programs bottom line.

All of these outcomes support children and families, who benefit greatly from having teachers who provide high-quality, research-backed care and education.

The nuts and bolts of apprenticeships

To be considered a registered apprenticeship, programs must meet a number of criteria and get approval from the U.S. Department of Labor or a state apprenticeship agency. All registered apprenticeships have a sponsor, such as a community-based organization, a workforce intermediary or a business, that manages program operations. Registered apprenticeship programs have a few other key ingredients:

Employers must partner with apprentices, allowing them to learn while they earn. In early care and education, the employers are early learning programs.

Apprentices must receive on-the-job training with opportunities to practice their new skills in context. Many programs pair apprentices with a mentor to fulfill this goal.

Apprentices must receive instruction related to their industry. In early care and education, that happens in a classroom setting, often at a community college but at four-year institutions too. Employers are expected to provide support and flexibility so apprentices can attend classes and complete coursework.

Apprentices are guaranteed incremental wage increases as their knowledge and skills grow. This is a huge win for early educators, who have some of the lowest wages in the country, but also a point of tension for programs, which are seldom in a financial position to pay staff more.

Apprentices must receive a credential. In early education, that is usually a CDA or an associate degree, and sometimes a bachelors degree.

Despite the many criteria, there is still some flexibility for individual apprenticeship programs to put their own spin on the model.

Asking those people to do an internship that is unpaid creates unintended inequity. From day one, an apprentice is a W-2 employee. There is no such thing as an unpaid apprentice.

 Randi Wolfe, founder and executive director of Early Care and Education Pathways to Success

In Rhode Island, where Gundy apprenticed, the program is exclusively for infant and toddler teachers, often the least educated and least compensated faction of the early childhood workforce, says Lisa Hildebrand, executive director of the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children, which helped develop and implement the program, in partnership with a state agency, and now manages it.

There is a notion in the field, Hildebrand says, that if you start out as an infant or toddler teacher, you can get more training and education and then move up to teaching preschool.

Its almost like a promotion, she says, because preschool teachers typically earn more money and command more respect.

But that dynamic leads to the high turnover of infant and toddler teachers, which, given the challenges many programs already face with hiring and retention, and the legal requirements around staff-to-child ratios, can result in classroom closures and reduced slots for the youngest children. It certainly has in Rhode Island.

The waiting list for infants and toddlers is absolutely astronomical, Hildebrand says, acknowledging thats true outside of Rhode Island too. It is reaching critical levels at this point.

With additional funding on the way, the apprenticeship may soon expand to preschool teachers, among whom there is ample interest, Hildebrand notes. But right now, Rhode Island is focused on retaining the teachers who are in the highest demand.

Minnesotas registered apprenticeship program, which launched in summer 2023, includes a strong mentorship component. Each apprentice is paired with a mentor, often a colleague at the program where they work, says Erin Young, who manages the program for Child Care Aware of Minnesota.

Thats the secret sauce, says Young. Thats the magic.

Mentors, who receive 24 hours of free training, guide apprentices through questions and topics ranging from childrens behavioral challenges, to curriculum implementation, to family engagement. That can be especially helpful for apprentices who are still quite new to the field of early childhood education, Young explains.

Its nice to have someone say, Its OK. Try this. Start here, Young says. Having a mentor at the beginning of my early childhood career wouldve been a huge help.

The mentorship made an impression on Katelyn Sarkar, an apprentice who graduated with her bachelors degree in early childhood education leadership in June.

Sarkars mentor would observe her in her classroom at a Head Start program in Rochester, Minnesota, then offer feedback and suggest strategies for her to try. As an early childhood educator, I grew so much more in my skills because of that, Sarkar shares.

Next up, Young is developing an apprenticeship model for licensed family child care providers, a group that is currently left out of most registered apprenticeship programs, despite being the dominant form of care in rural Minnesota, Young says, and an option preferred by many families.

If it gets approved, thats a really big win, Young notes. It opens the door for other states to do it.

No such thing as a silver bullet

Although many early childhood advocates view the apprenticeship model as a promising strategy for workforce retention and improvement, theyre also quick to caution against overweighting its potential.

In early childhood, we tend to [want] a single solution to a complex problem. That does not work. The problems of child care in this country are very complicated, says Smith of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute. Apprenticeships are never going to be the only answer.

The model, while exciting, has its limitations, Smith adds.

Right now, apprenticeship cohorts tend to be quite small, with around five to 25 early childhood educators enrolled. Rhode Island graduated 16 apprentices in its pilot cohort and has another 17 enrolled now. Minnesota had 19 apprentices enrolled as of June.

Thats because apprenticeship programs are demanding, resource-intensive and very costly.

In Minnesota, for example, where early childhood apprenticeship costs fall on the high end, Young budgets $20,000 to $24,000 per apprentice per year. Apprenticeships there run for at least two years, she says.

That estimate includes covering 85 percent of the cost of college tuition and books, as well as giving apprentices an annual $2,000 stipend to help with transportation, internet access and their remaining 10 percent of tuition costs, and awarding them a small bonus at the end of their apprenticeship year.

It also includes an annual $5,000 stipend to employers to offset the costs of hosting an apprentice. In Minnesota, employers chip in the final 5 percent of tuition costs, and they are expected to give apprentices a $1 an hour raise at the end of each year, which typically works out to be about $2,000 a year, Young says. It can be hard for employers to budget for that right away, she notes. Mentors also receive a $3,500 annual stipend.

Its expensive, to be sure, but Minnesota recently received $5 million from the state earmarked specifically for apprenticeships, Young says.

Theres not going to be one silver bullet, Young acknowledges, but professionalizing the field, reducing turnover and increasing compensation is going to have to happen, and I am hoping the data will show this is one positive strategy that moves the needle on that.

Now 27 and finished with her apprenticeship, Gundy has received her CDA and been promoted to lead teacher in her toddler classroom. Shes also pursuing her bachelors degree in early childhood education.

It was nice to get the science behind what I did, Gundy shares about her apprenticeship experience. It answered why  why are we doing it this way, why is play important.  It helped me be an overall better teacher.

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Belarus rights activists ask why their prisoners were left out of swap

By Thomas Escritt and Andrius Sytas

VILNIUS (Reuters) -Belarus rights activists pressed Germany for answers on Friday as to why Belarusian political prisoners, including a prominent and popular opposition leader, had not been included in the biggest prisoner swap since the Cold War on Thursday.

Maria Kalesnikava, part of an alliance that inflicted the severest electoral blow to Belarusian strongman President Alexander Lukashenko in his three-decade rule, has been in jail since September 2020.

Activists, including her sister Tatsiana Khomich, are asking why German and U.S. efforts to trade a Russian state hitman for human rights activists did not extend to Kalesnikava and others in Belarusian jails.

"I was hoping until the very last moment that the list will include Maria or anyone from the Belarus prisoners", she told Reuters in an interview.

"For us, this is a signal that neither Belarus nor prisoners in Belarus are a priority. And it is a very worrying signal", she added. "This is dispiriting for Belarus activists"

The deal involved 24 prisoners - 16 moving from Russia to the West and eight sent back to Russia from the West.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz presented the decision to release hitman Vadim Krasikov as a difficult but necessary one, in return for which Germany was able to secure the release of prisoners of conscience and a German sitting on death row in Belarus.

"We were astonished to realise that not a single Belarusian prisoner was freed under this deal," wrote Razam, a group of Belarusian activists in Germany.

"Maria Kalesnikova, Maxim Znak and many others are still in prison. And this even though the government clearly negotiated not just with the Kremlin but also with the Lukashenko regime."

STRONG GERMAN TIES

Khomich said when she heard about a possible exchange where Germany was also involved she hoped Maria could feature.

Kalesnikava, a musician with deep ties to Germany thanks to teaching flute for many years at a music conservatoire in Stuttgart, was part of an alliance, led by Sviatlana Tikhanouskaya, that most independent observers believe defeated Lukashenko in 2020 elections.

"We communicated to the German government about the situation of political prisoners," Khomich said. "She got many awards in Germany. This is the question: Why wasn't she in the group that was released?"

Lukashenko, a former state farm boss, hung on to power by imprisoning thousands to crush months of street protests with the help of his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kalesnikava was one of the best-known faces of those street protests, famous for greeting fellow protesters by shaping her fingers into a heart as a sign of solidarity and hope.

Authorities attempted to deport her to Ukraine. Instead, she tore up her passport and threw it out of the window as their car drew up to the border.

She is now serving an 11-year sentence after being convicted of unspecified national security charges that rights groups and Western governments dismiss as politically motivated.

"The last letter from Maria was in 2022," said Khomich, who now lives in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. "Since, all communications, all visits by relatives have been stopped."

She said she had been told her sister spends much of her time in solitary confinement, has had to undergo major surgery, and, although she is 1.75 meters tall (5ft 7 inches), she now weighs only 45 kg (99 pounds).

"At least six political prisoners in Belarus have died in jail, including three this year. And at least 35 are in a very precarious health, they can die any day", said Khomich.

Berlin-based Ukrainian activist Nikolai Klimeniouk also asked why Ukrainian and Crimean Tartar activists had also been left out in a post on Facebook.

(Reporting by Thomas Escritt and Andrius Sytas; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Nick Zieminski)
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko pardons German citizen facing death penalty in Belarus as part of a major prisoner swap between Moscow, Washington and Berlin.

Security concerns prompt the European Commission to ask Hungary to clarify its decision to ease immigration requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens.

Lukashenko meets Vladimir Putin of Russia for the fifth time in 2024 for secret talks.

North Korea and Belarus vow stronger bilateral ties after Belarus' foreign minister visits Pyongyang.

Belarusian political prisoners nearing ends of prison terms pressured to seek pardons from Lukashenko.

Belarusian authorities detain political prisoner's relatives during their visit to the penal colony.

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German sentenced to death in Belarus pardoned, released as part of historic prisoner swap

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned a German citizen, Rico Krieger, sentenced to death by a Belarusian court on June 24 for allegedly committing a terrorist act, Belarusian state-owned news agency BelTA reported on July 30.

Rico Krieger was sentenced to death by firing squad. According to Belarusian propaganda reports, he planted explosives at a railway station in Azyaryshcha, a military cargo loading hub just east of Minsk, on Oct. 5, 2023.

Kriegers Belarusian defense team did not appeal against the courts ruling. On July 30, he reportedly sent an appeal to Lukashenko asking for a pardon.

The pardon comes hours after Lukashenko said he had held consultations with his officials, who are privy to the case, including KGB Head Ivan Tertel, Presidents Administration Deputy Head Olga Chupris, and Kriegers case investigator, attorney, and propagandist Ludmila Hladkaya, who had been allowed to attend the secret trial.

Germany's Foreign Office confirmed the granting of the pardon, saying the news was a relief.

Read also: Who was released from Russian prisons in historic swap?

Russia and several Western countries held a historic prisoner exchange on Aug. 1, the largest such move in almost 15 years.

Russian activists, journalists, and dual citizens are among those who have been freed, as well as Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

As part of the operation, 10 prisoners were transferred to Russia, 13 prisoners were transported to Germany, and three were handed over to the U.S.

The list included convicted Russian hitman sentenced to life imprisonment in Germany Vadim Krasikov, Mikhail Mikushin, and Pavel Rubtsov, accused of spying for Moscow, hacker Roman Seleznev, Vladislav Klyushin, businessman jailed for a hack-and-trade scheme.

EU to seek clarifications on Hungarys relaxed immigration rules for Russians, Belarusians

The European Commission expects Hungary to clarify the recent decision by its government to relax its entry requirements for Russians and Belarusians, European Commission representative Anita Hipper said during a briefing on July 30.

According to our policy, Russia is a threat to the security of the European Union, so its members must take all measures to ensure the security of the EU and the Schengen area, Hipper said.

The scope of the scheme and whether it falls under the remit of the EU rules are to be scrutinized, she said.

Earlier, Hungary quietly simplified the rules for Russian and Belarusian citizens to acquire a Hungarian National Card and to enter the country in a streamlined visa-acquisition process that does away with enhanced security checks and other restrictions.

The program, which was until recently available to Serbian and Ukrainian citizens, was expanded to include citizens from Belarus, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Montenegro on July 8, shortly after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Moscow.

European Peoples Party Chief Manfred Weber urged the European Council Head Charles Michel to raise the issue of Hungarys questionable decision at the next leaders summit in October. According to a letter from Weber to Michel published by Financial Times on July 30, the expansion of Hungarys visa eligibility program could create grave loopholes for espionage activities, providing Russians with an opportunity to move around the Schengen area, bypassing the restrictions required by EU law.

The Hungarian National Card is issued for two years to those wanting to work or start a business in Hungary, allowing them to bring in their families and requiring no tests of cultural ties or awareness. It can be renewed an unlimited number of times. After eight years, bearers of the card can apply for Hungarian citizenship.

Budapest has been long considered the most Kremlin-friendly country within the EU, with Orbans government repeatedly obstructing sanctions against Russia and military aid to Kyiv.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto is the only high-ranking European official who has visited Belarus in the aftermath of the fraudulent 2020 presidential elections, which were internationally recognized as neither free nor fair.

During his latest visit to Minsk, Szijjarto reiterated that Hungary does not agree with the EU sanctions and would develop ties in areas not affected by sanctions.

Read also: Hungary simplifies entry for Russian, Belarusian citizens, German media reports

Lukashenko, Putin meet behind closed doors, again

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held talks behind closed doors on Valaam Island, northern Russia, Belarusian state-owned media BelTA reported on July 27.

Lukashenko arrived in Russia on July 25 to discuss, as reported by his press service, the development of Belarusian-Russian relations, the promotion of allied projects, regional security, and international agenda. The fifth set of talks between the allies lasted three days, but neither side produced official statements, leaving an almost complete information vacuum.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko visit the Chapel of the Valaam Icon of the Mother of God on Svetly Island, Republic of Karelia, on July 26, 2024. (Alexander Kazakov / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to his officials on July 29, Lukashenko claimed that security issues were the focus of his secretive talks with Putin.

The Belarusian dictator also said he discussed new pricing, utilization fees, and prepayment for Russias crude oil for Belarus, which has been the main point of contention between Russia and Belarus for decades.

Belarusian political analyst Aleksander Klaskouski said that despite disagreements the two dictators might have, the meeting likely involved the usual haggling over the price of (Lukashenkos) allegiance.

Minsk, a staunch Kremlin ally, has not committed troops to the battlefield but has been enabling Russian aggression against Ukraine for over two years by providing its territory for use by the Russian army, as well as participating in Russias nuclear blackmail by allegedly hosting Russian nuclear weapons on its soil.

Minsk, Pyongyang strengthen ties after Belarusian foreign ministers visit to North Korea

North Korea is keen to boost ties with Belarus and open a new era in relations, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui said after meeting her Belarusian counterpart Maxim Ryzhankou in Pyongyang on July 24, the state-owned Korean Central News Agency reported.

Ryzhankou arrived in Pyongyang on July 24 for what was officially announced as a return visit. He met with Prime Minister Kim Tok Hun, reportedly agreeing to intensify bilateral cooperation in education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Following the visit, the North Korean Foreign Ministry published a message from Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko to Kim Jong Un, which contained a promise to expand cooperation. Belarusian official sources did not publish the message.

North Korea and Belarus are among Russias few remaining allies amid growing international isolation.

North Korea supplied Russia with millions of artillery shells and became a party in the military assistance pact the two countries signed on July 20. In it, they vow to come to each others aid in the event of war.

Belarus, which Lukashenko allowed to be used as a launchpad for Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, has long hosted Russian troops, and part of Russias nuclear arsenal is allegedly now stationed in the country.

Viasna: Political prisoners in Belarus forced to petition for pardon

Belarusian political prisoners whose prison terms are nearing an end are being forced to write petitions for pardons to Lukashenko, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported on July 29.

According to Viasna, prosecutors have started visiting Navapolatsk Penal Colony No. 1 daily, pressuring prisoners with the shortest remaining terms to write petitions  under the threat of solitary confinement or additional prison terms.

Instances of such pressure were independently reported in colony No. 15 near Mahiloiu by the Belarusian Service of RFE/RL. Human rights watchdog Dissident.by has recorded similar occurrences in various penal institutions across the country.

In early July, Lukashenko unexpectedly announced the possible release of selected seriously ill political prisoners. Human Rights activists then reported that 18 prisoners had been released, including the leader of the dissolved BNF party, Ryhor Kostuseu, who is suffering from cancer.

Also among the released was Darya Losik, the wife of imprisoned RFE/RL journalist Ihar Losik. She had been jailed for two years for giving interviews about her detained husband.

However, nearly a third of the released prisoners were within a month of the end of their prison sentences, said Andrei Stryzhak, the head of BYSOL, a charity foundation helping political prisoners and dissidents in Belarus.

Belarus Supreme Court Chairman Valiantsin Sukala on July 21 promised more potential releases in an interview with the state-owned TV channel Belarus 1.

A petition for a pardon has to be personally addressed to Lukashenko. It entails full admission of guilt and a promise to abstain from committing the crime again, making it morally inadmissible for some political prisoners. Viasna Center claimed several political prisoners were not released on July 3 due to their refusal to write such pleas.

Mother, aunt of political prisoner detained during visit to penal colony

The mother and aunt of political prisoner Aliaksandr Frantskevich  Tatsyana Frantskevich and Natallya Labatsevich  were detained on charges of extremism as they visited a penal colony to deliver a care package to the imprisoned anarchist, Belarusian journalist and activist Yauheniya Douhaya reported on July 25.

Frantskevich and Labatsevich visited the penal colony in Vaukavysk to transfer the care package to Aliaksandr Frantskevich, who was sentenced to 16 years and nine months for allegedly creating an extremist formation. In March 2023, Belarus KGB security service branded him a terrorist.

The women were detained on the colonys premises. Tatsyana Frantskevich is now accused of participating in an extremist formation, which is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

The Belarusian KGBs list of terrorists now includes over 1,200 persons, many of whom have actually been charged on political grounds. Their financial operations are blocked, and any transfers to their accounts can be deemed financing of extremism under the current regimes legislation.

In January 2024, the Lukashenko regime intensified its crackdown on civil society by prosecuting political prisoners relatives and former political prisoners for supporting those in detention.

Among the more than 200 Belarusians detained on Jan. 23-24 for providing food aid to political prisoners, several have been charged with aiding extremist activities.

Read also: Killers, spies and smugglers  the Russians released in historic prisoner swap

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The Berlin fire department said a five-metre section of cables between Jungfernheide and Beusselstrasse had been damaged by a fire - Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images

A suspected arson attack on a cable unit in north-west Berlin has caused severe disruption to long-distance and commuter trains.

Deutsche Bahn, the German national rail network, said vandalism to a section of cables in the Jungfernheide area meant no travel between the capitals main train station and the Spandau district was possible.

It said long-distance trains were being diverted and that some services may not stop at Spandau station. Normal services were expected to resume no earlier than Friday afternoon.

The Berlin fire department said a five-metre section of cables between Jungfernheide and Beusselstrasse had been damaged by a fire, which has been extinguished.

RBB24, a German news outlet, said investigators had ruled out the possibility of a technical failure being the cause of the disruption.

It comes after a group of suspected Left-wing saboteurs launched a major attack on the French rail network last week, bringing the country to a standstill.

Gabriel Attal, the French prime minister, said the attack had targeted nerve centres in the rail system, referring to fibreoptic networks in six areas of France.

French police said they had arrested an ultra Left-wing activist in northern France who was found to be carrying access keys to [state rail operator] SNCF technical premises, wire cutters, and a set of universal keys, among other items.

He was also carrying ultra-Left literature and a book, The Vertigo of the Riot: from the Zad to the Yellow Vests, by author Romain Huet.

The Yellow Vests was a grassroots mass protest movement which launched huge protests across France in 2018.

Zad, or zones a defendre (zones to defend), refers to sites in France occupied by climate activists trying to block what they deem environmentally harmful development projects.

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Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky First Lady Britainy Beshear acknowledged the crowd after his speech during last year's Fancy Farm Picnic, Aug. 3, 2023. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

An annual West Kentucky church fundraiser famous for barbeque, political speeches and cheers and jeers from onlookers is set to be a Republican-dominated affair this weekend as the only two statewide elected Democrats will be elsewhere.

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshears absence from this years Fancy Farm festivities may produce more buzz than his presence would have  thanks to speculation that Beshear is still under consideration as running mate to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Beshears cancellation of a Friday appearance at a West Kentucky ribbon-cutting caught the attention of the New York Post which also reports that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro canceled a weekend fundraising trip to the Hamptons. Politico reports that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg cut short his visit to Kokomo, Indiana, as Vice President Harris plans to meet with the finalists in her VP search in the next few days.

Harris, who quickly sewed up the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden ended his campaign, is expected to announce her running mate on Tuesday in Philadelphia as the two of them begin a tour of battleground states.

Beshear notified organizers two weeks ago that he would not be part of the Fancy Farm Picnics Saturday speechmaking. However, Behsear was planning to attend a Democratic event Friday evening after appearing at a West Kentucky distillery earlier in the day. But on Thursday Beshear bowed out of the Friday night Mike Miller Memorial Marshall County Bean Dinner, sending a video instead.

NBC News reported Thursday that the Harris campaigns vetting team has met with six potential running mates, including Beshear, Shapiro and Buttigieg. The others named by NBC are Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.

In Ketucky, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman will replace Beshear at a Friday ribbon cutting for an expansion of the Jackson Purchase Distillery in Fulton County. Coleman also will attend the annual Democratic bean dinner and rally Friday night before the Saturday picnic, according to a local Democratic party chair. Marshall County Democratic Party Chair Drew Williams told the Lantern that he was given no reason for Beshear canceling his appearance at the bean dinner.

Coleman is also not attending the Saturday event, instead attending another event to support cancer survivors.

Who will take the stage for the Saturday speaking at Fancy Farm? Local GOP state lawmakers with nearly all the Republican statewide constitutional officers, including Attorney General Russell Coleman, Secretary of State Michael Adams, Treasurer Mark Metcalf and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell.

Former Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial nominee Daniel Cameron will also speak as a surrogate for Donald Trumps presidential campaign. Republican State Auditor Allison Ball is not attending due to a conflict with a wedding.

The Marshall County dinner the night before Fancy Farm will also feature Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson, D-Lexington, who will be on the Fancy Farm stage urging defeat of constitutional amendment this November that, if approved by voters, would allow public funding to go to nonpublic schools. Kentucky House Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro, will be advocating for the constitutional amendment on stage Saturday.

Other speakers at the picnic include nonpartisan Kentucky Court of Appeals judicial candidates Lisa Payne Jones and Jason Shea Fleming and the Libertarian Party presidential candidate Chase Oliver.
TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  A Bessemer man was killed in a Tuscaloosa County crash Thursday afternoon, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reports.

The crash happened on Alabama 216 around 2:21 p.m. about five miles east of Brookwood. Wayne Chastine, 57, was fatally injured when the Toyota Corolla he was driving departed the road, hit a tree and overturned. Chastine, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Court filings provide additional details of the US first nitrogen gas execution

A passenger in the Corolla sustained injuries and was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center for treatment. 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.

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The link between shootings and summer heat: How temperature affects violence in Rochester

Sweltering summer heat has arrived in Rochester, with the mercury reaching 90 degrees on July 29.

With those uncomfortable temperatures comes an uncomfortable truth: violence increases when the mercury rises. Its part of the heat hypothesis, the belief that exposure to high temperatures can increase aggression. This school of thought is backed up by plenty of research and baked into culture through observations by the likes of Shakespeare.

Last summer, Democrat and Chronicle editor Rob Bell reviewed an increase in violence on the streets of Rochester in warm weather as part of City on Fire, available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

So does Rochester find the same impacts of warm weather on violence? As Bell explored last year, the answer is yes.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Mass shootings and heat

Based on Rochester Police Department mass shooting data, the Rochester Police Department has documented 14 mass shootings as of July 28, with six of those occurring when the temperature is warmer than 70 degrees.

The trend is repeated in following years, using the city database and National Weather Service in Buffalo weather records. In 2023, 63% of the citys shootings involving more than one victim occurred when the temperature was warmer than 70 degrees. For each of the years since 2020:

2020: 18/38 (47%)

2021: 23/47 (49%)

2022: 14/31 (45%)

2023: 19/30 (63%)

2024: 6/14 (43%)

Heat is the top weather-related killer in the United States, but studies suggest there could be another factor to the danger of heat: gun-related violence.

Heat-attributable shootings

A New York Amsterdam News analysis of data provided by Boston University's RISE Lab and the University of Washington's Firearm Injury and Policy Program found nearly 7% of gun violence incidents in 100 U.S. cities could be attributed to above-average temperatures.

In some locations, including Rochester, Syracuse and Buffalo, the percentage was greater.

According to the analysis, Rochester could attribute 66 of 796 shootings between 2015 and 2020 to excessive seasonal heat, or 8.3% of total shootings. In the same span, Syracuse had 67 heat-attributable shootings of 507 (13.3%), while Buffalo had 109 heat-attributable shootings out of 848 (12.9%).

The study controlled for factors like seasonality and long-term trends over the 6-year span.

Maximum daily temperatures were recorded using data from NASAs North American Land Data Assimilation System.

Temperature was converted to city-specific measures to allow a relative comparison

Firearm incidents used in the study had at least one person injured or killed; incidents of suicide or intentional self harm were not included. The data came from the Gun Violence Archive.

Shootings in Rochester and their connection to temperature between 2015 and 2020 from an analysis from Boston University and the University of Washington.

In data from 2020, however, Rochester had no heat-attributable shootings. In the same year, Buffalo had 26 heat-attributable shootings and Syracuse had 27. Both Buffalo and Syracuse had four days with two heat-attributable shootings in 2020. Those days were:

Buffalo

June 21

July 5

July 6

Aug. 25

Syracuse

June 5

June 20

July 24

July 26

Studies on heat and violence

The relationship between heat and gun violence has been well-reviewed in recent years.

The New York Times reviewed nine cities with public shooting data available, including Rochester. The analysis found there were nearly twice as many shooting victims in Rochester on warm days than cold days, based on data from 2000 to 2018.

A 2021 paper published in The Journal of Public Economics studied this dynamic using data from Los Angeles. It found:

Higher temperatures drive up violent behavior more in neighborhoods that are poorer and have older housing stock.

Heat only affects violent crimes. Theft and property crimes are not changed by higher temperatures.

The strongest patterns of crime are committed at home and against victims the perpetrator knows.

"This leads us to conclude that the quality of living quarters matters and that poorer residents are the least likely to be able to cope with higher heat."

What causes the increased emotions in the torrid weather?

SLEEPLESSNESS: Heat hinders our ability to sleep, process stress and problem-solve, which is dangerous for people in crisis. "We aren't thinking as clearly and we're not having access to those parts involved in solving complex cognitive tasks," said clinical psychologist Dr. Shilagh Mirgain, who specializes in health psychology at UW Health. "Those become impaired with heat stress."

PHYSICAL CHANGES: According to research compiled by Forbes, "hot weather increases body temperature, which in turn increases heart rate and blood pressure. Increased blood pressure and heart rate can lead to discomfort, which researchers attribute to the correlation between high heat and increased anger and violence."

PRISON SHOWS IT, TOO: "High temperatures increase intense violence among the incarcerated. Days with unsafe heat index levels shift both the intensive and extensive margins of violence, raising daily violent interactions by 20%, and the probability of any violence by 18%," said one study.

OUT LATER: It stays light longer, and we are more active in the summer. People who have nothing else to do, sometimes congregate outside and tempers can flare.

 This story includes reporting by Democrat and Chronicle editors William Ramsey and Robert Bell.

Steve Howe covers weather, climate and lake issues for the Democrat and Chronicle. An RIT graduate, he returned to Rochester after working around the state and in Utah. Have a story idea? Tell him at showe@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester NY: Gun violence and summer heat
BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Contrary to the pessimistic views perpetuated by some U.S. politicians and the U.S. media, a series of indicators showed China's foreign trade has maintained a steady upward momentum. It is an inevitable result of China's continuous pursuit of high-level opening-up, which creates fresh opportunities and a new driver for global economic growth.

China's trade in goods has ranked first in the world for seven consecutive years, and the country is now a major trading partner with more than 150 countries and regions, data released by the General Administration of Customs showed on Tuesday.

China has so far established 22 pilot free trade zones and is constructing the Hainan Free Trade Port. Policies include shortening the negative list for foreign investment and lifting market access restrictions in such service sectors as telecommunications and medical care; these policies have been introduced to encourage more foreign investment.

China has also actively promoted Belt and Road cooperation, and such multilateral platforms as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to facilitate smoother global trade flows and foster global economic integration.

These measures are just part of China's efforts to expand its high-level opening-up for greater mutual benefit. The efforts, which conform to the right course of economic globalization, are especially crucial amidst growing trade protectionism and anti-globalization sentiments.

"China's rapid foreign trade growth has significantly boosted the global economy by enhancing supply chain efficiency, increasing the availability of diverse goods, and stimulating economic activity worldwide," said Abdulaziz Alshaabani, a Saudi researcher at Al Riyadh Center for Political and Strategic Studies.

"It has facilitated greater market access for international businesses and fostered economic interdependence, promoting global economic stability and growth," Alshaabani added.

As the world grapples with exacerbating challenges from climate change, China has made substantial contributions to the global green transition.

China has been shifting from exporting mainly labor-intensive goods such as apparel to tech-intensive and green products. Electric vehicles (EVs), solar batteries and lithium-ion batteries, categorized as China's tech-intensive and green "new three," reported a combined export value of 150 billion dollars in 2023, jumping 29.9 percent year-on-year.

China's push toward high-end manufacturing and new technologies especially in the green sector will have a positive spillover effect on its trading partners, said Lee Heng Guie, executive director of the Socio-Economic Research Center of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia.

The global EV industry is not facing overcapacity, but a problem of undercapacity. According to research by the International Energy Agency, to achieve carbon neutrality, global sales of EVs need to reach about 45 million by 2030, more than three times the figure in 2023 and far exceeding current global production capacity.

The continuous opening-up of China's new energy industry creates a larger economic pie for the world and brings more development opportunities.

China's trading network has greatly expanded, with increasing trade cooperation with emerging markets including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Latin America and other BRICS nations, contributing to the optimization and balance of global trade patterns.

By strengthening trade ties with emerging markets, China has not only realized trade growth for itself, but also bolstered the economic prospects of these developing regions.

As a firm advocate for globalization, China is committed to staying the course of high-level opening-up, thereby ensuring its steady economic growth and making fresh contributions to the global economy. 
President Biden said he had a very direct call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed concerns over escalation in the Middle East.

On the Thursday call, which Vice President Harris also joined, Biden stressed that the need for securing a cease-fire deal with the prime minister.

Im very concerned about it, Biden said when asked of escalation in the region.

I had a very direct meeting with prime minister  very direct. We have the basis for a cease-fire. They should move on it, and they should move on it now, he added while on the Joint Base Andrews tarmac late Thursday night, where he was meeting the Americans released from Russia.

Israel faces threats from Iran after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas leader, who was killed on Wednesday while visiting Tehran for the inauguration of Irans new president. Iran has vowed to seek revenge, sparking concerns that the region will be plunged into an all-out war.

Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death, but hours after it made the news, Netanyahu gave defiant remarks and said Israel is achieving its goals.

The White House on Wednesday said Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Iran are not helpful while they seek a cease-fire deal to end the conflict.

White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said the recent events complicate the pending deal that aims to end the war in Gaza. Biden and Harris also discussed the deal with Netanyahu while he was in Washington last week.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden and Vice President Harris greeted three United States citizens who were released from Russia during the prisoner swap when they landed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland late Thursday night.

The three Americans  journalist Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva  landed at the base just outside of Washington, D.C., around 11:45 p.m.

Biden and Harris waited at the bottom of the stairs when the plane landed. Whelan exited first and Biden greeted him, saying, How are you doing, sir? They all spoke and hugged. Gershkovich then exited the plane and hugged Harris and Biden and spoke with them. The two also greeted their family members.

Kurmasheva then exited and spoke with Biden and shook hands with Harris. Biden wished a happy birthday to her daughter, who ran up to her saying, I cant believe youre here.

Whelan, after greeting his family, went back to Biden and shook his hand again. Also on the tarmac for the arrival were multiple Wall Street Journal employees waiting for Gershkovich, their colleague.

The three former detainees arrived from Turkey, where the prisoner swap took place.

Biden was with the families of Gershkovich, Whelan, Kurmasheva and Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was also released in the deal, earlier at the White House. The president and the families spoke with those released from the Oval Office while they were on their way to Turkey, and the families flanked Biden while he gave remarks announcing the swap.

The president has stressed the importance of allies, especially Slovenia, Norway and Turkey, for their help with the release.

Harris also gave remarks earlier Thursday before leaving Texas and returning to Washington.

Today, in spite of all of their suffering, it gives me great comfort to know that their horrible ordeal is now over, she said, adding that the administration will never stop fighting for the release of other Americans held abroad.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
After more than five years in Russian captivity, Michigan's Paul Whelan is back in the United States.

The wheels of a sleek, silver jet with a single red stripe touched down at 11:37 p.m. Thursday at Joint Base Andrews near Washington D.C., carrying Whelan, 54, of Novi, along with Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who also had been held by Russia.

It slowed to a stop at 11:43 p.m., and President Joe Biden, who personally intervened in the long months it took to negotiate a multi-country prisoner swap involving some two dozen people, walked side by side with Vice President Kamala Harris to greet the passengers.

Whelans sister, Elizabeth, followed directly behind them, trailed by Gershkovichs parents and Kurmashevas family.

Paul Whelan, the Michigan businessman detained in Russia more than five years, landed Thursday, Aug. 1, at Joint Base Andrews. He met President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and was reunited with his sister, Elizabeth Whelan.

More: Michigan leaders react to release of Paul Whelan

More: Tiny Michigan village filled with 'pure joy' as Paul Whelan is released from Russia

Whelan was the first to step off the aircraft, meeting applause.

He shook Bidens hand and gave him a hug, asking, "How you doing, sir?" and then did the same with Harris before walking toward his sister, Elizabeth Whelan, for a long embrace.

"It feels wonderful," Biden told reporters who asked how he felt a short time later, standing nearby as the families hugged and mingled. "It was a long time coming."

"I meant what I said (earlier in the day), alliances make a difference, [allies] stepped up and took a chance for us." Biden's negotiators worked with a team of other countries, including Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Turkey to arrange a swap of some two dozen prisoners, including the three Americans.

It was considered the biggest, most complicated prisoner swap since the end of the Cold War.

Speaking to reporters briefly after being greeted by Biden and Harris, Whelan said, "thank you very much," to all the people who played a part in his release.

And when asked how he managed to cope during his more than five years and seven months in Russian detention, Whelan said: "I'm resilient. It's my Irish background. You have to be a little tenacious with these people, but you do it day by day. Every day, I sung the national anthems of my four countries. I did it one step at a time."

Whelan, who was born in Ottawa, Ontario, holds passports in the U.S., Canada, Britain and Ireland. His parents, Edward and Rosemary Whelan, immigrated to Canada from Britain. The family moved to Ann Arbor when Whelan was a small child, and he graduated in Huron High School's class of 1988. He got Irish citizenship from his grandparents.

Whelan is a former Marine and was the head of global security for BorgWarner before his arrest in December 2018 in Moscow. He was charged with espionage while visiting Russia for a friend's wedding. His family and the U.S. government have maintained the charges were false.

Next off the plane after Whelan on Thursday night was Gershkovich, who had been detained in Russia since March 2023 and who waved to the crowd gathered to greet him as he came down the steps. He hugged Biden and Harris before he trained his eyes on his waiting parents.

He lifted his mother into the air as they hugged for the first time in more than a year.

Last off the plane was Kurmasheva, a journalist for U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, who holds both U.S. and Russian citizenship. She had been detained since October of last year.

She held the hands of the president and vice president, speaking with them for a few minutes before running into the arms of her daughters and husband.

One of her daughters, Miriam, will be 13 years old on Friday. On the tarmac, as Biden wished her happy birthday, Miriam ran to her mother, crying, saying, "I love you so much, I can't believe you're here."

After the other reunions, Whelan returned to Biden, who spoke with him a little longer before taking off the American flag pin on his lapel and giving it to Whelan, who swiftly put it on the collar of his shirt.

Kurmashevas husband wore a USA t-shirt and an enormous smile. He lifted his arms into the air, posing for the cameras with his newly reunited family.

Biden felt so invigorated by the event he jogged over to other reporters to answer some more questions.

Whelan said he felt pretty good  even after the long day of travel from Russia to Turkey and then to the U.S. He wasn't ready to celebrate his freedom, he said, until the plane had reached British airspace, where he finally felt safe.

It was not immediately known when Whelan would return to Michigan. His parents live in Manchester, southwest of Ann Arbor. He said only that he was headed next to Texas.

And now that he's back on American soil, Whelan said one of the first things he'd like to do is get a steak.

Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @tsspangler.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan's Paul Whelan back in U.S. after historic prisoner swap
Three Americans Freed From Russian Prison Are Back on U.S. Soil

President Joe Biden told reporters the first words he said to three American prisoners who landed on U.S. soil Thursday night after being freed from Russia: Welcome home.

Biden, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, greeted Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva on the tarmac after they landed at Joint Base Andrews, capping a successful exchange that released 16 prisoners in all.

Biden later told reporters that he put together the deal a while ago but waited to make sure everything was in place.

The president and vice president joined the families of some of the former captives, including Gershkovichs parents and Kurmashevas daughters.

President Biden and Vice President Harris greet Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva freed from Russia at Joint Base Andrews. pic.twitter.com/abXTlAH8JN  CSPAN (@cspan) August 2, 2024

The plane carrying the prisoners touched down several minutes after 11:30 p.m. ET. Whelan was the first prisoner to step onto American soil. Whelan saluted, then embraced Biden and Harris, who were waiting on the tarmac. He could be seen having a deep conversation with the president before giving him a pat on the arm and moving on to greet Harris.

Speaking to reporters, Whelan, a former U.S. Marine, said he passed the time during his almost six years of captivity by singing the national anthem, the New York Times reported. When asked for a message to others who remain locked up abroad, he said, Just hang in there. Were coming for you. Later, when returning to converse with Biden, the president appeared to take a pin off his lapel and gift it to Whelan.

2164891932 Freed prisoner Paul Whelan greets a family member after arriving at Joint Base Andrews on August 1, 2024 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Gershkovich quickly followed the former U.S. Marine and could be seen briefly chatting with the president and vice president after deplaning. Microphones could not immediately pick up the conversation between the Wall Street Journal reporter and the commander-in-chief. After conversing with Biden and Harris, Gershkovich lifted his mother, Ella Milman, as the pair reunited.

When asked how it felt to be home, Gershkovich simply responded, Not bad. When someone asked how hes feeling, he replied, Im all right.

Evan! How does it feel to finally be home?

Not bad.



This guy. pic.twitter.com/7aT6K3QbBn  Katie Rogers (@katierogers) August 2, 2024

Kurmasheva, the Tatar-language Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty editor, disembarked and was quickly met with an hug from her daughters.

Speaking to the press after the dramatic landing, Biden thanked several U.S. allies, including Germany and Slovenia, for assisting in the deal. When asked if he had a message for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden simply responded: Stop.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother Ella Milman after he arrived back in the United States as U.S. President Joe Biden looks on on August 1, 2024 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. : @andyharnik @GettyImagesNews pic.twitter.com/0ugUfFkF4l  Pancho Bernasconi (@DailyLuca) August 2, 2024

Biden also told one reporter that his decision to suspend his reelection campaign had nothing to do with the prisoner exchange.

Id still get it done even if I was seeking a second term. Youre stuck with me as president for a while, kid. Theres no way out. Youve got me for another 100 days or soit didnt have anything to do with that.

Harris heaped praise on Biden, calling it an extraordinary day.

This is just an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and understands the strength that rests in understanding the significance of diplomacy and strengthening alliance, the vice president said.

The president had earlier posted footage of the first phone call families of the three former prisoners made with their loved ones as they were on their way home. Secretary of State Antony Blinken posted a similar call of his conversation with the trio.

Every parent, child, spouse, and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time, he wrote.

Every parent, child, spouse, and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time.



In just a few short hours when our fellow Americans return home, those prayers will be answered. pic.twitter.com/2xglu30HE9  President Biden (@POTUS) August 2, 2024

Echoing his initial message, Biden posted a note to the trio early Friday on X. Tonight is about reuniting families. Welcome home, Paul, Evan, and Alsu. Youre right where you belong.

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US President Joe Biden had a "very direct" call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the killings of a top Hamas leader and a Hezbollah military commander, according to the White House and reports.

In the call on Thursday, Biden reaffirmed Washington's support for Israel in its fight against the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, the Shiite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, all of whom are backed by Iran.

He had a "very direct" conversation with Netanyahu, he told reporters at an air base during a welcome event for the US nationals released in a prisoner exchange, according to US media reports.

The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has not helped the chances of a ceasefire deal in Gaza, Biden said.

"We have laid the groundwork for a ceasefire. He should engage with it, and they should engage with it now," Biden said, according to the reports. He also expressed significant concern about the tensions escalating in the Middle East, after Iran vowed to retaliate.

Were very concerned about it, Biden said, adding he and Vice President Kamala Harris had discussed the matter with Netanyahu.

The conversation also covered new US military aid to Israel to help fend off drone and rocket attacks, the White House said, and called for efforts to de-escalate in the region.

In recent days, US government officials have repeatedly made conciliatory remarks regarding the tensions in the Middle East. Washington has said several times that an escalation is neither inevitable nor imminent.

Israel assassinated Hezbollah's top commander, Fuad Shukr, on Tuesday in Beirut. A few hours later, Haniyeh was killed in an attack in the Iranian capital Tehran.

Iran and Hamas accused Israel of killing Haniyeh and threatened retaliation. The Israeli government has not yet commented but fears are growing of a potentially large, coordinated attack on Israel by Iran, Hezbollah and other allied militias in the region.
US President Joe Biden had a "very direct" call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the killings of a top Hamas leader and a Hezbollah military commander, according to the White House and reports.

In the call on Thursday, Biden reaffirmed Washington's support for Israel in its fight against the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, the Shiite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, all of whom are backed by Iran.

He had a "very direct" conversation with Netanyahu, he told reporters at an air base during a welcome event for the US nationals released in a prisoner exchange, according to US media reports.

The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has not helped the chances of a ceasefire deal in Gaza, Biden said.

"We have laid the groundwork for a ceasefire. He should engage with it, and they should engage with it now," Biden said, according to the reports. He also expressed significant concern about the tensions escalating in the Middle East, after Iran vowed to retaliate.

Were very concerned about it, Biden said, adding he and Vice President Kamala Harris had discussed the matter with Netanyahu.

The conversation also covered new US military aid to Israel to help fend off drone and rocket attacks, the White House said, and called for efforts to de-escalate in the region.

Israel assassinated Hezbollah's top commander, Fuad Shukr, on Tuesday in Beirut. A few hours later, Haniyeh was killed in an attack in the Iranian capital Tehran.

Iran and Hamas accused Israel of killing Haniyeh and threatened retaliation. The Israeli government has not yet commented but fears are growing of a potentially large, coordinated attack on Israel by Iran, Hezbollah and other allied militias in the region.
With less than six months left in office, Biden announced his plan to reform the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this week over what he called increasing threats to Americas democratic institutions."

Biden called on Congress to back his plan and impose restrictions and a code of ethics on the court.

According to experts, Biden's action can represent the negative view some Americans have of the justices.

There is very low approval right now, said Lisa Magana, professor at the School of Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, of the Supreme Court. Partly because I think they're seen as very much partisan which theyre not supposed to be.

According to a Pew Research Center study released in 2023, favorable ratings of the Supreme Court fell 26 percentage points since 2020, making it the first time since 1987 that the majority of Americans held a negative view of the court at about 54%.

This Court has gutted civil rights protections, taken away a womans right to choose, and now granted Presidents broad immunity from prosecution for crimes they commit in office, Biden said in a press release on Monday. Under Trumps presidency, three new justices were appointed which led to a 6-3 conservative majority in the court that has upended many long-standing protections that Biden believes to be fundamental rights.

Members of Congress have criticized Biden's reform, such as Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell, who expressed that the Supreme Court was under attack, while many Democratic senators plan to back Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, as he plans to introduce the No Kings Act that rejects the Court's decision for presidential immunity.

What are the three reforms Biden proposed

In response to the Court's ruling that no current or former president can be prosecuted for actions taken while they were in office, Biden proposed the No One Is Above The Law Amendment, which states that the Constitution does not protect presidents from, federal criminal indictment, trial, conviction, or sentencing.

Biden also proposed term limits on Supreme Court justices that would change the makeup of the Supreme Court entirely every 18 years. Under Bidens plan, the president would select a new justice every two years. Currently, justices are allowed to serve for an unlimited amount of time; Clarence Thomas, the oldest serving current Supreme Court, has been serving since 1991.

The last reform calls for a code of ethics, similar to federal judges, which would require court justices to, disclose gifts, refrain from public political activity, and recuse themselves from cases in which they or their spouses have financial or other conflicts of interest.

These reforms follow similar rules set in place for judges at the federal and state level.

Abortion, immigration, voting rights, gun safety and climate change  those issues really do matter, and so we want to make sure that the way that the Supreme Court operates is in line with how the state courts operate as well, said Sena Mohammed, executive director of Our Voice, Our Vote Arizona.

How Biden's reform can impact Arizona

In Arizona, state supreme court justices serve six-year terms and are not allowed to accept gifts that may impact their impartiality. If Congress passes Bidens reforms, it could bring Supreme Court justices to stricter standards similar to Arizonas Supreme Court justices and impact existing Arizona laws.

When Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022, abortion was no longer protected under the U.S. Constitution. States were left with the power to impose their own abortion laws which led to Arizona restricting the right to an abortion from 23 to 24 weeks gestational age, down to 15 weeks.

Much room is left open to interpretation when states are left to decide on major legislations, Magana said.Arizona's gotten into trouble when they take immigration into their own hands and supersede the federal government, said Magana. What would happen if the state was allowed to do whatever it wanted, for example, with SB 1070?

SB 1070, also known as the show me your papers law, had three of the four provisions struck down by the Supreme Court in 2012. Had the law been brought up under the current 6-3 conservative majority, a very different decision could have been handed down, Magana said.

When the court overturned affirmative action in June 2023, this meant that race would no longer be a determining factor for students being admitted to colleges and universities. In Arizona, this didnt have much of an impact as Proposition 107 in 2010 banned preferential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.

Laws that aimed to protect immigrants, women, and other marginalized communities have been challenged and will continue to be challenged under the current Supreme Court. According to Mohammed, Biden's plan is welcomed by those who seek to protect the progress built up by previous voters throughout the generations.

I believe that reforming the court is essential to really ensuring that we're protecting progress on everything that we care about, said Mohammed. People of color and married women and young people are the new American majority. We make up 64% of all voters, but this court keeps constraining our freedom.

Reach La Voz reporter Erick Trevino at erick.trevino@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What Biden's Supreme Court reform means for Arizonans
JUBA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Friday expressed concern about rising abductions, allegedly carried out by the National Salvation Front (NAS), a rebel group and other armed elements operating in South Sudan's Central Equatoria State.

The UN mission said it received reports of some 12 such cases in July, affecting 134 individuals, six of whom are children in Yei River, Morobo and Lainya counties of Central Equatoria State.

Nicholas Haysom, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan and head of UNMISS, said the abduction of children, in particular, exposes them to various risks including possible recruitment and use in armed conflict, sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.

Haysom said in a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, that children as well as adults in captivity must be released immediately and unconditionally. "Such incidents not only go against international human rights and humanitarian law but also devastate communities, creating fear and uncertainty," he said.

The UN official stressed that abductions remain an ongoing threat to security and peace-building efforts and the mission is proactively engaging with relevant national, state, and local authorities on this issue. He urged the government to conduct immediate investigations and remind involved parties of their human rights obligations.

Leon Abe Brown, Central Equatoria State minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies, said there have been reports of abductions in the state and security personnel are working to address the issue.

"The issue of abduction has been happening in Yei and Lainya counties last month but about two weeks or so there have been no reports of abductions and the security personnel are working to address it," Abe said, adding abductions remain an ongoing threat to security and peacebuilding efforts in the country. 
SEEKONK, Mass. (WPRI)  One of the 23 Big Lots stores in Massachusetts is set to close.

A banner that says Closing this location only now hangs on the front of the store on Route 6 in Seekonk.

Big Lots closing store on Route 6 in Seekonk (Photo: Gary Azera/WPRI-TV)

The closure is also noted on Big Lots website.

In July, the company said in a U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission filing that it expected to shut down 35 to 40 stores this year.

MORE: Big Lots expects to close dozens of stores; companys future in doubt

Its unclear at this time when the Seekonk store will close for good.

Rhode Island has one location in Warwick, and other local stores in Massachusetts include Attleboro, Swansea and Fairhaven.

12 News has reached out to Big Lots to find out if any other stores are affected.

NEXT: Turbine debris from Vineyard Wind washes ashore in Westport

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The Egyptian government may have given $10 million to Donald Trump in 2017, violating U.S. lawbut the investigation into the payment was squashed by Attorney General William Barr.



The Washington Post reports, citing unnamed sources, that an investigation began in 2017 that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi was seeking to give Trump $10 million to boost his 2016 election campaign. Federal investigators discovered in 2019 that, only five days before Trump was sworn into office, nearly $10 million in cash was withdrawn on behalf of an organization linked to Egyptian intelligence.



In the U.S., receiving funds from overseas is a federal crime. Federal investigators were trying to prove if any money actually moved from Egypt to Trump, and if that had anything to do with Trumps decision to boost his campaign in its final days with $10 million of his own money.



But the investigation was halted by Trumps Justice Department, which blocked FBI agents and prosecutors from accessing bank records that could provide the evidence. In the fall of 2019, Barr questioned whether there were sufficient grounds for the investigation to continue.



Barr directed the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in D.C., Jessie Liu, to examine the intelligence herself, and instructed FBI Director Christopher Wray to provide adult supervision on FBI agents Barr said were hell-bent on pursuing Trumps records. Whether Wray (also appointed by Trump) did anything in response isnt known, but in June 2020, the prosecutor Barr chose to oversee the investigation, Michael Sherwin, closed it down, citing insufficient evidence.



Every American should be concerned about how this case ended, said one of the Posts sources. The Justice Department is supposed to follow evidence wherever it leadsit does so all the time to determine if a crime occurred or not.

The Post reviewed thousands of pages of government records, including sealed court filings and exhibits, and spoke to more than two dozen people who knew about the investigation. Its a startling report, considering that Trump had faced a special counsel probe into his relationship with the Russian government, but not Egypt.



In recent months, Senator Bob Menendez was convicted of taking bribes of cash and gold bars while acting as a middleman between New Jersey businessmen and foreign governments, including Egypt. If Trump actually took money from Egypt, it would show a much higher level of corruption from the country as well as from Trump, who has yet to face any criminal sentences from the legal cases against him. But, thanks to the Supreme Courts ruling granting presidents immunity from official acts, if Trump actually took money illegally, can anything be done about it?


New Bill Would Revive the Right To Sue Federal Cops for Constitutional Violations

Democrats in Congress have reintroduced a bill that would revive the ability to sue federal law enforcement officers for constitutional violations like excessive force, following a series of Supreme Court decisions that have made it practically impossible to do so.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (DR.I.) and Reps. Hank Johnson (DGa.) and Jamie Raskin (DMd.) reintroduced the Bivens Act in the Senate and House, respectively, this week. The legislation would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1871a federal statute that allows people to sue the government for civil rights violationsto include federal officials acting under the color of law, as well as state and local officials.

"Public officials at all levels of government, including law enforcement, should have a clear, fair standard of accountability when they break the law," Whitehouse said in a press release. "Our Bivens Act would end the confusing judicial precedent that for too long has prevented victims from holding federal officials accountable and securing compensation for constitutional violations."

In 1971, the Supreme Court ruled in Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents of Federal Bureau of Narcotics that federal agents may be sued when they violate someone's rights. But subsequent Supreme Court rulings over the years have steadily narrowed the scope of so-called Bivens claims to the point where it's a dead letter.

In the most recent case, Egbert v. Boule, the Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that a bed-and-breakfast owner could not sue a Border Patrol agent who had allegedly assaulted him and then retaliated after he complained. Reason's Damon Root summarized the case:

At issue were the actions of a border patrol agent who sought to question one of the guests at a Washington state bed-and-breakfast about the guest's immigration status. When owner Robert Boule told the agent, Erik Egbert, to leave his property, Egbert allegedly assaulted Boule. Then, when Boule complained about the alleged assault to the agent's superiors, Egbert allegedly retaliated by asking the IRS to investigate Boule, who was audited.

The Court ruled 63 that Boule could not bring a claim against Egbert for excessive force or First Amendment retaliation.

That same term, the Court declined to hear petitions involving cases where a St. Paul police officer invented a fake sex-trafficking ring and jailed a teenage girl for two years on trumped-up charges and where a Department of Homeland Security agent allegedly tried to kill a man because of an argument involving his son.

As Reason's Billy Binion wrote at the time, "A federal badge will now serve as an impenetrable shield against civil liability for violating the same laws agents are charged with upholding."

That's not just the opinion of some whacky libertarians either. Federal Judge Don Willett complained in a 2021 opinion that the Supreme Court has gutted Bivens to the extent that "if you wear a federal badge, you can inflict excessive force on someone with little fear of liability."

The Bivens Act is supported by numerous civil rights and watchdog groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the Project on Government Oversight.

The post New Bill Would Revive the Right To Sue Federal Cops for Constitutional Violations appeared first on Reason.com.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Having reactions symptomatic of hysteria barely controlled; always on the edge of tears; cant sleep; headacheshave a touch of the flu or something.

Writing from his room at the A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham on October 18, 1957, James Baldwin described how his trip through the South had been going the last few weeks. Baldwin, then 33, had never spent any time in the South, but with the desegregation of Montgomerys buses, as well as the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the young writer went out to see what he could in the hotbed of the civil rights movement in the South.

Friday marks what wouldve been the esteemed writer and public intellectuals 100th birthday. Although he spent most of his working life living outside the United Statesespecially in France during his final yearsBaldwins writings were wholly of Black American experience in America, reflections in books like Notes of a Native Son and The Fire Next Time that continue to inspire millions today.

The author James Baldwin smiles while addressing the crowd from the speakers platform, after participating in the march from Selma to Montgomery in support of voting rights, Alabama, March 1965. (Photo by Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty Images)

In his letter from Birmingham, Baldwin wrote about how racial tension was tearing apart the city.

Have spent my day walking around the city, talking to people, including a white man who works for the National Conference of Christians and Jews, who now is forcedliterallyto leave Alabama, he wrote. Cant take any more burning crosses, the isolation, economic reprisals (credit standing gone).

By this time, Baldwin had been demoralized by what he had seen throughout the South, as reflected through the research of University of Georgia professor Ed Pavlic, who wrote extensively about Baldwins correspondences at the time in places like Brick magazine, Boston Review, and his book, Who Can Afford to Improvise?: James Baldwin and Black Music, the Lyric and the Listeners.

I have a very strong feeling I best not linger here, Baldwin wrote. Ive never in my life been on a sadder journey

The week before, Baldwin had been in Montgomery, having just ridden the citys desegregated buses with hostile white passengers.

I think that I have never been in a town so aimlessly hostile, so baffled and demoralized, Baldwin wrote years later in a piece for Harpers Magazine, The Dangerous Road Before Martin Luther King. Whoever has a stone to fling, and flings it, is then left without any weapons; and this was (and remains) the situation of the white people in Montgomery.

Nonetheless, Baldwin did find some hope in Alabama, especially after attending MLKs Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery one Sunday for a community meeting. It was here where Baldwin felt the transformation of the movement taking place before his very eyes.

Until Montgomery, the Negro church, which has always been the place where protest and condemnation could be most vividly articulated, also operated as a kind of sanctuary, he wrote. When King rose to speak-to preach-I began to understand how the atmosphere of this church differed from that of all the other churches I have known, Baldwin wrote. At first I thought that the great emotional power and authority of the Negro church was being put to a new use, but this is not exactly the case. The Negro church was playing the Martin Luther King, same role which it has always played in Negro life, but it had acquired a new power.

Nonetheless, the trip did little to improve Baldwins hopes. In his 1959 piece for Partisan Review, Nobody Knows My Name: A Letter from the South, he wrote about how true change will have to spread from each major city in the South before real change can come.

When a race riot occurs in Atlanta, it will not spread merely to Birmingham, for example. (Birmingham is a doomed city.) The trouble will spread to every metropolitan center in the nation which has a significant Negro population. And this is not only because the ties between Northern and Southern Negroes are still very close. It is because the nation, the entire nation, has spent a hundred years avoiding the question of the place of the Black man in it.

Civil rights leaders clasp hands as they sing during the closing of memorial ceremonies in New York, Sept. 22, 1963, for four girls killed in the bombing of the Birmingham, Ala., Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. From right, are: author James Baldwin; James Farmer, president of the Congress of Racial Equality; unidentified man; and veteran Socialist leader Norman Thomas. At a rally on Foley Square, Farmer charged the U.S. Department of Justice and President Kennedy with a share of the blame in the Sept. 15, bombing, and Thomas said he was ashamed that I was a white American, when the bombing took place. (AP Photo/Jacob Harris)

Despite how his trip through Alabama weighed on him, Baldwin did not turn his back on the state, coming back to take part in the Selma-to-Montgomery march in 1963. Following the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Baldwin and others used their voices to inspire others during the National Day of Mourning for the Children of Birmingham.

Baldwins trip through Alabama and the South also gave him a perspective on how those in the North used the South to cover up their own inaction in the fight for civil rights.

In his 1960 essay for Esquire Magazine, Fifth Avenue, Uptown, Baldwin discussed how the plight of Blacks in the South were often ignored by those in the North.

Northerners indulge in an extremely dangerous luxury, Baldwin wrote. They seem to feel that because they fought on the right side during the Civil War, and won, they have earned the right merely to deplore what is going on in the South, without taking any responsibility for it; and that they can ignore what is happening in Northern cities because what is happening in Little Rock or Birmingham is worse.

Baldwins observations ultimately helped him to see that what was happening in Birmingham at the time was happening in other places, too.

White people are astounded by Birmingham. Black people arent, Baldwin can be heard saying in the documentary I Am Not Your Negro. White people are endlessly demanding to be reassured that Birmingham is really on Mars. They dont want to believe, still less to act on the belief, that what is happening in Birmingham is happening all over the country.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Black voters in Gainesville were educated Thursday evening about alleged legislative attacks on communities of color aimed at suppressing their votes.

The voter education event was hosted by Equal Ground and State Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson, D-Gainesville, at the Santa Fe College Blount Center in downtown Gainesville.

"We are here to educate the community about all of the state legislative bills that became law on July 1 that will affect our citizens," Hinson said before the event.

Getting the message out about the new laws and changes in voting laws is important because ignorance of the law is no excuse, and those who dont know the law may find themselves in a world of trouble, said Hinson, whose District 21 Seat in the state House of Representatives includes parts of Alachua and Marion counties.

More: Inside Florida Politics: Kamala Harris energizes Florida Democrats

Equal Ground participated in the event to help Hinson get the word out about new laws that many say will have a negative impact on communities of color, said Genesis Robinson, executive director of Equal Grounds Education and Action funds.

Were here to educate people about what took place in the last state legislative session that will affect their daily lives and to make sure our communities are made aware of those changes, Robinson said.

Though not one of the bills passed in the last state legislative session, Senate Bill 90 that was passed in 2021 is a bill voters need to understand because it deals with voting by mail and other things associated with voting, Robinson said.

One of the provisions of the bill requires voters to now request vote-by-mail ballots before an election, Robinson said, adding that many Black voters choose to vote by mail.

The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the Aug. 20 primary election in Florida is 5 p.m. Aug. 8 because the law in Florida is that those ballots must be requested no later than 12 days prior to an election, according to the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections website.

Early voting in Alachua County for the Aug. 20 primary election will be held 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 5-17 at the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office, Millhopper Branch Library, J. Wayne Reitz Union on the University of Florida campus, Tower Road Branch Library, Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center in Newberry, Legacy Park Multipurpose Center in Alachua, Hawthorne Community Center in Hawthorne and Santa Fe Community College in Building S-029.

It is also important for people using the U.S. Postal Service to mail their ballots at least a week before Election Day to ensure their ballots have the best chance to arrive at the elections office on time, Robinson said, adding that besides voters using the postal service the only other way to return vote-by-mail ballots is taking them to the elections office.

To request a vote-by-mail ballot, voters must do so online at www.votealachua.com/vrservices/mbrs#, in person at the elections office at 515 N. Main St., Suite 300, in downtown Gainesville, by calling 352-374-5252 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. or by faxing 352-374-5264.

Others involved with the event included Alachua County NAACP, Gainesville Residents United, North Central Florida AFL-CIO, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Social Justice Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., The Visionaries, Black Voters Matter and League of Women Voters of Alachua County.

Providing information to voters about new laws and local and statewide initiatives is important and was the reason the Alachua County branch NAACP participated in the event, branch President Evelyn Foxx said.

Our lives are affected by this because it all depends on which candidate you vote for and how you vote on the ballot initiatives, Foxx said. It appears that all of these ballot initiatives will affect our communities the most, and we thank Representative Hinson for bringing Equal Ground here to help make us fully understand what these laws and ballot initiatives mean to our community.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville voters learn about believed voter suppression laws
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Marsha Blackburn is slated to take Gloria Johnson to keep her seat in the U.S. Senate this November.

Blackburn, the incumbent, ran against Tres Wittum in the primary election. The Associated Press called the election early with Blackburn having more than 90% of the more than 36,000 votes.

Find Election Results

It is an honor to represent the Volunteer State in the U.S. Senate, and Chuck and I are grateful for Tennesseans strong support tonight. In the U.S. Senate, I will continue to champion conservative, America First policies by working to lower taxes, secure the border, support our veterans, hold Big Tech accountable, and ensure our adversaries fear us again. This November, Republicans must unite to take control of the U.S. Senate, keep the House of Representatives, and elect President Donald Trump to the White House. Together, lets preserve the American Dream. Together, lets protect Tennessee and protect America. Senator Marsha Blackburn

Johnson, who is currently the Tennessee State Representative for District 13, also won her primary on Thursday.

Gloria Johnson, Tennessee Three Democrat, wins primary, will face GOP US Sen. Marsha Blackburn

Blackburn and Johnson will face off against each other this fall. The final day to register to vote before the election is October 7. Early voting begins on October 16 and runs through October 31. Absentee ballots can be requested between August 7 and October 29. Election Day is set for November 5.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued his strongest statement yet on the outcome of Sundays presidential elections in Venezuela, stating Thursday night that Edmundo Gonzalez had been proven the winner despite Venezuelas longtime strongman, Nicolas Maduro, claiming victory.

Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuelas July 28 presidential election, Blinken said in a statement.

Polling receipts from over 80% of Venezuelas precincts  collected directly from the democratic opposition  showed that Gonzalezs ballot lead was insurmountable, Blinken said.

We congratulate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia on his successful campaign, he added. Now is the time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people.

Blinkens comments come one evening after Brian Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, told the Organization of American States there was irrefutable evidence that Gonzalez had won by millions of votes. Nichols said that nations that fail to recognize Gonzalez as the victor are only enabling Maduro and his representatives to attempt a massive fraud and disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles.

Blinken said that the Maduro-controlled Venezuelan National Electoral Councils decision to call the election for Maduro came with no supporting evidence, noting that the Maduro-controlled body has yet to publish data supporting its announcement. He condemned threats in Venezuela to arrest opposition leaders, including Maria Corina Machado, who wrote in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday that she was in hiding and feared for her life.

Machado called for protests in every city in Venezuela on Saturday.

Blinkens statement was issued shortly after the foreign ministers of the G7, an informal grouping of the worlds largest advanced economies, called on Maduros government to release the detailed results of the election. The ministers called for maximum restraint in the country, where Maduro has sought to quell dissent.

So far, the regime has announced that it has detained more than 1,000 people. Human rights organizations have reported that at least 11 people have died and dozens have been injured. El Foro Penal, a non-governmental organization that watches over the rights of political prisoners, reported earlier on Wednesday that it has been able to independently confirm that at least 672 people have been arrested.
Dennis Druce is assisted in his blood donation by technician Shea Proctor at the American Red Cross Murray location on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Blood donations are typically pretty sparse during the summer; many of the usual donors are out playing and doing the kind of fun recreational activities that may actually increase need for blood donations.

But a strange combination of events that includes the CrowdStrike cybersecurity outage that impacted both flights and hospital operations in some states, the recent hacking of the major blood center OneBlood, combined with the typical summer vacations at a time when blood need tends to rise, have created concern about whether blood banks have enough blood on hand to deal with emergencies.

It is, in the words of Deb Jordan, who does community relations for ARUP Blood Services, even more dire than what could have been predicted at the beginning of summer.

Even the rise of remote work has contributed to what Jordan called in a news release an all-time dip in donations. People arent going into their workplace as much and that is another source of blood drives, behind school blood drives, which also dont happen in summer months.

Across the nation, more blood donors are needed. And Utahs no exception.

Donors are busy on vacation, traveling, enjoying outdoor activities and donating blood or platelets has dropped off the priority list for summer, said Jordan, who noted that ARUP relies heavily on high school blood drives.

Advances in medical care over the years have also increased the need for blood for treatment for many diseases, Dr. Glenn E. Ramsey, medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Blood Bank at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and professor of pathology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said in the health systems HealthBeat blog. Survival rates for many cancers and blood diseases are improving, but extended transfusions are often needed during their therapy.

Trauma Season and not enough blood or platelets

Red Cross of Utah calls the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day Trauma Season because of an increase in traumatic injuries, which often require blood transfusions. Keith Paul, the organizations regional communication manager, said about a quarter of trauma patients need blood  and a small share of them need a lot of blood.

In late July, Paul sent a news release to local media asking for help to get donors to boost the blood and platelet supply. Type O blood donors are especially needed so that hospitals have a steady, reliable blood supply to meet the need. Thats the most commonly transfused blood type, he said.

In Utah, ARUP supplies blood to the Huntsman Cancer Hospital and University of Utah hospitals and clinics. Red Cross supplies roughly 45 area hospitals with blood.

The Red Cross nationally supplies about 40% of all collected blood, and Paul said that to meet the needs of 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide, it needs to receive about 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations every day.

All blood types help, but especially Type O. Type O negative is the universal donor and that blood can be given in emergency situations where theres no time to type a patients blood. Type O positive can be given to any positive blood type recipient.

People with AB positive blood are the universal donors for platelets, which are given to control severe bleeding, among other indications.

To donate to ARUP, call 801-584-5272 or schedule online at www.utahblood.org.

Donors can schedule an appointment with the Red Cross on the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767. The Red Cross has been running promotions to entice blood donors during this down period.
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD)  Thursday, the Bloomington Public Library finally celebrated finishing its expansion and renovations with a ribbon cutting.

The building was filled with people who appreciate all the resources a library has to offer. At the ribbon cutting, library staff gave tours to elected officials and members of the community.

A teen zone, community rooms, an innovation lab and two recording studios are now accessible at Bloomingtons library. With these new spaces, the library goers can experience virtual reality, record a podcast and even do some 3-D printing.

Bloomington Library celebrating renovation, expansion project at ribbon-cutting in August

Jeanne Hamilton, library director, said the changes add to the librarys rich history.

With its first building, opening 167 years ago in 1857. We are so pleased to continue to build on that rich history through enhanced library services made possible with these newly added spaces, Hamilton said.

Catrina Parker, library board president, said the completion helps further the librarys vision.

This project will further help us in our vision to enrich and inspire our diverse and evolving community, said Parker.

It took 25 months to complete the renovations and expansion. The project totaled $25.2 million, utilizing reserve funds, community donations, state funding and a bond.

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Boar's Head Listeria recall now reaching 71 items, should Texans be worried? What we know

Last week, the USDA announced a listeria outbreak found in Boars Head products. That outbreak now totals over 70 products and 34 listeria cases that have been identified, mostly on the East Coast.

At the time of publication, the outbreak has affected more than seven million pounds of Boar's Head products. When the outbreak was announced last week only 200,000 pounds of packaged meat and poultry products had been flagged.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, data shows meats sliced at delis may be contaminated with listeria and may be making people sick. As part of the investigation that led to a recall, the agency's testing found listeria in an unopened packing of Boar's Head liverwurst.

Boars Head is a popular brand in many supermarkets including Walmart, Randalls and HEB. Here is everything you need to know about the outbreak and how to stay safe.

A recall notice is posted next to Boar's Head meats that are displayed at a Safeway store on July 31, 2024, in San Rafael, California. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, Boar's Head has expanded its recall of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products to nearly 7 million additional pounds due to a listeria outbreak.

Which states were listeria was reported in?

Currently, there are no reports of listeria in Texas, and the closest state with a case is Missouri with two reports. Moreover, states in the East Coast have been a hotbed for cases with New York reporting 12, Maryland reporting six and Virginia and New Jersey both reporting two cases.

Here is the total list of states where listeria has been identified in relation to the outbreak:

Georgia

Illinois

Indiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

Missouri

Minnesota

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

Virginia

Wisconsin

What Boar's Head meat is being recalled?

The Boar's Head items that have been flagged are labeled with the establishment numbers EST. 12612 or P-12612 inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. A total of 71 products have been identified as dangerous by the USDA and range from sausages, hams and cheeses.

The product's sell-by dates are between July 29 and Oct. 17.

According to the USDA, in addition to the U.S., the meat was exported to: the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama. Boar's Head is headquartered in Jarrett, VA and the outbreak is believed to have started at a facility there.

See the full product list and view labels.

Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. To share additional tips or insights with Salgado, email Bsalgado@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Boar's Head Listeria recall at 71 items; Do Texans need to be worried?
JERUSALEM, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- China-Israel Changzhou Innovation Park (CICP) launched a policy promotion event on Thursday in Israel's economic hub Tel Aviv.

The event showcased the park's role as a bridge for Israeli companies seeking to tap into the Chinese market.

As a joint venture between the Chinese and Israeli governments, the CICP has attracted 238 Israeli-owned or joint venture firms since its inception. The park has also facilitated 58 technology cooperation projects, according to Zhou Liping, deputy director of the CICP's Administrative Committee.

"China and Israel share strong complementary advantages in innovation," said Liu Song, charge d'affaires at the Chinese embassy in Israel. He highlighted China's position as Israel's largest trading partner in Asia and second-largest globally.

The CICP is expanding its support for Israeli companies with a revamped policy framework, including new incentives and services.

The event drew over 100 attendees from both countries, including government officials, business leaders, and industry experts. 
Editors Note: Video is from the Milwaukee Police Department. Viewer discretion is advised.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in southeast Wisconsin have released body cam footage from an officer-involved shooting in mid-July.

According to a release, officers with the Milwaukee Police Department were sent to the 4300 block of West Capitol Drive for an alleged shooting.

18-year-old pleads guilty for role in April 2023 Fond du Lac County fentanyl overdose

Upon arrival, officers encountered an individual, later identified as 22-year-old Jayuntae Gregory, who was inside the gas station and was wanted for a double shooting.

Gregory retreated into the back of the gas station as officers approached and gave verbal commands to show his hands.

Gregory reportedly did not listen to the authorities, brandished a firearm, and fired shots at law enforcement from inside the store. Officers returned fire before retreating to cover. Milwaukee Police continued to order Gregory to drop his firearm, which was identified as a rifle, but again, he did not comply.

Jayuntae Gregorys booking photo. (Milwaukee County Jail)

Gregory allegedly ran out of the store and fired numerous shots at officers, at which time several officers returned fire, hitting Gregory.

Additional force was used to take Gregory, who was resistive, into custody. There were no other reported injuries from the gunfire.

Gregory was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for non-fatal injuries. His rifle was recovered at the scene, and it was determined that he was wanted for a double shooting that occurred one day before the incident on the 3900 block of North 24th Street.

Teenager arrested for arson, allegedly set Fond du Lac High School concession stand bathroom on fire

All officers involved were placed on administrative leave, as is routine with officer-involved critical incidents.

The Milwaukee Homicide Unit is investigating this incident.

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Authorities are investigating after a body washed ashore in San Pedro Thursday.

Los Angeles Fire Department crews responded to the 2300 block of West Paseo Del Mar shortly before 1 p.m.

Sky5 video captured LAFDs lifeguard division, along with a helicopter, arriving at the base of a seaside cliff near Royal Palms Park where the body was found.

A body was found off a seaside cliff in San Pedro on August 1, 2024. (KTLA)

Los Angeles Fire Department crews airlifted a body that was found off a seaside cliff in San Pedro on August 1, 2024. (KTLA)

Los Angeles Fire Department crews airlifted a body that was found off a seaside cliff in San Pedro on August 1, 2024. (KTLA)

Los Angeles Fire Department crews airlifted a body that was found off a seaside cliff in San Pedro on August 1, 2024. (KTLA)

Los Angeles Fire Department crews airlifted a body that was found off a seaside cliff in San Pedro on August 1, 2024. (KTLA)

Los Angeles Fire Department crews airlifted a body that was found off a seaside cliff in San Pedro on August 1, 2024. (KTLA)

Los Angeles Police surround the body with a canopy amid an ongoing death investigation in San Pedro on August 1, 2024. (KTLA)

A body was found off a seaside cliff in San Pedro on August 1, 2024. (KTLA)

Los Angeles Fire Department crews airlifted a body that was found off a seaside cliff in San Pedro on August 1, 2024. (KTLA)

The body was discovered at the base of a seaside cliff near Royal Palms Park in San Pedro on August 1, 2024. (KTLA)

The body was airlifted to a nearby public parking area where it was removed and covered by a police canopy for investigation.

Los Angeles police confirmed the case would be a death investigation, but no additional information, including the persons gender, age or body condition, was released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Boeing's Spacecraft That's Stuck in Space Cost Twice as Much as SpaceX's Version That Does the Same Thing and Works Perfectly

Star Burst

The Boeing Starliner  which has marooned two NASA astronauts in space after it ran into trouble on its first crewed voyage  has cost nearly double what SpaceX spent on its rival Crew Dragon, with Starliner plagued by far more technical problems.

The Starliner's budget woes came to the fore this week when Boeing admitted in a quarterly statement, flagged by Ars Technica, that the company lost another $125 million on the Starliner, adding up to around $5.8 billion in total cost.

NASA had originally awarded $4.2 billion to Boeing to build Starliner, resulting in an almost $1.6 billion loss for the company.

Meanwhile, NASA had given only around $3.1 billion to SpaceX, headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, for the Dragon capsule, which has now been successfully ferrying astronauts to space since 2020. In contrast, this is the maiden crewed mission for Starliner, a project marred overall with years of delays,

Starliner's current problems were evident even before its launch into space in June. The capsule experienced a helium leak in one of its thrusters, but NASA went ahead with the mission.

And then on its journey towards the International Space Station in June, the Starliner had more helium leaks and issues with its thrusters, which has indefinitely delayed the return of the two astronauts it brought to the space outpost as teams on the ground scramble to understand its technical woes.

Course Correct

NASA had wanted two options for ferrying astronauts into space, which is why it awarded Boeing and SpaceX deals to build reusable capsules. But SpaceX has come on top in the race, with NASA awarding it a $1.4 billion extension in 2022 due to Starliner delays.

Sure, this means things are great for SpaceX and okay for NASA, which hasn't had to eat the losses from the Starliner. But it's terrible news for Boeing, which has also been dealing with a storm of controversy since a door plug blew out from one of its planes earlier this year.

But NASA doesn't have redundancy for space capsules in the eventuality that SpaceX has any issues.

And there's another wrinkle: NASA has become increasingly reliant on Musk and SpaceX over the years, which may explain why NASA has not come out to publicly spank Musk for sexual misconduct and sometimes fatal safety concerns at SpaceX.

And that's bad for taxpayers, who should demand better from people receiving government money.

More on Boeing Starliner: Retired Astronaut Admits Boeing's Starliner Has Trapped Crew in Space
(Bloomberg) -- Colombias second-most powerful elected official, Carlos Fernando Galan, is trying to turn its capital into an investor-friendly oasis in a nation governed by the radical left.

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Since taking office in January, the Bogota mayor has repeatedly clashed with President Gustavo Petro over their rival visions for the chaotic city of 8 million, which sprawls across a plateau 8,500 feet (2,600 meters) above sea level.

We are going to create the conditions so that the private sector sees Bogota as a place where they will find opportunities and support for investment, Galan said, in an interview in City Hall.

If Galan can revive Bogotas economy, which accounts for about a quarter of national output, keep its $6 billion metro project on track, and restore order to its crime-ridden streets, hell be a strong contender for a future run for the presidency. Petro himself served as mayor of Bogota from 2012 to 2016.

Galan comes from a well-known political dynasty. His father was the frontrunner to become president when he was gunned down by Pablo Escobars Medellin cartel in 1989, and his elder brother Juan Manuel is a former senator who heads the Nuevo Liberalismo party. Several of his other relatives are also active in politics.

Galan was elected with the highest vote in Bogotas recent history, but his popularity has since dipped, falling to 47% in June, down 12 percentage points from three months earlier. Crime is by far residents biggest concern: 86% of people surveyed in an Invamer poll said they feel insecure or very insecure, higher than comparable figures for the nations other major cities.

The mayor recognized that crime is a significant problem that needs addressing, and said that the city plans to invest in more cameras to help police react faster to robberies and homicides.

Rival Visions

To boost Bogotas economy, Galan said the city will grant tax breaks to new businesses. His administration also wants to help construction by accelerating the process of awarding building licenses, he said.

Medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and data centers are among the sectors with strong growth potential, he said.

We want to be a kind of oasis in the sense that people know that if they come to Bogota, this government will try to protect those investments, he said.

His business-friendly approach puts him at odds with Petro, who has hiked taxes on companies and wealthy Colombians to fund social programs as he tries to overhaul Colombias economic model. Galan and other mayors are aware that most major investment decisions depend more on policies taken at a national level.

Tense Relationship

During the mayors race campaign, Galan clashed with Petro over Bogotas elevated metro project, which the president said should be shelved and replaced with a bigger one underground. The mayor has also ordered city workers to ignore so-called Civic Days declared by Petro, during which public employees dont need to work.

They also disagree over the extension of a highway that seeks to eliminate traffic bottlenecks in north Bogota. Petro opposes the project, saying itll cause environmental damage.

Candidates allied to Petro lost in the nations five biggest cities, setting up tense relationships between local leaders and the central government.

Many regions are anxious to improve the poor transport links that have held back their industry and agriculture for centuries. Colombia ranked 102 out of 140 nations in road infrastructure quality, behind Bolivia and Sierra Leone, according to a 2018 study by the World Economic Forum.

However, Petro won the presidency on the pledge to phase out fossil fuel use, and has argued that projects to improve drinking water quality, the environment and education do more for the poor than highway construction.

Underperforming Company

Another pillar of Galans economic platform consists of trying to revive its underperforming telecommunications company, Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Bogota SA, or ETB. The city is looking at possible alliances for the company after tough competition wiped out four-fifths of its value. He didnt elaborate on what such a deal might involve.

ETB market capitalization slumped to 284 billion pesos ($70 million) this year, down 84% from a decade earlier.

We havent thought about selling ETB, but I believe we must look for alternatives that allow the investment that is there to continue producing or being an advantage for Bogota, Galan said.

Galan said the city will protect its crown jewel, Grupo Energia Bogota SA, or GEB, by keeping it free of political interference. Bogota has a 65.7% stake in the power and natural gas utility, which is the nations fourth-most valuable publicly-traded company.

GEB will continue to expand across Latin America, and invest in more renewable energy projects, Galan said.

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BOND COUNTY, ILL  The Bond County Sheriffs Department posted on social media warning residents about fake phone calls that appear to be from the Bond County Sheriffs Department.

A foreign-speaking, heavily accented man told a Bond County resident that she was under investigation by our office. The resident immediately became suspicious due to the nature of the call, said the sheriffs department.

The sheriffs department explained that the victim told the caller she would hang up and call the sheriffs office herself because she had no idea what he was talking about. The caller sternly told her not to hang up.

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This is a scam that may involve attempting to collect money on a fake warrant. Do not give out your personal information to anyone you are not certain of. If you receive a phone call you did not initiate, hang up and call the company back using a number you have for that business.

According to the sheriffs department, there is a current scam involving Wells Fargo. Individuals call from a legitimate Wells Fargo phone number to get you to provide personal information.

They claim to be from the fraud department at Wells Fargo, stating that someone has tried to access your account. They then proceed to ask personal questions to obtain information they can use to hack into your account, sometimes cleaning it out.

Please, if you receive a call like this and are even the least bit suspicious, hang up and call back using a number you have.

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BOSSIER PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Bossier Sheriff`s Office School Resource Officer Unit conducted an Active Threat/School Safety training at Airline High School.

Community mural project aims to preserve, honor local history, agriculture

The training is conducted every summer in preparation for the new school year.

This years training featured an implementation of technology that is the first of its kind in the world, according to Captain Adam Johnson, Director of Security Bossier Schools with the Bossier Parish Sheriffs Office.

Captain Johnson says that Click to Enter, developed with the help of Jet Business Systems, is a revolutionary way to enter buildings on school grounds. The technology is typically used in gated neighborhoods.

It is a frequency, secure frequency based program to where any law enforcement officer, whether it be Louisiana State Police, whether its Bossier City Police, Haughton Police, Plain Dealing Police, Benton Police, any of these agencies that fall within our jurisdiction of Bossier Parish Schools, theyre able to respond and enter in these strategic locations to where they can get to the students, protect the students, and be able to respond quickly, says Captain Johnson.

The captain said live training for deputies is irreplaceable, putting them in stressful situations so they are prepared for the unthinkable.

Organizing a voter registration drive? Take note of these new requirements in Louisiana

We certainly pray every day that nothing ever does happen in our- in our parish but in the event, Im very confident through this training that were able to be ready, prepared, in a strategic way to implement how were going to attack this situation, says Captain Johnson.

The Superintendent of Bossier Parish Schools, Jason Rowland, commended the work of the SROs and the Sheriffs Department.

They are trained on conceptual ideas, not necessarily procedural alone and so theyre able to take the concepts that their training with today and apply them to all situations across the board and thats what makes Bossier Schools literally the safest schools in the state of Louisiana, says Rowland.

The Superintendent emphasized that one of the tenants at Bossier Parish Schools is that safety and security are top priorities.

Under the direction of Captain Adam Johnson, our Director of Security, were on the forefront around the state of different things that were doing, and just the demonstration that youre here to see today is just one, one of many examples where we try to lead out in that provision for our students and staff, said Rowland.

Zero fare for Amazon staff says SporTran Transit

The Sheriffs Office says it has several safety protocols through grant money and is working on major projects with access control. Click to Enter with schools is new, but Bossier Parish School looks forward to pioneering the use.

It was really the only way, with these buildings the way theyre set up, how we can get resources in effectively to where were not basically handing out keys to every single person. You know so its a very strategic way of doing this but also the access control to where doors can be locked with the single push of a button, said Captain Johnson.

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SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV)  We cracked 90 degrees to start the month of August. Are any storms going to accompany this heat? Find out below

Storm chances increase

On Friday, a weak area of low pressure and frontal system are approaching from the west. While the bulk of the active weather with showers and storms ends up in Pennsylvania and points south, there should be some afternoon showers, pockets of steady rain, and storms as far north as Central New York. The chances of getting wet Friday are a bit higher than Thursday.

Fridays mowing and boating forecast

Luckily, the threat for severe weather is low but any storm could produce heavy rain. This may lead to some localized flooding.







After climbing into the 80s Friday morning and midday, temperatures should settle back closer to 80 during the afternoon as the showers and storms move through.

Typical summertime heat and humidity for the weekend

The humidity is still with us for the weekend, but temperature-wise we may end up just short of 90 degrees. Think mid to upper 80s for most.

Fridays frontal system falls apart to our south but is close enough to us to cause more scattered showers and storms for Saturday afternoon. As that system continues to fall apart and shift to the east our chances for scattered showers and storms drop for Sunday.

It looks like we have a noticeable drop in the humidity early next week as temperatures also trend closer to more seasonable early August levels.

Check out the latest 7-day forecast.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
Two SRJ Guards to enter guilty pleas in death of former inmate Quantez Burks

Two SRJ Guards to enter guilty pleas in death of former inmate Quantez Burks

BEAVER, WV (WVNS)  Two guards charged in the 2022 death of a Beckley man at Southern Regional Jail (SRJ) are set to appear before a federal judge to offer guilty pleas.

According to court documents, former SRJ guards Ashley Toney and Jacob Boothe will plead guilty of Depriving Civil Rights.

According to court filings, the charge carries up to 10 years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, up to three years of supervised release and an order of restitution.

New allegations emerge on Quantez Burks death at Southern Regional Jail

Boothe and Toney are indicted for their part in an assault on Quantez Burks, who died at the jail after allegedly being handcuffed and beaten by a group of guards.

Toney and Boothe are also charged for covering up the use of unlawful force.

They will both face up to 10 years in prison.

Filings in the Southern West Virginia District of U.S. District Court show Boothe and Toney are now scheduled to enter guilty pleas before a judge on August 8, 2024.

A total of eight Southern Regional Jail officers have been charged in Burks death.

Two of them pleaded guilty earlier this year and others are headed to trial.

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Bridgeport couple convicted of sexually assaulting child, face up to 271 years in prison

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH)  A Bridgeport couple sexually abused a child for more than two years, a jury decided Wednesday. They now collectively face up to 271 years in prison.

Shaylyn Smith and Zabian Bailey were convicted of abusing the child, who was between the ages of 5 and 7, from late 2017 through early 2020. The child disclosed the abuse to authorities when she was 8, according to an announcement from the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice.

When sentenced, Smith faces up to 75 years in prison. Bailey faces up to 196.

Smith was found guilty of accessory to first-degree sexual assault, accessory to risk of injury to a minor and three counts of risk of injury to a minor.

Bailey was found guilty of two counts of first-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree attempted sexual assault, one count of attempted risk of injury to a minor, seven counts of risk of injury to a minor and one count of fourth-degree sexual assault.

The jury deliberated for a day. The duos bonds have been increased to $1 million. Smith, who was out on bond, has been taken into custody. Bailey has not posted bond.

They will be sentenced on Sept. 9.

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BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Several artificial intelligence (AI) video generation large models developed by Chinese tech companies have been made available to global users, providing Chinese equivalents of OpenAI's Sora.

The latest one, named Vidu, developed by Chinese AI company ShengShu Technology and Tsinghua University, became accessible worldwide on Tuesday, providing text-to-video and image-to-video generation functions.

This large AI model, unveiled in April at the 2024 Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing, now gives users access to creating a high-definition video of four seconds or eight seconds in 1080p resolution with a single click, said Tang Jiayu, co-founder and CEO of the company.

Tang said that such technology will revolutionize the content industry, including the film and television animation sectors.

"Over the next decade, the barriers to, as well as the costs of, film and television creation and production will be further reduced, with imagination and creativity better transformed into productive forces," he said.

It is not the first China-made AI video generator that has opened for global users. Last Friday, Beijing-based tech company Zhipu AI launched its large video generation model product, known as Ying.

This product enables video generation based on not only texts and images, but also video clips, said Zhang Peng, CEO of the tech company.

In June, the short video platform Kuaishou also launched a large video generation model called "KLING," which is capable of creating realistic motion scenes and accurate physics simulations in text-to-video and image-to-video generation.

Globally, there are already several technology companies working on text-to-video and image-to-video generation models. In China, mainstream AI video generation products adopt a structure that combines a deep learning model with a diffusion model, relying heavily on algorithms, computing power and data, according to Tang and Zhang.

Zhang admitted that domestic AI video generation technology is still in its infancy and imperfect, with a series of issues, such as high-quality data and algorithms, to be resolved.

"The best way to accelerate the development of AI is to parallel the research and development and the application of the technology, rather than keeping the technology locked in the laboratory and developing it in isolation," he said.

To date, China has filed and launched more than 180 AI generative content models that can provide services to the public, with registered users exceeding 564 million, Wang Jingtao, deputy director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, said at the 12th Internet Security and Artificial Intelligence Conference held on Wednesday in Beijing.

Huang Chengqing, vice president of the Internet Society of China, said with its groundbreaking progress in recent years, AI is transitioning from the innovative research and development stage to a stage of innovative application -- thereby empowering the real economy.

"It is accelerating from the forefront of science and technology to real productive forces, and is expected to drive the transformation of new production methods," said Huang. 
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The Bright Star Memorial, which honors the victims of the tragic 2019 mass shooting in Odessa, is getting ready for its new, permanent home.

Odessa Arts and the City of Odessa are preparing to unveil the finished project at the end of the month.

The installation is an 11 foot bronze cylinder with the names of the victims, as well as text provided by the families of the victims.

When you go and see this, youre almost taken back to that moment in remembering what happenedin the middle of COVID we didnt really have a proper way to mourn or grieve, so now we have a focal point where you can come 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can come by yourself, you can come with family, and you can reflect and grieve and hopefully heal as well, said Odessa Arts Director Randy Ham.

Odessa Arts worked with the families of the victims and the City of Odessa to commission an artist to create this memorial.

The Memorial will be placed at the Loop 338 entrance to UTPB. The dedication will take place at 8pm on August 29.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Deputies with the Sullivan County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) took a man into custody Thursday morning after an alleged series of crimes.

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Crime Watch

Stephen Wilburn, 48, of Bristol, Tennessee, was taken into custody and charged with the following after reportedly being identified by multiple victims:

Aggravated burglary

3 counts of burglary

Vandalism

Resisting arrest

Tampering with evidence

Possession of methamphetamine

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Man involved in Bristol hospital shooting died weeks later; family seeks answers

The SCSO reports Wilburn stole an air compressor from a home on Rock Drive in Bristol on Wednesday. According to the sheriffs office, he almost hit the person who lived there with his vehicle while attempting to leave the driveway.

Deputies found the same vehicle abandoned on Hillsboro Drive early Thursday morning, and it was towed.

Later on Thursday morning, a resident of Hillsboro Drive reported vandalism to their screen door. The resident told deputies that he had heard a noise hours earlier, went back to bed, and woke up around 7 a.m. after hearing a scream from a neighbor.

The neighbor had reportedly screamed after she found that a man, later identified as Wilburn, had entered her car. The SCSO reports Wilburn ran after he was seen, this time heading towards School Avenue in Blountville.

Deputies caught Wilburn around 8 a.m. near Rhea Avenue after he fled from Hillsboro Drive. The sheriffs office reports he was spotted through a basement window of a third home he had tampered with.

Wilburn was then taken into custody and identified by all the victims, the SCSO stated in a news release.

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Britains nuclear submarine engineers use software that was designed in Russia and Belarus, in contravention of Ministry of Defence rules, The Telegraph can reveal.

The software should have been created by UK-based staff with security clearance, but its design was partially outsourced to developers in Siberia and Minsk, the capital of Belarus.

There are fears that the code built by the Russian and Belarussian developers could be exploited to reveal the location of Britains submarines.

The Telegraph understands that the MoD considered the security breach a serious threat to UK defence and launched an investigation.

The inquiry discovered that the firm that outsourced the work  on a staff intranet for nuclear submarine engineers  to Russia and Belarus initially kept it secret and discussed whether it could disguise where the workers were based by giving them fake names of dead British people.

As well as the UKs submarine fleet, there are fears that further defence capabilities could have been compromised because it has emerged that a previous project was also outsourced to developers in Minsk.

National security in jeopardy

On Friday, experts warned that the UKs national security could have been jeopardised if personal details of those with classified knowledge of Britains nuclear submarine fleet fell into the wrong hands, leaving them exposed to blackmail or targeted attacks.

Ben Wallace, the former defence secretary, said the breach potentially left us vulnerable to the undermining of our national security. He added: Time and time again, countries like China and Russia have targeted the supply chains of our defence contractors. This is not a new phenomenon.

James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, said it was an absolute imperative to ensure our most sensitive defence programmes have total resilience and security.

Rolls-Royce Submarines, which powers the UKs nuclear submarine fleet on behalf of the Royal Navy, wanted to upgrade its staff intranet and had subcontracted the work to WM Reply, a digital consultancy firm.

WM Reply then used developers based in Belarus  Russias closest ally  one of whom was actually working from home in Tomsk, Siberia, according to documents submitted to the MoDs inquiry.

The intranet system included personal details of all Rolls-Royce Submarines employees as well as the organisational structure of those working on the UKs submarine fleet.

In the summer of 2020, staff at WM Reply began to sound the alarm over the security implications of using Belarusian staff for the project and suggested that Rolls-Royce should be informed.

By November, a team meeting  a transcript of which was provided to MoD investigators  revealed the serious concerns of some staff members.

But they were told by superiors there was no need to panic and that Rolls-Royce should not be informed as there was a risk it might cancel the project if it found out.

It was only in the spring of 2021, when concerns were reported directly to Rolls-Royce, that an investigation was launched. The matter was subsequently brought to the MoD in the summer of 2022, triggering a further investigation which concluded in February last year.

Dr Marion Messmer, senior research fellow at the think-tank Chatham House, said that allowing Belarusian and Russian developers to work on this kind of project constituted a clear national security risk.

Any rogue actors gaining access to personal data of those working on the UKs submarine fleet carried a risk of blackmail or a targeted attack, she said.

From a strategic perspective, the great thing about the submarines is that they are very hard to detect and very mobile. If anyone had access to a tracking system that shows where submarines are at all times, that would give them a huge strategic advantage  if planning an attack on the UK they could first target the nuclear submarines and disable Trident.

A Rolls-Royce spokesman said: We can categorically state that at no point was there any risk of data, classified or otherwise, being accessed or made available to non-security cleared individuals. It is not possible for non-security cleared individuals to access any sensitive data via our company intranet. It is used to provide business updates, wellbeing support and a channel for collaboration between our colleagues.

All our suppliers comply with strict security requirements. Once we were made aware of these allegations that clearly breached these requirements, and following a rigorous internal investigation that concluded in 2021, Rolls-Royce Submarines ceased working with WM Reply. We have not awarded them any further contracts.

Rolls-Royce said it had carried out full IT security checks on any coding before it was introduced to its network. The company is understood to be confident that WM Reply employees and their subcontractors did not have access to information on secure servers.

A spokesman for WM Reply denied the claim that its actions could have endangered national security.

WM Reply regularly reviews its delivery processes and procedures, respects the needs and processes of its customers and enjoys transparent and long-standing relationships with those customers, they said.

An MoD spokesman said: This matter was fully investigated by Rolls-Royce. As they have said, at no point was the integrity of the system compromised.

How Russian link to submarine software was kept secret

By Camilla Turner

It was several minutes into a conference call between WM Reply staff members when one employee summed up the concerns of those in the meeting.

We are talking about serious stuff here, this is our defence  this could screw the company if it got out, they said.

Having won a contract from Rolls-Royce Submarines to carry out an upgrade of its intranet, the digital consultancys team had spent much of the call trying to work out how they could cover up the fact sensitive work was to be carried out by developers in Belarus, an ally of Russia so close some describe it as a vassal state.

As one of them put it: I think as soon as we mention Minsk ... I think they will just go wahhhh!

During the brainstorming session, one employee suggested WM Reply could hide the involvement of offshore developers by concealing their Belarusian-sounding names. This could be achieved, it was suggested, by using the names of dead people in the UK instead.

The Microsoft Teams video conference call, which took place in November 2020, is at the centre of revelations about how highly sensitive work was outsourced to people in Belarus and Russia.

Rolls-Royce Submarines, which runs Britains fleet of nuclear submarines on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, stipulated that the work on its intranet upgrade should only be carried out by UK-based security-cleared individuals.

Those working on the project for WM Reply in the UK, who did have security clearance, were told they should obtain advice before even travelling to certain countries where special security restrictions applied, which included Belarus and Russia.

The Teams call  a transcript of which was passed to MoD investigators  took place towards the end of the discovery phase of the work and just days before the project was officially due to start. By this point, some of those working on the project at WM Reply were becoming uncomfortable about using coders based out of an office in Minsk in apparent contravention of the instructions from the MoD.

Various options were discussed by senior managers at WM Reply about ways to conceal the identities of the Belarusian coders from Rolls-Royce, such as having one British developer compile all the software which was produced in Belarus to make it look as though the entire code had been created in the UK.

Another employee on the call stated Rolls-Royce must not be told about the Belarusian developers, saying: We cant tell them we are doing this, unfortunately.

Another team member asked why, if they were not doing anything wrong, could Rolls-Royce not be informed?

A more senior team member warned against escalating the concerns to a higher level of management, saying this could lead to them deciding to completely pull the plug on the project and risk losing a contract worth half a million pounds.

They went on to reassure other team members by claiming that the risk was minimal given that they had already undertaken previous projects for Rolls-Royce using developers in Minsk without any problems.

They argued that they could make it secure so the Minsk team dont even know what they are working on and told staff to stop talking each other into a panic about it.

After the meeting, the senior employee at WM Reply told the team they had spoken to a contractor at Rolls-Royce who indicated he was happy for offshore workers without security clearance to take part in the project where required to achieve accelerated timelines and only in the WM environment.

However, it was not explicitly stated to Rolls-Royce that this involved using workers based in Belarus or Russia, according to documents studied by the MoD.

It was alleged WM Reply wanted to use developers based out of an office in the Belarusian capital of Minsk to cut costs, according to documents submitted to the MoDs inquiry. Developers in Belarus would have cost substantially less than those in the UK, so contracting them for the project  worth around half a million pounds in total  would increase the profit margin, it was claimed.

Dr Marion Messmer, senior research fellow at Chatham House, a think tank, said that IT and software development work was increasingly outsourced to agencies in countries such as Belarus, Russia, Poland and Ukraine which was done as a cost-cutting measure.

This could be completely harmless but it becomes a huge security concern if it is work on critical national infrastructure, she said.

James Cartlidge, the shadow defence minister, said: The country needs to be reassured that everything is being done to look into this.

He added that a much greater focus on the resilience of supply chains is needed across the board, in both the public and private sectors.

Over-reliance on certain suppliers

Mr Cartlidge, a former minister for defence procurement, said that when he was in the MoD, officials were looking at supply chains, in particular the issue of ensuring the UK did not become over-reliant on certain suppliers for items that are significant for our critical infrastructure.

Ed Arnold, at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, said in this case there was a principal security threat of state-sponsored sabotage but also the potential for information to fall into the hands of criminals.

The issue with data these days is you can store it pretty quickly and easily. Once you lose control of the data, you cant get it back, he said.

It would give a state actor a pretty good intelligence start point. If you want to compromise systems, you need to first work out who to target. If you can get a dataset which does the pre-sifting for you, it means that subsequent approaches and targeted pitches are more productive.

He said that Russia, the closest ally of Belarus, is one of the primary national security threats to the UK. The threat is made up of capability, opportunity, intent  they have it all, he said.

The MoD should be asking itself, What if there wasnt a whistleblower? This wasnt the MoD identifying the problem, it wasnt Rolls-Royce. If it hadnt been alerted to this, there would potentially be a vulnerability that could have been used and exploited for a longer period of time.

Confident in security

Rolls-Royce, which launched an investigation into what happened after it was contacted directly about the issue in spring 2021, says it is confident its intranet is secure.

A spokesman said that all software or development work that was subcontracted out, including off-the-shelf software packages, went through rigorous security testing before being considered for use.

It said it carried out IT health checks annually across all of its networks and regularly took part in exercises with the National Cyber Security Centre to ensure networks remain secure.

A spokesman for WM Reply said it denied the claim its actions could have endangered national security. WM Reply regularly reviews its delivery processes and procedures, respects the needs and processes of its customers and enjoys transparent and long-standing relationships with those customers, it said.

Georgina Halford-Hall, chief executive of Whistleblowers UK, said: There were multiple whistleblowers here who were doing the right thing and raising concerns.

In a case like this, one would expect that the company would take matters seriously and act on the evidence provided by the whistleblower. But rather than acting on the concerns, they closed it down. The whistleblowers felt ignored, sidelined, and targeted by their employer.

She is among those campaigning for whistleblowing laws that could result in companies being fined millions of pounds for attempted cover-ups.

Ministers are being urged to back a Whistleblowing Bill which will also outlaw non-disclosure agreements and set up a new tribunal where whistleblowing cases will be heard.

Previous iterations of the Whistleblowing Bill  which have been introduced in both the Commons and the Lords  received backing from senior Labour figures including Dame Margaret Hodge and Lord Browne, who was defence secretary under Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

Campaigners hope the Bill, which would protect whistleblowers from criminal or civil action being taken against them, will win the backing of Sir Keir Starmers government.

The current whistleblowing regime enables workers to bring an employment tribunal claim against their organisation if they are dismissed or treated unfairly at work because they have made a protected disclosure about wrongdoing.

These protections were set up in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) but many are deterred by the cost and complexity of the system. The legislation would see people compensated for any loss they experienced  such as being dismissed from their job  as a result of their whistleblowing.

It would also set up a regulator, the Office of the Whistleblower, to investigate protected disclosures. It would set minimum standards for workplace whistleblowing policies, monitor and enforce compliance, and bring prosecutions.

Civil penalties  with a maximum fine set at 10 per cent of a companys turnover up to 18 million  would be levied for those who fail to comply with an order from the Office of the Whistleblower. And a new criminal offence of subjecting a whistleblower to detriment is included in the draft bill, which carries a maximum jail term of 18 months.

Ms Halford-Hall is also urging the legal watchdog, which oversees the professional conduct of lawyers, to ensure that solicitors firms are not allowed to facilitate cover-ups of national security issues.

It is time that the SRA stopped pussyfooting around with this and brought forward meaningful regulations and serious consequences for lawyers, Ms Halford-Hall said. Every lawyer should be compelled to report national security or other safeguarding issues to the relevant regulators and/or the police.

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A British Army poster girl has received an apology after suffering years of racist and sexist abuse.

Former Cpl Kerry-Ann Knight, 33, has accepted a substantial financial settlement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after detailing how colleagues directed slurs about slavery towards her, including references to lynching or tarring and feathering her.

Ms Knight said the abuse she suffered during her 12 years of service made her life a living hell and led her to conclude that the Army is institutionally racist.

Despite the ill-treatment, she willingly took part in recruitment campaigns, including a 2019 poster aimed at millennials, because she said she wanted more people of colour to join the forces.

In an apology sent to Ms Knight, Maj Gen SL Humphris MBE said on behalf of the British Army: As Director Personnel (Army) and a member of the Army Board, I sincerely apologise on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

The Army accepts that you had to work in an unacceptable organisational environment where you experienced racist and sexist harassment. There was a failure within the Army in not responding properly to that environment or your complaints about it.

The Army wishes to apologise for the treatment you received. Your loss is a matter of regret.

Recruitment poster with Kelly-Ann Knight's photo in the middle - MINISTRY OF DEFENCE/PA

Despite the apology and financial settlement, the Army has accepted no liability.

Ms Knight had taken the MoD to an employment tribunal.

After agreeing to settle the tribunal before the final judgment, Ms Knight told the BBC: Id never encourage any woman, especially of colour, to join, because its not going to benefit your life in the long run.

Ms Knight, who grew up in Nottingham, enlisted at the age of 20 and joined the 26 Regiment Royal Artillery (26 RA) and was posted to Germany.

While on post, she said she had to serve alongside soldiers who praised Hitler and said that they supported far-Right groups including the Ku Klux Klan, the English Defence League and Britain First.

She told the tribunal that there were swastikas and other far-Right symbols on display in some corridors.

The abuse began in 2012, with male colleagues shouting racially offensive slurs but adding: Id still shag you though. A female soldier is said to have said: This isnt the ghetto, after she braided her hair for swimming.

In 2013, she alleged that an assault by a senior colleague was motivated by racism.

Despite repeatedly raising concerns with her superiors, no action was ever taken, the tribunal heard.

Kerry-Ann Knight was subjected to being called derogatory slurs and insults by her former colleagues in the Army - Kerry-Ann Wright

In 2021, Ms Knight began working as the only black female instructor at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, which trains soldiers aged 16 and 17.

Several of the white male instructors decided they were going to make my life a living hell, she said and they would shout watermelon when she entered a room as a signal that a black person was approaching.

They also played Django Unchained  Quentin Tarantinos film about a freed slave  on repeat and would laugh as they repeated the most racist lines.

At a work event, she was shown pictures of a colleagues penis and asked to comment on it.

After a fellow instructor shouted insults at her face during a dinner in the officers mess in November 2021, Ms Knight raised an official service complaint.

Fearing she would not be taken seriously, she also began to secretly record her colleagues comments about her.

One of the men spoke about lynching her, while another said that they should just tar and feather her, its what they used to do in the old days.

Ms Knight is not the only one to complain about her treatment at the Army Foundation College. Nine rapes were reported to North Yorkshire Police in the 13 months up to August last year.

After her complaint was filed, she claimed that the Army closed ranks and tried to paint her out as an aggressive black woman.

She took her case to an employment tribunal in June and the MoD settled after hearing seven days of evidence.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner said it is 'such a shame' that the Army had lost a talent like Ms Knight - PAUL GROVER

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, the chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which supported Ms Knight in her case, said: As one of the UKs largest employers, and a public authority under the Equality Act, the British Army should be a standard-bearer when it comes to protecting their employees from discrimination.

Former Cpl Knight dedicated more than a decade of her life to serving her country and was an inspiration to young soldiers in her roles as an instructor and a diversity group representative. It is such a shame that the Army has lost a talent like hers.

Many of the most recent recruits in the Army today will have joined after seeing Ms Knights face in a recruitment campaign. Like everyone else in the country, they have the legal right to be treated fairly regardless of who they are or what they look like.

A MoD spokesman said: We do not tolerate abuse, bullying or discrimination of any kind and encourage any personnel who believe they have experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviour to report it.

All allegations of unacceptable behaviour are taken extremely seriously and are thoroughly investigated. If proven, swift action will be taken.

The MoD settled this claim with Kerry-Ann Knight in June, with no admission of liability.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C) meets with senior policing leaders at Downing Street in London on Thursday following violent protests across the country in the wake of a mass stabbing in Southport 230 miles northwest of the capital. Photo by Betty Laura Zapata/EPA-EFE

Aug. 2 (UPI) -- British authorities Friday warned off people planning further violent demonstrations over the weekend following days of trouble in the wake of the killing of three children in a mass stabbing in Southport earlier in the week.

Home Office Minister David Hanson said the government was on the alert, telling those thinking of organizing disorder that the authorities "would be watching."

Speaking in a radio interview, Hanson acknowledged the risk of more violence on England's streets this weekend following disturbances in Southport, Hartlepool, Manchester, Aldershot and London since the killings at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday.

"There is that potential. But I always say to anybody who's organizing this, we will be watching you. If you are organizing this now, we will be watching you," he said.

"We have powers under existing legislation to stop you organizing this now and to take action accordingly, and if you do take action and are not part of any bona fide group, be prepared to face the full force of the law on this criminal activity."

However, Hanson sought to play down concerns the protests were being driven by far-right groups saying that while some of those participating would hold extreme views, some might be whipped up by the unseasonally hot weather while there could be others with genuine grievances.

"Whatever those concerns are, there are mechanisms where they can raise them with their member of parliament, they can peacefully protest and they can take those issues forward," he said.

The warning came a day after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new national policing unit with special powers, tasked with putting down the protests in which dozens of police officers have been injured, police vehicles torched and more than 100 people arrested.

The so-called National Violent Disorder Program is designed to enable authorities to track and suppress violent groups by allowing intelligence sharing between police forces across the country.

"These thugs are mobile, they move from community to community, and we must have a police response that can do the same," Starmer said in a televised address.

Further protests do appear to be being organized on the Internet, Sky News reported, saying it had found posts on social media promoting gatherings in cities across the country. At least one such planned protest had a mosque in its sights.

Mosques were urged to tighten security ahead of Friday prayers over fears of a repeat of an attack on a mosque close to the dance studio by a mob who pelted the building with missiles, broke windows and tried to force their way inside.

The Muslim Council of Britain, which said it issued the advice due to "far-right thugs" seeking to "intimidate Muslim communities," warned the "completely reprehensible violence" showed that Muslim communities needed greater protection.

"We call upon the government to offer greater reassurance to Muslim communities at this time and to provide a clear response to tackle rising violent Islamophobia, and commit to greater security measures for mosques under attack," said MCB secretary general Zara Mohammed.

Starmer stressed in his TV address that the new policing measures were designed to effect the "strongest possible response" to keep all citizens safe, including Muslims.

Social media calls for anti-Islamic protests in Northern Ireland this weekend are being investigated by police.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was investigating a social media campaign to organize a series of anti-Muslim events including blocking roads with women and children, a rally at city hall in Belfast followed by a march on a mosque.

The organizers had not sought permission from The Northern Ireland Parades Commission and police were therefore preparing "a proportionate policing response".

"We are aware of specific calls to block roads using women and children between 12 midday to 2 p.m. in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Bangor and north, south, east and west Belfast," Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said.

Officers were trying to figure out if there was any substance to the campaign with PSNI issuing assurances that it was fully prepared with a strategy in place to deal with any public order issues regardless of whether any event was pre-planned or spontaneous.

"There's no set organization showing themselves on social media which sort of defines the cowardly nature of the people who do this nonsense," PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher told a meeting of the policing board Thursday.

"There is obviously, from the social media calling, an intention to try and do something on Saturday.

"We have got a gold command structure in place around this."

Meanwhile, anti-racism groups and unions were organizing counter-protests scheduled to be held over the weekend, including one in Belfast.

Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham Nottingham, Bristol and Cardiff are among the cities on the mainland where protests are set to take place.

"The lessons of history on defeating racist and fascist movements are clear: unite, stand up to and mobilise against fascism, racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism," Stand Up to Racism said in a post on X.
WNBA star Brittney Griner was famously sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison in Aug. 2022 for carrying cannabis oil. The Texas-born athlete was initially detained in February 2022 and spent 10 months in Russian custody before being released in a U.S.-Russia prisoner swap in December 2022. Speaking out on Thursday, Griner said she was emotional and overjoyed to hear about the release of U.S. citizens Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and Alsu Kurmasheva, who were freed from Russian jails in a new prisoner swap.

Great day. Its a great day. Its a great day, said Griner, per the Associated Press. Well talk more about it later. But head over heels happy for the families right now. Any day that Americans come home, thats a win. Thats a win.

Griner is currently in Paris representing the U.S. at the Paris Summer Olympics. On Thursday, she came off the bench to help Team USA win 87-74 against Belgium, securing their place in the quarter-finals on Aug. 7.

Griner and her wife, Cherelle Griner, also shared a joint statement on Instagram, addressing the release of the prisoners and expressing concern for other Americans "being held hostage" that remain overseas.

The Biden-Harris Administration showed true leadership once again by doing whatever it took to bring Americans home. Every American returned is a win, the couple said. As we extend support to those who have returned and celebrate the collective hands that helped to make American families wholewe must continue to do everything we can to shine a light on the remaining Americans detained. #BringThemHome.

The athlete has long called for the release of Gershkovich and expressed support for the Wall Street Journal journalist and his family after he was sentenced to 16 years in prison last month, following 15 months of detainment in Russia.

My heart goes out to him, his family, and all his loved ones, Griner said in an interview with NBCs Liz Kreutz. We have to get him back. We have to. I went through that and I understand what that means.

The prison swap on Thursday was the largest prisoner swap between the two countries since the end of the Cold War. Alongside the American citizens who were released, other dissidents who expressed discontent with Putins government were freed as well, including German, British, and Russian citizens. Altogether, Western countries combined to release eight prisoners in exchange for freeing Russia freeing 16 prisoners.

Since her release from prison in Russia, Griner has become an advocate for Americans wrongfully detained abroad, working with the Bring Our Families Home Campaign to help raise awareness and advocate for the safe return ofU.S. citizens detained abroad.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Brittney Griner says shes overwhelmed with joy for Americans freed from Russia in prisoner swap

WNBA star Brittney Griner and her wife said in a post on Instagram Thursday that they are overwhelmed with joy and relief for the Americans recently released in a prisoner swap with Russia.

The Biden-Harris [Administration] showed true leadership once again by doing whatever it took to bring Americans home. Every American returned is a win, reads the post, signed by Griner and her wife, Cherelle.

Griner was detained in Russia for around 10 months and was later freed in December 2022 via a similar prisoner swap.

Although today is one of celebration, our hearts go out to the many Americans still being held hostage overseas, and their families, the post from Griner and her wife continues.

Those released in the Thursday prisoner swap with Russia include Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, Vladimir Kara-Murza, five Germans and seven Russians.

Today, we celebrate the return of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir and rejoice with their families, President Biden said in a Thursday statement. We remember all those still wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world. And reaffirm our pledge to their families: We see you. We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring your loved ones home where they belong.

In an interview on Fox News Thursday, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said Biden was willing to make that tough call in order to get these  all these individuals, not just the Americans, all of them, released.

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State Rep. John Macco, center, prepares to speak Thursday on two state constitutional amendments at the Republican Party of Brown County headquarters in Bellevue.

BELLEVUE  Nick Ratajczyk has voted for Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Constitution Party candidates. He's participated in every midterm election since 2010 and presidential election since 2012 as a Bellevue resident. He's one of the less common Wisconsinites to also vote in primaries and on constitutional referendums; he just didn't know how to cast his ballot Aug. 13.

He scanned the "Ultra MAGA" pouches, the "Election Integrity Matters" sign on the far wall, and the faces of the four state representatives and senators in the room for answers just before Thursday morning's press conference at the Republican Party of Brown County's headquarters advocating a "Yes" vote on the state's constitutional amendment.

There was a man who already knew how he would vote. "So are we supposed to vote 'Yes' or 'No' on this bill?" he asked half-jokingly to a staffer.

"Well, if you don't know by now ..." she said, trailing off with a laugh.

Wisconsinites will make yes-or-no choices on a two-part referendum on Aug. 13. The outcome may amend a Depression-era law in the state's constitution that redistributes fiscal power between two branches of government.

Voters will be presented with two questions on their ballot. The first asks if the state constitution should be changed so that the Legislature alone determines how money is appropriated. Voters will then decide if the governor should be prohibited from distributing federal money given to the state without approval from the Legislature. The second question has caught voters like Ratajczyk in a political firestorm, trying to make sense of it all.

The first question requires a 12th-grade reading level to understand, according to the Automated Readability Index, a test that determines how readable a piece of text is. That's the same level of comprehension needed to read Stephen Hawking's "A Brief History of Time," according to the index.

The first question reads: Delegation of appropriation power. Shall section 35 (1) of article IV of the constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?

The second question is even harder, requiring a college graduate level of reading comprehension, its difficulty on par with academic papers.

The second question: Allocation of federal moneys. Shall section 35 (2) of article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?

"The devil's in the details, I want to know more before I vote," Ratajczyk said. "And to hear it from people who deal in it every day, it'd be good to hear it in blue-collar terms," he said, pulling on the collar of his navy shirt.

Voters like Ratajczyk have turned to simplified talking points from the two major political parties for guidance on how to vote.

"Yes" proponents have primarily aligned with the Republican Party that brought forward the amendments endorsed by the Badger Institute and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

Supporters of a "No" vote have historically been affiliated with the Democratic Party, including the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, and the Wisconsin Education Association Council.

Ratajczyk and nearly 20 others waited Thursday morning to hear state Republican Reps. John Macco of the 88th Assembly District and Ty Bodden of the 59th pitch the Republican stance on the referendum vote: "Vote YES for Checks and Balances; Vote YES on Questions 1 & 2!" as the sign next to their podium said (seventh-grade reading level).

The representatives gave remarks on the two legislative sessions in 2021 and 2023 that brought the referendum to the public, their thoughts on the amendments' importance, and offered their arguments on voting on Aug. 13.

Here are the main takeaways:

Anger and distrust over political parties spill over into referendum

A woman who walked into the press conference minutes before the start had already made up her mind how to respond to her neighbor who put up "Vote No" lawn signs. She would put her up own "Vote Yes" signs. It would be a standoff.

I just want to cause hate and discontent, she said to staffers.

Americans have long felt distrustful of the political process, especially of members of the other political party. But on this referendum measure that doesn't nominate or elect a person into office, anger and distrust against the other side are still prevalent.

Macco made his thoughts clear about what he thought of proponents on the "No" side before the press conference began: disingenuous.

Its the level ofI dont want to say education, but get your facts straight and check your depth of knowledge, he said to an attendee about "No" voters before the press conference.

When asked what argument from the "No" side they had the most personal quarrels with, both Macco and Bodden responded that they believed those on the "No" side were making their points off a foundation of disinformation, that they were making disingenuous arguments that are just factually not true.

Democrats have similar grievances against former president Donald Trump who continues to question the validity of the 2020 election results that some see parallels to in this referendum. (The 2020 elections claims are false, and Biden won Wisconsin by 21,000 votes.)

"These amendments are nothing but a GOP power grab," said Christy Welch, a Democratic candidate for the 88th Assembly District, the district that Macco is retiring from.

Macco and Bodden argued that accusations of a "power grab" were unfounded as the referendum would apply to all future administrations regardless of party affiliation.

Not just a party split, but a Legislature v. governor jostle for power

Since the Great Depression, the state constitution granted Wisconsin governors the power to receive and allocate federal funds in times of emergency, to promote education, to advance the health of residents, and to support agriculture.

Many Republican lawmakers disapproved of Gov. Tony Evers' use of that power when allocating federal relief given during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that there was too much power vested in the governor without oversight.

"We need to make sure the decisions must be made close to the people," Bodden said during the press conference. "This is why we're called 'representatives.'"

During the press conference, Macco characterized the governor's allocation of federal funds to a Milwaukee mall redevelopment project ($15 million), a public market in Madison ($4 million), and an addition to the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon ($7 million) as "pet projects."

If the amendment passes, the governor would need legislative approval to accept unplanned, emergency aid from the federal government, slowing the allocation. Supporters of voting "No" point to the $25 million lost in federal funding to pay unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic due to slow action by the Republican-controlled Legislature.

"When there is a crisis, we don't have time to wait for the slow-moving Legislature to get funds to our fellow Wisconsinites," read a statement that the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin signed onto. The governor, in any case, is also just as accountable to voters, they argue, and easier to hold accountable than dozens of legislators.

Macco and Bodden assured that the Department of Military Affairs had enough funds in a disaster and would be reimbursed by Federal Emergency Management Agency. They added that the argument discounts the Legislature and governor working together.

The distribution of power by the governor and the Legislature to use and distribute federal funding differs by state regardless of party control.

Since 2011, Connecticut has been under Democratic control of the governor's mansion, Senate, and House of Representatives  called a "trifecta"  and requires the governor submit approval to the legislature on how to distribute federal money given to the state.

In 2021, Eric Holcomb, the Republican governor of Indiana  a longtime Republican trifecta state  attempted to veto a bill that would give its legislature authority to spend unanticipated federal funds while in session; the Republican legislature overrode the veto.

'You Decide'

Press conference attendees could pick up a referendum op-ed written by Rep. Robert Wittke of the 62nd Assembly District that left readers with the imperative, "YOU DECIDE."

Ratajczyk's voting record nearly guaranteed he would vote in the August election, a high-value voter for both "Yes" and "No" camps. He had been standing for nearly an hour, listening to the press conference with his hat in his hands.

"I was concerned about emergency situations, which (the press conference) touched on," Ratajczyk said. "They didn't really say what happens to the money if the Legislature and the governor don't agree. What happens then?"

He paused. He wasn't sure if the blue-collar explanations revealed anything the white-collar questions obscured.

Voters may vote on the referendum on Aug. 13 at their nearest polling station.

Question 1 would add the following text to Article IV of the state constitution: "The legislature may not designate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated."

Question 2 would add the following text to Article IV of the state constitution: "The governor may not allocate any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule."

Jesse Lin covers the community of Green Bay and politics in northeastern Wisconsin. Contact him at jlin@gannett.com or call 920-431-8247.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Brown County Republican Party holds 'yes' vote rally; some are unsure
Brown County Sheriffs Office gets new vehicle to assist with underwater crime investigations

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  The Brown County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) shared a post on Facebook to introduce residents to a new trailer that will assist officers in investigating scenes underwater.

The new Dive Team trailer was purchased and equipped using funds from the ALERT (Aligned Law Enforcement Response Team) Grant, which is given through Wisconsin Emergency Management.

Community Update: Green Bay Police Chief talks electric vehicle pilot project, Citizens Academy

The Dive Team, which was established in 2005, is a special squad trained to investigate crime scenes underwater as well as coordinate search and rescue missions.

Courtesy: Brown County Sheriffs Office

Courtesy: Brown County Sheriffs Office

Courtesy: Brown County Sheriffs Office

Courtesy: Brown County Sheriffs Office

Courtesy: Brown County Sheriffs Office

The trailer will be present at the Food Truck Festival on Aug. 19 for residents looking to learn more, see the interior and meet the BCSOs Dive Team.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) leads his Republican opponent Bernie Moreno by 4 points in a race that could help decide which party controls the Senate, according to a new poll.

The poll from AARP released Thursday showed Brown ahead with 46 percent support to Morenos 42 percent, while 11 percent were undecided and 1 percent supported another candidate. Pollsters found Brown ahead with certain key constituencies contributing to his narrow lead.

Moreno led Brown by 2 points among voters aged 50 and older, who are the most committed age group to voting in November, with 94 percent of them saying so. But Brown led by 11 points among voters aged 18 to 49.

And within the 50-and-older age group, Moreno is ahead by 5 points among those 50 to 64, but Brown is up by 1 point among those 65 and older.

The incumbent also owes his lead to greater support among his party than Moreno has and a lead among independents.

More than 90 percent of Democrats polled said they support Brown, while just more than 75 percent of Republicans said they support Moreno.

Brown led among independents 46 percent to 34 percent, though 20 percent said they were undecided.

Brown is running for another term in an increasingly red-leaning state that voted for former President Trump in 2016 and 2020. He has managed to hold on as his state has undergone political changes, but Republicans are hoping to take this opportunity to oust him.

Still, polls have mostly shown potential good news for Brown, and the polling average from Decision Desk HQ and The Hill has him ahead of Moreno by nearly 5 points.

The AARP poll was conducted July 23-28 from interviews with 1,384 likely voters to reach a statewide representative sample of 600 likely voters for the polls results. The margin of error for the sample of 600 voters was 4 percentage points.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
VILNIUS, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Forty illegal migrants were detained in Lithuania's Utena County after they entered the country from the border with Latvia, and three people were still on the run, the Lithuanian police said on Friday.

According to Baltic News Service, Utena District Police stopped two vans on Friday in the town of Daugailiai and the village of Vaikutenai carrying 43 irregular migrants from Latvia.

The police detained 40 migrants. The report said the other three fled and have not yet been apprehended.

Two police officers were reportedly slightly injured during the detentions. 
BEREA, Ohio (WKBN)  The Cleveland Browns have signed linebacker Caleb Johnson and placed linebacker Charlie Thomas III on the Reserve/Injured list with a knee injury.

Johnson was originally signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2023 out of the University of Miami.

He spent time his rookie season on the practice squads of the Jets, Steelers and Cardinals.

In addition, he also spent time with the Browns this offseason after signing with Cleveland on Jan. 17.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
BRYAN COUNTY (WSAV)  Fire officials are responding to concerns from Bryan County residents after discussion online about the departments response times, equipment, staff and what some are calling a lack of urgency.

Division Chief Shannon Bancroft and Division Chief Anthony Van Es want to set the record straight and assure the community that they can trust their guys to get to calls quickly and do what they are trained to do.

In the absence of retired Fire Chief Freddy Howell, Van Es is the interim EMA director. Bancroft is handling his fire department responsibilities.

We do have highly trained men and women here in the [fire] department. Regardless of what is being said out there, they are highly trained, Bancroft said.

Firefighters train to avoid heat stress, their greatest threat

Some of the controversy stems from how they handled a recent house fire on Belfast-River Road.

Bancroft broke down the working of that fire and said trucks were on the scene within five minutes and had water on the fire in nearly six.

But, the family tells News 3 the department could have done more to save their home.

Were under a false sense of security in this neighborhood. I dont know the politics of whats going on, but we pay a lot of money and this brick house should not have burnt down, Montez Johnson, the homeowner, said. There wasnt any urgency. What are we paying for here? And, I worry about my neighbors now.

Bancroft says he understands the time the family of eight spent watching their home burn must have felt like an eternity.

Each and every time I go to a structure fire, I feel for the family, he said.

Bancroft wants the family and community to know he has reviewed all logs and even videos because of their concerns, and he says crews were on the scene within fire department standards.

We do have a good video of the first two units pulling out of the station that is just up the street. As soon as they hang right out of the station, you can see a large ball of flame coming through the roof. That tells me that the fire is pretty much fully involved, at least in the attic, Bancroft said.

Bryan County family looking to rebuild after house fire

He added that fire crews did not need to go inside because everyone was safely out. Their mission was to get the fire under control and extinguished.

Bancroft explained that crews tried to use a private fire hydrant in the area, but the cap was not on all the way and debris had gotten into it. Regardless, he says they had a truck full of water on the scene, so they were able to adjust and use that water on the fire.

The division chief says many dont understand what these men and women in uniform go through, but they have a job to do nonetheless.

It can be taxing, especially down here in the South, in the middle of summer, Bancroft said. It doesnt matter what time of night it is. It could be 3 in the morning. It is still hot, and youre wearing all your gear. Youre still working, trying to do the best that you can to mitigate the incident that you respond to.

Bryan County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, and the division chiefs tell News 3 the department will be tailored to meet the needs of the community.

The fire logs for the case on Belfast-River Road are attached below.

3855_001_019194Download

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
'The budget is going to be brutal': Milwaukee County considers asking state for financial help

With a looming $19 million end-of-year deficit, a disappointing sales tax shortfall and growing concerns about future budgets, members of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors warned of difficult spending cuts ahead and said the county might need to seek financial help from the state.

On Wednesday, supervisors discussed the county's potential multimillion deficit, which has been exacerbated by low sales tax collections as well as the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office projected overall deficit of $7.06M and projected overtime deficit of $7.6 million.

For Supervisor Steve Taylor, the county's current fiscal situation doesn't bode well for the upcoming budget season this fall or for the next few years.

"If you were elected before 2020, you have no clue how difficult this budget is going to be. No idea," Taylor warned supervisors. "We've had four years of cash being thrown at us by the feds. Those days are over. This budget is going to be brutal. We've seen the five-year forecast. It's going to be brutal the next five years."

But one thing was clear during the meeting: all were disappointed by the Sheriff's Office lack of solutions to tackle its worrying overtime spending.

"We are hearing about the symptoms, but we need to find the cure for the cause," newly elected Supervisor Anne O'Connor said.

One solution supervisors floated included calling on the state for financial support to help weather the sheriff's mammoth overtime spending, of which the county foots the bill.

"We have been funding the police, but I think we need help though if we want to close this budget gap and continue to offer public safety and we cannot continue to go back to taxpayers," Supervisor Shawn Rolland said. "We really do need help from the state, to step up and provide some of these funds so we can provide the kind of public safety we need."

Taylor bemoaned the lack of action by the county to get help from the state already.

"Where's the going to Madison during the budget and demanding that the state picks up the slack and helps the local level? Why hasn't that been done?" Taylor said. "You know next year we're going to be sitting in the exact same position  that we're going to have to bail out the sheriff's department budget at the expense of other services, other departments that are doing their job."

The county has already gotten help from the state, including the ability to raise the sales tax from 0.4% to 0.9% and an increased flow of shared revenue. Legislators passed a funding deal for the Brewers stadium renovation that requires $67.5 million each from the city and Milwaukee County over almost 30 years, but the state offset some of those costs by lowering its fee to administer local sales taxes.

Taylor also voiced frustrations about the lower-than-projected sales tax collections and the county being on the hook for the annual $2.5 million contribution toward the Brewers stadium renovation but he trained particular anger on the sheriff's lack of solutions to its fiscal issues.

"I didn't hear solutions. That's what pisses me off," he said. "I heard the problems. I heard the causes. I didn't hear any creativity."

Options floated at the committee level by the county's Budget Office suggested cutting county services including parks amenities, as well as scaling back projects the county will work on from a $1.3 billion capital backlog.

"I just want to observe the sad reality that this dynamic is fundamentally repressive," recently elected Supervisor Jack Eckblad said. "For every dollar that we take away from upstream services and spend on overtime, we are actually increasing the likelihood that a sheriff's deputy will need to be called and that we'll have to spend more money on overtime."

The Sheriff's Office currently operates the County Jail, patrols the freeways, and polices county parks, courts and Mitchell International Airport.

Ecklad proposed downscaling the Sheriff's Office's jurisdiction by relieving it of providing security for the airport.

Last week at the finance committee, Joe Lamers, director of the county's Office of Strategy, Budget, and Performance, also offered a handful of ideas to help tackle the county's looming deficit, including reducing or scaling back one-time funding items in this year's budget or reallocating American Rescue Plan Act dollars and 2023's roughly $30 million year-end surplus.

We have a lot of work to do in the months ahead to ensure Milwaukee County is on a sustainable, fiscally responsible path forward, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley wrote in an email Thursday, announcing the county will hold three in-person town halls on the 2025 budget.

Residents can register to attend the following town halls:

Washington Park Senior Center on Aug. 12, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Kozy Community Center on Aug. 14, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Greenfield Public Library on Aug. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can also attend this event virtually.

Town halls allow the community to learn more about Milwaukee Countys fiscal outlook and its impact on future budgets, understand the entire budget process, and express their budget priorities," Crowley said. "They are also a fantastic way for our administration officials to learn what residents need and how we can best meet those needs.

Contact Vanessa Swales at 414-308-5881 or vswales@gannett.com. Follow her on X @Vanessa_Swales.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County prepares for 'brutal' cuts, may seek state help
A Burlington man was sentenced on July 30 to 12  years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Between October 2022 and October 2023, Michael Bernard Hicks Jr., 27, distributed over three kilograms (over 6  pounds) of methamphetamine in the southeast Iowa area to confidential informants and undercover officers, according to public court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing. His distribution of methamphetamine took place while he was on probation for a State of Iowa conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Michael Hicks Jr. (Burlington Police Department)

Hicks will be required to serve five years of supervised release after his term of 150 months in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement and the case was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force and Iowa Department of Safety Division of Narcotics Enforcement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Train carrying hazardous materials derails in Springfield; Main road closed through Monday

A train carrying hazardous materials derailed in Springfield early Friday morning, an Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY) spokesperson confirmed to News Center 7.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Springfield police responded around 1:24 a.m. to N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street on reports of a train derailed.

>>PHOTOS: Train carrying hazardous materials derails in Springfield

A spokesperson for the railroad said 10 railcars, of a 45-car train, derailed.

Two of the derailed cars were carrying hazardous materials, but did not leak and are intact.

As of noon, the two cars transporting hazardous materials are completely upright, the spokesperson said.

The Springfield Fire Department tested the two cars and confirmed there were no issues.

The IORY Vice President and Springfield Police said N Bechtle Avenue is expected to be closed until Monday.

There is no threat to the public. The trains crew was not injured in this derailment.

>>3 Ohio officers stabbed, suspect dead after standoff

Contractors were called to help the IORY team rerail the affected cars.

The line is expected to be fully restored by tomorrow, according to the railroad spokesperson.

An investigation into the cause of the derailment is underway.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.

The train derailed around 1:24 a.m. at N Bechtle Avenue and Perry Street.








Cal Poly VP of Student Affairs steps down after 12 years  but he isnt going far

Cal Polys vice president for Student Affairs, Keith Humphrey, is stepping down from his role after 12 years with the San Luis Obispo univerisity.

He has made many valuable contributions to the Student Affairs division and the university, and I have appreciated his focus on student wellbeing and success, President Jeffrey Armstrong wrote in an email to the campus community Thursday.

Humphreys departure from Cal Polys senior leadership team is effective as of Friday, but he will remain involved in campus operations in his new position supporting the universitys proposed integration with Cal Maritime.

His work will focus on ensuring that the student experience for both campuses students remains strong, should the integration be approved by the Board of Trustees, Armstrong wrote.

Cal Polys vice president for Student Affairs, Keith Humphrey, is stepping down from his role at the university after 12 years of service.

Humphrey, previously an administrator at the University of Arizona, was hired to lead Cal Polys Student Affairs division in 2012. During his tenure, hes overseen a varied list of programs that fell under the Student Affairs umbrella, including Associated Students, Inc.; Career Services; University Housing; Health and Counseling Services;the Parent Program; and Student Life and Leadership.

This isnt the first time a major administrator has had duties at another campus.

Robert E. Kennedy, the namesake of the campus library, was appointed vice president in 1959 after nearly two decades as a university journalism professor. As vice president, he served both of Cal Polys campuses at the time, the one in San Luis Obispo and the southern branch campus then called Kellogg-Vorhis, now Cal Poly Pomona.

In 1966 the two campuses split and Kennedy returned to San Luis Obispo as vice president, and was later named president when McPhee retired that year.

Cindy Villa, Cal Polys senior vice president of Administration and Finance emerita who retired in March, will fill in as interim vice president of Student Affairs while they conduct a hiring search for a new division leader, according to Armstrong.

I am grateful to Cindy for her willingness to step into this important role and know the division will benefit immensely from Cindys exceptional leadership experience and abilities, Armstrong wrote. I have absolute confidence in the (Student Affairs) divisions ability to continue its important work ensuring our students thrive at Cal Poly and in their lives beyond.
A Southern California man has been missing for nearly two weeks after he got into a mysterious car accident in the middle of the night.

Thirty-four-year-old William Orellana of Upland  about 35 miles east of Los Angeles  crashed into a light pole in Riverside on July 20 and has not been seen or heard from since, the Upland Police Department wrote on Facebook Wednesday. He was reported missing a day later.

A white Chrysler 300 was found crashed with no one inside except personal belongings, according to Riverside Police Public Information Officer Ryan Rails.

"We towed the car because it was blocking the roadway. It was a hazard," Railsback told USA TODAY Thursday. "We never made contact with him. He wasn't in the car at the time of the collision. And so it was just an empty car that somebody else hit."

Officers found Orellana's cellphone and his work uniform inside the abandoned white Chrysler, KABC-TV reported.

Another driver collides with Orellana's vehicle

Another driver collided with Orellana's vehicle car that was partly on the road around 5 a.m. July 20, according to KABC-TV. The driver told police that they did not see anyone inside the car.

"We don't know if he hit his head on the steering wheel. We don't know if he lost consciousness, he doesn't know who he is. We don't know at this point," Kacey Silvas, Orellana's girlfriend for the past four years, told the station.

His disappearance is "devastating" and makes no sense to Silvas, who told CBS News: "I don't know how people can just vanish."

William Orellana, a 34-year-old father of three, has been missing in Southern California since July 21, 2024.

Girlfriend says he has no reason to be in Riverside

Silvas said Orellana had no reason to be in the Riverside area.

"He doesn't know anybody in Riverside. He doesn't have any family in Riverside. The area that he was at was so isolated. We don't know how his car got there," she said. "We're devastated. We just want to know if he is OK."

Orellana's mother, Cynthia Hernandez, said her son usually talks to her multiple times a day, CBS News reported.

"It's the hardest thing a mother could go through," Hernandez told the outlet. "Especially when you have such a close relationship. It's been hard."

Orellana is about 5-foot-7, has green/hazel eyes, a thin build and distinct tattoos on his head and neck. Anyone who finds Orellana is advised to called the Upland Police Department at (909) 946-7624.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: William Orellana crashed his car July 20. He's been missing ever since
Cape Coral handyman gets months in jail after changing plea in Hurricane Ian fraud case

The city of Cape Coral showed major signs of damage after strong winds and flood waters as a result of Hurricane Ian impacted areas of the city on Thursday September 29, 2022. This week, Aug. 1, 2024, a handyman who attempted to commit fraud in collecting money from residents to repair homes was sentenced to 9 months in jail.

A Cape Coral handyman accused of failing to complete work he was paid for after Hurricane Ian learned his fate this week after he changed his plea last month.

Robert Doerr, 35, on July 10 pleaded no contest to one count of second-degree grand theft and two counts of unlicensed contracting. Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle on Monday sentenced him to nine months in jail on each count, which will run concurrent.

The state on July 10 dropped the charges of scheme to defraud more than $20,000; exploitation of an elderly person; and fraud.

Doerr was the owner of owned DBA Precision Painting Pros.

Former deputy arrested: Former Lee County sheriff's deputy accused of stealing from motorists during traffic stops

Cape Coral police said the investigation revealed that numerous victims reported Doerr did not complete work they paid him to perform. Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida as a Category 5 storm on Sept. 28, 2022, particularly devastating Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel and Pine islands.

They added that Doerr also never returned thousands of dollars paid to him.

Authorities said that victims reported they located Doerr off Facebook, where he agreed to perform repairs at their damaged homes.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Cape Coral handyman sentenced to jail for Hurricane Ian fraud
A car drove into someones house early Friday morning. Heres what we know right now

A car crashed through someones home on Friday morning, resulting in one person hospitalized, according to a social media post from Horry County Fire Rescue.

One person suffered significant enough injuries to be sent to the hospital, according to the post.

At 6:15 a.m. the first responders were dispatched to the scene on Waccamaw River Road where the vehicle had veered off the roadway and into a building, they said.

The incident remains under investigation with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
By Belen Carreno and Lorena Sopena

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Grassroots members of Catalonia's separatist ERC party supported on Friday a regional government deal with Spain's ruling Socialists that could patch up Madrid's uneasy relations with the region but also impact Spain's entire fiscal system.

A narrow majority of ERC members voted in favour of the agreement to name Socialist Salvador Illa as new head of the regional government, according to party sources.

The northeastern region, one of Spain's wealthiest, has been governed by separatists since 2010. The peak of the independence drive came in 2017, when the Catalan government called a referendum to secede from Spain, deemed illegal by courts and resulting in a short-lived declaration of independence.

The nationalist movement's influence has since ebbed, failing to garner sufficient backing to form a government in May's regional election, won by the centre-left Socialists without a working majority.

The only way to avoid a repeat election lay through an agreement between the winning party and the left-wing, separatist ERC, to support Illa.

After the ERC's members' approval, an investiture vote could be held as soon as next week.

Under a preliminary deal agreed on Monday, Catalonia would become autonomous in collecting and managing taxes that could clash with the Spain-wide fiscal systems where poorer regions receive a portion of the more affluent regions' revenues and prompt other regions to demand similar privileges.

Such a shift would still have to be approved by a highly- fragmented Spanish parliament.

Much of the opposition and even some regional Socialist leaders have criticised the proposal that stipulates that Catalonia will continue to demonstrate "solidarity" with the rest of Spain, albeit without providing specific details.

Juan Perez, a researcher at the IVIE economic think-tank, warned that this ambiguity threatens the national fiscal system's fairness where "Madrid, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands have very wealthy taxpayers who aid other regions such as Extremadura and Castille-La Mancha".

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called the deal "a step towards federalisation" and "good news" for Spain. Sanchez is no stranger to risky gambles involving Catalan separatists after granting an amnesty to their convicted leaders in exchange for crucial support of his latest term as premier last year.

(Reporting by Belen Carreno; additional reporting by Ana Cantero; editing by Andrei Khalip and Toby Chopra)
This photo taken on Aug. 2, 2024 shows a vehicle and a house destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Chamaa, Lebanon. Four Syrians were killed and four Lebanese civilians wounded on Thursday in an alleged Israeli raid that targeted a house in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

The military sources, who spoke anonymously, said that an Israeli warplane fired four air-to-ground missiles at a house in Lebanon's southwestern village of Chamaa, killing a mother and her three children. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Four Syrians were killed and four Lebanese civilians wounded on Thursday in an alleged Israeli raid that targeted a house in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

The military sources, who spoke anonymously, said that an Israeli warplane fired four air-to-ground missiles at a house in Lebanon's southwestern village of Chamaa, killing a mother and her three children.

An ambulance belonging to the Islamic Health Authority transported their bodies to a hospital in the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, the sources said, adding that the Red Cross transported the four wounded to an Italian hospital in Tyre.

According to the sources, Israeli drones and warplanes on Thursday carried out three raids on three border towns and villages in southern Lebanon, while the Israeli artillery shelled four towns with about 20 shells.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on Thursday's attacks.

An Israeli drone fired on Tuesday evening three missiles at a position near the Shura Council of Hezbollah in Dahieh in Beirut's southern suburbs, killing Fouad Shokor, Hezbollah's top military commander, and seven civilians.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah threatened a definite and painful response to the Israeli attack at the appropriate time and place.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. 

People attend the funeral of four Syrians killed by an Israeli airstrike in Chamaa, Lebanon, Aug. 2, 2024. Four Syrians were killed and four Lebanese civilians wounded on Thursday in an alleged Israeli raid that targeted a house in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

The military sources, who spoke anonymously, said that an Israeli warplane fired four air-to-ground missiles at a house in Lebanon's southwestern village of Chamaa, killing a mother and her three children. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 2, 2024 shows a vehicle destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Chamaa, Lebanon. Four Syrians were killed and four Lebanese civilians wounded on Thursday in an alleged Israeli raid that targeted a house in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

The military sources, who spoke anonymously, said that an Israeli warplane fired four air-to-ground missiles at a house in Lebanon's southwestern village of Chamaa, killing a mother and her three children. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 2, 2024 shows a vehicle and houses destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Chamaa, Lebanon. Four Syrians were killed and four Lebanese civilians wounded on Thursday in an alleged Israeli raid that targeted a house in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

The military sources, who spoke anonymously, said that an Israeli warplane fired four air-to-ground missiles at a house in Lebanon's southwestern village of Chamaa, killing a mother and her three children. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 2, 2024 shows a vehicle and a house destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Chamaa, Lebanon. Four Syrians were killed and four Lebanese civilians wounded on Thursday in an alleged Israeli raid that targeted a house in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

The military sources, who spoke anonymously, said that an Israeli warplane fired four air-to-ground missiles at a house in Lebanon's southwestern village of Chamaa, killing a mother and her three children. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

People attend the funeral of four Syrians killed by an Israeli airstrike in Chamaa, Lebanon, Aug. 2, 2024. Four Syrians were killed and four Lebanese civilians wounded on Thursday in an alleged Israeli raid that targeted a house in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

The military sources, who spoke anonymously, said that an Israeli warplane fired four air-to-ground missiles at a house in Lebanon's southwestern village of Chamaa, killing a mother and her three children. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)
Since 2020, Boises Catholic Diocese has been trying to build an office building near the North End. But it has come up against substantial opposition in public hearings, especially from neighbors who took issue with the three-story, 20,000-square-foot buildings proposed height.

The Boise City Council caught the church off guard in April by denying its request to modify an existing development agreement at the site, 902 N. 8th St. Council members said the projects lack of housing or retail made it too big of a stretch to align with the original agreements intent to build a mixed-use building at the site.

An architectural rendering of the proposed diocesesan office building at 902 N. 8th Street.

That denial essentially killed the project, Council Member Luci Willits said at the time. Christian Welp, the churchs director of special projects, called the decision a complete surprise.

In the months since, the church has worked with neighbors to compromise on the buildings height, and modified its request to include a public-use space on the buildings first floor. But it has also come to view the City Councils requirement to include housing as a government burden on its exercise of religion, according to a statement the church released Friday.

The church accused the city of violating federal and state laws and implicitly threatened a lawsuit if the city did not approve the churchs appeal, and modified application, at an upcoming hearing. The diocese separately sent a letter to Mayor Lauren McLean and the City Council outlining the legal limits to the citys authority to deny the dioceses application, the statement said.

City regulations that require the diocese to include housing substantially burden the dioceses religious exercise according to state and federal law, the statement reads. Put simply, the offices for the administration of the Catholic Church in Idaho should not have to include apartments or condos for the city at large. Requiring the diocesan offices to build city housing and be a landlord violates these federal and state statutes.

Still, the diocese remains committed to compromises it has offered to try to find common ground for approval and avoid the delay inherent in a lawsuit, the statement says.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise wants to build new offices on this site at the corner of West Fort and North 8th streets, near the Cathedral of Saint John and the Saint Joseph Catholic School in the background.

In April, Council Member Jimmy Hallyburton expressed opposition to the projects lack of retail and housing. On Monday, he told the Statesman that Boise City Council sees dozens of rezones, conditional use permits, variance requests, appeals and other types of development applications every year, making decisions based on city code, our comprehensive plan, and public comment, all through the lens of our state statutes and legal authority.

The Catholic Diocese was treated no differently in their original public hearing, he added. Im confident they will not be treated differently when they return in August.

Maria Weeg, a spokesperson for the city, did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment Friday on the churchs allegations.

At the April meeting, Willits, who opposed the decision, called it a darn shame.

The reality is, the Catholic Diocese (is) not going to put retail in the bottom of their facility, Willits said. Theyre not going to put an ice cream shop. Thats not what its for.

The churchs statement frames the dioceses efforts to construct the office building as part of its religious exercise. But at public hearings in February and April, when the church faced questions from neighbors about why the building was not being zoned as a religious institution, its representatives characterized the building as an office space that would not be used for worship.

We feel it is disingenuous to claim freedom of religious exercise at this point after arguing for months that it is not a religious project, but just an office building, Erik Hagen, the North End Neighborhood Associations president, told the Statesman in an email.

In its statement, the church expressed optimism that the changes to its application would warrant the City Councils approval. It cited a meeting with the neighborhood association in which an agreement to lower the buildings proposed 62-foot height prompted nearly all of the associations board members to vote in support of the project.

The board deeply appreciates the diocese representatives and the architects for their flexibility and willingness to finally consider and address our concerns, Hagen wrote. Their decision to make these changes ... was a significant factor in our decision to support them.

Will the church really sue the city if it denies the modified request?

Thats a great question, Welp told the Statesman on Friday. Well cross that bridge if we come to it.

The City Council is set to decide about the churchs modified request after a public hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, at City Hall.

This story was updated on August 5, 2024 to incorporate a comment from Council Member Jimmy Hallyburton.

A debate over the fate of Catholic Church offices  and an accusation of religious bias

Catholic Churchs proposed building draws criticism in Boises gateway to the North End
Cause of Death Revealed for Ga. Mom Found Dead in Car 2 Years After Her Son Was Fatally Shot

Chanell Crosby, 35, was found dead on July 19, five days after she was reported missing, per authorities

gofundme Chanell Crosby and Jamiren Crosby

Authorities in Georgia have announced the cause of death of a woman who had recently lost both her son and brother to gun violence.

Chanell Crosby, 35, died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiners Office, which also ruled her death as a homicide.

According the medical examiner's report, which was obtained by PEOPLE, her body showed signs of decomposition when it was found.

Crosby was reported missing by her family on July 14, the Atlanta Police Department said in their announcement following her death.

Authorities said she was last seen when she left for a trip to Macon, Ga., with her boyfriend, WSB TV reported at the time.

On July 19, police responded to a report of an unresponsive person and found her "not alert, conscious, or breathing" in Atlanta, Ga., per the Atlanta PD's statement. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

At the time of her death, Crosby had been searching for answers in the killing of her son, 13-year-old Jamiren Crosby, who was fatally shot minutes away from his home in Lithonia, Ga., 11 Alive News previously reported.

Related: Mother of 4 Found Dead 2 Years After 13-Year-Old Son and Brother Are Murdered in Unsolved Cases

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Earlier that year, in April, Chanell's brother had been found fatally shot in an Atlanta apartment complex after he won $4,000 in a slot machine, his family told 11 Alive.

Following these tragic shootings, Chanell had started a foundation in their family's name "focuse[d] on gun violence, police brutality and community service," she told WSB-TV in June 2023.

We went around painting shelters, donating to childrens shelters and women shelters, she told the outlet of the foundations work.



No arrests had been made in Jamirens murder as of the time Chanell died. As of the filing of this report, no information was available on the Atlanta PD website regarding any updates in the investigation into Chanell's death.

A GoFundMe has been set up to assist Chanell's family with funeral expenses and resources needed for the three children she left behind.

If you have information pertaining to Chanell Crosbys death, you may contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta Tip Line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637).



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CENTERVILLE, Ohio (WDTN)  During a special meeting on Thursday, the Board of Education approved a levy to appear on the ballot in November.

The Centerville Board of Education held a special meeting on Aug. 1. During the meeting, the Board approved a resolution to place a levy on the Nov. 5 ballot.

LIST: When does your child return to school?

The proposed 3.9-mill operating levy would generate $11.2 million each year for the districts ongoing operating expenses. The funds will allow Centerville Schools to maintain current educational programs and keep up with rising costs of day-to-day expenses.

Two earlier requests were rejected by voters, prompting district leadership to make cuts. The district has made $3.5 million in reductions going into the 2024-2025 school year. Cost-saving measures are impacting staffing, transportation, field trips, the school calendar and student fees.

Superintendent Jon Wesney says levies are the main source of funding for most districts in Ohio, including Centerville.

Unfortunately, Centerville Schools receives relatively flat funding from the state of Ohio and from voted levies each year, Wesney said. This means as costs rise, we must ask our community for additional funding or make significant changes to our educational programs.

For more information about the upcoming levy, visit www.centerville.k12.oh.us/levy.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
A New York City man who was considered the ringleader of a group of people involved in the gruesome torture and murder of another man in Elmira more than three years ago will spend the rest of his life in state prison.

Chemung County Judge Ottavio Campanella on Friday sentenced Eddie Marte to life in prison without possibility of parole following a March trial in which the jury found Marte guilty of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping in connection with the January 2021 slaying of 39-year-old Juan Jose Gotay, also of New York City.

Citing the brutal nature of the crime, Campanella said anything less than the maximum sentence allowed by law would be an injustice.

Campanella also sentenced Marte to 25 years to life on the kidnapping charge.

Marte, who was already incarcerated at Attica Correctional Facility for a conviction on burglary, kidnapping and robbery charges stemming from an unrelated Ontario County case, is the last of four suspects to be convicted in the Gotay killing.

Convicted killer Eddie Marte is loaded into a van Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Marte had just been sentenced in Chemung County Court to life in prison without parole for a 2021 Elmira torture/murder.

Police accused Marte and three others  Thomas E. Bovaird, of Horseheads, Malik M. Weems, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Kavon Sanders, no address listed, in connection with Gotay's grisly torture and murder at two houses on Elmira's Southside, 427-429 Partridge St. and 319 West Ave.

In pushing for the maximum sentence, Chemung County District Attorney Weeden Wetmore said this was one of the most horrible crimes he's ever encountered.

Wetmore noted Gotay was shot twice and assaulted at one house, all at the direction of Gotay, before he was dragged to the other location and the torture continued.

"In that chamber of horror, the decedent was sodomized with a stick and had his eyes poked out at the direction of the defendant," Wetmore said. "He had his tongue cut out. He was still alive, begging them to kill him at this point."

Men in Hazmat suits enter an apartment at 427 Partridge St. in Elmira on Thursday, May 6, 2021 during an investigation that eventually led to the indictment of three men on murder and other felony charges.

Marte and the others then loaded Gotay into a car and drove him to Potter County, Pennsylvania, where they dumped him  still alive  in a remote area along U.S. Route 6, Wetmore said.

Defense attorney Michael Witmer asked for a lesser sentence, arguing that much of the testimony at Marte's trial wasn't sufficiently corroborated. Witmer also noted that according to medical evidence, Gotay died from exposure, not from the injuries inflicted on him.

Bovaird and Weems both pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for their roles in Gotay's death. Sanders, who was 16 at the time, was tried in a non-jury trial in Chemung County Youth Part Court and convicted of first-degree manslaughter.

Public safety Leader of 'largest' Bradford County drug ring faces up to 4 decades in prison for crimes

Sanders was sentenced to 11 years in prison and two-and-a-half years of post-release supervision following his conviction.

Bovaird and Weems still await sentencing.

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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Eddie Marte sentenced to life in prison for Elmira torture, murder
Multi-state agribusinessman Charles Herbster is helping lead a rural coalition for former President Donald Trump's campaign. (Courtesy of Charles Herbster)

LINCOLN  Former President Donald Trump has tapped former Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster on Friday to lead a rural slice of Trumps 2024 race for the White House.

Herbster announced he has been named chairman of its Rural Americans for Trump Coalition. Herbster is a major donor and a friend of Trumps.

He has said he was in New York when Trump launched his 2016 bid. That year, Herbster led an agricultural and rural committee for Trump. In 2020, he led a Trump group of farmers and ranchers.

Herbster has spent much of his time since the 2022 governors race devoted to helping Trump win back the presidency, calling him one of the best presidents of his lifetime.

Rural America drove President Trump to victory in 2016 and provided the backbone of support in 2020, Herbster said in a statement. We will propel him back to the White House in 2024.

No surprise Herbster helping Trump

Herbster this week was already discussing the importance of Trumps work for rural communities in a push for votes in rural Pennsylvania, a key swing state.

Nebraska Democratic Party chairwoman Jane Kleeb said its no surprise that Trump named Herbster, a donor who spends much of his time out of state, to lead his campaigns rural coalition.

The real question is, How much did Herbster pay to get this appointment? Kleeb said.

Federal Election Commission filings show that Herbster has donated more than $294,000 to the Trump 47 Committee, Donald J. Trump for President 2024 and Make America Great Again since June 2023.

Kleeb said Herbster and Trump have a lot in common, including sexual harassment lawsuits in their past and an apparent inability to accept election defeats.

Herbster was at the White House to hear Trump speak on Jan. 6, 2021, before a group of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. He still questions whether President Joe Biden defeated Trump in 2020.

Herbsters future

Trump endorsed Herbster in the May 2022 gubernatorial primary that Herbster lost to Jim Pillen. Herbster blamed much of his loss on groping allegations by eight women that he denied.

He attended a unity rally for the Nebraska Republican Party the day after the primary but did not endorse Pillen.

He recently wrote an op-ed for the Omaha World-Herald in which he called for Republicans in the state to unite around Trump.

Herbster has not dismissed speculation he might run again for governor.

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CHARLESTOWN, R.I. (WPRI)  If you love seafood, you should head to Charlestown this weekend.

The Charlestown Seafood Festival kicks off at 12 p.m. Friday at Ninegret Park.

Bringing in an array of seafood, live music and more, the award winning three-day festival has been going on for 39 years.

All weekend long there will be music playing from bands like Take it tot he Bridges, Street Survivors, and the big headliner Dirty Deeds coming on Saturday night.

ALSO READ: Feast of the Blessed Sacrament kicks off in New Bedford

Amusement rides will also be set up and on Saturday there will be a big fireworks display at 9 p.m.

To finish off the festival, the Rhode Island Street Rodding Association Car Show kicks off at 11 a.m. when the doors open.

Earlier this week, Heather Paliotta, Executive Director of the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce, told 12 News she loves working with so many people to get the festival going.

The festival is so much fun, the food is unbelievable, this year I have six raw bars and theyre all local. One is 401 Oyster Company, Aquidneck Oyster Farm, Bean Family Catering, Blue Rock Catering, the Rhode Island Shell Fisherman, Shuck and Truck, she xplained. And then we have lobsters, lobster rolls, lobster grilled cheese, and every chowder you can think of.

More information about the festival can be found on their website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  The third suspect and leader in the gruesome 2021 Chemung County torturing and murder of a New York City man was sentenced on Friday, more than 3 1/2 years after the murder.

Eddie Marte will spend the rest of his life in prison after he was sentenced on Friday, Aug. 2, for the kidnapping, torture, and murdering of Juan Jose Gotay with three of his accomplices in January 2021.

The sentencing comes after Marte refused a plea deal and took the case to a jury where the trial went for nearly a week before he was found guilty. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before reaching the verdict on March 11, 2024, where they found Marte guilty of first-degree murder, and kidnapping in the first degree.

Eddie Marte found guilty for involvement in Chemung County Torture-Murder Case

Marte, who is already serving a 15-year prison sentence for his involvement in another kidnapping and burglary case in Geneva with Malik Weems and another individual, remained quiet during the sentencing on Friday, electing not to give a statement.

The prosecution read a letter to the court from Gotays brother, stating that Marte should never get the chance for parole and that Gotays mother is still in distress from the murder of her son.

Chemung County District Attorney, Weeden Wetmore, relayed the details of the case to the judge stating that in January 2021, Marte, Malik Weems, Thomas Bovaird, and Kavon Sanders, kidnapped Gotay in Chemung County.

Gotay was taken to a home on Elmiras southside where he was shot, tortured, stabbed, and disfigured, leaving him with traumatic injuries.

The group bound Gotay up with an electrical cord and left him over an embankment along route 6 in Potter County, Pennsylvania, where his body wasnt discovered until April 6, 2021.

Chemung County Murder-Torture case: Timeline of known events

In April 2021, Marte and Weems kidnapped a man in Chemung County in an attempt to get ransom money for them, before they were both arrested in late April for a separate kidnapping in Geneva.

In September 2021 Bouvaird was arrested and indicted for his involvement in the murder, followed by the arrest of Sanders later that month.

After several rounds of trials, delayed court cases, and other matters, Malik Weems and Thomas Bouvaird both took plea deals. Weems pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on May 5, 2023, and Bouvaird pleaded guilty on June 8, 2023, with second-degree murder carrying a sentence of 18 years to life in prison.

Sanders still has to be seen in court for his involvement in the case, but no date was mentioned Friday as to when that would be.

Martes sentencing takes things one step further into the closing of a multi-year-long case. It was said in court on Friday that Marte still has to be tried for the April 2021 Chemung County kidnapping, no date was mentioned for when that trial will take place.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kans.  Recently, it came to light that the name of Empire City Marshal Marion Thomas, along with his service and sacrifice to the community, was missing from the etched marble walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. The omission was brought to the attention of the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office according to Chief Deputy Nate Jones.

Jones says with support from the Community Outreach Deputy and the Cherokee County Genealogical Society, they have spent the last few weeks collecting historical records. These documents included newspaper articles, and court documents from the era, detailing the events surrounding Marshal Thomass death.

According to those historical records, on the afternoon of February 5, 1900, City Marshal Thomas responded to a saloon incident near Columbia and Main Street in what is now the City of Galena. Shots had been fired within the establishment, and when Marshal Thomas attempted to disarm the shooter, he was shot multiple times and died almost immediately. Marshal Thomas left behind his wife, Ollie Hopkins, and their three children.

Regardless of whether this lawman gave his life 124 years ago or today, his service and sacrifice are worthy of being memorialized at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, which is why following the research, an official application was made to have his name included and his selflessness honored, said Chief Deputy Jones.

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Chevron, after 145 years in California, is relocating to Texas, a milestone in oil's long decline in the state

Aerial view of the Chevron refinery in Richmond, Calif. The company said Friday it will be relocating its headquarters from the Bay Area to Houston. (Josh Edelson/For The Times)

With the announcement Friday that it was moving its headquarters from California to Texas, Chevron Corp. became perhaps one of the last dinosaurs to slip into the tar pit, a symbol of California's monumental transition from a manufacturing and production state to the brave new world of services.

In the popular imagination, California has long been seen as Hollywood, sunshine and beaches that attracted millions of new residents and built its sprawling cities. But in reality the great magnet of growth for decades was the production of things: think the aerospace industry, petroleum and agriculture.

The transition away from manufacturing has been going on for decades, exemplified by Silicon Valley, which churns out the ideas for high-tech devices but leaves the actual production to others, overseas, and the sprawling ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which offload the vast flow of manufactured goods from abroad.

Now, it's Chevron's turn.

The oil giant was founded in California 145 years ago at the beginning of an era when the state became one of the world's leading suppliers of oil and its byproducts.

But in recent years, the company has been butting heads with Sacramento over energy and climate policies, which now loom larger than manufacturing in many people's minds. On Friday, the company said it is moving its headquarters from the Bay Area to Houston.

The move is part of a long, steady exodus of not only Chevrons operations, but also the larger petroleum industry from California, which in its heyday early last century produced more than one-fifth of the worlds total oil.

While California remains the seventh-largest producer of oil among the 50 states, its production of crude has been sliding since the mid-1980s and is now down to only about 2% of the U.S. total, according to the latest U.S. Energy Information Administration data.

The downshift reflects just how far the state has staked its fortunes away from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy and, in particular, away from gas-powered cars to become the center of the electric vehicle industry

Oil and gas has shaped California into what it became, but it has been in a tremendous decline, said Andreas Michael, an assistant professor of petroleum engineering at the University of North Dakota. Chevrons move out of the state, he said, is a milestone in that decline, and its very sad to see.

Sarah Elkind, a San Diego State University history professor who has chronicled the profound impact of oil production on people's health and industry overall in Los Angeles, wondered out loud whether Chevron was leaving California to get away from regulatory scrutiny.

Its unfortunate corporations will relocate their workforces in places that have fewer environmental regulations rather than working in ways that lead to healthy and vibrant communities, she said.

Chevron, the second-largest U.S. oil company, based in San Ramon, didnt respond to interview requests Friday. In a statement, the company said that the move to Texas would allow the company to co-locate with other senior leaders and enable better collaboration and engagement with executives, employees, and business partners.

Chevron has been steadily shrinking its footprint in the Bay Area. It moved Chevron Energy Technology, a subsidiary, to Texas last decade, and two years ago the company sold its San Ramon campus as it began shifting jobs to Houston. The company already has about 7,000 employees in the Houston area.

Chevron has some 2,000 employees in San Ramon. It is the latest high-profile departure of a California company to another state.

Recently Elon Musk said he is moving his companies SpaceX and X from California to Texas, and over the last decade there have been scores of other California companies in tech and other industries that have fled the state, with many attributing it to the states high operating costs and other policies that they see as not supportive of business.

Last fall, Californias attorney general sued Chevron and several other big oil companies, alleging that their production and refining operations have caused billions of dollars in damage and that they deceived the public about the risks of fossil fuels in global warming.

Chevrons chief executive, Mike Wirth, has pushed back against the suit and Californias approach to climate change, saying that planet warming is a global issue and that piecemeal legal actions arent helpful.

Gov. Gavin Newsoms office downplayed the significance of Chevrons relocation news Friday and highlighted the growth and opportunities in clean energy for California, which it said already has six times more jobs than fossil fuels employment.

This announcement is the logical culmination of a long process that has repeatedly been foreshadowed by Chevron, said Alex Stack, a spokesman for the governors office. Were proud of Californias place as the leading creator of clean energy jobs  a critical part of our diverse, innovative and vibrant economy.

Wirth and Chevrons vice chairman, Mark Nelson, will move to Houston before years end. There will be minimal immediate relocation impacts to other employees currently based in San Ramon, Chevron said in its statement.

Some operations will remain in San Ramon  along with hundreds of employees, Wirth told CNBC on Friday  but the company said it expects all corporate functions to move to Houston over the next five years.

Weve got a proud history in California, Wirth said, noting that the company began in 1879 in the Pico Canyon oil field just west of Newhall, the site of the states first huge flow of oil three years earlier. But he said Houston is the industrys epicenter and where Chevrons suppliers, vendors and other key partners are located.

Chevron started out as Pacific Coast Oil Co., incorporated in 1879 in San Francisco, and later was long known as Standard Oil of California. With other companies, it rode the drilling boom in Los Angeles in the early 1900s when big oil fields were discovered in places like Long Beach and Santa Fe Springs, spurring the region's industrial development but also creating increasing concerns about its impact on especially working-class neighborhoods, with uncontrolled gushers, fires, oil spreads and loud diesel pumps, said Elkind. In the 1920s, a full 20% of the oil produced in the U.S. came from Los Angeles County.

Californias relationship with the oil and gas business survived well into the 1960s. But at the end of that decade the Santa Barbara oil spill helped spur a huge environmental movement, said Michael, the University of North Dakota petroleum expert. With the states aggressive pursuit of zero-carbon policies, production of crude has fallen to less than 300,000 barrels a day, about one-fourth of what it was in mid-1980s.

And I dont think weve hit bottom yet, said Uduak-Joe Ntuk, an industry expert who until this year oversaw oil fields for the California Department of Conservations energy management division. Los Angeles County alone still has thousands of oil wells. We have billions of barrels of recoverable oil in California, but theyre just in the ground.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
How Chicago factors into blockbuster cartel cases against the Chapitos and El Mayo: Youre halfway to everywhere

When El Chapo son Joaquin Guzman Lopez appeared in a Chicago courtroom to face narcotics trafficking charges Tuesday, the city once again landed at the epicenter of the U.S. governments long-running war on Mexicos powerful drug cartels.

The intrigue surrounding Guzman Lopezs improbable arrival on U.S. soil put the spotlight squarely on the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, where leaders of the notoriously violent Sinaloa cartel have been named in a parade of indictments that began more than 15 years ago.

Among them was then-Public Enemy No. 1 Joaquin El Chapo Guzman Loera, the father of Guzman Lopez, who was ultimately convicted by a jury in New York in 2019 and is now serving a life sentence in a Colorado supermax prison.

Also charged in that original 2009 indictment was El Chapos partner, Ismael El Mayo Zambada Garcia, whose extraordinary 50-year run of avoiding arrest ended in stunning fashion last month when he arrived at a small airport near El Paso, Texas, on a private plane along with his rival, Guzman Lopez, prompting allegations that Mayo had been kidnapped and brought to U.S. soil against his will.

Its unclear where El Mayo, who is charged in several different jurisdictions, will ultimately be tried.

But despite the unanswered questions and still-unfolding international drama, the indictment unveiled in Chicago against Guzman Lopez and his three brothers, collectively known as Los Chapitos, is a clear reminder of why Chicago has factored so heavily in major cartel prosecutions in the first place.

In many respects, the Chicago area serves as a drug traffickers dream. For years, its central location and vast transportation networks have made the city a pivotal hub of narcotics distribution, authorities and federal witnesses have said. Thousands of tons of drugs have moved through the city over the decades, hidden in vehicle compartments, in suburban stash houses, and semi-trailer loads of everything from avocados to live sheep.

The cartels have also made use of the citys entrenched street gangs, which have proven more than capable of breaking down the product and delivering it to the streets.

How Chicago became a key hub in El Chapos massive U.S. drug operation: Chicago twin testifies in historic trial

Pedro Flores, the Little Village-born narcotics trafficker who, along with his twin brother, Margarito, helped U.S. authorities bring charges against more than a dozen cartel leaders, testified at El Chapos trial in 2018 about the significance of his hometown to the Sinaloa operation.

I believe it being the third largest city in the United States is important, Flores testified. Also its geographic location. Its practically situated in the center of our country, which makes it convenient, you know, youre halfway to everywhere, and logistically the infrastructure of railroad systems, highways, airports, waterways, just makes it ideal, not just for drugs but for any type of goods.

Flores testimony also brought a distinctly Chicago flavor to the New York jury when he was asked on the witness stand about a phone number he repeatedly dialed from Mexico to test out new cellphones for his crew.

Im sorry, 588-2300. What is that? the prosecutors asked Flores.

Thats the number for Empire Carpet, Flores said, without mentioning the ubiquitous jingle thats been on the airwaves in Chicago since the 1970s.

Why was he calling Empire Carpet?

Its just a habit I picked up, Flores testified. I call a neutral number to make sure the phone is working and I used to always dial that number.

How twins from Little Village rose to win trust of drug kingpin El Chapo

The superseding indictment against Guzman Lopez and his brothers, which was unveiled last year, is a case study in how the Sinaloa cartel allegedly exploited the citys attributes and transformed its distribution capabilities from a fly-by-night enterprise to a well-oiled machine that Amazon might envy.

According to the indictment, from 2008 to 2023, the Chapitos helped their father and El Mayo coordinate shipments of cocaine and precursor chemicals into Mexico from Central and South American countries via aircraft, submarines, speed boats, tractor-trailers and other means.

The cartel then used its vast network of couriers to ship multi-ton loads of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamines over the border to the U.S., where the drugs were stored in warehouses and stash houses before being transported throughout the country, including Chicago, using various means, including cars, trucks, rail cars and private and commercial interstate carriers, the indictment stated.

The drugs were then sold to wholesale customers and proceeds were laundered back to Mexico in bulk cash, wire transfers, bank deposits, and through the purchase and transfer of big-ticket items such as helicopters and airplanes, the indictment stated.

The sons allegedly furthered the conspiracy by bribing public officials and using guns and other dangerous weapons to commit violence, including murder, kidnapping, and assault against law enforcement, rival drug traffickers and members of their own trafficking organization, the indictment alleged.

Three of the four alleged murders described in the indictment took place in Mexico, including the October 2010 killing of rival hit man Israel Rincon Martinez, also known as El Guacho, after a failed attempt to kill one of Guzmans sons. A Sinaloa cartel operative testified at El Chapos trial in 2018 that Martinez was captured and tortured to death.

The indictment also alleged that the Chapitos had a hand in the May 2021 killing of Mario Nungaray Bobadilla, who was shot to death outside his home in Phoenix.

In outlining the charges last year, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland described the violence of the Sinaloa cartel and how its members have tortured perceived enemies, including Mexican law enforcement officials. In some cases, cartel members also have fed victims, some still alive, to tigers owned by Guzmans sons, Garland said.

Garland also accused Guzmans sons of being one of the main exporters of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, to the U.S. market  though the Chicago indictment does not specifically mention fentanyl.

Last year, one of the Chapitos, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, was extradited to the U.S. after his arrest in a violent firefight in Mexico. Hes currently being held without bond.

Both brothers are represented by the same New York-based attorney who served as their fathers chief trial counsel, Jeffrey Lichtman.

At his arraignment Tuesday, Joaquin Guzman Lopez told U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman that hed been advised of the potential conflicts of having the same attorney as his brother and agreed to waive them.

Both brothers are scheduled to appear for a status hearing before Coleman on Sept. 30.

After court, Lichtman insisted that despite his newest clients apparently voluntary trip to the U.S., he is not cooperating with federal prosecutors. Weve got no agreement with the government, he said. There has never been an agreement with the government with Joaquin Guzman Lopez. Period.

Asked whether Ovidio may be cooperating, Lichtman did not answer. But he said the fact that he represents both brothers is not uncommon.

It means that, because I represent both of them, there are certain defenses that I might theoretically not be able to go forward with because I cant represent one and hurt the other one, Lichtman said. I have a duty of loyalty to both  but as you could see, the judge and the government dont have much of a problem with it.

The two other Chapitos charged in Chicago, Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar and Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, remain at large.

Meanwhile, El Mayo remains in custody in El Paso where he was arrested July 25. At a brief court hearing Thursday, the judge agreed to set extended discovery deadlines and ordered the parties to return to court for a status hearing Sept. 9.

While Mayos case might not move forward in Chicago, his alleged dealings with the Flores twins  two of the biggest drug traffickers the city has ever produced  formed the backbone of the indictment brought against him in the Northern District of Illinois in 2009.

According to prosecution filings in that case, the twins first met face-to-face with Zambada Garcia in May 2005 in the Sinaloa capital of Culiacan, where they reached an agreement to repay a debt they owed involving the purchase of a load of narcotics from a lieutenant working for El Mayos organization.

Over several days of discussions, the twins hammered out an agreement with El Mayo, his son, Vicente Zambada Niebla, and other top people in El Mayos faction to traffic hundreds of kilograms a week of Sinaloa cartel cocaine and heroin through Chicago and Los Angeles, according to prosecutors.

It wasnt until later that the twins were advised that El Chapo wanted to meet with them as well, according to court records. They were flown from an airstrip near Culiacan to El Chapos mountaintop compound, where he allegedly told the twins that he would honor the same agreement theyd reached with Zambada Garcia, according to prosecution filings.

By 2008, the twins had begun their dangerous cooperation with U.S. law enforcement, using Radio Shack recorders to tape conversations and also trying to get Sinaloa leaders talking on the phone while still living in Mexico and trafficking drugs. While they were successful in recording El Chapo and several others, Pedro Flores testified in Chapos trial that they never saw the same opportunity with Zambada Garcia.

Now, sir, were you asked to try to make a call, a recorded call with Mayo Zambada? one of Chapo Guzmans defense lawyers asked during cross-examination.

Yes, initially I was, Flores testified, adding that he didnt think hed be able to get it done, despite the urging of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents. From my experience with him, he never got on the phone with me. And I only seen him on the phone on two occasions.

So you didnt think it was going to be a reasonable effort to get him on the phone and get him recorded, correct? the attorney asked Flores.

Correct.

The twins cooperation also included a harrowing meeting in October 2008, when Margarito Flores was flown to the Sinaloa mountaintop compound to speak with Chapo, Mayo, Zambada Niebla and others. Margarito Flores told law enforcement that Mayo was allegedly looking for revenge after the arrest of his brother by Mexican authorities.

This government is letting the gringos do whatever they want, El Mayo said, according to Margarito Flores account of the meeting to law enforcement. It will be good to send the gringos a message.

Flores told authorities that El Chapo proposed discussing a plot to attack a U.S. or Mexican government or media building in retaliation. According to Flores account, Zambada Niebla turned to him and asked if he could find somebody who could give him big, powerful weapons to help carry out the proposed attack.

We dont want Middle Eastern or Asian guns, we want big U.S. guns or RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades), said Zambada Niebla, according to Flores account of the talk. We dont need one, we need a lot of them.

Court records show Flores later secretly recorded a telephone conversation with Zambada Niebla, telling him he had an ex-military source for the weapons, but they were going to cost twice as much as originally thought.

Thats fine, just let me know, Zambada Niebla replied on the Nov. 29, 2008, call, according to court records.

OK, its all set then, Margarito replied. Tell everyone I said Hi.'

Immediately after hanging up, Flores recorded a post-script for the call, according to court records:

That was a call with Vicente Zambada. Its Mayo Zambadas son.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- China has officially begun an observation experiment on land-atmosphere interactions in the Mount Qomolangma region of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, according to the Aerospace Information Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences on Friday.

"The interaction between the land surface and the atmosphere is a crucial component of ecological and climate systems," said Jia Li, a researcher at the institute.

"In the Mount Qomolangma region, land-atmosphere interactions not only affect the climate of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and its surrounding areas, but also have the potential to influence the global climate through complex climate feedback mechanisms and atmospheric circulation," Jia said.

The research team will conduct the observational experiment using unmanned aerial platforms at a site on the northern side of Mount Qomolangma, situated at an average altitude of approximately 4,200 meters, according to the institute.

The researchers will collect spatial distribution data on moisture flux, latent heat flux, sensible heat flux, carbon flux and radiation flux between the land surface and the atmosphere.

They will also integrate ground-station and remote-sensing satellite data to conduct multi-temporal and multi-spatial comprehensive observations. 
CHICAGO  A Chicago man will spend four decades in prison for sex trafficking at least seven minors.

Lennie Perry, a 49-year-old man who was convicted on federal sex trafficking charges in 2021, was handed a 40-year prison sentence on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of Illinois.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

Prosecutors said Perry recruited at least seven victims, one of whom was under the age of 14, to engage in commercial sex acts in hotels and homes in Illinois, Minnesota, and Mississippi.

Perry used a social media website and a classified advertising website to recruit his victims and advertise the commercial sex acts, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said Perry also required his victims to have sex with him before trafficking them.

City worker carjacked in Streeterville

Defendants actions have created a trauma for the victims that is impossible to truly understand, Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Mulaney said during the governments sentencing memorandum. Traffickers operating today should receive the message that if you traffic children in the Chicagoland area, you will receive the fullest punishment prescribed by law.

Perry was brought to justice thanks to the FBI Chicago Child Exploitation Task Force, which investigated the case with help from the Chicago Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

In addition to the decades-long prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang ordered that Perry pay $523,600 in restitution to his victims.

The U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of Illinois urges anyone who may be a victim of sexual exploitation or worries that others may be victims, to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678.

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Children of undercover Russian spy couple only learned their nationality on flight to Moscow

The children of two Russian intelligence agents, who were among the detainees released as part of a historic prisoner swap, only discovered their nationality when they were being flown to Moscow, the Kremlin said Friday.

Their parents, Artem Dultsev and Anna Dultseva, were among 24 prisoners swapped as part of a complex, multi-country deal that saw high-profile American detainees and Russian dissidents freed in return.

The pair had been posing as an Argentine couple in Slovenia where they were convicted of spying. Their two children flew back with them on Thursday from Turkey.

The boy and girl found out that they were Russian only when the plane took off from Ankara, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted them on the tarmac in Spanish as they didnt speak Russian and didnt even know who Putin was, according to Peskov.

When the children came down the planes steps  they dont speak Russian  and Putin greeted them in Spanish, he said Buenas noches, Peskov said. They asked their parents yesterday who it was that was meeting them, they didnt even know who Putin was.

After coming down the planes stairs, Dultseva, holding her tears, hugged Putin, who was standing on the red carpet rolled on the tarmac holding bouquets of flowers. Putin kissed Dultseva on the cheek and shoulder, and gave her and her daughter bouquets.

Putin briefly hugged Dultsev too and then the rest of the released Russians, before the group walked together on the red carpet away from the plane.

Thursdays massive swap was the result of years of complicated behind-the-scenes negotiations involving the US, Russia, Belarus and Germany, ultimately leading Berlin to agree to Moscows key demand  releasing convicted Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov.

A total of eight people, including Krasikov, were swapped back to Russia in exchange for the release of 16 people who were held in Russian detention, including former US Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and two other Americans.

Dultsev and Dultseva pleaded guilty to espionage in a court in Ljubljana on Wednesday and were sentenced to serve time in prison.

While living undercover in Slovenia, Dultsev posed as an IT businessman named Ludvig Gisch. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to more than a year and a half in prison, which the court said was equivalent to time spent. He was set to be deported to Russia and was banned from entering Slovenia for five years.

Dultseva posed as an art dealer and gallery owner and went by the name Maria Rosa Mayer Munos. She was also set to be deported.

During the call with journalists, Peskov also revealed some additional details of prisoner exchange negotiations between Russia and the United States, saying that they were primarily conducted through the FSB and the CIA.

When asked about other Russians detained abroad, Peskov said that the fate of all our Russians who are held in custody abroad, in the United States, is a matter of constant concern for all our relevant agencies, which will continue the relevant work.

CNNs Jennifer Hansler, Kylie Atwood and Ivana Kottasova contributed reporting.

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China claims its Ukraine peace plan has support of more than 110 countries

China's six-point plan for peace in Ukraine has the support of more than 110 countries, a Beijing official said on Aug. 2.

China officially declares itself a neutral party to Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine and has denied providing lethal aid to both sides, but Beijing and Moscow continue to develop closer ties, most recently with Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting his counterpart Xi Jinping in May.

Beijing has been trying to enlist developing nations to join its six-point peace plan, which China and Brazil laid out in May.

The six-point plan calls for:

Non-escalation or provocations by either side. An international peace conference accepted by both Russia and Ukraine, and which includes "fair discussion" of all peace plans. An increase of humanitarian assistance to "prevent a humanitarian crisis on a larger scale," as well as an exchange of POWs, and no attacks on civilians. All possible efforts must be made to "prevent nuclear proliferation and avoid nuclear crisis." Attacks on nuclear power plants and other peaceful nuclear facilities "must be opposed." Enhanced international cooperation on several issues in order to "protect the stability of global industrial and supply chains."

It makes no mention of Ukraine's territorial integrity or the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

Speaking on Aug. 2 during a trip to Brazil, with which China jointly proposed the plan, Special Representative of the Government of the People's Republic of China for Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, claimed international support for it was growing.

"China and Brazil jointly published the so-called six-point consensus on the promotion of a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis," he said in comments reported by Ukrinform.

"This statement has gained the support of more than 110 countries."

He did not specify which countries had pledged their support. In early June, China said the plan had the support of 45 countries.

The Chinese proposal has been presented as an alternative to President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace plan, which is backed by Kyiv's Western partners.

Zelensky's 10-point peace formula, a plan first outlined in the fall of 2022, calls for a complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine, punishing those responsible for war crimes, and the release of all prisoners, among other goals.

Read also: Poland and Ukraine to form a military unit from Ukrainians in Europe. Will it be effective?

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Two Chinese nationals living in Los Angeles have admitted to serving as unregistered agents of the Chinese government while attempting to bribe an IRS official.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, John Chen, 71, and Lin Feng, 44, tried to bribe an undercover officer they thought was an IRS agent to revoke the tax-exempt status of Falun Gong, a U.S.-based new religious movement.

The scheme was first reported by Seamus Hughes Court Watch.

Falun Gong, perhaps best known for the Shen Yun dance performances and news outlet The Epoch Times, opposes the Chinese Communist Partys control of the country.

Making multiple payments of several thousand dollars each and promising at least $50,000 if an audit were opened, Chen and Feng worked with government officials from the Peoples Republic of China to carry out the PRC governments aim of toppl[ing] . . . the Falun Gong,' prosecutors wrote.

Chen and Feng each pleaded guilty to one count of acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government and one count of bribing a public official.

Chen and Feng will be sentenced in late October, and each faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

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Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs has claimed that a Chinese-Brazilian plan to end Russia's war against Ukraine has received positive feedback from more than 110 countries around the world.

Source: Chinese Foreign Ministry

Quote: "China and Brazil have jointly announced a six-point consensus to promote a political solution to the war in Ukraine, to which more than 110 countries have responded positively.

China is ready to continue to strengthen contact and cooperation with Brazil and to jointly facilitate the final political resolution of the Ukrainian crisis."

Details: On 29 July 2024, Chinese Special Representative Li Hui visited Brazil where, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, he "exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis", which is how China refers to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Li Hui said the Russo-Ukrainian war is still ongoing and the most pressing goal is to "cool the situation down".

He underlined that Brazil and China share similar views on the "crisis" and are willing to work together to further "promote the six-point consensus in order to create conditions for a political settlement of the crisis".

Background:

On 1 August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that if China takes a strong stance, it could force Russia to stop its aggression against Ukraine.

Earlier, Ukraine invited China to take part in the interim meetings ahead of the second Peace Summit, which is set to take place in the near future, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was invited to visit Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that during negotiations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou, he received a clear signal that China is not seeking "temporary solutions", but rather a long-term and strategic solution to the problem of the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine.

In late July, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had received a clear signal from China of its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

On 23-25 July, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba visited China at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

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VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  Two Chinese nationals were arrested with $250,000 worth of gold bars after a traffic stop on I-20 on Thursday.

2 arrested after child trafficking investigation in Tyler

According to an affidavit, Sgt. Charlie Hughes, with the Wills Point Police Department, was working traffic enforcement along I-20. Hughes was near the 533 mile marker of westbound I-20 near when he observed a White Chevy Malibu with a Michigan registration comitting a traffic violation.

Hughes proceeded to conduct a traffic stop on the Chevy. The driver was identified as 25-year-old Chen, Weijian. Due to a language barrier, Hughes asked Chen to go to his patrol vehicle and speak to him using a translator app.

During the interview, Hughes reportedly observed multiple factors that lead [him] to believe there was criminal activity afoot. Chen reportedly told Hughes they had flown from Los Angeles, California to Atlanta, Georgia to play but had only remained in Atlanta for one day.

Chen claimed he was heading to Dallas and also claimed he went to Florida to play.

Mugshot of Weijian Chen, courtesy of the Van Zandt County Jail

Mugshot of Wenqiang Lin, courtesy of the Van Zandt County Jail

The vehicle was rented in the passengers name, who was later identified as 46-year-old Lin, Wenqiang, who gave consent to a search of the vehicle but seemed unsure. A K9 was used to conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle where the dog began working the front passenger door seam and gave an alert to the vehicle.

Inside, officials found a boarding pass from Spirit Airlines that showed Chen had boarded the plane in Los Angeles on July 30 at 5:19 p.m. and arrived in Atlanta on July 31 at 12:53 a.m. The tickets reportedly showed he had no bags with him when he boarded the flight.

On a rental agreement, it reportedly showed that the vehicle was rented in College Park, Georgia at 1:28 a.m. on July 31 and was to be returned by Aug. 3 by 11:30 a.m. in Los Angeles.

A bag was located behind the drivers seat on the floorboard where officials found multiple pieces of gold bullion bars estimated to value between $200,000 and $250,000:

Seven 1 ounce packaged 999.9 gold bars

Three 5 gram packaged 999.9 gold bars

1 gram marked with 20 squares 999.9 gold bar

Eight 10 ounce packaged 999.9 gold bars

19 bars of gold seized during I-20 traffic stop, courtesy of Van Zandt Sheriffs Office.

Bar of gold seized during I-20 traffic stop, courtesy of the Van Zandt Sheriffs Office.

Bar of gold seized during I-20 traffic stop, courtesy of the Van Zandt Sheriffs Office.

Van Zandt Countys K9 dog that assisted during the traffic stop, courtesy of the Van Zandt Sheriffs Office.

Chen and Lin allegedly claimed they did not know who the bag or gold belonged to. They were both placed under arrest and were transported to the Van Zandt County Jail for booking.

Based on my training, I know that it is very unlikely that Lin or Chen could have transported the gold bullion through airport Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint with[out] filing a United States Currency Transaction Report, Hughes said.

After being arrested, Hughes contacted U.S. Homeland Security who reviewed immigration records of Chen and Lin and learned both had entered the country illegally.

Lin reportedly entered the U.S. illegally on Sept. 15, 2023 in Tecate, California and was given a notice to appear. Lin had been released on an order of own recognizance and was set for further immigration processing in Los Angeles in September 2024.

REPORT: DOJ details abuse of juveniles by Texas detention centers

Chen entered the U.S. illegally on Dec. 17, 2023 in Tecate, California and was given a notice to appear. He was released on an order of own recognizance and is pending immigration judicial action.

During an interview at the Van Zandt County Jail, Chen allegedly stated that the gold bars had been given to him by someone to transport to Dallas however he declined to give any further information.

Lin told officials he left China and traveled to Hong Kong, from there he flew to Turkey and then to Mexico. He then traveled through Mexico with other Chinese nationals in an attempt to enter into the U.S.

Hughes determined that Lin and Chen had been stopped in Georgia and spoke with Corporal Thompson with the Monroe County Sheriffs Office Criminal Interdiction Unit. Thompson said he had stopped the duo on July 31 at 2:38 p.m. for a traffic violation.

Thompsons narcotics dog alerted on the vehicle, leading to a search where he then became suspicious of the duos activities and began to track their movements. Once unable to track them further, Thompson contacted the rental company to gather information.

At that time, the company told Corporal Thompson that two men who rented the vehicle had returned and exchanged it for a different vehicle. With the identification of that vehicle, Corporal Thompson was able to track Lin and Chen. He determined that they left the airport area and traveled North to Marietta, Georgia to an area known for cartel activity, Hughes said.

From there, the duo reportedly traveled to Jacksonville, Florida where they stayed for about two hours before they went on I-10 westbound traveling north on I-49 to I-20.

Chen and Lin have been charged with money laundering from $150,00 to $300,000 and are being held on $100,000 bond at the Van Zandt County Jail.

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A night-vision camera on a California Highway Patrol helicopter captured a man leaping from roof to roof of Sacramento homes before he got stuck in a tree and had to be rescued.

CHP Valley Division Air Operations on Friday released several details of the incident and shared a video of the man leaping across the rooftops while apparently trying to evade police.

About 1:30 a.m. on Monday, the officers in the CHP helicopter were asked to assist police officers in a Sacramento residential neighborhood.

The CHP said the Sacramento Police Department asked for aerial help after the man was spotted in a homes backyard. The CHP helicopter arrived and its camera captured the man leaping from house to house.

The man continued to leap across rooftops for nearly an hour, the CHP said, before he got stuck in a tree and had to be rescued by firefighters.

Officers had responded to reports of someone jumping fences into backyards at homes in the area of the 1600 block of Vallarta Circle, just west of Truxel Road and north of San Juan Road in the South Natomas neighborhood.

The officers arrived at the scene, and the man ran from them and climbed on top of a roof before jumping from house to house, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

Police said the officers eventually contained the man, who came down and was detained.

The man told officers that people were chasing him, but the officers did not find anyone else on the rooftops. Police said the man was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.

The CHPs edited one minute, four second video shows the man hiding behind one chimney moments before leaping onto another roof.

At another point, the video shows the man leaping onto the rooftop of one home only to find what appeared to be police officers waiting on that roof. The man quickly turned around and leaped onto the roof he had just jumped off from and ran across that rooftop.

Meanwhile, the video shows other officers on the ground trying to keep up with the evading man as he leaped from roof to roof.
TOMS RIVER - Five days before he died as a result of child abuse, 6-year-old Corey Micciolo asked his grandmother, "Does God see what my daddy does to me,?'' Rebecca Micciolo told a judge Friday.

"I told him God sees everything,'' Rebecca Micciolo, his maternal grandmother, said.

Then, Corey asked her "why his Daddy isn't going to hell, and I replied, 'He will one day,'' Rebecca Micciolo said.

That day has yet to come, but on Friday, Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan sentenced the boy's father, Christopher Gregor, to 25 years in state prison - 20 years for aggravated manslaughter and five years for endangering the child's welfare.

Ryan ordered the terms to run consecutive to each other, saying the aggravated manslaughter was separate from the earlier crime of endangering, in which Corey was forced to run on a treadmill while his father repeatedly increased the speed, causing him to fall off of it six times.

A surveillance video of the treadmill episode provided some of the most gripping evidence introduced at Gregor's six-week trial.

"Corey was subject to an awful time on that treadmill,'' Ryan said at the sentencing. "It was brutal watching that treadmill video.''

Gregor, 32, of Barnegat, apologized for the treadmill incident, which occurred on March 20, 2021, calling it "inexcusable,'' but he insisted he did nothing to cause his son's death 13 days later.

"I want to assure you, on April 2, I did nothing to cause Corey's passing,'' he said before he was sentenced. "I did not hurt my son.''

But an Ocean County jury on May 31 found otherwise, convicting Gregor of aggravated manslaughter in Corey's death, while acquitting him of the more serious charge of murder and finding him guilty of the endangering charge.

Before the defendant learned his punishment, Corey's mother, Breanna Micciolo, lashed out at the man she said plied her with drugs and alcohol and took advantage of her when she was 16, resulting in Corey's conception.

"I hate you,'' Breanna Micciolo said to the defendant. "I will never forgive you.

"My family will never feel whole again,'' she said. "He took my whole world away from me.''

Gregor's six-week trial featured the gut-wrenching surveillance video of him forcing his son to run on a treadmill in the gym in his apartment complex, repeatedly increasing the speed and incline, causing Corey to fall off the machine six times.

The video was discovered after Corey's death. Gregor was first charged with child endangerment related to the treadmill incident.

Gregor was not charged with Corey's murder until almost a year after the boy died on April. 2, 2021, at Southern Ocean County Medical Center in Stafford Township.

The child went into cardiac arrest twice and died a little more than an hour after his father brought him there.

At the trial, experts for the prosecution testified Corey died as a result of blunt force injuries to his chest and lacerations to his heart and liver.

Christine Lento, assistant Ocean County prosecutor, argued Gregor inflicted the blunt-force injuries on his son to punish him because his mother was 14 hours late bringing him home.

The jury rejected testimony from the defense from renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, host of the HBO series "Autopsy,'' who said Corey died as a result of pneumonia or some other unexplained cause.

Christopher Gregor speaks before he is sentenced to 25 years for the aggravated manslaughter of his 6-year-old son, Corey Micciolo, before Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan at the Ocean County Courthouse in Toms River, NJ Friday, August 2, 2024.

Baden testified the blunt-force injuries could have been caused by the aggressive cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed on the boy in the emergency room.

Within 20 minutes of Corey's death, Gregor left the medical center and started driving though the night, ending up in Arkansas, near the Texas state line, where he eventually turned around to head home, at the behest of his parents.

Defense attorney Mario Gallucci argued Gregor left because he was grieving and wanted to be alone, but prosecutors suggested he was trying to flee because he knew what he had done to Corey.

"Christopher Gregor abused his son,'' Lento said at the sentencing. "He ended his life and then he left him alone in the hospital to die.''

Breanna Micciolo said Gregor didn't tell her what hospital he took Corey to, so she couldn't spend his last moments with her son.

"I hate you for not letting me say goodbye to my son, but I thank God yours was not the last face he saw,'' she said, addressing the defendant.

David Gregor, the defendant's father, said the Micciolo family unfairly portrayed his son. When Corey was with the Gregor family, "he was treated like a king,'' David Gregor said.

Ryan said letters he received from the Gregor family and the Micciolo family, and their respective friends, portrayed "two diametrically opposed portraits of the defendant.''

Letters on the defendant's behalf portrayed him as someone who gave up his career to return to New Jersey and raise his son, who was "the center of the defendant's universe,'' the judge said.

But the treadmill video, in its entirety, including portions showing the father and son entering and leaving the gym, seemed to show otherwise, he said.

"There is no loving interaction between Mr. Gregor and Corey,'' Ryan said "There is no kindness you would expect to see from a father, no pat on the back, hug or high five.''

The judge described the portion of the video showing Gregor and his son leaving the gym after the boy repeatedly fell off the treadmill.

"The defendant walks out, and Corey is trailing behind him, being treated by the defendant like he's some stray dog following along,'' Ryan said.

Before Ryan sentenced Gregor, Lento and Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Schron presented a short video displaying a series of smiling photographs of the victim., bringing tears to the eyes of some in the courtroom gallery, many of whom were wearing buttons that asked for justice for Corey.

"Christopher Gregor will spend the rest of his days here on earth knowing that he caused the death of his son Corey,'' Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said after the sentencing. "While nothing can bring this precious child back to his family, I hope that today's sentence brings some sense of closure for those who knew and loved Corey. At long last, justice for Corey has been accomplished."

Testimony at the trial revealed that Gregor, a teacher, was unaware of his son's existence until the child was five. That's when Corey's maternal grandmother telephoned Gregor's father seeking help supporting the child. A paternity test revealed Gregor was Corey's father. Gregor and his parents later got custody of him.

Testimony also indicated that Breanna Micciolo had lost custody of Corey because of drug addiction.

She testified she got clean because she was trying to regain custody of her son. She said she feared for his life when she filed an emergency application for custody, which was rejected shortly before Corey died. She said she then took him to doctors to be evaluated for child abuse, the day before his death..

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Christopher Gregor gets 25 years in son's death
Sir Winston Churchill has suddenly become the darling of the Left. After years of being denounced as a sybaritic racist warmonger fit only for the dustbin of history, denounced as a villain by John McDonnell MP, with his statue the subject of vandalism during Black Lives Matter marches, he has now magically transmogrified into an elder statesman whose wisdom should be heeded, especially when it is used to embarrass the Conservative Party that he led seven decades ago.

This is all because Churchill supported Britain joining the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), which today many Conservative leadership contenders wish to leave. So The Guardian hails Churchill as a trailblazing advocate from the start of the European convention. The New European newspaper  while offering a free B*llocks to Brexit passport holder to subscribers  runs a Churchill vs The Tories piece. Labour peers in the House of Lords hail Churchill, and contrast his support for the ECHR with the Tories of today, implying that the modern Tory Party has lost the compassion and decency of those of the Greatest Englishman.

Yet of all people it was Polly Toynbee in The Guardian who let us spot the central flaw in the Lefts argument, when she wrote that, It was Winston Churchill who promoted the ECHR as a never-again protection against the horrors of the Second World War, with Britain persuading others to join.

For what Churchill was hoping to do in the late 1940s and early 1950s was to use human rights legislation to protect Europeans from the persecution of totalitarianism, not provide a way for illegal immigrants to enter and stay in Britain.

As Hillsdale Colleges Churchill Project attests, Churchill only made two references to the ECHR. The first was in a speech in Brussels on February 26 1949, in relation to the arrest and show trial of Jozsef Mindszenty.

Catholic Archbishop of Esztergom in Hungary, Mindszenty had been brave enough to oppose both the Nazis and the Communists. After the first step of establishing a European Assembly Churchill said, We have now to take the second step forward and try to establish, as the practical result of our meeting here, the setting up of a European Court of Human Rights.

It must not be possible, he continued, that within the boundaries of United Europe, such a legal atrocity could be perpetrated as that which has confronted us all in the case of Cardinal Mindszenty. Here you have the crime of religious persecution committed on an innocent man under the direct orders of Moscow, and carried through with all those features of police government with which we are familiar in trials under the Soviets. There must be means by which such events in any of the countries with which we can consort can be brought to the test of impartial justice.

After his conviction, Mindszenty was tortured by the Communist government. Freed during the Hungarian Uprising of 1956, he lived in the American Embassy for 15 years before finally being allowed to leave Hungary in 1971, four years before his death in 1975.

Churchills only other reference to the ECHR was a brief one on July 23 1951 in London when he said, There can be no Europe unless it be based upon a solid foundation of trust and comradeship between the French and German peoples. Within the wider framework of the United Nations Organisation, a Council of Europe has been set up. A European Army is beginning to take shape, and a European Court of Human Rights is shortly to be established.

If Churchill had thought for one minute that the ECHR would metastasise into what it is today  the body to which illegal immigrants immediately turn to prevent being deported  we can be certain that he would never have supported Britain joining. His views on the unregulated entry in small boats of large numbers of Afghans and Sudanese  both of whose tribesmen he personally fought against  can easily be imagined.

The Left cannot without self-contradiction and hypocrisy simultaneously denounce Churchill as a racist and also argue that he would have supported the unlimited and unregulated incursion of illegal immigrants into Britain. If he had wanted to do that, he would have when he was home secretary, but he did not.

Churchill expected the European Court to protect the rights of Europeans: the clue was in the name.

He opposed even legal New Commonwealth mass immigration, using language that was common then but would not be considered acceptable today. Problems will arise if many coloured people settle here, he told the Cabinet on February 3 1954. Are we to saddle ourselves with colour problems in the United Kingdom? Public opinion in the United Kingdom wont tolerate it once it gets beyond certain limits. He was of course proved wrong about that, but his views on what he called the magpie society were clear.

For the Left gleefully to invoke Churchill, therefore, and attempt to use him to embarrass current Tory politicians for wanting to leave the ECHR now that it has shown itself to be adamantly on the side of the illegal immigrants, is profoundly unhistorical, and even more profoundly cynical.

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When it comes to the metro Atlanta area, the population boom slows down but it never really stops.

Whether its people moving in, families starting, or growing, the Atlanta Regional Commission has charted steady growth in the area year after year. The organization said 63,000 new Atlantans called the metro area home as of April 2024.

While the population has grown, the housing market remains tight, but its not quite as tight as it used to be, according to a new study by StorageCafe.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The online storage space company examined the population and housing stock changes across the United States reported in data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Their analysis showed that, based on the most recent data available, growth from 2012 to 2022 has doubled in different parts of the Atlanta metro, and none of the locations they focused on were the City of Atlanta, itself.

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Instead, StorageCafe focused on suburban parts of the metro, and their analysis of housing stock and population showed that Chamblee, in DeKalb County, had the biggest proportional growth in the area for housing stock and population increases.

Over the past 10 years, Chamblee has seen its population jump 106% to 29,980 in 2022. Similarly, the housing stock in Chamblee rose 100% to 13,504 in the same span of time.

As reported by Channel 2 Action News, ARC said in July that while new building permits across the area were up, the City of Atlanta again led the area in how many permits were issued, with more than 7,600 permits issued and the majority, 85%, were for multifamily housing units.

The data from ARC showed that in DeKalb County, the overall population had gone up 2.4% from 2020 to 2024, as of April.

Here are the top 25 metro suburbs, ranked by their housing stock growth from 2012 to 2022:

Chamblee - 100% Braselton - 78% Holly Springs - 77% Clarkston - 70% Lovejoy - 48% Suwanee - 43% Tucker - 40% Woodstock - 37% Winder - 37% Canton - 36% Norcross - 32% Sugar Hill - 28% Union City - 28% Conyers - 26% Newnan - 26% Brookhaven 25% Loganville - 25% Vinings - 24% Milton - 24% Lilburn - 20% Doraville - 20% Powder Springs - 20% Dallas - 19% Fayetteville - 18% Peachtree City - 17%

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RIYADH, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken discussed regional developments in the Middle East over the phone on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Both sides highlighted the significance of reducing escalation and reaching a sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the report said.

The phone call came following Israeli escalation over the past two days, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh, who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, was killed along with his bodyguard early Wednesday when their residence in the Iranian capital of Tehran was hit. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps accused Israel of carrying out the "terrorist attack," vowing "a harsh and painful response" to Israel over Haniyeh's assassination.

In addition, an Israeli drone fired on Tuesday evening three missiles at a position near the Shura Council of Hezbollah in Dahieh in Beirut's southern suburbs, killing Fouad Shokor, Hezbollah's top military commander, and seven civilians.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah threatened a definite and painful response to the Israeli attack at the appropriate time and place. 
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Department of Water and Sewerage informs residents of the citys Southeast Pressure Zone, including customers south of East Bert Kouns.

The boil advisory is voluntary and effective immediately as crews repair a water main.

Service for customers south of East Bert Kouns, subdivisions along Linwood Avenue south of Bert Kouns, and the region southeast of Interstate 49 and 3132 interchange.

Minerals impacting Shreveports water supply will clear soon, says director

The Louisiana Department of Health will rescind the voluntary boil advisory after laboratory tests confirm that the water is safe for consumption.

For more information and updates, contact the Department of Water & Sewerage

at 318-673-7600. You can also visit our website: www.shreveportlawater.org/.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Pedestrian safety is an issue in Bakersfield, with at least 32 confirmed pedestrian fatalities by KGETs count this year alone.

The City of Bakersfield is hosting a workshop Friday to give people the opportunity to help in the planning of potential projects to make the streets safer and address traffic safety concerns.

The Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training Workshop takes place Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Baker Street Village Community Health Center, at 1015 Baker St.

Tonights workshop is in collaboration with California Walks and UC Berkeley SafeTREC.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Las Cruces City Council could vote to modify two ordinances regarding solicitation and approve a new ordinance regarding shopping cart containment and retrieval at its meeting on Monday.

Las Cruces Police Department Police Chief Jeremy Story presented the proposals during a work session in April, saying the city could improve public safety, blight and quality of life for residents.

Members of the public have expressed broad support of the proposed ordinances while others have expressed concern that the proposals would lead to criminalizing the unhoused, potentially making permanent housing seem even further away with a criminal record.

"Homelessness is a crisis that calls for community efforts and creative solutions, not rhetorical and legal villainization," Executive Director of Mesilla Valley Community of Hope Nicole Martinez wrote in a Sun-News editorial. "Instead of reactively punishing the poor in an attempt to remove them from view, we urge the City of Las Cruces to further invest in innovative solutions to address homelessness."

More: New Mexico Governor holds standing room only public safety town hall in Las Cruces

In the two months since the work session, state Legislators didn't take up any of Gov. Michell Lujan Grisham's special session agenda items in July, including a bill that would have made it unlawful for pedestrians to cross major highways or walk in the road, but it would also make it illegal to "access, use, occupy, congregate or assemble on a median of a highway with a posted limit of thirty miles per hour or greater..."

The proposed bill included language that said New Mexico has had the nation's highest rate of pedestrian fatalities per capita, according to the Governor's office.

"I haven't seen the latest drafts on the panhandling ordinances that were so roundly rejected by the Legislature," District 5 Councilor Becky Corran said. "A very similar bill was one of the Governor's proposals and the Legislature did not take it up at all.

"We did get a bunch of pedestrian data and as far as I can tell, none of the fatalities were panhandlers."

The solicitation ordinances already exist in the Las Cruces municipal code. In May, Story said the changes were minor in nature and made to remove potentially unconstitutional language or to narrow the interest to public safety. Story said the changes should allow both ordinances to be enforceable.

In 2018, the city revised some of its panhandling ordinances in response to objections from the American Civil Liberties Union. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court indirectly affirmed free speech protections for panhandlers when it ruled a sign ordinance in an Arizona town violated the First Amendment because it restricted the content of speech on signs. In 2018, the City suspended enforcement of its ordinances until they could be revised to comply with free speech protections. City Council voted to revise two ordinances related to panhandling.

When asked if the Legislature electing to ignore the Governor's proposal should give the city reason to pause, Mayor Eric Enriquez said the city had already been working on the issue.

"It was good see what may happen during the special session," Enriquez said. "It is something that not only the state, but Las Cruces is doing.

"We are looking for common ground and to make the city safer and help individuals who are either unhoused or in the streets."

However, the shopping cart ordinance is a new proposal.

During the work session, Story repeatedly stated that members of the unhoused population would not be arrested for possessing a shopping cart. Their property would not be discarded. The goal, he said, is to help businesses, while having services in place to address mental illness or drug addiction, as well as a diversion court established to prevent repeat offenders and incarceration.

"My understanding is there is no plan for what to do with people's stuff," Corran said. "I don't think there is a plan for that. My other question is if you take their cart and they are issued a citation or go to municipal court, the (outreach court) is not functioning. When does that get set up. It's unclear where it is we are diverting people to. If they have questions to that, maybe I could be persuaded on the day of."

Enriquez admitted that infrastructure is still needed, but there are already enough elements in place.

According to the draft ordinance, violations for individuals who remove a shopping cart from a business could result in a petty misdemeanor, between $100 and $500 in fines depending on number of violations within the same year. But in lieu of jail time, "the sentencing judge may order that the person perform community service, which by definition includes, but is not limited to, counseling and/or treatment for substance use disorders and/or mental health treatment."

"People are feeling unsafe," Enriquez said. "We are not putting people aside. We are getting them off the streets and trying to help their lives. As long as they are out there, we are not doing anything for them and helping them cope with issues they may be having."

The City appointed attorney James DeRossit as Municipal Judge II and has added a case worker and staff as the city looks to establish an "outreach" court in Municipal Court. Enriquez said the city has hired an attorney, but has not yet assigned a prosecutor to outreach court and that a public defender has not yet been hired, but the position has been posted. Enriquez said the City wants to partner with organizations that offer substance abuse and mental health services such as Peak Behavioral Health and La Clinica de Familia.

The City has added $300,000 for the Community of Hope outreach budget along with purchasing a truck for the Mano y Mano Day Labor program and $200,000 to the municipal court budget.

The ordinance also sets up several requirements for businesses that use shopping carts. Businesses would be required to affix a sign/placard to carts and submit a shopping cart plan approved by community development that is to be renewed every two years. Businesses can also apply for an exemption if they already take certain measures against the theft of carts from their premises. Businesses would have three business days to retrieve shopping carts if notified by the city.

"I like all of the things that we have going with housing and treatment," Enriquez said.

"We still need providers and infrastructure and if we need to add more resources to that, that is the direction we have to go. We need more housing. We have housing coming, but it's not fast enough and I understand that. It's going to be one at a time. We have municipal court, ordinances, treatment and housing. I think we have enough to move forward."

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: Las Cruces City Council could vote on proposed shopping cart ordinance
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  There are plenty of vacant lots in mid-Michigan communities, and plenty of people in need of family homes.

To help with these two connected issues, the city of Jackson will be helping to build 100 new single-family homes on vacant lots over the next two year, by providing $25,000 in down-payment assistance and connecting homebuyers with builders.

This Saturday morning from 9-11:30, the citys Human Relations Commission is hosting a Community Housing Event to teach people more about the 100 Homes Program. Representatives from local institutions will be there to answer questions about mortgages and other financial issues.

A new house on South Mechanic Street in Jackson (Photo courtesy city of Jackson)

In order to qualify for 100 Homes, you dont have to be a resident of the city of Jackson. The initial program requirements are based on household size and family income.

After qualifying for 100 Homes and securing a mortgage, the program will connect homebuyers with builders who are building new homes in Jackson, capped at $175,000.

Some buyers might qualify for an additional $10,000 in down-payment assistance from the state of Michigan, on top of the initial $25,000 in assistance from the city of Jackson.

As of last month, there are 16 homes under construction, six foundations ready for digging, 32 applicants pre-approved, and two homes have been completed and sold so far, officials said.

The 100 Homes Program comes from $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding.

City staff advise interested home buyers to apply for the program as soon as possible before funds run out, officials said.

You can find out more about the program here.

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Saturdays Community House Event information session is from 9-11:30 a.m. at the MLK Recreation Center, which is at 1107 Adrian Street in Jackson.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of El Paso announced Thursday, Aug. 1 the resolution of a lawsuit involving United Road Towing Inc. (URT) and Rod Robertson Enterprises Inc. (RRE), an agreed order negotiated with the Department of Justice (DOJ), according to a press release sent by the City.

These investigations came after alleged violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) related to the impoundment and auctioning of vehicles owned by servicemembers, according to the City.

It has always been the Citys position that RRE and URT are solely accountable for the violations, and that these contractors should bear any costs related to violations as under their contracts they agreed to indemnify the City and abide by all state local and federal laws. The Citys assessed civil penalty will be paid by RRE and URT, read the press release.

We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the DOJ in this matter, said City Attorney Karla Nieman. This resolution underscores our commitment to upholding federal laws protecting our servicemembers. This was particularly important to the City given the longstanding and close relationships we have with Fort Bliss, whose soldiers, family members, and veterans are considered an integral part of our community. We continue to work diligently to ensure that all contractual obligations are met and that proper procedures are followed.

In 2023, the City, in cooperation with the DOJ, began investigations into practices conducted by URT and RRE regarding the impoundment and subsequent sale of vehicles belonging to servicemembers, according to the City.

The City said these actions were allegedly undertaken without adherence to federal regulations outlined in the SCRA.

The press release read in part:

On May 18, 2023, the City was formally served, and subsequently, on December 12, 2023, the City made crossclaims against RRE and URT. These crossclaims outlined that RRE and URT are contractually obliged to defend and indemnify the City and sought to enforce that obligation. As part of the Citys investigation, and to prevent any future issues from arising, the City amended its Abandoned Auto Unit Operations Manual in June 21, 2024, to include updated policies and procedures.

The City invited the DOJ to work with the City and Fort Bliss to better coordinate information about servicemembers deployment, the DOJ declined. Nevertheless, the City through its Office of Veteran and Military Affairs will continue to ask for input from the Army for best practices to protect soldiers rights under the SCRA.

As part of the investigative process, the City conducted an audit in conjunction with the El Paso Police Department and Internal Auditor. This audit was initiated following agreements entered into with the DOJ in October 2022, which suspended the statute of limitations to allow for thorough investigations.

The City said during the investigation period, it came to light that certain vehicles of servicemembers had been improperly auctioned without following SCRA protocols.

Upon discovery, the City immediately halted auctions where proper procedures were not observed.

Via the DOJs lawsuit and the Citys crossclaims, separate settlements with URT and RRE were reached:

URT will compensate about $58,000 in damages to 50 affected servicemembers from May 20, 2019, to June 11, 2023, and pay a civil penalty of about $25,000.

RRE will provide about $140,000 in damages to 122 affected servicemembers from January 1, 2015, to April 15, 2019, and pay a civil penalty of about $20,000.

The City says it is now working to resolve the crossclaims against RRE regarding reimbursement of these legal fees, seeking RREs proportional share of these legal costs fees and expenses based on each vendors proportional responsibility for the vehicles auctioned without following SCRA guidelines.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Come out and celebrate this years National Night Out in the City of Suffolk this Tuesday.

The Suffolk Police, Suffolk Public Schools, Fire & Rescue, Commonwealth Attorney, Sheriffs Office and the Western Tidewater Regional Jail have teamed up together to visit all registered locations with eight caravan motorcades.

All local business, civic leagues churches, homeowners and non-profits will host events in their neighborhoods. All participating community locations can be found here.

The event is hosting a Send-off Ceremony, starting Aug. 6 at 5 p.m. at the City Council Chamber located at 442 W. Washington St. All members of the media and public are welcome to attend.

The Suffolk National Night Out Committee is giving a brief ceremony that will include speeches from the public safety official and Suffolk Mayor Michael Duman.

Motorcade tours will depart from the City Hall and visit the various locations in the community.

All eight routes and individual locations of the tour schedule are attached below:

National-Night-Out-2024-Tour-Schedule-Public-Release-2Download

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
City of West Palm Beach wins approval for new way to provide drinking water to 130,000 people

A radical shift in where West Palm Beach gets its water was approved last month as officials look to supplement the citys vulnerable surface water supply by tapping the brackish Floridan Aquifer.

Using the stable but saltier groundwater from the aquifer means building an expensive reverse osmosis plant and 31 wells that can cost up to $5 million each.

But it's seen as a necessary change as the city has struggled with a cobbled-together, lake-fed system that has suffered from unpredictable bouts of dry weather, a cyanotoxin infection from blue-green algae and turbidity levels last month that exceeded EPA treatment standards. Drinking water remained safe despite the higher turbidity, or cloudiness, in the water, the city said.

The South Florida Water Management District issued a 50-year permit July 9 that gives the go-ahead for the city to use the Floridan Aquifer in conjunction with the current system for its approximately 130,000 customers, which includes the towns of Palm Beach and South Palm Beach.

In a statement, the city said its first step will be to conduct a study to determine water quality in the aquifer and salt-extraction treatment options. The first well is expected to begin installation early next year on the grounds of the current water plant west of downtown West Palm Beach.

With the issuance of the Floridan Aquifer allocation, the city will begin more rigorous planning and engineering activities, the statement said. The actual production wells would be phased in over time with a goal of reaching 10 million gallons per day to supplement our existing water sources within 6 to 10 years.

The city currently uses 35 million to 40 million gallons per day, depending on the time of year and if seasonal residents are in town.

City officials expect the population served by its water utilities to increase by 25% in 30 years and by 35% in 50 years to about 175,800 people, according to an application submitted to the SFWMD in September.

More: Because of growth and a fear of contaminants, West Palm considering a new way to get water

A cost estimate for a reverse osmosis plant wont be determined until after the pilot study shows what kind of water treatment is needed, the city said. It will also need to build new pipeline infrastructure and disposal capacity  usually 3,000-foot deep injection wells  for contaminants leached from the water.

There are 38 brackish water and two seawater desalinization plants in South Florida and the Treasure Coast that use the Floridan Aquifer.

The City of West Palm Beach grew up around a water supply first tapped by railroad tycoon and hotelier Henry Flagler in the late 1890s to satiate his growing empire in Palm Beach. Its current water treatment plant on the shores of Clear Lake west of downtown West Palm Beach is in the same place it was more than a century ago.

Proposed locations for new wells in West Palm Beach that will tap into the Floridan Aquifer to supplement the city's water supply.

With the city's expansion, the water supply evolved to rely on the Grassy Waters Preserve  a historic headwaters of the northern Everglades now buoyed by Lake Okeechobee.

It's not uncommon for large cities to rely on surface water such as lakes because they are easily accessible and, aside from drought years, replenish quickly.

New York City is fed by three surface watersheds. According to the U.S. Geological Service, about 70% of freshwater used in the country in 2015 came from surface-water sources.

But Florida Polytechnic University Assistant Professor Jun Kim said groundwater is the source for about 92% of water users in Florida. A 2020 presentation to the states Blue-Green Algae Task Force pegged it as high as 98%.

Water woes: City finds cyanobacterium is stubborn foe that can take days to find

Many cities near the coastline can blend source waters including surface water, Kim said, noting that the Tampa Bay Water utility uses 55% groundwater, 40% surface water and 5% seawater.

He said there are pros and cons to both water sources. Harmful algae blooms and drought can plague surface water supplies. Groundwater is naturally filtered by soil that removes contaminants but can take a longer time to recharge.

Surface water needs to be properly monitored and managed due to potential risks, Kim said.

In the spring of 2021, the discovery of microcystin toxin from a cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae bloom, forced the city to shut down its feed of water from Lake Okeechobee to the Grassy Waters Preserve.

A delayed rainy season that year meant Clear Lake became depleted without regular refills, and cylindrospermopsis  a cyanobacteria that lingers unseen in the middle water column  was detected. It created the toxin cylindrospermopsin, which if consumed can cause headaches, nausea, bloody diarrhea, and in some cases, liver and kidney damage. The finding led to a weeklong water advisory that cautioned some residents, including children under 6, pregnant women, the elderly and people with liver conditions, against drinking the water.

This year, a dry spring forced West Palm Beach to temporarily draw 10 million gallons per day from its current emergency wells. It urgently reminded customers in June to adhere to year-round landscape irrigation rules, which allow watering three days per week before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

Clear Lake dropped to 9 feet, which is a similar level that was recached during 2011s severe drought.

During the first week of July, turbidity, which is a measure of cloudiness in the water, exceeded the EPA allowance but wasnt enough to trigger an immediate alert. Adjustments to the citys treatment plant got the turbidly levels back to normal as of July 14.

All the drinking water is and has always been safe to drink during this recent period, the city said in a note to customers.

An estimated 6 million people in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties rely on the Biscayne Aquafer for water, which is shallower than the 1,500-foot deep Floridan Aquifer. The Biscayne Aquifer is recharged by rainfall or Lake Okeechobee during drought.

But the Biscayne Aquifer is maxed out, said South Florida Water Management Districts water supply bureau chief Mark Elsner in an interview this year.

That means utilities must go deeper into the Floridan Aquifer, which is recharged by rainfall in Central and North Florida. It underlies the entire state into Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, and is considered one of the most productive aquifers in the world.

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Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate and how growth affects South Florida's environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: New water source for West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago approved
Clarksville man arrested for manslaughter after crash that killed girlfriend

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Clarksville man has been arrested in connection with an April fatal crash that killed his girlfriend, according to court documents.

Daniel Havens, 31 (Courtesy: Johnson County Detention Center)

Daniel Havens Jr., 31, was arrested on August 1 on a manslaughter charge.

According to an affidavit, an Arkansas State Police trooper responded to a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 352 in Clarksville around 9:30 p.m. on April 13.

A crash report said Havens vehicle drove off the roadway on a curve and hit two street signs and a concrete culvert before overturning and striking a tree.

Once on the scene, the trooper found an upside-down vehicle off the roadway on the south side of the highway.

Rogers man accused of chasing minors with machete while riding bike

The driver, identified as Havens, reportedly spoke incoherently to the trooper and said there was no one else in the vehicle with him.

The trooper along with other first responders on the scene found a womans body underneath the vehicle. The woman was identified as Havens girlfriend, Makayla Prince, 24.

The affidavit said the trooper found an open beer can near the vehicle and he later filed a warrant for a blood test for Havens.

Havens was taken to a Little Rock hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

A blood sample was submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for testing and a toxicology report showed Havens was under the influence of ketamine and fentanyl at the time of the crash, the affidavit said.

Havens is set to appear in court on September 18.

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A gavel in a courtroom. Credit: Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE  State agencies received more than 11,000 requests for hearings from people challenging their loss of Medicaid benefits between April of last year and this May, but held only 484 hearings, according to evidence presented in federal court Thursday.

The office overseeing the hearings reversed the Florida Department of Children and Families decision to revoke peoples Medicaid benefits in just 52 appeals. At that time, DCF was reviewing the Medicaid eligibility of millions after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, making errors that led to children and postpartum women losing benefits.

Some 70% of the hearings were canceled after the people who filed appeals withdrew them. Most of those people said DCF altered their case files after they submitted the formal complaints, according to the data. But Brandy Jones, a supervisor in charge of hearing requests who testified on Thursday, couldnt say whether the people who withdrew their appeals did so because theyd gotten their benefits back.

I believe theres a part on the form for explaining the withdrawal, but its not required, Jones said in court about a form people can fill out to drop their request for a hearing.

In short, the Office of the Inspector General, which acts as an arbitrator between Floridians and DCF, doesnt track what happens to appeals people drop or abandon. Thirty-three people work in that office, Jones said.

Jones is one of several state employees who have taken the stand in the federal class action filed by Medicaid patients alleging Florida violated their constitutional right to due process when it took away their health care coverage without proper notice. Their testimony has provided insight into Floridas management of the subsidized health care program through its notices and call center.

How long does the appeals process take?

People who disagree with DCFs decision to revoke their benefits can request a hearing, and the agency must provide those people a packet with information about their cases seven days before the hearing. But hearings can take time.

It took the state two months to schedule a hearing for an Orlando woman DCF wrongly kicked out of Medicaid while she was seven months pregnant, according to the notices she received. The agency restored her benefits in August.

If someone has an urgent medical need, that person can request an expedited hearing. The frequency of requests for expedited hearings has increased from one or two per month to 10 per week since the review of eligibility post-COVID started, Jones said.

She suggested the system works insofar as clients are aware of their rights.

The number of appeals we receive states the fact that its well known, she said.

Wording of notices

But the agency has changed the wording describing the right to a fair hearing in the notices it sends people. DCF must provide continued Medicaid coverage to people who appeal. Notices previously stated that people would have to pay the state back for the coverage provided during that time if they didnt win the appeal.

In October, the statement was changed to read that benefits may have to be paid back, but that sentence only changed in the footer of the notice. It took the agency until April to make that change throughout the entire notice.

The bench trial is scheduled to end on Friday but the judge presiding over it, U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard, indicated on Thursday that the dispute wont be solved soon.

I just want to make sure that when this ends up in the Court of Appeals we have an appellate record, she said to the attorneys, referring to the labeling of exhibits. Attorneys from the Florida Health Justice Project and the National Health Law Program represent the plaintiffs.

If the plaintiffs succeed, all the people the state kicked off Medicaid without proper notice could have their coverage restored. Approximately 1.9 million lost Medicaid benefits in Florida, according to KFFs tracker of the situation.
By Azernews

Ulviyya Shahin

Cooperation on the transportation of Azerbaijani gas through Serbia is set to expand, with activities expected to begin in the coming months. Vitaly Baylarbeyov, Deputy Vice President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), made this announcement during the 8th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia, held in Baku.

Baylarbeyov highlighted that SOCAR, in addition to its natural gas partnership with Serbia, is also a key supplier of crude oil to the Serbian market. "In the first half of this year, our crude oil exports to Serbia nearly doubled compared to 2023. We are eager to further enhance this cooperation and are committed to strengthening the partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia," he said.

On November 15, 2023, SOCAR and Srbijagas signed an agreement in Baku to transport up to 400 million cubic meters of gas to Serbia in 2024. From 2024 to 2026, Serbia will receive up to 400 million cubic metres of Azerbaijani gas annually, with the supply volume set to increase to 1 billion cubic meters annually from 2027.

Azerbaijani MP Vugar Bayramov believes that dynamic development occurs in the relationship between Azerbaijan and Serbia.

"Serbia is one of Azerbaijan's main partners in Europe. We have established cooperation in the gas and oil sectors, and expanding this cooperation is one of our primary goals. The commissioning of the Greece-Bulgaria interconnector has also enabled more countries to purchase Azerbaijani gas," he noted.

According to Bayramov, this geographic reach is continuing to expand.

"Cooperation extends beyond the energy sector to include other areas, such as mutual investment and the expansion of trade relations. These are key objectives for both countries."

"Energy sector cooperation will also contribute to tourism and investment and will help increase the foreign trade turnover between the two nations. Both countries have significant tourism potential, and our collaboration will help realise this potential more fully. Consequently, we expect the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Serbia to rise shortly, and the overall cooperation to deepen," V. Bayramov concluded.
TOKYO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Amid the severe heatwave in Tokyo, a record 3,647 individuals were hospitalized for heatstroke in July, surpassing the previous five-year high set in July 2023, official data showed.

The Tokyo Fire Department reported that from July 1 to 28, more than 100 people were hospitalized daily for 11 consecutive days following the end of the rainy season on July 18.

Japan's weather agency said Thursday that the past month was the hottest July since records began in 1898, with the national average temperature for July being 2.16 degrees Celsius above the baseline average calculated from 1991 to 2020.

Temperatures have risen earlier in 2024 compared to last year based on the heat stress index, according to Koji Ogishima, an official with the Tokyo Fire Department's disaster prevention department.

The heat stress index, or Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) which measures heatstroke risk, takes into account temperature, humidity, and sunlight intensity.

A heatstroke alert is issued when the index exceeds 33. At a WBGT of 31 or above the actual temperature is higher than the skin temperature, so body heat cannot escape, and except for special cases, all exercise should be stopped.

Last year, the heat index first surpassed 33 on July 10, but it did so on June 24 this year. By July 21, the WBGT had exceeded 33 nine times, almost double the figure for July last year.

"Heat exhaustion can accumulate during outdoor work or sports, leading to collapse at home at night," warned Ogishima.

The increase in heatstroke cases has also led to a rise in emergency calls, with daily dispatches peaking at 3,372 on July 8, approaching the record high of 3,382 on July 23, 2018, the latest data showed.

The Tokyo Fire Department urged residents to use air conditioning and fans, stay hydrated, and use parasols to avoid direct sunlight. 
The temperature difference, in degrees C, between the last year and the period from 1981 to 2010. Copernicus Climate Change Service

New analyses find that warming is fueling severe hot spells on both sides of the Atlantic this summer, spurring warnings about the need to guard against increasingly dangerous heat.

On Friday, close to half of Americans will endure heat made three times more likely by warming, according to a report from Climate Central. Heading into the weekend, extreme heat will bear down on the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and much of the Southeast, with high humidity sending the heat index, an indicator of how hot it feels, above 110 degrees F (43 degrees C) in some parts.

The U.S. hot spell follows a heat wave that settled over southern Europe in July, when temperatures topped 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) in parts of Spain and the Balkans. A new analysis from World Weather Attribution finds the heat would have been virtually impossible if humans had not warmed the planet by burning fossil fuels.

Heat has proved especially dangerous in Europe, though estimates of heat deaths vary significantly. Official records tend to undercount such deaths  a heart attack prompted by a hot spell will be recorded as a heart attack, not a heat death. Scientists can infer how many people are actually killed by heat by tallying the number of excess deaths during hot periods, though methods differ. According to one study, which gauged the effect of even modest warmth, heat has killed more than 175,000 people in Europe each year, on average, since 2000.

The World Health Organization warned this week that heat deaths are set to rise in Europe as the planet warms. Extreme heat is a problem particularly for elderly people, especially those living alone, said Hans Kluge, European regional director for the WHO. It can also place an additional burden on pregnant women. He stressed the need to care for vulnerable people, protect outdoor workers, and stem warming.

The period from July of 2023 through June of 2024 measured 1.5 degrees C warmer than the preindustrial era, meaning the world has at least temporarily surpassed the temperature target set forth in the Paris Agreement.

ALSO ON YALE E360

As World Warms, Global Heat Deaths Are Grossly Undercounted
Are the Clintons back? Bill and Hillarys daughter Chelsea could be angling for a spot in the Harris administration

Are the Clintons back? Bill and Hillarys daughter Chelsea could be angling for a spot in the Harris administration

Chelsea Clinton may be looking to follow in the footsteps of her mother and father and enter politics, with eyes set on an ambassadorship to the UK or France, according to a report.

The daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton has been working on this idea for some time now, a source close to the Clintons told The New York Post.

The former president and Secretary of State-turned-Democratic presidential candidate still carry significant sway within the party.

They were among the first high-profile Democrats to come out in support of Kamala Harris, following Joe Bidens announcement that he would not be seeking re-election.

Chelsea really wants to be the ambassador to the UK, a Clinton source told The Post. Theres a reason why Bill and Hillary came out in the first five minutes to support Kamalas presidential bid  they were currying favor.

According to sources, Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton, is interested in an ambassadorial position should Kamala Harris win the White House in November (Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

According to the source, the former first daughter, 44, who is vice chair of the non-profit organization The Clinton Foundation, would also be open to the possibility of an ambassadorship in France.

Clinton has ties to the UK already, having earned both a Master of Philosophy degree in international relations and a doctorate degree at Oxford University in 2003 and 2014, respectively. Bill Clinton also attended the prestigious institution in 1968.

However, such high-profile positions typically go to those with more experience. Businesswoman Jane Hartley, 74, has been the ambassador to the UK since 2022, after former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg reportedly turned it down.

Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton pic.twitter.com/R7tYMFWbsu  Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 21, 2024

Hartley was also ambassador to France and Monaco during the Obama Administration and has been a major campaign fundraiser for the Democratic party, reportedly helping raise a half-million dollars for Obama.

According to The Post the family source acknowledged that the idea of Clinton taking the UK ambassadorship was of course, fantasy land.

A representative for Hillary Clinton dismissed the idea that they had rushed to endorse Harris to curry favor, saying that it had been for no other reason other than to defeat Donald Trump.

Among stupid things said by clueless people, thats pretty high up there, the rep told The Post.

A spokesperson for Chelsea Clinton also denied the reports to The Independent.

Chelsea Clinton, 44, is the vice chair of non-profit organization The Clinton Foundation (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

In their statement backing Harris, the Clintons backed Bidens decision to support Harris.

We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her, their statement read.

Weve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it.
COALDALE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Funeral arrangements have now been announced for Trooper Peter Conforti.

Friends and family are encouraged to come to the viewing on Sunday August 4 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Bridge Church in Hamburg, PA on the 3500 block of Old Route 22.

The funeral will be held held at The Bridge Church on Monday August 5 at 11:00 a.m.

On Thursday, the community and Pennsylvania State Police came together to remember one of their own.

Officials announced Trooper Peter Conforti died off duty.

On Thursday, Confortis body was transported from Saint Lukes Hospital in Coaldale all the way to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest in Allentown.

Griffin Pond overwhelmed with abandoned animals

Along the way, dozens lined the street to pay their respects to Conforti.

Conforti enlisted with the state police and graduated from the academy as part of the 146th graduating class in 2016.

He was originally assigned to Troop H in Harrisburg and then served Troop L, Hamburg, until his passing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
On a recent appearance on MSNBC, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred was asked how Vice President Kamala Harris presumptive rise to the top of the partys ticket was affecting his campaign in Texas to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

Allreds response was polite, but muted: Vice President Harris was a member of the congressional Black Caucus and Ive known her for some time and I support her nomination.

That five-second comment was all the time Allred spent discussing Harris. He quickly pivoted for the rest of the seven-minute segment to attacking Cruz for blocking bipartisan border security and immigration bills, opposing abortion access and leaving the state for Cancun when millions of Texans had lost power in their homes in 2021.

Harriss impending nomination has injected the November election with renewed enthusiasm among Democrats, who are hoping the historic nature of her candidacy as a woman of color could also boost down-ballot candidates. But in Republican-dominated Texas, Allred  who has been running his campaign as a centrist  is not flocking to her side.

Allreds initial endorsement of her campaign was cautious and unclear  he posted from his X account on social media applauding Bidens legacy as he announced he would withdraw from the race but it made no mention of Harris. His official endorsement came in the form of a clarification his campaign made to reporters after Biden subsequently endorsed Harris and as other Democratic lawmakers put out statements on social media and in news releases.

Harris has been to Texas a half dozen times in the past month, including two events where she targeted voter outreach at Black sororities and one in his hometown of Dallas  however, that visit was right before she announced her run. Allred has not appeared with her at any of those events.

The Cruz campaign has pounced on Allreds difficult balancing act  both attempting to tie him to Harriss political record and calling him out for keeping his distance from her.

[Is] Cant Comment Colin hiding from Border Czar Harris? the Cruz campaign said in a statement, using a moniker the campaign has used to attack Allred. Allred has had no issue being a rubber stamp for Kamala's disastrous open border policies for the past three years, but now he won't even be seen with her and Joe Biden in public. Why the sudden change of heart?

For his part, Allred  who is vying to be the first Democrat elected to statewide office since 1994  has spent the majority of his campaign appealing to the middle. Hes touted his vote condemning the Biden administration over its handling of the border, which ruffled feathers with other Democrats. And hes actively pitched himself as a bipartisan legislator who will reach across the aisle.

As a strategy, its probably wise for him to be less than vocal on the issue, said Jason Villalba, chairman of the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation and a former Republican state representative. If shes able to maintain enthusiasm, hell probably ride that wave but he has to be careful about what happens in the next few weeks on this tumultuous campaign. Hes not taking any risks and hes smart to do that.

Allreds campaign declined comment for this story.

Since Bidens withdrawal last month, Harris has shattered fundraising records in the initial days of her campaign as Democrats unite around her with the singular goal of beating Republican Donald Trump in November. Crucially, recent polls have shown Harris faring more competitively, and even leading, in some battleground state polls where Biden appeared to have fallen irreversibly behind after his disastrous debate performance in June.

But even before the change, Allreds campaign was projecting a close race against Cruz with some statewide polls showing a 3 percentage point lead for Cruz in July.

As a state candidate, Allreds game plan was always to run ahead of the presidential nominee and Bidens flagging numbers worried some Democrats, said Matt Angle, director of Lone Star Project a Democratic communications and research PAC. With Harris reinvigoration of the Democratic party, Angle said he expects her to get more than Bidens 47% share of the Texas vote in 2020.

If Colin can run ahead of her that could be enough to win, he said.

Outperforming the top of the ticket will require a broad coalition that would include large portions of Hispanic and Black voters, who regularly vote for Democrats, as well as some independent and Republican voters who do not like Cruz and are open to voting for a Democrat, Angle said.

Harris rise will almost certainly boost turnout for Black voters, the Democratic partys most reliable base, as well as South Asian voters, who see themselves in the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants. An increase in down-ballot votes from those constituencies would likely help Allred.

But because the coalition he is trying to build is precarious, Allreds campaign appears to be assessing how close it wants to keep Harris during the fledgling phase of her campaign, said Mark Owens, co-director of The Citadel Symposium on Southern Politics.

It remains to be seen how far to the left of Biden Harris will run her campaign. But Owens said if she plays to the center and tries to put Texas in play, Allred would benefit. Already, however, Republicans are attacking her as more liberal than her former running mate and tagging her as a supporter of open borders and a ban on fracking, a policy from her 2019 presidential run that Harris has since said she would not implement. Both of those issues would be harmful to Allred in a state where fracking is big business and immigration is frequently the top concern for voters.

Therell be a lot of questions to figure out and they still have a lot of days to figure out their support for each other, Owens said.

Angle said theres nothing to figure out. Allred, he said, needs to stay focused on showing voters his bipartisan work in Congress to address issues like border security and pointing out that Cruz blocked an immigration bill drafted with Republicans this year.

Allred seems to be taking that advice, featuring in his political ads border sheriffs who say he is standing up to extremists in both parties and hitting Cruz for not crossing the political aisle to work on border security. He recently put out an ad with his wife, showing the two of them disagreeing on a number of household issues, but coming together as parents  in a nod to getting things done with Republicans to pass legislation.

Colin and I dont always agree, his wife Aly said. But we always work together, because thats how you get things done, Allred added.

That kind of campaign may have less pizzazz than Beto ORourkes 2018 campaign against Cruz, which he lost by less than 3 percentage points, Angle said, but it will keep the Democratic base with him while not alienating other parts of the coalition that Allred needs to win.

Its better for him that Kamala is in the race and people are excited but that doesnt change the way Colin has approached the race, Angle said. Hes had a common sense, straightforward way from the beginning and hell keep doing that.

As Allred takes heat from Cruz for holding back on his public statements in support of Harris, his campaign has accused Cruz of similarly being uninterested in talking about Kate Cox, the Texas woman who had to leave the state to get an abortion that her doctor said was necessary for her health and future fertility. Allred has made abortion access another key issue in his campaign.

But Cruzs campaign is intent on making the connection with Harris and forcing Allred to discuss his endorsement - and with $12 million in his coffers as of July, Cruz has the money to keep pushing the issue.

Will Colin Allred finally comment on his endorsement of her? Will he join her in public? Or will he continue hiding and avoiding the press? the Cruz campaign said in a news release on the subject for the second time in as many days this week.

The full program is now LIVE for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Explore the program featuring more than 100 unforgettable conversations on topics covering education, the economy, Texas and national politics, criminal justice, the border, the 2024 elections and so much more. See the full program.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 44)  UPDATE: The owner of the College Station Krispy Kreme which caught fire in May 2024 has been arrested and is charged with Arson.

The College Station Fire Departments (CSFD) Fire Marshals Office announced Thursday that 54-year-old Brian Keith Davis, of Katy, was arrested in connection with the fire. Davis owns the Krispy Kreme, which is located at 1312 Harvey Road.

Daviss arrest comes after an eleven-week investigation conducted by the College Station Fire Marshals Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The State Fire Marshals Accelerant Detection Canine Unit and College Station Police also assisted in the investigation. Harris County Constable Precinct 5 assisted CSFD Fire Marshals in apprehending and booking Davis in Harris County on Thursday afternoon.

CSFD says this case is not being investigated as a racially motivated incident. This investigation is ongoing.

ORIGINAL STORY: Crews battle fire at College Station Krispy Kreme

Crews originally arrived to a fully-engulfed building at 1312 Harvey Road around 2 a.m. on May 13 after police received reports of an explosion and fire. Debris was scattered throughout the parking lot and on Harvey Road.

Nobody was inside of the building, and no injuries were reported. Police say the area from Rhett Butler Drive to Scarlet OHara Drive was shut down.

The ATFs National Response Team deployed to College Station a few days later to assist with the fire investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
College Student Falls 400 Feet to His Death at Grand Canyon: 'His Absence Will Be Deeply Felt'

The National Park Service said Abel Joseph Mejia, 20, was near the edge of the rim when he "suffered an accidental fall"

gofundme A photo of 20-year-old Abel Joseph Mejia

A college student from North Carolina is dead after accidentally falling to his death in the Grand Canyon, according to officials.

The National Park Service (NPS) announced in a news release that the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of a visitor who fell from the rim near the Pipe Creek Overlook in the Grand Canyon on Wednesday, July 31, at around 10:40 a.m local time.

The visitor was identified by the NPS as 20-year-old Abel Joseph Mejia of Hickory, North Carolina. The NPS said that Mejias body was located about 400 ft. below the rim.

Alongside the news release, the NPS shared a photo of four park responders managing a high angle technical rescue system near the rim where Mejia appeared to have fallen.

National Park Service A photo from the National Park Service showing responding rangers locating Meija's body

Related: Hiker, 24, Who Went Missing in Yosemite National Park Found Dead, Says Family: 'Irreplaceable'

Mr. Mejia was near the edge of the rim when he suffered an accidental fall, the NPS said in their statement. An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office.

Following the news of his death, Indiana Bible College paid tribute to Meija, who had been one of its students, on Facebook. The school said that he was known for his warm smile and gentle spirit and said his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Let us all join together in prayer for the entire Mejia family during this difficult time. May God bring comfort and peace to all who are grieving, the college wrote alongside photos of what appeared to be Mejia speaking in church.

Related: 32-Year-Old Colorado Climber Found Dead in Glacier National Park

Turning Point Pentecostal Church shared on social media that the 20-year-old had been on a missions trip when the accident happened.

National Park Service data showed that falls were one of the top three leading causes of unintentional deaths in parks between 2014-2019. Between those five years, there were 205 fatal falls across National Park Service parks.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Grand Canyon National Park is especially a popular park, with over 4.7 million visitors in 2023, according to the NPS.

The NPS issued a warning for visitors in Grand Canyon National Park to stay on designated trails and walkways and keep a safe distance of at least six feet from the edge of the rim for their safety, in a news release about Mejias fall. They also encouraged visitors to stay behind railings and fences at overlooks.



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Read the original article on People.
Leslie Ricciardelli has always wanted to be the educator she would want her own child to have, guiding, helping and loving her students while she secures their safety.

While Collier County schools do not have metal detectors in place to prevent the slipping of firearms, knives or box cutters into buildings, under Ricciardelli's supervision as the district's newest superintendent, Collier County Public Schools opened its latest school last year with a unique feature.

The new school, dubbed Aubrey Rogers High School, named after a former Collier County Sheriff, is secured with ID readers at every doorway, replacing traditional keys. The new feature is added to lockdown buttons, doorbell cameras and window curtains placed on doors.

Despite a scare that called for the response of scores of authorities in December, Collier County has one of the safest school districts nationwide

Students, faculty, visitors slip knives, box cutters, guns into Southwest Florida schools

Collier County Schools reported 36 incidents in the 2021-22 school year, the data states. That's an increase of 12.5% from the 32 incidents in the 2020-21 school year and a 157% increase from the 14 incidents in the 2019-20 school year.

The district does not participate in the Guardian Program, allowing schools to arm personnel,

Still, the district is one of the safest in the state, according to state data.

During the 2022-23 school year, Collier County numbers slightly climbed again, landing at 37. Palmetto Ridge High School had the highest number that year with five documented weapons.

Neighboring Lee County also lowers numbers of weapons

Neighboring Lee County, with a population twice that of Collier's, recorded 57 weapons incidents during the 2022-23.

In the 2021-22 school year, Lee County Schools recorded 81 incidents linked to weapons possession, according to data compiled by the Florida Department of Education. That was a nearly 69% increase from the 48 reported in the 2020-21 school year and a nearly 119% increase from the 37 reported in the 2019-20 school year.

The Department of Education's numbers include weapons brought to campuses by students, faculty, staff and visitors.

In August 2023, the Lee County School District began adding weapon detection systems, using a system called OPENGATE.

Rob Spicker, spokesperson for the Lee County School District, said it is the only school district that uses the detectors statewide. It is the same entry technology used at theme parks, he said.

By the end of April, Spicker said, every K-12 school in Lee County, as well as some other education centers, had implemented the system.

As of July 1, 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Collier County reported 404,310 residents, as opposed to Lee County, which accounted for 834,573 residents.

The statewide data for weapons in schools for the 2023-24 is expected to be released in early 2025.

New Collier high school has the latest, but not all, in security measures

Collier County had not opened a school between 2008 and 2023, even as population grew by nearly 70,000 people.

As Aubrey Rogers High opened, it added the latest in technology.

"The best school is the newest school," said Tim Kutz, executive director for school leadership at Collier County Public Schools. "And I say that not because it's new; I say it because all the lessons you've learned."

It has five cameras in the main lobby that aid two school resource officers, who start their shifts 30 minutes before the first school bell and finish a half hour after students are dismissed. The school is designed so no one without an electronic access card can breach the front desk, Ricciardelli said.

The school, built with an "indoor" mindset with the cafeteria inside, has a key override, Kutz said.

Kutz added that the school district has at least three other sites selected where they plan to build schools, expanding the district's footprint.

Chadwick Oliver, spokesperson for Collier County Public Schools, said it does not yet have another high school in the capital improvement plan, which would lay out the financing, location and timeline for the projects.

Kutz is a longtime acquaintance of Ricciardelli, as both worked at the helm of separate Collier County schools. While Kutz worked as a principal at Barron Collier, Ricciardelli was employed in the same capacity at Lely High School.

Ricciardelli said Aubrey Rogers High School is paving the road for school safety with the new technology.

A lockdown area sign at Aubrey Rogers High School in Naples. It is just one layer of security that the district has instituted as it pertains to school safety. Photographed on June 27, 2024.

"You can lock down that facility immediately or unlock that facility literally with the push of a button," she said, later adding that, "I can tell you as long as I'm here, our buildings will be built with access locks."

Ricciardelli said the school district has begun adding access control to all classroom doors across the district's nine high schools, meaning only authorized personnel can access certain classrooms or areas after they scan their badge at a doorway. Aubrey Rogers High School, which pioneered the trend locally, has at least 700 access control points.

The school's digital clocks also switch to read "lockdown" in the unlikely event, aiding students, faculty and staff with hearing impairments.

Kutz said the system could help solve discrepancies with "disgruntled employees."

"We started at the high school level, so Gulf Coast High School was just complete," Ricciardelli said.

Kutz pointed that one difference between badges and keys, he says, makes the system unique.

"The advantage to the badge system is that with the push of about four buttons, meaning on the phone, if you dial the right numbers, it'll set off an alarm, basically a voice saying that we're going into lockdown, secure the building," Kutz explained.

"We can't install these fast enough," Kutz said. "It's just not humanly possible."

Low numbers attributed to 'very tight' student code of conduct

Ricciardelli attributed the successful numbers in the various statewide school safety ratings to a "very tight student code of conduct."

"Growing up here, we went fishing," Ricciardelli said, alluding to the tightness of the community. "Growing up here, we went to the beach. My brothers were constantly back-and-forth from the beach to Everglades."

Ricciardelli said sometimes students have had a fishing knife or a fishing pole in their car, adding the students are the ones who self-report and turn the weapon over to school authorities during the school day.

"Everything doesn't always happen with the mindset of an evil intent," Ricciardelli said.

Are metal detectors in the plan?

Ricciardelli said that while she is the superintendent, she does not plan to implement metal detectors.

Although I think that the metal detectors create a little bit of a sense of security, they potentially can be off-putting to some people to walk up to it. Leslie Ricciardelli, Collier County Public Schools superintendent

Part of the reason, she says, is that they are ineffective when 1,500 students attempt to get to their designated classrooms in a short time span, potentially clogging traffic along nearby streets.

"Unless you're going to the airport where you can't access a terminal, it would be really hard to make it 100% secure," Ricciardelli said. "Although I think that the metal detectors create a little bit of a sense of security, they potentially can be off-putting to some people to walk up to it."

Their security includes a single point of entry and locked gates, Ricciardelli said.

"The perimeter gates around the school also have badge access, so you can't get into a perimeter gate of any school," Ricciardelli said.

Kutz echoed Ricciardelli.

"I think metal detectors create a false sense of security," Kutz said.

Ricciardelli said each county's situation is different.

"The metal detector, I'm not sure is the is the area where I would invest funds at this time," Ricciardelli said. "I'm not saying that it's not a good idea in some places. Different counties have different situations."

Ricciardelli said the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors is her top priority.

"On my part, there is an absolute zero tolerance for anyone to bring a weapon," she said.

Ricciardelli said adults and students are held to the same standard.

"People should never be afraid to go to school," Ricciardelli said. "It should be a place where people, and especially the children, feel safe to go every day."

Ricciardelli said she feels heartbroken when she reads about school tragedies in the news.

"We cannot take this lightly, and I do not take this lightly," Ricciardelli said. "The state is not taking this lightly, which is why just us telling people to lock their doors is not even enough for the state. The state has put it in statute that there will be discipline if those rules and that law is not adhered to."

The new law mandating that school doors be locked took effect July 1.

Naples High School swatting call was a learning point

A claim that an active shooter put Naples High School students in harm's way sent scores of authorities and first responders to the scene. The claim was later deemed false.

Swatting is a dangerous and illegal practice that seeks to fool law enforcement into sending deputies and heavily armed SWAT teams to a specific location to cause havoc. Swatting incidents have risen dramatically in the last few years, often aimed at schools, religious organizations and political leaders.

"That was an absolutely horrible thing to happen," Ricciardelli said, of the Dec. 1, 2023, swatting call that placed Naples High School in a lockdown.

As scores of authorities made their ways to the school, Ricciardelli said she monitored the same live video feeds the Collier County Sheriff's Office is able to receive. The room from where Ricciardelli was watching, at the Collier County Public Schools building, is called the District Response Center.

That day, law Enforcement descended on Naples High School, 1100 Golden Eagle Circle, about 1:45 p.m., as Naples police and the Collier County Sheriff's Office responded to a threat, scaring some parents.

By 2:35 p.m., the police department said the call reporting a shooting was a hoax.

"It's undue trauma," Ricciardelli emphasized. "Nobody needs to go through the stress of a swatting incident."

Ricciardelli said the incident impacted students, parents and educators.

"That's my high school," she said. "I graduated from there. I have personal relationships with some of the people who work there and some of the students who go to school there."

Ricciardelli described the swatting incident as a "really personal attack."

After the incident, Ricciardelli said, she and her leadership team met with local law enforcement to combat the growing nationwide trend that puts schools at risk.

"If I'm going to look at the glass half full, I'm going to say to you, 'Well, it was it was a dress rehearsal,'" Ricciardelli said.

Ricciardelli emphasized it is all hands on deck when it comes to school safety.

"If you see something, say something," Ricciardelli said. "I mean, really, as cliche as that may be these days, if you hear about something, you need to report it."

'To be the superintendent you would've wanted your child to have': A life dedicated to education

Ricciardelli was appointed as the interim superintendent Dec. 13, 2022. She signed her contract as superintendent in June 2023, she said.

"One of my mantras, is really to be the superintendent you would have wanted your child to have," Ricciardelli said.

A lifelong Southwest Florida resident, Ricciardelli first moved here when she was 2 years old. Her family owned a motel in Old Naples.

"We lived and worked in that motel every day, 365 days a year," Ricciardelli said. "And we sold it when I was about 16 or 17 years old."

The superintendent graduated from Naples High School in 1987 and went away to college for four years. She then moved to the east coast "for a little bit," with stints in central Florida, before she returned to Southwest Florida when her daughter was born.

"I knew I would never educate her anywhere other than Naples, so I moved home," Ricciardelli said. "So I was gone for in upwards of eight or nine years."

In 1999, Ricciardelli started working as an inclusion teacher in Collier County.

"When I very first started in education, it was 1991 and there were no teaching jobs to be had because the state of Florida had major budget cuts, so I couldn't even get a substitute job at the time," she recalled. "I found a position in a school with, at the time, the students were called severely emotionally disabled."

Ricciardelli has also worked as a classroom assistant, an assistant principal and a principal at various Collier County schools. A significant portion of her career in education has been linked to Lely High School.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Are Collier County schools safer heading into new school year?
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaks during a news conference on Jan. 9, 2024, at the Colorado Bar Association office in Denver. (Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline)

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser this week, in an exclusive interview with Colorado Newsline, endorsed President Joe Bidens three-pronged plan for reforming the U.S. Supreme Court, with his own tweaks. And he said he is terrified by the Project 2025 plan, which could guide a second administration of former President Donald Trump.

Trump, the Republican nominee for president, has tried to distance himself from the sweeping authoritarian blueprint, though much of it was drafted by members of his previous administration.

Biden on Monday detailed a plan to institute 18-year term limits for U.S. Supreme Court justices and enact an enforceable code of ethics for justices, as well as pursue a constitutional amendment to restore criminal liability for presidents. The plan follows a recent Supreme Court decision granting the president broad criminal immunity. Expected Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris also supports the proposed reforms.

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Weiser is a former dean of the University of Colorado Law School, a former attorney in the U.S. Justice Departments anti-trust division, and a former clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justices Byron White and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Weiser started his phone conversation with Newsline outlining what has changed in recent years to accelerate the need for Supreme Court reform.

I agree with all three components of President Bidens address, and I do think it is notable how the discourse around the Supreme Court has changed radically over the last 30 years, Weiser said. A couple of things have happened that are particularly notable and painful. First, the way (U.S. Attorney General) Merrick Garland did not get a hearing and the way that was justified as you dont confirm someone in a presidents final year, only to see that rule readily be violated (by the Senate) when it came to Amy Coney Barrett, which basically shows its all about power, not about principle. And that has, along with the Dobbs decision (overturning Roe v. Wade) and some other decisions, really undermined the trust in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Garland was nominated for the Supreme Court in the last year of former President Barack Obamas administration, but then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to give him a hearing. Barrett was nominated late into Trumps last year in office and was confirmed by a McConnell-led Senate.

Starting with the 18-year term limit, Weiser would like to see some refinements. When there is a period of about nine months left in a justices 18-year term, Weiser advocates a law requiring a president to make a nomination of someone who would then be required to have a hearing within a certain period of time. Then a final vote of the U.S. Senate would also be mandatory. If that hearing and final vote didnt happen, the nominee would be confirmed as a matter of law

That would prevent the sort of gamesmanship that Mitch McConnell was able to do, just sitting on nominations, Weiser said. Nominations deserve a hearing and an up or down vote within a reasonable period of time, and we can no longer assume thats going to happen. That used to be a norm. That norm has now been broken.

Then-U.S. Attorney General nominee Merrick Garland speaks during his confirmation hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill on Feb. 22, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (Demetrius Freeman-Pool/Getty Images)

Weiser said that change should be part of a constitutional amendment that also includes the 18-year term limit.

I am a fan of the 18-year term limit because it ensures that every two years a president can nominate a new justice, Weiser said. And one of the concerns that we have is if you have this ability to appoint very young people for life tenure, you can end up with people serving 30, 35, perhaps even 40-year terms. And thats just not healthy from a standpoint of the court getting out of step with public sentiment.

Trump was able to nominate, and McConnell forced through, three justices who have tilted the court to a 6-3 conservative majority, resulting in radical-right decisions and upending decades of precedent on issues ranging from reproductive rights to environmental regulation.

The reshaped high court also has been embroiled in ethics scandals, primarily centered on lavish gifts from billionaires with business before the court to Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, but also related to their wives, who are outspoken backers of efforts to overturn the legitimate election of Biden in 2020.

Right now, with the situation around ethics issues and justices able to basically make up their own decisions on when to recuse themselves without any enforceable oversight, were compromising the appearance of justice in the Supreme Court, Weiser said.

As for the recent Supreme Court ruling that presidents enjoy at least presumptive immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts, Weiser made it clear why he thinks that decision needs to be overturned. He brought up a potential scenario, mentioned by Justice Sonia Sotomayor in her dissent, in which a president could order the U.S. Navys SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival and face no legal consequences. Weiser expanded on the hypothetical.

People walk past a Heritage Foundation welcome sign for the Republican National Convention at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on July 12, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.(Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

That operation, if conducted by an FBI director, deputy director, or an agent who understands its purpose is not legitimate, those individuals can be subject to civil and criminal liability for participating in what is a conspiracy to commit murder, Weiser said. The idea that they could be liable, but the person who ordered the murder would be immune from liability, really strikes me as untenable and unjustifiable. And so this ruling is, to my mind, overbroad and dangerous, and I do believe it needs to be reversed.

Weiser threw out another scenario that may resonate even more urgently given the recent assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania.

Lets say the president says to the director of Secret Service, I want to make sure that youre not protecting my political opponents, Weiser said. If someone as president basically tried to order the Secret Service not to do their jobs, the idea that that would be immune from any civil or legal liability is problematic  that you start giving people the ability to make decisions around life and death and no accountability for it? Thats problematic.

However, Weiser concedes that passing these reforms in a closely divided Congress and amending the Constitution will be difficult in the current political environment.

Weiser was asked what Project 2025 would mean for an independent Justice Department.

Im terrified about, lets call it, the removal of firewalls between the White House and the Department of Justice, Weiser said. We, in this country, after Watergate, very deliberately took actions to prevent, for example, the president from directing prosecutions from the White House, or directing antitrust cases from the White House  The idea that there is a plan for the White House to undermine those basic norms and to erode the Justice Departments commitment to the rule of law, thats scary.

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by Dana Halawi

BEIRUT, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Although progress has been made in reconstructing Beirut after the deadly 2020 port blasts, the road ahead remains bumpy amid declining funding, lack of cooperation, and the overall unstable situation in Lebanon, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government officials said recently.

The Beirut port was rocked by two massive explosions on Aug. 4, 2020, killing over 200 people, injuring thousands, and destroying around 50,000 housing units, with material losses estimated at 15 billion U.S. dollars.

According to Sarkis Khoury, director-general of antiquities at the Ministry of Culture in Lebanon, at least 8,000 buildings, many concentrated in the residential neighborhoods of Gemayzeh and Mar Mikhael, were affected by the deadly blasts. Among them were some 640 historic buildings, about 60 of which were at risk of collapse.

In the fourth year of reconstruction, many local NGOs found themselves dealing with financial challenges due to a lack of trust in these organizations.

Maya Ibrahimchah, founder of Beit el Baraka, a multi-tasking NGO providing food, housing, medical, and education services to vulnerable families, told Xinhua that within 18 months of the explosion, her organization was able to repair 3,011 houses, 668 small businesses, seven schools, part of the emergency section of Geitawi hospital, 12 building facades, and 21 heritage buildings.

"Following the explosion, we were able to raise around 3.8 million U.S. dollars and in-kind donations ... but today, we face financial issues that prevent us from continuing our reconstruction work," Ibrahimchah said, adding that there was an almost 80-percent drop in funding following accusations against NGOs of squandering aid money.

"The halt in donations came at a very bad time when we already had lots of families to help," she said.

Echoing Ibrahimchah, Project Development Manager of Rebirth Beirut, Samar Hawa, noted that funding is a challenge nowadays.

Sustainable urban planning should be implemented in Beirut, which would help preserve cultural heritage properly, Hawa told Xinhua.

Sandra Klat, president and founder of Bassma, an NGO that supports the elderly and vulnerable groups, also told Xinhua that her organization's budget is depleted.

"We need money to continue our work," she said, expressing pessimism about receiving new reconstruction funds amid the Gaza war and the unstable situation in Lebanon.

Additionally, there has been a lack of cooperation between NGOs following the port blasts, Klat said.

"We wanted to fix some houses but found other NGOs visiting for the same purpose," she said, adding that "many people did not trust NGOs, thinking we would visit once and then disappear."

The Beirut Urban Lab, a collaborative and interdisciplinary research space, identified about 120 actors participating in home repairs in the neighborhoods severely affected by the port blasts.

The scale of repair operations varied widely across neighborhoods and within the same neighborhood blocks, and NGOs intervened without a coordinated, integrated approach, according to the lab. 
Corrections and clarifications: Carter Niemeyer said, "If there is no negative reinforcement to the wolves, the behavior they are showing is not unusual." A portion of that quote was written incorrectly in a previous version of this story.

GRAND COUNTY  A stench from rotting flesh hovered in the hot, still air, a pungent reminder that death lay among the perfume of sagebrush and fresh-cut hay.

On the edge of a meadow with tidy curved rows of hay was an uncut headstone of tall grass, where one of Conway and Nellie Farrell's sheep lie rotting under the warming summer sun.

It was a reminder that not even death stops the haying season up here; the ranchers just work around it. A morbid reminder of life since wolves were released in Grand County and adjacent Summit County in late December of 2023.

The eight sheep confirmed killed by wolves on the afternoon of July 28 and five missing and presumed dead on the Farrell ranch marked Colorado's single deadliest attack on livestock since the predators were released nearby as part of the voter-approved reintroduction.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife posted the latest kills on its wolf depredation page July 31. It added a note that the investigation is ongoing.

The Farrells' death toll of livestock to wolves now numbers six yearling cattle and nine sheep since April 17, with five more added after having been missing since July 28, if found. It's likely, the rest of the sheep will not be found and/or not confirmed killed by wolves because of body decomposition.

The Coloradoan has been following the Farrell family since April when depredations by released wolves first started taking place, writing stories about their experiences and those of other Grand County ranchers where wolves have killed 16 livestock since April 2, according to the state's wolf depredation page.

"It just keeps happening,'' Nellie told the Coloradoan on July 31 while standing outside the Farrell family ranch headquarters near where she yelled at a wolf that was near her children's sheep in June. "We've done every nonlethal option, well, there is one we haven't done. We have dogs, we have flashing lights, we make sounds. We have construction workers here and we are here at the ranch headquarters every single day twice a day and the attacks on our sheep have been in broad daylight.''

Conway told the Coloradoan previously he believes all of their livestock have been killed by a pair of released wolves he identified as No. 2309, an adult gray-colored male from Oregon's Weneha pack, and No. 2312, a yearling gray-colored female without a pack name from Oregon.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife would not confirm that depredation assertion when previously asked by the Coloradoan.

Conway and other Grand County ranchers have repeatedly requested the two wolves be removed. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has refused their request, saying removal would be detrimental to growing the wolf population to its eventual goal of at a minimum 150 to 200 wolves.

That pair of released wolves gave birth to at least one pup and likely more, according to the state wildlife agency. Frustrated ranchers near the den and rendezvous site have locked their gates to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, only allowing local wildlife officers on their land to look for wolf kills.

That has made it difficult for the the state wildlife agency to determine if more wolf pups exist. The agency said the den and rendezvous sites are in difficult terrain to access. It has not made publicly available any visuals of the pup.

Unfortunately for the Farrells, the den is near their ranch headquarters, as is the rendezvous site used by the wolves for hunting in summer and fall. Both are located on public land near the Farrells' property line.

The sheep killed July 28 were found strung along a sagebrush-covered hillside next to the hay meadow that funnels wolves from the rendezvous site to the livestock.

While other area ranchers have experienced wolf kills of their livestock, the Farrells have bore the brunt of it. The hay meadow meandering along Copper Creek through the Farrells' ranch, and for whom the pack is named, has served as a killing field, a smorgasbord of cattle and sheep.

"Range riders, livestock protection dogs, fox lights, cracker shells, Critter Gitters (motion detection scar device), carcass management and night patrols," Conway Farrell said, ticking off a list of nonlethal measures he has tried with varying success. "I have done pasture movement away from major wolf corridors and have a noninjury hazing permit. What more do they want me to do?"

Colorado State Parks and other state agencies and organizations have banded together to fund nonlethal tools for ranchers to deter wolves. The Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado Parks and Wildlife have combined to give the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, which represents Grand County, $48,000 to fund range ridging efforts.

Tim Ritschard, Grand County rancher and president of the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, said he understands Colorado Parks and Wildlife is in a difficult spot.

"Obviously, now that we are having the problems we are having with those wolves, you need to remove the whole pack, including the pup or pups because the pups are going to learn to kill sheep from the parents," Ritschard said. "CPW is getting it from both sides. I think the majority of CPW doesn't want the wolves.''

Since April, there have been 23 confirmed wolf kills of livestock in Colorado. There were 20 confirmed wolf kills of livestock the three years previous to reintroduction combined.

Ranchers are compensated at fair market value for confirmed livestock losses to wolves. They argue that compensation only pays for the animal at the time of death and not for the future potential of producing more livestock and the loss of genetics.

Carter Niemeyer spent three decades killing wolves for the federal government but in recent years has turned his attention to preaching coexistence between wolves and ranchers through the use of nonlethal means. He is retired in Idaho and served on Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Technical Working Group that helped create the state's wolf recovery plan.

He understands the dilemma the state wildlife agency is in but believes lethal removal should be an option concerning the two released wolves to protect the future of the state's reintroduction program.

"Allowing a couple of wolves to continue this unacceptable behavior is a big risk to Colorado's larger wolf program down the road," Niemeyer said. "I don't see any way this situation improves because in my experience the wolves aren't going to change the behavior they established."

'They're killing the animals ... but not even eating them'

Nellie said on July 28, Conway and their kids, 3-year-old daughter Hillie Jo and 5-year-old son Shade, did chores, including bottle feeding a calf they call Orange Chicken and orphaned lambs Pinky and Sprinkles.

When they left at noon, the 37 sheep were around the ranch headquarters, which also serves as a rustic hunting lodge.

When they returned for a second round of chores at 6 p.m. and to put the sheep in their pens for the night, the sheep were gone.

Nellie said they believe the wolves came in and split the small flock of sheep. The Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dogs, Monkey and Blondie, they brought to the ranch two weeks ago kept one part of the flock safe. They believe the wolves chased the rest of the sheep into the hay meadow and hillside to kill.

While bears, mountain lions and coyotes play checkers, the ranchers say wolves play chess in the predator game.

"The wolves know what they are doing," said Nellie, while Hillie Jo clung to one sunburned shoulder and she bottle fed Orange Chicken with the other arm. "The sheep don't wander far from the lodge and we found a dead ewe 300 yards from the front door of the lodge and a lamb ripped in half that we had to put down by the lodge. We found more the next day at 6 a.m. They're killing the animals, one had a bite out of it and another a broken neck, but not even eating them."

Some of the rest of the dead sheep might have been eaten by the wolves, but July 31 it was difficult to tell between rapid decomposition under wool coats and after bears, magpies, crows and eagles ate their share.

Ethan Kohn, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife wolf damage specialist, is viewed by local ranchers as one of the "good guys" from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. On July 31, he had the grisly task of zig-zagging among the Farrells' sagebrush hillside, looking for the remaining sheep carcasses.

He came up empty.

He said he sympathized with the Farrells' depredation issues.

"I'm trying to help any way I can and see if we can find some missing sheep," Kohn told Nellie in the hay meadow. "It's a tough situation. I know for Conway specifically hay season is just getting going. I know this (the depredations) is on his mind a lot."

Conway had been waiting nine weeks to hear from Colorado Parks and Wildlife if he would be granted a lethal take permit of wolves, allowing him to kill a wolf caught in the act of attacking his livestock or working dogs. On July 31, he received a letter denying the permit.

Conway believes the permit is warranted after 15 depredations and multiple other livestock missing and believed killed by wolves the past 3-and-a-half months.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife denied the permit, writing he failed to meet three of four criteria to receive such a permit, according to Ritschard, who received the letter.

Those involved failing to implement in a timely fashion nonlethal strategies, to bury in a timely manner a carcass pit that lured in wolves and show that depredations would or won't continue once nonlethal strategies were implemented. The judgment on the last criteria was rendered before the July 28 depredations.

The only criteria Conway met was the continuation of depredations, according to the agency.

"They (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) wrote it (in the state wolf recovery plan) that if there are chronic depredating wolves, they would get rid of them,'' a visibly frustrated Nellie said. "We have however many sheep that have died, yearlings that have died. They are obviously depredating. So what is the government going to do?''

Wolves getting too close for comfort in Grand County

On July 25, Carly and her mother, Jani Wood, were about to give Carly's county fair show ewes a walk up the road from their house while tied behind a four-wheeler when something caught their eye.

Having never seen a wolf despite several in the area of her home that overlooks Williams Fork Reservoir, Jani wasn't sure what she saw up the hill about 150 yards from the house.

She walked to a corral to get a closer look and used her cellphone to shoot a photo for proof that the animal staring back at her was, indeed, a wolf.

"My initial reaction was my kids had just been there with the lambs," Jani told the Coloradoan on July 31. "I dont know if the wolf was interested in the kids. Based on the activity of our neighbors and them continuing to lose sheep, it would make sense for the wolf to check out the sheep, which are real easy prey. But the big thing was for my kids' safety.''

Jani said her father-in-law chased away the wolf, which walked into a ditch and disappeared. She said she hoped the wolf wouldn't return but knows it inevitably will.

"I want to feel safe in my home," she said. "Im not somebody who lives in fear. Its our job to take care of these animals and we take that very seriously. I don't want all the wolves gone, but specifically these two need to go."

Carly, 12, said she was concerned about her ewes because it was two weeks before the county fair and she had a lot of time and money invested in her sheep.

"I was kind of scared because Id been up there 10 minutes ago with my sheep and thats what the wolves have been after the last couple of days," she said. "It was walking where my brother had been camping a week ago. But mostly I was worried for my animals. I felt like it was waiting for us to leave because we were going to take my ewes up to the hay meadow where they would be alone."

Williams Fork Reservoir, about 16 miles east of Kremmling, attracts recreators year-round but especially in summer and fall. Area ranchers have seen the wolves near the reservoir and even walking on its ice in winter.

Since 1900, there have been no reported fatal human attacks by wolves in the lower 48 states and one fatal attack in Alaska in 2010. Since 2002, there has been one nonfatal wolf attack of a human in the lower 48 states.

Wolves can pose a threat to dogs, who as fellow canids are territorial and may see a dog or dogs as competition for prey.

The North Park pack killed three working cattle dogs in Jackson County, one of which the owner was paid $15,000 for in compensation, the maximum under the wolf recovery plan.

Jani said she doubts many of those who come to the high mountain reservoir know wolves are in the area and the potential threat they pose to them or their dogs.

"I think there are a lot of people who wouldnt camp here if they didnt feel safe," she said. "People come out here because they want to enjoy the beauty. Some would like to see the wolves. But I dont think they understand what the reality of that is.

"They come to the reservoir with their dogs and a housing development just over the ridge has people who have dogs. It hasn't happened yet where a wolf gets one, but it's going to happen."

Niemeyer said it appears at least the two released wolf parents have become habituated to humans. He said if the state wishes not to lethally remove the two wolves, it should at a minimum scare the wolves.

"If there is no negative reinforcement to the wolves, the behavior they are showing is not unusual," he said. "They need to apply some kind of negative reinforcement pressure so they stay away from people. If that's not done, it's only going to lead to more negative consequences for the wolves and the people involved."

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: What will Colorado do after wolves kill 8 sheep in deadliest attack?
Jamie Harpootlian, the wife of an outgoing state senator, resigned from her post as U.S. ambassador to Slovenia effective on July 31, a role she held for two-and-a-half years. She returned to the U.S. Wednesday.

Harpootlian, who is an attorney, said being an ambassador was a great job, but she wanted to get back to the U.S. for the upcoming election.

I wanted to do my part to help America in the upcoming election, Harpootlian said in a brief interview Thursday.

She also said she had a good run as ambassador, but she also missed her husband, state Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Richland.

It was difficult to serve that long without him by my side, Jamie Harpootlian said.

President Joe Biden nominated her to the ambassadorship in July 2021. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December 2021.

The Harpootlians were Biden supporters leading up to the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary in South Carolina. In May 2019, the Harpootlians held a fundraiser for Biden, which raised $115,000. The couple also held a fundraiser in 2014 featuring the then vice president.

The country she departed was part a high-profile prisoner swap this week.

The day after she returned from Slovenia, the U.S. and Russia carried out a prisoner swap that included the return of Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

To help make that swap happen, Slovenia contributed two convicted Russian spies to the deal.

Jamie Harpootlian told The State she could not disclose details of the negotiations.

I was aware of the potential for something to be arranged and everyone was working very hard to make it work, Jamie Harpootlian said. It took the effort of many people. I am very glad the administration had such great success in what they achieved and there were a lot of moving parts. And Im very proud of what Slovenia was able to do, and the role they played in it was very important.
In the wake of a cyberattack by a ransomware group that has crippled city services and exposed personal identifiable information of Columbus employees, the city is offering credit monitoring services for employees who may have been affected by the data breach, the mayor's office announced Thursday in a media release.

All city of Columbus, Franklin County Municipal Court Judges and Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk employees will receive direct instructions from the city on how to sign up for Experian credit monitoring services after the bank account information of city employees, including Columbus police officers, was stolen in the ransomware attack.

The city said they are continuing to investigate the situation and has partnered with cybersecurity experts, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. Citing the ongoing criminal investigation, the mayor's office said their ability to comment on the cyber-attack "remains limited." City officials said they are in the process of identifying individuals whose personal information may have been exposed and will provide guidance to all who are impacted.

The offering of credit monitoring services is the latest in the cybersecurity fiasco that has left city departments and its employees scrambling to continue their duties. The Dispatch reported Thursday that Rhysida, an international ransomware group that has attacked targets in the U.K., U.S. and Chile, listed stolen Columbus city government data on its dark website Wednesday, offering it for sale. The announcement of the attack by the ransomware group came just days after Mayor Andrew Ginther's office said that the city thwarted the ransomware group's cyberattack, but data may have been stolen.

City departments are still reeling and trying to recover from the cyberattack, including the city's Parking Services department and the Building and Zoning department.

July 1, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The Columbus City Hall, 90 W. Broad St. in downtown Columbus.

City of Columbus employees or technology users who observe unusual IT activity, or who believe a city email account has been compromised, are asked to report it to abuse@columbus.gov for investigation. Employees are also encouraged to use different passwords for their different personal accounts.

smeighan@dispatch.com

@ShahidMeighan

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: City of Columbus offers credit monitoring services after data breach
Communities in tri-county area getting grants to upgrade road salt equipment

(WKBN)  Some communities in Trumbull, Columbiana and Mahoning counties will receive state grants for road salt management.

Smith Township will receive $47,300.

Cortland and East Liverpool will each get $75,000.

The grants are part of the governors and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agencys H2Ohio Chloride Reduction Grant Program.

The money will go toward upgrading equipment and salt storage facilities to prevent the overapplication of salt and reduce runoff into waterways.

Road salt is a necessity during the winter months, but its also a necessity that we do all we can to keep our waterways free from chloride contamination, said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. Through this grant program, were helping local communities with equipment that efficiently spreads salt in a way that better protects our water.

Grants also went to 49 other communities, for a total of $2.7 million.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) After four teenagers were killed in two separate off-road vehicle accidents last month, the communities are continuing to find new ways to show their support.

On Wednesday, July 10, three teenage girls were killed in a UTV crash. Since the accident, the community has outpoured support for the family and friends of the three girls, 14-year-old Edie Wittenberg of Strasburg, 13-year-old Karly Wetherall from Stewardson and 14-year-old Sienna Bostedo from Mode.

Theyve touched a lot of lives: Stew-Stras holds memorial for three girls killed in crash

Those contributions from the community continue on nearly a month later.

The Windsor School District recently announced a portion of the proceeds from the annual Windsor Harvest 5k Run will be given to the scholarship fund set up for the three girls.

The run is scheduled for August 17 under the Windsor City Park pavilion, 1109 Ohio Ave in Windsor at 7 a.m. Registration is on the Windsor High School website, but participants can also sign up on site starting at 7:30 a.m. the morning of the event. The fee to register is $20 and includes a t-shirt. Medals will be given to the top male and female winner across each of the six age divisions, as well as for the overall best time and eldest racer.

Teutopolis Volleyball Team hosting benefit for teen crash victims

Community members in Cumberland County are also banding together to honor the life of Graydon Mendenhall, a 14-year-old boy from Neoga who passed away after an ATV accident on Monday, July 22.

Last week, a Shelby County cafe hosted a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses for Mendenhalls services.

Now, the community is showing that they will continue that support by putting signs in their yards that read #graydonmendenhall, and #neogastrong.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Compton traffickers tried to sell fentanyl to undercover agent on MS Coast, records say

Two California men have pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in a scheme that ended when suspects tried to sell fentanyl to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent in Gulfport, court records show.

Jayma Edward Nettles, 46, of Compton, California pleaded guilty on Friday to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 113 grams of fentanyl. Booker Washington, 52, also of Compton pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Authorities said the men were members of a California drug-trafficking organization that had sent narcotics to Mississippi since 2019.

An investigation found the alleged traffickers sent 5,766 grams of pure methamphetamine, 236 grams of fentanyl, 84.2 grams of cocaine and 7.8 kilograms of marijuana to the Gulf Coast, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Mississippi said in a news release Friday. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid far stronger than morphine that has led to thousands of overdose deaths across the country.

Court records show two other defendants in the case -- Shawn Dewayne Seymore and Alain Delon Revis -- are set for trial in September.

The case began in October 2022 after undercover DEA agents in Gulfport contacted Seymore by phone and tried to purchase 1,000 fentanyl pills, according to court records.

A criminal complaint says Seymore called Nettles and asked if he had any little blue ones, in reference to fentanyl pills. DEA agents intercepted the phone call.

The complaint accuses Seymore of asking Nettles to send $2,000 worth of counterfeit pills to Mississippi. DEA agents received the package and found one clear bag of 113 grams of fentanyl in the form of light blue tablets, court records say.

The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation that identifies drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and other criminal organizations.

Nettles will be sentenced on November 20 and faces up to 40 years in prison. Washington will be sentenced August 15 and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.
Confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court is cratering. What to do?

Supporters of reproductive rights protested outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, as justices heard oral arguments over access to mifepristone, one of two pharmaceuticals used in medication abortion. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

Reform of the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to be a big issue in this years presidential election and its not hard to see why. With President Joe Biden and others proposing fixes, an important question will be how to address problems with the highest court in the land.

Huge numbers of Americans lost confidence in the neutrality of the court in the wake of its 2022 decision that overturned Roe v Wade. It set off a political backlash across the country as women couldnt get abortions  even in some cases in which minors were raped or womens health was in jeopardy.

Opinions of the court have only gotten worse since.

In 2023, ProPublica revealed that Justice Clarence Thomas had a history of taking millions of dollars worth of undisclosed gifts from billionaires as he supported rulings that make it harder for the government to regulate the donors businesses. Such conduct might sound bribery-ish, but Thomas and a majority of the court have voted to make it a lot harder to prosecute public officials for that.

In 2016, the court ruled that it was OK for then-Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnel to hold a luncheon at the Governors Mansion so a guy who had lavished him with gifts could hawk a dubious miracle cure to state-supported universities. And in June, a majority ruled that it was OK for Portage, Ind., Mayor James Snyder to pay $1 million in taxpayer dollars for garbage trucks, leave office and then take $13,000 for consulting services from the company that got the business.

Seven in 10 Americans said the majoritys decisions were guided more by ideology than the law even before the court in July ruled that the president had broad immunity from prosecutions for things he or she does in office. The Constitution might have been written just after we threw off a king, but the July 1 ruling makes the president a king above the law, three justices said in a dissenting opinion.

In taking the case and handling it the way it did, the majority made it impossible to prosecute former President Donald Trump on charges that he tried to steal the last election before the coming one occurs. And Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito refused to recuse themselves even though Thomass wife was a vocal supporter of Trumps attempted election theft and a flag flew at Alitos home that appeared to signal sympathy with the overthrow effort.

This week, Biden unveiled his proposed reforms.

What is happening now is not normal, and it undermines the publics confidence in the courts decisions, including those impacting personal freedoms, the president said in an op-ed published in the Washington Post. We now stand in a breach.

In its broad strokes, Bidens proposal would:

Amend the Constitution to make clear that presidents are not immune from prosecution for crimes committed in office. I share our Founders belief that the presidents power is limited, not absolute, Biden wrote. We are a nation of laws  not of kings or dictators.

Create a system in which presidents nominate a justice once every two years and limit justices terms to 18 years.

Create an enforceable code of conduct under which justices have to disclose gifts they receive, refrain from public political activity and recuse themselves in cases in which they or their spouses have conflicts of interest.

A question now is how Biden balances those reforms against many, many other pressing matters.

Gabe Roth of the non-partisan reform group Fix the Court said Biden even faces competing priorities when it comes to the judiciary. There are about three dozen nominees to lower federal courts who are awaiting Senate confirmation.

There arent a lot of shopping days before Christmas, Roth said. There arent a lot of Senate days until Jan. 3, 2025, when a different Senate starts. From a priority perspective, I wouldnt fault the White House if their emphasis for the next few months was on confirmations.

However, if he chooses to make his reforms a priority, Biden could effectively sell it, Roth said.

He has ample time to make the case to the American public why court reform needs to happen and what his vision for it is, he said.

Roth founded Fix the Court a decade ago and he said Biden and many others are late to the reform movement.

Frankly, he should have been doing this for his whole career, Roth said.

He added, The broad themes of Fix the Court havent changed in the last 10 years. Ive always been a small d democracy guy. I came of age during Bush v Gore (which awarded a razor-thin election to George W. Bush). The idea that the Supreme Court had so much power that it could pick a president Citizens United (which allows unlimited corporate spending in politics) came out before Fix the Court started. Just the overwhelming power the court has gained. This isnt the start of the story, the court has continued along a trajectory.

To reduce that power, Roth has reform proposals of his own.

One is to end the ability of district court judges to issue national injunctions.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, has been frequently in the news for controversial injunctions. Located in Amarillo, Texas, hes the only judge in his courthouse and advocates of conservative religious causes often file cases there on the assumption that theyll get a sympathetic hearing in Kacsmaryks court.

Last year, he struck down Biden administration protections of LGBTQ employees and the FDAs approval of a key abortion drug, mifepristone.

Roth said such power in a single pair of hands gives still more power to the Supreme Court because it can choose not to act and leave the injunctions in place  regardless of the harm they cause  and not take the same heat they would if they heard the case and issued a similar ruling.

That is a single judge in a single district out of 94 districts out of a country of 330 million people  a single judge out of a judiciary of 2,300 judges  saying no more to whatever the nationwide policy is, whether its (Trumps 2017) Muslim ban or mifepristone or whatever, Roth said. The idea that a single judge has that much power will trickle up to the Supreme Court because the court can say whether this ruling is kosher or not.

As for ethics, Roth said the entire federal judiciarys ethics code has loopholes you could fly a private plane through that need to be closed. Toward that end, the High Court Gift Ban Act has been introduced in Congress. It would limit judges gifts to $50  the same amount as Congress.

His organization is advocating another measure specifically for Justice Thomas, who has accepted at least $2.4 million worth of freebies from parties that sometimes have business before the court and often have a financial interest in its rulings.

I think (Attorney General) Merrick Garland should appoint a special counsel to investigate the Thomas gifts, Roth said.Bribes is a loaded word. But at the very least its very clear that Thomas has been willfully violating the Ethics in Government Act by omitting these gifts from his financial disclosure reports for decades.

He added, This is a pattern of willful omission and under the law, there are consequences for this. Judges and justices can be fined. There are even criminal penalties. I dont think we should do criminal penalties because I dont think weve reached the point where Justice Thomas should be in jail. But there are civil penalties that are part of the law  $50,000 per violation  and I think Attorney General Garland should appoint an investigator to determine the extent to which Thomas has violated this law.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  On Nov. 18, 2018, an individual KXAN spoke with said a stagehand groped them while working an event in downtown Austin.

The survivor identifies as transgender. KXAN is concealing their identity due to the sensitive nature of their experience. In this story, we will call them Morgan.

Morgans story

Morgans case went unprosecuted, even though they say they had a written confession from their assailant (KXAN photo/Brianna Hollis)

As a marginalized person, I feel like I dont get a lot of justice in the world, and I feel like this was kind of the one shot at it, Morgan said.

That one shot was a chance at justice after their alleged attack happened.

Morgan said while the groping happened in 2018, they didnt report it to police until 2020. Delays like this are common for survivors of these kinds of offenses.

The Austin Police Department said it assigned a detective to Morgans case to investigate.

By the time they processed my paperwork, the statute of limitations had already expired. So despite having an already written confession from my assailant, which should have made this a slam dunk conviction, he was able to walk free, Morgan said.

In early November 2020, Morgan said they told the detective they were worried about the statute of limitations, which would expire on Nov. 18, 2020, two years after the incident. On Nov. 9, according to email records Morgan shared with KXAN, the detective responded As far as statute of limitations, youre fine. It was reported before it would have been too late.

So despite having an already written confession from my assailant, which should have made this a slam dunk conviction, he was able to walk free. Morgan

However, in the end, Morgan received a letter from the City Attorneys Office stating the case was now outside of the statute of limitations.

I wanted to get justice so badly, Morgan said.

How did this happen?

The Austin Police Department identified Morgans case as an Indecent Assault offense, a charge for forcible groping or fondling. But that charge didnt exist until 2019. Morgans attack happened in 2018, before that law and charge change went into effect.

APD began investigating this case in 2020, when Indecent Assault was in effect.

The Indecent Assault statute went into effect in 2019 (KXAN image/Brianna Hollis)

Before the new law existed, groping and fondling charges were punishable by Class C Misdemeanors  the least serious type of misdemeanors  which carry punishments similar to a traffic ticket, not an arrest.

Morgan reported the crime to police within the statute of limitations, which for a case classified as a Class B Misdemeanor or above, would have met the criteria. However, for Class C Misdemeanors, complainants need to file reports with the City Attorneys Office. Municipal courts handle these offenses in Texas, not police.

The Austin Police Department said Morgans detective diligently worked the case, and once he found out it wasnt under the departments purview, he told Morgan to file the complaint in municipal court. Morgan said that back-and-forth caused a further delay on their end.

It just slowed things down, Morgan said.

The City Attorneys Office told KXAN Morgans filing missed the statute of limitations deadline by two days.

Part of the problem is the lack of seriousness the offense received, State Rep. Joe Moody (D-El Paso) said.

Moody spearheaded the law change that made forcible groping or fondling a more serious offense.

The punishment didnt fit the crime, he said about these acts being punishable by citations instead of arrests.

According to APD data, the department received 512 Indecent Assault reports within the first four years of the law going into effect.

According to APD data obtained by KXAN, 512 people reported Indecent Assault to police after the law went into effect. Previous numbers arent as trackable because there wasnt as finite of a designation for fondling or groping reports.

I think it becomes pretty difficult to do because the data itself in Class C ticket world, where this used to be, is completely disaggregated around the state, Moody said. Its hard to tell what those numbers look like prior to the law changing.

As for Morgan, they said they would have filed their complaint in municipal court sooner had they known earlier that thats what they needed to do.

If there was an actual conviction I could point to, it would just be one more layer of protection, Morgan 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 KXAN Austin.
FULTON COUNTY, Ill. (WMBD)  Congressmen Eric Sorensen (D-17) visited Fulton County Thursday evening to assess damage from the severe storms that swept through the area in mid-July.

Fulton County leaders, and Illinois Emergency Management Agency representatives sat down with the congressman to explain the damage and what problems they are facing.

Canton Mayor, Kent McDowell said residents in Canton are dealing with sewer back-up because of the overflow from flooding caused by the storms. He also said several roads and culverts have been washed away. He said school starts soon and harvest is 2 months away and residents need to use these roads.

School is going to start in two weeks. So theyre going have to reroute the busses, he said. Then you have harvest coming up and those people have to get their crops to the market.

Massive, widespread damage across central Illinois after Monday night storm

Fulton County and IEMA leaders said they have been trying to get federal help but keep running into roadblocks. Leaders said in order to get help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the area needs to meet certain benchmarks. There needs to be $23.6 in uninsured damages, which Fulton County is having trouble meeting.

Once we reached the benchmark, then the governor reaches out to the president and then there is an official disaster declaration, Representative Sorensen said. One of the things that weve got to be able to do, especially in areas like this, that are very, very rural, that are hard to reach that benchmark, we need to make sure that the federal government is treating small towns, rural communities, equitably.

Sorensen surveyed North Bethel Road near Bryant where the road completely buckled. He also visited Cuba, where residents dealt with severe flooding.

Sorensen said something has to change. He says bigger cities and rural areas should be treated the same.

It shouldnt happen that you know what, a curvy street suburb somewhere that has a flood. They can get to $23 million in damages really quickly than the federal government comes in and gives them a hand, he said. But you know what? Out here, $23 million. Thats a lot of money. Were never going to reach that benchmark.

Sorensen plans to take what he learned from the Fulton County leaders to Washington D.C. and work to change the process to receive federal help to assess storm damage.

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Connecticut Building at Big E to get first renovations since the late 90s

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WTNH)  Some exciting news for Connecticut natives planning on attending the Big E.

Big E holding flash sale with 100 days to go until fair

The Connecticut Building at the annual carnival is getting its first major makeover in nearly 30 years.

Were transforming it into a vibrant hub full of new and fun experiences for everyone to discover the awesomeness of our small but mighty state, spokespeople for the Big E said.

The new renovations will also bring new Connecticut merchandise for fairgoers to purchase to show off their Connecticut pride.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
TEHRAN, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani exchanged views on the alleged Israeli assassination of Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh with officials from the European Union (EU) and Jordan, according to statements released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Friday.

In two separate phone calls with Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, and Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Bagheri Kani warned about the political and security ramifications of the "crime" of violating Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the alleged attack, stressing that Tehran would use its right to self-defense to punish Israel.

He told Borrell that Israel had violated regional and international peace and stability, as well as Iran's national security, adding Iran would definitely use its "inherent and legitimate right to self-defense to punish" Israel.

The top Iranian diplomat pointed to the emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council held on the issue at Tehran's request in New York on Wednesday, denouncing some European states' move of taking the U.S. side in preventing the council from condemning the Hamas chief's assassination.

Borrell, for his part, highlighted Iran's "legitimate" right to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty, while expressing concern about the escalation of tension and eruption of a full-fledged war in the region and their consequences for the regional peoples.

In his phone call with Safadi, Bagheri Kani said Iran would undoubtedly enforce the law and seek justice against Israel without any compromise.

He said Iran had proposed to hold an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the recent developments and take action against Israel, calling on Amman to support Tehran's proposal.

The Jordanian foreign minister backed Iran's initiative to convene an emergency OIC meeting, while condemning the "Israeli crime" of assassinating Haniyeh in the Iranian territory and its violation of Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Safadi also called for efforts to prevent the widening of the scopes of the conflict in the region.

Haniyeh, who had been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, was killed along with his bodyguard early Wednesday when their residence in Tehran was hit, according to Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, which said Israel had carried out the attack and vowed "a harsh and painful response." 
Doctors from the Alabama Fertility Clinic take photos of the votes as Alabama lawmakers consider an IVF bill in March in Montgomery, Ala. Lawmakers in several Republican-led states have introduced legislation promoting fetal personhood, the idea that fetuses and embryos are entitled to the same rights as people. (Photo by Butch Dill/The Associated Press)

When Missourians head to the polls in November, they may get to vote on whether to overturn their states near-total abortion ban and legalize abortions up to the point of fetal viability.

But one lawmaker says the results of that vote may not matter if his colleagues approve his bill declaring that fetuses are people.

Missouri state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican, plans to reintroduce a bill in January that would grant unborn children the same rights as newborns, building on a similar Missouri law that has been on the books since the 1980s.

Seitz said the bill would provide protections for embryos and fetuses regardless of that vote in November.

Absolute abortion bans remain unpopular, even in conservative-led states and among Republican women. So during this legislative session, many GOP state lawmakers pivoted to protecting the rights of fertilized eggs, embryos and fetuses. And when the national Republican Party released its official platform in July, it made no mention of a federal abortion ban. Instead, the GOP affirmed states prerogative to pass laws protecting life under the Constitutions 14th Amendment, which has been used in legal arguments to support fetal personhood.

Fetal personhood, a longtime cornerstone of the anti-abortion movement, is the idea that a fetus, embryo or fertilized egg has the same legal rights as a person who has been born. If the law considers fetuses to be people, the thinking goes, then abortion would legally be considered murder.

At least 19 states  either through state law, criminal statutes or case law  have declared that fetuses at some stage of pregnancy are people, according to a 2023 report from Pregnancy Justice, a nonprofit that conducts research and advocates for the rights of pregnant people, including the right to abortion.

When a pregnant persons rights conflict with fetal rights, fetal rights tend to trump them.

 Rebecca Kluchin, researcher and professor at California State University, Sacramento

Missouri is one of several Republican-led states where lawmakers have taken a renewed interest in fetal personhood legislation in the two years since the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade and dismantled the federal constitutional right to abortion.

If you elevate a fetus to the status of a person and grant it citizenship rights equal to that of a pregnant person, then now you have a clash of rights, said Rebecca Kluchin, a history professor at California State University, Sacramento, who is writing a book on the history of efforts to establish fetal personhood in the United States.

Kluchin said one goal of the recent fetal personhood bills is to get a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Dobbs decision, and the conservative bent of the current court, have created an environment where lawmakers are saying, Lets try it, she said. If one of them gets it right, then others can pass identical laws.

Seitz thinks his bill could fulfill that purpose.

If it does get to the Supreme Court, due to the makeup of the court right now, I think they would see this commonsense legislation is, in fact, truth, he said.

Critics, meanwhile, warn of legal chaos. The possible implications of fetal personhood bills extend far beyond abortion  to fertility treatments, birth control and even child tax credits. In states that have enacted such laws, pregnant women have faced criminal charges for actions that might harm their pregnancies.

When a pregnant persons rights conflict with fetal rights, Kluchin said, fetal rights tend to trump them.

IVFs chilling effect

Seitzs bill didnt make it out of committee before Missouris legislative session ended in May.

He attributed that failure to the GOPs reluctance to push an anti-abortion bill in an election year, a concern that might have been justified: Missouri abortion rights supporters gathered more than double the number of signatures needed to get their constitutional amendment on the ballot. As of press time, the ballot petition signatures were still being reviewed by local and state officials.

But Seitz said the bill will be the first he introduces when the Legislature returns in January. With election season behind them, he said, I think it will be very easy for my Republican colleagues to come on board and support this.

Conservative lawmakers in Alaska, Illinois, South Carolina and West Virginia introduced similar fetal personhood bills in their most recent legislative sessions, though none made it out of committee.

Then in February, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created through in vitro fertilization are children under state law, and that people can be held liable for destroying them. The court cited Alabamas constitutional amendment, passed by voters in 2018, that confers personhood on fetuses and affirms the states responsibility to protect the rights of unborn children.

The courts decision generated a national uproar, ignited bipartisan ire and halted fertility treatments statewide until Alabamas Republican supermajority legislature hastily passed a law protecting fertility service providers.

The backlash underscored how many lawmakers hadnt fully considered the far-reaching implications and legal bedlam that can be created by fetal personhood laws.

And it had a chilling effect on fetal personhood bills.

In February, a Florida Republican state senator sidelined her bill that would have covered fetuses under wrongful death lawsuits after some lawmakers worried it would hurt IVF providers.

In March, the Iowa House passed a bill to criminalize the death of an unborn person, but Republicans in the Senate declined to take up the bill over concerns it could criminalize IVF.

Similarly, the Kentucky House refused to hear a bill that the Senate passed that would have granted the right to retroactively collect child support for costs incurred during pregnancy

Through the back door

Last year, Arizona Republican state Rep. Matt Gress introduced five pregnancy-related bills that he said were inspired by his experience growing up in a family headed by a single mother.

Im the youngest of four and raised by a single mom in a single-wide trailer house in rural Oklahoma. We grew up very poor, Gress said in an interview with Stateline. These bills, to me, represented a policy approach that helps women and families.

One of the bills would have allowed families to retroactively claim child tax credits in the year before a baby is born; another would have allowed pregnant women to drive alone in a highway car pool lane, their fetus counting as a separate passenger.

Yet another bill would have allowed a woman, after having a baby, to collect child support backdated to the date of her positive pregnancy test.

Arizonas Democratic state legislators accused Gress of taking a back-door approach to inserting fetal personhood language into state law. But Gress denies that codifying fetal personhood was his intent.

That didnt even cross my mind, he said. The way I read the bills, there were no rights being afforded to anybody besides women and families.

Gress noted that he was the first Republican, and one of the few, who supported Democratic state legislators bid to repeal Arizonas near-total abortion ban, which dated to 1864. The repeal effort eventually succeeded in early May.

Arizonas legislature passed two of Gress pregnancy bills, but Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed both. Gress said he doesnt intend to reintroduce the bills unless a new governor is elected who might support them.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri tried but failed to pass similar fetal child support laws this year. Georgias 2019 heartbeat law, which went into effect in 2022, grants child support benefits for fetuses.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, now the speaker of the House, introduced a similar bill in Congress in 2022, and was explicit about its purpose. In a statement, he called it a first step toward updating federal laws to reflect that life begins at conception.

Beyond abortion

Fetal personhood laws, like abortion bans, end up having broader effects on all pregnant people and pregnancy-related care, said Dr. Daniel Grossman, an OB-GYN and the director of Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, a research program at the University of California, San Francisco, which focuses on abortion and reproductive health.

Grossman points to cases in which pregnant patients experiencing obstetric emergencies had to be airlifted out of states with strict abortion bans, such as Idaho, because doctors were afraid of violating the law.

In states such as Florida, North Carolina and Texas, pregnant women who werent seeking abortions but who experienced possible miscarriages or other emergencies have been turned away from hospitals. Stories of pregnant women being turned away from emergency rooms spiked after Roe was overturned, a recent Associated Press investigation found.

Fetal personhood has implications for birth control, too.

Hormonal contraceptive methods such as IUDs and birth control pills typically work by preventing an egg from being fertilized, but theres a small chance that some forms can also prevent a fertilized egg from being implanted in the uterus, said Grossman. So, if state law considers a fertilized egg a person, that could create a legal basis for banning any contraception that could possibly prevent implantation.

Grossman also worries about increased scrutiny these laws create for people who experience miscarriage or stillbirth.

Before Dobbs, people were arrested and criminally prosecuted for allegedly trying to end a pregnancy on their own, he said. Im already concerned thats going to become more common, especially in places with fetal personhood laws.

The laws also have resulted in women being criminally charged for actions that might harm their pregnancies, said Lourdes Rivera, president of Pregnancy Justice.

Riveras organization documented nearly 1,400 instances of pregnant women being charged, often for substance use, in the 16 years leading up to the June 2022 Dobbs decision. Most of the cases occurred in a handful of Southern states  including Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee  that have expanded their definitions of child abuse to include fetuses, fertilized eggs and embryos.

Nearly 85% of pregnancy criminalization cases in the Pregnancy Justice report involved charges against a pregnant person who was legally indigent, and the laws were disproportionately applied to poor women and women of color, Rivera said.

These laws are forcing pregnant people to give up their bodily autonomy, their health and well-being, she said, and to be surveilled and criminalized for actions that would not be criminal if they were done by people who were not pregnant.

This story was originally published by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.
Construction on the newest additions to Summers County Schools is nearly complete

HINTON, WV (WVNS)  Construction was nearing completion on the newest additions to Summers County Schools on August 1, 2024.

The new middle school classrooms and offices will be completed to start the 2024 school year.

The gymnasium, however, faced some setbacks in the production of supplies. It will be completed by the following month.

West Virginias Donor Day: Education and encouragement in the field of organ donation

Its one of those things where you get disappointed, you get frustrated, and at the end of the day, you can only control what you can control. I got to control my thoughts and put a best foot forward. Summers County Superintendent David Warvel

There is light at the end of the tunnel though! They will have 12 different classrooms ready for the students.

The students will also have a new STEM Lab complete with new cabinets and accessories.

This is big news for the middle school students, who Warvel acknowledges have not had an identity since the old middle school closed.

You have huge engagement when you can play and fail, lets use that as terminology. That happens all the time in sports, well you can do that in a classroom as well. If you are engaged in something, you dont care how many times you fail, you keep wanting to do it. Summers County Superintendent David Warvel

The 2024 school year could be a challenge for Summers County given the failure to pass the recent school levy.

West Virginias Click it or Ticket campaign begins

For now, Warvel is just happy the newest additions are nearly complete.

Im glad people are getting excited which thats what you want, you want people excited. Its just hard to let people know no, not yet. I hate to say that but thats my word yet and get rid of the word yet to say were ready. Summers County Superintendent David Warvel

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CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4)  A convicted double killer and one other were arrested in Iron County on Wednesday for attacking staff members at a youth facility where they are living, according to the Iron County Sheriffs Office.

Daniel Martinez, 20, and Turner Simons, 18, were both arrested on three counts of assault with substantial bodily injury (class-A misdemeanor) and three counts of assault by prisoner (third-degree felony).

Both individuals have reportedly told police that they do not care about what happens or what charges they face due to their previous convictions.

UDOT: Major closures, delays expected in Salt Lake area for utility and bridge work

On July 31, Cedar City police officers responded to reports of two men attacking staff members at a youth center in southwest Utah. While en route, officers were told one staff member was down.

Upon arrival, police apprehended the individuals, who were being housed at the youth center as prisoners at the time of the assault. The pair had planned the attack ahead of time together, according to an affidavit of probable cause. They reportedly attacked three staff members.

During the event, items were thrown at staff, and they were kicked and punched. One victim was kicked in the head. Another victim had a significant amount of blood on his face from where he was hit, the affidavit states.

The victims were all taken to the hospital as a result of the attack, and the extent of their injuries is still being investigated.

The attack was also caught on camera, police said.

Martinez was previously convicted on two counts of first-degree murder after a fatal 2022 shooting at a Draper Airbnb. He expressed to police that he doesnt care about anything anymore due to having a 50-year sentence.

Both individuals were booked into Iron County Jail.

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Montpelier, Vt.  A convicted Vermont woman pleaded not guilty in court to second-degree attempted murder and two aggravated assault charges on Thursday.

The Attorney Generals Office announced that Veronica Lewis, 40, of Worcester, VT, would be held in court after an incident reportedly occurred on May 29th at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility.

The charges brought against Lewis were the result of an investigation conducted by the Vermont State Police and the Department of Corrections.

Lewis pleaded not guilty at her arraignment Thursday in Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Unit Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Navah Spero presiding, ordered that Lewis be held without bail, along with prohibiting her contact with the reported victim.

Lewis also entered a denial on a violation of probation arising from her time at the correctional facility.

Lewis is currently serving a jail sentence for a 2021 conviction of attempted second-degree murder after shooting a firearms instructor. She has allegedly violated the terms of her probation while in the facility.

Judge Spero ordered that Lewis be held without bail due to a violation of probation. Lewis will remain in custody at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility.

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Suspect arrested for fatal shooting of Venezuelan migrant in Brooklyn playground

The gunman wanted for killing a Venezuelan migrant at a Brooklyn playground has been busted, police said Friday.

Elijah Mitchell, 23, was charged Tuesday with murder, gun possession and reckless endangerment and ordered held on $350,000 bail.

Mitchell is accused of killing Arturo Jose Rodriguez Marcano, 30, the night of July 21 inside Steuben Playground near Flushing Ave. and Steuben St.

Mitchell, who told authorities he lives in his car, worked at the migrant shelter on Randalls Island at night, according to a law enforcement source.

During the day, he cleaned city parks for the Parks Department, a job that brought him in contact with Rodriguez Marcano.

The men recently argued over a tent, which sparked the shooting, the source said.

Police initially said they believed the murder was connected to the fatal shooting of two men outside a Clinton Hill migrant shelter on Ryberson St. near Clinton Hill, which happened seven minutes before Rodriguez Maracan was slain.

Authorities now believe the crimes are not related.
The dispute over Farquhar Road  and the gate that blocks it  entered a new phase this month.

Bill Poland of Cottonwood has been trying for three-and-a-half years to get a gate removed from the rural dirt road in Northern Tehama County, claiming the gate was blocking access to a public road. He even sued Tehama County officials this year to get the gate taken down.

But Poland has faced stiff opposition to removing the gate from neighbors and Tehama County officials.

Last week Poland took matters into his own hands and removed the gate. On July 25, he took an electric saw to the large, steel pipe gate and cut it off at both ends.

Removing the gate would provide access to nearby Cottonwood Creek and give fire crews access to the area if a blaze broke out. It would also give residents an evacuation route from the area in case of a fire, Poland said.

Poland said he cannot get to the creek because the gate blocked the road. "I can't even put my boat in it anymore, which I could put my little aluminum boat in here and fish (before). Now they put this gate up, which is the last place you could actually enter the creek," he said.

Farquhar Road is off Bowman Road, about 9 miles west of Interstate 5. The gate was less than a quarter of a mile north of Bowman Road. Beyond the gate, a rutted path overgrown with weeds leads down to the South Fork of Cottonwood Creek a couple hundred yards away.

County Supervisor-elect Rob Burroughs, who will represent the area on the Board of Supervisors beginning next year, helped Poland remove the gate. The two moved a pile of sticks, wire fencing and two large oak logs that had been placed in front of the gate out of the way.

Bill Poland of Cottonwood cut down a gate on Farquhar Road in Cottonwood on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Poland's wife, Veronica, said there were other issues to consider beyond the public safety and access. She wondered whether residents would block other roads throughout the county. "It sets a bad precedent for everybody else," Veronica Poland said.

Neighbors allege tresspassing

But not everyone agrees with the Polands. Shortly after the gate and its lock were cut, a neighbor confronted the Polands and Burroughs, claiming they were tresspassing and breaking the law by cutting the gate down.

A woman who declined to provide her name demanded the Polands and Burroughs leave. She said she also called the sheriff's office to file a report.

The woman said that removing the gate would allow people to drive down the hill toward the creek, creating a fire hazard and crime risk.

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County Supervisor Bill Moule, who represents the area until his term is up in January, agreed that Poland should not have cut the gate open.

"Number one, I don't care whose property it is, if it's not yours, you can't ruin it, or deface it, or steal it. That's a crime," Moule said.

"It doesn't belong to the guy that cut it down. What's he thinking? I mean, he's actually committing a crime. I mean, how smart do you have to be to know you can't deface somebody else's property? Even if you don't like it?" Moule said.

He said the road had been abandoned by the county, but still disagreed Poland had a right to cut down the gate. County Building Official Eduardo Griego said he did not know the ownership status of the road, but said he did not have a record of anyone obtaining a permit to install the gate.

Moule also disagreed that it was necessary to remove the gate to improve access to the area for fire crews or to provide an evacuation route.

Burroughs said he understands why neighbors would be concerned about people driving down the road past the gate, but that gating it off is not the answer.

"The whole thing is, is that nobody has the right to block a public road. It doesn't matter who you are, because it's the taxpayers' road. All of the taxpayers have a right to travel on that road. Or one or two concerned individuals that want to be selfish and block the road off, they might have a good idea, but that does not give them the right to block that road off," Burroughs said.

While the two sides disagree over whether putting up a barrier is legal and necessary, the clash over the gate did not appear to be over.

The neighbor who confronted Poland on Thursday said she plans to fix the gate and close it.

Reporter Damon Arthur welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834, by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today!

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Cottonwood man cuts down a gate he claims blocked a public road
FRELINGHUYSEN  A fourth meeting before the township's Land Use Board on whether a cannabis growing operation will be allowed in town is scheduled for Monday, with attorneys expected to debate whether a nearby church's Sunday school should disqualify the project.

The meeting will be held at the town's recreation center at 139 Lincoln Laurel Rd. and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Applicant One Faith Wellness LLC wants to build three large marijuana greenhouses as well as administrative space on the now-vacant lot along Route 94, near the Warren and Sussex County border. The operation will grow and harvest marijuana plants and then ship them to outside facilities for further processing.

No retail sales or public access to the facility is planned.

The proposed cannabis growing operation in Frelinghuysen. Route 94 is across the bottom and Muller Road, the approximate border between Warren and Sussex counties is in bottom right corner where the Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church is located just out of the photo. The next Land Use Board meeting on the proposal is Aug. 5.

At the Land Use Board's last meeting, Michael Selvaggi, representing One Faith Wellness, and Roger W. Thomas, an attorney hired by townspeople opposing the plan, began debating the proposal.

Are Sunday school classes enough to block pot farm?

Thomas noted that state law requires cannabis operations be no closer than 1,000 feet from a school. Frelinghuysen's elementary school is about a half-mile away from the site. But it soon became clear the lawyer was referring to the weekly, hour-long Sunday school sessions at the Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church, located across Route 94 and slightly up Muller Road from the farm field where the greenhouses would be built.

The two attorneys began to discuss what constitutes "a school," and whether previous public notices for the board's meetings provided enough information about what variances the board would have to consider.

Before official testimony could begin, Selvaggi suggested he re-advertise the project and restart the hearing process, which had barely begun, at the next meeting.

More: County's first marijuana store opened in Sussex Borough

One Faith Wellness has licenses from New Jersey. The company purchased the land last year from the township, which had taken possession of it through a tax foreclosure.

The property is on the west side of Route 94, south of Muller Road, which is the approximate border between Fredon Township in Sussex County and Frelinghuysen in Warren County.

Email: bscruton@njherald.com Twitter/X: @brucescrutonNJH

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Warren County NJ pot farm faces obstacle in Sunday school class
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A courier is accused of stealing just $29,000 worth of HVAC items from a heating equipment supplier in Dauphin County.

Pierre Milien, 60, of New Jersey, made three pickups from Lennox Industries in June 2022 and took the items to New York, where other people would come to him and take the items, Lower Swatara Township Police said in the charges filed.

A total of $29,371 worth of heat pumps were the items that Milien allegedly stole, police said.

UPS driver in Cumberland County accused of trashing packages

Milien is a courier for multiple contractors and told police he doesnt keep track of where he picks up and delivers items, the charges state.

The license plate number to Miliens vehicle was used to find out he lived in New Jersey, police said.

When asked about taking the parts to New York, Milien told police he was contracted for that job by some people he met online. Police said Milien would go to different parts in New York and he would then call the men who hired him, to let them know where he was. They would show up in an SUV, take the parts, and put them in their vehicle.

Despite telling police he was contracted, Milien said he was never paid for making the deliveries, the charges say.

Milien faces a felony charge of theft, and he is currently out on unsecured bail set at $25,000.

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Milien had a preliminary hearing Wednesday and is now scheduled to be formally arraigned Sept. 6.

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A new court filing on Friday claims four jurors in the Karen Read murder trial contacted the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office, with one saying that Read was unanimously acquitted on two charges she was accused of, including murder.

Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally received an unsolicited voicemail and three emails from alleged jurors on Sunday, July 21, who claimed, It is true what has come out recently about the jury being unanimous on charges 1 and 3.

Defense filing: 4th juror says Karen Read was not guilty of murder in death of John OKeefe

On Friday, July 26, prosecutors say Lally received another unsolicited voicemail from the same individual, stating: Can confirm unanimous on charges one and three, as not guilty and as of last vote 9-3 guilty on the manslaughter charges...on the lower-level manslaughter charges.

The Commonwealth didnt respond to the jurors due to ethical violations about the juror deliberation process.

The DAs office also claimed prior to that, they received three emails from individuals identifying themselves as jurors who wanted to speak anonymously.

On July 16, the Commonwealth reportedly responded to the emails stating they would welcome the opportunity to discuss the evidence or the Commonwealths case, however we are ethically prohibited from inquiring as to the substance of your jury deliberations. That would include your individual or the jurys collective thought process, the content of your deliberations, or the reasons for your decisions.

After saying the DAs office couldnt promise their confidentiality, all three alleged jurors declined to further communicate.

In a statement, Reads defense attorney, David Yannetti, said the following:

The Norfolk County District Attorneys Office, in its new filing, finally admits that they have received the same information that the defense has received from sitting jurors: Karen Read was acquitted on two charges, including murder. We now expect that the DAs Office will do the right thing and dismiss, at a minimum, indictments 1 and 3. Of course, our position remains that all three indictments should be dismissed because they have charged the wrong person. Should they persist in pursuing this wrongful prosecution, we stand ready to defend our innocent client no matter how long it takes.

The full filing can be read here:

New court filing says 4 jurors contacted Commonwealth claiming Karen Read acquitted of two charges by Boston 25 Desk on Scribd

This embedded content is not available in your region.

In mid-July, Judge Beverly Cannone indefinitely extended an order to impound the jury list for Reads murder trial after once of the jurors expressed fear for their safety.

I am frightened: Karen Read jury list indefinitely impounded after juror expresses fear for safety

I am frightened for my personal safety as a result of learning that someone associated with this case has been criminally charged with intimidation, the concerned juror, listed as Juror Doe, said in an affidavit that was filed in Norfolk Superior Court. I also recall testimony from at least one witness who described being harassed by |individuals and her family being harassed because of their involvement in this case. I do not know any of the specifics of any such harassment, but I fear that my family and I will not only be harassed if the names of the jurors are made public, but that our personal safety will be seriously compromised.

Read is accused of killing OKeefe by striking him with her SUV and leaving him in a snowstorm in Canton in January 2022.

Prosecutors said Read and OKeefe had been drinking heavily before she dropped him off at a party at the home of Brian Albert, a fellow officer. They said she hit him with her SUV before driving away.

The defense sought to portray Read as the victim, saying OKeefe was actually killed inside Alberts home and then dragged outside and left for dead.

Her first trial ended with a hung jury and a mistrial. Reads second trial is tentatively scheduled for January 27, 2025.

Defense attorneys in Karen Read murder trial argue with judge over jury verdict slip

Some witnesses are in the courtroom on Tuesday include Brian Albert, Colin Albert, and Jennifer McCabe.

Karen Read

Karen Read, center right, is seated Monday, June 10, 2024, in Norfolk Super Court, in Dedham, Mass., during her trial on charges in connection with the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)

Karen Read is seated Monday, June 10, 2024, in Norfolk Super Court, in Dedham, Mass., during her trial on charges in connection with the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has won enough delegate votes to secure the Democratic presidential nomination, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Jaime Harrison announced on Friday, noting that the results are not yet official.

The virtual voting process closes for delegates on Monday, and the DNC is expected to make official announcement of the results Monday evening. The Democratic National Convention, which is scheduled for Aug. 19-22, will formally nominate the party's presidential candidate.

The virtual voting process for approximately 4,700 delegates started on Thursday morning. One and a half days into the voting, Harris's campaign reported that she has obtained more than the 2,350 votes required to secure the nomination.

Harris, 59, would be the first Black woman and the first Indian American in U.S. history to receive a major party's presidential nomination.

Earlier, U.S. media reports said that Harris is expected to reveal her running mate by Monday, and will hold their first rally together in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Top vice presidential picks include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.

On July 21, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, under mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party due to concerns about his fitness for office. Biden immediately offered his full support for nominating Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate.

Harris quickly consolidated support within the Democratic Party, and announced the next day that she had secured enough support from Democratic delegates to become the party's nominee.

The latest data shows that Harris is narrowing gap with former President Donald Trump in the presidential race. According to polling data compiled by the U.S. election information website Real Clear Politics, as of July 31, Trump led Harris by an average of 1.2 percentage points in national polls, compared with an advantage of 1.7 percentage points before Biden dropped out.

In key swing states Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, Trump led Harris by an average of 0.2 percentage points and 2.7 percentage points separately, while in Michigan, Harris flipped the situation and took the lead by an average of 2.0 percentage points. 
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  A corrections officer who helped carry out the nations first nitrogen gas execution said in a court document that the inmate had normal blood oxygen levels for longer than he expected before the numbers suddenly plummeted.

Another court document indicated that the nitrogen gas was flowing for at least 10 minutes during the execution. The documents filed last month in ongoing litigation provided additional details of the execution of Kenneth Smith, who was the first person put to death using nitrogen gas.

New details emerge in murder investigation of foster baby in Blount County

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshalls office maintains the high oxygen readings indicate that Smith held his breath as the nitrogen gas flowed, causing the execution to take longer than expected. But attorneys for another inmate said the state has no proof to back up that claim and is trying to explain away an execution that went horribly awry.

As the state of Alabama plans additional nitrogen gas executions, questions and disagreements continue over what happened at the first one. A federal judge on Tuesday will hear arguments in a request to block the state from executing Alan Miller by nitrogen gas in September in what would be the nations second nitrogen execution.

Media witnesses to Smiths execution, including The Associated Press, said that Smith shook on the gurney for several minutes before taking a series of gasping breaths. Alabama had assured a federal judge before the execution that the new execution method would quickly cause unconsciousness and death.

Photography nonprofit offers Remembrance Portraits for parents suffering loss of a newborn

A pulse oximeter showed that Smith had oxygen levels of 97% to 98% for a period of time that was longer than I had expected, the corrections captain said in a sworn statement. The corrections captain said he did not observe Smith make any violent or convulsive movements, but he did tense up and raise his body off the gurney. After he released a deep breath, the oxygen levels began dropping, the corrections captain said.

The best explanation of the testimony is that Smith held his breath and lost consciousness when he breathed nitrogen gas  not that the mask did not fit or that the nitrogen was impure, the Alabama attorney generals office wrote in a court filing.

Attorneys for Miller responded that the state has no evidence to back up that claim and said it would be impossible for someone to hold their breath for as long as the execution took. Instead, they suggested other problems with the mask accounted for the delay.

It should therefore not be surprising that Mr. Smith did not lose consciousness after a few breaths  as the State repeatedly promised this Court. Instead, Mr. Smiths entire body  including his head  convulsed and jerked violently, heaving against the straps with enough force to move the gurney, attorneys for Miller wrote.

Dr. Philip E. Bickler, an expert hired by Millers defense, wrote in a court document that most people can hold their breath only a minute or less.

The court filing, which was later placed under seal, indicated that the nitrogen gas was flowing for at least 10 minutes. Bickler wrote that he that he understands that Alabamas execution log states that 10 minutes passed in between the initiation of the flow of nitrogen gas to Mr. Smith and when the corrections officer performed a consciousness check on Smith.

Unless stopped by the court, Alabama plans to execute Miller with nitrogen gas on Sept. 26. Miller, a delivery truck driver, was convicted of killing three men  Terry Jarvis, Lee Holdbrooks and Scott Yancy  during back-to-back workplace shootings in 1999.

Alabama had previously attempted to execute Miller by lethal injection. But the state called off the execution after being unable to connect an IV line to the 351-pound inmate. The state and Miller agreed that any other execution attempt would be done with nitrogen gas.

Miller said in a deposition, however, that he did not trust the state to properly fit the gas mask. And these guys cant even open a cell door sometimes. Theyre keystone cops is basically what they are, he said.

The attorney generals office is also seeking an nitrogen gas execution date for Carey Dale Grayson, who was convicted in the 1994 killing of Vickie Deblieux in Jefferson County.

An attorney for Grayson said the descriptions of Smiths execution show there needs to be more scrutiny of the new execution method.

Even after the first execution, we have more questions than answers. We need to slow down, not speed up, John Palombi, an attorney with the Federal Defenders Program, said.

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A U.S. circuit court this week sided with a Louisiana rubber manufacturer and the state in denying a request from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to hold the facility to a tighter deadline to comply with limits on a toxic compound.

The three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled to give Denka Performance Elastomer until 2026 to comply with restrictions on chloroprene, a chemical compound used in rubber production that the agency says likely causes cancer.

The EPA had asked the court to impose a much closer October deadline, citing the facilitys proximity to an elementary school. An earlier ruling by the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia sided with the EPA.

The panel of the 5th Circuit, which has become known for its conservatism, includes President Reagan appointee Judge Jerry Smith, President Trump appointee Judge Kurt Engelhardt and President Obama appointee Judge James Graves Jr. Graves was the only member to write that he would grant the EPAs request to dismiss the petition.

Republican attorneys general and industry allies previously sued in the 5th Circuit over the EPAs good neighbor rule regulating air pollution from upwind states, one of several lawsuits that kept the rule in limbo until the Supreme Court ruled against it this summer.

The facility is sited in an area colloquially known as Cancer Alley for its large number of petrochemical processing plants, which have been linked to above-average cancer rates in the largely Black and low-income area. The Biden administration has frequently clashed with local and state regulators over the area.

In June, researchers from Johns Hopkins University determined the area had much higher levels of the carcinogenic chemical ethylene oxide than previously thought. In 2023, the EPA officially closed an investigation into whether civil rights violations were committed against local residents.

An EPA spokesperson told The Hill the agency is reviewing the decision.

Updated at 4:06 p.m. EDT

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People gather outside to listen to the Miskey Mountain Boys at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach on July 28. (Zoe Cranfill / Los Angeles Times)

With California facing its worst summertime spike in COVID-19 illness in two years, is it time to for people to beef up precautions?

As the pandemic fades, many people have abandoned the basic tools for fighting the coronavirus  masks, physical distancing, hand sanitizer and aggressive hand-washing.

Now, a number of health officials, from California to New York, have been suggesting that more people consider doing those things, given the jump in coronavirus infections.

There are no signs agencies are about to bring back any sweeping mandates, given how severe illness and hospitalizations remain lower than last year. But the recommendations for added precautions underscore the concerns about how fast COVID is spreading this summer, causing many to become sick for many days.

California is in the middle of its worst summer COVID wave in terms of infections since 2022. For the week that ended July 20, the state recorded "very high" levels of the coronavirus in wastewater for the third straight week  worse than the peak from last summer and 93% of the peak from the summer of 2022. Coronavirus levels were already at "high" levels the preceding four weeks.

In Los Angeles County, coronavirus levels in wastewater are at 44% of last winter's peak for the 10-day period that ended July 20. For the 10-day period ending July 13, viral levels in wastewater were at 40% of last winter's peak.

And coronavirus cases continue rising in L.A. County. For the weekly period that ended July 28, there were an average of 452 new cases a day; that's up from 413 the prior week. Cases are an undercount, as they only include tests conducted at medical facilities and don't account for at-home tests or the fact that fewer people are testing when sick.

"Given the increased transmission of new strains of COVID-19, residents should continue taking common-sense precautions to avoid transmitting or becoming ill with COVID-19," the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement Thursday.

"This includes washing their hands often or using hand sanitizer, especially before eating, after sneezing or coughing, or when in public places, and considering mask use when in crowded indoor spaces," the department said.

The precautions are especially important for those at higher risk of severe illness, such as seniors 65 and older, people with underlying health conditions and those not up to date on their vaccinations.

Read more: 'The virus wants to live.' California's big COVID spike isn't expected to ease anytime soon

The San Francisco Department of Public Health chimed in last week, saying on social media that "with COVID-19 circulating, please consider wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor spaces."

Earlier in the month, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene posted: "Consider wearing a mask, especially in crowded indoor settings and particularly if you are over 65 or have a medical condition that puts you at risk for severe COVID-19, or are around others who are."

It's reasonable to keep a mask in your pocket and put it on if someone around you starts coughing, like on an airplane, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious diseases expert.

Recommendations to consider masking are not new. And they carry less urgency than messaging issued by L.A. County two winters ago that "strongly recommended" masking for everyone in indoor settings, which after about two months returned to the suggestion that masking should be a matter of personal preference.

Some health officials are going a bit further. Marin County on July 26 issued a statement that "recommends older residents wear a mask in indoor public settings until the summer surge is resolved." Nearly everyone hospitalized with COVID in Marin County is 65 or older, and the number of coronavirus-positive hospitalizations there have doubled in the past month.

Health officials have widely telegraphed that the era of mask mandates in indoor public settings is long gone given that hospitals are no longer at risk for being overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients as they were in the first two years of the pandemic.

Los Angeles County, for instance, ended its wide-ranging mask mandate more than two years ago. Federal rules requiring masks on planes also ended two years ago.

The only mask orders that have reemerged in parts of California have been in healthcare facilities. For about five weeks last winter, L.A. County required healthcare personnel and visitors to wear a mask while in contact with patients, or while in areas where they are being cared for, in licensed healthcare facilities that provide inpatient care.

Read more: Rising COVID clashes with carefree California summer as cases jump, precautions fade

With COVID-19 becoming less likely to cause hospitalizations and deaths, and with vaccines and anti-COVID medicines such as Paxlovid widely available, the illness is generally less risky now.

"COVID-19 remains a health threat, but it makes far fewer people seriously ill because our immunity is stronger, with over 98% of the U.S. population now having some protective immunity against COVID-19," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said earlier this year. "In 2022, COVID-19 accounted for more than 245,000 deaths. Last year, that number was around 76,000."

At least 47,000 COVID-19 deaths have been reported nationally since the start of the respiratory virus season at the beginning of October, according to the CDC. The minimum preliminary estimate of flu deaths over the same period is at least 25,000.

In its general advice on respiratory viruses, the CDC says core prevention strategies include staying up to date with immunizations and doing what you can to keep air cleaner, such as gathering outdoors, opening windows to allow in fresh air and filtering indoor air.

Additional strategies include masking and maintaining physical distance from people. All of the strategies, the CDC says, are especially helpful when respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness and you or the people around you are at higher risk for severe disease.

Health officials stress that COVID-19 remains something people should try to avoid getting, using sensible measures such as avoiding those who are sick and urging them to stay at home. The latest subvariants of COVID-19 are even more contagious than older versions, and people are far more likely to get COVID-19 than the flu.

COVID can still cause miserable symptoms, including intense fatigue, a painful sore throat, severe coughing and fever. And the virus still leads to hundreds of deaths nationally each week.

Every experience also still poses a risk of long COVID. And while the risk has decreased since the start of the pandemic, thanks to the development of vaccines and the evolution of the virus, it is nonetheless significant.

In Los Angeles County, coronavirus-positive hospitalizations are increasing but so far remain below last year's summer crest. There were an average of 389 coronavirus-positive patients per day for the week that ended July 27, double the amount from a month ago. That's about two-thirds of the peak from last summer and one-third the peak from the summer of 2022.

Deaths remain relatively stable  about one to two per day in L.A. County  but it can take weeks or months for COVID fatalities to show up in public data because of the time it takes for death certificates to be processed.

And with the school year returning in large swaths of California in the coming weeks, it would be wise to do what you can to avoid getting sick, health officials say. The first day of school in the Los Angeles Unified School District is Aug. 12.

"Being proactive to prevent illness can significantly reduce the risk of travel disruptions, last-minute cancellations, and inadvertently spreading illness, ensuring a more enjoyable end of summer season for everyone," the L.A. County Department of Public Health said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  Craven County Partners in Education are hosting their annual Stuff the Bus event on August 17.

The event aims to provide students in need at all 26 schools with supplies for the school year. The supplies will be given to students by principals when school starts. This is the nineteenth year that Stuff the Bus has ran.

This years partners for Stuff the Bus are BSH Home Appliances and Staples. Volunteers from the community will help with accepting donations, honking the buss horn each time a donation is accepted.

Partners in Education received more than $25,000 in donations, multiple sponsorships, and over 220 boxes of donations in 2023. They hope to reach even more students this year.

List of drop-off locations:

B/S/H Home Appliances at 100 Bosch Blvd., New Bern

Century 21 Zaytoun-Raines at 312 S. Front St., New Bern

Craven County Schools at 3600 Trent Rd., New Bern

Keller Williams at 1320 McCarthy Blvd. New Bern

Marine Federal Credit Union at 2034 Waterscape Way, New Bern (Mon.  Fri.

8:30am -5:30pm)

Mitchell Hardware at 215 Craven St., New Bern

Navy Federal Credit Union at 121 US Hwy. 70 West, Havelock

Optimum at 3541 Dr. MLK, Jr., Blvd., New Bern

Rowland & the Home Sales Team at 2102 Trent Rd., New Bern

(Open House to collect supplies on Sat., Aug. 3, 9am  Noon)

St. Pauls Catholic Church at 3005 Country Club Rd., New Bern

Staples New Bern at 3230 Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Blvd., New Bern

Two Rivers Church at 3321 Neuse Blvd., New Bern

(Mon, Tue, Thu: 9-12; Wed, Fri: 9-4)

United Bank at 1725 S. Glenburnie Rd., New Bern

United Bank at 412 S. Front St., New Bern

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It looks like some of Donald Trumps devoted fans are beginning to lose faith in their candidate.

Gun rights activist and killer of human beings Kyle Rittenhouse announced Thursday that he would be writing in Ron Pauls name on his ballot in November, shortly after posting that hed had the incredible pleasure of meeting the former U.S. representative.

Hours later, Rittenhouse gave a video statement on X explaining his decision not to back Trump. A lot of people are upset that I said Im going to be writing in Ron Paul for president of the United States. And that is true, I will be writing in Ron Paul, Rittenhouse said.

Unfortunately, Donald Trump had bad advisers, making him bad on the Second Amendment, and that is my issue. If you cannot be completely uncompromisable on the Second Amendment, I will not vote for you, and I will write somebody else in. We need champions for the Second Amendment or our rights would be eaten away and eroded each day.

Rittenhouse visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November 2021, shortly after he was acquitted of all charges for killing two people and seriously wounding another during the anti-racism and antipolice brutality protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, that summer. Rittenhouse was a fan, Trump gushed on Fox News afterward. Not anymore.

It seems Rittenhouse isnt the only one feeling disappointed with Trumps trajectory. The former president has also been receiving quite a bit of unsolicited advice from his followers on Truth Social.

Beneath a post Thursday night that celebrated the election of Tennessee state Senator Bobby Harshbarger, whom Trump had previously endorsed, Trumps followers pleaded with him to change his approach to the presidential race, according to Raw Story.

Multiple Truth Social users begged Trump to lay off his personal attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris.

Mr President I hope you are doing well I just want to say that you need not put kamela down as a person, wrote user @stopeow. Women hate that.

Another user, @Th3ManyFacedGod, wrote, You have to change the noise and start attacking Kamala Harris policy stances and not Kamala Harris the person!!!

A third Truth Social user accused Trump of blowing it.

Come on Trump. I love you, but STOP giving them ammunition! wrote user @nanadof7. Just say who cares what she is? Is she qualified? I thought you were smarter than that but youre acting like a dumbass. Dont lose this election for us! Call Kelly Ann and listen to somebody smarter than you. Youre blowing it.

Earlier this week, Trump took some particularly ugly shots at Harris, questioning her race and suggesting she hadnt passed the bar exam, leaving Republican lawmakers embarrassed and uncomfortable, according to The Hill. Trump has since doubled down on his race-based attacks on Harris, signaling an unwillingness to change course.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio  Former Lakota School Board Member Darbi Boddy no longer faces a criminal charge related to a court order requiring her to stay 500 feet away from another board member, Isaac Adi.

The Butler County Sheriffs Office cited Boddy with violating the order when she attended the same school board meeting as Adi on Nov. 17.

The misdemeanor charge was dismissed Thursday in Butler County Area 2 Court at the request of Adi and an assistant county prosecutor.

Adi told FOX19 after the brief hearing he just wanted to put this all behind him. He also said he did not want to have to testify during a jury trial.

Darbi Boddy, member of the Lakota Local Schools Board of Education, listens to the discussion during a school board meeting at Lakota East Freshman School, on Monday, June 5, 2023.

I have to have my life back. I want to be free, he said. All I want is to be free and not have anyone trying to impose their will on me.

Violation of a protection order is a first-degree misdemeanor in Ohio, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.

Boddy has lost all efforts to overturn the protection order and in March was removed from the school board and replaced after missing meetings for 90 days.

Civil stalking protection order issued in September 2023

The civil stalking protection order was issued Sept. 20, 2023, by Butler County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Matthew Reed and remains in effect through Sept. 20, 2025.

Adi and Boddy once campaigned together but Adi claimed in his August 2023 application for court protection from her that he was under mental distress because his relationship with Boddy has deteriorated to the point that Ms. Boddy is extremely aggressive toward me and has become very confrontational.

Adi cited a series of events he described as harassing and impacting his health and then said under oath at a Sept. 15, 2023, hearing all the distress over this resulted in his hospitalization a few months earlier, in July 2023.

Boddy testified that she didnt mean any ill will against Adi. She said she was just calling him out for not being conservative when she felt he should be conservative, for not voting conservative and for supporting the former superintendent.

Boddys lawyer argued last year Ohios stalking law is being used as a sword against Boddy to quiet her conservative voice.

Magistrate Reed, however, disagreed.

Boddys actions, he wrote in his decision, are more than just expressing political ideas, they are actions sharply directed at another individual as to exert undue pressure on them to conform to her beliefs or punish them for not changing their beliefs.

Criminal case resolved, contempt case continues

Boddy waived her right to appear in court Thursday so she was not there but she's pleased with the prosecutor agreeing to dismiss the case, said her attorney, Curt Hartman.

"As a result, we are unable to explore in this forum why, after a detective with the Butler County Sheriffs Office opened the door and beckoned Ms. Boddy to enter, Ms. Boddy was then cited with violating the protection order," Hartman said. Also, unanswered is why the Butler County Sheriffs Office thought five to six detectives needed to be on the scene just to issue a citation, as opposed to doing their job and investigating real crimes occurring in Butler County.

Sheriff Richard Jones declined to comment Thursday, referring FOX19 to Prosecutor Mike Gmoser, who is out of town and also did not provide a response when asked.

Boddy still faces multiple allegations of contempt related to the protection order in civil court, including an incident Adis attorney alleges in court filings occurred at the Costco store in Liberty Township back in March.

The civil contempt cases were on hold until the criminal case was resolved.

A telephone conference is now scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday with Butler County Common Pleas Court Judge Greg Howard.

Late Thursday, Boddy said it was "profoundly misleading" to say she had a problem with Adi because he was not "conservative enough."

"I have been very clear that my problem with Isaac is that he ran as a conservative and then turned his back on his supporters of which I was one," Boddy said in a statement sent to Fox19. "I not only campaigned with Isaac, but I donated to his campaign.

Boddy said she never followed Adi anywhere and never saw him outside of board-related events. She said Aid "does not have the character or the emotional stability to serve the community as an elected official."

This has always been a First Amendment issue," she said. "This corrupt process has quashed not just my voice, but the voices of those who voted for me. For that reason, I do not think it will wear well."

This report was provided by Enquirer media partner Fox19.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Criminal charge against ex-school board member Darbi Boddy dismissed
'He Is A Criminal': Ex-Trump Voters Turn Against Him In Scathing New Attack Ads

A Republican group opposed to Donald Trump is launching a new ad campaign in key states highlighting some of the former presidents own voters who have since turned against him.

He is a criminal, a woman identified only as Beth, who says she voted for Trump twice, states in one of the spots from Republican Voters Against Trump.

Trump, she said, is running not for democracy but to keep himself out of jail, and she declares she will be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris:

The organization said its spending $3.5 million for the five 30-second videos to appear on streaming platforms in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin  three states that could ultimately decide the outcome of the election.

All five videos are on YouTube.

The group is also putting up 69 billboards in those same states featuring former Trump voters declaring I WONT VOTE FOR TRUMP.

Sarah Longwell, the executive director of Republican Voters Against Trump, said in a news release that Trump was expecting to coast through the election.

But now hes feeling the pressure from voters who have real concerns about his age, his criminality, and his anti-democratic behavior, she said. Even for those who supported him in the past, these liabilities are real  and they are alarming. We are reminding voters that there is a better choice, and that we cant gamble with American democracy by returning Trump to the White House.

The organization has been soliciting video testimonials from former Trump voters who want to tell the world why they wont support Trump.
A critical system of Atlantic Ocean currents could collapse as early as the 2030s, new research suggests

A vital system of Atlantic Ocean currents that influences weather across the world could collapse as soon as the late 2030s, scientists have suggested in a new study  a planetary-scale disaster that would transform weather and climate.

Several studies in recent years have suggested the crucial system  the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC  could be on course for collapse, weakened by warmer ocean temperatures and disrupted saltiness caused by human-induced climate change.

But the new research, which is being peer-reviewed and hasnt yet been published in a journal, uses a state-of-the-art model to estimate when it could collapse, suggesting a shutdown could happen between 2037 and 2064.

This research suggests its more likely than not to collapse by 2050.

This is really worrying, said Rene van Westen, a marine and atmospheric researcher at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands and study co-author.

All the negative side effects of anthropogenic climate change, they will still continue to go on, like more heat waves, more droughts, more flooding, he told CNN. Then if you also have on top of that an AMOC collapse  the climate will become even more distorted.

Like a conveyor belt, the AMOC pulls warm surface water from the southern hemisphere and the tropics and distributes it in the cold North Atlantic. The colder, saltier water then sinks and flows south. The mechanism keeps parts of the Southern Hemisphere from overheating and parts of the Northern Hemisphere from getting unbearably cold, while distributing nutrients that sustain life in marine ecosystems.

The impacts of an AMOC collapse would leave parts of the world unrecognizable.

In the decades after a collapse, Arctic ice would start creeping south, and after 100 years, would extend all the way down to the southern coast of England. Europes average temperature would plunge, as would North Americas  including parts of the US. The Amazon rainforest would see a complete reversal in its seasons; the current dry season would become the rainy months, and vice versa.

An AMOC collapse is a really big danger that we should do everything we can to avoid, said Stefan Rahmstorf, a physical oceanographer at Potsdam University in Germany who was not involved in the latest research.

To reach their conclusions, the scientists from Utrecht used state-of-the-art models and for the first time identified an area of the South Atlantic Ocean as the optimal place to monitor for changes in the circulation and use observational data. They looked at temperatures and ocean saltiness there to firm up previous predictions on when the AMOC might reach its tipping point.

The emphasis in ocean research on the timing of the collapse is a relatively new development, said Rahmstorf. But it speaks to how far scientists understanding of the AMOCs weakening has advanced.

Until a few years ago, we were discussing whether it would happen at all, as a kind of low-probability, high-impact risk, Rahmstorf told CNN. And now it looks a lot more likely than just a few years ago that this will happen. Now people are starting to close in on when it will happen.

Rahmstorf said that five or so years ago he would have agreed that an AMOC collapse this century was unlikely, though even a 10% risk is still unacceptably high for a catastrophic impact of such magnitude.

Theres now five papers, basically, that suggested it could well happen in this century, or even before the middle of the century, Rahmstof said. My overall assessment is now that the risk of us passing the tipping point in this century is probably even greater than 50%.

While the advances in AMOC research have been swift and the models that try to predict its collapse have advanced at lightning speed, they are still not without issues.

For example, the models dont take into consideration a critical factor in the AMOCs demise  melting Greenland ice. Massive amounts of fresh water are sloughing off the ice sheet and flowing into the North Atlantic, which disrupts one of the circulations driving forces: salt.

Youre already getting a huge influx of fresh water into the northern Atlantic, which is going to completely disrupt the system, Rahmstorf said.

This research gap means the predictions could underestimate how soon or fast a collapse would happen, Rahmstof said.

Clarification: This story has been updated to emphasize the new research is in the peer review process.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Cross Timbers Churchs board of elders said former lead pastor Josiah Anthony had inappropriate communication, including messages of a sexual nature, with women in the church, according to an email sent Thursday to church staff and members.

Anthony resigned Tuesday from Cross Timbers, which is in Argyle in Denton County.

The emails statement was posted on X by Amy Smith of Watchkeep, a watchdog blog. According to the email, the churchs board of elders received a report saying Anthony had used social media to have inappropriate communication with a woman who was a member of the church.

This was taken very seriously by the Elders, and we were grateful it was brought to our attention, the email reads.

The initial email announcing Anthonys resignation says the inappropriate actions committed by the pastor were not connected to children, physical or sexual interactions, or any illegal activity to our knowledge.

Cross Timbers staff originally announced Anthonys resignation during a weekend church service.

In Thursdays email, the board of elders said they made mistakes along the way and should have communicated more directly and clearly early on.

According to the elders, Anthony told the board his actions were a result of his struggles with his mental and emotional well-being at the time.

The elders determined Anthony had a concerning pattern of behavior in his communication with women, the email reads.

On July 2, the elders learned of inappropriate communication that was not sexual, but was excessively personal, and overly familiar with another former staff member at Cross Timbers, according to the statement.

Following this interaction, the board asked Anthony to resign, to which he agreed, the elders wrote in the email.

The board said it was after Anthonys resignation that they then learned of another instance where he sent messages through social media that were sexual in nature.

Because the power dynamic of these interactions were never equal, we do not consider these to be consensual, the elders wrote. This behavior will not be tolerated at this church.

The elders conclude the email by saying they may learn more in the coming days and commit to take further action as deemed necessary.

Thank you to the woman who were courageous coming forward. We believe you, are grateful for your willingness to share your experiences, and we are deeply sorry that your trust was violated, the email said.

Anthonys resignation comes after several other North Texas church leaders recently resigned or temporarily stepped down from their positions, including Gateway Churchs lead pastor and founder Robert Morris.

Morris resigned from the Southlake megachurch in June, just days after he admitted he had sexually abused a 12-year-old girl in the 1980s in Oklahoma and Texas. Morris was 21 when he first molested Cindy Clemishire, who is now in her 50s, Clemishire has said.. The abuse went on for four years, Clemishire told the church watchdog blog The Wartburg Watch.
File photo taken on July 25, 2024 shows a soldier seen in Cantine, a village in North Kivu Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). People in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have lately been caught up in fresh fighting pitting government troops against two rebel groups, the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua)

by Alain Uyakani, Shi Yu

KINSHASA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- People in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have lately been caught up in fresh fighting pitting government troops against two rebel groups, the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

FIGHTING AGAINST ADF

In Cantine, a village in the eastern North Kivu Province, about 100 villagers were massacred in early June by ADF rebels; the DRC military vowed to fight back.

"The challenges are numerous for our soldiers, and we have only one message for this population: we are going to win this war," Jacques Ychaligonza Nduru, deputy chief of staff of the DRC armed forces, told Xinhua from Cantine.

The ADF, founded in the 1990s by several opposition movements in Uganda, was defeated by the Ugandan army, but its members have remained active in the eastern DRC. The ADF declared its affiliation with the Islamic State in 2017.

Since late 2021, the Ugandan and Congolese militaries have launched joint operations against ADF rebels in the eastern DRC.

The Congolese army's fight against the ADF started in 2016, when government troops went deep into the forest of the Beni territory, where the village of Cantine is located, to hunt down ADF rebels, who have also been targeted by a special brigade consisting of Tanzanian, Malawian, and South African peacekeepers. In 2017, at least 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers were killed in an ADF attack on their base in Beni.

Since June, ADF rebels have been approaching areas previously controlled by government forces, despite a joint operation by the DRC military and the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, which began in May.

"We are aware of people's concern over this situation, which particularly disturbs us as an army responsible for protecting them and their property," admitted Nduru, in charge of operations and intelligence, who recently traveled to Beni to reassure the population.

"Trust us. Trust your army," he said.

ADF, M23 COLLUSION SUSPECTED

In addition to the hostilities with ADF rebels, people in the eastern DRC also have to face the advances of M23 fighters, who have taken over several towns since June in the Lubero territory of North Kivu, where the ADF is also active.

According to residents interviewed by Xinhua in Beni and surrounding areas, government soldiers are seen as being overwhelmed by the dual challenge of ADF and M23 rebels. The M23 resurfaced in late 2021 after its defeat in 2013.

"Our soldiers have been engaged in various operations across the country, particularly in North Kivu, for years without rest," said one resident, who requested anonymity. "That is why we have concerns about the advance of the M23 rebellion. That's why we support the community self-defense initiative alongside the army."

In July, recruitment activities were seen in Beni for the creation of local self-defense forces to protect the community against the resurgence of ADF rebels, who are taking advantage of a security vacuum made possible by M23 advances.

"We fear that if the M23 rebels advance, most of the soldiers (deployed here to fight against the ADF) might be withdrawn and sent to operations against the M23," said Mumbere Pascal, a Cantine resident.

Asked by Xinhua about a possible collusion between the M23 and the ADF, military authorities in the area said everything remains to be confirmed by the relevant services.

"The similarity and succession of events in the region are still strange to us," said one military official involved in operations against the rebels. "At a time when we were facing the advance of the M23 rebels in the Lubero territory toward Kanyabayonga, the ADF, which had never attacked in Lubero, also started attacking civilians."

"This raises many questions about the timing of these attacks," he said.

FRESH CEASEFIRE

On Tuesday, it was announced that under the mediation of Angolan President Joao Lourenco, the foreign ministers of the DRC, Angola, and Rwanda agreed on a ceasefire between the warring parties in the eastern DRC, which will come into effect on Aug. 4. The belligerents involved in the ceasefire were not specified.

The fresh ceasefire, welcomed by the United Nations, follows a humanitarian truce between the DRC military and the M23 that is scheduled to end on Aug. 3.

However, the ongoing humanitarian truce has not been fully honored, with fighting reported between government troops and M23 rebels in Bweremana, a village in the Masisi territory of North Kivu, where civilians were killed by several bombs.

Earlier, on July 11, the DRC military accused the M23 of violating the truce and denounced their "legendary belligerent attitude" of wanting to keep displaced populations in atrocious conditions by depriving them of humanitarian aid.

A political solution to the M23 crisis has been called for by the international community, including the UN Security Council.

The DRC government has insisted that negotiations on the matter must be conducted within the framework of the Luanda process, as seen in the ministerial meeting held on Tuesday.

"We remain firm on our position that any discussion will take place within the framework of the Luanda peace process," initiated by the Angolan president, DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner said in early July, in response to a question about dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda.

The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, an accusation that Kigali rejects.

The DRC has been plagued by violence for about three decades. In 2008, the International Rescue Committee, a non-governmental organization, reported 5.4 million deaths from 1997 to 2008 in the country.

The eastern DRC is now facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

In the first four months of this year, more than 900,000 people were reported as newly displaced, bringing the total number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the DRC to about 7.3 million, including over 5.6 million in the three eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 

File photo taken on July 25, 2024 shows a local market in Cantine, a village in North Kivu Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). People in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have lately been caught up in fresh fighting pitting government troops against two rebel groups, the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua)

File photo taken on July 25, 2024 shows soldiers seen in Cantine, a village in North Kivu Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). People in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have lately been caught up in fresh fighting pitting government troops against two rebel groups, the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua)

File photo taken on July 25, 2024 shows people loading a truck in Cantine, a village in North Kivu Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). People in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have lately been caught up in fresh fighting pitting government troops against two rebel groups, the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua)
Crossing guards needed across the valley for upcoming school year

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Valley roads can be dangerous and school crossing guards play a vital role in keeping children safe in and around schools during the school year.

During the past school year, around 80 children were struck by cars which led to the Clark County Commission approving an additional 84 crossing guard positions to cover middle schools.

More crossing guards coming to CCSD middle schools after 80 kids hit by cars this school year

With the start of school nearing, the company that hires the crossing guards, All City Management Services, is looking to fill those positions. Rob Holmes said the company is looking for people who like to work outdoors and enjoy working with children.

The company started hosting job fairs at the end of July.

Crossing guards work one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon, but the specific times depend on the school they are assigned to cover. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check. The job pays $17 an hour.

The hiring events will be held on the dates and locations listed below:

Monday, July 29 | 2 p.m.  4 p.m., North Las Vegas Library, 2400 Deer Springs Way, North Las Vegas, NV 89084.

Wednesday, July 31 | 11 a.m.  1 p.m., East Las Vegas Library, 2851 E. Bonanza Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101, near Pecos Road.

Thursday, Aug. 1 | 11 a.m.  1 p.m., Enterprise Library, 8310 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas NV, 89123.

Friday, Aug. 2 | 11 a.m.  1 p.m., Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas NV, 89119.

Friday, Aug. 2 | 10 a.m.  12 p.m., Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas NV, 89117.

Monday, Aug. 5 | 11 a.m.  3 p.m., Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive, 89128, at Cheyenne Avenue.

Applicants need to provide two forms of identification or a valid U.S. Passport.

One form of ID from this list:

Drivers license or identification card issued by a state or outlying territory of the U.S. It must contain a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address.

ID card issued by federal, state, or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address.

School ID card with a photograph

Voter registration card

U.S. military card or draft record

Military dependents ID card

U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) card

Native American tribal document

Drivers license issued by a Canadian government authority

And one form of ID from this list:

U.S. Social Security card

Form FS-240, Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Form FS-545, Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State

Form DS-1350, Certification of Report of Birth issued by the U.S. Department of State

Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or outlying territory of the United States bearing an official seal

Native American tribal document

Form I-197, U.S. Citizen ID Card

Form I-179, Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the United States

Employment authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The crossing guard positions are listed on All City Management Services website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department notified the community of a sexual predator who has now moved into a homeless location and has not registered as a sex offender.

Rosendo Garza, 62, is registered at 25 West Las Vegas Street in Colorado Springs. Garzas past behavior has led him to be labeled a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) by the state of Colorado.

In 2001, Garza was convicted of Attempted Sexual Assault on a Child in El Paso County. He was also convicted in 2007 for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender, and Garza has other convictions in Texas for Theft, Assault, Burglary, and DUI.

Rosendo Garza. Courtesy: CSPD

Garza is described as a 62-year-old Hispanic man who weighs 160 pounds and stands at 54. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

CSPD said it will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that Garza registers as a sex offender and understands his responsibilities as such.

Currently, Garza is one of 19 SVPs registered with CSPD who reside in this community. The police department is required by law to make a community notification.

The Colorado Springs Police Department takes his presence in our community very seriously and is intent on ensuring he conducts himself in a lawful manner and that our citizens remain safe and aware, said CSPD.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry will be retiring from office at the end of his term.

During a press conference Friday, Gentry announced that he would be retiring at the end of his term in January 2027. During his announcement, Gentry talked about how many politiciansspecifically in Washington talk about term limits, but remain in office for years and dont do anything to change it.

I really believe that it takes leaders to do more of self-accountability, self term limits, because its easy to get up and say I believe in term limits, but youve been somewhere 30 years, Gentry said. What is hard to say You know what? Im going to do my job and, you know what, Im going to do something else.

Gentry, who has been in law enforcement since 1999 and was first elected to office in 2015, said he wanted an opportunity to leave office on his own terms.

During his time in office, Gentry said he was proud of being able to set better financial incentives for his deputies, as well as more community outreach.

One of the strongest things you can have in any community is law enforcement and community standing shoulder to shoulder, he said. And if you do that, you will be successful, but you have to take care of each other.

Gentrys term will end in January 2027.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
British employment laws are significantly weaker than those in other major economies, a report has revealed.

Unions are urging Sir Keir Starmer to cut workers hours and make strikes easier after research found that labour laws in Britain are half as protective as those in France, and far weaker than in other European countries such as Germany, Italy and Spain.

Analysis has revealed that Britain scores lower than the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average on working hours, unfair dismissal, employee representation and industrial action.

The research, carried out for the Trades Union Congress (TUC) by the University of Cambridge, argues the gap in worker protections between Britain and the 38 OECD member nations widened after the Conservatives took office in 2010, when the qualifying period for unfair dismissal was doubled to two years.

It says other wealthy countries have laws specifying Sunday as the default day of weekly rest and a right to a premium [wage] for weekend working.

Boardrooms are currently awaiting the Governments incoming Employment Bill, which is expected to award workers full rights from day one.

The TUC said the package of measures designed to boost workers rights, which also includes banning fire and rehire practices and increasing the minimum wage, will create a level playing field to stop good employers from being undercut by the bad.

However, the proposals have spooked bosses amid fears of an increase in unfair dismissal complaints and a system that mirrors the strict labour laws in France and Germany.

Wall Street banks that have expanded in Paris since Brexit have been calling on the French government to make it easier to get rid of staff.

A City executive said last month: Even with the recent lay-offs, our bank couldnt get rid of the absolute deadwood in Paris.

Frankfurt-based Matthew Devey, a British lawyer who is Linklaters German head of employment, said his clients face the same issues.

Some moved here with this mirage of Germany being this hard-working, efficient society, but are then faced with quite a rigid employment law regime, he said.

Behind the scenes, chief executives and union bosses in Britain have been trying to influence the Governments workers rights reforms, much of which will go through a consultation first.

TUC chief Paul Nowak (right) believes it's 'time to turn the page' on an era of low pay and low rights - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Paul Nowak, TUC chief, argued that happier and healthier workforces are more productive.

He added: Its time to turn the page on the Conservatives era of low pay and low rights that has been terrible for growth, productivity and living standards.

The TUC report, published on Friday, found that while labour laws across the developed world have remained relatively stable over the past decade, Britain has seen a slowdown.

Professor Simon Deakin, conductor of the study and director of the Centre for Business Research at Cambridge University, said Britain is an international outlier when it comes to worker protections.

Mr Nowak told The Telegraph earlier this year that companies are right to fear the employment changes, but only if theyre one of the bad apples.

He said: If c---- employers have to pay the price, then they have to pay the price.

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.
Olympic gold medalist Simon Biles testifies Sept. 15, 2021, before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee with fellow gymnasts about sexual abuse by Larry Nassar, former USA Gymnastics doctor. (Screen shot from U.S. Senate livestream)

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley penned letters this week to SafeSport and USA Gymnastics demanding answers to why the agencies have done so little to protect Olympic athletes.

Iowa lawmakers also introduced bills aimed at increasing small-scale poultry processing, reducing paperwork for small businesses and preventing sexual assault on college campuses.

Heres what Iowas congressional delegation was doing in the last week before a monthlong recess:

Grassley calls on SafeSport and USA Gymnastics to protect Olympic athletes from abusers

Grassley sent letters to the CEOs of SafeSport and USA Gymnastics demanding they take greater steps to protect Olympic athletes from abusers.

Grassleys letters come amid the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Aly Raisman testified in September 2021 before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee about failures that enabled the sexual abuse committed by the former USA Gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar.

SafeSport, a government agency designed to investigate Olympic athlete abuse, and USA Gymnastics can provide protective measures against individuals who are under investigation for the alleged physical or emotional abuse of athletes, according to Grassley.

However, an internal SafeSport report revealed the agency only imposed protective measures on 5% of individuals under investigation.

Raisman testified in 2021 that SafeSports priority does not seem to be the safety and wellbeing of athletes. I hear from many survivors that they report their abuse and its like playing hot potato

where someone else kicks it over to someone else and they dont hear back for a really long

time, she said, according to Grassleys letter to SafeSport CEO JuRiese Colon.

This is an affront to justice and demands immediate correction, Grassley wrote.

To USA Gymnastics CEO Li Li Leung, Grassley is asking for data on the number of times they imposed restrictions due to SafeSport investigations, declined to impose restrictions from a SafeSport investigation, internal policies on when they will impose a restriction and policies for an athlete to request restrictions against an individual.

Grassley brought up allegations of USA Gymnastics ignoring reports of children being slapped, dragged by the neck and kicked while the child was injured.

To the SafeSport CEO, Grassley asked why the agency has decreased its use of protective measures, what efforts the agency has made to inform governing bodies what they can do amid a pending investigation as well as what metrics are used to assess the seriousness of an allegation and the risk posed by an individual.

Grassley said in the press release that SafeSport delaying or avoiding punishments of alleged abusers despite numerous warnings of their danger shows the agency needs change.

Long after SafeSports formation, several habitual abusers remain in positions of trust, despite public scrutiny spotlighting their misconduct, Grassley wrote in his letter to SafeSport.

Grassley also asked for data on the number of protective measures taken since June 2020, how long have the 120 cases opened for more than two years been pending investigation and how many times has the agency eased restrictions placed on individuals by national governing bodies.

Grassley also called on Colon to defend why she deserves to still have her job.

The letter to SafeSports CEO can be read here.

The letter to Leung can be read here.

Feenstra seeks an increase in small-scale poultry processing

Rep. Randy Feenstra introduced a bill to allow poultry processing plants to perform regular slaughter and custom exempt slaughter at the same facility.

Custom exempt slaughter allows livestock owners to operate without federal inspection if the slaughter is exclusively for the use of the livestock owner or the owners family, guests or employees.

Due to outdated laws, Iowa farmers oftentimes travel long distances to have their broilers and turkeys slaughtered and processed  this must change, Feenstra said in a press release. By encouraging local processing and slaughter of poultry, we can deliver fresher products more quickly to consumers, eliminate unnecessary headaches and additional expenses for our producers, and strengthen our agricultural economy in Iowa.

If passed, the bill would amend the Poultry Products Inspection Act which would allow poultry producers to increase the availability of local poultry processing options.

The bill introduced by Feenstra is akin to a similar bill created by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig that passed unanimously in the Iowa Legislature.

Iowa poultry producers, especially those who sell directly to consumers, have long struggled to find poultry processing options within Iowa and have instead had to travel to neighboring states for this service. The legislative proposal I put forth to increase small-scale processing in Iowa was signed into law by Gov. Reynolds after unanimous support from the Legislature, so now we are just awaiting federal action and approval, Naig said in a press release.

Today, I introduced legislation to modernize federal law and increase small-scale poultry processing in Iowa. By encouraging local processing and slaughter of poultry, we can deliver fresher products more quickly to consumers and eliminate additional expenses for our producers. pic.twitter.com/8f2GVpjNHJ  Rep. Randy Feenstra (@RepFeenstra) August 1, 2024

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Nunn bill would exempt small businesses from new reporting law

A bill introduced by Rep. Zach Nunn would exempt small businesses from the reporting requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act.

The Corporate Transparency Act is designed to root out shell companies operating outside of the country, however, Nunn said in a press release that the U.S. Department of Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) failed to adequately notify small businesses of the change.

FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki said in a small business roundtable that only 2 million out of over 32 million small businesses had filed the new reports, according to Nunns press release. A survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Businesses revealed that 80% of members had never heard of new requirements.

Nunn said in the press release that changes are needed to remove unnecessary red tape for small businesses and protect small businesses from fines and potential jail time for failing to adhere to the reporting requirements.

Bureaucrats in D.C. sit in their ivory towers, demanding businesses comply with onerous red tape, without considering the burden it puts on businesses, Nunn said in a press release. We must do everything we can to roll back unnecessary regulations and simplify requirements for job creators while still following the law.

Failure to complete the reporting requirements will result in a $591 fine daily and up to two years in jail, according to the press release.

The bill is also co-led by Colorado Democrat Rep. Yadira Caraveo, Arkansas Republican Rep. French Hill and Kansas Democrat Sharice Davids.

Bureaucrats in D.C. sit in their ivory towers, demanding businesses comply with onerous red tape, without considering the impact on businesses. We must roll back unnecessary regulations & simplify them for job creators. Thats why Im introducing bipartisan legislation to support pic.twitter.com/iVEV5SVfiY  Congressman Zach Nunn (@ZachNunn) August 1, 2024

Grassley, Gillibrand push for bill to combat campus sexual assault

Grassley and New York Democrat Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand reintroduced a bill aimed at ensuring access to sexual assault prevention and education resources on college campuses.

The bill, known as the Campus Safety and Accountability Act (CASA), would require colleges on their website to post campus safety policies, an annual security report, instructions for filing a complaint and data on sexual misconduct allegations on campus.

Our bill is a coordinated approach to addressing incidents of sexual assault on college campuses. It would inform university protocols for handling reports, while also strengthening recovery resources for survivors and empowering them to know their rights, Grassley said in a press release.

CASA would also provide more protections from university punishments when students reports include uses of self-defense, drugs or alcohol.

Sexual assault on college campuses remains a major and pervasive problem, but Congress has not taken the necessary action to address it, Gillibrand said in the press release. The bipartisan Campus Accountability and Safety Act would reform how institutions of higher learning address and report incidents of sexual assault and would dedicate new resources to survivors.

The bill also requires universities to name specialists who would act as confidential aides for survivors and expand the Violence Against Women Acts campus grant program to address sexual harassment on campus.

Grassley and Gillibrand have worked together in the past on another sexual harassment bill that eliminated contractual gag orders when survivors report sexual harassment or assault.

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DA: Man who killed woman and raped 81-year-old to be released from prison

CHOWCHILLA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A man who murdered a woman and raped an 81-year-old in Tulare has been found suitable for parole, the Tulare County District Attorney says.

The DA says 60-year-old Darrin Little served 38 years of a life sentence for the murder and sexual assault he committed just weeks apart in 1985.

On the morning of May 2, 1985, first responders were dispatched to a fire on South Spruce St. in Tulare. Inside, firefighters discovered Littles first victim, a 56-year-old woman, naked and badly burned in the hallway.

She was found with 15 stab wounds and a five-inch laceration to her throat.

Pathologists say she lived long enough to breathe in the smoke but determined the cause of death to be excessive blood loss.

DA: Man paid to kill to be released from Corcoran prison

A few weeks later in the late evening of May 24, 1985, in Tulare, an 81-year-old woman awoke to the sound of breaking glass. After she got up, she discovered Little in her bathroom.

Little took her to the bedroom, tied her hands and neck with pantyhose, and proceeded to beat, rape and sodomize her.

Following the assault, Little took the woman to the bathroom, made her lie face down, stomped on her back, and struck her in her face until she lost consciousness. He also removed her rings from her fingers and stole $40 from her purse.

While she lay there unconscious, Little took a break and made himself a frozen pizza and T.V. dinner. Before leaving, he drew a picture of a penis on her back and wrote this was here. The victim survived the assault.

Attempted rape of 77-year-old Merced woman ends with this mans arrest, police say

On June 4, 1985, Little was arrested on charges unrelated to the crimes by the Tulare Police Department. However, during the interview, it became apparent he was a suspect in the May 2 murder.

Upon questioning, Little described his hostility toward women, including his victims, calling them bitches throughout the interview.

He admitted that earlier in the day of the murder he decided he was going to get the victim.

Little explained that while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, he broke into the victims house, slapped her, stabbed her, and dragged her down the hallway before deciding to take a nap.

When he woke up, he used a can of lighter fluid he found in the garage and set the bedroom on fire.

Little was convicted of both the murder and the sexual assaults at the trial. Since then Little has had multiple parole hearings.

On his fourth hearing, commissioners noted Littles progress with prison programming and coursework as a factor in his suitability.

Little is currently incarcerated at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla and awaiting release.

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City of Topeka leaders asked members of the public for their input Thursday as to the qualifications needed in the community's next police chief.

They heard from a woman who will soon face a third trial after being charged in the 2002 homicide of her ex-husband and his fiancee.

Dana Chandler was among 15 people to answer the call of new city manager Robert Perez in the first of three public input sessions.

"I'm interested in ensuring that the integrity of the police department is maintained," Chandler said. "You're going to need a very strong person."

Community members gathered Thursday evening at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library to give input on what qualities the city should look for in its next police chief.

Chandler said she has seen police officers behaving in an unethical way and the next chief needs to reevaluate the way the force participates in investigations and court proceedings.

Chandler was convicted double homicide in 2012, but her verdict was thrown out in 2018 after the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that prosecutors engaged in serious error and misconduct during her trial. Her second trial in 2022 ended in a hung jury. Her third trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 3 in Pottawatomie County.

Community policing had support from attendees

Overall, attendees said they want someone who prioritizes community policing, inclusion of diverse employees on the police force, and legal and ethical behavior from who serve.

Chrystal Brim said she hopes the police chief is hired from outside the police department. She asked for a show of hands from those who agreed with her. Almost half the room raised their hands.

Brim said someone who hasn't been a higher-up administrator for a long time could be beneficial. She said someone who's more recently worked in the streets could be more in touch with a city's needs.

"I think it's the skillset and the right fit for the city," she said. "That's more important than whether they've been administrative or not."

Sandra Lassiter asked Perez to keep in mind that in many neighborhoods, there are community leaders who would be beneficial assets to the police force if there was an emphasis on community policing.

Lassiter said she was impressed by the good questions raised. She told Chandler she did a great job and commended her input.

The search for a new Topeka police chief

Former police chief Bryan Wheeles announced his pending retirement in early February after working serving as chief since 2021 and for the Topeka Police Department for 30 years. He retired July 1, and interim police chief Jamey Haltom began his administrative duties.

Because the city was also searching for a new city manager at the time, city officials decided to wait before searching for a new police chief. Perez was named the new city manager in early May and started in late June.

During the monthly city conference meeting in July, Perez and Mayor Michael Padilla said the city would soon begin its search for a new police chief. They said the goal is to instate a new police chief by the end of September or early October.

Topeka's desire to get community input

During the July conference, Perez said he wanted to get as much community input as possible while considering what the city is looking for in its next police chief.

In an attempt to get that input, the city put up a survey on their website and announced three public input sessions.

The first was 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Shawnee Public Library. The second will be at 12 p.m. Friday in the Cyrus K. Holliday conference room and the last will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the CRC Care Center.

The city has also posted a survey for citizens to give input without going in person. It will remain open until 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

"Yeah, definitely encourage folks to submit their comments online," Perez said during the first input meeting. "But I would love to have folks here in person, because it also gives me an opportunity to meet the public. So yeah, all comments are important, and we'd just love to meet everybody."

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Dana Chandler gave input into Topeka police chief search at session
An absentee ballots for the April 7 election. (Photo by Henry Redman)

Dane County Judge Everett Mitchell declined a request from Republicans in the state Legislature to stay his previous order that allows voters with certain types of disabilities to receive and cast absentee ballots electronically.

Republicans had asked Mitchell to put his order on hold while they appeal it, but on Thursday he ruled that a stay of his order would inflict significant harm on both the disability rights advocates and the public interest.

At a hearing earlier this week, Republican attorney Misha Tseytlin had argued the stay was warranted because the decision is a massive change to the election status quo just months before this years presidential election.

Karla Keckhaver, an attorney for the state Department of Justice representing the Wisconsin Elections Commission, did not express an opinion on the stay but said that implementing the order was a complicated process for the WEC and the states more than 1,800 local election clerks.

An appeals court can still decide to stay Mitchells decision.

The lawsuit pushing for the change was brought by Disability Rights Wisconsin, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and four voters. In June, Mitchell decided that the lack of an electronic voting system for voters with print disabilities violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and those voters right to cast a secret ballot. Mitchell found that a blind voter needing assistance from someone else to fill out an absentee ballot unconstitutionally forced that voter to divulge who they voted for.

Republicans and the WEC argued that allowing electronic voting  a process that is used for voters in the military and those who live overseas  was too complicated to implement for voters with disabilities because of questions about how voters would self-certify to receive the right. They also noted that people who assist a voter in filling out their ballots would be committing a felony if they shared how the people they assisted voted.

Under Mitchells order, voters with print disabilities will be able to request, receive and fill out their absentee ballots electronically but each ballot will still need to be printed out and physically returned to local election officials through the mail or in person.

The lawsuit represents another front in the battle over the procedures of Wisconsins absentee voting system. The voting method surged in popularity in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic in a state in which most statewide elections recently have been decided by narrow margins.

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Dangerous fire weather is expected across much of California on Friday, as temperatures across the state are expected to continue rising over the next few days marking August's first heat wave.

With a threat of thunderstorms and dry lightning over much of Southern California, as well as parts of the Central Valley and the Bay Area, through Saturday, forecasters are warning the instability could create a dangerous combination for wildfires, both new starts and those still burning.

A red flag warning  an alert for critical fire weather  was issued for Friday across the mountains and deserts in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Kern counties, as well as parts of the Sierra Nevada, with erratic winds possible along with dry lightning.

"Critically dry fuels will be receptive to any lightning-based ignitions, and dry/gusty thunderstorm outflow could contribute to wildfire spread," the National Weather Service in Hanford warned. The red flag warning is in effect where the Borel fire in Kern County has grown to almost 60,000 acres, as of Friday morning. It is 47% contained.

"There will likely be at least a few new wildfire ignitions over the next 72 hours due to lightning in California, and these could occur in SoCal, NorCal, or both," Daniel Swain, a UCLA climate scientist, wrote in a blog post Thursday.

Read more: 100 degrees then hail in August? All in one drive to and from L.A.

The red flag warning is an ominous sign for what experts say could be an even more active fire month than the last, with the National Interagency Fire Center issuing an outlook that much of Northern and Central California have an above average chance to experience significant wildfire in August. A much larger swath of the state is included in that above-average category, compared with predictions for July  though California fire officials have already said that the beginning of the summer was particularly explosive. On Friday, the Park fire in Butte and Tehama counties became the state's fourth largest fire in recorded history at more than 397,000 acres.

"In comparison to the outlook issued a month ago, larger areas of the West are expected to experience above normal significant fire potential in August and September," the National Interagency Fire Center wrote in its August outlook.

High temperatures will also continue to drive fire growth and impede firefighting. Weather officials are warning of another "prolonged heat wave," particularly in interior Southern California, where temperatures could reach up to 110 by Monday.

"Temperatures will slowly warm each day, potentially leading to dangerous and significant heat risks across the interior by Sunday or Monday and continue through most of next week," the National Weather Service office in Oxnard wrote in Friday's forecast discussion.

An excessive heat watch has been issued across interior southwest California beginning Sunday, warning of "dangerously hot conditions" and the potential for heat illness. The heat's peak across the Southland is expected Monday through Wednesday.

Read more: California wildfires off to explosive start, burning 30 times as many acres as all of last year

Temperatures are also forecast to climb statewide; they aren't yet forecast to be as extreme but still long-lasting, which officials continue to warn can cause health effects.

"Another heat wave is now underway, and it will likely be both prolonged ... and double-peaked," Swain said. "However, there is some good news in this: Right now, theres no indication this heat wave will be anywhere near as intense or prolonged as the July event."

Long-term climate predictions also show that California temperatures are only expected to be slightly above average in August, a prediction that is not as extreme as what was forecast for July.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
It has been 245 years. We are not expected to ever know the identity of this American patriot who died at the Battle of Minisink during the Revolution in 1779, but his service is not forgotten thanks to a ceremony held every summer at his gravesite in Lackawaxen, Pike County, across the Delaware River from where his bones were found.

The Wayne Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Honesdale and the Ecker-Haupt Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5635 in the village of Lackawaxen join to host this ceremony on the Saturday closest to the anniversary of the battle, which occurred July 22, 1779.

The gravesite is along the edge of Scenic Drive is in front of a tree, with other old grave markers in Union Cemetery next to it. The commemoration has been held annually since 1975, with the encouragement of Pike County Historian George Fluhr, who for many years shared the story here about that battle and the discovery of this soldier's bones 43 years after the battle.

A protected mound is built up over the grave, with a bronze plaque provided by the U.S. government.

Barbara Gropper, Wayne Chapter NSDAR, Honesdale, at left, offers remarks during the annual ceremony on July 20, 2024, in Lackawaxen, at the Unknown Soldier's Grave. A wreath and bouquet are being laid. From right, in back are Doreen Bensen, Wayne DAR; Elizabeth Holley, Hester Schuyler Colfax Chapter NSDAR, New Jersey; Valerie DeLisle, Wayne DAR. At right in foreground, is Melva Vogler, Wayne Chapter NSDAR; and surrounding her from right, members of the Navasing Long Rifles 5th NY Infantry -143rd NYS Volunteer Unit, Tony Domingo, Charlie Redner and Joe Lansing.

As people on rafts and canoes enjoyed the warm summer day paddling by on the Delaware a short distance away, the story of what occurred here almost two and half centuries before was retold.

VFW member Raymond Fennell shared remarks, and this writer, Wayne County Historian Peter Becker, offered historical background. The DAR laid a wreath, and the VFW offered a gun salute and taps. Mark Ottenger of the VFW led in prayer.

Barbara Gropper, president of the Wayne Chapter, DAR, in her comments, said, "Only God knows who is buried in this unmarked grave, but we all know he and all of the other patriots who fought or participated in the American Revolutionary War  whether a private or general, whether in a famous battle or a lesser-known battle  accomplished. Today, 248 years later, the accomplishments of our Revolutionary patriots' lives, lives on here in this nation of free people that their service and sacrifices created for us."

Following the noon ceremony, the Delaware Company/Fort Delaware Museum and Sullivan County Historical Society hosted the annual ceremony at 4 p.m. at the Minisink Battleground Park on the New York side, right across the nearby Roebling Bridge.

Mark Ottenger, at left, and Raymond Fennel, VFW Post 5635 Lackawaxen, are shown at the 2024 ceremony of the Unknown Soldier's Grave in Lackawaxen on July 20. The remains belonged to an American patriot killed in the Revolutionary War, Battle of Minisink, on July 22, 1779, right across the Delaware River from this site.

The seven-hour battle occurred between when colonial militias from Orange County, New York, and Sussex County, New Jersey, pursued after a band of Tories and Native Americans loyal to the British and led by Captain Joseph Brant, a Mohawk Chief fighting for the British. The militias were reacting to a raid the group waged on the settlement that would become Port Jervis, which the Native Americans and Tories had plundered and burned.

Brant and his forces surrounded and overwhelmed the militias, leaving approximately 44 militia members dead. After several attempts later to recover the remains, in 1822 another search yielded remains of many of the patriots. These remains were interred at Goshen, New York, on July 22 before a crowd of about 12,000 people. Bones of several other militia men had never been found.

In 1847, Isaac Mills, a blacksmith and Baptist church deacon from Lackawaxen, was searching for cows that wandered off from his employer on the New York side of the Delaware. Mills discovered a complete skeleton under a rock ledge about a mile from the battlefield, about opposite the confluence of the Lackawaxen River and the Delaware River. It was clear these were the bones of one of the militia men, as buttons from his army coat and vestiges of his equipment were found with them.

At the annual commemoration of the Unknown Soldier's Grave in Lackawaxen, on July 20, 2024, are from left: Mark Ottenger, VFW Post 5635 Lackawaxen; Joe Lansing and Tony Domingo of the Navasing Long Rifles 5th NY Infantry -143rd NYS Volunteer Unit; Melva Vogler, Valerie DeLisle, Barbara Gropper, and Doreen Bensen, all with the Wayne Chapter NSDAR, Honesdale; Elizabeth Holley, Hester Schuyler Colfax Chapter NSDAR, New Jersey; Charlie Redner, Navasing Long Rifles; and Raymond Fennell, VFW Post 5635.

The Roebling Bridge was under construction that year, to serve as an aqueduct for Delaware & Hudson Canal Company boats. With the help of a couple canal carpenters working on the aqueduct, the remains were retrieved, and a crude coffin was made. The unknown soldier's remains were brought across the river to the graveyard, where he was interred.

This unknown patriot, it was noted, likely had loved ones at home who never received word of what happened, like an untold number of families who likewise have endured wars throughout time.

The grave was tended to for many years by the Odd Fellows Lodge in Lackawaxen, and later by the VFW, which continues this as part of their duties.

Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Ceremony honors unknown Revolutionary War soldier buried at Lackawaxen
CAIRO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed and 25 injured when a truck rear-ended a passenger bus on a highway near Cairo on Friday, health sources said.

The bus, carrying holidaymakers, overturned after being hit at high speed in the morning, the sources at Matrouh Hospital told Xinhua.

Some 20 ambulances transported the wounded to three hospitals, they added.

The public prosecutor has ordered an investigation into the accident and the truck driver has been detained for drug tests.

Road accidents are common in Egypt and often blamed on speeding, poor road conditions, and lax enforcement of traffic laws. The government has invested in upgrading the road network in recent years. 
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 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.

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.

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 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.
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 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.

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.

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 council 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 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.
Aug. 2 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, was signed by members of the Continental Congress.

In 1923, U.S. President Warren G. Harding died of a stroke in a San Francisco hotel at the age of 58. He was succeeded by Vice President Calvin Coolidge.

In 1934, with the death of German President Paul von Hindenburg, Chancellor Adolf Hitler became absolute dictator of Germany under the title of fuehrer, or "leader."

File Photo courtesy of the NARA

Jackie Joyner-Kersee arrives on the red carpet at the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Ceremony 2016 at Barclays Center on December 12, 2016, in New York City. On August 2, 1992, she became the first woman to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the heptathlon. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

In 1956, U.S. Virgin Islands National Park, which encompasses 23 square miles of land and water, was established.

In 1968, a major earthquake in the Philippines rocked Manila, killing 307 people.

Former Nixon White House counsel John Dean addresses the American Civil Liberties Union conference in Washington on October 17, 2006. On Aug. 2, 1974, Dean was sentenced to one to four years in prison for his part in the Watergate coverup. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

In 1974, John Dean, counsel to U.S. President Richard Nixon, was sentenced to one to four years in prison for his part in the Watergate coverup. Dean's sentence was reduced and he was released after four months.

In 1985, 135 people died in the crash of a Delta Air Lines L-1011 jet at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

A woman looks at a rare historic copy of the Declaration of Independence written in Thomas Jefferson's hand at the New York Public Library in New York City on July 3, 2014. On August 2, 1776, the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, was signed by members of the Continental Congress. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

In 1990, Iraq invaded neighboring Kuwait after weeks of tension over disputed land and oil production quotas.

In 1992, Jackie Joyner-Kersee became the first woman to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the heptathlon.

George W. Bush, his wife Laura Bush, Richard Cheney and his wife Lynne Cheney acknowledge cheers from the delegates at the conclusion of the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia on August 3, 2000. File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

In 2000, the Republican Party nominated George W. Bush and Richard Cheney to head its ticket for the November elections.

File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

In 2018, Apple became the first publicly traded company to reach a trillion-dollar market capitalization.

In 2020, two NASA astronauts splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico after completing a two-month mission that sent them to the International Space Station to test SpaceX's groundbreaking Crew Dragon shuttle capsule. It was the first commercial crewed mission in U.S. history.

File Photo by Bill Ingalls/UPI
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police in the District said they arrested a second man Thursday believed to be involved in a fatal shooting that happened in December 2023.

On Dec. 16, 2023, just after 8 p.m., officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the sound of gunshots in the 1200 block of 44th Place SE. There, they found 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale Jr., of Southeast D.C. suffering from gunshot wounds.

He was taken to a hospital where he died.

Man killed in Southeast shooting

On Wednesday, an 18-year-old was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder while Armed-Felony Murder, MPD said.

On Thursday, 19-year-old Eric Sheffield was also arrested under the same charges.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
More than 4 million acres of marine life habitat have become a "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico, threatening the lives of fish and other marine animals, NOAA said on Thursday. Although this is an annual issue in the Gulf, this year's is far larger than anticipated, with an area roughly the size of New Jersey.

The dead zone is an area where there is very little to no oxygen, a situation known as hypoxia, that NOAA says can kill fish and marine life. In June, NOAA predicted an area of 5,827 square miles, roughly the size of Connecticut. But on Thursday, the agency said it has grown to roughly 6,705 square miles, equating to more than 4 million acres of habitat and more than 1,000 square miles larger than anticipated.

It's the 12th-largest dead zone the agency has recorded in 38 years of measurement  and well above a goal set out by researchers to reduce the area.

This map from NOAA shows a dead zone measured in the Gulf of Mexico from July 21 - 26, 2024, with red areas indicating where there is 2 mg/L of oxygen or lower  considered hypoxic. The bottom graph shows how the dead zone has changed since 1985. / Credit: NOAA/LUMCON/LSU

According to NOAA, scientists have made it a goal to reduce the average area to fewer than 1,900 square miles by 2035 to help improve the health of the marine ecosystem. As it stands, the five-year average is now nearly 4,300 square miles, more than twice as large as that target.

"It's critical that we measure this region's hypoxia as an indicator of ocean health, particularly under a changing climate and potential intensification of storms and increases in precipitation and runoff," Nicole LeBoeuf of NOAA's National Ocean Service said in a news release.

The original estimate for the dead zone's size was based on discharge and runoff from the Mississippi River, which leads into the Gulf. When there are excessive nutrients in the Gulf, it can create an overgrowth of algae that then die and decompose, sucking out oxygen. Without enough oxygen in the water, animals that can leave, will, while others can die.

The Union of Concerned Scientists said Thursday that "policymakers aren't doing enough to address the root causes" of these events. Last week, Karen Perry Stillerman, deputy director of the group, said that a larger dead zone this year could be because of a three-part "perfect storm": excessive fertilizer use, poor farmland management and heavier rainfall caused by climate change.

"Even an average dead zone ... is not okay. It's damaging to the Gulf ecosystem and the people in the region who depend on fishing and seafood for their livelihoods," she wrote in her blog post. "A 2021 UCS analysis put a price tag on that damage: up to $2.4 billion every year since 1980."

While the EPA created the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force in 1997 to try and help the problem, Perry Stillerman said that the task force has yet to meet its targets to alleviate the situation. In fact, she said, "they are failing badly," pointing to NOAA measurements that show there has only been a single year since measurements began when the dead zone grew to a size smaller than the set goal.

She believes that tackling agricultural practices so that both farmers and the environment can benefit is essential.

"It's not far-fetched to think that with smarter policies, we could have much smaller dead zones to measure in future summers," she said.

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'A death that never had to occur': York woman found guilty of New Year's Eve 2022 murder

On the morning of New Year's Eve in 2022, York City Police responded to the intersection of West Jackson and South Newberry Street in York City for a shooting.

The victim, 18-year-old Amiya Paige, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and taken to York Hospital, where she was pronounced dead nearly an hour later.

Six days later, 21-year-old Alajah Elizabeth Holmes, who fired four shots around 12:30 a.m. that morning, killing Paige, turned herself in to police.

Holmes faced a non-jury trial this week before York County President Judge Maria Musti Cook, where she was found guilty of first-degree murder and criminal attempt for first degree murder for the death of Paige.

An argument online turned deadly

At the time of the shooting, Paige was with a group of several friends, including Jessazhia Mayes, Holmes' sister. Earlier that day, Holmes testified, she and Mayes exchanged messages on Facebook, which later turned into an argument.

The two had planned on meeting somewhere in town that evening to fight. Holmes requested Mayes' location at least 20 times via Messenger before finding her at the intersection of Jackson and Newberry streets.

I sent the picture of the street signs, and 30 seconds later, a U-Haul pulled out, Mayes said during her testimony. "Alajah said something to me like 'I got something for you b----,' and she started shooting."

Video surveillance taken from the scene displayed as evidence during trial showed a white U-Haul van traveling west on Jackson Street.

The victim and the group of people were seen just north of the intersection. As the van crossed over South Newberry Street, gunfire could be heard. An unknown subject fired a single shot from a breezeway, according to the criminal complaint.

Mayes testified that Holmes wore a balaclava mask at the time of the shooting but was able to recognize her eyes and facial features, which were exposed.

During her testimony, Holmes said she was inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting, with 22-year-old Jordan Mongold of Harrisburg, who was driving the truck and transporting dirt bikes in the back, which they rode around the city that day.

Mongold told officers he was on his way back to Harrisburg prior to the shooting, when Holmes contacted him around 11:30 p.m. and asked Mongold to drive her back into York City to fight someone, according to the criminal complaint.

At one point, Holmes told Mongold that a group of people were going to jump her.

Around 1 a.m., following the shooting, a Springettsbury Township Police officer observed the U-Haul traveling along the Mount Rose Avenue and Interstate 83 interchange. The officer followed the truck all the way to Waterford apartments, where Holmes and Mongold were headed.

Officers detained Mangold and seized the vehicle. Four 9mm shell casings were later discovered on West Jackson. A single .40 shell casing was found in the breezeway between two homes on West Jackson.

According to court documents, Mongold stated that Holmes put the front passenger window down, pulled a gun out and fired at the group of people. He later told officers he was shocked by what occurred and fled the area.

Lead York City Police Investigator Daniel Craven testified that the U-Haul was later brought to the facility where a gunshot residue (GSR) swab kit tested the interior of the truck. A pair of gloves, and two balaclava masks were also discovered in the truck.

A plan to fight 'with fists' not guns

Holmes testified in court that she suffers from multiple mental health issues including paranoia, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder and anxiety, among others.

Before the court, she stated that over the course of a year leading up to the shooting, she self-medicated her symptoms by drinking excessive amounts of Hennessy cognac while taking drugs such as Xanax and Percocet.

On the morning of Dec. 30, 2022, Holmes said she woke up at 8:30 a.m. and immediately took three Percocet pills, four Xanax and washed them down with three sips of cognac.

Over the course of the day, Holmes said she would drink two full bottles, plus half of a third bottle of Hennessy, before eventually finding Mayes and her friends that evening.

Holmes testified that she brought a gun to the scene because her sister said she would also bring one.

Holmes admitted to firing the first shot at the group "in the air, to scare them off."

"They shot back, so I fired back," Holmes said. She saw somebody fall and thought it was her sister, so she tried to call Mayes.

Holmes then had her cousin call around to find out who had been shot and discovered that it was not her sister who was shot, but Paige, a woman Holmes did not know, she testified.

'This was a death that really never had to occur'

Defense attorney William Hugh Graff Jr. expressed before the court that the Paige's death "never had to occur."

Graff made the argument that Holmes was self-medicated and abusing drugs and alcohol throughout the day, which prevented the murder from being premeditated.

"She doesn't deny that she shot out of the car. I'm not excusing her actions  all I'm asking the court to consider is whether or not she was able to fully form this specific intent to kill somebody," Graff said.

'What she set up is an ambush'

Senior Deputy Prosecutor Jenna Strausbaugh argued Holmes set up an "ambush," as she was able to articulate what was happening during the evening of the shooting, from directing Mongold to the scene and exchanging messages and calls with Mayes. "That evidence goes to her intent," she said.

"She fired a gun at the group of people. She was lying in wait, and that brings us to premeditation, Strausbaugh said.

'In the eyes of the law this is justice, but in our hearts, it will never be'

Following the verdict, the victim's family and friends expressed joy and sadness.

Paige was a daughter, cousin and great aunt to several nieces and nephews. She was a student at Crispus Attucks Charter School and had just been accepted into college.

"It did bring a sense of relief  but I feel like it will never be enough, because it will never bring her (Paige) back," said Alonizheona Mayes-Oquendo, Paige's niece.

Patricia Brown, the victim's mother, said while the verdict is what she was hoping for, it will never bring her daughter back. "She was a really good kid, she worked at Amazon at night, went to school in the morning."

Holmes' sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 16, 2024 before Judge Cook.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: York PA woman found guilty of New Year's Eve 2022 murder
Death row inmate expected to ask for clemency ahead of scheduled execution

Oklahoma County convicted killer Emmanuel A. Littlejohn on Wednesday is expected to ask the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board to recommend clemency. (Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Oklahoma County convicted killer Emmanuel A. Littlejohn on Wednesday is expected to ask the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board to recommend clemency.

Littlejohn, 52, is set to die Sept. 26 for the 1992 shooting death of Kenny Meers, 31, during a convenience store robbery.

Emmanuel Littlejohn is a violent and manipulative criminal who refuses to take responsibility for his actions, said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The family of Kenny Meers has waited 32 long years for justice to be served. The death penalty is the appropriate punishment, and I urge the Pardon and Parole Board to ensure that justice is done.

If the five-member board recommends clemency, Gov. Kevin Stitt would have the final word.

Kenny Meers and his brother co-owned the Root-N-Scoot convenience store in southeast Oklahoma City. Meers had worked there since he was 13 and was also the manager.

Littlejohn was just out of prison for burglary, robbery and assault, according to the states clemency packet. He and Glenn Bethany were selling drugs, according to the packet.

They owed their dealer and decided to rob a convenience store to obtain cash to repay the debt, according to the states clemency packet.

Two witnesses said it was Littlejohn who had the gun, according to the packet.

The pair were leaving the store with cash when Meers walked out of the backroom with a broom, according to the clemency packet.

Meers sustained a gunshot wound to his face and died.

Littlejohn and Bethany parted ways. Littlejohn was later apprehended in Wichita, Kansas, according to the packet.

Littlejohns original jury and a resentencing jury found him culpable for the murder and determined the death penalty was appropriate, according to the packet.

Bethany, 58, received life without parole.

All things considered, Littlejohn is a volatile and exceedingly dangerous individual, one who learned to communicate with violence and simply take what he wants by force  whether it be cars, personal property, drugs, money, or sexual gratification, prosecutors wrote in the clemency packet.

Meers late mother, Delores Meers, wrote in a letter that was provided to the Pardon and Parole Board that she didnt talk much about Kenny.

I guess I just want to hold all my memories inside just to hold onto as much of him as I can, she wrote.

She told the board that she still needed her son.

We talked about everything, she wrote. It just isnt right for a child to go before a parent.

In their clemency packet, defense attorneys said Littlejohn was 20 years old at the time of the crime and deeply regrets his actions. At the time of the robbery of the Root-N-Scoot, Manuels 20-year-old brain was still developing in crucial areas and, given his disadvantaged childhood including frequent exposure to violence and drugs, his brain was already vulnerable and less developed than the typical 20-year-olds, the defense team wrote.

He has consistently denied being the shooter, according to the clemency packet.

Defense attorneys wrote about his troubled childhood and current medical conditions. He suffered a stroke in 2023 that had lasting impacts. He relies on a wheelchair to travel any distance longer than a hallway or two, according to his clemency packet.

Defense attorneys also said his two juries were confused about the sentencing options and voted for death because other options might mean he could someday be freed.

At the time of the crime, the Oklahoma County District Attorney was well-known for pursuing the death penalty in almost every murder case, especially those involving defendants of color, rather than narrowing and applying discretion, the defense attorneys wrote.

They described Littlejohn as a loving father, grandfather and son who connects with his family through phone calls, letters, drawings and personal visits.

Manuel will never live outside prison walls, they wrote. He will spend the rest of his life struggling with his deteriorating health and waking each day full of regret and remorse for his past actions.

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AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A defendant who was charged following a large fight on Thanksgiving Day in Austintown pleaded guilty to a charge and was sentenced on Wednesday.

Dariana Fernandez Rivera pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge, and the assault charge in the case was dismissed.

According to court records, Fernandez Rivera will have to pay a fine, attend anger management counseling and be on probation for six months.

Fernandez Rivera was one of two people arrested during the fight in the 100 block of Parkgate Ave.

When officers arrived, several people were gathered outside of the house. Some were yelling and making aggressive moves toward each other, according to a police report.

Two women there told police they were beaten by people in the group. A car was also damaged in the altercation, having been smashed with a pole, the report stated.

Police said while they were there, they saw Fernandez Rivera hit someone in the head.

A man at the scene, later identified as Jeremy Garcia, was also arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction of official business.

Garcias case is still pending and is set for a final pretrial on Oct. 28.

Patty Coller contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Defending us for these freedoms: Tuskegee Airmen honored in Fort Worth for their courage

A gray fighter bomber with red a nose, tail and wing tips and the words By Request painted on its side stands in the front lawn of the Tuskegee Airmen Texas State Veterans Home in Fort Worth.

A crowd of about 80 people gathered Friday underneath the front entrance of the Veterans Home at 2200 Joe B. Rushing Road to listen to Texas Rep. Nicole Collier as the monument for the replica P-51 Mustang was dedicated.

I like to think the men who flew the P-51 were in pursuit of freedom, in pursuit of liberty, and in pursuit of justice, Collier said. For residents who will soon call this place home, the P-51 model is a symbol of freedom, connected to a proud legacy led by the brave and courageous Americans of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The P-51 Mustang, also known as P-51C, was the fighter bomber used by over 900 Black military pilots and airmen called Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. The red tails on their fighter bomber distinguished them among other squadrons, and the By Request was a mantra during the war.

The Texas Veterans Land Board voted to name the states 10th veterans home after the Tuskegee Airmen in August 2021. When it opens next spring, the 100,000-square-foot home will provide long-term nursing care for 120 veterans.

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of more than 900 African-American military pilots and airmen who flew combat aircraft in World War II. They flew more than 1,500 missions in North Africa and Italy.

The group was subjected to discrimination during their time in the Armed Forces, but have since been honored for their legacy and wartime achievements. The airmen were collectively awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in 2007, were inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 2008 and were commemorated in the George Lucas film Red Tails in 2012.

Fort Worth was home to at least five Tuskegee Airmen, with the citys last surviving member, Robert T. McDaniel, dying in 2019 at 96.

Texas Veterans Land Board Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham says it is an honor to serve veterans and advertise these facilities where veterans can come and receive care in a military friendly environment for almost no out-of-pocket cost.

We are the land of the free because of the brave and if it werent for their sacrifices, the world would be a very different place, Buckingham said. So we always want to honor and take care of our veterans and their families.

Gordon Guillory and Al Henderson of the DFW chapter for the Tuskegee Airmen Association said the groups mission is to keep the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen alive through education, presentations and collaborations.

They said the location is perfect as it is adjacent to the Fort Worth VA clinic at 2201 SE Loop 820 and just across from other resources such as Resource Connection Workforce Center, the Aging Disability Resource Center and JPS South Campus Health Center.

They hope once the facility is open people can help veterans through volunteering and spending time with the people who helped paved the way for where we are today.

Theyre on the frontlines defending us for these freedoms, Black or white, said Guillory, the chapter president. The main thing is the love and support me and my family do for the veterans is because of them and their families sacrifices so I can enjoy these freedoms that I have.
The fight to save L.A.'s Little Tokyo before it's too late

For the record:

5:44 p.m. Aug. 5, 2024: A previous version of this article referred to retailer Mokuyobi as Molu Yobi.



In Little Tokyo, the past and the future have long been at odds.

Less than a month after the iconic Suehiro Cafe closed its 1st Street location  evicted after nearly 40 years  community leaders gathered, shovels in hand, to mark the start of construction of an ambitious housing complex a block away.

Little can offset the departure of Suehiro from the historic storefronts on this historic block. But the groundbreaking in February of the First Street North complex is considered a victory by those who argue that Little Tokyo has for too long been a target for opportunistic development by city planners, overseas corporations and absentee landlords.

Erich Nakano, executive director of Little Tokyo Service Center. (Michael Blackshire/Los Angeles Times)

We need to define our future, said Erich Nakano, executive director of the Little Tokyo Service Center, which played a major role in getting First Street North green-lighted.

Outsiders, Nakano explained, have played an outsized role determining the direction of the neighborhood, a center of Japanese American life in Los Angeles celebrating its 140th anniversary in August.

Being built on nearly two and a half acres that were once a part of Little Tokyos post-war streetscape, leveled in the 1960s and left to languish as a city-owned parking lot, First Street North is a $168-million mix of affordable and supportive housing, a park and commercial space.

The site will include a memorial honoring Japanese American veterans of World War II built by the Go for Broke National Education Center, which helped develop the First Street North project with the Little Tokyo Service Center.

Their efforts, including more than 10 years of negotiations, culminated in 2018 in a series of collective actions  street protests, a petition, art exhibits  that wrestled final approval from city officials.

Members of the Kimono Club participate in the 81st Annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Little Tokyo last year. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

First Street North is the latest example of Little Tokyo leaders leasing property from the city and developing projects that they hope will benefit the community.

Their work is taking place as broader changes sweep through Little Tokyo. Once an immigrant hub, this vibrant downtown district is a tourist destination where a 121-year-old mochi shop co-exists with sneaker shops and where weekend crowds search for ramen and the perfect Instagrammable moment.

This vitality, however, is challenging what Little Tokyo has traditionally stood for as an ethnic community defined by its history.

Kristin Fukushima, managing director of the Little Tokyo Community Council. (Zoe Cranfill/Los Angeles Times)

This neighborhood is not just for Japanese Americans but for Asian Americans and for Los Angeles, said Kristin Fukushima, managing director of the Little Tokyo Community Council, one of the organizations backing the First Street North project. We could just give up and let the forces of free market and capitalism wreak destruction on this community, but we still have stuff that we can fight for.

Preservation has never been a strong suit for Los Angeles, where landmarks and neighborhoods have been torn down or repurposed with fleeting regard. Economic exigencies are often more urgent than a deference to the past, but Little Tokyo is trying to have it both ways.





At retailers like Mokuyobi, Monkey Pants and Sanrio, business is brisk for the latest multi-colored backpacks, plushies and Hello Kitty merchandise, while the gift shop Rafu Bussan still finds customers for imports like sake glassware, Hasami porcelain and Kaga dolls.

Here, as elsewhere, internet commerce is forcing turnover. Little Tokyo Arts and Gifts and Mikiseki, a watch and jewelry repair shop, have closed, and Little Tokyo Cosmetics is now a boba joint.

Underlying the turnover is a wider demographic shift. Over the decades, immigration from Japan has slowed, while families have put down roots over four or five generations. For many locals, the South Bay, with its profusion of Japanese supermarkets and restaurants, has eclipsed Little Tokyo for everyday shopping and eating.

Some Little Tokyo businesses that served Issei and Nisei  Japanese immigrants and their American-born children  have closed or are struggling, while others have found a way to evolve and thrive.

Mikawaya, where community icon Francis Hashimoto invented mochi ice cream, closed two years ago after more than a century. A block away at Brian Kitos Fugetsu-Do sweet shop, established by his grandfather in 1903, lines form to the sidewalk for the mochi and manju.

A rally was held in December 2023 in Little Tokyo to protest the eviction of Suehiro Cafe and the broader issue of gentrification. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

Landlords are trying to adapt. Tony Sperl, owner of the building where Suehiro Cafe was, leases adjacent space to a vintage clothing shop and tattoo parlor.

Sperl initiated the eviction more than a year ago, claiming nonpayment of rent. Suehiro's owner, Kenji Suzuki, denies the accusation, saying the checks were mailed but never cashed.

For a time, there were rumors that Suehiro was to become a marijuana dispensary. Sperl denies that and says the new tenant is a restaurant featuring Asian cuisine.

What is the future of Little Tokyo? he asked. You might as well ask me what is the future of L.A. I dont know. The city is changing so much."

Kenji Suzuki, owner of Suehiro Cafe. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)

Suzuki, who has since relocated his restaurant a half mile away, also wonders what lies ahead for the community he grew up in. It may be Little Tokyo in name only and not have anything to do with the Little Tokyo that we know," he said.

As the third generation of his family to own the mochi shop, Kito is taking the long view. There has always been gentrification, and if the community is strong enough and works together, it will manage it, he said.

When the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Little Tokyo as one of Americas 11 most endangered historic places in May, it hoped to bring attention to the fragility of the community.

Activists have been arguing this for years and would like to tap the brakes on a future they feel is misaligned with the past. Particularly alarming to them are plans for a nearby rail line, an expansion of the Civic Center and a mega-development at 4th Street and Central Avenue, considered by some too disruptive, intrusive and too big.

Visitors spend an idle moment together in Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

Mark Masaoka, 70, a member of Nikkei Progressives, is concerned that the community is at risk of hollowing out, of becoming a shell less connected to Japanese and Japanese American culture.

A community is more than a collection of businesses, he said. It is a social and neighborhood fabric comprised of interrelationships of people who own and work at these businesses.

For some, losses like Suehiro trigger memories of a much larger trauma. In 1942, Little Tokyo residents left their homes and businesses behind as the U.S. government forced them and 125,000 others of Japanese ancestry into remote incarceration camps.

Read more: Forced to live in horse stalls. How one of America's worst injustices played out at Santa Anita

This sense of displacement  and not having control  is a driving force for why people are fighting to preserve Little Tokyo and want to have an active say over its future, said Nakano of the Little Tokyo Service Center.

At the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo on Feb. 17 to commemorate the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942, participants stand next to the incarceration camp flags where either they or their family members were during World War II . (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

After the war, many Japanese Americans settled in other parts of the L.A. area yet still returned on weekends to the community they once called home.

At the time, politicians were dreaming big at the expense of poor, non-white neighborhoods. Freeways were cut through East Los Angeles. Dodger Stadium was built in Chavez Ravine, and planners eyed Little Tokyo for the expansion of the Civic Center.

One of the first blocks to go was across the street from First Street North, where in 1949, according to The Times, there were 968 persons now occupying 716 rental units.

The LAPD's Parker Center headquarters went up on the site, then it was torn down in 2019. As the city continued to push into Little Tokyo, it soon claimed the First Street North site, which became a parking lot for police vehicles.

In the 1970s, activists could not stop the city redevelopment agency's plans to raze the Sun Hotel and Sun Building. Japanese corporations financed the construction of Weller Court and the New Otani Hotel on the site.

Leaders of the Little Tokyo Service Center, established in 1980, realized they had limited power to prevent private property owners from raising rents or evicting tenants. With the help of community redevelopment funds, their strategies changed.

We focused on publicly owned land, said Nakano. We learned early on that this was the most efficient way to control our destiny.

The Service Center leaders successfully marshaled community forces against the city's plan to demolish an aging apartment building, then convinced the city to let them purchase and convert the old Union Church next door into an arts complex, which opened in 1998.

Then in 2011, state legislators abolished community redevelopment agencies, a significant source of funding. Two years later, a coalition of community groups created an initiative, known as Sustainable Little Tokyo, to guide future development around the goal of "a healthy, equitable and culturally rich Little Tokyo."

Two of the Service Center's recent projects are a community gymnasium called the Terasaki Budokan, which was completed in 2021 after 30 years of planning, and First Street North, scheduled to open in 2026.

Both projects were funded through state and federal grants, low-income housing tax credits, developer fees, conventional loans and private donations.

Looking ahead, the Service Center is hoping to develop one of the last open parcels in Little Tokyo, a city-owned parking lot across the street from the Japanese American National Museum.

At a time when many are mourning the relocation of Suehiro, First Street North has become a lesson for other communities seeking to take control of their destinies.

A mural of the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani graces the side of the Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo, which serves as an entryway to downtown Los Angeles. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

Not only does the development hit the marks for affordable housing  apartments for low-income families, unhoused veterans, people with AIDS  but it hopes to attract legacy businesses with discounted rents. Suehiro's owner has expressed interest.

From his office in the Little Tokyo Service Center, Nakano acknowledges continuing challenges, including commercial property turnover and homelessness." But he knows what can be accomplished when community members advocate for themselves, citing the reparations won in 1988 for those incarcerated during World War II.

Similarly, the Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund, started in 2019 to purchase properties that could be leased below market rates, is proof of a willingness to dream big, he argues.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, the fund has raised about $800,000, which, according to fund president Bill Watanabe, is a strong start but still short of its $2-million goal.

Bill Watanabe in the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo. (Zoe Cranfill/Los Angeles Times)

Watanabe, 80, who was born in the Manzanar incarceration camp and was the founding executive director of the Little Tokyo Service Center, remains committed.

Little Tokyo will never be what it once was. We can never go backwards, he said. But it does represent a long-term piece of Los Angeles history, and we dont want people to forget that we are here.

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KAMPALA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Uganda on Friday announced the detection of two cases of mpox imported from the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the western district of Kasese.

The cases were among six suspected infections in Mpondwe and Bwera, towns bordering the DRC, according to Henry Mwebesa, director general of health services at Uganda's Ministry of Health, in a statement issued in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

He said samples from a 37-year-old Ugandan woman married to a Congolese national and a 22-year-old Congolese female tested positive for the viral disease. "Findings reveal that transmission did not take place in Uganda and to date, no secondary transmission has been linked to the two cases," said Mwebesa.

"So far, nine contacts are under follow-up. Uganda continues to monitor the evolving situation in the DRC where cases have been reported in nearly all provinces, the latest being North Kivu, specifically Goma," he said while confirming the deployment of a rapid response team to Kasese to collaborate with district authorities in controlling the imported cases.

The East African Community (EAC), a regional bloc, issued an alert Monday, urging its eight member states to educate citizens on protecting themselves and preventing the spread of mpox. This followed reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) warning of mpox outbreaks in Burundi and the DRC, both EAC members.

Meanwhile, Kenya's Ministry of Health declared a case of mpox Wednesday following its detection in Taita Taveta, southeast of the country's capital of Nairobi.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, transmits through close contact with infected animals or humans, contaminated objects, and respiratory droplets, causes symptoms including skin rash, fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes, as per WHO guidelines. 
Illustration via Getty Images

Democrats in Arizona have been crystal clear about their goal in 2024: follow up on the successes of 2022, when they won all of the top statewide offices, and wrest control of the legislature in the Grand Canyon State away from Republicans for the first time in nearly 60 years.

And nothing about how the July 30 primary elections went does anything to dampen the enthusiasm they can complete their takeover of Arizonas government in November and usher in a new era of Democratic rule in a state that has gone from ruby red to deep purple in the last generation.

It was another banner night for MAGA weirdos up and down the ballot, which can only mean good things for Democrats, said Marilyn Rodriguez, a progressive lobbyist and campaign veteran. We have to work hard, but this is gettable.

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Following Katie Hobbs election as governor in 2022, state and national Democrats set their sights on giving her a legislature she can partner with instead of fight with endlessly. To that end, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, a group committed to winning Democratic majorities in statehouses across the country, swiftly announced that Arizona was among the handful of its top targets in 2024.

The DLCC has said it will spend $60 million in legislative races across the nation, and with Arizona making up one-third of the legislative chambers the group hopes to flip from Republican control to Democratic majorities, theres little doubt that millions of those dollars will end up flooding into the state.

After four years with both legislative chambers closely divided  Republicans control the state House of Representatives 31-29 and the Senate 16-14  Democrats worked early to set the stage to give them the best chance to win the two seats they need in each chamber to take the reins away from the GOP.

They devised a roadmap for how to do that, then set about recruiting candidates in their targeted districts. Theyve helped those candidates organize their campaigns, canvass neighborhoods and win local support.

Perhaps most importantly, theyve helped them raise money  tons of it, as every Democratic candidate in target legislative districts ended the second quarter with more money raised than their GOP opponents. And since many of those Republicans had primary challengers of their own, Democrats in some races have hit the general election home stretch with significant financial advantages.

It was probably as good a primary as Republicans could have hoped for.

 Barrett Marson, Republican campaign advisor

Republicans have been working for months to raise the money to compete with the well-funded effort from Democrats, though few expect theyll be able to go dollar-for-dollar against the challengers. As of mid-July, when the most recent campaign finance reports were due, political committees lining up to boost Democratic legislative candidates had almost $2 million in the bank, while PACs created to defend the GOP majorities were sitting just shy of $1.4 million on hand.

That monetary advantage will be needed for Democrats to succeed, though some Republicans are breathing a bit easier this week than they had been before the primary election.

It was probably as good a primary as Republicans could have hoped for, said Barrett Marson, a Republican campaign advisor.

Chief among the reasons that Marson and other Republicans are feeling better about holding the legislative majority is Vince Leachs victory over incumbent Sen. Justine Wadsack in a Tucson-area district.

Wadsack won election in the new district in 2022  defeating Leach, who was a sitting senator  and has spent her time in office generating drama and bouncing from one controversy to the next. Among other things, she appeared on an antisemitic talk show, called 9/11 an inside job, tried to criminalize homelessness and picked a fight with the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind that threatened to end its operations. Most recently, she claimed political persecution after she was pulled over for going 71 mph in a 35 mph zone back in March and refused to sign a traffic citation for criminal speeding.

Leach is conservative, but built his legislative career on being a business-first Republican. Marson said his politics and policy positions will, in many cases, be identical to Wadsacks, but hes a markedly better candidate in what should be a safe Republican district because he doesnt have the crazy baggage that Wadsack does.

Wadsack is so bad, she put it in play, he said. But that district now is probably unwinnable for Democrats.

And that, said GOP campaign consultant and pollster Paul Bentz, makes it much more difficult for Democrats to win a Senate majority because there are just two viable seats they can pick up, and they must win both to take control of the Senate.

Democratic efforts, Bentz said, are likely to shift heavily to Legislative District 2, where Sen. Shawnna Bolick is facing a challenge from state Rep. Judy Schwiebert, and Legislative District 13, which sees Sen. J.D. Mesnard defending his seat from retired teacher Sharon Winters.

Those will be the two toughest races in the entire state, Marson said.

For their part, Democrats arent convinced that Leachs victory over Wadsack changes their outlook in the district.

Youre just replacing a woman conspiracy theorist with an old man conspiracy theorist, Rodriguez said. Im not sure thats the win Republicans think it is.

Marcela Taracena, a spokeswoman for the Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the local arm of the national DLCC, said theres no daylight between Leach and Wadsack on the policies they support  policies that arent popular in the district and that Democratic nominee John McClean opposes.

Leach has a long track record, but hes been much better at hiding it because hes quieter, she said.

While Wadsacks controversies and record was high-profile, Taracena said its the job of Democrats to let voters know how Leach is cut from the same political cloth. To that end, the ADLCC has already sought to paint him as extreme and corrupt, pointing to his many votes as a legislator to restrict abortion, cut school funding and gut health care coverage for Arizonans.

Every Democrat on the ticket is basically running against Trump and his weirdos. Theyre all the same.

 Marilyn Rodriguez, progressive lobbyist and campaign veteran

And even in a more general sense, Democrats see a lot of good news in Tuesdays primary election. The MAGA purge of more moderate Republicans continued unabated, said Ben Scheel, a political strategist for Opportunity Arizona, a liberal advocacy organization. He said victories by Sen. Wendy Rogers and Mark Finchem over pragmatic GOP lawmakers who sometimes bucked their party shows that the Republican Party continues to get more extreme.

And there were clear signs of weakness among some of the Republican candidates that Scheel said would carry over to the general election. For instance, Democrat Stephanie Simacek got more votes in the primary election in the House race for a north Phoenix district than either of the GOP candidates, even though Republicans have a registration advantage. And in Tucson, Rep. Rachel Jones won, but not by much.

You see a more clear path to victory now, Scheel said. I feel very bullish for Democrats taking one or both chambers because Republicans continue to put up candidates who are not strong.

Bolstering the Democrats efforts are a rejuvenated base following Joe Bidens exit from the presidential race and Kamala Harris ascent to the top of the ticket. That has translated into more resources and more volunteers for Democrats at all levels.

And abortion, which has proven to be a winning issue for Democrats across the country, will be on the ballot in Arizona in the form of a constitutional amendment to guarantee reproductive rights, and will be a centerpiece of virtually every Democrats campaign up and down the ballot.

Enthusiasm is up, said Samantha Paisley, the DLCCs national press secretary. The stakes couldnt be higher. Every issue that voters actually care about is decided by the state legislatures.

Whether the Democratic quest to capture the Arizona Legislature succeeds will hinge on whether they can convince voters the GOP candidates are too extreme.

The Republicans are just weird and out of the mainstream, Rodriguez said. Every Democrat on the ticket is basically running against Trump and his weirdos. Theyre all the same.

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Sen. Natalie Murdock (center) and Gov. Roy Cooper (right) speak at reproductive rights rally in Durham. (Photo: Greg Childress)

The national fight for reproductive freedom found its way to Durham on Thursday where several of the states top Democrats campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris, drawing sharp contrasts between Harris and former President Donald Trumps positions on abortion.

Harris is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in the wake of President Joe Bidens decision to not seek reelection. Trump is the Republican candidate for president.

While Trump and U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, the GOPs nominee for vice president, support a national abortion ban, state Democrats said, Harris has been an unequivocal champion for reproductive freedom.

We have two very different choices this fall; a vote for Trump and J.D. Vance is a vote for a national abortion ban where you do not have control over your body, said state Sen. Natalie Murdock, D-Durham. A vote for VP Kamala [Harris] is a vote for freedom, freedom to choose, freedom to have complete control over your body.

The rally was part of the Harris campaigns Fight for Reproductive Freedom Week of Action. Similar events have been scheduled across key battleground states as part of the campaigns strategy to ensure voters understand that reproductive freedom is on the ballot this year.

Gov. Roy Cooper, who had been a finalist to be Harris running mate as the Democratic nominee for vice president before stepping aside, said Trump doesnt tell the truth often, but did so when he bragged that he would roll back Roe v. Wade, the 1973 legal precedent that established a national right to have an abortion. Trump appointed three of the six justices who voted in the majority to overturn the landmark ruling.

When Donald Trump and other Republican MAGA leaders, for political reasons only, are claiming that theyve moderated their position on abortion, do not believe them, Cooper said. They will say anything to get elected. Donald Trump and J.D. Vance would sign a federal abortion ban in a New York minute.

The governor noted that Trump supports Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, the states current lieutenant governor.

Cooper referenced a political ad in which Robinson says womens bodies no longer belong to them when they become pregnant. Robinson also says that unwanted pregnancies occur because women arent responsible enough to keep their skirts down.

The bottom line is that extreme MAGA leaders dont respect women, Cooper said. They want to police their bodies. They want to get in that exam room with women and their doctors and tell them what to do.

The reality of abortion complications in a post-Roe world

North Carolinas Democratic leaders were joined at Thursdays event by Kate Cox, the young Texas mother of two who was the first person in the United States to file a lawsuit since Roe v. Wade was overturned seeking access to an emergency abortion. Midway through her pregnancy, Cox received a fatal fetal diagnosis and was told that continuing the pregnancy placed her health and future fertility at risk.

Kate Cox speaks at a rally

Our doctor told us that if she survived the pregnancy she would live for at most hours or days, said Cox, who shared that she is currently pregnant. The pregnancy was plagued with pain and suffering, with several visits to the emergency room and the unbearable mental toll of waiting for the inevitable and unavoidable loss of our baby girl.

Cox was forced to travel outside her home state to terminate her pregnancy after the Texas Supreme Court ruled that it would not allow her to receive an abortion in the state. Before Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022, Texas law would have allowed Cox to have an abortion at her doctors office or hospital.

I wanted to access that care in my home state, close to my family, my loved ones and my doctors, Cox said. I never imagined having to fight for something so basic as a procedure to save my life.

All abortions are banned in Texas unless, in the exercise of a reasonable medical judgment, a doctor determines that the patient is experiencing a life-threatening physical condition aggravated by, caused by, or arising from a pregnancy that places the female at risk of death or poses a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function.

Cox admitted that she hasnt always been politically active. She pledges now to never again miss an opportunity to vote.

I will cast my ballot in every election like my life depends on it, Cox said. Because for me, and so many others, it does.

Joy Spencer speaks at a rally

Black maternal health advocate Joy Spencer said the Project 2025 agenda championed by Trump allies would exacerbate the reproductive health inequities Black women face in North Carolina. Project 2025 is a policy blueprint created by the conservative Heritage Foundation. The 900-plus page proposal sets forth a sweeping conservative agenda if Trump is elected. Harris has called it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Trump and Vances commitment to the Project 2025 plan is too extreme for North Carolina, Spencer said With Vice President [Kamala] Harris in the White House, I know well be able to continue making progress towards equitable maternal health care and restore our reproductive rights.

Dr. Jonas Swartz, a Durham-based obstetrician and gynecologist, said that health care providers support Harris because she believes reproductive health decisions are best made by women and their doctors instead of extreme politicians and government.

I will proudly cast my ballot for Kamala Harris this November because I know she will help protect my patients access to critical reproductive care, Swartz said.

UNC Young Democrats Secretary Margaret Barbee also said she supports Harris because the vice president believes in reproductive freedom.

The choice to protect fundamental rights and protect the lives of millions of women across North Carolina and the country is clear, Barbee said. We need to elect Vice President Harris and stop Donald Trump and his cruelty once and for all.
The Democratic Party plans to launch digital homepage takeovers of local news organizations in battleground states to hound Donald Trump for dodging a debate with Kamala Harris, the Daily Beast has learned.

Trump is a convicted felon whose Project 2025 agenda would ban abortion nationwide, a preview of the ad reads. No wonder hes afraid to debate.

Starting on Saturday in Georgia, Trumps image will be splashed across the Atlanta Journal-Constitutions website, his tongue out and teeth bared, as the former president and his running mate, J.D. Vance, are set to rally that evening in Atlanta. The attack builds on weeks of Democratic efforts to tie Trump to Project 2025, which his campaign has disavowed, and the controversial initiatives plans to limit reproductive rights.

The ad the Democratic National Committee is running. Gage Skidmore/Democratic National Committee

After Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee, Trump said he would be happy to debate hermore than once, in fact. But then he wavered on doing the ABC News debate on Sept. 10, which had been scheduled before Joe Biden exited the race and Harris assumed his place. The Trump campaign said it would not finalize a debate agreement until the Democratic nominee was official.

Trump himself told Fox News he could make a case for not debating.

The vice presidents campaign had a field day with Trumps hesitancy, promising to show up on Sept. 10 whether the former president does or not. Well Donald, I do hope youll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage, Harris said at a rally in Atlanta on Tuesday. Because as the saying goes, If youve got something to say, say it to my face.

The Democratic National Committee says it has approached seven major local newspapers in critical swing states about buying out their homepages if and when Trump visits. The DNC did not disclose the cost of the ad buy. Besides the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the news organizations to watch are the Detroit News, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Arizona Republic, the Raleigh News & Observer, the Las Vegas Sun and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Harris has seen sky-high enthusiasm since announcing her candidacy last month. While she has gained ground for the Democratic ticket in recent polls, she still trails in states that could determine the outcome of the election. The DNC is betting that hitting Trump where it hurts will help.

Donald Trump boasted hed debate anytime, anywhere, but after 34 felony convictions and one campaign meltdown after another, hes running scared and attempting to dodge his commitment to a September debate, DNC Communications Director Rosemary Boeglin said in a statement.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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When former President Donald Trump rallies across the country, voters in some of those states will read coverage of his events in their biggest papers -- and new Democratic attack ads.

The Democratic National Committee on Friday is launching a new strategy to needle Trump over not committing to debating Vice President Kamala Harris.

The effort will start Friday in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ahead of Trump's rally with his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, in Atlanta on Saturday.

The DNC will also take out ads in The Arizona Republic in Arizona, The Detroit News in Michigan, the Las Vegas Sun in Nevada, The News & Observer in North Carolina, The Philadelphia Inquirer in Pennsylvania, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in Wisconsin ahead of any rallies Trump holds in those states, according to plans shared first with ABC News.

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump holds a campaign rally in Harrisburg, Pa., on July 31, 2024. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)

MORE: Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan greeted by President Biden, VP Harris after landing on US soil

The ads will be featured on the online homepages of each paper and in their respective print copies.

The DNC has several versions of the ad, all accusing Trump of being frightened to debate Harris. One message reads, "The convicted felon is AFRAID to debate," while another ties him to the disavowed Project 2025 under the Heritage Foundation, saying the plan would "BAN ABORTION NATIONWIDE. No wonder he's AFRAID to debate."

"Donald Trump boasted he'd debate 'anytime, anywhere,' but after 34 felony convictions and one campaign meltdown after another, hes running scared and attempting to dodge his commitment to a September debate," said DNC Communications Director Rosemary Boeglin in a statement to ABC News.

"Trump's extreme plans for America are catching up to him, and Democrats won't let him off the hook for his dangerous Project 2025 agenda. No matter where Trump is on September 10, voters know where he stands. Meanwhile, Vice President Harris will be on the debate stage to offer America the path forward -- giving voters the choice to reject Trump's MAGA extremism once and for all," her statement concluded.

The DNC's push is the latest salvo in the will-he, won't-he storyline of a debate between Harris and Trump.

PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance greet each other at a campaign rally, on July 27, 2024, in St. Cloud, Minn. (Adam Bettcher/AP)

Trump and President Joe Biden had originally scheduled a Sept. 10 debate on ABC News, but since then, Biden has dropped out of the race, and Harris is poised to take his place atop the Democrats' ticket officially.

Harris has maintained that she'll be on stage that day, and Trump has said he'd like to debate but has kept the door open to backing out.

"I want to do a debate. But I also can say this: Everybody knows who I am. And now people know who she is," Trump said earlier this week on Fox News.

"The answer is yes, but I can also make a case for not doing it," he ultimately said when asked if he'd debate.

Other comments from Trump included criticizing ABC News and opening the door to debating on other networks. Fox News later proposed that it host a Sept. 17 debate in Pennsylvania.

MORE: Trump falsely questions Harris' race in NABJ interview, says VP pick 'does not have any impact'

Harris' campaign has seized on the hesitancy, accusing Trump of being scared.

"Why won't Donald Trump give a straight answer on debating Vice President Harris? It's clear from tonights question-dodging: he's scared he'll have to defend his running mate's weird attacks on women, or his own calls to end elections in America in a debate against the vice president," campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa said Monday, referencing Vance's recently resurfaced comments about childless women.

"Vice President Harris will be on the debate stage September 10th. Donald Trump can show up, or not," she added.

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump walks onstage at a rally, on July 31, 2024, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Jason Miller, a senior advisor to the former president, told Axios Thursday that the Trump campaign is "non-committal" to the Sept. 10 debate, but he believes there should be multiple debates between Trump and Harris.

"Not only will there be another debate, but there should be multiple debates," Miller said. "We do think there should be some diversification in the outlets for who hosts a debate, but I think the public would be sold short if we only did one debate against Kamala Harris in the general election."

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for further comment from ABC News.

Democrats to run newspaper ads in Trump's rally locations calling for debate commitment originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Democrats take a small chip out of GOP majority on Knox County Commission

Knox County voters shrunk the Republican majority on the Knox County Commission, but not by the margin for which they were hoping. Fourth District voters in the Aug. 1 election flipped their district by electing Democrat Shane Jackson to the seat left open by Republican Commissioner Kyle Ward.

Democrats hoped to nab the 9th District as well, but Matthew Park lost to Republican Andy Fox by 221 votes. The commission's GOP majority now will be 8-3 instead of 9-2.

Voters also stuck with familiar countywide leaders, reelecting Law Director David Buuck, bringing back Property Assessor Phil Ballard and giving Judge Hector Sanchez another term.

Here's a race-by-race look at what voters decided, and how it will play out when the newly elected - or reelected - officials are sworn into their positions.

Knox County Commission District 1

District 1 has been represented by commissioners of color in recent years, and the trend will continue after Commissioner Dasha Lundy steps down.

Democrat Damon Rawls beat Republican Charles Frazier by 1,679 votes.

The district stretches from the city's core to neighborhoods around downtown to the northeast part of Knoxville and includes the Burlington and Mechanicsville neighborhoods.

I did not want to run, but Im so happy I did, Rawls said. Im gonna go in listening. If you want to call me, Im all for it. And thats the type of people I think we need in office today.

Rawls, 50, is a business strategist and the founder of Knoxville's Black Business Directory. He had Lundy's endorsement. Frazier, 70, is a sales executive at WJBE radio.

Knox County Commission District 2

Commissioner Courtney Durrett was reelected to a second term in a district that runs north of downtown to the edge of Washington Pike and includes Fountain City.

Durrett, a Democrat, received 4,057 votes compared to Republican Debbie Phillips with 2,303 votes and independent Ethan Grantham with 187. Durrett had bipartisan financial support from donors across the county.

I just want to say thank you to everyone here, Durrett said to a gathering of Democrats. You all know that to do this, it takes a huge village. Its about advancing our future to a proper manner where we feel good.

Durrett, 43, is an external affairs manager at Comcast. In 2022, she was elected chair of the commission for a year, making her the first woman to serve in that role. Phillips, 65, is a real estate agent who is passionate about protecting land from development. Grantham, 34, works in law enforcement.

Knox County Commission District 4

Democrat Shane Jackson turned District 4 from red to blue for the first time since 2010 after Republican Commissioner Kyle Ward decided not to run for reelection.

Jackson beat Republican Garrett Holt by just 170 votes.

The district, a target for Democrats, is in the west-central part of the county and includes the Bearden, Sequoyah and West Hills neighborhoods.

Being a Democrat is all about finding solutions to really tough problems to help those who need it the most, Jackson said. And thats what I hope to do on the commission.He thanked Holt for running a clean race and said he looks forward to working with him in the future.

Jackson, 48, is a community banker and a veteran. His website says his goals are to fight for fully funded public schools, empowered educators and raising teacher pay. Holt, 30, is a broker at Oliver Smith Realty and Development Co. He's served on the Knox County Board of Zoning Appeals and previously ran for Knoxville City Council.

Knox County Commission District 5

Angela Russell will be the next in a long line of Republicans to represent District 5, which includes Choto, Concord, Farragut and other parts of West Knox County.

Russell beat Democrat S. Arthur Moore by 2,026 votes.

Every time I thought about stopping, something good would happen, and I just knew that it was meant to be for me to do this, Russell said at a GOP gathering. Im very humbled and I do promise that I will work really hard for the citizens of Knox County.

Russell emerged as a leader out of the Choto Landing community, which opposed the building of new development in their neighborhood and Advance Knox.

Russell, 59, is an accountant. Moore, 40, is a neurologist who describes himself as a "purple Democrat."

Knox County Commission District 6

Knox County Commission Chair Terry Hill will continue her tenure on the commission after 6th District residents picked her to represent Hardin Valley and Karns.

Hill beat Democrat Daniel Greene by 904 votes.

I appreciate the fact, and I think most people do, that we tend to be a very conservative county, both fiscally and socially, Hill told Knox News. I have concerns that if people who usually vote, that made us that way to start with, stop voting, that the trend is not going to be what we value here in Knox County.

Hill, 74, is the current chair of the Knox County Commission. She's a retired social worker who also served on the Knox County Board of Education. Greene, 36, is a branch manager at ORNL Federal Credit Union and the director of the Hardin Valley Planning Advocates, an organizing group that advocates for smart land development.

Knox County Commission District 8

Republican Adam Thompson soundly defeated his Democratic opponent to represent District 8. It includes the northeastern part of the county and the Mascot and Carter neighborhoods. GOP Commissioner Richie Beeler is not running for reelection.

Thompson beat Charles Chandler by 2,792 votes.

As the results come in, its a great day to be a Republican in Knox County, Thompson said. Im incredibly proud to call District 8 home, because we continue to uphold the traditional values that we were built on, from packed pews every Sunday morning to packed stadiums on Friday night.

Thompson, 43, is a sixth-generation farmer. Chandler, 85, is a Knox County Democrats Board of Governors member and student at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Knox County Commission District 9

Republican Andy Fox kept District 9 red.

Fox received 3,405 votes compared to Democrat Matthew Park with 3,184 votes and independent Stacey Bryan Smith with 252 votes.

District 9 stretches south of the Tennessee River to the county's southeastern border.

Fox painted himself as the underdog in the race to define a historically conservative district. I look forward to bringing what I campaigned on. I campaigned on being a conservative, an unapologetic conservative Christian, Fox said to cheers. I beat them all by the grace of God.

Commissioner Carson Dailey is term-limited and cannot seek reelection.

Fox, 56, is an attorney. Park, 34, is a technology consulting executive who serves as the president of the Island Home Park Neighborhood Association. Smith, 55, is a radio frequency engineer.

Knox County assessor of property

Republican Phil Ballard used his win to tout the Republican Party's slate of candidates.

Ballard beat Democrat Drew Harper by 4,952 votes in the countywide race.

Nobody gets here by themselves. Sometimes it does boil down to the quality of the candidates, Ballard said. The Republican candidates by far outshined the Democratic candidates.

Ballard, 70, previously served as property assessor for two terms. He took a break and now will be back in the job. Harper, 32, is a Knoxville property manager and developer at the Newberry Group who's focused on zoning and has a passion for walkable cities.

Knox County law director

Law Director David Buuck used his win to call for party unity.

Buuck beat Democrat Jackson Fenner by 5,834 votes in the countywide race.

The Democrats are organized and coming on, and the Republican Party has got to get itself together, Buuck said. Republicans have gotten lazy. Republicans have got to get out and vote.

Buuck, 77, served as deputy law director before his first term. Fenner, 47, is a private practice attorney.

Criminal Court Judge Division II Sixth Judicial District

Incumbent Judge Hector Sanchez, a Republican, ran unopposed.

"I am humbled and grateful and thankful to be unopposed in this election, Sanchez told the crowd. Without you, I couldn't have done this, and I'm very grateful and look forward to continuing in this capacity.

Sanchez, 40, is the first Hispanic trial court judge in Tennessee and is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County Commission gets another Democrat, but GOP holds majority
Democrats step up pressure on Trump to debate Harris in new swing-state ad campaign

Republican presidential nominee former U.S. President Donald Trump walks onstage at a rally on July 31, 2024, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Republican presidential nominee former U.S. President Donald Trump walks onstage at a rally on July 31, 2024, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The Democratic National Committee will unveil a confrontational digital ad campaign in battleground states, starting Friday in Atlanta, to press Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to debate Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee, States Newsroom has learned.

Trump has not committed to debating Harris, who has said she is eager to keep a Sept. 10 debate date that was negotiated before she entered the race.

The ads, which will blanket major newspaper websites in battleground states where Trump is campaigning, starting with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, call the former president afraid to debate Harris, according to a news release from the DNC.

The DNC plans to replicate the ads running in Atlanta on the websites of other major newspapers in swing states on days Trump will be stumping in those states. The ads will generally run the day of a Trump campaign event, but the first ads in Atlanta will run for two days, Friday and Saturday, ahead of a Trump appearance there Saturday, a DNC spokesperson said.

The unusual ad buy highlights parts of Trumps record that Democrats have been hammering throughout the campaign, including a conservative policy blueprint known as Project 2025 that calls for a nationwide abortion ban and the 34 New York state felony charges Trump was convicted of in May.

Trump is a convicted felon whose Project 2025 would ban abortion nationwide, one banner ad shared with States Newsroom before its launch reads. No wonder hes afraid to debate.

Trump and his campaign have worked to distance the candidate from Project 2025, which was created by the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, but have not produced a comprehensive policy document to replace it.

Debate about debates

Trump agreed in May to two debates with President Joe Biden, then the presumptive Democratic nominee. But weeks after Bidens poor performance in the first, on June 27, the incumbent dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris to replace him on the top of the Democratic ticket.

Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said in a July 25 statement that Trumps agreement to debate on Sept. 10 did not necessarily hold after Bidens withdrawal, saying the Democratic nomination was still unsettled.

Harris is the only candidate for the Democratic nomination, which will be finalized during a virtual roll call of Democratic delegates that started Thursday. She is scheduled to accept the Democratic nomination at the partys convention this month in Chicago.

The ads represent an escalation in Democrats pressure campaign to get Trump on a debate stage with Harris.

At her own Atlanta rally on Wednesday, hours after Trump made an unfounded comment about Harris racial identity, Harris challenged the former president to debate her.

Donald, I do hope youll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage, she said. Because as the saying goes, if you got something to say, say it to my face.

The Sept. 10 debate was set to air on ABC with moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News. Further details, including location, were set to be announced closer to that date.

Democrats have said Harris will still participate in the debate whether Trump shows or not.

No matter where Trump is on September 10, voters know where he stands, DNC communications director Rosemary Boeglin said in a written statement. Meanwhile, Vice President Harris will be on the debate stage to offer America the path forward  giving voters the choice to reject Trumps MAGA extremism once and for all.
Democrats step up pressure on Trump to debate Harris in new swing-state ad campaign

Democrats are launching an ad campaign pressing Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump to debate Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee. In this photo, the White House is seen on June 24, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Samuel Corum | Getty Images)

The Democratic National Committee will unveil a confrontational digital ad campaign in battleground states, starting Friday in Atlanta, to press Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to debate Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee, States Newsroom has learned.

Trump has not committed to debating Harris, who has said she is eager to keep a Sept. 10 debate date that was negotiated before she entered the race.

The ads, which will blanket major newspaper websites in battleground states where Trump is campaigning, starting with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, call the former president afraid to debate Harris, according to a news release from the DNC.

The DNC plans to replicate the ads running in Atlanta on the websites of other major newspapers in swing states on days Trump will be stumping in those states. The ads will generally run the day of a Trump campaign event, but the first ads in Atlanta will run for two days, Friday and Saturday, ahead of a Trump appearance there Saturday, a DNC spokesperson said.

The unusual ad buy highlights parts of Trumps record that Democrats have been hammering throughout the campaign, including a conservative policy blueprint known as Project 2025 that calls for a nationwide abortion ban and the 34 New York state felony charges Trump was convicted of in May.

Trump is a convicted felon whose Project 2025 would ban abortion nationwide, one banner ad shared with States Newsroom before its launch reads. No wonder hes afraid to debate.

Trump and his campaign have worked to distance the candidate from Project 2025, which was created by the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, but have not produced a comprehensive policy document to replace it.

Debate about debates

Trump agreed in May to two debates with President Joe Biden, then the presumptive Democratic nominee. But weeks after Bidens poor performance in the first, on June 27, the incumbent dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris to replace him on the top of the Democratic ticket.

Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said in a July 25 statement that Trumps agreement to debate on Sept. 10 did not necessarily hold after Bidens withdrawal, saying the Democratic nomination was still unsettled.

Harris is the only candidate for the Democratic nomination, which will be finalized during a virtual roll call of Democratic delegates that started Thursday. She is scheduled to accept the Democratic nomination at the partys convention this month in Chicago.

The ads represent an escalation in Democrats pressure campaign to get Trump on a debate stage with Harris.

At her own Atlanta rally on Wednesday, hours after Trump made an unfounded comment about Harris racial identity, Harris challenged the former president to debate her.

Donald, I do hope youll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage, she said. Because as the saying goes, if you got something to say, say it to my face.

The Sept. 10 debate was set to air on ABC with moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News. Further details, including location, were set to be announced closer to that date.

Democrats have said Harris will still participate in the debate whether Trump shows or not.

No matter where Trump is on September 10, voters know where he stands, DNC communications director Rosemary Boeglin said in a written statement. Meanwhile, Vice President Harris will be on the debate stage to offer America the path forward  giving voters the choice to reject Trumps MAGA extremism once and for all.
Democrats step up pressure on Trump to debate Harris in new swing-state ad campaign

Democrats are launching an ad campaign pressing Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump to debate Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee. (Samuel Corum | Getty Images)

The Democratic National Committee will unveil a confrontational digital ad campaign in battleground states, starting Friday in Atlanta, to press Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to debate Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee, States Newsroom has learned.

Trump has not committed to debating Harris, who has said she is eager to keep a Sept. 10 debate date that was negotiated before she entered the race.

The ads, which will blanket major newspaper websites in battleground states where Trump is campaigning, starting with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, call the former president afraid to debate Harris, according to a news release from the DNC.

The DNC plans to replicate the ads running in Atlanta on the websites of other major newspapers in swing states on days Trump will be stumping in those states. The ads will generally run the day of a Trump campaign event, but the first ads in Atlanta will run for two days, Friday and Saturday, ahead of a Trump appearance there Saturday, a DNC spokesperson said.

The unusual ad buy highlights parts of Trumps record that Democrats have been hammering throughout the campaign, including a conservative policy blueprint known as Project 2025 that calls for a nationwide abortion ban and the 34 New York state felony charges Trump was convicted of in May.

Trump is a convicted felon whose Project 2025 would ban abortion nationwide, one banner ad shared with States Newsroom before its launch reads. No wonder hes afraid to debate.

Trump and his campaign have worked to distance the candidate from Project 2025, which was created by the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, but have not produced a comprehensive policy document to replace it.

Debate about debates

Trump agreed in May to two debates with President Joe Biden, then the presumptive Democratic nominee. But weeks after Bidens poor performance in the first, on June 27, the incumbent dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris to replace him on the top of the Democratic ticket.

Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said in a July 25 statement that Trumps agreement to debate on Sept. 10 did not necessarily hold after Bidens withdrawal, saying the Democratic nomination was still unsettled.

Harris is the only candidate for the Democratic nomination, which will be finalized during a virtual roll call of Democratic delegates that started Thursday. She is scheduled to accept the Democratic nomination at the partys convention this month in Chicago.

The ads represent an escalation in Democrats pressure campaign to get Trump on a debate stage with Harris.

At her own Atlanta rally on Wednesday, hours after Trump made an unfounded comment about Harris racial identity, Harris challenged the former president to debate her.

Donald, I do hope youll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage, she said. Because as the saying goes, if you got something to say, say it to my face.

The Sept. 10 debate was set to air on ABC with moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News. Further details, including location, were set to be announced closer to that date.

Democrats have said Harris will still participate in the debate whether Trump shows or not.

No matter where Trump is on September 10, voters know where he stands, DNC communications director Rosemary Boeglin said in a written statement. Meanwhile, Vice President Harris will be on the debate stage to offer America the path forward  giving voters the choice to reject Trumps MAGA extremism once and for all.
Democrats step up pressure on Trump to debate Harris in new swing-state ad campaign

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he arrives to court for his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024 in New York City (Steven Hirsch-Pool/Getty Images)

The Democratic National Committee will unveil a confrontational digital ad campaign in battleground states, starting Friday in Atlanta, to press Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to debate Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee, States Newsroom has learned.

Trump has not committed to debating Harris, who has said she is eager to keep a Sept. 10 debate date that was negotiated before she entered the race.

The ads, which will blanket major newspaper websites in battleground states where Trump is campaigning, starting with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, call the former president afraid to debate Harris, according to a news release from the DNC.

The DNC plans to replicate the ads running in Atlanta on the websites of other major newspapers in swing states on days Trump will be stumping in those states. The ads will generally run the day of a Trump campaign event, but the first ads in Atlanta will run for two days, Friday and Saturday, ahead of a Trump appearance there Saturday, a DNC spokesperson said.

The unusual ad buy highlights parts of Trumps record that Democrats have been hammering throughout the campaign, including a conservative policy blueprint known as Project 2025 that calls for a nationwide abortion ban and the 34 New York state felony charges Trump was convicted of in May.

Trump is a convicted felon whose Project 2025 would ban abortion nationwide, one banner ad shared with States Newsroom before its launch reads. No wonder hes afraid to debate.

Trump and his campaign have worked to distance the candidate from Project 2025, which was created by the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, but have not produced a comprehensive policy document to replace it.

Debate about debates

Trump agreed in May to two debates with President Joe Biden, then the presumptive Democratic nominee. But weeks after Bidens poor performance in the first, on June 27, the incumbent dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris to replace him on the top of the Democratic ticket.

Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said in a July 25 statement that Trumps agreement to debate on Sept. 10 did not necessarily hold after Bidens withdrawal, saying the Democratic nomination was still unsettled.

Harris is the only candidate for the Democratic nomination, which will be finalized during a virtual roll call of Democratic delegates that started Thursday. She is scheduled to accept the Democratic nomination at the partys convention this month in Chicago.

The ads represent an escalation in Democrats pressure campaign to get Trump on a debate stage with Harris.

At her own Atlanta rally on Wednesday, hours after Trump made an unfounded comment about Harris racial identity, Harris challenged the former president to debate her.

Donald, I do hope youll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage, she said. Because as the saying goes, if you got something to say, say it to my face.

The Sept. 10 debate was set to air on ABC with moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News. Further details, including location, were set to be announced closer to that date.

Democrats have said Harris will still participate in the debate whether Trump shows or not.

No matter where Trump is on September 10, voters know where he stands, DNC communications director Rosemary Boeglin said in a written statement. Meanwhile, Vice President Harris will be on the debate stage to offer America the path forward  giving voters the choice to reject Trumps MAGA extremism once and for all.
Demonstrators killed as anti-government protests in Nigeria enter second day

The News

More than a dozen people have died in Nigeria in clashes with police during nationwide protests over the countrys skyrocketing cost of living and President Bola Tinubus decision to end a popular fuel subsidy.

Three states have imposed curfews in an attempt to curb the protests, and police have responded with force, throwing tear gas at demonstrators.

Nigerias protests follow a similar youth-led movement in Kenya, where demonstrators prompted the government to backtrack on a raft of financial measures.
MOGADISHU, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- An unknown number of people were feared dead after militants stormed a popular beachside hotel in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Friday evening, police and witnesses said.

Police and witnesses told Xinhua that a blast targeted Lido Beach hotel and restaurant, which is located near some government security buildings in the city.

"I heard two loud explosions followed by continued gunfire within the vicinity of the hotel. Gunshots could be heard from the beach area. There was an exchange of fire between al-Shabab fighters and hotel security," said a resident who did not want to be identified.

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the beach after militants opened fire at the hotel, witnesses said.

The number of casualties is still unclear. Locals said there were several people inside the hotel, which is frequented by senior government officials.

Witnesses said security officers killed some of the militants involved in the attack, and that a rescue operation is underway. 
DENVER (KDVR)  Police in Denver are investigating a homicide that happened overnight in the Highland neighborhood.

Just before 1 a.m. Thursday, the Denver Police Department said in a post on X that it was investigating an outdoor death in the 3500 block of Rockmont Drive.

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At 3:43 p.m., Denver police said a woman is dead and the case is now being investigated as a homicide.

Police said investigators are developing suspect information. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
A longtime deputy with the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office  who retired from the agency in 2022 but returned to serve as an on-call deputy  died unexpectedly Thursday.

Deputy Martin Garcia died at his home. A cause was not disclosed, but the Sheriffs Office in a social media post announcing his death called it unexpected and tragic. He was 54.

He will be sorely missed, Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper said online.

Garcia, who has been serving the community since 2002, was described by the Sheriffs Office as a dedicated and a beloved colleague. He served in the U.S. Navy before joining the force.

The Sheriffs Office said Garcia retired in 2022, but he returned that same year as an on-call deputy assigned to Sacramento International Airport.

Cooper said his heart is heavy for Garcias family, friends and colleagues.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow Deputies, the Sheriffs Office said.

My heart is heavy for the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Garcia. Marty was a dedicated Deputy, father, and husband. He will be sorely missed. https://t.co/jPY5oEGlbN  Jim Cooper (@SheriffJCooper) August 1, 2024
DES MOINES, Iowa  Less than an hour after a woman reported to Des Moines police that a man assaulted her, he allegedly did it again, this time landing her in the hospital.

Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department said 33-year-old Artee Smith has been arrested in the case. Smith was booked into the Polk County Jail just after 7:00 a.m. on Friday on charges of domestic abuse assault, dominion of a firearm by a felon, first-degree harassment, and first-degree criminal mischief.

Pleasantville woman accused of spiking husbands drink with eyedrops

Sgt. Parizek said DMPD officers were called to a house in the 3000 block of SE 20th St. just after 3:00 a.m. The victim told police Smith had assaulted her and threatened her with a gun on Thursday. Smith wasnt found at the location and officers helped the victim to a friends home to stay.

Officers were then called to the 2000 block of King just before 4:00 a.m., where Smith found the victim. A caller said the victim was being violently assaulted with a handgun. Sgt. Parizek said Smith pistol-whipped the victim and she suffered lacerations to her head and face. She was hospitalized for treatment of the injuries.

Smith was found in the area and arrested.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
The former International Order of Odd Fellows hall at 200 Euclid Ave.

The city of Des Moines plans to purchase and fix up an endangered historic building in the Highland Park neighborhood.

City inspectors designated the 117-year-old International Order of Odd Fellows fraternal hall a public nuisance and menace to health and safety earlier this year. Neighborhood Services first noticed that the flooring and roof was deteriorating in October 2023.

Now, the city will pay $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the 200 Euclid Ave. property. A resolution listed on the consent portion of Monday's City Council agenda, which will likely be approved without discussion, notes that staff will solicit bids for a general contractor to stabilize the property.

More: Des Moines City Hall to be emptied. What will become of the historic building?

After the fraternal hall is safe for use, the city will choose a developer to completely rehabilitate the building.

"It's great news," said Des Moines Heritage Trust Chair Tim Waddell, who listed the hall as one of the city's "most endangered buildings" on the trust's annual roundup. "It tells you that the City of Des Moines has prioritized it as a building that they want to see something happen to."

A photo from around 1920 shows the College Commercial District at the southwest corner of Second and Euclid avenues, with the I.O.O.F. Hall building shown on the left.

Not all buildings on the trust's list are saved. The Highland Park Apartments building, which was on last year's, has since been demolished in favor of a new, mixed-use development.

A communication to City Council members says that the city has an interest in intervening to save the I.O.O.F. Hall due to the property's historic value and potential as housing. The hall has 12 apartments that are currently vacant, and the last first-floor tenant, A to Z Pawn, moved out a couple years ago.

More: Specialty cocktail bar in Highland Park gets zoning approval

Iowa's State Historic Preservation Office will review and approve the rehabilitation work. Once the hall is restored, at least seven apartments will be designated as income-restricted, workforce housing for a period of 15 years.

What's the history of I.O.O.F. Hall?

The original Des Moines University across the street from the I.O.O.F. building and the College Commercial District.

Built in 1907, I.O.O.F. Hall served Highland Park College, which merged with Des Moines College and Central University of Iowa in 1918.

Originally a meeting spot for the IOOF fraternity, the hall became a landmark building in the commercial district of the college, which according to history website lostcolleges.com, closed in 1929. The campus was on the site of what is now Park Fair Mall.

Since 1930, several makeovers have reduced the size of the building's windows and removed its original lodge hall and offices. The entrance was moved to the corner and layers of paint obscured architectural details, according to the heritage trust.

More: French Way Cleaners building in Highland Park finally gets a tenant. What's planned?

Once an "obvious visual anchor" of Euclid/Second Avenue intersection, as described by a National Register of Historic Places Registration form, the building and its historical storefront have since been obscured by an awning.

"We would certainly like to see the brick restored, if possible, and the building returned to its original look," Waddell said.

Once it's complete, it'll be the "centerpiece" of the area, he said.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Addison Lathers covers growth and development for the Des Moines metro. Reach her at 608-931-1761 or alathers@registermedia.com, and follow her on X at @addisonlathers.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines to purchase, save endangered Highland Park building
An investigator with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office was arrested early Thursday on suspicion of killing his wife.

Detective John Byrd admitted to strangling his spouse after a heated argument Wednesday morning, according to a probable cause statement provided by the Mesa Police Department.

Byrd worked in the Investigations Division of the Family Violence and Trial West Bureau of the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, according to a page dated Feb. 28, 2023, on the agency's website. He previously worked as a detective with the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections and a criminal investigator with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, according to the webpage.

Mesa police went to Byrd's home Wednesday afternoon in response to a report of a possible missing person, according to police records. Officers reported Byrd's three children had been taken to the home of the person who reported Byrd's wife missing.

The police reported finding Byrd's wife dead on a bedroom floor.

Byrd was driving a car registered to his wife when he was arrested, according to police records, and he was taken to Mesa police headquarters, where he confessed to the killing, according to the probable cause statement.

"The defendant stated that during that argument 'a switch just flipped' in him and he put his hands around the victim's neck and strangled her to death," the statement reads. "The Defendant stated he knew what he had done was wrong."

Byrd told officers he had some mental health issues recently and was stressed about his home and work life, police reported.

Mesa police recommended Byrd be charged with one count of second-degree murder.

A spokesperson for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office confirmed Byrd's employment and said the agency was in the process of terminating it.

Mesa police will continue to investigate and the Pinal County Attorney's Office will handle the prosecution, said Jeanine L'Ecuyer.

"We at MCAO extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Byrds children and extended family, L'Ecuyer said.

L'Ecuyer said the Pinal County Attorney's Office would handle the prosecution.

The Pinal County Attorney's Office was aware of the incident but had not yet received a submittal from law enforcement as of Thursday evening, said spokesperson Mike Pelton.

Byrd was scheduled for an initial appearance at 11 p.m. Thursday, according to a spokesperson for the Maricopa County court system.

Reach the reporter at jjenkins@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maricopa County Attorney's Office detective arrested in wife's death
The July 7 mass shooting that claimed the lives of two young people and injured 19 others in a hail of bullets during an illegal east-side block party was gang-related, the Detroit Police Department announced Thursday.

At least one of the victims was the intended target at the block party on Rossini Drive near Reno Street, Detroit Police Chief James White said in a video update, but did not elaborate further. Details about the party had been posted on social media prior to the event, drawing over 300 people to the area, some from more than 50 miles away.

The public has demanded answers since the mass shooting, the state's worst since at least 2013. Many questioned why police hadn't responded sooner, despite several 911 calls to police about the block party growing out of control prior to the gunfire.

The block of Rossini drive and Reno street on the east side of Detroit where 21 people where shot and two people died during a large party early Sunday morning, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Assistant Police Chief Charles Fitzgerald confirmed the 911 calls in Thursday's video update, and also said a supervisor had even responded to the block party after a 1:31 a.m. call to police  about an hour before the shooting.

It wasn't a "priority one" call because there was no immediate threat, Fitzgerald said, and police were tied up responding to other calls. He did not provide further details.

"My neighbors, they throwing a crazy block party. It's too many kids. I'm not even sure a bunch of these kids are old enough to drink," one 911 caller told dispatch at 1:31 a.m. "They flooding my whole block. They doing too much."

Dispatch told the caller that police units were requested. At 2:20 a.m., another call, this time from someone who said they had called about 30 to 40 minutes prior but police hadn't responded: "A bunch of kids, they're out there very loud ... sounds like they might be fighting," the caller said.

And then another call, at 2:25 a.m.: "Somebody just shot at the house party," the caller said, followed by audible gunfire and background cries of a child. "Oh my God!

"One of them (weapons) is automatic ... the return fire, it's slower."

A 20-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man were killed. Among the 21 total victims, their ages ranged from 17 to 27; most were women.

No arrests have been made in the tragedy. There are several persons of interest, but many involved in the shooting will not cooperate with detectives, Fitzgerald said Thursday. Detroit police are offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

Over 100 shell casings were found at the scene, White said previously. Nine guns were recovered. And one of those guns had an illegal modification, a so-called Glock switch, which converts the semi-automatic handgun to fire as an automatic, like a machine gun pistol.

A frame grab from a video produced by the Detroit Police Department shows the guns that were recovered from a shooting at a block party on Rossini Drive near Reno Street in Detroit. One of those guns had an illegal modification, a so-called Glock switch, which converts the semi-automatic handgun to fire as an automatic, like a machine gun pistol.

Tips, which can be anonymous, can be sent to the Detroit Police Department's homicide unit at 313-596-2260, to CrimeStoppers at 800-SPEAKUP or to detroitrewards.tv.

A new 80-officer unit dedicated to preventing further bloodshed at unlawful block parties was announced by Detroit police in the aftermath of the mass shooting. Part of the police strategy includes responding to calls coming from block parties as priority one calls  police consider these calls life-threatening and respond faster.

Footage shows hooded persons of interest

Police on Thursday also released video surveillance footage from homes in the area.

In one video, six individuals identified by police as persons of interest, were seen walking toward the party, all wearing sweatshirts with the hoods pulled up over their heads. Another video showed a crowd surrounding two females on the ground fighting each other before gunfire erupted. Instantly, the crowd scatters.

In this frame grab from a video produced by the Detroit Police Department, individuals identified by police as persons of interest, were seen walking towards the block party on Rossini Drive near Reno Street in Detroit where a mass shooting took place. All the individuals are seen wearing sweatshirts with the hoods pulled up over their heads. Police released video surveillance footage from homes in the area.

In this frame grab from a video produced by the Detroit Police Department, two individuals are seen fighting before gunfire erupted causing the crowd to scatter on Rossini Drive near Reno Street in Detroit. Police had recovered video from various sources as part of their investigation.

Police also released a blurry still photo of at least one suspected gunman, who appeared to be shooting in front of a large vehicle.

And in body camera footage released by police, cries of agony could be heard as first responders tended to victims.

Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. She can be contacted at asahouri@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit police say illegal block party mass shooting was gang-related
Developers of the world's largest offshore wind farm submit plans for expansion  here's what the future holds

The world's largest wind farm is under construction, and plans have been proposed to add more capacity.

According to Interesting Engineering, the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, about 124 miles off the coast of Yorkshire, England, will have 277 turbines and a power rating of 14.7 MW for its first three phases. Construction started in October 2023 and is expected to continue through 2025.

Once complete, it's expected to have a "power generation capacity of 3.6 GW" and, at its peak, power up to 6 million homes.

The project developers, SSE Renewables and Equinor, have already started planning phase D, which would include extending the farm to 130 miles from the coast.

Since The Crown Estate is the "managing authority for seabeds around England, Wales, and Northern Ireland," the developers have sought permission for construction. If permission is granted, phase D will add a capacity of 2 GW when completed.

Dogger Bank's Phase D will also require an Environmental Impact Assessment before it can move forward because it is classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project due to power capacity.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wind farms can positively impact communities, including creating jobs and lowering electricity prices.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration's website said wind turbines are an emission-free energy source because they do not release polluting gases into the air. They also don't require water for cooling. In addition, they can reduce the need for energy sourced from dirty fuels like coal and gas, resulting in lower air pollution.

According to the World Health Organization, reducing air pollutants can also cut the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases.

The Dogger Bank Wind Farm isn't the only one expanding. In Mexico, the Cimarron wind project is adding 64 wind turbines to its capacity.

You can use your voice to ensure more wind farms like these are constructed.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois will co-anchor the CBS Evening News following the departure of Norah ODonnell later this year, the network said Thursday.

Dickerson is a former host of Face the Nation and CBS This Morning for the network. The former Time magazine White House correspondent has been anchoring a nightly newscast for CBS streaming service most recently.

DuBois, a veteran anchor for CBS local affiliate in New York City, has also contributed reporting to various CBS newscasts.

RELATED: Norah ODonnell leaving as anchor of CBS Evening News after election

The storied newscast, which Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather and Katie Couric have anchored, has been third in the ratings to ABCs World News Tonight and NBCs Nightly News for years. ODonnell, who is becoming a special correspondent focusing on big interviews for CBS, didnt move the needle.

Bill Owens, executive producer of CBS News most successful broadcast, 60 Minutes, will also become supervisor of the evening news, said Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations. Owens appointed veteran 60 Minutes hand Guy Campanile as executive producer of the evening news.

The Washington-based Margaret Brennan, moderator of Face the Nation, will lead the broadcasts coverage of political and foreign affairs. The evening news, which broadcast from a Washington studio to accommodate ODonnell, will move back to New York, CBS said.

The newscast also named Lonnie Quinn as its chief weather forecaster.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
How did residents vote in Cheatham, Dickson, Robertson, Sumner Counties' contested races?

Unofficial election results are in for Cheatham, Dickson, Robertson and Sumner Counties, where a handful of local races were contested on Aug. 1.

Thousands flocked to the polls to cast ballots early and on Election Day.

In Cheatham County, there were 2,261 residents who voted early, according to the Cheatham County Election Commission. Cheatham County has 28,680 registered voters and 3,850, or a little more than 13.4%, voted in this election.

In Robertson County, there were 1,269 residents who voted early and 127 voted by absentee ballot, according to the Robertson County Election Commission. Robertson County has 49,433 registered voters and 3,416, or a little more than 6.9%, voted in this election.

In Sumner County, 9,502 residents voted early and 467 voted by absentee ballot, according to the Sumner County Election Commission. Sumner County has 135,444 registered voters and 19,700, or a little more than 14.5%, voted in this election.

More: 2024 Tennessee Primary Election Results

Here are the local race recaps, with all precincts reporting, including early and absentee votes:

Cheatham

Town of Ashland City Mayor

Gerald Greer: 340

Kody Knight: 26

J.T. Smith: 304

Gerald Greer defeated incumbent J.T. Smith and candidate Kody Knight in Thursday's Town of Ashland City mayoral race. Greer secured 340 votes, beating out Smith by a mere 36 votes, according to the Cheatham County Election Commission.

Greer aims to manage Ashland City's growth in a financially responsible way and make the city safe for residents and the business community, he said.

"Ashland City is growing," Greer said during his campaign.

"As your mayor I will manage this growth in a financially responsible way, always with our taxpayers in mind. My goal is to make Ashland City a safe and attractive home for current and future residents, young and old, as well as for our growing business community."

More: Tennessee Voter Guide: A look at candidates in the Cheatham County Aug. 1 general election

Town of Ashland City 1st Ward

Incumbent Michael W. Smith won by a vote of 369 to 244.

Town of Pegram Alderman

Christopher Crump: 120

Randy Fiedler: 27

Leah Louallen: 215

Miranda Montgomery: 275

Bob Sanders: 217

Hope Tinsley: 42

Miranda Montgomery and Bob Sanders won seats on the Town of Pegram Board of Mayor and Alderman Thursday. Sanders won by just two votes over candidate Leah Louallen, who had 215 votes.

Dickson

School Board District 5

Joe Underwood (Republican): 350

Sherri Thiel (Independent): 551

Independent Sherri Thiel won a seat on the school board over Republican challenger and incumbent Joe Underwood. She secured the seat by more than 200 votes, according to the Dickson County Election Commission.

More: Tennessee Voter Guide: Dickson County races for the Aug. 1 general election

Robertson

School Board Zone 5

Incumbent Stephen Ayres won a seat on the school board over Republican challenger John (Jay) Lawrence by a vote of 429 to 338, according to the Robertson County Election Commission.

More: Tennessee Voter Guide: The candidates in the Robertson County Aug. 1 general election

City of Greenbrier Alderman Ward 2

Toni Carver (Independent): 33

Jeff DeLong (Independent): 69

Incumbent Jeff DeLong secured a majority of the votes Thursday and was re-elected to the City of Greenbrier Board of Mayor and Alderman.

Sumner

School Board Member District 8

Republican Meghan Breinig won against Independent challenger Todd Stephens. Breinig won a seat on the school board by a vote of 1,099 to 614, according to the Sumner County Election Commission.

Incumbent Ted Wise did not seek reelection.

More: Tennessee Voter Guide: A look at candidates in the Sumner County Aug. 1 general election

School Board Member District 9

Republican Kathy Stuart won against Democratic challenger Holly Cruz and Independent challenger Josh Graham for a seat on the school board. Stuart secured 1,113 votes, while Cruz had 704 and incumbent Graham had 404.

Several other races were decided in the March primary and were uncontested in the general election.

For a complete look at each countys election results, visit tennessean.com/elections/results/2024-08-01/tennessee.

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Who won election in Cheatham, Dickson, Robertson and Sumner Counties
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Police in south Afghanistan's Kandahar province have uncovered 240 kg of illicit drugs, including opium poppy, and dismantled a drug lab, provincial police spokesperson Mawlawi Asadullah Jamshid announced on Friday.

During operations in the Shorabak district on Thursday, three individuals were arrested while attempting to transport the drugs to another location within the province. The suspects have been referred to the judiciary for further investigation and possible legal proceedings.

In addition, police discovered and dismantled a drug lab in the Ghorak district of Kandahar. During the search operations, a substantial quantity of materials used in the production of heroin was seized.

The Afghan caretaker government banned poppy cultivation, drug processing, and trafficking in April 2022. 
In terms of rain from yesterday, we had a large variety of totals. Some totals ranged from as little as 0.25-0.50 while some received over 4 inches.

These downpours were helpful for some and caused some minor flooding in other areas. For the Dayton Airport, we picked up 0.42 there, which leaves us in a deficit of exactly 2 for Meteorological Summer entering today.

Storm Center 7 Weather Specialist provided some totals to show the vast differences and the two photos I used on News Center 7 Daybreak show the Huntsville and Versailles totals. Dunn also said a 5-day radar estimated total showed how some were very fortunate this week and others were not.

Some large swaths got 4-6 of rain this week.

In terms of drought, certainly, some are better off than others. Locally, moderate drought conditions persist from Dayton and points east. This remains unchanged virtually from last week.

Additionally, some abnormally dry conditions have been reintroduced for the northwest counties. As a reminder, this data for this weeks drought monitor was pulled using rainfall data from July 24th-July 30th.

So, Mondays intense rains were counted towards the newest update, but yesterdays rain was not. The 30-day percent of normal rainfall graphic shows places like Preble County have received close to 2.5 times the normal rainfall in the last 30 days, but places like Mercer and Champaign counties are not quite to normal rainfall.

Intense downpours on top of drier soils tend to run off and not soak in, which is not beneficial for drought-busting rainfall. Also, southeast Ohio continues to experience worsening drought. Severe Drought conditions are worsening with over 13% of the state in that category.

Dunn did some digging into several climate sites and a couple of other locations to see where rainfall stacks up for the Meteorological Summer season. While we are 2 below normal, other places are far worse.

Some spots are 3-5+ below normal rainfall around the state. This is dependent on rain falling at the specific airport for those locations, but it gives a good perspective. Toledo is above normal thanks to three single days totaling over 5 since June 1st in case you were curious.
(Bloomberg) -- JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon said the next US president must work to bring together a deeply divided nation as domestic and geopolitical issues mount, and said the business world should have representation in the Cabinet.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The private sector has huge wells of expertise and produces 85% of our nations jobs, Dimon said in an opinion piece published Friday in the Washington Post. It should have a seat at the table. Yet in recent years, government leaders have often failed to engage those in industry. A president should put the most talented people, including those from business and the opposite party, into their Cabinet.

Dimons piece comes as Vice President Kamala Harris gains ground against her Republican rival. Harris  whos running against Donald Trump after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign  has wiped out Trumps lead across seven battleground states, leaving the two candidates in a statistical dead heat, according to the latest Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll.

Trump said in a recent interview with Bloomberg Businessweek that hes changed his view of Dimon, whom he assailed last year as a highly overrated Globalist. The former president said he could envision Dimon  thought to be contemplating a political career  as somebody that I would consider for Treasury secretary.

I have a lot of respect for Jamie Dimon, Trump said.

Dimon didnt cite either presidential candidate by name, nor endorse either Harris or Trump, in his opinion piece.

The US is coping with challenging domestic issues and perhaps the most complicated geopolitical situation since World War II, Dimon wrote in the article. He called on the next president to unite Americans with regular, honest and open communication, saying that former presidents such as Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower guided us forward and the best leaders address broader interests of our country and dont pander to base politics or cater to extremes.

Recognize that voters are all different and have good reasons to think differently, Dimon wrote. Do not insult, stereotype, weaponize, scapegoat or gaslight. And do not attack them. Engage them. This takes bravery.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Disgraced former senator writing new book, claims he was collateral damage in attack on Trump

Former Sen. Brent Waltz is looking to capitalize on his status as a federal felon with a new book.

Tentatively titled POW: Prisoner of Washington, the memoir documents a conservatives journey through our justice system, according to a preliminary book cover Waltz shared with IndyStar.

Waltz, who is still on probation, said the book is scheduled to be released Aug. 20.

The publisher is Nashville-based Post Hill Press, which specializes in conservative political books. Its other titles include Laptop from Hell, a book about Hunter Bidens laptop by New York Post columnist Miranda Devine, and Government Gangsters, by Donald Trump advisor Kash Patel, who has threatened to come after political adversaries if the former president returns to power.

Disgraced former state Sen. Brent Waltz is looking to capitalize on his status as a federal felon with a new book, titled "Prisoner of Washington."

The contents of Waltzs book are still under wraps, but the cover suggests he will lean heavily into his previous claims that he was the victim of a political witch hunt targeting supporters of Donald Trump.

Waltz finished a stint last year at a low-security federal prison in Ashland, Kentucky. He pleaded guilty in 2022 to making and receiving illegal campaign contributions and lying to the FBI. The charges stem from a scheme to funnel casino cash to Waltzs unsuccessful 2015 campaign for Congress.

In a wild interview just hours after he was sentenced to 10 months in prison, Waltz told IndyStar he was merely collateral damage in the FBIs effort to attack Donald Trumps political infrastructure.

According to Waltz, the man federal authorities were really after was former Indiana casino mogul Rod Ratcliff, a major fundraiser for Trump. When they couldn't get him, they turned to Waltz and his co-defendant, John Keeler, who is one of Ratcliff's longtime executives and a former state lawmaker.

"I think that when the FBI throws a large bomb, there's a lot of people who get wounded in the explosion by the shrapnel, he said during a 2022 interview with IndyStar.

Prosecutors said Waltz, a Republican from Greenwood, benefited from more than $40,000 in campaign contributions from Ratcliffs casino company. To skirt limits on corporate contributions and hide the source of the funds, the money was funneled through a Maryland political consultant using fake contracts for services that were never provided, prosecutors said. The consultant then used the casino cash to reimburse individual donors to Waltzs congressional campaign.

Waltz told IndyStar he had nothing to be ashamed of. When asked if he was cooperating with the government, he simply smiled and held up his middle finger.

Former state Sen. Brent Waltz raises his middle finger when asked if he is cooperating with federal prosecutors. He made the gesture during an Aug. 17, 2022, interview with IndyStar at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Indianapolis. Just hours earlier, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison for his role in a scheme to funnel casino cash to his failed campaign for Congress.

I'm an Eagle Scout, Waltz said. I have spent many months of my life living in the woods, eating crawdads and dandelions. The jail food will probably be worse. But if Martha Stewart can do it, so can I.

He and Keeler are among three former lawmakers who have been convicted amid a long-running investigation into ties between Statehouse figures and Ratcliffs casino companies. Former Rep. Sean Eberhart was sentenced last month to a year in prison for influencing legislation favorable to Ratcliffs company in exchange for a promised job worth at least $350,000 a year. Ratcliff has not been charged with any crime.

In addition to working on his book, Waltz is also challenging his sentence in federal court, claiming he received poor legal representation. So far, the judge has not taken any action in response to Waltzs filings.

Contact IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at 317-444-6081 or tony.cook@indystar.com. Follow him on X: @IndyStarTony.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Brent Waltz, disgraced former senator, is working on a new book
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Officials say students at 57 Indiana schools will experience the outdoors during the 2024-25 school year thanks in part to a grant program that supports field trips to Indiana State Parks and other state park-managed properties, and some of those are in Southwestern Indiana.

Indiana DNR (DNR) says the Discover the Outdoors Field Trip Grant Program is for all K-12 schools and is administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF), the supporting nonprofit of the DNR. The individual grant limit for this school year was doubled from the previous school year. Grants of up to $500 are now awarded to fund transportation costs, program fees and classroom supplies related to the field trips. These donations have also allowed the program to more than double the total dollars distributed. The program is expected to distribute $24,966 this year, the largest amount in its existence. An estimated 4,809 K-12 students will benefit.

Victor Oladipo named to 2024 Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame

We appreciate the generosity of those who contribute to Indianas youth, INRF director Jody Kress said. We hope to see this program grow so we can educate more students across the state about our natural and cultural legacy.

Officials say the receiving schools and where they will visit are:

Vanderburgh County Corpus Christi  Evansville  Harmonie

Posey County Marrs Elementary  Mount Vernon  Harmonie St. Philip Catholic School  Mount Vernon  Harmonie West Elementary  Mount Vernon  Harmonie

Perry County William Tell Elementary School  Tell City  Lincoln



Officials say to donate to the field trip program, people can visit this 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
A Doctor Who episode co-starring Huw Edwards has been removed from BBC iPlayer after the news anchor pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children.

Fans are also calling for the 62-year-olds scene in James Bond film Skyfall to be cut as Edwards, once the BBCs highest-paid news presenter, was arrested in November  a development only shared with the public this week  and charged last month. On Wednesday, he made his pleas during a brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in the U.K. capital.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

The offenses are alleged to have taken place between 2020 and 2022. Edwards admitted to having 41 indecent images of children, sent to him by a convicted pedophile called Alex Williams on WhatsApp. This included seven category A images, the most severe classification, two of which showed a child between seven and nine, the court heard.

In the Doctor Who episode, which aired in 2006, David Tennant and Billie Piper (as companion Rose Tyler) travel to the future to the London 2012 Olympics, but find themselves once again saving lives when a young girl turns out to be accidentally making people disappear by drawing them. In one scene, Edwards voice can be heard from a televised BBC news report: My God, whats going on here? The crowd has just vanished, right in front of my eyes. Its impossible. Bob, can we go to you in the box? Bob? Not you too?

Later, when the tenth Doctor makes the crowd reappear, Edwards voice is heard again: Theyve reappeared. Its quite incredible. And a mystery man, weve no idea who he is, has picked up the flame. Its more than heat and light, its hope and its courage and its love. The episode is currently not appearing alongside the rest of series two on iPlayer.

A BBC spokesperson confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the episode has been removed while Edwards voice is dubbed over. As you would expect we are actively considering the availability of our archive. While we dont routinely delete content from the BBC archive as it is a matter of historical record, we do consider the continued use and re-use of material on a case-by-case basis, they also said.

Other film and TV fans are wondering what can be done about Edwards cameo in Skyfall (2012), in which he appears as himself reporting on a fictional attack on MI6.

BBC News faces bigger problems  and a lot more of the archive to sift through. Edwards was its most trusted presenter for years, leading landmark coverage for the broadcaster, including the announcement of Queen Elizabeth IIs death and the London 2012 Olympics.

The anchorman, who hosted the BBCs flagship News at Ten program, arrived at the court Wednesday expressionless and flanked by eight police officers. He faces a jail sentence.

Under British law, images can mean photos or videos. Making indecent images covers a range of actions per its legal definition. It can, for example, include opening an email attachment with an image, downloading an image from a website to a screen; storing an image on a computer; accessing a pornographic website in which images appear in pop-up windows; or receiving an image via social media, even if unsolicited and if part of a group; as well as live-streaming images of children.

The culture secretary, Labours Lisa Nandy, spoke to BBCs director-general, Tim Davie, on the phone Thursday to question the organizations handling of the case. A spokesperson for the U.K.s Department of Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) told The Hollywood Reporter on Friday that Nandy is shocked by Edwards abhorrent actions. The DCMS said it is now up to the judiciary to decide on an appropriate sentence for the former news anchor.

The BBC suspended Edwards in July last year, over allegations, also made by The Sun, that he paid a teenager for sexually explicit photos. Police did not take any action against Edwards relating to those claims, saying there was no evidence that a criminal offense had been committed.

As these allegations emerged, Edwards was confirmed by his wife, Vicky Flind, to be in hospital with serious mental health issues last summer. After taking a 10-month leave of absence, Edwards resigned from the BBC in April on medical grounds.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter
BATH, Mich. (WLNS)  Its been nearly 100 years since the tragic Bath School Disaster shocked the nation, where the school was bombed, leaving rippling effects to this day. Now, a new documentary series is bringing this story to life.

The screening for the first 2 episodes of Forgotten: Americas Worst School Massacre, happened Thursday, but its more than just a look back in history, it is part of a fundraising effort for a new project for the Bath School Museum.

(WLNS)

On May 18th, 1927, an explosion ripped through the Bath School building, killing 43 people and injuring at least 58.

My father was 9 years old in the 4th grade, he was buried alive, said Susan Hagerman, the president of the Bath School Museum Committee. He had a broken foot and a broken ankle. his hair was burned. his face was burned. his eyebrows and. his eyelashes. and he had cuts all over him.

Hagerman said that after the explosion, nobody spoke about what happened.

They just picked up. they cleaned up the mess. they took care of their dead and they just went on with their lives back then, she said.

Nearly 100 years after the disaster, a new documentary series is reminding people of what happened.

(WLNS)

We went through great effort to recreate these scenes with model ts and children dressed up from the period, said Matt Martyn, the producer and co-director of the documentary series.

After 19 years of interviews, research, and filming, Matt Martyn and his team at Ahptic Productions wrapped up the 3-part series, which features accounts from 7 survivors of the massacre.

These people serve as great examples of how these the most horrific things can be overcome, he said.

Martyn says with school massacres becoming more common, this story is especially relevant to todays discussion.

The documentary is actually going to be a fundraiser for our new museum building that were going to build right across the road, said Hagerman.

The current museum is based in the middle school and features photos, memorials, the American flag that hung over the building, and more.

The new one will also be able to hold a cupola that survived the explosion.

We want to keep it remembered because its part of our history, its who we are, said Hagerman.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
What does the containment percentage mean for wildfires?

DENVER (KDVR)  Several wildfires are burning thousands of acres in Colorado. And while some have not shown significant growth, they remain at low levels of containment after days of firefighting.

As of Friday morning, the Alexander Mountain Fire that started Monday has burned over 9,000 acres and is 5% contained, up from 0% on Thursday. The deadly Stone Canyon Fire that started Tuesday afternoon is at 1,553 acres and 30% contained.

The Quarry Fire, which started Tuesday and authorities are investigating as arson, has burned more than 400 acres. It was 0% contained until Friday morning when fire crews reported 4% containment. As of Friday afternoon, the fire is reportedly 10% contained.

Several Colorado areas under burn restrictions  what does it mean?

For most of the week, all the fires were 0% contained, even when there was no significant growth. But if a fire isnt growing, what do authorities mean when they say its 0% contained?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wildfire containment refers to the status of a wildfire suppression action signifying that a control line has been completed around the fire, and any associated spot fires, which can reasonably be expected to stop the fires spread.

During a press conference Thursday afternoon, Jayson Coil with the Southwestern Incident Management Team said authorities report containment as a percentage of a line that is controlled relative to the overall size of the fire.

If were at 1% and the size of the fire increased, which it has, then well drop below that number. As we add black to the map that represents areas of the fire that are contained, say if its 100 miles around it and weve got 10 miles contained, well report 10%, Coil said.

Colorado firefighting resources stretched thin by several wildfires

If the fire grew to 200 miles around, he said the containment would drop to 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 FOX31 Denver.
How does Miami rank for economic inequality? A new report shows Floridas income gap

Miami is a city of extremes: extreme heat, extreme food, extreme wealth.

But despite the citys lavish high-rises and world-renowned restaurants, nearly 19% of Miamians live below the poverty level, according to U.S. Census data from 2022.

Its these economic extremes that led to Miamis ranking as the city with the fifth highest income inequality in the country, according to a report by GOBankingRates.

Six Florida cities appear on the top 50 list, but Miami was ranked the highest in the state.

GoBankingRates, a personal finance and consumer banking website, used U.S. Census data from 2022 to compile its list of the most economically unequal cities. The report ranked each city with a measurement used by economists to quantify inequalities in income. The list includes cities with a population of 100,000 or more.

This isnt new, said Holly Bullard, the chief strategy and development officer at the Florida Policy Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on issues of economic mobility. In Florida weve been ranked very poorly over time in terms of income inequality, said Bullard, and the reasons behind the rankings are multifaceted.

So, what exactly is income inequality, and why are Florida cities experiencing so much of it?

Heres what to know:

What is income inequality and how is it measured?

Income inequality refers to how evenly, or unevenly, income is distributed across people in a community. If most of a populations income is consolidated among a small group, that population has higher income inequality.

Economists use a statistical measurement, called a Gini index, to represent income inequality.

In Miami, the bottom 20% of workers earn an average of $10,093 a year, according to the report. The top 20% of workers earn over 20 times that, almost $264,000 a year on average.

The top 5% of Miami residents receive an average of almost $525,000 a year, 50 times what the bottom 20% makes.

What Florida cities are in the top 50?

Here are the Florida cities ranked in the top 50 for income inequality:

 Miami (5)

 Tampa (8)

 Fort Lauderdale (15)

 Gainesville (22)

 Tallahassee (26)

 West Palm Beach (47)

Why are Florida cities in the top 50?

Several factors push Floridas high income inequality, said Bullard, most notably the states tax system and how little Florida spends on its people.

Florida was found to have the most regressive tax system in the U.S., according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a research center in Washington, D.C.

Due to Floridas low corporate taxes and lack of personal income tax, the lowest income Floridians actually pay the highest percentage of their income in taxes, Bullard said. This makes it easier for wealthier Floridians to increase their income and more difficult for middle and working class Floridians to catch up, Bullard said.

Floridas lenient tax system also leads the state to spend less money on essential services for low- and middle- income people, according to Bullard. Florida spends roughly $8,800 per person, according to the Urban Institute, a nonprofit focused on economic policy. This places Florida in the bottom five states in terms of government spending per-capita.

Bullard also cited barriers to workforce participation, like the high costs of healthcare and childcare, as factors in the states high levels of income inequality.

What city ranked highest for income inequality?

The city with the highest rate of income inequality is Atlanta, according to GOBankingRates.com.

Here are the U.S. rankings:

 1. Atlanta, Georgia

 2. Boulder, Colorado

 3. New Orleans, Louisiana

 4. Columbia, South Carolina

 5. Miami, Florida

 6. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

 7. New York City

 8. Tampa, Florida

 9. Cincinnati, Ohio

 10. Tuscaloosa, Alabama

 11. Shreveport, Louisiana

 12. College Station, Texas

 13. Little Rock, Arkansas

 14. Boston, Massachusetts

 15. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

 16. New Haven, Connecticut

 17. Houston, Texas

 18. Dallas, Texas

 19. Peoria, Illinois

 20. Berkeley, California

 21. Chicago, Illinois

 22. Gainesville, Florida

 23. Los Angeles, California

 24. Sandy Springs, Georgia

 25. Ann Arbor, Michigan

 26. Tallahassee, Florida

 27. Memphis, Tennessee

 28. Wilmington, North Carolina

 29. Richmond, Virginia

 30. Macon, Georgia

 31. Birmingham, Alabama

 32. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 33. San Francisco, California

 34. Washington, D.C.

 35. Baltimore, Maryland

 36. Cleveland, Ohio

 37. Providence, Rhode Island

 38. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

 39. Lafayette, Lousiana

 40. Tulsa, Oklahoma

 41. Stamford, Connecticut

 42. Pasadena, California

 43. Scottsdale, Arizona

 44. Oakland, California

 45. Athens, Georgia

 46. Hartford, Connecticut

 47. West Palm Beach, Florida

 48. Detroit, Michicgan

 49. Jersey City, New Jersey

 50. Waco, Texas
How does Modesto attract big chain restaurants and shops? You may be the key

What would your dream Modesto shopping or dining experience be if you had the power to shape your community? Area residents have a strong interest in Chick-fil-A, The Cheesecake Factory, an additional Trader Joes location, Nordstrom Rack and even Cracker Barrel, previous Bee reporting found.

With so many possibilities, how much influence can a citizen really have in bringing a national chain favorite to town? Jessica Hill, Modestos director of community and economic development, has the answers.

I would recommend an individual to contact our economic development department to let them know that theres interest in bringing this type of business to Modesto, she said. Department staff look at gaps in the market and existing services and will reach out directly to businesses to see what it would take to get them here.

Hill said the city can facilitate communication between businesses and property owners to find suitable locations. Keep in mind, because of zoning restrictions, not all locations are available even if they seem like a good fit.

There are industrial zones, different types of commercial zones, and residential zones, she explained. Lets say you wanted a big warehouse to go in where a shopping center was. That wouldnt be allowed because that would be an industrial type versus a commercial type activity.

The city outlines these zones for potential opportunities on its website and can step in to make accommodations when possible. Rezoning to accommodate a business requires approvals by the planning commission and sometimes the City Council. During the process, residents within 300 feet of the proposed facility will receive communication by mail informing them of this proposed change.

What should citizens do if they oppose a business coming into their area? We always encourage citizens to voice any concerns that they have, she said. They can go directly to our department or economic development division.

Many Modestans long have wanted a second Trader Joes location in the city. Signs asking the public to contact Trader Joes are posted along the corners of Century Center on Oakdale Road in Modesto, Calif. Jan. 3, 2018.

Heres what one sought-after eatery looks for

Hill said she frequently hears community requests for Chick-fil-A and the city has been trying to build that partnership. Finding the right location is the challenge.

For Chick-fil-A, they prefer right off the freeway. They prefer a big enough parcel to accommodate their long drive-thru. Trying to find what theyre looking for with the size of parcel has been something that the city of Modesto continues to explore, she said.

In some cases, the city wont even know of an interested business in the preliminary stages because private transactions occur between property owners and the national chain. In these cases, the city has little involvement besides approving building permits. This was the case with the recent closing of Marie Callenders and the McDonalds that will soon occupy the space.

Taking into account citizen requests, the economic development team recently attended the International Shopping Centers Conference in Las Vegas. Hill says, One of the biggest things is relationship building. Were creating those relationships and talking about, This is what Modesto has, this whats on the horizon, heres all the other development thats happening in Modesto. It helps create that relationship and interest by really sharing all the good things were already doing.

The city encourages citizens to visit www.choosemodesto.com for more information on economic development and to submit requests for new business at www.choosemodesto.com/let-us-help. Residents can submit also submit requests by email to Planning@modestogov.com or call Jessica Hill at 209-577-5321.

The economic development department is also hosting a series of free workshops in August to develop an economic development strategic plan. Residents can give feedback on what they hope to see in their city and learn tools to develop sustainable growth. Check their website for further information at https://www.modestogov.com/CivicAlerts
Almost as soon as Democrats started circulating the word "weird" as a primary attack on Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, the second-guessing began. Because some progressives can't help but turn to self-parody, we heard concerns that "weird" is a stigmatizing term that could be hurtful to those who "self-identify as weird." Some journalists got fussy about the word weird, because it violates a powerful convention of good writing: Be precise in your word choice. Jennifer Rubin of the Washington Post worried that "weird" could "downplay the threat" of Trumpism by "making Trump seem merely daring or irreverent." Historian and blogger Erik Loomis wrote, "It's not so much that Trump is weird ... as [that] he is probably the single worst human being in American political history."

As a writer myself, I shared this initial irritation at the word "weird." Yes, I laughed when I read the campaign memo from Vice President Kamala Harris telling reporters that Trump is both "old and quite weird." I snickered at the clip of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a sudden meme-hero, saying, "These are weird people on the other side."

Im telling you: these guys are weird. pic.twitter.com/fvNRNf7T7T  Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) July 24, 2024

But I also squirmed for the same reason as a lot of other people: "Weird" is a vague term, almost impossible to define. Like many media folks who have tried to assess the weirdness of MAGA over the years, I've been drawn to more exacting adjectives: Fascistic. Sinister. Sadistic. Unhinged. Sociopathic. But "weird" is undeniably delighting everyday Americans who just find Trump and his movement alien and disgusting. Furthermore, the word puts MAGA on the defensive, to a degree I haven't seen before. Trump booster Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old man who spends his days tweeting like a 15-year-old edgelord, complained that it's "dumb & juvenile." Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., self-owned in a big way, responding, "They called us weird so Ill call them weirder. Thats what I used to do back in high school." And this automatic self-refutation occurred on Fox News:

Hannity books Stephen Miller to push back on the weird allegations pic.twitter.com/vqKyFjSPMs  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 30, 2024

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As much as it pains a professional writer to admit this, "weird" works because of its vagueness and ambiguity, not despite it. "Weird" has an array of connotations, possibly dozens or hundreds. It can encompass a staggering number of diverse offenses the MAGA forces commit against decency, democracy, human rights and good taste. "Weird" is big enough to cover everything from Trump's tacky branded sneakers to proposals for genital inspections of student athletes.

And because "weird" can mean so many different things, it baits those who feel attacked into dumb definitional debates. These kinds of arguments over terminology can get ugly quickly, but what's unusual in this case is that they're redounding to the left's benefit. When conservatives attempt to respond with "No, you're the weird ones," gambit, they invariably cite the good kind of "weird," often with fun and life-affirming examples: drag shows, or the way Harris laughs at dopey mom jokes. Right-wing "weird," in contrast, tends to be creepy and obsessive, and centers on things like shaming women for being unmarried and having cats, or on whether Kamala Harris' ancestry fits with Donald Trump's bizarre conceptions of racial purity.

So:



We call Republicans weird because they want to track women's periods, prevent them from crossing state lines for abortions, and keep them as broodslaves.



They call us weird because we don't hate drag queens.



Think we got the edge here. pic.twitter.com/8ZvqIGzI4D  Roy Edroso (@edroso) July 31, 2024

Trump proved how getting defensive over the term "weird" only proves the charge. "Nobodys ever called me weird. Im a lot of things, but weird Im not," he raged in a hilariously weird effort to rebut the insult on Thursday. Politico snidely called this as an attempt "to play an Uno reverse card."

Trump (who is weird): Theyre the weird ones! Nobody's ever called me weird. I'm a lot of things, but weird I'm not. And JD Vance is not either pic.twitter.com/R4d8wh3qM9  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 1, 2024

Trump should know better. Vague accusations or opaque language to draw people into a debate is a highly effective trolling technique, long practiced by MAGA provocateurs. Trump is an ignoramus in most respects, but he's a proven master of this particular strategy. He regularly says things that could have multiple meanings, each with a different implied or possible level of harm, inciting lengthy disagreements about what he "really" meant.

Consider Trump's recent speech at the Turning Point Believers Summit in Florida, where he said that if he's elected, Christians "wont have to vote anymore," because "it will be fixed." Since this person literally tried to steal the 2020 election, it was reasonable to conclude that he was threatening to end democracy for good. But of course that turned into a massive quibble-fest, with Trump's defenders arguing that he simply meant that he'll fix all the problems in America, and Christians won't have to sully themselves with voting anymore. (No, it doesn't make sense. That's part of the troll.)

Trying to parse what a consummate liar like Trump "means" with any given utterance is almost always a waste of time. By being deliberately confusing, he kicked off a round of discourse that benefited his campaign in multiple ways. He managed to both reframe not-voting as a social good and to disavow his obvious anti-democratic views at the same time. He was able to communicate what sounded an awful lot like a promise of fascist revolution while also painting his opponents as "hysterical" for suggesting he would ever do such a thing. Whatever he "really" meant, he got people discussing something that was previously out of bounds in this country, which is whether an aspiring dictator would be doing you a favor by taking away the burden of self-governance.

Trump uses this technique to normalize previously off-limits ideas all the time. His infamous "very fine people" comment, in response to the 2017 white supremacist riot in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a classic example. Seven years later, people are still arguing over whether he really meant to call violent neo-Nazis "fine people," as if it were a whole lot better if he was just talking about other racists who showed up. His comments this week, accusing Harris of being dishonest about her racial heritage, are playing out the same way. There's been an explosion of chatter about what he was trying to say with the blatantly false claim that "she happened to turn Black." Is he trying to revive 19th-century "race science?" Is he accusing Harris of being a liar? Ultimately, such questions matter a lot less than the impact, which is to revive what should have been a long-settled debate a nonwhite person can be a legitimate presidential candidate.

But just because this kind of deliberate ambiguity can be used for evil doesn't mean it can't also be used for good. Progressives should not hesitate to provoke heated discussions about what is or isn't "weird," whether it's always bad to be "weird" or what the good kinds might be. Those kinds of debates will keep the spotlight on the MAGA-specific behaviors that most Americans consider pretty doggone weird, from the intense obsession with other people's bodies and sex lives to the pod-people cult of the modern-day Republican Party to Trump's old-school racist skull-measuring impulses. Keep on making Republicans deny that they're weird. The longer these battles rage on, the more they'll keep on proving how well it fits.
A fire truck is seen on the site of a fire in Manila, the Philippines, on Aug. 2, 2024. At least 11 people were killed after a fire broke out early Friday morning in a five-level commercial and residential building in Manila City in the Philippine capital, authorities said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

MANILA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed after a fire broke out early Friday morning in a commercial building in Manila City in the Philippine capital, a village official told a local radio.

Nelson Ty said the initial report from the firefighters and witnesses accounted for 11 dead bodies inside the building.

Among the dead was the wife of the building owner, whose body was found on the third floor, Ty added.

It took firefighters two hours to put out the fire. The bureau is investigating the cause of the fire. 

Fire barricade tapes are seen on the site of a fire in Manila, the Philippines, on Aug. 2, 2024. At least 11 people were killed after a fire broke out early Friday morning in a five-level commercial and residential building in Manila City in the Philippine capital, authorities said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

Charred windows are seen on the site of a fire in Manila, the Philippines, on Aug. 2, 2024. At least 11 people were killed after a fire broke out early Friday morning in a five-level commercial and residential building in Manila City in the Philippine capital, authorities said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

A fire investigator from the Philippine Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) works on the site of a fire in Manila, the Philippines, Aug. 2, 2024. At least 11 people were killed after a fire broke out early Friday morning in a five-level commercial and residential building in Manila City in the Philippine capital, authorities said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

Fire investigators from the Philippine Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) work on the site of a fire in Manila, the Philippines, Aug. 2, 2024. At least 11 people were killed after a fire broke out early Friday morning in a five-level commercial and residential building in Manila City in the Philippine capital, authorities said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

A fire investigator from the Philippine Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) works on the site of a fire in Manila, the Philippines, Aug. 2, 2024. At least 11 people were killed after a fire broke out early Friday morning in a five-level commercial and residential building in Manila City in the Philippine capital, authorities said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Dog Days of Summer at the Bossier Farmers Market

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Bossier City Farmers Market invites you and your pup to head out to their 9th annual Dog Days of Summer event this Saturday, August 3rd.

It takes place from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., on the south side of Pierre Bossier Mall behind Starbucks.

Organizers say there will be plenty of grass, cooling tents, and special ice pools for your pets.

They encourage you to bring your leashed pets and ask that you bring supplies to clean up after your furry friends.

In addition to the regular farmers market vendors there will be several special pet oriented vendors with pet treats, pet clothes, free samples, and more.

Admission is free and there is plenty of parking all around the market.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Dog of man shot and killed by Columbus, Ohio, police during the RNC finds new owners

Sam Sharpe wouldn't leave his dog, even when he was offered shelter.

The 43-year-old Milwaukee man was shot and killed by Columbus, Ohio, police on North 14th and West Vliet streets about two weeks ago.

Sharpe had been living in a tent with his dog surrounded by others when police spotted him and another man poised to fight. The out-of-state officers were in town for the Republican National Convention. Five Columbus officers opened fire on Sharpe as he held two knives and was appearing to lunge toward a 26-year-old man during the street fight. Sharpe died at the scene.

He didn't have any children, but he left behind a 3-year-old female pit bull named Ices.

"He viewed his pets as vessels of Jehovah's unconditional love and protection," said his sister, Angelique Sharpe. She said her brother willingly moved into a tent last year near King Park because he wanted to spread and practice his religion as a devoted Jehovah Witness. He was known by others in the area as "Jehovah."

Angelique Sharpe said when her brother's death occurred on July 16 there was a lot of confusion on what would happen to Ices. She said authorities initially wouldn't allow the family to have custody of the dog and instead Ices was handed over to the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission or MADACC.

She wanted to ensure that Ices would find a new home so she began to get the word out about finding new owners. A few days later, a couple who had recently lost their pit bull to cancer stepped forward.

Ices

"We thank MADACC, they took care of her, gave her some shots," Angelique Sharpe said of the care Ices received prior to being picked up from MADACC. "(Ices) was really happy to see us when we got her," she added. Afterward, Angelique Sharpe and her family took Ices to meet her new owners.

"They had a pit bull that looked just like Ices, except it was a boy," Angelique Sharpe said. "They have all of the space in the yard. All of the toys and equipment and everything that she would need. So it was like (Ices) lost her person and they lost their pet. And it was kind of like a divine assignment."

Ices' new owners declined to comment for this story.

Sam Sharpe just wanted to take care of his dog

Sam Sharpe's mother, Angela Games, still remembers when Sam brought Ices home as a newborn puppy three years ago. "He didn't get my permission or anything, I just see this dog all of sudden in my kitchen," she said.

Games said she named the puppy Ices because Sam's pit bull named Ice died following an illness that he suffered through along with Sam's Shih Tsz, Sugar. Both Ice and Sugar died during the pandemic.

Sam Sharpe with his dog Ice

Sam was like a dog healer, his mother said.

"People would actually leave their dog in my yard if it was sick because they knew Sam was gonna take it in and try to help the dog heal," Games said. "A lot of times he was able to do that and saved a lot of dogs. That's how we ended up with Ices."

The baby pit bull joined another pit bull, Seven, that Sam took care of. When he moved into the tent near King Park in roughly November, he realized that Seven needed a home as it became difficult to care for both him and Ices. "Seven didn't listen very good," Games said.

The tent encampment has grown to 70 tents and is often visited by community groups, like Repairers of the Breach, and university students offering help. Sam's sister, Angelique Sharpe, said Sam told someone visiting the encampment that it would be best if they took Seven.

Sam Sharpe with his dog Sugar

"He gave Seven to him because he thought it would be a good home," Angelique Sharpe said.

For Sam, he believed his mission was tending to his tent, practicing his religion, and taking care of Ices. He was often offered a warm place to stay during the winter months but those places didn't allow pets.

"Sam was not gonna leave his dog," Games said. "He was not gonna do that.

"His pets were his children. As sick as he would be, he would say, 'It doesn't matter, Mom, this is not a job for me. I have to get up no matter how I'm feeling and I gotta take care of my dog.'"

Funeral services for Sam Sharpe will be held Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Dog of man shot and killed by Ohio police finds new owners
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Three residents from Tulare County are facing charges for their participation in drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies in Operation SLO Ride, the Department of Justice announced on Thursday.

According to the DOJ, the initial indictment in the case charged 28 individuals, but now, the addition of Tulare County residents, Manuel Diaz, Daniel Alvarado, and Rafael Alcala Jr. brings the total number to 31 people who are being charged.

In July 2023, investigators gathered evidence regarding individuals involved in the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other narcotics in Tulare County using investigative tools that included confidential sources, surveillance, and wiretaps.

The operation resulted in the dismantling of a criminal organization in Tulare County. In March 2024, officials say law enforcement executed numerous search and arrest warrants in a coordinated takedown. According to the DOJ, the 31 individuals now stand charged with various drug trafficking, money laundering, continuing criminal enterprise, and illegal possession of firearms offenses.

The DOJ says that Diaz, Alcala, and Alvarado are each newly charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiring to commit money laundering.

According to court documents, Alvarado and Diaz as well as four others conspired to launder the proceeds of narcotics trafficking by transporting and transferring the proceeds from the United States to Mexico.

If convicted, the defendants face a range of sentences from 10 years in prison to life in prison, and some face mandatory minimum sentences of five and 10 years for drug trafficking offenses. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Five Americans have been charged with money laundering conspiracy charges connected to an international sextortion scheme that led to the death of a teenager from the Upper Peninsula.

Mark Totten, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Michigan, announced the charges Friday morning. The five men were arrested Thursday by federal agents and made their first appearances in court. They are expected to be arraigned in federal court in Grand Rapids in the coming weeks.

A teens death in a Michigan town led the FBI to an online sexual extortion scheme

The defendants are Brian Coldmon, 30, and Johnathan Green of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Kendall London Jr., 32, of Lithonia, Georgia, Dinsimore Robinson, 30, of Huntsville, Alabama, and Jarell Williams, 31, of McDonough, Georgia.

All five men face one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, they each face up to 20 years in prison.

Two men from Nigeria have already taken plea deals for their role in the scheme, tricking people into sending them explicit images of themselves and then using them as blackmail. In this case, investigators say the threats pushed 17-year-old Jordan DeMay, of Marquette, to take his own life.

According to plea agreement documents from a prior case, Samuel Ogoshi and Samson Ogoshi, of Lagos, worked with a third person, identified as Ezekiel Robert. They allegedly hacked social media accounts, posed as women, and convinced teens and young men to send them sexually explicit pictures. Once they had the pictures, the group threatened to send those images to the victims friends and family if they didnt pay.

Prosecutors allege the five defendants charged this week served as middlemen in the scheme, collecting the blackmail payments through common cash transfer apps, pocketing a portion of the money, converting the rest into BitCoin, and sending it on to the other members of the scheme in Nigeria.

Prosecutors say the sextortion scheme drew in more than $178,000 in blackmail payments.

UP mother shakes, cries as men plead in sextortion case

There were more than 100 victims tied to the scheme, including at least 11 minors. The youngest victim was 15 years old. In some cases, the men allegedly followed through on the threat and sent the images.

Court documents say DeMay sent $300 to the alleged blackmailers, but they pressed him for more.

When Jordan DeMay threatened to kill himself, Ezekiel Robert told him to do it, the documents read.

An undated courtesy photo of Jordan DeMay.

DeMay died of suicide in March of 2022.

Sextortion bills named for UP teenager who fell victim

The Ogoshi brothers face between 15 and 30 years in federal prison and are expected to pay restitution, as well. They are due to be sentenced Sept. 5.

Robert was ordered to be extradited to the United States in March, but he remains in Nigeria while he works through his appeal process.

Anyone who is a victim or knows someone who may be a victim of sextortion can reach the FBI at 1.800.CALL.FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
EDITORS NOTE: The following article contains graphic descriptions of child abuse. Reader discretion is advised.

BROWNWOOD, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Five Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities, including one in the Big Country, were found to have violated childrens constitutional and federal statutory rights, causing serious harm.

Evins Regional Juvenile Center in Edinburg

Gainesville State School in Gainesville

Giddings State School in Giddings

McClennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Mart

Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex in Brownwood

Two Brown County juvenile corrections officers indicted in separate cases of official oppression

Following an investigation by the Department of Justice a press release reveals that DOJ has reasonable cause to believe that TJJD violates childrens constitutional and federal statutory rights by subjecting them to excessive physical and chemical force, harmful isolation, and sexual abuse; failing to provide adequate mental health care; failing to provide appropriate special education and related services; and discriminating against children with disabilities.

The report states that in April 2022, a Ron Jackson staff member used pepper spray to end a fight without first attempting verbal intervention. The staff member allegedly gave no warning and seemingly waited for the fight to escalate before taking action. Multiple children in the room were exposed to the spray, and there is no evidence that the dayroom was decontaminated afterward.

In October 2023, a former Ron Jackson staff member was charged with assault after overhead surveillance and body-worn camera footage showed him lifting a child and slamming him to the floor, resulting in cuts and a concussion. In February 2024, he was indicted on the charge of official oppression.

OIG accuses former Brown County juvenile correctional officer of Tampering with Governmental Record

In April 2022, a Ron Jackson staff member allegedly pepper-sprayed two girls who were fighting in a dayroom. The staff member is also accused of kneeling on one of the girls backs while her face was pushed into the ground.

Surveillance videos also showed children sitting or pacing in the unit dayrooms with minimal or no interaction from staff.

In July 2022, the Office of Inspector General concluded that a Ron Jackson staff member had abused a child by enticing her to play with herself in her cell. This came to light when a staff member found the childs notebook with detailed notes of when the staff watched her masturbate. Investigators found that the staff member had turned off his body camera more than a dozen times during his shift on that day.

A December 2019 report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics revealed that 14% of the children at Ron Jackson reported being sexually victimized by staff or other children.

Juvenile justice employee arrested after being accused of having sex with inmate in Brownwood

Another child, who had previously received all academic instruction in a class taught by a special educator for children with IEPs, was placed full-time in a general education classroom. Staff allegedly removed all services provided by the special educator, stating they were not needed at this time without offering an explanation. TJJD attributed the childs poor academic performance to a lack of effort and lack of completion of assignments.

In response to these findings, the DOJ shared, We look forward to working cooperatively with Texas to reach an agreement on the remedies for these violations.

If state officials fail to adequately resolve the concerns, the Attorney General may file a lawsuit under CRIPA to address the deficiencies identified in the letter.

In a statement, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) shared that they have made several significant improvements in staffing, mental health care, and educational programs in recent years.

At TJJD, we are continually working to improve our operations and services to the youth in our care and the communities of Texas we protect. We have a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse and neglect and have always fully rejected any abusive behaviors at our campuses.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
The former CNN host's lawyers allege that Musk and X promised him significant financial benefits if he posted his news show to the social media platform

Marc Piasecki/Getty; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Elon Musk and Don Lemon.

Four months after Don Lemon announced that his streaming deal with Elon Musk's social media platform X had soured, the former CNN journalist is suing the tech mogul.

On Thursday, Aug. 1, attorneys for Lemon, 58, announced that they had filed a complaint against Musk and X (formerly Twitter) in the County of San Francisco.

The lawsuit claims that Musk and his social media platform  which he purchased a majority stake in back in April 2022  committed fraud and breach of contract, misappropriated Lemon's name and likeness and became "unjustly enriched" when the platform kept the money made from Lemon's videos and posts, among other allegations.

Lemon announced in January that he had partnered with Musk to create and promote The Don Lemon Show, which would facilitate "honest debate and discussion without the hall monitors" and premiere exclusively on X.

But just days ahead of the show's debut, Lemon revealed that Musk had backed out of their partnership at the last minute, forcing Lemon to stream the first episode of his show independently.



Related: Don Lemon Says His Talk Show Deal with X Was Canceled After Tense Interview with Elon Musk: 'He's Mad at Me'

Getty Images for CNN In this screengrab Don Lemon speaks during the CITIZEN by CNN 2020 Conference on September 22, 2020.

Lemon's attorneys allege that Musk canceled their exclusive partnership in a text to Lemons agent, using the words "contract is canceled."

Lawyers for Lemon, who was abruptly ousted from CNN in April 2023, allege in their filing that Musk and X said they would pay the journalist $1.5 million over the course of several business quarters for his show.

The suit alleges that X also offered Lemon several incentives, such as 60% of the gross ad revenue that X received for programmatic advertising generated from Lemons content on X, $500,000 in advertising credits on X, portions of X's revenue for content creators that Lemon referred to X once their revenue exceeded $350,000, and the option to renew their deal two more times after the first year.

According to the lawsuit, Lemon and X never had a written contract.

Related: Don Lemon Tells All: CNN, Nikki Haley, His Battle with Elon Musk and Who You Wont See on His New Show (Exclusive)

"During Lemons June 16, 2023 phone conversation with Musk, Musk asked Lemon to enter into an exclusive partnership deal with X and commented to him: 'I want you on the [X] platform' and 'this is what you should be doing,'" the suit alleges.

"Lemon expressed reservations about entering into a partnership with X due to the ongoing controversies surrounding the X platform," the suit continues. "In response, and to induce Lemon to enter into an exclusive partnership deal with X, Musk represented to Lemon that he would have full authority and control over the work he produced even if disliked by Defendants, and that there would be no need for a formal written agreement or to 'fill out paperwork.' "

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Tesla CEO Elon Musk arrives for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the US Capitol on July 24, 2024.

Lemon's attorneys also allege that Musk, who has more than 192 million followers on X at the time of publication, has "tweeted negatively about Lemon repeatedly" to his "very large audience" since March 2024.

"This case is straightforward," Lemons attorney Carney Shegerian said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "X executives used Don to prop up their advertising sales pitch, then canceled their partnership and dragged Don's name through the mud."

"You dont have to be a genius to see the fraud, negligence, and reputational damage here. Don is an accomplished and hard-hitting journalist whos committed to defending his good name and holding X's executives accountable," Shegerian continued. "We look forward to our day in court.

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Lemon's attorneys are seeking financial restitution and a jury trial, with the amount to be determined later in court, the suit states.

Musk responded to a report of Lemon's lawsuit against him in an X post shared Friday, writing: "He made a series of impressively insane demands. We declined. Therefore, there was no deal."



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Read the original article on People.
HUNTSVILLE, Utah (ABC4)  The levels of E. Coli at the Pineview Reservoir in Weber County has prompted officials to warn residents to stay away from the waters in the Middle Fork area.

The E. Coli counts taken in the Middle Inlet of Pineview were reportedly above recreational thresholds as of Thursday, Aug. 1, according to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

Sampling suggests that there is a high likelihood that harmful bacteria and/or viruses are present in the water, the DEQ said in a public health advisory. Getting this water in your mouth may make humans sick.

The public is advised not to swim in this area of the reservoir, or shower and dont swallow water if you do swim. Those who come in contact with the water should also wash their hands before eating or preparing food.

While it is advised you dont swim in the Middle Inlet, other areas of the Pineview Reservoir look good as of Aug. 1.

Originally, it was reported by the Weber-Morgan Health Department that Pineview Reservoir had reports of harmful algae bloom. Those reports were later corrected to reflect the high levels of E. Coli in the water.

According to the Utah DEQ, waterborne pathogens such as E. Coli, more commonly come from fecal waste, or poop. Fecal matter can get into the water from a number of sources such as dogs, sick people, leaky septic tanks or sewage spills, stormwater runoff, or agricultural runoff from fields treated with manure.

Swallowing E. coli-infested wasters can commonly cause symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, and rash.

According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, there are numerous steps the public can take to help reduce the chance of waterborne pathogens in Utahs reservoirs. This includes showering with soap and clean water before swimming, going to the bathroom before going into the water, changing diapers away from the water, picking up pet waste and properly disposing of it, and fixing any leaky septic systems.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Former President Donald Trump touted his endorsement wins in Tennessee and called Gov. Bill Lee a "RINO," a Republican in Name Only, after the two endorsed competing candidates in a heated state Senate race.

Trump took the swing at Lee in a social media post when namechecking Bobby Harshbarger, the Kingsport pharmacist who toppled incumbent state Sen. Jon Lundberg, R-Bristol, the powerful chair of the Senate Education Committee.

Harshbarger, the son of U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, had nabbed a Trump endorsement in the race while Lee backed Lundberg, one of the more influential senators at the General Assembly and a key ally in his quest to establish a statewide school voucher program.

"I went 10 for 10 on endorsements tonight in the Great State of Tennessee, including Bobby Harshbarger, running against a strong, long-term incumbent supported by RINO Governor Bill Lee. A Great Day for Tennessee  now on to a Complete and Total Victory in November. MAGA 2024," Trump posted on Truth Social following the election.

The comment highlights Trump's willingness to lash out, even at allies. Lee, a deeply conservative Republican who chairs the Republican Governors Association, has backed Trump, though he declined to weigh into the presidential primary this year before Trump was confirmed as the nominee. Lee even traveled to Milwaukee in July to help kick off the Republican National Convention.

"I certainly respect President Trump's decisions to weigh in to races," Lee told The Tennessean in Milwaukee when asked if he wished Trump hadn't waded into a local race. "That being said, I'm grateful for Jon Lundberg's work and what he's done to work with us. I'll continue to do everything I can to make sure he gets reelected."

The Senate District 4 race was heated from the start.

Harshbarger is the subject of a complaint with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance alleging coordination with political action committee East Tennessee Conservatives PAC, which sent text messages attacking Lundberg. The PAC shares a treasurer with Congresswoman Harshbarger's campaign.

Meanwhile, Senate leadership dumped money into Lundberg's campaign, eager to shore up support for the longtime incumbent and powerful education chair. Lundberg, who carried Lee's school voucher bill in the upper chamber earlier this year, was also backed by pro-voucher groups.

Harshbarger does not support vouchers.

Lundberg at the time brushed off the Trump endorsement, saying his rival "called his mom to bail out his failing campaign," the Tennessee Journal reported.

The East Tennessee Senate race was illustrative of ongoing trends in Republican politics in the Volunteer State, as GOP candidates race their competitors to the right on the political spectrum, bolstering ultra-conservative bona fides while attempting to paint their opponents as weak on conservative issues, RINOs or "woke."

More: How TN Republican primary races are pushing the party further to the right on key issues

As Harshbarger took campaign swings, groups like the Tennessee Conservative hammered Lundberg and other Republicans, considered staunchly conservative leaders in the General Assembly, as RINOs.

Vivian Jones contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump calls Gov. Bill Lee a RINO; touts Bobby Harshbarger win in TN
Donald Trump's Nephew Called Him a "Crazy Uncle" and Claims He Says the N-Word and Other Ugly Things

Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump stands with his grandchildren on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. - Image: Leon Neal (Getty Images)

You know youre wrong when your own family has to check you on your mess. Former President Donald Trumps nephew, Fred Trump III called his uncle out in a recent interview with ABC. During the interview, Trump III said every family has their crazy uncle. My Uncle Donald is atomic crazy.



Trump III is promoting his memoir All in the Family, where he details the Trump way and explains what led to him stepping away from the former president.

Ive always had a good relationship [with Trump], but hes done really horrific things to me, Trump III said in the interview. According to him, when his uncle was elected to office in 2016, Trump III saw it as an opportunity to use his uncles platform to advocate for the disabled. Instead, he said he was shocked when his uncle casually told him that people with disabilities should just die.



Trumps alleged comment especially hit home for Trump III whose son, William, was born with a rare genetic disorder causing severe developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Doubling down on his heartless sentiment, Trump allegedly told his nephew your son doesnt recognize you.

He alleges the former president continued with, let him die and move to Florida. Despite his outrage by his uncles comments, Trump III said that is who his uncle has become.

Although it should go without saying that any form of ableism or racism should hold no place in society or at the top of one of the most powerful nations in the world, those who defend Trump say the former president is not prejudice. In fact, the Trump campaign denies all negative claims made by Trump III in his book, according to WFAA.

Despite his self proclaimed innocence, the GOP nominee has a long history of incendiary remarks towards minority groups like the disabled, and Trump III said the former presidents insensitivity didnt just start when he took office.



During the ABC interview, Trump III also revealed his uncle used the n-word repeatedly when he was younger. Trumps nephew recalled a specific time at age ten, when he alleged Trump absolutely used the n-word twice, even though the GOP candidate denies ever saying it.

Trump III went on to say he doesnt think his uncle is a racist, but he said the former president is not afraid to use people, regardless of their skin color, as props.

Trumps nephew Fred Trump endorses Kamala Harris for president pic.twitter.com/SaBMvk7wZK  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) July 30, 2024

In another interview with The View, Trump III told viewers Vice President Kamala Harris has policies he can get behind. He said he would be voting for Harris come November, and if asked, he will campaign for her also.

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As Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro steps into the limelight as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, his record on handling sexual harassment claims against his aides and political allies is coming under tighter scrutiny. This week, the National Women's Defense League issued a statement warning that Shapiro, whose administration paid $295,000 in taxpayer money to settle a female government employee's complaint against a former aide, had enabled sexual harassment and reflected his office's "failures."

In the May 2023 complaint against former Secretary of Legislative Affairs Mike Vereb, who was accused of making crude and sexually charged remarks, the female employee accused Shapiro's office of pushing her out of a job for coming forward. After the settlement and ensuing non-disclosure agreement, Vereb remained in Shapiro's cabinet until September of that year, when he abruptly resigned as news outlets obtained the public records and prepared to report on the complaint that was filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

Governor Shapiros office should have done a better job preventing sexual harassment happening in his own office by former cabinet secretary Mike Vereb, including protecting the survivor who bravely came forward, ensuring that any other potential survivors felt safe in speaking up, and ensuring the harasser didnt have the opportunity to do further harm after the complaint, Emma Davidson Tribbs, director of the National Womens Defense League, said in a statement.

Tribbs urged the Harris campaign and Democrats to "consider the handling of past complaints of sexual harassment inside the Pennsylvania Governors office. The American people deserve to know that, if called to a higher office, Governor Shapiro will do more to ensure the safety and dignity of employees, volunteers and constituents in his office.

Other voices did not shy away from directly endorsing Shapiro's rivals on those grounds, including a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania Treasurer. "I want a VP pick that's secure enough 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. I want someone that can speak to rural voters. That is @RoyCooperNC," Erin McClelland wrote in a post on X, referring to the North Carolina governor who has since taken himself out of consideration.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that McClelland was likely referring to the Vereb sexual harassment claim, but she could also have been thinking of another landmine from Shapiro's past. After being elected governor in 2022, Shapiro appointed former Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Marcel Groen to his business development team, to the dismay of Democratic activists who had confronted him over his refusal, in their view, to seriously address sexual harassment complaints against several party officials. In February 2018, then-Gov. Tom Wolf forced Groen to resign from the chairmanship over his inaction. Groen then circulated a letter among Democratic leaders accusing whistleblowers of lying about their experiences of sexual assault to bring him down.

"When Josh Shapiro brings these sorts of men to his table before even taking office, the message is clear: He believes womens right to respect is not important," Gwen Snyder, an activist who had alleged sexual harassment against a Democratic delegate  an allegation that Groen dismissed  wrote in a 2022 op-ed. "Any and every gesture toward restoring Groens status within the party sends a clarion message that the era of accountability is passed."

"Unfortunately for Shapiro  and fortunately for the rest of us  Democratic women are not about to allow the misogynistic old guard to reassert its hold on the party apparatus. We are not going back," she continued.

Asked to comment on the handling of sexual harassment claims, a Shapiro spokesperson told Salon that his administration "takes take every allegation of discrimination and harassment extremely seriously and have robust procedures in place to thoroughly investigate all reports," adding that he has a track record of protecting survivors and prosecuting predators" as state attorney general and supports legislation to provide victims of sexual abuse with more legal recourse.

Shapiro is among a group of potential Harris running mates that also includes Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. While Shapiro has received praise for his communication skills and enduring popularity in a pivotal swing state that he won by nearly 15 points in 2022, some have argued that picking Shapiro risks fracturing the Democratic coalition over his support for corporate tax cuts and vouchers, as well as harsh criticism of pro-Palestine protesters and threats to sue companies divesting from illegal Israeli settlements. The re-emerging reports of sexual harassment in Shapiro's orbit are creating an additional problem, potentially hurting him with female voters and, if he joins the ticket, complicating Harris' attacks on Trump's own sordid record with women.

Harris will announce her pick by next Tuesday, when she kicks off a nationwide campaign swing in Philadelphia. Although the starting point kicked off a round of speculation that Shapiro was the choice, the Harris campaign has cautioned against reading too much into the location.
Laman Ismayilova

Nizami Cinema Center will celebrate Azerbaijan Cinema Day on August 2, Azernews reports.

The gala event, which marks the 126th anniversary of the Azerbaijani cinematography, will bring together public and cultural figures and film enthusiasts.

The ceremony will kick off with guests exploring the exhibition, which illustrates the history of the Azerbaijani cinema art.

By order of National Leader Heydar Aliyev dated December 18, 2000, August 2 was declared National Cinema Day, a professional holiday of cinema workers.

This day is commemorated annually with a range of events celebrating the rich history of Azerbaijani cinema.

Following the Lumiere brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, Russian photographer and cameraman Alexandre Michon began filming motion pictures showcasing daily life in Baku.

The first silent short film of the Azerbaijani cinematography titled "You are caught", premiered in Baku in August 1898, marked the birth of Azerbaijani cinema.

At the beginning of the last century, foreign film companies such as Pathe, the Pirone Brothers Society, and Film opened their branches in Baku and began producing films.

In 1916, a short film called "In the Kingdom of Oil and Millions" was shot based on the novel of the same name by writer Ibrahimbek Musabayov, and in 1917, "The Cloth Peddler" was produced based on the operetta by Uzeyir Hajibayli.

After the establishment of Soviet power in Azerbaijan in 1923, the Azerbaijan Photo and Film Administration (APFA). The first State Film Factory started operating on April 28 of the same year. The first film shot here was the feature film "Maiden Tower", based on a folk legend.

Today, local film companies are producing dozens of films that have gained international acclaim. The film production industry in the country is rapidly expanding, making it possible for a multitude of filmmakers to express themselves in different ways.
ANKARA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police detained 99 suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) group in operations carried out across 26 provinces in the past three days, the country's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said Friday on social media platform X.

The minister did not specify the time frame of the operations.

The Turkish government designated IS a terrorist organization in 2013, blaming it for a spate of deadly attacks in the country since 2015.

Turkish police have been regularly conducting counter-terrorism operations against IS members across the country. 
Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma wins National Affiliate of the Year

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma (DSACO) was awarded National Affiliate of the Year by the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) at their annual convention in Phoenix held from July 26-28.

The award acknowledges an affiliate group which demonstrated outstanding service on behalf of people with Down Syndrome and their families. Affiliates are assessed on their advocacy services, support to families, fundraising activities, relationship to the NDSC, local and regional programs, services, and community activities.

LOCAL NEWS: For LEGO lovers of all ages: Brick Convention returning to Oklahoma City

Among the awards, Heather Hancock-Blackburn received the Christian Pueschel Memorial Citizen award, for her national and state level advocacy efforts towards issues that impact her health and well-being.

Heather Hancock-Blackburn (left) and Sarah Soell (right) holding their awards at the National Down Syndrome Congress annual convention

Robin Kohn, Josie Kohn, Rylee Cole, Heather Hancock-Blackburn, Rachel Ribbe, Sarah Soell, Kathy Trout, Kerstin Soell, and Adie Trout, at the awards banquet

Families who were in attendance and represented the DSACO at the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention

DSACO was awarded National Affiliate of the Year during the annual convention held by the National Down Syndrome Congress

Hancock-Blackburn has been a long-time advocate on improving the lives of those with Down Syndrome and a supporter towards policies that open the doors of marriage for individuals with Down Syndrome.

DSACO is a non-profit organization and has served over 1,000 families in Central Oklahoma since being founded in January 2000. The organization has held over 300 outreach events and programs in just the past year and has committed nearly 1,000 hours in programs to help families and self advocates.

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma provides several programs, events, fundraisers and resources to support individuals with down syndrome and their families.

For more information about DSACO and the resources they provide visit dsaco.org.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
a photo of the audience at the hearting

Dozens testified against the Moriah Energy Center at a public hearing on Aug. 1, 2024. (Christine Zhu/NC Newsline)

Each morning, Jill Hoffman and her husband wake up to the sound of Dominion Energys bulldozers working on the Moriah Energy Center.

Theyve lived in a home on 16 acres of wooded land for 22 years and planned to retire there.

But theyre wary now due to their proximity to the planned liquified natural gas storage facility on 485 acres in southeastern Person County, about two miles from Durham and Granville County lines.

These chemicals cause cancer. These chemicals cause a multitude of other diseases. These chemicals damage our environment, Hoffman said.

Hoffman was one of 38 people who spoke out against the Moriah Energy Centers application for an air quality permit from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality at a public hearing on Thursday.

The hearing was held at Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson. Organizers could not find a suitable venue in Person County with room for at least 500 attendees.

Construction for the Moriah Energy Center began in early 2024, and its anticipated to be operational by early 2027.

The facility could emit 65,579 tons of greenhouse gases each year, according to Dominions Aug. 2023 air permit application to the state.

Over the course of nearly three hours, the energy of the room intensified. Attendees went from polite snaps of agreement to loud applause following each speakers testimony against the facility.

The first claps erupted early on in the night, after Jeff Hammarquist, 33, and his 12-year-old son Jeffrey spoke about the proposals detriments to their farm and quality of life.

Jeff Hammarquist said the pollutants would make the land uninhabitable for miles surrounding the facility to children, pets, livestock, and wildlife. He and his wife, Oci Canadas, have frequently voiced their disdain for the Moriah Energy Center.

We cannot and will not relocate, like my ancestors who were run out of Germany in the 30s, the elder Hammarquist said. By allowing Dominions air contamination of agricultural land, you take away the freedom of the working man, you take away their right to self-determination by sacrificing the last of Americas natural space.

For the sole witness speaking in favor of the center, there were muffled chuckles permeating his words.

Chip Prosser, vice president of transmissions operations, came to the hearing as a representative of the Carolinas Natural Gas Coalition.

With increased economic development in North Carolina, theres a need for more electrical power, he said, citing natural gas as the solution.

It offers a cost-effective solution for families and businesses alike, allowing them to thrive without facing high energy costs, Prosser said.

Speakers expressed distrust of Dominion Energy and its regard for safety.

Heidi Grable, a real estate agent, said she values the health and wellbeing of her clients, as well as the quality of the drinking water in the area.

I choose to help my neighbors and residents do well in life and financially benefit with their homes, she said. Theyre safe places to return after work, to live their lives, and to breathe.

Katie Moore, an environmental justice and air quality researcher, said the proposal disproportionately harms people of color.

She talked about historical instances in which government agencies excluded indigenous people and made harmful environmental decisions without tribal consultation.

Moore suggested attendees read On the Swamp: Fighting for Indigenous Environmental Justice, a book by Ryan Emanuel, a Lumbee hydrologist and tenured faculty member at Duke University. The text covers Emanuels experiences in dealing with similar environmental issues in Robeson County.

We ask you to deny this permit and we ask you to change the way that you do permitting, because its clearly not achieving environmental justice goals, Moore said.

Comments on the plan will be accepted by email, voicemail, or physical mail by Friday at 5 p.m. Click here to learn more.

Afterward, the appointed hearing officer will review all comments and give a recommendation to the director of the Division of Air Quality, who will make a final decision on how to move forward with the air quality permit. The process is estimated to take about two months.
A visitor looks around the jewel room of the Historic Green Vault in the Residence Palace. The Green Vault in the eastern German city of Dresden will soon be displaying jewels, which were stolen from it in 2019, from their original display cases. Oliver Killig/dpa

The Green Vault in the eastern German city of Dresden will soon be displaying jewels, which were stolen from it in 2019, from their original display cases.

Media representatives have been invited to the presentation on Tuesday in Dresden's Royal Palace Museum.

The break-in at Saxony's famous museum on November 25, 2019 is considered one of Germany's most spectacular art thefts.

The assailants stole 21 pieces of opulent jewellery stored at the palace, which is one of the oldest buildings in Dresden and home to one of Europe's largest collections of treasures.

They caused more than $1 million worth of damage when they set fire to an electricity distribution box in Dresden's Old Town and to a getaway car in the underground car park of a residential building to cover their tracks.

In May 2023, the Dresden District Court sentenced five young men from the Berlin Remmo clan to several years in prison.

The sentencing was preceded by an agreement between the parties involved in the trial, which involved the return of a large part of the loot, but there is still no trace of some of the most valuable items.
New drug liraglutide could provide hope as the next drug for Alzheimers

New drug liraglutide could provide hope as the next drug for Alzheimers

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Debra Wells, secretary of the Alzheimers Association board of directors, hopes a new medicine could give caregivers and their loved ones with the disease more quality time together, before the inevitable decline.

Debra states, Actually, my husband was one of the few people who got a noticeable relief from an old drug. It was effective for him, and it allowed me to have a little bit more of him back. His personality was there and where it had been gone for probably a year or more to a great extent.

Health officials say overall Alzheimers is ranked the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and the fifth leading cause of death among Americans 65 and older. But scientists in Philadelphia may have discovered a way to lower those rankings.

Jim Herlihy, the Alzheimer Association senior director of marketing and communications, tells WesternSlopeNow that a new drug, Liraglutide, has been shown to hinder the diseases effects.

Researchers have found that this medication, liraglutide, can have, or is believed to have effects on slowing cognitive decline. So that would be very significant because many of the same people who are living with diabetes and are overweight are risk factors for developing Alzheimers, Herlihy explains.

With this type of drug to be in the works, it can lead people to be hopeful.

Herlihy states, Alzheimers causes brain cells to shrink and the mass of our brains to shrink, and this medication has reduced that shrinkage by about 50%. These are the parts of the brain that deal with memory, learning, language, decision-making.

With the FDA possibly clearing this drug, there could be more time to spend with the people you love.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Drug overdoses in New York are on the rise. More than 3,000 deaths were reported last year alone, with 89% of them linked to the synthetic drug fentanyl.

Now there is renewed concern over a new ultra-deadly synthetic drug thats hitting the streets.

More Local News

The drug is powerful enough to sedate an elephant and just a grain of it is strong enough to kill a person ingesting it. Its known as carfentanil. It has been linked to at least seven overdose deaths in the city this year.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan is fearful that the number could surge.

She told PIX11 News, The street drug market has never been deadlier than it is today. You may buy something that will kill you.

Carfentanil is a powdery substance that comes out of China and is filtered into the illicit drug supply through Mexico. Brennan said undercover agents are stepping up efforts to identify the source and who is selling it. If it gets out of control as fentanyl has, overdoses could go up even higher than they are now and were at record numbers now. A tiny amount of it, a grain can kill someone, she said.

Over 1,000 illegal weed stores shut down in New York: Hochul

The presence of carfentanil has been seen in all five boroughs, but most seizures of the drug have been made in Brooklyn, including one in Bushwick.

According to Brennan, In the seizure some bags contained carfentanil, and the carfentanil was mixed with cocaine, with fentanyl, heroin, with any of the drugs that appear as white powder. She pointed out, Its not the people who use the drugs who are choosing it. They dont know theyre getting carfentanil mixed into their drugs that will kill them. Its coming from the sellers.

Alarmed by the uptick in overdose cases, both the city and state health departments have issued public health alerts warning against the use of this deadly new drug being slipped into already dangerous drugs.

Sheriff seizes 1,200 pounds of drugs in the Bronx

If the facts are frightening enough, the special prosecutor, added another sobering one, Fentanyl kills quickly but 100 times more powerful carfentanil kills much more quickly, she declared.

The drug is so powerful, it poses a threat to first responders and law enforcement who touch it by accident. Users exposed to carfentanil can experience dizziness, clammy skin, heart failure, and more. This is a dangerous drug that could cost you your life.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
WASHINGTON D.C. (WCIA)  Sen. Dick Durbin is pushing legislation to conduct more research into the future of quantum science with the U.S. Department of Energy.

Along with Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), Durbin is sponsoring the Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act, which would authorize more than $2.5 billion to the DOE.

Some of the items in the bill include reauthorizing and expand R&D activities for DOE, increasing interagency and industry coordination, and establishing new programs to support the workforce demands of the growing quantum R&D and commercial ecosystems.

Cant become law soon enough: Durbin speaks on Senate passage of DEFIANCE Act

For the last five years, the Department of Energy has pioneered research into quantum technologies to ensure the United States leads the world in computing, security, and connectivity. And whats more, Illinois is poised to become a global hub for technology and innovation as quantum computing takes center stage in our state. I want to keep that momentum going, Durbin said. Thats why Senator Daines and I have introduced the DOE Quantum Leadership Act to supercharge research, development, and commercialization of quantum technologies. With this legislation, we can ensure our DOE facilities, including Illinois Fermilab and Argonne National Labs, are well-equipped to lead this quantum revolution.

Several Illinois groups are in support of the bill including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago Quantum Exchange and the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity.

Attorney General reminds Illinoisans of new law preventing utilities from turning off power on hot days

Quantum technologies will revolutionize multiple industries, impacting our everyday lives and strengthening our economic and national security but only if we reduce barriers to commercialization, David Awschalom, the Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and Physics at the University of Chicago and the Director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange said. To realize quantums full potential, we need a robust supply chain, an inclusive and well-prepared quantum workforce that is large enough to meet fast-growing demand, and communication channels among government agencies, industry sectors, and other members of the ecosystem.

Illinois has taken steps forward for creating a new quantum campus in the state.

More information on the bill 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 WCIA.com.
Early voting is supposed to kick off Monday in Duval County. Polls will be open for almost two weeks ahead of the Florida primary on Aug. 20.

Election Supervisor Jerry Holland said there are 24 early voting sites this year which totals five more locations than the last election. He said these accommodations are to make voting in the upcoming primary a smooth process.

Holland said he urges all registered voters to take advantage of the additional voting sites when it comes to both early voting and turning in absentee ballots.

He adds absentee voting is just as secure as regular voting and there are drop-offs at the same voting locations.

We pay for the postage here in Duval County. However, if you think its more secure to drop it off, you can at the voting sites, Holland said.

He adds early voting is necessary because it provides additional time and options ahead of the primary. Voters can cast their ballots at more convenient times and locations.

On Election Day, there can be issues. You could have bad weather, a car breakdown, or a death in the family. I tell people all the time, theres no makeup day when it comes to elections. You cant bring a note on Wednesday and say I couldnt make it yesterday, how about today, Holland said.

Some voters walking around San Marco told Action News Jax they do plan on voting early this election cycle.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Im definitely planning on voting early. If can do a mailing ballot, Ill try to do that but if not, I will for sure vote early, Dave Cardona, an Orlando resident, said.

One Jacksonville resident, Renelle Scott, said voting early is the only way to avoid the extensively long lines on Election Day.

It is better to do the early voting and get it out of the way. Its more convenient and you can avoid all of the chaos, Scott said.

Holland said these 24 early voting sites are well spread out all across Duval County and registered voters should not have a problem finding a nearby location.

You can find your closest polling location here.

According to a news release, polls wont open on Monday if the city decides to shut down due to the incoming storm. No decision has been made yet.

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D'Vontaye Mitchell's final cause of death released, with restraint by security and effects of drug use cited

Medical examiners Friday ruled the death of D'Vontaye Mitchell a homicide, caused by being restrained by Hyatt Regency hotel security and the toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine.

The 43-year-old man died on June 30 after being held down by guards, spurring community outrage, frequent family protests, and calls for charges to be brought against those involved. The Medical Examiner's final reports were said to be the last hurdle for the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office to determine if they would file charges.

The District Attorney's office did not immediately respond to a Journal Sentinel request for comment.

Darrell Giles, on the left is the brother of the deceased, Nayisha Mitchell, on the right is the sister of the deceased, and in the middle, is the sister-in-law of the deceased, Candice Miller, seen with a picture of Dvontaye Mitchell, a man killed after being held down by security on June 30 outside of a Hyatt hotel in Milwaukee. 'We're going to miss his presence. He's a good brother, dad, cousin, son, friend- all of that,' N. Mitchell said. She described how he had a kind heart and a big heart and how they are going to miss having him at all the family events. 'The fourth is on Thursday and we have this big family picnic planned that he won't be attending. We all look forward to being together and having a good time together.' She said the security guards that held down her brother should be ashamed on themselves.

Will Sulton, the attorney for Mitchell's wife, DeAsia Harmon, and his daughter, said the report "confirms the obvious." Sulton said he meets with the DA's office on Friday afternoon to discuss the reports and that he planned to later compile and release video footage from the June 30 hotel incident that the public has not seen yet.

"The report confirms what we all saw on video, that Mr. Mitchell was murdered by Hyatt security officers," he said.

The manner in which Mitchell died  and its documentation by bystanders  drew immediate comparisons to the high-profile death of George Floyd, a Black man killed by police in Minneapolis after being held down that sparked police violence protests around the country.

The medical examiner report determined that Mitchell's cause of death was "restraint asphyxia and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine." The report said that Mitchell's injury occurred as he was "restrained in prone position by multiple individuals after drug (cocaine, methamphetamine) use."

Sulton was critical of the medical examiner's office's decision to include drug use in the report.

"I think it was reckless for the medical examiner's office to write the report that way. The reason it's reckless is because it gives a false impression that it had anything to do with Mr. Mitchell's death and it did not and they know it," he said.

The report also noted other significant conditions as hypertensive cardiovascular disease and morbid obesity.

Mitchell's family awaits charges

In July, the Milwaukee Police Department referred four charges of felony murder to the District Attorneys Office. For its part, the District Attorneys Office is reviewing Mitchell's death as a homicide case and is expected to make a "swift decision" now that the autopsy report has been issued.

Aimbridge Hospitality, the third-party operator of the Hyatt Regency, said it fired the employees involved in the death and Hyatt called for criminal charges to be brought against them in a statement.

Last week, the Mitchell family detailed how their monthlong push for charges was affecting them and have described him as someone who loved to dance, cook and help others in the family. At a public funeral, prominent civil rights leader and minister Al Sharpton gave the eulogy.

The family is represented by attorney Ben Crump, a high-profile civil rights attorney, who has pushed for the case to receive national attention.

A GoFundMe for the Mitchell family is available here.

David Clarey is a reporter with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The final cause of death of D'Vontaye Mitchell a homicide by restraint and drug use
Students returned to class at Davis Elementary School in Stockton on Tuesday, just one day before E. coli bacteria was discovered in the water supply, Lodi Unified School District officials said.

The district learned last week that there may be issues with the drinking water. While awaiting test results, the district set up hand-washing stations and had hand sanitizer and bottled water available for teachers and staff who returned to campus July 26, according to Mark Dawson, who works for Lodi Unified and oversees North Stockton schools.

On Wednesday, a day after children came back from summer break, San Joaquin County provided the district with test results that showed unsafe levels of bacteria in the drinking water. School leaders immediately sent a letter out to parents informing them about the situation.

We take safety for our students and our staff very seriously. And we wanted to make sure that we were providing everything that they needed, Dawson said.

Water faucets and drinking fountains around the school have been sealed off with plastic and tape, he said. Nutrition services also switched to using jugs of clean water for all food preparation and dish cleaning.

Dawson said most parents were understanding and grateful for the precautions put in place. He emphasized that it is not uncommon for a rural school site to have issues with well water.

Most E. coli infections are harmless but some can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia or sepsis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People can become sick from E. coli by swallowing food or water contaminated with the bacteria.

Lodi Unified has five schools that use well water, but only Davis Elementary School has received results for unacceptable levels of E. coli. Currently, 358 students are enrolled at the elementary school.

The school district planned to treat the water this weekend and test it again for bacteria contamination Monday. New results are expected back by the middle of next week, Dawson said.

To his knowledge, no students or staff have reported any signs of illness as of Friday.
LONDON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Britain's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) will return to stages in China next week with its first tour there since 2017.

"It's a tremendous honor for the RPO to be returning to China after quite a long absence," Huw Davies, RPO acting managing director, said during a press briefing on Friday.

The London-based orchestra debuted in China in the early 1970s and has regularly toured in various Chinese cities in the following decades. Its last China tour was held in 2017.

Noting that RPO has forged partnerships with many cultural institutions in China "in a desire to exchange knowledge and learn from each other," Davies said the orchestra is looking forward to "rekindling those friendships and relationships" and strengthening bonds with China to bring the joy of orchestral music to a wider audience.

The RPO will kick off this year's China tour on Thursday next week in Beijing. Over 11 days, it will present nine concerts with an orchestra of 94 musicians in seven cities, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wuhan, and Nanjing.

The tour will highlight "a blend of British, Chinese and Russian music," featuring pieces such as Benjamin Britten's Four Sea Interludes, Excerpts from the Crouching Tiger Cello Concerto by Tan Dun, and Symphony No. 5 by Shostakovich.

Vasily Petrenko, music director of the RPO, told Xinhua that they expect to show how different cultures and music genres can "merge together."

"The more we know about each other's cultures, the more links between us humans exist. For us, it's not just a musical mission or cultural mission; it's a mission to bring our countries closer together," he said, adding that he hopes music and culture can serve as a tool to unite the world.

Founded in 1946, the RPO has performed in venues across Britain and toured internationally, including in the United States, Japan, Germany, and Spain. 
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A large desert area in the east Las Vegas valley might play a big part in meeting affordable housing needs.

A map produced by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) revealed property along Hollywood Boulevard between Vegas Valley Drive and Flamingo Road has been reserved for affordable housing. The amount of land at the site is far bigger than any of the 45 sites previously identified in a cooperative effort between federal and local governments to solve the problem by selling BLM land at $100 an acre.

A large area of federal land in the east valley along South Hollywood Boulevard has been reserved for affordable housing, a Bureau of Land Management document reveals. (Google Maps screenshot)

Its just begging to be developed, Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom said in an interview this week. It would take a long time, but we could start right away.

Segerblom said he asked for the site  actually, three adjacent plots on the BLM map  to be included in a U.S. Senate lands bill. I did not know that this has been reserved, he said.

Its actually gorgeous property, Segerblom said, adding that its important to have a mix of development there  not just rows and rows of apartments. To not capture that land while doing this in the southwest valley would have been criminal, he said.

When the initiative was announced during President Joe Bidens trip to Las Vegas two weeks ago, almost all the 45 sites were sprinkled among existing neighborhoods or in gaps that havent been developed. None of the 525.5 acres was in the north valley or east Las Vegas, where theres a great need for more housing. Biden said the land would be used to build 15,000 affordable housing units.

PREVIOUS REPORT: 45 sites identified for affordable housing concentrated in southwest Las Vegas valley

If theres a not in my backyard sentiment in Mountains Edge and other southwest valley neighborhoods, Segerblom said thats not going to be an issue for this land on the edge of the east valley.

Its for the whole county. You dont have to worry about the neighbors complaining, you dont have to wait for roads to be built, Segerblom said. He represents District E, which includes the land along Hollywood.

8 News Now has reproduced the BLM map as an interactive Google map, below. You can zoom in and move around the map to see the approximate boundaries (shown as blue shapes) for the 45 sites and the newly revealed east Las Vegas site.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

You can click on a blue shape to see the cross streets and estimated acreage for each site. Acreage for the sites on Hollywood Boulevard was not provided. Two markers on the map show sites where boundaries were not provided by BLM  a Las Vegas site at Cliff Shadows Parkway and West Alexander Road, and a Henderson site at Roban Avenue and Gilespie Streen.

The boundaries also show the concentration of land in the southwest valley. The screen shots below show some of the areas with the most land currently on the list.

(Google Maps screenshot)

Mountains Edge is the site of the first plot that was identified at West Cactus Avenue and Castle Keep Street. That 20-acre site is already going through a public comment period as officials work to move forward with development.

Several of the largest sites are along Cactus, including a 45-acre area at Cactus and South Torrey Pines Drive, and a 40-acre site at Cactus and South Rainbow Boulevard.

(Google Maps screenshot)

Seven sites are scattered in neighborhoods near Blue Diamond Road near South Fort Apache, including one 37.5-acre site.

(Google Maps screenshot)

More sites have been reserved near West Windmill Lane and South Tenaya Way, not far from Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ennovi Advanced Mobility Solutions will close its East Providence plant and lay off the 205 people who work there in January 2025. (Carolyn Lavin for Rhode Island Current)

A Singapore-based manufacturer is shuttering its East Providence plant and laying off more than 200 local workers starting in January 2025, according to a notice filed with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training on July 31.

The pending closure of Ennovi Advanced Mobility Solutions plant comes less than a month after another layoff notice issued by Middletown company Kirby Perkins Construction. Kirby Perkins is not closing, but plans to lay off 58 employees in September, according to the notice submitted to the state.

Federal law under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requires companies to let state and town officials know about closures and mass layoffs at least 60 days in advance.

The pair of layoff notices, colloquially termed WARN letters, point to changes in company structure and project load as reasons for the respective layoffs and, in Ennovis case, an entire plant closure.

Neither of the companies affected workers belong to a union.

This action is due to a strategic realignment and consolidation of Ennovis North American manufacturing sites, Barbara Finch-Byron, human resources manager, wrote in the letter to DLT.

All 205 local employees who work within the Rumford plant will lose their jobs no earlier than Jan. 1, 2025, the same time the plant is expected to close, according to Finch-Byron.

Already, East Providence officials and manufacturing groups are making plans to find new jobs for the workers affected.

The City of East Providence has already begun collaborating with local manufacturers and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) to create a job fair for the employees impacted, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva said in a statement on Friday.

Another local manufacturer, igus Inc., has agreed to host the job fair at its Rumford offices next door to the Ennovi plant, according to the city. A date and time for the event has not been scheduled.

Ennovi, which makes electric vehicle parts, has 20 plants worldwide, including two others in North America: in New Jersey, and Mexico.

A company spokesperson did not return inquiries for comment about whether other North American plants would be affected by consolidation plants.

The company, formerly known as Interplex, bought the 120,000-square-foot industrial building at 231 Ferris Ave. for $500,000 in 2007, according to city property records. The site sits between a residential neighborhood and the Ten Mile River trail, directly adjacent to the Wolf School.

As of fiscal 2024, the property was valued at $3.6 million, with an $85,700 annual tax bill.

DaSilva did not respond to questions about how the plants closure would impact city tax rolls.

Separately, Kirby Perkins Construction is laying off 58 workers on Sept. 6, according to the July 8 letter from its president, Jerome Kirby. The company is downsizing because one of its major projects, restoration of the historic Miramar estate on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, is ending, Kirby said in his letter.

The company declined to comment when reached by phone on Friday.

Middletown Town Council President Paul Rodrigues and Town Administrator Shawn Brown each did not immediately return inquiries for comment.

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EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A company with a manufacturing plant in East Providence notified officials on Wednesday that it will be shutting down next year.

Singapore-based Ennovi Advanced Mobility Solutions sent a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification letter (WARN) to state and local officials announcing the permanent closure of its Ferris Avenue facility due to a strategic realignment and consolidation of Ennovis North American manufacturing sites.

As a result, 205 Ennovi employees are expected to lose their jobs as of Jan. 1, 2025.

Ennovi Advanced Mobility Solutions sign

In response to the closure, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva said the city is working with local manufacturers and plans to organize a job fair for the impacted individuals.

Felix Brockmeyer, president and CEO of Igus, agreed to host the job fair at one of its Rumford offices.

East Providence has been home to Igus for many years. We appreciate the people and support

we have enjoyed, Brockmeyer said. Seeing one of the organizations decide to leave

is sad, but we will do what we can to provide job opportunities and connections for those that are impacted.

The city is also working with Ennovi representatives to provide job placement assistance for its employees.

The date, time, and location of the job fair have not yet been announced.

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The federal watchdog agency responsible for protecting American workers from discrimination plans to furlough all employees for a day this month because of a budget shortfall.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the surprise furlough notice this week to roughly 2,200 employees, telling them they must take up to eight hours of unpaid leave on Aug. 30. It blamed mandatory and inflationary budget increases that didnt mesh with Congress keeping the commissions funding at 2023 levels: $455 million.

Despite efforts to reduce funding requirements by executing across the board program reductions and implementing a hiring freeze, we currently anticipate expenditures to cover necessary agency operating costs will be in excess of our authorized budget, the commissions human resource department wrote to employees. The notice says that if more than eight hours of furlough is necessary to balance the budget, a separate notice will be issued.

Each year, the agency fields thousands of discrimination complaints from U.S. workers and tries to secure monetary settlements and employment agreements. Last year, it helped employees receive $665 million in relief and filed 143 discrimination lawsuits.

Agency employees are represented by the American Federation of Government Employees. Council 216 President Rachel Shonfield called the furlough an unfortunate result of Congressional budget freezes.

EEOC employees will be forced to lose up to a day's pay at the end of August unless the agency can scrimp together enough money to make payroll and keep the lights on, Shonfield said in a statement to USA TODAY, adding that shortfalls and cutbacks already are affecting those who seek the agency's help with their own workplace issues.

Workers facing discrimination on the job are facing longer wait times for appointments because the agency does not have enough front-line staff, she said, and effectively shutting down operations for a day will only make those wait times longer.

The union called on the EEOC to increase the flexibility to work remotely, which would lessen the budget crunch by reducing rent costs.

Employees subject to the furlough can appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board or through a grievance. The board, however, is notoriously slow and accumulated a backlog of thousands of cases recently.

In fiscal year 2024, most federal employees received a well-deserved, but unfunded 5.2% pay increase, according to the agency. Plus, the EEOC had fewer staff departures than projected, partially causing the shortfall. It also pointed to substantial increases in security, rent, and required mission critical contract costs.

In response, EEOC leadership limited hiring, made across-the-board cuts to operating budgets, eliminated training funds, reduced travel and delayed construction projects  yet still did not hit the budget targets.

Charlotte A. Burrows chairs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

USA TODAY spotlighted other problems at the EEOC in 2021 related to staff shortages. More than a dozen investigators said they faced pressure to close cases as quickly as possible  to the point that they were abandoning clear and winnable cases of racial discrimination. Earlier that year, the agency faced backlash for reprimanding its own employees for speaking out about Black Lives Matter. Black employees described being disciplined for things as trivial as parking in the wrong places or addressing corporate attorneys by their first names.

Investigation: Employees at federal civil rights watchdog describe their own workplace discrimination, retaliation in Texas

Asked about the furlough, EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows issued a statement to USA TODAY that did not address the root causes of the budget problems. In it, she said, I will continue to advocate for funding that will enable the EEOC to meet the publics increased demand for our services and enforce all of the laws entrusted to us by Congress.

If the furlough is fully implemented, all EEOC offices will be closed to the public on Aug. 30, but the website and public portal will remain operational. It would be the first non-government shutdown-related furlough for the agency since 2013.

Nick Penzenstadler is a reporter on the USA TODAY investigations team. Contact him at npenz@usatoday.com or @npenzenstadler, or on Signal at (720) 507-5273.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: EEOC employees nationwide may be furloughed
Native Vote 2024. If you plan to vote this election cycle, registering to vote, or updating your information, is the first step to finalizing your plan. Whether you plan to vote in federal, state, or local elections, be sure to follow your states specific instructions for casting your ballot.

Each state has different rules and deadlines, so its important to plan and contact your local polling place. All states, except North Dakota, require voters to register in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

There are three ways to register to vote: online, by mail, or in person. The good news is nearly half the states allow same day registration; some even allow same day registration on Election Day. The National Mail Voter Registration Form can be completed online and printed out, or printed out to be filled by hand, signed and dated, and dropped off or mailed to your local polling site.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

Currently, 42 states allow online voter registration, while Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming do not.

Taking the step to register will provide clearer information for other election options, like learning about deadlines to register, requesting an absentee ballot, absentee ballot return deadlines, and dates for early voting.

If you or your family or friends live abroad or serve in the military, requesting an absentee ballot may be the only option to cast a vote. Its important to give yourself enough time to request, fill out, and mail back absentee ballots from wherever you live, especially if its abroad.

To register online, you may be required to enter your state photo ID or drivers license number to complete the process. If youve moved, it is recommended you update your address on your ID at least 30 days prior to voting.

In general, registering to vote requires your name, contact information-like phone number and email address, home address, and address where absentee ballot, if required, should be mailed.

Upon successful completion of registering to vote, you will be mailed a Voter Registration Card, which confirms that you are a registered voter. You do not need to present your card when voting, but many states require some form of ID.

Typically, the voter registration card contains your name, address, address of your polling place, and political party if you entered that on your registration. Voter ID laws govern what type of ID is needed to cast your vote. Requirements range from strict photo ID required, non-photo ID required, and no ID required. 24 states require photo ID, 11 states require non-photo ID, and the remainder require no ID. There are 36 states that have voter ID laws. Only 16 states accept tribal IDs.

In certain instances, voters may be allowed to cast a provisional ballot and will need to return with the required documents for their ballot to be counted.

To avoid any uncertainty or delays on Election Day, plan ahead, register to vote, and ensure your information and ID are up-to-date prior to heading to the polls.

Register to Vote HERE.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
The Rutherford County Election Commission will be certifying the Aug. 1 election results during a 5 p.m. meeting Aug. 12.

The following shows counts at 30 voting centers in Rutherford County after polls closed at 7 p.m. on Election Day:

Rutherford County Board of Education

Rutherford County Board of Education Zone 2: Stan Vaught, Republican nominee, 1,497 votes (60.85%); Robert C. Brooks, independent, 749 votes (30.45%); John M. Duncan, independent, 200 votes (8.13%)

Rutherford County Board of Education Zone 3: Caleb Tidwell, incumbent Republican, 2,337 votes (58.94%); Tiffany Fee, Democrat, 1,360 votes (34.30%); Lorri S. Johnson, independent, 268 votes (6.76%)

Rutherford County Board of Education Zone 5: Claire Maxwell, unopposed Republican incumbent and vice chairwoman, 1,373 votes (95.35%); write-in votes, 67 (4.65%)

Rutherford County Board of Education Zone 6: William "Butch" Vaughn, unopposed Republican, 2,697 votes (97.15%); write in votes. 79 (2.85%)

School board politics: Rutherford school board Zone 2 race gets divisive with RINO insult to GOP officials

Murfreesboro City Council, three seats elected at large as independents

Tim Gossett gets voting instructions from Janice Barkley as Gossett votes during the early voting period at the Rutherford County Election Office on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, for the August 1, 2024, Election.

Murfreesboro City Council: Shawn Wright, incumbent, 5,234 votes (22.62%); Bill Shacklett, incumbent vice mayor, 4,701 votes (20.32%); Kirt Wade, incumbent, 4,517 votes (19.52%); Kelly Northcutt, 4,309 votes (18.62%); Matt Herriman, 4,249 votes (18.36%)

City election: 5 Murfreesboro council candidates wrangle with growth topics at forum ahead of election

Murfreesboro City School Board, four seats elected at large

Murfreesboro City School Board: Butch Campbell, incumbent chairman, independent, 6,722 votes (27.56%); Jeanette Price, independent, 6,170 votes (25.29%); David Settles, incumbent, independent, 5,819 votes (23.86%); Jimmy Leo Richardson III, incumbent vice chairman, 5,431 votes (22.26%)

'We are so excited': Murfreesboro's Reeves-Rogers Elementary wins city expansion approval

State primaries for Tennessee General Assembly seats

State House of Representatives District 13: Robert Stevens, incumbent Republican, 2,246 votes (68.43%); Jami Averwater, Republican, 1,027 votes (31.29%); Jonathan Yancey, Democrat, 1,157 votes (99.14%)

State House of Representatives District 34: Tim Rudd, incumbent Republican, 2,196 votes (63.80%); Tucker Marcum, Republican, 1,233 votes (35.82%); Amelia Pant, Democrat, 1,547 votes (99.55%)

State House of Representatives District 37: Charlie Baum, unopposed incumbent Republican, 2,487 votes (99.32%); Cheri Brown, unopposed Democratm 1,289 votes (99.38%)

State House of Representatives District District 48: Bryan Terry, Republican incumbent; Matt Ferry, unopposed Democrat, 1,528 votes (99.41%)

State House of Representatives District 49: Mike Sparks, unopposed incumbent Republican, 1,595 votes (98.03%); Luis Mata, unopposed Democrat, 1,152 votes (99.48%)

State Senate District 14: Shane Reeves, unopposed incumbent Republican, 3,884 votes (99.03%); E.R. Smith, unopposed Democrat, 2,306 votes (99.35%)

GOP primary issue: Candidates for TN District 34 House seat (Rudd, Marcum, Pant) share views on growth taxes

State party officers

Democratic State Executive Committee, District 13: Matthew Burke, 4,237 votes (99.20%)

Democratic State Executive Committee, District 14: Matt Ferry, 1,742 votes (71.22%); Erick E. Huth, 695 votes (28.41%)

Rutherford County Road Board for nonpartisan elections

Rutherford County Road Board Zone 2: Keith Bratcher, unopposed independent incumbent, 1,993 votes (99.20%)

Rutherford County Road Board Zone 3: Michael A. Shirley, unopposed independent incumbent, 3,017 votes (99.60%)

Rutherford County Road Board Zone 5: Michael Anderson, unopposed independent incumbent, 1,558 votes (99.17%)

Rutherford County Road Board Zone 6: Elaine Williams, independent, 1,589 votes (52.17%); Paul Johnson, independent incumbent, 1,446 votes (47.47%)

Clearing roads after winter storms: 'It's very treacherous out there': Road crews hope salt will start melting snow soon

Federal primaries

U.S. House of Representatives 4th Congressional District, which includes Rutherford County: Scott DesJarlais, Republican incumbent from Sherwood, 9,873 votes (69.59%); Thomas E. Davis, Republican from Morrison 2,615 votes (18.43%); Joshua James, Republican from Murfreesboro who also serves on Rutherford County Commission, 1,666 (11.745); Victoria Isabel Broderick, Democrat from Fayetteville, 6,643 votes (99.36%)

U.S. Senate: Marsha Blackburn, Republican incumbent from Brentwood, 12,638 votes (87.26%); Tres Wittum, Republican from Nashville, 1,791 votes (12.37%); Gloria Johnson, Democrat from Knoxville who's a state representative, 5,247 votes (70.84%);Marquita Bradshaw, Democrat from Memphis, 1,693 votes (22.86%); Lola Denise Brown, Democrat from Nashville, 281 votes (3.79%); Civil Miller-Watkins, Democrat from Rossville, 174 votes (2.35%)

U.S. Senate race in 2018: Blackburn campaigns with NRA leaders at Outpost Armory

16th Judicial District for Rutherford and Cannon counties

Circuit Court Judge, Division I: Terry Fann, unopposed independent incumbent, 17,899 votes (99.25%)

Circuit Court leadership: New Judge Terry Fann takes oath of office in Rutherford County after 35 years as lawyer

Rutherford County government offices

Highway superintendent: Greg Brooks, unopposed Republican incumbent, 16,152 votes (97.31%); write-in, 446 (2.69%)

Property Assessor: Rob Mitchell, unopposed Republican incumbent, 16,031 votes (96.41%); write-in, 597 votes (3.59%)

Hearing on complaint: Ethics Committee asks DA, TN Comptroller to investigate Rutherford Property Assessor Rob Mitchell's Office

Lawsuit: 2 complainants say Rob Mitchell planned to cut their pay after they made formal complaints

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Election officials in Rutherford County release Election Day results
Voters in London Township have three contested races to choose from in the August 6 primary.

For supervisor, Republicans Chad Beauchamp and Penny Turner face off against each other.

Republicans Anita Straub and Amanda Taepke run for the clerk position.

Lastly, Democrat Kimberly Sharp runs the race for treasurer against Republican Melissa Beauchamp.

Supervisor

Penny Turner

No photo provided.

Age:

62

Occupation:

Semi-Retired

Spouse/kids:

John Turner

Adult Children Carrie Ison, Joselyn Foster, Mandy York

Government experience:

Served 9 years on planning commission, 2 years as Trustee, and currently Supervisor

Volunteer/community service experience:

Helped in several fundraising efforts

Why are you running for this position?

I have many things that I have started during my first term that I would like to finish. I have been working on getting reliable internet for our township.

What do you think is the main challenge facing London Township, and what should be done about it?

I think the main challenge is getting reliable internet. I am working on getting Federal/state grants to help with this.

Why should people vote for you?

I have several years of government experience. I have secured several grants for our community. We have used these to organize township clean ups at no cost to the residents. There is a lot more that I would like to get done. I am still wanting to get a small park area behind the hall. I am working on materials needed to apply for grants. I have developed good relationships with surrounding townships.

Chad Beauchamp

Did not respond.

Clerk

Amanda Taepke

Amanda Taepke runs for London Township clerk.

Age:

37

Occupation:

Milan Township Deputy Supervisor

Spouse/kids:

Gary Taepke is my husband. I have three children of my own and three bonus (step) children.

Government experience:

The following were duties/appointments within London Township: I was appointed Deputy Supervisor in November 2016 and served in that position until the end of the term, November 2020; Appointed Planning Commission Recording Secretary in June 2017 and served in that position until early 2021; I was the Deputy Clerk for a short time in 2019, as well as the Zoning Administrator/Code Enforcement Officer. I also held the Zoning Board of Appeals Recording Secretary position and filled in as the Building Secretary as needed.

I am currently the Deputy Supervisor for Milan Township (since March 2023), and Im a certified Election Inspector, as well.

Volunteer/community service experience:

My children joined the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. almost three years ago. Its been about a year and a half since my husband joined as a parent volunteer. Just a few months ago I decided to make it a full family affair and join as a parent volunteer as well! Our youngest is counting down the years until he can join! Its such a great opportunity for the kids, and for our family. Also, with the program, there are so many volunteer/community service opportunities. But its even better when you can bring that community service close to home - My family and I have participated in multiple cleanup days for our township and our neighboring township. My two older children participated in retiring an old flag and replacing it with a beautiful new flag. We had a small ceremony and it was an absolutely wonderful experience.

Why are you running for this position?

In a nutshell, Im running for London Township Clerk because I care about our community, and I care about our residents. Residents dont feel like theyre being heard, but I hear them. I see them. But from where Im sitting right now, I cant do much to help them.

What do you think is the main challenge facing London Township, and what should be done about it?

The biggest challenge I see at first glance is a lot of residents feeling unheard, unseen, uncared for. However, many residents are also frustrated with the lack of transparency from our township officials. Im running on the firm belief of our township needing some definite T.L.C., and while tender loving care is always needed, Im talking about transparency, loyalty, and communication. Township officials need to stay loyal to their constituents; this is a public service position. Officials should always remain transparent, and communication is key to making anything work properly. It boils down to SERVING the public who elected you.

Why should people vote for you?

Im ready to jump in with both feet and get to work for the residents. Im prepared to help in any way possible and am looking forward to removing barriers between the residents and the township. Residents (and property owners) deserve officials that are upfront and honest, who listen and consider all facts and details, and officials that are willing to work with them. Were all neighbors, and were all in this together. I see so much potential in our township and I would love the chance to show the residents what an asset I truly think I can be.

Anita R. Straub

No photo provided.

Age:

57

Occupation:

Deputy Clerk-London Township, Milan, MI

Spouse/Kids:

Engaged to Fred Verner (owner C&J Construction), 1 daughter and 1 amazing granddaughter

Government experience:

Deputy Clerk 2019-present.

I was appointed to the London Township Planning Commission January 2020 and served as secretary for 2 years.

Volunteer/community service experience:

Lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church-Dundee

I volunteer at my church with God Works Soup Kitchen community meals

I was a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator with Friends of Wildlife for over 23 years. Rehabbing native Michigan Mammals with most experience in cottontail rabbits, all squirrel species, raccoons and opossums.

Girl Scout Leader 1994-1998

Volunteered with the Dundee Jaycees in the late 1980s early 1990s

Why are you running for this position?

I love helping people. I have worked at the Township for five years and have learned so much, and I learn something new everyday. I want to help residents and property owners as best I can, if I dont have the answers, I will try my best to get them.

What do you think is the main challenge facing London Township and what should be done about it?

Even as a small Township there are actually many, solar, water, extractions to name a just a few. As an elected official you have to listen to ALL sides and also to listen to what is in the best interest of ALL the people, that is very hard at times, because tempers can flair as sometimes some may think of their own needs and they dont listen to others. I understand this and will do my best to help the people in London Township.

Why should people vote for you?

London Township is my home. My family has lived in London Township since the 1930s, I have lived in the Township for 32 years.

I have worked in customer service my entire adult life and love to help people.

I will listen to all sides. I know that these are not just residents, they are my neighbors and friends. I live here too. I will work hard to have transparency and open communication. I am not perfect, but if I make mistakes, I own up to them and I learn from them. The Clerk is a very challenging position, but I feel I am up to the task.

Treasurer

Melissa Beauchamp

Could not be reached for comment.

Lisa Moore

Lisa Moore runs for treasurer in London Township.

Age:

Chose not to answer.

Occupation:

Owner of Moore Realty Group for 7 years. Been in the real estate business for 24 years.

Spouse/Kids:

Chose not to answer.

Government:

4 Years as London Township Treasurer

Volunteer/Community Service experience:

I have been a part of the Monroe Legislative Committee in real estate for 11years. This committee helps protect Home ownership. This committee is volunteer. The committee raises money for RPAC ( Realtor Political Action Committee).

Why are you running for this position?

I am rerunning for the London Township Treasurer because I enjoy helping the residents with their questions and concerns. A Treasurer role often involves interaction with the residents and providing guidance on issues that raise with their taxes.

What do you think is the main challenge facing London Township and what should be done about it?

London Township's main challenge is the internet. In certain areas The residents don't have choices and are stuck with 1 servicing company. Working on getting more areas covered and more options for the residents.

Why should people vote for you?

Additionally, what sets me apart from the other candidates. I am here to help the township for the betterment of the community. I have streamlined the Treasurer department. I am not running on any agenda but to help the community. I want to help protect the residents rights on home ownership here in London Township.

Kimberly Sharp

Kimberly Sharp runs for London Township treasurer.

Age:

58

Occupation:

Accountant

Spouse/Kids:

Richard Jones; Richard Graf and Aaron Graf

Government experience:

Township Clerk since July of 2019

Volunteer/community service experience:

Former Huron Valley Humane Society Animal foster parent; Relay for Life Volunteer; Responsible for Toys for Tots collection drive at the TWP during the holidays; Special Olympics Volunteer; Habitat for Humanity Restore Volunteer; Salvation Army Bell Ringer; Participant in most TWP clean up activities; Former Foster Parent

Why are you running for this position?

Because I am the best qualified for the job. I have been an accountant for over 30 years. I have been reconciling with government agencies (taxes) and individuals/companies (accounts receivable/escrows) for 30 years. London Township needs the sharpest tools in their toolbox not someone who wings it.

What do you think is the main challenge facing London Township, and what should be done about it?

The biggest challenge any locality has in this day and age is misinformation. Social media makes the consumption of misinformation, by the misinformed or arm chair bullies, a big problem especially when those facts are delivered using half truths, opinion and innuendo. Educating and explaining to residents how things really work is needed to combat misinformation.

Why should people vote for you?

I will make the treasury available two days a week again to make it easier for residents to contact the treasury. I will also bring to the township electronic payment options for residents to pay their taxes and pay for building permits. This will make it easier for the residents who cannot come to the hall during normal business hours or are mobility challenged. I have been an auditor and know how to review the General Ledger to correct posting errors as I have been doing this for the last 5 years.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Contested races preview in London Township
Vice President Kamala Harris greets reporter Evan Gershkovich at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Thursday night following his release as part of a prisoner swap between Russia and Western nations. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

When the Americans freed from Russia stepped on U.S. soil late Thursday night, the first hugs came from a beaming President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The scene showed a dramatic, poignant and possibly lifesaving rescue of U.S. citizens the administration says were wrongly detained.

It was also the kind of image political election campaigns would pay a fortune to get.

Politics, perhaps inevitably, became a subtext to the multinational swap that freed 16 prisoners the West sought from Russia and sent eight suspected spies and at least one convicted assassin back to Russia.

Biden, in announcing the hard-fought deal, credited the relationships with U.S. allies, especially Germany, that he had worked to repair after the era in which then-President Trump was dismissive of such partnerships. Even now, Republicans are campaigning on a platform that promotes isolationism.

"Allies matter," Biden said from the White House earlier Thursday, surrounded by families of the prisoners as he announced the swap was underway.

"For anyone who questions whether allies matter, they do," he said in an unsubtle dig at the GOP. "Today is a powerful example of why its vital to have friends in this world. Friends you can trust, work with and depend upon, especially on matters of great consequence and sensitivity like this."

Read more: With $310 million, Harris raised more than twice as much as Trump in July

Biden noted that Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Turkey, as well as Germany, had to be persuaded to make "bold and brave" decisions to cooperate, in some cases agreeing to release criminals without receiving anything in exchange. All five countries are members of NATO, which Trump has long criticized.

Biden was able to burnish his legacy as a world leader with keen diplomatic skills in the twilight of his long political career, a redemptive and validating moment for a man essentially being forced aside.

At the same time, administration officials were deliberate in placing Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, in the center of the picture. They emphasized what they described as her role in sealing the deal, including a one-on-one meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a reluctant participant in the exchange.

Scholz's assent was essential because the release from German prison of a convicted Russian government assassin  who had killed a former Chechen rebel in broad daylight in the middle of Berlin  satisfied Russian President Vladimir Putin's top-of-the-list demand. (Germany received five of its citizens who had been imprisoned in Russia.)

Administration officials also saw to it that Harris was at Joint Base Andrews, site of the U.S. military airport outside Washington where the freed Americans arrived, in time Thursday night to be part of the reception. Earlier Thursday, her participation was not certain because she was in Texas delivering a eulogy at the funeral for Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

Read more: Kamala Harris celebrates the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as a 'force of nature' and mentor

This is an incredible day and you can see it in the families and in their eyes, Harris said from the tarmac where the freed Americans landed. The former captives, she said, showed "incredible courage in the face of atrocious and devastating circumstances."

She both reveled in the heady moment and praised her boss and what his policies  many of them hers too  can accomplish.

"This is an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and strengthening alliances, she said.

Whether or not by design, the deal also proved Trump wrong when he recently suggested that only he would be able to free the most high-profile of the captive Americans, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, because of his friendship with the autocratic president of Russia. He had said Putin would release the reporter as a "favor" if Trump wins the election.

It is not clear what impact any of this will have for voters.

But Trump was not waiting to find out. He swiftly launched into a rant disparaging the prisoner swap, suggesting without evidence that the administration may have paid cash for the release of Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan. U.S. officials said they did not pay Russia anything nor agree to ease any of the many sanctions Washington has imposed since Putin invaded Ukraine.

U.S. negotiators were "an embarrassment," Trump said.

Theyre calling the trade complex," the Republican presidential nominee wrote on his social media platform. "Thats so nobody can figure out how bad it is!

Every president in recent years, including Trump, has overseen deals to free U.S. citizens from imprisonment in foreign countries.

Biden, asked during his White House remarks about Trump's brags that he could have freed hostages without giving up anything, said curtly: "Why didn't he do it when he was president?"

Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, made the unusual assertion that Moscow acted out of fear of a Trump presidency.

"We have to ask ourselves, why are they coming home?" he said on CNN. "And I think it's because bad guys all over the world recognize Donald Trump's about to be back in office, so they're cleaning house. ...

"That's a good thing, and I think it's a testament to Donald Trump's strength," Vance said.

The comment left senior administration officials scratching their heads.

Well, on the last comment, I  I dont  I dont know what to say," White House national security spokesman John F. Kirby said Friday on CNN.

"There's absolutely zero evidence at all that this deal was brought about because of some potential fear of who might be the next president," Kirby said.

As positive and optimistic as the scenes of the return were, Democrats might have a reluctance over using the images in the campaign. The prisoner swap carries some baggage: Those Russians freed from Western custody in the exchange include convicted criminals.

Read more: As Harris rises in polls, Trump makes false claim about her Black identity in combative interview

In addition to the government assassin, there was a sleeper cell posing as a married Argentine couple with kids while spying; suspected malicious computer hackers; and people accused of busting sanctions to steal U.S. military technology for Russia, presumably to use in its war in Ukraine.

By contrast, the prisoners who Russia freed were seen by the U.S. as innocents  journalists and peaceful opponents to the Putin government.

Critics also note that these exchanges risk sending a message that rogue nations or entities can capture Americans or other Westerners, and the U.S. will make a deal.

We need to find a way to break the cycle of innocent people being imprisoned in Russia on trumped-up charges and used as bargaining chips by Putin to secure the release of stone-cold killers who acted on his behalf," Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said. "Russia needs to pay a heavier price in the future when they turn innocent people into pawns for their corrupt regime.

Biden's account on X, meanwhile, features photos and videos of the Americans formerly held captive joyfully embracing relatives. "Tonight is about reuniting families," Biden wrote in one post. "Welcome home, Paul, Evan, and Alsu. You're right where you belong."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
DENVER (KDVR)  Wildfire danger is high in Colorado, so much so that a fallen bird was to blame for a Wednesday wildfire near a restaurant in Morrison.

Fire crews responded to the fire Wednesday afternoon near Colorado State Highway 8 and U.S. 285. It burned about three acres of grass and brush oak.

The fire was contained within about an hour, and fire investigators soon discovered its cause: a bird.

West Metro Fire Rescue shared images of a quick response to a brush fire burning near Morrison on Wednesday, July 31.

On Thursday, West Metro Fire Rescue said a bird was electrocuted by overhead power lines. The bird caught fire, fell to the ground and ignited the grass and brush below.

Someone responded to the fire departments post, asking: What are the odds of that?

Well, it happens, West Metro responded. Not all the time, but, it happens.

What are zombie fires, and why are they becoming more common?

Wednesdays fire occurred as four other wildfires were burning along the Front Range: the Alexander Mountain, Quarry, Stone Canyon and Lake Shore fires. Fire crews have said hot and dry conditions have posed a challenge, along with resources stretched thin by other fires across the Western U.S.

While hazy skies remain, the Front Range could see some relief soon from the fire-friendly conditions. Friday brings the chance of afternoon rain and thunderstorms, with more showers in the forecast next week.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Mourners and colleagues surround the body of Al-Jazeera Arabic journalist Ismail al-Ghoul, killed along with his cameraman Rami al-Rifi in an Israeli strike. OMAR AL-QATTAA via Getty Images

A day after an Israeli air strike killed a noted Al Jazeera journalist and his cameraman, the Israeli army acknowledged killing the reporters  and indicated the strike was purposeful.

Al Jazeera correspondent Ismail al-Ghoul and his cameraman Rami al-Rifi were killed by an Israeli airstrike Wednesday, shortly after reporting from the destroyed home of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas political wing, who had earlier in the day been assassinated in Iran.

Graphic video of the scene of the airstrike shows al-Ghoul was wearing a blue vest reading, PRESS, when he was killed. Both al-Ghoul and al-Rifi were wearing press vests and their vehicle carried identifying signs, Al Jazeera reported. Multiplereports indicated a nearby child was also killed in the strike.

In a tweet Thursday, the Israeli military indicated it had purposefully targeted the journalist, claiming without evidence that al-Ghoul was a terrorist and a member of Hamas military wing.

ELIMINATED: Ismail al-Ghoul, a Hamas Military Wing operative, Nukhba terrorist and @AJEnglish journalist, read the Israel Defense Forces post on X (formerly Twitter).

The post further asserted, without evidence: As part of his role in the military wing, Al-Ghoul instructed other operatives on how to record operations and was actively involved in recording and publicizing attacks against IDF troops. His activities in the field were a vital part of Hamas military activity. The IDF and ISA will continue to operate in order to eliminate terrorists who participated in the October 7 massacre.

We have no further comment than what has already been said, an IDF spokesperson told HuffPost in an email Thursday.

Al-Ghoul had been covering the war in Gaza since November. In March, he reported that he and other journalists had been arrested by Israeli soldiers during the Israeli attack on al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. They were then stripped, handcuffed, blindfolded and interrogated over several hours, according to al-Ghoul; witnesses said he was severely beaten. Al-Ghoul reported being detained for about 12 hours.

Among other questions, the IDF spokesperson did not answer why Israeli forces had released al-Ghoul in March if he was supposedly a military operative of Hamas.

In a statement Thursday, Al Jazeera repeated its earlier condemnation of Israels killing of al-Ghoul and al-Rifi, noting that the decision to release al-Ghoul in March debunks and refutes their false claim of his affiliation with any organisation.

The Network condemns the accusations against its correspondent, Ismail Al Ghoul, without providing any proof, documentation or video, and highlights Israels long history of fabrications and false evidence used to cover up its heinous crimes, while also denying journalists from around the world access to the Gaza Strip to report on the deteriorating humanitarian conditions and the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, the statement said.

Al Jazeera called for an independent international investigation into the brutal and heinous crimes committed by Israeli forces against its journalists and staff, and noted that it reserves its right to pursue all legal actions.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has called the war in Gaza the deadliest period for journalists since the nonprofit began recording data in 1992.

Since Oct. 7, CPJ has confirmed that 108 Palestinian journalists have been killed, in addition to two Israeli and three Lebanese journalists. Fifty-two journalists have been reported arrested, 32 have been reported injured, and two have been reported missing, CPJ said Thursday, noting there are numerous other reports under investigation.

Palestinian officials put the number of Palestinian journalists killed at over 160. Multiple journalists have been directly targeted by Israeli forces, CPJs president, Jodie Ginsberg, told Al Jazeera.

Documenting a war isnt terrorism, its journalism, the Freedom of the Press Foundation said in response to the Israeli militarys post Thursday.

If the @IDF can prove al-Ghoul was working for Hamas military, it should do so immediately, the post added. If not, this looks like a flimsy excuse for intentionally murdering a journalist from an outlet Israel dislikes.

Thursday marked the 300th day of Israels military operation in Gaza, which started when Hamas and other Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages into Gaza.

Nearly 39,500 Gazans have been killed since hostilities began, according to Palestinian officials.

Israeli government officials have a track record of accusing journalists of being militants. In November, top Israel officials amplified allegations that Palestinian journalists were participants or accomplices in the Oct. 7 attack  only for the source of the allegations, the group HonestReporting, to walk back its claims, saying it was just raising questions.

Related...
This photo taken on Aug. 16, 2023 shows a Delta flight taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

United Airlines and Delta suspended their flights to and from Tel Aviv, citing "security reasons."

NEW YORK, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. carriers Delta Air Lines and United Airlines on late Wednesday temporarily suspended their flights to the Israeli city of Tel Aviv amid heightening tensions in the Middle East region.

United Airlines suspended its daily services to and from Tel Aviv, beginning with Wednesday evening's flight from Newark Liberty International Airport in New York to Tel Aviv, the company said, citing "security reasons."

"We continue to closely monitor the situation and will make decisions on resuming service with a focus on the safety of our customers and crews," a company spokesperson said in an announcement.

Delta paused flights between New York and Tel Aviv through Friday, Aug. 2, "due to ongoing conflict in the region," the airline said on its website.

Delta has issued a waiver for customers who booked travel to/from Tel Aviv before Aug. 14, allowing them to change their plans without paying a fare difference.

The airline said it "is continuously monitoring the evolving security environment and assessing our operations based on security guidance and intelligence reports. "

The U.S. Department of State updated a travel advisory for the Mideast region on Wednesday, warning U.S. citizens not to travel to Northern Israel and the West Bank, due to the rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, as well as armed conflicts. 
Elon Musk appeared in Travis County family court in Austin on Friday amid an ongoing custody dispute with the mother of three of his children.

State District Judge Catherine Mauzy ordered a small group of spectators out of the courtroom moments after the hearing started because attorneys for Musk and Claire Boucher, who is better known as the musician Grimes, asked that the proceedings take place out of public view.

Both sides cited security concerns about the three children and intense privacy matters surrounding the case.

Elon Musk arrives Friday for a hearing at the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility in a child custody case.

Musk was surrounded by a team of personal bodyguards as he arrived at the courthouse more than 45 minutes before the 9 a.m. hearing. He remained secluded in a stairwell until moments before the hearing started.

It is a rare moment when Musk is seen in public in Austin.

Musk and Grimes, who have three children together, have been battling over child custody in courts in California and Texas.

On Saturday, Grimes' mother, Sandy Garossino, took to X to post pleas to Musk.

Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, arrives for Friday's hearing in her child custody dispute with Elon Musk.

It was nice seeing you on Fathers Day. I hope you got the card that I helped X make. He was so proud of it, she wrote. Im writing here as the only way I have to reach you. As you know, my 93 year old mother is now at end-of-life palliative care.

I am alarmed to learn that the children cannot come as you are withholding them and their needed passport documents from Claire, Garossino said.

Musk has at least 12 children with three different women. His most recent child was born to Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis, with whom he has two other children.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Elon Musk in court in custody dispute with kids from musician Grimes
Elon Musk has spoken out after ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon sued the X owner over a failed talk show that was supposed to air on the social media platform.

Attorneys representing Lemon filed the lawsuit on August 1 in the Superior Court of California and accused Musk of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, misappropriation of Lemons name and likeness and a breach of express contract.

X did not respond to The Independents request for comment.

On X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Musk responded to a tweet about the lawsuit, writing: He made a series of impressively insane demands. We declined. Therefore, there was no deal.

Lemons attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lemon was slated to host a show on X in January 2024. At the time, Lemon and X had a content partnership deal, but Musk canceled the deal in March, Variety reports.

The tech mogul reportedly alerted Lemon of the cancellation by texting the reporters agent the message contract is canceled, according to the filing.

Don Lemon (left) is suing Elon Musk for alleged breach of contract (Getty Images)

The lawsuit claims that Musk and X agreed to pay Lemon $1.5m  $200,000 of which was flagged for up-front payment  under the content deal.

The X show was supposed to be Lemons return to media after his high-profile exit from CNN. Lemon once had his own primetime show on the network but later was moved to a new morning show. However, reports of his clashes with coworkers and allegations of misogyny led to his April 2024 firing.

Lemon never obtained a signed agreement from Musk. The lawsuit says the deal was negotiated over a phone call between Musk and Lemon on June 16, 2023.

Lemon expressed reservations about entering into a partnership with X due to the ongoing controversies surrounding the X platform, the lawsuit says. In response, and to induce Lemon to enter into an exclusive partnership deal with X, Musk represented to Lemon that he would have full authority and control over the work he produced even if disliked by Defendants, and that there would be no need for a formal written agreement or to fill out paperwork.

An attorney representing Lemon accused Musk and X of using the news of Lemons new show to drive advertisers before dropping him.

This case is straightforward. X executives used Don to prop up their advertising sales pitch, then canceled their partnership and dragged Dons name through the mud, attorney Carney Shegerian said. You dont have to be a genius to see the fraud, negligence, and reputational damage here. Don is an accomplished and hard-hitting journalist whos committed to defending his good name and holding Xs executives accountable. We look forward to our day in court.

In March, X issued its own statement regarding the situation.

The Don Lemon Show is welcome to publish its content on X, without censorship, as we believe in providing a platform for creators to scale their work and connect with new communities, the statement said. However, like any enterprise, we reserve the right to make decisions about our business partnerships, and after careful consideration, X decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.

Musk gave his own statement, describing Lemon  who he referred to with a Lemon emoji  as demanding and wanting to rehash the dying CNN business model.

Lemons lawsuit asks for an unspecified amount of money.
Vice President Kamala Harris reacts as she meets Evan Gershkovich on Thursday. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan were welcomed back to the United States with open arms late Thursday night after they were freed from Russian detainment in a historic prisoner swap.

The pair were among two dozen people set free, including Russian American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. American green card holder Vladimir Kara-Murza was also released in the exchange.

Photos and videos show the joyful reunions on U.S. soil on Thursday night. Gershkovich, who was convicted in July on espionage charges and sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison, embraced President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris  and his mom, to whom he gave a jubilant hug, lifting her in the air.

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Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan who holds U.S., Canadian, British and Irish citizenships and who was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in a remote prison labor camp for alleged espionage, saluted Biden as he walked down the stairs of the plane.

Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother, Ella Milman, as President Biden, right, looks on at Joint Base Andrews on Thursday night. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

President Biden and Harris greet Gershkovich. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

Kurmasheva, a journalist with Radio Free Europe, was seen embracing loved ones. She was convicted in July of spreading false information about the Russian military. Her family and employer rejected these accusations.

U.S. officials have vehemently denied that Gershkovich and Whelan were spying on behalf of the country. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby called Gershkovichs recent rushed trial a sham.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Thursday that the U.S. pushed for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny to be freed in the exchange, but he died in February under mysterious circumstances.

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Biden called the prisoner swap a feat of diplomacy, and said Russia had released 16 prisoners, including five Germans, seven Russians who were political prisoners in their own country, along with the three American citizens and American green-card holder.

In exchange, eight Russians who were being held in the West will be sent home, Biden said.

Deals like this one come with tough calls, Biden added. Theres nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad.

Paul Whelan hugs his sister, Elizabeth Whelan. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Whelan greets Biden and Harris at Joint Base Andrews. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

Alsu Kurmasheva, Whelan and Gershkovich pose for a photo with family after returning to the U.S. (Eric Gay/AP)

Kurmasheva stands with Whelan and Gershkovich, right, after they arrived at Kelly Field in San Antonio, where they'll undergo medical evaluations. (Eric Gay/AP)

Gershkovich greets colleagues. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Gershkovich embraces a loved one. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

Biden hugs Kurmasheva. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Kurmasheva, center, hugs her daughters Miriam Butorin, left, and Bibi Butorin, right, as her husband, Pavel Butorin stands in background. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Kurmasheva runs to embrace her family. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Gershkovich, is greeted by his parents and other family members on the tarmac. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

Whelan is greeted by Biden and Harris. (Alex Brandon/AP)
After the end of Roe, a new beginning for maternity homes

On the wall of the maternity home, painted in large letters, is the motto: Saving Babies, One Mom at a Time.

For founders Randy and Evelyn James, the home started with one baby  their own.

Paul Stefan was the last of their six children, born with a fatal condition. They had chosen not to abort the pregnancy as doctors advised. He lived just over 40 minutes, long enough to be baptized and named after their Catholic priest.

In the nearly two decades since, the Jameses have channeled their sons memory and their anti-abortion beliefs into running maternity homes. We knew that we were going to do something for women in crisis pregnancies, Evelyn James said.

In August, their Paul Stefan Foundation plans to open a new floor with seven more rooms at their headquarters in a grand former hotel in Orange, Virginia.

Their momentum is part of a larger trend: There has been a nationwide expansion of maternity homes in the two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and the federal right to abortion.

Its been a significant increase, said Valerie Harkins, director of the Maternity Housing Coalition, a nonprofit anti-abortion network of 195 maternity homes that has grown 23% since the courts ruling.

There are now more than 450 maternity homes in the U.S., according to Harkins; many of them are faith-based. As abortion restrictions increase, anti-abortion advocates want to open more of these transitional housing facilities, which often have long waitlists. Its part of what they see as the next step in preventing abortions and providing long-term support for low-income pregnant women and mothers.

This is what supports the women in following through on their yes to carry that pregnancy to term, Harkins said. Whether thats a yes that they chose or maybe they felt like they didnt have a choice.

The reasons for the surge in interest in maternity homes are complex and go beyond narrowing abortion access. Harkins said unaffordable housing, paychecks cut by inflation and higher birthrates in some states have all contributed.

It created a perfect storm, she said. Theres quite a need.

A Painful Legacy

The heyday of American maternity homes came during the three decades before Roe v. Wade. In what became known as the Baby Scoop Era, more than 1.5 million infants were surrendered for adoption. Many unwed pregnant women and girls were sent to live in maternity homes, where they were often coerced into relinquishing their babies.

Our children were stolen, said Karen Wilson-Buterbaugh. She was 17 in 1966 when her parents sent her to a Washington, D.C., home run by Florence Crittenton, a large chain of maternity homes started by Progressive-era Episcopal reformers.

Back then, maternity homes were secretive places, meant to hide pregnancies. Residents often used aliases. Some wore fake wedding rings in public. When they returned to their hometowns after birth and without a baby, they were supposed to pretend as if nothing happened.

But few could forget.

Karen Wilson-Buterbaugh holds her newborn daughter at the Florence Crittenton Maternity Home in Washington D.C. on August 10, 1966. Wilson-Buterbaugh gave birth during the "Baby Scoop Era," when more than 1.5 million infants were surrendered for adoption. Many unwed pregnant women and girls were sent to live in maternity homes, where they were often coerced into relinquishing their babies. - Karen Wilson-Buterbaugh/AP

Its a mother losing her child, said Ann Fessler, who collected oral histories from Baby Scoop Era mothers in her book, The Girls Who Went Away.

Fessler, herself an adoptee, said, The women, especially the ones that did not feel like they had a part in the decision, live with this trauma the rest of their lives.

Harkins said the Maternity Housing Coalition takes ownership of this history. Its often discussed among members and at conferences.

It is very dear to our hearts, Harkins said. We are very intentional about what happened and want to ensure we dont get to that point again.

The number of domestic infant adoptions has fallen sharply since the 1970s. When denied an abortion, women in one study overwhelmingly chose parenthood (91%) over adoption (9%), according to a 2016 analysis from researchers at the University of California San Francisco.

As the stigma of single parenthood has waned, most residents in modern maternity homes choose to keep their children. Where maternity home residents once were largely middle-class, now poverty is a driving factor: Mothers are there to receive housing and financial support during and after their pregnancies, sometimes for years after giving birth.

There are now maternity homes that specialize in keeping children out of the foster care system. Others have honed their expertise in addiction recovery. And while many will help with adoptions, some continue to prioritize them and have ties to adoption agencies  which can still result in painful outcomes.

A large painting of Jesus hangs in the Paul Stefan Foundation maternity home in Orange, Virginia, on Friday, January 5, 2024. - Jessie Wardarski/AP

Abbi Johnson was 17 and pregnant in 2008 when her parents sent her to Liberty Godparent Home, a project of the late Jerry Falwell, the evangelical founder of the Moral Majority and Liberty University. The Lynchburg, Virginia, maternity home was connected to an adjacent adoption agency.

Homeschooled and raised in a conservative Christian family, Johnson felt her unplanned pregnancy was treated as the most cardinal sin, but she still desperately wanted to parent her son.

But everyone told me this isnt playing house. Hes not a doll. He deserves a married couple who has their life together, she said.

The home said in a statement that every resident is educated on parenting and adoption and has the freedom to choose.

In the end, Johnson felt pressured into placing her son for adoption. She posts on social media under the handle  voicelessbirthmother, hoping that one day her son might know how much she misses him.

Half my head resides in that maternity home, she said, playing the memories again and again and again.

Where can I live with this baby?

Before she moved into a maternity home, Meryem Bakache considered an abortion.

Newly arrived in the United States from Morocco, Bakache spoke little English and lived in a crowded apartment with family in northern Virginia while her husband attended college in West Virginia.

Where can I live with this baby? she recalled thinking. What can I give him? I dont have nothing.

Without health insurance, she looked for medical care and found an anti-abortion counseling center  often called a crisis pregnancy center  which provided her with an ultrasound.

When I see my baby, just like everything changed, she said.

The centers staff encouraged her to keep the child and look for housing. Through a friend, she found Marys Shelter, a maternity home in Fredericksburg, an hour east of the Paul Stefan home.

Jasmine Heriot, right, a former Mary's Shelter resident, talks to the child of Meryem Bakache, a mother at Mary's Shelter maternity home in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Friday, January 5, 2024. Today there are more than 450 maternity homes in the U.S., many of them faith-based. Anti-abortion advocates see them as the next step in preventing abortions and providing long-term support for low-income pregnant women and mothers. - Jessie Wardarski/AP

Many maternity homes receive referrals from similar centers, which exist to divert women from getting abortions. The Maternity Housing Coalition, to which both Paul Stefan and Marys Shelter belong, is a project of Heartbeat International, one of the largest associations of anti-abortion counseling centers in the country.

Its one indication that maternity homes are now intertwined with the anti-abortion movement  and one reason critics say the coercive nature of maternity homes lives on in a different form.

Im in favor of housing and supportive housing for lots of people. I dont think it should be contingent on somebodys decision to give birth or not, said Andrea Swartzendruber, a reproductive health researcher at the University of Georgia who studies anti-abortion counseling centers.

Holding her infant son this winter, Bakache described her relief at seeing the beauty of the quaint blue home where Marys Shelter assigned her to live. And she was waiting for the day she could make a home elsewhere with her husband and baby.

Her housemate Jasmine Heriot had also been looking for a safe place to live before the birth of her second child. A certified nursing assistant, she lost employment and housing after a life-threatening first pregnancy and premature birth.

Everything was just so clean. The room was all set up. It was really a breath of fresh air, Heriot said, as her newborn slept in her arms and her toddler played beside her.

Jasmine Heriot, a former Mary's Shelter resident, holds her infant's hand on Friday, January 5, 2024, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. In the two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and the federal right to abortion, there has been a nationwide expansion of maternity homes. Today there are more than 450 homes in the U.S., many of them faith-based. - Jessie Wardarski/AP

In the absence of a robust social safety net, maternity homes are filling a void with needed services for women and children. While residents may use public assistance, neither Marys Shelter nor Paul Stefan accept state or federal funds for their general operations. Other homes do take public money: There are federal grants available and at least five states have directed taxpayer dollars to maternity homes.

Across the country, maternity homes are sprouting up or expanding. In Nebraska, an old college campus is becoming maternity housing. In Arizona, a home has added to one property and opened another. In Georgia, lawmakers recently made it easier to open new maternity homes with fewer state regulations.

Marys Shelter also recently expanded by opening another house. Like the Jameses, founder Kathleen Wilson was inspired by her Catholic and anti-abortion beliefs to begin the ministry, which over 18 years has grown to include more than 30 bedrooms in six houses and four apartments.

They welcome women with multiple children, and despite their faith-based roots, have no religious requirements for residency. Residents sign a covenant for healthy living, though Wilson says they try never to kick anyone out.

She is aware the anti-abortion movement is often derided as championing only unborn children, with little care given to families after birth.

Wilson thinks maternity homes are one answer to that criticism: They defy that lie that we only care about the baby in the womb.

Finding a Village

At Paul Stefan, churches and civic groups decorate each bedroom, some in shades of blush and blue. Murals line a sunny yellow hallway, where a painted giraffe peers from one side.

Downstairs, Danielle Nicholson recounted living at Paul Stefan for almost five years, back when residents were spread across different houses. She is one of its success stories, now raising a soon-to-be sixth grader.

Danielle Nicholson, a former maternity home resident of the Paul Stefan Foundation, sits for a portrait on Friday, January 5, 2024, in Orange, Virginia. Nicholson, who spent almost 5 years at the Paul Stefan home after giving birth, is now raising her soon-to-be sixth grade daughter. - Jessie Wardarski/AP

But she had arrived as a surly 20-year-old, six months pregnant and feeling abandoned. You dont end up in a maternity home because you have a big, huge, loving village of a family, she said.

Evelyn and Randy James became and remain like parents to her. Women are not numbers here. Or case files, she said.

She found not everyone was well-suited for the facility or parenthood, though.

Living with the not-so-fantastic moms put something in my heart, Nicholson said. Like I need to help. How do I help women not create abused and neglected children?

It inspired her to become a social worker after she finished college.

Her time as a case worker for vulnerable families has complicated her views of the anti-abortion movement, even though its foundational to the maternity home that did so much for her.

My heart was really broken when Roe v. Wade was overturned, she said later.

She didnt choose an abortion, and still wouldnt. But she doesnt judge those who do.

Abortion is one of those choices that women have to face every day, for whatever reason, she said. Theres grace for those women too.

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How an entire town on the Kalamazoo River was lost to time

Editor's Note: This story was published in February 2022.

SAUGATUCK  Is there really an entire town buried beneath the dunes along Lake Michigan's shore? That depends on who you ask.

It's an odd name for West Michigan: Singapore. Once located near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, the "ghost town" has gathered lore and mystery since its ultimate demise in the early 1900s, with some deeming the site "Michigan's Pompeii."

Print of a photograph of the Singapore Saw Mill, located at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, dated 1869.

Even Eric Gollannek, director of the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center, isn't sure where the name came from.

"I always understood it as another attempt at self-promotion," he said. "An aspirational and exotic name conjuring imperial fortunes to be made at this great trading port."

The story of Singapore begins in the 1820s, when settlers began to visit the West Michigan lakeshore in earnest.

"By 1830, settlers primarily from New England had made their way into the Great Lakes and were seeking to develop land to sell to other colonists," Gollannek said. "Singapore was the closest spot to dock as European travelers turned into the Kalamazoo River from Lake Michigan."

The Kalamazoo River, Gollannek said, was seen as a natural port along Lake Michigan.

"The key figure in the early story of Singapore was Oshea Wilder," he said. "He's another New Englander who made his way to Michigan when it was just on the cusp of becoming a state. There was a lot of growth and interest in this territory, and he wrote back to a group of investors in New York in 1836."

In his letter, Wilder had high praise for Singapore.

"There are but two or three points on Lake Michigan of more importance than this town," he wrote. "Chicago and Milwaukee are more valuable  Michigan City, St. Joseph and Grand River will be of very little more importance than this, and except Grand River, it has the best natural harbor on the east side of the lake."

"There was this idea that Singapore was the next hot thing," Gollannek said. "And in 1836, there was a great effort to build this town. There were streets platted out and sawmills established. They also established a bank."

Singapore is shown along this old map of Michigan, north of South Haven and south of Port Sheldon.

In addition to being a lumbering town, Singapore was known for The Bank of Singapore.

"It was a small, independent bank," Gollannek said. "There wasn't a federal banking system at this time, so banks printed their own currency and handled gold and silver. Unfortunately, though, it was pretty rough-and-tumble. They were often referred to as wildcat banks, because they'd spring up, take your money and disappear into the woods."

An economic depression across much of the country shortly after the establishment of the bank led to job shortages and a general financial collapse in Singapore. The "next Chicago" was having trouble getting off the ground.

"There was all this excitement and talk of investment and none of that materialized," Gollannek said. "Part of the reason people know this story is because some of that currency still exists. We have some in our collection at the museum, and it's fascinating. It lives on, that rough-and-tumble economic history that's part of the excitement and lure of Singapore."

Looking to lumber

Singapore began to stabilize again in the 1860s, when much of the town was focused on lumbering.

"It was very profitable, at that time, to cut local timber all along the Kalamazoo River," Gollannek said. "Those logs floated down the river to mills in Douglas and Singapore and Saugatuck. But because of Singapore's great location as the closest spot inland you could dock a boat and build a town, it was at a particular advantage."

Like much of the lumbering industry, Singapore's success wouldn't last. In 1871, a number of massive fires destroyed much of Holland, Fennville and Chicago.

"For two days, those fires burned everywhere," Gollannek said. "And this is when Singapore is really at its peak. In the October following the fires, no less than 67 ships came in and out of town. It was just an astronomical amount of wood product going to help rebuild. It was very profitable for the owners of the mills, but there's a catch."

It was the inevitable result of deforestation.

"By 1875, there was really no timber left to cut," Gollannek said. "At the end of that summer, the millworks were disassembled, put on boats and taken up to St. Ignace, where the Mackinaw Lumber Company used much of the equipment for 20 years, until that operation exhausted its resources and moved on."

Without the mills, there was very little reason to remain in Singapore. The nearby towns of Douglas and Saugatuck, just up the river, continued to grow. Some residents followed the mills. Others moved away.

"There's also an environmental factor," Gollannek said. "Singapore was built on dunes, just like everything along the lakeshore in this area. And with the cutting of forests, the dunes were totally destabilized. By the 1870s, the sands were shifting and moving and the site became engulfed in dunes. It wasn't a great place to live."

"The Bank of Singapore was in business for maybe nine months. Oshea Wilder started the bank and made his son the executor, so that's his signature from December 25, 1837. This note from the Bank of Allegan, started at the same time, was signed Dec. 30, 1837, by Oshea Wilder. Father and son signed these papers five days apart 185 years ago."  Art Tolsma, history collector and owner of TNT Roofing.

But does that mean there's an entire town buried underneath the sand? Gollannek has his doubts.

"A number of people moved houses and structures from Singapore into Saugatuck, either on the river during the wintertime or by putting them on log rollers," he said. "Our best understanding is at least 10 buildings in Saugatuck have been identified as coming from Singapore  whether it's parts of them or the whole building.

"There's a lot of romantic sensibility about this period, and some of the writing about Singapore reads as though it's Michigan's Pompeii  this city that was suddenly buried by shifting sands that covered the whole town. And while certain elements of that are true, most of the buildings seem to have been removed."

Of course, nobody knows for sure. And because of the dramatic change in landscape where the Kalamazoo River meets Lake Michigan, thanks to a manmade channel, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact site of Singapore.

"There aren't a lot of photographs from the site," Gollannek said. "We don't have a really clear picture of what Singapore looked like in its heyday. There's this economic promotional language that makes it sound like this bustling, thriving place, but other accounts suggest it was just a mill town and transportation node. We estimate there were about 20 buildings total  plus the mills  in that 1870s period."

Experts all agree the historical site of Singapore is located somewhere within the Northshore of Saugatuck, a proposed development with waterfront homes and a marina.

"That's been the source of a great deal of controversy," Gollannek said. "There's been a lot of interest in the site over the past decade-plus as it's passed through different hands and development plans. It seems likely that, when they built the channel, a lot of the earth they removed may have been shoveled onto the site  so it's a complicated problem. Without extensive archeology, it's hard to know what survived and what didn't."

 Cassandra Lybrink is the local editor of The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Singapore 'ghost town' speculated to be buried beneath the dunes
Natural gas is almost entirely methane gas, among the most potent climate-warming greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. One-third of global warming is due to human-caused emissions of methane, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Lynne Terry/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Natural gas is almost entirely methane gas, among the most potent climate-warming greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. One-third of global warming is due to human-caused emissions of methane, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Lynne Terry/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Oregons largest natural gas utility is once again drawing criticism from environmentalists and its customers over attempts to lower emissions by blending what it says is a low-emission fuel into its natural gas supply.

NW Natural launched in June a three-year pilot project that involves blending hydrogen and natural gas at its southeast Portland facility and sending it to customers. The move has prompted a group of Oregon environmentalists, Portland architects, building contractors, physicians and customers to call on state leaders to stop the project.

Natural gas is almost entirely methane, a potent and planet-warming greenhouse gas that is responsible each year for 40% of Oregons greenhouse gas emissions and an estimated one-third of global climate change. Hydrogen, however, can be a zero-emissions fuel depending on how its produced. If blended with natural gas, it could lower greenhouse gas emissions from burning natural gas alone, NW Natural said.

But critics say this blending could be dangerous to public health  burning both hydrogen and natural gas in homes has been shown to increase risks for respiratory illnesses. They say NW Natural has not alerted customers, and is delaying its transition away from fossil fuels needed to meet state emission reduction targets.

Environmentalists say the company appears to be reviving its failure in Eugene in 2022, when it scrapped a plan to blend hydrogen into the gas supply after public outcry over its lack of transparency and community engagement.

Customers concerned

Anna Reid lives in Portlands Brooklyn neighborhood near the NW Natural facility where the blended hydrogen and natural gas is made, and is likely getting the gas in her home. She only found out about it because her neighbor put up a homemade yard sign opposing the project.

What makes me uncomfortable is the lack of transparency, Reid said. Tell us what youre doing and why you came to this decision, and what sort of data you have around it. Obviously people would have concerns, so how can you put our minds at ease?

Shes among those concerned that the project is moving forward without local or state oversight.

On Friday, representatives from 46 Oregon-based nonprofits and companies signed a letter to Gov. Tina Kotek, Portland-area legislators, members of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, the Portland City Council and the Public Utilities Commission that asked them to intervene.

Simply put, blending hydrogen into gas for home heating and cooking is not a climate solution, they wrote.

The signatories include Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility in Portland, Portland and Seattle-based Climate Solutions, Northwest Energy Coalition, Portland-based Birdsmouth Design-Build, Green Hammer Design-Build, Salazar Architect Inc, Harka Architecture and Opsis Architecture.

NW Natural appears to be acting without any oversight, accountability, or transparency around the amount of hydrogen being blended or the health and safety impacts that blending could have on customers, they wrote. These actions seem to fall between the cracks of Oregons existing regulatory system, and action by state leaders is necessary to ensure that appropriate health and safety checks are in place before this blending continues.

Regulators have not looked into the project.

Spokespeople for the Oregon Department of Energy and the Oregon Public Utilities Commission said it didnt meet their threshold for review because it isnt linked to rate hikes or is impeded by jurisdictional rules.

David Roy, a spokesperson for NW Natural, did not answer Capital Chronicle questions about the number of customers who are receiving the hydrogen blended gas, where they live or whether the company conducted any community or customer outreach about the project. NW Natural has about 2 million residential and commercial customers in Oregon and southwest Washington.

The small amount of hydrogen blending (less than 0.2% by volume) from the pilot is within the pipeline quality standard requirements, he said via email.

Roy said other U.S. and European utilities are also experimenting with hydrogen blended into natural gas, at ratios of up to 20% hydrogen.

Replacing even 20% of natural gas with hydrogen only reduces emissions from natural gas by up to 7%, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

NW Natural is committed to effectively addressing climate change and moving urgently towards decarbonization of the energy sector, Roy said.

Rather than hydrogen, the critics said in their letter that Oregonians need heating and cooling pumps powered by renewable electricity, not natural gas furnaces and stoves. Climate scientists have said that countries worldwide need to reach net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change by the end of the century. This means natural gas would not have a place in the energy sector of the future.

Building new hydrogen infrastructure for home heating is likely to create stranded assets and delay the transition to heat pumps, the letter said, which provide not only more efficient and affordable heating, but also life-saving cooling as Oregon communities face increasingly frequent and deadly heat waves.

The costs of producing hydrogen are far greater than that of electrifying homes and powering them with emissions-free solar and wind energy, experts say. Each ton of emissions cut from blending hydrogen with natural gas costs three times as much as the next most expensive method, which is to draw carbon from the atmosphere using large machines, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

NW Naturals turquoise hydrogen

Methane gas extracted from the earth is made of carbon and hydrogen molecules. The hydrogen NW Natural is making  turquoise hydrogen  is created when that methane is heated to temperatures so high that the carbon and hydrogen molecules split from one another. This process is called methane pyrolysis. NW Natural is heating methane, capturing the hydrogen and blending it into natural gas. Theyre also using some of the hydrogen as energy to heat more methane to create more hydrogen. And they are capturing the carbon and using it to make products like asphalt.

CORRECTION: The NW Natural facility blending hydrogen is in southeast Portland. A previous version of this story incorrectly said the facility was in southeast Oregon.

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A Michigan Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday upholding the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energys (EGLE) ability to announce stricter permit conditions for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) than outlined in the departments formal rules is being celebrated by multiple environmental groups, as well as Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement, alongside Justices Richard Bernstein, Megan Cavanagh, Elizabeth Welch and Kyra Harris Bolden, held that EGLE had not violated proper rulemaking when issuing new general permit requirements limiting the amount of phosphorus that can be applied to land and revising setback requirements for where these feeding operations cna apply livestock waste. Justices Brian Zahra and David Viviano dissented.

The Environmental Law and Policy Center released a report earlier this year calling for stricter regulations on CAFOs, examining the various ways these operations contribute to pollution in the state.

With permitted large scale feeding operations producing 17 million more pounds a day than the states 10 million person population daily, many dairy and hog feeding operations use liquid manure systems and store untreated waste in liquid form in lagoons which are later applied to crop fields as fertilizer. The report notes that this waste often contains components that can be harmful to the environment, including detergents, antibiotics, PFAS and pathogens like E. coli.

Additionally, excess nutrients like phosphorus can lead to harmful algal blooms when this waste is overapplied or misapplied.

Nitrates, another excess nutrient found in feeding operation waste, also pose a risk to groundwater and have been linked to birth defects, miscarriage, blue baby syndrome and cancer.

When EGLE issued its 2020 CAFO General Permit, the Michigan Farm Bureau alongside multiple farmers associations and livestock farms challenged the new rules, arguing EGLE had acted beyond its authority, and failed to follow proper procedures to bring forth the new requirements under the Administrative Procedures Act.

The court ultimately found that EGLE has discretionary authority to implement additional permitting conditions stricter than those contained in the rules that had already been put forth. It also held that the conditions of the permit are not considered rules under the Administrative Procedures Act because they are not binding, instead serving as a statement of how EGLE will exercise its permitting authority.

However, the individual certificates of coverage issued to these facilities which establish the binding requirements can still be disputed in a contested case hearing, the Michigan Department of Attorney General noted in a statement.

The Department of Attorney General represented EGLE in the case, with several environmental groups filing amicus briefs in support of EGLE.

This decision is a critical step forward in protecting our states invaluable water resources, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. While this is a significant procedural victory for environmental protection, we will continue to vigorously defend EGLEs position and demonstrate the need for these permit conditions in contested cases.

Since the Supreme Court issued its decision, many of the environmental groups who supported EGLE are cheering the decision, calling it a victory for water quality.

The state Supreme Court got it right. EGLE will now be able to focus on drafting effective, science-based permits that protect Michigans waters, which are the lifeblood of the states identity and economy. We applaud the ruling and look forward to EGLE exercising the full extent of its authority to control the hazardous waste generated by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and other industrial polluters, Rob Michaels, a managing attorney at the Environmental Law and Policy Center said in a statement.

Any administrative law judges or courts who may hear future permit challenges will be able to focus on the only question that ever should have mattered: whether the permits conditions are necessary to protect Michigans waters, Michaels said.

Tyler Lobdell, a staff attorney with Food & Water Watch, said the decision will uphold the states ability to issue strong factory farm permits that protect clean water and public health.

While the Michigan Farm Bureau disagreed with the courts decision, it noted the 2020 general permit is still under review.

The 2020 permit that is at issue is still being reviewed by an administrative law judge to determine if it is based on sound science and environmental policy, and  as required by the Michigan Supreme Courts decision  that the discretionary conditions in the general permit are necessary to achieve Part 4 water-quality standards or to comply with other applicable laws, Michigan Farm Bureau Assistant General Counsel Allison Eicher said in a statement.

Our goal is to ensure that state government regulates farms in a manner that protects the Great Lakes in a scientific manner, taking thoughtful consideration of input from experts, farmers and citizens, Eicher said.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ended oversight of the cleanup of the area around a shingle recycling factory in eastern Iowa that exploded and burned in December 2022, the federal agency announced Thursday.

The EPA took responsibility for the site in Marengo in May 2023 at the request of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. State officials had asked the agency to oversee the cleanup after contractors missed deadlines to test for and remove contaminated water and soil.

According to the EPA, officials were most concerned with contamination from tetrachloroethylene (PCE), cis-1,2-dichlorothene (DCE), naphthalene, lead, and petroleum. The EPA oversaw contractors who hauled away and disposed of the contaminated soil and water.

More: Iowa factory, site of explosion, massive fire, was full of safety hazards, EPA finds

Iowa DNR spokesperson Tammie Krausman said in an email Thursday that department officials will review cleanup reports submitted to the EPA. The DNR and the Iowa Attorney General's Office will determine whether the company operating the factory at the time of the explosion, C6-Zero, will need to take more action to remediate the hazards.

Firefighters work to control a blaze at C6-Zero on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, in Marengo, Iowa. The plant breaks down asphalt shingles into fiberglass, gravel and oil.

The attorney general's office sued C6-Zero last year after the company failed to clean up the site by state deadlines.

Explosion comes amid investor tour

The explosion occurred as C6-Zero founder Howard Brand was giving investors a tour of the factory, a former soybean crushing operation converted to use a proprietary solvent Brand claimed could melt asphalt shingles into their component parts, including oil. The company planned to resell the oil as bunker fuel for ships.

C6-Zero paid roofers for old shingles, which employees loaded onto a conveyor belt. The belt ran the shingles through a series of trommels  rotating cylinder's full of the company's solvent.

On the day of the explosion, employees told the Des Moines Register, the shingles jammed on the belt. An employee began to try to jar the shingles loose. In the process, vapors from the solvent ignited, creating a blast that ripped a hole in the building's wall and ceiling and blew some workers and visitors into the air. Two employees caught fire, with one suffering severe injuries.

Employees later told the Register that company officials did not disclose to them what chemicals they were working with, which a C6-Zero spokesperson denied. The Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the company about $100,000 for a series of violations, including failure to train employees on how to handle the chemicals.

In July 2023, the state sued C6-Zero for cleanup costs. A judge dismissed that case in May after Assistant Attorney General David Steward wrote that the company's insurers had paid the state about $1.4 million.

Employees, meanwhile, have filed three lawsuits against C6-Zero. And Steven Bathgate, a Colorado investment banker who toured the plant the day of the blast, sued the company and Heartland Crush, the owner of the site, in October.

According to Bathgate's complaint, the impact of the explosion threw him against a concrete wall, breaking nine ribs, his clavicle, his right ankle, his right leg and parts of his spine. The impact also dislocated his left hip, the suit says.

Firefighters from dozens of agencies worked for 20 hours to douse the resulting fire.

Tyler Jett is an investigative reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at tjett@registermedia.com, 515-284-8215, or on X at @LetsJett. He also accepts encrypted messages at tjett@proton.me.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: C6-Zero Marengo explosion cleanup oversight by EPA ends
EPCSO: Socorro man confesses to killing another man over argument

EPCSO: Socorro man confesses to killing another man over argument

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 39-year-old man recently confessed to the murder of another man after a verbal argument on Thursday, Aug. 1 in Socorro, according to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPCSO).

Oscar Rodriguez, 39, has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly fatally shooting 36-year-old Joel Holguin.

Socorro Police were notified of a possible homicide on Thursday at the 11500 block of Valle Verde, according to EPSCO.

According to EPSCO, officers met with a witness who reported the possible homicide and told police that Rodriguez, who allegedly returned to his residency, was in a verbal argument with Holguin that turned into a fatal shooting.

EPCSOs Emergency Response Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team also responded to the incident and negotiated Rodriguezs peaceful surrender, where he later confessed to killing Holguin, according to EPSCO.

Rodriguez has been booked in to the El Paso County Detention Facility under a $500,000 bond, according to EPCSO.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN)  The back-to-school shopping season has arrived, and teachers across the Mahoning Valley are digging into their own pockets to stock up on classroom essentials.

According to the National Education Association, teachers on average spend $500-$750 of their own money every year on supplies their students need. But the ESC of Eastern Ohio is looking to fix that.

Our teachers and teachers across the Valley give a lot of their own time, their own money, their own resources, said Staci Direnzo, assistant director of people services.

On Friday, teachers met up at a flea market in Canfield to help them prepare for the upcoming school year. Anything a teacher could need was available to buy. This includes books, decorations, games, and more.

We realize how expensive that teaching supplies can be for our teachers, said Kim Monachino, director of people services and early childhood. Were doing this as a way to support our teachers, to support our families and our students.

Creating a dynamic learning environment can be expensive, which is why the ESC of Eastern Ohio put together the event. For first-time teachers, this is extremely beneficial.

We have to do this because we support our teachers and our communities and our families and our students we have to do this because we care about our teachers. I was a teacher once, so I know how expensive it is to go out and buy all those materials. So were here because we care, said Kim Monachino of the ESC.

The event was especially helpful for younger or less experienced teachers, allowing them the chance to stock up on supplies as well as some tricks of the trade.

I wouldnt want to give my money back, anywhere else than the other teachers who are helping support me, Student Teacher Joy Carpenter said.

The Flea also promotes a sense of community among educators, drawing together teachers who are dedicated to their craft.

It is very rewarding, especially when students from the past, Austintown Middle School Math Teacher Regina Sylvester said. Ive told all my students in the past, when you graduate high school invite me to your party because I want to come. I want to see that you graduate and youre moving on.

This was the first annual teacher flea market. The ESC hopes to hold this event again next year.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
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Is the overall housing market in the United States healing as we head into the late-summer period? Some experts say yes.

Find Out: 8 Places Where Houses Are Suddenly Major Bargains

Learn More: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup

At the same time, with a lot of buyers and sellers closely watching mortgage rates, there remains some volatility and uncertainty as we head into the middle of August and early September.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

Prices and Inventory

According to Realtor.com, Median home prices fell in July, marking the first-ever seasonal decline in a month thats typically a peak time for home sales. Overall, that downturn may be due to a sluggish summer housing market where buyers and sellers are waiting for more economic breaks before taking action. In fact, home sales are moving at the slowest rate since 2020.

Also, according to Realtor.com, the total number of homes for sale in July was about 37% higher than the year prior. Thats the nine consecutive months of growth.

It now sits as a post-pandemic high, said Ralph McLaughlin, a Realtor.com senior economist. Its a welcome sign that the housing market is normalizing, and it tells us the market is healing.

In fact, according to the Realtor.com analysis, All four regions of the U.S. saw an increase in active home listings, with the South leading the way at 47.6%, followed by the West at 35.4%, the Midwest at 22.7%, and the Northeast at 14.7%.

Some Regional Shifts

To better understand how the housing market is faring in specific parts of the country, heres a look at two regions in the U.S.  the Southwest and Southeast  where the market is starting to shaft.

Some of this information is based on an analysis from Fast Company. According to the analysis, There is growing weakness in some pockets of the Southwest and Southeast, particularly in Gulf markets and Florida, while many resale housing markets in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southern California still remain tight.

Check Out: 7 Types of Homes Expected To Soar in Value by the End of 2025

Southwest and Southeast

According to the Fast Company analysis, there is a great deal of weakness around the Gulf, particularly much of Florida, when it comes to how long homes are sitting on the market.

When it comes to days on the market, generally numbers above 80 are considered quite high. For example, in the Naples-Marco, Florida, market, the median number of days on the market in June was 85. In Panama City, it was 82.

Story continues

Fast Company also looked at active home listings to assess home price momentum. If those listings start to go up rapidly with homes staying on the market for longer periods, it could hint at future pricing weakness. The Gulf Coast and places like Tampa and New Orleans have returned above pre-pandemic inventory levels. For comparison, most of the Midwest, Northeast and West Coast remain well below pre-pandemic levels.

Finally, lets look at the change in metro home prices between June of 2023 and June of 2024. Parts of the Northeast and the Midwest have experienced significant home price growth. Meanwhile, home prices in specific areas in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Southwest Florida, have softened or even declined over the past year, according to the Fast Company analysis.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 2 Regions in the US Where the Housing Market Is Starting To Shift
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson on Thursday has raised concerns about a new Hungarian visa rule for foreign workers from Russia and Belarus.

It must be ensured that "Russian nationals who could pose espionage or other security threats face the highest level of scrutiny," Johansson wrote in a letter to the Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter, which she shared on social media platform X.

Johansson wrote that the scheme threatens to undermine the protection of Europe's passport-free Schengen travel area and called on the Hungarian government to explain itself.

Hungary has previously operated a special visa regime for foreign workers from Ukraine and Serbia. Budapest expanded the rules in July to eight countries, including visitors from Russia and Belarus.

According to the visa regulations, foreign workers may stay for two years and then have their stay extended for three years at a time - for as often as they wish.

Foreign workers may also work in any profession. However, in order to benefit from the regulation, they must prove that they have a job, accommodation and health insurance in Hungary.

The regulations have sparked outrage in the EU in recent days. European People's Party's (EPP) Chairman Manfred Weber warned European Council President Charles Michel in a letter that the visa liberalization move could pose a "serious risk" to EU security.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government is viewed as close to Russia by other EU member states.

Orban came under fierce criticism from other EU countries for recent visits to Kiev, Moscow and Beijing on a self-proclaimed "peace mission" to end the Ukraine war.
EU considering suspension of funding to Georgia as 'foreign agents' law comes into effect

The EU is considering suspending financial assistance to Georgia after its foreign agent's law came into effect on Aug. 1, the European Commission's spokesperson Peter Stano told Europa Press.

The foreign agents law, passed by the parliament in May, requires organizations that receive foreign funding to be labeled as such.

The ruling Georgian Dream party pushed the controversial legislation through despite widespread protests in the country and international condemnations.

Stano reiterated the EU's concerns over the law, calling it "a step backward" on the country's path to European integration.

The spokesperson also reminded that the EU has already frozen 30 million euros ($32.4 million) of military support for Georgia through the European Peace Fund.

In July, the U.S. indefinitely postponed joint military exercises with Georgia and paused more than $95 million in assistance to the country after the Georgian parliament passed the controversial bill.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, who has criticized the law as jeopardizing the country's aspirations to join the EU, filed her complaint against the law with the Constitutional Court on July 15.

Following Zurabishvili's move, Georgia's largest opposition party, the United National Movement (UNM), also announced that it would sue the Constitutional Court over the controversial law.

Read also: Russia announces willingness to help Georgian ruling party stay in power

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The News

Germany, the EUs largest country by population, appears to be shifting towards extremism at an accelerating pace. New political developments for the AfD, polling with nearly a fifth of the vote, possibly foretell the solidification of a new far-right pillar within modern German politics.

Brads view

The trigger for the AfDs latest turn were the European Parliament elections in June, which picked legislators for the continental decision-making body.

Prior to this years EU elections, the AfD was expelled from its Identity and Democracy parliamentary group following statements from the partys top EU candidate Maximilian Krah that members of the SS were not necessarily criminals. The decision was signed off by far-right honchos, namely the French delegation led by Marine Le Pen and her protege Jordan Bardella. Despite the possibility that ID would eventually relent and backtrack its stance, the AfDs expulsion appears to be ratified.

This situation led the AfD to pursue formation of its own parliamentary group  scraping together parties from the extremist fringes of the EU. The AfDs new outfit, the Europe of Sovereign Nations, includes among its ranks parties that have demonstrated public sympathy for World War II-era fascists. Hungarys Our Homeland movement, for example, infamously made headlines for bringing the bust of Nazi-aligned leader Miklos Horthy into the national parliament. Another party, Republika, splintered off from a movement in Slovakia widely described as neo-Nazi.

That these are the partners the AfD feels comfortable coalescing a faction around speaks volumes about what is happening within the party back home in Germany, where theres long been an extreme taboo and even legal safeguards against identifying with Nazi-era fascist figures.

Extremist leaders within the AfD can be identified beyond Krah who are breaking down that modern barrier. The most noteworthy may be Bjorn Hocke, head of the AfD in Thuringia and the leader of the AfDs Der Flugel, a hardcore right-wing faction seeking to ratify the partys radical direction. Hocke is known for inflammatory statements targeting minorities in Germany, including those with disabilities. Recently, he drew the attention of a new PBS documentary, , identifying him as a conduit for whitewashing the horrors of the Nazis, including criticizing a Holocaust memorial as an unnecessary monument of shame. As the documentary notes, the partys growth has occurred during a rise in violence against ethnic minorities and plots directed at the government, raising fears the political climate could encourage militia activity.

The push to amend historical memory around fascist and other authoritarian regimes takes place in a global context. With the rise of Hocke, even Germany is no longer an exception.

Hocke appears to be growing bolder, too, with multiple fines over recent months for use of a Nazi slogan at rallies. As the AfD rams the doors of democracy, there is now more concern among their opponents that their forces could eventually flood through. Hockes state of Thuringia will go to the polls for its state election in less than a month, as the local AfD still polls first. Given his outrageous campaigning and the AfDs plunge towards the extreme, the upcoming votes in Thuringia and two other East German states have been increasingly viewed as a test for German democracy.

The View From Poland

The AfDs new group has already caused a splinter among the wider European far-right. In Poland, the Konfederacja alliance finds itself divided between continental parliamentary groups.

MEPs from the National Movement, which is known for its role in organizing Polands annual Independence March  an event which has drawn outrage for fascist displays  voted against working with the ESN, citing a refusal to join forces with the AfD.

Meanwhile, New Hope, a right-wing libertarian party within the alliance, had few qualms about adding its MEPs to the group. New Hope is led by Slawomir Mentzen, who has infamously and openly made antisemitic and otherwise bigoted statements.

Another MEP, Grzegor Braun, likewise an antisemite who drew worldwide condemnation when he extinguished a menorah in parliament last year, was considered too extreme for the group.

Notable

Maximilian Krah, the AfDs former top EU candidate prior to his SS comments, was ultimately excluded from his party over the uproar. But according to Politico, hes still ecstatic about the new European group, reacting with delight and harboring no resentment towards the party proceeding without him.
(Bloomberg) -- The European Union said it needs to determine whether Hungarys decision to ease work visa rules for Russians and Belarusians contravenes the blocs sanctions on Russia and puts its security at risk.

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Ylva Johansson, the EUs home affairs commissioner, wrote a letter to Hungary on Thursday saying she shared concerns expressed by several member states  including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  that Budapest is undermining the Schengen Area, the customs-free zone that covers most of the bloc.

At stake is the fast-track National Card which Budapest introduced in January and is simpler to obtain than a regular work visa and allows travel across the Schengen area. In July, Hungary expanded the scheme to Russians and Belarusians.

Johansson asked Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter for a full response from Hungary by Aug. 19 to allow the commission to ascertain whether the National Card scheme for Russian and Belarusian nationals is compatible with EU law and/or whether it puts the overall functioning of the area without internal borders at risk, so to draw the appropriate consequences.

The three Baltic nations have been the most vocal critics of the move, prompting Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto to complain about their campaign of lies against Hungary.

Hungarys decision has angered EU members at a time of heightened concern over Russian espionage and sabotage across the continent. Prime Minister Viktor Orbans close ties to Moscow have also infuriated the rest of the bloc.

Manfred Weber, who chairs the European Peoples Party, also wrote a letter on July 29 to European Council President Charles Michel to urge the body to seriously address the situation and schedule a debate on the topic at the next leaders summit.

Baltic politicians have gone further, suggesting that Hungary should be suspended from the Schengen area.

This is dangerous Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics told the countrys public broadcaster on Thursday. Rinkevics said that Latvia and its allies could consider working toward restricting Hungarys membership in Schengen, but that he doubted there would be unity among member states on the issue.

Hungarys policy of bringing in workers from Russia and Belarus is a security risk for Schengen member states, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told local newspaper Postimees. There are several possible solutions, he said: One is to establish total border checks around Hungary.

Hungary has defended the visa scheme, saying that EU member states have the prerogative to change visa rules.

Zsolt Szekeres, a senior legal officer at the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a Budapest-based rights organization, also pointed to a counterintuitive consequence of the scheme given Hungarys pro-Russian stance.

There are several Russian and Belarusian citizens who are afraid to return home because theyve stood up against the Putin regime. There are situations in which this laxer visa policy can be a lifebuoy for those who would be persecuted in their home countries, he said in comments over the phone.

Nevertheless, Hungarys critics in the Baltics and Brussels say that their concern is based on concrete precedents. For example, Hungary did not formally expel any Russian diplomats following Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, leaving more than 40 Russian officials in the country, according to a foreign ministry database.

The Budapest headquarters of Russian-led International Investment Bank closed last year when the US imposed sanctions, saying that the banks presence allowed Moscow to spy and conduct malign influence activities from within the EU.

Nevertheless, several Russian companies continue to operate in Hungary including Rosatom Corp, which is set to work on Hungarys new nuclear power plant reactors in Paks, while Russian retailer Mere is due to open its first stores in the coming months.

--With assistance from Milda Seputyte, Ott Tammik, Piotr Skolimowski, Kevin Whitelaw and Aaron Eglitis.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and two others arrived home to the United States late Thursday night after a landmark prisoner exchange with Russia.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted the group at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Those freed include former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, 54, who was arrested in 2018; Alsu Kurmasheva, 47, a Russian-American editor for Radio Free Europe, who was arrested last year; and Vladimir Kara-Murza, 42, a political activist, journalist and permanent U.S. resident who was arrested in April 2022.

Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva all touched down just after 11:30 p.m. Eastern time and were greeted by their families. Kara-Murza was scheduled to go to Germany first before coming to the U.S. at a later date.

I cant believe youre here, one of Kurmashevas daughters said as she ran up to her mother with tears in her eyes.

Gershkovich embraced his mother and swung her around in the air, later heading to the press line to speak with reporters, many his colleagues.

President Biden and Vice President Harris greet Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva freed from Russia at Joint Base Andrews. pic.twitter.com/abXTlAH8JN  CSPAN (@cspan) August 2, 2024

Biden said it was wonderful to have the Americans home, praising U.S. allies work behind the scenes to push the deal forward. He pointed to difficult decisions from Germany and Slovenia that were essential to secure the swap.

The toughest call on this one was for other countries, because I asked them to do some things that were against their immediate self-interests  and it was very difficult for them to do, he said.

When asked what his message to Putin would be, Biden had a terse response: Stop.

Reporter Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother Ella Milman, left, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following his release. Looking on at right is Elizabeth Whelan, sister of released prisoner Paul Whelan. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Their release ended a years-long saga for some amid Russian President Vladimir Putins policy of hostage diplomacy. The deal, which involved seven countries, has been hailed as the largest of its size since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Russia released a total of 16 people while other nations agreed to hand over eight to Moscow, many of whom had been convicted of serious crimes. The most notorious was Vadim Kraskiov, a convicted assassin freed by Germany. He had been identified as a key piece of the puzzle by the Kremlin.

Alsu Kurmasheva, center, hugs her daughters after her release. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

This image released by the White House shows Evan Gershkovich (left) Alsu Kurmasheva (right), Paul Whelan (second from right) and others aboard a plane Thursday after their release from Russian captivity. White House via Associated Press

Gershkovich, 32, was arrested on allegations of espionage, charges he and the Journal fiercely denied. He was imprisoned for 16 months after being sentenced in a secret trial to 16 years in a penal colony.

His family thanked Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as every U.S. or foreign government official who helped get Evan released.

We have waited 491 days for Evans release, and its hard to describe what today feels like, his family said in a statement after the deal was made public. We cant wait to give him the biggest hug and see his sweet and brave smile up close. Most important now is taking care of Evan and being together again. No family should have to go through this, and so we share relief and joy today with Paul and Alsus families.

One family that will not be reunited after the prisoner exchange is that of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. He was one of Putins biggest critics and survived a poisoning in 2020 only to be sentenced to serve more than 30 years in jail.

He suddenly died in prison in February at the age of 47.

His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, said Thursday that every released political prisoner is a huge victory and a reason to celebrate.

No one should be held hostage by Putin, subjected to torture, or left to die in his prisons, Navalnaya said in a statement.

Harris said she spoke to her following the release.

I thanked Yulia for her courage in continuing her husbands work and reaffirmed my commitment to stand with those fighting for freedom in Russia and around the world, the vice president wrote on the X social media platform.

I spoke with Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexey Navalny, following the release, as a result of our prisoner exchange, of 16 individuals detained in Russia. Some of them worked with Navalny to combat corruption and build a free, democratic Russia.



I thanked Yulia for her courage in pic.twitter.com/rpN3Y0QP86  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) August 1, 2024

Related...
Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan Greeted By Families, President Biden and VP Harris Upon Return to U.S. From Russia

Whelan and Gershkovich were released as part of the largest prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia since the end of the Cold War

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Evan Gershkovich (center) meets President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris

Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan are finally back home.

Whelan, a 54-year-old former Marine, spent over five years in a Russian prison after being accused of spying. Wall Street Journal reporter Gershkovich, 32, was arrested in March 2023 and also found guilty of spying in a Russian court.

The two men were released as part of the largest prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia since the end of the Cold War on Thursday, Aug. 1. After their release, they flew from Moscow to Ankara, Turkey, and then onto Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Also on their flight was Alsu Kurmasheva, 47, a Russian-American journalist who was detained in October 2023 after Russian officials accused her of being a "foreign agent."

Their plane touched down at Joint Base Andrews at approximately 11:30 p.m. ET, where their families, colleagues, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were eagerly awaiting.

AP Photo/Alex Brandon Vice President Kamala Harris greets Paul Whelan following his release

Whelan deplaned first, followed by Gershovich and Kurmasheva.

In a joint social media post, the President and the Vice President shared several images from the trio's arrival on American soil, including Biden greeting Whelan and Gershovich as well as Kurmasheva being reunited with her family as they ran toward her and embraced her.

"Tonight is about reuniting families. Welcome home, Paul, Evan, and Alsu. Youre right where you belong," the caption of the post read.

ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Evan Gershkovich arrives at Joint Base Andrews following his release

On Thursday afternoon, Biden shared a photo of the former prisoners en route back to the U.S. on X, formerly Twitter.



"After enduring unimaginable suffering and uncertainty, the Americans detained in Russia are safe, free, and have begun their journeys back into the arms of their families," Biden's tweet read.

The families gathered with Biden in the Oval Office for a conference call with the released prisoners while they were in transit. The call was also posted to the President's X account.



ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Alsu Kurmasheva runs to her daughters at Joint Base Andrews following her release

"They're all standing around the Oval Office desk here and we just wanted to say how overwhelmed we are," Biden told Whelan, Gershovich, Kurmasheva and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, a green card holder. "You've been wrongfully detained for a long time, and we're glad you're home."



Related: Brittney Griner Responds to the Release of Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan from Russian Captivity: 'A Big Win'

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"Today, three American citizens and one American green-card holder who were unjustly imprisoned in Russia are finally coming home: Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza," Biden said in a statement after their release.

"The deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy," he continued. "All told, weve negotiated the release of 16 people from Russia  including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country. Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over."

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Ex Denton County fire chief sentenced to 50 months in prison for theft, abuse of funds

A former North Texas fire chief has been sentenced to more than four years in federal prison after pleading guilty last year to theft and misuse of funds, officials said.

Troy Mac Hohenberger will also be required to pay over $500,000 in restitution to Denton County Emergency Services District 1, the agency said in a news release Thursday.

FBI agents arrested Hohenberger in November 2022 on allegations that he had stolen money designated for the Denton County ESD 1 pension fund during the time he was chief.

Hohenberger pleaded guilty to 13 federal charges in May 2023. According to the indictment, the former chief failed to put funds into the pension plan in the time frame required by federal law. He also made false statements about the pension funds on forms submitted to the Department of Labor.

Since January 2023, the Denton County ESD No. 1 Board of Commissioners, new Fire Chief, and Administrative Staff have worked diligently to make the firefighters whole and to ensure accountability, sustainability, and transparency for future, the release said.

On Thursday, Hohenberger was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 Adoption lawyer accused of paying inmates for babies

 2 dogs shot on property of North Texas megachurch

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The Swedish stock market has been experiencing a period of mixed performance, with small-cap and value shares outpacing large-cap growth stocks. Amid this backdrop, three Swedish growth companies stand out due to their high insider ownership and impressive earnings growth projections. High insider ownership often signals strong confidence in the company's future prospects, making these stocks particularly interesting in today's market environment.

Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In Sweden

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth CTT Systems (OM:CTT) 16.9% 24.8% Biovica International (OM:BIOVIC B) 18.7% 73.8% Magle Chemoswed Holding (OM:MAGLE) 14.9% 72.2% InCoax Networks (OM:INCOAX) 18.1% 104.9% BioArctic (OM:BIOA B) 34% 104.2% KebNi (OM:KEBNI B) 37.8% 90.4% Yubico (OM:YUBICO) 37.5% 43.8% Calliditas Therapeutics (OM:CALTX) 11.6% 52.9% SaveLend Group (OM:YIELD) 23.3% 103.4% edyoutec (NGM:EDYOU) 14.6% 63.1%

Click here to see the full list of 90 stocks from our Fast Growing Swedish Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

Let's uncover some gems from our specialized screener.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: EQT AB (publ) is a global private equity firm specializing in private capital and real asset segments, with a market cap of SEK401.46 billion.

Operations: The company's revenue segments include Central (37.20 million), Real Assets (878.70 million), and Private Capital (1.28 billion).

Insider Ownership: 31%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 56.7% p.a.

EQT AB (publ) exemplifies a growth company with high insider ownership in Sweden. Recently, EQT commenced a share repurchase program authorized by shareholders, aiming to adjust its capital structure and support acquisitions. The company's earnings surged to 282 million for H1 2024 from 120 million the previous year. Additionally, EQT is actively involved in significant M&A activities, including potential buyouts of Lighthouse Learnings and BSV Group. Insiders have shown confidence by buying more shares than they sold recently.

OM:EQT Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Aug 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: HMS Networks AB (publ) provides products that enable industrial equipment to communicate and share information globally, with a market cap of SEK 20.37 billion.

Operations: HMS Networks AB (publ) generates revenue from its Wireless Communications Equipment segment, amounting to SEK 3.01 billion.

Story continues

Insider Ownership: 12.6%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 26.3% p.a.

HMS Networks demonstrates characteristics of a growth company with high insider ownership in Sweden. Despite a recent decline in net income to SEK 34 million for Q2 2024, the company's sales increased to SEK 845 million. Earnings are forecast to grow at 26.25% annually, outpacing the Swedish market's growth rate. Revenue is also expected to rise by 12.2% per year. Insiders have been buying more shares than selling recently, reflecting confidence in the company's future prospects despite a high level of debt and shareholder dilution over the past year.

OM:HMS Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Aug 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Sectra AB (publ) provides solutions for medical IT and cybersecurity sectors across Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe, with a market cap of SEK46.36 billion.

Operations: Sectra's revenue segments include Imaging IT Solutions at SEK2.55 billion, Secure Communications at SEK367.35 million, and Business Innovation at SEK89.87 million.

Insider Ownership: 30.3%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 19.3% p.a.

Sectra exemplifies a growth company with high insider ownership in Sweden. Earnings are forecast to grow at 19.3% annually, surpassing the Swedish market's 15.4%. Revenue is expected to increase by 14.7% per year, also outpacing the market. Recent developments include successful cloud service implementations in Belgian hospitals and a new diagnostic IT module for genomics in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Health System, enhancing Sectra's portfolio and operational efficiency.

OM:SECT B Ownership Breakdown as at Aug 2024

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Gain an insight into the universe of 90 Fast Growing Swedish Companies With High Insider Ownership by clicking here.

Already own these companies? Link your portfolio to Simply Wall St and get alerts on any new warning signs to your stocks.

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Searching for a Fresh Perspective?

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.The analysis only considers stock directly held by insiders. It does not include indirectly owned stock through other vehicles such as corporate and/or trust entities. All forecast revenue and earnings growth rates quoted are in terms of annualised (per annum) growth rates over 1-3 years.

Companies discussed in this article include OM:EQT OM:HMS and OM:SECT B.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Ex-Marine Paul Whelan Speaks Out Upon His Release After 2,043 Days in Russian Captivity: Never Going Back There

"I'm glad I'm home," Whelan told reporters

UZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Paul Whelan on Aug. 2

Ex-Marine Paul Whelan never wants to go back to Russia.

On Friday, Aug. 2, Whelan, 54, spoke to reporters about his experience in Russian captivity for 2,043 days  which is the equivalent of nearly six years. Whelan was born in Canada and holds U.S., U.K., Irish and Canadian citizenship, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1994 to 2008.

KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Paul Whelan in June 2020

Whelan criticized the "nonsense narrative [the Russian government] came up with" after he was accused of espionage in December 2018, reports ABC News. He also weighed in on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"So, you know, this is how Putin runs his government. This is how Putin runs his country. Yeah, I'm glad I'm home. Yeah. I'm never going back there again," he said with a smile.

Related: Paul Whelan, Imprisoned in Russia Since 2018, Is 'Disappointed' in U.S. Efforts to Secure His Release

On Thursday, Aug. 1, Whelan arrived on American soil with fellow former detainees Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva.

The trio were released as part of the largest prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia since the end of the Cold War. Both Whelan and Gershkovich, 32  a reporter for the Wall Street Journal  had been imprisoned for spying. Kurmasheva, 47, is a Russian-American journalist who was detained in October 2023 after Russian officials accused her of being a "foreign agent."

Ken Cedeno/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcome Paul Whelan on Aug. 1

Their family members and loved ones were there to greet them, alongside President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

According to Whelan, Biden, 81, gave him an American flag pin, which he wore while speaking to reporters on Friday at Joint Base San Antonio. "It's a keepsake, he said.

"I just say thank you to everybody. You know, thank you for all your prayers, your your, you know, good wishes. Thanks for doing everything you did," he continued.

Biden also told reporters that keeping his word to free American citizens was an important promise to see through.

Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Paul Whelan and Vice President Kamala Harris hug while President Joe Biden stands behind them on Aug. 1

"I would get this done even if I was seeking a second term. You're stuck with me as president for a while, kid, there's no way out, okay," he said. "You got me for at least another 100  90 days or so. So it had to do with that. It had to do with the opportunity trying to convince one last country to say okay, they'll step up."

Related: Brittney Griner Hoped Paul Whelan Would Be Released with Her: 'No One Should Be Left Behind'

WNBA star Brittney Griner also shared her gratitude for the prisoners' release. Griner was detained in Russia in February 2022, when authorities alleged that she had vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage when she arrived in Moscow to play for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg.

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The Olympic athlete, 33, was sentenced to nine years in prison, but she was freed in a prisoner exchange 10 months later.

"I am head over heels happy for the families right now. Any day that Americans come home, thats a win," Griner told The New York Times on Thursday.

Im just happy, she continued. Like this is a big win, huge win.

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White House senior adviser Plouffe walks to the Marine One helicopter to depart with U.S. President Obama for a day trip, from the White House in Washington

By Nandita Bose

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign has added three new senior advisers, including top strategists who guided Democratic former President Barack Obama's two winning U.S. presidential bids, a source with direct knowledge said on Friday.

David Plouffe, who was manager of Obama's presidential campaign in 2008 and a senior aide during his 2012 re-election victory, joined Harris' campaign for president as a senior adviser, the source said.

The Harris campaign is also being joined by Stephanie Cutter, a Democratic communications veteran who previously served as Obama's White House communications director and deputy campaign manager. Cutter will join the Harris campaign as senior adviser on strategy messaging.

Cutter's firm is on contract to produce the Democratic National Convention in August.

Other Obama alums joining the campaign include Mitch Stewart, who worked on both Obama campaigns and will come in as senior adviser on battleground states. David Binder, who led Obama's public opinion research operation, will expand his role on the Harris campaign to lead the opinion research operation.

All of the new hires will report to Harris campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon, another veteran of Obama's two campaigns who also who managed President Joe Biden's 2020 campaign and built his 2024 operation from the White House.

Mike Donilon, a longtime Biden adviser who left the White House to join his reelection campaign this year, will return to the White House for the final six months of Biden's presidency, a White House official said on Friday. Biden last month ended his reelection bid, paving the way for Harris' candidacy.

Donald Trump is the Republican nominee in the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election. Harris on Friday secured the delegate votes needed to clinch the Democratic nomination.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose; additional reporting by Steve Holland; editing by Will Dunham, Rami Ayyub and Alistair Bell)
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Residents reported hearing multiple explosions across occupied Crimea overnight on Aug. 2, the Telegram channel Crimean Wind reported.

Residents in Sevastopol, Simferopol, and Yevpatoria heard explosions around 1:30 a.m. local time, according to local media reports.

According to Crimean Wind, local residents reported an alleged strike on a shipyard used to repair ships for Russia's Black Sea Fleet off the bay of Sevastopol, but the reports are still being clarified.

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-installed head of Sevastopol claimed that air defenses are operational over the city. He later added that occupied Crimea was under threat of ballistic missile attacks.

Photos of falling debris and small fires could be seen in Sevastopol, with reports of power lines damaged. Razvozhayev claimed that the falling debris was a result of downed missiles and drones.

Russian state-run TASS news agency later reported that air defenses had shot down at least four aerial targets throughout the attack.

The Kyiv Independent cannot not verify the claims, and Ukraine has not yet commented on the alleged attack.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has regularly launched attacks on occupied Crimea. Overnight on July 26, Ukraine's General Staff confirmed it had hit Russia's Saky military airfield in occupied Crimea.

Read also: Signs of escalation on battlefield in Kharkiv sector, Ukraines military says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In May, former President Donald Trump declared that he was the only person who could obtain the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich from a Russian prison. After President Joe Biden proved the claim wrong on Thursday by securing the release of Gershkovich and others in a multi-country prisoner exchange, Trump posted a series of skeptical questions on social media.

Among other things, Trump wrote: Are we releasing murderers, killers, or thugs? Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps. Our negotiators are always an embarrassment to us! I got back many hostages, and gave the opposing Country NOTHING  and never any cash. To do so is bad precedent for the future. Thats the way it should be, or this situation will get worse and worse.

Facts First: Trumps claim that he gave opposing countries NOTHING to secure the freedom of American prisoners is false. Though Trump obtained or helped to obtain the release of some Americans held abroad without having to release anyone in return, he also presided over at least four exchanges in which he approved the release of prisoners from US detention in exchange for foreign governments releasing Americans.

Biden White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters Thursday that no money was exchanged and no sanctions were loosened as part of the Thursday deal involving Gershkovich. You can read here about who else was freed in the 24-person swap.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby responded to Trumps criticism on CNN Friday, pointing out that several Americans who were detained in Russia during Trumps administration, such as Whelan and Trevor Reed, were later freed under Biden. The previous administration also conducted prisoner exchanges. The previous administration also had to make tough decisions to get Americans home.  Thats what you have to do when you have people in harms way over there. Youve got to make these tough decisions. Its not easy.

FactCheck.org debunked this Trump claim about his record on securing the release of American prisoners abroad when he previously made it in 2022. Here is a look at four prisoner exchanges under Trump, who is now the Republican presidential nominee  plus a case in which Trump said he had gotten an ally to release a suspected criminal as part of an attempted exchange.

A 2019 exchange with Iran

In 2019, the Trump administration secured the release of Xiyue Wang, a Princeton University PhD student who had been imprisoned in Iran since 2016, by agreeing to free an Iranian medical scientist who had been charged with trying to export biological materials from the US to Iran without authorization.

Trump acknowledged at the time that this was a prisoner exchange, telling reporters in 2019: Yeah, were very happy to have our hostage back. The whole Princeton University community is very thrilled. And there was a one-on-one hostage swap.

Federal prosecutors also dropped charges against the Iranian scientists two co-defendants soon after the prisoner exchange.

A 2019 exchange with the Taliban

In 2019, three high-ranking Taliban prisoners, who had been imprisoned by the government of Afghanistan, were released in exchange for the Taliban freeing two professors, American Kevin King and Australian Timothy Weeks, who were abducted in 2016. Trump and the president of Afghanistan made clear that the Trump administration was involved in the deal; Trump wrote on social media when the deal was announced: Proud of my team!

A 2020 exchange with Iran

In 2020, the Trump administration secured the release of Navy veteran Michael White, who had been imprisoned in Iran since 2018, by agreeing to free an Iranian-American doctor who had pleaded guilty to violating US sanctions on Iran by trying to export a medical device there without authorization.

Trump wrote on social media at the time: Thank you to Iran, it shows a deal is possible!

A 2020 exchange with the Iran-backed Houthis

In 2020, the Trump administration secured the release of two Americans who were imprisoned by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, aid worker Sandra Loli and businessman Mikael Gidada, in exchange for the release of more than 200 Houthi militants who were being held in Oman. Those Houthis were allowed to return to Yemen.

An attempted 2018 exchange with Turkey

Trump said in August 2018 that he had personally gotten Israel to free a Turkish citizen who had been charged with aiding Hamas as part of an attempted arrangement in which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would release American pastor Andrew Brunson.

Erdogan did not do so immediately, prompting Trump to criticize him. Erdogan released Brunson in October 2018.

Trump tweeted upon the release that there was NO DEAL made with Turkey and added, I dont make deals for hostages, but his administration had already made clear that they had thought earlier in the year that there had been a deal.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Who are the prisoners who could feature in a future East-West swap?

US soldier sentenced to nearly four years in Russia's penal colony

US soldier sentenced to nearly four years in Russia's penal colony

(Reuters) -Following the biggest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War, there are still some Westerners held in Russia or Belarus, as well as Russian and Belarusian dissidents viewed by the West as political prisoners. For its part, Moscow could still seek the release of Russians jailed abroad.

Here are some facts about people who could feature in future swaps:

FOREIGN NATIONALS HELD IN RUSSIA OR BELARUS:

GORDON BLACK

An active duty U.S. staff sergeant based in South Korea, Black was detained on May 2 in Vladivostok in Russia's Far East on suspicion of stealing 10,000 roubles ($113) from his Russian girlfriend. He was also subsequently charged with threatening to kill her by grabbing her by the neck during a quarrel.

The Pentagon said Black had broken army rules by travelling to Russia without authorisation, having passed through China.

ROBERT GILMAN

A former U.S. marine, Gilman was sentenced to 4-1/2 years in prison in October 2022 for attacking a police officer onboard a train while he was drunk.

Gilman, who his lawyers said had come to Russia to study, told the court he did not remember the incident but had "apologised to Russia" and to the officer.

KSENIA KARELINA

A dual U.S.-Russian national, Karelina was detained on treason charges in February while visiting family in Yekaterinburg and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The FSB security service has accused the Los Angeles resident of collecting funds for a Ukrainian organisation whose ultimate beneficiary was Ukraine's army. Her family said she donated about $50 to a New York-based non-profit that donates non-military aid to Ukraine.

MARC FOGEL

A former schoolteacher who was previously employed at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Fogel is serving a 14-year sentence for drug smuggling after he was detained in Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport in August 2021 with 17 grams of marijuana - which he said he uses for medical reasons - in his luggage.

At the time of his arrest, Fogel, who is in his early 60s, worked at the now-shuttered Anglo-American School in Moscow.

ROBERT ROMANOV WOODLAND

A U.S. citizen adopted from Russia as a child, Woodland was detained in January on drug possession charges which can carry up to 20 years in prison.

A Facebook account in his name indicated he had been working as an English teacher and lived outside Moscow after returning to the country of his birth. He continues to be held in pre-trial detention.

EUGENE SPECTOR

Currently serving a 3-1/2-year sentence for bribery, Spector, who was born in Russia and then moved to the United States, was charged last August with espionage.

Before his 2021 arrest, he served as chairman of the board of Medpolymerprom Group, a company specialising in cancer-curing drugs, state media said. Spector had pleaded guilty to helping bribe an assistant to an ex-Russian deputy prime minister.

DAVID BARNES

Alabama native David Barnes was in February sentenced to 21 years in prison for sexually abusing his two sons, an accusation levelled by his Russian ex-wife. He denies the charges, which are alleged to have taken place in the United States, where law enforcement had previously decided against prosecuting Barnes.

LAURENT VINATIER

A French expert on the former Soviet Union with long experience of working in Russia, Laurent Vinatier was arrested by FSB officers in a Moscow restaurant in June.

In July, Russia said he had pled guilty to illegally collecting sensitive Russian military information that could be used by hostile intelligence services.

ANDRZEJ POCZOBUT

A Belarusian journalist of Polish origin, Poczobut was in 2023 sentenced to eight years in prison in Belarus on charges of inciting ethnic hostility and undermining Belarusian security.

RUSSIAN OR BELARUSIAN DISSIDENTS:

BORIS KAGARLITSKY:

A left-wing academic and Soviet-era dissident, Kagarlitsky was in 2023 charged with "justifying terrorism", related to his opposition to the war in Ukraine. In February, the 65-year-old was sentenced to five years in prison.

IVAN SAFRONOV:

A former reporter for Russian newspapers, Safronov was arrested in 2020 and charged with treason, receiving a 22-year sentence in 2022.

Prosecutors said that Safronov, who was working at Russia's space agency at the time of his arrest, had disclosed state military secrets. Now held in a Siberian penal colony, he denies the charges.

BELARUSIAN OPPOSITION LEADERS:

Russian ally Belarus played a major role in Thursday's swap, releasing German national Rico Krieger. Minsk continues to imprison several leaders of a 2020 anti-government protest movement, including Maria Kolesnikava, Syarhey Tsikhanouski, Maxim Znak and Viktar Babaryka.

RUSSIAN NATIONALS HELD OVERSEAS:

SERGEI CHERKASOV:

Currently serving a 15-year sentence in Brazil for using forged documents, Cherkasov was detained on arrival in the Netherlands in July 2022 and deported back to Brazil. Dutch intelligence said he was trying to infiltrate the International Criminal Court, which is based in the country, on behalf of Moscow.

The U.S. requested his extradition as a suspected deep cover "illegal" spy, but Brazil denied the request. At the time, Brazil said that Cherkasov will remain in its custody while a Russian request for his extradition is processed.

VLADIMIR DUNAEV

Dunaev, from Russia's far eastern Amur region, was sentenced to five years and four months by a U.S. court in 2024 for involvement in developing and deploying Trickbot, malicious software used to attack U.S. targets.

Dunaev was extradited to the U.S. from South Korea in 2021.

ALEXANDER VINNIK

A convicted cybercriminal, Vinnik in May pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to money laundering charges related to his time operating the cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e, between 2011 and 2017.

He was extradited from Greece to the United States in 2022, having previously in 2020 been sentenced to five years in prison by a French court for laundering ransomware funds.

MAXIM MARCHENKO

Marchenko was in 2024 sentenced by a New York court to three years in prison for money-laundering and arms smuggling.

According to U.S. court papers, he was convicted of procuring military-grade OLED micro-displays for Russian users, a violation of sanctions law.

(Reporting by Felix LightEditing by Peter Graff and Sharon Singleton)
LIVINGSTON COUNTY  The Livingston Diversity Council is partnering with a Faith and Social Justice Workgroup for a nine-week faith-based program aimed at better understanding the countys history with racism and opening conversations about diversity.

The Faith and Race Project is an ecumenical initiative to support diversity and oppose racism in Livingston County, according to the councils website.

We started to see a lot of churches doing some really great things around racial equity, racial healing, just learning themselves, LGBTQ support, being more affirming as an organization, and it just felt like they could do so much more if they worked together, said LDC Executive Director Nicole Matthews-Creech.

More: 'We love Hitler. We love Trump.' As Trump rallied in GR, white supremacists chanted in Howell

Members of several Livingston County churches attend Elenors March 4 Hope.

Leo Hanifin  a writer, local resident and former dean at the University of Detroit Mercy  is helping spearhead the project.

In 2022, Hanifin finished writing A Brief History of Race Relations in Livingston County, Michigan, a five-chapter book that covers the area's Indigenous peoples, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, the Civil Rights movement and modern race relations.

Last fall, Hanifin contacted all 50 churches in Livingston County and invited them to stand with him at Elenors March 4 Hope, an annual march for social justice in Detroit. He said about 17 people from six different churches attended, and the group decided to create an organization to be visible and vocal advocates for equality and diversity in our community.

More: Report: Harris campaign, Nessel condemn white supremacist showings in Howell

Hanifin said there are currently about 27 members of the Faith and Social Justice Workgroup from a dozen local churches, including several pastors.

We're really starting to get some traction in the faith community, which will encourage people of faith, Hanifin said.

Livingston County is primarily Christian, but Matthews-Creech said the program is open to everyone.

There's diversity in religion and so it's really important to highlight that, too, she said.

Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage

The program is limited to about 12-15 people, and attendees are required to register. They will need to purchase and read three books for the program.

The group will meet at the First United Methodist Church in Brighton on Thursdays, Sept. 19-Nov. 21. Most meetings will run 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The program comes during a particularly tense time for Livingston County, only weeks after two demonstrations from white supremacists in Howell left community members frustrated and grappling with the area's long, complicated history with race.

A week after the demonstrations, according to reporting from Michigan Advance, counterprotestors gathered at Howell's Historic Courthouse to symbolically "wash away" the racism and hate they no longer want to see in their hometown.

 Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Faith-based program explores racism, diversity in Livingston County
Three people were held at gunpoint in June in a Tacoma home after men in ballistic vests knocked on their door and claimed to have a warrant for a resident while purporting to be from the Department of Corrections, according to charging documents filed Wednesday.

The man the fake DOC officers were allegedly there for told investigators he believed it was an attempted kidnapping. Court records allege a suspect now charged in the June 11 incident, Christopher Ryon Medley, threatened to shoot him and shocked him with a Taser.

Medley, 39, does not work for DOC. According to Pierce County Superior Court records, he is unemployed and has been tied to two other burglaries in Tacoma since June 11 where firearms, BB guns and 15,000 rounds of assorted ammunition were stolen. Medley was arrested at the scene of a June 14 burglary, but court records show he was released on his personal recognizance after spending a weekend in jail.

He was arrested again in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a welfare check was called in just after midnight for a black Chevy Tahoe blocking eastbound traffic in Puyallup on West Pioneer Avenue near 5th Street West.

According to charging documents, Puyallup Police Department officers found Medley slumped over in the drivers seat with his foot on the brake, a loaded pistol in his lap and a 2-year-old boy buckled into the front passengers seat.

Multiple patrol cars blocked the Tahoe in. Officers removed the child from the vehicle and the gun from Medleys hand before he woke up and was taken into custody. Records state the child, identified as Medleys son, was placed in the custody of Child Protective Services.

Medley was arraigned Wednesday in the June 11 burglary where he and another man allegedly claimed to be corrections officials and wore vests with DOC markings. Court records show Medley pleaded not guilty to first-degree criminal impersonation, first-degree burglary, attempted first-degree kidnapping, two counts of unlawful imprisonment and third-degree assault.

Superior Court Commissioner Philip Thornton set Medleys bail at $300,000. A defense attorney does not yet appear to have been assigned to the case. An attorney from the Department of Assigned Counsel is representing Medley in a separate residential burglary case. He did not respond to a request for comment.

A Tacoma Police Department spokesperson said Thursday that an investigation is ongoing, and a second suspect described in charging documents has not been arrested.

Medley has criminal history in Washington and New Mexico, according to court records. He was convicted of DUI, a gross misdemeanor, in 2015 in King County and reckless driving, a gross misdemeanor, in 2018 in Pierce County.

Fake DOC officers knock at South Tacoma home

The June 11 incident occurred in South Tacoma in the 6200 block of South Fife Street. A resident there reportedly told police he answered his front door at about 12:10 p.m. when a heavy-set man and a skinnier man, later identified as Medley, knocked on his door. The two forced their way inside and stated they had a warrant for another male resident.

The man who answered the door demanded to see the warrant and said he was going to call 911. Then, Medley allegedly produced a pistol, pointed it at him and said something to the effect of, Sit down or Ill shoot you.

Medley reportedly held the pistol in one hand and a Taser in the other. A witness told police Medley tried to get the man they claimed to have a warrant for to leave with them and intimidated him by shocking him with the Taser. The witness told police he threw a bottle at Medley, and the other suspect allegedly fired a gunshot into the floor.

That suspect then went into the residents bedroom for a few seconds while Medley allegedly held the homes three residents at gunpoint, according to court records. After exiting the bedroom, the suspect reportedly told Medley they were leaving, and they drove away in a black Tahoe.

The man who was shocked with the Taser later told police he believed the suspects wanted to kidnap him. Records state he told a detective he was not under the supervision of DOC, so there would be no reason for an officer to contact him. He confirmed nothing was stolen. Asked who might have done it, he reportedly said it might have been an old roommate, who investigators said was related to Medley.

A third resident told police she was ordered to sit on the couch when the suspects rushed in. She reportedly said the suspects produced realistic-looking handguns, but they only made popping noises when the triggers were pulled. Records state officers did find a bullet strike in the center of the room and a shell casing on a nearby couch.

Antique rifle, stolen revolver found in Tahoe

When Medley was arrested in Puyallup on Tuesday, police found multiple firearms in his Tahoe, some of which were connected to a June 23 residential burglary at a house in Eastside Tacoma.

In that case, a man reported to Tacoma police that his back door was ajar when he got home, and he discovered that his safe was missing. It reportedly contained a black-powder antique revolver, an antique rifle, a Ruger Wrangler revolver and 15,000 rounds of assorted ammunition.

Medley does not appear to have been charged in that burglary, but the Ruger Wrangler revolver and the antique rifle were found in his Tahoe when he was arrested Tuesday. Puyallup Police Department spokesperson Capt. Jason Visnaw said the antique rifle was a Marlin. He said officers did not recover the large amount of ammunition reportedly stolen with the safe. According to court records, Medley lives less than a half-mile from where the June 23 burglary occurred.

Another long gun was found under a blanket in the back of the Tahoe, according to court records, and a Taser was found in the drivers seat. The loaded pistol found in Medleys lap, a 9 mm handgun, had the serial number scratched off.

Based on the arrest, prosecutors charged Medley in a separate case July 31 with unlawful possession of an undetectable firearm, unlawful possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle and reckless endangerment. Court records show he pleaded not guilty to those charges Wednesday.

A stolen firearm has allegedly been found in Medleys Tahoe before. According to court records, he was arrested June 14 after Tacoma police responded to a report of a person seen on a Ring doorbell entering a neighbors home.

Medley was questioned at the scene, and he denied entering the residence, records state. A couple of BB guns were in the houses yard, and Medley was placed in cuffs after he allegedly admitted that the BB guns had been inside the house.

His Tahoe was towed from a nearby alley, and a tow inventory search recorded four BB gun pistols, three magazines, a firearm part, four firearm magazines and a box of ammo. A loaded 9 mm handgun was found under the drivers seat that was reported stolen out of Tacoma.

After the stolen firearm was found, the Tahoe was reportedly sealed with evidence tape and brought to a secured tow lot. Its unclear when the vehicle was released to Medley. Records state it was registered in his name.
The family of a man who was fatally shot by Benbrook police and the familys attorneys are demanding that law enforcement release video of the shooting.

Kenneth Brandon MacArthur Woods, 36, died on July 24 from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office.

Attorneys Larry Taylor and Dimitri Dube say Woods mother, Bernadette Williams, and his fiancee, Keiyana Hamilton, are devastated, and having police body-camera video released to them would help them cope with their loss.

Imagine, you know, Ms. Hamilton, shes got two children and shes pregnant with another child and he [Woods] will never get a chance to meet his child, Taylor said. Imagine somebody calling for help, asking for help, and the result being death.

Woods was shot by officers who responded to a 911 call at an apartment in the 5600 block of Bellaire Drive South about 11:45 a.m. that day, the Texas Department of Public Safety said in a news release.

According to DPS, which is leading the investigation of the shooting, Woods mother spoke to the 911 dispatcher and said she was inside the apartment with several young children and that Woods was refusing to allow them to leave. The familys attorneys said Woods made the 911 call but his mother briefly talked to the dispatcher.

The DPS statement said that Woods fired multiple gunshots in the apartment and jumped from a second-floor window. Police said he was armed with a handgun and did not comply with officers commands to take his hands off the gun before officers shot him.

Williams and Hamilton did not know Woods to have a weapon and did not see a gun before the shooting happened, according to their attorneys.

Authorities have not specified how many officers fired their weapons.

Taylor and Dube say the release of the video will also assist the familys understanding of the circumstances of the shooting.

What led to the killing of their loved one when all he did was for help? Dube said in an interview with the Star-Telegram.

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Hamilton and the familys attorneys said Woods called 911 that morning for help, according to Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV.

His exact words that morning that he kept reiterating to his family was that he was not feeling like himself, Dube told WFAA on Thursday.

Law enforcement has not been cooperative in allowing the family to see the video, their attorneys said.

I mean, traditionally at this stage in this country, law enforcement usually brings or invites the family in to review the video so that they do understand what took place and what happened, Taylor said. Its happened in Arlington, its happening in Dallas County, but for some reason that is not happening in Tarrant County.

The family wants to see exactly what took place and what led to the death of their loved one, he added.

In addition to their request of the video, the familys attorneys are asking law enforcement and the Tarrant County District Attorneys Office to sit down and have a discussion with Hamilton and Williams.

What were asking is not extraordinary... When these incidents happen, the best way for law enforcement to clear up any issues with the family and with the local community is to show the video and to ensure transparency in the process, Dube said. Thats how we hold the police accountable.

The Texas Rangers, a division of DPS, are investigating the shooting at the request of the Benbrook Police Department.

According to a Benbrook police spokesperson, DPS will decide whether or not to release any of the recordings of the shooting.

In response to a Star-Telegram request, DPS said no further information will be released at this time, and at the investigations completion, the case will be submitted to the DAs office.

Benbrook police say they are going to stay consistent with DPSs decisions regarding the release of evidence.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Jesus Carreon, 83, said he has not been able to shower for months, and currently uses his kitchen as his bathroom. Hes placed a makeshift mirror in the kitchen to brush his teeth and shave, and for a while, even had to go outside of his home to use the restroom.

This is because he and his family allege a local construction company did not finish the job they hired them to do. The job they said, was to renovate the bathroom, re-carpet the living room and hallway.

Carreons son and caregiver, Tommy Carreon, hired CSGSO Construction Innovations to do the job in late May of 2024, and said they were told by them that the job would be completed in approximately two weeks.

Jesus Carreon said he had set aside money for the renovations that he and his wife needed as they were both handicapped. Unfortunately, she would not see the project completed.

According to the family, shortly after work on the project began, Carreons wife died on June 11.

Ive been so depressed, (with) anxiety, stressed out, I cant cope with it, this was for my wife, they promised me, Carreon said.

Carreons daughter, Ruby Mendoza, invited KTSM into the home to observe the homes current state, over two months after they said the company began their work.













They made a mess out of his house. It was a nightmare. We are not able to mourn for my mother because we have a big disaster in my fathers house, Mendoza said. The restroom is a mess, this is supposed to be for handicapped people, and its not. They were supposed to remove everything, the walls, everything, because of mildew and all that, they didnt.

Tommy Carreon, said the initial agreement was for $5,405, and went up to $6,254.50, when they added tiling to the agreement.

According to Mendoza, the service was paid in full in two different payments, with cash and credit card.

The company responded to the claims by issuing a statement:

CSGSO LLC

For those residents that may find themselves in a similar situation, KTSM spoke with the Senior Division Chief for the Criminal Division of the El Paso County Attorneys Office, Laura Christopherson. She shared that she could not comment on the specific case, but said homeowners should always be aware of the threat of deceptive business practice case, which she said are all too common.

Unfortunately we do have a lot of cases that fall under the Deceptive Business Practice, Christopherson said.

For people who believe they are victims of this, Christopherson said they should contact police immediately and file a report, because in order to prosecute it, it must go through law enforcement.

Once we have the case then we have to analyze it. So were going to look at everything that you said: How much money was paid? And how much work was done? Christopherson said.

She gave a hypothetical example of a $5,000 agreement.

Was $5,000 worth of work done? Or was it less? Was it more? If less than what was paid for was received, then we have a case.

Christopherson said that before entering an agreement, both parties should have a clear understanding of what work is to be done for how much, and to keep record of any exchanges that could serve as proof if things do not work out.

Be very vigilant, be very careful. The most important thing is to know who you are giving your hard-earned money to, Christopherson said.

Before entering an agreement with a company, she recommends searching on the Better Business Bureaus (BBB) website to see if theyre accredited by them.

KTSM scoured the BBBs website and CSGSO LLC is not accredited by them.

The companys CEO Sean L. Payne also had five separate charges of deceptive business practice since 2017, according to El Paso Countys Criminal Case Records database, but they were all dismissed or disposed.

Payne did not offer a comment on the prior charges, but remained adamant that his company held up their end of the agreement. Mendoza tells KTSM they have filed a report with police, and that they have a detective assigned to their case.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Douglas Rissing / Getty Images/iStockphoto

For scammers, the goals of getting your personal information and money remain the same year in and year out, but the strategies used constantly change with the times. As the presidential election approaches, Americans will need to remain vigilant not only against voter fraud, but financial and identity scams.

These donation scams are going to manifest themselves in many different ways, said Shawn Waldman, CEO and Founder of cybersecurity consulting firm Secure Cyber.

Discover: 5 Ways Fraudsters Are Trying To Scam You on Social Media

Learn More: 3 Tips for Talking to Your Elderly Parents About How to Protect Their Money from Scammers

According to Tom Aldrich, Chief Revenue Officer at 360 Privacy, the ongoing stories (and how you interact with them) leading-up to November 5th will bring scammers out of the woodwork, using every tactic to target your data and cash. There are financial, malware and credential-stealing scams that primarily prey on consumers and users, leveraging events and topics that are top of mind, such as election updates and donation requests, he said.

Political donation scams are when a scammer acts as a political candidate or political party and solicits donations  typically via phone, email or social media, said Truman Kain, a senior researcher at cybersecurity firm Huntress. Scammers not only have your contact information and voting records; they also have access to most, if not all, of the data that advertisers use to serve you relevant ads online. Then its just a matter of casting a wide net and waiting for the payments to roll in.

Emerging technology can save time, increase productivity, provide better access to information and even extend lifespans, but it comes with potential risks when placed in the hands of scammers using it for voter donation scams. Although political parties may not be aligned on all matters, the research finds that they do agree on one thing when it comes to cybersecurity: AI will have a negative effect on the outcome of this years election, said Mary Mangione, associate global director at Yubico.

As we shall see, scammers are deceitful, but they are also innovative and relentless and many pride themselves on sounding convincing and official, so you must be cautious. As such, Americans will need to know how to recognize a scam when they see one. Here are four types of donation and identity scams to look out for and some ways to protect yourself, according to experts.

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1. Robocalls and Text Messages

Speaking to AARP, Dan Evon, senior manager of education design for the News Literacy Project, said, The one genre of misinformation Im most worried about for the election is fake audio. Fake video might be easier to spot, but with a robocall, theres not as many obvious red flags to indicate whether something is false.

Robocalls and text messages are the two most popular methods of attack for these scams, but outreach through social media and other messaging platforms is becoming more common, said Kain. Although the Federal Communications Commission made voice cloning technology used in common robocall scams illegal after they were used before the January New Hampshire primary, AI technology is becoming more sophisticated by the day.

Sometimes, a real voice clip of the candidate is used in calls, Kain explained. And now with the rise of widely available voice cloning and deepfake tools, we can increasingly expect the cloned voice or likeness of candidates to be used in videos and robocalls.

Waldman feels that text messages will be even more pervasive during election time, as people have become numb to the oversaturation of robocalls. These text messages might come in the form of a survey request or some other seemingly innocent request, Waldman noted. Clicking on the link will then take you to a page designed to disguise itself as a legitimate donation page for your favorite candidate. Instead, its going to be a fake domain and page that will scam you out of money and your personal information.

2. Email Messages

The quickest way to notice a scam, if you receive an email, is to hover over the senders name to see the real email address, notes Adam Grant, partner at the creative law firm Grant Shenon. If the name that appears is misleading, the actual email address will tip you off to where the message is actually coming from and will often be the greatest tell that it is a scam.

One of the most common types of scams is found on social media sites like Facebook, X and Instagram, according to Grant. The post leads with a positive story about a candidate, and then asks the reader to click to donate. If you click, and dont donate, you should expect an endless stream of spam emails to follow with similar tone and content.

A good rule of thumb is provided by Aldrich, who urges Americans to question messages they are receiving and look for common scam identifiers like a sense of urgency, a request of ANY type of sensitive, personal information, misspelled words or use of the Cyrillic alphabet and the use of blurred images that lead you to click on the image to see the full picture.

3. Fake Websites

Thousands of fraudulent websites are built every day to try to lure visitors into giving away personal and financial information or download malware that disrupts devices and data. According to Israel Mazin, CEO and co-founder of Memcyco, a leading provider of cutting-edge digital trust technologies, Not only have cybercriminals been spoofing news outlets to spread misinformation and fake news about the election, but they have also been impersonating registration and donation pages to access individuals personal data and funds.

For example, researchers found over 17,200 suspicious web domains related to Donald Trump, said Mazin. These included close misspellings of donaldjtrump[.]com, like donalbjtrump[.]com and donaldjtrump[.]top, and of official Republican fundraising platform winred[.]com, like winred[.]online and winred[.]today.

However, according to Mazin, Recognizing digital impersonation scams is not always easy, and many people fall for them, regardless of age or educational background. As such, be sure to only interact with trusted entities, and only through their official portals. Verify an organizations credibility by looking it up, call the official number to see if it matches the information provided, and manually enter web addresses instead of clicking email links.

Yinglian Xie, CEO and co-founder of DataVisor, agrees and suggests being ultra circumspect when it comes to fake candidate donation websites, or AI supercharging scams. To validate a URL, ensure the domain name matches the official site and starts with https://, said Xie. Inspect the URL for unusual characters or paths, review site content for quality, and use online tools for reputation checks. Verify the SSL certificate by clicking the padlock icon, and compare the URL with links from official sources.

4. Phony Surveys and Polls

You cant look at any information source without seeing dozens of poll results right now. However, if you choose to take part in a poll or survey or sign a petition, youll need to be cautious about providing any specific identifying information. As AARP states, Age is one thing, your birth date is another. Decline to provide your name, address, email address, Social Security number or drivers license number. Or, as Kain recommends, simply ignore any requests to participate.

Fake surveys and polls are used to gather personal information or to carry out political donation scams at a later time, said Kain. The personal information collected is used for identity theft and voter registration manipulation. Sometimes scammers will offer monetary rewards or other prizes for participation, but they will require you to just pay for shipping by providing your payment information.

No matter the scam, the best way to avoid an election scam might be what Waldman recommends: Listen to your gut, its a free form of protection built into everyone. If it feels bad, it likely is.

Now Is the Time To Take Precautions

In 2024, you should already be practicing good cybersecurity hygiene (not clicking on suspicious links; avoiding giving password or account information), knowing who youre interacting with (verifying legitimate websites and seller information; doing your research) and if making a transaction, being careful how you pay (never e-transferring $ directly to a seller; avoiding pre-paid gift card payment).

Although most of the latest scams are twists on existing ones and the measures that have protected you for years still apply, be aware of any new types of attacks during election season. Fraudsters know people are most vulnerable when theyre desperate, scared or caught up with emotion, and they may use the growing tension of the election and pressure tactics to prey on their victims.

The time has come to take these scams seriously, whether theres an election being fought or not. Its up to you to update your cybersecurity. Its important to re-think account security and move away from focusing on solely using a username and password to protect your accounts, Mangione says. Physical hardware security keys (like Yibicos YubiKey) are proven to prevent even the most sophisticated phishing attacks as they require the attacker to physically have the key in order to login.

Additionally, now is the time to be extra cautious of the network youre using. When possible, always avoid public Wi-Fi and use other solutions such as a secured personal hotspot or VPN, which will make it difficult for third-parties to determine your identity or location, Mangione added.

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: 4 Election Donation and Identity Scams To Avoid
If your family earns $55K or less, tuition to be covered at all UW campuses in 2025

Some lower-income students attending a public university will have their tuition and fees completely covered under a program re-launching next year.

The Wisconsin Tuition Promise will offer four years of free tuition coverage to in-state students whose families earn $55,000 or less annually and are beginning at a University of Wisconsin System campus in fall 2025.

Were pleased to once again offer Wisconsin resident students of modest means an opportunity to attend a UW tuition-free, UW System President Jay Rothman said in a statement. We know that for a number of students cost is a barrier to enrollment and removing that barrier is critical.

UW-La Crosse is one of 11 universities that will offer free tuition coverage to in-state students whose familes earn $55,000 or less annually and are beginning college in fall 2025.

A previous iteration of the program debuted in 2023 and covered students whose families earn $62,000 or less.

The program is not available for students starting at a UW campus this fall, except for those enrolled at UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee. The UW System asked the Republican-controlled Legislature last year for money to continue the program in 2024 but lawmakers declined. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, suggested campuses fundraise for the program.

That's primarily how UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee fund their own tuition promise programs. The statewide program will cover the other 11 universities within the UW System.

About 1,300 students are expected to qualify for the Wisconsin Tuition Promise in fall 2025.

Ascendium Education Group is contributing $5 million. The UW System administration is also kicking in $5 million. Additional funding will come from the 11 participating universities.

The program operates as a last-dollar award, meaning the university covers what isnt met by other financial aid a student receives, such as a Pell grant and other scholarships. Students are still on the hook to fund room, board and books.

Some other Wisconsin institutions offer their own tuition promise programs, including many technical colleges.

Earlier this week, Ripon College in Fond du Lac County announced its own program, which also launches in fall 2025. Incoming Wisconsin students from families earning $75,000 or less will qualify.

Contact Kelly Meyerhofer at 414-223-5168 or kmeyerhofer@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KellyMeyerhofer.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Tuition Promise covers tuition for some UW students
Family of elderly couple ripped off by alleged pervy private school teacher, ex-Jeopardy champ slams his hire: Incredible

The son of an elderly couple swindled by accused pervy teacher Winston Nguyen is outraged the Jeopardy! champ ex-con was hired by an elite Brooklyn private school where authorities said he catfished teens for child porn.

No one from Saint Anns School ever contacted the family of Bernard Stoll  the blind 96-year-old man who testified that Nguyen stole $300,000 from him while working as a home health aide  before they hired Nguyen as a math teacher at the Brooklyn Heights school in 2020, said Stolls son Rand Stoll.

Rand Stoll said he didnt even know until Nguyens recent arrest on child porn charges that the former home health aide had been working as a teacher.

If I was contacted he never would have been hired, Stoll told The Post.

Its incredible to me that no one did their due diligence.

Winston Nguyen was hired at a swanky Brooklyn private school despite his criminal past. Gabriella Bass

Saint Anns School faces mounting questions about its vetting process when it hired Nguyen. Helayne Seidman

Rand Stolls befuddlement adds to growing questions about Saint Anns vetting process when they employed Nguyen, who served a four-month jail sentence in Rikers Island in 2019 for using Bernard and Florence Stolls credit cards as a personal piggy bank.

Nguyen lied to Saint Anns about his teaching experience, claiming on his resume that he worked at three different schools in various roles, New York Magazine reported Wednesday.

Students at Saint Anns discovered Nguyens criminal past  which was extensively reported in The Post  during the 2021-22 school year, NY Mag reported. The revelation prompted school officials to notify parents for the first time that they knowingly hired an ex-con to teach their children, according to the report.

Saint Anns later tapped Nguyen to teach a seminar called Crime & Punishment, the magazine reported.

But while Saint Anns seemingly downplayed Nguyens offense as a financial crime, Rand Stoll said it was a profound betrayal that destroyed his family.

Prosecutors said Nguyen preyed on teens at four different elite Brooklyn private schools. csuarez

While Nguyen made himself indispensable to the Stolls over the years, he used the Upper East Side couples bank account and credit cards to buy ballet tickets, pay for Florida vacations and a long list of Amazon purchases, according to Rand Stoll and prosecutors.

Bernard Stolls nephew, who also spoke with The Post, confirmed Rand Stolls account of Nguyen ingratiating himself with the family and betraying their trust.

Florence Stoll died in 2018, followed by Bernard Stoll in 2019.

Hes a phony, he embezzled, Rand Stoll said. Hes just a menace to society and Im glad hes caught.

Stoll found it absurd that Nguyen  who competed on Jeopardy twice in 2014, winning one episode  would be allowed to work with young students.

Look at what he did, fking pornography, he said, among other invectives. The fking guy is out of his fking mind.

Nguyens neighbors were worried to learn he lived in an apartment overlooking a playground. Robert Miller

When The Post last week tried to contact Nguyen, reporters found his Harlem apartment directly overlooked a playground.

Neighbor Nieve Rosa, 22, told The Post that she worried for her toddlers as the boy and girl romped around in the playground.

We come to the park and we dont want a predator out here looking at our children, she said.

He shouldnt be in this community. Were out here with our kids every day.

Nguyen faces a 30-count criminal complaint. Gabriella Bass

Nguyen is accused of posing as a teenager on Snapchat, engaging in hundreds of sexualized chats and trolling six teens as young as 13  from four private schools in Brooklyn, including Saint Anns  for nudes and videos of sexual performances.

He faces 30 criminal counts and is free on $30,000 bail.

Nguyens attorney Frank Rothman said hed contact Nguyen over the accusations he lied about his teaching experience. He said he expects to view the evidence for the child porn accusations in the coming weeks.

Saint Anns officials didnt return The Posts repeated requests for comment. In June, they said Nguyen was placed on leave.

They have to fire people, Rand Stoll said. Its just a whole bad reflection of Saint Anns.

Additional reporting by Aneeta Bhole and Jack Morphet
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The family of the former U.S. Marine who was released from a Russian prison on Thursday in one of the biggest prisoner swaps between the U.S. and Russia in post-Soviet history spoke out on his return home.

In a statement released Thursday, Paul Whelans twin brother David, who wrote on behalf of his family, expressed immense gratitude for those who had been involved in advocating for and negotiating his release over five years after he was first detained by Russian authorities.

Paul Whelan is free. Our family is grateful to the United States government for making Pauls freedom a reality, the statement read. Wed like to thank President [Joe] Biden, Secretary of State [Anthony] Blinken, and National Security Advisor [Jake] Sullivan for their engagement with the Russian Federation to create the environment where Pauls freedom became a possibility.

Heres who Russia, US released in prisoner swap

David, who lives in San Diego and works at the San Diego Law Library, also thanked a number of congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle who served as key advocates in elevating the urgency of Whelans release, as well as other wrongfully detained Americans.

The statement similarly acknowledged members of the public who donated to fundraisers, state department officials, Russian lawyers who aided his family, Irish and Canadian embassy officials, and members of the public who wrote to Whelan while he was in prison.

While he is free now, however, Whelans family said it remains an uphill battle for the former Marine to reenter society.

Paul Whelan is not in a Russian labor colony any longer, but he is not home. While Paul was wrongfully imprisoned in Russia, he lost his home. He lost his job. We are unsure how someone overcomes these losses and rejoins society after being a hostage, the statement read.

We are grateful for everyones efforts to help Paul while he was away, it continued. We hope you will continue to help him by providing Paul the space and privacy he needs as he rebuilds his life. It is Pauls story to tell and he will tell it when he is able.

Whelan, 54, was first jailed in Moscow on espionage charges in 2018, when he was in the city for a friends wedding. He was later convicted of those charges and sentenced to 16 years in prison, although the former Marine, his family and the U.S. has long said the allegations were fabricated.

The U.S. government designated the Michigan native as wrongfully detained but had failed to secure his release in earlier prisoner exchanges that saw the release of former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed and WNBA star Brittney Griner back in 2022.

Whelan, who was working as a corporate security executive at the time of his arrest, was one of several high-profile individuals imprisoned in Russia who were part of the latest swap. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was also among those released on Thursday.

County of San Diego hiring poll workers for Presidential General Election

In exchange, eight individuals with Russian ties who had been imprisoned abroad were released, including Vadim Krasikov, a Russian hit man who was convicted of the 2021 shooting death of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian citizen of Chechen ethnicity, in a Berlin park.

In total, two dozen people and seven countries were involved in the complex prisoner exchange  the biggest since the Cold War.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted three of the newly freed Americans as they returned to U.S. soil early Friday morning.

The Associated Press and The Hill contributed to this report

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The family of a man shot and killed by Topeka police have filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit alleging the officers used excessive force and arguing that the city should release the body camera recordings.

Taylor Lowery, 33, was fatally shot on Oct. 13, 2022. Officers fired 34 shots at him, the lawsuit filed Friday in the District of Kansas said.

The lawsuit challenges Kansas law that broadly shields bodycam footage from view, which could carry implications for similar cases in other parts of the state.

Dan Garrett, a spokesman for the City of Topeka, said the city takes claims of this nature seriously.

The city will vigorously defend the suit and has full faith that the justice system will resolve this matter, he said in a statement. Due to pending litigation, and in order to not further prejudice the process, the city has no additional comment.

Police were called to a domestic disturbance and kicked in the door. According to the lawsuit, the officers did not have a search warrant and did not have probable cause to enter the residence.

A woman reported a man who was not acting normal was in another room with a knife.

Lowery fled to a nearby gas station. Officers arrived and surrounded him. The lawsuit said Lowery bent over to pick up a wrench when Officer Malcolm Gillum began firing at him. Officers George Chiles, Bradley Netherton and Justin Good also fired. Gillum and Chiles were officers in training, the lawsuit said.

Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay declined to file charges against the officers. Officials released a 15-page report that included still shots from body cameras.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Lowerys daughter who is a minor, alleges the officers used excessive force and that the city failed to properly train and supervise officers.

It also says that requests to the city for body camera footage and other information like witness statements were denied.

In the public interest?

Body camera recordings are considered criminal investigation records. Under Kansas law, that classification gives police departments or other public officials like district attorneys broad discretion in deciding whether the recordings get released or stay shielded from public view, even after a case is closed.

A judge can order criminal investigation records be disclosed under certain conditions, including if the information is in the public interest.

The lawsuit argues that releasing the 15-page report shows that it is in the public interest.

A lawsuit filed in April similarly contends that releasing body camera footage from a fatal shooting in Kansas City, Kansas, is in the public interest and essential for people to trust the police.

A Star investigation published in March found that from 2019 to 2023, police officers fatally shot 47 people in Kansas. Where recordings existed, officials denied releasing them to the public 67% of the time.

In Missouri, records can be obtained once a case is closed.

The lawsuits filed in Kansas could potentially change how disclosure requests are handled. Opponents say there are privacy concerns and that the recordings can contain disturbing images or reveal confidential investigative information. Proponents for change argue that disclosure is important for transparency and that sensitive information can be blurred or redacted.
Insights from the United Nations, The New Arab, Semafor, and BBC

Updated Aug 2, 2024, 12:17pm EDT Africa

The News

Famine was declared in Sudans Darfur region, where hundreds of thousands of people have been internally displaced and are living in camps since a civil war began more than a year ago.

Official declarations of famine are rare; this is only the third one in the last 20 years globally.

The rival military groups  who are set to meet for US-brokered peace talks in two weeks  have prevented aid from reaching the more than 600,000 people estimated to be internally displaced. The scarcity has pushed the price of available grains 180% above recent averages.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Warring parties are using hunger as a weapon of war

Sources: The United Nations, France 24, The New Arab, The Guardian

Both warring parties in the conflict have long prevented humanitarian aid from reaching the affected population, over unfounded fears that weapons could be smuggled in with the foodstuffs, UN experts said in a report, accusing the factions of using starvation as a weapon of war. Both military groups have created hurdles to aid reaching Sudan, including arresting and killing aid workers, adding bureaucratic red tape, limiting entry points, and causing telecom outages, France 24 and The New Arab noted. It has worsened a widespread humanitarian crisis: Already, many children there are at deaths door, a Doctors Without Borders official told The Guardian.

Famine declaration could encourage more aid and intervention

Sources: Semafor, The New York Times, Reuters

So far, the worlds response to the conflict has been inadequate, Semafors Martin K.N Siele wrote earlier this year, with the UN only raising a fraction of the pledged $4.1 billion in aid for Sudan. But the rare declaration of famine could bring more attention to the conflict and encourage governments to increase their spending toward humanitarian aid, The New York Times wrote. The declaration may even trigger the UN Security Council to issue a resolution for agencies to get more aid into Sudan, Reuters reported.

Planned peace talks could falter

Sources: BBC, Al Jazeera, Arab News

The upcoming US-mediated peace talks between warring parties  the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces  may not advance, the BBC reported, after an alleged assassination attempt on a Sudanese general that could provoke the army to pull out. Talks have faltered before, as both groups seem to believe in their capability to win quickly instead of seeking long-term solutions, Al Jazeera wrote in 2023. A more concerted international effort may be needed, a political scientist argued for Arab News: Sustained diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation are essential to build trust between the warring parties and pave the way for a durable peace agreement.
The news cycle has been filled to bursting, has it not? Just this week (and its only Thursday), we have multiple Olympic Games stories, Israel took out two of its enemies leaders, one from Hamas and one from Hezbollah, hostages were released from Russia, Kamala Harris saw record-breaking fundraising numbers in the first week of her campaign and the Utah Supreme Court upheld a block on the states strict abortion ban while a lower court challenge goes forward.

In the meantime, famine has officially reached at least one of Sudans large refugee camps and the death toll is rising. An estimated 500,000 people are living in the Zamzam refugee camp outside of Darfur. In April, Claire Nicolet, head of Doctors Without Borders emergency response in Sudan, said: What we are seeing in Zamzam camp is an absolutely catastrophic situation. We estimate that at least one child is dying every two hours in the camp. It has gotten worse.

New assessments from Mercy Corps reveal that 9 in 10 children in Sudan are suffering from life-threatening malnutrition. Mercy Corps Country Director for Sudan Sibongani Kayola says that the situation has become so dire that even cash assistance will not save the children. Theres an urgent need for specialized health interventions, including comprehensive nutritional support, emergency stabilization centers, medical care, and continuous monitoring of affected children, while ramping up the overall humanitarian response to prevent more deaths.

Experts who monitor global hunger rarely make an official declaration of famine, but today, the U.N.-backed famine early warning systems network (Fews Net) said it had evidence to confirm people were starving to death in Zamzam camp, and it was possible the worst levels of hunger were also present in Abu Shouk and Al Salam camps. Fews Net only declares famine after it has confirmed mortality rates have reached extreme levels, which it says have been evidenced in Zamzam for up to two months.

There are levels of food insecurity and hunger, from temporary to chronic, and from Phase 1, which is food secure, to Phase 5, which is a catastrophe/famine. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) makes a determination of famine when starvation, death, destitution and extremely critical levels of acute malnutrition are or will likely be evident. A famine classification is given when at least 20% of households in a given area face an extreme lack of food, at least 30% of children are suffering from acute malnutrition, and two people or four children for every 10,000 are dying each day due to outright starvation or to the interaction of malnutrition and disease.

People gather to collect water in Khartoum, Sudan, on May 28, 2023, during a weeklong truce, brokered by the U.S. and the Saudis. A week of indirect talks involving Sudan's warring parties ended in Geneva on Friday, July 19, 2024, the U.N. secretary-general's personal envoy said. He described the discussions as an encouraging initial step in a complex process. | Marwan Ali

The war between rival military factions in Sudan created the worlds largest hunger crisis. According to the World Food Program, more than 25 million of the countrys 48 million people face crisis levels of hunger. The country also has the worlds worst displacement crisis, with almost 11 million people internally displaced or having fled to neighboring countries. Those numbers include more than 5 million children. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, almost 19,000 people have been killed and over 33,000 have been injured since hostilities began in April of 2023. Earlier this week, a hospital in the northern Darfur region was hit, resulting in almost 100 people killed or injured, according to reports from the United Nations.

Earlier today, Doctors Without Borders said RSF was blocking trucks carrying its supplies  including food and medicine for those in Zamzam camp  from reaching its facilities in the city. Sudans military is also preventing aid trucks from crossing into Sudan from Chad.

We desperately need our trucks to arrive, Stephane Doyon, who leads the aid groups emergency response in Sudan, said in a statement. If the blockade on humanitarian aid is not lifted as a matter of urgency, there is going to be an even greater death toll.
Senate Chambers in the Wisconsin State Capitol. (Baylor Spears | Wisconsin Examiner)

Two Republican primaries will take place for the Wisconsin state Senate this month with the winners slated to face Democrats, who are seeking to flip the seats.

Right-center v. Radical Republicans compete for open Fox Valley seat

Anthony Phillips, a Fox Valley cancer physician, and Blong Yang, an Appleton restaurant owner, will face each other on Aug. 13 for the Republican nomination in the 18th Senate district, which includes Oshkosh and Appleton. Its a district Democrats are seeking to gain as it has a slight Democratic lean since the maps were redrawn. The winner of the primary will face Kristin Alfheim, a Democratic member of the Appleton Common Council, in November.

The candidates made their case for how they would retain the seat for Republicans during a debate hosted last week by the Outagamie County and Winnebago County Republican parties. Each candidate described how he would take on Alfheim on a variety of issues including abortion.

Phillips said during the debate Republicans face two main challenges in winning the seat this year: Alfheim and the shape of the maps. He said the latter factor will be the greater challenge.

How do we overcome [the maps] challenge? Phillips said. Its going to involve a big grassroots effort from the parties My message is we have to unify no matter who wins the primary. Weve got to come together and work together.

Phillips said the goal of retaining the district is what pushed him to run for the seat. He told the Examiner in an email that he feels like he has the resume to keep the 18th district in the hands of a conservative. The 18th Senate District under the old maps was represented by Republican Sen. Dan Feyen.

Phillips described himself as more right-center at the debate and said that that is the type of candidate needed for Republicans to retain the seat. He said in an email that his priorities in the Legislature would include keeping law enforcement funded, income and property taxes low, bolstering parental oversight of education and ensuring families have access to health care.

Republicans need to win. Weve got to stop losing elections, Phillips said, noting that Republicans have lost the governorship, open seats in the state Supreme Court and the attorney generals office. How do we win?  I am more right-center. Im not going to apologize for that. Thats how we win this particular race for the conservatives. Thats how we dont let Kristen Alfheim be a vote to get rid of Act 10, to raise your property taxes We have to win this race and its not going to be won on the extreme right.

Yang took a more combative tone at the debate, saying he would attack Democrats on certain issues and he would look to fight and not to get along in Madison. He described himself as part of the radical direction the Republican party has been taking. He said his business being shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic is part of the reason he is running for the Legislature.

Yang said that he believes that there are Democrats and independents who appreciate his conservative ideas on family values, economics and schools, and that he would seek to appeal to those voters if he moves on to the general election. He painted a rigid view of family, which he described as a mother, a father and children, in a perfect world, and said that view of family could solve a lot of the problems that we have in society today.

Family is important, Yang said. [Alfheims] idea of family is very different than ours. Mine is a mother and a father, and the traditional family in the sense that we all, most of us in this room, understand what our family is. Hers is not. Its a blended family.

Alfheim, who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, responded to the comments in a statement to the Examiner.

In my professional career, Ive never been judged by what my family looks like but rather by my performance and how Ive taken care of the people who relied on me. No persons capabilities or potential should be judged by the family picture that hangs on their wall, Alfheim said. Theres a reason these hateful comments were expressed in a forum with limited public viewing. He knows they are wrong and are not shared by the majority of Fox Valley.

Yang said he wouldnt be afraid to fight with Alfheim about values that he stands for.

They dont want their children to be taught that a boy can be a girl and a girl can be a boy, Yang said. Im not afraid of that. My weakness and my strength is my mouth. Im going to make [Alfheim] defend her position  defend why you want to teach kids that junk in grade school.

Alfheim said Yang was peddling another Republican talking point designed to undermine faith in our public schools and at the expense of our kids. She said we should should be uplifting public schools, the hard work of our dedicated educators, and the successes of our students not demonizing them.

Yang, who is Hmong, also said he would use race and accusations of racism to make his case in the general campaign.

Heres my strategy with Kristin Alfheim, Yang said. Big billboard that says, Vote for the brown guy or the white lady. Im not kidding to a point, but, you know, thats what its going to be.

Phillips said that Alfheim would turn us into Minnesota where they had a surplus, the Legislature flipped to the left. Wisconsin currently has about a $3 billion budget surplus. Phillips said in an email that he would like to see the money returned to the people of Wisconsin.

However, Phillips also hit on cultural issues that have become an increasing focus for Republicans.

[Alfheim] is a proponent of more DEI, more pronouns, instead of math and science, [and] this crazy notion, shes got to normalize this crazy notion of biological males playing girls sports, Phillips said.

The candidates also addressed the issue of abortion, which Democrats across the state are betting could help drive voters to the polls in November.

Phillips said he believes life begins at conception and abortion is a tragedy. He said he likes the position that Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson has taken on the issue.

[Johnson] goes around and says, you know, lets let the voters have a say, lets let voters decide, and I think that would be reasonable to have some form of referendum that the voters have a say, Phillips said. Im pro-life. I want it to be extremely rare.

Phillips said in an email that he thinks a referendum would demonstrate that the majority of Wisconsin people favor some level of restrictions on abortion and he would want to reach consensus with other legislative colleagues on the exact wording of such a referendum.

Yang said he would make people defend their position  defend why you want to kill a child, defend why you want abortion at any time from birth to life.

Ramthun challenges Feyen in SD 20

Voters in the 20th Senate district, which includes parts of Washington County, northern Ozaukee County, southern Sheboygan County, eastern Fond du Lac County and eastern Dodge County, will also see a Republican primary for the Senate on their ballots this month.

Tim Ramthun, a former state representative known for his attempts to decertify Wisconsins 2020 election results and rescind the states 10 electoral college votes for President Joe Biden, and who ran an unsuccessful campaign in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary, is challenging Sen. Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac), who was drawn into the district under the states new maps. The district leans about 69% Republican, and the winner of the partisan primary will face Democrat Michael Rapp in November.

Ramthun said his desire to continue to serve is part of what pushed him to run. He noted that as he was trying to figure out what shape that service would take, he was asked to run for the 6th Congressional District, and some suggested he challenge U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Ultimately, he said he wanted to stay in Wisconsin.

My own house is not in order. My passion is for Wisconsin. My love is for Wisconsin. Ive got unfinished business in Wisconsin, Ramthun said.

Ramthun said some of his top priorities should he return to the Legislature would be medical freedom, election integrity, taxation, public education [and] drug and opioid abuse.

Those are issues that are still getting kicked down the road. Theyre not really being addressed directly and aggressively, Ramthun said.

When it comes to elections, Ramthun took issue with absentee ballot drop boxes, saying that they are nowhere in statute. In a ruling last month, the Wisconsin State Supreme Court said that absentee ballot drop boxes are allowed in the state, a decision that reversed an earlier decision by the former conservative majority on the court.

A state Legislature creates the law, the governor signs the law, the laws run our state and our Constitution, and nowhere do we have drop boxes in there, Ramthun said. Yet you have people who feel that we need to have them and claim that we should, and then they legislate from the bench to say that we must, and thats not right either, so we have to resolve the issues of our elections processes, to make them trustworthy, to make them fair and to make them legal.

Ramthun also spoke at length about his goal of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the state Legislature.

Are these people just doing bills for optics, to make it look like youre doing something, when ultimately nothings getting done? Thats an inefficiency to me, Ramthun said. If we get together as a body and we say, heres our priority list, heres what we need to focus on to make it better and we collectively do it as a team of people, we wont have 2,343 bills written next session.

During his time in the Legislature, Ramthun came into conflict with Republican leadership, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, over his attempts to push for decertifying President Joe Bidens 2020 win in Wisconsin.

Feyen, who has served as the Senate assistant majority leader since 2019, is running for his third term in the Senate, and has the endorsement of U.S. Reps. Glenn Grothman and Scott Fitzgerald as well as state Senate Majority Leaders Devin LeMahieu and state Reps. Jerry OConnor, Robert Brooks and Rick Gundrum. (Meanwhile, Ramthun has the endorsement of MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.)

Sen. Dan Feyen

Tim Lakin, Feyens campaign manager, said in an email that Feyen wouldnt be available for an interview because he is knocking on doors with constituents every moment that he has for the next two weeks, but asked the Examiner to send questions that would be answered over email.

The Examiner sent a list of questions that touched on a variety of issues including how Feyen would work with Democrats if the Legislature is more evenly divided, how he would want to see the Legislature handle the states ongoing budget surplus, clarification on his position about abortion and which election integrity policies he would want to see the Legislature take up. However, after receiving the questions, Lakin said the campaign was going to pass. He did not respond to a question about why the campaign was declining to answer questions.

Feyens campaign website provides some insight into some of his goals.

The website states that he wants to help Wisconsinites keep more of their money, noting that the personal property tax was eliminated in the recent legislative session. In the recent session, Feyen cosponsored legislation that would take Wisconsin to a flat state income tax. The website also states that Feyen wants to clarify that ONLY citizens can vote in elections. Noncitizen voting is already a felony under federal law.

In the most recent legislative session, Feyen was the lead Senate author of legislation that dedicated about $500 million in public money to renovations and maintenance of American Family Field, where the Milwaukee Brewers play.

The race has taken a contentious turn with Feyens campaign alleging this week in a press release that Ramthuns campaign was calling for violence against the sitting state senator. It came after Ramthun shared a Facebook post that included a photo of Feyen with multiple circles around him. A campaign volunteer posted the photo with a caption that stated pictured in this post is one of the RINOs I have in my bullseye.

In a time when Democrat Joe Biden said that Americans should put a bullseye on Donald Trump and days later an assassin tried to take his life, this type of statement is downright wrong and dangerous. It shows the poor judgment of Timothy Ramthun and people should want him nowhere near the Wisconsin State Senate, Lakin said.

Ramthun told the Examiner that there was nothing intentional there related to harm, and the post has been taken down. He said he wished that Feyen had reached out to him before a statement went out.

We did rectify the problem, and [my campaign volunteer] is not a violent person. Im not a violent person, Ramthun said. Its an overreach by my competitor for reasons that we are competing for the same seat that he seems incredibly desperate.

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Chad Doerman will serve three consecutive life sentences for the murder of his three sons in June 2023

Rachel Brown/Facebook Doerman's sons Clayton, 7, Hunter, 4, and 3-year-old Chase.

The Ohio man accused of fatally shooting his three sons execution-style last summer pleaded guilty to aggravated murder.

On Friday, August 2, 33-year-old Chad Doerman appeared in front of Judge Richard Ferenc in Batavia, Ohio, in the Clermont County Common Pleas Court and pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated murder, according to reports from outlets including the Cincinnati Enquirer, FOX affiliate WXIX and NBC affiliate WLWT.

The Enquirer also reported that Doerman also pleaded guilty to two counts of felonious assault, related to crimes against his wife and step daughter on the day that the three boys were murdered.

Prosecutors have also dismissed the aggravated circumstances of the charges that could have seen Doerman sentenced to the death penalty. WXIX reported that Ferenc explained that the plea deal was agreed upon by Doerman's surviving victims.

Clermont County Sheriff's Office Chad Doerman's mugshot.

Related: Ohio Father Accused of Killing 3 Young Sons Indicted, Allegedly Planned Attack for 'Several Months'

Doerman's sons Clayton, 7, Hunter, 4, and 3-year-old Chase were all shot and killed in June 2023.

The Clermont County Sheriffs Office said in a statement at the time that deputies were alerted to the killings when a woman, later identified as Doerman's wife, called 911 and screamed that her "babies had been shot."

Just minutes later, a driver in the area also called 911 to report that a young girl was running down the road yelling that her father was killing everyone, the sheriffs office added.

Police claimed at the time that the three boys had been lined up by their father and shot. One of the children tried to run away, they added, but alleged that Doerman "hunted him down" and still shot him.

Related: 3 Young Brothers Shot and Killed By Father in Ohio, Mom Injured: My Babies Have Been Shot!

All three boys died at the scene and their mother was injured after reportedly trying to intervene. When deputies arrived to the family's Monroe Township home, they found Doerman sitting on the steps with a rifle sitting next to him, WXIX previously reported.

Prosecutors later claimed that Doerman had planned the attack several months in advance.

The 33-year-old was first indicted in June 2023 on nine counts of aggravated murder, eight counts of kidnapping and four counts of assault in connection with the deaths of his sons, and later pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Earlier this year, Doerman's alleged confession to the murders was thrown out and deemed inadmissible after a judge ruled that police had not properly advised of his Miranda rights during questioning, PEOPLE previously reported.



Facebook Doerman's sons in a Facebook photo.

Related: Police Say Man Killed 3 Sons and Then Confessed to Police. His Lawyer Says His Rights Were Violated

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"It is unmistakably clear that you will spend the rest of your life in prison," Ferenc told Doerman in court on Friday, per the Enquirer. There is no early release date for you."



Ferenc then sentenced Doerman to three consecutive life sentences without the opportunity for parole, with 16 years minimum sentencing for the assault charges, the outlets reported.

According to the Enquirer, he has been held at the Clermont County Jail since his arrest in June 2023, and will be transferred to a state prison.



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Father Killed Trying to Protect Children During Alleged Carjacking That Left Kids in Overturned Car

A 17-year-old has been arrested following the July death of Yoni Emanuel Cruz-Rodriguez, whose family says he leaves behind a 3-year-old boy and a 2-month-old girl

Facebook Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodriguez

A New Jersey father was fatally shot as he climbed into a moving car to save his children during an alleged carjacking last month, leading to the arrest of a juvenile this week.

Yoni Emanuel Cruz-Rodriguez, 27, was shot multiple times when a 17-year-old allegedly tried to drive away with his vehicle with his two children inside on July 12, authorities said, per The Trentonian, NJ 101.5 and FOX 29 report.

(The victim, a native of Honduras, was identified as Yony Emmanuel Cruz-Rodriguez in American media reports, but a GoFundMe launched by his brother identifies him as Yoni Emanuel Cruz-Rodriguez, which is how hes identified in some media reports from Honduras.)

Authorities in Mercer County, N.J., say they arrested the 17-year-old on Monday, July 29, and charged him with several offenses including murder, per the outlets.

On July 12, police responded to a report of an overturned car in Trenton, where they found Cruz-Rodriguez dead inside the vehicle with his two children, who were unharmed, The Trentonian and NJ 101.5 report, citing Mercer County Prosecutors Office. The GoFundMe from his family said he had a 3-year-old boy and 2-month-old girl.

Cruz-Rodriguez, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

During their investigation, police say they learned from witnesses that the father was standing at the back of the car when the suspect allegedly ran into the vehicle and tried to drive away, per FOX 29, NJ 101.5 and NBC Philadelphia.

GoFundMe Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodriguez

Cruz-Rodriguez quickly climbed into the vehicle to protect his children, police said, when the teen allegedly shot him several times, per NBC Philadelphia and FOX 29.

The teen then allegedly crashed the vehicle into two cars, flipping the vehicle upside down, before fleeing the scene, police said, per the outlets.

Authorities found the two children inside, strapped into their car seats, unharmed, FOX 29, The Trentonian and NJ 101.5 report, citing police accounts.

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In the GoFundMe, the victim's brother said the family is raising fund to assist with sending his body back to his native Honduras.



The suspect, who has not been named because he's a juvenile, is facing charges of felony murder, carjacking, and aggravated assault, per the Mercer County Prosecutors Office, The Trentonian, NJ 105 and NBC Philadelphia.

He is also facing charges of endangering the welfare of a child and weapons offenses, per authorities, The Trentonian and NJ 105 report.

It wasn't immediately clear if he has entered pleas or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.



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Texas fatmucket mussels (Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

HAYS COUNTY (KXAN)  A new addition to the federal Endangered Species List could cause delays for Central Texas developments along the Pedernales River.

The Texas Fatmucket Mussel was added to the list on July 5, 2024.

The small creature lives within the Hill Countrys Colorado River basin, including the Pedernales, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife.

Changes in its environment led to petitions for its addition back in 2008.

Many developers have built or are planning to build in the Mussels habitat, including Mirasol Springs. The conservation-scale development is planned to be built along the banks of the Pedernales in western Travis County and eastern Hays County.

The listing of the Fatmucket could impact developers in a couple of ways, said Victoria Rose, staff attorney with the Save Our Springs Alliance.

Water contamination concerns spark pushback against quarry construction above Edwards Aquifer

The Save Our Springs Alliance led the charge in adding the Barton Springs Salamander to the Endangered Species List. That has helped put into place different water quality protection measures and water quantity protection measures, Rose said.

Federal protections for endangered species

According to a representative with U.S. Fish and Wildlife:

Any activities resulting in take of the listed mussels, (meaning  harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect or attempt to engage in any such conduct), would require a permit under Section 7 or Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act.

The agency told us that they will work with developers to help develop a conservation plan and protect the species.

Fatmuckets impact on Mirasol Spring

According to Rose, the location of Mirasol Springs on the Pederanles River will force it to take some extra steps due to the Fatmucket.

Mirasol Springs is being built right off of Hamilton Pool Rd. The developers said they plan to set a gold standard for other developers when it comes to conservation. Theyve taken extensive action to ensure they limit damage to the surrounding environment and local springs.

Local landowners have pushed back. They say that the amount of water the development is planning to take from the ground and the Pedernales is not sustainable.

Pushback against wastewater disposal near Texas best-kept secret

Both the landowners and representatives with Mirasol Capital, the group behind the development, declined to comment on this story due to ongoing litigation.

Plans for Mirasol Springs include around 40 homesites, cabins and a hotel. Much of the land will be placed in a conservation easement, preventing further development on the land. (Credit: Mirasol Capital)

The Mirasol developers will now want to become familiar with those impacts on the mussels and think about how they can mitigate it, Rose said.

One action they can take is called a Habitat Conservation Plan. This plan would be submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife. If approved, the developers could be issued an incidental take permit.

Texas best kept secret endangered by environmentally sensitive development, land owner says

FILE  This May 1, 2015, file photo shows a Dunes Sagebrush lizard in N.M. Federal wildlife officials declared the rare lizard in southeastern New Mexico and West Texas an endangered species, citing future energy development, sand mining and climate change as the biggest threats to its survival in one of the worlds most lucrative oil and natural gas basins. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via AP, File)

(With the permit) they could go ahead and carry out their development activities without harming the species, Rose said.

Oil and Gas and Endangered Species

The Texas Fatmucket isnt the only species that was added to the Endangered Species List. The Dunes Sagebrush Lizard was put on the list in May.

This week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton threaten to sue the federal government over the lizards addition. Paxton said that its addition to the list was based on flawed assumptions about oil and gas role in climate change.

Paxton is giving President Biden 60 days to remove the species from the list. If it is not removed, he plans to file a lawsuit against the administration.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images





Key Takeaways

A new regulatory filing revealed that Alphabet cut its stake in CrowdStrike in half before the cybersecurity firm's botched software update last month caused a global IT outage.

On Wednesday, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian blasted CrowdStrike, saying in an interview that the disruption cost the carrier half a billion dollars over five days.

The first class-action lawsuit against CrowdStrike over the IT meltdown was filed in Texas earlier this week.







A new regulatory filing revealed that Alphabet (GOOGL) cut its stake in CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) in half before the cybersecurity firm's botched software update last month caused a global IT outage.

Alphabet, the parent of Google, reduced its ownership in CrowdStrike to 427,895 shares as of June 30, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. Last quarter, it held 855,789 shares.

Bad News for CrowdStrike Continued This Week

On Wednesday, Delta Air Lines (DAL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ed Bastian blasted CrowdStrike, saying in an interview that the disruption cost the carrier half a billion dollars over five days, as the airline canceled more than 5,000 flights. Bastian said Delta had "no choice" but to seek damages over the outage.

Earlier this week, the first class-action lawsuit against CrowdStrike was filed in its headquarters city of Austin, Texas, accusing the firm of violating federal securities law, leading to investor losses.

CrowdStrike shares fell more than 3% to $216.74 as of 12:25 p.m. ET Friday. Since the July 19 outage, shares have lost more than a third of their value.



Read the original article on Investopedia.
Fayette County parents concerned about loss of programs before and after school

FAYETTE COUNTY, Tenn.  Parents in Fayette County are upset after learning several schools will not be providing before- and afterschool programs this year, reportedly because the district was denied a grant for the program.

A notification went out this week on social media, stating, The 21st-Century Community Learning Center-Beyond the Bell grant has been denied by the State for this school year.

The statement listed five Fayette County Schools impacted: Southwest, LaGrange Moscow, Oakland, Buckley-Carpenter and West Junior High.

Ashley Turner, a working mom in Oakland with three children in Fayette County schools, said the announcement came out of the blue, with school set to open August 5.

Shes come to rely on before- and afterschool programs the district has provided.

I know theres a lot of working parents. Some of our customers here have come in and are very upset about it, Turner said. They really helped with homework and things that I didnt really understand, and then I dont get off work until later, so I knew where they were. They were safe, and getting the extra help they need.

The sudden news has some parents caught between a rock and hard place when it comes to after school child care.

I know that a lot of the people in Oakland yesterday were voicing their concerns on the internet about how theyre looking for child care, because they dont know what to do, said Elizabeth Smith, an Oakland parent.

WREG tried several times to reach the Fayette County superintendent of schools about why the grant was denied, but we were told Doctor Versie Hamlett was not available.

According to the post, Fayette County Schools plans on working with the YMCA to offer assistance.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Police encouraged neighbors of a Kuna house on North Katsure Avenue to evacuate last weekend after explosive material was found.

Court documents and an arraignment shed new light on what law enforcement found to prompt such action.

After a domestic violence incident between 37-year-old Tyson Jardine and his wife on July 13, Jardine left the couples home and did not return, according to a probable cause affidavit. His wife filed for divorce on July 19.

Jardines wife and a friend began cleaning out Jardines things on July 24 when they discovered concerning items in the garage, the affidavit said. Those included chemicals, beakers and glassware at a workbench, as well as a ballistic vest with several pouches containing two hand grenades and a so-called flashbang device, the affidavit said.

Flashbangs, also known as stun grenades, emit an ear-piercing sound and bright light to disorient targets, according to the FBIs website.

Jardines wife called law enforcement because she believed some of the items were being used to manufacture methamphetamine, according to court documents. Responding Kuna deputies soon brought in bomb squads from the Boise Police Department and FBI. Even the Idaho National Guard 101st Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team assisted at the scene.

Law enforcement encouraged Jardines neighbors to leave their homes briefly, Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford said at a Sunday news conference, and bomb squad technicians conducting a more thorough search made some shocking discoveries.

This case is still being actively investigated, and there are new charges highly likely to be written within the next week due to the additional weapons found, an Ada County prosecutor said at Jardines arraignment Wednesday.

Clear and high danger to the community

Bomb squad technicians conducted a more thorough search of the property and found four live electric blasting caps, or detonators, that X-rays confirmed were explosive devices, the affidavit said. The following day, testing confirmed a fifth device was also a live explosive, Boise Police Department public information officer Haley Williams told the Idaho Statesman.

They also found ammunition and ammunition-reloading material, despite felony convictions preventing Jardine from legally possessing firearms, and police said they found a gun during his arrest.

Court records showed that Jardine has an extensive criminal history, including charges for felony possession, manufacturing a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm. The affidavit said there was evidence of drugs at a campsite where Jardine was taken into custody.

Not only does the nature and circumstances present a clear and high danger to the community, but the defendants history shows a never-ending pattern of disregard for the laws and lives of others, the prosecution said in court.

Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for two storage units owned by Jardine. Inside, they found fireworks with fuses removed, black powder and a laptop, the affidavit said. Fuses taken from fireworks were found in Jardines garage, authorities said.

Jardine was charged with five felony counts of unlawfully possessing an assembled bomb or destructive device.

The state has high concerns in this case, the prosecution said in court.

After assessing the situation, law enforcement said preliminary information indicated there was no mass destruction public safety threat.

What we have found so far is that it does not appear that hes been working with any groups, or any type of organization that would have a plan for these explosive devices, Clifford said at the news conference.

Jardines arrest Saturday night took place at a campsite near the Pine Campground in Elmore County, the Ada County Sheriffs Office said. Jardine tried to flee in his vehicle, hitting a Meridian Police Department and an Ada County armored vehicle, a news release said.

Jardine has lived in Idaho since at least 2004 and has worked at a local welding shop for the past six years, his defense attorney said in court.

Fourth District Judge Adam Kimball set Jardines bail at $1 million and issued a no-contact order that bars him from seeing his wife or going to the Kuna home.
Members of Ukraines Defence Intelligence (DIU) have handed over to the Kyiv Zoo two owlets rescued from the attacks in Kharkiv Oblast. Rescued owlets Arei and Magura will now live in a special aviary.

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine on social media

Quote: "On 1 August 2024, the representatives of Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine transferred two owlets to the Kyiv Zoo. Their story might have ended tragically if they had not been saved by the soldiers from the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade."

All photos: DIU

All photos: DIU

Details: The owlets were found by the soldiers from the Achilles attack unmanned aerial vehicles company of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade while they were performing a combat mission near the village of Lyptsi in Kharkiv Oblast.

The birds, starving and exhausted, were sitting in a cage in a house, destroyed in Russian attacks, when the Deputy Commander of the 1st Ramzes attack company saw them. The birds were fed, and after a veterinary examination, they were evacuated from the combat zone.

"This shows that our soldiers are saving the lives of not only Ukrainian people but also those of animals," Andrii Yusov, a representative of the DIU, said.

Since an owl is the symbol of Ukraines Defence Intelligence, the military handed the rescued birds over to Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of DIU. He decided that Arei and Magura should find a new home in the Kyiv Zoo.

"General Budanov believes that it must be a shared joy. And Ukrainian children will have an opportunity to communicate with Ukrainian owls," Andrii Yusov noted.

Now, the staff of the Kyiv Zoo rehabilitates the evacuated owls. Budanov expressed his gratitude to them for saving many animals during the war.

"Im very glad that the guys [soldiers  ed.] did a great job and handed over these animals to us. They will be fine for sure. We will rehabilitate these animals, help them adapt and try to do our best to make sure that they are fine even in such difficult times," Kyrylo Trantin, CEO of the Kyiv Zoo, said.

Background: Earlier, the Kyiv Zoo showed its new resident, capybara Tokha, who was saved from Russian attacks with a contusion, and the new habitat of the rescued spurred turtles.

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ENGLEWOOD, N.J. (PIX11)  Inside the Englewood Firehouse is a young department ready to respond to any emergency thrown their way.

But before they respond, they train and now, their training will be taken to a new level.

On Thursday, New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer, D-NJ, announced that more than $160,000 in assistance for firefighters from a federal grant will go towards special training exercises for Englewood firefighters.

More New Jersey News

The trainings will equip Englewood firefighters in some of the highest-risk situations, said Gottheimer.

The City cant afford to bring the firefighters in off-duty, said Englewood Fire Department Chief Jeff Kaplan, and so thats where the funding is really paying the bulk of the cost.

The money will help pay for the firefighters to train for rescues like man-versus machinery, elevators and more.

We do elevator emergencies all the time, said Kaplan, I would say dozens and dozens a year, its very common.

Not only will their training benefit Englewood residents, but also people who live in surrounding towns who may have volunteer fire departments.

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Mutual aid is going to be the beneficiary of what we in Englewood will be training and other communities will be a beneficiary of, said Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes.

Around the Country, volunteer fire companies are seeing a shortage of members. Meanwhile, the paid Englewood Fire Department has faced adversity of its own  after the pandemic sent many firefighters into retirement.

There was a mass exodus of senior firemen, said Englewood IAFF Local 3260 President Don de Vera, and unfortunately with them leaving the ranks they take their experience with them.

Union leaders said Thursday, that 50 percent of the departments manpower has 5 years on the job or less, another reason this training will be so crucial.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
In January 2017, a bank manager at the National Bank of Egypt in Cairo received a letter from an organization linked to the Egyptian intelligence service asking them kindly withdraw about $10 million in cash from the organizations account. That took place just five days before Donald Trump became president, The Washington Post reported in an exclusive on Friday, revealing that federal investigators believed the withdrawn cash may have been intended as a bribe for the Republican.

According to bank records, the state-run branch emptied a considerable share of Egypts reserve of U.S. currency by filling two large bags with bundles of $100 bills weighing a combined 200 pounds. Later four men arrived to carry away the bags.

This sizable withdrawal caught the attention of federal investigators early in 2019, reviving a secret criminal investigation that had begun two years prior into allegations contained in a classified U.S. intelligence assessment that Egypt's dictator, Abdel Fatah El-Sisi, had agreed to give $10 million to Trump's campaign. In office, Trump repeatedly praised Sisi, his administration releasing hundreds of millions of dollars in aid that had been held up over concern about Egypt's abysmal human rights record.

Candidates for federal office are barred from accepting foreign donations. There is no proof that any money made it to Trump's coffers, but as the Post reported that could in part be due to the fact they were unable to subpoena the former president's bank records for the time he was in office. Trump had, in October 2016, injected $10 million into his own campaign in the form of a loan; this after meeting with Sisi when he was in New York for a trip to the United Nations.

The investigation was closed under former Attorney General William Barr, a Trump loyalist who reportedly questioned whether there was sufficient evidence to continue the probe, which has not been renewed under Attorney General Merrick Garland

Investigators "were blocked from seeking key records to determine if Trump took the money, then the case was shut down, the Washington Post investigative reporter Carol Leonnig noted on X.

News of the investigation comes after Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., was convicted last month for himself accepting bribes from the Egyptian government.
Federal officials and doctors raise concerns as cases of dangerous disease increase worldwide  here's what you need to know

Increasing cases of dengue fever in the Americas are worrying officials.

What's happening?

After record incidence in 2023, the mosquito-borne disease is on an even more devastating path this year. Because the spike is tied to warming global temperatures, this may mark a new normal.

Most concerning is that by the end of June, many countries in Central and South America had already surpassed their previous highs for yearly cases. Brazil, Peru, and others have been impacted the most, WBUR reported.

In the United States, almost all of the 1,949 locally acquired cases have been reported from Puerto Rico. All but 12 cases in the continental U.S. were contracted overseas, but there is still a chance of infection. New York, Florida, and Massachusetts have reported the most infections.

Why is the increase in dengue fever cases important?

Dengue fever can be fatal, but most people are asymptomatic. Those with symptoms experience high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash.

Severe disease usually occurs when people are infected a second time with a different type of dengue fever, 1, 2, 3, or 4, which is happening in Puerto Rico. These cases require immediate medical attention and may feature severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, and other symptoms. Treatment consists of managing symptoms.

In May, Puerto Rico documented its first death caused by dengue fever this year, WBUR reported. People who live in the territory have long been exposed to dengue 1.

"We're currently seeing increases in the cases due to dengue 2 and dengue 3, for which the population has very little immunity," Dr. Gabriela Paz-Bailey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dengue branch chief, told the station.

What's being done about dengue fever?

Since mosquitoes are expanding their territories as the climate warms, more people are being exposed to dengue and similar diseases.

Though no cases local to the U.S. have been reported this year, there is still a risk of infection, according to WBUR. It said doctors should be aware of the symptoms, ask questions about patients' travels, and consider ordering tests.

Scientists are doing what they can to help, creating a genetically modified male mosquito that prevents female offspring from reaching maturity, among other efforts. You can take action by deploying Mosquito Dunks and repel the pests with certain odors. If you're outdoors, wear pants and long sleeves and try dousing yourself with a homemade insecticide.

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(AP)New federal protections for transgender students at U.S. schools and colleges took effect Thursday with muted impact because judges have temporarily blocked enforcement in 25 states and hundreds of individual colleges and schools across the country.

The regulation also adds protections for pregnant students and students who are parents, and details how schools must respond to sexual misconduct complaints.

For schools, the impact of the court challenges could be a combination of confusion and inertia in terms of compliance as the academic year begins.

I think it is likely that school district-to-school district or state-to-state, were going to see more or less a continuation of the current status quo, said Elana Redfield, federal policy director at the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.

The rights of transgender people  and especially young people  have become a major political battleground in recent years as trans visibility has increased. Most Republican-controlled states have banned gender-affirming health care for transgender minors, and several have adopted policies limiting which school bathrooms trans people can use and barring trans girls from some sports competitions.

In April, President Joe Bidens administration sought to settle some of the contention with a regulation to safeguard rights of LGBTQ+ students under Title IX, the 1972 law against sex discrimination in schools that receive federal money. The rule was two years in the making and drew 240,000 responses  a record for the Education Department.

The rule declares that its unlawful discrimination to treat transgender students differently from their classmates, including by restricting bathroom access. It does not explicitly address sports participation, a particularly contentious topic.

It also enhances protections for students who are pregnant or have children, widens the scope of the sexual misconduct cases schools must investigate, and removes a Trump administration rule requiring schools to let the accused cross-examine their accusers in live hearings.

The U.S. Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court for permission to enforce components of the rule that were not challenged by states, but its not clear when the justices might rule.

Meanwhile, Title IX enforcement remains highly unsettled.

In a series of rulings, federal courts have declared that the rule cannot be enforced in most of the Republican states that sued while the litigation continues. The latest rulings came Wednesday. A federal judge in Oklahoma blocked enforcement there. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court blocked enforcement for now in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, overruling a judge who just a day earlier had said enforcement could start in those states.

A Kansas-based federal judge appointed by former President Donald Trump added another wrinkle, asserting power over states led by Democrats: He said the rule cannot be enforced in schools attended by the children of members of Moms for Liberty or colleges with members of Young Americas Foundation or Female Athletes United. Thats keeping the regulation from taking effect in hundreds of colleges and some 1,700 schools in states where it can otherwise be enforced.

FILE  Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin talks about a lawsuit challenging a new regulation aimed at protecting the rights of transgender students in schools during a news conference in Little Rock, Ark., May 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew DeMillo, File)

In many school districts across the country, the rule is to be enforced in some schools but cant be followed in others.

There arent many other parallels I can give you of two different sets of rules applying in the very same place, one school on one side of the street operating from a different playbook from a school on the other side of the street, said Brett Sokolow, chair of the Association of Title IX Administrators.

Administrators have been frustrated by lack of guidance from the Biden administration, he said. When the Education Department recently sent schools information about implementing the new policies, it noted that they dont apply in many places. Sokolow said some districts may need to consider having two separate teams  one trained on the previous rules, the other on the 2024 version  to be prepared for either scenario.

Jay Worona, the deputy executive director and general counsel for the New York State School Boards Association, said his state already offers transgender students some similar protections, but not all of the other components of the new regulation are addressed in state policy.

Worona said hes fielding messages from school districts wondering what to do, and hes telling them to check with their district lawyers.

Caius Willingham, senior policy advocate at the National Center for Transgender Equality, said its important to note that the injunctions dont prevent school districts from having similar policies, even as they bar the federal government from enforcing its new regulations in some places.

Meanwhile, students are facing real impacts. Some people barred from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender hold their bladder all day, avoid hydrating or even drop out of school, he said.

If you cant meaningfully participate in the educational systems as your true self, Willingham said, youre not going to be able to thrive.

For Kaemo Mainard OConnell, a transgender and nonbinary high school senior in Arkansas, the lack of federal protections seems like a signal to encourage behavior such as deadnaming and bullying.

It means Im going to have to work much harder to be respected by teachers and by students, they said. What not having federal protection does is, it makes it seem like my issues are not real issues.

Since Arkansas now prohibits transgender students from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity, Kaemo has instead been using a single-person restroom at the school, and is required to sign in and often wait before using it.

Similar worries are shared by families of trans kids in Utah, where lawmakers in June passed resolutions instructing state employees to disregard the Title IX directive. Utah is among the states challenging the rules in court, but is struggling to enforce its bathroom restrictions meanwhile: A tip form to report possible violations has been flooded with hoax submissions, and the state official tasked with filtering through them has made his lack of enthusiasm known.

The bathroom law brought unpleasant conversations and definitely made our kiddo feel othered, said Utah mom Grace Cooper, whose child is nonbinary. It also brought a lot of allies out of the woodwork, but without federal protections, my worries as a mother are ever-present.

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U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., speaks at the award ceremony for $175 million federal grant to replace the I-95 bridge over Lake Marion on Friday, August 2, 2024 (Abraham Kenmore/SC Daily Gazette)

SUMMERTON  The obvious result of a $175 million federal grant awarded Friday may be a new bridge for Interstate 95 over Lake Marion. But U.S. Rep. James Clyburn is excited about a less visible aspect of the project: clean drinking water.

A 24-inch pipe attached to the bridge will bring drinking water into Clarendon County, where the town of Summerton has had issues with its water system for years. Clyburn said when state Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell first showed him the plans for the structure, he asked that it include piping from the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency into Clarendon.

That proposal added $33 million to the cost, but Clyburn said it would be worth it to improve water service to the small town of 800 people.

In my very first conversation with Secretary (of Transportation Pete) Buttigieg, I said yes, its about the bridge. But its about more than the bridge, Clyburn said. I showed him where the system had failed in Summerton  He listened and he listened and he never said a word. But that was good enough for me, because he did not say no.

Last month, the federal funding came through.

The award ceremony brought state and federal officials out to the lake. Gov. Henry McMaster and Sen. Lindsey Graham joined Clyburn, Powell and Polly Trottenberg, the federal deputy secretary of transportation, on a pedestrian bridge that will be replaced in the new construction.

We work together a good bit, and its always around something like this, Graham said. When I call Jim (Clyburn) up, he always says Lets get it done. 

The federal grant will cover half the project. The cost not covered in the federal grant will include $105 million from South Carolinas normal share of federal highway funding and $70 million from state taxes.

The current set of bridges, built in 1968, are the only route across the massive lake. The now aging spans could require weight restrictions by next year. Any closure could result in a 70-mile detour on a highway that stretches up the East Coast.

We need a new bridge yesterday, Graham said.

The funds come from the bipartisan federal infrastructure law, which Graham backed along with 18 of his Republican colleagues. Sen. Tim Scott, South Carolinas junior senator, voted against it. None of South Carolinas Republican members of the House voted to back the bill either.

South Carolina competed against other states for a chunk of the federal money, said Trottenberg with the federal Department of Transportation.

Youre in rarefied company, five billion dollars in announcements going to just 13 projects all around the country, Trottenberg said. Its an honor to be here and I cant wait to roll up our sleeves and work closely with you all on this project.

The new bridge will be 130 feet wide, to accommodate three lanes of traffic each way initially. There eventually will be enough room for four lanes each way, plus shoulders on each side wide enough for a car to pull over.

The span will also include a 14-foot-wide path for bicycles and pedestrians to cross the lake, separated from traffic by concrete and fencing, according to the state DOT. The walkway will join the Palmetto Trail, a network of trails that will span 500 miles from Lowcountry to Upstate when finished.

Powell said DOT plans to to have the project under contract by next year. It should take three or four years to complete. Traffic will continue uninterrupted, as the new bridge is constructed in phases and the old bridges demolished, he said.

This is a day thats been long talked about. Many questioned if they would ever see it happen, Powell said. Im thrilled to say it is no longer a dream but a reality.
Ronnell Higgins, the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has closed its investigation into state police troopers allegedly falsifying traffic stop ticket data. (Andrew Brown/CT Mirror)

HARTFORD, Conn.  Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Thursday that federal law enforcement officials have dropped a probe that was looking into allegations that Connecticut State Police officers fabricated hundreds of traffic tickets.

Following a news conference at Connecticuts Forensic Science Laboratory, Lamont said the U.S. Department of Justice recently informed state officials that it was dropping its examination of state police ticketing data.

The announcement brings partial closure to a years-long saga that began when Hearst Connecticut Media revealed that State Police leadership had discovered in 2018 that several troopers had created hundreds of fake tickets in an attempt to boost their reported productivity.

That coverage prompted subsequent audits by the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project and several investigations, including one that was opened by federal prosecutors in Washington DC.

A federal grand jury subpoena that was issued in October 2023 showed the U.S. Department of Justice required the state police to turn over data on traffic tickets going back to 2014.

But, according to the governor, that investigation has ended without any criminal charges being filed.

Lamont and Ronnell Higgins, the state commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said officials in the U.S. Department of Justice informed state officials in recent weeks that the investigation into the ticketing data has been closed.

Officials with the U.S. Department of Justices Public Integrity Section, which was leading that investigation, did not immediately return a call on Thursday.

Federal prosecutors did not provide the state with a letter confirming the closure of the investigation, but Lamont, a Democrat who is in his second term, painted the decision to drop the probe as vindication for the state police.

Lamont said the closure of the investigation showed that there wasnt a collective effort to falsify tickets.

The governor acknowledged, however, that several state troopers and a state constable were still under internal affairs investigations within the state police and could face administrative discipline.

It was perhaps six or seven troopers who were falsifying. Everybody else  there were mistakes made, but nothing conscious about what was going on, Lamont said.

Those seven police officials were flagged as part of a separate investigation that was conducted by a law firm hired by Lamonts office last year.

Higgins, who took over as the public safety commissioner late last year, said the internal investigations into those seven individuals were complete and were in the final stages of administrative review.

The closure of the federal criminal investigation, Higgins added, was positive news, but he also noted that state police have work to do to improve the processes for recording traffic stop and ticket information.

Were committed to continuous improvement, Higgins said.

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Drugmaker Bayer is laying off 70 more employees at its Whippany headquarters, the latest pharmaceutical company to trim its head count as firms face uncertain funding and struggle with new technology, such as artificial intelligence.

The 70 job cuts will go into effect on Oct. 25, according to a public notice filed in July with the New Jersey labor department. Bayer earlier this year announced it was cutting 90 additional positions at the Whippany headquarters.

The layoffs are part of what company executives are calling dynamic shared ownership," according to Bayer CEO Bill Anderson.

That means putting a majority of "the decision-making in the hands of those on the ground, where managers become coaches, and we work in teams... in 90 day cycles," said spokesperson Nicole Hayes, thereby "flattening our corporate structure, to remove multiple layers of management and coordination."

Story continues below photo gallery

"In the future, virtually everyone in the company will work in small, self-managed teams that are focused on a customer/product  just like a small business owner would," she said in an email.

All told, about 1,500 roles have been slashed  two-thirds of which were management jobs  Anderson said in a May call with investors.

Were consolidating roles, designing teams for more impact, and taking out layers, Anderson said. Our senior leadership circle is already noticeably smaller than it was a year ago.

Bayer started year with $34.5 billion in debt

The German pharmaceutical conglomerate started the year with $34.5 billion in debt.

88026 PASSAIC; WAYNE 10/21/2011 Bayer Healthcare announced Thursday that they will close their Wayne facility at 6 Westbelt (shown here) in 2013 and have its employees move to the Whippany campus. Friday October 21, 2011. KEVIN R. WEXLER/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Bayer tightened its executive team earlier this year, according to trade publication FiercePharma, which first reported the Whippany layoffs.

Nationally, small to medium-sized drugmakers cut at least 10,000 jobs in 2023, according to an analysis by business publication BioPharma Dive.

But larger firms, including Pfizer and Amazons health division, saw cuts too, according to Quartz.

Enormous shifts due to disruptive tech

Year-over-year job cuts in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors grew by 28%, according to data provided by Andy Challenger, senior vice president at the job search firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, based in New York City.

This space is undergoing an enormous shift, certainly due to disruptive technology, as these companies implement AI in their medical research and automate certain functions, he said.

This shift is also due to changes in research and development, drug failures, the end of pandemic-era vaccine manufacturing, consumer preferences, and the regulatory environment, Challenger said.

Story continues

These are the companies that have announced layoffs this year, according to WARN notices filed with the New Jersey Department of Labor:

Reckitt Benckiser, Mead Johnson, and RB Health in Parsippany, 100 employees

RWJBarnabas Health in West Orange, 79 employees

Kenvue in Skillman, 51 employees

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics in Flanders, 162 employees

Bristol Myers Squibb in Lawrenceville, 863 employees across two layoffs

And these companies announced 2024 layoffs in 2023:

Ferring Pharmaceuticals in Parsippany, 79 employees

Labcorp in Franklin, 239 employees

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics in Mount Olive, 300 employees

CVS Health across New Jersey, 90 employees

Pfizer in Peapack-Gladstone, 195 employees

Daniel Munoz covers business, consumer affairs, labor and the economy for NorthJersey.com and The Record.

Email: munozd@northjersey.com; Twitter:@danielmunoz100 and Facebook

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bayer laying off 70 at Whippany NJ headquarters
Feds to ease disability access in hundreds of Kentucky cases linked to disgraced lawyer

Hundreds of people in Eastern Kentucky will have an easier time keeping federal disability payments under a new procedure for handling cases linked to a disgraced, disbarred Eastern Kentucky lawyer.

The Social Security Administration said it would also stop trying to collect money from people who faced repayment orders and would refund money the agency has already collected.

The actions are the latest development related to Eric C. Conn, a lawyer based in Floyd County who at one time ran one of the most lucrative disability practices in the country. Conn secured payments for thousands in the Eastern Kentucky coalfield and millions in fees for himself.

Many of Conns former clients lost disability benefits and faced economic hardships in the wake of allegations that he used fraudulent evidence in their cases.

And in many cases, the agency ordered former Conn clients or their survivors to repay tens of thousands of dollars.

The changes announced this week were welcome news for many.

Eric Conns offices along U.S. Route 23 in Floyd County sold this week and will be used for commercial development.

The Conn crisis has terrified low-income people for nearly a decade, including now the young children and relatives of primary beneficiaries who have passed away and had been told they are still responsible, said Evan Smith, advocacy director for the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky, Inc., called AppalReD.

AppalReD and Prestsonburg lawyer Ned Pillersdorf have been honored for their fight over several years to line up volunteer lawyers to represent former Conn clients seeking to keep or reinstate disability payments.

Smith said under the changes, about 1,000 former Conn clients wont have to go through a hearing to maintain their benefits, and the agencys review of the disability status of several hundred others will be done under a standard that is easier to meet.

The previous hearing process, called re-determination, required Conn clients to prove they were disabled more than 15 years ago in some cases.

The new procedure, called a continuing disability review, will take current disability status into account, making it easier and more fair, Pillersdorf said.

Pillersdorf called the change a major retreat from the position the Social Security Administration took before Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley became commissioner of the agency this year.

Ned Pillersdorf

Pillersdorf, his wife Janet Stumbo, a former Supreme Court and Appeals Court judge in Kentucky, and AppalReD founder John Rosenberg met with OMalley in March, urging him to adopt a more humane standard for deciding the disability status of Conns former clients.

Pillersdorf said the change finally recognizes that Conns clients were not complicit in his fraud. Most never met him despite using his office in their cases, Pillersdorf said.

Commissioner OMalley showed real courage in reversing course in an agency that unfortunately has been weaponized against our vulnerable neighbors for more than nine years, Pillersdorf said.

U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, who had interceded to keep disability payments in place for former Conn clients, had also urged OMalley to use continuing disability reviews instead of re-determination hearings for Conns former clients.

OMalley called Rogers this week to tell him about the change in the hearings and the decision to stop trying to collect alleged over-payments.

The federal government has ripped up an unfair Social Security bill for hundreds of Eastern Kentuckians! said Rogers. This is long-overdue news for Conns victims who were awarded money, and then billed to pay it back with no due process. This is a good step toward justice for our people.

Rogers, a Republican who represents the 5th District in Southern and Eastern Kentucky, also said OMalley apologized that it took so long to make the change.

U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Somerset, shown speaking on Oct. 21, 2020, became the longest-serving member of Congress from Kentucky on Sept. 2, 2021.

OMalley said the Social Security system was traumatized by the scale of Conns fraud.

The changes apply to most of Conns former clients, but not all. People who have questions can contact AppalReD or Pillersdorf.

The flamboyant Conn, 63, lived in Pikeville and had his office in Floyd County in a complex of connected mobile homes with a large replica of the Lincoln Memorial outside.

He lived high for a while, with a Rolls-Royce, a $1.5 million house paid for in cash, and frequent trips overseas.

In 2017, however, he admitted his success was built on fraud because he had included fake medical and mental-health evidence in clients claims and paid a Social Security judge more than $600,000 in bribes to approve benefits for his clients.

He compounded his legal trouble by fleeing the country after pleading guilty but before he was sentenced.

The FBI caught him at a Pizza Hut in Honduras six months later.

Eric Conn was escorted by SWAT team agents Dec. 5, 2017 prior to his extradition from Honduras, where he had been a fugitive. He is currently faced up to 27 years in prison, after pleading guilty to Social Security fraud and other charges. The federal government has been reviewing his former clients claims.

A judge ultimately sentenced him to 27 years in prison. He is at a federal prison in New Jersey, scheduled for release in November 2039.

The judge he bribed, David Daugherty, died in prison while serving a four-year sentence.

Charlie Paul Andrus, who was a judge at the Huntington, W.Va., Social Security office with Daugherty, pleaded guilty to trying to help Conn discredit a whistleblower and was sentenced to six months in prison.

Bradley Adkins, a Pikeville psychologist who provided falsified documentation for Conn to use in disability claims, is serving a 25-year sentence.
A federal grand jury has indicted an "unruly" airline passenger after he allegedly propositioned a flight attendant for sex and attempted to open the aircrafts exterior doors. The man allegedly attributed his outburst to consuming too many marijuana edibles, the strength of which was not known to him.

Eric Nicholas Gapco, 26, of Delanco, NJ, is charged with interference with a flight crew, and attempted damage to an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States stemming from the July 18 incident, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.

Gapco was traveling from Seattle, WA to Dallas, TX on American Airlines Flight 2101 when the episode occurred. Gapco failed to follow instructions to remain in his seat, propositioned a flight attendant for sex, was repeatedly loud, vaped, bothered other passengers, locked himself in the lavatory, and attempted to open the aircraft exterior doors multiple times while the aircraft was in flight, the statement explained.

The New York Post reported that Gapco removed his shirt and produced a vape before enthusiastically puffing on it in the cabin. Another passenger claimed that, at one point, Gapco tried to give them a bag of loose, unidentified pills.

KSLTV obtained three separate videos showing the events as they unfolded. I am sane, Gapco says in the first video. I do not want to hurt myself, he tells the plane.

After he refused to return to his assigned seat, the flight crew was forced to tie the passenger's hands and feet. One of the videos shows passengers assisting flight attendants as Gapco asks one of the videographers, Hey, did you record that?

Gapco was so disruptive that the plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Salt Lake City.

A third video shows Salt Lake City police officers boarding the plane and imploring an uncooperative Gapco to leave the aircraft with them. I have clots in my legs, I need hospitalization, Gapco screams in the footage. I need to go to a hospital!

Eventually, he complied and left the plane with the officers. As he was led down the aisle, Gapco sang, You say potato, I say potahto, and made several other unintelligible statements.

Gapco continued to be belligerent and was combative with medical staff and police after leaving the plane, according to court documents reviewed by NYP. He allegedly smashed a glass door and spat at one of the officers.

The FBI and the Salt Lake City Police Department are jointly investigating the incident.
CHICAGO  Federal prosecutors say they have foiled a plot to kill two witnesses in an upcoming homicide trial.

Christopher Yates is accused of providing a gun and a $250 down payment to another man last month in an effort to silence witnesses set to testify against the alleged shooter in a September 2020 attack that killed a woman and injured a man.

I want them both off the board.  Both of them got to f****** go, prosecutors quoted Yates as saying in a secretly recorded conversation. A criminal complaint says Homeland Security Investigators were offered information about the murder-for-hire plot by an informant seeking leniency in a separate case. It led to undercover recordings and meetings as Yates allegedly mapped out how the killings should happen, including the use of two different guns.

Knock buddys a** off first cause he the key witness, Yates was heard on taping saying, according to the complaint filed Thursday.

The criminal complaint says Yates indicated he didnt care if innocent bystanders were killed.

I dont give a f*** who she with, they gotta get caught too, the recording allegedly captures Yates telling the person he was asking to carry about the killings. Prosecutors say Yates said he would have killed the witnesses himself but feared police would view him as a prime suspect.

The Sun-Times was first to report the murder-for-hire plot revolves around witnesses in the upcoming trial of Brandon Wilson who was charged with the September 2020 slayings of Diana Black and the attempted killing of another man in Garfield Park.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A North Carolina man accidentally fell 400 feet to his death at the Grand Canyon National Park this week, federal authorities said.

The National Park Service announced that the body of a 20-year-old visitor was found on Wednesday after he fell from the rim of the Grand Canyon, which is approximately one-fourth mile west of Pipe Creek Overlook.

Rangers found Abel Joseph Mejia, 20, of Hickory, North Carolina below the rim, according to the federal government agency.

"Mr. Mejia was near the edge of the rim when he suffered an accidental fall," the National Park Service said in a release on Thursday. "An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office. No additional information is available at this time."

The Grand Canyon National Park staff said all visitors should stay on designated trails and walkways, keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet from the edge of the rim and remain behind railings and fences at overlooks.

Emergency responders manage a high angle technical rescue system on July 31, 2024.

Abel Mejia had a 'warm smile and gentle spirit'

The Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis, Indiana shared a Facebook post about Mejia, who attended the school before his death.

"We feel deep sadness due to the tragic loss of one of our students, Abel Mejia," the Facebook post said. "Abel lost his life yesterday in an accident while visiting the Grand Canyon. He was known for his warm smile and gentle spirit, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him."

"Let us all join together in prayer for the entire Mejia family during this difficult time. May God bring comfort and peace to all who are grieving."

Abel Mejia died while on a mission trip

Turning Point Pentecostal Church in Archbold, Ohio, where Mejia attended, shared a Facebook post confirming that he was on a mission trip at the time of the incident.

"Please keep the Mejia family in your prayers! Abel passed away from a tragic accident while on a missions trip," the post said. "He is the brother of Josh, a recent IBC graduate that has visited Turning Point on numerous occasions. If you would like to give a donation for the family, you can bring it to the church this Sunday and we will write one check to send to the family."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 20-year-old man falls at Grand Canyon National park, dies
WASHINGTON - Paul Whelans first act on American soil on Thursday evening was to offer a crisp salute to the commander-in-chief. A former U.S. Marine, Whelan raised his right hand to his brow while descending from the plane that brought him home.

How you doing, sir? Whelan said as he greeted President Joe Biden.

After months of being held hostage in Russia, Whelan, along with Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmashev, landed at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington at 11:37 p.m. EDT following a long journey from Turkey. They were released along with other hostages in a historic East-West prisoner swap involving 24 people across six countries.

Whelan was arrested in 2018 by Russian officials on espionage charges. At the time, he was the head of global security for the Michigan-based auto supply company BorgWarner and traveled to Moscow that year to attend a friends wedding. His family and the U.S. government have called his charges baseless. In 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison colony.

When asked what hed say to others held abroad, Whelan told reporters, Just hang in there, were coming for you.

U.S. President Joe Biden greets Paul Whelan, who was released from detention in Russia, upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on August 1, 2024.

Whelan also told reporters early Friday at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas that he was being released didnt feel real until they were in British airspace.

Looking forward to seeing my family down here and just recuperating from five years, seven months, and five days of just absolute nonsense by the Russian government, he said.

He added, with a chuckle, Im glad Im home. Im never going back there again.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris greets Evan Gershkovich, who was released from detention in Russia, upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., August 1, 2024. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

Gershkovich greeted Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris Thursday at Joint Base Andrews. After a reporter asked him how it felt to finally be home, he replied, Not bad. Feels good.

The WSJ reporter had been detained in Russia since early 2023 while working as a journalist. Russian prosecutors accused him of gathering information on behalf of the CIA, while the U.S. government and the newspaper vehemently denied the allegations. In July, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison on espionage charges.

Theres one thing I would like to say. It was great to get on that bus today and see not just Americans and Germans but Russian political prisonerstoday, it was a really touching moment to see all of them, Gershkovich told reporters after he landed.

Contributing: Joey Garrison, Michael Collins and Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan said after finally being free
A felon who tossed a bag with more than 20,000 fentanyl pills as he ran from police across Highway 395 in Kennewick has been sentenced to 15 years and 10 months in federal prison.

Sharte Dashon Kimble, 32, was on probation when police caught him in 2023. He had been released from prison just months earlier for a probation violation on a sentence of possession of cocaine for distribution and having a gun.

In June 2023 a confidential informant working with law enforcement arranged to purchase $25,000 worth of fentanyl pills from Kimble.

The two planned to meet at the Walmart parking lot near Highway 395 in Kennewick, according to federal court documents.

After Kimble got out of a Mercedes holding a blue bag, multiple police cars surrounded him.

Kimble dropped his cell phone and ran to the west and across the highway, according to court documents.

After he was caught, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found the blue bag with 20,283 pills in a culvert.

A search warrant for Kimbles Mercedes turned up a loaded .38 caliber pistol that had been reported stolen, a loaded magazine, nearly $39,000 and more drugs  1,100 fentanyl-laced pills and 3 ounces of cocaine.

Agents also found a receipt for a Yakima storage unit. There they found household goods Kimble had stored while he was in prison, plus two rifles, a pistol, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a brick of cocaine and vials of pills.

Our community is safer and stronger today because of Mr. Kimbles sentence, said Vanessa Waldref, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Washington after the sentencing hearing. Despite a prior conviction on similar charges, Mr. Kimble was undeterred and continued to supply large quantities of deadly fentanyl and other illegal narcotics, all while possessing stolen firearms.

Rebecca Perez, assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern Washington District, said in a court document that Kimble had sold thousands of fentanyl pills in Montana, accusing him of sales in multiple states and in high volume.

Defendants conduct demonstrates his willingness to do whatever he believes is necessary to avoid capture, and to continue his drug distribution business, Perez said. He was a felon by the age of 22.

His past convictions span the criminal code, Perez said.

They include violence, driving offenses, drug offenses, theft, false statements, eluding and prostitution, she said.

Kimble consistently fails to appear for court hearings and runs from police, she said.

In sum, defendant has established a clear pattern of non-compliance and ongoing dangerous criminal behavior, regardless of the potential consequence or level of current supervision, she said.

Kimbles attorney, Jennifer Barnes, said in court documents that Kimble was convinced that as a felon with few marketable skills, drug trafficking was all that he could do to support his own drug habit and pay bills.

After his most recent release from prison, he relocated to Hermiston, Ore., but was unable to find a job. He has five children, the youngest age 2, and he needed to earn some money, Barnes said.

His addiction also worsened when the mother of two of his children died, his attorney said.

He followed the example of his own mother, who was an addict who sold drugs, Barnes said. She died when he was 9, leaving him without a stable home life for many years, according to court documents.

Barnes asked that Kimbles prison sentence be limited to 10 years.

Two of his children, his fiance, an uncle and Kimble spoke at his sentencing hearing in the Richland U.S. Courthouse. Other relatives sent U.S. Judge Edward Shea letters asking for leniency, as little time as reasonably possible away from his children and a chance for Kimble to rehabilitate himself.

Shea sentenced Kimble to 13 years and nine months in prison for his latest crime with an additional two years and one month for his probation violation.

This sentence is clearly warranted based on Mr. Kimbles extensive and expansive illegal actions involving firearms and narcotics, said Jonathan Blais, ATF Seattle special agent in charge. This was not the first time ATF has investigated Mr. Kimble.
STURGEON BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding made maritime history on Wednesday with the delivery of the largest U.S. Jones Act-compliant vessel.

Named Progress, the 12,000-square-foot LNG bunker barge was delivered to Crowley, a privately held, U.S.-owned, and operated logistics, marine, and energy solutions company serving commercial and government customers headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.

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Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding continues to be an industry leader in building LNG bunkering barges, said Jan Allman, Vice President and General Manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. We take tremendous pride in seeing another Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding vessel leave Sturgeon Bay to its new operational home port. I am proud of the work of our entire Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding team.

Progress was designed by Crowleys engineering services group. The 416-foot barge can carry 3.17 million gallons of liquefied natural gas. The vessel will provide ship operators at the port of Savannah, Georgia, with access to a cleaner energy source.

LNG is the lowest carbon-based fuel currently available to maritime shippers. LNG is reported to have 23% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to very/ultra-low sulfur fuel oil.

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The Progress LNG bunker barge sets a new standard for quality and capability to serve the

energy needs of the shipping industry, said James C. Fowler, senior vice president and general

manager of Crowley Shipping. LNG offers a safe and reliable solution for ocean carriers that

advances the transition to lower emissions. We congratulate the people whose dedication and

hard work in designing and building this world-class vessel allowed us to reach this milestone

for the U.S. industry and our customers.

This is the third LNG barge built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Pro-Palestine protesters set up a camp in front of the main building of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat. Katharina Kausche/dpa

A man has been arrested after setting fire to a pro-Palestinian protest camp near the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, in what authorities are saying may be an "anti-Muslim" crime.

Police said the fire, which was set overnight, caused several hundred euros worth of damage. The man doused several stands, posters and flags in front of the camp with petrol and set them alight, the public prosecutor's office said on Friday.

The flames did not spread to the tents and pavilions at the camp and no one was injured by the fire.

The authorities are assuming that the suspect had an "anti-Muslim motivation" for the offence, and anti-extremism investigators from the public prosecutor's office have taken over the case.

The exact motive is to be clarified by the Central Office for Combating Extremism and Terrorism.

The 26-year-old was arrested shortly after the attack on Thursday night.

However, the man, who lives in Munich, will not be remanded in custody for the time being, the public prosecutor's office announced, because the requirements for an arrest warrant had not been met.
Find a full updated story here: Wichita firefighter Ty Voth lived and died as a hero, WFD chief says

Updated, 9:30 a.m. Aug. 2:

A Wichita firefighter who died while responding to a house fire Thursday has been identified as 27-year-old Ty Voth, a five year veteran of the department.

Ty Voth, a 27-year-old Wichita firefighter, died in the line of duty on August 1, 2024 while fighting a fire near Haysville.

Original story: A Wichita firefighter has died after responding to a house fire in south Wichita in 100-degree heat Thursday.

One of Wichitas bravest was injured in the line of duty, Wichita Fire Department Chief Tammy Snow said at a news conference Thursday evening at City Hall. He later succumbed to his injures.

The firefighters identity was not released at the news conference. No details about what happened were released, and Snow did not take any questions, saying the community would be updated as information becomes available.

Wichita Fire Department Chief Tammy Snow, flanked by WFD local union president Ted Bush, talks about the death of a firefighter who became unresponsive at a south Wichita house fire on Thursday.

First responders were sent at 2:55 p.m. to a house fire in the 8900 block of South Laura Street. The firefighter was rushed to a hospital after becoming unresponsive and died at 3:22 p.m.

We will never be the same after today, Wichita firefighters union president Ted Bush said. We wont, but the job remains the same. Even in the midst of this great tragedy and pain, there are firefighters out there right now doing their jobs.

Its the first firefighting-related death among the ranks of the Wichita Fire Department since 2010 when Urban Eck, 51, died in the hospital weeks after being treated for heart-related symptoms at the scene of a fire at the Cedar Lake Apartment clubhouse near Rock and Pawnee.

Contributing: Chance Swaim of The Wichita Eagle
A firefighter in Kansas has lost his life in the line of duty while battling a house fire in Wichita, according to the Wichita Fire Department.

The incident occurred on Thursday at approximately 3:22 p.m. when the currently unnamed firefighter was battling a house fire in Haysville, Kansas.

MORE: 20-year-old man falls 400 feet to his death from rim of Grand Canyon

The Wichita Fire Department and the City of Wichita are extremely saddened to announce that at approximately 3:22 PM while operating at a mutual aid fire in Haysville, one of Wichitas bravest was injured in the line of duty, and later succumbed to their injury, the statement said. The Wichita Fire Department is working to ensure family members are all appropriately notified.

Authorities say that they will not be releasing the name of the firefighter who died until next of kin has been informed and they are asking the same of anyone that may know the firefighter.

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This is a loss that deeply weighs heavily on all of us. All of the dedicated individuals who serve our fire department do so knowing the immense risk they are undertaking and do it with noble, selfless regard, said the Wichita Fire Department. It does not make their sacrifice any less immense. Nor the sacrifice of their loved ones and family any easier.

Please keep this firefighters family and crew in your prayers, authorities continued. We will update the community on any additional information as it becomes available.

Firefighter dies in the line of duty in while battling Kansas house fire originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(Bloomberg) -- Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc. had one job heading into this earnings season: show that the billions of dollars theyve each sunk into the infrastructure propelling the artificial intelligence boom is translating into real sales.

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In the eyes of Wall Street, they disappointed. Shares in Google owner Alphabet have fallen 7.4% since it reported last week. Microsofts stock price has declined in the three days since the companys own results. Shares of Amazon  the latest to drop its earnings on Thursday  plunged by the most since October 2022 on Friday.

Silicon Valley hailed 2024 as the year that companies would begin to deploy generative AI, the type of technology that can create text, images and videos from simple prompts. This mass adoption is meant to finally bring about meaningful profits from the likes of Googles Gemini and Microsofts Copilot. The fact that those returns have yet to meaningfully materialize is stoking broader concerns about how worthwhile AI will really prove to be.

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The technology represents an enormous opportunity  and that opportunity continues to grow, said Daniel Morgan, a senior portfolio manager at Synovus Trust. But unfortunately, so does the upfront investment. Investors are left to wonder, he said: Can these hyper-scalers capture enough incremental increase in profit growth from their investments?

A winning product would also do the trick, he added.

Cloud Growth

It wasnt all bad. The three tech titans reported a healthy pace of growth in their cloud-computing divisions, the most obvious business to benefit from generative AI as the technology requires copious amounts of computational resources to perform. Those gains werent enough though to appease investors who are growing increasingly impatient to see returns from quarter after quarter of heavy spending on data centers and other AI infrastructure.

Amazon projected third-quarter operating income that fell shy of analysts estimates on Thursday. Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy has been waging a cost-cutting campaign to free up resources to invest in AI.

Its really a positive indicator when we step up capital expenditures, Amazon Chief Financial Officer Brian Olsavsky said while working to assure investors and analysts on a call Thursday.

Story continues

The companys capital expenditures totaled $30.5 billion, mostly in its AWS cloud unit, in the first half of the year. Jassy said the company has developed sophisticated algorithms to guide its investment decisions so that it builds enough capacity to meet demand without denting profits. Hes vowed the investments will be worth it to support what he and his team have called a multibillion-dollar revenue run rate business.

Alphabets outlook for the AI growth that investors should expect was short on specifics. Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat said on a call with analysts that the company had seen the benefit of our strength in AI, AI infrastructure, as well as generative AI solutions for cloud customers, without detailing how much of the cloud units growth could be attributed to investment in the technology.

Wall Streets concerns about capital expenditures, which totaled $13.2 billion in the quarter, overshadowed better-than-expected sales. Shares fell 5% the day after the results.

Microsoft also disappointed. Sales growth for Azure, the companys cloud computing service, slowed from the previous period. Microsoft said AI drove 8 percentage points of Azures growth in the quarter, compared with 7 percentage points in the previous period.

Analysts pressed Microsoft executives during a call to explain whether the sales growth would justify such heavy spending. CEO Satya Nadella stressed the investments were driven by customer demand.

One company that has bucked trend is Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc. The company unexpectedly raised its forecast for capital expenditures, citing AI investments, but its second-quarter revenue also beat expectations. CEO Mark Zuckerberg credited spending on AI with driving improvements in ad targeting and content recommendations.

Zuckerberg has framed Metas sky-high spending on AI as a short-term sacrifice for long-term gain.

On Thursday, Apple Inc. similarly said new AI features will spur iPhone upgrades in the coming months, helping the company reemerge from a sales slowdown that has hit its China business especially hard.

Chipmakers Slide

The spending backlash also raised fears for the tech companies that have arguably benefited most from the push into AI: chipmakers. Nvidia Corp.s shares tumbled 6.7% on Thursday and extended declines on Friday. SK Hynix Inc., the leading supplier of AI memory chips, tumbled 10% in Seoul trading, part of a broader decline in semiconductor-related stocks in Asia that also included Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co.

The companies that produce chip-making equipment, including ASML Holding NV and Tokyo Electron Ltd., similarly fell.

Intel Corp. was headed for its worst share decline in more than 40 years after losing market share to AI leaders such as Nvidia. The shares were down 28.1% on Friday after the chipmaker reported a grim sales outlook and laid out plans to slash jobs.

To justify what could amount to a total of $1 trillion of investment in AI infrastructure over the next several years, companies need to show the technology is capable of solving increasingly complicated tasks. It must go beyond the incremental improvements that tools have delivered to professions such as coding and advertising, Jim Covello, the head of equity research at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., said in July.

Covello, who has emerged as a leader of a small but growing cohort casting doubt on the AI rally, has predicted that the tide will turn against the AI rally in the next year and a half if more significant use cases for the technology dont start emerging.

In a mid-July interview, Zuckerberg worked to justify his industrys spending and encouraged the market to look to the future.

I actually think all the companies that are investing are making a rational decision, he said at the time. The downside of being behind is that youre out of position for, like, the most important technology for the next 10 to 15 years.

--With assistance from Spencer Soper, Kurt Wagner, Aisha Counts and Brody Ford.

(Updates share moves starting in second paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Firefighters in the Sequoia National Forest have been focusing most of their attention on the Borel Fire, which has burned 59,389 acres in Kern County since it started on July 24.

During its first weekend, the fire destroyed the historic gold mining town of Havilah, founded in the 1860s. The town was named after the biblical land of Havilah, where there is gold.

As of Aug. 2, a team of 1,325 firefighting personnel is involved in fighting the Borel Fire, with containment reported at 47%, forest service officials stated.

Governor Gavin Newsom held a news conference near the Borel Fire in Sequoia National Forest on July 30, 2024.

Firefighters are currently working to protect structures and connect hand and dozer lines to hold the fire in its current footprint, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Firefighters are patrolling the Kern Canyon Road corridor in the northern section of the fire to hold the fire south of Sandy Dip. They are also performing mop-up operations along Caliente-Bodish Road.

The eastern edge and southeastern corner of the fire remain active, and helicopters have been working to slow the spread of the fire in the area. A contingency line is under construction to protect the community of Claraville, which also started as a mining town in the 1860s.

The fire has been able to spread quickly through dry vegetation in hot, humid, and windy weather. However, it has slowed significantly due to firefighting efforts, and as the result of having reached different vegetation and topography.

Gov. Gavin Newsom visits

On July 30, Gov. Gavin Newsom visited communities impacted by the Borel Fire. He also met with fire and emergency officials.

Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency in Kern County, and secured federal assistance to respond to the fire.

Im grateful for our first responders and the strong partnerships on display here and throughout the state in these challenging times, he said at a brief news conference during his visit. California will continue the urgent work to make our communities more resilient and protect people and the environment from intensifying climate impacts.

The Borel Fire in Sequoia National Forest has burned almost 60,000 acres as of August 2, 2024.

Trout Fire

The Trout Fire, northeast of Isabella Lake in the Dome Land Wilderness of Sequoia National Forest, has burned 23,438 acres and is 49% contained as of Aug. 2.

The possibility of fire spreading outside the current containment lines is anticipated to be minimal, however, gusty winds and potential for thunderstorms raise concern for short-range spotting, reported the USFS.

Long Fire

Firefighters are close to completely diminishing the forests other fire, the Long Fire, with containment at 95%, according to the forest service officials. Patrols are being conducted periodically to report any changes in the fires status.

The total number of personnel at the Trout and Long fires is down to 321, with most of those who fought those fires now battling the Borel Fire.

Weather and air quality

Hot and dry conditions are anticipated through the weekend, forest service officials report.

There is the possibility that monsoonal moisture could bring showers and thunderstorms with dry lightning, along with strong downdrafts.

Air quality is expected to be moderate through Aug. 3 in Porterville, Springville, Sequoia, and Bakersfield, air quality officials stated.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Borel Fire burns almost 60,000 acres in Sequoia National Forest
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Rochester firefighters hosted a send-off breakfast for youth burn survivors who are headed for four days of fun at Camp Courage Summer Burn Camp Thursday. The camp allows kids to swim, take part in arts and crafts and movie nights, with some psycho-social work mixed in to help build self-esteem.

Sometimes burn survivors dont make as many friends. They might be kicked out of social stuff, said Grayson Cristofaro, a camper. Its good for us to get together and to support each other when times are getting tough.

Grayson Cristofaro had, what he called, his burnaversary on July 31st. He said its been three years since his accident. Grayson tried to re-light a fire with gasoline when the flames traveled up the stream and got to him. He was able to rush himself to a nearby body of water to put it out, but he said he was on fire for around 30 seconds.

I luckily survived, and I got rushed to the hospital, he said. It was a good two-and-a-half months later, before I got discharged.

Grayson has one piece of advice for other burn survivors who may not have a safe place like Camp Courage. All you can do is live up to it and if people are going to stare, just let them stare, he said. Its because theyre interested, not because they think youre weird.

Paul Schwartzman is the Executive Director of The Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association which runs the camp. Hes also a mental health practitioner by trade so he conducts counseling sessions. A burn injury is really a lifelong injury, he said. It doesnt mean you just go to the hospital and kind of get treated, but it continues to be part of who and what you are.

The fire department gets called for fires, but oftentimes  they dont know what happens to the survivor.

We sit there, and we just hope the best we can, said Captain David Abdoch with the Rochester Fire Department. Go there, help this person on their worst time and hopefully give them the best outcome. We really dont get to find out what happens after. So, being able to see this really, really feels good to us.

Captain Abdoch also reminded folks, if you dont have a smoke detector in your home already, you can call 311 and get a smoke detector for free, which they will also install for you.

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Firefighters douse hot spots from the Park fire along California Highway 36 near Dales on Monday. (Nic Coury / Associated Press)

Firefighters battling to contain the raging Park fire in Northern California got a brief respite Friday morning thanks to low clouds and slightly lower temperatures that could help slow the spread of the fourth-largest wildfire in state history.

But the break is expected to be short.

By midday, the 6,375 firefighters on the ground north of Chico in Butte County were expected to face temperatures above 100 degrees, possible thunderstorms arriving in the evening and erratic winds that would hamper their mission to contain the flames.

For the weekend, firefighters expect more of the same challenges, with triple-digit temperatures continuing for the next few days and lightning strikes during thunderstorms that threaten to fan the blaze.

"The main thing that they're worried about out there is the change of weather," said Capt. Jim Evans, part of the multiagency team assigned to the Park fire under the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in the area are expected to reach 101 degrees Saturday and 102 Sunday.

A helicopter drops water on the Park fire near Butte Meadows on Tuesday. (Nic Coury / Associated Press)

By Friday morning, the Park fire had burned 399,437 acres and destroyed 542 structures, according to Cal Fire.

The flames have rapidly spread across Butte, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama counties, fed by thick, dry vegetation parched by this summer's intense heat waves, fire officials said.

As of Friday morning, the fire was 24% contained.

But fire officials said they're facing multiple challenges in their fight, including low humidity, the possibility of erratic winds and steep topography that has made radio communication between crews on the ground difficult.

Read more: The 'extraordinary' growth of California's largest fire raises alarms. It could burn for months

To reach some of the most difficult to access areas  impossible to get to via vehicle  fire officials have resorted to transporting firefighters via helicopters.

Some of the crews are expected to spend days on the front lines, where they will have supplies flown in for them.

Evans said a chance of thunderstorms this weekend raised concern that lightning strikes could ignite fires in areas already extinguished by firefighters.

Thunderstorms are also expected to bring erratic winds, making the fire's progress and behavior difficult to anticipate, Evans said.

According to Cal Fire, crews are spread out across 200 miles of active fire front.

Andrea Blaylock stands amid the charred remains of her home near Forest Ranch, Calif., that was destroyed by the Park fire on Tuesday. (Nic Coury / Associated Press)

Cal Fire has also directed some of its attention toward protecting Lassen Volcanic National Park, northeast of the fire. Crews have built a direct line north of Howard Creek and installed a secondary line through the park from Viola Mineral Road to Highway 89 to keep flames from moving deep into the forest.

California is infamous for its destructive wildfire seasons. This year has been among the worst, with more than 4,700 individual fires burning more than 772,000 acres across the state.

The Park fire, believed to have been sparked by a man who was seen pushing a burning car into a gully, has by far been the largest so far.

In Kern and Tulare counties, the Lightning Complex fire has burned more than 91,000 acres since it was ignited July 13.

In Santa Barbara County, the Lake fire on Friday was 95% contained after burning more than 38,000 acres. And the Hill fire in Humboldt and Trinity counties has burned more than 7,200 acres.

In Riverside County, the Nixon fire had burned 5,222 acres and was 21% contained as of Friday morning, per Cal Fire.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
First case of chronic wasting disease confirmed in a Washington deer

Washingtons first case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been confirmed in an adult female white-tailed deer found dead in the Fairwood area of north Spokane, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

CWD is a fatal disease that affects members of the deer family and is caused by malformed proteins called prions.

There is no cure, and it can only be confirmed through testing lymph nodes or brain tissue.

The positive test came from samples submitted to the Washington Animal Disease Laboratory at Washington State University in July.

This disease has been found in wild or captive deer in 34 other states and four Canadian provinces.

WDFW has been testing for CWD since 1995 and increased efforts in 2021 due to cases in nearby western Montana.

With the spread of CWD across the country and recent detections in adjacent states and provinces, WDFW has proactively conducted surveillance in this area since 2021, said Eric Gardner, WDFWs Wildlife Program Director. We detected this case because of the surveillance program, and we are immediately reviewing our Management Plan and the circumstances of this detection. We will announce additional management actions soon.

CWD can spread to other deer, elk, and moose, potentially reducing populations if it becomes widespread.

WDFW staff plan to collect tissue samples from deer, elk, and moose in the initial response area to understand more about this outbreak.

The public is encouraged to report sick-looking deer and avoid feeding wildlife, which can promote disease spread.

So far, there have been no confirmed cases of CWD transmission to domestic animals or other wild hoofed mammals, nor is there scientific evidence of CWD being transmitted to humans.

A 2022-2023 study by NIH scientists suggests a significant species barrier preventing transmission from deer to people.

The CDC advises against consuming meat from animals that test positive for CWD.

Hunters in the affected area should follow guidelines for testing harvested animals and adhere to carcass transportation regulations.

More information is available on the WDFW website.
Stakeholders and members of the West Virginia First Foundation met for the first time in the Truist building in Charleston, W.Va., on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. (Caity Coyne | West Virginia Watch)

In an uncharacteristically long meeting, the West Virginia First Foundation took several steps Thursday meant to get the organization closer to distributing opioid settlement funds to programs and groups around the state.

Over the course of two hours, members of the First Foundation board appointed representatives to the organizations expert panel, discussed an informal timeline for the disbursement of funds, formed a subcommittee to help field applications for those funds and approved creating a request for proposals for firms to design a needs assessment survey for the state of West Virginia, among other things.

Several of those actions needed to occur before the board could consider giving out funds for programming to help confront the states ongoing drug and overdose epidemic, said Executive Director Jonathan Board.

Now, Board is urging board members to work quickly on related tasks with the hopes of getting an application process stood up for people to apply for funding by the fall. The hope, Board said, is to start accepting applications in mid-September and award money for programming by early December.

Maybe this is ambitious, but with all due respect, I think we need to be a little bit ambitious, maybe a lot ambitious, Board said.

This is a change in tone from the organizations last meeting in June, where Board and other leaders at the First Foundation urged caution and said they were comfortable taking time to develop protocols for distributing funds to ensure its done in a sound way.

Several members of the board, including Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce and Tim Czaja, said they would like to see the money move out quickly.

From my perspective, right now, our pace has been, quite frankly, glacial in regards to [setting up an application process]. I recognize that we need to be careful and have some needs assessment, but these are things that we could have been working on in the last three months, four months, Joyce said. Im just frustrated, and I know a lot of the folks that I represent on this board, across my counties, are asking questions like, when, when?

With the expert panel in place, which is composed of seven members, including at least one with lived addiction experience, First Foundation Chairman Matt Harvey said the board is moving in the right direction.

The expert panel  whose members include several state officials, academics and doctors, among others, will assist the board in where and how it directs its funding. Current members of the panel will only serve until the end of 2024. Come 2025, new experts will make up the board and be chosen by regional representatives.

Another step that needs to be taken before money can be distributed is the hiring of a staff for Board. Currently, Board is the only full time and paid employee of the First Foundation.

As soon as Friday, Board said during the meeting, he is holding interviews with individuals who have applied for several executive-level positions at the private nonprofit, including a chief operating officer, a chief marketing officer, a chief financial officer, a programs director and a chief of staff.

Following an interview with Board, candidates for the positions will meet with the personnel subcommittee before a hiring is approved by the entire First Foundation board.

Board, responding to questions after Thursdays meeting, said there was no set salary range for the positions they are trying to hire and salaries would depend on the candidates.

Board also said there is not a set budget for the hirings as a whole.

[Thats] all in process, Board said. As we get our insurances and all of those things sorted, thatll be presented.

Expert panel

Treatment

Laura Lander, associate professor in the department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry in the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University.

Prevention

Greg Puckett, a commissioner in Mercer County and as Executive Director of Community Connections Inc.

Recovery & Lived Experience

Emily Birckhead, executive director of West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences.

Corrections & Reentry

William Marshall, commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Systems of Care, Health Policy & Management

Christina Mullins, deputy secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders at the West Virginia Department of Human Services.

Law Enforcement & Judicial Systems

Jess Gundy, criminal justice program director at the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security.

First Responders

Adam Crawford, medical director for the General Division Emergency Department at Charleston Area Medical Center Health System

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First responders donate blood at Bristol Battle of the Badges

BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL)  First responders in both Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia are going head-to-head Friday to see which agency can bring in the most blood donations.

Bobby Harshbarger defeats Sen. Jon Lundberg in state Senate GOP primary

The Battle of the Badges pits the following agencies against one another in an effort to provide Marsh Regional Blood Center with much-needed blood donations:

Bristol Tennessee Fire Department

Bristol Tennessee Police Department

Bristol Virginia Fire Department

Bristol Virginia Police Department

Bristol Lifesaving Crew

Photo: WJHL

Photo: WJHL

Photo: WJHL

The City of Bristol, Tennessee is hosting the event from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at city hall, 801 Anderson Street.

Each donor can credit their blood to one of the agencies competing. Whichever department nets the most blood donations wins bragging rights until the next Battle of the Badges.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and have eaten a well-balanced meal within 4-6 hours of donating.

All donations made to Marsh stay in the Tri-Cities area.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Coming off of a few failed attempts at other firms, the group is making industry history.

From steelworkers to autoworkers, unions have been a massive force in both American construction and politics. Yet after a 40-year decline in union membership, more workplaces have, in recent years, begun new campaigns to collectively bargain for better conditions. In 2021, a small but significant wave of architecture firms coalesced under Architectural Workers United, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). One such firm, Bernheimer Architecture (BA) in New York, launched a campaign in 2021 to unionize its practice. After nearly a year and a half, the team announced last week that it has completed contract negotiations and has ratified its new employment contractthe first of its kind in 80 years.

Like much of the social upheaval that occurred amid the pandemic lockdowns, the decision to unionize was made by architects at BA as workers went remote. The firm went fully hybrid and began to grow as it took on new affordable housing projects, says Ayman Rouhani, an architect who started at the firm just prior to the pandemic. But the firm, he says, already had an exceptional workplace culture compared to many other practices.

"There was always a culture of work-life balance. And I think that was one of the most unique things that we all instantly recognized when we got here," he explains. Kolby Forbes, also an architect at Bernheimer, agrees. "BA has always had a high retention rate, which you dont typically see at architecture firms," she says. "It was really interesting to see people being at a firm for five-plus years and still enjoying it. Still learning, still growing, being really happy."

Thats not the case in many practices. "Horror stories," as Rouhani calls them, abound: Long hours, meager pay, and workplace abuses often characterize the industry; unionizing to improve those conditions can be a solution. In late 2021, architects at SHoPa prominent design practice in New Yorkattempted to unionize but dropped their campaign just two months after it launched and "was met with a powerful anti-union campaign," according to The New York Times. Then BA workers saw an opportunity, says Rouhani.

"We realized that there was something different about how BA operated and how we were humanized as employees," Rouhani says. "But we also knew that this should be a model, and this should be the standard of how all architecture practices operate."

Unionizing, Rouhani and Forbes say, became a mechanism through which they could codify the firms already-positive workplace into a contract and to demonstrate to the profession that "you could still have a work-life balance and still have a productive firm. They dont need to be mutually exclusive," says Forbes.

After the BA workers announced their decision to unionize, the firms leadership voluntarily recognized the union, meaning that management had no desire to contest it and force employees to hold a vote. BA principal Andrew Bernheimer told The New York Times, "We know that architecture is a discipline and profession that has a legacy of exploitation. I am of the opinion that one possible way for things to improve is for educators and professionals to show that they value the people who make all of our architecture happen." Voluntary recognition was surprising to many in the profession: At both SHoP and Snhetta (where workers also attempted to unionize in 2023) unionizing attempts were crushed after management forced an electionresulting in claims of retaliation and an unfair labor practice suit that IAMAW later filed with the National Labor Relations Board. But the voluntary recognition at BA sent its workers straight into the bargaining process.

For a few months prior to meeting with management, workers at BA conducted surveys and gathered to create a list of priorities. Forbes, who joined the firms bargaining committee, says that issues like team structure and work hours were top of the list. "We wanted to think about the way that we were structuring our projects, especially because our firm falls into this category of not necessarily being a small firm, nor a very large firm, but were working on larger projects," she says. But the Covid era, which took BA from a small firm to a midsize practice, did lead to some growing pains. "We really wanted to think about the way that these projects are being structured and how staff could begin to be mentored."

After more than a year of negotiations, the twelve architects composing the bargaining unit ratified a contractevery member of the unit voted in favor. Though Andrew Daley, an associate organizer with the IAMAW, noted that management has not yet signed off on the agreement, Forbes and Rouhani are excited for what it would guarantee. Two items, in particular, represent fundamental shifts in typical firm practices: First, the contract guarantees a 36-hour work week, which, project permitting, could be completed in four days, Fobes says. They also solidified "just cause" employment, which requires the employer to prove there is good reason to terminate an employee.

"Just cause is very exciting," says Forbes. "Having those protections in place feels huge, especially for architecture firms, where a lot of firms work on the model of turnoverletting people go when they need to, hiring people when they need toyou feel like youre at the whim of your employer, which doesn't provide for good working conditions," she explains. The contract also includes layoff and recall policies that stipulate precisely how layoffs operate and can require employers to rehire laid off employees when they need to re-staff. Daley alludes to a total structural shift in the "tried and true method of at-will employment."



But beyond the typical nitty-gritty legalese inherent to employment contracts that will shift workers immediate working conditions, Rouhani emphasizes that their final contract will signal to the industry that the future of practice can be different. "Whether youre a unionized firm, whether youre not but youre interested, and even if youre not at a unionized practice, I think there is a path towards collective action, being your own advocate, and not settling for the status quo," he says. "We should take ownership of the future of our profession."

Related reading:

This New York City Firm Just Formed the First Private-Sector Architecture UnionWorkers at Sage and Coombe Architects Unionize

Cover Image Credit: Klaus Vedfelt, DigitalVision / Getty Images
COLUMBIA, Ill.  In a two-day operation targeting human trafficking, Illinois State Police arrested five suspects in Monroe County. The sting, conducted from July 31 to August 1, 2024, focused on identifying those seeking commercial sex acts.

All five suspects hail from the St. Louis area. Deepak Chiluveru, 24, Tuan M. Huynh, 34, Leslie M. Johnson, 56, Kawa M. Shaker, 26, and Roberto Rodriquez-Cordero, 36, face multiple felony charges. These include indecent solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a child, grooming, and solicitation to meet a child.

What does Missouris nuisance law mean for St. Louis?

Huynh and Rodriquez-Cordero face additional charges of armed violence. Rodriquez-Cordero is also charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

The operation was part of a broader effort to combat human trafficking in Illinois. It involved collaboration between various law enforcement agencies. If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. More information: www.humantraffickinghotline.org.

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RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE)  The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Warning for the South Fork Fire burn scar on Friday.

The warning was issued because rainfall over the South Fork Fire burn scar can cause rushing waters. The NWS said Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Alto, Glencoe, and Hollywood could be impacted by flooding.

The Village of Ruidoso said, Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing the area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.

The warning expires at 5:45 p.m.

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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.
Kim Jon-un inspected the situation in Sinuiju in the North Pyongan province, after record-breaking rainfall caused flooding - STR/AFP

Vast floods in North Korea are suspected to have damaged some of the reclusive regimes most important factories, according to new satellite images.

The photos from late July show how record-breaking rainfall has wreaked havoc in the mountainous Jagang and Ryanggang provinces along the Chinese border.

The extent of the flooding may disrupt weapons shipments to Russia, according to NK News, which published the photos by Planet Labs.

South Korea has accused the North of sending millions of artillery shells to Moscow to fuel its war in Ukraine, although both Pyongyang and the Kremlin deny this.

Several weapons factories are believed to be in the area where satellite imagery captured strong waters from the Jangjia River and Yalu rivers surging through the countryside washing away homes, railway bridges and infrastructure.

Kim Jong-un rode in a motorised dinghy, as part of the relief efforts in North Korea - STR/AFP

In one of the photos, the entire village of Kwangmyong-ri, including around 160 homes, a school and public buildings, has disappeared under the torrent.

The destruction of transport links between Songgan and Kanggye and the rest of the country could hamper aid efforts, as well as halting shipments from the factories, said NK News.

Other facilities, including a rapidly built munitions factory north of Songgan and a nearby military-related underground structure, as well as the Kanggye Tractor Factory complex which reportedly produces missiles  may have been directly flooded.

Earlier this week, state media reported devastating flooding in Sinujiu city and Uiju county, publishing pictures of Kim Jong-un, travelling through flooded roads in his black Lexus and perching on the side of a motorised dinghy to lead the relief efforts.

It said he had been angered by a grave crisis caused by local officials and pledged to punish those who had neglected their duties after about 5,000 residents were forced to evacuate the area by air.

The report said public buildings, roads and railways had been swamped but gave no indication of human casualties.

South Korea believes the weather-related disaster has caused a considerable human toll and has offered humanitarian assistance, which the North has so far ignored.

Both Seouls estimates and the latest satellite imagery suggest the regime has not disclosed the full extent of the catastrophe.

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By Christina Amann and Nick Carey

BERLIN/LONDON (Reuters) - Some of the world's biggest truckmakers, including Volvo and MAN, are reworking combustion engines to run on low-emission hydrogen instead of polluting diesel, a quicker low-cost fix to their energy transition challenge that may give the dying technology a fresh lease of life.

The global truck making industry faces a complex balancing act to get to zero emissions. Electric batteries are too heavy for long-haul freight operations and take long to charge. Using hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity reduces the weight and extends the range of trucks, but switching to this technology is expensive as companies need to design new truck systems.

That is why truckmakers and their suppliers have shifted their immediate focus on developing hydrogen combustion engines as a quicker, cheaper solution that can rely on existing manufacturing lines that have for years been a key economic motor for countries like Germany, executives at major truck brands and their suppliers told Reuters.

Concerns over what will happen to thousands of jobs in engine-making plants have grown as truckmakers shift towards battery and fuel cell options.

"Everybody is working on this," said Reiner Roessner, vice president for sales at the engine division of MAN Truck & Bus SE, part of Volkswagen trucking unit Traton, even as green hydrogen produced by renewable sources is not yet widely available. "As soon as the hydrogen is available, demand for hydrogen combustion will go up."

In its first pilot project, MAN will deliver around 200 trucks with engines that run on hydrogen to European customers next year to test in their fleets, a key step on the way towards mass production.

Truckmakers are still investing in developing hydrogen fuel cells as they say there is room for both technologies to exist side by side for different vehicle types and uses.

Swedish truckmaker Volvo AB, which says it will also have hydrogen fuel cell trucks "commercially available in the second half of this decade," is planning customer tests of hydrogen combustion engine models starting in 2026.

Hydrogen combustion engines "will not be the majority" of Volvo's sales, said chief technology officer Lars Stenqvist. "But it will be a substantial volume."

Anders Johansson, vice president for heavy-duty vehicles at Vancouver-based Westport Fuel Systems, said his company has already provided fuelling systems for 6,000 combustion engine trucks in Europe that run on natural gas or biogas and can easily be adapted to hydrogen.

Story continues

CHALLENGES AHEAD

Even though the technology is relatively mature, there are challenges to overcome.

Unlike fuel cells, burning hydrogen in an engine can produce some harmful emissions that Michael Krueger, senior vice president for engineering at major supplier Bosch, said will require a filter.

Westport's engine system currently uses 1% diesel to ignite hydrogen, which Johansson said will be reduced and eventually replaced with a carbon-free fuel.

Also, hydrogen trucks need pressurized tanks that are larger than the ones used for diesel, so firms like Munich-based startup Keyou are working on different shapes to shrink them down. And the tanks need to be safe under all conditions as hydrogen is a highly flammable gas.

By far the largest problem for hydrogen combustion engines and fuel cells alike is the scant availability of green hydrogen.

The European Union and the United States are funding green hydrogen projects alongside truck makers like Daimler and energy giants like BP. But the rollout has been slow, and it will take years to build up sufficient fueling infrastructure.

Despite the challenges, major suppliers like Bosch and Cummins say truck makers have embraced the hydrogen combustion engine because they already have factories and supply chains dedicated to the technology.

"We want to be fast. That's why this technology has a role to play," Bosch's Krueger said.

Truckmakers from Italy's Iveco Group and DAF, a European unit of U.S. truckmaker PACCAR, are also working on hydrogen combustion options.

Just last week Germany's Daimler unveiled two prototype hydrogen combustion engine vehicles.

U.S.-based Cummins will provide test models to customers in different regions in the next year or two and should have a market-ready product within five years, said chief technical officer Jonathan Wood.

Rather than leave truck fleets waiting for green hydrogen to become widely available, some truckmakers and suppliers say combustion engines running on natural gas or biogas can provide an interim, lower-emission solution than diesel.

Cummins' Wood said making a hydrogen combustion engine involves changing some key components in its natural gas models, which will allow customers to work their "way down the carbon emissions curve", from diesel to natural gas then hydrogen.

As well as being an easier switch for manufacturers, trucks running on combustion engines will be easier for fleet customers to handle in the medium term than fuel cell models because it's a technology they are familiar with, Wood said.

"This is a game changer without a change," said Westport's Johansson.

(Christina Amann reported from Berlin and Nick Carey from London; additional reporting by Sarah McFarlane in London and Giulio Piovaccari in Milan; Writing by Nick Carey; Editing by Lisa Jucca)
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  A father and son from Florence accused of stealing $100,000 worth of guns from the Palmetto State Armory have been indicted in federal court, according to recently filed documents.

Benjamin Mercer Sr., 51, and his 29-year-old son both pleaded not guilty to seven counts:

stealing firearms from a dealer and aiding and abetting

possession of stolen firearms and aiding and abetting

felon in possession of firearms

theft of government money

carjacking

brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence

possession of stolen firearm

Both men also face multiple state-level charges. The theft happened May 12 at the 1811 Sally Hill Farms Road business, according to the sheriffs office. The Mercers allegedly entered the store at night by force and stole more than 150 guns valued at more than $100,000.

Mercer-indictmentDownload

The Mercers were indicted July 23 in U.S. District Court Florence Division.

Authorities in June said Mercer Jr. made arrangements to sell several of the stolen guns at a Darlington County location, the sheriffs office said. He also allegedly attempted to rob the confidential informant and later led deputies on a chase in the informants vehicle into Florence County.

Mercer Jr., who was armed at the time, eventually fled into an apartment on Pineland Avenue in Florence, where he barricaded and refused to surrender, according to the sheriffs office. Florence police threw a chemical irritant into the apartment, after which Mercer Jr. surrendered.

Florence County jail records show that Mercer Jr. was arrested on July 31 and released on Thursday. His father remains in custody.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Florida man arrested, charged with sexually explicit behavior with minors in Calcasieu Parish

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KLFY)  A resident of Florida was arrested on charges of inappropriate sexual behavior with minors in Calcasieu Parish, authorities said.

Dawson Hassell, 25, of Sarasota County, Florida allegedly sent sexually explicit videos to minors in Calcasieu Parish via social media on Feb. 19, officials said. The victims ranged in age from 12 to 16 years old, authorities said.

With the assistance of Florida authorities, Hassel was arrested July 17 in Sarasota County and was extradited to Calcasieu Parish on Monday.

Hassell was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and was charged with six counts of indecent behavior with juveniles.

Hassells bond is set at $350,000.

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A state of emergency was declared ahead of this weekend. The predicted path shows the storm heading toward Florida.

People fill sandbags in preparation for potential Tropical Storm Debby in Plant City, Fla., on Friday. (Chris OMeara/AP)

Florida is bracing for a major disaster this weekend as a powerful storm system could develop into Tropical Storm Debby, potentially bringing up to a foot of rain that could cause flooding and power outages and bring gusty winds.

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Thursday in anticipation of the significant threat of heavy rainfall over most of the State of Florida.

Storms potential path

As of Friday evening, a tropical wave originally named Invest 97L, but referred to as Potential Tropical Cyclone Four by the National Hurricane Center, is moving northwest in the Atlantic near Cuba, according to forecasters.

According to the 5 p.m. advisory, the storm was around 315 miles southwest of Key West, Fla., with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph.

If the tropical wave  a disturbance of unorganized showers and thunderstorms  reaches sustained wind speeds of 39 mph, it would form into Tropical Storm Debby, making it the fourth named storm for this years Atlantic hurricane season.

The tropical wave is expected to move over Cuba and barrel to the Florida Straits, southeast of Floridas mainland, on Saturday morning, meteorologists predict.

The storm is then expected to head to Floridas west coast, stretching to the Big Bend in the northern part of the state, on Sunday night. By Monday night, meteorologists expect the storm to move through Florida and into Georgias southeastern tip.

The NHC warned of heavy rainfall across portions of Florida and the Southeast into Wednesday morning, warning that the storm system should be monitored from Georgia to North Carolina.

Residents prepare for the storm in Plant City, Fla., on Friday. (Chris OMeara/AP)

Tropical storm warnings and watches issued in Florida

As of Friday morning, the NHC issued tropical storm watches and warnings for the Florida Keys  a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida  and for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula.

A tropical storm warning  which means storm conditions are expected somewhere within the area within 36 hours  is in effect, per the NHC, for:

The southwest coast of the Florida Peninsula from East Cape Sable to Boca Grande

A tropical storm watch  meaning tropical storm conditions are possible within the area, usually within 48 hours  is in effect, according to the NHCs Friday morning advisory, for:

The Florida Keys south of the Card Sound Bridge including the Dry Tortugas

The southern coast of the Florida Peninsula east of East Cape Sable to the Card Sound Bridge

The west coast of the Florida Peninsula north of Boca Grande to the Suwannee River

11am EDT August 2nd: Here are the initial key messages for Potential Tropical Cyclone Four (#PTC4).



Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings have been issued for the Florida Keys and portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula.https://t.co/it6IRLenVu pic.twitter.com/zkvTeNe2MH  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 2, 2024

Preparations underway

DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 54 of Floridas 67 counties and warned of at least 12 inches of rainfall stretching over the next seven days, unleashing flash, river and coastal flooding.

These conditions could damage the operational capability of critical infrastructure to include major interstates and roadways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, power grids, and other critical infrastructure, the executive order read.

The declaration allows emergency response agencies to implement their emergency plans, including carrying out rescue or evacuation operations.

I encourage all residents to prepare for the storm and follow all guidance issued by @FLSERT and local emergency management officials, DeSantis posted on X on Thursday.
Dont conepanic, but Florida is now under the first National Hurricane Center forecast track of the 2024 season.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is forecast to sweep across the state between late Saturday and Monday, bringing heavy rain impacts to Florida. Significant uncertainty remains about the storms eventual fate.

PTC 4, newly designated as of 11 a.m. on Friday, is located near the southern coast of eastern Cuba, moving west-northwest at 16 mph.

What to know about Potential Tropical Cyclone 4

While the system is not yet organized to be called a tropical cyclone  thats why weve got potential, rather than Tropical Depression Four or Tropical Storm Debby  the developing center of circulation has formed a little south of where yesterdays models suggested it might.

The first NHC forecast path brings PTC 4 into the Straits of Florida by mid-day Saturday, curves a tropical storm north towards the Nature Coast and eastern Big Bend by late Sunday, then slows it down to a crawl near the Carolinas Atlantic coast into midweek.

Tropical storm warnings are now in effect for much of the Southwest Florida coast, with tropical storm watches for the Keys and north to the Nature Coast.

A Category 1 hurricane Debby not out of the question if storm gets more time in the Gulf

In reality, there are two parts to the forecast for PTC 4: a shorter-term prognosis through Monday that is coming into better focus, and a longer-term outlook that remains riddled with doubt.

In the first half of the forecast, the primary uncertainty has to do with land interaction with Cuba over the next day, which will result in the developing center of circulation consolidating somewhere between the Florida Keys and western Cuba by Saturday evening.

At that point, PTC 4 will turn north due to the influence of a dip in the upper-level jet stream over the eastern U.S.; models have been trending stronger with those south-to-north steering currents over the eastern Gulf since yesterday.

If the center is closer to the Keys, the turn north will take PTC 4 through southwest Florida and up the Florida peninsula on Sunday, in which case itll likely be a depression or low-end tropical storm when crossing the coast.

If the center is closer to western Cuba, PTC 4s wider arc across the eastern Gulf will likely angle toward the Big Bend or central/eastern Panhandle on Monday.

In that case, having an additional day over warm water and favorable outflow would boost probable landfall intensity into the moderate tropical storm to Category 1 hurricane range.

A stall in the Gulf now seems very unlikely

Thankfully, the trough is probably strong enough to bring PTC 4 inland over Florida by Tuesday, even if the circulation starts out closer to western Cuba than the Keys.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Four 11 a.m. Aug. 2, 2024.

This is good because we (obviously) dont want to see a stall close to the coast, not only because a near-shore stall would exacerbate flooding rain coverage, but because idle storms plus the 85-90F waters of the northeastern Gulf are the devils playthings.

A Gulf stall track isnt completely out of the realm of the possible, but its less likely today than yesterday.

With that said, the fact that PTC 4s incipient circulation is forming a bit south of expectations favors the scenario in which the storm has more like two days over the Gulf rather than one.

North Florida should stay alert for possible hurricane; South Florida should brace for 3-10 inches of rain

Two days over the Gulf is enough to cause advanced mischief, and North Florida should be on alert at this point for a hurricane threat early next week. Im not saying a hurricane will hit North Florida, but a farther west track with more strengthening is well within the realm of the possible.

If it comes ashore farther south than the Big Bend area, it should be weaker since it'll spend less time over water. That said, it could still have enough time to strengthen into a tropical storm before making landfall.

This is definitely a case in which the NHC cone of uncertainty underestimates how uncertain the track forecast really is.

Well have a better idea on the track trajectory and thus intensity upside on Saturday afternoon once PTC 4 detangles from Cuba.

Ill talk more about impacts once theres more clarity, but for now, know that in both general scenarios Central and South Florida can expect abundant rainfall and tornado potential between Saturday and Monday, with totals likely in the 3-6 range, locally up to 10.

The potential tropical cyclone could bring heavy rain to the Florida peninsula.

Both scenarios also mean some tropical-storm-force wind gusts for the immediate peninsular Gulf Coast, but wind and surge impacts should be relatively modest overall for Central and South Florida.

In the Big Bend and Panhandle, there is a big difference in impacts between the east and west tracks. If PTC 4 moves over the peninsula on Sunday, there probably wont be much (if any) rainfall west of Lake City, much less any notable wind or surge.

Like a lot of Gulf systems, the western half of the storm should be much drier than the eastern (dirty) half. However, a track that arcs toward the Big Bend or Panhandle brings with it the triple threats of widespread heavy rainfall starting on Sunday, along with the possibility of more acute wind and surge threats near and east of wherever the center tracks.

It is too soon to put a finer point on the impact forecast than that, so stay tuned.

The PTC puzzle: Plenty of questions remain for the long-term impact to Southeast states

The long-term PTC 4 puzzle has to do with an expected collapse in steering winds starting on Tuesday. Global models are still hustling that eastern U.S. trough north and east in about five days, resulting in a region of minimal steering flow across the Gulf, Southeast U.S., and western Atlantic.

Will PTC 4 be in the northeast Gulf, inland, or offshore near the Carolinas when that happens? The NHCs initial wager is on the Carolinas, but as the NHC forecast discussion highlights, that may well change.

In all honesty, theres just no good answer to this question until at least a well-organized center of circulation forms. Even then, tropical cyclone forecasts in a weak steering flow environment have higher errors and lower confidence average. Expect the unexpected.

Radar shows Potential Tropical Cyclone Four at 11 a.m. Aug. 2, 2024.

Prolonged periods of slow or no motion also are situations in which flooding rainfall, even well inland, becomes a primary hazard. Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas should be on alert for a flash flooding and river flooding threat, with PTC 4 probably lingering somewhere near or over the Southeastern U.S. into late next week.

Theres also the possibility of mid-week strengthening if the storm makes it offshore south of the Carolinas, but that is a problem for another day.

Overall, a potential Tropical Storm Debby will at the very least be a downer for Floridas weather this weekend, spreading heavy rainfall over the peninsula and possibly the Panhandle through Monday. The eastern Panhandle and Big Bend coasts also need to monitor PTC 4s progress closely as the forecast evolves.

In the meantime, keep your wits about you, dont panic, and keep watching the skies.

Ryan Truchelut, WeatherTiger

Dr. Ryan Truchelut is chief meteorologist at WeatherTiger, a Tallahassee company providing forensic meteorology expert witness services and agricultural and hurricane forecasting subscriptions. Visit weathertiger.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Tropical storm forecast: Debby downpour and hurricane threat
Attorney General Ashley Moody on Thursday announced that Floridas "Price Gouging Hotline" is live after Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 54 of 67 counties  or 80 percent of the state.

The moves comes as a tropical wave, now designated as Invest 97L, could develop over the next week and head to the Sunshine State. If it develops, it could become Tropical Storm Debby, the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

A press release from Moody's office said "price gouging laws are now in effect for the counties covered by the state of emergency: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton and Washington counties."

Floridas price gouging law applies to items and services essential to getting ready for, or recovering from, a storm within the areas of a declared state of emergency, the press release explained. That may include generators, food, gasoline, hotel rooms, ice, lumber and water.

"Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period," the release said.

Invest 97L is expected to bring heavy rain and powerful winds to much of the state," Moody said in a statement. "To help Floridians prepare for this event, we are activating the price gouging hotline to accept reports of extreme price increases on essential commodities. As the system approaches, Im urging Floridians to finalize their storm preparations, monitor weather reports and follow the guidance of local authorities.

For more information

 Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney Generals Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.

 For more information on price gouging, read a PDF copy of "Attorney General Moodys Scams at a Glance: Price Gouging" handout, online here, and in Spanish, here.

 Moody recently released a 2024 Hurricane Preparedness Guide. The guide contains information on tropical systems, preparedness checklists and tips for avoiding storm-related scams before, during and after a weather event.

Brandon Girod of the Pensacola News Journal contributed. News Director Jim Rosica can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida price gouging hotline activated as Gulf storm 97L approaches
File cabinets. (Getty)

One of the less noticed features of the Virginia Way is the long-running tendency of the commonwealths leaders to conduct their decision-making behind closed doors. While the Virginia Freedom of Information Act presumes all government business is by default public and requires officials to justify why exceptions should be made, too many Virginia leaders in practice take the opposite stance, acting as if records are by default private and the public must prove they should be handled otherwise.

In this feature, we aim to highlight the frequency with which officials around Virginia are resisting public access to records on issues large and small  and note instances when the release of information under FOIA gave the public insight into how government bodies are operating.

City of Norfolk must give up juvenile victim records

In a July 30 ruling, the Court of Appeals of Virginia stated the city of Norfolk must release information about two juvenile murder victims to an attorney, and compensate her for the money she spent in her legal pursuit of the records.

Anthony Juniper was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend, her brother and her 4-year-old and 2-year old daughters inside a Norfolk apartment on Jan. 16 2004. Attorney Arianna Zoghi, who was representing Juniper at the time, in February 2022 requested her clients investigative files from the city as part of a Brady challenge over law enforcement withholding records during the prosecution.

The city initially agreed to provide the records in response to Zoghis request, consisting of 860 pages and 23 recordings, but changed its mind, citing state law that exempts records of juvenile victims being released. Zoghi then filed a challenge in Norfolk Circuit Court, which ruled that the state law exemption only applied to juvenile defendants, and that she was entitled to recover all of her requested costs, $863.71. The city appealed.

Appellate court Judge Kimberley Slayton White wrote in the opinion that the exemptions, refer in every instance to juveniles who have violated the law, who are suspects of violating the law, who are before the court, and who have been convicted, supervised, or committed.

White continued that the citys broader reading of the juvenile records exemptions from disclosure runs afoul of [the Virginia Freedom of Information Act].

Under FOIA law, a petitioner who wins their challenge shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs. Because Zoghi was advised by a court clerk to make a filing in person, and had to book a hotel to avoid getting up at 3 a.m. to drive to a morning hearing, White wrote that the trial court did not abuse its discretion  in determining the reasonable costs allowed and in making the reward.

The case was sent back to the circuit court for a determination of any reasonable costs and attorney fees associated with the appeal.

I was glad to see they agreed with us, Zoghi said in an interview, while crediting a 2021 law change that was amended in 2022 for her inspiration to seek the records. The city of Norfolk did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Data center data not exempt

In another July 30 ruling, the Court of Appeals sided with petitioners who requested emails from the town of Warrenton related to an Amazon data center project at the corner of Blackwell Road and Lee Highway.

The Citizens of Fauquier County filed a challenge in Fauquier County Circuit Court after the town declined to produce 3,100 emails in response to the citizen groups two public record requests in July and October 2022 regarding Amazons application for a special use permit in the locality.

The siting of data centers  which have proliferated in the Northern Virginia region that is home to about 70% of the worlds data centers  is a controversial topic because of the facilities land, water, noise and energy needs, countered with the plush tax revenue they can provide localities.

In its rejection of the citizen groups records request, Warrenton officials cited the often-referenced state law exempting the release of records if they are working papers and correspondence of the  mayor or chief executive office, Fauquier Now reported. The circuit court dismissed the case, but appellate court Judge Stuart A. Raphael overturned it, saying the exemption could only be applied once to a locality, meaning the town would need to choose whether it applies to the mayor or town manager.

The case was sent back to the lower court to re-evaluate the towns explanation of the exemption claims.

The Mercurys efforts to track FOIA and other transparency cases in Virginia are indebted to the work of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, a nonprofit alliance dedicated to expanding access to government records, meetings and other state and local proceedings.

Richmond jet company wants an explanation

The Richmond Jet Center, a fixed-base operator providing fuel, lounge and maintenance services at the Richmond International Airport, filed a lawsuit against the Capital Region Airport Commission seeking answers on why a bid process for a full service fixed-base operator was canceled.

As early as November 2021, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the commission announced it was considering moving business planes and small private aircraft facilities to one location. In January of last year, a request for proposals from firms to develop the facility went out, but it then revised the request to seek the services of only one fixed-base operator.

That revised RFP was then canceled.

Richmond Jet Center said it spent $250,000 developing proposals for the project; meanwhile its contracts are at risk in light of its lease at the airport expiring in seven months. The company filed a FOIA request seeking an explanation of why the commission canceled its request and the plans for the fixed-based operator services at the airport, which the commission said were exempt, leading to the legal challenge.

Unauthorized release of an UFO whistleblowers records?

Retired Maj. David C. Grusch, who testified before members of Congress that the federal government had covered up a program that finds and reverse engineers unidentified flying objects, filed a lawsuit alleging that Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman released personal information about Grusch that he shouldnt have had access to.

In July of 2023, Grusch told the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence that the intelligence community and military had shown him evidence of the program. He filed a whistleblower complaint after he learned the information, and said he faced retaliation afterwards.

After Grusch testified, a reporter for The Intercept sought records from the sheriffs office, which provided a report of a mental health incident Grusch experienced in October 2018.

In an article questioning why Grusch was able to keep a security clearance he had after the incident, The Intercept published a redacted version of the report that detailed Gruschs wife calling the Sheriffs Office to report he was drunk and experiencing a mental health crisis.

Grusch was detained under an Emergency Custody Order for a period of eight hours, and then requested to be held under a Temporary Detention Order for 72 hours, but was released. His lawsuit states reports and documents related to involuntary admissions, are exempt from release under FOIA, The Loudoun Times-Mirror reported. The Sheriffs Office said it acted in accordance with the law.

Have you experienced local or state officials denying or delaying your FOIA request? Tell us about it: info@virginiamercury.com
Foreign Office in Berlin says Germans still being held in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) welcomes prisoners released following the swap deal at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. -/KREMLIN/dpa

Germany's Foreign Office confirmed on Friday that there are a "low double-digit number of people" with German citizenship still being held in Russia. A "single-digit number of Germans" are also being held in Belarus, the Foreign Office said on Friday.

The Russian authorities have been refusing to allow the German diplomatic mission to visit prisoners who have both Russian and German citizenship for around two years.

"They treat people with Russian and another nationality exclusively as Russian citizens," the Foreign Office said, adding that Germany did not share this view and was endeavouring "emphatically" to gain consular access in all cases.

In a comprehensive prisoner exchange on Thursday, Russia and Belarus released 16 people who had been imprisoned for their activities as journalists, artists, opposition members or activists, among other things.

In return, 10 people were handed over to Moscow, including the convicted hit-man Vadim Krasikov, and spies. The German citizens who were released were Rico K., who had been sentenced to death in Belarus, and four men who had been detained in Russia.
Early in his presidency, Barack Obama addressed an audience at Cairo University in an attempt to improve Americas standing in the Arab world. Titled A New Beginning, the speech called for mutual interest and mutual respect between the United States and Muslim-majority countries, a reciprocal association that would expunge the tensions that characterized the Bush administrations relationship with Middle Eastern nations. In explaining how relations between the U.S. and Islam had deteriorated, Obama mentioned, among other list items, a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. The Atlantic called the talk brilliant and public relations magic.

Alas, it was more like a magic trick, fascinating to watch but devoid of substance. Obamas effort to reverse Americas unpopularity among Arab nations failed, not least because a relationship defined by mutuality never materialized. After cutting off aid to the Egyptian military in 2013 for its role in a coup, the Obama administration restored the funds two years later, underwriting a vicious government that represses its people. In a 2016 interview with The Atlantic, near the end of his tenure, Obama was quoted joking with aides that, All I need in the Middle East is a few smart autocrats.

The implosion of Obamas visionand his replication of Cold Warera American policies that ran roughshod over human rights in the Middle Eastserves as a sharp illustration of the dynamic that Fawaz A. Gerges outlines in his new book, What Really Went Wrong. The title is a sly allusion to a work by the late historian Bernard Lewis, What Went Wrong? In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Lewiss slim volume became a surprise international bestseller, selling in huge numbers not just in the U.S. but in places like Denmark and Italy. In Lewiss view, radicalized Muslims attacked America because they wrongly blamed us for the failings of the Islamic civilization to adapt to the modern world. Its author advised the Bush administration about the benefits certain to accrue if the United States invaded Iraq, permanently tarnishing his reputation.

Gerges, a professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science, tells a very different story. In his account, the sources of anger at the United States in Muslim-majority countries, and the woeful situation in Arab lands, stem from postwar American foreign policyparticularly that of Dwight D. Eisenhowers administration, which lasted from 1953 to 1961. During those tense, youthful Cold War years, Ike made fateful decisions to defy the wishes of the bulk of the population in Iran and Egypt, rejecting their governments and marginalizing their leaders. At a time when much of the region was asserting independence from colonial rule, the U.S. decisively intervened in these two critical countries in the name of anti-Communist paranoia, to the detriment of their long-term economic and democratic development. Americas postWorld War II imperial ambitions and its offensive conduct in the early decades of the global Cold War trigged something resembling a geostrategic curse in the Middle East, Gerges writes.

In 2024, the U.S. faces some of the same challenges in the Middle East that it did in 1954: Our allies are repressive and unpopular with their own people, while hostile leaders benefit by antagonizing the United States. As a guide to some of the worst policymaking of the Cold War, Gergess book is instructive, though far from groundbreaking. As a jumping off point for better U.S. policy in the future, however, it is sometimes perplexing, often missing a sense of the range of factors that shaped policy on the ground and proffering unsound solutions. In order to think about resetting American policy in this region, we need to clearly understand the dangers of aligning ourselves with autocratseven ones that are anti-colonial and popular.







After World War II, the United States didnt just stand alone as the worlds greatest power (William T.R. Fox coined the term superpower in 1944), it materialized as a rare Western country without any history of imperialism in the Middle East. The few contacts Americans had with the region came primarily from Christian missionaries. This distinguished the U.S. from the French and the British, who had done considerable damage in the region, beginning with Napoleons ill-fated invasion of Egypt in 1798. The Soviet Union (along with the Brits) also occupied much of Iran and refused to leave the country in 1946, as they had agreed. Iranians were thus generally and uniquely well disposed toward Americans as the Cold War dawned.



In order to think about resetting American policy in the region, we need to clearly understand the dangers of aligning ourselves with autocratseven ones that are anti-colonial and popular.

In 1951, Mohammad Mosaddegh became prime minister in Tehran. He was an idiosyncratic man prone to strong public displays of emotion and making television appearances in his pajamas. But Mosaddegh was both a charismatic democrat and a deeply committed nationalist, the type of leader rare to find in the Middle East (or anywhere else, for that matter). He favored an independent judiciary, transparent elections, and the freedom of worship and association, policies that could provide Iranians with dignity and decency.

For decades, Mosaddegh had opposed Britains stranglehold over his countrys lucrative oil reserves, insisting that the commodity should be developed to primarily benefit Iranians, not a foreign empire. (Winston Churchill called Iranian oil a prize from fairyland beyond our wildest hopes.) When he moved to nationalize Irans oil reserves, the United Kingdom deployed sanctions and political sabotage to undermine and attempt to overthrow Mosaddegh. Like others in the Middle East, the prime minister hoped the U.S. would act differently from other Western countries. He hoped it would recognize his countrys quest for independence and sovereignty, or at least not subvert its efforts. For a time, his hopes were realized. Harry S. Trumans administration opposed the nationalization scheme but warned the Brits against ousting Mosaddegh, a caution they reluctantly heeded.

But Trumans successor had no such hesitations about using covert operations in Tehran. In 1953, Eisenhower and his Secretary of State John Foster Dulles green-lighted a CIA-backed coup to replace Mosaddegh and replace him with Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a far more pliant anti-Communist (and less of a stickler for human rights). It was the first instance of Americas youthful intelligence agencies directly deposing a disfavored foreign government. The operations against Mosaddegh became a template for frequent U.S. direct and indirect interventions in the developing world in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Gerges writes. Pahlavi led Iran ruthlessly until 1979, when Islamists fomented a coup and forced him into exile. The Islamic revolution and related takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran poisoned U.S.-Iran relations, which have never recovered and whose breakdown may yet still lead to a horrible, unnecessary war.

Unlike Mosaddegh, Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser was no democrat, though the two men shared a disdain for British colonial rule. Nassers nationalist sentiments deepened while he served in his countrys military in the 1948 war with Israel. In 1952, he fomented a coup that toppled the deeply corrupt King Farouk and brought him to power. As he abolished the oligarch-friendly monarchy and declared Egypt a republic, Nasser banned all political parties and arrested thousands of criticsnotably, members of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group that influenced Hamas and Al Qaeda generations later. Utilizing Egypts unique position and history in the region, he fashioned a pan-Arabism that aroused the passions of Middle Easterners like no other modern leader before or since.

Like Mosaddegh, Nasser hoped for good relations with the United States but refused to be its puppet, determined for Egypt to chart a neutral course in the Cold War while he furthered the countrys economic development. He enjoyed some successes in this endeavor, most strikingly in 1956; after Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, the U.S. lambasted Britain, France, and Israel for attacking the Sinai in response, with Eisenhower even threatening sanctions against all three countries. The event simultaneously marked the demise of the British Empire and the high-water mark of Arab nationalism, as Nasser was perhaps the most popular leader in what was then called the Third World. But he privately recognized the crucial role United States played in persuading the three Western countries to withdraw from the Sinai.

Alas, this moment would prove the apex of Egyptian-American relations during Nassers time. Eisenhower and Dulles were exasperated at Nassers inability to reciprocate their gestures of goodwill, and they perceived pan-Arab nationalism as hostile to the U.S., leaving the resource-rich region vulnerable to Soviet penetration. And indeed, Nasser looked to Moscow to finance a dam after Americans withdrew their offer to provide funds, and his verbal attacks on the closest U.S. allies further alienated policymakers. It wasnt just the Eisenhower administration that cooled on Nasser, either. The journalist Warren Bass convincingly demonstrated in his book Support Any Friend that the U.S.-Israeli alliance solidified as Ikes successor, John F. Kennedy, appreciated the Jewish states reliability while Nasser flirted with the Soviets.

In 1967, Nasser made a fateful miscalculation in publicly and repeatedly declaring his objective of destroying Israel and overestimating his chances against the Jewish state in a military conflict. Within days, Israel destroyed much of the Egyptian military, along with the hopes that pan-Arabism had instilled in the region for a glorious, powerful future. When Nasser died in 1970, he was still beloved among Arabs but was a far weaker figure than he had been years earlier. His vision of a prosperous Middle East unencumbered by outsiders was destroyed and remains dormant nearly 60 years later.





So far, so good. Gergess account of the reigns of Mosaddegh and Nasser is serviceable, though these episodes are already well known and receive only summary treatments here. Instead, What Really Went Wrongs novelty (such as it exists) comes from its argument linking the U.S. disdain for these two men in particular with the regions contemporary woes. Mosaddegh and Nasser were not typical leaders, Gerges suggests. They were uniquely patriotic, popular secularists who were somewhat friendly to the United States and could have led the region out of the morass it was in (and remains). The defeat and marginalization of secular-learning nationalist visions in Iran and Egypt in the 1950s and 1960s, he argues, allowed for Sunni and Shia puritanical religious narratives and movements to gain momentum throughout the Middle East.

Mosaddegh and Nasser were not typical leaders, Gerges suggests. They were uniquely patriotic, popular secularists who could have led the region out of the morass.

In the case of Iran, Gergess brief is inarguable. Of all the crimes the U.S. committed during the Cold Wara long and bloody listthe CIAs toppling of Mosaddegh was among the most self-defeating and carried perhaps the longest-lasting consequences. By succumbing to Cold War paranoia and denying Iranians a precious opportunity for democracy, the U.S. consigned them to a vicious autocrat for more than 25 years. The Islamist government that replaced the CIA-approved Pahlavi was (and remains 45 years later) equally repressive but also anti-American, crushing all things liberal at home and supporting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas abroad.

And yet, while making an unimpeachable case against the CIAs actions in Iran, Gerges fails to explain how the Western world could have prospered without access to petroleum. He invokes the American desire for robust oil supplies numerous times but never takes the issue seriously. From the beginning of the crisis to the end, the U.S. government opposed Mosaddeghs nationalization of oil because that would have created a precedent that threatened Americas interest in an open global economy, he writes, disapprovingly. But these were not superfluous concerns. Americaand Western Europe, Japan, and all NATO countriesneeded large supplies of oil for their economies. It was hardly just corporate greed motivating these priorities. U.S. policymakers should not have responded to this task by installing or supporting a friendly dictator in Iran or anywhere elsethey could have worked with Mosaddegh to ensure that Iranians benefited from oil profits while guaranteeing the resource kept flowing. But Gerges downplays the genuine geopolitical challenge facing American leaders, flattening the history and evading the problem of how to balance interests and values in foreign affairs.

A more serious flaw appears in the chapters about Nasser. Gerges values Nassers charisma, opposition to Western imperialism, and economic policies, so much so that he underplays the leaders deeply consequential decisions to crush the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists. He concedes blemishes on [Nassers] record, but does not elaborate on the implications of Nassers horrific treatment of his political opponents. Nasser created entire concentration camps for Muslim Brotherhood members, torturing them for years. His most notorious target was Sayyid Qutb, a deeply influential figure who urged violence against Nasser and other secular leaders as legitimate targets for being un-Islamicand who identified the American enemy as supposedly bankrolling these secular leaders. This was, in fact, the birth of the aggressive perspective that would culminate, decades later, in ISIS, Hamas, and Al Qaeda, whose founding members (such as Egyptian-born Ayman Al Zawahiri) valorized Qutb.

The real lesson of Americas Cold War policies is that interfering in other countries should only be done when our most vital interests are at stake, we have competent leaders, and we can do more good than ill.

Gerges knows this. In fact, he wrote an excellent dual biography of Nasser and Qutb in 2018 called Making the Arab World. The Egyptian leaders brutality toward the Muslim Brotherhood morphed into an armed clash between the Arab nationalist project represented by the Nasserist state and an emergent radical Islamist current led by Qutb, he wrote in that book. But despite chronicling how Nassers viciousness toward Islamists birthed a twisted form of global jihad, he suggests in What Really Went Wrong that America should have aligned itself with Nasser because of his popularity and secularism. Had it taken an anticolonial stance, Washington could have benefited from Nassers skills in staying nonaligned as the world lurched toward bipolarity, Gerges writes. But supporting a well-liked dictator is hardly a recipe for long-term U.S. foreign policy success! Opposition parties, including Islamists, would have had more reason to hate America, not less, if the Eisenhower administration had taken Gergess suggested course.

Nasser embarked on a warmaking spree around the Middle East, viciousness that Alex Rowell covered in his 2023 book, We Are Your Soldiers: How Gamal Abdel Nasser Remade the Arab World. Although Gerges mostly overlooks this aspect of Nassers career, Rowells work convincingly demonstrates that, however popular the Egyptian leader was for his pan-Arabism and opposing Western interference, his lasting impact was in influencing the establishment of like-minded police states in Syria, Libya, and Iraq. Nasser endorsed Arab unity so long as he was in charge, hardly a vision that Washington should have endorsed.

Deciding which horse to bet on in distant lands is not a game that U.S. policymakers can usually win. The variables are too many, the uncertainty too great. Favoring some leaders and groups means disfavoring (and angering) others. This is especially true in countries led by unpredictable, ruthless megalomaniacs. As the Biden administration considers a codified security alliance with Saudi Arabia, we are in danger of once again attaching ourselves to leaders who have contempt for their own peoples human rights. The real lesson of Americas Cold War policies is that interfering in other countries should only be done when our most vital interests are at stake, we have competent leaders, and we can do more good than ill. Since those stars rarely align, the U.S. should take a much more sparing approach to interventions. That is what really went wrong with American foreign policy.
Nearly 40 monkeys that were desperately searching for water during a devastating heat wave drowned in a well in India, AFP reported.

What's happening?

According to forest officials, northern India has been hit by an intense heat wave over the past month, with temperatures rising over 113 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, the lakes have dried up, leaving local wildlife desperate for water.

In the Palamu district of eastern Jharkhand state, a troop of monkeys jumped into a well and could not get out. "A team of forest officials are investigating," Kumar Ashish, the local government forest officer, told AFP, as shared by SW Iowa News.

Hundreds of people have also died due to the heat wave over the last month.

Why are heat waves like this concerning?

Heatwaves in India are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and getting hotter, according to a study published in the science journal Nature  all thanks to the changes to our planet's weather pattern that have been driven by the heat-trapping air pollution that largely comes from dirty energy sources like gas, oil, and coal.

Another study, published by the UK government's Meteorological Office, said that climate change has made heat waves in India and Pakistan 100 times more likely to occur, taking the probability from once every 312 years to once every 3.1 years. The study concluded that by the end of the century, that number will increase to once over 1.15 years, making an area where over 1 billion live increasingly uninhabitable.

What's being done about the heat wave?

An Indian court recently urged the government to declare a national emergency over the heat wave, and in some areas, officials have been forced to truck in water in tankers and set up public distribution points.

In a broader sense, in order to stop crises like this one from getting worse and more frequent, we must end the overheating of our planet by abandoning dirty energy sources like gas, oil, and coal and turning instead to clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Starting next week, an election campaign will commence in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections, Azernews reports, citing the Central Election Commission's "Calendar Plan of Main Actions and Measures for the Conduct of Extraordinary Elections to the Milli Majlis."

The election campaign can be carried out by registered candidates, their authorised representatives and agents, political parties with registered candidates, political party blocs, and their authorised representatives and agents.

According to the Election Code, the campaign starts 23 days before the election day and ends 24 hours before the start of voting. For the upcoming extraordinary parliamentary elections, the campaign will start on August 9 and continue until 08:00 on August 31.

It should be noted that President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on June 28 to dissolve the sixth convocation of the Milli Majlis and schedule extraordinary elections for the Milli Majlis. By this decree, the sixth convocation of the Milli Majlis was dissolved, and extraordinary elections were scheduled for September 1.
Bitcoin A CIA Creation? Tucker Carlson Believes So: 'They Got There First. It's Honey Trap'

Political commentator and former Fox Television host Tucker Carlson raised eyebrows after he claimed that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) was created by the Central Intelligence Agency.

What Happened: During a private event at the recently concluded Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, Carlson poked fun at cryptocurrency maximalists for not knowing the real identity of the pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.

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These are not shallow people. These are people who can answer every single question except who was Satoshi Nakamoto, Carlson said in a tongue-in-cheek remark.





Obviously it was the CIA. I think we all know that, the conservative media personality said in a light-hearted way, drawing chuckles from the audience. Its like Signal, they got there first. Its honey trap.

See Also: Dont miss out on the next Nvidia  you can invest in the future of AI for only $10.

For the curious, Carlsons Signal reference is based on his claims that the National Security Agency spied on him through the chats on the encrypted messaging app.

Why It Matters: The theory of the CIAs involvement with Bitcoin is not a new concept and has been a subject of speculation on platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn for several years.

The broader interest around the real identity of Bitcoins creator continues to be a hot topic in the cryptocurrency circles.

Trending: If you invested $100K in Nivida during COVID, you wouldve been a millionaire today. Get it as your free stock on this platform today.

Australian computer scientist Craig Wright, who has consistently claimed to be the creator, was ordered by a UK court recently to publicly deny being Satoshi Nakamoto.

Apart from Wright, Litecoin (CRYPTO: LTC) creator Charlie Lee, computer engineer Nick Szabo, and British cypherpunk and Blockstream CEO Adam Back have been the internet's most likely suspects in recent years.

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This article Bitcoin A CIA Creation? Tucker Carlson Believes So: 'They Got There First. It's Honey Trap' originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Former CIA Director John Brennan said Thursdays prisoner swap that freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is a remarkable display of successful diplomacy by the Biden administration.

Its an unprecedented deal, Brennan said on MSNBCs Deadline: White House to anchor Ali Velshi. And it is a remarkable display of very effective and successful statecraft and diplomacy by the Biden-Harris administration.

Gershkovich, alongside former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, Vladimir Kara-Murza, five Germans and seven Russians, were released in the swap Thursday.

This is the continuation of the ongoing dialogue between the United States and Russia about getting individuals released, Brennan said.

In a statement Thursday, President Biden said, We celebrate the return of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir and rejoice with their families.

We remember all those still wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world. And reaffirm our pledge to their families: We see you, Biden continued. We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring your loved ones home where they belong.

In a Thursday letter, the Journals editor-in-chief Emma Tucker said that her paper is grateful to President Biden and his administration for working with persistence and determination to bring Evan home rather than see him shipped off to a Russian work camp for a crime he didnt commit.

We are also grateful to the other governments that helped bring an end to Evans nightmare, in particular the German government that played such a critical role, Tucker continued in the letter.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former credit union employee, 5 other suspects charged with stealing $345K from customer accounts

Six people were charged in a scheme to steal $345,000 from a Western Washington credit union, U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced in a news release Friday.

One of the suspects, 31-year-old Aneicia Ford, is accused of stealing account information while she was working for the credit union. The information was then given to others who took over the accounts and stole funds.

Ford worked as a customer service representative out of her Tacoma home between May and October 2022, helping customers with account issues.

The job allowed her to access customers personal information, which she then passed on to Dangelo Roberts, 21, who used it to steal from accounts, the indictment said.

Case documents says Roberts tried to recruit people to access victims accounts on social media, where he also advertised that he could make false ID materials.

Others charged in the case are:

Shanna Carter-Zanders, 42 of Auburn.

Kohrey Lee Bridges, 22, of Tumwater.

Anthony McQueen, 36, of Seattle.

Meghan Frazier, 21, of University Place.

The charges include conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identify theft.

Ford is charged in every count in the indictment; all six are charged with conspiracy, and different defendants are charged with individual counts of bank fraud and/or aggravated identity theft.

Using the stolen account information, the conspirators obtained false IDs and used them to get debit cards and to make withdrawals from the victims accounts, often at the credit unions branches. After obtaining increases to the ATM withdrawal limits, the conspirators obtained as much as $25,000 in cash. The conspirators would also spend victims funds by ordering cashiers checks or purchasing postal money orders that they made payable to other conspirators or their associates. They used their illegal access to transfer money between accounts and check balances on accounts, a news release from the Justice Department said.

A total of about $345,014 was stolen from the credit union accounts.

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud carry a sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum of two years in prison following any other sentence for other charges in the case.

The customers who were victims in the case were reimbursed by the credit union.
Marijuana plants at a 605 Cannabis grow operation. (Courtesy photo)

Former Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party political operative Will Hailer paid $1.2 million to settle a lawsuit brought by two South Dakota cannabis companies and their investors accusing him of fraud.

The case ends a two-year saga that began when Hailer approached 605 Cannabis founder Ned Horsted with an attractive business opportunity for him and the two founders of another cannabis company, Dakota Natural Growers.

Hailer promised he would bring in an additional $7.5 million in investment for the cannabis growers if they gave him the $3.54 million they raised from friends, family and acquaintances.

Hailer, who previously worked for the Democratic National Committee and for Attorney General Keith Ellison, met Horsted years before through Democratic politics.

He tells a great story, Horsted said of Hailer in an interview earlier this year. It made sense in my mind. If youre well connected, and you could pick up the phone and get someone to give $100,000 to a campaign, you could probably get that same kind of money for a business venture.

The additional investment never materialized despite months of promises that the money was just days or weeks aways, according to court documents.

Hailer returned $1.86 million in August 2022 and another $500,000 in October 2023 after the cannabis business owners and their investors sued Hailer and three of his companies, eST Ventures, Badlands Fund and Badland Ventures.

The latest settlement and $1.2 million payment means the cannabis entrepreneurs and investors have received all of their own money back after giving Hailer control of it in early 2022.

Jason Tarasek, the attorney for the cannabis companies, declined to comment beyond that they amicably resolved their dispute. The case was settled in Nebraska, where Hailer lives.

Its unclear how Hailer was able to pay the settlement. As the Reformer reported in June, discovery documents in the case showed Hailer had less than $750 combined across various business and personal bank accounts.

Hailer did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Hailer still faces litigation  along with his business partner Tim Mynett, husband of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar  by an investor in the pairs California winery, eStCru.

In that case, investor Naeem Mohd gave Mynett $300,000 for a winery on the promise Mohd would receive $900,000 back in just 18 months. Mohd only received his $300,000 back.

Mynett was a founder of eSt Ventures, which was named in the cannabis lawsuit, but he said he left the company before the deal with the South Dakota cannabis companies.

Although the business is typically called eSt Ventures, Omar listed spousal income from EstVenture LLC of $5,001-$15,000 in 2021 and $15,001-$50,000 in 2022.

In her latest congressional financial disclosure filed in May, Omar reported spousal income in 2023 of $201-$1,000 from eStCru and $15,0001-$50,000 from Rose Lake Capital, a venture capital management firm founded by Mynett and Hailer.

Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Minnesota Reformer maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor J. Patrick Coolican for questions: info@minnesotareformer.com. Follow Minnesota Reformer on Facebook and X.
ST. LOUIS  A former alderman in Des Peres, Missouri was sentenced to probation on Thursday and ordered to repay hundreds of thousands in an embezzlement case.

John Pound, 81, pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud during a federal court hearing in March. He was sentenced to five years of probation and $292,305 in restitution.

As part of his plea agreement, Pound admitted that he embezzled from two clients of his real estate management company, Commercial Realty Management Inc. between 2010 and 2020.

Spanish Lake man arrested for kicking dog while pet-sitting

Pounds company provided real estate management services to the owners of a commercial property on North Euclid Avenue in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis. Pound maintained bank accounts and paid bills on behalf of the owners.

Investigators say Pound took significantly larger management fees, kept larger commissions and charged higher hourly rates than he was authorized to take. Pound prepared annual budgets that reportedly misrepresented the monthly management fee and concealed the inflated fees he was collecting.

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Investigators say, from 2006 through June 30, 2020, Pound paid himself $220,000 in commission payments that he had not legitimately earned. Then from Jan. 1, 2015, through Dec. 31, 2019, Pound made around 130 entries in QuickBooks falsely identifying a third-party payee when the money went to Pound.

Pound resigned from his elected position as an alderman in Des Peres, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The FBI investigated the case.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
PARK TWP.  A former captain at a local fire department was arrested for possession and distribution of child sexually abusive material on Wednesday, according to the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office.

Todd Achterhof, 49, of Park Township, was arrested July 31 after a federal investigation. He was previously a captain with the Graafschap Fire Department, which serves Laketown Township and Fillmore Township in Allegan County.

OSCO detectives became involved in an ongoing investigation by the FBIs West Michigan Based Child Exploitation  or WEB CHEX  Task Force in May, according to a release.

Charges were authorized July 31 and Achterhof was subsequently taken into custody without incident.

Achterhof was arraigned Thursday, Aug. 1, on five counts. Hes charged with two counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, one count of CSAM distribution and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He was denied bond and is lodged at the Ottawa County Jail.

CSAM-Distribution is a felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000, according to the Michigan Penal Code. CSAM-Aggravated Possession is a felony punishable by up to 10 years or a fine of up to $50,000.

The Graafschap Fire Department confirmed to WOOD TV-8 that Achterhof worked for the department from 1997 until May 2024, when he resigned. He did not provide a reason for his resignation, the department told the TV station.

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Achterhof previously worked at Hope College as a campus dispatcher. The college released a statement, saying it conducted an internal investigation.

Having learned of the federal search warrant, Hope College immediately conducted a thorough internal investigation. The investigation did not find any activity on campus or involving college resources related to the charges, the statement reads. The individual is no longer employed by Hope College. This is the extent of the colleges comment on this matter.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information should contact the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office at 616-738-4000 or Silent Observer at 877-887-4536 or mosotips.com.

 Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Former Graafschap fire captain arrested on child pornography charges
At its 5 p.m. advisory, the National Hurricane Center extended a tropical storm warning to include all of Lee County, north to Boca Grande.

Previously, Bonita Beach south through Collier County was under a warning and Lee was under a tropical storm watch.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is expected to bring tropical-storm conditions and heavy rain to the Florida Peninsula, including Fort Myers and Lee County, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical storm watches and warnings have been issued for portions of Florida, including a storm warning in Fort Myers and Lee County, ahead of a possible landfall as Tropical Storm Debby along Florida's West Coast over the weekend.

What was originally known as Invest 97L was located over Cuba, about 360 miles southeast of Key West, according to the 5 p.m. advisory.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday declared a state of emergency for 54 of Florida's 67 counties, including Lee County, ahead of the storm.

 Track all active storms

 Spaghetti models for Potential Tropical Cyclone Four

"Keep in mind the tropical cyclone will be strengthening as it moves north, so the farther north it gets before landfall, the better of a shot that it has to attain hurricane status," said the National Weather Service Tallahassee.

If sustained winds reach 39 mph, it would become Tropical Storm Debby, the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

Where is Potential Tropical Cyclone Four? How close is it to Lee County, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Florida?

Location : 25 miles west of Camaguey, Cuba; 315 miles southeast of Key West

Maximum sustained winds: 30 mph

Movement : west-northwest at 16 mph

Next advisory: 8 p.m.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Four expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Debby, impact parts of Southwest Florida

At 5 p.m., the disturbance was centered near latitude 21.4 North, longitude 78.3 West.

The system is moving toward the west-northwest near 16 mph. A turn toward the northwest at a slower forward speed is expected tonight or Saturday, followed by a turn toward the north on Sunday.

On the forecast track, the disturbance is expected to move over Cuba today, cross the Straits of Florida on Saturday, and then move near or over the west coast of Florida Saturday night through Sunday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph, with higher gusts.

The disturbance is expected to develop into a tropical depression on Saturday as it moves across the Straits of Florida, followed by intensification into a tropical storm by Saturday night.

Formation chance through 48 hours: high, 80 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days: high, 90 percent.

Spaghetti models: Latest models on where Potential Tropical Cyclone Four could make Florida landfall

Special note about spaghetti models: Spaghetti model illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The Hurricane Center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.

Tropical storm watches and warnings issued for Collier and Lee County

A tropical storm warning is in effect for:

Southwest coast of the Florida peninsula from East Cape Sable to Boca Grande.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for:

The Florida Keys south of the Card Sound Bridge including the Dry Tortugas.

The southern coast of the Florida peninsula east of East Cape Sable to the Card Sound Bridge.

The west coast of the Florida peninsula north of Boca Grande to the mouth of the Suwanee River.

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

Potential impact from tropical cyclone in Southwest Florida include wind, surge, rain tornadoes

WINDS: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area late Saturday and Saturday night. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area in the Florida Keys and the southern Florida peninsula by Saturday or Saturday night. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area along the Florida west coast Saturday night or Sunday.

STORM SURGE: The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide:

Bonita Beach to Suwanee River: 2-4 feet

Tampa Bay: 2-4 feet

Charlotte Harbor: 2-4 feet

Card Sound Bridge to Bonita Beach: 1-3 feet

RAINFALL: Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is expected to produce rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with maximum rainfall totals up to 12 inches, across portions of Florida and near the Southeast U.S. coast this weekend through Wednesday morning. This rainfall could result in areas of flash and urban flooding, with isolated river flooding possible.

TORNADOES: A tornado or two is possible across the Florida Keys and the western Florida peninsula Saturday night through Sunday morning.

Key messages on what Florida can expect from tropical cyclone

Heavy rainfall may result in flash and urban flooding across portions of Florida and the Southeast this weekend through Wednesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center. Isolated river flooding will also be possible. Tropical storm conditions are expected Saturday night within the warning area in southwest Florida from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach where a tropical storm warning has been issued. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the Florida Keys on Saturday and along the Florida west coast north of Bonita Beach to Aripeka Saturday night and Sunday where a tropical storm watch is in effect. Coastal flooding is possible along portions of the west coast of Florida over the weekend. Residents elsewhere in Florida should monitor the progress of this system.

Florida Gov. DeSantis issues state of emergency for 54 counties, including Lee

Florida is monitoring Invest 97L in the Atlantic, which is expected to strengthen and potentially make landfall as early as this weekend. It will be slow-moving and bring lots of rain that could cause significant flooding.



I encourage all residents to prepare for the storm and  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 1, 2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency Thursday in preparation for the potential landfall of a storm that could become the first "significant threat" to the state.

In a post on X Thursday afternoon, DeSantis said "Florida is monitoring Invest 97L in the Atlantic, which is expected to strengthen and potentially make landfall as early as this weekend. It will be slow-moving and bring lots of rain that could cause significant flooding. I encourage all residents to prepare for the storm and follow all guidance issued by @FLSERT and local emergency management officials."

National Weather Service forecasts for Florida, what to expect and when

Rainfall predicted from Aug. 2 through Aug. 5 as Invest 97L approaches Florida.

Rain chances will increase across the Florida Peninsula. Rainfall estimates range from 2 to 4 inches and as high as 8 inches. The strongest storms could produce gusty winds, and heavy downpours. Multiple rounds of heavy downpours could create the potential for localized flooding.

Forecasters urge all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and to always be prepared. That advice is particularly important for what is expected to be a very active hurricane season.

Weather watches and warnings issued in Southwest Florida

National Hurricane Center map: What are forecasters watching now?

Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include:

Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near Fort Myers, Lee County

Excessive rainfall forecast for Fort Myers and Lee

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: national hurricane center increases odds fort myers lee county impact
Maggie Sutton, a social worker and case manager for the Greenfield Fire Department, helps people who frequently use emergency services.

In summer 2022, Maggie Sutton spotted a pattern.

A social worker and case manager for the Greenfield Fire Department, Sutton noticed how often paramedics were traveling to The Villa of Greenfield, an assisted living facility a few minutes away.

In one visit, she said paramedics found a resident who had been lying on the ground for 12 hours covered in feces and urine.

On another trip, paramedics broke a window to enter the building because staff were asleep, she said.

Some residents called 911 for help getting out of bed  but other times, they were just isolated and lonely.

Sutton's job is to help people who frequently use emergency services. Often, that includes residents of assisted living facilities, which are struggling statewide with funding, turnover and residents rising medical needs.

As the summer wore on, Sutton saw no signs that conditions inside the mostly Medicaid-funded facility were improving. Meanwhile, local first responders were getting overwhelmed.

"I said to them, 'I'm going to have to start making these reports to the state,'" she said.

Sutton filed two complaints with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in July, and a third in September. She wasnt alone: The state received seven other complaints about the facility in 2022, after sorting through 18 others since 2019.

By October 2022, the state had finished its investigation. The report was 97 pages long.

Problems at assisted living facilities cause spillover effects for first responders

Sutton often arrived at work in summer 2022 by 8 a.m. to find paramedics waiting at her office door with news about the most recent overnight visit to The Villa of Greenfield.

"They, to some degree, wanted me to see it with my own eyes as well, said Sutton, a former certified nurse aide, or CNA.

Walking in to the 42-bed facility, Sutton said conditions hit all her senses at once. She smelled urine, feces and marijuana, saw residents slumped over in wheelchairs, and heard others calling for help without reprieve.

Between 2019 and 2022, records show police made contact with the building 151 times. Often, paramedics helped.

Greenfield firefighter and paramedic Ryan Fritsch prepares the medic bags at the Greenfield Fire Department.

Over the past two decades, Wisconsin's assisted living system doubled in size but struggled to keep up with rising resident health issues, according to a recent Journal Sentinel investigation.

State inspection records provide a glimpse of how first responders have come to bear the consequences.

In June 2022, for example, a resident of an assisted living facility in Madison called 911 because they needed help and couldnt find staff.

Once firefighters reached the facility, it took them 45 minutes to an hour to find a staff member or caregiver on duty, the state surveyor wrote, noting that when paramedics arrived, their phone calls to management went straight to voicemail.

The executive director later confirmed there was one caregiver on duty for 54 residents, saying others on the schedule either didn't show up or called in sick.

The state fined the facility $600 for understaffing, records show.

In fall 2022, staff at an assisted living facility in Fitchburg called 911 after someone had a gastrointestinal bleed and fell in the shower. When paramedics arrived, there were no staff with the resident who was unresponsive, nearly naked, and lying in a pool of blood and feces.

An employee told the inspector they could not be in two places at the same time, and had left the room to find medical records and towels.

The state fined the facility $1,000 in response, including for a failure to treat the resident with respect and full recognition of dignity.

At The Villa of Greenfield, formerly called Oak Crest Villa, residents called 911 looking for their doctor. Other times, they wanted something different for breakfast, were cold, or simply dialed by accident, police records show.

But residents also contacted police about being left in soiled clothing, needing pain medicine, being held prisoner and being subject to elder abuse. One son reported his mother was being locked in her room.

Records show police became involved to help staff when residents' behavior became aggressive or dangerous. In other cases, they were contacted about theft of narcotic medications or conflicts between management and other employees.

Paramedics travel to assisted living facilities to help residents who have fallen or need CPR as well. Many assisted living facilities have "no lift" policies that instruct employees not to touch residents who fall, and to call 911 instead.

According to state data, nearly one in five ambulance runs in Wisconsin in 2022 were due to someone who fell and couldnt get back up. That includes people living in long-term care facilities, where fall-related ambulance calls increased 28% from 2019 to 2022, the data shows.

In January, state lawmakers proposed changes that would require facilities to train staff in CPR and fall assistance.

The law didnt pass. In a document submitted to lawmakers, the Department of Health Services said the additional requirements would increase inspectors' workloads, which were already unmanageable: For 4,000 assisted living facilities and their 60,000 beds, the department has just 49 surveyors.

Records show issues at The Villa of Greenfield crept up over years of state involvement

As a teenager in the late 80s, Timothy Glowinski worked at his parents' Oak Creek retirement facility doing maintenance, cleaning and helping out in the office.

In 2016, they took me out to eat and said, Were selling. Do you want to buy it? said Glowinski, now The Villa of Greenfield's owner. And six months later, there you go, I'm the owner.

Since taking over, he said hes hired administrators and trusted them to do the job.

For years, things were quiet: Between 2014 to 2019, the facility received just one citation for a missing basement smoke detector, records show.

By 2020, there were more troubling signs.

That January, a state surveyor noticed beds covered in crumbs, mucus and feces stains, and spoke to a resident who reported their sheets had been changed twice in eight months. The same resident said it took a week or more for staff to remove a garbage can filled with feces from their room, where they emptied waste drainage bags.

The state found the facility violated 22 state codes, but issued no fines.

In spring 2021, records describe a resident who spent at least three nights sitting in a wheelchair on a bed sore, their feet turning purple from a lack of blood flow. On two other mornings, a nurse found them in bed with a bursting catheter bag that sent urine back into their body or onto their socks.

That same year, an inspector found a different resident curled up in bed and soaked in urine. The resident, who had a traumatic brain injury, needed 24/7 supervision and help 12 times daily to manage personal hygiene.

Speaking to the state, a caregiver said they had reported the situation to management. The resident wanted help, the caregiver said, but only accepted it from staff who knew how to approach someone with a traumatic brain injury.

In response to those issues and others, the state fined The Villa of Greenfield $4,450. The Department of Health Services also required the facility to work with a registered nurse to improve procedures for monitoring residents health.

Glowinski attributed the problems to a number of things: the pandemic, trouble finding staff, and his own trust that the building was being run properly.

As the owner, Im not a nurse, Im not a doctor, he said.

In 2022, a survey found 28% of caregiver jobs in Wisconsin assisted living facilities were unfilled. Facilities that rely on Medicaid funding, like The Villa of Greenfield, say it does not pay enough to even compete with jobs in retail or fast food.

Like other facilities, The Villa of Greenfield hasn't struggled just with caregivers. Finding and retaining a part-time nurse has also been nearly impossible, Glowinski said.

We just couldnt find one, he said.

Ill call for help, but no one can hear me

By the time a state surveyor arrived at The Villa of Greenfield in late 2022, it had a stack of 10 complaints to investigate, including the three from Sutton.

One complaint from January alleged staff had humiliated a resident by leaving them face down in bed with soiled briefs and their pants down to their knees. The caregiver also allegedly told the resident to "stop yelling all the time for help."

This staff member did eventually apologize to me and said that (they) had been working 16 hour days, multiple days in a row, which I completely believe would be draining and extremely challenging, but it certainly does not excuse the way (they were) treating (the resident), the complaint said.

When the surveyor showed up for the inspection in October 2022, multiple residents said they didn't feel safe.

"l'll call for help but no one can hear me," one resident told the inspector. "I wrapped my call light around my arm so (a caregiver) couldn't put it out of reach and (they) yanked my arm and pulled me out of bed. (They) still worked here."

A different resident said they needed help to use the bathroom, but when staff didn't come they were forced to relieve themselves in their disposable briefs.

"The staff talk to me like I'm an idiot," they added.

The state inspector logged 37 code violations in their final 97-page report. The violations ranged from a lack of administrative oversight and staff training to a failure to keep residents free from mistreatment, including physical and mental abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

In response, the state health department issued $15,335 in fines and ordered the facility to work with an outside nurse consultant. The state also took a more serious financial penalty, saying The Villa of Greenfield could not admit new residents until conditions improved.

In addition, the state sent a stern warning that Glowinski could lose his license, he said  a penalty used to close only 52 buildings in the last five years.

I guess thats what really woke me up, that, yeah, this just isnt the standard stuff that the states being picky on," Glowinski said. Its some serious stuff.

Maggie Sutton, a social worker and case manager for the Greenfield Fire Department, helps people who frequently use emergency services.

At the Greenfield Fire Department, Sutton printed out the report and spread it on the kitchen table so the paramedics could read it.

Sutton said she is sympathetic to state surveyors who struggle to do their jobs under policy constraints and funding limitations.

But she worries the system is so under-funded that it struggles to proactively prevent problems  and help only arrives after the harm is already done.

A struggling facility plans to turns things around

As a manager at The Villa of Greenfield since late 2020, Stephanie Quintero said staff have struggled to care for people whose health needs are too complex for an assisted living facility  a trend that has worried many long-term care experts.

Because the publicly-funded Medicaid system has an incentive to find the cheapest placement for a resident to live, Quintero said, it prioritizes assisted living when possible. That's in contrast to a nursing home, which is more expensive and guarantees 24/7 nursing care.

"They claim that, in order to live in assisted living, youre supposed to have only three hours of nursing a week," Quintero said. "Im seeing that its just becoming more, and more and more."

Quintero, a caregiver of 15 years, said she's overhauled staffing since she became the building administrator last year.

She's also in charge of admissions  and said she asks detailed questions before agreeing to admit someone, which could require calling case workers, prior assisted living facilities, doctors and family members.

Her goal is to avoid admitting people who need more care than the facility is designed for. She looks out for behaviors related to mental illness, the need for mechanical lifts, or people whose diabetes requires constant monitoring for rapidly-changing blood sugar levels, for example. We cant treat that, because we dont have an RN in the building 24/7, she said.

Even then, Quintero said its hard to comply with state regulations given residents' demanding needs.

I feel like a lot of (facilities) dont get as much assistance from the Department of Health Services as they should, she said.

Glowinski said he's comfortable with the state's rules, if that's what is required to care for people.

The state's 2022 no new admission order prevented The Villa of Greenfield from admitting new residents for 10 months, Glowinski said. He relied on financial reserves to sustain the facility when its capacity dwindled to nearly half, though he's not running at a deficit.

Since the pandemic, he raised wages from $10 to $15 an hour  though in June, he set up eight interviews for new caregivers and said nobody showed up.

He plans to continue working with a consulting company and staffing agency to improve conditions.

The goal: to never let this happen again, he said.

If we did something wrong, we own up to it, we get through it, and that's kinda what we're doing now, Glowinski said. "If my parents were here and they had seen all of this stuff, (they'd) be worried and want to get to the bottom of it as well. I think we've done that. So, its a little embarrassing that it got to that point, but theres nothing you can do about it now besides fix it.

Cleo Krejci covers higher education, vocational training and retraining as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @_CleoKrejci. Support her work with a tax-deductible donation at bit.ly/RFADonation.

This article was written with the support of a journalism fellowship from The Gerontological Society of America, The Journalists Network on Generations and The Commonwealth Fund. The organizations played no role in the reporting, editing or presentation of this project.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Police, EMS contacted Wisconsin assisted living facility 151 times
The US is preparing to send back-up warplanes to help defend Israel from a possible missile or drone attack - Alamy/Douglas Sacha

Israel is bracing itself for an Iranian attack after two major assassinations threatened to trigger a new round of conflict in the Middle East.

The United States was on Friday preparing to send back-up warplanes to help defend Israel from a possible missile or drone attack and deal with any major escalations.

It came as Joe Biden, the US president, reportedly told Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israel prime minister, that the US would protect Israel from an Iranian attack but would not come to its aid if Israel escalated the conflict by retaliating further.

Axios said the president held a tough call with Mr Netanyahu on Thursday in which Mr Biden showed his frustration and raised his voice.

On Friday, France also called on its citizens to leave Iran immediately amid fears the Islamic Republic was preparing to attack Israel in response to the assassination of the leader of Hamas.

Israeli ministers have been given satellite phones in preparation for an attack that could strike the countrys communication system, Israeli media Ynet reported. Residents in Jerusalem were told to prepare bomb shelters. Authorities stressed, however, that there should not be panic.

Iran promised to punish Jerusalem for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas political leader, who was killed by a remote-controlled explosive device in his guesthouse in Tehran in a suspected Mossad attack.

Sources inside Iran said Tehran was preparing a missile or drone attack that could target military installations in Tel Aviv.

One presenter on Iran state TV appeared to suggest late on Friday that the regime was preparing a major response, saying, In just a few hours, the world will witness extraordinary scenes and significant events.

However, some experts cautioned that any reaction may be calibrated not to escalate the conflict further.

Iran was also bracing for possible retaliation, with air defences deployed. Lebanons Hezbollah was also preparing for a wider escalation, moving its military equipment into central Beirut, according to Saudi news outlet Al-Hadath.

The French foreign ministry called on all visiting French nationals still in Iran to leave as soon as possible owing to the increased risk of a military escalation in the region.

Meanwhile, Gerald Darmanin, Frances interior minister, has also called for increased security for Jewish communities in France because of the very high level of tension.

This includes the many Israeli nationals attending the Olympic Games, he said, after Hamas declared a day of anger on Friday, BFMTV reported.

An official within Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) told The Telegraph that Iran was considering targeting Tel Aviv in revenge for Haniyehs assassination in Tehran.

Top commanders were awake all night evaluating the options. Now that Mr Haniyehs funeral has concluded, they are discussing practical responses, said the IRGC official who attended the funeral on Thursday.

The White House said that Mr Biden discussed efforts to support Israels defence against threats, in a phone call with Mr Netanyahu, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive US military deployments.

The US is also preparing to send additional combat aircraft to the region to protect both Israel and US troops from Iran and its proxies, officials told The New York Times.

Numerous airlines have cancelled their flights to Lebanon and Israel in recent days following the assassination of Haniyeh, as well as Fuad Shukr in Beirut, a top Hezbollah commander.

Air India announced on Friday that it was cancelling all flights to and from Israel until Aug 8, while Polish airline Lot cancelled eight flights to Lebanon and Israel, according to Pap news agency.

John Healey, UK Defence Secretary, met with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant in Israel on Friday, discussing the Israel Defense Forces readiness and capabilities to defend Israel on all fronts.

Mr Gallant said he emphasised the importance of establishing a coalition in Israels defence against Iran and its proxies.

Israeli air strikes against Hezbollah continued on Friday, with a drone targeting one of the militant groups members who attempted to launch rockets toward Israel.

The UK Foreign Office is also advising against all travel to Lebanon and Iran.

If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave, while commercial options remain available, said the Foreign Office.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, wrapped up a one-day visit to Lebanon on Thursday, calling it a worrying time for people in the country.

Mr Lammy called for immediate de-escalation in the region, saying he raised his concerns about the on-going tensions between Lebanon and Israel and highlighted the UKs determination to avoid miscalculation.

The conflict between Israel and Lebanon, Mr Lammy said, should be solved diplomatically based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the previous war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.

Mr Healey called the loss of innocent life in recent weeks and months unbearable.

This has to end. All sides must step back from conflict and step up diplomacy. We will work with important partners like Qatar as our Government leads a renewed push for peace, he said.

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Swanton, VT- The 46th annual Franklin County Field Days started on Thursday, and it may be the last in Swanton.

The fair has called Swanton home for the last 20 years, but because they were unable to get a new lease, organizers will lose access to the state land after this summer. Now, the fair is looking for new home.

Abigail Gagne, Franklin County Field Days Social Media and Marketing Manager, said Weve looked at over 20 properties and none of them have fit the criteria needed to hold a fair like ours. So at this point were trying to negotiate with the state, were trying to look for more land, but at this point weve had no luck in that search.

Gagne is the granddaughter of Fair Chairman Fernand Gagne. She grew up on the grounds, knows many of the regulars on a personal level, and will continue fighting to keep Franklin County Field Days going.

Organizers and Gagne set up a t-shirt fundraiser and petition booth to gain community support before they lobby in Montpelier.

Were trying to get a lot of attention to the field days and why its leaving and why theres no answers as to why we have to leave, really getting people out and voting, questioning lawmakers your local lawmakers and state officials as to why the franklin county field days are moving, Gagne said.

The fair is gaining support from vendors like Richard Lacombe, Captain for Sunrun solar company. He runs a booth at the fair, and said hell be signing the petition. He also wants to see if the companys CEO would write a letter on the fairs behalf.

I mean as far as it goes, I mean Im hoping that they keep this going year after year and if we can get enough businesses who have been supporting the fair over the years especially the big businesses to write letters and do these petitions, then I think that we can save this location, said Lacombe.

Although the fairs future remains uncertain, the community will be fighting hard to keep the tradition alive next year and beyond.

Franklin County Field Days will be running August 1st-4th, featuring live performances, farm animals, rides, a demolition derby, and more.

Tickets are sold at the door. Additional information can be found on the Franklin County Field Days 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 ABC22 & FOX44.
The Biden administration has temporarily halted a humanitarian parole program that has allowed nearly half-a-million nationals from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti and Nicaragua to live and work in the United States amid concerns of fraud.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson did not specify what led to the halt. But sources familiar with the issue told the Miami Herald the decision is the result of fraud alerts involving U.S.-based individuals seeking to get their friends and family approved under the program.

DHS has review mechanisms in place to detect and prevent fraud and abuse in our immigration processes. DHS takes any abuse of its processes very seriously, said the spokesperson. Out of an abundance of caution, DHS has temporarily paused the issuance of advanced travel authorizations for new beneficiaries while it undertakes a review of supporter applications.

The spokesperson added that DHS will restart application processing as quickly as possible with the appropriate safeguards.

Fox News first reported the pause and its relation to potential fraud. Some 30,000 applications will be manually reviewed and any discrepancy will lead to the applications being invalidated, a source told the Miami Herald. Late last year, immigrant advocates raised alarm over the possibility of fraud amid rumors within immigrant communities that people were paying thousands of dollars to get their approval moved up in the program.

To enter the United States through the two-year humanitarian parole program, a sponsor must first commit to financially backing a potential beneficiary while they are living in the United States. The applicants from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti and Nicaragua must have a valid passport to fly into a U.S. airport and pass security, background and health checks to receive approval to travel to the U.S. Once they reach an American airport, an officer decides whether to grant them parole. The spokesperson from DHS said the agency had not identified any issues related to the screening and vetting of beneficiaries.

Guerline Jozef, founder of Haitian Bridge Alliance, called the decision  unfortunate given that there are so many people, especially Haitians, who have been waiting to get approval for protection.

We caution the community to make sure that all the information provided is correct that they do not try to change information to try to scam the system. We call on DHS to return to a full first-come first-served approval system to avoid these types of issues which are mostly due to desperation in extremely vulnerable situations, Jozef told the Herald.

Nearly half a million people from the four countries had flown to the United States through the end of June, according to government figures. That included roughly 205,000 Haitians, over 93,000 Nicaraguans, nearly 107,000 Cubans and more than 1180,000 Venezuelans.

DHS considers an average of 1,000 applications a day. Half are supposed to be chosen through a first-come, first-served basis and the other through a lottery type system. That has led to frustration among both sponsors and beneficiaries, some of whom have been waiting for more than a year-and a half to be approved for travel.

The DHS spokesperson said that the agency had not identified issues of concern related to beneficiaries and that these applicants were thoroughly screened and vetted before entering the United States.

The multi-layered screening and vetting for advanced travel authorizations is separate from the screening of U.S.-based supporters, said the spokesperson.

The Biden administration created the parole program as part of its attempts to curb irregular migration from the four countries, which are facing humanitarian and political crises.

The program, in effect for all four nationalities since early 2023, has been the criticized by GOP officials, who argue that its an overreach of executive authority and has overburdened states.

A group of Republican-led states took DHS to court over the program, claiming it had caused irreparable harm. But a federal judge in Texas dismissed the case in March, ruling that the states did not have standing. However, he said that the courts had yet not evaluated the lawfulness of the program.
Freddie Freeman runs the bases during a game last month. (Matt Slocum / Associated Press)

Freddie Freeman's 3-year-old son, Maximus, is battling a rare neurological disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome, Freeman and his wife announced Thursday on Instagram.

The Instagram post, which was written by Chelsea Freeman, said there is going to be a journey to recover, but that the family has faith that he will be completely healed.

Freeman has missed the Dodgers' last five games while on the family emergency list. He left the team before a series in Houston last Friday to be with his family in Southern California.

On that Friday, the post said, Maximus was taken to the hospital after his condition rapidly declined. The boy had been in the hospital earlier last week, according to an Instagram post from Chelsea.

Thursday's post said tests determined that Maximus is battling a severe case of Guillain-Barre syndrome, but that the family has been blown away by his improvements in the last 48 hours.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves.

These have been the hardest and scariest days of our lives, the Freemans' post said. Maximus is such a special boy and he has been fighting SO hard.

Read more: Hernandez: Mookie Betts returns soon from injury, but where do the Dodgers play him?

It is unclear when Freeman might rejoin the Dodgers, who next play Friday night in Oakland.

Manager Dave Roberts has stated that Freeman has the organization's support, and said Tuesday that I havent even broached that subject of him coming back. I just dont feel its right.

Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes echoed that message Thursday, saying the team is giving Freeman as long as he needs.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The News

The prisoners exchanged in a historic swap between Russia and the West landed in their homelands, with Western officials and analysts characterizing the deal that freed journalists and dissidents as necessary but bittersweet.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was among three Americans welcomed by US President Joe Biden, while Russian leader Vladimir Putin characterized eight compatriots freed  a convicted hitman among them  as heroes.

The Atlantics Tom Nichols hailed the release of prisoners held by the Kremlin, but warned that the grubby reality was that Moscow had successfully utilized hostage-taking to free people who do [Putins] bidding overseas. A top German lawmaker said simply: Sometimes, for the sake of humanity, you have to make a deal with the devil.
Former Russian prisoners Vladimir Kara-Mursa, Andrei Pivovarov and Ilya Yashin attend a press conference after the large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and several Western countries. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

Opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was released from Russian captivity on Thursday, said he wants to fight for sanctions against the "murderous regime of Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin," - just as he did before his imprisonment.

He told journalists in Bonn on Friday that targeted punitive measures against individual members of the Russian power apparatus would be the most effective. Many Western sanctions imposed in the wake of Russia's war against Ukraine were also affecting ordinary people today, which he said was unfair.

Kara-Murza once again held Putin personally responsible for the death of Kremlin opponent Alexei Navalny in a prison camp in the Arctic region in February. But had German resistance to releasing convicted Russian murderer Vadim Krasikov been overcome earlier, Navalny's life could have possibly been saved, Kara-Murza said.

Putin critic Ilya Yashin also announced that he would continue his political fight for a free Russia from exile. He called on the West to campaign for the release of other opponents of Russia's war against Ukraine now in Russian jails.

More than 1,000 people are in prison camps because they are against the war, he said. However, these political prisoners would only have a chance for freedom if Putin's criminal war against Ukraine, which is also destructive for Russia, finally came to an end, said Yashin.

UN backs call to get Russian political prisoners out

On Friday, UN human rights experts called for hundreds more political prisoners to be freed following the massive prisoner exchange between Russia, the United States and other Western countries.

Between 700 and 1,372 people are still being held in Russia on false or politically motivated charges, according to a joint statement by experts working for the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The group welcomed the release of 16 people who had been imprisoned for their activities as journalists, artists, opposition members or activists. In return, 10 people were handed over to Russia, including a convicted murderer and spies in the massive prisoner exchange.

"The Russian government must immediately and unconditionally release all remaining political prisoners," the UN rights group said.

In Germany, the Foreign Office confirmed on Friday that there are a "low double-digit number of people" with German citizenship still being held in Russia. A "single-digit number of Germans" are also being held in Belarus, the Foreign Office said on Friday.

The Russian authorities have been refusing to allow the German diplomatic mission to visit prisoners who have both Russian and German citizenship for around two years.

"They treat people with Russian and another nationality exclusively as Russian citizens," the Foreign Office said, adding that Germany did not share this view and was endeavouring "emphatically" to gain consular access in all cases.

Navalny team helped with release efforts

The Navalny team itself helped to compile the list, said Maria Pevchikh, head of the anti-corruption fund founded by the late leading opposition figure.

"I hope this will be repeated an infinite number of times," she said on Friday.

Navalny's death led to new prisoner swap deal

Navalny's former colleague Leonid Volkov, who travelled to Cologne along with Pevchikh and others, said there had previously been a plan to release Navalny via a swap.

Navalny's death may have increased the motivation for the West to go through with the exchange and act before it is too late to save other political prisoners, he said.

The release of no fewer than eight political prisoners from Russia is primarily thanks to Germany, investigative journalist Christo Grozev said in an interview with US broadcaster CNN.

Initial negotiations on an exchange of Krasikov, convicted for carrying out a murder in Berlin, fell apart after Navalny's death, he said.

Berlin then insisted that Putin pay a much higher price, said Grozev, and they succeeded in negotiating the release of more political prisoners for Krasikov. On Friday, the Kremlin confirmed for the first time that Krasikov was a Russian spy,

Dozens of Russians in US prisons

Moscow's ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, said late Thursday in a post on Telegram that there were "still dozens of Russians in US prison," who ended up there because of a US international "hunt" for Russians.

Thursday's exchange involved 26 detainees and several countries. The exchange included Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan, whose cases have been widely followed.

The swap also included German national Rico K, who had been sentenced to death in Belarus for alleged involvement in a bomb attack and then pardoned.

(L-R) Former Russian prisoners Vladimir Kara-Mursa, Andrei Pivovarov and Ilya Yashin attend a press conference after the large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and several Western countries. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

People participate in a registered spontaneous demonstration beside the entry road to the military section of Cologne Bonn Airport. They were Russian opposition supporters organized by "Free Russia NRW" who wished to greet the released prisoners with flowers and cake by Russian tradition but were unable to do so since the released convicts were driven away from the military sector by an alternative path. Christoph Reichwein/dpa
More importers are already in a time crunch to get product into the U.S. amid a possible strike at the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports on Oct. 1. But a potentially more imminent work stoppage north of the U.S. border has shippers rethinking their flow of goods in Canada.

According to Canadian National (CN) Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), customers have already been diverting freight away from the two Canadian railroads in anticipation of a strike, opting to reroute goods initially intended for British Columbia gateways like Vancouver and Prince Rupert to U.S. ports instead.

More from Sourcing Journal

During a July earnings call, CN CEO and president Tracy Robinson said the rail company is feeling the pressure from its customers.

Its impacting our business, particularly in the international intermodal where customers have taken actions to reroute vessels away from Canadian ports until the labor questions have been resolved, Robinson said. Intermodal volume dropped 17 percent from May 12 to July 14, according to CN.

Robinson also noted that the railroad had lighter volumes in the Port of Prince Rupert than expected.

CPKC CEO Keith Creel said a strike is the most probable outcome of the rail companies negotiations with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) and its 9,300 members. Creel said both parties are far apart in the negotiations. The CEO noted that revenues from container traffic fell four percent year-over-year as customers rerouted some shipments.

Canadas industrial relations board has now said they will release the decision on whether railroad service is essential to the public or roughly Aug. 9.

There cannot be a work stoppage until the board renders a decision. And the union must file a strike notice 72 hours in advance of a potential walkout, indicating that a strike wouldnt come until Aug. 12 at the earliest.

For the time being, CN is not expecting a strike, Robinson said. But that didnt stop the rail company from cutting its guidance from around 10 percent earnings per share growth to mid to high single-digit growth.

Were assuming that we get certainty on labor by the end of August and that those diversions continue at the level that they are, Robinson said. They dont come back immediately, but they dont get any worse. We are expecting that it will take a period of time to get that international business back routed up to the Canadian ports, Hopefully, not as long as it did after the strike on the ports last year.

On the other hand, CPKC is maintaining its guidance of double-digit earnings-per-share growth, and only expects it to be impacted if a stoppage lasted less than two weeks.

Concerns across Canada aside, shippers are bringing product into the U.S. in droves, with ports covered by the Global Port Tracker handling the most inbound cargo since August 2022 in May.

But the import numbers suggest summer has been even more chaotic. Projections for June and July called for a 14.5 percent and 15.5 percent year-over-year increases in 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), while the Global Port Tracker expects a 13.5 percent jump in containers in August.

June saw a major uptick for the two closest major U.S. West Coast ports to the U.S.-Canada border. The Seattle and Tacoma ports in Washington State saw June container volumes grow 26.3 percent to 321,432 TEUs, with international imports growing a whopping 38.8 percent to 136,050 TEUs.

More shippers have been pulling forward their orders this season as traveling times continue to get longer, particularly on the trade lanes most impacted by the Red Sea crisis.

According to data from the E2Open Ocean Shipping Index, Asia-to-Europe container transport averaged 75 days, an increase of two days over last quarter and a 14-day increase from the same period a year ago. Europe-to-Asia averaged 84 days, the same duration as last quarter but up 11 days from last years second quarter.

For both routes, the most significant contributor to the year-over-year duration increase in the actual transit time. Asia to Europe voyages include 12 more days of transit time, while the reverse route tacks on nine more days.

Across all trade lanes, global ocean shipments averaged 66 days from initial booking to clearing the gate at the final port in the second quarter. This marks a two-day bump from the first quarter of 2024 and up eight days from the 58-day journey average made last year.
Banknotes and playing cards lie on a table for the police. French investigators have caught two casino cheats in the Paris suburb of Enghien-les-Bains who allegedly used a sophisticated technique to fraudulently win tens of thousands of euros per evening. Federico Gambarini/dpa

French investigators have caught two casino cheats in the Paris suburb of Enghien-les-Bains who allegedly used a sophisticated technique to fraudulently win tens of thousands of euros per evening.

In order to gather evidence on the two men, investigators first installed an elaborate surveillance system in the casino, France Info reported on Friday, citing the police.

This enabled them to establish that one of the perpetrators used a tiny earpiece at the poker table that was so small that it had to be removed with a magnet.

The fraudster received instructions via the earpiece, from an accomplice who was in a car outside the casino. The accomplice in turn used images from a mobile phone camera of the perpetrator at the poker table.

The special camera was installed in the side of the mobile phone and filmed the croupier dealing the cards at a wide angle.

During a search of the duo's car and hotel room, the police discovered numerous access cards for casinos throughout Europe. One investigator told the broadcaster that the case should "encourage the casinos to take measures to ensure that this type of fraud can no longer take place."
Bangladeshi Students, teachers, parents, artist, representatives of civil society and leaders of various student organizations join a mass demonstration in Dhaka. Thousands of people took part in a nationwide prayer and student procession to protest the "massacre and mass arrests" following recent protests by the Quota Reform Movement, which is demanding reforms to the government's job quota system. Suvra Kanti Das/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

At least two people, including a policeman, were killed in clashes as fresh protests erupted in Bangladesh on Friday.

In Dhaka, thousand of people took to the streets to demand justice for police killings and other atrocities committed during last month's student demonstrations, which had called for reforms in the government's job quota system.

The protesters on Friday chanted slogans like "down with the autocrat," accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government of carrying out the killings and enforced disappearance of activists during the previous unrest.

In the city of Khulna, some 130 kilometres south-west of the capital Dhaka, a policeman was beaten to death by demonstrators, Mozammen Haq, the city police chief, told reporters on Friday evening.

At least 20 other officers suffered injuries, he said, adding that the police fired tear gas canisters and rubber bullets to disperse the mob.

Some 50 protesters were also wounded, the daily Prothom Alo reported.

A 26-year old man was shot dead in the north-eastern town of Habiganj after the protesters faced off with the police, said Aminul Haq Sarker, a physician at a state-run hospital there said.

He said the protester suffered bullet wounds in his back and chest, and was pronounced dead as he was rushed to the hospital.

Police, however, said they could not confirm the man's death.

The protesters also set to fire to the office of the local Habibganj chapter of the ruling Awami League party.

Back in Dhaka, several thousand protesters blocked roads in the city's Uttara neighbourhood and chanted anti-government slogans. In this case, too, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets.

At a rally attended by students and professionals from different walks of life near the central Dhaka University campus, the protesters demanded justice for the killings and the release of thousands of activists arbitrarily detained last month.

They also demanded the lifting of the curfew imposed on July 19 in the wake of the violent protests that left more than 200 people dead last month, and the reopening of all educational institutions.

The eruption of new protests on Friday appeared to be the largest since the government reformed the job quota system on July 23 in the face of spiralling violence.

Going forward, 93% of government jobs will be appointed on merit. The quota will apply to only 7% of jobs. Previously, 56% of the jobs were reserved for specialized groups, like the descendent of war heroes, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

Students said that the scrapped quota system favoured supporters of the government.

Bangladeshi Students, teachers, parents, artist, representatives of civil society and leaders of various student organizations join a mass demonstration in Dhaka. Thousands of people took part in a nationwide prayer and student procession to protest the "massacre and mass arrests" following recent protests by the Quota Reform Movement, which is demanding reforms to the government's job quota system. Suvra Kanti Das/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Bangladeshi Students, teachers, parents, artist, representatives of civil society and leaders of various student organizations join a mass demonstration in Dhaka. Thousands of people took part in a nationwide prayer and student procession to protest the "massacre and mass arrests" following recent protests by the Quota Reform Movement, which is demanding reforms to the government's job quota system. Suvra Kanti Das/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Bangladeshi Students, teachers, parents, artist, representatives of civil society and leaders of various student organizations join a mass demonstration in Dhaka. Thousands of people took part in a nationwide prayer and student procession to protest the "massacre and mass arrests" following recent protests by the Quota Reform Movement, which is demanding reforms to the government's job quota system. Suvra Kanti Das/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

At least two people, including a policeman, were killed in clashes as fresh protests erupted in Bangladesh on Friday.

In Dhaka, thousand of people took to the streets to demand justice for police killings and other atrocities committed during last month's student-led demonstrations, which had called for reforms in the government's job quota system.

The protesters chanted slogans like "down with the autocrat," accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government of carrying out the killings and enforced disappearance of many activists.

In the city of Khulna, some 130 kilometres south-west of the capital Dhaka, a policeman was beaten to death by demonstrators, Mozammen Haq, the city police chief, told reporters on Friday evening.

At least 20 other officers suffered injuries, he said, adding that the police fired tear gas canisters and rubber bullets to disperse the mob.

Some 50 protesters were also wounded, the daily Prothom Alo reported.

A 26-year old man was shot dead in the north-eastern town of Habiganj after the protesters faced off with the police, said Aminul Haq Sarker, a physician at a state-run hospital there said.

He said the protester suffered bullet wounds in his back and chest, and was pronounced dead as he was rushed to the hospital.

Police, however, said they could not confirm the man's death.

The protesters also set to fire the office of the local Habibganj chapter of the ruling Awami League party.

Bangladeshi Students, teachers, parents, artist, representatives of civil society and leaders of various student organizations join a mass demonstration in Dhaka. Thousands of people took part in a nationwide prayer and student procession to protest the "massacre and mass arrests" following recent protests by the Quota Reform Movement, which is demanding reforms to the government's job quota system. Suvra Kanti Das/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The City of Fresno has been awarded $230 million by Shell Oil Company from a lawsuit that was filed in 2007, according to Fresnos City Attorney Office.

The attorneys office says this settlement is the largest known settlement of its kind in the country for this type of environmental claim.

On March 21, 2007, officials say thats when the city filed a lawsuit against manufacturers Shell Oil Company, Dow Chemical Company, and other distributor defendants for reimbursement of the cost of removal of TCP from city drinking water wells.

Fresnos City Attorney Andrew Janz says that this settlement ensures the city will be able to return the contaminated wells back into the service.

I want to thank my legal team led by Mike Axline for their unwavering dedication to this difficult

case for the last 16 years, Janz said.

Officials say the settlement will be earmarked for cleanup and mitigation of contaminated wells

belonging to the City of Fresno over a 10-year period. According to officials, all existing water

sources do not rely on the out-of-service wells that were involved in the lawsuit.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
CHICAGO  An online fundraiser to assist the family of an Illinois woman who was killed in a deputy-involved shooting eclipsed $500,000 in contributions Friday.

The GoFundMe account in Sonya Masseys name, established just eight days earlier, originally sought $100,000 to assist her survivors with counseling, travel, legal and household expenses. It quickly reached that goal and was subsequently increased. The account now posts a fundraising goal of $600,000.

Your contributions have been instrumental in our fight and will help us all heal after this tragedy, reads an update posted to the Justice for Sonya Massey fundraiser earlier this week. The work is far from over though, and we hope that you will continue to say Sonyas name and keep her legacy alive!

Massey, 36, was killed in the early morning hours of July 6 after shed called 911 to report a suspected prowler. In a sudden escalation captured on law enforcement officers body cameras, Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy Sean Grayson shot Massey three times, with one fatal blow to the head, as she worked with a boiling pot of water.

Grayson was terminated and indicted in the wake of the shooting. Hes pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Rev. Sharpton calls for Illinois police reform law in wake of Sonya Massey killing

Sheriff apologizes, again rejects calls to resign

Deputy who shot woman had DUI-related Army ejection

Dispatch records detail confusion after Sonya Massey shooting death

Attorney: Family wasnt immediately told Sonya Massey death was deputy-involved

Deputy involved in Sonya Massey shooting death worked for 6 agencies in 4 years, records show

Body-cam video in Sonya Massey shooting reveals chaotic scene

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
By Tala Ramadan, Jana Choukeir and Nidal al-Mughrabi

DUBAI/CAIRO (Reuters) -Hamas' top leader Ismail Haniyeh was buried in Qatar on Friday following his assassination in the Iranian capital Tehran, and his possible succcessor told mourners his death would only make the Palestinian militant group more determined in its struggle against Israel.

Haniyeh's death was one in a series of killings of senior Hamas figures as the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel nears its 11th month and concern grows that the conflict is spreading across the Middle East.

Hamas and Iran have both accused Israel of carrying out the assassination and have pledged to retaliate against their foe. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it.

Haniyeh was laid to rest in a cemetery in the city of Lusail after a funeral ceremony at the Iman Mohamed Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab Mosque in Qatar's capital Doha.

His coffin, draped in the Palestinian flag, was carried in a procession past hundreds of people along with the casket of his bodyguard, who was killed in the same attack in Tehran on Wednesday.

Mourners at the ceremony included Khaled Meshaal, who is tipped to be the new Hamas leader. Other senior Hamas officials and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani also attended.

Speaking at the mosque, where Haniyeh's body was laid for prayers, Meshaal said his death would only make the group more determined to continue its fight for a free Palestine. There would be no concessions over its principles and no recognition of Israel, he said.

"Palestine will remain from the river to the sea...and the Zionists (Israel) have no place on the land of Palestine, regardless of how many they kill of us," Meshaal said in a video released by Hamas.

Haniyeh's death was a big loss to the movement but it would not alter their course, he said.

"Our enemies don't learn the lesson, they have been killing our leaders for over 100 years, what happened? When a leader ascends (to heaven) another leader comes," he said.

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters by phone: "Our message to the occupation (Israel) today is that you are sinking deep in the mud and your end is getting closer than ever. The blood of Haniyeh will change all equations."

Haniyeh was killed by a missile that hit him directly in a state guesthouse in Tehran where he was staying, senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya said in Tehran.

The strike was one of several recent hits that have killed senior figures in Hamas or the Lebanese movement Hezbollah in a conflict that is now stretching from Gaza to the Red Sea and the Lebanon-Israel border and beyond.

In the United States, U.S. President Joe Biden said Haniyeh's killingwas not helpful to international efforts to secure a ceasefire in the war in Gaza.

"It doesn't help," Biden told reporters on Thursday, when asked if the action ruined the chances of a truce.

Qatar has been leading the peace effort along with Egypt and the United States, Israel's main ally.

WIDOW MOURNS

Haniyeh was the face of Hamas' international diplomacy as an Israeli offensive destroyed Gaza.

He was seen by many diplomats as a pragmatist compared to the more hardline members of the Iran-backed group inside Gaza, although some Israeli commentators have said he was considered by some on the Israeli side as an obstacle to a deal.

Three of his sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the besieged enclave in April along with four of his grandchildren, Hamas said.

For Palestinian supporters, the Hamas leadership are fighters for liberation from Israeli occupation, keeping their cause alive when international diplomacy has failed them.

To Israelis and Western states, the Iran-backed Hamas, which has directed suicide bombings in Israel and fought frequent wars against it, is a terrorist group bent on Israel's destruction.

Appointed to the Hamas top job in 2017, Haniyeh moved between Turkey and Doha, escaping the travel curbs of the blockaded Gaza Strip.

In May, the International Criminal Court prosecutor's office requested arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders, including Haniyeh, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. Israel and Palestinian leaders have dismissed the allegations.

Israel has announced that an air strike it mounted last month assassinated Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif in Gaza. Hamas has not confirmed or denied the death of Deif.

Hezbollah said that its senior military commander Fuad Shukr had been killed in an Israeli strike on a building in Beirut on Tuesday and it vowed a "definite" response to his killing.

(Reporting by Imad Creidi in Doha, Tala Ramadan and Jana Choukeir in Dubai and Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Gabby Salinas speaks Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, during a hearing on the proposed TennCare block grant at University of Memphis.

Gabby Salinas has won the Democratic primary for Tennessee House District 96, and will represent the district as no Republican or Independent candidates qualified for the ballot.

Salinas took down four other primary opponents in a race that did not feature incumbent Rep. Dwayne Thompson, who decided to not seek reelection.

The race, though featuring five total candidates, saw Salinas and Telisa Franklin, another candidate in the race, jump to a large lead over the rest of the field after early votes were tallied. Franklin secured 45% of all early ballots and Salinas garnered 40% of them.

The final few precincts saw Salinas swing ahead of Franklin. Salinas finished with 43.86% of the vote and Franklin finished with 41.19% of the vote.

It will be Salinas' first time holding an elected public office.

Salinas is a pharmaceutical scientist who has also served as chair of the Shelby County Democratic Party. She also has sat on the boards of local healthcare-focused organizations and sought office previously.

She told The Commercial Appeal that she will focus on public safety, improving access to quality and affordable healthcare and improving local public schools when she takes office.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Gabby Salinas wins packed House District 96 Democratic primary
(Bloomberg) -- A major gearbox failure caused the crash of a US military Osprey aircraft off the coast of Japan last year that killed eight airmen, the US Air Force said, a cause similar to some previous incidents with the tilt-rotor aircraft.

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An investigation by the Air Force, released Thursday, said the crash was caused by a catastrophic failure of the left-hand gearbox that destabilized the aircraft. The report also said the pilots contributed to the disaster by failing to quickly divert to an emergency landing location.

The aircraft went down off of Japans southwest island of Yakushima on Nov. 29, prompting the Pentagon to ground its fleet of Ospreys. Japan, the only other country to fly the aircraft, also paused its use. Both nations have since resumed flights.

After multiple cockpit warnings, the pilots attempted to land at Yakushima Airport, but on the approach, the mechanical failure sent the Osprey into a roll approximately 800 feet (245 meters) above the ground, according to the report. All the crew members sustained fatal injuries upon impact, the investigation assessed.

The incident also stirred long-running concerns among the public in Japan about the use of Osprey aircraft. The CV-22 aircraft involved in the crash last year was on a routine training mission before it went down.

Gearbox problems have triggered problems with the Osprey in the past, including two emergency landings in 2022. Since 1992, 11 crashes of the aircraft have killed more than 60 US service members and other passengers.

The Osprey, a workhorse of the US military to move troops and supplies, has two propeller engines on its wings that can be tilted to make it fly like a helicopter. The design allows it to land in tight spaces.

The aircraft is made by a unit of Boeing Co. and the Bell Helicopter unit of Textron Inc. The Pentagon has given the companies contracts to come up with new gearbox designs.

Our top priority is safety, Boeing said in a statement sent by email. Bell Boeing will continue to work closely with the DOD and all operators of the Osprey aircraft on any additional actions that may emerge from the reports findings to ensure the continued safe operation of the V-22 fleet, it said.

Bell Helicopter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

While Osprey flights have resumed since the crash last year, the Pentagon has limited them to shorter-distance missions.

A lawyer for the families of two of the crew killed in the crash in Japan criticized the highlighting of the role of those on board, noting that the report describes the mechanical failure as irretrievable.

The loss of these brave individuals is a profound tragedy, and any suggestion that places blame on those who are no longer here to defend their actions only adds to the deep pain their families are already enduring, Tim Loranger, aviation attorney and senior partner at Los Angeles Wisner Baum, said in a statement.

(Updates with statement from Boeing in paragraph 9.)

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GEORGIA (WJBF)  Swainsboro-based Judge Robert Reeves will face a 30-day unpaid suspension and have a public reprimand published on charges of misconduct, according to a decision from the Supreme Court of Georgia on July 30.

According to the court, Reeves suspension must begin no later than September 1, 2024 and a public reprimand will be published in local newspapers of the counties Reeves serves and in the Fulton County Daily Report. Reeves jurisdiction covers Candler, Emanuel, Jefferson, Toombs and Washington counties.

Under the consent agreement between lawyers for Reeves, who serves the Middle Judicial Circuit Superior Court and the Supreme Court of Georgia, agreed not to seek reelection to judicial office when his term expires on December 31st, 2026.

Reeves was facing 58 formal charges of misconduct that occurred both inside and outside of the courtroom in 14 instances over a seven-year period, according to court documents. He will also have to recuse himself from hearing any cases involving lawyers who leveled accusations against him.

Under the Consent Agreement, Judge Reeves admitted the charge or admitted that evidence exists to prove 33 of the 58 charges of misconduct. The counts of misconduct that spanned seven of Reeves 17 years of judgeship mainly concern Reevess use of coarse, insensitive, demeaning, and/or insulting language, particularly with women. One involved a series of minor but nonetheless unwanted physical contacts between [Judge] Reeves and a female lawyer.

A hearing panel concluded that Judge Reeves misconduct was willful acts taken in bad faith, including habitual intemperance (i.e., rude, abusive, or off-color language or improper and unsolicited physical contact), and/or conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, acts which brought his Office into disrepute  but, while the Hearing Panel felt that a public reprimand was insufficient, it also felt that removal from office would be too severe.

While the Hearing Panel noted there were no published Georgia judicial discipline matters directly comparable to the charges levelled against Judge Reeves, the Georgia Supreme Court added that there there is no allegation that Judge Reeves failed to perform his judicial duties.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
(NewsNation)  Journalist Geraldo Rivera said former President Donald Trumps comments about Vice President Kamala Harris race were nasty and unnecessary.

Rivera joined NewsNation Now to discuss comments Trump made at a conference of Black journalists in Chicago on Wednesday. Trump said Harris was always of Indian heritage until she happened to turn Black.

Rivera said he is particularly sensitive about this issue because he also grew up with parents of different ethnicities.

I had my late parents, my Puerto Rican Catholic dad, and my New Jersey Jewish mother, Rivera said. People would say, particularly non-Puerto Ricans, would say, Hes not really Puerto Rican, hes Jewish or Hes not really Jewish, hes Puerto Rican.

Roll call to nominate Kamala Harris begins: Heres how it works

He continued to defend Harris, saying that it was insulting for Trump to belittle her.

Kamala Harris has been a Black woman and an Indian woman her whole life, Rivera said. She has self-identified herself as a Black Asian woman, as a Black woman whose mother was Asian.

Rivera said that Trump needs to stop Harris exponential growth in terms of voter preferences but that his comments at this event will not help him.

This was the most consequential event since Kamalas ascension to likely nominee of the Democratic presidential ticket, he said. President Trump hoped to broaden his appeal to the black voters  but this was a trainwreck.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks during a press conference at the end of her summer trip. The Foreign Minister visits ZEISS GmbH. Bodo Schackow/dpa

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Friday described the prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus and several Western states - including a high-profile prisoner held in Germany - as a "highly sensitive dilemma."

"Nobody in the German government made the decision lightly," the top German diplomat said in a radio interview with BR24 with regard to the release of Vadim Krasikov, who was set free as part of the exchange on Thursday.

Krasikov had been sentenced to life in prison for the 2021 shooting a Georgian of Chechen descent in the heart of the German capital.

In total 26 detainees and several countries were involved in the swap, including two high-profile US citizens: Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan.

Baerbock described the decision on the exchange as a "highly sensitive issue" that she admitted was causing intense controversy.

Overall, however, she said it had been a "day of relief."

Her fellow Cabinet member, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, said the prisoner exchange was the result of successful negotiations, and argued for a dose of realism.

"I believe that the Chancellery negotiated brilliantly in this instance, and that it achieved good results... One can obviously end up arguing over it, because one thing is totally clear: One man's sorrow is another man's joy in this case," he said one the sidelines of a visit to South Korea.

The key point is that innocent people had been freed from Russian jails, he said.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday publicly thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his role in the large-scale prisoner exchange, explaining that Scholz had agreed to make "significant concessions" in order for the swap to go ahead.
Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius makes a statement after his country's accession ceremony to the United Nations Command (UNC) at the US base Camp Humphreys. Soeren Stache/dpa

Germany is the newest member of the US-led United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea and aims to contribute to regional stability, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Friday.

Berlin is set to discuss with partners how it can contribute as the 18th member of the alliance at the Camp Humphreys UNC military base near Pyeongtaek.

He also said Germany's armed forced, or Bundeswehr, would present its modern surveillance aircraft A319 OH, known as the flying eye, in South Korea from September. It is then set to be deployed for a limited period of time.

"This can be used to monitor compliance with arms control agreements from the air," he said.

The UN Command is tasked with ensuring that the terms of the armistice negotiated during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953 are met.

It is in charge on the South Korean side of the demilitarized zone with North Korea, a 240-kilometre buffer zone created across the peninsula at the end of the Korean War that today forms the de facto border.

Tensions have risen on the Korean Peninsula after Pyongyang significantly expanded its missile tests over the past two years, while sharpening its rhetoric against the US and South Korea.

Kim Jong Un, the ruler of North Korea, has repeatedly called for increased war preparations.
Assault rifles from weapons manufacturer Heckler and Koch hang on a wall in a showroom. Germany experienced an increase in weapons-related crime last year, according to statistics released by the Criminal Police Office on Friday. Bernd Weibrod/dpa

Germany experienced an increase in weapons-related crime last year, according to statistics released by the Criminal Police Office on Friday.

This included around 35,800 violations of the Weapons Act - which covers the production, sale, ownership, storage and use of weapons and munitions - or 6.3% more cases than the previous year, according to the report.

A further 563 violations - an increase of 4.3% - fell under a separate act regulating weapons of war, which require specific government authorizations.

Most cases likely involve the illegal acquisition, possession, carrying and import of weapons, according to the information.

More crimes with firearms

In 2023, more crimes involving the use of firearms were recorded than in the previous year, with the number rising by 6.7% to around 9,100, according to the federal report.

"The number of cases in which a threat was made with a firearm increased by 8% and the number of cases in which a firearm was discharged was 5.5% higher than in the previous year," the BKA said.

Overall however, the proportion of crimes involving the use of firearms is very low, at 0.15% of all statistically recorded cases.

Gas pistols illegally converted

According to the BKA, investigators focused in particular on the professional and illegal modification of gas pistols - replica guns that fire blanks - particularly of Turkish origin, as well as the illegal manufacture of firearms.

In the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein for example, police seized 40 modified gas pistols in June 2023 from a lorry coming from Turkey.

War zone weapons

"For years, former war and crisis regions have been a source of firearms and the illegal trade in them," the BKA report said.

"The countries of the Western Balkans in particular are still in the spotlight due to the high availability of firearms there, even more than 30 years after the end of the wars," it noted.

Most of these weapons are smuggled via land routes. Organized, illegal smuggling of firearms from Ukraine into Germany has not yet been detected, according to the BKA.

High clearance rate

In 2023, the resolution rate for offences against the Weapons Act was around 92%, and a good 83% for offences against the War Weapons Control Act.

The BKA attributes these high rates to the fact that weapons crime is uncovered in the course of police controls, meaning that the weapon and the suspect are often detected together.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks to the media at Cologne/Bonn Airport after meeting with German political prisoners who have been released in one of the biggest prisoner swaps between Russia and the West. Christoph Reichwein/dpa-Pool/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described his meeting with prisoners released in the major multi-nation swap as "very moving."

Scholz said that many of the prisoners had not expected their release and were still filled with emotion at the sudden freedom they were experiencing after landing at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

"Many feared for their health and even for their lives," Scholz said.

"That is why it is also important that we have now provided them with this protection here."

Two aircraft with a total of 13 people had landed at Cologne/Bonn Airport from Ankara, where the prisoner exchange took place. Five Germans are among those released as part of the swap. Three more released prisoners flew directly to the US.

Scholz had interrupted his holiday and also flown to Cologne for the meeting.

Russia, Belarus and several Western countries exchanged a total of 26 prisoners at Ankara airport in an unprecedented operation involving Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT).

In return for the release of political prisoners and critics of the Kremlin, Germany, the US and partner countries released actors from Russia suspected of espionage in addition to a man who was serving a life sentence in Germany for killing an exiled Chechen in broad daylight in Berlin in 2019.

After meeting with the released prisoners, Scholz said the exchange was the right decision.

"If you had any doubts about that, then you lose them after talking to those who are now free," Scholz said.

"The fact that those who have to fear for their lives because they have stood up for democracy and freedom can also count on the protection of others is part of our self-image as a democratic, humanist society."
Voters in Lee County are raising alarms about Jake Cataldo, a write-in candidate for the District 3 seat on the Lee County Board of County Commissioners. They allege that Cataldo is a "ghost" candidate whose sole purpose is to disenfranchise voters.

Elections: Mail and early voting for Lee County 2024 primary election: Here's what you need to know

What's a ghost candidate?

A "ghost" candidate is typically a write-in candidate with no real intention of running a serious campaign, raising funds or serving in the position if elected. They often emerge to close primary elections to specific parties, thus limiting voter participation in the general election. Critics argue this tactic manipulates the electoral process and undermines fair representation.

Florida is a closed primary state, but if all candidates in a primary election are of the same party affiliation, all voters can participate regardless of party affiliation. However, if a write-in candidate is on the ballot, the ballot remains closed to only voters of the candidate's party.

Ben Wilcox, research director at the government watchdog nonprofit Integrity Florida, said if the primary election decides the district representative, then all of the voters in the district should have a voice in selecting who their representative will be.

"All other voters are essentially disenfranchised with no voice in selecting their eventual representative," he said.

How do ghost candidates impact local elections?

Three candidates are vying for the District 3 seat on the Lee County Commission. Commissioners are elected at-large, meaning all registered voters can vote for any candidate regardless of their district. However, Cataldo's status as a write-in candidate effectively closes the primary to only registered Republicans, preventing Democrats and non-affiliated registered voters from voting for this race in the primary.

More: Elections 2024: Three candidates vying for Commission District 3 job in Lee County

Voters wait in line at precinct 5 at the Sonshine Community Youth Complex off of State Road 80 in Fort Myers, Florida on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

Republican candidates Matthew Thornton and David Mulicka are competing in the primary. The winner will face Cataldo in the general election, though Cataldo's name will not appear on the ballot. Voters would have to write in his name to vote for him.

Is Cataldo a ghost candidate?

Wilcox wrote a report that found ghost candidates manipulate Florida elections for two purposes: to "close" a primary election that would otherwise be "open" to all voters in a district and to siphon votes away from other legitimate candidates.

In the case of Mr. Cataldo in District 3, it appears his purpose for filing as a write-in candidate is to "close" the primary election, Wilcox said.

Cataldo did not respond to our requests to comment.

According to WINK News, Cataldo said he filed to run in the District 3 race because he believes Democrats should not be involved in choosing Republican candidates. As president of the South Fort Myers Republican Club, he said he felt it was his duty to ensure that only Republicans could vote in the Republican primary, believing that party members should be responsible for determining the candidate who represents their party.

Campaign finance reports also show that Cataldo has not raised any campaign funds. He told The News-Press he would not participate in any interviews, debates or forums.

The Lee County League of Women Voters acknowledged Cataldo hasn't raised any funds for his campaign, nor participated in the League's VOTE411 Voter Guide, and did not participate in the League's candidate forum earlier this month.

The statement, authored by Lee County League President Sandy Frank and state League co-Presidents Cecile M. Scoon and Debbie Chandler, criticized Cataldo's candidacy for its role in disenfranchising voters.

"His candidacy made the election closed so that only Republicans can vote," the League shared in a statement. "This disenfranchises Democrats, NPAs, and other parties from participating in the primary, which will decide who will become the Commissioner for District 3."

What do the District 3 candidates say?

Thornton and Mulicka responded to The News-Press's requests for comment on their opponent Cataldo.

Matt Thornton

While Thornton believes every individual has the right to run for office, he said its important for voters to be aware of the dynamics in this election.

Jake Cataldos candidacy appears to be a strategic move to split the vote and sway the outcome in favor of my opponent, Thornton said in a statement.

David Mulicka is running for the District 3 seat on the Lee County Commission in the 2024 election.

Mulicka said he knows Cataldo as the president of one of the local Republican clubs and as treasurer of the Conservative Leadership Caucus. Judy Persons, Mulicka's mother-in-law, is also a treasurer for the caucus.

Mulicka did not comment on Cataldo's intentions for running.

"Any questions that you have regarding his motive for jumping into the race as a write-in candidate should be directed towards him," he said.

"As for the disenfranchisement of voters, those are all things outside of my control," Mulicka said. "As I said, my attention has been on listening and talking with voters all across Lee County, not on who has or has not filed to run."

How many can't vote in the race?

Democrats and other registered voters make up just over half of all registered voters in Lee County, according to the latest report by the county's supervisor of elections office. Over 248,800 unaffiliated, Democratic and third-party Lee voters won't get to vote for this race in the primary.

Have ghost candidates impacted other races in Florida?

How can Florida reform its write-in candidate laws?

Wilcox offered potential solutions, suggesting that Florida could eliminate write-in candidates altogether, as nine states currently do not allow them. Alternatively, he said the Legislature could pass a law that requires write-in candidates to appear on the primary ballot, thus keeping the primary open to all voters in the district. However, Wilcox noted that "both political parties like to use write-in candidates to close primary elections, and there just isn't the legislative will to address the issue."

The law today does not protect the rights of all voters, the League said in its statement.

"The law needs to be strengthened so that write-in candidates are required to do more to become write-in candidates," the League shared. "The law should be changed so that the presence of write-in candidates does not disenfranchise voters by creating a closed primary."

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: 'Ghost' Candidate Sparks Disenfranchisement Concerns
GIRARD, Ohio (WKBN)  A Girard business is celebrating 35 years of operation.

Dave Ritchie, the owner of Home Works on Liberty Street, says when he started, they just sold paint and carpeting.

Since then, theyve gotten more into kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

For its anniversary, the store has expanded its storefront to show customers what The Home Works can do now.

People always knew we did it. They always wanted to see what we did. They can come in and touch it, feel it, see it, like it  and then from there, we make changes and do our own thing,  Ritchie said.

Ritchie says treating his customers with respect has helped keep his store in business for so long.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis is under fire after a bombshell New York Times report accused her of lavish spending, including expensing a $22,000 first-class flight to Cannes Lions and using the nonprofits funds to renovate her home office.

According to the article, penned by investigative journalist Emily Steel, Ellis spending pattern could be in violation of not just the LGBTQ organizations own policies, but those of the Internal Revenue Service. The Times reported that GLAADs internal travel policy recommended that employees fly economy, use public transportation and be cost conscious. GLAAD said that, at the advice of lawyers, they did not report Ellis home office renovation as income on her tax returns as its purpose was for on-camera appearances and virtual events during the COVID-19 pandemic and was approved by the board of directors.

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After reviewing GLAAD expense reports, employment agreements, tax filings and other paperwork, the Times found that Ellis had expensed first-class flights (including a Delta One trip to Cannes Lions that totaled $21,743), luxury hotels and private car services. The Times alleged that Ellis also worked into her contract $20,000 to remodel her home office and $25,000 to rent a summer home in Provincetown, Mass. This was all in addition to Ellis annual pay, which the Times reported totaled between $700,000 to $1.3 million a year when factoring in her base salary and various bonuses.

The Times reported that former GLAAD chief financial officer Emily Plauche had warned Liz Jenkins, the chairwoman of GLAADs board of directors, about excessive spending and believed it was not being properly reported to the IRS. An outside law firm looked into it, the Times wrote, and suggested the organization update its travel policy to allow executives to upgrade their flights under special circumstances. Plauche departed GLAAD last summer.

A GLAAD spokesperson, Richard Ferraro, denied many of the Times claims in the piece, saying that Ellis travel arrangements complied with their updated travel policy. He defended Ellis home office renovation and rental of the summer home in Provincetown, asserting that these costs enabled her to advance the mission of GLAAD, and said the org had consulted lawyers and accountants to make sure the IRS rules were followed.

In a statement to the Times, Jenkins said she stood behind Ellis with respect and appreciation for how she and her team are leading the movement at a time when our community is under attack. We have full confidence that theyre doing so with integrity and that they share the boards commitment to irrefutably strong governance and business practices.

Ellis added: I take my role as GLAADs financial steward incredibly seriously, and well continue updating our procedures to keep pace with the organizations rapid growth.

Representatives for GLAAD did not immediately respond to Varietys request for further comment.

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A day after The New York Times published an expose on GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis allegedly lavish pattern of spending, the nonprofit is continuing to back the executive over the grossly misleading article.

GLAADs mission of accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ community has never been more important. The Board and I stand firmly behind Sarah Kate Ellis, with respect and appreciation for how she and her team are leading the movement at a time when our community is under attack, board chair Liz Jenkins said in a statement to TheWrap Friday. We have full confidence that theyre doing so with integrity, and that they share the Boards commitment to irrefutably strong governance and business practices.

Ellis added in a separate statement, I take my role as GLAADs financial steward incredibly seriously, and well continue updating our procedures to keep pace with the organizations rapid growth. Our work has never been more urgent, because the LGBTQ community is under increasing attack. Politicians, extremists and even mainstream media outlets are undermining our efforts for equality and pushing dangerous narratives about our community. We wont stop fighting for acceptance and working as hard as we can, every day, to stand up for our community.

The Times Thursday expose accused Ellis of using organization funds to pay for a Swiss Alps chalet costing nearly half a million dollars for a weeks stay, as well as multiple Provincetown rentals, private car services, family plane tickets, top hotels in California and even a home office makeover  all of which supposedly go against company guidelines. They even alleged that a chandelier in question may violate IRS rules for nonprofit taxing.

GLAAD justified the various spending as either business practices that predated Ellis joining the org in 2014, or business necessities for fundraising efforts linked to the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos in 2018 and the Cannes Lions festival in 2023. The home renovation was also deemed necessary as Ellis took 80 national, on-camera interviews during the COVID pandemic.

The org further stated funding for the above lodging came straight from the Ariadne Getty Foundation. Were proud to continue investing in the vital work of GLAAD at Davos, where their presence has made an enormous impact, Ariadne Getty said. Putting LGBTQ issues on the global agenda and being visible on a world stage is the type of work that pushes our movement forward and its exactly what GLAAD should be doing.

Additionally, Ellis reported salary and bonuses would put her on par with those of leaders at the Red Cross, Planned Parenthood, Feeding America and the ACLU, despite GLAAD only having 60 employees. Per GLAAD, an outside legal counsel recommended the org update its spending procedures to match other nonprofits after a former staff member raised concerns.

The LGBTQ organization also noted that the Times suggestion that Ellis makes over $1 million a year is not possible, as that would require her to raise $60 million yearly on top of their $20-$30 million annual operating budget.

It is disappointing but not surprising, especially at a time when LGBTQ violence and anti-LGBTQ legislation are growing, that the Times committed significant resources to spin a negative story about GLAAD by reporter Emily Steel, who last year signed a letter that criticized concerns from GLAAD and other LGBTQ leaders about coverage of transgender people in The New York Times, a spokesperson told TheWrap in another statement. The tabloid-esque article excludes much of our critical advocacy work and grossly mischaracterizes the organization, which consistently garners top marks from charity rating organizations. The Times should spend more time and resources bringing its coverage of transgender people up to par.



The Times has refused to implement the reforms suggested in the open letters, and GLAAD has continued its campaign to advocate for unbiased and accurate reporting about trans people in the Times. This has included sending a billboard truck to park outside on the Times offices eight times, posting more than one dozen posts critical of the Times coverage across GLAAD social media accounts and website, their statement concluded. On March 26, 2024, GLAAD and non-profit Media Matters for America published an analysis of Times coverage demonstrating that the newspaper does not include perspectives from trans people in a majority of its publications about transgender healthcare and anti-trans legislation. Over the last 15+ months, The Times has not engaged on the campaigns main ask: to sit down with transgender leaders.

Founded in 1985, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has become the worlds largest media watchdog for the LGBTQ+ community.

The post GLAADs Sarah Kate Ellis Says Mainstream Media Is Pushing Dangerous Narratives Following NYT Salary Expose appeared first on TheWrap.
Glacier National Park entrance near St. Mary (Photo by Wesley Fryer | CC-BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr).

The man who died in a vehicle rollover on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park on July 29 has been identified as 34 -year-old Lucius Clay Parker of Ashford, Washington, the park said Thursday.

Parker is from Mississippi but was currently a resident of Washington state and working as a seasonal employee at a private business in St. Mary, Montana, at the time of the accident, Glacier said.

The park described the accident as follows:

Glacier National Park dispatch received a report of a single car roll-over accident on Going-to-the-Sun Road about 1.7 miles west of the St. Mary entrance to the park at about 11:48 p.m. on July 29, 2024.

Rangers responded and were on the scene by 12:08 a.m. along with Glacier County Sheriff, Montana Highway Patrol, and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

Parker, the lone occupant, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered a traumatic head injury, the park said. Alert and Mercy helicopters were unable to fly due to weather.

Babb ambulance transported the patient and met the Browning ambulance, which transported the patient to Blackfeet Community Hospital. Parker was pronounced deceased at the hospital, the park said.

Montana Highway Patrol is assisting the park by overseeing the investigation to determine cause of accident.

In unrelated incidents this summer, three other people died in separate drownings in the park.
Glendale man suspected of participating in Jan. 6 insurrection already in prison for assault

A Glendale man suspected of participating in the insurrection at that U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, appeared to already be serving time in prison for a previous offense.

Records from the Arizona Department of Corrections shows 43-year-old Jason Tasker has been at the La Palma Correctional Center in Eloy since March 6, 2023, after pleading guilty to aggravated assault.

12 News reported Glendale police arrested Tasker in September 2021 after Tasker struck a woman who was riding a motorcycle that ultimately cost her one of her legs. Tasker was arrested after he showed having a BAC of 0.155 and 0.157, the outlet reported.

Before the Justice Department's charges, Tasker was projected to be released from prison on Feb. 9, 2029.

A Glendale detective submitted a formal complaint to the Justice Department that described Tasker's role in the riot in Washington, D.C., including acts which were recorded on cameras and confirmed through an investigation, according to a Justice Department news release.

The complaint detailed that Tasker attended the "Stop the Steal" rally in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, assaulting officers and assisting other rioters who broke into the Capitol building.

"All of you are dismissed; go home!" Tasker yelled in video outside of the Capitol, according to the news release.

Tasker reportedly climbed the northwest stairs of the building, joined other rioters surrounded by U.S. Capitol police, lunging at officers multiple times before he was pepper sprayed. He eventually descended into the Capitol building with a mob of people.

Tasker reportedly was inside the Capitol for less than an hour between 2:43 p.m. until 3:13 p.m.

He was seen taking pictures and videos on his cell phone, leaving the Capitol and overhead in a third-party video saying, "I was, like, the first person in, Momma."

In spring of 2024, the FBI conducted interviews with Tasker's friends who confirmed he was in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, according to the news release.

The complaint contained 27 images of Tasker throughout various stages of the Capitol breach, from assisting other rioters ascend the Capitol walls, to him trying to subdue the effects of pepper spray with milk outside the Capitol.

Tasker faced felony charges of assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon and obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, along with misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct on a restrictive ground.

Tasker would next appear in a federal court in Arizona, with an ongoing investigation conducted by FBI's Phoenix and Washing field offices.

Republic reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man charged for role in Jan. 6 insurrection already in prison for assault
Tennessee state Rep. Gloria Johnson, who skyrocketed to national prominence after surviving an ouster vote by Republican lawmakers in the wake of a gun control protest last year, won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate on Thursday and will take on Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn in November.

Johnson on Thursday clinched the Democratic nomination over Memphis advocate Marquita Bradshaw, Lola Denise Brown and Civil Miller-Watkins.

Were building a movement here in Tennessee, Johnson told 40 to 50 supporters gathered at a Thursday night election watch party in Memphis.

Supporters continued to cheer and intermittently broke into Gloria, Gloria chants as she thanked them for their support and championed issues such as living wages, affordable health care and womens reproductive rights.

The Associated Press called the race for Johnson shortly after polls closed, even as votes had yet to be tallied in Tennessee's major metro areas.

The AP call beat Johnson to her own election night party at a South Memphis brewery, where supporters and staff were gathered when the news made its way around the room. By 9 p.m., early, unofficial results showed Johnson with a decisive 70% of the vote

State Rep. Justin Pearson claps as State Rep. Gloria Johnson speaks after she was declared the winner in the Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat at an election watch party at Ghost River Brewery and Taproom in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Johnson's profile rose to a national platform last year after Tennessee Republican lawmakers tried and failed to expel her from the state House over her role in a gun reform protest following a deadly Nashville school shooting. The political spotlight also helped Johnson strike gold on the fundraising trail, pulling in $5 million through the primary.

State Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, was on hand Thursday night to greet Johnson with a warm hug. Pearson was expelled, though quickly reinstated by a local body and subesequently reelected, and rose to national prominence alongside Johnson and Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, in a trio dubbed the "Tennessee Three." That fellowship was a theme for the duos speeches Thursday evening.

Both Pearson and Johnson echoed the sentiments that a new wave of politicians is coming into the fold in the Volunteer State, a multicultural, multigenerational group that represents the states socioeconomic diversity. Johnson said this new movement is here "to fight for you and make life easier for all those who call Tennessee home."

Johnson, a retired teacher, was first elected to the Tennessee House in 2012 but later lost her seat by a slim margin. She sought and won office again in 2017. In 2022, Republicans drew her into a Democratic colleague's district in a new redistricting effort. The retired teacher moved and won election a new seat.

Alongside her Senate bid, she is simultaneously running for reelection in House District 90 in Knox County. Johnson is unopposed in the race.

Unseating a Republican incumbent in Tennessee will be an uphill battle, despite Johnson's fundraising prowess, but Johnson in July said it was "doable." She'll enter the general election with nearly $2 million on hand.

"In 2018 Marsha Blackburn won by 200,000 votes," Johnson said during the campaign. "We know there are 300,000 Democratic voters who haven't voted in the last few cycles. We get those folks to the polls, we win this race."

Johnson has already been campaigning against Blackburn for months, with most of the Knoxville Democrat's primary campaign focused on her GOP challenger over Bradshaw, the 2020 Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, and the others in the race.

Blackburn is seeking a second six-year term as Tennessee's senior U.S. Senator and has strong name recognition and popularity among Republicans in deep-red Tennessee. She easily defeated little-known GOP challenger Tres Wittum in the Republican primary Thursday.

"I'm going to continue to work hard on the issues Tennesseans care about: Securing that border, making certain we address inflation, making certain we hold Big Tech accountable, taking care of our veterans, and making certain our allies know they're an ally and our enemies fear us," Blackburn said in a video posted on social media thanking her supporters.

Blackburn was first elected to office in 2018, beating out former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen. Bredesen carried 43.9% of the vote and only three Tennessee counties.

Prior to that, no Democrat had cracked 40% of the vote in a statewide contest since 2006. Bredesen remains the last Democrat to win a statewide election when he won all 95 counties in his 2006 reelection campaign.

State Rep. Gloria Johnson hugs Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon while speaking with supporters at her watch party after being declared the winner in the Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat at Ghost River Brewery and Taproom in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Toward the end of her speech on Thursday night, Johnson took jabs at Blackburn for voting against the Affordable Care Act, supporting the repeal of Roe v. Wade and for petitioning against gun reform in Tennessee.

Johnson extended that criticism toward the Republican presidential ticket of former president Donald Trump and JD Vance, before throwing her support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

With Kamala Harris at the the top of the ticket, we will win," Johnson said. "Lets do this."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Senate results: Gloria Johnson wins Democratic primary
Rep. Gloria Johnson at Nashville's Cathedral of Praise on Thursday Aug. 1, 2024. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Knoxville state representative Gloria Johnson cruised to victory in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, setting up a matchup with incumbent Marsha Blackburn.

The Associated Press called the race for Johnson less than 15 minutes after the polls closed as she led a field of challengers with 68% of the vote.

Johnson launched her campaign for Senate months after she narrowly avoided expulsion from the state House for protesting a lack of action by Tennessee Republicans following a school shooting that left three adults and three children dead in March 2023.

Johnson, along with state Reps. Justin Jones of Nashville and Justin Pearson of Memphis, made national headlines for the protests and the expulsion efforts that followed. State House Republicans expelled Pearson and Jones, but they were quickly returned to their seats by appointments from their local county governments and subsequent special elections.

Blackburn has served one term in the U.S. Senate, defeating former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen in a 2018 election 55% to 44%.

Blackburn is strongly tied with former President Donald Trump and has often been rumored to be in consideration for several positions in his administration if he wins reelection.

Heading into their Nov. 5 matchup, Johnson has almost $2.1 million in cash in her campaign account, while Blackburn has nearly four times that amount with $8.8 million, according to campaign finance disclosures.

No Democrat has won a statewide office in Tennessee since Bredesen in 2006.
Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) criticized the recent prisoner swap with Russia in an interview Friday.

Were elated to have these prisoners returned back home, they should never been taken prisoner in the first place, Perry said on Fox Businesss Mornings With Maria.

But lets remember that theres another side to this equation, he told host Maria Bartiromo. Essentially, weve traded journalists for murderers and thieves, and its like trading a rifle for a spoon.

On Thursday, the U.S. and Russia participated in a major prisoner swap that resulted in the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, Vladimir Kara-Murza, five Germans and seven Russians.

The swap also resulted in the release of Vadim Krasikov, who had been imprisoned in Germany for a 2019 murder, per The Associated Press.

These people should have never been taken hostage and prisoner in the first place, but this just emboldens [Russian President] Vladimir Putin to continue to broker these kind of deals, and to take our people prisoner to get these kind of deals, Perry said.

In a Thursday statement, President Biden said, We celebrate the return of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir and rejoice with their families.

We remember all those still wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world. And reaffirm our pledge to their families: We see you. We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring your loved ones home where they belong, Biden continued.

In a Fox News interview Thursday, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said, Nobodys delighted, or doing backflips over here because Mr. [Vadim] Krasikov is now a free man.

Thats what negotiations are all about, Kirby continued.

The Hill has reached out to the White House.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Many Republican senators are feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed by former President Trumps suggestion that Vice President Harris isnt really Black and only happened to adopt that identity out of political convenience.

Trumps bombshell comments Wednesday at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago immediately made national headlines and put Republican lawmakers on the defensive.

Some Republicans tried to dodge questions about whether Trump had crossed the line by insisting he should instead focus on his policy differences with Harris, while others declined to comment on the matter at all.

Many of them are uncomfortable over the direction Trump is taking the race and fear it could get a lot uglier before Election Day.

Theyre uncomfortable but they dont want to say anything, one Republican senator said of GOP colleagues who are hoping that Trump will stop talking about Harriss race.

They dont say anything, because they want to win the majority, and they got to make sure the Trump supporters come out to vote, the source added. Im worried about the silence of some of these statements by Republicans is going to be used against us as a party.

Hes going to continue to do it, and the race will devolve into something that can be very nasty, racially, the senator warned. Do we need to resurrect the summer of George Floyd?

Trump during an interview before an audience of Black journalists questioned Harriss racial identity.

She was always of Indian heritage. And she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black, Trump said.

So I dont know, is she Indian, or is she Black? he added.

Senators didnt talk about Trumps comments at their Thursday lunch meeting but were barraged by questions about them from reporters Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters at a press conference Thursday afternoon that one senior Republican colleague had privately confided his dismay over Trumps comments.

I think my Republican colleagues are embarrassed. I had one senior Republican colleague say to me this morning, I guess now youre going to win the election after we heard Trump last night. He said that, Schumer said.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said Thursday that Trumps comments and the media uproar theyve created were beyond unfortunate.

I think most people would say, Why is race the issue right now? she said.

If youre running for president or if you want to be CEO of a company, a campaign built on insults of an individual  we should be so far beyond that. It should not be about which nasty name you call somebody, she added.

It should be about the issues. I think the American people deserve more than what were seeing with this approach to a campaign. I just think its wrong, she said.

Scott Jennings, who has advised Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnells (Ky.) past campaigns, said Trump did crap the bed by mocking Harriss racial heritage.

The only question is whether hes going to roll around in it or get up and change the sheets, said Jennings, who is also a CNN contributor.

Other Republican senators voiced similar misgivings about Trumps comments but were reluctant to criticize him explicitly.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who doesnt plan to vote for Trump, said the Republican nominee and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), should stick to talking about their policy plans instead of opining about Harriss racial heritage.

Ive already made clear that Im not supporting him, so Im not going to get into daily commentary. Let me just say the Trump-Vance ticket would be far better advised to focus on issues like the border, the cost of living, the development of energy, she said.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told reporters Thursday morning that he didnt think Trumps comments about Harriss race were appropriate.

No, I dont think so. Ive known the vice president for a while. Shes always embraced her heritage proudly, as she should, Graham said when asked whether Trumps remarks.

He tried to pivot back to the issues on which Republicans think they have the upper hand: national security and border security.

My problem with Vice President Harris are the policy choices shes made, he said. On policy, the worlds on fire and the country is in decline, and I think we need new leadership. That will be my approach.

When asked whether Trump should stay away from talking about race, Graham said, I think so.

I think the best way to win is to talk about things that are peoples minds: personal safety, financial security, he said.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called Trumps comments about race a distraction.

I think it shifts away from the discussion that I want to focus on. But it may very well be that we have a difference of opinions about whats going to move the voters, he said. I for one think its the failure [of the Biden administration] on the economy, the failure on the border and the failure on national security.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said Trumps comments were counterproductive.

I dont think it was helpful, he told reporters Wednesday.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who endorsed Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.), the Senates only Black Republican, in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, warned that arguing about race will detract from Republicans chances of regaining control of the White House and Senate.

Anything that we do thats not focused on policy detracts from our best opportunity to win back the White House, the Senate and the House. Were going to stick to policy, because we win on policy, he said.

Asked if Trumps comments would alienate swing voters, Rounds said the bigger issue is it takes away from an opportunity to focus once again on what wins elections for us.

Most Americans understand that were a diverse society and weve accepted that, he said. Diversity is a part of what we are.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(The Hill)  Many Republican senators are feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed by former President Donald Trumps suggestion that Vice President Kamala Harris isnt really Black and only happened to adopt that identity out of political convenience.

Trumps bombshell comments Wednesday at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago immediately made national news headlines and put Republican lawmakers on the defensive.

Some Republicans tried to dodge questions about whether Trump had crossed the line by insisting he should instead focus on his policy differences with Harris while others declined to comment on the matter at all.

Many of them are uncomfortable with the direction Trump is taking the race and fear it could get a lot uglier before Election Day.

Theyre uncomfortable but they dont want to say anything, one Republican senator said of GOP colleagues who are hoping that Trump will stop talking about Harriss race.

Trump pushes back: Im a lot of things, but weird Im not

They dont say anything because they want to win the majority and they got to make sure the Trump supporters come out to vote, the source added. Im worried about the silence of some of these statements by Republicans is going to be used against us as a party.

Hes going to continue to do it and the race will devolve into something that can be very nasty racially, the senator warned. Do we need to resurrect the summer of George Floyd?

Trump during an interview before an audience of Black journalists questioned Harriss racial identity.

She was always of Indian heritage. And she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black, Trump said.

So I dont know, is she Indian, or is she Black? he added.

Senators didnt talk about Trumps comments at their Thursday lunch meeting but they were barraged by questions about them from reporters Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters at a press conference Thursday afternoon that one senior Republican colleague had privately confided his dismay over Trumps comments.

I think my Republican colleagues are embarrassed. I had one senior Republican colleague say to me this morning, I guess now youre going to win the election after we heard Trump last night. He said that, Schumer said.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) on Thursday said Trumps comments and the media uproar theyve created were beyond unfortunate.

I think most people would say, Why is race the issue right now? she said.

If youre running for president or if you want to be CEO of a company, a campaign built on insults of an individual  we should be so far beyond that. It should not be about which nasty name you call somebody, she added.

It should be about the issues. I think the American people deserve more than what were seeing with this approach to a campaign. I just think its wrong, she said.

Scott Jennings, who has advised Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnells (R-Ky.) past campaigns, said Trump did crap the bed by mocking Harriss racial heritage.

The only question is whether hes going to roll around in it or get up and change the sheets, said Jennings, who is also a CNN contributor.

Other Republican senators voiced similar misgivings about Trumps comments but were reluctant to criticize him explicitly.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who doesnt plan to vote for Trump, said the Republican nominee and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), should stick to talking about their policy plans instead of opining about Harriss racial heritage.

Ive already made clear that Im not supporting him so Im not going to get into daily commentary. Let me just say the Trump-Vance ticket would be far better advised to focus on issues like the border, the cost of living, the development of energy, she said.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told reporters Thursday morning that he didnt think Trumps comments about Harriss race were appropriate.

No, I dont think so. Ive known the vice president for a while. Shes always embraced her heritage proudly, as she should, Graham said when asked whether Trumps remarks.

He tried to pivot back to the issues on which Republicans think they have the upper hand: national security and border security.

My problem with Vice President Harris are the policy choices shes made, he said. On policy, the worlds on fire and the country is in decline and I think we need new leadership. That will be my approach.

When asked whether Trump should stay away from talking about race, Graham said, I think so.

I think the best way to win is to talk about things that are peoples minds: personal safety, financial security, he said.

GOP accuses Harris of hiding from press. Most Dems dont care  for now

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called Trumps comments about race a distraction.

I think it shifts away from the discussion that I want to focus on. But it may very well be that we have a difference of opinions about whats going to move the voters, he said. I for one think its the failure [of the Biden administration] on the economy, the failure on the border and the failure on national security.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said Trumps comments were counterproductive.

I dont think it was helpful, he told reporters Wednesday.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who endorsed Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.), the Senates only Black Republican, in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, warned that arguing about race will detract from Republicans chances of regaining control of the White House and Senate.

Anything that we do thats not focused on policy detracts from our best opportunity to win back the White House, the Senate and the House. Were going to stick to policy because we win on policy, he said.

Asked if Trumps comments would alienate swing voters, Rounds said, The bigger issue is it takes away from an opportunity to focus once again on what wins elections for us.

Most Americans understand that were a diverse society and weve accepted that, he said. Diversity is a part of what we are.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Gov. Ron DeSantis Friday activated the state's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Tallahassee, as well as the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard ahead of the Gulf weather system predicted for Florida that could become Tropical Storm Debby.

The governor on Thursday declared a state of emergency for 54 of the state's 67 counties, allowing state officials "to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential areas that the storm may impact," said a news release from the governor's office.

And Friday, he amended his executive order to extend the state of emergency to another seven counties, bringing the total to 61.

The full list is now Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.

The state's Division of Emergency Management "is hosting daily calls with all 67 counties to identify needs and to ensure the state is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently. Additionally, FDEM is coordinating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners for any potential resource requests," according to the release.

As part of those preparations, the state EOC was at Level 1, or "full scale activation," meaning it operates 24 hours a day with "all primary and support agencies under the state," the division's website explains.

Also, the "Florida National Guard has approximately 3,000 service members readying for response efforts," and the Florida State Guard has "70 members to support response and recovery operations," as well as equipment that includes amphibious rescue vehicles and "search and rescue crews prepared to deploy from Camp Blanding."

Other highlights from the press release:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has "readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide."

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's "Emergency Preparedness Unit is activated and deployed" to the EOC and its mobile command bus is ready for use.

The Florida Department of Corrections has "evacuation plans in place, should the need arise, to relocate inmates ... is evaluating major institutions that may be at risk of flash flooding."

The Florida Department of Transportation is "clearing (highway) shoulders in preparation for potential emergency use" and is "analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways and bridges."

The Florida Department of Health is "staging 90 ambulances throughout the state to support emergency evacuations as needed."

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services "is coordinating with Floridas ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available across Florida."

For more information

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis activates Florida National Guard for possible tropical storm
Gov. Evers orders flags at half-staff for celebration of life of Lincoln Hills staffer killed in June

The American and State of Wisconsin flags will fly at half-staff on Saturday, Aug. 3, to mark the celebration of life of Lincoln Hills School for Boys staff member Corey Proulx.

The 49-year-old died on June 25 after being assaulted the evening prior by a teen incarcerated at Lincoln Hills, a youth prison located in Irma, Wis., north of Merrill in Lincoln County.

On June 26, Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #231 ordering flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Proulx's life and service following his death and again on the date of his burial services.

"Our hearts break for Corey, his family and loved ones, his colleagues at the department, and all those who knew and loved him," Evers said in a release following Proulx's death. "By all accounts, Corey was a dedicated public servant who led with kindness and compassion in his commitment toward helping and supporting the youth he worked with."

Proulx served the Department of Corrections as a youth counselor. He joined the department in 2020 before briefly leaving in 2021 and returning in April 2023. DOC Secretary Jared Hoy called Proulx a "dedicated professional, colleague, and friend in the line of duty."

Evers' executive order said Proulx was "a devoted fiance, father, son, loved one, and friend of so many." He had one daughter and three stepchildren through his fiance. According to his obituary, Proulx, a Merrill High School graduate, enjoyed hunting, fishing, exploring in the woods and creating art.

The flag atop City Hall was lowered to half mast in honor of Department of Corrections worker Corey P. Proulx, in Milwaukee on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

What happened to Corey Proulx at Lincoln Hills?

On June 24 around 8 p.m., a 16-year-old boy first assaulted a 25-year-old female staff member in a residence hall after returning from outdoor recreation, according to initial information from the DOC. She was taken to a hospital, treated and released.

The teen then assaulted Proulx, who hit his head on concrete. Proulx was taken by helicopter to a hospital for treatment in critical condition.

On June 26, Lincoln County Coroner Valerie Caylor said Proulx was confirmed to be brain dead. He had signed up to be an organ donor, and his family pursued that option, she said.

Admission building to Lincoln Hills School in Irma

How long will flags be at half-staff?

Per Evers' Executive Order #231, flags will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, the date of Proulx's celebration of life.

Where do flags fly at half-staff?

The American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the State of Wisconsin, Evers' order states.

The flags fly at half-staff as employees enter the building at the Roundy's warehouse in Oconomowoc on Thursday, March 18, 2021.

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

"The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning," USA.gov says. "The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff."

Most often, it marks:

The death of a government official, military member or first responder.

A national tragedy.

Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance.

What is the difference between half-staff and half-mast?

Half-mast refers to flags lowered on a ship while half-staff refers to flags attached to a pole in the ground, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command's blog. "Half-staff" is the preferred term in presidential decrees while "half-mast" is used outside of the U.S.

Journal Sentinel reporter Laura Schulte contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are flag flying at half-staff in Wisconsin on Saturday, Aug. 3?
Gov. Jeff Landry opted to continue former Gov. John Bel Edwards' paid parental leave policy for state workers through an executive order this week. (Photo credit: Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

With no fanfare, Gov. Jeff Landry signed a new executive order Monday that continues paid parental leave for thousands of state government employees after expressing skepticism about the policy last year.

Landrys predecessor, Democrat Gov. John Bel Edwards, was the first to authorize paid parental leave for nearly 69,000 state workers on his way out of office last November. The benefit kicked in Jan. 1, about a week before Landry took office, and the current Republican governor had previously questioned whether the state could afford the policy.

We can be aspirational as governors, but the Legislature are the ones that have to find the money to pay for it, Landry said about paid parental leave at a press conference last November.



The governor didnt repeal the parental benefits Edwards approved, however.

Landry had to issue an executive order by the end of this week in order to keep paid parental leave in place for 30,000 unclassified state employees working for the executive branch. Otherwise, they would have lost the benefit when Edwards order expired Saturday.

Landrys office said he was not comfortable pulling the benefit from unclassified workers when 39,000 executive branch employees in the classified civil service system would have still had access to it.



The [executive order] governs unclassified civil service, and we just want them to be consistent, Landrys spokeswoman Kate Kelly said in a written statement Friday night. It would be very difficult for an agency with both classified and unclassified to have different rules on leave.

At Edwards urging last year, the Louisiana State Civil Service Commission voted to extend the paid parental leave he ended up giving unclassified workers to the classified cohort. Only the commission, which Landry does not control, can repeal it.



Six of the seven civil service commissioners are picked by the governor from lists of nominees provided by presidents of private colleges in Louisiana, but none of the commissioners appointed by Edwards have seen their terms expire yet. Landry appointees wouldnt make up the majority of the board until the end of 2028, and thats only if he gets reelected to a second term as governor.

Classified employees tend to have lower paying jobs in government but enjoy more protections from disciplinary action, firing and political influence.Unclassified employees work in higher education or are often appointed by the governor and other elected officials. They include the heads of state offices, Landrys cabinet members and people on the governors executive staff.

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At least 246 state employees took advantage of paid parental leave policy from its inception in January through June 26, according to the state Civil Service Commission. That figure doesnt include employees at state colleges and universities who also have access to the benefit.



Under the policy, the employees are granted six weeks of paid parental leave following the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child.



They must work for the state government for at least a year to be eligible for the benefit, and the leave must be taken within three months of becoming a new parent. It applies to all genders.

Previously, state employees had to use sick leave or vacation days if they wanted to take paid parental leave, though the federal government requires the state to offer at least 12 weeks of unpaid time off to most working new parents.

The state Civil Service Commission has placed one recent limitation on its paid parental leave policy. Starting Aug. 8, classified employees wont be paid additionally or compensated for parental leave that overlaps with paid holidays, office closures or days off due to natural disasters and celebrations. Landrys policy for unclassified workers will also reflect this change.

In addition to continuing paid parental leave, Landry also expanded the types of events covered by unclassified state workers sick leave policy through his executive order.

As of Monday, unclassified employees can use their sick leave days to take care of immediate family members who are sick or injured. Previously, a person could only use sick leave if they were injured or ill themselves.

The more flexible sick leave policy lines up with a civil service rule passed a few years ago that already applies to classified employees.

But the upgraded parental and sick leave benefits dont apply to all realms of state government. Employees in the state courts and Louisiana Legislature arent eligible under Landrys executive order or the state civil service rule. State legislative employees also arent guaranteed 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave under federal law like other employees.

Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect information made available by the governors office Friday night, hours after it was published.

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Gov. Newsom is talking about banning cell phones in schools. Whats the policy in Modesto?

In our Reality Check stories, Modesto Bee journalists deliver fast facts about the issues that matter to local residents to hold officials and institutions accountable. Read more. Story idea? Tips@modbee.com.

Modesto students scrolling through TikTok during class may come to an end if proposed statewide legislation is passed.

In June, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would support legislation to limit smartphone use in California classrooms. In a statement, he said he wants to work with the state Legislature to restrict phone use during the school day.

His announcement came on the same day the Los Angeles Unified School District board voted to ban smartphone use during school hours. Its policy will take effect in January.

With the potential for statewide legislation, we look at Modesto City Schools current policy on smartphone use.

In October 2023, the school board said students may use cell phones, smart watches, pagers, and other devices on campus during noninstructional times.

The policy urges phones to be turned off; however, it does not have any requirement that devices be taken away or stored at the beginning of class.

The phone policy does state that students found using a phone inappropriately may be disciplined and an employee has the right to confiscate the device.

The logic behind restricting phone use is to create an optimal learning environment free from distractions, said Modesto City Schools spokeswoman Linda Mumma Solorio. Phones and other electronic devices can divert students attention from classroom instruction, leading to a decrease in focus and engagement.

Solorio said teachers receive training at the beginning of each school year on the policy details and handling different student situations. Parents are provided with the cell phone policy in writing through the Parent Information Handbook and the summer mailer sent to all families.

She said although district schools all follow the same guidelines, each may have its own enforcement strategies. At Johansen High School, for example, posters in every classroom outline the consequence of unpermitted phone use.

Teachers give one verbal warning before asking students to place their phones in a designated storage unit, she said. If students refuse, teachers may call a campus supervisor to collect the phone until the end of the school day.

According to a study by Pew Research in June, around 72% of high school teachers say students being distracted by cellphones is a major problem in classrooms, compared to 33% of middle school teachers and 6% of elementary school teachers.

The same article found 30% of teachers surveyed whose schools or districts have cell phone policies say they are very or somewhat difficult to enforce.

Modesto City Schools believes its phone policy is effective but plans to continue to monitor this situation in case any adjustments need to be made in the future, Solorio said.

Consistent communication with students and families has significantly reduced cellphone use during class time at Johansen High School, for example, she said.

When asked about Newsoms potential phone ban in school, the district said they could not comment on pending legislation.
Tree damage from Wednesday night's storm is shown near North 66th Street and Fairacres Road in Omaha. (Cate Folsom/Nebraska Examiner)

OMAHA  Severe storms overnight Wednesday that knocked out electricity for more than 240,000 Nebraskans and downed trees and power lines with gusts of wind up to 100 mph spurred Gov. Jim Pillen to issue a state disaster declaration.

Pillen declared a disaster Thursday in six counties: Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington. His proclamation said the storms brought high winds, heavy rains, thunderstorms and flooding, damaging buildings, trees and power lines.

The declaration allows the Nebraska National Guards adjutant general to help county emergency managers using state emergency funds. In Douglas County, for instance, OPPD is receiving mutual aid help from other utilities, including Nebraska Public Power District.

Potential state help

This step unlocks the help of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and, if needed, the Nebraska National Guard after the recent storms. The proclamation is a first step toward cataloging damage for additional aid.

A storm like this, which caused what the Omaha Public Power District calls its largest single outage incident in the utilitys history, has high potential to eclipse the damage thresholds necessary for at least some federal assistance.

One reason: Nebraska is unique nationally for providing its electricity with publicly owned utilities. f they sustain enough damage, they can access relief reserved for governments. Private utilities face a higher climb for aid.

Potential federal help for earlier storms

Also on Thursday, Nebraskas congressional delegation penned a letter to President Joe Biden asking him to declare a federal emergency from this springs storms from May 20-June 3 that struck a broad swath with tornadoes, winds and flooding.

The people of Nebraska must face the difficult process of recovering from damaging thunderstorms and tornadoes, they wrote. As they have time and time again, Nebraskans will demonstrate their resilience in the face of disaster.

U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts joined Reps. Mike Flood, Don Bacon and Adrian Smith in writing that they encourage the federal government to join with the state in efforts to rebuild after the storms.

They were writing in support of Pillens formal request this week seeking federal help after those storms.

The late May and early June storms did more than $11.5 million in damage to Burt, Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Dundy, Fillmore, Hamilton, Hayes, Hitchcock, Howard, Keith, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Saunders and Washington Counties.

NEMA has said it is still in the process of assessing damage from the latest round of storms. The agency offered no immediate update on the scope of the damage Thursday evening.

OPPD has said it could take a week for them to restore power to some customers.

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We recently compiled the 7 Best Heavy Equipment and Industrial Machinery Stocks to Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) against the other equipment and industrial machinery stocks.

Heavy equipment and industrial machinery stocks arent for those investors who are fans of sharp growth. These stocks belong to stable and sizeable firms that enjoy economies of scale because of their operations. Setting up manufacturing plants to make these machines is not an easy task, and firms that succeed in the endeavor can end up becoming industry leaders.

These stocks are differentiated by their products. Industrial equipment stocks can be of firms that sell farm equipment, construction machines, power generation equipment, and ships. While semiconductor fabrication machines are typically not thought to be industrial equipment, they are used at an industrial scale to churn out thousands of chips in a month to power our computers and phones. In fact, this sector is one of the few that actually has a stock that has a monopoly in its market. Its shares are up by 54% over the past twelve months and it is also Europes most valuable company. It ranked 10th on our list of 11 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Invest In for the AI Boom, so you can check it out by clicking on the link.

One way in which investors can decide which heavy equipment and industrial machinery stocks to invest in is by looking at their products. For instance, stocks that sell agricultural machinery are likely to fluctuate if investors believe that the broader agricultural industry is headed for a downturn. This has also been the case in 2024, as February marked a key data release from the Agriculture Department. According to this data, net farm income in the US is projected to fall to $156 billion in 2023 to mark a 16% drop from 2022s record high of $185.5 billion. This trend will continue in 2024, to mark an additional, and stronger, 25.5% annual drop to $116 billion.

The reports impact on agricultural stocks was immediate, with one of the biggest pure play farming equipment providers in the US with a market capitalization of $7 billion tanking by nearly 13% over the next two weeks. This stock is down by 22% year to date and 28% over the past twelve months, and its $1.6 billion in receivables and $3.4 billion in inventory could help it weather out the cyclical agricultural thats widely believed to be in play for the rest of 2024. Theres an economic stare-down between farmers and buyers going on right now, as farmers are waiting for grain prices to recover from three year lows to sell their products.

Story continues

This turmoil was also evident in the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) reading for June 2024. High interest rates, weak prices, and low farming equipment sales made the index drop to 41.7 in June from 44.2 in May, for its tenth straight month of a reading that sits below the growth neutral figure of 50. Farm equipment loans are also up by 20% annually, as farmers rely on debt to fund their operations. The souring expectations are also present in the June reading of Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. Its Farm Capital Investment Index component fell by three points to 32 in June  just a point shy of the all time low reading as farmers paused their plans for spending.

Shifting gears, the next major components of heavy equipment and industrial machinery stocks are those that make construction machinery. US construction spending fell by 0.1% in May to $2.1 trillion but marked a 6.4% annual growth. The drop was across the board, with private construction, residential construction, and single family construction dipping by 0.3%, 0.2%, and 0.7%, respectively. While the drop in residential spending could have come on the back of an 18.5% jump in housing inventory in May 2024 to 1.28 million at a time when the median home price was at a historic high of $419,300, commercial construction has been struggling due to high rates and rising work from home trends in America.

This slump is evident in regions such as Boston, where authorities have stressed on the need to sharply raise the tax rate ceiling for commercial properties or face a $400 million cut in spending. As of January 2024, US commercial property prices have tanked by 11% since March 2022 when the Fed started to hike interest rates. This goes against the observations made during previous hiking cycles, according to data from the International Monetary Fund. Any turmoil in this segment means that heavy industrial machinery stocks will also face headwinds since construction spending is unlikely to pick up unless builders are certain of a shift in the economic environment. Commercial real estate loans have smaller maturity timelines, and 30% of this debt is due for maturity from 2024 to 2026.

With the current interest rates, refinancing will be costly, and it could constrain capital spending in the sector. This sector has also faced consistent net operating income (NOI) drops since 2020, which further reduces incentives for investment and spending. However, the eCommerce boom which opens up demand for warehouses and growth in residential NOI should power the industry moving forward. Additionally, infrastructure spending through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and the Inflation Reduction Act has earmarked trillions of dollars to upgrade Americas existing infrastructure and focus on electrification, which will naturally stimulate the demand for the construction industry even though it is struggling right now.

Looking at these trends, its unsurprising that the construction and farm component of the S&P flagship index has trimmed down its year to date returns to 11% from a peak of 24% in April. The drop started in April when the consumer price index (CPI) jumped by 3.5% annually in March, to outpace analyst estimates of 3.4% and mark a six month high. The benchmark S&P index has returned 17.5% year to date to lead the construction and farm equipment stocks by more than seven percentage points.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the best heavy equipment and industrial machinery stocks, we ranked the 40 most valuable farming, heavy, construction, and specialty industrial machinery stocks by the number of hedge funds that had held a stake in them as of Q1 2024 end.

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 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 the details here).

25 Most Important Inventions of the 21st Century

Engineers analyzing a complex network of process control software and systems.

Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors In Q1 2024: 53

Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) makes and sells a wide variety of industrial products such as valves, regulators, sensors, and switches, lending it a diverse business. Additionally, Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) is a global company with a presence in China, Europe, North America, and other regions. This allows it to hedge its business performance against an economic downturn in one region, such as the Chinese industrial slowdown that has persisted since the coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, since its exposure to the struggling construction and farming stocks is limited, Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) has benefited from a shift towards automation and upward revision of utility spending in the US.

At the same time, its acquisition of process optimization firm AspenTech has allowed Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) to grow its revenue even though industrial spending has been muted. Management expects to deliver an additional $100 million in revenue in 2024 through synergies. Additionally, its diversified business has enabled it to hedge the downturn in industrial and automation spending by focusing on the growth in energy spending, life sciences growth in Africa, and a broader uptick in metals and mining.

Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR)s management shared details of order visibility in the third quarter and the important process optimization business during the second quarter earnings call. Here is what they said:

Look were off to a good start in Q3. April over April of last year is up double digit 10% on orders. Certainly  and the three months has turned positive as well. So we flipped that to the low single digits on a three-month basis trailing three-month basis. So feel good about the start, feel good about the funnel and the conversion and the markets. And its again, driven by the process and hybrid environment across most of the world areas. Discrete were watching very carefully. As we said, we expect that to turn now a quarter later than originally expected. But were seeing green shoots that started developing in March and into April, particularly in Western Europe, in Germany around machine makers and some of the discrete industries. So optimistic start for the quarter again gave us the confidence as we tested our businesses and worked out process that exiting the year in that mid-single digit low single-digit type of range on orders is very, very feasible.

Overall EMR ranks 3rd on our list of the equipment and industrial machinery stocks to buy. You can visit 7 Best Heavy Equipment and Industrial Machinery Stocks to Buy to see the other equipment and machinery stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of EMR 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 EMR that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and 10 Best of Breed Stocks to Buy For The Third Quarter of 2024 According to Bank of America.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Gov. Roy Cooper applauds during reproductive rights rally in Durham. (Photo: Greg Childress)

Former President Donald Trump is attempting to divide the nation by falsely questioning Vice President Kamala Harris race, Gov. Roy Cooper said on Thursday.

Hes [Trump] showing us who he is, Cooper said during an interview with reporters following a reproductive freedom rally in Durham to support Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign.

Trump questioned Harris raced during an interview this week at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago.

I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now, she wants to be known as Black, Trump said during the NABJ interview. So, I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black?

Meanwhile, Harris called Trumps false remarks about her race the same old show; the divisiveness and the disrespect.

Harris attended Howard University, one of the nations most prominent historically Black colleges and universities. While there, she pledged the historically Black sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. And as a U.S. senator, Harris was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Cooper said the attack on Harris  her father is Jamaican and her mother is an Indian  reminds him of the tactic Trump used against former president Barack Obama when he repeatedly questioned Obamas citizenship and birthplace.

This is what MAGA is about, Cooper said. I think its pretty clear that with young people across this country, with people of color, everybody who wants to have a diverse society where we can all work together for the better of our country, they need to support Kamala Harris this fall.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., conceded that Trumps remarks were likely a distraction, ABC News reported.

I think it shifts away from the discussion I want to focus on, but it may very well be that we have a difference of opinions about what is going to move the voters, Tillis said. I for one think its the failure on the economy the failure on the border and the failure on national security.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders administration has launched a website for the faith-based community to coordinate providing help to Arkansans in need.

Sanders office released a statement Friday that a faith-based initiative website is now in operation in the state. A representative said the Arkansas.gov website is a place for faith leaders to sign up and join other advocates addressing issues like childhood hunger, maternal health, foster care, social media and similar issues.

UA Little Rock professor publishes results from a more than decade-long study focusing on local congregations

An official said the governor has previously signed executive orders to form working groups to address social needs and provide advocacy. The new website, they said, is a way for faith leaders to join these working groups.

Sanders said the site will help to create a better Arkansas.

Faith is the guiding light in my life and in the lives of so many Arkansans, Sanders said. Arkansas faith communities are built on serving others. When we unite our churches, temples, and faith-based nonprofits around the common issues facing our state, I know well build a better, brighter Arkansas.

A Sanders spokesperson said the governors staff would reach out to stakeholders to help raise awareness and address issues the state is facing.

North Little Rock church gifts its building to a church impacted by the March 31 tornado last year

Sanders father Mike Huckabee is an ordained minister and the 44th governor of Arkansas. He was a Southern Baptist pastor for 12 years prior to entering politics in 1992.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Photo illustration by Getty Images.

Gov. Greg Gianforte announced this week an investment of up to $1 million to conduct a statewide study to determine the appropriate level of funding needed to help supplement housing costs for low-income Montanans served in the states behavioral health system.

As recommended by the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission, the investment represents the next allocation of $300 million in funding proposed by the governor last year to reform and improve Montanas behavioral health and developmental disabilities services systems.

Access to affordable, stable housing is critical to ensure Montana youth, adults, and families can meet their behavioral health needs, Gov. Gianforte said in a statement. As the nation continues to grapple with a shortage of affordable housing, we need to ensure at-risk Montanans have access to the support they need. This study will allow the state to make the most effective and efficient use of our resources to take care of vulnerable Montanans.

The one-time funding will be transferred to the Montana Department of Commerce, which will work in partnership with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to conduct the Fair Market Rent Reevaluation Study.

The BHSFG Commission recognizes that stable housing is fundamental and critical to ensuring that the behavioral health and developmental disabilities needs of Montanans are met, DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton said in a statement. The study will help maximize housing funding to support as many low-income Montanans as possible.

Brereton said the Commission brought this proposal forward because low-income individuals served by the states behavioral health and developmental disabilities systems are increasingly unable to access affordable housing.

Through the study, information will be gathered on current rental rates throughout the state to help determine the funding necessary to supplement federal rental assistance, the Governors office said.

Access to housing is shown to significantly improve outcomes for vulnerable individuals, reduce strain on the health care system, and yield significant cost savings to emergency services.

In addition, studies show children whose families receive vouchers for rental housing change schools less frequently, are less likely to be placed in foster care, and experience fewer sleep disruptions and behavior problems.
Former President Trump wanted to talk to Black journalists about whether Kamala Harris is really Black. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

Donald Trump wants this conversation to be about who is weirder. He wants us debating the merit of adults without children. And Im sure he is delighted if his remarks questioning the race of his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, distract from his connection to Project 2025, the 900-page blueprint for reshaping the government around Trumpism instead of democracy.

We shouldnt fall for his rope-a-dope routine again.

On Friday, Harris secured enough delegates in a virtual roll call to earn her partys nomination. Its a bit of a formality considering her campaign raised a record $310 million in July, and shes expected to announce a running mate soon. Still, it is important to mark these moments, if for no other reason than to remind voters of the stakes. Obsessing over Trumps nonsense is dangerous when there are real things happening.

Back in 2016, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), in a final attempt to stop his party from jumping off a cliff, told the crowd at the Republican National Convention: If you love your country  vote your conscience. Vote for candidates up and down the ticket you trust to defend our freedom and be faithful to the Constitution.

Read more: Granderson: President Harris would be a 'first' in many ways. She can handle it

Since that night in Cleveland, former President Trump called for the termination of the U.S Constitution (which Cruz denounced), tried to overturn the 2020 election and said he wanted to be a dictator for a day. Rolling Stone reported there are nearly 70 pro-Trump election conspiracists currently working as county election officials in six swing states. Trump chose JD Vance as his running mate because Vance would do what Mike Pence refused to do.

Thats whats at stake in this election.

The former presidents behavior and rhetoric this week at the conference of the National Assn. of Black Journalists were only recent.

They werent new.

Read more: Granderson: Biden's decision to drop out is one of the most patriotic moments in a long life of service

He questioned whether Harris is really Black. Thats a parlor trick of his from even before he became the face of the birther movement against President Obama. During a 1993 congressional hearing on casino gambling, Trump said the Mashantucket Pequot Nation dont look like Indians to me. He also said that casinos on reservations attract crime and that it wasnt fair they were exempt from paying taxes because I like to compete on an equal footing.

Nobody is more for the Indians than Donald Trump, he declared at the time.

Yes, the same Donald Trump who as president used Pocahontas as a slur. The same one whose administration was sued by more than 10 tribes to get COVID relief funding allocated to federally recognized tribes. After his attempts to overturn the election failed, Trump told the audience at the 2021 North Carolina Republican convention about Indians getting paid to vote in certain states, including Arizona and Nevada.

All accusations, no facts.

Which is why instead of investing too much energy in baseless debates started by Trump and Vance  such as Harris race  its important to remain focused on whats really at stake.

For example, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump asked the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, cant you just shoot them? To be clear, Trump was referring to protesters against police brutality, not the Jan. 6 insurrectionists who tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power. At a rally last month, Trump said, were going to give our police their power back and we are going to give them immunity from prosecution.

Thats whats at stake.

He keeps telling us.

In his recent rant promising an audience in four years, you dont have to vote again, he added this gem: I love you Christians; Im not Christian.

He touched his chest and smirked like the Cheshire Cat while saying it.

It was a stunning admission, considering the occasion was an event called the Believers Summit. Had Trump told a crowd of evangelical voters Im not Christian during the 2016 primary, perhaps he would not have felt compelled to falsify business records to conceal hush money payments to porn stars. Hard to say how the past eight years would have played out if evangelicals had been forced to see Trump for who he really is.

What we do know is Vice President Harris is going to be a Black woman whether Trump wins in November or not. Its America that wont be the same if Project 2025 comes to pass. Thats whats at stake. This is why Trump wants us to talk about the silly things he says, so we dont focus on all the harmful things hes planning.

@LZGranderson

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Photo illustration by Getty Images.

The owner of a gun store and shooting range in Great Falls that was raided by federal agents last summer, causing concerns and some outrage among Montanas federal delegation, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday for allegedly submitting false tax returns and failing to report about $1.4 million in sales to the Internal Revenue Service.

Tommy Michael VanHoose, 66, faces five counts of submitting a false tax return  one count for each year from 2018 through 2022  which each carry potential penalties of up to three years in prison if he is convicted, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Montana.

The indictment alleges VanHoose, by his own claims, skimmed cash from his firearms business and did not report 20 percent of his gross receipts to the IRS, which resulted in a substantial underpayment of income taxes to the United States, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said in a statement. After a thorough investigation conducted by the IRS, we allege VanHooses own statements to an undercover agent were accurate, which is why he is charged with multiple counts of submitting a false federal tax return.

Undercover investigation prompts search warrant execution

According to a redacted indictment, VanHoose had put his business, Highwood Creek Outfitters, up for sale for $1.75 million early last year. The indictment does not make clear what drew the IRSs attention to VanHoose and his business in the first place but says an undercover agent posing as a buyer contacted the real estate agent trying to sell the business on Feb. 6, 2023.

During that initial conversation, according to the indictment, the real estate agent told the undercover IRS agent that not everything flows to the tax returns. The real estate agent would afterward provide the undercover agent with business operations forms which showed net profits of $11,614 for 2020 and $16,234 for 2021 and tell the undercover agent there was off the books income that was substantial.

On March 20 last year, the real estate agent and VanHoose had a phone conversation with the undercover agent, whom VanHoose told there was more than meets the eye when it came to the businesss income and that he could say more if they spoke in person, according to the indictment.

The undercover agent went to the business on May 3, 2023, and during a tour, VanHoose told the agent he had skimmed about $450,000 in cash from the business and had not reported about 20% of sales to the IRS.

The indictment said that resulted in an underreporting of about $1.47 million, which meant VanHoose owed the IRS around $442,000, based on his own admissions.

The undercover agent asked VanHoose how he could underreport income when any firearm sold also required the business to fill out an ATF Form 4473 that identifies the make, model and serial number of the weapon.

According to the indictment, VanHoose said it was easy to do because the IRS didnt know what he was paying for the guns or how much he was selling them for. The indictment says he told the undercover agent that the forms had accurate sales information, but VanHoose would underreport his income.

IRS agents executed a search warrant at the business on June 14 last year, seizing the ATF Form 4473s that had the actual gun prices on them and confirmed VanHoose was skimming cash and underreporting his income.

Comparing the businesss point-of-sales system records with VanHoose bank records, the agents found VanHoose deposited about $726,000 less in cash than was recorded in the system. The records also showed he sold guns at a higher price than what was put into the system by around $187,000.

The indictment says VanHoose also prepared ATF forms for about $572,000 in guns he sold or gave to others and never entered those transactions into the system. It says he also lied to his accountant and provided them incomplete records, did not deposit cash sales into his bank account, and gave his accountant bank account records that did not include all of his income.

The records obtained pursuant to the search warrant reflected VanHoose underreported, consistent with his statements, approximately 20% of his income, which was $1,486,404.24, the indictment says. Had VanHoose accurately reported this income, it would have caused an additional tax due and owing of approximately $492,254.

Response to the warrant execution from Montana delegation

When news of the search warrant execution by the IRS and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms reached Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Montana, he quickly responded and criticized the IRS and Biden administration, which at the time was working to boost the IRSs staffing to collect more money from people dodging tax payments.

On the day the warrant was executed, Rosendale said he was incredibly disturbed that the business had been closed  without any warning.

This is yet another example of the Biden Administration weaponizing federal agencies to target and harass hardworking Americans, Rosendale said on June 14 last year. We cannot allow Biden to continue expanding these agencies to infringe on our liberties.

Two days later, after meeting with VanHoose in Great Falls, he wrote a letter to the ATF director and IRS commissioner calling the warrant execution outrageous and a witch hunt, and saying the agencies were exhibiting a pattern of intimidation and harassment against hardworking Americans.

I remind both Director Dettelbach and Commissioner Werfel that Congress has the power of the purse, and I will ensure that funding for these agencies is not weaponized against the American people, Rosendale wrote in the letter.

A week after the warrant was executed, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, sent the IRS a letter asking for more information about the raid and saying he had concerns that agents had seized the ATF Form 4473s that contained personally identifiable information about people who had bought guns there, and that local law enforcement had purportedly not been informed about the warrant execution.

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, also sent the two a letter on June 23 acknowledging there are limits on sharing information during an ongoing investigation while asking what steps they were taking to provide local law enforcement necessary information about the case and what was being done to ensure peoples privacy was being protected on the ATF forms.

Following those letters, the IRS announced on July 24 it would end most unannounced visits to taxpayers by revenue officers, and the commissioner said those changes will increase confidence in our tax administration work and improve overall safety for taxpayers and IRS employees.

But there are limited exceptions, including service of summonses and subpoenas, and sensitive enforcement activities involving seizure of assets where unannounced visits are still allowed.

On June 30 last year, Rosendale introduced a bill he called the Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act that sought to prohibit the agency from buying or possessing any firearms or ammunition and move its criminal investigation division under the Department of Justice.

In late September, Daines said at a Senate committee hearing in front of President Joe Bidens nominee for chief counsel of the IRS that he was not sure why the IRS would be seizing the ATF forms and that IRS agents were targeting everyday Americans, citing the warrant execution.

These actions show the IRS isnt going after wealthy tax cheats, they are going after main street businesses, Daines said.

Rosendale in October introduced another bill that sought to remove personal information from ATF Form 4473 and require any federal agency to work through the ATF when requesting one of those forms.

And last November, Rosendale again cited the warrant execution at Highwood Creek Outfitters when he voted for a bill seeking to strip out funding Biden had requested for the increased number of IRS agents.

A spokesperson for Rosendale did not respond to a request for comment on VanHooses indictment on Friday.

A spokesperson for Daines explained he had been concerned about a lack of transparency and answers from the IRS concerning the ATF form seizures.

When the IRS raided Highwood Creek Outfitters in 2023, Senator Daines was concerned with the lack of transparency and answers from the IRS, especially considering an unknown number of Montanans personally identifiable information was reportedly seized without any clarification. Also, local law enforcement were kept in the dark about the raid, but were expected to answer the communitys rightful concerns about 20 armed agents from the federal government in their town, the spokesperson said. Daines trusts the judicial process and will respect the outcome.

A spokesperson for Tester released the following statement on the indictment: Senator Tester believes every American should be treated fairly before our legal system and expects this case to be no different.

VanHoose is set to be arraigned in the case in Great Falls at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 before a U.S. magistrate judge. Each of the five counts carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a year of supervised release upon conviction.
"No New Gas" is written on a banner on a rubber dinghy. Greenpeace activists protest against the extraction of natural gas around 20 kilometers northwest of the island of Borkum. Lars Penning/dpa

The Greenpeace environmental advocacy group ended its protest against planned natural gas extraction off the Dutch and German North Sea coast on Friday, following a ruling the previous evening by an Amsterdam court.

The court sided with the Dutch energy company One-Dyas, which had applied for an injunction against the environmentalists.

One-Dyas plans to drill for natural gas off the Wadden Sea islands of Schiermonnikoog and Borkum. The drilling platform was scheduled to be installed this week, but since Tuesday around 20 Greenpeace activists with boats and floating islands had prevented the construction from taking place.

One-Dyas filed a lawsuit stating that the construction work was being significantly delayed by the protest action, putting the planned December start of natural gas production at risk at a major potential cost to the firm.

The court noted that all the necessary permits had been granted for the project.

Greenpeace is now prohibited from coming within 500 metres of the construction site.

Greenpeace, along with island residents, fears environmental damage to the coast, the islands and the Wadden Sea.

Greenpeace opposes the production of fossil fuels in light of the ongoing climate crisis. "The activists are now withdrawing, but our protest continues," Greenpeace posted on X.
DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  Google has set a date for when construction will begin on two new data centers in Dorchester County.

Gov. Henry McMaster, along with state, local, and Google officials, will attend the ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 9, at 1055 Research Center Drive in Ridgeville.

The tech giant said they will announce additional details for the center and new investments in South Carolina at the groundbreaking. Dorchester County Economic Development Office and Google made their partnership on the project public in February.

Nearby Berkeley County has been home to one of Googles data centers for 15 years with the companys investment giving back in different ways to the county.

The corporation dumped $500 million into the Berkeley County site in 2021 for expansion. During its time open, however, the site has come under fire for its water usage.

In 2019, the Coastal Conservation League asked what was formerly the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control to hold off on allowing increased water usage until further testing could be performed.

According to Googles 2024 environmental report, the center consumed 763.4 million gallons of water in 2023 and withdrew 847.2. The water used to cool the system servers is pulled from an aquifer, and additional surface water is provided by Berkeley County Water and Sanitation.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A group looking to expand access to medical marijuana in Arkansas by putting the issue on the November ballot is now getting some more time to get the needed petition signatures.

Officials with Secretary of State John Thurstons office said that the group, Arkansans for Patient Access, is receiving a 30-day cure period after collecting approximately 77,000 signatures.

Arkansas secretary of state approves casino ballot measure, marijuana proposal gets more time to gather signatures

Mellissa Fults with Arkansans for Patient Access said getting 14,000 signatures to meet the more than 90,000 signature threshold in 30 days is doable because the amendment is all about the patients.

The role of prescribing medical marijuana in Arkansas is limited to doctors, but this proposal would add nurse practitioners, physicians assistants and pharmacists.

The medical condition qualifications in the current law would also be broadened to include whatever a healthcare practitioner feels is debilitating for a patient and could be treated with marijuana.

Medical marijuana cards would also expire after three years under the proposal, instead of the current one-year limit.

We knew that wed have a cure period and were excited about it we need 14,000 more signatures, Fults said.

Arkansas medical marijuana sales down $5.5 million since 2023, DFA says

Arkansas Family Council, which opposes the effort, released a statement on the cure period being assigned.

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Melinda French Gates said she would donate $1 billion to individuals and organizations working on behalf of women globally at the IMF headquarters in Washington in April 2023. Credit - Jose Luis MaganaAP Photo

In recent years, the philanthropic world has increasingly recognized that investing in women and girls is essential for humanity to progress. Governments including Sweden, Canada, France, and Wales have adopted feminist approaches to their international development agendas, while some billionaires like Melinda French Gateswho recently announced $1 billion in spending on women and families over the next two yearshave put their support behind organizations working on urgent issues such as reproductive rights in the U.S.

Research unequivocally backs the importance of funding this type of work: the World Bank argues that gender equality is smart economics, while a McKinsey report says that addressing the womens health gap could add years to life and life to yearspotentially boosting the global economy by $1 trillion annually by 2040.

Despite exciting new funding commitments, however, wider numbers paint a less encouraging picture. In 2022, womens rights organizations received only 0.34% of Official Development Assistance, or global aid flow designed to promote economic development and welfare, while only 0.42% of foundation grants were allocated towards womens rights, according to the Association for Womens Rights in Development, or AWID. The Womens Philanthropy Institute finds that less than 2% of philanthropic giving in the U.S. directly benefits women and girls.

Read More: Melinda French Gates Is Going It Alone

There is a lot of talk about doing this work globally, but not many dollars match that talk, says Kiersten Marek, who founded the website Philanthropy Women. I would argue that there is a say/do gap in gender justice funding, both in the U.S. and globally.

Even when donors take a gender lens to their giving portfolio, Marek says they tend to scale back their vision for feminist philanthropy over time. For example, Jennifer and Peter Buffett, the Founders and Co-Chairs of the NoVo Foundation, pledged a staggering $90 million in 2016 towards addressing structural problems facing girls and young women of color in the U.S.the largest effort ever made by a private organization. Even so, by 2020, the Buffets had canceled plans to fund a womens building in Manhattan and halted funding for critical programs focused on women and girls, saying that more donors needed to pony up for the work.

Donors have a tendency to start off strong and strident, and then lose momentum over time, Marek explains.

Meanwhile, the need for funding has grown exponentially against a political landscape in which authoritarianism is on the rise and humanitarian crises have erupted around the world. In 2020, for example, the U.S. joined Brazil, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, and Uganda to co-sponsor an international anti-abortion declaration. Between 2013 and 2017, the anti-gender movementwhich the U.N. describes as opposition to reproductive rights, sexuality, and gender-sensitive education in schools, the rights of the LGBT community, and in some cases, even the very notion of genderreceived over $3.7 billion, more than triple the funding for LGBT groups globally in those years.

In developing countries, womens rights are being rolled back in extreme ways: the Taliban government in Afghanistan has banned women and girls from going to school, while women have been caught in the crossfire during the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. In countries like Sudan, women and girls are especially vulnerable to violence after a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted last year.

Keeley Longate, co-director of a philanthropic initiative called the Gender Funders CoLab, says private organizations often struggle to align their work towards common causes that advance womens rights. Philanthropy isn't built to be super collaborative, but there is a desire and a real, deep sense that gender work is essential, says Longate.

To help bridge this gap, 10 years ago, Longates CoLab brought together some of the biggest private foundations to form a community of funders who can leverage their power to supply more resources, particularly in the global south and east. Its members include the Ford Foundation, the Foundation for a Just Society, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, among others.

Between 2014 and 2023, CoLab members moved at least $2.2 billion to womens rights and gender equality work. In 2017, the group helped secure a $45 million fund from the Dutch government for four Global South womens funds, with private members agreeing to fund an accompanying initiative. In 2019, it helped establish the Equality Fundthe largest single investment ever made by a government in global feminist movements by securing $300 million from the Canadian government after many private foundations held meetings in Ottawa to shine a light on funding feminist movements. And it has secured $354 million in pooled fund grants from bilateral donors, including for the Bulgarian Fund for Women, which supports 24 grassroots groups working to end gender-based violence.

CoLab has been able to bring the recognition that governments can't do everything, says Longate, so here are the places or spaces where philanthropy can complement governments, and where governments can support philanthropy. (This is the first time that CoLab has spoken out about its efforts publicly, in an effort to "further engage with the wider philanthropic community.")

Monica Aleman, the Ford Foundations international program director of gender, racial, and ethnic justice, who works closely with CoLab, says this work can only be done by strengthening public-private partnerships. Thats not something that we are accustomed to in the feminist movement, but I do think its important to open that door, says Aleman.

Read More: Decisions Are Still Being Made For Women, Instead of By Them. Were Suffering As a Result

The impact of feminist philanthropy can be enormous in directing resources to overlooked and underrepresented crises. A 2022 report from Shake the Table, a global research and action hub, and nonprofit advisory firm The Bridgespan Group found that womens funding was at the forefront of supporting social movements and had the highest impact. Womens funds play critical roles in moving money to groups traditionally locked out of mainstream funding opportunities, says a spokesperson for Shake the Table. Citing successful examples like the Black Feminist Fund in Sudan, the Dalan Fund supporting displaced Armenians of Nagorna-Karabakh, and the Urgent Action Fund in Papua New Guinea, the group has called on philanthropists to invest about $1.5 billion annually.

Yet, there is still a long way to go. While announcing her new chapter in philanthropy, Melinda French Gates wrote: In nearly 20 years as an advocate for women and girls, I have learned that there will always be people who say its not the right time to talk about gender equality.

She continued, Its frustrating and shortsighted.

Write to Astha Rajvanshi at astha.rajvanshi@time.com.
From online banking, to Instagram and TikTok, data centres process the flow of information using rows upon rows of power-hungry computers. (Jacob Wackerhausen via Getty Images)

Enbridge (ENB.TO)(ENB) and TC Energy (TRP.TO)(TRP) are spelling out plans to power the physical infrastructure for a data-hungry future. Both companies say their natural gas transmission pipelines will play a central role in generating power for a growing number of data centres.

From online banking, to Instagram and TikTok, data centres process the flow of information using rows upon rows of power-hungry computers. The power needs within a single room can rival a typical residential neighbourhood. By 2026, the International Energy Agency estimates data centres could draw as much electricity as all of Japan.

Data centres need base load power solutions such as natural gas to support the 24/7 energy demands of hyperscalers, Enbridge chief executive officer Greg Ebel told investors on a post-earnings conference call on Friday. You cant run a full-time economy on part-time power.

Enbridge became North Americas largest natural gas utility following a trio of acquisitions in the United States last year. The company is also a major supplier of renewable power, which Ebel notes as a priority for the large blue-chip customers Enbridge is in talks with.

I heard a statistic that there are over 250,000 jobs in Ontario tied to AI. In fact, more than in Silicon Valley," said Michele Harradence, Enbridge's executive vice-president, and president of gas distribution and storage, said on Fridays call. "Without question, there are a lot of inbound [inquiries] going on in Ontario about data centre growth.

On Thursday, TC Energys executive vice-president and chief operating officer said data centres are now clustering where energy infrastructure is already in place, rather than prioritizing proximity to telecom infrastructure.

Speaking to analysts on TC's quarterly conference call, Stan Chapman added that of the more than 300 data centres proposed or under construction in the U.S., 60 per cent are within 80 kilometres of TCs natural gas system.

Our best-in-class footprint doesnt limit the opportunity set just to the U.S., Chapman said. In Canada, there are around 300 data centre operations today. We could see that (power demand) load increasing by one to two gigawatts before the end of the decade.

This weeks comments by Enbridge and TC executives continue the significant discussion about the energy needs of data centres by Canadian energy companies last quarter.

Beyond conventional utilities, uranium miner Cameco (CCO.TO)(CCJ) and fuel cell-maker Ballard Power Systems (BLDP.TO)(BLDP) have said they are eyeing opportunities from the expected proliferation of data centres in North America.

Story continues

Jeff Lagerquist is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow him on Twitter @jefflagerquist.

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The Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority is set to negotiate the proposed contract of General Manager Ed Bielarski which indicates a $23,000 raise from his predecessor at an Aug. 7 meeting.

Bielarski, who served briefly as the chair of the GRU Authority, and three other authority members voted in June to fire the previous general manager, Tony Cunningham, and place Bielarski in his seat. Bielarski had to resign from his spot on the authority to do so, and weeks later the authority decided to make him the permanent general manager/CEO rather than interim.

The decisions made by the authority essentially mean that Bielarski, along with other members, appointed Bielarski to the highest paid role at the city of Gainesville without conducting a search or entering a competitive hiring process. The contract, to be voted on Wednesday, shows Bielarski getting paid $332,000, a $23,000 increase from Cunninghams $309,000. The proposed contract at $332,000 would make Bielarski the highest paid employee in Gainesville history.

This is a big slap in the face to GRU workers, former and current. Former workers who are let go under the auspices of needing to cut costs to lower rates or stabilize rates, current employees who are being overworked, said Bobby Mermer, coordinator for the Alachua County Labor Coalition. Everybody's being asked to tighten their belts, except for [Bielarski,] who is being gifted this larger belt. It's obscene, really.

GRU General Manager Ed Bielarski is shown May 23 when he was serving as chair of the GRU Authority.

More: 'Ed Bielarski show': GRU board fires manager, appoints resigning member to interim position

More: Here are the 12 applicants that applied for the GRU Authority board

Bielarski previously served as the general manager of GRU and was fired in 2022 by the Gainesville City Commission before attempting a failed bid for mayor. While he accomplished some major projects during his tenure, including the 2017 purchase of the biomass plant, commissioners believed that he fell short on other larger initiatives, including a solar project, a contract to provide the University of Florida with power and a partnership with Florida Power & Light.

In addition to the salary raise, Bielarski, who recently took vacation for a couple weeks following only a month on the job, also will be given an immediate 104 hours of paid time off, meaning taxpayers will reimburse him for his pre-planned vacation prior to having a contract.

Authority member Craig Carter said Bielarskis family RV trip was planned before Bielarski was even appointed to the utility board.

Giving weeks worth of PTO upfront has historically not been given to most hires and raises questions for some over Bierlarakis motives to fire Cunningham and take his job knowing his trip was planned.

Its sort of weird to clean house, quote, unquote, ax all those jobs, and then head off on an RV trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, just to come back and be paid for it, Mermer said.

The contract would allow Bielarski to accrue nearly 11 hours of PTO per pay period with a maximum of 560 hours that are able to be paid out should he resign or be terminated.

The contract also includes a section that offers Bielarski 20 weeks of severance pay  around $128,000  under circumstances that include but are not limited to, the dissolution of the GRU Authority.

And, the authority may be dissolved later this year.

Gainesville city commissioners voted in June to pass an ordinance that will bring the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority boards existence to voters this November.

The ballot measure will ask voters to decide whether or not to delete the article of the citys charter that created the authority. The amendment to the citys charter was made with the passing of HB-1645.

This just flies in the face of everything he said the utility needs, Mermer said. It needed to be shook up, needed to tighten its belt, and I don't see why that has to apply to everybody but Ed Bielarski.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: New Gainesville Regional Utilities GM contract proposes $23K raise
MOVILLE, Iowa (KCAU)  Fair season has returned to Woodbury County.

KCAU 9 Chief Meteorologist Victor Perez made the trip out to the Woodbury County Fairgrounds in Moville for the Woodbury County Fair.

During his trip to the fair, Victor decided to take a break from predicting the weather and asked a few fairgoers to predict the weather on his behalf.

You can watch these guest weather predictions in the video players above and below.

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PLYMOUTH  A Marshfield woman has been found guilty of the murder of her husband.

Christine Ricci was found guilty Friday by a Plymouth County jury of second-degree murder and one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in the 2021 stabbing of Michael Ricci at their Marshfield home.

The verdict came after a six-day trial, during which multiple witnesses testified to the 49-year-old's inability to move on from an affair her husband had in 2018.

She had been charged with first-degree murder and did not testify on her own behalf during the trial.

The jury, which included four alternates, consisted of nine men and six women. They deliberated for about an hour Thursday, Aug. 1, after closing arguments were made in the case before going home for the day. The verdict Friday came after a total of 2 hours of deliberations, according to the Plymouth County district attorney's office.

Christine Ricci enters court during her murder trial on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in the stabbing death of her husband, Michael, in 2021 at their Marshfield home.

Prosecutors: Jealousy, anger over affair sparked long series of arguments

Prosecutors said Christine Ricci's jealousy and anger over the affair led to another in a long series of arguments between the couple at their home on Jan. 28, 2021. The long-simmering tensions boiled over when Christine Ricci stabbed her 51-year-old husband in the heart and shoulder, causing him to collapse, prosecutors said. He also had a long scratch along his back.

Michael Ricci, a 23-year Boston firefighter, was taken to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, where he was pronounced dead.

Christine Ricci, who was 46 at the time of her arrest, said her husband had been suffering a manic episode for three days when he came in from shoveling snow. She said an argument ensued and that he became aggressive.

The kitchen knife the state claims Christine Ricci used to stab her husband in 2021.

Christine Ricci told police she grabbed a knife to scare him away. He then lunged at her and the two fell to the floor with him on top. Ricci said that's when the knife she was holding went into him. Her memory of what happened did not include the stab wound to his shoulder, his back laceration and cuts and abrasions to his hands from possible defensive wounds.

Prosecutors: Not telling EMTs about possible wounds was harmful to Michael Ricci

Christine Ricci didn't mention any possible stab wounds when EMTs first arrived, which prosecutors said negatively affected how Michael Ricci was treated at the scene.

Citing doctor-patient confidentiality and other issues, Judge Diane Freniere ruled before closing arguments Aug. 1 that the defense could not use any medical or mental health records of Michael Ricci to introduce Christine Ricci's manic episode claim. Freniere also denied a defense motion to use a self-defense argument in the case, saying the actions, as detailed by Ricci, are outside of what self-defense might cover

A photo of Michael Ricci is shown during the murder trial of his wife, Christine Ricci, in his 2021 stabbing death at their Marshfield home.

Couple's three children testified

Highlights of the trial included testimony by the couple's three children, who range in age from their teens to 20s. The youngest of the children said his mother seemed committed to helping their father as he joined Alcoholics Anonymous in 2018 after admitting to the affair, and she was working to help him with purported memory issues.

The two other children bolstered prosecutors' claims about Christine Ricci's constant rehashing of the affair and the arguments that followed from that. Their oldest child, Michael Ricci Jr., described his mother as bringing up the infidelity on a nearly daily basis. He said his mother's behavior changed since 2018 and that she had become verbally and physically aggressive toward the family as a whole.

Defense attorney Joshua Wood said those fights, along with scratches, black eyes and other injuries that friends, family and co-workers said they had seen on Michael as a result of them, came in the six to nine months after the affair and did not happen in the immediate lead-up to whatever happened in the home that day.

Assistant District Attorney Beth Kusmin makes her closing statements during Christine Ricci's murder trial on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

The couple's teenage daughter Sophia, however, was in her bedroom at the time and said she could hear her parents' arguments but paid little to attention because she said such arguments had become the norm. She only knew something more serious had happened when her mother yelled up the stairs for her to call 911.

Michael Ricci's affair partner testifies

Janeen Bouchard, the woman with whom Michael Ricci had the six-week affair, testified about visits Christine Ricci made to her home in early 2019 and 2020, the latter of which involved police being called to get her to leave. She also discussed an ongoing series of text messages in which Bouchard said Ricci constantly asked her for more details of the affair, which Bouchard eventually stopped answering.

Bouchard said Michael Ricci told her he and his wife were separated and planned to divorce, which came as news to Christine Ricci, whose behavior toward her was "all over the place."

Defense attorney Joshua Wood makes his closing statement to the jury during Christine Ricci's murder trial on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

In his closing, Wood reminded jurors the entire incident in 2021 lasted for only about 15 minutes. While the daughter was home, she said she could not make out what was specifically being said, leaving Christine Ricci as the only surviving witness as to what actually happened. He stressed that the jury should find her not guilty if they are not absolutely certain of what happened in the home that day.

Sentencing scheduled for Aug. 22

Christine Ricci is scheduled to be sentenced at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, in Plymouth Superior Court.

David R. Smith covers breaking, trending and restaurant news for The Patriot Ledger. He can be reached at Drsmith@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Christine Ricci found guilty of murder in husband's Marshfield stabbing
(Bloomberg) -- Guinea has sentenced Moussa Dadis Camara, the military leader who ruled the bauxite-rich nation from 2008 to 2009, to 20 years in prison for his role in a mass killing while he was in power.

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Camara completely failed in his duty to stop the massacre, Judge Ibrahima Sory II Tounkara said in the judgment at a criminal court in Conakry, the the capital on Wednesday. The court reclassifies the facts initially classified as assassination, murder, rape and kidnapping as crimes against humanity, he said.

More than 150 people died in September 2009 when gunmen opened fire on a stadium demonstration in Conakry called to protest Camaras plan to run for the presidency. In addition, hundreds were injured and more than 100 women were raped, according to an international investigation commissioned by the United Nations.

The verdict comes after almost two years of trial.

Camara denied wrong doing, putting the blame on the soldiers who committed the atrocity.

We are going to appeal the decision, Pepe Antoine Lama, lawyer for Camara, said by telephone. The verdict of the court is a scandalous decision rendered in violation of the right of defense.

The former leaders aide-de-camp Aboubacar Diakite was sentenced to 10 years in prison, Tounkara said. The parties have 15 days to appeal the decision, he said.

Camara, an army captain, seized power in a December 2008 coup following the death of General Lansana Conte who led for 24 years.

In addition to being a major exporter of bauxite, a reddish ore used to produce aluminum, Guinea also has the worlds largest untapped iron ore deposit.

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That had to be bittersweet  how Biden managed a historic prisoner swap as his campaign was disintegrating

President Joe Bidens mind was elsewhere as he watched the fireworks explode in the sky above the White House on July 4.

Two epic sagas were unfolding behind the scenes. Both would come to help define his presidency. A U.S.-brokered international prisoner exchange was coming together, and his campaign was falling apart.

Biden, his aides said, appeared that day to be focused on only one of those issues  bringing home three Americans detained in Russia: Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva.

And for those listening to Bidens remarks on the South Lawn that day, the secret negotiations added extra heft to his traditional sign-off: We gotta just remember who the hell we are, he said. Were the United States of America.



Privately, Biden and his inner circle were on edge, uncertain exactly where the next few weeks would lead. They calculated that how they handled the month of July was crucial for him politically and personally. And the one thing that might have shown the American public the president was very much engaged in governing was something they couldnt talk about.

What people didnt know was how much was going on behind the scenes on the foreign policy front, a U.S. official said. And it required the presidents attention at every turn. He was involved in every discussion.

The deal to free Americans from Russian custody was underway well before Bidens disastrous debate performance on June 27, and U.S. officials stressed that the presidents calculations on the swap were not affected by his considerations of whether to step down.

But the two are connected. The timing of the two precarious negotiations means they are paired together in the memories of many on Bidens team, perhaps with at least some sense of we told you so.

On July 21, one of the lowest days of Bidens presidency, the knowledge he might finally fulfill a foreign policy promise that had long eluded him offered a lone  if oddly timed  bright spot.

On that day, on the Sunday that he announced that he wasnt going to run  in those same hours, he was dealing with this issue and making calls, said U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Jeff Flake. I thought that was quite extraordinary, something hed been working on, obviously for a long time, having to close it out and get it done at the same time he was announcing  that had to be bittersweet for him.

Biden would have to wait more than a week after his announcement to share the news with the world.

This story is based on interviews with 13 officials, staffers and diplomats, most of whom were granted anonymity to speak freely about the inner workings of the Biden White House. They detailed how the White House dealt with one risky global negotiation while coming to terms with the fact that the man leading the effort was likely going to have to end his long political career.

Getting to yes

As the calls for Biden to abandon his bid for a second term grew louder in the second week of July, the president became even more defiant that hed stay in the race.

Im not going anywhere, Biden told Morning Joe in an interview July 8.

And he continued to express confidence in private that the prisoner-exchange would go through.

On July 9, the day after that interview, European officials flocked to Washington for the annual NATO meeting. National security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken and their staff used it as a chance to speak with German counterparts about the proposed swap.



By that time, the Russians had indicated through intelligence channels with the U.S. that it was ready to move forward with the prisoner exchange.

When that happened, it was all hands on deck, one U.S. official said.

The deal had been in the works for more than a year. Following the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner, Sullivan and Biden devised a plan to get back more American hostages from Russia, including Gershovich and Whelan.

When Russia rejected an initial proposal in January 2023, Sullivan concocted a strategy that would pull in various countries in Europe, primarily Germany. If the U.S. could expand the deal, it might allow for more room at the negotiating table.

But the Russians presented another hitch in Sullivans planning: They told the U.S. in March 2023 they wanted Vadim Krasikov, a colonel in the FSB who killed a Chechen dissident in 2019, freed from prison in Germany. Days later, Gershovich was arrested in Russia on March 29, 2023.

Throughout the rest of that year, Sullivan and CIA Director Bill Burns spoke several times with counterparts in Europe and in Russia to try and work out a way to get the deal done. The biggest obstacle for Washington: Getting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to agree to release Krasikov. His government was not receptive to that idea at first, according to another U.S. official.

After much pressing, the Germans relented. And in early June, the White House did a final push to get the Russians to agree to the prisoner swap. The Russians signed off on the deal in mid July, the first U.S. official said.

But as the final stage of the negotiations unfolded, Biden was in the midst of trying to fend off a mutiny from inside his party.

A political crisis unfolds

Following his stumbling and shaky late June debate performance, lawmakers on Capitol Hill and others in Washington called for him to step aside. First, it was the Republicans. Then, slowly, came the Democrats, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Biden dug in. He appeared on stage at a rally in the days following his debate, saying though he was older, he was still a strong candidate. Aides rushed to his defense, telling reporters he was still fit for office  and that he was the one Americans needed to navigate difficult global moments.

On every issue that is of critical importance to the world ... foreign leaders have been turning to him as they always have. And when I speak to our most important allies and leaders, they have all expressed his confidence in his ability to do the job today, Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser to Biden working on Middle East issues, told POLITICO last month.

Officials inside the White House described the middle of July as one of the most intense two weeks of their entire time working in the Biden administration.

They were working behind the scenes on the prisoner swap, trying to rescue a faltering cease-fire negotiation in the Middle East, dealing with fallout from the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump and trying to convince America that its leader was still fit to lead.

It was a remarkable turn of events that tested even the most politically battle-worn staffers and officials.

By mid-July, the chorus of people calling for Biden to leave had grown to a crescendo.

But while the political crisis consumed his campaign team, Bidens national security staff were occupied with trying to finalize the final logistical details of the prisoner swap.

Biden was navigating both of these challenges with the added burden of having to do it from afar; hed tested positive for Covid during a campaign swing, forcing him into an extended period of isolation at the most inopportune moment.

Sullivan, who was at the Aspen Security Conference in Colorado, defended Biden on stage during his panel saying, I am damn glad we have that guy sitting at the head of the table in the Situation Room.

On the sidelines of the conference he was making last-minute calls to European colleagues about the prisoner exchange.

There was a chance at that moment that the Russia deal could all fall apart.

A legal snafu in Slovenia risked upending the entire deal. The details of that issue are still murky, but it included getting the Slovenian courts to allow for the release of the Russian prisoner.

On July 21, still recovering from Covid and holed up at his Delaware beach home for a fifth straight day, Biden called Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob to convince him to move quickly to resolve the problem so that the Russian imprisoned in the country could be released along with the rest.

By that point, Biden had already decided to end his political career, a reversal he had come to terms with the night before and made final earlier that morning. His conversation with Golob would be one of his last, and perhaps most consequential, calls before going public.

The hostage deal was final in all but a few logistical details that day. But it was kept secret until Americans actually were transferred out of Russian custody on Thursday.

A win for the Biden approach to the world

Officials across the administration had spent months working toward the agreement in fits and starts  a bumpy process that Sullivan attributed to the realities of delicate international discussions, rather than the political trials that Biden was enduring closer to home.

The different elements coming together was a feature of the diplomacy and the decision making of each of the countries involved, Sullivan said on Thursday. It wasnt about American politics, the American political calendar, the presidents thinking on other issues.



Since the announcement about the deal, White House officials have insisted the prisoner swap was a deal only Biden could have pulled off.

The deal, they argue, could not have been without alliances, which Biden has prized and Trump has questioned.

This exchange is not by accident. It really is the result of a heck of a lot of leadership by President Biden and by the strength of relationships, one of the U.S. officials said.

Or, as Fiona Hill, a former senior Russia adviser to Trump who has since become a fierce critic, put it: The Germans would be very unlikely to do this for Trump.

At the podium Thursday, surrounded by the family members of the American prisoners, Biden acknowledged how he relied on his colleagues overseas to help clinch the deal that could define his presidencys final months.

The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship, Biden said. I can think of nothing more consequential.

Matt Berg, Miles Herszenhorn and Nahal Toosi contributed to this report.
I had my first baby in Switzerland and the second after moving home to Chicago. Giving birth in the US left much to be desired.

Chantal Panozzo had her first baby in Switzerland and the second after moving back to the US. Chantal Panozzo

Chantal Panozzo gave birth to her first baby abroad and the second one back home in Chicago.

She found the level of care she received in Switzerland to be much greater than in the US.

The US system seemed broken, and she felt fortunate not to be a first-time mother.

Perched on the edge of the exam table at my doctor's office in a Chicago suburb, I was shivering under my thin gown.

"Do you have any questions about the delivery?" My OB-GYN stepped back and readjusted her glasses.

I paused. My questions were not about the mechanics of delivery, since I had already given birth once before in Switzerland  but more about the way birth was handled in a place that still felt foreign to me after almost a decade away  my own country.

I wanted to ask why the US has the highest maternal death rates in the developed world. I wanted to ask if the birth would cost more than $3,000  the price for delivery, and a five-night stay in a Swiss hospital, which is fully covered by Swiss insurance. I wanted to ask why we are the only developed nation in the world without paid family leave.

Instead, I asked something simpler. Something that had a yes or no answer.

"Does the hospital have birthing stools?"

My doctor's wrinkles deepened.

"What's a birthing stool?"

Arrival at the delivery ward in the US vs Switzerland

So no, the suburban Chicago hospital had no birthing stool. When I arrived, fully dilated and ready to deliver, they also had no record of me (or perhaps more importantly, of my insurance) despite the fact that I had already been there for my two allotted ultrasounds.

As I stood there, wincing in pain while they messed with their computer, I learned my first lesson at the American hospital: You can't push unless they can confirm you can pay.

This "welcome" was in sharp contrast to my arrival at the Swiss hospital, where nurses met me at the door with a wheelchair and whisked me away to a birthing room, with no bureaucracy to hold my labor back.

When I was finally deemed worthy of a room at the American hospital, I was shown to a bed. I did not want to be on a bed. I knew from birthing my first child that lying on a bed was the most uncomfortable position of all.

I knew because the Swiss and German midwives who had attended the birth of my first child had prompted me to try almost every position and option they knew of to find what would make me the most comfortable. Yet when I continued to request an alternative situation at the US hospital, the nurse gave me an oxygen mask instead, perhaps to keep me quiet.

I felt lucky not to be a first-time mom in America

The other major difference was the overall level of care, both in the hospital and outside it. In Switzerland, the standard of care is a five-day hospital stay for a vaginal birth and a 10-day hospital stay for a C-section. Despite having a private insurer-based system like the US, the Swiss system is tightly regulated by a government that acknowledges that there's a basic level of care that all people deserve.

This includes the belief that a woman and her newborn need close monitoring across an extended period of time to ensure positive health outcomes for all.

Contrast this to the US, where I was discharged after less than 40 hours, with no follow-up care included other than a six-week, postpartum check-up at my OB-GYN's office. If I had been a first-time mother in the US, I couldn't have been taught to breastfeed right at the hospital, as a mother's milk doesn't come in for three or five days after birth.

During my five-day hospital stay in Switzerland, in addition to constantly monitoring my baby and my health, I was taught to breastfeed, diaper, and bathe my baby. I was asked if I'd like to go outside for a walk in the woods. I was also given a candlelight dinner with my husband within the hospital.

The level of care was outstanding, even with my basic Swiss health insurance (premium $274 a month) and even at a public hospital.

Then, after five days, I was only allowed to be discharged knowing I'd be under the continued care of a midwife, who came to my own home to check on me and the baby for another 10 days over the next month. All are covered completely by my Swiss insurance, with no surprise billing included.

The author found giving birth in Switzerland much easier than back home in Chicago. Chantal Panozzo

At the time, I had taken this level of care for granted. I had no idea how it compared to what new mothers experience in the US. But now I know: No time to heal or learn to breastfeed in a hospital, hardly any follow-up care for the newborn or herself, no legally mandated paid leave, and stress-inducing, opaque costs surrounding delivery and beyond.

My US, non-medicated birth cost my insurer over $9,000  more than three times the Swiss price for much less care  but I was "lucky." The average US birth costs insurers $18,865, with out-of-pocket payments for women enrolled in large group plans totaling $2,854, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. It's a staggering price to pay by world standards.

The system in the US felt broken

Five years later, I haven't been able to shed the feeling that something is wrong with the care in my own country. That we all deserve better. Especially considering we are paying so much more for so much less.

My experience is only mine, but statistics also show that there are problems behind the state of care in America. In June, the Commonwealth Fund reported that more women in the US are dying of pregnancy-related complications than in any other developed country. In 2022, the rate for infant mortality in the US also increased, per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

I was left feeling that healthcare doesn't have to be like this  I know from experience that in other wealthy countries, it isn't.

Chantal Panozzo is writing a book about what she wishes she'd known about American life before giving up her Swiss residency permit.

Got a personal essay about culture shock or relocating a family that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor: akarplus@businessinsider.com .

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ismail Haniyeh, chairman of the politburo of the Palestinian Hamas movement, meets with then President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi. Palestinian militant organization Hamas has said on Telegram that Haniyeh, was killed in a "Zionist raid" on his residence in Tehran. -/Iranian Presidency/dpa

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, whose assassination in Tehran earlier this week sparked fears of a wider war in the Middle East, was buried in Qatar following Friday prayers.

Thousands of mourners gathered at Doha's Imam Abdul Wahhab Mosque, the largest state mosque in Qatar, to bid farewell to the man regarded as the Islamist Palestinian group's overall leader.

The funeral service, which was attended by Qatari and Arab officials, began at midday with a call to prayer at the mosque.

After the service mourners accompanied Haniyeh's casket, draped in the Palestinian flag, in a procession. He was later buried in a cemetery in the city of Lusail, north of Doha.

As the caskets of Haniyeh and his bodyguard, who was also killed in the attack on Wednesday, went out of the mosque chants echoed "Rest rest Haniyeh, Hamas will go on."

Qatari state television, which broadcast the ceremony, reported that the highest security precautions has been taken. It added that the burial ceremony would therefore took place only within the immediate family circle.

"I tell you his blood will be mixed with the blood of the Palestinian martyrs and it will bring victory and Liberation to our nation," Khalil al-Haya, a senior Hamas official, was seen in a video posted on the movement's Telegram channel telling Haniyeh's family.

Haniyeh, and some of his family, had been living in exile in the Gulf Emirate of Qatar for years.

He was killed on Wednesday in an Iranian government guest house in Tehran.

Haniyeh had gone to the Iranian capital for the inauguration of the new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iran and Hamas blame Israel for the brazen attack and have vowed retaliation. Israel has neither confirmed or denied a role in Haniyeh's death.

Thousands of people already joined a state-organized mourning ceremony in Tehran on Thursday.

Haniyeh and the dead in the Gaza Strip were commemorated in prayers in mosques in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

In Turkey, prayers for Haniyeh were also held in mosques across the country, as the Turkish state broadcaster TRT reported.

There were also solidarity events in Lebanon. Hundreds of people took to the streets in the capital Beirut to show solidarity with the slain Hamas leader.

Haniyeh had been part of the Islamist terrorist organization for decades.

In the ongoing war with Israel in the Gaza Strip, he had been a key player in negotiations to secure a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

The pro-Iranian Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah vowed on Thursday to avenge the recent Israeli assassination of the movement's top commander, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut, as well as Haniyeh's killing.

"Our response is coming," Nasrallah said during the funeral of Shukr, the group's top military commander and the head its operations in southern Lebanon.
By Nicoco Chan, Xihao Jiang and Bernard Orr

HANGZHOU, China (Reuters) - Mega-cities on China's eastern coast are facing another spell of scorching heat as temperatures hovered around 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on Friday and prolonged extreme temperatures were expected to run into next week.

The Shanghai Meteorological Center on Thursday issued the first red warning signal for high temperatures this year after the sprawling metropolis hit 40C, logging the 22nd day of temperatures over 40C since its Xujiahui weather station began tracking data in 1873.

In nearby Hangzhou, officials issued a red warning early on Friday, with some areas in Shangcheng district, Binjiang district, Gongshu district, and Xihu district hitting 40C. A red warning is the most severe in a three-tiered warning temperature system.

"It's so hot, like fire falling from the sky," said Wang, a 60-year-old tourist who travelled to Hangzhou from the cooler northern province of Hebei. "I'm sweating all over. There is wind but it is hot."

China recorded its hottest July in recent history on record, while July 22 was the hottest day ever recorded, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, which has tracked such global weather patterns since 1940.

Chinese weather forecasters also issued warnings for high temperatures for many parts of the country with Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Fujian provinces, Chongqing and Shanghai expected to see temperatures around 37-39C, and some areas at 40C or higher.

Treacherous heatwaves are becoming the norm in China as experts blame global climate changes for extreme weather conditions across the world.

"It's so hot and I am sweating all the time," said Li Wen, a 22-year-old tourist visiting Shanghai. "Everyone is wearing sun protection shirts, holding parasols, and taking precautions against the sunshine."

The country is bearing through yet another summer of torrid heat and weather experts expect more hotter and longer heatwaves for the foreseeable future.

(Reporting by Nicoco Chan and Xihao Jiang in Hangzhou and Bernard Orr in Beijing; Additional writing by Liz Lee; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
Haniyeh's last words: 'If a leader leaves, another will come'

A protest against the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, in Beirut

By Samia Nakhoul

(Reuters) - As if he knew his time had come, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's last words to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Ali Khamenei before he was assassinated in Tehran were a Koranic verse about life, death, immortality and resilience.

"It is Allah who gives life and causes death. And Allah is all-aware of all actions ... 'If a leader leaves, another will arise'," Haniyeh said in Arabic. A few hours later he was killed in a suspected Israeli strike on his guest house.

The comment, broadcast on television as Haniyeh addressed Khamenei, reflected deeply-held Islamist beliefs that shaped his life and approach to the Palestinians' conflict with Israel, one inspired by the late Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, who preached Holy Struggle (Jihad) against Israel in the 1980s.

Israel jailed and assassinated Yassin in 2004, but Hamas grew to become a powerful military force.

In a Reuters interview in Gaza in 1994, Haniyeh, who was buried in Qatar on Friday, said Yassin had taught them that Palestinians can only recover their occupied homeland through "the purified arms of its men and their struggle."

No Muslim should die in his bed while "Palestine" remains occupied, he quoted Yassin as saying.

For Palestinian supporters, Haniyeh and the rest of the Hamas leadership are fighters for liberation from Israeli occupation, keeping their cause alive when international diplomacy has failed them.

He said he learnt from Sheikh Yassin "the love of Islam and sacrifice for this Islam and not to kneel down to tyrants and despots."

Haniyeh became the tough-talking face of the Palestinian group's international diplomacy as war raged back in Gaza, where three of his sons - Hazem, Amir and Mohammad - and four of his grandchildren were killed in an Israeli air strike in April. At least 60 other members of his extended family were also killed in the Gaza war.

"The blood of my children is not more valuable than the blood of the children of the Palestinian people ... All the martyrs of Palestine are my children," he said after their deaths.

"Through the blood of the martyrs and the pain of the injured, we create hope, we create the future, we create independence and freedom for our people, he said. We say to the occupation that this blood will only make us more steadfast in our principles and attachment to our land.

'NORMALISATION WON'T END CONFLICT'

Appointed to the Hamas top job in 2017, Haniyeh moved between Turkey and Qatar's capital Doha, escaping the travel curbs of the blockaded Gaza Strip and enabling him to act as a negotiator in ceasefire talks or to speak with Hamas' ally Iran.

"All the agreements of normalisation that you (Arab states) signed with (Israel) will not end this conflict," Haniyeh declared shortly after Hamas fighters' Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel and took 250 as hostages.

Israel's response to the attack has been a military campaign that has killed around 40,000 people inside Gaza so far, and bombed much of the enclave into rubble.

In May, the International Criminal Court prosecutor's office requested arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders including Haniyeh, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes. Israel and Palestinian leaders have dismissed the allegations.

Haniyeh is the third Hamas leader to be assassinated by Israel over the past two decades. Israel killed Sheikh Yassin and his successor Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi within a month of each other in helicopter air strikes in 2004

Khaled Meshaal, tipped to succeed Haniyeh as leader, escaped in 1997 a botched assassination attempt ordered by Netanyahu.

Adeeb Ziadeh, a specialist in Palestinian affairs at Qatar University, said Hamas is an ideology and the killing of Haniyeh will not finish off the group nor make it surrender.

"Every time Hamas lost one leader, another leader came, sometimes even stronger in his performance and fulfilling Hamas principles," Ziadeh said.

Israel said on Thursday that Mohammed Deif, one of the masterminds of the Oct. 7 attack, was killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza last month. Saleh Al-Arouri, one of the founders of Hamas' military wing, was also killed in an Israeli drone strike on Beirut's southern suburbs in January 2024.

MILITARY FORCE

Hamas' 1988 founding charter called for the destruction of Israel, although Hamas leaders have at times offered a long-term truce with Israel in return for a viable Palestinian state on all Palestinian territory occupied by Israel in the 1967 war. Israel regards this as a ruse.

In the decades since, Hamas has fired thousands of rockets at Israel and fought several wars with the Israeli army while steadily building up its ranks and military force. Hamas also sent suicide bombers into Israel in the 1990s and 2000s.

In 2012, when asked by Reuters if Hamas had abandoned the armed struggle, Haniyeh replied "of course not" and said resistance would continue "in all forms - popular resistance, political, diplomatic and military resistance".

Yet for all the tough language, in public, Arab diplomats and officials had viewed him as relatively moderate compared with more hardline members of the Iranian-backed group inside Gaza, where the military wing of Hamas led by Yahya Sinwar planned the Oct. 7 attack.

While telling Israel's military they would find themselves "drowning in the sands of Gaza", he and his predecessor Khaled Meshaal had shuttled around the region for talks over a Qatari-brokered ceasefire deal with Israel that includes exchanging hostages for Palestinians in Israeli jails.

Yet Haniyeh, a Sunni Muslim, had a major hand building up Hamas' fighting capacity, partly by nurturing ties with Shi'ite Muslim Iran, which makes no secret of its military and financial support for the group.

When he left Gaza in 2017, Haniyeh was succeeded as Hamas leader in the territory by Sinwar, a hardliner who spent more than two decades in Israeli prisons.

(Additional reporting by Laila Bassam; Editing by Tom Perry and Andrew Cawthorne)
Kamala Harris presidential campaign on Friday said it raked in a staggering $310 million in July, over twice the haul Donald Trump raised last month.

More than $200 million of the vice presidents July total came in the first week of her candidacy and two-thirds of the overall sum was from first-time donors, according to the campaign. The $310 million boost to Harris is more than double the $138.7 haul Trump achieved in Julythe month in which he survived an assassination attempt and officially accepted the Republican nomination.

Democrats Rent News Homepages to Troll 'Scared' Trump

Harris campaign now has $377 million cash on hand, some $50 million more than Trumps $327 million war chest. The avalanche of donations in July has taken the total raised by Harris and Joe Biden before her to more than $1 billionthe fastest any presidential campaign has crossed the 10-figure threshold in history, the campaign said.

The Harris campaign also claimed July was the best grassroots fundraising month in presidential history with 94 percent of its donations being $200 or less.

This is a history-making haul for a candidate who will make history this November, Harris campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in a statement. The tremendous outpouring of support weve seen in just a short time makes clear the Harris coalition is mobilized, growing, and ready to put in the work to defeat Trump this November.

The astonishing Democratic figures come the day after Trump shared his pride in the total hed raised in July.

Spectacular support from Great American Patriots who are donating to our Campaign for President of the United States, and helping out in many other ways, the former president said in a statement posted on Truth Social. Much work to be done, but I will always keep fighting for YOU.

July turned into a significant month for the Trump campaign. The former president survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, accepted the Republican nomination at the convention in Milwaukee, announced a running mate in Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, and found himself running against a new candidate after President Joe Biden suspended his re-election campaign.

However, Trumps fundraising total for the month still lagged behind the campaigns peak for this year so far. The former president raked in $141 million in donations in Mayincluding $53 million on the day he was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in a New York court.

The Trump campaign did not immediately return a request for comment from The Daily Beast.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 01: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris gives the eulogy during Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's during funeral service at the Fallbrook Church on August 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Members of the community and elected officials gathered to honor the life of the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. Vice President Kamala Harris among other elected officials were in attendance for the funeral, where she will delivered remarks and the eulogy. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, praised the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, one of the most prominent Black women lawmakers in Congress, in a Thursday eulogy focused on the Texans decades of fierce advocacy.

Her fight was born out of love, she had a big, big heart, Harris said. Very few people have loved the people of Houston more than Sheila Jackson Lee.

Fallbrook Church in Houston hosted Jackson Lees homegoing service. Local and national leaders commended Jackson Lee for her public service.

Jackson Lee announced in early June that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment. She died July 19 at the age of 74.

She survived a previous breast cancer diagnosis.

Harris remarked that Jackson Lee would sometimes have to get a little creative to help her constituents. She recalled the city of Houston had a budget shortfall in 2011 and was going to close outdoor public pools and several community centers for the summer.

Well, Sheila Jackson Lee wasnt having that, Harris said.

Harris told how Jackson Lee called business owners and convinced them to donate more than $350,000 to keep the pools and community centers open.

She touched the lives of people all over our country, Harris said.

Advocate for Black community, women

A long-time advocate for progressive causes, Jackson Lee is known for her work in leading federal protections for women from domestic violence and making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

She was also an advocate for reparations for the descendants of enslaved African Americans, civil rights and voting rights. In 2021, Jackson Lee was arrested for civil disobedience over a federal voting rights bill.

She also served as whip of the Congressional Black Caucus and as the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the caucus.

She worked with all her heart to lift up the people of her city, of her state and of our nation. And to honor her memory, let us continue to fight to realize the promise of America, Harris said. A promise of freedom, opportunity and justice, not just for some, but for all.

Before Jackson Lee was elected to Congress, she sat on Houstons city council from 1990 to 1994.

She joined the House in 1995 and served this Congress on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee.

Accolades in Houston

Several members of Congress, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, paid their respects at Thursdays service.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also made remarks.

Jackson Lee was a surrogate for Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign, and gave a speech during the Democratic National Convention that year.

Hillary Clinton said she had a message for Jackson Lee, that Democrats will carry your good work onward. She added that she wished Jackson Lee could see Harris sworn in as the first Black and Asian American woman president if she wins this November.

Jeffries said that Jackson Lee was beloved by her colleagues in Congress and that he was amazed how Jackson Lee was always on the scene.

I dont think there was a single event on Capitol Hill that she missed, Jeffries said.

Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Pramila Jayapal of Washington said that Jackson Lee was courageous and caring.

She believed in our collective power to stand up for justice and she pulled all of us forward with her strength and her vision, Jayapal said.

President Joe Biden paid his respects earlier this week, bringing a bouquet of flowers to a service at Houston City Hall on Monday.

She spoke truth to power and represented the power of the people of her district in Houston with dignity and grace, Biden said.

During his visit, he also offered condolences to her immediate family: husband, Elwyn Lee, and their two adult children, Erica Lee Carter and Jason Lee, according to White House pool reports.

There was a guest book at the service that Biden signed: Fearless, proud, and bold. May God bless a dear friend and great American. May God bless you, Sheila Jackson Lee, according to the White House.
Harris gets enough votes to be Democratic presidential candidate

US Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's Biennial Boule at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Brian Cahn/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

US Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the necessary majority of delegate votes to be the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, the party said on Friday.

She reached the needed threshold of votes for the nomination in an online vote that had been brought forward due to issues involving the printing of ballots in some states. The party's convention is set to start in Chicago on August 19.

The announcement was not unexpected as no other candidate had thrown their hat into the Democratic race. Harris will now face former president Donald Trump, the Republican Party's nominee.

Voting began on Thursday via the party's online platform, where party delegates from all states were able to cast their votes. Voting will continue until Monday evening.

But Harris has already secured the necessary majority of votes from around 4,000 delegates.

The 59-year-old former California senator said she felt honoured and that she was ready to fight for a win on November 5.
WASHINGTON  The party votes have been cast: Vice President Kamala Harris is officially the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee  making U.S. history as the first Black woman and first Asian American from a major party to win that designation.

Harris secured the Democratic nomination on Friday afternoon, receiving the majority of votes  at least 2,350  from her party's delegates, just one day after voting opened. The Democratic National Committee held a livestream video hosted by Biden campaign aides and DNC chairman Jaime Harrison to mark the occasion.

"I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States," Harris said moments after she passed the delegate threshold during a Democratic party-sponsored livestream phone call. "Your dedication cannot be overstated. Your dedication to our country. I know we all feel this way so strongly. We love our country, we believe in the promise of America, and that's what this campaign is about."

Harris said she will officially accept the nomination next week, once the virtual voting period concludes on Monday. She added that she's looking forward to the Democratic National Convention that begins Aug. 19 in Chicago to "have an opportunity to celebrate this historic moment together."

Harris, 59, catapulted to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential election on July 21. Harris will go on to face Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, the 45th president, in November.

Vice President Harris quickly gained the backing of top leaders in her party, including Biden, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She's also been raking in record-breaking donations less than two weeks into her candidacy.

The DNC began a virtual roll call on Thursday at 9 a.m. for delegates to vote for Harris as the partys candidate. Delegates still have until the deadline on Monday at 6 p.m. ET to return their ballots.

I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party, Harrison said during the livestream.

He added: Today, my friends, is special because we can proudly say that we will have the first woman of color at the top of a major party ticket.

Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns for president in Atlanta on July 30, 2024.

Even before voting opened, Harris had accumulated more than enough delegate support to win the nomination.

Harris is expected to announce a vice presidential candidate before she is scheduled to appear in Philadelphia on Tuesday with her highly anticipated running mate. Additional stops next week for the duo are planned for western Wisconsin; Detroit; Raleigh, N.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Phoenix; and Las Vegas.

The DNC imposed a Wednesday deadline to virtually confirm the party's presidential and vice presidential nominees ahead of the Democratic National Convention later this month.

With less than 100 days until the election, the race between the two candidates is heating up.

Trump, the Republican nominee, and Harris are in a dead heat in several competitive, battleground states.

The former president has come out swinging against the Democratic candidate. During a combative interview on Wednesday at the National Association of Black Journalists annual conference, Trump used racist rhetoric toward Harris, questioning her racial identity. Harris, who slammed Trump's remarks, is Black and of South Asian descent.

Harris is facing an uptick in racist and misogynistic attacks after she became the leading candidate for the Democrats.

Trump and GOP allies have labeled Harris as a DEI candidate  a talking point using the acronym for diversity, equity and inclusion that conservatives are using to disqualify people of color or women who ascend to positions of power and influence.

Days after Harris became the Democratic candidate, a video of Sen. JD Vance, Trumps running mate, resurfaced that implied Harris was among top Democrats who were childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made.

Vance made those comments during an appearance on Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" in July 2021 while he was running for Ohio's U.S. Senate seat. He said at the time that the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children." Harris is the stepmother of two children.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris nominated, making history in more ways than one
By Jarrett Renshaw and Nandita Bose

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris plans to meet in person this weekend with the top contenders vying to become her presidential running mate for November's election as she nears a final decision on her pick, according to two sources familiar with the process.

On Friday the Democratic candidate met one-on-one with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, one of the leading contenders, and the meeting lasted roughly 90 minutes, according to two other sources familiar with the meeting.

Harris is expected to make her choice by Monday ahead of her first public appearance with the new vice presidential nominee on Tuesday in Philadelphia. The Harris campaign is also planning a social media announcement featuring the duo, officials familiar with the planning told Reuters.

Other contenders include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, the sources said.

The choice of a running mate is one of the most consequential decisions of Harris' political career, as she hastily pulls together a campaign to challenge Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 election after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race last month. Her shortlist of candidates includes all white men with a track record of winning over rural, white or independent voters.

Harris' decision also influences the future direction of the Democratic party, elevating the chosen candidate to the front of the line for future presidential contests.

Some candidates on the shortlist have already rescheduled or delayed plans over the next few days, indicating they needed to clear some time for a face-to-face interview.

Shapiro, for example, canceled planned fundraisers in the Hamptons this weekend aimed at raising money for his PAC, or political action committee. "His schedule has changed and he is no longer traveling to the Hamptons this weekend," his press secretary Manuel Bonder said.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder and the law firm Covington & Burling were hired by the Harris campaign to investigate potential vice-presidential candidates.

They have completed their work and turned over their findings, a source told Reuters.

Harris and her new running mate are expected to embark on a four-day tour of battleground states on Tuesday that will take them to six other locations including western Wisconsin, Detroit and Las Vegas. The first stop, Philadelphia, has fueled speculation that Shapiro is a frontrunner, but the campaign has warned against reading too much into the choice.

Typically, campaigns begin thinking about their vice-presidential pick after the primary race ends in the spring, giving them months to vet candidates and make a decision based on polling data, personality and other factors, but Harris has been forced to make the choice on a compressed timeline.

(Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw and Nandita Bose; Editing by Heather Timmons, Deepa Babington and Rosalba O'Brien)
If elected president, Kamala Harris should take on the fossil fuel industry for its history of spreading climate disinformation, environmentalists say.

Forty US states and municipalities have sued big oil for allegedly spreading climate disinformation. For years, climate advocates and some lawmakers have said the Department of Justice should file a similar case.

It has so far failed to do so  even under Joe Biden, who ran on a climate-focused agenda.

We get the sense that [the Biden attorney general] Merrick Garland has no interest in pursuing this issue, said Richard Wiles, president of the non-profit Center for Climate Integrity (CCI), which supports climate litigation.

That could change under Kamala Harriss leadership, said Jamie Henn, director of the climate accountability non-profit Fossil Free Media, who recently wrote that Harris is the perfect person to prosecute the case.

Related: Kamala Harris could set new high bar for climate ambition, advocates say

He is calling on Harris to make climate accountability a priority, including by empowering federal regulators to target alleged price gouging from oil companies, and appointing an attorney general who is willing to lead a new lawsuit on behalf of the Department of Justice (though the agency operates independently from the White House).

Its to be determined if shes really willing to take all this up, he said. But I think that theres a lot of signs that she could and she has the ability.

The Harris campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Before serving as a US senator and Bidens vice-president, Harris was Californias attorney general from 2011 to 2017. In that role, she launched an investigation into the oil giant ExxonMobils framing of climate risks in January 2016 (though she did not sue the company, as she once claimed).

That spring, she also won a major indictment in a criminal case against the Plains All-American Pipeline over an oil spill in Santa Barbara. Harris additionally played a key role in landing a $15bn settlement from Volkswagen after the Environmental Protection Agency found it was installing software in diesel vehicles to cheat on emissions tests. Months later, she secured a $14m settlement from BP subsidiaries over charges related to leaking underground fuel storage tanks.

During her time as attorney general, she also went after ConocoPhillips  the company behind the controversial Willow oil drilling project in Alaska  for air quality violations at their gas stations, and filed other lawsuits against Chevron and the Southern California Gas Company. And she successfully sued the Obama administration over its plans to frack off Californias Pacific coast  demonstrating an impressive willingness to even stand up to Democrats, said Henn.

Shes got a strong background on going after big polluters, he said. So when it comes to pressing this case, shes the right person for the job.

Harris voiced support for climate litigation during her 2019 presidential primary campaign, telling Mother Jones that the US Department of Justice should absolutely investigate fossil fuel companies for creating incredible harm in our communities.

Its about having the conviction to take these guys into court and to hold them accountable, she said. Lets get them not only in the pocketbook, but lets make sure there are severe and serious penalties for their behavior.

In her first campaign speech in Milwaukee last week, Harris called out Donald Trump for his ties to the oil industry, citing reports that the former president  as she put it  literally promised big oil companies and big oil lobbyists he would do their bidding for $1bn in campaign donations.

But other statements from the vice-president give environmentalists pause.

This week, for instance, Harris said she would not ban fracking if elected, walking back on statements she made in 2019. In 2015, she filed an opinion claiming a California-wide fracking ban would be illegal.

Weve seen two different sides of Kamala Harris: shes a really inspiring candidate when she embraces progressive issues and picks big fights, and then she can fall flat when she becomes too cautious, said Henn.

In an emailed statement, the American Petroleum Institute, the top US oil lobby group, said, Any future administration should be focused on building on the progress the US has made in leading the world in both energy production and emissions reductions, and called the demand for Harris to focus on climate accountability a distraction.

Wiles, of the CCI, is optimistic about the prospects of litigation from states and municipalities bringing forth climate accountability. But a suit from the justice department would be even more powerful, he said. If it filed a successful investigation and lawsuit, it could prevent the fossil fuel industry from circulating misleading claims about the climate crisis and prevent greenwashing.

The DoJ is a completely different animal, he said. Its power is far greater than any attorney generals office in a state  They have the FBI, they have a lot more investigative resources and theyve got a lot more authority than a state attorney general is ever going to have.

Henn said if Harris commits to going after the oil industry, she could drum up much-needed support from young voters. Such a move could even excite Republicans who are concerned about corporate overreach, he said.

A survey from the progressive polling firm Data for Progress earlier this year found that a majority of voters support climate accountability litigation.

Lawmakers including the Rhode Island senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and Jamie Raskin, a Maryland representative, have called on the justice department to begin an investigation into the issue while elected officials including Bernie Sanders, a Vermont senator, have called for the agency to launch a lawsuit.
Gov. Tim Walz holds up a signed copy of the Protect Reproductive Options Act during a ceremonial bill signing on Jan. 31, 2023. (Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer)

The Democratic Party kicked off its virtual roll call on Thursday to formally nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as its pick for the next commander-in-chief. Harris is expected to announce her running mate soon.

Speculation over her vice presidential nominee has run rampant. States Newsrooms Washington, D.C., bureau recently spoke with political experts who suspect Harris is looking for someone outside the Beltway to connect with voters.

According to media reports, she has narrowed her choices to four male governors and a U.S. senator  all white  who represent a mix of competitive and solidly, left-leaning states: Govs. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona.

All five men have criticized the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn the federal right to abortion, and theyve backed policy to secure or expand reproductive rights in the two years since the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization ruling. (The governors are also members of the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, a nonpartisan coalition of leaders dedicated to preserving the right to abortion and reproductive health post-Dobbs.)

Heres a look at what Harris possible vice president picks has said  and done  on reproductive rights:

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

As a Democratic governor in a conservative-leaning state, Beshear has pushed for lawmakers to add rape and incest exceptions to abortion laws. The commonwealth enacted a trigger law and a near-total abortion ban after Roe v. Wade fell in June 2022. During his reelection campaign last year, Beshear ran ads featuring Hadley Duvall, underscoring the lack of reprieve for sexual assault survivors under bans, Kentucky Lantern reported. Duvall was raped and impregnated by her stepfather when she was 12. The pressure from the ads led Beshears opponent, former Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, to say he would sign legislation adding rape and incest exceptions to Kentuckys ban if elected governor.

Beshear won 52% of the vote in November 2022, and he thanked Duvall in his victory speech, according to the Lantern. What a brave, courageous young woman that she is, Beshear said. We believe she and everyone else should have options, and the legislature should make that change as quickly as they come in. In April, the Senate GOP blocked a vote on legislation that would have addressed the issue.

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly

A former astronaut and Navy captain, Kelly has been in office since 2020 and was reelected in 2022. He voted in favor of the Womens Health Protection Act in May 2022, legislation that would codify the federal right to an abortion. Weve got to codify Roe at the federal level, Kelly said in May, according to Arizona Mirror. I think that is truly the path forward. Ahead of the second anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Kelly highlighted how abortion bans have affected the full scope of reproductive health care and led some doctors to flee Arizona, which has a 15-week ban.

Kelly has also backed protective IVF measures in Congress. In June, he and his wife Gabby Giffords, a former congresswoman who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, wrote in an essay for People magazine about their struggles with fertility. Two days after Giffords was shot the couple was supposed to have an appointment for embryo implantation. They wrote: Our dream of having a child together was taken away by a gunman. The dreams of Americans to have a child together could be taken away by politicians.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker

Pritzker leads a state that has become an abortion access point in the Midwest. Illinois borders Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri  all have abortion bans  and Iowa, which enacted a six-week ban this week. He recently signed legislation that will require insurers to cover postpartum care  doulas, midwives, lactation consultants  up to a year after birth, Capitol News Illinois reported. The law also ended abortion copays and deductibles.

He signed a budget in June that allocates more than $23 million for a slew of maternal health care programs that will invest in community-based providers, home nurse programs and free diapers. There is no freedom of choice without access to a full spectrum of reproductive healthcare for women and new mothers, Pritzker said in February when announcing the initiative.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Formerly the states attorney general, Shapiro was elected governor in November 2022. Last month, Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported that he would not defend the states ban on the use of Medicaid funds for abortion. Pennsylvanias Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex  and as our State Supreme Court ruled earlier this year, the state ban on Medicaid coverage for abortion services is sex-based discrimination, Shapiro said in a statement.

He ended the states contract with Real Alternatives, a group that funds anti-abortion pregnancy centers, in December 2023, Capital Star reported. The organization received more than $30 million in state funding between 2012 and 2017. Shapiro also signed legislation last year to improve tracking of pregnancy-related deaths. He is facing criticism because his office paid $295,000 to settle a female employees sexual harassment complaint against his former cabinet secretary.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

Even though a 1995 state Supreme Court ruling guaranteed the right to abortion in Minnesota, Walz has signed legislation that widened access in the state. Last year, lawmakers removed the 24-hour waiting period for abortions, ended extensive abortion reporting, and removed the requirement that abortions be performed in hospitals.

He signed the Protect Reproductive Options Act in January 2023, which codified the right to reproductive health care and abortion with no limits or exceptions, Minnesota Reformer reported. The message that were sending Minnesota today is very clear. Your rights are protected in the state. You have the right to make your own decisions about your health, your family and your life, Walz said during a ceremonial bill signing.

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Equity Commonwealth (NYSE: EQC), formerly Commonwealth REIT, is an externally managed US-listed real estate investment trust with a portfolio of four class A office properties spanning 1,520,944 square feet in Denver, Austin, and Washington DC. These top properties have helped the company generate free cash flow despite an oversupply in office markets. For Q2, EQC posted a considerable jump in year-over-year (YoY) net income to $22.2 million from $13.8 million. Here, we summarized a May bullish thesis published by chewy on Value Investors Club.

EQC Bullish Thesis

A closeup of the property portfolio, highlighting the REIT's internally managed investments.

While REIT activity has remained muted in past years, the thesis explores an investment opportunity to capitalize on the gains if shareholders vote to liquidate company assets in early fall. The analysis values the stock at $22.01 per share and estimates a return of 14.9% from trading levels in May. The potential liquidation event gained momentum after activist Land & Building, which took 3% ownership in EQC, publicly called for the company's liquidation, which possibly has the support of many shareholders. Meanwhile, company management was willing to wind down the business by year-end.

The thesis also pointed out the strong downside protection from the pile of cash EQC sits on. EQC disposed of 164 properties over the past decade for gross proceeds of $7.6 billion under late chairman Sam Zell, who took the helm after activist firm Corvex and property developer Related ousted former EQC external manager RMR. Zell retired $3.3 billion of debt and preferred shares, repurchased over $652 million of common stock, and paid $1.8 billion to common shareholders. While the goal was to use the proceeds to acquire an optimizable real estate portfolio, no such acquisition was made, leaving the company with a pile of cash, a small team, and almost no debt.

While the value of office properties can be hard to gauge before they are sold, the analysis valued the properties at $357.3 million, considering an office REIT average cap rate of 9.6% and applying it to the LTM net operating income of $33.4 million. The estimate translates to a $230 per square foot rate, close to the $220 average calculated by a Colliers market report. However, the valuation is well below the total cost of the properties of $441.9 million, bought over the last three decades. The fact that EQC listed three of the four class A buildings in 2022 but pulled them out of the market when the US Federal Reserve embarked on a historic monetary tightening campaign could be a sign it was already open to liquidating assets.

Story continues

EQC is not on our list of the 31 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 34 hedge fund portfolios held EQC at the end of the first quarter which was 32 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of EQC 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 EQC but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and 10 Best of Breed Stocks to Buy For The Third Quarter of 2024 According to Bank of America.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Vice President Harris has passed the threshold needed to become the Democratic presidential nominee in a virtual roll call vote Friday.

I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States and I will tell you, the tireless work of our delegates, our state leaders, and our staff has been pivotal to making this moment possible, Harris said Friday when she passed the threshold, adding that she will officially accept the nomination next week once the virtual voting period is closed.

The vice president secured the necessary required number of votes for the nomination less than two weeks since declaring her intent to run for the top of the 2024 ticket after President Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her. Within days, she secured support from enough delegates to clinch the nomination.

The Democratic National Committees (DNC) virtual roll call vote started at 9 a.m. Thursday, and Harris ran for the nomination unopposed. DNC Chair Jamie Harrison announced Friday that Harris secured the nomination, which required receiving 2,350 votes.

As chair of this great party, as chair of this party that is built on hope, I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party following the close of voting on Monday, he said.

Just one day after we opened voting that the vice president has crossed the majority threshold and will officially be our nominee next week, folks that is outstanding, he added.

She had earned 3,923 delegates as of Tuesday, when the DNC announced Harris was the only candidate to earn enough delegates to qualify for the virtual roll call.

She is the official nominee weeks before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago begins on Aug. 19. And, she is expected to name her running mate within the next few days before she travels with the pick to seven swing states next week, starting with a stop in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

The decision to hold a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention stems from plans initially made to ensure Biden appeared on the ballot in Ohio, which had a deadline to certify the partys presidential nominee before the convention. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has since extended the key deadline in his state.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Good news, polling fans: 538 now has polling averages for the new presidential matchup between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. As of Friday at 10 a.m. Eastern, our average of national polls says Harris has the support of 45.0 percent of voters, while Trump garners 43.5 percent.

That 1.5-percentage-point lead is within our average's uncertainty interval, which you can think of as a sort of margin of error for our polling averages. We also have new Harris versus Trump polling averages for the key swing states of Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania, and the races there are within the uncertainty interval as well. (We will add polling averages for additional states as soon as we get enough polls in them.*)

PHOTO: 538's new presidential general election polling average showing Vice President Kamala Harris with 45 percent, former President Donald Trump with 43.5 percent, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with 5.7 percent. (538 Photo Illustration)

538's averages are slightly better for Harris than the ones you'll find from other public aggregators. There are a few reasons for this. The most important is that our average only considers polls that began interviewing voters after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential election and endorsed Harris to be the Democratic nominee. (It is long-standing 538 policy not to include horse-race polls with candidates that aren't actually running in our models.) Because those earlier polls were asking about a then-hypothetical matchup, voters may have been thinking about the candidates in theoretical ways that are no longer relevant to today's very real contest. Indeed, by our estimate, Harris has performed about 3 points better nationally in polls conducted after Biden's withdrawal than before it.

Another reason our averages are better for Harris is that 538 adjusts polls that were conducted among registered voters (marked as "RV" on our polls page) or all adults ("A") toward the results of likely voter ("LV") polls. We make this adjustment because we know for a fact that not all adults or even all registered voters will vote in the election, and the types of people who vote differ from nonvoters in predictable ways.

Specifically, there is evidence that likely voters are now a bit more Democratic than the general population; for example, likely voter polls of Trump versus Biden tended to look better for Democrats than polls of that matchup among registered voters or all adults. Our average makes this adjustment by looking for systematic differences between likely voter and registered voter/all adult polls after controlling for other factors, such as the pollster who conducted the poll, the mode it was conducted with, the time it was conducted, etc.

Without this adjustment, Harris and Trump would be tied at 44.0 percent nationally (based on polls conducted since July 22 and released by Aug. 1). But Harris's margin is about 0.2 points higher in likely voter polls than in registered voter polls and about 0.6 points higher in likely voter polls than in polls of all adults. Controlling for this alone increases our estimate of Harris's margin by 0.5 points.

538's polling averages also look for differences between polls that do and do not give voters the ability to say they support third-party candidates, such as independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (who currently averages 5.7 percent support nationally). We make this adjustment because most voters will have more options than just Harris and Trump on Election Day (depending on which candidates qualify for the ballot in which states), so head-to-head polls are not asking about a real election either. We find that, when Kennedy is included in polls, Harris's margin over Trump grows by about 0.5 points.

Finally, Harris gets another boost in our national average because of how well she is doing in the few state polls that have been conducted since Biden's withdrawal. On average, in 2020, Biden beat Trump by 3.8 points in the states that have been polled for Harris versus Trump so far. Her average polling lead in those states today is 1.1 points. If you apply that 2.7-point shift toward Trump to the national popular vote (which Biden won by 4.5 points in 2020), you get a predicted national environment of Harris+1.8 today.

All in all, Harris is polling better against Trump than Biden, who was trailing by more than 3 points nationally on the day he dropped out. (You can still access our old Biden-Trump averages by clicking the link in the banner at the top of our national polling average page or at the top of any state polling page that used to have a Biden-Trump average.) But it's an open question whether that will last. As the new nominee, Harris may be enjoying a honeymoon period, and an amped-up Democratic base may be more likely to respond to surveys than Republicans  a phenomenon known as differential partisan nonresponse. It's also possible that the initial boost of enthusiasm she has received will fade over time. You can bookmark the interactive page for our new averages and keep up with the latest polls as soon as they come in.

Footnotes

*As explained in our polls policy, we do not publish polling averages of presidential general elections in a given state until we've aggregated at least five polls of that state from at least three pollsters. In this unique circumstance, we are further limiting that to polls conducted entirely after Biden dropped out. For aesthetic reasons, we also wait a few days after meeting this threshold to publish the average, so that the chart doesn't just have one point and one day of a line on it. That's why Arizona and Wisconsin, which have already met the five poll/three pollster threshold, don't have averages yet; we plan to publish those by Monday.

Harris and Trump are tied in 538's new polling averages originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A New Haven gang member admitted his role in a 2022 murder on Thursday,

New Haven gang member faces up to life in prison for killing rival

Donell D-Nice Allick Jr., 25, a member of the Exit 8 gang, admitted that he and other gang members shot 46-year-old Kenneth Cloud while he was sitting on a porch of an Atwater Street residence in New Haven. Cloud was paralyzed as a result of his injuries and died three months later.

A total of 43 shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting, and investigation revealed that 19 of them had been fired from a handgun later found in Allicks vehicle and 24 had been fired from a handgun later found in his residence.

Allick was sentenced to 115 months of imprisonment for a separate crime earlier this month. He could face life in prison for this crime.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
In this episode of Aloha Authentic, host Kamaka Pili sits down with Hawaiian language advocate and Professor Emeritus Puakea Nogelmeier. This episode looks into the rich history of Hawaiian newspapers and the remarkable literacy rates Hawaii had. Did you know Hawaii once boasted the highest literacy rate in the world? This achievement is attributed to the visionary efforts and regulations implemented by the alii, who prioritized education and spreading knowledge among their people. It is said that the typical Hawaiian at that time could learn to read and write in Hawaiian in 18 hours from a system set up by the missionaries. Because they shared books, they would huddle around one book and they learned to read right-side-up, up-side-down, and sideways. He also shares what factors led to the demise of the Hawaiian language, one of which is a common misconception.

The conversation explores the role of Hawaiian newspapers in preserving and promoting the Hawaiian language and culture. Uncle Puakea was a pioneer in digitizing old Hawaiian newspapers. Utilizing optical character recognition, hes able to now search for keywords on a computer, rather than skimming through pages of newspaper. What used to take him a month doing it the old fashioned way, he can now do in an hour on his computer. These newspapers served as crucial platforms for knowledge exchange, storytelling, and the recording of historical events, contributing significantly to the high literacy rates.

Uncle Puakea also shares commonly asked questions about Hawaiian language and terminology, addressing the controversial question: is it Honolulu or Hanalulu? He explains the linguistic nuances and historical context that influence the pronunciation and spelling variations. Additionally, the meaning and implications of the term haole are clarified, shedding light on its cultural significance and common misconceptions.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  In 2023, the Health Resources and Services Administration declared that a healthcare worker shortage in the U.S. was a national crisis.

Many health care workers in southern West Virginia have told 59News that the region is in crisis due to a lack of qualified health care workers, including specialists, psychiatrists, physicians, emergency medical technicians, ambulance drivers and nurses.

The 2023 Healthcare Workforce Report showed that West Virginia hospitals employ around 49,000 medical workers, which is a shortage. The reasons given were declining college enrollment, an aging workforce and fewer people entering the health care field, along with the aftermath of Covid-19.

Dr. Hassan Jafary, a Beckley psychiatrist, said he has, for years, informally recruited other specialists to the region.

Risks and regulations for ATV riders when using public roads

Dr. Jafary said that, while university health care networks have begun operating across the state, the university system does not offer higher pay for physicians, as a recruitment incentive.

Small-town hospitals, on the other hand, often offer larger salaries to recruit, and the student loans of physicians are also paid, in many cases, as an incentive for them to work in rural West Virginia.

Dr. Jafary said that physicians who accept the positions at local hospitals often stay three years, or just long enough to meet student loan pay-off requirements, and that they then leave the area because they become overwhelmed with the patient load in short-staffed hospitals.

They want to enjoy their life like any other human being also but when they come here, one doctor, one specialist, is working around the clock, said Dr. Jafary.

He added that hospital administrators could develop a plan to control the burn-out physicians experience prior to leaving.

West Virginia ranked second-best place to retire in the country

The hospitals need to understand that we should not make them burn out, noted Dr. Jafary.

He said on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, that physicians from other states and countries have declined to come to West Virginia and to stay in more metropolitan areas because of the perception that there is a higher risk of medical malpractice lawsuits in West Virginia and because they have different goals for educating children and recreation.

A local, small town like our town, its very hard to recruit, because not everybodys interested in going whitewater rafting or hiking, Dr. Jafary explained.

Not only state hospitals are seeing a shortage.

The March of Dimes reports that much of southern West Virginia, including Wyoming, Summers, McDowell and Monroe counties are considered maternity care deserts, meaning pregnant women cant access adequate care locally.

Only pregnant residents of Raleigh and Greenbrier counties have full access to local maternity care, according to March of Dime statistics.

The HRSA Health Workforce Report 2021 reported that there were 260 obstetricians-gynecologists in West Virginia in 2018, with a need for 280.

By 2030, the study predicted, state residents would need 240 OB-GYNs but only 200 would be available.

The study was finished prior to the Supreme Court of the United States decision in Dobbs, which took away the Constitutional right for pregnant women to privately make their own health care decisions if they need an abortion.

FCI Beckley family group wants inmate reports investigated

Following the SCOTUS decision in 2022, West Virginia lawmakers passed a law prohibiting doctors from offering abortion care to pregnant women inside the state, in most circumstances.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) officials have reported that OB-GYN residents are over eight times more likely to change their location from states like West Virginia, where politicians have limited abortion access for patients.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
A heartless Massachusetts swindler was indicted Thursday for stealing more than $140,000 from a sick 9/11 survivor and her widow mom while posing as an investment broker, Long Island officials said.

Richard Yasnis, 43, allegedly bilked the sum from the victim who helped on Ground Zero in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and developed medical issues, qualifying for 9/11 Victim Compensation funds, according to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.

Posing as a licensed broker with Cahill Financial Group, Yasnis allegedly concocted a phony property renovation opportunity, promising her 20% of the profit and urging her to invest the rest of the money in the stock market between May and June 2023.

Richard Yasnis was indicted Thursday for bilking a 9/11 survivor and widow out of more than $140,000. Nassau County Police Department

When she found out shed receive compensation for 9/11 related illnesses, she forked over $48,800 on July 31, 2023, according to prosecutors.

But the scheme allegedly continued.

Yasnis allegedly told the woman he needed $150,000 to invest in FlexPort, a company he claimed went public months earlier, prosecutors said.

The victim then gave him $5,000 worth of jewelry to sell and told him to use it for the investment before her 77-year-old widow mom also fell prey to the scam  cashing in part of her dead husbands life insurance policy and giving Yasnis $88,000 in cash, according to the allegations.

In September 2023, the family grew suspicious and demanded Yasnis provide receipts and return the large sum, the DA said.

The alleged fraudster refused, prosecutors said.

Yasnis was arrested months later when a police investigation revealed he was not a licensed investment broker, never worked with Cahill Financial Group and FlexPort is a privately held company.

Yasnis, of Natick, was slapped with grand larceny charges and pleaded not guilty Thursday.

If convicted, he faces from seven and a half to 15 years in prison.

Donnelly slammed Yasnis as an opportunistic charlatan who exploited his victims.

Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly called Yasnis a charlatan. Nassau County District Attorney's Office

Richard Yasnis allegedly misrepresented himself as a successful Wall Street investor, selling his victims promises of financial opportunities that would grow their assets to ensure they would live comfortably for years to come, she said in a statement.

But instead of helping these women to secure their futures, Yasnis allegedly stole more than $140,000 from them  funds that were drawn in part from one of the victims 9/11 compensation for her work at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, she continued.

We will never allow the brave men and women who fell ill after their incredible service and sacrifice in those dark days to be exploited by charlatans.
Total Refrigeration service tech Michael Villa works on an air conditioning unit as temperatures are expected to hit 117-degrees Wednesday, July 19, 2023, in Phoenix. Most of the Maricopa County's 645 heat-related deaths last year were outdoors, but 156 people died in their homes. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

PHOENIX (AP)  Mexican farm worker Avelino Vazquez Navarro didn't have air conditioning in the motor home where he died last month in Washington state as temperatures surged into the triple digits.

For the last dozen years, the 61-year-old spent much of the year working near Pasco, Washington, sending money to his wife and daughters in the Pacific coast state of Nayarit, Mexico, and traveling back every Christmas.

Now, the family is raising money to bring his remains home.

If this motor home would have had AC and it was running, then it most likely would have helped, said Franklin County Coroner Curtis McGary, who determined Vazquez Navarro's death was heat-related, with alcohol intoxication as a contributing cause.

Most heat-related deaths involve homeless people living outdoors. But those who die inside without sufficient cooling also are vulnerable, typically older than 60, living alone and with limited income.

Underscoring the inequities around energy and access to air conditioning as summers grow hotter, many victims are Black, Indigenous or Latino, like Vazquez Navarro.

Air conditioning is not a luxury, its a necessity, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, which represents state energy assistance programs. Its a public health issue and its an affordability issue.

People living in mobile homes or in aging trailers and RVs are especially likely to lack proper cooling. Nearly a quarter of the indoor heat deaths in Arizona's Maricopa County last year were in those kinds of dwellings, which are transformed into a broiling tin can by the blazing desert sun.

Mobile homes can really heat up because they dont always have the best insulation and are often made of metal, said Dana Kennedy, AARP director in Arizona, where many heat-related deaths occur.

Research shows mobile home dwellers are particularly at risk in blistering hot Phoenix, where 113-degree Fahrenheit (45 Celsius) weather is forecast for this weekend.

People are exposed to the elements more than in other housing, said Patricia Solis, executive director of the Knowledge Exchange for Resilience at Arizona State University, who worked on mapping hot weather impacts on mobile home parks for a state preparedness plan.

Worse, some parks bar residents from making modifications that could cool their homes, citing esthetic concerns. A new Arizona law required parks for the first time this summer to let residents install cooling methods such as window units, shade awnings and shutters.

In Arizonas Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, 156 of 645 heat-related deaths last year occurred indoors in uncooled environments. In most cases, a unit was present but was not working, was without electricity or turned off, public health officials said.

One victim was Shirley Marie Kouplen, who died after being overcome by high temperatures inside her Phoenix mobile home amid a heat wave when the extension cord providing her electricity was unplugged.

Emergency responders recorded the 70-year-old widow's body temperature at 107.1 F (41.7 C). Kouplen, who was diabetic and had high blood pressure, was rushed to a hospital, where she died.

Kouplen apparently was struggling financially, if the shabby condition of her mobile home was any indication. It still sits on Lot 60, surrounded by a chain-link fence with a locked gate and a dirt driveway overgrown with weeds.

It's unclear how the cord got unplugged, if Kouplen had an electricity account or how she got her power.

Losing your air conditioning is now a life-threatening event, said Texas A&M University climate scientist Andrew Dessler, who grew up in hot, humid Houston in the 1970s. "You didnt want to lose your air conditioning, but it wasnt going to kill you. And now it is.

Arizonas regulated utilities have been banned since 2022 from cutting off power during the summer, following the 2018 death of a 72-year-old woman after Arizona Public Service disconnected her electricity over a $51 debt.

Ann Porter, spokesperson for Arizona Public Service, which provides electricity to homes in the park where Kouplen lived, said due to privacy concerns the company could not say if she had an account at the time of her death or in the past. Porter said the utility does not cut power from June 1 to Oct. 15.

Cutoffs can occur after those dates if mounting debts are not paid.

Arizona is among 19 states with shut-off protections, leaving about half of the U.S. population without safeguards against losing electricity during the summer, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association said in a new study.

Almost 20% of very-low income families have no air conditioning at all, especially in places like Washington state where they weren't commonly installed before climate-fueled heat waves grew increasingly stronger, frequent and longer lasting.

In the Pacific Northwest, several hundred people died during a 2021 heat wave, prompting Portland, Oregon, to launch a program to provide portable cooling units to vulnerable, low-income people.

Chicago, better known for its cold winters, saw a heat wave kill 739 mostly older people over five days in 1995. Amid high humidity and temperatures over 100 degrees (37.7 C), most victims had no air conditioning or couldnt afford to turn on their units.

In 2022, Chicago adopted a cooling ordinance after three women died in their apartments in a building for older adults on an unusually warm spring day. Certain residential buildings must now have at least one air conditioned common area for cooling when the heat index exceeds 80 degrees (26.6 C) and cooling is unavailable in individual units.

Nonprofits in historically hotter areas like Arizona also are trying to better address the inequities low-income people face during the sweltering summers. The Phoenix-based community agency Wildfire recently raised money to buy over $2 million worth of air conditioning equipment to help 150 households statewide over three years, Executive Director Kelly McGowan said.

Laws protect renters in some places. Phoenix landlords must ensure air conditioning units cool to 82 degrees (28 C) or below and that evaporative coolers lower the temperature to 86 degrees (30 C).

Palm Springs, California, and Las Vegas, both desert cities, have ordinances requiring landlords to offer air conditioning in rental dwellings. Dallas, where temperatures can pass 110 degrees (43.3 C) in the summer, has a similar law.

But most renters pay their own electricity costs, leaving them to agonize whether they can afford to even turn on the cooling or how high to set the thermostat.

A new report estimates the average cost for U.S. families to keep cool from June to September will grow nationwide by 7.9% this year, from $661 in 2023 to $719 this summer.

Wolfe noted the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which grants money to states to help families pay for heating and cooling, is underfunded, with 80% going to heat homes in winter.

At Kouplen's mobile home park, Spanish-speaking neighbors had little interaction with Senora Shirley, who used a walker to take her two small dogs outside. Neighbors said the animals were adopted after her death.

Kouplen was buried in northern Phoenix at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona alongside her husband, JD D. Kouplen, who died in 2020.

Never Forgotten, their shared marker reads.
With heat-related hospital visits and deaths climbing in Maryland, state health officials are urging Marylanders to stay hydrated and be smart about dealing with the summer heat, with more hot weather on tap. Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Nearly 1,000 Marylanders have ended up in the emergency room for heat-related illnesses so far this summer and 14 people have died, as brutal temperatures lead to dangerous heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death.

The hospitalizations are the highest since the Maryland Department of Health began publishing that data in 2019, and come with two months left in the heat season that runs from May through September. With hotter days yet to come, state health officials are urging Marylanders to keep heat safety practices in mind.

We still have some very, very hot days ahead of us, said Clifford S. Mitchell, director of the Environmental Health Bureau in the health department. Weve seen over the last several years that the heat season  is in fact hotter, but we are seeing it start earlier and were starting to see greater numbers of hotter days.

NASA reported last week that July 22 was the hottest day in recorded history on Earth, passing the previous record set just last year.

The National Weather Service said Thursday evening that the Lower Eastern Shore was under an excessive heat warning with dangerously hot conditions and heat index values up to 110 expected. The rest of the state, with the exception of Allegany and Garrett counties, was under a heat advisory with heat index values up to 108 degrees expected.

The state health department releases weekly reports from May through September on heat-related illnesses and deaths. The most recent update was Wednesday, with data from April 28 through July 27.

Total emergency room visits due to heat-related illnesses by year. Courtesy of Maryland Department of Health.

That report said that at least 967 people had gone to the emergency room or urgent care due to heat-related illnesses as of July 27. That is already far higher than the 900 heat-related ER visits in 2019, the first year the data was gathered, and the 901 reported for the entire 2021 heat season.

Mitchell said the health department communicates with hospitals and emergency departments to ensure that facilities are prepared for potential influxes of patients needing medical care from the heat.

Thats a large part of our local health department planning with the Office of Preparedness and Response, is to make sure that all of the people who could potentially be involved in response are aware when theres going to be a sort of string of extreme heat days, he said.

Heat exposure can lead to serious health conditions, the most dangerous being heat stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heat stroke can lead to permanent organ damage, neurological dysfunction, or death if the affected person does not receive emergency treatment. Symptoms can include confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness and profuse sweating, among others.

Heat-related deaths rising

Deaths from heat-related illnesses are also climbing.

At least 14 heat-related deaths were recorded in the state as of July 27, as high as the previous two years combined. All of this years deaths have been to people 45 or older, with the majority  11 of the 14  being men.

While deaths this year are up, they are still well below the 28 heat-related deaths reported in 2018 and the 46 recorded in 2012, when storm-driven power outages left many without air conditioning for days.

The Department of Health continues to push for Marylanders to practice heat safety as the summer continues.

Those working or spending time outside should try to schedule physical activities in the morning or early evening when temperatures tend to be cooler. Residents should also wear sunscreen, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids, while avoiding alcohol, caffeine and overly sweetened beverages.

Children and pets should not be left in the car on a hot day even with the windows cracked, according to the department.

Everybody is at risk for heat-related injury. Its not just the very old, its not just the very young, its not just those with medical conditions. Everybody needs to take the heat very seriously, Mitchell said.

All the messaging around dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks, staying out of the heat  the message is the same, he said.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A heavily redacted Coastal Carolina police report offered new details into last months assault arrest of the board chairman of Shoreline Behavioral Health Services in Conway.

Mark Singleton, who is also a teaching associate at the university, was charged with third-degree assault and battery after his June 26 arrest. Singleton, 65, was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center that day and released June 27 on a $2,125 bond.

Coastal Carolina police responded at about 11:30 a.m. on June 26 for an assault in the parking lot of Brooks Stadium, according to the report. When they arrived, they found a man with a laceration on his chin and blood on his shirt. He was taken by EMS to Conway Medical Center with what the report describes as a minor injury.

The report, which is heavily redacted, does not specify the circumstances of the assault. News13 obtained the report about 2 1/2 hours after anchor Edward Moody showed up in person to the schools Department of Public Safety office to ask for it.

When News13 showed up Thursday afternoon, the agency initially told us that wed have to go through the Freedom of Information Act office for the report. When News13 notified the Department of State Law, we were then told on site that staff was working to redact the report and that it would be available shortly.

News13 was emailed the report at 5:13 p.m. on Thursday. CCU previously said the report may not be provided until mid-August after we filed a formal FOIA request with the school on June 27.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
(Photo by Carol Yepes/Getty Images)

The campaign to defeat Amendment 3, the measure designed to legalize recreational cannabis for adults in Florida, received its biggest boost so far with the announcement that hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin is contributing $20 million to oppose Amendment 3.

Of that amount, $12 million will go directly to Keep Florida Clean, a political committee formed to oppose the measure.

In an op-ed published in the Miami Herald on Friday, Griffin said Amendment 3 is a terrible plan to create the nations most expansive and destructive marijuana laws.

He went on to write, Passage of Amendment 3 would create a monopoly for large marijuana dispensaries and permit pot use in public and private areas throughout Florida. That would help no one other than special interests  and it will hurt us all, especially through more dangerous roads, a higher level of addiction among our youth, and an increase in crime.

The financial contribution represents a major shot in the arm for the coalition opposing Amendment 3, which would allow adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use up to three ounces of cannabis products and accessories for personal consumption.

Polls have consistently shown the proposal getting more than the 60% required for passage. A University of North Florida survey published earlier this week showed the measure supported by 64%, with 31% opposing and 5% undecided or refusing to answer the question.

Morgan Hill is a spokesperson for Smart and Safe Florida, the political committee advocating for passage of Amendment 3.

A government that works for the people means a freer, safer, and healthier Florida. Amendment 3 would do just that, Hill said in an email.

More than 1 million Floridians signed a petition to put Amendment 3 on the ballot so that no adult will go to jail for possessing small amounts of marijuana, and Floridians will no longer have to turn to street products laced with dangerous substances like fentanyl. We remain focused on communicating the public health benefits and expanded individual freedom of legalizing recreational marijuana for adults and creating a better Florida for all, she said.

About Griffin

Griffin is a Miami resident and founder and CEO of Citadel LLC, a hedge fund and financial services company. Hes a major Republican fundraiser with an estimated net worth of $37 billion. He gave more than $100 million to right-wing causes during the 2022 midterm elections, according to Open Secrets, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit that tracks campaign finance and lobbying.

The revelation of Griffins financial contribution to the anti-Amendment 3 forces came two days after Sarasota Republican state Sen. Joe Gruters announced in support of the measure  becoming the highest-ranking Republican in the state to back it.

Griffin had been a financial backer of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, but notably broke with him after the governor signed a bill that banned most abortions after six weeks and announced he would not financially support his race for the GOP nomination for president last year. I dont know his strategy, Griffin told CNBC. Its not clear to me what voter base he is intending to appeal to.

The New York Times had reported that Griffin was disconcerted by the ban, according to people familiar with Mr. Griffins thinking.

Sarah Bascom, spokesperson for the Vote No on 3 campaign, said the organization was thrilled to receive this generous support from Ken Griffin.

These valuable resources will help us as we continue to ramp up what will be a vigorous and full-throated campaign to warn Floridians about this deceptive amendment that would make Florida the California of the East, she said in a statement. Ken Griffin knows full well how failed policies can cripple an economy and drive away businesses, and we thank him for supporting our campaign so we can ensure that never happens in Florida and it remains a model for the rest of the nation.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Prestar Resources Berhad is RM0.42 based on Dividend Discount Model

With RM0.49 share price, Prestar Resources Berhad appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value

Industry average of 104% suggests Prestar Resources Berhad's peers are currently trading at a higher premium to fair value

Does the August share price for Prestar Resources Berhad (KLSE:PRESTAR) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Prestar Resources Berhad

The Method

As Prestar Resources Berhad operates in the metals and mining sector, we need to calculate the intrinsic value slightly differently. In this approach dividends per share (DPS) are used, as free cash flow is difficult to estimate and often not reported by analysts. Unless a company pays out the majority of its FCF as a dividend, this method will typically underestimate the value of the stock. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. The dividend is expected to grow at an annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We then discount this figure to today's value at a cost of equity of 11%. Compared to the current share price of RM0.5, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate)

= RM0.03 / (11%  3.6%)

= RM0.4

dcf

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Prestar Resources Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.266. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

Story continues

Looking Ahead:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For Prestar Resources Berhad, we've put together three essential items you should explore:

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian 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
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Bossier Chamber of Commerce hosted a local school supply drive to pack a Bossier Parish school bus.

The Bossier Parish School Board is partnering with multiple businesses to collect school supplies for the upcoming year. These school supplies being collected are not just for students but for teachers too.

We have such a supportive community here in Bossier Parish, our residents as well as our businesses and organizations that want to be able to get our kids started on the right foot last., said Bossier Parish Public Schools Liaison Sonja Bailes.

More: Back to School Events and Giveaways

The chambers pack the bus school drive volunteers spent a day outside for hours collecting supplies for students and most importantly teachers.

The bossier parish school board acknowledges that their teachers often dip into their budgets to buy school supplies for their students and fill classroom gaps.

This is a wonderful service to be able to step in and help our teachers fill the gaps. What will happen here is we will set up a school supply room and then we allow our educators to come in and pick up the supplies that they need that perhaps were not brought by students and so that way everybody starts day one on equal footing, said Bailes.

Bailes said last year, their school supply closet for teachers was pretty much wiped out after two days. Showing the need for extra supplies in Bossier classrooms

The school board and community want to relieve these extra costs on their teachers.

It will help our schools help our teachers and just support it all around, support our schools. And that, I mean, thats the future of our community. So anything we can do to support that Im all in for it,  bossier parish community member, Lucas Fabela

Bossier Parish Schools prioritize having a successful school year and say helping their teachers fill the gaps student families couldnt fill at the beginning of the year sets everyone up for success.

Those kids might not know where the supplies came from. If they werent able to bring them all they know is that they have everything that they need just like their classmate did. Whos sitting in the desk next to them and thats invaluable because we want all of our kids to be able to have a great start to the school year and be successful.

Some of the most needed items teachers request are 1-inch three-ring binders and earbuds their students can use when learning and completing assignments online.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Here's what happened in the Delphi murders case from 2017 to 2024

After five years of uncertainty, rumors and shifting narratives, an arrest was finally made in the slaying of Abigail "Abby" Williams and Liberty "Libby" German. Since then, the case has been characterized by legal chaos.

Here's a look at a few of the major points that have happened over the years since the brutal murders of two Delphi teens.

 Inside 'bizarre' Delphi murders case: Evidence leak, suicide, Odinists and legal chaos

FEB. 13, 2017: Abby Williams and Libby German were last seen alive. Their bodies were found the following day.

FEB. 22, 2017: Audio clip released with unknown man saying what sounds like "down the hill."

JULY 17, 2017: Composite sketch of Delphi homicide suspect released.

APRIL 22, 2019: Indiana State Police release new sketch, video and audio. They later clarify that it's not the same man as in the previously released sketch.

 Delphi murders: Investigators have had newly released suspect sketch for 2 years

Grainy cell phone video footage and a sketch of a prime suspect in the murder of local Delphi girls Abigail Williams and Liberty German, on the office wall of Tobe Leazenby, Sheriff of Carroll County.

JULY 29, 2021: Carroll County authorities say they won't release any more information about persons of interest in the murders.

 'Rumors suck and they hurt people': Sister of Delphi murder victim addresses internet speculation

DEC. 6, 2021: Police seek information about a fictitious online profile linked to the case. It's later revealed that the profile communicated with Libby.

 Delphi murders: Police seek information about fictitious 'Anthony Shots' profile

OCT. 2022: Richard Allen arrested, charged with the murders of the two teens.

 Delphi murders: Suspect case remains under seal. Experts weigh in on 'unusual' move

NOV. 29, 2022: Probable cause affidavit released for Richard Allen's arrest warrant, revealing that an ejected shell found near the bodies was tied to a gun in his home.

 Delphi murders: Defense attorneys question 'magic bullet' linking Richard Allen to murders

JAN. 23, 2023: Court prohibits officials and family from disseminating information about the case to the public. Soon after, various media organizations, including IndyStar's parent company, challenge the order.

June 15, 2023: Jury trial scheduled to begin Jan. 8, 2024.

JUNE 29, 2023: 118 documents released in the case against Richard Allen.

SEPT. 18, 2023: Attorneys for Allen release memorandum including a theory that Odonists killed Abby and Libby, along with a motion to suppress a search warrant on Allen's property.

OCTOBER 2023: Pictures of sensitive crime scene evidence are leaked online. Police later learn a man tied to the evidence leak died by suicide.

OCT. 19, 2023: Special Judge Frances Gull announces that Allen's defense attorneys have withdrawn from the case.

OCT. 30, 2023: Allen, through his civil attorneys, asks Indiana Supreme Court to review Special Judge Frances Gull's decisions in the case and reinstate Andrew Baldwin and Brad Rozzi as his defense lawyers.

OCT. 31, 2023: Jury trial, which had been scheduled to begin in January, rescheduled to start in October 2024.

NOV. 6, 2023: Allen's civil attorneys filed a second case in the Indiana Supreme Court asking for the original defense team's reinstatement and Gull's removal.

 Supreme Court: Delphi murder suspect Richard Allen can have original attorneys back

NOV. 22, 2023: State police arrest Mitchell Westerman in connection with evidence leaked in the murder case.

MARCH 11, 2024: Trial rescheduled for May

MAY 7, 2024: Trial rescheduled for October, 2024

JULY 30-AUG. 1, 2024: Hearings take place on various motions in the case.

 July 30, 2024: Delphi murders suspect Richard Allen's attorneys accuse police of hiding evidence

 July 31, 2024: Prosecutor says Delphi murder suspect made 61 incriminating statements while incarcerated

 Aug. 1, 2024: Delphi killings are 'textbook' examples of ritualistic murder, defense expert testifies

OCT. 14, 2024: Jury trial scheduled to begin

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Delphi murders: These are the key dates in the case against Richard Allen
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Hezbollah forces on Friday resumed rocket and artillery attacks against Israel, ending the lull along the border following Israel's killing of the Lebanese group's military commander in Beirut.

Hezbollah said it had fired a surface-to-air missile at an Israeli warplane flying in Lebanese airspace overnight and forced it to turn back. Its forces also carried out two artillery attacks and two rocket strikes at military positions in northern Israel, it said.

The Israeli military said in a statement it had successfully intercepted an aerial target coming from Lebanon into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire hit several villages in southern Lebanon on Friday, according to Lebanese state media, a day after an Israeli strike killed at least five Syrian migrant workers in southern Lebanon, according to medics.

The Israeli military also said it had hit two Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said in an address on Thursday that he had ordered calm along the border following the Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Tuesday that killed military commander Fuad Shukr out of respect for the victims and to consider what the next steps should be.

The strike on the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh in Beirut's southern suburbs also killed an Iranian military adviser and five civilians.

Nasrallah said Hezbollah would retaliate but it would need to study what their response would be, and would otherwise resume its usual military operations against Israel.

Hezbollah and the Israeli military have been trading fire for nearly 10 months in parallel with the Gaza war, with exchanges mostly limited to the border area.

But strikes since last week have threatened to tip the conflict into a full-scale regional war.

Israel and the United States have accused Hezbollah of killing 12 youths in a July 27 rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, a claim Hezbollah has denied.

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, told Reuters on Friday it had not investigated the incident as the Israeli-occupied Golan is outside its mandated area of operations.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Mark Twain once said the two most interesting characters of the 19th century were Napoleon and Helen Keller, but a series of TikTok-based conspiracy theories have young people in the modern world believing that Helen Kellen was nothing more than a myth.

This clip from The Morning Union (Springfield, Massachusetts) on Fri., Apr. 11, 1969 confirms a deep friendship between Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) and Helen Keller.

The hashtag #HelenKellerWasntReal first appeared on the internet around 2020. Some of the related posts insisted that Keller never existed at all, while others insisted that Keller was only pretending to be blind and deaf.

Sue Pilkilton is the Executive Director at the Birthplace of Helen Keller in Tuscumbia, Alabama told KTAL NBC 6 that Helen Keller was absolutely a real person.

Its unnerving so many young people today dont believe Keller was a real person, Pilkilton said.

Heres Helens story.

Why Helen Kellers life matters

Helen Keller was 18 months old when she lost her ability to see and hear because of a high fever. Years later, she wrote that there is beauty in everything, even in silence and darkness.

Keller was born in Tuscumbia, a small town in the northwest corner of Alabama, in a two-room cabin covered in English ivy. The old plantation was known as Ivy Green, and the ivy still grows there today.

Keller as a child, holding a book and reading in braille with one hand, and signing with the other hand as she read. Helens IQ showed she was genius. Two of her dear friends were Alexander Graham Bell and Mark Twain. (Source: Helen Keller Homeplace, photography by KTAL/KMSS Jaclyn Tripp)

The 204-year-old plantation grounds where Keller was born belonged to her grandparents, who were plantation owners that moved to Alabama from Virginia.

Helens father fought for the Confederacy, but because of Helens deafness and blindness she grew up in a seemingly different worlda world where she considered it perfectly normal to fight for equality for herself and others.

A few of the Executive Directors thoughts

I feel like theres so many people in this day and time that want to wipe history completely out, Sue Pilkilton told KTAL NBC 6 NEWS. But history is something that we all need. Whether we agree, whether we dont agree, its still history.

Pilkilton believes that we need to pass our historic legacies on to our children.

I know that maybe it hasnt been a perfect world, but its our world. We should always keep our history alive.

History is erased every day when people or organizations ban books or deny that certain events or people ever existed. But uncomfortable truths are part of who we are as a society.

Pilkilton never met Keller, but she said she loves her because she knows so much about her. And because Pilkilton watches over Helens birthplace, she treats the entire property with respect.

A few years ago, Pilkilton was devastated when an ice storm covered the property and ruined the Boxwood hedges that encircled the area where Keller played as a child.

Pilkilton understands Kellers legacy thoroughly because she has been working at Helen Kellers homeplace for almost 55 years.

A stern English teacher from Pilkiltons childhood offered 100 extra points for students who brought back their tickets from taking a tour of Kellers homeplace. Pilkilton took her up on the offer and was surprised to find that she loved the place.

Pilkilton was later offered a summer job in the gift shop and she said yes without even thinking about pay or the number of hours she would be working.

Thats how my journey started. I was in the gift shop, and then I became a hostess, and then I became the assistant administrator, and then the administrator retired, and in 1980 they asked me to become the director.

Pilkilton helped create Camp Courage, a camp that invites blind and deaf children from all 50 states to experience hands-on learning at the Helen Keller Birthplace. Children at the camp participate in art and nature programs and learn through their senses of taste, touch, and smell instead of through sight and hearing. The camp encourages children to be like Helen, who was once known as Americas First Lady of Courage. It also teaches children to be like Ann Sullivan, Kellers teacher, who was legally blind.

Amazingly, the camp is completely free. The kids are shown that a person who has a disability can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Helen Keller and Ann Sullivan spent the majority of their lives together, standing up for those with disabilitiesparticularly the blind and the deaf.

Working to help Keller was the only job Sullivan ever had.

Teens who dont believe Helen Keller was real, and why it matters

Helen at age 24 in 1904, soon after she graduated from college. (Source: KTAL/KMSS Jaclyn Tripp captured this image at the Birthplace of Helen Keller, July 2024)

Teens in Caddo Parish, Louisiana are falling victim to the misinformation about Helen Keller that is circulating on the internet. One such teen, who lives in Shreveport and will remain anonymous, recently admitted she learned that Helen Keller wasnt real on TikTok.

And though it may seem insignificant that some American teens doubt the existence of Helen Keller, the scary truth is that Helen Kellers story isnt the only puzzle piece of history being removed from history by misinformation circulating on social media.

In 2023 a host of conspiracy theories about the sinking of the Titanic upset Titanic historians. In April of this year, dentists went on TikTok to explain there are no secret codes on toothpaste tubes. And there are even conspiracy theories about TikTok, such as a rumor that insists Jewish peoples are trying to ban the app in the United States.

So why, exactly, are some social media users attempting to ban Helen Keller, of all people? Keller was born in 1880, after all. What is it about this woman, who has been dead for more than five decades, that is so controversial? And do most people see the irony of social media influencers becoming both deaf and blind to Kellers incredible accoplishments?

And what came firstTikTok, or efforts to deny that Helen Keller existed?

Kellers family lived here; she was born next door

Statue of Keller at her homeplace

The old kitchen at the Keller home

Civil War ghost said to haunt old womens college in northwest Louisiana; heres where

Perhaps one of the reasons why it is so difficult for some people to believe in Helen Keller is that her story involves not just one, but two geniuses. Both Keller and Anne Sullivan, Kellers teacher, were brilliant women in a day when women were not allowed to attend most universities. Keller and Sullivan were born when female colleges were a new concept. Women across the United States, particularly in the South and on the East Coast, were finally being allowed to attend college. It was the first time in world history that women were being educated on such a high level, but the world wasnt quite ready for the likes of Helen Keller!

Heres why.

Helen Keller caused a culture shift

This is where Keller felt water when Sullivan spelled water on Kellers hand. Its still on the homeplace property in Alabama. (Source: photography by KTAL/KMSS Jaclyn Tripp)

Every significant change in our historythe abolition of slavery, the extension of the right to vote, the passage of worker protection and safety laws, the end of Jim Crowcame about because people took action, rallying together against unjust laws and practices, wrote Maya Lindberg in a 2014 article called The Danger of Censoring Our History.

It was Kellers ability to work with others, such as Ann Sullivan and Alexander Graham Bell, that helped her significantly change American (and world) society.

When Helen Keller was seven, she and her mother visited the Perkins Institute in Boston and then stopped to meet President Grover Cleveland at the White House. Keller soon began to attend Perkins and learned about a little girl in Norway who was deaf and blind and had learned how to speak.

Once the bar was raised, Keller decided she wanted to learn to talk.

The very first sentence that Helen Keller ever spoke was It is warm.

By the age of 14, Helen was attending the Wright-Humason School for the Deaf in New York City. There she worked to make her words more understandable for others.

Shes pictured below in the first graduating class at Wright-Humason.

1895 group photo of the first class at the Wright Humason School for the Deaf. Keller is on the far left, holding Ann Sullivans hand. (Source: American Foundation for the Blind website)

She wanted to attend Harvard, but Harvard did not allow girls to enroll.

Helen would attend the prestigious Radcliffe College, Harvards partner school for women. Radcliffe College merged with Harvard University in 1999.

At Radcliffe, Keller had to take tests without the assistance of Sullivan because some believed it was Sullivan, and not Keller, who was the real genius. (Technically, they were both brilliant.)

Keller quickly proved, by taking tests without Sullivan present, that she was the true test-taker. Before long, one of her professors talked to the editor of the Ladies Home Journal about Keller, who was offered $3000 to write six articlesin 1902, no less.

She published The Story of My Life, a bestseller in 1903. In the book, she published such words as My friends have made the story of my life. In a thousand ways they have turned my limitations into beautiful privileges.

Keller would also write I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do.

And that was just the start of Kellers writing career.

It is always painful to set ones self against tradition, especially against the conventions and prejudices that hedge about womanhood, Keller wrote in the Ladies Home Journal. But continuous study of blindness has forced upon me knowledge of this subject, and, if I am to stand as an advocate of the work for the sightless, I cannot, without accusing myself of cowardice, gloss over or ignore the fundamental evil.

The more Keller learned about blindness, the more upset she became because many forms of blindness are preventable. She also realized that poverty and blindness were connected.

Keller educated readers of the Ladies Home Journal about how special eye drops can keep some babies from going blind. In 1920, she helped form the American Civil Liberties Union.

Today more than half a million members are active in the ACLU.

Keller was a suffragette, giving speeches where she asked such questions as, Are the political and industrial needs of women less genuine than those of men? Let us put an end to this stupid, one-sided, one-power arrangement and have suffrage for allan inclusive suffrage that takes in everybody. After all, the aim of every good man and woman is justice.

Despite being blind, Helen Keller had views that allowed her to see far past skin color and gender. She was brilliant and her desire to understand what it meant to feel, to see, to hear, to smell, to taste, and to know challenged others to understand that humanity can and must strive to be better, too.

Keller proved that the deaf and blind could also become philosophers, poets, and even movie stars. And in doing so, she also became a role model for those who can see and hear.

Throughout her long career, Keller wrote 14 books, including:

The Story of My Life

The World I Live In

Optimism

Light in my Darkness

Teacher: Anne Sullivan Macy

My Religion

The Open Door

The Song of the Stone Well

How I Would Help the World

Out of the Dark: Essays, Letters and Addresses on Physical and Social Vision

My Story (age 12)

Today, all but one of those books is out of print.

She was, as JSTOR Daily so perfectly worded it, uniquely poised to point outand challengethe troubled racial heritage of the American South.

Nay, let me say it, this great republic of ours is a mockery when citizens in any section are denied the rights which the Constitution guarantees them, when they are openly evicted, terrorized and lynched by prejudiced mobs, and their persecutors and murderers are allowed to walk abroad unpublished. The United States stands ashamed before the world whilst ten millions of its people remain victims of a most blind, stupid, inhuman prejudice. How dare we call ourselves Christians? The outrages against the colored people are a denial of Christ. The central fire of his teaching is equality, Keller wrote in a letter that endorsed the work of the NAACP in 1916.

Helen Keller overcame a lot in her life, so a series of TikTok-based conspiracy theories that have young people believing that she was a myth can also be overcome. And its important that we set the record straight, too.

Helen Kellers legend lives on not only because of what she did for others, but because of what she did for others. And thats why she deserves her place in history.

Alone we can do so little, she said. Together we can do so much.

Hear, hear.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
A second aircraft which took off from Ankara, has landed at the military section of Cologne/Bonn Airport as part of the prisoner exchange with Russia. Christoph Reichwein/dpa-Pool/dpa

Two high-profile US citizens imprisoned in Russia were on their way back home on Thursday after being freed in exchange for a convicted Russian murderer sitting in a German jail and others in a major prisoner exchange involving 26 detainees and several countries.

The exchange, announced on Thursday by Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and later confirmed by US President Joe Biden, included Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan.

The prisoner exchange took place at the airport in the Turkish capital Ankara, MIT said.

It also included German national Rico K, who had been sentenced to death in Belarus for alleged involvement in a bomb attack and then pardoned. Among the Russians released from Russian detainment were prominent Kremlin critics such as Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin.

Among those released to Russia was a convicted murderer who killed a Chechen dissident in broad daylight in a park in central Berlin. He was released from German custody as part of the deal.

Russian President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed the released Russians at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meanwhile welcomed 13 released prisoners at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

Late on Thursday, US ambassador to Turkey Jeff Flake said a plane carrying the released Americans had taken off from Ankara and was heading to the US. They were expected to arrive in the US at 11:30 pm Washington time (0330 GMT Friday).

Scholz said that many of the prisoners had not expected their release and were still filled with emotion at the sudden freedom they were experiencing after landing in Germany.

"Many feared for their health and even for their lives," Scholz said.

In a statement on Thursday, Biden said "the deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy."

He said his administration will continue to work to free "all those wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world."

Gershkovich and Whelan had been imprisoned in Russia. The reporter was recently sentenced to 16 years in prison on espionage charges, following his detention last year on a reporting trip to Yekaterinburg. Whelan had been in Russian custody since 2018.

In Berlin, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit defended the release of convicted Russian murderer, Vadim K, who was serving a life sentence for killing an exiled Chechen in broad daylight in a central Berlin park in 2019 - on the orders of Russian state authorities.

"The release was only possible because Russian citizens with intelligence backgrounds who were imprisoned in Europe were deported and transferred to Russia," Hebestreit told reporters.

Putin had previously said during an interview with US talk show host Tucker Carlson that he was open to a prisoner exchange involving Vadim K.

Germany's Ministry of Justice approved his release as part of the major east-west prisoner swap.

In return for the transfer of Vadim K and another nine individuals previously detained in the US, Norway, Poland, and Slovenia, 16 Western citizens and Russian opposition figures were freed.

The MIT described the operation in Ankara as the "most extensive prisoner exchange between the United States, Russia and Germany in recent years." It includes numerous Kremlin critics.

Signs of an imminent exchange increased in recent days

Recently, there had been growing reports of numerous political prisoners in Russia being moved to unknown locations, including the former heads of the regional staff for Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who died in February in Russian prison camp north of the Arctic Circle.

Observers in Moscow interpreted Gershkovich's swift sentencing in July as a potential sign that an agreement on a prisoner exchange might soon be reached.

Generally, under Russian legal practice, a verdict must be in place for an exchange to take place.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) welcomes prisoners released following the swap deal at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. -/KREMLIN/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivers a press statement at the Cologne/Bonn international airport, after German political prisoners have been released in one of the biggest prisoner swaps between Russia and the West. Christoph Reichwein/dpa-Pool/dpa
The Platte River Bridge Trail opens Saturday near LaPlatte, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Eric Williams with the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District)

Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect the opening of the trail.

LINCOLN  Two decades in the making, a trail across a Platte River bridge linking Sarpy and Cass Counties officially opened Saturday.

The Platte River Bridge Trail, built at a cost of $2.6 million in federal grants and local matching funds, extends across the Platte on the east side of the U.S. Highway 34/275 bridge near LaPlatte. On the south side of the river, the 14-foot-wide trail connects with Beach Road; on the north side, it connects with a levee that extends to Allied Road.

The closest existing hike/bike bridge across the Platte River is 16 miles west at the Lied Bridge, a converted railroad bridge near South Bend.

Eric Williams of the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District said the new trail has been envisioned for two decades and will provide greater safety on the bridge for hikers and bikers, as well as increased recreational opportunities.

Trails are designed to provide recreation, active transportation, and access to natural resources, Williams said. The Platte River Bridge Trail excels at all three of those objectives and represents a boundary-breaking accomplishment for regional connectivity.

State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue said it took a partnership between the Cities of Bellevue and Plattsmouth, Sarpy and Cass Counties, two natural resources districts and bicycle enthusiasts to get the trail completed. She marveled at the great view from the new trail across the bridge.

It is great to see this project get across the finish line, said Julie Harris, Bike Walk Nebraskas executive director.

Eighty percent of the funding for the new trail was provided by the federal government, with the rest coming from local sources.

A grand opening of the new trail segment was scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday at 1198 Allied Road in Bellevue, basically the east side of the northbound lanes of the bridge. The Platte River Bridge Trail will then be opened to the public.

A project to close a second gap in recreation trails between Omaha and Lincoln, in central Cass County, is currently in the planning stages.

The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District held informational meetings this spring seeking public input on the best route to fill a gap in the Mo Pac Trail between the Lied Bridge near South Bend and Wabash.

In 2022, the State Legislature allocated $8.3 million to fill the gap with a trail at least 8 feet wide.

Past attempts to choose a route for the trail in Cass County became controversial because proposals included crossing some lawns of farmsteads.

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Hiking in the wilderness can present any number of surprises depending on where you are and what kinds of creatures you'll come across. Some recent visitors to Mount Hood in Oregon were shocked by one animal in particular they stumbled upon.

Jackson Smith was backpacking with a friend on the Yocum Ridge Trail on July 27 when they noticed a goat climbing down the cliffside. It turns out it was a Rocky Mountain goat, which are extremely rare in that part of the state and are more common in the eastern portion closer to the Rocky Mountain range.

"I heard some rock fall along the ridge to our north and looked up to see this Rocky Mountain goat about 30 to 50 yards away from us," Smith told KOIN of the encounter. "We were both completely shocked, but stayed still and silent as the goat began its descent down the ridge towards the Sandy River below."

The Rocky Mountain goat's natural habitat stretches from southeastern Alaska all the way down into Utah and Colorado. According to the U.S. Forest Service, they were reintroduced to parts of this region in the 1900s after they were overhunted the previous century "following the arrival of European immigrants." In this reintroduction, they were also brought to areas that were outside of their known range, which included Oregon.

Mount Hood National Forest spokesperson Raven Reese told KOIN that while there have been "occasional reports" of mountain goats on Mount Hood, the sightings are usually never confirmed.

"We dont have an established population and are not working to reintroduce them," Reese said. "Any goats seen are likely dispersed or vagrants from established populations elsewhere."

It sounds like this one in particular might have been lost.
New Hillsborough school bus safety features to crack down on drivers

New Hillsborough school bus safety features to crack down on drivers

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  Hillsborough County school leaders have a plan to make the commute to school safer this year and it involves cracking down on drivers.

When kids go back to school in less than two weeks, Carlos Hernandez is one of the several people making students safety his top priority.

Im very excited, said the school bus driver and trainer.

For the first time in Hillsborough County, school bus drivers will have help from artificial intelligence while en route to school.

Its a partnership with a company called BusPatrol.

Our AI engine, Ava, when the arm comes out, when the red lights are flashing, shes hooked into the telemetry of the school bus and thats what helps make the evidence package, said BusPatrol Chief Growth Officer Steve Randazzo.

Ava captures videos of drivers who prove to be a danger to school buses by not stopping.

Recent studies of illegal passing in the state revealed that school buses are illegally passed up to three times per bus per day, said Van Ayres, Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent. This is absolutely unacceptable.

Hillsborough County Public Schools is in charge of taking 78,000 students to and from school every day.

With new school bus safety features like stop arm cameras, Ayres believes the commute will be safer for everyone including the driver.

Now we can dedicate more of our attention to the kids instead of trying to oh this guy passed I got to try to get the license plate write it do, said Hernandez.

Avas first day on the job is the first day of school Monday, August 12th, and Randazzo said Avas eyes are 30% more accurate than a humans trying to do its job.

The warnings for drivers will run from August 12 to September 11.

Starting September 12, if you pass a stopped school bus in Hillsborough, you are expected to get fined $225 for the first offense.

School bus drivers can also now utilize a panic button included in the new safety features. When they press it, a school leader is notified immediately.

From there, they can see whats happening inside the bus from cameras now installed on the interior.

Now if theres a fight in the back of the bus or a problem, they see whats going on and they know they got to send someone to help, Hernandez said.

Hernandez said the new features make him feel safer.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Can you get homeowners and flood insurance in Florida during hurricane season? What to know

The Atlantic hurricane season is entering its peak this month.

For Florida, that means we typically see the most hurricanes between August and October. Of course, hurricane season means more potential for flooding, rain and wind damage.

Just one inch of standing water in your home could cost about $25,000 to repair, which is why flood insurance exists. But if you're a homeowner without homeowners or flood insurance during hurricane season, it might be too late to find coverage.

Although Florida hasn't been hit by a hurricane yet this season, there's currently a tropical system heading for Florida's Gulf Coast and it's expected to develop into a tropical storm over the next day or so, as of Friday, Aug. 2.

"Downpours and gusty thunderstorms will spread westward across Cuba and the western islands of the Bahamas on Friday before spreading over the Florida Keys and the southern part of the Florida Peninsula on Saturday (Aug. 3)," according to The Pensacola News Journal and Accuweather. "Along with the potential for urban flooding will be the risk of waterspouts and hazards for beach and boating interests, at the very least."

Here's how flood insurance works in Florida, when and where to find a policy and why a lot of Floridians don't storm prep and ignore evacuation orders, according to an AAA survey.

Is there a hurricane or tropical storm headed for Florida?

The forecast track of what's expected to become Tropical Storm Debby shows the system moving along the west coast of Florida over the weekend.

The National Hurricane Center has issued its first advisory on Potential Tropical Cyclone Four.

Tropical storm watches and warnings have been issued for portions of Florida ahead of a possible landfall as Tropical Storm Debby along Florida's West Coast over the weekend.

What was originally known as Invest 97L currently is located over eastern Cuba, about 420 miles southeast of Key West, according to the 11 a.m. advisory.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday declared a state of emergency for 54 of Florida's 67 counties ahead of the storm.

"Keep in mind the tropical cyclone will be strengthening as it moves north, so the farther north it gets before landfall, the better of a shot that it has to attain hurricane status," said the National Weather Service Tallahassee.

If sustained winds reach 39 mph, it would become Tropical Storm Debby, the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

What happens if my home floods and I don't have flood insurance?

Since just an inch of water in your home could cost up to $25,000 or more to fix, what happens if you don't have flood insurance?

Homeowners who don't have flood insurance have the option to apply for federal disaster assistance through a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. But unlike payouts from insurance claims, the federal disaster assistance loans have to be paid back.

What happens if I get flood insurance and my home floods the next day?

According to a AAA survey, 53% of the people surveyed were unaware that flood insurance policies issued through FEMA do not take immediate effect. FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program, which manages a network of more than 50 insurance companies, including AAA.

All flood insurance policies issued through FEMA's network of insurance companies have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect.

Flood insurance is sold separately from homeowners' hurricane wind insurance policies.

Can you get homeowners' insurance in Florida during hurricane season?

There are certain times when buying homeowners' insurance isn't possible in Florida. You can sometimes buy homeowners' insurance during hurricane season, but not always. When insurance companies issue a policy, they're hoping you won't have to file a claim. The likelier it is that you will file a claim for storm damages, the warier they are of issuing policies.

This is why most insurance companies don't sell homeowners' insurance 24 hours to 48 hours before a storm is anticipated to hit the state. Rules around when you can and can't buy homeowners' insurance vary depending on which insurance provider you buy from, but is usually difficult to acquire during hurricane season no matter who you insure with.

Why do some people ignore hurricane evacuation orders?

Last year, the peak of hurricane season followed extremely high, record-breaking ocean temperatures off Florida's coast and an above-average August for tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic basin. August 2023 brought six named storms with it, well above the three-to-four storm average that Florida saw each August from 1991 to 2020.

During the 2023 hurricane season, AAA released a survey that asked Floridians how likely they are to evacuate their homes during a hurricane. More than half of the people surveyed said they won't go unless the storm is a Category 3 or higher.

About 20% of the Floridians surveyed said that they don't prepare in advance for hurricane season, and 24% said they simply wouldn't evacuate in the event of a hurricane or severe weather.

Almost 60% of those surveyed said that they feel safe because they aren't located in a flood zone, but the AAA survey found almost 40% of all flood insurance claims came from homes that weren't in high-risk flood zones.

40% said that they stay to take care of any fixable damage to their home.

30% said they don't have a safe way to evacuate with their pets.

22% stay because they believe the storm will turn off course and away from their direction.

18% don't know where to evacuate to.

17% fear post-storm looting.

15% can't afford to book a hotel.

Does Florida have mandatory evacuation laws?

In almost every state, the governor has the power to take action ahead of or during a disaster, like a hurricane. In some states, like Florida, the governor can order mandatory evacuations.

There is no evidence to support that anyone has ever been ticketed for ignoring evacuation orders in Florida, unlike North Carolina, where violating an evacuation order is a crime. Florida doesn't have any sort of criminal penalty for ignoring a mandatory evacuation order.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida weather: What to know if you don't have flood insurance
Due to the death of the head of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Hamas movement, Ismayil Haniyeh, the national flag on the building of the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv was lowered to half-mast. In response to this, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called the deputy ambassador of Turkiye to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Azernews reports that minister Israel Katz wrote about this on the "X" social network account.

The minister said that the Israeli side's protest regarding the lowering of the flag over the embassy building was delivered to the Turkish diplomat.
Russian oil and gas company Gazproms average daily natural gas supplies to Europe in July reached their highest this year, up 5.7% compared with a year ago and 12% from June, according to Reuters.

The calculations, based on data from the European gas transmission group Entsog and Gazprom's daily reports on gas transit via Ukraine, showed average daily pipeline exports increased to 91.5 million cubic metres (mcm) in July 2024 from 86.6mcm in July 2023 and 81.8mcm in June.

The month-on-month increase is a result of the end of maintenance on the Turkstream pipeline from Russia to Turkey, which began in 2017, and a seasonal increase in demand as utilities began injecting gas into storage ahead of winter.

So far in 2024, Gazprom's natural gas exports to Europe have amounted to 18.3bcm. Annual flows in Europe peaked in 201819 at between 175bcm and 180bcm.

According to Reuters, Russia supplied a total of around 63.8bcm of gas to Europe by various routes in 2022. Volumes decreased by 55.6% to 28.3bcm in 2023, which was the last time Gazprom published its own monthly statistics.

In 2023, Gazprom recorded its first annual loss since 1999 after gas exports to Europe fell, costing the company Rbs629bn ($6.9bn).

While Europe continues to depend on gas supplies from Gazprom, the state-owned companys contracts with some European nations are increasingly being scrutinised as the Russo-Ukrainian war enters its third year.

In June, an arbitration tribunal allowed German energy company Uniper to terminate its long-term gas supply relationship with Gazprom and awarded the company more than 13bn ($14.19bn) in damages for non-delivery of gas.

Following in Germanys footsteps, Austrian Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler in July proposed a legal diversification requirement from the countrys contract with Gazprom. Until May 2024, Austria received 90% of its gas via a pipeline from Russia.

On 10 July, Bulgarias state gas company, Bulgargaz, also commenced arbitration proceedings against Gazprom, seeking compensation for an alleged breach of contract.

"Gazprom marks highest gas exports to Europe in 2024 " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







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As Vice President Harris weighs her choice for running mate, House Democrats are increasingly advocating for a former colleague: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

First elected to Congress in 2006, Walz served in the House for 12 years and rose to become the top Democrat on the powerful Veterans Affairs Committee before heading home in 2019 to lead the North Star State.

The amiable Walz was not only popular on Capitol Hill, but he also had the distinction of being the highest-ranking enlisted soldier in the history of Congress  a status that endeared him to Pentagon supporters in both parties.

That unique resume  combined with his Midwestern roots, liberal policy record and fierce defense of the Biden administration on the campaign trail this year  have made him a top prospect among a growing list of Democrats on Capitol Hill, who say hed be a strong asset to the Democratic ticket as Harris vies to keep former President Trump from a second term in the White House.

My sentimental favorite is Tim Walz, said Rep. Jim McGovern (Mass.), the top Democrat on the powerful Rules Committee. He was a great member of Congress. The people I know in Minnesota tell me hes a great governor.  But more importantly, hes a good guy. Hes down to earth, hes the real deal, theres nothing phony about him, and he calls em as he sees em, and he tells it like it is, and I appreciate the candor.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, also singled out Walz as a particularly appealing vice presidential pick. She pointed to Walzs track record backing labor unions and working families as a key reason for her support.

I want somebody whos really strongly pro-labor and understands labor, because this is a big part of the working-class agenda and making sure that we win working-class votes, Jayapal said.

I want somebody who is totally committed to the agenda that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris fought for.  And then I think it should be somebody whos really good in some of our Midwestern states. So making sure that we win Wisconsin, Ohio  some of those places. And so that kind of brings me to  I really like Gov. Walz, she continued. I like the things that hes been able to do. I like that hes from a rural town; I like that hes got a military background.

So he would be a great choice.

Even former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) appears to be leaning in Walzs favor. A source familiar with the California Democrats thinking told The Hill she is always especially fond of former House colleagues when asked about Harriss running mate, a nod to Walz.

Harriss veepstakes are heading into the final stretch, with the vice president expected to announce her running mate in the coming days. The ticket will travel to seven key battleground states next week, kicking off the swing Tuesday with a stop in Philadelphia.

Walzs name has been floated as being on Harriss shortlist, in addition to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, among others.

Democrats, to be sure, think their bench is deep, and many have said theyd be thrilled with any of those options  Theres really no bad pick, theyre all really good, McGovern said  but House members have taken a particular affinity for the one they know best.

The other person [Democrats are interested in] is our former colleague Tim Walz, who we know really well, said Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (D-N.H.), the chair of the New Democrat Coalition. He was my chair when I was on the Veterans Affairs Committee, when I was a new member of Congress. Incredibly nice guy, very well thought of in the House and the Senate and then among the governors.

Walz, who currently chairs the Democratic Governors Association, cut his own path on Capitol Hill, bucking fellow Democrats on some high-profile issues and lending voice to heartland voters he said were neglected by even his own party.

He was furious in 2014, for instance, when party leaders  including Pelosi  used obscure procedural tactics to block his initial run for ranking member of Veteran Affairs. Two years later, he was openly critical of his fellow Democrats when they chose a leadership team that tilted heavily toward the coasts, warning that the lack of regional diversity would alienate Midwesterners like those he represented. And while other Democrats were fiercely defending ObamaCare from GOP attacks, Walz acknowledged the warts dogging the massive health care law  and promised not to gloss over them in talks with district voters.

I cant do that, he said at the time, because its failing my constituents in a lot of ways.

But Walz was also a cordial team player who championed a number of traditionally liberal programs  including a minimum wage hike and stem cell research  and stuck his neck out to endorse other controversial Democratic endeavors, including then-President Obamas nuclear deal with Iran.

Walzs folksy manner, combined with his long military record, won him favor with lawmakers in both parties. That patronage helped to propel Walz to the top Democratic seat on the Veterans Affairs panel in 2017, and its also given him a degree of gravitas as he bounds around the cable news circuit this summer to bash Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), for their weird policy agenda and their claims that only Republicans support Second Amendment rights.

Thats what JD Vances schtick is: talking about guns. I guarantee you he cant shoot pheasants like I can, Walz told Anderson Cooper this week on CNN. He quickly added that he supports certain limits on firearms to combat Americas gun violence epidemic.

Some Democrats say his military service could be key for the party.

He has really good ties with the veterans community and is respected, even in conservative circles, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) said. He was somebody respected by the VFW and the American Legion, and Im sure still is. And that ability, that kind of outreach, is also a real added value.

House Democrats have also lauded the other vice presidential contenders. They cite Shapiros strong approval rating in Pennsylvania, a key swing state; Buttigiegs appeal in the Midwest and his tactful messaging on television; and Kellys background as an astronaut, marriage to former congresswoman and gun control activist Gabby Giffords, and his recent victory in Arizona, another battleground state.

Theres a lot of good choices out there, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) said.

I think theres an argument for all of them, Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) echoed of those being considered for the No. 2 spot. They all represent the change back to normal and the forward-looking vision that Harris has laid out around our democracy, our freedom and our democracy. Tim happens to be one of my favorites.

As the party, and the country, await Harriss announcement, some Democrats said the ultimate deciding factor should be a simple and pragmatic one: Does the selection help the party win the White House in November?

Its about math, math, math  electoral math, Connolly said. Synergy is important, but if somebody cant bring any electoral strength to the ticket, thats a risk we cannot afford.

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House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good, who was targeted for defeat by former President Donald Trump, conceded the Republican primary in Virginias 5th Congressional District after a recount Thursday.

While I am disappointed in the ultimate outcome, it has been my distinct honor to serve as the congressional representative for Virginias 5th District over the past 3.5 years, Good said in a statement on Facebook.

Good requested the recount, which he had to fund, after the certified results of the June 18 primary found him 374 votes, or 0.6 percentage points, behind state Sen. John McGuire.

With his defeat, Good becomes the third House member to lose a primary this year. In March, Rep. Jerry Carl lost an all-incumbent Republican primary in Alabama to Rep. Barry Moore in March after both ran for the same seat following redistricting. And in June, Democrat Jamaal Bowman, a member of the squad of progressive lawmakers, lost a primary for his New York City-area seat.

The race for Virginias 5th District, which encompasses Charlottesville and parts of south-central Virginia, saw a fierce effort to oust Good from a broad swath of the GOP. Good lost Trumps support after he endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. And as one of the chief architects of the move to oust Kevin McCarthy as House speaker last fall, Good also drew the ire of McCarthys allies, who spent millions seeking revenge.

The candidates and outside groups poured more than $14 million in ad spending into the race  the most expensive House Republican primary of the cycle to date. Groups opposing Good spent about $7.5 million, while those backing the incumbent spent $5.6 million on their efforts. One anti-Good ad painted him as disloyal to Trump and featured a clip of him criticizing the former president. Others targeted his votes against government funding bills.

McGuire also narrowly outraised Good through May 29, federal records show, bringing in $1.2 million to his opponents $1.1 million.

Good had to weather direct attacks from Trump, who held a tele-rally for McGuire on the eve of the election in which he attacked the incumbent for not being sufficiently supportive.

If hes reelected, Bob Good will stab Virginia in the back, sort of like he did with me, Trump told supporters on the call.

Good had sought to get back into Trumps good graces once it became clear that the former president, and not DeSantis, would be the 2024 Republican nominee. He even appeared in New York City outside Trumps hush money trial, along with other Republicans seeking to show their support and devotion to Trump. Both Good and McGuire rode in Trumps motorcade on the way to the Manhattan courthouse.

Despite those efforts, Trump declared on social media that Good was BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA. Trumps campaign also sent the congressmans team a cease-and-desist letter over signage that it said falsely implied that the former president had endorsed Good.

Following the recount Thursday, McGuire said on social media that the exercise reaffirmed what we already knew from the June 18th primary.

The state senator heads into the general election as the favorite against Democrat Gloria Witt in a district that Trump would have carried by 8 points in 2020 under the current lines.

CNNs Andrew Menezes contributed to this report.

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The Maryland House of Delegates convenes on April 8, 2024. Photo by William J. Ford.

A small but vocal band of conservative Republicans in the Maryland House of Delegates are about to gain some firepower  which they hope to use to increase their visibility and influence in upcoming legislative sessions and, perhaps, on the campaign trail.

The leaders of the caucus-within-the-House GOP Caucus informally known as the Maryland House Freedom Caucus say their group is about to be officially recognized by the umbrella organization for conservative Republican lawmakers nationwide known as the State Freedom Caucus Network. The network is an offshoot of the powerful and pugnacious House Freedom Caucus on Capitol Hill.

The pending recognition from the national organization basically means that well be able to better coordinate with other freedom caucuses in other states and with the federal Freedom Caucus, said Del. Mark N. Fisher (R-Calvert), one of the leaders of the Maryland group. Well be able to share ideas and discuss best practices.

The new arrangement will also bring the caucus resources from the national organization, including a full-time staffer who will apprise lawmakers on legislative developments in other statehouses and on Capitol Hill. The national network is also expected to provide communications strategy and legal resources.

Del. Mark N. Fisher (R-Calvert). Photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

Maryland will become the 12th state with an officially sanctioned freedom caucus within a legislative Republican caucus.

By virtue of their strategy and tactics, the half dozen or so most vocal conservative members of the House GOP in Annapolis already have more visibility than most of the 39 members of the Republican caucus, even if they dont always have the most clout. They often take up significant chunks of time during House floor debates pushing back against Democratic initiatives with colorful rhetoric or introducing conservative amendments that are doomed to failure in a chamber with a Democratic supermajority.

As House Minority Leader Jason C. Buckel (R-Allegany) sees it, GOP caucus members do not view their colleagues who are self-styled freedom caucus members as part of an organized entity.

I dont think theyre perceived as a group, he said. I think theyre perceived as individuals. We dont have a lot of room for factions in the [GOP] caucus. We dont have the ability to self-segregate.

Within the House Republican Caucus, there isnt much ideological diversity, the way there once was. All the members are rock-ribbed conservatives, and they almost always vote in lockstep.

But there is a difference within the caucus about what issues to emphasize and how to develop a political battle plan.

Many House Republicans focus on their committee work and delivering for their constituents.

A lot of our members, to serve their constituents, do their best to have a positive impact on policy, even though it can be frustrating from our perspective, being in the minority, Buckel said.

The freedom caucus members in Annapolis are the most pugilistic and the most rhetorically provocative Republicans, and they often feel like theyve succeeded if they attract publicity and generate social media traffic, even if their legislative efforts fall short.

Weve been operating as the resistance, like the French resistance, said Del. Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County), another leader of the group.

That appears to be in line with the mission and guidance of the State Freedom Caucus Network. While the organization did not respond to a request for comment this week, Andrew Roth, president of the network, told Stateline earlier this year that our members consider themselves the farm team of the House Freedom Caucus.

What we try to do is push conservative policy, he said. If we win, we win. If we lose, were exposing the fake Republicans for who they are. They will then have to answer to their constituents. We feel like we win either way.

Roth is a veteran of Club for Growth, a national conservative organization that for the past two decades has campaigned against Republicans it feels are insufficiently conservative.

On Capitol Hill, the House Freedom Caucus, which consists of perhaps two dozen GOP members, is the most conservative group within the Republican Caucus. It has pressured GOP leaders through the years, particularly on spending issues, and a handful of its members were responsible for deposing then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) last fall. Another former House Speaker, ex-Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), once referred to them as legislative terrorists.

Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st) talks with visitors at the J. Millard Tawes Clam Bake and Crab Feast in 2021. File photo by Bruce DePuyt.

U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), the lone Republican in Marylands congressional delegation, is a member of the Freedom Caucus  and is rumored to be line to become chairman of the caucus in the next Congress. He is also a mentor to several members of the Annapolis group.

Buckel said he sees a distinction between some Freedom Caucus members in Congress. He mentioned Harris and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, as productive members of the caucus who are pushing a legislative agenda, compared to others who are simply seeking the limelight with fruitless crusades.

I dont think it serves a real role if the goal is to be like the Washington, D.C., Freedom Caucus, Buckel said. I dont think thats helped anybody. Andy Harris, Jim Jordan, they use the Freedom Caucus for the right purposes. They use the Freedom Caucus to advance their conservative principles, but I dont view them as bomb-throwers, the way some members of the caucus are.

Six or seven House Republicans are the most stalwart members of the freedom caucus in Annapolis: Szeliga, Fisher and Dels. Lauren Arikan (R-Harford), Brian Chisholm (R-Anne Arundel), Robin L. Grammer Jr. (R-Baltimore County), Matthew Morgan (R-St. Marys) and Ryan Nawrocki (R-Baltimore County). Another three or four Republicans occasionally join the group on some of their high-profile fights.

Chisholm, as an assistant minority whip, is technically part of House GOP leadership.

In 2021, Arikan, Chisholm, Grammer, Morgan, Nawrocki and Szeliga, along with Del. Nicholaus R. Kipke (R-Anne Arundel), set up a joint fundraising entity called the Marylanders United Slate, though it has not been much of a financial powerhouse so far.

But now the informal freedom caucus is entering a new phase.

Szeliga said that official recognition from the national organization will enable the Maryland freedom caucus to pursue a more expansive agenda. She said she expects the State Freedom Caucus Network will provide templates for legislation and other activities that the lawmakers in the caucus will want to pursue. Well be much more active in the next session.

Del. Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County) speaks on the floor of the House of Delegates. File photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

Fisher said he thinks the Maryland Freedom Caucus will benefit from working with other states on confronting the national debt and budget shortfalls at the state level.

Asked about the criticism that she and her colleagues in the caucus would rather score political points than pass legislation, Szeliga was unapologetic.

If you define success by how many bills you pass, you wind up with the current state of affairs, which is what you have: Too many laws in the state of Maryland, she said. Most laws are taking away someones freedoms, and we dont need 1,500 new laws every year.

Szeliga said the state freedom caucus could also become more involved in Republican primaries, whether endorsing candidates or running some of their own members against GOP incumbents perceived to be moderates. For example, there are persistent rumors in Annapolis that Szeliga, Nawrocki or Arikan could challenge state Sen. J.B. Jennings (R-Harford) in 2026. Similarly, Morgan may be targeting state Sen. Jack Bailey (R-St. Marys).

Decrying D.C.-style combative energy

Buckel, who was unaware that the freedom caucus was on the verge of getting official recognition from the national network, conceded that some members seek their own tactical and strategic counsel, separate from the GOP caucus.

I believe they believe the tactics they employ have a certain value to them, he added. I dont have a problem with that. They care less about their ability to succeed within the system and thats fine.

Buckel said the bottom line for his caucus is making sure there isnt any conflict among Republicans.

About the freedom caucus, he added, To the extent that their activities are in good faith and theyre thinking critically and about advancing conservative ideas, thats great.

As for legislative Democrats, they view the emergence of the freedom caucus as largely a sign of internecine GOP struggles.

A lot of the things we fight for, they work against us at every turn  whether its the establishment Republicans or the more conservative wing, said House Majority Whip Jazz S. Lewis (D-Prince Georges).

But he conceded that he views the development with some trepidation.

If theyre going to bring that Washington, D.C.-style combative energy to Annapolis, thats disappointing, Lewis said. But as the speaker [of the House Adrienne A. Jones] always says, were going to continue moving forward, with decency.
CLARIFICATION: Despite the signs that say iDeal Properties, this mobile home park is now managed by SG Communities.



PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT)  One Pitt County resident said she is frustrated from a lack of maintenance after a pipe broke in her home. While the pipe is now fixed, 9 On Your Side took a look at local housing codes to see how the codes impact residents in the area.

Alberta Iverson said she lived in Cactus Lakes Mobile Home Park for more than eight years. Recently, she said a pipe attached to her toilet broke and flooded the hallway and childrens rooms.

When I came home, walked in the house, heard some running water, Iverson said. When I went in the hall bathroom, the water was shooting up from the ground.

Iverson said she was unable to use water for 10 days because she had to turn the water off to stop the flooding and keep her water bill from going up.

I got a $275 water bill, so its probably been running, but not where I can see it, Iverson said.

In an e-mail statement to 9OYS, the property management group SG Communities expressed the tenant was never without water and said all issues were completely repaired. SG Communities Community Manager Amie Grannel wrote:

This is the community manager at Cactus Lakes MHC LLC. I understand you were at a residence inside this community yesterday. I dont know what you were told, but I can assure you that there is not a water issue at this community. If there were an issue I am sure it would be the whole community complaining not just one resident. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Grannel also wrote:

The tenant was never without water for any lasting period of time. In fact the water was on to the home while you were there. After walking down to the home yesterday, I personally saw the water was on and running. You and the tenant were gone when I arrived at the home. Maintenance shut the water off to make repairs and turned it back on before leaving. When the tenant gives us notice there is an issue, we address it. This tenant was not home on several occasions and kept her master bedroom locked. I personally walked down there and no one was home or answered the door on multiple occasions. If we do not have access to a home, we can not make repairs. The issues were repaired completely since access was granted to all rooms where complaints were being made after you were at the home. I am working with Greenville Utilities to make sure the tenant does not get billed for the extra running water. There will be no compensation for inconvenience. Any other questions feel free to ask. Have a great day. 

But it raises the question, who makes sure residents have a safe place to live?

Greenville has a minimum housing code. If an owner of a dwelling fails to comply with a code enforcement officer, a civil penalty could be issued.

According to the Pitt County Online Parcel Information System, or OPIS, Iversons home does not fall within city jurisdiction, instead falling in the countys.

Pitt County does not have a minimum housing code, so their code enforcement, the Inspections Division, cant hold property owners accountable.

If someone calls, we do a courtesy inspection, but I dont have any teeth to be able to say, you got to fix this, once they get a certificate of occupancy on a building, we typically dont go back unless theres a complaint, Pitt County Chief Building Inspector Dean Burbage said. We have a code book, but minimum housing is not in that code.

Chapter 42 of North Carolinas Landlord and Tenant Law says landlords must make repairs and do whatever is necessary to keep premises in fit and habitable conditions.

The law in North Carolina says if theres a dangerous condition like not having running water, the landlord has to fix the condition in a reasonable amount of time, but whats considered reasonable depends on the condition, Former Project Director for Eviction Prevention Defense Team for Legal Aid of NC Isaac Sturgill said. Theres not a definite period of time under the law, but its just considered reasonable or not, but the more serious the condition is, the faster the landlord should fix it.

North Carolina General Statute 160D Article 12 also gives cities, municipalities and counties the ability to establish minimum housing codes.

Burbage said Pitt County is part of the majority. Most North Carolina counties do not have minimum housing codes.

Three or four years ago, I read, at the time only 27 of the 100 counties had minimum housing, that left 73 that didnt, Burbage said. The only thing that we would have as a tool is we can condemn an unsafe structure per the statutes.

The division said they can offer a little help calling landlords, performing inspections and providing documentation of site visits.

My advice to them usually is, Hey look, give this to your landlord, I will also reach out to your landlord and say you need to do right by your tenant. But again, theres not anything I can make them do, Burbage said.

9OYS reached out to Legal Aid of North Carolina to ask about the next steps for those wishing to pursue further action in areas without minimum housing codes. In an e-mail, they wrote:

Regarding your question, tenants who live in areas with no minimum housing code are still covered by NC Gen. Statute 42-42 and under this, landlords are still required to provide a fit and habitable premises. If a tenant is living in a home where the landlord is not fulfilling this duty, he may pursue legal claims including but not limited to, rent abatement for Breach of the Implied Warranty of Habitability or Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices. North Carolina tenants experiencing unfit or uninhabitable conditions can contact LANC for assistance.

Pitt County Inspections Divisions phone number is 252-902-3150.

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The Golden Ray capsized Sept. 8, 2019, in St. Simons Sound after departing from the Port of Brunswick, Georgia. (Photo: St. Simons Sound Incident Response)

A federal lawsuit filed against the owners and operators of a cargo ship that sank off the Georgia coast in 2019 has been dismissed at the request of a local county that had filed suit alleging it caused damage to the environment.

The lawsuit, filed by Glynn County in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, was dismissed Thursday at the request of the county. The suit, filed in March 2022, alleged that the sinking of the Golden Ray cargo ship, which was carrying some $142 million worth of cargo when it capsized, caused environmental damage.

The Marshall Islands-flagged roll-on/roll-off vehicle carrier sank on Sept. 8, 2019, after leaving the Port of Brunswick on its way to Baltimore. It was carrying more than 4,000 vehicles.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined that an error by the chief officer led to the capsizing.

More on the Golden Ray:

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Chief officers ballast level error blamed for Golden Ray capsizing

Investigator testifies Golden Ray violated stability regulations

Pilot radioed Im losing her as Golden Ray capsized

Leaking fuel polluted the St. Simon Sound. The ship was grounded near environmentally sensitive areas for migratory birds and shrimp, the lawsuit says.

Salvage operations, which took two years, caused numerous fires and additional oil spills. Health officials in July 2021 issued warnings to those using the Sound for recreation.

Glynn County relies on the Georgia coast to drive its tourism. Each year, tourists inject some $800 million into the countys economy. The county is the center of the states shrimping industry and was once dubbed the Shrimp Capital of the World.

The suit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought back to court.

Another lawsuit filed by local shrimpers, crabbers and business owners was dismissed earlier this year after parties agreed to settle.

The post Georgia countys suit against cargo ship that capsized in 2019 dismissed appeared first on FreightWaves.
The humpback whale with a severed tail was first seen swimming in Canada this July

San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network/Facebook An aerial view of a humpback whale with a severed tail

A humpback whale whose tail is missing was spotted swimming near Washington state in July.

Originally spotted on July 10 around the Campbell River in British Columbia, the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network notes that authorities have been on high alert for this whale.

The whale was spotted a second time south of Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands. A viral video from July 23 shared on the network's Facebook page showed the massive mammal struggling to swim. At one point, viewers can see where the tail is severed.

It wasnt until the whale went to sound that we actually saw the back end of the whale and the tail end being missing, and that was when you could hear a big gasp of disbelief, Campbell River Whale Watching co-founder Tyler Bruce told GlobalNews about the sighting.

He added that A pretty significant part of the whale was missing," and called the scene "quite a shock."



San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network/Facebook Aerial view of a humpback whale with a severed tail

Related: Humpback Whale Jumps Out of Water Next to Tour Boat and Waves at Stunned Onlookers

Local researchers hope to further document its injury as its massive fluke (tail) is missing. Humpbacks have unique patterns and designs similar to a human fingerprint, which means no two humpback tails are the same.

Since the whale doesn't have a fluke, scientists haven't been able to identify the ailing whale.

Flukes are also important body parts that help the whales swim great distances, propelling them through the water. The Maui Ocean Center also notes that whales use flukes to defend themselves against predators.

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Humpback whale researcher Jackie Hildering believes that the whale suffered its dangerous injury after an entanglement with fishing gear.

A conservative estimate, and we are still pulling together our data, is that about 50 percent of the humpbacks that have been photographed on the coast  show that they have been entangled at least once," Hildering told GlobalNews.

Hildering also says that when people learn about this whale that researchers have named Catalyst, it will be a catalyst for change, catalyst for awareness . a catalyst for education."



FLORIAN PLAUCHEUR/AFP via Getty Aerial view of a humpback whale

Related: Humpback Whale Jumps Out of Water Next to Tour Boat and Waves at Stunned Onlookers

Doug Sandilands, who works with the Cascadia Research Collective Partnership for Whale Entanglement Action, told The Seattle Times that the whale's chances of survival are not good.

Exactly what it is going through, I cannot say, but I know it is not good," Sandilands said. "This particular whale, I dont know what we could do; I havent heard of anyone able to help a whale in this condition.

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Sandilands noted that giving the animal space is the best thing anyone can do for it. Prevention is the ultimate goal.

Anyone who spots a marine mammal struggling or entangled is encouraged to contact the Entanglement Response Hotline at 877-767-9425 or NOAAs West Coast Marine Stranding Network 866-767-6114.

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Hundreds of people gathered at a mosque in Qatar on Friday for the funeral of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh after his killing in Tehran earlier this week, an attack blamed on Israel that deepened fears of a regional war.

Haniyeh, Hamas' political chief, played a key role in mediated talks aimed at ending nearly 10 months of war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, and his killing triggered calls for revenge and raised questions about the continued viability of such negotiations.

Mourners lined up for funeral prayers inside Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque, the Gulf emirate's largest. Others prayed on mats outside in temperatures that reached 111 degrees Fahrenheit.

People walk toward the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha to bid farewell to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh after his killing in Tehran in an attack blamed on Israel, on August 2, 2024. / Credit: MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images

Draped in a Palestinian flag, Haniyeh's casket was carried briefly into the mosque before being taken for burial in Lusail, north of the Qatari capital.

The killing of Qatar-based Haniyeh is among several incidents since April that have sent regional tensions soaring during the Gaza war, which has drawn in Iran-backed militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.

Turkey and Pakistan announced a day of mourning on Friday to honor Haniyeh, while Hamas called for a "day of furious rage."

Many Doha mourners were dressed in crisp white traditional robes, others were wearing street clothes. But most wore scarves that combined the Palestinian flag with a checkered keffiyeh pattern and the message in English: "Free Palestine."

Doha traffic police and Qatar's internal security forces monitored all approaches and police lined highway embankments adjoining the mosque grounds.

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan were among the officials due at the funeral.

Haniyeh and a bodyguard were killed in a pre-dawn "hit" on their accommodation in Tehran early on Wednesday, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said. Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the swearing-in of President Masoud Pezeshkian a day earlier.

Israel, accused by Hamas, Iran and others of the attack, has not directly commented on it.

A source close to Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement told the AFP that Iranian officials met in Tehran on Wednesday to discuss next steps with representatives of the "Axis of Resistance," Tehran-aligned Middle East groups that include Hezbollah and Hamas.

"Two scenarios were discussed: a simultaneous response from Iran and its allies or a staggered response from each party," said the source who had been briefed on the meeting and requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

During the Gaza war, Hezbollah and Israeli forces have engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire, and did so again on Thursday.

The Hamas leader's assassination came hours after Israel struck a southern suburb of Beirut, killing Fuad Shukr, the military commander of Hezbollah which supports Hamas.

Haniyeh's deputy, Saleh al-Aruri, had already been killed in south Beirut earlier this year in a strike which a U.S. defense official said Israel carried out.

"Crushing blows to all our enemies"

In another high-profile killing, Israel's army on Thursday confirmed that an air strike in July killed Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif in Gaza.

Israel "delivered crushing blows to all our enemies," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

In Tehran on Thursday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led prayers for Haniyeh, having earlier threatened "harsh punishment" for his killing.

Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for its Oct. 7 attack on Israel that ignited the war in Gaza.

The territory's Civil Defence agency on Friday reported several people killed in the Gaza City area, and Israel's military said it had killed around 30 militants near Rafah, in Gaza's south.

Hamas's Oct. 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory campaign against Hamas has killed at least 39,480 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

The New York Times, citing Middle Eastern officials, reported that Haniyeh was killed by an explosive device planted several weeks ago at a Tehran guesthouse.

Asked about the report, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari told journalists that "there was no other Israeli aerial attack... in all the Middle East" on the night of Shukr's killing in Lebanon.

Hugh Lovatt, an analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said Haniyeh's killing, at the very least, "will mean that a ceasefire deal with Israel is now totally off of the table."

Still, the international community called for calm and a focus on a Gaza truce - which Haniyeh had accused Israel of obstructing.

The White House said President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu by telephone on Thursday and affirmed his commitment to defend Israel's security "against all threats from Iran."

"We have the basis for a ceasefire. He should move on it and they should move on it now," Biden told reporters after the call.

In Israel, hundreds of Israelis again marched in Tel Aviv to demand Netanyahu's government reach a deal that would bring home the remaining hostages.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, addressing the funeral of Shukr, said Israel and "those who are behind it must await our inevitable response" to the twin killings.

Israel said Shukr's assassination was a response to deadly rocket fire which killed 12 people, including children, last week in the annexed Golan Heights.

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Hungarian Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky praised the "heroic and brave struggle of the Ukrainians," while accusing the West of "exacerbating" the conflict.

Source: Szalay-Bobrovniczky at a festival in the city of Esztergom in northern Hungary, writes Telex, as reported by European Pravda

Details: During the defence ministers speech, which focused mainly on the state of the Hungarian Armed Forces and the future of warfare, Szalay-Bobrovniczky made several remarks about the war in Ukraine.

Quote: "As a soldier, I have the utmost respect for the heroic and brave struggle of the Ukrainians, but the efforts to negotiate peace show that the war is coming to an end," he said.

Szalay-Bobrovniczky did not specify what "efforts" he was referring to or why he believes that a full-scale conflict in Ukraine is "coming to an end".

He also blamed the West for "exacerbating" the war rather than "containing" it, allowing Russia to establish a military industry capable of providing the required ammunition, troops, and tanks.

However, the Hungarian official feels Ukraines resources are depleted and the West must provide financial assistance.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared last week that Ukraine is a powerful country that challenges Russia "successfully and with unprecedented force".

At the same time, he believes that peace in Ukraine can only be brought in from the outside.

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Hunter Biden to be sentenced on Nov. 13 after conviction on gun charges

(Reuters) -Hunter Biden, the son of U.S. President Joe Biden, will be sentenced on Nov. 13 after a jury found him guilty of federal gun charges, according to a court filing on Friday.

Hunter Biden became the first child of a sitting president to be convicted of a felony on June 11 when a jury in Wilmington, Delaware, found him guilty on three counts related to his lying about illegal drug use when he purchased a handgun in 2018.

The sentencing by U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika will take place eight days after the Nov. 5 presidential election pitting Vice President Kamala Harris against Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Sentencing guidelines for the gun charges are 15 to 21 months, but legal experts say defendants in similar cases often get shorter sentences and are less likely to be incarcerated if they abide by the terms of their pretrial release.

Joe Biden issued a statement following the verdict saying he accepted the outcome of the case.

At the trial, prosecutors offered an intimate view of Hunter Bidens years of struggle with alcohol and crack cocaine abuse, which they said legally precluded him from buying a gun.

Bidens lawyers sought to show he was not using drugs when he bought the gun and did not intend to deceive because he didnt consider himself a drug user when he filled out the form.

Hunter Biden has also been charged with three felony and six misdemeanor tax offenses in California, alleging he failed to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019 while spending millions on drugs, escorts, exotic cars and other high-ticket items. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges. A trial is scheduled for Sept. 5 in Los Angeles.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward and Eric Beech)
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, will be sentenced on November 13  just days after the presidential election  for lying on a gun application and for illegally possessing a firearm.

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika wrote in a Friday order that sentencing would be set for November, as Biden faces a September trial in California on tax-related charges.

Biden was convicted by a Delaware jury in June after less than 24 hours of deliberation, despite some jurors suggestions that the prosecution was unnecessary.

The June trial came days after former President Donald Trump earned a guilty verdict for falsifying business records to influence the 2016 election, a ruling that is under siege after a Supreme Court ruling granted Trump immunity for some actions he took as president.

Biden, who has demonstrated remorse for the period of his life in which he was addicted to drugs, has been the subject of a GOP-led House Oversight Committee investigation and a Republican-requested, wide-reaching special counsel investigation since 2023.

Still pending is a motion for dismissal, citing Trump Mar-A-Lago documents case judge Aileen Cannons ruling that the use of Special Counsels, such as that in Bidens case, was not permitted by the Constitution.

President Biden, who promised on the campaign trail not to pardon his son, has yet to waiver in those plans, in the wake of his decision not to run for re-election.
A federal judge on Friday set Hunter Bidens sentencing on gun charges for Nov. 13, just a week after the Nov. 5 presidential election from which his father, President Biden, recently bowed out.

Hunter Biden was found guilty in June of lying about his use of illicit drugs when applying to purchase a gun six years ago and unlawfully possessing it thereafter. It marked the first criminal conviction of a sitting presidents child.

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika said that any sentencing memorandum filed by either party that requests a departure from federal sentencing guidelines is due by Oct. 30, but if neither party seeks variance, those memos are due by Nov. 6.

According to the United States Sentencing Commission, which determines recommended sentencing guidelines, a defendant like Hunter Biden would typically face 15 months to 21 months in prison. He faces a maximum of up to 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines. First-time offenders are rarely given the maximum penalty.

However, that determination is entirely at Noreikas discretion. Hunter Biden will likely meet with a federal probation officer, who will interview him and create a report with recommendations prior to his sentencing.

The three felony convictions issued by a jury of 12 Delaware residents earlier this year stemmed from Hunter Bidens 2018 purchase of a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver. When asked on a federal gun purchase form whether he used or was addicted to illegal drugs, he checked no and then unlawfully possessed the firearm for 11 days.

Much of the six-day trial put Hunter Bidens addiction to crack cocaine under a microscope. Both he and his father have openly addressed his struggle with addiction that was worsened by the 2015 brain cancer death of Hunters brother, Beau Biden.

Despite that, special counsel David Weiss  who brought the federal charges after being appointed last year to investigate allegations of criminal conduct by Hunter Biden  insisted that the case was about the illegal choices defendant made while in the throes of addiction, not the addiction itself.

Hunter Biden said in a statement after the verdict that he was disappointed by the outcome but was blessed to experience recovery. His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, vowed to vigorously pursue all available legal challenges.

President Biden has said he will not pardon his son and intends to continue to respect the judicial process as his son considers an appeal.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Hunter Biden is set to be sentenced on felony firearms charges in November under an order signed by a judge on Friday.

The presidents son could face up to 25 years in prison at sentencing set for Nov. 13 in Wilmington, Delaware, but as a first-time offender he is likely to get far less time or avoid prison entirely.

Hunter Biden is also facing another trial on tax charges in California set to begin in September. Hes charged in that case with failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes.

President Joe Biden, who dropped his reelection bid last month, has said he will not use his presidential powers to pardon his son or lessen his sentence. Hunter Biden was convicted of three felonies after lying on a federal form to purchase the gun by saying he wasnt a drug user in 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction.

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was nominated to the bench by former Republican President Donald Trump, will decide how much time, if any, Hunter Biden serves behind bars at the sentencing scheduled to fall shortly after Election Day.

He was supposed to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses and avoid prosecution in the gun case if he stayed out of trouble for two years in a deal with prosecutors last year. However, the agreement fell apart after Noreika questioned unusual aspects of the proposed agreement, and the lawyers could not resolve the matter.

Hunter Biden is also pushing for the dismissal of both the tax and gun cases against him, citing a ruling in Florida t hat threw out a separate prosecution of Trump after his attorneys argued the Justice Department special counsel in the case was improperly appointed. Hunter Biden is also being prosecuted by a special counsel appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

A representative for his legal team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on the sentencing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Huw Edwards-Featuring Episodes of Doctor Who and Great British Menu Pulled by BBC, Mural in Hometown Painted Over as Fallout Continues

The BBC has removed a Doctor Who episode featuring former newsreader Huw Edwards from its iPlayer service, while a mural of him has been painted over in his home village, BBC News reports.

Upon accessing iPlayer, Variety discovered that the 2022 and 2023 dessert finals of The Great British Menu, where Edwards appeared as a judge, have also been removed.

More from Variety

These actions come in the wake of Edwards admitting to possessing indecent images of children.

The Doctor Who episode, Fear Her, was part of David Tennants debut season as the Doctor in 2006. Edwards voice, playing himself, can be heard during a news program thats part of the episode.

Variety has approached the BBC for comment on the episode removal and had not heard back by press time. Variety has also asked the BBC if other programs featuring Edwards would be removed.

All the other episodes of Doctor Who and The Great British Menu continue to be available on iPlayer.

Meanwhile, in Llangennech, Carmarthenshire  the Welsh town where Edwards grew up  artist Steve Jenkins painted over a portrait of Edwards that was part of a larger mural in an underpass. The removal occurred on Tuesday after Edwards was charged with three counts of making indecent images of children.

Jenkins, who had previously been proud of the mural, expressed his dismay at having to remove it. The whole village loved it when it was first done, he told BBC News.

Cardiff council has also taken action, removing a plaque honoring Edwards at Cardiff Castle and discontinuing an audio guide narrated by the former presenter. Llanelli councillor Gary Jones reported that a photograph of Edwards has been removed from the community center.

Edwards admitted to possessing 41 indecent images of children, which were sent to him by a convicted pedophile via WhatsApp. He pled guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The BBC continues to face scrutiny over its handling of the Edwards case. On Thursday, BBC director general Tim Davie maintained that the BBC acted appropriately when it chose not to terminate Edwards employment after learning of his arrest in November 2023.

Davie revealed that the BBC was informed of the arrests connection to indecent images of children but lacked specific details beyond the category of potential offenses. The executive stated that BBC leadership was unaware of the ages of the children involved in the images.

The director general underlined that the BBCs decision to withhold information about the potential charges was at the request of law enforcement. He cited the need to balance police cooperation with the organizations duty of care.

Davie also confirmed that, to his knowledge, the BBC does not possess any additional evidence related to the case that has not been shared with authorities.

Edwards remained in the corporations employment for five months after he was arrested, during which time he earned 200,000 ($256,420). On Friday, U.K. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called on Huw Edwards to return the salary he earned from the BBC.

I think he ought to return his salary, Nandy told Sky News. I think having been arrested on such serious charges all the way back in November, to continue to receive that salary all the way through until he resigned is wrong and its not a good use of taxpayers money.

When questioned about Edwards pension, Davie had noted the challenges in reclaiming such benefits, describing it as very difficult to claw back, nigh on impossible. He added that the BBC would look at all options regarding pay, despite potential legal hurdles.

Nandy has also had a very robust and frank discussion about the circumstances around the case with Davie, per BBC News.

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Huw Edwards is facing growing pressure to return his salary to the BBC after pleading guilty this week to accessing indecent images of children.

Lisa Nandy, the UK culture secretary, said the former newsreader should hand back around 200,000 ($255,000) of his pay to the BBC following his dramatic fall from grace.

More from Deadline

Edwards was arrested in November 2023 but remained on the BBC payroll until his resignation in April 2024. He was suspended during this period.

I think he ought to return his salary, Nandy told Sky News. I think having been arrested on such serious charges all the way back in November, to continue to receive that salary all the way through until he resigned is wrong and its not a good use of taxpayers money. I think most people in the country will agree with that but whether he does that or not is up to him.

I am very concerned says culture secretary @lisanandy



She spoke about former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards committing such serious crimes and taxpayers money being used to fund his salary'https://t.co/UyHKbtVOaD



 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/OPNXClY1HQ  Sky News (@SkyNews) August 2, 2024

In an interview with BBC News on Thursday, BBC director general Tim Davie said the corporation had not ruled out efforts to claw back Edwards pay. He said it would be very difficult but well look at all options.

Nandy and Davie spoke on Thursday, with the culture secretary revealing that the BBC had been very forthcoming about its handling of Edwards.

Nandy said: My concern is to make sure that not only are we getting the decision right in this case but were futureproofing the BBC so that when people come forward with concerns, when decisions like this have to be made were open and transparent and were fair and we use taxpayers money appropriately.

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HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  Hyundai Hope on Wheels is a non-profit organization that funds critical research towards ending childhood cancer.

On Thursday evening, they continued their efforts by lending a hand to two local non-profits.

Thunder in the Valley and LukeStronger have people on the ground every day helping families and their children on their cancer journey.

Hampden County Sheriffs Office warning residents of recent phone scheme

Each of the non-profits received $10,000 at Thursdays check presentation at Gary Rome Hyundai.

Its really important to do things locally to help those in need so what we wanna do is we want to raise awareness and of course, do our part to help with research and help treat children, said Gary Rome of the Gary Rome Auto Group.

These funds will go towards local research and help families cover some of the costs of dealing with a child with a life-threatening illness.

Over the past 26 years, Hyundai dealerships and customers have helped save 20,000 children with pediatric cancer.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Facing a slew of financial difficulties, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani may be forced to sell his waterfront condominium in Palm Beach to fulfill a court order.

Giuliani, who has made headlines as an attorney for former President Donald Trump, has agreed to a deal that would bring his personal bankruptcy case to a close while making him sell either his New York apartment or his Palm Beach condo within the next six months, and pay $100,000, according to a proposed order filed Wednesday in the Chapter 11 case in the Southern District of New York's federal bankruptcy court.

Giuliani on July 15 filed a declaration of domicile in Palm Beach County to declare the Palm Beach condo his permanent residence, potentially complicating any foreclosure proceedings on that property, which could be protected by Florida law.

Giuliani filed for bankruptcy in December after two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Moss, were awarded a $148 million judgment for their defamation suit against him related to false allegations Giuliani made in the media that Freeman and Moss were tied to alleged voter fraud in their state.

The proposed deal still must be approved by Judge Sean Lane.

Property records show Rudy Giuliani owns a condominium at the Southlake, a lakefront condominium facing the Palm Beach Marina in Midtown Palm Beach. The serpentine-shaped building is seen here in a photo taken several years ago.

The $100,000 and proceeds from the property sale would go toward court costs owed to Global Data Risk, a forensic accounting firm hired by Giuliani's creditors that is owed about $400,000, court records show.

If the deal is approved, Giuliani would have to give the $100,000 to his attorneys with Berger, Fischoff, Shumer, Wexler and Goodman to pay to Global Data Risk. He then must list either his New York apartment or Palm Beach condo, which is in the Southlake Condominiums at 315 S. Lake Drive.

As part of the proposed order, Giuliani also must maintain both properties at least in their current condition, and maintain property insurance for each residence that must be at least the amount that Global Data Risk is owed.

A spokesperson for Giuliani did not return an emailed request for comment Thursday. Giuliani's spokesperson in the past has denied any wrongdoing in the case, calling the $148 million judgment unfair and saying it was part of an effort to punish Giuliani "for exposing Hunter Biden's laptop."

Giuliani bought the condo for a recorded $1.41 million in 2010 with his then-wife Judith Nathan Giuliani, in February 2010. The apartment was last marketed for sale in 2019, before the Giulianis' bitter divorce, with an asking price of $3.3 million. But a buyer never emerged, and Giuliani took sole possession of the condo as part of the couple's divorce settlement.

Story continues

The listing agents in 2019 were J. Ronnie and Jennifer Hasozbek-Garcia, then of Waterfront Properties and Club Communities but today with Premier Estate Properties. Ronnie Hasozbek-Garcia told the Palm Beach Daily News on Thursday that no one has been in contact with him or his wife about relisting the condo for sale.

According to court records, the condo is valued at $3.5 million. The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office website places its value at $2.67 million in 2022 and $3.07 million in 2023. If Giuliani is not able to sell either residence within the next six months, Global Data Risk will be able to foreclose on both properties, court records show.

Giuliani was disbarred in New York last month for his role in Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election by making false claims about voter fraud and election interference.

Giuliani has been beset by financial difficulties in recent years. In addition to the election-interference judgment and another lawsuit filed by a former employee, he faced an IRS lien on his Palm Beach condo.

He also fell behind on paying real estate property taxes on the condo in Palm Beach. Between Nov. 17  a little more than two weeks after The Palm Beach Post reported on a creditor's plans to foreclose on the condo by April  and June 28, Giuliani paid three years' worth of property taxes totaling $128,769.85, including fees, to the county, according to the Tax Collector's Office website.

The condo in Southlake is in an iconic serpentine-shaped building. The unit, 5D, has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a balcony that faces the east and is within walking distance of Palm Beach's famed Worth Avenue.

Palm Beach Daily News staff writer Darrell Hofheinz contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Giuliani bankruptcy deal could mean sale of Palm Beach condo
Idaho prosecutor says he'll seek death penalty against inmate accused of killing while on the lam

FILE - In this photo made from body camera footage and released by the Twin Falls, Idaho, Police Department, Skylar Meade, right, is arrested in Twin Falls on Thursday, March 21, 2024. An Idaho prosecutor says he will seek the death penalty against an Idaho inmate charged with killing a man while he was on the lam during a 36-hour escape from prison. (Twin Falls Police Department via AP, File)

BOISE, Idaho (AP)  An Idaho prosecutor says he will seek the death penalty against an Idaho inmate charged with killing a man while he was on the lam during a 36-hour escape from prison.

Skylar Meade, 32, has already been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the March escape from a Boise hospital, where prison officials had taken him for treatment of self-inflicted injuries. But the first-degree murder charge is in a different county, and Meade has not yet had the opportunity to enter a plea in that case. Meade's defense attorney, Rick Cuddihy, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Nez Perce County Prosecutor Justin Coleman announced Friday that he will seek the death penalty if Meade is convicted in the shooting death of James Mauney.

After long and careful consideration I have decided to seek the death penalty in this case, Coleman wrote in the press release. The senseless and random killing of Mr. Mauney and the facts surrounding what lead to his death, warrants this determination.

Meade's alleged accomplice in the escape, Nicholas Umphenour, 29, has also been indicted in connection with Mauney's death, and had not yet had the opportunity to enter a plea. Umphenour is also awaiting trial on charges including aggravated battery and aiding and abetting escape after a judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Umphenour's defense attorney, Brian Marx, did not immediately respond to a voice message.

The case began in the early morning hours of March 20 after the Idaho Department of Correction brought Meade to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center for treatment of self-inflicted injuries. Prosecutors say that as correctional officers prepared to take Meade back to the prison around 2 a.m., an accomplice outside the hospital began shooting.

Nicholas Umphenour shot two of the correctional officers, prosecutors say. A third officer was shot and injured when a fellow police officer mistook him for the shooter and opened fire. All three of the officers survived their injuries.

Meade and Umphenour fled the scene, investigators said, first driving several hours to north-central Idaho.

Mauney, an 83-year-old Juliaetta resident, didn't return home from walking his dogs on a local trail later that morning. Idaho State Police officials said Mauney's body was found miles away.

The grand jury indictment says Meade is accused of either shooting shooting Mauney as he tried to rob the man or aiding another person in the killing. Police have also said that Meade and Umphenour are suspects in the death of Gerald Don Henderson, 72, who was found outside of his home in a nearby town. Henderson's death remains under investigation and neither Meade nor Umphenour have been charged.

Police say the men left north-central Idaho not long after, heading back to the southern half of the state. They were arrested in Twin Falls roughly 36 hours after the hospital attack.

Police described both men as white supremacist gang members who had been incarcerated at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna, at times housed in the same unit.

At the time of the escape, Meade was serving a 20-year sentence for shooting at a sheriffs sergeant during a high-speed chase. Umphenour was released in January after serving time on charges of grand theft and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Meade is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday on the murder charge.
MADISON, Wis. (WFRV)  U.S. Attorney Timothy M. OShea of the Western District of Wisconsin announced the two-year sentencing of a suburban Illinois man for wire fraud and helping a Madison resident prepare a false tax return.

59-year-old David Swartz of Highland Park, Ill. was sentenced by District Judge William M. Conley on Thursday. In addition to the prison time, Swartz was ordered to pay $181,915 in damages to an identified victim.

Deputies: Scammers posing as OSHA representatives targeting local Waupaca County businesses

Swartz had previously pled guilty to the charges on April 11, stemming from his work as an unregistered investment advisor and fund manager. Starting in January 2009, the victim made regular and periodic investments into Swartzs fund with the idea that he would conservatively invest it.

The release says that in 2018, Swartz started to misrepresent how the fund was doing, as it lost roughly 23% of its value. However, Swartz said in a 2018 New Years Eve email that it had its best year yet.

The fund lost heavy value in Feb. 2020 due to trades, and Swartz lied again, convincing the victim to invest additional money. On March 18, 2020, Swartz emailed a copy of an account statement for the fund, saying that the funds value on Dec. 31, 2019, was over $1 million when it was just $58 in reality.

Pair of West Coast men arrested in Wisconsin two months after initial crime report, charges filed

Swartz provided a fake tax document on March 7, 2020, to show short-term gains over half a million dollars. But, the falsified document overreported significant capital gains, forcing the victim to report an extreme amount of federal income tax owed.

The charges were brought about by an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.

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Staffers attempting to unionize in House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welchs office are continuing their suit against the Hillside Democrat.

The Illinois Legislative Staff Association filed a response on July 31 to the speaker's motion to dismiss their case, alleging Welch has failed to engage in collective bargaining. The association formed in 2022 after voters approved the Workers' Rights Amendment that November  codifying a worker's ability to organize and collectively bargain in the state constitution.

Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel "Chris" Welch, D-Hillside, center, speaks during a committee hearing on unionization efforts for legislative staff, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

"Until adoption of the Workers Rights Amendment, the Speakers own legislative staff had no legal right like other employees to bargain with their employer over wages, hours, and working conditions," the staff association wrote in their motion in Cook County Circuit Court. "Now they do."

More: Illinois underfunds public universities by $1.4B, report says. Is there a solution?

The Illinois Public Labor Relations Act, Welch's attorneys write in their motion to dismiss, excludes employees of the Illinois General Assembly from its definition of a "public employee" thus providing them no pathway to unionize. This was also the finding of the Illinois Labor Relations Board when they denied the association's petition to form a bargaining unit in March 2023.

Taking their case beyond the state labor relations board was "forum shopping" by the staffers, defendants wrote in their June 24 motion. The staffers contend, however, the labor relations board does not have the ability to conduct constitutional analysis and only courts can properly rule on the matter.

Through this suit, Plaintiffs are attempting to bypass the carefully crafted labor representation process set forth in IPLRA and 40 years of case law, the defendant's filing said.

The battle to unionize legislative staff comes after the Illinois House passed House Bill 4148, allowing the unionization to move forward, during last year's fall veto session. The bill has since languished in the Senate, never making it to a committee vote during the spring session.

While previously thanking Welch for introducing the bill and pushing it through to the next chamber, the staffers now say it is the speaker who is blocking that effort. They have accused him of working with Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, to guarantee the bill does not move in the Senate.

After signing legislation aimed at curtailing the practice of what sponsors dubbed captive audience meetings, in which workers are required to listen to their employers religious or political views, Gov. JB Pritzker poses with the bill at the Illinois AFL-CIO's biennial convention in Rosemont on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

ILSA announced their filing hours after Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law legislation limiting employers' use of "captive audience" meetings where employees are effectively forced to listen to the political or religious views of their boss.

The "Worker Freedom of Speech Act" passed in the Illinois General Assembly mostly along party lines this spring, 79-30 in the House and 39-18 in the Senate, and was led by Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago.

The new law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and does not prohibit businesses from holding these meetings, but rather prevents employers from punishing workers if they choose not to attend them. Illinois became the eighth state, joining states like New York and Minnesota, to pass such a law.

Hannah Meisel of Capitol News Illinois contributed to this report.

Contact Patrick M. Keck: pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois House Speaker Welch's staff continues attempt to unionize
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill.  A Benton, Illinois, man was sentenced Thursday to 28 years in state prison after pleading guilty to child porn charges and to having sexual contact with an animal.

The Illinois Attorney Generals High Tech Crimes Bureau received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on Sept. 7, 2023, about child pornography being uploaded to the cloud. State agents traced the download to the home of Austin W. Lee.

Authorities searched Lees home and electronic devices. During an interview with law enforcement, Lee admitted to possessing, downloading, and uploading numerous pictures and videos of the illicit material.

Missouri AG investigates Ellisville womens gym locker room use

Investigators also found pictures and videos of Lee having inappropriate contact with a neighborhood dog.

Lee pleaded guilty to five counts of child pornography and one count of sexual conduct with an animal. He was sentenced to five years on each child porn count and three years on count involving the dog.

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The former Marine who spent more than 2,000 days in Russian custody spoke out after a historic, multi-country prisoner swap allowed him and three other to return to the U.S.

Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva deplaned shortly before 4:30 a.m. eastern at Joint Base San Antonio, officially marking the beginning of their next chapter, free and back home in the United States.

The three embraced one another for a photo surrounded by their loved ones and held up the Hostages and Wrongful Detainees flag.

"This is us down here," Whelan said pointing to three slash marks on the bottom of the flag, "Those last three, that's us."

Upon their arrival, they were greeted by officials who gave them instructions on immediate next steps. Col. Davis explained that they would first send them for a medical assessment while their families stayed overnight in hotels off base.

Whelan wore the American flag pin given to him by President Biden at Joint Base Andrews -- "It's a keepsake."

Whelan criticized the "nonsense narrative [the Russian government] came up with" for his imprisonment.

"So, you know, this is how Putin runs his government. This is how Putin runs his country. Yeah, I'm glad I'm home. Yeah. I'm never going back there again," he said, with a smile.

He also said he had received thousands of letters of support, so many that the Russian Federal Security Service "stopped giving them to him."

"I just say thank you to everybody. You know, thank you for all your prayers, your your, you know, good wishes. Thanks for doing everything you did," he said.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan described the emotional scenes on "Good Morning America" on Friday morning, saying that working on the deal that brought the American prisoners home was one of the biggest honors of his life.

"It was such a human victory. Three innocent people reunited with their families, their loved ones. Getting to see that was just incredible," Sullivan said. "But I think it was also a victory for our country. This was the United States of America at its best, working with our allies to bring our people home safe, also to help free freedom fighters. Russians who have fought for democracy and were thrown in prison. That was one of the most extraordinary honors of my life."

Sullivan was also asked to respond to criticism that these types of deals only encourage Putin to imprison more Americans and use them as bargaining chips in the future.

"We looked at the evidence over the last 3 and a half years. If you go back to the beginning of the Biden administration, there were more unjustly detained Americans overseas than there are today," Sullivan said. "We've done deals that got 70 Americans out. We haven't seen another 70 Americans taken. Could that change in the future? That's possible. These are the risks you to weigh when you made hard decisions like the president did to get Americans home. In the cost benefit analysis, it made sense to do this deal because America gained and innocent Americans are home free and safe."

PHOTO: US-RUSSIA-PRISONERS (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted the three Americans freed from Russian custody as they arrived back on American soil and reunited with their families.

Biden hugged Paul Whelan and the vice president greeted the former Marine as he arrived on the tarmac. Whelan's sister, Elizabeth Whelan, also on the tarmac awaiting his arrival when he landed.

When Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich arrived on the tarmac, a cheer erupted. He and Biden shook hands and spoke for some time before a long and emotional hug took place between the journalist and his mother, Ella Milman, who was picked up during their embrace at one point.

Alsu Kurmasheva was also welcomed by Biden and Harris. In an emotional moment, she was reunited with her daughters before Biden came over and talked to them as they hugged.

Biden interacted very freely with the press, taking the chance to speak to reporters multiple times on the tarmac.

When asked by a reporter whether he ever thought this moment would come, Biden's simple reply was "yes." And when asked what made him so confident, he said it was his relationships with the "other heads of state."

Biden was also subsequently asked what his message to Vladmir Putin after the former prisoners were back on American soil.

"Stop," Biden said.

PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Americans released from detention in Russia, upon their arrival at Joint Base Andrews (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

Biden also said that the scene playing out behind him was the "essence" of America.

"To me, this is about the essence of who we are as a country. It really is about personal relationships," Biden said. "It's about family. It's about being able to have access to the people you love."

One reporter asked him what the hardest part of securing the deal was.

"The toughest call was for one of the other countries because I asked them to do some things that were against their immediate self-interest," said Biden. "It was really very difficult for them do, particularly Germany. Slovenia really came at the last minute and I tell you what, [the] chancellor was incredible."

Biden was also asked about whether he was making calls to secure this deal within the hour that he announced his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.

"I would get this done even if I was seeking a second term. You're stuck with me as president for a while, kid, there's no way out, okay," Biden said. "You got me for at least another 100 -- 90 days or so. So it had to do with that. It had to do with the opportunity trying to convince one last country to say okay, they'll step up."

When asked about whether this deal would be part of his legacy, Biden sidestepped, saying it's something to talk about "another time."

"This is just an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and understands the strength that rests in understanding the significance of diplomacy and strengthening alliances this criticism, incredible day saving families, in their eyes and in their cries," Harris said as the Kurmasheva family could be heard crying behind her when they were reunited.

'Glad I'm home': Former Marine Paul Whelan speaks out after Russia prison ordeal originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
New citizens wave their flags during a naturalization ceremony at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 20, 2024. The ceremony kicked off World Refugee Day celebrations in Utah as 148 immigrants and refugees got their citizenship. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

In the current election cycle, rhetoric about immigration (of any kind) is so strident that its easy for people to come away believing that even legal immigration is harming the country. This simply isnt so.

In the June presidential debate, former President Donald Trump hammered President Joe Biden for what he believed to be the current presidents weakness on border security. Biden attempted  rather poorly  to defend his immigration record. Neither candidate had many positive things to say about those immigrating to the United States. Even in the midst of the recent assassination attempt on Trump and Biden announcing that he will not be seeking reelection (along with his endorsement of Kamala Harris), immigration will likely remain a key policy issue with voters.

Immigrants currently make up about 14% of the U.S. population. This is a significant increase since the 1970s, reaching levels similar to that of the early 20th century. There have been more than 1 million new authorized entries each year since the late 1990s, with about 2.5 million entering in 2022.

Despite the political discourse, the economic benefits of immigration are well established in the empirical literature. A 2011 meta-analysis by economist Michael Clemens found that dropping all current immigration restrictions would result in a doubling of world GDP. A more recent analysis corroborated these findings, concluding that lifting all migration restrictions would increase world output by 126%. Research has indicated that global poverty is 40% higher than it would be in the absence of immigration restrictions. Dropping restrictions could potentially double the income of the global poor.

These are potentially surprising findings, running contrary to many peoples intuitions and the rhetoric we sometimes hear. But the fact is, an influx of immigrants appears to positively impact the economy on a number of levels.

These benefits are felt within the United States as well. During Americas Age of Mass Migration (18501920), the United States witnessed its highest levels of immigration. A 2020 study found that U.S. counties that experienced more immigrant settlement during this time period have significantly higher incomes, less poverty, less unemployment, more urbanization, and more educational attainment today. A 2016 IMF study estimated that  after controlling for multiple variables  a 1 percentage point increase in the share of migrants in the adult population  can raise GDP per capita by up to 2 percent in the longer run.

Even those working illegally in the U.S. contribute about 3.6% of private-sector GDP annually  around $6 trillion dollars over a 10-year period. (Legalizing these workers would make the GDP contribution jump up to almost 5%.) Even one of the most distinguished critics of immigration finds that the economic gains of immigration for Americans is between $5 billion and $10 billion per year. Ironically, immigration has likely made the Biden economy stronger than it otherwise would have been.

Yet, many Americans continue to worry that an overabundance of immigrants will make things worse. Some accuse immigrants of stealing native jobs, depressing native wages, undermining native culture and institutions, bloating the welfare state, and/or being criminals and terrorists. The vast majority of empirical studies, however, find that the long-term effects of immigration on jobs, wages and the fiscal budget tend to be neutral to slightly positive.

Immigrants are more entrepreneurial than natives, creating more jobs than they supposedly take. Immigrants assimilate rather well into their host countries and even appear to improve their institutions. Immigrants also tend to have both lower crime rates and lower incarceration rates than native-born Americans (this includes immigrants living in the country illegally). Some have argued that immigration harms low-skilled workers, especially among the African-American community. However, follow-up studies with modified assumptions show modest reductions in wages in the short run, but increases in the long run. Overall, the benefits of immigration for both natives and migrants alike are immense.

But many voters are unaware of these findings. As legal scholar Ilya Somin explains, Immigration restriction  is one that has long-standing associations with political ignorance.

The scholar points to survey data in both the United States and Europe suggesting that lack of knowledge is strongly correlated with overestimation of the proportion of immigrants in the population, lack of sophistication in making judgments about the economic costs and benets of immigration, and general xenophobic attitudes toward foreigners.

Somin points out that there is no evidence to correlate attitudes of opposition to immigration with actually being exposed to labor market competition from recent immigrants.

Despite all this, the number of Americans in favor of increased immigration has steadily risen from 6% in the early 1990s to 26% in 2023. Those wanting to decrease immigration has dropped from 65% in 1993 to 41% in 2023. This correlates with shifting attitudes toward immigrants during the same period of time: Only 31% of Americans believed immigrants strengthened the country in 1994. By 2019, that percentage had risen to 66.

Granted, attitudes toward migrants illegally crossing the border during the past decade have moved the other direction. In 2001, 28% of the population was worried a great deal about illegal immigration. That number reached 48% in 2024. Although harsh feelings toward migrants can color peoples feelings toward anyone coming into the country, its important to differentiate the two.

Plus, most Americans (56%) believe creating more opportunities for people to legally immigrate to the U.S. would improve the situation at the southern border. Recent research suggests that they are correct: More opportunities to come here legally reduce the number of illegal crossings.

In order to avoid undermining the progress we have made as a nation, we must keep the facts at the center of immigration policy. Immigrants are not threats. They are potential partners, lenders, investors, innovators, employers, employees, co-workers and customers. More than that, though, they are potential neighbors, friends and family. Our immigration policy should reflect this reality.

Walker Wright is the author of Ye Are No More Strangers and Foreigners: Theological and Economic Perspectives on the LDS Church and Immigration, which was published in BYU Studies Quarterly 57, No. 1 (2018). He currently works for a public policy think tank in Washington, D.C.
A man who manufactured dozens of devices that transform semi-automatic handguns into machine guns, which were later sold to members of a Cincinnati gang and linked to numerous local shootings, will spend several years in prison.

Isaiah Smith, 24, was sentenced to six years on Friday by U.S. District Judge David in federal court in Covington. Smith pleaded guilty in December to possession and transfer of a machine gun.

Smith worked with two other men, Demarco Sturgeon and Denico Hudson, to transfer machine gun conversion devices, also known as Glock switches or auto sears, between themselves and others, prosecutors said in court filings.

A Glock switch is a small device installed on the back of a Glock handgun. Instead of firing one round per trigger pull, the device allows the gun to continue firing at a high rate as long as the trigger is pressed.

In 2022, federal agents started investigating suppliers of Glock switches to people involved in drug trafficking and other crimes.

When authorities searched Smith's home in April 2023, he admitted to manufacturing and distributing more than 80 Glock switches and helped agents seize the 3D printers and computers he used to make them, prosecutors said.

Smith previously said in court that it cost him between $100 and $400 to make the devices, which he would sell for anywhere between $500 to $800. Prosecutors said Smith sold most of the devices he made to Sturgeon in Kenton County, who acted as a primary distributor in the region and sold primarily to Hudson.

The Enquirer has reached out to Smith's attorney requesting comment.

Hudson was a member of a Cincinnati gang dubbed the Button Boys, whose name is derived from a slang term for the selector switch on a machine gun conversion device, according to Jeff Price, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The group was behind a July 2022 shooting where more than 100 rounds were fired after four of the gangs members  each armed with handguns equipped with Glock switches  went to collect a street bounty on a target in Avondale, Price said during a hearing last week.

The gang's members initially purchased Glock switches from Hudson of West Price Hill, the special agent said.

A cooperating witness told investigators that Hudson was the first to deal with Sturgeon, the gangs source for supplying the devices, who later started selling directly to the gang after forming relationships with its members, according to prosecutors.

Hudson was sentenced last month to nine years in prison and Sturgeon was sentenced to 11 years in March.

Federal and local law enforcement have warned of the growing prevalence of such devices in Greater Cincinnati.

The ATF says Glock switches make shootings more deadly because more bullets can hit the victim and it makes the weapon harder to control, meaning bullets can be sprayed around, striking innocent bystanders.

Machine gun conversion devices are incredibly dangerous, and an acute threat to the safety of our communities, Carlton Shier IV, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, said in a statement. Worse yet, they are more prevalent than ever. By themselves, these devices are illegal machine guns; and when used, they are capable of rapid and appalling damage."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man who made Glock switches sold to gang members gets prison
Rep. Lorissa Sweet, R-Wabash introduced the amendment to strip public funding for the Kinsey Institute during a hearing on the state budget in February 2023. (Screenshot of annual report.)

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla want Indiana University to show proof of compliance with a 2023 state budget law that stripped state funding from the universitys Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction.

In a letter to IU President Pamela Whitten and the IU Board of Trustees, Rokita and Nieshalla requested the university share how it ceased utilizing Hoosier taxpayer dollars to fund the Institute and the measures employed to ensure compliance with the law going forward.

IU has engaged with the State Board of Accounts to address compliance with IC-21-20-6, using standard accounting practices in regard to budget reporting, Mark Bode, IU executive director of media relations, said in a statement to the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

But the university did not respond to questions on the specifics of these interactions with the State Board of Accounts (SBOA), and if separate funds had been raised to support the institute.

History and compliance

The Kinsey Institute, founded in 1947, conducts research on issues related to sexuality, gender and reproductive health and behavior. The institute also researches topics including gender equity in business, sexual assault risk and prevention, disabilities, trauma, safe condom use and relationship dynamics. Additionally, the Kinsey Institute maintains a library of thousands of papers, photos and artifacts, and supports various community outreach and education initiatives.

But it is most known for its research on sex and thats what caught lawmakers eyes.

Rep. Lorissa Sweet, R-Wabash introduced the amendment to strip public funding for the Kinsey Institute during a hearing on the state budget in February 2023. She alleged without evidence that the organization could be hiding child predators, and that Alfred Kinsey, the institutes namesake, was a child predator himself.

While the amendment faced pushback from some representatives, including Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, it ultimately passed and went into effect on July 1, 2023.

After the state budget was signed into law, the IU Board of Trustees discussed plans to separate the Kinsey Institute from the university and establish a nonprofit to manage the institutes operations. However, when IU faculty, staff and students expressed concerns, the board tabled and ultimately abandoned the plans in March.

In a press release announcing the boards decision, IU said it would prepare and submit a plan to the SBOA detailing how it would comply with the new law. According to the release, university leadership also committed to the following actions to continue supporting the Kinsey Institute:

Supporting the Kinsey Institutes efforts to secure sustainable philanthropic support for its research and work

Working to affirm the valuable work of the Kinsey Institute, which has faced continued opposition fueled by misinformation.

Continuing to provide faculty and staff salaries and university affiliations while in compliance with the law

Providing appropriate security measures for Kinsey Institute facilities

In the letter sent to university leadership, Rokita and Nieshalla say that two Board of Trustees meetings have passed while no accounting plan has been implemented.

On March 1, 2024, the university announced its plans to present a plan to the SBOA. It held a meeting in June and another meeting on July 29. The Board of Trustees used much of these meetings to discuss and approve a new university-wide expressive activity policy and campus culture.

As the state elected leader responsible for the accounting and reporting of state funds, I take seriously my responsibility to document and provide complete transparency for tax dollars spent within state government, Nieshalla, the state comptroller, said in the release. With the absence of evidence per state law that tax dollars are no longer supporting the Kinsey Institute, we are calling for necessary financial information to prove adherence to state statute.

Reporting and examining financial affairs, as well as ensuring public entities compliance with the state budget, largely falls within the responsibilities of the SBOA. A board consisting of the state examiner, two deputy state examiners and members of various government finance and integrity groups oversee the SBOA.

The state comptroller, on the other hand, oversees accounts payable distributions, local government accounting and reporting, payroll and and maintaining the states general ledger and accounting system.

More than a year has passed since IU assured the public and state officials that it would follow the law, yet have seen no indication that any serious actions have been taken, Rokita said in the release. IU is not above the law, and Hoosiers deserve answers.

Rokita, who is running against Democrat Attorney General nominee Destiny Wells this November, is involved in several other disputes with public entities. Rokita recently sued East Chicago and Monroe County for their sanctuary city ordinances, but dropped his case against East Chicago this week. His office is still pursuing the case against Monroe County. He also has sided with outside groups against the Indiana Department of Health in a dispute over public records.

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By Kenrick Cai

(Reuters) -Startup Character.AI said on Friday it has signed an agreement with Alphabet's Google that grants the search engine giant a non-exclusive license to the chatbot maker's large language model technology.

The deal, echoing ones struck by Microsoft and Amazon in the past few months, will see Character.AI co-founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas rejoin Google, where they were formerly employees.

Those other deals are being scrutinized by regulators, reflecting growing concern in both the U.S. and Europe about how AI deals are put together by tech giants who are funneling billions into bolstering their AI infrastructure and hiring the best researchers from startups.

Character.AI will get more funding as part of the deal with Google, the startup said in a blog, without disclosing the amount. Dominic Perella, Character.AI's general counsel, will become its interim CEO, effective immediately.

"We're particularly thrilled to welcome back Noam, a preeminent researcher in machine learning, who is joining Google DeepMind's research team, along with a small number of his colleagues," a Google spokesperson said in an email.

In March, Microsoft paid $650 million to bring on the cofounders and dozens of staff from AI startup Inflection. In June, Amazon hired several cofounders and employees from Adept, another AI startup.

Character.AI previously raised $193 million in venture capital from investors including Andreessen Horowitz. It was in talks to raise hundreds from millions from Google, Reuters reported in November.

Inflection and Adept raised $1.3 billion and $415 million, respectively.

Law firm Sullivan & Cromwell advised Character.AI on the deal.

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City and Kenrick Cai in San Francisco; Editing by Alan Barona, Devika Syamnath and David Gregorio)
RICHMOND, Ind. (WDTN)  A state trooper was injured after his vehicle was struck while assisting a disabled semi trailer on I-70 near Richmond.

Indiana State Police say the incident happened around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. Master Trooper Eric Downey was providing assistance to a disabled vehicle on the right shoulder of I-70 when his vehicle was struck.

Trooper captures cow escaping from Ohio State Fair

The trooper positioned his unmarked vehicle behind the semi with his emergency lights activated. A Ford F-150 was traveling westbound when it collided with the rear of Downeys vehicle.

Downey sustained minor injuries to his head and was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and then released. The Ford driver was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Alcohol or drugs are not suspected in this crash.

ISP was assisted on scene by the Wayne County Sheriffs Department, Richmond Police Department, Richmond Fire/EMS, and Pardos Towing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
The infant mortality rate in the U.S. is rising for the first time in over 22 years

According to recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the infant mortality rate in the U.S. is on the rise for the first time in decades. The data covers deaths of babies under a year old, with 20,577 U.S. infants dying in 2022 alone. Researchers noted 5.6 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births, a 3% increase from the prior year.

Since the agency began consistently tracking data in 1995, infant mortality had been generally tracking downwards, with 2022 becoming the first year since 2002 to have a statistically significant increase, according to the CDCs National Center for Health Statistics.

Its not just babies in the U.S. that face a disproportionately high mortality rate. According to a recent study published by JAMA Pediatrics, children and teens under age 19 are dying at higher rates than their counterparts in other wealthy countries, with excess deaths accounting for about 20,000 per year.

These deaths also disproportionately impact Black and Indigenous children, especially infants, who face worse outcomes due to racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities in resources and care.

Pediatric healthcare in the U.S. leaves many families without adequate support during those crucial first weeks and months at home with baby, but its communities of color who suffer the most, as Dr. James Greenberg, co-director of the Perinatal Institute at Cincinnati Childrens and co-founder of Cradle Cincinnati, pointed out to ABC News.

This has been a rather intractable problem in the United States and the disparities between white and non-Hispanic, Black infant mortality and white and American Indian/Alaska Native infant mortality are quite striking and continue to be very, very troubling, he said, calling the Black infant mortality rate extraordinary and on par with some parts of the world that have very limited resources.

But pediatric healthcare is only one piece of the puzzle contributing to such high infant death rates. Maternal mortality and birth complications are a big factor, causing a 9% spike in infant deaths from 2021 to 2022 alone. The Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade is another possible factor, particularly in states impacted by abortion bans, as research has shown.

COVID infections during pregnancy are also believed to play a role, with pregnant patients experiencing a much higher risk of hospitalization and intensive care, as well as other complications from preeclampsia, blood clots, and high blood pressure than those who didnt have a COVID infection. Greenberg also believes a post-COVID spike in RSV, flu, and other upper respiratory illnesses could be a link.

Aside from the mothers health and well-being during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, other causes include: congenital malformations (which led to nearly 1 in 5 deaths), complications caused by disorders related to early birth and low birth weight, as well as sudden infant death syndrome and unintentional injuries.

Altogether, it paints a bleakand senselesspicture of how woefully inadequate the care that new parents and infants receive is. In a nation with as much wealth as the United States, theres simply no reason why so many moms and babies are dying.
A Wayne County resident infected with measles exposed others to the extremely contagious virus at two medical sites in Canton and Livonia July 25-July 29, Wayne County Public Health officials said Friday.

The person, an adult who had traveled internationally, has the seventh confirmed case of measles this year in Michigan and now is in isolation.

Anyone who was at the following locations, at the following times and dates, was exposed to the virus:

The waiting area at Michigan Medicine Canton Health Center, 1051 N. Canton Center Road: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 25 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 29.

Trinity Health IHA Urgent Care's Schoolcraft Campus, 19000 St. Joe's Parkway, suite 140, Livonia: 12 p.m.-3:30 p.m. July 27.

Measles is so infectious, viral particles can remain in the air for as long as two hours after an infected person leaves the room and 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed will become infected. Those infected can spread measles before noticing symptoms.

The measles virus

The health department urges anyone who is not fully vaccinated for measles or who doesn't know their vaccine status and was exposed at the Canton health center or the Livonia urgent care center to go to bit.ly/3WMsX6h and fill out the form to get recommendations and begin monitoring.

People who are within six days of exposure to the virus could be eligible for post-exposure treatment to that can prevent infection or make the illness milder.

More: CDC director visits Detroit clinic in campaign to boost childhood vaccinations

More: State's top doctor: Measles outbreak likely in Michigan because of low vaccination rates

Health officials also urge people who may have been exposed to monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days after the date of potential exposure. If symptoms develop, call ahead before visiting a doctor, urgent care center, or hospital emergency department so they can take precautions to avoid exposing others.

Wayne County Public Health didn't immediately respond Friday to a question from the Free Press about the person's immunization status.

What are symptoms of measles?

Symptoms typically start within seven-14 days of exposure, but also have been known to appear as long as 21 days after initial exposure and can include:

Fever, which may rise above 104 degrees.

Respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough and red, watery eyes.

Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots, known as Koplik spots, may develop on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth.

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash that is red, raised and blotchy appears. It usually begins on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs.

How serious is a measles infection?

Measles can cause serious illness, long-term disability and death in people of all ages.

So far, in 2024, 188 people in the U.S. have had confirmed measles cases, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. Of them, 49% were hospitalized for treatment of complications  the majority of hospitalizations were among children.

About 1 in 20 kids with measles develops pneumonia. Roughly 1 out of every 1,000 children who have measles infections also will have encephalitis. Brain swelling from encephalitis can lead to convulsions, permanent hearing loss, intellectual disability and death, according to the CDC.

Anywhere from 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children with measles dies from respiratory or neurologic complications from the virus.

How can measles be prevented?

Make sure you and your loved ones are fully vacinated with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

Measles vaccines are safe, effective, and easy to get. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a Wayne County Health Officer, said in a statement. As we head into the back-to-school season, please protect your kids, your family, and your community by making sure your child is up to date on their vaccines.

A single-dose vial of the measles-mumps-rubella virus vaccine live, or MMR vaccine is shown at the practice of Dr. Charles Goodman in Northridge, Calif., on Jan. 29, 2015.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following when it comes to the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine:

A first dose for children at 12-15 months old, with a booster dose administered between ages 4 and 6.

Anyone born during or after 1957 without evidence of immunity against measles or documentation of having been vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine should get vaccinated. The second dose should be given no sooner than 28 days after the first.

People exposed to measles who cannot document immunity against the virus should get post-exposure prophylaxis  a dose of the vaccine to potentially provide protection within 72 hours of initial exposure, or immunoglobulin within six days of exposure.

Where can I get an MMR vaccine?

Vaccines are available through primary care providers and pharmacies. Medicaid and most insurance plans cover the MMR vaccine at no-cost. Low- to no-cost vaccines also are available at Wayne County Public Health offices. To learn more about how to get a vaccine from the county, go to: waynecounty.com/measles

Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program also may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program at no-cost. To learn more, go to: Vaccines for Children (VFC): Information for Parents | CDC.

In this photo illustration, a bottle containing a measles vaccine is seen at the Miami Children's Hospital on January 28, 2015 in Miami, Florida.

What measles cases have been identified in Michigan this year?

In addition to the latest case in Wayne County, the following other cases of measles were reported earlier in 2024:

A Macomb County child with unknown vaccination status had a confirmed case of measles July 3, and exposed others June 24-July 2 at a Motel 6 in Warren and at the Children's Hospital of Michigan Troy emergency department.

A 4-year-old from Detroit who was unvaccinated had a confirmed case of the virus in April, exposed others at DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan, an urgent care center and a pharmacy in the city.

Two cases were identified in March in Washtenaw County. The second person is believed to have been exposed to the virus at Trinity Health Ann Arbor's waiting and triage area, where another Washtenaw County resident contagious with measles had gone for care.

An adult from Wayne County who had traveled internationally and had no record of measles immunization had the virus in February.

An Oakland County child who was unvaccinated and had traveled internationally was the first known case of measles in Michigan this year, state health officials announced Feb. 23.

Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Measles exposures reported at two Wayne County health care centers
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Mayor London Breed issued a Journey Home executive directive on Thursday vowing to prioritize relocation support that will move more people experiencing homelessness, or suffering from drug addiction, out of San Francisco.

The directive requires all city departments and staff to offer relocation services before providing any other city services, including housing and shelter.

Journey Home offers travel assistance and temporary shelter for people experiencing

homelessness and people with substance use disorders.

The Citys 2024 Point-in-Time homeless census found that San Francisco is experiencing an influx of people who are moving into the city with nowhere to live.

Of the unsheltered people surveyed as part of the 2024 PIT Count in San Francisco:

40% responded that they arrived from another California county, or out of state  up from 28% in 2019.

37% said they had been living in San Francisco for less than a year when they became homeless, up from just 15% in 2019.

People who had lived in SF for 10 or more years before becoming homeless dropped to 14% of the homeless population  down from 43% in 2019.

The mayor said, While we will always lead with compassion and we have made significant expansions in housing and shelter, we cannot solve everyones individual housing and behavioral health needs. Weve made significant progress in housing many long-time San Franciscans who became homeless, but we are seeing an increase in people in our data who are coming from elsewhere. Todays order will ensure that all our city departments are leveraging our relocation programs to address this growing trend.

People and their belongings are seen on Jones Street in San Francisco, on November 13, 2023. (Photo by JASON HENRY/ AFP via Getty Images)

Breed said her directive provides clear guidance to all staff members of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH), Human Services Agency (HSA), and Department

of Public Health (DPH).

Family from Kansas City finds missing son in San Francisco

Relocation and reunification services are a critical component of our Homelessness Response

System, HSH executive director Shireen McSpadden said. This compassionate and effective resource in our system has reconnected thousands of people experiencing homelessness with their stabilizing networks of family and friends.

Since 2005, the city has provided relocation services through a program, previously known as Homeward Bound, giving bus tickets for individuals in need.

Journey Home expands on Homeward Bound with more relocation and reunification services.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Inside the painstaking negotiations that led to the biggest prisoner swap since the Cold War

In late June, CIA officials held a secret meeting with Russian intelligence officers in an undisclosed Middle Eastern capital city to present a proposal for a possible prisoner swap. It was the latest in a series of offers US officials had made to Russia in a yearslong effort to secure the release of Americans imprisoned in Russia.

But this time, the CIA had something new to offer: Vadim Krasikov, a Russian assassin whod been convicted of executing a man in broad daylight in Berlin and was serving a life sentence in a German prison.

The proposal the CIA offered to the Russians that day was the culmination of months of work by US officials to convince the Germans to release Krasikov, whos seen as having close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The expansive deal presented that day included trading the Russian assassin for two high-profile Americans jailed in Russia on baseless charges of espionage: former US Marine Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

The Russian officials took the proposal back to Moscow. In early July, in a phone call with CIA Director Bill Burns, the Russian side indicated to the Americans that they agreed to the deal in principle, but the specifics still needed to be hammered out. Then on July 17, Moscow formally accepted the terms by transmitting their answer to the CIA, setting the stage for the largest prisoner exchange between the US and Russia since the Cold War, one that involved 24 prisoners and seven countries.

It was a remarkably swift conclusion to years of painstaking negotiations between the US and more than half a dozen countries. It marked the end of a harrowing ordeal for Gershkovich, who just last month was sentenced to 16 years in prison after more than a year spent in jail, and for Whelan, who had been in Russian custody for nearly six years, many of them in a remote forced labor camp.

The deal also brought home Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva and freed prominent Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, who is a US legal permanent resident.

On Thursday, Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva stepped onto an American plane in Turkey bound for US soil, one of more than half a dozen planes on the crowded tarmac in Ankara that day  a testament to the unprecedented number of countries involved in the complex, monthslong negotiations.

The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship, President Joe Biden said in remarks from the White House on Thursday. Multiple countries helped get this done. They joined difficult, complex negotiations at my request.

Late Thursday night, the freed Americans landed on US soil at Joint Base Andrews, where they were greeted by family members, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The prisoner swap involved seven aircraft and multiple countries. Aircraft at Ankara Esenboga Airport, where almost two dozen people were exchanged between the US and Russia, including Evan Gershkovich, US Marine veteran Paul Whelan, and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. - Serdar Ozsoy/Getty Images

This account is based on conversations with a dozen US officials who spoke of the intense efforts the Biden administration put into the negotiations  including navigating unexpected hurdles that at times threatened to derail the entire operation.

Key to the deal was President Bidens ability to persuade German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to release Krasikov, the Russian prisoner most keenly sought by Putin. When Krasikov was convicted of murdering a former Chechen fighter, the German court that convicted him said he acted on behalf of the Russian state, shooting his victim execution style in broad daylight.

In December 2022, after the Russians refused to include Whelan in a prisoner swap that freed WNBA star Brittney Griner, officials across the interagency turned back to efforts to secure his release. They put forward another offer to Russia shortly after Griners release, according to a source familiar with the matter. But it was rejected.

The Biden administration had for years sought Whelans release, and in January 2023, US intelligence officers met their Russian counterparts in an unnamed third country to offer a proposal to trade Whelan for two Russian nationals held in Slovenia. Russia rejected the offer then, and again in March of that year in a phone call with Burns.

Then, the situation changed: In March 2023, Russian security forces arrested Gershkovich for espionage, the same charge levied against Whelan, which the US fiercely denied. Now, the Russians  who typically want parity in their swaps  wanted two high-value exchanges in return.

The Biden administration had already traded its most valuable Russian prisoner, convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout, in return for Griners release. That left them with no high value Russian spies in custody, so officials began to scour the globe for Russian detainees, engaging in quiet diplomacy with allies to find others to make a deal.

In November of that year, CIA officers in Moscow proposed an offer to swap four Russian prisoners held by Norway, Poland and Slovenia in exchange for Whelan and Gershkovich.

But when Russia rejected the offer, it became clear to the US side that Russia wanted Krasikov. No one else would do.

Now, the US government, working through intelligence channels, the State Department and the National Security Council, would have to convince the German government to swap him.

There were more clandestine talks, held through a secretive CIA channel that the agency has worked through for years to conduct sensitive diplomacy with Moscow, some of which included the possible release of Russian dissident Alexey Navalny in exchange for Krasikov.

Getting the Germans onside

US President Joe Biden meets with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 9, 2024. - Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Before the CIA could bring any serious proposal to the Russian side that involved Krasikov, the Biden administration had to get Germany to agree.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had learned through a top State Department official, James Rubin, who had talked with the Navalny team that there was reason to believe that Germany would agree to swapping Krasikov if there was a compelling moral imperative, said a senior State Department official. It was not a solution to the problem, but it impacted how the administration thought about getting Germany on board.

At a G7 meeting in April 2023, Blinken raised the idea of offering up Krasikov with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. But she conveyed to Blinken her concern that Navalny would just return to Russia, among other objections, according to a US official familiar with the matter. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also repeatedly raised it on numerous occasions with his German counterpart.

Officials worked quietly throughout this year to get the German government to agree to release Krasikov  including entreaties from both Biden and Harris.

Biden raised the issue with Scholz in a January call and discussed it again with him in February during a meeting in the Oval Office. At that point, US officials felt that the deal had a good chance of coming together, according to an administration official.

In the Oval Office meeting, according to a senior administration official, Chancellor Scholz responded to the President, saying, For you, I will do this.

The president then turned to Jake and said, Get it done, the official said.

After that February meeting, Sullivan was regularly passing lists to Berlin of possible Russians who could be swapped. The national security advisor in particular remained optimistic, according to another senior administration official.

Death of Navalny

But then there was another blow: On February 16, 2024, Navalny died in a Russian prison. The US had been working to include Navalny in the deal. Everything cooled, after Navalny died, said one US official familiar with the talks.

At the time on that day, the team felt like the wind had been taken out of our sails in terms of efforts to get Paul and Evan back home, a senior administration official told reporters on Thursday morning.

Navalnys death was made public in the opening hours of the Munich Security Conference in February, throwing everything into peril.

Harris, who was in Germany for the conference, pressed Scholz to facilitate Krasikovs release in a private meeting with the German chancellor. After she wrapped up a scheduled meeting with Scholz, she asked all staff to leave the room for what US officials sometimes refer to as a restricted bilateral meeting, where just one aide each for the vice president and the chancellor remained.

In that intimate conversation, Harris emphasized that the release of Krasikov would be critical to a deal, a White House official told CNN.

US Vice President Kamala Harris and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz walk next to each other during a bilateral meeting at the 'Bayerischer Hof' hotel, the venue of the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC) on February 17, 2024, in Munich, Germany. - Ronald Wittek/Pool/Getty Images

Back in Washington, on the day the US learned of Navalnys death, Sullivan had a previously scheduled meeting in the afternoon with Gershkovichs parents. It prompted Sullivan to direct his team to start compiling lists of people who could still make a viable deal for Germany, a senior administration official and a second US official said.

The list was finalized in late March, according to the US official. President Biden sent a letter to Scholz in April, and the Germans at last agreed to release Krasikov in early June. The key, according to multiple US officials, was the inclusion of Kara-Murza and seven other Russian political prisoners.

It wasnt only Germany that the US had to get on board. Still in Munich, Harris also asked for a meeting with Prime Minster Robert Golob of Slovenia. The main purpose of that meeting, a White House official said, was to press the prime minister on moving forward with the release of the two Russian nationals that were in Slovenian custody that the US had also identified as being a top priority for the Russians  the two that Russia had rejected on their own for the release of Whelan back in 2023.

The official readout of that meeting, of course, made no mention of the two leaders discussing the prisoner swap.

Biden was also pressing the Slovenes. As recently as two weekends ago, just moments before announcing that he would be ending his 2024 campaign, Biden called the Slovenian prime minister to urge him to get the deal across the finish line.

Determined to make it happen

It was only in recent weeks that Moscow agreed to the deal on the table. Once they gave their approval, things began to move quickly.

Gershkovichs trial  largely condemned as a sham  was expedited to July, with a quick conviction on the charges of espionage and a sentencing of 16 years in Russian prison. Kurmashevas trial was also quietly accelerated, and she was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison. In past prisoner swaps, the Russians had wanted convictions before they would move forward on any deal.

In late July, in remarks at the Aspen Security Forum days after Gershkovichs conviction, Sullivan was asked about efforts to free the Wall Street Journal reporter.

All I can tell you is we are laser-focused on this; we are determined to make it happen. And I will consider it one of the most important things between now and the end of the year, and especially now at the end of the month, for us to try to get something done where we can get him home, he said.

As the end of July approached, the signals became even clearer. Pardons were issued for some of the individuals involved in the swap. The locations of other detainees were suddenly unknown.

On July 26, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens spoke with Paul Whelan by phone at his remote prison camp in Mordovia. Carstens was not able to tell him any details about the imminent swap, but he was able to get a sense of how Whelan was feeling, which was optimistic, a source familiar said.

Jeff Flake, the US ambassador to Turkey, said there was a constant fear of the last several weeks that could spell the end of the deal, especially with so many moving parts to the exchange and so many people involved.

We just feared that some leak would spoil it, Flake told CNN from Turkey. Flake says he was only brought in a couple of weeks ago as the exchange neared its final stages. There were just very, very few that were aware of it, he said.

On August 1, all of the efforts came to fruition, as the historic deal played out.

Today was a very good day, Sullivan said.

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Turkey has blocked Instagram, leaving users unable to get on the app.

A government minister said that parent company Meta had failed to comply with its laws and rules. It came after a senior official attacked the app over accusations that it is removing condolence posts about the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, leader of Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Turkey is one of Instagrams largest markets, and the app is hugely popular in the country. Some 91 per cent of Turkish consumers use the app, more than almost any other country, and 57 per cent of people use it for news, according to research company GWI.

For now, those users are unable to get online. But Turkey said that service would be restored if Meta complied with its requests.

We warned Instagram about certain offences. We want some rules to be followed ... We intervene when they disregard legal rules and public sensitivities. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said.

We are in contact with them. Our sensitivities are clear, as soon as they correct those shortcomings, we will remove the ban. This is a country with laws and rules. Uraloglu added.

He did not clarify what the shortcomings were.

Access to Instagram has been restricted in Turkey following the ban implemented by authorities following a court order on Friday, internet observatory NetBlocks said.

Turkish communications official Fahrettin Altun on Wednesday criticised Instagram for what he called its decision to block condolence posts after Haniyeh was killed in Tehran.

This is censorship, pure and simple, Altun, the communications director of the Turkish presidency, said on X.

There was no immediate comment from Instagram parent Meta Platforms Inc on either the ban or Altuns comments.

Turkeys Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) published the Aug. 2 decision on its website.

Additional reporting by agencies
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  First- and second-year law students embarked on a six-week internship program this summer, giving them the opportunity to interact with lawyers, judges, and different types of court proceedings.

Its called the Peoria County Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP), and it aims to provide opportunities for law students from underrepresented backgrounds in the legal profession.

Circuit Judge Frank Ierulli leads the program and said it also serves as a way to get young lawyers to practice law in Peoria.

We want young talent to come here and stay in Peoria. One of the real purposes of this program is to make those introductions that help smooth the path to get these lawyers to come back to Peoria, he said.

This year, interns got a chance to visit the State Capital in Springfield, the Illinois Supreme Court, Peoria County Jail, and more.

Caterpillar welcomes hundreds of summer interns

Delaney Murphy was one of this years interns and is currently a paralegal at Murphy & Dunn. She just finished her first year of law school at Northern Illinois University and plans on practicing family law when she graduates.

She appreciated the hands-on nature of the internship, as she believes law is best learned when you are out in the field.

You dont really learn how to be an attorney until youre practicing. So being able to work with other attorneys and the judges and seeing what its like in practice made it a lot better and easier.

Deanna Nila was another intern in the program and just finished her first year of law school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She appreciates the opportunity that the program gives.

As a first-generation college student and daughter of Latinx immigrants, I understand how important and effective these kinds of programs are for embracing diversity in a profession where minorities have been historically underrepresented,

Nila, who is from the Chicagoland area, added that she is strongly considering practicing law in Peoria as a result of the program.

Judge Ierulli said the program is a favorite in the Tenth Judicial Circuit, and he claims hes never seen a lawyer unwilling to provide their time to the students. He also said the program is strongly supported by Chief Judge Katherine Gorman, as well as other judges in the circuit.

Other parts of the program include informational interviews with different law firms in the city, as well as looking at different courts, including family and juvenile court.

Ierulli said the program has been going for at least a decade, and that it makes him proud. He also confirmed that he has seen multiple interns come to practice law in Peoria after the program.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Google is adding support for its School time feature to more hardware. School time allows parents to limit functionalities on a child's devices during predetermined hours. That might be the time they are in classes or for any period where an adult wants to limit screen time. Parents will be able to use the Family Link parental controls app to set School time hours on their kids' select Android phones, tablets and Samsung Galaxy Watches. However, Google hasn't shared any further specifics about which devices in those categories will receive this update. The tool was originally launched on the Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatches in May .

School time is designed to help limit a mobile device's distractions for a young user. When enabled, it sets a dedicated home page with limited notifications. Parents can select which apps remain available, and can allow texts and calls to come through from particular individuals. This encourages focus when it's needed, while still allowing for emergency contact if needed.

Family Link, Google's portal for parents to manage their kids' mobile activity, received a redesign in 2022. And if you're looking for similar features in the Apple ecosystem, check out the Schooltime feature.
As Invest 97L prepares to head into the Gulf, what can Volusia and Flagler counties expect?

It looks like Invest 97L, the tropical wave that has transfixed the state for the past few days, is preparing to turn north into the Gulf of Mexico. The question on everyone's minds now is "Then what?"

"Landfall could occur sometime between late Sunday and early Monday just about anywhere from Apalachicola to the Tampa Bay area," NWS forecasters said. That's about a 300-mile swath of territory.

As for Volusia and Flagler counties, and much of the rest of the state, people are keeping an eye on the weather system, but the forecast calls for rain. Maybe a lot of it.

But forecasters and the governor aren't taking any chances. Tropical storm watches or warnings may be issued as soon as today, says the National Hurricane Center. And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday declared a state of emergency for 54 of Florida's 67 counties including Volusia and Flagler.

"Keep in mind the tropical cyclone will be strengthening as it moves north, so the farther north it gets before landfall, the better of a shot that it has to attain hurricane status," said the National Weather Service Tallahassee.

If sustained winds reach 39 mph, it will become Tropical Storm Debby, the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

What impact could Invest 97L have on Volusia and Flagler counties?

Specific impacts to Volusia-Flagler depend on where the system develops, said Megan Tollefsen, a meteorologist with the NWS in Melbourne.

Its really difficult to assign intensity at this point because theres not a trackable feature yet, so the models tend to go back and forth about what it might do, she said.

But at this point, heavy rainfall is the biggest certainty for east Central Florida, she said.

For Volusia it could be 2-4 inches of rain, but you cant rule out locally higher amounts of 6 inches or greater, she said, adding that similar conditions are expected in Flagler County.

Once the system develops, well have a better idea of where its going to track and a better idea of how much rainfall there will be. At the earliest, we expect the rain to start Saturday night, but once we get into Sunday, there is definitely a greater rainfall threat.

Until the system develops, its also difficult to predict how long those rains might last, Tollefsen said. The expectation at this point is that rainfall associated with the system will continue into early next week, she said.

Gusty winds cannot be ruled out, but at this point in time, the rainfall threat will be the biggest thing for Volusia and Flagler.

Daytona Beach radar

Radar

For now, it's just going to be hot. Really hot. But the rains will come soon enough. In Daytona, there is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday. By Sunday, the likelihood rises to 70%. Same for Monday and Tuesday. Palm Coast is expecting similar conditions.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: National Hurricane Center eyes possible tropical storm in Daytona Beach
COLUMBIA, Ill. (WTVO)  Illinois State Police arrested 5 men all charged with indecent solicitation of a child among other charges.

ISPs Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Bureau took their operation to the Columbia area of Monroe County from July 31st through August 1st. The operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts.

These men were arrested as a result of the operation:

Deepak Chiluveru, 24, of St. Louis, MO  Indecent Solicitation a Child (Class 3 Felony),

Traveling to Meet a Child (Class 3 Felony), Grooming (Class 4 Felony) and Solicitation to

Meet a Child (Class 4 Felony).

Tuan M. Huynh, 34, of St. Louis, MO  Indecent Solicitation a Child (Class 3 Felony),

Traveling to Meet a Child (Class 3 Felony), Grooming (Class 4 Felony), Solicitation to Meet

a Child (Class 4 Felony) and Armed Violence (Class X Felony).

Leslie M. Johnson, 56, of St. Louis, MO  Indecent Solicitation a Child (Class 3 Felony),

Traveling to Meet a Child (Class 3 Felony), Grooming (Class 4 Felony) and Solicitation to

Meet a Child (Class 4 Felony).

Kawa M. Shaker, 26, of St. Louis, MO  Indecent Solicitation a Child (Class 3 Felony),

Traveling to Meet a Child (Class 3 Felony), Grooming (Class 4 Felony) and Solicitation to

Meet a Child (Class 4 Felony).

Roberto Rodriquez-Cordero, 36, of St. Louis, MO  Indecent Solicitation a Child (Class 3

Felony), Traveling to Meet a Child (Class 3 Felony), Grooming (Class 4 Felony), Solicitation

to Meet a Child (Class 4 Felony), Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4

Felony) and Armed Violence (Class X Felony).

The operation was part of a multifaceted approach by ISP to stop human trafficking in Illinois.

ISP special agents, Troop 8 Troopers, SWAT officers, and the Intelligence Support Unit,

partnered with the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, Centralia Police Department, Metropolitan Enforcement Group Southern Illinois for the operation and the Monroe County States Attorneys Office all provided support for the operation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
Israel will not 'hold back' if Iran attacks, security adviser says

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (C) and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian with other officials perform the funeral prayer for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard. Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Israel will not "hold back" should Iran launch an attack in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran this week, a top Israeli security official warned in an interview on Friday.

Tzachi Hanegbi, the country's national security adviser, compared the current tensions to April, when Iran launched 330 drones, low-flying cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at Israel.

At the time, Israel stifled its response at the request of the United States and other allies, Hanegbi said in the interview with Axel Springer media outlets, including Germany's Bild newspaper.

"This is now a new situation. You can hold back once, not twice," he said.

"Attacking Israel is something for which they will pay a very painful price. I hope they don't do it. It would be a mistake. Israel is very strong," he continued.

But Hanegbi said he does not believe Iran wants an all-out war.

Iran and its allies, including the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, have vowed "harsh punishment" for Israel after Haniyeh's killing on Wednesday.

Iran and Hamas hold Israel responsible, but Israel has neither confirmed nor denied a role. Hanegbi would not comment on whether Israel was behind it.

After nearly 10 months of fighting between the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip, there are fears the Middle East now stands on the precipice of a regional war.

Such a war loomed after April 14, when Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel. Nearly all were intercepted with the help of the United States and other allies.

That barrage came after Iran blamed Israel for the killing of two Iranian generals in a strike on the country's consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus.

Israel's response to the April 14 attack was limited in scale, with a military base in central Iran hit.
Israel will not 'hold back' if Iran attacks, security adviser says

People carry the coffin of Hamas Political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in the Iranian Capital, during his funeral ceremony at Tehran University in Tehran. Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Israel will not "hold back" should Iran launch an attack in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran this week, a top Israeli security official warned in an interview on Friday.

Tzachi Hanegbi, the country's national security adviser, compared the current tensions to April, when Iran launched 330 drones, low-flying cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at Israel.

At the time, Israel stifled its response at the request of the United States and other allies, Hanegbi said in the interview with Axel Springer media outlets, including Germany's Bild newspaper.

"This is now a new situation. You can hold back once, not twice," he said.

"Attacking Israel is something for which they will pay a very painful price. I hope they don't do it. It would be a mistake. Israel is very strong," he continued.

But Hanegbi said he does not believe Iran wants an all-out war.

Iran and its allies, including the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, have vowed "harsh punishment" for Israel after Haniyeh's killing on Wednesday.

Iran and Hamas hold Israel responsible, but Israel has neither confirmed nor denied a role. Hanegbi would not comment on whether Israel was behind it.

Hamas chief Ismaeil Haniyeh meets Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian (Not Pictured) in Tehran. -/Iranian Presidency/dpa
Israel will not 'hold back' if Iran attacks, security adviser says

People carry the coffin of Hamas Political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in the Iranian Capital, during his funeral ceremony at Tehran University in Tehran. Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Israel will not "hold back" should Iran launch an attack in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran this week, a top Israeli security official warned in an interview on Friday.

Haniyeh was buried on Friday in the Qatari capital Doha, where he had last lived in exile.

Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel's national security adviser, compared the current tensions to April, when Iran launched 330 drones, low-flying cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at Israel.

At the time, Israel stifled its response at the request of the United States and other allies, Hanegbi said in the interview with Axel Springer media outlets, including Germany's Bild newspaper.

"This is now a new situation. You can hold back once, not twice," he said.

"Attacking Israel is something for which they will pay a very painful price. I hope they don't do it. It would be a mistake. Israel is very strong," he continued.

But Hanegbi said he does not believe Iran wants an all-out war.

Iran and its allies, including the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, have vowed "harsh punishment" for Israel after Haniyeh's killing on Wednesday.

Iran and Hamas hold Israel responsible, but Israel has neither confirmed nor denied a role. Hanegbi would not comment on whether Israel was behind it.

Meanwhile, Israeli police temporarily detained the imam of Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque for praying for the slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Police officers took the 85-year-old Islamic cleric Ekrima Sabri away for a few hours after Friday prayers, his lawyer said. Israeli media reported that the police were investigating whether Sabri had incited violence during the prayers.

The authorities released him after questioning him - on the condition that he not enter the al-Aqsa Mosque until August 8, Sabri's lawyer said.

According to reports, Sabri said that the residents of Jerusalem would pray to God to grant the "martyr" his mercy.

"We pray for him compassion and paradise," he is reported to have said. Sabri also heads the Palestinian Supreme Islamic Council.

Hamas had called on Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to organize a "Day of Rage" in the form of protest marches following Friday prayers. According to reports from residents, the call was largely ineffective.

Nevertheless, after nearly 10 months of fighting between the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip, there are fears the Middle East now stands on the precipice of a regional war.

Such a war loomed after April 14, when Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel. Nearly all were intercepted with the help of the United States and other allies.

That barrage came after Iran blamed Israel for the killing of two Iranian generals in a strike on the country's consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus.

Israel's response to the April 14 attack was limited in scale, with a military base in central Iran hit.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (C) and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian with other officials perform the funeral prayer for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard. Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Israel appeared to carry out two significant assassinations this week in Lebanon and Iran.

IDF jets killed a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon shortly before a Hamas leader was blown up in Iran.

The shocking incidents mark two intelligence victories for Israel.

Israel claimed responsibility earlier this week for a deadly strike that killed a top Hezbollah commander in Lebanon, and just hours later, it became the leading suspect in a sophisticated scheme that assassinated Hamas' political chief in Iran.

The stunning, back-to-back killings mark two significant intelligence successes for Israel, and demonstrate its ability to secretly track its enemies and strike them with cold precision, Middle East security and counterterrorism experts told Business Insider.

But the strategic repercussions of these strikes remain to be seen, as the dual assassinations have also sparked fears of large-scale retaliation from Iran and its proxies, like Hezbollah and Hamas, which could kill more Israelis and plunge the region into even more conflict.

A strike in Lebanon

On Tuesday, Israeli fighter jets carried out a strike in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, killing Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.

A photo taken on July 30 shows the destroyed top floors of an eight-story building following an Israeli military strike on Beirut's southern suburb. Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images

Shukr served on Hezbollah's Jihad Council, its highest military body, and was a senior advisor to the group's secretary-general, Hasan Nasrallah. The US government also held him responsible for the 1983 bombing of the US Marine Corps barracks in Beirut and had placed a $5 million bounty on his head.

The Israel Defense Forces blamed Shukr for a deadly rocket attack in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights that took place just days prior and said it killed him in retaliation.

Jonathan Lord, formerly a political military analyst at the Pentagon, said the operation to kill Shukr was likely informed by combat intelligence. Israel found where he was at a specific time and took the shot when it had the opportunity.

"Their ability to track these individuals in fairly real time, find out where they are, where they're going to be, and then to be able to launch a surgical strike against them  it's an impressive capability," said Lord, the director of the Middle East security program at the Center for a New American Security think tank.

A man waves a Hezbollah and a Palestinian flag during the funeral procession of top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut's southern suburbs on August 1. Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Bruce Hoffman, a counterterrorism expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the Beirut strike demonstrated precision targeting that left minimal collateral damage; three other people were reportedly killed, including two children.

'Reputation is everything'

Hours following the Beirut strike, a more seismic incident occurred: Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas' political wing, was killed in Iran shortly after he attended the swearing-in of its new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

The circumstances surrounding Haniyeh's death were initially unclear, and it was first thought that he died from an airstrike. However, The New York Times reported on Thursday that he was killed by an explosive device that had been smuggled months ago into the guesthouse where he was staying in Tehran and remotely detonated once it was clear Haniyeh was in the room.

Iran and Hamas blamed Israel for Haniyeh's assassination and promised revenge.

A man waves a Hezbollah and a Palestinian flag during the funeral procession of top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut's southern suburbs on August 1. Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Israel has not publicly acknowledged its involvement, but Israeli officials  including the leader of the country's vaunted Mossad intelligence agency  have vowed to hunt down Hamas leaders responsible for the October 7 massacre wherever they are.

The Mossad has a long history of carrying out Israeli assassination operations outside the country. Axios later reported that it was Mossad agents who planted the explosive device in the Tehran guesthouse, which is run by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and detonated it from Iranian soil.

"Astonishingly, Israel had the assets and the capability to gain access to what should have been one of the most highly defended and secured targets in Iran," Hoffman said.

Adding to the significant announcements this week, Israel on Thursday said it killed Mohammed Deif, the commander of Hamas' military wing, in a mid-July strike in Gaza. Hamas did not immediately confirm his death in the strike, which reportedly killed dozens of Palestinians.

An anti-Israeli billboard hangs at Palestine Square in Tehran on July 31. Photo by AFP via Getty Images

Yoav Gallant, Israel's defense minister, said Thursday that "the operation was conducted precisely and professionally" by the IDF and Israeli security forces.

Lord, the former Pentagon analyst, said tactical intelligence is "definitely a strong suit of the Israelis," but he stressed that this must be weighed against some of the apparent breakdowns that the country's elite intelligence community faced leading up to the October 7 attacks.

Israel's political, intelligence, and security apparatuses came under immense scrutiny following the deadly massacre as the public tried to make sense of how the worst breach of the country's defenses since the 1973 Yom Kippur War could occur.

Top officials missed and ignored several warnings that Hamas was preparing a major attack, believing such an event couldn't happen and failed to respond to signs of an imminent attack. In April, Israel's military intelligence chief resigned and said his directorate "did not live up to the task we were entrusted with."

Hoffman said Israel's recent string of targeted killings is its attempt to reestablish the dominant reputation of its intelligence community and restore its deterrent capability so it can make good on future threats and appear stronger in the face of regional adversaries like Iran.

"Israel understands that reputation is everything in the Middle East," Hoffman said. "So gaining that back with this particular series of assassinations was absolutely pivotal."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Israel to send delegation to Cairo for Gaza ceasefire talks; Hamas calls it 'empty statements'

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - An Israeli delegation will travel to Cairo in the coming days for negotiations to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday.

"The negotiating team for a hostage deal will depart for Cairo on Saturday night or on Sunday," his office said.

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri commented on the announcement, telling Reuters, "Netanyahu does not want to stop the war and is using these empty statements to cover up his crimes and evade their consequences."

(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch in Jerusalem and Nidal Al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Editing by Nick Zieminski)
In the space of just over 24 hours, Israel said three top leaders in militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas were confirmed killed in Gaza and the heart of the Lebanese and Iranian capitals.

For 10 months, the region has been entrenched in some of the bloodiest violence we have seen in recent times. Everything escalated when news broke on Wednesday of the Israeli-claimed killing of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in south Beirut and then the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which was also blamed on Israel. On Thursday, Israel confirmed it killed the commander of Hamass military wing, Mohammed Deif  the architect of the 7 October bloody attack on southern Israel  in an airstrike on Khan Younis, Gaza earlier in July.

The announcement of these killings  so close to each other  pushes the region towards a terrifying and murky precipice. Irans supreme leader and Hamas vowed revenge against Israel. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned there are challenging days ahead.

The United Nations secretary general and Qatar called it a dangerous escalation. Japans deputy UN representative Shino Mitsuko said the region was on the brink of all-out war.

Considering the Middle Easts current state  from Israels unprecedented razing of Gaza to the empty ghost towns of northern Israel, from the charred remains of bombed south Lebanon to the recent history of drones and missiles flying across Yemen, Syria, Iran, and Iraq  we are already in the grips of a wider conflict.

It seems everyone is waiting for an official declaration of regional war. People are not understanding the gravity of what this is, says Amjad Iraqi, a senior editor at left-wing publication +972 Magazine and an associate fellow with Chatham Houses Middle East and North Africa programme.

We have been in the midst of it already, even if its a lower-level war of attrition.

There is a kind of egotistical, unstable dance that all these actors are making with missiles and with peoples lives, while trying to explain it as calibrated responses.

Everything hinges on a ceasefire for Gaza, Mr Iraqi adds. We are at a very very dangerous point.

Amos Harel, an Israeli journalist and non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings think tank, says that while there is the old cliche that no side is interested in a regional escalation, it is an upward spiral and could become inevitable.

It continues, and theres so much space for miscalculation and disasters. It gets even harder to stop.

On Wednesday, Israel confirmed an Israeli airstrike killed Shukr, who had a $5m US bounty on his head for his role in Hezbollahs 1983 attack in Beirut, which killed 241 US service personnel.

Just a few hours later, Israel was accused of killing Haniyeh, probably the most internationally recognisable leader of Hamas, in a dawn raid in the Iranian capital a day after he attended the inauguration of Irans new president Masoud Pezeshkian. Israel has so far declined to comment on the killing.

Iranians attend the funeral procession of assassinated Hamas chief, Ismail Haniyeh (AP)

Then on Thursday, Israel said their intelligence assessment confirmed that Mohammed Deif had been killed in a 13 July Israeli airstrikes on south Gaza. Israel said Deif, the commander of Hamass Qassam Brigades, initiated, planned and executed the 7 October massacre in Israel, during which Hamas killed around 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostage. Since then, Palestinian health officials say Israels bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 39,000 people, the majority of them women and children.

Haniyeh, who for the last few years had been based in Qatar, was known as a pragmatist compared to hardline Gaza-based leaders like Deif. He was also part of the Palestinian negotiators for a ceasefire, which just a week ago had looked promising. A truce is essential for civilians in Gaza, where famine stalks the population as well as Israels weapons that have killed tens of thousands of people. Desperate families of the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza have also been pushing for a prisoner swap ceasefire deal to bring their loved ones home.

The talks for a much-needed truce are another casualty of the assassinations. How can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side? asked Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in an unusually blunt message on X/Twitter.

Rather than serving a strategic purpose, analyst Amjad Iraqi believes the killing of Haniyeh  who, in exile in Doha may not have even been party to the organisation of Hamass 7 October attacks  sends a political message to Hamas and Iran (which is contending with this embarrassing security fiasco) as well as the Israeli public.

Even though Israels war is decimating much of Gaza, by most standards, this is not a hard success against Hamas. Hamas is obviously taking a huge beating with the massive destruction of infrastructure but lately, the Israeli army is finding itself in a bit of a quagmire, he says. News of multiple assassinations, including one deep inside Tehran, may serve to curry favour with Israelis back home.

Israeli dissent and the calls for a ceasefire have been largely directed at Mr Netanyahu  who has been accused of putting his personal interests first with a never-ending war that could save his political career.

He was always quite cautious about using military force. But this is another Netanyahu, warns Harel. After these last few years of constant elections [and] this crazy alliance that he has with the radical right, its much harder to trust his motives.

Most people are suspicious. It is no longer only a question of Israels security or strategic interests".
UK insurance broker Howden has reached an agreement to acquire Allianz UK's musical insurance book for an undisclosed sum.

Following the deal, the customer base, as well as the marketing and operations teams, will be integrated into Howden's existing music scheme, Lark Music.

This acquisition enhances Lark Musics current portfolio, which mainly focuses on high-value instruments.

It is also part of Howdens efforts to expand its product range to include insurance for all types of musical instruments, catering to musicians of every age and skill level.

Allianz Musical Insurance, a provider of musical instrument and equipment insurance for UK musicians with more than 60 years of experience, will continue to offer underwriting services as the sole capacity provider for the newly branded Lark Music Keynote offering.

This product will include both Allianz Music Protect and Lark Music Essential plans.

Lark Music will handle the daily management of customers' musical instrument policies and claims.

Howden said the acquisition will bring in expertise and investment to support both amateur and professional musicians, while allowing Allianz UK to maintain its support for the music industry.

This recent acquisition comes after Howdens purchase of Hencilla Canworth, a British broker specialising in performing arts insurance.

Howden divisional director of schemes division Dean Wright said: Allianz Musical Insurance is well known to our Lark Music business, and is held in high regard. Combined, our two businesses represent 7.3m ($9.35m) GWP [gross written premium] and will service 68,000 customers, providing them with access to a full spectrum of musical instrument insurance products, both in the UK and internationally.

Allianz UK MD for specialty Kieran OKeeffe said: This step with Howden presents an excellent opportunity for growth in the musical insurance space and we are confident that it will successfully expand and improve the offerings available for customers.

We are proud to be the UK underwriter for Lark Musics new Keynote insurance product, a testament to our expertise and reputation in the industry.

In May of this year, Howden acquired MiCRO, a specialist in microinsurance for natural disaster coverage in Latin America.

"Howden agrees to buy Allianz UKs musical insurance book " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Hamas chief Ismaeil Haniyeh meets Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian (Not Pictured) in Tehran. Palestinian militant organization Hamas has said on Telegram that Haniyeh, was killed in a "Zionist raid" on his residence in Tehran. In a statement, Hamas added that Haniyeh was killed after he had attended the inauguration ceremony of the new Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian in the Iranian capital. -/Iranian Presidency/dpa

Israeli police temporarily detained the imam of Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque for praying for the slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Police officers took the 85-year-old Islamic cleric Ekrima Sabri away for a few hours after Friday prayers, his lawyer said. Israeli media reported that the police were investigating whether Sabri had incited violence during the prayers.

Haniyeh, the Qatar-based leader of the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas, died in a targetted killing on Wednesday during a visit to Tehran. Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel, which in turn has not commented.

In the mosques of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, Palestinian preachers commemorated Haniyeh in their Friday prayers.

According to reports, Sabri said that the residents of Jerusalem would pray to God to grant the "martyr" his mercy.

"We pray for him compassion and paradise," he is reported to have said. Sabri also heads the Palestinian Supreme Islamic Council.

Hamas had called on Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to organize a "Day of Rage" in the form of protest marches following Friday prayers. According to reports from residents, the call was largely ineffective.

The al-Aqsa Mosque on Jerusalem's Temple Mount is considered the third most important shrine in Islam. It is known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and is sacred to both Muslims and Jews.

Israel took over the Temple Mount complex together with the Old City of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in 1967. The Muslim sites are formally administered by a Jordanian foundation, but Israel controls access, which it repeatedly restricts.

Haniyeh was buried on Friday in the Qatari capital Doha, where he had last lived in exile.
ITHACA, N.Y. (WETM)  An Ithaca man has been arrested on a burglary charge in connection to an incident that occurred last weekend.

According to the Ithaca Police Department, Elliott Gagnon, 29, was arrested on the charge of burglary in the second degree (class C felony), after the incident that occurred around 7 p.m. on July 27, on the 800 block of North Tioga Street.

Police say they were called to the location after receiving a 911 call about a person who had been chasing someone down the street. After arriving at the scene, police say they found both of the people involved and later determined that a burglary had taken place and that the homeowner of the burglarized home was attempting to catch the person who did it.

Elmira man sentenced up to 5 years in prison on theft charges

Police then stopped the person and took him into custody, identifying him as Gagnon. He was then charged, arraigned and brought to the Tompkins County Jail on $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond or $100,000 partially secured bond.

Anyone who has any information on the incident is asked to contact IPD as soon as possible by any of the following means:

Police Dispatch: 607-272-3245

Police Administration: 607-272-9973

Police Tip line: 607-330-0000

Anonymous Email Tip Address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance's book, Hillbilly Elegy, came out in 2016a few months before Donald Trump won a surprising presidential victory thanks in part to widespread support from within the Appalachian hollers that Vance wrote about. Although he grew up in southwestern Ohio, Vance's family was from the mountains of hard-scrabble eastern Kentucky.

"Elegy" offers a thought-provoking account of the difficulty poor people face as they try to transcend their circumstances. "How much of our lives, good and bad, should we credit to our personal decisions, and how much is just the inheritance of our culture, our families, and our parents who have failed their children?" he asked. The movie was less compelling, but it reinforced that point.

Trump recently said the book was about society's unfair treatment of working class men and women, but that suggests he never read it. Actually, the book focused on the ways poor people often sabotage their fleeting opportunities and blame others for their predicament. Vance went on to become a Marine, attend Ohio State, and earn a law degree from Yale.

My wife devoured the bookand was particularly moved by Vance's depictions of his awkward attempts to fit in among his classmates. She also grew up in a small coal town in Appalachia. Her lumberman father died young, leaving a wife and six daughters to subsist on government aid. Like Vance, she received a scholarship. When I met her at George Washington University, she had never taken a taxi, been in an elevator, or dined at a fancy restaurant.

Unfortunately, author Vance seems far different from vice-presidential nominee Vance. Power is tempting, but Donna and I have nevertheless cringed as he has espoused positions that seem at odds with his book's central point. Instead of recognizing that the American Dream is alive and welland all of her sisters have lived successful liveshe now blames outsiders for the plight of the working class.

Vance also pitches big-government economic "populist" ideas and engages in nativism. His critics have pointed to his apparent hypocrisy. After all, he's a middle-class Midwestern suburbanite who attended an Ivy League school, married the daughter of immigrants, and is backed by Bay Area techies. I suspect his embrace of an ideology explains this shift more than raw ambition.

Tell-tale signs come from his speech at the Republican National Convention: "America is not just an idea. It is a group of people with a shared history and a common future.  (W)hen we allow newcomers into our American family, we allow them on our terms." He said that generations of Kentuckians died in wars and are buried in his family's cemetery, noting that, "People will not fight for abstractions, but they will fight for their homes."

I've read myriad critiques on some of Vance's statements, including noxious ones blasting childless cat ladies. That's basically right-wing edge-lording. But the fiercest critique comes in an Atlantic column addressing Vance's "insult to America." Writer Jessica Gavora recalls her dad's harrowing escape from Czechoslovakia after Soviet forces overran it: "My dad came here for a reason, and it wasn't the dirt of a graveyard."

I agree with Gavora, but then again my dad fled Nazi Germany and my maternal grandparents fled Russian pogroms. Almost all of the immigrants I meetaround here they're mostly from Latin America, Russia, and Indiaare among the most patriotic people I meet. My wife's Appalachian ancestors hailed from Poland before heading to work in the Pennsylvania coal fields. And what's this about requiring them to submit to "our terms"?

Vance's statement defines the central dividing line between paleo-conservatives such as Patrick Buchananand classical liberals such Ronald Reagan. The former believe America is a nation built by and for a specific people. They dislike free markets, which are corrosive of their cultural preferences. They want to vastly limit immigration. They have no problem with big government as long as they control it.

By contrast, classical liberals believe America is based on the universal idea of freedom and economic opportunity. They focus on reducing the size and power of governmentand creating opportunities for everyone wherever they or their ancestors were born. Classical liberals may want an orderly immigration process, but they're more interested in turning immigrants into Americans than sending them home.

Classical liberalsand I count myself among themview free trade as a wonder, not a threat. And while I'm a long-time critic of America's endless foreign interventions and wars, I care (unlike Vance) about what happens in Ukraine. We believe in liberty for everyone, not just members of our clan.

The Democratic Party is hostile to freedom and progress in its own unique and terrifying ways. But I wish the Vance who wrote "Hillbilly Elegy"rather than paleo-conservative changeling we now see on displaywere the one on the GOP ticket to make that case.

This column was first published in The Orange County Register.

The post J.D. Vance Has Changed a Lot Since the Days of <em>Hillbilly Elegy</em> appeared first on Reason.com.
CNN

Sen. J.D Vance, when questioned by a CNN reporter about whether he, as the father of three biracial children, was taken aback by Donald Trump questioning Kamala Harris racial identity by demanding to know whether she is Indian or Black, endorsed the former presidents answer and said his comments were totally reasonable.

They dont give me pause at all, Vance told reporter Steve Contorno during an interview near the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona.

Trumps running mate has three children with his wife, Usha Vance, who was born in California to Indian immigrants.

When pressed, he added: Look, all [Trump] said is that Kamala Harris is a chameleon.

She is everything to everybody, and she pretends to be somebody different depending on which audience she is in front of. I think its totally reasonable for the president to call that out, and thats all he did, said Vance, who also accused Harris of putting on a southern accent during a campaign stop in Atlanta on Tuesday.

When Contorno confronted Vance with his past criticisms of Trump and other comments that dont square with his current attitudes, Vance dismissed the idea that he also pretends to be somebody different, as he had described Harris.

Donald Trump: Stop Calling J.D. Vance and Me Weird

Its reasonable to change your mind, Vance said. Its not reasonable to run and hide from the media and not answer the American peoples questions.

Trumps appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago on Wednesday drew bipartisan condemnation. It came even after GOP House leaders had been pushing for Republicans to stop talking about Harris race.

But Trump couldnt help himself.

She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black? Trump said, adding that somebody should look into her racial identity.

Harris briefly mentioned Trumps racist attack later that day.

It was the same old showthe divisiveness and the disrespect. And let me just say, the American people deserve better, Harris said in Houston. The American people deserve a leader who tells the truth, not a leader who responds with hostility and anger when confronted with the facts. We deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us. They are an essential source of our strength.

VP Candidate J.D. Vance, With Biracial Kids, Calls Trump Race Slur Hysterical

The White House similarly called Trumps comments repulsive.

Harriss mother was Indian and her father is Jamaican, and each, like Usha Vances parents, immigrated to the U.S.

Trumps running mate, while traveling to Arizona on Wednesday, didnt seem to have a problem with Trumps characterization of Harris race. Instead, he told reporters on the plane, I frankly just think its hysterical how much the media is overreacting to it.

He added later, according to NOTUS: So what [Trump] said, I thought it was hysterical. I think he pointed out the fundamental chameleon-like nature of Kamala Harris.

Shes flip-flopped on every issue. Shes fake. Shes phony. And I think our whole campaign is going to have a very fun time pointing that out, Vance predicted. And it sounds like the president kicked us off in stride.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Jackson Health Department warns of harmful algae bloom on Vandercook Lake

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Yesterday, a potentially harmful algae bloom was reported on Vandercook Lake in Summit Township.

Toxic algae on the rise

In a Facebook post, the Jackson County Health Department says people should take precautions if they plan to visit the lake, such as:

Do not touch the water or shoreline with algal blooms.

Do not boat, jet ski, or fish in algal blooms.

Do not swim or recreate in algal blooms.

Do not let pets swim in or drink any water near algal blooms.

Always rinse people and pets off after any water contact.

Call your doctor or veterinarian if your pet or animal gets sick.

According to Michigan.gov, harmful algal blooms can look like spilled paint, pea soup, floating scums, mats, sheens, clumps or streaks. You should also clear water away from the bloom is safe to swim in.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A kitchen worker at the Wichita County Jail is now behind bars herself after authorities said she was involved with an inmate.

LOCAL NEWS: Blown tire leads to rollover in ditch, DPS says

Tylisha Marie Allen, 35, of Wichita Falls, was arrested and booked into the Wichita County Jail on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and charged with indecent assault. She also had several outstanding traffic warrants. She is currently being held on a $10,000 bond.

According to the arrest affidavit, an investigator with the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Wichita County Sheriffs Offices Detention Bureau was notified of a possible inappropriate relationship between an inmate and an Aramark kitchen worker.

The affidavit said the employee, later identified as Allen, was having a relationship with an inmate. Investigators said they received copies of text messages sent by Allen.

According to the investigators, Allen said in a text message, I swear he need to hurry up and come home imma change his life, as well as Hey bookie wydddddd imma come see you you talk to my hubby today.

LOCAL NEWS: Appeal challenes first fentanyl murder conviction in Texas

An investigator said they located surveillance video from the dry room of the kitchen at the Wichita County Jail. They said in the video, Allen and the inmate are seen together for a majority of the time while the inmate was working in the kitchen.

According to the affidavit, Allen and the inmate were seen kissing each other in the dry room on the surveillance video.

Investigators said they later identified the sender of the messages as Allen by running her phone number and matching her Apple ID contact with her social media handle.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Jamie Dimon: US should elect president who works to unite us

Jamie Dimon: US should elect president who works to unite us

JPMorgan Chase Chair Jamie Dimon warned Americas leaders not to sleepwalk into disaster but to offer strong American leadership to unite us.

This is precisely the time when strong American leadership is needed to unite us and strengthen the indispensable role our country plays, Dimon wrote in a column in The Washington Post. Weve faced worse: war, economic upheaval, social transformation. In those moments, leaders such as Presidents Lincoln, Truman and Eisenhower guided us forward with common sense and pragmatism.

Our best leaders strengthen the bonds that unite us. They address the broader interests of our country and dont pander to base politics or cater to extremes, he added.

Dimon also called on the government to include more business leaders in the Cabinet to develop a stronger national policy agenda.

Former President Trump floated and then shot down the idea of naming Dimon as his Treasury secretary in July.

Dimon offered a set of solutions for future U.S. presidents to address the nations problems in his column.

First, our problems cannot be fixed without our leaders acknowledging them, he wrote. Unite Americans with regular, honest and open communication. We deserve a president who explains our problems, encourages input from all sides, and shares plans and solutions.

Dimon invoked former President Eisenhowers decision to have lunch or dinner with opposition leaders, including those he disagreed with. He pointed to business leaders listening to critics for ideas on how they can do better.

If were going to truly unify our country, we need to begin treating opposing views, complaints and critiques as opportunities to find common ground and make us better, he added.

He also called on policymakers to develop policies that reflect our critical place on the global stage.

These national policies should include facing  and fixing  our failure to create equal opportunity for all, expanding the economy by encouraging investments, sharing the wealth, addressing our national debt, maintaining the worlds strongest military, taking control of our borders, strengthening the social safety nets, and renewing national pride by unabashedly teaching civics and American exceptionalism without papering over our mistakes, he wrote.

He criticized the Biden administrations move to delay long-term liquid natural gas projects in Louisiana and Texas, calling it misguided and self-defeating.

Our allies are fighting wars to defend their sovereignty and democracies, and desperately need secure and reliable energy sources, he wrote. It is bad for the environment and the economy  and it is bad for our allies.

Dimon also advocated for reforming mortgage rules to allow lower-income families to buy homes more easily and for expanding the earned income tax credit.

We lack coherent energy, education, infrastructure, housing, tax and immigration policies. While we agree sometimes on the problems and the goals, our prescriptions are too often simplistic and poorly designed, he wrote.

Alongside developing better strategy, Dimon also called on future American presidents to choose a group of rivals for their team, harkening back to President Lincolns decision to appoint a group of leaders who disagreed with each other to his Cabinet.

Tribal politics will not deliver the best talent and expertise across the political spectrum. Put country and Constitution first, Dimon wrote. The private sector has huge wells of expertise and produces 85 percent of our nations jobs. It should have a seat at the table. Yet in recent years, government leaders have often failed to engage those in industry.

Dimon also urged presidential candidates to engage with all voters.

Recognize that voters are all different and have good reasons to think differently. Do not insult, stereotype, weaponize, scapegoat or gaslight. And do not attack them. Engage them, he wrote.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE - Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, founder of the Oregon-based Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, is sworn in before testifying during a contempt of court hearing in federal court, on Nov. 6, 2013, in Seattle. (Karen Ducey/Pool Photo via AP, File)

TOKYO (AP)  Japan has asked Denmark to extradite anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, who has been in custody in Greenland since his arrest last month under a Japanese warrant, officials said Friday.

Watson, a 73-year-old Canadian American citizen, is a former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, whose high seas confrontations with whaling vessels have drawn support from celebrities and even featured in the reality television series Whale Wars.

Japan's coast guard sought his arrest over an encounter with a Japanese whaling research ship in 2010 when he was accused of obstructing the crew's official duties by ordering the captain of his ship to throw explosives at the whaling ship. He was sought in an Interpol red notice, and the perpetrator, a New Zealand citizen, was convicted of assault and given a suspended prison term allowing him to leave Japan.

Environmental activists have criticized Japan's practice of research whaling as a cover for commercial whale hunting.

Japan's government asked Denmark authorities on Wednesday to hand over Watson so he could be tried in Japan, said Masashi Mizobuchi, assistant press secretary of Japan's foreign ministry. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Japan will continue to take appropriate measures, including making necessary efforts to call on cooperation from related countries and organizations, the official said. Mizobudhi said Denmark has not responded to Japan's request and declined to comment on the prospects for a handover.

Watson was arrested on July 21 when his ship docked in Nuuk, Greenlands capital, according to the local police. Greenland courts have approved his detention in Nuuk until Aug. 15.

Japan does not have an extradition treaty with Denmark and it is unknown if or when Watson would be handed over.

Watson left Sea Shepherd in 2022 to set up his own organization. The Captain Paul Watson Foundation said at the time of his arrest that the action was politically motivated and called for his release.

Watson was detained in Germany in 2012 on a Costa Rican extradition warrant but skipped bail after learning that he was also sought for extradition by Japan, which has accused him of endangering whalers lives during his operations in the Antarctic Ocean. He has since lived in countries including France and the United States.

Japans government argues whale meat is part of Japans food culture and supports the sustainable use of whales. Japan withdrew from the International Whaling Commission in 2019 and has since resumed commercial whaling within its exclusive economic zone.
The government of Japan is formally requesting the extradition from Denmark of Paul Watson, the Canadian-American anti-whaling activist, Greenpeace co-founder and reality TV star who is being detained in Greenland. File Photo by Emily Wabitsch/EPA-EFE

Aug. 2 (UPI) -- The government of Japan formally requested the extradition from Denmark of Paul Watson, the anti-whaling activist and reality TV star who is being detained in Greenland.

Japanese officials requested Interpol issue an international arrest warrant for Watson's arrest but were still waiting for a response to their request from Danish authorities.

Watson, 73, was arrested in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, last month while refueling on the way to intercept a Japanese whaling ship in the North Pacific.

A message from Paul Watson's son, Tiger: "I love my father. Please let him go, Denmark." After his arrest in Nuuk, Greenland, Paul Watson now faces the possibility of spending what could likely amount to the rest of his life in prison should he be extradited to Japan, where he... pic.twitter.com/s9QOo8mwLF Captain Paul Watson Foundation  (@CaptPaulWatson) August 2, 2024

The charges stem from reportedly interfering with the operations of the Japanese whaling fleet in 2010 in the Antarctic.

"We will continue to take appropriate measures, including making approaches to relevant countries and organizations," Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told The Asahi Shimbun Friday.

Japan made the formal request Wednesday for Watson's extradition.

A query of Watson's name on Interpol's Red Notice arrest warrant list did not yield any results Friday morning.

Supporters of Watson have campaigned for his release and for Denmark not to honor the Japanese extradition request.

The Captain Paul Watson Foundation has called the arrest warrant "politically motivated."

"I love my father. Please let him go, Denmark," Watson's son Tiger said in a message posted on X Friday morning on the foundation's account.

French President Emmanuel Macron has come out publicly against Watson's extradition, while a French online petition calling for his release has eclipsed 650,000 signatures.

Watson, who was born in Toronto and is a dual citizen in Canada and the United States, was a member of the environmental activist group Greenpeace but left to found the anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd in 1977. He left the latter in 2022.

He became an international celebrity after his ship and crew were featured in the show Whale Wars on the Animal Planet network. The program depicted Watson and his gang tracking, distracting and even ramming whale-hunting vessels.

Watson was previously jailed in Germany in 2012 after being detained on an international arrest issued by Costa Rica for "endangering" a fishing vessel near Guatemala in 2002.
HOWELL  Howell's Big Lots is the latest casualty of cuts across the company.

Employees confirmed the closure, but were unable to give an exact closing date.

The discount realtor headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, had more than 1,392 stores in 48 states as of May 4, according to a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in June, in which the company noted its plan to close 35-40 stores and open three others. The number of closures has since grown to almost 300, according to the brand's website.

There were 46 stores in Michigan, with four listed as closing on the company's website as of July 24: Kentwood, Portage, Okemos and Ypsilanti. Stores in Big Rapids, Coldwater, Holland, Lansing, Madison Heights and Petoskey have been added to that list.

Big Lots is closing stores across the nation.

In its filing, Big Lots reported net losses in 2022, 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. The company said it's implementing plans to reduce costs, improve sales and enhance its financial flexibility and liquidity.

The company also said it had "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue operations, leading to speculation of a potential bankruptcy filing, according to USA TODAY.

It's the latest corporate downsizing to impact the lakeshore, coming closely on the heels of Rite Aid's announcement it would close all Michigan stores.

Howell's Big Lots is located at 3669 E. Grand River Ave.

 The Detroit Free Press contributed to this report. Cassandra Lybrink is the local editor of The Livingston Daily. Contact her at clybrink@livingstondaily.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Howell Big Lots among latest to announce closure
Ethan Snow

Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser

*Above: Full interviews with each candidate on the following topics: Experience, Role of a Sheriff, Budgeting, Job Responsibilities, Crime Trends, Jasper County Murders, County vs City Crime, and Job Priorities

JASPER COUNTY, Mo.  Were now down to just three days until the Missouri primary. But the race for Jasper County sheriff has been brewing for months  dating back to the start of 2023 when Ethan Snow announced he would challenge incumbent Sheriff Randee Kaiser.

Jasper County sheriff candidate Ethan Snow makes a number of claims about crime trends, including a 125% increase in murder.

Decision time: Jasper Countys contested races

There were nine murders in Jasper County in 2022. The sheriffs office themselves may have only taken oneI dont remember off the top of my head what is on that chart. But theres a differentiation between crime in Jasper County and those numbers and what the actual sheriffs office taking, said Snow.

You have to ask him where he got his number from because honestly, I dont know. I know that we had one homicide reported in Jasper County Sheriffs Office that year. And my opponent talks about the rising crime rates, the rising murder rates. Its probably worth noting that in 2023, we have zero homicides that year, said Sheriff Kaiser.

The difference appears to come from where the crime was reported and the source of the numbers. County numbers show there was one murder in 2022 in the unincorporated areas of Jasper County that the Jasper County Sheriffs Office is responsible for.

Ethan Snow says he used the website ShowMeCrime, which shows zero Jasper County murders and eight in Joplin city limits, although the JPD 2022 annual report shows 10. Snow said Joplin and all cities should be included, even if they have a police force of their own.

When I say theres nine murders, I think the sheriffs should be supporting the cities too  even if they have a police department. Joplin is too busy to be out and being super proactive every single day. Because theres a lot of people out there  they dont have enough officers on duty all the time. So if deputies need to be in the city and be doing proactive work to make sure were going and were reducing crime, then we need to be doing that as well, said Snow.

Our municipalities do a fantastic job of policing their municipalities. They take care of their crime and theyre in their cities and thats as it should be. The sheriff is responsible for the rural areas of the county. We have 640 square miles in this county and a lot of that is rural. And we enjoy the opportunity to assist our municipalities when they need assistance. I dont think its the role of the sheriff to go in and unmasked and start doing things within the cities without doubt any reasoning to do so, said Sheriff Kaiser.

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Vice presidential candidate JD Vance says people without kids should pay higher taxes.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat, says we need to fight child poverty.

Sen. Mitt Romney, a onetime Republican presidential nominee, says we need to support marriage and families as core pillars of society.

It might not sound like it, but theyre all describing versions of the same policy, refracted through a culture war.



There are few more unusual political coalitions than the one that supports expansion of the existing child tax credit, which provides tax benefits to families with kids. Its supported by both anti-abortion groups and feminist groups, by both people who want the government to be larger and people who want the government to be smaller.

We always frame our policy push as focusing specifically on family stability, said Duncan Braid, coalition director at the conservative think tank American Compass, which supports expanding the child tax credit. All these various narratives are good, as long as were keeping the issue in focus that families should get more support.

Helping kids is pretty popular, as priorities go.

But enacting policy is all in the sales pitch. And punishing people for not having kids? Thats not a great way to sell anything, as Vance was reminded over the past week.

Lets tax the things that are bad and not tax the things that are good, Vance said in 2021, as reported by ABC News. If you are making $100,000, $400,000 a year and youve got three kids, you should pay a different, lower tax rate than if you are making the same amount of money and you dont have any kids.

The comments drew rebuke not just from childless cat ladies  the constituency Vance notoriously singled out for derision  but also the editorial board of The Wall Street Journal, which argued that taxes shouldnt be used as a cudgel to make people have more kids.

Its bad policy to use the tax code for social policy because it creates complications that add distortions, it said in a piece this week. Pro-natalist tax policies havent worked where theyve been tried.



Whats ironic is that the child tax credit already reduces the tax burden for many parents compared to people without kids. And politicians on both sides of the aisle have pushed for it to be more generous.

Vice President Kamala Harris campaign is already making that idea a centerpiece of her economic policy push. During the pandemic, Democrats topped up the credit and sent it as monthly checks to parents, an effort that is credited with cutting child poverty nearly in half while it was in effect.

But many Republicans have pushed for any new effort at expansion to keep longstanding work requirements, fearing an expansion of the welfare state.

Depending on how you look at it, more financial support could make it easier for parents, whether single or not, to afford child care and therefore have the flexibility to get a job. Or it could make it easier for one parent to stay at home by supplementing the income of the other parent.

Theres clearly room for compromise, even if what people might consider pro-family is different.

A deal struck by the chair of Congress tax-writing committees passed the House earlier this year in an overwhelming 357-70 vote. The bill would particularly benefit lower-income families with multiple children by raising the cap on the size of the credit and also making it easier for them to claim more of it.

Democratic Senate Campaign Chair Gary Peters put it in blunt terms to my colleague, Ben Guggenheim: If you believe in helping families, and if you consider yourself pro-family, then you will vote for this package. If you dont, then clearly your words are hollow.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) similarly said he was a hard yes on the tax package. Its hard to explain why theyre not for it, Mullin said of Senate Republicans.

The legislation has gotten ensnared in election-year politics, though; it failed to clear a crucial hurdle on the Senate floor on Thursday.



Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reportedly said early this year that Republicans didnt want to hand the president this win in 2024. (His office told me later that he also had process concerns because Finance Chair Ron Wyden had not advanced it through the committee.)

Heres where the sales pitch matters for more than just the politics; different goals lead to fights about how the policy is designed.

Senior Republicans like Sen. Mike Crapo have particularly taken issue with a provision that would allow some families to count income from the previous year for purposes of calculating their credit, which could allow for a more generous benefit even if the parent is not currently working.

Some progressive Democrats, meanwhile, have balked at restrictions contained in the bill, as well as the fact that its paired with tax breaks for corporations.

Regardless, it looks doomed for now, making the framing heading into next year all the more important.

What I find so distasteful is just this idea that some families are valued more than others, said Shilpa Phadke, former deputy director of the Gender Policy Council in President Joe Bidens White House, referring to Vances comments.

If Vance wants to win this election  but also if he wants to govern  he should take note.
JD Vances Republican colleagues in the Senate say theyre largely sticking with the Ohio freshman  despite newly resurfaced comments facing criticism  warning that Vance represents where Republican see their voters moving.

In the weeks since becoming Donald Trumps chosen running mate, Vance has found himself caught in the middle of major test for a shifting Republican Party: Can a young lawmaker who represents the most populist voices in the party actually catapult Republicans to victory? Or are he and his message still a liability that could cost Trump the White House?

Since he was tapped as Trumps running mate, Vances stumbles and past statements  from attacks on childless cat ladies to proposing to raise taxes on those without children  have been billed as out of touch with the mainstream. His foreign policy positions are seen as on the fringe for old guard Republicans who have spent decades exposing the virtues of the United States role in the world.

But most Republican senators have said theyre sticking with Vance.

There is value that comes from experience, but generations are changing. The way people look at the world and the things they know are different than the people who have been here longer, GOP Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas said. I think there is a time for turning the page.

Trumps selection of Vance as his running mate set up the 40-year-old Ohio senator as the heir apparent to Trumps brand of Republicanism that has transformed the Republican Party over the past eight years. For many in the Republican Party, Trumps populist and isolationist impulses were often met with an eye-roll, especially during his first term when GOP lawmakers were constantly forced to comment on Trumps latest policy stance issued via tweet.

Supporters hold "Trump Vance" signs at Republican vice presidential nominee U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) campaign rally at Arizona Christian University on July 31, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

But Vance, who has been in the Senate fewer than two years, has fully embraced the populism mantle of the party, putting him at odds with many of his fellow senators - including GOP Leader Mitch McConnell - on issues like aid to Ukraine.

I have often said to him he is the intellectual conscience of the populist movement. In other words, he really does believe it. Its not an opportunistic thing for him, said Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican. He articulates it. He studies it. I like him because he is so communicative. Strong opinions but he also is quite eloquent. I dont agree with him all the time  several things geopolitically  but I find him a pleasure to work with.

He didnt take his seat in the back of the class. Thats really clear, Cramer said of Vance not really being a shrinking violet.

Still, Vances stumbles since his selection and the wave of criticism over his past remarks have sparked questions  including from those inside the party  about whether his selection was the right one, especially since President Joe Bidens dropping out has shaken up the campaign and jolted new energy into the Democratic base around Vice President Kamala Harris.

We are just hoping that Kamala Harris wont pick someone reasonable, said one GOP senator.

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, when pushed on if Vance was the right choice, told CNNs Manu Raju. Ive never been in a selection pool for VP, so I dont necessarily  Im not going to opine on that.

Pressed on whether Vance is a good candidate, Tillis replied, I know JD well; Ive gotten to know him pretty well over the past couple of years. I think hes a smart guy. I think that  the Trump campaign picked him for a reason. Im behind the ticket.

The cat ladies comment comes back to haunt Vance

As a Senate candidate in 2021, Vance said on Tucker Carlsons former Fox News show that the country was being run by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too.

The comments, which emerged not long after his selection as Trumps running mate, have prompted criticism both from Hollywood celebrities as well as Republican senators.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who is not supporting Trumps bid, criticized Vances past comments as offensive to me as a woman.

Women make their own determinations as to whether or not theyre going to have children or cats or dogs or how many kids theyre going to have, she told Raju.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski speaks with reporters outside of the Capitol on Seersucker Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on June 13, 2024. - Craig Hudson/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Even Vance allies have expressed caution about the remark. GOP Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri said that Vance would make a great vice president, but also that he doesnt believe Republicans should echo his now-infamous remarks.

When asked by reporters Tuesday if Republicans should be mirroring Vances rhetoric around people who dont have children, Hawley said, No.

Its hard to have a family in America today, its really expensive.  So thats what we ought to be talking about, Hawley said. I think we as a party should offer solutions to that.

Hawley is otherwise very supportive of Vance on the Republican ticket, saying he personally encouraged his long-time law school friend to run for the Senate years ago.

A widening gulf in foreign policy

For many GOP senators who have broken with Trump on his anti-NATO rhetoric, Vances most concerning stances deal with foreign policy, where Vance has been among the most vocal opponents of sending foreign aid to Ukraine.

Vance fought against McConnell when Congress was considering a package of billions of dollars of military aid to Ukraine, which was eventually greenlit by House Speaker Mike Johnson and signed into law.

During Trumps first term, Trumps foreign policy positions were often at odds with senior Republican senators, including the late Sen. John McCain of Arizona, former Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona and former Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker of Tennessee.

But like the House, the Senate is now cast more in Trumps mold, a transformation thats included the election of Vance in 2022 on a campaign that included stopping military aid to Ukraine.

Youre going to see a divide among Republican senators. I think one difference is the Republican Senate in 2025 vs 2017 is going to to have a larger number of members who share President Trumps worldview  or at least are amendable to his worldview, rather than just stridently opposed, said Alexander Gray, who was chief of staff of the National Security Council under Trump.

Gray said that Vances foreign policy worldview stems from his military service in Iraq and what he sees as the failures of American entanglements abroad. But he also noted that Vance supports an aggressive approach toward China and does not just want the US to retreat from the world stage altogether.

That worldview is about making hard choices with limited resources and devoting our resources to what is an existential threat with China, Gray said. Hes not for abdicating US global leadership; hes not for stepping back from the US being a muscular power on the world stage.

GOP senators who back continued support to Ukraine privately say theyre hopeful that Vance might evolve as time goes on. There is a sense that as he learns more and becomes more aware of the fuller national security picture  connecting China and Iran and Russia  he will understand that the US cant ignore Russian aggression and expect other enemies to not to respond in kind.

I dont think anybody is going to have the option of being isolated to leave the rest of the world alone, said one GOP senator who backs Ukraine.

But Vance is hardly the only skeptic toward keeping up aid to Ukraine indefinitely inside the GOP Senate Conference, and its a fight that will likely play out early in a second Trump term should he win in November.

Sen. Eric Schmitt, a fellow freshman from Missouri who is arguably the closest to Vance in the chamber, defended the Ohio senator, arguing that Vance was an effective spokesman for todays Republican Party.

Sen. Eric Schmitt with Vance during a senate hearing in Washington, DC, in February 2023. - Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images

I think if you listen to our voters, they want the United States to be making decisions that are in the strategic best interest of the United States of America, Schmitt said. We cant be everywhere all the time. I think the hubris of people advocating for a foreign policy of days gone by, we dont have the capability to do all of those things. I dont want to speak for him on that, but I think that is what he has talked about. He has not talked about withdrawing from the world.

Senators say they dont have remorse

Despite a series of missteps, multiple GOP senators say that Vance is learning and adapting as he goes. Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said he spoke to Trump about Vance before the vice presidential selection and it was Vances energy that attracted him to the Ohio Republican.

Energy is a big issue for him, Mullin said of Trump. He liked JDs energy. He liked his way to carry a message and articulate (it). He liked that he was well known and came from a true American story completely opposite of (Trumps) story so I think it was one of those things that he checked a lot of the boxes that Trump was looking for.

Mullin downplayed the significance of the comments that have come out of Vances history.

Trump had vetted him. He knew who he was, and its just an issue you gotta deal with everybody. Look, hes 39 years old. I am 47. He grew up with more technology than I did, Mullin said earlier this week, before Vance turned 40. He grew up with more technology than I did, anybody who runs for office who is under 40, I think, is gonna have such a footprint of everything they said online.  Their personalities and their mindset changes as they get older and have kids.

Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, also defended Vances comments.

You know I have gotten in a couple of scrapes where you have to be careful how you say it. I have been here a good while and have had very few, but I know how that dynamic works, Braun said. I am certain that if we stick to the merits of the case, well be able to overcome any of the other stuff that comes at us.

CNNs Manu Raju contributed to this report.

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(NewsNation)  With less than 100 days until the presidential election, the Donald Trump and Kamala Harris campaigns are touching on critical issues, including ongoing debates about the nations southern border.

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance hit the campaign trail in Arizona this week as he and Trump try to paint the Biden-Harris administration as weak on immigration issues.

Some things are difficult, Vance told NewsNations Ali Bradley on Thursday. Border enforcement is common sense. You just need to power Border Patrol to do what they need to do.

Trump shooting: Video shows gunman moments before death

Listing the flow of fentanyl as a top concern, Vance said hes also spoken to border officials about reinstating a Remain in Mexico policy and being aggressive with deportations.

We know the cartels, but also a lot of other fraudsters, use the asylum process to come into the country illegally, he said.

The Supreme Court initially issued a ruling on June 30, 2022, declaring that DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had the discretion to end the Migration Protection Protocols (MPP), sometimes informally referenced as the Remain in Mexico policy.

Under the Migration Protection Protocols, people encountered at the southwest border without U.S. citizenship were required to await their removal proceedings in Mexico rather than the U.S.

More than 9,600 non-U.S. citizens were enrolled in the program between Dec. 6, 2021, and June 30, 2022, according to the DHS. Of those, 5,755 people were returned to Mexico following their initial enrollment, according to a July 2022 DHS report.

Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, isnt shying away from border issues, either. Her campaign released a new ad criticizing Trump after he effectively sunk a bipartisan border bill earlier this year.

The commercial attempts to present a clear choice to voters.

The one who will fix our broken immigration system and the one whos trying to stop her, the ad says.

The virtual roll call to nominate Kamala Harris is underway. This is how it will work.

Biden gave Harris the responsibility of manning everything immigration along the southern border in 2021, with her role, according to the White House at the time, to stem the arrival of irregular migrants.

As recently as the Republican National Convention, Republicans heavily criticized the Biden-Harris approach to the border, a hot-button issue this election cycle.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, migrant crossings into the U.S. from Mexico hit record highs at the end of 2023.

Close to 250,000 crossed during December 2023, surpassing the previous high of 224,000 encounters in May 2022, also under the Biden-Harris watch.

Harris announced in March that $5.2 billion in pledges from private companies had been made to prop up Central American communities in an effort to deter illegal entry to the U.S. under her guidance.

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JD Vance has been trying out different responses to the wave of scrutiny hes faced since becoming Donald Trumps running mate. Now, hes downplaying his own relevance to the election entirely.

My attitude is, it doesn't really matter, as much as this hits my ego, Vance said in an interview on the FULL SEND PODCAST released Friday. People are going to vote primarily for Donald Trump or for Kamala Harris. That's the way these things go. I think my job over the next few months is to just drive home the message that Kamala Harris has been a bad vice president, and shed be a worse president.

Vances honest reflections on the role of the vice presidential nominee  in response to a question about how hes sizing up the potential contenders for Harris running mate  represents one of the campaigns most direct attempts yet to deflect unfavorable attention away from him. In the weeks since he joined the Trump ticket, he has had to dodge jabs about resurfaced clips of him calling some Democrats childless cat ladies, his suggestion that parents with biological children should have more political power and his characterization of pregnancies from rape and incest as inconvenient.

Going on the offense, Vance sought to reiterate a common but often unspoken understanding in politics that the vice president is more of a symbolic role. His comments mirror a far from rousing endorsement from Trump earlier this week made during a hostile appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago. There, Trump echoed Vances clear desire to redirect attention back to the Harris campaign  even though the GOP candidates have yet to settle on a consistent attack strategy.

Historically, the vice president, in terms of the election, does not have any impact, Trump said. I mean, virtually no impact  virtually never has it mattered.



Trump also didnt directly answer a question from Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner about whether Vance was ready to serve as president, should the opportunity arise in the future.

Youre voting for the president, and you can have a vice president who is outstanding in every way, he added. And I think JD is, I think that all of them would have been, but youre not voting that way. Youre voting for the president.

In his podcast interview, Vance was still eager to go to bat against his potential Democratic opponents for the vice presidency  regardless of whether the position has any real bearing on the election outcome.

Theres a lot of rumors that its going to be this guy Tim Walz  He seems really angry, Vance said of the Minnesota governor currently being vetted as a potential VP pick for Harris.

But it was comparing Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a rumored front-runner, to former President Barack Obama that prompted a tit-for-tat response.

Ive seen a lot of clips of him talk, and he talks like Barack Obama, Vance said of Shapiro. Its like if I tried to do a really bad impression of Barack Obama, thats what it would sound like.

Shapiro called the insult weird  citing Obamas lauded oratory skills  echoing the same attack line thats spread throughout the Democratic Party.

It is clear that Trump really has buyers remorse, Shapiro told reporters at an event in Pennsylvania on Friday.
JEA is closely monitoring a tropical disturbance identified as Invest 97L, expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. The storm may impact Northeast Florida from Sunday evening through Tuesday.

WATCH THE FORECAST | DOWNLOAD THE APPS

The disturbance is predicted to pass the Florida Keys on Saturday before potentially developing into a weak tropical storm near Tampa on Sunday morning. In response to the impending weather, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on Thursday, declaring a state of emergency for the vast majority of Florida counties. The state faces a significant threat of heavy rainfall, with projections of at least 12 inches of rain over the next week.

Our customers rely on us, particularly during severe weather. JEAs 2,200-plus team members stand ready to mobilize and respond as needed as this tropical system approaches, said JEA Interim CEO and Managing Director Vickie Cavey.

JEA has been proactive in investing in utility upgrades, including current technologies and electric and water infrastructure. Enhancements include replacing wooden transmission structures with ductile iron, steel, and concrete, adding generators and pumps to facilities, and hardening electric service to critical pump stations.

Additionally, JEA conducts year-round tree trimming to reduce storm-related power outages caused by falling branches.

Keep up with the latest on the tropics with Talking the Tropics with Mike, which is updated daily.

To keep customers informed, JEA will provide important notifications via email and social media. Community members can find preparation tips and other resources at jea.com/storm. Customers are encouraged to update their contact information on their jea.com account and sign up for voice, email, or text alerts. In the event of an outage, JEA will contact customers directly with restoration updates. Customers enrolled in outage alerts can also text OUT to MyJEA (69532) to report their outage.

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Fox News host Jesse Watters went on a tangent about the recent White Dudes for Harris call, suggesting that men who vote for a woman candidate based on her gender are childish, have mommy issues or are only trying to be accepted by other women  much to the surprise of his co-hosts.

On Tuesdays episode of The Five, Watters criticized the recent Zoom call made up of thousands of white men, including celebrities and lawmakers, calling it a struggle session for pale, hairy, flabby California artists. Watters heavily mocked The White Dudes for Harris fundraiser, which took place on Monday. He jokingly suggested the white men who support Democratic campaigns are not doing so for policy reasons but instead trying appease women.

It was basically saying If you want to be accepted by women you should vote for a woman, Watters said.

The Fox News host went a step further, satirically hypothesizing why the men on the Zoom call were supporting Harriss presidential campaign.

To be a man and then vote for a woman just because shes a woman is either childish, that person has mommy issues or theyre just trying to be accepted by other women, Watters said.

Co-host Dana Perino interjected, What? before Watters continued.

And I heard the scientists say the other day when a man votes for a woman he actually transitions into a woman, Watters said sarcastically.

Perino retorted back in the same tone, Oh is that right?

Watters: I dont see why any man would vote Democrat. pic.twitter.com/qQUn0urh2p  Acyn (@Acyn) July 30, 2024

The White Dudes for Harris fundraiser was organized by men who want to break the mold of their demographics traditional voting patterns. Actors Mark Ruffalo, Josh Gad, Mark Hamill and Jeff Bridges joined lawmakers like Pete Buttigieg and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on the call to help raise money for Harriss campaign. In total, it brought in $4 million.

Traditionally, white men vote Republican. One Pew Research Center study found that 40 percent of white men voted for Biden in the 2020 election but only 32 percent for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.

Much of the call focused on the capability of white men to change the narrative and vote for policies they agree with in the Democratic Party  regardless of the candidates sex or gender.

Although Watterss commentary was mostly exaggerated, there seemed to be a hint of honesty in the undertone.

I dont see why any man would vote Democrat, its not the party of virtue, security, its not the party of strength, its definitely not the party of family, Watters said at one point.

Fox News host Jesse Watters heavily mocked white men who are supporting Kamala Harriss presidential campaign (Fox News)

Co-host Jeanine Piro echoed some of Watterss argument, claiming the group of white men is voting for Harris because of white guilt but poked fun at Watterss point about men transitioning into women because they vote for a woman. Drawing on her own experience running for U.S. Senate and New York Attorney General, Piro told Watters, The men who voted for me didnt turn into women.

Watters clarified that his comment was directed toward men who vote for a woman only because she is a woman.

A Fox News spokesperson told the Huffington Post that Anyone who watched the full segment can obviously tell that he [Watters] was joking which was also made clear later in the discussion.
Before Joe Biden, who was the last US president not to seek re-election?

President Joe Bidens decision not to seek reelection last month was the first time in more than half a century that a sitting U.S. president voluntarily stepped aside from seeking another term. The last time was in 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson announced he would not accept his partys nomination following a weak performance in the New Hampshire primary.

While other presidents didnt run for another term, including Harry Truman, Calvin Coolidge, James Polk, James Buchanan, Rutherford Hayes, and Theodore Roosevelt, to name a few, Biden is the only one who has left the race so close to the general election, as previously reported by USA TODAY.

President Joe Biden arrives in Dover, Del., on July 12, 2024.

Which U.S. presidents decided not to run for a second term?

Along with Biden and Johnson, two other presidents abandoned a reelection effort: Harry Truman in 1952, who said he would not be running for another term after being upset in the New Hampshire primary, and John Tyler in 1844, who had become president after William Henry Harrison died.

Tyler, the first president to serve fewer than two terms but not be the partys nominee in the next election, had views that didnt quite match up with either party. He dropped out of his reelection bid as a third-party candidate and endorsed James Polk on the Democratic ticket.

President Lyndon B. Johnson in an undated photo courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library & Museum

Five presidents retired rather than seeking another term: Calvin Coolidge, Rutherford Hayes, James Buchanan, and Polk. Theodore Roosevelt also upheld his promise not to run for a third consecutive term in the 1908 race, but he regretted the decision. He later ran again in 1912 and lost to Woodrow Wilson.

Four presidents ran for another term but lost their renomination bid: Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, Andrew Johnson, and Chester Arthur. Fillmore, Johnson, and Arthur were vice presidents who acceded to the presidency, while Pierce won his first election in 1852. But all struggled to maintain their partys support the next time around - situations reminiscent of Bidens, who faced calls from within his own party to step down.

Finally, some presidents, like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, had already served two full terms and declined to serve a third one. They set the precedent for a two-term presidency, a tradition that later became law under the 22nd Amendment.

Despite dropping out just 107 days before the 2024 presidential election, Biden did leave time for Democrats to choose a new candidate: Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the presumptive nominee. The 2024 Democratic National Convention, where the delegates are expected to make the nomination official, kicks off in Chicago on August 19.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Before Biden, which US presidents didn't seek re-election?
Hyatt Hotels has announced that its affiliate has signed a management agreement with the project company PT Central Sudirman Development to launch the first Andaz-branded property in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The new Andaz Jakarta Sudirman Hotel will be a key part of the Two Sudirman Jakarta, a mixed-use development that is anticipated to become the countrys tallest skyscrapers.

Development of the Two Sudirman Jakarta has already commenced, with the project set to include residential units, commercial spaces, and a range of dining as well as retail options.

The mixed-use development will offer easy access to Jakartas mass rapid transit (MRT) and light rapid transit (LRT) networks.

It will offer direct access to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport via the Airport Rail Link, enabling travellers to easily navigate the city.

Expected to open in early 2028, the Andaz Jakarta Sudirman will be situated in Jakarta's central business district, offering guests prime access to the city's main thoroughfares and transportation hubs.

The hotel will feature on the 40th to 72nd floors of Tower A, providing views of the cityscape.

The hotel's design by Tokyo-based Design Studio Spin will encompass 198 hotel rooms and 167 serviced apartments.

Guests will have access to a range of amenities, including the signature Andaz Lounge, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and various dining venues.

The top floor will house a speciality restaurant, adding to the hotel's allure for both local and international visitors.

The new hotel will further expand Hyatt's presence in Indonesia, joining 14 other properties across various brands, such as Grand Hyatt, Alila, Park Hyatt, Hyatt Place and Hyatt Regency brands.

It will be Indonesia's first Andaz-branded urban hotel, complementing the Andaz Bali resort that opened in 2021.

Hyatt Asia-Pacific group president David Udell said: We are excited to work with PT Central Sudirman Development for the first time on these plans to bring the imaginative and self-expressive ethos of the Andaz brand to Jakarta.

Hyatt has had a brand presence in Indonesia for over 50 years. We are committed to thoughtful growth of our brands as we strengthen our position in the luxury, lifestyle, leisure and well-being space.

"Hyatt Hotels to open first Andaz-branded urban hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
CNNs Dana Bash on Thursday described President Joe Bidens witty retort to a reporters question about former president and current GOP nominee Donald Trump as a mic-drop moment.

Biden had just announced the U.S.-Russia prisoner swap  which saw the release back to the United States of unjustly detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, among others  when a reporter reminded the president about his predecessors claims that he could have gotten the prisoners freed without giving anything in exchange.

What do you say to that? What do you say to President Trump now, the former president? the reporter added.

Biden immediately replied, Why didnt he do it when he was president?

Reporter: "President Trump has said repeatedly that he could have gotten the hostages out without giving anything in exchange. What do you say to that?" @POTUS: "Why didn't he do it when he was president?"@DanaBashCNN: "I think that was what they call a 'mic drop' moment." pic.twitter.com/MIUKa5LpBa  Andrew Bates (@AndrewJBates46) August 1, 2024

Biden then walked off.

I think that was what they call a mic-drop moment at the end there, Bash commented on Thursdays broadcast of Inside Politics.

What a historic moment, Bash added, noting how Biden, who last month quit his reelection campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement, is now trying to finish out his one and only term and doing so with, a tremendous, tremendous victory for these families of these people who were held, he said innocently.

Trump previously repeatedly attacked Biden over the issue and predicted his successor wouldnt be able to arrange for Gershkovichs release.

Following the swap, Trump demanded to know the details.

How many people do we get versus them? Are we also paying them cash? Are they giving us cash (Please withdraw that question, because Im sure the answer is NO)? he wrote on his Truth Social platform. Are we releasing murderers, killers, or thugs? Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps, he added.

Related...
Former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton said he thinks the deal to swap U.S. and Russian prisoners set a bad precedent but does not believe the deal was tied to the presidential election, like some Republicans, including vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), have claimed.

The historic prisoner swap resulted in three Americans being released from Russia  journalist Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who has dual U.S.-Russia citizenship  among other prisoners, in exchange for the release of several Russians, including Vadim Krasikov.

I dont think its necessarily connected to the election. I dont even think its connected to the Democratic Convention coming up in three weeks, Bolton told CNNs Kaitlan Collins. I think Putin wanted Krasikov back.

I think thats the factor thats most important to him. And if he thought he could do it with a good enough deal, when it came up, he took it, Bolton added.

Vance and other Republicans have claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin made a deal with the U.S. now because he is afraid the former President Trump will win the election and force the release of prisoners without a deal.

But we have to ask ourselves: Why are they coming home? And I think its because bad guys all over the world recognize Donald Trumps about to be back in office, so theyre cleaning house, Vance said. Thats a good thing, and I think its a testament to Donald Trumps strength.

The White House and President Biden have also dismissed Vance and other Republicans claim, with national security adviser Jake Sullivan saying he does not follow when reporters asked him about Vances claim.

During his remarks Thursday announcing the release, Biden responded to a reporters question about Trump by asking, Why didnt he do it when he was president.

Biden also told reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Thursday that he would have gotten it done even if he was seeking a second term.

You got me for at least another 90 days or so, he added.

Bolton dismissed Trumps and Republicans claims as typically unprovable but also slammed the deal.

Lets be clear, this was a bad deal, Bolton said. It sets a bad precedent. It violates a rule too often that we dont swap for innocent American hostages.

Bolton warned that the deal sets the groundwork for more Americans being used as bargaining chips.

Its a totally unfair and really immoral swap of innocent Americans for Russian criminals, he added.

Trump has also slammed the deal as a win for Putin.

This deal that was made today, I think its wonderful that Evans coming back. I think its great. But these deals are so bad. These deals are going to lead to tremendous kidnappings, he added.



As part of the prisoner swap, Russia freed three Americans and one green card holder as well as a group of Russian dissidents. In exchange, they received eight prisoners held in the West.

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A statue of music legend Johnny Cash is set to be revealed at a dedication ceremony at the Capitol next month, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) announced Thursday.

The ceremony will take place in Emancipation Hall and will be an invite-only event, Johnson and Jeffries said in a Dear Colleague letter  which Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also signed.

Members of the Cash family, members of the Arkansas congressional delegation and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) will also attend the ceremony, according to a press release from Johnsons office.

Each state is permitted two statues in the U.S. Capitol, and Cashs statue will be his home states second. In May, the state revealed a statue of civil rights icon Daisy Bates.

The unveiling of the two statues comes five years after then-Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed into law a bill calling for the replacement of two statues of figures who had ties to the Confederacy.

Hutchinson said at the time the goal was to update the statues with representatives of our more recent history.

Cashs daughter, Rosanne Cash, also said in 2019, Were especially honored that a statue of my dad has been chosen to represent Arkansas in our nations Capitol.

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Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) issued a joint statement on the major prisoner swap with Russia, cheering the release of Americans but expressing concern about the costs of hostage diplomacy and how the trade does little to discourage Putins reprehensible behavior.

The release of innocent Americans and Russian political prisoners from wrongful detention is encouraging news. We eagerly await the return of Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza to their homes and loved ones and will continue pressing for all Americans to be released, Johnson and McConnell said in a statement Thursday.

The prisoner swap marked the largest exchange of prisoners since the Cold War and involved seven countries. In addition to the four Americans, five Germans and seven Russian citizens were freed. In total, 24 prisoners were exchanged.

Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, had been jailed on espionage charges in Russia in March 2023 and convicted in what U.S. officials called a sham trial. Whelan, a former Marine, was first arrested in 2018 and convicted on spying charges that he denied.

Their unjust captivity will be an enduring reminder of the Russian governments longstanding fear of free people and the free press. And the continued imprisonment of American citizens and innocent Russians is a damning indictment of Vladimir Putins hostility to the United States and his disdain for the rule of law, Johnson and McConnell continued.

The two top Republicans in Congress then turned to their concerns about hostage diplomacy.

Without serious action to deter further hostage-taking by Russia, Iran, and other states hostile to the United States, the costs of hostage diplomacy will continue to rise. As we renew our call for the return of all persons wrongfully detained by the Kremlin, we recognize that trading hardened Russian criminals for innocent Americans does little to discourage Putins reprehensible behavior, the two GOP leaders said.

Among the Russians released was Vadim Krasikov, who was serving a life sentence in Germany for killing a Georgian citizen in Berlin and was believed to have acted on the orders of Russian authorities  and whom Russia was particularly interested in releasing.

Earlier on Thursday, former President Trump took to his site Truth Social asking for more details about the prisoner exchange, and questioning whether the U.S. paid for the release of the Americans.

So when are they going to release the details of the prisoner swap with Russia? How many people do we get versus them? Are we also paying them cash? Are they giving us cash (Please withdraw that question, because Im sure the answer is NO)? Trump said in part of his post.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan said that no money was exchanged as part of the prisoner swap.

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KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A joint search operation was held on Friday for a woman who has been missing since 2021, Kings Mountain Police said.

Angela Jamarica Burris, who was 36 at the time, was reported missing to the Kings Mountain Police Department on April 28, 2021. She was last seen on April 19, 2021, getting into a black passenger vehicle near her home on Lake Montonia Road in Kings Mountain.

In addition to Kings Mountain Police, Fridays search effort involved crews from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland County Sheriffs Office, Cleveland County Emergency Management, Gaston County Emergency Management, Lincoln County, and the Kings Mountain Fire Department.

Fridays search, which included Human Remains Detection canines, was temporarily suspended due to excessive heat.

Queen City News, Gaston County, NC

Queen City News, Gaston County, NC

Queen City News, Gaston County, NC

Although its been over three years since Angela Burris was last seen, we have not given up on finding her and bringing closure to her family, Kings Mountain Police said.

20-year-old college student from Hickory falls 400 feet to his death at the Grand Canyon

The area of focus centered around a wooded area in Gaston County on Friday. The search operation began at 8 a.m. and was suspended by the afternoon.

Anyone who may have additional information on this case is encouraged to call the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444.

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House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is launching an investigation into special counsel Jack Smiths deputy on the Jan. 6 prosecution, asking the Justice Department (DOJ) to turn over all its files related to any internal review of J.P. Cooney.

The letter to the DOJ is yet another escalation of Jordans probes into those investigating former President Trump and comes the day after the powerful chair demanded information from the daughter of the New York judge who oversaw Trumps hush money case.

The request to the DOJs Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), obtained by The Hill, mirrors a similar effort requesting information from the office on the lead prosecutor on the Mar-a-Lago prosecution.

A spokesperson for Smith declined to comment.

The launch of a new investigative angle from Jordan comes after the Justice Departments office of inspector general released a report reviewing the sentencing of Trump ally Roger Stone after a whistleblower alleged potential improper political influence in reining back their suggested sentence. Stone was later pardoned by Trump.

Cooney, then the fraud and public corruption section (FPC) chief, was among those involved in prosecuting Stone, who was convicted of obstructing a congressional investigation into Trump, as well as making false statements and witness tampering.

The watchdogs report primarily focused on former Attorney General Bill Barr, concluding that there had been no improper political pressure on prosecutors, even after an internal dispute over how aggressive they should be in Stones sentencing recommendation.

But Cooney and other prosecutors also feature in the review, with the report stressing their concerns about politicization were not unreasonable, even as it determines Cooneys sharing of those feelings with subordinates was not well considered.

Jordan zeroes in on Cooneys conversations with prosecutors on the case, accusing him of offering an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory about quibbling over the sentencing.

It is imperative that the Department operates with a high level of professionalism and integrity in all its prosecutions. The role of a prosecutor is to seek justice, not to advance unsupported and politically motivated conspiracy theories, Jordan wrote.

According to the report, the U.S. attorneys office for the District of Columbia was already engaged in extensive discussions about Stones sentence when interim U.S. attorney Timothy Shea engaged Barr in a conversation about the matter, and they determined that a sentence below the federal guidelines range would be appropriate.

However, Shea later authorized the filing of the prosecutors memo recommending a sentence consistent with the guidelines range. The DOJ inspector general investigation produced evidence that when Barr learned the memo was inconsistent with what he and Shea previously discussed, he immediately suggested it needed to be fixed  hours before Trump blasted the original recommendation as very horrible and unfair on social media.

Prosecutors use a complex formula for determining what sentence to recommend to the court, one that takes into account a number of factors about the defendant and the crimes committed.

While the report cleared Barr of wrongdoing, it likewise found that the whistleblower who ignited the investigation was not unreasonable for believing they had been pressured to revise the sentencing memo for political reasons.

The whistleblower, Aaron Zelinsky, had discussed his concerns with Cooney, who appeared to share them.

Based on his experience in other matters, Stones relationship with then President Trump, and the recent appointment of Shea, who the FPC Chief understood by reputation to be a good friend of the Attorney General, the FPC Chief believed that this was not going to be an internal U.S. Attorneys Office decision, and he worried about political motivations affecting the ultimate sentencing recommendation, the report states, referring to Cooney by an abbreviation for his then job title.

Cooneys attorney took issue with the report, noting it could chill internal discussions over whether there was any impropriety from DOJ leaders.

The FPC Chiefs counsel stated that the FPC Chiefs statements were not entirely speculative but instead were informed by his experience as a prosecutor in public corruption cases, his role as guardian of the Fraud and Public Corruption Sections sentencing policy, and the circumstances of Stones relationship to the President and Barrs appointment of Shea as Interim U.S. Attorney. The FPC Chiefs counsel also stated that our conclusion about the FPC Chiefs speculative statements would inappropriately chill future Department discussions and expressions of concern about the improper politicization of sensitive cases, the report stated.

The report then reiterates, we do not find that these concerns were unreasonable given the information known to them at the time.

Cooney, a career prosecutor, has worked on a number of high-profile cases in addition to those of Trump and Stone, including the 2015 prosecution of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.).

Jordans letter asks for a briefing from the OPR in addition to documents.

In light of serious allegations of professional misconduct levied against another one of Mr. Smiths team of attorneys, we again write to ask what steps the Departments Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is taking to examine these facts and uphold the Departments commitment to fair and impartial justice, Jordan wrote.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
With the Kamala Harris veepstakes running down to the wire, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro appears to be winning the race to become the sitting vice presidents 2024 presidential election running mate.

Shapiro has reportedly been neck-and-neck with Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly after the Harris vetting team reportedly whittled down its options by meeting with both men this week.

Although Harris has almost certainly made up her mind, with an announcement set for Tuesday, her decision is being kept tightly under wraps until she has at least met with the winning candidate in person.

Josh Shapiro Cancels Fundraisers as Veepstakes Heat Up

According to Axios, quoting White House, campaign and Democratic party sources, all signs are pointing to Shapiro.

The 51-year-old governor and father-of-four is seen as a safe pair of hands and, perhaps even more importantly, he is popular in the Keystone State with a 61% approval rate.

With 19 electoral college votes up for grabs, Pennsylvania is regarded by Democrats and Republicans alike to be crucial in how the campaign pans out.

Shapiros stock rose after CNN reported that he has canceled several fundraising events in New York planned for the weekend.

Although Harris team has gone to great lengths to play down its significance, the vice presidents first appearance with her number two will be in Shapiros backyard at a rally in Philadelphia.

Axios also claims that after Biden bowed out of the presidential race and backed his VP, senior Democrats dont want any more surprises. Democrats believe that if Harris has telegraphed its Shapiro, she should pick Shapiro, the outlet reported.

A Trump insider also told Axios that many top Republicans feel that Pennsylvanias the whole ballgame and believe that Harris will go with Shapiro.

We dont know if Shapiro is Harris pick. But lots of sources we trust dont see another choice, added the report.

Shapiro, who is Jewish, has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for attacks on Gaza in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack and is also adamant that Israel has the right to self-defense and faces some left-wing opposition, reported the Guardian.

After her first rally with her new running mate on Tuesday in Philadelphia, the Democratic ticket will head out on a whistle-stop tour of battleground states including Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, according to the campaign.

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CHEYNEY, Pa. (WHTM)  Amid speculation he could be Vice President Kamala Harris running mate, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro responded to attacks from the Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance by calling him a phony baloney.

Shapiro was at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the countrys first HBCU (historically black colleges and universities), on Friday when he was asked multiple times about potentially being Harris running mate.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

The questions included reports that Vance called Shapiro a really bad impression of Barack Obama.

Shapiro laughed at the question, responding is that what he said? Shapiro added, Barack Obama was probably our most gifted orator of my time so kind of a weird insult I guess.

Shapiro then appeared to hit Vance over his previous criticisms of Donald Trump before Vance was elected to the U.S. Senate.

It is real hard to be honest with the American people if youre not being honest with yourself, said Shapiro. JD Vance is a total phony baloney. He is the most inorganic candidate I think I have ever seen on the national stage. He doesnt know what he believes and that is why it is impossible for him to articulate a coherent message to the American people cause he doesnt believe it

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Shapiro added of Vance this guy is not off to a good start.

The Governor deflected many of the questions, saying Harris will make her decision and that he hopes to attend an event with her on Tuesday in Philadelphia where shes expected to appear with her running mate.

Shapiro has reportedly canceled appearances at multiple New York fundraisers this weekend with Harris expected to meet with finalists for her running mate.

The governors trip was planned several weeks ago and included several fundraisers for his own campaign committee, Shapiros press secretary Manuel Bonder told The Associated Press. His schedule has changed and he is no longer traveling to the Hamptons this weekend.

Other reported finalists to be Harris running mate include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

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Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate next week. She is reportedly considering several governors who theoretically appeal to moderate voters in the swing states: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also in the mix.

Which of these individuals would be best from a libertarian perspective is not as clear cut as it was on the Republican side, where North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum was obviously better than the alternatives. (Unfortunately, former President Donald Trump selected Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, whose distinguishing feature is his contempt for libertarian economic policies.) Nevertheless, it's possible to parse them.

First, the national figures. Unlike the other names on the list, Buttigieg is actually a member of the current administration and has been responsible for implementing federal policies. Unfortunately, his tenure as Transportation secretary will not be remembered as particularly libertarian. While he has signaled openness to tearing down bureaucratic "barriers" in the wake of transportation-related disasters, he has not made any serious attempts to grapple with said bureaucracy. On the contrary, when things have gone wrong, he has reserved most of his ire for private companies like Southwest Airlines and Norfolk Southern, rather than the outdated and meddlesome regulators who make their jobs more difficult.

Buttigieg comes across as a technocrat rather than a progressive: He appears to believe that smart, capable people like himself should run the government and make things more efficient. When he pursued the presidency in 2020, liberal news site Vox described him as a "product of the meritocracy" and did not intend it as a compliment. He enrages the left, but this does not make him a friend to liberty, amusing though it is. His foreign policy views also seem somewhat more hawkish than other standard-issue Democrats, which is not an improvement.

Then there's Kelly. As an astronaut and the husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords (DAriz.)who was grievously wounded after being shot in the head by a deranged gunmanhe is certainly an inspiring figure. However, his political positions are mostly in line with his party. He has voted in support of President Joe Biden's approved policies 95.5 percent of the time. On energy and environmental issues, he has deviated from the progressive wing of the party: He opposes the Green New Deal and has voted in favor of increased oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. On the other hand, he is one of the more outspoken Democrats on gun control.

Arizona's U.S. senators have tended to be more individual-minded, bipartisan, and independent: see Kyrsten Sinema. For those reasons, Kelly might be slightly preferable to some of the other options.

Now for the governors. Walz and Beshear were both elected in 2018 and thus have longer records than Shapiro, who became governor of his state just last year. Alas, their tenures are not particularly inspiring, as both of them overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemicproviding an opportunity to implement policies that were anathema to liberty.

Walz implemented many of the same heavy-handed, liberty-infringing mitigation policies as other blue state governors; he also maintained a government hotline for people to call and report their neighbors for violating social distancing rules. When Republicans complained about it, he replied: "We're not going to take down a phone number that people can call to keep their families safe." This alone should be disqualifying.

For his part, Beshear attempted to keep lockdowns, mask mandates, and school closures in placewell into the pandemic. In fact, he reimposed masks on public school students in August 2021, saying, "We are to the point where we cannot allow our kids to go into these buildings unprotected, unvaccinated and face this delta variant." This is also disqualifying.

It's nice that Walz and Beshear are supportive of legalizing, or at least decriminalizing, marijuana. But it's hard to look past the whole wrestling-masks-onto-5-year-olds thing. The best thing to be said for them is that they are not Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

That leaves Shapiro, who has had mercifully less time in office to do things that would offend libertarians. To his credit, he has supported several encouraging initiatives. One of his first actions after taking office was to eliminate the college degree requirement for government jobs. He also made some small progress on reforming the state's occupational licensing system. He is a supporter, to a degree, of school choice; he ultimately vetoed a voucher bill after facing significant pressure from teachers unions, however.

Given how popular he is in Pennsylvaniaa must-win state for HarrisShapiro has emerged as the likeliest veep pick in recent days. Like Buttigieg, Shapiro seems to make the far-left very upset: The New Republic called him "The One Vice Presidential Pick Who Could Ruin Democratic Unity." While that sounds entertaining enough, the main knock on him from the left is that he harshly condemned the recent pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses and is vocally supportive of Israel. For libertarians who would like to see the U.S. become less involved in Middle Eastern affairs and stop spending American tax dollars on costly foreign wars, these are reasonable concerns.

At the same time, it's hard to imagine Vice President Shapiro steering a markedly different course on foreign policy than any of the other options; on most other issues, he is slightly better. All this contributes to a weakvery weaklibertarian preference for Shapiro.

The post Josh Shapiro Is Kamala Harris' Best Bet for Veep appeared first on Reason.com.
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Hold onto your W-2s! The 2024 election could shake up your tax refund faster than you can say 1040-EZ. With Kamala Harris potentially taking the Oval Office, many Americans are wondering if their refund checks will be getting fatter or slimmer.

Read Next: 9 Strategies Americans Are Using To Minimize the Taxes They Pay on Retirement Savings

For You: 7 Reasons You Should Consider a Financial Advisor  Even If Youre Not Wealthy

GOBankingRates spoke with financial experts to get the lowdown on what your wallet might expect.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

No Major Changes

If youre hoping for a dramatically different tax season in 2025, you might want to temper those expectations. Thomas J. Brock, CFA, CPA, with over 20 years of financial experience and an expert at Annuity.org, doesnt see any earth-shattering changes on the immediate horizon.

I do not expect tax refunds for the 2024 or 2025 tax years to change substantially if Kamala Harris is elected, Brock said.

But before you breathe that sigh of relief (or disappointment), Brock warns that the real changes could be lurking just around the corner.

With Kamala in office, you could see your refund shrink beyond 2025, he cautioned. This is because many of the features of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 are expiring at the end of 2025.

In other words, those tax breaks youve been enjoying? They might be heading for the sunset, and Harris might not be rushing to extend them.

High Earners, Brace for Impact

If your paycheck has a few more zeros than most, a Harris presidency could mean its time to loosen those purse strings. Aaron Cirksena, CEO and founder of MDRN Capital, thinks Harris might follow in Bidens footsteps when it comes to tax policy.

With Harris backing Bidens favor of tax hikes, it is likely that income taxes for businesses and high earners will go up, Cirksena said. If we go off of Bidens tax proposal, the income tax rate would increase to 39.6% for those making $400,000 or more. That alone would significantly reduce the amount of money returned.

So, if youre in that $400K+ club, you might want to start preparing for a potentially smaller refund check.

A Silver Lining for Lower Incomes?

If youre on the other end of the income spectrum, Harris tax policies might he helpful. Cirksena points out a potential bright spot in Harriss tax philosophy.

On the other hand, Harris has previously supported the EITC, which is aimed at creating a tax break for lower income, he shared.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is designed to give a financial boost to low to moderate-income workers. If Harris pushes for an expansion of this credit, it could mean bigger refunds for anyone who qualifies.

Story continues

The Social Security Factor

While not directly related to income taxes, changes to Social Security could impact your overall financial picture. Paul Tyler, CMO at Nassau Financial Group, reminds us of the elephant in the room.

Basic economics unfortunately wont change regardless of who wins the presidential elections, Tyler said. With the two Social Security Trust Funds running out of money, the government will either need to raise taxes or reduce benefits to keep Social Security solvent.

Tyler predicts that Congress will likely do both, which means your tax burden and retirement benefits could both be affected, regardless of whos in the White House.

Time To Take Control

With all this uncertainty swirling around, Tyler suggests taking matters into your own hands when it comes to retirement and estate planning.

Its now more important than ever to take your retirement and estate plans into your own hands, he advised. If you havent already, talk to your financial advisor about the best ways to maximize ways to self-fund your long term care and pass something on to your heirs.

Tyler recommends considering financial products that can provide stability and protection:

Annuities can be remarkable safe harbors for nest eggs, guaranteed income when you need it, and provide a death benefit for your survivors, he said. Life insurance, taken even at a late age, can provide strong protection as well to protect your legacy.

Remember, tax laws are as changeable as the weather in April. Your best bet? Keep an eye on the IRS and consider consulting with a financial advisor to make sure your tax strategy is where it needs to be.

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: Trump Wants To Eliminate Income Taxes: Heres What That Would Mean for the Economy and Your Wallet.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Income Taxes 2025: Will Your Refund Go Up or Down If Kamala Harris Is Elected?
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) isnt too bothered by GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vances latest dig.

During a Friday appearance at Cheyney University, the countrys first historically Black university, a reporter asked Shapiro about comments Vance made during an interview on the Full Send Podcast in which he compared Shapiros voice to a really bad impression of Barack Obama.

Shapiro laughed off the insult, calling it weird.

Barack Obama was probably our most gifted orator of my time, Shapiro said.

Shapiro, who is among those being considered as Vice President Kamala Harris 2024 running mate, then lobbed his own insults at Vance.

It is real hard being honest with the American people when youre not being honest with yourself, Shapiro said. JD Vance is a total phoney-baloney. He is the most inorganic candidate I think I have ever seen on the national stage.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) did not hold back when addressing recent criticism from Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance. AP/Getty

He doesnt know what he believes, and that is why it is impossible for him to articulate a coherent message to the American people, Shapiro added, noting Vance is not exactly off to a good start.

It is clear that Donald Trump really has buyers remorse with his pick, he added.

Trump and Vance both spent the weeks after the Republican National Convention defending the Ohio senator over his controversial past comments about childless cat ladies, among other things.

Shapiro made it clear that, should he be chosen as Harris running mate, he wouldnt be worried about taking on Vance.

If he wants to sling insults my direction, ... let him do it, thats fine. Bring it on. Ill be ready for whatever the hell JD Vance throws my way.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Former CNN news anchor Don Lemon slapped Elon Musk with a new lawsuit filed in San Francisco Superior Court on Thursday, accusing the billionaire of fraud.

The veteran journalist is suing Musk and his social media platform, X, for abruptly canceling Lemons new show on X earlier this year.

Lemon is best known for his work with CNN between 2006 and 2023. Lemons attorneys wrote, Throughout his career, Lemon has been an exemplary journalist known for sticking his finger in the eyes of powerful people  asking uncomfortable questions, and, as a Black, gay man, fighting to make diverse viewpoints heard.

Don Lemon speaks onstage during the 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture on July 6, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Arturo Holmes / Getty Images for ESSENCE)

Musk and other X executives reached out to Lemon asking if hed be interested in an exclusive partnership and new show in June 2023. According to the suit, Lemon expressed reservations about entering into a partnership due to ongoing controversies surrounding the company ever since Musk took over.

When Musk bought Twitter in October of 2022, he changed the platforms name to X, fired top executives in the companys San Francisco headquarters, laid off a significant portion of staff, and reinstated banned accounts.

The journalists attorneys accuse Musk of using Lemons respected name to repair Xs damaged image in the eyes of advertisers. The companys advertising revenues declined 60% year-over-year through August 2023, the suit claims.

Kim Kardashian, Tim Malone and Don Lemon attend 2023 TIME100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 26, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Amid Defendants ongoing struggle to retain advertisers, Defendants sought to affiliate with reputable figures. To induce Lemon to enter into an exclusive partnership deal with X, Musk represented to Lemon that he would have full authority and control over the work he produced even if disliked by Defendants, the lawsuit writes.

X executives agreed to pay Lemon $1.5 million for a one-year deal. The journalist was also offered performance threshold payments: $250,000 for reaching 4 million followers; $500,000 for reaching 6 million followers; $750,000 for reaching 8 million followers and $1,000,000 for reaching 10 million followers.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and X, arrives for the AI Insight Forum on Capitol Hill on September 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Don Lemon Shows first episode featured Lemon interviewing Musk at Teslas headquarters in Texas on March 8, 2024.

The Washington Post reported, Musk, who rarely grants interviews, sat in March for an hour-long conversation in which Lemon peppered him with questions about some of his most controversial behavior, from his drug use to his growing political influence.

4 things to know from Elon Musks interview with Don Lemon

In the taped interview, Musk said he is almost always sober when posting on X late at night. Then Lemon asked about his use of the drug ketamine. Musk pushed back on the question, calling it pretty private to ask someone about a medical prescription.

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk speaks to the media. (Photo by Nora Tam/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)

Just a few hours after the interview, Musk wrote a text message to Lemons agent canceling the entire deal without pay, attorneys said.

The lawsuit claims, Defendants never intended to fulfill their representations and promises to Lemon. In a video posted to X, Lemon declared, Elon Musk is mad at me.

But apparently free speech absolutism doesnt apply when it comes to questions about him from people like me, Lemon added.

By this time, Lemon had already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars creating his own media company, sought business proposals from numerous production companies, created a production studio where he could record his video content, purchased production equipment, and hired a staff.

X failed to issue a single payment to Lemon despite his requests pursuant to their express agreement, the journalists attorneys claim.

Don-Lemon-vs-XDownload

The lawsuit demands a jury trial in San Francisco Superior Court.

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A collective of national and local news organizations filed a federal lawsuit after a Louisiana law that bans taking photos or videos of police officers from less than 25 feet away took effect on Thursday.

New Orleans nonprofit paper Verite News, as well as national media players Gannett, Gray, Nexstar, Scripps and Tegna, were named as plaintiffs in the suit to stop the law, which punishes violators with a fine of up to $500 or up to 60 days in jail.

The Act has grave implications for the ability of reporters and news organizations, including Plaintiffs, to exercise their First Amendment rights, the suit, filed in the U.S. Middle District Court of Louisiana read, adding that it grants law enforcement officers limitless, standardless discretion to prevent journalists from approaching near enough to document the way officers perform their duties in public places.

The controversial law, signed by Republican Governor Jeff Landry in May, would shield officers from disruptive bystanders, police argue. But critics say these protections already exist, questioning why officers would feel threatened by filming alone.

"People need to feel like they can observe and record the state exercising its police power, whether that's on Bourbon Street or the side of the road," Scott Sternberg, a lawyer for the plaintiffs told the Times-Picayune. "There is so much subjectivity in this law, and it is so unbelievably vague."

Journalists and civilian activists alike questioned the purpose of the plan, which made Louisiana the fourth state to enact such legislation. Other bans came in the wake of George Floyds murder, which was captured on a cell phone video by Darnella Frazier from less than 10 feet away.

The 25-foot distance is particularly troubling for journalists, who argue that specific details can be obscured on most cameras and microphone devices from so far away.

You cant even get an officers badge number at 25 feet. So theres no way to hold anyone accountable, photojournalist Cherri Foytlin told ProPublica.

Reporters would not be able to hear at 25 feet whether an officer identified themselves as law enforcement or provided Miranda warnings, the suit reads.
By Nupur Anand

NEW YORK (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has outlined his wish list of leadership skills that the next U.S. president should possess, but stopped short of endorsing a candidate.

In a Washington Post op-ed published on Friday titled, "Our next president must restore our faith in America," Dimon emphasized the need for the next leader to unite the nation instead of pandering to extremes.

Dimon, who has run JPMorgan since 2006, is among a group of financial CEOs whose names have been floated for senior economic roles in government, including Treasury secretary.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump told Bloomberg in late June he would consider Dimon for treasury secretary if he won the Nov. 5 election.

Separately, Vice President Kamala Harris had lunch with Dimon at the White House in March, according to a source familiar with the situation who declined to be identified discussing the private meeting.

Dimon's op-ed comes after the Republican National Convention in mid-July and before the Democratic National Convention in late August.

While his future plans have long been the subject of speculation, the focus on Dimon's next steps have intensified this year after JPMorgan's board identified potential successors, paving the way for an eventual leadership transition.

Dimon is one of the most prominent voices on Wall Street, but his influence extends well beyond business and the economy. The CEO often weighs in on policy issues such as American leadership, job training and energy security.

Dimon underscored the need for the next presidential administration to have members from both political parties, as well as leaders from the private sector.

"A president should put the most talented people, including those from business and the opposite party, into their Cabinet," Dimon wrote.

He cited Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower as exemplars who "guided us forward with common sense and pragmatism," Dimon wrote.

Among his several policy recommendations, the CEO emphasized the importance of energy in foreign policy.

"When our allies are fighting wars to defend their sovereignty and democracies, and desperately need secure and reliable energy sources, delaying long-term liquid natural gas projects in Louisiana and Texas is misguided and self-defeating," he wrote.

And in domestic policy, "we can easily reform our mortgage policies to make homeownership more affordable for lower-income Americans," Dimon wrote.

He also called on the next president to work to earn the support of all voters.

Story continues

"Do not insult, stereotype, weaponize, scapegoat or gaslight," Dimon said. "And do not attack them. Engage them. This takes bravery."

(Reporting by Nupur Anand in New York; Editing by Lananh Nguyen and Christopher Cushing)
Two people were found dead after a shooting in Arlington Thursday afternoon.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office blocked off the 1200 block of Whitlock Avenue, just off of Arlington Road, and investigating the incident.

Around noon, police said officers were flagged down in the area by a person who said he had just shot two people at the home. Officers detained the person and found two people killed from apparent gunshot wounds.

Homicides, by the numbers: Jacksonville homicides are down in 2024: Here's who is dying, where and how

"At this time, we do not know the circumstances of the incident or the relationships of those involved," the agency said in a release. "Because of this, the classification of the incident is pending."

This story was first published by First Coast News.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 2 killed at Jacksonville home, police say
Judge blocks City Council lawsuit seeking to expand rental assistance: What to know

Judge blocks City Council lawsuit seeking to expand rental assistance: What to know

NEW YORK (PIX11)  A judge struck down a City Council-backed lawsuit attempting to force Mayor Eric Adams to expand a housing voucher program known as CityFHEPS.

CityFHEPS helps people find and keep housing and is administered by the Department of Social Services. To be eligible for CityFHEPS, the household must have a gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

More Local News

One of the criteria for eligibility for the program is that youve previously lived in a homeless shelter.

People who receive CityFHEPS can get it for up to five years. The maximum amount of rent the program will pay for an apartment in New York City is $1,100 per month, according to the Department of Social Services.

The lawsuit sought the implementation of legislature passed by the Council that increases access to city-funded rental assistance. The Council overrode Adams veto of the measure last year.

A Manhattan Supreme Court judge sided with Adams office, ruling that the Council lacks the authority to expand the program due to state social service laws.

The mayors office responded to the ruling, saying that it helped over 10,000 New Yorkers from going into homeless shelters last year through CityFHEPS vouchers. It also helped another 13,000 people leave homeless shelters.

Around 10,000 households are trying to use their CityFHEPS vouchers to find permanent housing, according to the mayors office.

To find out more about CityFHEPS vouchers, click here.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A Manhattan judge handed the Adams administration a major win on Thursday in its bitter feud with the City Council over controversial changes to a housing voucher program.

Mayor Eric Adams had vetoed the councils expansion of the citys rental-assistance program called CityFHEPS that wouldve fast tracked vouchers for tenants facing eviction  but lawmakers overrode the veto, then took him to court in an effort to force him to comply with the expansion.

But Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Lyle E. Frank ruled only the state government has the authority to expand the voucher program in a ruling that Adams celebrated.

Speaker Adrienne Adams and Mayor Eric Adams have been at odds over the price tag of the new legislation. Robert Miller

While we are glad that the court agrees with our administration that these laws went beyond the City Councils legislative authority, we are hopeful that our partners in the Council will join us in remaining committed to working to connect New Yorkers in need with safe, affordable, permanent housing, Adams said in a written statement.

The City Council members disagree with the ruling and are planning an immediate appeal, a spokesperson said in a statement.

Its unfortunate that Mayor Adams administration has fought to delay help to New Yorkers that can prevent them from evictions and homelessness amidst a housing crisis, the spokesperson said.

Lawmakers joined a class action lawsuit filed by the Legal Aid Society and four other plaintiffs back in February that would have forced Adams to comply with the expanded CityFHEPS.

The new law would have made housing vouchers available for people facing eviction without having to enter the shelter system for at least 90 days, and it would have increased the income-level cutoffs to qualify for aid while barring landlords from deducting the cost of utility bills from a voucher.

Mayor Eric Adams refused to comply with the new law after it was passed, saying expanding the rental assistance program would be too costly amid the migrant crisis. AP

When Adams vetoed the bill in June 2023 he argued the city could not afford the laws $17 billion price tag because of the ongoing migrant crisis.

Council members disputed the mayors estimated cost of the bill, saying it would cost $10 billion, and overrode the mayors veto later that summer.

Members argued the citys dire housing vacancy rates justified the cost of the expanded program.
A man accused in a brutal slaying in Eastern Kentucky will have to post $5 million to be released from jail before trial.

Circuit Judge Eddy Coleman set the bond for Michael K. McKinney III, 24, at a hearing Wednesday in Prestonsburg, where McKinney pleaded not guilty to the charge that he stabbed Amber Spradlin to death in June 2023.

Coleman set a $250,000 cash bond for McKinneys father, Michael K. McKinney II, 56, who allegedly tried to help conceal evidence that his son committed the murder, and a bond of $100,000 for a third man charged in the case, Josh Square Mullins, 23.

A grand jury in Floyd County indicted the three men this week in connection with the murder of Spradlin, who was stabbed at least 11 times at the home of McKinney II near Martin.

All three men pleaded not guilty.

Police found the body of Amber Spradlin, 39, at a residence in Floyd County on June 18.

Charges in the death of Amber Spradlin

McKinney III is charged alone in the murder. All three men are charged with seven counts of complicity to tamper with physical evidence.

The grand jury charged that they got rid of the handle of the knife used in the slaying; cleaned up blood at the house; got rid of McKinney IIIs clothes; and removed, concealed or destroyed surveillance and computer equipment that would have have images of the murder.

Police have not released many details of the investigation, but the prosecutor, Commonwealths Attorney Brent Turner, included some additional information this week in a motion seeking high cash bonds for the three men.

The motion says Spradlin was stabbed on a couch in the living room of McKinney IIs house, and that the blade broke off in her neck.

The nature of the injuries suggest an act of extreme rage, and the person who did this is unstable and dangerous.

Turner alleged in the motion that authorities have other information suggesting McKinney III has a history of violent outbursts and mental instability that make him a flight risk and a potential danger to the public.

The motion also says authorities have evidence suggesting that McKinney II helped clean up the house after the murder and then got his son out of the house and all the way to Morehead before calling 9-1-1 to report the homicide.

Michael K. McKinney II posts bond

Turner sought a bond of $1 million each for McKinney II and Mullins.

Coleman set lower amounts but imposed a condition of home incarceration with electronic monitoring on all three men if they are released.

McKinney II, a dentist, posted bond Thursday.

Police have not commented publicly on an alleged motive for the murder.

A lawsuit filed earlier this year alleged that McKinney III killed Spradlin after hed been drinking heavily.

Spradlins murder has been one focus in a controversy over the local 9-1-1 system because of an allegation that the dispatch center didnt respond properly to a call from McKinney IIs home before she was killed.

McKinney III placed a call asking for help with an emergency, but his father got on the line and said no response was needed, according to the lawsuit.

The dispatch center should have sent an officer anyway, the lawsuit argues.

Spradlin was alive at the time of the call. Her family believes if police had gone to the house they could have intervened in whatever was going on so that Spradlin wouldnt have been killed later.

Dentists license gets suspended

The Kentucky Board of Dentistry issued a temporary suspension of McKinney IIs license to practice dentistry in both his locations, one in Prestonsburg and other at Minnie, as a result of the charges.

We felt like it was serious enough to require the suspension, Jeffrey Allen executive director of the board, said of the charges.

McKinney has 30 days to request a hearing on the suspension.

If he does, the matter ultimately will go before a hearing officer for arguments on whether to let McKinney resume practicing. It could be several months before a resolution, Allen said.
The murder trial for the suspect in the February slaying of nursing student Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus in Athens will start Nov. 18.

Western Circuit Superior Court Judge Patrick Haggard on Friday revealed his plans for the trial during a status conference for Jose Antonio Ibarra, the 26-year-old undocumented Venezuelan immigrant living in Athens charged with attempting to rape the former UGA student before allegedly bashing her head with a rock, killing her.

Riley, 22, was a nursing student attending the Athens campus of Augusta University, when she went for a jog on the morning of Feb. 22 only to be killed in a wooded area near Lake Herrick on the intramural fields complex off College Station Road.

District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez filed a motion on May 31 that she will seek a penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole if Ibarra is convicted of the murder charges. Gonzalez is opposed to the death penalty.

Members of Rileys family were present for the brief hearing.

Ibarra sat at the table beside a translator. He was bound with chains and handcuffs during the hearing and flanked by three deputies.

UGA Campus Slaying: Suspect in slaying of Laken Riley pleads not guilty at arraignment in Athens courthouse

Haggard said it was his plan to have a jury selected during the week prior to Nov. 18. He also said he was considering a questionnaire for jurors that could be sent to them with a jury summons or given to them on the first day of jury selection.

He invited the prosecutor, specially appointed state prosecutor Sheila Ross, and defense attorneys Kaitlyn Beck and John Donnelly, with the Western Circuit Public Defenders Offices, to submit any questions they believe are important.

Ross said her only concern over the trial date was to have it done before Thanksgiving on the following week, given that many people have plans. Haggard said the trial wont interrupt the holiday.

Defense lawyers filed three motions the day before the status conference. Haggard said he would give the prosecutor time to respond to those motions. Another hearing for pretrial motions will be set toward the end of September or early October, according to the judge.

In the new motions, the defense asked for a change of venue, contending it will not be possible to find an impartial jury in Athens due to extensive media coverage.

The defense also filed a motion seeking to remove a peeping tom charge in the indictment from this trial as the alleged victim in that charge is not Riley.

The indictment alleges Ibarra spied on a UGA student by going to University Village Housing on Rocky Road and looking in the womans room on the same day that Riley was slain. The apartments are located on the border of the intramural field complex and in close proximity of South Milledge Avenue where Ibarra resided.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Judge sets trial date for man charged in Laken Riley's slaying at UGA
HANOI (Reuters) - India's Adani Group is considering investing in two airports in Vietnam, the Vietnamese government said on Wednesday, weeks after the company revealed it had permission to build a seaport in the country.

The government statement comes after a meeting in Delhi on the same day between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Gautam Adani, head of conglomerate Adani Group, during Chinh's official visit to India.

"Adani is planning to strengthen cooperation with Vietnamese partners in the fields of aviation and logistics, via the construction of Long Thanh airport and Chu Lai airport," the statement said, referring to two major airports in the south and central regions.

The statement did not mention the amount or the time frame of the investment.

Last year, Karan Adani, the elder son of Gautam Adani, announced a plan to invest up to $3 billion in seaport and renewable energy projects in Vietnam. He also said that the investment could reach $10 billion over the longer term.

(Reporting by Phuong Nguyen; Editing by Sonia Cheema)
Judge wont decide yet whether New Jersey cops can use cannabis off duty

Jersey City wanted the judge to allow it to bar its police officers from using cannabis while off duty. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

A federal judge wont decide whether New Jersey police officers can consume cannabis off duty until after a series of state legal battles reach their conclusion  if he rules on the matter at all.

Judge Julien Xavier Neals on Friday declined Jersey Citys request to declare that federal gun law barring drug users from owning firearms preempts state law that allows police officers to ingest marijuana. Neals cited a raft of ongoing proceedings in state courts and before the Civil Service Commission on this issue.

In carefully reviewing the pending parallel proceedings, as well as the relevant factors that overwhelmingly weigh against exercising jurisdiction, the court declines jurisdiction, stays this matter, and makes no findings as to the relief sought, the judge wrote in a brief opinion released Friday.

The question at the heart of the case has spurred conflict in Jersey City since the states recreational marijuana legislation took effect in early 2022.

That law, which stood up the states legal cannabis market after voters overwhelmingly backed a legalization constitutional amendment at the polls in 2020, largely bars discipline for workers who use legally purchased cannabis outside of the workplace.

Attorney General Matt Platkin in an April 13, 2022, memo said that provision covers police officers, adding they could still be terminated for on-duty use or for using marijuana purchased on the underground market. When Platkin issued that memo, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop declared his city would not allow its officers to use cannabis at all. Fulop is seeking the Democratic nod for governor next year.

Federal law bars users of certain drugs from obtaining firearms, and marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. The city has argued those statutes bar police from consuming cannabis off duty, though a separate section of the federal code exempts guns imported for, sold or shipped to, or issued for the use of governmental agencies from the prohibition absent convictions for domestic violence.

Its not clear whether that provision applies to Jersey City, where police officers are required to purchase their own firearms.

At least five police officers have cases before state courts or administrative agencies challenging dismissals for off-duty marijuana use, and New Jerseys Civil Service Commission has so far moved to reinstate officers fired for the same. Jersey City has said it will not put them back to work armed.

Attorneys for the state  defendants in the lawsuit  argued Jersey City sued in federal court as a way of shopping for a friendlier forum after facing defeats in state court and before the Civil Service Commission.

Neals opinion does not definitely end the federal suit. Though the judge declined to exercise jurisdiction over the dispute Friday, his ruling allows Jersey City to move to reopen the case within 60 days of his order or the resolution of the ongoing state proceedings, whichever is later.

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Jurors were unable to reach a verdict in the murder trial of a man who claimed self-defense after killing a woman he had been having an affair with at a Pflugerville apartment complex in May 2020.

The jury was declared deadlocked late Friday afternoon after beginning deliberations Thursday morning in the trial of Kendric James Knatte, who shot and killed Frankia Mathurin, 32, on May 26, 2020. Police arrested Knatte in Dallas the day after the killing.

Knatte, 34, maintained that he had acted in self-defense, as Mathurin had a gun and had been sending threatening text messages in the hours leading up to the killing.

While Knatte was not found guilty of murder, the jury did find him guilty of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony that carries with it a chance of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Opening arguments began on Tuesday in the Travis County Auxiliary Court, with Judge Brenda Kennedy presiding over the case.

When officers arrested Knatte in Dallas, he had hidden the firearm used to kill Mathurin and the magazine in various places around the apartment. Police also discovered that he had taken the gun Mathurin brought with her and hidden that one as well.

Knatte's defense attorney, Geoffrey Puryear of the Cofer and Connelly law offices, told jurors in his closing arguments that the case wasn't a "whodunit," as the facts pointed to Knatte "intentionally" killing Mathurin. Puryear said the jury had to decide if Knatte was justified in killing her  which he said the evidence "overwhelmingly" proved.

Knatte and Mathurin had previously been involved in an affair. Mathurin showed up at Knatte's apartment while his wife was home after she sent a string of threatening text messages throughout the day, including one that said "prison or death here we come."

That was the last text sent before Mathurin died. Puryear added that Knatte had interpreted it to mean she would kill him or he'd have to kill her. Knatte knew she had a gun, as she had sent him a picture days earlier of her sleeping next to his firearm. It's unclear how or why she had his gun.

Charging documents filed at the time of Knatte's arrest said that he and Mathurin had been arguing via text messages throughout the day.

Puryear said Mathurin was a convicted felon and had methamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine and marijuana in her system when she died, and that a meth pipe was found in her vehicle.

Prosecuting attorney Erika Hansen said in her closing arguments that Knatte did not have to unlock and open the door and then shoot her after he found out she was at his apartment. She said that by going outside, he was "engaging" Mathurin, which would not be self-defense. Knatte's attorneys disagreed, with Puryear stating that Knatte had reason to protect himself and his wife.

Mathurin was killed in the breezeway outside of Knatte's apartment after being struck by four bullets. Knatte told investigators he stopped shooting after he saw the gun fall from her hand.

Hansen argued that Knatte was scared about his wife finding out and that rather than engaging with Mathurin, he should have called 911 and told his wife what was happening.

Hansen also pointed to responses by Knatte to Mathurin such as, "Come on, bring it," during their argument to indicate that the killing wasn't self-defense.

With a hung jury, the Travis County district attorney's office could decide to retry Knatte's case. It was unclear as of Friday afternoon whether that will happen.

Knatte will be sentenced on Monday for the tampering with evidence charge in the Travis County Auxiliary Court.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Jury deadlocked in murder trial of 2020 Pflugerville killing
The U.S. Department of Justice found unconstitutional conditions at all five of Texas juvenile detention facilities, where children were exposed to excessive force, sexual abuse and in the case of disabled children, discrimination that kept them in custody longer or sent them to adult prisons.

In a report released Thursday, the federal agency detailed the results of its investigation, which began in October 2021, into the Texas Juvenile Justice Departments facilities.

TJJD falls short of creating an environment that fosters rehabilitation, said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton for the Northern District of Texas, whose office helped carry out the investigation. Instead, some of its personnel engage in the use of excessive force and subject children to prolonged isolation, both of which are damaging. Texans know that this is not how we rehabilitate our children.

Federal investigators found that the state agency excessively used pepper spray on children, employed dangerous restraint techniques and kept children isolated for days or weeks on end. The Texas agency failed to implement measures to end sexual abuse, investigators concluded, describing a pervasive atmosphere of sexual abuse, grooming and lack of staff accountability and training.

Children who have been arrested for a crime and found to have engaged in delinquent conduct are sentenced to TJJD for rehabilitation. According to the DOJ, there were about 700 youth offenders ages 10 to 19 in the departments custody as of July 2024, around 80 percent of whom were Black or Latino. In 2021, the TJJD reported that around 65 percent of children in its custody had significant mental health issues.

The agency operates the facilities in Edinburg, Gainesville, Giddings, Mart and Brownwood.

The Justice Department also found that TJJD failed to provide adequate mental health and education services.

The agency routinely denies disabled children reasonable modifications they need to successfully complete their incarceration. Instead, the report said, children are expelled from programming due to behavioral issues related to their disabilities and required to repeat it  extending their time in custody or leading to their transfer to an adult prison.

In addition, federal investigators concluded that incarcerated children with disabilities do not receive a free appropriate public education, and that special education services within the departments facilities fell well short of the standard required by federal law.

And while most children in the facilities have severe mental health needs and require treatment, the report found that the agency was not providing adequate trauma-informed care, leaving children at substantial risk for self-harm or suicide.

Children in TJJDs secure facilities are exposed to conditions that cause serious and lasting physical, mental and emotional harm. At the same time, they are denied treatment and services they need to cope with their environment, earn release, return to their communities and become productive citizens, the report said. This harmful environment undermines any rehabilitative purpose in their commitment.

Agency staff used pepper spray on children far more frequently than necessary to meet the threat posed, according to the report, which detailed instances in which children were sprayed directly in the face or before any effort to engage them verbally.

The state agency also overly relied on isolation, keeping children in segregated cells for up to 24 hours a day for days or weeks on end  when time in such a unit is meant to be limited to one to two hours, investigators found.

TJJD, in a statement, said that it had worked closely with federal investigators during site visits in 2022, when the agency was at the peak of unprecedented staffing shortages.

At TJJD we are continually working to improve our operations and services to the youth in our

care and the communities of Texas we protect, the agency said. We have a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse and neglect and have always fully rejected any abusive behaviors at our campuses.

The agency added that it has made several recent significant improvements, including boosting the ranks of its officers by raising salaries by 15% in 2022 and another 5% in 2023 as approved by the Texas Legislature, hiring more mental health professionals, improving staff training and adding a holistic rehabilitative program.

This is not the first time abusive conditions at Texas juvenile detention facilities have been raised.

The agency, then operating as the Texas Youth Commission, was placed under a conservatorship in the early 2000s in response to repeated allegations of physical and sexual abuse, operational and safety problems and a cover-up effort by high-level staff.

In 2007, the Justice Department found that the agency failed to keep children safe from violence in the Evins Regional Juvenile Center in Edinburg. Four years later, after reports of sexual abuse and operational problems across the system, the state Legislature combined the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission to create the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

In 2017 and 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered two investigations of sexual abuse and potentially illegal behavior at the agencys facilities.

Over the past three decades, the overall population of children held in the agencys facilities declined  with eight of those facilities shutting down after the agencys reorganization  but, according to the report, the needs of the children that remained in custody intensified.

We have made progress in the sense that there are fewer kids in these facilities, but we haven't improved things for youth who are in the facilities, said Brett Merfish, director of youth justice at Texas Appleseed, a nonprofit that asked the federal government in 2020 to open an investigation into unconstitutional conditions in the agencys facilities.

A continuing cause of poor conditions within the agencys facilities, Merfish said, is persistent under-staffing fueled by insufficient pay for difficult working environments and the remote locations of most of the facilities.

The report outlined a number of recommended minimum remedial measures, including requiring non-force interventions be used whenever possible, eliminating the use of pepper spray in canisters designed for large crowd management and limiting periods of isolation.

The Justice Department said it was hopeful about entering into an agreement with the state of Texas about implementing those measures, according to Merfish. But the federal government could sue the state if it felt that Texas officials were not sufficiently addressing its concerns.

The report, Merfish said, affirms many of our fears about whats been happening. Weve had individual stories, but it takes an investigation like this to prove a systemwide failing. This is confirmation that Texas juvenile prisons need a wholesale change.

Texas Appleseed has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

The full program is now LIVE for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Explore the program featuring more than 100 unforgettable conversations on topics covering education, the economy, Texas and national politics, criminal justice, the border, the 2024 elections and so much more. See the full program.
The Justice Department sued TikTok on Friday, accusing the company of violating childrens online privacy law and running afoul of a settlement it had reached with another federal agency.

The complaint, filed together with the Federal Trade Commission in a California federal court, comes as the U.S. and the prominent social media company are embroiled in yet another legal battle that will determine if  or how  TikTok will continue to operate in the country.

The latest lawsuit focuses on allegations that TikTok, a trend-setting platform popular among young users, and its China-based parent company ByteDance violated a federal law that requires kid-oriented apps and websites to get parental consent before collecting personal information of children under 13. It also says the companies failed to honor requests from parents who wanted their childrens accounts deleted, and chose not to delete accounts even when the firms knew they belonged to kids under 13.

This action is necessary to prevent the defendants, who are repeat offenders and operate on a massive scale, from collecting and using young childrens private information without any parental consent or control, Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Departments Civil Division, said in a statement.

TikTok said it disagreed with the allegations, many of which relate to past events and practices that are factually inaccurate or have been addressed.

We offer age-appropriate experiences with stringent safeguards, proactively remove suspected underage users and have voluntarily launched features such as default screentime limits, Family Pairing, and additional privacy protections for minors, the company said in a statement.

The U.S. decided to file the lawsuit following an investigation by the FTC that looked into whether the companies were complying with a previous settlement involving TikToks predecessor, Musical.ly.

In 2019, the federal government sued Musical.ly, alleging it violated the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, by failing to notify parents about its collection and use of personal information for kids under 13.

That same year, Musical.ly  acquired by ByteDance in 2017 and merged with TikTok  agreed to pay $5.7 million to resolve those allegations. The two companies were also subject to a court order requiring them to comply with COPPA, which the government says hasnt happened.

In the complaint, the Justice Department and the FTC allege TikTok has knowingly allowed children to create accounts and retained their personal information without notifying their parents. This practice extends to accounts created in Kids Mode, a version of TikTok for children under 13. The feature allows users to view videos but bars them from uploading content.

The two agencies allege the information collected included activities on the app and other identifiers used to build user profiles. They also accuse TikTok of sharing the data with other companies  such as Metas Facebook and an analytics company called AppsFlyer  to persuade Kids Mode users to be on the platform more, a practice TikTok called re-targeting less active users.

The complaint says TikTok also allowed children to create accounts without having to provide their age, or obtain parental approval, by using credentials from third-party services. It classified these as age unknown accounts, which the agencies say have grown into millions.

After parents discovered some of their childrens accounts and asked for them to be deleted, federal officials said TikTok asked them to go through a convoluted process to deactivate them and frequently did not honor their requests.

Overall, the government said TikTok employed deficient policies that were unable to prevent childrens accounts from proliferating on its app and suggested the company was not taking the issue seriously. In at least some periods since 2019, the complaint said TikToks human moderators spent an average of five to seven seconds reviewing accounts flagged as potentially belonging to a child. It also said TikTok and ByteDance have technology they can use to identify and remove childrens accounts, but do not use them for that reason.

The alleged violations have resulted in millions of children under 13 using the regular TikTok app, allowing them to interact with adults and access adult content, the complaint said.

In March, a person with the matter had told the AP the FTCs investigation was also looking into whether TikTok violated a portion of federal law that prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices by denying that individuals in China had access to U.S. user data.

Those allegations were not included in the complaint, which is asking the court to fine the companies and enter a preliminary injunction to prevent future violations.

Other social media companies have also come under fire for how theyve handled childrens data.

In 2019, Google and YouTube agreed to pay a $170 million fine to settle allegations that the popular video site had illegally collected personal information on children without their parents consent.

And last fall, dozens of U.S. states sued Meta Platforms Inc., which owns Facebook and Instagram, for harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. A lawsuit filed by 33 states claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents consent, in violation of COPPA. Nine attorneys general are also filing lawsuits in their respective states, bringing the total number of states taking action to 41 plus Washington, D.C.

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A TikTok sign is displayed on its building in Culver City. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

The legal pressure on TikTok just got more intense.

The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday sued TikTok and its Chinese parent ByteDance for allegedly breaking child privacy laws, accusing the companies of collecting personal information on children under the age of 13 without their parents' consent.

The lawsuit comes after TikTok settled a previous legal dispute with the Federal Trade Commission in 2019 after the agency accused the social video app of violating the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. TikTok paid a civil penalty of $5.7 million. Since then, the Department of Justice said, TikTok has been under a court order to remain compliant with the act.

The Department is deeply concerned that TikTok has continued to collect and retain childrens personal information despite a court order barring such conduct, said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer in a statement. With this action, the Department seeks to ensure that TikTok honors its obligation to protect childrens privacy rights and parents efforts to protect their children.

TikTok in a statement said that it disputes the allegations, adding that many of the government's complaints relate to past events or practices that have been addressed.

"We are proud of our efforts to protect children, and we will continue to update and improve the platform," said TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek in a statement. "To that end, we offer age-appropriate experiences with stringent safeguards, proactively remove suspected underage users, and have voluntarily launched features such as default screentime limits, Family Pairing, and additional privacy protections for minors."

Read more: TikTok sues U.S. government, saying ban violates 1st Amendment

The popular app, like other tech platforms, has options for children and adults.

Young people can join with a kids' mode that limits what they can see. TikTok asks new users for their age when creating an account.

But the DOJ alleges in its lawsuit that children have been able to easily circumvent TikTok's guardrails and establish adult accounts and that TikTok has made it unnecessarily difficult for parents to delete their children's accounts. The government also says in its lawsuit that TikTok retained the email addresses of children reporting problems to the app longer than necessary and in violation of the law.

"Defendants insufficient policies and practices thus allowed children to create a non-Kids Mode TikTok account, gaining access to adult content and features of the general TikTok platform without providing age information," according to the lawsuit. "Without parental notice or consent, Defendants then collected and maintained vast amounts of personal information from the children who created and used these regular TikTok accounts."

Read more: Questions swirl over the future of TikTok. Who could own it? How will the platform operate?

TikTok remains a major social media force, with more than 170 million users in the U.S., but its future remains uncertain in the nation. U.S. government leaders have raised security concerns over TikTok 's ties to China. In April, President Biden signed a law that would effectively ban the service in the U.S. if ByteDance does not sell TikToks U.S. operations.

TikTok sued the U.S. government in May, alleging the law violates 1st Amendment rights to free speech.

TikTok's global headquarters are in Singapore and Culver City. In April, Culver City estimated that TikTok employed roughly 500 people there.

In May, TikTok said it would reduce its workforce due to restructuring, giving layoff notices to 58 employees in Culver City affecting positions including senior business analysts and creative design specialists, according to a WARN notice filed with the state's Employment Development Department. Those employees had the option of applying to other open positions at TikTok.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Justice Department sued TikTok Friday over allegations from the Federal Trade Commission that the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance violated childrens online privacy protections

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, accuses TikTok of violating a 2019 settlement with the FTC by continuing to collect data on millions of children under 13 without their parents consent, and failing to honor parents data deletion requests, in violation of the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act.

TikTok knowingly and repeatedly violated kids privacy, threatening the safety of millions of children across the country, FTC chair Lina Khan said in a statement. The FTC will continue to use the full scope of its authorities to protect children online  especially as firms deploy increasingly sophisticated digital tools to surveil kids and profit from their data.

TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek disputed the allegations and said many "relate to past events and practices" that were inaccurate or had been addressed.

"We are proud of our efforts to protect children and we will continue to update and improve the platform," he said in an emailed statement.

TikTok is one of the largest social media platforms online, with over 170 million users in the U.S. It is primarily popular among young people.

The DOJ suit comes after lawmakers voted in April to force the sale of TikTok or ban the app over its ties to its Beijing-based parent company ByteDance. TikTok is challenging the law, and an appeals court will hold oral arguments in September.

The case against TikTok: The suit against TikTok stems from an earlier settlement its predecessor Musical.ly reached with the FTC in 2019, agreeing to pay $5.7 million in the largest civil penalty for a COPPA violation at the time (Epic Games later surpassed that record with a $275 million settlement in 2022.)

During a compliance review of the earlier settlement, the FTC said it found concerns and referred its investigation into TikTok to the DOJ in June. Fridays complaint alleges that TikTok began violating its 2019 FTC settlement shortly after it went into effect.

The agency said it found inadequate protections for kids on TikTok. While the company is required to check if a user is younger than 13, its human reviewers during at least some periods only spent five to seven seconds looking at each account, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit also alleges that TikTok allowed for new users to sign up with their Google and Instagram accounts, which circumvents TikToks age screening. This method led to millions of accounts classified as age unknown, many of which could potentially be children, the FTC and DOJ allege.

And while TikToks Kids Mode is supposed to be a safer platform for children, the complaint alleges that the company continued to collect minors data and build profiles on people using it. TikTok shared Kids Mode user data with Facebook and AppsFlyer for targeted ads to convince less active users to use the app more often, according to the complaint.

TikTok also failed to comply with parents requests to delete their childrens data, and would frequently make it difficult for parents to make these requests in the first place, the FTC and DOJ allege.

The lawsuit notes that multiple TikTok employees had warned executives at the company about potential COPPA violations over these failures.

The Justice Department is committed to upholding parents ability to protect their childrens privacy, Brian Boynton, who heads the DOJs Civil Division, said in a statement. This action is necessary to prevent the defendants, who are repeat offenders and operate on a massive scale, from collecting and using young childrens private information without any parental consent or control.

Whats next: The complaint called for penalties against TikTok and ByteDance. Fines could be more than $50,000 per violation, which could result in financial penalties in the case reaching tens of billions of dollars, though a settlement would likely lead to a far smaller number.

The complaint also calls for a permanent injunction to prevent future violations of the COPPA Rule by Defendants.

Whats not in the lawsuit? The DOJs suit does not include claims that TikTok deceived its U.S. users by telling them that its employees in China did not have access to their data. POLITICO reported in March that the FTC had been considering questions about TikToks data flow to China.

When the FTC referred the complaint to the DOJ for litigation, it included allegations about that alleged deception according to two people with direct knowledge of the referral. But the DOJ  which has the final say over whats included in the lawsuit  chose not to pursue that, the people said.

Justice Department officials did not comment at the time on the substance of the referral, but the agency, led by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco has been closely involved with national security concerns surrounding TikTok, including the law to force its sale. TikTok is currently challenging the constitutionality of the law.
FILE - Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco testifies during a hearing, April 19, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Justice Department is committed to sharing with social media companies information that it picks up about efforts by foreign governments to influence this year's elections, according to a speech being given by Monaco, Friday, August. 2, 2024. Monaco will say that though it's up to companies to decide what if any action to take, the department will continue to provide them with actionable intelligence so they can make decisions about foreign threats on their platforms. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Justice Department remains committed to sharing with social media companies information that it picks up about efforts by foreign governments to influence this year's elections, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco told a lawyers' conference on Friday.

Speaking at the American Bar Association's annual meeting, Monaco, the department's No. 2 official, said that though it's ultimately up to technology companies to decide what if any action to take, We will provide companies with actionable intelligence so they can make decisions regarding abuse on their platforms by adversaries conducting foreign malign influence operations, including targeting our elections.

The comments were part of a wide-ranging speech on election security in which Monaco also warned that Russia remains the primary foreign threat to elections, with Moscow targeting specific voting demographics and using encrypted direct-messaging apps to reach Americans, and sound an alarm about a rising threat of violence to public officials  including election workers.

The Justice Department in the last two years has prosecuted nearly 700 threat cases, more than half of which involved public officials.

These threats are unacceptable. No one  no one  should endure threats of violence simply for doing their job, Monaco said. For the right to vote to be real for every American, election workers  who are often, after all, volunteers  must be able to do their jobs free from improper influence, physical threats, or any other conduct designed to intimidate.

The speech was given at the ABA's Democracy Summit in Chicago, with Monaco reminding the audience of lawyers of their obligation to uphold the rule of law and promote faith in election integrity.

Our republic depends on the operation of a free and fair electoral process  with results that are respected and with elections that are free from violence and free from foreign interference, Monaco said.

Monaco's remarks come weeks after a Supreme Court ruling that permitted the federal government to interact with social media companies, with the justices ruling against Republican-led states who claimed federal officials leaned on the platforms to unconstitutionally squelch conservative points of view. The court said the states and other parties did not have the legal right, or standing, to sue.

The department this week also made public for the first time a series of procedures the FBI uses for deciding when to share information with social media companies about threats to their platforms. That step was encouraged in a recent report by the Justice Department inspector general.

As we carry out this work, we will continue to keep the public updated not only about why we are doing it but also how Monaco said.

Under the procedures, the FBI may be in touch with companies when it identifies activities on a platform being conducted by, or on behalf of, a foreign government to support an influence operation or if there are specific and credible facts showing the activity can be attributed to a foreign government.

The procedures state that the FBI must make clear that it is not asking the social media company to take any action and that the company is under no obligation to do so.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Its been nearly two years since she ran for governor of Rhode Island as a Republican, but Ashley Kalus is still involved in local politics.

During the latest fundraising quarter of April 1 through June 30, Kalus made a contribution of $2,000  the maximum annual contribution  to House Speaker Joe Shekarchis reelection campaign.

Kalus told 12 News she made the donation because she supported Shekarchis legislation to increase the production of accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

I support policies that advance Rhode Island, she said. The speakers housing legislation is commendable. Ive historically supported ADUs and single to multifamily conversions to quickly increase housing stock.

BACKGROUND: Shekarchis new housing package aims for production, production, production

According to Shekarchis Board of Elections (BOE) report, Kalus donation was made on April 21.

As for whether there are concerns the donation could anger fellow Republicans, Kalus said she is happy to speak with them directly to discuss her reasoning.

Campaign finance data from the BOE showed Kalus also donated $1,000 in April to Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz.

Kalus noted that she donated to another GOP incumbent: Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins.

That donation was made after this past quarter and will be reflected in the next quarters report, Hopkins campaign said.

Kalus said she plans to make contributions to other Republicans in the General Assembly and competitive races this cycle.

In her run for governor, Kalus lost to Gov. Dan McKee, earning 38.9% of the vote.

ALSO READ: McKee outraises Foulkes as two Dems quietly prepare for 2026 contest

Acknowledging the donation, Shekarchi said he has prided himself on working across both sides of the aisle since becoming speaker.

All of the state budgets have had bipartisan support and we have adopted several of the suggestions from Minority Leader Mike Chippendale and his Republican colleagues within each budget, Shekarchi said. Unlike what is happening in Washington, I think Rhode Islanders want to see our leaders working cooperatively, and I appreciate that recognition and support from Ashley Kalus.

Shekarchi also noted that Kalus attended a fundraiser of his in Florida back in March. Her attendance was reported at the time by GoLocalProv.

More recently, Kalus headlined a fundraiser for Ken Naylor, chairman of the Rhode Island Young Republicans and candidate for School Committee in West Warwick.

As for whether Kalus will run for governor again in 2026, she said, I have not thought about 2026. It is 2024.

NEXT: Ruggerio misses fundraiser on same day challenger urges him to retire like Biden

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 31: Democratic Presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks during the Sigma Gamma Rho's 60th International Biennial Boule at the George R. Brown Convention Center on July 31, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Vice President Harris continues campaigning around the country against Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump ahead of the November 5 presidential election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Enough Democratic delegates selected Kamala Harris to make her the partys presidential nominee by Friday, during an ongoing virtual vote that began less than two weeks after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign.

The vote, which will not officially close until Monday evening, was held in advance of the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place in Chicago later this month, to assuage concerns about state registration deadlines that begin in August.

The DNC began laying the groundwork for the virtual nomination months before Biden announced his decision to step aside.

Harris said on a call with supporters Friday that she was happy to have surpassed the threshold needed to win the nomination.

Of course, I will officially accept your nomination next week once the virtual voting period has closed, but already Im happy to know that we have enough delegates to secure the nomination, Harris said.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison encouraged DNC delegates to keep sending in their ballots during the Zoom call, but said the support for Harris so far has been overwhelming.

I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party following the close of voting on Monday, he said.

The outpouring of support we have witnessed for the vice president has been unprecedented, Harrison added. We knew your ballots would come back quickly. But the fact that we can say today, just one day after we opened voting, that the vice president has crossed the majority threshold and will officially be our nominee next week  folks, that is simply outstanding.

The virtual roll call vote began Thursday at 9 a.m. Eastern and will conclude Monday at 6 p.m. Eastern. Harris was the only candidate to qualify.

The DNC plans to announce the final results afterward, including a state-by-state breakdown.

One of Harris first official acts will be selecting a running mate from a list that holds several governors as well as at least one senator. Her decision will set the tone for the sprint to the ballot box.

Harris and her running mate are expected to hold rallies in swing states next week, including Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday, North Carolina on Thursday, Georgia and Arizona on Friday, and Nevada on Saturday.
By Alimat Aliyeva

For the first time, the Philippines and Japan conducted joint exercises in the South China Sea (SCM) in order to strengthen regional cooperation, Azernews reports.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines, represented by the Naval Forces (Navy), and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces conducted the first joint operation in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) on August 2, 2024. This event was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation in order to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region," the message reads.

On July 8, the Philippines and Japan signed a defense cooperation agreement, under which Filipino and Japanese military personnel will be able to interact and share experiences on the territory of their countries.

Philippine media have noted that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. openly advocates that the Japanese military take part in the major annual Balikatan military exercises next year. This year, the maneuvers took place from April 22 to May 10, involving about 11 thousand American and about 5 thousand Filipino troops, as well as several hundred Australian and French military personnel.
The recent 11% drop in NICO Resources Limited's (ASX:NC1) stock could come as a blow to insiders who purchased AU$2.21m worth of stock at an average buy price of AU$0.32 over the past 12 months. Insiders invest with the hopes of seeing their money grow in value over time. However, as a result of recent losses, their initial investment is now only worth AU$832.7k, which is not what they expected.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

See our latest analysis for NICO Resources

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At NICO Resources

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Non-Executive Chairman Peter Cook bought AU$1.0m worth of shares at a price of AU$0.40 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of AU$0.12. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price.

In the last twelve months insiders purchased 6.94m shares for AU$2.2m. But they sold 200.00k shares for AU$28k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by NICO Resources insiders. Their average price was about AU$0.32. These transactions suggest that insiders have considered the current price attractive. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of undervalued small cap companies that insiders are buying.

Insiders At NICO Resources Have Sold Stock Recently

The last three months saw some NICO Resources insider selling. Non-Executive Director Roderick Corps divested only AU$28k worth of shares in that time. It's not great to see insider selling, nor the lack of recent buyers. But the selling simply isn't sufficiently substantial to be of much use as a signal.

Insider Ownership

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that NICO Resources insiders own 31% of the company, worth about AU$4.1m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.

Story continues

So What Does This Data Suggest About NICO Resources Insiders?

Our data shows a little more insider selling, but no insider buying, in the last three months. But the sales were small, so we're not concerned. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Insiders do have a stake in NICO Resources and their transactions don't cause us concern. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. For example, NICO Resources has 5 warning signs (and 4 which are concerning) we think you should know about.

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
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has gained the support of enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Yesterday Harris spoke to potential voters during a stop in Wisconsin and tomorrow is scheduled to attend an event in Texas (Scott Olson/Getty Images).

WASHINGTON  Enough Democratic delegates selected Kamala Harris to make her the partys presidential nominee by Friday, during an ongoing virtual vote that began less than two weeks after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign.

The vote, which will not officially close until Monday evening, was held in advance of the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place in Chicago later this month, to assuage concerns about state registration deadlines that begin in August.

The DNC began laying the groundwork for the virtual nomination months before Biden announced his decision to step aside.

Harris said on a call with supporters Friday that she was happy to have surpassed the threshold needed to win the nomination.

Of course, I will officially accept your nomination next week once the virtual voting period has closed, but already Im happy to know that we have enough delegates to secure the nomination, Harris said.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison encouraged DNC delegates to keep sending in their ballots during the Zoom call, but said the support for Harris so far has been overwhelming.

I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party following the close of voting on Monday, he said.

The outpouring of support we have witnessed for the vice president has been unprecedented, Harrison added. We knew your ballots would come back quickly. But the fact that we can say today, just one day after we opened voting, that the vice president has crossed the majority threshold and will officially be our nominee next week  folks, that is simply outstanding.

The virtual roll call vote began Thursday at 9 a.m. Eastern and will conclude Monday at 6 p.m. Eastern. Harris was the only candidate to qualify.

The DNC plans to announce the final results afterward, including a state-by-state breakdown.

One of Harris first official acts will be selecting a running mate from a list that holds several governors as well as at least one senator. Her decision will set the tone for the sprint to the ballot box.

Harris and her running mate are expected to hold rallies in swing states next week, including Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday, North Carolina on Thursday, Georgia and Arizona on Friday, and Nevada on Saturday.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks during the Sigma Gamma Rho's 60th International Biennial Boule at the George R. Brown Convention Center on July 31, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Enough Democratic delegates selected Kamala Harris to make her the partys presidential nominee by Friday, during an ongoing virtual vote that began less than two weeks after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign.

The vote, which will not officially close until Monday evening, was held in advance of the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place in Chicago later this month, to assuage concerns about state registration deadlines that begin in August.

The DNC began laying the groundwork for the virtual nomination months before Biden announced his decision to step aside.

Harris said on a call with supporters Friday that she was happy to have surpassed the threshold needed to win the nomination.

Of course, I will officially accept your nomination next week once the virtual voting period has closed, but already Im happy to know that we have enough delegates to secure the nomination, Harris said.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison encouraged DNC delegates to keep sending in their ballots during the Zoom call, but said the support for Harris so far has been overwhelming.

I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party following the close of voting on Monday, he said.

The outpouring of support we have witnessed for the vice president has been unprecedented, Harrison added. We knew your ballots would come back quickly. But the fact that we can say today, just one day after we opened voting, that the vice president has crossed the majority threshold and will officially be our nominee next week  folks, that is simply outstanding.

The virtual roll call vote began Thursday at 9 a.m. Eastern and will conclude Monday at 6 p.m. Eastern. Harris was the only candidate to qualify.

The DNC plans to announce the final results afterward, including a state-by-state breakdown.

One of Harris first official acts will be selecting a running mate from a list that holds several governors as well as at least one senator. Her decision will set the tone for the sprint to the ballot box.

Harris and her running mate are expected to hold rallies in swing states next week, including Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday, North Carolina on Thursday, Georgia and Arizona on Friday, and Nevada on Saturday.
(Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Enough Democratic delegates selected Kamala Harris to make her the partys presidential nominee by Friday, during an ongoing virtual vote that began less than two weeks after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign.

The vote, which will not officially close until Monday evening, was held in advance of the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place in Chicago later this month, to assuage concerns about state registration deadlines that begin in August.

The DNC began laying the groundwork for the virtual nomination months before Biden announced his decision to step aside.

Harris said on a call with supporters Friday that she was happy to have surpassed the threshold needed to win the nomination.

Of course, I will officially accept your nomination next week once the virtual voting period has closed, but already Im happy to know that we have enough delegates to secure the nomination, Harris said.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison encouraged DNC delegates to keep sending in their ballots during the Zoom call, but said the support for Harris so far has been overwhelming.

I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party following the close of voting on Monday, he said.

The outpouring of support we have witnessed for the vice president has been unprecedented, Harrison added. We knew your ballots would come back quickly. But the fact that we can say today, just one day after we opened voting, that the vice president has crossed the majority threshold and will officially be our nominee next week  folks, that is simply outstanding.

The virtual roll call vote began Thursday at 9 a.m. Eastern and will conclude Monday at 6 p.m. Eastern. Harris was the only candidate to qualify.

The DNC plans to announce the final results afterward, including a state-by-state breakdown.

One of Harris first official acts will be selecting a running mate from a list that holds several governors as well as at least one senator. Her decision will set the tone for the sprint to the ballot box.

Harris and her running mate are expected to hold rallies in swing states next week, including Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday, North Carolina on Thursday, Georgia and Arizona on Friday, and Nevada on Saturday.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris is interviewing a half-dozen potential running mates this weekend ahead of a formal announcement and a battleground tour with her new No. 2 next week.

Her interview list includes Govs. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Tim Walz of Minnesota, as well as Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, according to two people with knowledge of Harris selection process. The people were granted anonymity to discuss private campaign deliberations.

Shapiro and Kelly had been viewed as among the front-runners during her truncated selection process, which began with the vetting of about a dozen names. Some have publicly withdrawn from consideration, such as North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who is close with Harris from their shared time as state attorneys general but expressed concern about regularly traveling out of the state if he were to be on the national Democratic ticket.

Her deadline for picking a running mate is effectively Tuesday, when Harris will launch a tour of seven key battleground states, starting in Philadelphia.

President Joe Biden told reporters Friday that he has spoken to Harris about her search for a vice presidential candidate, but when asked whether he had advice for the qualities she should look for in a running mate, the president publicly demurred.

Ill let her work that out, Biden said on the South Lawn of the White House before departing for Wilmington, Delaware, for the weekend.

Some of the people on Harris short list had abruptly cancelled their plans for this weekend, signaling that something could be afoot in the vice-presidential selection process. For example, Shapiro scrapped three weekend fundraisers in the seaside communities on the coast of Long Island, New York, and his press secretary, Manuel Bonder, offered little explanation as to why.

The governors trip was planned several weeks ago and included several fundraisers for his own campaign committee, Bonder said in a statement. His schedule has changed and he is no longer traveling to the Hamptons this weekend.

One Shapiro fundraiser was to be hosted by Michael Kempner, a member of President Joe Biden s national finance committee. Kempner said in a note to invitees that the gathering had been postponed and openly advocated for Shapiro to be Harris No. 2, writing that many are speculating that this is a sign he will be the vice president.

Meanwhile, a video put on social media by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker -- who is publicly supporting Shapiro for vice president -- caused a stir Friday. It showed a number of Philadelphia-area officials and Democrats promoting Harris for president, but also touting Shapiro for vice president, suggesting to some that Parker may have inside knowledge about Harris decision.

However, a person with knowledge of the mayors thinking said the video was simply the mayor showing support for both Harris and the potential that Shapiro, Parkers friend, will be her vice presidential running mate. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

__

Associated Press writer Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pa., contributed to this report.
Vice President Kamala Harris officially locked up the Democratic presidential nomination on Friday after receiving the support of a majority of Democratic convention delegates in a virtual roll-call vote.

The expedited roll-call vote, which began Thursday  more than two weeks before the convention is set to begin in Chicago  does not conclude until Monday evening. But the Democratic National Committee said on a call with supporters on Friday afternoon that Harris had already crossed the majority threshold needed for the official nomination.

The nomination reflects Democrats determination to project unity following President Joe Bidens historic July 21 decision not to seek a second term. The weeks preceding Bidens announcement were marked by chaos and intra-party dissension after a disastrous June 27 debate performance raised serious doubts about how Bidens age and fitness would affect his ability to compete.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after withdrawing, spurring a wave of relief and excitement among Democrats that fueled a massive fundraising haul for Harris.

Republicans, by contrast, have struggled to find their footing against Harris in the short period since she became the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Former President Donald Trump, who had been counting on facing Biden in November, claimed Wednesday that a few years ago, Harris happened to turn Black. Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican immigrant father and an Indian immigrant mother, has identified as Black for years in the public eye.

Trump has also declined to commit to a debate with Harris, prompting some taunting from Harris, who noted that Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), have had no problem blasting her from afar.

Well, Donald, I do hope youll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage, because as the saying goes, if youve got something to say, say it to my face, she said at a rally in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Harris, who broke barriers as Bidens second-in-command, nonetheless faces an uphill battle to do that once again now that shes the Democratic Partys presidential nominee.

Harris, 59, was the first Black, Asian American, and female vice president  and would break many of the same barriers as president. But to do so, she will have to overcome a complex set of political and practical challenges.

And shell have to do it mindful of the loss eight years ago by the first major party female presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton.

Having Harris at the top of the ticket also brings some benefits, however. For one thing, she has strong support among key Democratic constituencies:Senior Blackelected officials, in particular, made it clear as Bidens candidacy faltered that they would strongly support the selection of Harris as his successor.



Harris, who grew up in Berkeley, California, represented her home state in the U.S. Senate since 2017, before ascending to the vice presidency in 2021.



Over the course of four years in Congress upper chamber, she focused on hunger, housing, infrastructure and climate change. She was on the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees. While on the latter, she participated in the confirmation hearings of two U.S. Supreme Court justices.



Harris came to the Senate after serving as attorney general of California, a high-profile post given the states outsized footprint in state-led legal fights. During her tenure, the state won a $20 billion settlement from banks to help Californians avoid having their homes foreclosed on, and a $1.1 billion settlement for attendees of a shuttered for-profit college.

As a prosecutor, Harris developed a reputation as a tough-on-crime moderate that elicited criticism from progressives during her 2019 presidential run. Among other controversial tactics, she advocated for imposing on fines and up to a year of jail time for parents of truant school children, which led some of the states counties to jail single mothers dealing with economic hardship. Harris had pioneered the policy as district attorney of San Francisco from 2003 to 2010. She ascended to the post after ousting a more progressive incumbent in a Democratic primary.



As a presidential candidate, Harris disarmed some of her left-wing detractors with an ambitious criminal justice reform plan, which proposed phasing out the death penalty, solitary confinement, and cash bail. Harris also said she regretted that the state truancy law she championed had criminalized some low-income parents.



In spite of Harris depth of experience as a prosecutor, lawmaker, and vice president, her nomination carries significant risks.



Harris has had little electoral success outside of deep blue California. Her presidential run in 2019 fizzled early, prompting her to drop out of the race well before the Iowa caucuses.



She is now set to be subject to greater scrutiny than ever before. And Republicans have already seized on her work addressing root causes of unauthorized immigration from Central America, incorrectly dubbing her Bidens border czar during a period when unauthorized migrant arrivals surged.



But Harris was also a sought-after campaign surrogate during the Biden campaign, particularly on the issue of abortion rights, which Democrats hope to use against Republicans in November. Harris has spoken forcefully about the fight to protect abortion rights, laying the blame for their erosion, particularly the overturning of Roe v. Wade, squarely on the previous Trump administration.



Following an April court ruling that upheld Arizonas pre-statehood abortion ban, Harris traveled to the state with a simple message. We all must understand who all is to blame, she said. Former President Donald Trump did this.
Harris is now the first Black woman and first Asian American to be nominated for president by a major party. Delegates began casting their votes remotely on Aug. 1 in preparation of the DNC later this month

Getty Images Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination, less than two weeks after President Joe Bidens historic decision to suspend his reelection campaign.

A virtual nominating process began on Thursday, Aug. 1, and party delegates were given four days to complete the roll call. Though other Democrats could have challenged Harris for the party's nomination, nobody else chose to join the race, leaving delegates with the option to either vote for Harris or vote "present."

On Friday, Aug. 2, Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison revealed in a livestream that a majority of Democratic delegates had cast their votes for Harris, confirming her place as their history-making nominee.

Harris will now be the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major party's presidential ticket. She plans to formally accept the nomination after the virtual voting period ends on Monday evening.

Related: Kamala Harris Secures Enough Delegate Support to Win 2024 Democratic Presidential Nomination

The Democratic National Convention  where the delegate roll call would typically take place  is scheduled for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. However, the Democratic National Committee earlier decided on a process to set the partys nominee by Aug. 7, CNN reported.



Andrew Harnik/Getty President Joe Biden watches Vice President Kamala Harris deliver remarks at a May 29 campaign rally in Philadelphia

Biden announced his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, July 21, and quickly endorsed his vice president. The decision came after concerns about his age bubbled up in the wake of his feeble performance during the first 2024 presidential debate against the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.

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One day after his announcement, Harris said in a statement she was grateful to Biden, 81, and other members of the Democratic Party who have already put their faith in me.

"When I announced my campaign for President, I said I intended to go out and earn this nomination, Harris said in the statement. Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party's nominee, and as a daughter of California, I am proud that my home state's delegation helped put our campaign over the top. I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon.

Related: Who Will Kamala Harris Pick as Her 2024 Running Mate? Possible VP Candidates to Fill Out New Democratic Ticket

Kenny Holston-Pool/Gett Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to reporters in Washington, D.C., on July 25, 2024

In Biden's own statement as he stepped aside, the president said, "I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me."

"I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can't do  when we do it together," he added. "We just have to remember we are the United States of America."

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Harris later said she was honored to have Bidens endorsement, adding she intends to earn and win the Democratic presidential nomination.

Hours after Biden made his announcement, Harris and Biden filed documents with the Federal Election Commission to officially change the name of the campaign to Harris for President.



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After the imbroglio about Donald Trumps racist comments questioning whether Vice President Kamala Harris is in fact Black or Indian (shes both), Senate Republicans immediately found themselves on the back foot once again.

Trump bizarrely floated the idea of eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits, much to the GOPs befuddlement.

It could not have come at a worse time. Republicans had just blocked a tax package that included plenty of incentives for businesses and an expanded Child Tax Credit on Thursday. They are doing this because they hope that if Trump wins and they flip the Senate in November, they can get a better deal where they can simply extend the 2017 tax cuts that Trump signed into law.

Senate Minority Whip John Thune seemed uncomfortable talking about it all as he waited for his car to leave Washington for South Dakota.

Well, well see, Thune told The Independent, when asked about eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits might cost. I mean, obviously, that's got a fairly big score. We'll cross all those bridges.

Thune is in the running to become Republican leader in the Senate when Mitch McConnell steps aside later this year. As Whip, hes responsible for counting votes. But hes still very much a small-government, pro-business Republican and removing taxes on Social Security  to say nothing of Trumps idea to remove taxes on tips  would blow a huge spending hole in the GOPs plans. Frankly, theyd much rather use that money on corporate tax cuts or reducing the rate for top earners.

By contrast, Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, one of the biggest climate hawks in the Senate, said he was not fazed by reports that Kamala Harris had changed one of her own positions. Harris now opposes a ban on fracking.

If she doesn't win, we can't do a damn thing, he told The Independent this week.

The two parties now find themselves in opposing spots: Republicans are having to throw out their best-laid plans in exchange for Trumps priorities while Democrats have one goal: Just win, baby.

Harriss flip on fracking comes as she hopes to lock Pennsylvania  another reason she is considering naming its governor, Josh Shapiro, as her running mate. Harris also has to make sure Senator Bob Casey  the states most senior Democrat  wins re-election if she wants to pass anything on climate.

I know personally what it means to the people of Pennsylvania in terms of job creation, in terms of having giving us an alternative source of energy which almost singlehandedly has allowed us to be virtually free of Middle East oil or significantly less dependent, he told The Independent. And so I know the benefit to our state, and I think that the vice president has seen that over time.

Presidential candidates typically pivot to the center for a general election, even if, in Harriss case, she did not go through a grueling primary where she espoused more progressive policy positions.

At the same time, Harris had a fairly liberal voting record in the Senate  which should come as no surprise, given that she represented California. Indeed, between 2019 and 2021, she voted to the left of Bernie Sanders.

But being a freshman senator from California is quite different to being the leader of a party. Now she has to focus on shoring up Democrats downballot and winning in states that arent as left-wing as the West Coast.

Senator Joe Manchin, who has in the past clashed with Harris, all but celebrated her move to the center.

Its wonderful, he told The Independent. Basically, that's where we live our lives.

By contrast, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina  who has collaborated and clashed with Trump in equal measure  seemed to wince when talking about Trumps proposal to remove taxes on Social Security payments, something that would almost certainly boost support among a key demographic for Republicans: older Americans.

We've got a lot of priorities from President Trump, he told The Independent, noting how Republicans will need to balance multiple priorities if they get a trifecta win in the House, Senate and presidency.

And here lies the GOPs predicament. During his years in the White House, Republicans ignored Trumps tweets or his attempts to subvert the rule of law since he saw them as their best shot to cut taxes and confirm a litany of judges.

But they could not ignore his whims. The same thing happened recently as the head of Project 2025 stepped down after Trump tried to distance himself from it.

By comparison, as painful and convoluted as the Democrats past month after the debate were, the internecine argument circled around one thing alone: What would it take to win?

Thats largely because the GOP has reduced itself not to a party devoted to electing Republicans or even promoting Trumpism but purely to promoting Donald Trump. The Democratic Party, by contrast, remains a normal, functioning party.
Kamala Harris raises more than double the donations of Donald Trump

Kamala Harris is set to receive another boost when she announces her running mate - ARVIN TEMKAR/SHUTTERSTOCK

Kamala Harris trounced Donald Trumps fundraising efforts last month with a $310 million (242 million) donation haul.

The Democratic candidate beat her Republican rival, whose campaign raised 108 million ($138.7 million) in July, the same month he survived an assassination attempt and announced JD Vance as his running mate.

Ms Harris, who officially secured her partys nomination on Friday, entered August with a $377 million war chest.

Her campaign described it as the most for any presidential candidate in history at this point in the cycle, which exceeded the $327 million Trumps team announced it had on hand.

In a campaign email sent to supporters on Friday, Ms Harris said the 12 days since Joe Biden stepped down and she announced her election bid had been incredibly inspiring.

Noting the vast donation haul, she said: The enthusiasm is real, the momentum is shifting, and Donald Trump is feeling the heat.

Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Ms Harriss campaign manager said: The tremendous outpouring of support weve seen in just a short time makes clear the Harris coalition is mobilised, growing, and ready to put in the work to defeat Trump this November.

Our money is going to the work that wins close elections.

Trumps totals for July were boosted by an assassination attempt against the former president during a rally in Pennsylvania, which galvanised some of his fiercest supporters, and by his selection of Mr Vance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Trump's team said it had $327 million on hand entering August, after the assassination attempt and the JD Vance announcement - MARCO BELLO/REUTERS

Ms Harris, 59, should receive another boost in campaign donations when she announces her running mate in the coming days. They expect a further uplift during the Democratic convention, which starts on Aug 19 in Chicago.

The figures released by both campaigns this week do not include full Federal Elections Commission fillings. This makes it difficult to determine how much of Ms Harris haul came after Mr Biden announced he was abandoning his re-election bid on July 21.

The vice-president is expected to select her vice-president candidate before a joint rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday when the pair will kick off a tour of the swing states.

Ms Harris is planning to meet the candidates this weekend after law firm Covington & Burling finished vetting her potential picks, according to the New York Times.

The former California attorney general is said to be leaning towards picking Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, Axios reported.

Other candidates in the running include Mark Kelly, the Arizona senator, and Andy Beshear, the Kentucky governor,

Ms Harris secured a majority of the pledged delegates to the 2024 Democratic National Convention after being the sole candidate on the ballot for a five-day electronic vote.

She will be officially crowned at a Chicago convention later this month.

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By Stephanie Kelly and Jasper Ward

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Kamala Harris on Friday secured the delegate votes needed to clinch the Democratic U.S. presidential nomination and become the first woman of color at the top of a major party ticket.

Harris, the U.S. vice president, became the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden bowed to pressure from within the party and dropped out of the race last month. Harris quickly won the support of party heavyweights and was the only candidate to qualify for the Democratic presidential ballot, which ensured the outcome of the delegate voting was never in doubt.

Party delegates voted virtually this week. Harris, who joined the livestream event where the announcement was made, said she would officially accept the nomination next week after the virtual voting period had closed.

"But already I'm happy to know that we have enough delegates to secure the nomination," said Harris, the first Black and Asian person to become U.S. vice president.

"And later this month, we will gather in Chicago united as one party where we're going to have an opportunity to celebrate this historic moment together."

Harris needed to pass a 2,350-vote threshold from delegates to formally secure the nomination, her campaign said.

DNC leaders had pledged to deliver a presidential nominee by Aug. 7, before the Aug. 19-22 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

The DNC had said a virtual vote was needed to ensure the nomination process was completed by Aug. 7, the date by which Ohio law required a nominee in place to make the state's ballot.

Ohio lawmakers subsequently pushed back the deadline to Sept. 1, but party officials said they nevertheless wanted to meet the Aug. 7 deadline to avoid any legal risk in the state.

(Reporting by Stephanie Kelly and Jasper Ward, editing by Deepa Babington)
Key Insights

Institutions' substantial holdings in Rolls-Royce Holdings implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price

The top 22 shareholders own 50% of the company

Recent purchases by insiders

If you want to know who really controls Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (LON:RR.), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are institutions with 77% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

And as as result, institutional investors reaped the most rewards after the company's stock price gained 12% last week. One-year return to shareholders is currently 150% and last weeks gain was the icing on the cake.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Rolls-Royce Holdings.

See our latest analysis for Rolls-Royce Holdings

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Rolls-Royce Holdings?

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 Rolls-Royce Holdings does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. 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. 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 Rolls-Royce Holdings' historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Rolls-Royce Holdings. BlackRock, Inc. is currently the company's largest shareholder with 6.7% of shares outstanding. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 6.0% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 4.5% by the third-largest shareholder.

Looking at the shareholder registry, we can see that 50% of the ownership is controlled by the top 22 shareholders, meaning that no single shareholder has a majority interest in the ownership.

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 Rolls-Royce Holdings

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.

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 less than 1% of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc. As it is a large company, we'd only expect insiders to own a small percentage of it. But it's worth noting that they own UK6.9m worth of shares. In this sort of situation, it can be more interesting to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 20% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. 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:

While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should learn about the 4 warning signs we've spotted with Rolls-Royce Holdings (including 2 which are a bit unpleasant) .

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.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic presidential nomination after gaining a majority of pledged delegates at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, she announced on Aug. 2.

Harris became the presumptive nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race last month and now has a chance of becoming the first female U.S. president in history.

"I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States," she said in a post on social media, adding: "I will officially accept the nomination next week."

"This campaign is about people coming together, fueled by love of country, to fight for the best of who we are," she said.

I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I will officially accept the nomination next week.



This campaign is about people coming together, fueled by love of country, to fight for the best of who we are.



Join us: https://t.co/abmve926Hz  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 2, 2024

Biden left the race amid increased pressure from high-ranking Democrats for him to drop out of the race, citing concerns regarding Biden's fitness for office and mental acuity intensified following the president's poor debate performance in June.

A career prosecutor from California, Harris served on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence as a Senator before running in the 2020 Democratic primary. She dropped out of the race and endorsed Biden, who appointed her as his running mate. She became the first female vice president in U.S. history in January 2021.

Harris' work as VP has focused heavily on immigration and reproductive rights, but she has played a role in the Biden administration's foreign affairs efforts.

At Ukraine's global peace summit in Switzerland in June, Harris represented the U.S. and announced over $1.5 billion in additional support for Ukraine. The summit also marked her sixth meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In February 2023, Harris accused Russia of crimes against humanity for its war in Ukraine at the Munich Security Conference, saying the aggressor must be held responsible for their "barbaric" war operations.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst said that a Harris presidency would likely maintain the same policy towards Ukraine demonstrated by the Biden administration. He added that regardless of the outcome of the November vote, there are still six months left in Biden's term.

Ukrainian officials, including Zelensky, have stressed that Kyiv will continue to cooperate productively with any U.S. administration, regardless of the outcome of the November election.

Read also: Heres where Kamala Harriss potential VP picks stand on Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Kamala Harris is preparing for the final stage of selecting a running mate: face-to-face interviews.

She has yet to meet with any of the vice presidential finalists in person. But Harris plans to do so in the coming days, the last step in an unusually condensed vetting process before a public rollout next week that includes a rally Tuesday in Philadelphia.

Several top contenders have met in recent days with Harris vetting team.

The accelerated timeline has set off a mad scramble by candidates to publicly audition for the job on cable TV and campaign rallies  and their allies to lobby for them  while everyone tries to read clues such as Harris telling aides privately that she prioritizes finding a governing partner.

And while aides have insisted that they are trying to tune out a lot of the public hype around contenders, Harris team is studying how her potential running mates communicate. Two people familiar with the process suggested that she has yet to truly whittle down the final list and may meet with several individuals before deciding.



Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, whose campaign has started gaming out how it may respond to Harris pick, has offered his opponent something of a cautionary tale with his own selection of JD Vance, whose rocky rollout has only reinforced the importance of the golden rule of any Veepstakes: do no harm.

Heres a look at where this process stands.

The state of Kamala Harris VP search

Some of the aides and allies involved in the vice presidential nominee decision-making process are Harris chief-of-staff Sheila Nix, Harris campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon, former Rep. Cedric Richmond and Harris brother-in-law Tony West, according to two people familiar with the discussions and granted anonymity to discuss a private process.

The Harris vetting team has already met with Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Andy Beshear of Kentucky; Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly; and others. The team has also asked vice presidential nominee candidates for previous ads theyve filmed.

Harris and her vetting team are well aware of both the public reactions and the online chatter about the candidates, but two other people familiar with the process, and granted anonymity to discuss private conversations, told POLITICO that neither are weighing much into Harriss decision.

Her primary consideration is not who can excite the base. Harris has already brought plenty of excitement to the partys core backers. The question is how do you get to 270 electoral votes and is that impacted by the choice that you make?

The Democratic base is very enthusiastic about Kamala Harris and I dont think thats going to change, said David Axelrod, a former adviser to former President Barack Obama. She has a chance now through this VP choice to broaden her base and send a message to the rest of the electorate thats open to her, and thats rare.

Harris has told aides that she wants someone, ideally, with some sort of executive experience and with whom she has a good rapport. One of the people familiar with the process said Harris is looking for a governing partner above all else. She knows the process better than most, and understands the challenges and opportunities.

Adam Hodge, a former Biden administration official, noted that Harris is picking someone to potentially govern by her side for years, not just to help her in one election.

No one understands that more acutely than the vice president and her team, he said. Its not just a pick for a running mate, its a pick for a vice president.



Some members of Harris team have also prioritized geography and ability to go on the attack against Trump and Vance. And Democrats have spoken openly about the need to select a white man; Harris, the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, has already faced racist and sexist attacks.

Harris veepstakes is an extraordinarily fast process

Making all those calculations in such a short period is a challenge.

We vetted [VP candidates] over a period of months, Axelrod said of the Obama campaign. They're doing it over a period of days, and that is nerve-wracking.

Vances shaky rollout as Trumps running mate has been a vivid reminder to the Harris team that they need to be exceedingly careful in their choice, according to three other officials familiar with the process but not authorized to speak publicly. Aides are working around the clock to dig into the candidates' backgrounds in hopes of spotting some of the landmines  like Vances past comments demeaning childless cat ladies  that are defining the young senators introduction to the voting public.

"Theyre vetting these guys in the span of a week, and that worries me," said one Democratic strategist who has been involved in vice presidential vetting before. "I dont think any of them are JD Vance, but I dont know if thats enough time to go through their lives with a fine-tooth comb."

The vetting process is being led by former attorney general Eric Holder. A partner at Covington & Burling, where he oversees a well regarded white-collar investigations unit, Holder is well-suited for the job of poring over potential nominees financial records, family histories and other considerations.

The speed at which Harris has had to move has led many in the party to view the public tryouts as part of the vetting process, and the excitement over the change at the top of the Democratic ticket has led to a more harried online conversation than in past elections.

The running-mate candidates, real and rumored, have made the rounds on cable news networks, including MSNBCs influential Morning Joe, since Harris ascended to the top of the ticket.

Shapiro has largely skipped the green room circuit during the public tryout period and has appeared instead at rallies in Pennsylvania. He is a favorite of many in the West Wing, who applauded the way he worked to repair a section of I-95 in Philadelphia and was deferential to Biden while doing so, according to the officials. He also represents the largest swing state on the electoral college map, though he has clashed with Pennsylvanias teachers unions and some fear his pro-Israel stance may turn off progressives and young voters upset with the war in Gaza.

Shapiro was scheduled to headline fundraisers in New York, including the Hamptons, this weekend, but he pulled out of them on Thursday, according to a person familiar with the planning.

"The sentiment in Shapiro world is [that] hes likely to be the pick," the person said.

Also on Thursday, both Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg scrambled official events planned for Friday due to scheduling issues: Beshear canceled a planned stop at a distillery, and Buttigieg truncated his visit to Kokomo, Indiana, due to some unforeseen scheduling constraints, a spokesperson said.

Harris, meanwhile, was personally fond of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, and some in her orbit were crestfallen to see him depart the race, according to one of the officials. As for the other candidates, Buttigieg and Walz have impressed the campaign team with their public appearances.

Trump world prepares to respond

The Trump campaign and allied groups have been preparing to immediately go on offense once Harris announces her decision.

The campaign has completed its opposition research on Harris potential vice president picks, according to an official, and the two biggest pro-Trump super PACs, Make America Great Again PAC and Preserve America, have been coordinating on research.

Still, one Republican strategist working on one of the pro-Trump PACs said that the majority of their focus will remain on the San Francisco extremist at the top of the ticket regardless who she chooses as number two.

Another Republican close to the campaign said no matter who it is, the focus is gonna be kept on Kamala.

Part of that strategy is rooted in the belief that vice presidents do not sway voters and ultimately, the race is between the top of the ticket, Trump versus Harris.

Its a sentiment that has been reflected by Trump himself, who told the National Association of Black Journalists conference on Wednesday running mates have virtually no impact.



But everything matters in a close election, and each candidate on Harris list is expected to appeal to a specific slice of voters, just like Vance was seen internally to the Trump campaign as an asset for his ability to appeal to white working-class, blue-collar voters in the midwest.

Tactically, it could have an impact in an individual state that's already close by moving a point or two, said Republican strategist Karl Rove. I am dubious that the case can be made that the vice presidential pick alone means that you would win a state you would otherwise lose.

Adam Wren contributed to this report.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Wichita firefighter Ty Voth died in the line of duty Thursday afternoon. Local leaders and first responders from around the state are already offering their prayers, thoughts, and condolences. You can find those statements below.

The death of any law enforcement officer is a tragedy. A generational firefighter, Ty Voth devoted his life to protecting and serving his community, and we owe him a debt of gratitude. My deepest condolences go out to his loved ones and colleagues at the Wichita Fire Department, said Gov. Laura Kelly.

We are deeply saddened to hear of a local Wichita firefighter that has passed away from injuries obtained at a house fire in the Haysville area. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ty Voth, his family, and all of those involved. Ty was a five-year veteran of the Wichita Fire Department and will be deeply missed, said Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins.

Firefighter Ty Voth graduated from Newton High School in 2015. He later worked for the Manhattan Fire Department before returning to Newton and taking a job with the Wichita Fire Department. Yesterday he gave the ultimate sacrifice while battling a house fire in Haysvillle. He will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace, Ty, said Newton Fire/EMS.

Our hearts are heavy. Thoughts and prayers for the Wichita Fire Department for the line of duty death of Firefighter Ty Voth. Ty is the nephew of MFD Captain Kyle Voth. Ty started his career with MFD in 2017 before going to Wichita in 2019. RIP Brother, said the Manhattan Fire Department.

Please keep our Wichita Fire Department and their families in your prayers. Chief Snow informed us that one of our firefighters died in the line of duty this afternoon, said Wichita Mayor Lily Wu.

One of our bravest, 27-year-old, Ty Voth, passed away yesterday while fighting for our safety. Please keep his family, the Wichita Fire Department, and all first responders in your thoughts and prayers. We ask local flags fly at half-staff and city buildings be lit red in Tys honor, said Wu on Friday.

Awful news. Our Firefighters and this family will need a community to rally and love them. Praying for all of these people impacted and brokenhearted, said Sedgwick County Commissioner Ryan Baty.

  We honor this firefighters dedication and bravery and are deeply saddened by this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wichita Fire Department, the firefighters family, and all those affected by this tragic event. May the memory of his courage and service remain with us always, said Derby Fire and Rescue in part.

Our prayers are with Wichita Fire Department, said Halstead Fire/EMS.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those involved and the family of the fallen firefighter. Rest easy brother, we will take it from here, said the Marquette Fire Department.

Our hearts go out to the men and women of Wichita Fire Department as they struggle to deal with a line of duty death at a house fire today. Words are so inadequate at a time like this. May it help in some way to know that friends are sharing the sorrow of your hearts, said the Rose Hill Fire Department.

Our hearts ache for our brothers and sisters on the Wichita Fire Department and community this evening. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the fallen firefighter who bravely served and sacrificed earlier this afternoon. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time, said the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5.

Prayers out to WFD, said the Bentley Fire Department.

Rest in peace brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and your department, said the Medicine Lodge Fire Department.

Our prayers go out to our brothers and sisters at Wichita Fire Department and the family of the fallen. We stand at the ready to assist in any way, said Andover Fire-Rescue.

The Maize Police Department extends our deepest sympathy to the family of the Wichita Firefighter who died in the line of duty this afternoon. We are also keeping the members of the Wichita Fire Department in our prayers as they deal with this tragic loss, said the Maize Police Department.

We send our thoughts and prayers to the Wichita Fire Department, who lost a firefighter in the line of duty today. An unfortunate reminder of the sacrifices firefighters make for our communities on a regular basis, said the Comanche County Sheriffs Office.

My thoughts go out to the family, friends and co-workers of the fallen Wichita Fire Department firefighter, said Neosho County Emergency Management.

Statements will be added to this article as they come in.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Jackson County Prosecutors Office filed three separate criminal cases on Wednesday, July 31, against a Kansas City woman.

Asia Marshall was allegedly involved in several retail thefts in 2023.

Charges filed in Independence Towers child death

Marshall is charged in Jackson County Circuit Court with multiple counts of stealing, $750 or more in all three cases. They add to a laundry list of charges for the 19-year-old, accused of at least 25 crimes in a seven-month period where she and others are accused of stealing nearly $67,000 worth of store merchandise ranging from fragrances to apparel.

As part of her bond conditions, the court has ordered her not to enter or have contact with any Nike, Bath and Body Works, or Sephora store, not come within 500 feet of the Country Club Plaza.

Prosecutors say Marshall and other unnamed women began on May 20th, 2023 by stealing more than $6000 worth of flat irons and fragrances from a pair of Northland Ulta Beauty Stores.

Then on May 24, 2023, prosecutors say three female suspects entered a store in Kansas City, grabbed multiple apparel items and left together through the front doors without paying, according to court documents. The loss was reported at $1,400.

On May 27, 2023, a shoplifting was reported at a store in Overland Park by four female suspects, including Marshall. Twenty-five items were reported stolen, totaling $1,407. Shes also accused of shoplifting from a Kansas City Nike store the same day.

After being arrested that day in Overland Park, she was set to face a judge in Johnson County July 11, 2023. But instead of appearing in court, court documents show that day she was instead at the Sephora on the Plaza stealing 26 fragrance items valued at $2,183.89.

Crimes picked up in September and October at Victoria Secret Bath and Body Works and a Zona Rosa area Sephora where shes accused of stealing $6,600 dollars worth of items in a single theft.

On Sept. 20, 2023, Marshall allegedly placed numerous items in bags and then left without paying. All told that day, 248 items were reported stolen with a total value of $5,314.60, according to court documents.

On Oct. 14, 2023, Marshall allegedly stole 212 items with a value of $5386.40.

On Nov. 18, 2023, four Black women entered a store, one of them being Marshall according to investigators. The women placed numerous items in bags and then left without paying, 85 items were reported stolen with a value of $2290.75.

Leawood Hereford House closes due to financial troubles caused by recent events

After a Platte County alleged assault in November and reported robbery at the Zona Rosa Bath and Body Works in December where an employee was punched, Marshall was arrested in January. She hid under a blanket, telling officers she was 13.

But in March she pleaded to a single count of theft in Clay County, receiving probation and a suspended sentence. Jackson County would file warrants for her arrest the very next day and more in June.

Based on video surveillance, Marshall is believed to be one of the suspects who committed each of the thefts, according to court documents.

In an interview with investigators, Marshall confessed to being a suspect in all four of the thefts. She also admitted to numerous thefts in Overland Park. The stolen items added up to $2,807. The Overland Park thefts happened in May 2023.

Marshall is scheduled for a plea hearing in Platte County on Aug. 8.

This is a developing story. FOX4 will continue to update as more details become available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Former Russian prisoners Vladimir Kara-Mursa, Andrei Pivovarov and Ilya Yashin attend a press conference after the large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and several Western countries. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

The opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was released from Russian captivity on Thursday, said he wants to fight for sanctions against the "murderous regime of Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin," - just as he did before his imprisonment.

He told journalists in Bonn on Friday that targeted punitive measures against individual members of the Russian power apparatus would be the most effective. Many Western sanctions imposed in the wake of Russia's war against Ukraine were also affecting ordinary people today, which he said was unfair.

Kara-Murza once again held Putin personally responsible for the death of Kremlin opponent Alexei Navalny in a prison camp in the Arctic region in February. But had German resistance to releasing convicted Russian murderer Vadim Krasikov been overcome earlier, Navalny's life could have possibly been saved.

Putin critic Ilya Yashin also announced that he would continue his political fight for a free Russia from exile. He called on the West to campaign for the release of other opponents of Russia's war against Ukraine, who are now in prison in Russia.

More than 1,000 people are in prison camps because they are against the war, he said. However, the political prisoners would only have a chance for freedom if Putin's criminal war against Ukraine, which is also destructive for Russia, finally came to an end, said Yashin.

(L-R) Former Russian prisoners Vladimir Kara-Mursa, Andrei Pivovarov and Ilya Yashin attend a press conference after the large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and several Western countries. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

(L-R) Former Russian prisoners Vladimir Kara-Mursa, Andrei Pivovarov and Ilya Yashin attend a press conference after the large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and several Western countries. Christoph Reichwein/dpa
Karrin Taylor Robson has endorsed Kari Lake.

I am not making this up.

Taylor Robson is now endorsing a candidate she previously dubbed a complete fraud with a long liberal record of hypocrisy.

She wants Arizona voters to send the woman she called Fake Lake to the United States Senate.

Senate nominee Kari Lake, our congressional nominees, and the winners of GOP legislative primaries across the state have my full endorsement, Taylor Robson said late Tuesday in a statement issued shortly after Lakes primary win over Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb.

Lake must be relieved to get her endorsement

Lake, meanwhile, says she is honored to get the support of the Taylor Robson  an opponent she once savaged as a gold digger, a con artist and an Open-Borders, Globalist RINO who pretty much hates America but loves trans bathrooms.

I am so honored to have the endorsement of @KTaylorRobson, Lake said late Tuesday. Shes an accomplished businesswoman, a strong leader, and a fearless advocate for Republican values. Let there be no doubt that @AZGOP (the Arizona Republican Party) is the most unified its ever been.

Im not surprised that Lake is now honored to finally get an endorsement of a prominent Arizonan from the partys establishment wing, after spending most of the year chasing it. (Though Id be curious to know when the most liberal Republican Arizona has ever seen became a fearless advocate for Republican values.)

More likely, Lake is just relieved, given that four out of every 10 Republican primary voters just voted for the guy who barely had a Senate campaign.

Taylor Robson must have other political plans

Republican gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson speaks to potential voters during a campaign event at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, Ariz. on Thursday, July 14, 2022.

As for Taylor Robson, who lost to Lake in the 2022 gubernatorial primary, she is either the most forgiving person on the planet or shes planning a rerun for governor in 2026.

Yeah, Im going with the second one.

Still, its always a shock when politicians so boldly put their hypocrisy on display. When party trumps principle and the politically ambitious suddenly find themselves supporting those they consider phonies and frauds.

Like that time then-Gov. Doug Ducey vowed to fight the evils of antisemitism, then defended pouring $500,000 into a campaign to get Wendy Rogers elected to the state Senate.

Rogers may spew antisemitic garbage but, as Ducey told reporters, shes still preferable to her opponent (a Democrat).

She had plenty to say against Lake in 2022

Now we learn from Taylor Robson that a candidate we couldnt trust to be our next governor would be a swell senator.

Fake Kari Lake has a long, liberal record of hypocrisy, Taylor Robson told us in 2022.

Kari Lake is a liberal fraud  you cant trust ANYTHING she says, Taylor Robson told us.

Kari Lake could win the primary: And still lose

What to know what else she told us?

Fake Kari Lake claimed she was a Trump supporter. But days before the inauguration she was helping organize anti-Trump protests with her fellow leftists. Lake is lying about who she is.

Kari Lake? Shes all talk  and shes called for amnesty for 11 million illegal immigrants. Shes an open-borders fraud.

Everything you see on the campaign trail has been an act. Obama donor, pro-amnesty, and solicited donations to Planned Parenthood. We cant trust Fake Kari Lake to be Governor.

"She found God, Guns, and the GOP about a day and a half before she decided to run for Governor.

Was Taylor Robson lying then or now?

Kari Lake isn't who she says she is.

You cant trust ANYTHING she says.

Shes a complete fraud on all of the issues that matter.

Which, I suppose, might actually help her fit right into Washington, D.C.

As for Taylor Robson, who is now endorsing the complete fraud who cannot be trusted, I just have one question:

Either you were lying to us then or you are lying to us now.

Which is it?

Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz and on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kari Lake was a 'fraud' in 2022. Now her opponent is backing her
KCPD investigating mans death in May from April disturbance incident as homicide

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City police are now investigating a mans death in May following an incident in April as a homicide.

On April 19, KCPD officers responded to the 3200 block of Brighton Avenue on a reported disturbance. When officers arrived on scene they located a man suffering from unknown bodily trauma.

Kansas City woman accused of stealing thousands worth of merchandise

The victim was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries on May 27. He has been identified as 65-year-old Bryan Mahan.

KCPD reports after completion of an autopsy on July 31, the Jackson County Medical Examiners office declared the cause of death a homicide.

No suspect is in custody at this time.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
(Bloomberg) -- Ken Griffin is making a major push to defeat a ballot amendment that seeks to legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The billionaire financier has pledged $12 million to oppose the measure, according to spokesman Zia Ahmed. The constitutional amendment will be decided by voters in November and needs at least 60% approval to pass.

In an opinion article published Friday in the Miami Herald, Griffin argued that the proposed amendment would create a monopoly for large marijuana dispensaries and allow cannabis use in public and private areas across Florida.

In addition to his anti-legalization efforts, Griffin is also contributing $8 million to committes funding Republican candidates running for the Florida legislature, Ahmed said.

The founder of Citadel and Citadel Securities, who relocated from Chicago to Miami in 2022, has been wielding his $42 billion fortune to influence Floridas political landscape and to fund philanthropic causes.

Earlier this year, he condemned a proposed casino expansion in South Florida, likening it to dumping toxic waste into the Everglades. Legislators buried it soon after. Last year, he played a key role in watering down a proposal restricting real estate purchases by Chinese nationals, before it was enacted. In June, he gave $500,000 to back the reelection campaign of Miami-Dade Countys Democratic mayor, Daniella Levine Cava.

I have lived the nightmare of misguided politicians in other states whose policies are destroying jobs, fostering crime, ravaging schools, and damaging communities, Griffin said in a statement to Bloomberg News. I am committed to supporting policies and principles that will further elevate Florida as the greatest place to live, work, and raise a family in America.

In the opinion piece, Griffin argued that legalizing recreational marijuana will primarily benefit special interests, while leading to more dangerous roads, a higher risk of addiction among our youth, and an increase in crime.

So far, more money has gone into Floridas referendum on legalizing weed, known as Amendment 3, than any other ballot measure in the US this year, according to OpenSecrets, a non-partisan campaign finance group.

Safe & Smart, a political committee in support of legalization, has raised $66.7 million, according to Florida finance disclosures.

A recent University of North Florida poll found 64% of Floridians support legalization. However, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who has received political contributions from Griffin, has voiced strong opposition, warning that legalization would lead to an increase in marijuana use similar to that in cities like San Francisco and Chicago.

We cannot have every town smelling like marijuana. We cannot have every hotel, theme parks smelling, DeSantis said in June. Its going to be everywhere.

--With assistance from Anna J Kaiser.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Chip giant Intel's (INTC) stock price cratered than 26% in Friday trading, closing out one of its worst trading days in 40 years. The massive declines followed a disastrous second quarter earnings report Thursday during which the company shared anticipated third quarter earnings below Wall Street expectations and announced that it would be cutting 15% of its workforce and suspending its dividend payments amid a broader restructuring plan.

The decline was among the stock's worst performances since at least 1982, according to available data from Bloomberg.

In its earnings release, Intel said it expects Q3 revenue of between $12.5 billion and $13.5 billion, well short of analysts' expectations of $14.3 billion. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.02 on revenue of $12.8 billion.

Analysts were looking for EPS of $0.10 and revenue of $12.9 billion. The company saw EPS of $0.13 on revenue of $12.9 billion in the same quarter last year, according to analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

Intel is in the midst of a massive turnaround effort as it seeks to regain PC chip market share lost to rival AMD (AMD). The company is also spending billions of dollars on factories and other facilities around the world as it seeks to reclaim its share of the chip manufacturing industry, which is dominated by Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC).

Intels Data Center and AI segment brought in $3.05 billion in the quarter, below expectations of $3.07 billion. The Data Center and AI business offers Intel a chance to grow its revenue thanks to the massive demand for CPUs and GPUs to power AI applications. But Intels GPUs arent as in demand as Nvidia's (NVDA), which are seen as the best overall chips for AI processing.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger delivers a speech at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center during Computex 2024 in Taipei on June 4, 2024. (I-HWA CHENG/AFP via Getty Images) (I-HWA CHENG via Getty Images)

While Data Center and AI get the most attention, Intels Client segment, which includes sales of chips for enterprise and consumer computers, is still its largest overall business.

For the quarter, Intel saw Client revenue of $7.4 billion. Wall Street was anticipating revenue of $7.5 billion. The company saw Client revenue of $6.7 billion in the same quarter last year.

Intel, however, is facing a potentially existential threat in the PC space from an unlikely source: Qualcomm (QCOM). The company, which is better known for developing chips for smartphones and tablets, released its new Snapdragon X Elite PC chip as part of Microsofts new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro in May.

The chip offers better power and battery life than competing Intel and AMD chips, making it a quality rival for Apples own M-series chips. But Intel is expected to launch its answer to Qualcomms processor later this fall.

Story continues

Then theres Intels Foundry business. The company is opening up its foundries to third-party chip designers in the hopes that it can create a business to rival TSMCs own foundry enterprise. But so far, Intel is its own biggest client. And while there are customers lined up, including Microsoft, it will take time for the company to gain traction in the market.

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StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market.
Construction continues on a portion of sound barrier wall between Interstate 71 and Crescent Avenue in Covington.

What kind of view is worth $4.2 million to protect? One of the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati skyline  the Great American Tower with its steel tiara and cylindrical Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront with its protruding, almost honeycomb-like balconies.

That's in part what makes Crescent Avenue, in Covington's Lewisburg Historic District, a prime spot for a pilot project of transparent noise barriers, the first of their kind in Kentucky.

The panels are a high-grade plexiglass that are UV-, scratch-, shatter-, and bullet-resistant, according to Kevin Rust, construction project engineer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

"It deflects the sound back towards the interstate and keeps it from propagating up the hill to the residents," he said.

That's especially a concern as preparations are being made for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project groundbreaking next year. The $3.6 billion, once-in-a-generation project will run along Interstate 71/75 and construction will likely last for nearly a decade.

Stacee Hans, Kentucky project manager of the corridor project, said it's possible transparent panels could also be used in the project if all goes well in Covington.

"We hope to utilize the outcome of this project for the Brent Spence bridge corridor. It is an area where we would implement a noise wall," she said.

Here's what you should know about the transparent noise barriers in Covington and whether they'll be used in a neighborhood near you, soon.

Construction continues on a portion of sound barrier wall between Interstate 71 and Crescent Avenue in Covington, Ky., on July 18. The length of wall is part of a test to measure freeway noise reduction in the adjacent neighborhoods.

Exactly how big are these walls?

The transparent barriers will stretch 1,100 feet along Crescent Avenue from about Fifth to Ninth streets.

Rust said the height varies slightly because the wall is on a hill, but its tallest point is 38 feet. The panels and the wall's concrete base are structurally supported by four-foot-diameter drilled shafts that run 18-28 feet into solid rock and are reinforced with concrete cages.

Transparent panels will be installed in January along about 1,000 feet from Fifth and Ninth streets, along the east side of Crescent Avenue

Won't the panels get muddy and gross?

The Acrylite panels are marketed as a self-cleaning material, meaning rainwater is supposed to be able to wash away dirt and other debris.

"They do have a cleaner that is made for it that they can spray on and hose off that's environmentally friendly, that is supposed to remove the grime as well," Rust said.

The panels are also under a 30-year warranty that guarantees no yellowing of the Acrylite panels.

What about wildlife?

Bird deaths linked to glass collisions in the U.S. are around 599 million on average annually, according to the Smithsonian. And bird deaths have also been reported near transparent sound barriers.

Rust said it's likely some birds will inevitably collide with the barrier. But the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife was consulted on the project and said there are no major concerns that the barrier will impact bird population.

According to some websites, there are also bird deterrent sheets, with stripes or dots, that can be added to transparent noise walls.

The new transparent sound barriers in Covington.

When will the wall be done?

Site preparation began in November and construction on the walls started in March.

Rust said the project is slated for completion by Oct. 15. But as long as the construction team doesn't run into any surprises and the weather stays dry, he said the project could be done by the end of September.

What if people hate it?

Transparent sound barriers are already used throughout the United States, including in Ohio.

But, hypothetically, what if the barrier doesn't work well in Covington, Kentucky? What if residents and motorists just hate the outcome?

Hans said the panels could be removed.

"There is an opportunity to maybe even utilize the base structure that's there and build up with our traditional noise wall, take out the transparent panels. That's part of the evaluation," she said.

What do neighbors say?

Homeowner Tom Rowe, 53, said he's already noticed major noise decrease since the first few panels have gone up.

He's owned a home near the northernmost part of the project for the past three years, an investment property he hopes his children and possibly others can use.

Rowe said he attended a public meeting about the noise barrier and was reassured it would be a good option for the area. So far, he said he's been happy with it.

"You can hear the echo from up the hill, where they haven't finished yet, but straight ahead and down here ... It's made a difference already," he said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Will the Brent Spence Bridge project end up with clear noise barriers?
Donald Trumps supporters are just like everyone elsewondering what the GOP presidential nominee is going to say next.

Even former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy admitted he was worried what Trump was going to say when he questioned Kamala Harris racial identity at a convention for Black journalists.

Asked about his initial reaction to Trumps remarks, McCarthy said he thought: Oh no, where are you going?

Kevin McCarthy Could Reportedly Make Comeback as Trump Chief of Staff

McCarthy was appearing on Thursdays edition of Fox News Jesse Watters Primetime when he was asked for his thoughts on the fallout after Trump was asked about Harris at a meeting of Black journalists and claimed: I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black.

So, I dont know. Is she Indian or is she Black? Trump added later.

When you saw that at yesterdays Black journalist convention, did you think hes going to lose votes because of that, or do you think its one of these things thats going to blow over in a few days and its back to the races? asked Watters.

Well, at first, I go, Oh no, where are you going? said McCarthy. He didnt expand on the comment but went on to praise Trump for attending the meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago on Wednesday.

'Oh No, Where Are You Going?' Kevin McCarthy Recalls Initial Reaction to Trump's Comments About Kamala Harris https://t.co/9VzXjf97Eo  Mediaite (@Mediaite) August 2, 2024

But when you say to look at it, Kamala was invited and she didnt show, he continued. He will go anywhere. And the great thing about President Trump is hes the same person in the front than he is behind. And hell tell it exactly how he sees it.

Harris has Indian and Jamaican-born parents and attended the historically Black Howard University. She joined the Senates Congressional Black Caucus in 2017.

Responding to Trumps remarks, Harris said the American people deserve better and that it was the same old show of divisiveness and disrespect.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
BALTIMORE  Baltimore Police officers arriving at Fort Armistead Park in the early hours of March 26 pointed their flashlights into the water and tried to make sense of what they were looking at.

Thats something big time.

It sounded like a cannonball.

This is gonna be a hell of a cleanup.

The officers, bewildered after receiving the initial call for a water rescue, were looking at the scene millions would wake up to that morning  the main span of the Francis Scott Key Bridge had fallen into the Patapsco River.

Their response was documented in body camera footage released this week by Baltimore Police showing roughly the first hour of response efforts from one officers perspective. The footage shows perplexed night shift officers quickly realizing the gravity of the collapse in front of them as a Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer explains the basics: A cargo ship lost power and hit the bridge and a construction crew was missing.

The 52-minute clip then shows response efforts ramping up, including the construction crews lone survivor arriving on shore after being rescued by transportation authority police. Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace later makes a cameo in the footage, telling officers that the mayor would be coming and the governor had been notified.

The video is timestamped with a start time of 1:39 a.m.  about 10 minutes after the bridge fell. The first 60 seconds, showing the officer driving through South Baltimore, contains no audio. Hes accompanied by another officer, who at one point wonders out loud why transportation authority police behind them seem so eager to get onto the scene.

He finds out once they arrive at the park minutes later. A transportation authority officer explains that they believe several maintenance workers were on the bridge when it fell.

The officers then get out of their car and look at the Patapsco.

Is that the Key Bridge that collapsed?

The transportation officer then explains that the ship seen pinned under the span of Interstate 695, the Dali, had lost steering and hit a support pier, causing the bridge to collapse. He explains this again to additional officers who seem just as shocked.

At the time, less than an hour after the collapse, the transportation authority officer says they believe 20 or more construction workers were on the bridge when it fell, and notes they stopped traffic after getting a call probably a minute before it collapsed.

It would turn out that only eight people were on the bridge. Six workers died, and a construction inspector escaped without plunging into the water at all. The other survivor, Julio Cervantes, is shown being brought ashore before officers discuss the search and rescue efforts.

Its a tragedy, obviously  I hope everybody survives, one says.

Thats a long fall  I mean, that guy looked like he was alright, but its cold, another responds.

The bodies of two more workers were found the next day. It would take weeks of removing wreckage to find the remaining four workers who died, and longer to move the Dali and clear the channel.

Officials have now shifted their focus toward rebuilding the bridge, with the process for picking a builder underway and a meeting slated for Thursday night to discuss demolishing the remaining spans. The transportation authority was still finalizing documentation of its initial disaster spending, a $50 million contract for debris removal, on Thursday, a spokesperson said.

_____
Kids in 13 more school districts heading back to class on Friday

Thousands of students across metro Atlanta and north Georgia are easing back into the school year on Friday morning.

It may almost be the weekend, but school starts in 13 districts on Friday morning.

Channel 2s Steve Gehlbach is in Hall County on Friday morning where a brand-new elementary school is opening. Its named after Sandra Deal, the late former first lady of Georgia, who passed away in 2022.

Channel 2 Action News is your home for all things Back 2 School! Join Lori Wilson, Sophia Choi, Brian Monahan and Mike Shields as they prepare you for the first day, LIVE on Channel 2 Action News This Morning from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.

[PHOTOS: Channel 2 Goes Back to School]

Its back-to-school time for kids in:

Hall County Schools

Carroll County Schools

Rome City Schools

Bremen City Schools

Troup County Schools

Dawson County Schools

Fannin County Schools

Commerce City Schools

White County Schools

Madison County Schools

Habersham County Schools

Buford City Schools

Putnam County Schools

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Dozens more school districts head back to school next week and Channel 2 Action News will be there to share all the details you need to kick off a great school year.

You can click here for a full list of when school districts start back.
We killed him. Officer to plead guilty in detainees death in frigid cell, feds say

A man whose jail death was ruled a homicide spent the last two weeks of his life deteriorating in a cell that was essentially a cement box and notoriously cold in the winter, federal prosecutors wrote in new court filings.

Anthony Tony Mitchell, a 33-year-old pretrial detainee who was arrested during a welfare check, froze to death on Jan. 26, 2023, after officers denied him medical care, food and water at the Walker County Jail in Alabama, according to a lawsuit over his death. There, the officers are accused of purposely exposing him to freezing temperatures.

One of several officers named in the lawsuit, Joshua Conner Jones, was criminally charged and has now entered a guilty plea, court records from July 31 show.

Jones agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights in Mitchells death and to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law in connection with beating another inmate with a can of chemical spray, according to his plea agreement.

The filing mentions five other officers, identified as co-conspirators, involved in Mitchells death.

Collectively we did it. We killed him, Jones said, prosecutors wrote in the document.

While the plea agreement doesnt mention Mitchell by name, Jones defense attorney, W. Scott Brower, told McClatchy News it is about Mitchell.

Jones has taken responsibility for his part in Mr. Mitchells death, Brower said on Aug. 2.

I expect this is the tip of the iceberg and in the coming weeks you will see multiple other individuals charged for the death of Mr. Mitchell as a result of the actions or inaction of employees of the Walker County Sheriffs office, Brower added.

The sheriffs office, which runs the Walker County Jail, didnt immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment on Aug. 2.

Mitchells official cause of death

Mitchell died of hypothermia and sepsis resulting from infected injuries obtained during incarceration and medical neglect, according to the certificate obtained by Mitchells family on Feb. 29, McClatchy News previously reported.

Jones plea agreement says he watched Mitchells deterioration, but he and his fellow officers did nothing to address Mitchells obvious suffering.

As the time passed, (Mitchell) was almost always naked, wet, cold and covered in feces while lying on the cement floor without a mat or blanket, the plea agreement says.

The floor was even colder, than the cold cell, prosecutors wrote.

The cell had no sink, toilet, running water or a bed, the plea agreement says. The only way detainees housed in the cell could use a bathroom or shower is if officers escorted them to the facility, according to the filing.

Detainees also relied on officers to bring them water, prosecutors wrote.

His life was important

Jones plea agreement says he believed Mitchell should have been taken to a hospital or a mental health facility instead of jail.

Two weeks before his death, Walker County sheriffs deputies arrested Mitchell while responding to a request for a mental health welfare check, the plea agreement says. During the incident, Mitchell was accused of firing a gun while deputies were there, according to the filing.

When he arrived at jail, Mitchell could not walk or stand on his own. He was disoriented, non-combative, and could not follow instructions, prosecutors wrote.

After the officers struggled to dress him in a jail uniform, they left him naked and resorted to wrapping him in a suicide smock, according to the filing, which says there was no indication he was suicidal.

He was placed in a wheelchair and wheeled to the medical unit, where a nurse wanted to delay a medical screening, resulting in Mitchell being placed in the cement isolation cell known as BK5, prosecutors wrote.

During the first few days of Mitchells detainment, Jones and the other officers would comment on Mitchell, saying he should have been killed because he shot at deputies, the plea agreement says.

He never received medical attention until the morning of his death, according to the plea agreement, when Jones and other officers were aware that a nurse ordered Mitchell to be taken to a hospital.

One officer, named a co-conspirator, dismissed the concerns, saying Ill tell you what, next time youre on the toilet taking a (expletive), Ill call to bother you with something unimportant, the plea agreement says.

Attorney Jon C. Goldfarb, who is representing Mitchells family in the civil case over his death, told McClatchy News that Jones plea agreement is a sad and shocking admission that confirms what we always suspected from our own investigation.

The civil case has been paused because of pending criminal and administrative investigations, court records show.

The family hopes all those involved in the collective slow, brutal death of Tony Mitchell will be held accountable and no one else has to suffer as he did, Goldfarb said on Aug. 2.

They also hope that now everyone knows that Tony Mitchells life was important, he said.

Jones is due in court on Aug. 15 for an arraignment, records show.

Detainee held in jail freezer died of hypothermia, suit says. Death ruled homicide

Man froze to death in jail and was likely placed in freezer as punishment, lawsuit says

Nursing home drugged up 64-year-old so he couldnt wander, CA suit says. He died

24-year-old was left to die on jail cell floor, lawsuit says. Now family is owed $15M
KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44)  The City of Killeen is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Regional Airport!

Killeen Regional Airports story begins in 1940, as merely an airstrip used to teach flying lessons. By 1953, commercial service begins  offering two daily flights for under $14.

More than a decade later, Killeen Municipal Airport was dedicated  featuring a terminal building, a 5,000 foot runway and a taxi strip. This was just the beginning of decades of additions, rennovations and aviation milestones.

In 1985, efforts began to look into a joint use airport at Robert Gray Army Field, or RGAAF. This was named after Captain Robert Bob Gray, a Killeen native who flew in the famous Doolittle Raid over Tokyo at the start of World War II. But it wasnt until the year 2000, when the the joint use of the runway and taxiways at RGAAF was fully approved.

Groundbreaking for the new Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport took place on March 21, 2003, and opened in August 2004.

20 years is a long time to do anything and to be successful, as we have been over the past 20 years, is one accomplishment, says Executive Director of Aviation Michael Wilson.

SUMMER CELEBRATION TOUR: Building bonds beyond the barbers chair

Wilson says through decades of changes

Buildings improve, systems have been improved, but the thing thats stayed the same is the customer service that we provide, Wilson explains.

Today, passengers from near and far use the airport.

A big part of our passengers cant report to bosses, either soldiers or dependents, family members traveling in and out, Wilson explains.

But all of them are treated with the same respect.

You go to the bigger airports and youre treated.maybe not like a hometown person, but maybe like a number. But here, youre treated like family, says Wilson.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Marion County man was found guilty of second-degree murder after shooting a retired Citrus County Sheriffs Deputy multiple times.

Convicted felon Steven Alan Swearingen, 41, was charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm as a felon, and false imprisonment after jurors found him guilty.

According to the State Attorneys Office, the Marion County Sheriffs Office responded to a shooting incident at a residence in Weirsdale. When they arrived, they discovered Steven Smolensky, 52, deceased with multiple gunshot wounds.

Smolensky worked for the Citrus County Sheriffs Office for 25 years before retiring.

We are grateful for the jurys verdict, which brings justice for the tragic and senseless murder of this community servant, said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. May this outcome bring some measure of closure and solace to the family and friends of the victim. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with them during this challenging time as we await the sentencing phase.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the victim had visited the location to deliver propane for his employer, Suburban Propane. While the victim was there, he was confronted by Swearingen who was armed with a pistol, according to the State Attorneys Office.

Officials said Swearingen held him at gunpoint and prevented the victim to return to his truck to leave. Smolenksy was eventually shot multiple times.

According to the States Attorneys Office, Swearingen was apprehended and interrogated by officials where he claimed the victim was there to fill the home with propane.

Today marks a significant moment in justice being served for Steve, a dedicated retired member of our agency, Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast said.

Swearingen stated that when the victim was shot, he only had a cell phone in his hand, according to officials.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said Thursday that nobodys delighted over one of the figures released in a recent prisoner swap that freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

Look, nobodys delighted, or doing backflips over here because Mr. [Vadim] Krasikov is now a free man, Kirby told Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Special Report. Thats what negotiations are all about.

Krasikov, one of multiple Russians released in the Thursday swap, had been imprisoned in Germany after being convicted of a 2019 murder, per The Associated Press.

The president was willing to make that tough call in order to get these  all these individuals, not just the Americans, all of them, released. And it took some tough calls by our allies and partners, including Chancellor [Olaf] Scholz in Germany, who actually had to let Mr. Krasikov go.

Gershkovich and Whelan were freed alongside Alsu Kurmasheva, Vladimir Kara-Murza, five Germans and seven Russians.

Today, we celebrate the return of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir and rejoice with their families, President Biden said in a statement. We remember all those still wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world. And reaffirm our pledge to their families: We see you. We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring your loved ones home where they belong.

In a Thursday letter, the Journals editor-in-chief, Emma Tucker, said that her paper is grateful to President Biden and his administration for working with persistence and determination to bring Evan home rather than see him shipped off to a Russian work camp for a crime he didnt commit. 

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
What we know about missing Woodland Park teen, Elijah Reese

(WOODLAND PARK, Colo.)  The Woodland Park Police Department (WPPD) continues to search for a developmentally disabled 17-year-old, who went missing in July.

FOX21 News reached out to police on Thursday, Aug. 1 to get an update on the investigation and the missing boy, Elijah Reese. Elijah is described as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, stands 58 tall, and weighs 160 pounds. He is possibly wearing dark clothing.

Courtesy: CBI, the photo is of missing Woodland Park teen Elijah Reese.

When did Elijah go missing?

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sent out a developmental disabilities alert on July 24 after Elijah went missing. According to the CBI, the teen was last seen in the 1400 block of Kings Crown Road, just east of Woodland Park, around 4:30 a.m. that day.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Developmentally disabled boy missing from Woodland Park

What car is he driving?

CBI asked the community to keep an eye out for a white 2017 Honda Pilot that Elijah may be driving with Colorado license plate CVTC46. On Monday, July 29, CBI sent an update on the search and said the vehicles plates may have been switched to Texas plate, JRV9357.

Courtesy: CBI

Where was Elijahs car last seen?

According to WPPD, law enforcement believes his car was last spotted, (based on video surveillance), on July 24 at 10:24 a.m. in Chama, New Mexico. They added that the car was seen going south on US 64.

How can the community help?

The CBI is asking the community to be on the lookout for a white Honda Pilot with either of the license plates listed above.

Elijah is intellectually disabled and the CBI said there is concern for his safety. If you see him, call 911, your local law enforcement agency, or the Woodland Park Police Department at (719) 687-9262.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
There are three people on the Thurston County primary ballot running for the 22nd Legislative Districts Senate seat. The seat with a four-year term is open because longtime legislator Sam Hunt is retiring.

Heres what to know ahead of Tuesdays primary election. All three candidates this year stated on the ballot they prefer the Democratic party.

A map of Washington states 22nd Legislative District.

Jessica Bateman

Bateman has served as the 22nd Districts representative for the past four years. She told The Olympian that during that time, she has served on the Housing Committee and the Capital Budget Committee, and she has been Vice Chair of the Health Care Committee all four years.

She also has a day job as a strategic adviser for Washington Community Health Centers, which are nonprofit health care organizations that, as a network, provide care to a large percentage of Medicaid patients.

Before serving in the legislature, Bateman served as an Olympia City Council member for five years, two of those as Deputy Mayor. Prior to that, she was on the Planning Commission and the board of GRuB, the local nonprofit focused on food security and community.

Finally, before all that, she was a legislative assistant to former State Rep. Chris Reykdal for more than three years.

Ive been in this community for a while now, working on helping my friends and neighbors, and Im looking forward to continuing that work and running for the Senate, because I want to ensure that we are building enough housing for population growth, making sure we have enough affordable homes for all individuals, protecting reproductive rights, and also increasing access to affordable health care, including behavioral health, she said.

Bateman moved to Olympia in 2007 and graduated from The Evergreen State College.

According to Public Disclosure Commission data, Batemans campaign has raised $129,088 and spent $57,580. Some of her biggest contributors are the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Progress for Public Safety, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, and the Federation of State Employees.

LD 22 representative Jessica Bateman is running for the LD 22 State Senate seat in the 2024 election.

Bob Iyall

Iyall is currently a Commissioner at the Port of Olympia, elected in 2021. He is an elder and member of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, and CEO of the Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation, which manages the tribes for-profit businesses.

He grew up in Thurston County and graduated from Tumwater High School. He was in the building trades and is a 45-year retired member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. Near the end of his career he went back to school and received his MBA.

Iyall said he originally ran for Port Commissioner because the port seemed to be having a bit of trouble, and he felt he could be of assistance.

I felt like I could be of assistance with my background in government corporations, because my day job and the port are very similar in organizational structure, he said.

Iyall said he always had the idea in the back of his head that if Sam Hunt ever decided to step away from his seat that hed make a run for the Senate.

I feel that our political system is very divisive. These days, the two-party system seems to be growing further and further apart, he said. And I feel that I can be one of those who can bring the sides back together. I believe in a collaborative style of governance. And that means bringing all stakeholders to the table to address issues that are faced by the state and building objective solutions based on everybodys needs.

Iyalls campaign focuses on making it easier to build affordable housing for all, expanding behavioral health services, environmental restoration and salmon recovery, and transportation issues.

According to PDC data, Iyalls campaign has raised $36,178 and spent $29,245. Some of his top contributors include Justin Erickson, the CEO of Harbor Foods; Emiliano Perez with Salmon Recovery; and the Nisqually Indian Tribe.

Port Commissioner Bob Iyall is running for the LD 22 State Senate seat in the 2024 election.

Tela Hogle

Hogle told The Olympian she moved to the area in 1988 to attend Evergreen, and shes been in Olympia ever since.

One thing about Olympia thats been wonderful this whole time is that even when I dont have a place or a home, Ive had a place to stay, I always have friends who have put me up when I needed it. And so the community here has been really important to me, she said.

Hogle worked at Blue Heron Bakery and was a para-educator in the Olympia School District for some time before moving into teaching music full time. She owns a studio in downtown Olympia.

Hogle said shes running for State Senate because she wants to champion the needs of the underrepresented and marginalized communities in Washington. She said she envisions a state where everyone, regardless of background, has access to equitable opportunities and resources to thrive.

As someone who has used assistance, and currently does with food stamps, I know how living month to month is, and every historically excluded community is more prone to economic instability, she said. And so for me, putting forward economic reforms in our tax system is critical for lifting everyone up.

Hogle said she became a Precinct Committee Officer for Thurston County Democrats two years ago and has been heavily involved with the party. She said she saw this race as a critical opportunity and a critical election, not only for the nation and state, but for the 22nd District specifically.

I really feel like this is an opportunity to transform Olympia and Washington State, especially when it comes to economic justice, she said.

According to PDC data, Hogles campaign has raised $5,344 and spent $5,073. Some of her top contributors include Emily Iles, an art director; Jenna Kemp with WSDOT; and Sarah Destasio with Northwest Therapy Group.

Olympia music teacher Tela Hogle is running for the LD 22 State Senate seat in the 2024 election.
Knox County Board of Education election results: Three new faces join the board, Republicans retain majority

Republicans maintained their majority on the Knox County Board of Education in the Aug. 1 election, though Democrats picked up a seat when Anne Templeton unseated independent incumbent Jennifer Owen in District 2 to tighten the margin to five Republicans and four Democrats.

District 2 covers North Knoxville, including Belle Morris, Christenberry and Fountain City elementary schools, Gresham Middle School and Fulton and Central high schools. Owen held the seat two terms, losing on her third run.

Three new members will join the board: Templeton in District 2, Democrat Patricia Fontenot-Ridley in District 3 and Republican Lauren Morgan in District 5. Only Templeton faced an incumbent.

District 3 includes Bearden and Cedar Bluff Schools and was previously represented by independent board member Daniel Watson, who often sided with the board's Democratic minority. Watson chose not to run again.

District 5 includes Farragut area schools and West Valley Middle School in West Knox County and was previously represented for two terms by Susan Horn, who typically sided with Republicans. Horn decided to not run again.

The Aug. 1 election was only the second since Tennessee law changed to make school board races partisan. Voters narrowed their choices in the March primary election.

In the past, the board's five Republicans have faced voting deadlocks in the absence of one member.

Last year, for instance, school board members reached a tense 4-4 deadlock on a series of votes over whether to approve taxpayer dollars to pay for a proposed charter school in the absence of Horn. Ultimately, the board decided to vote again with Horn present and approved the school, 5-4.

The new board has two Democrats in place of the two independent incumbents.

Meet the new KCS board members

District 2

Templeton, 45, has been the parent-teacher association president at Beaumont Magnet Academy and has served as the board president at Shora Foundation, an East Knoxville nonprofit that provides a safe community for children. She is also the director of maker initiatives at The Maker City.

Templeton said shes humbled and honored. Im looking forward to four years of working for the students, parents and administrators in the district.

Owen told Knox News she had called to congratulate Templeton.

"I wish her well," Owen said.

District 3

Fontenot-Ridley, 56, is a former Knox County Schools teacher. She beat Republican Angie Goethert.

Fontenot-Ridley thanked her campaign staff for pushing her during her campaign.

Theres so many people, she said. I appreciate your support and I will do my best to be a voice for the students, teachers and build a relationship with our parents.

District 5

Morgan, 37, runs a nonprofit called Project Gabriel and is involved with the Farragut area schools' parent-teacher organizations as a mom of three. She beat Democratic challenger Terrye Whitaker.

I am really looking forward to all the wonderful work that we get to do to make Knox County Schools the best place for our children to get an education, Morgan said, addressing her supporters.

"Let's get to work.

District 8

One more seat - District 8 - was originally on the ballot. Knox County commissioners decided they would elevate the winner of the District 8 Republican primary to the school board the day after the election because the seat was vacant following the death of Mike McMillan in January.

Travis Wright won the primary and has served on the board ever since.

Areena Arora, data and investigative reporter for Knox News, can be reached by email at areena.arora@knoxnews.com. Follow her on X @AreenaArora and on Instagram @areena_news.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County Board of Education election results: Republicans retain majority
Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) welcomes prisoners released following the swap deal at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. -/KREMLIN/dpa

The Kremlin has confirmed for the first time that Vadim Krasikov, who was released from a German jail as part of a historic prisoner swap on Thursday, was an agent of the Russian domestic Federal Security Service (FSB).

Vadim Krasikov had worked in the FSB's "Alpha" unit, which specializes in anti-terror operations, the Kremlin said on Friday.

"When he served in Alpha, he worked with some employees of the Presidential Security Service," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies.

"Of course they greeted each other yesterday when they saw each other," he said, referring to Krasikov and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin embraced Krasikov when he returned on Thursday evening.

Krasikov was convicted for the notorious killing in a park in the centre of Berlin in 2021 of an ethnic Chechen born in Georgia.

The Kremlin had previously denied having anything to do with him. Putin described him only as a patriot who had eliminated an enemy of the Russian state in Berlin.

German authorities had regarded Krasikov as a contract killer acting on the orders of Putin.
No peace summit with Russia's participation is being prepared at the moment, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed in an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda radio on Aug. 1.

As Russia's war stretches into its third year, Kyiv has said it aims to invite a Russian representative to a planned second summit. No official invitation has been announced so far.

Russia is open to peace talks to end the war in Ukraine but does not trust the Ukrainian authorities, Peskov claimed.

These misgivings are echoed in Kyiv, as Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said his country is ready for talks but does not see Russia ready to negotiate in good faith.

Peskov also claimed that calls for peace talks are also not backed by concrete details. The spokesperson did not specify what exactly he was referring to.

On June 15, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the action plan agreed upon at the first peace summit would be communicated to Russian representatives so that the second summit could "mark the end of the war."



Ukraine reportedly plans to organize the second peace summit with Russia participating before the U.S. presidential election in November 2024.

Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak told Bloomberg that the second global peace summit for Ukraine will be held in a country from the so-called Global South, probably in the Middle East, to portray the "world's unity" amid Russia's ongoing invasion.

Speaking to French journalists on July 30, Zelensky said that Russia Russia must be present at a second peace summit in order to end the war

The Kremlin has repeatedly dismissed Ukraine's peace efforts and its 10-point formula as irrelevant, calling it an "ultimatum."

Speaking a day ahead of the Switzerland summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that as a condition for peace negotiations, Ukraine must fully withdraw from four partially occupied oblasts that Moscow illegally annexed in 2022. Kyiv rejected this demand.

Read also: Ukraine will introduce action plan for peace by end of November, Zelensky says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Kuna police shot and injured a man on I-84 in Meridian. What authorities say happened

Kuna police officers shot and injured a man Thursday night on Interstate 84 after a fight and multiple pursuits that led law enforcement into Kuna and back to Meridian, the Ada County Sheriffs Office said.

None of the officers or deputies were injured, but the man suspected of fleeing law enforcement was in critical condition after several officers shot at him, according to the Sheriffs Office, which operates the Kuna Police Department under a contract with the city.

About 6 p.m. Thursday, Meridian police responded to a reported fight situation near the intersection of South Eagle and East Overland roads, according to a news release from the Sheriffs Office. Officers found the suspects vehicle and pursued it for about five miles until they lost sight of it near East Columbia and South Locust Grove roads in Kuna and called off the pursuit.

But 15 minutes later, Kuna police spotted the vehicle and pursued it north on Meridian Road toward I-84.

The Kuna Police Department, located at 1450 W Boise Street, is one of three cities in Ada County that is employed through the Ada County Sheriffs Office.

A sheriffs deputy tried to lay spike strips on Meridian Road near Columbia Road, but the suspect drove toward the deputy, who was standing outside of his vehicle. The deputy moved to avoid being hit and was not injured.

The man called dispatch to say he had a weapon.

As the suspect drove onto the westbound ramp of I-84, a Kuna officer used a pursuit-intervention technique, known as a PIT maneuver, to stop the vehicle in the median of the interstate. Typically, a PIT maneuver involves the officer using their vehicle to strike the suspects vehicle on the side and force it sideways, stopping it.

Officers issued verbal commands to the driver before shooting him. Three Kuna police deputies shot at the suspect, according to the Sheriffs Office. The Sheriffs Office confirmed he was struck by gunfire but did not say how many bullets struck him.

The Sheriffs Office said the suspect exited his vehicle with a gun in his hand but did not say whether the man pointed a firearm at the officers.

Life-saving measures were provided to the suspect at the scene until paramedics arrived and transported him to hospital.

Ada County law enforcement agencies involved in five shootings this year

This is the fifth time this year that law enforcement agencies in Ada County have been involved in police shootings, according to a database maintained by the Idaho Statesman. By this time last year, the county had seen seven shootings.

One of the previous 2024 shootings was by a sheriffs deputy. Another two were by Boise police, specifically the fatal shooting of the man suspected of killing 27-year-old Ada County Sheriff Deputy Tobin Bolter and the accidental shooting of a state correctional officer. The remaining shooting involved both agencies.

The Boise Police Department is leading the outside investigation of Thursdays shooting through Ada Countys Critical Incident Task Force. It will present its findings to the Ada County Prosecutors Office, which will then select another prosecutors office to determine whether the officers were legally justified in firing their weapons.

Reporter Shaun Goodwin contributed to this story.
In our In the Spotlight stories, Herald-Leader journalists bring you continuing coverage of news and events important to our Central Kentucky community. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.

Gov. Andy Beshear will be in Chicago on Monday to raise money for Kamala Harris, regardless of whether hes tapped to be her running mate.

Dubbed A Reception with Gov. Andy Beshear, the event is scheduled just as the race for the vice presidential nomination comes to a close. Harris is to make a prime-time appearance Tuesday with her new running mate at a Philadelphia rally.

Beshear is one of six Democratic contenders being vetted by the Harris team to join the ticket. An announcement of the selection could come as early as this weekend.

The Beshear fundraising event is being hosted by Christie Hefner, the daughter of Playboy Magazine founder Hugh Hefner and Fay Hartog-Levin, a former U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands.

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, another vice presidential contender, is hosting a similar fundraising event in Minneapolis on Monday, as first reported by The New York Times.

The fundraising push is a coordinated effort by the Harris campaign to wring as much money out of the intrigue that pervades the vice presidential selection process. The Harris campaign announced a record month for fundraising in July, netting $310 million; the Trump campaign raked in $139 million over the same stretch.

The 46-year-old Beshear has kept a highly active political schedule since Harris announced her candidacy on July 21. Hes made stops in Iowa, Georgia and Oklahoma, raising money for local Democrats and attacking the Republican presidential ticket.

Still, as a governor of a ruby red state, Beshear remains an underdog for Kamalas No. 2 slot, with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly positioned as the leading contenders largely due to their battleground state roots.

All thats left to know is who will be joining her on the stage in Philadelphia Tuesday.

He can be vice president: Could Andy Beshear be a model for national Democrats?
Kyle Rittenhouse, the conservative campaigner who shot two men during a Black Lives Matter protest nearly four years ago, flip-flopped this week on whether he would be voting for Former President Donald Trump in the November election.

Rittenhouse, 21, took to X on Thursday, to declare his intentions to instead write in former Libertarian presidential nominee Ron Paul, who is not running for president.

Unfortunately, Donald Trump had bad advisors making him bad on the Second Amendment and that is my issue, said Rittenhouse. If you cannot be completely uncompromisable on the Second Amendment I will not vote for you.

Rittenhouse retweeted a post from Dudley Brown, the leader of the National Association for Gun Rights, outlining the groups issues.

These include Trumps 2018 ban on bump stocks, a device that can be attached to semi-automatic rifles to fire off hundreds of bullets a minute, and Trumps prior stances on raising the age for gun purchases and his willingness to expand background checks.

On Thursday, Kyle Rittenhouse announced he is not voting for Former President Donald Trump in the November election (AP)

Rittenhouse met Trump in 2021, nearly a week after he was cleared of all charges from the Kenosha, Wisconsin shooting a year prior. The campaigner argued that he had acted in self defense. The former president called Rittenhouse a fan.

The 21-year-olds announcement was not met with overwhelming support from his X followers, many of whom pointed out that writing in a candidate could lend support to Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running in Bidens place after he dropped out of the race this summer.

Just unfollowed you, one person wrote. MAGA raised unbelievable sums of money for you. Trump welcomed you into his home. This is how you thank him and the MAGA movement after all those years of support?

Another person commented: You are a f****** idiot. I am unfollowing you.

Following the post, Trumps team scrambled to get Rittenhouse back on their side, a move that proved successful by Friday afternoon, when Rittenhouse announced he had spent a whopping 12 hours having productive conversations with the former presidents campaign officials.

Referencing Trump, Rittenhouse said, I am confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights. My comments made last night were ill-informed and unproductive. Im 100% behind Donald Trump and encourage every gun owner to join me in helping send him back to the White House.

Rittenhouse is now the Outreach Director of Texas Gun Rights, a group that claims its working to restore the Second Amendment.

Trump, who was shot in the ear on July 13 in an assassination attempt, has made the Second Amendment a hallmark of his presidential campaign.

While speaking to the National Rifle Association in May, Trump proclaimed his intentions to roll back gun relations enacted by President Joe Biden but was not clear on what provisions hed like to undo. In the same speech, Trump further accused the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives of revoking gun licenses without merit.

In my second term, we will roll back every Biden attack on the Second Amendment. The attacks are coming fast and furious, said Trump.
Kyle Rittenhouse Backtracks On Saying He Won't Vote For Trump After MAGA Uproar [UPDATE]

UPDATE: 4:50 p.m.  Following right-wing backlash, Kyle Rittenhouse has said that he now intends to support Donald Trump.

On Friday afternoon, he shared a mea culpa online stating that after a series of productive conversations with members of the Trumps team and I am confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights.

He added: My comments made last night were ill-informed and unproductive. Im 100% behind Donald Trump and encourage every gun owner to join me in helping send him back to the White House.

PREVIOUSLY:

Things got weird in MAGA world this week after conservative cult hero Kyle Rittenhouse said he would not be voting for Donald Trump in the 2024 White House race.

In a social media video shared early Friday by gun rights activist Dudley Brown, Rittenhouse said he couldnt support the GOP presidential nominee, known for his Make America Great Again movement, because he is bad on the Second Amendment.

If you cannot be completely uncompromisable on the Second Amendment, I will not vote for you, Rittenhouse said in the video. We need champions for the Second Amendment or our rights will be eaten away and eroded each day.

Rittenhouse, who attempted to launch a media career after his 2021 acquittal in the shooting deaths of two people and wounding of a third amid racial justice protests in Wisconsin, added that I support my decision and I have no take-backs.

Although Rittenhouse didnt post the video directly to his own social media pages, he shared Browns post and wrote a handful of additional remarks, such as You must stand by your principles, No compromise means no compromise and We must hold ALL politicians to the same standards.

But this was a bridge too far for many MAGA supporters, who were angered by what was seen as an act of disloyalty to their fearless leader.

Oh, they were pissed!

BYE forever I can stomach a lot of things - but backstabbing millions who supported you at your lowest point. Then turning on Trump right after he got shot. Can't stomach it - won't put up with it - forgotten forever. pic.twitter.com/7TJGfbwk4R  Catturd  (@catturd2) August 2, 2024

Dear Kyle Rittenhouse:



How fucking dare you turn against President Trump after all he did for your dumb ass?



Trump thought you was "really a nice young man.



Nice young men dont betray their friends.



He stood by you when the world was against you.



Where the fuck you get  Lavern Spicer  (@lavern_spicer) August 2, 2024

I regret ever supporting Kyle.



Hes flat out lying about Trump and so are you, Dudley.



There are only two choices: Trump or Kamala.



Kyle chose to betray his nation and those that supported him. Sad!



Going to be amusing when he tries to grovel back to Mar-a-Lago in a few  Steven  (@SirStevenKJ) August 2, 2024

Meanwhile, other social media users seemed perfectly content to just watch the conservative meltdown.

MAGA is so mad at Kyle Rittenhouse now they are pulling up his birth certificate to see if he was born a woman, Black, or Indian, one observer joked.

One of the greatest How It Started / How Its Goings in the history of Twitter. pic.twitter.com/SYDqaYlVIn  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) August 2, 2024

Kyle Rittenhouse: I killed two people!



MAGA: Yay, We love you Kyle!



Kyle Rittenhouse: I'm not voting for Trump.



MAGA: YOU MURDERER!!!!   Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) August 2, 2024

Not Catturd blocking Rittenhouse. Oh, how the mighty has fallen. I love this for them. pic.twitter.com/ZXr07LvnlR  Nurses Against Dick Pics.  (@ClaudetteGGibs1) August 2, 2024

Related...
La. Mayor Resigned from Office. Days Later, She Was Arrested on Accusations She Raped Minor

Misty Roberts, 42, was arrested five days after she stepped down as mayor of DeRidder, La.

Louisiana State Police Misty Roberts

A former Louisiana mayor was arrested on a third-degree rape charge days after she resigned from office.

Misty Roberts, 42, who resigned as mayor in DeRidder, La., on July, 27, turned herself in to authorities on Thursday, Aug. 1, following allegations that she sexually abused a minor, the Louisiana State Police said in a statement.

The arrest was part of what appears to have been a dramatic series of events in the mayor's office.

On July 25, Roberts said in a letter she would be out of office from July 27 and Aug. 10, and appointed the local fire chief to be the acting mayor, according to KPLC TV, which shared a copy of the letter.



Meanwhile, authorities in Beauregard Parish opened an investigation into the mayor on July 26 after learning of allegations of sexual relations with a juvenile, LSP said in their statement.

During their investigation, LSP authorities spoke with two juveniles, one of whom was the alleged victim, per the statement.

Both juveniles confirmed Roberts had sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as Mayor, authorities alleged in the statement, adding that the claims led to them obtaining an arrest warrant for Roberts.

On July 27, Roberts signed her resignation letter, where she said she was stepping down to adjust my focus and priorities, per a copy of the letter shared by WAFB and KPLC TV.

She turned herself in on Aug. 1, per authorities.



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.

PEOPLE was not able to immediately reach her lawyer. The mayor's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Her lawyer, Adam Johnson, says his client was not aware of the charges until the day before she turned herself in.

My client learned late last night of a warrant, despite not being contacted to be interviewed prior to investigators obtaining the warrant, he said on Thursday, per WAFB and KPLC TV. My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent.

Roberts, who is also facing a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, was released on $75,000 bond a little over an hour after she was booked, CBS News reported, citing Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office jail records.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.



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Read the original article on People.
Investors are Taking a Bearish Position on This Popular Healthcare REIT

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Investors with significant funds have taken a bearish position in Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW), a development that retail traders should be aware of.

This was brought to our attention today through our monitoring of publicly accessible options data at Benzinga. The exact nature of these investors remains a mystery, but such a major move in MPW usually indicates foreknowledge of upcoming events.

Today, Benzingas options scanner identified 8 options transactions for Medical Properties Trust. This is an unusual occurrence. The sentiment among these large-scale traders is mixed, with 25% being bullish and 62% bearish. Of all the options we discovered, 7 are puts, valued at $1,570,453, and there was a single call, worth $29,600.

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Expected Price Movements

Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $4.5 to $10.0 for Medical Properties Trust over the recent three months.

Insights into Volume & Open Interest

Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.

This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Medical Properties Trusts options for a given strike price.

Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Medical Properties Trusts whale activity within a strike price range from $4.5 to $10.0 in the last 30 days.

Medical Properties Trust Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days

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Biggest Options Spotted:





Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume MPW PUT TRADE BULLISH 01/17/25 $6.0 $5.4 $5.45 $10.00 $1.0M 212.2K 9.7K MPW PUT SWEEP BEARISH 10/18/24 $0.74 $0.65 $0.74 $4.50 $185.0K 4.9K 7.7K MPW PUT SWEEP BEARISH 09/20/24 $1.57 $1.41 $1.57 $6.00 $136.4K 3.2K 2.9K MPW PUT SWEEP BEARISH 10/18/24 $0.79 $0.71 $0.79 $4.50 $79.0K 4.9K 12.8K MPW PUT SWEEP BEARISH 01/17/25 $0.98 $0.95 $0.98 $4.50 $47.4K 3.6K 496

About Medical Properties Trust

Medical Properties Trust Inc is a healthcare facility REIT. The company operates one segment, which owns and leases healthcare facilities. The vast majority of Medicals revenue is generated in the United States, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. It provides financing for a variety of facilities that require funds for acquisitions, sale-leasebacks, new developments, and expansion projects.

Story continues

Having examined the options trading patterns of Medical Properties Trust, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance

Current Position of Medical Properties Trust

Currently trading with a volume of 10,783,695, the MPWs price is down by -3.33%, now at $4.65.

RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.

Anticipated earnings release is in 7 days.

Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Medical Properties Trust with Benzinga Pro for real-time alerts.

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This article Investors are Taking a Bearish Position on This Popular Healthcare REIT originally appeared on Benzinga.com
This week the government has announced an expansion of the resettlement scheme for Afghans. Now those who were evacuated from Kabul in 2021, when the Western-backed government collapsed in the face of a Taliban assault, can bring over close family, such as spouses, partners, children, and parents. Additional family members can also be considered in exceptional circumstances, although such circumstances arent defined.

Although many people might assume these are relatives of those who were employed by Britain during our ill-fated part in the war in Afghanistan, that is a different scheme. The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy has so far relocated over 15,000 of such people to Britain, with another 1,700 cases under consideration and another 2,000 relating to former members of Afghan special forces units under review.

This new expansion is instead of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme, which has brought over around 11,000 people so far. These consist of three groups. One is British Council contractors and Chevening alumni. Others are Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries who have been referred by the UN Refugee Agency. The final group, who this expansion is for, are for those who were evacuated in 2021 to spare them from the Taliban.

These people were considered to be vulnerable members of Afghan society, including judges, female politicians and LGBT activists. Over 9,000 of the 11,000 brought over under this scheme belong to this group. In effect, it is made up of those who our government identified as most deserving or at risk at the time. With nearly three years having passed since the fall of Kabul however, it is unlikely that any close relatives still in Afghanistan are at risk.

Although the desire of these refugees for family reunion is understandable, the question remains: is it good for the British people? A World Bank study of Afghan refugees in Pakistan found the average family size was around seven, so this expansion could easily mean tens of thousands more are immediately eligible. Furthermore, over time they will be able to bring over other relatives on family visas. As Paul Collier showed in his book Exodus, the larger a diaspora in a country, the easier it is for others to migrate there.

More Afghans coming here will therefore exacerbate existing trends. According to the 2021 census, only around a quarter of Afghans here are in full time employment, 36 per cent of Afghans reside in taxpayer subsidised social housing, and they pay less in income tax and NICs than almost any other nationality. Those coming here under the resettlement scheme are eligible to claim benefits, to be allocated social housing, and to get housing assistance.

At a time when the government is claiming there is a multi-billion pound black hole in public finances, yet more Afghan refugees who are likely to be net fiscally negative means this resettlement expansion would only increase the burden on British taxpayers.

This year will see a 6.4 billion overspend by the government on asylum, much of which is due to the use of hotels. Although the majority of Afghans coming to Britain have done so on small boats, those who arrived on the resettlement schemes were also housed in hotels and military bases at taxpayer expense. That has been largely phased out but the burden has now passed to local councils. More arrivals therefore means more costs and more pressure on our already-squeezed housing market.

There is also growing evidence of physical risks. Afghan refugees have featured prominently across Europe in crime cases, with the likes of triple murderer Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai, who killed an aspiring Royal Marine, and the Clapham acid attacker Abdul Shakoor Ezedi, having already carried out heinous crimes in Britain. Even though the vast majority are not likely to be so dangerous, bringing them here still exposes the British public to new risks.

It is hardly reassuring therefore that the British government has proven unable to deal with those it has already resettled, having lost track of 700 of them and lacking a single accurate database of those whove been brought here, according to an official report published this year.

With the small boats crisis only getting worse, and with the government threatening higher taxes and more cuts to infrastructure, bringing over more costly refugees is a mistake. Its time to move away from this expensive and polarising model of asylum, towards one where we provide aid in the regions where the refugees come from. At the very least, Labour should heed the lessons of the last government and impose a cap on the resettlement expansion to ensure that the numbers coming on this route are controlled. Anything else would be irresponsible.

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The toes of a baby peek out of a blanket at a hospital in McAllen, Texas. Native American babies have high rates of sudden unexpected infant deaths, and tribal members and health experts say a patchwork system of collecting information hinders strategies for preventing more deaths. (Eric Gay/The Associated Press)

The toes of a baby peek out of a blanket at a hospital in McAllen, Texas. Native American babies have high rates of sudden unexpected infant deaths, and tribal members and health experts say a patchwork system of collecting information hinders strategies for preventing more deaths. (Eric Gay/The Associated Press)

When Jessica Whitehawk helped start a womens health support center over a decade ago, her team worked out of a tiny room in the back of a nonprofit office on the Yakama Nation Reservation in Washington state.

Pregnant women traveled to that room from the farthest reaches of the 1.3 million-acre reservation because they had nowhere else to go for health care or prenatal advice, Whitehawk said.

Many tribal communities have a similar lack of resources, which contributes to American Indian and Alaska Native infants being twice as likely as non-Hispanic white babies to die before their first birthday.

A recent study suggests another reason for the high infant mortality rate among Native babies: the way that law enforcement authorities investigate possible cases of sudden unexpected infant deaths, known as SUIDs, in tribal communities. Researchers found that compared with other racial groups, American Indian and Alaska Native SUIDs were most likely to result in police investigations, which were often incomplete, as opposed to the more thorough investigations conducted by medical examiners or coroners forensic staff.

As a result, experts say, less is known about those cases, and so less can be done to help prevent future infant deaths in tribal communities that might have scant access to prenatal care or whose cultural practices call for sensitivity.

Medical examiners are pathologist physicians who are trained to explore all causes of death, while law enforcement agencies are trained to explore criminal circumstances. Rural Native communities often dont have medical examiners, and they frequently have strained relationships with police.

Pathologist Dr. Nicole Jackson, the former associate medical examiner for King County, Washington, said that during her training in New Mexico, she saw many tribal infant deaths. Police, often tribal law enforcement agencies, were frequently the ones leading those investigations, she said.

The medical, legal death investigation system in America is just so understaffed and underfunded, said Jackson, now an assistant professor at the University of Washington and director of Autopsy and After Death Services at the UW Medical Center.

If it was better staffed and better funded, we would not have to rely on law enforcement in certain regions conducting these delicate investigations, she said.

The authors of the recent SUIDs study looked at more than 3,800 cases between 2015 and 2018. They categorized investigations as incomplete if there was no autopsy or no investigation of the scene, or if details were missing on where and how the body was found.

That lack of data can hamper prevention efforts.

In many of the incomplete cases, for example, investigators didnt ask the caregivers to use baby dolls to show the position in which they found the deceased infant  even though that exercise is recommended by experts including the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Association of Medical Examiners.

These doll reenactments help investigators determine whether unsafe conditions or sleep practices might have led to suffocation.

Our public health data system collects the lowest quality information on the groups that have the worst health outcomes, when those are the groups we should be collecting the most information about.

 Naomi Harada Thyden, University of Minnesota public health research scientist

Sometimes, for example, babies could be sleeping in poor housing situations. Abigail Echo-Hawk, executive vice president at the Seattle Indian Health Board and director of the Urban Indian Health Institute, recalled one babys death on a high-poverty reservation with a shortage of housing. The babys family members all slept on the floor in a single room.

She added that because the reenactments can be so traumatizing, its critical for investigators to be culturally sensitive. Additionally, untrained investigators may misinterpret a familys culture: For example, some tribes refrain from speaking the name of the baby for a year after the death.

Our public health data system collects the lowest quality information on the groups that have the worst health outcomes, when those are the groups we should be collecting the most information about, said Naomi Harada Thyden, a public health research scientist at the University of Minnesota and the lead author of the study, which was published this spring in the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice.

Whitehawk, who is a member of the Winnebago and Santee Tribes of Nebraska, said those disparities led her and co-founders to launch the Ttawaxt Birth Justice Center 12 years ago. The center now operates a clinic that offers reproductive health care, lactation education and support groups that center tribal traditions. The team plans to eventually launch a birthing facility.

Whitehawk tied the high infant mortality rates to structural racism and a lack of investment in tribal communities.

Two hundred years of systemic racism and systemic violence against women and children  dont we think that might have an impact on why [our] infants are dying all across the nation?

Strained relationships

Janelle Palacios is an attending nurse-midwife and an associate professor at Montana State University who studies parenthood in tribal communities. As a mother herself, she saw firsthand how incomplete data collection can skew public health statistics.

Palacios is an enrolled member of the Salish and Kootenai tribes, but when her last two children were born in California, she had to insist that Native American be added to their birth certificates, as their race had only been recorded as Hispanic.

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Palacios said medical examiners should lead SUIDs investigations, because the relationships between tribal communities and local law enforcement agencies often are strained. As a result, many Native families are reluctant to share information with police, she said.

Tribal communities have a long memory, Palacios said, referring to the history of the U.S. government removing Native children from homes and placing them in boarding schools, often with deadly outcomes, along with Native childrens current disproportionate representation in foster care.

We have this tension over land and resources, tension over people, tension over the children, Palacios said.

Dr. Reade Quinton, a Minnesota medical examiner and vice president of the National Association of Medical Examiners, likewise said that many of these communities are distrustful of law enforcement, and understandably so.

Quinton said Native parents might wonder, when investigators ask routine questions about a cause of death, Are you really trying to answer that question, or are you trying to blame me for something?

Cultural competence

In Wyomings Fremont County, coroner Erin Ivie has handled death investigations at the neighboring Wind River Reservation for two decades. Ivie said her staff members, who are not Indigenous, have taken training courses for cultural sensitivity. Her office also returns to a family months later and asks how they felt about the interactions to make sure the questioning is done in an appropriate manner.

She added that her office works in tandem with law enforcement agencies on investigations.

We treat every case as a homicide until we can rule it otherwise, Ivie said. Were not leaving any question or stone unturned, and consulting with both our forensic pathologist and the childs primary care provider.

That approach, of treating each case as a homicide from the start, can affect how the investigation is conducted, said Jackson, the University of Washington assistant professor.

We never want to miss a homicide, she said. But a more holistic approach, with social workers and trained medical examiner staff, can better connect with families during that very delicate time, because as we know, most of these arent homicides.

Jackson said her job of studying unexpected deaths is ultimately to serve the living.

A life is lost, but hopefully, collectively, we can study and learn some things, feed public health systems to improve lives, she said.

At Ttawaxt, breaking down barriers to help parents and babies is a core mission. In interviews with new mothers and families, Whitehawks team found that families were less likely to lose their babies if there are elders living in the household. Infant health, she said, is a marker of the health of a community.

The advocacy, the education, the quality care, the caring around mothers and children, it changes the narrative of the whole entire community, Whitehawk said. We center building community around birth  the birth of a child or bringing new life into the world.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.
The toes of a baby peek out of a blanket at a hospital in McAllen, Texas. Native American babies have high rates of sudden unexpected infant deaths, and tribal members and health experts say a patchwork system of collecting information hinders strategies for preventing more deaths. (Eric Gay/The Associated Press)

When Jessica Whitehawk helped start a womens health support center over a decade ago, her team worked out of a tiny room in the back of a nonprofit office on the Yakama Nation Reservation in Washington state.

Pregnant women traveled to that room from the farthest reaches of the 1.3 million-acre reservation because they had nowhere else to go for health care or prenatal advice, Whitehawk said.

Many tribal communities have a similar lack of resources, which contributes to American Indian and Alaska Native infants being twice as likely as non-Hispanic white babies to die before their first birthday.

A recent study suggests another reason for the high infant mortality rate among Native babies: the way that law enforcement authorities investigate possible cases of sudden unexpected infant deaths, known as SUIDs, in tribal communities. Researchers found that compared with other racial groups, American Indian and Alaska Native SUIDs were most likely to result in police investigations, which were often incomplete, as opposed to the more thorough investigations conducted by medical examiners or coroners forensic staff.

As a result, experts say, less is known about those cases, and so less can be done to help prevent future infant deaths in tribal communities that might have scant access to prenatal care or whose cultural practices call for sensitivity.

Medical examiners are pathologist physicians who are trained to explore all causes of death, while law enforcement agencies are trained to explore criminal circumstances. Rural Native communities often dont have medical examiners, and they frequently have strained relationships with police.

Pathologist Dr. Nicole Jackson, the former associate medical examiner for King County, Washington, said that during her training in New Mexico, she saw many tribal infant deaths. Police, often tribal law enforcement agencies, were frequently the ones leading those investigations, she said.

The medical, legal death investigation system in America is just so understaffed and underfunded, said Jackson, now an assistant professor at the University of Washington and director of Autopsy and After Death Services at the UW Medical Center.

If it was better staffed and better funded, we would not have to rely on law enforcement in certain regions conducting these delicate investigations, she said.

The authors of the recent SUIDs study looked at more than 3,800 cases between 2015 and 2018. They categorized investigations as incomplete if there was no autopsy or no investigation of the scene, or if details were missing on where and how the body was found.

That lack of data can hamper prevention efforts.

In many of the incomplete cases, for example, investigators didnt ask the caregivers to use baby dolls to show the position in which they found the deceased infant  even though that exercise is recommended by experts including the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Association of Medical Examiners.

These doll reenactments help investigators determine whether unsafe conditions or sleep practices might have led to suffocation.

Our public health data system collects the lowest quality information on the groups that have the worst health outcomes, when those are the groups we should be collecting the most information about.

  Naomi Harada Thyden, University of Minnesota public health research scientist

Sometimes, for example, babies could be sleeping in poor housing situations. Abigail Echo-Hawk, executive vice president at the Seattle Indian Health Board and director of the Urban Indian Health Institute, recalled one babys death on a high-poverty reservation with a shortage of housing. The babys family members all slept on the floor in a single room.

She added that because the reenactments can be so traumatizing, its critical for investigators to be culturally sensitive. Additionally, untrained investigators may misinterpret a familys culture: For example, some tribes refrain from speaking the name of the baby for a year after the death.

Our public health data system collects the lowest quality information on the groups that have the worst health outcomes, when those are the groups we should be collecting the most information about, said Naomi Harada Thyden, a public health research scientist at the University of Minnesota and the lead author of the study, which was published this spring in the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice.

Whitehawk, who is a member of the Winnebago and Santee Tribes of Nebraska, said those disparities led her and co-founders to launch the Ttawaxt Birth Justice Center 12 years ago. The center now operates a clinic that offers reproductive health care, lactation education and support groups that center tribal traditions. The team plans to eventually launch a birthing facility.

Whitehawk tied the high infant mortality rates to structural racism and a lack of investment in tribal communities.

Two hundred years of systemic racism and systemic violence against women and children  dont we think that might have an impact on why [our] infants are dying all across the nation?

Strained relationships

Janelle Palacios is an attending nurse-midwife and an associate professor at Montana State University who studies parenthood in tribal communities. As a mother herself, she saw firsthand how incomplete data collection can skew public health statistics.

Palacios is Salish and Kootenai, but when her last two children were born in California, she had to insist that Native American be added to their birth certificates, as their race had only been recorded as Hispanic.

Palacios said medical examiners should lead SUIDs investigations, because the relationships between tribal communities and local law enforcement agencies often are strained. As a result, many Native families are reluctant to share information with police, she said.

Tribal communities have a long memory, Palacios said, referring to the history of the U.S. government removing Native children from homes and placing them in boarding schools, often with deadly outcomes, along with Native childrens current disproportionate representation in foster care.

We have this tension over land and resources, tension over people, tension over the children, Palacios said.

Dr. Reade Quinton, a Minnesota medical examiner and vice president of the National Association of Medical Examiners, likewise said that many of these communities are distrustful of law enforcement, and understandably so.

Quinton said Native parents might wonder, when investigators ask routine questions about a cause of death, Are you really trying to answer that question, or are you trying to blame me for something?

Cultural competence

In Wyomings Fremont County, coroner Erin Ivie has handled death investigations at the neighboring Wind River Reservation for two decades. Ivie said her staff members, who are not Indigenous, have taken training courses for cultural sensitivity. Her office also returns to a family months later and asks how they felt about the interactions to make sure the questioning is done in an appropriate manner.

She added that her office works in tandem with law enforcement agencies on investigations.

We treat every case as a homicide until we can rule it otherwise, Ivie said. Were not leaving any question or stone unturned, and consulting with both our forensic pathologist and the childs primary care provider.

That approach, of treating each case as a homicide from the start, can affect how the investigation is conducted, said Jackson, the University of Washington assistant professor.

We never want to miss a homicide, she said. But a more holistic approach, with social workers and trained medical examiner staff, can better connect with families during that very delicate time, because as we know, most of these arent homicides.

Jackson said her job of studying unexpected deaths is ultimately to serve the living.

A life is lost, but hopefully, collectively, we can study and learn some things, feed public health systems to improve lives, she said.

At Ttawaxt, breaking down barriers to help parents and babies is a core mission. In interviews with new mothers and families, Whitehawks team found that families were less likely to lose their babies if there are elders living in the household. Infant health, she said, is a marker of the health of a community.

The advocacy, the education, the quality care, the caring around mothers and children, it changes the narrative of the whole entire community, Whitehawk said. We center building community around birth  the birth of a child or bringing new life into the world.

Editors note: This story has been updated to more accurately describe Janelle Palacios Native American heritage.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.
(BCN)  Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco resumed admissions Thursday and welcomed back former residents who had been displaced after the skilled nursing facility had its certification yanked two years ago. According to the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Laguna Honda became fully certified again by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services after a successful two-year improvement process.

The hospital began transferring patients out after federal and state regulators cited safety concerns and required the facility to move all 700 patients out in 2022, while also removing its Medicare and Medicaid provider agreements. Drug paraphernalia in the facility, a lack of infection prevention and control, and missed doses of medication were among the cited concerns.

San Francisco becomes first US city to ban automated rent-fixing technology

The facility also had a patient abuse scandal involving some patients who allegedly fell victim to verbal, mental, sexual and physical abuse over a several-year period, which resulted in a lawsuit. A 2019 investigation from the California Department of Public Health  the origins of the lawsuit  noted that six former nurses allegedly abused 23 patients by drugging some, taking nude photos of others and texting the images to other staff members and even gagging one victim with a towel.

The state health department determined that the facility failed to protect residents from abuse and privacy breaches, and the actions had potential to cause embarrassment and emotional distress to patients. Last year, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors agreed to settle with 11 former patients for $2.2 million.

The citys mayor and other officials praised the progress made in getting the skilled nursing facility recertified and back in business.

We fought tirelessly for the future of Laguna Honda so that the care and services provided by this beloved facility would again be accessible to our most vulnerable residents, said Mayor London Breed in a statement released by the health department.

Last year, the California Department of Public Health and the states Department of Health Care Services approved Laguna Hondas recertification for Medicaid, the federal program to provide free or low-cost health care coverage to low-income people that is administered in the state as Medi-Cal. In June of this year, the hospital was recertified for Medicare.

Patients who were displaced after the hospital lost its certification are being invited back, the city said, and as of Thursday, several have opted to return, the health department said in a statement.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This article was originally published in Honolulu Civil Beat.

Lahainas four public schools will close on Aug. 8 to honor the first anniversary of the Maui wildfires, the Board of Education decided on Thursday.

Students at King Kamehameha III Elementary, Princess Nahienaena Elementary, Lahaina Intermediate and Lahainaluna High School will begin classes on Aug. 7 as planned. Incoming freshmen at Lahainaluna High School will come to campus a day early, on Aug. 6, for orientation.

The four schools will reopen on Friday, Aug. 9.

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The boards decision to close schools on Aug. 8 follows a Maui County Council resolution asking the Hawaii Department of Education to delay the start of the school year for all Maui schools by a week so classes on the island wouldnt coincide with the anniversary of the fires. The council passed the resolution last month, although some community members said it could be logistically difficult to start classes a full week later than planned.

Superintendent Keith Hayashi said he recognized that not all families will be able to take off work on Aug. 8. But, he said, its important for staff and students to commemorate the anniversary of the fires with their loved ones, and the department is seeking resources and services to support families who cant find child care on the anniversary of the fires.

We also remain committed to ensuring students academic well-being and providing essential support and resources at our schools, such as additional behavioral health specialists on campus, Hayashi said in his written request to the board.

Even if schools remained open on Aug. 8, Hayashi added, it could be difficult to staff campuses if many employees took personal leave.

In response to board members concerns about students academic progress, King Kamehameha III Elementary Principal Ian Haskins said his school has offered summer learning opportunities to help children catch up on missed instruction from last year. Schools will continue to address any learning loss in the upcoming academic year, he added.

We will make sure students get what they need, Haskins said.

Students at King Kamehameha III Elementary lost nearly a third of the academic year after their campus was burned beyond repair last August.

At least one private school has adjusted the start of its school year to recognize the one-year anniversary of the fires. Maui Preparatory Academy announced earlier this summer that classes will begin on Aug. 9 instead of Aug. 7.

Throughout last year, Lahaina teachers repeatedly asked the department for more scheduling flexibility and mental health resources in the aftermath of the wildfires. In response, DOE announced earlier this week that employees can donate leave days to teachers who lost their property last summer.

Teachers can donate or request additional leave until mid-September.

Civil Beats education reporting is supported by a grant from Chamberlin Family Philanthropy.

This story was originally published on Honolulu Civil Beat.
Langhorne Carpet Co. building could become 150 luxe apartments in Penndel

A shuttered Penndel carpet mill could be the site of Lower Bucks Countys latest upscale apartment craze, but it faces hurdles that could be tough to jump.

Plans submitted to the borough propose razing the 117-year-old Langhorne Carpet Company building at 201 W. Lincoln Highway/Route 1, replacing it with two, four-and-half story buildings that would contain 150 apartments and three retail stores.

Housing affordability crisis Working 40 hours won't pay rent in 15 Pa. counties. Bucks County among least affordable

Rendering of proposed "upscale" apartments with three retail stores at the shuttered Langhorne Carpet Co. factory. Some 150 apartments and 300 parking spaces are part of the plan at 201 W. Lincoln Highway in Penndel.

The proposal has caused buzz on Penndel social media, as residents rally neighbors to attend a town council meeting on Monday Aug. 5, when the plan will be presented.

The borough cautioned on its social media page: Contrary to what is being said around the borough, the 150 luxury apartments & retail plan was received less than a week ago. It is just a concept and this is the first that council is seeing it. It will be presented at Monday night's council meeting.

Obstacles facing Penndel apartment plans

Mayor Tom Sodano, who reviewed the plans, said he opposes the project, citing zoning, lack of sewer connections and a 300-car parking lot that could cause flooding from runoff.

Rent's too darn high Oxford Valley Mall apartments could see first residents in July. How much is rent?

The shuttered Langhorne Carpet Co. factory at 201 W. Lincoln Highway could become 150 apartments with retail spaces.

However, a source, who spoke off the record, said the 4-acre property is owned by Lotus Growth Properties LLC of Huntington Valley, and the developer who will present the plan is Kiddma LLC Real Estate of Philadelphia.

So far, the property hasnt been sold by Lotus. But if the sale goes through, the development faces stiff headwinds.

Number one is sewers. There arent enough available, Mayor Sodano said.

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Schematic of the proposed development of the 4-acre Langhorne Carpet Co. site at 201 W. Lincoln Avenue in Penndel. It shows 300 parking spaces for 150 "upscale" apartments.

Last month, he said, the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority sent notices to all Lower Bucks municipalities that it is at capacity for new sewer connections, called EDUs, or equivalent dwelling units.

New connections are shut down because the Neshaminy (sewage) Interceptor is at hydraulic overload, the mayor said. That means any time theres a storm, theres so much water infiltration that it overflows. Right now, its somewhere in the neighborhood of 90-percent capacity for everyday use. We cant put that many toilets in, is what it means.

A view of the closed Langhorne Carpet Co. factory's east gate along Crescent Avenue in Penndel Borough on Thursday Aug. 1, 2024. It may be developed into 150 pricey apartments with retail space.

The second concern is the size of the parking lots to accommodate hundreds of vehicles.

Installing that much hardscape on that property, surrounded by residences, theres going to be a lot of water that can escape rapidly in a heavy downpour  in many cases faster than we can efficiently traffic, he said.

Third concern is zoning.

Were not zoned to be residential on that property, so it would require a change, he said.

He added a last concern: Is it really fair to put a 45-foot building in somebodys backyard?

He pointed to a map showing existing homes that are close on two sides of the proposed development.

How would you like to be up against a four-and-half story building? he said.

Mondays council meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. at borough hall.

JD Mullane can be reached at 215-949-5745 or at jmullane@couriertimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Penndel may get 150 luxury apartments at old Langhorne Carpet factory
LANSING  The Lansing School District Board of Education has made its position on librarians clear.

The board voted Thursday evening unanimously to approve a resolution expressing support for librarians and the role they play in education. The resolution also committed to having a library in every school building and to "continue to invest in literacy advancements, including supporting access to libraries and librarians."

Ultimately, the outcome of community concerns over whether the district will cut some librarian positions rests with the district's administration, officials also said Thursday.

The board heard a presentation about a proposal for librarians in the coming school year by Deputy Superintendent of Schools Jessica Benavides and her staff. The new plan retains all four certified, full-time K-8 librarians and will add 20 instructional assistants. District administration are expected to finalize the plan and intend to announce the staffing changes in the coming weeks, Benavides said.

This decision comes about two weeks after the State Journal reported the district planned to eliminate K-8 certified, full-time librarians. District officials had since May refused to answer questions about the future of the librarians, with Superintendent Ben Shuldiner calling it an "internal personnel matter."

K-8 librarians at stake

In a May 22 newsletter from Lansing Schools Education Association President Chuck Alberts to union members, he addressed a meeting that had taken place that week between librarians and administration that he also attended. According to his newsletter, the meeting was held because of the district's "intent to eliminate K-8 library positions and move them to create more art, music, PE time slots."

Parents, students and library advocates quickly pushed for the district to retain its librarians after the plan became public knowledge.

The district addressed public concerns for the first time in a July 25 email, about a week after the State Journal reported on the plan, to parents and students from Benavides.

"The new plan, which will be presented to the Board of Education on August 1st, includes: 3 high school certified librarians, 4 K-8 certified librarians, and 20 Instructional Assistants," Benavides said in the email.

Benavides confirmed the conversations with the union took place, and apologized for the lack of communication from the district about the plan for the librarians.

"I apologize for the delay in sharing our plan or any miscommunication/unrest that has occurred during our planning process," she said in the letter. "It is clear that our community values our libraries, and in response, I will be establishing a Library Community Committee this fall. This committee will provide a platform for ideas, input, and general discussions to ensure our libraries are inclusive, welcoming spaces where students can foster a love of reading."

Staff in Benavides' office recommended to Shuldiner and the district's Board of Education removing two of the four certified, full-time K-8 librarian positions and hiring 34 library assistants during the July 18 board meeting.

Benavides cited the the Michigan School Index System Guide, in her presentation to the board Thursday evening. The Michigan Department of Education recommends having one full-time arts or gym teacher for every 124.6 students, and one full-time librarian for every 6,125 students.

Michigan lacks school librarians

Michigan is among the states with the lowest child literacy rates, and in 2022, about 6% of Michigan third graders were significantly behind in reading. Black third graders were more than four times as likely to be significantly behind grade level. State data indicate 38% of students in Lansing are Black.

In the 2023-24 school year, the district had seven certified, full-time librarians, according to district data.

Most public school districts in Michigan do not have a certified, full-time librarian. The Center for Educational Performance & Information's 2022-23 staffing data shows that in the Ingham Intermediate School District, only East Lansing, Haslett, Holt, Lansing, Mason and Okemos had at least one certified, full-time librarian.

The Michigan Senate is considering bills that would increase the number of librarians within schools. Michigan is currently ranked 47th in the nation for ratios of certified librarians to students, and the package of bills would require a library in every school building and a certified school librarian staffing it.

The bills would require one half-time certified school librarian for a school with fewer than 300 students, one for a school with between 300 and 1,499 students, and two for schools with 1,500 or more students.

Two board members, Nino Rodriguez and Deyanira Nevarez Martinez, were absent.

Contact Sarah Atwood at satwood@lsj.com. Follow her on X @sarahmatwood.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing Board of Education approves resolution supporting school librarians
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  One man is dead and two other men were injured after police said a possible workplace incident turned violent on a west Las Vegas valley road.

It happened on Thursday shortly after 6:30 p.m. in the 4500 block of Cory Place near Charleston and Decatur boulevards.

According to Las Vegas Metropolitan police, the incident took place when a man was conducting a remodeling job at home nearby on Dover Place. He told police his employee showed up to the home in a condition unfit to do his job and was then fired.

After the man was fired there was a verbal argument between the two. The man who had been fired then got into his vehicle and attempted to hit his boss by driving forward and then in reverse, and ended up hitting his boss with the rear side of the vehicle, police said.

According to Las Vegas Metropolitan police Lt. Jason Johansson, several witnesses came out to see what was happening, and one of the witnesses came armed with a gun. As the vehicle drove toward the armed man he fired shots and the vehicle then hit a wall, police said.

Officers initially responded to the area Thursday evening, after several 911 callers reported that a man in a dark-colored SUV was attempting to run over a pedestrian. Another caller told police there had been a shooting in the area and the man driving the SUV was dead.

When officers arrived they found the vehicle on a sidewalk up against a fence along Cory and Dover places where the driver was found dead from a gunshot wound inside the vehicle, police said.

The two men found injured nearby (one of which was the drivers employer) were taken to a hospital. One of the men had minor injuries and the other had major injuries although not life-threatening, Lt. Johansson said on Thursday evening.

Officers also located the man who they said identified himself as the shooter. He cooperated with police and was taken into custody, police said.

Las Vegas Metropolitan police investigate shooting near Charleston and Decatur boulevards on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 (Armando Navarro/KLAS)

The entire incident was captured on camera and is not believed to be a random act of crime, according to Lt. Johansson.

It was very directed between two people that knew one another, he added.

Those with information are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.

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(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

A Thurston County Superior Court judge has denied an effort to make the state Department of Ecology find a way to assure farmers are exempt from paying fuel surcharges under the states cap-and-trade program as intended.

Judge Chris Lanese dismissed a lawsuit earlier this week that would have required the agency to reopen rulemaking to fix the exemption process.

The Washington Farm Bureau, the Washington Trucking Association and others sued the department a year ago after months of frustrations among farmers and truckers who said they were not receiving exemptions from extra charges that fuel companies attribute to the states Climate Commitment Act. Their hope was that the lawsuit would force Ecology officials to have formal discussions about how to fix the problems.

The bureau called Laneses ruling inexplicable and disappointing and would have catastrophic financial consequences on farmers and ranchers. It added that the decision is part of the status quo in a judicial system that systematically rubber stamps agency negligence.

The courts choice to not uphold Ecologys responsibility to remain in compliance with the laws under the Climate Commitment Act leaves agriculture no path but to fervently support the repeal of this flawed program, Bre Elsey, Washington Farm Bureaus Director of Governmental Affairs, said in a statement.

An initiative heading to the ballot this November could eliminate the states climate program altogether.

Sheri Call, the trucking associations president and CEO, said the groups are still determining next steps, including appealing the decision.

Under the Climate Commitment Act, the agricultural, maritime and aviation sectors are supposed to be exempt from the laws cap on emissions and any fees fuel companies might pass along to customers to cover the cost of buying pollution allowances. Fuel used for trucking crops and other agricultural goods is supposed to be exempt through 2027.

But once the program launched last year, farmers, fishermen and fuel distributors were quick to say the exemptions program was a mess.

They cited difficulties with tracking whether diesel fuel was being used for exempt purposes and said a process where exempt fuel buyers had to present certificates to fuel sellers was cumbersome and faulty. The result, they said, was fuel distributors often passed the cost of allowances to buyers who were supposed to be exempt.

Many large fuel distributors did figure out ways to exempt large farm operations from fees added since the climate program went into effect, but finding ways to exempt small farmers who may purchase fuel at a local gas station remains difficult.

Caroline Halter, spokesperson at the Department of Ecology, said that while the Climate Commitment Act exempts agricultural fuel emissions, it is up to the fuel suppliers to claim the exemption and offer fuel without surcharges to farmers.

Ecology cannot force suppliers to claim these exceptions or change their prices, Halter wrote in an email. What Ecology can and continues to do is help fuel suppliers track and report exempt fuels sales accurately.

In the last year, the department worked with those affected to try to find a fix. They set up a workgroup of more than 30 farmers, fuel distributors, climate advocates and others that met for months on potential solutions. Ecology also issued guidance on how to report and document emissions that should be exempt from the cap-and-trade program.

The Legislature also set aside $30 million this year to give rebates to farmers who say they have paid surcharges on their fuel. The money went to the Department of Licensing, which will have to start doling out rebates by the end of this month. Payments are based on a signed attestation from purchasers who can show receipts with overcharged fuel costs.

This [court] decision recognizes that the Department of Ecology is faithfully implementing the Climate Commitment Act as the Legislature intended and within our authority as an agency, Halter said. We appreciate the agricultural communitys engagement on this new climate policy, and well continue to be responsive to concerns.

Call said the states efforts havent been enough, especially when it comes to helping small farmers and truckers.

The exemptions system created by the state is a Band-Aid and isnt adequate, and they dont seem interested in solving the problem, Call said. They created this scheme of rules  it shouldnt be on the industry to make it work.
Gates Corp. has announced it will be closing its Newton facility in November, laying off 41 workers.

The closure was posted on Iowas Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN, site. No reason was given for the closure, but Gates, a manufacturer of power transmission and fluid power solutions based in Denver, has been a supplier of hydraulic hoses to John Deere, which has cut thousands of jobs in Iowa and Illinois in recent months amid a downturn in agriculture-related manufacturing.

Gates Corporation plans to close down its Newton facility in November idling 41 workers.

Gates did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. Frank Liebl, executive director of the Newton Development Corp., said he had been concerned about the company because of its ties to Deere.

I even went out and visited with them in April because I knew a lot of their business was with John Deere, said Liebl, adding that company officials told him at the time that their business had not been affected.

He said he had not been advised of the companys decision to close the Newton plant.

The 65,000 square foot facility, located in Newtons industrial park on the citys north side, is valued at $1.9 million, according to the Jasper County assessor's website.

The company in 2017 purchased Atlas Hydraulics, which had a facility in Newton.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: John Deere hydraulic hose supplier closing plant in Newton, Iowa
House Speaker Pro Tem Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, sits in the speaker's chair in the Alabama House of Representatives on Feb. 8, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A member of the Legislatures Joint Contract Review Committee Thursday delayed a proposed $2.23 million contract between Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program.

Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, expressed concerns about the involvement of Sherry Bradley, a former ADPH employee now working with the program.

She worked for the state, and there is a revolving door policy. I just want to know how much money shes going to make and how much the organization is going to make and how much the organization is going to make, Pringle said after the meeting.

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In a phone interview after the meeting, Bradley said she had consulted with the Ethics Commission before and after retiring from ADPH.

I can work for a nonprofit because a nonprofit is not regulated by the state, so I dont understand why my name would come up, she said.

The ADPH initiative to install septic tanks in Lowndes County specially designed for the soil in the Black Belt came as the Department of Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services launched an environmental justice investigation in 2021 on whether regions wastewater issues was a result of ADPH discriminating on race, a violation of the Civil Rights Act.

Regular septic tanks installed in the regions soil generally face issues and many residents often dont have access a sewage system. The investigation concluded that ADPH neglected health risks by enforcing sanitation laws that threatened residents with criminal penalties and financial loss. It also stated the department did not address the disproportionate burdens Black residents face with Lowndes Countys soil, despite awareness of the issue.

Bradley said that her involvement with the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program is purely as an executive director, not as a board member, and shes not involved in negotiating contracts, which would have violated ethics law. She also said the nonprofit isnt regulated by the state, and ethics law prohibits personally participat[ing] in the direct regulation, audit, or investigation of a private business, corporation, partnership, or individual.

Sancha Howard, general counsel for ADPH, told the committee that Bradley had received an ethics opinion before accepting her new position.

But Pringle requested detailed information about how funds were used, the nonprofits financial compensation and the measures in place to prevent the misuse of funds, particularly regarding property title resolutions.

Pringle voiced concerns about the process of clearing property titles, which he said may also lead to misuse.

What I dont want to see is this organization going to their friends and family, clearing title on their land, and then selling it at a huge profit two years later, he said.

Bradley said shes not from Lowndes County, where the program is installing the septic tanks, and does not personally know people there.

Im from Covington County, yeah, so I wouldnt know how to pick or choose anyone, she said.

The committee decided to hold the contract pending further review of the nonprofits previous invoices, compensation details, and procedures for resolving property titles.

Rob Green, a spokesperson for ADPH, said ADPH officials reached out to Pringle regarding the contract review committee meeting, and they quickly reached a mutual understanding of ADPHs commitment to resolving this issue, along with an emphasis on the contract being fully funded by federal dollars.

At the end of the day, ADPH is fully committed to continuing to carry out the work that weve been doing in the Black Belt, hoping to resolve this issue someday, Green said in a statement.

Pringle said after the meeting these issues could be resolved by the next contract review meeting.

If they have the documentation I want, and they show me the approved template for the billing, then yes, it can be resolved, he said.

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Black Lives Matter co-founder Melina Abdullah protests at City Hall on Jan. 17, 2023, in Los Angeles. An attorney for Abdullah has filed a lawsuit against the city. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

An attorney for Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles leader Melina Abdullah has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that a search of his home earlier this year by police officers was part of a broader campaign of intimidation and harassment against LAPD critics.

Dermot Givens represented Abdullah in her own case against the city, alleging heavily armed officers in tactical gear surrounded her home when responding to a report of a hostage situation despite red flags indicating it was a hoax.

A jury ruled against the civil rights activist in July, finding the LAPD officers involved acted within the law.

Givens' suit, filed Thursday, alleges that the police raid on his home in January was the work of a "rogue police gang that was led by former LAPD Cmdr. Cory Palka to intimidate and silence members and supporters of Black Lives Matter including their attorneys."

Read more: L.A. gang interventionists got better pay. They're still searching for respect.

Palka, who retired as a commander, served as captain of the department's Hollywood division in 2017 and 2018. He left the department after being accused of tipping off CBS executives about a woman who had filed a report accusing former CBS Corp. chief Leslie Moonves of assaulting her in a restaurant parking lot many years before.

Palka did not respond to a text message seeking comment.

Givens, who offered no evidence of Palka's involvement in the search of his home, alleged the former LAPD official was involved in "a pattern of illegal conduct," which he said targeted the Black Lives Matter attorney and others who spoke out against police abuses.

LAPD officers descended on Givens' Hollywood condo after obtaining a search warrant to find a man accused of stealing camera equipment. Police said an Apple AirTag was pinging in the vicinity of the home.

Givens alleges that police "duped" a judge into signing off on the warrant, which he argued was based on unreliable testimony from a police informant. Givens noted that the supporting affidavit put forward by police didn't mention he was an attorney or list his address, one of five units in a larger complex.

During the search, Givens said he was escorted outside at gunpoint while officers rummaged through his belongings. At one point, he said, officers took photographs of privileged attorney-client records from Abdullah's "swatting" lawsuit.

Givens said he also discovered some jewelry missing from two safes that had been opened during the search.

Read more: Mayor Karen Bass vetoes ballot proposal to let police chief fire problem officers

A judge later ordered the LAPD to return or destroy any attorney work product theyd taken or captured in the pictures.

LAPD spokeswoman Jennifer Forkish declined comment, saying the department doesn't discuss pending litigation. An email sent to the city attorney's office went unreturned Friday. Reached by phone, Givens said the suit speaks for itself and declined to comment further.

Palka and the city are named as co-defendants in the suit, filed this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, along with several officers who were involved in the search.

Givens, a longtime political consultant and attorney, has for years represented Abdullah, a college professor who emerged as a prominent organizer against police violence.

In the 2020 incident that prompted her lawsuit, authorities have said they believe the person responsible for the hoax 911 call had made other false calls to other police departments across the country.

Abdullah alleged police ignored signs that the hostage emergency the caller reported wasnt real and proceeded to surround her home with more than a dozen officers in tactical gear.

Read more: Who will be L.A.'s next police chief: A guide

At a trial earlier this year, attorneys for the city argued that police should not be held liable for any damages, because they were responding to what they believed was a legitimate hostage situation. After five days of testimony last month, a jury ruled in favor of the city and the two police officials named in her suit, Sgt. James Mankey and Officer Jose Perez.

Abdullah's legal team has sought to revive the lawsuit, alleging the original 911 call could have been a fiction made up by police authorities  and not, as police have said, the work of a teenager who fled to the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Two months after the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office hired a lawyer to train new prosecutors, he is leaving the job amid controversy over his recently self-published novel rife with sexual violence and misogyny.

Steve Gosney, a Daytona Beach public defender, moved his family to Miami to start a job training new prosecutors and helping shore up some of the ethical issues that have encircled the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office this year.

But Gosneys hiring became a controversy all its own when the Miami Herald reported on his recently self-published sex novel, Death Penalty Desires. The fictional book is full of crude sexual violence, including descriptions of a transgender person as a man beast with a mutilated crotch, and depicts female characters as having an intrinsic need to submit to a masculine man. Prosecutors in the book are craven and corrupt. A homeless person is a grubby bum, and an Arab looking doctor is referred to as a camel jockey.

The terms of Gosneys departure are unclear. Spokesman Ed Griffith said in an email that Mr. Gosney will be separating from our office in the upcoming weeks.

Gosney, 56, was hired at a $105,000 salary  increasing to $110,000 after six months of probation  to bring a defense lawyers perspective at a time when the office is beset with accusations of cheating in trials, including by withholding evidence. Gosney was hired to train incoming classes of prosecutors, and to be involved with ethics, evidence issues and conviction integrity.

The local defense lawyers group that has been agitating for reforms reiterated Friday their desire for a prosecutorial integrity unit that addresses past misconduct and current ethical concerns.

We sincerely hope that she will take seriously the search for the next person hired to address ethical concerns within the office, said attorney Lauren Field Krasnoff, president of the Miami chapter of the Florida Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers. There are countless well-qualified attorneys from outside of her office who could contribute to changing the culture at the office in a way that benefits the entire community.

Gosney could not be reached for comment late Friday afternoon. But hed expressed frustration in recent social media posts, and told the Herald he didnt understand why female readers would take offense.

We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people wont be offended, says a meme posted on his Facebook page two days after the Herald article published.

In an interview with the Herald for that report, Gosney said he used salacious material to make his topic interesting. The books theme was that an innocent person can be sentenced to death.

His sex novel contained few positive depictions of women.

Try not to psychoanalyze the author, said Gosney, who has been married 25 years. My wife if you wanna know the truth, shes quite the tough cookie and shes professional and working.

In a series of X posts in July, Gosney called it a ridiculous leap to suggest he endorses the actions of his fictional characters.

One of my favorite authors is Mary Shelley who wrote Frankenstein. Does this imply Ms. Shelley endorsed re-animation of the dead? his post says.

He also posted a Biblical scripture, the Parable of the Sower from the New Testament. The parable, told by Jesus, describes seed falling on rocky or thorny ground and bearing no fruit, versus seed falling on rich soil where it can produce fruit.

How the State Attorneys Office could be surprised by Gosneys book is unclear. Hiring records obtained by the Herald show that Gosney was upfront about it  a little too upfront for some.

Very self promoting about the books he has written and encouraged us repeatedly to purchase, wrote Christine Zahralban, though still recommending he move forward in the interview process.

Has blog and livestreams re cases, she wrote after the March 29 interview. And he is very Catholic and opposed to the death penalty.

Interviewer Reid Rubin, a prosecutor, wrote that Gosney tends to go off on tangents and was self promoting of his books.

Both gave him high marks on legal knowledge, honesty, judgment and communication.

It does not appear that anyone advised Gosney that he might have to give up his activity as a media personality, the label he gives himself in a social media bio. But after his hire, Gosney indicated on social media that he was awaiting a ruling about it.

Besides selling his books from a personal website, Gosney participates in podcasts, and hosts live-streams that feature him drinking cocktails while discussing his books and legal issues with online friends. The office does not have a social media policy, but it does not allow prosecutors to communicate with the press regarding any case without permission, a written policy says.

A month after his initial interviews, Gosney was brought in to the office for interviews with the top echelon in Fernandez Rundles office: Howard Rosen, Nilo Cuervo, Steve Talpins, Kathleen Hogue and Deisy Hernandez, records show.

All were enthusiastic about him, giving him high marks and effusive compliments in their interview notes. Gosney had spent time as a prosecutor in Daytona Beach, until a new state attorney was hired and required that Gosney leave, records show. He immediately was hired as a public defender, where he was working when he applied in Miami. Gosney and his wife wanted to relocate to follow their son, who had decided to attend college in Miami.

Affable, entertaining, yet humble. Lets get him onboard, Rosen wrote. We need this guy!!

With the thumbs-up from her closest advisers, the state attorney interviewed Gosney a week later.

On May 6, Fernandez Rundle noted that he does YouTube and Rumble, a conservative video-based social media platform.

I really like him. Hes dynamic, mature and experienced, her handwritten notes say.

Later, she was contacted directly by the local chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers.

Miami Chapter President Angela Benjamin issued a brief statement to the Herald last week saying Fernandez Rundle is a longtime supporter of their organization and a recipient of the organizations Mattie Belle Davis award, named for the first female Bar-admitted lawyer in Florida.

Ms. Rundle graciously took our call, Benjamins written statement said, and assured us that she is appropriately addressing the issue in a manner that will be satisfactory to MDFAWL and its members.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Earlier this week, the removal of Realty Building tenants belongings was brought to the attention of city officials; now lawyers are weighing in on whats been happening with the former tenents possessions since the deadly gas explosion in May.

This week Youngstown Council Members said they were hearing from residents claiming their belongings were being taken from the damaged building. Attorney Dave Betras says hes heard similar complaints.

We have a client who works at a business and was hearing contractors talking about his stuff while hes taking care of these customers, said Attorney Dave Betras of Betras-Kopp law firm.

Betras-Kopp represents 22 of the former residents and a number of people who were injured by the explosion.

Betras says the removal of items is making an already tragic situation even worse

Contractors shouldnt be rifling through personal effects of people and then taking it, he said.

On Tuesday, Mayor Tito Brown said he spoke with the contractor in charge of the demolition, Modarelli Excavating, and was assured that the removal of tenants possessions would stop.

Betras says his office will be sending a letter to the contractor and a lawsuit will be filed in the coming weeks against all those he says are involved with the initial explosion in May and the current demolition.

Compensation for all of their personal effects, compensation for the disruption in their lives of having to move, Betras said.

He says the suit will be filed in the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

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LCPD: 2 students arrested for possessing firearms on campus

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Two 15-year-old students were arrested Thursday morning, Aug. 1 for possessing firearms at Organ Mountain High School, according to the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD).

At about 10:40 a.m. Aug. 1, LCPD received information about two students believed to be in possession of firearms on campus.

LCPD said the school was placed on a brief shelter in place while police conducted the investigation.

The investigation resulted in two 15-year-old students, both boys, were found to be in possession of a firearm on campus. LCPD recovered one handgun from each student.

Both students were taken into custody and charged with unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon on school premises and unlawful possession of a handgun by a person under the age of 19, according to LCPD.

They were booked into the juvenile section of the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

LCPD said Task Force Officers with the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force will be pursuing federal prosecution on both students about firearms violations and narcotics trafficking.

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Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow answered questions from Senate panel considering her appointment to continue serving in the position on March 26, 2024 at the Iowa State Capitol. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

In the upcoming school year, six new leaders will oversee Iowas Area Education Agencies as a part of the Iowa Department of Educations division of special education following the implementation of a 2024 law making major changes to the states special education system.

Previously, Iowas AEAs, the regional agencies providing special education and other assistance for Iowa school districts, had internal staff with of accountability and oversight duties. But the 2024 law making funding changes to the AEA system, alongside increasing minimum teacher salaries and paraeducator pay, moved these responsibilities to the state Department of Education under the reestablished division of special education.

Education Department Director McKenzie Snow said in a report to the Iowa Board of Education Thursday that Dr. Barbara Guy was selected to serve as the division administrator of state accountability and student supports, at the lead of the centrally located team, while Dr. Angelisa Fynaardt will serve as acting division administrator of regional continuous improvement and compliance working with regional-based teams through the nine AEA regions.

Amy Thoms-Starr, Ivan Gentry, Lisa Glenn, Molly Elston and Seth Piro have also been selected to serve in senior leadership roles as regional special education directors, according to the department news release.

Most of the division staff have prior experience at AEAs. Fynaardt has 13 years of experience as special education director at Great Prairie AEA. Several of the regional directors also previously held leadership positions at the regions where they will be working, including Thoms-Starr at Central River, Gentry at Green Hills and Molly Elston at Prairie Lakes.

Collectively, these experts represent over 150 of years of expertise in special education across Iowa and represent parents, families, advocates, peer educators, special education teachers, principals, school districts, special education directors, AEA, special education directors and more, Snow said at the meeting.

Snow said the division will be tasked with implementing accreditation and accountability measures including providing finance and data analysis, providing student evaluation and placement, helping develop curriculum and instruction and resolving complaints. The department plans to hire three more Regional Special Education Directors, in addition to other leadership staff, according to the release.

The law, signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds in March, was one of the most controversial pieces of legislation to move in the 2024 session. In Reynolds original proposal, the division was much larger, with planned staffing of 139 state employees funded by funded by $20 million moved from AEAs.

In addition to giving more oversight power to the state education department, the law also created a new funding formula for AEAs and school districts that will go into implementation over two years. In the second year of implementation, 90% of school districts special education funding will go to AEAs while 10% of those funds will stay in school districts for discretionary use. Additionally, all general education and media services funding currently going to AEAs will go to school districts on the second year of implementation.

Reynolds said the changes were needed to ensure the best outcomes for Iowa students with special needs, and that the Department of Education oversight was crucial. A report released by the Guidehouse consulting firm found that Iowa spent more on special education per-pupil than the national average, but that Iowa special education students scored lower than the national average on National Assessment of Educational Progress tests. Critics of the plan panned the report, saying it was misleading.

This legislation intends to resolve these issues, Reynolds said at the bill signing. It shifts funding to school districts, empowering them with local control to decide how best to serve their students and improve education outcomes without disrupting services or dismantling the system.
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A community town hall meeting on suicide prevention was held Thursday evening with some of the leading mental health experts in Ohio.

LeeAnne Cornyn, the director of Ohios Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. was among the 100 people gathered at Austintowns Campus of Care for a community town hall meeting on suicide prevention.

She said Mahoning County is not unique in that suicide is a statewide issue.

So in 2022, which is the most recent year we have statewide data for, we lost about 1,800 Ohioans to suicide, and thats one of the highest years on record since weve been measuring this, Cornyn said.

Suicides in Mahoning County increased from 41 in 2021 to 44 in 2022, then to 53 last year  and to what could be 55 before this years over.

So 53 people got in the darkest place of their life to think the only way out and the only way to stop the pain is to take their lives, and that has to stop, said Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board Director Duane Piccirilli.

Michelle Werth, who in 2007 lost her stepfather to suicide, also spoke at the meeting. Werth is now the Clinical Director for the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

Sometimes if youre struggling with feelings of hopelessness and not feeling like you can cope, you know, slow down. Give yourself one more day, Werth said.

Some of the suicide warning signs are when someone talks about being a burden or feeling hopeless, isolated or trapped  if they withdraw or make plans for suicide.

And its only going to stop if we make people aware and get the taboo of suicide gone, Piccirili said.

Much of the evening was taken up by panel discussions that included people like Sheriff Jerry Greene and Commissioner Carol Righetti. First News reporter Gerry Ricciutti was part of a panel as well and spoke on how the media handles suicides.

Most everyone agreed just talking about suicide helps with the stigma.

The more that we can talk about it, the more that neighbor and neighbor can come together to have these conversations, were breaking down that stigma, Cornyn said.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts call the suicide prevention hotline 988. Its free to call and available 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
On a hot Saturday morning, Maria Beltran walked up and down the streets of a neighborhood in Toppenish, canvassing residents in Washington states 14th Legislative District.

Despite the heat, she remained committed to her purpose  reaching voters and sharing her story.

Nearly everyone she spoke with was Latino and Spanish-speaking.

Beltran is one of four Latina candidates campaigning for a first-time seat in the Legislature.

Republicans Gloria Mendoza and Andy Kallinen, as well as Democrat Chelsea Dimas from Sunnyside, are vying for Position 1 in the House.

Pascos Ana Ruiz Kennedy, a Democrat, is running for Position 2 against independent Eddie Perez and Republican Deb Manjarrez.

Voters in the newly redrawn Latino-majority district are just over 50% Hispanic.

It includes a chunk of Pasco, east Yakima, Sunnyside, Granger, Mabton, Grandview and the Yakama Nation Reservation, and extends west to Lyle.

The redistricting was controversial and in the end, blasted by many Republicans as a move that favored Democrats.

But Beltran contends that its less about the political divide and more about representing the people who have felt left behind.

Her focus is on more than Latino voters.

Its about representing this communitys values, Beltran told the Herald.

Its not just about Latino voters. Its about everyone in this new district who has been left behind.

Beltran is running for the Senate seat as a Democrat, challenging Republican Curtis King of Yakima. King has held the position for seven years.

The race appears on the Aug. 6 primary ballot, but wont be decided until the general election. The state House races will be narrowed to the two candidates with the most votes, who will then face off in November.

Door-knocking in Toppenish

Walking with Beltran as she shook hands in Toppenish, its easy to see why shes been successful so far connecting with voters.

Democrat Senate candidate Maria Beltran speaks with a farmworker outside his home in Toppenish.

After greeting one man in his yard, she told him about growing up in Yakima and how she aims, if elected, to be a voice for Latinos in the district.

He shared his experiences as a farmworker, explaining the rising demand for H-2A workers, difficult working conditions in the heat and some of the inequality he has experienced as a domestic farmworker.

Beltran said her parents are immigrants and farmworkers.

They couldnt afford childcare when she was growing up, so she and her younger brother woke up at 4 a.m. to join their parents as they worked in the fruit orchards.

That life experience makes her interactions with residents instantly more comfortable.

They open up when they see someone like me, Beltran said.

Washington state Senate candidate Maria Beltran speaks with a law student at his familys home in Toppenish, while campaigning in the Yakima Valley.

Beltran, Dimas and Kennedy have been coordinating their visits to various areas in their district.

Some of the issues theyve heard about most have been affordability, such as grocery and gas prices, housing, healthcare and K-12 education.

The cool thing about our campaigns is that we bring different life experiences and different sets of skills, Beltran said.

Together, we all represent different parts of the district.

Latino voters in 14th

Latino voters have shown more partisan diversity, particularly in a district that aligns with Republican values. As a demographic, Latinos dont vote for one party over another.

The redrawn district was a result of a court ruling in August that found the 15th District, as drawn by the Washington State Redistricting Commission, diluted Latino voter power and was not compliant with federal voting rights laws.

In March, when the district map was approved, The Seattle Times reported that there are slightly fewer Latino voters in the 14th District than in the 15th District.

The Voting Rights Act was supposed to empower affected minority populations. This map decreases the number of Hispanics in the key district, Republican Senator Nikki Torres from Pasco told the Times.

This map is a mockery of the Voting Rights Act. This map disenfranchised Hispanics  all to help the Democratic Party gain seats.

But U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik ruled that Latinos are actually projected to have more influence in the new district.

Latino voter turnout is usually higher in U.S. presidential election years and Washington holds state Senate elections for the 14th District during those years.

Fresh perspectives

Party leaders are looking to Latina candidates now to energize voters in the 14th and increase representation of Latinos at all levels of government.

People are excited by the possibility of fresh perspectives, especially when they havent felt part of the political process, Beltran said.

The 14th District races also could be key for Democrats who want to win supermajorities in both the House and Senate.

The probability is likely that the redrawn 14th District will elect Democrats this year, Mark Gaber told The Seattle Times. He is the senior director of redistricting at the Washington, D.C.-based Campaign Legal Center.

Washington Democrats are only 12 seats away  four in the state Senate and eight in the House  from earning supermajorities in the 2025 Legislature.

They currently hold 29 of 49 seats in the Senate and 58 of 98 seats in the House.

A U.S. District Court judge on Friday, March 15, ordered the Washington Secretary of State to use a new map for state elections that included significant changes to the Yakima Valley and Tri-Cities. The new map creates legislative districts for more Latino voters to elect candidates of their choice, but also unseats one of the most productive freshman lawmakers in Washington, state Sen. Nikki Torres, a Republican from Pasco.
Leon County government says it's seeking applications from people interested and qualified to serve on the Childrens Services Council of Leon County.

"Approved by voters during the November 2020 General Election, the Children Services Council is an independent special district that is responsible for funding children's services throughout the County by levying (property) taxes estimated at up to $8 million annually," a Friday press release said.

The call for applicants comes weeks after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced two new appointments to the council: Former judge and state agency head Simone Marstiller and Brent Johnson, executive director of the local Radey Law Firm.

Here's more from the release:

"The Children Services Council (CSC) functions to support organizations that serve children and families in Leon County and will work to identify childrens needs in the community, target those needs with evidence-based programs, and evaluate results.

"In accordance with Florida Statute, the CSC is comprised of ten members, five of whom are appointed by the Governors Office from a list of candidates submitted by the Leon County Board of County Commissioners. This list will include at least three recommendations for the upcoming vacancy (a minimum total of 3 candidates).

"As part of the application, applicants are asked to attach a resume or provide a brief explanation of how their skills, experience, or educational background will contribute to the CSC. Additionally, Florida Statute requires that, to the extent possible, those appointed represent the demographic diversity of the population of Leon County. To assure the fullest consideration, applications should thoroughly respond to each question."

How to apply

All applications must be submitted electronically by Friday, Aug. 23, at LeonCountyFL.gov/CSCApplication. To be eligible, applicants must be a resident of Leon County for the previous 24-month period and be willing to submit an annual Statement of Financial Interests Form.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon County government seeks applicants for Childrens Service Council
Letters to the Editor: Why history is the most important subject in school today

Students line up before entering their classrooms at Weemes Elementary School in Los Angeles in 2023. (Al Seib / For The Times)

To the editor: Judging by the coverage of improved test scores in the Los Angeles Unified School District, learning math and English is important, but where does history fit in?

In our current age of polarized politics and calls for civil war supported by online chat sites and disinformation, the need to know American history is obvious. But kids know so little, almost nothing. Its the most important course of study in our high schools today.

Ask a high school senior or recent graduate what the Great Depression was or about the Monroe Doctrine, Gettysburg, the Dust Bowl, President Eisenhower or the Great Society. Ask when the Civil War occurred. Chances are they will not know.

High schools should require two American history courses  one on the full sweep, and a second specialized course on selected 20th century events.

New graduates should see America doesnt need to remain in its current state of disrepair. They'll learn math and computers on their own.

Joel Athey, Valley Village

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A campaign sign for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Portland, Maine. (AnnMarie Hilton/ Maine Morning Star)

There will be two independent presidential candidates on Maines November ballot, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, pending any challenges to the validity of their candidate petitions, as well as Libertarian Party nominee Chase Oliver.

With these candidates qualified for the ballot as of Friday, Maines presidential election is expected to use ranked-choice voting because there will be more than two candidates for voters to choose from.

Both Kennedy and West turned in the required 4,000 signatures from Maine voters by Aug. 1 to get on the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election ballot. Kennedy had 4,859 signatures and West had 4,978, according to the Maine Secretary of States Office.

Kennedy  nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, lawyer and activist, whose views have veered into conspiracies, notably on vaccines  will appear on the ballot with running mate Nicole Shanahan, who is a lawyer and philanthropist.

West  a well known Black scholar and former professor at Harvard and Princeton universities  is running with Melina Abdullah, who is a university professor and Black Lives Matter activist.

The Libertarian Party submitted its presidential nominee to the Maine Secretary of State on Friday. Oliver  a former Democrat and anti-war activist who has described himself as armed and gay  is running with Mike ter Maat, a former professional economist and police officer.

Ballot challenge deadlines

Under state law, any registered Maine voter can challenge the validity of candidate petitions. Voters can challenge Kennedy and Wests petitions before 5 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2024.

This is the challenge process that initiated the debate about former President Donald Trumps primary ballot eligibility in Maine late last year.

Outside of Maine, Wests ballot eligibility in Michigan has been challenged by an activist who claims Wests qualifying petitions were rife with forged signatures.

In Maine, if there remain more than two candidates on the presidential ballot, ranked-choice voting will occur, which means voters will indicate which candidate is their first choice, second choice, and so on.

If no candidate receives more than 50% of first choice votes on election night, the lowest candidate is eliminated and their votes get reassigned to whoever their voters ranked second. This process is then repeated until one candidate wins a majority of votes.

Upcoming nominations

The full presidential ballot in Maine is not yet set, as some of the parties havent completed their nominations through their respective conventions.

Aside from the Democratic and Republican parties, other parties are qualified to have candidates on the ballot in Maine, including the Libertarian, Green Independent and No Labels parties, though the latter is not expected to nominate a candidate.

So far, the Secretary of States Office has received candidates from the Republican Party, whose ticket is Trump and J.D. Vance, in addition to the Libertarian Party candidates.

Enough Democratic delegates selected Kamala Harris during an ongoing virtual vote to make her the partys presidential nominee by Friday, though the vote will not officially close until Monday evening.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  After a months-long process, the City of Austin has selected Lisa Davis, the current assistant chief of the Cincinnati Police Department, to be its next police chief.

Collaboration and trust are the foundation of my approach to public safety, Davis said. I am honored to be selected as Austins Chief of Police and I cant wait to begin building relationships with our officers, city leaders, and community members so we can work together to ensure Austin is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

The mayor and city council will vote to approve the pick at a special called meeting on Tuesday, August 6.

The Austin Police Womens Association and Austin Police Association also reacted to the selection.

The Austin Police Womens Association is thrilled at the selection of Lisa Davis for the next Chief of Police for the Austin Police Department. We are excited to help support Chief Davis as she brings fresh ideas, energy and a commitment to serving our community. Throughout the hiring process she has been accessible, engaging and thoughtful about the challenges that exist in policing in Austin, Texas. Our membership is excited to join Chief Davis in the hard work ahead to make our community safer and ensure a better quality of life for APD officers. Sgt. Melanie Rodriguez

President of the Austin Police Womens Association

WATCH: Full interview with Austin Police Chief candidate Lisa Davis

This has been a tough search, but I want to thank City Manager Broadnax for making sure he did his due diligence to make the best selection possible. It was no easy task, especially to recognize when more time is needed to make the best decision. Ive had the opportunity to speak with Chief Davis and Im looking forward to working with her to make sure we are doing everything we can to take care of the men and women who keep this city safe. Our job is to take care of the officers, who then take care of our city. Austin Police Association

After more than 30 people applied for the position, the City of Austin boiled it down to two candidates, including Davis. The other finalist was Jeffrey Norman, the chief of the Milwaukee Police Department.

Davis will take over from Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson, formerly APDs chief of staff, who assumed the role when former chief Joseph Chacon retired last year. Henderson will retire once the transition is complete.

Who is Davis?

Davis currently serves as an assistant chief over Cincinnati PDs investigations bureau.

Lisa Davis, finalist in search for APD chief.

According to her LinkedIn profile, she has served as Cincinnatis assistant chief since 2019, and has worked at the department for roughly 30 years.

She created a city-wide problem-solving unit trained to address crime and disorder in chronically violent locations, reducing overall crime and increasing the quality of life for area residents, according to information provided about the candidates sent in an internal memo to the mayors office and city council.

PREVIOUS: Shortlist for new Austin police chief released  here are the finalists

She was also recently in the running for chief positions in Toledo, Ohio and Oakland, Calif., according to various news outlets.

I have elected to move Chief Davis forward for confirmation by the City Council as she has a stellar record in her extensive career in law enforcement, and I am confident that she will earn the trust and confidence of our Austin Police officers and our community, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax said.

Both finalists for the role interviewed with members of Austin media last week. You can watch Davis full interview 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 KXAN Austin.
Editor's note: This file is no longer being updated. Check here for Saturday's updates.

The Alexander Mountain Fire continues to burn west of Loveland.

Updates from Friday, Aug. 2, are below. The most recent updates were added to the top of the below section.

Fire grows to more than 9,300 acres, burns additional structures

The Alexander Mountain Fire continued to grow Friday, and has burned some additional structures in the Cedar Park subdivision near Drake, officials said during a late afternoon news conference.

The fire had burned 9,375 acres and was 5% contained, said Carl Schwope, incident commander with Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1, which is overseeing firefighting operations. There were 389 personnel assigned to the fire Friday, including three specialized Hot Shot crews of 20 or so members apiece, with two more Hot Shot crews scheduled to arrive that night, he said.

Damage assessment teams from the Larimer County Sheriffs Office were able to safely get into the areas in the Cedar Park subdivision to determine the number of structures damaged by the fire, and exact addresses, Sheriff Justin Feyen said.

Capt. Tim Keeton with the Larimer County Sheriffs Office said Thursday that about two dozen structures had been damaged by fire Wednesday, and Feyen said another half-dozen or so were damaged Thursday, bringing the total to about 30.

We did lose yesterday some additional structures, the sheriff said. To my knowledge, we did not lose additional ones overnight or into this day.

Feyen did not yet know how many of the structures were homes but hoped to have that information later that night following a meeting with the countys office of emergency management. Once addresses of damaged structures are confirmed, the sheriffs office will begin contacting the impacted home and property owners, Feyen said.

Jayson Coil, operations section chief for Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1, said the damage assessment teams were escorted to and from area where structures had burned by fire crews when conditions were safe to do so Friday.

While noting that firefighters were having some successes in and around Cedar Park and the group of homes there, Schwope also said the fire is still in and amongst the homes.

 Kelly Lyell

Firefighters focusing efforts on areas near Drake and U.S. Highway 34 corridor

Smoke being seen from Loveland Friday was coming from the west side of the fire, Jayson Coil said during a Friday afternoon operational update that smoke.

The primary concern right now is just to the east of Drake where the road (U.S. Highway 34) splits and goes toward Glen Haven or down towards Estes Park  fire activity along that slope has continued to be active and continued to move to the west. Its spotting in front of itself a short distance. Its also spotting up above the southernmost road system into the Cedar Park community.

Coil said almost all of our efforts are being focused in that area.

 Sarah Kyle

Fire restrictions increasing for several National Forest System lands in Colorado

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland has put Stage 2 fire restrictions in place across National Forest System lands in multiple Colorado ranger districts, including:

Boulder

Canyon Lakes

Clear Creek

Pawnee

Sulphur

"Stage 2 fire restrictions limit where and what type of fires visitors can have," the Forest Service said in its news release announcing the restrictions. "The purpose of these restrictions is to protect public health, safety, and natural resources by preventing wildfires."

The following activities are not allowed under the restrictions, per the release:

"Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, except if using a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device.

"Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building.

"Use of motorized equipment without an approved spark arrestor that is properly installed and in effective working order. Chainsaw operators must have a fire extinguisher and a shovel.

"Blasting, welding, or operating a torch with an open flame.

" Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the motor vehicle.

"Violating any Colorado state law concerning burning, fires or which is for the purpose of preventing, or restricting the spread of fires."

Fireworks never allowed on National Forest System lands.

Using "liquid or gas fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices with on/off switches on surfaces clear of flammable vegetation" is still allowed under Stage 2 restrictions, the Forest Service said.

These penalties could be given to those who violate Stage 2 fire restrictions, according to the release:

A maximum fine of $5,000 for an individual.

A maximum fine of $10,000 for an organization.

And/or "imprisonment for not more than six months.

If your actions cause a wildfire, "one could be held accountable for suppression costs of that fire," the Forest Service said.

 Sarah Kyle

'Several' local post offices closed due to Alexander Mountain Fire

A number of local post offices have closed temporarily due to the Alexander Mountain Fire, Larimer County Sheriff's Office said in a post on X Friday afternoon. The sheriff's office specifically named three offices:

Drake

Glen Haven

Masonville

The U.S. Postal Service has information on how and where evacuees can pick up their mail posted online. As of just after 2 p.m. Friday, those alternate locations included:

Drake and Glen Haven post office customers: 215 W. Riverside Drive, Estes Park

Masonville post office customers: 446 E. 29th St., Loveland

 Sarah Kyle

Larimer County lifts most Stone Canyon Fire evacuation orders

Mandatory evacuation areas in Larimer County for the Stone Canyon Fire have been lifted, with the exception of residents on Moss Rock Drive and Moss Rock Court.

Other evacuation orders for the Blue Mountain area have been lifted.

 Rebecca Powell

Some mandatory evacuations become voluntary

Some areas that were under mandatory evacuation orders on the east side of the evacuation block are now voluntary, as of noon Friday:

Those areas are:

Off of Glade Road, from U.S. Highway 34 up to West County Road 38E

Near Riverview RV Park

North along Buckhorn Road to Woods Rose Lane

North of Carter Lake in the area of County Road 18E from County Road 31 to County Road 29

 Rebecca Powell

Voluntary evacuations lifted for far east areas

Voluntary evacuations have been lifted for residents in the Hidden Valley area east of Devil's Backbone and off of Ridge Parkway, according to an update from the Larimer Emergency Telephone Alert system about noon Friday.

 Rebecca Powell

More resources on way to Alexander Mountain Fire

A Friday morning video update from the Southwest Area Incident Command Team 1 summarized firefighters' plans for the day.

More firefighting resources are on their way from across the region, state and nation, Operations Section Chief Brandon Woodward said.

He said a new firefighting group is being created to perform what is known as "point protection" in the Cedar Park area. The NoCoAlert.com fire perimeter map shows some homes in that area as being located within the burn area.

Point protection, Woodward said, is placing resources at priority locations that are being threatened and performing mitigation work.

He said "lots and lots of resources" are working in that area Friday.

Bulldozers and hand crews are working on the east and north sides of the fire, Woodward said.

The fire is "holding well" along U.S. Highway 34, he said, and engines have been placed there to keep the fire north of the road.

 Rebecca Powell

Latest Alexander Mountain Fire map released

A new acreage estimate and map of the Alexander Mountain Fire burn area was released.

The fire is burning 9,194 acres.

A map released the morning of Friday, Aug. 2 shows the perimeter of the Alexander Mountain Fire burning west of Loveland.

 Rebecca Powell

Alexander Mountain Fire at 9,053 acres, 5% containment

Infrared flight mapping showed the Alexander Mountain Fire had grown from 8,134 acres Thursday evening to 9,053 acres with 5% containment holding Friday, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 announced on Facebook around 6:30 a.m.

The team is aware of the thunderstorms in Friday's weather forecast, which could cause wind shifts, according to the early morning post. The 327 personnel on the scene Friday will be focusing on maintaining containment lines and managing their's and the community's safety.

 Erin Udell

Alexander Mountain Fire weather forecast: 'Small chances of showers and thunderstorms'

As fire crews prepare for Day 5 of the Alexander Mountain Fire, continued above-normal temperatures are expected through Monday, according to a Thursday evening news release from Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1.

Temperatures are expected to be about 10 degrees above average, the release said, but "daytime heating will result in increasing cloud cover starting" Friday, "with small chances of showers and thunderstorms." However, temperatures are expected to stay in the 90s.

 Sarah Kyle

Alexander Mountain Fire 'did back down' toward U.S. Highway 34 Thursday

The Alexander Mountain Fire has grown to 8,134 acres but is now 5% contained, according to a Thursday evening news release from Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1, which took command of the fire Thursday morning.

Fire activity occurred primarily on the northern portion of the fire" Thursday, according to the release. ... Fire also did back down towards Highway 34 today and it did not cross the 34 corridor.

The command team asked that the public avoid the area and abide by any posted signage.

It also noted that the forest closure order has grown. You can view a map of areas closed to public access online.

 Sarah Kyle

Will the Cameron Peak Fire burn scar stop the Alexander Mountain Fire? Here's what a fire official said Thursday

With fire crews trying to protect structures and critical infrastructure on the western, southern and eastern edges of the Alexander Mountain Fire, officials are hoping the northern edge will run out of fuel as it moves into the burn scar from the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire.

That fire, the largest ever in Colorado, burned 208,913 acres along the Poudre and Buckhorn canyons over more than four months, threatening but not quite reaching the town of Masonville and neighborhoods just west of Horsetooth Reservoir.

The northern edge of the Alexander Mountain Fire is burning southwest of Masonville, and fire crews are working to build a containment line that will keep it from moving east toward homes in that area and tie into the fuel break to the north that they believe the Cameron Peak Fire burn scar will provide, Jayson Coil, operations section chief for Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1, which assumed control of firefighting efforts Thursday.

We have a limited number of resources, so if theres an area we dont think the fires willing to move through, then it prevents us from having to commit resources there, Coil said at a media briefing late Thursday afternoon west of Loveland.

He said the fire were to burn more than a mile into the Cameron Peak Fire burn scar, resources will be shifted to fight the fire on that edge, as well, and the Larimer County Sheriffs Office will be notified to start issuing evacuation orders for areas to the north of that burn scar.

 Kelly Lyell

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Friday updates for Alexander Mountain Fire west of Loveland
Hope-based Pafford Medical Services is set to buy the area's hospital out of bankruptcy. Pictured is the Hempstead County Courthouse in Hope. (Hempstead County website)

An Arkansas-owned medical service company is set to purchase the local hospital in Hope from its corporate owner and operator that declared bankruptcy in May.

Dallas-based Steward Healthcare Group operates 31 hospitals in eight states, including Wadley Regional Medical Center in Hope, and is in the process of auctioning them off in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Pafford sale doc

On July 21, the court authorized the sale of Wadley Regional for $200,000 to Pafford Health Systems, which provides ambulance services to Hempstead County and its seven neighboring counties. The sale is set to be finalized at an Aug. 13 court hearing.

Pafford began as an ambulance company in Magnolia, according to its website, and now has operations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas as well as Arkansas.

The hospital will be renamed Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center upon the finalization of the purchase, said Clay Hobbs, Paffords chief operating officer and a member of the nonprofit Southwest Arkansas Healthcare Authority.

The authority has been working to ensure that the last hospital on Interstate 30 before entering Texas would come under local control after more than a decade of corporate ownership that led to financial uncertainty, Hobbs said.

We have a special niche here in the region, and its been trying and troubling, but were going to make it, he said.

Hope city resolution

In addition to Hempstead County, the hospital serves three counties that do not have hospitals: Lafayette, Nevada and the southern portion of Pike.

The 48-bed acute care hospitals services include an emergency room, an intensive care unit and a geriatric psychiatric unit. It does not have a maternity ward.

In June, the Hempstead County Quorum Court and the Hope board of directors each passed resolutions pledging $1,000,000 to support the hospital in 10 installments of $100,000 per month. The city and county are equally committed to keeping the hospital open, in the interests of both public health and economic development, according to both resolutions.

Its a difficult position to be in the hospital business, especially the rural hospital business, and we could not do that alone, Hobbs said. Pafford needed the assistance of the city and county.

Another Steward-owned hospital, also called Wadley Regional Medical Center, has been the Hope hospitals sister facility in Texarkana, Texas, and has yet to be purchased in the auction. The Hope hospital will maintain its working relationship with the Texarkana hospital even without continued shared ownership, Hobbs said.

Hempstead County resolution

We as a community are trying to position ourselves to be better advocates for healthcare in our community and ensuring that we have sustainable healthcare, that we have a pulse on the operators in our community and how they are managing their finances in a way that is good long-term, Anna Lee Powell, Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation president and a member of the healthcare authority, said in June.

In 2012, the hospitals then-owner James Cheek and his business partner were convicted and sentenced to federal prison after failing to pay $1.8 million in taxes deducted from the paychecks of employees at a Texas hospital they also owned. Cheek had a long history of buying hospitals and driving them into financial ruin, according to a 2016 investigation by the Dallas Morning News.

There were a lot of promises from Steward, but the real trauma happened in 2012, Powell said.

IASIS Healthcare bought the hospital later that year, and Steward and IASIS merged in 2017. Steward then became the nations largest physician-owned and operated health care system in 2020 when it transferred a controlling interest of the company to a separate management group of Steward doctors, led by CEO and founder Dr. Ralph de la Torre, Hopes local news outlet reported.

Since filing for bankruptcy, Steward has kept its hospitals open with $75 million from Alabama-based Medical Properties Trust, which owns the physical buildings, according to WBUR in Massachusetts, where Steward owns nine hospitals.

Hobbs said many of the current employees at the Hope hospital worked there in 2012 and have seen the issues with management and finances up close, so the Southwest Arkansas Healthcare Authority wanted to ensure their jobs were safe despite Stewards bankruptcy.

Theyve made a lot of sacrifices to stay in Hope and take care of our community, and we wanted to make sure that they have a stable place to work for years to come, Hobbs said.

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[Watch previous FOX 8 I-Team coverage on U.S. Coast Guard Station Ashtabula in the player above.]

ASHTABULA, Ohio (WJW)  U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce is looking for solutions after a local U.S. Coast Guard station was left unstaffed this summer.

Joyce, of Bainbridge Township, R-14th, on Thursday wrote Coast Guard Adm. Linda Fagan and Rear Adm. Jonathan Hickey with questions about the Coast Guards station in the Ashtabula Harbor.

Officials chose not to staff the station in November, citing short-staffing issues, the FOX 8 I-Team reported last month. There are currently no plans to station personnel there, they said at the time, though a boat crew from nearby Station Erie is expected to be stationed in Ashtabula through Labor Day.

Start date picked for recreational marijuana sales in Ohio

The transition of Seasonal Station Ashtabula into a forward operating location last year has fueled uncertainty about the availability of local public safety resources and amplified concerns regarding the impact this realignment has had on response times for search and rescue operations across Lake Erie and the broader region, reads Joyces letter.

These concerns were increased following the July 4th holiday weekend, when the Coast Guard rescued over a dozen individuals across multiple emergency incidents on Lake Erie, and several more throughout the rest of the Great Lakes.

After a boat capsized the morning of July 6, local rescue crews pulled three people from the water near Perry, one of whom was later pronounced dead. A fourth person is still missing.

A Coast Guard helicopter from a Detroit station that same morning rescued five people clinging to a cooler, thrown from their boat after it was swamped by a wave.

Sheffield Lake firefighters that morning also rescued two people about a half-mile off the shores of Shell Cove Park.

Then on July 20, a Coast Guard crew and good Samaritans saved four people and two dogs from a capsizing board near Ashtabula.

Joyce, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, including its defense funding subcommittee, is now asking several questions of Coast Guard leadership, including: how often servicemembers are physically stationed there; whether they were there on the July 4 weekend; and whether theyve communicated with local officials about the staffing change.

The Coast Guard is on track to meet its recruitment goal for the first time in five years, Joyce noted, asking Coast Guard officials if that means they would resume staffing the Ashtabula station next year.

Read Joyces letter here:

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Three sobriety checkpoints in NE Ohio this weekend

Local officials last month told the I-Team that they dont have enough resources or training to respond to water emergencies without the Coast Guards help.

I am appreciative of our federal representatives, including congressman Joyce and his staff, who responded to our calls for action and opened lines of communication to those who could make decisions to staff Station Ashtabula, Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere is quoted in a news release. As our port and lakefront becomes busier with tourists activities as well as commercial traffic, having the Coast Guard at the ready at Station Ashtabula is vital to the safety of our residents, tourists and workforce throughout all of Ashtabula County.

Joyce said he expects a response by Aug. 16.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
A local nonprofit welcomes new educational opportunities in agriculture for the region.

The Edinboro Market and the Center for Regional Agriculture Food and Transformation came together Thursday night to host an open house in an effort to promote small farms and food entrepreneurs.

Student artists brushing up their skills on EMTAs new 18-foot mural

The partnership has been supported by Chatham University out of Pittsburgh.

The open house provided attendees with networking opportunities along with learning key business strategies.

City officials expect greater economic turnout for this years CelebrateErie

Having us here and having them here is really important because its only going to make their businesses better, help them thrive and help the regional food economy, said Nicolette Spudic, Craft-Chatham University.

The event also included new opportunities for expanding in the Edinboro Market.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
The Up From Dust podcast comes from the Kansas News Service and KCUR. (Eric Thomas for Kansas Reflector)

Like many of you, dear readers, I drive a predictable path to work. Mine takes me back and forth on K-10, or Kansas State Highway 10. My stretch of K-10 takes me from Lenexa to Lawrence.

The features of the drive dont change much. The same billboards. The same businesses. The same suburban housing. The same trees.

This week, a new and locally produced podcast changed my perception of that landscape dramatically  especially those trees. Its not the same old drive anymore.

The podcast that did this? Up From Dust, from the Kansas News Service and KCUR. Celia Llopis-Jepsen, a veteran Kansas reporter, co-hosts the podcast with David Condos, who recently moved from a reporting hub in Hays to southern Utah. Together they have so far created four episodes, which document how our choices as Kansans have shaped nature around us.

(Disclaimer: I have worked with Llopis-Jepsen and Condos through my previous job at a journalism association.)

During my previous drives down K-10, I had never noticed the Green Glacier phenomenon that Up From Dust documented in an April episode. Scientists use the term to explain the recent and relentless creep of trees from the eastern portion of Kansas to the vital prairie ecosystem in the western part of the state.

The most obvious and invasive signs of this creeping crisis dot the fence lines and property boundaries along most Kansas highways, including K-10. Its the red cedar, a tree that spreads quickly into prairie lands originally free of trees. Those prairies are much healthier, as the podcast explains, without red cedars or any other trees.

As I explain this to you, I blush. As many times as I write and rewrite those sentences above, they pale in comparison to the specificity, energy and research that packs Up From Dust.

Condos and Llopis-Jepsen have been crafting these episodes for two years, and when paired with the production help of Makenzie Martin, their reporting bounces between light and serious, from scientific to personal, from local to global, from historical to timely. The first episodes mirror the excellence of trailblazing podcasts, such as Planet Money or the Vox explainer podcast, by breaking down complex issues for those of us without Ph.D.s in soil science.

The team calibrated the tone of the series perfectly. Up From Dust shows concern for the environment but strives for optimism. Its a delicate balance. The science of climate change presents an existential threat, so it would be easy to retreat to a gloomy corner.

Instead, the podcast takes us into bright Kansas landscapes: foraging for garlic mustard, reclaiming a prairie stream, spotting swallowtail butterflies. The anecdotes bring wonder back to nature rather than simply leaving us worrying about nature as a victim. The producers describe the podcast as being about the price of trying to shape the world around our needs, and the folks who are fixing our generational mistakes.

The tone is also smart because it avoids dividing environmental science into the typical two-sided journalism rhetoric of political conflict: Democrats vs. Republicans, or corporations vs. environmentalists. Its an easy groove for journalists to fall into, and Up From Dust wholly avoids it.

This podcast also suggests incremental steps Kansans can take, while acknowledging that they arent cure-alls for the climate damage we have done. Amid threatening daily climate news, the podcast shows Kansas nature as vibrant and resilient. And it shows us Kansans as vital.

In addition to being persuasively practical, this podcast also is subtly emotional. There is sometimes a hint of heartache in Llopis-Jepsens voice. In the most recent episode, Healing the ground we broke, she sees Kansas pastures missing eight feet of topsoil, the result of plowing and erosion. She watches demonstrations of our current topsoil, powdery and gray, unable to hold together during rainstorms. The damage to forests, fields and streams seems to wrench at her during her visits.

But that sadness is countered by joy. In the same episode, our hosts remind us of the perils of the Dust Bowl almost a century ago: choking storms, failed crops and even death. That mood is immediately followed by optimism: a soil biologist who playfully freezes the interview each time Llopis-Jepsen refers to soil as dirt. Throughout these episodes, laughter and joking juxtapose segments acknowledging the environmental damage already done.

A lot of the reporting in the podcast is helpfully historical. Who knew where honeybees came from? Who knew that World War II munitions led to increased use of fertilizer after the war? And who knew the threat posed by each planting of a Bradford pear tree?

In revealing this historical context, Condos and Llopis-Jepsen trust that their listeners understand nuance. Their often-complex explanations dont provide simple fixes. (Yes, no-till farming has benefits, but it also has costs.) Nuance is also comfortable in their podcast because the length of the episodes, all more than 34 minutes, allow them to explain complicated issues more fully than a four-minute radio story.

All the while, the focus remains on Kansas. Throughout the podcast, farmers, scientists and other experts redirect the gaze of our environmentalism from the coasts to Kansas backyards and crop fields.

We are saving the last of this ecosystem, Flint Hills rancher Daniel Mushrush says, referring to the prairie. If a coral reef is worth saving, if some pristine mountain stream is worth saving, then so are the Flint Hills.

With its regional focus, this podcast is a priceless educational resource. Every environmental science class in the state should listen as required course work. In addition to the audio journalism, KCURs website hosts photos, stories and graphics that further explain the podcast reporting. Any educator will marvel at how Condos and Llopis-Jepsen have fun with science. And by doing so, they make it fun for us.

A few weeks ago, a Kansas high school student contacted me about an ambition. He wants to cover environmentalism in a way that reaches his fellow teenagers. Of course, I will be sending him this podcast because it provides a template for how to cover the Kansas environment.

At the end of the episode titled The Green Glacier, the same Flint Hills rancher quoted above describes the grueling days he spends with a chainsaw, clearing trees that threaten his grassland.

Describing the effort to keep 15,000 acres free of trees, he says: Its not easy work, but its worthy work. At least, theres a road map forward.

The same can be said for Kansas journalists after listening to this podcast series: Covering the local environment requires dedication, but theres now an admirable path to follow.

Eric Thomas teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
NILES, Ohio (WKBN)  A Trumbull County police department is stepping up so kids can be completely prepared to return to school.

Read next: Youngstown City Schools improving safety measures ahead of new academic year

The Niles Police Department is collecting donations for a Back to School Supply Drive. Collected supplies include pencils, pencil pouches, glue sticks, crayons, dry-erase markers, erasers, notebooks, 12-inch rulers, and supply boxes.

Theres always kids that need things for school at the start of each year and its a good way to help your community and help some people that might need some extra materials before they go back to school, said Captain John Marshall of the Niles Police Department.

Donations can be dropped off in the bin at the police department lobby at 15 East State Street SE or Albie Floral on Robbins Avenue. The supply drive runs through August 7.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Election season is upon us in less than 90 days, and local polls are looking for judges.

The Nov. 5 general election is an all-hands-on-deck operation to ensure votes are counted correctly.

Aug. 1 is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, a day the Election Commission has dedicated to encouraging the community to work as election judges.

With 55 polling places located all across Peoria County, and around 80 polling places in McLean County, there are multiple locations for election judges to work.

The Peoria County Election Commission says there are big responsibilities that come with being an election judge.

You are the authority in that polling place, said Elizabeth Gannon, the Executive Director of the Peoria County Election Commission. You are ensuring that the voting equipment is set up properly. Youre ensuring that every voter is properly qualified to cast a ballot in this county and you are breaking all that equipment down, making sure your totals match and bringing it all back to the election commission here.

Peoria County needs election judges

In McLean County, election officials said that being an election judge is a great life experience.

Its really a great educational tool, said McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael. Its a long day. And for McLean County, you get $220 for your very long day. But most people, you know, dont do it for the money. Is it nice to have that extra money? Yes. But they feel that theyre really doing something for their community and for the voting process.

Current poll workers said the job comes with civic duties.

It does require attention to detail as well as a commitment to democracy, said Peoria Election Judge Diamond Matthews. So I would definitely say make sure you know, youre prepared for that. It is a good opportunity in a way, to give back to your community, in a way.

My parents had done it, said Peoria Election Judge John Crain. They had been election judges, so I thought Id follow in their footsteps. Its very rewarding. You feel like youre doing something for the community and for the country as a whole. And its very easy. Its something that people can do.

Election judges for Peoria County are paid $200 for the day, and McLean County Election Judges are paid $220.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  As a tent and stage are ready for this weekends First Friday Festival, at least one downtown Youngstown restaurant owner worries about what she says could be coming next spring.

Read next: Recreational marijuana sales to start Tuesday

When [the city] does things, they come up with ideas, but to execute them in a manner that theyre successful, Avalon Downtown Pizzeria owner Anna Massullo-Sabella said. They dont have a track record for doing that.

Massullo-Sabella sent a letter to City Council Members this week, asking them not to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area or DORA downtown. It would allow bar and restaurant patrons to carry their alcoholic beverages outside their establishments.

I dont see a benefit in this area for doing something like this, Massullo-Sabella said.

Massullo-Sabella showed First News a map suggesting the citys DORA would extend from Commerce Street over to the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater, including a number of parking lots.

Having open containers outside, you need a very strong police force, Massullo-Sabella said.

Theres always gonna be an extra presence of Youngstown police officers patrolling the area and ensuring that everyone has a safe and wonderful time down here, Youngstown Police Captain Jason Simon said.

Despite the city having about twenty fewer officers than its suggested manpower levels, First News was told police are working extra shifts  on overtime  would likely make up the difference.

Read next: Youngstown opens free parking lot downtown

Our special units like our neighborhood response unit thats working down here or traffic division that works down here, Simon said.

Massullo-Sabella says she wants nothing to do with a DORA if it is approved.

Theres no word if or when council may take it up for a vote.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
NILES, Ohio (WKBN)  Teachers across the Valley are getting ready for the school year and on Thursday, 500 local teachers received free school supplies at a teacher appreciation giveaway at the Eastwood Event Center.

Teachers in Mahoning and Trumbull counties received pencils, notebooks, folders, glue sticks and more for free.

Its all thanks to Totes of Appreciation which Tom Gober has been organizing for three years to ease the burden teachers face in providing materials for students.

You know how important it is for children to get an education to better themselves, to get out of poverty, and its you know, our teachers are the ones that are helping the students do that, so we need to try and do more for our teachers, Grober said.

Hubbard High School teacher Megan Schellhorn says it shows that the community is supporting teachers and lifting them up.

Its a way for us to kick off the school year with positive energy and with having that financial burden of how do you provide what you need for our classroom lifted, Schellhorn said.

Gober also provided classroom supplies for 250 teachers in Erie.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Randall Weddle, then a candidate for London mayor, listens as Gov. Andy Beshear helps celebrate the opening of WB Transport's new warehouse in April 2022. (Screenshot with permission of WYMT)

London Mayor Randall Weddle, currently under the scrutiny of Kentucky campaign finance regulators for excess contributions to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshears 2023 reelection efforts, is continuing to make hefty political contributions.

Weddle donated $75,000 on May 1 to the Democratic Governors Association, according to a disclosure that the DGA filed recently with the Internal Revenue Service.

Weddle and his family, employees and business associates generated the largest bundles of political contributions for Beshears reelection. An analysis by Kentucky Lantern last year showed Weddles group gave at least $305,000  and probably more  to Beshears reelection campaign and the Kentucky Democratic Party in 2022-23.

After Kentucky Lanterns report, the Beshear campaign and Democratic Party refunded $202,000 to Weddle because  according to Beshears campaign manager  that amount of contributions previously reported as being donated by various Weddle relatives and employees had actually been drawn on a credit card belonging to Weddle and his wife Victoria.

It is illegal for any individual to give more than $2,100 to any state campaign committee per election, and illegal for anyone to give more than $15,000 to a state political party. The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance is investigating Weddles excess donations.

The controversy over the Weddle contributions for Beshear did not slow down Weddles donation pattern last year. He continued to make large political contributions including  with wife Victoria  $75,000 to the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) in May of 2023.

Many Democratic donors from Kentucky gave to the DGA last year. The DGAs purpose is to help elect Democrats as state governors, and getting Beshear reelected was the DGAs priority last year. (The DGA spent more than $19 million on an independent advertising campaign in Kentucky in 2023 aimed at reelecting Beshear.)

Weddles contribution of $75,000 this May cant help Beshear, who is now term-limited, get elected governor again.

And Weddle was not the only big Beshear donor to give to the DGA in the spring.

Case Coal Sales, of Louisa, a company headed by Todd Case, a massive donor to Beshears political committees who was appointed to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees by Beshear, gave $35,000 on May 8. (Todd Case gave $15,000 to the DGA in the spring of 2023.)

Jack Dulworth, a Beshear insider who heads the nonprofit company that manages Beshears Kentucky Derby tickets and party, gave $15,000 on April 15. (Dulworth also gave $15,000 to DGA in the spring of 2023.)

Bernie Mason, of Ashland and a principal in MBM Management, gave $15,000 on May 8. (MBM Management also gave $15,000 to the DGA in the spring of 2023.)

There were no similar contributions to the DGA from Beshears major Kentucky donors in the six months following his election in 2019, IRS records show.

Weddle did not return a phone message left at the London mayors office. The DGA did not return a phone message and emails. The Democratic Party of Kentucky did not return a phone message.

Andy Westberry, communications director for the Republican Party of Kentucky, said, With all the controversy surrounding the previous illegal campaign contributions, I find it very interesting that Randall Weddle continues to cut these large checks.

John Steffen, executive director of the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, said he could not comment on the agencys investigation beyond saying that it is continuing. He said he did not know when it will conclude.

Earlier this year attorneys for Weddle filed papers with the election registry saying that Weddle put excess contributions on his credit card only because he was assured by a fundraiser for the Beshear campaign that advancing contributions of others in such a way would be fine.

But Eric Hyers, who managed Beshears campaign for governor, disputed Weddles account of what happened saying that the first the Beshear campaign learned of possible excess contributions by Weddle came in April of 2023 and that the campaign quickly took steps to refund the money to Weddle.

If the election registry ultimately concludes a violation of campaign finance laws occurred it has the authority to impose a $5,000 fine per violation. It also can refer the matter to the state attorney general or local prosecutor for possible criminal violations.
Long experience: Local food influencer critically injured in crash faces obstacles in recovery

A local food influencer who was critically injured in a chain reaction crash more than two months ago is ready for the next step in his recovery.

His family told Boston 25 News theyre facing obstacles in finding a rehab facility that will take the 36-year-old.

Joey Calcavecchia, known as Roaming Foodie, was flown to Tufts Medical Center on May 14th.

He suffered a traumatic brain injury in a three-car pile-up on 93 North in Andover caused by a deer that darted across the highway.

Calcavecchia spoke with Boston 25 News from his hospital room on Friday.

Its a long experience, he said. You could say I have a traumatic brain injury, but I dont see how I have that.

Calcavecchia is making progress with each day but is still facing challenges with muscle movement on his left side.

The Derry, New Hampshire, native said a big following on social media cheering him on has encouraged him.

For that many people to actually care is wild to me, said Calcavecchia. I want to thank all of them for being so supportive.

Calcavecchia is now eagerly awaiting to be discharged from the hospital.

His parents said its crucial that the next step in their sons recovery happens soon.

Hes ready. All he wants to do is get up and walk, said father Joe Calcavecchia. He needs a lot of rehab to get his left side working the way it should.

The family is left feeling frustrated after learning that rehab facilities in Massachusetts wont accept New Hampshires federally facilitated health insurance.

They havent found a single rehab facility in the Granite State that will take him either.

He really needs very specialized treatment to expedite his treatment, said Tufts Trauma Surgeon Dr. Nikolay Bugaev. Due to some glitches in the system, we cant really find a good place for him to go.

Doctor Bugaev said the team of physical therapists, occupational therapists and nurses at Tufts are doing everything possible to help Joey.

However, he said rehab is an next essential step.

I would say we have many months to go until he is completely recovered, added Dr. Bugaev.

One of Joeys nurses told Boston 25 News theyre trying to keep his spirits up in the meantime.

If hes on a bad crack with not wanting to be here or frustrated, you just bring up a restaurant, and hes off to the races, said Tufts nurse Brendan Nee. Brightens him right up. Hes telling you everything on the menu and what to get.

A GoFundMe page set up back in May has raised more than $122,000 for Calcavecchia.

His family believes every bit of it is going to be needed for the long term since theres no telling when hell be able to work again.

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Looking forward to our next chapter: Petes Restaurant sold by owners after 38 years

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The original owners of Petes Restaurant on Union Avenue have announced the sale of the eatery after 38 years and many memories, according to a social media post shared on Friday.

For 38 years, 2 months and two days we have been part of the Knoxville community. This is where Rita and I started and raised our family, the post stated. When we started Petes we were kids and we had our first son on the way. We couldnt fail, we worked hard and success followed. The people we met along the way have touched our lives forever.

Family, friends honor teen killed in Cocke County crash

The post went on to state that for those reasons, it was bittersweet to announce that they had finalized the sale of Petes a few weeks ago.

Petes Restaurant, located on Union Avenue in downtown Knoxville, won several awards for their menu offerings through the years. Its website states that it was family owned and operated, with a focus on customer satisfaction in serving the best breakfast and lunch.

Rita, Joey, Sami, Cameron along with myself would like to thank you, the post stated. Not for a second was your support and friendship taken for granted, and please know that we love you. Rita and I are looking forward to our next chapter.

Man dead after active shooter event in Madisonville, TBI investigating

The post concluded with, signing off for the last time, Pete, Rita, and Joey.

There is no word yet on the future of the restaurant site.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Utah Rep. Phil Lyman speaks as he debates with incumbent Gov. Spencer Cox during Utahs gubernatorial GOP primary debate held at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

After losing the Republican primary election to incumbent Gov. Spencer Cox, Phil Lyman has asked the Utah Supreme Court to toss out the results of the primary election and remove Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson from office.

Filing the petition himself, Lyman named Cox, Henderson, Rob Axson and the Utah Republican Party as respondents. Lymans main argument has to do with a law that allows candidates to gather signatures to get onto the primary ballot.

Axson told the Deseret News in a phone call he complied with the procedures outlined in state law and while he does not certify the nominee for general election (per state law), he did certify Lyman as the official nominee for the primary ballot.

In response to Lymans lawsuit, Axson pointed to a statement he released earlier related to the gubernatorial campaign. Its time for Utahns to stop playing games that inadvertently support liberal policies or the Democrat candidates who promote them. Republicans must unite, support our nominees up and down the ballot, and work diligently to ensure we elect them in November, he said.

Matt Lusty, spokesperson for the Cox campaign, said, Rep. Lymans attempt to undo a democratic election rather than honor the will of the people is not just sad, but dangerous.

Its the kind of action you see in a banana republic and not the United States of American, said Lusty. Half the candidates in the primary election lost. In our proud American tradition, almost all of them did so with grace and poise. We encourage Mr. Lyman and his camp to do the same.

Lusty said the Cox campaign invites Lyman and his running mate Natalie Clawson to accept the election results, stop misleading citizens about Utahs laws for ballot access (laws that Mr. Lyman voted for), and help unite the Republican Party and its members by supporting the GOP ticket as it moves to a general election against a liberal Democrat opponent.

At the Utah Republican Party convention, Lyman received more than 60% of the delegate vote, which earned him a spot on the primary ballot. Cox met the qualification of gathering 28,000 signatures from registered Republicans to appear on the primary ballot.

In his petition, Lyman claimed the signature gathering law did not change the internal proceedings of the party and subsequently, he said he should have been advanced to the general election ballot by the Utah Republican Party.

Although SB54 created two paths to the Primary election, it did not change the internal procedures of the party that if a single candidate achieves over 60% of the caucus vote, that candidate is certified to the state for placement on the general election ballot, and no primary is held for that office, wrote Lyman.

In previous conversations, Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, and Axson have both told the Deseret News state law trumps party documents.

The Republican Party last fall told the Utah elections office, were going to participate in the 2024 election as a QPP, qualified political party, which means well accept signature candidates and convention candidates, Weiler said.

Axson said, unless there is a court decision to the contrary, The rules, the bylaws, the Constitution, the foundational documents of that organization, practice and even just out of habit or tradition, all of those things are superseded by state law, which itself is superseded by federal law.

This latest attempt to argue against the signature gathering law is not the first time the law has been challenged. The Utah Republican Party previously sued the state over the signature gathering law and was unsuccessful in its efforts. The case made it up to federal court and the signature gathering law was upheld.

In an earlier filing, Lyman also requested the Utah Supreme Court grant access to the signature gathering petitions used by Republican candidates.

Signatures on the petitions are considered protected information by state law and voters also have the option to keep some of their information private. The Lieutenant Governors Office denied the request to give the full packets over with identifying information, but offered to give the Lyman campaign a list of names, in accordance with statutory requirements, when Lymans running mate Clawson requested the packets.

Lyman said these records should be made public.

In his requests for relief, Lyman asked the court to annul the June 25, 2024, primary election and to say Lyman is the Utah Republican Party nominee for governor.

He also said the court should designate all candidates who received 60% of the caucus vote as the nominee on the general election ballot.

Lyman also requested the court remove Cox and Henderson from office, and to appoint Senate President Stuart Adams as governor. He also asked the court to order the release of records requested by Lyman.

This story has been updated.
Louisiana students and teachers will begin the school year with a cell phone ban and LGBTQ restrictions among the new laws taking effect this month.

No new law will have a more widespread impact than Republican Franklinton Sen. Beth Mizell's cell phone ban requiring devices be stowed away for the entire school day, including the lunch hour, unless a student has secured an exemption for health reasons, such as a diabetes monitor.

Louisiana's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is expected to review and approve the final policy on how to implement the cell phone ban this month.

Teachers and workforce groups say (cell phones are) the biggest distraction theyre fighting against in the classroom, Mizell said when advocating for her Senate Bill 207, now Act 313.

Two other new laws will prevent gender identity discussions in Louisiana's public schools and give teachers the right to ignore LGBTQ students' preferred names and pronouns.

The two anti-LGBTQ school laws are a microcosm of the ongoing national debate over gender identity in one of America's marquee culture war issues.

Republican Haughton Rep. Dodie Horton's House Bill 122, now Act 681, bans teachers from talking about or allowing classroom discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation.

"Our children are to be taught and not indoctrinated or confused," Horton said in an interview with USA Today Network. "Parents have the right to raise their children consistent with their own beliefs. This bill isn't anti-anyone or lifestyle choice. I hate the false narrative."

Horton said students shouldn't be subjected to what she described as "innocence destroying" conversations.

Republican Bossier City Rep. Raymond Crews' House Bill 121, now Act 680, requires school employees to use the names and pronouns of students on their birth certificates, which LGBTQ people refer to as "dead names," unless they have parental consent, and even then a teacher can refuse. In those cases, the student can transfer to another class if one is available.

Crews has said his bill is intended to protect the rights of parents and teachers.

"It ensures the rights of parents to know what's occurring in their children's lives," he said.

But those who opposed the bills testified that such legislation creates a hostile school environment for LGBTQ students and promotes hate and bullying.

"In Louisiana, there's a coordinated attack on LGBTQ young people," Melissa Flournoy said in a previous debate.

Democratic Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis, who in 2022 became the first openly gay person to be elected to statewide office, described the legislation as "hateful" during testimony.

More: In Louisiana, a new law allows all arrest booking mugshots to be public

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana students begin school with cell phone ban, LGBTQ restrictions
When does fall start 2024? Old Farmer's Almanac predicts fall weather in Mississippi

Expect seasonal fall weather, at least if the Old Farmer's Almanac predictions are correct.

On July 18, the Old Farmers Almanac released its Fall 2024 outlook for the United States, providing predictions on the temperature and precipitation expectations for the country including Mississippi.

The Old Farmer's Almanac, which began in 1792, provides long-term weather forecasts on an annual basis. The book also gives readers full moon dates, recipes and various self-help tips.

When is the first day of fall?

The autumnal equinox, also known as the first day of fall, is Sunday, Sept. 22, at 7:44 a.m., according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

More on: 5 great places to view fall color

What temperatures Mississippi can expect for fall 2024?

The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts near average temperatures in Mississippi for fall 2024.

Mississippi is looking at near-average temperatures for fall this year, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

As for what the forecast looks like, The Weather Channel's month-long forecast shows temperatures in Jackson for September starting off in the low 90s, but the temperatures will start to drop toward the end of the month into the low 80s. Temperatures will follow a similar pattern in Tupelo and Hattiesburg for the month of September.

Once October starts, most of the state may start to see temperatures dipping down in the low 70s and 80s during the day and into the 50s and 60s during the night.

This look-ahead forecast can change as weather events happen.

When will you be able to see: the Perseid Meteor Shower in Mississippi?

When will Mississippi's fall foliage peak in 2024?

While the northern half of the United States may be experiencing vibrant autumn colors in the early October, fall foliage in Mississippi will make a late appearance. Fall foliage is the time when the leaves start changing colors.

Beginning on Oct. 17, northern Mississippi will begin to see partial changes, according to almanac's graph. By the end of October, the state will start to see green leaves transitioning into reds, oranges and yellows.

Peak fall foliage is expected to occur around the first full week of November in Mississippi. By Nov. 20, all counties in the state will either have begun foliage season, experienced peak season or passed its peak.

How rainy will it be for Fall 2024 in Mississippi?

The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts above average precipitation for northern areas of Mississippi and below average precipitation for southern areas of the state for fall 2024.

In Mississippi, the Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting the northern half of the state will see above average rainfall, while the southern half will see below average rain this fall.

September's weather prediction by AccuWeather does not show much anticipated rainfalls during the month in Mississippi, but looking further ahead into October the state is expected to see an uptick in precipitation.

This look-ahead forecast can change as weather events happen.

According to The Weather Channel, the historical monthly average of precipitation in September was 4.82 inches in Hattiesburg; 3.48 inches in Jackson; 3.82 inches in Tupelo.

How does the Old Farmer's Almanac make predictions?

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac website, predictions are made by comparing solar activity with weather patterns. The almanac says it utilizes multiple academic disciplines for its predictions, including solar science, climatology and meteorology.

The weather forecast methodology is the modern version of a formula created in 1792 by the Almanac's founder, Robert B. Thomas, according to the website.

How accurate are the Old Farmer's Almanac's predictions?

The Old Farmer's Almanac claims an 80% accuracy rate on its predictions.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: When does fall start 2024? Old Farmer's Almanac 2024 weather predictions
LPD arrests two men wanted in connection with April Myrtle Beach shooting

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) The Lynchburg Police Department reports two men were arrested in connection to outstanding warrants to a shooting in Myrtle Beach, S.C. from April 2024.

According to the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the warrants came from crimes reported on April 8, where officers responded to a residence on a report of Aggravated Assault. They found a victim had been shot and sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The police department, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, apprehended 26-year-old Jayquan OShawn Pollard on Thursday, Aug. 1. Police say he was wanted out of Lynchburg and South Carolina on multiple crimes, including attempted murder.

Pollard was found at a Lynchburg Apartment complex, where police say there was a brief standoff between Pollard and officers. However, he surrendered himself without incident.

Lynchburg man arrested after 7-month child pornography investigation, police say

As a part of the investigation, police also identified 31-year-old Xavier Isiah Austin. It was found that Austin was also wanted in connection to the same case as Pollard and he was apprehended.

Both Pollard and Austin face charges of:

Attempted Murder

Burglary

Criminal Conspiracy

Failure to Appear in Court

Austin also faces a Failure to Comply with a Court Order charge.

LPD states both men may face additional drug-related charges as the investigation continues.

This remains an active investigation. WFXR News will update this story as further information is released.

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HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT)  Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman will join the Horses and Hope Pretty in Pink Race Day and visit with cancer survivors and families at Ellis Park in Henderson.

Officials with Colemans office state Horses and Hope was founded in 2008 by then-First Lady Jane Beshear and the Kentucky Cancer Program, a statewide program affiliated with the University of Kentuckys Markey Cancer Center and the University of Louisvilles Brown Cancer Center.

The event is slated to start at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Utah Rep. Phil Lyman speaks during Utahs gubernatorial GOP primary debate held at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. (Pool photo by Isaac Hale/Deseret News)

After many of his attempts to contest the result of the primary election for the Republican gubernatorial nomination failed, Rep. Phil Lyman, R-Blanding, is suing the Utah Republican Party and asking the Utah Supreme Court to annul the results of the June primary, remove the governor and lieutenant governor from their offices, and install him as the Republican candidate for the governors office in the November general election.

In the suit, filed on the last day he could introduce an election contest petition, Lyman argues he qualifies as the party nominee through its convention process, which he won with 67.5% of delegates votes. That percentage, Lyman wrote, was enough for him to skip the June primary that selected Gov. Spencer Cox as the Republican gubernatorial candidate with 54.5% of the votes.

Lyman, who is representing himself, has repeatedly cried foul at the June election process, first, unsuccessfully requesting to obtain an unredacted list of signatures submitted in support of his opponent, and now, officially contesting the result.

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In this challenge, Lyman also claimed the primary election for the office of governor and lieutenant governor was improperly conducted and should be set aside because the improper conduct will change the result for that office.

The challenge also argues for the removal of Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson from their current elected roles for malfeasance.

Egregiousness of the error from the office of the Lieutenant Governor is reason enough alone to grant the petition, the complaint reads, arguing that Henderson denied Lymans candidacy and Utahns right to vote, violating the partys constitution and bylaws.

In the case of Cox and Hendersons removal, Senate President Stuart Adams should serve as governor until January, according to the complaint. The lieutenant governors office would be filled by an Adams appointee.

Not just sad, but dangerous

The lawsuit was met with raised eyebrows from the Cox campaign.

To ask the Utah Supreme Court to annul the primary results is a request to blatantly disregard the will of more than 400,000 Utah Republican voters and name him the GOP nominee for the November election, the Cox campaign wrote in a statement.

Rep. Lymans attempt to undo a democratic election rather than honor the will of the people is not just sad, but dangerous, Coxs campaign spokesman Matt Lusty said. Its the kind of action you see in a banana republic and not the United States of America. Half the candidates in the primary election lost. In our proud American tradition, almost all of them did so with grace and poise. We encourage Mr. Lyman and his camp to do the same.

Lyman and his running mate, Natalie Clawson, Lusty said, should stop misleading citizens about Utahs laws for ballot access and help unite the states Republicans.

By not doing so, Rep. Lyman only demonstrates that his motives are to divide the voters in Utah  especially within the GOP  for selfish gain. This hurts the conservative movement in our state and costs taxpayers money, Lusty said.

Request to annul results for other offices

Under the states dual path to the primary ballot, Lyman qualified through the convention path, while Cox did so by gathering signatures. Ultimately, regardless of how they were nominated, Utah law determines that the candidate with the most votes in the primary advances to the general election.

However, Lyman cited the partys constitution, which established that candidates that receive above 60% of votes at the convention can proceed to the general election.

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Lyman wrote that even if the state law has two paths to the primary election, it doesnt change internal procedures within the party.

The suit asks Utah Republican Party Chair Rob Axson also to certify other candidates that received above 60% of the votes in the Republican convention as the party nominees.

If the suit goes Lymans way, it would flip the nomination for the U.S. Senate seat, since Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs received 69% of that vote at convention.

In addition to this main petition, Lyman would also like a public statement from Henderson, explaining the mistake related to the URP primary election.

He also continued his quest for signature gathering records that have been repeatedly denied. The lawsuit asked for any evidence necessary to determine the legality or illegality of any petition nominating candidates, and votes cast or counted, and asked again for a full list of names of individuals who signed petitions on behalf of any Republican hopeful in 2024.

Though the Utah Supreme Court hasnt reviewed the document, and Cox remains the Republican nominee for the governors race, in the suit, Lyman already describes himself as a winner, arguing hes the declared candidate who was nominated by the Republican Party for the Utah Governors office without having to appear on the primary election ballot.

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Kazakhstan's national uranium producer, Kazatomprom, has updated its production guidance for 2024 from 21,00022,500 tonnes (t) of uranium to 22,50023,500t (11,60012,600tU on an attributable basis).

Production rose by 5% in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, Kazatomprom said in a trading update.

The company stated that this growth has resulted from the resumption of 2023 drilling works.

It said the increased uranium produced will be used for replenishing the companys inventories.

Kazatomprom was also able to secure necessary volumes of sulphuric acid required for its 2024 production at a minus 20% level relative to its subsoil use agreements.

However, limited access to sulphuric acid and delays in the construction schedule at newly developed deposits could unfavourably influence Kazatomproms production plans for 2025. In September 2023, these were forecast to be between 30,500t and 31,500t. Updated 2025 uranium production projections are scheduled to be announced later this month.

The updated volumes strengthen Kazatomproms position as the worlds largest producer of uranium as it undergoes operational and fiscal changes.

On 20 July, the companys shareholder structure shifted as Samruk-Kazyna sold a 12% equity stake to the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Assessing the impact of taxes and supply chain issues on Kazakhstans uranium production

Additionally, from 1 January 2025, the company will be subject to the Kazakh Governments changes to the Mineral Extraction Tax (MET) rate for uranium, announced in July.

The MET rate, previously set at 6%, will rise to 9% in 2025. From 2026 onward, a differentiated MET rate will be applied based on an actual annual production volume under each subsoil use agreement and the price of natural uranium concentrate from public price reporting sources. If the monthly uranium price exceeds certain thresholds, an extra MET rate increase will apply.

These tax rises are expected to put uranium production costs at a comparable level with other countries.

Canadian uranium producer Cameco, which owns a 40% stake in the Inkai project as part of a joint venture with Kazatomprom, said its preliminary conclusions indicate that production costs in Kazakhstan would be similar to northern Saskatchewan operations.

Cameco also reported that production from Inkai was lower for the first half of 2024 due to challenges with sulpuric acid supply in the early part of the year. It added that the 2024 production expectation of 8.3 million pounds of triuranium octoxide (100% basis) from Inkai is tentative and contingent upon receipt of sufficient volumes of sulphuric acid.

Story continues

Kazatomprom produces uranium from 26 deposits grouped into 14 mining assets. In June, it completed the pilot production phase for the Inkai 3 project, which has expected uranium resources of 83.1 kilotonnes. It has also obtained a subsoil use licence for uranium exploration at the Vostochny block of the deposit in East Zhalpak.

Kazakhstan accounted for 37.3% (20,100t) of the total global uranium supply in 2023, according to figures from GlobalData. Inkai is the largest in-situ leach mine in the country.

"Kazatomprom raises uranium production guidance for 2024" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR)  The Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) has announced a man has been arrested in connection to a 7-month child exploitation investigation.

This case is a testament to the joint efforts of the Lynchburg Police Department, SOVA-ICAC, and other associated agencies. We extend our thanks to all involved for their hard work and dedication in bringing justice in this important matter.  Lynchburg Police Department

On August 1, 29-year-old Andrew Joseph OHop of Lynchburg was arrested and charged with the following:

1 count of Possession of Child Pornography

9 counts of Possession of Child Pornography Second or Subsequent Offense

1 count of Sexual Abuse of Animals

Danville Police charge man in 2022 drive-by shooting investigation

LPD says in January 2024, multiple cyber tips were received from the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children (SOVA-ICAC) Task Force. The tips allegedly led to a cloud storage account suspected of containing Child-Sensitive Abuse Material (CSAM).

Detectives obtained a search warrant and worked to verify tips and the presence of CSAM on the flagged account. During the investigation, OHop was identified as a potential suspect.

After serving multiple search warrants at his home, vehicle, and person, LPD allegedly seized various electronic devices.

OHop was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Lynchburg Blue Ridge Jail pending a bond hearing.

WFXR News will update you with more information as it becomes available.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro speaks at a press conference in the Miraflores presidential palace three days after his controversial re-election. Jeampier Arguinzones/dpa

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has condemned Washington's recognition of the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the disputed presidential election.

"The United States should not stick its nose into our affairs, because in Venezuela the sovereign people decide," the authoritarian leader said on Friday. "Is the USA perhaps the electoral office? The fascist demon is the electoral office?"

Venezuela's electoral authority, which is loyal to the government, declared Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner of Sunday's election. However, it has not yet published the detailed results from individual constituencies.

The opposition is accusing the government of fraud and is claiming victory for Gonzalez. The US, the European Union, the Organization of American States and a number of Latin American countries are also questioning the official election results.

Maduro told supporters at the Miraflores presidential palace that Gonzalez "is a murderer and an agent of the CIA."
(Bloomberg) -- Venezuelas government accused the opposition of falsifying election records that show its candidate defeated President Nicolas Maduro and warned of an alleged armed attack planned Saturday near where banned leader Maria Corina Machado has called for a peaceful demonstration.

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Maduro, speaking to reporters Friday at the presidential palace in Caracas for more than two hours, again accused Machado and her stand-in, Edmundo Gonzalez, of being part of a US-led coup attempt that included a cyberattack.

His remarks signal his unwavering determination to begin a third presidential term despite mounting international support for the oppositions claims that Gonzalez won by a wide margin. They could also deter Machados supporters from taking to the streets given the alleged threat of violence.

Earlier Friday, Venezuelas electoral authority ratified Maduros victory and its top court began hearings into the result, as his government sought to use regime-controlled institutions to legitimize its position amid accusations of fraud.

The incumbent socialist defeated his opposition rival by about 1 million votes in the disputed July 28 election, the National Electoral Council announced. Maduro earned 52% compared to 43% for Gonzalez, according to the councils tabulation of 97% of ballots cast.

Machado, however, says her party has compiled results from witnesses and a network of citizen observers that show Gonzalez, her stand-in candidate, received nearly 70% support. In an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday, Machado said she is in hiding and fearing for my life.

During Maduros news conference, his congressional chief Jorge Rodriguez took the podium and showed dozens of examples of what he said were falsified voting records published by the opposition online. He argued they were incomplete, given they were missing the signatures of regime-aligned witnesses, among other irregularities.

This is pure trash, Rodriguez said while showing unsigned or incomplete tabulations. There is no way that any electoral power can accept this as a record of an electoral event.

Venezuelas regime is trying to put a stamp of legitimacy on its self-declared victory in the face of stiff international criticism. The US has said its clear the opposition won the most votes, a position shared by several countries.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Machado and Gonzalez on Friday and reiterated that view as well as expressing concern for the two leaders safety. He also applauded the Venezuelan people for their dedication to democracy in the face of significant challenges, according to a statement.

Maduro expelled diplomats from Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic after their governments cast doubt on his victory. Regional heavyweights Brazil, Mexico and Colombia, meanwhile, are refraining from taking sides until a thorough accounting of the vote is released.

The Venezuelan president, who has called for Machado and Gonzalez to be jailed for fomenting protest, presented what he said were text messages and recorded phone calls related to a grenade attack that would take place in Bello Monte on Saturday morning. The Caracas neighborhood is one over from Las Mercedes, where Machado has called for a peaceful demonstration beginning at 10 a.m.

Maduro expressed confidence that his security forces would foil the plot. I alert all of Venezuela of possible attacks carried out by the small commands on the orders of Machado and with the complicity of Gonzalez, using these groups of criminals against themselves, he said.

Venezuelas government is planning to reopen two renovated maximum-security prisons to take in more than 1,200 protesters who have been arrested since Monday and another 1,000 who are still to be detained. The regime has also started deporting journalists, with the Venezuelan union representing media workers saying Friday that 14 had been expelled from the country.

Maduro has asked the government-controlled Supreme Tribunal of Justice to audit the election results, and said Friday the government would publish the official voting records when it delivers them to the court.

Those proceedings began Friday afternoon. All of the candidates except Gonzalez  who said it remains the electoral councils job to certify the vote  attended the initial hearing, where they were told they should hand over all of the documents requested by the judges. It remains unclear how long the judicial review will take.

--With assistance from Jose Orozco.

(Adds Blinken call with opposition leaders in 10th paragraph.)

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Days ago, Kyle Rittenhouse  admired by Donald Trump and lionized by the far right for shooting three people at a Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 2020, killing two  was in lockstep with the MAGA movement that supported him through the trial that saw him acquitted of homicide. On X (formerly Twitter), the 21-year-old was echoing the conspiracy theory that the attempted assassination of Trump last month was an inside job and calling Vice President Kamala Harris a DEI hire.

But on Thursday night, Rittenhouse shocked and infuriated the Trump voters who have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover his legal fees over the years by endorsing 88-year-old former congressman Ron Paul for president. After sharing a photo of himself with Paul, Rittenhouse tweeted that he would be writing the retired libertarians name in on his ballot come November. He also shared a video first posted by the head of the National Association of Gun Rights (an activist group Rittenhouse says helped his family when the better-known National Rifle Association did not). In the clip, Rittenhouse introduced himself as the outreach director for the organization Texas Gun Rights and acknowledged that followers were upset with him.

Unfortunately, he went on to explain, Donald Trump had bad advisors making him bad on the Second Amendment, and that is my issue. If you can not be completely uncompromisable on the Second Amendment, I will not vote for you, and I will write somebody else in. We need champions for the Second Amendment or our rights will be eaten away and eroded each day. I support my decision and I have no take-backs. In his caption on on the message, Rittenhouse wrote: You must stand by your principles.

You must stand by your principles. https://t.co/EHSOxPxez4  Kyle Rittenhouse (@ThisIsKyleR) August 2, 2024

No compromise means no compromise.  Kyle Rittenhouse (@ThisIsKyleR) August 2, 2024

It seems, however, that Rittenhouse could only stand by those principles for about half a day before he was ready to compromise. In that time, his replies filled up with vitriol and abuse from one-time fans as other MAGA world influencers denounced him.

Ive never in my life, following politics for 40 years, seen a bigger betrayal than Kyle Rittenhouse, raged the pseudonymous Trump cheerleader @Catturd2, who also blocked Rittenhouses account. Almost every dime for his great defense lawyers and every dime he has in the bank is because of MAGA. In the same post, @Catturd2 claimed that Trump voters were the people who literally saved his life. Another vocal Trump loyalist, Terrence K. Williams, told his nearly 2 million followers, If you stab Trump in the back then we cant be friends. Memes mocking Rittenhouse and arguments that third-party voting would hurt Trump at the polls circulated widely.

Misinformation peddler Dom Lucre, previously banned from X for sharing child sexual abuse material but then reinstated by site owner Elon Musk, wrote that Rittenhouses turn against Trump breaks my heart and warned that he had been selected to be exposed. One conspiracy theorist shared images of Rittenhouse with the text Hes a she, seeming to falsely suggest that he is transgender. Meanwhile, Texas Gun Rights  the organization Rittenhouse claimed to represent in his video  released a statement endorsing Trump, calling him the ONLY choice for President in 2024.

BYE forever I can stomach a lot of things  but backstabbing millions who supported you at your lowest point. Then turning on Trump right after he got shot. Can't stomach it  won't put up with it  forgotten forever. pic.twitter.com/7TJGfbwk4R  Catturd  (@catturd2) August 2, 2024

This breaks my heart it really does.



Dear Kyle Rittenhouse, you have been selected to be exposed. What happens next will be a warning for anyone is compromised by money during this pivotal time. pic.twitter.com/2yNzKncbP6  Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) August 2, 2024

Donald Trump is the ONLY choice for President in 2024. pic.twitter.com/cZFSEI4arp  Texas Gun Rights (@TXGunRights) August 2, 2024

While Trump himself appeared to take no notice of the infighting, Rittenhouse didnt need the former president to weigh in before reversing his position. On Friday afternoon, he claimed that hed had a series of productive conversations with members of the [sic] Trumps team  no one specific  that left him confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights. He also called his earlier comments ill-informed and unproductive, and said he was fully committed to helping send [Trump] back to the White House.

Over the past 12 hours, I've had a series of productive conversations with members of the Trump's team and I am confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights.



My comments made last night were ill-informed and unproductive. I'm 100%  Kyle Rittenhouse (@ThisIsKyleR) August 2, 2024

Whatever Trumps own views on guns, theyve been eclipsed in recent years by the decisions of a Supreme Court he packed with hard-right ideologues. In 2022, it struck down a New York law giving the state broad authority to limit the carrying of firearms in public, with a 6-3 conservative majority, imperiling similar gun control measures in other states. (The ruling came shortly after the deadly mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York.) In June, SCOTUS even tossed a ban on bump stocks  accessories that allow a gunman to fire ammunition from a rifle almost as fast as a machine gun  imposed by the Trump administration. That, too, was a 6-3 decision made possible by justices Trump nominated. His 2024 campaign, courting gun owners, touted the ruling as a win, with the former president distancing himself from the original policy.

In any case, Rittenhouses immediate flip-flop demonstrates the risks for high-profile figures hoping to defect from the ranks of the MAGA movement. It remained unclear if all was forgiven after he tried to make amends. LMAOO, one X user replied. Kyle did not want to be Bud Lighted. Another commented, You have already revealed your true colors. We no longer trust you. Among those who did readily accept Rittenhouse back into the fold was @Catturd2. I was harder on you than anyone  but I cant hold a grudge when a man apologizes, he wrote.

In a follow-up post, though, @Catturd2 made it clear that civil debate wasnt the way to keep people like Rittenhouse in line. And BTW  it wasnt a productive conversation that changed his mind, he commented. It was the anger and backlash from the betrayal. No doubt about it. When a follower replied to say that he would continue to hold a grudge against Rittenhouse, @Catturd2 answered with laughter. LOL  cant blame you, he wrote.

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(WKBN)  August is Overdose Awareness Month, and Mahoning County Public Health is partnering with Youngstown City Health District to distribute naloxone and fentanyl test strips to the community.

Read next: Watch live as Realty Building demolition continues in Youngstown

Anyone can receive a free naloxone kit at the distribution events by participating in a short training. The training includes identifying risk factors for opioid overdose, recognizing an overdose, calling emergency medical services, giving intranasal naloxone and monitoring the person until help arrives.

Distribution dates include:

Friday, August 9 at Mahoning County Public Health (50 Westchester Drive, Austintown) from 5-7 p.m.; this is a drive-through event, and cars must enter off Westchester Drive.

Monday, August 12 at Michael Kusalaba Library and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (2815 Mahoning Avenue, Youngstown) from 12-3 p.m.

Wednesday, August 14 at Needles Eye Christian Life Center (74 Kenmore Avenue, Youngstown) from 3-6 p.m.

In 2023, Mahoning County had 156 unintentional overdose deaths, with fentanyl involved in 92% of those deaths, according to a press release from the Mahoning County Public Health office.

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The dome of the Maine State House in Augusta. (Jim Neuger/Maine Morning Star)

Maine ended the 2024 fiscal year with a $93.5 million general fund surplus, the Department of Administrative and Financial Services announced on Friday.

With year-end revenues exceeding projections, the surplus is allocated to certain accounts as directed by state law through a process known as the cascade.

This means that, of the excess, $2.5 million goes to the reserve for operating capital, $110,677 goes to the governors contingency account to restore it to the statutory maximum, $1 million goes to to FAME Loan Insurance Reserve, $2 million goes to retiree health insurance, and $12.9 million goes to the Maine Child Care Affordability Program.

These allocations still leave $75 million in excess, which, according to DAFS, was transferred for the use of transportation capital needs.

After the cascade, Maine law requires the remaining general fund surplus next go to the Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the rainy day fund, and then to the Highway and Bridge Capital Fund.

However, the rainy day fund is at its statutory minimum, ending the fiscal year with $968.3 million, so nothing from the surplus went to this fund.

The maxed out rainy day fund and the surpluses Maine has seen in recent years were the focus of many objections to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills proposed savings in the latest state budget passed in the spring.

Ultimately, lawmakers halved Mills proposed $107 million in savings in the budget plan that passed. Instead of $107 million in a new, temporary reserve as Mills proposed, the budget saved $53.5 million, with $30 million for the Education Stabilization Fund and about $23.5 million for the MaineCare Stabilization Fund.

Throughout the session, Mills and DAFS Commissioner Kirsten Figueroa defended the savings as needed in light of predictions for revenue to flatten in the next biennium, as outlined by the Revenue Forecasting Committee in March. The committee will next meet to update predictions in December.

Revenues are not expected to reach the high seen in fiscal year 2022, when the surplus was $595.1 million, until at least fiscal year 2026.

My administration will continue to keep a close eye on revenues, recognizing that they are leveling off, and work to ensure that the state remains on sustainable, solid fiscal footing in the years to come, Mills said on Friday.

Figueroa similarly reiterated on Friday that she believes the surplus from this latest fiscal year demonstrates responsible fiscal stewardship by the governor and the Legislature.

With revenues flattening, we will work closely with the Legislature in the coming years to ensure that spending does not exceed available resources and that we continue to remain in the black, Figueroa said.

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Major grocer on Hilton Head shutting its doors. Heres where and when

Hilton Head Island and Beaufort Countys only Whole Foods Market will permanently close, laying off 90 employees and forcing shoppers to go to Savannah for the nearest location.

An employee at the store confirmed it would close Aug. 7, but managers declined to comment further and referred an Island Packet reporter to a press email.

The closure and layoffs, according to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, come 10 years after the store replaced Piggly Wiggly in July 2014. It is unknown why the store closed; however, worker shortages have recently impacted local businesses. The state issued the notice of the layoffs in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act report, triggered by the termination of 50 or more employees.

It is also unknown what will happen to the 30,000-square-foot building at the Plaza at Shelter Cove off William Hilton Parkway once it closes.

Whole Foods Market is an upscale grocery store known for selling natural and organic products. The Hilton Head location featured a coffee bar, craft beer pouring station, and eat-in and takeout meals. It also has an Amazon locker, which Google shows as temporarily closed.
Tensions are mounting in the South China Sea - a hotly contested and globally significant waterway that's become a flashpoint for conflict. In the third instalment of a four-part series we look at some of the claimants' legal efforts to support their case.

In recent weeks, two of the countries with competing territorial claims in the South China Sea have asked the United Nations to recognise that the outer limits of their boundaries should extend beyond 200 nautical miles (370km).

Vietnam's proposal in July to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) followed a similar submission the previous month by the Philippines. Both could bring added complexity to the tensions surrounding the disputed waterway.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Hanoi and Manila are each seeking formal recognition that they have an extended continental shelf (ECS) into a contested part of the South China Sea which is subject to multiple claims - including from both parties, as well as Beijing.

The latest requests bring the total ECS submissions in the South China Sea to five, with the first dating back as far as 2009. None have been resolved and the outer limits outlined in the proposals frequently overlap.

Success would grant the submitting states exclusive sovereign rights to the natural resources of their continental shelves. But to complicate matters further, the CLCS will not review submissions that are embroiled in land or maritime territorial disputes.

While there is a strong possibility that the submissions may not be actively reviewed by the CLCS, Chinese experts are keeping a keen eye on the potential repercussions they could have on Beijing's claims in the waters.

According to an associate professor in Guangzhou who specialises in the South China Sea and asked to remain anonymous, the number of ECS submissions related to the waterway could continue to grow and Beijing should not overlook them.

"Staking claims to ECS is poised to deepen the intricacies of the already complex dispute. Each nation involved is keen to innovate strategies to bolster its maritime claims, with the ECS claim to emerge as a key tactic," he said.

"This approach could potentially open up a new front for verbal skirmishes among the claimant countries."

The area within 200 nautical miles of a state's coastline is generally recognised as its exclusive economic zone, with the waters beyond designated as the high seas.

Story continues

However, if a state has a continental shelf that extends beyond 200 nautical miles of its coastline, the CLCS is the only viable channel to establish sovereign rights over the area.

The 21-member body, established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) includes experts on geology, geophysics and hydrography, who consider geophysical and bathymetric information presented by claimants.

However, the CLCS "is purely a scientific body, not a legal body", explained Chen Chen-ju, associate professor of National Chengchi University's College of Law in Taiwan.

"The roles of its members differ from those in courts or arbitration tribunals. Hence, the commission is not tasked with dispute settlement," she said.

The CLCS reviews the submitted material and determines whether it meets the requirements laid out in the convention, before making its recommendations - which countries can choose not to follow or make a revised submission, but that will become binding if accepted.

"Although the legal term is a 'recommendation', it comes with legally binding effect, which means that the outer limits will become a fixed boundary separating seabed areas within national jurisdictions and the international seabed areas, which are reserved for the common heritage of humanity," Chen said.

The Philippines' claims have so far been rejected by China, Vietnam and Malaysia and other states are likely to reject the Vietnamese claim, potentially stalling the progress of both submissions.

According to maritime experts, considerations of the unilateral submissions from the Philippines and Vietnam are likely to be deferred by the CLCS, which has yet to review more than 40 claims accumulated internationally since 2001.

Liu Dan, a research fellow at Shanghai Jiao Tong University's KoGuan School of Law, said that even an uncontested ECS submission usually took years to consider because "the caseload is piling up for the commission to review".

But coastal states were entitled to file submissions and it was worth doing, because of the potential benefits of obtaining maritime entitlements from a legally recognised continental shelf, she said.

"Filing a claim poses no risk to the Philippines, as the worst-case scenario is that the claim might not be considered by the commission. However, it could help attract support from other countries, helping to reinforce its footing in the South China Sea."

Chen said Manila's ECS submission could be interpreted as a continuation and practical application of its South China Sea lawfare - which culminated in a 2016 arbitration ruling in its favour, a result Beijing has not accepted.

According to Chen, "by inheriting the results of the arbitration finding and proposing that the seabed surrounding features [in the Spratly Islands] is within part of its ECS, Manila is leveraging the arbitration to further advocate its South China Sea claims".

An image provided by the Philippines' armed forces of an encounter between the Chinese coastguard and a Philippine resupply mission at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on June 17. Photo: AP alt=An image provided by the Philippines' armed forces of an encounter between the Chinese coastguard and a Philippine resupply mission at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on June 17. Photo: AP>

In the anonymous Guangzhou academic's view, the invocation of the ECS represents a strategic move from Manila to effectively challenge Beijing, "compelling it to stretch its resources in response".

"Such an approach of extending its continental shelf is a coordinated move together with the arbitration ruling to further cause harm to Beijing's stance," she said.

Expert opinion diverged on Hanoi's impetus for following Manila's lead and seeking recognition of its own extended continental shelf, and whether the claimants were coordinating their submissions to the CLCS.

Isaac Kardon, senior fellow for China studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that Vietnam and the Philippines might demonstrate a certain level of coordination, or at least convergence of interests in their latest actions.

"There appears to be some coordination between them, or at least shared sympathies and momentum towards making clear, legal claims that contradict and counteract China's opaque claims," he said.

The associate professor in Guangzhou contended that Vietnam's submission was likely to have been approved by President To Lam to score domestic political support by increasing his country's posture in the dispute.

China and Vietnam have competing claims in the South China Sea. Photo: Reuters alt=China and Vietnam have competing claims in the South China Sea. Photo: Reuters>

Ding Duo, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Law and Policy at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, said Vietnam's submission was "clearly a countermeasure" to the Philippines' ECS claims.

"The Philippines' submission is notably extensive and stretches westward, encroaching significantly into the area Vietnam recognises as its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf boundaries," he said.

But Ding noted that the timing was opportune for Hanoi and it had its "nuanced calculations".

"The Philippines' current maritime provocations have significantly dominated China's attention and energy. Consequently, should Vietnam lodge a similar claim now, it is less likely to become the main focus of attention," he said.

"This strategic timing means Vietnam can assert its claims without becoming a main target of China's, [as opposed to] if it were to proceed alone at a different time, which might spotlight Vietnam undesirably."

According to Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Liu, the latest ECS claims could lead to a "spillover effect", encouraging other claimant states to make similar moves.

The enduring negative impact of the 2016 arbitration case, coupled with the repercussions of such ECS claims in the region, could pose a serious threat to Beijing's claims, she said.

"[These factors] could potentially encourage other claimants to overlook China's legal assertions in the South China Sea, opting to partition and gradually encroach upon the waters through ECS claims or bilateral or multilateral boundary agreements."

Liu was referring to the 2009 maritime boundary agreement between Brunei and Malaysia, as well as the 2003 continental shelf delimitation agreement between Indonesia and Vietnam.

In late 2022, Hanoi and Jakarta also successfully finalised long-running negotiations to delineate the borders of their exclusive economic zones in the region.

Strategically, China could not afford to disregard the ECS claims, even though the possibility they would be reviewed by the CLCS might be minimal, Liu said.

"China should attach great importance to such submissions. They are essentially tests to determine its stance and resolve amid the ongoing and intense disputes in the South China Sea."

Experts noted that China had yet to publish its baselines in the broader South China Sea region, a necessary step before the breadth of a maritime territory can be measured under UNCLOS.

Beijing has only specified a set of base points in the Gulf of Tonkin, the northwestern portion of the South China Sea where Beijing and Hanoi signed a delineation agreement in 2000.

Beijing has also not clarified the legal meaning of its vast nine-dash line, which encompasses up to 90 per cent of the disputed waters, stretching about 2,000km (1,240 miles) from the Chinese mainland to within just a few hundred kilometres of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Ding noted that baseline information was a prerequisite for the CLCS to make a determination. China's lack of defined baselines would present a legal and technical challenge when it tried to submit its own ECS claims, he said.

According to Chen, Beijing could hit a bottleneck in its narrative if it advances ECS claims in the southern part of the South China Sea. It may become difficult to reconcile such submissions with the established stance of its nine-dash line, she said.

Beijing may opt out of submitting its own ECS proposals in the Spratly Islands, avoiding the need to clarify the legal justification of the nine-dash line and preserve the flexibility of its interpretation, Chen said.

Ding said another calculation that Beijing may be making in not actively seeking the validation of an ECS lies in the fact that such submissions are not conducive to solving maritime disagreements among the claimant states.

"China's primary priority is to tackle issues of territorial sovereignty and manage conflicts effectively," he said. "Ultimately, the path to resolving the disputes will necessitate a return to the negotiation table and claimant states engaging in thorough consultations."

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Malian rebels killed 84 mercenaries fighting for the Russian Wagner Group during recent clashes in the country, they claimed on Aug. 1.

In a post on X, the Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad, said it killed 84 Wagner fighters and 47 Malian troops.

The group  a coalition of anti-government groups in the north of the African country  said the losses occurred over three days of fighting.

Russia maintains a strong presence in African countries through Wagner and other entities, propping up authoritarian governments, fueling destabilization, and extracting resources to fund its war against Ukraine.

The West African nation of Mali has been the subject of a significant Russian influence campaign since the Malian army overthrew the government in a coup in 2021.

The Wagner mercenary group, founded by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been particularly active in Mali and has been accused of perpetrating war crimes and widespread looting.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesman for the pro-independence CSP-DPA coalition, said in a statement published on Facebook that a two-day battle on the outskirts of Tinzawaten village earlier this week resulted in the rebels destroying the entire column of the Malian army and Russian mercenaries."

Ramadane added that "the enemy suffered huge losses in terms of lives and equipment, including dozens of dead and wounded."

An unnamed local politician told AFP that the Malian army had retreated from Tinzawaten as a result of the battle.

The Malian government forces reported on July 28, as cited by Associated Press, that two of their soldiers had been killed and 10 injured in a rebel attack.

Russian pro-war Telegram channels, including those linked to the Wagner Group, published photos and videos allegedly showing the bodies of killed mercenaries and destroyed equipment.

They also wrote that among the killed Russian mercenaries were the author of Grey Zone, a major Telegram channel covering Wagner actions in Ukraine and Africa, and Anton Elizarov, a Wagner commander who led the group's offensive operations against Soledar and Bakhmut.

None of these claims can be independently verified. Wagner mercenaries fought in Ukraine and launched a brief rebellion against the Kremlin in June 2023, marching on Moscow before abruptly ending their mutiny.

After the failed rebellion, some Wagner members signed contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry, others went to fight in Africa.

Read also: Poland and Ukraine to form a military unit from Ukrainians in Europe. Will it be effective?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Mamou man arrested in connection with child pornography, drug charges

MAMOU, La. (KLFY)  A resident of Mamou was arrested on child pornography and drug charges, authorities said.

Trevor Matthews Sr., 42, was arrested and booked into the Evangeline Parish Correctional Center for pornography involving juveniles and possession of narcotics, officials said.

According to Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit, an investigation linked him to an IP address that was downloading child sex materials. Police executed a search warrant at Matthews residence finding child pornography and 15 grams of suspected marijuana.

Bond details were not released.

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Man accused of beheading father in their home is competent to stand trial, judge rules

FILE - This photo provided by the Bucks County, Pa., District Attorney's Office shows Justin Mohn. Mohn, the man accused of beheading his father in their suburban Philadelphia home early this year and posting a video of the severed head online, is competent to stand trial, a judge ruled Thursday, Aug. 1. (Bucks County District Attorney's Office via AP, File)

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (AP)  The man accused of beheading his father in their suburban Philadelphia home early this year and posting a video of the severed head online is competent to stand trial, a judge ruled Thursday.

Judge Stephen Corr ruled from the bench after a nearly five-hour proceeding that unfolded with Justin Mohn, wearing a yellow jumpsuit with inmate printed on the back and with his hands cuffed in front of him, seated in court and smiling, nodding or shaking his head throughout testimony.

Corr also granted Mohn's wish to dismiss his public defender and appoint a different attorney to handle the case. Asked whether he'd be willing to work with a new attorney, Mohn responded: Absolutely.

The ruling means the case, which captured headlines with Mohn's arrest at a National Guard base two hours from his and his parents' Levittown home and after the gruesome video had already been viewed numerous times online, will go forward.

The hearing had several surreal moments, with Mohn nodding along and smiling widely at prosecution witness Dr. Kelly Chamberlain, a forensic psychologist, who testified that she found Mohn in her two meetings with him to be intelligent, calm and socially appropriate.

Chamberlain testified that Mohn apparently objected to his attorney's strategy of using a mental health defense and that he seemed appropriately self-interested."

She disputed the findings of defense expert witness Dr. John Markey, who said he had met with Mohn four times and determined at first that he had schizophrenia, but on Thursday said it was delusional disorder instead. He pointed specifically to Mohn's letters in which he said he claimed to be the messiah, a King David-like figure whom the federal government was persecuting.

Mohn came to believe his own public defender was a federal agent working against him, Markey said, and he wrote a letter to Russia's ambassador to the United States seeking to strike a deal to give Mohn refuge and apologizing to President Vladimir Putin for claiming to be the czar of Russia.

Its all delusional, Markey said.

Chamberlain said she didn't believe he meant to say he was the messiah, and that his writings in fact said Satanic cults within the U.S. think he's the messiah.

I believe it could be construed as delusional, she said, but added that his writing was part of his rhetoric. He feels people like him have been kind of screwed over.

Mohn nodded agreeably during her testimony.

Another prosecution witness, corrections officer Ralph Taylor, said Mohn was extremely polite and respectful in jail.

Corr questioned him at the start of the proceedings, asking him if he knew why he was there, and Mohn recounted that he was facing a number of charges, the most serious of which were first-degree murder charges.

All that added up, prosecutors said, to someone able to participate in his own legal defense.

According to prosecutors, Mohn fatally shot his father with a pistol and then used a kitchen knife and machete to decapitate Michael Mohn at the Levittown house where they both lived.

Justin Mohn then recorded a video in which he held up his fathers head and identified him as a 20-year federal employee, while calling for violence against the government. Prosecutors have said they found blood stains on the desk in the room where the video was recorded along with a computer that had several tabs open, including one for YouTube.

In the video, Justin Mohn also espouses a variety of conspiracy theories and rants about the Biden administration, immigration and the border, fiscal policy, urban crime and the war in Ukraine.

The video was posted on YouTube for several hours before it was taken down.

Justin Mohn faces charges of first-degree murder, abusing a corpse and possession of instruments of crime. He is being held without bail.
"It's clear to me he is able and willing to meet with an attorney and discuss the case," the judge said during Justin Mohn's hearing

Jessica Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP Justin Mohn

The trial of a Pennsylvania man accused of decapitating his father and displaying the severed head in a disturbing video posted on YouTube will be moving forward.

Bucks County Judge Stephen Corr ruled on Thursday, August 1, that Justin Mohn is competent to stand trial on the charges of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse and possession of an instrument of crime after psychologists testified on his mental state in court, according to multiple outlets including NBC News, the Associated Press, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Bucks County Courier Times.

One psychologist brought in by Mohns lawyer said that the 32-year-olds speech  which included religious rhetoric, as seen in the YouTube video he allegedly posted after killing his father  was a sign of delusional disorder, according to the Inquirer. In the video, which has since been removed from the platform, Mohn reportedly said his father is now in hell for eternity and then launched into a rant, according to the police and as previously reported by PEOPLE.

Judge Corr also questioned Mohn at the beginning of the court proceedings about whether he knew why he was in court, to which he recounted his charges to the judge, according to AP. Prosecutors argued that this made him fit to stand trial.

Related: Pa. Man Allegedly Shot Father with Gun Purchased the Day Before Decapitation

Judge Corr agreed, noting that Mohn displayed a rational, factual understanding of the [court] proceedings, as well as the charges against him and the potential penalties he could face, per the Inquirer.

"It's clear to me he is able and willing to meet with an attorney and discuss the case," Judge Corr said, according to the Bucks County Courier Times.

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.

The court appearance was the first for Mohn following his arrest in January, according to the outlets.

Statements released by the Bucks County District Attorneys Office and Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) said that officers responded to a report from a woman who said she had found her husband dead.

Jessica Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP The home in Levittown, Pa. where the murder allegedly took place

When police arrived on the scene, they found a man deceased in the bathroom," who had been decapitated. They also found rubber gloves "with what appeared to be blood on them" in another part of the house, according to a criminal complaint previously obtained by PEOPLE.

Per the criminal complaint, members of the MTPD "received information about a video posted to YouTube" by Mohn showing off the decapitated head of Michael Mohn. Police noted that the 32-year-old was pictured wearing the same style clear rubber gloves observed at the crime scene.

Per the MTPD, "It was determined that the victims adult son had left the home and taken his fathers vehicle." The police added that "with the help of multiple other agencies, Justin Mohn was located and taken into custody in Fort Indiantown Gap," miles out of Harrisburg.

Mohns next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 22, according to the Inquirer.



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Read the original article on People.
The man who has been charged with kidnapping a Hall County girl after meeting her online will remain in Ohio for the foreseeable is future.

Maria Gomez-Perez, 12, vanished from her Gainesville home in May.

The Hall County Sheriffs Office said Maria met Antonio Agustin, a Guatemalan native, online and began chatting with him and other adult men through Facebook Messenger. She told Agustin that she was unhappy and wanted to leave home.

On May 29, Agustin drove from his Ohio home to Gainesville to pick Maria up and take her back to northeast Ohio where she remained until last week when Agustin was arrested.

The Sheriffs Office initially said that he would be extradited back to Georgia, but the district attorneys office announced Friday that Agustin would remain in Ohio.

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Based on the information we have at this time, the most serious criminal offenses in this case occurred in Ohio, and the bulk of necessary witnesses even to prove a Hall County case are in Ohio. It makes sense that the suspect answer to what charges Ohio proceeds on first, said Lee Darragh, District Attorney for the Northeastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia.

Hall County Sheriff Gerald Crouch said he agreed with the prosecutors.

My primary goal in this case is to see justice done. If that means we have to wait for this suspect to have his day in court in Ohio before he faces our charges, so be it. I just want to make sure he has no chance of luring another young girl from home, wreaking havoc on another community like he did ours, said Sheriff Couch.

Agustin is currently being held in the Tuscarawas County Jail in Ohio.

RELATED NEWS:
Man accused of sexual assault at Charlotte tire shop was in U.S. illegally, ICE says

Channel 9 learned the suspect who is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Charlotte tire shop this week was in the U.S. illegally, ICE officials said.

Woman says man tried to sexually assault her at tire shop; 1 arrested, CMPD says

A woman told the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on Tuesday that 30-year-old Elno Cervantes-Juarez went into the bathroom at Mr. Tire Auto Service on Monroe Road and sexually assaulted her.

Authorities said someone called police saying a man she didnt know went into the bathroom while she was inside and tried to sexually assault her. Detectives were quickly able to identify the suspect as 30-year-old Eleno Cervantes.

Cervantes-Juarez was arrested and charged with second-degree attempted rape, sexual battery, first-degree kidnapping, and assault on a female. Hes being held in the Mecklenburg County jail without bond.

ICE tells me the agency filed a detainer on Eleno Cervantes-Juarez, a 31-year-old citizen and national of Mexico. He is accused of attempting to sexually assault a woman in Mr Tire in southeast Charlotte. Cervantes-Juarez was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol on Aug, 17, 2022,  Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) August 1, 2024

U.S. Border Patrol encountered Cervantes-Juarez, a Mexican national, on Aug. 17, 2022, near Nogales, Arizona, after he got into the country illegally, ICE officials said.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Atlanta filed a detainer on Cervantes-Juarez after the Charlotte Mecklenburg police arrested him.

VIDEO: Woman says man tried to sexually assault her at tire shop; 1 arrested, CMPD says
Man arrested in Berlin after his wife is found dead in Austria

A man has been arrested at Berlin airport shortly after his wife's body was discovered in Vienna.

Police in the Austrian capital announced on Friday that the Afghan man had been detained in Germany the evening before. He is said to be the main suspect in the case.

His wife's body was found in the flat they shared in the Austrian capital. Concerned relatives of the woman, who was also from Afghanistan, had previously contacted the police and reported that the couple had been arguing.

The police launched an international manhunt after the discovery of her body. Austrian police told dpa that they think the suspect intended to travel onwards from Berlin, but he was arrested during an identity check at Berlin-Brandenburg airport.

The Vienna public prosecutor's office has already requested his extradition.

The autopsy results show the woman was stabbed in the chest and neck area. According to the police, the murder weapon has not yet been found. Investigators assume that it was a knife or other sharp object. The motive of the alleged perpetrator is still unclear. The man was not previously known to the police.
YORK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY)  A man was arrested Friday morning in connection with a bomb threat made to an office in the York-Poquoson Court House.

Timothy Nettles (Courtesy: York-Poquoson Sheriffs Office)

According to officials, on July 17 around 7:45 a.m., deputies with the Sheriffs Office Courthouse Security were informed of a bomb threat called in by telephone. The courthouse was reopened by noon that same day.

After an investigation, 53-year-old Timothy William Nettles was identified as as suspect.

On Aug. 2, Nettles was arrested and charged with threats to bomb, which is a Class 5 felony.

Nettles is currently being held at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Man charged in death of tattooed man in Hartland is found guilty by Waukesha County jury

HARTLAND - A man who prosecutors say punched a tattooed man outside a Hartland bar in June 2023, resulting in his death, will face a potentially long prison sentence in September.

Kevin A. Sehmer, 65, of Brookfield was found guilty on a single count of felony murder battery by a Waukesha County Circuit Court jury verdict Thursday, the culmination of a case tied to the death of 39-year-old Josh Davies of Delafield, who succumbed to his head injuries several weeks after the June 17 incident at Tabi's Wine Bar.

In a criminal complaint and again during a three-day trial one year later, prosecutors argued that Sehmer was trying to start a fight when he criticized Davies about his tattoos on both arms, calling them sinful. The verbal spat then turned physical as Davies left the building, ending when Sehmer either pushed or punched Davies. The impact caused him to fall over backward and strike his head on the concrete ground, knocking him unconscious.

Davies remain hospitalized with two skull fractures until he died July 12, 2023.

His death resulted in an amended complaint two days later that changed the charge from aggravated battery to second-degree reckless homicide. The charge was further amended in February to felony murder battery.

During the trial, Sehmer's attorney, John Scott Schiro, argued that his client only acted in self-defense, believing that Davies was holding a bar stool while moving toward him. Sehmer himself testified that he only pushed Davies and never intended to kill him.

But prosecutors, District Attorney Sue Opper and Assistant District Attorney Melissa J. Zilavy, called witnesses who cast doubt upon that testimony and maintained that Sehmer punched Davies in the head, a violent attack with enough impact that it caused Davies to fall and strike his head. Witnesses included Waukesha County's medical examiner, Dr. Lynda Biedrzycki, whose testimony focused on the force that would have been necessary to cause such a result.

Following the trial, Circuit Court Judge William J. Domina denied motions by Schiro to dismiss charges and set aside the verdict, and instead set a Sept. 6 sentencing hearing to consider the length of punishment. Sehmer could face up to 21 years in prison, according to court documents.

Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at james.riccioli@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Man found guilty in Hartland altercation over Delafield man's tattoos
By Alimat Aliyeva

By August 2025, the US armed Forces will use several thousand unmanned aerial vehicles and floating vehicles with artificial intelligence functions, Azernews reports.

"These are inexpensive systems," she said. "They make it possible to expose people to the dangers of war less." Artificial intelligence, Hicks said, will enable these drones to operate independently in conditions of poor communication.

The deputy head of the Pentagon made it clear that the adoption of such drones is a counteraction measure to China. "In an era of strategic rivalry with China," she said, "we need to take a new approach to technological innovation." According to Hicks, the use of unmanned systems in operations is only the first stage, followed by the second wave of deployment of military devices with artificial intelligence functions.
Tim Cook spoke to investors about the results of fiscal 2024 Q3. Getty

Apple reported third-quarter earnings on Thursday.

The tech giant beat earnings and revenue estimates, but China sales fell slightly short.

Apple's stock fluctuated in a narrow range in late trading.

Apple reported fiscal third-quarter earnings results on Thursday, and revenue and profit beat estimates even as China sales fell slightly short.

While iPhone sales slowed, services boomed, and Apple execs praised the new iPad lineup, which came out in May and helped revenue jump to $85.8 billion in Q3.

Apple Intelligence was a major topic in the company's first earnings call since it was announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

While Apple didn't share much about which AI features will become available around the same time the next iPhone is announced in September, Cook assured listeners that the rollout will begin this year and continue in 2025.

Apple's stock fluctuated narrowly in after-hours trading. The stock fell 1.7% on Thursday, but was still up 13% year-to-date through the close.

Like its rivals, Apple will continue to bet big on AI.

Apple's competitors are ramping up spending on AI, and it's no different. Cook says Apple has been investing in AI and machine learning "for years."

"In addition to investing more, we've also redeployed certain skills onto AI and ML," Cook says.

The company says we can expect spending on AI to increase "year on year" as they continue to invest in AI.

Apple Intelligence is for everyday apps, Tim Cook says.

Apple is betting on Apple Intelligence, revealed in June, to boost iPhone sales. Apple

Cook says Apple Intelligence should feel "natural" to users since it'll be integrated into apps they use every day, such as notes, mail, and more.

He's also extremely hopeful for how developers can incorporate it into their own apps.

"I think it's profound," Cook says.

It's "too early to tell" if Apple Intelligence is leading to iPhone upgrades.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Although Apple makes it clear that Apple Intelligence is "another compelling reason for an upgrade," it's too early to tell if consumers will rush to get an iPhone 15 or later.

Cook says that June's WWDC announcements were too recent to know if Apple Intelligence is making people want to get a new phone. Cook confirms that the AI tools will have a staggered rollout, so all of the features shown off at WWDC won't be available right away, even on the newest iPhone.

Cook weighs in on the iPhone upgrade cycle.

Cook compares the launch of the iPhone 15 with that of the 14 and says the iPhone 15 did better than its predecessor. He sounds optimistic that the upcoming iPhone will only build on that growth with the help of AI.

Story continues

"With Apple Intelligence, we're very excited about the level of value we're going to provide to users," Cook says.

The iPad is having a moment.

The new iPad Air Apple

iPad revenue was up 24% year-over-year, and Apple says customers are "loving the latest iPad lineup" that came out in May, CFO Luca Maestri said.

Analysts were doubtful about iPad sales since the upgrade cycles tend to stretch longer than that of iPhones, but Maestri says customers are impressed by the new design and display.

Dan Ives calls the quarter a "big positive."

The Wedbush Securities analyst says no one was expecting a groundbreaking quarter from Apple. The debut of the next iPhone in September is the "main AI event" that investors are looking forward to.

"Overall this was a flex the muscles moment for Cook & Co. despite negative sentiment building around the iPhone growth story," Ives wrote in an analyst note.

Apple Intelligence is already a big talking point

Apple Intelligence. Apple

Apple is making it clear that Apple Intelligence is going to be a big part of the ecosystem.

Every Mac shipped since 2020 is compatible with Apple Intelligence. Cook emphasizes how AI can enhance the user experience across Apple devices.

"Apple Intelligence uses the power of our most advanced iPhones," Cook says.

Still, Cook reiterated that data privacy remains a priority even when it comes to AI.

iPhone sales are slowing but services boomed

Apple reportedly removed Kimi, a piracy app for free films and shows, from its app store earlier this week Primakov/Shutterstock

You know how we always say that Apples iPhone sales are slowing so its increasingly reliant on service revenue* for growth?

Last quarter product sales** grew by $1 billion. Services were up $3 billion. pic.twitter.com/s8HF8KLIqZ  Peter Kafka (@pkafka) August 1, 2024

IPhone sales slid slightly in Q3 compared to the same period a year earlier, but services continued to grow.

Tim Cook kicks off the investor call by highlighting new records

Apple CEO Tim Cook. Michael M Santiago/Getty Images

Cook says Apple set new quarterly records across several regions worldwide. He also shouted out "game-changing" announcements made at WWDC in June.

Apple Intelligence gets an early mention in the call with references to Siri, ChatGPT, and other upcoming AI tools.

Cook says Apple is "optimistic" about AI.

Apple beats 3rd-quarter estimates for revenue and earnings per share.

Third quarter

Revenue: $85.78 billion, vs. estimate $84.46 billion

Products revenue: $61.56 billion vs. estimate $60.63

billion iPhone revenue: $39.30 billion vs. estimate $38.95

billion Mac revenue: $7.01 billion vs. estimate $6.98 billion iPad revenue: $7.16 billion vs. estimate $6.63 billion Wearables, home and accessories: $8.10 billion vs. estimate $7.79 billion

Service revenue: $24.21 billion vs. estimate $23.96

billion

Greater China revenue: $14.73 billion vs. estimate $15.26

billion

EPS: $1.40 vs. estimate $1.35

Total operating expenses: $14.33 billion vs. estimate

$14.39 billion

Gross margin: $39.68 billion vs. estimate $39.06 billion

Cash and cash equivalents: $25.57 billion vs. estimate $28.98

billion

Cost of sales: $46.10 billion vs. estimate $45.43

billion

Total current assets: $125.44 billion vs. estimate $124.01 billion

Total current liabilities: $131.62 billion vs. estimate $121.5

billion Source of analyst estimates: Bloomberg

Oppenheimer says company is the 'dominating force' in consumer AI.

Apple is negotiating with both OpenAI and Google to implement AI technology in its next generation of iPhone, Bloomberg reported. Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Apple is poised to lead tech firms in the consumer AI space, Oppenheimer said.

"We believe that Apple's introduction of Apple Intelligence will position the company as the leader in the consumer AI experience," strategists said in a note, adding that the company's AI initiatives could result in faster-than-expected revenue and earnings growth. "We believe the excitement over Apple Intelligence can potentially accelerate hardware replacement and enable market share gain for iPhone, iPad and Mac."

Analysts reiterated their "outperform" rating on the stock and raised their price target to $250 a share, implying 12% upside.

Needham says Apple is maximizing revenue per user.

Apple could be fueling valuation growth through its huge stock buy-backs, as well as the company diversifying its product line and driving 'ecosystem lock-in,' such as by creating services like Apple Pay and Apple Care, Needham analysts said.

The company also appears to be "maximizing revenue per AAPL user," they added, pointing to the firm's multiple subscription services, like Fitness + and Apple Music.

Needham reiterated its "buy" rating on Apple stock and raised its price target to $260 a share, implying 17% upside.

Morgan Stanley says a big iPhone upgrade cycle is coming.

Apple's AI software could be a "clear catalyst" for iPhone users to upgrade their devices, Morgan Stanley said. SOPA Images/Getty Images

Morgan Stanley's research team reiterated Apple as its "top pick", thanks to a large number of Apple users set to upgrade their devices. By the end of this fiscal year, there could be a record 700 million iPhones that are at least three years old, the bank estimated.

"Apple Intelligence is a clear catalyst for a multi-year product upgrade cycle," analysts added in a note. "Never in Apple's 40 year history has the iPhone installed base been so large (1.3b+ devices), replacement cycles been so extended (at 4.8 years), and a new technology been limited to such a small cohort of users (8% of the iPhone/iPad installed base) all at the same time."

The bank's research arm reiterated its "overweight" rating on the stock and raised its price target to $273 a share, implying 23% upside.

Bank of America says AI features will fuel iPhone demand.

Apple looks on track to pull slightly more revenue than initially expected  but investors will "mostly ignore" the earnings results and focus on guidance related to AI-enabled iPhones, revenue growth in China, and revenue growth on the services side of the business, BofA strategists predicted.

"We see pent up demand and a meaningful number of older iPhones in the installed base, and the new AI features should help drive an upgrade cycle," analysts added in a note.

The bank reiterated its "buy" rating on the stock and raised its price target to $256 a share, implying 15% upside.

Wedbush says Apple's 'turnaround' is beginning in China.

Apple may have seen its last negative growth period in China, Wedbush predicted. Andrew Burton/For The Washington Post via Getty Images; Justin Sullivan/Getty Images; Rebecca Zisser/BI

Apple's business could be making a comeback as iPhone demand looks like it's stabilizing in China, according to supply-chain checks Wedbush conducted in Asia. That could set up the company to initially ship around 90 million iPhone 16s, higher than the consensus of 80 to 84 million, analysts said.

"We strongly believe June will be the last negative growth quarter for China with a growth turnaround beginning in the September quarter. China remains the linchpin of growth for Apple and now this key region is set to see growth once against starting with iPhone 16 in our view," the firm in a note in July.

Wedbush reiterated its "outperform" rating on the stock and issued a price target of $275 a share, implying 24% upside.

Apple's consensus third-quarter revenue estimate is $84.46 billion.

Third Quarter

Revenue estimate: $84.46 billion

Products revenue estimate: $60.63 billion iPhone revenue estimate: $38.95 billion Mac revenue estimate: $6.98 billion iPad revenue estimate: $6.63 billion Wearables, home, and accessories estimate: $7.79 billion

Service revenue estimate: $23.96 billion

Greater China rev. estimate: $15.26 billion

EPS estimate: $1.35

Operating cash flow estimate: $29.48 billion

Total operating expenses estimate: $14.39 billion

Gross margin estimate: $39.06 billion

Cash and cash equivalents estimate: $28.98 billion

Cost of sales estimate: $45.43 billion

Total current assets estimate: $124.01 billion

Total current liabilities estimate: $121.5 billion

Source: Bloomberg

Read the original article on Business Insider
INDIANAPOLIS  A man charged with killing three adults and a 7-year-old girl following an argument over a stimulus check in 2021 has been ordered to spend more than a century behind bars after entering a plea to the killings, according to court documents.

Malik Halfacre, 28, was sentenced Friday in Marion Superior Court to 145 years in state prison after pleading guilty to four counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in connection with the mass shooting. Halfacres agreement with prosecutors capped his sentence to 180 years, with terms over how he would serve the time being left up to the court. He earned three years in time-served since his arrest.

The state dismissed Halfacres charges of armed robbery, illegally carrying a handgun and auto theft as part of the agreement.

We are thankful for the dignity, grace, and patience the family and the survivor have shown throughout such an unimaginably difficult process, Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a prepared statement following the hearing. The defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison and this resolution provides finality to the criminal matter, as our community continues to heal from this horrific tragedy.

Court documents reveal the shooting stemmed from an argument over a stimulus check between Halfacre and his girlfriend. Halfacre fired at everyone in the room, killing 23-year-old Dequan Moore; Tomeeka Brown, 44; Anthony Johnson, 35, and Eve Moore, 7  his girlfriends daughter.

Anthony Johnson: 'He was a human being and he loved life': Family remembers Indianapolis shooting victim

His girlfriend, Jeanettrius Moore, was also shot during the attack and survived.

Halfacre then took her purse and car and fleeing the home, in the 300 block of North Randolph Street.

Indianapolis police located Halfacre hiding in an attic of his friends home and took him into custody after hours of negotiation with SWAT.

Less than a year before the killing, Halfacre is accused of firing at least seven bullets at Moores unoccupied car during a dispute  one of the cases at the center of an IndyStar investigation into Indianas red flag law.

The Pulitzer-nominated investigation: Indiana is an accessory to murder: Failure to enforce red flag laws ended in 14 deaths

The law allows police to seize firearms from people who present a danger to themselves or others. Authorities did not leverage the law against Halfacre at the time. Moore told IndyStar the same firearm was later used to kill her family.

The case was also among the three mass shooting events in the city that year.

Contact reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis man sentenced in mass shooting over stimulus check
Man charged with murder after he was captured on camera striking victim and taking his bike

A man was charged on suspicion of second-degree murder, after he was found with the victim's bicycle, according to Phoenix Police Department.

Around 9 a.m., Phoenix Fire responded to a welfare check call at 17th and Grand avenues. They found a man, dead on scene, under a brown blanket with "several puncture and laceration wounds on his body," the document said.

Phoenix police then reviewed video footage from local businesses near the area. The suspect, identified as Alexander Martin Reyes, was captured leaning over the victim, who was sleeping in the rocks. Reyes was seen "moving items around," court documents said.

The victim then woke up and began to struggle with Reyes. Reyes then struck the victim, and he fell to the ground, according to court records. Reyes then got a brown blanket from the area where the victim was sleeping, and covered him with it.

Around 10 minutes later, Reyes returned to the scene and took the victim's yellow bicycle and other personal items, according to the document.

Investigators said they used still images from video footage and compared known images of subjects with similar characteristics to identify the suspect as Reyes.

Court records said later that day, around 3 p.m., Reyes was stopped by police after he was seen pushing the victim's bicycle at North 15th Avenue and West McDowell Road. Police said they identified Reyes by using his driver's license and a distinct tattoo on his face. They noted he had a black eye, a scar below his eye and blood under his nose.

Police detained Reyes and he was transported to the Phoenix Police Department to be interviewed. The document said he invoked his Miranda rights and requested an attorney. Reyes was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

The victim was not identified. The incident was still under investigation.

Reporter Kira Caspers contributed to this article.

Annie Goodykoontz is a reporter for The Arizona Republic. You can reach her at AGoodykoontz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police arrest man caught on video striking victim, taking bike
Man charged in murder of Rumpke driver following arrest last week

A man accused of killing a Rumpke driver in March was charged with murder, felonious assault and intimidation Friday.

Angel Flores, 30, died on March 11. He was unresponsive when police found him with a gunshot wound on the 7100 block of Eastlawn Drive in Roselawn.

Corderrell Lovett, 36, is accused of killing 30-year-old Angel Flores while using a firearm on March 11, according to court records filed in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas. The indictment comes after Cincinnati police arrested him last week.

Carissa Washington, 29, has also been charged with obstruction of justice in the incident for giving police false information, according to court records.

Around 9 a.m. on March 11, Flores was found unresponsive by police on the 7100 block of Eastlawn Drive in Roselawn, suffering from a gunshot wound, the Enquirer previously reported. He died at the scene.

Lovett fled the scene after the shooting, according to an affidavit filed in the court.

Lovett also faces accusations that he threatened a witness of Flores' death to prevent them from speaking out in May, according to the indictment.

Lovett has been convicted of a gun crime in the past. In September 2015, he was sentenced to five years in prison for aggravated robbery after robbing someone at gunpoint and fleeing the scene.

Lovett is scheduled to be back in court Aug. 5 and is currently being held in the Hamilton County Justice Center. Washington's next court appearance has not been scheduled yet.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man accused of killing Rumpke driver in Roselawn
A man will spend the next four to nine years in prison for attempted second-degree rape, sexual battery and indecent exposure, according to the Mecklenburg County District Attorneys Office.

Khalil Boler, 28, pleaded guilty to the crimes last week, according to a news release from the DAs office.

In addition to prison time, Superior Court Judge Louis Trosch Jr. ordered that Boler spend two years on supervised probation. And he has to register as a sex offender for 30 years.

The charges date back to September 2022, when Boler attacked a woman and tried to rape her and take her phone, according to the news release. She was walking on the McAlpine Creek Greenway, it says, and had minor injuries after fighting him off.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested Boler a year later. He was wanted for July 2023 and September 2023 incidents at the University City Target, and after his arrest police investigated to see if he was connected to the greenway case.

Second degree kidnapping, attempted common law robbery, interfering with emergency communications, assault on a female and sexual battery charges were dismissed pursuant to a plea agreement, according to court records.

DNA analysis was conducted on evidence collected from the McAlpine Creek Greenway case, which included a familial DNA search conducted with assistance from the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory, the DAs news release said. Results of that analysis identified Boler as a potential suspect in the Greenway case.

That DNA analysis and a description of Boler from the woman on the greenway helped convict him, according to the DAs office.
Man in critical condition after shooting during Bremerton home invasion

A 20-year-old man is in critical condition after he was shot during a home invasion in East Bremerton.

Bremerton Police and Kitsap County deputies were dispatched to a home in the 5900 block of Caymans Northeast shortly after midnight Friday, where they found a man with gunshot wounds.

Investigators said the shots were fired after an unknown number of suspects broke into the home.

The victim, who lived in the house, was taken to a hospital. Several other people were also inside the home at the time of the break-in but were not hurt.

The suspects left after the shots were fired.

Investigators believe the home invasion was targeted and not random.

Detectives are gathering information about the suspects. If you know anything about the crime or the suspects, youre asked to call 911.
Man enters guilty plea following murder of three sons

Man enters guilty plea following murder of three sons

Video: Initial coverage from last year.

CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN)  A man accused of killing his children has entered a plea.

According to our NBC affiliate WLWT, Chad Doerman pled guilty on Friday to three counts of aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault against his ex-wife and stepdaughter.

In late March of this year, Doerman initially took a plea of not guilty by way of insanity.

The plea deal will take the death penalty off the table for Doerman, as well as additional aggravated charges.

Doerman faces a potential sentence of life in prison without parole due to the aggravated murder charges. These would run consecutively with the assault charges, which each bring 8-12 years.

Doerman was arrested in June 2023 after first responders found the three children, all boys under the age of 10, deceased at a residence on Laurel Lindale Road.

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FCSO: Wanted Pennsylvania man shot, hurt by officer, deputy at motel in Frederick

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Frederick County Sheriffs Office (FCSO) said a man was seriously injured after two law enforcement officers shot him at a Super 8 motel on Friday morning.

The Sheriffs Office told DC News Now the shooting happened just before 1 a.m. at the motel located at 20 Monocacy Blvd.

Teen boy dead in double shooting outside Northeast DC recreation center

According to the Sheriffs Office, deputies were attempting to locate a man who was wanted out of Beaver County, Pennsylvania for child sex abuse and assault and believed to be in Frederick.

During the search, Frederick County deputies located his vehicle at the motel and confirmed that he was registered there.

The FCSO said authorities made contact with the man at his room door, but he refused to come out and barricaded himself inside the room.

Additional law enforcement including Frederick City police arrived to assist with the standoff. Police said around 12:50 a.m., the situation escalated and the man was shot by officers.

He was flown to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Unit in Baltimore for treatment.

In an update on Friday morning, deputies said the man was in critical but stable condition.

Police investigating deadly crash in Howard County

During the preliminary investigation, it was determined that a Frederick City police officer and a Frederick County deputy both discharged their weapons, according to officials. Both law enforcement personnel have eight years of service.

The Sheriffs Office said the officer and deputy have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending, at the end of the investigation.

No law enforcement or guests at the motel were hurt during the incident.

The shooting remains under investigation by Maryland State Police.

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JUNCTION CITY (KSNT)  State troopers are identifying a man who was killed in a Thursday crash on I-70 that held up traffic for hours.

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) issued a crash log on Friday, August 2 regarding a crash reported around 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 1 near Junction City on I-70 involving a semi-truck and a motorcycle. A KTM RC390 motorcycle was getting onto eastbound I-70 at mile-marker 299 at a high rate of speed on the on-ramp.

The motorcyclist passed a vehicle on the right shoulder of the ramp before swerving back into the eastbound lane of I-70. The motorcyclist continued to swerve and crossed over the center line entering the westbound lanes of the highway. The motorcycle then collided with a semi-truck head-on.

The rider of the motorcycle is being identified as Brycen C. Ronk, 21, of Fort Riley. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured in the crash.

Giant killer wasps appear in Kansas, what to know

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
MADISON, Neb. (KCAU)  A man accused of making a terroristic threat to a Norfolk school has pleaded not guilty to two charges.

Colby Napier, 38, of Norfolk, pleaded not guilty on July 18 to terroristic threats and threatening the use of explosives. Both charges are felonies.

Sioux City Explorers bus catches fire heading to away game

According to Norfolk police, they got a report on March 22, 2024, at about 8:07 a.m. of a possible threat made to the Norfolk Public High School. A message had allegedly been left on an answering machine at the school saying that there was an explosive device in the building.

When officials responded and the school was searched, police said that there was no explosive device after all.

The police identified the callers phone number and spoke with the caller at his residence at 8:24 a.m. Napier was then arrested at 8:42 a.m.

Napier is being held on a $25,000 bond. His trial is set for Sep. 16, 2024 at 9 a.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
fotostorm / Getty Images

Remember when your grandparents talked about their Social Security check like it was the golden ticket to a comfortable retirement? Well, for millennials, that ship might have already sailed. With the future of Social Security looking shakier than a Jenga tower in an earthquake, many young adults are taking matters into their own hands.

Find Out: What a Middle-Class Social Security Check Could Look Like in 2025

Try This: The Surprising Way You Can Get Guaranteed Retirement Income for Life

GOBankingRates spoke with millennials who are planning for retirement without counting on Social Security. Heres what they had to say about why theyre not banking on this long-standing government program.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

The Trust Fund Is Running on Fumes

The Social Security trust fund is projected to be depleted faster than a bag of chips at a Super Bowl party. By 2034, it could be empty if nothing changes.

Ive heard about Social Security running out of money since I was a kid, said Amy K., a 32-year-old graphic designer from Seattle. At this point, Im more likely to believe in the Tooth Fairy than in Social Security being there for me when Im 65.

Read Next: Here Are All the Promises Trump Has Made About Social Security If Hes Reelected

There Arent Enough Workers To Support All Those Retirees

In 1960, there were 5.1 workers per each Social Security beneficiary. That ratio has dropped to 2.8 today. And by the time millennials retire, it could be down to two.

Sam L., a 28-year-old teacher from Chicago, put it bluntly: Its like were playing a giant game of musical chairs, and when the music stops, there wont be enough seats for everyone. Im not taking any chances.

Sam said his parents set him up with retirement accounts when he was 9 years old. Im legit just so thankful they were on it, he said.

Were Living Longer, but Our Money Needs To Last Even Longer

Living longer sounds great, but it also means our retirement savings need to stretch further.

My grandma is 95 and still going strong, Amy said. Thats awesome, but it also means I need to plan for potentially 30 or more years of retirement. Relying on Social Security for that long is great for her and Im happy it exists but Im also worried!

Benefits Might Get Slashed

Even if Social Security survives, theres a good chance benefits will be cut to keep the system afloat.

By the time I retire, the Social Security check might cover a nice dinner out once a month. Maybe. If I skip dessert, Sam said. Its hyperbole  but it underlines the panic some millennials are feeling about the situation.

Story continues

The Gig Economy Is Messing Things Up

Many millennials are part of the gig economy or have nontraditional jobs, which can make Social Security contributions complicated.

Im a freelancer, so my income is about as predictable as the weather in April, Amy explained. Some months Im rolling in it, others Im scraping by. Its hard to count on a steady Social Security benefit when my contributions are all over the place.

The National Debt Is the Elephant in the Room

The growing national debt could put pressure on all government programs, including Social Security.

With the national debt looking like a phone number, Im not holding my breath for Social Security to be fully funded when Im ready to retire, Sam said. Id rather count on my own savings than play Russian roulette with government programs.

We Can Do Better on Our Own

Many millennials believe they can build a bigger nest egg on their own than Social Security would provide.

Im not waiting for Uncle Sam to fund my retirement, Amy said. Between my 401(k), Roth IRA and some other investing, Im trying to create my own personal pension plan. Learning as I go!

While Social Security might still exist when millennials retire, these two millennials arent counting on it. Theyre taking control of their financial future  and if the government is able to help them come retirement, thatll be the icing on the cake.

As Sam put it, Im treating Social Security like an unexpected bonus rather than a guarantee. If its there, great. If not, Ill still be sipping margaritas on a beach somewhere, goddess willing.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Millennial: 7 Reasons Im Not Relying on Social Security for My Future Retirement
Man sentenced to over 75 years in prison on Kansas rape convictions

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Douglas County, Kansas District Attorney Suzanne Valdez announced Thursday that a 45-year-old man has been sentenced to prison on child rape convictions.

According to the DA, George Joseph Burgess Jr. was sentenced to 618 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for one count of rape and 25 years for a second rape conviction. The two sentences add up to over 76 years in prison.

Daycares across Missouri may be forced to close without vital funding

We are grateful for the strength of the survivor and her family and friends who stood by her through a difficult trial, District Attorney Valdez said.

Today, justice has been served. My office will continue to work tirelessly to protect our children and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

Judge Sally Pokorny sentenced Burgess, who was found guilty by a jury earlier this year in June. The 25-year sentence is for each of his six convictions of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. The charges stem from incidents that occurred between January 1, 2017 and February 7, 2019.

District Attorney Valdez represented the State of Kansas in this case. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office, the Eudora Police Department, the Childrens Advocacy Center of Douglas County and the Kansas Department of Children and Families investigated the case. Members of Bikers Against Child Abuse provided the survivor with support during the sentencing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  On Thursday morning, Washington County Sheriffs deputies and Washington County Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene of a house fire on Pine Log Road.

According to a release from the Washington County Sheriffs Office, during an investigation, it was discovered that 33-year-old Clint Sherman Elmore had intentionally set the fire inside the home and fled.

Elmore was found a short time later, walking down the road away from the burning home. He was arrested and charged with one count of arson and one count of aggravated child abuse.

The WCSO release says three unidentified juveniles were inside the home at the time of the fire but escaped the flames unharmed.

The Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations investigated the fire with assistance from the WCSO.

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The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested a man in Round Rock Wednesday after he was accused of raping a child and added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Immigrants list.

Fabian Toribio-Martinez, 25, had two outstanding warrants out in Travis County from January 2024 and October 2023.

According to a Thursday press release, the Mexican national had previously been arrested and convicted in 2018 and subsequently removed from the United States. He was placed on the most wanted list on June 20, mobilizing the task force, which uses the combined manpower of federal and local agencies to apprehend perpetrators with outstanding warrants exceeding a threshold in their potential threat to public safety.

According to the arrest affidavit for Toribio-Martinez, the Austin Police Department received a 911 call concerning the possible rape of a 5-year-old girl on Jan. 8. An officer spoke to the child's mother, who said the child told her that Toribio-Martinez had touched her inappropriately. Toribio-Martinez fled the scene after the woman called the police. In subsequent medical examinations and forensic interviews, the girl provided more extreme details of the alleged abuse, including penetrative assault.

The police, unable to track Toribio-Martinez down, subsequently issued an arrest warrant for "super" aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Toribio-Martinez had previously been arrested in October 2023, when a commissioned peace officer found a bag of cocaine in his possession.

The Lone Star Task Force was formally established in 2005 but has been working with the Texas Department of Public Safety this year to apprehend undocumented immigrants with outstanding warrants for violent crimes.

Toribio-Martinez was arrested in an apartment complex in East Palm Valley Boulevard in Round Rock and was arrested without incident. He was booked into Williamson County Jail, where he is awaiting further proceedings.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Man on '10 Most Wanted Criminal Immigrants' list arrested in Round Rock
Manatee County and City of Bradenton leaders declared a local state of emergency Friday ahead of a pressure system that is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm by Saturday evening.

The storm, Tropical Depression Four, is forecast to bring heavy rains that could cause flash flooding across Florida through the weekend. If sustained winds reach 39 mph, it could become the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season: Tropical Storm Debby.

Manatee County is included in a storm surge watch issued by the National Hurricane Center during its 5 p.m. advisory on Friday. A storm surge watch is issued when there is a possibility of a life-threatening amount of rising water moving inland from the coastline.

Tampa Bay and Manatee Countys coastline could see storm surge as high as 4 feet, according to the latest forecast. The storm surge watch is expected to last for the next 48 hours.

At 5 a.m. Saturday, the National Hurricane Center placed Manatee Countys coastal areas under a tropical storm warning, which means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 36 hours.

Its important for the public to monitor the storm and prepare for the possible flooding effects, Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn said.

The National Hurricane Center issued its first advisory on Potential Tropical Cyclone Four at 11 a.m. Friday.

Tropical storm watches and warnings were issued for portions of Florida ahead of a possible landfall along the Florida coast Sunday, with the storm expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Debby as early as Saturday.

As of 5 a.m. Saturday, the tropical depression system was 195 miles southeast of Key West, the National Hurricane Center said.

Rainy weather expected in Bradenton, forecast says

Meteorologists with the National Hurricane Center predict between 4 and 8 inches of rainfall in Manatee County, with heavy rainfall expected to begin Saturday afternoon and last through Monday morning.

The National Hurricane Center said heavy rainfall may result in flash and urban flooding across portions of Florida and the Southeast this weekend through Wednesday morning, with isolated river flooding also possible.

Tropical storm conditions are expected Saturday night within the warning area in southwest Florida from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach, where a tropical storm warning has been issued.

The environment over the Gulf of Mexico is quite favorable for strengthening with light shear and very warm sea-surface temperatures, so subsequent steady strengthening is expected, the National Hurricane Center said.

Manatee, Bradenton declare state of emergency

The local state of emergency announcements follow one issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday afternoon for much of the state, excluding South Florida. DeSantis signed an executive order for a possible major disaster in 54 of the states 67 counties in North, Central and Southwest Florida. Manatee and Sarasota counties were among those issued.

State of emergency declarations allow local governments to access extra resources and activate special services during severe weather.

It also gives the county the ability to get resources from the state when needed, said Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske.

Manatee Countys Emergency Operations Center was activated at a Level 2, or partial activation, as of 10 a.m. Friday morning. Officials said they will continue to add staff and resources as needed if the storm progresses.

City Administrator Rob Perry talked about the importance of not taking the tropical threat lightly at Fridays state of emergency meeting held by the Bradenton City Council.

You all have been around storms in Florida since you were born, Perry told council members. I think at a government level and at a public safety level, its something you will never be criticized for as far as being over-prepared.

Where to find sandbags

Manatee County announced sandbags will be available beginning at noon at the following locations:

Coquina Beach, 1507 S. Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach

Lincoln Park, 501 17th St. E., Palmetto

There will also be a self-serve location just south of the former Manatee County Utilities Headquarters at 4410 66th Street W. in Bradenton.

County officials said they will also make sandbags available for areas at risk of flooding at the Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto and the Myakka City Community Center, 10060 Wachula Road, Myakka City.
MANHATTAN (KSNT)  City leaders in Manhattan will be voting soon to appoint a new city manager this month.

Andrew Lawson with the City of Manhattan said in a press release that city commissioners will cast votes Tuesday, Aug. 6 to appoint Danielle Dulin as the ninth city manager. She is slated to start work in the position on Monday, Oct. 14 following the vote.

The City of Manhattan selected Dulin following a national search for prospective candidates to fill the vacancy left by former City Manager Ron Fehr following his retirement. A large pool of candidates were used by city officials to narrow down who should fill Fehrs shoes.

The process went smoothly, and we were very pleased with SGRs services, said Mayor Susan E. Adamchak. The high quality of our candidate pool speaks to Manhattans tremendous appeal.

Dulin has more than a decade of experience in municipal leadership from the Kansas City area. She is currently serving as city manager for Warrensburg. She also served as assistant to city managers in Lenexa, Prairie Village and Mission Hills.

I am honored to be selected as the next City Manager for Manhattan, Dulin said. I am excited to bring my passion for local government and commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents in Manhattan. I look forward to working with the City Commission, the City team, and our community partners to build on our success and secure our future. Additionally, we are thrilled to be moving back to the Sunflower State to be closer to our families.

Corn rust spreads through Kansas farm fields

Lawson said Dulin earned her bachelors degree in economics from Kansas State University. She also holds a masters degree in public administration from the University of Kansas.

Our community will benefit from Danielles extensive experience and dynamic leadership, Adamchak said. Im excited to work with her.

Manhattan city commissioners will consider a formal contract of employment when they meet at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6 at City Hall located at 1101 Poyntz Avenue.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Mansfield's forthcoming Main Street Revitalization Project that will include two-way traffic has garnered statewide attention.

The Greater Ohio Policy Center has released a publication that showcases the project. The guide is called "How to Build Safe, Vibrant Streets in Ohio: A Guide for Non-Engineers." It is designed to help local governments develop "complete streets" that are safe for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

Alison Goebel, executive director of the Greater Ohio Policy Center, said Mansfield's project should provide inspiration to other communities.

"It's just a great testament to how much this is going to contribute to downtown Mansfield," Goebel said.

Mayor Jodie Perry appreciated the recognition.

"I was really excited when she told us she was going to include it," she said.

Mansfield's Main Street Revitalization Project has been chosen for statewide recognition. This is a screenshot from a video that Mayor Jodie Perry showed to city council in May.

During a Mansfield City Council meeting in May, Perry played two videos that showed off the $16 million project, which is scheduled to get underway early next year and take 18 months to complete.

"It's exciting that we're getting to the home stretch of having shovels in the ground," the mayor told the News Journal, adding the city is submitting final plans to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Perry told council that the conversion of Main Street from one-way to two-way traffic would enhance downtown accessibility.

Main Street will be more pedestrian friendly

"For years, Main Street served as a mere conduit, a highway to somewhere else, a fast-paced route through our city," the mayor previously said, adding it was time to rewrite that narrative.

Main Street will be geared toward pedestrian usage and vehicle accessibility. The traffic signals will not be synchronized and will be responsive to pedestrian actuation.

Goebel approves of the plan.

A screenshot from a video shows how Mansfield is expected to look when the Main Street Revitalization Project is complete.

"It encourages people to feel safe walking around and perusing the shops," she said. "When streets have fast-moving vehicles and it doesn't feel safe to walk or with a baby carriage, people are not going to be there."

In a news release, she added, "As Ohio's champions for revitalization, we know that areas where people can comfortably walk and cycle are areas with high property values and low vacancy rates."

In another part of the revitalization project, Mulberry Street will become the quickest route through Mansfield, with synchronized traffic signals that turn green as traffic approaches.

The project is part of the "Mansfield Rising" economic development plan, devised in 2018 and approved by city council in 2019.

Goebel said city leaders deserve more points for that.

"One thing we really emphasize in the guide is communities being involved in creating a plan," she said. "Planning takes time, but it really pays off."

In another part of the revitalization project, Second Street will be a southern gateway, complete with stone pillars, widened sidewalks and landscaping for a "softer, greener aesthetic."

Approaching Central Park, residents and visitors will see ornamental lighting, arch installations and local art. Green spaces will be strategically positioned.

Jodie Perry

Perry said the north and south areas of Central Park will be connected with a pedestrian-friendly urban crossing.

The Greater Ohio Policy Center guide that features Mansfield provides tips for implementing an active transportation project, funding sources communities in Ohio can access and technical assistance programs at the state and federal levels that can help plan and fund projects.

Perry previously there are 14 sources of funding for the revitalization project, including a $7.3 million national grant through the Department of Transportation.

She estimates only $3 million of local money will be needed.

"It opened some eyes that we can go after bigger projects," Perry said of the national competition.

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

X: @MarkCau32059251

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield earns statewide recognition for revitalization project
How many gas station, convenience store murders so far in 2024? Jackson nears 80 murders in July

Clarion Ledger records show Jackson homicides have reached a total of 72 since the beginning of 2024 with at least a dozen of those murders occurring at or near gas stations and convenience stores.

Three of those dozen shootings at gas stations and convenience stores resulted in the deaths of four people in the month of July alone.

One shooting involved the death of 60-year-old Roy Love, who was allegedly robbed and killed on July 8 by three teenagers at the M&M Food Mart in the 500 block of Cooper Road.

The second shooting resulted in the death of 23-year-old Jacobi Austin on July 20 at the Texaco gas station in the 4400 block of Medgar Evers Boulevard.

The third shooting resulted in the deaths of 48-year-old Derrick Coleman and 37-year-old Jasvir Singh on July 21 at the Shell gas station in the 2800 block of McDowell Road.

Additional fatal shootings at or directly near Jackson gas stations and convenience stores in 2024 resulted in the deaths of Rodger Fulgham, Devaun Johnson, Rico Watts Jr, Jesua Eduardo Rodrigues Chaves, Charlie Thomas, Taboris Jefferson, Joshua Bennett, Juan Taylor and Damien Johnson.

According to local media reports, community members protested on Sunday, July 28, asking for the city to close down the Texaco gas station on Medgar Evers Boulevard where crime activity is deemed heavily present. Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes previously said the city has used the state's nuisance laws to shut down businesses known to be havens for crime.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade told the Clarion Ledger that he has not seen any data showing that closing down a gas station would reduce crime but understands the city has had some issues with crime at gas stations and convenience stores.

Wade said over the past week, he has met face-to-face with at least "30 convenience store and gas station owners" to talk with them about security measures. Wade said he wants the police department and store owners to work in lockstep with each other to allow owners to "have a profitable business" but also allow the citizens of Jackson to be "safe" when visiting stores.

"We are increasing our field contacts around these gas stations," Wade said. "We are collecting people's information, their identity and if they have warrants for their arrest. We are equipping the business owners with the ability to sign trespassing charges against these individuals who are not conducting business there. We are also implementing sign-in sheets in some of these gas stations that have propensity of violence in and around them. In meetings, the department is talking specifically about what that precinct captain is doing to address crime in and around those gas stations and convenience stores. We understand that crime moves, and as it moves, we need to be there to receive it."

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade

Below is a recounting of the 72 total murders in Jackson by month for 2024:

In January, there were 12 murders. All homicides were investigated by JPD.

In February, there were four murders. All homicides were investigated by JPD.

In March, there were 13 murders. All homicides were investigated by JPD.

In April, there were 16 murders. Capitol Police investigated one case, and JPD investigated 15 cases.

In May, there were 6 murders. All homicides were investigated by JPD.

In June, there were 10 murders. All homicides were investigated by JPD.

In July, there were 11 murders. All homicides were investigated by JPD. Capitol Police, MBI and Hinds County Sheriff's Department did not report a count to the Clarion Ledger before publication; therefore, this number could possibly change.

See details: Three people died after a high-speed police chase. The city has settled a suit

Below are the victims from July murder cases in Jackson proper. Spellings of names are based on court records and police statements:

Roitavious Greenfield

According to police, Roitavious Greenfield died after being shot multiple times on July 3 in the 5900 block of Lake Trace Circle, a North Jackson neighborhood. Greenfield, 19, was later pronounced dead at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Police arrested Camron Lee, 19, in connection to the murder of Greenfield. Police said Lee received no bond for his alleged role in the murder. Police also arrested Martraviois Douglas, 19, in connection to the July 3 death of Greenfield and the Jan. 29 death of Anthony Davis. Police said Douglas was out on bond for a 2022 incident at the time of his arrest.

Court records allege Lee shot Greenfield with "an unknown caliber weapon." Court records also allege Douglas shot Greenfield with "an unknown caliber weapon."

Willie Luckett

Willie Luckett, 47, died after being shot at approximately 4:40 a.m. on July 7 outside of Club Twilight in the 3000 block of Livingston Road in Jackson. According to police, Luckett had been shot and transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he later died.

On July 25, the Jackson Police Department issued a warrant for the arrest of Willie James, 35, in connection to the case. James faces a murder charge and considered armed and dangerous.

Roy Love

Roy Love, 60, died after three teenagers allegedly robbed and killed Love at approximately 1:30 a.m. July 8 at the M&M Food Mart in the 500 block of Cooper Road.

Police identified the teenagers as 17-year-old Trent Wooten, 17-year-old Zylan Norton and 16-year-old Kadaris Cohen. According to Wade, Love asked the three teens to leave the location shortly before they attacked Love. Wade said the teenagers stole Loves weapon and shot Love with a weapon already in their possession. Each teen was charged with capital murder and received no bond.

Court records in three sperate filings state Wooten, Norton and Cohen attempted to "take the personal property" of Love "against his will."

Fredrick Williams and Shirely Williams

Fredrick Williams, 50, and Shirley Williams, 75, died after a shooting on July 11 at Addison Place Apartments in the 3100 block of Robinson Street. Police said both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Police said Shirley was found in a bed, while Frederick was found in the hallway.

Police said they developed a person of interest. However, the persons name has not been released. At the time of the incident, police said there were no signs of forced entry into the apartment occupied by the married couple.

A Saturday, July 20 shooting that occurred at a Texaco gas station in the 4400 block of Medgar Evers Boulevard, seen Monday, July 22, 2024, left 23-year-old Jacobi Austin dead.

More on: Mass shooting at nightclub in Mississippi leaves 3 people dead, a dozen more injured

Charles Rucker

Charles Rucker, 54, died from a shooting on July 11 near Chastain Drive and Garvin Street. Police said Rucker died at the scene.

In connection to the shooting, police arrested Eddie Gilbert, 57, and charged Gilbert with murder, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and felony drug possession.

Court records state Gilbert was charged with the murder of Rucker due to allegedly "shooting (Rucker) in the left side with an unknown caliber weapon."

Marvin Houck Jr.

Police located the body of Marvin Houck Jr., 55, in the road on Pine Tree Drive the morning of July 11. Public Information Officer Tommie Brown told the Clarion Ledger Houck died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Brown also told the Clarion Ledger that police had a person of interest, but no one has been arrested.

Jacobi Austin

Jacobi Austin, 23, died in a July 20 shooting at the Texaco gas station in the 4400 block of Medgar Evers Boulevard. Public Infromation Officer Tommie Brown said Austin died at the scene.

Jackson Police Department arrested Dakeria Hawkins, 21, in connection to this case. Police charged Hawkins with accessory after the fact to murder. Police also issued a warrant for the arrest of Adrian Sutton, 23, who faces a murder charge in connection to this case.

Derrick Coleman and Jasvir Singh

Derrick Coleman, 48, and Jasvir Singh, 37, died on July 21 at the Shell gas station in the 2800 block of McDowell Road. Police said Coleman was the husband of Latasha Crump Coleman, a woman who was last seen on July 18, 2023. Singh was the owner of the Shell gas station.

According to Brown, police are searching for suspects who were in a "black Honda Sedan distinguished by tinted windows on all sides" at the time of the shooting. Police believe the rear passenger fired the shots that killed Coleman and Singh.

Jerquarius Brown

Jerquarius Brown, 28, died on July 22 after a fatal shooting in the 1700 block of Robinson Street.

The Jackson Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Kelvin Clincy, 34, in connection to the fatal shooting stating Clincy is armed and dangerous. Clincy faces a murder charge.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS gas station convenience store shootings in July, 72 murders
Marc Fogels sister: Omission from prisoner swap like being stabbed in the back

Marc Fogels sister: Omission from prisoner swap like being stabbed in the back

Anne Fogel, the sister of Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel, says her family feels like they have been stabbed in the back after her brother was not part of the historic prisoner swap Thursday that led to the release of three Americans including Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.

The last 36 hours have been gut wrenching, Anne Fogel told CNNs Erin Burnett. Its been a roller coaster. No sleep. I feel like weve been kind of collectively stabbed in the back.

It has been a uphill struggle to get his story told, and the travesty of him being left behind is phenomenal, she added to NewsNations Chris Cuomo.

White House officials, including national security communications adviser John Kirby, said their focus on releasing Marc Fogel has not evaporated, but rather has intensified.

Well, first I can say that we are working like hell to get Marc Fogel out. I am personally working on it, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said. Were going to get Marc Fogel out. I cant get into the specific details because theyre sensitive, but Marc Fogel has been part of the conversation. He is on our agenda. He is a priority for me personally.

Fogel was detained by Russia three years ago because he had a small amount of medicinal marijuana with him.

The U.S. has called for his release, but they have not designated him a wrongfully detained person yet. This designation, which Whelan and Gershkovich both received, unlocks support from parts of the U.S. government to win the wrongfully detained persons release.

Fogels family has criticized the Biden administrations decision not to designate him as a wrongfully detained person.

Its kind of insult to injury that he still has not been designated as wrongfully detained, Anne Fogel added. Its as if Marc has been deprioritized through this entire process. Its been one of the most frustrating times of my life not to be heard or taken seriously.

Biden called Marc Fogel a wrongfully designated person on Thursday while speaking about detained Americans in Russia, but his administration has not made the formal designation yet.

Leaders in Pennsylvania, including Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), have also criticized Biden for not designating Fogel as wrongfully detained.

I believe the administrations outreach to and communication with the family has been unacceptable. They simply havent done enough of it, Casey told TribLive in July.

Theres no excuse for the way theyve handled this. No explanation makes sense for the way theyve engaged with the family  or I should say not engaged. Even the way theyve engaged vis-a-vis Marc himself, he added.

In a statement on Thursday, Casey celebrated the Americans release but also renewed his calls for Fogels release.

While Marcs name may not be in the news every day, he is no less deserving of a reunion with his family, Casey wrote. This is a difficult day for Marc and his family.

Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) also registered his disappointment over the prisoner release not including Fogel.

Truly incomprehensible that he would not be included in Bidens deal with Russia. No man left behind, Zinke wrote on social platform X.

Reporters asked Biden about Fogel on Friday, and he responded by saying, Were not giving up. When asked what more he can do, Biden responded, You want me to tell you ahead of time so he doesnt get out?

Updated at 2:50 p.m. EDT

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Mark Kelly may be Kamala Harris' VP pick: What that would mean for Americans

Americans worried about inflation may find a friend in Sen. Mark Kelly if hes chosen as presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris running mate, but that wouldn't be surprising since most of his short political career has been during a time of rising prices, experts say.

Kelly, elected in 2020 and on presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Harris short list for vice president, is the junior senator from Arizona. Hes known for his service as a Navy pilot, an astronaut with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords. Giffords stepped down a year after suffering a severe brain injury.

In Kellys career, hes shown sensitivity to people suffering from high inflation. He supported the administrations steps to lower gas prices and a bill allowing the government to negotiate drug prices, for example.

I dont think he creates, based on policy, a massive variation to Kamala Harris, said Ronnie Thompson, investment adviser representative and owner of True North Advisors in Northville, Michigan.

Here are some of Kellys views and past actions.

What has Kelly said and done about energy prices?

2022: Supported the Biden administration's ban on Russian oil, gas, and coal imports after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Kelly pushed to suspend the federal gas tax and supported President Joe Bidens releasing oil from the countrys strategic reserves to provide some relief to Americans paying record gas prices. He also urged Biden to investigate any potential cases of price gouging and market manipulation in gas prices (and separately, meat packing.)

Kelly advocated with Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) for more domestic oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico, in tandem with growing renewable energy to help lower consumer prices. This was out of step with the Biden administration's desire to move away from drilling.

What has Kelly said or done to help seniors?

2022: Kelly supported legislation allowing the government to negotiate certain prescription drug prices to help older Americans. It was incorporated into the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which Biden signed into law.

Opinion: Republicans, pay attention to who Harris picks for VP. One of them should scare us.

US Vice President Kamala Harris ceremonially swears in Democratic Senator from Arizona Mark Kelly for the 118th Congress in the Old Senate Chamber at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 3, 2023. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

What other polices has Kelly advocated?

2021: Kelly voted for Bidens Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which became law with bipartisan support.

He also introduced the Border Response Resilience Act to provide funds to go towards a plan to help keep border communities and migrant processing safe. The bill never passed.

2022: Kelly co-sponsored the United States Innovation and Competition Act, which contained $52 billion for microchip manufacturing. The bill passed and Kelly said it would create jobs.

2023: He Introduced the Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act, which aimed to regulate the most lethal firearm used by mass shooters while safeguarding gun ownership for legitimate self-defense, hunting, and sporting purposes, Kelly said in a release.

Will Kelly appeal to voters?

Kelly might appeal to moderates, said Brian Marks, executive director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program at the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

Given Kellys from Arizona, his polices are more moderate than the progressive wing of the Democratic party, Marks said.

Arizona's considered a purple state that doesnt reliably vote Democratic (blue) or Republican (red). It is a swing state that can vote either way.

Although Kelly is a more moderate Democrat, you also have to win over people elsewhere in country, Marks said.

Kelly brings military and space exploration expertise, but Marks said hes not necessarily one, given his personality, who will be highly animated. Hell be forceful and strong in his statements, and he is very thoughtful and a policy-oriented man but energizing the electorate, theyll have to rely on Harris.

Medora Lee is a money, markets, and personal finance reporter at USA TODAY. You can reach her at mjlee@usatoday.com and subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where Mark Kelly, possible Harris VP pick, stands on the issues
When you leave the office for the last time, you say goodbye to anxiety-inducing commutes, painfully long meetings and micromanaging supervisors. Unfortunately, some less-than-great aspects of life will linger on throughout your golden years  namely, taxes.

Check Out: Im Planning My Retirement: 5 Expenses I Wish I Had Cut Sooner

Discover More: The Surprising Way You Can Get Guaranteed Retirement Income for Life

While you wont contribute to the local, state and federal coffers via payroll taxes anymore, youll still have some tax liability. We spoke with a retiree who broke down his annual tax bill and offered ways to reduce your retirement taxes. Keep reading to see how to improve your financial situation after the paychecks stop hitting your bank account.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

Meet Doug Nordman

Doug Nordman, co-author of Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence, is 64 years old and lives with his wife in Central Oahu, Hawaii. He retired from the U.S. Navys submarine force in 2002 at age 41.

The Taxes Nordman Pays

Heres how much the Nordmans pay in taxes each year:

Military pension: $11,600 in federal taxes (no state taxes)

Property: $4,500 on the primary residence and $3,600 on the rental property

Investments: $6,500 on net rental property income and $2,100 state excise on gross rental income

Hawaii is perceived to be a costly place to live  and it can be.

Our property taxes have risen over 25% in the last few years due to booming prices in our local real estate, Nordman said. However, the states property taxes are among the lowest in the nation at 0.35% for primary residences and about 0.45% for rental properties, he continued.

Plus, Hawaii used to have the nations highest combination of income taxes plus excise taxes, but this year, the legislature passed the largest tax cut in the states history. It greatly reduces taxes on lower-income families and will gradually ease our tax bill over the next seven years, Nordman said.

While Nordman must pay taxes on his rental property income, hes currently paying zero tax on the interest and dividends he receives.

Most of our retirement assets are in our Roth IRAs. Now that were older than 59 1/2, we can adjust our taxable investment income by withdrawing from our IRAs and our joint brokerage account in a tax-efficient combination, he explained.

Well, what about Social Security income? Nordman and his wife arent collecting yet.

Were starting our deposits in 2031 at age 70, and we have relatively low earnings records, Nordman said. He expects theyll pay around $12,500 (in todays dollars) in taxes on that income when the time comes.

Story continues

Explore More: Im Retired and Regret My Frugal Retirement  Heres Why

How Nordman Reduces His Tax Bill

Weve planned for these taxes, so we dont struggle to pay them, Nordman said. [However,] we occasionally disagree with how our tax dollars are spent, and were perpetually reluctant to give our governments more of our money for their spending. We focus our attention on minimizing our tax bill when it makes sense.

For instance, We invest in tax-efficient index funds with small qualified dividends (taxed at capital gains rates), and we rarely sell shares, Nordman said.

Nordman also offsets part of his federal tax bill by claiming tax credits for energy improvements made to his home, such as installing a solar power system. In addition, he and his wife make large charitable donations to their local foodbank and the Fisher House Foundation, which they can write off on their tax return.

How To Reduce Your Tax Liability

Nordman offered these tips to help you lower your tax bill:

Invest in passively managed index funds with low expense ratios. The less you trade, the less youll be taxed on the growth of the shares, Nordman said.

Take advantage of credits or deductions for your primary residence (if youre a homeowner).

Keep tabs on your homes value and challenge the property tax assessment if the tax authority overvalues your residence. Make sure youre paying the correct tax rates.

Make energy-efficient home improvements. You can find information about current programs online through your state government, utility company and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.

Our best advice for retirees is learning more about how youre taxed. Either do your own income-tax returns or work with a tax professional wholl show you how to reduce the taxes on your future spending and investing. Our daughter works part-time as a paraplanner for a financial advisor, and we talk about taxes nearly every week, Nordman said.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Retiree: This Is How Much I Still Pay in Taxes Every Year Even in Retirement
Yolanda Hill Robinson with husband Lt. Governor Mark Robinson celebrating his primary victory on March 2, 2024. (Photo: Video stream from Robinson's campaign YouTube channel)

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson said he stands by North Carolinas law banning abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy in a new campaign ad, and backed common sense exceptions for cases involving rape, incest and risk to the life of the mother.

The new ad, titled Unscripted, begins with Robinson detailing he and his wife Yolandas joint decision for her to have an abortion 30 years ago.

It was like this solid pain between us that we never spoke of, Robinson says in the ad, sitting beside his wife as they hold hands.

Its something that stays with you forever, she says.

North Carolinas law, Robinson says, gives help to mothers and stops cruel late-term abortions.

When Im governor, mothers in need will be supported, he says.

Robinson has previously said no compromise on abortion

In a news release showcasing the ad, the campaign said it focuses on one of Robinsons priorities of doing more to support mothers and families.

It signals how the GOP nominee for governor, an ardent anti-abortion conservative, will likely message on the issue leading up to November. Robinson has previously said he believes there is no compromise on abortion, and that it makes no difference to me why or how that child ended up in that womb.

He has expressed support for North Carolinas law, which took effect last year. But he said in February that the next goal is to get it down to six (weeks), and then just moving from there  indicating a desire to pass further restrictions.

A campaign spokesperson, asked in February about those comments, said Robinson supports legislation that would limit abortion after a heartbeat is detected, with protections for extreme situations such as rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger.

His Democratic opponent, Attorney General Josh Stein, has previously spotlighted Robinsons prior comments in his own advertising. A June ad featured Robinson saying abortion is about killing the child because you werent responsible enough to keep your skirt down.

In a statement released on Friday, the Stein campaign dismissed Robinsons new ad as an attempt to distance himself from his prior position in favor of a complete ban.

The campaign provided links to several past remarks by Robinson, including saying he would favor passage of state legislation saying you cant have an abortion in North Carolina for any reason, and I would love to see abortion outlawed, make no qualms about that. I dont believe in abortion under any circumstances.

Robinson confirmed in 2022 that he and his wife had decided to terminate his wifes pregnancy before they were married. It was the hardest decision we have ever made, and sadly, we made the wrong one, he said in a previous video posted to social media.

The ad buy includes $800,000 for the first week of air time. Political ad-tracking firm AdImpact said Robinsons campaign had spent or reserved $4.9 million thus far.
Mark Robinson says wife had abortion in new ad in NC governors race

Mark Robinson says wife had abortion in new ad in NC governors race

North Carolina GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson appears to have changed his stance on abortion after releasing a new ad, which outlined his wifes own abortion story.

Thirty years ago, my wife and I made a very difficult decision. We had an abortion, he said in the advertisement shared online.

Robinson, who currently serves as the Tar Heel States lieutenant governor, was choked up when he said the medical procedure was a solid pain between him and his wife that they never spoke about.

Its something that stays with me forever, Yolanda Hill, his wife, said as they held hands in the video.

Robinson added that he is also backing the states 12-week abortion law because it provides common sense exceptions, including protecting the life of the mother or in case of rape or incest.

The states law, he said, gives help to mothers and stops cruel later term abortions.

When Im governor, mothers in need will be supported, the Republican candidate added.

The comments mark a new tone for the lieutenant governor, who in the past has been outspoken against abortion access.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat running against Robinson, previously launched ads that attacked his opponent on the issue.

The ad included a clip of Robinson talking on a Facebook Live stream in 2019 where he said abortions are not about protecting the lives of mothers but rather the procedure is about killing the child because you werent responsible to keep your skirt down.

In the past, the GOP official regularly said abortion was murder and genocide, comparing the anti-abortion movement to the efforts to end slavery, CNN reported.

In a July 2021 speech at a church, Robinson said women who receive abortions are murderers. He said he didnt care if the person was 24 hours pregnant or 24 weeks pregnant, if you kill that youngun. It is murder. You got blood on your hands.

As the swing state gubernatorial race heats up, Robinson appears to have shifted his position on abortion to appeal to voters in North Carolina, a state thats had a back-and-forth fight over abortion rights since Roe v. Wade was overturned.

According to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Stein leads with 40.9 percent support compared to Robinsons 38.3 percent.

In a statement Friday, Steins campaign said Robinson was misleading voters about his true position on abortion.

Mark Robinson knows North Carolinians cant stomach his beliefs that abortion should be banned for any reason and that women have abortions because they cant keep their skirts down, so he has resorted to running from his record and misleading voters, Morgan Hopkins, a spokesperson for Steins campaign, said in a statement. If North Carolinians want to know where Mark Robinson stands on abortion, they should listen to every other comment hes made on the issue before today.

The Hill has reached out to Robinsons campaign for comment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Tennessee U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, fresh from an overwhelming legislative win in the Senate, trounced her Republican opponent in Thursday's primary election.

In the Nov. 5 general election, Blackburn will face state Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, who handily beat her Democratic opponents in a four-way race.

Both are hyperpartisan, larger-than-life pugilists on either side of the aisle who have worked in different ways to escape the political boxes their critics have tried to put them in.

Tennessee voters have not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since former Vice President Al Gore Jr. won re-election in 1990, thus, Blackburn has an advantage in a state that voted for former President Donald Trump by nearly 61% both in 2016 and 2020.

On the other hand, popular issues such as reproductive rights and firearms safety could benefit Johnson. She is one of the famed "Tennessee Three" who was saved from expulsion by one vote in 2023 after protesting for firearms law reform on the House floor following The Covenant School shooting.

Still, Trump's support for Blackburn and her emphasis on U.S.-Mexico border security have proven in the past to be a winning formula for most Tennessee congressional elections.

Johnson and Blackburn have stepped out of their comfort zones

Blackburn's policy victory came Tuesday after the U.S. Senate voted 91-3 for the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, co-sponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut. At a press conference, she stood with Blumenthal and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, to celebrate the win.

Tennessee Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn center, speaks at a news conference on July 30, 2024, after the Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act, cosponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut (to her right). Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is on the left.

Six years ago, Blackburn, then a U.S. House member, accused her then-Democratic opponent, former state Gov. Phil Bredesen, of being "bought and paid for" by Schumer.

As a senator, however, she has worked to balance pro-Trump advocacy with forays into bipartisan legislation on online safety, consumer protection, domestic violence training and affordable housing tax credits. "I am always willing to have a conversation," she told me in May during a virtual news conference.

Johnson has frequently sparred with Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton and in a January episode of the Tennessee Voices video show, she accused the super majority GOP of "false civility" and silencing critics.

They are both strong personalities who will clash over the next several months while also trying to secure and/or expand their bases in urban and rural counties alike.

It is fitting, then, that Johnson held her Election Night victory party in Memphis, about 400 miles from her hometown of Knoxville.

Campaign rhetoric will get ugly, but remember the voters' needs

This will be one of the most watched Senate races in the country, not because it is competitive in the traditional sense, but because it will expose the political divides in our nation in a very boisterous, raw and gumptious way.

The two candidates carry national recognition and are both sending the message that democracy and/or freedom are in peril if the other side wins.

Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, met with nearly three dozen Cannon County Democrats at a restaurant in Woodbury on July 24, 2024. Johnson has visited more than 90 counties during her U.S. Senate campaign.

Campaign rhetoric is often ugly and uncivil, but hopefully both will also vie to make a case about the issues facing every-day Tennessee families, such as access to health care including mental health and substance use treatment; public safety; and quality education.

There will be inevitably a lot of noise, but hopefully, they will take the time to engage each other in a public forum so that voters can compare and contrast their ideas.

Several months ago, The Tennessean editorial board invited Senate candidates to a debate, forum or town hall of some kind after the primary. The Johnson campaign expressed interest. The Blackburn campaign has chosen not to respond to multiple requests.

Hopefully, with the primary election over, there will be greater opportunities to engage the candidates in thoughtful, productive and civil ways.

David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He is an editorial board member of The Tennessean. He hosts the Tennessee Voices videocast and curates the Tennessee Voices and Latino Tennessee Voices newsletters. Call him at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or find him on X at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Senate election: Marsha Blackburn, Gloria Johnson to battle
Marshfield woman found guilty of stabbing Boston firefighter husband to death in 2021

After a 5-day trial, a Marshfield woman was found guilty of murdering her Boston firefighter husband in 2021.

A Plymouth County jury deliberated for 2.5 hours and found 49-year-old Christine Ricci guilty of 2nd-degree murder and one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in the stabbing death of her husband, 51-year-old Michael Ricci.

Plymouth County DA Timothy Cruzs office said in a statement that Marshfield Police were called to the Ricci family home on Moraine Street at 4:46 p.m. Thursday.

First responders found Michael Ricci suffering from two stab wounds to the front chest and back shoulder. He was transported to South Shore Hospital where he was pronounced dead. A knife was found at the foot of the victim by responding officers.

It was determined Christine and Michael got into an argument prior to the stabbing. Christine then grabbed a knife and attacked her husband with it.

During her arraignment in February 2021, Christine sustained a panic attack, according to authorities,

Christine Ricci will be sentenced on August 22 at 3 p.m. in Plymouth Superior Court.

Previous: Marshfield womans murder arraignment on hold after medical emergency

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MENDON  Police officers regularly get bulletproof vests once they join a department. When a K-9 joins, they do not receive a vest immediately due to their costs. A bulletproof vest for K-9s can cost around $3,500.

Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog, based in Mendon, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has worked for almost 25 years to get as many dog vests as possible. Next year will be its 25th anniversary.

At Vision Studios in Shrewsbury, Mendon photographer David Shilale photographs Auburn police Officer Dave Ljunggren and his K-9 Biza while holding the dog's squeaky toy.

At Vision Studios in Shrewsbury, Mendon photographer David Shilale photographs Lawrence Police officer Carlos Aquirre and his K-9 Magnus, a Belgian Malinois, for the 2025 fundraising calendar.

At Vision Studios in Shrewsbury, Mendon photographer David Shilale photographs Auburn police Officer Dave Ljunggren and his K-9 Biza while holding the dog's squeaky toy.

Kathy Hinds founded the organization in 2000 after an Ohio police dog was shot and killed in the line of duty. She founded the organization because she did not want that to happen to other police dogs. The organization raises money for department dogs in Massachusetts.

"Back then, and even now, there isn't a lot of financial support for dogs and bulletproof vests," Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog President David Shilale said. "That's kind of how it started and then over the last 25 years, it's really grown."

Every year the organization makes a calendar featuring dogs from departments across the state. For the 25th anniversary, the calendar's cover will feature 25 K-9 teams from departments across the state. The teams include town, city, state, environmental and corrections law enforcement K-9 teams.

"We have so much more than just the bulletproof vests. Obviously, that is our core mission but we provide all kinds of essential equipment for K-9 teams," Schilale said. "We will provide finance training for teams and a whole bunch of other needs for the teams to be successful and safe."

Shilale reached out to Hinds about 10 years ago expressing interest in the organization. He started as a volunteer photographer for the organization.

The organization is made up of only volunteers. Shilale said for him, it's his love and admiration for dogs, especially police dogs, that encourage him to continue this work.

The vests K-9s wear on their fronts and sides to cover all vital organs are similar to human bulletproof vests, Shilale added. Another type of vest for K-9s is the SWAT vest, which has less coverage but provides more maneuverability.

The SWAT vests are more expensive but allow for SWAT teams to "repel" with their dogs, Shilale said.

Vest-a-Dog regularly holds fundraisers. The most successful is the calendar sales. As for the 25th anniversary, Shilale said the organization has a handful of events it is still planning.

Since the entire organization comprises volunteers, Shilale urged more people to join. He said he continues this work because of his love for dogs.

"Unfortunately, dogs don't get the protection like their human handlers do, and the dogs are in dangerous situations," Shilale said. "They're the ones to go into dangerous situations first."

All fundraising options, as well as instructions on how to request equipment, are on the organization's website at https://mavestadog.org/vests/.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Nonprofit Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog provides K-9 vests in fundraiser
MASURY, Ohio (WKBN)  A Masury man pleaded guilty to a fourth-degree felony child-endangering charge during a pretrial Thursday.

Jerami Wells, 33, was charged in March after police were called to an apartment complex on Addison Road, where a caller said a young child was running through the parking lot without any shoes, socks or a coat. The temperature at the time was 35 degrees.

When officers tried to make contact at the apartment where the children lived, the door was open but no one answered when officers knocked multiple times.

Police said Wells, the father of the children returned and said he left the children, ages 2 and 5, alone while he walked to the store.

The charge was elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony because Wells had a previous conviction for child endangerment, the report stated.

Wells will be sentenced on Sept. 12, according to court records.

Patty Coller contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Mayes: Defendant in AZ fake elector case has flipped, will testify for the prosecution

Arizona's 11 fake electors sign a document in Phoenix on Dec. 14 2020, falsely claiming that they were the state's electors and that Donald Trump won the presidential election in Arizona. Screenshot via AZGOP

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is planning to announce next week that one of the 18 defendants in the states fake elector case will become a witness for the prosecution.

In April, the fake electors were indicted by a grand jury for signing bogus documents claiming that Donald Trump won the 2020 election, after Trumps campaign allegedly urged them to do so.

Trump is identified in the indictment as unindicted co-conspirator 1.

In the indictment, all of the fake electors are implicated in an attempt to deceive the public with false claims of election fraud in order to prevent the lawful transfer of the presidency.

They are accused of attempting to keep President Donald J. Trump in office against the will of Arizona voters, and depriving Arizona voters of their right to vote and have their votes counted.

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According to the indictment, the fake electors forged certificates of Electoral College votes for President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Michael Pence and filed those with the Arizona Secretary of State and the chief judge of the Federal District Court for the District of Arizona.

The fake electors include two Arizona State Senators who were also delegates at this years Republican National Convention.

Each of the 11 Trump electors was charged with nine felonies related to trying to subvert the election, including conspiracy, fraud and forgery. All of the defendants pleaded not guilty.

The development than one of the defendants has cut a deal to testify for the prosecution was first reported by 12 News.

Mayes told 12 News there would be a significant announcement next week regarding the case, and said it would be accurate to say that the pending announcement would be that a defendant had flipped.

She declined to provide more information when pressed by 12 News.

Those indicted for being fake electors in the scheme are:

Kelli Ward, former AZGOP chairman

Arizona Sen. Jake Hoffman, leader of the Arizona Freedom Caucus

Arizona Sen. Anthony Kern, member of the Arizona Freedom Caucus

Tyler Bowyer, Turning Point USA CEO

Michael Ward, husband of Kelli Ward

Nancy Cottle, a Republican whos been active in local politics for a decade

James Lamon, a failed 2022 U.S. Senate candidate

Robert Montgomery, former chairman of the Cochise County Republican Committee

Samuel Moorhead, former chairman of Gila County Republican Party

Lorraine Pellegrino, former president of the Ahwatukee Republican Women

Gregory Safsten, former executive director of the AZGOP

The indictments also included other people who worked for the Trump campaign or alongside it to facilitate the fake electors work:

Rudy Giuliani, an attorney for Trump and one of the main points of contact for the Trump campaign as it sought to overturn the 2020 election and ensure Trump would serve a second term

Mark Meadows, who was Trumps chief of staff in 2020

Christina Bobb, the Republican National Committees senior counsel for election integrity and a former attorney for the Trump campaign who was accused in the indictment of making false claims of widespread election fraud in Arizona and in six other states.

John Eastman, a former Trump lawyer who is facing possible disbarment in California for his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Boris Epshteyn, a former Trump aide who is still one of the former presidents advisors.

Jenna Ellis, a former attorney for the Trump campaign and a conservative media personality who was censured last year for making false statements about the 2020 election, and who pleaded guilty in October to a felony charge in Georgia for her attempts to overturn the election results.

Michael Roman, a former Trump campaign aide who was also indicted in the Georgia case.

I can confirm we expect to make that type of announcement next week in the case, AG spokesman Richie Taylor said in an email to the Arizona Mirror. I dont have any additional details to share at this time.

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Photo by Jim Small | Arizona Mirror

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has further delayed the Arizona Supreme Courts decision to revive a near-total abortion ban from 1864  and shes still eyeing an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Since the Arizona Supreme Courts bombshell ruling that the Civil War-era law could once again be enforced earlier this year, the law was repealed by the state legislature. While reproductive rights proponents celebrated the move at the time, they also worried that the legislatures action would simply delay the bans reinstatement, because laws dont become effective until 90 days after the legislative session ends. But that fear was laid to rest after the lawmakers ended their work in June, which means the repeal will become official on Sept. 14.

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A 90-day delay of the courts ruling Mayes won shortly after the repeal effort succeeded, coupled with a month-long freeze that had been previously agreed to in a related case over the draconian law, pushed its reinstatement until virtually the last week of September, ensuring that the near-total ban from 1864 will never see the light of day.

On Thursday, the Arizona Supreme Court greenlit yet another delay of their ruling. Mayes requested an extension while she considers whether to dispute the legality of the courts ruling with the highest court in the country. The new delay pushes the enforcement of the state courts ruling upholding the 1864 law until early November.

The original delay was awarded to allow Mayes time to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Just weeks after four Arizona Supreme Court Justices decided that doctors should be imprisoned for providing abortions for any reason other than saving a womans life, Mayes filed a request that they reconsider their ruling. The Democrat took issue with the courts reliance on a 2021 fetal personhood law to argue that the near-total ban from 1864, and not a 15-week gestational law passed in 2022, should be the law of the land.

The fetal personhood law is currently blocked by an injunction from a federal judge, Mayes wrote, and the Arizona Supreme Court improperly encroached on that case when it used the frozen law to reinstate the Civil War-era ban. On top of that, the case around whether to preserve the injunction holding the 2021 law at bay in the post-Roe era is ongoing, and the Arizona ruling threatens to influence the outcome, according to Mayes.

While the Arizona Supreme Court refused to revise its ruling, it did pause it for 90 days to give Mayes time to consider whether to take her argument to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In her request for an additional extension this week, Mayes noted that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan has given her office until late September to file an appeal. Richie Taylor, a spokesman for Mayes, said that shes still weighing her options about whether to seek the U.S. Supreme Courts opinion on the legal issues at stake.

The AG is still considering that option but has not made any final decisions, he said in an emailed statement.

In the meantime, reproductive rights advocates are looking to the November election to insulate abortion access from any future hostility in the courts or the legislature. The Arizona Abortion Access Act, which is likely to land on the ballot after turning in more than double the required number of signatures to qualify, would enshrine abortion as a fundamental right in the state Constitution.

If passed by voters, the initiative would restore abortion access up to the point of fetal viability, generally regarded to be around 24 weeks, and protect the ability of health care providers to perform an abortion beyond that point if they deem it necessary to safeguard a womans life, physical or mental health. The act would also eliminate existing abortion restrictions, including the current 15-week gestational ban, a prohibition on abortions performed for the sole reason of a fetal genetic abnormality, and nullify the possibility of the 2021 fetal personhood law from ever being revived.

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A former Louisiana mayor who resigned from office just days ago was arrested on Thursday on accusations she had sex with a minor, police said.

Misty Roberts, 42, was booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center on the charges of third degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, Louisiana State Police said in a news release Thursday.

Police said that on Friday, the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office requested the state police's Special Victim's Unit investigate a complaint against Roberts for allegations of sexual relations with a juvenile.

Investigators interviewed two minors, one of whom was the alleged victim, police said, and both "confirmed Roberts had sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as Mayor," police said.

Misty Roberts / Credit: Louisiana State Police

Roberts' attorney, Robert Johnson, released a statement, saying his client is innocent, WAFB-TV reported.

"My client learned late last night of a warrant, despite not being contacted to be interviewed prior to investigators obtaining the warrant," Johnson said. "My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent. She has not been charged with a crime and/or convicted of any crime."

On Friday, Roberts initially said she would need to step away from the office for two weeks, but she resigned the very next day, WAFB-TV reported.

"For nearly 15 years, my love and passion for DeRidder has been my foundation while serving as Mayor," Roberts wrote. "This role has rewarded me with many great relationships. I am humbled to have witnessed the hard work that took a community to come together and overcome through unprecedented times. However, I must adjust my focus and priorities."

The former mayor turned herself in to investigators without incident on Thursday, police said.

Roberts was arrested at 10:13 a.m. and released at 11:30 a.m. on $75,000 bond, according to jail records from the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office.

According to the city's website, Roberts graduated from DeRidder High School in 2000 and received a Bachelor of Science in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations from McNeese State University in 2004. Before becoming mayor, she was the city's director of community service for nine years.

With a population of about 10,000, DeRidder is about 50 miles north of Lake Charles, Louisiana, not far from the Texas border.

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MCCURTAIN COUNTY, Okla. (KTAL/KSHV)In a recent release, CEO Brian Whitfield said McCurtain Memorial Hospital is facing another setback in funding needed to repair or replace its current facility.

The news that the hospital will not be able to pursue a new lodging tax came after conversations between Whitfield and County Commissioner and Chairman John Williams.

Williams reportedly told Whitman the county would need to pursue the 2% lodging tax themselves. He explained they might need to go a step further and ask voters for another 1/4 cent sales tax so the county can pay legal judgments and settlements that are coming.

In a statement Tuesday, Whitfield said, For approximately a month now, we have gone back and forth with the Board of County Commissioners with several proposals on how we might secure the financing necessary for a new hospital or to rehab the existing facility.

McCurtain County asking voters to approve proposition for new hospital

According to Whitman, the hospital is over 50 years old and in need of repairs. In an appeal to voters in 2022, he said healthcare has evolved, and a new hospital is needed.

Whitman outlined multiple avenues the hospital has explored to secure the funding, including redistributing existing taxes, passing a new lodging tax, and passing a new 1/4 cent sales tax. He explained that redistributing the existing lodging tax could risk legal challenges and result in the funding being lost.

Chairman Williams reportedly told Whitman that the new lodging tax and sales tax are not an option.

Chairman Williams informed me that the county has confirmed that it will be facing multi-million dollar judgments against the county and Jail Trust, respectively, that will require the county itself to seek voter support in passing the 2% lodging tax and 1/4 cent sales tax to pay those judgments.

Although Whitman is disappointed, he plans to examine other hospitals that have faced similar situations.

An old building, broken infrastructure, and high operational costs are not something only Idabel, Oklahoma, has experienced. Others have navigated these challenges before, and we will find a path forward.

In the coming days, I will be releasing some information on very much needed funding that is coming to our hospital. I am encouraged and I have no doubt that the future of the hospital remains bright.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Over the past year, the Maryland Department of Commerce has awarded more than 100 small and midsize Maryland companies with ExportMD grants to help promote their products and services in the global marketplace.

In Washington County, Cornerstone Genomics and Land Cruiser Heaven have been awarded grants.

The grants  awarded from July 2023 through July 2024  help businesses finance the costs of marketing internationally including trade show fees and travel expenses.

Established in 1999, the ExportMD program provides matching grants up to $5,000 from Commerces Office of International Investment and Trade.

ExportMD is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, which has awarded multiple State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grants to Maryland Commerce to help fund the program.

The ExportMD grant program provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to succeed in our state and around the world  and ultimately bring more growth to Marylands economy, said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. With help from the U.S. SBA, were proud to have supported more than 100 local businesses over the year with their global expansion efforts.

From Washington to Wicomico counties, Maryland businesses utilized the state program in a variety of ways. Located in Baltimore City, Alertus Technologies used its ExportMD grant for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to improve the quality and quantity of traffic to its website. Gross Mechanical Laboratories from Queen Annes County organized an individual sales trip to the Netherlands. And St. Marys County-based company ABSI Aerospace & Defense attended the Singapore Air Show as part of the delegation led by the Maryland Department of Commerce.

Applications for the ExportMD program are accepted on a monthly basis. Eligibility requirements can be found on the Commerce website, https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/exportmd-program.

Western Maryland community colleges receive Edwards Fund Grant for cyber ranges.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Maryland Commerce awards export grants to more than 100 businesses
McDonald's new big burger is called the Big Arch. Branding experts say the name makes it sound superior to its rivals.

McDonald's new big burger is called the Big Arch. Branding experts say the name makes it sound superior to its rivals.

McDonald's has started trials of its new bigger burger  the Big Arch.

By using a brand name rather than a descriptor, companies can "signal superiority," a marketing professor said.

The Golden Arches are synonymous with McDonald's, just like Grimace and the Hamburglar.

The prefix "Mc" has become synonymous with the world's biggest burger chain.

It's not just in the name of the company. McDonald's has also launched McNuggets, McCafe, McFlurry, the McPlant, and CosMc's, and countless more products featuring its famous "Mc" moniker.

But for its newest burger, a supersized 14-ounce offering that's targeted at "the extra hungry," it's relying on a different part of the brand's iconography  the Golden Arches.

The new burger, the Big Arch, is currently being piloted in Canada and Portugal. If the trials go well, there are plans to roll it out globally.

The Golden Arches are "part of the heritage and the iconography" of McDonald's, Finola Kerrigan, professor of marketing at Birmingham Business School in the UK, told Business Insider.

Lots of the names of McDonald's products are unique to the chain. As well as the family of Mc's  like the McCrispy, McSpicy, McFlurry, McNuggets, McMuffin, and McPlant  you've also got the Big Mac and Filet-o-Fish. But many of its products also have more descriptive names with no company branding attached, like the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, the Triple Cheeseburger, and the Mayo Chicken.

By using a brand name rather than a descriptor  like calling it the Big Burger  companies can "signal superiority," Kerrigan said. "And so you elevate what is a big burger to a branded shiny thing."

And by opting for "Arch" rather than "Mc" or "Mac," you "don't take the risk of downgrading the Mac label until you're certain that it's going to win," David Hughes, emeritus professor of food marketing at Imperial College London, told BI.

But Kerrigan said that just using the word "Arch," rather than "Golden Arches," may not be enough to make an obvious connection with McDonald's in customers' minds.

Branding strategies don't always go to plan. For example, the McPlant's name signaled that the chain was taking plant-based food seriously and suggested that it would become part of its core lineup. But McDonald's dropped sales of the burger in the US after unsuccessful trials in California and Texas.

McDonald's has used arches branding for a product in the past, and it didn't go well.

It launched the Arch Deluxe in 1996, and the product flopped. The burger, intended to appeal to more sophisticated and "adult," used a mustard-mayo Arch Sauce, which the brand appeared to bring back for tests of a new product called the Archburger in 2018. That burger failed to make its way onto national menus.

The arches imagery is now returning to menus again, with the launch of the Big Arch and its accompanying Big Arch Sauce. The name of the sauce, like the name of the burger, gives no indication of what it actually contains.

Product names are important because "we talk about brands a lot," Kerrigan said.

"You show that you are in someone's club or part of their tribe by using the same kind of brand names," she said.

"Brand name has enormous value," Hughes added.

Other recent campaigns by McDonald's have made the most of its huge stream of brand imagery. Last year it launched the Grimace Shake and named its new coffee-focused chain after the lesser-known alien character CosMc.

Other recognizable mascots from the McDonald's universe include the Hamburglar and Birdie the Early Bird, as well as Ronald McDonald himself.

Are you a McDonald's superfan? Email this reporter at gdean@insider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Local and state law enforcement are searching for Ryan Ricky Houston who is now considered "armed and dangerous." New court filings show his ankle monitor device stopped working shortly before he was involved in a recent car wreck, after which a woman died upon arrival to a nearby hospital.

Houston, 41, of Weaverville, is a suspect in a home invasion in McDowell County that occurred shortly before midnight Aug. 1, according to an Aug. 2 announcement from the McDowell County Sheriff's Office. They asked if anyone sees Houston or the vehicle he was last known to be driving, a navy blue 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 truck, that they not approach Houston, but to contact law enforcement immediately.

Before the home invasion, Houston's black four-door Mercedes sedan, was seen at about 10 p.m. speeding at an excess of 100 mph while traveling east on Interstate 40 in McDowell County, according to an Aug. 2 court filing. A N.C. State Highway Patrol trooper attempted to catch the sedan and initiate a traffic stop.

Currently out on bond for previous charges related to shooting a Buncombe County Sheriff's deputy, Houston's ankle monitor device was "cut off and/or stopped tracking" at 10:03 p.m., based on information in court records from Buncombe County Pretrial Services. Houston's monitor was paired with a "tether/break phone" that was later discovered in McDowell County. The ankle monitor has not been found.

The trooper in pursuit of Houston's sedan discovered the car was involved in an accident near the Parker Padgett Road Exit of I-40. The trooper saw Houston and a woman near the Mercedes and the crash site. The woman was "showing signs of injury and needed immediate medical attention," according to the court filing.

Ryan Ricky Houston, considered armed and dangerous while state and local law enforcement search for him on felony warrants Aug. 2, was last known to be driving this truck.

While the trooper attended to the woman, Houston fled the scene, according to court records. There is no indication whether he fled on foot or in a vehicle. The woman was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital where she "was declared dead on arrival." The Citizen Times is not releasing her name because it is not yet confirmed if her next of kin has been notified.

After the accident, law enforcement say Houston forced his way into a home in McDowell County, assaulted the homeowner and stole a firearm and vehicle. The car was seen shortly after on I-40 near Exit 90.

It's believed Houston then broke into Skyline Marine off I-40 Exit 90 and stole the Chevrolet Silverado. The truck is a four-door crew cab with the words "Skyline Marine," "Honda" and "Bass Cat" on the back glass.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office has obtained felony warrants on Houston and he is being sought by law enforcement.

Anyone with information should contact Capt. Shanon Smith with the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 828-652-2235 or their local 911 center if an emergency.

Ryan Ricky Houston, 41, pictured here, is considered armed and dangerous Aug. 2 as state and local law enforcement search for him.

More: Sheriff's deputy files 'rare' lawsuit against man who shot him at Buncombe County jail

Buncombe County charges

In a separate incident, Houston was charged with shooting a deputy outside of the Buncombe County Detention Facility in May 2023.

He is currently out on bond from the Buncombe County jail, after being charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm on May 10, 2023. He was released on bond twice for these charges, once on Aug. 1, 2023, after posting his original $1.5 million bond, the Citizen Times previously reported.

He was arrested six days later for a pre-trial release violation and given a $2.7 million bond, which he posted and was released Aug. 17, 2023.

On Nov. 27, Buncombe County Judge Jacqueline Grant ordered Houston was allowed to leave Buncombe County for work purposes only with prior approval from pre-trial release, according to court documents.

The Aug. 2 court filing is for a motion to revoke Houston's bond by District Attorney Todd William's Office. The motion said Houston "presents a clear disregard to the order of the Court to follow the Electronic Monitoring provisions of Pretrial Release and the greater law in general." Assistant District Attorney Kyle Sherard argued Houston's behavior "poses a risk of danger to himself and the greater public."

Houston still awaits trial in Buncombe County after authorities said he walked into the lobby of the jail at 20 Davidson Drive in downtown Asheville around 1:40 a.m. May 7, 2023, and started communicating threats to his wife, according to a civil summons document. Sheriff's Deputy William Johnston, who is suing Houston, attempted to speak with him and de-escalate the situation, but Houston became "further enraged" with the deputy, according to the court document.

More: Newly obtained records: May jail gunfight involved female driver, juvenile, love triangle?

When Johnston and APD officer Megan Hansford approached to arrest him, Houston "resisted arrest and an altercation ensued," according to a sheriff's office news release. Houston produced a firearm and shot Johnston in the shoulder. Johnston returned fire and struck Houston, who fled the scene.

Houston was later taken into custody at Mission Hospital around 2:29 a.m. May 7, according to police call logs.

A request for a domestic violence protective order filed by Houston's wife shortly after his arrest states Houston had a pattern of threatening the use of violence with a firearm and other threats.

"Children have witnessed altercations as well as continued arguments and nonstop calling," the complaint obtained by the Citizen Times said.

More: Buncombe County jail gunfight suspect has court date: What happened?

This story will be updated.

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: McDowell County deputies search for man considered armed and dangerous
TechCrunch

This week in AI, synthetic data rose to prominence. OpenAI last Thursday introduced Canvas, a new way to interact with ChatGPT, its AI-powered chatbot platform. Users can generate text or code in Canvas, then, if necessary, highlight sections to edit using ChatGPT.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Muscogee County Sheriffs Office Special Operations Unit and Lee County Sheriffs Office conducted a joint investigation that led to the seizure of multiple drugs and weapons Tuesday.

According to MCSO, officers seized over 22 pounds of marijuana, Promethazine, 13 Hydrocodone pills, amphetamine pills and 3000 milligrams of THC edibles. Investigators also seized a total of five firearms, two rifles and three pistols, along with a total of $7,966.

Drugs and guns seized by MCSO Special Operations Unit and Lee County Sheriffs Office, Photo courtesy of Muscogee County Sheriffs Office

MCSO says the estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $64,000.

In addition to seizing drugs and firearms, two arrests were made in connection with the investigation.

Courtney Pickett was arrested. She is being charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Keonte Isabelle was arrested on Aug. 1, and is being charged with the following:

Trafficking in marijuana

Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime

Possession of THC edibles

Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Schedule II (Amphetamine)

Courtney Pickett, Photo Provided by Muscogee County Sheriffs Office

Keonte Isabelle. Photo Provided by Muscogee County Sheriffs Office

Authorities say this is an ongoing investigation with additional charges and an arrest pending.

Anyone with information concerning these crimes is encouraged to contact the Muscogee County Sheriffs Office Investigations Division at (706) 653-4235.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Oregon Health Authority officials said the measles outbreak is a good reminder to parents to get their kids up to date on their vaccinations. (Getty Images)

The measles outbreak that started in mid-June in Marion County has spread to at least 23 residents in three counties.

And its probably not over.

We continue to see cases, and we have not been able to connect them all, suggesting that there are other cases out there, said Dr. Paul Cieslak, the Oregon Health Authoritys medical director and top immunologist.

Only one person in the outbreak has been vaccinated and two people have been hospitalized, the health authority said.

Cases of pertussis or whooping cough also are spreading, with seven cases reported last week, bringing the years total to more than 400. The virus has infected people in 13 Oregon counties this year.

With the start of the school year looming, the health authority urged parents to get their kids up to date on their vaccinations.

Vaccine requirements

To see what shots your kids need, check the Center for Disease Control and Preventions website: https://tinyurl.com/4nrzctnf

Measles and whooping cough vaccines are required for the nearly 550,000 children attending kindergarten through high school in Oregon, though parents can obtain a non-medical exemption if they watch an online training module or talk to a provider and have them sign a certificate.

Cieslak said the measles vaccine is particularly effective: One dose is 93% effective at preventing an infection and two doses are 97% effective.

The measles virus does not mutate significantly the way other viruses like COVID do, Cieslak said.

In 2000, the World Health Organization said it was eradicated in the U.S. But with foreign travel and unvaccinated people, its re-emerged. This is the highest number of cases in Oregon for several years. There was only one case last year and none the previous three years, state data shows.

Oregon has traditionally had among the highest unvaccinated rates in the country. In May the health authority said that nearly 9% of the states kindergartners had a nonmedical exemption this year, forgoing at least one required shot. That compares with about 8% in 2023 and almost 7% in 2022, marking the second consecutive yearly increase in the unvaccinated rate.

Besides Oregon, there are nearly 170 measles cases in other states, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The outbreak emerged last month. The Oregon Health Authority reported that an adult in Clackamas County developed a rash on June 11 and that a child subsequently got sick as well.

More cases appeared among unvaccinated children who apparently had not been in contact, health officials said. To date, there are eight cases in Clackamas County, 13 people in Marion County and two in Multnomah County, with 10 younger than 10 years, eight teens and five adults.

The disease is highly infectious. It spreads in the air when someone coughs or sneezes and the viral particles can linger in the air for two hours. Symptoms can begin up to three weeks after exposure and can include flu-like symptoms and a rash that appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Patients can develop ear infections, lung infections and diarrhea. The disease can also cause swelling of the brain and be fatal. One of two of every 1,000 cases are fatal.

Two of the people infected in Oregon have been hospitalized. The health authority did not provide any more information about who they were or how severe their symptoms were or whether theyve been discharged. Nearly 50% of people with measles across the country have been hospitalized this year, sometimes to prevent them from spreading the virus, the CDC said. Eighty-five percent were not vaccinated.

People who are pregnant and not vaccinated, infants younger than 1 and those with weakened immune systems face the greatest health risk from measles and whooping cough.

Whooping cough is more prevalent than measles, with 10,000 cases reported nationwide before COVID hit. During the pandemic, cases dropped as people tried to avoid respiratory infections. But theyre now on the rise, approaching pre-pandemic levels, the CDC said.

In Oregon, Lane County has had the most cases this year  123  followed by 77 in Multnomah County and 57 in Clackamas. Cases peaked this year in May, with 115 reported. That dropped to 92 in June.

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U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Jacksonville. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix)

JACKSONVILLE  The federal judge handling the class action filed by clients kicked off Medicaid by Florida state agencies following the end of the COVID emergency warned both sides Friday that neither would be happy with her ruling and suggested they discuss a settlement.

I dont think either one of you is going to be totally thrilled, U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard said as she exited the courtroom on the last day of the bench trial. The judge, appointed by George W. Bush, suggested that the attorneys could come up with a better solution to the dispute, which involves notices the state sends people when they lose Medicaid benefits.

During testimony this week, Morales Howard asked state employees how the Florida Department of Children and Families figures out Medicaid eligibility and notifies people when their benefits end. On the last day of the trial, she didnt appear convinced by an estimate from Deloitte, the contractor handling the system, that it would take 28,000 hours to update Medicaid termination notices to include case-specific information.

A rushed estimate

The estimated time required to make such changes, which would give Floridians more insight into information DCF uses to determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, is more than double the number of hours the state pays Deloitte to maintain the system annually, according to evidence presented on Friday. The consulting company took two days to come up with the estimate.

Hari Kallumkal, the Deloitte manager who works with DCF, said the states use of technology from the 1980s would make the process take longer. But he also testified that his team usually has more time to create estimates such as the one at issue here. Kallumkal was the last witness in case filed by Floridians arguing the notices revoking Medicaid benefits are confusing and lack enough information to allow them to appeal their loss of coverage.

There was not a lot of time for us to do this, Kallumkal said, referring to conversations Deloitte employees have with DCF before coming up with the number of hours required to complete the project.

He added: I believe it was kind of rushed.

Deloitte produced a alternative estimate, at the request of DCF, that it would take 12,000 hours to add income information to notices.

Attorneys defending DCF and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration used Kallumkals and state employees testimony to argue that the changes plaintiffs requested in the suit would burden the state.

Other notices DCF sends clients include personalized information, such as income limits for food stamps, said Sarah Grusin, an attorney with the National Health Law Program representing the plaintiffs. She displayed evidence that Deloitte is working to add peoples income information to notices in Oregon.

There is no other state that runs an older system like Florida, Kallumkal replied.

More problems

Aside from changes to the notices, the plaintiffs want everyone the state kicked out of Medicaid without proper notice to get their benefits back. Attorneys for the state estimate it would cost $87 million per month to do so, according to a filing in the case. During the trial, an AHCA official placed the cost at $313 per person per month, although his estimate didnt discount the portion the federal government would have to pay.

Testimony from DCF employees and documentary evidence has highlighted problems Floridians faced while DCF reviewed the Medicaid eligibility of millions after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, during which the federal government required states to keep people enrolled regardless of income.

Errors by the agency and its Deloitte-operated system led to children and postpartum women losing health care coverage to which they were legally entitled.

The problems have persisted this year. DCF blocked more than half of the calls from people trying to speak with a real person this April, according to evidence presented.

These are constituents, hard-working Floridians who are trying to get access to care, Acadia Jacob, Florida Voices for Healths advocacy director, told Florida Phoenix in a phone interview. Their lives are too busy to spend as much time as theyre being forced to on the DCF hotline.

Problems stemming from Deloitte Medicaid systems are happening across the country, according to an investigation from KFF. In fact, the National Health Law Program filed a complaint against the consulting giant with the Federal Trade Commission in January, according to KFF.

In Florida, people couldnt access their unemployment benefits in 2020 because of a failure in the Delloite system, Politico previously reported.
Medical report offers new details on the death of D'Vontaye Mitchell, man killed outside of Hyatt

Nayisha Mitchell (left), the sister of D'Vontaye Mitchell, and Latrisa Giles, Mitchells first cousin, holds a photo of Mitchell outside the home of Brenda Giles, DVontaye Mitchells mother, in Milwaukee on July 24. D'Vontaye Mitchell, 43, died last month after being held facedown on the ground outside the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee.

A report released on Friday provides the most detail yet on the death of DVontaye Mitchell, the 43-year-old man who died June 30 as hotel security guards held him face down for about 10 minutes and from the effects of drug use.

On Friday, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiners Office released a final report detailing his cause of death  citing asphyxiation from being held down and the toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine  and a narrative report of what took place the day Mitchell died and the events after.

Some details of Mitchells death have been known for a month, as it was documented by bystanders outside the Hyatt Regency and the familys attorneys have detailed unreleased footage from inside the hotel that the DAs office allowed them to review.

However, the accompanying narrative report released on Friday provides the clearest picture yet of the events that led up to and after his death.

A synopsis says that Mitchell was "restrained by four people after being combative in the hotel lobby. He reportedly went unresponsive while staff awaited police arrival. Illicit drug paraphernalia was found on his person."

His death has spurred community outrage and frequent family protests, with the family calling for charges to be brought against those involved.

The Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office said it was awaiting the final medical examiners report before deciding on charges. Milwaukee Police Department referred four charges of felony murder to the attorneys office in early July.

The District Attorney's office did not immediately respond to a Journal Sentinel request for comment.

Heres what we know from the report:

Mitchell held down for 10 minutes, appeared frantic and panting in hotel before confrontation

The report details Milwaukee police interviewed the four hotel employees  two guards and two staffers who assisted  and determined Mitchell was held down for about 10 minutes.

The four hotel employees denied restraining him by the neck or placing him in any chokehold.

They stated that they held down his extremities and chest with moderate pressure while Dvontaye was combative. They relieved the pressure while he stopped resisting and applied more pressure when he became combative again, the report reads.

According to the report, the incident began as Mitchell entered the lobby of the Hyatt Regency and appeared to be frantic and panting as he hid behind various lobby objects and in the concession area.

Hotel staff then told Mitchell to leave, but he ran into the womens restroom and attempted to lock himself there, with women inside. The women began to scream and two hotel security guards gained entry into the restroom and removed Mitchell from it.

The report details Mitchell became combative with the guards and attempted to reach into their pockets. They then dragged him out of the hotel, with two other hotel employees assisting the security staff.

Mitchell continued to be combative, the report said, and all four employees held him down on the concrete face down until MPD arrived.

MPD detectives, medical examiners office talks with Mitchell family

At about 10 p.m. June 30, a Milwaukee police detective told Mitchells mother, Brenda Giles, of his death.

The report says Giles told police her son was homeless and had been recently admitted to a drug rehabilitation clinic. He also struggled with mental health issues, she told the detective, according to the report.

The next day, a representative of the medical examiners office spoke with Giles as well. She told them she last spoke to Mitchell through social media on June 22 and provided details on his family.

Giles also said her son did not have problems with alcohol and was unaware of a history of drug use.

Medical examiner releases final cause of death

Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office on Friday determined the death of D'Vontaye Mitchell a homicide, caused by being restrained by Hyatt Regency hotel security and the toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine.

The medical examiner report determined Mitchell's cause of death was "restraint asphyxia and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine." The report said Mitchell's injury occurred as he was "restrained in prone position by multiple individuals after drug (cocaine, methamphetamine) use."

It noted other significant conditions as hypertensive cardiovascular disease and morbid obesity.

Will Sulton, the attorney for Mitchell's wife, DeAsia Harmon, and daughter, said the report "confirms the obvious."

"The report confirms what we all saw on video, that Mr. Mitchell was murdered by Hyatt security officers," he said.

Sulton was critical of the medical examiner's office's decision to include drug use in the report.

"I think it was reckless for the medical examiner's office to write the report that way. The reason it's reckless is because it gives a false impression that it had anything to do with Mr. Mitchell's death and it did not and they know it," he said.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Medical report offers new details on D'Vontaye Mitchell's death
MEDINA COUNTY, Ohio (WJW)  On a sunny day in August, Lafayette Township in Medina County got a new temporary fire chief.

This is Lexi Cerio, or Chief Lexi for short, and she likes to be in charge. The first order of business was getting her official chief shirt and badge.

Like most 10-year-olds, Lexi likes a lot of different thing, including Taylor Swift. She enjoys dressing up like a popstar and performing her own original songs.

No brothers. Its about me not wanting my brothers, Lexi said. Especially that one and that one over there in the red. But she added that they still have a good time playing together.

Direct blow to the head: Browns running back to be released from hospital after neck injury in practice

Lexis dad says she is also one tough cookie.

She had a fight of chemo and radiation for about nine months and went into remission and after about 18 months, it came back Brian Cerio said.

The cancer came back and so did new treatments, but through it all, Lexis high spirits and love for fun has never wavered.

Also, firefighters have some cool toys to play with. Firefighters also need to be bossed around and as the oldest girl in her family, shes used to doing that.

However, the firefighters dont mind it all. In fact, everyone in the community is cheering for Lexi and the road that the cancer has made her travel.

The whole area is behind this little girl whose battle is so courageous and that kind of support means so much to her family.

We have a whole group of people behind us. Our church, Saint Francis Xavier, has been so supportive giving us meals we need or providing us babysitters. We couldnt do this on our own, Brian said.

Ohio county gets nearly 20 black bear reports in 3 days

Lexi has more adventures ahead with more smiles and more bossing folks around. Cancer can never dim such a bright sprit, and Lexi says being the boss is pretty cool.

I get to be in charge, Lexi said.

After the fire department visit, Lexi got to visit the Medina County Dispatch Center, got to have lunch with the crew and spent the rest of the afternoon at the Medina County Fair.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Memphis Police Officer Demetrice Johnson, 34, was identified by the Memphis Police Department as the officer who was killed in a car crash early Friday morning. Johnson's public Facebook page showed he was a father and husband.

A Memphis police officer and another individual are dead after an apparent crash near Downtown Memphis early Friday morning, the Memphis Police Department said in a social media statement.

According to MPD, police responded to a two-vehicle crash just after 3 a.m. at Mississippi and Danny Thomas boulevards. When they arrived, three men were found injured. Two of those men were MPD officers.

All were taken to Regional One Health in critical condition, MPD said, where an officer and the driver of a gray Nissan were pronounced dead. The other officer remains in critical condition, MPD said.

An update posted to social media at 12:04 p.m. Friday identified Demetrice Johnson as the officer who was killed in the crash. Johnson was 34, the department said.

More: State rep. wants GPS tracking for certain crimes, burned body IDed by MPD | On the Docket

"The preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the gray Nissan was also suffering from a gunshot wound," MPD said in the statement. "The cause of the crash and the location of the initial shooting are still under investigation."

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and MPD's homicide bureau is investigating the shooting.

In an update posted to social media Friday morning, MPD said the initial shooting happened near South Parkway East and Mississippi Boulevard, about 2 miles away from where the crash happened.

"Preliminary information indicates there was a disagreement between the deceased male shooting victim and a male at the scene on S. Parkway E.," MPD said. "No charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing."

Memphis police officer Demetrice Johnson dies after crash

He started with the department in May 2023. He graduated from the academy in March of this year and was assigned to the North Main Station, according to MPD>

"The men and women of the Memphis Police Department are heartbroken as we mourn the loss of Officer Demetrice Johnson," interim MPD Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis said in a statement. "Today's tragic accident is a harsh and profound reminder of the dangers our officers face daily as they serve our community. We ask for the continued prayer for all impacted and for the speedy recovery of our injured officer."

Johnson, according to his public Facebook, was the father of a young son. He was also married, according to his Facebook.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Civilian, Memphis police officer killed in car crash; 2nd officer injured
A legendary heavy metal band just proved its mettle in Pittsburgh. So did the regions largest foundation, which effectively served as the opening act.

The Metallica Scholars Initiative awarded a $75,000 grant to CCAC. Add that to $50,000 from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, and CCACs Workforce Development Division is launching a Skilled Trades Academy. The academy will introduce regional high school students, ages 14 to 17, to selected skilled trades, including welding, solar photovoltaic technology, commercial vehicle operation, electrical technology and HVAC technology.

Community College of Allegheny County is among 18 recipients across the country  and the first community college in Pennsylvania to receive a $75,000 grant from the initiative. It is MSIs largest expansion to date.

Click here to read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times.

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Microbot Medical and Emory University in the US have signed an agreement to assess the future autonomous capabilities of the Liberty endovascular robotic surgical system.

Under the agreement, the university will be responsible for exploring the feasibility of integrating the surgical system with an imaging system for creating an autonomous robotic system to carry out endovascular procedures.

The evaluation will be led by Amir Pourmorteza from Emory University Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at the Winship Cancer Institute, and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, under Project Trita.

Pourmorteza said: Autonomous robotics has the potential to standardise outcomes, improve efficiencies, reduce radiation exposure, and democratise access to top-level healthcare.

Project Trita merges CT guidance, artificial intelligence, and medical robotics.

The Liberty system is designed to improve endovascular procedures by eliminating the need for large equipment while reducing radiation exposure.

Microbot Medical CEO, president and chairman Harel Gadot said: Our vision for the future of endovascular robotics includes autonomous capabilities, which have the potential to standardise endovascular procedures and improve access to benefit millions of patients globally.

We believe Liberty can be integrated with imaging, planning and navigation software to ultimately create an autonomous robotic system that can be used in endovascular procedures.

In June 2024, Microbot Medical secured the US Food and Drug Administration approval to proceed with its pivotal human clinical trial for its Liberty system.

The Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts will serve as one of the clinical trial sites to perform the pivotal human study of the Liberty system.

"Microbot and Emory University to advance endovascular robotic system" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  After former president Donald Trump claimed the city of Portland was destroyed during an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention on Wednesday, the Portland Metro Chamber is responding to the former presidents laughable remark.

During the convention, Trump was asked by ABCs Rachel Scott if January 6 Capitol rioters should be pardoned.

In his response, Trump appeared to reference graffiti in Washington D.C. from anti-Netanyahu protests in late July 2024 after the Israeli prime ministers speech to Congress.

Oregon coast state park reopening includes a noticeable change

Well, let me bring it back to modern day, like five days ago, we had an attack on the Capitol, a horrible attack on the Capitol. You saw people that were protesting and spraying these incredible monumentswith red spray paint, Trump responded.

They viciously attacked our government, they fought with police, they fought with them much more openly than I saw on January 6. Whats going to happen to those people? Whats going to happen to the people in Portland that destroyed that city? Trump said, seemingly referencing Portland protests in 2020.

On Thursday, Portland Metro Chamber President Andrew Hoan released a statement in reaction to Trumps destroyed Portland claim.

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The idea that Portland is destroyed is laughable and out of touch with reality. The facts speak volumes about Portlands progress: Interest in our downtown is up, crime rates are down and the city is leading the way in finding solutions to issues that affect communities across the country. What Trump conveniently ignores is how his heavy-handed deployment of federal forces in 2020 prolonged Portlands unrest while other cities calmed, Hoan said.

According to Hoan, Portland saw a 16% increase in business openings in 2023. Portland has also seen big names such as Hoka, The Ritz Carlton, SoHo House, and Daimler Truck North America open their doors in the city, Hoan noted.

Portland one step closer to capping I-5, reconnecting historic neighborhood

Hoan is also calling on Portlanders to join in a social media campaign with pictures of the city.

We welcome everyone to come see the progress for themselves. In fact, we are calling on proud Portlanders to post their best photos of our beautiful city using the hashtag #destroyedportland. I assure you, total destruction never looked so good.

Yes, Portland, like most American cities, has challenges, but while Trump clings to his out of touch narratives, Portland will keep moving forward, proving that resilience and innovation have and will always trump division and misinformation, Hoan added.

This is not Trumps first mention of Portland since leaving the White House. He recently referred to Portland as a burned down hulk of a city during an interview with NBCs Kristen Welker in September 2023.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Residents at aging and long-term care facilities statewide, both assisted living facilities and nursing facilities, had the chance to speak directly to New Mexico representatives in May 2024 about their quality of care and living. (Getty Images)

Residents at aging and long-term care facilities statewide, both assisted living facilities and nursing facilities, had the chance to speak directly to New Mexico representatives in May about their quality of care and living.

Representatives from the New Mexico Department of Health made unannounced visits to 91 of the states 268 facilities in 13 counties to survey life for people under care. Residents told health officials about unappetizing meals, few to no activities to take part in and a lack of attention to their basic hygiene needs, according to testimonies released in a report this week.

Two facilities in Albuquerque were reported immediately after the visits to the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation hotline, according to state officials. Two facilities in Gallup were also referred to the state for further inspection due to poor reviews during their surprise visit. Another in Albuquerque was reported for a COVID outbreak after its visit in May.

The majority of visits were mostly favorable, including 11 sites that scored perfectly under the states metrics.

The visits did leave issues that can be addressed across the board, state officials said, and the survey left more than a third with at least one violation to fix.

Directly from the residents

The quality of food was brought up multiple times in different sites statewide, either by residents or by the visiting health officials.

State department of health representatives visited facilities between May 17 and May 19. Their survey included 36 questions ranging from areas that looked into the facility environment and activities to resident appearance and privacy. Health secretary Patrick Allen said these were basic standards all facilities should be able to meet on any given day.

We wanted to see what family members are likely to see when theyre visiting a facility, Allen said.

One woman who resides at a Las Cruces assisted living facility said, the food is not good, and it could use some flavor. Otherwise, the woman, who was not named in the report due to privacy, said she liked the facility.

Two other residents agreed that they love the facility but theorized about nepotism happening as the administrators boyfriend is the cook and his son is the assistant cook, they told state officials.

Other residents complained that accurate menus were not posted, leaving them in the dark about what their next meal would be. And in a few cases, food trays were left out long enough to go bad.

The department of health noted that quality of food will continue to be an area of interest when visiting facilities, and future visits should be scheduled around meal times.

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Health officials also reported that calendars were not always posted for residents to see the activities planned for them. Visitors said they saw residents in only 70% of the facilities take part in activities. Facilities in some cases did not have a full or part time activities coordinator.

One resident of Bonney Home in Gallup told her visitors from the state that the activity schedule is just up for show.

She stated that she doesnt participate in any activities and states, I dont think they do the activities with anyone. She stays in her room majority of the time, the report reads.

Another resident of the same facility reported that there was no phone for residents to use to call their family, and they were not allowed to decorate the walls of their rooms.

There is no privacy, there is nothing to do but watch TV. The staff are mean, they will not say hi and will get mad sometimes. This resident was upset they did not get to go anywhere and stated they were lonely and sad, the testimony in the report states.

Because there is a lack of stimulation in some of these facilities, state officials reported seeing residents sleeping in their wheelchairs, which is a safety concern. One observer reported seeing a resident fall out of their wheelchair.

The report noted that specific questions about the activities coordinator would be helpful for future visits.

The availability of an activities coordinator significantly improved responses to participating in activities and enjoyment of activities, the report reads. And while smaller facilities may not be able to have a full-time activities coordinator, having a part-time person to coordinate these events could greatly improve how residents view their current situation.

Nearly all New Mexico facilities visited in the three-day window are meeting the vast majority of hygiene needs for residents. However, the state report pointed out that it is unsettling that these basic needs are not being completely met.

At first glance, these appear to be good scores overall, however, when one considers that ensuring residents are clean and have clean clothes that fit is a primary responsibility, it is concerning that almost 10% in each category are not meeting this basic requirement, the report reads.

Several residents told the state that they were not getting frequent showers. Others had issues with missing clothes and one resident reportedly was left with only a hospital gown to wear.

Thirteen facilities in particular stood out to the state in this area and the report recommended increased monitoring with representatives conferring with residents directly.

Governor says state is not doing enough, calls for more ombudsmen

While only four facilities were awarded a failing grade, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who previously served as the director of the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, said this overall performance was not good enough for aging New Mexicans.

Long gone are the days where were not paying attention because its COVID. Long gone are the days when were looking in the window. Were coming in and we expect the conditions to be a hell of a lot better than they are today in New Mexico, Lujan Grisham said.

Lujan Grisham added that it was difficult to understand what the conditions were inside these facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic because of safety restrictions, and emphasized her first-hand experience visiting her own mother through a window at a facility.

One of the visits included an elopement, or a resident leaving the facility unsupervised, with no administrator to help. The person was found, but this was the second time they had left the premises and the first time went unreported, according to state health officials.

During another visit, a department of health representative found a person who had been in soiled clothing overnight for 12 hours.

Representatives in both cases called the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation hotline to report the situations. Allen said regulatory investigations into the facilities and their practices have already taken place.

The report on the visits noted that signage was often a problem, including for activities and menus, but the abuse hotline and administrator contact information as well. One suggestion was to send updated posters to all facilities in the state.

Lujan Grisham encouraged people to apply for the states ombudsman program. Staff and volunteers visit care facilities frequently, talk with individuals and report back to the New Mexico Aging & Long Term Services Department to make sure residents needs are met.

These individuals are advocates that visit the different facilities on a regular basis, building those relationships with the residents, the departments secretary Jen Paul Schroer said. We want to make sure that every single resident, every single New Mexican that lives in these facilities have quality of care and are safe.

Lujan Grisham asked residents and family members to call the ombudsman program to report both positives and negatives so the state has more information to work with.

Help us expand that footprint because we will miss egregious conduct and we should not do this again, the governor said. This is going to take vigilance and serious accountability to get right and thats exactly whats going to happen.

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Mexican soldiers stand guard outside an Oxxo grocery shop near the Tamaulipas Chamber of Commerce, where its president Julio Cesar Almanza was killed, in Matamoros, Mexico, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Veronica Cisneros)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexicos largest convenience store chain said Friday it will reopen 191 stores in the border city of Nuevo Laredo that it had closed last week because of drug cartel threats.

The Femsa corporation, which operates the Oxxo chain of convenience stores, said its stores and seven gas stations it operates will reopen Friday. Nuevo Laredo is located across the border from Laredo, Texas.

The company said it had reached an agreement with authorities for stepped-up police presence with constant patrols around the stores and the installation of panic buttons that can send a signal to police.

The store closures illustrated how even Mexicos biggest firms are falling victim to gang demands for protection payments or information. A survey this week of Mexicos larger corporations suggested gangs are increasingly trying to control the sale, distribution and pricing of certain goods.

Femsa said earlier this week it had long had to deal with cartel demands that its gas stations buy their fuel from certain distributors. But the straw that broke the camels back came in recent weeks when gang members abducted two store employees, demanding they act as lookouts or provide information to the gang.

Since convenience stores are used by most people in Mexico, the gangs see them as good points to keep tabs on the movements of police, soldiers and rivals.

We had incidents in stores that consisted of them (gangs) demanding we give them certain information, and they even abducted two colleagues to enforce this demand, Roberto Campa, Femsas director of corporate affairs, told local media.

Cartel violence in Mexico has long focused on smaller businesses, where owners often visit their shops and are easily abducted or approached by gang members to demand extortion payments. But Femsa is the largest soft drink bottler in Latin America, the largest Coca Cola bottler by sales volume and is listed on the Mexican stock exchange.

Nuevo Laredo has long been dominated by the Northeast Cartel  an offshoot of the old Zetas cartel  but the problem is starting to hit larger companies nationwide. Sectors ranging from agriculture, fishing and mining to consumer goods have been plagued by cartels trying to essentially take over their industries.

This week, the American Chamber of Commerce, whose members tend to be larger Mexican, American or multinational corporations, released a survey of its members in which 12% of respondents said that organized crime has taken partial control of the sales, distribution and/or pricing of their goods.

Even well-known, high-ranking business leaders arent safe.

On Monday, the head of the business chambers federation in Tamaulipas state, across the border from Texas, gave television interviews complaining about drug cartel extortion in the state. Hours later on Tuesday, Julio Almanza was shot to death outside his offices in the city of Matamoros, across from Brownsville, Texas.

We are hostages to extortion demands, we are hostages of criminal groups, Almanza said in one of his last interviews. Charging extortion payments has practically become the national sport in Tamaulipas.

Femsas Oxxo convenience stores are a target in part because they are so ubiquitous in Mexico: there are about 20,000 nationwide. In 2022, gangs set fires at about two dozen of the stores in the central state of Guanajuato to protest attempts to arrest a cartel leader.

In 2009, police in the western state of Jalisco found at least four severed heads in Styrofoam coolers with the stores logo on them; such coolers were sold to hold chilled drinks, but it became something of a trend for gangs to use them to hold decapitated heads.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
The sky lit up as a Falcon 9 rocket bolted into the clouds. Moments later, a loud rumble sounded throughout the Cape Canaveral area.

After being delayed once, SpaceX's Starlink 10-6 mission lifted off at 1:01 a.m. on Friday, August 2 from Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A. It's payload  23 Starlink internet satellites.

Depending on one's location within the Brevard area, the view of the launch was either clear, briefly obstructed by clouds, or washed out by rain.

When is the next Florida launch? Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida

The launch traveled in a northeast trajectory, appearing to travel upward before making a sharp turn to the north. Within minutes, the rocket vanished from sight  only the rumble giving remaining evidence of the liftoff.

Just over eight minutes later, the first stage booster landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. This booster saw its 12th flight  including eight previous Starlink missions, NASA's Crew-6, O3b mPOWER, and USSF-124.

When is the next Florida SpaceX launch?

The next launch from the Space Coast will see three teams come together for the NG-21 mission.

On Saturday, August 3, a SpaceX Falcon 9 will launch a Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft on a NASA resupply mission. Liftoff is scheduled for 11:24 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40, and will travel in a northeast trajectory.

The Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft will deliver food, supplies, and science experiments to the astronauts onboard the International Space Station.

This launch will mark Northrop Grumman's twenty-first resupply mission for NASA.

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 launches Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Florida
An emergency practice in Houston County has asked a federal judge to drop it from a malpractice lawsuit filed two years ago by a Middle Georgia family, saying it had no direct involvement in a death at the center of the case.

Celestine Clarington and her daughter Magdalyn Clarington filed the lawsuit Dec. 1, 2022, against Houston County Emergency Group, which operates in Houston Medical Center, Dr. Nawar Hajo and nurses Sheryl Phillips and Sophia Grimes on behalf of their deceased husband and father Lawrence Clarington.

She visited the emergency department with him earlier that year and reported to the staff that he had a fever, was vomiting, experienced painful urination and had a history of urinary tract infections. He was also speaking gibberish, according to the lawsuit.

Phillips took his urine to the lab for processing and Grimes documented his symptoms, including that there was blood in the urine, but both ultimately decided that he did not need assistance. Then, when Hajo checked up on Claringtons husband, the physician attested to the nurses notes, documented that his pain was relieved by nothing, and deduced that he was in stable condition. He was then discharged, according to the lawsuit.

Hours later, Clarington called 911 for her husband. He had difficulty breathing and was vomiting, which prompted paramedics to take him to Perry Hospitals emergency department, where he died. An autopsy done on his body found that the cause of his death was septic shock due to his UTI, the suit said.

Independent contractors?

On Wednesday, Houston County Emergency Group requested a hearing to discuss multiple parts of the case, one of which is its request to be removed.

The center says Hajo was an independent contractor at the time he treated Claringtons husband before his death and, under Georgia law, independent contractors are responsible for their own actions.

According to the emergency practices request, they claim to not be liable for Hajos actions as they do not control his manner, method or time of his medical work. The physician attested to the information himself, saying the center did not control the method or manner by which I rendered medical care and treatment to him. I exercised my own independent clinical medical judgment when I obtained a medical history of Mr. Clarington, when I examined him, when I ordered tests and determined medications.

As of Friday, no hearing date has been scheduled.
Milton officials are blaming "unavoidable delays" for their inability to hold on to $9 million in federal government grants set aside for the city in 2021 to cover the costs of infrastructure related to the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant.

Mayor Heather Lindsay received notification July 19 that the grants in question, one from the Defense Department's Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) and the other from the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA), had been rescinded.

Co-signed by EDA representative H. Phillip Paradice and OLDCC Deputy Director for Compliance Michael Wilson, the letter stated that the city had failed to provide a legally sufficient environmental assessment.

Worker crews from Chavers Construction pressure tests a newly installed sewer pipe section in East Milton on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The new pipeline project is designed to remove over 2 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated effluent from the Blackwater River. This pipeline has already been extended more than 2 miles from the downtown Milton plant to South Airport Road. It will soon extend another 4 miles to an intermediate Santa Rosa Industrial Park storage system. From there, the effluent will be routed to the citys new sprayfields for final disposal.

"Based on a thorough review conducted by OLDCC and EDA staff, the citys environmental assessment submission is still not legally sufficient in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements," the letter said. "Given that the EA is still legally insufficient, OLDCC is unable to make a finding of no significant impact."

The NEPA Act, passed in 1970, requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency website.

OLDCC had agreed in 2021 to put $3 million toward the cost of constructing the 38,000-foot Whiting Field sewer line to a new wastewater treatment plant. The EDA had offered, in conjunction with the first grant, to provide $5.85 million to "complementary construction" at the new treatment plant.

But a stipulation of the grant was that no ground disturbing activity could take place at either site where federal grants would be utilized without OLDCC conducting a NEPA review.

Unraveling the bureaucratic jargon of the letter to the city, what the two groups said following their review of documents turned in by the city was that during the three years it had to do so, Milton could not provide sufficient evidence that its plans, including running the sewer line through sensitive wetlands and under the Blackwater River, would not present a threat to the environment.

Milton officials were put on notice the grants were in jeopardy by a Feb. 5 letter from OLDCC and EDA that indicated the city had already missed repeated previous deadlines to comply with the requirement for a NEPA assessment and further delays could not be tolerated.

"There is insufficient time to extend these deadlines further," the letter said, setting a March 1 deadline that was nonetheless extended until May.

While both city and Whiting Field officials told the Pensacola News Journal in February that a NEPA assessment had been conducted, the letter from the federal authorities said that they had reviewed only one environmental assessment to date. That one, it said, was conducted on behalf of Save Blackwater River, a group that has opposed the site of the proposed wastewater treatment plant.

In a news release following the announcement that the grants had been lost, the city stated that despite the setback, its "efforts to enhance crucial infrastructure continues unabated. "

Significant progress has been made, the release said, on a related city project to extend pipeline six miles from the existing downtown Milton plant, which is near capacity and continues to release effluent directly into the Blackwater River.

The release said the city has laid two miles of pipeline from the downtown plant as far as South Airport Road, with plans to ultimately extend it another four miles to an intermediate storage system within the Santa Rosa Industrial Park. From there, the effluent will be routed to new city spray fields for final disposal.

A permit issued in late March by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection gave the city the go ahead to construct two spray fields on property it owns on Jeff Ates Road. City documents indicate Milton officials have obtained the required NEPA review to install the pipeline to Santa Rosa Industrial Park as well as utilize the intermediate storage system and make use of the spray fields.

The storage system and initial spray fields have all been designed, engineered and permitted, and are fully funded, the release said. Milton Public Works Director Joe Cook said the work on extending the pipeline has been halted after state appropriated funding had run out. He said the city is presently "looking for a change order" to amend the scope of the construction project and continue work.

Just prior to the permit for the spray field construction being issued, the city had withdrawn its permit application to DEP to establish rapid infiltration basin systems (RIBS) on a 97-acre tract in an area that has long been opposed by Save Blackwater River.

After the grants were rescinded, Save Blackwater River and another local organization, Milton Concerned Citizens, petitioned the county to take back the land it had provided the city of Milton to create its RIB system.

County commissioners, though, have adopted a watch and see attitude.

Commissioner Colten Wright said he's heard little from the city, with one nugget of information seemingly indicating relief to be out from under federal scrutiny, which could free things up to move faster toward achieving its goals. He said he would welcome the quickened pace.

"From my standpoint, every day that goes by that we're not moving forward, effluent is going into the Blackwater River in violation of DEP requirements," he said.

County Commissioner Kerry Smith, into whose district the new wastewater treatment plant would be built said he's heard very little about the status of the sewage treatment plant.

"I'm not going to dig too hard for information," he said. "I just say to them, 'I wish you luck, I hope you're able to get this accomplished because we need it.' "

When permits for the spray fields were being considered by the state, two local water systems sounded an alarm about their location due to their proximity to drinking water wells within the county's established Well Field Protection Zone.

The Midway Water System Board of Directors cited fears that so-called "forever chemicals" could threaten drinking water if the city deposits effluent, including that coming from treated wastewater originating at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, to the ground in areas within the Wellfield Protection Zone.

The city news release said the city will seek a contractor "in the coming days" to construct the disposal system and soon thereafter Milton officials will reach out to contractors to determine the true cost of building a new sewage treatment plant.

Asked to explain the unavoidable delays the city had blamed for losing the federal grants, city officials, through public information officer Bethany Anderson, provided an emailed response.

"The project underwent significant adjustments, including a redesign from a RIB system to a Spray field system, along with the identification and purchase of land, and the design of the disposal system," the email said. "Rigorous studies and reports required by federal and state agencies were completed, and all public input received during the process was thoroughly addressed. Due to the strict deadlines associated with the grants, which could not be extended, the City ultimately ran out of time to address any additional requirements."

Construction of the transmission line from NAS Whiting Field has been placed on hold for the foreseeable future, according to the release.

"The funds previously allocated to this component will now be redirected to enhance our core infrastructure development," the release said. "While we aim to revisit the Whiting Field component in the future, our immediate focus is on effectively removing discharge from the Blackwater River and expanding the citys operational capacity to meet increasing service demands. This strategic realignment ensures the project remains on track, prioritizing crucial environmental protections."

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Milton wasterwater treatment plant loses $9 million in federal grants
Milwaukee candidate for Assembly seat criticized for voting only twice in recent elections

A Democratic candidate for a state Assembly seat has voted only twice since moving to the state in 2021, according to city and state records.

Jarrod Anderson, who is challenging state Rep. Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee), voted twice this year but not in other previous years, records show. Officials with the state Elections Commission and the city Election Commission confirmed his voting history.

The records say he did not cast a ballot in the last gubernatorial, U.S. Senate and Supreme Court elections, among others. He also missed the 2022 special mayoral elections.

Jarrod Anderson, candidate for state Assembly

"I knocked on thousands of doors for Democratic and Supreme Court candidates during elections when Anderson seemed to have sat it out," said Clancy, a Democratic socialist serving his first term representing the 19th District covering Milwaukee's east side and Bay View.

But in an interview this week, Anderson disputed the information provided by city and state officials. Anderson has the backing of Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.

He acknowledged that he didn't register to vote when he first moved to Milwaukee because he was dealing with his father's health issues. His father, who lives in Fargo, N.D., has a serious respiratory illness, and Anderson said there were concerns he might get COVID-19.

But Anderson, 31, a staff attorney for Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative, said he registered to vote in 2022 and has voted regularly since then.

"I have strong memories of voting with my wife, but I can't say with certainty that it's all of them (elections)," Anderson said. "I'm surprised to not see them on the rolls."

He said the records of his voting history are "confusing" and "frustrating."

Earlier, he said he was asked about his voting record during an endorsement interview with the Milwaukee Area Labor Council. But he said he assumed that the group was interested in why he had not registered and voted when he first moved here in 2021.

"I'm a health care attorney," Anderson said. "I know the value of voting. I'm a voter.  I know the importance of voting, and I want to spread that to folks as well."

Asked about Anderson's voting record, Clancy, 47, said he has voted throughout his life, noting that he even requested absentee ballots when he was in the Peace Corps.

Milwaukee County Supervisor Ryan Clancy provides testimony before the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors vote to enact a sales tax increase during a county board meeting at the Milwaukee County Courthouse in Milwaukee on Thursday.

Records show he did skip voting in at least one contest, the February primary election earlier this year. He said he was busy in Madison doing his job as a state lawmaker.

Clancy objected to Anderson's disputing the validity of state and city voting records.

"Questioning the validity of voting systems is not something that I think most Democrats do," he said.

Anderson dismissed the remarks by saying they were coming from a person who urged people not to vote for such Democrats as President Joe Biden, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore.

Anderson is referring to a pro-Palestinian video posted late last year on X, formerly Twitter, critical of the Israel-Hamas war. Several of those on the video say they will not support Biden, who has since dropped out of the presidential election, and Baldwin, who is running against Republican businessman Eric Hovde, or Moore.

Clancy said in the video: "I will not vote for any candidate supporting the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza," without naming any specific candidates, and later, "Free Palestine."

Clancy has said he will continue to discuss the issue if re-elected. He said he plans to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, Baldwin and Moore later this year.

Anderson, however, was reluctant to offer an opinion on the war in Gaza.

"I don't have a position," he said. "My focus of the campaign is focused entirely on Milwaukee. We have no jurisdiction over foreign affairs. And the more time we spend on that is the less time we spend on the issues that actually affect Milwaukee."

The Democratic primary for the 19th Assembly District will decide the winner of the seat. No Republicans registered to run in the liberal district.

Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 313-6684 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on X at @DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Assembly candidate criticized for voting only twice in recent elections
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman was not selected for the police chief job in Austin, Texas on Friday.

That comes after the Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced that they were moving forward with Lisa Davis, an assistant chief in Cincinnati. Norman was one of two finalists, along with Davis.

The Chief of Police is a critical position for any city and, as I've said since joining the City of Austin in early May, identifying a permanent police chief was a top priority for me, Broadnax said, according to the Austin American-Statesman. "I appreciate the invaluable feedback I've received, which has helped inform my decision. I have elected to move Chief Davis forward for confirmation."

In a statement, a Milwaukee Police Department spokesperson said they "wished to congratulate" Davis.

"The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) acknowledges Austins announcement and wishes to congratulate Lisa Davis," the police statement said. "As stated previously, Chief Normans commitment to the City of Milwaukee and the safety and well-being of all residents has remained steadfast. Chief Norman looks forward to continued service to this community."

The two had been named as finalists on July 16. In an interview that day, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said it would be a loss for the city if Norman left but added that he had "nothing but respect" for the chief.

If Norman had received the Austin position, he would have ended a four-year tenure as Milwaukee's top cop that began when he was named the departments acting chief in 2020 and permanent chief the next year.

Norman stressed community collaboration when answering questions in Austin

Last week marked the first time Norman spoke publicly about his interest in the Austin position. On Tuesday, he answered questions from reporters in Austin as the city hosted both finalists.

He referenced his experience in Milwaukee at times and also noted his role on the board of trustees of the Boys and Girls Club of Milwaukee when responding to a question about working with youth.

He was also asked what tools he could bring from Milwaukee to Austin and Norman emphasized community engagement as an interchangeable tool.

At one point, Norman said he was not new to the types of challenges that he would face in Austin.

The things Ive dealt with in regards to my respective department has been a labor of love, he said. But through collaboration, great team members, supportive community and the electeds, things can happen when we all work together.

Norman has long career with the Milwaukee Police Department

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman during the National Anthem at Mayor Cavalier Johnsons inauguration in the City Hall Rotunda at Milwaukee City Hall in Milwaukee on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Norman, a Milwaukee native, was hired in 1996 by the Milwaukee police and steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a lieutenant in the homicide unit and later a captain of District 3, which includes parts of the central city and west side.

In 2020, he became assistant chief and later that year was appointed as acting chief, following the retirement of another acting chief and the controversial removal of former chief Alfonso Morales in 2020.

The next year, Norman was named the chief of police for the department after a tumultuous 15-month search for the city. He was the second Black man to be named permanent police chief, after Arthur Jones, who was chief from 1996 to 2003.

Norman has emphasized community relations and led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, when crime rose across the country and in Milwaukee. He also worked with the mayors office to start the citys traffic safety unit, designed to reduce reckless driving in Milwaukee.

This year, crime in Milwaukee has largely dropped across many categories but still outpaces 2019 levels.

Skye Seipp of the Austin American-Statesmen staff contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman passed on for chief job in Austin, Texas
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A group of 21 states and more than 50 U.S. lawmakers on Friday backed the Justice Department in its defense of a law that requires China-based ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. assets by Jan. 19 or face a ban.

"TikTok is a threat to national security and consumer privacy," said a court filing led by the state attorneys general of Montana and Virginia. "Allowing TikTok to operate in the United States without severing its ties to the Chinese Communist Party exposes Americans to the risk of the Chinese Communist Party accessing and exploiting their data."

A group of more than 50 lawmakers led by U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican and chair of the House select China committee and the panel's top Democrat Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, said in a separate filing the law "provides a clear, achievable path for affected companies to resolve the pressing and non-hypothetical national security threats posed by their current ownership structures."

TikTok and parent company ByteDance and a group of TikTok creators have filed suits to block the law that could ban the app used by 170 million Americans.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia will hold oral arguments on the legal challenge on Sept. 16, putting the fate of TikTok in the middle of the final weeks of the 2024 presidential election.

The congressional filing was signed by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Republican, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Frank Pallone, top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee. "Congress acted not to punish ByteDance, but to protect national security," the lawmakers wrote.

TikTok said "these filings ignore the fact that Congress passed the TikTok ban with no record supporting the government's claims. Moreover, these filings do nothing to change the fact that the Constitution is on our side as the TikTok ban would violate the First Amendment rights of 170 million Americans who use TikTok."

Driven by worries among U.S. lawmakers that China could access data on Americans or spy on them with the app, the measure was passed overwhelmingly in the U.S. Congress in April just weeks after being introduced.

The Justice Department last week asked a U.S. appeals court to reject legal challenges to the law saying "the serious national-security threat posed by TikTok is real."

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Diane Craft and David Gregorio)
From left to right: Katie Jones, Will Stancil and Isabel Rolfes spoke to voters in House District 61A. All three are seeking to replace Rep. Frank Hornstein in the Minnesota House. Photos by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer.

A Democratic primary race for a Minnesota House seat could help answer a puzzling question: Is Twitter  or X, as its now known  real life?

Will Stancil, a University of Minnesota legal researcher and candidate in 61A, is also a prolific X.com poster who has become one of the platforms most well-known pugilists, regularly opining on authoritarianism, the economy and the modern conservative movement.

Katie Jones and Isabel Rolfes, also candidates in the 61A primary, have taken a Midwestern nice approach and refrained from openly attacking Stancil for his provocative tweets. In one post after the U.S. Supreme Courts presidential immunity ruling, Stancil wrote and then later deleted, Is there any reason Biden couldnt just drone strike Trump and end this. (Stancil in a text message said the tweet was meant as a legal question about the [decisions] absence of any limiting principle.)

Jones has a record of working on climate and transit policy in the district. Rolfes is the legislative aide to House Majority Leader Jamie Long, DFL-Minneapolis.

Stancil, meanwhile, is quick to emphasize his focus on local issues like housing and economic development and his offline grassroots operation. Still, the prospect of a highly charged, nationally known Twitter personality in the Minnesota DFL House caucus looms over the race, which has attracted lots of money and volunteers.

Jones, Rolfes and Stancil are seeking to replace Rep. Frank Hornstein, the venerated legislator, who is known around the Capitol for his joyous presence and major policy footprint on transportation issues.

House District 61A is a deep blue Minneapolis district, which includes Uptown, Loring Park, Bryn Mawr, Lowry Hill, East Isles, Elliot Park and part of downtown Minneapolis. Whoever wins the primary election is likely to win the general election in November, so the stakes are high for the three candidates  all of whom are under 40. The winner, unburdened by difficult reelection campaigns, will be well positioned to rapidly become an important policy playmaker in the caucus.

Hornstein has refrained from endorsing a successor, and no candidate received the DFL endorsement at the Minneapolis DFL convention.

At the Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church earlier this month, Jones, Rolfes and Stancil attempted to differentiate themselves from one another.

They avoided negative attacks, but Jones and Rolfes verbally subtweeted Stancil, seemingly criticizing his Twitter presence while not calling him out by name.

What we say on (social media) has consequence  When were in elected office, what we say holds more weight and we have to take that responsibility very seriously, Jones said during the candidate forum.

Rolfes added: We do need to be really careful and cognizant about what were posting. The DFL is a team. If one person says something on social media, it affects the entire party and our ability to govern.

Stancils face visibly reddened during the remarks about his online presence, but the message didnt appear to land among the forum attendees, many of whom may not have been aware of his Twitter celebrity or his boisterous virtual persona.

Stancils Twitter has also caused his primary opponents to bear the brunt of online vitriol.

Shortly after Hornstein announced his retirement, Jones started getting harassed on Twitter. Full-on Nazis sought to make trouble for Stancil by pretending they were his supporters. They went after Jones in an attempt to associate Stancil with Nazism and white supremacy, and attacked Rolfes as well.

An independent expenditure committee  United 61A Neighbors  registered with the state recently with the apparent goal of defeating Stancil in the primary.

In its pre-primary campaign finance report, United 61A Neighbors reported receiving a lone $3,000 donation from the Unidos We Win Pac.

Will Stancil is busy chasing Twitter clout when he should be listening to our communities. We deserve better from our elected leaders, the group said.

The 5th Congressional District primary  featuring U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar against former Minneapolis City Councilman Don Samuels  could drive up turnout, but the winner will likely be the candidate with the most effective door knocking operation.

Heres what you need to know about the Democratic candidates running for House District 61A:

Katie Jones

Jones is a lobbyist with the nonprofit Center for Energy and Environment. For the past few years, shes lobbied at the Capitol on energy conservation and, in 2023, she worked with Hornstein to include carbon emission reduction policy in his transportation bill.

Jones, 36, is from a small town in rural Indiana, and she said shes running because she values getting things done and advocating for her community.

I care about people and the planet and about standing up for this community and showing up for this community, Jones told the Reformer in a recent interview.

Jones ran for Minneapolis City Council in 2021, but she lost to now-Council Vice President Aisha Chughtai.

In her pre-primary campaign finance report, Jones reported receiving over $60,000 in donations this year, and as of July 22 she had about $17,000 cash on hand. Jones has been endorsed by Faith in Minnesota  ISAIAHs political arm  and Attorney General Keith Ellison.

If elected, her top issues include public safety, supporting Minneapolis public schools and reimagining how downtowns emptied out office space can be utilized. She also wants to create incentives to bring people and businesses back to downtown and Uptown.

Jones touts her experience getting deep in the weeds of drafting legislation and creating policy.

We can do big, bold things in Minnesota, Jones said, but in a practical and measured way that Minnesotans can get on board with, and so thats the type of leadership that I want to bring.

Isabel Rolfes

Rolfes, 25, was born in India and adopted at four months. She grew up in Brainerd and graduated from the University of St. Thomas. She has worked for various DFL campaigns, including the 2022 Senate campaign that delivered the DFL a one-seat majority.

Shes received the greatest number of endorsements from state lawmakers, including Reps. Kaela Berg of Burnsville, Sandra Feist of New Brighton and Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten of St. Paul. House Majority Leader Jamie Long and Minneapolis Sen. Scott Dibble  who represents the district in the Senate  havent endorsed Rolfes or any other candidate.

Rolfes said her top issues include education, climate and infrastructure. She said shes uniquely qualified because shes personally helped write bills as Longs legislative aide (although Jones says she also has this experience).

I actually taught a lot of freshmen members last cycle how to get their bills passed, Rolfes told the Reformer. Because Ive taught a handful of people how to do that job, I know that I can do that job day one.

Rolfes has raised over $42,000 in donations this year and had nearly $11,000 cash on hand as of last week. Rolfes said she believes she can unify the district, as it includes both progressive and moderate Democrats.

If youre an incredibly far-left person elected to the House, youre not going to make the entire House caucus further left, Rolfes said.

Will Stancil

Stancil is a scholar of racial segregation at the University of Minnesota, and he has over 88,000 followers on Twitter. Stancil says the majority of the districts voters are unaware of his online reputation.

The 39-year-old said hes running because hes seen how Uptown has struggled in the 15 years hes lived in the city, and hes become disheartened about Minneapolis Public Schools losing enrollment. Hes also troubled with the state of the nations politics.

2016 to 2020 was nightmare-ish. I laid awake every night, and I felt scared to death about Donald Trump. Hopefully this wont happen again, but if it does it would be really nice to be somewhere where I can at least speak up and try to keep people safe. You know, say Cant touch my neighbors, cant come here, Stancil told the Reformer.

Hes endorsed by Carpenters Local 322 and former Minneapolis City Councilwoman Lisa Goodman, who was regarded as the councils most conservative member when she retired.

Stancils online presence has likely helped his fundraising: He has raised the most money compared to his primary opponents, earning over $92,000 this year with over $50,000 cash on hand as of last week.

Stancil said his top issues include public education, supporting businesses and protecting civil rights.

He acknowledged that if he is elected, he would turn stuff down on his Twitter and engage with his followers differently. Asked if hes concerned his Twitter could become a liability for the House DFL caucus in November if he wins the primary, Stancil said, You can take anything out of context.
Volunteers push a boy on a wheelchair at a relief camp after landslides hit several villages in Wayanad district, in Meppadi

Volunteers push a boy on a wheelchair at a relief camp after landslides hit several villages in Wayanad district, in Meppadi

By Munsif Vengattil, Krishn Kaushik and Chris Thomas

CHOORALMALA, India (Reuters) - With a steeply pitched tiled roof piercing misty green hills in southern India and a stream gushing through rocks nearby, the Stone House Bungalow was one of the most popular resorts in the Wayanad area of Kerala state.

It was empty when two landslides early on Tuesday washed away the 30-year-old stone building: staff and tourists had left after rain flooded its kitchen a few days earlier.

But neighbouring dwellings in Mundakkai village were occupied and 205 people, almost all locals, were killed and scores are missing. Tourists had been warned to leave the day earlier because of the rain.

Local authorities are now counting the cost of the disaster and questioning whether the rapid development of a tourism industry was to blame for the tragedy. Weather-related disasters are not unusual in India, but the landslides in Kerala state this week were the worst since about 400 people were killed in floods there in 2018.

Mundakkai, the area worst affected by the landslides, was home to some 500 local families. It and neighbouring villages housed nearly 700 resorts, homestays and zip-lining stations attracting trekkers, honeymooners and tourists looking to be close to nature, a local official said. Cardamom and tea estates dotted the hills.

((For a Graphics version of this story click here))

Experts said they had seen Tuesday's disaster coming for years and several government reports in the past 13 years had warned that over-development in the ecologically sensitive areas would increase the risk of landslides and other environmental disasters such as floods by blocking natural water flows. The warnings were largely ignored or lost in bureaucratic wrangling.

A fast-growing India is rapidly building infrastructure across the country, especially in its tourist destinations, including the ecologically fragile Himalayan foothills in the north where there has been a rise in cave-ins and landslides.

Just three weeks before the latest disaster, Kerala state Tourism Minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas said in the local legislature in answer to a question that Wayanad was "dealing with an influx of more people than it can handle, a classic example of a place facing the problem of over-tourism".

The area is just six hours by road from Bengaluru, India's tech hub, and is a favoured weekend destination for the city's wealthy IT professionals.

However, officials were unable to share any documentary evidence with Reuters of resorts and tourist facilities flouting building regulations, although they said some had done so.

Noorudheen, part of Stone House's managing staff who goes by one name, said no government or village authority had warned the management against building or operating a resort there.

There was no sign that the landslides were directly caused by over-development. Residents said regions higher up in the hills were loosened by weeks of heavy rain and an unusually heavy downpour on Monday night led to rivers of mud, water and boulders crashing downhill, sweeping away settlements and people.

But experts said the unbridled development had worsened the situation by removing forest cover that absorbs rain and blocking natural runoffs.

"Wayanad is no stranger to such downpours," said N. Badusha, head of Wayanad Prakruthi Samrakshana Samiti, a local environment protection NGO.

"Unchecked tourism activity in Wayanad is the biggest factor behind worsening such calamities. Tourism has entered ecologically sensitive fragile areas where it was not supposed to be."

SURGE IN TOURISM

Wayanad received more than 1 million domestic and foreign tourists last year, nearly triple the number in 2011 when a federal government report warned against over-development in the broader mountain range the district lies in, without clearly spelling out the consequences.

"The geography is really too fragile to accommodate all that," K. Babu, a senior village council official in Mundakkai, said in his office this week as he coordinated rescue efforts. "Tourism is doing no good to the area...the tourism sector was never this active."

A Wayanad district disaster management report in 2019 warned against "mindless development carried out in recent decades by destroying hills, forests, water bodies and wetlands".

"Deforestation and reckless commercial interventions on land have destabilised the environment," Wayanad's then top official, Ajay Kumar, wrote after landslides in the district that year killed at least 14 people.

Reuters reached out to the Wayanad district head, its disaster management authority, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office and the federal environment ministry seeking comment but there were no responses.

Mundakkai used to be a small village sitting on the eastern slope of one of the forested green hills of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to nearly the entire length of India's western coast for 1,600 km (1,000 miles).

Rashid Padikkalparamban, a 30-year-old Mundakkai native who lost six family members including his father to the landslides, said that the place came to the attention of outsiders mainly after 2019 and turned it into a major tourist attraction.

"They discovered a beautiful region full of tea and cardamom plantations, and a river that swept through it," he said at a school-turned-relief camp.

Many locals sold their lands to outsiders, who then built tourist retreats in the area, he said.

'GOD'S OWN COUNTRY'

Kerala, a sliver of land between the Western Ghat mountains to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west, is one of the most scenic states in India, and is advertised as "God's Own Country".

But it has witnessed nearly 60% of the 3,782 landslides in India between 2015 and 2022, the federal government told parliament in July 2022.

Studying the ecological sensitivity of the Western Ghats, a federal government-appointed committee said in 2011: "It has been torn asunder by the greed of the elite and gnawed at by the poor, striving to eke out a subsistence. This is a great tragedy, for this hill range is the backbone of the ecology and economy of south India."

The committee, headed by ecologist Madhav Gadgil, recommended barring mining, no new rail lines or major roads or highways in such areas, and restrictions on development in protected areas that it mapped out. For tourism, it said only minimal impact tourism should be promoted with strict waste management, traffic and water use regulations.

State governments, including Kerala, did not accept the report, and a new committee was set up, which in 2013 reduced the overall protected area from 60% of the mountain range to 37%.

But all the states along the mountain range wanted to reduce the protected area even further, minutes of successive meetings until 2019 show. The federal government issued drafts to implement the recommendations for all stakeholders, but is yet to issue a final order.

Gadgil told Reuters his committee had "specifically recommended that in ecologically highly sensitive areas there should be no further human interventions, such as reconstruction".

"The government, of course, decided to ignore our report," he said, because tourism is a cash cow.

Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan dismissed questions about the Gadgil recommendations, telling reporters his focus was on relief and rehabilitation and asking people to not "raise inappropriate propaganda in the face of this tragedy".

While experts bemoan tourism-led development, locals like Mundakkai's Padikkalparamban said it brought jobs to an area that did not have many options earlier.

"After the plantation estates, resorts are the second biggest job-generating sector in the area now," he said.

But K.R. Vancheeswaran, president of the Wayanad Tourism Organisation that has some 60 resorts and homestays as members but none in the vicinity of the landslides, said the industry needed to take some of the blame.

"If human activities are going to be unbearable to nature, nature will unleash its power and we will not be able to withstand it," Vancheeswaran said. "We have had to pay a very, very high price, so let us try to learn from it."

(Reporting by Munsif Vengattil in Chooralmala, Krishn Kaushik in New Delhi and Chris Thomas in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna N. Das and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
(BCN)  A 20-year-old man was injured in a shooting in San Franciscos Mission District on Thursday night, according to police. The shooting was reported at 9:13 p.m. in the area of 22nd and Bartlett streets.

BART extension to Silicon Valley gets $5 billion federal boost

The victim took himself to a hospital to be treated for injuries that are not considered life-threatening, San Francisco police said. Investigators have not made an arrest or released any suspect details in connection with the shooting.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the SFPD tip line at (415) 575-4444 or to send a tip by text message to TIP411 with SFPD at the start of the message.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Mississippi has seen a recent rise in COVID-19 cases, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).

When people get around together, you know, you have a lot of summer activities, people hanging out together. Thats where it comes from because its transferred from person to person, said Greg Flynn, media relations director for MSDH.

Despite the recent bump in cases, hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain low in Mississippi. Symptoms are noticeably mild for those who have been vaccinated.

We all remember what happened when COVID first came out and emergency rooms and hospitals and intensive care units were full of patients presenting with COVID testing positive for COVID. Were not seeing that any longer because I think a lot of people did take advantage of the vaccines, stated Flynn.

Can you still get COVID tests for free?

A new COVID-19 vaccine that protects against the JN.1 strain of the virus will roll out this fall. Pharmacists said its important to stay up to date on new vaccines and get vaccinated once a year.

It is important to get the latest available COVID vaccine that is out there. And thats actually because, over several months, the effectiveness of that vaccine tends to wane. And so, you want to make sure that youre protecting yourself and by building up your immune system, said Dr. Andrew Clark, a pharmacist at Northtown Pharmacy in Ridgeland.

MSDH officials said students should also take precautions against both COVID-19 and the flu as they head back to school. If your child is feeling sick, its best to keep them at home.

Make sure that you cover your coughs, cover your sneezes, use the hand sanitizer, wash your hands. Dont put your hands up to your mouth to where it can get into your mouth or into your nose, said Flynn.

Mississippians are encouraged to wear a mask if theyre immunocompromised or not feeling well.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
ELLISVILLE, Mo.  The Missouri Attorney Generals Office has launched an investigation into a reported incident of gym goers locker room usage at the Life Time Fitness gym in Ellisville.

The Missouri Attorney General announced the investigation Friday morning after receiving multiple notifications about an incident involving the womens locker room of the gym. The investigation appears to be connected with the gender identity of a gym goer.

A spokesperson for Life Time Fitness tells FOX 2 that the gym goer is a member and has presented an state-issued drivers license identifying as a woman.

We cannot deny or discriminate on the basis of sex. Therefore, the member is to use Life Times womens locker room, said Life Time Fitness partially in a statement to FOX 2.

In a notice of the investigation, Bailey contends that the gym goer was born a male. He argues the investigation is a matter of public safety and legal compliance.

As Attorney General, I will vigorously defend and enforce Missouris laws, said Bailey partially in his announcement of the investigation. You face both potential criminal and civil liabilities, and you can expect to receive civil investigative demands from my office in short order. If you insist on endangering women and young girls in our state, in open defiance of the law, be assured you will face the consequences.

Bailey cited Missouri statute 569.140 while announcing the investigation, arguing the presence of a male in a female public restroom constitutes criminal trespass.

Following Baileys announcement of the investigation, crowds have gathered outside the gym, some with signs demonstrating their thoughts on the situation.

Life Time Fitness addressed the investigation with this statement, in full:

At Life Time, we recognize that there are varying opinions regarding locker room access. As a company, we are committed to following the law in every area we operate with respect to public accommodation. When members join Life Time, we review state-issued IDs to confirm their identity. The State of Missouri provides a mechanism for an individual to change their gender designation on their state-issued drivers license. In this instance, the member presented a state-issued drivers license identifying as female and, based on Missouri laws, we cannot deny or discriminate on the basis of sex. Therefore, the member is to use Life Times womens locker room.

Life Time is committed to providing safe, welcoming and respectful environments. To the extent we receive reports of conduct inconsistent with our club policies, we review and address them. We encourage members who believe theyve experienced a policy violation to inform a member of our club management team and, as appropriate, contact local authorities. The safety and security of our members and guests is paramount.

Missouri State Rep. Justin Sparks (R-Wildwood) raised attention Thursday morning to the situation now part of the Attorney Generals investigation, citing safety and privacy concerns.

Robert Fischer, a communications director for Missouris LGBTQ+ public policy and advocacy organization known as PROMO, offered the following statement to FOX 2:

Today, we saw a freshman legislator blatantly use a womans body and livelihood as a campaign stunt for his re-election campaign only days away from the Missouri Primary. If Rep. Sparks was actually concerned about protecting women, hed introduce bills meant to help women facing intimate partner violence, hed help address the pay gap facing women in Missouri, and he would not be against Missourians right to abortion healthcare. His actions today reminded us of one thing  its election season and politicians will say anything to gain your vote, even if it means hurting people.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
BARRY COUNTY, Mo.  A jury convicts a Monett man for killing his father.



Wednesday, it took the jury less than three hours to convict Michael Creekmore, 28, of first-degree murder and armed criminal action. This follows a three-day trial in Barry County.

FOUR STATES CRIME

Immediately following the verdict, Creekmores lawyer filed two separate motions to have the verdict vacated. The judge denied both motions.

Creekmore is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10.

The charges stem from an incident in 2022 when police responded to a residence in Monett. There they found Robert Creekmore, 50, laying dead in the street from multiple gunshot wounds. Michael Creekmore turned himself in to officers, saying he shot his father, after his father got physical with him.

Investigators seized a handgun at the home and said Michael fired 19 rounds from a 9 millimeter.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Misty Noel, wife of embattled former Clark County, Indiana sheriff Jamey Noel, has filed for divorce as the pair of them and their daughter await their trial dates on multiple felony charges in connection with an ongoing Indiana State Police investigation.

According to court records, the filing was submitted to the court Thursday, stating the two have been separated since April 1. The filing comes amid allegations Jamey did not report on tax forms $25,000 in child support payments for a child he fathered with former Clark County councilwoman Brittney Ferree. In other documents, police suspect Jamey and Ferree traveled to New York, New Orleans and Tampa on plane trips that were paid for by funds from a volunteer fire department Jamey led at the time.

More about the Noel investigation: Cincinnati Reds tickets among items Noel family spent public funds on, new documents show

Jamey faces 31 felony charges, including theft, tax evasion and corrupt business influence, while Misty faces five charges of theft and five charges of tax evasion. Indiana State Police investigators allege Jamey, Misty and their daughter Kasey, who also faces charges of theft and tax evasion, used thousands of dollars in public funds to pay for various personal items, including clothing, jewelry and household goods.

All three have pleaded not guilty to their charges. Jury trials for Jamey and Misty are scheduled for Fall 2024, while Kasey's lawyer filed a motion Thursday to push back an Aug. 20 trial.

Ferree, the former councilwoman who police investigators suspect had a relationship with Noel, has not been charged with a crime.

Jamey has been in custody in a Scott County, Indiana, jail since April 9. A judge gave him a 60-day sentence for being in contempt of court for violating the terms of a bond issued in November. Before the 60-day period would have expired in June, Judge Larry Medlock raised his bond from $75,000 to $1.5 million, meaning Jamey would have to pay just over $1.4 million to be released, The Courier Journal previously reported.

More news: Former Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear recovering following car crash. What we know

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Jamey Noel case: Misty Noel files for divorce
A look back at coronavirus coverage

COVID-19 feels like ancient history, but its effects linger  including what the pandemic did to citizens trust in media. Ben and Nayeema discuss the distrust that came out of the coronavirus pandemic and dig into the role that the media played. They talk to the man who became the center of media scrutiny during the peak of the crisis: Dr. Anthony Fauci, who recently came out with his memoir, On Call: A Doctors Journey in Public Service. Then for Blindspots, they check in with Donald McNeil Jr., the health and science reporter behind whose voice became a fixture of The Daily during the pandemic.

If you have a tip or a comment, email us mixedsignals@semafor.com

Find us on X: @semaforben, @nayeema @maxwelltani or on Instagram @nayeemaraza

Sign up for Semafor Medias Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media

Mixed Signals from Semafor Media is presented by Think with Google

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Full Episode Transcript

Nayeema Raza: A lot of this Monday-night quarterbacking, we forget what the pandemic was actually like.

Ben Smith: I dont want to be that guy, but its Monday-morning quarterbacking. The games are on Sundays.

Nayeema: Arent there also games on Monday night?

Ben: Monday nights. Yes, thats the source of confusion.

Nayeema: Theres also Friday night. Theres just something every night.

Ben: How long have you lived here?

Nayeema: I dont know. Not that long.

[MUSIC]

Ben: Im Ben Smith.

Nayeema: Nayeema Raza.

Ben: And this is Mixed Signals from SEMA four Media.

Nayeema: Theres some genuinely great news today, as were taping this on Thursday. Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich and others are coming home in a prisoner swap with the Kremlin, with Moscow.

Ben: Yeah. I think Evans many friends in New York media are so relieved and happy to see this, as Im sure as Paul Whelans family and so many others who have been eager to get these folks out. And Evan was just incredibly brave and public through this experience, and many journalists have been corresponding with him from jail. And just an unusually straightforwardly happy day. But today actually on this show, were going to be looking backward at some darker times.

Nayeema: Yes, were going to be talking about COVID. And I know its 2024 and not 2020, but the pandemic is such an important point, it is seared into the collective memories of people and the experiences of their own lives. But also as a point of departure for trust in so many institutions, including in journalism.

Ben: Its in some ways a classic reason people dont trust the media, which is we get things wrong. And particularly in these moments of absolute chaos in which we were calling sources who didnt know any more than we did, and were calling us to try to figure out what was going on, that gets reflected in all sorts of conflicting chaotic media reports, many of them wrong, occasionally manipulated by government or private actors. But way more often just a product of the chaos of the moment. And then you can look back at that kind of chaos, and this is really true across all sorts of journalism, and you can kind of impose a conspiracy theory, you can impose an intention, and what really often is much more likely to be incompetence than malice.

Nayeema: The more Veep than Scandal, is...

Ben: Yes.

Nayeema: ... kind of what youre talking about.

Ben: And thats always the story.

Nayeema: I think there was a lot of clamp down of conversation, of scientific debate, and even of question asking actually in this time, that was a very fearful time. And while theres been a lot of effort by the media and certainly by political opponents, to kind of investigate and tear the paperwork apart to find out the mistakes that government made at every turn, theres been very little examination by the media, I think of our own mistakes, mishaps, what we didnt know, and if we said that we didnt know enough. And I think the failure to do that has created this vacuum that has been filled with a lot of people that dont have necessarily... You know? All in guys kind of looking back at COVID, and we thought, okay, well we should actually as journalists, take a moment, take a beat, and look back at this moment with somebody whos usually having to answer the tough questions. Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Ben: Yeah, our own congressional hearings here, but were on the stand.

Nayeema: Were on the stand. We didnt let him ask us enough questions if thats the case.

Ben: Yeah, thats true.

Nayeema: All right, lets take a quick break, and well be back with Dr. Anthony Fauci.

[MUSIC]

Nayeema: All right, Ben, in a moment were going to call up Dr. Anthony Fauci, who served as the director of the National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases from 1984 to 2022. He doesnt need much of an introduction, but in those 38 years of public service, he worked with 10 different administrations, seven different presidents, working on responses from HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and Zika. And hes probably best known as being the face of the coronavirus response, when he became really a lightning rod that was loved by liberals, detested by conservatives. And he documents all of this in this latest memoir,. What did you think of the book, Ben?

Ben: I was surprised how little it was about COVID, honestly. It was a real attempt to step back and reintroduce himself, explain himself, I thought, in a way. What did you think?

Nayeema: The other thing that featured in it was just his role as a communicator. How much of his job is to one, practice medicine, he keeps on kind of explaining that his job is to save lives, and two, to communicate, to calm the public. And he had done that so effectively through many administrations and many decades. The weirdest thing to me about the book was that historically he and the administration have been on the same side and the press has almost been on the other side of the equation. And in the Trump administration that kind of changed. He and Trump were at odds a lot of the time and the media was more empathetic to him.

Ben: Yeah, there was an impulse just to take the authority of sources seriously. I suppose its probably what covering the Catholic Church was like in the Middle Ages.

Nayeema: Do you think the media became a mouthpiece for-

Ben: Just sort of take the authority. Well, sometimes you should be a mouthpiece when somebody says this is a lifesaving drug and people should take it. Its appropriate for the media to say the doctors say X. Right?

Nayeema: Yeah. I do think that there was not, and I felt throughout COVID that there was not enough discussion. Early on, I was like, Oh, a lab leak theory? That seems kind of interesting. And Marc Lipsitch from Harvard was talking a lot about it, and I thought the shutdown on that conversation was really interesting.

Ben: There was some sense where the media felt obliged to kind of patrol the conversation to keep crazy dangerous stuff at bay. And where they drew that line was often no conversation was permitted.

Nayeema: Theres a million things we could talk to Dr. Fauci about, but I really think the focus should be on the media and how did he think about using the media to communicate to audiences, to circle Trump, if at all. So well ask him about that and about a lot more.

[MUSIC]

Nayeema: Dr. Fauci, thanks for being here with us. Its really good to see you again.

Dr. Anthony Fauci My pleasure. Good to be with You.

Nayeema: And congratulations on the book.

Dr. Fauci: Thank you.

Nayeema: Theres something really interesting that your book documents a historical perspective, which is that yours was an apolitical position, and yet the job became highly politicized. When do you think it became politicized? Was it under the Trump administration only, or did it precede that?

Dr. Fauci: That is really a great question. There was always political differences. As you remember in the memoir, I talk about when there was a problem with a vaccine during the Bush administration, the Democrats started criticizing them as being incompetent. When there was a problem with vaccines being ready for the pandemic of 2009, the Republicans started saying that was Obamas Katrina. There was always that throwing some digs at the other party.

But what happened and was crystallized during COVID and the Trump administration, was the profound degree of divisiveness. So I explained in the memoir, all along from the very beginning, the diversity of political opinions and ideology, from center, center left, center right, far left, far right, there was always that kind of diversity. But it was always in the context of civility, respect for each other, and respect for institutions. What culminated in the Trump administration, and I dont blame this at all completely on Trump. It just happened during the Trump administration. I think he threw some gasoline on the fire, but I dont think he created it, was that that diversity of opinion became divisiveness, where there was actually hostility, vitriol, and ad hominem.

Nayeema: What youre describing as public health goes from being a political football to being a weapon. And the book itself, the reception has been that. You hear Rachel Maddow called it fascinating, she talked about critics being against you because you quote, represent expertise. The New York Post was focused on what they saw as you reversing course, agreeing that there were mistakes made on schools. Fox News focused not on the book, but on the congressional testimony that dovetailed pretty closely in June with the book where you were asked about the lab leak theory. So do you think that peoples opinions of you are framed or that this book has shifted something?

Dr. Fauci: I dont know. I cant answer that question, because Im not in the minds of people. I think if people read the book trying to have an open mind, they may take a different perspective on me, possibly. But most of the time people would come in with a completely closed mind. I mean, you look at the Wall Street Journal review of the book, it was ludicrous. I mean, come on, give me a break. They hated the book before they opened the first page of the book. Theres no doubt about that. And I think that merely is a reflection of the divisiveness in our society. I mean, its a perfect reflection of that. I doubt that People reviewed the book, they even read the book.

Ben: Well, we read it, sir. So, yeah.

Dr. Fauci: I know you read it, but-

Ben: We do our best. But I have to admit, I did flip to the end. I kind of was like, Wheres the COVID? Wheres the COVID?.

Dr. Fauci: Yeah. See, thats a problem.

Ben: But then I went back. I went back.

Nayeema: I was interested in the love story too, I have to say.

Dr. Fauci: Well, good. Because its a good love story, I think. But Ben, you are right. People do quickly look at the last two chapters. COVID under Trump was one year of my 83 years, and one year of my 54 years in public service.

Ben: I bet it felt like more than a year though.

Dr. Fauci: Well, yeah, it felt like more than a year. But if you read the book in the context only of COVID and the fact that I was put in the position in order to preserve my own professional integrity, and my responsibility to the American public, to have to publicly disagree with the President of the United States, because what he was saying quite frankly was not true. I felt I had to do that. And what that did is that unleashed a tsunami of hostility towards me on the part of the people who were the devout followers of Trump. Interestingly, if you read the book carefully, Trump did not get angry with me at first. He constantly tried to keep the relationship good, and he kept on saying, whenever we would finish a conversation, even when he would yell at me, he would say, Were okay, Tony, arent we? Were good?

Nayeema: He would in fact tell you he loved you.

Dr. Fauci: Yeah, exactly. Because I think he felt uncomfortable about fighting with me.

Nayeema: Do you think he did love you?

Dr. Fauci: Well, he used that word lightly. You know, when you say, I love you, its not like I really love you. Its like, I dont hate you.

Nayeema: Yeah. I presume you never set it back.

Dr. Fauci: No.

Ben: Did you find there was a flip side of that coin? Which was that in this polarized society, a lot of people on the other side put you on coffee cups and really, really deeply idolized you, and kind of turned you into this oppositional figure to everything they hated. Was that nice or did that make you uncomfortable too?

Dr. Fauci: No. I mean, what I tried to do, and I think successfully, was to focus on my mission. And my mission and my goal was to preserve and protect the health of the American public, as a physician, a scientist, and a public health official. If you focus on that, the extremes are just noise, and just the way Marjorie Taylor Greene says, Im a criminal, I should be in jail. Thats as far off the wall as somebody saying, Im the sexiest man alive and I have a donut thats made with my image on it. Both of those extremes are ludicrous. So if I even focused and concentrated and took seriously either of those extremes, I would be distracted from what I should be doing. So I didnt pay attention to either of those. I just paid attention to what my job was.

Ben: One thing, reading your book, we talked a lot about media on this show. I was struck by the extent to which your job in your career has always involved communicating with the media, and really specifically with COVID, your story. You first learned of it when a reporter calls you on January 1st. You were really shocked when you saw a photo of huge Chinese field hospitals in the media. But I also think were living in such a changed media environment from the one that you had come up in. And Im curious through this process, what you feel you learned about us in some sense, and maybe what surprised you, what you feel you got wrong about this very strange new media world were all living in?

Dr. Fauci: Well, it wasnt necessarily something that got wrong. It was a realization that the media that I was dealing with in the early 1980s, mid 1980s early... was prior to social media. And even though there were differences in media that leaned one way or the other, it was always quite well edited. So if something came out, it wasnt just somebody sitting in their basement in their bathrobe, putting something on social media that then goes viral. It usually had a responsible writer who ran something by an editor. And then it came out in the news. Thats much, much different than this completely unedited social media where something that is egregiously incorrect gets thrown out, and all of a sudden you find yourself in a funny position.

I wouldnt say funny, thats the wrong word. In a disturbing position, of living in an arena of the normalization of untruths. Where theres so much untruth out there that the general public shrugs their shoulders and say, We cant figure out whats true. And when you cant figure out whats true, then you get an erosion of the social order, and an erosion even of the democratic process. So thats the thing that has struck me thats different from the media, if you want to call it that, today and what it was in the 1980s.

Nayeema: Can you talk about how the changed media environment shifted incentives for you as a communicator? I mean, we live in a kind of shorter attention span world, nuance is hard to come across, especially on social media. Do you think that it made the public health messaging more reductive or more black and white than it needed to be?

Dr. Fauci: Well, I dont know. I think it made it more confusing, because there were so many variations of the message. One of the things that people find hard to believe, I dont engage in social media. I have never tweeted anything in my life, ever.

Nayeema: But youve been clipped millions of times.

Dr. Fauci: I have, but I have never tweeted anything in my life.

Ben: Do you have a secret account though, where you lurk?

Dr. Fauci: I have no account. I have zero. I have no social media accounts.

Ben: Doesnt that put you at a disadvantage?

Dr. Fauci: No. I just think its a cesspool of untruth.

Nayeema: But arent you also cutting yourself off from the people that you need to reach the most, maybe?

Dr. Fauci: No, no. I mean, when I was director of the institute, the communications group used to get messages out on social media. But I personally have never engaged in social media. I think its a waste of time. I mean, I got so busy, I was sleeping four hours a night in the middle of the crises. I wouldnt have time to drink water and go to sleep, much less start tweeting things.

Nayeema: Elon Musk who runs Twitter now, acts, youve been the subject of two of his top 40 tweets, if you were to rank them in terms of engagement. One was that the public panic over the coronavirus is quote, dumb, in March of 2020. He mentioned that not specific to you. Later on in December of 2022, he said his pronouns were, prosecute Fauci.

Dr. Fauci: Yeah.

Nayeema: Which kind of captured a lot of the anti woke kind of culture war sentiment of that moment, in terms of the pandemic, personalizing you, the sense of the deep state, and the gender issue, of course. What do you think the effect of someone like Elon Musk has been on public health?

Dr. Fauci: Yeah, I think its been negative. Because I think when he starts tweeting things like that, I mean, youd like to ask him, What triggered that? Do you know anything about Dr. Fauci? Have you taken the time to figure out who he is, what hes done, what his history is, before you start tweeting, prosecute Fauci,? I mean, you would think a man of his talent and his influence has something better to do with his time than do that. I would think so. But then again, I cant get into his head, and quite frankly, I dont care.

Ben: You and the public health establishment have obviously been the subject of a bunch of totally lunatic fringe criticism. But theres also a threat, I think, of at least to me, reasonable criticism, which I think runs in the form that in the old days of sort of a one-way broadcast world, the job of a public health official was to get up and give what was sometimes a simplified message aimed at getting people to do a thing that would broadly be good for them. And in some sense, the early discussion of masks. Masks are needed for the hospitals, so were going to tell people not to put masks on personally, because we really need them for the hospitals.

That genre of communication is rooted in the public health tradition. And were now in this world where everything is contested and argued and chewed on in real time, and that kind of one-way communication just seemed like it didnt work. It seemed like it provoked a backlash and an examination. And I mean, I wonder if elements of that were a mistake, if that kind of communication just doesnt work anymore.

Dr. Fauci: Ben, I take a different perspective on what you said. Particularly in the arena of masks. And one of the things that we have to do better, we could have done better, and maybe if we tried to do better, it wouldnt have made any difference, but clearly the public did not fully grasp... And lets take responsibility. Ill take responsibility for that as a public health person, that the public did not fully grasp the moving target nature of what we were dealing with. That things were changing right before our very eyes. What we knew in the first weeks in January, the third week in January, the end of January, the beginning of February, literally was changing.

And science, as you know, is a process that is a self-correcting process. That if the information you gather in the first week or two in January, you then have to make a statement or a recommendation or a guideline, based on the information as you have. In February and March, if that information changes, the scientific process dictates that you change what your recommendation, what your guideline is, based on the new information. That did not get communicated as well. And the public kept on thinking Those scientists are flip-flopping. They dont have any idea what theyre talking about. That became a problem.

Ben: No, and I really understand that. And I think theres something about this environment of no trust that made that worse. But I guess just as a citizen, why not say to me, You know what? Maybe masks help, but the nurses and doctors need a more? And it felt like there was a reluctance to just level with us and say that.

Dr. Fauci: No, no, youre right, Ben. In fact, certainly we did not do everything perfectly. And if you go back on lessons learned, there are many things when you look back retrospectively, if you really in good faith want to have lessons learned, not the blame game, which is predominant whats going on right now. Look at that congressional hearing that I went through a few weeks ago. It was pure vitriol, pure at ad hominem. It wasnt, How do we learn next time? And one of the things you said, Ben, is important. It wouldve been better if we emphasize more, Masks might be good. But given that theres a shortage, we dont think you should use it, as opposed to being definitive and saying, You dont need to wear a mask. I mean, I think youre absolutely correct. Going back over that, we could have done better in our messaging.

Nayeema: Why did it take, do you think, so much time? Because were not talking about... I know you were busy Dr. Fauci, but were talking about many months. I know in more recent interviews youve kind of come back and said, Well, we could have done more. And certainly your book very much says it. Why do you think its so hard to do in the moment over the many months that this was unfolding? Did you feel that you were always on the defensive? What was actually playing out with you?

Dr. Fauci: No, I dont know. I think we need to sit down as a group, public health officials, public representatives, and talk about that. I think one of the elements, but its not the total answer, so dont by any means think that this is it, the general public craves firm definitive answers. They dont like ifies, maybes, could have, should have. They really want definitive answers. Thats one of the reasons the CDC got in a lot of trouble. Because in their recommendation, they often said, You could do this, as opposed to You should do this. And there was a big pushback, like, What the hell are you guys talking about, we could do it? Should we or should we not? So the public likes clear, crisp, definitive answers to things. And there arent often crisp, clear, definitive answer to things.

Nayeema: Were going to take a quick break, and well be back with the rest of the interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci.

[MUSIC]

Nayeema: Theres this moment in the book where Trump pulls you aside and hes mad at you, tells you youve cost him fucking trillions of dollars.

Dr. Fauci: No. A trillion fucking dollars.

Nayeema: A trillion fucking dollars. Yes. By that, he seems to mean the stock market. But then tells you that you guys are fine, that you and him are okay. Your job, youre a physician. You are running this important entity at the NIH, and your job is to save lives. There are people who were focused on wanting to build back the economy. Ron DeSantis, for example. Our job as journalists is to kind of be skeptical, to help convey critical public health messaging, but also to ask questions, to probe. Do you think the media did a good job in the pandemic, or did it become too much of a mouthpiece?

Dr. Fauci: I dont think that you can use the word, the media, because the media today is not in my mind, the media that I knew in the late 70s, early 80s. The media itself is so divisive and fractionated. I mean, you turn on Fox News and you hear one thing, you turn on MSNBC, you hear another thing.

Nayeema: But do you think journalists that were covering this, whether it was Ed at the Atlantic or Donald McNeil or others, were they probing, were they pushing hard enough?

Dr. Fauci: Yes. I think that the media was probing. I have to say, I am not saying this because Im talking to a bunch of journalists right now. But I have a great deal of respect for most of the media, the people Ive dealt with. Theres no cakewalk when you talk to them. They dont say, Oh, youre Tony Fauci. I know you for 30 years. They dont cut you any slack at all.

Ben: It did feel like in some sense, like the sort of mainstream conventional media, Ill conclude myself here, I was at The Times at the time I wrote about it, specifically with the lab leak theory, in some sense participated in really shutting down that conversation and branding people who were floating the idea, as lunatics, in a way that I think was bad for us. It was probably bad for you in some sense. Im curious how you explain that. Were we getting spun by you? Were we spinning ourselves?

Dr. Fauci: No, I dont think you were getting spun. I had always kept an open mind. But as a scientist, my opinion is based on data and evidence. And there were people who were absolutely saying, its a slam dunk, its a lab leak, with no evidence whatsoever. And still to this day, there is no evidence whatsoever. I keep a completely open mind that it could either be one or the other. But when I look at the people who are saying its one, based on no data, versus evolutionary virologists saying, Were not certain what it is. Theres no definitive answer. And as long as theres no definitive answer, you need to keep an open mind.

However, if you look at the data that theyve accumulated, it is strongly suggestive though not definitive, that it was a natural occurrence from an animal reservoir in the market. That doesnt mean that if all of a sudden, a month, a year from now, someone comes up with definitive data that its a lab leak, I certainly would embrace that. But I dont see any data right now that indicates that, except people definitively declaring it with no data.

Nayeema: But I think that there is a difference between the declaration and the asking of questions, right? And I think often the asking of questions got simplified to a conspiracy theory. I mean, you saw this when Senator Cotton in February of 2020, started to raise these questions about what China was hiding. And he kept his accusations super vague. And then the New York Times labeled it a conspiracy theory, the Washington Post accounts was that he kept repeating a coronavirus conspiracy theory that was already debunked. And they kind of saw the worst possible interpretation of his vague, potentially purposely vague accusations. Even asking, and the raising of questions, kind of was seen as the support of a conspiracy theory. And I know you always have said its possible, you believe that its natural.

Dr. Fauci: I can only speak for myself. Im not going to be defending everyone whos written something thats closed mind. I clearly said from the beginning, Im on record multiple times. I keep an open mind. I can tell you what my opinion is, but my opinion is not definitive fact. One of the things thats interesting, is that this whole idea of conspiracies, the idea that a lab leak is possible, conceptually in and of itself is not a conspiracy theory. Because its a possibility. What people have done is theyve taken that and infused into it, an incredible amount of conspiracy nonsense. One example, that Tony Fauci snuck into the CIA, similar to Jason Bourne, and actually tried to convince the CIA, to put down the lab leak theory. Thats a conspiracy. The idea of there being a lab leak in and of itself is not a conspiracy theory. Its what they put into it. They made it conspiratorial.

Nayeema: And thats the extreme version of that conspiracy theory. But the more in the middle question would be, the NIH had made a grant to EcoHealth Alliance. EcoHealth Alliance was then doing research that was increasing the transmissibility of viruses, gain of function research, at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Did the NIH, did Dr. Fauci, did others in NAID, have an incentive to downplay or under investigate the lab leak theory? Would you say thats a reasonable question, or thats a conspiracy?

Dr. Fauci: Its a reasonable question, but theres a bit of a conspiracy theory in it. Because if you look at the experiments that were done, the viruses that were studied, it is molecularly impossible for those viruses to have turned into SARS. You ask anybody that knows anything about virology. Those viruses are from the standpoint of where they are in the phylogenetic tree, no matter what you did with those viruses, they could not have turned into SARS. So I could say that somewhere, someplace in China, somebody could have been doing something that maybe led to SARS-CoV-2. But the one thing that almost every virologist who knows anything about virology will tell you, that the precursor virus was not a virus that was studied by the NIH grant. My frustration is not with people asking the question. Its with the accusation. Definitively, Rand Paul, The virus came from the NIH grant and you are responsible for the death of 4 million people. Thats what I object to.

Nayeema: Right. But youre happy to be asked about your incentives and the NIHs incentives and disclosures.

Dr. Fauci: Of course. Of course.

Nayeema: In your book, you kind of keep coming back to the deep empathy you have for minorities and people of color, and their skepticism about vaccine. And you seem to have less empathy for people who fall prey to misinformation and conspiracies on this world of social media that you dont-

Dr. Fauci: Youre making a value judgment.

Nayeema: I wasnt making a value... I was going to ask you the question, which is, but theres a quote in the book where you say, While I had deep empathy for these communities of color, I had little tolerance for the dominant anti-vaccine movement led by conspiracy theorists who were determined to derail the work of scientists and physicians. Now, I have a big distinction between the people who are putting out anti-vaccine misinformation and the people who are falling prey to them. Vulnerable people who have questions and fears who fall prey to them. And I can tell from the care with which you wrote that sentence, that I think you also distinguish between these two groups of people.

Dr. Fauci: I do. Theres a big difference between someone who asks a reasonable legitimate question, than someone who says that I and Bill Gates put a chip in the vaccine to monitor you. There is a big freaking difference there, folks.

Nayeema: Yes.

Dr. Fauci: Really big.

Nayeema: Yes. Huge. And thats what I want to ask you about, is how do you talk to those people that are fearful, asking questions? How do you talk to them first, faster, better, than the people who are spreading misinformation, and the kind of what you call the dominant movement?

Dr. Fauci: I actually did a long podcast on that. I forgot who it was with, because Ive done so many podcasts.

Nayeema: Oh, youre not going to forget this one, are you, Dr. Fauci?

Dr. Fauci: No, Im not going to forget it. How could I? Is that you should not give up on people. Because many people who seem like they are anti-vax, at their core are not. They just have reasonable questions that need to be answered. And one of the mistakes we make, and I try very hard not to fall into this trap, is that when people dont want to get vaccinated, theyre vaccine hesitant. Theyre not anti-vax at their core. And it is quite possible, and Ive seen examples of this, where they really have reasonable questions. And if you sit down with them and answer the questions, and talk about concepts like risk benefit to them, you can win a considerable number of them over. You may not ever be able to win over the hardcore anti-vax, period, people. But you shouldnt categorize them all in the same bucket, because there are a lot of different people.

Nayeema: I think, the words, I dont know, I dont think that the media said it enough. I dont think public health said it enough.

Dr. Fauci: Youre right, youre right.

Nayeema: Because if someone says, We dont know, but this is why its so important... And We know that youre afraid of these things. Its reasonable to have questions, I think thats the thing. People felt unreasonable having questions, and they found themselves ostracized from part of society, and they found themselves kind of falling into the misinformation environment.

Dr. Fauci: Yeah, right. Thats bad. Thats not good. I agree with you.

Ben: Weve been asking a bunch of questions in some sense from our perspective as journalists, but we feel like we made mistakes during the pandemic that also that we should have published things we didnt, that we should have pushed people more. But I guess from the other perspective, just to go back to this core spread of misinformation and bad information, that was in fact the reason a lot of social media were so aggressive. I mean, do you think theres just really still thousands, hundreds of thousands of millions of people dying, because of that misinformation? I mean, how big a danger do you see public health misinformation as right now?

Dr. Fauci: Yeah. Ben, Ill give the answer, then I got to stop, because Im getting worn out. Nayeemas wearing me out. So if you look at the data, its really unfortunate that if you look at people who decided for political reasons, they didnt want to get vaccinated, Red State versus Blue State, Republican versus Democrat, that the differences in hospitalization and deaths among Republicans in Red States and Democrats in Blue States, is highly significant. So people have lost their lives because of deciding not to take a lifesaving intervention, based purely on ideological considerations. Peter Hotez in his book, did a modeling estimate of the number of people who died unnecessarily avoidable deaths by refusing to get a vaccine. And the estimate is somewhere around 220,000 people have died because of misinformation about vaccines. So I do think its a real issue. Its not just theoretical. Its a real issue.

Ben: Thank you so much, doctor, for doing this.

Nayeema: Thank you so much, Dr. Fauci. We really appreciate it. I really credit you that even in your retirement, you come back and are so willing to engage in these questions. I really do appreciate it.

Dr. Fauci: Youre welcome. Its nice to be with you.

[MUSIC]

Nayeema: I was wearing him out, Ben.

Ben: I mean, I think it was really interesting and probably interesting for him to be asked questions that were not of the genre of What a wonderful book, and Im so sorry what these bad people did to you, but really trying to probe and challenge the mistakes we all made.

Nayeema: Though, I mean, he gets asked challenging questions a lot, especially in Congressional-

Ben: He gets asked furiously...

Nayeema: Yes.

Ben: ... hostile questions, right? And in Congress, thats not a back and forth. Thats a context where all you can do is defend yourself.

Nayeema: Yeah. I really liked the distinction between being willing to answer questions, versus being willing to engage with Conspiracists. I think there was a lot of nuance and what he said. And sometimes because of the way that Fauci is clipped and shared, he sounds overly defensive. But I think he really is willing to engage on the questions. And throughout, his position has always been a complex, scientifically informed one, of like, Well, its possible, but its not probable. And heres why. And that just doesnt play well in a social media environment.

Ben: I was surprised hes not on Twitter. If the guys job is to be the communications director for the federal government, and the most important thing ever, if I was hiring a communications director, I might say, You might not like social media, but this is the world we live in, and you got to be on it.

Nayeema: If I were a retiree in my 80s, I would not be on Twitter. Even as a journalist in my 30s, Ive thought about not being on Twitter.

Ben: Im concerned like my fathers going to do nothing else in his retirement, honestly. But its obviously... Right, it sucks. Its bad for your mental health, its no fun. But also, theres a lot of really incredible conversation and journalism and challenging of authoritative point of views taking on there.

Nayeema: But he mustve been briefed on that.

Ben: Yeah, but he has a really dismissive attitude toward it in a way that is, I think a little out of sync with... You know? Social media is really complex and has just utterly horrifying aspects, but also does sometimes contain little elements of the wisdom of crowds. And unearthing hidden databases of viruses that the Chinese were trying to hide, was part of that. And I do think there was something a little... I dont know. I do think that he kept referring to the media of the 1970s, the 1980s, and that was a long time ago.

Nayeema: I think a lot of people of that generation kind of romanticize. But I do think youre right, because you take Elons early tweets about the panic, and theres a couple million people and probably some percentage of those bots, liking that, sharing that. And youre maybe missing the opportunity to be in conversation with those people and to be a voice. And really, I mean, Fauci had 70 plus percent approval ratings. And so much so that Donald Trump started tweeting about it, saying, Why dont I get some credit for this? So in 2020, he was somebody who I think actually wouldve been pretty effective. Hed actually be a good Twitter character.

Ben: He wouldve been great on Twitter. I mean, of course you cant win. It was going to be divisive.

Nayeema: Yeah. He also doesnt have time. Arent you glad that hes instead in these meetings with Pfizer or Warp Speed trying to figure stuff out, versus tweeting?

Ben: It did make me feel like maybe a different person should be running Operation Warp Speed than the person in charge of communications. I dont know, a very difficult job. A fundamentally impossible job. And in every country in the world, the guy who ran that response wound up being hated, because we all hated the period and it was a nightmare. And theres an element of inevitability there.

Nayeema: Yeah. What I think I deeply respect, is that even in retirement, hes willing to keep addressing these questions. I think in part, obviously around his legacy, in part, theres some commercial value in writing a book. But really because if youre a doctor, and the amount of burnout and suicide rates amongst medical professionals in this country, post COVID has gone up, and I think hes trying to tell people its worth it somehow. Its worth it somehow, despite everything, its worth it. You save lives. And thats really what he was doing. He was doing his job of trying to save lives.

Ben: And he is. I mean, you really get this from the book. Its a really consequential figure in contemporary American history. No doubt.

Nayeema: No doubt. Lets take a quick break and well be back with another consequential figure, and no, its not Max Tani, to wrap up todays show with Blind Spots.

[MUSIC]

Ben: On our branded segment from Think With Google this week, were talking with Google VP of marketing, Josh Spanier, about the lasting impacts of the COVID Pandemic on the world of marketing. So weve been talking with Dr. Fauci on this episode about how the pandemic was a defining moment for the trajectory of the culture, for media, for politics, for trust in media. And Im curious what you see as the big lasting shifts for marketing from the pandemic.

Josh Spanier: The pandemic changed marketing massively. We saw huge changes in behavior as everyone stayed home, watched TV, and spent more time on their phones and on their laptops. So in terms of accelerating digital shopping behaviors, for example, massive, massive change. And while those numbers have come down as people have gone back into the real world, it really supercharged a lot of the curves and trajectories we saw about peoples uses of technology and their comfort level. Even just ordering food to home became spiked massively during the pandemic. For me, one of the biggest learnings I had, was really around using computers to make graphics, animations, and content, that previously we werent thinking about as much. Prior to the pandemic, film shoots or production shoots, would take days and people would travel around the world, and youd actually do these high end production shoots. In the pandemic, all of a sudden, none of the assets, none of the ads we had, worked.

You couldnt show this stuff anymore. It was all people in crowds and then shaking hands and hugging, and that wasnt appropriate anymore. So we had to actually really invest heavily in special effects technology, in companies that could basically build us assets incredibly fast, incredibly cheaply, it turns out, or incredibly price consciously, and scale that for the web. Thats been a really interesting development, which has really, really stuck, and has actually been transformative and been a long-term impact of the pandemic. Its accelerated our approach to how we actually make content from the way we previously used to do it.

[MUSIC]

Nayeema: Usually wed be joined by Max Tani right now to do Blindspots. But today we have someone in his stead. Someone whos often carries a little bit less good news than Max Tani, which is our former colleague from the New York Times, Donald McNeil. He was a health and science reporter there, and is the author of the book, The Wisdom of Plagues

Ben: And Is The blind spot the next pandemic that were not seeing coming?

Nayeema: No. Though he did deliver some very important warnings about avian flu, and the need to not drink raw milk. Lets hear that.

Donald McNeil: I mean, look, I think we have things to worry about right now. I think there is too little attention to H5N1. And clearly thousands of cows are infected with the disease that we had previously considered an extremely lethal disease in birds. And the government is basically taking the attitude that the British government did in the 1990s when it said, British beef is safe, British beef is safe, while mad cow disease is going around. And only when people began to die after five years of them saying that British beef was safe, did they kind of admit, Well, actually it wasnt safe, and that disease is lethal.

The American government is saying constantly, the milk supply is safe, the milk supply is safe. They were saying that before they even knew that pasteurization killed the virus. And so far, nothing bad has happened, but the disease continues to spread, and I think they ought to stop protecting the dairy industry and start telling people, maybe you ought to think twice about drinking... You absolutely ought not to drink raw milk, and you ought to think twice about drinking... Maybe you ought to feed your kids soy milk or oat milk for a little while until we get this epidemic under control.

Ben: If theres any solace, its the New York Times, Donald, was famous for having predicted 50 of the last two pandemics.

Nayeema: I mean, he predicted a pretty big one, so I think we should give him some credit...

Ben: Yeah, he did get the big one right credit. He sure did.

Nayeema: ... for COVID. But Max also warned us about this raw milk thing. So Ben, put away the raw milk. Its time for your oat milk or almond milk or soy milk, or any other milk, really.

Ben: Or no milk at all, I think is Donalds real advice here.

Nayeema: Just avoid milk. Remember those ads that were like, Got milk? Now its like, No, do not get milk.

Ben: And that is incredible marketing story for another day, by the way.

Nayeema: Is it? Okay.

Ben: It is.

Nayeema: Im going to let you and Josh discuss that in the branded segment. I did ask Donald about this beat of covering pandemics, and what it feels like in between the big moments, in between the big crises that everyones watching, versus say, a politics beat. And heres what he said.

Donald: People prefer to read about politics because its more exciting, but the truth is pandemics kill a whole lot more people than almost anything else does. So its crucial, but in between pandemics, its pretty boring. Its like watching people build levees against the flood. I mean, theres nothing more boring than watching people fill sandbags, but theres nothing more terrifying than looking at a wall of sandbags waiting to see if water comes leaking out from inside it. And so you spend a lot of time preparing for these moments of panic. I think people are done with the pandemic. I mean, among my friends, theyre all sort of... I mean, they come away with these memories that I consider false, that they focus on the masks and the lockdowns, and the things that remind them of their irritation. They forget about their fears, the same way women often forget about childbirth and go on to have a second and third child. Even though at the time they gave birth to the first, they said, Im never doing that again.

Nayeema: Well, that doesnt bode well for the sales of Wisdom of Plagues, Donald.

Donald: No, it doesnt. I know. Paperback is coming out, so now you can get it cheaper, but the sales of the Wisdom of Plagues are...

Nayeema: Of the Wisdom of Plagues.

Donald: ... not hitting anybodys bestseller lists.

Nayeema: Well, thank you so much for taking the time to speak, Donald. I really appreciate it.

Donald: Thank you for inviting me.

Ben: I mean, thats a real backlist publishing strategy there. I suspect that the Wisdom of Plagues will be in the bestseller list at some point.

Nayeema: On the next pandemic.

Ben: Thats right.

Nayeema: Yeah. You could read Camus The Plague, watch the Gwyneth Paltrow film where she eats something that has been infected or whatever, and read Donald McNeils The Wisdom of Plagues, as well as reading Dr. Anthony Faucis book. Thats it for the book Publicity tour of todays episode. Ben, do you have a book you want to promote, actually, while were at it? You have a book.

Ben: I am off book tour.

Nayeema: Oh, come on, Ben. Bens book is called Traffic.

Ben: You should obviously read my book, Traffic.

Nayeema: Yes.

Ben: Yeah, which feels about as a million years ago as the pandemic itself.

Nayeema: Thats it for this week. Next week were going to be off. Ben, where are you going?

Ben: Going fishing in Maine.

Nayeema: Oh, nice.

Ben: There are no pandemics. Where are you going?

Nayeema: I am going to Aspen. Not to fish.

Ben: To hobnob.

Nayeema: No for Fellowship, Ben. Its not hobnobbing. Its a fellowship. And also, hiking.

Ben: Is it one of these sort of secret elite networking fellowships, perhaps?

Nayeema: Its the Illuminati. Dont worry, Ben. Dont worry about it. All right.

Ben: Hopefully youll pick up some tips.

Nayeema: Hopefully. Well be back on August 16th with a fresh episode. Thanks for listening to Mixed Signals from Semafor Media. Our show is produced by Max Tani, Allison Rodgers, Sheena Ozaki, Alan Haburchak, and Andrea Lopez-Cruzado. With special thanks to Britta Gallanis, Chad Lewis, Rachel Oppenheim, Anna Pizzino, Garett Wiley, and Jules Zirn. Our engineer is Rick Kwan. Our theme music is by Billy Libby. Our public editor is the person who was putting Dr. Anthony Fauci on donuts, it seems.

Ben: Definitely a bestseller.

Nayeema: If you like Mixed Signals, please follow us wherever you get your podcasts, and please feel free to review us.

Ben: If youre watching on YouTube, give us a like and subscribe to Semafors channel.

Nayeema: And if Max Tani were here, he would tell you to sign up for the Semafor Media newsletter out every Sunday night.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) has asked for the publics help identifying a suspect from a 4th of July shooting.

One witness said that two people gathered at 1:30 a.m. in a parking lot at the Covenant Crossing complex in the 100 block of Thompson Lane on July 4. An argument reportedly broke out, turning physical, before a suspect pulled out a gun and fired into the air.

PREVIOUS: Shooting investigation underway on Thompson Lane in Nashville

A 19-year-old ran to his vehicle after the shots, but as the suspect got into another car, he fired into the teens vehicle and struck the teen at least twice. The teen sustained serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.

Vehicle of suspect in Jul y 4, 2024 Thompson Lane shooting (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

The suspect is a Hispanic man who appears to be in his late 20s or early 30s, MNPD said. He is approximately 57 tall with a medium build. He fled in a 2002 Ford Focus with a sanded paint job. The cars rear back window appears to have been taped up.

Suspect in July 4, 2024 Thompson Lane shooting (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

Anyone who recognizes the suspect, or the suspects vehicle, has been asked to call Crime Stoppers at (615) 742-7463. Callers can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Fryburg Door and Mullet Cabinet, two historically renowned names in Millersburg's cabinetry industry, have united under the rebranded name Mullwoods.

Accompanying the rebrand, Mullwoods is launching a new residential cabinet line, in addition to its existing two, designed to meet customer needs.

Today marks a significant milestone for the industry and our familys heritage, President Vince Mullet said. Our grandfather had a simple dream to build quality custom cabinetry for his neighbors here in Millersburg. Over the past 60 years, that dream grew into two industry-leading brands serving customers nationwide. By becoming Mullwoods, we are bringing together decades of experience, quality craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence under a unified identity.

Vice President Nick Mullet, left, and his brother, President Vince Mullet, announced the rebranding of Mullwoods, which is the merger of Mullet Cabinet and Fryburg Door.

Fryburg Door, a components supplier, and Mullet Cabinet, a cabinetry producer, have operated in harmony for decades, serving residential and commercial customers. The rebrand seeks to strengthen its combined identity and dedication to serving its diverse customer segments.

Our new name honors our past while looking to the future, said Vice President Nick Mullet. Mull is a nod to our heritage as a third-generation family business. The second half, woods, is connected to the woodworking industry we are proud to be part of. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional value to homeowners, shop owners, and manufacturers while staying true to our roots.

Three customized product lines part of new venture

Mullwoods.com, the companys new website, showcases the new brand. Customers seeking residential cabinetry can now choose from one of three product lines that offer a range of customization and cost options.

The Mullet family and their employees celebrated a rebranding of two iconic Holmes County cabinetry companies into Mullwoods on Tuesday.

They are:

Heirlooms by Mullwoods: Provides customers with the broadest range ofwood types and finishes.

Essentials by Mullwoods: Customers can choose from a curated range ofdesigns, finishes and functionalities to match their home or projects style.

Foundations by Mullwoods gives customers a limited lineup of offerings.

The company held an internal launch party July 30 to celebrate the rebrand, where all 200 employees and the Mullet family gathered.

Ive been a part of this company for 19 years, and Ive never been more excited about the work we are doing, said Stacey Fanning, a Mullwoods employee. This organization deeply cares  for our customers, colleagues and the quality of our work. Our new brand truly reflects that commitment.

Mullwoods is one of the larger employers in Millersburg. The company is intertwined with the community, and the rebrand signifies a continued commitment to Millersburgs growth and prosperity.

Story continues

Formerly known as Mullet Cabinet and Fryburg Door, the third-generation family business, now owned by Vince Mullet and Nick Mullet, began over 60 years ago with their grandfathers passion for woodworking.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Mullwoods is new name of Fryburg Door and Mullet Cabinet company
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  The Missouri Attorney Generals Office announced Friday that they had convicted 28-year-old Michael Creekmore of Monett of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting of his father Robert Creekmore in Barry County in 2022.

According to a press release from the Attorney Generals Office, Michael and his father Robert were having an argument on Labor Day, 2022 that resulted in Michael shooting his dad 18 times in total with a 9mm pistol. Michael shot his dad five times in the back and several more times in the head while his dad was on the ground.

Former Springfield youth coach pleads guilty to drug, firearm charges

On July 31, 2024, a jury rejected Michael Creekmores claim of self-defense and found him guilty on both charges after hearing testimony from eyewitnesses, first responders, law enforcement and more.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the 39th Circuit Court in Cassville.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
Moore family mourning after a trip to the movie theater ends in tragedy

MOORE, Okla. (KFOR)  A Moore family is mourning after a deadly crash in Norman left a hole in their hearts.

Josh, Lindsay, Abby and Ethan Badger were driving to the movie theater to see Twisters, when they got into a horrific car crash at the intersection of Rock Creek Rd. and 60th Avenue NW on Sunday afternoon.

Josh, Lindsay, Abby and Ethan Badger

The collision killed Lindsay, Joshs wife.

Josh and their two children Abby and Ethan were seriously injured.

Joshs brother, Nathan, spoke with News 4 about the crash and how it has left their family heartbroken.

It turned our world upside down, he says.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: One arrested after deadly crash in Norman

Nathan is in the Air Force, currently based on the east coast.

Hes here in Oklahoma with his family.

Norman Police say the suspect fled the scene, due to narcotics being in his car, specifically fentanyl.

Authorities have identified the suspect as Bradyn Brown.

According to Norman Police, Brown has been charged with first degree manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death.

Abby, 13, is approaching her freshman year at Southmoore High School.

Her brother Ethan, 10, is part of Integrity Martial Arts.

Ethan did require surgery on his skull, but between him and his sister, Abby, they are both doing better, says Nathan.

As for their dad, Josh, Nathan says he has four broken bones and is making progress.

Josh, Abby and Ethan are still in the hospital, expected to be released soon.

Nathan has set up a Go Fund Me page to help their family. You can donate 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vances past comment that Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democratic leaders are a bunch of childless cat ladies miserable at their own lives is the line that keeps on living. Never mind that Vances comments are false. Harris is a mom: her two stepchildren recognize her as their parent, as does their biological mother.

Of course, having children shouldnt be a pre-requisite for officepart of the job of a political leader is being able to understand the challenges of people who are different from them. But in fact, as a mom, Im with Vance on wishing more moms would hold office. To make that happen, he and other lawmakers need to focus on the big barrier to moms of young kids running for office: childcare.

Its unsurprising that Harris doesnt have biological children. Being a mother is a huge impediment to winning political office, because in the U.S., moms are responsible for the majority of the childcare, and childcare is so expensive that they often cant afford to pay for it personally while running a political campaign. Thats why so many of the women who have held the highest offices in our country dont have kidslike Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor on the Supreme Court and cabinet secretaries such as Condoleezza Rice and Janet Napolitano. Just 6.8% of members of Congress and 5.3% of state legislators are moms to children under age 18, according to the Vote Mama Foundation.

Read More: Americas Moms Are Running on Empty. We Need to Do More to Support Them.



In 28 states, childcare costs more than in-state college tuition, according to a 2023 NetCredit study. And people running for or holding political office often work exceptionally long hours, so their childcare costs are likely higher than average. Whats more, politicians in 17 states cant use campaign funds to pay for childcare while running for office, according to the Vote Mama Foundation. And politicians in 38 states and Washington, DC cant use campaign funds for caregiving while theyre carrying out their official duties. Thats a huge problem because the vast majority of state legislatures dont pay lawmakers enough to afford the cost of living in their states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Politicians should be allowed to use campaign funds to cover these costs because most moms otherwise wont be able to afford childcare while earning little or no money as a political candidate or state legislator.

Lawmakers like Vance also need to help make childcare more affordable. One way they could do that is by restoring the billions in childcare funding provided by the American Rescue Plan Act which expired in September, resulting in immediate increases in childcare costs. Not to mention, it would also likely boost the economy. A new analysis from the Brookings Institutions Hamilton Project shows labor force participation by women with children under age five has fallen since September, when this funding expired. Congress could also expand the child tax credit, which would put more money in parents pockets for childcare. But on August 1, Senate Republicans blocked a bipartisan bill which would do this.

More broadly, we all need to rethink our stereotypes of working moms. A lot of people assume when women have kids, we become less invested in our careers. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell famously gave voice to this assumption in 2008 when he was caught on a hot mic saying Janet Napolitano was perfect for role of Homeland Security Secretary because Janet has no family. Perfect. She can devote, literally, 19, 20 hours a day to her work.

But Lauren Smith Brody, founder of The Fifth Trimester, a gender equity consultancy focused on caregivers at work, told me her research suggests the opposite: When women have children were often motivated to work more, both so we can afford the expenses that come with kids and because were worried about the world our kids are going to live in and want to try to fix it. (This was absolutely the case for me when I became a mom.)

Women who seek the hugely demanding job of political office also need more support from their partners. The latest Pew research confirms that, among opposite-sex couples, women still do the vast majority of the childcare and household work, even when we work full time. This needs to change. Employers can help make that possible by not expecting staffers to put in an excessive number of hours. Labor economist Claudia Goldins Nobel prize-winning research shows that when this happens its often the woman who allows her career to take a back seat so that her husband can overwork, since someone has to be around for the kids.

So, it looks like Vance got a couple things wrong: Harris is most certainly a mom, and childless people arent less qualified for office (by his flawed logic of believing politicians cant comprehend the experiences of people who are different from them, only white, married, cisgender men, then, should vote for Donald Trump and Vance). Still, hes right to point out that there arent many moms in top political office. But instead of isolating women even further with his comments, it would behoove Vance to start thinking about why.

Good thing that, as a member of Congress, hes in a position to help fix the challenges women are up against by restoring childcare funding that could help moms pursue political office and other work. States need to allow parents to use campaign funds to pay for childcare while campaigning or working in government roles. Other parental figures like dads need to step up and do equal amounts of caregiving, which will only be truly possible when employers stop expecting overwork. And all of us need to rethink the way we view mothers and their motivations.

Moms of young kids are often hugely ambitiousbut our country has set up the motherload of barriers to them running for office.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
More NATO members are now 'read into' top-secret Special Access Programs (SAP) related to the Joint Strike Fighter as part of a broader push to improve information sharing and interoperability.

NATO nations have been getting more access to especially sensitive details about the stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighters that are increasingly entering service across the alliance. Being read into F-35-related Special Access Programs (SAPs) will give member countries a deeper understanding of the aircrafts capabilities and how they can be used most effectively with other platforms, especially non-stealthy fourth-generation fighters.

U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker highlighted greater access too F-35 SAPs across NATO during a virtual talk hosted by the Air & Space Forces Associations (AFA) Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies on Tuesday. Hecker is head of U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) and of NATOs Allied Air Command, as well as commander of Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA).

A US Air Force F-35A touches down at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. USAF

You mentioned the Information Age facets of collaboration [that] means weve got to have sufficient access to the mission data files and other key elements required to operate in the modern battlespace. Any thoughts you can share with us on where we stand on this and the progress that we still need to make? David Deptula, Dean of the Mitchell Institute and a retired Air Force lieutenant general, asked Hecker during the talk.

Theres certain F-35 Special Access Programs that now our [NATO] partners are read into and they know about, Hecker responded, in part. Theres fourth/fifth-gen[eration] integration, where now we can explain fifth-generation aircraft capabilities [in relation] to fourth-generation that they didnt know before.

That allows us to be much more interoperable and work together, he added.

As of April, 12 nations in the alliance had F-35s in service or on order. Greece has since moved to join this group. The Joint Strike Fighters manufacturer Lockheed Martin expects there to be around 600 of the jets based across Europe in total, which will include forward-deployed U.S. examples, by 2035.

A rendering of a future Greek F-35A. Lockheed Martin

Hecker did not elaborate on what F-35-related SAPs he was referring to specifically. Nearly 20 years after the first flight of the F-35A variant, much about the Joint Strike Fighters capabilities, especially when it comes to the aircraft sensors and electronic warfare suite, as well as its ability to fuse data from those systems and share it, remain highly classified. The forthcoming Block 4 upgrade package, which continues to suffer delays, is set to expand on the already extremely impressive sensor, electronic warfare, and communications capabilities across all three F-35 variants.

SAPs by design provide additional heavily compartmented layers of security protocols to guard information deemed especially sensitive to national security, as you can read about in more detail here. The very existence of certain SAPs can sometimes be classified. As an example, In 2021, The War Zone obtained a redacted copy of a 2010 Air Force briefing regarding the possibility of exporting F-22 Raptor stealth fighters via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The briefing had originally contained information covered by multiple SAPs, the nicknames of which were also blacked out.

There is clear evidence that the U.S. military itself is still learning important new lessons about the F-35s capabilities as the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy continue to fly these jets more routinely in more parts of the world. Last year, now-retired Air Force Col. Craig Andrle, whose last post was as head of the 388th Fighter Wing flying F-35As, shared a relevant anecdote with Air Force Times from his units recent experience flying patrols in Europe near Russia, which The War Zone subsequently analyzed in greater detail.

A US Air Force F-35A from the 34th Fighter Squadron, part of the 388th Fighter Wing, refuels over Poland in 2022. USAF Senior Airman Joseph Barron

Were looking at an SA-20. I know its an SA-20. Intel says theres an SA-20 there, but now my jet doesnt ID it as such, because that SA-20 is operating, potentially, in a war reserve mode that we havent seen before, Andrle said. SA-20 Gargolye is the NATO reporting name for certain versions of the Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missile system.

The F-35 flagged the object for troops who updated and re-uploaded the data into the jet, according to Air Force Times report. After that, NATO aircraft knew what they were looking at and how to geolocate it.

Elements of a Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile system. Russian Ministry of Defense

Col. Andrles anecdote Creating more of a common operating picture and additional opportunities for data sharing among NATO F-35 operators benefits them all. Other countries Joint Strike Fighters could well run into similar situations during their sorites and the data collected could be of great interest to the U.S. military, as well.

Improving interoperability between Joint Strike Fighters and fourth-generation combat jets, among other platforms across domains, has also long been a major focus for the U.S. military. Many NATO members, including ones that are acquiring F-35s now, are set to continue flying non-stealthy fighters for the foreseeable future.

The Multifunction Advanced Data Links (MADL) found on all three F-35 variants (and no other aircraft in frontline service currently) have presented a particular logjam in the past. The War Zone just recently explored this in detail in the context of Lockheed Martins recent unveiling of a networked version of its Sniper targeting pod designed in part to help address this issue, writing:

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.



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.

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 good sense of the kind of networking ecosystem that F-35s face working together with fourth-generation fighters and other assets, as well as the limitations imposed by MADL. Lockheed Martin

The Sniper Networked Targeting Pod, specifically, will also offer a variety of fourth-generation fighters an immensely valuable way to create their own localized miniature kill webs that tie in other assets in the air beyond just F-35s, as well as ones down below.

When it comes to information sharing, the F-35 program is already somewhat unusual in its use of a centralized cloud-based networked backend through which mission data packages, as well as maintenance and logistics data, flows among operators. A process to transition from the initial iteration of this system, called the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), to the follow-on Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN) remains underway.

Long-standing issues with and concerns about ALIS have already prompted certain Joint Strike Fighter operators to compartmentalize their ends of the network. Israel also notably has a unique arrangement among F-35 users that allows its jet to operate entirely independently of ALIS (or ODIN in the future), as well as for greater authority to install domestically-developed software onto the aircraft.

The ingenious, automated ALIS system that Lockheed Martin has built will be very efficient and cost-effective, an anonymous Israeli Air Force officer told Defense News in 2016. But the only downfall is that it was built for countries that dont have missiles falling on them.

Since then, the security paradigm for NATO members has shifted significantly. Russias all-out war on Ukraine since 2022 continues to prompt concerns about the potential for spillover that could drag the alliance more directly into the conflict.

When Ukraine kicked off, instead of just having them [NATO fighters] on the ground in an alert status, they were airborne. And we maintained 24/7 coverage for a while because we didnt know the exact intentions of Russia, Gen. Hecker said during the virtual talk on Tuesday. Weve kind of stood that down a little bit. So were not airborne 24/7.

After Russia illegally seized the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, NATO adopted an enhanced air policing posture to help better protect airspace across the alliance, which remains in place today.

Hecker also said the increased access for NATO members to the F-35 SAPs was part of a larger push to share more U.S. intelligence and other information with countries in the alliance.

Before Ukraine happened, we were sharing from our space assets 30 points of Interest a month with our NATO allies. Today we share 3,000 a month, the Air Forces top officer in Europe explained. And that was a policy change where we [were] allowed to give some pictures and some SIGINT [signals intelligence] that we typically didnt give [previously] to our NATO partners. So huge success there. There is [also] space information that we now give our partners, not when it comes to ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance], but on other things, that weve never given them [access] to before.

Of course, every nation is never going to share everything that they have, including the U.S., but this needs to be not only [the] U.S. doing it, [it] needs to be our allies sharing information with us, which were starting to see now, which is great to see, Hecker added. It makes us a lot more capable and it doesnt come at much cost at all.

When it comes to NATOs growing F-35 fleets, more access to SAPs looks to be a particularly important and relatively low-effort path to improving the ability of the alliances Joint Strike Fighters to work together and with other assets like fourth-generation fighters.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
The U.S. will send additional combat aircraft to the Middle East ahead of what is anticipated to be a large-scale attack by Iran and its proxies against Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Thursday, but just how long that may take in the face of what is said to be a looming Iranian military operation is unclear.

How many planes to send is still being worked out, as are final approvals from senior officials including Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, The New York Times reported. Officials said they were seeking to calibrate the American response to send enough of the right types of aircraft as quickly as possible to help defend Israel without appearing to escalate the conflict.

Friday afternoon, the Pentagon confirmed that it was sending additional assets to the Middle East and Europe. See our update at the bottom of this story.

A U.S. defense official confirmed to The War Zone that additional aircraft are being considered as part of an effort to protect U.S. and allied personnel.

U.S. forces in the region are taking necessary measures to increase readiness and force protection, the official said.

An F-15E Strike Eagle deployed from the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from North Carolinas Seymour Johnson Air Force Base takes off during Sky Shield 9 from an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 15, 2024. U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Peyton Craven

The Pentagon on Friday said there will be additional force protection measures in the region, but would not specify what those would be or when they will arrive.

In a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday, Austin promised the U.S. would support Israel in defending against looming threats from regional adversaries.

The Secretary reiterated ironclad support for Israels security and informed the Minister of additional measures to include ongoing and future defensive force posture changes that the department will take to support the defense of Israel, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters, including from The War Zone.

Austin highlighted that further escalation is not inevitable and that all countries in the region would benefit from a de-escalation in tensions, including through completing a Gaza cease-fire and hostage relief deal. He also stressed that the unprecedented scale of U.S. support for Israel since October 7 should leave Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups, with no doubt about U.S. resolve.

Just how the U.S. will bolster its presence in the region appears to be something that is still in the works.

Im not going to get ahead of any decisions that the Secretary has not made yet, Singh said when asked if Austin has determined what additional U.S. assets will head to the region. Singh declined to confirm that additional combat aircraft are being deployed.

On Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israels security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi, according to a White House readout of his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The president discussed efforts to support Israels defense against threats, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive U.S. military deployments.

The call came after the assassination of Haniyeh that Israel has yet to acknowledge as well as one it said it carried out Tuesday on Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shakr in Beirut. That attack prompted Hezbollahs leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, to also vow vengeance on Israel.

A view is showing a partially destroyed building, which is being targeted by the Israeli army, in Beirut, Lebanon, on July 31, 2024. The Israeli army is also claiming that it killed key Fuad Shukr, Hezbollahs top military commander, in the strike. Photo by Fadel Itani/NurPhoto via Getty Images

There is growing concern that the response from Iran and its proxies Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen could be far larger and more complex than Tehrans previous attack on Israel. In April, Iran sent more than 300 drones and missiles toward Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike on a consular building right next to the Iranian Embassy in Syrias capital Damascus on April 1 that killed three top Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders.

U.S. and allied weapons played a major role in ensuring what the Israeli Defense Forces said was the destruction of 99% of those aerial threats, most before they could enter Israeli airspace.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles in particular were key to that effort. Forward-deployed F-15Es from units based at RAF Lakenheath in England and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina played an outsized role in shooting down more than 70 Iranian drones.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles played a huge role in defending Israel against an Iranian attack in April, swatting down more than 70 drones. U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Clayton Cupit Staff Sgt Clayton Cupit

In addition to boosting the presence of U.S. combat aircraft in the region, the Pentagon has also gathered more than a dozen warships there, including the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), a three-ship amphibious task force that includes more than 4,000 Marines and sailors, The Washington Post reported.

The Roosevelt strike group is in the Gulf of Oman at the moment while the Wasp ARG is in the eastern Mediterranean, where it is always stationed. Singh told reporters that like previous aircraft carrier strike groups, the Roosevelt could move around the region as needed.

The six Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers said to be among those vessels have air defense systems that have already proven effective against missiles and drones launched by the Houthis in their ongoing campaign against Red Sea shipping.

Ships assigned to the USS Dwight D. Eisenhowers carrier strike group (IKECSG) fired 155 Standard-series missiles in operations against Iranian-backed Houthi militants based in Yemen during a recently concluded nine-month deployment, officials said last month. Aircraft from the strike group launched another 60 air-to-air missiles in the course of their operations in and around the Red Sea. Collectively, the IKECSG used its various weapons to destroy a bevy of Houthi aerial drones, missiles, uncrewed surface vessels and undersea vehicles, and different kinds of targets ashore.

The Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Carney fires a surface-to-air missile at Houthi threats on October 19, 2023. U.S. Navy

During Irans April barrage on Israel, two ships in that class  the Arleigh Burke and the Carney  downed Iranian ballistic missiles with Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) anti-missile interceptors. That marked the first combat use of those weapons. You can read more about that in our initial report here.

The success of those engagements prompted Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro to ask Congress for additional funding to purchase more.

I truly believe that the SM-3s will be needed in greater numbers in the future, given the operations that took place in defense of Israel, Del Toro testified during a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing in May. Recently, some were fired. And very effectively. So I think given the future threat and our deterrence mission of the Indo-Pacific, we are going to need more SM-3s in the future.

When it comes to projecting combat airpower in the Middle East, the Pentagon has several options, including sending long-range bombers from the U.S. as both a deterrence and contingency measure. In February, two B1-B Lancer bombers from Dyess Air Force Base took part in aerial strikes on Iranian-backed militias and IRGC-related targets in Syria and Iraq in retaliation for a drone attack that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan on Jan. 28.

There are several bases in the region hosting U.S. aircraft like Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB) in Saudi Arabia and Al-Dafrah in the UAE, among others. USAF F-16C/Ds from Aviano Air Base in Italy are forward deployed to the region and have been flying in air-defense configurations.

Counter-air/Air defense loadout for the Viper. https://t.co/ZWcMV6lhdv  Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) July 31, 2024

F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers are embarked aboard the Roosevelt. Getting additional fighter aircraft to the region, like Strike Eagles forward from Lakenheath, could take as long as two days, however. That, of course, is after the White House approves the plan.

While the Pentagon is in the process of preparing for a major Iranian-led operation against Israel, time may not be on its side. Iran could kick things off at any movement and moving fighter aircraft and other assets to the Middle East takes time, no matter how on alert units are to carry out their orders. There clearly is a race against the clock underway here that is being informed by intelligence products the U.S. and its allies are working from. Iran could exploit this reality, but time will only tell to what end.

Update: 6:01 PM Eastern 

Singh released a statement confirming additional assets will be heading to the Middle East:

The Department of Defense continues to take steps to mitigate the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or Irans partners and proxies. Since the horrific Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the Secretary of Defense has reiterated that the United States will protect our personnel and interests in the region, including our ironclad commitment to the defense of Israel.

To that end, Secretary Austin has ordered adjustments to U.S. military posture designed to improve U.S. force protection, to increase support for the defense of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies.



To maintain a carrier strike group presence in the Middle East, the Secretary has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, currently on deployment in the Central Command area of responsibility.

Additionally, Secretary Austin has ordered additional ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command regions. The Department is also taking steps to increase our readiness to deploy additional land-based ballistic missile defense.

The Secretary has also ordered the deployment of an additional fighter squadron to the Middle East, reinforcing our defensive air support capability.

These posture adjustments add to the broad range of capabilities the U.S. military maintains in the region, including the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) operating in the Eastern Mediterranean.

As we have demonstrated since October and again in April, the United States global defense is dynamic and the Department of Defense retains the capability to deploy on short notice to meet evolving national security threats. The United States also remains intently focused on de-escalating tensions in the region and pushing for a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal to bring the hostages home and end the war in Gaza.

Update: 8:21 PM Eastern 

Iran is making a big show of preparing for a looming battle with Israel.

In coming hours, the world will witness extraordinary scenes and very important developments, Iranian media is reporting

JUST IN: Iranian media reports "in coming hours, the world will witness extraordinary scenes and very important developments." pic.twitter.com/Llsgvo65qb  BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) August 2, 2024

Iranian media also began rebroadcasting the Iran-Iraq war anthem, reportedly a reference to the state of alarm there.

JUST IN: Iranian media has just begun rebroadcasting the Iran-Iraq war anthem in reference to the state of alert in Iran. pic.twitter.com/xwVAPpZarn  War Intel (@warintel4u) August 2, 2024

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
President Biden and Vice President Harris made their way late Thursday to the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews near Washington to welcome Americans who were wrongly imprisoned by Russia and freed as part of the largest prisoner swap negotiated since the Cold War.

For a president who pledged to bring all wrongly detained Americans home and is an outspoken cheerleader for the benefits of U.S. alliances abroad, there was a lasting impression as he watched joyful parents, siblings and friends greet the returnees.

Theres nothing beyond our capacity when we act together, Biden told reporters when asked if he had a message for America.

Nevertheless, critics immediately revived a debate about whether negotiating for captive Americans encourages more Americans to be taken hostage. U.S. officials have warned U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and to depart if in that country.

Biden said early in the day that he had no need to speak directly with Putin.

The prisoner exchange eventually involved 24 individuals and seven countries, including Germany, Poland, Slovenia and Norway. The physical transfer of the Americans for Russians occurred on a tarmac in Ankara, Turkey.

Returned to the U.S. were Wall Street Journal Evan Gershkovich, arrested early in 2023 and convicted by Russia of espionage; former Marine Paul Whelan, imprisoned in Russia for five years; Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, nabbed in Russia while visiting her ailing mother; and Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who holds a U.S. green card and met Biden when he was a pallbearer at the funeral of the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

The Hill: Americans freed Thursday in a massive U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange.

Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted the release of a high-value Russian Federal Security Bureau assassin named Vadim Krasikov, who killed a Chechen dissident in Berlin and was tried and put behind bars in Germany. Putin, a former KGB operative, had made clear that a U.S.-pressured swap for Krasikov was possible and officials suspected Krasikov may have been Putins bodyguard decades ago.

The Hill: Journalist Gershkovich, as part of paperwork Russia had him sign before being freed, added in writing that he requested an interview with Putin.

Biden and Harris exulted in the successful outcome of a nail-biting operation and credited diplomacy, global alliances, skilled intelligence personnel and patience.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had been willing to help Biden and the United States, according to Biden and a detailed Wall Street Journal account. The chancellor eventually signed off on the release of the Russian intelligence operative. An elaborate agreement and operational plan came together last month. Administration officials told reporters that Harris had privately lobbied Scholz and Slovenian officials for assistance during Februarys Munich Security Conference.

This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here, Biden told reporters, accompanied by some of the relatives of the former hostages gathered at the White House as their loved ones flew across the Atlantic in a private plane.

And its a relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country whove been praying for this day for a long time, the president added with a smile.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan was a go-between with hostages families and worked closely with CIA Director William Burns, who was back in Turkey to discuss the swap details last week, as well as U.S. hostage negotiator Roger Carstens.

An emotional Sullivan, briefing reporters at the White House, described years of twists and turns to get the Americans released and the joy of bringing good news to families of the Americans who spent so long in Russian detention. If you hadnt had Joe Biden sitting in the Oval Office, I dont think this would have happened, he said.

The U.S. wanted to include Russian dissident Alexei Navalny as part of a swap, but he died in an Arctic penal colony this year while serving a 19-year prison sentence, Sullivan added.

Not all the Americans detained in Russia are free. Marc Fogel, a schoolteacher in Moscow, is serving a 14-year sentence in a Russian labor camp on charges of drug smuggling. His family expressed disappointment that Fogel remains imprisoned.

 Business Insider: Trump previously said only he could get reporter Gershkovich and U.S. hostages out of Russia and would win their release before he took office a second time.

 The Hill: Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (Ohio), who is 40 years old today, said the homecoming of U.S. hostages Thursday was a testament to Trumps strength.

3 THINGS TO KNOW TODAY

The Labor Department today will release its job report for July and analysts expect signs of job security for workers amid a cooling employment picture, which the Federal Reserve is eager to applaud.



 How much are rents going up? See how prices have changed in your area.



U.S. gymnast Simone Biles on Thursday won the individual womens all-around Olympic gold medal in Paris. She has captured more Olympic medals than any U.S. gymnast in history. U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky, who won her 13th Olympic medal Thursday, became the most decorated woman in American Olympic history.

LEADING THE DAY

CAMPAIGN POLITICS

MAKING IT OFFICIAL: The Democratic Party began the formal vote to nominate Harris for president Thursday, kicking off a virtual roll call that will cement her status as the partys candidate heading into November. The outcome of the vote is not in doubt, given that Harris has the support and endorsement of nearly all of the pledged Democratic delegates. Harris must pick a running mate by Aug. 7 to comply with Ohios current ballot deadline, but her team is planning to finish the vetting of the VP field and expects her to pick her running mate by Aug. 5 (CBS News).

She is expected to appear with her pick in Pennsylvania next week, kicking off a whirlwind few days of travel that will see her stopping in Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia and Nevada.

Harriss top choices have some previous relationships with the vice president, which can help while shes under an expedited timeline, write The Hills Brett Samuels and Alex Gangitano. Between her time as attorney general of California, as a U.S. senator, and as vice president, Harris has gotten to know the likes of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Biden stressed the importance of a good working relationship with a vice president when he selected Harris after he served as former President Obamas VP, and his aides say Biden and Harris have a strong relationship that Harris wants to recreate with her pick.

Shapiro, one of the candidates on the shortlist, abruptly canceled a three-event fund-raising swing through the Hamptons just days before Harris is expected to make her selection.

House Democrats, meanwhile, are increasingly advocating for Walz, write The Hills Mike Lillis and Mychael Schnell. Now the governor of Minnesota, he served in the House for 12 years, rising to the position of chair of the powerful Armed Services Committee before heading home to lead the North Star State. The amiable Walz was not only well-liked on Capitol Hill, but he also had the distinction of being the highest-ranking Army veteran in the history of Congress  a status that endeared him to Pentagon supporters in both parties.

I like the things that hes been able to do. I like that hes from a rural town; I like that hes got a military background, said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. So he would be a great choice.

2024 ROUNDUP

WHERE AND WHEN

The House and Senate are out until after Labor Day.

The president will head this morning to Wilmington, Del. Biden will receive the Presidents Daily Brief in Delaware at noon.

The vice president has no public events.

ZOOM IN

INTERNATIONAL

The leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, said Thursday that its conflict with Israel had entered a new phase after an Israeli strike in Lebanons capital, Beirut, this week. Meanwhile Israels military said Thursday it confirmed the July death of Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamass military wing and one of the architects of the Oct. 7 attack, in a strike on the city of Khan Younis.

The White House is convinced Iran will attack Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this week, and is preparing to counter it, Axios reports. But the Biden administration is concerned it may be more difficult to mobilize the same international and regional coalition of countries that defended Israel from Irans April attack because Haniyehs assassination is in the context of the Israel-Hamas war. During a Thursday call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden said the U.S. would support Israels defense against threats, which would include new defensive U.S. military deployments (CNN).

The Washington Post: Who are Hamass top leaders? What to know after Haniyeh, Deif killed.

The U.S. government on Thursday announced that it is recognizing opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of Venezuelas presidential election, despite the countrys electoral authority giving the victory to President Nicolas Maduro (The Washington Post).

Maduro, meanwhile, has gone on the offensive after suspicions that his victory in Sundays presidential election was rigged. The country has been plunged into turmoil and diplomatic isolation, and Maduro is blaming the unrest on a far-right conspiracy being spearheaded by perverse and macabre political foes. Maduro on Thursday castigated Edmundo Gonzalez, the presidential rival he claims to have beaten, and his adversarys key backer, the conservative opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. For three days now, the Biden administration has called on Venezuelan authorities to release the vote tallies across the country to demonstrate Maduro won. But now, it seems they have gone a step further  with the top U.S. diplomat for the region saying outright that Maduros opponent won an overwhelming electoral victory (The Guardian and ABC News).

ELSEWHERE

COURTS

Trump: A three-judge New York appeals court Thursday rejected Trumps challenge to a gag order tied to his hush money trial in Manhattan in which a jury found him guilty on 34 criminal counts. Trumps lawyers on Thursday again asked Judge Juan Merchan, who previously imposed a limited gag order, to recuse himself. The former presidents legal team objects to Merchans daughters past work for a progressive digital agency, and argues she had ties to Biden and Harris. Merchan says a state ethics advisory committee previously advised he has no conflicts that necessitate recusal.

Abortion: In a blow to anti-abortion Republicans, the Utah Supreme Court on Thursday by a 4-1 ruling upheld a pause of the states near-total abortion ban, keeping in place a law that allows abortion up to 18 weeks of pregnancy while litigation continues. Utahs abortion ban passed in 2020 would prohibit all abortions except in cases of rape, incest or serious risk to the mothers health, or if two maternal fetal medicine physicians found that the fetus had a lethal defect or severe brain abnormality.

CONGRESS

Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked a bipartisan bill that would boost a tax credit for parents as the GOP and Democrats feud over remarks by Vance about the sway of adults who have children.

The measure co-authored by Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) needed the support of at least 60 senators to overcome Thursdays initial hurdle. But the vote was 48 to 44 to back a bill that would have raised the child tax credit, ended the fraud-ridden Employee Retention Tax Credit program and reinstated other tax credits for businesses. Vance and seven other senators missed the vote (The Hill).

Senate Republicans love to talk about how they are the party of family and business. So its very odd to see them come out so aggressively against expanding the child tax credit and rewarding business with the [research and development] tax credit, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on the floor.

Sens. Josh Hawley (Mo.), Rick Scott (Fla.) and Markwayne Mullin (Okla.) were the only Republicans to vote to advance the measure. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) voted against the bill.

The Hill: Schumer and 34 Democratic colleagues introduced a bill that would strip Trumps immunity from prosecution, as granted by the Supreme Court.

 In the U.S. Capitol, the House will unveil a statue of Arkansas native Johnny Cash in September, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) announced Thursday. Cash died in 2003.

OPINION

Evan Gershkovich and the hostage takers, by The Wall Street Journal editorial board.

Coming home after being a hostage is hard. I know from experience, by Jason Rezaian, columnist, The Washington Post.

THE CLOSER

And finally  Congratulations to winners of this weeks Morning Report Quiz! We looked for some smart guesses about vice presidents and vice presidential running mates.

Here are the readers who went 4/4: Tom Chabot, Harry Strulovici, Richard E. Baznik, T. Jens Feeley, David Wilcox, Stan Wasser, Lynn Gardner, Mary Anne McEnery, Terry Pflaumer, Felicia Jaeger, John Scanlan, Robert Bradley, David Anderson, Blair Marasco, Peter Sprofera, Chuck Schoenenberger, Rick Schmidtke, Laura Rettaliata, Steve James, John Trombetti, Linda Field, Mark Williamson, Carmine Petracca, Pam Manges, Robert Acker and Savannah Petracca.

The U.S. vice presidency in 1804 stopped going to the runner-up in the presidential election, thanks to a constitutional change.

Former vice presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Chester A. Arthur and Millard Fillmore assumed the top job following the death of presidents. The answer we needed was all of the above.

Former Vice President Aaron Burr was arrested for treason.

Unique in history, former vice presidential candidate Thomas Eagleton withdrew from the Democratic ticket after his party held its nominating convention because of health revelations. He was a vice presidential candidate for 18 days. (The former Missouri governor and senator was hospitalized three times for depression in the 1960s, not widely known before his selection to join the George McGovern ticket.)

STAY ENGAGED

We want to hear from you! Email: Alexis Simendinger and Kristina Karisch. Follow us on Twitter (@asimendinger & @kristinakarisch) and suggest this newsletter to friends!

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Waterbury, VT- After mosquitos from Grand Isle and Franklin counties tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, Vermont Health officials are urging the public to take precaution and prevent mosquito bites.

EEE is a serious and potentially fatal mosquito transmitted infection. This is the first detection of EEE virus during the 2024 mosquito testing season in Vermont.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets compiles mosquitoes from various locations throughout Vermont for testing at the Health Departments laboratory. This season, nearly 18,000 mosquitoes have been tested, and the EEE positive mosquitos were collected on July 22nd from Alburgh and Swanton.

West Nile virus has also been detected in mosquitoes from several towns this year.

Thankfully, there have been no human cases of EEE or West Nile in Vermont this year. The last confirmed cases of EEE were in 2012, when two people contracted the infection and died.

From late summer into fall, the risk for EEE infection is highest. Most people infected with EEE virus will have no or mild symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, and joint or body aches. While rare, EEE can result in severe disease, including encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.

EEE is fatal in about one-third of people who develop severe disease. People who recover from severe EEE disease are often left with life-long disabilities.

Anyone with symptoms of EEE should contact their health care provider immediately.

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said that Finding EEE virus in mosquitoes is a warning sign that people in these areas could be at risk for this potentially deadly disease. Please take steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites as you enjoy the rest of your summer.

While there is no specific treatment or human vaccine for EEE, preventing mosquito bites is the best way to protect against it and West Nile disease.

The Health Department recommends the following:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.

Limit your time outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are more likely to bite.

Use insect repellent labelled as effective against mosquitoes. The EPA has a tool to help find the right repellent for you. These repellants can also protect you from tick bites.

Get rid of standing water in places like gutters, tires, play pools, flowerpots, and bird baths. Mosquitoes breed in water that has been standing for more than four days.

Cover strollers and outdoor playpens with mosquito netting.

Fix holes in screens and make sure they are tightly attached to doors and windows.

The following are recommendations from home-owners:

Horse owners should consult their veterinarians and make sure their animals are up to date on vaccinations for EEE, West Nile, and other viruses spread by infected insects or ticks.

Horses cannot spread EEE or West Nile viruses to humans or other horses, but the viruses can cause neurologic disease and death in unvaccinated animals.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated at an IRGC residence in Tehran - ANADOLU/GETTY IMAGES

Mossad, Israels intelligence agency, hired Iranian security agents to plant explosives in three separate rooms of a building where a Hamas leader was staying, The Telegraph has learned.

The original plan was to assassinate Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of the Palestinian terror group, in May when he attended the funeral of Ebrahim Raisi, Irans former president.

The operation did not go ahead due to the large crowds inside the building and the high possibility of its failure, two Iranian officials told The Telegraph.

Instead, the two agents placed explosive devices in three rooms of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) guesthouse in north Tehran where Haniyeh might stay.

The agents were seen moving stealthily as they entered and exited multiple rooms within minutes, according to the officials who have CCTV footage of the building.

The operatives are then said to have snuck out of the country but had a source still in Iran. At 2am on Wednesday, they detonated the explosives from abroad in the room where Haniyeh was staying.

The explosion killed Haniyeh, who was in Tehran for the inauguration of Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president.

Mossad, led by David Barnea, is believed to have recruited agents from the Ansar al-Mahdi protection unit in Tehran - GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP

They are now certain that Mossad hired agents from the Ansar al-Mahdi protection unit, an official within the IRGC told The Telegraph from Tehran, referring to an IRGC unit responsible for the safety of high-ranking officials.

He said: Upon further investigation, they discovered additional explosive devices in two other rooms.

A second official within the elite military forces of the IRGC told The Telegraph: This is a humiliation for Iran and a huge security breach.

The official said a working group had been established to come up with ideas to portray the assassination as not being a security breach.

Its still a question for everyone how it happened, I cant make sense of it. There must be something higher up in the hierarchy that no one knows about, he added.

There is now an internal blame game taking over the IRGC, with different sectors accusing each other of the failure, revealed the first official who spoke to The Telegraph.

Esmail Qaani, the commander of the IRGC Quds force said the breach had 'humiliated everyone' - IRANIAN SUPREME LEADER'S OFFICE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Esmail Qaani, the commander of the IRGC Quds force, has been summoning people to be fired, arrested and possibly executed, he said. The breach has humiliated everyone.

The official added: The Supreme Leader has summoned all the commanders several times over the past two days, he wants answers.

For him, addressing the security breach is now more important than seeking revenge.

The IRGC is currently evaluating its options for retaliation, with a direct strike on Tel Aviv being a primary consideration, which would involve Lebanons Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies, The Telegraph understands.

The assassination of Haniyeh in the Iranian capital has intensified fears about Israels reach and influence within Iran.

Ali Younisi, Irans former intelligence minister, expressed concerns in a 2020 interview, saying: All the officials of the Islamic Republic should be worried about their lives.

If the Zionist regime has not yet targeted the political authorities of the Islamic Republic, it is because it has not chosen to do so, he said.

This negligence to Mossad has allowed it to strike repeatedly and openly threaten the officials of the Islamic Republic, he added.

Intentional coincidence

The assassination of Haniyeh also coincided with Mr Pezeshkians first day in office.

During his election campaign, he had distanced himself from previous provocative policies of the Islamic Republic and promised to restore Irans position on the international stage through dialogue.

A close aide to Mr Pezeshkian suggested to The Telegraph that the security lapse may have been an intentional bid by the IRGC to harm the new presidents reputation.

The aide, who worked on Mr Pezeshkians election campaign, claimed the IRGC does not approve of his views on international diplomacy and other aspects of his reformist politics.

No unharmed brain can accept that this happened by accident, especially on Mr Pezeshkians first day in office, he said. He may have to go to war with Israel in his first few days in office and its all because of the IRGC.

However, Mr Pezeshkians son announced on Friday night that the nations priority is not a war with Israel.

Poverty, corruption, discrimination, inequality and wasteful political factions and debates are the real fronts in which the Iranian people are fighting against in our country, Dr Yousef Pezeshkian has said on his website.

Social reforms and progress in Iran are the best counter-attacks that we can direct at Israel, he added.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Vermont Mountaineers entered the NECBL playoffs as the top team in the league and they played like it on Thursday night during their first round game against Marthas Vineyard.

The Mountaineers scored five runs over the first two innings which was more than enough. Vermont won 11-1. They look to advance to round two, which can be done with a win on the Vineyard on Friday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Mourners gather in Qatar to bid farewell for slain Hamas leader

Ismail Haniyeh, chairman of the politburo of the Palestinian Hamas movement, meets with then President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi. Palestinian militant organization Hamas has said on Telegram that Haniyeh, was killed in a "Zionist raid" on his residence in Tehran. -/Iranian Presidency/dpa

Thousands of mourners gathered on Friday in and near a Qatari mosque to bid farewell to the slain leader of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement, Ismail Haniyeh, after he was killed in Tehran earlier this week, Qatari state television said.

The funeral service, which was also attended by Qatari and Arab officials, began at noon (0900 GMT) with a prayer at the Imam Abdul Wahhab Mosque, the largest state mosque in Qatar.

According to Hamas, Haniyeh's body would then be buried in a cemetery in the city of Lusail, north of Doha.

Qatari state television, which is broadcasting live, reported the highest security precautions around the ceremony.

It added that the burial ceremony would therefore take place within the immediate family circle.

Haniyeh, and some of his family, had been living in exile in the Gulf Emirate of Qatar for years.

He was killed on Wednesday in an Iranian government guest house in Tehran.

Haniyeh had gone to the Iranian capital for the inauguration of the new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iran and Hamas blame Israel for the attack and threaten retaliation.

Israel has not yet commented on the targeted killing of the Hamas leader.

Thousands of people already joined a state-organized mourning ceremony in Tehran on Thursday.

The Hamas leader had been part of the Islamist terrorist organization for decades.

In the ongoing war with Israel in the Gaza Strip, he has been a key figure for international mediators trying to negotiate a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for prisoners held in Israeli jails.

His death means uncertainty for the future of the negotiations.
Key Insights

PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad's estimated fair value is RM13.37 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Current share price of RM17.24 suggests PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad is potentially 29% overvalued

The RM19.90 analyst price target for PETDAG is 49% more than our estimate of fair value

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (KLSE:PETDAG) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example!

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

Check out our latest analysis for PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad

The Method

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. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM1.16b RM1.39b RM226.9m RM1.15b RM1.06b RM1.02b RM995.8m RM993.2m RM1.00b RM1.02b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -7.57% Est @ -4.24% Est @ -1.90% Est @ -0.27% Est @ 0.88% Est @ 1.68% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 9.6% RM1.1k RM1.2k RM172 RM795 RM671 RM586 RM525 RM477 RM439 RM408

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM6.3b

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.6%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 9.6%.

Story continues

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM1.0b (1 + 3.6%)  (9.6% 3.6%) = RM17b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM17b ( 1 + 9.6%)10= RM7.0b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is RM13b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM17.2, the company appears slightly overvalued at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. 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 PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.082. 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 PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.

Threat

Dividends are not covered by earnings and cashflows.

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Malaysian market.

Moving On:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Why is the intrinsic value lower than the current share price? For PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad, we've compiled three fundamental factors you should consider:

Risks: You should be aware of the 1 warning sign for PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does PETDAG's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the KLSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Move over, Starbucks. Coffee chain that started in New York opening new Tacoma shop

Gregorys Coffee, a company that started in 2006 in Manhattan by Gregory Zamfotis, is among new brands coming to the Tacoma Mall this fall.

The coffee shop (and, yes, theres no apostrophe in the name) will have a corner spot near Center Court across from Helzberg Diamonds and Zales and next to GameStop, according to the malls map, a retail spot formerly occupied by Starbucks.

Starbucks moved out of the mall in January to 4201 S. Steele St.

The business specializes in its own ground coffee brands and offers home delivery. Its menu includes various coffee brews (iced and hot), smoothies, teas, juices, sparkling water, croissants and other breakfast items, even hard-boiled eggs, according to its website.

Its other Washington state site, in Kennewick, opened in late June at the Columbia Center mall.

In a LinkedIn post marking that opening, the chain stated, We have made our way to Washington state!

The new Tacoma location is one of six listed as coming soon on Gregorys website, with other openings planned in California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota and New Jersey. The rapidly expanding chain opened its first Arizona location, its 46th location, in July.

Counting Simon Property Groups Tacoma Mall, Gregorys has 16 sites at Simon properties across the nation.

The malls media representative told The News Tribune on Thursday that the Tacoma Gregorys site would open this fall, while Gregorys on its website lists a summer opening.

A sign-permitting application was submitted in May, according to the city permit portal, and a building-permit application for interior renovation of the former Starbucks site was submitted Aug. 1. That work has an anticipated start date of Aug. 30, but initial dates on such applications are generally speculative.

No further details on a precise opening date were immediately available, and the chain as of Friday had not yet responded to requests for comment.

The News Tribune also reported this week that regional food chain Candy Tyme plans to return to the mall after ending a nearly decade-long run in 2022, in time for the holiday season in late November.
MS Coast man was under the influence of drugs in DUI that left woman dead, indictment says

A Hancock County grand jury has indicted a Mississippi Coast man accused of causing a womans death while driving under the influence of drugs.

Jason Lance Cassagne, 52, of Picayune, was booked into the Hancock County jail Thursday morning. He is indicted on five felony charges: four counts of driving under the influence causing death or disfigurement and one count of manslaughter.

The charges stem from the death of Antoinette Ladner on February 28, 2023, according to the July 25 indictment. The indictment also says Cassagne injured Freddie Ladner while driving under the influence.

The indictment charges Cassagne with causing Ladners death while driving under the influence of THC and Alprazolam. THC is a chemical derived from hemp or marijuana. Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, is often used to treat panic or anxiety disorders. Health care professionals say combining marijuana products and Xanax can lead to fatigue, dangerously low heart and respiratory rates, slurred speech and impaired judgment.

Antoinette Ladner, 76, worked in hospitality on the Coast and was a true southern belle, according to her obituary.

Toni was full of life, never met a stranger, and could always be found striking up a conversation, her obituary said. She truly loved all those around her, and her memory will live through all of us.

She died in Pass Christian.

A conviction on felony DUI that causes death or injuries carries a maximum sentence of 25 years. The maximum sentence for a manslaughter conviction is 20 years.
Much-attacked final Title IX rule goes into effect while still blocked in 26 states

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in a briefing on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 discussed the new Title IX regulation that has gone into effect. In this photo, Cardona speaks at the Queen theater on Dec. 23, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware. (Photo by Joshua Roberts / Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Though the Biden administrations final rule for Title IX extending federal protections for LGBTQ students went into effect nationwide Thursday, a slew of legal challenges has temporarily blocked over half of all states from enforcing the updated regulations.

After the Department of Education released the final rule in April, 26 states  all with GOP attorneys general  rushed to challenge the measure. Given the myriad legal challenges, the updated regulations only went into effect Thursday in 24 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Catherine Lhamon, assistant secretary for the Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights, celebrated the final rule on Thursday during a briefing.

Cardona said the updated regulations are the culmination of a lengthy and thorough process that included unprecedented public input from students, parents, educators, administrators, experts and other stakeholders.

These regulations make crystal clear that everyone has the right to schools that respect their rights and offer safe, welcoming learning environments, he added.

Lhamon said its a very fluid legal environment and the department continues to defend the rule we believe in in these cases, with the Department of Justice as our counsel in the courts.

We anticipated this moment when we were finalizing the 2024 regulations, and we know they are legally sound, she said, noting that the department has appealed the injunctions that have so far been issued and sought clarification of their application.

While the appeals of these rulings are pending, we have asked the United States Supreme Court to allow the unchallenged provisions  which are the bulk of the final rule  to take effect in the enjoined states as scheduled, Lhamon said.

But the Supreme Court has yet to decide on that emergency request, which came in a pair of filings from U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar last week.

Discrimination protection

The final rule protects against discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics, per the department. The updated regulations are also aimed at restoring and strengthening full protection from sexual violence and other sex-based harassment.

The administration initially scored a legal win Tuesday when an Alabama federal judge rejected an attempt by Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to halt enforcement of the final rule. But a federal appeals court granted the states request for an administrative injunction Wednesday, which temporarily blocked the final rule from taking effect in those Southern states.

Judge Jodi W. Dishman of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma also halted the final rule from taking effect in the state on Wednesday after the state individually sued the administration back in May.

The final rule is temporarily blocked in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Challenges affect more schools

But the challenges to Title IX span beyond the 26 states that initially sued the administration  affecting schools across the country.

Judge John Broomes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas expanded the temporary blockage to also include the schools attended by the members of Young Americas Foundation or Female Athletes United, as well as the schools attended by the children of the members of Moms for Liberty.

These groups sued alongside Kansas, Alaska, Utah and Wyoming earlier this year.

House GOP tries to stop rule

Congressional Republicans have fiercely opposed the final rule.

In July, the GOP-controlled House passed a measure to reverse the updated regulations under the Congressional Review Act  a procedural tool Congress can use to overturn certain actions from federal agencies.

But the measure is unlikely to find success in the Democratic-controlled Senate, and President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the legislation should it land on his desk.

LGBTQ students

LGBTQ advocacy groups have pushed back against GOP-led efforts to block the final rule from taking effect.

Every student in this country deserves access to an education without fear of bullying and discrimination, Brandon Wolf, national press secretary for the LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign, said in an emailed statement to States Newsroom.

But MAGA politicians, promoting blatant discrimination, have fueled eight preliminary injunctions blocking enforcement of the Biden administrations new Title IX rules in 26 states.

Wolf added that we must continue to fight for LGBTQ+ students across the country because everyone deserves a safe educational experience  full stop.

Meanwhile, the department has yet to decide on a separate rule establishing new criteria regarding transgender athletes.
Much-attacked final Title IX rule goes into effect while still blocked in 26 states

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona speaks.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in a briefing on Aug. 1, 2024, discussed the new Title IX regulation that has gone into effect. In this photo, Cardona speaks at The Queen theater on Dec. 23, 2020, in Wilmington, Del. Joshua Roberts/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  Though the Biden administrations final rule for Title IX extending federal protections to LGBTQ students went into effect nationwide Thursday, a slew of legal challenges has temporarily blocked more than half of all states from enforcing the updated regulations.

After the Department of Education released the final rule in April, 26 states  all with GOP attorneys general  rushed to challenge the measure. Given the myriad legal challenges, the updated regulations only went into effect Thursday in 24 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Catherine Lhamon, assistant secretary for the Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights, celebrated the final rule on Thursday during a briefing.

Cardona said the updated regulations are the culmination of a lengthy and thorough process that included unprecedented public input from students, parents, educators, administrators, experts and other stakeholders.

These regulations make crystal clear that everyone has the right to schools that respect their rights and offer safe, welcoming learning environments, he added.

Lhamon said its a very fluid legal environment and the department continues to defend the rule we believe in in these cases, with the Department of Justice as our counsel in the courts.

We anticipated this moment when we were finalizing the 2024 regulations, and we know they are legally sound, she said, noting that the department has appealed the injunctions that have so far been issued and sought clarification of their application.

While the appeals of these rulings are pending, we have asked the United States Supreme Court to allow the unchallenged provisions  which are the bulk of the final rule  to take effect in the enjoined states as scheduled, Lhamon said.

But the Supreme Court has yet to decide on that emergency request, which came in a pair of filings from U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar last week.

Discrimination protection

The final rule protects against discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics, per the department. The updated regulations are also aimed at restoring and strengthening full protection from sexual violence and other sex-based harassment.

The administration initially scored a legal win Tuesday when an Alabama federal judge rejected an attempt by Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to halt enforcement of the final rule. But a federal appeals court granted the states request for an administrative injunction Wednesday, which temporarily blocked the final rule from taking effect in those Southern states.

Judge Jodi W. Dishman of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma also halted the final rule from taking effect in the state on Wednesday after the state individually sued the administration back in May.

The final rule is temporarily blocked in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Challenges affect more schools

But the challenges to Title IX span beyond the 26 states that initially sued the administration  affecting schools across the country.

Judge John Broomes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas expanded the temporary blockage to also include the schools attended by the members of Young Americas Foundation or Female Athletes United, as well as the schools attended by the children of the members of Moms for Liberty.

These groups sued alongside Kansas, Alaska, Utah and Wyoming earlier this year.

House GOP tries to stop rule

Congressional Republicans have fiercely opposed the final rule.

In July, the GOP-controlled House passed a measure to reverse the updated regulations under the Congressional Review Act  a procedural tool Congress can use to overturn certain actions from federal agencies.

But the measure is unlikely to find success in the Democratic-controlled Senate, and President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the legislation should it land on his desk.

LGBTQ students

LGBTQ advocacy groups have pushed back against GOP-led efforts to block the final rule from taking effect.

Every student in this country deserves access to an education without fear of bullying and discrimination, Brandon Wolf, national press secretary for the LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign, wrote in an emailed statement to States Newsroom.

But MAGA politicians, promoting blatant discrimination, have fueled eight preliminary injunctions blocking enforcement of the Biden administrations new Title IX rules in 26 states.

Wolf added that we must continue to fight for LGBTQ+ students across the country because everyone deserves a safe educational experience  full stop.

Meanwhile, the department has yet to decide on a separate rule establishing new criteria regarding transgender athletes.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  After weeks of debate and criticism, a pair of infrastructure projects could be getting underway.

On Thursday, Mahoning County commissioners awarded contracts worth close to $2 million to Bova Excavating of Struthers.

The work involves sewer line replacements in Craig Beach near Lake Milton and along Burgess Run Creek in Poland Township.

The contracts led to controversy when the actual low-bidder was deemed unresponsive when the contractor failed to sign a local Project Labor Agreement.

I have my own feelings on what I think the reasoning was but thats over now because we need to award, as Pat Ginnetti told us, you need to award this project so we can get started on this right now, said Mahoning County Commissioner Carol Righetti.

Commissioners say the work could begin in the next couple of weeks.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Multiple counties across Eastern North Carolina are still looking for people to work the polls in November.

Thats why theyre hosting the fourth annual poll worker recruitment day. The goal is to get more people on board and spread awareness.

Worst-case scenario, if there are not enough poll workers, election administrators have to consolidate and/or close polling places, National Program Manager with Power the Polls Marta Hanson said.

Hanson said if polling places close, it can impact lower income areas and communities of color. Its really our vision that voting is an easily accessible and positive experience for every voter, Hanson said. And so, a lot of that is connected to having more polling places open so voters dont have to wait in long lines and they can go somewhere thats just around the corner.

She said research shows different counties have specific needs. Onslow needs more manpower while Carteret is looking for more bilingual workers. Director of Elections for Duplin County Carrie Sullivan said their overall staffing is solid but they can use more Republican workers.

We try our best to make sure that we have even coverage by both parties that way, Sullivan said. But you do run into an issue where you do in this area, have a lot of Democrats that are coming back and then some of the Republicans have stopped coming.

Sullivan said they have a lot of workers returning from 2020 because they said they enjoyed it so much. Weve got a great group of people and it just, I think that it just feels like community and family to them, she said.

With the current political climate, Power the Polls representatives said election administrators across the county have taken extra steps to increase security. They said harassment and threats are real, but rare.

We are in touch with our local law enforcement, our county law enforcement and things like that, as well as the state Board of Elections, just to make sure that weve got everything covered and that we are prepared just in case, Sullivan said.

Sullivan added that being a poll worker is a paid position and a good way to give back to the community.

Ninety-five percent of poll workers we surveyed after the 2022 midterms told us they had a positive experience and wanted to serve again, Hanson 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 WNCT.
Chandler police say armed woman is dead after refusing to drop weapon

An armed woman is dead after a Chandler police officer shot her when she failed to comply with demands to drop her weapon, officials said Thursday afternoon.

The shooting occurred at an apartment complex near Dobson and Germann roads in Chandler. Several residents said the complex is typically quiet and that the incident was "shocking."

The East Valley Critical Response Team responded to the scene. Vehicles from Mesa Police Department were also at the apartment complex.

According to Chandler Detective Eva Zermeno, just after 1:30 p.m., police officers responded to a report of a suspicious person and domestic violence. On arrival, officers heard loud noises from inside the apartment.

Shortly after, a woman exited the apartment with a firearm and officers gave her multiple commands to drop the weapon, Zermeno said. The woman did not comply and at least one officer shot at the woman.

It was not clear how many officers fired their weapons or how many times the woman was shot as the investigation into the incident was ongoing, Zermeno said.

According to Zermeno, there were no other injuries reported. Although the call came in as a domestic violence report, the woman was by herself in the apartment, Zermeno noted.

Mesa Police Department was the agency assigned to investigate the incident.

Zermeno said there was no threat to the public but residents of the complex should prepare to see officers in the area for hours as the investigation is completed.

Chandler Police is on scene of an Officer Involved Shooting near Dobson and Germann Rds. No officers were injured. There is no threat to the community.

The PIO and EVCIRT is responding to the scene. Follow us on any of our platforms for updates and media staging information. pic.twitter.com/hobqS3lSNZ  Chandler Police (@ChandlerPolice) August 1, 2024

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Chandler police officer shoots, kills armed woman at apartment complex
Jennifer Leigh Husbands remembers the first time she was confronted with questions about whether she was Black or white. She was a student at the University of Virginia, and Husbands, whose mother was from Michigan and father from Barbados, listened to Grateful Dead music and drank beer at the time. People told her she was playing for white.



This notion of having to prove your identity throughout your life is something that doesnt go away in a country that is obsessed with race and deeply seeped in anti-Black racism, the Lincoln Square resident said.

Husbands, 51, said she couldnt bring herself to watch former President Donald Trump speak in Chicago on Wednesday. She had to read about it in the news.



When people like Trump say things like what he said (Wednesday), I feel like it kind of sets the conversation back 20 years, she said.



During an appearance before the National Association of Black Journalists, Trump said he hadnt known that Vice President Kamala Harris  the Democrats presumptive nominee after President Joe Biden opted not to seek reelection and endorsed her as his successor  is Black.

So Ive known her a long time indirectly, directly not very much, and she was always of Indian heritage, Trump said. And she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black. So I dont know  is she Indian or is she Black?

Harris, who was born in Oakland, California, is the daughter of immigrants. Her mother is from India and her father was born in Jamaica. She is the first Black and Asian American woman to become a major party candidate for the presidency.

The challenges of being multiracial in the United States were highlighted in the face of Trumps messaging, experts said. Harris shouldnt have to justify how her ancestry and biology align with her racial identity: her customs, languages and traditions, they said.

Trump is attempting to diminish her credibility by suggesting that she has only recently identified as Black, said Emily Williams, executive director of the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership at Kalamazoo College in Michigan. He does not have the authority to assert what anyones racial identity should be.

His statement thrust Harris racial identity into the national spotlight, touching on an issue that struck a chord with one of the fastest-growing groups in the United States: According to the 2020 U.S. census, the percentage of people who reported being multiple races grew 276%, from 9 million people in 2010 to 33.8 million a decade later.

As a district attorney, attorney general, U.S. senator and vice president, Harris has widely discussed her lineage. Her Asian mother raised her and her sister as Black because she believed that was how the world would see them first.

Harris attended Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington. She maintains close ties to her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha  the first historically African American sorority.

But on Wednesday, Trump questioned Harris personal background.

I respect either one but she obviously doesnt because she was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a Black person, Trump said.

Cedric Johnson, professor of political science and Black studies at the University of Illinois Chicago, said Trumps views on race and identity are simplistic. Johnson, 53, who grew up in Louisiana, said consensus on what it means to be multiracial has changed drastically since he was a kid in the South.



Were in a moment of ambiguity and possibility that wasnt there before, Johnson said.



Johnson said Trumps rhetoric may have insulted people in the country with origin stories similar to that of Harris.

Trump thinks about Black people as a clear constituency  as opposed to thinking about Black people as a diverse group with all sorts of different experiences, different classes, different regional and idiosyncratic concerns, he said.

How do you choose

Because Husbands lives in a predominantly white neighborhood, is married to a white man and likes listening to the Chicago-based, all-white band Wilco, she said shes cognizant of her Black identity.

But she said that reckoning is even harder for someone like Harris with two immigrant parents.



Husbands, who grew up in a predominantly white suburb of Philadelphia, considers herself Black and, because of her paternal heritage, Caribbean American, as opposed to African American.

She said she feels connected to the Black Caribbean as part of her identity. It informs the way she carries herself. It shapes her politics. She goes back to visit her family, who is still there.



While she may have brought her Deadhead roots with her to college, she remained connected to her fathers proclivity toward reggae and island music. They often went to jazz concerts together before he died.

I sort of have a foot in both worlds, she said.

Politicians often oversimplify race conversations, neglecting the nuances of multiple races, according to Gina Samuels, professor at the University of Chicagos Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice. Samuels said everyone should be able to mark both race and ethnicity when reporting their identity  the latter encompassing a broader category based on shared cultural history.

Unfortunately, nobody wants to do the tricky math of it to figure out how people are really reporting themselves, Samuels said.

Yolanda Trejo, 38, a salon owner and hairdresser in West Town, was one of only two or three Mexican families in the small town where she grew up in Minnesota, she said. Her dad is a second-generation Mexican American and her mom is white.

I definitely experienced racism, she said.

Trejo said her dad is obsessed with the idea of being American. He likes to put a flag in the lawn. He has always been proud to live in the United States.



Working at a salon as an adult, Trejo said shes been able to reflect on how she fits into the world in a way that isnt so black and white, so to speak. She likes to ask her clients about their identities or racial backgrounds as she cuts and blows out their hair.



Everybody is something, Trejo said.



Trejo said her 3-year-olds father is Black. Even though her son is young, shes already talking to him about race and identity. She has bought him childrens books about Jackie Robinson, she said. She is starting the conversations early.

I want him to know that theres a world for him, she said. There is change thats happening.

Trejo said she believes Trump is digging himself a hole by trying to pit groups of people against each other on a national stage. She thinks younger voters are ready for a woman president, especially one who represents change.

Other analysts questioned whether Trumps comments would make Black voters distrustful of Harris.



People are already a little bit cautious, said Sheehan Fisher, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University. Trumps comments feed off peoples fears and can get the worst of people.

Theres a lot more work to do

Alayna Washington Crenshaw, 49, has lived in Chicago since 2006 and is the director of a fine jewelry store. She said when she first moved to the city, she was surprised by Chicagos blatant segregation.

Her father is African American and her mother is white, and she said its taken time to figure out where she best fits in.

But throughout her life, she said she has gotten used to people coming up to her with the question: What are you? She finds it offensive.



That question is triggering to me because its happened my entire life, she said. You could ask me, you know, What is your background? Where are you from? Where are your parents from?

And being multiracial doesnt always mean a choice in identity.

Crenshaw has two sons. The boys father, who is Black, was once confronted by police officers in Bronzeville because they thought he was a robbery suspect, she said. He pulled into a gas station and was surrounded by officers in multiple police cars. They told him he was wearing the same tank top and sunglasses as the suspect.

Crenshaw tells her sons that they need to be extra careful around law enforcement officers. Her 16-year-old goes to a predominantly white private school, and she said she warns him that he might face more scrutiny than his classmates if he is ever confronted by police.



Its sad that were in 2024, closer to 2025, and were still experiencing this in a major city, Crenshaw said. Theres some work to do.
The mummy of an ancient Egyptian woman with her mouth wide open in what looks like an anguished shriek may have died "screaming from agony," researchers say.

The unnamed woman mummy, discovered in a 1935 archeological expedition in Deir el-Bahari near Luxor, was kept in The Cairo Egyptian Museum and referred to as "Screaming Woman Mummy of the store of Kasr al Ainy."

The face of the

In an article in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, scientists said they used CT scans and other testing to examine whether the mummy had any pathological abnormalities and assess potential causes of death.

They found that the woman, who was around 48 years old at the time she died, had lost some teeth and lived with mild arthritis of the spine. Her body was embalmed about 3,500 years ago with high quality ingredients.

Ancient Egyptians mummified bodies because they believed preserving them after death secured a worthy existence in the afterlife. Usually, internal organs would be removed during the mummification process, but that did not take place with the "Screaming Woman."

"In ancient Egypt, the embalmers took care of the dead body so it would look beautiful for the afterlife. That's why they were keen to close the mouth of the dead by tying the jaw to the head to prevent the normal postmortem jaw drop," lead researcher in the study, Cairo University radiology professor Sahar Saleem, told the Reuters news agency.

But this had not happened in the case of the "Screaming Woman."

"This opened the way to other explanations of the widely opened mouth  that the woman died screaming from agony or pain and that the muscles of the face contracted to preserve this appearance at the time of death due to cadaveric spasm," Saleem told Reuters, adding that, due to all of the unknowns around her history, the cause of her expression can't be established with certainty.

Saleem told Reuters that cadaveric spasm is a poorly understood condition, where contracted muscles become rigid immediately after death.

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On 24 July 2024, Pfizer announced a positive data readout from the Phase III AFFINE trial (NCT04370054) of its pipeline adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based haemophilia A gene therapy, girocotogene fitelparvovec.

This marks another step in Pfizers steady momentum in future-proofing its haemophilia portfolio, following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union (EU) approval of its haemophilia B gene therapy, Beqvez (fidanacogene elaparvovec), in the second quarter of the year. The AAV6-based girocotogene fitelparvovec demonstrated a statistically significant mean total annualized bleed rate (ABR) of 1.24 in the 15 months of follow-up after infusion, compared to a mean ABR of 4.73 from factor VIII (FVIII) replacement prophylaxis in the lead-in period. Regarding FVIII expression level in patients, 84% of recipients maintained factor activity of more than 5% at the end of the follow-up period. Serious adverse events were observed in 20% of patients. At the same time, Pfizer has yet to provide details on key hepatotoxicity events in the form of elevated aspartate (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme levels. Despite the positive results, the current efficacy and safety data are inadequate for the fast-follower gene therapy to demonstrate a clear enough clinical differentiation from the current market leader  BioMarins AAV5-based Roctavian (valoctocogene roxaparvovec).

With the first US commercial patient dosed in December 2023, Roctavian has enjoyed an uncontested space in hemophilia A gene therapy. Its FDA approval in June 2023 was based on the three-year data of its Phase III GENEr8 trial, from a cohort of 112 patients. Roctavian reduced the mean total ABR from the baseline of 5.4 to 2.6 over the observed period. Over a similar duration to the AFFINE trial (15 months), 88% of patients receiving Roctavian achieved FVIII activity equal to or more than 5% one year after infusion, as measured via chromogenic substrate assay. In terms of total ABR and FVIII activity, the performance of girocotogene fitelparvovec and Roctavian are only numerically similar.

Right now is too early to determine the robustness of new candidates

In the meantime, Pfizer has not revealed the full picture of the candidates efficacy, such as secondary endpoints such as the number of observed spontaneous bleeds, joint bleeds and other quality-of-life metrics. As FVII expression is expected to decline over several years, it is too early to determine if the candidates efficacy is more robust than Roctavian as further observation is needed to examine the long-term decline of factor expression after girocotogene infusion.

Story continues

Comparing safety, girocotogene fitelparvovec performed similarly to Roctavian in terms of the occurrence of serious adverse events - 20% compared to Roctavians 18% within the first two years. The occurrence of elevated ALS/AST events, which affects the number of patients requiring corticosteroid prescription for side effect management, would be important to illustrate a meaningful differentiation from the competition.

Earlier-stage candidates show greater degree of innovation

Despite the relative novelty of gene therapies in haemophilia, the landscape of haemophilia A will see greater competitive pressure from well-established pharmaceuticals making safe bets with conventional clinical strategy and emerging biotechs adopting novel payload or vector designs. Roches AAV-based dirloctocogene samoparvovec (RG6357) has recently entered its Phase III KEYSTONE-1 with an expected cohort size of 85 patients and an estimated primary completion date of May 2027. ASC Therapeuticss AVV-based candidate in a Phase I/IIa trial, ASC-618, approaches the competition with a novel transgene payload that differs from the mainstream B domain-deleted human FVIII construct. Furthermore, candidates in earlier stages show a greater degree of innovation, replacing AAV with a lipid nanoparticle vector and the human FVIII transgene with a high-fidelity CRISPR system, to provide enhanced safety, factor expression durability and the unique ability for redosing. Poseida Therapeuticss P-FVIII-101 and Intellia Therapeuticss haemophilia A programme are in their preclinical stages, gearing up for investigational new drug-enabling trials.

GlobalDatas analyst consensus forecast anticipates the first-generation haemophilia A gene therapies - Roctavian, girocotogene fitelparvovec and dirloctocogene samoparvovec - will create a product segment with a value of $970 million by 2030. At the same time, the first-mover Roctavian is anticipated to reach $451 million in sales, while girocotogene fitelparvovec will contribute $354 million to Pfizers sales. Due to later market entry, RG6357 is forecasted to reach $165 million. Solving manufacturing constraints and improving gene therapy access worldwide would be vital to unlocking more potential from the segment.

"Pfizers haemophilia A gene therapy shows promise, but tough rivals ahead" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand.







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MUNCIE, Ind.  Muncie's police chief and the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge are defending the city's newest officer in the wake of online criticism.

Treyston Johnson was sworn in as a Muncie police officer on July 22. He was previously an officer in Kinston, North Carolina, a city of about 19,000 residents 80 miles southeast of Raleigh.

On April 28, 2021, Johnson was driving a patrol car in Kinston when he struck and fatally injured a 53-year-old pedestrian, Lyndon Williams.

Johnson was placed on administrative leave while the North Carolina Highway Patrol investigated the accident.

Mayor Dan Ridenour swears in Treyston Johnson as a Muncie police officer on July 22, 2024.

According to a report by WITN-TV in Greenville, North Carolina, prosecutors filed no related charges after the investigation showed the pedestrian was "crossing the four-lane street in the middle of the block, was dressed in dark clothing, and a street light in the area wasn't working at the time."

The investigation also showed Johnson was traveling about 35 miles per hour at the time.

After the probe was completed, Johnson returned to duty with the Kinston department.

In a release on Thursday, Muncie Police Chief Nate Sloan said local comments recently posted online contained false claims about the 2021 fatality and that "accusations regarding excessive force and operating while intoxicated are baseless, libelous and false."

Sloan said Johnson had recently applied for a transfer to the Muncie Police Department "when it became clear that unrelated personal circumstances necessitated a move to Indiana."

He also disclosed the 2021 incident while being interviewed for the transfer to Muncie, Sloan said, adding that Johnson "has a passion to serve his new community and specifically chose this agency when he had other choices."

Sloan said he would "urge our community to be thankful that there are still individuals, locally and across the nation, who are willing to perform the policing duties that others are not."

The executive board of Muncie Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 87 also issued a statement on Thursday expressing support for Johnson.

"Fatal accidents involving pedestrians are always tragic, but that does not mean the driver is always at fault or that criminal charges are appropriate," the statement said.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Chief, Fraternal Order of Police defend new Muncie police officer
The murder trial for the suspect accused of killing 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley on the University of Georgia's campus is expected to start in mid-November, a judge said Friday, as the defense is seeking to move the high-profile case to another county.

Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard said jury selection would likely begin on Nov. 13, with the trial starting on Nov. 18.

The suspect, Jose Ibarra, appeared in the Athens-Clarke County courtroom for the hearing Friday morning.

PHOTO: Jose Antonio Ibarra appears in court in Athens, Georgia, Aug. 2, 2024. (Pool Feed)

His defense is seeking to move the trial out of Athens-Clarke County, arguing in a motion filed on Thursday that it "will not be possible to find an impartial jury to hear the matter." They also cited the "extensive media coverage" of the case in the county.

Haggard preliminarily gave prosecutors within 10 days of the motion's filing to respond to the request and said he would like to have a motions hearing sometime in late September or early October.

The defense said the schedule sounded reasonable. Prosecutors said they would like to wrap up the trial proceedings before Thanksgiving for the jurors, which Haggard said was "not lost on me."

MORE: Laken Riley murder suspect pleads not guilty in University of Georgia campus slaying

Ibarra, 26, was indicted by an Athens Clarke County grand jury on malice murder and felony murder and other offenses in May. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Riley, a student at Augusta University, was found dead in a wooded area on the Athens campus on Feb. 22 after she didn't return from a run. The indictment alleges Ibarra killed her by "inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and by asphyxiating her" and seriously disfigured her head by striking her "multiple times" with a rock.

PHOTO: Laken Riley is seen in an undated photo. (Augusta University)

Additional charges in the 10-count indictment include aggravated battery, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, obstructing or hindering a person making an emergency telephone call and tampering with evidence. The latter charge alleged that he "knowingly concealed" evidence -- a jacket and gloves -- involving the offense of malice murder.

He was also charged with a peeping tom offense. The indictment alleges that on the same day as Riley's murder, he spied through the window of a different person who lived in an apartment on campus.

MORE: FBI director says agency doing all it can to get 'justice' for Laken Riley

In a separate motion filed on Thursday, the defense sought to sever that charge from the indictment, arguing that the offense is against a different alleged victim and would "create significant prejudice."

Ibarra was denied bond following his arrest on Feb. 23 and is being held at the Clarke County Jail.

Police have said they do not believe Ibarra -- a migrant from Venezuela who officials said illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 -- knew Riley and that this was a "crime of opportunity." Her death has become a rallying cry for immigration reform from many conservatives.

Murder trial for suspect accused of killing Laken Riley expected to begin Nov. 18 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The Muscatine Community School District Agriculture Program has been named the National Agricultural Educators Association Region 3 Outstanding Agriculture Education Program Award winner, according to a news release.

From left are Clint Christopher, superintendent; Dave Tometich, agriculture teacher at Muscatine High School; Alexa Coobs, agriculture teacher, Muscatine High School; Ashley Wiebe, agriculture teacher; Susan Clark, Junior High (with plaque;) Dailyn Garret, agriculture teacher; Susan Clark, Junior High; and Sam Paul, agriculture teacher, Muscatine High School. (Muscatine Community School District.)

This means that the program is not only the best in Iowa but also in the region that includes Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

The program will be represented at the National Association of Agriculture Educators convention in San Antonio, Texas in December. Only six programs in the nation have this honor.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Myanmar rebels are claiming their biggest victory yet over junta forces. Could it be a turning point in the brutal civil war?

The pounding of sustained gunfire and artillery had rattled Khin Swes home in northeastern Myanmar for days, with shelling getting ever closer until it was impossible for her to remain.

If I had stayed, I would have been dead by now because of artillery firing and airstrikes that were falling all over the town, Khin Swe told CNN, using a pseudonym for security reasons.

There was nothing we could do to be safe, except to run, said the 28-year-old online sales rep.

Like many of the residents of Lashio, a major town of about 170,000 people nestled in the mountains of northern Shan state, Khin Swe packed what she could and fled.

Images published by local media in the past few weeks show a mass exodus from the town, with a long line of cars, trucks and bikes laden with belongings snaking through muddy, monsoon-lashed roads.

Since late June, a powerful ethnic rebel army and its allied resistance forces have mounted a renewed offensive to capture Lashio. The strategic garrison town, the largest in Shan state, is the seat of the juntas regional Northeastern Military Command and the center of its power base in Myanmars northeast and areas near the Chinese border, with about 40 battalions under its command.

Myanmar has spiraled into a devastating civil conflict since the juntas 2021 coup was overwhelmingly spurned by the people, as the military wages a ruthless war against a nationwide armed resistance determined to oust it from power.

On July 25, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), a rebel force of the ethnic Chinese Kokang minority, announced it had won a decisive victory against the junta and declared Lashio fully liberated following a 23-day operation.

If confirmed, the capture of Lashio would be the biggest victory for the resistance since the coup and mark a turning point in the three-year civil war that has been characterized by increasingly brutal attacks against civilians by junta soldiers and warplanes, and the mass displacement of more than 3 million people.

Junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun has repeatedly denied that the town and the regional command has been captured, calling the claims propaganda. The junta said the rebel group has devastated civilians areas [rather] than military strategic holds.

Video and images posted to social media and on the MDNAAs accounts in recent days appeared to show their troops in central Lashio, including at the railway station, prison and a broadcast station, and within hundreds of meters of core military infrastructure.

CNN cannot independently verify the claims from either side.

Displaced people fleeing fighting in Lashio try to cross the flooded road to Taunggyi in Myanmar's northern Shan state on July 9, 2024. - Stringer/AFP/Getty Images

Analysts say the situation remains fluid and while the rebel group is quickly moving through the town, capturing several battalions especially to the south of the city, fighting is ongoing.

That sort of position in the very middle of Lashio certainly points toward significant gains within the city, said Nathan Ruser, an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, who has been mapping positions of the resistance in Lashio.

For Lashio to fall, it basically eliminates the junta as an effective organized force from a huge part of the country, Ruser said. And for it to appear to be happening after only about a month of clashes shows how much the capabilities of the junta have declined in the last year especially.

Caught in the crossfire

Khin Swe said Lashios residents were used to the sounds of fighting nearby but not within the city itself.

Artillery shelling was fired constantly at night over the town. With our phones in our hands to keep updated with the news, we all sat anxiously. Some nights, I didnt dare to sleep as shells roared overhead. At some point I fell asleep and was woken up by the sound of the loud artillery again, she said. It was the scariest moment I have ever experienced in my life.

The main forward part of the rebels assault had focused on the south and west of Lashio, with the MNDAA and its allies targeting the LIB 507 military base before entering the town and clearing it street by street, analysts and residents told CNN.

Khin Swe, whose home was close to the base, described how shelling started near her part of town but had grown in intensity in other areas as the militarys soldiers exchanged fire with the rebels.

Displaced people cross the Dokhtawaddy river at Zin Ann village, between Lashio and Hsipaw township in Myanmar's northern Shan state, on July 8, 2024 - Stringer/AFP/Getty Images

She escaped to Myanmars second-biggest city Mandalay, a six-hour drive away in normal conditions. Bus fares leaving the city had skyrocketed, she said, as droves of people tried to flee.

Some of her family members decided to stay in Lashio to protect their homes and businesses. Before phone lines got cut off, Khin Swe said her relatives saw Kokang troops move into the town and position themselves in empty buildings, while they urged the people to leave.

I am sure my home has been wrecked, but we cant reach out to people who are left in the town because the phone connection is cut off, she said. My friend who had stayed in the town until very recently told me that most of the houses have been damaged.

Being among many people displaced by war in Mandalay, Khin Swe said she and her family are barely surviving.

The displacement shelters are full up with the entire population of Lashio town, some of us are struggling to find a place to live. Besides, we dont have food to eat either, she said. Our family could not take some valuable items other than some money, and now we are living with more than 30 people in a place we rented.

Other Lashio residents caught in the crossfire have written desperate messages for help on local community and neighborhood Facebook groups.

There are children and elderly being caught in a high school amid crossfire in Lashio, they have not eaten the whole day, I dont know how to help, one social media user posted.

We are a group of three girls with a 70-year-old grandma, we want to leave the town either for Taunggyi or Mandalay, but we are struggling with how, another resident posted, leaving her phone number.

One man who spoke to CNN by phone said he fled Lashio at 4 a.m. last Friday as heavy fire raged overhead. We left the town with a bunch of people by truck. The road on the way was badly damaged, he said as he traveled to Taunggyi, the Shan state capital some nine hours south of Lashio.

The fighting, which has extended across Shan state and the neighboring Mandalay region has forced thousands of civilians to flee  many of them multiple times  often to towns and villages also facing a barrage of junta airstrikes and shelling.

The deteriorating humanitarian crisis is being exacerbated by a lack of food and aid, with local community networks risking their lives to reach those in need.

Coordination of anti-coup resistance

Rebels have reportedly seized dozens of junta bases and several northern towns since a renewed offensive in late June by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a trio of ethnic armed groups fighting alongside the Peoples Defence Force (PDF), the armed wing of the national unity government in exile.

The gains for the rebel alliance  made up of the MNDAA, the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army  followed the collapse of a Chinese-brokered ceasefire, according to local media and resistance groups.

Last week, the TNLA said it had captured another strategic town in the Mandalay region  Mogok, the center of Myanmars lucrative gem mining industry.

Analysts say resistance forces now control many of the roads to Lashio and other key towns in the northeast, preventing the military from resupplying soldiers in its peripheral outposts.

Theyre unable to push forces up because all the roads are controlled by the opposition, so they have a hard time sending reinforcements, said Miemie Winn Byrd, a retired US Army Lt. Col. and professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.

Since October, the military has been weakened by a series of territorial losses, troop defections, desertions and loss of manpower. Endemic corruption and poor command within its ranks mean the junta leadership may not have a clear idea of the situation on the ground across the country, including in Lashio, analysts say.

People queue for food at a monastery turned temporary shelter for internally displaced people in Lashio, Shan state on November 15, 2023. - Stringer/AFP/Getty Images

Because of the corruption, Naypyidaw does not know how many forces it has they have had a lot of desertions and defections that are going unreported, Byrd said. Im not sure (junta chief) Min Aung Hlaing knows that that city has fallen into the hands of the opposition. Im not sure his people are telling him that.

Last week, the junta reportedly replaced the head of the northeast command. There were also reports in local media that the junta had ordered its staff to leave Lashio as fighting got closer. CNN cannot independently verify these claims.

In a recent address, junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun appeared to counter claims of a weakened military, which he referred to by its local name, the Tatmadaw.

As long as Myanmar exists, the Tatmadaw will exist. As long as we exist, Myanmar will live even stronger because we will safeguard your lives and your properties. Therefore, you all must work hand in hand to defend your country, he said.

The anti-coup resistance in Myanmar was once considered a loose grouping of ill-equipped fighters, but recent successes, including the MNDAAs push into Lashio, has shown a new level of coordination and capability, according to analysts.

This phase of Operation 1027 has really shown a new level of interoperability and coordination between the ethnic resistance organizations and the political PDF resistance, said Ruser, referring to the Three Brotherhood Alliances name for its ongoing offensive.

Given the sort of snowballing gains by the resistance, and especially the Three Brotherhood Alliance over the last six to eight months, theyre now a really equipped force. They have artillery, they have plenty of drones, they have all sorts of capabilities that now allow them to really strike apart at qualified and static positions.

For Khin Swe, the fighting in Lashio has left people divided.

Chinese people in the town and young people who are in support of revolution are largely in favor of the Kokang group while the older generation, who dont want war, blame the Kokang for their territorial invasion [and] are in support of the military, she said.

Khin Swe said she is saddened to see the destruction in her hometown but she supports the revolutionary groups defeating the junta.

I am happy and sad at the same time because I dont know how we will rebuild our home. But the news of Lashio being captured gives us hope that one day in the near future we can go back home, she said.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Its been more than two years since Brandon Coopers death, and while the suspects in his case have now been sentenced, the focus now shifts to Lyft.

The family of Cooper spoke at the NAACP Dayton headquarters on Thursday, saying that Lyft is still responsible for the actions that took place in early 2022.

Teens sentenced to 20+ years for shooting death of Lyft driver

As one chapter ends with the suspects in Coopers death heading to prison, the family of Cooper and the Dayton Unit NAACP are seeking answers from Lyft, in an upcoming civil case against the rideshare company.

Police say they found Cooper dead in his car in January 2022, after four teens lured him into a location to rob him. Cooper was driving for Lyft when the incident occurred.

This week, the two suspects were sentenced to prison, with DaTrayvon Mitchell receiving 25 years to life, and Tylan Peaks receiving 27 years.

The family of Cooper says they are thankful that Mitchell showed remorse and pain for the crime, but they said that they did not receive the same from Peaks.

While they are still grieving, the family says their attention now turns to later this year  where they say they will hold Lyft responsible for the actions of that day.

Lyft, in my opinion, the only thing that they didnt do was pull the trigger, said Michelle Cooper, mother of Brandon. They have Brandons blood on their hands. The only thing that they didnt do was pull the trigger. They are responsible.

According to the NAACP Dayton Unit, the civil case is currently set for September of this year.

Now the NAACP is also expressing their hope that gun violence is taken seriously, as they call on everyone to step up to help stop the violence.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is expected to bring tropical-storm conditions and heavy rain to the Florida Peninsula, including Naples and Collier County, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical storm watches and warnings have been issued for portions of Florida, including a storm warning in Naples and Collier County, ahead of a possible landfall as Tropical Storm Debby along Florida's West Coast over the weekend.

What was originally known as Invest 97L currently is located over eastern Cuba, about 360 miles southeast of Key West, according to the 11 a.m. advisory.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours. A watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday declared a state of emergency for 54 of Florida's 67 counties, including Collier County, ahead of the storm.

 Track all active storms

 Spaghetti models for Potential Tropical Cyclone Four

"Keep in mind the tropical cyclone will be strengthening as it moves north, so the farther north it gets before landfall, the better of a shot that it has to attain hurricane status," said the National Weather Service Tallahassee.

If sustained winds reach 39 mph, it would become Tropical Storm Debby, the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

Where is Potential Tropical Cyclone Four?

Location : 30 miles east-southeast of Camaguey, Cuba; 360 miles southeast of Key West

Maximum sustained winds: 30 mph

Movement : west-northwest at 16 mph

Next advisory: 5 p.m.

 Excessive rainfall forecast

Potential Tropical Cyclone Four expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Debby, impact parts of Southwest Florida

At 2 p.m., the disturbance was centered near latitude 21.1 North, longitude 77.5 West.

The system is moving toward the west-northwest near 16 mph. A turn toward the northwest at a slower forward speed is expected tonight or Saturday, followed by a turn toward the north on Sunday.

On the forecast track, the disturbance is expected to move over Cuba today, cross the Straits of Florida on Saturday, and then move near or over the west coast of Florida Saturday night through Sunday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph, with higher gusts.

The disturbance is expected to develop into a tropical depression on Saturday as it moves across the Straits of Florida, followed by intensification into a tropical storm by Saturday night.

Formation chance through 48 hours: high, 80 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days: high, 90 percent.

Spaghetti models: Latest models on where Potential Tropical Cyclone Four could make Florida landfall

Special note about spaghetti models: Spaghetti model illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The Hurricane Center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.

Tropical storm watches and warnings issued for Collier and Lee County

A tropical storm warning is in effect for:

Southwest coast of the Florida peninsula from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for:

The west coast of the Florida peninsula north of Bonita Beach to Aripeka.

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

Potential impact from tropical cyclone

WINDS: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area late Saturday and Saturday night. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area in the Florida Keys and the southern Florida peninsula by Saturday or Saturday night. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area along the Florida west coast Saturday night or Sunday.

STORM SURGE: The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide:

Aripeka to Card Sound Bridge, 1-3 feet

Tampa Bay...1-3 feet

Charlotte Harbor...1-3 feet

RAINFALL: Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is expected to produce rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with maximum rainfall totals up to 12 inches, across portions of Florida and near the Southeast U.S. coast this weekend through Wednesday morning. This rainfall could result in areas of flash and urban flooding, with isolated river flooding possible.

Key messages on what Florida can expect from tropical cyclone

Heavy rainfall may result in flash and urban flooding across portions of Florida and the Southeast this weekend through Wednesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center. Isolated river flooding will also be possible. Tropical storm conditions are expected Saturday night within the warning area in southwest Florida from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach where a tropical storm warning has been issued. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the Florida Keys on Saturday and along the Florida west coast north of Bonita Beach to Aripeka Saturday night and Sunday where a tropical storm watch is in effect. Coastal flooding is possible along portions of the west coast of Florida over the weekend. Residents elsewhere in Florida should monitor the progress of this system.

Florida Gov. DeSantis issues state of emergency for 54 counties, including Collier

Florida is monitoring Invest 97L in the Atlantic, which is expected to strengthen and potentially make landfall as early as this weekend. It will be slow-moving and bring lots of rain that could cause significant flooding.



I encourage all residents to prepare for the storm and  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 1, 2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency Thursday in preparation for the potential landfall of a storm that could become the first "significant threat" to the state.

In a post on X Thursday afternoon, DeSantis said "Florida is monitoring Invest 97L in the Atlantic, which is expected to strengthen and potentially make landfall as early as this weekend. It will be slow-moving and bring lots of rain that could cause significant flooding. I encourage all residents to prepare for the storm and follow all guidance issued by @FLSERT and local emergency management officials."

National Weather Service forecasts for Florida, what to expect and when

Rainfall predicted from Aug. 2 through Aug. 5 as Invest 97L approaches Florida.

Rain chances will increase across the Florida Peninsula. Rainfall estimates range from 2 to 4 inches and as high as 8 inches. The strongest storms could produce gusty winds, and heavy downpours. Multiple rounds of heavy downpours could create the potential for localized flooding.

Forecasters urge all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and to always be prepared. That advice is particularly important for what is expected to be a very active hurricane season.

Weather watches and warnings issued in Southwest Florida

National Hurricane Center map: What are forecasters watching now?

Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include:

Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near Naples, Collier County

Excessive rainfall forecast for Naples and Collier

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: national hurricane center increases odds naples collier county impact
The navy is conducting training at NAS Jacksonville from Aug. 4 to Aug. 15.

The training will include carrier-based jet fighters. The aircrafts will start arriving at the station this weekend.

NAS Jacksonville is notifying the surrounding community that there will be an increase in noise during the training period.

If you have any noise complaints, you can email nasjax.noisecomplaints@us.navy.mil.

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Nation braces for weekend of far-right violence with 35 protests in wake of Southport stabbing

Far-right rioters have been told they will face the full force of the law as police brace for a weekend of violence, with 35 protests planned in the wake of the killing of three children in Southport.

In a warning to organisers, Home Office minister Lord Hanson vowed we will be watching you to prevent the summer madness from spreading following a string of violent clashes, as police chiefs said they will not tolerate far-right thugs exploiting the nations grief.

Dozens of demonstrations planned across the country have stoked fears of widespread unrest amid rising far-right anger over Mondays atrocity, which saw three girls aged nine, seven and six fatally stabbed and eight more wounded at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

One protest on Friday night in Sunderland saw beer barrels thrown at police and a fire started as hundreds of protesters, some in balaclavas or England flags, took to the streets.

Sir Keir Starmer returned to Southport for a second visit on Friday, meeting community and police leaders to unveil a support package for the seaside resort town in the wake of the murders of three young girls and subsequent far-right riots.

He went on to visit Alder Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool where many of the victims were treated.

The prime minister praised the resilience of the community in Southport which has seen acts of bravery and kindness in the wake of the violence.

Protesters were out in Sunderland on Friday night (PA)

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Sunderland (Scott Heppell/PA Wire)

He said: As a nation, we stand with those who tragically have lost loved ones in the heinous attack in Southport, which ripped through the very fabric of this community and left us all in shock.

It is truly inspiring to hear of all the ways in which people have come together in the face of such horrors to demonstrate true bravery, resilience and solidarity.

I cannot begin to imagine the pain that people are going through right now, but I am determined to make sure that Southport and its leaders have all the support they need to preserve and nurture this strength of community spirit  not just in the immediate aftermath but also in the years to come.

The support package involves government and local partners working together to coordinate a multi-agency support offer for bereaved families and all those affected across Southport.

Devastation: far-right protests set fire to vehicles and launched missiles at police in Southport on Tuesday (Getty)

They will also seek to bolster community cohesion and build local resilience, including by setting up a programme of local community events and activities to help bring people together and create long-lasting support networks.

Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram said: It will not happen overnight but we are determined to restore trust, build on that remarkable resilience and, above all, ensure that Bebe [King], Elsie [Dot Stancombe] and Alice [Dasilva Aguiar], and the victims and those traumatised, are never forgotten.

The package will also help support local leaders efforts to honour the memory of those killed or injured, working with schools and others affected to commemorate them in line with the local communitys wishes.

With fears over the continued threat of far-right groups, a judge on Thursday named the stabbing suspect as Cardiff-born Axel Rudakubana, 17, to quell online misinformation about his identity from fuelling protests which erupted after the attack.

But it seems to have done little to halt the fringe groups from mobilising, with many events promoting anti-immigration and messaging such as enough is enough, save our kids or stop the boats.

Mosques across the country have ramped up security as they speak of palpable fear over the protests after more than 50 officers were injured in clashes with far-right thugs outside a mosque in Southport on Tuesday.

Elsie Dot Stancombe (left), Bebe King (top right) and Alice Dasilva Aguiar (bottom left) were killed in the Southport attack (PA)

More than 100 people were arrested after flares were fired at Downing Street during similar disorder in the capital on Wednesday.

Violent clashes in Hartlepool saw a dozen arrests, including an 11-year-old held on suspicion of arson after a police car was set alight, with unrest also seen outside asylum seeker accommodation in Manchester and Aldershot.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper vowed to make sure criminals pay the price for any violence as the government rallied behind police ahead of the widespread potential unrest.

She will be regularly briefed over the weekend and an extra 70 prosecutors will be on hand to quickly charge those who set out to cause violent disorder or wreak havoc in communities.

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs Council, said forces will not stand by and let criminals carry out unnecessary violence.

Promising a robust and united response, he said: Our message to anyone thinking of getting involved in this type of criminality is clear  if you cause violence, you will face the full force of the law and we have the full backing of our criminal justice partners.

(PA Wire)

His comments come after the prime minister announced a new programme to tackle violent disorder as he condemned this weeks events as an assault on the rule of law.

In a message to protest organisers, Home Office minister Lord Hanson said: If you are organising this now, we will be watching you.

He said forces have the powers under intelligence-led policing to track people who may be travelling to cause trouble and to use facial recognition technology to bring prosecutions.

Asked whether those involved are from the far-right, he told LBC: Some individuals will have far-right opinions, in my view, some might be caught up in the summer madness. Some might be people whove got genuine concerns.

Lord Walney, the governments adviser on political violence and disruption, claimed there was a concerted and coordinated attempt to spread the violence.

Clearly, some of those far-right actors have got a taste for this and are trying to provoke similar in towns and cities across the UK, he said.

In Manchester, three separate events are threatening to cause disruption, with events also planned in other key cities including Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff and Nottingham.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged over the murder of three children in Southport (Supplied/Liverpool Crown Court)

Activists at Stand Up to Racism have said that ethnic minorities are all bracing for a weekend of far-right activity, with up to nine counterprotests so far organised by anti-racism groups.

Joe Mulhall, director of research at anti-fascist campaign group Hope Not Hate, said he was deeply concerned events may erupt into disorder.

Whilst there is no single organiser fronting these protests, all of them are under a broad anti-multiculturalism, anti-Muslim and anti-government banner, he added.

Brian Booth, acting deputy national chair at the Police Federation, issued a plea to members of the public not to join protests.

I think one of the key messages is a plea to the public just to think before you go to these protests, he told The Independent, warning that they could find themselves caught in the middle between far-right mobs and police lines.

Please exhaust your normal democratic lines of complaint. Speak to your police and crime commissioner and your MP but dont take to the streets and join these individuals.

I understand the right to protest but unfortunately, the lawful right to protest has been hijacked by this undercurrent of violence by people who are intent on causing trouble.

Unfortunately, the misuse of social media has taken some members of the public along with them.
Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) is one of the most successful pharmaceutical companies ever. In 2022, it brought in more than $100 billion in revenue -- a record for itself and for the entire industry. Of course, a lot of this was due to an unprecedented situation -- the COVID-19 pandemic -- and two products to address it: Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine and treatment.

As demand for these treatments dropped in later pandemic times, though, it was clear Pfizer needed a new growth driver. And the big pharma company announced that a key driver of that growth would be oncology drugs. To increase its presence in that area, Pfizer last year acquired oncology specialist Seagen, a company focused on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). These allow for the delivery of potent treatments directly to tumor cells, in order to limit damage to normal cells.

This week, Pfizer reported second-quarter earnings; this marks its second full quarter of earnings that include Seagen products. Is Pfizer winning its $43 billion bet on the oncology specialist? Let's find out.

Image source: Getty Images.

The Seagen acquisition

First, a few details about the Seagen acquisition: Pfizer announced this $43 billion purchase early last year and completed the operation in December. At the time of the announcement, Pfizer said Seagen was expected to contribute more than $10 billion in risk-adjusted revenue in 2030.

The Seagen purchase came with four approved treatments. Three are ADCs: Padcev for advanced bladder cancer, Adcetris for Hodgkin lymphoma, and Tivdak for cervical cancer. Seagen also brought Tukysa, for a certain form of breast cancer. Including these four, Pfizer's oncology portfolio holds more than 25 approved medicines -- and nine of these are blockbusters or have blockbuster potential. The deal also doubled Pfizer's oncology pipeline, which could result in significant growth down the road as candidates reach the finish line.

Pfizer aims to launch eight or more oncology blockbusters by 2030, and to double the number of cancer patients treated with the company's drugs.

Now let's see how Pfizer is progressing when it comes to growth from the Seagen portfolio. If we look at Seagen's second-quarter product revenue from last year and compare it to Pfizer's second quarter of this year, we can see that all four drugs have increased revenue year over year. Padcev, in particular, posted a significant jump, advancing more than 144% to $394 million in revenue in the recent quarter. Pfizer says this treatment is progressing toward becoming the standard of care for patients with locally advanced or metastatic bladder cancer.

Story continues

The growth opportunity

This is all positive, and the Seagen integration is just getting started. With the exception of Adcetris, Seagen's products are relatively new to the market; they've launched within the past few years, so Pfizer has plenty of opportunity to grow market share and sales. On top of this, the pipeline and the high retention rate of talent from Seagen should result in additional important drugs down the road.

Now let's get back to our question: Is Pfizer winning its big bet? The world burden of cancer is growing, according to the World Health Organization -- and about 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetimes. The oncology drug market, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of more than 11%, is expected to reach about $462 billion by the early 2030s, according to a Precedence Research report. So Pfizer is addressing a growth market that's in need of more options.

Seagen's drugs are showing they have what it takes to offer growth. We'll see to what extent they can deliver in the coming quarters, but the first signs are positive. Meanwhile, the addition of the Seagen pipeline is another plus, though it will take a few years to see its impact as candidates progress through the development process.

Pfizer hasn't yet won its Seagen bet, but considering what we've seen so far, it's on track to do so. And that's great news for investors who decide to buy the stock today and hold on for the long term.

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The "Ride to Decide" Bus parked outside the Cuban Club in Tampa on Aug. 1, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)

The national abortion rights advocacy group Free & Just brought its Ride to Decide bus tour to the Sunshine State this week, making appearances in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.

The bus tour kicked off in Milwaukee during the Republican National Convention last month and is hitting states up and down the East Coast and South for the next few weeks before concluding at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later in August.

Were doing events across the country, both community roundtables and press conferences, said Veronica Ingham, senior campaign director for Free and Just, a national nonprofit organization focused on federal protections for abortion and expanding reproductive rights. We really want to feature local community members who are talking about the impact of abortion bans across the country.

The tour has already gone through Texas and Louisiana, whose legislatures have enacted total abortion bans. They are scheduled to later go to Georgia (which has a six-week ban), North Carolina (which bans abortions after 12 weeks gestation), Pennsylvania (24 weeks), Ohio (20 weeks) and ends in Illinois (where abortion is legal until the point of viability).

The issue of abortion was scarcely mentioned in speeches at the RNC in Milwaukee, and the official Republican Party platform developed by the Donald Trump campaign watered down the partys historically strong stance on abortion.

This is what it says on the Issue of Life:

We proudly stand for families and Life. We believe that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees that no person can be denied Life or Liberty without Due Process, and that the States are, therefore, free to pass Laws protecting those Rights. After 51 years, because of us, that power has been given to the States and to a vote of the People. We will oppose Late Term Abortion, while supporting mothers and policies that advance Prenatal Care, access to Birth Control, and IVF (fertility treatments).

On Thursday, the Ride to Decide tour convened a roundtable discussion with a local panel of abortion rights activists at the Cuban Club in Tampas historic Ybor City neighborhood. They discussed a range of issues, such as how they are contending with the states newly implemented ban on most abortions after six weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest, and human trafficking up to 15-weeks gestation, although those require extensive documentation.

Near-total ban

There are no exceptions. This is a near-total abortion ban, and they do not care. We have to do everything we can to make sure the people we love are safe and able to access the health care that they need, said Sarah Parker, executive director of Voices of Florida, a progressive group formerly called Womens Voices of Southwest Florida, which has made itself a presence in Tallahassee during the past few legislative sessions.

This six-week abortion ban has impacted thousands of people just in the Tampa Bay area, said Kris Lawler, president of the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund, created in 2017 as a volunteer organization that raises money to help women get access to an abortion. Were doing the best we can to work with our partners  national and local  to make sure that people get the care they need.

A lot of people I talk to are scared, added Bree Wallace, director for case management at Tampa Bay Abortion Fund. Theyve never left the state. They dont know how to fly. They live in fear. They havent used rideshares. And they have to travel thousands of miles now. Theyre very scared about the whole process and some of them dont even know that theres an abortion ban in place until they come in.

Sabrina Bousbar is running for the Democratic nomination for Congress in Floridas 13th District in Pinellas County, now represented by Republican Anna Paulina Luna. Only 27 herself, she was asked what she would say to young people about the situation regarding abortion rights in Florida.

You have to take that fear and turn it into fuel, she said. You have to make a determination. You have to get involved, so I tell young people, Get involved. This is about the fight for reproductive health care and this is about the fight for women.

Amendment 4, the constitutional amendment on the Nov. 5 ballot in Florida, would restore the right to an abortion until the point of viability, around 24 weeks. A poll released this week from the University of North Florida showed the measure getting more than the 60% threshold required for passage.

Polls have shown that most people in the United States believe abortion should remain legal and disapprove of the 2022 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a federal right for a woman to have an abortion.
(Getty Images)

Its not easy to make public health decisions without access to good data. And epidemiologists and public health workers for Native American communities say theyre often in the dark because state and federal agencies restrict their access to the latest numbers.

The 2010 reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act gave tribal epidemiology centers public health authority and requires the federal Department of Health and Human Services to grant them access to and use of data and other protected health information thats regularly distributed to state and local officials. But tribal epidemiology center workers have told government investigators thats not often the case.

By July 2020, American Indians and Alaskan Natives had a COVID-19 infection rate 3 times that of non-Hispanic whites. Problems accessing data predated the pandemic, but the alarming infection and death rates in Native American communities underscored the importance of making data-sharing easier so tribal health leaders and epidemiologists have the information they need to make lifesaving decisions.

Tribal health officials have repeatedly said data denials impeded their responses to disease outbreaks, including slowing contact tracing during the pandemic and an ongoing syphilis outbreak in the Midwest and Southwest.

Were being blinded, said Meghan Curry OConnell, the chief public health officer for the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. The sharing of data has improved somewhat in recent years, she said, but not enough.

Federal investigators and tribal epidemiologists have documented a litany of obstacles keeping state and federal public health information from tribes, including confusion about data-sharing policies, inconsistent processes for requesting information, data thats of poor quality or outdated, and strict privacy rules for sensitive data on health issues like HIV and substance misuse.

Limiting the ability of tribes and tribal epidemiology centers to monitor and respond to public health issues makes historical health disparities difficult to address. Life expectancy among American Indians and Alaskan Natives is at least 5 years shorter than the national average.

Sarah Shewbrooks and her colleagues at the Great Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center are among those whove found themselves blinded by bureaucratic walls. Shewbrooks said the data dearth was particularly evident during the COVID pandemic, when her team couldnt access public health data available to other public health workers in state and local agencies. Her team was forced to manually record positive cases and deaths in the 311 counties of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa  the region the center serves.

Shewbrooks, director of the centers data-coordinating unit and its lead epidemiologist, estimates staffers spent more than a years worth of their time during the pandemic scraping together their own datasets to steer information to tribal leaders making decisions about closing down reservations and asking residents to isolate at home.

She said the process was frustrating and stressful, especially since it robbed her team of hours they couldve spent trying to save lives in the communities they serve. The tribes in their region were doing incredible things, she said, by providing food and shelter for people who needed to quarantine.

But they were having to do it all without being given real-time understanding of whats going on around them, Shewbrooks said.

Contact tracers who work for state governments cover Native American populations, but its important to have people from within the community take the lead, Shewbrooks said. Tribal workers are better equipped to move around within their communities and meet people where they are.

Shewbrooks said state contact tracers relied on calling and texting patients, which is often not the most effective method. Tribal members can be a hard-to-reach community for state workers whose protocol is to move on to the next case if they dont get a response.

So many cases were just getting closed, Shewbrooks said.

In 2022, the Government Accountability Office published a report that confirmed concerns raised by tribal health officials, including at the Great Plains tribal epidemiology center. Federal investigators found that health officials working to address public health issues in Native American communities dealt with federal agencies lacking clear processes, policies, and guidelines for sharing data with tribal officials.

In one example, officials said that as of November 2021, 10 of the 12 tribal epidemiology centers in the U.S. had access to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID data, but not all had full data. Some centers had access to case surveillance data that included information on positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Only half said they also had access to COVID vaccination data from HHS.

The GAO report also found that staffers responding to data requests at HHS, the CDC, and the Indian Health Service did not consistently recognize tribal epidemiology centers as public health authorities. Center officials told federal investigators that theyd sometimes been asked to request data they needed as outside researchers or through the Freedom of Information Act.

The report recommended agencies make several corrections, including responding to tribal epidemiology centers as required by law and clarifying how agency staffers should handle requests from epidemiology centers.

HHS officials agreed with all the recommendations. The agency consulted with tribal leaders in fall 2022 and, this year, published a draft policy that clarifies what data centers can access.

Some tribal leaders say the proposal is a step in the right direction but is incomplete. Jim Roberts, senior executive liaison in intergovernmental affairs at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, a nonprofit organization that provides care and advocacy for Alaskan tribes, said the GAO report focused on tribal epidemiology centers, which operate separately from tribal governments, each serving dozens of tribes divided into regions. The report left out tribes, which he said have a right to their data as sovereign nations.

HHS officials declined an interview request, but Samira Burns, principal deputy assistant secretary for public affairs, said the agency is reviewing feedback and recommendations it received from tribal leaders during consultation on the draft policy and will continue to consult with tribes before its finalized.

Stronger federal policy on tribal data sharing would help with relationships with states, too, Roberts said. Tribal officials say problems theyve experienced at the federal level are often worse in states, where laws might not recognize tribes or tribal epidemiology centers as authorities that can receive data.

At the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center, which works on behalf of tribes in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, forging a data-use agreement with state governments in Washington and Oregon before the pandemic helped their response by providing immediate access to near real-time data on emergency room and other health care facility visits. The centers staff used this data to monitor for suspected COVID-related visits that could be shared with tribal leaders.

It took seven months for the center to get access to COVID surveillance data from the CDC, said Sujata Joshi, director of the Northwest centers Improving Data and Enhancing Access project, and about nine months for HHS vaccination data after vaccinations became available. Even after getting the information, she said, there were concerns about its quality.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF  the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.
People participate in a registered spontaneous demonstration beside the entry road to the military section of Cologne Bonn Airport. They were Russian opposition supporters organized by "Free Russia NRW" who wished to greet the released prisoners with flowers and cake by Russian tradition but were unable to do so since the released convicts were driven away from the military sector by an alternative path. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

People close to Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of the Kremlin who died in a Russian prison camp, have said they are happy about the prisoner exchange between Western states and Russia and the release of numerous opposition figures.

The Navalny team itself helped to compile the list, said Maria Pevchikh, head of the anti-corruption fund founded by the late opposition leader.

"I hope this will be repeated an infinite number of times," she said.

Pevchikh and other Navalny supporters travelled to the German city of Cologne to receive the opposition members released to Germany by Russian President Vladimir Putin, including politician Ilya Yashin.

One photo from the swap showed Yashin in prison clothes.

Navalny's former colleague Leonid Volkov, who also travelled to Cologne, said that there had previously been a plan to release Navalny via a swap.

Navalny's death may have increased the motivation for the West to go through with the exchange and act before it is too late to save other political prisoners, he said.

Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, thanked Washington for helping organize the exchange during a phone call with US presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Navalnaya called on the international community to continue its efforts to free more political prisoners in Russia.

The release of no fewer than eight political prisoners from Russia is primarily thanks to Germany, said investigative journalist Christo Grozev in an interview with US broadcaster CNN.

Initial negotiations on an exchange of Vadim Krasikov, sentenced for carrying out a murder in Berlin, fell apart after Navalny's death, he said.

Berlin then insisted that Putin pay a much higher price, said Grozev, and they succeeded in negotiating the release of more political prisoners for Krasikov.
The Navy is forward-deploying F-35C Lightning II and CMV-22B Osprey aircraft to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, to maintain security efforts in the Indo-Pacific region, the service announced in July.

Strike Fighter Squadron 147 and its F-35C Lightning II aircraft are slated to replace the F/A-18 Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron 115.

The Ospreys, which belong to Fleet Logistic Multi-Mission Squadron 30, will replace the C-2A Greyhound aircraft of the Fleet Logistics Squadron 30 detachment that has supported Carrier Air Wing 5 embarked on the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan.

The carrier Reagan is expected to return to the U.S. later this year for scheduled maintenance after spending nearly a decade forward-deployed to Japan. The carrier George Washington has been tapped to take its place as Americas forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka. The Washington previously made its rounds as a forward-deployed carrier in the region from 2008 to 2015. Carrier Air Wing 5 will join the Washington once it arrives in Japan, according to the Navy.

The United States values Japans contributions to the peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting U.S. forces forward deployed there, Navy officials said in a release. These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet our common strategic objectives.

Family, friends mourn 8 airmen killed in Osprey crash in Japan

The aircraft deployments come as Ospreys continue to face scrutiny in the wake of fatal mishaps. An Air Force Osprey crashed off the southern coast of Japan last November, killing all eight troops aboard.

The crash was determined to be caused by cracks in a metal gear and the pilots decision to keep flying, instead of heeding multiple warnings that he should land, according to an Air Force investigation released Thursday.

Osprey fleets across all services were grounded for three months as a result. Naval Air Systems Command gave the green light to return the aircraft to limited flight operations in March. Restrictions are currently in place that bar the aircraft from conducting some of the Ospreys core missions. The Ospreys joint program office within the Pentagon has said those restrictions are likely to remain in place until mid-2025.

More than 50 troops have died in Osprey mishaps since the aircraft was introduced, Military Times reported in 2023.

In July, three Massachusetts lawmakers called for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to ground Ospreys until the Air Force is able to figure out key causes of the mishaps.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
NC man convicted of using bad checks to steal over $1M worth of cattle

A convicted cattle rustler from Mount Airy faces years in prison after a scheme to steal cattle from sales barns in Iredell and Cleveland counties.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in Charlotte announced on Friday that 25-year-old William Dalton Edwards pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges.

Authorities said Edwards and another man would use bad checks to purchase cattle from livestock markets in North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, and Virginia.

They would give sales barns checks to buy cattle even though they knew the bank accounts didnt have enough money to cover the sale. Then Edwards and his partner would transport the cattle out of state before the sales barns figured out that the checks were bad.

According to the Department of Justice, Edwards and his co-conspirator obtained more than 3,000 head of cattle and caused over $1 million in losses to sales barns. Information about his co-conspirator wasnt immediately made available.

Edwards is facing up to five years in prison and possible restitution or fines. A sentencing hearing hasnt been set yet.

(WATCH: Florida turnpike blocked for hours by cows after cattle hauler catches fire)
Nebraska regents to consider multimillion-dollar health project, programs for AI and esports

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, University of Nebraska president and former chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center that has a statewide health focus

Dr. Jeffrey Gold meets with workers in Varner Hall, which includes NU's Office of the President. April 15, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider next week moving ahead with a multimillion-dollar health project meant to benefit the states health care capacity.

The regents will meet Aug. 8 to consider the $2.19 billion first phase of Project NExT at the University of Nebraska Medical Center as well as NUs two-year budget request for the Legislature next session. The board will also consider creating new undergraduate programs in artificial intelligence and esports media and communication, among other items.

First phase of Project NExT

UNMC is seeking regent approval of its more detailed plan for the $2.19 billion first phase of Project NExT, and for a green light to spend $50 million more in existing philanthropic funds for related design work.

The first phase has been dubbed Project Health: Building the Healthiest Nebraska. Its focus is limited to Nebraska, providing expansions and improvements to boost research, education, clinical and community services aimed at benefiting the states health care needs.

On a broader scope, Project NExTs overall investment could surpass $4 billion and include two future phases that partner with regional and federal agencies. That vision includes a civilian-military medical facility that would also respond to national catastrophic disaster events such as another pandemic or an overt attack.

The first-phase complex is expected to span about 1.26 million square feet on the former site of the now-demolished Munroe-Meyer Institute. Those boundaries are from Farnam Street to Dewey Avenue, between 44th Street and Saddle Creek Road.

The facility in part would replace the outdated,1950s-era Clarkson Hospital Tower as well as the Emergency Department and certain diagnostic spaces in the Hixson-Lied Center.

UNMC leaders say Project Health seeks to solve one of the biggest challenges in the current campus configuration: space. They say current facilities were not designed or constructed in a way that suits a modern teaching hospital.

Project Health will provide the appropriate amount of room, support and ancillary space to continue the mission of training future healthcare professionals, says UNMC materials prepared for the regents.

UNMC leaders say Project Health furthers the goal of growing professional student enrollment by up to 25% to meet Nebraskas urban and rural health care needs.

They said the added capacity for teaching and research activities will also strengthen Nebraskas competitiveness as it seeks readmission into the American Association of Universities.

University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold, who was UNMC chancellor from the time Project NExT discussions began and until he took his new role July 1, said UNMCs mission is to lead the world in transforming lives and communities.

He said regent approval next week is a key step in moving the vision toward completion.

This is critically important in making Nebraska healthier, Dr. Gold said Thursday.

Biennium budget request

By Aug. 15, regents must complete their two-year budget request for state lawmakers to consider. The main contours that regents will consider for those two years:

Annual 3% increases in salaries and fringe benefits and 5% increases in health insurance.

$3 million for the Presidential Scholars Program, to expand the full-cost-of-attendance, $5,000 annual stipend for top-ACT-performing resident students. The plan is to include limited scholarships for students who score between a 32 and 35 on the 36-point scale. Top test takers would automatically receive the benefit.

$3 million for research excellence that will expand NUs research capacity and competitiveness in pursuit of readmission into the AAU.

$10 million in funds to plan expansions for educational spaces in Omaha. These funds would be split between the University of Nebraska at Omahas Peter Kiewit Institute and a new College of Allied Health building at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

The proposal states that NU leaders continue to explore the processes and structures that will allow NU to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible while maximizing impact, keeping tuition affordable and moving toward its vision for excellence.

The University recognizes that resources are finite and that strong fiscal discipline is necessary to allow for investment in priorities, the proposal reads.

Artificial intelligence, esports

Regents will consider a new undergraduate degree program at UNO: an in-person Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, which would be one of the first of its kind in Nebraska.

The program would help students become specialists or leaders to construct and implement AI systems and AI-driven technologies, according to the degree proposal. It would leverage existing coursework at UNO in computer science and data science and add just two new courses, which would be open to other students, too.

Proposed amendments to the NU Student Code of Conduct, also up for consideration next week, include specifying that cheating includes work that an entity, like AI, prepared.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, regents might formally establish an undergraduate certificate in esports media and communication after offering a special topics course in the past year. That course, intro to esports, will become a permanent addition of UNLs course catalog.

The 15-hour-credit certificate will be open to all UNL students as well as non-UNL students, such as from community colleges, other institutions or K-12 educators.

Among other items that regents will consider next week:

Joining the Midtown Medical Center Bikeway Connection Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the City of Omaha for a dedicated bikeway in Omaha, through UNMC. The project is estimated to be $15,125,000.

Agreeing to a partnership with the City of Lincoln for $350,000, paid by the city, for streetscape improvements near UNLs Westbrook Music Building replacement project. This would include a larger pedestrian sidewalk and buffer zone.

Establishing an undergraduate certificate in wildlife habitat management at UNL.

Naming a new feedlot center at UNL at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center.

Naming the exterior plaza by the Osborne Legacy Complex at UNL the Sandhills Global Plaza.

Editors note: This article has been updated to correct the cost of the proposed City of Lincoln streetscape improvement project.

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NEENAH  The Neenah city attorney will be reinstated following a three-month paid administrative leave after he was criminally charged with sexual assault, the city of Neenah announced Friday.

David Rashid, 61, is charged in Winnebago County Circuit Court with two counts of third-degree sexual assault and one count of fourth-degree sexual assault. All charges include domestic abuse modifiers.

He will return to work Monday, after "an extensive internal personnel investigation found no violations pertaining to matters in the workplace," according to a statement from the city.

While Rashid's criminal case is ongoing, the city's statement says the Portage County District Attorney's Office, which is prosecuting the case to avoid a conflict of interest with Winnebago County officials, "elected not to provide the City of Neenah with any information regarding the investigation leading to the filing of the criminal charges," leading the city to conduct its own investigation.

The internal investigation "did not find evidence to support a finding that Mr. Rashid was or is a danger to others, or that he is unable at this time to perform his duties as City Attorney," the city's statement adds.

While Rashid has been on leave, former Appleton city attorney James Walsh has been filling in as interim city attorney.

The city may reconsider Rashid's employment in the future if more facts are released or there is development in the case, the statement reads.

Neenah Mayor Jane Lang said in a statement that the city will provide no further comment.

Rashid is scheduled to appear in court 11 a.m. Monday for a motion hearing.

Neenah City Attorney David Rashid will return from administrative leave Monday. He is charged in Winnebago County Circuit Court with two counts of third-degree sexual assault and one count of fourth-degree sexual assault, with domestic abuse modifiers.

The criminal investigation stemmed from an anonymous email sent to the Neenah police chief and other government officials, according to a criminal complaint. The individual accusing Rashid of the assaults, who said they were not aware of the initial email tipping off law enforcement, then shared information with investigators in September and October of 2023.

A complaint alleges the assaults took place between 2017 and 2022.

The city of Neenah hired Rashid in August 2022. Prior to his time as city attorney, Rashid was a Winnebago County assistant district attorney, according to city records.

The Neenah city attorney before Rashid, Adam Westbrook, also faces an unrelated federal criminal charge of distributing child pornography.

Westbrook is accused of taking pornographic videos of a child at a hotel in Lake Delton and sending them to a Racine County deputy. He has a final hearing in Wisconsin Western District Court at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 18, and a jury trial scheduled for Sept. 23.

RELATED: Neenah city attorney charged with third- and fourth-degree sexual assault, placed on leave

Contact Kelli Arseneau at 920-213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @ArseneauKelli.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Neenah city attorney facing sexual assault charges reinstated after 3-month paid leave
NEWALLA, Okla. (KFOR)  A 63-year-old man has been arrested on animal cruelty charges after over two dozen dogs were reportedly found abandoned on his Newalla property.

The Cleveland County Sheriffs Office says that a concerned citizen reported several unattended dogs on the property on Tuesday. When detectives arrived, they said several emaciated dogs as well as a dead dog could be seen from the road, lying between two travel trailers.

Dilapidated travel trailed several dogs were reportedly locked inside. Photo courtesy Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.

Puppy inventoried by veterinarian during animal cruelty investigation. Photo courtesy Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.

Animal welfare worker comforting dog found on Newalla property during animal cruelty investigation. Photo courtesy Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.

While executing a search warrant the next morning, detectives reportedly saw several loose dogs without fresh water. Several other dogs were allegedly locked inside dilapidated travel trailers with no water and limited ventilation.

Small amounts of dry dog food was reportedly scattered on the ground, but most of it was said to be contaminated with dirt and feces.

LOCAL NEWS: Mustang dog park sees rise in animal abandonments

All of the living dogs on the property were removed with the assistance of Norman Animal Welfare and other animal welfare organizations. According to the CCSO, most of the dogs were in poor condition; some were sick while others were infested with fleas.

Russell Lee Lambert. Photo courtesy Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.

CCSO detectives later tracked down property owner Russell Lee Lambert, who they say admitted to abandoning the dogs on the property after moving away.

Lambert was charged with 28 counts of animal cruelty, one count of leaving a carcass within a quarter mile of an occupied dwelling, and one count of operating a dumping facility without a license.

The CCSO say a total of 26 living dogs were rescued and two dog carcasses were found. The rescued dogs are now under the care of the Oklahoma Humane Society and the Oklahoma Animal Alliance.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  School supplies are always a hot item this time of year as students finish their summer break and head back to the classroom.

With that in mind, News13 is hosting a Back to School donation drive until 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Walmart off Highway 544 near Surfside Beach. The drive is taking place during South Carolinas tax-free weekend, which runs through Sunday.

News13 photo

News13 photo

News13 photo

News13 photo

News13 photo

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Notebooks, notepads, any kids of school supplies, what you would get for your own kids or your own,  said Barb Harter, a volunteer with Help4Kids/Backpack Buddies, which is helping with the drive. We need everything right now because people did really focus in on getting us clear bookbags, but not so much the school supplies. So, thats what were really in need of now.

Other sponsors of the event include Elko Spas, Billiards and Pools, Talkin Trash (Horry County Solid Waste Authority), the Little River Medical Center and the city of Lake City.

We provide clothing, we provide school supplies, the bookbags this year were a big thing because we needed clear bookbags, for the whole school, for all of Horry County Schools, Harter said. Theyre requiring clear bookbags now.

Anyone who is unable to donate at Walmart on Friday can make a donation online at Help4Kids/Backpack Buddies or drop off items during normal business hours at News13 at 101 McDonald Court.

The following items can be donated:

clear backpacks

wide-ruled paper

#2 pencils

highlighters

colored pencils

markers

folders

glue

scissors

crayons

black and white marble composition books

earbuds

USB cords

binders

gift cards

double-pocket 3-prong folders

divider tabs

pencil pouch/box

1-subject and 3-subject notebooks

shoes/socks/undergarments

* * *

Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

* * *

Jackie LiBrizzi is a multimedia journalist at News13. Jackie is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, and was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. Jackie joined the News13 team in June 2023 after she graduated as a student-athlete from the University of South Carolina in May 2023. Follow Jackie on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
AzerNews and the Pakistan Daily have signed a memorandum of Understanding which formalizes their cooperation.

The MoU was signed in AzerNews offices in Baku Azerbaijan by Elnur Envuroglu, Deputy Editor of AzerNews, and Hamza Azhar Salam, Editor of The Pakistan Daily.

Both parties agreed to publish each others content, at will, without any copyright.

Both parties also agreed to expand their cooperation in the realm of mutual visits, which will be facilitated by both news organizations for the delegations of their partner site, subject to the availability of finances.

This comes after President of Azerbaijan, H.E Ilham Aliyev suggested expanding media ties whilst speaking to Hamza Azhar Salam at the Susha Global Media Forum.

Pakistan and Azerbaijan are strategic partners who cooperate on a plethora of issues including defense, diplomacy, and trade. Commenting on the development, Elnur Enverolgu tweeted: Today, we cemented our ties with Pakistans daily news site  ThePakistanDaily, by signing a MoU. We hope that this cooperation will lead to better relations between the two brotherly states in the field of media.
Are You Risking Your Family's Future? Suze Orman Says Creating These 4 Documents Can Give You Enormous Peace Of Mind

Renowned financial advisor Suze Orman recently shared four critical estate planning documents on her blog that will provide anyone with peace of mind: a will, a revocable trust, a financial power of attorney, and an advanced directive.

In her blog, Orman states that while much of the financial advice she offers requires a long-term commitment, creating these documents can be accomplished in 30 minutes, and they protect you and your loved ones.

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"A will is necessary to ensure all of your possessions are transferred into your trust to avoid the costly and time-consuming probate process, as well as appointing a guardian for your minor children," Orman writes.

According to estate planning experts, despite being relatively simple to create, more than half of American adults don't have a will. While the validity of a will varies by state, in some places, like Michigan, you can handwrite a will, sign and date it, and as long as two disinterested parties (who won't be receiving anything from the will) witness this, it's valid.

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The next item Orman stresses creating is a revocable trust, regardless of your net worth. She states that a revocable trust will ensure your assets pass as seamlessly as possible to your heirs and give you total control of that inheritance  allowing you to make changes if needed.

Because life is unpredictable, and there may come a time when you are unable to manage your financial affairs due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, Orman recommends designating financial power of attorney to someone you trust. This person would handle your finances should the unthinkable happen and ensure your finances are in good hands.

When setting up a financial power of attorney, finance experts recommend designating an alternative agent to manage your financial affairs in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.

See Also: Will the surge continue or decline on real estate prices? People are finding out about risk-free real estate investing that lets you cash out whenever you want.

Finally, an advanced directive outlines your medical wishes in case you are not able to communicate them yourself. It specifies the level of care you want, including whether or not you wish to be on life support should the need arise. In her blog, Orman writes, "And because you may not be in a position to have these conversations directly with your care team, you need someone who has the authority to speak up and advocate for you."

Story continues

According to LegalZoom, 56% of Americans believe that estate planning is important, yet only 33% of U.S. adults actually have documents in place. In 2021, 75.12% of estate plans made were wills, 18.78% were trusts, and 6.1% designated guardianship for young children.

Trending: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion  they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends

According to a Care.com survey, four out of 10 Americans say they don't need a will because they are too poor. Over 40% of people wait until a health crisis to even consider creating a will or other estate planning documents.

Orman emphasizes the importance of taking these protections sooner rather than later to have the peace of mind you deserve. Don't wait until the unthinkable happens.

Consulting a financial advisor can be invaluable for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. They can ensure your estate planning strategies align with your long-term goals and provide additional guidance to safeguard your familys future.

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Warren Buffett flipped his neighbor's $67,000 life savings into a $50 million fortune  How much is that worth today?

Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg?  How does it compare to the average?

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This article Are You Risking Your Family's Future? Suze Orman Says Creating These 4 Documents Can Give You Enormous Peace Of Mind originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
(KRON)  Following a recent expansion of the California Highway Patrols deployment in Oakland, Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday that California National Guard prosecutors will begin handling cases originating in Alameda County.

Newsoms announcement stated that California National Guards Counterdrug Task Force finalized a memorandum of understanding with the California Department of Justice. The agreement, according to a statement from the governors office, is modeled after a successful partnership established in San Francisco with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, which has helped boost felony narcotics convictions in San Francisco.

I am grateful for the quick work here by the Attorney General and the California National Guard to swiftly finalize this agreement so these talented attorneys can soon help secure justice for the people of the Bay Area, Newsom said.

Man gets 15-to-life in prison for murder of Oakland dentist Lili Xu

On Wednesday, California National Guard, California DOJ and CHP representatives met with local law enforcement to review the agreement and plan for upcoming operations, the governors office said.

The announcement comes on the heels of Newsom rescinding his offer to send state prosecutors to Alameda County to assist the district attorneys offices caseload. According to the governor, DA Pamela Prices office did not make use of the offered resources and did not take initial steps toward finalizing the memorandum of understanding proposed in February. Price denied those claims.

In response to Newsoms announcement Friday, Price said her office welcomes state prosecutors in pursuing cases. We hope the swift agreement reached between the DOJ and CalGuard yields equally swift results, and my office is willing to assist in that effort in any way possible, Price said.

Green Days Billie Joe Armstrong spray-paints over As logo at Toronto Blue Jays stadium

Since the start of CHPs surge operations in Oakland six months ago, state authorities have arrested 562 suspects, seized 55 crime-connected guns and recovered 1,142 stolen vehicles, the governors office said. The operation escalated beginning in July when the number of shifts that CHP officers conducted in Oakland quadrupled.

CHP also provided information on how many of the cases were prosecuted by Price, saying 72% of the arrests made have been accepted by her office but no charges have been filed.

For 28% of those arrests, Price has taken one of the following actions, per CHP:

Arraignments

Bench warrants

Convicted

Dismissed

Diversion

Further investigation needed

NCF  No Charges Filed

Plea agreement

Preliminary hearing/pre-trail

However, Price disputes the information provided by CHP.

To the extent that there have been a large number of arrests related to CHP surge operations, our records do not reflect those cases being referred to this office for prosecution by either the CHP or DOJ, she said Friday.

The increased surge operation will be in effect through October, officials 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 KRON4.
Next global peace summit will likely be held in Middle East, Yermak says

The second global peace summit for Ukraine will be held in a country from the so-called Global South, probably in the Middle East, in an effort to portray the "world's unity" amid Russia's ongoing invasion, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak told Bloomberg in an interview published Aug. 1.

Ukraine held its first global peace summit in Switzerland that culminated with 87 countries and international institutions signing the peace summit communique.

Among other things, the communique called upon Russia to return the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant under full control of Ukraine, ensure uninterrupted manufacturing and supply of food products in Ukraine, secure full access to sea ports in the Black and Azov Seas, release all prisoners of war and return all deported Ukrainian children.

The countries notably absent from the list of signatories include India, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Indonesia, Bahrain, Colombia, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates.

Although a specific location for the next peace summit has not yet been announced, Yermak's comments mark the first time Ukraine has publicly indicated where it hopes to hold the next peace summit.

No timeline currently exists for the next summit, however, sources within Ukraine's government have said that the country is planning to convene a second peace summit before the U.S. presidential election in November 2024.

Despite Russia not receiving an invite to the first global peace summit in June, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 31 that Russia must be present at a second peace summit in November in order to end the war.

"I believe  as do most countries  that at the second peace summit in November, Russian representatives must be present, otherwise we won't achieve viable results," Zelensky said. "If the whole world wants them at the (negotiating) table, then we can't be against it."

During his interview with Bloomberg, Yermak echoed the sentiments posed by Zelensky, stating that "the most important expectation for the second summit is for it to shape major prerequisites for stopping the hostilities."

"We need to end this war as soon as possible to get a just peace," Yermak added.

Russia has previously said it will not attend a second peace summit.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Pokrovsk is Russias main target after Kharkiv push failed, Zelensky says

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When is the next presidential debate? Here's where things stand between Trump, Harris

A new candidate means a new debate matchup, but whether or not former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will faceoff on TV is up for debate itself.

The Republican candidate had agreed to three debates against President Joe Biden before the sitting president bowed out of the race last month and endorsed Harris to represent the Democratic Party.

Trump emerged victorious in first June 27 debate, which escalated concerns about Biden's ability to carry out a second term and win reelection. The president began facing scrutiny from several figures in his own party calling on him to step down, right up until he decided to do so on July 21.

Since Biden's exit, Harris quickly garnered the support of Democratic leaders and her campaign raised over $126 million in three days. The former U.S. senator of California also secured the number of delegates required to become the Democratic nominee and is expected to do so at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago scheduled for Aug. 19-22.

Here's what to know about a possible Harris vs. Trump clash on the debate stage before Election Day.

When is the next presidential debate?

ABC News originally planned to host the second presidential debate on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. ET, but with Biden out of the race the status of the debate remains unclear.

Do Trump and Harris qualify for the debate?

According to ABC News' rules, Trump and Harris must receive at least 15% support in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters in order to participate in the next debate.

Third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. would also have to reach this requirement, though his approval numbers have mainly averaged around half that percentage, and he failed to qualify for the first debate hosted by CNN.

The candidates must also agree to ABC News rules for the debate, which have not yet been publicly released.

The candidates are also required meet the Constitutions requirements to serve as president by appearing on a sufficient amount of state ballots to attain a majority of electoral votes during the election.

Why wont Trump debate Harris?

Trump has explained that his delay in agreeing to the debate is due to his distain for ABC News as the host network. He has recently expressed a desire for Fox News to host the debate instead.

The former president previously said he wanted to debate Harris and had agreed to the Sept. 10 debate with Biden.

Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump at the first presidential debate with President Joe Biden in Atlanta on June 27, 2024.

On July 25, Trump's campaign communications director Steven Cheung said it's premature to schedule a debate with Harris until it becomes certain she will represent Democrats as the party's nominee.

"Given the continued political chaos surrounding Crooked Joe Biden and the Democrat Party, general election debate details cannot be finalized until Democrats formally decide on their nominee," Cheung said in a statement. "There is a strong sense by many in the Democrat Party . . . that Kamala Harris is a Marxist fraud who cannot beat President Trump, and they are still holding out for someone 'better.' Therefore, it would be inappropriate to schedule things with Harris because Democrats very well could still change their minds."

What has Harris said about debating Trump?

Kamala Harris made it clear she's ready to debate Trump when speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on July 25.

"I have agreed to the previously agreed upon Sept. 10 debate. He agreed to that previously. Now, it appears he is backpedaling but I'm ready," Harris said. I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on a debate stage. Lets go."

Vice President Kamala Harris at the Democratic presidential debate in Detroit on July 31, 2019 speaking as the U.S. senator of California at the time.

At a Tuesday rally in Atlanta, Georgia, the vice president challenged Trump to debate her in front of thousands of supporters. She also criticized Trump and his vice president pick  U.S. Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio  for recent digs made at her.

"He and his running mate sure have a lot to say about me and by the way don't you mind some of their stuff to be plain weird. Well Donald I do hope you'll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage because as the saying goes if you got something to say, say it to my face," Harris said.

Contributing: Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is the next presidential debate? Here's where Trump, Harris stand
Niagara Falls man receives 50 years to life in prison for sexual assault against child

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Niagara Falls man was sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison for his conviction on multiple counts of predatory sexual assault against a child, the Niagara County District Attorneys Office announced.

Officials said 34-year-old Gregory Pearson committed the crimes from 2017 through 2021. He received the maximum sentence.

This sentence is exactly what this defendant deserves and ensures he will never harm another child, said Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman.

Latest Local News

Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
There was no excitement. Now, theres tons: How Harris candidacy has energized plans for the DNC

In the moments after President Joe Biden pulled out of the 2024 race, a scramble unfolded as officials raced to reframe the Democratic National Convention around a new candidate: Vice President Kamala Harris.

Officials quickly moved to tailor the Chicago convention to Harris with only four weeks, in part drawing from the 2008 convention when Barack Obama accepted the nomination given the historic candidacy of Harris herself.

But the change  while abrupt  also presented an opportunity. Celebrities who had been uninterested in attending now showed renewed interest. Donors were energized. And a different tone for the convention began to take shape.

Before Biden decided not to run, it was going to be very anti-Trump, that was our best bet, one source familiar with the planning told CNN. Now, its going to be more positive and optimistic.

Its a stark pivot from the state of play only a couple weeks ago, when celebrity endorsements and attendance were a tough sell.

There was no excitement. Now, theres tons, a Democratic strategist with deep Hollywood ties told CNN. Im getting hundreds of texts with people asking me to get them credentials.

In a little over a week, theres been a groundswell of support for Harris, manifesting in millions of dollars of fundraising, multiple Zoom calls rallying voters, and a slew of endorsements from across the Democratic Party. Shes also already flexed some star power, including with a performance from Megan Thee Stallion at her Atlanta rally.

Nominee acceptance speeches for the convention, which begins the week of August 19, are currently scheduled for that Wednesday and Thursday night, according to convention officials. Themes for each night of the convention are still being locked in and the schedule remains in flux. Conventional officials maintain that the general infrastructure hasnt changed regardless of a change in whos leading the partys ticket.

But sources described a convention geared toward reintroducing Harris, including setting up a lineup of people who know her best to deliver remarks.

The convention is our opportunity to tell our story directly to the American people, rally behind the Democratic nominees, and grow our broad and diverse coalition to defeat Donald Trump, Democratic National Convention spokesperson Matt Hill said in a statement. We look forward to sharing more soon about our convention in Chicago where Democrats will offer a forward-looking vision for our country that stands in stark contrast to the extremism from Donald Trumps convention that would take America backwards.

The convention program if Biden were the nominee was expected to feature a sizable amount of pre-produced content, drawing from the televised storytelling during the virtual 2020 convention that some officials felt was effective in telling the partys story.

Some of that content is expected to remain. But now, as organizers prepare for a high-energy event and field input from new parties interested in participating, decisions must be made about what taped programming will end up on the cutting room floor, according to a source familiar with the planning.

CNN previously reported that Biden  who was slated to close the convention as the nominee  is expected to deliver a primetime speech during the opening night of the Chicago convention, with the evenings programming centering on Bidens legacy and achievements.

That programming will include highly produced televised content aimed at telling the story of how the country moved beyond the pandemic-era of four years ago, before literally and figuratively passing the baton to Bidens onetime running mate.

Monday night is Joes night, said a source familiar with the planning. And then hell turn the keys over to allow the event to focus on Harris.

Theres history to such choreography. At the August 2000 convention, outgoing President Bill Clinton helmed the opening night keynote. After a camera crew filmed Clintons dramatic, three-minute entrance to the arena, he was welcomed to the lectern with an uproarious applause.

Clinton used the opportunity to highlight the hallmarks of his almost eight years in office before officially passing the torch to his vice president, Al Gore.

Hollywood gets on board

The Hollywood community is clamoring to support Harris at the DNC, according to numerous agents, publicists and Democratic strategists who spoke to CNN. There are so many celebrities interested in getting involved; the convention has become the hottest ticket in town.

According to a source familiar with the DNCs current plans, a handful of major Hollywood figures have been confirmed to attend. No performers have been set yet, though various representatives for musicians have been in talks with the Harris campaign, according to two sources. Plans are still being finalized.

Aside from A-listers, Hollywood strategists told CNN that the type of celebrity who will appear at the convention will be very specific and strategic. For instance, besides Megan Thee Stallions performance at her Atlanta rally earlier this week, Harris had the support of the rapper Quavo, who spoke about gun violence prevention. Both stars appealed to Black voters and young voters.

The young vote will be key, and, sources said, the Gen Z stars have expressed interest in appearing at the DNC.

The Republicans had Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan. It was just so yesterday, a Democratic strategist told CNN. Our story is about whats next.

One of the considerations, according to a strategist in touch with the Harris campaign, is not going overboard with Hollywood players and making sure the focus remains on the issues.

It cant look like an award show. That didnt work for Hillary, this strategist said, referencing former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who had an overwhelming level of celebrity support when she ran and lost to Trump in 2016.

Even if theyre not in the room at the DNC, celebrities are expected to be in Chicago throughout the week and are already receiving invites to attend convention-related events and parties, according to an individual who is hosting an event.

They love the president and have so much respect for him, but there is clearly a different energy now, according to a Hollywood executive who works with celebrities on political causes, referring to the apathy among celebrities last month.

There is a strong excitement about not only beating Trump, but also about the VP being the president. There is definitely energy on no Trump, but there is genuinely excitement in the context of the future, this executive said.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell said in an interview with WCIA Thursday there is no evidence that former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Graysons fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman, was racially motivated.

Records show deputy charged with Sonya Masseys murder had history of disciplinary issues at previous job

Theres nothing here at the agency that we have currently, Campbell said. There was no complaints about racial issues and nothing came from other agencies about racial issues. So as of right now, I have no indication that that was a factor.

Campbell emphasized the number of trainings the Sheriffs Office deputies need to go through, including racial bias training. He said all of his deputies are always attending more trainings on a variety of subjects, including seasoned veterans.

Lieutenant weighs in on deputy training for mental health crises after Sonya Massey shooting

I think that its important that we continue to look at different types of of implicit bias training and cultural diversity training, Campbell added. And its something that we mandate and the people have to do it here every year.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Investigators with the U.S. Coast Guard have confirmed that no one was hurt and no fuel leaked into Lake Huron after an F-16 was forced to dump two fuel tanks on Wednesday.

According to the Iosco County Sheriffs Office, calls first came in at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday. One of the tanks landed in the lake, while another landed in the parking lot of a shopping plaza near East Tawas, about a mile north of the coastline.

The tank that landed in the parking lot was carrying fuel and exploded. No one was hurt, but the pavement and some nearby cars were damaged. The tank that fell into the lake was empty and investigators confirm there are no signs of a fuel leak.

The Sheriffs Office says two F-16s from the 180th Fighter Squadron of the Ohio Air National Guard were operating in the area when one of them declared an emergency and dumped its two external tanks.

News 8 affiliate WPBN-TV was told that the aircrafts electronics were not reading the gas tanks and it is emergency procedure to drop them.

Both pilots were able to land safely in Toledo.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Update: About 14 hours after Rittenhouse shared his video explaining his support for Ron Paul, declaring that "you must stand by your principles," he announced that he spoke "with members of the Trump's [sic] team" and that he is now "100% behind Donald Trump."

"A lot of people are upset that I said I'm going to be writing in Ron Paul for president of the United States, and that is true. I will be writing in Ron Paul." So said Kyle Rittenhouse in a recent video posted to X. A lot of people, it appears, are indeed upset. Should they be?

Rittenhouse catapulted to national attention in 2020 when, at age 17, he armed himself, traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, during a night of riots and civil unrest, and shot three men, killing two. It was always Rittenhouse's contention that he'd acted in self-defense, and his arrest galvanized many in the conservative movement who said the prosecution was motivated not by justice but by the political moment. Supporters helped raise $2 million for Rittenhouse's bail, and he ultimately attracted the attention of former President Donald Trump, who defended him while in office and who hosted Rittenhouse at Mar-a-Lago after leaving the White House.

So one of the primary reactions to Rittenhouse's choice for president is that he's guilty of betrayal. Trump and the MAGA movement had his back when his life took its most dire turn, the thinking goes, so Rittenhouse owes them his loyalty at the ballot box. That general sentiment is summed up aptly by the one-and-only Catturd: "I can stomach a lot of thingsbut backstabbing millions who supported you at your lowest point. Then turning on Trump right after he got shot," he said in a viral post. "Can't stomach itwon't put up with itforgotten forever."

In other words, Rittenhouse is allegedly in debt to Trump and his followers for supporting his claims of innocence. He was acquitted in 2021 of all charges, including first-degree reckless homicide, two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, first-degree intentional homicide, and attempted first-degree intentional homicide. That was the right decision. And it was the one the jury came to because that is what the evidence clearly supported. The right to self-defense is not selectively available to people with certain views. Rittenhouse owes no one a thing for not getting convicted of charges that prosecutors should not have brought to begin with.

So why did Trump fail to gain Rittenhouse's support? "Unfortunately, Donald Trump had bad advisers making him bad on the Second Amendment, and that is my issue," he said in his video. "If you cannot be completely uncompromisable on the Second Amendment, I will not vote for you." Trump's record includes a bump stock ban, which Reason's Jacob Sullum noted turned "peaceful gun owners into felons by fiat," and his support for red flag laws. Those moves may not be deal-breakers for many people, including other staunch supporters of the Second Amendment. They apparently are for Rittenhouse. It's his one vote, and he can do with it what he wants.

Yet his announcement also elicited what has become the predictable response, on both the left and the right, to similar defections from the mainstream: You're helping elect the other guy. For one, that vastly overstates the power of a votean unpopular thing to say, sure, but true nonetheless. And it's particularly true for Rittenhouse, who lives in the DallasFort Worth area; if he's casting his vote there, I'm going to go out on a limb and assume it will not derail Trump's electoral victory in Texas, which is almost assured.

But even if it were true that Rittenhouse's vote would have some sort of Earth-shattering effect on the outcome of the 2024 election, a vote is earned. It's an expression of support. If neither mainstream option can produce a platform that is sufficiently palatable to someone, they certainly have the prerogative to make that knownby supporting someone else or, gasp, not voting altogether.

After all, no one is entitled to your vote. They're not entitled to it simply because they're a member of a particular political party, and they're not entitled to it for supposedly being less bad than the other side. And they're certainly not entitled to it just because they said supportive things about you in a time of need.

The post Nobody Owes Trump Their Vote. Not Even Kyle Rittenhouse. appeared first on Reason.com.
NORTH CANTON  A man's car was shot while he was driving in the 400 block of West Maple Street early Thursday, police said.

The suspect admitted to police that he used a .22-caliber rifle and fired one round at a vehicle that passed his home, striking the front passenger door and shattering a window.

The 67-year-old has been charged with felonious assault, vandalism and discharging a firearm on or near prohibited premises.

North Canton police: No clear motive behind drive-by shooting in North Canton

In a press release, police said they responded to the incident at 1:57 a.m.

The victim said he heard a loud pop or bang and his front passenger window shattered.

"He drove a bit further, and then stopped to check his car, discovering a bullet hole in the front passenger side door just below the window," police said in a prepared statement. "The victim was uninjured."

Officers searched the area on foot, but found nothing while searching in the middle of the night.

Detectives identifed the suspect.

Police said he was arrested and booked into the Stark County Jail on Thursday after making a full confession.

He was scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Canton Municipal Court. No attorney was listed for him in court records on Friday morning.

Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Vehicle struck by bullet in North Canton shooting
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia's foreign ministry accused YouTube on Friday of censoring content and preventing access to information at the behest of the United States, warning that it saw ample grounds to take action against the video hosting site.

Russia has in recent years heavily criticised Alphabet's Google, which owns YouTube, for taking down channels of Russian media and public figures, failing to remove content that Moscow considers illegal or undesirable and for not appropriately storing its data in Russia.

"We see a lot of significant grounds to take measures against the YouTube video hosting site," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.

"Numerous systematic violations of Russian law and a demonstrative disregard for the domestic audience and its interests leave our state's regulatory bodies the right to use the appropriate legal tools.

"Lawlessness and political censorship remain the norm for the Washington-controlled YouTube administration," she said, accusing it of systematically removing Russian content in an effort to deprive the world of Russian sources of information.

Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Zakharova's statement.

Russia's criticisms of Google have intensified in the past two weeks, with senior lawmakers blaming it for slower download speeds on YouTube and some figures, including Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, calling for the platform to be blocked.

A YouTube spokesperson has previously said the company was aware of reports of some people not being able to access YouTube in Russia.

"That is not as a result of any technical issues on our side or action taken by us," the spokesperson said.

Zakharova also said on Friday that, in addition to the dozens of YouTube channels affiliated to the Russian state or public figures being removed from the platform, the foreign ministry itself had had videos taken down.

"YouTube carried out an act of direct censorship, prevented the free distribution of and access to information, thereby violating the rights of hundreds of thousands of our subscribers," she said.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Anastasia Teterevleva/Alexander MarrowEditing by Andrew Osborn and Gareth Jones)
New North Central College president says his job is to bring stability as the Naperville school deals with priorities ahead

Abiodun Goke-Pariola, who last month was tapped as the 12th president of North Central College, says a need for stability, prudency and leadership during a period of flux for the Naperville institution is the impetus behind his appointment.

On July 18, North Centrals Board of Trustees selected Goke-Pariola, 69, to lead the college for at least the next two years after the institution found itself with a vacancy at its helm.

For the past year, Anita Thomas has served as president. She was the first woman and person of color to lead the college in its 163-year history. But her tenure was short-lived.

Thomas went on a personal leave of absence from the college at the end of May. It was announced July 8 that she would not be returning once that leave ended July 30. In her absence, Goke-Pariola, who has been North Centrals provost and vice president for academic affairs since 2015, stepped in as acting president.

Goke-Pariola had seven weeks of filling the post temporarily under his belt when college trustees decided to make the title permanent so that he could lead them through a transitional period that would last through at least 2026, when a search for a new president is to begin.

Historically, North Central has picked a new leader by conducting a national presidential search. But this time around, it was decided a search wasnt the best path forward given the priorities the college still faced in Thomas wake, according to Goke-Pariola, speaking in a recent interview.

Rather, trustees sought a steadying hand, he said.

I think the board wanted stability for the college in terms of leadership, he said. And with stability, uninterrupted progress.

The concern was that if trustees started their search now, it would take one to two years before someone was not only appointed president but also comfortable enough in the role to start making any headway on what the college needs accomplished, Goke-Pariola said.

You cant do anything if youre going to start a search even next year, he said.  I think, from the boards perspective, if you have leadership in place and a team around that can (do the job), why would you (start a search)? It doesnt make sense.

The college has stated that a presidential search wouldnt start until spring 2026. Goke-Pariola says that is the soonest a search would get underway and that it may be later.

Goke-Pariola is prepared to be North Centrals president for as long as necessary, he said.

Im not looking to go anywhere, he said. This is where I plan to end my career. I will serve as long as I am needed.

With Goke-Pariola named president, his previous role as provost and vice president for academic affairs will be filled for the interim by Kristin Geraty, who had previously held the role of North Centrals associate provost and dean of engaged learning, the college announced Wednesday. Geraty is the first woman to serve as the colleges chief academic officer.

Asked what priorities facing the college will be a focus of his transitional term, Goke-Pariola said there are at least four key concerns: ensuring the college is financially stable in future years; strategizing ways to recruit students and keep enrollment up; bolstering fundraising efforts; and guaranteeing student success.

Goke-Pariola added the college also has facility needs that are expected to surface in the next two to three years.

Speaking specifically to the colleges current financial position, Goke-Pariola stressed that North Central is in a very strong situation but officials want to be sure that we have a model that allows us to be successful long term.

To ensure priorities are met, or at the least budgeted near-term, the college will be putting together a multiyear strategic plan, Goke-Pariola said. And again, to get that plan rolling, the college needed someone at the helm straightaway.

(I think the board) saw a marriage between what they would like the college to do and what resources, in terms of human talent, are available and thought we have an alignment.  We have what we need to move forward as an institution, he said.

Goke-Pariola says he feels exceptionally honored trustees had the confidence to entrust this institution to me at this moment.

Its one of the most humbling things Ive ever experienced in my life.

Gratifying, too.

Education is very special to Goke-Pariola, he said. Through his career, he has amassed 48 years of teaching and administrative experience at universities in Nigeria  where he was born  and the United States. But his love of education goes back further than his profession.

Goke-Pariola owes that reverence to his father, who earned his bachelors degree 74 years ago in Nigeria, he said.

That was very rare, Goke-Pariola said. He was the first person in my hometown of about 50,000 people to get a college degree in 1950.

And that transformed the lives of all of his children, he said. Goke-Pariola has six brothers and sisters, all of whom went on to pursue higher education, he said.

It changed our lives. And to me, thats what keeps me here  (the) opportunity for me to bring that gift.

The ability to lead change is what has taken him to every position he held in his career, Goke-Pariola said. Thats what brought him to North Central nine years ago.

Hes ready to continue to do the same as president.

I think all of us, we come into the world and one of the things we have to do is say what gifts we have to share, he said. For me, its not perfect, but this is something that I think I tend to do well: try and bring people together to look to the future and do the difficult work of making change possible.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
As North Kansas City utility crews work to repair a ruptured water main that affected city water pressure Thursday night, a boil advisory on city water is expected to continue for at least two days.

The main water system rupture, which happened in Macken Park on Thursday evening, was expected to have been repaired by the end of the day Friday, North Kansas City Mayor Bryant DeLong shared on X, formerly Twitter. Repair plans began Thursday and continued through the night, deputy city administrator Kim Nakahodo told The Star Friday morning.

Homes near Macken Park are experiencing low water pressure along with potentially contaminated water, The Star reported Thursday. While repairing the main leak, a series of smaller leaks was also discovered, city administrators shared online Friday.

North Kansas City officials had not determined the cause of the initial water main break as of Thursday evening, Nakahodo told The Star.

Earlier Friday, Culligan Water, an Olathe water treatment systems company, began distributing bottled water to North Kansas City residents in the parking lot of North Kansas City High School. Premium Waters, a water supplier based in Riverside, also donated bottled water to the pop-up distribution center.

North Kansas City residents can pick up one case of bottled water per household in the parking lot of the high school, 620 E. 23rd Ave., until 7 p.m. Friday or while supplies last. Homebound residents can access free bottled water by calling the Clay County Public Health Center at (816) 595-4200.

Untreated water can carry bacteria and parasites, which can be particularly dangerous to children, the elderly and the immunocompromised, Nakahodo wrote Thursday. Symptoms of drinking untreated water can include diarrhea, headaches, nausea and cramps.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recommends that residents continue to boil their water for at least 48 hours even after the citys water system is repaired.

While the boil advisory is in effect, North Kansas City Water Utilities customers are asked to boil all tap water for at least three minutes before using it for cooking, cleaning or drinking.

As repair efforts continue, the Clay County public health department is working with food vendors around North Kansas City to maintain safe food preparation standards in kitchens with potentially tainted tap water.

The Clay County Public Health Center recommends that residents eat from single-use tableware until the advisory ends. Other recommendations include turning off automatic produce misters and refraining from using tap water to thaw frozen food.

The ongoing boil advisory has forced some North Kansas City businesses and roads to close while repairs take place.

Roads surrounding North Kansas City Hospital have been closed as part of the water main repair efforts, the hospital announced on X Friday. Residents can still access the hospital from the south side of the building, using Vernon Road off Highway 210.

Additionally, the NKC YMCA announced Friday that it will close until further notice, and that an Aug. 2 food distribution event had been canceled as a result of water concerns.
NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The man who prompted an hours-long standoff in North Providence is now facing charges.

North Providence Police Chief Alfredo Ruggiero told 12 News Thursday that Peter Exarchos has been charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

The standoff began Wednesday afternoon when Ruggiero said a mental health clinician asked officers to swing by her clients Charles Street home for a well-being check.

The clinician told dispatchers her client, later identified by the police chief as Exarchos, had called her and expressed concern over someone he believed was in his attic.

RELATED: Hours-long standoff ends peacefully in North Providence

Exarchos then claimed he had a gun and the right to defend himself, according to Ruggiero.

Ruggiero said Exarchos mother, whos visiting from Greece, was inside the home with him at the time. Officers eventually forced their way into the home early Thursday morning and took him into custody.

No one was injured, though the police chief said Exarchos was brought to the hospital for a psychological evaluation.

Ruggiero told 12 News officers were familiar with Exarchos prior to the standoff, adding that he has been very hostile and confrontational in the past. Court records indicate Exarchos has a lengthy criminal history dating back to at least 2006.

North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi told 12 News the standoff will likely cost the town tens of thousands of dollars.

But in his mind, its worth every penny to keep residents safe.

What kind of price can you put on someones life? Lombardi said. We wanted to make sure we handled the situation.

Do we want to see situations like this? No. But we are ready to address them, he added. Anything could happen at any time.

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Most people are willing to help someone they know, but this family from Muenster has gone a step further by donating their kidneys to complete strangers.

Joel Nickerson, a 43-year-old wastewater plant manager, donated a kidney through the National Kidney Foundation in September 2023. Inspired by her sons generosity, Ava Nickerson, a 70-year-old a science teacher at Valley View High School, followed suit in December, undergoing surgery at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

The latest to join them is Randy Nickerson, Joels father and Avas husband, donated his kidney at the same hospital last month.

I wasnt nervous at all, and didnt have any real apprehension about it, said Randy Nickerson, 70.

Their collective kindness has been nothing short of inspiring, marking a first for the staff at Texas Health Fort Worth, where both parents surgeries were performed.

We were very inspired by their story, said Eric Siskind, the surgeon who operated on Ava and Randy. The important factors of this is it was in one family, and that they were all altruistic donors, meaning they want to give a kidney to whoever needs it.

The journey all started when Joel stumbled upon a magazine article about a man who had donated his kidney to a stranger. Without a second thought, Joel went to the National Kidney Foundation website and signed up.

Ava Nickerson had juggled with the idea of donating a kidney after hearing about a friend of a friend in need, and after watching her sons selfless act solidified her decision, so she scheduled her surgery during her holiday break, according to Texas Health.

Then the Nicherson familys latest addition Randy Nickerson, initially thinking he was too old to donate, soon discovered there was no maximum age limit. Motivated by his wife and sons bravery he became Texas Health Fort Worths 173rd living donor.

If this persons quality of life has been improved, then it was all worth it, said Randy Nickerson.
Nothing to do with it: Challenger blasts prosecutor for filing elections, criminal complaints against him

MENOMINEE, Mich. (WJMN)  Menominee County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Rogg has sent a letter to law enforcement accusing his recent write-in challenger of not living in Menominee Countysomething challenger Nicholas Tselepis called a desperate move.

At the same time, a piece of evidence sent with Roggs letter, which Tselepis called absolutely unnecessary, came as a surprise that he said could shake his conviction to remain in the race.

This is the latest update to our story on the reaction to a plea deal struck on the high-profile case of Brian Helfert, a former Menominee County Sheriffs Deputy and school resource officer who is on track for a third conviction for sex crimes against former students.

On Thursday afternoon, Prosecutor Rogg forwarded Local 3 a letter he had sent on Wednesday to state election officials, Michigan State Police and others.

Roggs core complaint in the letter rests on the accusation that Tselepis was not a legal resident in Menominee for at least 30 days before the races filing deadline. Among several pieces of evidence, Rogg cites a recent change of address by Tselepis with the State Bar of Michigan and the fact that Tselepis is currently employed downstate in Tuscola County.

Rogg further questioned how Tselepis could be regularly reporting to his job as an indigent defense attorney in Tuscola County while changing his voting address to a location in Menominee back in March 2024.

Ultimately, Rogg asked state election officials to disqualify Tselepis based on his residency and said Tselepis likely committed several felony offenses under Election Law as a result of changing his voting address.

In response, Tselepis told Local 3 that he pays rent and has stayed at the updated address, which is also the primary residence of local business owner and Menominee County Sheriff Candidate Joe Grinsteineran outspoken critic of Roggs, who has accused him of mishandling the Helfert case and having ulterior motives.

Rogg has previously mentioned Grinsteiner in conversation with Local 3, saying he was uninformed on the issue and was among people who were using the controversy involving Helfert victims as a cudgel for their own selfish purposes.

On the residency accusations, Tselepis said, I signed a lease to reside at my current address in Wallace in March 2024. Ive paid rent and stayed there. Its my domicile to which I return when gone. I also practice in other places across the state.

When asked, Tselepis said he had no concern whatsoever about his validity as a candidate. Local 3 responded with a quote from our previous interview with him, where he said if I end up coming up and being the Menominee County Prosecutor Im going to move from a comfortable existence I have here to a new place implying that he primarily sleeps elsewhere.

We pressed the question of whether Tselepis thinks Roggs interpretation of the election law was correct, and if his part-time residency could affect the legality of his filing.

I dont know if it matters, Tselepis said. If it does matter and the facts I can present dont make me a resident then it is what It is. My belief is that the residency test was that of domicile which is A persons true and permanent home from which they intend to return to when gone. By that definition I am a resident of Menominee County.

Tselepis said that either way, the criminal allegations made by Rogg were preposterous, and said that kind of assessment of criminality is worrisome from a prosecutor.

In a follow-up, Tselepis expressed confidence that he was indeed an eligible write-in candidate after his own review of Michigan election laws.

Allegations about conduct in prosecutors office

Also forefront in Roggs letter to state elections officials were further details about Tselepis employment in Roggs office, which we briefly mentioned in a previous story.

Rogg said Tselepis was appointed by him as an assistant prosecutor in September 2021 and was employed for five months, during which problems with Mr. Tselepis temperament and behavior were brought to my attention, including two on-the-record incidents that a judge considered contemptuous, according to Rogg.

In the letter, Rogg details what happened next:

Judge Jamo made it clear to me that, while he did not want to hold Mr. Tselepis in contempt, he would not hesitate to do so if Mr. Tselepis contemptuous behavior was repeated. I immediately counseled Mr. Tselepis about the situation and told him he would be terminated if I received another such complaint from Judge Jamo, or anyone else. Mr. Tselepis continued to protest the righteousness of his actions, and told me that he would do it again if he felt it were warranted. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Tselepis engaged in separate and independent conduct that was reported by a female Menominee County employee to Jason Carviou, the Menominee County Administrator. When Mr. Carviou brought that matter to my attention, I decided, under MCL 49.42, and with Mr. Carvious consent on behalf of the County, to offer Mr. Tselepis the opportunity to either resign or be fired. Mr. Tselepis chose the former. Jeffrey Rogg, in letter to state election officials

In our previous interview, Tselepis declined to comment on the circumstances of his separation from the job, saying that he expected to address the allegations in court.

Conversely, Tselepis has drawn attention to a lawsuit filed by other former employees of Roggs. Earlier this year, we reported the following:

The lawsuit outlined a work environment where Rogg was described as having severe mood swings, including an incident last January where Rogg is allegedly became upset over paperwork processing procedures, to the point of screaming at the three employees present. That incident led one plaintiff to file a criminal report with the Michigan State Police, but no formal charges appear to have followed. Following that incident, the lawsuit says Rogg sent an email to staff acknowledging his inappropriate behavior, but still essentially blame[d] the employees. Afterward, Rogg was accused of retaliating against the employees; one of whom was fired from her role. The plaintiffs in the civil suit were seeking jobs with the county in a safe working environment, legal fees, and a monetary award for damages. Lawsuit settled between Menominee Co., prosecutor, former employees

Those former employees were given $150,000 in a settlement agreement, which was paid out by the countys insurance policy. The agreement also said that in accepting the settlement, both parties agreed no acts as described in the lawsuit were unlawful or inappropriate, and that the settlement is not an admission of responsibility by any defendants.

Who speaks for the victims?

Over the course of our reporting, both Tselepis and Rogg have claimed to be speaking in alignment with the victims interests, but their claims conflict on whether or not two of Helferts victims were content to have further pursuit of their cases waived in the latest plea agreement.

One of the 10 pieces of evidence Rogg offered along with his complaint was a pair of screenshots, both showing text conversations: one between the victim and Rogg, and the other between the victim and Tselepis.

Rogg said some content of the text message from Tselepis to the victim further proved that Tselepis lived out of the area. The pertinent part of Tselepis text reads:

Im driving up to Menominee now to file papers to be eligible as a write in candidate for prosecutor. Im going to be very loud against the waiver of your criminal case in my campaign. I will keep you updated of progress. Text from Nicholas Tselepis to Helfert victim on 7/25/24

The second screenshot begins with the victim sending Rogg an image of the messages from Tselepis, followed by this exchange:

Victim: Just now read that V: Idk wtf hes talking about Rogg: So basically he wants to extend your suffering, and go against your wishes? V: That seems to be the case! I do NOT WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS GUY! Hes using me for his own gain! Messages between Jeffrey Rogg and victim

In a phone call about the images, Rogg said the content bolstered his argument that Tselepis intentions were out-of-touch with the victims. However, when asked, Rogg also declined to say the exchanges in the screenshots were also representative of how the other victims felt.

We asked Tselepis about his opinion on the relevance of the pair of screenshots to Roggs complaint about legal question surrounding where he lives.

To that, Tselepis said, it has absolutely nothing to do with it, and expressed outrage that the image containing identifying information about the victim was sent to media and state officials.

Tselepis also told Local 3 that the individual who was texting Rogg was also one of the two victims he had previously told us he was advocating for in his bid to unseat Rogg. Tselepis said he had met with that victim in person once or twice and has advised him on legal matters over multiple phone calls.

He described what he read as a 180 in a month, but said he had no reason to deny that the texts were genuine.

If I end up dropping out of the race, it will be because [the victim] doesnt care, said Tselepis, and if [the victim] doesnt care, why do I care?

At the end of Roggs complaint he asked state election officials for an immediate determination on Tselepis eligibility, imploring them to disqualify himas well as requesting a criminal complaint with MSP on False Swearing and Forgery charges, reporting Tselepis to his employer of Tuscola County for potential contract fraud, and reporting the alleged misconduct to the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission.

This is a developing story. Local 3 will have the latest updates on-air and online as they come in.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.
You can now view the LifeWise Bible curriculum for public school students  with a catch

LifeWise, the Hilliard-based organization that teaches public school children the Bible during school hours, has provided a way for the public to review its curriculum last month  but with a catch.

The catch is that if you want to view the curriculum, you can access a "read-only" version for 48 hours and must agree not to "copy, print, download, screenshot, share or distribute" the materials you view.

The decision to offer a limited-access viewing of the LifeWise curriculum comes after the organization sued Zachary Parrish, an Indiana man for copyright infringement in July after he became a LifeWise volunteer and downloaded and later disseminated the curriculum online, The Dispatch previously reported. Parrish, whose daughter attended Defiance City School District, also operates the Parents Against LifeWise Facebook group, which has nearly 5,500 members.

LifeWise said on social media on July 19 that it values the interest and feedback of the public, it has "found a solution that respects our licensing agreement while allowing private online review of our elementary curriculum."

In a reply to a Facebook user who asked if people who chose to view the curriculum would be sued, LifeWise said in reply that there were "three easy steps to avoid a lawsuit" including not stealing copyrighted intellectual property, posting "said stolen property to your website and share it publicly" and not replying that "you'll have to sue me" when sent a takedown notice.

More: What is LifeWise? What to know about the group teaching the Bible during school hours

Joel Penton, the founder of LifeWise Academy, stands out in front of their current home office in Hilliard. LifeWise will be moving into the former Aquatic Adventures Ohio building in Hilliard later this year.

In a statement, LifeWise CEO Joel Penton told The Dispatch that team "has developed a way to privately and temporarily share the files for review without violating our licensing agreement" with the publisher, LifeWay Christian resources.

"We believe in transparency, and have always encouraged families and communities to learn more about LifeWise and the positive impact of Bible-based character education," Penton said.

Penton said the update to curriculum access does not affect the lawsuit "because Parrish posted the materials publicly to be downloaded and replicated, which violates our licensing agreement and infringes on our copyright."

According to the LifeWise website, people seeking access to the curriculum must have an email that can accept Google Drive links, fill out a form with address and other personal information and consent not to distribute the information provided in the curriculum review. It also notes that "access requests are subject to review and denial."

The form for requesting the curriculum says "LifeWise curriculum is protected by U.S. copyright  and is also a part of a licensing agreement with LifeWay Christian Resources. It is not available for public distribution."

Parrish told The Dispatch that he believes the reason LifeWise was making the curriculum available was because they "were experiencing a PR nightmare." He also said it would be impossible to go through five years of weekly Bible lessons in 48 hours.

"They keep claiming that every issue that me and our group is raising is, you know, a lie and a disingenuous question, but yet, they keep changing policies," Parrish said. "It's only because we made a deal about it, because it should be public. They didn't want to do this."

He also said the curriculum, which is through LifeWay, shows that it is not a nondenominational education of the Bible considering that LifeWay is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

What is LifeWise?

LifeWise, founded in 2018, is an event-based nonprofit ministry with a mission to reach public school students. It offers Bible education during school hour that is off school property, privately funded and parent-permitted, often during an elective class period.

This summer, Penton testified in favor of House Bill 445, which would require public school districts to excuse students for off-campus religious instruction.

Penton said during a hearing on the bill that the organization works with 200 schools across Ohio and 23 school districts have turned down LifeWise Academy in Ohio.

LifeWise is currently renovating a former Hilliard scuba-diving facility once home to an 18-foot-deep pool, which will become the headquarters for the nonprofit when completed, The Dispatch previously reported. LifeWise purchased the former Aquatic Adventures building located by Interstate 270 off Cemetery Road in Hilliard for nearly $3 million.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: LifeWise curriculum now available to the public  with a catch
The National Rifle Association (NRA) issued a rare endorsement of a Democrat, backing Rep. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) in her reelection campaign.

The endorsement of Peltola is the first NRA endorsement of a Democrat since 2020, when the association supported former Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.). It was first reported by the Washington Examiner.

Peltola is Alaskas sole representative and an advocate for the Second Amendment. On her campaign website, she said she owns 176 long guns and dares someone to tread on Alaskan freedoms.

In a statement to The Hill, she said she campaigned in 2022 on a pro-freedom platform and continues that to this day.

Guns are an integral part of Alaskas culture and our subsistence lifestyles, Peltola said. Alaskan gun [owners] are the strongest proponents for responsible gun ownership. We pass down our knowledge and skills to our children.

Peltola argued that the endorsement may help the country understand Alaskan culture and see the importance of the Second Amendment in communities.

No other Democrats in either the House or the Senate have been endorsed by the NRA so far in its 2024 Political Victory Fund.

Peltola, a centrist Democrat, has served in Congress since 2022, when she clinched an unexpected win in the deep-red state of Alaska, beating former Gov. Sarah Palin (R).

Randy Kozuch, the Chairman of the NRA Political Victory Fund said they endorse candidates who support and defend the Constitutional right to keep and bear arms no matter the candidates party affiliation.

In Congress, Representative Peltola has supported efforts to rein in overreach by the ATF, voted for legislation supporting the Second Amendment rights of veterans, and voted in favor of protecting traditional ammunition, Kozuch said in a statement to The Hill. Given her strong record of support for gun rights and law-abiding gun owners, NRA-PVF is proud to endorse Representative Peltola for re-election.

This story was updated at 8:25 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
After a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, the National Rifle Association on Wednesday urged an appellate court to find that a 2018 Florida law banning people under age 21 from purchasing rifles and other long guns violates the Second Amendment.

The Republican-controlled Legislature and then-Gov. Rick Scott rushed to include the age restriction in a sweeping school-safety bill after Nikolas Cruz, who was 19 at the time, used a semiautomatic rifle to kill 17 students and faculty members at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018. Federal law already prevented people under 21 from buying handguns.

The NRA filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law, but Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker upheld the age restriction. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals also upheld the law, but the NRA asked the full Atlanta-based appeals court to consider the case. The court last year put the appeal on hold and directed attorneys for the state and the NRA to delay filing briefs until after the Supreme Court issued a decision in a Texas gun case known as United States v. Rahimi.

Read: Tracking Invest 97L: DeSantis declares state of emergency in 54 Florida counties

The Supreme Courts 8-1 decision in June in the Texas case backed a ban on gun possession by people under domestic-violence restraining orders and was a victory for the federal government and gun-control supporters.

But in Wednesdays brief, lawyers for the NRA said the Rahimi ruling was narrow. They argued that the Florida law did not align with a major 2022 Supreme Court opinion in a case known as New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which said gun laws must be consistent with this nations historical tradition of firearm regulation.

This law is unconstitutional. The Second Amendments text protects young adults right to purchase a firearm, and the state has not proven that the ban is consistent with our nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. The young adult ban cannot stand, John Parker Sweeney, an attorney with the Washington, D.C.-based Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP firm, wrote.

Read: Florida Tech supporting space manufacturing through new initiative

The NRAs brief also tried to pick apart a March 2023 ruling by the three-judge panel of the appeals court that upheld the age restriction.

That panel said the Florida law is consistent with traditions and pointed to age restrictions since the Reconstruction era. It also said the law allows people under 21 to possess or use guns, such as if they receive guns as gifts.

To begin with, the act is no more restrictive than its forebearers: While the act burdens 18-to-20-year-olds rights to buy firearms, unlike its Reconstruction era analogues, it still leaves 18-to-20-year-olds free to acquire any type of firearm  including the quintessential self-defense weapon, the handgun  in legal ways, as long as they dont buy the weapons, Judge Robin Rosenbaum wrote in an opinion joined fully by Judge Anne Conway. Judge Charles Wilson wrote a short concurring opinion.

But the NRA argued that the panel strayed far off course at the historical stage to uphold Floridas law and never addressed the complete absence of any comparable Founding Era bansexcept to deem the Founding Era irrelevant.

Read: See where you can get sandbags in Central Florida

As an example, Wednesdays brief noted that young adults were required to acquire and use arms to participate in the militia in the late 1700s.

The ban burdens conduct that is protected by the Second Amendments plain text. Young adult citizens are among the people who enjoy Second Amendment rights because they are members of the national community, Sweeney wrote in the 69-page brief.

The plain text of the Second Amendment also protects young adults right to purchase firearms, he contended.

The right to keep and bear arms necessarily protects the ability to acquire them, and purchase is the most common, most important, and often only available method of acquisition. Any law that hinders the exercise of Second Amendment rights, as the young adult ban does here, triggers the states burden to affirmatively prove a historical tradition, the NRA brief said.

Read: Patients being sent to collections as Florida Blue, AMR continue contract dispute

The states lawyers have until Aug. 30 to file a response. They previously have also relied on the Supreme Court decision in the Bruen case to try to bolster arguments for the age restriction. Examples of other historical regulations include preventing felons and certain people with mental illness from having guns.

But the NRAs lawyers strenuously disagreed in Wednesdays brief.

This is a straightforward case under Bruen, Sweney wrote. The undisputed absence of a distinctly similar historical regulation from the Founding Era that criminalized a young adults purchase of any firearm is strong evidence that the young adult ban is unconstitutional.

The states meager evidentiary showing is too late, does not prove any comparable tradition of regulation, and otherwise cannot satisfy the states burden, Sweeney argued.

The brook is simply too broad for the state to leap: The young adult ban is not consistent with the principles that underpin our regulatory tradition, he added.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The construction of the Queen of Peace Cemetery in northwest Bakersfield has been suspended as the Catholic Diocese of Fresno goes through the process of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Officials with the diocese told 17 News as the diocese progresses and construction continues the community will be informed.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the cemetery was held in 2023. The construction of the cemetery was approved by the Kern County Board of Supervisors in 2021.

In May, the Catholic Diocese of Fresno said it would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it faced 154 claims of abuse by clergy.

Residents in the area of the proposed site say they were looking forward to a different type of neighborhood setting compared to a plaza or shopping center nearby.

Believe it or not, but that was actually something that attracted us to the neighborhood, said James Berry, neighborhood resident.

Kern County lawmakers react to Scrivner resignation

James Berry and his wife moved to the neighborhood a year ago. Hes all for the cemetery because hes against more traffic.

We were looking forward to having a natural space back there, rather than more homes or retail, said Berry.

For other neighbors the idea of living next to a cemetery sounded odd at first, but grew on them over time.

Initially, we were a little nervous just because the word cemetery, you know, said neighbor Lindsay Burkert. It was just kind of different, but the more we thought about it we were actually okay with it.

Lindsay Burkert moved to northwest Bakersfield 4 years ago. She said shes disappointed theyre losing a peaceful space and fear a Walmart is going to be built in its place.

I know a lot of people were concerned about having to explain death to their children everyday and I just feel like thats something that we should be talking about with our kids anyway, Burkert said.

The cemetery would be located in northwest Bakersfield near Allen and Renfro roads.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Ryan Salame has returned to X ahead of his prison sentence. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Ryan Salame was sentenced to 7  years in prison for his role in the collapse of FTX.

Awaiting prison, he's posting on X about Donald Trump and crypto regulation  and sparring with critics.

Salame alleges a key witness in Sam Bankman-Fried's trial lied on the witness stand.

In May, Ryan Salame was sentenced to 7  years in prison for his role in Sam Bankman-Fried's multi-billion-dollar cryptocurrency fraud.

As he awaits the start of his sentence, Salame is using his remaining weeks of freedom to post non-stop.

The former FTX executive has returned to social media and reentered the public discourse, weighing in on politics and crypto policy, and joking about his future in prison.

Since his May 28 sentencing, Salame has posted to X  formerly Twitter  more than 700 times, often dozens of times a day.

Salame's posts on X offer a window into the mind of a central player in the rise and eventual collapse of FTX, which rocked the cryptocurrency world and led to Bankman-Fried's blockbuster criminal trial.

While preparing for his sentence, Salame has expressed regret  though he contends the full story of his role in the fiasco is largely misunderstood. And he says a key witness in Bankman-Fried's criminal trial lied.

At the same time, he holds Bankman-Fried responsible for turning FTX and Alameda Research from successful companies into textbook examples of corporate malfeasance. He says Bankman-Fried "thought he was a bank and didn't care about lying."

"Alameda made an absolutely insane amount of money without theft. FTX was solvent. Lawyers were heavily involved in everything," Salame wrote on X. "SBF stole everyone's money to pay back lenders after he invested their money into illiquid investments."

Salame carries the posture of a too-online 30-year-old millennial dad. His X bio links to the US Bureau of Prisons as his personal website.

"Awaiting 7.5 year prison sentence. Former: US Republican Mega-donor, CEO of FTX Digital Markets, Circle Trade, CPA. HK/US/Bahamas. Not a lawyer," it reads.

He has mused on what money could buy him behind bars.

"How much does it cost to be inmate 42069 I wonder," he posted.

Despite facing a long prison sentence, Salame still considers himself a player in the cryptocurrency arena. The FTX saga has solidified many people's views that cryptocurrency is fundamentally scammy. But Salame  a participant in what is arguably the biggest cryptocurrency scam of all time  is a true believer. And he appears to have faith that only the Republican Party can usher America into a crypto-friendly future.

Story continues

"I genuinely feel like Trump is the only hope America has on the global stage," Salame posted on July 27, the day Donald Trump spoke at a bitcoin conference in Nashville.

Salame said Trump was "the next president" in another post a few hours later.

Nearly every time he posts, Salame is hounded by other social-media users calling him a crook. He replies to them with scorn and sarcasm.

"WHen PRisOn RyAN," he wrote in one recent post.

Salame illegally donated to politicians on behalf of FTX executives using customer money

Bankman-Fried siphoned billions of dollars from ordinary FTX customers by commingling their funds with Alameda Research, his crypto trading firm, and using the funds for the benefit of himself and fellow executives. Salame stopped posting on Twitter, where he had frequently weighed in on cryptocurrency news, in November 2022, around the time FTX collapsed.

A jury in Manhattan found Bankman-Fried guilty of fraud and money-laundering charges, and in March a judge sentenced him to 25 years in prison.

Salame held executive positions at Alamada Research and at an FTX affiliate company called FTX Digital Markets. Prosecutors say Salame deceived banks so Alameda Research could process money transfers for FTX customers.

Prosecutors also say Salame oversaw a straw-donor scheme in which he and other FTX executives  using customer funds  donated to politicians in Washington, DC, to advance policies and regulations favorable to the company. Court filings in FTX's bankruptcy show the company loaned Salame tens of millions of dollars, most of which he used for political donations. Other former executives who testified at Bankman-Fried's trials said they expected they wouldn't have to repay the money they received in loans.

In May, US District Judge Lewis Kaplan  who also oversaw Bankman-Fried's trial  sentenced Salame to 7  years in prison, higher than what prosecutors recommended. He said Salame "knowingly and willfully assisted in destroying the limited transparency that the laws of the United States provide" in campaign finance.

"He knew precisely what he was doing," Kaplan said at the sentencing hearing. "He knew why it was being done. He knew it was illegal. And the whole idea was to hide it from the world."

Sam Bankman-Fried leaving court. ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Salame says he's misunderstood. He was pushing for pandemic-related policies in DC, not crypto policies, he said on X. He also said banks weren't defrauded.

"This is obvious unless you're stupid," he wrote.

One of his great regrets, Salame says, is that he followed the advice of lawyers who told him to borrow funds from Alameda Research  which prosecutors said originally came from FTX customers  rather than sell his own cryptocurrency assets. FTX's in-house lawyers drafted the loan agreements for executives, according to trial testimony and court filings.

"Sucks that if I had just sold off my pile of crypto like I was going to instead of listening to multiple lawyers and borrowing from Alameda against it instead, I likely wouldn't be going to prison for seven and half years," he posted on May 29, the day after he was sentenced.

"The legal profession has lost its way... a sad cancer on the world," he wrote in July.

Kaplan initially ordered Salame to report to prison on August 29. But the judge delayed the date after Salame's lawyers said he "was mauled by a German Shepherd while visiting a friend's home" and needed medical treatment.

A plastic surgeon treating Salame wrote in a letter filed to the court that Salame was on the receiving end of "a dog-bite injury to the face."

Asked by an X user last week about the "fake dog bite," Salame said it was "bad."

"Half my face doesn't work still," he said.

Salame says without evidence that a key witness in Bankman-Fried's trial lied

Salame pleaded guilty to charges against him in September, shortly before the start of Bankman-Fried's criminal trial in Manhattan.

Three other FTX and Alameda Research executives  Caroline Ellison, Gary Wang, and Nishad Singh  all pleaded guilty months earlier and testified at Bankman-Fried's trial as part of cooperation agreements with the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, hoping for lighter sentences. Wang and Singh are set to be sentenced in the fall; a hearing for Ellison hasn't yet been scheduled.

Salame didn't testify against Bankman-Fried at trial. His sentencing submission said he "offered assistance and cooperation to the government" ahead of the trial, which prosecutors said they considered a "mitigating factor" for his sentencing.

A representative for the US attorney's office and Salame declined to comment for this story.

Prosecutors withdrew campaign-finance charges against Bankman-Fried because of a legal dispute over jurisdictional issues and after he was already found guilty of fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering charges.

In a message Salame shared on X about not testifying at Bankman-Fried's trial, he said, "I had nothing to offer them without lying."

While Salame didn't testify, he was mentioned throughout Bankman-Fried's trial.

Salame and Nishad Singh exchanged messages in a Signal group chat titled "Donation Processing." US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York

Singh said Salame had access to bank accounts belonging to himself and Bankman-Fried. Salame wired funds to political causes using their accounts, and Singh and Bankman-Fried clicked on verification links to ensure the transfers went through, Singh testified.

Salame primarily donated to Republican politicians and was one of the largest donors in the 2022 election cycle, giving $24 million to right-leaning candidates and causes. Bankman-Fried and Singh typically donated to organizations more affiliated with the political left.

At the trial, Singh said he initially cared about the political donations but later just did whatever Salame told him to.

"For the majority of them, and after some point in time, my role was to click a button," Singh said at the trial.

The funds for the donations came from loans Singh took from FTX  an arrangement crafted by FTX's lawyers, Singh testified.

Singh said Salame was instrumental in FTX's millions of dollars in real-estate purchases using customer funds. And Ellison said Salame was involved in a harebrained  and ultimately unsuccessful  project to arrange trades between Thai sex workers to regain funds in accounts that were frozen by Chinese regulators.

Singh testified he was blindsided when he learned Bankman-Fried was using FTX customer funds for Alameda Research's investments. He said he joined the conspiracy to try to fill the financial hole they were in so that FTX customers could be made whole and was "suicidal for days" when that plan failed.

In social-media posts, Salame said Singh wasn't being truthful about his role in the use of FTX customer funds. He appeared to suggest that prosecutors convinced Singh to lie on the witness stand.

"I often contemplate how they pressured Nishad into lying about how he viewed his campaign finance contributions," Salame posted. "I have some ideas but I'll likely never know the full extent."

But in another post, a week earlier, Salame appeared to agree with another X user who said Singh "seemed genuinely ashamed and remorseful."

"One of the most genuinely nice human beings I've ever met," Salame wrote. "Guy absolutely wrecked me and I still think this."

On social media, Salame hasn't articulated a specific vision for his preferred cryptocurrency regulation policies aside from a preference for Republicans.

In past interviews, he's said he wanted to achieve a light, libertarian-leaning regulatory touch through bipartisan consensus. But in recent years, much of the crypto industry has shifted rightward. President Joe Biden vetoed a bill in May that would have overturned a Securities and Exchange Commission rule about crypto custody that much of the industry finds onerous. And in recent years, Trump has gone from calling bitcoin a "scam" to embracing blockchain technology with Trump Card NFTs and telling the audience at the bitcoin conference last month that he would fire the SEC commissioner Gary Gensler.

In recent weeks, Salame has weighed in on the 2024 presidential election.

"Democrats have gotten so full of shit it's actually insane, you're in a cult if you think otherwise," he posted last week.

After Biden stepped aside and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, Salame reflected on his own future.

"Going to suck waking up in jail burdened by what has been," he wrote.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Colombias government spent as much as $5,000 on travel expenses for beleaguered City Hall adviser Tim Pearson during his trip to the country with Mayor Eric Adams last year  contradicting claims by the mayor that he and Pearson picked up their own costs.

Pearson, whos currently facing multiple investigations and lawsuits over allegations of sexual and professional misconduct, traveled to Colombia with Adams in October as part of what the mayors office called a fact-finding mission about the root causes of the citys migrant crisis.

After returning from the trip, Adams said he and Pearson, an ex-New York Police Department officer and public safety adviser to the mayor, used their own money for travel costs.

Tim Pearson paid his own way, I paid my own way  The team picked up their own costs, he said.

But Pearsons annual financial disclosure, which was provided to The New York Daily News by the Conflicts of Interest Board on Friday, states the Columbian (sic) Government paid between $1,000 and $5,000 on his airplane travel and ground transportation during the trip.

City government financial disclosures only offer value ranges as opposed to exact dollar figures for assets and debts. Adams office didnt return a request for comment on the exact amount Colombia spent on Pearson or why the mayor insisted he covered his own tab.

Adams financial disclosure released earlier this year showed he also got his Colombia travel expenses covered by its government despite claiming he paid them himself.

Besides the Colombia trip, Pearsons disclosure says he owes between $60,000 and $99,000 to the IRS and is owed between $100,000 and $250,000 from the NYS Claims Department. Pearson didnt report the IRS debt on his 2022 disclosure, meaning he accrued it last year, though the nature of it isnt explained on the form.

Theres no state agency called the Claims Department. Adams office didnt return a request for comment on that matter or the IRS debt.

The revelations about Pearsons finances come as he faces four civil lawsuits from NYPD employees alleging he sexually assaulted and harassed multiple women, before and after joining Adams administration, as well as a city Department of Investigation probe into allegations he assaulted a migrant shelter security guard.

Amid the legal issues, Adams, who worked with Pearson in the NYPD, has defended him and not modified his duties.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said Thursday he remains firmly opposed to the transportation of uranium ore through the Navajo Nation, and will join First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren in a protest walk Friday in Cameron.

Nygren deployed Navajo police on Tuesday to intercept trucks moving ore from the Pinyon Plain Mine south of the Grand Canyon to a mill near Blanding, Utah. Police cited the drivers of trucks returning from the mill with a warning.

Energy Fuels Inc., which operates the mine, sent the first trucks on U.S. Highway 89 and U.S. Highway 160 through Coconino County and the Navajo Nation on Tuesday, but Nygren and other Navajo leaders said they only learned of the decision through social media.

On Wednesday, Nygren issued an executive order requiring Energy Fuels to sign an agreement with the tribe before hauling radioactive material through the Navajo Nation. The executive order will be in effect for the next six months, he said.

"What we did two days ago was to make sure people have an understanding that when you enter the borders of the Navajo Nation, you're on Navajo land," Nygren told The Arizona Republic. "And you need to respect the laws that have been passed on Navajo. We're not a place where there's no laws that govern who we are as a people. We are a government of laws and I decided to deploy the Navajo Nation Police because we had people breaking the law."

First Lady Blackwater-Nygren with others will walk in opposition to the illegal transportation of uranium across Navajo Nation Friday in Cameron, starting at a parking area southwest of Highway 89 and Highway 64 near Navajo Arts and Crafts and ending at the Cameron Chapter House.

A view of the Pinyon Plain Mine, which extracts uranium between Red Butte near Tusayan south of the Grand Canyon, on Dec. 1, 2021.

Tribal officials worry about accidents

After Nygren deployed police, Energy Fuels left a voicemail for Stephen Etcitty, the director of the Navajo Environmental Protection Agency, about a meeting scheduled to develop transportation plans for the uranium ore through the Navajo Nation.

Nygren was unaware of this meeting and said that, at this point, "we are done talking."

"No one from the Navajo Nation is going to that meeting because of the acts that they did today. It was very disturbing because they just moved without letting us know," said Nygren. "Talking things out is off the table."

The legal counsel for Energy Fuels has also contacted the Navajo Department of Justice to discuss the situation. Nygren said that while the NDOJ can hear their perspective, he will not participate in the discussions because of "their disrespect of the Navajo Nation and its laws."

"My stance is we signed that executive order for six months and whatever they're thinking, nothing is going to happen within the next six months," said Nygren. "We'll see what they're going to come to the table with."

Even after receiving photos of trucks transporting uranium ore through the Navajo Nation, leaders sought confirmation from the U.S. Forest Service. In an email to the Navajo council and Speaker Crystalyne Curley, the Forest Service confirmed that Energy Fuels had notified that agency on the day of the haul, even though they had requested at least two weeks' notice. There is no requirement that the company must do so.

Environmental issues: Conservation groups say Arizona uranium mine threatens Grand Canyon, ask Hobbs to intervene

Nygren expressed his belief that, because the Navajo DOJ and Navajo EPA were in the process of developing regulations for licenses and permits  which could have made it nearly impossible to transport the uranium ore through the Navajo Nation  Energy Fuels decided to take the risk and proceed with the haul without giving notice.

"They just wanted to test the waters because the Nation is in the middle of finalizing those regulations," said Nygren. "We just don't want it and they need to respect that. Respect that the Nation has banned uranium."

He said people can argue that these are state highway rights-of-way, but it's given by the Navajo Nation "so we still have authority." His biggest concern was since no one knew about the haul, what if an accident were to happen?

"If no one knew about the haul just imagine if an accident happened and no emergency plan was in place," said Nygren. "And there was no emergency response ready to go. It would've been devastating."

Canyon Mine is operated by Energy Fuels Resources, which recently renamed the site Pinyon Plain Mine.

Mark Chalmers, Energy Fuels' president and chief executive, released a statement in response to Nygren's executive order. Chalmers acknowledged the harmful legacy of uranium mining on the Navajo people and emphasized the industry's improved regulations and practices, citing Energy Fuels' 20-year compliance record.

"We are heavily regulated, and today's legal framework is fully protective of human health and the environment," he said. He highlighted the importance of moving away from Russian uranium to support clean, carbon-free nuclear power in the U.S

Chalmers said he welcomed the opportunity for constructive dialogue on transporting materials across Navajo Nation lands.

"We remain open to further engage with the Navajo Nation through good-faith discussions that address legitimate concerns," he said.

A sign warns people of an abandoned uranium mine. Down the road from the contaminated mine are homes of the families who live in the community.

Uranium shipments pose 'unacceptable risk'

In 2005, the Navajo Nation Council approved the Dine Natural Resources Protection Act, which was signed by former Navajo President Joe Shirley, Jr. This law bans uranium mining on the Navajo Nation.

In 2012, the late Ben Shelly, former Navajo President, signed into law the Radioactive and Related Substances, Equipment, Vehicles, Persons and Materials Transportation Act. This law opposes the transportation of radioactive waste across the Navajo Nation, with the exception of uranium ore left on the reservation from the over 500 abandoned uranium mines resulting from nearly 40 years of uranium mining.

Protecting land: Biden dedicates new monument for Arizona tribes and 'the soul of the nation'

Nygren and Curley both sent a letter to President Joe Biden in March urging him to prevent uranium transport across the Navajo Nation from the Pinyon Plain Mine.

"Uranium transport continues posing an unacceptable risk to the well-being of our people and the sanctity of our lands," stated Nygren and Curley in the letter. "Alternative routes exist that can and should be used to avoid crossing Navajo lands. The use of these alternative paths would demonstrate respect for our sovereignty and a commitment to our collective health and safety."

Nygren said he has met people who don't understand the turbulent and destructive past the Navajo Nation and its people and land have with uranium.

"I've gotten a lot people who don't understand the issue," said Nygren. "They say to me uranium development is good, it's good for energy. It's good for national security. I tell them the Navajo Nation has done its part. Over half of all uranium extracted came from the Navajo Nation."

The Atomic Energy Commission announced in 1948 that it would guarantee a price for and purchase all uranium ore mined in the United States. Uranium was discovered in Cove, on the Navajo Nation, and then elsewhere on the reservation. Four centers of mining and milling operated near Shiprock, New Mexico, in Monument Valley, Utah, at Church Rock, New Mexico, and near Kayenta in northern Arizona.

The EPA has identified 523 abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation, and of these, 111 are in the western region. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 30 million tons of uranium ore were extracted during mining operations within the Navajo Nation from 1944 to 1986.

"We have hundreds of mines left abandoned and thousands of people perished because of uranium and families are still affected today," said Nygren. "And its sad we couldn't even get the RECA amendments on the floor this past year, so that people post-1971 can get the benefits they deserve. My opinion, I think the people who are wondering why the Navajo Nation is against uranium development is because we've done our part. Our people are still suffering. Our communities are still hurting, they need to understand that."

A personal stake in the issue

He said the First Lady's grandfather was a uranium mine worker who lost his life because of mining, so this issue is near and dear to her. He said he will be there to join the walk.

"The First Lady is like a lot of families on the Navajo Nation and has been affected...she lost her grandfather to uranium because he was a uranium miner," said Nygren. "Her grandparents are from the Sweetwater area and there are a lot of abandoned mines in that area."

Nygren said Navajo Special Tactical Units officers are now stationed in Cameron, where the protest will take place, to prevent any trucks from hauling uranium through the area.

He emphasized that they will stop and turn back any trucks attempting to pass. When the Navajo Nation Police were first deployed on Tuesday, they stopped empty trucks in Tuba City that were returning from Blanding, cited them with a warning and told them not to come back through the Navajo Nation.

"We made it very clear to them to not haul trucks through the Navajo Nation," said Nygren. "When it comes to how much people have died, suffered and people continuing to hurt us, this is where we have to come together...as a nation and make sure that there is no transportation across our lands. We don't even want to entertain the risk of a possible truck turning over. I'm happy the walk will be happening to bring awareness."

Arlyssa D. Becenti covers Indigenous affairs for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Send ideas and tips to arlyssa.becenti@arizonarepublic.com.

Republic reporter Trilce Estrada Olvera contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Navajo President Nygren wants uranium shipments on reservation halted
NYPD sergeant gives thumbs up while leaving hospital after Manhattan shooting

NYPD sergeant gives thumbs up while leaving hospital after Manhattan shooting

CHINATOWN, Manhattan (PIX11)  Two NYPD sergeants shot on Thursday after a Manhattan armed robbery are expected to make a full recovery, according to officials.

A 43-year-old sergeant is still hospitalized at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue and could be released as soon as Friday morning. A 34-year-old sergeant, with 11 years on the job and from the 7th Precinct, gave a thumbs up from his wheelchair after he was discharged from the hospital Thursday afternoon.

More Local News

He had his pregnant wife by his side as he left.

Joshua Dorsett, 22, was allegedly robbing women who gathered to play mahjong on Canal Street in Chinatown, according to authorities.

Dorsett then fled the scene to Eldridge Street. It was less than 10 minutes before the sergeants tracked him down, per police.

The sergeants tried to stop Dorsett, who allegedly pulled a gun out of his pocket, according to authorities. Thats when a bullet grazed the 34-year-old sergeant and struck the 43-year-old sergeant in the groin, per police.

Dorsett is a suspected gang member who was on probation. He had visited his probation officer just six hours before the shooting, according to authorities.

Charges are pending against Dorsett.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Energy officials say Oahu residents narrowly avoided a power generating shortfall that would have added to a series of recent energy supply issues.

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Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole expressed frustration, stating, Here we go again, frustrating. I know this is going to fuel a lot of frustration and anxiety from the community that was already up in arms last time.

Experts attribute the issue to aging infrastructure and a slower-than-expected transition to renewable energy sources. Hawaii Electric Company (HECO) is reportedly pushing the limits of its capacity too often. Current public policy calls for a 33 percent reserve energy capacity, meaning the utility should generate about one-third more power than expected demand.

Mark Glick of the Hawaii State Energy Office noted, Hawaii Natural Energy Institutes analysis showed that we may start the day with only a 10 percent reserve potential due to maintenance or inadequate units.

The Public Utilities Commission, HECOs main regulator, was asked about its expectations and measures to improve power supply and reliability. An agency spokesperson responded that they fully expect the states power utilities to uphold their obligation to provide reliable power now and into the future monitoring new generation including projects that will add 800 MW of renewable energy generation on Oahu within years.

UPW Oahu essential workers gets hazard pay for work during pandemic

However, the necessary improvements come with a cost, and lawmakers are concerned about the financial impact on ratepayers. Sen. Keohokalole emphasized the need for transparency, saying, When we discuss HECOs requests for rate increases or financing, we need a clearer understanding of what everyone is getting in return.

Senators recently met with federal officials to explore available support. Sen. Keohokalole said, We met with the U.S. Department of Energy, and they mentioned minimal to no engagement with the utility for financing new power development, despite competitive funds being available.

Hawaiian Electric Company responded, To say we arent applying for federal money or leaving money on the table isnt true. The company has applied for numerous federal grants in recent years and currently has applications pending for over $1 billion for critical projects. They recently secured $95 million to enhance resilience and wildfire safety.

Despite these efforts, HECO faces challenges due to the aftermath of the Maui wildfires. The company sought a federal loan to repower the Waiau plant but was informed by the feds that litigation overhang was hindering the loan process. HECO is prepared to submit a formal application once invited by federal authorities.

The state energy office and HECO are actively pursuing every available funding opportunity. Glick noted, We currently have $250 million in federal grants in play that have not yet been fully evaluated by the Department of Energy, and another $75 million in grants we are preparing to submit.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Lawmakers plan to revisit HECOs progress on wildfire mitigation and assess power generation and supply adequacy in upcoming inquiries.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Possible ATACMS missiles and drones targeted Russian-occupied Crimea overnight on Aug. 2, occupation authorities claimed amid reports of explosions in various locations on the peninsula.

Residents reported hearing multiple blasts in Sevastopol, Simferopol, and Yevpatoria in the occupied peninsula, the Telegram channel Crimean Wind reported.

Ukraine has not commented on the claims, which could not be independently verified.

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russia-installed proxy head of Sevastopol, claimed that fragments of drones and U.S.-made missiles were found in the city after being downed by air defenses.

At least four Ukrainian air targets have been downed, he claimed.

An air raid alert sounded at around 1:30 a.m. Kyiv time. No casualties were reported at the moment.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Pokrovsk is Russias main target after Kharkiv push failed, Zelensky says

According to Crimean Wind, fires broke out near Russian air defense positions in Balaklava, lying at Sevastopol's outskirts, at the time of the attack.

The channel also shared footage of burning debris in Sevastopol and said that smoke was rising from the 13th Ship Repair Plant of the Black Sea Fleet in Kilen Bay.

The full extent of damage is being determined.

Razvozhayev claimed that houses, high-rise buildlings, powerlines, streets, and other civilian property were damaged by fallen debris. Russia does not usually comment on possible hits against military installations.

The occupied peninsula has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian drone and naval strikes, forcing Russian forces to withdraw much of its naval power and beef up air defenses.

An earlier strike overnight on July 26 hit Russia's military airfield in Saky, Ukraine said, while a strike on July 23 reportedly hit a ferry used to to transport military equipment across Kerch Strait.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Odesa's Russian street names should be renamed to avoid 'living in the past,' governor argues

Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper responded to criticism of the renaming of Odesa's streets on Aug. 2, arguing that the city now has a "historic chance to break away from imperial narratives and be a modern, culturally independent Ukrainian city rather than living in the past."

Kiper made the statement after Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov criticized the renaming of streets on Aug. 1, claiming that Odesa City Council had "nothing to do with this."

Among 85 toponomic changes, the streets named after the Russian writers Alexander Pushkin, Ivan Bunin, and Mikhail Zhvanetsky will be renamed.

A prominent monument to Pushkin will also be dismantled as part of the plans. Statues of Pushkin were removed in Kyiv and Zaporzhzhia in the fall of 2023.

Pushkin Street will be renamed Italian Street, the street's original name before it was renamed after Pushkin in 1880.

Zhukovsky Street, named after the Russian poet Vasily Zhukovsky, is renamed Lesia Ukrainka Street after the Ukrainian poet.

Streets named after Soviet-era writing pair Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov, as well as Soviet author of Jewish descent Isaac Babel, will also be renamed under the plans. All three men were natives of Odesa.

Read also: Kharkiv renames 3 metro stations, nearly 50 streets to de-Russify city

"Based on the logic of the 'decolonizers,' we should abandon everything that made Odesa world-known," Trukhanov said.

The city council plans to take measures to "preserve our historical and cultural heritage" to cancel the plans to rename the streets, Trukhanov said.

Ukraine's parliament outlawed most Soviet and communist symbols, street names, and monuments as part of a decommunization process in 2015.

President Volodymyr Zelensky then signed a law in April 2023 that banned naming sites in Ukraine after Russian figures or historical events in response to Russia's full-scale invasion.

Odesa and its port infrastructure come under regular missile and drone attacks from Russia. A Russian drone strike in March hit an apartment building, killing 12 people, including five children.

Kiper argued that the current reality means that there is "no place for streets that honor people who received medals from the hands of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin" or "glorified the Soviet Union."

Those who want to walk through streets with Russian imperial or Soviet names can go to Moscow instead of Odesa, Kiper said.

"Odesa is and remains a Ukrainian city," Kiper said.

Odesa sits on the site of an ancient Greek settlement and a later Ottoman fortress. The area was captured by the Russian Empire in 1792. Empress Catherine II of Russia issued a decree to establish a naval harbor at Odesa in 1794.

Odesa's statue of Catherine II was dismantled in December 2022 following a vote by Odesa residents.

Shortly after coming to power, Catherine II banned teaching in the Ukrainian language at the most prominent center of Ukrainian culture, the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, and later made Russian compulsory for all schools and church services.

Odesa's historical center was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in January 2023. Russian missile attacks in July 2023 caused significant damage to the area, which includes the city's historic Transfiguration Cathedral.

Read also: Everyone says culture has nothing to do with it. It does  Ukrainian writer Volodymyr Rafeyenko on Russias war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Testimony this week in Carroll County included accusations of withholding evidence; discussions of Odinism and ritualistic killings; and whether additional suspects should be on trial for the 2017 murders of eighth graders Libby German and Abby Williams.

Heres part one of what we learned  including many key details made public for the first time  from a three-day hearing in the Delphi murder trial of accused killer Richard Allen. In part two, we'll look at Allen's time in prison.

Were the killings ritualistic? Expert, prosecution weigh in

Dawn Perlmutter, who wrote a book on ritualistic crime scene investigation, said the deaths of Abigail "Abby" Williams and Liberty "Libby" German are "textbook" examples of a ritualistic murder. The bodies were staged with branches placed on them in a way that resembled symbols.

She said she reviewed autopsy records, crime scene photos and social media posts of some of the alleged Odinists the defense contends may have been involved in the deaths. They showed images of runes and symbols. When asked if she has any doubt that the girls were sacrificed as part of a ritual, she said, "None at all."

But under questioning by Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland, Perlmutter acknowledged her findings were based on a review of a limited set of evidence. McLeland also sought to discredit Perlmutter by eliciting testimony that she reached the same conclusion a year ago, when she appeared on Court TV and before she saw any evidence in the case.

McLeland said the defense team failed to place any of the alleged Odinists  members of a pagan Norse religion hijacked by white nationalists  at the crime scene on Feb. 13, 2017, when the teens disappeared while hiking along the Monon High Bridge trail.

He also said Perlmutter did not look at the alibi of Brad Holder, a Logansport man who the defense alleges should've been the primary suspect. But police allegedly cleared Holder, although they never examined his cell phone.

 Read the full story: Delphi killings are 'textbook' examples of ritualistic murder, defense expert testifies

How were the girls killed?

Perlmutter, the expert on ritual killings, said their bodies were found in the woods near a body of water, and their throats were slit.

Todd Click, a former police officer for the Rushville Police Department who helped with the investigation, said he believes the girls were killed after inadvertently walking in on an Odinistic ritual. He said he believes Holder and another alleged Odinist, Patrick Westfall, were on the Monon High Bridge trail the day the girls were killed, although he acknowledged there was no "smoking gun" linking them to the crimes.

What's the evidence that Odinists were involved in the Delphi murders?

Amber Holder, who was briefly married to Brad Holder in 2018, testified Westfall confessed to killing Abby. But she admitted she only heard about the supposed confession from her ex-husband, who was drinking at the time.

One of the most haunting images of the crime scene that has been leaked to the public is that of Libby's blood on a tree. Defense attorneys have alleged that the killers used Libby's blood to paint a letter F  another clue tying the crimes to Odinism.

Maj. Patrick Cicero, a blood specialist and forensics expert from the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office who was consulted by the state, tried to discredit that claim. He said the letter  which he said looked more like an upside down L  was likely a "transfer stain" that resulted from contact with Libby's bloody hand.

Previously: Evidence leak, suicide, Odinists and legal chaos: Inside 'bizarre' Delphi murders case

Cicero said painting the letter using Libby's blood would've been "impossible" and would've required repeatedly dipping into the source of the blood. Cicero, when questioned by defense attorney Jennifer Jones Auger, acknowledged his testimony just provides an alternative explanation and he does not know how Libby's blood made it on the tree.

No decision on whether Odinist testimony will be part of trial

The defense claims police failed to investigate the possibility that Odinists  members of a pagan Norse religion hijacked by white nationalists  killed the Delphi teenagers during a sacrificial ritual.

Prosecutors argued this week that Special Judge Frances Gull should bar any testimony or mention of Odinists at the trial. The judge has not ruled on that request.

How is Brad Holder connected to Libby and Abby?

Holders son dated Abby Williams and Holder posted an image of runes on his Facebook page that Allens attorneys claim resembled the way in which one of the bodies was arranged.

Indiana State Police Lt. Jerry Holeman, one of the key investigators, testified about Holder's alibi on the day the girls were killed. Investigators believe the murders happened between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Feb. 13, 2017. Holeman said employee records show Holder, who worked at a landfill about a half-hour away from Delphi, clocked out at 2:45 p.m. He then checked in using a key fob at a gym in Logansport at 4:08 p.m.

Kevin Murphy, a retired Indiana State Police officer who worked on the Delphi case from 2017 to 2019, said while other investigators did not consider Holder a suspect, he and two others did. He said there was an "undeniable link" between Delphi and supposed Odinists from Rushville.

Delphi court documents released: 4 things we learned from them

Was more than one person involved in killing Libby German and Abigail Williams?

Murphy, the former Indiana State Police detective, testified that the early consensus among investigators was that two to six people were involved in the killings. He focused his investigation mainly on another alleged Odinist whose sister told investigators that he'd confessed to the crime.

Elvis Fields' sister, the retired detective testified, provided "very specific" information only someone who was at the crime scene would've known. Murphy also recalled a recorded phone call between Fields and his sister, during which she blurted out, "Elvis, why did you kill those girls?"

Fields denied killing the girls when interviewed by detectives. But Murphy recounted an interaction that caught him off guard: After Fields consented to a DNA swab test, he asked Murphy if he would get in trouble if his spit was found on the girls.

Defense claims prosecutors hid evidence. Did they?

Allens defense team accused investigators of intentionally hiding evidence that could prove their client's innocence. They claim Holder, the alleged Odinist suspect, was never meaningfully questioned by law enforcement, and the contents of his phone were never extracted  even though investigators obtained data from the phones of 101 people during their years-long investigation.

According to Andrew Baldwin, one of Allen's defense attorneys, these included every Tom, Dick and Harry that had nothing to do with the case, but not Holder, whose son dated Abby Williams and who had posted an image of runes on his Facebook page.

"This is what we're up against," he said, adding later: "There is intentionality on the part of law enforcement to keep evidence from us. (Allen) is never going to get a fair trial."

Jennifer Jones Auger, another member of Allen's defense team, said wading through 26 terabytes of data it received from the state was "like looking for a needle in a haystack." She said hundreds of documents were labeled by numbers, making it difficult for the defense attorneys to analyze the records and build their case.

Defense attorneys have asked Gull to compel the state to produce records, but McLeland said the request is "moot" because the state has provided the defense with all the records they've requested.

"The data we gave is the data we have," McLeland said, adding that it is not the state's job to organize the data for the defense. "We've done everything possible to make it easy for them. But here we are."

 Read the full story: Delphi murders suspect Richard Allen's attorneys accuse police of hiding evidence

When is Richard Allens trial?

The trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 14 and could run for more than a month.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Delphi murders updates: Testimony on Odinism, potential suspects
MADISONVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  An officer-involved shooting is under investigation in Monroe County. The Madisonville Police Department shared that an active shooter event took place just after 8 a.m. Friday morning at the Monroe County Justice Center in Madisonville.

MPD said that one person, suspected to be the shooter, was shot and taken to a local hospital by Monroe County EMS. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation shared that he later died. He was later identified as David Resmondo, 49.

Knox County News One person injured after very large tree falls on East Knox home

The Monroe County Sheriffs Office confirmed with 6 News that they have an officer-involved shooting at the justice center. The Blount County Sheriffs Office said they sent their K-9 unit and the Knox County Sheriffs Office said they were sending their explosive device (BOMB) unit and aviation.

The TBI said that preliminary information indicates the shooting took place around 8:30 a.m. when a man fired shots in the parking lot and soon approached the buildings front door, fired again, and entered the building. The agency continued that a deputy confronted the man and shot him.

Late Friday evening, Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones released that Resmondo was armed with a Ruger Mini-14 .223 caliber rifle. Jones added that deputies saw Resmondo entering the facility armed with the rifle after shots were fired, and they were able to clear the lobby and a training room area attached to the lobby before he was able to enter the building.

Stretch of Highway 68 blocked off in Monroe County after an officer-involved shooting (WATE)

Stretch of Highway 68 blocked off in Monroe County after an officer-involved shooting (WATE)

Stretch of Highway 68 blocked off in Monroe County after an officer-involved shooting (WATE)

Stretch of Highway 68 blocked off in Monroe County after an officer-involved shooting (WATE)

I am very thankful that the citizens, deputies, and staff that were on the premises were not injured. I ask that the community remember all of the first responders, involved deputies, as well as Mr. Resmondos family in their prayers, Jones wrote in a Facebook post. I am proud of my deputies for placing themselves between the shooter and occupants of the justice center, ending a threat before it evolved into a mass casualty situation.

A stretch of Highway 68 near the center was blocked off between Warren Street and Englewood Road.

This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates.

Knoxville Police investigating two fatal crashes

The TBI is working to determine what led to the shooting. The findings will be shared with the district attorney general for her further review and consideration.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  As the search for Austins police chief continues, KXAN has learned new details surrounding Milwaukee Chief Jeffrey Normans reputation among law enforcement members within the LGBTQ+ community.

Last week, Norman along with candidate Lisa Davis, Cincinnati Police assistant chief visited Austin for their first in-person meet and greet with APD and the Austin community.

KXAN spoke to an Austin police officer (who asked to remain anonymous) and active member of the Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association of Austin (LGPOA), a nonprofit organization that supports current and retired LGBTQ+ employees of the Austin Police Department, who explained the importance of having a chief who will continue to support LGTBQ+ officers, the community, and LGPOAs mission.

The officer told KXAN Davis met with LGPOA but Norman did not while they were in Austin for the meet and greet.

KXAN reached out to Norman directly for a comment about not meeting with the association during his visit to Austin.

KXAN received a response from Norman specific to various other requests, however he has yet to provide a comment related to not meeting with the association during his Austin visit.

According to the City of Austin, Norman was delayed arriving to Austin due to the CrowdStrike outage, however the officer felt there was little effort on Normans part to meet with the association.

According to the officer, that was concerning given the support LGPOA has established on a local and international level.

KXAN learned that the Austin Police Department, in conjunction with LGPOA, was selected to host the 4th World LGBTQ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in 2025.

Veteran Milwaukee LGBTQ+ officer

KXAN tracked down a veteran officer (who asked to remain anonymous) with more than 20 years with the Milwaukee Police Department who is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community to learn more about Normans reputation in the community there.

Generally speaking as chief, hes not the worst, but theres no clear leadership or momentum to move forward, the officer said.

When KXAN asked the officer about his reputation among the LGBTQ+ community in Milwaukee, the officer described Norman as not engaging and explained he felt Norman has never put in effort to show support or establish relationships to further develop his presence among the community within the department or the public.

KXAN asked the officer for examples of how Norman has developed this reputation.

In response, the officer told KXAN that officers in the community requested approval from their leadership to have Pride patches at their own expense, which was denied without an explanation.

APD officers are allowed to have and wear Pride patches should they choose to do so.

In response to KXANs request for a comment about denying Pride patches, Norman stated:

My administration has not approved any modifications of our badge or patch for any of our community stakeholders, I have approved pins and other items to show our support for our diverse community. In the LGBTQia+ space, I did approve the creation and wearing of Pride bracelets for our department members to show our support for our local Pride celebration.

To supplement his response, Norman provided KXAN this document to highlight his administrations work :

Milwaukee Police Department document about serving the LGBTQIA+ CommunityDownload

KXAN found MPDs Uniform/Equipment/Appearance policy signed by Norman in May 2024, which states a single bracelet of any kind may be worn by uniformed officers, while plainclothes members can wear bracelets as long as long as they dont cause interference or safety concerns.

MPDs Uniforms/Equipment/Appearance policyDownload

Additionally, the officer told KXAN Norman has never attended a public or law enforcement Pride event in the community since he became chief.

KXAN asked Norman if this was an accurate statement. In response, Norman confirmed that he has not participated in a PrideFest parade, but said he has participated in a number of LGBTQia+ events specifically referencing his attendance at events such as the Safe Place Initiative.

According to the MPD Office of Public Relations website, the Safe Place is a program implemented by the police department to provide members of the LGBTQ+ community and victims of human trafficking a safe place to call for assistance.

Requests were also submitted to LGBTQ+ liaisons at both the Milwaukee Police Department and the Cincinnati Police Department asking about Norman and Davis involvement and level of support they provide.

KXAN is currently waiting a response from both departments.

As of March 2021, Austin had the third highest LGBTQ+ population for large metropolitan areas in the U.S., according to a UCLA Williams Institute School of Law report.

As Chief, I am committed to serving our entire community equally and I look forward to working with the APD LGBTQia+ liaison(s), LGBTQia+ community stakeholders and supporters to look for more opportunities to support and engage in the city of Austin community, Norman 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 KXAN Austin.
(Bloomberg) -- TikTok was sued by the US for allegedly collecting data on children in violation of an online privacy act, three months after the popular video app sued the government over a law that could ban it across the country.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In a suit filed Friday in US District Court in California, the Justice Department claimed the app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance Ltd., has allowed millions of children under the age of 13 to create accounts without their parents knowledge or consent. It did so even after reaching a 2019 settlement with the Federal Trade Commission related to kids privacy, according to the complaint.

In the settlement, TikTok agreed to pay $5.7 million for failing to obtain parental consent before collecting information about kids, as required by the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. The 1998 statute limits how websites and online services can collect, use and disclose information from kids.

The company also made it hard for parents to request deletion of a childs account, sometimes requiring multiple requests, and did nothing to ensure that kids didnt immediately create new ones, the US alleges.

Threat to Safety

TikTok knowingly and repeatedly violated kids privacy, threatening the safety of millions of children, FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement.

The US is seeking penalties as high as $51,744 per violation per day, which could add up to hundreds of millions of dollars if the government prevails.

TikTok said it disagrees with the claims and that many of them are inaccurate or have been addressed.

We are proud of our efforts to protect children, and we will continue to update and improve the platform, a spokesperson said in a statement, citing age-appropriate experiences with stringent safeguards and saying TikTok proactively removes users it suspects are underage.

Biden and Trump

The suit is the latest legal volley over the video sharing platform, which has faced criticism about data security and ties between ByteDance and the Chinese government.

President Joe Biden in April signed a law that would ban TikTok unless it is sold by January 2025. The measure is meant to address national security concerns that Beijing could access user data or influence whats seen on the app. ByteDance says it is independent of the Chinese government and has challenged the law in court.

Story continues

Donald Trump, who as president unsuccessfully sought to ban TikTok or force its sale, is now speaking out for it, as he courts young voters in his bid to regain the White House. Trump, who began posting on TikTok in June and has a substantial following on the app, says a ban would only help rivals like Meta Platforms Inc.s Facebook.

Five to Seven Seconds

Despite the 2019 settlement, the government alleges, TikTok allowed users to bypass inputting an age when creating an account, even though employees flagged that the practice could violate the childrens privacy law. The companys reviewers spent an average of just five to seven seconds looking over each account to determine whether it belonged to a child, the US claims. TikTok collected more information than it needed and shared that data with partners like Meta, according to the complaint.

The Justice Department filed the suit on behalf of the FTC, which investigated the case. It is narrower than what the FTC recommended, after the department opted to strike claims that TikTok deceived US consumers by failing to inform them that Beijing-based employees of ByteDance would have access to their personal and financial information. It struck those allegations to avoid complications in a different federal lawsuit involving the company.

In June the FTC took the rare step of publicly announcing that it had referred a case on TikTok to the Justice Department. The agency has filed a number of lawsuits against popular websites and apps for allegedly violating the childrens privacy law. Microsoft Corp., Amazon.com Inc. and Epic Games, the maker of the popular Fortnite, have all settled recent FTC suits on kids privacy.

The new case is US v. ByteDance Ltd., 24-cv-06535, US District Court, Central District of California.

--With assistance from Sabrina Willmer, Jordan Fabian and Kurt Wagner.

(Updates with additional details from complaint starting in first section and with TikTok comment in second.)

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In less than two weeks, Vice President Kamala Harris has ascended to launching a record-breaking presidential campaign and gaining enough delegates to clinch the Democratic nomination for president.

Harris campaign made the announcement on Friday, days before the Aug. 7 deadline, multiple news outlets reported.

She ran unopposed in a virtual roll call that began Thursday and ends Monday. By Friday, she secured 2,350 delegates, which is the threshold needed to earn the nomination.

Above all, Democratic officials wanted to avoid an open convention, where potential nominees jockey to gather support from individual delegates. This dynamic can lead to disarray, dividing a party at a time when it ought to be coalescing around a nominee.

The last time the Democratic Party had an open convention was in 1968. Roughly seven months before the election, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced that he wasnt going to seek reelection. His second-in-command, Vice President Hubert Humphrey, eventually received the Democratic nomination, but he lost to Republican Richard Nixon.

President Joe Biden congratulated Harris in a post on social media Friday, saying that he couldnt be prouder of her after she earned enough votes to win the nomination.

The momentum around getting Harris into the White House continues to grow, with financial donations pouring in. In less than two weeks, Harris campaign has raised $310 million.

Earlier this week, Harris likely Republican opponent made false claims about her identity.

Her response just hours later while addressing the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. in Houston? Donald Trumps National Association of Black Journalists comments were the same old show as she emphasized the need for Black women to organize for his defeat this November.

The post Its Official! Kamala Harris Secures Democratic Presidential Nomination. appeared first on Capital B News.
A Clermont County father has pleaded guilty to the killings of his three young sons over a year after the deadly shooting.

Chad Doerman was charged with nine counts of aggravated murder, eight counts of kidnapping, and four counts of felonious assault in connection to the deadly shootings of his three sons; 3-year-old Chase, 4-year-old Hunter, and 7-year-old Clayton.

>> Trial delayed for Ohio father accused of killing his sons as attorneys seek death penalty exclusion

Doerman pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault in a last-minute plea hearing on Friday, our news partners at WCPO in Cincinnati. He was previously set to appear in court next on Aug. 5.

As a result of the plea deal, Doerman is no longer eligible for the death penalty.

Judge Richard Ferenc sentenced him to life without the possibility of parole following the plea change, WCPO reported.

>> RELATED: Court docs reveal new info about moments before Ohio father allegedly killed his 3 young sons

On June 15, 2023, investigators said Doerman shot all three of his sons execution-style, killing them all.

He allegedly confessed to the killings, but the judge previously threw out his confession after ruling that Doermans Miranda Rights were violated.












Watch previous coverage of Spears-McNatt assuming the role in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio State Universitys Chief of Police announced she is leaving this month after 30 years of service.

Chief Kimberly Spears-McNatt announced her retirement from Monday, with her last day set for Aug. 26. OSUPD said she will be joining Clemson University as associate vice president of public safety.

An interim chief will be named before she leaves, OSUPD said. A timeline to find a permanent replacement has not been set.

This is a unique opportunity for me to retire from my current role, while also taking on a new challenge that aligns with my career goals, Spears-McNatt said. I will miss Ohio State and all my fellow Buckeyes, but I am also excited to take on this new challenge.

Stop being a jerk: City cracks down on street racing

When Spears-McNatt assumed the role at the start of 2019, she became OSUPDs first female police chief. In her three decades with the force, she has received multiple honors, including a Medal of Valor and a Commendation Award. According to OSUPD, she also led the department in a number of safety initiatives that led to an overall decrease in major crimes on and off campus.

She graduated from Ohio State in 1994, the same year she first joined the force. Since then, she has hired over half the current officers and appointed or promoted over two thirds of current police supervisors, OSUPD said.

According Clemson University, Spears-McNatt will lead a search for Clemsons next university chief of police after her arrival this fall.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) at the Rally for Respect organized by the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA), June 17, 2022, at the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes. Republish photo only with original article.)

When Kamala Harris was announced as the running mate for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential campaign, the questions about her heritage, ethnicity and even eligibility for office came strongly from the opposition.

Now that shes running for the top job following President Joe Bidens suspension of his reelection campaign, the emphasis on her skin color and her gender has come back fast and furious, just as swiftly as the enthusiasm for her campaign brings big fundraising numbers to the camp.

The United States has conflicting traditions, said Dr. Susan Burgess, distinguished professor emerita of political science at Ohio University. One of rampant racism and misogyny, and another toward greater change and inclusion.

U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, the vice presidential candidate alongside former president Donald Trump, added to the rhetoric in a 2021 clip that has been brought back up in light of his new role. In the clip from a Fox News interview, he mentions the fact that Harris (and others) has not birthed any children of her own (she has two stepchildren with First Gentleman Doug Emhoff), and criticizes Democrats as a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too.

The comments dont surprise those who are a part of or study the history of political campaigns, where sexism and misogyny are alive and well, according to Ohio University history professor Dr. Katherine Jellison.

A man running for office, Ive never heard comments about him being a childless cat/dog/fish person, Jellison said. These double standards are so blatantly on display and voiced whenever we have a prominent woman running.

Attacks on the person, not the policy

For women currently in the state legislature, criticism based on gender and family is nothing new. Even in local campaigns, female politicians have been underestimated and questioned on their merits in ways they say they dont witness in male campaigns.

The Capital Journal contacted every female state representative and senator in the Ohio General Assembly to talk about their experience campaigning and working in politics. Included in the those who responded were the leaders of the minority side in both chambers, House Minority Leader Allison Russo and Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio.

Consistently, those that responded said they have talked to constituents with all sorts of interests and issues, and worked with local campaigns or in favor of local issues before they worked their way up to state office. Also consistently, it was their community and their families that were their biggest advocates.

Often, the women who are now representatives and senators didnt intend to pursue politics until they were encouraged to or an issue motivated them to action. For most, misogyny wasnt blatant, but the fact that they worked among a boys club was still highlighted.

People told me I couldnt win because, you know, Antonio told the Capital Journal. And I would make them say what that was, and it was because I was a lesbian.

She faced the criticism of being a woman running for office, but called it a false narrative that some people embrace, that I think they want to hang on to because frankly, I think were better at the job.

The first time state Rep. Sharon Ray, R-Wadsworth, campaigned back in the early 1990s, she said she knocked on the door of a man in her community. She explained that she was running for local office and had a conversation with him about local issues.

At the end he said, You seem nice and all, but I would never vote for a woman, Ray said. I had to tell him, Well youre in a bad way, because the two people going up for this are both women.

State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney fought against the fact that not only was she a woman running for office, but she was also a 25-year-old.

Most people, when Id go to the door, thought I was selling Girl Scout cookies, she said.

Though she had worked as a staffer in the Statehouse and could point to quotes shed written for elected officials, she still had to answer questions about her life experience.

I was shocked at how many times they didnt think I was the candidate, Sweeney said.

As a single mom who had adopted her children from China, state Rep. Rachel Baker went through a similar struggle to other moms running for office, in that she balanced taking care of her family and campaigning.

But when Chinese flags appeared around her campaigns signs in the yards of her supporters, put there anonymously in the dark of night, she saw a different side of campaigning.

Its such a paradox, (my children) are why Im doing it, but its also why Im scared to do it.

 State Rep. Rachel Baker, D-Cincinnati

Russo  who also ran for a congressional seat in the U.S. House in 2021 against U.S. Rep. Mike Carey  said when she talks to women who are contemplating running for office, putting themselves out there, and even more, putting their family in the public eye is high on the list of reasons not to.

Its that piece that is the hesitation: Am I willing to open up my family for the level of scrutiny and potential for harassment, Russo said.

She and other moms who campaigned often had no choice but to bring their kids along as they talked to voters, because of partner work schedules or a lack of alternative child care. Sometimes, that worked to the candidates advantage.

Voters appreciated that because Im a real person just trying to balance all the things in my life, Russo said.

Still, she was questioned about who would care for her children.

Im pretty sure my male counterparts never got that question, she said.

Accidental advantages

Dealing with heightened scrutiny as a woman in public office can be a struggle, but it can also be something that feels familiar to women who have faced challenges their entire lives and for which women already have coping mechanisms.

You cant change your ethnicity or race or sex, said state Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson, D-Toledo. I am who I am, and therefore you just have to deal with whatever those issues are.

Nothing can prepare you for people writing the most heinous things about you, as Sweeney said of social media attacks, but for many woman public officials, life has prepared them to work harder than might be expected of others.

We think that we have to check certain boxes to run, and the reality is most of us are overqualified for office, Russo said. The woman candidates that Ive worked with are incredibly good at putting together teams and networks, and thats something that I think is very intuitive for women.

Antonio said women are often auditioning long before we see ourselves in that role as a leader in the community or in politics.

State Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, D-Gahanna, feels like its much more relevant that Im a woman with the issues in the political spotlight these days, including reproductive health.

I dont think the legislature should be making decisions about peoples health, and the population that is directly impacted, Im in it, she said.

The state representatives and senators who talked to the Capital Journal had their start in smaller ways, whether it be working in the Statehouse, opening their houses for local candidate meet-and-greets, knocking on doors for local campaigns or volunteering in their childrens events. It was those efforts that gave them the inside scoop on the issues that were important to their neighbors and melded them into the community to the point that they would be encouraged to make bigger moves.

As a divorced young mom going to night school, one thing Ray liked to do with her free time was work on campaigns. In one Wadsworth race, the candidate left the race and after being encouraged to  and seeing an opportunity to help her son get his Boy Scout government badge  Ray decided to run.

Antonio was miffed after a pitch for her daughter and other Lakewood kids to have a safe place to skateboard fell to an uninterested city council, when the opportunity occurred to her.

I came home and I said Im sick of explaining whats important in our community, she said. I could do that job, and I heard myself say I could do that job.

Looking forward, reaching back

The road to November will be fast-paced for the Vice President and other women running for office, but theres a sense of hope from public officials that more women will take up the cause, whether it be at a local, state or congressional level.

The women of the Ohio legislature emphasized the need for anyone seeking the job of representing their community to meet with those constituents, whether at campaign events or at the residents front doors.

When you run for office, youre often running to represent specific values, and you definitely learn the values of your constituents when you knock on doors, said state Rep. Dr. Beth Liston, D-Dublin.

Not only do you get to hear what the community needs from their legislators, but candidates get to explain their why when it comes to running.

I know because of the sacrifices that Ive made to be in this position that some lives are better and peoples voices get heard because of the work that I do, and that gets me up and going everyday, Sweeney said.

Russo, Ray, Sweeney, Baker and Piccolantonio are all running for reelection to their districts in the November general election. Liston is running for a state senate seat to represent District 16.

And while the differences may be the focal point of campaigns against candidates in a political climate the public officials acknowledged is divisive and terrifying in some ways, those differences are reason enough for women to enter races.

I dont think differences are deficiencies, Hicks-Hudson said. I think they add flavor.

Its those who already hold office that can make the difference in whether or not more women come into the political space, too, according to Antonio.

I think its important for those of us who are in office to encourage it, the minority leader said. You have to reach back as you climb, and bring folks with you.

Comments like Vances childless cat ladies statement only serve as motivation for officials like Sweeney who see more women in office as the way to change the world.

To say that I have no stake in America, that I cant contribute  (Vance) clearly hasnt been around a lot of women and doesnt respect them, Sweeney said.

Parsing through the messaging

Throughout the next three months (and already this election cycle), voters will go through the process of making decisions about who and what they want to choose in the general election. That means parsing through the heavy load of information coming from all sides about how to feel about those candidates and issues.

As elected officials who have read and distributed their fair share of campaign info, the legislators said its important to form opinions based on resources voters trust, and nonpartisan research like voting guides from the League of Women Voters of Ohio.

But its also just as important to base decisions on the issues and values that matter most to each voter, and vet each candidate based on those specific values.

I personally think the voters should be able to interact with the people that are wanting to represent them, Piccolantonio said.

When it comes to the presidential race, self-reflection and a vision for the future come right along with diligent research.

We are at a critical time for finding out what the integrity of candidates are. As we go forward with this presidential election, lets look at what does this country need, what should we be looking for when it comes to our next leader.

 State Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson, D-Toledo

While some people might be looking for parity in representation, Antonio said she thinks some are ready for a majority of women to be running things to right the ship.

Right before Biden announced he would be abandoning his reelection bid, Antonio said she was pulled aside by a man who said, Look, its time, can the women just  I know weve made a mess of this, could you just fix this for us?

The Senate minority leader said she smiled.

I looked at him and I said, Were working on it.

This story has been edited to specify state Rep. Beth Listons general election race.

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Some Ohioans can keep their summer electric bills cool by signing up for the HEAP Summer Crisis Program

[Watch in the player above: Heat and UV index explained]

(WJW)  A summertime program that helps low-income Ohioans pay their electric bills or buy or make repairs to their air conditioners is open now.

The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program, Ohios federally funded energy assistance program for the summertime, started on July 1 and ends on Sept. 30.

Heat index near 100; storms tonight

Who qualifies for energy assistance in Ohio

Ohioans must have a gross annual income that is at or below 175% of federal income guidelines, ranging from $26,355 per year for a single person ($2,196.25 for one month) to $82,845 per year for a household of seven people ($6,903.75 for one month).

For households with eight or more people, the limit is 60% of the states median income, which ranges from $90,515 for a household of eight ($7,542.92 for one month) to $98,386 for a household of 12 ($8,198.83 for one month).

Applicants must also meet at least one other requirement:

Their household has a resident who is age 60 or older

They can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is necessary for a residents health

Theyve received an electricity disconnection notice; the electricity has already been shut off; or the household is trying to get new electric service

Theyre enrolled in a Percentage of Income Payment Plans, or PIPP, for the first time or have defaulted on a PIPP

How it works and how to sign up

There are three ways to apply: in-person, by mail or online.

To sign up in person, reach out to your local community action agency. Heres a directory. Theyre also available at local libraries or Jobs and Family Services offices.

Ohioans can also download an application here, and mail the completed form to: Office of Community Assistance, Home Energy Assistance Program, P.O. Box 1240, Columbus, OH 43216.

To complete the form, youll need:

Proof of citizenship for each person in the household, including Social Security numbers and birth dates

Proof of income for each person in the household from the last 30 days or 12 months (including any income benefits like Social Security or disability)

Copies of the most recent utility bills

Disability verification, if applicable

The amount applicants can receive depends on their income and the size of their household, among other factors. Applications take about 12 weeks to process.

Ohio county gets nearly 20 black bear reports in 3 days

Other energy assistance programs

Ohioans can also get help restoring or maintaining heat through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program, which ran from Nov. 1 to March 31 last year, offering a one-time benefit each heating season to pay for fuel bills or heating source. It can help keep the heat on or restore service or help with income-based payment plans.

They can also get help weatherizing their homes, making them more energy efficient, through the Home Weatherization Assistance Program.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
(WKBN)  Schools are welcoming students back to the classroom, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol says the safety of the students riding to and from school is its top priority.

Since 2019, there have been 6,145 traffic crashes involving school buses in Ohio, according to OSHP. During this time, eight crashes involved fatalities, including one student killed on a school bus.

As the buses return to the roadways, OSHP offers a few legal reminders:

Drivers are required to stop at least 10 feet in front of or behind a school bus when flashing lights and an extended arm are displayed.

Drivers cannot resume driving until the school bus begins moving.

OSHP recommends that drivers plan ahead and allow extra time for delays caused by stopped buses.

School buses are also required to be inspected twice a year to ensure the bus is operating properly. Every bus used to transport students is inspected before the beginning of the school year and once randomly during the year.

Since 2019, OSHP has performed more than 200,000 inspections.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Action News Jax has learned acting Jacksonville Housing Authority CEO Vanessa Dunn is resigning amid a cloud of controversy.

While there has been an unusual amount of transition among staff leadership over the past year, the organization remains on the right path as we continue to focus on our core mission of providing safe, clean and affordable housing to those Jacksonville residents in need, commented JHA Chair Heather Horovitz in a statement.

This announcement was made after Action News Jaxs Ben Becker learned an emergency board meeting was initially scheduled for Mon. Aug. 5 to discuss executive leadership matters. Sources told Becker multiple employees recently made internal complaints that were forwarded to Jacksonvilles Office of Inspector General regarding unethical behavior and abusive practices of Dunn.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Dunn was named acting CEO in February and had a 12-month contract.

Action News Jax has reported on issues at the agency dating back to 2023. This includes numerous board resignations as well as last May, the JHA CFO resigned and the Deputy CFO Greg Williams was fired for not coming to work.

Former CEO Dwayne Alexander resigned in January after claiming he was forced out by the Mayors office

There have also been at least three Inspector General investigations, one in which uncovered wasteful spending at the agency, involving nearly $2 million worth of pre-loaded utility debit cards.

Last month, sources informed Action News Jax that the Mayors office discussed the citys possibility of taking over the agency, which a city spokesperson denied.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

The JHA Board of Commissioners will now hold a special board meeting on Monday to consider its options for selecting a new interim CEO. The agency says JHAs HR committee has already selected an executive search firm to assist the board with the hiring of the agencys next CEO.

I have an amazing opportunity that I cant pass up and I am looking forward to starting a new chapter. I wish the board of commissioners and all the staff at JHA nothing but the best. I am looking forward to assisting the board in closing out my tenure to ensure a smooth transition, Dunn told Becker.

A city spokesperson declined to comment.

Dunns last day is Aug. 30.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  An Okaloosa County man has been sentenced to federal prison after the United States Postal Inspectors found packages containing meth.

Nicholus Tysharrow McNabb, 39, of Fort Walton Beach was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and money laundering.

Between December 2022 and January 2023, the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted multiple packages that had meth inside that were to be delivered to McNabbs address, according to Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office.

One dead, one injured in head-on collision in Okaloosa County

On February 23, 2023, OCSO, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service executed a search warrant on McNabbs residence. Investigators said they found 10 pounds of methamphetamine and over $23,000 in U.S. currency.

According to officials, the investigation found that McNabb distributed over 35 pounds of meth between March 2022 and February 2023.

Im proud of how our local, state, and federal partners came together to remove this methamphetamine dealer from our streets, Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter said. We will continue to root out bad actors who peddle poisons in our communities.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Looking to clear up a traffic warrant in Oklahoma County? An Oklahoma County Warrant Event is scheduled for August 16, from 9:00 a.m.  5:00 p.m.

Individuals seeking to participate can expect options to pay their fines and fees without the risk of being arrested.

Other Headlines

Location:

4205 North Lincoln Blvd

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

According Oklahoma County officials, Oklahoma County judges, court clerk staff and attorneys from the offices of the Public Defender and District Attorney will be onsite to provide assistance in a low-pressure, out of court environment.

There will also be on-site service providers like TEEM, Diversion Hub, Bail Project, and Urban League and municipalities, like Oklahoma City, who can help clear municipal warrants at the event.

Shuttle pick up from the specific locations are also available by calling (405) 265-8713 to request a ride from one of the locations below on the day of the event.

TEEM

1501 N Classen Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Diversion Hub

220 NW 10th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Homeless Alliance

1724 NW 4th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

HOPE

6100 S. Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73139

Urban League Of Greater Oklahoma City

3900 N Martin Luther King Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73111

For more information you can call 405.713.1550.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Turkeys internet regulator blocked access to Instagram after a senior aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the social media platform for censorship of posts related to Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyehs death.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority didnt give a reason for the move. Instagram and its parent Meta Platforms Inc. didnt respond to requests for comment.

Instagram.com was inaccessible in Turkey as of Friday morning. Some users reported that the mobile app didnt refresh with new content and gave an error message.

Turkey is a fierce critic of Israels war in Gaza and doesnt see Hamas as a terror organization. On Wednesday, the Presidencys communications chief Fahrettin Altun accused Instagram of actively preventing people from posting messages of condolences for the passing of Hamas leader Haniyeh without citing any policy violations.

The nation declared Friday a day of mourning over Haniyehs death and flags are flown at half-mast, including at diplomatic missions abroad. That prompted Israel to summon the Turkish envoy for a reprimand.

The Turkish government has restricted access to popular social media platforms in the past during terror incidents and major natural disasters, mostly citing security reasons.

The internet regulator has the authority to slash bandwidth under several conditions and social media platforms are required to have local representatives. The governments tighter grip over the platforms has worried human rights organizations, opposition politicians and other critics, who say it diminishes freedom of expression.

--With assistance from Patrick Sykes.

(Updates starting in second paragraph, adds Israel Foreign Ministrys reaction.)

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A shooting from 2017 has been ruled a homicide after the victim died six years later.

On August 8, 2017, police responded to a shooting at 715 NW 91st St. around 1 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found 49-year-old Andre Jones injured with a gunshot wound and 32-year-old Jeffery Garcia was sentenced to prison for the shooting.

LOCAL NEWS: One dead after officer-involved shooting in SE Oklahoma City

Officials say on January 11, 2024, Jones passed away. The Oklahoma State Medical Examiners Office determined he died as a result of the shooting, ruling his death a homicide.

According to police, it will be the Oklahoma County District Attorneys Offices decision whether Garcia will face more charges.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
RIVERDALE, The Bronx (PIX11)  In an effort to address the ongoing migrant crisis, New York City leaders are turning an old student dorm into a sanctuary shelter in the Bronx.

Overlook Manor, which sits at 435 West 238th St., will shelter families with children starting this month, according to Assemblymember Jeffery Dinowitz. In a statement on Friday, Dinowitz announced the Department of Homeless Services will oversee the site through a third-party provider called Westhab. The department is already in the process of furnishing the 95 rooms available for incoming families.

More Local News

The building was originally constructed in the 1960s to be apartments before it was sold to Manhattan College. Overlook Manor was then used as an off-campus dorm for many years until Manhattan College sold it to Stagg Group in May 2023. The agency specializes in building and providing affordable housing in the Bronx and Westchester.

The city gave our office one days notice that people and furniture would start to move in August. Regardless of whether you think this is a reasonable and appropriate use of this location, the citys lack of transparency is appalling, said Assemblymember Dinowitz in his statement.

Councilwoman allegedly bit officer at protest against homeless shelter in Brooklyn

Dinowitz advocated for Overlook Manor to be turned into permanent affordable housing after it was sold off by the college. Although he criticized the city for giving him one days notice by text message that the building would be converted into a shelter, Dinowitz is still calling on local leaders to outline their plan for transitioning migrants into the community. In his statement, he emphasized the need for security and social services in the building as well as additional bilingual staff available at nearby schools.

it is essential to remember that the people moving in are families with children, and they should not be denigrated but supported in every way we can, Dinowitz said.

The citys move to turn Overlook Manor into a migrant shelter comes after multiple community protests against shelters planned for Bensonhurst, Clinton Hill, and Williamsburg.

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.
Olympians are going wild over the chocolate muffins in the dining hall. They're easy to recreate.

Olympians are going wild over the chocolate muffins in the dining hall. They're easy to recreate.

The chocolate muffins went viral after Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen posted about them on TikTok.

Other athletes have left raving reviews about the muffin on social media.

Bakers told Business Insider their tips on how to recreate the decadent muffins at home.

If the Olympic dining hall food could participate in a competition, the chocolate muffin would be a sure winner.

The pastry went viral when Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen posted videos of himself devouring the dining hall snack.

"Guys, I think I have a problem," he captioned a TikTok video that showed his drawer full of muffins.

In another video, Christiansen, who declared himself the "Olympic muffin man," is seen walking while grabbing two muffins in each hand.

Last Thursday, Business Insider reported that athletes had called the food in Paris a "disaster." Team Great Britain even flew in a private chef.

However, the dining hall seems to have redeemed itself with the chocolate muffin.

Athletes are raving over the muffin

American volleyball player Erik Shoji posted a TikTok of himself trying the baked good and described it as "the best thing I've eaten in the dining hall."

"It's soft and moist and gooey," he said between bites. "I could eat this whole thing, but I probably shouldn't," he said, adding that he gave the muffin a "10 out of 10."

Other athletes, such as Singaporean swimmer Quah Jing Wen, joked about being scared to try the muffins  lest she "steals" from Christiansen.

How to bake the viral muffin at home

Danielle Sepsy, a professional baker who creates baking content on TikTok, told BI that she received several texts from friends and messages from followers to recreate the muffin.

Sepsy, who owns The Hungry Gnome in New York, developed a copycat recipe and posted it on TikTok. At the time of writing, her video had garnered more than 300,000 views.

She said the muffins are simple and take less than an hour to create. Her secret to making the fudgiest chocolate muffins? Jell-O chocolate pudding.

"The pudding mix adds moistness and gives the muffins a denser and fudgier texture," she said.

Thessa Sombilon, a baking content creator, told BI that she noticed a recent spike in views on a chocolate muffin video she made last year. Inspired by the "Olympic muffin man," she decided to post a new version of the recipe.

She advises not overmixing the batter to ensure that the muffins are tender and moist. "Use high-quality chocolate," she added. "It makes a big difference in the flavor."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Olympics-Swimming-Ledecky has eye on more milestones ahead of Marchand show

By Ian Ransom

PARIS (Reuters) - Katie Ledecky warmed up the Paris crowd for the Leon Marchand show later on Friday by moving into pole position for a record-extending fourth 800 metres freestyle gold medal at the Olympic pool.

There was also drama at La Defense Arena as a Slovakian swimmer collapsed after her morning heat in the 200m individual medley.

The 21-year-old Tamara Potocka was taken away from the pool on a stretcher with an oxygen mask on her face. She was conscious and under medical assessment, a venue official said.

American Ledecky has already shredded the record books in Paris, becoming the most decorated female swimmer at Olympics with a 13th medal on Thursday when she helped the United States to silver behind Australia in the women's 4x200m freestyle relay.

On Saturday, she can reset another clutch of records after topping the timesheet for the 800m final with a swim of eight minutes, 16.62 seconds, 1.86 seconds better than compatriot Paige Madden.

Victory would give her a ninth Olympic gold medal, drawing her level with former Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina's record haul for a female Olympian from any sport.

Ledecky can also become the first woman to win four Olympic golds in the same swimming event and only the second swimmer to pull off the feat.

Fellow American great Michael Phelps won four 200m individual medley golds from Athens 2004 through to Rio 2016.

However, the 27-year-old said she was only focused on the task at hand.

"I've tried not to really think about it," she said of the history.

"I'm just taking it one event at a time and I know I have challenges in each of my events."

Another swimmer chasing history is home hero Marchand whose bid for the 200 IM title and fourth Olympic gold of the meet will be appointment viewing for the host nation.

In one Games, Marchand can move to equal-second on the all-time list for Olympic golds in individual events, joining a select group of swimmers including Mark Spitz and Alexander Popov.

Only Phelps, with 13 individual golds, has more.

Summer McIntosh will also put her name among the greats if she wins a third individual gold in the women's 200m IM.

McIntosh was fastest into the evening semi-finals with a time of 2:09.90.

Defending champion and world record holder Caeleb Dressel eased into the 100m butterfly semi-finals with the sixth fastest time in the heats.

Hungary's Kristof Milak, runnerup behind Dressel at Tokyo in the event, was fastest in 50.19 seconds.

But Phelps' old butterfly rival Chad le Clos crashed out with the 24th fastest time, the South African blaming a muscle injury in his upper back after a training mishap.

The U.S. team took top seed for the final of the 4x100m mixed medley ahead of Australia and China.

There will be two other golds on offer before Marchand goes for the 200 IM title in the evening session.

Dressel will defend his 50m freestyle crown in a race with former world champions Cameron McEvoy and Ben Proud.

McEvoy and Proud advanced to the final with the equal fastest times in the semis but Proud was awarded lane four, which is reserved for the quickest qualifier.

Australia's defending champion Kaylee McKeown, already the 100m backstroke winner, will go for another individual gold in the 200m backstroke later on Friday.

Victory would make her the first women's swimmer to complete the Olympic backstroke "double-double" by retaining both her titles.

(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Alison Williams)
Shown here is a 160-acre site of a business and industrial park envisioned west of Eppley Airfield and north of Carter Lake. This tract is included within the larger boundaries of Omaha's Inland Port Authority district. The Port Authority board had its first meeting Thursday and grappled with giving a letter of support to the development team. The letter of support from the board is needed to release the nearly $90 million state grant award announced in January by Gov. Jim Pillen. (Courtesy of Lamp Rynearson)

OMAHA  Omahas proposed airport area business park was dealt a setback Thursday when a new city board created to oversee development in a swath of northeast Omaha balked, at least for now, at giving the project a letter of support.

The request for the letter came from a development team led by the Omaha Economic Development Corporation and Burlington Capital. It was on the agenda of the inaugural meeting of Omahas Inland Port Authority Board, which is charged with overseeing development in about 300 acres in the northeast part of the states largest city.

Though the business park has been a subject of public attention for months  Gov. Jim Pillen and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced the nearly $90 million grant award in January  the freshly appointed Port Authority board members said they lacked enough detail to provide the letter of support.

State law requires the letter of support to release the funding.

Its super premature, said State Sen. Terrell McKinney, who was elected as the authoritys chair.

Living under a cloud

The board spent most of its two-hour first meeting adopting rules, establishing committees and going over procedural matters, such as where and what time to hold monthly meetings.

When the letter of support came up, McKinney said hed like the board to first see financial projections, evidence of neighborhood engagement and buy-in. In his role as state lawmaker, McKinney also criticized the OEDC development team in part for not engaging the community earlier in discussions.

Other board members said they also were interested in hearing a basic presentation of the master proposal by the OEDC, Burlington and Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce partnership.

Michael Maroney, OEDC executive director, agreed to make a presentation at the Port Authoritys next monthly meeting, though he expressed concern about lengthening the process further.

He noted the Nebraska Department of Economic Development had awarded his team a planning grant for the business park last year and the governor early this year had announced the larger, nearly $90 million implementation grant award, based on the DEDs recommendation.

The grant funds are to be obligated by the end of 2027.

Maroney said that people living in the 160-acre proposed business park site have been living under a cloud of uncertainty for too long and that his team wants the funding released so it can pay a professional relocation firm to sit down and speak specifics with individual property owners about voluntarily selling their property.

They want to get paid, Maroney said of the consulting company he has lined up to talk to residents about whether they would be willing to sell.

Eminent domain off the table

Roughly 175 different properties are on the site, Maroney said. Of those, neighbors said, more than 120 are homes. Maroney said it would take about six months for the consultant to meet with all the residents.

Maroney told the Port Authority that his team, during two separate community meetings held the past few weeks, has assured residents that eminent domain, or forced relocation, was off the table.

He said the developers would go to Plan B, or another site, if they could not amass enough land to pull off the project west of the airport and north of Carter Lake.

As proposed, the project site would be cleared to prepare a shovel-ready business park where industrial tenants would build factories that create jobs.

Thomas Warren, a Port Authority member who also is Stotherts chief of staff, underscored that eminent domain was not in play. He said involuntary displacement is prohibited with the grant funds.

So there should not be any misunderstanding, he said. He said Stothert has said she has no interest in invoking eminent domain to acquire residential property for the airport area business park.

The clock is ticking, we certainly understand the urgency to get this project moving along, said Warren.

Carmen Tapio, a member of the Port Authority who also is a business owner and Chamber leader, advocated for knowing more about resident interest before providing a letter of support.

It does seem premature, and a little bit cart before the horse, she said.

Were not for sale

Joe Fox, president of one of the neighborhood associations representing homeowners, said he didnt see neighbors voluntarily selling to make way for the business park.

As we stand right now, were not for sale, Fox said. Our land is irreplaceable.

Also during the Port Authoritys first meeting, members voted to make Davielle Phillips, of Holland Basham Architects, vice chair.

Members said they would start soon to accept applications, via the City Clerks website, for a community advisory board to the Port Authority.

The Port Authority launched amid controversy as members of the public had complained about the lack of transparency in the appointment process.

Inland ports were created as a tool by the Nebraska Legislature to help spur jobs and business. Lawmakers bestowed powers on such entities, which must be approved by the state as well as the city, that include selling bonds to finance construction and infrastructure within the designated zone.

Stothert on Thursday made an unscheduled appearance to welcome the board. Stothert nominated the members, whose appointments were subject to City Council approval.

Councilwoman Juanita Johnson was the lone council member to vote against the nominees, who were voted in as a slate and not separately. Johnson attended the meeting and said afterward she was pleased with the boards actions and said it didnt seem to be a rubber stamp committee.

The committee members were very engaged, open to ideas and suggestions, she said.

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Update 6:29 p.m.: The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) released the crash log for the fatality crash on Highway 75 Friday afternoon.

According to the KHP crash log, three vehicles and five people were involved in the incident. The crash narrative states a Hyundai Santa Cruz, carrying a driver and passenger, a Kia Soul with a driver and a Ford Edge, with a driver and passenger inside, were driving southbound on Highway 75. The Ford was stopped in traffic, according to the crash log. The Hyundai hit the Kia, then the Kia hit the Ford. After, the Hyundai then hit the Ford.

The driver of the Kia was taken to a local hospital, and later died. The driver of the Kia was identified as Matthew Tetuan, 35, of Topeka. The four other individuals involved in the crash had no apparent injuries, according to the crash log.

SHAWNEE COUNTY (KSNT)  Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) troopers are at the scene of a crash on Highway 75 in Shawnee County which is backing up traffic.

April McCollum with the KHP told 27 News state troopers were called around 2:50 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2 to a crash involving several vehicles on Highway 75 near where it passes over Northwest 35th Street in Shawnee County. She said this is an active investigation.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

KHP spokeswoman Candice Breshears told 27 News around 5 p.m. that one person was killed in the crash which involved three vehicles. Other injuries associated with this crash are unknown at this time.

Man on motorcycle dies on I-70 after crashing head-on into semi-truck

Southbound lanes on Highway 75 were closed until around 5:15 p.m. as crews cleared debris from the crash. More information is set to be released in the near future by the KHP.

(Photo Courtesy/Nate Tacy)

(Photo Courtesy/Savannah Meier)

(Photo Courtesy/Savannah Meier)

(Photo Courtesy/Savannah Meier)

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
UPDATE 8.5.2024  Oklahoma City Police on Monday, identified the individual in the officer-involved shooting as Lena, Brandon (I/M). According to officials, three involved officers have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

ORIGINAL STORY

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  According to police, one person is dead following an officer-involved shooting in southeast Oklahoma City Friday morning.

According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to the area of SE 70th St. and Sooner Rd. around 3 a.m. regarding a disturbance call.

LOCAL NEWS: Police: Two found dead in SW Oklahoma City home

Upon arrival, police say they found a man having a mental health episode walking in the road with a weapon.

For at least an hour, officers tried to deescalate the situation before using less-lethal rounds on the man, but he did not drop his weapon.

There were two occasions where officers deployed a less-lethal 40-milimeter impact rounds to try to get a response from the subject, get him to comply, put the gun down. said Capt. Valerie Littlejohn with OKCPD.

During that time, the subject did point his gun at officers and we had three officers discharge our firearms, striking and killing that subject here on the scene, said Littlejohn.

Neighbors were still shaken up hours later.

Its very tragic. Its like the whole situation leaves a bad taste in the mouth, said Alex Varner, who lives nearby. Just shocked. This neighborhoods been pretty quiet.

Neighbors said they would have never expected something like this to happen.

This is a very sad case thats happened here and especially in this neighborhood, because it is so quiet, said Varner.

The investigation is ongoing. No more information is 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
One dead, one injured in head-on collision in Okaloosa County

Update: Charles Stillman of Holt, Florida was placed under arrest on Thursday for DUI Manslaughter following this accident, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Stillman was driving a 2020 Ford truck traveling Southbound on Stanley Lane, the Alabama woman was driving northbound in a Hyundai Palisade when Stillman drove into her lane.

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  An Alabama woman is dead after a head-on collision in Okaloosa County.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, around 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, a two-vehicle head-on collision occurred on State Road 189 (Galliver Cutoff) and Stanley Lane.

The crash resulted in the death of a 28-year-old woman from Red Level, Alabama, and the other driver, a 58-year-old man from Holt, Florida sustained minor injuries.

The crash is still being investigated by the FHP Traffic Homicide Unit.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
One incumbent loses, two close races come down to the wire in Tennessee state House primary

The Tennessee House of Representatives on the first day of the 2024 legislative session. (Photo: John Partipilo)

The Tennessee House of Representatives on the first day of the 2024 legislative session. (Photo: John Partipilo)

(Editors note: This story has been updated with additional data as final voting numbers became available.)

A longtime gun control advocate seeking a Tennessee House seat in Nashville advanced in Thursdays primary elections while an Oak Ridge Republican incumbent lost his seat and two Republican races came down to the wire.

In Franklin, the Gov. Bill Lee-backed and pro-school voucher candidate held a 95 vote lead, and the chairwoman of the state House finance committee trailed in Chattanooga by 137 votes.

Reeves narrowly tops Beathard in Franklin

Lee Reeves narrowly won a three-person Republican primary for District 65.

The seat, which covers Fairview, southern Franklin and part of Thompsons Station in Williamson County, has been held by Republican Rep. Sam Whitson since 2016.

Reeves, a school voucher advocate who received an endorsement from Lee, had 3,141 votes to Williamson County Commission Chair Brian Beathards 3,046. Former Tennessee GOP State Executive Committee member Michelle Foreman trailed in a distant third.

Whitson did not support school vouchers and after his retirement Lee and pro-school voucher groups targeted the seat as a potential flip. Voucher groups independently spent nearly $970,000 supporting Reeves candidacy as of July 30. Reeves, who holds a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and practices real estate law, explicitly states on his campaign website that he supports education freedom scholarships in Tennessee.

The winner will face Democratic candidate LaRhonda Williams in November.

Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, R-East Ridge. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Renau beats Hazlewood in District 27 outside Chattagnooga

Small business owner Michele Reneau narrowly beat District 27 incumbent Patsy Hazlewood by 137 votes.

Hazlewood has represented the narrow district running through a portion of Chattanooga, Signal Mountain and Soddy-Daisy since 2014. She entered the race with nearly $456,000 already in her campaign account and reported bringing in an additional $189,000 in 2024. She also received $6,000 in in-kind contributions for media and messaging from House Speaker Cameron Sextons political action committee, according to her most recent campaign finance disclosure.

Reneau began fundraising in 2023 and reported raising a total of almost $76,000 as well as a few thousand dollars in in-kind contributions from multiple individuals. She was endorsed by Tennessee Right to Life and the Tennessee Firearms Association.

The winner will face Democratic challenger Kathy Lennon, a former Hamilton County Board of Education member, in the general election.

Lennon has raised around $34,000 in 2024, so far.

Brooks bests Brasher in District 60 race

Shaundelle Brooks is one step closer to trading her seat in the Tennessee legislatures gallery for a House Representative title of her own.

Brooks and Tyler Brasher  both first-time candidates touting years of civic engagement  faced off in the Democratic primary for a Nashville seat recently vacated by longtime Democratic state Rep. Darren Jernigan, who left office to work for Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell.

Brooks has made herself a fixture at the Capitol since the murder of her 23-year-old son Akilah DaSilva in a 2018 Nashville Waffle House mass shooting. The former parole officer decided to run for a seat in the rotunda where she often advocated for gun control after Democratic state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were expelled for leading a gun-control protest from the floor following a Nashville school shooting that killed three children and three adults.

Brooks received endorsements from multiple local politicians and community leaders, including Jones and Pearson, as well as the advocacy organizations Planned Parenthood, The Equity Alliance, Everytown for Gun Safety and the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC).

Brasher, a healthcare management and finance consultant, serves on the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce and was elected by the Metro Nashville Council to serve on the citys Health and Educational Facilities Board. Brasher was endorsed as a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate and had union endorsements from Service Employers (SEIU 205) and firefighters (IAFF Local 140). He also received the stamp of approval from multiple Nashville council members.

Democrat Shaundelle Brooks will proceed to the November general election, where she will face Republican Chad Bobo for the House District 60 seat. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Brasher posted a statement congratulating Brooks around 9 p.m. I know she and her team will campaign hard to keep District 60 Blue in the General (election), he wrote.

Brooks raised nearly $87,000 in 2024, according to campaign finance records. Brasher raised around $51,000.

In the Republican primary for the District 60 House seat, Chad Bobo, former aide to House Speaker Cameron Sexton, bested Christoper Huff, who ran against Jernigan in 2022, losing 60%-40%.

Bobo reported raising around $36,000 so far in 2024, and will face Brooks in the general election.

District 33: Scarbrough unseats Ragan

John Ragan, an Oak Ridge Republican who has represented Anderson County in the state House since 2011, lost his bid for reelection in the Republican primary.

Rick Scarbrough, a former police chief in Clinton, defeated Ragan by 52%-47%.

Scarbrough ran his campaign on being a calm listening voice for the area, in contrast to Ragan, who is seen as a fighter. In his campaign materials, Scarbrough made a subtle dig at Ragan saying, We need thoughtful leaders who listen and work to solve problems, not chase headlines.

Ragan has been known for embracing controversial bills. He tried to pass a bill during the 2024 legislative session banning local governments from being able to offer reparations for slavery, which Memphis Democrat Pearson called a racist bill.

Scarbrough will face Democrat Anne Backus, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, in November.

Rep. Chris Todd, R-Jackson, pictured in the House of Representatives, is facing a primary challenge from former Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Todd holds onto seat in District 73 race

Incumbent Rep. Chris Todd will remain the District 73 representative for another term.

The Jackson Republican bested former Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris in his first face off against a Republican opponent since he first claimed the seat, which represents majority conservative portions of Jackson and Madison County, in 2018.

With no Democratic challenger for the general election, Todd is expected to win the seat outright on Nov. 5.

Harris and Todd each entered the early voting period with similar coffers in the mid-$180,000 range, but independent political interest groups Americans for Prosperity and Tennessee Federation for Children  both of which support school vouchers  spent around $60,000 combined to support Todd.

Harris campaigned on the idea of grassroots support from the district, not accepting funds from special interest groups.

Grills beats Cobb in District 77

Incumbent Rep. Rusty Grills held onto the District 77 seat encompassing Dyersburg, Tiptonville and parts of Union City in West Tennessee, defeating James Bubba Cobb in the Republican primary.

Grills entered the race with nearly $99,000 in his campaign coffers, and raised an additional $93,000 in 2024.

Cobb reported receiving almost $18,000.

Pro-school voucher groups independently spent a combined around $49,000 to support Grills reelection ($8,000 from Tennessee Federation for Children, over $31,000 from Americans for Prosperity Action and nearly $10,000 from Tennesseans for Student Success).

Americans for Prosperity spent almost $5,000 opposing Cobb, while Tennessee Federation for Children spent $8,000 in opposition to Cobbs campaign.

Shaw handily wins primary in District 80

Incumbent District 80 Rep. Johnny Shaw won a crowded Democratic primary for the seat with 73% of the vote against Madison County Commission member Sheila Godwin and former Bolivar City Councilman Jonathan Joy. Shaw has represented the district, which includes a southwestern slice of Jackson, a portion of Brownsville and Bolivar, since 2000.

Shaw will face Republican candidate and Hardeman County Commissioner Brad Grantham, who ran unopposed in the Republican partys primary, on Nov. 5.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  There are currently four people in the running to be Austins next mayor, including incumbent Mayor Kirk Watson. Youll vote for the next leader of our city in November.

Carmen Llanes Pulido, one of the four candidates, sat down with KXANs Grace Reader to talk about everything from public safety to transportation to her fundraising efforts.

This transcript was edited for clarity and conciseness (Addendums may be added after each answer that provide context):

Talk about your resume

I am a lifelong Austinite, 20-year community organizer, 10-year city board and commissioner  in the past  and somebody who cares a lot about the city and was asked by a lot of people all over town to step up for this position.

Why are you running for mayor?

I have seen so many beautiful things come out of Austin, out of our community efforts for a long time and just bringing together different sectors in the city to craft really good policy. And Ive also seen big mistakes. What I noticed is that we can work for stuff 10-20 years, and it can easily be undone with the stroke of a pen and some poor planning or some poor spending. That includes peoples efforts around transit, affordability, climate resilience, trying to get more social and racial equity in the city, less disparate outcomes. I think weve made progress, but I think were slipping backwards. And Im really concerned with the stark inequality in our city, and not planning for a challenging future ahead. And so I think, right now, a lot of people have been shut out of their public process, they dont feel heard by their local government, I think its the time to bring everybody back in, bring our stakeholders in and craft the solutions we want to see in front of us.

What are your top priorities?

Top three items would be securing our critical infrastructure, especially with the intensity of the climate. Real affordability, and not just talking about affordability, but actually stabilizing our housing prices with what we can regulate and invest in as a city, and also reducing taxes. Then holistically addressing public safety  and that includes the homelessness issue.

Transportation: The I-35 expansion and Project Connect

Project Connect: Voters overwhelmingly approved a plan that brought city-wide transit options. And if you look at that ballot language, it was about relieving congestion, serving essential workers, addressing the climate issue by getting more cars off the road. And the big concern a lot of folks have is that the plan has greatly strayed from that. So certainly I am pro-Project Connect when we look at the the larger mass rapid transit plan, but we have to reevaluate and see how are we equitably going to get transit services across the city and effectively get people commuting? If we spend all of this half billion dollar investment on light rail between 38th street and Oltorf and a line from downtown to not quite the airport,* thats not going to take cars off the road, its not going to help commuters, its not going to make anything more affordable.

*The city of Austin has introduced phase one of its Project Connect light rail plan, which is an 9.8-mile transit line from 38th Street in Austin down to Oltorf Street in south Austin and Yellow Jacket Lane in southeast Austin. That is the first phase of the project and the city says it will expand to other areas of Austin in future phases. You can read more about the phase one design here.

I-35: I live in a neighborhood thats directly impacted by the I-35 expansion.* I think its, you know, in many ways, the wrong direction for alleviating traffic in Central Texas and what we need to be doing. Im accepting that as long as we have the state leadership that we have right now, this is what TxDOTs marching order are. The engineers from Texas Department of Transportation have been listening. And I will say, Ive seen a lot of improvements in what it looks like we get in terms of bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Im very, very interested in following the legal battles, especially over our environmental rights to assess, I think its important that we slow down as much as possible and negotiate for maximum community benefit. And look very carefully at what were going to spend as a city to make this more tolerable in terms of cap and stitch especially.

*You can read more about the I-35 expansion project here.

What do you want to see out of Austins next police chief?

I had the privilege of participating in a panel interview with the finalists for the police chief position and Im pleased to see people who come with values around accountability, transparency, you know, all the good things you want to hear  responsibility and community policing, responsiveness. I think that there is promise in a culture shift for the whole city around policing. We all want a better response to 911 and we all want to live in a safe city regardless of how we feel, you know, across the spectrum.

Im very concerned that we dont have a police contract, and that we have been doing all of this without a police contract.*

*You can read more about the status of the police contract here.

How do you keep fire, EMS, teachers, city staff near where they work?

First, we have to get realistic about what people are making, where those salaries are and what is actually affordable. I think some of the recent policies focused on housing talked about middle income, but they were way out of the reach of any actual middle income people in Austin, and that includes our first responders.

There will be workforce housing opportunities, there are some in front of us now that we can take advantage of. But I also think we should be looking at how can we keep people in the neighborhoods they live in in Austin who are living in the city of Austin. And then for those commuters, if were looking at realistic transit options, you know, our first responders are going to need to be able to commute. But a lot of our essential workers could probably be served by much better commuter transit options.

How does Austin reform its land development code?

I think the best changes made to our land development code take into account whos impacted and gets stakeholders truly at the table in an equitable way. Every time theres community engagement, and there are legitimate concerns brought up about infrastructure, quality of life, safety, and affordability, they often get dismissed, we end up in legal battles.

I dont think theres been appropriate notification. These changes have no affordability in them whatsoever. And in fact, these kinds of policies tend to target our most affordable units for redevelopment into expensive rental units. So Im hopeful that we could make much more wise changes that actually do increase housing because theres no proof that these policies actually even increase housing. But they can definitely drive up prices.*

So there are certainly changes that we can make to allow more housing types, but they need regulations, for affordability, for infrastructure, for water quality, for basic services to be taken into account.

*One of the most recent land development code changes include the HOME initiative (phase one and two). GAVA, which Llanes Pulido is the executive director of, was one of the focal groups against those changes. We reported previously on research that points to those initiatives allowing for the creation of more affordable housing, and also highlighted community concerns about the initiatives actually maintaining or forcing the creation of affordable housing.

Finally, pitch yourself to voters:

I want people to know that there is a place for everyone in this campaign and also in our local government. I have had the pleasure of working shoulder to shoulder with Austinites in far north Austin, far south Austin and east and west. I know that we all have unique issues in our neighborhoods, whether were worried about wildfire, whether were worried about crime, wildlife, all kinds of things. And I want people to know that theres a place for everyone that I am here to listen, collaborate, that Im ready to be strong  and to be a true representative for the people of Austin.

You wont see me climb for higher office. Im doing this for my hometown, the city that raised me. I know what it means to have caring involved neighborhoods, good schools, family friendly, inclusive, where all kinds of different kinds of people want to live. And thats what we want to keep and thats what were fighting for.

KXAN is doing one-on-one interviews with all candidates for mayor so that you can be better informed heading into the November election.

You can find our sit down interviews with the other candidates here:

Election Day is Nov. 5, 2024.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  Monday, its back to school for nearly 5,000 students in Colleton County. New initiatives, intensified literacy focus, safety, and giving parents a voice are priorities.

Colleton County School District Superintendent Jessica Williams will open schools as the leader of CCSD after serving as interim superintendent last year. She is from Colleton County and has worked for the district for 38 years, as a teacher, principal, and in district leadership roles. Our motto is its all about the kids, the time is now. This is such an honor for me to serve my community because Im vested in the community, says Williams.

CCSD has around 4,600 students in nine schools. This year, in addition to a new user-friendly website, the district has an amplified focus on reading and literacy. Williams says, Im going to challenge all of our students to read a certain number of books and follow a certain criteria that were putting in place, and were going to incentivize our kids and just encourage them to read and love reading.

The district will also welcome new programs. We do have some new programs were rolling out this year that I am very excited about. We have barbering and nail tech that we are going to roll out at our Thunderbolt Career and Technology Center, and we also have a new STEM lab that we are rolling out at our middle school, Williams added.

Colleton County School District has 400 teachers and 850 employees. All staff received a retention bonus for all returning staff. Williams says, All of our teachers did receive an increase. Our starting pay last year was $42,000, and this year it is $47,000. All of our teachers received a pay increase, and all of our staff received a step increase.

Williams says the district is still working to fill 30 teacher vacancies. We do have a partnership with Kelly Services. We contract with them for our substitutes, and we also have a virtual platform that we contract with as well to help us that has certified teachers. We are filling those gaps. We feel really good about August 5th, when students come back. The district also has seven bus driver vacancies, but Williams says every route will be covered on the first day of school with staggered start times and multiple routes.

Williams says school safety remains a priority. School Resource Officers are in all schools, all district locations have metal detectors, and some have weapons detectors. We instituted some new equipment near the end of the year last year. We installed some weapons detection systems in our schools to make sure students are safe, Williams says.



The district has an electronic device policy in place. Williams says, Our policy simply states, electronic devices can be used at the beginning of the school day and at the end. Electronic devices are not to be used during the school day. I know the state is looking at rolling out a new policy. They have not finalized that yet, but when they do finalize that, we will certainly get in line with state requirements.

Superintendent Williams says they are working to give parents a voice. We are going to start a parent forum this year. We want our parents to have voice in some of the initiatives and things were doing in our schools for our students. I want to hear their voices. What can we do to make our school district better? To teachers, students, parents, everyone in Colleton County. Its going to be a great year 2024-2025 school year, and we want everyone to come together unified for the success of our students.

In partnership with community and business partners, Colleton County School District will have its Back to School Bash at Colleton County High School on Saturday, August 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., complete with school supplies, giveaways, food, games, and music. All are welcome to attend.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
One of Oregon's longest-serving mayors is retiring after 26 years in office

Independence Mayor John McArdle accepts a School Beacon Award on June 13. He has announced he is retiring from office after his term ends in December.

John McArdle isnt subtle.

For 26 years, he has stood out as mayor of Independence. He is a presence when he stands at the dais in front of a city council meeting, looking every bit like the 6-foot-4 former international-level hammer thrower he is. People notice him at a grocery store or mowing his lawn and stop to talk to him.

But he quickly deflects any credit for the accomplishments of the city during his time in office.

It takes a team effort and Im large and easy to see, McArdle said. And I can be loud. But theres been so many people working together.

McArdle, 67, is retiring from office at the end of this year. His absence will be noticeable.

He wants to assure people that nothing is wrong. His health and the health of his family members are good. And hes not moving or anything like that.

McArdle says its just time to be done.

Weve gotten a lot of things done. Theres always more, McArdle said. And its just time. Nothing bad, just its a good time to do that. Weve got so many good things. Im so proud of what weve been able to do in this community.

When the Polk County city of 10,000 elects a new mayor in the Nov. 5 general election, they will replace one of the longest serving mayors in the state.

John McArdle was first elected Independence mayor in 1998

McArdle ran for state representative in 1996. He lost that race.

When he first ran for Independence mayor in 1998, he said his goal was to make a difference. He said he had travelled extensively in his role on the United State Olympic Committee and saw what worked and what didnt in other cities.

And Independence was in need of help.

A few projects were already underway, such as a new sidewalk from downtown to Central High School. But the city had a long way to go.

This had been a timber dependent community, and people hadnt made investments, McArdle said. It wasnt spinning upward, lets be positive.

McArdle was elected mayor in 1998. Hes won reelection 12 times. About half the time hes had an opponent. When he has had an opponent, hes usually won pretty handily.

Paul Evans was elected mayor of neighboring Monmouth the same year McArdle was.

Evans, who is a now a state representative for Monmouth, teamed up with McArdle to follow the Independence Days parade and scoop up feces left by animals.

One, it shows that we work together in a very physical way. Two, it shows that we talk to each other. And three, were not too big to laugh about it, McArdle said.

Independence sees major improvements, development downtown

McArdle said that being reelected so many times is a statement about the citys accomplishments and not about him personally.

A new library was built in 2002. That same year, Minet  an internet service provider between Monmouth and Independence  was launched. A terraced amphitheater opened in the rebuilt Riverview Park in 2005. Independence Cinema opened in 2007 on city-owned land. A new city hall was built in 2012.

It was a lot of public projects in a short period.

Then Valley Concrete moved in 2014, vacating the area between downtown and the Willamette River. In that space came homes, apartments and a hotel.

Downtown sidewalks and streetscapes were redone. And more businesses came along with that investment.

Large sections of the city look nothing like they did when McArdle was first elected.

McArdle said the thing he is most proud of to come from his time as mayor is the can-do attitude the city has embraced.

And what we were able to do is we wanted to do economic development, McArdle said. We sought out dollars and cents to do that. People started taking pride. They were taking pride in what was going on. They wanted to be part of it. It was infusing optimism.

John McArdle says relationships matter when getting things done

McArdle answers questions with stories that involve governors and Oregon's congressional delegation. Hes not name dropping or trying to show off. But he says that those kinds of interactions have helped to accomplish what Independence has.

Relationships matter, McArdle said.

He told a story of Gov. Tina Kotek, Evans and Polk County County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon coming to Independence for lunch earlier this year and going on a ride on the MI Trolley.

It was the birthday of a woman on the bus. The leaders sang Happy Birthday to the woman.

How do you get things done? Relationships, trust, teamwork, he said.

McArdle retired from his job as director of development and government relations at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany in 2020 after 15 years. He held a similar role before that at Western Oregon University in Monmouth.

McArdle has regrets from his time as mayor.

He says there is a need for a community center, more child care and health care options in the city. He said he plans to continue to work on those issues even after he leaves office.

If it was easy, somebody else would have already done it, he said.

Though he wont be a mayor anymore, McArdle will continue to be part of groups like the United States Olympic/Paralympic Alumni Association and the League of Oregon Cities Foundation. And hell still volunteer at the Ella Curran Food Bank.

And he says he will miss being mayor, but says its time to move on.

Will there be things that I will miss? Of course, because representing your community is one of the greatest honors because people know you, McArdle said.

The deadline to file for the mayor's race is Aug. 27.

Bill Poehler covers Marion and Polk County for the Statesman Journal. Contact him at bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: One of Oregon's longest-serving mayors will retire at end of 2024
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Onslow County is considered a childcare desert. Yet, there are 11,000 children under the age of six with either a single parent or both parents working in the county.

The group, One Place, is trying to get people to share their stories and issues. They hosted a Lunch and Learn in Jacksonville Friday to encourage people to become advocates and spread awareness.

Guest speaker Theresa Rodeshiemer spoke of some of the issues with childcare and potential fixes. Those include centers being too expensive, short-staffed, or having a lack of trust with parents.

Some immediate things that we can address in the state of North Carolina is really thinking about funding for child care and how we can get, not just one time or funding for a month or two, but really think about sustainable living and really supporting our child care community and helping our children in the families that they support. Rodeshiemer said.

Rodeshiemer said that whether you do something like tell your friend or reach out to your lawmaker, sharing your experience is the best way to get change.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
The construction of two Italian migrant reception centres in Albania that were initially set to open last May is still underway, with no clear opening date in sight  and with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni now announcing another postponement, the controversial centres are now unlikely to open before the end of this year.

The centres are part of a five-year agreement under which Albania has agreed to host migrant reception facilities funded and managed by Italian authorities.

Forza Italia MEP Flavio Tosi told Euronews that the opening should take place by the end of the year, in line with certain construction and bureaucratic timelines. While acknowledging that the upfront costs of the centres are substantial, running to several million euros, the real cost of illegal migration includes prevention measures and the use of the Coast Guard.

"Migrants in Italy cost around 1,000 a month, so the price to pay to open these facilities is irrelevant compared to the overall cost to manage migration as a whole," he said.

The controversial Italian-Albanian plan has faced significant criticism, but the Italian government insists it is a necessary measure to curb illegal immigration and relieve pressure on existing Italian reception centres.

Under the agreement, Albania will host up to 36,000 asylum seekers annually on behalf of Italy while Italian authorities will examine their cases to determine eligibility for repatriation.

Some organisations and opposition parties argue that the plan violates basic human rights. Riccardo Noury, spokesperson for Amnesty International Italy, said his organisation has serious worries about the plan itself and the overall European trend towards shifting the responsibility for processing migrant people's claims.

People gather on the beach near a migrant centre in the port of Shengjin, northwest Albania. - Vlasov Sulaj/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved

We are very concerned about the externalisation of migration policies and how its being implemented," he told Euronews. "The plan seems to imply the automatic detention of migrants for long periods, which breaches international law.

"Most of these people will be classified as ineligible for international protection and will be sent back to their countries. This deal is cruel and aims to discourage migrants by violating their rights.

In response to these concerns, Tosi said that Albanias EU accession process ensures that human rights will be respected. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening relations with some of the countries of departure, particularly in Africa.

The outsourcing option

The externalisation of asylum procedures is gaining traction among EU member states. Francesco Cherubini, Professor of EU Law at Luiss University, explained that these policies first began gaining traction with the 2015 crisis in the Mediterranean.

The externalisation of migration policies is a model that has convinced several Member States due to its many advantages," he told Euronews. "It is very effective because it prevents migrants from being directly under the authority of the final European country of arrival, which entails respecting fundamental rights that might pose political consensus issues.

Cherubini also pointed out that this approach has at least two major problems.

"The first one is that we hand the migrant over to a country like Libya or Turkey with issues being raised when it comes to their human rights," he said. "The other is the cost involved in implementing these policies."

Despite the controversies, the Italian model has garnered interest in other countries. Cherubini notes that before Italy, Great Britain did something similar with Rwanda. There are differences between the two, but in both cases, the level of cooperation with the third country is significant.

However, the UK's Rwanda policy faced major hurdles in domestic courts, and only a handful of people were sent to the African country on a voluntary basis. The recent change of government in London has seen the plan scrapped altogether.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Thanks to Operation Oink!, two Oregon animal sanctuaries have welcomed pigs that were freed from an undisclosed research lab.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund announced the release of six pigs on Tuesday. Two pigs were relocated to Leos Animal Rescue in Onyx, Calif., while one pair was transported to Portlands Wildlings Forest Sanctuary and another now lives at Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary in Scio, Ore.

Heres why Portland-area temperatures feel hotter Thursday than previous heat waves

Four of six pigs that Animal Legal Defense Fund helped released from a research lab are now in Oregon animal sanctuaries. (Courtesy ALDF)

Four of six pigs that Animal Legal Defense Fund helped released from a research lab are now in Oregon animal sanctuaries. (Courtesy ALDF)

Four of six pigs that Animal Legal Defense Fund helped released from a research lab are now in Oregon animal sanctuaries. (Courtesy ALDF)

Four of six pigs that Animal Legal Defense Fund helped released from a research lab are now in Oregon animal sanctuaries. (Courtesy ALDF)

Four of six pigs that Animal Legal Defense Fund helped released from a research lab are now in Oregon animal sanctuaries. (Courtesy ALDF)

ALDF reported it spent several weeks planning the operation, which required crews to travel thousands of miles over three days using two separate modes of transportation. New Life Animal Sanctuary, a California-based organization focused on releasing animals from research labs, also assisted.

The National Institutes of Health explained that animals serve important roles in research because they help drive medical advancements.

Dozens of Coraline cat sculptures to appear in Downtown Portland

But according to advocates, it is rare for animals to survive these labs. ALDF said they are often forced to undergo invasive tests before dying in a terminal study.

We may never know what these smart and sensitive pigs endured while locked behind laboratory doors, Executive Director Chris Green added in a statement. But we do know that conducting invasive research on pigs can be extremely cruel and unnecessary. We thus are overjoyed to at least help these six sweet souls start their new lives in safe, serene sanctuaries where they can experience joy and feel forever safe from harm.

Gottingen Minipigs  the species that was released from the undisclosed lab  are bred specifically for research purposes.

Portland area loses 85 minutes of daylight in August

Marshall BioResources, a global provider of purpose-bred animals for biomedical research and related services, describes itself as the only U.S. supplier for Gottingen pigs. The company said the species was developed in a university lab in Germany, where researchers combined three different types of pig.

ALDF reported that Gottingen are bred to fit into smaller cages, with a gentle nature that helps researchers conduct tests.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
It's outrageous that the Supreme Court is allowing states and cities to criminalize homelessness and that Gov. Gavin Newsom is ordering encampments dismantled, especially when theres not enough housing or shelter space for those who need it.

I was homeless for 6 years, from 2002 to 2008, a story I've told before in these pages. I know what its like when no one cares about you or your living situation.

I never pushed a shopping cart, never slept in a city park or on a sidewalk or in a tent encampment, never took drugs and never panhandled. I paid for all my food and for nightly stays in my Toyota pickup in state, city and federal parks, alongside tourists and recreational campers.

Read more: The start of the cold season

I worked the whole time I was homeless, mostly on computers in libraries, maintaining a freelance writing business and doing public relations consulting. I intermittently had cellphone service, and I had an email address, so most of my clients had no idea of my situation. But during an economic downturn, I couldnt make enough money to rent a room or apartment.

Campgrounds have limits on how long you can stay, so I moved around a lot, mostly in Southern California, along the ocean and in the desert, sometimes in Montana, where I once lived.

I met a lot of people on the move and out of luck. At one campground's entrance, a school bus picked up a homeless familys child every morning. A guy I met collected cans on his bicycle and was able to pay for food; he never begged. Once he stashed his cans in a church parking lot; they were thrown out by staff, and he was told never to come back. A drug addict I knew died of exposure, curled up at the entrance to a store. One man I ran into on the campground circuit did OK for a while. Then I saw him panhandling. Hed had to sell his sleeping bag for food.

Eventually, I started getting Social Security and became eligible for Medicare, and my situation improved. I stayed in a cheap motel occasionally. I got needed cataract and knee surgery, recuperating in my pickup or a motel room.

Read more: A life comes out of storage

When I had enough income to rent an apartment but not enough money for both rent and a deposit, a religious organization helped me out. Id been on housing-assistance lists for years, waiting for a subsidized low-income apartment. Finally, I had a shower and a washing machine and a kitchen. I got my stuff out of storage. Finding my obsolete computer, TV, family photos and other mementos was like doing an archaeological dig on my former life.

Im 80 now, and fortunate to have Social Security and Veterans Administration income, and I havent had to have housing assistance for years. Being homeless seems like a long time ago. But I never forget it.

When I see people panhandling, I dont give them spare change, or even a dollar; I give them a five or a ten or a twenty  and a kind word. At Christmas, I keep $10 bills at the ready. I don't care if someone is drunk or on drugs. I make no judgment. It helps them and it makes me feel good.

I dont like to see tent encampments on sidewalks, or by the freeway, or in parks. But criminalizing homelessness, or clearing out tents isnt an answer when theres no place to go. We need more housing, more programs for mental illness and drug addiction, universal healthcare, maybe even a minimum basic income. And this: more facilities for the homeless to shower and go to the bathroom.

I know California has spent billions; it will cost more.

A rich nation like the United States should be capable of compassion. Feed the hungry, help the poor, heal the sick, house the homeless, clothe the naked, welcome strangers. Until the Supreme Court and Newsom find a better solution, they ought to start there.

Les Gapay, a former newspaper reporter, is retired and living in the Coachella Valley.



If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Over the last 7 days, the United Kingdom market has risen 1.3%, and over the past 12 months, it is up 8.1%, with earnings forecast to grow by 13% annually. In this favorable environment, identifying stocks with strong fundamentals and growth potential can be particularly rewarding; here are three undiscovered gems worth considering for August 2024.

Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In The United Kingdom

Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Andrews Sykes Group NA 1.69% 3.16%  Globaltrans Investment 15.40% 2.68% 16.51%  London Security 0.31% 9.47% 7.41%  Georgia Capital NA -27.80% 18.94%  Impellam Group 31.12% -5.43% -6.86%  M&G Credit Income Investment Trust NA -0.35% 1.18%  Fix Price Group 43.59% 12.53% 23.49%  Ros Agro 57.18% 17.80% 18.35%  BBGI Global Infrastructure 0.02% 6.58% 9.90%  Mountview Estates 16.64% 4.50% -0.59% 

Click here to see the full list of 79 stocks from our UK Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener.

Here we highlight a subset of our preferred stocks from the screener.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Yellow Cake plc operates in the uranium sector with a market cap of 1.15 billion.

Operations: Yellow Cake plc generates revenue primarily through holding U3O8 for long-term capital appreciation, amounting to $735.02 million. The company focuses on this single revenue stream without segmenting costs or other financial data in the provided information.

Yellow Cake has recently reported a significant turnaround, with revenue hitting US$735.02 million for the year ending March 31, 2024, compared to negative revenue of US$96.9 million previously. Net income also surged to US$727.01 million from a net loss of US$102.94 million last year, reflecting its newfound profitability and high-quality earnings despite shareholder dilution in the past year. The companys price-to-earnings ratio stands attractively low at 2x against the UK market's 16.7x average, although future earnings are forecasted to decline by an average of 103.6% annually over the next three years due to industry challenges and non-cash earnings adjustments impacting projections.

AIM:YCA Debt to Equity as at Aug 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Alfa Financial Software Holdings PLC, with a market cap of 582.53 million, offers software and consultancy services to the auto and equipment finance industry across various global regions including the UK, US, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

Story continues

Operations: Alfa Financial Software Holdings PLC generates revenue primarily from the sale of software and related services, amounting to 102 million. The company focuses on the auto and equipment finance industry across various global regions.

Alfa Financial Software Holdings, recently added to the FTSE 350 and FTSE 250 indices, is debt-free with a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.8x, well below the software industry average of 40.6x. Despite negative earnings growth (-4.1%) over the past year compared to the industry average of 19.9%, Alfa boasts high-quality earnings and strong free cash flow at 33.4M as of June 2023. The company also welcomed Reena Raichura as an independent Non-Executive Director in June 2024, enhancing its board's expertise in fintech and product management.

LSE:ALFA Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Aug 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: The Law Debenture Corporation p.l.c., an investment trust with a market cap of 1.20 billion, provides independent professional services to companies, agencies, organizations, and individuals worldwide.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its Investment Portfolio (35.62 million) and Independent Professional Services (61.55 million).

Law Debenture, a notable player in the UK market, has shown impressive financial performance recently. The company reported a net income of 82 million for the first half of 2024, up from 16.54 million the previous year. Its earnings growth over the past year reached 340%, significantly outpacing industry averages. With a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.5x, it stands below the UK market average of 16.7x, suggesting good value potential for investors seeking solid returns in this sector.

LSE:LWDB Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Aug 2024

Taking Advantage

Discover the full array of 79 UK Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals right here.

Already own these companies? Bring clarity to your investment decisions by linking up your portfolio with Simply Wall St, where you can monitor all the vital signs of your stocks effortlessly.

Simply Wall St is your key to unlocking global market trends, a free user-friendly app for forward-thinking investors.

Curious About Other Options?

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include AIM:YCA LSE:ALFA and LSE:LWDB.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
People sing the national anthem at a rally demanding the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war who are held in captivity in Russia, at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, July 28, 2024. Several thousand people and soldiers gathered to commemorate the second anniversary of a Russia-orchestrated explosion that killed more than 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Russian-held Olenivka prison barracks. | Efrem Lukatsky

I recently witnessed firsthand the high cost that is required to ensure the impartial and independent judiciary that the rule of law requires. Last March, I embarked on a 39-hour journey from my home in Washington, D.C., to Kyiv, where courageous Ukrainians work to preserve their beloved countrys laws, institutions and democratic norms in the face of brutal and unlawful aggression by the Russian Federation.

In 2023, I was appointed by the government of Ukraine to serve on the Advisory Group of Experts, or AGE, a body created to help vet candidates for the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, that nations highest court. I was honored by the appointment, having spent my professional life working for the rule of law and civility as pillars of democracy and the last 30 years with reformers in the former communist countries of Eastern Europe.

There are 12 members of the AGE, six of whom are Ukrainian judges and academics, and six of whom are international experts. Two are from Poland; one from Ireland; one from Slovenia. Retired Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court Maureen OConnor and I are the American members.

Over a span of 10 days, we interviewed more than 30 applicants for five vacancies on the Constitutional Court. The interviews were held in a bomb shelter in Kyiv so that our work wouldnt be interrupted by Russian missile attacks.

The proceedings were simultaneously translated into English and livestreamed for anyone to watch. Bribery and corruption plague many countries that were once part of the Soviet Union, and rooting them out is the chief challenge Ukrainian reformers face. The statute that created the AGE called upon us to probe in public interviews the moral integrity of the candidates.

Some of the exchanges were bracing and made for high drama as applicants were asked difficult questions about their finances and work habits. This level of transparency in the judicial selection process  previously unheard of in Ukraine  has been well-received and will hopefully show the people of Ukraine and the European Union they desire to join that the government is serious in its commitment to the rule of law.

Eight candidates moved to the next round of the vetting process, in which the AGE was required to evaluate their legal competency, with emphasis on their knowledge of constitutional law and human rights. The AGE administered a written exam, created by some of Ukraines top lawyers and several highly regarded constitutional law scholars from Europe and the U.S., which the candidates took in a session that was also livestreamed.

After carefully reviewing the exams, the AGE recommended five candidates for appointment to the Constitutional Court to the appointing authorities. They need not accept our recommendations, but they cannot appoint a person we havent recommended.

While in Ukraine, my colleagues and I were confronted with the grim reality of war and the high cost the Ukrainian people are bearing to fight Russian aggression. While in Kyiv, we experienced a number of air raid alerts, most coming in the middle of the night, which sent us scurrying to take refuge in the bomb shelter of our hotel. I have never been in an active war zone, and I came away deeply moved by the courage of the Ukrainian people.

All of those with whom I worked, either as members of the AGE or on the staff of young lawyers who helped us with our work, had close family members who were casualties of war. Many had been forced to flee their homes. One woman named Victoria confidently predicted that her name would become common among newborn daughters after Ukraine had defeated the Russian aggressors. Her sense of hope was common among those we met. The rebuilding efforts and the determination of the Ukrainian people to maintain a sense of normalcy in the midst of war are inspiring.

Justice OConnor and I visited several towns outside Kyiv where Ukrainian soldiers and ordinary citizens heroically stopped Russian advances into the capital, pivotal victories that came with a devastating cost to civilian lives. We visited a mass grave in Bucha that had been filled with the slain bodies of women, children and the elderly mercilessly slaughtered by Russian troops. Bucha is a sobering reminder of the stakes of a battle between forces that deny the dignity of all humans and those committed to the rule of law.

Before departing Ukraine, I had the opportunity to speak with students at three different law schools, answering questions about the AGEs process and trying to impress upon them the importance of its work. For this war is not simply over territory in Ukraine; its a war over whether the rule of law will prevail against the forces of autocracy. A victory in Ukraine will reverberate throughout Europe, with far-reaching effects for the rule of law throughout the world.

Thomas B. Griffith was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit by President George W. Bush in 2005 and served until 2020. He attended and later served as general counsel for BYU and is currently a fellow at the Wheatley Institute and a lecturer on law at Harvard and Stanford.
Forensic experts identified Kh-101 missile fragments at the Okhmatdyt childrens hospital, one of the sites of Russias mass attack on July 8, which killed 33 people in Kyiv, including five children. The Kh-101, a strategic air-to-ground cruise missile, is among the most destructive in Russias arsenal.

First used by Russia in the Syrian civil war, the weapon is now being used against targets in Ukraine, both military and civilian.

The Kh-101 is Russias most modern missile, with a high-precision accuracy range of 5-6 meters and the ability to change its trajectory mid-flight. Russias demand for this missile is evident from the increase in its production from 56 in 2021 to 420 in 2023.

While Russian officials claim the Kh-101 is made entirely of Russian components, research by the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO) and our partners reveals that many critical foreign components are present in this and other Russian missiles.

Read also: Hard work underway to reopen Kyiv childrens hospital hit by Russian missile

According to the Financial Times, based on an analysis by Ukraines President's Office, the Kh-101 that struck Okhmatdyt likely contained over 50 parts of Western origin.

Information about foreign components in Russian missiles surfaced as early as 2022. The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) examined 27 different weapon systems and identified 450 unique components, mainly sourced from Western manufacturers, with at least 318 originating from U.S. firms. At the time of the study and the production of the examined missiles, grey import was not yet a significant issue.

The Kh-101 contains satellite navigation systems, a receiver block, a processor module, and a computing block, all with substantial microelectronics manufactured in the West, specifically in the U.S., the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Taiwan. These include microchips, microprocessors, and memory modules. For instance, components made by the American chip and semiconductor manufacturer Texas Instruments have been found within the processor module of the Kh-101. These parts literally guide the missile to its target  in this case, a busy childrens hospital in the center of Kyiv.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, over 70 instances of airstrikes using the Kh-101 have been recorded in Ukraine. NAKO and the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) studied mass attacks using this weapon in 2022 as part of the report "Enabling War Crimes? Western-Made Components in Russia's War Against Ukraine."

These attacks included strikes on a residential building in Odesa, the shelling of Thermal Power Plant-Five (TPP-5) near Kharkiv, and missiles hitting the popular Glass Bridge in Kyiv.

The image collage above made out of four screenshots from the video showing the missile an instant before it hits the Okhmatdyt hospital. (Bellingcat)

NAKO experts published a list of Western components in the Kh-101 and other weapons in both 2022 and 2023, identifying 24 components made by the American chip manufacturer Maxim Integrated and products from the American semiconductor manufacturer Cypress Semiconductor.

These findings underscore the dependency of Russian military systems on Western microelectronics, which are integral to their functionality. The problem is systemic. Despite international sanctions and export controls, Western parts continue to find their way into Russia.

Russia is willing to pay any price for these components, mainly buying not directly from manufacturers but through intermediaries in various countries.

Microelectronics manufacturers are required to adhere to sanction and export requirements. However, in practice, it is almost impossible to fully implement these restrictions, especially with the involvement of grey import countries and cycles of redistribution from company to company and country to country. American and European manufacturers do not control the movement of their microelectronics once they are resold.

Western partners regularly impose sanctions on intermediary companies supplying microelectronics to Russia. However, for every sanctioned Chinese company, three new ones may appear in Hong Kong, Thailand, or Kyrgyzstan. Thus, sanction policies need solutions affecting specific business sectors and financial institutions in such exporting countries.

Read also: Kyrgyzstans trade is booming as Russia masters sanctions circumvention

Its not enough to implement sanctions; its necessary to closely monitor their compliance, track the supply chains used by Russia, and constantly update sanction policies to maintain their effectiveness. Ukraine is taking steps in this direction: President Volodymyr Zelensky raised the issue of Western components in Russian missiles at the recent NATO summit in Washington. Hopefully, the message did not fall on deaf ears.

While Ukrainians are all too familiar with the devastating sound of Kh-101 missiles, they are also beginning to recognize the Western firms enabling Russia's destruction. These companies must prove they are doing everything possible to prevent their technology from being imported by the Russian war machine. Otherwise, they and their shareholders will be held accountable for the destruction caused by their disregard for trade sanctions.

Western governments and regulators must enforce stricter component tracking to ensure corporate responsibility includes criminal and financial accountability. Manufacturers should be held to the same standards as banks. Stricter penalties for failing to identify Russia as the end-user will push companies to improve their due diligence.

As the West remains passive, Russias allies gain experience for future conflicts. Tightening sanctions can stop the flow of components to Russia and its alliesbut does the West have the will to do so?

Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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I ordered build-your-own bowls from Cava and Sweetgreen. Both tasted delicious, but the winner didn't charge for as many add-ons.

I ordered build-your-own bowls from Cava and Sweetgreen. Both tasted delicious, but the winner didn't charge for as many add-ons.

I visited rival salad chains Cava and Sweetgreen to get build-your-own bowls.

Both restaurants offered an extensive choice of bases, vegetables, sauces, and toppings.

But Sweetgreen charged extra for many of its tastiest add-ons.

Salad-bowl chain Cava has ambitious expansion plans. It opened 72 net new restaurants in fiscal 2023 and expects to open at least 50 in 2024.

As of 21 April, 2024, Cava had 323 restaurants, while Sweetgreen had more than 225 as of May.

It's been a tough few years for salad chains, which have traditionally relied on city-center office workers for their peak lunchtime trade. But, like other fast-food and fast-casual chains, Cava and Sweetgreen found ways to adapt their business and are both reeling in digital orders: they make up 37% of sales at Cava and 59% at Sweetgreen.

I tried both chains for the first time when I was in need of a vitamin boost. Here's what I thought.

On a recent business trip to Chicago, I ate a lot of unhealthy food.

The chicken teriyaki burger at McDonald's Global Restaurant in Chicago tasted great but left me in need of some vitamins. Grace Dean/Business Insider

I attended a restaurant conference where I gorged on samples of vegan chicken, sushi, and brownies; I had a teriyaki burger and McPops at McDonald's Global Restaurant; I tried the massive portions at the Cheesecake Factory; and I sampled fine dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

I was urgently in need of some vegetables and grains to balance it out, so I headed to rival salad chains Sweetgreen and Cava to stock up on vitamins.

The Cava I visited had recently opened in Chicago's Wicker Park. Grace Dean/Business Insider

The Sweetgreen restaurant was light, airy, and almost deserted. I did arrive at nearly 8 p.m. on a Sunday, after all.

The decor of the Sweetgreen I visited was airy, modern, and simple. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Sweetgreen sells bowls, salads, and protein plates.

Sweetgreen's menu boards advertised a number of bowls and plates designed to be ordered as is. Grace Dean/Business Insider

A number of them were designed to be ordered as is, which started at $12.95, but you could also build your own in a walk-the-line format from $9.95. Mine ended up costing far more than this, though.

Five Guys stores say where that day's shipment of potatoes came from  but I was impressed to see a long list featuring many of Sweetgreen's suppliers. A lot of the ingredients were organic, too.

Sweetgreen had a list of suppliers if you were curious about the origins of your ingredients. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Sweetgreen has five leaf and three grain bases to choose from.

Cold toppings included spicy broccoli, pickled pink onion, and red cabbage. Grace Dean/Business Insider

I started with a wild rice and herbed quinoa base  I liked that I could go 50/50 with them. There was a good choice of cold toppings, including different cheeses, nori sesame seasoning, spicy broccoli, crispy rice, and almonds.

There were hot toppings, too, including warm portobello mushrooms, roasted tofu, and caramelized garlic steak. It was a shame you couldn't get a better view of them, though.

There was a range of meat and vegetarian hot toppings. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Nearly half of Sweetgreen's toppings are listed as "premium"  meaning they incur extra charges.

Sweetgreen has an extensive list of "premium" toppings that you have to pay for. Sweetgreen

The prices varied considerably at the restaurant I visited: it was $6.25 for steak, $5.95 for salmon, $2.10 for avocado, and $1.50 for blue cheese, goat's cheese, and shaved Parmesan. Keeping track of how much your meal will cost requires some quick maths.

I ended up going for what was, to be honest, quite an odd selection of toppings.

I topped my bowl with a range of vegetables and tofu. Grace Dean/Business Insider

These included kale, pickled onions, warm portobello mushrooms, roasted tofu, avocado, tomatoes, and breadcrumbs. I had to pay extra for the mushrooms, tofu, and avocado.

My bowl made it a bit tricky to choose a dressing, though.

Dressings on offer included a number of vinaigrettes, ranch, hot sauce, and Caesar. Grace Dean/Business Insider

I wasn't sure what would go with the odd array of ingredients I'd chosen. Olive oil would have worked but would have been a bit boring. I asked the staff member for recommendations, and they suggested the Green Goddess Ranch.

They said that rather than pouring it on my salad, they could give it to me in a tub on the side.

Fortunately I got my dressing on the side. Grace Dean/Business Insider

I'm so glad they did.

I'm a Brit who's rarely eaten ranch  and I didn't know what made the ranch green. Turns out it was cilantro and parsley, two of my least favorite herbs. After a few tastes, I had to throw the tub away.

The bowl looked really attractive with its vibrantly-colored vegetables.

The cabbage and tomatoes made my bowl bright and colorful. Grace Dean/Business Insider

I thought it tasted delicious, though the mushroom wasn't as flavorsome as I'd expected and it was a shame about the dressing.

My portion of avocado wasn't sliced, which I found a bit impractical because all the other components were in bite-sized chunks.

I wished the avocado had been sliced. Grace Dean/Business Insider

The quinoa was really clumpy, too, but this was probably because I visited late in the evening. Maybe the batch had been standing around for a while.

My quinoa wasn't fluffy at all. Grace Dean/Business Insider

My bowl came to $18.89 including tax and without a drink, which I thought was quite expensive, though it was a generous portion.

It was expensive for a salad bowl. Grace Dean/Business Insider

I went to Cava at a similar time of day  around 8 p.m., but this time, on a Friday.

I had to stand in line for an hour to get served at Cava. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Unlike the Sweetgreen I visited, the Cava was crammed full of customers. The restaurant  Chicago's first Cava  had only opened three weeks before, and residents of the Windy City were clearly eager to check out the buzz. It took me an hour to get to the front of the line.

Like Sweetgreen, Cava has a walk-the-line format and sales are dominated by custom dishes.

Customized grain bowls, salads, and pitas make up roughly 85% of Cava's orders. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Customized grain bowls, salads, and pitas make up roughly 85% of Cava's orders. Prices for its most basic "curated" bowls start at $12.05, the same as a custom bowl with no paid-for add-ons.

Cava's menu is focused on Mediterranean ingredients.

Dips included Harissa, red pepper hummus, and "Crazy Feta." Grace Dean/Business Insider

You can get harissa honey chicken, braised lamb, Persian cucumber, spiced feta, and red pepper hummus. Dressings include balsamic date vinaigrette, tahini Caesar, and skhug  a spicy, herby sauce from Yemen.

Like at Sweetgreen, you have to pay extra for some of the toppings.

Many of the "mains" at Cava incurred extra charges. Grace Dean/Business Insider

When I visited, three of the seven items described as "mains"  harissa honey chicken, braised lamb, and spicy lamb meatballs  incurred extra charges. Cava has now added grilled steak to this list, too.

But all the other toppings, apart from avocado, were free to add on.

Free toppings included falafel, grilled chicken, spicy broccoli, and feta. Cava

This included vegetable slaw, hummus, and cheese, all of which incur extra charges at Sweetgreen. Falafel, roasted white sweet potato, grilled chicken, and roasted vegetables were free, too.

Cava has five leaf and three grain bases to choose from.

For my mains I chose 50/50 roasted white sweet potato and falafel. Grace Dean/Business Insider

I went for Cava's SuperGreen mix topped with roasted white sweet potato, falafel, hummus, roasted eggplant dip, black olives, pickled pink onion, cabbage slaw, and garlic dressing. I also added Cava's pita crisps for free. My bowl looked monstrous, but it tasted great.

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.

It was easy to avoid the paid-for extras. Grace Dean/Business Insider

As 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.

I love eating at restaurants where you can build your own plate or bowl, eyeing up the tastiest ingredients as you go.

I'm a big fan of build-your-own restaurants. Grace Dean/Business Insider

I can avoid ingredients I don't like, such as cilantro, parsley, and raw carrot  as well as the embarrassment of having to ask a member of staff if the restaurant could make a set menu item without these ingredients.

Both restaurants offered an extensive choice of ingredients  but Cava was the winner for me.

Most of the add-ons at Cava were free. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Though Sweetgreen offered a cheaper basic bowl  $9.95 versus $12.05  many more of the toppings incur extra costs. I loved that Cava's falafel and sweet potato didn't cost more. If you made a bowl at Sweetgreen without any of the add-ons, it would be tasty but lacking some oomph.

Read the original article on Business Insider
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Ahead of the 2024 November general election, the Oregon Secretary of States Office released a list of measures that will appear on the ballot.

After the office verified signatures for the 2024 petition cycle, Oregonians have the chance to vote on five ballot measures ranging from corporate taxes, impeachment, and collective bargaining in the cannabis industry.

Measure 115

Measure 115 was referred to the ballot by a group of bipartisan lawmakers in the state House of Representatives and the Senate.

The measure would amend the state constitution to allow the House of Representatives to impeach statewide elected officials in the executive branch  including the governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, and the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

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Under the measure, the House of Representatives could impeach those officials for malfeasance, corrupt conduct in office, willful neglect of constitutional duty, felonies and other high crimes.

The measure requires a two-thirds vote from the House to send an impeachment resolution to the Senate.

From there, the Senate would be required to hold an impeachment trial presided by the Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court. The Senate would need a two-thirds vote to convict the official on trial.

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Currently, the only way to remove those officials is through a recall election.

Measure 116

Measure 116, which was also referred to the ballot by the state legislature, would amend the state constitution to establish the Independent Public Service Commission to determine salaries for certain officials.

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The commission would determine salaries for the governor, state treasurer, attorney general, BOLI commissioner, judges, state lawmakers, and district attorneys.

Under current law, those salaries are set by a statute and can only be changed through legislation.

Salaries determined by the commission would not be subject to review by the legislature, governor, or other state officials, according to the measure text.

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Commission membership would exclude state employees, lobbyists, immediate family members of the officials.

Measure 117

Measure 117 was also referred to the ballot by the state legislature and would give voters the option to rank candidates in order of preference  also known as ranked choice voting.

Under this system, the candidate who receives the fewest votes is defeated and the votes for the defeated candidate would go to a voters next highest pick. This continues until a candidate receives a majority of votes.

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The ranked choice system would apply to elections for president, United States senators and representatives, the governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, and BOLI commissioner.

Additionally, the measure would require the Secretary of States office to establish a program to inform voters on ranked choice voting and would allow local governments to implement the voting style.

If voters approve the measure, ranked choice voting could begin in the 2028 election.

Measure 118

Measure 118 would increase the highest corporate minimum taxes in order to give Oregonians an annual rebate.

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The measure would increase corporate minimum tax for Oregon sales exceeding $25 million and would eliminate the minimum tax cap of $100,000 for $1 million in sales.

Measure 119

Measure 119 would require cannabis retailers and processors to remain neutral in their communications to employees from labor organizations about bargaining rights.

Current law gives employees the right to collectively bargain, however, this measure requires cannabis businesses to have an agreement with a labor organization that at minimum requires the business to remain neutral.

If cannabis businesses violate the rule, the measure would allow the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission to impose fines or licensing and certification penalties.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Oklahoma's new standard license plate is a striking departure from previous versions in both color and design.

The state announced Thursday that the new standard-issue license plate will be available on Sept. 1. This design is evocative of a popular specialty license plate that pays homage to Oklahoma's first state flag. It features the star-46 icon on a red background.

The design also features elements from the state's past, as well as modern touches that conform to Oklahoma's marketing brand.

Here's a look at the story behind some of the elements, as well as how Oklahomans are responding to the announcement:

Oklahoma's 'Imagine That' tagline

The plate incorporates the state's logo and tagline that were unveiled four years ago.

In 2020, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce announced the new branding and said the tagline Imagine That conveys the hopeful idea that Oklahoma is a state that "surprised people by defying expectations, providing countless opportunities and inviting audiences to dream of their own personal potential."

Oklahoma's new standard license plate design, designed by Freestyle Creative.

The logo usually comes in an array of colors reflecting the earth, sky, water, agriculture and forest. On the license plate, however, the color scheme is simplified.

The Commerce Department describes the standard logo design like this: A white star in the middle of the brand is a powerful symbol of America and on the original flag of the state. The chevrons outlining the star acknowledge Oklahomas military. All the elements form a circle and direct energy inward, highlighting Oklahoma as a hub at the center of America.

Original Oklahoma flag represented

The star-46 logo was the first one that appeared on an official state flag. This new license plate replicates that look.

It took Oklahoma four years to adopt its first flag, and it was eventually replaced by another version in 1925 that is nearly identical to the one that flies today.

The number 46 refers to Oklahoma being the 46th state to join the union.

The license plate's design tells a story

Along the bottom of the new license plate is a menagerie of hand-drawn symbols that represent different aspects of Oklahoma's culture and economy.

American bison: Oklahoma's state mammal, which is often mistakenly called a buffalo. There are an estimated 7,137 bison in Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Wind turbine: Oklahoma produced more wind energy in 2023 than all but three states.

Skydance Bridge: The Skydance Bridge over Interstate 40 in Oklahoma City was dedicated in 2012. It resembles the state bird, the scissortail flycatcher, which was the inspiration for the most recent license plate design.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: Depicts the Gates of Time, twin bronze gates that lead visitors into the memorial.

Red-tailed hawk: The state raptor is also known as the "chickenhawk."

Route 66 and the Pops sculpture: Pops is a restaurant along Route 66 in Arcadia that is known for its wide selection of soda. The roadside attraction features a 66-foot-tall, LED-list artistic sculpture of a soda bottle.

Sacred Rain Arrow statue: A photo of the statue was featured on a previous license plate design from 2009 to 2016. The original Sacred Rain Arrow bronze statue is located at Tulsa's Gilcrease Museum.

Waving wheat: It sure smells sweet. Wheat is one of Oklahoma's biggest economic drivers.

Golden Driller: This iconic state monument in Tulsa is one of the country's tallest statues, about half as tall as the Statue of Liberty.

Accenting the panel is a crescent moon with three stars and a pair of fluffy clouds that represent the Oklahoma sky.

Oklahomans react to new license plate design on X

After the new design was announced, residents showed up in the comments on social media with opinions ranging from positive to aggressively negative.

From 'too Russian' to 'way better!': Oklahomans react harshly to new license plate design

Critics were quick to point out the design's similarities to negatively viewed places and groups, such as Russia, Communists and Texas. As for the color of the license plate, University of Oklahoma fans frequently commented that the shade of the plate is too burnt orange for their taste, though Oklahoma State University fans claimed it's too red.

Among the positive comments, most people reflected an appreciation of the historical flag in the design and the readability of a solid color.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt posted on X: "No matter where you drive in America, everyone will see Oklahomas unique identity in an awesome way. Cant wait to see the new license plates out on the roads!"

In the middle of the pack, some commenters merely consider it a step up from the previous scissortail flycatcher design.

"It was time for the bird to go, but this is a bit blah," one Twitter user said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma's new license plate explained: Design shows first state flag
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Organizers of the Red Dress Run released a statement addressing offensive comments made by a former member of the board of directors.

According to the organization, the comments were posted on the Red Dress Run Facebook page about the LGBTQ+ community.

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The post has since been removed.

A former member of the Red Dress Run Board of Directors inadvertently posted a personal

message on the events Facebook page. That posting in no way reflects the attitudes or opinions

of the leadership of this organization. We denounce any and all inflammatory statements or

actions against the LGBTQ+ community. We fully support advancing social justice by advocating

equality for all. We are also a solely volunteer-managed organization that has not and will not

engage in policy or political advocacy of any kind. We regret the insensitive post that appeared on the Red Dress Run social media platform. It was

removed as quickly as possible, and the former Board Member who made the post is no longer

associated with our organization. Our event is a social gathering meant to bring people of all

walks of life together to raise money for those in need. We have raised over $2 million for worthy causes. August 10th is our 30th anniversary run, and we look forward to another successful celebration that will contribute significantly to uniting our community. Red Dress Run Board Of Directors

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The Red Dress Run is an annual charity event hosted by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers to raise money for community causes.

Residents and visitors of New Orleans register each summer to throw on their best red dresses and bar hop through the French Quarter.

2024 will mark the organizations 30th year. On Aug. 10 at 9 a.m., participants will meet at Crescent Park for running, music, food and beer.

Organizers said since its beginning, the event has raised more than $2 million with more than 3,000 participants each year.

To learn more about the event and to register for the run, visit the New Orleans Hash website.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
Osprey crash that killed Mass. native caused by cracks in a gear and pilots decision to keep flying

WASHINGTON (AP)  A deadly Osprey aircraft crash last November off Japan was caused by cracks in a metal gear and the pilots decision to keep flying rather than heed multiple warnings that he should land, according to an Air Force investigation released Thursday.

The CV-22B Osprey crash killed eight Air Force Special Operations Command service members and led to a monthslong military-wide grounding of the fleet. There have been four fatal Osprey crashes in the past two years, driving investigations into the Ospreys safety record and creating a split among the services about the future role of the unique aircraft that can fly like an airplane but land like a helicopter.

For months, the Air Force would only say an unprecedented component failure caused the crash. On Thursday, it said a toothed piece called a pinion gear  a critical part of the proprotor gearbox  was to blame. The proprotor gearbox serves as the aircrafts transmission. Inside each gearbox, five pinion gears spin hard to transmit the engines power to turn the Ospreys masts and rotor blades.

While the Air Force is confident it was the pinion gear that failed, it still does not know why.

But a Pentagon program office in charge of the V-22 Ospreys knew that total loss of aircraft and crew were possible if those proprotor gearbox components failed, lead investigator Lt. Gen. Michael Conley told reporters Wednesday before the reports official release. In a rare move, the investigation also faulted that office, saying it did not share safety data that could have educated crews on the severity of the risk.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Conley said he believed it was the pilots instinct to complete the military exercise that drove his decisions.

To a degree, its a way of life here. I mean, we we want people in this command that that are biased toward yes, biased toward getting the mission done, Conley said. As we went through the investigation, I saw someone that was confident in the aircraft but not cocky.

On the day of the crash, the Osprey was flying along the coast of mainland Japan headed to Okinawa when the first indications of trouble began.

In aircraft, vibrations are monitored as signs of potential trouble. A data recorder noted vibrations on the left side of the driveshaft that links the two engines and acts as a fail safe in case one engine loses power.

A second vibration followed. This time one of the five pinion gears inside the left proprotor gearbox was vibrating.

But pilot Maj. Jeff Hoernemann and his crew never knew about the vibrations because that data can only be downloaded at the end of a flight.

Five minutes after the first vibration, a left proprotor gearbox chip burn warning posted in the cockpit. The warning lets the crew know there was metal flaking coming off the Ospreys gearing, another indication of stress.

Chipping is a common enough occurrence in rotary flight that there is a safety net designed into the Osprey. The chip detector can burn the chips off so they do not travel in the oil and destroy the transmission.

If the burn is successful, the warning clears.

The crew got six chip warnings that day. Each presented an opportunity for Hoernemann to heed the warning and land as a precaution, but he did not, and investigators found that decision was a causal factor in the crash.

When the third chip burn warning posted, the crew was close to mainland Japan and just 10 miles (16 kilometers) from its nearest airfield. The official guidance after three chip burns was to land as soon as practical, guidance that still leaves that decision to the pilots discretion.

According to the voice data recorder, Hoernemann and the crew were looking for secondary indications of a problem, such as the proprotor gearbox overheating, but saw none. So Hoernemann instead directed his co-pilot to keep monitoring the situation and elected to continue the 300-nautical-mile flight over water to Okinawa.

Hoernemann was likely balancing split priorities in his decision-making, the investigation found. He was leading the airborne portion of the military exercise and had spent months planning for it.

Until almost the final minutes of flight, he kept his primary focus on completing the exercise, not the evolving aircraft situation, the investigation found. He rejected his co-pilots suggestions on using an alternative onboard mapping tool to identify the closest airfield to land. Throughout the flight, the co-pilot was also not direct about his uneasiness with the evolving issues, the investigation found, based on the recovered voice data.

The fourth and fifth chip burn warnings came fast. Then with the sixth, escalation: just chips. It meant the Osprey could not burn them off. Land as soon as practical turned into land as soon as possible. Still, the crew members did not act with urgency.

In the final minutes of flight, they had begun to position the aircraft to land. The Osprey was half a mile (0.8 kilometers) from an airfield at Yakushima, flying about 785 feet (240 meters) above the water.

But they elected to hold for local air traffic to take off, even as Hoernemann confirmed over the radio they had an in-flight emergency.

The Osprey gave its final chip-related warning three minutes before the crash: chip detector fail. Hoernemann told the crew he was no longer worried, that he now assumed the earlier warnings were errors due to a faulty chip detector.

Investigators later found the fail message occurred because the detector had so many chips on it, it couldnt keep up, Conley said.

Inside the proprotor gearbox, the pinion gear was breaking apart. At least one piece wedged into the teeth of the larger transmission gearing system, jamming and breaking off gearing teeth until the left proprotor gearbox could no longer turn the Ospreys left proprotor mast.

Within six seconds of the proprotor gearbox failing, catastrophic destruction splintered through the Osprey gearing and interconnected drive system. At that point, there was nothing the crew members could have done to save themselves or the aircraft, the investigation found.

The Osprey rolled violently, inverted twice with its left engine housing on fire and crashed into the water, killing all on board.

Following the crash, crews are now directed to land as soon as practical on a first chip burn and as soon as possible on the second. The joint program office is also working on a new system that would communicate vibration data in real time to pilots, to give them better awareness during flight.

Officials at the Japanese Defense Ministry said one of their Ospreys reported a first chip burn warning last August and made a precautionary landing. After the November crash, Japan grounded its fleet. It has restarted flying operations according to the tighter flight restrictions implemented by the U.S. military  operating within 30 minutes of a landing location and performing more frequent chip checks and maintenance.

The ministry said even though the root cause of the cracking had not been determined, the new precautionary measures suffice.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japans chief cabinet secretary, said at his regular media briefing in Tokyo on Friday: Ensuring flight safety is the highest priority, as confirmed at all levels between Japan and the U.S. We will continue to cooperate closely and strive to ensure thorough safety measures.

He added: By implementing various safety measures in response to the cause of this accident, we believe it is possible to prevent similar incidents occurring in the future.

The V-22 Osprey is jointly produced by Bell Flight and Boeing.

The accident killed Maj. Eric V. Spendlove, 36, of St. George, Utah; Maj. Luke A. Unrath, 34, of Riverside, California; Capt. Terrell K. Brayman, 32, of Pittsford, New York; Tech. Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, 33, of Oviedo, Florida; Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, 25, of Kennesaw, Georgia; Senior Airman Brian K. Johnson, 32, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; Staff Sgt. Jacob M. Galliher, 24, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and Hoernemann, 32, of Andover, Minnesota.

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Over 100 combat clashes recorded at front in past 24 hours, most on Pokrovsk front  Ukrainian General Staff report

Since the start of the day on 2 August, 102 combat clashes have taken place at the front; Pokrovsk and Toretsk remain the most active fronts of the combat zone at the moment.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Quote: "The enemy launched 1 missile strike with 3 missiles, 54 airstrikes, used 52 guided bombs, caused 544 hits with kamikaze drones, and about 3,300 attacks against our forces' positions and settlements using various weapons."

Details: During the day, the Russians mustered six attacks in Hlyboke, Tykhe and Vovchansk on the Kharkiv front, aided by aircraft. Ukrainian soldiers effectively repelled four assaults, with two more combat clashes still underway.

Ukraines defence forces on the Kupiansk front repelled two Russian attacks in the vicinity of Stelmakhivka.

The Russians carried out 10 assaults on the Lyman front, attempting to advance towards the settlements of Makiivka, Terny, and Torske; all attempts were repulsed.

During the day, Ukrainian defenders thwarted nine Russian assaults on the Siversk front, including Ivano-Darivka, Spirne, Verkhnokamianske, Pereizne and Vyimka. Two combat clashes are still ongoing.

There were nine clashes on the Kramatorsk front. The Russians were most active near Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske and Klishchiivka; six attempts to oust Ukrainian forces from their positions were unsuccessful, while three are still ongoing. The situation is under control.

The Russians attempted to penetrate Ukrainian defences on the Toretsk front 15 times with the help of aviation. During the day, Ukrainian defenders repelled 12 assaults in the vicinity of Pivnichne, Toretsk, New-York and Zalizne. Three clashes are still ongoing.

Since the start of the day, 27 offensive and assault actions of the Russians have been repelled on the Pokrovsky front in the settlements of Novooleksandrivka, Vozdvyzhenka, Kalynove, Ivanivka, Zhelanne, and Novoselivka Persha. Three more clashes are ongoing.

On the Kurakhove front, there have been three combat clashes. The Russian forces remain fairly active, attempting to push in the direction of Krasnohorivka and Kostiantynivka.

Five combat clashes took place on the Vremivka front between Vodiane and Velyka Novosilka.

On the Orikhiv front, Ukrainian troops are presently fending off a Russian attack on Novoandriivka.

Ukrainian troops withstood six assaults on the Prydniprovske front. The Russians had no success.

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(NEXSTAR)  All day Sunday, youll be able to visit all of our national parks for free.

Technically, you can visit the majority of the 430 National Park Service sites for free all year long. But on six days in 2024, the entrance fees at the roughly 100 parks that charge them are waived.

Weve already celebrated three such days this year: Jan. 15, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.; April 20, the first day of National Park Week; and June 19, for Juneteenth National Independence Day. After Sunday, there are two more fee-free dates: Sept. 28, to celebrate National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

If you check your calendar though, you may not see a holiday marking Sunday, Aug. 4. And thats largely understandable  but for those in the U.S. Department of Interior, its a big day.

Why do some national parks charge an entrance fee?

Sunday will mark four years since the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was signed into law by former President Donald Trump, providing $900 million annually in oil and gas revenues for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and another $9.5 billion over five years for national park maintenance.

It was the first major financial influx to support NPS infrastructure since 1966, NPS Director Chuck Sims tells Nexstar, adding that it was desperately needed.

So far, Sims says more than 600 infrastructure and historic preservation projects have been completed in more than 260 national parks thanks to the GAOA. Roughly 180 of those are the real large scale, multi-million dollar infrastructure projects, he adds.

That includes a $17.7 million improvement project at Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Next year, officials expect to begin $62 million critical upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure at Death Valley National Park. More work is on the horizon across NPS.

Parkway ranks as the most-visited national park again in 2023: new NPS data

Were working from A to Z, Sims explains. Whether its at Abraham Lincolns birthplace National Historic Park, which has new split rail fencing, or Zion, where were rehabilitating the south camp lands campgrounds, we are working extensively and hard all across the system to ensure that these investments that are being made by the American people have many returns on them.

Sims notes that you may see some of the projects supported by GAOA in progress  they may also interrupt your visit. He recommends planning like a ranger by visiting the parks website before heading out to see what may impact your visit and downloading the NPS app for similar updates and additional details.

If you plan to visit a national park on Sunday to mark the anniversary of GAOA, be sure to note that while admission is free, other amenities and user fees within the park are not waived.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency fuel waiver to help reduce the effects of fuel shortages in four Midwest states.

The request for the waiver was made by governors from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana after oil giant ExxonMobil shut down its oil refinery in Joilet, Illinois, after a storm on 15 July.

The EPA concluded along with the US Department of Energy (DOE) that the waiver is necessary and appropriate action to minimise or prevent disruption of an adequate supply of gasoline for consumers.

The Clean Air Act allows EPA administrator Michael S Regan, in consultation with the DOE, to waive certain fuel requirements to address shortages.

Regan determined that extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances exist as a result of the ExxonMobil refinery shutdown. He granted a temporary waiver to help ensure gasoline supplies in the affected areas until normal supply can be restored.

The closure of the 251,800 barrel-per-day oil refinery has led to increased gasoline prices with a shortage of supply. The waiver is set to temporarily remove requirements on low Reid vapor pressure (RVP) for both conventional and reformulated gasoline until 20 August.

Gasoline with high RVP evaporates more easily that gasoline with low RVP, potentially increasing the amount of ozone pollution and smog build-up. To mitigate impacts on air quality, the Clean Air Act requires that waivers be limited as much as possible in terms of their geographic scope and duration.

According to the American Automobile Association, before the waiver was in place, the price of gasoline across the four states reached more than $3.45/gal. The price is expected to decline now the waiver is in place.

According to data from the US Energy Information Administration, published by Reuters, gasoline stockpiles in the Midwest dropped by 2.3 million barrels over the past two weeks.

The EPA has been known to reject similar fuel waivers in the past.

In March, the EPA denied a petition from the American Petrochemical and Fuel Manufacturers for a partial waiver of the 2023 cellulosic biofuel standard under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Last month, the federal court rejected the EPAs decision in 2022 to deny small oil refineries temporary waivers from the nations biofuels blending programme.

ExxonMobils Joliet refinery is expected to resume operations in August.

"US EPA sets fuel waiver to alleviate gas shortage and high prices" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Over 70 combat engagements have occurred since start of day, most of them near Pokrovsk  Ukraine's General Staff

Ukrainian and Russian forces have clashed 72 times across the war zone since the beginning of the day, with 25 combat engagements occurring on the Pokrovsk front. Additionally, the Russians have dropped 12 guided aerial bombs on the town of Toretsk.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 16:00 on 2 August

Quote: "So far, the number of combat engagements has increased to 72. The situation is most challenging on the Pokrovsk front.

The border areas of Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts came under enemy fire. The aggressor launched attacks near the settlements of Bila Bereza, Prohres, Seredyna-Buda, Stari Vyrky, Katerynivka, Obody and Bleshnia.

Five combat engagements took place on the Kharkiv front since the beginning of the day. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled four attacks near the settlements of Hlyboke, Tykhe and Vovchansk. A combat engagement is still in progress."

Details: On the Kupiansk front, Russian forces attempted to storm Ukrainian positions near the village of Stelmakhivka twice. Ukrainian defenders repelled these attacks.

On the Lyman front, the Russians mounted attacks near the settlements of Makiivka, Nevske and Torske. There have been seven combat engagements in this area since the beginning of the day.

On the Kramatorsk front, Russian troops attempted to push Ukrainian units from their positions five times. Ukrainian soldiers repelled four assaults near the settlements of Klishchiivka and Ivanivske. A combat engagement is still in progress near the war-torn town of Chasiv Yar.

On the Toretsk front, the Russians, supported by attack and bomber aircraft, assaulted Ukrainian positions 10 times. Four combat engagements are currently underway near the settlements of Toretsk, Zalizne and New-York. The Russians have dropped 12 guided aerial bombs on Toretsk since the beginning of the day.

The situation on the Pokrovsk front remains tense. Fierce fighting is taking place near the settlements of Kalynove, Vozdvyzhenka, Novooleksandrivka, Ivanivka, Zhelanne, Serhiivka, Novoselivka Persha and Yasnobrodivka. The Russians have made 25 attempts to storm Ukrainian positions so far.

On the Kurakhove front, the Russians have attacked Ukrainian troops three times since the beginning of the day. They tried to advance near the settlements of Krasnohorivka and Kostiantynivka.

On the Vremivka front, Ukrainian defenders repelled four Russian assaults towards the settlement of Velyka Novosilka. Russian aircraft struck the town of Vuhledar with guided aerial bombs and rockets near the settlements of Makarivka, Urozhaine and Staromaiorske.

The Russians launched four unsuccessful attempts to storm the positions of Ukrainian troops on the Prydniprovske front since the beginning of the day.

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An crash resulting in an overturned tractor trailer late Thursday has shut down the New Jersey Turnpike/Interstate 95 express northbound lanes on the Englewood-Leonia border, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The crash occurred just after 10:30 p.m. near Exit 71 and has blocked all the express north lanes, according to NJ511.org.

There was no immediate word if there were any serious injuries.

Check back for more on this developing story.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Tractor trailer crash shuts down I-95 express north lanes in Bergen
Jeffrey Clark, the Trump-era Justice Department official who advocated for the department to contact Georgia and cast doubt on Donald Trumps 2020 election loss, should face a two-year suspension from practicing law, a disciplinary committee in Washington, DC, said Thursday.

As an environmental lawyer at the Justice Department, Clark tried to push through an official letter to officials in Georgia after the 2020 election, urging the state to interfere with the election results. His superiors at the Justice Department told him no.

The disciplinary committee found Clark included false and misleading information in the letter.

What Mr. Clark did was objectively reckless, but subjectively, the evidence indicated that he thought he had been chosen for a historic cause, to which he applied all of his energies, the three-person hearing committee wrote in its findings.

Clark maintained he believed he could send the letter to Georgia, and even took the stand in his own defense at the disciplinary trial. Then-acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and Deputy Attorney General Richard Donohue also testified in Clarks proceeding, saying the Justice Department didnt find significant fraud in the elections even while Clark insisted it might.

His sincerity of belief does not make him less reckless, the committee wrote in its findings. To the contrary, we conclude that his personal beliefs blinded him from objectively assessing the facts and the reality of his proposed course of action, and caused him to rationalize a broader role for the Department of Justice, failing to distinguish President Trump from candidate Trump.

The disciplinary counsel that brought the case against Clark sought for him to face a severe sanction like disbarment, while Clarks team wanted him to avoid being disciplined.

The recommendation  laid out in a 213-page report after a quasi-trial proceeding  is an early step in the process of attorney discipline.

If the recommendation is adopted, Clark would face less fallout than two other attorneys who may be disbarred for their work for Trump: John Eastman and Rudy Giuliani. The hearing committee wrote in its report that it doesnt believe there was clear and convincing evidence that Mr. Clark was as culpable as those two, who worked privately for Trump after the election.

We cannot recommend sanctioning Mr. Clark from what might be true or what evidence was presented in other cases. We can only recommend sanctioning him for what has been proven in this case by clear and convincing evidence, the report said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A view of the Trocadero venue, with the Eiffel Tower, during the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony - Credit: Francois-Xavier Marit - Pool/Getty Images

Prosecutors in Paris are investigating death threats and harassment directed at Thomas Jolly, the artistic director behind the opening ceremony at the 2024 Olympics, according to The Associated Press.

The investigation was launched, the Paris prosecutors office said, after Jolly filed a police complaint on Tuesday, July 30 (the opening ceremony took place a few days prior, on July 26). Jolly said hed been subjected to death threats, public insults, and defamation and has been the target of threatening messages and insults on social networks criticizing his sexual orientation and his wrongly-assumed Israeli roots.

More from Rolling Stone

Jollys opening ceremony was one of the wildest and most memorable in recent Olympic history. It featured Celine Dions grand return to the stage, Lady Gaga honoring French cabaret icon Zizi Jeanmaire, and French metal greats Gojira performing the revolutionary anthem, Ah! Ca Ira alongside a beheaded and bloodied Marie Antoinette.

It was Jollys intention to deliver a maximalist display that leaned into French cliches and stereotypes. In a previous interview with The AP, he said, When we watch Emily in Paris or Amelie Poulain, we know its not quite the real Paris. Were going to play with all those cliches, but were also going to challenge them. Paris is also a vibrant youth. Different cultures rubbing shoulders in the streets.

But, unsurprisingly, not everyone appreciated the spectacle, especially those on the right. For instance, controversial mens rights figure Andrew Tate tried to claim the beheaded Marie Antoinette scene was Satanic, a suggestion Gojiras Joe Duplantier dismissed outright to Rolling Stone: Its none of that. Its French history. Its French charm, you know, beheaded people, red wine, and blood all over the place  its romantic, its normal.

There was additional uproar over a scene featuring drag queens and dancers at a long table that some argued was a reference to Leonardo da Vincis The Last Supper and, thus, insulting to Christians. Donald Trump even chimed in on this one, calling the scene a disgrace and saying if he was elected president again, thered be no such mockery of The Last Supper at the 2028 games in Los Angeles.

Jolly, however, denied being inspired by the painting. Instead, he said the scene was meant to pay homage to Greek mythology and the origins of the Olympics in ancient Greece.

Jolly has received plenty of support from Olympic officials and local politicians. Following the opening ceremony, a Paris 2024 spokesperson said, Clearly, there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. On the contrary, I think that Thomas Jolly really tried to celebrate community tolerance. We believe that this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry.

Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, also backed Jolly following the news of the investigation into the online harassment against him. Jolly held our values high, she said. It was a pride and an honor for Paris to be able to count on his talent to magnify our city and tell the world who we are.

Jolly is actually the second person to file a police complaint over alleged online harassment related to the opening ceremony after Barbara Butch  a popular DJ and LGBTQ activist who performed during the misinterpreted Last Supper scene  brought one earlier this week.

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The man accused of arson in connection to the Park Fire appeared in Butte County Superior Court on Thursday, but again did not enter a plea to the charges against him.

It was Ronnie Dean Stout II's second court appearance this week to face charges of arson. On Thursday, the public defender representing Stout asked Judge Kristen Lucena for additional time before entering a plea on Stout's behalf, according to District Attorney Mike Ramsey.

Lucena scheduled another date for Stout to return to court for further arraignment at 3 p.m. on Aug. 22, Ramsey said.

The 42-year-old Chico man is accused of intentionally starting a fire in the afternoon of July 24 in Upper Bidwell Park outside Chico.

Witnesses told investigators that they saw a man trying to free his car after it got stuck on top of a rock in a parking area near Big Chico Creek, Ramsey said. A fire started in the tall grass as he was trying to get the car off the rock, Ramsey said.

"The witness did not observe any apparent attempts by the defendant to extinguish the fire. The witness observed defendant enter the driver's side of the vehicle then exit the vehicle and walk around the rear of the vehicle to the front passenger side of the vehicle. The witness then observed defendant physically push the burning vehicle off of the roadway and over the side of a 60-foot embankment," Ramsey said in a statement filed in court.

When the car landed at the bottom of the ravine, "the witness then observed the dry vegetation around the vehicle explode into flames," Ramsey said in the statement.

The blaze became known as the Park Fire, which quickly spread through Butte and Tehama counties and by Friday had consumed nearly 400,000 acres and destroyed 542 structures, making it the fourth-largest fire in state history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Stout allegedly told investigators that he did not intentionally start the fire, that it was an accident and that he walked away from the area without alerting anyone because he was scared.

Stout was denied bail during his first court appearance Monday and remained in jail Thursday. If convicted of the charges, Stout could face a sentence of 25-years to life in prison, Ramsey said.

Reporter Damon Arthur welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834, by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today!

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: No plea from Park Fire arson suspect during second court appearance
The Park Fire has surpassed 2020s SCU Lightning Complex as the fourth-largest fire in the states recorded history as of Friday morning. More than 500 structures have been destroyed and at least 6,700 structures remain threatened by the blaze, Cal Fire reported.

The wildfire has burned 397,629 acres (621 square miles) in just over a week and is 24% contained by fire crews, but critical weather through the weekend may challenge crews as the fire continues to burn in steep, rugged terrain. According to Cal Fire, high temperatures, low relative humidity and strong winds are expected over the weekend, and a chance of thunderstorms in the area may cause erratic fire behavior.

Despite these weather threats, firefighters from across the country are still working to control flames and protect threatened areas, including Lassen National Forest and the Mill Creek community, Cal Fire said Friday morning.

According to Mark Brunton, an operations section chief on the Park Fire, aerial units from Texas, Utah, North Dakota and Nevada assisted in the firefight starting Thursday. On Saturday, Cal Fire will be receiving additional hand crews from the California National Guard to aid in fire suppression, and more will arrive early next week, Brunton said in an operational briefing.

Much of the western side of the fire, roughly up to Highway 36, is being directly attacked well over 200 feet in and crews are now primarily patrolling the area, according to Brunton. Fire crews took advantage of relatively fair weather conditions in recent days to lay direct lines to attack the fire and contingency lines to prevent rapid spread, he said.

Damage inspectors have completed 90% of the assessments of structures, Cal Fire said. Of the 1,712 structures that were in the fires path in Butte and Tehama counties, 542 have been destroyed and an additional 50 were damaged, meaning 34% of the buildings inspected have been affected by the fire; 318 of the destroyed structures were single-family homes, Brunton said.

The communities of Cohasset and Forest Ranch are continuing to be repopulated as Butte, Tehama and Shasta counties have reduced many evacuation orders and warnings in recent days. Much of the areas west and south of the fire are either under a warning or have had evacuations lifted, while the areas to the north and east of the fires perimeter are still under mandatory evacuations.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Pasco County deputies are searching for a missing 11-year-old girl who may be with her mother.

Addison Moorea was last seen Thursday in the Tarpon Springs area, deputies said. She may be with her mother, Michele Kennedy.

Moorea is 4 feet 8 inches and 80 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Kennedy is 5 feet 4 inches with red hair and blue eyes, deputies said.

Kennedy may be driving a 2017 Kia Cadenza with Florida license plate BV60FK.

Anyone with information is asked to call 727-847-8102 and press Option 7.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Work hard, dont forget where you came from, and always get the job done.

Thats what my parents taught me. My dad was a union man, working at Kansas City Power & Light Co. to keep our city moving. It didnt matter if there was a blizzard or a heat wave. He showed up and got the job done. My mom worked multiple jobs to keep our family going  flipping burgers and selling Avon and Mary Kay.

Its those values that helped me pay my own way through college, serve our country abroad as a U.S. diplomat in Pakistan, and return home to Kansas City to help build schools and hospitals that serve our community.

So its been very disappointing to see the lack of hard work and results from lawmakers in Jefferson City.

The headlines are all-too-familiar: dysfunction, gridlock, a refusal to get even basic things done for Kansas City and Missouri. This most recent legislative session was called the least productive in living memory.

Major policy goals have failed, stalled or ground to a halt. Lawmakers couldnt expand child tax credits. They couldnt return Social Security funds to foster kids. Heck, they couldnt even ban child marriage.

Special interests have more say than everyday people. The agenda is driven by far-right activists and social media beef rather than the needs of our families.

When The Missouri Independent calls your record bizarre, something has to change.

If anyone else failed at their job like this, theyd be fired on the spot.

Every day, I hear from voters about their frustration with the gridlock. Kansas Citys voices go unheard. Wherever we look in our community, there are serious issues that need to be addressed. We have a gun violence epidemic, a shortage of health care workers and a glaring need for more accessible housing. Our representatives show up when they need your vote and are never seen again  until the next election.

Ive dedicated the last seven years to delivering construction and development projects that can help address these concerns and improve the quality of life in our city. But its clear that we will never get the change we need unless we have leaders in Jefferson City who are there to do the work.

Look, Im not naive. I know Missouri is a tough place right now for Democrats to pass a truly bold agenda. But just like my dad wasnt afraid to drive into a blizzard to do the necessary work, Im not afraid to head to Jefferson City to build consensus and make positive change.

That means building relationships across the aisle. It means finding common ground, shared goals, and working together to do right by people. As a former diplomat, I certainly know how to bring people together in tough situations.

But more than that, it means showing up in our community and bringing the authentic voices of Kansas Citians to Jefferson City. The voices of people like my parents, who worked so hard to get by and help their kids get ahead. The voices of my childhood friends who experienced gun violence and turf wars. And the voices of all the families in our city who are looking for better opportunities to pass on to their children.

From the moment I set foot in Jefferson City, I promise that I would never stop working for results that help us in Kansas City. Id show up whenever and wherever Im needed to hear your stories and bring your voice to the floor of the Missouri Senate. Thats how were going to end the gridlock, get results and make positive change that makes life better for everyone in Kansas City.

Pat Contreras is a former foreign service officer and vice president at McCownGordon Construction.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY  The race for sheriff here already has become the most expensive local race in county history, with the majority of that fundraising and spending coming from candidates in the hotly contested Aug. 20 Republican primary.

On the same January day former Sheriff Ken Mascara, a Democrat, was sworn in for his sixth term in 2021, Richard Del Toro  then-assistant chief of the Port St. Lucie Police Department  filed to run for the next election, a full four years before he would be sworn in if he were to win.

In the time since, Mascara announced he would not seek reelection; Preston Michael DiFrancesco announced a Republican run; Del Toro was promoted to interim-chief; Mascara abruptly announced his retirement; Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed then-Lt. Keith Pearson to replace Mascara; Pearson filed to run as a Republican; TCPalm filed a pre-suit letter with Pearson related to then-unfulfilled records requests; two other Republican candidates failed to qualif;, and a major supporter of Pearson has filed a lawsuit against Del Toro that also names TCPalm.

None of that even touches on Democrats in the race, all but one of whom failed to qualify, leaving just Steven Giordano to face the eventual Republican nominee in the Nov. 5 general election.

With all active candidates combined, the race has seen more than $1.15 million raised, blowing previous campaign fundraising records in St. Lucie County out of the water.

In a recent interview, Del Toro said the fundraising and endorsements he has seen, which include the union that represents the county's deputies, have blown him away.

"It means the world to me. It's overwhelming. It's a heavy burden because it puts a lot of responsibility on you because you don't want to let these people down," Del Toro said.

Richard Del Toro, Port St. Lucie police chief and St. Lucie County sheriff's candidate, 2024

Del Toro said between his campaign and his political committee he has raised more than $300,000 since Pearson's appointment, more than any other candidate has raised total.

"If that's not an indictment on the fact that they're not happy with what's going on here locally, then I don't know what is," Del Toro said.

Neither Pearson nor DiFrancesco responded to requests to be interviewed for this story.

Preston Michael DiFrancesco

That said, Pearson has grown increasingly critical of Del Toro's endorsements in recent weeks, particularly one from the AFL-CIO, an endorsement that Pearson has said in social media videos shows Del Toro is a "liberal" because the same group also backed President Joe Biden before his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.

Del Toro said the idea that he is a "Joe Biden liberal" is ridiculous, claiming he has met and taken pictures with former President Donald Trump more times than Pearson has.

"I'm a lifelong Republican conservative," Del Toro said. "However, I do believe in serving every single person in this community. I had one endorsement, out of all the different union endorsements that have endorsed me, from the AFL-CIO ... the hardworking men and women that are in the industrial fields of plumbing, electricians  and by the way, they're not all registered Democrats. The majority of them are Republicans. So I find it very insulting."

After the deputies union endorsement, Pearson said he does not need the kinds of endorsements Del Toro has received, which also include the Port St. Lucie officers union and a number of other law enforcement unions.

The new St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson speaks at the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office on Midway Road in Fort Pierce. "It's very humbling but its also very exciting knowing that we are going to be able to be able to continue serving St. Lucie County at this level of excellency," Pearson said at the start of a media interview at the Sheriffs Office on Midway Road on Monday Dec. 4, 2023, in Fort Pierce. The former St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara submitted his resignation on Friday Dec. 1, and he cited ongoing health issues for his departure. Hes currently out of state seeking treatment, he noted.

"The only endorsement Im seeking is the one from the people who want a no-nonsense, call-it-like-it-is, lock-the-bad- guys-up sheriff  which I am, every day," Pearson said in an email at the time.

Pearson has, on social media and in his campaign literature, suggested that he has the backing of DeSantis. Though the governor did appoint Pearson to replace Mascara, he has made no endorsement in the race.

Beyond discussion of the political mudslinging that has taken place, Del Toro laid out a number of priorities if he is elected sheriff.

"My priority is implementing a standard of performance at the Sheriff's Office that is going to transform St Lucie County into the safest county in the state of Florida, but also making the St Lucie County Sheriff's Office the premier agency, not only in the state of Florida, but the entire United States," Del Toro said.

Specifically, Del Toro said, he would like to see the Sheriff's Office receive international accreditation. The Port St. Lucie Police Department is one of only about 800 law enforcement agencies in the country, out of about 18,000, to have that accredittion.

The Sheriff's Office once had it, but lost it, Del Toro said.

"To be internationally accredited, you have to have 400 or more best policies and practices in place, and an outside commission is going to come in and evaluate your agency," Del Toro said. "To be the very best, to be premier, you have to have the high standards in law enforcement."

More: Dirty tricks? St. Lucie County voters shouldn't be deceived by misleading MAGA mailout

More: TCPalm Editorial Board recommendation 2024: St. Lucie County sheriff | Our View

Del Toro also emphasized transparency, trust and professionalism.

"We've got to restore that integrity, public trust, that accountability, that professionalism and transparency in the Sheriff's Office," Del Toro said. "That is just so critical for doing what we want to do, for our overall vision and making this county the safest county. You can't do that without public trust."

ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

Position: Sheriff

Term: Four years

Salary: $211,732

Who can vote: St. Lucie County registered Republican voters

Next steps: The winner on Aug. 20 will face Democrat Steven Giordano in the Nov. 5 general election.

Keith Pearson, incumbent

Age: 41

Profession: St. Lucie County sheriff

Time in office: Appointed December 2023

Richard Del Toro

Age: 47

Profession: Interim chief of the Port St. Lucie Police Department

Time in office: None

Preston Michael DiFrancesco

Age: 56

Profession: Construction, former corrections deputy and Fort Pierce police officer

Time in office: None

Wicker Perlis is TCPalm's Watchdog Reporter for St. Lucie County. You can reach him at wicker.perlis@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Sheriff race preview: three Republicans face off in St. Lucie County
By Bhanvi Satija and Sneha S K

(Reuters) -All doses of Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug Zepbound and diabetes drug Mounjaro are now available, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's updated shortage list showed on Friday.

However, the regulator has not yet removed the drugs off its shortage list.

Lilly's Mounjaro has been on the U.S. FDA's shortage list since late 2022, while Zepbound was added to the list in April this year.

The FDA continues to actively monitor drug availability and work with the company to ensure a stable supply of safe and effective drugs, the agency stated in an email.

The health regulator added that even when all doses of a drug are listed as available, additional criteria are considered before moving a drug off the shortages list.

These criteria include whether backorder's have been fulfilled and if the supply is meeting demand.

"All doses of Mounjaro and Zepbound are listed as available on the FDA's website which is consistent with our previous statements that supply would steadily improve toward the latter half of 2024," a spokesperson for Eli Lilly told Reuters.

Surging demand for Mounjaro and Zepbound has led Lilly to invest billions of dollars in boosting their production of these drugs. Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, which makes rival drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, is also working to ramp up supply.

Originally developed for diabetes, GLP-1 therapies have shown to reduce weight by up to 20% in trials. Some analysts estimate that the market for these therapies could hit $150 billion in revenues by the early 2030s.

Several doses of Novo's Ozempic and Wegovy, both chemically known as semaglutide, have been on the U.S. health regulator's shortage list since early 2022.

Currently, all doses of diabetes drug Ozempic are available in the United States, while three doses of Wegovy remain in limited supply.

(Reporting by Bhanvi Satija and Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli and Tasim Zahid)
Anne Fogel, of Missoula, Montana, stands on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, July 13, 2023, between meetings with U.S. senators about securing the release of her brother, Marc Fogel, who has been detained in Russia since August 2021. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

Anne Fogel, of Missoula, Montana, stands on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, July 13, 2023, between meetings with U.S. senators about securing the release of her brother, Marc Fogel, who has been detained in Russia since August 2021. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

Anne Fogel is tired.

Her brother Marc Fogel, a teacher, was detained in Russia in 2021, for possession of marijuana that had been prescribed for his chronic back pain. In 2022 he was sentenced to serve 14 years hard labor in a Russian penal colony.

When Fogel and her family started hearing late Wednesday that American prisoners in Russia were being moved, they immediately reached out to as many members of Congress as they could, to plead, yet again, for her brothers release.

It was not to be.

He learned this  you can imagine, hes in a Russian prison. He learns this over Russian television that theyre releasing these Americans, Fogel said in an interview with the Capital-Star on Friday. And he is  hes undone.

Fogel, 63, was not part of the Thursday prisoner swap that freed Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and 14 others, which his family called a glaring injustice, placing blame with the U.S. government.

For the second time in three years since Marc Fogels detention in Russia, we are completely heartbroken and outraged that Marc has been left behind while the U.S. government brought other Americans home, the Fogel family said in a statement Thursday, in which it sent well wishes to the Gershkovich and Whelan families.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a briefing with White House reporters Thursday that the administration was going to build on Thursdays prisoner releases, drawing inspiration and continued courage from it for all those who are held hostage or wrongfully detained around the world. And that includes Marc Fogel, who we are actively working to get his release from Russia as well.

Anne Fogel said President Joe Biden has never called her family to talk about Marcs case, and they dont have any insights into how things have or have not progressed.

My mother is a Roman Catholic; so is the President. Hes a Pennsylvania guy, she said His wife is a teacher. Marc has worked in these international embassy schools for his whole career. Its shameful.

In addition to the physical toll his imprisonment is taking, Anne Fogel worries that her brothers mental state is deteriorating as well.

Lawmakers push for Fogels release

Western Pennsylvania lawmakers from both sides of the aisle on Thursday called on the Biden administration to continue to work for Fogels release.

U.S. Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-16th District), Chris Deluzio (D-17th District), and Guy Reschenthaler (R-14th District) released a joint statement early Thursday before details of the prisoner release were known, urging any swap to include Fogel.

But after it became clear Fogel was not among those to be released, Deluzio said he was frustrated and saddened by the news.

The sad reality that Marc Fogel is not headed back to Western Pennsylvania makes this a crushing day for his family, our community, and all who have been in the fight to try and bring him home, he said.

Biden said in a statement Thursday that he will not stop working until every American wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world is reunited with their family, noting his administration had brought home more than 70 such Americans and that he had no higher priority as President than bringing them home.

In brief remarks to reporters on Thursday, Biden was asked about Marc Fogel. Were not giving up on  were not giving up on that, he said, but declined to provide further details. Do you want me to tell you ahead of time so he doesnt get out? he added.

The White House referred a request for comment Friday to the National Security Council, which did not immediately reply to the Capital-Stars questions.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) said Thursday that he has asked the administration over the past several years to prioritize Marc Fogels release as it has with other Americans arrested in Russia. While Marcs name may not be in the news every day, he is no less deserving of a reunion with his family, Casey said in a statement. I have not forgotten about Marc, and I will never give up on bringing him home. I urge everyone who fought to bring Evan and Paul home to now work to do the same for Marc.

In July 2023, Casey introduced a bipartisan resolution calling for Fogels immediate release, which passed the Senate unanimously in June 2024. In August 2022, Casey sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the State Department to designate Fogel as wrongfully detained, which would be key to securing his release.

Wrongfully detained status and why its important

A bipartisan group of Pennsylvanias U.S. House delegation introduced the Marc Fogel Act last year, to amend the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act. It would require the State Department to be more transparent about how it designates Americans held prisoner overseas as being wrongfully detained.

That designation triggers actions across government agencies that prioritize the release of an American detained abroad, and provides the detained persons family members with a liaison to the State Department called a family engagement coordinator. The Levinson Act describes the 11 criteria for the designation of wrongfully detained status, and Pennsylvania lawmakers have argued that Fogel meets six of the criteria.

The Fogel family has seen this same administration refuse to designate Marc as wrongfully detained under the Levinson Act without a reasonable explanation, Fogels family said Thursday.

Fogels mother Malphine, 95, filed a lawsuit against Blinken and the State Department in June saying it had actively deterred the family from pursuing wrongfully detained designation.

Anne Fogel said her mother is determined to continue to push for Marcs release. Malphine Fogel appealed to former President Donald Trump, but Anne said the family doesnt see this as a partisan issue, it just wants to find any way it can to bring her brother home.

Shes 95 but she doesnt act it, Anne Fogel said Friday. My mom is hanging on to see her son. And my sister and I have to do everything possible to make that happen.

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U.S. to send more warships, fighter jets to Middle East to bolster defenses

A F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet is catapulted off the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) aircraft carrier in Southern Red Sea, Middle East

A F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet is catapulted off the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) aircraft carrier in Southern Red Sea, Middle East

By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. military will deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East, the Pentagon said on Friday, as Washington seeks to bolster defenses following threats from Iran and its allies Hamas and Hezbollah.

The U.S. is bracing for Iran to make good on its vow to respond to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh two days ago in Tehran - one in a series of killings of senior figures in the Palestinian militant group as the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had approved sending additional Navy cruisers and destroyers-- which can shoot down ballistic missiles-- to the Middle East and Europe.

It is also sending an additional squadron of fighter jets to the Middle East.

"Austin has ordered adjustments to U.S. military posture designed to improve U.S. force protection, to increase support for the defense of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies," the Pentagon said in a statement.

There had been speculation that the Pentagon might not replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group in the Middle East once it completed its ongoing deployment. But Austin decided to rotate in the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier strike group to replace it.

The Pentagon statement added it would increase readiness to deploy more land-based ballistic missile defenses.

The U.S. military also intensified deployments prior to April 13, when Iran launched an attack on Israeli territory with drones and missiles. Still, the threat from Hezbollah in Lebanon could present unique challenges to any efforts by the United States to intercept drones and missiles given the group's vast arsenal and immediate proximity to Israel.

At the time, Israel successfully knocked down almost all of the roughly 300 drones and missiles with the help of the United States and other allies.

Biden, in a phone call on Thursday with Netanyahu, discussed new U.S. defensive military deployments to support Israel against threats such as missiles and drones, the White House said.

Iran and Hamas have both accused Israel of carrying out the killing and have pledged to retaliate against their foe. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it.

Haniyeh's death was one in a series of killings of senior Hamas figures as the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel nears its 11th month and concern grows that the conflict is spreading across the Middle East.

Earlier, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said the U.S. did not believe escalation was inevitable.

"I think we are being very direct in our messaging that certainly we don't want to see heightened tensions and we do believe there is an off ramp here and that is that ceasefire deal," Singh said.

An Israeli delegation will travel to Cairo in coming days for negotiations to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; editing by Diane Craft and David Gregorio)
Can people under 21 legally drink with their parents in SC? Heres what the law says

Although the federal drinking age is 21 in the United States, many states have exemptions for certain situations.

In South Carolina, its generally illegal to give a person under the age of 21 alcohol to consume, but the law does carve out a few exceptions.

According to South Carolinas Code of Laws, a parent or guardian over the age of 21 can give their children under the age of 21 alcohol in their home. Likewise, a person 21 years of age or older can give their spouse under 21 years of age alcohol in their home.

The law also allows a person to give lawfully-purchased alcohol to someone under the age of 21 for a religious ceremony or purpose.

Theres also a provision for students who have to taste, but not consume alcoholic beverages for classes. People over the age of 18 studying at an accredited college or university who are enrolled in a culinary course approved by the State Commission on Higher Education can taste alcoholic beverages for instructional purposes during classes.

Its important to note that, while the law allows students to taste alcoholic beverages in the course curriculum, students cant actually consume the alcohol. In these situations, an instructor over the age of 21 has to remain in possession and control of the alcohol at all times.

Besides these exceptions, giving someone under 21 years old alcohol is a misdemeanor in South Carolina. For a first offense, a violator will be fined between $200 and $300, imprisoned for up to 30 days or both. Each subsequent offense, a violator will be fined between $400 and $500, imprisoned up to 30 days or both.

Under South Carolina law, a person under the age of 21 consuming alcohol outside of these exempted situations is also guilty of a misdemeanor and will be fined between $100 and $200, imprisoned for up to 30 days or both. They also have to complete an alcohol education course approved by the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS).

The DAODAS considers underage drinking one of South Carolinas top health issues. Roughly 85 South Carolinians under the age of 21 die every year from alcohol use, according to the department.
Details released on death of 8-year-old on flight diverted to Peoria in June

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood has released more information related to what led to the death of an 8-year-old whose illness forced a plane to make an emergency stop at the Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport in June.

According to Harwood, Sydney Westons cause of death was determined to be complications of chronic primary adrenalitis in the setting of multiple infections, including Strep and Enterovirus.

The infections caused an acute adrenal insufficiency crisis in the presence of chronic adrenal disease, according to Harwood.

Weston also had duodenitis and thyroiditis, which involves inflammation in part of the small intestine and thyroid glands. Harwood stated that these diagnoses are associated with having an autoimmune disorder when your immune system attacks healthy cells.

Autopsy results for 8-year-old girl who died after emergency landing inconclusive

The girl from Carl Junction, Missouri was on United Express 5121 which was heading to OHare International Airport on June 13 when the flight had to make an emergency landing in Peoria.

Westons family immediately notified the flight personnel of her condition and began giving aid on the flight. She was not breathing and had no pulse when she landed in Peoria.

Crews were ready to give aid as soon as the flight landed and transported her to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria where, despite aggressive resuscitative efforts, she was pronounced dead at 8:05 a.m. on June 14.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A Peoria father who pleaded guilty to murder in May was sentenced Friday to seven decades behind bars for murdering his 2-year-old daughter in early 2022.

Illinois States Attorney Jodi Hoos announced in a Friday press release that in an emotional hearing, 27-year-old Shamari Williams was sentenced to 70 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for murdering his 2-year-old daughter, Emorri Green, in February 2022.

Williams initially pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the Feb. 1, 2022, death of his daughter who police said was repeatedly struck with a belt.

Police responded to a 911 call that morning in the 1000 block of Perry Avenue in the citys North Valley neighborhood regarding an unresponsive child who was not breathing. When officers arrived, they said they started CPR on the child and noticed several bruises on her body.

Unfortunately, the officers efforts were unsuccessful, and the child was pronounced dead inside the home shortly after.

In a later interview, Williams admitted to detectives that the incident happened because he became upset with his daughter after she urinated twice on a couch in the living room. He spanked her with his hand and then about 15-20 times with a belt. Police took him into custody and later announced charges against him for first-degree murder.

At Williams initial bond hearing, prosecutors told the judge that they believed the girl was struck at least two dozen times. And a pediatrician later reported that there were several areas of bleeding on the girls brain and contusions to her liver, lungs and pancreas.

Peoria dad pleads guilty to murdering 2-year-old daughter

A pathologist also refuted Williams initial claims, saying in court that the childs internal injuries could have only been caused by a significant amount of force like a punch or a kick, according to court records.

Assistant States Attorney Donna Cruz argued that the childs last moments were a nightmare and caused by her father. Her mother addressed Williams in court, calling him pathetic and stating that Emorri did not deserve such betrayal from the person who was supposed to protect and love her, according to court records.

Chief Judge Katherine Gorman called this case one of the saddest cases she had ever seen, adding during her sentencing, to say you failed is an understatement.

April trial date set for Peoria dad accused of murder

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
A concept design for a mixed-use building developers want to build on the 4.1-acre former Shopko site in De Pere.

DE PERE  Redevelopment of the De Pere Shopko site will begin with a $13 million, 64-unit apartment building and a city-built parking garage, according to an agreement up for City Council review.

De Pere 230 Development Partners LLC would start its multi-year, multibuilding redevelopment of the former Shopko store and parking lot at 230 N. Wisconsin St. with construction of a five-story apartment building with 6,500-square feet of first-floor commercial space, according to the development agreement. The plans call for hundreds of housing units, first-floor retail space, public amenities, a parking garage and a hotel.

The former big box building was demolished in December to prepare the site for new construction.

The apartment building would sit on the northeastern corner of the 4.1 acre property bound roughly by Michigan Street to the east, William Street to the north, Broadway Street to the west and James Street to the south. The agreement calls for the building to generate a projected $13 million in new taxable property value on the site.

The city would undertake several infrastructure improvements to prepare the site for future phases of redevelopment and provide as much as $3.3 million in financial assistance to the developers. The agreement also involves some property transfers related to the infrastructure work.

The De Pere City Council will consider the agreement and its terms when it meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at De Pere City Hall, 335 S. Broadway St. The council will only consider the development agreement terms; it does not include detailed building plans or other specifics.

Emails requesting interviews with Dan Lindstrom, De Pere's director of development services, and Jason Tadych, a member of De Pere 230 Development Partners LLC, were not returned as of Friday afternoon.

Ahead of the meeting, here's a look at 3 projects tied up in the agreement and a look back at how we got here.

Redevelopment of the De Pere Shopko property would start with a 64-apartment, five-story building identified on the above overhead map as "Building F" under an agreement up for City Council review in August 2024.

Apartment building would be completed by end of 2026

De Pere 230 Development Partners LLC would start the redevelopment effort with Building F on the northeastern portion of the site.

The five-story, mixed-use building would include studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and 6,500 square feet of commercial or retail space on the first floor. Terms of the agreement call for the developers to start construction by Jan. 1, 2025 and complete the building by Jan. 1, 2027.

The city would provide a $2 million financial incentive to the developer and sign a $1 million municipal revenue obligation under which the city pay the developers a fixed, annual payment plus 4% interest. De Pere also agreed to apply to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. for a $250,000 Community Development Investment Grant to support the project.

Terms of the agreement also require the developers to create at least $13 million of property value on the site by a set date. If the new building is not worth that amount, the developers have agreed to make a minimum annual property tax payment that will cover the city's borrowing costs related to the financial incentives.

Downtown De Pere will get a parking garage

The city would also agree to build a parking garage just south of the new apartment building.

The structure would include a pedestrian entrance on the north side of the structure, facing the new apartment building. The parking structure would be an estimated 17 feet high on the north end of the building and about 36 feet high on the south end of the structure.

The city would have to provide copies of the parking structure plans to the developers by the end of 2024 and finish construction on the parking garage by May 31, 2026.

There are some unknowns, still: The agreement terms do not indicate how many parking spaces the parking garage will have, nor what it will cost the city.

An aerial rendering of the proposed redevelopment of the 4.1-acre Shopko site at 230 N. Wisconsin St., in De Pere. The six buildings would include a hotel, apartments, condominiums, office space, retail space and a parking garage.

Public improvements also include new streets and land sales

The city also agrees to purchase three chunks of the property from De Pere 230 Development Partners, the exact sizes of which have yet to be determined.

Purchasing the three segments would give the city the land it needs to build the aforementioned parking garage and reconnect the Shopko site into the surrounding street grid. De Pere would purchase the required land for $25 per square-foot. The total amount of land the city needs, and thus the total price it will pay, would be determined by further survey and design work.

The road construction involved includes extending William Street east through the site to connect it with a segment of William Street east of the Shopko property and extending North Wisconsin Street south from William Street to James Street.

The city would need to complete the road construction by the time the apartment building is finished.

The former Shopko store, which has been vacant more than four years, is pictured on Aug. 2, 2023, in De Pere, Wis.

De Pere Shopko was one of the now-defunct chain's earliest stores

The De Pere Shopko was built in 1967 on the onetime site of the Broadway Garage, the original home of Broadway Automotive, which recently became Broadway by Bergstrom Automotive.

The store was originally a PayLess Discount Store, another retail brand launched by Shopko founder James Ruben, with some elements of a Shopko store inside, according to an April 1968 Press-Gazette story. Pay-Less should not be confused with Payless Shoesource, a different retail company.

By May 1968, the store was rebranded as "Shopko South." Shopko "west" was the first store on South Military Avenue and Shopko "east" was at 1819 Main St., now a Pick 'n Save.

It would remain a Shopko until May 2019 when the location's liquidation sale ended, about a month before the final Shopko stores shut down due to bankruptcy.

Contact Jeff Bollier at (920) 431-8387 or jbollier@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at@JeffBollier.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: De Pere Shopko revamp to start with 64 apartments, parking garage
FILE-Jeff Sharp tosses flood-damaged flooring into a pile Feb. 19, 2020, as he helps his brother clean up after the Pearl River sent water into homes in Jackson, Miss. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in August 2024 is wrapping up a public comment period on its proposals for flood control measures in the Jackson area, and the agency could make final recommendations by the end of the year. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  Flooding left squishy, stinky messes in hundreds of homes in Mississippi's capital city in 2020  a recurring problem when heavy rains push the Pearl River over its banks.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it intends to make a final recommendation by the end of this year on flood-control plans for the Pearl River Basin in the Jackson area, after decades of discussion among local, state and federal officials.

The biggest point of contention is whether to develop a new lake near Jackson. It would would be south of, and smaller than, a reservoir built outside the city more than 60 years ago.

While Jackson-area residents and business owners are pushing for flood mitigation, people are also expressing concern about the potential environmental impact in areas downstream in both Mississippi and Louisiana.

The corps is wrapping up a public comment period on a report it released in June, which included several flood-control proposals such as elevating, flood-proofing or buying out some homes in the Jackson area; development of a new lake; or the addition of levees.

During a hearing last month, Deion Thompson told corps officials he had to evacuate his northeast Jackson home because of the 2020 flooding. He said he wants to protect houses without destroying the environment.

Were just sitting ducks waiting for the next flood to happen, said Thompson, who has lived in the same neighborhood for more than 20 years.

The Pearl River originates northeast of Jackson and flows about 490 miles (789 kilometers) through central and southern Mississippi and south Louisiana before draining into the Mississippi Sound, Lake Borgne and the Gulf of Mexico.

The Jackson area also experienced significant floods in 1961, 1979, 1982 and 1983, with some impact along the Pearl River downstream.

During a public hearing in Slidell, Louisiana, Gerald Morris said he has lived in Slidell since 1977 and experienced floods in 1979 and 1983. He said he has a bachelors degree in geological engineering, a masters degree in geophysics and doctoral degree in earth sciences.

If you can show that your various options that youre looking at as far as dredging and all would reduce the amount of water coming down into the flood plain of the Pearl River, then it might be acceptable," Morris said. "But until you can do that, then I am violently opposed to any sort of increase in the amount of water coming down from Mississippi into the Louisiana coast.

Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker is among the Mississippi officials who have pushed for federal funding to improve flood control in the Jackson area.

Four members of Louisianas congressional delegation sent a letter Monday to Michael Connor, assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, about how flood-control proposals for central Mississippi could impact their state.

In Southeast Louisiana, our unique landscape, created in part by the Pearl River system, is essential to our way of life, culture, and economy, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Rep. Troy Carter and Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy said in the letter.

Before this project is allowed to move forward, we need to know that it will not decrease the water flow downriver, impact our coastal restoration efforts, or result in additional flooding in areas downriver from the proposed project," the Louisiana officials wrote.

A governing board in central Mississippi, the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District, has advocated the development of a new 1,700-acre (688-hectare) lake along the Pearl River by Jackson. This proposal is called the One Lake project because it is an alteration of a proposal years ago to create two new lakes.

The Corps of Engineers' report said construction of One Lake would cost between $1 billion and $2.1 billion, and the expense would be too high for the amount of flood protection the lake would provide.

The engineers' report had alternatives that would cost less, including a scaled-back proposal for a new lake that would not encompass environmentally sensitive areas.

Greg Divinity, a pastor in Jackson, said officials have been talking about improving flood-control measures since he was a junior in high school.

Now, my grandbabies are juniors in high school, Divinity said during the Jackson hearing as he urged the Corps of Engineers to move forward with a plan. If we continue to kick the can down the road, my grandchildrens grandchildren will be juniors in high school and will still be kicking this can down the road."
A person died after using kratom product, FDA says. Agency warns not to use it

A kratom product thats sold in some stores and available to buy online should be avoided, the Food and Drug Administration is warning after one users death.

The FDA recently learned a person died after consuming OPMS Black Liquid Kratom  one of several serious reports linked to the product advertised as a kratom extract, according to a July 26 FDA alert.

Kratom, or mitragyna speciosa, is a tree that grows naturally in Southeast Asia, where its been used for centuries, and can be consumed in a variety of ways. In the U.S., products containing kratom are marketed as having therapeutic benefits, but they arent legal.

Anyone who has purchased OPMS Black Liquid Kratom should not use it, the FDA says.

In addition to one reported death, OPMS Black Liquid Kratom is also linked to serious adverse health effects, including withdrawal symptoms, addiction, digestive problems, aggression, heightened anxiety and restless leg syndrome, according to the FDA.

The product is central to a Georgia familys lawsuit over the death of 23-year-old Ethan Pope in December 2021, McClatchy News previously reported.

Pope died after consuming OPMS Black Liquid Kratom, according to the lawsuit, which says his friends found him dead in his home.

Attorney Matt Wetherington, whos representing Popes family, told McClatchy News on Aug. 2 that the case is ongoing.

The FDAs consumer alert on OPMS Black Liquid Kratom is a rare and serious action that demands our full attention, Wetherington said in a statement.

OPMS Kratom is promoted by the American Kratom Association, which denounced the FDAs recent warning about OPMS Black Liquid Kratom in a July 29 news release.

The organization is calling on the agency to remove the alert, accusing the FDA of not independently verifying the claims about the persons death.

Kratom products should be proven safe before widespread use, not the other way around, Wetherington said.

People use kratom for a variety of purposes, including to self-treat pain, anxiety, depression, opioid use and opioid withdrawal, the FDA says. About 1.7 million Americans ages 12 and older were estimated to be kratom users in 2021.

In smaller doses, kratom can produce stimulant effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If taken in higher doses, it can produce effects similar to opioids.

The FDA says there is not enough information available that can ensure kratom products in the U.S. are safe and havent been adulterated.

The agency said it will continue to monitor emerging data trends to better understand the substance and its components.

In July 2023, a federal judge in Florida ordered a kratom distributor to pay more than $11 million in damages to the family of Krystal Talavera, who died after using kratom, according to a lawsuit, McClatchy News reported.

Talavera, a mother of four who worked as a nurse in West Palm Beach, had consumed a kratom product labeled Space Dust, the lawsuit says.

Following an autopsy, her official cause of death was listed as acute mitragynine intoxication by the Palm Beach County coroner, according to the lawsuit.

In December, a Tampa Bay Times investigation found more than 580 Florida residents have died from consuming kratom in the past 10 years.

Wethernigton said kratom needs strict oversight.

To report an adverse reaction to a product, the FDA advises calling a consumer complaint coordinator or filling out a Voluntary MedWatch form.

Man died after using kratom sold at smoke shop, attorneys say. Family suing for $10M

Dad found dead in living room after using kratom, lawsuit says. Jury awards family $2.5M

Kratom is sold in many states  but is the herb safe for pain relief? What experts say
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A person suffered severe injuries after they were rescued from the canal at the Border Highway Friday morning, Aug. 2, in South Central El Paso, according to the El Paso Fire Department.

The Fire Department says its water rescue team responded just after 4 a.m. at the Cesar Chavez Border Highway and Midway to reports of a person in need of assistance.

A person with severe injuries was then rescued and was transported to medical care, according to the Fire Department.

No further information has been released.

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Four years ago, he was the millennial mayor of one of the smallest cities in America, and now Pete Buttigieg is being eyed as a possible running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Buttigieg, Biden's transportation secretary, has been coy about his potential for the role but has not ruled it out.

"I'm flattered to be mentioned in this context," he told ABC's "The View" on Friday. "It's a very important choice and she's going to make the choice that is right for her, the ticket and the campaign, but most of all for the country. "

He has come a long way from his hometown of South Bend, Indiana, to his mark as a Cabinet member in Washington, D.C.

Buttigieg, 42, graduated from St. Joseph High School in 2000 and then Harvard University four years later. He then studied at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes scholar, graduating in 2007 with a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics.

PHOTO: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offers remarks on the continued flight disruptions affecting Delta Air Lines passengers and DOT's investigation into Delta, at the U.S. Department of Transportation, on July 23, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Rod Lamkey/AP)

Buttigieg worked for a consulting firm after graduating from Oxford, taking a year off in 2008 to work on the campaign staff for Jill Long Thompson's bid for Indiana governor.

MORE: Election 2024 updates

He joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 2009 and was assigned to the Naval Intelligence Office. Buttigieg's first major political campaign was in 2010 when he ran for Indiana state treasurer but lost to incumbent Richard Mourdock.

The next year, he ran for mayor of South Bend and won with over 74% of the vote, becoming known as "Mayor Pete." When he assumed office in 2011, the then-29-year-old Buttigieg became the second-youngest mayor in South Bend history and the youngest mayor of a U.S. city with at least 100,000 residents.

He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 for seven months as part of his reserve duties.

Buttigieg successfully ran for reelection in 2015. .That same year he came out as gay, making him the first openly LGBTQ South Bend mayor. He would marry Chasten Glezman in 2018 and the couple would adopt fraternal twins in September 2021.

Buttigieg first set his sights on national office in 2017 when he vied to be the chair of the Democratic National Committee. He eventually dropped out of the race on the day of the election.

In 2019, Buttigieg announced he was running for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential election. Despite his relatively unknown status on the national stage compared to then-former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, Buttigieg's polling ranked him high as the campaign went on, especially following his performance in the Democratic primary debates.

PHOTO: In this Feb. 25, 2020, file photo, Democratic presidential candidate former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg reacts during the Democratic presidential primary debate at the Charleston Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina. (Win McNamee/Getty Images, FILE)

He went on to win the 2020 Iowa caucus and came second in the New Hampshire primary. Buttigieg would not have the same success in other primary races and bowed out of the race on March 1, 2020.

MORE: Who could Kamala Harris pick as VP if she wins the Democratic nomination?

Buttigieg would become a strong surrogate for the Biden-Harris campaign throughout the election, going viral on occasions for his interviews with conservative media discussing the Democrats' position. He also helped Harris prepare for her vice-presidential debate against Mike Pence.

Biden nominated Buttigieg to transportation secretary and he was confirmed by the Senate in February 2021. Buttigieg has pushed for improved road safety and worked to clear up the supply chain issues that affected consumer goods in 2021.

Buttigieg has continued to be a surrogate for the Biden-Harris campaign and has defended them against GOP criticism.

PHOTO: In this May 13, 2022, file photo, Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a meeting with Pete Buttigieg, U.S. secretary of transportation, at the State Department, in Washington, D.C. (Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE)

During an appearance on "Fox News Sunday" on July 28, Buttigieg brushed back against GOP claims that the influx of migrants has led to an increase in crime, stating that crime has gone down, and flipped the age attack line that Trump had used to hit Biden against the former president.

MORE: Video Pete Buttigieg weighs in ahead of Harris VP selection

"Im pretty sure voters are worried about the age and acuity of President Trump compared to Kamala Harris who represents a generation younger," Buttigieg said. "And how can anybody not watch the things hes saying, the rambling on the trail, and not be just a little bit concerned."

Buttigieg has been seen as a potential running mate for Harris and has had the support of some Democrats, such as South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn.

Who is Pete Buttigieg, a possible Harris VP pick? originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(Reuters)  The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating chip giant Nvidia's (NVDA) buyout of AI startup Run:ai on antitrust grounds, Politico reported on Thursday, citing five people with direct knowledge of the matter.

Nvidia shares fell over 3% in premarket trading on Friday, after ending Thursday's session 6.7% lower.

Nvidia announced the acquisition of the Israeli firm in April for around $700 million, according to a report by TechCrunch.

Run:ai's technology allows developers and teams to manage and optimize their artificial intelligence infrastructure.

"We'll continue to support aspiring innovators in every industry and market and are happy to provide any information regulators need," an Nvidia spokesperson said.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

U.S. antitrust enforcers have been closely examining Big Tech acquisition activity due to concerns that the concentration of new technologies in the hands of a few companies could stifle competition.

Reuters reported last month that the French antitrust regulator was set to charge Nvidia for alleged anti-competitive practices.

Nvidia's profits and revenues have soared over the past year as its processors become the gold standard in the chip industry due to their ability to power AI applications, including training models like ChatGPT.

(Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid)
Peter Buxtun: he saw in the Tuskegee Study echoes of Nazi human experiments during the Second World War - Liz Hafalia

Peter Buxtun, who has died aged 86, was the whistleblower who exposed Americas most infamous medical research scandal, a 40-year federal experiment conducted on 399 black men with syphilis to see what would happen if the disease were left untreated.

The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male had been started in 1932 by the US Public Health Service in Tuskegee, Alabama, which then had the highest rate of syphilis in the United States. Six hundred black patients (including a syphilis-free control group of 201) were promised free meals, medical care and burial insurance if they participated in a mysterious study and allowed their bodies to be autopsied.

The patients with syphilis were not told of their diagnosis, just that they had bad blood. Later, they were not offered penicillin, even though by 1943 this had been found to be an effective cure. When 256 of the infected patients were diagnosed with syphilis by the Armed Forces on being drafted in the Second World War, their treatment was blocked at the request of the scientists.

The study  later characterised in the 1980 book Bad Blood as the longest non-therapeutic experiment on human beings in medical history  was no secret in the medical world, and had already been cited in a dozen journals (albeit with the patients misleadingly referred to as volunteers) when Buxtun got wind of it in 1965.

Men involved in the Tuskegee Study pictured in the 1950s - National Archives via AP

He was working as a contact tracer for syphilis and gonorrhoea in San Francisco for the Public Health Service, so when he heard anecdotally about a doctor who had being upbraided by the National Communicable Disease Center (CDC) for having spoiled a Tuskegee participant by treating him for syphilis, Buxtun was confused. Why was the disease being encouraged?

He requested details and was given a manila envelope of round-up reports. He realised that it was an autopsy-oriented study. They wanted these guys dead on a pathology table.

Buxtun did not fit the profile of a 1960s activist. Far from being on the radical Left, he was a libertarian Republican and an enthusiastic gun-owner. But he saw in Tuskegee echoes of Nazi human experiments during the Second World War, and his disgust was fuelled by having seen first-hand the horror of tertiary syphilis.

But his complaints fell on deaf ears within the CDC, and he was even dressed down by a Tuskegee study leader, who claimed it was going to be of great help to the black race. After the assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968, Buxtun warned them that the experiment was political dynamite.

He eventually persuaded a reporter at Associated Press to investigate, and the story broke in 1972, with consequences that were profound but not wholly positive.

Tuskegee participants in the 1950s having their blood tested - National Archives

On the one hand, the study was stopped and a class-action lawsuit awarded $10 million to the victims. By then, 128 test subjects had died of syphilis or related complications, 40 of their wives had been infected, and 19 of their children born with the disease.

A stricter code of medical ethics came into being, with a 1974 act that introduced the standard of informed consent. Experiments which orphanages and mental hospitals were permitting pharmaceutical companies to run on their patients were quickly shut down.

On the other hand, the Tuskegee scandal shattered Americans trust in the medical establishment. A disinclination to seek treatment contributed to a worsening in African American life expectancy, which by 1980 was a year shorter than it had been in 1972.

Peter Jan Buxbaum (at some point he anglicised his surname) was born in Prague on September 29 1937 to a Jewish father and a Catholic mother. After the 1938 Munich Agreement they settled in Oregon as flax-growers and staunch Republicans.

As an undergraduate, Peter studied Nazi medical war crimes, then served as a psychiatric social worker and combat medic in the Army.

In 1967 he left the Public Health Service to retrain as a lawyer, but remained haunted by Tuskegee.

President Bill Clinton embracing 94-year-old Herman Shaw, a victim of the Tuskegee experiment - STEPHEN JAFFE/AFP

He testified to the 1972 congressional committee, and at the 1997 White House at which President Bill Clinton made a public apology, Buxtun gave a speech, saluting Herman Shaw, the articulate spokesman of the Tuskegee test subjects, as one of the most remarkable people Ive ever met.

But Buxtun rejected the suggestion that he himself had done anything out of the ordinary, and for a long time refused to be called a whistleblower.

He also spent decades trying to recover family property in Europe that had been confiscated by the Nazis.

He leaves no immediate survivors.

Peter Buxtun, born September 29 1937, died May 18 2024

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Republican attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris are becoming too much for some of Donald Trumps inner circle.



Peter Navarro, an economist who worked in the Trump White House, was guest-hosting Steve Bannons War Room podcast Friday, since the other former Trump adviser is serving a prison sentence for contempt of Congress. Navarro began panicking over Republicans making personal attacks against Harriss personal life or the way she laughs, telling them to shut up.



Do we get women when we call Kamala a slut or make fun of her cackle, Ted Cruz? Navarro asked, picking a fight with the Texas senator. We do not. Shut up. That gets us nowhere!



Women, when they hear that crap, are resentful, particularly of old white men pulling that crap. Shut up, Navarro, who is himself an old white man who served a four-month sentence in prison for contempt of Congress, added.



Peter Navarro tells old white men to shut up with the personal attacks on Kamala Harris. Presumably hes talking about Trump. (Video: Real Americas Voice) pic.twitter.com/lQX3hWmhRe  Mike Sington (@MikeSington) August 2, 2024

Navarro didnt mention Trump by name, but Trump has been calling Harris laughing Kamala and alluding to her personal life in different smears. His mention of old white men may also be taking into account Trumps racial attacks, particularly on Wednesday when the former president spoke at the National Association of Black Journalists convention. While some Republicans have disapproved of those comments, others have defended Trump.



The more Republicans make these attacks, the more it makes them look bad and strengthens Democrats effective attacks on GOP weirdness. Even an important figure in the world of MAGA like Navarro can see this backfiring. Still, he didnt mention Trump by name, and the GOP will continue to follow the lead of the former president and convicted felon. Will Trump take the hint, or put the GOP in a deep hole as November approaches?


PETERSBURG  The city firefighter accused of being drunk behind the wheel of a fire engine when it collided with a parked car made its first appearance in a Petersburg courtroom Friday morning.

Meanwhile, a city councilor who labeled the events of the July 23 incident irresponsible behavior on both the firefighter and the city for not stopping him, says an absence of proper leadership within the Petersburg Bureau of Fire contributed to the outcome. Ward 1 Councilor Marlow Jones also said that a city intern was inside the truck with Aaron Michael Hinspater when the incident occurred, adding that the interns presence underscores the severity of this situation.

Hinspater, 34, of North Chesterfield, was arrested on one misdemeanor count of driving while intoxicated-first offense when the engine he was driving sideswiped a parked car during a training exercise in downtown Petersburg. He blew a .145 blood alcohol count in onsite breathalyzer tests and admitted to the arresting police officer that he drank 18 beers just hours before showing up to work for the training.

In Virginia, a .08 BAC is considered too intoxicated to drive.

Hinspater, who has been a Petersburg firefighter for less than one year, has been placed on unpaid administrative leave while the case is under investigation.

Related: Court records: Petersburg firefighter given two breathalyzers, blew the same amount in both

Very brief court appearance

Hinspater was arraigned Friday morning in Petersburg General District Court  his first court appearance since being arrested.

Dressed in a tie and dark suit, he was accompanied by his attorney, James Traylor, and only spoke when responding to Judge Ray Lupold IIIs questions about understanding the charge and agreeing to come back for his Nov. 14 trial. The entire hearing lasted less than three minutes.

Afterward, Hinspater and his attorney left the court building without speaking to The Progress-Index.

Ex-administrator in Prince George schools charged with sexually abusing teen 40 years ago

Foundation of trust threatened

Jones, the outspoken councilor who is a former deputy fire marshal for the city of Petersburg, told The Progress-Index that an intern under the age of 18 was riding in the fire engine with Hinspater when he reportedly hit the car. The Progress-Index has confirmed that the parked car belonged to a civilian and was not parked there as part of the training.

The presence of an intern in that fire engine underscores the severity of this situation, Jones said in a written statement. The potential for legal repercussions extends beyond this individual; it threatens the very foundation of trust between our firefighters and the community they serve. We must act decisively and responsibly to address this issue.

The Progress-Index has been unable to confirm that another person was in the fire engine with Hinspater. Since issuing a four-sentence statement two days after the incident occurred, Petersburg city government has put a lid on additional comment or confirming details while the investigation continues.

Dinwiddie, Petersburg men charged with March murder in North Chesterfield

Latest of long-standing issues

While he faulted Hinspater, whom he did not name, Jones also said the situation could have been avoided if strong department leadership was in place.

Since September last year, Christopher Magann has led the department temporarily. He took over several months after Tina Watkins was ousted after just over a year on the job amid claims of morale problems and questions about mismanagement of the departments service fleet.

Since the training incident, questions have been raised about how Hinspater, in the inebriated state he was reported to be, was not prevented by colleagues or even supervisors from participating. In his statement, Jones said that the questions could have avoided if adequate fire administration had been in place.

Lower Atlantic region gas prices fell from last week: See how much here

The absence of proper leadership within our fire department has contributed to an environment where such actions could occur, he said. We have a duty to ensure that our departments are not only staffed with skilled professionals but also led by individuals who embody the values of accountability and integrity. We cannot overlook the consequences of a leadership vacuum that allows for such dangerous behavior to go unchecked.

Faith in the investigative process

Jones said he trusted City Manager March Altman and his administration to handle the matter with the gravity it deserves. Under Petersburg city code, the city manager must sign off on any department heads decision to suspend an employee without pay.

While Jones did not explicitly call for Hinspaters dismissal after the investigation, he said he will advocate for the firefighters access to rehabilitation should that be the decision.

We must acknowledge that no one reaches such a low point without underlying issues that warrant compassion and support, Jones said. He added that he wanted to assure the public that a permanent fire chief will be appointed soon, and the city was implementing ongoing substance-abuse counseling for its fire and EMS personnel.

Let it be clear: this is not merely about one individuals actions, Jones said. It reflects on us all as a community. We must stand together, united in our commitment to fostering a safe, accountable, and compassionate environment for everyone. Together, we can rebuild trust and ensure that such a lapse in judgment never happens again.

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg firefighter charged with DWI arraigned in court Friday
(Bloomberg) -- The Philippines has carried out substantial reinforcements on a grounded World War II-era ship in the contested South China Sea, enough to make the outpost at the center of tensions with Beijing last at least another decade, according to four people familiar with the matter.

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s government ramped up efforts to maintain the military outpost on Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands after taking office in 2022, two of the people said. The BRP Sierra Madre was first deposited on the reef in 1999 in a move meant to push back on Beijings expansive claims in the region.

In 2021, the rusty and decrepit Sierra Madre was thought to only have a remaining lifespan of three to five years, one of the people said. While some efforts had previously been made to fortify the ship, Marcos government accelerated that work, two of the people said.

The improvements to the outpost, on which the Southeast Asian nation maintains a handful of troops it has to regularly resupply with fresh food, water and basic goods, has been sufficient to fortify it for years, according to three of the people.

All four of the people who spoke to Bloomberg asked not to be identified, saying they werent authorized to discuss the sensitive issue publicly.

The resupply missions have been a constant source of tension with China, which has used its coast guard and a fleet of fishing vessels known as its maritime militia to block and intimidate Philippine ships. In one incident this year, ax-wielding Chinese sailors threatened Philippine sailors, with one losing his thumb when his small vessel was rammed by a Chinese boat. China has said that its actions were lawful.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to a request for comment by reiterating that Beijing opposes any moves by the Philippines to supply construction materials, repair or reinforce the warship.

Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, a Philippine military spokeswoman, said the armed forces are dedicated to ensuring the decent living conditions of our marines and sailors stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre. Those efforts include sustaining our presence in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines exercises sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, she added.

In a shift from his predecessor, President Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos has pushed back more assertively against Beijings expansive claims over the South China Sea, a region critical to global trade. China has maintained its claims even after a UN-backed arbitration panel ruled in Manilas favor.

Beijing maintains 27 outposts in the disputed sea, while Manila occupies nine features including Second Thomas Shoal, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. Other nations which have competing claims in the region include Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

In addition to fortifying the ship, Marcos administration has repeatedly invited journalists to cover missions to Second Thomas Shoal and film Chinas coast guard seeking to interfere with those efforts. And hes warned that the death of a Philippines service member by an attack from any foreign power would prompt him to invoke a mutual defense treaty with the US.

Hotline Agreement

China has long opposed the delivery of construction materials to the Sierra Madre and repeatedly urged the Philippines to tow the vessel away.

After several high-profile confrontations over the past year, the two nations agreed to ease tensions last month, hammering out a confidential provisional arrangement on Manilas missions to Second Thomas Shoal as well as a hotline that includes representatives of Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In a sign that de-escalation may be working, the Philippines said its latest mission to Second Thomas Shoal over the weekend  the first following the agreement between Manila and Beijing  was conducted without incident.

--With assistance from Lucille Liu.

(Updates with Chinese foreign ministry response in seventh paragraph.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Philippine and Japan navies held their first bilateral drills in the South China Sea, the Southeast Asian nations military said in a statement Friday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The two nations conducted communications exercises and tactical maneuvering in disputed waters, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The activities reinforced the strong ties and mutual commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region, it added.

Tokyo and Manila recently signed a key agreement that would facilitate mutual military visits, as both contend with tensions with China. The US has also been holding drills with the Philippine military.

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An apparently accidental post on X by Philadelphias mayor led to mass confusion Friday as it insinuated Kamala Harris pick for vice president was Josh Shapiro.

Mayor Cherelle Parker posted a clip in support of Harris and Shapiro for the presidential ticket on Friday, despite Harris not being expected to announce her VP pick until early next week.

Ernest Owens, editor of Philadelphia Magazine, reported Friday that political sources in the city told him that the post touting Shapiro as the VP choice was supposed to be scheduled for Monday and not Friday afternoon.

Im hearing theres a firestorm right now, he wrote on X. I guess thats an understatement.

The clip, which is just over a minute along, largely focuses on Harris but has a segment where a Philadelphian praises Shapiro after Parker declares she cant think of a better partner than our governor. At another point, a voice says, Josh Shapiro for vice president.

Josh Shapiro Delivers Brutal Dig on J.D. Vance: Trump Has Buyers Remorse

A source close to Parker, however, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the video was not an announcement of anything, and that it was merely the mayor showing her support for a longtime friend who we know is one of the people being considered.

The Daily Beast contacted the offices of Harris, Parker, and Shapiro, but did not immediately hear back.

Harris veepstakes has entered its final days, with reports saying she plans to announce whos joining her ticket as early as Monday. The finalists are overwhelmingly considered to be Shapiro, Sen. Mark Kelly, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Photos capture the moment Americans released in a historic prisoner swap touch down on US soil

Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and Alsu Kumasheva were freed in a prisoner swap.

The trio were greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at Joint Base Andrews.

They will head to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio for evaluation and treatment.

The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kumasheva touched down at Joint Base Andrews on Thursday night.

The trio were greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris after being freed from detention in Russia as part of a massive multi-country prisoner swap, the largest exchange in post-Soviet history.

Whelan was the first to disembark on Thursday. The Marine veteran was arrested and jailed by Russia in 2018 on espionage charges.

Whelan's brother, David, previously expressed disappointment after Whelan wasn't included in a 2022 prison swap, which saw the release of WNBA player Britney Griner.

"We are grateful for everyone's efforts to help Paul while he was away. We hope you will continue to help him by providing Paul the space and privacy he needs as he rebuilds his life," Whelan's family said in a statement on his release, per CBS News.

Former US Marine Paul Whelan was the first to disembark, where he was greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Andrew Harnik via Getty Images

Photographers also captured the moving moments of the three being reunited with their family members.

The Journal's Gershkovich, who has been detained by the Russians for 491 days on espionage charges, was seen embracing his mother, Ella Milman.

Evan Gershkovich hugging his mother Ella Milman after speaking to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The Wall Street Journal had been detained by the Russians for 491 days. Andrew Harnik via Getty Images

Kurmasheva was reunited with her husband, Pavel Butorin, and daughters Bibi and Miriam on Thursday night.

The Russian-American journalist was visiting her mother in May 2023 when Russian authorities confiscated her passports and detained her, per Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Russia later accused Kurmasheva of being a foreign agent and detained her.

Kurmasheva was reunited with her family on Thursday. The Russian-American journalist was detained by Russian authorities last year. Kevin Mohatt via Reuters

The stop at Joint Base Andrews will just be the first on their journey. Next, the three will head to San Antonio, Texas to Brooke Army Medical Center for evaluation and any treatment that they need.

"We have waited 491 days for Evan's release, and it's hard to describe what today feels like. We can't wait to give him the biggest hug and see his sweet and brave smile up close," Gershkovich's family said in a statement on Thursday.

"No family should have to go through this, and so we share relief and joy today with Paul and Alsu's families," the statement added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Workers remove oil-covered vegetation from Bayou Lafourche on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Oil remains down-bayou from a spill at the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility six days ago. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

RACELAND  Fewer workers will be needed to keep cleaning oil out of Bayou Lafourche, but officials said Friday their work will continue indefinitely on an 8-mile stretch of waterway between Raceland and Lockport.

A peak of 160 people responded to the 34,000-gallon spill last Saturday from the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility in Raceland. As of Friday, they were down to a few dozen who manned boats, skimming vessels and vacuum trucks.

We are very pleased with the progress. The bayou is looking much better, but there still remains work to be done, said Michael Smith, a spokesman for Crescent Midstream and the joint government incident response team.

Since the spill, the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has ordered shut the two crude oil pipelines that originate in the Gulf of Mexico and take petroleum to the Crescent Midstream site in Raceland and its customers farther north. Those include the St. James Oil Terminal, a major supply point for several customers, and the ExxonMobil refinery in Baton Rouge.

Smith said Crescent Midstream has asked PHMSA to turn back on the pipeline that wasnt involved in last weekends leak, but the company hasnt heard yet from the agency about when the flow of oil might resume. There are no issues with the pipeline that fed the oil that leaked from an open valve at its Raceland facility, Smith added.

No further details were provided about why the valve was left open. Smith said a final determination on the specific cause of the leak will eventually come from PHMSA.

A spokesman for PHMSA would only confirm that the agency was investigating the spill.

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Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson captained a boat tour of the bayou Friday for journalists. The trip started just south of the U.S. 90 overpass and went to the Lockport boat launch, which is where cleanup response boats will be decontaminated.

Access farther up the bayou near the site of where the oil entered was restricted. Crews there could be seen from the banks using string trimmers to clear out vegetation so crews could reach pooled areas of crude.

Gator grass along the both banks of the bayou continues to show evidence of the oil, although it has diminished as the bayou flows into Lockport. Booms have been strategically laid out in J shapes to skim oil off the surface, trap any floating vegetation and channel any oil missed to the next boom on the opposite side of the bayou.

Lafourche Parish President steers a boat on Bayou Lafourche during a tour of oil spill damage Aug. 2, 2024. (Greg LaRose)

A drum skimmer is covered in oil removed from Bayou Lafourche on Aug. 2, 2024. Cleanup operations continue six days after a 34,000-gallon leak at the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility in Raceland. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

A worker removes oil-covered vegetation from Bayou Lafourche on Aug. 2, 2024. Cleanup operations continue six days after 34,000-gallon leak from the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility in Raceland. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

The hull of a shrimp boat docked on Bayou Lafourche near Raceland is covered with oil on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Cleanup operations continue six days after 34,000-gallon leak from the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility in Raceland. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

A couple fishes on a canal in Lockport just yards away from Bayou Lafourche on Aug. 2, 2024. Cleanup operations on the bayou continue six days after 34,000-gallon leak from the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility in Raceland. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

A cleaning crew brings garbage bags filed with oiled vegetation to a boat launch in Lockport on Aug. 2, 2024. The cleanup continues on the bayou six days after a 34,000-gallon leak at the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility in Raceland. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

A boom to contain oil is placed on Bayou Lafourche in front of the original locks, which date back to 1850, at the Company Canal in Lockport on Aug. 2, 2024. The cleanup continues on the bayou six days after a 34,000-gallon leak at the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility in Raceland. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

A worker removes oiled vegetation from Bayou Lafourche on Aug. 2, 2024. The cleanup continues on the bayou six days after a 34,000-gallon leak at the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility in Raceland. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

A boom captures oil and oily grass from Bayou Lafourche on Aug. 2, 2024. The cleanup continues on the bayou six days after a 34,000-gallon leak at the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility in Raceland. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Workers remove oil-covered vegetation captured by a boom on Bayou Lafourche on Aug. 2, 2024. The cleanup continues on the bayou six days after a 34,000-gallon leak at the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility in Raceland. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

A slight oil sheen remained on the waters surface Friday, with the greatest concentration just above the Champagne-Harrelson lift bridge. In contrast to the long black streak of oil visible on the bayou in the days immediately after the spill, the thickest collections of oil hugged the lowest point of each boom, where work crews with a drum skimmer squeezed the oil out so it could be taken back to shore.

So far, some 1,300 barrels of oil-contaminated water have been removed from the bayou, Smith said. That amount is in excess of the 820 barrels of leaked crude, which Smith said is expected because it includes the water that has to be separated from the oil.

Smith, who accompanied journalists on the tour, pointed out a shrimp boat docked on the bayouside with oil visible on its hull. Crescent Midstreams cleanup contract, ES&H out of Houma, will be cleaning off the boat so its owner can launch in time for the white shrimp season that starts Monday.

Chaisson said it was still too soon to determine when boat traffic will be allowed to resume on the bayou between the Louisiana Highway 182 bridge in Raceland and the saltwater control structure in Lockport. Nearly all of the activity on the bayou between those two points involves recreational boaters and fishermen, he said.

Several strands of boom surrounded the intake structure that pulls water from the bayou for drinking. A conservation advisory asking lower Lafourche customers to limit their water use was lifted Thursday, and there has yet to be any safety issues with the water.

Chaisson said treatment plant personnel take samples hourly to test the water quality, as has been their practice before the spill. The Louisiana Department of Health tests the water inside the facility weekly. As of Monday, those tests showed no problems, Chaisson said.

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Gas cut off at Rancho Palos Verdes neighborhood hit by landslides. Electricity may go next

Homeowner Mike Hong views a large fissure that has continued to grow since February damaging a neighbor's Portuguese Bend home. The landslide damage in the area has accelerated following two winters of heavy rain in Rancho Palos Verdes. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Days after gas service was abruptly cut off to a group of homes facing accelerating landslide damage, fear and anxiety are mounting in Rancho Palos Verdes that other utilities could soon follow suit.

The concern appears to be fully warranted, with Southern California Edison officials advising residents this week that service could be discontinued "if conditions warrant."

The utility gave no indication that an electricity shutoff was imminent, but said one could occur if it's no longer safe to keep their lines energized  leaving many residents on edge about what such a decision would mean for the future of their oceanside community.

"It's like a domino effect," said Mike Hong, a Portuguese Bend resident whose home was among the 135 that lost gas this week. This could be devastating for us, financially and emotionally."

It's also an issue of community safety, city officials said, because electricity is key for telecommunication lines, the sewer system and the fleet of pumps that help mitigate ongoing land movement by expelling the groundwater that geologists say causes it.

An aerial view of a large fissure that has opened up since February, damaging a Portuguese Bend putting green and home in Rancho Palos Verdes. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

"While we appreciate SCE sharing this update with the community sooner rather than later, we have concerns about its many implications for the hundreds of residents living in neighborhoods in the landslide area, as well as city services," Rancho Palos Verdes officials wrote in an update online this week. "A power shutoff would be detrimental to the entire community. ... The earliest possible notice to the community of any potential shutoffs is paramount. Our residents livelihood and homes are at stake."

At a community meeting Wednesday night, residents who are already facing a growing threat from the land movement  major damage to their homes, roadways, landscapes and infrastructure, including continual gas leaks and water main breaks  expressed anger, fear and desperation to city and utility officials. But mostly, homeowners were resolute in their desire to stay if at all possible  though that would be much easier if the utilities committed to their region.

Telecommunication lines are marked with caution tape in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood in Rancho Palos Verdes. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Its not a private for-profit corporation, its a utility company," Hong, 65, said. "Their job is to serve the whole community. ... Gas and especially electricity and even more so water, if they go, then pretty much theyre abandoning our properties.

It wasn't clear if there was one event or break that led to Southern California Gas Co. canceling service Monday, but the utility said its team determined it was "no longer safe to operate" in the area.

At the community meeting, Rancho Palos Verdes' city manager, Ara Mihranian, and several residents urged SCE to minimize any potential electricity shutoffs however possible, including splitting circuits into smaller sections. Others asked that the utility set up a local command center or disaster response hub to more quickly respond to any outages or infrastructure breaks  something the California Water Service has done.

Celina Luna, SCE's representative at the meeting, didn't commit to setting up an independent command center. The utility, however, is working to make its electricity more resilient in the shifting landscape, she said, though she noted designs wouldn't be complete for at least three months. Many of the almost 200 residents in attendance scoffed at that timeline.

We are in a beyond-design situation, Luna said. Our grid is designed to be on solid ground.

In SCE's letter to the community Tuesday, the utility said it will "continue to serve your community as long as it is safe to do so."

"The ground movement affecting your neighborhood has created unsafe and hazardous conditions, which have already impacted SCEs infrastructure, causing power poles to lean and power lines to fail," the letter said. "The impact on SCEs equipment caused by these hazardous conditions increases the risk of system failure, fire ignition or other public safety hazards."

A view of a home that has to be lifted and leveled following land movement in a Portuguese Bend neighborhood. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

The utility has already cut power to three homes in the upper Portuguese Bend neighborhood, where up to a foot of land movement per week has been recorded in recent months, according to the city geologist's latest report.

"We needed to de-energize the power because of accelerated ground movement causing unsafe and dangerous conditions," said Reggie Kumar, another SCE spokesperson. He also noted that although large areas of the region are powered by the same circuit, the utility already has devices in place that can segment power.

Hong, like many of his neighbors, has been scrambling to find a way to take a hot shower and cook dinner since the gas shutoff. He is working to switch his gas-powered appliances to propane  but he's quickly finding it's not a quick, or cheap, process.

Had we had some longer forewarning, we would have been able to do it," Hong said. "Now, after the fact, were trying to catch up."

Luckily, Hong and his wife have a camper's electric hot plate that they've been able to use in the meantime, and friends have offered up their homes for a break.

An aerial view of a large fissure that has opened up since February, damaging a Portuguese Bend putting green and home after last winter's heavy rain in Rancho Palos Verdes. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Many residents are also starting to look into solar panels to provide their home's electricity. Installing them is another expensive and time-consuming process, but one that Hong and others are willing to pursue if it means staying in their homes.

At least theres a solution," Hong said. He worries, though, what will happen if their water is cut off.

When the water goes out then its game over," he said. "Its essential not just to life, but it's essential to keeping a community alive."

California Water Service officials say they have no plans to pull their service.

"We continue to repair main leaks that occur due to the land movement  both to keep providing water for residents' everyday needs and also to maintain water service for fire protection," said Yvonne Kingman, Cal Water spokesperson. She said the utility is still working on moving its water pipes above ground, recently completing one project on Vanderlip Drive and along parts of Palos Verdes Drive South.

But Mihranian noted that the utility requires electricity for some functions, including its leak detection system.

"So that's a concern, especially in the event of emergencies," the city manager said. "We need to start ordering generators."

A home in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood continues to sustain damage from the ongoing shifting ground in the Abalone Cove landslide area of Rancho Palos Verdes. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

Huma Ahmed, who lives in the Seaview neighborhood  which hasn't yet lost any utility services despite experiencing increasing land movement  said she's most worried about how emergency communications will go out, especially to the neighborhood's seniors and most vulnerable residents.

"We understand there's a natural disaster, and that's what this is," Ahmed said. "We need enough time to arrange for things."

A lifelong resident of the area, Ahmed worries that losing utilities is "only a matter of time."

"But when does that go into effect is the question?" Ahmed, 50, said. "We now need to have a Plan B.... We're thinking about it."

The roads in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood continue to sustain damage from the shifting ground in Rancho Palos Verdes. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
US oil refineries have become increasingly reliant on crude oil imports from Canada, which now make up the majority of US imports as of January 2024, according to the US EIA.

According to the EIAs estimates, Canada was the source of 60% of US crude oil imports in 2023, compared with 33% in 2013.

Canadian crude oil production has also increased over the years, leading to a 4% annual growth of Canadian imports to the US every year from 2013 to 2023.

In 2023, Canada's crude oil exports to the US comprised 24% of the latter countrys refinery throughput, compared with 17% in 2013. The EIA report said that Canadian crude oil production in 2023 averaged 4.6 million barrels per day (mbbl/d), almost three times the country's refinery capacity of 1.7mbbl/d.

Meanwhile, US oil refining capacity was at 18.4mbbl/d as of 1 January 2024.

Pipeline capacity to transport Canada's crude oil exports has also increased in recent years. The report said the Express Pipeline saw its capacity grow from 287,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 310,000bpd in 2020, enabling oil sand producers in Western Canada to boost their exports to refineries in the US Rockies region.

The Trans Mountain Expansion Project, which became operational in May 2024, nearly tripled the pipeline capacity to Canada's Pacific Coast to 890,000bpd. In the same month, the Canada Energy Regulator approved the expansion of the Trans Mountain oil pipeline, issuing the last permits needed for the project to start running.

The US has experienced a steady increase in crude production over the past 15 years, except for 2020 and 2021, when producers faced economic downturns due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Regardless, the EIA said in March that US crude oil production topped global production charts for the sixth consecutive year. It said that the likelihood of any other country breaking the US 2023 crude oil production record in the near future is low because no other country has achieved a production capacity of 13mbbl/d.

Last year, the US produced an average of 12.9mbbl/d, surpassing the country's previous national and global record of 12.3mbbl/d, achieved in 2019, Offshore Technology reported. In December 2023, crude oil production reached a new monthly record high average of more than 13.3mbbl/d.

"US refineries heavily dependent on Canadian crude oil imports, EIA says " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A plane carrying detainees released by Russia landed in the United States late on Thursday at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, media footage showed.

Russia freed U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whelan on Thursday as part of the biggest prisoner exchange of its kind since the end of the Cold War.

The White House said the U.S. had negotiated the trade with Russia, Germany and three other countries. The deal, negotiated in secrecy for more than a year, involved 24 prisoners, including 16 moving from Russia to the West and eight prisoners held in the West being sent back to Russia.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Plans for outside police officers to assist Chicago cops at DNC still fluid as convention month arrives

Hundreds of extra law enforcement officers from across Illinois will be in Chicago later this month to assist the Chicago Police Department during the four days of the Democratic National Convention. But with the gathering less than three weeks away, its still not known which police departments will be sending personnel to Chicago or how many officers they will provide.

Police Superintendent Larry Snelling has said that the city will have as many as 500 extra officers on hand to guard infrastructure throughout the city during the DNC. And while activities around the United Center and McCormick Place will no doubt require significant manpower, the superintendent has pledged not to drain police resources from the CPDs 22 patrol districts.

Based on our assessment, we have a very good complement of officers who will be out there, Snelling told reporters recently. Theyre highly trained, they will be responding professionally. And were going to make sure that as we work with our partners  we will make whatever adjustments we need to make as things change.

CPD, in response to a Freedom of Information Act request from the Tribune, said this week that the final roster of mutual aid officers has not yet been set.

In an emailed statement, CPD director of news affairs Don Terry said the majority of additional officers will be from Illinois.

The Chicago Police Department is in the process of finalizing mutual aid agreements for the upcoming Democratic National Convention with agencies from within the state through Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS), the statement read. There will also be a contingent of officers from Milwaukee. Mutual aid officers will be focused on securing infrastructure and will not be assigned to patrol duties.

Those officers  including those from Milwaukee, where the Republican National Convention was held last month  will undergo 12 hours of training and are expected to have minimal contact with the public while in Chicago.

Adding outside police resources in Milwaukee was not without controversy.

During the RNC, a police officer from Ohio fatally shot a person outside the conventions security perimeter. Authorities have said that shooting appeared to take place to prevent a stabbing on the street and wasnt related to RNC activity.

About 100 CPD officers were also in Milwaukee to assist during the convention.

Larry Evans, executive director of ILEAS, largely echoed Snelling this week, saying that mutual aid officers are expected to have little if any contact with Chicagoans. Evans said ILEAS  a group founded by police chiefs across the state after 9/11 to aid police departments in need and funded by a Department of Homeland Security grant  expects to send roughly 300 officers to Chicago for the DNC.

The assignments, while not being specific, are all the types of assignments that will keep them, basically, out of the public eye and out of interaction with the general public, Evans said.

Mutual aid officers will remain in full uniform during the DNC, and they are expected to arrive in Chicago a few days before the Aug. 19 start of the convention to undergo 12 hours of training related to their assignments, as well as briefings on the policies and expectations of CPD, Evans said.

Like Snelling, Evans, too, stressed that DNC preparations will remain fluid until the start of the convention, and security procedures will be constantly evaluated and tweaked as needed.

Officers from two local law enforcement agencies, Illinois State Police and the Cook County sheriffs office, will not be counted among mutual aid officers, Evans said.

Chuck Wexler, longtime director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington, D.C.-based police think tank, told the Tribune that mutual aid officers can play a crucial role in securing large-scale events by allowing local police departments to more acutely focus their resources.

Youve got security issues, youve got the right of people to protest, you want to allow that, and then you have potential terrorism issues, Wexler said. This is what protecting a modern convention looks like today.

The city of Chicago cant pull (officers) from the neighborhoods, Wexler added. They have to balance protecting the convention but at the same time protecting the neighborhoods.

For months, Snelling has stressed the training courses undertaken by CPD officers ahead of the four-day convention, drills that focus on crowd control and First and Fourth Amendment policies.

The citys Office of Inspector General released a report in late May highlighting concerns about CPDs preparedness for the anticipated throngs of protesters.

Though CPD has made strides since summer 2020  when Chicago and other cities were wracked by violence and looting after the murder of George Floyd  the OIGs report said the departments training and policies to manage crowds are insufficient and may increase the risk of infringement of lawful demonstrators constitutional rights.
Plans for outside police officers to assist Chicago cops at DNC still fluid as convention month arrives

CHICAGO  Hundreds of extra law enforcement officers from across Illinois will be in Chicago later this month to assist the Chicago Police Department during the four days of the Democratic National Convention. But with the gathering less than three weeks away, its still not known which police departments will be sending personnel to Chicago or how many officers they will provide.

Police Superintendent Larry Snelling has said that the city will have as many as 500 extra officers on hand to guard infrastructure throughout the city during the DNC. And while activities around the United Center and McCormick Place will no doubt require significant manpower, the superintendent has pledged not to drain police resources from the CPDs 22 patrol districts.

Based on our assessment, we have a very good complement of officers who will be out there, Snelling told reporters recently. Theyre highly trained, they will be responding professionally. And were going to make sure that as we work with our partners  we will make whatever adjustments we need to make as things change.

CPD, in response to a Freedom of Information Act request from the Tribune, said this week that the final roster of mutual aid officers has not yet been set.

In an emailed statement, CPD director of news affairs Don Terry said the majority of additional officers will be from Illinois.

The Chicago Police Department is in the process of finalizing mutual aid agreements for the upcoming Democratic National Convention with agencies from within the state through Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS), the statement read. There will also be a contingent of officers from Milwaukee. Mutual aid officers will be focused on securing infrastructure and will not be assigned to patrol duties.

Those officers  including those from Milwaukee, where the Republican National Convention was held last month  will undergo 12 hours of training and are expected to have minimal contact with the public while in Chicago.

Adding outside police resources in Milwaukee was not without controversy.

During the RNC, a police officer from Ohio fatally shot a person outside the conventions security perimeter. Authorities have said that shooting appeared to take place to prevent a stabbing on the street and wasnt related to RNC activity.

About 100 CPD officers were also in Milwaukee to assist during the convention.

Larry Evans, executive director of ILEAS, largely echoed Snelling this week, saying that mutual aid officers are expected to have little if any contact with Chicagoans. Evans said ILEAS  a group founded by police chiefs across the state after 9/11 to aid police departments in need and funded by a Department of Homeland Security grant  expects to send roughly 300 officers to Chicago for the DNC.

The assignments, while not being specific, are all the types of assignments that will keep them, basically, out of the public eye and out of interaction with the general public, Evans said.

Mutual aid officers will remain in full uniform during the DNC, and they are expected to arrive in Chicago a few days before the Aug. 19 start of the convention to undergo 12 hours of training related to their assignments, as well as briefings on the policies and expectations of CPD, Evans said.

Like Snelling, Evans, too, stressed that DNC preparations will remain fluid until the start of the convention, and security procedures will be constantly evaluated and tweaked as needed.

Officers from two local law enforcement agencies, Illinois State Police and the Cook County sheriffs office, will not be counted among mutual aid officers, Evans said.

Chuck Wexler, longtime director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington, D.C.-based police think tank, told the Tribune that mutual aid officers can play a crucial role in securing large-scale events by allowing local police departments to more acutely focus their resources.

Youve got security issues, youve got the right of people to protest, you want to allow that, and then you have potential terrorism issues, Wexler said. This is what protecting a modern convention looks like today.

The city of Chicago cant pull (officers) from the neighborhoods, Wexler added. They have to balance protecting the convention but at the same time protecting the neighborhoods.

For months, Snelling has stressed the training courses undertaken by CPD officers ahead of the four-day convention, drills that focus on crowd control and First and Fourth Amendment policies.

The citys Office of Inspector General released a report in late May highlighting concerns about CPDs preparedness for the anticipated throngs of protesters.

Though CPD has made strides since summer 2020  when Chicago and other cities were wracked by violence and looting after the murder of George Floyd  the OIGs report said the departments training and policies to manage crowds are insufficient and may increase the risk of infringement of lawful demonstrators constitutional rights.

____
PLEASANTVILLE, Iowa  A Pleasantville woman has been accused of spiking her husbands drink with eyedrops.

According to a criminal complaint, 39-year-old Daisy Zantjer put eyedrops in her husbands drink on two separate occasions in July of 2023. The Pleasantville Police Department said it was first made aware of the alleged poisoning when the victim reported it to them.

Pedestrian killed in crash identified as Ankeny woman

Eyedrops contain a chemical called tetrahydrozoline, which if consumed can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, a dangerously slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and breathing problems that can turn life-threatening, according to Poison Control.

On Tuesday Zantjer was arrested and booked into the Marion County Jail on two counts of administering harmful substances and two counts of domestic abuse assault  injury or mental illness first offense. Zantjer remains behind bars on a $12,000 cash/surety bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 8.

The Pleasantville Police Department would like to thank the Department of Criminal Investigations for their assistance in this case.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
ROCHESTER  Matt Mowry has a message for Cacidy, his missing 15-year-old son.

"We love you, and we just want you home," he said. "We can work out anything. Just please come home."

Matt Mowry said his family is frightened and heartbroken. They want to thank all the people and resources helping to find his son, who has been missing for a week.

Most of all they want to see their son's face, hug him, and to know he is safe.

Cacidy Mowry, missing from Rochester. His parents are desperately trying to find him and bring him home safely.

On Friday July 26, around 10 p.m., Cacidy Mowry ran away from his home in Rochester and is believed to be traveling via public transportation to the western part of the country, according to his father and Rochester police. Cacidy Mowry is described as approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He has shoulder-length red hair, blue eyes, and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts, black shoes and carrying a black backpack.

It is believed Cacidy Mowry hitched a ride to a bus station in Dover on the morning of Saturday, July 27 and took a bus to Boston's South Station, where he got off around 8:30 a.m. Rochester police Capt. Todd Pinkham said police have obtained video surveillance showing his departure in Dover and his arrival in Boston.

The last confirmed sighting of Cacidy in Rochester occurred around midnight after his disappearance. A Ring camera captured an image of him approaching a house in East Rochester before he turned and walked away. The homeowner shared this footage on the Ring Neighborhood app the following morning.

Dad says: 'We love him so very much'

Cacidy Mowry came to the family through the foster care system. Matt Mowry said he has been a part of their family since he was 4 years old, and at age 5, they officially adopted him.

"We love him so very much, and I hope he has always known that," Matt Mowry said. "We don't think this was a planned event, but something that happened after a discussion Friday night. Cacidy has some impulsive anger issues, and we believe this is what prompted him to run away. We are so terrified for him."

Matt Mowry said he and Cacidy had a discussion that resulted in him taking away a cellphone in his possession.

"He was using an old phone, possibly one of my wife's that he found," Matt Mowry said. "It was not set up for phone calls, but he was using it to access the Internet. He was in summer school and was not doing too well. So, we took the phone and told him we would return it when he was doing better. I went to put our youngest to bed, and when I came back down, he was gone."

How to help if you have information about Cacidy Mowry

Anyone with information on Cacidy Mowrys whereabouts is asked to contact the Rochester Police Department at 603-330-7128. Information can be reported anonymously by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 603-335-6500 or via text to: CRIMES (274637) with TEXT4CASH + your tip in the body of the text message.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Dad makes plea to missing teen son Cacidy Mowry of Rochester, NH
TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The Taylor County Sheriffs Office has found a missing teenager who was last spotted in Abilene.

Ariah Torres, 15, was last seen at the Mall of Abilene on July 30 wearing a pink sweater with the words Just Keep Swimming and grey pajama pants with stars and brown leather double strap sandals.

Ariah has been located and she is safe. The Taylor County Sheriffs Department would like to thank the community for their assistance.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Crooked Media, the company behind Pod Save America, has faced increased conflict behind the scenes  from accusations of union-busting to one of the organizations founders and hosts, Jon Lovett, dating an employee  according to a report from Bloomberg. There have also reportedly been internal political divisions at the activist media outlet, particularly over the war in Gaza.

Bloombergs staff cited 15 current and former anonymous employees in Thursdays report. Flagship show Pod Save America, which averages around 12 million downloads and streams per month, has had three different senior producers over the past three years, the article noted. Additionally, a third of the companys staff has left since January 2023, shortly after the midterm elections.

Advocating for better workplace conditions as they face long hours and other issues, Crooked Media staff looked to join the Writers Guild of America East in early 2023, but they havent come to an agreement on a contract yet. Earlier this week, the WGA East filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company, arguing that it was engaging in union-busting tactics and excluding eligible staff members from the companys collective bargaining unit. The company responded that it had already voluntarily recognized the union and that the companys disagreement with the unit was only over five roles that werent included in their initial agreement.

Crooked Media union staff shared a photo on social media Thursday of the team wearing union shirts as they continue to seek a contract.

Crooked Media staffers united in wanting fair contract now pic.twitter.com/nwS5agvDkz  Crooked Media Workers Union (@crooked_union) August 1, 2024

As is the case in many media organizations, one of the concerns raised by staff was the difficulty in getting promoted at Crooked. Staffers pointed to frustrations over an employee who was promoted three times over two years, ultimately reporting directly to the CEO, only to discover they were allegedly dating cofounder Lovett. That relationship began approximately a year after their last promotion, a company spokesperson told Bloomberg.

The company received an influx of cash in 2022 after signing a distribution and ad-sales deal with SiriusXM that was worth $150 million over three years, Bloomberg noted, per people familiar with the arrangement. It was also invested in by the liberal Soros Fund Management, which was Crookeds first outside financing.

Some saw big paydays for the organizations founders  including lead host Jon Favreau  as troubling given the organizations progressive ideals, according to the article. That included Favreau purchasing a $10 million home in early 2023 as the podcast industry faced an increasingly difficult market.

The organizations goal has long been to help Democrats win elections, but many of the companys progressive staff members have been interested in other political aims, according to the piece. Some staffers told Bloomberg that they felt divisions within the Democratic Party needed to be more openly discussed, including concerns around the humanitarian cost of the war in Gaza. However, hosts on the network, including the founders and particularly cohost Tommy Vietor on his Pod Save the World show, have been outspoken throughout the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Comedian and Crooked Media writer Julia Claire took particular issue with the Bloomberg story, writing on social media, Difficult to put into words how actively counterproductive I find this article to be, not only as someone who deeply believes in the work we do at Crooked, but also as a member of the Crooked Union. It denigrates my coworkers and reads like a gossip column. She also pointed to Vietors outspokenness on Gaza.

Difficult to put into words how actively counterproductive I find this article to be, not only as someone who deeply believes in the work we do at Crooked but also as a member of the Crooked Union. It denigrates my coworkers and reads like a gossip column. pic.twitter.com/DibtHhB4f4  Julia Claire (@ohJuliatweets) August 1, 2024

The idea that we have these huge ideological differences with our founders is just not true. As someone who covered Gaza every day for months, I continue to be immensely grateful for Tommy and Bens leadership and vocal defense of Palestinian rights from well before October.  Julia Claire (@ohJuliatweets) August 1, 2024

Former staff member Travis Helwig, who now heads up a progressive PAC making anti-Republican ads, wrote that hed worked good jobs and bad jobs (Ellen DeGeneres made me cry a lot), and I can say without a doubt that Crooked is the best place Ive ever worked. I was further left than the hosts on a lot of things too, but I never felt unheard. I genuinely miss working there.

Max Fischer, cohost of the Offline podcast with cofounder Favreau, also disputed some of the characterizations of the Bloomberg article, writing that its not true the staff is rebelling or riven by some grand ideological divide. He, too, noted that he is a member of the Crooked Media union.

As part of @crooked_union fighting for our first contract, we have substantive disagreements with management. But it's just not true the staff is "rebelling" or riven by some grand ideological divide. What I've seen is a company where we're all committed to a shared mission and pic.twitter.com/C76b1gwXSg  Max Fisher (@Max_Fisher) August 1, 2024

A specific dispute cited in the piece includes a discussion of pro-Palestinian student protestors that led to one producer allegedly using a slur. That producer was cleared of any wrongdoing by human resources, but they later quit over the workplace culture around such issues. Favreau and the companys CEO told staff that distractions like that were unacceptable and that the teams focus needed to be on the election.

One of the few people who are quoted on the record discussing Crooked Media in the article is climate essayist Mary Annaise Heglar, who cohosted the show Hot Take on the platform before it was canceled in December 2022. She wrote in a March 2023 blog post that she and cohost Amy Westervelt saw a lot of red flags during contract negotiations, including our very apparent ideological differences with the heads of the network. She went on to note that she and Westervelt were far, far to the left of just about every show Ive heard in the Crooked universe.

The companys all-hands meetings, held monthly, also became more contentious over time, according to the piece. Beyond promotions, employees also took issue with the return-to-office requirements as COVID restrictions were lifted. Those open forums were ultimately suspended.

Crooked Media did not respond to TheWraps request for comment.

You can read the full report from Bloomberg right here.

The post Pod Save America Producer Crooked Media Faces Internal Conflict as Employees Look to Unionize | Report appeared first on TheWrap.
The Pokrovsk sector in eastern Ukraine is the scene of the "most severe battles," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 2.

Speaking in his daily address, Zelensky said those fighting there "are in many ways the basis of defense in the entire east of our country."

"There are invariably the most severe battles there, and this area requires our most intense response to the occupier," he added.

On July 30, Zelensky said Moscow began concentrating its efforts in the east, "throwing everything they have" in the Pokrovsk direction, after Russia's Kharkiv Oblast offensive failed.

Russia launched the offensive in the northern part of Kharkiv Oblast back in May. The push eventually ran out of steam as Ukrainian forces halted Moscow's advance. The operation was seen by many experts as Russia's attempt to distract and stretch Ukrainian forces thin.

Zelensky added that Russian forces also plan to advance in other directions in the east, such as Kostiantynivka, Toretsk, or Sloviansk, but at the moment, Pokrovsk remains the main focus.

When asked whether Ukraine will be able to prevent further Russian advances, Zelensky said that faster aid deliveries are necessary.

He said the Ukrainian military has formed 14 new brigades to relieve units at the front and to serve as reserves, but they are not fully equipped yet.

Read also: With Ukrainian infantry facing Russians near Toretsk

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Poland and Ukraine to form a military unit from Ukrainians in Europe. Will it be effective?

Kyiv and Warsaw have agreed to form and jointly train a new army brigade on Polish soil, betting the initiative could help recruit some of the scores of Ukrainian men living in Poland and other EU countries.

The so-called Ukrainian Legion, a fresh initiative to boost Ukraines military manpower more than two years into Russias full-scale invasion, will be the first army formation to recruit Ukrainian volunteer fighters from abroad  including those who fled across the border to avoid being drafted to fight in the war and long-time Ukrainian residents of other countries.

Formation of the Ukrainian Legion, whose troops will be sent to fight in Ukraine against Russias invading forces following boot camp, is a key element of a bilateral security agreement inked on July 8 between Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

"The Ukrainian Legion will train in Poland and be equipped with the help of our partners. Every Ukrainian citizen who decides to join the Legion will be able to sign a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Zelensky said at the time with Tusk at his side.

Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, and the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, sign a cooperation agreement on the security field prior to a press conference at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister in Warsaw, Poland, on July 8, 2024. (Omar Marques/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Yet details about the legions formation, including how Ukrainians abroad could enlist, have been scarce.

Its formation comes as Ukraine, which recently reformed its domestic army mobilization efforts, faces a manpower shortage as Russia continues to advance in multiple sectors of the front line. Kyiv has been discussing for months with foreign partners the possibility of returning thousands of draft-eligible Ukrainians who fled the country.

Experts believe that, if executed correctly, the Ukrainian Legion could significantly reinforce exhausted troops and encourage other European countries to support the initiative or copy it by establishing domestic training programs on their own turn aimed at enlisting Ukrainian men abroad.

Read also: Ukraines mobilization effort gets boost as millions update draft data

Why is the Ukrainian Legion needed now?

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians rushed to enlist in the countrys armed forces in the first months after Russia unleashed a full-blown invasion early in 2022, but more than two years on, the flow of volunteers has dwindled. Ukrainian authorities are desperately trying to find ways to boost military manpower to compensate for losses and give troops exhausted by more than two years of combat a rest.

Earlier this year, Kyiv intensified discussions with allies that started at least in 2023 about ways to return military-eligible men who left the country during the war, sometimes illegally. The BBC estimated in November 2023 that about 650,000 military-age Ukrainian men had left for the EU since the invasion began.

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said in April that Poland would help Ukraine bring its draft-aged men back, while Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski called the move ethically ambiguous, adding that Kyiv would have to "take the initiative" in the process.

Konrad Muzyka, a defense analyst focusing on Russia and Belarus and the head of Rochan Consulting, told the Kyiv Independent that the creation of the Ukrainian Legion indicates that Ukrainian authorities have opted for a more benign and encouraging" approach.

Read also: Russias advance toward key eastern highway threatens Ukraines grip of Donetsk Oblast

The Legion promises future fighters high-quality training in line with Western standards and the right to return to their families in Europe after rotations. Ukrainian men aged 18-60 are generally forbidden to leave the country under martial law, with some exceptions.

The training pledge looks especially appealing, as current military training in Ukraine is not ideal" in duration and quality, Muzyka said. There are also some deficiencies when it comes to more specialized training and interoperability training at the brigade level, Muzyka added.

Zelensky said on July 15 that Ukraine doesnt have enough training facilities for new soldiers arriving as part of a new mobilization campaign.

Oleh Cherkashyn, a Ukrainian who has lived in Slovakia since 2019, told the Kyiv Independent that he plans to join the Ukrainian Legion to avoid feeling ashamed.

When asked why he chose the Ukrainian Legion over joining a standard military unit based in Ukraine, Cherkashyn said he hoped European instructors would increase efficiency and reduce possible losses.

I believe that these issues have not been given due attention in Ukraine, he said, quipping that Ukraine currently prioritizes boosting the number of troops over the quality of their training.

Read also: Eye of the storm: A day in the life of Ukrainian infantry on the zero line near Toretsk

How will the legion recruit and train?

It is still unclear if recruitment for the Ukrainian Legion has begun or how to join.

However, several days after Zelensky's announcement, Polish media outlet RMF FM reported, citing anonymous sources in Ukrainian diplomatic institutions in Poland, that hundreds of Ukrainians in Poland expressed interest in joining. At the NATO summit in Washington on the same day, Polands foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski mentioned that "several thousand" Ukrainians in Poland have registered to "join the draft."

Upon the Kyiv Independent's request to the Polish Foreign Ministry to clarify whether Sikorski's statement referred to volunteers for the Ukrainian Legion or those who updated their military data at the consulates as required by the recent mobilization law, the ministry reshared Sikorski's quotes but didn't provide clarifications.

Poland's Deputy Defense Minister Pawe Zalewski told Polskie Radio on July 19 that Ukrainian consulates in Poland would assist with recruitment. In a comment for the Kyiv Independent, Ukraine's Embassy in Poland said on July 26 that it was still determining the recruitment procedure and would soon start an information campaign on how to join the legion.

Photo for illustration purposes: Young men wait in a hall to be seen by a doctor during Myslenice district medical qualification for military service as it starts in all districts of Poland on Feb. 1, 2024. This nationwide action will examine 22 thousand young men and women in 2024 and will continue in the future. (Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Photo for illustration purposes: Young soldiers of the "Da Vinci Wolves" battalion who recently joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine pose in ammunition during orientation training as Ukrainian soldiers undergo training before being sent to the front in Ukraine on April 8, 2024. The country's military seeks to replenish its forces after more than two years of large-scale war with Russia. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)

The Polish Defense Ministry said in an email to the Kyiv Independent on July 18 that Ukraine will manage recruitment to the Ukrainian Legion, with the scope of Poland's involvement in the project still under discussion. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry refused to comment on the Ukrainian Legion and said it would provide more details publicly soon.

Poland has trained over 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers since the start of the full-scale invasion, and the Ukrainian Legion is a logical "next step" for one of Kyiv's biggest allies, said Ray Wojcik, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and former Military Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw.

According to the Polish Defense Ministry, the Ukrainian Legion's training will draw on Poland's experience from the EU training mission, EUMAM Ukraine. Poland is the only former Warsaw Pact nation in NATO with significant capabilities in training large combat formations like brigades and divisions, Wojcik told the Kyiv Independent.

According to Zelensky, the legion's formation will build on the experience of the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian brigade, created in 2009 to support regional military cooperation.

The brigade, which Wojcik believes "should be potentially leading" the efforts, refused to comment on the matter in a comment to the Kyiv Independent.

Legion members will likely undergo 4-5 months of basic, specialist, and cohesive training in Poland, said Muzyka. Once the unit arrives on the battlefield, "it should have a smaller casualty rate and be more proficient in combat, he added.

Potential challenges

Ukrainian military expert Mykola Bielieskov argued that even experienced Polish instructors will face a universal challenge of providing high-quality training that would meet the requirements of modern warfare and our battlefield both with fighters and commanders.

The effectiveness of the Ukrainian Legion will also depend on the equipment they receive, the source of which is still unclear. Muzyka doubts Poland's ability to fully equip a brigade with mechanized or motorized gear due to the substantial supplies it has already sent to Ukraine.

According to sources quoted by the Polish media outlet RMF FM, local authorities are in talks with other EU members about contributing funds to finance the training and equipment. Wojcik believes that Poland's efforts to enhance defense cooperation with Germany could lead to Berlin joining in training and equipping Ukrainian Legion fighters.

Photo for illustration purposes: Soldiers take part in a training demonstration with the NATO multinational battle group eFPon at the Orzysz training ground in Orzysz, Poland, on July 3, 2022. (Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Czech authorities are considering the possibility of creating a similar Ukrainian Legion in their country or sending Czech instructors to help train legion members in Poland, Radio Prague International reported on July 29.

Another challenge could arise when the members of the privileged Ukrainian Legion interact with soldiers from regular units formed, trained, and based in Ukraine. Muzyka suggested that rotating Legion members back to Poland might negatively affect the morale of other Ukrainian troops who haven't been rotated for months or, in some cases, years.

Despite these challenges, Wojcik believes that if issues are addressed and the project gains support from other allies, the Ukrainian Legion could significantly reinforce the Ukrainian defense.

Nothing is a game-changer. This is not going to raise 100,000 Ukrainians abroad. But if you could generate a handful of these brigades in the West, that would take some pressure off Ukraine trying to do this at home.

Note from the author:

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WARWICK  A 24-year-old North Kingstown man was arrested Thursday and charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash in Warwick Sunday, the Warwick police said.

The incident on Quaker Lane killed Nicholas R. Cote, 44, a former state District Court administrator who was residing in Florida, and injured Logan Barboza, 26, of West Warwick.

Warwick hit-and-run on Quaker Lane

Cote was walking in the right southbound lane when he was struck by a car driven by Barboza, according to the police. When Barboza got out to check on Cote, both were hit by an SUV that left the scene, the police said. The second impact killed Cote, according to the police.

The fleeing vehicle was described as a dark-colored Jeep Cherokee. Detectives located the vehicle, and with the help of the North Kingstown police, the Warwick police arrested the driver at his home Thursday, the police said.

Driver charged with failing to stop

The North Kingstown man was charged with one count of duty to stop in accidents resulting in death and one count of duty to stop in accidents resulting in serious bodily injury, the police said. He is scheduled for arraignment at District Court, Warwick.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Nicholas Cotes family, as well as our wishes for a strong recovery toLogan Barboza," the police said. "And a special 'Thank you' to everyone that contributed to the speedy closure of thisinvestigation."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Suspect in fatal Warwick hit-and-run on Quaker Lane arrested
By Jody Godoy

(Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission will probe why grocery prices remain high even as costs for retailers fall, Chair Lina Khan said on Thursday, a key theme for the Biden-Harris administration as it heads towards the presidential election.

Once the FTC votes to authorize the study, major grocery chains would be ordered to provide information on their costs and prices on common products. Khan made the announcement at a public meeting with Justice Department officials on pricing practices.

The biggest U.S. industry players include Walmart; club grocery chain Costco Wholesale Corp; Amazon.com, which operates Whole Foods; and big box retailer Target.

Food prices have risen 25% between 2019 and 2023, faster than other consumer goods and services, U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics showed. An FTC study showed food prices for U.S. consumers rose 11% between 2021 and 2022, while profits for food retailers went up more than 6%.

"We want to make sure that major businesses are not exploiting their power to inflate prices for American families at the grocery store," Khan said.

The FTC has played a major role in the Biden administration's efforts to cut costs for U.S. households, targeting high prices and junk fees on products and services ranging from airfare to credit cards.

Billionaire Democratic donors, some affiliated with businesses the FTC has sued, have urged Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, to replace Khan if elected.

The agency last week launched an inquiry into services that could let companies set different prices based on the shopper's personal information.

The FTC earlier this year sued to block Kroger's acquisition of smaller grocery store rival Albertsons, citing concerns the deal would hike prices for millions of Americans.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy; Editing by Richard Chang)
A protester is taken into custody at UCLA on May 6. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Since police arrested her twice this spring at UCLA  accusing her of failing to obey orders to leave pro-Palestinian encampments  Asil Yassine has spent the summer navigating court dates and uncertainties.

No criminal charges have been filed in one case, although it has not been dropped. In the other, an arraignment is coming up in late August. The consequences of her arrests are piling up.

Yassine was temporarily banned from campus and could not attend her graduation, where she would have received a doctorate in human development and psychology. The university placed holds on her records and she still has not received her diploma. Without proof of her degree, her work this summer at a psychology office won't count toward her license.

"I'm not surprised by the oppression but I'm shocked by the extent and aggression of it and how punitive it was," said Yassine, who is of Palestinian and Lebanese heritage.

Some 3,200 people were arrested at colleges and universities nationwide this spring, mainly during a wave of pro-Palestinian encampments erected by students and activists protesting the war in Gaza, according to an Associated Press survey of students, universities and district attorneys. Some of the largest demonstrations and arrest tolls unfolded in California, including at UCLA and USC, where students demanded universities divest from financial ties to Israel. More than 100 demonstrators were arrested at campuses including Columbia University in New York, Emerson College in Boston and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Many students have already seen charges dismissed. But cases remain unresolved for hundreds of people at campuses with the highest numbers of arrests, according to an analysis of data gathered by The Times, the Associated Press and other newsrooms that partnered in the research.

About three months since 231 UCLA protesters were arrested, most on misdemeanor charges, the Los Angeles city attorney's office has not received referrals involving those cases, a spokesman said. The city attorney typically handles misdemeanor charges. There is a one-year period in which charges can be filed in misdemeanor cases.

A spokeswoman for the county district attorney's office, which works on felonies in the city of Los Angeles, said UCLA cases "are currently under review" and no further information was available.

Citing student privacy, a UCLA spokesman said the university could not discuss its internal student conduct proceedings.

The UCLA arrests occurred over a six-week period in May and early June. An additional 44  some of them in possession of metal poles, padlocks and a printed "do it yourself occupation guide"  were arrested in a parking garage on suspicion of planning to overtake a campus building as part of the protests.

Three of those arrested at the parking lot were released due to "insufficient grounds for making a criminal complaint," according to the UCLA Police Department, which said in a statement that it is working with the district attorney's office on all cases that involved arrests.

Law enforcement authorities are still investigating those who instigated violence at the encampment on April 30 and May 1. One arrest was made in the attack.

Along with the legal limbo of those arrested, many students face uncertainty in their academic careers as they confront confidential university disciplinary proceedings.

Two demonstrators are taken into custody by police as they break up the pro-Palestinian encampment at UC Irvine in May. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Some remain steadfast, saying they would have made the same decisions to protest even if they had known the consequences. Others have struggled with the aftermath.

"For me, the process with the university has been the hardest," said Yassine, who was among 206 people arrested for failure to disperse on May 2, less than two days after vigilantes attacked the UCLA encampment. She was also among 25 people arrested on June 10 after joining another short-lived encampment.

Yassine signed an agreement with UCLA to not violate its policies again, which lifted the hold on her records. But she still has not received her diploma or transcript.

"I don't think the arrests will lead to charges against me but the cases are still in limbo over my head," Yassine said. "But the degree issue will set back my license by at least six months."

Police take down fencing on the UCLA campus on May 2, 2024. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

Across the nation, students who were arrested have similar experiences.

In St. Louis, Valencia Alvarez is waiting to hear what will come of the potential charges she and 22 other students are facing for an April 27 protest at Washington University. Campus conduct hearings began recently but have yet to result in disciplinary decisions. In the meantime, Alvarez does not have the masters degree in public health she would have received by now if not for her arrest.

In June, the university gave students two options: They could face a hearing with the Office of Student Conduct, or they could "accept responsibility and forgo further investigation. Alvarez took the first option.

"I dont really plan on being quiet about this, and I think thats the goal of the second option, Alvarez said.

As students return this fall, colleges are bracing for more protests over the Israel-Hamas war and are strategizing over how to handle protests, including when to call in law enforcement.

Read more: UC regents: Protests yes, encampments no. Campus rules must be consistently enforced

At University of California campuses, administrators have signaled that they will be less tolerant of encampments and other protests that violate campus policies. UC President Michael V. Drake is expected to draft a systemwide plan to bring all campuses into conformity about how to respond to violations of rules around protest. California lawmakers are holding back $25 million in state funding until Drake delivers a report on the efforts by Oct. 1.

Which charges are worth pursuing?

The vast majority of the cases against the demonstrators  including students, faculty and people without any ties to the colleges  involve misdemeanors or lower-level charges, including trespassing, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to APs review of data on campuses with at least 100 arrests.

At USC, the LAPD arrested 93 people  51 of them students  on April 24 while clearing a pro-Palestinian encampment in Alumni Park. Protesters were cited for trespassing after failing to follow police orders to disperse.

Citing privacy, USC declined to disclose details of student conduct investigations. But about 180 faculty and staff members sent a letter to USC administrators last month calling proceedings by the USC Office of Community Expectations aggressive and demanding reforms and greater transparently around cases involving student protesters. Students who were arrested said they attended arraignments earlier this year, although no charges have been filed.

Arrests from USC were "still under review," Ivor Pine, a Los Angeles city attorney's office spokesman, said in an email. There currently are no open cases regarding those arrested at USC, Venusse Dunn of the district attorneys office said in an email.

Aro Velmet, an associate professor of history at USC who was arrested in April and has been in touch with student protesters, said lawyers encouraged those arrested to "call in to the D.A.'s office once a month to see if they've decided to file" charges.

Charges are also still unclear for the more than 40 people arrested on May 15 during a protest building occupation at UC Irvine, largely on suspicion of trespassing or failure to disperse after police orders.

"We have not made any filing decisions yet as our team is still reviewing the evidence," said Kimberly Edds, a spokeswoman for the Orange County district attorney.

It's been a different outcome for 19 people  nine of them Pomona College students and others from Scripps College and Pitzer College  arrested during an occupation of the Pomona College president's office building on April 5. On July 8, the district attorney charged each with trespassing and refusing to leave private property. An arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 23 in L.A. County Superior Court in Pomona.

James Gutierrez, an attorney for the students arrested at Pomona College, said they plan to accept a diversion offer that requires the students to perform 16 hours of community service over six months in exchange for the cases being dismissed.

Students who faced interim suspensions in April are close to completing the student conduct judicial process, according to a Pomona College spokeswoman.

Prosecutors in several other U.S. cities are still evaluating whether to file charges. But in many cases, officials have indicated they do not intend to pursue low-level violations, according to APs review.

Pro-Palestinian supporters are arrested at UCLA on May 6. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

In Northern California, the Humboldt County district attorney said this week that she would drop charges against the majority of protesters "based upon insufficient evidence to prove a crime beyond a reasonable doubt and/or interests of justice grounds."

In an emailed statement, Dist. Atty. Stacey Eads said that, out of 39 people arrested by the Cal Poly Humboldt Police Department, she rejected charges for 27. The rest of the cases, she said, were pending further investigation and information submission by the college's police department.

For some students, the consequences for their academic careers have affected them more than any legal jeopardy.

Alvarez, who hopes to branch into social justice and community organizing, said she doesn't have regrets. But thats not to say the protest didnt come at a cost.

I want that degree, Alvarez said. I worked four jobs throughout my two years at Wash U to be able to afford tuition without pulling out any loans.

Yassine, the UCLA psychology doctoral graduate, also said she was proud of the encampments. She believes she protested for the right cause, no matter the consequences.

"I'm never surprised by the repression of speech in favor of Palestinian liberation and human rights," she said. "That has been true since the day I was born."

"I've been concerned all summer long about my cases, degree and licensing. But that issue is nothing compared to what is happening in Palestine."

Kaleem is a Times staff writer. Obradovic is a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Chinese citizen was arrested this week after police said he repeatedly tried to get into former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach while he claimed that he had documents that tie his home country's government to the July 13 assassination attempt on the Republican nominee for president.

Zijie Li, 38, of El Monte, California, faces a misdemeanor trespassing charge in the incident, which occurred Wednesday, and remained at the Palm Beach County Jail on Thursday morning on a $3,000 bond, according to court records.

According to jail records, this is the first security-related arrest at Mar-a-Lago since July 13, when a gunman shot at Trump as he spoke at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by Secret Service agents after wounding Trump's ear and shooting three of his supporters, killing one.

The Secret Service has increased security around Trump's estate and his other properties since that incident, including the agency's decision to close South Ocean Boulevard next to Mar-a-Lago. The closure, which extends from the Southern Boulevard traffic circle north to South County Road, went into effect at 5 a.m. July 20.

Li's first attempt to reach Mar-a-Lago was the day before, at about 8 p.m. July 19, when he pulled up to the estate's main gate on South Ocean Boulevard in a gray Toyota Prius and told Secret Service agents that he had documents showing China was involved in the attempted assassination, according to an arrest report. Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago at the time  he was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the Republican National Convention that week.

Agents told Li that he was trespassing and was not allowed into Mar-a-Lago, and the Palm Beach Police Department issued him a written warning, the report said. Police told Li that he could not return to Mar-a-Lago or he would be arrested.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies stand guard over a U.S. Secret Service-implemented checkpoint on South Ocean Boulevard at the intersection with South County Road on July 20 in Palm Beach, as part of increased security measures to protect former President Donald Trump.

Town security cameras show that Li's next visit to Palm Beach was July 22, when he twice drove east and then west again over the Royal Park Bridge, first in the morning and then in the afternoon, the arrest report said. Trump was at Mar-a-Lago that day, having returned from Wisconsin very early the previous morning.

On July 30, Li was spotted at about 5:40 p.m. driving toward the security checkpoint for Mar-a-Lago at South County Road and South Ocean Boulevard, the report said. Li was blocking a lane of traffic, so a Palm Beach Police officer stopped him and noticed that Mar-a-Lago's address, 1100 S. Ocean Blvd., was on Li's GPS system, according to the arrest report.

Li was released and left town heading west over the Royal Park Bridge, but returned less than an hour later when his car was spotted south of Mar-a-Lago on South Ocean Boulevard, the report said. This time, Palm Beach Police and Secret Service agents again stopped him and told him not to return to Mar-a-Lago.

But, police said, Li kept trying.

President Donald Trump opened his private Mar-a-Lago Club in 1996.

His car first traveled east and then west over the Royal Park Bridge north of Mar-a-Lago between 8 and 8:30 a.m., according to town security cameras. Li's Prius was then spotted minutes later going east over the Southern Boulevard Bridge next to Mar-a-Lago, and he drove past the Secret Service checkpoint and south to Lake Worth Beach, the arrest report said.

He came back again about 10 a.m., driving east on Southern Boulevard across the Intracoastal Waterway and past the Secret Service checkpoints, trying to enter Mar-a-Lago at the estate's southern gate, police said.

At that point, he was back on Mar-a-Lago property and in violation of the trespassing warning, the report said. When security told Li that he couldn't enter Mar-a-Lago, he left again  but this time, officers were looking for him.

Palm Beach Police found him back in Palm Beach, and Li was arrested at the intersection of Royal Palm Way and South County Road, north of Mar-a-Lago.

The Secret Service referred the Daily News' request for comment to the Palm Beach Police Department. Police spokesman Capt. Will Rothrock said the town did not have a comment.

Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday, July 30 when Li was arrested, but the former president will return this weekend, according to a new Federal Aviation Administration notice.

Temporary flight restrictions are scheduled to go into effect at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, lasting through 10:45 p.m. Aug. 9, for "VIP movement" in an area with Mar-a-Lago as its center, according to the notice posted Thursday.

Trump, the Republican nominee for president, has been at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey, for about a week. He typically spends most of his time there during the summer, preferring it over Mar-a-Lago, which closes to club members during Palm Beach's off-season.

He will return to Palm Beach after traveling to Atlanta for a campaign rally with his vice presidential running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.

Li is not the first Chinese citizen to face charges for trying to gain access to Mar-a-Lago. A 32-year-old Chinese woman was arrested in 2019 after the Secret Service said she lied to get into the club and then claimed she wanted to talk to Trump about economic relations between China and the United States.

Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Police: Chinese citizen repeatedly tried to go into Trump's Mar-a-Lago
Six weeks after the death of a police dog in a hot car in Savannah, Missouri, another Missouri K-9 was declared dead Wednesday after authorities say the air conditioner quit working in his handlers patrol car.

The police department in Arnold, Missouri announced the death of Vader, a 4-year-old police dog, Thursday. According to social media posts from the department, Vaders handler left the dog in his patrol vehicle while on a call Wednesday.

When Vaders police handler returned to the vehicle, it was discovered that the air-conditioning system malfunctioned, the Arnold Police Department wrote in a statement shared Thursday.

Vader was sent to a local veterinary clinic, where he was diagnosed with heat exhaustion and kept overnight. After briefly showing signs of improvement, the dog was sent to a 24-hour animal care clinic, where he died, the department wrote.

The department said leaving dogs in patrol vehicles as a necessary and common practice when the K-9 partner is not actively engaged in police work.

Arnold police cars are supposed to be equipped with a warning system that alerts K-9 handlers phones and lowers the windows when temperatures inside patrol cars reach a certain heat, according to the department. The warning system is also supposed to sound the car horn and activate cooling fans.

Officers said the warning system malfunctioned along with the air conditioning.

The Arnold Police Department has launched an investigation into Vaders death. Meanwhile, Arnold residents have taken to social media to share condolences and outrage.

Earlier this summer, Horus, a 5-year-old German Shepherd, died on an overnight patrol shift in Savannah. The Savannah police K-9 was locked in his partners hot car overnight in what has since been ruled an accident.

According to Kansas City nonprofit K9s of Valor, 23 K-9 dogs died while on duty in 2023. Four dogs died of heatstroke, while two died of unspecified duty-related illness.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been accused of killing three children

A further wave of far-Right disruption is expected across the UK following the killings of three young girls in Southport.

Violent extremists are planning to descend on more than a dozen cities and towns in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, according to reports.

Hope not Hate, the anti-racism charity, has warned that demonstrations are being planned for London, Aldershot, Sunderland, Hull, Liverpool, Cardiff and Manchester.

Flyers are also being circulated online for rallies in Nottingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Belfast, Bristol and Hull.

It comes after the 17-year-old accused of killing three girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class was named as Axel Rudakubana, from Banks in Lancashire, on Thursday.

The teenager is accused of using a kitchen knife to kill Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and attempting to kill eight other children.

Rudakubanas identity was revealed after a judge lifted a reporting restriction restricting the publication of his name.

He was remanded into custody following short hearings at Liverpool magistrates court and Liverpool Crown Court. The court proceedings heard the teenager had been armed with a curved kitchen knife during the attack.

Meanwhile, police are trying to identify eight people who were involved in mob-type protests, sparked by the stabbings, outside an Aldershot hotel housing migrants that were sparked by the stabbings.

Hampshire Police released photographs of the seven men and one woman who took part in the protests outside the Potters International Hotel on Wednesday .

A police and crime commissioner said there were mob-type protests. Around 200 people took part, with a minority throwing missiles at officers and shouting racial slurs, said Hampshire Police.

Hampshire Police released photographs to try to identify eight people involved in protests in Aldershot on Wednesday - Hampshire Police

Elsewhere, seven men were charged with violent disorder after riots broke out in Hartlepool on Wednesday, with a police car set on fire and four officers being injured.

Officers were attacked with missiles, glass bottles and eggs in the County Durham town.

A 42-year-old man was also charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker, and a 28-year-old man was charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, as well as violent disorder.

All seven men were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Teesside magistrates court on Friday. An 11-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson.

Around 150 people had gathered at the towns Cenotaph before descending on Murray Street and the surrounding area.

Chief Constable Mark Webster said the events in the town were mindless thuggery and that experienced officers had never seen such disorder there before.

Asked what the motivation was for the disorder, he said: There is an opportunity to go out and damage things, and just exhibit a bit of violence.

I dont think there is a principle at stake  this was not a legitimate protest or demonstration. I think there is some mindless thuggery, and thats why we are being really proactive to go out and arrest people. Theres no excuse for last night.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, said the riots in London, Aldershot and Manchester were not protest and not legitimate as he vowed not to permit a breakdown of law and order.

He said: Make no mistake, whether its in Southport, London or Hartlepool, these people are showing our country exactly who they are. Mosques targeted because theyre mosques, flares thrown at the statue of Winston Churchill, a Nazi salute at the Cenotaph.

Because lets be very clear about this  its not protest. Its not legitimate. Its crime, violent disorder, an assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice.

Jonathan Brash, the MP for Hartlepool, told BBC Radio 4s World At One programme on Thursday that the unrest the night before doesnt represent us as a town.

On Thursday morning, a clean-up operation began as council workers were joined by volunteers in sweeping away the debris. The remains of the police car destroyed when it was set alight had been removed by 10am.

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Thomas Jolly poses Friday, July 19, 2024 in Paris. Thomas Jolly, a 40-year-old actor and stage director, was chosen by the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee to helm the artistic direction of the four grand ceremonies. He will be tasked with bringing to life Paris' ambitious plan to hold the July 26, 2024, opening ceremony in the French capital's city center, along the Seine River. (AP Photo/Tom Nouvian)

PARIS (AP)  Paris prosecutors said Friday that police have opened a hate speech investigation following a complaint by Olympics opening ceremony artistic director Thomas Jolly over death threats.

The Paris prosecutors' office said in a statement that Jolly filed a police complaint on Tuesday, four days after the opening ceremony, for death threats, public insults and defamation."

Jolly said he has been the target of threatening messages and insults on social networks criticizing his sexual orientation and his wrongly-assumed Israeli roots, the statement said. France's Central Office for Combating Crimes Against Humanity and Hate Crimes has been charged with the investigation.

Jolly's complaint comes after the Paris Olympics opening ceremony prompted a storm of outrage, including angry comments from Donald Trump, in the wake of a contentious scene featuring drag queens and other performers. Although Jolly has repeatedly said that he wasnt inspired by The Last Supper, critics interpreted part of the show as a mockery of Leonardo Da Vincis painting showing Jesus Christ and his apostles.

French President Emmanuel Macron extended full support to Jolly and all performing artists who were part of the Olympics opening show.

I am outraged and sad, Macron said about threats and cyberbullying Jolly and others have suffered. Nothing justifies threats against an artist, Macron said.

French people were very proud of the opening ceremony that presented Frances history, its adventurous spirit, its audacity and it was all done with artistic freedom, which is very important to us, Macron said.

Jollys daring art in the opening ceremony made many people happy, he added.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo also expressed unwavering support of Jolly in the face of the threats and harassment.

With his opening ceremony, Jolly held our values high, Hidalgo said in a statement Friday. It was a pride and an honor for Paris to be able to count on his talent to magnify our city and tell the world who we are.

Hidalgo added: Paris will always be on the side of artists, of creation and therefore, on the side of freedom.

Barbara Butch, a popular DJ and LGBTQ+ icon who performed in the show, also said she suffered a torrent of online threats. Butch has filed a complaint alleging online abuse and harassment, which police are also investigating.

___

For more coverage of the Paris Olympics, visit https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games.
ITHACA, N.Y. (WETM)  An Ithaca man has been arrested after police say that he stole a laptop from someone on Monday night.

According to the Ithaca Police Department, Larry G. Payne Jr., 36, was arrested on the charge of burglary in the second degree (class C felony), among other offenses, after police say they tracked the stolen laptop to his location on Monday, July 29.

Ithaca man arrested on burglary charge, chased down street

Police say they were called to the 100 block of Cook Street after they received the report of a burglary around 10:30 p.m. on Monday. Upon arrival, the victim reported that their laptop had been stolen.

Police were able to track the laptop via built-in GPS, which eventually led them to the area of the 300 block of E. State St., where Payne was found with the laptop. The laptop was then reclaimed, and Payne was taken into custody.

Elmira man sentenced up to 5 years in prison on theft charges

Payne was then arraigned in the Ithaca City Court and taken to the Tompkins County Jail.

Anyone with any additional information on the incident is encouraged to contact IPD as soon as possible by one of the following means:

Police Dispatch: 607-272-3245

Police Administration: 607-272-9973

Police Tip line: 607-330-0000

Anonymous Email Tip Address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A 36-year-old Arizona man is wanted in the investigation of a deadly shooting on Friday morning, according to the Mohave County (Arizona) Sheriffs Office.

Kenneth Joseph Carter has been identified as a suspect in a homicide investigation after a male was found dead at a residence in Golden Valley, a community located about 100 miles southeast of Las Vegas. The Mohave County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) said a temporary felony warrant has been issued for Carter. Detectives are also looking for Carters father  58-year-old Kenneth Allen Carter  for questioning related to the homicide.

The shooting occurred in the 3800 block of Diabase Dr., which is in the southeast part of Golden Valley. Deputies said the victims name is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

MCSO deputies responded to the scene at about 12:45 a.m. early Friday.

Anyone with information on this incident or the whereabouts of these two men is encouraged to contact the Mohave County Sheriffs Office Detective Division at 928-753-0753 ext. 4288 or toll-free at 1-800-522-4312 and reference DR# 24-029217.

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State officials initially wanted police agencies to report 20 years of disciplinary data, but unions objected. The public loses, reformers say. (Photo by New Jersey Monitor)

When state public safety officials ordered law enforcement agencies in 2020 to publicly identify officers guilty of serious misconduct, they wanted departments to disclose 20 years of data, aiming to build the communitys trust and alert officers that their actions were not above public scrutiny.

For decades, New Jersey has not disclosed the identities of law enforcement officers who commit serious disciplinary violations, then-Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said at the time. Today, we end the practice of protecting the few to the detriment of the many. Today, we recommit ourselves to building a culture of transparency and accountability in law enforcement.

But after police unions fought the issue in court, the Attorney Generals Office quietly caved, retracting their requirement that a handful of state agencies retroactively report the names of officers who faced major discipline.

The state police alone had nearly 500 cases of major discipline over the prior two decades, so the decision ensured that hundreds and potentially thousands of cases of past police misconduct would remain hidden  including those of officers still on the job today. Now, the public can get that information just back to 2021, with the latest data released this week.

Jason Williams is a criminologist and justice studies professor at Montclair State University. He regards the states failure to require retroactive reporting of police disciplinary cases as part of a larger pattern of policymakers long-standing reluctance to embrace wide-reaching policing reforms, such as making all disciplinary records public and appointing independent oversight.

Last months death of Sonya Massey, who called 911 to report a possible prowler and was gunned down in her Illinois home by the responding officer, shows why the public should know the full histories of officers tasked with keeping their communities safe, Williams added. The officer who killed Massey had hopscotched around several agencies in just a few years, racking up multiple disciplinary infractions, according to CBS News.

Independent oversight and citizen involvement in watchdogging the police are key to ensuring accountability and building public trust, he added.

I know that this particular A.G. is really trying to move forward in a positive direction in terms of transparency, Williams said. But its very important, given the climate were in right now regarding policing with the Massey case and that particular officers disciplinary history, that we go the extra mile.

When Grewal issued the directive in June 2020 mandating disciplinary disclosures, he ordered the state police, the Juvenile Justice Commission, and the attorney generals criminal justice division to identify officers who had been disciplined in the prior 20 years, citing the states lack of any police licensing system. Revealing two decades of disciplinary data would allow the public, policymakers, and police brass to track repeat offenders across agencies, Grewal wrote. Citizens also would then be able to hold agencies accountable for their response to patterns of discipline, he added.

But police unions argued that officers relied on the promise of confidentiality in resolving disciplinary disputes. Their challenge ended up before the New Jersey Supreme Court, which in June 2021 upheld the states right to publicly identify officers with serious discipline  but not retroactively.

The justices booted the case back to lower courts for closer review of the past discipline issue. But Attorney General Matt Platkin in November 2022 issued a 94-page directive on transparency in internal affairs investigations that retracted the mandated 20-year lookback in a one-sentence footnote. Public reporting of past discipline was never implemented due to litigation, the footnote reads.

Platkins office didnt respond to questions this week about that decision. Lawmakers in 2022 acted to require police licensing statewide, and Gov. Phil Murphy signed that law in July 2022.

Platkins transparency directive led to his office creating a publicly accessible internal affairs database, which also was updated with 2023 data this week. But neither that, nor the major discipline database, links to original internal affairs paperwork or reports.

Thats a problem, according to attorney and transparency advocate CJ Griffin. Griffin has represented the New Jersey Monitor in various legal matters.

The issue with the entire report is theres no way to fact-check it, Griffin said. They can leave out anything they want, and wed never know.

Theres also no analysis  and there should be, added Richard Rivera, who is director of the Penn Grove Police Department and who supports reforms to the criminal justice system.

This isnt a report, its not a review, its not a study. This is a list. This is a scarlet letter. Thats all this is. Theres no thinking involved. Theres no analysis. The A.G. didnt put together statistics. This doesnt tell us comparisons from one year to the next. Its just minimum, plain vanilla check boxes that they leave to public interpretation and speculation, Rivera said.

The attorney generals office requires agencies to compile annual executive summaries and submit them to the attorney generals office for their review, he added.

Were required to come up with our own statistics, to analyze them, to rationalize what is taking place, to understand the trends, and then report that on an annual basis. But theres a double standard here. They slap together a report, 375 pages, seven months late, and were all supposed to scratch our heads and figure out what it means, Rivera said.

The public is entitled to see internal affairs reports of officers in the major discipline database under the common law right of access, Griffin said. But, she added, Why not automatically put all the reports into a database so they dont have to be requested and we get the full story up front?

State lawmakers have introduced bills every legislative session since at least 2020 that would require police disciplinary records to be public, including again in the current session, but they have not gotten much traction in the Statehouse.

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Climate activists on the tarmac at Leipzig/Halle Airport, where many protesters are demanding tougher climate protection. According to preliminary investigations, a component of the five-person gang was still on the ground in the airport's southern area, according to a federal police officer. Julius-Christian Schreiner/dpa

Police prevented a climate blockade at Hamburg Airport early on Friday morning, they said in a statement.

A patrol car crew became aware of a group of cyclists near the airport, the police said. When the cyclists noticed the police, they reportedly fled. Four of them were stopped and checked a short time later, while one person fled unidentified, the police said.

The suspects allegedly had extensive equipment in their bags, "which suggested an intended blockade action at the airport." Among the items were bolt cutters, vests, posters and a sand-resin mixture, the police said.

The four suspects were temporarily detained. A fifth person, who presumably intended to document the planned blockade from a vantage point, was also taken into custody, the police said.

The operation had no impact on air traffic in Hamburg early in the morning: "Flight operations were and are not affected," said an airport spokeswoman.

In the early hours of Thursday, climate activists glued themselves to the runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport, thus disrupting cargo flight operations.

The head of Hamburg's interior department, Andy Grote, thanked police officers for their efforts.

"Very good work by our Hamburg police, who today successfully prevented what could have been an hours-long blockade of Hamburg Airport at an early stage and thus saved many thousands of people their well-deserved holidays," he wrote on X.

Last week, climate demonstrators paralyzed flight operations for a few hours at both Frankfurt Airport and Cologne/Bonn Airport. At Stuttgart Airport, there was also a peaceful protest without any flight traffic disruptions.

Last Thursday, Hamburg Airport announced precautions in light of the disruptive actions and said it was increasingly vigilant. No details were given on specific measures.

A hole has been cut in the fence at Leipzig/Halle Airport, where numerous protestors are calling for stronger climate protection. According to preliminary investigations, a portion of the five-person gang remained on the ground in the airport's southern sector, according to a federal police official. Julius-Christian Schreiner/dpa
RANDALLS ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11)  Police raided a migrant shelter at Randalls Island with K-9 units in search of guns and drugs on Friday, according to a tweet from the NYPD.

Authorities said the enforcement action is in direct response to Mondays shooting in front of the tent shelter that left a woman dead and two others injured.

More Local News

Migrants were not allowed to enter or leave the shelter as the raid was conducted. One person told PIX11s Henry Rosoff that they waited outside for five hours after being told the search would be quick.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry said police would remove any dangerous contraband discovered during the raid.

The safety and security of all New Yorkers, and every single person in our care, is our top priority. To that end, NYPD has commenced an operation at the Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center at Randalls Island to remove any dangerous contraband from the shelter, he posted on X.

BREAKING:

I can confirm a raid at Randalls Island, where there has been recent violence, is well underway with a heavy police presence and K9s and no migrants being allowed in or out for sometime . https://t.co/KmWbmgHl9c pic.twitter.com/ANNpcE5PVv  Henry Rosoff (@HenryRosoff) August 2, 2024

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Police search for man accused of attempted rape in the Bronx: NYPD

Police search for man accused of attempted rape in the Bronx: NYPD

MOTT HAVEN, the Bronx (PIX11)  Police are looking for a man accused of attempting to rape a woman in the Bronx on Thursday, according to police.

More Bronx News

A woman, 28, was near East 148th Street and Saint Anns Avenue when the man walked up and tried to sexually assault her around 2 a.m., police told PIX11 News.

The suspect ran off and the woman was taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries, police said.

Police are looking for a man accused of attempting to rape a woman in the Bronx, according to police. (NYPD)

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).

Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in New York City and Washington, D.C. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here, and follow him on X and Facebook @OfficialRizk. Get in touch at jonathan.rizk@pix11.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Police are looking for an apparent robber in the University Park neighborhood of Los Angeles on Friday morning.

At about 9:45 a.m., a man pointed a shotgun at an employee of a business in the 3000 block of Flower Street, according to Officer Jader Chaves of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Its unclear what, if anything, was stolen, but Chaves said containment has been set up to locate the man.

Footage shared to the Citizen app shows an LAPD helicopter searching the area.

Check back for updates to this developing story.

Nidia Becerra contributed to this report.

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FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI)  Boston police are asking for the publics help as they try to find a 17-year-old girl who hasnt been seen for nearly two weeks.

Boston Police Department: Ciara Benjamin, 17

Ciara Benjamin was reported missing to Fall River police on Sunday, July 21.

Police believe she may be around the Boston area, possibly in the Allston or Brighton neighborhoods or near Boston University.

Benjamin is described as a Black female who stands 5 feet, 6 inches tall.

Anyone with information on her location is asked to call 911 or Boston detectives at (617) 343-4328.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-800 (494) -TIPS or by texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463).

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Police Searching for U-Haul Truck Rented by Maine Mom Find Her and 2 Daughters Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Jennifer Barney rented a U-Haul and did not return with it, ultimately leading police to the grim discovery

GoFundMe Harmony and Hope West

A mother and her two children are dead in an apparent murder-suicide.

On Saturday, July 27, around 3:30 p.m., officers responded to a home in Mechanic Falls, Maine, to check the residence for a U-Haul truck that had been reported stolen after it was not returned, Mechanic Falls Police Chief Jeffrey Goss said in a press release.

At the scene, an officer and a deputy with the Androscoggin Sheriffs Office tried to make contact with the resident, who was the person who rented the truck, Goss said. During the investigation, police learned that the resident, an adult woman, was dead inside her home. When authorities went inside, they found two children dead.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted autopsies and identified the deceased as 7-year-old Hope West, 11-year-old Harmony West, and 37-year-old Jennifer Barney. Officials determined that the two young girls died as a result of homicide while Barney died by suicide.

The case was turned over to the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit, which is now leading the investigation, Goss said.

According to Goss, an animal control officer was called to the scene after pets were found inside the home. They will be in the care of animal control until a next-of-kin can be reached and a determination of the pets placement can be decided, Goss said.

Several neighbors in the community told WGME-TV they hadn't seen the girls, who often played outside, for about two weeks.

On a GoFundMe campaign created to help offset funeral expenses for the children, their uncle said Hopes 7th birthday was on July 27, the day officers made the grim discovery.

"Harmony and Hope were the best of friends, and we are grateful they had each other in the challenges they faced in their young lives, fundraiser organizer Dan Parrott wrote. Our hearts have been shattered by the tragedy of their passing.

Both girls attended Elm Street School, according to the fundraiser.



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Read the original article on People.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An officer-involved shooting occurred in a west Abilene neighborhood Thursday evening.

At about 6:30 p.m., crews responded to the 3800 block of North 9th Street.

The caller stated that their 39-year-old son, Cris Steenblock, was destroying property and getting physical with his parents.

As officers approached, Steenblock walked towards them with weapons in both hands in the street. He did not comply with the officers directions to drop the weapons and continued forward. The officer then fired his gun, striking Steenblock.

Steenblock was pronounced deceased by the Justice of the Peace.

No officers or others were injured. Per departmental policy, the officer will be placed on administrative leave as the Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers investigates.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Two people were found dead in southwest Oklahoma City Friday morning, police say.

According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to a home near SW 25th St. and May Ave. around 12:30 a.m.

LOCAL NEWS: Moore family mourning after a trip to the movie theater ends in tragedy

Upon arrival, they found two men dead inside of a residence. Officials say investigators are looking into what happened and that there is no threat to the public.

No more information is available as the investigation continues.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Article first published: Saturday, Aug. 03, 2024, 5 a.m. ET

According to the National Hurricane Centers 5 am Saturday advisory, the tropical depression is now impacting Cuba

The tropical depression is 80 miles south-southeast of Varadero Cuba and 195 miles south-southeast of Key West Florida, with maximum sustained wind of 30 mph. Its moving 16 mph to the west-northwest. A portion of the Florida Gulf coast under a hurricane watch, forecasters report. The tropical depression is forecast to strengthen.

YESTERDAY (Friday):

Yesterday (Friday) at 11 am, the National Hurricane Center published the first advisory for a potential tropical cyclone. The tropical depression departed Cuba and moved toward the Caribbean Sea. The system became a tropical depression with sustained winds of 30 mph after intensifying from a potential tropical cyclone

Portions of Florida placed under a tropical storm warning and a tropical storm watch by forecasters.

CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

A Hurricane Watch has been issued from Aucilla River to Yankeetown,

Florida.

A Storm Surge Watch has been issued from the mouth of the Suwannee River to Aucilla River, Florida.

The Tropical Storm Warning has been extended northward along the west coast of the Florida peninsula from Boca Grande to south of Yankeetown, including Tampa Bay.

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued west of Aucilla River to the Ochlockonee River.

The Tropical Storm Watch for the Florida Keys north of the Channel 5 Bridge has been discontinued.

The Tropical Storm Watch for the southern coast of the Florida peninsula east of East Cape Sable to the Card Sound Bridge has been discontinued.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:

- Aucilla River to Yankeetown

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

- The Dry Tortugas

- West coast of the Florida peninsula from south of Yankeetown to East Cape Sable

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:

- The Florida Keys south of the Channel 5 Bridge

- West of the Aucilla River to the Ochlockonee River

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for:

- Bonita Beach northward to the Aucilla River, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life- threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov.

Interests elsewhere in Florida and the southeastern coast of the United States should monitor the progress of this system. Additional warnings and watches will likely be required for a portion of this area later today.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:

WIND: Hurricane conditions are possible in the hurricane watch area by Sunday night, with tropical storm conditions possible by Sunday. Tropical storm conditions are expected to spread northward over the warning areas beginning later today and continuing through Sunday. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area in the Florida Keys later today or tonight, and in the Florida Panhandle by late Sunday.

STORM SURGE: The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide...

Chassahowitzka, FL to Aucilla River, FL...3-5 ft Bonita Beach, FL to Chassahowitzka, FL...2-4 ft Tampa Bay...2-4 ft Charlotte Harbor...2-4 ft

RAINFALL: Tropical Depression Four is expected to produce rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches, with maximum rainfall totals up to 15 inches, across portions of Florida and along the Southeast U.S. coast this weekend through Thursday morning. This rainfall may result in areas of locally considerable flash and urban flooding, with isolated river flooding possible.

For Cuba, rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches, with localized higher amounts, will be possible through today. This may result in isolated to scattered areas of flooding.

For a complete depiction of forecast rainfall and flash flooding associated with Tropical Depression Four, please see the National Weather Service Storm Total Rainfall Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml? Rainqpf

TORNADOES: A tornado or two is possible across the Florida Keys and the western Florida Peninsula tonight through Sunday morning.

SURF: Swells generated by the depression are expected to affect much of the Gulf coast of Florida tonight through Monday and along the Southeast U.S. coast early next week. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Source: National Hurricane Center

This article was generated by the South Carolina Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes information from the National Hurricane Center and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom. We are experimenting with this and other new ways of providing more useful content to our readers and subscribers. You can report errors or bugs to mcclatchybot@mcclatchy.com.
Leon Neal/Getty Images

In this op-ed, Mythili Sampathkumar explores Usha Vance, Kamala Harris, and how the model minority myth plays into the Indian community's growing role in American politics.

Whatever happens on the first Tuesday in November, there will be an Indian American woman on the steps of the Capitol come Inauguration Day. Its an idea I have been trying to wrap my head around after watching Usha Vance, wife of Donald Trumps running mate J.D. Vance, give her speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, and in the weeks since President Joe Biden and the Democratic party endorsed Kamala Harris for president.

With at least one Indian American woman poised to make history in the fall, Shasti Conrad, chair of the Washington State Democratic Party and the only South Asian in the country in such a position, summed up my feelings well in an email to me. The past couple of weeks have been awe-inspiring, she said, capturing the excitement of seeing representation in the highest echelons of our government. But, I think it's overwhelming, she added. And I think it's ultimately good for our country in the long run.

That dread of being overwhelmed is what sticks out in my mind, familiar for anyone who has written about American politics in the last 10 years, more so for the dwindling number of us still in journalism who are people of color and from immigrant families. Four years ago, I was deep in it when I wrote about the election in general and in particular, about how the Indian American community felt about Harris.

There is still a difference in the way those of us who grew up in the U.S., in places like the suburbs of Cleveland where I spent some of my childhood in Vances adopted state, view Harris ascension versus those in our community who immigrated here as adults. And, there is still a swell of emotion for us at the thought of her chittis seeing her in the White House as we think of our own mothers having to carve out a life in this completely foreign place before the internet or WhatsApp kept them so connected to home and each other.

What has changed in the last four years, though, is the feeling that our community was not actually ready to examine itself or accept the responsibilities that come with our growing place in American political life.

Now, with Harris at the top of the ticket, there seems to be a new hope and energy for young voters, for Black and South Asian voters. There are still unanswered questions about her stance on the genocide continuing in Gaza, what she will actually achieve for working mothers once in the White House, whether her record on combating climate change will remain steady or fall prey to politics, and much more. And, we still must contend with the anti-Blackness in some South Asian communities, the contingent who doesnt consider Harris to be one of our own in the way those same aunties and uncles are proud of Vance.

But as we grapple with the excitement of having an Indian American woman in the White House in some capacity, we must too understand the role the model minority myth is playing  particularly when it comes to Usha Vance.

The model minority myth positions Asian Americans as the good minority, exploiting our successes to minimize racism and other race-based disparities and creating a harmful stereotype that isnt in line with many of our lived experiences. It also sets up expectations within our communities that we must succeed at all costs, and act as that model to ease other peoples biases against us. Last month, an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal posited that Usha Vance exemplifies the rise of an immigrant group that has prospered without quotas or affirmative action, that she is proof that systemic racism and white privilege are just excuses, rather than real barriers to success for many people of color.

But positioning Indian Americans as a model minority, an acceptable immigrant group, is using white, Christian acceptance as the measure for success. It is, in a way, naive and dangerous for people like the author of that op-ed, for people like Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and now Usha Vance to assume their money and success somehow hide their skin color or the faiths in which they grew up.

For those of us who grew up in an Indian community that often solely measured success  and acceptance  by income alone, coupled with living in a majority white area when there was not the exposure to Indian culture there is now, people who think of Usha Vance and those like her as the only acceptable model are holding us back as a community.

With Vance specifically, the Indian American communitys conversation is different than it is with Harris  both of her parents are Telugu and she grew up in San Diego in an Indian community like the one I grew up in. While some say Harris hides her Tamil roots until its convenient for her, though Ive seen no evidence of this.

At the RNC, though, Vance was trotted out not just in support of her husband and the Trump ticket, but as a sort of plea for approval by a party that has embraced hatred, all while there were xenophobic signs in the crowd and tweets (here) that called the VP nominees stances into question because of his wifes race.

The Wall Street Journal op-ed made me worry that we hadnt learned anything as a community, but there was pushback and discussion in a variety of circles from people I didnt expect to hear from. The pieces denial of some key facts were immediately pointed out: the Indian American community as it is would not exist today if it weren't for the strides made during the Civil Rights movement by Black people and there is indeed lobbying of all kinds done by the community on Capitol Hill, primarily related to affirmative action.

The truth is that our community cant be lumped into one, neat box. We dont all share the same wealthy background that people like Vance enjoy, and assuming so ignores that there are many living in poverty, who are undocumented and uncounted, and scores who experience racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. Ignoring these facts and stories is not only erasure, it is naive and lets the GOP off the hook for marginalizing people of color, even as those minorities continue to be involved in campaigns.

As Republicans in the House call Harris the DEI candidate, Vance, to me, represents the other side of that coin; separating Indian immigrants from other people of color is not just in service of anti-Blackness, but also for the benefit of white, Christian supremacists.

For many of us who grew up in majority white communities like the one Vance did  a relatively small, tight-knit, suburban pocket of South Asians that have grown over time from universities, hospitals, large companies employing engineers, and hospitality entrepreneurs in a mostly red state  that separation doesnt make sense when all people of color were lumped together by the majority, and stuck to each other by experience.

Our success is actually intertwined with building a more inclusive South Asian American community of those who are not just Indian, or a particular socioeconomic class, religion, caste, sexual orientation, or gender  the kind many of us wish we had growing up. This kind of community re-shaping requires energy and a re-shaping of America, in many ways.

What Harris represents for many in the Indian American and greater South Asian American community is a shattering of the Usha Vance model minority myth despite her impressive credentials and professional success. Whether that is because she has not given birth to her own children and has step children, embraced her Black identity, or openly supports the LGBTQ+ community, she does embody at least part of what our community wants to look like.

This is not to say everyone in the community, even those politically aligned with each other, will vote for her, but she has inspired something akin to a practical hope, not just about the country but how we operate as a community.

As Deepa Iyer, South Asian American activist and author of We Too Sing America: South Asian, Muslim, Arab, and Sikh Immigrants Shape Our Multiracial Future, told me: Now is the time to match that enthusiasm [for her candidacy] with policy asks and solidarity with Black communities.

In other words, potentially being the first Black and Asian American woman in the Oval Office is monumental and yet we learned from Obama  its not enough. These are not the expectations of a model minority, they go beyond that external perception and point towards an intra- and inter-community model for someones success.

The beauty of practical hope is that there seems to be an openness to hearing her out, to understanding what came before her doesnt have to burden her or her campaign now, in the language of the coconut tree memes.

Practical hope means not portraying Harris as the only model for success or a savior who could fall off the glass cliff, but the leader of a team of light bearers in dark times nonetheless who can also be questioned and evolve over time.

Harris first ad, featuring Beyonces song Freedom, actually hits the right note. Coincidentally, the song is from 2016 when Hillary Clinton ran and lost. Its a start to the messaging of the campaign I hope continues: Allow us to bask in the empowerment of this historic moment for women of color and children of immigrants, but also give us the space to question and make our own futures.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
Potential running mate for Vice President Harris is an alumnus of the University of Rochester

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Vice President Kamala Harris will soon decide on who her running mate will be, Pennsylvania Governor and UR alumnus Josh Shapiro is on the list of candidates.

Governor Shapiro was a graduate of the University of Rochester in 1995. Shapiro initially started as a pre-med student before he flunked out and ran for student government.

According to the University of Rochester, he is the only student to be elected President of the Student Association in his first year. He fought for improved security on campus, more lights and security phones outside, and enhanced the shuttle service.

All of this work at UR landed him a bachelors degree from Rochester and a law degree from Georgetown University. After that, he won a seat on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2004, served on the Montgomery County Board of Commissions in 2012, and became governor in 2022.

Vice President Harris is expected to announce her running mate on Tuesday and reports say she made a surprise appearance with Shapiro at a market in Philadelphia. Sources say Harris spent a lot of time with Shapiro in her role as vice president while he ran for governor.

Other candidates Harris is considering include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A 22-year-old man from Peoria was sentenced Friday to life in prison for his role in the 2021 shooting death of a Manual High School student.

In a Friday announcement, States Attorney Jodi Hoos said Gary Irby, 22, received a life sentence for his role in the murder of then-17-year-old Jerry Snipes Jr., a former student at Manual High School, in October 2021.

In May, a jury found Irby guilty of first-degree murder after he personally discharged a firearm that killed the teenager. Irby was initially charged with two others in the Oct. 6, 2021, shooting death of Snipes, who police found fatally shot in the 2800 block of North Linn Street. He was the citys 24th homicide of that year, according to WMBD-TV records.

A preliminary investigation found that Snipes was shot 10 times by two different weapons. He was shot once with a shotgun and nine more times with a handgun, indicating two people shot him. He died minutes after the incident, according to autopsy records.

Police later found that three people, including Irby, were each involved in his murder. The second shooter, who was later identified as Jeremy Moore Jr., 21, was sentenced in February to 80 years for his role in the murder. Another suspect, later identified as Tyranique White, 20, was also charged in the case for her involvement. Her next court appearance is set for late September.

Both Irby and Moore wore GPS monitoring bracelets, which police used to find them at the time Snipes was killed. A witness also told police and testified in court that Irby had a handgun, and Moore had a shotgun, later tied to the murder.

Assistant States Attorney Terry Muench argued that Irby deserved a life sentence due to the

premeditated and cold nature of the murder, along with his violent history.

Peoria man convicted of 2021 deadly shooting of Manual High School student

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BUFFALO, N.Y (WIVB)  Contractors are prepping federally owned land in Lewiston to begin removing radioactive waste leftover from the top-secret Manhattan Project to develop the worlds first atomic bomb.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Avery Schneider said the first of three phases is set to begin at the end of this month on the 191-acre site off Pletcher Road, known as the Niagara Falls Containment Site.

The containment structure of the Niagara Falls Storage Site is underneath the large hill in the background.

The first phase involves the removal of low-level radioactive waste and other contaminants in soil and groundwater, which will cost about $40 million.

Roughly 6,000 cubic yards of soil  the same as 3,797 king-sized mattresses  will be removed. In addition, contractors say they will remove 4,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater.

The waste is wrapped and contained in bags that resemble large burritos, and are then delivered to a landfill in Michigan.

The waste is wrapped into these large bags.

Schneider said air monitoring at the site will continue through all three phases. In addition, all trucks are decontaminated and checked for radioactive levels before leaving the property. The trucks take a special route that avoids schools and Native American reservation land.

The second and third phases involve removal of additional low-level radioactive waste, and the more dangerous higher-level waste in the interim waste containment structure underneath a large hill on the property.

All phases are expected to be finished by 2038, at a cost of at least $500 million.

Latest Local News

Dan Telvock is an award-winning investigative producer and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2018. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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A D.C. Circuit Court is set to weigh in on the Supreme Courts presidential immunity ruling after the one-month reconsideration window closed on Friday, according to Politico.

The ruling, which made presidents immune to prosecution while conducting official acts, was sent back down to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals where it originated.

The matter was immediately referred to the Obama-appointed judge, Tanya Chutkan. Chutkan, who is presiding over a case against former President Donald Trump and his conduct during the Jan. 6 Capitol Riots, has been in limbo since December when the case was referred to the Supreme Court.

Now, Chutkan will have the opportunity to resume her prosecution of Trump, but also reverse the presidential immunity ruling, a precedent President Joe Biden said, would mean any president, including Donald Trump, will now be free to ignore the law.

Trump said the ruling gave him TOTAL EXONERATION, in a post on Truth Social the day after the ruling.

It is clear that the Supreme Courts Brilliantly Written and Historic Decision ENDS all of Crooked Joe Bidens Witch Hunts against me, he added.

Chutkan may also open Trump up to prosecution from special prosecutor Jack Smiths probe, where Judge Aileen Cannon has dismissed Trumps stolen documents case citing the presidential immunity ruling.

Smith has also charged Trump with four counts of conspiring to defraud the United States, conspiring to disenfranchise voters, and conspiring and attempting to obstruct an official proceeding, in August 2023. That case was also delayed by the immunity ruling.

Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in his hush-money case on May 30. He is expected to be sentenced on Sept. 18.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Primary elections are today. Here are 7 big races to watch in the Kansas City area

On Tuesday, Kansas and Missouri voters who have not already cast a ballot in early voting will have the chance to hit the polls in the primary election.

The results will shape important state and local races on both sides of the state line ahead of general elections in November. And they will decide ballot questions with implications for public safety in the Kansas City area.

Missourians are choosing Republicans and Democrats to face off in contests for governor and attorney general, among other offices. They are deciding the future of Kansas City Police Department funding and, in Jackson County, they are making selections in the race for Jackson County prosecutor.

Kansans will be voting for state representatives to serve in Topeka, and in Johnson County theyll be narrowing the field in the races for sheriff and district attorney.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Missouri, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Kansas.

You can check your voter registration, your voting districts and your polling place through the Missouri secretary of state and the Kansas secretary of state. Links to those offices and more are available in the comprehensive online voter guide created by The Star and the KC Media Collective, a group of nonprofit newsrooms in the Kansas City area.

At The Star we believe our democracy is stronger when more people have the information they need to participate in it.

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to make the choices you think will best serve you and your community.

This is our guide to the biggest races in Tuesdays primary elections.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, left; Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, center, and state Sen. Bill Eigel are Republican candidates for governor.

Missouri Governor

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft faces Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and State Sen. Bill Eigel of Weldon Spring in the Republican race for governor.

During his time in office, Ashcroft has been willing to acknowledge and elevate those who have promoted conspiracy theories and false claims about elections. And he has engaged in a series of charged political battles over public library books, voter fraud and abortion ballot measures that have helped raise his profile.

As the son of former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, he has both emphasized the family connection while also pitching himself as an aggressive outsider. The senior Ashcroft has been featured in ads rebutting attacks by Kehoes camp, and Ashcroft has promised to seek a repeal of a recent gas tax increase and end the state income tax.

Kehoe, the former owner of a Jefferson City car dealership, has campaigned as a supporter of farmers and ranchers, veterans and first responders. He has accumulated endorsements from major statewide groups, including the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Hospital Association and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce PAC.

The main PAC supporting Kehoe has also received major contributions from St. Louis philanthropist and Republican mega-donor Rex Sinquefield, including a $1 million donation in June.

Eigel, a hard-right senator from Weldon Spring, has developed a confrontational reputation in the Missouri General Assembly.

He has said he would like Missourians to be able to pay their taxes and potentially shop for groceries with gold and silver. He also has said he wants to eliminate the states personal property tax and make it harder for citizen-led petitions to pass on the ballot. And he has said he wants to abolish the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Earlier this month, a TV ad in which Eigel, accompanied by a Spanish translator and western-themed music, promised to deport migrants was condemned as racist.

In a late July televised debate, Eigel and Ashcroft both rejected the idea of public funding to keep the Kansas City Chiefs in the state and entertained freeing the first Kansas City police officer convicted of killing a Black man. They also embraced Christian nationalism.

In comments about abortion, Eigel and Ashcroft both broke with former President Donald Trump, saying they dont agree with his call to allow abortions in cases of rape or incest. Both also said frozen embryos deserve legal protections, signaling a more aggressive stance than Trump and some Republicans who have broadly said they support protecting in-vitro fertilization.

Crystal Quade, left, and Mike Hamra are the two leading Democrats campaigning for Missouri governor.

In the Democratic primary, Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade faces businessman Mike Hamra. Both are of Springfield. During a July debate, both indicated support for local control of the Kansas City Police Department, which has been under state control for most of its history.

Quade, a social worker first elected to the House in 2016, has called for more local control over firearms, which is a priority for Kansas City leaders.

Hamra, who leads a company operating numerous Wendys locations and other restaurants, said at the July debate that a majority of Missourians, including gun owners, support stronger background checks and red flag laws, which allow a judge to order individuals to temporarily surrender their firearms if theyre found to be a danger to themselves or others.

Republican candidates for Missouri attorney general Will Scharf, left, and incumbent Andrew Bailey.

Missouri Attorney General

In the Republican primary, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey faces challenger Will Scharf, a former federal prosecutor who has been part of Trumps legal team.

Scharf, a policy director under former Gov. Eric Greitens, worked on the former presidents appeals of gag orders in his criminal cases, as well as Trumps presidential immunity case at the Supreme Court.

He has made his singular client a key focus of his campaign. He has appeared regularly on Fox News to make the pitch that Trump has done nothing wrong and slams the fines against Trump for violating a gag order as unconstitutional.

Bailey was appointed to office in January 2023 by Gov. Mike Parson after Eric Schmitt resigned to join the U.S. Senate. Before that, he had been Parsons top legal counsel.

As attorney general, Bailey has also made public his support of Trump. He filed a brief with the Supreme Court supporting Trumps immunity case, one of at least seven amicus briefs the attorney general has filed in support of the former president over the past year and a half. He has also criticized New York Attorney General Letitia James for efforts to enforce a civil fraud judgment against Trump.

Both Bailey and Scharf say, falsely, that the 2020 election was stolen.

Whoever wins the GOP primary will face Democrat Elad Gross, a St. Louis civil rights attorney.

Kansas City police funding

A 2022 measure that would increase how much Kansas City is required to spend on its police force is back on the ballot this year after the Missouri Supreme Court ruled its original vote invalid this spring.

If passed, the state constitutional amendment would allow Missouri to raise minimum funding requirements for police departments overseen by state boards. The only police department that matches that description is the Kansas City Police Department.

Voting yes on Amendment 4 would give Missouri the authority to raise the Police Departments minimum budget requirement. Kansas City would then have to pay that additional cost out of its general revenue fund.

Voting no on Amendment 4 would block the 2022 law and keep the Police Departments funding requirement at 20% of the city budget  although the city could still choose to spend more than this amount on the police.

From left, Stephanie Burton, John Gromowsky and Melesa Johnson are Democratic candidates for Jackson County prosecutor.

Jackson County Prosecutor

Three candidates are running in the Democratic primary to replace longtime Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, who is not seeking reelection.

Stephanie Burton, John Gromowsky and Melesa Johnson are competing in the election. The winner will face Republican Tracey Chappell.

Burton, a defense attorney, earned her law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2010. She has worked with the Midwest Innocence Project and the Death Penalty Litigation Clinic. She has trial experience in state and federal courts, focusing on violent crime cases, and has expertise in jury selection and conviction integrity units, which assess past cases to reverse wrongful convictions.

Gromowsky was raised in Kansas City, attended West Point and served in the U.S. Army. He graduated from DePaul University College of Law. Between two stints with the Jackson County Prosecutors Office, he spent nearly 16 years as a defense attorney. He is currently an attorney in the prosecutors violent crimes unit.

Gromowsky, who is white, was criticized by opponents for comments about Black-on-Black crime that he made during a June debate.

Some find the phrase Black-on-Black crime offensive, contending that it can contribute to a harmful stereotype and lead to policing and incarceration practices that disproportionately target Black people.

Gromowsky also differed from the other candidates in saying he would consider charging medical providers who perform abortions, in accordance with Missouris near-total ban on the procedure.

Baker had all but guaranteed her office would not bring abortion-related charges, saying she would use prosecutorial discretion to limit the erosion of reproductive rights.

Burton and Johnson said they would not file cases against abortion providers.

Johnson was raised in Jackson County and earned her degree from the University of Missouri School of Law. She joined the Jackson County Prosecutors Office in 2014 and supports a practice called transformative justice. She is Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas director of public safety and oversees Partners for Peace, a citywide anti-violence strategy.

From left, Kimberly DeWitt, Wanda Paige, Marvin Robinson and Michelle Watley are candidates for Kansas House District 35.

Kansas House District 35

Three challengers are competing in the Democratic primary to unseat Rep. Marvin Robinson II, a first-term Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, who has angered some by delivering key votes to Republicans on partisan issues.

Among those were votes to deny Medicaid expansion, limit access to food assistance, add abortion restrictions and undo diversity and equity policies at publicly funded colleges. Those moves, his political opponents contend, were made at the expense of the residents Robinson represents.

Robinson acknowledged in an interview that he has made decisions that were poorly received by Democratic leaders, but said his objective remains helping to improve the lives of the residents in his district. He told The Star he believes in survival of our people above party loyalty.

Challenger Wanda Brownlee Paige retired after teaching social studies in Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools for 30 years. She has served as an elected member of the school board since 2018.

Paige won the support of Kansas Gov. Laura Kellys newly-formed political action committee Middle of the Road PAC, which Kelly has said will support moderate candidates regardless of party affiliation. Paige also has the backing of area organized labor groups, including the local chapter of the United Auto Workers, which represents employees of the General Motors plant in Fairfax.

Also running is lifelong Kansas City, Kansan, Kimberly DeWitt, a business consultant who unsuccessfully campaigned for the seat once before in 2016.

DeWitt is a specialist in information technology and runs her own consulting firm. She recently enrolled in law school and aspires to open a coffee roastery in her hometown.

In her first bid, DeWitt in 2016 challenged in the Democratic primary retired state Rep. Broderick Henderson, who served in the House from 1995 until 2022. Henderson is Robinsons cousin.

The third challenger, Michelle Watley, is the founder of Shirleys Kitchen Cabinet, an advocacy and education nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of Black women. Watley, who also grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, is running for her first elected office.

Watley worked as a union carpenter at Nebraska Furniture Mart before entering the advocacy world. As head of Shirleys Kitchen Cabinet, she has lobbied for changes in local and state laws such as the Crown Act, legislation meant to end racial discrimination in workplace settings based on hairstyle. Watley is also a member of The Stars Black Community Advisory Board.

This year no Republican challenger is on the ballot for House District 35, so whoever wins the primary will ultimately be sworn in as its representative.

Doug Bedford, left, and Calvin Hayden are Republican candidates for Johnson County sheriff.

Johnson County Sheriff

In the Republican primary, Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden faces challenger Doug Bedford, who previously served as undersheriff.

Bedfords credentials in law enforcement and as a former Navy SEAL have helped him gain the public endorsements of dozens of sheriffs department employees and retirees, including former Johnson County Sheriff Frank Denning, Haydens predecessor.

Hayden, a staunch Trump supporter, has been criticized for the time and resources his office spent on his long-running and fruitless election fraud investigation, which started after Johnson County broke its tradition of support for Republican presidents in 2020.

Earlier this month, Hayden announced he was pausing the investigation.

David Greenwald, left, and Steve Howe are Republican candidates for Johnson County district attorney.

Johnson County District Attorney

Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe is facing his first Republican primary challenge since taking office 16 years ago.

Challenger David Greenwald, an Overland Park native, previously worked in the Wyandotte County District Attorneys Office, and from 2019 to 2021 worked in the Johnson County DAs Office specializing in traffic crash cases and fatalities.

In 2021, Greenwald was hired in the Douglas County District Attorneys Office as a senior assistant district attorney and was recently promoted to deputy district attorney.

Greenwald has said Johnson County should be more aggressive in prosecuting fentanyl distribution and fatal overdose cases. The county has recorded 170 deaths related to the synthetic opioid in the past four years.

An investigation by The Star found only a small fraction of overdose death cases from 2018 to 2022 made it on the prosecutors desk for possible charges.

Howe, who is seeking his fifth term, has argued his office has prioritized bringing the uniquely challenging cases to court.

Howe began his career as a prosecutor in 1988. He worked his way up the ranks in the Johnson County District Attorneys Office before winning the office in 2008.

Two Democrats also hope to advance to the November election.

In that primary, Vanessa Riebli, who spent 21 years in the Johnson County DAs Office, faces Zach Thomas, a criminal defense attorney who sought to unseat Howe in 2020 but lost with 48% of the vote.

Vanessa Riebli, left, and Zach Thomas are Democratic candidates for Johnson County district attorney.

The Stars Jonathan Shorman, Kacen Bayless, Sarah Ritter, Katie Moore, Bill Lukitsch and Natalie Wallington contributed.
Linda De Sousa Abreu was arrested at Heathrow Airport trying to flee the UK after video of the incident appeared on social media - Julian Simmonds

A prison officer was coerced into having sex with a Wandsworth prison inmate, a friend has insisted.

Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, was arrested at Heathrow Airport trying to flee the UK after video of the incident inside a cell in HMP Wandsworth appeared on social media.

The OnlyFans model, who appeared on a Channel 4 series about swinging, is facing jail after she pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office at Isleworth Crown Court last week.

In the footage, De Sousa Abreu is seen with convicted burglar Linton Weirich, 36, as her discarded radio crackles with messages from colleagues.

One of the prison guards close friends has now claimed some of the prisoners got hold of her personal details, including her address and her husbands name. She added that De Sousa Abreu had found faith in God following the incident.

She was put under a lot of pressure and there was a lot of coercion involved, Hayley, who did not give her surname, told MailOnline.

De Sousa Abreu, who lives on a council estate in Fulham, west London, is still married to her husband, according to reports.

People shouldnt be so quick to judge her

Theyre a lovely couple and working hard to save their marriage, Hayley said. Its not been easy for them. People are trying to make out that Linda is some kind of sex monster but thats not the case at all.

She is a very kind and caring person who has made a terrible mistake. We all get things wrong in life and people shouldnt be so quick to judge her.

De Sousa Abreu admitted one charge of misconduct in public office when she appeared at Isleworth Crown Court.

Her charge sheet states that her conduct amounted to an abuse of the publics trust in the office holder by engaging in a sexual act with a prisoner in a prison cell.

Wearing a white blazer and black top, she showed no emotion after admitting the single charge.

Eloise Marshall KC, prosecuting, told the court a police interview recorded with the inmate in the video contains information that will be subject of further investigation.

Martin Edmunds KC, the judge, bailed De Sousa Abreu ahead of sentence on November 7. He also ordered a pre-sentence report.

De Sousa Abreus Portuguese passport must remain in police possession, she cannot apply for any international travel documents and is barred from entering any UK travel ports. She is also subject to an electronically monitored curfew between 7pm and 9am each day.

Shocking breach of the publics trust

Gayathri Yogarajah, her lawyer, earlier described her as a young mother and a person of good character.

The officer had telephoned the prison as she fled to Heathrow Airport to say that she was not returning to work and that her husband would return her equipment.

Tetteh Turkson, the senior crown prosecutor, said: This was a shocking breach of the publics trust. De Sousa was clearly an enthusiastic participant who wrongly thought she would avoid responsibility.

The CPS recognises there is no excuse for any prison officer who conducts themselves in such a manner, and we will never hesitate to prosecute those who abuse their position of power.

After working closely with the Metropolitan Police to build the strongest possible case, De Sousa had no option but accept she was guilty. She will now rightly face the consequences of her actions.

A Prison Service spokesman said: Staff corruption is not tolerated and the former prison officer allegedly featured in this video has been reported to the police.

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Pro-Russian political forces in Moldova name their official candidate for presidential election

On 2 August, the pro-Russian Moldovan party block Victorie (Victory) announced Vasile Bolea, a former member of Moldova's Socialist Party, as its presidential candidate.

Source: European Pravda, citing a message on the Victorie Telegram channel

Details: Bolea was elected as a presidential candidate by the assembly of the Victorie bloc.

They also appointed MP Marina Tauber, who is currently facing criminal proceedings in Moldova and is under Western sanctions, as his campaign manager.

In his election programme, the pro-Russian candidate calls for Moldova to "restore relations with Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States", join BRICS, "reinstate the status of the Russian language" and secure "cheap gas and affordable energy" for the economy.

Fugitive oligarch and leader of the Victorie bloc, Ilan Shor, described Bolea as "a reliable friend, someone who will fight for his ideas and his team to the end".

MP Vasile Bolea joined the Revival party after being expelled from the Socialist Party for visiting Tel Aviv and meeting with Ilan Shor, who was sentenced to 15 years in Moldova for his role in the 2014 bank fraud. [The 2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal involved the embezzlement of approximately US$1 billion from three major Moldovan banks, orchestrated through fraudulent loans and financial schemes. The scandal led to widespread political and economic turmoil in Moldova, significantly impacting the country's financial stability  ed.]

The presidential election in Moldova will be held on 20 October.

Background:

This April, several Moldovan parties close to Shor held a congress in Moscow and united into the Victorie political bloc.

The fugitive oligarch, who headed the bloc, advocated the federalisation of Moldova, which should take place through Russian "mediation".

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DENVER, Colo. (WJW)  A professor in Colorado is in custody in connection with the deaths of his wife and infant daughter.

Nicholas Myklebust, 44, called 911 on Monday morning at about 7 a.m., saying he discovered his wife on the ground bleeding and their infant daughter unresponsive, according to Denver police.

Direct blow to the head: Browns running back to be released from hospital after neck injury in practice

Officers found a woman with blunt force injuries. She was pronounced dead at the hospital. Myklebust told police his wife had fallen off a ladder.

The couples infant daughter was dead when officers arrived on the scene, police said. The cause of her death has not been determined. Police said there were no visible injuries. Police did not release the childs age.

Detectives saw bruising and blood on Myklebusts knuckles and scratches on his neck, according to police.

Officers arrested him on suspicion of first-degree murder. Formal charges will come from the Denver District Attorneys Office.

Bride and groom send you are not invited cards to friends, family

Police have not released the identity of Myklebusts wife, as they say theyre still working to contact next of kin.

The medical examiner will determine the cause of death for the wife and daughter.

Myklebust worked at Denvers Regis University, according to the Denver Post.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Summer travel. For many of us, that means a trip to the beach but for some Ursuline High School students, their travels took them more than 6,000 miles from the U.S.

A group of students spent 11 days in June and July immersing themselves in the country of Japan and its culture.

Its all part of Ursulines Global Rovers program.

Japan was my number-one choice of places I wanted to visit, Logan Bugzavich said.

All these trips, they always leave me feeling a little bit changed afterward, Maddie Devlin said.

Lisa Devlin, a French teacher at Ursuline, founded the Global Rovers program on three principles  self-discovery, resilience and empathy  which she says are key components to traveling.

Extremely important to young people today to be able to grow within themselves, to experience and become passionate toward other cultures and, of course, to be resilient when Plan A, B and C dont work out when youre traveling, which then helps them think about those things in their schoolwork and their life beyond, she said.

On Thursday, the students got back together to share pictures of their trip and memories that will last a lifetime.

Each of them said they learned something different from their travels.

After coming back from Japan, I definitely even feel like I could go study abroad there when Im in college. It really was a beautiful place, Maddie said.

Of course, there are great things in Ohio to look at but we got to go to Mount Fiji, and stand outside of our hotel and look at the mountain, and then we went on a boat trip tour around this beautiful area with mountains surrounding it. It was amazing, John Rock said.

Just seeing them, I saw respect for myself, and respect for others and I thought differently of the world, Giuliana Ricchiuti said.

Until now, the Global Rovers had gone primarily to places in Europe. Japan was the furthest distance theyve traveled.

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The formation of a new, moderate left-wing government in Spain's contested region of Catalonia is a great deal closer, around two and a half months after early parliamentary elections were held there.

The base of the left-wing separatist Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) approved a coalition agreement with the Socialists of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday. The ERC said 53.5% of the party members who took part in the one-day vote voted in favour of the coalition.

The ERC of incumbent regional president Pere Aragones came in third in the election on May 12, behind the Socialists of lead candidate Salvador Illa and the liberal Junts of separatist leader Carles Puigdemont.

The party could also have attempted to form a government with Puigdemont, who is considered more radical than Aragones. Sanchez saw the fact that this did not happen as a success of his appeasement policy.

If he is now elected regional president in parliament, Illa would be the first politician in this office for a long time who is against Catalonia's secession from Spain. However, if there is no new government by August 25, new elections will have to be held.

The agreement in principle to form a government provides, among other things, for Catalonia to collect its own taxes in future and pay a portion to the central government - an arrangement that is already in place for the Basque Country and the region of Navarre.

Marta Rovira, Secretary General of the left-wing separatist party ERC, speaks at a press conference. The ERC base approved a coalition agreement with Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez's Socialists. Kike Rincon/EUROPA PRESS/dpa
A media company founded by former aides to President Barack Obama  and partly funded by George Soros  that produces the influential Pod Save America podcast has been beset by internal turmoil between its progressive staffers and their moderate bosses, according to a report.

Tension at Los Angeles-based Crooked Media has been fueled by staff disagreements about the war in Gaza, anger over a co-founder dating an employee who was promoted, grueling 12-hour work days, and resentment over pay disparity and celebrity status of the hosts, according to a report in Bloomberg News.

More than a dozen current and former employees of the company told the outlet that there is a divide between more progressive staffers whose views are to the left of the mainstream Democratic Party and the co-founders and podcast hosts who veer more toward the middle.

Crooked Media has received tens of millions of dollars from pro-Democrat donors  including the charity founded by George Soros, which was given a board seat.

Crooked Media, the company that produced the Pod Save America podcast, is reportedly in turmoil. Pictured from Left: Jon Favreau, Erin Ryan, Jon Lovett, Mandela Barnes and Ben Wikler. Getty Images for WisDems

It was founded in 2017 by three former Obama staffers  speechwriters Jon Lovett and Jon Favreau and spokesperson Tommy Vietor. Another ex-Obama aide, Dan Pfeiffer, joined the three as co-host of the Pod Save America podcast.

The podcast generated a mass audience of Democrat-leaning listeners during the Trump presidency  enabling the company to expand to book publishing, live events and merchandising.

However, one recent skirmish between staffers and with management involved the hesitance of the Pod Save America hosts to criticize Israel over its military operations following the Hamas-led terrorist attacks of Oct. 7.

According to Bloomberg News, a faction of workers demanded a more forceful pro-Palestinian stance from the company, including open discussions about the death toll in Gaza as well as support for the pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses.

Staffers tried to get management to change their tune on the Israel-Gaza war by posting links to news stories about the conflict in the internal Slack channel to make sure that executives saw it, Bloomberg News reported.

Some Crooked staffers put an emoji of a watermelon  which symbolized support for the Palestinians  next to their names on Slack while other wore a keffiyeh, the traditional Palestinian head covering.

Favreau (seen center in 2012 with then-President Barack Obama and adviser David Axelrod) is a co-founder of Crooked Media. Getty Images

Management resisted pressure from staffers to hold a company-wide discussion on the issue. Instead, they told employees to meet with their supervisors confidentially, according to Bloomberg News.

The Post has sought comment from Crooked Media.

Another boiling issue stems from Favreaus newfound celebrity status and fame, according to the report, He has been regularly photographed hobnobbing with celebrities such as Chrissy Teigen and John Legend.

Favreau was also reported to have recently bought a $10 million home in the Los Angeles area  which rankled staffers who thought it went against progressive ideology, according to Bloomberg News.

Staffers at Crooked Media have reportedly grown resentful of Favreaus wealth and celebrity status. Favreau is seen left with former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Getty Images for Crooked Media

Lovett was known to be dating a staffer who was promoted at least three times in the last two years  a rapid rise through the ranks that left other workers embittered due to the difficulty of gaining a promotion at the company, according to the report.

The company regularly produces 14 podcasts  half of which are hosted by one of the four Pod Save America stars. With its massive infusion of cash and its captive audience, things seemed to be rolling for the company.

But things began to change in late 2022 when a decline in advertising dollars forced Crooked Media to axe one of its podcasts, Hot Take, a climate-themed show hosted by Mary Annaise Heglar and climate reporter Amy Westervelt.

Pod Save America is one of the countryst most listened-to podcasts. Crooked Media

According to Heglar, she and Westervelt noticed a lot of red flags when they negotiated their contract with Crooked Media.

Writing in a blog post published in March of last year, she cited our very apparent ideological differences with the heads of the network.

Suffice it to say that Amy and I were far, far to the left of just about every show Ive heard in the Crooked universe.
Paul Dans, director of the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, speaks July 10 at the National Conservative Conference in Washington. He left the foundation on Tuesday. DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Paul Dans, the director of The Heritage Foundation and architect of the infamous domestic terrorist manifesto Project 2025  you know, the treatise that would gut and overhaul the federal government  stepped down from his position Tuesday as Donald Trumps campaign sought to distance itself from the document of doom.

Trump can no more distance himself from Project 2025 than a bumper can distance itself from a car. But you cant blame the former president for taking advantage of Dans decision to step down even if the gesture doesnt ring true. In fact, it sounds as if the plan was always for Dans to move on once his work was done.

Under Paul Dans leadership, Project 2025 has completed exactly what it set out to do: bringing together over 110 leading conservative organizations to create a unified conservative vision, motivated to devolve power from the unelected administrative state, and returning it to the people, Kevin Roberts, the president of The Heritage Foundation, told CNN. This tool was built for any future administration to use.

The whole public-facing play on Project 2025 would have been disastrously humorous if it werent for the whole restructuring of the free world as we know it part. For those who havent bothered to familiarize themselves with the doctrine of destruction, let me give you the CliffNotes version of the 920-page Pinky and the Brain power move to destroy America as we know it.

One of the first missions was to get rid of civil servants who didnt pledge their allegiance to Trump. There would be a national ban on abortion, an increase in the retirement age for Social Security and changes in overtime pay protections. When they werent ruining the finances of the backbone of America, they would be busy restricting access to contraception and slashing funding for early childhood and K-12 education, the Center for American Progress reported. The plan would also end civil rights protections, stop safeguards that protect clean drinking water and end efforts to combat the climate crisis, according to the policy institute.

Its all very under his eye.

From the onset, Trump has claimed he had no knowledge of Project 2025, but lets be clear, Trump and Project 2025 go together, real bad. Trump and Project 2025 are the Jay Z and Beyonce of the Republican Party. They are the Botox and Matt Gaetz of the GOP. They are the WNBA media and Caitlin Clark of conservatives.

And Dans stepping down after aiding in the creation of this bastion of Babylon is the equivalent of throwing out the matchbook after starting a forest fire. Its all for show, just like most things involving Trump. It will have absolutely no effect on the damage that will be done should Trump enter office, and thats not me being hyperbolic: About 140 people involved in Project 2025 have worked for Trump.

A CNN review found that at least 140 people who worked in the Trump administration had a hand in the project including more than half of the people listed as authors, editors and contributors to Mandate for Leadership.

Mandate for Leadership is the official name for the tomb of terrorism, which calls for a ban on the abortion pill mifepristone and would stop the Affordable Care Act from covering the morning-after pill and contraceptives for men. The weighty missive of masochism notes that the government should promote heterosexuality in both marriage and familiesand would ban transgender people from joining the armed services.

An aside: There was one part in this section that had me thinking, You know, maybe Trump didnt know about Project 2025, and it was the part that noted there would be a ban on pornography. I mean, given his proclivity for anyway, I digress.

CNN noted that Dans wasnt just a random who crafted this manifesto of mayhem. He served as chief of staff at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management during the Trump administration where he served as a liaison between the agency and the White House.

The fire under Project 2025 had gotten so hot from Democratic leadership that Trump took to his Truth Social platform to disassociate himself from it.

I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things theyre saying and some of the things theyre saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.

Which is bizarre when you consider that both Trumps former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former political adviser Stephen Miller had some involvement in the project and now, like Trump, have distanced themselves from it.

But there is a good side to the news of Dans departure. The move, albeit a hollow gesture, is a nod to the dynamism that is the Kamala Harris campaign. Trump is scared out of his orange wits. This is the first time in a long time that hes had to play defense. Vice President Harris didnt just come in and take all of Trumps momentum after the assassination attempt; shes been breaking fundraising records for her presidential campaign with massive groups of people joining Zoom calls to ensure that the only time Trump sees the White House again is as a visitor.

After Biden stepped down and endorsed Harris, Trumps campaign announced that they wouldnt be debating her, a smart move considering shes a former prosecutor and hes used to being prosecuted. And now the creator of the notebook of nihilism has stepped down from his position and, well, you love to see it.

Unless every person associated with Project 2025 who has connections to the Trump administration leaves The Heritage Foundation or is no longer affiliated with Trump, then you can assume should Trump win office, Project 2025 would be in full effect. We must remember that whenever Trump starts claiming that he doesnt know someone or something, hes usually plotting or lying or both. In fact, Business Insider wrote a whole piece on it, headlined 20 People Who Trump Has Personally Known and Then Claimed He Didnt. Its part of his brand, the Trump brand, which was always built on a legacy of lies.
Wegmans is gearing up to make its debut in Connecticut next year.

The grocery chain announced Thursday that hiring and training are underway for workers at its upcoming store in Norwalk, with plans to staff approximately 500 people.

The grocery chain said the 92,000-square-foot store is set to open next summer.

Wegmans has started hiring for full-time positions for the store, which include entry-level management, customer service positions and culinary roles. The company said it will mostly hire locally and begin filling part-time roles at a later date.

Wegmans first announced the Norwalk store in March 2022, noting at the time that the location would sit on nearly 11 acres of land adjacent to Route I-95.

Along with the Norwalk store, Wegmans is planning to open two locations next year: one in Lake Grove, New York; and one in Rockville, Maryland. In April, Wegmans announced plans for a roughly 110,000-square-foot store on the Ballantyne campus in Charlotte, N.C., that it plans to open by the third quarter of 2026.

Wegmans lists a Holly Spring, N.C., location on its Future Store Locations webpage, although its unclear what the timeline is for that store.

Wegmans footprint

As of Aug. 2, 2024, the grocers stores in New York account for almost half of its stateside--cut locations.

The Norwalk store brings Wegmans to a new state as the grocery chain works on expanding its East Coast presence. Earlier this year Wegmans opened an 88,000-square-foot store in Yardley, Penn.

Wegmans stores in New York account for nearly half of the grocers fleet of 111 stores. Wegmans opened its first-ever Manhattan store  and second in New York City  in October.

This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter.

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Helicopters allow Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists to fly low enough to photograph and effectively count herds of elk and deer as they make their annual assessment of big game herds. (Courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Google Project 2025. Its a 920-page manifesto for a potential second Trump administration that has something (bad) for everyone, but our great public lands estate is put in particular peril. Like most elk (and other) hunters in Western states, I depend on public lands for hunting, hiking, camping and outdoor recreation in general. But more importantly, wildlife species like elk, deer, turkeys and dozens of others need that habitat for their survival.

As my friend David Elkheart Petersen (a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot) explains, If you want to hunt, first you have to have animals to hunt. And if you want animals, first theyve got to have habitat to live in. So, if youre not trying to protect habitat and improve it and increase it, then youre working against yourself as a hunter.

Recently I was interviewed by Marshall Zelinger from 9News about the potential impacts of Project 2025 on public lands in Colorado. David Lien, a Colorado hunter-conservationist  is concerned about the elk herds in Colorado, Zelinger said. Former Trump administration Bureau of Land Management Acting Director William Perry Pendley was interviewed, too. He wrote the Department of Interior section of Project 2025.

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A July 19 High Country News story  Project 2025s extreme vision for the West  noted that Pendley is a vociferous opponent of protections for public lands and wildlife.

Pendley is  outspoken about wanting to do away with the Antiquities Act, which allows presidents to designate national monuments like President Obama did with Browns Canyon in 2015 and President Biden did with Camp Hale in 2022, Zelinger explained.

In a July 9 Colorado Newsline commentary  Project 2025 is coming for our public lands  I added, Pendley is an anti-public lands zealot and a dire threat to our great public lands hunting and angling heritage.

The Department of Interior section of Project 2025 starts on page 517 and includes, for example, the following proposals:

Restoring mining claims and oil and gas leases in Colorados Thompson Divide (page 523)

Reviewing national monument designations with an eye to reducing their size (page 532)

Seeking repeal of the Antiquities Act of 1906 (page 532)

Putting states in charge of managing the greater sage grouse (page 534)

And thats just the tip of a very rotten iceberg that would decimate public lands habitat.

During the 9News interview I added, Just opening up public lands to every form of recreation, and Mr. Pendley may be leaning towards motorized recreation, that is going to have the most impact on public lands habitat.

Every Colorado Parks and Wildlife district wildlife manager I talk to emphasizes that the proliferation of motorized and mechanized trails (legal and illegal) is negatively impacting elk herds.

As I analyze a new area, the first thing I do is pull it up in my hunting app and study all access in and out. This includes roads, off-road routes and hiking trails, American Hunter field editor Mark Kayser explains. And with todays invasion of e-bikes, I am also researching to see if they are allowed in the area. The fewer designated routes the better for increased possibilities of elk meetings.

In conclusion, Petersen wrote in a 2013 Traditional Bowhunter story, the three-part formula for assuring a rich elk hunting future in North America could hardly be simpler, or more in need of our acknowledgment and help right now. Those three essential elements are: habitat, habitat, and habitat.

If youre a hunter, angler, hiker, climber, mountain biker or anyone who recreates on or values our great public lands estate, beware. Pendley, Trump, and Project 2025, are coming for our public lands.

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Rick Becker, left, chair of the assessed-value property tax elimination ballot initiative sponsoring committee, Steve Moen, center, committee member from Minot, and other members of the committee arrive at the Capitol in Bismarck to submit signatures to the secretary of state's office on June 28, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A ballot initiative that would eliminate assessed value property tax was approved for inclusion on the general election ballot by the North Dakota Secretary of States Office on Friday.

If approved by voters in November, the initiative would prohibit political subdivisions from levying any tax on real or personal property except for bonded indebtedness until paid, according to the language approved for the ballot.

Supporters have previously said the measure would not prohibit local subdivisions from levying taxes or fees to homeowners based on parcel square footage, road frontage or building size, among other possible criteria.

Previously, Adam Mathiak, senior fiscal analyst for the Legislative Council, said the measure would cost the state about $1.3 billion every fiscal year in lost revenue.

The Secretary of States Office approved nearly 36,000 signatures of the more than 41,000 signatures submitted by the sponsoring committee in June  about 4,500 more than were needed for approval, according to a news release from the office.

More than 5,700 signatures were ruled invalid by the Secretary of States Office during the more than monthlong validation period, the news release said. About 1,900 signatures were disallowed because the petition was not circulated to signatories in its entirety; more than 1,000 were invalidated for address omissions; and more than 1,500 were disallowed for inadequate signatures, among other issues.

The property tax measure will appear as Measure 4 on the November ballot next to three measures approved by the Legislature, the office said.

A ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota could be the fifth ballot measure to appear on the November ballot, if the Secretary of States Office approves the initiatives submitted signatures by the Aug. 12 deadline.

A coalition of more than 60 groups called Keep It Local announced its opposition to the ballot measure because it would force undue hardships on local governments and threaten funding for emergency services, schools and local senior programs.

Previously, Rick Becker, chair of the property tax initiatives sponsoring committee called claims by the Keep It Local group unfounded, and the group was engaging in a campaign of fear.

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Proposed city charter amendment falls short; backers have 10 days to get more signatures

Cincinnati City workers work on the Western Hills Viaduct in Cincinnati. Federal transportation money flows through a government working group called Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments. A proposed Cincinnati Charter amendment aims to change the structure of the group.

Backers of a Cincinnati Charter amendment to change how federal transportation dollars are spent locally failed to gather enough valid signatures to put the idea to voters in November, but the group has 10 more days to gather the needed support.

The group behind the effort, Fair Share for Cincy, submitted 14,240 signatures to the Hamilton County Board of Elections on Tuesday. Friday, the board notified the city the group ended up with 5,529 valid signatures, falling short of the needed 8,786 by 3,257 valid signatures.

If the group gathers the additional needed signatures, the Nov. 5 ballot would include a measure to amend the city of Cincinnati charter and alter the voting structure of a key area transportation group called the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments or OKI.

OKI would be compelled to give Cincinnati more seats on its 118-person board. That would give the city more influence in decisions about how federal dollars are spent on infrastructure in Hamilton County and seven adjacent counties, Fair Share believes.

Opponents like OKI, City Manager Sheryl Long and Cincinnati City Council member Mark Jeffreys say the ballot issue could jeopardize millions in federal dollars for Cincinnati.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Transportation charter amendment backers need more signatures
After black-clad demonstrators protested Donald Trump's inauguration in an "Anti-Capitalist/Anti-Fascist Bloc" march on January 20, 2017, federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., charged more than 200 of them with rioting. While 21 defendants pleaded guilty, all of the other cases ended in acquittals, mistrials, or charges dismissed with prejudice. One reason for that fiasco, according to recently filed disciplinary charges, was the discovery that the federal prosecutor who oversaw the cases persistently withheld exculpatory evidence and repeatedly lied about it to judges and defense attorneys.

In a "specification of charges" filed with the D.C. Court of Appeals Board of Professional Responsibility last month, Disciplinary Counsel Hamilton P. Fox III alleges that Jennifer Kerkhoff Muyskens, who is now a federal prosecutor in Utah but previously worked at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, violated six rules of professional conduct while trying to convict "DisruptJ20" protesters, including many who had not participated in vandalism or violence. Muyskens "knew that most defendants did not commit violent acts themselves," Fox notes, but "she argued that these defendants were still liable for felony rioting and felony property destruction because they joined a criminal conspiracy to use the protest march to further the violence and destruction that occurred."

To support that theory, Muyskens presented video of a DisruptJ20 planning meeting that had been clandestinely recorded by an "operative" from Project Veritas, a conservative group that frequently has been accused of using misleadingly edited videos to portray progressive and leftist organizations in a negative light. Although Muyskens "understood Project Veritas had a reputation for editing videos in a misleading way," Fox says, she initially concealed the source of the video, saying in court that "who provided it is irrelevant." And although Muyskens "knew that Project Veritas had omitted and edited some of its videos" before releasing them, Fox adds, she "did not request or obtain Project Veritas's missing videos or unedited footage."

According to Fox, Muyskens and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Detective Greggory Pemberton edited the meeting footage in ways that bolstered the prosecution's case, and Muyskens covered up the extent of those edits. Fox says Muyskens also withheld Project Veritas videos of other DisruptJ20 meetings that would have been helpful to the defense, pretending that they did not exist. And she allegedly concealed the fact that Pemberton, in testimony to a grand jury, had erroneously identified one of the DisruptJ20 defendants as a woman who appears in the video of the planning meeting.

According to the Supreme Court's 1963 ruling in Brady v. Maryland, due process requires prosecutors to share potentially exculpatory evidence with the defense. Fox says Muyskens violated that rule by excising footage and withholding videos that could have been useful in rebutting the prosecution's case.

The material that Muyskens and Pemberton excised from the planning meeting video included footage that would have revealed its provenance. They also cut footage of a phone call in which a Project Veritas infiltrator told a colleague, "I don't think they know anything about the upper echelon stuff."

The excised footage "revealed that the video was filmed as part of Project Veritas's infiltration of DisruptJ20, which tended to undermine the credibility and reliability of the government's evidence," Fox writes. "In addition, the operative's post-meeting report indicated that some DisruptJ20 protest organizers did not know anything about plans or decisions that were being made by an 'upper echelon.' This lack of knowledge supported the non-violent defendants' theory that, assuming a plan to riot existed at all, only a small group was involved, which they knew nothing about. Alternatively, if the operative was discussing protest organizers being unaware of Project Veritas's 'upper echelon' plans, the statements supportedclaims that Project Veritas conspired to frame DisruptJ20 defendants for third-party violence, including by possibly inciting violence themselves. Both judges who later considered the issuefound that the complete, unedited footage was exculpatory."

The videos that Muyskens withheld included evidence that, contrary to the prosecution's narrative, the DisruptJ20 protest was supposed to be peaceful. Those videos "were exculpatory," Fox explains, "because they showed that DisruptJ20 planning meetings consistently involved training and instructing protesters how to participate in its unpermitted 'Actions,' including the anti-capitalist march, as non-violent protests, using nonviolence and de-escalation techniques, which supported the non-violent defendants' claim that their intent was merely to peacefully protest."

The undisclosed videos also "showed Project Veritas operatives discussing their infiltration operation of DisruptJ20, which supported the defense's theory that Project Veritas conspired to blame DisruptJ20 for others' misconduct," Fox notes. "For example, the undisclosed videos showed Project Veritas operatives discussingbefore the Inauguration protestshow they were providing information on DisruptJ20 to the FBI, how there was likely to be violence from 'outside influencers,' and how DisruptJ20 would 'catch the blame' for outsiders' misconduct because the FBI was 'going to say' that they incited it."

In court, Fox says, Muyskens "falsely said that the government had made only two edits, which were both to redact the identity of the videographer and an undercover officer," and "that, other than the two redactions, the defense had the same videos as the government." She "falsely told the court that she had provided defense counsel with 'the full entirety of those videos from that day.'"

According to Fox, "Pemberton testified falsely that Project Veritas had produced only the four disclosed video segments of the [planning meeting video]" and that "the only editing the government did was to combine the first three video segments into one exhibit to be played at trial." Muyskens and Pemberton "did not disclose how they had edited the original videos they received from Project Veritas," and they did not "disclose that they had omitted from discovery many other videos Project Veritas videos of DisruptJ20's planning meetings."

Muyskens told a judge that Project Veritas had "provided unedited video" at Pemberton's request and that "we posted the video" to the discovery portal. Those statements, Fox says, "were false and misleading." Muyskens also "falsely said that other than redacting the identities of the Project Veritas operative and [the undercover officer], 'the defense has the exact video we have.'" The judge "later found that [Muyskens] 'left a clear impression' that she had disclosed everything that Project Veritas had produced."

Muyskens told another judge that "the government had 'provided the clips as we have them'" and that "'the only editing' by the government 'was to combine the three clips' of the anti-capitalist 'breakout' into a single video exhibit for trial." Those statements also "were false and misleading," Fox says.

Muyskens eventually "acknowledged that the government had additional, undisclosed Project Veritas videos of DisruptJ20's planning meetings." But she "mischaracterized them and falsely suggested that they were irrelevant."

During the investigation of her conduct, Fox says, Muyskens "repeated her false statements and material omissions" regarding the video edits, the withheld videos, her suppression of "relevant information and evidence," her failure to produce grand jury transcripts from the misidentified defendant's case, her "misrepresentations and omissions to the grand jury, the defense, and the court," and her failure to "correct known misrepresentations to the court." She also "made additional false statements and material omissions to falsely explain her conduct." She claimed, for example, that the undisclosed videos "were irrelevant and did not discuss the anti-capitalist march."

Fox says Muyskens' actions violated the District of Columbia's Rules of Professional Conduct in half a dozen ways:

1. She allegedly violated Rule 3.3(a) by "knowingly making false statements, offering false evidence, and failing to correct material false statements to the court."

2. She allegedly violated three sections of Rule 3.4 by "obstructing the defense's access to evidence and altering or concealing evidence, or assisting another person to do so when she reasonably should have known that the evidence was or may have been subject to discovery; knowingly disobeying the court's direct orders to produce information in the government's possession without openly asserting that no valid obligation existed; and/or failing to make reasonably diligent efforts to comply with the defense's discovery requests."

3. She allegedly violated two sections of Rule 3.8 by "intentionally avoiding pursuit of evidence and information because it may have damaged the prosecution's case or aided the defense; and by intentionally failing to disclose to the defense, upon request and at a time when use by the defense was reasonably feasible, evidence and information that she knew or reasonably should have known tended to negate the guilt of the accused or mitigate the offense."

4. She allegedly violated Rule 8.4(a) by "knowingly assisting or inducing another to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct and/or doing so through the acts of another."

5. She allegedly violated Rule 8.4(c) by "engaging in conduct that involved reckless or intentional dishonesty, misrepresentations, deceit, and fraud, which misled the grand jury, the defense, the court, the government, and disciplinary authorities about the

evidence in the government's possession and the government's conduct."

6. She allegedly violated Rule 8.4(d) by "engaging in conduct that seriously interfered with the administration of justice."

Possible sanctions against Muyskens range from "temporary suspension of her law license to full disbarment," Washington City Paper notes. The Washington Post reports that lawyers for Muyskens did not respond to requests for comment and that "Pemberton also did not respond to an inquiry." The U.S. attorney's offices in D.C. and Utah "declined to comment." So did the MPD, which "would not say whether the department has opened an investigation of Pemberton, who now chairs the police labor union."

The failed prosecutions and the disciplinary charges against Muyskens are not the only embarrassments stemming from the Inauguration Day march. In 2021, the Post notes, "the D.C. government agreed to pay $1.6 million to settle two lawsuits" by protesters who argued that the police response to the DisruptJ20 march violated their First Amendment rights.

"It speaks volumes that the District has chosen to settle rather than defend MPD's obviously unconstitutional actions in court," Jeffrey Light, one of the protesters' attorneys, said when the settlement was announced. Scott Michelman, legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia, added that "MPD's unconstitutional guilt-by-association policing and excessive force, including the use of chemical weapons, not only injured our clients physically but also chilled their speech and the speech of countless others who wished to exercise their First Amendment rights but feared an unwarranted assault by D.C. police."

The post Prosecutor of Anti-Trump Protesters Allegedly Withheld Exculpatory Evidence and Lied About It appeared first on Reason.com.
ALLEGAN, Mich. (WOOD)  The Allegan County Prosecutors Office is seeking to revoke the bond of a man convicted of criminal sexual conduct, saying he poses a clear potential threat to public safety, amid a yearslong back-and-forth prompted by private emails exchanged between a judge and the county prosecutor during the mans trial.

The office on Friday filed an emergency motion with the Michigan Supreme Court to revoke the bond of Daniel Loew and remand him to the custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections, it said in a release.

An Allegan County jury found Loew guilty in August 2019 of sexually assaulting a girl repeatedly, beginning when she was 13 and he was 21. He was sentenced to prison in November of that year, according to the prosecutors office.

Then, in 2020, it was discovered that Judge Margaret Zuzich Bakker, the circuit court judge who had presided over Loews trial, had sent private emails to Allegan County Prosecutor Myrene Koch during the trial, and Koch  who was not trying Loews case herself  had responded.

Dishonor and shame: West Michigan judge blasts colleagues over private emails in trial

Allegan County District Court Judge William Baillargeon granted Loew a new trial based on the ex parte communication, which he said called into question the judges impartiality. But in January 2022, the Michigan Court of Appeals reversed Baillargeons order for a new trial, prompting another appeal by Loews attorneys.

On July 16, the Michigan Supreme Court also rejected a new trial for Loew, though it said the private emails were unethical.

Two days later, Baillargeon revoked Loews bond and remanded him to the custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections. He also criticized the behavior of both Koch and Bakker at the July 18 bond hearing, saying their actions have brought dishonor and shame to the courts of Allegan. Koch told News 8 that her emails were specifically and solely about policies and procedures moving forward and said the focus should be on achieving justice for Loews victim.

But after a motion for reconsideration by Loews attorneys, the prosecutors office says Baillargeon again granted bond and released Loew into the community on Tuesday. Thats what prompted the office to file an emergency motion with the states high court.

This motion was based upon numerous risk factors including the safety of the victim, the safety of the community, the seriousness of the convictions, and the risk of flight of the Defendant; factors not wholly considered by Judge Baillargeon, the release says.

The prosecutors office also said Baillargeon appears to be biased against Koch, who is up for election, and accused the judge of showing both financial and judicial support to Kochs opponent. The prosecutor faces challenger Mike Villar in the Aug. 6 primary. Villar, according to a report from the Holland Sentinel, has previously challenged Koch and was also the person who unearthed the emails between Koch and Bakker.

Because of judicial bond decisions, this perpetrator (Loew) has been on the street for more than three years, Koch said Friday in a statement. I filed the appeal of the latest bond decision because of what I assess to be a clear potential threat to public safety. (Loew) should be in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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An operations manager finds relief from her depression with the help of psilocybin, the primary psychoactive component of magic mushrooms. A veteran conquers his post-traumatic stress disorder through therapy using MDMA, a synthetic compound known on the street as ecstasy or molly. A stay-at-home mom tries LSD, otherwise known as acid, for her anxiety.

Nearly every day, such stories appear about the healing potential of psychedelic drugs.

These stories reflect a so-called psychedelic renaissance of the moment  a new interest in the drugs most often associated with 1960s counterculture, but now put to therapeutic rather than recreational ends.

A handful of states, spearheaded by Oregon and Colorado, are leading the way for the legalized use of various naturally occurring psychedelic compounds. In 2020, Oregonians passed Measure 109, which legalized the supervised use of psilocybin and established a novel system for its manufacturing and consumption.

And in 2022, Coloradans passed Proposition 122, the Natural Medicine Health Act, which created a psilocybin program similar to Oregons. So far, Oregon and Colorado are the only states that have enacted such programs, but many other states are considering bills that would do so.

As a drug researcher, I have been conducting interviews with psilocybin facilitators, service center owners, manufacturers, researchers and policymakers in Oregon. My goal is to get their perspectives on the benefits and drawbacks of their states model for psilocybin legalization.

Adult, not medical, use

Oregons Measure 109 instituted a strict adult use program, meaning that anyone 21 years of age or older can access psilocybin treatment without any medical diagnosis.

Under this program, consumers must purchase psilocybin through a state-licensed service center, where they must also ingest it in the presence of a state-licensed facilitator. Facilitators are licensed through state-approved training institutes and do not need any specific medical background. Only natural, mushroom-derived psilocybin  as opposed to the synthetic psilocybin that pharmaceutical companies like Compass Pathways are developing  is allowed. The first class of facilitators graduated in spring 2023, and the first service center opened that summer.

The licensing process for facilitators is not onerous  one must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a relatively clean criminal background, and must complete a 160-hour, state-approved training, which includes 40 hours of hands-on experience. This ease of obtaining a license to practice was by design: Measure 109s architects wanted to make room for people from a variety of backgrounds to become facilitators. Certain people are amazing at what they do, and school might not be the pathway for them, one facilitator told me.

Still, many service center owners and facilitators feel that additional credentials or training would be useful. One of my interviewees suggested that some courses in the required training could be taught by a psychiatrist or neurologist, since many clients who come in for psilocybin services have existing mental health diagnoses and already may be taking a variety of psychopharmaceutical medications.

What psilocybin costs

As everyone I interviewed recognized, the primary problem with the Oregon model has to do with cost. It is estimated that the average journey costs about US$1,500. That includes $500-$2,000 for the facilitator, $300-$600 for the room, and $150-$200 for the psilocybin itself. For more intensive facilitation at pricier facilities, costs can be upward of $5,000 per journey.

Part of the exorbitant cost lies in startup fees, which are significant. The architects of Measure 109 wanted the states psilocybin services office to be self-funded. As a result, annual license fees for facilitators ($2,000 per year), service centers ($10,000 per year) and manufacturers ($10,000 per year) are relatively high. Special manufacturing equipment and high taxes further increase costs.

All of this translates to higher prices for consumers, who have not flocked to psilocybin service centers at the expected volume. The overwhelming majority of psilocybin treatment clients come from out of state, possibly due to the fact that most Oregonians can easily procure psilocybin at a lower cost outside of the legal market.

One service center owner told me: We dont have a really scalable or profitable model. Its very labor intensive on the facilitator side. Investors are typically looking to make five times their money, and they dont see how that can happen with the way the current industry is structured.

Two facilitators monitor the experiences of a subject taking psilocybin during a drug study at Johns Hopkins University. Wikimedia, CC BY-SA

Other state paths for psilocybin legalization

The second state psilocybin program to come online will be in Colorado, where the Natural Medicine Health Act was passed in 2022.

For now, natural medicine for legal treatment refers only to psilocybin, but the act could be expanded in the future to include DMT, ibogaine and mescaline, other naturally derived psychedelic drugs.

In contrast to Oregons program, which created a single facilitator license, Colorados Prop 122 establishes a tiered approach to facilitator licensing, with one path for those with clinical degrees and one for those without. Prop 122 also decriminalized the possession, use, cultivation, manufacturing and even sharing of natural medicine for personal use.

Other states have considered similar programs, but none have yet passed into law. Two psychedelic bills recently failed in California. In Arizona, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill in June 2024 that would have allowed psilocybin treatment and testing in the state. The bill was sponsored by Republican Senator T.J. Shope.

For the most part, however, such bills have support on both sides of the aisle, which is one indication that state-level psilocybin legislation is likely to advance in the coming years. This will happen in tandem with developments at the Food and Drug Administration, which has already granted multiple psychedelic drugs breakthrough therapy status, a designation that accelerates the drug development and review process.

Developments at the FDA

Large pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson are investing in psychedelic drug development, but the nascent industry is really being driven by smaller market disruptors like Compass and MindMed, both of which are seeking FDA approval for their own patented psychedelic formulations.

Many experts in the industry believe that the FDA will approve certain psychedelic drugs, including synthetic psilocybin, in the coming years. As the Oregon and Colorado programs only work with natural substances, and as any FDA-approved psychedelics would likely only be able to be prescribed by medical professionals, synthetic psilocybin would not be used at service centers under present law.

The development of the market for potentially FDA-approved psychedelics thus represents a parallel track for the psychedelic renaissance. Some of my interviewees predicted eventual conflict between the state-level legalization track and that of FDA-approved drugs, but my research suggests that this conflict will not come to a head for many years.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.

It was written by: Benjamin Y. Fong, Arizona State University.

Read more:



Benjamin Y. Fong 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.
Public needs to know actions BBC took over Huw Edwards, says former culture secretary

The BBC admitted it knew Huw Edwards had been arrested last November for 'serious offences' but continued to employ him for five months - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The BBC must tell the truth about decisions it made over Huw Edwards because the public need to know, a former culture secretary has said.

Sir John Whittingdale argued that revelations about the 62-year-old were damaging for the corporation, and an internal inquiry would not be enough.

Edwards, the former leading BBC presenter, this week pleaded guilty to possessing 41 indecent images of children, including one believed to be as young as seven.

The BBC admitted it knew Edwards had been arrested last November for serious offences, but continued to employ him for five months.

Appearing on BBC Newsnight, Sir John referred to reports that Edwards subjected employees to completely inappropriate behaviour [who] reported it and yet nothing was done.

Those are the kinds of questions where it isnt enough just to have an internal inquiry, he said. I think there is a public need to know exactly what actions were taken by the BBC.

Sir John said the corporations handling of the affair had left an impression that the BBC has not sought to be as transparent as they should be, adding: I think its clearly damaging for the BBC, particularly the way in which further revelations [have] become public.

[The] BBC always carries out internal inquiries and were told that lessons have been learnt and safeguards have been put in place, and yet they dont appear to have been effective.

Sir John said the BBC's handling of the affair had left 'an impression it has not sought to be as transparent as they should be' - Heathcliff O'Malley

The BBC has held a number of internal investigations into scandals in recent years, including the prolific sex abuse by Jimmy Savile while at the corporation.

Referring to his time as the chairman of the Commons culture, media and sport committee, Sir John said it was unfortunate the committee had not yet been set up in the new Parliament.

He added that if he still led the group, he would haul Tim Davie, the BBCs director general, before it immediately to answer what are very significant questions.

I think Tim Davie generally does a very good job, I have a lot of respect for Tim, and I absolutely accept what he said this must have been a very difficult decision.

But I think we need to know much more about why it came to the conclusion that [Edwards] should go on receiving his salary, that he should be allowed to resign rather than be sacked, and why the BBC knew about his arrest and yet we only discover it eight months later.

Edwards, who was the corporations highest-paid journalist and delivered the news of Queen Elizabeth IIs death, resigned from the BBC in April in the wake of separate accusations.

He had been suspended the previous July following allegations in The Sun newspaper that a senior broadcaster at the corporation paid a teenager for sexually explicit pictures.

Vicky Flind, his wife, revealed after days of speculation that Edwards was the celebrity at the centre of the scandal, saying he was suffering from serious mental health issues.

The BBC conducted a fact-finding inquiry into his alleged behaviour while he was off air, while the Metropolitan Police said last July there was nothing to indicate that any criminal offence had been committed.

In an interview given to the BBC, Mr Davie said it would be legally challenging to attempt to claw back more than 200,000 Edwards received after he was arrested but added: Well look at all options.

He also defended the decision not to sack the newsreader when it became aware of his arrest, saying: The police came to us and said, look, we need to do our work in total confidence, weve arrested, please keep this confidential.

And at that point, I think the principle is clear in my mind, and I say we thought long and hard about this  this wasnt a knee-jerk decision.

And it was difficult, but when the police, if you think about this in terms of precedent, people do get arrested and then weve had situations where no charges [are made] and theres nothing there to be followed up on.

Mr Davie said the BBC knew it was serious but had no specifics apart from the category of the potential offences.

Echoing a statement released by the corporation, he said he was very shocked when the full charges emerged this week, and described the case as deeply disturbing.

He went on to claim that the safety of BBC employees had not been compromised, because Edwards remained suspended before his resignation.

Dismissing the idea the BBC knew any further information, Mr Davie said: I can categorically say that when it comes to the offences weve seen, which are truly horrendous, any evidence that is out there is not in the hands of the BBC. If I saw evidence of that, that is not a complicated decision.

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NOTE: Officials have backtracked some of the information originally released, later confirming that it is legal to have an African Serval in S.C. and a shoot on sight order was not issued.

CHESTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A wild African Serval cat that escaped a house fire on Thursday night has been located, Chester officials say.

The house fire happened Thursday, Aug. 1, at a home along E. Lacey Street in Chester. City officials said the homeowner owned the African Serval.

The African Serval is not a domesticated animal and poses a significant risk due to its potential aggression and strength, the City of Chester said.

On Friday afternoon, Chester officials announced that the animal had been located. Currently, it is at a Florida animal sanctuary. Authorities did not say how the cat got to Florida.

20-year-old college student from Hickory falls 400 feet to his death at the Grand Canyon

City officials originally said a shoot on sight order was issued if the owner could not locate the cat within four hours. They also, said that it was illegal to own or transport an African Serval in the state.

However, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources later said that they did not issue a shoot on sight order and a miscommunication with animal control led to the confusion. SCDNR also confirmed that it is legal to both own and transport the animal in South Carolina.

Two deceased domestic cats were found at the scene following the Servals disappearance, city officials said.

The public was asked not to approach the animal if they spot it, and keep their children and pets inside. There is no longer a threat to the public.

For questions or concerns, residents can call Chester Police at 803-385-5433.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Pueblo School District 60 Superintendent Barbara Kimzey is stepping into her new role just as many Pueblo D60 students prepare to attend a new school.

Just as Kimzey has relocated to Pueblo from her previous position as chief schools officer at Norfolk Public Schools in Virginia, hundreds of incoming sixth graders, ninth graders, and former Roncalli STEM Academy students will be in new territory when school starts later this month.

Kimzey's first official day as Pueblo D60 Superintendent was July 1. She was hired through a national search to replace retiring superintendent Charlotte Macaluso, who had served as the district's superintendent since 2016. Kimzey spent her first month in Pueblo D60 meeting with community leaders, alumni, and staff while preparing for the upcoming school year.

"The thing that I am most excited about here is that our community embraces its kids. The fact that everyone is about the kids, we can really do some strategic things around increasing rigor and building that community wraparound support for our students," she said during an Aug. 1 press conference.

Pueblo School District 60 Superintendent Barbara Kimzey spoke about her plans for the district on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

'Be Present, Be Powerful' campaign among new Pueblo D60 developments under Kimzey's leadership

Students and staff across the district can expect to see Kimzey at their school in the days ahead as the new superintendent plans on being "very methodical" in visiting every Pueblo D60 school to have discussions with principals and assistant principals.

Kimzey also plans to routinely meet with community and student advisory committees to support schools in "reaching their fullest potential," she said. Additionally, she's leading Pueblo D60's launch of its Be Present, Be Powerful" initiative  a new social media campaign promoting daily school attendance to foster academic success.

"Our first day of school is Aug. 20 and we want every single student in school so that we can support them in their learning," Kimzey said. "Students cannot learn if they're not at school... Really getting kids to school is the first step and then supporting them in being at school will be our continued effort throughout the school year."

During the 2022-23 school year, Pueblo D60 had an attendance rate of 88.1%. That was below the state average of 90.8%. The district also had a truancy rate of 6.4% and a chronically absent rate of 45.9% during that same school year, according to the Colorado Department of Education. District percentages for truancy and chronic absence exceeded state averages.

The "Be Present, Be Powerful" campaign will utilize community partnerships to address various challenges to school attendance a student may face, including frustration with a difficult class and family challenges, Kimzey said.

Other tasks at hand for the new Pueblo D60 superintendent include increasing middle school engagement through career pathway programming, providing additional support to the Pueblo Academy of Arts as it accepts the bulk of incoming students from the now-closed Roncalli STEM Academy, and the implementation of "Project Heroes"  a $15 million grant-funded project to create magnet schools at three existing neighborhood schools.

"My goal is to really become part of the fabric of the communities  to really grow some deep, strong, enduring roots here," she said. "I'm here to stay. I love it here already."

Pueblo housing costs: A decade's change: How Pueblo home prices in 2024 compare to those of 2014

Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: New Pueblo D60 superintendent Barbara Kimzey outlines goals




Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool

Southwest Airlines is getting rid of open seating, starting sometime in 2025. By changing its airplane cabin configurations, Southwest Airlines can offer assigned seats and higher-cost premium seating with extra legroom.

The announcement about Southwest getting rid of open seating might be good news for some credit card customers and frequent flyers. But I feel kind of sad about it -- when I heard the news, my heart sank a little.

Maybe it's strange to be sentimental about an airline. But by getting rid of open seating, I feel like Southwest Airlines is losing something important that made its brand and culture unique -- and getting to upgrade your seat on Southwest Airlines might not be enough to make up for it.

Let's look at a few reasons why it might be a bad thing for Southwest Airlines to get rid of open seating.

What if Southwest's seating and ticketing gets more complicated -- and expensive?

One of the unique charms of Southwest Airlines is that every seat on the plane is the same. Southwest offers simpler pricing with fewer fare classes; it's not so confusing to find a cheap plane ticket on Southwest, compared to some other major U.S. airlines that have multiple higher-priced fare classes within each flight.

By getting rid of open seating, Southwest is bringing a new level of complexity and cost to its airplane cabins. We don't know yet what the future will look like -- but Southwest will likely start charging more for seats at the front of the plane.

The company's press release says that approximately one-third of seats will become "premium seating" with extra legroom. The standard economy experience on Southwest might stay "the same," but will likely feel slightly worse relative to the extra legroom and perks of the higher-cost tickets on the same flight.

Will the new Southwest Airlines in-flight experience with assigned seats be worth paying extra? Or will Southwest's new policies drive away its existing customers? (The airline says it has survey data showing that 80% of its customers want assigned seats.)

Can Southwest's IT systems handle more complexity?

During Christmas 2022, Southwest Airlines' IT systems suffered a huge crash that caused 16,700 flights to be canceled, impacting holiday travel for 2 million customers. Perhaps this is a naive question and the Southwest technology problems are solved now, but is this airline ready to handle a more complex ticketing and seating process?

If changing the in-flight seating options requires upgrades to the IT infrastructure, is Southwest able to handle that -- or could this change to open seating open up new problems in the airline's technology stack?

Story continues

Could Southwest's on-time performance and service get worse?

One big reason why Southwest Airlines has done open seating for so long is that the airline believes it helps the boarding process go faster -- and that means more flights take off on time. Open seating (arguably) has helped improve the Southwest air travel experience and has kept costs lower for everyone.

With assigned seating, what if Southwest Airlines loses that competitive edge, and its operations get worse? What if the airline sees a reduction in on-time departures, higher costs, lower efficiency, and less-satisfied customers?

Southwest is "just like the other big airlines" now

This last reason is hard to measure, but it's real. Southwest Airlines is known for its unique, customer-friendly culture. This company doesn't do business in the same way as every other airline, and open seating was a big part of that experience. Southwest didn't have the same complicated hierarchy of fare classes and rigid, uptight policies about "which airline passengers get to board in a special VIP row" before everyone else.

Instead, the Southwest Airlines experience was more egalitarian and quirky. It was a low-cost airline that didn't take itself too seriously. Families could afford to fly on Southwest. Some of my happiest family vacation memories happened because of Southwest Airlines. I could afford to take my young family with two little kids on a plane, and we didn't have to worry about being split up by some profit-obsessed airline's assigned seating policy.

Southwest never felt like you were getting nickel-and-dimed and upsold for every last thing -- you even got two free checked bags! (Fortunately, the two free checked bag policy is not changing as part of this assigned seating announcement.) But by getting rid of open seating, Southwest is losing a big part of that unique culture.

Maybe the company's market research shows that it's the right business decision, but I worry that Southwest Airlines is making a mistake by getting rid of open seating. People who care a lot about VIP airline perks and first-class seats didn't seem to fly on Southwest as often; it was an airline that felt more welcoming to students, budget travelers, and families.

Will all those cost-conscious travelers -- young families like mine used to be -- still feel so welcome and at home on Southwest?

Bottom line

Southwest Airlines getting rid of open seating might be good news for people who own Southwest stock. Southwest Airlines credit cards might become a better deal if you can redeem points for upgrades on the new Southwest premium seating with extra legroom. But this decision, while understandable for business reasons, might be a bad idea for Southwest's customer experience in the long run.

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Why It's a Bad Thing That Southwest Got Rid of Open Seating was originally published by The Motley Fool
Alexander Lukashenko has become a loyal servant of the Kremlin - Sergei Savostyanov/Reuters

Where Russia goes, Belarus follows.

Since he was forced to rely on Vladimir Putins support to crush a popular uprising in Belarus in 2020, Alexander Lukashenko has turned the country he has controlled for more than 30 years into Russias pliant little brother.

Belarus and Russia pretend that theirs is a relationship of equals, but it is not. Belarus is a Russian vassal state.

In 2023, Mr Lukashenko was ordered to accept Russian nuclear weapons for the first time since the Cold War. In 2022, he was made to host Russian soldiers as they trained, prepared their weapons and went through drills before invading Ukraine.

The laws of Belarus ape Russias, it has taken in hundreds of Ukrainian children abducted by Russian forces  and it acts as a loyal international ally to Russia.

It hosts diplomatic conferences and votes as it is told to in clubs such as the Eurasian Economic Union, the CSTO security pact of post-Soviet states and the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation.

Master and servant: Putin and Mr Lukashenko meeting earlier this year - Dmitry Astakhov/AP

Analysts have described Belarus as part of Putins project for a Greater Russia  a project that also includes Ukraine. Jan Claas Behrends, a history professor at the University of Frankfurt, dubbed Russias treatment of Belarus as a silent invasion and a de facto occupation.

Since February 2022, Belaruss servility to Russia has only increased. When even loyal former Soviet states in Central Asia were shunning Putin, immediately after his invasion of Ukraine, Mr Lukashenko was still at his side.

Remember the Wagner mercenaries? After their failed rebellion in 2023, Putin needed to deal with them and their leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. So, naturally, he turned to Mr Lukashenko.

He didnt want the highly motivated and heavily armed group of men in Russia after they had called off their insurrectionary march on Moscow, so sent them to Belarus.

Belarus sovereignty is evaporating very fast, Pavel Slunkin, a former Belarusian diplomat who is now a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said in 2023. Any sphere you take, Russias control has become extremely big  and its increasing.

Mr Lukashenko making a speech at a WW2 rally in 2020 - AFP

The Belarusian subjugation was gradual, however. In the 1990s, immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Mr Lukashenko appeared politically adroit, keeping the Kremlin at arms length.

He professed his loyalty but maintained distance from Russia  and even made moves towards improving ties with the West.

Belarus still joined the clubs on which Russia insisted, including the Union State document-free travel agreement, but this was a more independent period for Belarus.

After 2014, things changed. Analysts have said that the Maidan Revolution in Ukraine  and the Kremlins reaction to it  scared Mr Lukashenko.

He watched from Minsk as protesters in Kyiv took over the city, triggering a tough response from the Kremlin, which annexed Crimea and sent its little green men into Ukraine.

The message was clear: if Mr Lukashenko stepped out of line, Russia would swallow up Belarus.

In 2020, widespread protests hit Belarus after a rigged election. To hold on to power, Mr Lukashenko called in his thuggish police force to detain, torture and humiliate protesters.

The EU and the West decried his heavy-handed tactics but Putin came through for Mr Lukashenko, promising cheap gas, FSB security backup and military guarantees.

In other words, Mr Lukashenko saved his skin while Putin completed his soft annexation of Belarus.

Perhaps the only instance where Mr Lukashenko has stood up to Putin is his refusal to send Belarusian soldiers into Ukraine to fight alongside Russians. The war in Ukraine is deeply unpopular in Belarus and Mr Lukashenko needs his armed forces in the country to clamp down on any protests.

Like Russia, Belarus has arrested its own political prisoners and taken hostages to use in swap deals with the West.

In October last year, a court passed a death sentence on a German citizen lured into Belarus and then arrested for planting explosives on railway tracks.

Aping Putin, Mr Lukashenko pardoned the German suddenly this week and then released him as part of a Russian exchange with the US for several high-profile prisoners.

Its a visual relationship too. On Monday, Mr Lukashenko travelled to the Karelia region of northern Russia to meet Putin.

They were filmed sitting by Lake Ladoga, listening to birdsong and enjoying a gentle chat. Two men, comfortable in each others company.

They looked like friends but, in reality, this was a meeting between a tsar and his serf.

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Quad Cities Interfaith is hosting a Say Her Name Vigil for Sonya Massey on Sunday, August 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Community Church of the Quad Cities, 2930 W. Locust Street in Davenport. Community members will gather to stand against police violence against Black women.

Speakers will share what happened to Sonya Massey and reflect on the impact for Black women. Participants will read the names of Black women killed by law enforcement since 2019 and NAACP President Michael Guster will ask the community to act by urging area Senators to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Massey was killed on July 6 by a deputy with the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office in Springfield. Sean Grayson has been arrested and is being held in the Menard County Jail on three counts of first-degree murder. Massey, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, had called police when she thought she heard an intruder outside her home. Event organizers say Massys death is part of a larger pattern of violence against Black women in society.

Janice Williams, a board member at Quad Cities Interfaith, organized the vigil in honor of Massey because As someone who has an unseen diagnosis and as a Black person, and as a Black woman, I feel like I have to be on guard. Sonya Masseys death as well as the countless other instances of police brutality against Black womenmakes me afraid of law enforcement when I should feel safe.

Organizers are asking the community to support the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. We organized this vigil because we cannot let Sonyas death be swept under the rug, said Arayah Westomoreland, a St. Ambrose student and Integrative Voter Engagement Intern at Quad Cities Interfaith. Her name will be remembered. And we cannot let the violence against Black women continue to happen over and over again, They support the bill because they think that it can prevent police violence and hold officers accountable for misconduct.

George Floyds murder in 2020 by Minnesota police officer Dereck Chauvin sparked global demonstrations against police brutality. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act was introduced during President Bidens administration. The bill would limit qualified immunity, create a National Police Misconduct Registry and require law enforcement officers to complete training on racial profiling, implicit bias and the duty to intervene when another officer uses excessive force. The House of Representatives passed it on a nearly party line vote of 220-212, but it is currently stalled in the Senate.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Editor's note: As part of the process of deciding which candidates to endorse for elected office, The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board provided each candidate with a questionnaire to complete. The following answers are from Craig Williams, a Democratic candidate for state attorney.

Full name, age and date of birth: Craig Alan Williams, 59, Aug. 26, 1964.

Office sought and political affiliation: State Attorney, Palm Beach County, Democrat.

Education, highest degree attained: Juris Doctor, Nova Law School, 1992.

Elaborate on the courtroom experience that you feel has prepared you to lead the State Attorney's Office.

Over my 27 years, I have been in every division in the SAO and have personally tried every type of crime. I have tried more than 500 jury trials, including many high profile cases, like the Dahlia Dippolito murder-for-hire, the Jeffrey Lamb murder case, the death penalty cases for the murder of Jane Tackaberry and the Dunbar Village gang rape cases.

I am in the courtroom every day providing support and guidance to our felony trial attorneys to make sure we are getting it right for the community and our justice system every day.

Why should voters choose you for this position?

My supporters will tell you I am the most experienced and successful prosecutor to ever run for this position. I have personally taken our Felony Trial Unit from the worst performing unit in Florida to one of the best, with a 95% conviction rate, and only 1% from being No. 1 in Florida. That was done with lots of hands-on guidance, training, support and motivation. As prosecutors, we are the voice of victims and our performance sets the tone for public safety in our community. How the leader of the SAO treats all people involved in the criminal justice system matters greatly as to how effective and successful our office is for our community.

Not only do I know what it is like to be a defendant in the criminal justice system, I also have been the victim of a robbery with a firearm, and our family suffered the horrible traffic death of my oldest brother, when he was 16. Had it happened today, the driver would have been charged with traffic homicide after driving more than 90 mph, crashing and killing my brother, who was a passenger.

Those experiences have shaped the way I treat everyone in the system and why I fight so hard for victims of serious crimes.

Briefly highlight your key priorities

I believe our office spends precious time and effort on crimes that dont directly pertain to the safety of our community and our quality of life. I would reorganize the office so we prioritize those cases as well as crimes against the elderly and hate crimes.

After that, work to extend the same successful results we have attained in the units I supervise across all units. I want to work with our criminal justice partners to increase drug treatment and mental health treatment for defendants, which is greatly lacking.

Many of these defendants are not a danger to our community. They need help and treatment so we can get them out of the system and on to being productive members of society. Transparency is another priority and I will work to make sure the community knows exactly what their SAO is working on and our results, as well as increasing community input.

What changes in personnel and policies would you make to the office?

The changes would be to make sure we have the best public servants in the right positions so we have the most effective and efficient office possible. We should be laser-focused on public safety and making sure all of us contribute every day toward that goal. Another goal is improving office morale. How you treat people matters. We need office leaders who lead by example, who fight the good fight every day, and who treat people with respect and kindness.

What are your views on diversion programs?

Diversion programs are excellent. We dont want to ruin peoples lives over one or two bad decisions. I personally created diversion programs in the felony divisions and kept expanding them over the years. Most people just need a little help to get back on track and be successful members of our community.

Are you satisfied with the office's conviction rate? Why or why not?

I believe our felony conviction rate of 95% means that we are pursuing the right cases and being very effective in fighting for victims. I would make sure the rest of the office worked as effectively and efficiently as the felony unit.

What opportunities do you see for greater collaboration between the office, the Public Defender's Office and law enforcement?

I believe that collaboration is imperative to have a criminal justice system that is fair and effective for everyone. I have always had an open door and an excellent relationship with everyone at the public defenders office and law enforcement.

How would you build trust with the public and make the office more transparent?

I have always been transparent to anyone that wants information from us. I am a public servant and I work for everyone in our community. I would work with each law-enforcement agency and the defense bar to meet with the public and anyone else interested to explain exactly why we make the decisions we do, and to listen so we can constantly improve and provide a better justice system for everyone.

What distinguishes you from your opponents?

My track record, my experience, the way I treat people and my proven passion to fight for justice.

What experiences from your community, life or workplace activities have best prepared you for this position?

Experiencing the death of my brother in a horrible car accident when I was 13, and the effect it had on our family, being the actual victim of a robbery with a firearm when I was 16 and going through a jury trial, and getting arrested, charged and pleading guilty to a DUI when I was 18 and the consequences of that case on my entire life have all prepared me in some way for this position. So has being a supervisor and executive leader for so many prosecutors, cases and victims. All of these things have taught me to not just be tough on crime, but fair  to not just be professional, but kind.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Questionnaire: Craig Williams, candidate for Palm Beach County State Attorney
Forrest Freedman, 63, is one of two Republican candidates vying to replace Dave Aronberg as Palm Beach County's State Attorney. Aronberg, who served three terms as the county's top prosecutor, announced in 2023 that he would not seek reelection.

Editor's note: As part of the process of deciding which candidates to endorse for elected office, The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board provided each candidate with a questionnaire to complete. The following answers are from Forrest Freedman, a Republican candidate for state attorney.

Full name, age and date of birth: Forrest Scott Freedman, 62, July 29, 1961.

Office sought and political affiliation: State Attorney, Palm Beach County, Republican.

Education, highest degree attained: Juris Doctor, Washington University School of Law, 1986.

Elaborate on the courtroom experience that you feel has prepared you to lead the State Attorney's Office.

As a former assistant district attorney in Suffolk County, Boston, Massachusetts, for over 4  years , I worked in every district court, as well as the BMC jury unit and major offenders unit. I have successfully prosecuted hundreds of bench and jury trials for both misdemeanor and felony crimes, including but not limited to prosecuting major sex crimes and second-seating several murder cases

I also help to run and organize the administrative duties in the office, where I learned that being district attorney is equivalent to being CEO of a major corporation. I am able to get the best out of people by treating everyone with the respect that they deserve. It's not ones political label that counts but rather how we all work together to serve and protect the peoples interests. Having worked for Democrats Mario Merola in the Bronx DAs Office as well as Newman Flanagan in the Suffolk County District Attorney Office, both Democrats, as a chief prosecutor, I worked with everyone, at every level, so that criminals ended up behind bars and that victims of crime received just and adequate restitution.

Why should voters choose you for this position?

I have over 38 years of legal experience and have worked in both the public and private sectors. I know how to run a business profitably, efficiently, and within a real budget.

I have worked with Democrats, Republicans, Independents and those without any party affiliation, and can get everyone to put aside what divides us in favor of what unites US and what works best for the company and our customers. Its about merit over identity politics. We will find the best people based on merit to work at the Palm Beach County State Attorneys Office and those workers will be hired from all over the county, so that our office will resemble the people who live in Palm Beach with the singular goal of keeping the residents of Palm Beach County safe from repeat offenders.

State Attorney David Aronberg has done a good job over the last 12 years and we seek to build upon his successes and correct and fix the weaknesses and failures that we inherit with a new set of eyes. I have spoken with lots of voters, Democrats and Republicans, who have shared their ideas, compliments and criticisms of the current administration, and I believe that their insight will be my guide to improving the State Attorney Office for everyone.

I believe in compassion and diversion for first-time offenders with the hope of getting them out of the system and real consequences and punishment with bail and jail for repeat and violent offenders, gang members and migrant criminals who prey on our citizens.

Briefly highlight your key priorities.

My goal is to forge an improved alliance and cooperation between the State Attorneys Office, the Sheriffs Office and the residents of Palm Beach County to create a new era of cooperation.

We will not plead out the tough or high profile cases because we are afraid to lose. Rather we will prosecute everyone, and be fair and square. It will not matter if you are rich, poor, Republican, Democrat, Independent, male, female, transgender, Jew, Christian, Muslim or whatever your faith  every resident of Palm Beach County will be entitled to one fair and just criminal justice system for all.

I will vigorously prosecute the laws that have been passed by the legislature and signed into law. We will prosecute hate crimes and especially prosecute criminals who prey upon our elderly and most vulnerable to the full extent of the law.

Gov. DeSantis has recently signed new laws to protect the elderly and those who are victims of identity theft and they will be prosecuted.

Those who engage in illegal trespass and protest or violently riot, inhibit and infringe on all of our citizens rights will be prosecuted. If you form a human chain to prevent passage by citizens on our highways, colleges or cities, you will be arrested and prosecuted.

First Amendment rights to assembly and protest are subject to valid time, place and manner restrictions and such restrictions will be enforced and violators will be prosecuted.

Those illegal migrants who have violated U.S. immigration laws, and have the audacity to come to Palm Beach County to commit crimes will be held without bail and prosecuted. If convicted, or not, they will be turned over to Immigration and Naturalization, which is the law and legal process for dealing with illegal migrants who commit crime here.

What changes in personnel and policies would you make to the office?

I believe that identity crimes including title and credit card theft as well as retail and auto theft must be vigorously prosecuted. Simply put, the anti-enforcement, anti-prosecution policies implemented by progressive state and district attorneys elsewhere have been a complete and utter failure and have allowed the criminals to run rampant at the expense of our citizens. When retail theft, trespass, domestic violence and misdemeanors are not prosecuted, we have seen that the numbers of these crimes committed elsewhere increase exponentially.

I believe in enforcing our bail statutes and that fair bail must be set for repeat and violent offenders and that fair jail sentences, based upon truth in sentencing, must be imposed on convicted criminals.

I promise that will not happen here if I am elected, there will be real consequences for repeat and violent offenders and compassion for first-time offenders with the hope of permanently diverting said offenders out of the criminal justice system.

What are your views on diversion programs?

New and enhanced diversion programs and drug-treatment programs should be available for first-time offenders. The current programs and diversion programs dont have the required teeth to fully succeed.

Are you satisfied with the office's conviction rate? Why or why not?

I believe that there is room for improvement. However, it's not the conviction rate that counts. Rather it is the responsibility of the Palm Beach County state attorney to keep our residents safe from violent and repeat offenders. Bail and jail where appropriate and compassion and diversion for first-time and youthful offenders to try to permanently dissuade and keep them out of the criminal justice system.

What opportunities do you see for greater collaboration between the office, the Public Defender's Office and law enforcement?

I fully intend to work with the Sherriffs Office and Public Defenders office to beef up our diversion, drug treatment and mental health programs to benefit those in need of same in Palm Beach County, Florida. I also believe that we must implement new programs in our schools and afterschool programs to give students a better way to advance and succeed instead of choosing crime or joining gangs.

How would you build trust with the public and make the office more transparent?

I will work with my communications director to reach out to the press and community officials in good times and in times of crisis, including those times when our policies are challenged or questioned.

What distinguishes you from your opponents?

I have never been fired or forced out of any job in my entire professional career.

I have done an exemplary job as a prosecutor, special public defender, private attorney, business entrepreneur and community leader, and have been recognized as such.

That cannot be said about my Republican primary opponent. According to the New Jersey media, he was forced out of the U.S. Attorneys Office because he was unqualified and because his fathers political connections and money donations to former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie. As for being a member of the Palm Beach County State Attorneys Office, my Democratic opponents have told me that he was despised during his short tenure and Mr. David Aronberg told my wife, Jamie Freedman, that he was hated and could not work with anyone.

I will work with everyone, Democrats, Republicans and Independents, to run the best State Attorneys Office in the State of Florida. If elected, I will work with the current staff of the State Attoneys Office as well as my Democratic opponents who I will invite to stay on and help me to improve this office for everyone. I believe that Mr. Craig Williams is extremely well-liked and competent. However, I chose to run in case he did not win the Democrat primary for this office. We cannot elect any person to the State Attorneys Office that will bring the failed, progressive, anti-law enforcement and anti-prosecution policies to Palm Beach County.

What experiences from your community, life or workplace activities have best prepared you for this position?

I started my career in public service and am returning to public service at the end of my career to share what I have learned along the way to make the Palm Beach County State Attorneys Office run more efficiently, transparently and competently to better serve all of the residents of Palm Beach County. The only group of people I will not serve are the criminals, as that is left up to the Public Defenders Office.

I promise that I do not intend to serve 12 years like my predecessor. Instead. like John Adams, I only intend to serve until I get the job done and then hand the office over to my successor in better shape that was received.

As both a public servant and a private law firm and business owner, I believe my ability to competently run, organize and economically administer these vast and different organizations will help me assemble the right team to run improve upon the current successes of David Aronbergs office while fixing what needs to be fixed.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Questionnaire: Forrest Freedman, candidate for Palm Beach County State Attorney
Racist Conspiracy Theories Run Rampant After Trump Questions Kamala Harris Blackness At NABJ, Echoing What Happened During Obamas Campaign

Racist Conspiracy Theories Run Rampant After Trump Questions Kamala Harris Blackness At NABJ, Echoing What Happened During Obamas Campaign | Photo: Getty Images

Former President Donald Trumps controversial appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention on Wednesday proved to be as problematic as feared it would be. Among the various moments of contentious exchanges and falsehoods, Trump has drawn outrage for a new attack launched against Vice President Kamala Harris and her racial identity.

The moment in question came during Trumps panel discussion with three Black female journalists, during which he was asked if he agreed with other Republicans attacks that Harris was a DEI hire who had been chosen because she is a Black woman. Trump, after expressing apparent confusion over the term DEI, launched into an accusation that Harris had not acknowledged her Black identity until recently.

She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage, Trump falsely claimed. He went on, I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So I dont know, is she Indian, or is she Black?

Trump claimed, I respect either one, but she obviously doesnt, because she was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she went  she became a Black person.

He then told the room of Black journalists, I think somebody should look into that too.

Trump: I did not know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. Is she Indian or is she Black? pic.twitter.com/DIVy0mQL3I  Acyn (@Acyn) July 31, 2024

Trumps comments drew outrage from political pundits across social media and Democrats.

Author Bakari Sellers appeared on CNN, where he commented that every person who votes for Donald Trump is not a racist. But Donald Trump is a racist.

"Every person who votes for Donald Trump is not a racist. But Donald Trump is a racist": @Bakari_Sellers reacts to former President Trump's false claim that Vice President Harris "happened to turn black." pic.twitter.com/oWU5eB5wy0  Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) August 1, 2024

A message to racist Republicans, X user Alex Cole tweeted. You can be of Indian decent and also black. The word is called biracial.

A message to racist Republicans. You can be of Indian decent and also black. The word is called biracial.  Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) July 31, 2024

The Harris campaign quickly issued a statement: The hostility Donald Trump showed on stage today is the same hostility he has shown throughout his life, repeating Harris earlier challenge for Trump to debate her in September.

The Kamala Harris campaign responds to Trump's appearance at #NABJ: pic.twitter.com/V2sP3kVLfa  philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 31, 2024

Racism and conspiracy theories

Despite the immense backlash Trump has received, he and his supporters have doubled down on insults and racist conspiracies against Harris.

Trump lawyer Alina Habba, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Iraq, threw shade at Harris at a Trump campaign rally, declaring, Unlike you, Kamala, I know who my roots are; I know where I come from, and I dont play around with the Constitution.

Habba: Unlike you Kamala, I know who my roots are and where I come from pic.twitter.com/DMpdu2h861  Acyn (@Acyn) July 31, 2024

Fox News host Jesse Watters said shes not African American technically.

Several Trump supporters, including Rep. Lauren Boebert, posted screenshots of AP articles covering Harris election as the first Indian American U.S. Senator and first Black vice president, trying to prove Trumps claim of switching identity.

President Trump is right. She switched. pic.twitter.com/gPIOA77X56  Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) July 31, 2024

Others posted as proof a segment of Harris and actress Mindy Kaling talking about their Indian heritage  despite the fact that Kaling contradicts the narrative by telling Harris in the clip that not everybody knows youre Indian.

Why would you post a clip where Mindy Kaling literally says to her not everybody knows youre Indian  proving that Kamala does indeed generally identify as Black? https://t.co/gloz9XOEih  chris evans (@notcapnamerica) July 31, 2024

In a clear echo of the racist conspiracy theories against former President Barack Obama, some Trump supporters even started sharing Harris birth certificate to prove somehow she is not Black, despite the certificate listing her fathers Jamaican heritage.

Shoutout to @LauraLoomer for the easy access to Kamala Harris birth certificate. Now everyone can confirm shes a U.S. Citizen with an Indian mother and a Jamaican father.#Harris2024  pic.twitter.com/oxNeyjUNJ7  Dan  (@hstarshot) August 1, 2024

Trump has posted follow-up racist attacks on Truth Social.

Donald Trump posted this video along with this ignorant message on Truth Social. Crazy Kamala is saying shes Indian, not Black. This is a big deal. Stone cold phony. She uses everybody, including her racial identity! Does he not understand the concept of being biracial? Is pic.twitter.com/DzO9WByFhN  Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) August 1, 2024

Professor Uju Anya tweeted that people not engage Trump supporters in these conversations about biracial identity. They know Kamala Harris is Black, she tweeted. The reason theyre mounting this type of attack on her is **because** shes Black.

Stop trying to explain race, nationality, ethnicity, and mixed heritage to these racists. They know Kamala Harris is Black. The reason theyre mounting this type of attack on her is **because** shes Black.  Uju Anya (@UjuAnya) August 1, 2024

As the Trump campaign struggles to deal with Harris surging support and others enthusiasm for her, it appears he and his surrogates have decided to double down on racist attacks. So far, these attacks provide even more fuel for the Harris campaign to contrast itself with the racism and extremism of its opponents, the picture that Harris wants to paint heading into the election.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  Joseph Jones, MD, radiation oncologist from USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, joined WKRG on The Doctor is In to discuss radiosurgery.

Archdiocese of Mobile Superintendent Chad Barwick talks 2024-25 school year

Dr. Jones answers the following questions in the video above:

What does a radiation oncologist do?

What is radiosurgery?

Are all types of cancer candidates for this surgery?

How is this different from traditional radiation?

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
If the definition of madness is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, then the Democrats are even barmier than we thought. Since Kamala Harris took over from a somnambulant Joe Biden as presidential candidate, the Democrats have leaned into the very same cringeworthy identity politics that has failed so spectacularly for them in the past.

No one knows for sure what Kamala Harris thinks. Like our own Keir Starmer, here is a politician with the bravery to take whatever political position is necessary to achieve her short-term goals. Since her disastrous tilt for the presidency in 2019, Harris has suddenly, dramatically, changed her positions on fracking, border enforcement, healthcare and more, swinging rightwards in an attempt to convince moderate voters that she isnt the typical West Coast liberal she appears to be.

In the absence of any principles, Harriss campaign has inevitably fallen back not on what she thinks, or even really who she is, but what she is. Her immutable characteristics  in particular, her mixed-race heritage and XX chromosomes  have been placed front and centre, in an attempt to essentially shame Americans into making history by elevating a woman of colour to the White House for the first time.

In this, she is following in the footsteps not of Barack Obama  who in 2008 pitched himself as a unifier  but Hillary Clinton. In 2016, Im With Her was Clintons slogan. There were videos of her literally breaking through glass ceilings, apparently destined to become Americas first female president. Meanwhile, she enlisted various black and Hispanic and Asian celebrities to appeal to the electorate as if they were an assemblage of racial blocs, rather than citizens with concerns and values in common.

And we all know how that turned out. Not only did Clinton lose to Donald Trump, a thought then unimaginable, but the way in which she lost exploded the notion that pork-barrel identity politics equals electoral success. White women actually backed Trump over Hillary. Meanwhile, The Donald improved his partys standing among Hispanics and black Americans.

This wasnt just a one-off, either. Despite Joe Bidens decisive victory in 2020, built in part on his strong support among African Americans, Trump continued to gain among ethnic-minority voters. For all the ridiculous talk of him being a fascist and white supremacist, Trump, notes Democratic consultant David Shor, has actually kicked off an era of racial depolarisation in American electoral politics.

It turns out voters wont just mindlessly vote for the person who most resembles them or panders to their identity. Who knew? Youd think Harris would by now, given she barrelled out of the last Democratic primary race before the Iowa caucuses  in large part because, despite being half-black herself, she struggled among black voters. Still, she seems intent on ploughing the same patronising furrow this time around, too.

Now, while Harris attempts to guilt-trip Americas minorities into voting for her, she also has the support of a suite of well-to-do white people, who have started holding mass video calls on her behalf. They use them to raise money and share ideas on how they can use their white privilege to get Harris over the line with white voters. I wish this were a joke.

White Dudes for Harris, a celeb-studded Zoom call attended by 180,000 people, raised $3.7million this week. Just as bafflingly successful was White Women: Answer the Call, a similar initiative that raised $11million from a group of 160,000 enthusiastic, laptop-class caucasian gals.

Going by the recordings, it seems these gabfests were less about the hopes for Harris and minorities than they were about massaging the neuroses and egos of rich white folk. I stood over my kids bed and I wept, said actor Josh Gad, to his fellow white dudes, recalling Trumps 2016 win.

Only a fool would try to predict how this election will pan out. Just a month ago Biden was still staring into space from podiums and Trumps right ear was fully intact. But if Harris does pull off an unlikely win in November, it will be in spite of, not because of, this patronising identitarian politicking. Wokeness might excite wealthy elites, and provide a gloss of progressivism to otherwise woeful candidates, but it leaves ordinary Americans of all sexes and hues wondering whats in it for them.

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Does the Fresno Police Department work for the people of Fresno?

Or are the people of Fresno, elected leaders included, handcuffed by the police and its union?

In the curious case of ArtHop, that chain-of-command isnt clear.

Over the past decade or so, ArtHop has transformed from a few dozen relatively small and staid gatherings held in art galleries on the first Thursday of every month to downtowns largest recurring party. The art gallery aspect continues, only now its accompanied by a boisterous street fair that draws crowds of 15,000.

Opinion

That change happened organically and went mostly unregulated. No one was in charge of organizing the ArtHop street fair. And aside from a select few, the vendors that set up along Fulton Street, some as early as 8 in the morning, were unpermitted.

The city is now putting down its foot. In the days leading to Thursdays ArtHop where outdoor vendors were prohibited, city officials including Mayor Jerry Dyer and Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias met with business owners and stakeholders to sell them their plan to spin off the street fair aspect of ArtHop into a separate Wednesday evening event.

The change would take effect in September, though which Wednesday has not been determined.

One Wednesday a month with the ability to grow to four Wednesdays a month, Arias told a mostly displeased gathering at City Hall.

The yet-to-be-named event would include street closures on Fulton between Fresno and Mono streets  something ArtHop doesnt currently do. The city would make sure theres a police presence, roll out mobile restrooms and provide trash service. All at no cost to the public, or vendors.

But why Wednesday, which for obvious reasons is less than ideal?

Because thats the only day of the week when the city has enough police officers on duty to maintain a sufficient presence during large downtown events without having to pay overtime or pull cops from other districts.

That disclosure, made by Dyer and Arias, resulted in a room full of incredulous vendors and ArtHop devotees.

As well they should be.

I think its going to set downtown back 10, 15 years, Fresno Street Eats president Mike Osegueda said of the planned shift to Wednesday.

The intersection of Fulton and Tuolumne streets shows few people walking around during ArtHop Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 in downtown Fresno.

Mayor blames labor contract

When asked by attendees why a few extra police couldnt simply be shifted to Thursday, Dyer and Arias responded it wasnt that simple. Fresnos surplus of officers assigned to work Wednesdays  sometimes more than 50 of them, former chief Paco Balderrama told the city council in June  is a longstanding scheduling practice established by the citys labor contract with the police union.

(Dyer and Arias didnt let this part slip during the meeting, but the existing agreement recently expired and a new one is currently being negotiated.)

So let me get this straight. Fresno, whose downtown was deserted for decades, finally has something that lures 15,000 people on a monthly basis. An event whose first Thursday regularity is ingrained not just locally but throughout the region.

And now you want to tell more than 90% of those folks to come on Wednesday instead  a decidedly non-party day  because an extra patrol or two cant be reassigned without incurring excessive costs?

Im sorry, but thats preposterous. A city of 545,000 that spends half its general fund on the police department  unheard of in California  and boasts 926 sworn officer positions (roughly 860 filled) cannot use a lack of on-duty cops as an excuse to kill downtowns biggest party.

City Hall and the police union should be embarrassed this is even an issue.

Brandon Wiemiller, president of the Fresno Police Officers Association, responded by email that regardless of scheduling the chief has full discretion to provide police services for events that are assigned high priority by the City.

Regardless of what side is to blame here, this is yet another instance where Fresno cant get out of its own way. Even while on the path to something better.

Weve spent 15 years trying to get people to come downtown. Then when they come downtown we should move heaven and earth to keep them downtown, Osegueda said. I feel like there were other solutions that couldve been exhausted before we got here.

Ya think?

Joseph Rodriguez helps lead a small protest against the citys decision to prohibit vendors working along the street during ArtHop Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 in downtown Fresno.

Thursdays ArtHop quiet, mostly

Lacking outdoor vendors, save for a select few who either didnt know about the new regulations or turned out to denounce them, Thursdays ArtHop was relatively dead.

City code enforcement officers issued warnings and removed at least one canopy set up on Fulton but allowed a protest organized by ReHop Fresno (that included two artists selling paintings on tables and hanging from a building) to continue.

Crystal Rocha said she was protesting for fellow artists pushed out by the new rules and for the rights of people to set up and sell wares.

Five years ago when I moved here everybody knew about first Thursday and they talked about how everyone knew about it, said James Rodriguez, Rochas partner and fellow protester.

Moving it to Wednesday is ripping the heart out of something instead of doing precise surgery.

City Hall and the police union need to figure this out. The thousands of ArtHop devotees deserve a better plan than whats currently on offer.

Downtowns biggest reoccurring party can only be held on Wednesday night due to a lack of on-duty police? Thats completely laughable.

In Fresno, of all places, a lack of police resources does not get to be used as an excuse.

The sidewalks are clear of the usual crowds seen during ArtHop Thursday evening, Aug. 1, 2024 in downtown Fresno.

Vendors selling art and more work from tables along Fulton Street during a small protest against the citys decision to prohibit vendors during ArtHop Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 in downtown Fresno.

Working from a food truck parked along Fulton Street, Angela Burrise of Angelas Taste of Soul Food With a Twist said she was unaware of the citys decision to prohibit vendors during ArtHop Thursday evening, Aug. 1, 2024 in downtown Fresno. Burrise was selling food but said she was not approached by city staff to close.
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  Recently-appointed District 3 State Senator Bob Brinson has resigned from his position as Ward Six Representative for the Board of Aldermen in New Bern.

Friday morning, the board had a specially-called meeting to talk through the process of filling the Ward Six seat. This person would carry out Ward Six duties through the end of the term in December of 2025.

Interested applicants will be allowed to submit themselves for consideration. If more than one candidate is interested in the seat, city officials said the Aldermen will vote on the applications to decide.

Ward Six constituents, they dont have a representative other than me. So, everybody deserves to have an alderman, New Bern Mayor Jeffrey Odham said. They deserve to be able to reach out to their mayor. So, we need to get that position, so those constituents in Ward 6, myself being one of them, they can have a representation on the board.

Mayor Odham said that the board hopes to appoint a new Ward Six Alderman within the next 60 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 WNCT.
In recent years, a shortage of lifeguards has made it harder for many New Hampshire communities to keep their pools running at full strength.

This summers heat waves have hit many New Hampshire communities hard, with several areas setting records for multiple 90-plus degree days in a row and another stretch of heat forecast for the end of this week. For many residents, the local public pool has served as an oasis in those stretches: a place where, at no cost, they can cool off and get in some exercise without having to leave the neighborhood.

But in recent years, a shortage of lifeguards has made it harder for many New Hampshire communities to keep their pools running at full strength, limiting hours or capacity even on the hottest of days. It reflects a national lifeguard shortage, one that local parks and rec departments say theyre hoping to reverse. Heres how three New Hampshire communities say they are facing the challenge.

In Manchester, increased competition for workers

In Manchester, the lifeguard shortage has many causes, according to Brendan Lynch, Recreation and Enterprise Manager for the city.

Local high school swim teams previously provided a steady stream of lifeguards for the city, but with the pandemic disrupting youth sports, fewer kids swim regularly.

A pipeline that we've always relied on has sort of dried up. After Covid, youth sports, including swimming, never fully rebounded," Lynch said.

The city considered launching a "train-to-hire" program, where individuals seeking to become lifeguards would receive training through the city at no cost and, in return, commit to working for the city for a minimum time period.

But these programs rely on having people already on staff who are able to oversee the training. Lynch said the city doesnt have those kind of people on staff and doesnt have the money to hire new ones.

Lynch also notes that many older teens are increasingly focused on advancing their careers, often securing internships and other opportunities during the summer. One of their own lifeguards, Conlan Hurley, is trying to balance this reality. A student at Stevens Institute of Technology, Hurley has been a lifeguard with the city of Manchester for nearly four years. He normally works full time, but this summer he wasnt sure if lifeguarding was going to work for him.

I wasn't sure that I was going to lifeguard at the start of this summer because I had an internship lined up, he said. But, I wasn't sure how much they were going to be able to have me work because it's a nonprofit. As long as I don't have a different full time job, [lifeguarding] is a pretty good gig.

Lynch says the city also increasingly finds itself competing for lifeguard candidates with organizations like the YMCA that may be able to offer career advancement opportunities.

It's really hard for us to compete with career, he said.

Lynch says boosting the wage for lifeguards has helped them to be more competitive with pools in surrounding areas, but there are still hurdles. For instance, lifeguard certification can average between $300 and $600, according to the American Red Cross  not including the cost for renewal every two years. Many potential lifeguards don't have the money in hand to cover the cost of mandated certifications, Lynch said.

It's a huge barrier to entry, Lynch said. Basically you have to be middle class and above to come up with that initial payment.

Manchester does offer reimbursement for certifications, but only at the end of the year, to keep employees from going elsewhere. So the upfront cost remains a hurdle for many potential lifeguards.

Despite these challenges, Lynch said Manchester has been able to operate its pools safely this summer.

"We'd like more lifeguards to increase capacity, but we feel our pools are safe and we're accommodating the bulk of the people who want to come in," he said.

Portsmouth's Indoor Pool and the City of Portsmouth collaborated to have a partnership to save the facility and renewed a new contract in 2016.

In recent years, a shortage of lifeguards has made it harder for many New Hampshire communities to keep their pools running at full strength.

In Portsmouth, asking swimmers to take a turn in the lifeguard chair

As Portsmouth saw a decline in lifeguard availability in recent years, it turned to the people already in the pool.

One of the first things we did is that we tried to recruit from our swimmers that swam here, said Lexy Van Binsbergen, Portsmouths Indoor Pool supervisor. So we started to train people who swam here as sense of like a community thing, like hey, if you want the pool open more hours, we actually can't open it unless we can staff it. 

One of the community members who stepped in to help is 69-year-old Cindy Kamberelis. She said she was more than happy to put in hours to help keep the Portsmouth Indoor Pool open.

I loved this pool. I love the members and love to be able to help make it available to them, she said.

The city also partnered with Portsmouth High School to offer a lifeguarding class, implemented a "train to hire" program at their pools, and raised lifeguard wages to be competitive with surrounding communities.

Todd Henley, director of Portsmouth Parks and Recreation, said that was possible, in part, because the city council included members of the pools themselves who felt the effects of the shortage first hand.

The department also received a grant from the local Portsmouth Elks Club.

Portsmouth pools have been able to return to being fully staffed and operate normally this summer, but as Henley and Van Binsbergen reiterated, its taken five years to get to this point.

We just want to continue to stay ahead of the curve and be prepared that we can retain the staff that we have now and keep everything open, he said.

In Concord, an encouraging rebound

Parks officials in Concord say theyve seen a promising reversal from earlier staffing shortages.

Lifeguard Emily Lamoureux sits atop her post at Merrill Pool in Concord.

Lifeguard Emily Lamoureux said this is the first summer since the pandemic that the city has been able to open all of its aquatic facilities.

Lamoureux started lifeguarding right before the pandemic and recalls past challenges of insufficient staffing leading to temporary pool closures. Thats not the case this summer.

"It's kind of like switching from everybody having to work five days a week and covering people's shifts to scrounging around, trying to find a shift to pick up because you want more hours," she said.

Lamoureux says raising the wage for lifeguards was a big help, but the community had to shift gears with previous recruitment strategies. Concord Parks and Recreation did have a train to hire program but stopped offering it because they were not able to see a large turnout and has since switched to an end-of-summer reimbursement similar to that of the city of Manchester.

The city of Concord has struggled in the past to fully open its aquatic facilities, and while Lamoureux expressed that it would be disappointing for her and her fellow lifeguards to face any setbacks again the impact on the community would be even more significant.

When your pool shuts down, it's unfortunate because you feel bad, she said. Like, 'Johnny said he was going to come to the pool tomorrow and now it's shut down because we don't have enough lifeguards.' So it's not only disappointing to you, but also disappointing to the people that you know who use the pool a lot.

These articles are being shared by partners in the Granite State News Collaborative. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Record heat, lifeguard shortages: NH pools try to stay afloat this summer
CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The recount for the Fifth Congressional District Republican primary race between incumbent Congressman Bob Good and John McGuire took place across 24 courthouses in Virginia on Thursday, Aug. 1.

McGuire won the primary earlier in July by just 384 votes, a difference of just more than .6%. Due to the small percentage separating the two candidates, Congressman Good requested a recount shortly after the Virginia State Board of Elections certified McGuires victory.

In Campbell County on Thursday, the recount took seven hours and both candidates gained an additional two votes in a wash.

Throughout the day, there was relatively low drama. Several potential discrepancies were eventually rectified with a second look. However, a counting error towards the end of the day led to a temporary discrepancy of more than 300 votes, leaving onlookers from both sides of the race with questions.

Once again, a second look found only a four-ballot discrepancy with two ballots a piece favoring each candidate.

RELATED STORY: Bob Good requesting recount in 5th District Congressional election

Obviously at the end, there was a little bit of confusion on how many votes were here and how many votes were there, said Kurt Lofquist, a political consultant running a campaign supporting McGuire. They finally figured it out and somehow we got four extra votes but at the end it was the same extra vote count for McGuire as for [Good].

It was undetermined what led to the four extra ballots being found but both parties and the Campbell County Registrar were content to move on as it did not alter the outcome.

Campbell County was not the only locality with issues, with all recounts beginning at 7:30 a.m. and several localities currently still recounting the votes. For example, In Lynchburg, an issue resulted in two precincts having to be counted by hand, with officials estimating a total of up to 400 ballots.

So far throughout the recount, localities across the fifth district have seen little to no change in their vote tallies overall. As of 3:00 p.m., just three of 17 localities had reported any changes.

Put together, those changes resulted in a net gain of just one vote for Good.

RELATED STORY: FEC approves Rep. Goods recount fund request, The Hill reports

Looking at some of the results coming in, the vast majority of reports are coming in exactly as they did on election day, said Lofquist.

It has been a relatively low return on investment so far for Good, who was just shy of meeting the half-percent threshold that would have triggered an automatic recount paid for by the state. Instead, his campaign is on the hook to foot the $96,000 bill.

The recount is not over as localities continue to travel to Goochland County  McGuiress home county  to report their results to the three judges appointed by the state to oversee the recount.

It is unclear when the final results will be available.

Whichever candidate is ultimately declared the winner will face off against Democratic nominee Gloria Witt in November.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(WKBN)  The Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN) has announced that sales of non-medical marijuana will begin as early as next Tuesday in Ohio and two local dispensaries have already said theyll be open to sell adult-use recreational products.

One of them is Green Leaf Therapy which has been selling medical marijuana in downtown Struthers for a year.

Starting Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. Green Leaf will roll out recreational sales to those over 21 years old.

We thought that itd be a little sooner but were excited  excited for it to be here now, said Cory Groner with Green Leaf Therapy.

Green Leaf applied for a recreational marijuana license on June 7.

I literally did not have a clue what the day was going to be until today around 11:30, so preparing  I mean weve been preparing now for a month-ish, a little over, but its just been hard. Its like a hurry up and wait game, he said.

Green Leaf will be the only recreational dispensary in Struthers and Groner says the city and mayor have been supportive.

Theyve been super supportive. You know, my family owns another business here so, so just close to my heart, so excited to be here  and you know, theyre going to benefit a lot from tax, he said.

Leaf Relief on Market Street is another dispensary with a recreational license. They will also open to sell recreational marijuana on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Read next: Police trying to find missing Boardman man

The dual-use market will allow millions of Ohioans 21 years of age or older the freedom to purchase non-medical marijuana products at participating state-licensed dispensaries.

But there are limits. Adults 21 and older can only possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 15 grams of concentrate.

Groner said he expects a line on Tuesday but his staff is well prepared.

We added six more point-of-sale stations to accommodate for the rec patients. Medical will still have their own side of the store so theyll be accommodated, and then the other six registers will be dedicated for recreational, he said.

In Mahoning County, the following businesses are listed as having a dual-use provisional license:

Riviera Creek Holdings LLC, 1275 Crescent St., Youngstown  Dual-use cultivator

Quest Wellness Ohio II, LLC, also known as Leaf Relief, 4323 Market St., Youngstown  Dual-use dispensary

Riviera Creek Holdings II, LLC, 1275 Crescent St., Youngstown  Dual-use processor

Green Leaf Therapy, 93 S. Bridge St., Struthers  Dual-use provisioner

In Trumbull County: (As of June 25, 2024)

B Cubed Operations Ohio, LLC, 437 E. Liberty St., Hubbard  Dual-use dispensary

No dual-use licenses have been approved yet in Columbiana County as of June 25, 2024.

In November, Ohio voters passed Issue 2, which legalized recreational marijuana use. Despite Ohioans voting to legalize recreational marijuana, dozens of municipalities in the state have passed bans with varying lengths on adult-use cannabis businesses.

The Ohio Department of Commerce said they will provide a formal statement on Monday.

Stan Boney contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
The sign for Alaska's delegation to the Republican National Convention is seen on July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

The sign for Alaska's delegation to the Republican National Convention is seen on July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

On the national political scene Alaska is regarded as bright red, but a closer examination would change that view.

Take, for instance, the political composition of the Legislature. The Senate has a supermajority caucus that includes almost equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats. The House is composed of equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats, and the resulting majority caucus included three Democrats. (The number of Democrats includes independents who in my view really are Democrats.)

Then theres the Alaska Constitution. Past legislatures tried numerous times to ban or curtail abortions, but the courts quashed every effort, citing the right to privacy in the constitution.

The constitution also created a unique method of selecting judges where the governor must select judges from a list provided by the Alaska Judicial Council, which is composed by three members appointed by the Alaska Bar Association, three non-attorneys appointed by the governor and the chief justice of the Supreme Court, who is the chair. This method infuriated Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who tried to demand for inclusion of more conservative candidates, but he lost.

The transition of Anchorage from being a Republican stronghold into a centrist political community is a sign that Alaska is more moderate than the view from afar. The mayor is left of the center as is a strong majority of the Assembly. The citys legislative delegation is composed of 10 Republicans and 14 Democrats/independents.

The Alaska congressional delegation includes one Democrat and two Republicans, one of which is considered maybe the first to break party demands. Sen. Murkowski was once reelected by a write-in vote, only the second senator to do so in U.S. history.

This fiasco helped citizens to enact rank choice voting (RCV) that enabled Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat, to become the states first Alaska Native in the U.S. Congress. The future of RCV may be on this falls ballot, depending upon the result of an appeal to the states Supreme Court.

When I was a cub reporter in the mid-1970s, the House was dominated by Democrats and the Senate was closely divided. The governor, Jay Hammond, was a RINO (Republican in name only). Hammond, who may be regarded as the states most popular governor ever, was despised by the Republican Party.

The surge in population and billions of dollars flowing into the state treasury after development of the trans-Alaska pipeline changed the political scene. The number of Republicans increased, and the Legislature became very conservative.

Alaska now is slowly moving to the middle. Once Gov. Dunleavy terms out or joins Trumps team if he wins in November, maybe Alaska will be viewed as purple.

Rodger Painter can trace his Alaska roots to 1798 when an Alutiiq woman married a Russian trader. He is a former reporter, legislative aide and was active in Alaska seafood politics for decades. He now is retired and lives in Douglas.

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Red Cross of Southern Nevada sees busiest month in more than 10 years

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada has cited July as its busiest month in more than a decade; it comes after three people lost their lives in fires in the past week.

Its horrific, Melanie Hanson said as her apartment complex went up in flames. It gives me chills.

Its something people across Southern Nevada have reported seeing a lot of lately, flames and smoke filling the skies, destroying homes and leaving many with nothing.

Now everything is lost, Alicia Garcia said of her apartment catching on fire. Everything.

The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada reported responding to 47 home fires in July which included massive blazes at four different apartment complexes.

One person also died in an apartment fire near Tropicana Avenue and Jones Boulevard on Wednesday. According to the Clark County Fire Department, that fire was contained to one unit, and no one else in the complex was impacted.

One of the fires left two men dead near Spencer Street and Flamingo Road.

Ive never seen anything like this, American Red Cross Community Disaster Program Manager Lowell Smith said.

Smith told 8 News Now the organization has helped 241 people find shelter after fires in the past four weeks.

He said many fires occur in older homes, apartments, and low-income areas. He also cited extreme heat and dry conditions as factors.

However, more than anything Smith called it crucial to understand the severity of these situations.

It devastates them and they lose everything, Smith said of people affected. And all of a sudden their world is just thrown into chaos.

Many have called that chaos overwhelming as they are forced to move past the trauma of destruction and start over.

You see things like this and think its not going to happen, Garcia said. And it does happen.

Smith said The Red Cross of Southern Nevada desperately needs disaster relief volunteers. If youd like to help click HERE.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Redistricting campaign brings in millions, most from out of state

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Each election cycle, millions of dollars are spent on campaigns for candidates and issues alike. This year, there is one issue on the packed 2024 ballot led by a group called Citizens not Politicians that has brought in millions of dollars in support.

Citizens not Politicians is a coalition that wants to reform the way district maps are drawn in Ohio, by taking that authority away from politicians, who, in many cases rely on those district lines for re-election. Voters will decide whether they want to do that come November, but in the meantime the group is busy raking in money to get their message out.

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More than $23 million has been raised by the collation from Jan. 1 to July 25, according to the July campaign finance report filed on the Secretary of States website.

That is a very impressive demonstration of the support that there is for this amendment, Spokesperson for Citizens not Politicians Chris Davey said.

Its legal. Im not complaining about it, Governor Mike DeWine said. Im just saying youre going to see how much money it took.

Where is the money coming from?

Much of the money  794 contributions totaling $19.4 million  came from out of state to support the campaign. That is 84% of the money the coalition raised these past seven months.

Graphic by Ken Atkinson

We welcome the support of those individuals and organizations who share our vision that Ohio will be a better place, Davey said. We will see on the other side, Im sure, when they get organized to try and defeat this, the politicians will raise money from wherever they can get it.

I would just ask voters to question why all this money is coming into the state of Ohio, DeWine said. Its just massive amounts of money.

Not including Ohio, there are 43 other states plus Washington D.C. on the list of donors. The largest single contribution comes from the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a dark money group in D.C. That fund put in $6 million. The Sixteen Thirty Fund has been under scrutiny for its involvement in funding Ohio movements, and was a target of a recently passed state law limiting foreign donations toward Ohio issues. The new law will become effective Sept. 1 and was pushed by DeWine and Republican lawmakers.

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Overall, top contributions come from Washington D.C. with $11.1 million, Ohio with $3.6 million, Virginia with $3.4 million, California with $2.1 million and New York with $1.6 million.

They got money thats coming in from outside Ohio and they have a right to do that. Its legal, DeWine said. But voters ought to know that this is being funded by people outside Ohio primarily. Thats just a fact. And they need they need to know it.

Anyone who says this is an out of state effort needs to talk to the more than half million Ohioans in all 88 counties who signed the petitions to put this on the ballot. They need to talk to the hundreds of people that packed the statehouse on July 1st to rally in favor of this amendment, Davey said. This is a homegrown amendment. Its led by Ohioans. Its for Ohioans.

In Ohio, the top single donation comes from the Ohio Progressive Collaborative with $1 million. In total 327 donations came from within the state, and not all of them with a large price tag.

A dollar, $2, $5. I just thought that was fantastic, Davey said. It all adds up to the support that we need to win in November.

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What is the money being spent on?

So far money is largely promotional, with $16.8 million has been spent on general election media to reserve advertisement space.

Were going to keep raising money. Were going to keep reserving time, Davey said. It costs a lot of money to run a statewide campaign in a state like Ohio that has so many major media markets and such a large, diverse population.

Aside from the massive advertising buy, the coalition has spent large sums in a few other areas: $6.1 million on voter contact, $743,162.82 on signature verification, $327,460.46 on printing and general election printing, and $287,535.90 on consulting. Other expenditures include taxes, legal services and web hosting/site development.

Were also spending it in a variety of ways that are going to help support the cause of helping people understand the amendment, understand how its going to make Ohio a better place, Davey said.

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Is there an opposition campaign?

There is no official opposition-campaign yet, although DeWine, Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima), Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) and several other top Republicans in Ohio oppose the measure. An opposition-campaign will likely form within the coming days or weeks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A new facility bringing healthy food and medical care to west Dayton will open soon.

Homefull is nearly completion of their Healthy Living in West Dayton project, which is transforming the former site of Carlson Elementary School into an all-in-one stop for local residents.

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The 48,000 square foot building will have a full service grocery store, a pharmacy, community meeting spaces and a primary care doctors office in partnership with Kettering Health.

Homefull hopes the facility will provide much needed resources to those in need and those currently unhoused.

Its well documented all the grocery stores that have closed in this communities over the past two decades, especially of late, said John Patterson, Homefull chief business development officer. Its a food desert, healthcare desert, childcare desert, and so were looking to hopefully fill some of those needs.

Patterson says they hope to open the grocery store before the holiday season, in late October or early November.

Healthy Living in West Dayton is located at 807 South Gettysburg Avenue.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
REGO PARK, Queens (PIX11)  Tenants in Rego Park are expressing their frustration following a recent string of mail theft.

Surveillance video shows the bold robberies and on at least two occasions in the last month, a man appears to approach the mailbox at an apartment building in Rego Park at around 4 a.m.

More Local News

The man can be seen opening the box with a key and shuffling through the mail before eventually walking off with it.

One resident who wanted to remain anonymous is a tenant in the building near Booth Street and 65th Road and says he is angry and upset. He lost a check as a result of the last robbery. He has a key for the main door and the boxes here and he specifically knows which apartment has checks in the mail so he took only those things and put them in his bag.

The building superintendent Jose Alvarez also had a check and a credit card stolen. He installed a camera three months ago in the mail area to deal with the rampant theft of packages but says this is the first time the building has dealt with someone breaking into the mailbox.

Mail carrier robbed at gunpoint on Queens street: police

Hes unsure how the man may have gotten a key for the building or the mailbox. For years the key hasnt changed. Normally we share with the post office the key for every mailman that comes which is our obligation to give it to them, said Alvarez.

Alvarez and the tenants have complained to the United States Postal Service about this recent incident and were told it will be investigated. They say mail theft is common in the area.

Its all around. I spoke to other supers in the neighborhood they have the same problem so its difficult to control the situation, said Alvarez.

Mail theft is an ongoing issue throughout Queens. Earlier this week, a USPS mail carrier was held at gunpoint while her key was stolen.

Queens mail theft rises, USPS accused of mishandling issue

PIX11 News reached out to the USPS about concerns about mail theft and the safety of employees. USPS directed to Project Safe Delivery, its Nationwide Campaign to Combat Postal Crime and Protect Postal Employees.

The campaign has been active since last year. Still, tenants say clearly more needs to be done.

A lot of things we got in the mail you know so we are afraid now and I already have a P.O. Box so I cannot bring my mail here.

PIX11 News also reached out to the United States Postal Inspection Service; the law enforcement leg of USPS.

In the meantime, the USPS recommends people remove their mail from their boxes every day to reduce their chance of being victimized.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Russian opposition leader Ilya Yashin on Aug. 2 vowed to return home and build "a happy Russia," just one day after being released from jail in a historic prisoner swap.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Bonn, Germany, Yashin said he had fought against being released, as a life in exile would effectively end his political opposition work in Russia.

"This was my public, absolutely clear, absolutely sincere, and conscious position. I refused to leave Russia under the threat of arrest, recognizing myself as a Russian politician, a patriot," he said.

He said that he understood his imprisonment not only as an anti-war struggle but also as a fight for his right to live in his country, and to engage in independent politics there.

However, Yashin said that "it was made clear to him" that his return to Russia would preclude any exchange of other political prisoners in the foreseeable future.

Yashin was one of 24 detainees swapped by Russia and Western nations on Aug. 1, the largest such move in almost 15 years.

He was speaking in Bonn alongside Vladimir Kara-Murza, an activist and Washington Post contributing columnist, and Andrey Pivovarov, a Russian political activist who was director of Open Russia, which was branded an "undesirable organization" by the Kremlin in 2017.

Yashin said a few days before the swap, he was told he would have to sign a form requesting an official pardon from Russian President Vladimir Putin, something he said he refused to do as Putin is a "war criminal."

"When it became clear that an exchange was taking place, I wrote a statement to the head of the pretrial detention center," citing the Russian Constitution, which prohibits the expulsion of Russian citizens from Russia without their consent, he said.

"I consider this event as an illegal expulsion from Russia against my will. More than anything, I want to return home," he said.

"My goal is to return to Russia," he went on. "To achieve a peaceful, prosperous, free and happy Russia."

Yashin is a Russian opposition leader who formerly served in the Moscow City Council from 2017-2021.

Along with the late Boris Nemtsov and other opposition leaders, Yashin protested against the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and publicly denounced the full-scale invasion in 2022.

In June 2022, Yashin was arrested for "disobeying a police officer" and was subsequently accused of "discrediting" the Russian military in July.

The charges stemmed from a YouTube video that Yashin made earlier that year talking about the Russian Bucha massacre, in which Russian soldiers murdered hundreds of Ukrainian civilians in a Kyiv suburb in the early weeks of the full-scale war.

Yashin was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison in December 2022 for "spreading false information" about the military. His appeal was rejected in April of the following year.

Read also: Killers, spies and smugglers  the Russians released in historic prisoner swap

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Soon after the Gaza war began 10 months ago, a prominent newspaper columnist denounced Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., under a headline declaring that anti-Israel comments make her unfit for reelection. The piece appeared in the newspaper with the second-largest readership in Missouri, the Kansas City Star. Multimillion-dollar attacks on Bush followed.

Bushs opponent, county prosecutor Wesley Bell, is now the number-one recipient of AIPAC cash this election cycle, according to Justice Democrats. Almost two-thirds of Bell's donations have come from AIPAC, which Justice Democrats describes as an "anti-Palestinian, far-right megadonor-funded lobby group. The Intercept reports that AIPACs super PAC, United Democracy Project, has gone on to spend a total of $7 million so far to oust Bush in the Aug. 6 Democratic primary in her St. Louis-area district.

The $2.1 million in ads spent for her campaign is up against $12.2 million spent to attack her or support Bell, The American Prospect reports. AIPAC is trying to pull voters away from her without ever saying the words Israel or Palestine. Instead, their advertising against Bush centers around her record on infrastructure legislation, in a manner that lacks context.

It's easy to see why AIPAC and allied forces are so eager to defeat Bush. She introduced a ceasefire resolution in the House nine days after the bloodshed began on Oct. 7, calling for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine.

The Kansas City Star article, published shortly after Bush introduced the resolution, was written by former New York Times reporter Melinda Henneberger, now a member of the Stars editorial board. A military attack in response to the massacre of civilians by a group committed in writing to carnage, displacement and terror for Jews is not my idea of ethnic cleansing, she wrote in early November. But it is Missouri Rep. Cori Bushs, which is why she deserves to lose her congressional race next year.

Bush supposedly became unfit to keep her seat in Congress because, after three weeks of methodical killing in Gaza, she tweeted: We cant be silent about Israels ethnic cleansing campaign. Babies, dead. Pregnant women, dead. Elderly, dead. Generations of families, dead. Millions of people in Gaza with nowhere to go being slaughtered. The U.S. must stop funding these atrocities against Palestinians.

Hennebergers response was hit-and-run. She wrote a hit piece. And then she ran.

Ever since late April, Ive been asking Henneberger just one question, over and over. Every few weeks, I have sent another email directly to her. I also wrote to her care of an editor at the newspaper. I even mailed a certified letter, which the Postal Service delivered to her office in June.

No reply.

Hennebergers column had declared that Bushs tweet was a projectile spewing of antisemitic comments and disinformation because it said that Israel was engaged in ethnic cleansing.

So my question, which Henneberger has been refusing to answer for more than three months, is a logical one: Do you contend that the Israeli government has not engaged in ethnic cleansing?

If Henneberger were to answer no, the entire premise of her column smearing Bush would collapse.

If Henneberger were to answer yes, her reply would be untenable.

No wonder she has chosen not to answer at all.

What Israel has been doing in Gaza clearly qualifies as ethnic cleansing  which a U.N. commission mandated to investigate alleged war crimes in the former Yugoslavia defined in 1994 as a purposeful policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic or religious group from certain geographic areas.

But denial about Israels massive and ongoing crimes against Palestinian people is pervasive  and has often been used to attack progressives who support the rights of Palestinians. And so, two months ago, 35 rabbis in the St. Louis area who support Bell over Bush issued a statement that alleged the congresswoman had continually fanned the flames with the most outrageous smears of Israel, accusing the Jewish state of ethnic cleansing and genocide as it has fought to defeat the terrorists.

The electoral forces against human rights for Palestinians have been armed with huge amounts of cash. AIPAC dumped $15 million into successfully defeating Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a progressive New York Democrat, in a primary earlier this summer. While the spending amount set a record, the approach was far from unprecedented.

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In 2022, AIPAC beat Rep. Andy Levin of Michigan, another Democrat who had expressed support for Palestinian rights. Im really Jewish, Levin said in an interview days before losing the Democratic primary, but AIPAC cant stand the idea that I am the clearest, strongest Jewish voice in Congress standing for a simple proposition: that there is no way to have a secure, democratic homeland for the Jewish people unless we achieve the political and human rights of the Palestinian people.

AIPAC excels at strategic lobbying on Capitol Hill, relentlessly prodding or threatening lawmakers and their staffs to stay on the right side of a Zionist hardline position, always brandishing its proven capacity to launch fierce attacks  while conflating even understated criticism of Israel with antisemitism. The basic formulas are simple: Israel equals Judaism. Opposition to Israels lethal violence equals antisemitism.

Such formulaic manipulation has long been fundamental to claims that the Israeli government represents the Jewish people and criticisms of its actions are antisemitic. Thats what Cori Bush is up against in next week's Democratic primary.
OCEOLA TWP.  According to an in-depth investigation by WLNS 6 News, the leader of a local nonprofit has misled the public, his volunteers, donors and clients about his military service record.

Executive Director, President and Founder of Veteran Service Dogs Organization, Kirk Lanam, 52  according to the investigation  embellished his rank, deployment history and time served in the Air Force, and hid a federal conviction.

Veteran Service Dogs, based in Livingston County, pairs veterans with dogs trained to their specific needs.

WLNS began investigating Lanam on June 15, after a former volunteer made contact.

Reporters repeatedly reached out to Lanam for comment, but were unable to secure an interview, according to WLNS. The organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Daily, either.

Read the full story at wlns.com/6newsinvestigates/stolen-valor-local-veterans-service-dog-provider-accused-of-embellishing-service-record.

Here's what we know from the report:

Veteran Service Dogs executive director Kirk Lanam works with his dog in September, 2019.

What did Kirk Lanam claim?

Lanam claimed to be a special operations member who toured the world in various combat zones. He claimed to be a brigadier general and a two-star general, sometimes wearing camouflage uniforms bearing the ranks and patches from USAF Special Operations. He said he served 34 years on paper with the U.S. Air Force and 22 years in active combat, as well as various other positions and deployments, including Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operating Enduring Freedom.

Lanam reportedly told volunteers Veteran Service Dogs could barely pay its bills, then purchased a new security system, bulletproof doors, lawn equipment, a camper trailer and a Hyundai Palisades. He reportedly said they were paid for by grants and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Lanam said he holds a doctorate from MIT and attended the University of Michigan. He told another volunteer he had a doctorate from Northern Michigan University.

In 2022, Lanam told his stepson the Air Force was bringing him back in and promoting him to a one-star general.

Lanam reportedly often told people he had to leave the county or visit the Pentagon to meet with someone he referred to as Carlos, which turned out to be Carlos Del Toro, U.S. Secretary of the Navy.

Lanam told volunteers the Russo-Ukranian War would end up involving U.S. and NATO forces, and said volunteers should meet him at a property in Red Feather, Colorado, which he said the Department of Defense had hardened."

What did WLNS learn?

Reporters with WLNS obtained Lanams military records, which reportedly showed he served almost two years in the Air Force, from 1990-1992. When he left, he had a rank of Airman Basic.

Lanam was convicted of three felony counts of computer intrusion (hacking) by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District Court of Michigan in Detroit. The case was filed in 2006.

The Navy reportedly told WLNS they have no record of Lanam serving in the Navy or meeting with senior leadership.

Northern Michigan University, the University of Michigan, and MIT told WLNS they have no records of Lanam. Northern Michigan University doesn't have a doctorate program at all.

Google Earth images of the Colorado property Lanam shared with his volunteers showed no "hardening."

WLNS obtained documents that seemingly confirm Lanam separated from the Air Force due to a personality disorder.

 Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Report: Veteran Service Dogs leader embellished military record
Researchers urge families to make household switch after study finds major health risks tied to common appliance: 'It is crucial'

It may seem like a small switch, but pivoting from a gas to an induction stove won't just make cooking easy  it will make the entire kitchen safer and healthier.

What's the research?

A study conducted by Manhattan-based nonprofit WE ACT for Environmental Justice looked at a sample of 20 households  half of which used gas, the other half of which used induction stoves  over the course of nearly a year.

The researchers monitored the homes over week-long periods, tracking air quality and collecting the levels of certain toxic gasses like nitrogen dioxide and methane.

Phys.org reported that the most striking conclusion was that average daily nitrogen dioxide concentrations were 56% lower in the homes with induction stoves compared to the control group of gas stoves.

In fact, during controlled cooking tests, the median background NO2 concentration was nearly 10 times higher in gas homes (from 18 parts per billion to 197) while barely increasing in induction homes.

The findings were published in the journal Energy Research & Social Science and shared by Science Direct.

Why are gas stoves so harmful?

While almost 40% of American households use gas stoves, per Phys.org, these findings are not the first to suggest migrating away from using them.

When it comes to health, limiting exposure to NO2 is particularly important for anybody prone to respiratory illness. Even short-term exposure to the gas can trigger respiratory disease flare ups, some of which can result in hospital stays and even premature mortality, per the EPA.

Long-term exposure, like you'd have in a home with a gas stove, is even worse, having been associated with the onset of asthma as well as premature death.

Gas stoves are just as harmful to the environment as they are to humans. Phys.org reported that residential gas use accounts for 15% of the United States' gas consumption, releasing alarmingly high methane levels into the atmosphere each year.

"A green energy transition should prioritize electric stoves, which both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the health of vulnerable populations," Phys.org quoted senior author Darby Jack, Ph.D.

Meanwhile, study co-author Annie Carforo, MUP and climate justice campaigns manager for WE ACT, noted some people are more affected by this issue than others and need support to move away from gas stoves.

"People of color and low-income individuals are more likely to live in smaller, older apartments that have poor ventilation, ineffective or broken range hoods and dated appliances that leak more gas," Carforo said. "It is crucial for environmental justice that they are not left behind in this transition."

What's being done to address this?

In places like New York City, where the gas stove rate is much higher than the national average, governments are looking to quickly move away from them.

In fact, New York passed a law last year that will ban gas-powered heaters, cooking stoves, and water boilers in all new buildings, Phys.org reported. Similarly, in 2022, California adopted a building code requiring new buildings to be "all-electric ready," with the aim of enabling a gas-free and healthier future for residents.

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Civil defence workers inspect a destroyed apartment in a building that was targeted by an Israeli drone in Beirut's southern suburb. 4 people were killed and wounding more than 70 people. The Israeli military said Tuesday it has carried out a "targeted attack" on a commander of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Beirut. The explosion occurred three days after a deadly rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Marwan Naamani/dpa

Residents of Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold on the outskirts of the capital, began leaving their homes and looking for other places to stay, fearing a war with Israel, Lebanese security sources and locals told dpa on Friday.

"I am not afraid for myself but for my children," said a resident of the area of Beir al-Abed in Beirut's southern suburbs.

Another resident said he was looking for a furnished apartment outside the capital in order to ensure he and his children are safe.

A Lebanese security source said "the situation is very worrying."

Caretaker Health Minister Firass Abiad said on Thursday that Lebanon's medical supplies would last for four months in case of war.

Meanwhile, Lebanese hospitals are gearing up for a possible war with Israel.

The head of the Private Hospital Syndicate, Sleiman Haroun, told dpa that "all private hospitals have been prepared."

"We have trained medical staff and carried out manoeuvers in hospitals in order to be ready for a war," he said.

He added that they have medical supplies, but expressed concern as to whether the supplies would be sufficient, and said they should be as long as Beirut airport and the port remain open.

Th efears come after Israeli forces assassinated Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in a suburb of the Lebanese capital Beirut on Tuesday evening.

A few hours later, the political leader of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an attack in the Iranian capital Tehran.

Iran and Hamas blamed Israel for Haniyeh's killing and immediately threatened retaliation.

Israel has not yet commented publicly on the allegations.

"Our response is coming," Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Thursday during the funeral of Shukr, the group's top military commander and the head its operations in southern Lebanon.

A view of a destroyed building that was targeted by an Israeli drone in Beirut's southern suburb. The Israeli military said Tuesday it has carried out a "targeted attack" on a commander of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Beirut. The explosion occurred three days after a deadly rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Marwan Naamani/dpa

Lebanese army soldiers and pro-Iranian Hezbollah militants secure the entrance of a building that was targeted by an Israeli drone in Beirut's southern suburb. The Israeli military said Tuesday it has carried out a "targeted attack" on a commander of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Beirut. The explosion occurred three days after a deadly rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Marwan Naamani/dpa
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Homeowners will soon move into a new Grand Rapids affordable housing community.

The Dwelling Place officially dedicated the neighborhood in southeast Grand Rapids earlier this week. Forty-two homes are planned for the community on Union Avenue near Burton Street. The first homes in the 2080 Union development are being prepared for residents.

Lisa Green lives in the area and has seen the homes being built and what changes they bring to the landscape.

I peered into one of the windows. Grabbed a paper to see what it kind of looked like so Im hoping it will be a positive thing, Green said. Im gonna miss the trees. I used to see some deer and stuff when I walked by. I was a little bit concerned about them but I know its an issue that we have here in Kent County, of housing.

New dashboard shows realities of Kent County housing crisis

When the project was announced some residents were concerned about the number of homes being built in the space.

It does look close together but its just so different right now because we had that open space so I think its just gonna take some time to get used to, Green said.

A housing development is under construction in southeast Grand Rapids. (Aug. 2, 2024)

The Dwelling Place, the nonprofit housing organization behind the project, says the Community Land Trust model will make owning a home a reality for more people.

The homes require a $500 downpayment for those who meet the income requirements, according to sales coordinator Freshta Tori Jan.

All of these homes are sold at 25% off and thats just the base sales price we start with and for households that are eligible for further assistance that price gets even further discounted, Tori Jan said.

Prices start at around $240,000.

Kent Countys housing crisis: How did we get here?

The Dwelling Place says the sale model keeps the cost down.

You actually lease the land at a low price and then you own the home, said community land trust manager Scott Bodenberg.

The 89-year lease on the land can be renewed.

A housing development is under construction in southeast Grand Rapids. (Aug. 2, 2024)

A housing development is under construction in southeast Grand Rapids. (Aug. 2, 2024)

A housing development is under construction in southeast Grand Rapids. (Aug. 2, 2024)

A housing development is under construction in southeast Grand Rapids. (Aug. 2, 2024)

A housing development is under construction in southeast Grand Rapids. (Aug. 2, 2024)

A housing development is under construction in southeast Grand Rapids. (Aug. 2, 2024)

A housing development is under construction in southeast Grand Rapids. (Aug. 2, 2024)

If the homeowner sells the home, they keep the money that was paid in plus 25% of the appreciation with the remainder going back to support affordable home projects in the land trust.

Six of the first 13 homes are already sold.

Kent Countys housing crisis: GR goes small, Habitat for Humanity goes big

The Dwelling Place says the homes offer amenities and are a size that is in demand.

All homes come with three bedrooms already finished and built-ins, and they also range from one to two bathrooms but they are also already framed up for more bedrooms, for more living area, Tori Jan said.

The project is expected to be finished in the spring of 2025.

For more information on the homes, you can visit the developments website.

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Residents of Wilson Street in Beckley are asking when it is legal to fire a gun in public, after neighborhood incident

Residents of Wilson Street in Beckley are asking when it is legal to fire a gun in public, after neighborhood incident

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  Beckley Police Department officials confirmed to 59News that a female resident of Wilson Street shot to death a stray dog on the street, which is residential, earlier this month.

Some of the Wilson Street neighbors have gone on social media to state that they believe the gunfire could have placed people in harms way.

FCI Beckley family group wants inmate reports investigated

Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield said on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, that it is illegal to fire a gun on a city street, except in cases of self-defense or when the shooter is defending another person.

West Virginia ranked second best place to retire in the country

Officials have stated that the female who shot the dog on Wilson Street was not charged because she believed the dog was a threat.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
What new restaurant is replacing World of Beer at Destiny USA?

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Are you a fan of Indian food? Well, if so you are in luck as Destiny USA announced Electrik Karma, an Indian American fusion bar and grill, will be coming to the mall.

The new restaurant will be located on Level 3 across from RPM Raceway, where World of Beer previously sat.

Latest local news

The mall says Electrik Karma is the brainchild of Central New York entrepreneur Neil Patel who is eager to introduce a fresh concept that celebrates his Indian heritage while also embracing the familiar comfort of American cuisine.

The menu is said to include a mix of Indian and American dishes. Some examples of food the menu will include are Chicken Wings with Tandoori Buffalo Sauce, Vegetable Samosas, and Karma Nachos.

The menu will also include a selection of burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, and bowls.

The new restaurant will be opening on August 12. For more information about Electrik Karma and other dining options at Destiny USA visit the malls website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
The restitution debate beyond Europe: Native American tribes still waiting for items from US museums

The restitution debate beyond Europe: Native American tribes still waiting for items from US museums

Europes museums are overflowing with artefacts seized or looted from African, South American and Asian nations during colonial rule.

The British Museum now has a dedicated page on its website to contested objects like the Benin Bronzes or two large stone moai from Easter Island.

Across the pond, the situation over the display of Native American artefacts is equally contentious.

Hundreds of thousands of items that should have been returned under the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 still remain in museum custody.

Native American tribes are still waiting for items from US museums

Tucked within the expansive Native American halls of the American Museum of Natural History is a diminutive wooden doll that holds a sacred place among the tribes whose territories once included Manhattan.

For more than six months now, the ceremonial Ohtas, or Doll Being, has been hidden from view after the museum and others nationally took dramatic steps to board up or paper over exhibits.

This action was taken in response to new federal rules requiring institutions to return sacred or culturally significant items to tribes - or at least to obtain consent to display or study them.

Museum officials are reviewing more than 1,800 items as they work to comply with the requirements while also eyeing a broader overhaul of the more than half-century-old exhibits.

But some tribal leaders remain sceptical, saying museums have not acted swiftly enough.

The new rules, after all, were prompted by years of complaints from tribes that hundreds of thousands of items that should have been returned under the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 remain in museum custody.

"If things move slowly, then address that," said Joe Baker, a Manhattan resident and member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, descendants of the Lenape peoples European traders encountered more than 400 years ago.

"The collections, they're part of our story, part of our family. We need them home. We need them close."

Sean Decatur, the New York museum's president, promised tribes will hear from officials soon. He said staff these past few months have been reexamining the displayed objects in order to begin contacting tribal communities.

"The ultimate aim is to make sure we're getting the stories right," he said.

Joe Baker, a member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and co-founder of the Lenape Center, holds one of his handmade bandolier bag during an interview in his home in New York. - Pamela Smith/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.

Discussions with tribal representatives over the Ohtas began in 2021 and will continue, museum officials said, even though the doll does actually not fall under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act because it is associated with a tribe outside the U.S., the Munsee-Delaware Nation in Ontario, Canada.

The museum also plans to open a small exhibit in the fall incorporating Native American voices and explaining the history of the closed halls, why changes are being made and what the future holds, he said.

Lance Gumbs, vice chairman of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, a federally recognised tribe in New York's Hamptons, said he worries about the loss of representation of local tribes in public institutions, with exhibit closures likely stretching into years.

"I don't think tribes want to have our history written out of museums," Gumbs said. "There's got to be a better way than using artefacts that literally were stolen out of gravesites."

Museums could display digital replicas of looted items

Some museums are taking steps to update displays of Native American exhibits.

In Chicago, the Field Museum has established a Center for Repatriation after covering up several cases in its halls dedicated to ancient America and the peoples of the coastal Northwest and Arctic.

The museum has completed four repatriations to tribes involving around 40 items over the past six months, with at least three more repatriations pending involving additional items. Those repatriations were through efforts that were underway before the new regulations, according to Field Museum spokesperson Bridgette Russell.

At the Cleveland Museum in Ohio, a case displaying artefacts from the Tlingit people in Alaska has been reopened after their leadership gave consent, according to Todd Mesek, the museum's spokesperson.

Gordon Yellowman, who heads the department of language and culture for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, said museums should look to create more digital and virtual exhibits.

This could also be a solution for Europes museums. Technological advances mean almost identical replicas can be made with ease, including using original materials.

The ability to make replicas theoretically should allow for further repatriation of stolen artefacts, Eliza Bier writes in student newspaper The Justice.

If almost exact replicas can be made, why do museums continue to hold onto the original items? For that matter, why even make physical replicas when digital replicas can be made?
Labour has announced ambitious house building targets - but where will the homes be concentrated? (PA)

Angela Rayner has revealed her ambitious plans to build more houses in Britain, announcing a target of 370,000 new homes a year.

The new measures will see the vast majority of areas in the UK required to build more homes  some substantially.

A new planning framework has outlined exactly what housing targets every local area can be expected to meet. The document gives a strong indication of where new homes will be built as Labour works to meet its goal of 1.5 million over the next five years.

Londons housebuilding target will be slashed by 20,000, down to 80,000 new homes a year. Ms Rayner said the previous target of 100,000 was absolute nonsense, with it representing one-third of all new homes.

Instead, the targets will be raised almost everywhere else. The Midlands and North will see the biggest increases, which the Housing Department says is to better reflect the growth ambitions of the two regions.

Heres how many more homes could be built in your area under Labours new plans:

The new housing targets have been decided using a revised formula, taking into account current housing stock, local need and affordability.

Areas in the North West, North East, Yorkshire and the West Midlands will be required to make the biggest rises. Redcar and Cleveland in North Yorkshire sees the largest, from a target of just 45 to 642.

Many of the new homes will be built on green belt land strategically, with Labour identifying areas of low-quality grey belt land within it. This has been defined in the new framework as land that has previously been developed on, and does not serve the intended purpose green belt land.

This is primarily to prevent urban sprawl, as well as to stop towns merging into one another and to protect the countryside. Analysis shows that grey belt areas are mostly located just outside of metropolitan areas like Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Stoke.

Several just outside of London will also likely see increased targets, with Buckinghamshire having one of the highest targets in the country at 4122 percent (although this is only a 45 per cent increase from before).

Ms Rayner says the government also intends for 50 per cent of all homes built in the green belt to be affordable housing. Speaking the parliament, the deputy prime minister said: These are the right reforms for the decade of renewal the country so desperately needs.

We will achieve the biggest boost to affordable housing for a generation. And we will get Britain building to spur the growth that we need.

The reforms have been largely welcomed by those in the housing sector. However, critics have pointed out that Labours new housing plans have actually slashed housebuilding targets in areas represented by several Cabinet MPs.
RIPON, Wis. (WFRV)  One private liberal arts school is introducing a new financial aid opportunity that could impact many prospective students in the state of Wisconsin, according to a release.

Ripon College is offering The Ripon Commitment which would entirely cover or heavily reduce tuition and fees for in-state students. The program is defined by two layers, one being income-driven.

Day one of Appletons Mile of Music goes on indoors amid thunderstorms

The Ripon Commitment opens doors for students in Wisconsin who may have thought higher education at a private school was out of reach, Ripon College President Dr. Victoria N. Folse said. As a former, first-generation college student myself, I am personally thrilled to announce this offering and to support young people as they work to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities personally and professionally.

The initiative will apply to Wisconsin residents who are incoming as first-year or transfer students. Students whose household adjusted gross income (AGI) is $75,000 or less will receive the full ride on grants and scholarships to cover all tuition and fees.

Incoming first-years will be eligible for eight consecutive semesters worth, while new transfers may be granted four semesters. Students who live in a household with an AGI higher than $75,000 will receive enough to match the costs of Ripon College to those of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Deputies: Scammers posing as OSHA representatives targeting local Waupaca County businesses

The release adds that the commitment will become available in the 2025 Fall semester as it works to remove the financial barriers and encourage Wisconsinites to stay in their native state for post-secondary education.

For more information, see the Ripon College website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) The Roanoke FireEMS Department celebrated the retirement of distinguished, long-tenured member of the fire department and current Battalion Chief Tim Cady.

Chief Cady served his community in many positions with the fire department during his 26-year career. This included serving as a member of the Heavy Tactical Rescue team, Swift Water Rescue team, Training Division, and a lead Fire Investigator.

Love in a can: Donated venison is turned into meals for hungry families

In 2005, he was promoted to Lieutenant and later served as First Lieutenant in 2007. Cady was then named Captain in 2013, where he held the position for seven years before becoming the Battalion Chief in 2020.

The fire department says although Chief Cady prepared others to take his place, he will be missed. They wish Chief Caddy all the best in the next chapter of his life.

(courtesy, Roanoke FireEMS)

(courtesy, Roanoke FireEMS)

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Rock Island High resource officer is here to help your kid

Officer Thomas Danhof is the first resource officer for Rock Island High School since the program has returned.

Thomas Danhof (Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

Danhofs main assignment will be to ensure safety on school grounds, and foster a relationship with the students.

Im there to help your kid. Im on your side, your kids side, said Danhof. I want the best for them, just like you do. And I hope that I can provide a good role model for them, just like you do at home.

After spending half a year with students in the previous semester, Danhof is hoping to provide even more support to them this year.

Ive had kids come to my office and ask about what to do when theyre going for an interview, said Danhof. I had some of the kids come in and ask what they should say and what they shouldnt say, and it was great to have that experience, have a kid come up to you, and ask your opinion on what they should do.

But as always, his job is to protect and serve.

Were very happy to continue the partnership with the Rock Island Police Department to provide this service to our school, said School Superintendent Sharon Williams.

As you know, students and staffs safety is our number one priority, she said. We could not operate in the way that we do with over 1,700 scholars coming every day, hundreds of staff members that are in this building. Just to have that sense of safety, to have someones eyes and ears always available for us to ensure that were doing our best in terms of safety, and its a invaluable resource thats why we partnered with the Rock Island Police Department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
ROCKFORD Ill.  A Rockford man was handed a 60-year federal prison sentence on Wednesday for producing child pornography.

Gary Wilson, a 53-year-old Rockford resident, admitted in a plea agreement that he solicited several minors, using social media applications, text messages and online gaming system services, to produce sexually exploitative images and videos for his own gratification, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of Illinois said.

Chicago man handed 40-year prison sentence for sex trafficking several minors

According to prosecutors, Wilson groomed his victims and gained their trust, through conversations during video games, before coercing and enticing them into sending him sexually exploitative images and videos in exchange for gaming codes and money.

Prosecutors said Wilson, who had previously been convicted of a sex offense, was handed the decades-long sentence by U.S. District Court Judge Iain Johnston.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

Few crimes are as grave as preying upon a vulnerable population and memorializing the sexual abuse of minors, Deputy Criminal Division Chief Jessica Maveus said during the governments sentencing memorandum. Had defendant not been caught by investigating agents (and a minors parent), defendant would have continued in his pursuit to sexually exploit minors for his own sexual gratification.

Johnston also ordered that Wilsons sentence be followed by a lifetime of court-supervised release.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Wilson was brought to justice thanks in part to Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide effort to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of Illinois urges anyone who may be a victim of sexual exploitation or worries that others may be victims, to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The founding pastor of a controversial local congregation who was convicted of sex crime against three former members, who were children at the time, wont receive a new trial.

Ronnie Allen Killingsworth, pastor of Rephidim Church in Wichita Falls, was found guilty by a Wichita County jury of six counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact on his 79th birthday, May 7, 2024.

PREVIOUS STORY: Ron Killingsworth requests new trial for child sex crimes

Killingsworth was formally sentenced to 42 years in prison on May 31, 2024. He is behind the Beto Units bars in Tennessee Colony, Texas.

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, 78th District Court Judge Meredith Kennedy signed an order denying a motion from Killingsworths defense attorney for a new trial, likely setting the case up to be appealed.

The motion claimed that the court made errors during the trial, including denying the admission of around 32 hours of audio recordings of Killingsworths sermons to be admitted into evidence. It also alleged the court allowed the prosecution to comment on Killingworths Fifth Amendment rights when he took the stand in his own defense.

The motion was taken under advisement by Judge Kennedy following a hearing on July 19, 2024, who ultimately ruled to deny a new trial on August 1.

According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Killingsworth is projected to be released the day before his 122nd birthday. He would become eligible for parole in November of 2052.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Roosters Honky Tonk Bar and Kern County First District Phillip Peters are partnering together and hosting a concert to benefit Borel Fire victims.

The fundraising concert is set for Aug. 7 at 8 p.m. at the bar located at 1531 19th St. Doors open at 4 p.m., according to organizers.

The concert will feature live music with the band Angels Roost, from Kernville.

Maui Pho Fusion Grill closes Ming Ave location, opens on Stockdale Hwy

All proceeds at the door and 50% of bar sales will be donated to the American Red Cross, according to organizers.

There will be a $5 cash donation at the door.

Organizers will also be collecting gently used or new household items. The Salvation Army will donate the items to fire survivors.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Roseland mother charged over death of 6-month-old girl left in hot car in East Hanover

A 33-year-old Roseland woman has been charged in connection with the death of 6-month-old girl left in a car for hours in East Hanover during a heat wave, authorities announced Thursday evening.

The child's mother, Livia Patelli, has been charged with second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office stated. Patelli was released from custody after a court appearance on Thursday.

North Jersey was in the midst of a heat wave on July 17 when East Hanover police responded to a parking lot near South Ridgedale Avenue and Route 10 around 1:30 p.m. after 911 calls about a child in a parked vehicle.

"Paramedics attempted to render lifesaving aid," the prosecutor stated, but the infant was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The investigation revealed that the infant had been left in the vehicle for about four and a half hours, the prosecutor stated. The high temperature was 94 degrees that day in East Hanover.

The prosecutor stated that the investigation remains active and anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Morris County Prosecutors Office at 973-285-6200 or the East Hanover Police Department at 973-887-0432.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Roseland NJ mother charged in death of infant left in hot car
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Police say their anonymous tip line to turn in illegal ATVs is working well.

Last week, Chief Carla Redd called for the communitys help in tracking down people driving non-highway vehicles on city streets.

Officials said they received a tip about a citizen who saw a dirt bike and officers were able to impound it.

All ATV and dirt bike owners must register their rides with the city if they do not want them towed. Riders also cannot get gas unless the vehicle is on a trailer.

The person who turned in this driver will get a $200 reward.

Authorities encourage people to continue sending ATV tips to the Rockford Police tipline. To send a tip, text RPDTIP and your tip to 847411.

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Russian troops continue to advance, slowly but steadily, towards the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast (west of Avdiivka), aided by the terrain northwest of Avdiivka and the lack of Ukrainian manpower.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: Military experts anticipate that the Russian offensive will decelerate further as their troops encounter larger, more urbanised settlements.

Ukrainian military analyst Kostiantyn Mashovets highlighted that defenders on the Pokrovsk front are disadvantaged by inferior equipment and defensive capabilities and are currently unable to significantly hinder the Russian advance.

Delays in Western, particularly American, military aid have hampered the equipping of newly formed Ukrainian units and the re-equipping of those already engaged in combat.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has assessed that Russian forces aim to achieve a limited tactical encirclement of Ukrainian forces east of the T0511 (O0544) Ocheretyne-Hrodivka-Myrnohrad motorway, with a particular focus on the left bank of the Vovcha River.

Geolocated footage from 1 August shows Russian troops advancing further within Vesele towards the T0511 road. The furthest confirmed advance was approximately 3.5 kilometres from Hrodivka's outskirts.

Mashovets described the recent Russian progress southeast of the O0544 road as a tactical breach of Ukrainian lines, noting an advance of 6.5 kilometres in depth and 7.5 kilometres in width from Sokil to Serhiivka, crossing the Vovcha and Kazennyi Torets rivers (which run through Prohres-Vovche and Lozuvatske, respectively) in recent weeks.

He warned that Russian forces are nearing an operationally significant breakthrough on the Pokrovsk front by the end of August.

Current Russian efforts on the Pokrovsk front are concentrated on achieving a tactical breakthrough near Zhelanne and Novohrodivka.

Furthermore, the Central Grouping of Russian Forces appears to be redeploying and manoeuvring forces more swiftly across its expanded area of responsibility in Donetsk Oblast than it had in most other parts of the battlefield. This group may have developed a more agile command and control structure, allowing for a quicker response to tactical vulnerabilities in Ukraine compared to other Russian military formations in the area.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 1 August:

Russian forces continue to make slow, steady advances on the Pokrovsk front (west of Avdiivka), largely enabled by Ukrainian manpower shortages and the terrain in the area immediately northwest of Avdiivka. Russian advances will likely slow further as Russian forces advance into a line of larger and more urban settlements.

Russia's current rate of tactical advance towards Pokrovsk will likely not continue indefinitely, however, as Russian forces are approaching a line of larger and more urban settlements.

Russia's Central Grouping of Forces appears to be more rapidly redeploying and committing forces between different sectors of its recently expanded area of responsibility (AOR) in Donetsk Oblast than has been the norm in most of the theater recently.

The Central Grouping of Forces may have established a more flexible command and control (C2) structure and may be responding more quickly to potential Ukrainian tactical vulnerabilities than other Russian groupings of forces in Ukraine.

A limited number of F-16 fighter jets have reportedly arrived in Ukraine, but it will likely be several months before Ukraine will be able to field the jets at scale.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine will not compromise its sovereignty and territorial integrity in exchange for a diplomatic resolution to Russia's invasion.

Russia, Belarus, the US, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Turkiye, and Norway conducted a high-profile prisoner exchange involving 26 prisoners from multiple countries on 1 August.

Russian forces recently advanced near Svatove, Chasiv Yar and Donetsk City.

Russian opposition outlet Vazhnye Istorii reported on 1 August that the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) may have significantly overstated the number of contract soldiers it claims to have recruited between the autumn of 2022 and April 2024.

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Initiative 157 is a measure that would create a $1 million death benefit for the families of Colorado officers killed in the line of duty. Backers of the measure submitted 199,067 signatures to the office of the Secretary of State in hopes of garnering a place on the November ballot.
Russia was preparing to deliver missiles and other military equipment to the Houthi rebels in Yemen late last month but pulled back at the last minute amid a flurry of behind-the-scenes efforts by the United States and Saudi Arabia to stop it, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CNN.

The Saudis, who were locked in a brutal war with the Houthis for years before the US helped to negotiate a fragile truce in 2022, warned Russia against arming one of their biggest adversaries upon learning of the plans, the sources said.

The US, which has been involved in several diplomatic efforts to stop the Russians from arming the Iran-backed rebels, separately asked the Saudis to help convince Moscow not to pursue the effort, two of the sources said.

The US-Saudi discussions and the imminent weapons transfer have not been previously reported. The Saudi Embassy in the US declined to comment and the Kremlin did not return a request for comment.

The US designated the Houthis as a global terrorist organization in January, following months of Houthi missile and drone attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea that killed several mariners and hobbled global trade. Despite several rounds of sanctions and US military attacks on Houthi weapons infrastructure, however, the rebels have continued to attack commercial ships in the crucial waterway.

A senior US official declined to discuss the specifics of Russias plans to arm the Houthis. But the official said that the US regards any attempt by a third party to bolster the Houthis weapons supplies as antithetical to the goals we are pursuing when it comes to achieving a lasting peace settlement in Yemen between the Houthis and the Saudis, and helping to stabilize the region. For the Houthis to engage in that kind of weapons transaction, moreover, would demonstrate to us a lack of commitment by the Houthis to peace talks, the official said.

Currently, the Houthis appear to be drifting further away from a commitment to a negotiated peace in Yemen, the official said.

Russian ships in the Red Sea

It remains unclear to the US intelligence community whether Saudi Arabias pushback was the key to Russia abandoning its plan to arm the Houthis, or whether it was just one of a number of factors that led Russian President Vladimir Putin to change his mind, the sources said.

The Russians have viewed arming and advising the Houthis as a way to retaliate against the Biden administration for its decision to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russian territory using US-provided weapons, officials said.

And while the imminent weapons transfer was pulled back, Russia did deploy military personnel to Yemen to help advise the Houthis over a three-day period in late July, the sources said.

US officials watched as large Russian ships made an unusual stop in the southern Red Sea, where the Russian personnel disembarked, were picked up by the Houthis in a boat, and ferried to Yemen, the sources said.

The Russians carried bags with them, but nothing that appeared large enough to carry weapons or weapons components, the sources said. It is not clear whether the Russian ships were carrying the equipment that Russia had been preparing to transfer to the Houthis before the Kremlin abandoned the plan.

Before and during the Russians visit to Yemen, the Houthis took the unusual step of issuing a notice to mariners, which alerts ships to potential dangers at sea. A US official said intelligence indicated that the Houthis had intended to conduct live fire exercises while hosting the Russians, but those plans appear to have been scrapped, too.

The Houthis began their near-daily attacks on ships transiting the Red Sea in November 2023, prompting the US and UK to conduct several rounds of airstrikes inside Yemen to try to eliminate their weapons infrastructure.

The strikes do not appear to have significantly impacted the Houthis stockpiles, and the rebel group even showed signs of being willing to sell some weapons to the Somali militant group al-Shabaab in June, CNN previously reported. But their supply is not infinite, particularly because the US has sanctioned several entities over the last few months  primarily out of China and Oman  believed to be supplying the group with weapons components.

The Houthis are also in particular need of new radar systems, which US Central Command forces have regularly targeted to try to blunt the Houthis missile attacks.

There have been indications as well that the Houthis primary patron, Iran, has had some concerns about the groups attack strategy, whereas Russia has been critical of the US and UK attacks on the Houthis.

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Dmitry Peskov said the prisoner exchange was in a 'different mode' to Ukraine talks - Gavriil Grigorov/AFP

The historic prisoner swap between Russia and the West was not linked to peace talks with Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Friday.

Almost two dozen political prisoners held by Russia were released to their families, while Vladimir Putin welcomed back eight Russians freed in exchange, including an FSB hitman who had been held in Germany.

There was speculation that the complex feat of diplomacy could be part of a ceasefire negotiation between Moscow and Kyiv.

But Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, denied any link and said potential talks on Ukraine would be based on different principles.

If we talk about Ukraine and more complex international problems, there are completely different principles, he said. He added: The work there is conducted in a completely different mode.

Mr Peskov said the decision to release prisoners including Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter jailed on sham espionage charges, was made with the aim of returning Russian citizens detained and imprisoned in foreign countries.

The freed Russians received the red carpet treatment in Moscow, where Putin welcomed them back to the motherland and promised them state honours.

They included Vadim Krasikov, the agent of the FSB (Russias federal security service) convicted in Germany of assassinating a Chechen separatist in Berlin in 2019.

Vadim Krasikov, the FSB hit-man jailed for murder in Germany in 2021 - FSB

Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser who played a leading role in the prisoner exchange, also dismissed any link to peace in Ukraine, saying the two issues were on separate tracks.

He added: One is really about the practical issue of producing this exchange. The other is a much more complex question where the Ukrainians will be in the lead and the United States will consult closely with all of our allies to support them when they are prepared to step forward and engage in that kind of diplomacy.

The exchange was brokered between the US which is supplying weapons to Ukraine to kill Russians on the battlefield, and a Russia growing in its hostility to the West.

Sam Greene, of the Center for European Policy Analysis, said the Kremlin could be using the deal to isolate Kyiv on the international stage.

Jake Sullivan, the US official who helped broker the exchange - Michael Brochstein/Shutterstock

By making this exchange, Moscow is seeking to demonstrate that (a) it can negotiate in good faith, and (b) it is willing to do deals with the West, he said.

This will strengthen the hand of those who have been calling for Western governments to impose a ceasefire on Kyiv and weaken those who see such a ceasefire as detrimental to Ukrainian and European security in the near, medium and long terms.

Western analysts and Ukrainian officials have long warned that Russia is seeking to divide the West, to reduce the leverage Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has at the negotiating table.

Mr Zelenskys office did not respond to a request for comment.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) waits for the prisoners released following the swap deal at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. -/KREMLIN/dpa

Russia wants to free more prisoners held in the United States following the latest major exchange, Moscow's ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, said late Thursday in a post on Telegram.

"There are still dozens of Russians in US prisons who are looking hopefully to their fatherland and waiting for their hour of release," Antonov said in his post.

They ended up behind bars as a result of the international "hunt" for Russians by the US secret services, he added. "We will make maximum efforts to continue the liberation and alleviate the plight of all compatriots who are in the clutches of local justice."

Many political prisoners still being held in Russian prisons are hoping to be released. After Thursday's historic prisoner exchange, there are fears that Russia could detain other Western citizens in order to swap them for Russians being held abroad.

Antonov's comments came as two high-profile US citizens returned to home soil after being freed from Russian imprisonment in a major prisoner exchange involving 26 detainees and several countries.

The exchange included Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan, whose cases have been widely followed.

The swap also included German national Rico K, who had been sentenced to death in Belarus for alleged involvement in a bomb attack and then pardoned.

Russians released from Russian detainment included prominent Kremlin critics such as Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin.

A second aircraft which took off from Ankara, has landed at the military section of Cologne/Bonn Airport as part of the prisoner exchange with Russia. Christoph Reichwein/dpa-Pool/dpa

A second aircraft which took off from Ankara, has landed at the military section of Cologne/Bonn Airport as part of the prisoner exchange with Russia. Christoph Reichwein/dpa-Pool/dpa
Despite faltering on the frontline in Ukraine, Vladamir Putin cannot be underestimated. Whilst Russias war effort has pushed it into deals with dictators for munitions, such as Kim Jong Un in North Korea, Putin remains a calculated tactician. After 24 years in power, he continues to extend Russias reach in new covert ways, mining global events to secure advantages for Russia at every turn.

Bogged down in Ukraine, Putin has turned to Africa as a new front in which to challenge Western values and interests, dangling the carrot of corruption to support authoritarian factions within struggling democracies. Across the Sahel and in places like the Central African Republic, he has fast forged friendships with those who are disdainful of human rights and democracy, while political technologists from the Wagner Group use disinformation to drive a wedge between ordinary people and the West.

A case in point is Libya, the former stronghold of Muammar Gaddafi. Using the ongoing civil tensions and flare ups between the UN-backed government of Abdelhamid Dbeibeh in the West and the warlord General Haftar in the East, Putin has fully supported Haftars bid to create a new dynasty that will take Libya back into dictatorship.

This new friendship has not only enabled him to flow his mercenary forces into the country and beyond, destabilising much of sub-Saharan Africa in the process, but it has also allowed discussions to begin on a new Russian nuclear submarine base to be constructed in the Libyan port of Tobruk. To my mind, this evokes a Cuban Missile Crisis scenario, only this time with Europe in the crosshairs and the Mediterranean Sea a possible new battleground for Western Europe.

Our leaders must wake up to these political games by Putin. Whilst Ukraine is important and needs our full support, we cannot think that Putin has only a single military campaign in mind.

One place to start is to look at the sources of power for Putins new allies and ensure that they cannot flourish and further embolden the Kremlins dangerous ambitions.

For General Haftar, the same money that flowed into the bank account of Muammar Gaddafi is now funnelling into his personal militias. In theory, Libyas staggering oil wealth should have eased the path towards economic prosperity and a functioning state after the revolution in 2011, but instead it has been used to thwart the democratic ambitions of the Libyan people at every turn.

Led by Ferhat Bengdara, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) is central to this missed opportunity. The soaring corruption and mismanagement within the NOC are well-documented and endemic. Serious issues have been flagged in recent months, including billions of dollars worth of finances missing from the NOCs accounts, questions over fulfilling energy agreements with Europe and the commissioning of new oil field projects in backroom deals. This corruption has been facilitated by a clear sense of impunity combined with General Haftars commitment to appropriating national resources as his own and to foiling the democratic process.

Meanwhile, Libyans struggle to put food on the table, to light their homes and, perversely, to fuel their generators, given that they sit atop a sea of oil. Libyas infrastructure, which sorely needs investment, is ignored by officials who line their pockets while General Haftar and Putin rub their hands. The deadly consequences of this systematic theft were demonstrated all too starkly by the collapse of the Derna Dam last year and the loss of 5000 innocent lives.

Unless this oil corruption is confronted head-on, Libya will continue down a path of destruction. Western governments are understandably distracted from developments in nations like Libya by Ukraine and by immediate domestic priorities. The danger of this, however, is clear to see. Despots and dictators will find their way to power across strategic continents such as Africa, looking to murderous tyrants like Putin to underwrite their oppressive rule in exchange for access to natural resources, techniques for sanctions-busting and opportunities to harass the West.

The new British government must not let this happen. We must recognise that Putins geopolitical games extend much further than Ukraine. In Libya, for example, the fight against oil corruption has to be prioritised before all hope for democracy fades. Otherwise, General Haftar will position himself as the right-hand of Putin in Africa, using Libya as a platform for Russia to gain control over key parts of the Mediterranean and to shift a prolonged conflict over Ukraine to new battlegrounds in the global South.

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Vadim Krasikov and Vladimir Putin during a meeting after the prisoner exchange. Photo: screenshot from video

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has admitted that Vadim Krasikov, who was released by Germany as part of a major prisoner swap, is working for the FSB (Russian Federal Security Service). Russia had previously denied this fact.

Source: Peskov at a briefing on Friday, European Pravda citing the Russian Interfax news agency

Quote: "Krasikov is an employee of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation. He served in Alpha Group. It's interesting that when he served in Alpha Group, he served together with several members of the president's (Russian President Vladimir Putin's  ed.) security team. Obviously, they greeted each other yesterday when they saw each other."

Background:

Krasikov was sentenced to life imprisonment in Germany in late 2021 for shooting a Georgian of Chechen origin in Berlin in August 2019. The court found that Krasikov committed the murder on behalf of Russian state authorities.

Kremlin leader Putin greeted Krasikov at the airport with a handshake when he arrived in Moscow after his release.

Krasikov was released on 1 August as part of a history-making prisoner exchange between Russia and Belarus, as well as the United States, Germany and three other NATO countries.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz admitted that the decision to release the convicted murderer Krasikov was not easy.

Negotiations between the West and Russia, which led to Thursday's large prisoner exchange, reportedly lasted more than two years.

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Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least two people and injured at least 16 over the past day, regional authorities reported early on Aug. 2.

In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a 40-year-old woman and her 72-year-old mother were killed during a Russian artillery attack against Nikopol on Aug. 1, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

A 46-year-old man was also injured after dozens of Russian shells hit multiple high-rise buildings, houses, a fire department building, two schools, and buses.

Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast injured five people: three in Ivanopillia, one in Selydove, and one in Bohoiavlenka, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

In Kharkiv Oblast, Russia struck the Derhachi community at 9 a.m. local time on Aug. 2, hitting a bus and injuring six people, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

The victims are all construction workers, five of whom are in a condition of moderate severity and one in critical state.

Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast injured three people, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. Nineteen houses, gas pipeline, a car repair shop, and other civilian property were damaged, he added.

Power outages were recorded in Kherson early in the morning due to overnight strikes on an energy facility, authorities said.

In Sumy Oblast, a civilian was injured during a Russian drone strike against the Esman community overnight on Aug. 2, the regional military administration said.

Chernihiv, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack but no casualties were reported.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Pokrovsk is Russias main target after Kharkiv push failed, Zelensky says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian forces attack Odesa Oblast with three ballistic missiles

Russian forces targeted Odesa Oblast with three ballistic missiles from temporarily occupied Crimea on 2 August.

Source: Defence Forces of Ukraine's South

Quote: "The invaders attacked Odesa Oblast with three ballistic missiles, likely Iskander-Ms, from the territory of temporarily occupied Crimea."

Details: Ukrainian air defence units destroyed five reconnaissance drones, namely three ZALAs and two Supercams, in the south of Ukraine on 2 August.

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A Russian lawmaker has been stripped of his immunity from prosecution and arrested over his alleged involvement in a contract killing case, Russian media reported on Aug. 2.

According to Kommersant, Senator Dmitry Savelyev, a member of the Federation Council from the Tula Oblast, attempted last year to arrange the murder of his business partner who reportedly embezzled money from a company they ran together.

The person Savelyev hired to carry out the contract killing contacted Russian law enforcement agencies and alerted them of the alleged plot.

According to Russian news outlet RBC, Russia's prosecutor general asked the Federation Council to consider lifting Savelyev's immunity from prosecution.

The issue was raised during a meeting of the Federation Council, the parliament's upper house, on Aug. 2 at which Savelyev was present.

Lawmakers voted to lift his immunity and he was arrested as he left the meeting.

Savelyev has called the accusations "fabricated."

According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Savelyev is the former president of Transneft, and served as a State Duma deputy for 17 years. Previously he served in the Soviet army and participated in the invasion of Afghanistan.

Read also: Poland and Ukraine to form a military unit from Ukrainians in Europe. Will it be effective?

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Volunteers of East SOS evacuate a woman, as Russian forces advance across the frontlines in the Donetsk region, at the train station in Pokrovsk

Volunteers of East SOS evacuate a woman, as Russian forces advance across the frontlines in the Donetsk region, at the train station in Pokrovsk

By Anastasiia Malenko and Max Hunder

KYIV/POKROVSK, Ukraine (Reuters) - Russian assaults are raising pressure on the strategic eastern logistics hub of Pokrovsk, Ukraine said on Friday, as waves of guided bombs and infantry lead to some of Moscow's largest territorial gains since the spring.

The push is fuelling a surge in civilians fleeing, with requests for evacuation in the area increasing about tenfold over the past two weeks, according to a volunteer helping people leave.

Russian forces have been steadily inching forward on several fronts in the eastern Donetsk region, staging particularly fierce attacks near Pokrovsk with Kyiv's troops stretched thin 29 months since Russia's full-scale invasion.

Russia's gains of around 57 square km (22 square miles) in the space of a week are the third largest recorded since April after they made only modest gains in June, Pasi Paroinen, an analyst with the Black Bird Group, told Reuters.

Russian forces are using warplanes and artillery fire to support waves of infantry assaults in the area near Pokrovsk, Ruslan Muzychuk, a spokesperson for Ukraine's National Guard said in televised remarks.

"These assaults are not always supported by armoured vehicles, often it is infantry assaults," he said, flagging the bombing by Russian warplanes as a particular problem.

"It's a significant threat ... because the Pokrovsk and Toretsk fronts are taking a large share of the daily aviation strikes carried out on the positions of Ukrainian defenders."

Russia's Ministry of Defence said its forces had captured five settlements in the Donetsk region in the past week.

Russia's use of warplanes to fire guided bombs was crucial for Moscow's battlefield tactics, said Valeriy Romanenko, a Kyiv-based aviation expert, who compared it to a "conveyor belt".

"The Russians are not piercing our defence, they are pushing it back. They are advancing 100, 150, 200 metres every day using this tactic: dropping guided bombs, then a 'meat assault', (and if those are) repelled, dropping guided bombs again, a 'meat assault' again."

He said the supply of U.S. F-16 fighters to Ukraine could disrupt that dynamic if the jets were able to threaten Russian warplanes, but that such operations were unlikely for now given the risk it would present for the new pilots operating expensive jets.

Paroinen said the Russian offensives around the settlements of Toretsk and Niu York as well as the one to the east of Pokrovsk around the villages of Ocheretyne and Prohres had created a "double crisis" for Ukraine towards the end of June.

That, he said, followed the Russian offensive into the northeastern Kharkiv region, which was halted by Ukraine, but opened a new front and spread the defenders extremely thin.

'THEY ARE DESTROYING EVERYTHING'

Roman Buhayov, an evacuation driver from humanitarian organization East SOS, told Reuters that the number of requests for evacuation in the area had increased about tenfold over the past two weeks.

On Friday, he drove a bus evacuating residents from Novohrodivka, a town with a pre-war population of some 14,000 near Pokrovsk. It now lies around 10 km from the front line, which inches closer each day.

Antonina Kalashnikova, 62, and her disabled son Denys, 34, evacuated their pummelled home by taking Buhayov's bus to Pokrovsk where she spoke to Reuters.

Together with their neighbour, they arrived to the town with all of their possessions reduced to a few market bags before continuing their journey to the southern city of Mykolaiv.

"They started bombing heavily and it became extremely frightening. We didn't sleep all night, and we decided to leave," Kalashnikova said. "They are destroying everything."

(Editing by Tom Balmforth and Conor Humphries)
Russian forces have launched an attack on the city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast, striking an area next to a residential building. As a result, one woman has been killed and another injured.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Police; Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Quote from the police: "On 2 August, at about 11:40, the Russians launched an attack on the city of Kupiansk. An area adjacent to a residential building was struck. Early reports say Russian troops used cluster munitions for the attack.

As a result, two local women were injured, one of whom, aged 66, died. The second woman, who was wounded, was hospitalised."

Details: An investigative-operative group of the Kupiansk District Police Department headed out to the site of the attack, as well as forensic experts and bomb disposal experts.

A criminal proceeding into the violation of the laws and customs of war has been initiated under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Background: Russian troops deployed a drone to hit a bus with people in Kharkiv Oblast early on 2 August, injuring seven civilians, one of whom is in a serious condition.

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The scene Thursday outside the Sacramento County Main Jail was all too familiar: a grieving Black family clutching handmade signs demanding to know how and why their loved one had died in sheriffs custody.

Asaiah Washingtons family was the latest. On Thursday, Washingtons family and community advocates gathered at the jail to demand answers for Asaiah and accountability from Sacramento County and Sheriffs Office leaders for the mounting toll behind bars of what advocates are calling a death chamber.

We simply want to know what happened? We have hurt and pain. We are frustrated and confused. We are in a place that has become a burial ground for Black men and women, said advocate Berry Accius of Voice of the Youth.

Why does this continue to happen? Why are the answers so vague? Accius said. We cant continue to see Black men come to the county jail and end up found dead.

Thirty people have died in Sacramento County Sheriffs Office custody since 2021.

Its officially become commonplace for folks to gather outside this jail, said Meg White of the advocacy group JUICE Sacramento, surrounded by Washingtons family. We need independent oversight.

Washington had been held at the downtown jail since June. He was 40 years old when he was found unresponsive in his cell last Friday, July 26  the fifth in-custody death in the last 11 weeks. The three other inmate deaths occurred 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.

Three of the five who have died since early May were African American, online coroners records show.

Sheriffs officials say jailers found Washington and a second man unresponsive in their eight-floor cell about 11:15 a.m. Friday after a suspected fentanyl overdose. Jail deputies administered multiple doses of Narcan to the pair. The drug revived Washingtons cellmate. Washington was pronounced dead.

Deputies will complete a thorough inmate death investigation in accordance with department procedures and state laws, Sacramento County Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi said in a statement following Washingtons death. Results are likely months away.

At least six people died in Sacramento Countys jails in 2023. At least three were drug-related, prompting a letter from the San Quentin-based Prison Law Office pleading for more stringent employee drug screenings.

The Sacramento County Jail is in crisis, the lawyers wrote. Drugs are widely available inside the facilities, and people are dying as a result.

Sheriff Jim Cooper defended his jail deputies in an October 2023 op-ed, blaming the countys jail health services providers ineptitude instead.

It is not a coincidence that most of the deaths at the jail have been medically related, Cooper wrote.

But advocates Thursday laid blame at Cooper and Sacramento County supervisors, seeking answers after the latest death.

How many people have to die before theyve seen a courtroom? How many people have to die before our elected representatives hold our sheriff accountable? said Keyan Bliss, of the Sacramento Community Police Review Commission and Decarcerate Sacramento. We need to ask real questions and demand answers.

Washingtons wife, Tonette, had last spoken to him at 10 a.m. that morning, a little more than an hour before deputies discovered him in his cell. He had been in good spirits, but sounded sluggish, in his final call, she said. She disputes her husband had fentanyl in his system and said medication administered at the jail led to his death.

Nearly a week later, she said sheriffs officials had yet to call her or family members since her husbands death. The lone call from authorities came from the county coroners office.

My husband would be here. We talked to him at 10 a.m. By 11:15, he was gone, Tonette Washington told reporters at a noon news conference outside the jail on downtown Sacramentos I Street.

Were lost. We dont know whats going on.
LISBON, Ohio (WKBN)  A Salem man was arraigned Thursday on multiple charges including rape.

Brandon Seddon pleaded not guilty after being accused of raping a child, who was nine at the time, from January 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2021.

His $75,000 cash surety bond was continued.

Seddon is due back in court, for a pre-trial, Aug. 16.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
A lawsuit filed by a longtime teacher and alum at Wilmington's Salesianum School claims he was forced from his job after raising concerns about lapses in the school's training program aimed at preventing child abuse.

Brian Magargal taught art for nearly three decades and at one time directed the art department at the all-boys Catholic high school. In the lawsuit, he discloses that he was also a victim of sexual abuse by a former priest at the school when he was a student there in the '80s.

But the lawsuit is an employment dispute at heart, claiming that Magargal was forced from his job in violation of state protections for whistleblowers, as well as laws meant to protect employees from being fired over a health condition. The litigation is an effort to expose the true circumstances around his termination, the lawsuit states.

In his lawsuit, he claims the Rev. J. Christian Beretta, the schools principal, publicly characterized his departure from the school as retirement. The lawsuit says this is a lie and that Beretta fired him for "expressing his belief that young boys and men are endangered by Salesianum School's institutional refusal to take seriously the lessons of the past about giving priests unfettered access to minors."

Generally, the lawsuit claims that Magargal was ousted by Beretta because he complained that the school had failed for two school years to conduct training aimed at identifying and addressing signs of potential child abuse. This program began after the Catholic order that oversees the school settled a raft of sexual abuse claims more than a decade ago.

The statue of St. Francis de Sales in the lobby of Salesianum School.

The lawsuit largely singles out Beretta as its antagonist, criticizing his specific policies, airing allegations of "questionable" behavior by him, as well as claiming that he forces out any employee who dares dissent. The lawsuit was filed by Wilmington attorneys Kate Butler and Adam Wasserman on behalf of Magargal in July.

No depositions and evidence discovery have occurred yet. Attorneys representing the school have sought to dismiss the health-related claims, arguing that Magargal did not go through a separate employment dispute process before filing the litigation.

Leadership at the school declined to comment on the lawsuit but addressed it in an email signed by school President Thomas Kardash and addressed to parents and alums in July.

The email emphasizes that the lawsuit does not claim the abuse of current students and states that the complaint wrongfully suggests that Salesianum does not adequately prioritize the safety, protection and well-being of our students, and describes the schools efforts to protect children.

Editors Note: the presidents letter in its entirety can be read by clicking here. The pending lawsuit can be read at the bottom of this story.

Dark history

The backdrop of Magargals complaint is the history of child sex abuse and subsequent cover-ups within Catholic leadership structures.

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, a worldwide Catholic religious order that oversees Salesianum, were sued by dozens of former students of the school more than a decade ago after lawmakers temporarily loosened the time limits involved with bringing civil lawsuits tied to sex abuse.

Previous coverage: Priests named in Pennsylvania abuse report have Salesianum, Archmere ties

The 2007 Child Victims Act passed by the Delaware General Assembly gave survivors of child sex abuse a window of two years to file lawsuits, even if their cases would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations. That two-year window ended in 2009. Legislation that would reopen that window passed without dissenting votes in the Delaware House of Representatives this year but was not voted upon in the Senate.

In all, the order that oversees Salesianum settled with some 40 former students at the school who filed lawsuits either before or during the special window previously opened by the legislature. The order ultimately paid out more than $25 million involving the school ending in 2011. The settlement also led to the outing by the school of 12 priests with admitted or substantiated claims of sexual abuse.

Another lawsuit: Salesianum School settles lawsuit claiming priest sex abuse in the '80s

One of those priests was Dennis Killion.

In the lawsuit, Magargal reveals for the first time that he too was a victim of Killion during his sophomore year of school in the 80s. The lawsuit states that he has for years "grappled with being a survivor in silence, alone" and presents this as a motivation in his work.

Killion could not be reached for comment for this story.

"(Magargal) felt a compulsion to protect the children at Salesianum, and do what was necessary to prevent the same evils from perpetrating the school and creating new victims, as it had in the not-too-distant past," the lawsuit states.

When lawmakers opened the special window for victims to seek recompense, Magargal said he agonized about whether to come forward, but ultimately did not out of fear of retaliation from his employer: Salesianum.

Last year: Former Salesianum School Principal William McCandless sentenced on child porn charges

'Absolute authority'

The lawsuit addresses multiple policies and statements that concerned Magargal during his tenure and targets the school's principal as the root of those concerns, stating that such information "reinforces" Beretta's motivations for firing Magargal.

Beretta was named principal of the school in 2010 and his efforts to improve the school's reputation has earned him "absolute authority over dissent," which creates an environment that "covers for problematic behavior," the lawsuit states.

Adding to this dynamic is the fact that the "ecclesiastical leadership" of the school sees themselves as "transcendent" to the lay managers that are meant to be their check, the lawsuit states. It claims longtime faculty have been forced out due to what is known among faculty as the Beretta squeeze.

Magargal said he watched Berettas ascendency to leadership with concern, knowing that he rubbed shoulders with Killion working at a school in Florida between 2006 and 2008. As school principal there, Beretta was responsible for oversight of him and other priests, the lawsuit states.

The complaint excerpts press statements made by Beretta after Killions abuse came to light, claiming his reactions show he is either willfully ignorant or incompetent when it comes to policing potential abuse.

The lawsuit also notes policy decisions it characterizes as potentially harmful.

Salesianum'S principal, the Rev. Christian Beretta, delivers his remarks during graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 30, 2014.

Those include Beretta choosing not to hire a "qualified, licensed" school nurse who would be an outlet for students to receive advice about potential abuse. Those policies also include the access priests have to children at certain school locations and functions, as well as how Beretta has "situated his own office to remove scrutiny over his own comings and goings."

In his letter to alums and parents, Thomas Kardish, the school's president, said the institution offers "unprecedented" access to resources and mental health professionals.

The lawsuit also lists what it describes as questionable behavior by Beretta.

It claims that Beretta was accused of using chatrooms to communicate with students in 2014, that the practice continued through 2018 and that the teacher who suggested it was bad also coincidentally left their position at the school the same year as the suggestion.

In 2021, Beretta was photographed in the schools gym alone receiving a haircut from a student in the early hours of the morning. The teacher who confronted him was terminated the following year, according to the lawsuit.

'Fire anyone for no reason'

The lawsuit claims Magargal feared that asking school leaders about the absence of anti-child abuse training sessions would put a target on his back.

After the settlement of multiple lawsuits and bankruptcy proceedings by the Catholic order that oversees Salesianum, the school began conducting annual training for faculty through a third-party provider known as Praesidium.

However, at the beginning of the fall 2020 semester and the following year, the training didnt occur, the lawsuit states. This concerned Magargal so he inquired about it with Kardash, the school's president, in spring 2022. The lawsuit states that he was told it would resume but also knew it would cause the schools board to inquire about the missed trainings with Beretta.

The training resumed in fall 2022. Priests were not required to attend, the lawsuit states.

At one of the sessions, an attendee asked the presenter if it was appropriate for a person to drape his arms around students and whisper, I love you. The teacher was referring to a well-known habit by a priest that everyone" knew at the school, according to the lawsuit.

Beretta hissed, according to the lawsuit, and told the presenter that's "not what he means," referring to the priest.

The presenter told the group that is absolutely the type of behavior identified as problematic grooming behavior that normalizes touch between children and adults that can lead to abuse.

At the end of the training, Beretta reminded faculty that Delaware is an at-will employment state and they can fire anyone for no reason any time, according to the complaint.

It was to admonish staff that any statements made in the presence of a trainer or that might otherwise invite further scrutiny would lead to termination, the lawsuit states.

In Kardish's email to parents and alums, he notes that the school is "fully accredited" through Praesidium, the entity that conducts the training, and also has a special committee that includes police that oversee the school's "safe environment policies."

Magargal's departure

Magargals ouster coincided with a health issue. In March 2023, he had kidney stones that required emergency surgery and he missed a week of work. He had a second surgery at the end of that month and was out of work for four days.

The day after he returned, Beretta asked to meet. He told him he would not be offered a new teaching contract next year and that he was being let go because he had become negative toward Salesianum, according to the lawsuit.

It states Magargal expressed surprise and that Beretta became hostile and mentioned his health issues. When Magargal asked about his negative attitude, Beretta told him he perceived that in his past interactions with him.

He was asked to sign a severance and later made a formal report for the president to investigate the circumstances around the decision. He later received an email from the president saying that Beretta never told him he was being terminated for his health issues.

Students gathered outside Salesianum School in Wilmington.

The lawsuit states he was pressured by people acting on Berettas orders to sign the severance agreement.

The lawsuit claims Beretta created a false narrative in the following weeks, telling the schools graduation ceremonies that Magargal was retiring. This left Magargal humiliated when Beretta presented him with an award for outstanding service during the ceremony.

The lawsuit claims the real reason for his ouster was his dissent, stating that Magargal "stood up to the machine that enabled child sexual abuse to go unchecked for generations, and as a result, lost his career and livelihood."

Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com. Follow @Ber_Xerxes on Twitter.

Editors Note: the presidents letter responding to the lawsuit can be read by clicking here.

Kardish Letter | PDF | Background Check | Justice

Magargal Complaint by Xerxes Wilson on Scribd

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Salesianum School teacher says raising safety concerns got him fired
Sansom Park 2-year-old is safe, located after forcibly taken by grandmother, police say

Sansom Park police say a 2-year-old who was kidnapped by a non-custodial family member Thursday has been located and is safe, according to a spokesperson.

At around 5 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a call about a kidnapping off Arrow Lane involving Ava Green, 2, who had gone missing, according to a news release.

Authorities said Green was last seen wearing turquoise shorts with a floral shirt.

The child was forcibly taken by her grandmother, Lawanda Cain. Cain was last seen driving a black BMW X1 with the Texas license plate TYK8553. They may have also been with four other Black women, police said in the release.

They were possibly headed to an address on Galleria Drive in Dallas, according to police.

Anyone who saw the suspect vehicle or the child was asked to call 911.
Longtime senator and incumbent Sara Kyle won the Democratic Primary for Tennessee Senate District 30. Kyle will face one Independent candidate, Mitchell Morrison, in the November general election.

Kyle received almost 70% of the vote, according to early unofficial tallies.

Kyle beat out Erika Stotts Pearson, who previously ran for the Tennessee District 8 Congressional seat in 2020, but was unsuccessful.

Sen. Sara Kyle, D-Memphis, on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn.

The Tennessee Senate District 30 race was the only state senate contest in Shelby County with a contested primary  and only on the Democratic side of the ticket. No Republicans qualified for the ballot this election cycle.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: State Sen. Sara Kyle beats Erika Stotts Pearson, faces Independent
WAVERLY, N.Y. (WETM)  A Sayre man has been arrested in connection to the theft of fuel from vehicles that were parked in the construction area at Waverly High School.

According to the Waverly Police Department, John J. Robbins, 61, was arrested on a warrant for criminal mischief in the second degree (class D felony) and a misdemeanor petit larceny charge on July 30, after an investigation into the theft.

Towanda man sentenced to decades in prison on drug/weapon charges

It is alleged that Robbins drilled holes into the fuel tanks of two Waverly NY Central School District vehicles parked at the site and then stole the fuel from both tanks. Police say that the estimated theft amount concerning the incident was reported at $224.70 and the estimated damage and labor cost was reported at $2,813.40.

Robbins was previously arrested in Sayre by Pennsylvania State Police on a felony warrant on July 7. He was held at the Bradford County Jail until he was extradited to New York on July 30, where he was then forced to answer the charges in New York. Robbins was then transported to CAP court in Owego and is now in custody while he awaits further court proceedings.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
SC has among worst crime rates in US, new report shows. Heres where it ranks and why

A national study of FBI statistics and local government spending has found that South Carolina has the third worst crime rate based on how much money is spent on policing.

South Carolina experiences 111 crimes per $1,000 spent on police, almost double the national average of 66. The worst state was Nebraska and second was Arkansas. The best return on investment was New York.

Pre-settlement legal funding company High Rise Financial studied how effectively money spent on law enforcement deters crime, specifically violent and property crimes.

States were ranked based on how many crimes occurred per $1,000 of government spending on police services, the company said.

South Carolina has the ninth-highest crime rate nationally, the study found. That represents 2,920 crimes per 100,000 citizens and spends $26.2 million per 100,000 to combat crime.

The national average investment in law enforcement was $40 million.

The other states ranked were Oklahoma 4th, New Mexico 5th, Washington 6th, Louisiana 7th, Tennessee 8th, Utah 9th and Colorado 10th.

New York sees 25 crimes for every $1,000 of police spending.
Denver Broncos vice president John Elway talks about this weeks NFL football draft during a news conference at the team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, May 5, 2014. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
After more than a year on a state-designated fiscal watch status for improper use of procurement cards, the Richland School District 1 is facing further financial scrutiny from the South Carolina Department of Education.

The school districts status has been escalated to fiscal caution following an investigation by the Inspector General, according to an Aug. 2 letter from state Superintendent Ellen Weaver. It is the second highest level of financial and budgetary concern.

While on fiscal watch, Richland 1 broke the law and cost taxpayers more than $350,000 when it began construction on an early learning center without proper permits, according to a July 25 report by the South Carolina Inspector Generals Office.

The (Inspector Generals) July 25, 2024 report outlines multiple procurement findings, including violations of state law, in addition to other concerning non-procurement issues, Weaver wrote to the district. The finding of significant and unremedied procurement deficiencies require me to escalate your District to a declaration of Fiscal Caution.

The district is now required to submit a financial recovery plan to the state Education Department within 60 days, according to Weavers letter. The superintendent must then evaluate and approve the plan, and may also order an audit.

We have received the letter, and we will review it and determine next steps, Karen York, a district spokesperson told The State.

Richland 1 was first placed on fiscal watch in December 2022 by former state Superintendent Molly Spearman, following an audit by the state Education Department.

The audit found significant deficiencies and material weaknesses that could affect the financial well-being of the district, Spearman wrote in a letter to the district.

Richland 1 attempted to appeal the departments decision. It was denied.

The District appreciates those identified opportunities to improve, York said in a statement at the time. However, in our opinion, none of the findings were significant or rose to material impact.

Richland 1 has internal controls that review all transactions on a monthly basis, the district said.

Those checks and balances discovered issues concerning a former employee that were turned over to law enforcement, York said.
LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM)  Tens of thousands of dollars were stolen from a social services organization in Lancaster during an email fraud scheme, police said.

Ketia Irakoze, 20, of Texas, is accused of using an employees email account in a scam to steal money from Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County, the charging documents say.

According to Lancaster City Police, the Chief Financial Officer for the company discovered a $29,800 payment that was made to a fraudulent company after an employees email was hacked.

Ex-Lancaster County Verizon employee charged with stalking, harassing officer

Police were able to obtain bank records and say Irakoze was the account owner. Surveillance video from the bank captured Irakoze withdrawing $10,000 from the account on Jan. 24, a day after the payment went through, police said.

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Transaction records from the bank account also showed police the payment of $29,800 into Irakozes account, the charges say,

Irakoze faces multiple felony charges of forgery, theft, unlawful use of a computer, unlawful transmission of electronic mail, computer trespass, and criminal use of a communication facility.

According to Community Action Partnership of Lancaster Countys website, they are the countys largest anti-poverty organization and boasts a service profile that interrupts generational poverty with programs that assist families at every age and place in life.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz personally met a plane with prisoners released from Russia at the Cologne Bonn airport on the evening of 1 August, defending the decision to exchange convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov.

Source: Spiegel

Details: A private plane with 13 released prisoners landed late on the evening of 1 August. The chancellor interrupted his summer holiday to meet them.

Scholz noted that many of the prisoners had feared for their health and lives, so it was important that "we made this protection possible for them here."

Commenting on the exchange of Vadim Krasikov, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Chechen commander Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in Berlin, Scholz said that the decision was not an easy one.

Quote: "It was not easy for anyone to decide to deport a murderer sentenced to life in prison after several years in prison."

More details: The difficult decision regarding Krasikov was taken jointly by the parliamentary coalition after careful discussion and consideration. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz, head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction, was informed at an early stage and, as Scholz said, agreed with the decision.

After meeting with the released prisoners, Scholz called the exchange correct: "And if you had any doubts, you will lose them after talking to those who are now free."

Michael Roth, a spokesman for the Social Democrats' foreign policy direction, commented that sometimes you have to "make a deal with the devil for the sake of humanity".

Justice Minister Marco Buschmann acknowledged that painful concessions had to be made for the sake of prisoners' freedom. He said that Krasikov was not pardoned, but deported.

"As the Minister of Justice, I am responsible for one particularly bitter concession," Buschmann said.

A total of 26 prisoners were exchanged in an unprecedented operation involving the Turkish intelligence service MIT.

In exchange for the release of political prisoners and Kremlin critics, Germany, the United States and partner countries released a convicted murderer and prisoners suspected of spying for Russia.

US President Joe Biden acknowledged that Germany had to make significant concessions to achieve the prisoner exchange. Scholz said the decision strengthened German-American friendship.

Background:

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in February in prison, was supposed to be part of the agreement between the West and Russia on the exchange.

The release of Krasikov in Germany disappointed the German prosecutor's office. The German government acknowledged that the decision was not easy.

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A plumber with Hamilton's school district said he wanted to quit his union and stop paying dues, but the union said he could not. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

A Mercer County plumber is suing Hamiltons school district and a pipefitters union, alleging they forced him to pay union dues in defiance of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that bars mandatory dues for public sector workers.

In a filing submitted Thursday, Nicolo Giangrasso alleges he sought to resign from the union and stop paying dues after learning of the high courts decision in Janus v. AFSCME, but the union told him he must pay them as a condition of employment.

I was told I had to join the union and pay dues to keep my government job. And now that I learned about my right to opt out, the union is still trying to take my money by playing word games about dues versus assessments, Giangrasso said in a statement. What theyre doing is illegal.

In Janus, the Supreme Court ruled public employers cannot compel workers who are not members of a union to pay dues, finding such a requirement would violate speech protections in the First Amendment.

In the suit filed on Giangrassos behalf by the conservative Liberty Justice Center, Giangrasso charges the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada Local 9 argued his payments to the union were not dues but an assessment applied as a condition of his employment.

Government employees have a First Amendment right to decide whether they want their money to support public-sector unionsand whatever the union might claim, employees dont lose their constitutional rights simply because a union relabels that money assessments instead of dues, said Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel at the Liberty Justice Center.

Liberty Justice Center represented the plaintiff in the Supreme Court case.

Prior to Janus, federal case law allowed public sector unions to collect dues from nonmembers because the unions still negotiated on their behalf during collective bargaining.

Michael Tranberg, the unions business manager, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

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Valley Centers Hornet family is reeling from the loss of two of its own after a mother and son  a third-grade teacher and incoming senior  died in a crash.

Erin Moreno, 42, and her son, Anthony Barrera, 17, died July 28 when the SUV in which they were passengers rear-ended a semi-truck on the Kansas Turnpike in Lyon County near Emporia.

Moreno was a third-grade science teacher at West Elementary School in the Valley Center School District; Barrera was entering his senior year at Valley Center High School.

Friends and family remembered them for different reasons: Moreno as a lover of Christmas, so much so that she would decorate for it at Halloween; and Barrera as a gregarious teen who made straight As.

We are heartbroken over the loss of two members of our Hornet family, USD 262 said in a statement. We offer our sincere condolences to Erin and Anthonys family and to all in our community who have been impacted by this tragedy.

Passion for kids and teaching

Kelly Knoblauch met Moreno in 2019 after moving to Valley Center from Kingman. The two entered the school district at the same time, but initially taught at different schools. A tragedy brought the two women close in January.

One of our students that I had in second grade passed away and [Moreno] was his current teacher, Knoblauch said. And so sadly, a tragedy brought us together. That kind of has bonded us in a way that we hadnt bonded before.

Jason Jones, 9, had a great relationship with Moreno in the classroom. In January, he came home from school with a severe headache and died days later from bacterial meningitis, his mother, Jennifer Jones, told The Eagle.

Jones recalls the support she and her family received from Moreno after her sons unexpected passing.

The love she had for my son, but all of the other kids, shined, Jones said. I truly can imagine what a sweet reunion [in heaven] that was, I can see my son running up to her.

Knoblauch, who has taught for over 30 years, said Moreno was dedicated to her profession and was working toward higher education. She also helped create the curriculum for West Elementary.

[She] always wanted to learn more about what she was teaching and share that knowledge with her peers, and instill that knowledge in her kids, Knoblauch said. Thats a big thing were going to miss.

Michelle Truman taught third grade alongside Moreno and echoed Knoblauchs sentiments when it came to Morenos passion for teaching. She said her colleague disliked Halloween and loved Christmas.

Every year at Halloween, she would decorate her house for Christmas, Truman said. She worked throughout the year buying Christmas gifts for loved ones and would usually have everything ready to go by November so she could enjoy the holiday. You could even hear her starting her days with Christmas music.

Truman plans to play Christmas music in Morenos honor, just like she did.

The school year will be rough without her, Truman said.

Smart, quick-witted and humorous

Morenos son will also be missed.

Teacher Aaron Miller said that during Barreras sophomore year, the teen would sit next to his desk in homeroom to chat and share videos and pictures of clothing he wanted to buy.

Barrera had a quick-witted humor and loved to make those around him laugh, Miller said.

He had such an infectious personality, and I think that he always just made an effort to get to know anybody that he was around, Miller said. And thats not every student.

Miller and Barrera had something in common: Their mothers were both teachers.

He was doing something ornery and I jokingly said, Anthony, if you dont stop, Im going to have to email your mom and tell her what youre doing, Miller said. Without skipping a beat, he says, Do it, and then I will email your mom and Ill tell her that youre being mean to me.

Just as he was personable, Barrera also excelled in academics. He had aspirations of becoming a dermatologist.

As funny and quick-witted as he was, he was also so smart, a straight-A student and cared about his grades, Miller said, adding that Barreras favorite subject was science, which was what Moreno taught.

Barreras girlfriend, Kennedy Crain, and her twin brother, Braedon, also shared fond memories of him.

One Friday night, Barrera and Kennedy Crain had finished working and were making dinner. The two decided on grilled cheese sandwiches.

He decided to try and scare me by putting the spatula on my leg thinking it was cold; turns out that wasnt the case, she said. It was definitely hot, but made for a funny accident. The burn will leave a scar to be proud of, and I will never forget this memory as it is what will always be a reminder to me of what a genuine person is like.

Braedon Crain shared the sentiment.

Whether it was eating dinner with the family at my grandmas, being outside, talking at the gym, or seeing him at school, he always had the energy to make everyone around him happy, he said. My prayers go out to the family and to my twin sister, who was Anthonys girlfriend. Thank you for being a light in our family, our community, and in everyones life who you were a part of.

A GoFundMe has been established to help pay for funerals and medical expenses.

A celebration of life for Moreno and Barrera will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian Ave.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Thursday that former President Trump is scared to debate Vice President Harris.

Hes afraid to even debate Kamala Harris. He already said he wouldnt debate, you know? Schumer said in an interview with NBC News. Shes a strong Black woman, Donald Trump may not wanna say that, but its true and everyone knows its true. Hes afraid to debate her.

Schumer joined a number of Democrats who have made similar comments about Trump, a pattern that suggests Democrats hope to convince the former president not to walk away from the debate scheduled for September.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg one week ago said Trump was showing weakness in giving signs he wanted to get out of the planned debate.

Trump said Monday he most likely will end up debating the vice president, who is now her partys likely presidential nominee, before the general election. However, his campaign said last week it wouldnt come to an agreement on a general election debate featuring Harris until Democrats formally decide on their nominee.

Trump has also suggested the network for the Sept. 10 debate should be changed from ABC to Fox.

Schumers comments follow Trump questioning Harris ethnic and racial identity earlier this week in an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention.

She was always of Indian heritage. And she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black, Trump said.

In his interview with NBC News, Schumer said Democrats have to make it clear to the American people how ludicrous, how unhinged this  Trump-Vance ticket is, how [there will] be total chaos in America if they get elected.

Harris became the likely Democratic presidential nominee following weeks of turmoil in her party over whether President Biden should be replaced at the top of the ticket. That chaos mostly began following a rough presidential debate performance by Biden against Trump in late June.

According to The Hill/Decision Desk HQs average of national polls, Trump is leading Harris by 1.1 points, with the vice president garnering 46.5 percent to the former presidents 47.6 percent.

The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Scientists Say Complex Life Is an Astounding 1.5 Billion Years Older Than We Ever Thought



"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



Most scientists agree that complex life likely formed during the Ediacaran Period some 600 million years agoright on the cusp of the well-known Cambrian Explosion.

However, a new study suggests that another go at multicellular life mightve occurred 1.5 billion years earlier, thanks to specific conditions created by volcanic activity caused by the collision of two continents.

Although chemical analysis of sediment cores from the Gabons Francevillian basin potentially supports this hypothesis, some scientists question if its enough evidence to suggest that complex life took form in this small geologic pocket of the world.

If the last month has told us anything, the science of lifes origins on Earth is far from set in stonewell, other than the fact that its literally set in stone.

One group of scientists revealed that lifes Last Universal Common Ancestor could date back some 4.2 billion years , and another study suggested that deep-sea polymetallic nodules couldve provided another source of life-sustaining oxygen separate from the light-induced photosynthetic processes near the planets surface.

Now, another new study (led by scientists at Cardiff University) is complicating Earths ancient timeline even further by proposing the theory that the first forms of complex life actually arrived during the Palaeoproterozoic erasome 1.5 billion years earlier than what was previously believed.

Ernest Chi Fru, who led the study, said that these lifeforms likely formed in a nutrient-rich laboratory in a sedimentary geologic area known as the Francevillian basin, located in modern-day Gabon. The results of the study were published in the journal Precambrian Research .

We think that the underwater volcanoes, which followed the collision and suturing of the Congo and Sao Francisco cratons into one main body, further restricted and even cut off this section of water from the global ocean to create a nutrient-rich shallow marine inland sea, Chi Fru said in a press statement. This created a localized environment where cyanobacterial photosynthesis was abundant for an extended period of time, leading to the oxygenation of local seawater and the generation of a large food resource.

Although the Cambrian explosion is often touted as this amazing geologic event that kickstarted complex life on Earth (and it definitely is that), scientists know that multicellular life existed in the preceding Ediacaran Period in the form of tubular, frond-shaped organisms. In an interview with the BBC, Chi Fru described his hypothetical multicellular lifeforms as looking more like todays brainless slime molds.

The major evidence pointing toward this early life laboratory is the chemical analysis of sediment cores drilled from the basin in Gabon. The team theorized that the high levels of oxygen and phosphorus present in these cores mightve arisen from the volcanic activity derived from the collision of two platesthe Congo and Sao Francisco cratons. While the rest of the world was too nutrient poor to support complex life at the time. But these conditions, Chi Fru argues, wouldve provided sufficient energy to promote increase in body size and greater complex behavior and presented an incredible opportunity for multicellular life to take a first foothold on Earth.

But this first chance at complex life, according to Chi Fru, didnt last longthe less-than-hospitable environment surrounding this closed off inland sea restricted the growth of these lifeforms and curtailed their ability to achieve global dominance.

However, the Francevillian basin brings with it a long history of controversy. The first fossils pointing toward complex life in this basin were discovered in 2008, and since then, other scientists have put forward theories suggesting that the specimens were simply abiotic pyrite crystals formed via diagenesisphysical and chemical sedimentary changes found in water-rock interactions.

Similarly, scientists are wary of Chi Frus findings. For instance, Graham Shieldsa geologist from University College Londontold the BBC that even if this basin did contain higher-than-normal nutrients 2.1 billion years ago, thats not necessarily enough to suggest that multicellular life then took hold.

For now, this incredible theory of a false start at multicellular life on Earth will remain just thata theory.



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The 'screaming woman' mummy was buried with all the trappings of a high-status Egyptian - Prof Sahar Saleem/Frontiers Press

An Egyptian mummy that appears to be screaming probably died an agonising death, experts have concluded.

In 1935, the body of a mysterious woman was discovered underneath a tomb at Deir Elbahari near Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes.

She was found in a burial chamber beneath the burial site of Senmut, the architect and overseer of royal works, and reportedly the lover of the queen Hatschepsut, who lived from 1479-1458 BCE.

When the mummy was unwrapped, her mouth was found to be wide open, giving the appearance that she was screaming.

It was initially thought the expression was the result of a sloppy embalming process which occurred because the woman had not been important. Usually embalmers would close the jaw and seal it with bandages.

Embalmed in expensive oils

Initial examinations also showed that her organs had not been removed, which, coupled with the open mouth, led experts to the conclusion she had not been worthy of full embalming.

However, a new analysis by Cairo University has found that she had been embalmed in expensive imported oils of frankincense and juniper, while her wig had been treated with quartz, magnetite, and albite crystals, suggesting she was of high status.

The tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun also contained frankincense and juniper.

Prof Sahar Saleem, a Cairo University radiology expert who carried out the analysis, with the mummy - Prof Sahar Saleem/Frontiers Press

The mummys screaming facial expression in this study could be read as a cadaveric spasm, implying that the woman died screaming from agony or pain, said Dr Sahar Saleem, a professor of radiology at Kasr Al Ainy Hospital of Cairo University.

Cadaveric spasm is a rare form of muscular stiffening, typically associated with violent deaths under extreme physical conditions and intense emotion.

Experts believe the woman was mummified quickly after death before her jaw relaxed, leaving embalmers unable to close her mouth as usual.

A time capsule of death

The Screaming Woman is a true time capsule of the way that she died and was mummified, added Dr Saleem.

Here we show that she was embalmed with costly, imported embalming material.

This, and the mummys well-preserved appearance, contradicts the traditional belief that a failure to remove her inner organs implied poor mummification.

Experts believe it is likely she was an important relative of Senmut, whose fate is unknown. He left public life abruptly during Hatchepsuts reign and despite planning two elaborate tombs for himself, was not buried in either.

The X-ray images showed the mummy wearing a two-part wig that had been expensively treated - Prof Sahar Saleem/Frontiers Press

The scans revealed a range of medical information about the woman, but no obvious cause of death was found - Prof Sahar Saleem/Frontiers Press

In the new study, radiographers used CT scans to virtually dissect the screaming mummy and estimate her age, health, and state of preservation.

The tests showed she was around 48 when she died and just over 5ft tall. There was no obvious cause of death.

The presence of osteophytes, or bone spurs, on her vertebrae indicated she had mild arthritis of the spine.

She lacked several teeth, which were probably lost before death as there was evidence of bone resorption, which occurs when a tooth comes out and the socket is left to heal. Other teeth were broken.

The mummy showed no embalming incision, which was consistent with the discovery that the brain, diaphragm, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestine were still present.

The classic method of mummification in the New Kingdom (15501069 BCE) included the removal of all such organs except the heart.

The woman was buried in a painted wooden coffin and wore two scarab rings in silver and gold.

The research was published in Frontiers in Medicine.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
A 20-year-old Kansas City man is the second person to plead guilty to illegally purchasing a gun found outside Union Station following the mass shooting at the Chiefs Super Bowl rally.

Chaelyn Hendrick Groves pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs in federal court in downtown Kansas City to one count of conspiracy to make false statements in the acquisition of a firearm, according to a news release from the U.S. District Attorneys Office for the Western District of Missouri.

The attorney for Groves could not be reached for comment Friday.

On Wednesday, Groves co-defendant, 22-year-old Ronnel Dewayne Williams Jr. of Kansas City, pleaded guilty to the same charge. Sentencing has been set for Dec. 11 for Williams and Dec. 12 for Groves. They each face up to five years in federal prison.

Both Groves and Williams admitted that Williams lied to a firearms dealer in Kansas City as he was purchasing a gun on behalf of Groves, who was too young to buy the weapon for himself legally, according to Groves plea agreement.

Groves and Williams were two of three Kansas City men charged with violating federal gun laws in connection with the Feb. 14 shooting. The charges allege the men were involved in illegal straw purchases and trafficking of firearms, not that the men were among the shooters.

The case for the other man, 23-year-old Fedo Antonia Manning, is still pending. Manning faces 12 gun-related charges, including conspiracy to traffic firearms, engaging in firearm sales without a license and making false statements on a federal form.

Prosecutors allege Manning served as a straw purchaser for up to 40 guns, seven of which had been transferred to a convicted felon and seven of which were connected to criminal investigations, according to court documents filed last month. Three of the guns were linked to an armed robbery, the Chiefs rally shooting and a homicide.

Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a Johnson County mother of two and beloved party disc jockey in Kansas City, was killed in the shooting that erupted at the Chiefs rally outside Union Station. Police said 25 people were injured by gunfire in the brief flurry of shots, and more than 60 others were injured in the stampede that followed.

The Stars Nathan Pilling provided some information for this story.
It's been a tumultuous 12 months for the Black Forest Fire and Rescue District.

After battling the most destructive wildfire in the state's history, the district's board spent the year of recovery embroiled in controversy with residents and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.

"I've never seen, in the 22 years I've lived here, such animosity and divisiveness as I've seen in the last year," said former board chairman Eddie Bracken, who was voted out in last month's board elections.

While on the board he received a petition to remove Fire Chief Bob Harvey, a petition to keep him on, allegations of malfeasance, a costly internal investigation and a hostile election that unseated him and two other incumbent board members.

In a culmination of the year's events, Harvey, the center of the controversy for months, announced at a special board meeting on June 2, that he was going on medical leave for possible Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He said the PTSD might have been triggered by the fire and a hostile work environment.

Much of the community's rancor centered around an internal investigation commissioned to look into Harvey's actions during the fire. The report, which cleared the chief of wrongdoing, has cost the district more than $100,000.

"There was a lot of controversy over that, but it was something we needed to do," Bracken said. "The chief was maliciously accused of many things that in fact did not happen."

Harvey was criticized by El Paso Sheriff Terry Maketa after Harvey told a local news station in November that the fire, which burned more than 14,000 acres, destroyed nearly 500 homes and killed two people, was "probably" intentionally set.

"His comments are nothing more than an attempt to mislead the public and a mere witch hunt," Maketa had replied in a statement, noting that the ongoing investigation did not substantiate Harvey's claims.

He also suggested that Harvey was covering his own mishandling of the fire.

Two petitions soon were circulating in the Black Forest community: one that called for Harvey's removal and an investigation into his actions, and another in support of him. Both were presented to the board, but Bracken said it would be inappropriate to take action based on either petition, which had each garnered about 300 signatures.

Additionally, Bracken said, 100 signatures on the petition calling for the chief's removal were invalid, including the names of minors.

"I'm a firm believer that you're innocent until proven guilty," he said. "There are 7,000 registered voters in this district. I'm not going to make a decision to fire or retain this individual based on the signatures of 200 people."

In December, the board hired retired Greenwood Village police commander David Fisher to conduct an internal investigation into Harvey's actions.

"If Chief Harvey did in fact make some errors, we would have had to fire him," Bracken said.

The executive summary of the report, released in February, exonerated the chief.

"No matter who was in charge at what time, no one was going to be able to stop this fire," Fisher said during a Feb. 19 news conference. "I haven't been able to determine that anyone could have done anything better."

The board had hoped that would be the end of the allegations against Harvey, but the disagreement between the board and the Sheriff's Office persisted.

When the full 2,000-page report was released in April, it alleged, among other things, that a 2,000 gallon tactical tender from the Falcon Fire Deparment was sent to protect the home of Robert McDonald, the commander of emergency services with El Paso County. It also alleged that incident commander and the sheriff's assistant fire marshal, Scott Campbell, started a backfire that destroyed a home and put firefighters and equipment in danger. The event was outlined in a SAFENET report filed by Harvey in October. SAFENET, a program under the National Interagency Fire Center, is a reporting tool used by firefighters to report or resolve safety and health concerns encountered in wildland fires. Bracken said the SAFENET report spurred the initial conflict between Harvey and Maketa.

Maketa called Fisher's Black Forest report "a pack of bold-faced lies" that needed "to be burned." He argued that McDonald's house had served as a bastion for battling the blaze because it was well mitigated.

As allegations on both sides mounted, so did the cost of the investigation, Bracken said.

Featured Local Savings

The internal probe and associated legal fees to date include $24,000 in legal services pertaining to Colorado Open Records Act requests, $29,000 paid to Webb Strategic Communications, a Denver-based public relations firm, and roughly $45,000 to Fisher Enterprises, LLC for the investigation and report.

While the board did not exceed its operating budget of $2.2 million, said Bracken, it did have to make adjustments to account for the growing cost of the investigation.

In addition to postponing a few non-essential station upgrades, the adjustments called for the temporary elimination of two part-time firefighter positions at Station Two, a decision that infuriated many residents. Since September, the Station Two day shifts had been filled by two part-time firefighters who were full-time firefighters from different departments. Now the station is manned by on-call volunteers who live near the station.

Residents expressed concerns about the impact on fire coverage. Others accused the board of not being transparent, and questioned the legality of what members had done with the budget.

The board said the staffing changes would not significantly impact response times, and denied breaking the law.

Two affidavits were submitted to the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office about suspected malfeasance, or abuse of power. The DA determined there were no violations.

"We can move money around...we do it every year," Bracken had countered at a poorly-attended April town hall meeting several weeks before the board elections. "Claims that we exceeded our authority are bogus."

The board's former vice president and recently elected chairman, Rick McMorran, was one of the complaint's filers.

"Anytime that much money is moved, and it effects services, the public should probably be aware that's happening," he said.

McMorran now heads a board with three new members who had signed a petition to remove Harvey, said Bracken.

Harvey alluded to the fact in the letter outlining the details of his leave to the board, which stated that "certain members of the board" had threatened his job during their campaigns.

The new board members, firefighters PJ Langmaid and Jayme McConnellogue, and retired firefighter Rick Nearhoof, were sworn in during the packed May 21 board meeting.

McMorran said the board will bring transparency back to the district. Board members also hope to start mending fences with the county, something Bracken hopes to see as well, particularly as sheriff candidate Bill Elder, makes his transition into office.

Bracken said the report can help.

"The positive thing about that report, which everyone ignores, is that it gave suggestions for how the fire districts could operate better with the El Paso County Sheriff's Department," he said, adding there was an undercurrent of conflict between the El Paso County Wildlands crew and the local fire districts. The Sheriff's Office provided an update on the investigation into the fire in its after action report released on June 10.

In a news conference, Maketa said that a "concrete source of the igntion" for the fire might never be found.

He also mentioned that issues with communication and command structure in the initial stages of the fire were two of the biggest obstacles - a finding also outlined in the Black Forest fire board's report. He added, however, that he still had questions about Harvey's handling of the fire.

In a June 10 statement, the Black Forest Board stated that it agreed with the Sheriff's Office on many points, but said it not been asked to participate in the after action report. The board encouraged people to refer to both reports for a more "complete picture of the disaster."

Controversy and divisiveness aside, the new board will focus on rebuilding, said McMorran.

"It's unfortunate that it came to what it did," he said after the May 21 board meeting. "There were a lot of hurt feelings, a lot of different opinions. You know, with the new board in place, we just want to heal the forest ... help people rebuild their homes and get to a point where they have full faith in their fire department."
Ronald Rowe, the acting director of the Secret Service, testifies to Congress on Tuesday.

Ronald Rowe, the acting director of the Secret Service, testifies to Congress on Tuesday. Photograph: Allison Bailey/NurPhoto/Rex/Shutterstock

The US Secret Service takes full responsibility for the events that led up to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump last month, the acting director of the agency said on Friday.

In a press conference in Washington, Ronald Rowe, who replaced Kimberly Cheatle after she stood down from her position as director of the service after Trump was shot, said: This was a failure.

He said agents should have had better cover of the vantage points, from where a 20-year-old gunman ended up firing shots at the former president while he spoke at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last month.

Trump is the Republican nominee for president, and a bullet grazed his ear as he was addressing the crowd, when shots rang out, killing one in the crowd and injuring others.

The gunman, Thomas Crooks, fired several shots from a rifle after positioning himself on a warehouse roof that Rowe admitted was not far from the stage where Trump was speaking. Crooks was killed by government counter-snipers. Rowe said agents should have had eyes on that position beforehand.

We should have had better coverage on that roof line, he said.

The agency is conducting an internal investigation and Rowe said disciplinary action would be taken if necessary, and procedures will be changed.

He said the Secret Services did not have any idea the shooter had a gun until shots were fired.

There was a failure in communications and surveillance of the area in the run-up to the rally, Rowe said. No one was trying to push blame on to local law enforcement, he added.

There had been speculation earlier that local police should have been able to stop the assailant and also warn the federal agents effectively before he opened fire from the roof of a warehouse with a sight line to the rally stage.

Rowe said that local law enforcement communicated to the federal agency that there was a man on the roof, but the message did not reach the Secret Service.

He added that federal agents were not present at the command post that was being run by local law enforcement.

They were the first to see a man get up on to the roof of the warehouse, which turned out to be the shooter.

The gunman had looked up online the 1963 assassination of President John F Kennedy, and had flown a drone over the rally site, before shooting Trump.

We want to deter people from even thinking about doing something like this again, Rowe said.
Venezuelan ruler Nicolas Maduro holds up the National Electoral Council document that certified his reelection, on Monday, July 29, 2024, in Caracas.

The Biden administration had agreed to lift sanctions on Venezuela and promised the return of normal relations if the opposition could participate in competitive presidential elections, according to a deal secretly signed in Qatar last year that leader Nicolas Maduro made public on social media.

Maduro published the document Wednesday, shortly before Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez won the Venezuelan presidential elections Sunday, citing the vote tallies presented by the opposition. The government-controlled electoral council said Maduro won, providing what were widely seen as fraudulent numbers.

The Qatar document shows the Biden administration struck a deal with Maduro to lift sanctions on the countrys oil, banking and gold sectors if he committed to elections and allow the opposition to compete. And it added a significant incentive to Maduro: the lifting of most sanctions after the winner took office.

At that point, the U.S. government would restore full diplomatic relations and dismantle the sanctions regime against the country, the document says. This would include unblocking all Venezuelan government assets in the United States and lifting sanctions, including individual ones imposed under an executive order.

Early on, Bidens team turned the page from the Trump administrations maximum pressure campaign policy and signaled it was willing to lift sanctions if Maduro allowed free and fair elections. In 2022, after intense lobbying, it authorized Chevron to expand its oil operations in the projects the company already had in Venezuela.

The Qatar agreement  a memorandum of understanding dated Sept 29, 2023, whose details had not been previously disclosed  shows how far the administration was willing to go and how instrumental its efforts were in getting Maduro to sign an electoral agreement with the opposition in Barbados last year.

The document, published by Maduro on X on Wednesday, did not have the U.S. representatives signature. The White House did not reply to an email seeking confirmation of the documents authenticity.

Gradual dismantling of sanctions

The Trump administration had imposed broad sanctions against the Maduro government, the state oil company PDVSA, the countrys central bank, the gold mining sector and the purchasing of Venezuelan debt, citing Maduros antidemocratic actions and human rights violations.

Perhaps more crippling for the regime, Washington also imposed sanctions on at least 115 high-ranking Venezuelan officials for their involvement in human rights abuses, actions to dismantle the countrys democratic system, acts of corruption or drug trafficking. The sanctions, imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control at the Department of the Treasury, in essence froze the assets the individuals might have in banks under U.S. jurisdiction.

According to the document released by Maduro, the Biden administration would move first to lift some sanctions after his government presented a draft copy of an electoral agreement with the oppositions Unitary Platform.

In particular, the administration would issue licenses to authorize Haiti, Belize and the Dominican Republic to pay debt for oil sent by Venezuela through the Petrocaribe initiative and for Trinidad and Tobago to make cash payments to the state-owned Bank of Venezuela.

Trinidad and Tobago received a license from the U.S. Treasury Department to import gas from Venezuela in January 2023 but was barred from making cash payments.

The US. also agreed to allow three foreign oil companiesRepsol, ENI and Maurel & Prom to continue operating in Venezuela, according to the document.

The Biden administration seems to have held their side of the bargain.

In February, the Venezuelan government announced it had received $500 million owed by Haiti after the United States authorized the transfer.

In May, PDVSA, Venezuelas oil state company, said that the Spanish oil company Repsol had received a license from the United States to continue operating in Venezuela. Maurel & Prom made a similar announcement that month.

Following the announcement of a deal with the opposition, the Qatar agreement called for the U.S. government to issue a general license to allow transactions involving the Venezuelan oil sector and the Bank of Venezuela. It would also authorize the secondary trading of Venezuelan bonds and debt and the participation in Venezuelas gold sector, the document says.

The Biden administration took those same steps when the Maduro government announced they had signed an agreement with the opposition in Barbados in October last year, just a month after the deal struck in Qatar. The Barbados agreement included several conditions listed in Maduros deal with the United States, including commitments to allow all opposition candidates to run, give them media time and invite neutral international observers to monitor the election.

But the Biden administration canceled the authorization to ease sanctions on the Venezuelan oil and gold sectors after Maduro banned opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from running and violated other parts of what U.S. officials said was agreed to in Barbados.

What happens next

In a controversial decision, the Venezuelan electoral council, under Maduros control, declared him the winner in the Sunday presidential elections with 51.2% of the votes despite credible polling indicating that the opposition candidate Gonzalez had won by an ample margin. The opposition quickly claimed fraud and provided paper copies verifying it had records of 80 percent of the votes and that Gonzalez had won easily.

Despite calls from several governments, the Venezuelan electoral council has not released a detailed tabulation of the vote. Instead, Maduro has asked the countrys supreme court, under his control, to audit the vote while his forces are cracking down on protesters and members of the opposition.

At least 16 people have died in the clashes, according to human rights groups.

U.S. officials defend their Venezuela strategy after Maduro claims election victory

The Biden administration responded cautiously to the unfolding situation in Venezuela, arguing U.S. efforts led to the elections taking place. Officials said they are withholding judgment until the electoral council release the vote details, which it has not done.

On Thursday, in a carefully worded statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken finally acknowledged Gonzalez had won the most votes in the presidential election but fell short of recognizing him as president-elect.

On Wednesday, the top U.S. diplomat for Latin America, Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols, used stronger language, urging governments of the world to acknowledge Edmundo Gonzalezs overwhelming electoral victory or else risk enabling Maduro and his representatives to attempt a massive fraud and disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles.

The U.S. says that Venezuelan opposition defeated Maduro in presidential election

The White House did not say what conditions would be needed for the U.S. to recognize Gonzalez as president-elect. On Thursday, a bipartisan group of senators led by Florida Republican Marco Rubio introduced a resolution recognizing Gonzalez as president-elect of Venezuela.

The United States, along with democracies worldwide, cant legitimize Maduro nor be complicit by remaining on the sidelines with an illegitimate narco-regime, Rubio said. The time has come for us to recognize the duly-democratically elected president of Venezuela, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia.

But on Wednesday, in the X publication containing the Qatar agreement document, Maduro said he was willing to continue negotiating with the United States.

If the U.S. government is willing to respect sovereignty and stop threatening Venezuela, we can resume #Dialogue but based on a single point: Compliance with Qatar.
See latest spaghetti models on where Potential Tropical Cyclone Four may go

A tropical wave dousing the Greater Antilles became better developed Friday morning and the National Hurricane Center upgraded it to Potential Tropical Cyclone Four.

The title "potential tropical cyclone" is given to systems that the hurricane center is confident will develop but haven't officially formed a closed center of circulation. It is usually done when the system is near the coast so that watches and warnings can be issued.

Over the past two days the area where the system is expected to develop has shifted considerably from a possible east coast storm to one that is in the Gulf that could impact the Panhandle or west coast of the state.

Track all active storms

Potential Tropical Cyclone Four over Cuba

Potential Tropical Cyclone Four has formed over Cuba and is forecast to become Tropical Storm Debby.

Storm tracker: Monitor tropical wave as it moves toward Florida

Why did the forecast for Potential Tropical Cyclone Four change?

Tropical waves can be notoriously hard to forecast until they develop a closed center of circulation which is a key piece in it being designated a tropical cyclone. Initially, it was thought the wave would get pinched between a dip in the jet stream and the Bermuda High. That would have sent it on a more easterly track and potentially out to sea.

Now, forecasters believe it may miss the jet stream dip, leaving the Bermuda High's clockwise winds to push it into the Gulf of Mexico. From there, the National Hurricane Center said it will reach the coast of Florida north of Tampa on Sunday and travel across the state into the Atlantic Ocean. It is expected to weaken over land and re-intensify in the Atlantic.

Could Potential Tropical Cyclone Four become a hurricane?

On Friday, no official forecast was calling for a hurricane to form in the Gulf of Mexico. The official forecast is for it to reach tropical storm strength overnight Friday or Saturday. On Sunday, it is forecast to make landfall near Homosassa Springs north of Tampa as a 65 mph tropical storm. It will weaken but possibly maintain tropical storm strength over the state before reaching the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville.

The five-day forecast puts it off the coast of South Carolina on Wednesday as a 60 mph tropical storm.

NHC forecasters caution that there are uncertainties in the intensity forecast because much of it depends on how long the storm remains offshore of Florida. The track could also shift.

"Since the forecast track is almost parallel to the west coast of the Florida Peninsula and the southeast coast of the U.S., only a small change in the track could lead to large changes in which land areas receive any landfalls and the biggest impacts," NHC forecasters wrote in an 11 a.m. discussion.

The Gulf of Mexico is plenty warm for a tropical cyclone to form

Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are as high as 90 degrees along the coast and only slightly cooler in the open water. But the temperature needed to build and feed a tropical cyclone  about 79 degrees  runs as deep as 450 feet in warm pools in the Gulf, said Nick Shay, a professor of ocean sciences at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science.

That means a storm, especially a quick-moving storm, is less likely to bring up cooler water that could deter strengthening.

Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate and how growth affects South Florida's environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Potential tropical cyclone four and where it may go in Gulf of Mexico
"See you soon"  then a life sentence. When someone you love is detained in a Russian prison camp in Siberia

The first Ukrainian person exiled to Siberia was Demian Ihnatovych (Mnohohrishnyi), a 17th century hetman, or military commander.

Under Soviet rule, dozens of Gulag forced labour camps for political prisoners, and "special settlements"  where thousands of Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, Estonians, Latvians, Armenians, Germans, Fins, and other oppressed peoples were deported to  were built in Siberia.

A century later, Russia continues to deport Ukrainians to Siberia, holding them in prisons in squalid and dehumanising conditions. One such prison, Polyarny Volk (Polar Wolf), was established in the same premises once occupied by Gulag Camp No. 501.

Serhii Mykhailenko, a 26-year-old Azov Brigade fighter who took part in the defence of the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works in Mariupol, is now held in Russian captivity in Siberia. His wife Tamara was told that he is being held in the Polar Wolf prison camp.

Tamara found out her husband was imprisoned via Russian Telegram channels, after a show trial in Russian-controlled Donetsk. Mykhailenkos sentence: life imprisonment.

Tamara didnt receive letters from her husband; but was only able to see glimpses of him in Russian propaganda videos. To save her husband and other unlawfully convicted prisoners, she travelled all the way to the Vatican, to meet with the Pope.

Tamara told Ukrainska Pravda about her love for Serhii, her efforts to bring him back, surviving the Russian assault on Mariupol, and unlawful Russian trials for Ukrainian prisoners of war. She also spoke about her recent meeting with the Pope, and the hope she still harbours for Serhiis release.

"Russia is frozen in the time when people can be deported to Siberia"

Serhii Mykhailenko is likely held in the Polar Wolf prison camp (Correctional Facility No. 3)

Tamara first saw her husband Serhii after his withdrawal from the Azovstal plant on 6 June 2023, although it was a strange "encounter".

The Russians shared a video in which Serhii was forced to confess crimes he never committed. He was emaciated, pale, and looked exhausted. It was difficult to believe he was the same person as the strong and tough Azov Brigade serviceman she had last seen.

"At first I didnt pay attention to that video; the Russians often share such videos, its a known tactic of theirs. Then I started getting messages from friends telling me it was all over Russian media."

When I finally watched the video, I couldnt believe it was my Serhii. He didnt look like himself. He stuttered  I suspect that was the effect of torture. I cried all day long, I felt as though part of my soul had died," Tamara recalls.

After that, Tamara joined a psychological rehabilitation programme. She had no idea how much strength the coming weeks and months would require: as of that day, Serhii was officially the subject of a sham Russian investigation.

"This picture brings me so much pain. This is my husband before the war, in captivity, and during the sham trial. I hope that soon I will have a picture of him from our long-awaited wedding," Tamara says

On 16 January 2024, the Russians shared a photo from the show trial in Donetsk, which found Serhii guilty on trumped-up charges. His sentence: life imprisonment in a special regime prison camp.

According to Tamara, since then, Serhii has been held in the Correctional Facility No. 3, also known as the Polar Wolf prison camp, located within the Arctic Circle, in western Siberia (IC-3 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug).

"I saw his empty eyes, his pale face. He was extremely thin and had very light clothes on, despite the freezing temperatures outside. I know hes in Siberia now, in the same prison where [Russian opposition leader] Alexei Navalny was held. Its possible that hes been in solitary confinement since April 2024. Thats horrifying.

I couldnt believe that in the 21st century, an era of space travel and new technologies, Russia is frozen in the time when people can be deported to Siberia. I only read about this in books. I couldnt imagine that I could end up in this situation," Tamara says.

She doesnt get letters or phone calls from her husband. All she can do is follow Russian news and social media to find out whether her husband is alive.

"On 16 January, I saw a video from the courtroom and heard that he had been sentenced to life imprisonment. But what for? For defending Mariupol? I think I was going through my third rehabilitation programme at the time," says Tamara. "The situation with these unlawful trials appeared critical."

Tamara found out from Russian Telegram channels that Serhii suffered a concussion when he was beaten by a group of Russian prison staff. He is suffering from panic attacks as a result of the contusions and torture he has endured. Tamara doesnt know if hes been given warm clothes.

"I heard that theyre not given enough food in Siberia and are forced to work hard: theyre not just glueing paper bags, but carrying heavy stones and carrying out hard labour. This contravenes the Geneva Conventions, which actually also ban the Russians from trying prisoners [of war] at all," Tamara says.

Tamara found out from Russian Telegram channels that her husband Serhii was tortured in captivity

Tamara isnt the only person in this situation. Many Mariupol defenders have been given extensive sentences  from 20-30 years to life imprisonment  for the crime of defending their city.

According to Tamara, many of them are sent to truly terrible places, including prison camps for criminals serving life: Cherny Delfin (Black Dolphin), Polyarnaya Sova (Polar Owl), Polar Wolf, and the Pyatak prison in Vologda.

"These show trials are out of control; more than 100 members of Azov Brigade alone have been sentenced. Some of the members of Azov are being held in Black Dolphin, one of the worst prisons in Russia.

Its very difficult to come to terms with the fact that the person you were going to spend your life with is above the Arctic Circle. The uncertainty drives you crazy, not knowing whether hes even had anything to eat on any given day," Tamara says.

Love, Mariupol and books going up in flames

Serhii, 26, and Tamara, 23, have been together for six years

Tamara Koriahina, 23, was born in Mariupol, as was her husband Serhii. Theyve been together for over six years. They went to the same school, but didnt know each other then, and met for the first time when they were university students.

"My husband is the best person I know. I cant imagine my life without him. He is the life and soul of the party, always cheerful, always empathetic, kind, brave, and always ready to help," Tamara says about Serhii.

He joined the Azov Brigade (then the Azov Regiment) in 2019, while Tamara was studying philology in Zaporizhzhia. They moved in together during the Covid-19 lockdown, in 2020.

Tamara founded an English language school for adults and kids in Mariupol and Serhii pursued his interests in graphic design and literature, outside of serving in the military.

"During my first year at university, we were just friends. We started dating when I turned 19, we were planning our wedding. Unfortunately, the wedding hasnt happened yet. Many of our friends will never be able to attend it, because they have been killed. We just got married at the courthouse," Tamara says.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Tamara was in Mariupol and Serhii was training in Lviv Oblast, in western Ukraine. On 26 February, he texted her: "Im home." He had joined the defence of Mariupol.

Tamara last spoke to her husband on 16 May 2022

Mobile service, heating and water were cut off in Mariupol very early in the full-scale invasion. Russian planes were circling the skies, and explosions rocked the city almost every minute.

Tamara remained in Mariupol with her grandmother and Serhiis aunt. They burned their copies of The Divine Comedy and The Myths of Ancient Greece  Serhiis favourite books  to keep warm. Tamara would walk over to the Mariupol Drama Theatre to find out the latest news.

On 16 March 2022, Tamara left the theatre just moments before a Russian airstrike destroyed it. That saved her life.

"We lived near Azovstal, and in the early days the occupiers extensively shelled the areas around it. We used to go to the Drama Theatre because that was where you could find out the news. There were military and police personnel there who could help you, and you could get some hot water and food there too.

I remember leaving the Drama Theatre and crossing the road, and then the theatre was hit by a bomb. I still remember the horror of that moment. Its a miracle I survived. I remember a man, covered in blood, who ran towards me. I watched him die. There was nothing I could do to help him," Tamara recalls.

She left Mariupol on 18 March. She couldnt contact Serhii during all that time, having not been able to since late February. She eventually got a call from him on 26 March.

"Thats when I knew Serhii was at Azovstal. Each day was like hell. I asked him when the last time he ate was, and he said: I dont remember, but I hate Snickers. That was the only thing they had to eat," Tamara says.

During a Russian air raid on 7 April, Serhii sustained a shrapnel wound. His phone was destroyed, and he could no longer contact his wife. He was in the field hospital for a while, but couldnt receive surgery because of a shortage of medical supplies. He still has pieces of shrapnel in his legs.

"See you soon, get ready for the wedding"

Tamara and Serhii had signed their marriage paperwork at the registry office and were planning a wedding in May 2022

Tamara last spoke to her husband on 16 May 2022. He used his friends phone to send her a message: "Dont worry, everythings alright. We received an order to surrender. See you soon, get ready for the wedding."

"Ive been living with this message for three years now. We have no information about our loved ones. We only see their show trials on Telegram and in Russian media," Tamara says.

She had no idea what the state of Serhiis health was when Ukrainian forces withdrew from Azovstal. She later found out he was transferred to a pre-trial detention centre in Donetsk.

Serhiis brothers-in-arms  those who have since been freed from Russian captivity  said that the Russians were torturing Serhii and kept transferring him from one place to another.

"I received news in May 2023 from a guy who was in a cell next to Serhii. He said they were framing him for something, and that the Russians were accusing our relatives of crimes they themselves had committed.

The case states that he 'committed a crime' in March, but this is technically impossible because he had stepped on something sharp at that time, his leg was pierced and he was in hospital for a while. He wasn't even at the positions," Tamara says.

Tamara has been waiting for her husband for three years

Tamara tries to keep calm, recalling Serhii's messages professing his love for her. She lives with the dream that she will soon hug her husband.

Her thoughts are consumed with how to bring him back home every day. She no longer cries because Serhii always said that crying won't resolve any situation.

"I am waiting for him. I've even learned to cook his favourite borshch, though I don't particularly like it myself," she shares.

Tamara stays in constant contact with the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, but the International Committee of the Red Cross has provided no news about Serhii's fate. It only confirmed his exit from Azovstal in May 2022.

"The Red Cross and the UN are organisations that don't exist for me. They recently called and inquired as to whether I had any information about my husband. I asked, isn't it their job to find out where the prisoners are? They said, 'Unfortunately, Russia doesn't allow us to.' And that was it," Tamara says.

The Azovstal defenders wife admits her disillusionment with international human rights organisations, as they haven't visited the prison camps where the Russians are holding the defenders of Mariupol. But Tamara recently found a new glimmer of hope in a meeting with Pope Francis.

Visiting the Pope

The Pope met with the families of the illegally convicted Azov soldiers on 16 June 2024.

Association of Azovstal Defenders' Families

Kateryna Prokopenko and Yuliia Fedosiuk, the wives of Azov soldiers, visited the Pope and handed him photographs of the injured from Azovstal on 11 May 2022. The families of the Azovstal defenders pleaded for the extraction of the fighters from Mariupol to a third country.

The wives of the Azovstal defenders, now illegally convicted by Russian authorities, came to see the Pope once again on 26 June 2024. Tamara was among the delegation.

The women presented the Pope with a book titled Eyes of Mariupol, translated into Italian, a list of the illegally convicted Azov soldiers, a child's drawing depicting the captured defenders, and a replica of Hands in Shackles  an installation set up on Kyivs Sofiia Square in honour of the Azovstal defenders.

"Many families have told foreign media about the illegally convicted prisoners, having travelled to Geneva We decided that the Vatican was our last step. The Pope represents a powerful figure worldwide.

I hope that the Pope was moved by our story because I saw how he looked at us. I remember his eyes," Tamara notes.

The women presented the Pope with the book Eyes of Mariupol, a list of illegally convicted Azov soldiers, a child's drawing and a scaled-down replica of Hands in Shackles

Another aim of the trip to the Vatican was also to raise awareness of the illegal trials. The wives of the Azov soldiers engaged with numerous foreign media outlets, explaining that these fabricated trials completely violate the Geneva Conventions. However, according to Tamara, some Italian journalists struggled to understand why Russia lacks the right to sentence prisoners of war.

Tamara urges Ukrainians and the international community to keep the plight of the Mariupol defenders in the spotlight, demand prisoner swaps, and to attend peaceful protests.

"The exchange of those who have been illegally convicted is highly uncertain. We are afraid that they have little chance of coming back home, but we continue the fight, telling everyone that these illegal trials are indeed a huge problem. We ask the international community to help us, to put pressure on the aggressor country," Tamara says.

Why are the trials of Ukrainian prisoners of war illegal?

Official data says at least 620 Ukrainians have faced criminal prosecution while in captivity. Photo taken during an illegal trial in Donetsk

According to the Geneva Conventions, prisoners of war cannot be tried for participating in combat on behalf of their state. However, it does allow for accountability in cases of serious violations of the Geneva Conventions themselves.

Russia, in turn, attempts to accuse Ukrainian prisoners of war of committing war crimes, often charging them with killing civilians or destroying civilian infrastructure. As the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War explained, these cases are usually based on false testimonies and forced confessions obtained under torture.

The Geneva Conventions require humane treatment and fair trials for prisoners of war. Article 99 states, "No moral or physical coercion may be exerted on a prisoner of war in order to induce him to admit himself guilty of the act of which he is accused." Yet Russia follows no such jurisprudence.

"Russia has no right to capture foreigners on the territory of another country and subject them to Russian 'justice'. These people have done nothing illegal, especially if they are members of legitimate armed forces. They were defending their country.

The fact that Russia has long used false justice and mock trials is undeniable. The judicial system under Putin is a legacy of the twisted Soviet system and Stalinist repressions. It has the entire arsenal of methods honed during Soviet pseudo-justice," the Coordination Headquarters spokesperson Petro Yatsenko said.

A vast majority of Ukrainian soldiers who came back from Russian captivity  94%  reported torture and inhumane treatment. Thus, Petro Yatsenko emphasises that "sincere confessions of guilt" have nothing to do with reality.

"Russians are trying to accuse civilians mainly under anti-terrorism statutes and soldiers under war crimes. They also use terms like 'countering a special military operation'. This is incredibly nonsensical, arbitrary, and a violation of all international norms and rules.

Fake courts impose insanely long prison terms. We are aware of situations where even cooks who worked in the Azovstal kitchen receive court sentences," Petro Yatsenko says.

In addition, Russia does not provide adequate legal assistance to Ukrainian prisoners. Lawyers mostly play a nominal role in a staged process. Only in rare cases do lawyers show any interest in the fate of the "defendant" and contact the prisoners family, allowing them to at least know that the prisoner is alive.

Is it possible to free illegally convicted prisoners?

The Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War says that it is possible.

"Of course, receiving a fake verdict is hugely stressful for the families of the serviceperson or illegally imprisoned civilian. However, from the perspective of negotiations, receiving a verdict is not an obstacle to swaps.

What is needed is simply the willingness of the other side to take back collaborators and their own soldiers. They have very little willingness to do so now," Petro Yatsenko explains.

The international community must pressure Russia to stop the torture and give Ukrainian defenders back

As of 30 June 2024, the Coordination Headquarters is aware of the criminal prosecution of 620 Ukrainian servicemen in Russian captivity, although the actual number may be higher. Contrary to the Geneva Conventions, Russia does not inform Ukraine about open criminal proceedings, so the Coordination Headquarters can only monitor reports from the Russian prosecution and media.

The Coordination Headquarters tracks all locations where Ukrainians are held in the Russian Federation and temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories  currently 104 locations.

So far, only 29 illegally convicted fighters have been brought back from captivity. According to Petro Yatsenko, the main issue is that swaps are conducted rarely. Despite many Russians being captured, their country is reluctant to take back its soldiers and tries to slow down the exchange process.

"The prisons are located at considerable distances from each other, including notorious places like Mordovia and Taganrog. The treatment everywhere is inhumane. Our people face torture and humiliation, while conditions are far from those stipulated by the Geneva Conventions.

Amendments were made in 1949 to the Third Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War to address the issues of medical care, adequate food, communication with relatives, respect for human dignity, and prohibition of torture. None of this is practised. Even in places where the food may be slightly better and beatings less frequent, the conditions are much worse than what Ukraine provides for Russians," Petro Yatsenko says.

Russia does not allow representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit the detention sites or communicate with the prisoners. The Coordination Headquarters emphasises that the international community must pressure Russia to stop the torture, provide medical care to prisoners of war, and allow them to contact their families.

"The health of the prisoners is getting worse and worse. Many have been unable to contact their families for over two years, unlike Russians who can receive parcels and make phone calls.

It is crucial for the global community to pressure Russia, strengthen sanctions, and use all possible diplomatic and economic methods to urge Russia to end the torture. Our people must come back alive," Petro Yatsenko stresses.

Yatsenko also explains that it may be easier to bring back a prisoner of war who has already received a "verdict" than one who is still undergoing "trial".

"When there is a so-called 'investigation', the Russians refuse to swap the person, making excuses that the process is still ongoing. Such cases have occurred. Once the person has a verdict  even though it is enormous and false  it may no longer be an obstacle for the aggressor country's judicial system.

If the Russians decide to take back one of their own, a person with a sentence can be swapped. A verdict is not a reason for despair, though it is difficult for families," Petro Yatsenko concluded.

Olena Barsukova for Ukrainska Pravda. Zhyttia

Translation: Olya Loza and Tetiana Buchkovska

Editing: Rory Fleming-Stewart and Teresa Pearce
See where Ohio cities rank among US cities with the most international travelers in 2023

What cities in the U.S. do international travelers enjoy the most?

With the sunny skies and hot temperatures, many international tourists are traveling the world while the summer lasts. Luxury Link analyzed popular US cities and ranked the top 15 most visited areas in 2023 by international visitors.

31 million international travelers visited the US in 2023 after visitor numbers dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study by the Department of Commerces Survey of International Air Travelers.

What cities made the list and why are they so popular? Lets take a look.

Where did Ohio cities rank?

Though Ohio's metro cities did not make it to the top 15, but they still made the list as popular destinations for international tourism.

Cleveland

Overall rank: No. 48

International tourists (2023): 123,000

The Cleveland metro area was Ohio's top draw for international tourists in 2023. Its 123,000 visitors were a 78.3% jump from the previous year and accounted for 0.4% of all overseas tourists who visited the U.S.

Columbus

Overall rank: No. 68

International tourists (2023): 76,000

The capital city had 35 overseas visitors for every 1,000 residents and saw a 43.4% rise in international tourists from the previous year.

Cincinnati

Overall rank: No. 73

International tourists (2023): 66,000

The Queen City and its tri-state metro area experienced an 18.5% decrease in international tourists in 2023. If it had kept the same number of tourists from 2022, it would have had more than 78,000 visits and finished above Columbus in the rankings.

What draws international tourists to these cities?

Travelers typically visit places for purposes such as tourism and vacation, visiting friends and relatives, business, education, shopping and so forth. Among the 31 million travelers, 67% cite vacationing as their primary reason for visiting, with visiting friends and relatives following as the second reason with 37%.

In addition, travelers also look forward to leisure activities in these cities, including shopping, sightseeing, national parks, museums, visiting historical locations, theme parks, and fine dining. Eighty-two percent of vacationers enjoy shopping as their leisure activity, with sightseeing following at 72%.

The 15 U.S. cities visited most by international travelers

Based on the total number of overseas visitors, these were the top 15 cities in the United States for overseas visitors in 2023.

1. New York City, New York

Overseas visitors: 8,890,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 745

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 28.3%

2. Miami, Florida

Overseas visitors: 4,365,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 1,632

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 13.9%

3. Los Angeles, California

Overseas visitors: 3,603,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 371

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 11.5%

4. Orlando, Florida

Overseas visitors: 3,518,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 1,273

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 11.2%

5. San Francisco, California

Overseas visitors: 2,281,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 1,483

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 7.3%

6. Las Vegas, Nevada

Overseas visitors: 2,077,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 894

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 6.6%

7. Washington D.C.

Overseas visitors: 1,611,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 253

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 5.1%

8. Chicago, Illinois

Overseas visitors: 1,413,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 199

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 4.5%

9. Honolulu, Hawaii

Overseas visitors: 1,322,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 1,328

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 4.2%

10. Boston, Massachusetts

Overseas visitors: 1,152,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 569

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 3.7%

11. Houston, Texas

Overseas visitors: 887,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 121

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 2.8%

12. Atlanta, Georgia

Overseas visitors: 765,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 123

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 2.4%

13. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Overseas visitors: 749,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 385

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 2.4%

14. San Diego, California

Overseas visitors: 655,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 200

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 2.1%

15. Dallas, Texas

Overseas visitors: 655,000

Overseas visitors per 1,000 residents: 122

Percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors: 2.1%

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: See where Ohio cities rank for popularity among international tourists
UPDATE: The Illinois State Police (ISP) has emailed a news release about yesterdays rollover.

ISP Troop 2 was called to the intersection of 19th Street and Morton Drive in East Moline on Thursday, August 1 at about 4:47 p.m. for a report of a single-unit property damage crash.

According to the release, a white 2023 Kalmar truck-tractor hauling a semi-trailer was traveling westbound at the intersection of Morton Drive and 19th Street. The driver, Jeffrey Arnold, 60, of Council Bluffs, was driving too fast for conditions as he negotiated a curve and overturned onto the passenger side of the vehicle. Arnold was issued a citation for driving too fast for conditions. No injuries were reported.

EARLIER: A semi rolled over Thursday afternoon at the corner of 19th Street and Morton Drive, East Moline.

Our Quad Cities News crew saw the truck on its right side. Illinois State and East Moline police handled the incident.

The truck is a single-driver vehicle that is designed for short hauls.

Part of 19th Street southbound was closed because of the rollover, which was right outside the fire station.

We do not know whether anyone was ticketed or injured. We will stay in contact with police to provide details as soon as they are 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
(Photo by Phillip Rubino/Getty Images)

Iowa Writers 'Collaborative. Linking Iowa readers and writers.

Joni Ernst calls herself the U.S. Senates fiercest advocate for government accountability.

Too bad she doesnt appear to care about the countrys biggest tax cheats.

Over the past couple years, the Iowa senator has been fixated on the Internal Revenue Service. But rather than help the IRS try to recover the hundreds of billions of dollars in unpaid taxes each year, Ernst and her fellow Republicans are doing the opposite. They want to choke off the funding that is helping the IRS to rein in these abuses and give you better service.

Three weeks ago, the IRS announced that, with the additional funding provided by the White House and Democrats in Congress, it had collected more than $1 billion in unpaid taxes from millionaires over the past year.

The month before that, the agency announced it was closing a loophole to stop basis shifting among related partnerships that could cost taxpayers $50 billion over the next 10 years.

You would think a lawmaker who cares about the budget would praise this sort of thing. After all, tax collections are vital to maintaining a sound budget, and our nations fiscal health isnt good. We just learned the federal debt blasted past $35 trillion for the first time. Thats almost twice the red ink we had in 2014, when Ernst was first elected.

To be sure, shrinking the amount of unpaid taxes wont solve the nations debt problem. And the IRS announcements I just mentioned only make a small dent in the annual amount of unpaid taxes, which the government estimated was about $625 billion in 2021.

Still, Americans who pay their taxes expect their fellow citizens to pay their fair share, too. And they expect the government to enforce the rules fairly.

So, what is Ernst doing to help?

Not much. Not only is she critical of the additional funding that makes these gains possible, but now shes bragging about a new audit she requested in 2022 that studied how IRS workers are complying with their tax obligations.

The audit, conducted by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, found that, as of May 2023, 96% of IRS employees were current on the taxes they owed. Four percent were not.

About 2,000 workers  out of 85,000 total  owed $12 million, or about $6,000 apiece on average. Another 1,300 IRS workers owed $9 million and were on payment plans, which are available to any qualified taxpayer having trouble with their bills. Add in the private employees working for IRS contractors, and the total back taxes owed was $46 million, according to the audit.

Nobody likes it when other people dont pay their taxes on time, but if this is what Ernst defines as massive tax evasion, she should look instead at the 2021 TIGTA audit that called attention to the 685,000 wealthy taxpayers who were delinquent on $38.5 billion in tax obligations.

Thats more than 1,800 times the back taxes owed by those IRS employees.

In fact, an audit last year found IRS employees consistently have the lowest tax delinquency rate in the federal government. And while its not a direct comparison, the government estimates that 85% of tax obligations owed by Americans overall are paid voluntarily and on time.

The IRS said in response to the audit that more than half of those workers who were delinquent but not on payment plans had already paid up or were owed refunds. Thats a good thing. Not only should everybody pay their taxes, but the law imposes a special obligation on IRS employees to do so. They are, after all, working for the agency responsible for enforcing the nations tax laws.

But what about the people who write those laws?

Wouldnt it be nice to know that members of Congress are following those tax laws, too?

Unfortunately, we cant be sure. Even if they are audited, we arent told about it. And when the media asks for their tax returns, they often get stiff-armed. In 2017, amid the controversy over Donald Trumps tax returns, Roll Call asked the more than 500 members of Congress to release their returns. Only six did so. (Roll Call also identified an additional 43 lawmakers who had released their returns, apparently to others, or allowed reporters to view them.)

If Ernst really wanted to be a fierce advocate for government accountability, she would demand that more than 10% of her fellow lawmakers publicly release their tax returns.

Or she might shine a light on the thousands of private companies with government contracts that still owe hundreds of millions of dollars in delinquent taxes.

Or she might insist that those wealthy Americans who are dodging billions of dollars in taxes pay their fair share.

Heres the point: The IRS isnt the enemy here. It is just a convenient scapegoat for a senator who has no apparent interest in working to ensure the nations tax collector has the resources to adequately do the job of making sure that everybody pays the taxes they owe.

This shouldnt be surprising. In the nearly 10 years that Ernst has been in office, the nations fiscal health has significantly deteriorated. Spending has risen. Debt has risen. The amount of unpaid taxes has risen.

The U.S. has serious fiscal challenges, but it appears Joni Ernst will never be a part of solving them. Shes too busy playing games.

This column was originally published by Ed Tibbetts Along the Mississippi newsletter on Substack. It is republished here through the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

Editors note: Please consider subscribing to the collaborative and the authors blogs to support their work.
The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a defense bill on Thursday that added $21 billion to the budget, heeding requests to invest more in national security but pushing back against a spending cap that had been agreed to by House Republicans and the Biden administration last year.

The Senate bill cleared this week includes $852.2 billion for the Defense Department, which is up from the $833 billion for the Pentagon passed by House appropriators in June.

The House version is in line with a 1 percent spending bump from the previous fiscal year, meeting an agreement that Biden reached with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in 2023 to reduce spending in exchange for a GOP hold at the time on raising the debt ceiling.

The Senate version is a more than 3 percent increase from the last fiscal year, but the $21 billion in additional funding is being considered an emergency expense, meaning it does not break the Biden-McCarthy agreement.

The Senate defense funding bill will now head to the floor for full chamber consideration. The full Senate also has yet to vote on its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which lays out priorities for the money. The House passed its NDAA in June, which includes several culture war amendments.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the new investments in the funding bill builds on our efforts in the National Security Supplemental to strengthen our defenses in key regions, deter conflict, promote stability, and ultimately, keep our nation safe.

With new investments to ensure our military remains the best in the world while supporting our servicemembers and standing with our allies, she added in a statement.

Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, said the defense funding bill was bolstering U.S. strength.

This strong, bipartisan budget will accelerate investments to allow our military to stay ahead of the threat of China, provide certainty for our servicemembers, he said in a statement.

Still, its not clear if far-right Republicans in the House, who have long pushed back against increases in spending, will accept the emergency funds for defense.

The committees passage comes after Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) in May called for a generational investment in national defense, with a boost of an additional $55 billion in fiscal 2025 and an ultimate aim of spending 5 percent of gross domestic product, or economic output, on the budget in the next five to seven years.

Wicker and other Democratic and Republican lawmakers have grown concerned with the global security environment in recent years, pointing to Russias war in Ukraine, Israels fight against Iranian-backed groups in the Middle East and Chinas threats in the Indo-Pacific.

The Senate funding bill includes $500 million to the Indo-Pacific security fund to combat China, along with $37 billion to build seven battleships as the U.S. tries to catch up to a larger Chinese Navy.

It also includes some $4 billion for force protection and operations in Europe and more than $17 billion for the Middle East area of operations, boosting the Biden administrations March budget request slightly.

The bill funds several priority weapon programs, including the nuclear missile replacement Sentinel program and the B-21 raider nuclear bomber, along with hypersonic weapons research, and the purchase of Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters.

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The German Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Muller has rejected reports that financial irregularities were the reason for his removal from one of the most important posts in the Vatican in 2017.

"The image is being spread that I enriched myself financially like a common thief," the 76-year-old told dpa on Friday. "But absolutely none of this is true."

The US Catholic news portal The Pillar reported that large sums of money from Vatican funds were discovered in Muller's private account in 2015.

Muller was appointed head of the powerful authority for the doctrine of the faith in 2012 by the then Pope Benedict XVI. However, his successor Francis did not extend Muller's term of office five years later.

At the time, the reason was thought to be a directional dispute between the church leader from Argentina, who was considered more of a reformer, and the conservative German. Officially, Francis gave no explanation, which greatly outraged Muller at the time.

According to The Pillar, however, the involuntary departure was related to the fact that large amounts of cash were discovered in the offices of the then Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith during an internal investigation in 2015.

In addition, around 200,000 ($218,000) belonging to the Congregation had been entered in one of Muller's private accounts - allegedly due to a mistake in the account number.

The Pillar said it's report was based on several sources in the Vatican who were not named. However, the portal, which is respected in church circles, also reported that there is no evidence that Muller wanted to personally enrich himself. Rather, there was "panic" in his office at the time because of the investigation.

Muller rejected the report's account as a "typical intrigue." The congregation had "not lost a penny" because of him, he told dpa. When he took office, there was a "certain amount of confusion" in the management of accounts and the storage of cash, which he later rectified.

"This extraordinarily hurtful campaign falls on the conscience of those who pursue reputational damage as a means of their church policy," Muller said.
The Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District has placed its chief on administrative leave following accusations made by staff.

Citing "organizational leadership and cultural challenges" addressed in letters sent to the district board of directors at the end of June, the board placed Fire Chief PJ Langmaid on administrative leave July 1. The suspension has since been extended indefinitely pending investigation into the chief's conduct.

The board has discussed the allegations at several special meetings over the past month, all in executive sessions closed to the public. According to the board's meeting minutes, a "letter of no confidence" was sent to the board from staff members.

The board has also considered suspending other leadership at the district employing 30 full-time firefighters, including Deputy Chief Chris Piepenburg and Training Captain Michael Torres. At the July 1 meeting the board voted to restrict command staff to "nothing except operational needs," suspending their ability to make policy decisions, change schedules, or hire and fire employees of the district.

Board member Jim Abendschan said at a July 6 meeting that the two leaders were involved in the issues plaguing the district.

"If we leave Chief Piepenburg and Captain Torres in their positions, the culture is untenable, the grapevine is alive and well and not a healthy environment," he said, according to the meeting minutes. "We have a qualified administrative officer that can keep the ball running and Captains who are qualified to run calls."

A motion to suspend Piepenburg and Torres died, as did a motion to fire Langmaid outright in a 2-2 vote with one board member excused. In the meeting, the board "deemed the actions committed by Chief Langmaid to be terminable."

The lack of leadership has prompted "operational support" from the Colorado Springs Fire Department, said CSFD Spokesperson Ashley Franco. She said that CSFD was providing a battalion chief for supervision on complex and multi-company incidents, and would continue to do so until the situation was resolved.

In an email statement, Black Forest Fire Rescue Board of Directors Chairman Nate Dowden said that the district continues to provide fire and EMS services "uninterrupted:"

"The city will be assisting in calls that Chiefs were tagged to under our mutual aid agreements and the Board has further authorized the use of appointed individual(s) to be temporarily available to provide day-to-day leadership presence pending completion of its investigation."

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He then wrote that the district was in discussion with the CSFD "to accept a limited, short-term appointment" of an "interim operational fire chief" from the Colorado Springs agency while the investigation into Langmaid continues.

Monument Fire District chief Andy Kovacs said that his neighboring agency had not received any formal requests for assistance from Black Forest Fire Rescue.

"Even in light of circumstances over there, it's business as usual for the two agencies," he said.

He said mutual aid calls route through the El Paso County Sheriff's Office dispatch and that the neighboring agencies were still in the operating smoothly when it came to multi-agency calls or ambulance requests.

The recently-inaugurated joint firefighter training program between Monument, Black Forest Fire Rescue and Pikes Peak State College may be up in the air after the successful graduation of its first batch of recruits this year. Kovacs said that he hoped issues at Black Forest, where the training program was physically run, would be resolved by the time another class would start in January.

In the meantime, Langmaid is under investigation for issues at the district as well as an allegation about the board's emails. On July 6 the board voted to employ IT to "provide forensic analysis of the potential unauthorized access of Chief Langmaid to Director Dowden's, Chief Piepenburg's and Captain Torres's email," according to the minutes.

Langmaid's own email has been taken over by Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn.

The board retained the law firm Cockrel Ela Glesne Greher and Ruhland out of Denver to conduct what is intended to be a "360 degree" investigation, according to to board member Jack Hinton.

Langmaid previously served on the Black Forest Fire Rescue board of directors before taking on the role of chief in 2019. He lost his house in the 2013 Black Forest fire.

Langmaid was a firefighter with the Colorado Springs Fire Department for 15 years, according to Gazette news partner KOAA. He had not held a leadership rank with a firefighting agency before becoming chief.

Langmaid could not be reached for comment.
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Thursday introduced a bill to abolish the military draft. He said the all-volunteer military has eliminated the need for "the same draft that sent two million unwilling young men to war 50 years ago." Wyden's bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-K.Y., would repeal the Selective Service Act. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Aug. 2 (UPI) -- A bipartisan Senate bill to abolish the Selective Service military draft was introduced Thursday by Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

"The Selective Service is a long-outdated program that eats up millions of taxpayer dollars and gives us nothing in return," Wyden said in a statement. "Our volunteer military forces are the strongest in the world, and there simply isn't a need to replicate the same draft that sent two million unwilling young men to war 50 years ago."

Wyden said this is a commonsense bill that saves taxpayer money. It would repeal the Selective Service Act.

Sen. Paul said in a statement, "It has been over 50 years since the draft was last used. I've long stated that if a war is worth fighting, Congress will vote to declare it and people will volunteer. This outdated government program no longer serves a purpose and should be eliminated permanently."

Selective Service has a budget of over $31 million a year, but there has been no military draft since 1973. An all-volunteer force has been used since then.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., supported Democrat Ron Wyden in introducing a bill to abolish the draft. It would repeal the Selective Service Act. Paul said in a statement "If a war is worth fighting, Congress will vote to declare it and people will volunteer." File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Among the groups endorsing the bill to abolish the Selective Service are Center on Conscience and War, World Beyond War, RootsAction.org, Military Law Task Force of the National Lawyers Guild, Resisters.info, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Antiwar.com, International Peace Research Association, American Friends Service Committee, Mennonite Central Committee U.S., War Resisters League, Fellowship of Reconciliation, and Committee Opposed to Militarism and the Draft.

More than 1.8 million American men were drafted during the Vietnam War, with the final draft call coming Dec. 7, 1972.

According to the Disabled American Veterans, 17,671 U.S. draftees were killed in the Vietnam War. That was a little over 30% of the total U.S. military deaths of 58,220 in Vietnam.

According to the Selective Service System, draft registration was suspended April 1, 1975. Draft registration resumed in July 1980 for men born in 1960 and later. Men are required to register for the draft within 30 days of their 18th birthday.

In 2020 a national commission recommended requiring women to register with the government for a military draft. All combat roles were opened to women by the Defesne Department in 2015.

A federal judge ruled in 2019 that a men-only military draft was unconstitutional. It came in a case brought by a men's rights advocacy group called National Coalition for Men.

In 2016, President Obama and the Pentagon announced their support for a universal requirement to register women as well as men for the selective service draft.

The Senate approved a bill in June 2016 that would have required women to register, but the House stripped it out.
Just a few weeks ago, prisoner Skylar Meade was sentenced to at least 35 years for his part in an ambush that allowed him to escape while getting treatment at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise.

Now the 32-year-old, who was already serving a minimum 10-year prison sentence at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, could face death row for his alleged role in a homicide.

The Nez Perce County Prosecutors Office announced Friday its intent to seek the death penalty against Meade, who has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of an 83-year-old North Idaho man.

Within 36 hours of his escape, Meade and his alleged accomplice, Nicholas Umphenour, were apprehended by law enforcement officials, who announced they were suspects in a pair of killings. The men encountered James Mauney in Juliaetta, north of Lewiston, while he was walking his dogs, according to Idaho State Police. His body was later found in a desolate area.

That same day, deputies from neighboring Clearwater County found the body of Gerald Don Henderson, 72, in his cabin outside of Orofino. Police said shackles that belonged to Meade, along with Mauneys dogs, were found in the cabin.

Meade and Umphenour were indicted by a Nez Perce grand jury and charged in mid-June with first-degree murder in the death of Mauney, according to the Nez Perce County Prosecutors Office. Grand jury proceedings arent public, even to those accused of the crimes, and give prosecutors a way to charge someone while bypassing a preliminary hearing.

After long and careful consideration I have decided to seek the death penalty in this case, Nez Perce County Prosecutor Justin Coleman said in a news release Friday. The senseless and random killing of Mr. Mauney and the facts surrounding what led to his death, warrants this determination.

Meade was taken to the Nez Perce County Detention Facility with the assistance of several law enforcement agencies Thursday, according to the prosecutors office, and hes expected to appear before 2nd District Judge Michelle Evans for an arraignment at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 8.

Coleman said that extensive planning went into the transportation of Meade to Lewiston and that significant manpower and time helped guarantee there were no issues. Now we can continue our work to hold him accountable for his crimes in our county, Coleman added.

While Meades case in the death of Mauney has now become public, allowing more information to come out, Umphenours case is still sealed and isnt available on the states online public court system.

After a defendant enters a plea in their case, prosecutors have 60 days to announce their intent to seek the death penalty, under Idaho law.

Police: Hendersons death still under investigation

Lewiston-based attorney Rick Cuddihy, who works at Knowlton & Miles, has been appointed to represent Meade in this case. In Ada County, Meade pleaded guilty to five charges, three of which were related to the escape, and was sentenced in mid-July to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 35 years.

You are a career criminal, 4th Judicial District Judge Nancy Baskin told Meade during the sentencing.

Umphenour is still facing charges in Ada County and has been accused of six felonies, including several assault charges and a persistent violator enhancement, according to court records. His jury trial is scheduled for October.

In the death of Henderson, officials have yet to announce charges against either Meade or Umphenhour. Idaho State Police previously said in a news release that the case remained under investigation, and Rob Chastain, Meades attorney for the escape charges, addressed the possibility of additional charges during Meades sentencing.

He said he suspects that there is another sealed indictment that has not yet been revealed in regard to Hendersons death. I suspect both my client and Mr. Umphenour are named on that, he added.

Idaho State Police didnt immediately respond to an email seeking an update on the investigation into Hendersons death.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  One half of a pair of sisters linked to organized retail crime in Nashville has been taken into custody in La Vergne.

Myiesha Mayes and her sister are believed to have stolen thousands of dollars worth of items from various Middle Tennessee stores over the past six months.

Metro detectives search for shoplifting sisters with multiple outstanding warrants

According to court documents, Myiesha Mayes, 28, has stolen more than $28,000 worth of beauty products since the beginning of May 2024.

May 9, 2024: Fifth + Broad Sephora $7,839

May 9, 2024: Fifth + Broad Sephora $629

May 9, 2024: Fifth + Broad Sephora $2,891

May 13, 2024: Opry Mills Sephora: $3,951

May 25, 2024: Fifth + Broad Sephora $3,363

June 1, 2024: Opry Mills Sephora $2,092

June 2, 2024: Green Hills Sunglasses Hut $3,271

July, 4 2024: Opry Mills Sephora $4,982

Myeisha Mayes (Source: MNPD)

Melissa Mayes (Source: MNPD)

Metro police announced in mid-July detectives were searching for the sisters while their brother had already been taken into custody. The search is ongoing for 25-year-old Melissa Mayes.

In July 2023, News 2s Andy Cordan reported Mayes was accused of stealing more than $4,700 dollars in merchandise from an Old Navy in Spring Hill.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Mayes was booked into the Metro jail Thursday afternoon and felony theft charges. Her bond was set at $100,000.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
(BCN)  Members and supporters of San Franciscos transgender community joined Mayor London Breed and state Sen. Scott Wiener to kick off the third annual Transgender History Month by raising the transgender flag over City Hall on Thursday. In 2021, Breed declared the month of August as Transgender History Month, making San Francisco the first city in the nation to do so.

She also established an Office of Transgender Initiatives and the worlds first transgender district in the Tenderloin neighborhood, making San Francisco a sanctuary for gender non-conforming people. After the pink-and-blue transgender flag was raised, city officials and LGBTQ+ community leaders gave speeches discussing the importance of Transgender History Month and San Franciscos position as a leading force for LGBTQ+ rights.

I appreciate how unique San Francisco is because of how this community has uplifted the movement around trans-rights in this country, Breed said. You make San Francisco a model for the rest of the country to follow.

Wiener, D-San Francisco, is well known for his advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights. Last year, he helped in the effort to designate August as Transgender History Month statewide. In July, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation that prohibits school districts from requiring school officials to notify parents if their child comes out as transgender or gay.

Wiener was a firm supporter of the bill.

We passed and the governor signed into law legislation to ban forced outing policies, Wiener said, followed by a roar of applause. We dont allow school districts in California to force teachers to out these kids to their parents.

(Alise Maripuu/Bay City News)

(Alise Maripuu/Bay City News)

(Alise Maripuu/Bay City News)

(Alise Maripuu/Bay City News)

(Alise Maripuu/Bay City News)

The recent expansion of local and state advocacy to enhance protections for members of the transgender community comes at a time where trans rights are under threat across the country, Wiener said. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, 510 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in the U.S. in 2023.

So far in 2024, there have been 527 bills introduced in state legislatures that the ACLU says target LGBTQ+ rights. Most of the bills this year have been defeated while 44 have passed into law.

Honey Mahogany, a transgender woman and director of the citys Office of Transgender Initiatives, highlighted the discrimination faced by transgender youth who have become the victims of bullying by the bizarre, obsessive and insecure weirdos on the right.

While the rest of the country has seen a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and prejudice especially against gender non-conforming people, San Francisco is seen as a haven for them. The official recognition of Transgender History Month by the city is one step in the broader pursuit of raising awareness on the LGBTQ+ communitys struggle to attain equal rights and protections.

San Francisco is where we will be safe, said Gael Lala-Chavez, executive director of Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center, one of the largest and oldest LGBTQ+ youth-serving organizations in the country. San Francisco is where we will be affirmed, San Franciscos where we can finally live our true selves, be in community and be loved absolutely.

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Tim Sheehy, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024, speaks at the Montana GOP 2024 kick-off event on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

It appears Tim Sheehy, hand-picked by Republican Party honchos to challenge Jon Tester for one of Montanas Senate seats, must be feeling a little shaky about the race.

Despite tons of out-of-state money flowing into his campaign Sheehy apparently thinks the increasingly befuddled Donald Trump will come to his rescue in Bozeman next week.

Whats puzzling, of course, is why any of this is necessary. Just look at the facts. Every statewide elected office in Montana is held by Republicans except Testers Senate seat. One might think, given the obvious, that Mr. Sheehy could probably settle for doing his own campaigning and presenting himself to Montanas voters without the brash accompaniment of Trumps tidal waves of lies, insults and threats.

But apparently this American hero as Trump calls him, isnt confident that he can pull this one off on his own and needs another out-of-stater to tell Montanans how to vote.

Or maybe its to convince us that Sheehy, who has never run for elected office and remains in far too many ways, an unknown quantity, should replace Montanas senior Senator because his total lack of experience at public policy or governing will serve the state so much better than Tester.

Whether or not you like Tester, one has to acknowledge that he was a State senator for eight years, during which time he rose to be elected President of the Montana Senate by his colleagues. After winning in 2006, Tester has now been negotiating the sharp teeth of the U.S. Senate for 18 years. If theres one thing Tester lacks, its certainly not extensive experience in making law, appropriating funds, implementing programs, and overseeing the vast spectrum of the federal government.

But heres the rub  Sheehys hoped-for reinforcement has been having a rather rough go of it lately. Trumps pick of J.D. Vance as his vice president candidate has not exactly thrilled the GOPs top dogs. In fact, just the opposite as Vance keeps stumbling over his own words and positions, including his incredible statement that the country is being run by childless cat ladies.

They say when you find yourself in a hole, quit digging. But Vance has in fact, dug the hole much deeper by doubling down on his belief that unless you have kids, youre a liability to society because you wont care as much about the future. Apparently that would include Dolly Parton, who made a conscious decision not to have children but is certainly one of the most accomplished, caring, generous, and much-loved women in the world.

Yet, while Vance brings unneeded negative coverage to the campaign, Old Donald is having a very rough ride of his own. Just this week he had what can only be described as a disastrous interview with the National Association of Black Journalists in which his racism and sexism were on full display.

There may be places an increasingly confused Donald Trump feels he can get away with claiming Vice President Kamala Harris happened to turn Black several years ago  but not at a convention of Black journalists. Since Harris mother is Indian and her father is Jamaican, she is rightfully both Indian and Black  and assailing her race is just another low in the very low life of the ex-president.

One thing Sheehy should hope is that Trump actually remembers what seat hes running for. Just this week in another bid to prop up a candidate in Pennsylvania, Trumps old and tired brain mis-fired again, and he twice claimed his support for the future governor of Pennsylvania. But the candidate, David McCormick, is running for the Senate. It would be funny were it not so pitiful  and just another in the growing evidence of Trumps declining faculties.
(Bloomberg) -- National intrigue trailed Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as he arrived at a rally in Philadelphia, the most liberal corner of the countrys most important swing state.

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Speaking to a heavily Democratic union crowd last week, Shapiro, 51, showed the energy that has helped land him on the short list to be Vice President Kamala Harris running mate as he slammed Donald Trump for trying to restrict collective bargaining rights.

This is who this man is: screwing over the little guy for the corporate interests, Shapiro said to cheers. We dont need to give him the keys to the White House so that he can continue to rip away our freedoms.

Hours later and halfway across the state, Shapiro showcased his political agility in rural Blair County, where Trump won 71% of the vote in 2020.

At a more subdued event at an independently owned pharmacy, he hailed a bipartisan law taking aim at pharmacy benefit managers, which had passed the countrys only politically divided state legislature.

We can come together and we can get stuff done, Shapiro said.

The two events demonstrated the unusually popular governors greatest asset.

He has consistently won in a place that mirrors many of the defining features of American politics, reaching from the East Coast Acela corridor to the Rust Belt, with a tight balance of big Democratic cities, moderate suburbs, Appalachia, solid Republican farmland and old industrial towns.

Pennsylvanias 19 electoral votes are the most of any presidential battleground, making it a must-win and a potential bellwether for politically similar Michigan and Wisconsin. Win all three, and Harris will likely be the next president. Lose Pennsylvania, and her path becomes extremely difficult.

Bringing the Votes

Harris starts from behind. Trump leads Pennsylvania in a head-to-head match up, 50% to 46%, according to the Bloomberg News/Morning Consult swing state poll. Shapiro, in his second year as governor, has a 52% favorability rating in the state against 36% unfavorable, according to the same poll. Some other recent surveys have put his approval north of 60%.

Ed Rendell, the former Pennsylvania governor and chairman of the Democratic National Committee, estimated that having Shapiro on the ticket could mean as many as 50,000 additional votes for Harris in Pennsylvania  a significant boost given that Joe Biden won the commonwealth in 2020 by 80,555 votes and Trump carried it in 2016 by 44,292 votes.

Running for attorney general in both those years, Shapiro racked up more votes in Pennsylvania than Hillary Clinton or Biden.

If you want to win Pennsylvania, there is no other candidate, better positioned, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said of Shapiro at the union rally.

Bloomberg Opinion: Josh Shapiro Should Be Kamala Harris VP: Mary Ellen Klas

Israel Divide

But the same moderate style that has helped Shapiro build broad appeal carries risk with the left.

An observant Jew who would make history if hes elected vice president, Shapiro has been an outspoken supporter of Israel and has criticized some protests against the countrys conduct in Gaza.

His stance, which also includes sharp criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, mirrors many mainstream Democrats but puts him at odds with progressives and some younger voters.

Shapiro blasted former University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magills handling of pro-Palestinian protests on the campus and later called for disbanding the schools protest encampment.

When a pro-Palestinian march in Philadelphia chanted about genocide outside a falafel shop owned by an Israeli-American, Shapiro called it a blatant act of antisemitism.

A headline in the liberal New Republic recently called him the one pick who could ruin Democratic unity, and a group of activists recently launched a website called No Genocide Josh.

Shapiro told reporters last week he has tried to speak with moral clarity, to make sure all Pennsylvanians feel safe and to speak out against antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of hate.

He praised Harris recent comments on Israel, and called for a two-state solution, but said Hamas cannot remain in power, and that Netanyahu has been a dangerous and destructive force.

Liberal Critics

Critics on the left have also argued that in the name of compromise and ambition Shapiro has betrayed progressive values, most notably when he embraced a plan to boost school vouchers.

Shapiro was forced to line-item veto his own voucher deal amid opposition from Democrats and the teachers union. He ultimately added $1.1 billion for public schools to the states latest budget.

And hes drawn scrutiny for his handling of a sexual harassment accusation against a top aide. His administration settled the accusation for $295,000 and the aide resigned, months after the initial claim.

Pennsylvanias Democratic nominee for treasurer, Erin McClelland, slammed Shapiro in a recent post on X, suggesting he swept sexual harassment under the rug.

She added that she wants a nominee who wont undermine the President to maneuver his own election, saying out loud what many only whisper: that Shapiro, chasing a dream to become president, is always angling for his next step up.

Pragmatic Leader

The same strategic, calculating approach that sometimes chafes contemporaries, though, has also helped Shapiro build political support and deliver policy victories.

After a fire took down parts of the heavily traveled I-95 interstate in Philadelphia, Shapiro worked with local labor unions to install a temporary bridge that got traffic moving again in 12 days, drawing national acclaim months into his tenure as governor.

It symbolized his approach: efficient, meticulous, and tangible in a way people of all political persuasions could appreciate.

Hes emblematic of places like Pennsylvania, purple places like other battleground states, said Representative Chrissy Houlahan, a Pennsylvania Democrat. He is pragmatic.

Still, Republicans argue his past successes against underfunded and weak candidates mean he hasnt truly been tested and that Shapiro would face far greater scrutiny on the national stage.

Hes never really taken a punch, said Peter Towey, a Republican strategist in Pennsylvania.

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Josh Shapiro isnt talking. Not to me, anyway. His people arent talking, either. Thats probably got something to do with his being this close to being this close to being this close to the presidency. He is one selection and one election away from the No. 2 spot in the federal executive org chart.

Democrats have been remarkably open about the one thing possibly holding back the Pennsylvania governor thought to be Kamala Harris most likely choice for a running Imatewho seems to have everything going for him, including political talent and a very high approval rating in a state Harris pretty much has to win if shes to take the White Houseand that is: He is Jewish. The New Republic describes him as the one vice presidential pick who could ruin Democratic unity. NBC News notes that Shapiro, an observant Jew, has faced deeper skepticism over Israel than other leading contenders who have espoused similar views.

For that reason, Shapiro brings to mind a different politician from his neighborhood: Sam Katz.

Katz, a Jewish businessman who was twice the Republican nominee for mayor of Philadelphia (in 1999 and in 2003), was subjected to occasionally outrageous and scandalous antisemitism, some of which I witnessed firsthand as a young newspaper editor in Philadelphia and in neighboring Montgomery County, which is Shapiros home turf. Anti-Jewish invective has long been an ordinary part of life in Philadelphia. Some of that stuff in the Katz race was pretty familiar and white-collar, including a fight over the continued service of the head of the citys minority business outreach panel who complained that Jewish lawyers and Jewish architects were getting city contracts that should have been awarded to black-owned firms. Some of that stuff was much more old-fashioned, including partisans in crowds screaming kike! at Katz and hurling sexual slurs at his wife.

(Do not confuse the antisemitic outbursts directed at mayoral candidate Sam Katz of Philadelphia with the antisemitic bile directed at former mayor Sam Katz of Winnipeg.)

Anti-Jewish political rhetoric in Philadelphia and similar cities tends to come from the left and from one particular corner of African American radicalism, though Katz was harassed by plenty of white people, too, including union goons loyal to corrupt labor boss John Dougherty (Johnny Doc), who was at that time chairman of the citys Democratic Party. Gangs of union guys who just happened to be in the neighborhood would regularly show up to drown out Katzs speeches and to hurl insults at his wife that are unprintable in this space. How much of the antisemitism in Philadelphia and Philly-style politics is heartfelt Jew-hatred and how much of it is an any-weapon-at-hand approach when confronting a Jewish opponent is not entirely clear. But it is persistent: In the summer of 2023, three of the leading Democratic candidates for mayor in the city were Jewish, but, as Jewish Insider reported:

The candidates themselves, however, have largely refrained from emphasizing their Jewish identities or highlighting communal issues in heavily Jewish Philadelphia, where antisemitic incidents have been on the rise. I dont see anyone going around talking about being Jewish, said Larry Ceisler, a public affairs executive in Philadelphia.

In nearby Lower Merion, a wealthy Montgomery County suburb where I edited local newspapers many years ago, a synagogue was vandalized in March, with a red swastika painted over a sign reading simply, Our Community Stands with Israel. The synagogue in question, Temple Beth Hillel, is a prominent institution in the large and diverse local Jewish community. (Fun fact: Jake Tapper had his bar mitzvah there.) We do not know who did this, synagogue leaders said in a statement. We do know that they wanted us to be afraid. A swastika is not a commentary on the policies of the State of Israel, nor is it a sign of solidarity with Palestinians.

What I found most remarkable about the Katz episode all those years ago was how little attention it received, as though antisemitic tirades were simply an ordinary part of politics. Dom Giordano, a local talk-radio host, noted some of the abuse, but the Philly press had almost nothing to say about it. A column in the Inquirer denounced the union-goon shenanigans but said nothing about the antisemitic slurs, which were not reported.

Progressives, who are normally so exquisitely attuned to bigotry that they manage to detect it where it doesnt exist, are largely silent on the question of that kind of antisemitism. At the moment, that has more than a little to do with the anti-Israel mood of the campus left, which is enraged that the Jews of Israel exasperatingly mean to go on living and thriving as a Jewish nation. But the indulgence is much older than that, and it doesnt have to do with a few radical Arab Americans in Dearborn or a few Somali Muslims in Minnesota. Left-wing antisemitism in the United States is in the minor part an Arab-American issue or an issue associated with Muslim immigrants of other backgrounds. It is in the major part an African American issue.

The antisemitism complicating life for Josh Shapiro doesnt come from the likes of the late Ismail Haniyeh, much less from traditional right-wing antisemites, persistent as those remainit comes from the likes of celebrities such as Ice Cube and Kanye West, Nation of Islam figures such as Louis Farrakhan (and the ghost of Elijah Muhammad), Black Israelite beliefs, Hotep-ism, figures such as Candace Owens, and the like. For years, the black press was full of that kind of stuff, including the wildest conspiracy theories. (And not only antisemitic conspiracy theories: One black newspaper in Philadelphia warned residents to get out of town before the 2004 presidential election because George W. Bush was going to literally nuke black urban neighborhoods.)

The old-style, big-city, political press has declined in influence, and important progressive figures such as the Rev. Al Sharpton have backed away from openly antisemitic tropes, but certain fringes of black social media have taken up the conspiracy-theory torch and the antisemitic cause in much the same way that similar nonsense has been amplified by online white supremacists. Or not even similar nonsense but the same nonsense: One of the great ironies of our time is that many of the antisemitic conspiracy theories that have currency in certain radical black circlesfrom Holocaust denial to the Rothschildsare the very same ones championed for decades or more by Jew-hating white racists.

That stuff may seem laughable to many readers. But remember that Kamala Harris hails from San Francisco and came up in Willie Browns political world. That sort of thing almost certainly looms larger in her political consciousness than it would if she were a progressive who had grown up in Des Moines.

Kamala Harris is not an antisemite. She is married to a Jewish man, one who earlier this summer presided over the groundbreaking for a memorial to the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre. Donald Trumps efforts to smear her as someone who doesnt like Jewish people are unlikely to stick. But that doesnt necessarily solve Shapiros problemwhich is whether the left wing of the Democratic party is going to think of him as one Jew too many, as the Jew who broke the camels back.

Shapiros views on Israel are not particularly radical and are far from right-wing: He is a longtime, trenchant critic of Benjamin Netanyahu and a supporter of a two-state solution. He has gone much further than his fellow Pennsylvania Democrats in cultivating ties with the states Arab and Muslim communities. But he also has no time for Hamas apologists, and his administration put out a memo warning state employees that they could be disciplined for scandalous or disgraceful conduct, which was taken by many as a shot across the bow of anti-Israel protesters who have at times taken up the antisemitic and eliminationist rhetoric of Hamas et al. Which is to say, Shapiro has utterly normal, mainstream views that would hardly be an issue if not for the fact that he is an observant Jew.

Twenty years ago, I was shocked by how open antisemitism in progressive politics was treated as utterly normal. I suppose it is utterly normal. If Harris selects Shapiro, that will be a sign that such antisemitism is not dispositivebut, then, I dont think anybody thought it was. On the other hand, the fact that Harris was toldin polite and indirect terms, of courseto think twice before picking the Jew seems to me to attest to a persistent national failure.

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Shark Tank star to speak at Miami University

OXFORD, Ohio (WDTN)  A popular investor on Shark Tank is headed to a local university to speak to the public.

According to Miami University, Kevin OLeary is scheduled to speak to the public at the universitys Millett Hall on Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. OLeary, commonly referred to as Mr. Wonderful, is coming to the educational facility as a speaker of the Anderson Distinguished Lecture Series.

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While at Miami, some of the topics OLeary will discuss include the following:

Business

Life

Money

His advice is engaging and practical  and will help audience members become the best entrepreneurs and business people that they can be, said Miami University.

Tickets for OLearys free event are not required, and the event is open to the public.

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A day after Shasta Sheriff Michael Johnson in a stinging rebuke debunked any notion his department was involved in the decision to set up a media room for journalists covering meetings, county leaders announced they are getting rid of it.

In a press release titled Media Room Access Rescinded, Supervisor Kevin Crye, who chairs the board, said based on public comments and concerns, the option of the Media Room access will be rescinded.

Announced last week, the countys new media policy received harsh criticism from residents, including during Tuesdays Board of Supervisors meeting.

At that meeting, Crye said Johnson helped fashion the new policy, which included a separate media room for journalists.

On Wednesday, Johnson emphatically denied he had anything do with creating a media room and went on to say it was not a good idea.

Shasta County Board of Supervisors Chairman Kevin Crye reacts to members of audience speaking during a board meeting Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

This was NOT introduced or in any way developed by the Shasta County Sheriffs Office. In fact, upon learning of this new development, I questioned why it was even discussed or brought into play. In my time as Sheriff, that media room has been exclusively used by department heads that occasionally attend BOS (board of supervisors) meetings. Because of this option now being introduced, the (sheriffs office) had to account for other safety considerations that could become a factor when implementing the safety protocol/process, Johnson said.

Johnson said, I will not be drug into the frivolous politics and bickering that occurs.

Supervisors-elect Matt Plummer and Allen Long also were critical of the new media rules.

Plummer said he would like to see the board address the cause of the disruptions during meetings and work on ways to reduce them rather than focusing on the media.

Any time the government restricts the rights of the public it should be obligated to offer a thorough explanation on why it is doing that, and I dont feel thats been done, said Plummer, who beat District 4 incumbent Patrick Jones in March.

Long said supervisors need to focus on the county issues that matter.

"I would not have made that policy and I think we are focused on things that are not a problem," Long said. "We need to get back to the county business."

Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson appears before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

A few hours before Tuesdays supervisors' meeting, the First Amendment Coalition sent a letter to the supervisors protesting the countys new media policy and procedures for covering board meetings.

In his statement Thursday, Crye was critical of the medias reporting of the new policy and said he wanted to clear a few things up.

Public Safety and Security of County Buildings is the responsibility of the Sheriffs Department. The Media Room was created by County Staff, as an option, to facilitate the media whenever the Board room is being cleared, he said.

The Record Searchlight has emailed sheriffs office spokesman Tim Mapes for a statement from Johnson. Mapes declined to comment on the sheriff's behalf.

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: Shasta County drops new media policy after public backlash
The now 550-acre Quarry fire was human caused, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office investigator Kevin Bost said Friday.

Investigators are suspicious that the fire started at 9 p.m. on the south side of Deer Creek Canyon, a dark mountain road with no cameras and no streetlights, just west of Grizzly Drive.

"Why would a fire start there at 9 o'clock at night?" asked Jefferson County Sheriff spokesman Mark Techmeyer. "It's got us scratching our heads."

"We preliminarily believe that this fire is human-caused in some manner," Bost said during a press conference Friday morning.

Techmeyer told The Denver Gazette that investigators are unclear whether the fire was caused intentionally, or by accident.

Locals seemingly agree that the start of the fire seems suspicious.

It sure seems weird, said David Broadway, a 26-year resident near the Valley Barrington neighborhood, in which Deer Creek Canyon Road is officially closed off. It started in the middle of the night. There wasnt a thunderstorm or anything. Youve got to wonder what it was.

Regardless, firefighters are still focused on battling the wildfire  which grew 100 acres on Thursday.

Two hot shot crews are working with 185 firefighters on the ground with assistance from three helicopters on Jefferson County's Quarry fire. As of Friday morning, there was 0% containment with dry thunderstorms expected for the afternoon.

The growth of the now-550-acre blaze was toward open space, though, not spreading toward structures across Deer Creek Canyon Road, one of the most critical areas.

"It's been a concern from the get-go of this of that fire jumping to the north, which would be our worst nightmare," Techmeyer said during the press conference about Deer Creek Canyon Road. "We feel very confident where we are with the line along Deer Creek Canyon Road. We do not anticipate that being a problem."

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Karlyn Tilley, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, expects positive progress Friday. Concerns regarding potential afternoon storms bringing wind and lightning do exist, though.

Firefighters have built up handlines on the southern and eastern perimeter of the fire, despite tough terrain in the eastern section.

Two hotshot crews are planning to fly the eastern side Friday to find potential ways to attack the fire in that area.

There are around 20 local agencies helping work on the fire, according to Techmeyer. The Denver Fire Department, for example, helped the fight for the third day in a row.

Still, timeframes are unclear.

"As far as what we're saying to the evacuees about getting in, we wish we could tell them, 'Today is Friday, we're going to get you in this weekend.' But folks, it's not going to happen," Techmeyer said.

"Can we give them a timeframe for next week? We're hopeful, but we'd be guessing," he concluded.

And with the blaze spreading and limited timeline, residents are growing a bit nervous.

I didnt sleep well last night when the wind started picking up, Scott Lemberger, a 15-year resident near the Valley Barrington neighborhood, said. Its hard to get a gauge on where the fire is. It feels like theyve got a good line on it, but the wind has to make you nervous Ive got a horse trailer in front of my house ready to load up my horse and everything packed up.

I thought it was pretty amazing to see so many helicopters and as quickly as they got on it, Broadway said of the response. They hit it pretty hard.
Deputies make an arrest in fatal hit and run crash from 2022

The Orange County Sheriffs Office arrested 28-year-old Tyler Shane Sutherland Thursday for vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash with injuries.

Back on Feb. 7, 2022, Sutherland was driving on Narcoossee Road around 2:30 a.m. when he struck two pedestrians in an active construction zone.

A 48-year-old man was hospitalized with serious injuries, while 35-year-old, Nathaniel Young Jr. was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Read: Potential Tropical Cyclone 4: See the systems timing & rainfall outlook

Sutherland attempted to flee on foot, but was detained by two officers with Floridas Department of Agriculture who were working off-duty for the construction company.

Sutherland was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and pending charges.

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In cooperation with the Florida Highway Patrol officers built their case to arrest Sutherland.

Our Corporal has worked diligently to gather evidence and other investigative steps to proceed with a criminal charge. The Corporal submitted his findings to the State Attorneys Office to charge the driver with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash with injuries. The arrest was made yesterday on the active warrant. The case is now moving forward with criminal proceedings, Lieutenant Tara Crescenzi.

Sutherland was booked Thursday into the Orange County Jail on his charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash with injuries.

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Sheriffs Office: Vehicle in chase that ended on SLO County beach was stolen military transport

The vehicle involved in a chase and then brief standoff with law enforcement at a San Luis Obispo County beach on Wednesday night was actually a stolen military transport truck, the Sheriffs Office confirmed Thursday.

According to a San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office news release Thursday afternoon, the department first received a report of a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot off Los Osos Valley Road in Los Osos on Wednesday.

The vehicle was described as the front portion of a military style tractor-trailer, the release said.

When deputies arrived, the driver of the vehicle  now identified as Patrick Kevin VanNess, 63 of Los Angeles  fled to Montana de Oro State Park, breaking through a gate and ending up in the sand spit beach area where the vehicle got stuck in the sand, according to the release.

Eventually law enforcement agencies, including the Morro Bay Police Department, Morro Bay Harbor Patrol, California State Park rangers and the Coast Guard, set up a perimeter around the truck as SLO County Sheriffs Office deputies attempted to make contact with VanNess.

He refused commands to leave the truck, but eventually exited the vehicle after tear gas was deployed into it. He was then taken into custody.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office arrested a man who allegedly rammed a military style vehicle through a gate before stopping on a beach in Montana De Oro on July 31, 2024.

On Thursday, the Sheriffs Office said detectives confirmed the vehicle involved was a stolen M1070 Heavy Equipment Transport vehicle designed for the United States military. It is specifically used to transport the M1 Abrams tank, according to the release.

The Sheriffs Office said the vehicle was manufactured earlier this year, but was stolen in transit before being delivered to the military in Southern California.

According to the release, VanNess will be charged with theft of the vehicle, which is valued at over $500,000.

As of Thursday evening, VanNess was still in custody at the San Luis Obispo County Jail, with bail set at $80,000, according to the Sheriffs Offices Whos in Custody website.

The vehicle was removed from the beach at Montana de Oro earlier in the day Thursday.

The Sheriffs Office would like to thank California State Parks and the California Army National Guard for their assistance recovering the vehicle, the release said.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Every now and again, the night sky lights up with a spectacular explosion that blazes with the most energetic light our Universe can produce. Known as gamma-ray bursts, they can release in a few seconds what our Sun will emit over its lifetime.

Now scientists have found a never-before-seen signal buried in the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation delivered by the brightest gamma ray burst ever recorded.

That signal is an emission light  a bright region in the gamma-ray spectrum produced by something emitting light in that specific wavelength range. And that something, scientists have determined, is complete and utter destruction: the mutual annihilation of electron-positron pairs, matter and its antimatter counterpart.

Nicknamed 'the BOAT' (short for the Brightest Of All Time), the burst was detected back in October of 2022. It was the result of a huge star exploding as its core collapsed into a black hole, spilling out so many energetic photons we had a hard time taking accurate measurements.

But measurements were, indeed, taken, and scientists knew from very early on that they were looking at something special.

"A few minutes after the BOAT erupted, Fermi's Gamma-ray Burst Monitor recorded an unusual energy peak that caught our attention," says astrophysicist Maria Edvige Ravasio of Radboud University in the Netherlands.

"When I first saw that signal, it gave me goosebumps. Our analysis since then shows it to be the first high-confidence emission line ever seen in 50 years of studying gamma-ray bursts."

An example of emission lines on a spectrum. This particular series is the emission signature of beryllium. (McZusatz/Wikimedia Commons/CC 1.0 Universal)

Appearing as brightened bars on the spectrum of light emitted from a source, emission lines indicate something is causing light of particular wavelengths to shine more brightly  a source of extra emission. Similarly, darker bars known as absorption lines can appear where wavelengths of light are absorbed.

Emission and absorption features can tell us a lot about the constituent chemistry of various astrophysical processes, from the metallicity of stars to molecules in the makeup of distant planetary atmospheres.

There are different scenarios that can produce a gamma-ray burst, an explosion of the most energetic light on the electromagnetic spectrum, but the one that produced the BOAT  officially named GRB 221009A  was the birth of a black hole. The outer material of the star was violently ejected out into space, while the core collapsed under gravity to form the densest kind of object in the Universe.

An artist's impression of an astrophysical jet erupting from an object. (NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab)

This explosion was accompanied by jets or particles bursting outwards in opposite directions. This is what we see in a gamma-ray burst, with the jet angled towards our line of sight.

When GRB 221009A first exploded, the brightness was so extreme it obscured any detail. Over 80 seconds, the burst evolved from a peak energy of 12 million electron volts down to around 6 million electron volts. Just five minutes later, the brightness had subsided enough for the Fermi gamma-ray telescope to discern an emission line that lasted for at least 40 seconds.

The researchers believe a phenomenon called annihilation was responsible for the enhanced glow. When an electron and its antimatter counterpart, a positron, collide, they produce a photon with an energy of 0.511 million electron volts.

The emission feature observed in the BOAT reflects a much higher energy, but the researchers have an explanation for that. The annihilation occurred in a jet that was moving towards us at roughly 99.9 percent of the speed of light. This made the energy appear much higher than it was, an illusion based on our viewing angle that can be seen in other astrophysical jets.

"Because we're looking into the jet, where matter is moving at near light speed, this emission becomes greatly blueshifted and pushed toward much higher energies," explains astrophysicist Gor Oganesyan of Gran Sasso Science Institute in Italy.

Although it seems like GRB 221009A was an extreme example of a gamma ray burst, subsequent observations and analysis have since revealed that the BOAT was actually quite normal  its brightness was merely the result of its orientation, erupting right in our direction.

This is actually good news. It means we can use the BOAT to understand how gamma-ray bursts typically evolve over time, and the processes that take place within them.

"After decades of studying these incredible cosmic explosions, we still don't understand the details of how these jets work," says astrophysicist Elizabeth Hays of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

"Finding clues like this remarkable emission line will help scientists investigate this extreme environment more deeply."

The findings have been published in Science.

Related News
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Sioux City Explorers bus caught on fire while they were traveling to an away game.

According to a Facebook post from Sioux City Explorers pitcher and Iowa State Representative J.D. Scholten, the Sioux City Explorers bus caught on fire at around 3 a.m. Friday morning while traveling to Kane County

Photo of Sioux City Explorers Bus Fire courtesy J.D. Scholten

Photo of Sioux City Explorers Bus After Fire courtesy J.D. Scholten

Another Photo of the Sioux City Explorers Bus After Early Morning Fire courtesy J.D. Scholten

Photo from Sioux City Explorers Bus Fire Incident courtesy J.D. Scholten

Another Photo from Sioux City Explorers Bus Fire Incident courtesy J.D. Scholten

Scholten added that everyone was safe but a few items on board, such as gloves, hats, a pillow, and even a PS5 were damaged in the fire.

What to expect for Iowas tax-free weekend

Sioux City Explorers Manager Steve Montgomery said, We are relieved to report that everyone involved in the recent bus fire is safe and unharmed. The safety of our players and staff is our top priority, and we are thankful that no one was injured in this incident. We are working closely with authorities to determine the cause of the fire and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent future incidents. We appreciate the support and concern from our fans and the community during this time. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding.

Scholten said that they were able to get on a new bus at around 5:45 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
The Templeton fire department is slated get a new fire truck with an influx of federal funding.

Local and state representatives visited the towns fire station on Thursday morning to celebrate the $1 million government grant secured by Congressman Jimmy Panettas office.

This follows another million-dollar grant by the Congressman earlier this month towards Cambrias efforts to replace its old ambulance station.

The event was attended by Congressman Panetta, Assemblymember Dawn Addis, SLO County Supervisor John Peschong, local leaders and first responders.

This is an opportunity to show the people in the community that the federal government is working and is making a difference in peoples lives, Supervisor Peschong said.

During his speech, Panetta said the Templeton Fire Department deserved access to the right equipment to help it safely do its job.

The Templeton Fire Department, based on its dedication and devotion, deserves the right equipment to respond safely and effectively, to help people to put out fires and, yes, to keep this community safe, Panetta said. This federal investment toward a new fire truck will enhance our firefighter safety and their everlasting promise to be ready and responsive.

The Templeton Fire Department is slated get a new fire truck with an influx of federal funding secured by Congressman Jimmy Panettas office. The new engine will replace the stations current, 22-year old truck.

The new engine will replace outdated equipment, which will prove necessary as Templeton and San Luis Obispo County face a higher likelihood of damaging fires in the wake of recent heat waves.

The current truck behind me is from 2002. Its actually a good truck, and its done good work, but as weve seen lately at the national level, sometimes youre just past your prime, Panetta quipped.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta visited the Templeton Fire Department on Aug. 1, 2024, to celebrate $1 million in federal funding granted to the station to buy a new fire truck.

Templeton Fire Chief Tom Peterson said the old engine will survive a couple more years as a backup, but that getting this new one is essential.

The challenges that the fire service is facing today in our area, throughout California, and throughout the nation are unprecedented, Peterson said. This new engine is a critical piece of equipment that will secure the much needed reliability and safety to our community and our firefighters.

Mechanical problems frequently put their old truck out of use for days or weeks at a time, he said, forcing the Templeton Fire Department to use its much lower capacity wildfire response truck or even borrow engines from neighboring agencies.

That wildfire response truck is designed for fighting fires in wildland, grass fires, woodland fires, that kind of thing, Templeton Community Services District General Manager Jeff Briltz told The Tribune on Thursday.

It doesnt carry the same tools, and, importantly, doesnt have the same pumping capacity, so it cant put as much water on a fire as (the new) engine can, he said.

The Templeton Fire Departments type three fire truck, pictured above, has a smaller pumping capacity than the agencys new truck will.

Peterson has been fighting for a new engine since he arrive in Templeton as fire chief in 2020, he said.

Its a long time coming for me, but itll still be a couple of years until we actually get it, he told The Tribune.

Right now, they are quoted at just over a two-year wait.

Once the new one is in operation, the older truck will be kept in reserve.

Addis also addressed the crowd Thursday, extending a round of thank-yous to the North Countys first responders who provide emergency services and fight wildfires across the state every year.

Addis also highlighted the state Climate Bond bill that will appear on California voters general election ballots in November, which would provide funding to address a myriad of climate crises and bolster statewide disaster resilience.

Local and state representatives visited Templetons fire station on Aug. 1, 2024, to celebrate a $1 million federal grant for the department. The new engine is set to replace the stations current, 22-year-old truck.
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP)  Slovenian officials on Friday praised a landmark East-West prisoner exchange in which the tiny Alpine state participated by handing over two convicted Russian sleeper agents following secretive planning and negotiations with U.S. officials.

The United States and Russia on Thursday completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, along with dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free.

Among those exchanged was the Russian couple who posed as Argentine citizens after settling in Slovenia in 2017. The husband, who used the name Ludwig Gisch, ran a startup IT company. The wife, who had fake documents in the name of Maria Rosa Mayer Munos, had an online art gallery. Their actual names are Artem Dultsev and Anna Dultseva.

The couple reportedly used the Slovenian capital as their base to travel to neighboring NATO and EU member states, relay orders from Moscow and bring money to other Russian sleeper agents. They were arrested in December 2022.

On Wednesday, a day before the exchange, the two were sentenced in the Slovenian capital to 19 months in prison each after pleading guilty to spying charges. Slovenias 24.ur news portal reported that their guilty pleas were coordinated as part of the prisoner exchange.

The report, carried by Slovenia's STA state news agency, said the trial had not been supposed to end before autumn. Although the couple had categorically denied the spying charges since their arrest, they suddenly changed their narrative on Wednesday.

The couple's two teenage children, who had lived in foster care after their parents' 2022 arrest, were on a CIA plane that took them from Ljubljana to the Turkish capital, Ankara, where the exchange took place.

Photos released after they landed in Moscow showed them being greeted by Russian President Vladimir Putin along with the other freed Russian nationals.

Due to the fact that some activities are still going on, the time for an analysis of their role will come in the future, senior Slovenian security official Vojko Volf told reporters on Friday. I do not doubt they were very, very important.

Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar praised the way the exchange operation was conducted.

Slovenia and its intelligence agencies worked tirelessly and with great sensitivity with our allies and partners in prisoner exchange which successfully concluded yesterday, she said on X. I would like to pay respect and compliment everyone involved in this difficult action that saved lives.

U.S. President Joe Biden has thanked U.S. allies, including Slovenia, for the major prisoner swap.

I am grateful to our Allies who stood with us throughout tough, complex negotiations to achieve this outcome  including Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey, Biden wrote on X.
SMART drivers' union agrees to new contract, becoming highest-paid in the state

SMART bus drivers just became the highest-paid bus operators in the state of Michigan after a new contract between the Amalgamated Transit Union and the SMART board was ratified on Thursday.

According to a release from SMART, the ATU shook hands on a new contract that includes a 32% wage increase, an enhanced 401(a) retirement plan, health care improvements and a strong tuition and student loan repayment program. The wage increase will come in two parts, with an immediate 24% increase followed by an 8% increase at the start of the new year.

According to the ATU, with the full 32% increase, new drivers will see a starting wage of $26.95 an hour  the highest starting wage for bus drivers in the state. Long-term employees can expect to net up to $32.34 an hour.

In a statement, Dwight Ferrell, general manager of SMART, said the contract marks a "pivotal advancement for SMART," which faced pressure from the public to agree on a new contract.

"This is more than a contract;" Ferrell said. "It's a commitment to our workforce's well-being and professional fulfillment."

More: Workers at metro Detroit auto supplier plants file with NLRB to join UAW

500 days without a contract

The contract comes a week after the ATU picketed a SMART board meeting, with a number of advocates and bus drivers coming out to offer public comment, asking the board to reach a new agreement with its drivers.

While pressure mounted from unionized SMART drivers, pressure also came from the city of Detroit's bus service, DDOT, which recently raised wages for its drivers, outpacing SMART's old wages.

At the picket, Kevin Colon, president of the ATU, told the Free Press that SMART had been "dragging their feet" throughout the bargaining process, which led to 22 months without a new contract.

A week later, Colon is still frustrated, but glad to move forward with a contract.

"It's been a long road, so I'm glad it's done," he said.

Colon feels a lot was left at the bargaining table.

"This outcome is not without reservations," Colon said, citing a desire for a pension plan for new drivers and a forgiving attendance policy, something the SMART board was unwilling to budge on. "The new provisions in this contract do not meet our expectations or address all the critical issues we have fought for."

Regardless of what was conceded, Colon hopes that with the new highest wage in the state, SMART drivers will feel happier behind the wheel.

"We have got to make sure operators are well-trained and happy to do their job," Colon said.

Reporter Liam Rappleye can be reached at Lrappleye@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: SMART, unionized bus drivers agree on new contract
The National Association of Social Workers Political Action for Candidate Election (NASW-PACE) endorsed Vice President Harris on Friday, the group first told The Hill.

NASW-PACE, the largest membership organization of professional social workers, said its endorsement stems from Harriss leadership and historic candidacy and the Biden-Harris administrations investments in mental health, including investments in the American Rescue Plan that President Biden signed into law in 2021.

The group also said Harriss work to empower marginalized communities directly aligns with the values of the social work profession.

Vice President Harris is a shining example of Americas promise. Her presidential bid is historic in many ways, and its clear that she is the most qualified person in the race. She is a proven champion for the people, and the lives of social workers and those we serve will be better under her leadership. I am confident that Vice President Harris will continue to invest in mental health and lead the nation through our current mental health crisis, NASW CEO Anthony Estreet said.

Harris shouted out the care economy in her first campaign rally since launching her presidential run, telling a crowd in Milwaukee, We believe in a future where  every person has affordable health care, affordable child care and paid family leave. We believe in a future where every senior can retire with dignity.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Donna Massey, the mother of shooting victim Sonya Massey, is comforted during a press conference at New Mount Pilgrim Church on July 30, 2024, in Chicago. Scott Olson via Getty Images

Sonya Masseys mother called 911 to report her daughter having a mental breakdown a day before Massey, 36, was fatally shot inside of her home by an Illinois deputy, according to emergency call audio released this week.

She has been having a mental breakdown, which is something new to me, Donna Massey, her mother, can be heard saying on the call. She is not a danger to herself, she is not a danger to me. But when she gets upset, then she thinks everyone is after her, like paranoid or schizophrenic.

The call provides more context about whether authorities knew that Sonya Massey was suffering from mental health issues on July 6, when a deputy fatally shot her in Springfield, Illinois.

Sean Grayson, 30, was fired from the Sangamon County Sheriffs Department and charged with three counts of first-degree murder on July 17 for shooting and killing Massey while she was holding a pot of water inside of her kitchen. Grayson was also charged with aggravated battery and official misconduct.

Donna Massey called 911 on July 5 around 9 a.m., according to dispatch call records. Around 10 a.m., Springfield police arrived at the home of her daughter Sonya Massey, who said she did not want to speak with medical professionals at the time.

Then, in another 911 call around 1 p.m. that same day, Sonya Massey said that a neighbor had gone to her house and was causing problems, alleging that the person had broken her drivers seat window with a brick. Sometime after that call, Massey went to the hospital. Its unclear if she went on her own or was accompanied by police.

Once at the hospital, Massey told medical personnel that she had broken another window herself on the drivers side of her car to get into the vehicle and get away. Records state she had minor scrapes, apparently from reaching into the car through broken windows.

Authorities at the hospital with Massey said she was having some 10-96 issues, which is police language for mental health problems. She advised medical staff that she had recently been released from a mental hospital, with her paperwork dated July 3, according to dispatch call records.

Audio records also show another call a day earlier, on July 4, from an unidentified person who sounded like Massey and who said that someone was trying to hurt them. When the dispatcher asked whom the caller was referring to, the caller responded: a lot of them.

In this image taken from body-camera video released by Illinois State Police, Sonya Massey, left, talks with Sean Grayson outside her home in Springfield, Illinois, on July 6, 2024. Footage released Monday, July 22, reveals a chaotic scene in which Grayson shoots Massey in the face in her own home after she called 911 for help. Illinois State Police via AP

On July 6, the day of the shooting, body-worn camera footage shows Grayson and another deputy arriving at Masseys home after she made a call about a possible prowler near her residence. After the deputies canvassed the area, they began questioning Massey at her door.

Footage shows both deputies walking inside the home and asking Massey to identify herself to them. While she searches for her identification in the living room, Grayson points to the kitchen, and Massey walks over to her stove to turn off a boiling pot of water.

The two deputies take a step back while Massey is handling the pot. One deputy is heard saying he is moving away from your hot steaming water.

Massey responds: I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.

Huh? the deputy says.

Then Massey repeats herself. Grayson draws his weapon and Massey says Im sorry while crouching and shielding herself, seemingly in fear.

Drop the fucking pot, Grayson shouts.

Grayson fires three shots at Massey while shouting at her to put the pot down. When the other deputy says hes going to get his medical kit, Grayson tells him there is nothing they can do because it was a head shot.

Graysons body-worn camera, unlike his colleagues, was not operating until after he shot Massey, according to charging documents.

Questions have mounted as to why Sangamon County Sheriffs Department hired Grayson despite his checkered history of law enforcement experience. In an interview with CBS News, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell said he did not know how Grayson slipped through the cracks.

Graysons personnel files show him leaving multiple law enforcement jobs over four years. Notes from Graysons Sangamon County hiring process indicate that the Virden Police Department reported Grayson was proactive and worked well with the public, but also that he did not demonstrate good officer safety skills. The police chief at the time said that he believes that was because [Grayson] was new to the job.

Grayson used Scott Butterfield, a former Sangamon County deputy, as a reference when applying for the role, according to the records HuffPost reviewed. Grayson was dating Butterfields daughter at the time; they are now engaged.

Mr. Butterfield advised me that Mr. Grayson is currently dating his daughter, reads a note from his hiring process. Mr. Butterfield describes Mr. Grayson as a mellow, non-confrontational person who has good communication skills. Mr. Butterfield highly recommends Mr. Grayson for employment with the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office.

Masseys family has demanded the resignation of Campbell, the Sangamon County sheriff, for hiring Grayson.

Demonstrators in New York City protest the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. John Lamparski via Getty Images

Outrage over Masseys shooting has grown as more information is released about the circumstances of her death. A national day of silence was held for her in several major cities across the nation last weekend.

Masseys killing compelled lawmakers to reintroduce police reform and accountability legislation.

The 911 calls capture the heartbreaking pleas of Sonyas mother who desperately sought help for her daughter while expressing her deep fears about the potential for violence at the hands of the police. Despite these warnings, Sonya, a woman struggling with her mental health, was met with deadly force in her own home, attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing the family, said in a statement on Thursday.

Sonya needed compassion and support. Instead, she was met with a gunshot to the face by a deputy whose actions have now led to charges of first-degree murder. The failure to provide the appropriate response to a mental health crisis has resulted in an irreversible loss for the Massey family and underscores a systemic issue that must be addressed, Crump said.
What began as a butter fair in 1918 has become something much bigger, and all the more symbolic, on the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock.

Especially for the young cowboys and cowgirls.

Today, in its 106th year, Douglas County Fair & Rodeo organizers say the 10-day fair is still based on what it was founded upon  heritage.

And, directly under the spotlight, are the young livestock handlers and rodeo riders, fair officials said.

Theres a lot of heritage involved here, said Douglas County Fair Board Director Debbie Mills. People here are very proud of their agriculture, our agricultural roots and, you know, where the kids are raising those animals.

Established in 1861, Douglas County originally served as a thoroughfare for travelers, animals, locomotives and future settlers. Most notably, the countys high prairie grasslands provided a wide range for cattle ranches with large acres for cattle to roam along Colorado's front range.

Through its many events, the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo has best illustrated the history of Douglas County, and its livestock roots. Main events include the rodeo, livestock sales and  like any good fair has  irresistible food.

Also, the fair featured some thrilling carnival rides, including the most famous Zipper ride and a pendulum claw ride.

It keeps those roots alive, Mills said of the fair. I think that's what's important is just keeping to the traditions.

When asked what fair events best represent Douglas County, Mills, a 20-year volunteer at the fair, pointed to the hometown rodeo and junior livestock sales and showcases.

One of those junior livestock competitors was Luciano Trujillo, 10, who with her father brought along several of her familys goats to the fair.

Its really nice to like, talk to people, the 10-year-old goat handler said. It's kind of fun to inform them and kind of get them started on maybe even like a general project. I really like talking about the babies, and how fun they are and everything.

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When talking about participating in the livestock competition, Trujillo said it was hard.

But with goats, she added, it was really fun. Like even if you lose people or get a lower ranking, people are always going to be like, great job'.

Another young animal showcase contestant was Molly Jones, 9, who with her 14-month-old pet rabbit Luna, won grand champion in the junior bunny showcase competition.

This is my first year, said Jones. It's really awesome that I got grand champion.

The 9-year-old Douglas County rabbit expert said she won based on knowledge of the rabbit, and by being best in showcasing.

I've learned a lot about rabbits in general, Jones said.

Devin Jones, Mollys mother, said winning has been awesome, but learning how to study has been awesome too, adding the competition is about learning the responsibility, learning about the animals, and facing the judges and overcoming fear.

Some of Douglas County's rodeo riders faced fears of their own.

I love that the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is so good at keeping tradition alive, but also keeping an open mind and new things that we can do to invite new people, and make rodeo fun for everyone," Anna Bajaj, the Douglas County fair's Rodeo Queen, said.

Bajaj, 22, lives with a brain condition that periodically paralyzes her from the waist down. During Thursday's rodeo, she galloped in on her horse, named I B Smokin, onto the Douglas County Fair rodeo grounds, carrying a United States flag.

"It's been really cool to show people it actually is possible to ride and compete, and be a rodeo queen, and all the things that we want to do, even when you can't move your legs," Bajaj said.

The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo continues through Sunday, Aug. 4, on the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock.
Sonya Massey's death shows that Black Americans can't even call the police for help

See if this story sounds familiar. Some of the details are different, but the ending is always the same.

Sonya Massey called 911 when she thought she heard an intruder in her home in Springfield, Illinois, in early July.

When two sheriffs deputies arrived at her door, Massey, dressed in her pajamas, nervously implored, Please, dont hurt me.

Deputy Sean Grayson reassured her, saying, I dont want to hurt you; you called us.

Less than 30 minutes later, Grayson shot Massey in the head, leaving her dead on her kitchen floor.

Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother of two, was unarmed.

Grayson, a white sheriff's deputy with a history of red flags on his record, has since been terminated and charged with first-degree murder.

The bodycam video is difficult to watch, and the incident underscores the need for accountability and reform within law enforcement to prevent such tragic and senseless incidents. While police reform was a rallying cry after the death of George Floyd in 2020, little has changed.

Police shouldn't be immune from cold blooded murder

The upcoming presidential election could have a big say in whether we have police reform or continue to witness police regression.

On July 22, President Biden called Massey a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman who should be alive today. When we call for help, all Americans  regardless of who we are or where we live  should be able to do so without fear for our lives, Biden said.

Days later, Vice President Kamala Harris echoed Biden's statement: "Sonya Massey deserved to be safe. After she called the police for help, she was tragically killed in her own home at the hands of a responding officer sworn to protect and serve." Harris also called the Massey family after the shooting and said she also grieves in her senseless death.

What is Donald Trump's plan for police accountability?

Were going to give our police their power back, and we are going to give them immunity from prosecution, Trump said after a May 1 rally in Waukesha.

Since Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and Democrats coalesced around Harris as the presumptive nominee, Trump has doubled down on rhetoric casting Harris as a dangerous radical who is soft on crime and renewed calls for shielding police from all liability.

In contrast, before Harris left the U.S. Senate to become vice president, she co-authored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which includes provisions to empower the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, provide grants for independent investigations into police misconduct, and require federal funding recipients to adopt anti-discrimination policies and training programs.

George Floyd Jr. was an African American man who was murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis in 2020. During an arrest, Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes as Floyd, handcuffed and defenseless, repeatedly said, "I can't breathe." Chauvin was later convicted of murder in Floyd's death.

Until systemic corruption and racism is rooted out from law enforcement agencies, Black Americans will continue to face an increased risk of harm or death during an encounter when an officer perceives a threat to their safety. Massey's case shows it's not even safe for Black people to call police for help.

Massey told deputy: 'I rebuke you in the name of Jesus'

Masseys family is being represented by prominent Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, who also happens to be representing the family of DVontaye Mitchell, a 43-year-old Milwaukee man who was seen begging for mercy as four armed security guards at the Hyatt Regency Hotel held him down with their knees with his arm behind his back.

Mitchell was pronounced dead outside of the hotel. He, too, was unarmed. That incident is still under investigation by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

Crump called the shooting of Massey an abuse of power by Grayson. The autopsy report in her death revealed that she was shot on a downward trajectory.

Grayson was standing. Massey was crouching down. The bullet struck Massey under the left eye and exited out of the back of her neck. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on July 6. Massey called the police because she feared a prowler was around her home.

The bodycam video picks up with Grayson knocking on Masseys front door. She answers the door and says, Dont hurt me, before explaining to Grayson and another officer that she heard something outside.

Grayson told Massey he checked around her house and backyard and saw nothing. Once inside the apartment, Grayson and another officer ask to see Masseys identification.

Massey was boiling water in a pot on the stove, and the officers asked her to check on it. While standing in the kitchen, Massey tells Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.

Grayson responds: You better f***ing not. I swear to God, Ill f***ing shoot you right in your f***ing face.

He drew his service revolver and pointed it at Massey, who said, Okay. Im sorry. She ducked down and Grayson screams at her to Drop the f***ing pot.

A second later, a gunshot.

My abortion opened my eyes. Here's what I learned after my own experience.

It doesnt appear that Massey was holding a pot when she was shot. An autopsy showed that Massey had both Delta-9 THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, and gabapentin, a nerve pain medication, in her system. It is legal in Illinois.

According to CBS News, Grayson had a series of work issues. In four years, he worked for six different law enforcement agencies. In 2022, he was reprimanded by the Logan County Sheriffs Department for writing false information in his police reports.

Other reports show Grayson was discharged from the U.S. Army for drunk driving, one of two DUIs on his record.

Attorney Crump questioned why Grayson was on the force. James Wilburn, Masseys father, said he wont stop until he gets justice for his baby.

You killed the wrong Black woman this time, Wilburn said during a press conference. This man should have never had a badge. He should have never had a gun. He should have never been given the opportunity to kill my child.

Despite the attention since George Floyd's murder, little has changed

Despite the focus on police violence in recent years, the rate of police killings in the United States has remained high. U.S. police have killed people at a rate three times higher than Canadian police and 60 times the rate in Great Britain.

Each year, from 2013 to 2023, over 1,000 people have been killed by police, with a record 1,353 people dying in 2023. Since July 5 of this year, 514 people have been killed by police.

Back in 2020, when Trump was president, he dismissed police shootings as racially motivated saying "more white people are killed by police than Black people. While it is accurate to say that police kill more white individuals, it's important to acknowledge that Black people are killed at nearly twice the rate.

Trump calls Milwaukee 'horrible:' You don't have to like Trump to see view supported by sad facts

The American Civil Liberties Union reports that Trump's law enforcement policies include allowing the use of force against protesters, which he once described as a "beautiful thing to watch." It's worth noting that statement after Americans took to the streets Sunday in a day of mourning and peaceful protest for Sonya Massey.

I remember when Trump said he would use the National Guard to control violence in major cities and supported giving military-grade weapons to law enforcement agencies by overturning former President Barack Obama's order that restricted their distribution.

Trump promised to shield police from all liability, potentially giving them even more protection from lawsuits. The Massey bodycam video is one of the worst police shooting incidents I've seen. These narratives are deeply troubling, and I fear that society may become desensitized to them.

In cases where blood is needlessly shed, the resultant anguish should endure. The next victim could be you or someone you hold dear who simply called the police for protection.

Who will protect us from the police?

Reach James E. Causey at jcausey@jrn.com; follow him on X @jecausey.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is needed more than ever
A Souderton Area school board member is facing calls for his resignation after a misogynistic and sexist social media post aimed at presumed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris made its rounds online earlier last week.

As of Friday morning almost 200 people signed a Change.org petition, two days after it was created, calling for the resignation of Souderton school board member William Formica citing his response to a post on X, formerly Twitter, questioning Harris political record.

A screen capture of a deleted reply on X, formerly Twitter, from account belonging to Sounderton Area school board member Bill Formica appeared on a Change.org petition calling for his resignation earlier this week.

Name ONE THING this chick has accomplished, politically? One! an X user called ProudArmyBrat asked earlier this week.

She b a lot of dudes, an X account bearing Formicas name responded in a screenshot of the now-deleted reply.

New CBSD super looks ahead: New Central Bucks superintendent wants to 'leave politics out of schools.' Can he do it?

Bill Formica made waves for his questionable behavior prior to being installed as a school board director, but now he has gone too far. His actions bring shame to the school district and he needs to step down, wrote Natalie Cimonetti, author of the petition and a district parent.

Formica, a Republican, was appointed last June to replace current State Rep. Donna Scheuren, who was elected to the 147th District in the state House in 2022 after 12 years as a Souderton school board member.

Cimonetti and other residents raised questions over Formicas appointment to the board while he was simultaneously running for a first term on that same board.

Scheuren, also a Republican, was sworn into the House last January, but she remained a school board member until after the May 2023 primary, when Formica secured one of five Republican ballot spots in the school board race.

Trump avoids Shapiro references at rally Despite rallying in Pennsylvania, Trump avoids the 'S' word ('Shapiro')

Petition signers commented that Formicas post aimed at the current vice president was crude and sets a bad example for district students.

What message does this send to the female students and female students of color in our district? Meredith Torres wrote. That they should expect the significance of their own accomplishments to someday be questioned by men in power should they fall on the opposite side of the political spectrum?

New apartments in Penndel: Langhorne Carpet Co. building could become 150 luxe apartments in Penndel

Cimonetti told this news organization that she plans to ask for Formica to resign at the school boards Aug. 29 action meeting. A Facebook events page Cimonetti created for others to join her had at least 12 people marked as going to the meeting and another 44 people interested.

Formica did not respond to a Friday morning email request for comment by press time.

In a community email sent Friday afternoon, Superintendent Frank T. Gallagher said the board was taking time to "process this situation" involving an unidentified school board member and "inappropriate language and poor judgement" in comments made about Harris.

"First, its important that our school community knows that the comments or actions of an individual board member, administrator or employee of the district do not represent the board as a whole, the administration or others in our employee groups," Gallagher said. "We believe that school leaders should be strong role models, acting with the same respect, civility and kindness that we ask of our students."

While Gallagher's email doesn't specifically mention Formica or what actions the board or district could take, Gallagher said the email was sent to avoid the perception of a "lack of concern" over the issue.

"Words matter. Respect matters. Our schools and offices must be spaces where diverse opinions are honored  but where respect is required," Gallegher said.

Chris Ullery is the Philadelphia Hub Data Reporter for the USA Today Network. Reach him at cullery@couriertimes.com or find him on Twitter at @ulleryatinell.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Sexist Kamala Harris post leads to calls for resignation in Souderton
Orbit Error

It looks like NASA officials might be seeing the writing on the wall for the very troubled Boeing Starliner, which has marooned two astronauts up in space for almost two months due to technical issues.

An unnamed "informed" source told Ars Technica that there's a greater than 50 percent probability that the stranded astronauts will end up leaving the International Space Station on a SpaceX Dragon capsule, with another unnamed person telling the news outlet that the scenario is highly likely.

NASA officials are more cagey about what's happening on the record, a marked contrast from previous weeks when they expressed confidence in the Starliner's ability to safely bring back the astronauts.

"NASA is evaluating all options for the return of agency astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station as safely as possible," NASA spokesperson Josh Finch told Ars. "No decisions have been made and the agency will continue to provide updates on its planning."

The Starliner project has been cursed from the beginning, with delays and hardware issues during the development and production of the capsule, which has seen Boeing eating something like $1.6 billion in losses.

Despite technical troubles before the launch, NASA went ahead with Starliner's first crewed mission in June. While on approach towards the space station, Starliner experienced helium leaks and issues with its thrusters, forcing NASA and Boeing to delay its return back home with the astronauts so that engineers back on the ground could troubleshoot the problems.

Fess Up

Many signs are now pointing towards SpaceX rescuing the stranded astronauts, according to Ars. These signs include the space agency giving more than a quarter million dollars to SpaceX for a "SPECIAL STUDY FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE," and SpaceX actively training for the likely situation of the company sending a Dragon capsule to the space station to bring the astronauts home.

If SpaceX does get the green light, expect the Starliner project to be shoved into the proverbial dumpster, according to Ars' analysis.

It would be a bad look all around, because it would mean the American government had funneled a total of $5.8 billion into malfunctioning junk.

If this scenario happens, with Starliner not deemed safe enough for human travel, we hope politicians and others investigate what went wrong, given that SpaceX has managed to build the immensely more reliable Dragon capsule at 50 percent less cost than Boeing's spacecraft.

What kind of oversight did NASA bring to the Starliner program during its development and production process?

That's just one hard question among many.

More on Boeing Starliner: Retired Astronaut Admits Boeing's Starliner Has Trapped Crew in Space
Dakotans for Health Executive Director Rick Weiland said opponents to a ballot initiative to reinstate abortion rights in South Dakota are desperate. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Editors Note: This is the first in a series of conversations about voter-initiated efforts to restore abortion access across the country.

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.

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.

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.
South Dakota one of 26 states not implementing new Title IX rules

Gov. Kristi Noem speaks at a press conference about a new initiative to "Defend Title IX Now" in 2022. Noem has regularly advocated to protect Title IX rules for women in South Dakota.

New Title IX rules took effect in nearly half of U.S. states Thursday, but South Dakota wasnt one of them.

The rules wouldve prohibited discrimination based on things like sexual orientation, gender identity (which includes protections for being transgender or nonbinary, for example) and sex characteristics in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.

But an injunction in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Missouri prevents the new rules from taking effect in South Dakota as well as Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and North Dakota.

Other legal challenges prevent the rules from taking effect in Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming, too, USA Today reported.

More: Bidens new Title IX rules are all set to take effect. But not in these states.

Gov. Kristi Noem, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and South Dakota Department of Education Secretary Joe Graves all praised the injunction. On X, Noem called the rules an unconstitutional rewriting of Title IX, and said that this important ruling will ensure that mediocre men can never take opportunities away from exceptional women.

In a press release, Jackley said the decision protects female athletes and the original intent of Title IX.

Graves said he was pleased with the outcome of the injunction since it relieves school districts of legal threats for failing to comply with the new regulations.

In another lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, more than a dozen South Dakota schools were identified as having students whose parents are members of Moms for Liberty, a national conservative political action committee and parents rights group that has lobbied for book bans and been called an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

If the injunction in Missouri hadnt gone through, the following schools wouldve been the only ones in the state that didnt have to comply with the new Title IX rules this school year:

Earlier: As South Dakota sues federal government over Title IX, school districts await guidance

Sioux Falls All City and R. F. Pettigrew Elementary Schools, Ben Reifel Middle School and Washington High School;

Brandon Valleys Middle and High School;

Lennoxs Elementary and Junior High School;

Tea Area School Districts Legacy Elementary, Middle and High School;

Brookings Medary Elementary School;

And, Flandreau Elementary, Middle and High School.

Other schools couldve been included on the list at later times, according to a 2024 Title IX Regulations: Pointers for Implementation document the US Department of Education released this month. Moms for Liberty has active South Dakota chapters in Minnehaha, Pennington, Hughes and Meade counties.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: New Title IX rules will not be implemented in South Dakota
The Florida Keys and much of Floridas west coast are under a tropical storm watch as a messy tropical wave rolls over Cuba and toward the state.

The National Hurricane Center released its first cone for the potential tropical storm Friday morning. The track shows the system crossing over the Keys on Saturday, curving into the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday and making landfall north of Tampa Bay on Monday.

It is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Debby as soon as Sunday.

Much of Floridas west coast was blanketed with tropical storm watches and warnings ahead of tropical storm Debby.

On Thursday evening, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for most of the counties in the state. South Florida wasnt included, although the National Weather Services Miami office has warned there could be heavy rainfall that could cause flooding this weekend.

Through Monday, South Florida could see at least 4 inches of rain, with the highest levels in the state felt north of Tampa Bay at around 12 inches. Key West could see up to 6 inches.

The Keys, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor could see up to three feet of storm surge.

As of 8 p.m. Friday, the hurricane center said the system was about 285 miles southeast of Key West and headed west-northwest at 16 mph with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph.

Through Monday, South Florida could see up to 4 inches of rain, with the highest levels in the state felt north of Tampa Bay at around 12 inches.

Forecasters with the hurricane center said it wasnt clear exactly where the storm could make landfall in Florida, and that potential spot might shift in the coming days.

Since the forecast track is almost parallel to the west coast of the Florida Peninsula and the southeast coast of the U. S., only a small change in the track could lead to large changes in which land areas receive any landfalls and the biggest impacts, they wrote.

Hurricane hunters are scheduled to fly into the tropical wave, currently located over eastern Cuba, later Friday. Their data will help inform the models that predict where the storm will go.

Once the system emerges into the Gulf of Mexico, where waters are warmer than average, the hurricane center said it is likely to steadily strengthen into a tropical storm. The longer it takes to strengthen and move across the state, the more rain could fall on Florida.

The two biggest uncertainties in the intensity forecast are how long the system will remain offshore of Florida and how long it will take to consolidate, forecasters said.
Authorities in Las Vegas found and arrested a man accused of the killing of two people in Southern Californias High Desert on Sunday, officials confirmed Friday.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department, deputies responded to reports of a disturbance in Victorvilles 12400 block of San Jacinto Drive on Sunday at about 9:18 p.m. Deputies learned upon arrival that a verbal argument between family members had turned physical.

During the family dispute, two people later identified as Cody McFann and Melissa Quintero arrived at the scene. Authorities say they engaged in a physical altercation with the suspect, Donnie Griffin, who eventually chased the pair with a gun.

Motorcyclist killed in crash that left NB 405 closed for hours in San Fernando Valley

Griffin eventually shot and killed McFann, 35 of Hesperia, and Quintero, 39 of Victorville, according to the sheriffs department. He then fled the scene.

Investigations revealed that Griffin escaped to a residence in Las Vegas. After obtaining a warrant, the sheriffs department, Las Vegas Police Department and U.S. Marshals Office arrested Griffin at the home on Wednesday.

Griffin, 50 of Victorville, was booked into a Las Vegas jail and is currently awaiting extradition to California.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Nevada Health District Summit brings more ideas on how to address the substance abuse crisis

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Its a crisis unfolding with more than 100,000 overdose deaths each year across the country and in Clark County, that number has increased by 97% in the last three years.

A summit on Thursday held by the Southern Nevada Health District is hoping to change those statistics.

Ronald Schnese is an advocate and knows all too well what a substance abuse struggle looks like.

Ive been unhoused, Ive been through the court systems, Ive been through a lot of lived experiences, Schnese said. The drugs were my solution to all of the problems I was facing.

His life was a blur between 17 until he was 34 years old then he started his road to recovery. Its the community around me that helped lift me up and realize I do have value and purpose, he explained about his journey after getting out of prison.

Now his mission is to help others, and he joined Katarina Pulver with the Southern Nevada Health District who organized the summit on Thursday.

It is a problem that it just continues to while we are coming up with these innovations solutions things change the drug supply changes, Pulver explained.

To monitor that supply the health district tests street drugs to see what is in it and as a result, they implement fentanyl test strips to help reduce overdose deaths.

Other solutions brought up at the conference included expanding Narcan access and showing people how to care for wounds caused by Xylazine use.

Schnese said it all starts with recognizing peoples struggles. So, see them as a person, he said.

There is hope, Pulver said. If we can work together, we can end this crisis, she said.

A meeting of the minds for evolving treatment and prevention of substance abuse.

For more information on the organization click HERE. For more information on substance use and overdose prevention click HERE. To take the SNHD Community Health Assessment CLICK HERE.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
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At a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing, Space Florida, the states aerospace finance and development authority, announced partnerships with 23 school districts across Florida to begin implementing the Space Florida Academy Program within those districts.

The program aims to connect students with high-demand credentials and skills necessary to work in the aerospace industry, credentials that may not have been traditionally associated with the aerospace industry.

In collaboration with industry leaders, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Commerce, the REACH Office (Reimagining Education and Career Help), and CareerSource Florida, the Space Florida Academy Program will focus on reframing aerospace job characterization by concentrating on the following target areas to meet current and future industry demand:

Aviation/Aerospace

Advanced Manufacturing

Construction

Cybersecurity/IT

Logistics

Semiconductors

The Space Florida Academy Program offers a new trajectory for students to explore careers in aerospace by breaking down legacy perceptions of what an aerospace career requires, said Rob Long, president and CEO, Space Florida. By bringing industry together with education, the program helps highlight these opportunities and ascertains what is truly needed now, and in the future, to meet workforce demands.

The Space Florida Academy Program represents a pivotal step in ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in the aerospace industry, said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez, Space Florida Board Chair. By collaborating with industry leaders and educational institutions, we are creating a pathway for Floridas students to pursue high-demand careers and secure our states position as a global leader in aerospace innovation.

Nearly every high school in Florida offers some level of credential and certificate programs identified as desirable by the aerospace industry. Rebranding these courses as part of the Space Florida Academy Program further highlights a pathway to potential well-paid employment with a high school diploma. View a current list of aerospace industry demand credentials and skills HERE.

The following counties participated in the MoU signing ceremony: Baker, Brevard, Charlotte, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Hamilton, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Martin, Marion, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Osceola, Orange, Palm Beach, PK Yonge, Putnam, St. Lucie, Santa Rosa, and Suwannee.

For more information about the Space Florida Academy Program, please visit HERE.

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SpaceX to launch Northrop Grumman Cygnus on resupply mission to ISS Saturday from Florida

Saturday morning SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 rocket  however, this time the payload will not be the typical Starlink satellites or Dragon capsule. Atop this Falcon 9 rocket will be a Northrop Grumman Cygnus Spacecraft.

Liftoff of the NG-21 (Northrop Grumman-21) mission is scheduled for 11:29 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40, which is south of Kennedy Space Center. The launch window does not extend long, as unlike a satellite launch, the Cygnus must catch up with a destination.

It's destination  the International Space Station (ISS), where astronauts are ready to receive the supplies being delivered.

When is the next Florida rocket launch? Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida

The Cygnus spacecraft is a cargo spacecraft, bringing food, supplies, and science experiments to the astronauts onboard the station.

The first stage booster will be landing back at Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station  therefore Central Florida sonic booms are expected.

NASA, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX bring supplies and science to the space station

Northrop Grumman's 21st resupply mission for NASA is also jampacked with experiments.

According to NASA, the science includes investigations into water recovery systems, and how they function in lower gravity environments. This will not only be important as astronauts return to the moon, but breakthroughs in water purification technology can benefit people here on Earth.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) experiments, known as STEMonstrations, are also packed on this resupply mission. Astronauts will record these experiments  which give a visual of different scientific concepts  for use by science teachers in classrooms on Earth.

Onboard are also investigations into generating stem cells which could be used to treat patients with blood diseases.

An ESA (European Space Agency) DNA repair study will observe the reproduction of a microscopic organism known as Adineta vaga, which can withstand extreme conditions.

An experiment will also attempt to bioengineer liver tissue in microgravity. According to NASA, the lack of gravitational force could allow for cells to move more freely throughout tissue construction. Advancements in this field could lead to the ability to engineer functioning organs for patients in need of transplants.

Plants for the APEX-09investigation, which is studying plant growth in space.

Of course, there will also be snacks and routine supplies onboard for the astronauts.

Astronauts onboard the International Space Station

The current NASA astronauts onboard the International Space Station, who will receive this payload, are NASA's Crew-8. Working alongside them are the Starliner Flight Test astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. Their stay has been extended as Boeing investigates the performance of the Starliner spacecraft.

With Boeing successfully completing a docked hot fire test of Starliner's thrusters on July 27, NASA took to X (formerly Twitter) stating that the thrusters were working as intended and back to preflight conditions. This is a test which ensures the service module thrusters  the disposable underside of the spacecraft  will preform properly during undocking and reentry. It was these thrusters which proved to be troublesome during the June 6 docking to the space station.

During this test, helium leak rates  another issue continuing to plague the Starliner spacecraft  were also reviewed. Teams concluded that the spacecraft continues to have enough helium to support them thrusters for return to Earth.

As teams conclude testing at NASAs White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, Boeing and NASA will conduct a return readiness review.

Once the Starliner crew returns, NASA will shift focus to the launch of Crew-9, who will swap places with Crew-8 onboard the space station. Crew-9 will launch onboard a SpaceX Dragon no earlier than mid-August.

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: Cygnus spacecraft to launch atop a SpaceX rocket from Cape Canaveral
Hundreds of northeast Colorado Springs residents have been paying twice for fire protection for years.

However, many residents likely dont realize they are paying hundreds of dollars extra each year in property taxes for fire protection because of the way the bills are written, said resident Colleen Murphy, who is advocating for change. The tax bills that residents receive list Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District and the city of Colorado Springs separately, but its likely unclear to many residents that fire protection is included in the city services, she said.

Residents living northeast of East Woodmen Road and North Powers Boulevard in developments including Cumbre Vista I and II, Forest Meadows, Lodges at Black Forest and the Woodmen Vistas neighborhood, are among those paying about $300 to $400 annually to Black Forest Fire District in addition to city taxes, she said. El Paso County assessors maps confirmed the neighborhoods are in the city and in the fire protection district.

Murphy has raised the issue with the Colorado Springs City Council and the Black Forest Fire District and both have told her they have been trying to solve the problem for years.

I get no sense of urgency. I get no sense that this is going to be resolved, she said.

City residents are receiving property tax bills from the Black Forest Fire District because when the homes were built the city didnt have a fire station to serve the new homes, according to the homeowners association for Cumbre Vista I and II. The association had been urging fire and city officials to address the issue but they haven't succeeded, according to an email sent to association members.

In 2013, the city built a fire station near Powers and Dublin Boulevards, making the property taxes charged by Black Forest duplicative, the email said.

There is absolutely no reason that this continues to exist the way it does, said Dave Mersman, a member of the HOA board and the chief financial officer for Keller Homes, a developer in the process of turning the HOA board over to residents.

Black Forest Fire Chief PJ Langmaid said the Fire District's board passed a resolution two years ago stating its intent to exclude residences within the city, but the city has failed to bring the issue before a district court.

"I just think the City Attorneys Office is so overworked and understaffed they have not been able to get it finished," he said.

In the meantime, Black Forest Fire District staff continue to respond to emergencies in the area that is also paying for city fire protection, he said. The situation is not totally unique as other rural fire districts near Colorado Springs have also had to provide fire protection within city limits as subdivisions have grown faster than fire protection services, he said.

The city does not expect a change to the Black Forest district boundaries soon because lawyers for both sides still need to finish agreements, Sam Friedman, City Council constituent response specialist, told residents in an email. The property owners in the city also cannot be excluded from the fire district until it finishes paying back a bond. The properties must contribute to the bond repayment until it's paid off because they were part of the district when the bond was issued, he said.

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Be aware, it is our understanding that the properties impacted by this exclusion process may not see tax relief until January 2023, he wrote.

However, Langmaid said the properties could be excluded from most of the taxes owed to Black Forest and just pay tax on the bond, which would be a much cheaper bill for property owners. The bond is expected to be paid off in 2021, he said.

Councilman Andy Pico told Murphy he would request an update on the issue during a board meeting in July. But he informed her that he didnt expect much progress.

The city has been trying to get this done since 2016. This will still take awhile, he said in an email to Murphy.

The City Attorney's Office has not been able to get answers from the Black Forest Fire District's attorney and that's been part of the delay, Pico said.

The city does not track how many property owners are paying the city and the Black Forest Fire District for fire protection, said Jamie Fabos city spokeswoman. She also said the issue was not one of double taxation.

When fire district boundaries overlap the city limits, owners pay property taxes to the district for the services provided by the district, and owners pay property taxes to the city for the services provided by the city; two property taxes for two different services provided by two different governmental entities, she said.

Fabos also said it was up to property owners to apply for exclusion from the fire district.

Murphy said she asked Langmaid to exclude her property from the district and he told her that the process between the city and the county was moving forward and she should get in touch with her city Council representative.

Another resident paying twice for fire protection, Kerri Pritchard, raised the issue two years ago and was told by city and fire officials the problem was convoluted and would take time to sort out.

Nobody wants to give any answers, she said.

Pritchard is particularly concerned about paying for fire protection twice because residents in the area already pay some of the highest property taxes in town in part because of Woodmen Heights Metropolitan District and the Woodmen Road Metropolitan District, she said. When she moved from the Briargate area, her annually property taxes went up from about $1,600 annually to about $4,600, she said.
Spate of closings includes brewery and west side store, plus donut biz hits pause

Headless Mumby, the west Olympia craft brewer best known for its lagers, will close, the business announced on social media.

The business owners had previously alerted the public via Facebook that they were in a dispute with their landlord and were being forced to move or close, the owners said.

And now they are closing.

Times have changed  people no longer go out and spend like they did, ingredient prices have gone up 80% since we opened, our rent more than doubled. Its just not tenable anymore, the Facebook post reads.

Were down to four beers left on tap. Join us on Friday, August 2nd, to hang with some OGs here. Keith, Alex, Stacey, and Shawn will all be in house to laugh and maybe cry over some delicious lager beer.

Headless Mumby Brewing Co. co-owners, Alex Maffeo (left) and Keith Ciani opened their west Olympia brewery in November 2018.

Doos Donuts in west Olympia is taking a break due to a situation unrelated to the business, according to a note attached to the front door.

Due to a family situation (we are good), we had to close our operations indefinitely, the note reads. Well have a better update soon in our Facebook page.

Doos Donuts is at 1621 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia.

The note on the front door of Doos Donuts in west Olympia.

BBQ Junkies Bar and Grill, a barbecue restaurant which operated at 5803 Lacey Blvd. SE near the Lacey post office, has closed. The business closed in May, owner Tracy LaVelle said, but she declined further comment.

The business opened in July 2023, The Olympian reported.

The BBQ Junkies restaurant in Lacey announced their recent closure via Facebook.

The AAA store in west Olympia, the public-facing location for area members, is closing next year.

AAA Washington is transitioning to a fully virtual service model to best serve its 1.2 million members, the organization announced in a news release.

Because less than 4 percent of members visit AAA Washington stores in person, the organization will close its 12 member-facing retail locations by July 1, 2025. This includes the AAA Washington store located at 2627 Capital Mall Drive SW, Suite 1, Olympia.

The closures only pertain to AAA retail stores in Washington state and Northern Idaho; no other AAA stores outside our region are impacted.

Other business happenings

The Thurston Economic Development Council announced its Economic Courage award winners as part of its fourth annual Hootenanny event.

Whats economic courage? Heres how the EDC described it:

Its about those exceptional leaders, businesses, and nonprofits that took extraordinary steps to provide valuable services, products, or support during challenging times. They dared to take risks and adapt, making a positive impact on their community and employees.

The winners:

 New business: Humble Cow Ice Cream.

 Small business: Ember Goods LLC.

 Large business: Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel.

 Nonprofit: Autism Acres.

Meanwhile, the federal Environmental Protection Agency is warning area businesses about a scam.

In recent instances of this crime, a fraudster sent falsified letters through email or U.S. Postal Service mail, agency officials said in a news release. The letters allege that the target business violated an environmental regulation such as the Clean Air Act. They indicate that the business owes thousands of dollars in fines and should respond by phone or email.

The EPA asks that those who receive the letter pay special attention to the fraudulent e-mail address, which reads invoice@epa.services.

That email address is not associated with the EPA.

Official U.S. government organizations use the .gov domain name; for example, epa.gov, the news release reads.

Anyone who receives the letter is asked to file a complaint by calling 888-546-8740 or by sending an email to OIG.Hotline@epa.gov.

The Olympia Tractor Supply store is hosting a pet adoption event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. The event is open to the public and friendly, leashed pets, according to a news release.

Tractor Supply is at 4141 Martin Way E.

The event is in partnership with Caring Hearts 4 Paws Dog Rescue, which will be on hand with dogs and cats looking for a home.

Real estate

A developer has proposed a 45-unit subdivision in Tumwaters urban growth area, according to Thurston County, which has received a notice of application for the project.

The developer, Yelm 379 LLC, intends to develop the Pine Crest subdivision at 1923 83rd Ave. SW, Tumwater.

The comment period ends at 4 p.m. Aug. 20. Send your comments to Senior Planner Kraig Chalem at kraig.chalem@co.thurston.wa.us.

The location of the proposed Pine Crest subdivision.

Whats Headless Mumby? A west Olympia brewery and taproom that loves lager beer

Downtown toy store OK, craft brewer move may be the end, and Water St. wellness biz opens

Stop work order slows area eatery, a new floral shop opens and an escape room is coming

If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
A Spirit Airlines flight headed to Florida from John Glenn Columbus International Airport was evacuated onto a taxiway Friday morning due to a mechanical issue, according to a statement from the airline.

Spirit Airlines flight 445 headed to Fort Lauderdale reported a mechanical issue shortly after pushing back from the gate at the airport. Its passengers were evacuated via the plane's stairs onto a taxiway "out of an abundance of caution," the statement said.

The evacuation occurred around 10 a.m., airport spokesperson Breann Gonzalez Almos said.

The deplaned passengers were shuttled back to the terminal, where they remained early Friday afternoon, Almos said.

The affected plane will be "thoroughly evaluated" by Spirit's maintenance team and the airline is working on finding alternate travel arrangements for its passengers, according to the airline's statement.

NHart@dispatch.com

@NathanRHart

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Spirit Airlines flight to Florida evacuated at Columbus airport
Henry Dean says the St. Johns County Commission can't stop developments that were approved over a decade ago "without costly consequences.

Dean, a Republican and longtime St. Johns County resident, is running for reelection to District 5 against challenger Ann Taylor, who has made slowing growth a top talking point in her campaign. The campaign has been heated.

Dean received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Iowa and a Juris Doctor from Florida State University (fsu.edu)

Dean has served as an environmental aide to former Florida Gov. Rueben Askew, as an attorney for the State Land Planning Agency, and as general counsel for the Florida Department of Natural Resources.

For 17 years, Dean held the title of executive director of the St. Johns River Water Management District, where he established the Wekiva River Systems first minimum flows and levels. Deans work focused on spring protection and the acquisition of beneficial buffers for Silver Springs and Silver Glen Springs. His work restored more than 200,000 acres of marsh along the St. Johns River.

He also served as the executive director of the South Florida Water Management District, leading the comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program.

The two-time District 5 Commissioner and member of the Florida Bar also served on the board of directors for Audubon of Florida and the Interstate Council on Water Policy.

The primary election for the Board of County Commissioners is Tuesday, Aug. 20, with Aug. 8 listed as the final day to request a mail ballot. All candidates in the race for the Board of County Commissioners and the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office are Republican. Registered Democrats, voters without party affiliations and minor party affiliates are unable to vote for the BOCC candidates or the Sheriff's Office in the Aug. 20 primary. Ballot winners from the Aug. 20 primary will move forward to the Nov. 5 elections to face write-in candidates. All party affiliations will be able to vote during the general election.

The race for Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the only race open to voters of all parties on Aug. 20 and will therefore be decided on Aug. 20

Click here for complete election information.

The St. Augustine Record: Welcome back, Commissioner Dean. Lets re-address the countys hot button issue  growth. Please explain the what's behind the areas exponential growth.

Dean: As Ive stated before, the facts are supported by public records. Between 2000 and 2008, approximately 100,000 single-family homes were approved for planned unit developments known as PUDs. When the county fell prey to the 2008 recession, building stopped. Between 2008 and 2014, very few building permits were issued and even fewer homes were constructed.

In 2014, the economy and the county bounced back, as did a building surge that continues today. Since 2016, 80% of the countys new construction were PUDs approved between 2000 and 2016. Inventory approved prior to 2008 just didnt get built until 2014.

Ive approved approximately 25,000 homes from 150,000 units approved by previous commissioners. My opponent waves a list of projects of PUD approvals that include variances and small zoning changes like moving a garage or putting four houses on a lot instead of three. Of course, I'll approve variances that improve the quality of life for our residents. But I  we the commissioners  cant stop development previously grandfathered in.

The St. Augustine Record: Can the current Board of County Commissioners reverse the decision to build once the papers are signed?

Dean: Not without costly consequences. Florida upholds the 1995 Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act, which gives landowners protection for property unfairly affected by government. If a landowner can prove that the government reneged on its original promise, in this case a signed PUD, the government is required to pay the landowner. If owners and developers can prove government overreach causes burden, they can sue. The county could face billions, truly billions, of dollars in lawsuits. The county will lose these lawsuits, paid for by its residents.

The St. Augustine Record: The opposing candidates running on the platform as the two Anns spoke favorably of your two-prong test when approving or rejecting a development. Please explain your testing.

Dean: My two-prong test is based on compatibility and infrastructure that questions, is the proposed development compatible to the area, and is there sufficient supporting infrastructure? Developers must commit supporting infrastructure to be concurrent with vertical construction paid for by impact fees, which then pays for transportation, parks, law enforcement, first responders, etc.

The St. Augustine Record: Lets discuss another hot button issue  traffic.

Dean: The county is at the mercy of FDOT [The Federal Department of Transportation]. The intricacies between what the county can and cant control are complicated. But I can assure you, road and traffic infrastructure is considered with every decision made.

The St. Augustine Record: Lets discuss the issue of affordable housing.

Dean: Affordable housing was Paul Waldrons pilot project initiated in 2017 to make housing affordable for everyone. Developers arent in control, but if they say were unable to meet the original percentage point without sinking, we need to listen. We lowered the percentage from 40% to 30% to ensure that we didnt lose the program in its entirety.

Currently, theres no cap on rent and little flexibility in the law, but were doing everything to provide workforce housing where and when we can.

The St. Augustine Record: The county introduced at Comprehensive Plan projected for 2050. Why address the issue of growth that far into the future with everything the county is facing now?

Dean: The commissioners will have key discussions this fall with respect to how far into the future to reasonably compromise what we should study. I'm leaning toward a Comprehensive Plan that extends 10 years. Going backward, the plan was changed in 2000 for 2025, so we followed the same pattern.

The St. Augustine Record: Ann Taylors website accuses the commissioners of turning a blind eye when requesting funding for infrastructure such as underground irrigation which saves money and water.

Preparing to vote? With primary elections coming next month in St. Johns County, here's what you need to know

Dean: Thats incorrect and quite frankly, hilarious. St. Johns County is the leading county in Northeast Florida for wastewater reuse for non-potable purposes.

Residents from the CR 210 area, Beach Walk and Beacon Lakes, have approached us about their inability to get reclaimed water. The area falls under JEA [Jacksonville Electric Authority] services, not SJC Utilities. The JEA is experiencing difficulties in extending re-use lines to this area.

This is also important to note, the county pays for all re-use distribution pipes to homeowners property. And we're currently building an additional wastewater reclamation plant, which will take treated wastewater currently discharging into the Matanzas River. Once again, Ann Taylor is woefully inexperienced on county infrastructure issues.

The Anns also accuse the present commissioners of underpaying our law enforcement when in fact weve raised the starting salary of a deputy sheriff from $42,000 to $55,000 per year over the past three years.

The St. Augustine Record: Lets segue into the county's 600 school portables.

Dean: We have school portables because the Legislature abolished the PECO fund. I doubt Ann Taylor even knows what the PECO fund is.

The St. Augustine Record: Lets address the mudslinging between campaigns, some of which is rather nasty.

Dean: Ive said this before and Ill say it again, it hurts to be called a prostitute for development. The puppet master behind the Anns campaigns is one of disinformation, inexperience and outright lies. I will not be intimidated into voting no on a good project because I'm accused of rubber stamping the project as a prostitute for the development community.

No one gets to buy my vote. I stand by my record. I don't apologize for taking donations from developers, home builders, doctors, mechanics, environmentalists whomever; they've all given to me; that's politics.

The St. Augustine Record: I have read some awful mailers with information that both Anns claim is far from the truth.

Dean: Political Action Committees pay for commercials, mailers, flyers, etc. Im not involved. I have no control in approving or disproving ads, and I dont see them before they go out.

Taylor tells everyone to check my record. And shes right. Check my record for 50 years of integrity. In 38 years working for the state of Florida, I purchased over $3 billion  thats a b  worth of conservation lands. No one ever accused me of unethical conduct, bribery or having a lack of integrity. I worked for five governors who will tell you that I did a good job.

The Anns talk infrastructure. I assure you, the commissioners are doing everything to address infrastructure for developments approved 20 years ago. We have a $500 million program for road improvements and a $123 million program for new regional parks. We have four new fire stations and a training facility in the works. And we continue to address beach renourishment and rehabilitating existing parks.

The St. Augustine Record: Is there anything youd like to add?

Dean: I would like to address the statement from Ann-Marie Evans, that described her disgust with the commissions transparency. Joy Andrews, our county administrator, is doing an incredible job of educating the public for projects taking place in real time, what the commission is planning, and inviting public input. Bar none, Joy is the best Ive ever worked with. Shes been nothing but honest and transparent.

I have and I will continue to make responsible decisions that I feel are best suited for everyone.

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: St. Johns Commissioner Henry Dean defends his record
Stabbing victim seriously injured near BU Bridge, police searching for suspect

Police are searching for the suspect in a stabbing that left one person seriously injured near the Boston University bridge Thursday.

Both local and state police responded to the stabbing near the bridge shortly before noon.

The victim was transported to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for their serious injuries, state police say.

Boston Police say they stopped a man who was fleeing to the Cambridge side of the Charles River and transported him to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. It was eventually determined the man was not a suspect in the stabbing but he remained in State Police custody because of several outstanding warrants.

State Police continue to search for the stabbing suspect.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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This week has been a real education for Sir Keir Starmer. And a proper reality check for the country as a whole. The Prime Minister presumably started it thinking that, after three weeks in power, things were going reasonably well.

Angela Rayner had been successfully pushed into the background and this week was to be her chance to shine with her announcements on housing. Chancellor Rachel Reeves was preparing to tell the country how things were much worse than anyone ever thought which would give her the mandate she needed to put up taxes, and the Tories were still hopelessly divided on who to choose as a new leader.

So far so good. But a week is a long time in politics. And as we enter Labours second month in charge things have taken an unexpected turn. This weekend could be a massive strain on the police and the emergency services as the ever growing number of disgruntled citizens decide that civil disobedience may be all that is left for them. In the past few days weve seen riots in towns up and down the country, running battles between gangs with machetes and bricks being chucked at the police and mosques.

The signs were clear on Tuesday when, first Yvette Cooper, and then the Prime Minister himself headed up to Southport - the scene of the latest horrific attack on innocent lives. As the Prime Minister walked towards the point where he wished to lay a wreath with a heartfelt personal message on it, locals started to heckle him. How many more children have to die, Prime Minister. What are you going to do, Mister Starmer.

After the seven seconds he spent looking at the other bouquets of grief he literally turned his back on the grieving citizens of Southport for a photo opportunity. At that moment, it was as though society had clicked. As though a dial had moved. These were not far-Right thugs, these were local residents who had had enough.

Reality is biting Starmer. His response to the troubles in Southport and elsewhere was surprisingly authoritarian. He said he would ensure that police forces around the country would have the power to stop people travelling, to stop people demonstrating and to stop them inciting violence on social media. Violence on our streets is unacceptable, but such measures are dangerous in an entirely different way.

Law and order is breaking down. And, while his press conference was designed to make him look like a strong leader, it laid bare how weak Starmer is. The truth of what is going on in Britain in 2024 is that there is an ever growing group of people in this country who feel they have no voice. Whether their concerns are legitimate or not, they are being ignored by political elites, pushing some into the arms of the far-Right.

On my show this week, we watched with incredulity as a 73-year-old woman was arrested for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ive never been arrested in my life, she protested. Im here for those little girls. My fear is that this is just the beginning. Britain is broken and Labour lacks the tools - or will - to fix it.

Mike Graham is the host of Morning Glory on Talk. Every weekday from 6.30am

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Sir Keir Starmer has cancelled more than 1bn in funding for supercomputer projects announced under the previous Conservative government.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said it would not take forward 800m earmarked to build Britains most powerful supercomputer in Edinburgh.

It has also dropped a plan to spend 500m on artificial intelligence computing announced earlier this year.

The Government said it was making difficult and necessary spending decisions and that commitments by the previous government had been unfunded.

However, the decision was criticised by the Conservatives as extremely short sighted.

Britains biggest supercomputer, the Archer 2 facility in Edinburgh, ranks 49th in the global rankings but the most powerful US computer, Frontier, is more than 60 times as powerful.

The 800m had been promised for a successor that would be 50 times more powerful and work had already begun on building it, but the project is now believed to be on hold.

It is understood that funding is likely to be reassessed in the future.

Extremely short sighted

The decision to scrap the UK exascale computer is extremely short sighted, said Alex Burghart, the shadow Northern Ireland secretary.

Exascale would have put top-tier technology at the disposal of UK researchers & businesses  and was key to having next gen AI research in Britain.

Andrew Griffith, the shadow science and technology secretary, suggested that Labour has lower ambitions for the UK tech sector. He said the science and technology department was likely to underspend its budget at the point the election had been called.

The last government committed 300m to AI computing resources at Bristol and Cambridge universities, and said earlier this year it planned to spend an extra 500m. The second part of this has also been dropped.

An industry source said: At a time when funding for AI and compute resources is increasing across the world, this is an alarming backward step for the country.

It is understood that funding for both projects is likely to be reassessed as part of a review of the Governments AI plans.

A DSIT spokesman said: We are absolutely committed to building technology infrastructure that delivers growth and opportunity for people across the UK.

The Government is taking difficult and necessary spending decisions across all departments in the face of billions of pounds of unfunded commitments. This is essential to restore economic stability and deliver our national mission for growth.

We have launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan which will identify how we can bolster our compute infrastructure to better suit our needs and consider how AI and other emerging technologies can best support our new Industrial Strategy.

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.
Starmer told to wake up and protect UK from cyber attacks before it is too late

Keir Starmer is being pressed by cyber experts to urgently prioritise new legislation to protect the UK from attacks and catastrophic system failures.

A report by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) has listed a series of recommendations after the last month saw more concerns about Russian cyber attacks on the UK linked to misinformation about the Southport attack, and a major outage taking down aeroplanes, trains, hospitals, broadcasters and scores of companies.

The government has listed the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill in the Kings speech but there are fears that it is not enough of a priority.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer answers questions during a press conference in Downing Street (Henry Nicholls/PA) (PA Wire)

The BCSs recommendations include requiring company boards to include a member who will be held accountable for the firms cyber security.

It also wants to see a new cyber security code of practice with mandatory requirements to report breaches.

It wants companies to be forced to invest more in cyber security workforces, ensure resilience is part of their business plans and have more monitoring to spot problems.

The BCS has called on the government to set up a unit to support small and medium-sized businesses.

Rashik Parmar, chief executive of BCS said: "The cost of cybercrime to the UK economy runs into billions of pounds each year. This is not just about money; it's about the very fabric of our society. We cannot afford to be complacent.

He highlighted the Crowdstrike outage caused by a Microsoft update which caused chaos in the UK and around the world with computer systems failing.

Mr Parmar said: "The recent cyberattack on the NHS in London, and the Crowdstrike IT outage were a wake-up call. Lives are at stake, and we must ensure that our systems are secure and resilient by default, not as an afterthought.

The recent outage caused flights to be cancelled (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

He added: We must have transparency from the tech giants that have such a huge impact on our everyday lives. We must also have a government that clearly recognises the importance of cybersecurity being woven into the DNA of our national infrastructure."

The call has come after former security minister Stephen McPartland pointed the finger at Russia for using social media teams and bots for fanning discontent which led to the recent riot by far-right activists in Southport following the killing of three girls and stabbing of seven others.

Mr McPartland carried out a review into cyber security and resilience in the UK which Rishi Sunaks government failed to implement because of the early election.

But he has pointed out that it is available for the new Labour government to use with recommendations including getting large companies to share intelligence and support systems.

The issue has been highlighted in a letter to The Independent from Ross Burley, the co-founder and executive director of the Centre for Information Resilience.

He said: The Centre for Information Resilience has consistently highlighted the tactics employed by state actors like Russia to spread disinformation and manipulate public opinion  including through support for the far right. Their work, particularly on projects like Eyes on Russia, demonstrates the importance of verifying information and combating false narratives that seek to undermine social cohesion and democratic processes.

We must collectively prioritise the development of greater cyber-resilience and media literacy. This includes educating the public on how to critically assess the information they encounter online and holding social media platforms accountable for the content they allow to proliferate.

Our response must be proactive and comprehensive. It is imperative that the government, tech companies, and civil society organisations work together to combat disinformation. This collaborative approach is essential not only to prevent incidents like the Southport riots but also to safeguard our democratic values against malicious interference.

A spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said: This government is committed to delivering economic stability by making our public services more resilient to cyber threats  including from foreign states like Russia and China.

That is why in the Kings Speech we unveiled the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which mandates that providers of essential infrastructure and digital services protect their supply chains from attacks.

DSIT has said that the bill will put regulators on a stronger footing and mandate wider reporting of cyber incidents, including when organisations are held to ransom, so we can better grasp and address vulnerabilities across the economy and society.
Fourteen attorneys general from U.S. states and the District of Columbia are urging the federal government to recognize extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters.

The push comes after heat advisories plagued much of the United States in recent weeks, and ongoing wildfires devastate portions of the western U.S. Currently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency does not recognize extreme heat and wildfire smoke as "major disasters" under the Stafford Act. This means emergency funding for relief is not available to states experiencing abnormally high temperatures or oppressive smoke impacts.

"The proposed changes to FEMA regulations, if adopted, would enhance the capacity of our jurisdictions to mitigate the impacts of high-severity extreme heat and wildfire smoke events before they occur  and to respond as effectively as possible to them when they do happen," Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes wrote in the letter to FEMA cosigned by the other state officials.

The letter cited rising global temperatures as increasing the prevalence of high-severity extreme heat and wildfire smoke events over the past several decades.

"Rising average global temperatures have made extreme heat events longer, more intense, more widespread, and deadlier," the letter said. "Wildfire intensity has also increased across North America in recent decades, in part because drier, warmer conditions driven by climate change reduce vegetation moisture."

It continued: "We urge FEMA to update its regulations to prepare for this hotter, smokier future."

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, extreme heat is responsible for more weather-related deaths in the U.S. than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. Last year, more than 2,300 people suffered heat-related deaths in the U.S., as reported by the Associated Press.

Wildfire smoke exposure can worsen conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease. The National Bureau of Economic Research estimates that wildfire smoke contributes to nearly 16,000 excess U.S. deaths per year.

"Across the country, people are suffering and dying from extreme heat," Jean Su, energy justice director and senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement quoted by the Guardian. "FEMA can bring a mass mobilization of resources to deploy life-saving cooling centers, air conditioning, and community solar. But so far FEMA's only shown these communities piecemeal efforts and lackluster leadership."

Spearheaded by Mayes, the letter was cosigned by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington D.C.

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Out-of-state firefighters take on Park Fire as it grows to 4th largest in California history

(FOX40.COM)  The Park Fire has now pulled in more than 6,300 fire personnel to Northern California, including strike teams from other states.

On Thursday, the CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department shared an image of a special briefing held for recently arrived out-of-state fire personnel ready to tackle the Park Fire.

How the Park Fire is impacting other areas of the West Coast

Gov. Gavin Newsom was able to obtain federal assistance on July 25 for the Park Fire that allowed for mutual aid calls to be issued to other states.

On July 26, the Yuma Fire Department in Arizona was called to assemble a strike team to support ongoing firefighting efforts at the Park Fire.

A Strike Team consists of several firefighting apparatus with personnel and a team leader drawn from various departments, the Yuma Fire Department wrote in a news release.

Fire departments in Texas have also been called on to assist in fighting the Park Fire. Strike Team 178 from North Texas rolled out to Northern California on Monday.

Dozens of pets rescued from Park Fire by Nevada County volunteers

Fire crews from the Fort Worth Fire Department, Greenville Fire Rescue, McKinney Fire Department, Allen Fire Department and Parker County Emergency Services District 1 are now working on the Park Fire.

The brush truck that the Forth Worth Fire Department is taking will carry specific equipment that includes forestry line, hand tools, chainsaws, firing devices such as drip torches, draft hoses, all the way down to tool kits to repair things remotely in the field, the fire department wrote in a news release.

All out-of-state resources have a typical assignment time of two weeks before they can decide to return to their home states or leave equipment behind for new crews to rotate into.

As of 8 a.m. on Aug. 2, the Park Fire has burned 397,629 acres and crews have achieved 24% containment. It is now the 4th largest fire in California history.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
For years, out-of-state hospitals, such as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute of Boston, tapped the coffers of generous Palm Beach County residents for medical services provided in the healthcare giant's New England hub.

Increasingly, however, medical donations are staying here in Palm Beach County as providers based outside the area establish offices in the Palm Beaches. At the behest of donors, these out-of-state providers are starting to invest the millions they receive from grateful patients and other philanthropists into local operations.

During the past decade, a number of New York-based healthcare companies began tiptoeing into Palm Beach County, often to keep attending to wealthy patients spending part of the year in Florida. These healthcare providers found that these well-heeled residents living in Palm Beach County wanted their trusted medical care brands close by, without having to travel outside of Florida to find them.

More: Palm Beach County cultural gems plot expansion, growth with transplants' generosity

Since the pandemic, the Palm Beaching of medicine has healthcare providers scrambling even more to add physicians and offices to serve the burgeoning, post-pandemic population of patients now living in Florida permanently.

NYU Langone benefits from $75 million gift  but the money is being invested in West Palm

NYU Langone has operated two small clinics in Palm Beach County since 2017.

However, the specialty care provider now has its sights set on planning a major expansion of both clinical space and patient services in West Palm Beach.

Their plan received a boost when Palm Beach resident Julia Koch pledged $75 million to NYU Langone for a new West Palm Beach medical tower downtown, near one of NYU Langone's existing clinics. The Julia Koch Family Ambulatory Care Center will provide a large space for more than a dozen specialties, as well as imaging services and outpatient surgery.

Rendering of proposed medical tower in downtown West Palm Beach for NYU Langone Health.

The $75 million gift is believed to be a record donation to a Palm Beach County health care provider. Koch's donation also is a near-record level of philanthropy for any organization in the county in recent years, dwarfed only by a $100 million gift to the University of Florida's Scripps campus in Jupiter by Dr. Herbert Wertheim.

But NYU Langone isn't the only New York-based provider staying in new Florida-based clinics.

The Hospital for Special Surgery, the nation's No. 1 orthopedic hospital, opened a West Palm Beach clinic and outpatient surgery center at the start of the pandemic in early 2020. During the past four years, patient growth has been stronger than expected.

The Hospital for Special Surgery, the nation's No. 1 orthopedic hospital, opened a West Palm Beach clinic and outpatient surgery center at the start of the pandemic in early 2020. During the past four years, patient growth has been stronger than expected.

HSS now is adding more out-patient operating rooms, hiring more physicians and planning to open at least two more clinical offices in South Florida. With HSS' growth comes an increase in financial support.

Earlier this year, HSS trustee Marina Kellen French and her daughter, Wellington resident Annabelle Garrett, gave $2 million to HSS' West Palm Beach facility.

Florida-based medical care providers seeing charitable boon, too

The love isn't limited to out-of-state nonprofits, either. Florida-based providers are experiencing a philanthropy bounce, too.

At Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter residents Hugh and Nancy Elliott made a $10 million donation to expand the Electrophysiology Lab. The lab features electrophysiologists who specialize in heart arrhythmias and use minimally invasive equipment to monitor and map the heart's electrical systems.

Johnny Gray signs a beam next to his wife, Terry, during a topping-off ceremony in 2022 for the Johnny and Terry Gray Surgical Institute at Jupiter Medical Center. The couple made a $25 million donation toward the center's 90,000-square-foot institute.

The gift comes on top of a 2022 gift of $25 million from former race car driver Johnny Gray and his wife, Terry, who live in Jupiter.

Their donation helped build a new surgery center to meet the increased demand for complex patient surgeries as well as minimally invasive surgeries.

Alexandra Clough is a business writer at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at aclough@pbpost.com. X: @acloughpbp. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Out-of-state health centers invest donor millions in Palm Beach County
State Rep. Sam McKenzie beat the first Democratic primary challenger he's had to face since his 2020 election to represent District 15 in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

McKenzie won with 2,585 votes to 1,399 for his challenger, fellow Democrat Knox County Commissioner Dasha Lundy.

McKenzie, 58, focused his campaign on his record of supporting public schools and fighting vouchers, which were a defining issue in the race.

The people of the 15th District fully understood what was before them, McKenzie told Knox News. This was a choice between a proven leader and a lot of mean-spirited mailers. Im excited to win by such a large margin.

Democrat Sam McKenzie celebrates his District 15 victory in the Tennessee House of Representatives primary race during a Democratic watch party at Gourmet's Market and Cafe on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Lundy, who served one term on the county commission before deciding to run for the state legislature, told Knox News she is "very grateful that I was able to run a clean campaign."

Lundy, 43, was mostly funded by one organization: Tennesseans for Student Success. The group's political action committee advocates for rigorous school testing standards and charter and magnet schools within public school systems. Their fundraising arm, Team Kid, has donated thousands of dollars to pro-voucher lawmakers, including representatives who served on the K-12 committee that gave the voucher bill its first approval.McKenzie said his victory sends a message to those who fund campaigns with dark money: "Stay out of Knoxville.

McKenzie will face Republican Justin Hirst in the Nov. 5 general election. The 15th District represents downtown and neighborhoods to the east and south.

Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: State Rep. Sam McKenzie defeats Democratic primary challenger Dasha Lundy
State rep. wants GPS tracking for certain crimes, burned body IDed by MPD | On the Docket

A week after a charred body was found inside a burnt car at the City of Memphis impound lot, the Memphis Police Department has confirmed the body to be that of a missing Mississippi man.

The department has also brought charges against two 15-year-olds accused of stealing a car and running from police last Friday. Police say they are planning to bring charges against another 15-year-old who was shot by an officer while running.

And a Tennessee state representative wants to expand the offenses that a judge can require real-time GPS monitoring for, though the proposed program's details still remain scarce.

Here's what was on the docket for the week of July 29.

State rep. wants to see more real-time GPS monitoring used for people on bail

Tennessee State Rep. G.A. Hardaway, a Memphis Democrat, Wednesday morning proposed a pilot program that would see people charged with certain violent offenses who are out on bail be required to wear real-time GPS monitors.

Though not having a timeline, estimated cost, or specific details about how the program would operate, Hardaway said the program would roll out in Shelby County before potentially going to the Tennessee General Assembly and being rolled out statewide.

State Rep. G.A. Hardaway exits the Celebration of Life service for former U.S. Congressman and Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist at Christ Church Memphis in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, who was present at the press conference when Hardaway announced the program, voiced support for it. Mulroy said the county would need "at least hundreds, if not over 1,000, of these "kinds of devices."

Though no price has been discussed, Hardaway said he believes part of the cost would be picked up by the state. It would also see buy-in from the city, county and suburban municipalities like Germantown, Lakeland and Millington, he said.

The program would be an extension of a recently passed law that allows judges to require, as a condition of their bail, that people charged with domestic violence offenses wear an ankle monitor that would notify victims of the defendant's location. The law went into effect July 1 this year.

The key to the program's success, Hardaway said, would be constant monitoring of real-time data.

"The key here is real time, so that when a violation occurs law enforcement can respond in a timely manner. If there's a victim that needs to be notified, they can take whatever evasive or protective procedures that they need to do," Hardaway said.

Though not having a list of offenses set in stone, Hardaway said reckless driving, gun theft, carjacking and motor vehicle theft charges could be included.

Juveniles charged with car theft after police chase, shoot at minor

Two 15-year-olds were charged with theft of property between $2,500 and $10,000 and evading arrest on foot after being arrested July 26, the Memphis Police Department said on social media.

A third 15-year-old was non-critically injured after an officer shot at him during the pursuit. MPD has not said what caused the officer to fire at the teen but said he was armed at the time. It is also unclear whether the teen was injured by gunfire or something else.

MPD has not responded to questions about the teen's injury or said why the officer fired at him.

More: Memphis nonprofit Just City sues over TN law limiting considerations on bail affordability

"Officers approached the suspects and three suspects fled on foot," a statement from MPD read. "Two juveniles were taken into custody immediately. A third, armed suspect continued running westbound on Winchester. For reasons under investigation, the situation escalated and an officer fired upon the suspect."

MPD said in a follow-up statement that the teen was still receiving treatment and that charges against him were pending.

Charred body found in city impound lot identified as missing Mississippi man

Days after charred human remains were found inside a vehicle at the City of Memphis' impound lot, the Memphis Police Department has confirmed that they belong to a man reported missing from Horn Lake, Mississippi.

The man, 20-year-old Jaderious Webb, was reported missing to Horn Lake police on July 20 at 11:31 a.m., MPD said in a statement.

The car that Webb's body was found in was first impounded early in the early hours of July 20. The Memphis Fire Department was putting out a car fire that morning, and Memphis police responded to the scene at 3:42 a.m. that day. Fire had "completely engulfed an unknown vehicle," MPD said in a statement.

Crime scene investigators took photos of the car, and MPD said neither MFD personnel nor MPD personnel saw charred remains inside the vehicle. It was not until two days later, on July 22, that the body was found by an officer doing additional work to identify the car.

Webb's remains were "discovered in the rear passenger area of the car," and the case is currently being investigated as a homicide. There is also an internal review being conducted into the incident, MPD said.

Top Commercial Appeal courts, public safety stories readers have viewed

Latest in Memphis' biggest cases

September will, if dockets hold true, be a stacked month for some of Memphis' high-profile cases. Three trials are slated to begin at the start, middle and end of September.

The criminal case against three men accused of plotting, then carrying out, the shooting that killed Young Dolph in November 2021 is moving toward trial after multiple motions were filed and a new judge was assigned to the case.

Hernandez Govan, the man prosecutors allege masterminded the plot, and Jermarcus Johnson, who was believed to have facilitated payments after the shooting and has entered a plea deal, were in court Monday morning for a report date.

More: Trial has been set for the Young Dolph murder case  again. Here's where it stands

Though nothing of substance took place during the court appearance, Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell told the two men that there would only be one more report date before the trial begins on Sept. 23.

The trial will also feature the two men accused of actually shooting Young Dolph, Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith. Jermarcus Johnson is Justin Johnson's half-brother, and prosecutors have said he may be called to testify during the trial.

On the federal level, attorneys in the criminal Tyre Nichols case have continued to file motions under seal. A hearing date has not been set for the matters being argued in the motions, but a pretrial conference is scheduled for Aug. 5. That court date is just over a month before the trial is set to begin on Sept. 9.

The case against Eduard Rodriguez-Tabora, charged in the killing of Memphis Rev. Autura Eason-Williams in July 2022, will head to trial on Sept. 30. That case will have a hearing on Aug. 20 over Rodriguez-Tabora's request for a Nashville jury.

Have a question for us?

Do you have a burning public safety question you want answered? Send an email to metro@commercialappeal.com, or lucas.finton@commercialappeal.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Rep. G.A. Hardway proposes expanded GPS monitors for offenders
Republican state Reps. Tim Rudd of Murfreesboro and Robert Stevens of Smyrna won contested GOP primaries Thursday.

Rudd claimed victor with 2,196 votes (63.80%) in the District 34 GOP primary while Republican opponent Tucker Marcum had 1,233 (35.82%).

"It's been a hard fought race," Rudd said. "It was a very negative race, which is unfortunate. I give a lot of thanks and credit to my constituents and my volunteers and supporters for standing with me and believing in me to be their nominee for the next two years."

Tim Rudd

Stevens won with 2,246 votes (68.43%) in the District 13 GOP primary while GOP challenger Jami Averwater had 1,027 votes (31.29%).

"I want to thank everyone who supported my campaign," Stevens said Friday morning after he'd been busy collecting campaign signs after the election. "I am very honored that the Republican primary voters placed their confidence in me to be our nominee again this year, and I look forward to promoting both party unity and our conservative values as we move forward into the general election."

Robert Stevens

The Rutherford County Election Commission will be certifying the Aug. 1 election results during a 5 p.m. meeting Aug. 12.

Both Republican winners will advance to the Nov. 5 election to seek reelection for two-year terms after winning GOP primaries with negative attack advertising.

Tim Rudd and Robert Stevens

Rudd has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since winning his seat in 2016 to replace former retired Republican state Rep. Rick Womick.

GOP primary for TN House District 34: Candidates Tim Rudd, Tucker Marcum and Amelia Pant share views on growth taxes

The GOP winner in District 34 will advance to face Democratic Amelia Pant in the Nov. 5 election. Pant won her primary unopposed.

Stevens is an attorney from Smyrna. He won his District 13 seat that was added to fast-growing Rutherford County in 2022 after Stevens served 12 years as an elected member of the Rutherford County Commission.

GOP primary for TN House District 13: Candidates spar over immigration in attack campaign mailer

The Averwater campaign had questioned a campaign finance complaint made by Stevens about Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland and Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed.

Averwater serves with McFarland on the Murfreesboro City Council.

Campaign Finance issues: Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland faces investigation by DA following complaint to state by state Rep. Robert Stevens

Stevens will advance to the Nov. 5 election to face Democrat Jonathan Yancey, who ran unopposed in his primary.

The Nov. 5 election will include four other Republican incumbents who were unopposed in the GOP primary. Each faces a Democrat advancing from uncontested primaries.

State House of Representatives District 37: Charlie Baum, incumbent Republican; Cheri Brown, Democrat

State House of Representatives District District 48: Bryan Terry, Republican incumbent; Matt Ferry, Democrat

State House of Representatives District 49: Mike Sparks, incumbent Republican; Luis Mata, Democrat

State Senate District 14: Shane Reeves, incumbent Republican; E.R. Smith, Democrat

The Nov. 5 winners will join a Rutherford County delegation in the Tennessee General Assembly that also includes state Sen. Dawn White, R-Murfreesboro. She won a four-year term in 2022 for her District 13 seat that will be up election in 2026.

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Republican state Reps. Rudd, Stevens win contested GOP primaries
Weather Aware Friday for Dangerous Heat and Humidity

Drought Update: There was some improvement with the drought across Central Alabama along and south of I-20 where the drought has ended. However, severe drought conditions persist for parts of Lamar, Fayette, Walker & Marion Counties. This improvement is from the much-needed rain last week.

Friday: On Friday, the heat dome of high pressure will start to break down. We will still be very hot and humid with highs in the middle 90s, and the heat index 102-107. Another Heat Advisory is in effect.

However, there will be a better chance for spotty storms in the late afternoon/evening, between 2 PM and 10 PM, as a cold front moves into North Alabama. A few storms could be strong to severe with gusty winds, small hail, and heavy downpours.

SPC has placed much of Central Alabama in a level 1/5 Marginal Risk for severe storms. The threat is low, but something to keep an eye on during the evening.

Weekend Outlook: The weather pattern starts to change this weekend. The heat dome will continue to weaken and move to the west. A trough of low pressure will move over the eastern U.S. and send a weak cold front into Alabama Saturday morning. Saturday will still be hot and humid, but there will be scattered storms. Not everyone will see rain. High temperatures will be lower to mid-90s, and the heat index will be 100-105+. Sunday will be partly cloudy, hot, and humid with only a few pop-up storms in the afternoon/evening. Highs will be in the lower 90s, and the heat index will be around 105.

Next Weeks Outlook: The cold front will move toward South Alabama on Monday into Tuesday. This will not cool us down, but we may see a tad less humid air with dew points in the upper 60s to around 70. Each day will be partly cloudy with only a shower possible. Highs will be in the middle 90s, and the heat index 100-105. The forecast Wednesday through Friday will depend on what the possible tropical system in the Eastern Gulf will track, so expect some changes. Right now, we will be partly cloudy, hot, and humid with a few pop-up storms. Highs stay in the middle 90s and the heat index is around 105.

Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Steward Health Care plans to lay off over 1200 employees working between the two hospitals they plan to close sometime in the next month.

According to Mass.govs WARN report, 753 employees at Dorchesters Carney Hospital and 490 at Ayers Nashoba Valley Medical Center will lose their jobs.

The decision to close both Carney and Nashoba hospitals is one we deeply regret having to make. Steward is acutely aware of the difficulties this will impose on our dedicated and hardworking employees, Steward Health Care Spokesperson Deborah Chiaravalloti said. There are more than a thousand jobs open at other Steward hospitals in Massachusetts and we are encouraging our employees to consider those positions. We are holding job fairs to facilitate transfers for our employees and will communicate more details with them shortly.

The for-profit healthcare chain filed for bankruptcy in May and In late July, Steward announced they would be closing both the Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer after failing to find buyers for the hospitals.

On Thursday, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu wrote a letter to the owners of Dorchesters Carney Hospital expressing concern over the future of the property after Steward Health Care announced its closure.

Wu demanded the property be used only for healthcare purposes or face retribution from her office.

Our community is rightly concerned that your companies, not satisfied with the hundreds of millions in value already extracted from Steward hospitals, hope to capitalize on the closure of Carney Hospital by redeveloping the property, the letter read. I would like to be absolutely clear that my Administration will oppose any effort by ownership to rezone the property for uses other than the provision of health care. "

Governor Maura Healeys office said that Steward CEO Ralph de la Torres business practices were irresponsible.

These nurses and health care workers have come to work day after day amid all of this uncertainty and selflessly served their patients. We are prepared for this and have been working with our partners in labor to make sure all impacted workers are hired elsewhere, including at the five hospitals we intend to save. We expect they will all get new jobs, and many already have. Steward, their lenders and real estate partners need to finalize deals on the remaining hospitals immediately, said a spokesperson with the Governors office.

Healey said Thursday she is pressing Steward Health Care to adhere to a state Department of Public Health regulation that hospital owners must give 120 days notice before any medical facility can close in Massachusetts.

Ive been clear with Steward, they need to stay open for 120 days. We need to have a smooth transition. Steward made the call to close those two hospitals, Healey told reporters. We have been hard at work looking to secure a deal that will ensure a smooth transition of ownership away from Steward to a responsible operator.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association called the discussion of layoffs premature, citing the governors letter to Steward.

Let us be clear, our focus, and the focus of community members, caregivers and a growing number of policymakers is to exhaust every avenue open to us to stop this closure, Massachusetts Nurses Association spokesperson The Governor yesterday announced her intention to require Steward to follow the state law requiring 120 days notice prior to any closure, which will allow all parties to identify new operators for these hospitals, a process that has been made easier by the bankruptcy courts order this week to reject existing leases on these properties, opening the door to more favorable negotiation of those leases for bidders interested in acquiring these hospitals. We have been clear that there is no justification for this or any closure of the hospitals impacted by this crisis and if that occurred thousands of patients lives would be placed in jeopardy. Before that happens, we believe the state should declare a public health emergency, and if need be, to access funds from the states Rainy Day fund, which now stands at $8 billion.

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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Alaina Tripp holds a recent photo of Teddy on her phone. The Paws for Life animal shelter in Riverton, Wyoming is currently housing the white poodle. (Rebecca Zandbergen/CBC - image credit)

Alaina Tripp never expected to see her dog Teddy again after he was stolen from her Ottawa apartment last fall.

So when the white miniature poodle showed up, dirty but unhurt, in a police stop in Wyoming ten months later, it felt like a small miracle.

"I am so, so happy," said Tripp, 33. "I really never ever thought  and nobody ever thought, not the police, not my friends, family ... [that] I would ever, ever see this dog again."

Tripp said she returned home last September to find someone had broken into her Centretown apartment and taken the four-month old puppy from his crate. Tripp said she believes the thief targeted Teddy.

"He was just a wiry little, hadn't-poodled-out, fluffy puppy-coat, tan-haired thing," said Tripp, who works as a grocery store cashier.

"He was pretty scruffy. He was living in a car. It was pretty wild because he'd been cooped up in the car so long. - Don Nethicumara, Riverton police

Tripp had just gotten Teddy after her previous dog got sick and had to be put down.

"It ripped my life apart completely," she said.

Tripp said she contacted local police and also the nearby Cornerstone Women's Shelter, which turned out to have video of someone breaking into her apartment.

"They shared the footage with the Ottawa police and we discovered who had taken him. We just hadn't been able to track him down," she said.

Alaina Tripp's dog, Teddy, at four months, before he was taken.

Teddy at four months, before he was taken. (Submitted by Alaina Tripp)

Late last month, purely by chance, police in the small central Wyoming town of Riverton found both the suspect and a much bigger and dirtier Teddy.

After Officer Don Nethicumara pulled over a driver for running a red light, he noticed the warrant out for the man's arrest. Ottawa police told CBC News the man had been wanted in connection with a residential break-and-enter and an investigation is ongoing.

"Somewhere in the bottom, [the warrant] mentioned that he was in possession of a stolen dog named Teddy," said Nethicumara.

The officer confiscated the dog and the suspect was eventually arrested on possession and theft charges. CBC News confirmed the man pleaded not guilty in Riverton court on Monday and is currently in custody.

"[Teddy] was pretty scruffy. He was living in a car," said Nethicumara. "It was pretty wild because he'd been cooped up in the car so long. When I brought him over to the police department, he just ran wild.

"He's a really nice dog. He was playing catch with himself. That was probably the first freedom he's had in months."

Staff at the Paws for Life animal shelter in Riverton are now caring for Teddy.

Nethicumara tracked Tripp down online.

"I did a quick Google search with the name 'Teddy,' 'stolen' and 'Ottawa,' and it actually led me to a Reddit post," he said. "It actually led me to the Facebook page ... Someone had posted Alaina's phone number. We confirmed that it was Teddy and that she did want him back."

Alaina Tripp says the suspect entered her apartment through this window by knocking down the air conditioning unit.

Alaina Tripp says the suspect entered her apartment through this window by knocking down the air conditioning unit. (Rebecca Zandbergen/CBC)

But getting Teddy back home is proving to be a challenge.

"The Riverton Police Department is working with animal rescues here and back and forth, and we're trying to figure out how to get him home," said Tripp.

Travelling across the border with a dog requires the proper paperwork, which is likely to be expensive for Tripp. And going down to fetch the dog in person is out of the question because Tripp doesn't currently have a passport.

"We seem to be hitting a lot of roadblocks and red tape," she said.

Don Nethicumara, an officer with the Riverton Police Department in Riverton, WY, and Animal Control Officer Shannon Sanderson, pose with Teddy he recovered from the suspect.

Don Nethicumara, an officer with the Riverton Police Department in Riverton, WY, and Animal Control Officer Shannon Sanderson pose with Teddy after he was recovered from the suspect. (Submitted by Don Nethicumara)

"The last couple of days, I've been kind of sad because I'm like, I found this dog and now it feels like I'm going to lose him again because I can't get him over the border."

Nethicumara, who owns three rescue dogs of his own (a Schnauzer-poodle named Darth Vader, a Chihuahua-cross named Tinkerbell and a mixed breed named Ariel), said he understands Tripp's frustration.

"If someone took my dog away from me, I won't stop at anything to get my dog back," he said.

"One way or another, Teddy's going to get back to Alaina."

Alaina Tripp's dog Teddy was stolen in Oct. 2023. Then late last month, Tripp learned her dog had been recovered by a police officer in Wyoming who arrested a man who had been wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.

'Now it feels like I'm going to lose [Teddy] again because I can't get him over the border,' says Alaina Tripp. (Rebecca Zandbergen/CBC)
OCEOLA TOWNSHIP, Livingston County, Mich. (WLNS)  A 6 News investigation has revealed the leader of a nonprofit agency working with veterans has misled his volunteers, donors, clients and the media about his military service record  including embellishing his rank and claiming to have been a special operator for the United States Air Force.

Kirk Lanam (WLNS)

Kirk A. Lanam, 52, is the executive director, president and founder of Veteran Service Dogs Organization (VSDO) and has claimed since at least 2017 to have been a special operations member with tours in combat zones all over the world. Hes also claimed to be a brigadier general and a two-star general, also known as a major generalappearing at promotional and fundraising events wearing a camouflage uniform bearing those ranks and patches from USAF Special Operations.

On April 19, 2023, Lanam, in civilian clothing and with one of his service dogs at his side, walked up to the podium at the Hamburg Township Planning Commission. Good afternoon, my name is Brigadier General Kirk Lanam, he said. I am 34 years on paper with the United States Air Force and 22 years active combat.

Stolen Valor: Veterans react to egregious embellishments

His military records, obtained by 6 News from the Air Force Personnel Center in Texas as well as the National Personnel Records Center (NRPC) of the National Archives, show Lanam served just under two years in the USAF, from July 1990 to June 1992. Those records reveal when he separated from the Air Force, he had a rank of Airman Basic (E-1).





Those records also show Lanam never attended special operations schools or other training that would be part of a special operations service members military file.

Lanam did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

What is stolen valor?

Lanams embellishments of his service and rank were brought to the 6 News Investigates teams attention by a former volunteer for the organization on June 15.

I felt betrayed and used, Edgar Jones, 59, said. He provided the 6 News Investigates Team with his initial discoveries about Lanams service claims. I dont have anything but my name and my reputation. And both of those have become so ingrained in the organization that Im one of the faces of the organization. And thats hurtful.

Edgar Jones (WLNS)

Jones began interacting with VSDO in 2020 when he applied for and obtained a service dog. A steel gray pit bull named Doc Bradley. The yellow-green-eyed dog is named after a sailor photographed as part of a team of Marines hoisting the American flag on Iwo Jima after a bloody battle against the Japanese in World War II.

But earlier this year, Jones became suspicious of Lanam when a growing stack of banker boxes appeared in an area of the facility behind a door labeled Suite 1.

Veteran Service Dogs Organization in Oceola Twp. (WLNS)

Veteran Service Dogs Organization in Oceola Twp. (WLNS)

A veterans life on paper, he said. Oh, stacks of bank boxes full of documents and files. Three to four-foot high.

He said Lanam had organizational volunteers sorting the files. Financial documents all over tables and chairs, he said of the chaos of the deconstruction of the veterans life on paper.

Lanam has been pleading poverty in previous months, telling volunteers it was unclear if the organization could pay the phone bill or other utilities, Jones said.

But then, in April, extravagant new purchases started.

A new security camera system was installed. It had facial recognition and was paid for by the U.S. Department of Defense, Jones was told by Lanam. New bulletproof doors were paid for. Lawn equipment, a camper trailer, a Hyundai Palisades. All of it, Lanam told a more and more concerned Jones, the result of grants and the generosity of the DoD.

Veteran Service Dogs Organization in Oceola Twp. (WLNS)

Jones began his own investigation into Lanams past, his service and his stories because of his concerns related to the spending and the veterans paperwork.

Stolen Valor: Inside the Investigation

Lanams Claims

On paper, VSDO was formed as a domestic nonprofit with the state of Michigan and received a formal charitable organization designation from the IRS in 2019. Operating out of a blue building on Grand River Ave. in Howell, tax filings from 2019 and 2020 show the organization survived on less than $50,000 in those first two years.

Even with this financial challenge, the organization was able to connect 700 dogs with veterans to support and help each other, Lanam told 6 News in an interview in 2021. Jones said that number has increased to about 1,000 teamsat least thats what Lanam has claimed in various public events and conversations with veterans and volunteers.

Lanam always touted his status as a veteran. He has claimed to have been assigned civil engineering, special operations, according to a transcript of a video testimonial Lanam made for another service dog organization in 2017, obtained by 6 News. In a Livingston Daily report on the possible passage of the PAWS Act in 2019, Lanam claimed to be a combat controller and forward operator in countries such as Bolivia, Panama, Kuwait and Iraq.

Lanam told his volunteers hed been an operator. In a transcript of an interview with him from 2017, he said in a testimonial video he was civil engineering, special operations. He told Jones he was part of the Joint Special Operations Command.

In 2017, Chuck Nelson met Lanam during the creation of his testimonial video. Nelson serves as the treasurer for the nonprofit Winter of the Beard in Waterford. Delving further into Lanams service claims was something he didnt feel comfortable doing.

Chuck Nelson (WLNS)

With veterans in mental health situations, I really dont pry about their service, Nelson said. Or ask anything that happened while they were in service. If they want to talk to me about, absolutely, Im all ears. Im not the one who initiates the conversation, especially in a kind of fragile environment like that  that are a very vulnerable environment.

Nelson continued, A lot of what he would say when we would kind ofwhen were doing the interview, at least, a lot of it was, Oh, like I cant talk about that. You know thats classified. And, you know, he was presenting as a special operator, so we didnt push.

He said he has military family members, so the classification claim didnt stand out as unfathomable. It rang true from his experiences. Sometimes, people go to war and perform actions or are stationed somewhere that is classified  and they dont talk about it out of national pride, national security, or sometimes simply out of fear of legal ramifications for revealing sensitive national security information.

Winter of the Beard named VSDO as its grant recipient in 2021a designation meaning the organization would provide the grantee at least $2,500, and, Nelson said, much more.

No one, including Lanam, was paid for their work with the organization. Lanam told 6 News the same thing. He said his income came entirely from disability payments.

Guidestar, a nonprofit that provides tax filings and detailed information about nonprofits, reports the organization had just over $131,000 in operational revenue in 2022. It had over $123,000. The information was provided by the VSDO, a spokesman for Guidestar tells 6 News.

(Source: guidestar.org)

In 2022 something changed. A lot going on just kind of the world stage, Russian and Ukraine and so forth, Nathan Buchanan told 6 News. Buchanan is Kirk Lanams 24-year-old stepson.

One night he sat me down at the kitchen table, and said, I got to tell you something, Buchanan said. And he said The Air Force is bringing me back in.

In addition, Buchanan said Lanam claimed he was being promoted to a one-star general in the Air Force. And that kind of blew me away. Certainly, I wasnt expecting that.

Photos provided by volunteers and veterans involved with VSDO show Lanam with a long and thick beard wearing Air Force Digi Camo fatigues adorned with patches from Air Force Special Operations a Special Tactics Officer duty patch and a Joint Special Operations Command patch.

Nathan Buchanan (WLNS)

Jones, Buchanan and other veterans involved in the organization told 6 News Lanam would occasionally rush out of the building. Youd just be sitting there with him and the next thing you know he is running out the door, Buchanan said. He cant tell you why, he says. I got, Its, you know, I have to go report to so and so. Or, you know, I have an assignment I got to get to, or whatever. And so you never knew when it was going to happen, but it usually was when he was at the office  because, you know, for the past five or so years, thats where he spends more of his time. But yeah. That would happen quite often.

Jones, while talking with 6 News sitting at a table in a basement bar in downtown Howell, nodded in agreement. He made a lot of claims about having to leave the country or having to meet at the Pentagon or some other location with a person he would refer to as Carlos.

Carlos Del Toro, U.S. Secretary of the Navy (WLNS)

Carlos, Lanam revealed was Carlos Del Toro, U.S. Secretary of the Navy, according to Buchanan and Jones.

The other veterans who spoke on background told 6 News Lanam claimed to have been promoted from brigadier general to a two-star general in a secret weekend ceremony at the Pentagon. The promotion he told them, was bestowed by his friend Carlos. He also told those same veterans he decided not to show up to the weekend ceremony.

During a July 25 visit to the organizations facility on Highland Rd. in Osceola Township, Lanam told 6 News he holds a doctorate from MIT and attended the University of Michigan. Buchanan said Lanam told him he has a doctorate from Northern Michigan University.

The four veterans who volunteered with VSDO and spoke with 6 News on background all told similar stories of not pushing too hard on potentially sensitive and classified actions. The four agreed to empower Jones to speak on their behalf.

Each of them relayed a story Lanam had told to many. He would regale his volunteers with the tale of the time he was leading a public access traininga part of the programs training for the service dogs and their veteran partnersin downtown Howell. A drunk, he claimed, came out of a bar and began an altercation.

Lanam claims his team was called in and they sealed off downtown Howell and dealt with the minor altercation.

There were text messages to a group of volunteers. Including Jones, warning them the Russo-Ukrainian war would end up involving U.S. and NATO forces. He hoped for cooler heads to prevail.

If those cooler heads didnt prevail, his volunteers were to meet him at a property located in Red Feather, Colorado.

I was given coordinates, Jones said, and on multiple occasions, he has talked about how the Department of Defense (DoD) hardened the property. Put in an airstrip. All these things to make it secure.

In late 2022, Lanam said the organization needed to move because its lease on Grand River in the blue building was up. He found the Highland Rd. property and, Jones said, the organization had moved in a weekend.

In an August 6, 2023 interview with Veteran Radio, he said he was a dog handler in the Air Force.

Yeah, I was a handler. I was not, initially, a trainer, but I was workinghandling the dogs, he said. Then, you know, the Air Force trains most of the dogs for the other branches. Then we had a dog for our own group and I was the handler for our group.

In his biography on the Veteran Radio webpage, he reports he served during Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Jones said in a presentation seeking corporate donations and volunteers with Trane in Livonia, Lanam wore a uniform with his Generals stars.

We would go and present with the dogs, tell them what theyre donating money to, Jones said of the various public speaking engagements he and Doc participated in over the years.

From motorcycle rallies to veterans organizations, Jones was singing the gospel of VSDO, and to some extent Lanam, despite the lingering and growing unease with the organizations leader and his claims.

The Facts

Lanam, the 6 News Investigates team discoveredas did Joneswas convicted of three felony counts of computer intrusion by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District Court of Michigan, based in Detroit. Computer intrusion is the legal term for hacking.

It was a federal case filed in 2006  United States of America V. Kirk Lanam.

He was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and ordered to pay back more than $12,000 to his victims. Lanam was found guilty by a jury and appealed multiple issues to the federal courts. All of his appeals were denied.

His time in federal prison overlaps with a time in which Lanam claimed he was an active duty combat controller in the United States Air Force.

While Lanam spoke often about his friend Carlos  the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, the man who allegedly bestowed his second star on him in a secret Pentagon promotion ceremony, a Navy spokesman denied Lanams engagement with the Navy.

The Department of the Navy has no record of Kirk A. Lanam serving in the Navy, a spokesman wrote in an email to 6 News, nor any records of him meeting with senior Navy leadership.

The 6 News Investigates team also contacted each of the universities Lanam claimed to have matriculated from to verify his claims.

Weve shared your inquiry with the MIT Registrars Office, and they do not have any record of enrollment or degree conferred for a person with the name Kirk A. Lanam, wrote Abby Abazorius, senior media relations specialist for MIT Institute Office of Communications in an email response to a team inquiry about the doctorate.

We do not offer a PhD of any kind, said Northern Michigan University Spokesman Derek Hall in response to an inquiry to the 6 News Investigates team.

A spokesperson for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor emailed 6 News a statement that Kirk A. Lanam did not appear in the universitys registrars database.

Google Earth images (below) taken in 2024 of the coordinates Lanam directed volunteers to earlier this year, as tensions escalated in the Russia-Ukraine war, show no bunkers, as Lanam had claimed.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

U.S. government VFR Chartsdocumentation of airports, air space, and landing stripsreveal no airstrips in the area of the coordinates Lanam sent.

Images: FCC aviation charts

Larimer County Colorado Assessors Office officials told 6 News Lanam does not appear as a property owner on any property in Larimer County.

Documents photographed by Nathan Buchanan, Lanams stepson, show Lanam signed a document acknowledging he was being separated from the Air Force for a personality disorder. The letter noted hed consulted with legal counsel.

U.S. Air Force document (Courtesy: Nathan Buchanan)

Buchanan snapped pictures of the Air Force documents he found in the family home he shares with Lanam and his mother. They were in an unremarkable box in a spare bedroom used for storage, Buchanan said.

The reason I took their pictures is because, theyre sort of like the smoking gun, you know? he told 6 News. Its official, straight from the source. Theres no way you can misinterpret or misrepresent the information here.

Discrepancies and Silence

Jones told 6 News he didnt bother to confront Lanam with the results of his own sleuthing. I felt that  even if confronted  I would be lied to, Jones said.

The one person who can shed light on the discrepancies and answer a host of lingering questions is Lanam himself. But he isnt talking to the 6 News Investigates team. Emails, phone calls and visits to the facility have not resulted in on-camera interviews.

The team began contacting Lanam on July 22 by email and phone. The team was seeking the organizations 2021, 2022 and 2023 tax filings  known as 990s  as part of the initial phase of the investigation.

Federal law requires nonprofit charities to make their current 990s available for inspection and review during normal business hours, so the team stopped at VSDO facility headquarters on Highland Rd. in Osceola Township on July 25.

(irs.gov)

After ringing the video camera doorbell, Lanam opened the door the metal pole barn space. He was busy ordering tickets for the opening weekend showings of the new film Deadpool & Wolverine. The busy chaos of a summer blockbuster opening was a training opportunity for the organizations veterans and their canine partners, he said.

Off to one side was a large Irish Wolfhound-Great Dane mix in a wire kennel. Demos is his name, and he barked and growled. His body was stiff.

His owner, Lanam said, surrendered the dog as shed grown too ill to care for it. Demos could stand in the wire kennel, but thats about it. Other dogs could be heard elsewhere in the facility, barking.

On the desk, shock collars were being charged. A controller for one of the collars was hanging from Lanams lanyard. Lanam diverted discussion about his military service by pivoting to discussing the work of VSDO.

His tax records, Lanam told team members, werent readily available at that moment. He said a Microsoft upgrade to his 16-byte encryption system had locked him out of the bookkeeping software and the computers in general. He was, he said, waiting for a patch to be released by Microsoft to address the concern. It was not, he stressed, an outage related to the CrowdStrike update crisis that had unfolded earlier in the week, grounding flights across the nation and snarling business and government operations for a time.

Lanam agreed to a 2 p.m. two-hour sit-down interview with 6 Newsat the Highland facility on July 30.

Yet, on Tuesday, he emailed shortly after noon. I have had a few critical scheduling conflicts arise for today, and will need to postpone our appointment, he wrote. I apologize for the delay or any inconvenience. Please provide another day/time that you are available to reschedule for.

In a second email, he offered I may have a little time Thursday evening or Saturday late afternoon.

He declined to discuss the details of the critical scheduling conflicts, citing the privacy and trust of a veteran he was assisting.

6 News persisted in a meeting on July 30, getting a response, If you need to pass on the interview, I would completely understand. I know that you have schedules to keep as well. Perhaps another time then?

A phone call to VSDO went into an endless voice message loop.

A trip to the Highland Rd. facility resulted in 6 News Investigates team members discovering a building with the garage doors open a few inches. Ringing the bell resulted in nothing but a transfer to what sounded like a voicemail.

6 News reporter Josh Sanchez listens to a Ring doorbell greeting at VSDO. (WLNS)

The team surveyed the property, with cameras following their moves. An alarm could be heard inside the building.

When the team approached the door a second time, the ring doorbell again rang to what sounded like a voicemail voice.

Team members could hear people inside the facility, moving around and attempting to quiet the dogs. Then a second male voice announced the team was trespassing.

6 News left the property and set up on another property overlooking the VSDO front and parking lot.

Despite the audible alarms and the trespass warning, no law enforcement appeared at the facility for the 45 minutes 6 News remained in the area. But someone else did.

A maroon SUV approached shortly after 6 News was set up on the neighboring property. A male got out of the vehicle and limped around to the doors of suites 2 and 3 of the Highland Rd. facility, then walked to the back of the building.

He returned with a handcart, which was stowed in the back of the SUV. The vehicle turned and parked, with the front seat occupants directly looking at the 6 News team. The vehicle soon drove past the team, and the window on the drivers side rolled up as the female driver scowled at the team. The vehicle sat at the drive before turning right onto Highland Rd. for several minutes.

6 News called Lanams personal cell phone, but the voicemail was full. A text message was sent without a response.

Finally, shortly after 4:30 p.m., 6 News sent an email with six questions for Lanam to answer. He was given until 3 p.m. July 31 to respond to the inconsistencies between his public claims of his military service, and the records from the Air Force and the National Archives. He was also asked about his criminal conviction and the impact of the discrepancies on volunteers and veterans.

Lanam has not responded to the email.

Sophia Lavrick and Duncan Phenix contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
HOWELL, Mich. (WLNS)  Those who have dealt with Kirk Lanam, the executive director of Veterans Service Dogs Organization who has embellished his military service and rank and his education, expressed embarrassment and frustration theyd not challenged Lanam earlier.

Edgar Jones, a 59-year-old Navy vet who spent hours volunteering for and promoting the organization since 2020, said the revelations about Lanam were definitely a betrayal. How could I have not seen it? How could I have been fooled like this? he said. I mean, just a very deep, deep sense of hurt and betrayal.

Edgar Jones (WLNS)

A 6 News Investigates report Aug. 1 found Lanam has claimed to be a combat operator, have military dog handling training and experience and to have attained the rank of major general in the United States Air Force. Those claims were refuted by his military records obtained from the Air Force Personnel Center in Texas as well as the National Personnel Records Center (NRPC) of the National Archives.

The military records show Lanam was discharged from the Air Force after less than two years of service. His rank when he was discharged in 1992 was Airman Basic (E-1), not an officer rank as he has claimed. Those records also reveal he did not attend any USAF training schools related to combat, special operations or dog handling.

Documents provided by Lanams stepson, Nathan Buchanan, show Lanam signed a letter to the USAF acknowledging he was being separated from the USAF because of a personality disorder. That document also acknowledges Lanam had consulted an attorney.

U.S. Air Force document (Courtesy: Nathan Buchanan)

The investigation also revealed Lanam was convicted in a federal court on three counts of computer intrusion, or hacking, in a 2006 federal case in the Eastern District of Michigan.

Jones was one of a group of volunteer veterans who spoke with the 6 News Investigates Team throughout the investigation. A group of four veterans who had volunteered for the organization, and spoke with 6 News on background, appointed Jones as a spokesman for the group.

That betrayal, Jones said of his own experience, is symbolized by a Challenge Coin Lanam gave him. Its a coin bearing the Air Force Special Operations Command logo.

Photo of the Challenge Coin Kirk Lanam gave Edgar Jones and some of the documents collected for the investigation. (WLNS)

AFSOC is the entire command system for Air Force special operations deployments worldwide.

Challenge coins are given out as a recognition for service above and beyond  a token of the trust gained and forged during a deployment. It is a sacred and honored tradition. To somebody whos in the service, this means a lot, he said holding it up. To be given to you by a one-star or a two-star (general) means even more. This carries a lot of weight.

As an interview with Jones wrapped up Monday night in a bar located in a basement in downtown Howell, he tossed the coin, in a plastic case, on the table. To him, this piece of enamel metal had meant the world. Now? It was nothing. He asked, Now, what do I do with it?

But in a colloquial sense and on a legal sense, this is stolen valor, said Jay Kennedy, a white-collar crime and fraud expert of the Lanam investigation. This is embellishment to the highest extent and one thats pretty egregious, right?

Kennedy was a professor at Michigan State Universitys School of Criminal Justice before accepting a position in private industry. The 6 News Investigates Team shared the findings of this investigation with him.

In other cases, those who claimed ranks or honors from the military they had not earned used the idea of covert operations and national security to obscure the validity of their claims, he said. Its almost like they have the same handbook, he said.

Whether a crime was committed is up to a prosecutor and law enforcement to determine, he said.

But the embellishments were harmful  the broken trust left in the wake of the revelations of the embellishments were harmful to donors, volunteers and clients, he said. Why did this person feel they needed to go to this level to deceive me? Its that broken trust, he said. That you have violated that now makes some question everything. And no one wants to feel that way, right? No one wants to feel badly about how they think of feel about other people  and thats the most hurtful part.

In February 2020, U.S. Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin issued a news release celebrating the Houses passage of Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act or the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act. The legislation was signed into law in 2021 and requires the Department of Veteran Affairs to implement a five-year pilot project to provide canine training to eligible veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as an element of a complementary and integrative health program.

In the announcement, Lanam and Veteran Service Dogs Organization were quoted.

Lynsey Mukomel, a spokeswoman for Slotkin responded to the news about Lanam and VSDO with the following statement:

This reporting is very concerning. Abusing a position of leadership, especially in serving Michigans veterans, is a breach of the publics trust. And any embellishment of a service record is unacceptable. Lynsey Mukomel, spokeswoman for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, email statement Aug. 2, 2024

Jones expressed concern about the revelations of Lanams actual military service. I know veterans within our program whose sobriety started the day they started the program, Jones, who is himself in recovery from addiction issues, said. And theyve been white-knuckling it for a year, a year and a half. I cant imagine what this will do to them.

Kennedy, the white-collar and fraud expert, said such embellishments can lead people to lose faith in the nations charity networks.

Chuck Nelson (WLNS)

Chuck Nelson is the treasurer of the nonprofit Winter of the Beard. The organization named Lanam and Veteran Service Dogs Organization as its 2021 grant recipient.

Winter of the Beard was formed by Nelson and his friends after the suicide of a friend who had served in the military. It grew from a network of trying to keep each others spirits up in the wake of suicide, to a fundraising program. They wanted to fund volunteer organizations that were providing help to veterans.

I dont know how you can do that and under the guise of doing something good  and I know that the organization is doing great things and all the volunteers are doing great things  but to use their hard work and what theyre accomplishing for your own personal gain, Nelson says of the 6 News Investigates discoveries.  is  its just sad.

Nelson tells the 6 News Investigates Team after learning of the embellishments by Lanam, his organization is developing and implementing new policies and procedures to verify military service and rank claims by those involved in smaller veterans organizations Winter of the Beard may fund in the future.

As an organization, weve already begun implementing steps to where when people start claiming military service we have a way to double-check that, he said. Our focus is not normally on the individuals or the people on the board  its usually the work that the volunteers are doing.

Nathan Buchanan (WLNS)

Lanam entered Nathan Buchanans life when he was about 5 years old, Buchanan tells the 6 News Investigates Team. He married his mother and became Buchanans stepfather. He tells the Team that in a real sense, Lanam was, for all intents and purposes, his father.

He went on camera because the revelations have had just a profound impact on many of the veterans involved in the program  many he referred to as family. It has to be told, he said. Its very important that its told  it should not be kept secret. People should be aware.

He said the revelations about his stepfather were sad and he was disappointed. He said he would not have looked on Lanam any differently had the 52-year-old been honest about his service record.

Instead, the 24-year-old said, Lanam had turned himself and the organization into this big spectacle. Its just not  thats just not cool, he said.

Jones, who is close with many of the clients and veterans who have been involved over the years, said recovering from the revelations of the embellishment was going to take time. Is it going to be difficult? Yeah. A lot of us have gone back to square one, he said of himself and others. But we made it out once. We can do it again  with the help of our brothers and sisters.

With an uncertain future for the organization, Jones said the existing bonds built through the program will help. The unfortunate, fortunate thing about all this is that  we do have a community, Jones said. Of veterans. Prior volunteers, prior recipients of the program who still care about each other and the well-being of their brothers and sisters.

Sophia Lavrick and Duncan Phenix contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
As Russia's war in Ukraine rages on, millions have been forced to flee their towns, leaving behind their homes and communities. In Lviv, one center for internally displaced persons Urban Camp brings people together and rebuilds bonds through street culture.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Estes Valley Fire Protection District responded to a fire in the 1800 block of Fall River Road at about 2:15 p.m. on Thursday that displaced four people and left one firefighter with heat stroke.

The Estes Park Power and Communications company shut down power in the Fall River Road area due to the fire. There is no word on if that has been restored, but Fall River Road has reopened to the public. Sleepy Hollow Court was still closed as of 5 p.m. for fire crews.

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Fall River Road has a number of hotels and overnight stays. Fall River Road is also an entrance road to Rocky Mountain National Park, but the fire was not inside the park, according to the Forest Service.

Estes fire crews said the fire was located in a single-family walk-out home that was involved with heavy smoke and flames. FOX31s Gabby Easterwood reported it happened at the Ponderosa Lodge.

The Rocky Mountain Forest Service closed the Fall River entrance west of Estes Park and the Fall River Visitor Center because of the structure fire. At about 4 p.m., the entrance and visitor center reopened.

As of 5 p.m., crews were still working to overhaul the structure and ensure there were no remaining embers. One firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion and released. Additionally, evacuations were issued in the immediate area.

The Estes Valley Fire Protection District placed the area of Estes Valley under a stage 2 burn ban, effective from 2 p.m. on Aug. 1 until it is rescinded. Rocky Mountain National Park is also under stage 2 fire restrictions.

As of Wednesday, Estes Park officials were monitoring nearby wildfires, but no evacuation orders were in place for the city.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
(NEXSTAR)  Despite various legal challenges targeted at efforts to forgive large swaths of federal student loan forgiveness, the Biden administration has launched yet another attempt at debt relief.

And if you got an email Thursday regarding debt relief from the Department of Education, know that it isnt spam.

On Wednesday, the Department of Education announced that, in its next step toward providing student debt relief to tens of millions of borrowers this fall, it would begin emailing certain borrowers to provide updates on potential student debt relief.

As of Thursday morning, those emails have started reaching many borrowers inboxes.

Can you still get COVID tests for free?

Heres what to know if you have  or have not  received an email.

What is the email about?

As the Education Department explained, the emails provide an update on a potential round of debt relief, as well as information about how to opt out of it.

The department notes that it is still working to finalize the new regulations that would make more than 30 million student loan borrowers eligible for debt relief, including those who have already seen forgiveness over the last three years.

If you want to be included in the debt relief, you dont have to do anything.

Can I opt out of the potential debt forgiveness?

Those who do not want to see the forgiveness on their loans held by the Education Department, if its approved, have until August 30 to call their student loan servicer and opt out. While all borrowers of at least one federally-held loan are set to receive the update, the Federal Student Aid (FSA) office notes that you can opt out of debt relief, even if you didnt get an email.

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However, if you opt out of the potential debt relief, the FSA says you will also opt out of forgiveness in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan for the next several months.

If you opt out, we will automatically reevaluate your eligibility for forgiveness under IDR in the future; you wont need to take any action for that to occur, the FSA explains.

Who would qualify if the debt relief happens?

While the new regulations are still in the works, the Department of Education has said that, if those rules are finalized as-is, four groups of borrowers, all with loans in repayment, would qualify for some or total debt relief:

Borrowers owing more now on consolidated or select unconsolidated loans than they did when they entered repayment because of runaway interest.

Borrowers with only undergraduate loans who entered repayment on or before July 1, 2005; or those with at least one graduate loan who started repayment on or before July 1, 2000.

Borrowers who havent applied but are eligible for loan forgiveness through an income-driven repayment plan, closed school discharge, or other types of forgiveness.

Borrowers who attended a low-financial value program (an institution that failed to provide sufficient financial value, or that failed one of the Departments accountability standards for institutions).

Remember, though, that this debt relief only covers some federal student loans and not private student loans.

What would the debt relief look like?

According to the Education Department, should the rules be approved, borrowers would not need to do anything to receive relief as it can automatically assess a borrowers eligibility.

Borrowers owing more than they did when repayment began could see debt cancellation of up to the amount by which the borrowers current balance exceeds the principal and interest balance when the loans entered repayment or $20,000, whichever is less. If the borrower is enrolled in an IDR plan and meets the income requirements, their principal and interest above the principal interest balance, as well as their interest balance at the time repayment began, would be canceled. Consolidated loan amounts would be compared to the initial balances of the initial loans.

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Those who qualify for forgiveness under an IDR or other forgiveness plan and those who have been in repayment a long time would see some or all of their loans canceled. The same can largely be said for borrowers who attended low-financial value programs, though the FSA notes that loans used to attend such schools or programs during a specific timeframe could be entirely forgiven.

Its unclear how that loan forgiveness would be dispersed and how quickly it would happen.

Will the debt forgiveness happen?

Its too soon to say.

The Education Department warned Wednesday the relief rules have not been finalized and receiving an email does not guarantee specific borrowers will be eligible. Those rules are expected to be finalized sometime this fall.

Student loans, transgender protections: Supreme Court set to take up major education cases

Efforts to forgive federal student loans have faced setbacks, including the Supreme Courts ruling last summer that stopped more than 40 million borrowers from receiving debt relief and two recent federal injunctions that upended the SAVE plan.

As The Hill reports, the Supreme Court could take up the case regarding the SAVE plan.

More federal student debt has been forgiven under President Biden than during any administration. Data from the Education Department shows more than 4.5 million borrowers have seen roughly $168.5 billion in debt relief over the last three years.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Study finds major Earth systems likely on track to collapse: 5 things to know

Study finds major Earth systems likely on track to collapse: 5 things to know

Four key pillars of the global climate are melting in the heat trapped by rising fossil fuel emissions, a new study has found.

The relatively stable climate that nurtured human civilization depends in large part on these structures: the ice sheets of Greenland and West Antarctica, the Amazon rainforest and the Atlantic currents that warm Europe.

Under current policies, the world faces a scenario in which those pillars have roughly even odds of either surviving or collapsing during the next three centuries, according to results published Thursday in Nature Communications.

The scientists warned that if the pillars are fatally undermined by heat, the resulting damage could prove impossible to undo  even if temperatures are successfully brought down later in the 21st century.

Illustration / Samantha Wong; and Adobe Stock

Even so, the long timeline of those findings makes them, if anything, optimistic relative to other recent ones: They come on the heels of a string of disturbing studies about key global systems like the conveyor-belt Atlantic current that keeps Europe temperate, or the West Antarctic Ice Sheet that keeps global sea levels stable.

They also come as the impacts of rising heat become increasingly obvious, seen in a range of phenomena including record-breaking temperatures  such as those baking Olympic athletes in Paris  thousand-year storms and worsening harvests.

Heres what you need to know.

What did Thursdays study find?

The Nature study found that the four pillars it focused on  the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Current (AMOC), the Amazon rainforest and the vast but melting Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets  are interconnected, like a row of dominoes.

And the risk of those dominoes toppling increases with every 0.1 degrees Celsius (about 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit) of additional heat above the red line of 2 degrees Celsius set in the Paris climate agreement, the researchers wrote.

They found that that risk is most urgent for the Atlantic current, which could tip into collapse within the next 15 years, and the Amazon rainforest, which could begin a runaway process of conversion to fire-prone grassland by the 2070s.

Following current policies this century would commit to a 45 percent tipping risk by 2300, even if temperatures are brought back to below 1.5 [Celsius], they wrote.

Why is the integrity of these pillars so important?

Because they serve as bulwarks of the modern climate.

Each of these pillars is stabilized by, and contribute to, much larger patterns in the global climate and human civilization  as well as the other pillars.

Take the AMOC: It functions as a conveyor belt that brings warm water from the tropics up into the North Atlantic, causing Europe to experience much warmer temperatures than Canada.

The currents weakening or failure would trap more hot water in the southern ocean, generating more hurricanes and speeding the melting of the Antarctic ice sheets, and lead to something like cataclysm for European agriculture  the sort of catastrophe for which preparation is of little use.

You cannot adapt to this, the University of Copenhagens Peter Ditlevsen, who co-authored a Nature study last year on the potential midcentury collapse of the AMOC with his sister Susanne, told Inside Climate News.

If that collapse occurs, he told Inside Climate, there are studies of what happens to agriculture in Great Britain, and it becomes like trying to grow potatoes in Northern Norway.

Similarly, the Amazon stabilizes global climates and regional temperatures, locking down planet-heating greenhouse gasses and generating rain that waters fields as far away as the U.S. Midwest.

And the full collapse of the cubic miles of ice in the Greenland Ice Sheet  whose melting is one of the principal sources of current sea level rise  would lead those levels to climb 23 feet, according to NASA.

How does the new study stack up against previous findings?

The Nature study builds upon prior research that suggested human civilization was brushing up against a wide array of potential tipping points.

There was the Ditlevsens finding last year that the AMOC was both slowing down and beginning to wander more  both early-warning signs for a collapse that they estimated could come as soon as midcentury.

That was bolstered by February findings in Science that confirmed such tipping in the AMOC was a real possibility.

This was bad news for the climate system and humanity, the authors of that study noted, because up until recently scientists could hope that AMOC tipping was only a theoretical concept that would vanish once scientists took a global view of the climate system and all its circling feedback loops.

If the AMOC collapsed, the Science authors suggested, there would be strong and rapid cooling of the European climate of 3 degrees Celsius, or up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit per decade  a level that, echoing Ditlevsen, the scientists said no realistic adaptation measures can deal with.

Also in February, a study in Nature found that as much as half of the Amazon  a forest that dates back to the age of the terrestrial dinosaurs  could be the site of compounding disturbances by midcentury that could lead to the sudden transition from forest to savanna.

Thats a possibility one study author told Carbon Brief was very scary.

And a 2020 study in Nature found that at about 2 degrees Celsius of warming  the upper limit set in Paris the Antarctic Ice Sheet would be committed to long-term partial collapse.

The danger to the ice sheet, and to these key systems in general, is what scientists call hysteresis  a dynamic that can be thought of as a door that only swings one way. Once collapse occurs, it will be impossible to reverse, even if temperatures are brought back down in the future.

How big is the risk of multisystem collapse?

Considerable research suggests the systems examined in the Nature study are closely interwoven with each other, creating the risk of climate domino effects, as a 2021 study in Earth System Dynamics put it.

That risk is not clear cut: Interactions between the pillars cut both ways, and in some scenarios collapse in one could lead to greater stability for others, rather than a cascade of failure.

For example, on the one hand, the frigid fresh water streaming down from a collapsing Greenland ice sheet might destabilize the AMOC; on the other, a similar collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet could stabilize it.

There is also some evidence suggesting that a faltering AMOC could help halt the dieback of the Amazon, though researchers emphasize that the salvation would be paid for with devastating impacts globally.

But these potential saving graces in scenarios of collapse underscore the consistent risk raised by the scientific literature in this field: Even experts dont really know how close we are to destabilizing the systems we rely on.

These risks go beyond the four earth systems that Thursdays study looked at. One 2022 Science study into the risk of failure of nine key Earth systems  which include the thawing of methane-dense permafrost and coral reef die-off  found that collapse was possible even even at 1 degree Celsius of warming.

That is a level the planet has already surpassed, though the scientists noted that every fraction of a degree of heat brought the danger closer.

What are scientists proposing to stabilize the climate?

Scientists posit that the most important step for mitigating the risk of collapse is to slow global heating  which is effectively melting the diverse structures of the Earths atmosphere, cryosphere and biosphere toward a dangerously soupy sameness  or to blunt its effects.

Some recent strategies theyve proposed to do so verge on science fiction.

Over the last several years, there has been a surge of interest in solar geoengineering, which pursues approaches like brightening clouds to reflect more of the suns light and heat back into space, away from an atmosphere that is ever more polluted with heat-trapping emissions from fossil fuels.

For example, the Environmental Defense Fund and the University of Chicago each recently stood up working groups on the technology.

Solar geoengineering is controversial, however. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists compared it to deliberately mirroring the heat-blocking impacts of volcanic eruptions or pollution from coal plants.

Recent research suggests that deflecting the suns light back into space would be, at best, a stopgap: A June study in Nature found that marine cloud brightening could cut the risk of dangerous summer temperatures by as much as 55 percent over the continental U.S.  but only over the short term.

By midcentury, the study found, the method would only slightly reduce, or even increase, heat stress in the Western United States and across the world  in part because of how the AMOC would respond to both ongoing planetary heating and the impacts of decreased sunlight.

Perhaps more controversial than solar geoengineering, according to Science Magazine, is the strategy discussed in a July white paper, also from the University of Chicago, in which a team of polar scientists called for research into massive dams, boreholes and barriers that could help slow the melting of the ice sheets.

Such measures could help block ice sheets from the heated ocean water that melts them, or drain away the pools of meltwater that would otherwise lubricate their slide into a warming sea.

But theyre the subject of much contention among scientists.

I honestly feel like this is ultimately going to be a civil war in the community, University of Michigan glaciologist Jeremy Bassis told Science. I dont see an awful lot of room for compromise.

These proposals are controversial in part because of their expense, lack of proven outcomes and potential for unforeseen consequences  but also because many scientists see them as a distraction from the most obvious solution, which is drastically reducing the main force driving the heating: the burning of fossil fuels.

A 2022 study in Nature Climate Change, for example, found that only cutting emissions in half by 2030 could minimize risks of tipping points for the worlds ice sheets.

Echoing the upshot of most papers on the topic, the authors of Thursdays study emphasized the need for rapid cuts in emissions.

They said to avoid the risk of tipping points, human society needed to at least zero out greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the century, a process that they emphasized had to begin now.

Rapid cuts in emissions by 2030 are critical for planetary stability, they wrote.

How are efforts to cut emissions faring?

Theyre not moving fast enough.

Last year saw record emissions from fossil fuels, according to scientists at the Global Carbon Budget, which tracks the amount of coal, oil and gas that can still be burned without pushing Earth beyond a greater than 50 percent chance of passing the critical 1.5 Celsius threshold.

As of 2024, that budget stands at 275 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide  an amount that human civilization is on track to burn through within the next seven years.

There is some evidence that global fossil fuel emissions will peak this year, but even if they do, the decline is likely to be gradual and may be outweighed by other factors, such as deforestation  or an expansion in the production of such fuels.

A 2023 report by the Stockholm Environment Institute found that world government fossil fuel production plans, if met, would by 2030 produce more than twice the amount of fossil fuels necessary to keep planetary heating below 1.5 degrees Celsius, and more than half again as much as would keep it below 2 degrees Celsius.

Both those numbers potentially surpass the level at which tipping points begin to be a risk.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Texas National Guard soldiers stand on patrol near the bank of the Rio Grande on April 2, 2024 in El Paso, Texas. A new study shows that undocumented immigrants paid nearly $100 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue in 2022. The findings run counter to anti-immigrant rhetoric that immigrants who inter the U.S. illegally hurt social programs. (Brandon Bell | Getty Images)

A new study shows that undocumented immigrants paid nearly $100 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue in 2022 while many are shut out of the programs their taxes fund. The findings run counter to anti-immigrant rhetoric that undocumented immigrants are destroying social programs.

In 40 states, undocumented immigrants paid higher tax rates than the top 1% of the income scale in those states, according to a study released Tuesday from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a left-leaning, nonprofit think tank.

The study, which uses estimates of undocumented immigrants tax contributions as of 2022, shows those totaled $96.7 billion that year. Study authors also found that undocumented immigrants would contribute $40.2 billion more per year in federal, state and local taxes if all of the undocumented population had access to work authorization. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy reasoned that this boost would come from higher wages associated with employment authorization and easier compliance with income tax laws.

The report also shed further light on the tax revenue provided by undocumented immigrants on the state and local level. Undocumented immigrants are paying 46% of their state and local tax payments through sales and excise taxes. Six states  New Jersey, New York, California, Florida, Texas and Illinois  were able to raise more than $1 billion each in tax revenue from undocumented immigrants, the nonprofit said.

Undocumented immigrants pay property taxes and sales taxes, and federal payroll taxes taken from their wages, as well as income tax returns using Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers. Despite those payroll taxes funding Medicare, Social Security, and Unemployment Insurance, undocumented immigrants are not eligible to enroll in and receive regular benefits from these social programs. They can also face barriers to getting tax refunds, including getting scammed by unscrupulous tax preparers who target immigrant communities, said Jackie Vimo, senior analyst of economic justice policy at the National Immigration Law Center in a media call on the report.

There are tons of laws that prevent undocumented workers from getting benefits said Richard C. Auxier, a principal policy associate at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, a nonpartisan think tank that was not involved in the study. They get a lot of political attention. At the end of the day, theyre just normal people paying normal taxes.

Alexis Tsoukalas, senior policy analyst at Florida Policy Institute, a nonprofit focused on economic mobility for Floridians, told reporters on Monday that she was struck by how much the state collected from undocumented immigrants in taxes compared to the wealthiest in the state. The current tax rate for undocumented immigrants in Florida is 8% compared to the top 1% of the state at 2.7%.

This means hundreds of thousands of everyday people are contributing more than their share to public services they cannot even access meanwhile those with the most to give and the most to benefit contribute the least, Tsoukalas said.

The study was released in the backdrop of a political climate where states have passed laws to arrest people who they suspect of entering the U.S. illegally, which has been a federal power, the Biden administration announced an executive action to allow for the deportation of many asylum seekers without processing their claims, and the 2024 Republican Party platform promises the largest deportation operation in American history if former President Donald Trump is reelected over presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Tax policy will also be front and center for Congress and the White House next year as provisions of Trumps tax law, passed in 2017, are set to expire.

Aside from the human cost of deportations on families, policy experts and researchers are making the case that undocumented immigrants are a boon to the economy, making it an economic cost as well. Immigration and economic experts who spoke about the significance of the report on Monday highlighted the Congressional Budget Offices July report on the rise in immigration and its effects on the economy and budget, which found that this increase in immigration would add $1.2 trillion in federal revenue from 2024 to 2034.

Carl Davis, research director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, said there are economic ripple effects to consider in the deportation of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. beyond taxes.

If you deported someone and theyre no longer making taxable purchases in their community, that number would reflect a reduction in their sales tax payments to the community but it wouldnt capture that second ripple effect of the business has less profits because they have fewer customers, Davis said in a media call on the study.

Auxier said that researchers have found children in an undocumented immigrant household are receiving education benefits that could be larger than the tax payments of the lower income working adults, but that this is more of an income issue than a specific immigration issue. The other side of that coin, Auxier notes, is that in the future, undocumented households may in fact give back more than they received.

Those same studies tend to note that if the children go to school and they then go get jobs, now the American household is giving more than it got because the parents came here, worked, paid into Social Security, Medicare, and didnt get any benefits, he said. The kid went to school and then they got a job and then they started earning enough money that they were a net contributor.

Policy experts also pointed to a labor shortage  8.1 million job openings and 6.8 million unemployed workers  as a reason to embrace the economic contributions of undocumented immigrants. South Dakota, North Dakota, Maryland, Vermont, Maine, and South Carolina are some of the states facing the greatest labor shortages, according to a Washington Post analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Immigrants are already filling that [labor] gap and if we have mass deportations where millions of immigrants are torn from their family members and the country they have made home, we will not only have the human impact of this but well have a severe effect on the economy and available workforce, said Vimo of the National Immigration Law Center, a group that focuses on racial, economic and social justice for low-income immigrants.

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The Kremlin may have accessed computer software used by engineers working on the Royal Navy's fleet of nuclear submarines - WILL HAIGH/ROYAL NAVY

It beggars belief that, at a time when Sir Keir Starmer has identified Russia as posing a generational threat to our security, engineers working on the Royal Navys fleet of nuclear submarines are using computer software that may have been accessed by the Kremlin.

Britains nuclear submarines not only play a critical role in safeguarding our national security from hostile powers such as Russia. They also maintain the nuclear deterrent, with the current fleet of four Vanguard nuclear submarines on 24/7 undersea patrols with the ability to deliver a devastating response in the event of the UK coming under nuclear attack.

The importance of preserving this vital pillar of the UKs national defence infrastructure is reflected in the fact that the Government is investing tens of billions of pounds in building a new fleet of Dreadnought nuclear submarines and missile systems designed to deter potential aggressors for the next 30-40 years.

Fridays revelation, therefore, that the development of computer software for staff working on the Royal Navys nuclear submarines was outsourced to engineers in Siberia and Belarus raises serious questions about their operational security.

A dangerous era

Despite Ministry of Defence stipulations that such work should only be conducted by UK-based staff with the requisite security clearance, concerns have now been raised that the new software could have been exploited to reveal the location of Britains submarines, thereby giving hostile states like Russia a vital advantage in the event of a future nuclear confrontation. Certainly, at a time when the UK and its allies have subjected Russia to a wide range of sanctions in response to its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, questions need to be asked why firms based in Belarus, which could have links to the Kremlin, have been allowed to work on such a sensitive area of Britains nuclear security.

Only last month, in his address to the Nato summit in Washington, Sir Keir gave an explicit warning that the generational threat posed by Russia and other hostile states meant that we were living in a new and dangerous era One defined by volatility and insecurity.

But while the Government has taken numerous steps to limit the access of Russian businesses to the UK, there is mounting evidence that, on too many occasions, the measures are not being properly enforced, especially when it comes to limiting Russian access to the UKs legal, financial and property sectors.

The suggestion, therefore, that firms operating in Russia and Belarus are working in such sensitive areas as the Royal Navys nuclear submarine fleet should serve as a wake up call to ministers that, if they are really serious about confronting Moscow, they need to ensure that supply chains are secure.

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The suicide rate of Native American veterans has soared. What's being done in Wisconsin to help?

If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text "Hopeline" to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact 988 plus 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.

When Melissa Doud, a tribal member of the Lac du Flambeau Nation, joined the U.S. Army more than 20 years ago, it was the first time she experienced a world beyond the reservation. It was a vastly different lifestyle, and it was structured in ways that allowed Doud to thrive.

Doud loved her time in the Army. But she knows that culture shock can be a double-whammy for Native Americans. First, there's the adjustment to Army life and all the traveling that comes with it. And returning to the reservation following Army life brings its own shockwaves.

"A lot of us do come from despaired communities, so I think that, once you join the military and find that style of life, sometimes when you come back home, you might be returning to that despaired community," said Doud, who serves as the tribal veteran liaison for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. "I think it gets people depressed or down, like there's some missing pieces suddenly."

About 19% of Native Americans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in comparison with an average of 14% of all other ethnicities. They also have a greater rate of post-traumatic stress disorder than any other veterans group and, as of the latest report from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs released in May, the highest suicide rate.

That wasn't the case just a year earlier. White veterans and Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander veterans both had higher suicide rates in 2020. But in 2021, the latest comprehensive reporting year, the rate of Native American veterans dying by suicide soared well past all other groups. For every 100,000 American Indian or Alaska Native veterans, 46.3 died by suicide in 2021.

By contrast, the two previously highest groups edged only slightly up between 2020 and 2021. For every 100,000 white veterans  the second-highest group  36.3 died by suicide.

Doud isn't surprised by these statistics, because she knows what life can look like on reservations. The pull of substance use, whether alcohol or other controlled substances, is a significant factor. Doud counts herself among the fortunate  she always had a tight-knit family and a strong social network that put her at a distance from drugs and alcohol.

"But not everyone is quite so lucky," Doud said.

Native Americans already experience higher rates of suicide than the general population, and they also struggle more with opioid overdoses and death. Seeking or accessing help can be challenging.

Terrance Hayes, press secretary for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, praised the Veterans Crisis Line, which any veteran can contact by dialing 988 plus 1. While Hayes could say it connected veterans in crisis with fellow veterans, he also said that Veterans Affairs didn't currently have counselors trained for specific cultures and nationalities.

Wisconsin's Native American veterans do have culturally specific options, Doud said. But it's about spreading awareness among tribal members  a not insignificant task.

High rates of service, and suicide

Dan King, an Oneida tribal member who is the commander for the Wisconsin Indian Veteran Association-Oneida Chapter, said one of the most common questions non-Natives ask him is why Native Americans serve at the highest rates for a country that disposed them of their land and treated them poorly for hundreds of years.

Dan King, an Oneida Nation member and Vietnam War veteran, holds photos of his grandfather during World War I, his father during World War II and himself during his service.

Its simple, he said. We lost the land once, and were not going to do it again.

King said Native Americans have been taught since childhood to protect Turtle Island (North America).

Indigenous reservations also tend to be very rural, King said, and many youths are simply looking to get away into the world. An easily available option to accomplish that is to enlist in the military, especially since the military promises job training and a salary.

While people can also find jobs in the nearest city to reservations, King said many young Indigenous people still face discrimination there.

King said he's not surprised that the suicide rate among veterans is high, given the rate of service, the high suicide rate for Native Americans in general and a lack of mental health services on reservations.

In a stunning report from the CDC in 2021, American Indians and Alaska Natives had a suicide rate 91% greater than the general population. The rise in suicides among this population has steadily climbed between 2015 and 2022 by nearly 20%.

The rate of opioid overdose deaths is also three times higher in Wisconsin's tribal nations than the state's overall rate, which many tribes are hoping to combat with fentanyl prevention campaigns. And while gun suicides among veterans are by far the most common means of suicide, both at the state and national level, many experts who study why people die by suicide know the deadly combination of drugs, alcohol and access to firearms.

Heavy drinking, for example, is associated with a quarter of all gun suicide deaths, according to the Center for Gun Violence Solutions at Johns Hopkins University.

King said the number of veteran suicides may actually be higher, as some suicides may be incorrectly viewed as accidents by police. Victims families also may be unwilling to officially report a death as a suicide, he said.

Terrance Hayes, press secretary for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, said the report uses data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Death Index, which relies on official reports from coroners and medical examiners to determine cause of death.

Those living on reservations, in rural areas face silence, lack of resources

For Indigenous communities, advocates say many of the challenges that lead to suicide and addiction come from generational trauma.

Indigenous peoples faced genocide, were forced onto reservations with little to no food, forced to assimilate and experienced institutional racism. The lingering effects of this include poorer health and poverty at much higher rates for tribal communities than much of the rest of the U.S. population.

Thousands of Indigenous children from Wisconsin also attended boarding schools, some voluntarily and many involuntarily, starting in the late 19th century, stretching well into the 20th century.

The schools stripped Native American children of their language, culture and customs. Youth were discouraged or forbidden from speaking their Native languages and forced to speak English. Their long hair, an important part of their identity and culture, was cut short. Their traditional clothing was replaced with uniforms. Many youths reported physical and sexual abuse.

While these horrific conditions at Indigenous boarding schools may be gone, their effects linger. And reservations face compounding problems.

Mental health concerns are shrouded in silence among rural residents. The combination of not trusting medical professionals, the rugged individualism that especially pervades rural men, and heightened stigma is a fact of life for many people living in less-populated and less-resourced areas.

It is of particular consequence for Wisconsin's Native Americans, of whom 22% live on reservations or other trust lands, according to the Wisconsin Department of Human Services.

King also said reservations lack the mental health services needed to treat those with depression, PTSD and suicidal ideations.

He said there have also been instances when Native veterans seeking mental help from a VA facility in a city were told to go back to the reservation for assistance from the Indian Health Service.

We were promised VA benefits for being veterans, not for being tribal members, King, a veteran of the Vietnam War, said.

Dan King, an Oneida Nation member and a Vietnam War veteran, speaks to an audience about his wartime experiences during an event at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc in November, 2023.

Connecting Native veterans to help can be a challenge

Doud, for her part, knows the importance community can have. VA clinics in Wisconsin's 72 counties offer family resource centers with counselors, but there are also more traditional pathways to healing for the state's 11 federally recognized tribes.

One such resource for veterans is Camp Benesi, which means "Thunderbird" in Ojibwe. It functions as a free retreat for veterans and their families.

"Some of the tribes, I'm finding, didn't know about that," Doud said. "I'm trying to connect a lot of dots and build a web of network for tribes to help one another."

Some of the more culturally specific resources might look like gatherings, traditional healing centers, sweat lodges and meditation, Doud said. Her job is to help connect older tribal veteran service officers with newer officers, in the hopes that knowledge is shared and people can continue to find ways to help each other navigate resources.

In August, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a veterans fair in Lac du Flambeau, Doud said. She's invited all tribal veterans service officers to set up tables and offer resources. Lac du Flambeau is a hub, Doud said, and feels centralized to Wisconsin's 11 tribes.

The challenge, Doud said, is that every tribe she's visited has a different area of concern. One tribe might struggle with mental health access, another might struggle with housing.

"We can't blanket solutions, but really engaging, and finding out what those issues are gives us a better opportunity to work on a plan to address some of those issues," Doud said.

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Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank.

Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her Twitter profile at @natalie_eilbert.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Suicide rate of Native American veterans up
Governor Kristi Noem speaks at the states third annual Suicide Prevention Conference on Aug. 2, 2024, in Sioux Falls. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Governor Kristi Noem speaks at the states third annual Suicide Prevention Conference on Aug. 2, 2024, in Sioux Falls. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

SIOUX FALLS  South Dakotas suicide rate has decreased for the second consecutive year, and officials think that means suicide prevention work in the state is making a difference.

The number of suicides fell from 202 in 2021 to 192 in 2022, and further to 180 in 2023. The statistics were shared by Department of Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt during the states third annual Suicide Prevention Conference.

Magstadt emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum.

Im telling you that the long game is starting to be a trend that we want to see continue, Magstadt said.

She highlighted successes including lawmakers providing $2 million in 2023 for K-12 and post-secondary suicide prevention work, and the states gun lock program distributing 3,500 locks since last July.

Magstadt also noted that South Dakota continues to face challenges, including the eighth-highest suicide rate in the country. The suicide rate among Native Americans in the state is 2.7 times higher than the average for all South Dakotans.

The conference underscored several efforts aimed at reducing suicides, including expanded mental health resources and public awareness campaigns.

Governor Kristi Noem made a surprise guest speaker appearance at the event. She shared that after a close friend died by suicide, she spent years wondering what she could have said or done differently.

I remember thinking if somebody would just tell me what I should have done, or what I can do the next time, to have a different outcome, I would feel so much better, she said.

When Noem became governor, a couple of members of her staff whod recently lost family members to suicide asked if the administration could do something different to make a difference.

Thats how this conference got started, she said. By people coming to me, and us sharing our personal stories and that people need to know a plan, or something to say, or how specific they should talk to individuals, or a tool in their toolbox that they could use.

Some tools in the state are getting a lot of use, officials said.

The 988 crisis line, launched two years ago, provides immediate support for those in need. The line has received about 20,000 calls and texts. Ninety-seven percent of the interactions were resolved without requiring further intervention. About a third were an immediate crisis; the rest were individuals seeking advice for themselves or loved ones.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, help is available anytime by dialing 988. The service is free and confidential.

EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated with a correction. The original version of the story incorrectly characterized the scope of $2 million in suicide prevention funding.

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The bill creates a right to civil action for certain PFAS contamination. (Getty Images)

Gov. Chris Sununu signed a bill Friday that bans certain products with intentionally added PFAS from sale in the state starting in 2027 and creates strict liability for PFAS polluters.

He vetoed another measure that would have created liability for PFAS facilities, citing its broad definition and the fact that its standard for chemical concentrations that would trigger regulatory action contradicted the other bill he signed. The standard of the vetoed bill was significantly stricter.

PFAS  or or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances  are linked to a number of health problems, including some cancers, weakened immune systems, high cholesterol, development issues, and more. They are commonly used in industrial and consumer products for their stain- and water-resistant properties.

Sen. Denise Ricciardi, a Bedford Republican who worked on the liability portion of the signed measure, House Bill 1649, called it a landmark bill that was long, long overdue.

The bill creates a right to civil action for certain PFAS contamination. It also holds facilities strictly liable to the state for containment, cleanup, restoration, or other remediation related to the release or threatened release of hazardous waste or hazardous material in accordance with applicable law and departmental rules.

Rep. Karen Ebel, a New London Democrat who was the prime sponsor, said she was ecstatic for this moment of progress for the state.

This is a huge step forward for the people of New Hampshire, she said. Our state has been burdened so much by PFAS contamination, especially in the southern part of the state. And there really isnt any way  to effectively tackle the problem if we dont stop using these dangerous forever chemicals in our products.

The law bans a number of products with intentionally added PFAS but does not include those with accidental contamination that may happen during the production or shipping processes. The ban will include:

Carpets or rugs;

Cosmetics;

Textile treatments, such as those that add PFAS for stain- or water-resistant properties;

Feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and pads;

Food packaging and containers, such as plates, bowls, and bags;

Products for children under 12, such as high chairs, playmats, and strollers;

Upholstered furniture; and

Textile furnishings, such as draperies, bedding, and towels.

The ban exempts medical devices, adult mattresses, personal computers, wireless phones, and some other electronics. It also allows products with at least 85 percent recycled content, the resale of products made before the ban, and replacement parts for products manufactured before 2027.

The bill includes an appropriation of $250,000 to the Department of Environmental Services for expenses associated with the PFAS restrictions on consumer products.

The vetoed bill, House Bill 1415, would have held liable PFAS facilities that release such chemicals into the groundwater or surface water in total combined concentrations of 100 parts per trillion or greater. The standard created by the signed bill was much less strict, at 10,000 parts per trillion.

This contrary language makes it extremely difficult to administer both and enforce them appropriately, Sununu wrote.

He added: It is extremely important to hold appropriate parties accountable for their actions, but this legislation misses the mark.

The sponsor of that bill, Rep. Nancy Murphy, a Merrimack Democrat, said she was glad the PFAS products bill was signed, calling it a good first step, though one that greatly needs to be improved.

On the veto, she said she was very disappointed but not at all surprised. Legislation that is less protective of the environment and public health leaves NH citizen taxpayers holding the bag, she said.

We dont have lobbyists at the State House protecting our best interests, she said.  Thats our job as state reps, and its unfortunate when paid lobbyists for polluters are heard, their voices are heard above that of actual constituents and the people that the government is supposed to be working for.
Harris Ranch homeowners and builders are locked in battle over Boise taxes. Now this

After years of fighting, the pieces are set for a $22 million Idaho Supreme Court battle involving a group of Boise residents, a special Boise taxing district and a local real estate developer.

Each group has filed its opening arguments to the states highest court.

The group, the Harris Ranch CID Taxpayers Association, argues that the taxing district in Boises Harris Ranch community is unlawful and unfair. CID stands for community infrastructure district. The association alleges that the districts board illegally approved $5 million in bonds, $10 million in extra property taxes and $7 million in additional payments to the developer of Harris Ranch in October 2021  which the districts homeowners must foot the bill for.

Both the taxing district and Doug Fowler, the president of Barber Valley Development, which is building the community on behalf of the Harris Family Limited Partnership, have rejected the homeowners claims that the district and payments were illegal.

(The homeowners) have for more than three years persisted in using expired claims to throw sand in the gears of the (taxing district) and grind it to a halt, wrote Hethe Clark of Boises Clark Wardle law firm, which is representing the Harris Family Limited Partnership.

While the lawsuit has prevented the construction of certain things such as the proposed Alta Harris Park, Barber Valley Development has continued to build new homes, apartments and condos.

Barber Valley Development has continued to build new homes, apartments and condos in Harris Ranch despite the lawsuit.

The Idaho Legislature authorized community infrastructure districts in 2008 with the intention of having growth pay for itself by making property taxpayers within district boundaries pay for it, rather than taxpayers citywide.

In the Harris Ranch Community Infrastructure District, homeowners pay taxes for infrastructure improvements the developer builds, like roads and roundabouts.

The homeowners, led by residents Larry Crowley and Bill Doyle, say the taxing district forces them to pay 40% higher taxes than those outside the district, including homes in Harris Ranch right across the street from Crowley and Doyle. Thats because those homes were built before the district was created, and existing homes were excluded on purpose.

An Ada County judge ruled against the homeowners in April 2023, rejecting all 16 of their arguments, before they appealed to the Supreme Court. This is the first time the Supreme Court has considered a case on community infrastructure districts, and a decision in the homeowners favor could reshape the future of these districts.

Two more districts have been proposed for the Avimor planned community along Idaho 55 in North Eagle and the incoming Valnova community to the west of Avimor.

Although petitioners only appealed decisions made in October of 2021, they asked the district court  and now ask this court  to review the legality of numerous past decisions and events, according to the districts response. None of those historical decisions were appealed within the statutory period, and therefore the district court appropriately declined to review most of them.

Here are answers to four key questions raised by the appeal.

The Idaho Supreme Court could rewrite rules on how Harris Ranch, and other newly built areas, are taxed.

1. Was the Harris Ranch taxing district formed correctly?

The homeowners have a long list of issues, but the heart of their argument is the claim that the Harris Ranch CID was created incorrectly and therefore all actions since have been in violation of Idaho law.

They say a lobbyist for the real estate and construction industries pushed through the passage of the law in 2008 and that the Harris Family Limited Partnership built the Boise CID for its own benefit.

Since its creation, the city (of Boise), acting through the Boise CID, has issued almost $20 million in bonds, and made more than $17 million in payments to the developer, according to the taxpayer associations brief. Almost every one of these payments has been unlawful, often for not just one but several different reasons.

The creation of the CID Act in 2008 outlined a new way to tax future residents for infrastructure improvements like roundabouts. Harris Ranch was one of the first to use this method.

The district, in its 88-page response, said a lobbyist being involved with the passage of the CID Act was irrelevant to the case and that the creation of the law and district are outside the scope of the lawsuit.

Much of (the homeowners) statement of relevant facts consists of allegations which are not relevant to this proceeding, have no support from the administrative record and were not among the issues presented to the board (of the CID), wrote attorneys Melodie McQuade and Blake Ringer of Boises Givens Pursley law firm, which is representing the district.

The attorneys wrote that they would not respond to each and every one of the homeowners allegations because of page limitations and because many of the statements are opinion statements or otherwise unsupported by any record.

2. Did the developer manipulate the district boundaries unfairly?

Another line of attack was that Barber Valley Development and the Harris Family Limited Partnership carved out the Harris familys homes in the center of the community to free the family from $110 million in taxes imposed on other homes in the district.

As a result of these abuses, the map of the Boise CID looks like a giant jigsaw puzzle with a third of its pieces missing, the homeowners said.

A map shows the Harris Ranch Community Infrastructure District highlighted in yellow. Two small boxes in the left shaded area show the two homes that the Harris family still owns and live in.

The district excluded homes that were already built at the time of the districts formation. Crowley and Doyle previously told the Idaho Statesman they believed this was because the residents who lived there at the time wouldnt have supported the creation of the district, which would have made them pay higher taxes.

When the Boise CID was formed and the bond election was conducted immediately thereafter, there was not a single homeowner within the Boise CIDs boundaries, the homeowners said in their brief. That is because the boundaries of the Boise CID were gerrymandered by the city and developer to exclude the 500 or more already existing homes in the Harris Ranch development.

McQuade and Ringer said the allegations over gerrymandering did not have a factual basis and asked the Supreme Court to throw out that assertion  along with all unsupported statements in the homeowners brief.

For this accusation, petitioners cite their own objection letter, McQuade and Ringer wrote. To further describe the district boundaries, petitioners cite to the Ada County Assessors online interactive map  which is not part of the administrative record.

3. Taxation without representation in Boise?

A core argument of the homeowners is that the district issued bonds improperly and a single voter approved them, rather than a representative slice of those who would pay the taxes.

The district authorized just under half of the total $110 million in bonds in 2010, but the homeowners said there was only one qualified voter out of the four votes cast.

That voter was a ranch worker for the Harris family living on their property as a tenant, they said. He registered to vote immediately before the election, did not own any property in the Boise CID and thus was never going to pay any of the $110 million of property taxes.

Some homes in Harris Ranch, such as these on the northeastern edge of in Harris Ranch North, are not included in the taxing district and are not required to pay extra taxes for infrastructure improvements.

Idaho law, they said, prohibits local governments from incurring debt payable from taxes without prior approval by the people who will pay the taxes.

Not a single person who would pay the estimated $110 million in additional property taxes was entitled to vote, the homeowners said.

The districts lawyers say that argument is invalid, because it is based on documents outside the administrative record, and the election was not a part of the appeal before the Supreme Court.

Clark, the lawyer for the Harris Family Limited Partnership, wrote that the homeowners argument would mean that any taxing district would need to re-do an authorizing vote once the districts population turns over.

(The homeowners) can offer no wrongdoing in terms of compliance with the CID Act; instead, they suggest that the (taxing district) is an alter ego of the city of Boise in a transparent attempt to invalidate the general obligation bond election, Clark wrote.

4. System improvements vs. project improvements. Whats the difference?

A major point of the homeowners argument is that the tax money theyve paid has gone toward project improvements that only benefit Harris Ranch rather than system improvements that benefit the broader region.

Most of the improvements, they said, have been in front of single-family homes and are still owned by the developer.

The CID Act and its legislative history make clear that CIDs only have the power to pay developers for the costs of system improvements that primarily serve the broader region, and not project improvements that primarily serve a particular development, the homeowners wrote.

The lawyers for both the district and Harris Family Limited Partnership clapped back, saying that the distinction between system and project improvements does not appear in the CID Act and comes from a different, and nonapplicable, Idaho statute.

There is not a single reference in the CID Act to system improvements, and there is no incorporation by reference in the CID Act of any system-improvement-related test, Clark wrote.

Whats next for Harris Ranch?

The homeowners have until Friday, Aug. 9, to file their response to the taxing district and developers briefs, but Crowley told the Statesman that they are asking for a five- to six-week extension to accommodate the caseload of Nicholas Warden, their attorney.

Once the homeowners file their reply brief, the Supreme Court will review them and schedule oral arguments. It is likely to take several months before oral arguments begin, Crowley said, depending on how busy the court is.

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Over the past month, the long-term prospects for American democracy have whipsawed dramatically. For much of that time, democracys prospects have looked dim. The Supreme Courts unconscionable ruling on presidential immunity raises the specter of unchecked criminality in the executive branch, even as the ailing campaign of President Joe Biden contributed to the strengthening electoral position of former President and insurrectionist Donald Trump. But even as Vice President Kamala Harris has provided an urgently needed jolt to the race as the new presumptive nominee, one set of threats to democracy remains and will continue even should Harris win the election.

In a series of technical administrative-law rulings, the Supreme Court has accelerated its attack on the ability of executive branch regulatory agenciesfrom the Environmental Protection Agency to the Department of Labor and the Securities and Exchange Commissionto make and enforce regulatory policies. Although these decisions are less visible than the courts other headline rulings this term, the reality is that SCOTUSs administrative-law jurisprudence has created a longer-term form of democracy dismantling. Taken as a whole, these decisions will effectively empower far-right judges to nullify many of the policy initiatives that might be undertaken by a Harris administration. So even if Democrats manage to pull off an urgently needed electoral victory against the increasingly authoritarian Trumpist movement, the judicial wing of the authoritarian movement has positioned itself to neutralize any major policy initiative that a President Harris might offer.

Heres a brief recap of what the court has done in its major administrative-law cases. In Loper Bright v. Raimondo, the GOP-appointed conservative majority on the court overturned the long-standing principle of Chevron deference, empowering judges to provide the definitive interpretation of the scope and meaning of congressional directions to agencies. Critically, SCOTUS has often willfully interpreted congressional authorizations even more narrowly than Congress intended, so as to invalidate rules the court doesnt like. The latest example of this growing practice is Garland v. Cargill, a case also decided this term, in which the court invalidated the Trump administrations bump stock ban, which would have helped rein in the proliferation of machine gunlike capabilities, on an extremely narrow and unconvincing reading of the 1934 National Firearms Act.

Indeed, Loper Bright must also be viewed in context of the so-called major questions doctrine, a principle the court has built aggressively over the past two years, including in cases that blocked the Biden administrations first attempt at student debt relief, as well as the attempt to protect workers with health safety standards at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. These cases are notable not just as headline judicial efforts to neutralize urgently needed, popular, and statutorily authorized policies that the Biden administration sought to provide. They are notable too as instances in which the court overrode these agency policies even when authorized by Congress for essentially having too big an impact on society in ways the Supreme Court majority disapproves of.

This shift away from agency deference is magnified by a different case, Corner Post v. Federal Reserve, which alters the statute of limitations for challenging agency actions in such a way that any newly injured party (or newly created corporation) can challenge a long-standing agency rule. As a result, any rule that has been around for years that would otherwise be outside the statute of limitations to be challenged can now be easily hauled back into court, in front of the most hostile judges armed with the tools of both Loper Bright and the major questions doctrine. All it takes is for a new aggrieved party to bring a lawsuitor for someone to incorporate a new spinoff firm that can be the newly injured party on a long-standing rule.

Meanwhile, the court also heightened dramatically its scrutiny of agency rules in Ohio v. EPA. Even Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Trumps last appointee to the courtdissented, finding the majoritys critique overblown. The final case in this terms barrage was SEC v. Jarkesy, which threatens a different kind of agency action: the ability to enforce rules by imposing civil penalties. In this ruling, the court held that the SECs enforcement must go through an Article 3 court first, changing the way agencies have enforced financial penalties for decades.

Taken as a whole, the terrain for agencies seeking to make effective public policy on matters of public concern got a whole lot more complicated.

Under the latest rulings from the Supreme Court, each of these already-elaborate stages of agency rulemaking is fraught with legal risk. At any of these stages, opportunistic judges now have a much wider sanction from the high court to override the agencys judgment.

The result is what University of Texas School of Law professor Steve Vladeck has rightly called a strategy of deliberate destabilization of administrative law. Any particular rule or action might make it through the judicial review gantlet. But so too might any given rule or action be thrown out by a hostile judge, regardless of how well conceived or well founded the policy might be. This instability is precisely the point. It creates an uncertainty and risk that is designed to chill agency initiative and creativityand to concentrate arbitrary power in the hands of our least accountable and least democratic of policymakers: judges themselves.

The power shift does not stop there. The judicial system is arguably an arena that magnifies the power and influence of economically dominant interests: corporations, monopolies, the wealthy. These are well-resourced, sophisticated repeat players who are most adept and empowered to leverage the courts in general. And in an era of increasingly radicalized far-right attorneys general using red-state platforms to score national political points, we have a toxic combination of willing litigants operating in tandem with far-right judges to run as far as they can with these new doctrines.

Looking ahead to the next Supreme Court term, it seems probable that one or more of the following is likely to happen, particularly if Kamala Harris secures the presidency. First, many of the big-ticket and urgent policies that the BidenHarris administration has already startedfrom its effort to ban noncompete clauses in employment contracts, to the urgently needed new protections for workers under worsening conditions of extreme heatare going to have to run this gantlet of judicial attempts at nullification. Second, several agencies will see continued challenges to their very constitutionality: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, SEC, Federal Trade Commission, and National Labor Relations Board all have cases of this sort working their way up the courts now. Third, these doctrines, judges, and litigants are poised at the ready to deploy in response to any new policy ideas that a Harris administration might offer.

Nor are these restraints on executive power likely to bind a next Trump administration equally. Of course, if we had a judiciary that enforced the rule of law consistently, any of these doctrines necessarily ought to be just as constraining of a Republican administration. Yet this court has repeatedly shown its willingness to construct exceptions for the far-right vision of executive power. The same Supreme Court term that generated these attacks on administrative authority secured to the president absolute immunity from criminal prosecutionand reserved to the court once more the final say on if and when that immunity might be limited. The Roberts court has been notably solicitous about and protective of executive power when it is used to attack immigrants, as in SCOTUSs upholding of the Trump Muslim ban in 2018, or when it involves the national security and surveillance apparatus.

This judicial power grab, therefore, is not really about reining in big government. It is specifically about kneecapping progressive government. And unlike its close relative in Project 2025, this judicial power grab does not depend on winning the November election to take force.

How can progressives respond to this judicial Death Star pointed at all future Democratic administrations?

First, should Democrats win the next election, it will be critical that policymakers persist in doubling down on a regulatory agenda that speaks to the actual urgent needs that communities face in this moment. Judicial dockets are finite, and public needs are great. Agency officials will continue to do their best to put these policies on firm legal and empirical footingas they should. But we are no longer in a stable legal regime when it comes to administrative law. And so, at the end of the day, a next Democratic administration will have to carefully balance policies that it gets done and tries to have stick, and policies that take bigger swings.

Second, if anything, it becomes even more important for a next administration to take those big swings even if it risks provoking these new forms of judicial vetoes. Rather than trimming its sails, a future Democratic administration should elevate the contrasts. Advance popular and urgently needed policieslike debt cancellation, the noncompete rule, or the heat standard. But then be prepared to wage a public fight over fundamental values if and when the far-right, out-of-touch judicial appointees try to throw out these policies.

Third, it is essential that Congress get involved in reining in this judicial overreach. A democracy in which some of the most popular and urgently needed policies cannot materialize despite the efforts of both the legislature and the executive simply cannot survive: We already face a deep deficit of trust and faith in our government, and the reality is that this kind of policy nullification only deepens that loss of trustwhich in turn magnifies both cynicism and a shift to authoritarian alternatives. This is, arguably, part of the point of these efforts. Sooner or later, then, Congress will have to legislate a response. That means not only restoring the ability of agencies to serve the public but also reforming the judiciary to undo the concentration of power that now resides there. Biden has already proposed a suite of reforms, including enforceable ethics codes and term limits for justices. But Congress should also consider additional reformslike a fast-track procedure to override judicial interpretations of statutes that Congress deems invalid.

Finally, progressives should take this moment as the start of a larger effort to reimagine the scope and structure of government. In the long run, we should be seeking not simply a return to the pre-2021 status quo ante of administrative authorities. The reality is that to tackle the crises ahead, from climate to technology to inequality, we will need new and better institutions that build on past efforts but are not shackled by obsolete processes or structures. This does not mean we should blow up the checks and balances that make administrative authority democratically legitimate and effective. But nor should we be forced to keep our institutions frozen in amber.

In this, the far-right judges have a point: The next decade will require a very different vision for administration. For progressives, that vision should be one grounded in the goals of addressing inequality and exploitation and exclusion, and expanding freedom.
Suspect arrested in beating death of man witnesses say might have touched 2 women

Phoenix police arrested a man Wednesday after they say he allegedly beat another man to death on the street.

27-year-old Uriah Mcintosh was arrested on suspicion of homicide after authorities say he punched and kicked a man outside of a business near Indian School Road and Interstate 17, according to court documents.

Officials responded to a call for an injured person near midnight on July 25 to find a non-responsive man lying on the sidewalk with severe head injuries.

They took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy report revealed the man had multiple head fractures, a broken nose and a brain hemorrhage, according to court documents. The medical examiner ruled his death as a homicide.

According to witnesses, the victim was intoxicated and might have touched two women inappropriately on the night of the incident. Court documents said a group of people told the man he needed to leave the area.

One witness alleged they saw Mcintosh follow the victim after he left, but no one witnessed the assault.

Video surveillance from multiple locations around the scene showed footage of the man walking on the sidewalk with another man and a woman. After the woman left, the video showed the man falling to the ground and being kicked in the head by the other man, later identified as Mcintosh.

Mcintosh was found on video cameras in the area walking near other businesses when he went into a gas station and bought a beer. The footage taken from inside the gas station was clear enough for authorities to capture Mcintosh's face.

During the investigation, a witness identified the man in the footage and provided his address to police. Authorities confirmed Mcintosh was the man living at the residence and arrested him at his home on suspicion of second-degree murder.

Mcintosh was on probation at the time of the arrest and had met with his probation officer the morning of the incident, according to court documents.

In an interview with police, Mcintosh admitted to punching the man and witnessed him falling to the ground, but he denied kicking him and said he did not know the man had died.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Uriah Mcintosh arrested, accused of fatal beating on Phoenix street
Suspect arrested in fatal shooting of man and woman in Victorville

A suspect has been arrested on suspicion of fatally shooting a man and woman during an argument at a Victorville home last weekend, officials said.

Donnie Griffin, 50, of Victorville was arrested Wednesday in Las Vegas in connection with the shooting, which took place about 9:20 p.m. on July 28 in the 12400 block of San Jacinto Drive, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Clark County, Nevada booking records.

Melissa Quintero, 39, of Victorville and Cody McFann, 35, of Hesperia were killed in the violence, sheriff's officials said.

The victims were reportedly dating.

Melissa Quintero, 39, of Victorville, pictured with her children, was killed in a shooting in the 12400 Block of San Jacinto Drive in Victorville on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

Griffin had gotten into an argument with family members that escalated into him assaulting them, the sheriff's department said in a written statement.

"The two victims, Cody McFann and Melissa Quintero, arrived at the location during the family altercation, and a physical altercation occurred between them and Griffin," according to the statement. "Following the altercation, Griffin armed himself with a firearm and chased after McFann and Quintero."

Detectives believe Griffin shot and killed McFann and Quintero and then fled the area.

Paramedics pronounced both victims dead at the scene.

Cody McFann, 35, pictured with his children, was killed in a shooting in the 12400 Block of San Jacinto Drive in Victorville on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

Detectives from the Sheriff's Homicide Detail learned Griffin was at a home in Las Vegas and obtained an arrest warrant, authorities said. He was taken into custody Wednesday with the help of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Marshal's Service.

He was being held without bail in a Clark County, Nevada jail pending extradition back to California to face murder charges.

Quintero is survived by six children, according to a statement accompanying a fundraiser established online through GoFundMe.com.

"Melissa was a vibrant soul who lit up every room she entered with her contagious laugh, unfiltered personality, and unwavering support for her loved ones," the statement read. "She was also a beloved daughter and sister to her dad and two brothers."

Donate to Support Melissa's Family After Tragic Loss, organized by Heather Harris

McCann left behind four children, loved ones said via a GoFundMe.com memorial.

Donate to Support Cody's Family with Funeral Costs, organized by Angelica Magallon

More: Two shootings in Victorville leave three people dead

Anyone with information was urged to contact the Sheriff's Homicide Detail at (909) 890-4904. Information may also be provided anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Suspect arrested in fatal shooting of man and woman in Victorville
The man accused of killing nursing student Laken Riley on the University of Georgias campus earlier this year appeared in court on Friday morning.

Jose Ibarra and his attorneys appeared for a status hearing in a Clarke County courtroom.

Channel 2s Christian Jennings was in the courtroom and will bring you all the latest updates on Channel 2 Action News starting at 4:00 p.m.

During the hearing, the judge said she is looking to start Jose Ibarras trial on November 18 with jury selection to begin on November 13.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Riley was jogging on the universitys campus in February when she was attacked and killed.

Her death gained national attention and has been a talking point for Republican lawmakers after it was confirmed that Jose Ibarra was in the country illegally from Venezuela.

In May, a grand jury indicted Ibarra on 10 counts, including Rileys murder. The indictment say Jose Ibarra asphyxiated Riley and inflicted blunt force trauma to her head.

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Prosecutors have announced that they will not seek the death penalty against Jose Ibarra.

According to court documents, investigators initially approached Jose Ibarras older brother, Diego Ibarra, because he matched the suspects description. Diego Ibarra gave authorities a fake green card and has since pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit immigration documents. Hes set to be sentenced in October.

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The bones "could be from a time period well before contemporary forensic methods were available," said the Traverse City Police Department

Suspected human remains from a "pre-modern era" were unearthed at a construction site in Michigan.

The remains were discovered by construction workers at Grandview Parkway and Oak Street in Traverse City on Friday, July 26, said the Traverse City Police Department in a press release.

After coming across the bones, the department said the workers "immediately halted operations and notified authorities."

Once the site was secured to preserve potential evidence, law enforcement officials conducted an initial investigation that determined "the bones may be human." Pieces of pre-modern nails and wood were also found at the work site that could be signs of a coffin, per WPBN.

WWJ-TV reported that the construction site was part of the Michigan Department of Transportation's US-31 rebuilding project.

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Getty Stock image of a road work ahead sign

According to the state of Michigan's official website, the project is to create "operational enhancements" that include drainage improvements and new pavement markings to provide "increased safety" and "increased convenience for road users."

Shaun Miller, an archaeologist at the Michigan Department of Transportation, told WPBN that "the remains were under US-31, about four feet below the road," and called the discovery the "most fascinating thing that's happened."

The Traverse City Police Department worked with forensic experts, including forensic anthropologists at Western Michigan University and the Michigan State Police, to further examine the bones.

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Getty Stock image of police sirens

Four days after the discovery, the Traverse City Police Department said in an update that "the bones appear to be from a pre-modern era, suggesting they could be from a time period well before contemporary forensic methods were available."

Construction is expected to continue at the site following a "temporary halt," police said.

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While the bones continue to be investigated, Miller told WPBN that he hopes they are "placed in Oakwood Cemetery where we have some historical documentation, where other remains from this location had been relocated to in the late 1800s. So if we could keep the whole group together in one place, that would be the best outcome, in my opinion."



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Turkiye has ratified the free trade agreement with Ukraine, which was signed back at the beginning of 2022.

Source: Daily News Hurriyet

Details: The agreement was signed on 3 February 2022, but Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan only approved it and its annexes on 1 August of this year, Daily News Hurriyet reports.

The volume of bilateral trade between Turkiye and Ukraine reached US$7.3 billion in 2023, said Trade Minister Omer Bolat on 1 August.

He emphasised that the free trade zone is expected to boost trade volumes to US$10 billion in a short period. Bolat noted that Turkiye and Ukraine will continue to strengthen cooperation and increase mutual trade and investment based on shared interests.

Quote: "Turkish companies will take an active part in the implementation of the Turkiye-Ukraine Task Force for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, which we mutually signed in Istanbul in January this year," he added.

Ukrainian Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko noted that the completion of the free trade agreement ratification with Turkiye will unite all Black Sea countries, except Russia, into a single economic space, mutually beneficial for all involved nations.

Background:

Ukraine and Norway have agreed to extend the possibility of transport without permits.

Ukraine and the European Union extended the freight liberalisation agreement for another year, with the option of renewal.

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(Bloomberg) -- Taiwan said its having difficulty sending staff to its representative office in Macau because the special administrative regions government is demanding that they sign a commitment to the One China Principle to get a visa.

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A Taiwan official who was set to be posted to the Macau, which China resumed sovereignty over in 1999, couldnt get a visa, Liang Wen-chieh, deputy head of Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council, said at a briefing on Thursday. He urged Macau to remove the obstacle and deal with the issue in a friendly manner, but added that Taiwan will prepare for the worst, without elaborating.

At issue is Macaus demand that Taiwan officials commit to the One China Principle which states that there is only one China, ruled by the Beijing-based Communist government, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the country. That position is anathema to Taiwan, a democratic and self-ruled island, which argues it has the right of self-determination and that it has never been under the sovereignty of the Peoples Republic of China.

The dispute echoes a similar spat that led to Taiwan recalling seven representative officials from Hong Kong in 2021, leaving only local Hong Kong employees to handle affairs in the city. It also underscores Chinas efforts to undermine international recognition of Taiwan, where President Lai Ching-te this week called for democracies around the world to stand up to Beijing.

At present, there are just two Taiwanese staff remaining in the Macau office, meaning Taiwan has to remotely assist with consular services, Liang said.

Macau and Hong Kong have both closed their representative offices in Taipei in 2021. That move came amid souring cross-strait relations and claims that Taiwan was interfering in Hong Kong affairs.

Relations between China and Taiwan have worsened over the past decade, with Beijing stepping up pressure on the island after Lai was elected in January to succeed Tsai Ing-wen, also of the Democratic Progressive Party. After a deadly boat incident in February, Chinas coast guard started to normalize patrols near Taiwans offshore islands near China.

China also held large-scale military drills around Taiwan a few days after Lai took office in May, and then fleshed out a law targeting supporters of Taiwan independence in June. In response to this, Taiwan raised its travel alert for China in late June, urging its citizens to avoid non-essential trips.

But there has been some progress. Beijing and Taipei on July 30 agreed to resolve the boat incident. And separately, Taiwans United Daily News reported on Friday that a Taiwanese angler held by China in another incident will return to Taiwan on Aug 7.

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St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway in his office on July 31, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)

The Tampa City Council has decided not to repeal the citys police citizens review board, formed in 2015 to investigate complaints against officers  at least not yet.

The decision came Thursday after council members reported receiving new information  most significantly that the city of Miamis Civilian Investigation Panel had not shut down as they said they had been told. The Tampa civilian review board (CRB) will remain dormant until the council decides what to do later in the year.

In June, Tampa city attorneys advised the council that a recently enacted law (HB 601) gave them no choice but to scrap the agency, but advocates including the ACLU of Florida argue the city does not need to go that far.

The law as originally proposed in the Florida Legislature this year did call for outright eliminating oversight agencies across the state, but its sponsors in the Legislature ultimately softened the language to allow these boards to continue in a more restricted fashion.

The final version of the law says that three-to-seven-member boards can be created only by police chiefs or county sheriffs with at least one retired law-enforcement officer on a committee. However, the panels are prohibited from investigating complaints of misconduct by law enforcement officers or holding civilian oversight power over law enforcement agencies investigations of such complaints.

The LeRoy Collins Institute reports that 21 Florida cities sponsored oversight boards, and several counties have them as well. Nearly half were created to provide accountability for police misconduct in the aftermath of the 2020 protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.

Nationally, dozens of cities launched civilian oversight agencies in 2020 and 2021 in a wave of police reform, according to a 2022 University of Chicago study.

During an earlier discussion of the measure, on June 6, Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera denounced the law. I think its awful, he said. So, for me, this legislation is something that intrudes on local government control on a very, very sensitive issue, and I would have voted against it. But our hands are tied.

Other local lawmakers around the state who have seen their CRBs shut down lambaste the law as another unnecessary preemption.

Its a shame the extremist state government has overreached into local authority yet again, Tallahassee City Commissioner Jack Porter told the Phoenix. The Tallahassee Citizens Police Review Board is inactive. Porter says the idea of reviving the agency in a new form may be revisited in the fall when we return from break.

In making the case for Tampa to shut down its CRB, City Attorney Andrea Zalman argued that similar review boards had already closed, including in Miami. The Legislature has given us no choice in this matter, she said in June.

That is not the case, insists Rodney Jacob, executive director of the Miami Civilian Investigation Panel. Were working in collaboration with the city for next steps, Jacob told the Phoenix this week, without elaborating. In nearby Broward County, commissioners in June suspended their agency through mid-September to figure out their next steps, as well.

Some of these officials appear to be looking at what the ACLU of Florida argued in a memo issued in April, in which that organization noted that the law explicitly restricts its applicability to ordinances concerning receipt, processing, investigation, or oversight, and thus does nothing to prevent citizens from independently joining together to form their own panel, nor does it prohibit government-established panels created through other legal means apart from an ordinance.

The ACLU noted that several cities have created citizen-review boards by these other means, such as Key West, which established its oversight board through its city charter. The ACLU noted that Tampas citizens review board was originally established by an executive order by then-Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

Thats very misleading, replied city attorney Zalman. Yes, the CRB was originally created by an executive order she said, but City Council codified the order as an ordinance and amended it in 2021. Our CRB is a creation of an ordinance, she said.

Lawmakers warnings

Hillsborough County Republican state House member Danny Alvarez, a co-sponsor of the legislation, warned the Tampa City Council in June to not even contemplate recreating their agency by going against the spirit of the law.

Having worked on this bill and having co-sponsored it myself, that if you were to find some sort of way that youre going to keep it going, then Ill just have to come back to the dais and tighten it up over whichever loophole you think that they may have found, he said.

I hate to have to be that way and talk about that, but the intent of this was to uniformly make these COAs [civilian oversight agencies] across the state of Florida, and the intent is after July 1 they all shut down, and then they can reopen at the will of the city of Tampa should you want that under the statutes rules.

Duval County Republican Wyman Duggan was the bills main sponsor in the House. He told a legislative committee earlier this year that one reason the legislation was needed was because there were no uniform standards as to the qualifications or expertise of anybody to be a member.

Additionally, theres no uniform standards on how they choose which cases to investigate, he said. There are no uniform standards by which that investigation is conducted. There are no uniform standards by which they reach their decisions, and there are no uniform standards as to the due-process protections afforded to the officer who is subject of the misconduct review.

Duggan rejected criticism that rogue officers will escape accountability, pointing to a multitude of law enforcement agencies, including internal affairs offices within police departments as well as sheriffs offices, state attorneys, the attorney generals office, the FBI, and the Department of Justice, that can and do conduct such investigations.

Among the CRBs that have folded completely (for now) are those in Fort Myers, North Miami, and Orlando.

Since the new bill went into effect July 1, we are still currently evaluating the new changes before making any future decisions, said Ashley Papagni, public information officer with the city of Orlando. The previous board has since disassembled for the time being.

Jamie Brown, a spokesperson for the city of Winter Haven, said that although that Central Florida city has disbanded its Community Advisory Committee, we are not abandoning the committee altogether. She said the citys police chief is reviewing the full committee of nine members and two alternates to ultimately select members based on the HB 601 criteria, likely by the end of September.

An official with the city of Bradenton said that it dissolved its CRB shortly after HB 601 was passed, but Police Chief Melanie Bevan will be revisiting the Citizen Review Board after the first of the year.

In Sarasota, meetings with both the Independent Police Advisory Panel and the Police Complaint Commission were suspended as of July 1, according to City Attorney Robert M. Fournier. He said that the city is watching what other jurisdictions do.

A report will be made to the City Commission later in the year based on what is learned, and it is anticipated that a final decision on the path forward will be made by the City Commission at that time, Fournier said.

We want to be very transparent

One city that has no intention of shutting down for long is St. Petersburg, which has renamed its civilian review board the Police Policy Review Commission. St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway said the six-member panel will review use-of-force cases once it is fully constituted.

We will have them review the case, and have them review the policy, and see if we need to change it, he said in an interview conducted in his office this week.

We want to be very transparent in what we do, Holloway said. They cant say, You should have done this. You should have done that. But they will look at the policy: Do they have to tighten up the policy? Is there something thats lacking, because we still want the community to see what were doing and, if we need to change our policy, then we want input from our community, this is where we police.

The ACLU of Florida notes that the new law does not prohibit reviewing closed complaints, now the only type that some CRBs, such as in Tampa, Naples, and Daytona Beach, are allowed to investigate. The organization contends that even before HB 601 became law these agencies were only allowed to do only two things: review records related to closed investigations and express sentiments related to those closed investigations.

The new law does nothing to restrict civilian review boards from carrying out the important functions of reviewing closed cases, reviewing policies and procedures, and making recommendations to a chief, mayor, or city council, the ACLU of Floridas Kara Gross told the Phoenix on Thursday.

To be clear, Florida citizen-review panels are empowered to review closed investigations and offer their comments, just as any other Florida citizen would be able to do by requesting copies of materials relating to closed investigations under Floridas public-records laws. Nothing in the new law dissolves already compliant existing review boards or alters existing procedures for reviewing and commenting upon closed or inactive investigations, Gross said.

There has also been criticism that CRBs in Florida lack power.

In Tampa, City Councilman Bill Carlson, who sponsored the proposal to kill the civilian review board in June, said he did so because, even before the new law went into effect, the citys oversight agency was never able to achieve what it was intended to do.

The CRB was originally created because of biking while Black. And our CRB does not really solve that problem, he said, referring to a Tampa Bay Times 2015 report that ultimately led the U.S. Department of Justice investigation in 2016 and a report finding that the Tampa Police Department burdened Black bicyclists by disproportionately stopping them in the name of benefiting Black communities by increasing their public safety. (Emphasis in the original.)

The report added that the analysis indicated that the policy did not produce a community benefit.

The CRB only could review closed cases, Carlson said of the Tampa review board. It was toothless. It never did what everybody originally wanted it to do.

The Tampa City Council will revisit the issue on Nov. 7.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Tanger Outlets Charleston invites shoppers to kick off back-to-school season for a fun-filled bash at the Outlet.

Tanger Outlet scheduled its back-to-school bash for Friday, August 2 which coincides with South Carolinas Tax-Free holiday.

South Carolina kick-off annual tax-free weekend

While guests are shopping they can enjoy games, giveaways and more at the bash for free.

Students who purchase backpacks from any retailer on August 2 will have an opportunity to personalize their backpacks with patches.

Guests can also get involved with the back-to-school spirit by donating new school supplies, school clothes and shoes in partnership with Compass Collegiate Academy. These donations will help local students in need to prepare for a successful school year, Tanger Outlet added.

Ways to use South Carolinas Tax-Free Weekend to help children in need

Guests who make donations will be entered for a chance to win great prizes from Tanger Outlet Charlestons participating retailers.

The Back-to-School Bash is scheduled from 5  7 p.m. at the Courtyard by Tommy Hilfiger at 4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd in North Charleston.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Ride-hailing apps like Uber, Lyft, and Waymo could face a potential tax increase. Advocates from the ComMUNIty Transit Act say the taxes would fund SFMTAs Muni buses and that the proposed tax increase is less than a quarter of the tax residents in Manhattan currently pay.

Teen killed in Walnut Creek crash Thursday

San Francisco charges an average of $0.33 tax per $10 ride. With the proposed measure, that tax would increase to $0.78 centsstill less than four times Manhattans $3.24, the transit act said. In total, the proposed tax is estimated to amass $20-30 million for Muni every year.

Local lawmakers such as Dean Preston, Joel Engardion, Daniel Lurie, and Ahsha Safai support the measure, which is also supported by six members of the Board of Supervisors.

As an everyday Muni rider, I know how much it matters for Muni to reach all parts of our city and to be accessible to all. Im proud to stand with this grassroots San Francisco initiative for a more robust, reliable, accessible, and affordable public transportation system in our city, Preston said.

In May 2023, Muni threatened to scale back due to understaffing and budget cuts, calling it an impending fiscal cliff, chronic driver shortage listed as one of the biggest problems facing the industry.

It is imperative that the state legislature extend a lifeline to Muni and other transit agencies across the state that face similarly massive financial shortfalls. The people of San Francisco, and California are depending on it, SFMTA said.

With the funds, Muni hopes to increase service levels by improving access to parks, libraries, and schools. They also hope to maintain and expand discount rate programs for youth, people with disabilities, and low-income riders.

Supervisor Safai thinks this act is critical for the future of San Francisco. This ballot measure will help prevent devastating service cuts and protect the jobs of the operators, mechanics, and cleaners who keep Muni running.

The SFMTA said its facing a deficit of over $238 million annually starting 2026. Without a large new funding source, staff reductions will lead to Muni service cuts, the Transit Act page said, claiming there are currently no options for transit funding that could cover the full deficit.

Loss of Muni service will hurt everyones ability to travel within the city, not just transit riders. As decreased service encourages more people to drive, our streets will see more congestion and a higher demand for parking, the ComMUNIity Transit Act website said.

On July 5, the transit act submitted over 17,000 signatures to qualify for the November ballot. On August 12, the measure will receive its ballot letter.

KRON4 has reached out to several ride-hailing apps for comment and received the following statement from Uber:

Uber already supported a dedicated per-ride fee that has provided millions in funding for public transit and transportation infrastructure in San Francisco in 2019, and we do not think now is the time to impose new taxes on San Francisco businesses, an Uber spokesperson told KRON4.

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Taxes on tips; what Trump plan, Project 2025 might mean in New Jersey

There are millions of people across the country who work for tips.

In New Jersey, they work in restaurants, bars, and personal care services, such as salons and spas, and rely on tips to supplement their base wages.

If youre one of those tipped workers, youve probably heard talk of a Trump-proposed plan to drop taxes on the tips you collect. Or, you may be wondering if the controversial Project 2025 will impact your tipped wages.

Heres what it could mean for you.

Will Donald Trump cut taxes on tips?

The minimum cash wage for tipped employees in New Jersey is $5.26 per hour, with employers able to claim a tip credit up to $9.87 per hour. This ensures that tipped workers make at least $15.13 per hour.

Former President Donald Trump has proposed a plan to eliminate federal taxes on tips. The idea is to allow tipped workers to keep more of their earnings, putting more money in their pockets immediately.

However, experts argue that many tipped workers already pay little to no federal income tax due to low earnings and tax credits. This means the impact might be less significant than it sounds for most workers, and, as some critics warn, could slow efforts to increase minimum wages.

In 2017, the Trump administration floated a rule change that would have let employers pool tips and redistribute them to non-tipped workers, such as cooks and dishwashers. Studies suggested the rule would have let employers keep nearly $6 billion in tips.

The rule change was reworked to ensure that employers, managers and supervisors coundnt collect any portion of employees tips.

In 2020, New Jersey passed a law that also ensures tips stay with employees.

What does Project 2025 say about tipped workers?

Project 2025, proposed by the Heritage Foundation, suggests major changes to labor laws that could affect all workers, including those who rely on tips.

The so-called conservative playbook includes proposals to eliminate the federal minimum wage and reduce overtime pay protections.

These changes could lead to a significant reduction in earnings and protections for tipped workers, who already have to navigate unpredictable incomes.

So, what does all this mean for tipped workers in New Jersey?

If Trumps tax plan goes through, some workers might see a slight increase in their take-home pay.

However, if Project 2025s broader policies are implemented, any gains from the taxless tip plan could be offset, and the overall effect could be more harmful. Reduced federal protections and the potential elimination of minimum wage requirements could mean tipped workers lose money.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Would Trump plan, Project 2025 help or hurt NJ tipped workers
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  McMinn County man facing additional charges after being arrested during an operation, where Tennessee investigators said they identified at least two dozen victims of online child exploitation and sextortion.

Cody Gunter was arrested in April during Operation Protecting Tomorrow and charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Solicitation of a Minor. Following further investigation, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said their special agents along with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) squad found information linking him to the production of child sexual abuse material and agents were able to identify the victims.

Man dead after active shooter event in Madisonville, TBI investigating

The TBI then obtained warrants charging Gunter with three counts of Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. On August 1, Gunter turned himself in at the Cumberland County Sheriffs Department and he is currently being held without bond according to the TBI.

The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law, added the TBI.

Father identifies daughter killed in Cocke County crash

Operation Protecting Tomorrow was spearheaded by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, housed within its Cybercrime and Digital Evidence Unit.

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Tears, hugs and a salute as three freed Americans back on US soil after historic prisoner swap with Russia

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva have landed in the United States, following the biggest prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War.

The returnees were greeted with tears and embraces by their joyous families at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were also on the tarmac to welcome them after their plane touched down some 20 minutes before midnight on Thursday.

Whelan, who was first to exit the plane, gave a salute before shaking hands with the US leaders, followed by Gershkovich, who embraced both Harris and Biden before hugging his ecstatic parents. Kurmasheva rushed into the arms of her husband and daughters after greeting Harris and Biden.

Gershkovich went quickly to address media gathered at the tarmac, telling his Wall Street Journal colleagues the words they had been waiting more than a year to hear. Im home, he said.

Biden observed the emotional family reunions, then removed his pin and placed it on Whelans lapel as Harris looked on.

It feels wonderful. Long time in coming. I was absolutely convinced we could get it done. I meant it when I said  alliances make a difference. They stepped up and took a chance for us and it mattered a lot, Biden told reporters, referring to the extensive diplomatic effort that resulted in the swap.

The return marks the conclusion of what Biden called a brutal ordeal for the three Americans and their families following their detentions in Russia, where prisoners are often kept in harrowing conditions.

Whelan, 54, had spent almost six years in Russian prisons after his arrest in Moscow in December 2018, while Gershkovich, 32, had been detained for more than a year. Both were sentenced on espionage charges and declared wrongfully detained by the US State Department.

Kurmasheva, a 47-year-old journalist for the US-backed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was detained in October 2023 and found guilty of spreading false information about the Russian army  charges her family and employer deny.

Their release  and that of Washington Post contributor and permanent US resident Vladimir Kara-Murza, 42  was orchestrated as part of a complex prisoner swap between Russia, the US and other Western nations involving 24 detainees in total.

Sixteen people were released from Russian custody on Thursday, including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country. Moscow in return got former high-ranking FSB colonel Vadim Krasikov, as well as several individuals accused of spying or cybercrime.

Elizabeth Whelan hugs her brother Paul Whelan at Joint Base Andrews following his release from a Russian prison. - Alex Brandon/AP

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris walk with family members of the returning Americans to greet them at Joint Base Andrews. - Alex Brandon/AP

The prisoner exchange marks a major diplomatic achievement and legacy-defining moment for Biden less than six months before he leaves office.

In a statement earlier Thursday, Biden hailed the agreement as a feat of diplomacy, in collaboration with US allies, including Germany, Poland, Norway, Turkey and Slovenia.

Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over, said Biden, who hosted the families of Gershkovich, Whelan, Kurmasheva and Kara-Murza at the White House.

Whelan, Gershkovich and Kurmasheva flew roughly 10 hours from Ankara, Turkey, on top of a three-hour-and-45-minute flight from Moscow to Ankara.

They were accompanied on their return plane by multiple medics, a psychologist and US government officials including representatives from the National Security Council and State Department, a US official told CNN.

A little less than two hours after touching down at Joint Base Andrews, the three Americans and some of their family members continued on to San Antonio where they landed early Friday morning. At Kelly Field, Whelan thanked US authorities for their efforts to bring him home and criticized Putins government for their nonsense narrative that accused him of espionage. Im never going back there again, Whelan joked, referring to Russa.

The three Americans will be taken to Brooke Army Medical Center to undergo medical evaluation and receive whatever care they need for as long as they need, the US official said.

This is typical protocol for wrongfully detained Americans who return home. WNBA player Brittney Griner also went to the center right after she was released from Russian detention in December 2022.

The returnees will also participate in a Defense Department program called PISA (Post Isolation Support Activities), which is meant to help them readjust to being back in the United States. Many recently freed US wrongful detainees have undergone this program to help them acclimate back to normal life.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs MJ Lee, Sam Waldenberg, Betsy Klein, Paul P. Murphy, Mariya Knight, Ivana Kottasova, Anna Chernova, Colin McCullough, Jennifer Hansler and Rosa Flores contributed to this report.

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RICHMOND, R.I. (WPRI)  A 17-year-old from Connecticut was arrested on Thursday for allegedly crashing a stolen car in the Kingstown Road roundabout.

Richmond police say the New Haven teen ran away from the crash, but was later caught with the help of state police in an outbuilding of Richmond Elementary School.

He was arraigned in R.I. Family Court on charges of possession of a stolen motor vehicle and being a fugitive from justice.

The crashed vehicle had been reported stolen to North Kingstown police earlier that day.

Police investigating smash-and-grabs at 4 North Kingstown stores | WPRI.com

Police learned the suspect had failed to appear in a New Haven court to face a gun charge earlier in the week.

He is currently being held at the R.I. Training School as he awaits extradition to Connecticut.

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Teen brother of Air Force airman who was killed by Florida deputy is fatally shot near Atlanta

ATLANTA (AP)  The teenage brother of a U.S. Air Force airman who was fatally shot in his home by a Florida sheriffs deputy in May has been killed in a shooting in the Atlanta area, police said.

Andre Fortson, Senior Airman Roger Fortsons 16-year-old brother, was killed this week in DeKalb County, near Atlantas east side, DeKalb County police said.

The Fortson family is battling the loss of yet another young member of their family, said civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has been representing the family since Roger Fortson was killed.

This has been an incredibly challenging time for them with the loss of Roger, Crump said in a statement. Losing the life of yet another young family member  a mere child  has been an absolute devastation.

Andre Fortson was found shot to death in the breezeway of an apartment complex on Tuesday, police said. Two groups of people had been shooting at each other for unknown reasons, DeKalb County police said.

A 20-year-old man was identified as one of the shooters and arrested on an aggravated assault charge, police said. He was booked into the DeKalb County Jail. Jail records did not list an attorney who could be reached for comment on his behalf.

The killing comes about three months after Roger Fortson, 23, was killed on May 3 by Okaloosa County sheriffs Deputy Eddie Duran in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The airman answered the door to his apartment while holding a handgun pointed toward the floor and was killed within seconds, body camera video showed.

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden fired Duran, saying the deputys life was never in danger and he should not have fired his weapon.

A sheriffs office internal affairs investigation found that Fortson did not make any hostile, attacking movements, and therefore, the former deputys use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable.

Crump has called for on state prosecutors to file criminal charges against Duran.

This tragic incident should never have occurred, and we must ensure that there are consequences for such reckless actions, Crump said in a statement. Roger Fortsons family deserves justice, and our community deserves accountability.

The state attorneys office did not immediately have a comment on the shooting investigation.

The Fortson family is from DeKalb County, where Andre Fortson was killed. At a tearful news conference a couple of weeks after the Florida killing, Andre Fortson stood on the stage with his mother and sisters. They wore red shirts with the words WE ALL WE GOT on the front and a picture of Roger Fortson in his military uniform on the back.

Roger Fortson was stationed at the Air Forces Hurlburt Field in the Florida Panhandle. At his funeral outside Atlanta, hundreds of Air Force members in dress blues filed past his coffin, draped with an American flag.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A teen charged with murder for the November shooting death of another teen was found guilty of reckless homicide after a two-day trial in Mahoning County Juvenile Court.

Read next: Police trying to find missing Boardman man

Judge Theresa Dellick released her opinion Friday in the case of a teen who was 13 at the time charged with murder for the Nov. 11 shooting death of Logan Taylor, 14.

Taylor died after being shot in the defendants home on East Lucius Avenue. The defendant is now 14.

Judge Dellicks opinion was issued following a trial that took place July 16 and 17. Reckless homicide is a third-degree felony.

WKBN does not list the names of juvenile defendants unless they are indicted by a grand jury in common pleas court.

The defendant was not charged with murder until January after ballistics evidence was analyzed. Taylor, who was friends with the defendant, was found in an upstairs room at his home when police arrived about 11:20 a.m.

The defendant testified on his own behalf and said he and Taylor had been playing video games that morning when Taylor began playing with a semiautomatic handgun he had bought over the night before.

City police Detective Sgt. Jerry Fulmer, the lead investigator on the case, testified that the defendant told him that Taylor had shot himself. The defendant also testified in court that Taylor had been playing with the gun and shot himself.

Judge Dellick said in her opinion that the defendants testimony does not match the evidence in the case. She said ballistics evidence shows that it was the defendant who fired the gun, not Taylor, especially because of where the shell casing was found and the angle of the wound that killed Taylor and the only DNA found on the gun belonged to the defendant.

However, the judge wrote she did not believe the defendant had intent to kill Taylor, but his actions were reckless and thus fit the definition of reckless homicide.

There is not a question this was reckless homicide, Judge Dellick wrote. [Defendant] pointed a gun at LT [Taylor]. He pulled the trigger. The court did not find intent to murder based upon the testimony of the [defendant] and victim LT were best of friends. This was reckless behavior.

Judge Dellick wrote in her opinion that sentencing will be at a later date. The defendant will remain in detention at the Juvenile Justice Center.

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Teen injured after struck by train in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD)  Authorities say a teenager was injured after being struck by a train in Kalamazoo Friday morning.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said that around 9:30 a.m. Friday it received a report of a pedestrian being struck by an Amtrak train along the tracks north of Michigan Avenue between Harrison Street and Riverview Drive.

The pedestrian, an 18-year-old Kalamazoo man, was taken to the hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening, according to a KDPS news release.

Police said there were no road closures or significant train delays due to the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to call KDPS at 269.337.8140 or Silent Observer at 269.343.2100.

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The teens were among nine people arrested by Las Vegas police in connection with the November 2023 beating death of Jonathan Lewis Jr., 17

GoFundMe Jonathan Lewis Jr.

Four teenagers facing murder charges over the fatal beating of a Las Vegas boy outside his high school last November have reached a plea deal with prosecutors that spared them adult prison time, according to reports.

On Thursday, Aug. 1, Damien Hernandez, 17, Dontral Beaver, 16, Gianni Robinson, 17, and Treavion Randolph, 16, all agreed to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis Jr., 8 News Now and Fox 5 Las Vegas report, citing court documents.

The teens, who were all minors at the time of the November 2023 death, will no longer face murder charges as adults and a judge ordered they be sent to juvenile court to be sentenced, according to the Associated Press.

The teens were among nine people arrested by the Las Vegas Metro Police Department in connection with the case. The arrests came after videos circulated on social media of Lewis getting beat up by several teens outside Rancho High School in Las Vegas on Nov. 1, 2023, PEOPLE previously reported.

Related: 9th Suspect Arrested in Connection with Fatal Beating of 17-Year-Old Boy Outside of Las Vegas High School

What you see in the video though is approximately ten subjects kicking, stomping and punching our victim Jonathan as hes on the ground, not defending himself until the point where he becomes unconscious, Las Vegas Metro Police Lt. Jason Johansson said at a press conference at the time.

According to Johansson, the fight was "over a pair of stolen wireless headphones" and possibly over a marijuana vape pen which may have been stolen from Lewis or his friends. A witness who saw Lewis on the ground carried him back to the high school, and 911 was called, police said.

On Nov. 7, six days after the beating, police said they were notified that Lewis was medically declared brain dead, and a subsequent autopsy revealed that his cause of death was blunt force trauma. His death was ruled a homicide.

A GoFundMe campaign created by Lewis father, Jonathan Lewis Sr., in the wake of his sons death states Lewis was a hero [who] was trying to defend his friend.

Related: Las Vegas Teen, 17, Reportedly Killed After 15 People Attacked Him Outside of High School

Lewis' mother, Mellisa Ready, slammed the plea deal after it was announced Thursday, claiming that her son had not received justice.

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You cannot jump in a human beings head, stomp on him, and think that theyre going to remain alive after, Ready told 8 News Now. They knew he was going to die, and thats how I feel  and theyre letting them get away with murder.

Robinson's defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, said the agreement provides for the sealing of any records related to the case and the four teens, 8 News Now reported.

According to 8 News Now, four other teens who were arrested in the case have already pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in juvenile court. The status of the charges against the ninth suspect is unclear.



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Read the original article on People.
Republican Chad Bobo and Democrat Shaundelle Brooks emerged victorious Thursday from competitive primaries in Tennessee House District 60, an open seat following the resignation of Rep. Darren Jernigan.

Brooks' profile has grown in recent years as a grassroots gun reform advocate following the shooting death of her son, Akilah, in the 2018 Waffle House mass shooting. Brooks became a constant in committee hearings and floor sessions at the General Assembly, often a lone presence until last year, when the Covenant School shooting invigorated a new wave of gun safety advocates.

In the Democratic primary, she knocked back Tyler Brasher, a health care professional who fell to Brooks by several hundred votes despite campaigning with heavy backing from some Metro Nashville Council members.

Brasher conceded the race on Thursday night, congratulating Brooks on the victory.

Shaundelle Brooks mother of Akilah DaSilva, who was one of the four people killed in the 2018 Waffle House shooting stands near Manuel Oliver whos 17-year-old son Joaquin was among the 14 students killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, while the two listen from the gallery of the House Chambers in Nashville , Tenn., Monday, March 6, 2023. "Until you are in the situation they will never understand," Brooks said following Monday night's session.

Bobo, who formerly worked in insurance and logistics, lists jobs and economy issues among his top legislative priorities, including cutting red tape for small businesses and developing more manufacturing and production jobs.

The general election will likely be an uphill battle for Bobo, as the northeast Davidson County district historically leans blue.

Jernigan is stepping down from the General Assembly to lead state relations for Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell.

Shaundelle Brooks, walks in the 2024 Pride parade downtown on Broadway in Nashville , Tenn., Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Meanwhile, pro-voucher candidate Lee Reeves appeared to eke out a very narrow victory in the GOP primary in House District 65, beating Brian Beatherd in a heated contest in Williamson County by less than 1%, according to unofficial results Thursday night. Reeves boasted an endorsement from Gov. Bill Lee, while outgoing Rep. Sam Whitson, R-Franklin, had backed Beatherd, a voucher skeptic.

Here are the early, unofficial results in other contested primaries in Middle Tennessee House races:

Tennessee state House of Representatives District 13

Incumbent Rep. Robert Stevens, R-Smyrna, will continue his campaign for a second term in the General Assembly after beating Murfreesboro City Council member Jami Averwater in the Republican primary on Thursday.

Stevens will face Democrat Jonathan Yancey, who was unopposed in the primary, in the November general election.

Tennessee state House of Representatives District 56

Incumbent Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Nashville, beat out his Democratic primary opponent Nick Forster-Benson in his bid for reelection in Tennessee House District 56. Freeman was first elected in 2018 to represent the district, which includes central Davidson County.

With no Republican opponent in the race, Freeman will sail through the November general election to a third term. Freeman is president of one of Middle Tennessee's largest real estate and property management companies.

Tennessee state House of Representatives District 61

Democrat Claire Jones will face incumbent Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, for House District 61 in northern Williamson County.

Bulso was unopposed in the Republican primary, while Jones beat out Kurt Kosack in Thursday's Democratic primary election.

Bulso, an attorney, is seeking his second term in the General Assembly. Jones, a hospice nurse, emerged as a gun safety reform advocate in the wake of the 2023 Covenant School shooting.

Tennessee state House of Representatives District 64

Incumbent Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, will face Eileen Longstreet in the November election for House District 64.

Cepicky, who played a pivotal role in pushing a voucher plan in the General Assembly this year, has long been an advocate for conservative education and anti-abortion policies. Gov. Bill Lee threw his weight behind Cepicky in the primary as the governor seeks to bolster voucher support ahead of the next General Assembly session.

Cepicky fought off a Republican challenge from Ray Jeter, a retired deputy sheriff and county commissioner who opposed school vouchers.

Eileen Longstreet clinched the Democratic primary over opponent Alex Pierce. Longstreet is a retired health insurance executive who relocated to Tennessee in 2018. Longstreet supports increased public education funding and Medicaid expansion.

Tennessee state House of Representatives District 65

Lee Reeves appeared to survive a contentious Republican primary race in House District 65, which is being vacated by outgoing Rep. Sam Whitson, R-Franklin.

Whitson and a number of other Williamson County civic leaders endorsed Brian Beatherd, a county commissioner, for the position, clashing with Gov. Bill Lee and other state leaders who backed real estate lawyer Reeves.

Lee threw his weight behind Reeves due to his pro-voucher state, as the governor seeks to boost pro-voucher lawmakers ahead of the 2025 legislative session.

Less than 100 votes decided the GOP primary on Thursday night, with Lee pulling just ahead of Beatherd with less than 1% of the total vote. Michelle Foreman fell to third in the race.

Reeves will face Democrat LaRhonda Williams in the November general.

Tennessee state House of Representatives District 68

Clarksville pastor Aron Maberry edged out three Republican opponents to clinch the GOP nomination in Montgomery County's House District 68, an open seat following the retirement of Rep. Curtis Johnson, R-Clarksville.

Maberry, backed by Gov. Bill Lee, sits on the Montgomery-Clarksville County school board and support school vouchers. Maberry beat out Carol Duffin, Greg Gilman and Joe Smith in Thursday's primary.

Garfield Scott, unopposed in the Democratic primary, will take on Maberry in November.

Tennessee state House of Representatives District 69

Incumbent Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, cinched the Republican nomination in House District 69, clearing the way for his reelection as there is no Democrat in the race.

Barrett is seeking his second term in House District 69, which includes Hickman, Lewis and part of Dickson counties.

His Republican opponent, Ronny George, is a former Hickman County commissioner but did not mount a significant campaign against Barrett.

Tennessee state House of Representatives District 78

Incumbent Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, beat out local teacher Justin Spurlock for the Republican nomination in House District 78.

Littleton is seeking her fourth term in House District 78, which includes Chatham and part of Dickson counties.

Democrat Castle Doyle ran unopposed and will face Littleton in the November general election.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee election results: See who won state House primary races
Elon Musks new super PAC is collecting scores of voters personal information under the guise of inviting them to register to vote, as part of his effort to boost Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

Earlier this month, Musk denied reports that he would be donating $45 million a month to Trumps campaign during an interview with right-wing commentator Jordan Peterson. Instead, the technocrat clarified that he had created a new super PAC, called the America PAC.

Musks America PAC is a door-to-door canvassing operation, which allows it to work in direct coordination with the Trump campaign, according to an FEC advisory from earlier this year. This allows Musk, and his fellow Silicon Valley donors, to stick their handsand their cashright into the presidential race on Trumps behalf.

How exactly they plan to do this is even more disturbing.

The America PAC has launched a series of digital ads using the image of Trumps assassination, to invite people browsing Google to register to vote, CNBC reported Friday. In states where the outcome is certain, such as California, the ads actually do direct them to a voter registration site.

But in key battleground states, users are directed to a very different page, which prompts them to enter their phone number, address, and age. Once complete, users are then greeted by a Thank You page, with no actual link to voter registration in sight.

Musks America PAC has poured $800,000 into digital advertisements to target voters in the key battleground states of Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, according to AdImpact. The information collected from user responses to this ad campaign will inform the PACs canvassing efforts in those states.

Musks America PAC has already attracted the financial support of a few Silicon Valley billionaires. Douglas Leone and Shaun Maguire, general partners at Sequoia Capital, donated a whopping $1 million and $500,000 respectively, according to The American Prospect. (Their V.C. firm is also an investor in Musks SpaceX.) Joe Lonsdale, one of the co-founders of the military contractor Palantir, donated $1 million in June. Palantir was founded by Peter Thiel, who helped to fund J.D. Vances start in politics.

Apparently, Musks plan for the America PAC is already off to a rough start. After spending at least $15 million with In Field Strategies, a field vendor that organizes canvassers, the PAC ended its relationship with the company, two people familiar told The New York Times. Its unclear what happened to that money, and now, more than 100 canvassers who had been hired by In Field on America PACs behalf in mid-June have been left scattered across the country, looking for work.

The PAC will now have to scramble to mount its canvassing campaign before early voting can begin, according to the Times. Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita called the Times report more fake news  the New Program 100% better than the old gang. Solidly support this effort, in a post on X.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Decapitating His Wife of 3 Months, Gets 40 Years in Prison

Waller County does not tolerate domestic violence, Waller County Criminal District Attorney Sean G. Whittmore said

facebook Anggy Diaz

A Texas man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to the grisly 2023 murder of his wife.

On Wednesday, July 31, Waller County Criminal District Attorney Sean G. Whittmore announced that Jared James Dicus entered a plea agreement regarding the murder of his wife, Anggy Diaz.

facebook Anggy Diaz and Jared James Dicus

The couple had only been married for three months when Diaz's in-laws found the 21-year-olds body dismembered in their home, which was reportedly owned by the in-laws.

In a news briefing at the time, Waller County Sheriff Troy Guidry said it was Discus' father who "immediately called the police after seeing Diaz's body. Discus allegedly confessed to killing her while being interviewed by police.

Related: Colo. Man Killed Wife and Daughter with Ax, Then Called 911 and Told Police He Didn't Regret It

Dicus will serve his 40-year sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice  Institutional Division, Whittmore said in a press release.

During the pre-trial phase of the case, concerns about Dicus mental capacity were raised. However, a court-ordered examination determined he was competent to stand trial.

Due to the terms of his plea agreement, Dicus waived his right to appeal the verdict, the sentence and any potential defense to prosecution, including attempting to use an insanity defense at a later time, per the release.

Waller County Sheriff's Office Jared James Dicus

Diazs family was made aware of the terms before the plea agreement was finalized.

Dicus will be eligible for parole in 2043. However, the district attorney notes that eligibility for parole is not an automatic grant of parole.

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At the time of Diazs death, Guidry said police had been dispatched to the former couples residence before, but it was "nothing to this effect and to this level of violence."

The sheriff added that the crime would affect both families moving forward.

"The best you can say is that's the world we live in today. It's a gruesome scene. And both sides of these families are gonna be altered by it, either way, suspect and the victim's, Guidry said.

gofundme Anggy Diaz

"It is gruesome. It's a gruesome crime. Hopefully, everything turns out to end up the best way it can at this point, he continued.

Multiple reports stated that Diaz had been decapitated.

During a press conference last year, Guidry said officers were met with "a portion of a body, dismembered, and a residence that was covered in blood."

Waller County does not tolerate domestic violence, the district attorney said on Wednesday.

Heinous crimes like this one will not go unanswered, we will seek justice for the victims of domestic violence and send a message to the perpetrators that here, we fight for our victims," Whittmore said Wednesday. "The DAs office also thanks the Waller County Sheriffs Office for their thorough investigation and their service to the victims family and to the people of Waller County.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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AUSTIN (KXAN)  A Texas man pleaded guilty on Thursday after he was accused of importing protected Australian reptiles to the U.S., according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The official charge the man pleaded guilty for is a criminal information charging violation of the Endangered Species Act, according to the DOJ.

He faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $50,000, the DOJ said in the release.

That man was identified as Don Church, according to the DOJ. Church imported a total of 165 the reptiles for a fake zoo, which he called the Austin Reptile Center and said was legitimate, the release said.

Church imported reptiles, which the DOJ said included three Rusty Monitor (Varanus Semiremex) lizards, the release said.

[Church] submitted documents to Australian authorities containing misrepresentations about the facility, including photographs of reptile exhibits, employee names and positions, floor plans, location and financial information, the DOJ said in the release.

Church then submitted that documentation to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and then imported the reptiles on behalf of the alleged reptile center, according to the DOJ.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Special (CITES) is an agency that help protect species against over-exploitation, the release said.

The United States implements CITES through the Endangered Species Act, and the USFWS enforces it, according to the DOJ.

The case remained under investigation by the USFWS.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A Texas man has admitted to charges related to illegally importing protected Australian reptiles into the United States.

Don Church has pleaded guilty to violating the Endangered Species Act, as reported by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Church used a fictitious organization, the "Austin Reptile Center," to smuggle 165 reptiles native to Australia into the country, including three rare Rusty Monitor lizards, which are safeguarded under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

In a 2018 article by The Turtle Conservancy, an organization dedicated to protecting threatened turtles and tortoises worldwide, Church stated his commitment to the conservation of endangered species. Conservation of endangered species depends upon people with the passion and dedication to protect them, he said in the article.

The article identified Church as the president and director of Wildlands Conservation at Global Wildlife Conservation, a non-profit organization specializing in conservation planning and policy, land management, land protection, research, education, and outreach. Church is not currently listed on the staff directory or among the board of directors on the nonprofit's website.

The DOJ revealed that Church fabricated various documents to deceive Australian officials and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). These documents included false exhibit photos, floor plans, and financial records for the non-existent zoo.

As a result of his guilty plea, Church faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, one year of probation, and a fine up to $50,000.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas man illegally imported Australian reptiles for fake Austin zoo
How a new Texas school security database is meant to streamline safety measures

A fire door closes in the main hallway of Hutto's new Gus Almquist Middle School on Tuesday. The special doors are just one example of additional security and safety measures in the school. The Legislature approved $1.4 billion in school safety funding in 2023 in the wake of the 2022 Uvalde school shooting.

The Texas Education Agency is launching a statewide digital system to house resources, reporting tools and information about school safety for school district administrators and state officials in charge of ensuring that new security legislation protects students on campuses.

The system, called Sentinel, is a piece of the $1.4 billion in school safety funding passed during the 2023 legislative session in the wake of the 2022 Uvalde school mass shooting that left 19 children and two adults dead.

Sentinel will create a centralized system for reporting and housing training and information, said John Scott, TEA's school safety and security chief.

"I really think that Sentinel is going to go a long way to professionalizing school safety across the state of Texas," Scott said.

The Sentinel system was developed as part of House Bill 3, a $300 million package passed last year to improve school safety. In addition to requiring enhanced physical safety features for school buildings, the law mandates an armed security guard at every school campus.

The bill also allocated about $15,000 per campus for security-related funding and increased per student safety funding from $9.72 to $10.

While supporters of HB 3 applauded the stricter focus on hardened school safety features, many district leaders worried the law created an unfunded mandate with its armed security requirement. Democrats and Republican lawmakers also clashed about the effectiveness of having an armed guard on a campus during a shooting event.

The bill also requires the state to conduct regular vulnerability assessments of each school district.

The Sentinel program keeps track of that kind of information, such as schools' required door handle checks and intruder detection audits, Scott said.

The program is also meant to streamline communication with the more than 1,200 school districts across Texas, Scott said. Different districts typically keep safety information and records in different ways.

"Maybe the superintendent has some information," Scott said. "Maybe the maintenance folks have some. Maybe the principal has some."

School districts should begin using the Sentinel system in the upcoming school year.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas school security database meant to streamline safety measures
(Bloomberg) -- Thailand is at risk of another bout of instability, a key opposition politician said as the nations courts prepare to rule whether to dissolve his party and if the prime minister should be removed.

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Pita Limjaroenrat, who led the reformist Move Forward Party to an electoral victory last year but was thwarted from forming government, said in an interview that the two court cases may bring about quite a political inferno here in Thailand.

Top constitutional judges will rule next week on whether to disband Move Forward, which is accused of breaking election rules over a campaign to amend a stringent royal defamation law. The top court will then decide a week later, if Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin should be removed from office for an alleged ethical violation.

Any move against either men could once again thrust the nation into political turmoil at a time its government has been struggling to deliver for its under-performing economy.

Its safe to assume that democracy in Thailand is on the defense, Pita, 43, said in the interview with Bloomberg News on Thursday.

The former prime minister hopeful was thwarted from forming a government by the countrys conservative elites following last summers vote. Move Forward has nevertheless retained its popularity and Pita remains the most popular choice for the prime ministers post.

Move Forward won the elections last year in part due to a pledge to reform a royal insult law known as lese majeste, which can carry a jail sentence of 15 years. The Constitutional Court in January ruled that the partys election campaign to loosen Article 112 amounted to overthrowing the monarchy and ordered it to cease all attempts to amend it.

Pita said the attempted amendment was not an insurrection and it was more to find a balance between protecting the head of state and freedom of speech. He said the court decision now gives him and the party direction and we are not going to go out of bounds, without giving details.

Should Thailands Constitutional Court ban the party next week and expel him from politics, Pita said the decision could lead to protests though he doubts they would be as big as the ones sparked by the 2020 dissolution of Future Forward, a predecessor of Move Forward.

Given that experience, Pita said setting up a new party would go smoother this time around. If we do that, regardless of what the name would be, the Leap Forward Party or whatever name, it doesnt matter much, he added.

All lawmakers from Move Forward will move to the Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party if the Constitutional Court bans Pitas party, the Bangkok Post reported late Thursday, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Market Turmoil

A fresh spell of political upheaval meanwhile is likely to further weigh on the countrys economy after years of tepid growth. The Thai stock market is one of the worlds worst-performing in the past year and fresh turmoil could accelerate an exodus of foreign investors from the countrys financial markets.

Earlier on Thursday, the government began signing up beneficiaries for a $14 billion cash handout program, which Srettha is counting on to revitalize growth. But, those plans could unravel should he be removed from office.

Pita is not the only one in the hot seat. In a separate case, Thaksin Shinawatra, a two-time former prime minister whos seen as the de facto leader of Sretthas ruling Pheu Thai Party, was last month indicted in a royal insult case that has its origins in an interview he gave back in 2015. The court seized Thaksins passport and ordered him to be present on Aug. 19 when it will begin scrutinizing the evidence in the case.

For now, Pita said he doesnt see an alliance with Thaksins party, which joined hands with the military-backed establishment to form a coalition government. Srettha, he said, has underperformed as a leader thus far.

Its not a natural alliance, Pita said. The current situation shows the fragmentation or the fracture in the ruling government for sure.

(Updates with details on royal insult law from paragraph 8)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Thanks to a string of leaks and Googles own teases  usually following said leaks  we know well get the official reveal of the Pixel 9 lineup.

The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro will be straight-up successors to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro but rumors suggest Google will add a Pixel 9 Pro XL, with a larger screen. All three of the phones are expected to have a redesigned, chonky camera module and possibly even a new chipset.

TMA (Engadget)

Alongside all those phones, were expecting a lot more news on Gemini, Googles flavor of AI powered assistant, and Android 15. Yep, were on no. 15 already. More leaks and rumors point to updated smartwatches and wireless buds too. And, dare I say, a new streaming box. The Made by Google event kicks off August 13 at 1PM ET. Plenty of time for more leaks, right?

 Mat Smith

The biggest stories you might have missed

Intel will cut over 15,000 jobs in a sweeping cost-cutting effort

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Suno admitted it trained its AI model on copyrighted songs.

In June, music labels Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Group sued music AI startups Udio and Suno, claiming they trained their AI models by scraping copyrighted materials from the internet. In todays court filing, Suno acknowledged its neural networks do, in fact, scrape copyrighted material. It argued the scraping was all part of a backend tech process to create non infringing new products. These dont contain samples, so wheres the problem? Well, everywhere according to the RIAA, which represents music labels and initiated the lawsuit.

Continue reading.

A bug in the CybertruckFornite crossover has now been patched out.

TMA (Fortnite)

A new DLC pack for Fortnite offered players a chance to drive the Tesla Cybertruck in-game. Now, a week later, several players have posted videos of a glitch when they used the Cybertruck during a match. Art imitates life: Teslas real world Cybertruck is contending with issues with its windshield wiper that could reduce the drivers visibility. Then there was the stuck accelerator pedal recall from April.

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It claimed it was disproportionately impacted by spam filtering.

A federal judge dismissed a case brought by the Republican National Committee (RNC) against Google over its Gmail service. The suit alleged that Googles email platform labeled GOP fundraising emails as spam at a higher rate than those from the other side of the aisle. The ruling marks the second case the RNC has lost over allegations of unfair filtering by Gmail. The RNC filed a lawsuit in the same court in 2022. This dismissal with prejudice means it cannot bring the case to another court  but it can still file an appeal against Calabrettas decision. That is unless the RNC is busy with other things, like, perhaps, a presidential election.

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Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet history

WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. and Russia on Thursday completed their largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, a deal involving 24 people, many months of negotiations and concessions from other European countries who released Russians in their custody as part of the exchange.

Here are some things to know:

Who was freed

The 24 people  some prominent, some not  included a collection of journalists and political dissidents, suspected spies, a computer hacker and a fraudster. Even a man convicted of murder.

Russia released 16 people, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan. Both were facing long prison sentences after being convicted in Russias heavily politicized legal system of espionage charges that the U.S. government called baseless.

Also freed by Moscow was Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen convicted in July of spreading false information about the Russian military  accusations her family and employer have rejected  and Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer serving 25 years on charges of treason widely seen as politically motivated.

The most infamous of the eight people Russia got back is Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in Germany in 2021 of killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park two years earlier, apparently on the orders of Moscows security services. It also received two alleged sleeper agents who were jailed in Slovenia, three men charged by federal authorities in the U.S. and two men returned from Norway and Poland.

A breakthrough in US-Russia relations?

Thats unlikely.

The U.S. and Russia have reached several prior prisoner swaps during the course of Russias war with Ukraine, including a December 2022 trade in which Moscow freed WNBA star Brittney Griner in exchange for notorious arms trafficker Viktor Bout.

But none of those exchanges resulted in a meaningful warming of relations, particularly at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to halt his aggression against Ukraine and as Washington continues to send significant military support to Kyiv.

Prisoner exchanges have been a rare source of compromise and an alignment of mutually agreeable interests rather than a reflection of anything broader. Even so, the fact that the countries were able to get the deal done at a time of open hostility is notable.

The Americans left behind

Though Thursdays deal involves the most well-known of the Americans held in Russia, including two who have been formally designated as wrongfully detained, there are still several others who remain.

That group includes Travis Leake, a musician convicted on drug charges and sentenced to prison; Gordon Black, an American soldier convicted of stealing and making threats of murder; Marc Fogel, a teacher also sentenced on drug charges; and Ksenia Khavana, who was arrested in Yekaterinburg in February on treason charges, accused of collecting money for Ukraines military.

Khavana had returned to Russia to visit family. The owner of the spa in California where Khavana had been working previously told The Associated Press that Khavana actually was collecting funds for humanitarian aid.

In a statement after the deal was announced, Fogels family said it was inconceivable that he had not been included and urged the Biden administration to prioritize his release.

A senior administration official, who briefed reporters before the swap on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said the administration would be redoubling its efforts to get remaining Americans home.

The imbalance in participants

In prisoner exchanges over the past few years, the U.S. government has released criminals convicted of significant crimes, including drug and weapons traffickers and a Taliban drug lord.

The latest deal was no exception, with the U.S. and Western allies agreeing to hand back to Russia criminals regarded as properly charged and convicted.

The most notable example of that, by far, was Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in the Aug. 23, 2019, killing of Zelimkhan Tornike Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian citizen who had fought Russian troops in Chechnya and later claimed asylum in Germany.

At Krasikovs sentencing to life in prison in 2021, German judges said he had acted on the orders of Russian authorities, who gave him a false identity, passport and the resources to carry out the killing.

Throughout the course of negotiations, Russia remained adamant about getting Krasikov back, making it clear that he topped the wish list. Putin hinted earlier this year that he was interested in such a trade to free a patriot held in Germany.

By contrast, the Americans and Europeans released by Russia include people who were either designated by the U.S. as wrongfully detained  like Gershkovich and Whelan  or generally regarded as held on baseless charges.

Deals like this one come with tough calls, Biden said but added: Theres nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad.

It could have included Navalny

Central to the deal was a man who never got to be part of it: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

At the time of his death in February, officials were discussing a possible exchange involving him and Krasikov as a way to satisfy Russias relentless demand for Krasikov and unlock the imprisoned Americans.

Administration officials described the sudden and unexplained death of Navalny as a setback to that effort, but drew up a new plan to present to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

In the end, several associates of Navalny were released.

The politics of it all

Biden had foreshadowed his commitment to a deal last week, when he said in an Oval Office address announcing his plan to abandon his reelection bid: Were also working around the clock to bring home Americans being unjustly detained all around the world.

On Thursday, he basked in the success of a diplomatic feat executed in the final months of his administration as he welcomed the families of the returning Americans to the White House. In an apparent jab at the America First mantra of Donald Trump, the former president and current Republican nominee, Biden said: Today is a powerful example of why its vital to have friends in this world.

Trump, who during his presidency had also taken an interest in hostages and wrongfully detained Americans, claimed during the June debate with Biden that he would get Gershkovich out as soon as he won the election.

On Thursday, he bashed the deal, suggesting incorrectly on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. had given Russia cash for the deal.

Are we releasing murderers, killers, or thugs? Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps, Trump wrote.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  The third annual Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke is back this weekend.



Holyokes very own Puerto Rican festival, hosted by Nueva Esperanza, kicked off the weekend of celebration with Christian night.



The festival runs from August 1st through August 4th and will top each night off with a salsa, bachata, and merengue performance from a top Puerto Rican artist.



Mayor Joshua Garcia of Holyoke looks forward to the festival returning each year, It builds community pride in our city.



The economic impact of the event is also one of a kind. With vendors bringing authentic Puerto Rican flavor to the street.



Carne con queso. Thats the best, shared Alexis Gomez of Holyoke.



This is Alcapurria. Its made with green bananas and beef, said Diana Garcia of Holyoke.



The food is just one of the many highlights of this weekends event. With much more in store, set to bring the city of Holyoke together through culture.

Latest Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Third arrest made after womans body found in plastic bin

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A third person has been arrested in connection to the killing of an Arkansas woman found inside a plastic bin in February of this year.

The St. Francis County Sheriffs Department announced on Thursday that 49-year-old Willie Calvin Smith of Forrest City, Ark. has been arrested and charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Certain Person.

His bond was set at $150,000.

Person of interest in case of woman found dead in plastic bin

42-year-old Troy Alexandria Stropes nude, decomposed body was discovered inside a plastic storage bin on February 20 by boys on four-wheelers riding down St. Francis County Road 731.

Two other men are facing charges in connection to her death.

In June, Micah Lacy, 45, of Forrest City was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and a felony weapons charge. His bond was initially set a $1 million.

Just four days later, Corey Jerome Anderson, 41, was also arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse. His bond was set at $50,000.

No additional details have been released 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 WREG.com.
Three arrests made in connection to South Carolina narcotics search warrant: Sheriff

CHESTERFIELD, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Three people were arrested this week in connection to a drug search warrant in Chesterfield County.

According to the Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office, the Narcotics Unit and Special Response Team seized multiple controlled substances July 30 from the operation. Cierra J. Adams and Robin F. Lear were arrested after authorities reportedly found methamphetamine.

Pursuant to this search warrant, the Narcotics Unit learned the whereabouts of Joshua D. Adams. He was wanted by Probation and Parole as well as the Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office for outstanding warrants.

South Carolina schools limited cellphone policy to come down by October

The sheriffs office said Adams was located at a residence on Rayfield Road near the North Carolina state line where he was taken into custody without incident.

Adams was additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a felon.

If you have any information about drug activity within our community, Sheriff Cambo Streater urges you to contact the Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office tip line, 843-287-0235.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
(Capital-Star photo)

Throwing out mail-in ballots solely because voters fail to write the date violates the Pennsylvania Constitution, an attorney for a group of get-out-the-vote organizations argued Thursday in Commonwealth Court.

The lawsuit by nine voting access groups represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania challenges part of the states vote-by-mail law and could play a critical role in the November presidential election and hundreds of down-ballot races.

Since state lawmakers passed Act 77 in 2019 and gave voters the ability to cast their votes by mail without an excuse, tens of thousands of mail-in ballots have been discarded because they didnt bear handwritten dates on their outside envelopes, as required by the law.

The lawsuit now before Commonwealth Court is the latest in a series of cases interpreting the vote-by-mail law and its interplay with federal voting rights laws. But its the first time the date requirement has been challenged as a violation of the state Constitutions Fair and Equal Elections Clause.

ACLU of Pennsylvania attorney Stephen Loney told the court that rejecting ballots that are returned by the election night deadline because they lack a date or have an incorrect date is a violation of the most important fundamental right that Pennsylvania residents have.

The requirement is so unique in its pointlessness that theres no reason for enforcing it that passes the judicial review process that courts use to determine whether a restriction of rights is constitutional, Loney argued.

He added, Multiple courts have definitively rejected all arguments presented about the imagined purposes of this rule. It serves no purpose in election administration at all.

The state and national Democratic parties and Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt have weighed in on the side of the voting access groups. The state GOP, the Republican National Committee and Westmoreland County Election Commissioner Doug Chew joined the case to defend the date requirement.

Challenges to the law in earlier cases have established that county election officials dont refer to the dates voters write on their ballots to determine whether a ballot is timely, Michael Fischer, an attorney for Schmidt said. Rather, ballots are stamped or otherwise recorded when they arrive in the election office and those that arrive after 8 p.m. on Election Day are not accepted.

Even in a case in which a woman signed and dated an absentee ballot for her deceased mother, the only significance to the date was that it was after the mothers death, alerting officials to the attempted fraud. An election official testified that the ballot would have been canceled regardless of the attempted fraud because the ballot was returned so long after the mothers death, Loney said.

The requirement to date the return envelope is a holdover from an earlier version of the election code, Loney said, when postmarks and handwritten dates were used to determine whether an absentee ballot was timely. The requirement to date ballots remained in the code after the focus shifted to whether the ballot was received by a certain deadline.

Ever since the 60s, the receipt deadline is the only thing that has mattered, the handwritten date has not mattered at all, Loney said.

John Gore, representing the state and national Republican parties, argued that the date requirement serves unquestionable purposes including as a backstop for failures in the election offices system of recording when ballots are returned.

Judge Patricia McCullough noted that many formal documents such as checks and contracts must be both signed and dated. Gore agreed, saying the requirement drives home the solemnity of the voters choice to vote by mail rather than voting in person. It also deters fraud, Gore said, noting that even though the ballot wasnt counted, it took away a potential defense for the fraudster.

Since 2020, state and federal courts have addressed whether ballots can be discarded over missing dates in at least eight separate cases. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that ballots with missing dates would be counted for that years presidential election, the first in which mail ballots were widely used, but not in future elections.

Federal courts examined whether the date requirement conflicted with the Materiality Clause of the Civil Rights Act, which bars states from disenfranchising voters over inconsequential paperwork mistakes. Most recently, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the decision of a western Pennsylvania federal district court judge, finding that the Materiality Clause only applies when the state is determining who may vote and not rules on how they must cast ballots

That really brought to a head the need to address this as a matter of constitutional law under the Pennsylvania Constitution, Loney told the Capital-Star after the argument Thursday. The Fair and Equal Elections Clause may be the last avenue to challenge the date requirement.

Based on the state of the law today and the facts available I cant think of another available challenge that we have left on the table, Loney said.

Loney noted that many of the questions the judges had for the Republican intervenors focused on procedural issues they had raised.

From our perspective it is very telling that the intervenors have to rely on hyper technical arguments, Loney said. Once you get to the merits and have to defend this requirement on its own without ducking the merits, it falls apart very quickly.

Loney said the court has indicated that it intends to issue a decision soon enough for an appeal to be heard by the state Supreme Court before this falls election.
A fire engine with flashing blue lights is parked at Erfurt Central Station. The German Weather Service (DWD) warns of heavy continuous rain in Erfurt. Hannes P. Albert/dpa

Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall flooded roads in parts of Germany, causing significant damage in some places, officials said on Friday, as some areas braced for further rainfall.

Rescue workers called out to hundreds of incidents, with the region of Franconia in Bavaria among the places worst affected. Several cars sank in flooded underpasses in Nuremberg and Furth, and in one district, there was a temporary power cut and streets and cellars were flooded.

The worst financial damage was caused by a heavy thunderstorm in Untermerzbach north of Nuremberg, where a warehouse with around 60 to 70 vehicles went up in flames, most likely due to a lightning strike, the fire brigade said in an initial assessment.

The owner made a similar statement to a dpa reporter at the scene. The damage ran to 5 million ($5.4 million), according to the police.

In the north of the state of Thuringia, streets were also flooded in Nordhausen, and the city said cellars were also flooded. The fire brigade was called out on numerous occasions to pump out cellars and clear roads, with some covered in mud and debris.

More than 100 millilitres of rain fell in the region in less than 12 hours in the past night, the German Weather Service (DWD) said.

In the city of Ludwigshafen in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, a two-family house caught fire during a thunderstorm. Investigations into the cause are under way and the police said they could not rule out a lightning strike. The five occupants of the house were unharmed but the fire caused damages of up to 100,000.

In western Germany, fire brigades in the region of East Westphalia-Lippe were called out due to flooded cellars and rivers temporarily bursting their banks. Meanwhile two campsites had to be evacuated in the Sauerland region.

The DWD issued severe weather warnings in three districts in northern Thuringia on Friday morning, with heavy rain expected for several hours, before somewhat calmer weather in the afternoon.
The U.S. government accused popular social media app TikTok in a Friday lawsuit of committing privacy violations that left millions of children vulnerable to data collection and adult content.

TikTok knowingly and repeatedly violated kids privacy, threatening the safety of millions of children across the country, said Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan in a press release accompanying the lawsuit. The commission investigated the issue and then referred it to the Justice Department to bring a lawsuit.

The accusations against TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, center on the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act, which prohibits websites from knowingly collecting or using personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. TikTok and ByteDance violated the law and related regulations by actively avoiding deleting accounts of users they knew were children, according to the legal complaint.

"Instead, Defendants continue collecting these childrens personal information, showing them videos not intended for children, serving them ads and generating revenue from such ads, and allowing adults to directly communicate with them through TikTok," the government said.

Children playground miniatures are seen in front of displayed TikTok logo in this illustration taken April 4, 2023.

"We disagree with these allegations, many of which relate to past events and practices that are factually inaccurate or have been addressed," TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek told USA TODAY.

Haurek said the company is proud of its efforts to protect children and will continue improving the platform.

"To that end, we offer age-appropriate experiences with stringent safeguards, proactively remove suspected underage users, and have voluntarily launched features such as default screentime limits, Family Pairing, and additional privacy protections for minors," according to the statement.

The government is seeking civil penalties and a court order preventing future violations of the child privacy law. It didn't specify the total financial amount it wants, but cited a law allowing up a penalty of up to $51,744 for individual violations that have occurred since Jan. 10, 2024.

Tensions mount between TikTok and US officials

The lawsuit is just the latest headache for the short-form video social media app.

In April, President Joe Biden signed a law requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok's US assets by January or face a TikTok ban in the US. The government says TikTok's China-based ownership structure could help the Chinese government gather sensitive information on 170 million Americans who use the app, endangering national security interests. TikTok has sued, alleging the law violates free speech protections.

The accusations of child privacy violations aren't new.

An earlier version of TikTok, titled Musical.ly until it was renamed in 2019, was ordered to pay a $5.7 million civil penalty in May of that year and destroy personal information for children under 13, remove accounts for users with an unidentified age, and maintain records tied to complying with child privacy rules.

Nonetheless, TikTok and ByteDance have failed to delete child accounts and information that their own employees and systems identified, according to the new lawsuit.

The violations have occurred "on a massive scale," resulting in years of personal information collection on millions of American children under 13, the government said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TikTok violated child privacy 'on a massive scale': DOJ lawsuit
Helen Gregg was 6 years old when her world blew up.

She remembers vividly the day in 1958 when she was playing in front of her childhood home outside Florence when everything was shook by an explosion  the result of the accidental aerial release of a nuclear bomb.

It was sunny. It was a pretty day, said Helen Holladay, as shes known now. Then the ground started shaking, things were hitting us in the head ... everything that was destroyed up in air was coming back down on us, pieces of timber and everything.

Unlike other kids who grew up during the Cold War, Holladay had never done the duck and cover drill in school, but if we had been trained, wed have known what we did was right, she said. Dropping to the ground just felt like the safest place to be.

When she looked up, her house was partially collapsed, and her father, Walter Gregg, and brother Walter Jr. were walking out of the garage covered in blood.

They had no idea what had happened. Her father, who worked for the railroad, initially thought a plane had crashed. But what actually happened was one of the rarest events in the history of the atomic age. A passing U.S. Air Force bomber had accidentally released a (fortunately unloaded) nuclear bomb in transit from an air base in Savannah to Europe.

The damage to the Gregg family home after a nuclear bomb was accidentally dropped on their property.

Had the fissile material been loaded into the bomb, the accidental release could have spread radioactive material across the Pee Dee. As it was, the bombs conventional TNT payload still did significant damage to the nearby Mars Bluff home of the Gregg family when it landed in a wooded area on March 11, 1958, and left the family with superficial but still-frightening injuries.

My mother was injured the worse, said Holladay, now 72. The house caved in on top of her, and she had cuts all over. Daddy had cuts over his back, because he was standing over my brother trying to get out of the garage that was falling in. No one was killed in the blast.

The highly destructive weapon was dropped through sheer human error on the part of the flight crew, said Stephen Motte, curator at the Florence County Museum, which has an exhibit on the Mars Bluff bomb incident.

They were flying at 1,500 feet, approaching Florence, and the pilot had noticed that the indicator light in the cockpit had come on, Motte recounts. There was a problem in the bomb bay, so the bombardier went in ... the space was not much larger than the bomb is. He stands up to get a better look, and he reaches up and grabs something, and it turns out it was the emergency release cable.

The damage to the Gregg family home after a nuclear bomb was accidentally dropped on their property.

The bomb was released from its clamps and fell on the bomb bay doors, which held for a second or two, before breaking open and dropping a military-grade warhead on the Gregg home just east of Florence.

While the plane circled above trying to assess the damage, the Greggs were picked up by a passing car on Highway 301 that had seen the explosion and were taken for treatment.

Local people responded first, and thats why the story made it out to the media, Motte said. The Air Force did not want to tell this story. It was the Cold War, tensions were high, and people were certainly fearing the worse.

We walked away with nothing

The Greggs property was eventually surrounded by military personnel who prevented the family from returning to their home, partly to maintain secrecy and partly because of fears of radioactive contamination.

We couldnt even wear any of our clothes, Holladay said. They had them cleaned from the house, and they itched so bad. They sent them to laboratories to check them out.

It turned out the impact was so great, it infused the insulation out of the wall into the clothes, Holladay said. We walked away with nothing, absolutely nothing.

Holladay doesnt believe the Air Force treated the family very well after their ordeal, and they ultimately took the government to court to receive compensation. She also recalls one particular return to the damaged old house, after the family had moved into her aunt and uncles nearby dairy farm.

The damage to the Gregg family home after a nuclear bomb was accidentally dropped on their property.

We had a cat at the time, and they wouldnt let back on the property, she said. So we snuck through the woods and found our kitten behind the refrigerator and took it to my aunt and uncles next door.

But the outpouring of support from the community was overwhelming. The manager of the local store told Walter Gregg to take whatever his family needed and pay for it as they could. Holladays aunt took the furniture from a family beach house and used it to furnish a small apartment for the displaced family.

If not for the good people of Florence, we would have never made it, she said. The government did nothing for us, except give us a hard time.

During the familys suit against the government, the Greggs were told the crew of the bomber was stationed overseas and unavailable to be called to court. But about seven years after the bombing, Holladay remembers the pilots visiting the family and offering their apologies.

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Over the years, the bombing was largely forgotten. The Greggs home was pulled down and they moved into Florence. The crater from the blast is still visible, and at one point a private kiosk with information about the bombing was erected next to it, but it otherwise remained in an undeveloped wooded area.

The crater itself was behind the treeline, so you wouldnt know it was there unless somebody showed you, Motte said. Theres a state historical marker nearby (on U.S. 301, roughly a mile away), but its a bit misleading, because its not that close to the crater site.

As the area has slowly developed, the fence of a private home now backs up to the crater, and further growth in the area may swallow it up completely.

While the explosion was a big deal for her generation, Holladay said today younger people dont know anything about it.

Motte says Florences growing population means fewer people there have any connection to the event. But he says it still deserves to be remembered for the unique event that it was.

You wouldnt be afraid your own government would drop a bomb on you, he said.
"Hi, we chose you for our Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Candidate Assessment but you didn't respond. It's only 11 questions," the text message said, followed by a link.

The scolding came out of the blue, given that I hadn't received the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Candidate Assessment, nor had I asked for one. In fact, the sender  the Progressive Turnout Project  was entirely new to me when the message arrived April 15.

I dutifully marked it as spam and blocked the sender's number. But that wasn't the end of a stream of unwanted texts from the Progressive Turnout Project and other political groups aligned with the Democratic Party  it was just the beginning.

In the three months after that, an increasing volume of unwanted texts landed in my phone, reaching 10 a week by early July, almost all of them asking for me to support a party to which I've never belonged or contributed. And every one came from a different phone number, a tactic that evades spam blocks.

The deluge led me to change tactics, and eventually the texts slowed to a trickle, more like the occasional mosquito bite than a nagging headache. But it took persistent action on my part to get to that point.

Here's a quick explanation of why you, too, might find yourself besieged by political texts and what you can do about them.

How people get on the list for texts

Experts say that political committees and the companies that serve them start with voter registration records, which are available to anyone doing political communications. Those records include the name, address and contact information of every registered voter.

Alternatively, political groups may develop their own models to come up with the names of likely voters, then pay data brokers  a more than $250-million industry  for the matching phone numbers.

Candidates and campaigns aren't looking to text every voter or likely voter  they're just going after the ones who are inclined to support them. So they do what other marketers do: They pull together profiles of voters using information available from data brokers, adding information about their race and ethnicity, their hobbies and interests, their likes and dislikes, their magazine subscriptions, and any clues they can find about their politics.

"The same way that a private sector marketer tracks your purchasing habits, a political digital specialist tracks your issue preferences and partisan leanings," said Dan Schnur, a politics professor at USC, UC Berkeley and Pepperdine. "Every time you post or retweet or like some type of political content, it helps the marketers build a profile to which they can target you based on your strongest interests and leanings."

Added Chad Peace of IVC Media, a digital communications company based in San Diego, "There are thousands and thousands of layers of data that can be appended to the voter file."

Once compiled, information about voters moves rapidly among political committees and communications firms  including how voters respond to texts and fundraising appeals. "All this data is shared," Peace said, noting that when a voter opts out of texts from one organization, another organization can pick up where the first one left off.

What rules govern political texts

Sadly, the federal Do Not Call Registry offers no protection from campaign-related calls or texts. Nor will you find much help from the two federal laws that govern your phone lines, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the CAN-SPAM Act. Lawmakers have been reluctant to impose barriers on political communications because of 1st Amendment concerns, not to mention their own need to contact voters.

The law does bar political groups from using an autodialer to spam you with texts unless you give explicit consent in advance. But a 2021 Supreme Court ruling defines an autodialer as a technology that targets numbers it generates on its own, not one that automatically dials a list of numbers programmed into it.

As a result, it is open season for political spammers to target the specific phone numbers gathered by the political parties, campaigns and affiliated interest groups. There are several ways you may have made yourself a text magnet. Did you like a funny Facebook post or online meme? Take an online survey about threats to democracy? Donate to a cause widely backed by liberals or conservatives?

Chief Executive Thomas Peters of RumbleUp, a texting platform used by candidates and causes, said mobile phone companies have consistently said that political texters should get explicit consent before sending messages, but that's more of a "best practice" than a rule. For their part, campaigns and committees argue that getting consent is difficult or just not possible when you're trying to reach as many voters as they are, Peters said.

Why do political groups use texts?

Because they work  people are more likely to read an unsolicited text than answer the phone or read an unsolicited email. Campaigns have found that sending text messages is effective for multiple pursuits, including polling, identifying likely voters, winning their support and getting them to the polls, Peters said.

"There is a lot of data online about how receptive different individuals may be to receiving texts," he said. "Younger people, millennials tend to prefer texts, and baby boomers love texts."

Fundraisers, meanwhile, are typically paid a percentage of what they generate for a campaign, Peace said. So they have a financial incentive to keep churning out messages.

Texts are also popular for ballot initiatives, which tend to be less partisan and require more voter education, Peters said. He predicted that there will be a lot of texting around the 10 ballot initiatives in California this fall "because of the microtargeting required."

Ultimately, Schnur said, the goal of the texts is to persuade people to get involved. "First they want your contact information, then they want your interest, ultimately they may want something more tangible, like a contribution or a volunteer commitment or a vote," he said. "But in this respect theyre no different than every other digital platform on the internet. The more you interact with them, the more time you spend on their platform, the happier they are."

What can you do about unwanted texts

You're not completely helpless in the face of the campaign onslaught  federal law requires even political spammers to give you a way to opt out of the messages. If you want campaigns or political groups to leave you alone, reply to their texts with a single word: Stop. You should get a reply right away telling you that you've been removed from their list.

The catch, though, is that the opt-out applies only to that phone number and that specific sender. When I replied "Stop" to a fundraising text from the Progressive Turnout Project, for example, I immediately received a text telling me I had been unsubscribed. The very next day, however, I got a text from Progressive Takeover, which is described on its website as "A Progressive Turnout Project Initiative."

The Progressive Turnout Project declined an interview request, but said in an email, "We follow all required email and text message best practices and protocols, which include having unsubscribe mechanisms in place."

Over the following weeks, I played whack-a-mole with political texters, replying "Stop" again and again and again. It felt Sisyphean. After a dozen opt-outs I thought I had turned off the spigot, but then the texts began again, this time from Democratic candidates from Arizona and Texas asking for my support (mainly in the form of currency).

I have no better guess about how I got on their texting list than how I got onto the Progressive Turnout Project's. But Peace said that one of the things the Democratic and Republican parties do for candidates is plug them into the "infrastructure" of data they've compiled about voters.

"Once youre in the system, you're in the system," Peace said. There's really no way out of it entirely, he added; "If you just say, 'Stop,' yeah, that number has to stop texting you, but whether its that organization or another organization thats leveraging that same data, [someone] is going to try to reach you."

If there's a glimmer of hope, it's this comment by Peters: "Everyone agrees right now there's just too much bad texting." His company built its platform to prevent clients from contacting people who opt out, he said, adding, "It saves [the clients] money, it saves them complaints ... but we are trying to be a good actor in this space."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
New Title IX rules for LGBTQ+ students in effect, but not at these 100+ Michigan schools

New Title IX rules expanding harassment and discrimination protection for LGBTQ+ and pregnant students cannot be enforced by the federal government at more than 100 Michigan schools attended by the children of members of the right-wing group Moms for Liberty, according to an order out of U.S. District Court in Kansas.

The new regulations, which went into effect Thursday, have been the subject of furious legal battles across the country led by conservative organizations and government officials, seeking to stop provisions that would protect students from harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender identity, sexual stereotypes and pregnancy.

A U.S. District Court judge in Kansas, John Broomes, issued an injunction July 19 blocking the regulations from being enforced specifically in schools attended by the children of current and prospective members of Moms for Liberty, as well as schools attended by children of members of two other groups, Young Americas Foundation and Female Athletes United. Broomes was appointed to the bench by former President Donald Trump. The new regulations are also blocked by court orders in numerous states, but not Michigan.

Though the ruling blocks enforcement in some schools, it may have little impact in Michigan, where state law also includes protections for discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in educational institutions, and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights oversees and investigates complaints.

What do the new regulations establish?

The new regulations are in part a rebuke to Trump-era rules that raised the threshold for victims to prove discrimination and sexual misconduct.

Title IX is a watershed federal law meant to protect students, educators and other school community members from sexual harassment at educational institutions receiving federal funding, which includes public K-12 schools and universities. The Biden-era U.S. Department of Education released a set of final, new regulations around the law in April to clarify that gay, transgender, queer, pregnant and other students should be considered among the protected classes under Title IX.

Moms for Liberty, in a news release, argues that the new regulations will impact free speech for students and promote what they believe is an emerging culture of "gender ideology," or the idea rejected by conservative organizations that people can identify as transgender, nonbinary or other identities.

LGBTQ+ and student rights organizations argue that the new regulations protect a vulnerable group of students.

"This regulatory clarification ensures that LGBTQI+ youth will be able to equally participate in educational opportunities, from being able to attend prom with a date of their choice and wearing clothes that reflect their gender expression to using a restroom that corresponds with their gender identity," wrote members of a coalition of advocacy groups in a letter to members of U.S. Congress urging them to oppose a resolution to repeal the new rules earlier this month.

What happens now?

Some Michigan schools will be subject to the new rules, while those listed by Moms for Liberty in a July 26 court filing will still be under the Trump-era rules, creating what could possibly be a very complicated enforcement problem for the U.S. Department of Education.

One district with schools on the Moms For Liberty list, Birmingham Public Schools, is reviewing the developments to check for impact on district procedures, spokesman Cortez Strickland wrote in an email.

However, all Michigan schools must still adhere to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which was expanded in 2023 to prohibit discriminations based on sexual orientation and gender identities.

Vicki Levengood, spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, wrote in an email response that the act applies "in education, as well as in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodation, law enforcement and public service. If someone believes they have been discriminated against, they may want to file a complaint with MDCR.

The injunction by Broome is temporary, while higher courts consider appeals to challenges made in other states.

Which Michigan schools are on the list?

Bedford Junior High School, Bedford Public Schools

Bedford Senior High School, Bedford Public Schools

Douglas Road Elementary School, Bedford Public Schools

Berkley High School, Berkley School District

Norup International School, Berkley School District

Derby Middle School, Birmingham Public Schools

Ernest W Seaholm High School, Birmingham Public Schools

Harlan Elementary School, Birmingham Public Schools

Quarton Elementary, Birmingham Public Schools

Bloomfield Hills High School, Bloomfield Hills Schools

Lone Pine Elementary School, Bloomfield Hills Schools

South Hills Middle School, Bloomfield Hills Schools

Brighton High School, Brighton Area Schools

Maltby Intermediate School, Brighton Area Schools

Scranton Middle School, Brighton Area Schools

Caledonia High School, Caledonia Community Schools

Duncan Lake Middle School, Caledonia Community Schools

Kettle Lake Elementary School, Caledonia Community Schools

Kraft Meadows Intermediate School, Caledonia Community Schools

Caro High School, Caro Community Schools

Center Line High School, Center Line Public Schools

Cherokee Elementary School, Chippewa Valley Schools

Dundee Community High School, Dundee Community Schools

Dundee Elementary School, Dundee Community Schools

Riverside Academy, Dundee Community Schools

Edwardsburg High School, Edwardsburg Public Schools

Ferndale High School, Ferndale Public Schools

Ferndale Lower Elementary Campus, Ferndale Public Schools

Ferndale Middle School, Ferndale Public Schools Michigan

Ferndale Upper Elementary Campus, Ferndale Public Schools

University High School, Ferndale Public Schools

HT Smith Elementary School, Fowlerville Community Schools

Natalie Kreeger Elementary School, Fowlerville Community Schools

Chapman Elementary School, Gibraltar School District

Oscar A Carlson High School, Gibraltar School District

Parsons Elementary School, Gibraltar School District

Shumate Middle School, Gibraltar School District

Grand Traverse Academy, Grand Traverse Academy

Holly Middle School, Holly Area School District

Parker Middle School, Howell Public Schools

Lakeland High School, Huron Valley Schools

Milford High School, Huron Valley Schools

Muir Middle School, Huron Valley Schools

Ida Elementary School, Ida Public School District

Ida High School, Ida Public School District

Ida Middle School, Ida Public School District

Lake Fenton High School, Lake Fenton Community Schools

Lamphere High School, Lamphere Public Schools

James Foote School, Lincoln Park School District

Lincoln Park High School, Lincoln Park School District

Fuller Street Elementary School, Maple Valley Schools

Maple Valley JrSr High School, Maple Valley Schools

Maple Valley Pathways High School, Maple Valley Schools

Maplewood School, Maple Valley Schools

Mason Middle School, Mason Consolidated Schools (Monroe)

Mason Senior High School, Mason Consolidated Schools (Monroe)

Mason Middle School, Mason Public Schools (Ingham)

Clayton H Symons Elementary School, Milan Area Schools

Milan Alternative Education, Milan Area Schools

Milan High School, Milan Area Schools

Milan Middle School, Milan Area Schools

Paddock Elementary School, Milan Area Schools

Young Adult Program, Milan Area Schools

Monroe High School, Monroe Public Schools

Clear Lake Elementary School, Oxford Community Schools

Daniel Axford Elementary School, Oxford Community Schools

Lakeville Elementary School, Oxford Community Schools

Leonard Elementary School, Oxford Community Schools

Oxford Bridges High School, Oxford Community Schools

Oxford Crossroads Day School, Oxford Community Schools

Oxford Elementary School, Oxford Community Schools

Oxford High School Oxford, Community Schools

Oxford Middle School, Oxford Community Schools

Oxford Virtual Academy, Oxford Community Schools

Tonda Elementary School, Plymouth Canton Community Schools

Oakwood Elementary School, Portland Public Schools

Portland High School, Portland Public Schools

Portland Middle School, Portland Public Schools

Westwood Elementary School, Portland Public Schools

Quincy High School, Quincy Community Schools

Beechnau Elementary School, Ravenna Public Schools

Ravenna High School, Ravenna Public Schools

Ravenna Middle School, Ravenna Public Schools

Riverview Community High School, Riverview Community School District

Reuther Middle School, Rochester Community School District

Rochester High School, Rochester Community School District

Stoney Creek High School, Rochester Community School District

Van Hoosen Middle School, Rochester Community School District

West Middle School, Rochester Community School District

Hevel Elementary, Romeo Community Schools

Indian Hills Elementary School, Romeo Community Schools

Romeo High School, Romeo Community Schools

Roseville High School, Roseville Community Schools

Roseville Middle School, Roseville Community Schools

Northwood Elementary School, Royal Oak Schools

Shepherd High School, Shepherd Public Schools

Shepherd Middle School, Shepherd Public Schools

Grogan Elementary School, Southgate Community School District

Southgate Anderson High School, Southgate Community School District

Eureka Elementary School, St Johns Public Schools

Gateway Elementary School, St Johns Public Schools

Oakview Elementary School, St Johns Public Schools

Riley Elementary School, St Johns Public Schools

St Johns High School, St Johns Public Schools

St Johns Middle School, St Johns Public Schools

STRIVE Academy, St Johns Public Schools

Summerfield Elementary School, Summerfield Schools

Summerfield Junior Senior High School, Summerfield Schools

Lee Elementary School, Thornapple Kellogg School District

McFall Elementary School, Thornapple Kellogg School District

Page Elementary School, Thornapple Kellogg School District

Thornapple Kellogg High School, Thornapple Kellogg School District

Thornapple Kellogg Middle School, Thornapple Kellogg School District

TK Early Childhood Center, Thornapple Kellogg School District

Athens High School, Troy School District

Larson Middle School, Troy School District

Troy High School, Troy School District

Wattles Elementary School, Troy School District

Lincoln Middle School, Van Dyke Public Schools

Marjorie Carlson Elementary School, Van Dyke Public Schools

Clifford H Smart Middle School, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

Commerce Elementary School, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

Wayland High School, Wayland Union Schools

Wayland Union Middle School, Wayland Union Schools

Gretchko Elementary School, West Bloomfield School District

Scotch Elementary School, West Bloomfield School District

West Bloomfield High School, West Bloomfield School District

West Bloomfield Middle School, West Bloomfield School District

Bates Elementary School, Woodhaven Brownstown School District

Brownstown Middle School, Woodhaven Brownstown School District

Patrick Henry Middle School, Woodhaven Brownstown School District

Wegienka Elementary School, Woodhaven Brownstown School District

Woodhaven High School, Woodhaven Brownstown School District

Brownstown Middle School, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

Patrick Henry Middle School, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

Wegienka Elementary School, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

Woodhaven High School, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

Garfield Elementary School, Wyandotte School District

Roosevelt High School, Wyandotte School District

Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Moms for Liberty aims to block LGBTQ+ protections at Michigan schools
New Title IX rules for LGBTQ+ students in effect, but not at these Livingston schools

New Title IX rules expanding harassment and discrimination protection for LGBTQ+ and pregnant students cannot be enforced by the federal government at more than 100 Michigan schools attended by the children of members of the right-wing group Moms for Liberty, according to an order out of U.S. District Court in Kansas.

The new regulations, which went into effect Thursday, have been the subject of furious legal battles across the country led by conservative organizations and government officials, seeking to stop provisions that would protect students from harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender identity, sexual stereotypes and pregnancy.

A U.S. District Court judge in Kansas, John Broomes, issued an injunction July 19 blocking the regulations from being enforced specifically in schools attended by the children of current and prospective members of Moms for Liberty, as well as schools attended by children of members of two other groups, Young Americas Foundation and Female Athletes United. Broomes was appointed to the bench by former President Donald Trump. The new regulations are also blocked by court orders in numerous states, but not Michigan.

Though the ruling blocks enforcement in some schools, it may have little impact in Michigan, where state law also includes protections for discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in educational institutions, and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights oversees and investigates complaints.

What do the new regulations establish?

The new regulations are in part a rebuke to Trump-era rules that raised the threshold for victims to prove discrimination and sexual misconduct.

Title IX is a watershed federal law meant to protect students, educators and other school community members from sexual harassment at educational institutions receiving federal funding, which includes public K-12 schools and universities. The Biden-era U.S. Department of Education released a set of final, new regulations around the law in April to clarify that gay, transgender, queer, pregnant and other students should be considered among the protected classes under Title IX.

Moms for Liberty, in a news release, argues that the new regulations will impact free speech for students and promote what they believe is an emerging culture of "gender ideology," or the idea rejected by conservative organizations that people can identify as transgender, nonbinary or other identities.

LGBTQ+ and student rights organizations argue that the new regulations protect a vulnerable group of students.

"This regulatory clarification ensures that LGBTQI+ youth will be able to equally participate in educational opportunities, from being able to attend prom with a date of their choice and wearing clothes that reflect their gender expression to using a restroom that corresponds with their gender identity," wrote members of a coalition of advocacy groups in a letter to members of U.S. Congress urging them to oppose a resolution to repeal the new rules earlier this month.

What happens now?

Some Michigan schools will be subject to the new rules, while those listed by Moms for Liberty in a July 26 court filing will still be under the Trump-era rules, creating what could possibly be a very complicated enforcement problem for the U.S. Department of Education.

One district with schools on the Moms For Liberty list, Birmingham Public Schools, is reviewing the developments to check for impact on district procedures, spokesman Cortez Strickland wrote in an email.

However, all Michigan schools must still adhere to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which was expanded in 2023 to prohibit discriminations based on sexual orientation and gender identities.

Vicki Levengood, spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, wrote in an email response that the act applies "in education, as well as in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodation, law enforcement and public service. If someone believes they have been discriminated against, they may want to file a complaint with MDCR.

The injunction by Broome is temporary, while higher courts consider appeals to challenges made in other states.

Which Michigan schools are on the list?

Bedford Junior High School, Bedford Public Schools

Bedford Senior High School, Bedford Public Schools

Douglas Road Elementary School, Bedford Public Schools

Berkley High School, Berkley School District

Norup International School, Berkley School District

Derby Middle School, Birmingham Public Schools

Ernest W Seaholm High School, Birmingham Public Schools

Harlan Elementary School, Birmingham Public Schools

Quarton Elementary, Birmingham Public Schools

Bloomfield Hills High School, Bloomfield Hills Schools

Lone Pine Elementary School, Bloomfield Hills Schools

South Hills Middle School, Bloomfield Hills Schools

Brighton High School, Brighton Area Schools

Maltby Intermediate School, Brighton Area Schools

Scranton Middle School, Brighton Area Schools

Caledonia High School, Caledonia Community Schools

Duncan Lake Middle School, Caledonia Community Schools

Kettle Lake Elementary School, Caledonia Community Schools

Kraft Meadows Intermediate School, Caledonia Community Schools

Caro High School, Caro Community Schools

Center Line High School, Center Line Public Schools

Cherokee Elementary School, Chippewa Valley Schools

Dundee Community High School, Dundee Community Schools

Dundee Elementary School, Dundee Community Schools

Riverside Academy, Dundee Community Schools

Edwardsburg High School, Edwardsburg Public Schools

Ferndale High School, Ferndale Public Schools

Ferndale Lower Elementary Campus, Ferndale Public Schools

Ferndale Middle School, Ferndale Public Schools Michigan

Ferndale Upper Elementary Campus, Ferndale Public Schools

University High School, Ferndale Public Schools

HT Smith Elementary School, Fowlerville Community Schools

Natalie Kreeger Elementary School, Fowlerville Community Schools

Chapman Elementary School, Gibraltar School District

Oscar A Carlson High School, Gibraltar School District

Parsons Elementary School, Gibraltar School District

Shumate Middle School, Gibraltar School District

Grand Traverse Academy, Grand Traverse Academy

Holly Middle School, Holly Area School District

Parker Middle School, Howell Public Schools

Lakeland High School, Huron Valley Schools

Milford High School, Huron Valley Schools

Muir Middle School, Huron Valley Schools

Ida Elementary School, Ida Public School District

Ida High School, Ida Public School District

Ida Middle School, Ida Public School District

Lake Fenton High School, Lake Fenton Community Schools

Lamphere High School, Lamphere Public Schools

James Foote School, Lincoln Park School District

Lincoln Park High School, Lincoln Park School District

Fuller Street Elementary School, Maple Valley Schools

Maple Valley JrSr High School, Maple Valley Schools

Maple Valley Pathways High School, Maple Valley Schools

Maplewood School, Maple Valley Schools

Mason Middle School, Mason Consolidated Schools (Monroe)

Mason Senior High School, Mason Consolidated Schools (Monroe)

Mason Middle School, Mason Public Schools (Ingham)

Clayton H Symons Elementary School, Milan Area Schools

Milan Alternative Education, Milan Area Schools

Milan High School, Milan Area Schools

Milan Middle School, Milan Area Schools

Paddock Elementary School, Milan Area Schools

Young Adult Program, Milan Area Schools

Monroe High School, Monroe Public Schools

Clear Lake Elementary School, Oxford Community Schools

Daniel Axford Elementary School, Oxford Community Schools

Lakeville Elementary School, Oxford Community Schools

Leonard Elementary School, Oxford Community Schools

Oxford Bridges High School, Oxford Community Schools

Oxford Crossroads Day School, Oxford Community Schools

Oxford Elementary School, Oxford Community Schools

Oxford High School Oxford, Community Schools

Oxford Middle School, Oxford Community Schools

Oxford Virtual Academy, Oxford Community Schools

Tonda Elementary School, Plymouth Canton Community Schools

Oakwood Elementary School, Portland Public Schools

Portland High School, Portland Public Schools

Portland Middle School, Portland Public Schools

Westwood Elementary School, Portland Public Schools

Quincy High School, Quincy Community Schools

Beechnau Elementary School, Ravenna Public Schools

Ravenna High School, Ravenna Public Schools

Ravenna Middle School, Ravenna Public Schools

Riverview Community High School, Riverview Community School District

Reuther Middle School, Rochester Community School District

Rochester High School, Rochester Community School District

Stoney Creek High School, Rochester Community School District

Van Hoosen Middle School, Rochester Community School District

West Middle School, Rochester Community School District

Hevel Elementary, Romeo Community Schools

Indian Hills Elementary School, Romeo Community Schools

Romeo High School, Romeo Community Schools

Roseville High School, Roseville Community Schools

Roseville Middle School, Roseville Community Schools

Northwood Elementary School, Royal Oak Schools

Shepherd High School, Shepherd Public Schools

Shepherd Middle School, Shepherd Public Schools

Grogan Elementary School, Southgate Community School District

Southgate Anderson High School, Southgate Community School District

Eureka Elementary School, St Johns Public Schools

Gateway Elementary School, St Johns Public Schools

Oakview Elementary School, St Johns Public Schools

Riley Elementary School, St Johns Public Schools

St Johns High School, St Johns Public Schools

St Johns Middle School, St Johns Public Schools

STRIVE Academy, St Johns Public Schools

Summerfield Elementary School, Summerfield Schools

Summerfield Junior Senior High School, Summerfield Schools

Lee Elementary School, Thornapple Kellogg School District

McFall Elementary School, Thornapple Kellogg School District

Page Elementary School, Thornapple Kellogg School District

Thornapple Kellogg High School, Thornapple Kellogg School District

Thornapple Kellogg Middle School, Thornapple Kellogg School District

TK Early Childhood Center, Thornapple Kellogg School District

Athens High School, Troy School District

Larson Middle School, Troy School District

Troy High School, Troy School District

Wattles Elementary School, Troy School District

Lincoln Middle School, Van Dyke Public Schools

Marjorie Carlson Elementary School, Van Dyke Public Schools

Clifford H Smart Middle School, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

Commerce Elementary School, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

Wayland High School, Wayland Union Schools

Wayland Union Middle School, Wayland Union Schools

Gretchko Elementary School, West Bloomfield School District

Scotch Elementary School, West Bloomfield School District

West Bloomfield High School, West Bloomfield School District

West Bloomfield Middle School, West Bloomfield School District

Bates Elementary School, Woodhaven Brownstown School District

Brownstown Middle School, Woodhaven Brownstown School District

Patrick Henry Middle School, Woodhaven Brownstown School District

Wegienka Elementary School, Woodhaven Brownstown School District

Woodhaven High School, Woodhaven Brownstown School District

Brownstown Middle School, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

Patrick Henry Middle School, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

Wegienka Elementary School, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

Woodhaven High School, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

Garfield Elementary School, Wyandotte School District

Roosevelt High School, Wyandotte School District

Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Moms for Liberty is trying to block new LGBTQ+ protections  including in Livingston
TOOELE, Utah (ABC4)  A Tooele firefighter who was battling a wildfire in eastern Oregon was flown home after being injured in the line of duty.

The North Tooele Fire District said five of its firefighters were deployed to eastern Oregon as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to fight the Falls Fire. One firefighter, who was not identified, was injured while battling the fire and returned to Utah for evaluation and treatment.

UDOT: Major closures, delays expected in Salt Lake area for utility and bridge work

Officials did not disclose the extent of the firefighters injuries but said he had been cleared to return to duty in Tooele County. Another member of the North Tooele Fire District crew was flown out to replace him.

The North Tooele Fire District said those five firefighters were then relocated to Butte County, California. They will join more than 2,000 personnel from across the nation to fight the Park Fire.

At nearly 400,000 acres burned, the Park Fire is one of the largest wildfires in recorded history.

Were extremely proud of our Utah crews, especially our NTFD team which has volunteered to help when needed, North Tooele Fire District said in a statement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Topekans try to beat the heat after storm takes away power

Topekans try to beat the heat after storm takes away power

TOPEKA (KSNT)  Evergy said crews are still working around the clock, to get power back to its customers after overnight storms roll through northeast Kansas.

Residents in south Topeka that were powerless for about 16 hours. This stems from the the severe thunderstorm that rolled across Kansas Wednesday night. KSNT 27 News talked to a handful of people in south Topeka who were without power until about 6:30 p.m. Thursday night. There were about 319 homes without power earlier Thursday, but now the lights are back on for most of them. Wednesday nights storm left thousands of Topekans without power.

No air conditioning combined with the extreme heat means folks around town are struggling to stay cool.

Well what are people supposed to do, Topekan Luther Carver said. Its the heat wave, its kinda hot! You know, can you get some people out here or something to do something?

These historic Topeka buildings desperately need renovation

Carver told 27 News a bunch of downed power lines on South Topeka Boulevard pulled attention away from their neighborhood.

Well thats businesses, what about the people that live in homes first? That would be the first thing you should do, Carver said.

Carver lives two streets over from Topekans Tammy and Scott Sanders. The Sanders said their power went out around 3 a.m. and that it was frustrating not knowing when the lights would come back on.

Were still in our little enclave of heat and darkness, Scott said.



I really would like to know more information instead of just check the map. I dont wanna lose $600 worth of meat in my freezer, Tammy said.

All-Kansas beer hits local shelves

Evergy said as of 6:30 p.m. 90% of customers had power back. Those without lights were getting creative to beat the heat for themselves and their pets.

About to go get me a pop with lots of ice, and an extra cup of ice so I can pour it on my head, Carver said.

We have one kitty molly that likes to have the sink water run, Tammy said. So, Ill turn that on and she gets in the sink and shell cool off that way.

According to the Evergy outage map, more than 7,000 Kansans, and nearly 1,000 Topekans are going into Thursday night without power. Evergy said it could be until Saturday before it restores everyones power.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
TOWANDA, Pa. (WETM)  A Towanda man will spend at least the next 20 years behind bars after he was sentenced on several felony charges stemming from an arrest in 2023, and what the DA is calling the largest drug ring Bradford County has ever seen.

According to the Bradford County District Attorneys Office, 54-year-old Steven William Gonzalez was sentenced to at least 22 years to a maximum of 44 years in a Pennsylvania State Prison for three felony counts of possession with intent to deliver, and one felony count of a person not to possess a firearm.

The document listed that Gonzalezs first possession charge was for having 100 to 1,000 grams of heroin with the intent to deliver. His second possession charge was for having 100 to 1,000 grams of meth with the intent to deliver, and his third possession charge was for having 100 to 1,000 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver.

Towanda man arrested on Meth charges, police say

Documents said that Gonzalez was sentenced on a fourth charge of a person not to possess a firearm after police found weapons in his home after a search warrant.

Bradford County District Attorney, Richard Wilson, said that this sentencing will keep Gonzalez behind bars well into his 70s.

This is appropriate because Gonzalez operated what was probably the largest drug ring Bradford County has ever seen, Wilson said.

The sentencing comes after an investigation was done looking at Gonzalezs habits by scheduling controlled buys with undercover police until a search warrant was granted on his William Street home in Towanda.

The search of his home found large quantities of drugs and money, along with firearms.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI)  Late Wednesday night, hazmat crews responded to the scene of this weeks massive fire in Woonsocket after a transformer was hit, causing it to leak.

On Monday, firefighters rushed to 20 Privilege St. just before 1 a.m. to find a vacant mill building engulfed in flames.

BACKGROUND: Fire destroys vacant mill building in Woonsocket

12 News spoke to Woonsocket Fire Chief Bob Cahill about the ongoing cleanup process.

As crews were picking up debris Wednesday night, Cahill said the construction equipment accidentally damaged a transformer on the side of the building, causing an oil spill.

I called in our hazmat crew, called in Rhode Island Energy to come deal with the transformer to help mitigate the situation as well as DEM, worked with our hazmat team to get a plan together, Cahill explained.

According to the R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the transformer contained 300 gallons of mineral oil dielectric fluid (MODF). Although older transformers often contain PCBs, onsite testing revealed non-hazardous levels.

Since a chemical manufacturing company once operated out of the building, concerns were raised about the air quality.

TARGET 12: Woonsocket mill building previously home to chemical plant

While the DEM said it did not detect hazardous chemicals in the air, the city tested firefighting water from the basement, which showed pollutant levels similar to regular household wastewater.

The water was then treated to remove solids and safely discharged into the sewer system. The EPA also finished water sampling, and the DEM is awaiting those results.

Rhode Island Energy was also onsite, as the roads were closed, to install utility poles and conductors that burned down during the fire. The company said 164 customers lost power during the fire, but it was restored three hours later.

We change out the crews every couple hours. We leave the equipment here so they dont have to reset anything up, Cahill added. We just have the crews come out, we rotate them through, and were just looking to get the hotspots and try to contain it doesnt get to a larger-size fire as its going out.

Cahill said there is still no indication as to what caused the fire at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
Tree falls through home during storms in Laurens

A tree fell across a home on Downs Street in Laurens, S.C., August 1, 2024 (WSPA Photo)

A tree fell across a home on Downs Street in Laurens, S.C., August 1, 2024 (WSPA Photo)

A tree fell across a home on Downs Street in Laurens, S.C., August 1, 2024 (WSPA Photo)

A tree fell across a home on Downs Street in Laurens, S.C., August 1, 2024 (WSPA Photo)

LAURENS, S.C. (WSPA)  One person had to be rescued from a home after it was destroyed by a falling tree during thunderstorms late Thursday afternoon.

According to the Laurens Fire Department, they were called to a home on Downs Street shortly before 6:30 p.m. after a tree fell through a home.

Firefighters said one person was home at the time and was trapped inside.

The man was taken to the hospital as a precaution after he was freed from the home.

The Laurens Fire Department said the home was a total loss.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An associate dean of oncologic sciences at Brown Universitys Warren Alpert Medical School and prominent cancer researcher is suing his neighbors on Barrington's Nayatt Point, saying they planted a row of tall trees to block his water views out of spite.

Dr. Wafik El-Deiry and his wife, Evelyn William, have sued Jerald and Susan Hyman in U.S. District Court, alleging that they violated a state law prohibiting property owners from erecting a fence or other structure over 6 feet tall for the purpose of annoying their neighbors.

They are seeking to recover damages due to the nuisance and asking the court to order the removal, trimming or removal of the trees.

The case is being heard by Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr.

Dr. Wafik S. El-Deiry.

Reached by phone Thursday, Jerald Hyman said he was not aware of the lawsuit and had not been served and therefore declined comment.

According to the court docket, a summons was issued to the Hymans, who purchased their house in 2011, according to property records.

Renovations raise privacy concerns

According to the complaint, William and El-Deiry, who live in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, also own a home on Nayatt Point Court that they purchased in 2019. Property records show the sale was for $1.2 million.

The two-story home features a living room with generous views of the Providence River and Narragansett Bay that were unobstructed by any landscaping at the time of purchase, the suit says.

The Hymans house sits between the couples property and the water, slightly to the south. It is situated such that William and El-Deiry can see only a portion of its north end, the complaint says. The Hymans purchased their home for $1.1 million.

William and El-Deiry began renovations at their home in January 2023, after receiving the necessary permits, that would add an addition to the north side of the property running parallel to the water, they said.

Jerald Hyman expressed concerns to the couple about privacy and sought to stop their neighbors from building within 10 feet of the property line.

William, the suit says, assured Hyman that the addition would be more than 40 feet from the property line, which did not assuage his concerns about his privacy interests.

The parties agreed to coordinate their respective landscaping efforts when the renovations were complete to accommodate Hymans concerns, the suit says.

Couple returns from trip to find tree line

In May, William and El-Deiry went to Pennsylvania for a few days and returned to find that the Hymans had erected 10 large trees on their property while they were away, according to the complaint.

The trees  all more than 10 feet tall  were placed in a solid contiguous line running northbound, parallel to the coastline.

William and El-Deiry allege that the trees were planted out of spite, with the purpose of blocking their water views.

The manner in which the trees are situated  does not serve to protect any apparent property interest, or any other useful purpose, the suit says, but were planted to annoy and inconvenience their neighbors by obstructing the view, the central feature of their home.

They claim they have suffered substantial damages as a result, including the significant devaluing of their home.

William and El-Deiry are being represented by Robert Clark Corrente. A lawyer has not yet entered the case on behalf of the Hymans.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Why an RI doctor is suing his neighbors over their newly planted trees
A trio of friends were playing with a gun. One is now dead, the other in custody.

INDIANAPOLIS  On Tuesday, a trio of young friends went inside an Indianapolis home to flash, dance with and wave around a pistol while taking photos.

One of them never walked out. Another is in custody on a reckless homicide charge following his death.

Friday, Indianapolis police announced the arrest of 18-year-old Jakari Bibbs in connection with the killing of his friend, 16-year-old Nathaniel Labissiere. Police allege in newly filed court documents that the deadly shooting occurred after Bibbs pulled the trigger while pointing a firearm at the teen. He later told police he didnt think the gun would fire.

Police responded to the shooting at 3:08 p.m. and found the injured Labissiere inside the residence, in the 4400 block of Braemar Drive. Bibbs and other witnesses were inside the home at the time and taken in for questioning, investigators stated.

Other people in the residence at the time of the shooting told police the group was taking pictures with a .22 caliber Glock 44 they acquired from the purse of one of their moms. Bibbs, they said, waved the gun around and jumped up and down while they recorded.

He then pointed the gun at each of them, the group members told police. When he pointed the firearm at Labissiere, he told him to stop and grabbed the barrel.

The gun fired.

Security camera footage outside the home showed a young man leaving the home one minute before police were called, officers wrote in the report. Shortly later, another witness was seen in the footage running outside screaming and crying. Bibbs followed shortly later.

A deadly Indianapolis trend: '100% preventable': Indiana kids killed by unsecured guns hits record. Would new laws help?

During interviews with detectives, Bibbs said he was playing with the gun and pointed it at Labissiere.

He pulled the trigger, he said, and was surprised the gun fired because he thought he had unloaded it.

The Marion County Prosecutors Office will determine final charges.

It's unclear if the mother who left the firearm accessible will face charges.

Contact reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy teen dead, another charged after trio played with gun inside home
From the Dispatch Politics on The Dispatch

Happy Friday! If you need workout motivation, try being a vice presidential contender and watching pundits comment on your chances while you run on the treadmillas Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz did.

Up to Speed

Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with the top contenders to be her running mate this weekend, CNN reported today. Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, as well as Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, are all expected to meet with Harris. The development would explain why multiple contenders on Thursday canceled events they had planned around the same time. The Harris campaign is expected to announce its pick Monday or Tuesday of next week.

Harris raised $310 million in July, including more than $200 million in the first week of her candidacy, her campaign said in a press release Friday. The presumptive Democratic nominee also claimed to have $377 million in cash on hand. Meanwhile, Donald Trumps campaign announced that it raised $137.8 million in the same month and has $327 million cash on hand. These numbers reflect continued momentum with donors at every level and provide the resources for the final 96 days until victory November 5th, the Republican nominees campaign said in a statement.

In the largest prisoner swap with Russia since the Cold War, the United States and other Western countries secured the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich along with 15 other prisoners, including three American citizens and one U.S. green card holder. The deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy, President Joe Biden said in a statement. This is a powerful example of why its vital to have friends in this world whom you can trust and depend upon. Our alliances make Americans safer. In exchange, Western countries freed eight prisoners, including Vadim Krasikov, a former Russian FSB colonel held in Germany after being convicted of murdering a Chechen separatist fighter.

Abraham Hamadeh won the Arizona 8th Congressional Districts Republican primary, defeating Blake Masters. Thank you Arizona, the grassroots, @KariLake, President Trump, and so many others who had my back, Hamadeh wrote on X. The good guys still have a shot lets roll. Trump previously endorsed Hamadeh in December, and J.D. Vance endorsed Masters, but, in a last-minute shift, Trump threw his support behind both candidates just a few days before the election.

House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Bob Good on Thursday lost the recount to Trump-endorsed state Sen. John McGuire in the Republican primary for Virginias 5th Congressional District. The initial margin was within 1 percentage point, with McGuire leading by 374 votes, and the recount narrowed his victory by four votes to 370. Trumps May endorsement of McGuirein which the former president called Good BAD FOR VIRGINIA and claimed he turned his back on our incredible movementcame after the hard-right incumbent endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the GOP presidential nomination.

Trump Launches Race-Based and Policy Attacks on Harris

Former U.S. President Donald Trump walks onstage at a rally on July 31, 2024, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

HARRISBURG, PennsylvaniaMore than 7,000 people piled into the New Holland Arena Wednesday evening to see former President Donald Trumps return to Pennsylvania for the first time since the assassination attempt in Butler County last month. Supporters were treated to a concert-like atmosphere that has become a staple of Trump rallies. The crowd danced to the Village People, did at least a dozen rounds of the wave, and held their phone flashlights up to Can You Feel the Love Tonight.

But between the songs and montage clips of the former president played on the jumbotrons, two curious screenshots of headlines were shown on a loop in the arena. One was a Business Insider reprint of a 2016 Associated Press headline that read Californias Kamala Harris becomes first Indian-American U.S. Senator. The other was a similar title from a Sacramento Bee video: Watch Kamala Harris sworn in as first Indian-American senator.

The displays followed comments Trump made to the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago Wednesday ahead of the Harrisburg rally, falsely suggesting the vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee downplayed her black heritage earlier in her political career. The remarks there, in addition to his speech in Harrisburg, reflected Trumps oscillating attack against his freshly minted opponent: on one hand, making an ugly attempt at racialization, on the other criticizing Harris policy positions.

I didnt know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black and now, she wants to be known as black, Trump claimed at the NABJ convention. So, I dont know, is she Indian or is she black? He continued, I respect either one, but she obviously doesnt because she was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she wentshe became a black person.

Harris is biracial, the daughter of a Jamaican American and an Indian immigrant, and she has identified as both black and South Asian throughout her career. She also attended Howard University, a historically black university, where she became a member of the oldest black sorority in the country.

Harris responded to Trumps comments by calling it the same old show. The American people deserve better than Donald Trumps divisiveness and disrespect, she added.

Trump continued his attack on social media, posting on his Truth Social account, Crazy Kamala is saying shes Indian, not Black, alongside a clip from 2019 that features Harris and Mindy Kaling, an Indian American actress and comedian, cooking Indian food. He also shared a post from Laura Loomer, a conspiracy theorist who once described herself as a proud Islamophobe, showing a copy of the vice presidents birth certificate and saying that it doesnt denote Harris as black or African.

A chorus of Republican lawmakers publicly and privately denounced Trumps comments on Harris racial identity, describing the remarks as inappropriate and distracting from more effective attacks against Harris like her record on border security and immigration. A handful of Trumps closest congressional allies, such as Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert, backed the former presidents attack.

There were further allusions to Harris identity in the warm-up act to Trump at Wednesdays rally. Unlike you, Kamala, I know who my roots are, Alina Habba, Trumps former lawyer, told the crowd. I know where I come from.

Not everyone in Harrisburg seemed receptive to identity attacks. One younger rally attendee who said shes leaning toward voting for Trump told Dispatch Politics that shes glad a biracial woman is a leading candidate for the presidency. I am a woman, Im also biracial, so I love the representation, said Emily Parker, a 20-year-old who came to the rally with her parents and noted that shes not really into politics. I think that thats great, especially to younger girls.

Trump arrived at the Harrisburg arena late after a nearly two-hour gap from the last speaker. The Republican nominee tried a more conventional political attack in his remarks, homing in on Harris past positions. He ticked through a list of policy stances he ascribed to Harris, from defunding the police to an electric vehicle mandate, labeling her an extreme liberal candidate. The former president also spent a large chunk of time blaming Harris for the migrant crisis at the southern border, saying she supports open borders.

The message echoed the campaigns recent ads trying to amplify Harris more progressive stances on fracking, gun control, and health care espoused in her 2020 presidential primary campaign.

While Trump steered clear of racial attacks in his speech, he weaved in personal insults, calling Harris crazy and not smart and claiming she faked a southern accent at a Tuesday rally in Atlanta. He also suggested that Harris wouldnt be able to deal with world leaders. Can anybody imagine her dealing with President Xi of China? Trump asked the crowd.

The direction of Trumps campaign against Harris may shift once again in the coming days as the vice president selects her running mate. The selection could be an attempt to insulate her from attacks about immigration or a portrayal as a radical California Democrat.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is one of the top contenders for the veep slot and his appeal was apparent at the Harrisburg rally. As far as a Democrat, hes one of the better onesI will say that for Josh, Terry, a 70-year-old from Selinsgrove, told Dispatch Politics, noting that his sister likes the governor. Dave Sherry, a retired restaurant owner from Boiling Springs, said Shapiro seems to be a good governor, adding that I dont have any problems with what hes been doing for our state.

Still, any Democratic pick is highly unlikely to dislodge Trumps loyal supporters, whether theyre fans of Shapiro or not.I dont know much about Josh Shapiro, but I do know hes a Democrat, said Daniel, a 28-year-old truck driver from Lancaster County. And I know nothings changed for the good in Pennsylvania [the] last couple of years hes been in.

For Democrats, Beating Trump Overshadows Policy Preferences

What do Democratic voters want to hear from their presumptive presidential nominee on policy? Whatever it takes to win, several told The Dispatch. In a new piece on the site today, David M. Drucker reports from a Kamala Harris campaign event near Philadelphia that her base supporters are hoping the vice president takes a pragmatic approach in the final three months of the campaign. Heres an excerpt:

But anxiety over the former presidents potential return to the Oval Office is making political pragmatists out of even the most dedicated Democratic partisans. Not only did these voters say Harris has their blessing to moderate on key issues, some said they hope she triangulates, believing the strategy is essential to victory. This latitude to maneuver is a crucial development with ramifications for November, especially as Harris prepares to select a running mate. I think she should move to the center a little bit and not be billed as a left-wingwhat theyre putting her out to be, a liberal, Rich Migliore, 72, a retired teacher and attorney who now represents educators in due-process rights cases, said while waiting for Shapiro and Whitmer to take the stage in a packed high school gymnasium We cant move backward as a country. We need to move forward. Another of the approximately 1,200-plus rallygoers, Michele Cohen, is a middle-aged attorney who described her personal political preferences as once moderate but now left, left, leftan evolution she credited to Trumps rise and putative leadership of the Republican Party since 2015. Cohen also wants Harris to embrace centrism, possibly explained by the fact that she lives in a battleground state where far-left and far-right politicians have a harder time winning. I believe in being in the center, Cohen explained. Thats the way we actually get things done. So, you move past the rhetoric and actually move to governing. Just how much compromising Democrats are willing to do to beat Trump may be put to the test. Harris is set to announce her running mate no later than Tuesday, when she and the Democratic Partys vice presidential pick are scheduled to appear together in Philadelphia before heading across the country on a multistate campaign swing. Shapiro, a leading contender to get Harris nod, is considered too moderate by some Democrats and could disappoint elements of the partys activist base.

But as Drucker discovered, the voters who showed up to Mondays rally are willing for Harris and her running mate to moderate wherever they need to if it means getting closer to defeating Trumpexcept on one key issue:

In the preceding campaign for the Democratic nomination that year, Harris staked out several positions that seemed designed to take votes away from Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent and avowed socialist who was the frontrunner in that race until Biden won the South Carolina primary. As pointed out in recent reporting from the New York Times, Harris supported establishing a quasi-government-run health care system; flirted with radically restructuring the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency; and backed a federal ban on frackinga jobs-rich form of domestic energy production. Harris has backed or signaled openness to other progressive policies that could foster opposition from all-important persuadable independent voters and disaffected Republicans. Its why the Democratic voters we spoke with here in Montgomery County, a Philadelphia collar county along the citys western edge and crucial suburban micro-battleground, are giving Harris permission to tack center on major issues. Only maintaining strong support for abortion rights appears sacrosanct. I feel like I [could] give a lot of leeway except for abortion, we need to bring back freedom for abortion, said Jane Curtis, a retired teacher.

Read the whole thing here.

Notable and Quotable

Donald Trump proudly said blame it on me if the bill failed. JD Vance, putting Trump ahead of our security, followed his orders. Thats why hes Trumps VP, hes a loyal little boy.

Vice President Kamala Harris campaign in a press email August 1, 2024.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
Donald Trump, the US presidential candidate from the Republican party, has criticised the agreement on the prisoner swap between Russia and the West.

Source: Trump in a Friday broadcast of the Fox Business TV channel, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Trump believes that the prisoner swap became "a win for Putin or any other country that deals with us".

Speaking about the liberation of Evan Gershkovich, The Wall Street Journal reporter, Trump admitted that bringing the prisoners back from Russia is good for the US but stated that the agreements under which it happened were "very bad".

"It wouldnt have happened with us [if Trump were in power  ed.]. We wouldve gotten him [Gershkovich  ed.] back. We wouldnt have had to pay anything. We wouldnt have to let some of the great killers of the world go, because thats what happened, as you know," Trump said.

He was likely talking about Vadim Krasikov, an agent of the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB), convicted in Germany in 2019 for the murder of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a Chechen field commander, in Berlin.

It should be noted that the White House refuted the Repiblicans claims about the alleged weakening of sanctions or paying for the liberation of American prisoners in Russia.

Background: On 1 August a swap of 24 prisoners between Russia and six Western states, mainly the US and Germany, was held in Turkiye. The talks between the West and Russia, which led to the big exchange, lasted for over two years.

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Former President Trump called this weeks massive prisoner exchange with Russia that freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Well as usual, it was a win for Putin or any other country that deals with us. But we got somebody back, so Im never going to be challenging that, Trump said on Mornings with Maria on Fox Business Network in an interview taped Thursday and broadcast Friday.

This deal that was made today, I think its wonderful that Evans coming back. I think its great. But these deals are so bad. These deals are going to lead to tremendous kidnappings, he added.

Two dozen people and seven countries were involved in Thursdays prisoner exchange.

Russia received eight prisoners who were being held abroad on various charges and released 16, many of whom were being wrongfully held or were severely sentenced for minor offenses.

That included Gershkovich, who was arrested in Yekaterinburg in March 2023 and accused of collecting state secrets on the Russian military on behalf of the U.S. government. He became the first American journalist to be detained in Russia since the Cold War and was sentenced in July to 16 years in prison.

It also included Whelan, who was arrested in 2018 while Trump was in office and later convicted of spying, charges that he, his family and the U.S. deny. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan said no money was exchanged as part of the deal, nor was there any agreement to loosen sanctions on Russia.

Trump has routinely criticized the Biden administration for engaging in prisoner swaps and pointed to his own record of bringing home Americans held abroad.

He had said he would free Gershkovich if he wins the election in November and claimed as recently as July 20 that President Biden would not be able to get him out of prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Former president Donald Trump took to social media Friday morning to criticize Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

The former president was commenting on the results from Tennessees primary elections.

Tennessee Election Results: August 1, 2024

I went 10 for 10 on endorsements tonight in the Great State of Tennessee, including Bobby Harshbarger, running against a strong, long-term incumbent supported by RINO Governor Bill Lee. A Great Day for Tennesseenow on to a Complete and Total Victory in November. MAGA 2024! realDonaldTrump on Truth Social



The term RINO is short for Republican in name only. Merriam-Webster defines the term as a member of the Republican party who is disloyal to the party or insufficiently conservative.

Lee had backed Jon Lundberg, the incumbent candidate in the northeast Tennessee Senate race.

Congratulations to Bobby Harshbarger, a fantastic candidate for Tennessee State Senate, who won against a long-term incumbent supported by RINO Governor Bill Lee, whose endorsement meant nothing. Bobby is a true America First Fighter, the son of very popular and effective Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, and will fight to Secure our Border, Create Jobs, Protect our Military/Vets, and Defend our Always Under Siege 2nd Amendment. Bobby again has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the upcoming election on November 5, which he will win in a Landslide! Congratulations to the entire Harshbarger Family! realDonaldTrump on Truth Social

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Lee posted on social media he was pleased with the election results: Tonight, voters sent a clear message: Its time to deliver school choice for Tennessee families, strengthen public safety, & keep our economy strong. I look forward to working with the 114th General Assembly to ensure Tennessee remains a beacon of opportunity, security & freedom.

Chris Burger, the former press secretary for Lees gubernatorial campaign, said the party will end up coalescing around all Republican primary winners.

I think thats Trump being Trump, hes clearly taking a victory lap for the candidates that hes endorsed. Truth isBill Lee is the single most conservative governor in my lifetime in Tennessee. And hes also chair of the Republican Governors Association. And hes one of the most conservative governors in America. And I think at the end of the day, Trump supports school choice, he tweeted it. And also its in the Republican Party platform, Burger said.

Burger said while Trump and Lee may have a different approach, the two men have had a good relationship and this is just a bit of sparring.

Hes also a brash New Yorker. And I think people arent used to someone who says what they think. And I dont think you have to guess where President Trump is. I also think he says things for shock value sometimes, Burger said.

 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.

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The historic Aug. 1 prisoner swap was a "win for Putin," Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump claimed during an interview with Fox Business on Aug. 2.

The prisoner exchange saw Russia and several Western countries swap a total of 24 detainees, the largest such move in almost 15 years.

Trump alleged that the deal was "very complex" so it is unclear "how bad the deal is for us."

Responding to a question on his reaction to Russia freeing Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and others, Trump said that "as usual, it was a win for Putin."

"But we got somebody back, so I'm never going to be challenging that," Trump told Fox Business.

Gershkovich was arrested in Yekaterinburg in March 2023 and charged with spying. The White House denied the charges as "ridiculous."

"It wouldn't have happened with us (in power). We would have gotten him back" without having "to pay anything," Trump claimed.

"We wouldn't have had to let some of the great killers of the world go, because that's what's happened, as you know," he added.

Trump was referring to convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov, who was freed from German prison as part of the exchange.

A German court sentenced Krasikov to life imprisonment in 2021 for the murder of Zelimkhan "Tornike" Khangoshvili in 2019.

A Georgian citizen of Chechen descent, Khangoshvili fought against Russian forces in Chechnya in the early 2000s and claimed asylum in Germany in 2016.

The German court said that Krasikov had acted under orders from the Kremlin and had been issued a fake passport to travel to Berlin to kill Khangoshvili.

The Kremlin denied the claims at the time but confirmed on Aug. 2 that Krasikov was a Federal Security Service (FSB) agent.

Read also: Who was released from Russian prisons in historic swap?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The criminal case charging former President Donald Trump with plotting to overturn the 2020 presidential election was returned Friday to the trial judge in Washington after a Supreme Court opinion last month that narrowed the scope of the prosecution.

The case was formally sent back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan for further proceedings aimed at sorting out which acts in the landmark indictment constitute official acts and which do not.

The procedural move is expected to restart the case with a flurry of motions and potential hearings, but the sheer amount of work ahead for the judge and lawyers ensures that there's no way a trial can take place before the November presidential election in which Trump is the Republican nominee. If Trump is elected president, he can appoint an attorney general who would presumably order the case dismissed.

The four-count indictment, one of four criminal cases brought against Trump last year, accuses him of illegally conspiring to cling to the presidency by working with aides to try to undo the results of the election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

But the Supreme Court on July 1 dealt prosecutors a major blow, ruling in a 6-3 opinion that presidents enjoy absolute immunity for core constitutional duties and are presumptively immune from prosecution for all other official acts.

The justices left it to Chutkan, who is presiding over the case, to decide how to apply their opinion to the remainder of the case.

That means she'll be deciding in the weeks ahead whether key allegations in the case  including that Trump badgered his vice president, Mike Pence, to reject the official counting of electoral votes showing that he had lost the election  can remain part of the prosecution or must be discarded.

The case brought by special counsel Jack Smith had been effectively frozen since last December amid Trump's appeal, which was argued in April before the Supreme Court, that he was immune from prosecution for the acts charged in the indictment.

A separate case brought by Smith, accusing Trump of illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, was dismissed by a different judge last month who held that Smith's appointment was illegal. The Justice Department is appealing.

The high court's immunity opinion has been cited by defense lawyers in another of Trump's prosecutions, with attorneys arguing that his hush money conviction in New York should be set aside in light of the ruling. The judge in the case postponed sentencing and has said he'll rule on the matter next month.

Trump faces a separate prosecution in Fulton County, Georgia, related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election. That case has been significantly delayed, preventing a trial from taking place this year.
U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Travis Lunders appeared unannounced, armed and in full tactical gear at the home of Charles and Heather Maud
Since President Joe Biden stepped aside in the 2024 presidential race and Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough delegates to become the official Democratic nominee for president, it has become clear that Georgia is up for grabs by either party.

The latest polls out of the Peach State continue to show a statistical tie between Harris and former President Donald Trump.

It is clear Georgia has regained its swing state status and both candidates are once again heading back to our state to make their case.

Trump will be holding a rally at the Georgia State University Convocation Center on Saturday, which is the same venue Harris rallied at earlier in the week.

Political analyst Bill Crane told Channel 2s Justin Farmer that this is the first time he can think of that Trump has been inside the Perimeter for an event since being booked into the Fulton County Jail in the Georgia election interference case.

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I think this is a tactical choice to come inside to the base of the Democratic vote in Georgia and to bring his running mate, and perhaps demonstrate with the crowd in that arena a different version of what you have typically seen at a Donald Trump rally, Crane said.

Harris has announced that she will hold a rally next week in Savannah.

The Democratic Party has made a significant media buy in two media markets here in Georgia: Atlanta and Savannah. They are also in other battleground states, places like Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Las Vegas, Nevada. So theyre at least defining this as a battleground on their terms and their spend right now five to 10 times what the GOP has committed in the same markets, Crane said.

Trumps rally on Saturday starts at 5 p.m. Harris rally in Savannah is on Friday, Aug. 9. The time of the rally has not yet been determined.

RELATED NEWS:
The News

Former President Donald Trumps recent suggestion of cutting the US corporate tax rate to 15% is facing increasing skepticism by members of his own party.

That includes some GOP senators starting to suit up for next years fight over expiring swaths of the 2017 tax cuts. One influential Senate Republican even suggested raising the existing 21% corporate rate, which was one of the permanent provisions of the law.

The concern I have with [cutting] is you see how much we lowered the rate. Can we really honestly say its going to spur economic activity to justify it? Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a member of the Senate Finance panel, told Semafor.

Tillis also said that hed be comfortable dialing the corporate rate up to between 21.5% to 22.5%. Weve got to consider all that, said Tillis, echoing some Republican colleagues in the US House who are also open to a rate increase. You dont limit your options when youre in this stage of planning.

Other senators were noncommittal on the 15% corporate rate. I dont know where the market is for that. But Id like to lower the corporate rate, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina told Semafor. I just want to be competitive.

Know More

Tillis comments are the latest sign that, if elected, Trump could face obstacles in pushing through another corporate rate cut, one of the signature economic achievements of his first term.

Most of the Republican senators approached by Semafor didnt want to endorse lowering that rate to 15%, given the scale of the task before them next year. Economists previously told Semafor that a six-percentage-point reduction in the corporate rate carries a price tag ranging from $700 billion to $910 billion over 10 years.

And in 2025, Congress must deal with a suite of expirations in the US tax code, encompassing individual income tax brackets, standard deductions and personal exemptions, among other pieces. Republicans in the House and Senate are starting to discuss how to handle those changes, as groups like the Business Roundtable prod lawmakers to preserve the 21% corporate rate.

Were going to have to look at all those things holistically and not just piecemeal because the federal government spends $6 trillion a year, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Tx, whos mounting a bid to be the next Senate GOP leader, told Semafor. I think were in a new and different point where we cant just look at those issues under a soda straw. Im happy to consider all of that.

Another Republican member of the Senate Finance panel suggested that a 15% corporate rate would actually increase taxes on some large companies. Youre talking about the corporate rate; youve got to deal with everything else on it, GOP Sen. James Lankford told Semafor. Theres some companies right now paying an effective rate of around 10%. So 15 [percent] would actually be higher for them.

On Thursday, GOP senators blocked a $79 billion tax package from advancing in that chamber in a 49-43 vote. Three GOP senators broke ranks to band with Democrats in the procedural vote, which included expanding the child tax credit: Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri, Rick Scott of Florida and Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma.

Independent Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a pair who caucus with Democrats, voted no, arguing the measure didnt do enough to help working families.
Trump: Impulse to be 'changed' man overwhelmed by criminal cases filed against him

Donald Trump a changed, nice man? Nope, so said Donald Trump himself.

"When I got hit, everybody thought I was going to be a nice guy, and they thought I'd change," Trump said at a rally July 31 in Pennsylvania. "They all said Trump is going to be a nice man now. He came close to death. And I really agreed with that  for about eight hours or so."

Trump was referring to a narrative that was often-repeated during last month's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Among those making that argument was former Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson, who said he believed the near-death experience at the hands of an assailant firing at him with an assault weapon had transformed the former president.

"I have to say, I think it changed him," said Carlson.

Trump's second-eldest son, Eric, said much the same at a breakfast hosted by the Florida delegation at the convention in Milwaukee on July 16. He said he saw "humbleness" and a "new persona" in his father in the days after an attempt on his life that had left him bloodied but defiantly unbowed.

"When you walked out last night and you can just see almost a humbleness in him, just a changed persona realizing how close that ultimately was," Eric Trump said that morning in reference to seeing his father walk into the convention hall the previous evening.

Trump mused that 'nice man' feeling actually lasted only a few hours

In this week's rally speech in Harrisburg, Donald Trump said he did feel more magnanimous after being shot until he remembered how he said he has been persecuted. The former president said he "realized they were trying to put me in prison" and then lashed out again at Democrats, "radical left" prosecutors and "crooked judges."

"I said, 'You know, these are bad people.' So I was nice for about  three, four, five hours," he continued. "And then I said, 'These are bad people. We have to win this battle.' And you know what, they're going to become nicer when we win. But we're going to have to win, I believe, to make them reasonable, because they are crazy."

Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Turning Point USA Believers' Summit at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on July 26, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump's admission that his post-assassination attempt conversion was fleeting came in a speech in which he alleged Vice President Kamala Harris, his expected Democratic opponent in the Nov. 5 election, is "fake, fake, fake."

Trump claimed Harris is employing "Houdini" political tricks to avoid having to defend her record as the Biden administration's "border czar" as well backing away from her "defund the police" rhetoric, all to "change her image."

"Everything about Kamala Harris rollout is phony and it's fake," he said.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump insulted Harris by falsely saying Harris had flip-flopped in portraying her ethnic and racial background in the past.

Harris has Indian and Jamaican-born parents and attended Howard University, a historically Black university where she joined the predominantly black Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She became a member of the Congressional Black Caucus after entering the Senate in 2017.

Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump says post-assassination 'changed' man conversion lasted 8 hours
Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump is questioned by journalists at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The event was moderated by, from left, Rachel Scott, senior congressional correspondent for ABC News; Kadia Goba, politics reporter at Semafor; and Harris Faulkner, anchor of The Faulkner Focus and co-host of Outnumbered on Fox News. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

CHICAGO  Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump Wednesday underwent questioning from a National Association of Black Journalists panel in a turbulent session during which he falsely claimed Vice President Kamala Harris happened to turn Black during her political career.

Through the roughly 35-minute combative event, the former president rarely answered questions, lied and exaggerated, attacked Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, and criticized one of the Black journalists interviewing him, ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott.

I think its disgraceful that I came here in good spirit, Trump said. I love the Black population of this country.

The discussion was also moderated by Kadia Goba, a politics reporter at Semafor, and Harris Faulkner, a Fox News anchor.

Many NABJ members strongly opposed Trumps visit, especially given his treatment of high-profile Black women journalists, and the announcement of his appearance sparked a major backlash. Members were also critical about the lack of transparency around the invitation to Trump and the inclusion of a moderator from the conservative Fox network.

Trump attacked ABCs Scott and called her questions rude and her media outlet a fake news network.

Scott asked Trump why Black voters should trust him, especially after Trump has made false claims that political rivals such as former President Barack Obama were not born in the United States, has dined with a white supremacist at his Florida residence and has slammed Black journalists.

I dont think Ive ever been asked a question in such a horrible manner, Trump said.

Scott pressed Trump about Republican members of Congress who have referred to Harris, who is the first Black woman and woman of Asian American descent to serve as vice president, as a so-called DEI hire. She asked if that was acceptable language.

Trump didnt answer the question and asked Scott to define DEI, which she said stood for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Trump then questioned whether Harris was Black.

I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black, Trump said. So I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black?

Harris attended Howard University, a historically Black college in Washington, D.C., and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., a historic Black sorority. Her father is Jamaican, and her late mother was an Indian immigrant.

Harris in Houston

Harris, who was endorsed by President Joe Biden after he bowed out of a reelection campaign, was invited by NABJ to take questions as well, but her confirmation is pending, the organization said. She was traveling Wednesday to Houston for events including a campaign stop.

NABJ President Kenneth Lemon said that the organization is working on a virtual session with Harris in September.

On Trumps participation in the panel, Harris campaign Black Media Director Jasmine Harris, who is not related to the vice president, said in a statement, Lets remember exactly who this man is.

Not only does Donald Trump have a history of demeaning NABJ members and honorees who remain pillars of the Black press, he also has a history of attacking the media and working against the vital role the press play in our democracy, she said.

Harris campaign Communications Director Michael Tyler said in a statement that Trumps behavior during the interview was hostile.

Trump lobbed personal attacks and insults at Black journalists the same way he did throughout his presidency  while he failed Black families and left the entire country digging out of the ditch he left us in, Tyler said. Donald Trump has already proven he cannot unite America, so he attempts to divide us.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, asked at the White House press briefing about Trumps visit to the convention, said, Thats a campaign stop for him.

The Trump campaign has used the invitation to argue that the former president has grown support among Black voters. Before Biden suspended his campaign in mid-July, a majority of Black voters aligned with voting for Biden, about 77%, and about 18% of Black voters indicated they would vote for Trump in the 2024 presidential election, according to a May Pew Research Center report.

NABJ fact-checking

In an email to members Wednesday morning, Lemon stressed that the organizations invitation was not an endorsement and that there would be live fact-checking from PolitiFact during the session. Members who attended were not allowed to ask questions.

While we acknowledge the concerns expressed by our members, we believe it is important for us to provide our members with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates and hold them accountable, Lemon said. We also want to provide our members with the facts.

Nichelle Smith, an independent investigative journalist from Virginia, said after the panel that it was clear where Trump stood with the Black community.

I thought he was horribly rude to Rachel Scott and I commend her and the other woman on the panel for not soft balling and asking hard questions out the gate because I doubt he has rarely been confronted with hard questions by Black women, she said.

NABJ tradition

Inviting a presidential candidate during an election year is an NABJ tradition since 1976. Former presidents have attended and participated in either a press conference or other question-and-answer formats, such as George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Obama. In 2016, Hillary Clinton attended, but Trump, who was also invited, did not.

The announcement late Monday that Trump would show up caused a firestorm among NABJ members. Karen Attiah, a columnist with the Washington Post, resigned from her position as NABJ Convention Co-chair.

While my decision was influenced by a variety of factors, I was not involved or consulted with in any way with the decision to platform Trump in such a format, Attiah, who was the 2019 NABJ Journalist of the Year, said.

April Ryan, a White House correspondent for TheGrio, a media company geared toward Black Americans, and NABJs 2017 Journalist of the Year, objected to the session in a social media post.

The reports of attacks on Black women White House correspondents by the then president of the United States are not myth or conjecture, but fact, she said.

During his first term, Trump often sparred with the White House press corps, but he was particularly harsh when it came to Black women journalists, such as Ryan, Abby Phillip from CNN and Yamiche Alcindor, a White House correspondent for PBS.

Ryan, who typically bore the brunt of those attacks, said the decision to hold a panel with Trump was a slap in the face to the Black women journalists  who had to protect themselves from the wrath of this Republican presidential nominee who is promoting an authoritarian agenda that plans to destroy this nation and her democracy with his Project 2025.

Editorial Director of Epicenter NYC Femi Redwood, who chairs NABJs LGBTQ+ task force, wrote in a social media post that the panel was not made aware of Trumps invite and objected, considering the damage he has caused Black queer and trans people  including those who are journalists and members of NABJ.

Im disappointed that in a space where so many queer and trans members still feel vulnerable will now feel even more unsafe due to Trump being invited and the possibility of his most vicious followers coming to the hotel to support him, she said.

Some defenders

Some NABJ members did defend the decision, such as Leroy Chapman Jr., the editor-in-chief of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Here is what we need to normalize  candidates for office standing before journalists, answering questions, he said in a social media post.

A handful of pro-Trump supporters were able to attend the event, such as radio personality P Rae Easley of Chicago, who cheered when Trump went on stage.

In a States Newsroom interview, she said that Trump has done a lot for the Black community.

You got to be a fool to continue to support the policies of the Biden administration, she said.

Goba asked about Trumps support for giving police officers immunity. She asked about Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman who called 911 for help and was shot and killed by a deputy.

Why should someone like that officer get immunity? Goba asked.

Trump said that he didnt know the case well and said an officer could make an innocent mistake.

Sometimes very bad decisions are made, theyre not made from an evil standpoint, but theyre made from the standpoint of they made a mistake, Trump said.

Scott, who covers Congress, asked about the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and about the law enforcement officers who were injured by the mob of pro-Trump supporters. She asked Trump if Jan. 6 rioters who have been convicted in the courts should be pardoned.

Trump didnt answer the question and brought up Minnesota, criticizing protests there and across the nation that erupted after a video was publicized showing a white police officer kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, a Black man, who died.

The officer, Derek Chauvin, was later convicted of murder.

J.D. Vance questions

Goba asked Trump about his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, and his comments demeaning single women, calling them childless cat ladies.

Trump never answered the question and went off-topic, attacking Democrats and falsely claiming that they were allowing abortions after birth.

Scott also asked Trump about comments Vance has made about how people with children should be allowed to have more votes than those without.

One of the bedrock principles of American life is, one person, one vote, Scott said. I just want to be clear here, is that the position of your campaign?

Trump said that the campaign did not believe families should receive more votes and defended Vance.

He is very family oriented, Trump said.

Trump then veered into immigration and falsely claimed that noncitizens were voting in federal elections, which is already illegal and rarely happens.

After the event, Trump Senior Advisor Lynne Patton issued a statement, criticizing the media for unprofessional commentary directed toward the former president.

Todays biased and rude treatment from certain hostile members of the media will backfire massively, Patton said. This will be their undoing in 2024.

Andrea Shaw contributed to this report.
Trump shooting probe: Secret Service says it didn't have access to radio traffic that could've been crucial

There may have been radio traffic from local police that the Secret Service didn't have access to that couldve proved crucial to stopping former President Donald Trump from going on stage the day of the assassination attempt, the acting director of the Secret Service said Friday.

"It was so apparent to me that in this incident, in the final 30 seconds, which has been the focus of what happened before the assailant opened fire, there was clearly radio transmissions that may have happened on that local radio net that we did not have," acting Director Ronald Rowe said at a news conference. "And so, we have to do a better job of collocating, leveraging that counterpart system, and this is going to drive our operations going forward."

PHOTO: 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 July 13, 2024. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Rowe said the shooting was a Secret Service failure alone.

"In no way should any state or local agency supporting us in Butler on July 13 be held responsible," he said.

MORE: Trump will sit for 'victim interview' in assassination attempt investigation, FBI says

One spectator was killed and two were hurt in the assassination attempt at a July 13 election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump suffered a graze wound to his ear. The gunman was killed by snipers.

Rowe said July 13 was the first time the Secret Service's counter snipers were deployed to a Trump rally this year. Going forward, he said the Secret Service will have counter snipers at all events with presidential candidates.

Rowe said there were two command posts: one post with the Secret Service and Pennsylvania State Police, and one post with local police. He said it was "unique" that there were two security command posts, and in the future, he will make sure everyone is in the same room.

PHOTO: 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 July 13, 2024. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

MORE: Man shot, injured at Pennsylvania Trump rally released from hospital

Rowe also walked through the timeline.

On July 8, agents from the Pittsburgh field office conducted a walkthrough of the event, he said. On July 10, the Secret Service counter sniper and technical security personnel arrived in Pittsburgh and began advanced planning for their teams, he said.

On July 12, the build-out of the campaign rally site began, he said, and continued through the early morning hours of July 13.

The morning of July 13, a site briefing was conducted with Secret Service personnel and law enforcement partners supporting the event, Rowe said. Secret Service personnel took their posts and a technical security sweep of the protective site started before the site opened to event staff, vendors and the public, he said.

About 15,000 people came to the rally, Rowe said.

PHOTO: An aerial view shows the site during the police investigation into gunfire at a campaign rally of Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, in Butler, Pa., July 14, 2024. (Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters)

At 5:53 p.m., the Secret Service counter sniper team leader texted the Secret Service counter sniper teams that local police were looking for a suspicious individual who was outside of the perimeter, lurking around the AGR building, Rowe said.

"At this time, Secret Service personnel were operating with the knowledge that local law enforcement was working on an issue of a suspicious individual," Rowe said.

"Neither the Secret Service counter sniper teams, nor members of the former president's security detail, had any knowledge that there was a man on the roof of the AGR building with a firearm," he said.

At 6:11 p.m., the gunman's first shots were fired, he said. Within three seconds, Trump's detail rushed the stage and shielded him with their own bodies, Rowe said.

MORE: Trump shooting updates: Shooter flew drone near site hours before shooting

He said video from that day affirmed there shouldve been better coverage.

"We should have had better protection for the protectee. We should have had better coverage on that roofline," Rowe said.

Going forward, Rowe said, he's directed each special agent in charge -- who oversee the Secret Services field offices across the U.S. -- to be precise and clear with state and local partners.

"Were not going to have this assumption that, 'Oh, we think that they have it,' and we're going to we're going to work together," he said. "We're going to have good, hard, fierce conversations about what we're going to do, and then we're going to go out there, and we're going to make all of these venues secure moving forward."

Trump shooting probe: Secret Service says it didn't have access to radio traffic that could've been crucial originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Theyre feeling the Kamala-mentum in the battlegrounds.

Just under two weeks since the vice president became her partys presumptive nominee, Democrats around the country are feeling a surge of optimism that is translating into real, tangible gains  and a real, tangible problem for Republicans.

On Tuesday night, Harris was in Atlanta, Georgia, where she turned out a Trump-sized crowd of 10,000 at Georgia State University. A fired-up audience roared in response when she dared her opponent to say it to my face and attend a debate (or debates) with her in person.

That energy is palpable around the country. The Harris campaign has now released several statements bragging about a $200m-plus fundraising haul in less than two weeks and a surge in volunteers for the campaign. But its not just the vice president herself seeing eager supporters coming back into the fold  its the party as a whole, and thats something that spells trouble not just for Donald Trump but for all Republicans.

Harris held her first event as a candidate in Milwaukee just days after Republicans held their convention in the city. Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin, who is running in a must-win campaign, said the energy was electrifying.

I understand that seven to eight thousand people had RSVPd to come and they had to go from the smaller arena to a big high school gym and still had to turn away, like, 5,000 people, she told The Independent. But I can tell you this weekend at home, I did some campaign kick-offs. I've never seen so many people wanting to go knock doors. So it's really, really very, very exciting.

The reversal of the races trajectory was well-needed for Democrats, who were warning openly in media interviews that their party was on track for a historic defeat, were Joe Biden to remain the candidate.

Take Florida, where reporters and pundits (and Harriss own campaign chair) continue to treat Democratic predictions of competitive races with skepticism. Harriss campaign manager, at the time working for Joe Biden, vowed in April that Democrats would make a serious play for the Sunshine State, which she said the presidents campaign saw as contestable, if not outright winnable. Jaime Harrison, DNC chair, said the same thing this month, after Biden stepped aside.

Despite Floridas reddening statewide government, Democrats saw a greater surge of volunteers here than anywhere else after Harris took Bidens place at the (presumptive) top of the ticket. Its a rapidly-shifting dynamic that has Democrats eyeing key down-ballot races, even if electoral votes may end up being out of reach in the end. Florida  like North Carolina, Ohio and other key battlegrounds  is the site of a Senate race this year, where incumbent Republican Rick Scott is up for reelection. The state party is also eyeing a number of congressional seats and others in the statehouse to halt advances made by the GOP over the past few election cycles.

Its hard to even describe the excitement, the energy, momentum, and what weve solved over the last week, Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried told The Independent as Harris moved through her second week campaigning for the presidency. She said that 12,000 volunteers had signed up to help Democrats across the state, including in deep red areas like The Villages.

Its not just Democrats, she said. We are hearing anecdotal stories of past Republicans coming to our offices, phone-banking with us. Were hearing from Republicans saying: Maybe this is the final straw thats going to break the MAGA base and wipe them out for this election cycle, and finally return the Republican Party back to some sense of normality.

Kamala Harris, alongside New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, in a visit to Florida in 2019. Her party says the states Senate race, against Rick Scott, is winnable. (Getty Images)

Fried went on to say that the surge of Democratic momentum in the state was being met with virtual silence from the GOP  an advantage she urged national Democrats to capitalize on, and quickly.

There is no Republican operation here. They have no offices. They have no grassroots door-knocking, said Fried. Theyre taking this for granted, and they really are being very overconfident in this momentwere going for the prize. We do believe that Florida is and should be on the battleground maps.

Shes hardly the only Democratic leader in a battleground state seeing such a shift in fortune in a matter of weeks.

Gary Peters, a senator from Michigan who chairs the Democrats campaign arm (DSCC) in the upper chamber, told The Independent this week that he was seeing the same dynamic play out in his state, where Joe Biden was once trailing Trump according to polls that have now shown Harris taking a lead.

Kamala Harris rallies a fired-up crowd of 10,000 in Georgia, a state which went blue in 2020 and cost Donald Trump the election (REUTERS)

The amount of enthusiasm on the ground for her campaign is something I havent seen... its turned on a dime, Peters said. The last week has been amazing. Just in Michigan over the last week, the number of people who volunteered for our statewide campaigns, for our get out the vote efforts and outreach  the number of volunteers doubled in a week.

In Nevada, the Democrats signed up 1,200 new volunteers. There were 1,000 more in Georgia. Six hundred and fifty showed up at just one congressional district in Michigan. The Harris campaigns battleground states director says more than 360,000 have signed up nationwide over the past week and a half.

The momentum has clearly shifted in Harriss favor, and the question now posed is whether Trumps own ground game will be able to match it.

His campaign has been largely quiet about its ground operations and volunteer efforts, instead choosing to assert dominance through fundraising numbers. On Thursday, the campaign said it had $327m cash on hand at the end of July.

The Trump campaign only announced that it was beginning voter canvassing in late May, as the verdict was handed down in his sex affair hush money trial in New York.

Over the course of the 2020 campaign, the Trump campaign claimed to have raised more than 2.5 million volunteers to support its get out the vote efforts. The ex-president, despite breaking a volunteering record set by Barack Obama, ended up losing several key swing states to Joe Biden including Arizona, Georgia and Michigan, all of which he had won in 2016.
The News

Former President Donald Trumps new proposal to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits would shrink the lifespan of that program and Medicare, according to analyses from several think tanks, countering his campaign pledge to shield the programs from cuts.

Both the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and the right-leaning Tax Foundation said Trumps plan would move up the insolvency date by as much as six years for Medicare and nearly two years for Social Security. Thats because scrapping the tax on benefits would reduce federal revenue, which would then trim the amount that the government could spend on supporting those programs.

The government currently projects Social Security will run out of funds in 2035, and the same for Medicare in 2036. At that point, both programs face the prospect of cuts in benefit checks for retirees and payments to hospitals treating patients relying on Medicare coverage.

Trump on Friday brushed off the earlier insolvency date, arguing his plan could create the environment to come up with solutions to address the funding gaps. One of the things good about that is thats when people will make a deal, Trump told Fox Businesss Maria Bartiromo. But were going to take care of Social Security, were not going to do anything to hurt our seniors. There is so much cutting, there is so much waste in our government.

In a statement to Semafor on how the proposal squares with his campaign vow, the Trump campaign pointed to Vice President Kamala Harris support in the 2020 Democratic primary for Medicare for All, which he argues would be a fiscal burden. She recently backpedaled from that position.

President Trump is calling for the largest deportation program since President Eisenhower to end the financial drain on our healthcare system and ensure that our country can continue to care for American citizens who rely on Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security  not illegal immigrants, Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Semafor.

Know More

Currently, individual seniors who have annual incomes between $25,000 and $34,000 must pay income tax on 50% of their Social Security benefit. Those earning above $34,000 are required to pay tax on 85%.

In addition, many undocumented immigrants buoy the finances of both Social Security and Medicare, since they pay into the programs without receiving benefits.

Trumps campaign pitch is enormous in scale and an expensive one. Both the CRFB and Tax Foundation project it would cost at least $1.6 trillion over a decade.

Brendan Duke, the senior director of economic policy at the liberal leaning Center for American Progress Action Fund, told Semafor that its a big fiscal idea comparable to TCJA 1.0, referring to the 2017 GOP tax cuts.

If Trumps plan is turned into law, a large share of the benefit will flow towards richer seniors. Marc Goldwein, a senior vice president at CRFB, told Semafor that less than half of total seniors would get a tax cut, with very few of the bottom half benefiting from the change. He added those drawing the biggest dollar benefit are those making over $750,000 a year, a cohort that typically draws from investments, pensions, and other sources of income.

Josephs view

This isnt the first time that Trump proposed an idea that experts argued jeopardized Social Security and Medicares finances. He did the same in the summer of 2020 with a payroll tax cut meant to provide another batch of relief during the pre-vaccine era of the pandemic. The Biden campaign cut an attack ad assailing the proposal as a cut to Social Security, though fact-checkers at the time said it was oversimplified. Its possible the Harris campaign replays the 2020 Biden playbook.

The View From A Trump Adviser

Stephen Moore, an economic advisor to Trump, told Semafor the former presidents proposal was ingenious.

Getting older people to stay in the workforce longer is a high national priority, Moore said. Im sure Trump will roll out more in the weeks ahead. Dems are mad they didnt think of this.
Trump supporters want him to debate Kamala Harris. They told me why.

HARRISBURG, Pa.  Should former President Donald Trump debate Vice President Kamala Harris, now that she's the presumptive Democratic nominee for president?

That's what I asked Trump fans as they rallied for him Wednesday in Harrisburg, capital of swing-state Pennsylvania. Everyone I spoke to wanted to see Trump take on Harris. They were certain he'd come out a winner, even as they echoed his everlasting claims of unfair treatment.

Trump, who committed in May to a Sept. 10 debate hosted by ABC News, now won't say if he'll show up. That was planned as a debate with President Joe Biden, who dropped his bid for a second term 12 days ago and endorsed Harris.

Trump is now complaining about the host network, claiming that ABC News won't be fair to him. He ratcheted that up Wednesday, again attacking the network while speaking in racist terms about Harris during an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists' convention.

The Trump supporters I spoke to Wednesday predicted that Harris will perform better than Biden, who had a calamitous debate performance against Trump in June that helped contribute to his decision to leave the race. But, again, they leaned into Trump's ill-defined grievances about unfair treatment to predict more of the same.

Those supporters were also  mostly  behind Trump's decision to pick U.S. Sen. JD Vance as his running mate, despite the rocky rollout for the Ohio Republican with a long and truly weird history of suggesting that people with no children should have less political power in America.

I came away suspecting those voters will back Vance unless Trump changes his mind. Then they'd drop him like a hot rock.

Trump supporters are enthusiastic about how he would do against Harris

Former President Donald Trump at the first presidential debate with President Joe Biden in Atlanta on June 27, 2024.

Joshua Hoke, 43, of Palmyra, echoed Trump's complaints that the debate should instead be with Fox News, where right-wing hosts have shown the former one-termer a decade of deference.

"I think Trump should be able to debate Kamala Harris on his terms this time because the last time it was based on their terms," Hoke said of Trump's debate with Biden on June 27, hosted by CNN. "They were pretty fair for the debate, for the most part, but I feel some of the questions were a direct attack towards him."

Dean Lake, 31, of Red Lion, said a Trump-Harris debate could create more upheaval within the Democratic Party. He's in favor of that.

Trump is back on his racism: Trump's racism at NABJ was revolting. It was all calculated for his MAGA fan base.

"Because he's going to own her in a debate, just like he did Biden," Lake said. "And then after he owns her, maybe she'll jump out of the race also."

Deb Kirk, 68, of York, said a debate would be good for voters deciding on who will be the next president.

"I hope they stick to policy and not catfighting," Kirk added.

Trump fans don't think Harris can hold her own in a debate

Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to board Air Force Two at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on July 27, 2024, on her way to campaign for president in Pittsfield, Mass.

How would a Trump debate with Harris be different than his June matchup against Biden? Trump's backers told me they don't think much of the vice president but are sure she'd do better than Biden.

"Kamala has some cognitive thoughts," said Kathy Hamilton, 63, of Chambersburg. "She doesn't speak well, but she has some cognitive thoughts, unlike President Biden."

Patrick Kirk, 34, of Pittsburgh, said all candidates should be heard.

"I'm hoping that Kamala might spice things up a bit," Kirk said. "Maybe give (Trump) a little something more to engage with."

Eugene Wild, 70, of Cuba, New York, said Harris harms herself every time she speaks in public. And he said the first debate was monopolized by people critiquing Biden's performance.

Then I asked about JD Vance. The response was, shall we say, mixed.

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance speaks to reporters on the plane at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on July 31, 2024.

The response when I asked about Trump picking Vance as a running mate ranged from a little antsy to absolutely sure it was the best decision. Vance's first two weeks on the ticket have been a mess, prompting concern among some Republicans that the first-term senator is a political deadweight now chained to Trump.

"I think what the public has dug up, what I'm reading, I do question that myself," said Nancy Wheeland, 55, of New Columbia, Pennsylvania. when I asked if Trump should reconsider his ticket. "But I think JD is a good guy and I think we should keep him."

Hoke said he was "skeptical" at first about Vance because he didn't know much about him.

"I'm taking a liking to him," Hoke said. "He's a modern-day American like any of us. He's a hark worker."

Lake said he's "not a huge fan" of Vance, but "hopefully he can turn it around here for us."

About JD Vance: Nobody likes Vance and his 'cat lady' misogyny. Trump needs to dump him, fast.

Wild said this about concerns for Vance's previous comments: "All that stuff is trumped up, no pun intended."

Trump's messaging on Harris has already taken hold with his base

I noticed a few things while talking with Trump's fans inside the raucous arena that serves as home the the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Only one of them pronounced Harris' first name correctly. The rest seemed to have adopted Trump's intentional mispronunciations of Kamala, like many Republican members of Congress.

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And they seemed very confident in Trump's chances, despite the political tumult in the race, with Harris now showing signs of catching up or even pushing past him in swing-state polls.

They've also dialed in on one particular Trump attack about Harris, which he repeated at Wednesday's rally, calling her "a radical left puppet candidate," which ignores her resume as a district attorney, state attorney general, U.S. senator and vice president.

"She's going to be handfed all the answers from some puppets in Washington," Laura Rice, 61, of Chambersburg predicted when I asked whether there would be a debate. "I'm not sure who that group is."

I'm not sure, either, or even if such a group exists. But Trump pitches that sort of claim and the folks at his rallies are ready and eager to run with it.

Follow USA TODAY elections columnist Chris Brennan on X, formerly known as Twitter: @ByChrisBrennan

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 is dodging a Harris debate  even if his supporters want it
Donald Trump reportedly didn't want to be live fact-checked during his disastrous visit to the National Association of Black Journalists' annual convention in Chicago, according to the group's president.

NABJ president Ken Lemon confirmed to Axios that Trump initially refused to take the stage if the journalists fact-checked him live. The disastrous Q&A with the former president was ultimately delayed by more than an hour  though that is not unusual for a Trump event  but he did eventually sit for the talk.

Trump blamed the delay on problems with the venue's audio. Lemon confirmed that there had been audio issues, but they were solved quickly, and that Trump's reluctance to be fact-checked was holding up the event.

Lemon told Axios that the "bigger problem was his threat not to take the stage."

He did not want to be fact-checked, but we could not let him on the stage without fact-checking, he said.

Republican presidential nominee and Donald Trump looks on as he speaks on a panel of the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago (REUTERS)

Lemon said that he was preparing himself to go out to the crowd and explain why Trump wouldn't be appearing when the former president decided to walk out and do the Q&A.

The Trump campaign disputed Lemon's account to Axios, saying Trump had to wait for "close to" 40 minutes for an audio issue to be resolved.

Trump then had a contentious discussion with the panel journalists, and make the especially bizarre comment that Vice President Kamala Harris "turned" Black after previously describing herself as Indian.

I didnt know she was Black, he said on Wednesday. She happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black? ... I respect either one, but she obviously doesnt, because she was Indian all the way and all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a Black person.

Harris has both Black and Indian heritages. Her father is from Jamaica and her mother is Indian. The presumptive Democratic nominee for president is both the first African-American and Asian-American vice president.

When ABC News' Rachel Scott asked Trump why he made inflammatory comments about reporters of color and lied about his rivals, he simply complained that the journalists weren't being nice enough to him.

I dont think Ive been asked a question in such a horrible manner, Trump said. You dont even say hello, how are you.

It has now been revealed that Trumps disastrous Q&A with the panel almost didnt happen over his concerns about being fact-checked (REUTERS)

Trump later repeated his claim that he has done "so much for the Black population of this country" and insisted he was the "best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln."

In the wake of Trump's comments about Harris's racial background, #WhenIturnedBlack began trending on X to mock the former president's apparent inability to comprehend the existence of a biracial individual.

Trump's convention appearance was met with concern and condemnation from some commenters online, but Lemon said the organization was acting in accordance with its guidelines when it invited the former president.

I consulted with a group of our Founders and past NABJ Presidents Tuesday on-site in Chicago, and as a group, we affirmed that the invitation to Former President Trump was in line with NABJs usual practices since 1976, Lemon said. It has always been our policy to ensure that candidates know that an invitation is not an endorsement. We also agreed that while this race is much different  and contentious  so are the consequences.

While we acknowledge the concerns expressed by our members, we believe it is important for us to provide our members with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates and hold them accountable, he added.
Former President Donald Trump sure seems like he doesnt want to face Vice President Kamala Harris in a presidential debate.

I mean right now I say, why should I do a debate? Trump told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo during a Thursday interview. Im leading in the polls. And, everybody knows her, everybody knows me.

Its at least the second time Trump has indicated that hes not exactly eager to debate Harris, who on Friday secured enough delegates to lock up the Democratic presidential nomination. Last month, Trump said he would probably debate Harris, but added that everybody knows who I am.

At an Atlanta campaign rally Tuesday, Harris said the momentum in the election was shifting, and took a jab at Trump over his apparent cold feet.

Donald, I do hope youll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage, Harris said. Because as the saying goes: If youve got something to say, say it to my face.

In a statement on Friday, the Harris campaign again attacked Trump for trying to skip a debate.

Trump, who once said he would debate any time, any place is backing down from his commitment to debate, the campaign said in a statement.

The statement also mentioned Trumps disastrous Q&A at this weeks National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Chicago, where he questioned Harris racial identity.

I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, Trump said during the Q&A. And now she wants to be known as Black. So, I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black?

In fact, Harris is both Black and Indian American.

The Harris campaign said that following Trumps appearance at the NABJ event, its no wonder he would want to back out of a debate.

Given another opportunity to back up his words with action, Trump apparently couldnt muster the courage to face tough questions  or his opponent  on the debate stage, the campaigns statement said.

Related...
'I was trying to help': Cape Canaveral man arrested for lassoing gator, tying it to rail

A Cape Canaveral man said he was helping the community when he used a white nylon rope to create a noose-style loop to lasso what he called an aggressive alligator from a canal and tie the animal to a nearby handrail.

Robert Tencie Colin, 71, went to the canal in the area of West Central Boulevard and Oak Manor Drive about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. His intention was to capture the nine-foot alligator, although he does not have a license to do so, according to an affidavit.

Colin got the rope caught around the alligators upper jaw and tied the rope to the handrail. He then called law enforcement and told deputies he found the gator tied to the handrail.

Authorities viewed video footage, which confirmed Colin is the one who captured the gator.

Colin does not possess any licensing or permits to legally remove or attempt to remove an alligator. He was arrested and charged with killing, injuring, or possessing an alligator or egg without authorization, a felony.

He was released from Brevard County Jail after posting a $2,500 bond.

Media outlets are reporting the alligator was euthanized, not because Colin injured it, but because it was deemed a nuisance.

Colin told FLORIDA TODAY on Friday that hes witnessed this alligator be aggressive toward people and animals over the last three years.

Ive called animal control and the sheriff, but they didnt respond, Colin said, speculating there aren't enough resources available. "They dont have the manpower or the hours to wait for this alligator to appear. I thought I was doing them a favor, helping them.

Colin explained he wasnt initially truthful with law enforcement because he said he didnt want the glory.

After being questioned at the scene, Colin said, he asked deputies if he could leave.

One waved goodbye to me and I came home, Colin said.

Shortly after, deputies showed up at his house.

I said, Let me tell you what I did to help you out, and they told me to put my hands behind my back. I told them I couldnt do that because I just had heart surgery, Colins recalled.

He was handcuffed in front of his body and taken to jail. Colin said he was there about 13 hours before being released.

I didnt know it was illegal, Colin said. Im not from Florida. I was just trying to help.

Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard man charged with using rope to 'lasso' gator, tie it up
Turkey Blocks Instagram After Government Official Says Platform Removed Posts Mourning Killing of Hamas Chief

Turkeys communications authority blocked the countrys access to Instagram on Friday, one day after the government slammed the social media platform for removing posts by Turkish users expressing condolences over the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The countrys BTK communications authority said in a post Friday on its website that instagram.com has been blocked by a decision on the date of 02/08/2024, without adding further details.

More from Variety

Turkeys government-affiliated newspaper Daily Sabah said on its website that access was blocked in response to Instagram removing posts by Turkish users mourning the Hamas political leaders killing.

The Instagram block came days after Turkeys presidential communications director Fahrettin Altun, who is an aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, lashed out against the Meta-owned platform for not allowing people in Turkey to post messages of condolences for Haniyeh.

This is censorship, pure and simple, Altun said on X Wednesday after the 62-year-old Haniyeh was killed in an airstrike in Tehran. Iran and Hamas have both accused Israel  which has not commented  of the killing.

A representative for Meta could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Turkish government, which does not consider Hamas to be a terrorist organization, is holding a day of mourning for Haniyeh on Friday.

Censoring social media is not a novelty in Turkey. According to the Turkish Freedom of Expression Association, more than 712,000 web pages were blocked in the country in 2022. YouTube was banned outright between 2007 to 2010. These actions were taken by implementing an Internet law that went into effect in Turkey in 2007.

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The Instagram logo is seen on an Apple iPhone 6. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

The Turkish authorities blocked social media platform Instagram on Friday, according to state-affiliated news agency DHA, citing the Turkish Information and Communication Technology Authority.

The decision to block access to the site was made on Friday, but it was not initially clear why or for how long.

On Friday morning, users could only access the popular platform by using a protected network connection, known as a virtual private network (VPN).

Cyber rights activist Yaman Akdeniz wrote on X that the reason was "national security and the protection of public order."

The move comes after Turkey's communications director, Fahrettin Altun, on Wednesday accused Instagram of blocking condolence messages for Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas group who was killed the same day. Altun accused the platform of censorship.

However it was initially unclear whether this was why Turkey blocked access to the platform.

Turkey declared a day of national mourning for Haniyeh's death on Friday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a post on X.

Turkey maintains good relations with Hamas, and Erdogan met Haniyeh in Istanbul in April.
Turkey ratified the agreement on a free trade zone with Ukraine on Aug. 2, more than two years after the agreement was originally signed.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the agreement on a free trade zone between Ukraine and Turkey in Kyiv on Feb. 3, 2022, just weeks before Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

The idea for the free trade zone agreement first emerged in 1998, but talks did not officially begin until 2007. Negotiations stalled for years due to disagreements over grains and metal.

Once ratified by both countries, the agreement will "open up new opportunities for duty-free or partially duty-free trade," Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in May.

The deal will also "simplify logistics, which is an important condition for Ukrainian businesses during the war," Svyrydenko said.

Turkish exports to Ukraine already increased from $198 million in 2017 to $1.5 billion in 2022, while Ukrainian exports to Turkey increased from $776 million to $2.59 billion in the same period, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC).

Once the agreement is implemented, Ukraine will abolish import duties for 56% of industrial goods and 11.5% of agricultural goods. Turkey will abolish import duties for 93.4% of industrial goods and 7.6% of agricultural goods.

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The import duties will be abolished further after an implementation period of up to five years for industrial goods and up to 10 years for agricultural goods.

Svyrydenko visited Turkey on Aug. 1, where she discussed the ratification of the agreement with Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat.

The free trade zone should increase mutual trade and "promote the entry of a larger number of Ukrainian and Turkish manufacturers to the markets of our countries," Svyrydenko said.

"After the ratification of the agreement, all countries on the Black Sea coast, with the exception of the Russian Federation, will be united into a single economic space," Svyrydenko added.

The agreement awaits ratification by Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada.

Read also: EU sees no threat to Hungary, Slovakia due to Ukraines Lukoil sanctions so far

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is applying for permits to blow up what is left of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Residents in earshot are concerned about ongoing damage to their communitys infrastructure and homes.

State agencies hosted a public meeting about the demolition in Dundalk on Thursday night.

We need to know. We need to know the day and time you are going to be setting off bombs in our backyard, said Tiffany Cheek, who spoke at the meeting on behalf of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Turner Station.

Cheek added that residents are worried about construction vehicles exacerbating traffic already impacted by the loss of the bridge. MDTA and the Maryland Department of the Environment, which is reviewing the permit applications for demolition, hosted the meeting at the North Point Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library.

Officials explained that the state plans to use explosives on the remaining 11 piers to remove them as far down as 2 feet below the mud line at the bottom of the Patapsco River.

We are working with the agencies to permit this through explosive demolition. That will allow the material to drop down to the river bottom, at which point we will remove the material using clamshell-type buckets, MDTA Director of Project Development Brian Wolfe said at the meeting. MDTA is committed to rebuilding the Key Bridge as quickly as possible while minimizing impacts to aquatic resources.

The environment department approved phase one of the project, which involves mechanical, but not explosive, removal of parts of the bridge, in July, while the second phase is still under review. The agency is taking public comment on the project through Aug. 15. The MDTA said in its Water Quality Certification Request to the environment department that it hopes to begin the demolition project in late summer or fall of this year and that it will take approximately 10 months to complete.

State Del. Ric Metzgar, a Baltimore County Republican, said he thinks the project is moving too fast.

When that ship hit, those properties shook, and not one person has come to check on those properties, and what is going to happen a couple years down the road when all of a sudden we start seeing leaks? Metzgar said. I know everybody is in a hurry to get it built, but we need to take a little bit of time to make sure that what weve got here is safe and feasible. After tonight, I sense a real rush. This was good for me to hear because the rush is on.

Related Articles

Two species of fish federally protected by the Endangered Species Act, the Atlantic sturgeon and the shortnose sturgeon, can be present in the over 8 acres of river that could be impacted by the demolition, according to the MDTAs request.

Linwood Jackson, a retired Bethlehem Steel worker and a Turner Station resident, said he felt his house shake when the bridge collapsed and during demolition this spring, when crews used explosives to dismantle the bridge parts. He added that cranes in the river and workers at Tradepoint Atlantic cutting up bridge spans have all been audible from Turner Station.

When that bridge fell, it shook the community. Homes shook. Were worried about our gas pipes and water. My concern is you blasting this, who is checking the infrastructure to see if youre doing any more additional damage, Jackson said. What Im worried about, since nobody came to test our structures, what happens a year from now, something goes wrong in my house, and the insurance company says we didnt know nothing about this?

A similar hearing for the construction of the new bridge will be held Sept. 17 at the Community College of Baltimore County from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The TV ad war begins in North Carolina as Harris and Trump campaigns go on air

Former President Donald Trump (left ) and Vice President Kamala Harris (right)(Photos: Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images; Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

Presidential ads have arrived in North Carolina  and theyre likely here to stay until November.

Both major campaigns have launched TV ad buys across the state starting in August, with less than 100 days until the election.

Vice President Kamala Harris campaign is blanketing battleground states with advertising through the Democratic National Convention, while former President Donald Trumps campaign moves forward with ads of its own, including in North Carolina. Harris campaign has focused on introducing the new presumptive Democratic nominee to voters in key states and attacking Trump, while the GOP campaign goes after Harris as weak and dangerously liberal.

The initial blitz from both sides of the aisle includes buys in the Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte and Greensboro-High Point-Winston-Salem media markets, according to files submitted to the Federal Communications Commission.

Over the next two weeks, viewers in the Triangle will see ads from both campaigns airing on WRAL during Olympics coverage. Those in Charlotte will see spots during morning and evening news coverage and programming on WBTV. The campaigns are also going on air in the Piedmont, with ad buys on stations in Lexington and Winston-Salem.

The Trump campaigns latest 30-second ad, titled I DONT UNDERSTAND, goes after Harris on immigration policy and crime.

Kamala Harris: Failed. Weak. Dangerously liberal, a narrator says in the ad.

Harris campaign, in its first TV ad titled Fearless, opted for a biographical angle. It displays photos and videos of her through the years as a prosecutor, attorney general and vice president in a 60-second spot. And it attacks Trump on taxes and health care.

Trump is scrambling because his toxic Project 2025 agenda to restrict our freedoms, kill our jobs and raise costs on our families doesnt play well here in North Carolina, the campaigns North Carolina communications director Dory MacMillan said in a statement.

The campaign has touted more than a year of paid media in North Carolina  including in Black and Spanish-speaking outlets  and argues that the Trump teams new ad buy is in response to their continued presence in the state.

The new flurry of spending is the latest signal that both campaigns are taking North Carolina seriously as a battleground state this fall.

Harris is set to hold a rally in the Research Triangle on Thursday alongside her running mate, whom she will introduce on Tuesday. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is also poised to be a prominent campaign surrogate in swing states, Raleighs News and Observer reported this week.

Trump visited Charlotte in late July for a campaign rally, and has continued to visit swing states alongside his VP pick, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio.
Two adults, two kids rescued from stuck elevator at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Becoming stuck in an elevator is a nightmare scenario.

Thats exactly what happened Thursday to four people Thursday at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, authorities said.

Video shows close call of lightning strike encounter in East County

However, firefighters were able to rescue two adults and two kids from the elevator, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, at 8:59 p.m.

No injuries were reported from the incident.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, left, a Kansas Democrat, discusses with members of the Kansas Legislature the 2022 rejection by Kansas voters of a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would restrict access to abortion rights. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, left, a Kansas Democrat, discusses with members of the Kansas Legislature the 2022 rejection by Kansas voters of a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would restrict access to abortion rights. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

OVERLAND PARK  Advocacy organizations with diametrically opposing views on abortion rights Friday marked the two-year anniversary of Kansas voters rejection of an anti-abortion amendment to the Kansas Constitution by offering distinct perspectives on the aftermath of that landslide decision.

The Republican-led Kansas Legislature had worked with anti-abortion lobbyists to craft the proposed amendment and then decided the vote would occur during the August 2022 primary election. After it was set in stone, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that for about 50 years had provided a national foundation for protection of abortion rights.

Abandonment of that legal precedent contributed to rejection of the Kansas constitutional amendment, which was opposed by 59% of voters in the state, and helped spark a broader campaign to protect womens reproductive rights and a familys ability to make private health care decisions.

This week marks the second anniversary of a historic vote, said Ashley All, president of Kansas Coalition for Common Sense. Voters made clear in August 2022 that Kansans deserve the right to privacy and to make our own personal medical decisions about contraception, fertility, pregnancy, miscarriage care and abortion. Elected leaders should listen.

Danielle Underwood, spokeswoman for Kansans for Life, reflected on defeat of the 2022 amendment that was a centerpiece of KFLs lobbying campaign. She alleged, without evidence, that Kansas voters were deeply misled by individuals and organizations that said Kansas health clinics providing abortion services would remain heavily regulated if the amendment failed.

Now the truth is unfolding, Underwood said. Abortion clinics are being allowed to operate without safety and sanitation standards or even medical oversight while the number of women traveling to Kansas for abortions skyrockets.

In July, the Kansas Supreme Court affirmed its 2019 decision that women in the state had a fundamental constitutional right to end a pregnancy. The justices struck down a state law banning a second-trimester abortion method. In a separate decision from the state Supreme Court in July, a collection of state regulations imposed on abortion providers and clinics were declared unconstitutional because the Kansas law exceeded requirements for medical professionals providing comparable health services.

Kris Kobach, the states Republican attorney general, said the high courts decision was as disappointing as it is surprising.

The Kansas Constitution means what the people of Kanas thought the words meant when they voted to ratify those words. When the word liberty was included in the constitution, no one thought they were creating a right to an abortion, Kobach said.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported a record number of out-of-state abortion patients in 2022 that was attributed to enhanced restrictions on the procedure in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas and other states. The number of nonresident patients doubled to nearly 8,500 from 2022 compared to 2021. The number of Kansas abortions in 2022 provided to residents of the state fell to 3,843  a decline of nearly 100 from the previous year.

Two years later

In an Overland Park coffee shop on Friday morning, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of the 3rd District in Kansas and six members of the Kansas Legislature who also embraced reproductive rights discussed the constitutional amendment vote and how the political landscape had shifted since then.

Davids, who is seeking reelection but doesnt have a primary opponent, said it was ironic U.S. House members who argued it was important to return jurisdiction over abortion to the states by overturning Roe v. Wad had continued to introduce federal legislation to restrict access to abortion.

Every single one of us knows that our state has spoken loud and clear, Davids said. To continue to have to push back against these things at the federal level is not only frustrating, its unacceptable. It flies in the face of the voters will. Im always going to fight for protecting access to the full range of reproductive health care. Now, we have to talk about things like IVF, contraception and abortion.

Davids endorsed the Womens Health Protection Act, which would guarantee abortion access in all states across the country.

State Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, a Lenexa Democrat, said she recalled celebrating the vote two years ago that protected the state Supreme Court decision that said the right of women to end a pregnancy was embedded in the state constitutions Bill of Rights.

She said states with abortion bans had placed physicians in jeopardy while womens lives were left to hang in the balance.

Weve had the two years to watch whats happened in the states with dangerous abortion bans, Hoye said. We have seen husbands pleading for care for their wives. Weve seen women having miscarriages in hospital bathrooms being denied life-saving care. Kansas women can help by continuing our big fight and setting a model to those states.

Several of the Democrats at the coffee shop raised objections about the anniversary statement of Kansans for Life, the states most prominent anti-abortion group.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, said the commentary from Kansans for Life incorrectly characterized the regulatory climate for abortion clinics.

There are standards in place, she said. Once again, its the fearmongering. Obviously, the people out there  the general public  dont know the standards. Its very easy to make those claims.

Valuing women

State Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, D-Lenexa, said she recalled the Legislatures deliberations in 2021 about language of the proposed anti-abortion constitutional amendment. She was struck by votes of Republican legislators who rejected attempts to amend the text to provide an exemption to protect the life of a pregnant woman.

I witnessed every single Republican, in both chambers, vote no to exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother in the August 2nd amendment, she said. Thats when I knew that they did not, in fact, value women.

Underwood, the Kansans for Life spokeswoman, said the development of 23 pregnancy resource centers in Kansas and $2 million appropriated by the Legislature to the centers showed there were people in Kansas who would never abandon women and babies and would serve as a counterweight to the profit-driven abortion industry.

In the last two state legislative sessions, about 20 bills were introduced each year that would in some way limit opportunities for families to make decisions about reproductive health.

During the 2024 legislative session, at least 110 House or Senate members voted against abortion-rights legislation. Sixty-six of those lawmakers voted against the will of voters in their districts as expressed in the 2022 amendment to the constitution.

State Sen. Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat who serves as the Senates minority leader, said the flood of anti-abortion legislation would continue in the upcoming 2025 session.

I think next year they will be more emboldened, she said. They want to ban abortion and take away womens rights. I think the majority of people who are bringing these bills want to eliminate contraception.
(KRON)  A man was arrested on Tuesday after he tried to lure children into a bathroom stall at a Berkeley park on Tuesday, the Berkeley Police Department said. It was one of two incidents of strangers approaching children at local parks that happened this week.

BPD was called to Shorebird Park at about 3:15 p.m. for the report of someone trying to contact kids inside the restroom near the nature center (160 University Ave). The bathroom is near a youth camp at the park, police said.

Cold cases added to San Joses Most Wanted list

The suspect was still inside the bathroom when officers arrived. They also identified two young victims.

The suspect was arrested for annoying or molesting children under the age of 18 and identified as Kerry Wiley, 65.

On Wednesday, BPD was called to Strawberry Creek Park for the report of a summer camp attendee being touched inappropriately on the stomach. Park employees found the suspect, who was not part of the camp program.

A BPD investigation confirmed that the man, identified as Francisco Carrillo-Perez, 53, touched a minor on the stomach and gave them a high five. He had an outstanding warrant and was arrested for annoying or molesting a victim under the age of 18.

The Berkeley Police Department would like to remind the community to talk with their children about stranger danger. Its always a good idea to use the buddy system and never travel alone in a public place. Reminding your children what to look for, what to listen for, and how to remain safe is crucial to their safety, BPD said.

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A police officer loads the group's logo on a truck at the site of the rocker group "Hells Angels MC Berlin Central" in Berlin. Paul Zinken/Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH/dpa

A German court has acquitted two members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang following a two-year murder trial.

The judges at Duisburg Regional Court said on Friday that the two suspects could not be proven to have played a role in the grisly killing of a fellow Hells Angels member in 2014.

The victim - a gang member suspected of treason - was killed by a shot to the back of the head. The body was dismembered, stowed in barrels, covered in concrete and dumped in the water.

But despite the extensive effort to conceal the crime, walkers discovered a severed tattooed arm of the dead man in the Rhine river near the city of Duisburg.

Two Hells Angels members were on trial: A 37-year-old man who allegedly handed the gun to the shooter and a 45-year-old man who, according to the prosecution, cut up the body with an angle grinder after the crime.

The actual shooter absconded abroad, where he has since died.

The trial was largely based on the testimony of a key witness for the prosecution who had incriminated the 37-year-old in particular.

But the account of the witness changed in the course of the trial and aspects of his testimony could not be corroborated. Judges said that these contradictions left them no option but to acquit the two defendants.

Prosecutors had demanded life imprisonment for the 37-year-old. They had requested the 45-year-old receive four years and 10 months in prison for attempted obstruction of justice.

The Hells Angels are known for drug trafficking, protection rackets, forced prostitution, arms smuggling and money laundering. The club was formed in the United States in 1948 and there are chapters around the world.
Two men sentenced for in-flight sexual assaults on Seattle-bound flights

Two men received prison sentences in U.S. District Court in Seattle for separate incidents of sexually assaulting passengers on flights to the city, according to the Department of Justice.

Indian citizen Abhinav Kumar, 39, was sentenced to 15 months in prison following his May 2024 conviction for abusive sexual contact.

Desmond D. Bostick received a nine-month sentence after pleading guilty to assault with intent to commit a felony in April 2024.

U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead imposed both sentences.

Kumar was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on February 18 after groping a 17-year-old girl on an Emirates flight from Dubai.

The victim was traveling with family members seated nearby.

Kumar was convicted after a three-day trial, where evidence showed he engaged the victim in conversation and later assaulted her while she was trying to sleep.

Prosecutors had asked for a 21-month sentence, arguing Kumar took advantage of a vulnerable teenager, causing her lasting trauma.

The victim described the assault as a persistent, haunting presence in her life.

In the second case, 25-year-old Bostick, from Federal Way, admitted to the sexual motivation behind his assault on a 24-year-old woman during a June 2023 Alaska Airlines flight from San Diego to Seattle.

Bostick repeatedly touched the victim on the thigh and buttocks.

After the flight, the victim reported the incident, leading to an investigation and Bosticks arrest by the FBI in February 2024.

Prosecutors stressed the need for deterrence, highlighting the serious problem of sexual offenses on airplanes.

Judge Whitehead told Bostick, To characterize your conduct as a lapse of judgment would be to divorce your conduct from its true ugliness.

Following his prison term, Bostick will serve three years of supervised release.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Two suspects in two different out-of-state murder cases were arrested by federal agents in Utah over the last week, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Both arrests were done by the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (VFAST) with the help of the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office.

Nevada fugitive wanted murder of 25-year-old woman

The first arrest took place on Monday, July 29, in Saratoga Springs when Robert Matthew Richards, 39, was arrested in connection with the murder of Sara Arlene Filiatraut, 25.

Filiatraut was found dead on May 22, 2024, in Nevada after being reported missing just a month earlier. Early in the investigation, Richards was identified as a suspect as he was working and staying in the area at the time Filiatraut went missing. He allegedly fled Nevada a short time after her disappearance.

At first, detectives learned Richards had been working and staying in Colorado. Through the investigation, he was again tracked to an apartment complex in Saratoga Springs. VFAST agents set up surveillance in the area and spotted Richards arriving in a white pick-up truck. He was then safely taken into custody.

According to the Lyon County Sheriffs Office in Nevada, Richards was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail where he will remain until he is extradited to face trial for Filatrauts murder.

Customers of house-flipping scheme tied to HGTV stars to receive $12M in refund checks

California fugitive wanted for residential break-in and murder

The second arrest happened on Wednesday, July 31, at an apartment complex in Vineyard.

Leimaunaloa Aholelei, who was wanted as one of several suspects to force their way into a San Jose, Calif. home before killing the resident, was safely taken into custody.

Details on the murder case were not made readily available, but investigators said they had developed several leads regarding Aholelei. Among those leads, included the possibility that Aholelei had fled from California to Utah.

VFAST agents in Utah were contacted to follow up on the numerous leads, who were then able to track Aholelei to the Vineyard apartment complex. Agents reported they needed to force entry into the apartment, where Aholelei reportedly surrendered.

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The U.K. government has raised concerns with the BBC after Huw Edwards, once the broadcasters highest-paid news anchor and most recognizable presenter, pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children earlier this week.

The 62-year-old, who led landmark coverage for the BBC, including its announcement of Queen Elizabeth IIs death and the London 2012 Olympics, was arrested in November  a development only shared with the public this week  and charged last month. On Wednesday, he made his pleas during a brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in the U.K. capital.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

The offenses are alleged to have taken place between 2020 and 2022. Edwards admitted having 41 indecent images of children, sent to him by another man on WhatsApp. This included seven category A images, the most severe classification, two of which showed a child between seven and nine, the court heard.

The Metropolitan Police also revealed the man who sent the images to Edwards was a convicted pedophile. The anchorman, who hosted the BBCs flagship News at Ten program, arrived at the court expressionless and flanked by eight police officers. He faces a jail sentence.

The U.K.s top broadcaster is now facing a grilling on just what it knew about Edwards behavior and when, as well as why he wasnt sacked as soon as they were alerted of his arrest. An arrest might not have been sufficient enough to fire him, especially if it later turned out the BBC axed Edwards over claims that werent true. But if keeping him on as an employee and continuing to pay his vast salary for five months after the arrest was a call from top execs at the BBC, the optics could lead to some reputational fallout.

The culture secretary, Labours Lisa Nandy, spoke to BBCs director-general, Tim Davie, on the phone Thursday to question the organizations handling of the case. A spokesperson for the U.K.s Department of Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) told The Hollywood Reporter on Friday that Nandy is shocked by Edwards abhorrent actions. The DCMS said it is now up to the judiciary to decide on an appropriate sentence for the former news anchor.

The BBC is operationally and editorially independent, but given the incredibly serious nature of this issue, the Secretary of State has spoken to the BBC to raise concerns on a number of points regarding the handling of their own investigations into Huw Edwards, what safeguards and processes had been followed in this case, and additionally, what further action may be taken, especially with regard to the handling of license fee payers money, the spokesperson continued.

Nandy sought assurance from Davie that the BBC has robust processes in place regarding non-editorial complaints and the handling of complex contractual matters, so that in future it can act at pace and be transparent with the public at the earliest opportunity to ensure trust is maintained.

She has asked to be kept updated by the BBC on future developments in this particular case.

The BBC was told by the Metropolitan Police in strict confidence that Edwards was arrested in November.

In an interview with BBC News on Thursday, Davie said the corporation had taken difficult decisions in a fair and judicious manner. Edwards was, at his peak, paid a salary of 475,000 pounds (around $605,000), but in the months after his suspension received an annual salary of 200,000 pounds ($254,000).

We knew it was serious, we knew no specifics, apart from the category of the potential offenses, Davie said. He said bosses at the BBC were not aware of the ages of the children in the images, and when asked why Edwards was not sacked at the time of his arrest, Davie responded: Because the police came to us and said they need to do their work in total confidence, [and said], please keep this confidential.'

We thought long and hard about this. This wasnt a knee-jerk decision. When you think about this in terms of precedent, people do get arrested, and then weve had situations where [there are] no charges, and theres nothing there to be followed up on. He added that the BBC also had to consider its duty of care to Edwards.

Under British law, images can mean photos or videos. Making indecent images covers a range of actions per its legal definition. It can, for example, include opening an email attachment with an image, downloading an image from a website to a screen; storing an image on a computer; accessing a pornographic website in which images appear in pop-up windows; or receiving an image via social media, even if unsolicited and if part of a group; as well as live-streaming images of children.

The BBC suspended Edwards in July last year, over allegations, also made by The Sun, that he paid a teenager for sexually explicit photos. Police did not take any action against Edwards relating to those claims, saying there was no evidence that a criminal offense had been committed.

As these allegations emerged, Edwards was confirmed by his wife, Vicky Flind, to be in hospital with serious mental health issues last summer. After taking a 10-month leave of absence, Edwards resigned from the BBC in April on medical grounds.

In a separate statement following Edwards plea, the BBC said it was shocked to hear the details that emerged in court. There can be no place for such abhorrent behavior and our thoughts are with all those affected, a spokesperson said Wednesday.

The BBC as his employer at the time was made aware in confidence that he had been arrested on suspicion of serious offences and released on bail whilst the police continued their investigation, the BBC continued. However, no charges had been brought against Edwards at this time and the broadcaster had been aware of significant risk to his health.

The BBC then said it had only learned the conclusion of the police process in the details revealed in court Wednesday. If at any point during the period Mr Edwards was employed by the BBC he had been charged, the BBC had determined it would act immediately to dismiss him.

In the end, at the point of charge he was no longer an employee of the BBC, it continued. But during this period and in the usual way, the BBC kept its corporate management of these issues separate from its independent editorial functions.

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The devastation of the Amazon rainforest is among the issues the Panamerican Congress may seek to address. A clear-cut portion of rainforest in Belterra, in Brazil's Para state, is shown above. (Brazil Photos / LightRocket / Getty Images)

A group of U.S. lawmakers is meeting this week with Latin American counterparts to form a new multinational congress to tackle thorny cross-border issues such as climate change and migration throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Organizers say the newly formed Panamerican Congress will differ from the European Union Parliament because it wont make laws for the region. Nor, they say, is it to be seen as an alternative to the Organization of American States, the largest regional body that is often criticized for supposedly being dominated by Washington.

Instead organizers hope the new body will create a fresh forum to brainstorm ideas and come up with policies to address persistent regional problems.

Instead of the old model of the United States trying to dominate Latin America, we should be working with Latin America to survive climate change and address joint economic needs, among other issues, Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) said in an interview.

We need new models to replace the Monroe Doctrine, he added, referring to the 19th century U.S. policy that discouraged European interference in Latin America but was also used at times to assert U.S. dominance over the hemisphere.

In addition to the United States, seven other countries from around the hemisphere will be represented at the gathering in the Colombian capital of Bogota.

Casar is one of three Democratic U.S. Congress members  along with the legislative affairs director for a fourth  forming the delegation from here. The delegation also includes Reps. Jesus Garcia and Delia Ramirez, both of Illinois.

Besides Colombia, the other nations participating are Brazil, Canada, Chile, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. Most are led by progressive governments, and their representatives at the congress are primarily from left-leaning political parties.

The three-day meeting will begin Saturday. Host country Colombia, governed by the first leftist president in its history, Gustavo Petro, will open the congress with Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo.

It is being organized from Washington by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a progressive think tank, which invited a limited group of Democratic lawmakers who are focused on Latin America.

The challenges plaguing our hemisphere  democratic backsliding, climate crisis, deep poverty, political violence, family displacement  are too urgent, too significant for any one nation to address alone, Rep. Delia Ramirez of Illinois, another member of the U.S. delegation, said in a statement. The Panamerican Congress convenes the legislators and leaders from across the Americas committed to realizing a future of justice, peace, and stability throughout the continent  together.

As an example of what the congress has the potential to do, Casar pointed to discussions he had with counterparts on the Amazon rainforest and the vast devastation the region is suffering. As a result, he lobbied in support of a Biden commitment of $100 million a year for five years for the Amazon Fund, a Brazilian investment initiative dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Amazon basin. (About $50 million was delivered to the fund, but ultimately the GOP-controlled House blocked additional money, Casars office said.)

It is encouraging to see U.S. legislators, who have been largely absent from regional dialogue efforts historically, engaging in extensive discussions with their regional peers in a spirit of mutual respect and equality, said Alex Main, who heads international policy for the Center for Economic and Policy Research.

Casar said that the Biden administration has made progress in some areas, such as addressing the root causes of illegal immigration to the U.S. and taking steps to reduce the use of fossil fuels that are heating up the planet. But theres still a long way to go, he added.

We started to see a real shift, but in [the U.S.] Congress we are way behind, he said. We have to pick up the pace.

It is unclear how much influence the Panamerican Congress ultimately can have. It will be seen as a progressive effort, which means there is little chance for bipartisan support in the U.S. There will probably be similar reluctance to participate in more conservative-led governments of Latin America and the Caribbean.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)  United States Postal Service customers in Conway have not been receiving their letter mail or packages for the past few weeks.

They have needed to pick up their mail at the North Main post office. Earlier this week, several Horry County residents contacted News13 about issues with their mail delivery.

On Tuesday and Thursday, News13 visited the post office on N. Main Street in Conway and saw long lines with many upset customers. Both days, customers were waiting 45 minutes to an hour and a half to pick up letters and packages that were never delivered to their homes.

Many customers said they havent received their letter mail in days, or even weeks. Therefore, they picked up their mail themselves.

Others said they ordered packages to be delivered to their homes and received notifications from the U.S. Postal Service that their packages were out for delivery. But days later, they received alerts saying they needed to come pick up their packages from the post office instead. In some cases, the postal service did not provide reasons for the change.

However, other customers received reasons for why their packages couldnt be delivered. These reasons include a car blocking the customers driveway and a mail carrier unable to get to a mailbox. But customers told News13 these reasons were not true.

Matthew Hand was a customer who received a similar reason.

The reason why Im here today is because I received a letter saying that a stroller wouldnt fit in the mailbox, and they wouldnt drop it off at the front door, Hand said. So, I spoke to the delivery lady, and she said I had to pick it up at the USPS.

News13 was unable to talk to a Conway post office employee because the employees said they were busy trying to help their customers.

But on Tuesday, Hand said the employees had not made the cause of the issues clear. Also, before that day, Hand did not know other Conway residents were having similar experiences.

I came here with my wife the other day, and I saw a similar line, and we left, he said. So, this is the first time that Im hearing that its an issue for more people than just myself.

Hand said he and his wife called the postal service to get details on the delivery issues and to try to resolve their own, but they did not receive the help they were hoping for.

The only complaint that we made was one on the phone, he said. It took us a while to get through. They said that they submitted a complaint, but it didnt go anywhere. And now there are a lot of people complaining, and it doesnt seem like theres any resolution.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Postal Service released a statement to News13 about the issues at the Conway post office and how they are working to resolve them:

The Postal Service plays an important role in the community, and our employees are committed to providing the outstanding service that our customers expect and deserve. To achieve that goal, we are continually evaluating our operations to develop and implement ways to deliver mail and packages in the most efficient and accurate manner. Regarding service provided by the Conway Post Office, adjustments were recently made to some mail routes in order to accommodate significant growth in the area. When such changes are made, the Postal Service takes all steps to ensure the process is seamless for our customers. Unfortunately, rare instances of mail delivery issues can occur following such adjustments, which are temporary and quickly resolved. We apologize to our valued customers for any inconvenience they may have experienced. Local management is working diligently to resolve any service issues in the Conway community. This includes ongoing hiring efforts to improve staffing levels as growth in the Conway community continues. We continue to aggressively seek out new employees and encourage job seekers to apply at www.usps.com/careers. If any customer has an issue, they should call our national hotline at 1 800 ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or visit us on our website at www.usps.com/help for assistance. We appreciate our customers and thank them for their patience as we continue our focus on service improvement.

A customer at the Conway post office told News13 on Thursday that the postal service had not taken his outgoing mail from his mailbox for a week.

Another customer had a package for pickup and a package out for delivery. But when she picked up the package from the post office, she realized it was the package that was supposed to be delivered home.

The customers News13 spoke to this week are hoping all the delivery issues are resolved as soon as possible.

* * *

Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

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DES MOINES  The principal who helped save students in a school shooting in Perry in January will be among the Iowans honored for their character during an annual awards ceremony presented by Drake Universitys Robert D. and Billie Ray Center.

Dan Marburger, 56, was critically injured during the Jan. 4 shooting at Perry High School. He died 10 days later.

He posthumously will receive the Character Champion Award at the 2024 Iowa Character Awards on Friday night at Prairie Meadows Event Center in Altoona. Twelve individuals and groups will be recognized for their exceptional character, according to a news release.

Investigators said Marburger acted selflessly and placed himself in harms way in an apparent effort to protect his students.

Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks said Marburger, Perry High School principal since 1997, was a hero who intervened with the teenage gunman so students could escape, according to the Associated Press.

A news release announcing the awards said Marburger believed all students deserve access to high-quality education and supported each student who walked through his halls. He felt that everyone had value and purpose.

Dan saved numerous lives during an active shooter event on Jan. 4, 2024, at Perry High School, the news release stated. His selflessness that day is perhaps the biggest example of Dans character and his love for his students and the Perry community.

The ceremony will be posted online at iowacharacterawards.org.

According to the Ray Center, the organization annually recognizes Iowans who show six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. More than 200 Iowans have been honored since 2005.

Other honorees this year are:

Alan Steckman of Mason City, and Carter Hammer of Sioux City, Citizens of Character.

Shelby Griebat of Tipton, Aaron Eilerts Community Service Award.

Katie Hoover of West Des Moines, Educator of Character.

Iowa League of Heroes, of Cumming, Organization of Character.

Dallas Center-Grimes Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Organization of Character.

Clear Creek Elementary in Clear Lake, School of Character.

 Dubuque, Community of Character.

 Elite Casino Resorts, Partner of the Year.

 Jean Berger of Dexter, Jim Hallihan Pursuing Victory with Honor Award.

 Marta Codina of Des Moines, Robert D. and Billie Ray Pillar of Character Award.

 Honorable mention recipients are Citizens of Character Sherrlyn Hartle of Grimes, Jamie Smith of Dike, Payton Kokke of Mitchellville, and Charley Warren of Mitchellville; Educators of Character Ryan Austin of Johnston, Catie Brand of Pella and Jen Lobeck of Madrid; and Business of Character Genesis Youth Foundation of Des Moines.
Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has said he has 80% of the tally sheets from Sunday's presidential election and they show that he bested the nation's authoritarian leader, Nicolas Maduro. Photo courtesy of Edumndo Gonzalez Urrutia/Facebook

Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The United States on Thursday night recognized opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of Venezuela's recent presidential election, as the Biden administration plies pressure upon the South American country's authoritarian leader to start peaceful transition talks.

"Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela's July 28 presidential election," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

Electoral data overwhelmingly demonstrate the will of the Venezuelan people: democratic opposition candidate @EdmundoGU won the most votes in Sunday's election. Venezuelans have voted, and their votes must count. Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 2, 2024

The election was held Sunday. Venezuela's state-run election commission widely known as CNE was quick to declare President Nicolas Maduro victor to a third term in office.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday night announced that the United States recognizes opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of Venezuela's recent presidential election. File Photo by NATO Presse/UPI

After the election results were announced, Maduro claimed victory and Gonzalez rejected the results. Pro-democracy protests have erupted nationwide, resulting in 711 arrests and 11 deaths, according to the Foro Penal human rights group.

The CNE and Maduro have yet to provide proof of the election results, while the opposition has published more than 80% of the tally sheets it received directly from polling stations that Blinken said indicate Gonzalez was elected president "by an insurmountable margin."

Many nations have come out in support of Gonzalez with the United States being the most significant powerbroker. However, it stopped short of recognizing Gonzalez as president of Venezuela as the former Trump administration had of former opposition leader Juan Guaido following the Caribbean nation's presidential election of 2019, after which the U.S. led a failed attempt to oust Maduro.

The Carter Center said Tuesday that the election "did not meet international standards of electoral integrity and cannot be considered democratic."

On Wednesday, the Organization of American States, a multilateral regional body of of 34 member countries, including both the United States and Venezuela, published a 22-page report that states figures presented by CNE contain "arithmetical errors" and that the events of the election night "confirm the existence of a coordinated strategy, which has been unfolding over the last few months, to undermine the integrity of the electoral process."

"The evidence denotes an attempt by the regime to disregard the will of the majority expressed at the ballot box by millions of Venezuelan men and women," the report stated.

"The regime of Nicolas Maduro has once again betrayed the Venezuelan people, claiming to respect the will of the people while doing everything possible to manipulate and disregard that will."

Heading into the election, there was cause to worry about its outcome as opposition politicians had been arrested and disqualified from running and Maduro had withdrawn an invitation to European Union election observers.

Human Rights Watch described the election as being "severely marred."

Despite the obstacles, the election was widely viewed at the best chance to unseat Maduro, who has led the country since Hugo Chavez died in 2013. His re-election in 2018 was also met with domestic and international condemnation for being illegitimate.

"Now is the time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people," Blinken said in the statement.

"We fully support the process of re-establishing democratic norms in Venezuela and stand ready to consider ways to bolster it jointly with our international partners."
U.S. Rep.Andy Ogles voted for Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan rather than frontrunner Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California for House Speaker. (Photo: John Partipilo)

U.S. Rep.Andy Ogles (Photo: John Partipilo)

Columbia Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles soundly defeated Metro Nashville Council member Courtney Johnston Thursday in the August Republican primary.

Ogless win, by a margin of 55% to 44% when the Associated Press called the race around 8:30 p.m. Thursday, sets him up to face Democrat Maryam Abolfazli in the November general election in a seat that leans heavily towards the Republican Party.

Abolfazli is the founder of the nonprofit Rise and Shine Tennessee. She has become a frequent face at the state capitol, advocating for stricter gun laws and better public education funding.

She was also the plaintiff in the American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit against state House Speaker Cameron Sextons rules to ban signs during hearings.

Ogles is the former mayor of Maury County and used to work as a lobbyist for Americans for Prosperity in Tennessee. Hes a member of the U.S. House Freedom Caucus, which serves as the most ideological right-wing part of the Republican Party.

Courtney Johnston and husband Daniel at her Thursday campaign event as she conceded the 5th District Republican primary. (Photo: Holly McCall)

Political action committees for Americans for Prosperity and the House Freedom Caucus spent almost $300,000 to independently back Ogles, who ran his most recent campaign on a past endorsement by President Donald Trump and unwavering support for gun rights.

Ogles also tried to brandish his conservative credentials in the final weeks of the campaign by filing articles of impeachment against Vice President Kamala Harris after she became the presumptive presidential nominee for the Democratic Party.

During his time in Congress, Ogles was one of the 20 members who initially held out on supporting U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in his quest for the speakership at the start of 2023.

Ogles has also faced allegations that he embellished his resume and lied about how he would use funds raised through GoFundMe, according to reports from NewsChannel 5. He also admitted to wrongly reporting that he loaned his campaign $320,000 in 2022 during a pivotal fundraising time.

Proxy battle

The Ogles-Johnston race served as a proxy between the Nashville-based wing of the Republican Party and more suburban and rural parts of surrounding Columbia and Franklin.

Ogles first won the seat in 2022 after defeating former Republican state House Speaker Beth Harwell, and Brigadier General Kurt Winstead, both from Nashville. In that race, Ogles managed to win over about a third of primary voters, leaving open the hope among Republicans living in Tennessees capital that he could be defeated in a one-on-one primary matchup.

A political action committee called Conservatives With Character backing Johnston raised and spent nearly $640,000, blanketing the airwaves with commercials attacking Ogles in the final weeks of the campaign.

Former Hendersonville Republican State Rep. Randy Stamps is the director Conservatives With Character. The Best of Tennessee, another political action committee that claims to be bipartisan, gave $120,000 to Conservatives With Character.

The Best of Tennessee does not disclose all its donors, but is run by Knoxville-turned-Nashville lawyer Chloe Akers alongside longtime Nashville Republican political operatives Tom Ingram and Kim Kaegi.

Democrat Jim Cooper represented Tennessees 5th District, which at that time encompassed all of Metropolitan Nashville, for about two decades. Cooper announced he would not run for reelection after state Republicans split Nashville across three districts, and Ogles won the newly drawn 5th District seat in 2022. The split means no U.S. congressman representing Nashville is currently from the city.

The district has a Republican partisan lean of +11 percentage points, roughly the same margin by which Ogles won the 2022 general election over Democrat state Sen. Heidi Campbell.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) looks over his talking points in support of the 'No Kings Act' inside his Cranston office on Aug. 2, 2024. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Like many Democrats, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) was appalled when the Supreme Court last month ruled former President Donald Trump was immune from criminal prosecution for any action done in an official context.

Thats just preposterous, Reed said in an interview at his Cranston office Friday. I think the court has done a tremendous disservice to both the Constitution and to the presidency.

Thats why the Ocean States senior senator signed his name onto legislation that aims to negate that decision.

The No Kings Act, introduced Thursday by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), reaffirms that presidents and vice presidents do not have legal immunity from actions that violate federal criminal law. The bill, which has 32 other co-sponsors, including Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) also removes the courts jurisdiction over presidential prosecutions and clarifies that Congress determines who is subject to federal criminal laws, not the Supreme Court.

I think thats critical, Reed said. No one is above the law  that is the essence of the original founding of this country.

That feeling has been echoed by President Joe Biden, who earlier in the week called on Congress to ratify a constitutional amendment limiting presidential immunity. A resolution was filed in the U.S. House of Representatives, where it was referred to the chambers Committee on Judiciary.

The House resolution has 70 co-sponsors, including U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.). Rhode Islands freshman Rep. Gabe Amo has not co-sponsored the push to create a new amendment, but intends to sign on during the Houses pro forma session Aug. 6, said office spokesperson Guillermo Perez.

The Supreme Court issued a dangerous decision in Trump v. United States that expanded presidential immunity for official acts, Amo said in a statement Friday. No one should be above the law.

But adding a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate, along with ratification from three-fourths of state legislatures  which is unlikely to happen in todays polarized climate.

Still, Rhode Islands congressional delegation sees taking legislative action as a way to provide oversight on what they view as a rogue Supreme Court majority.

Congress has the power to undo the damage of this decision and to clean up the rest of the mess at the Roberts Court, Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement Thursday.

Congress may have the power to check the Supreme Court on its decision, but such a reform faces long odds of surpassing the 60-vote threshold needed to avoid a filibuster. Even so, Reed said he believes his colleagues across the aisle could sign on if theres enough pressure from their constituents.

This is not just for their president, its for every president going forward, he said.

Undoing the courts immunity decision is just one reform Reed said needs to be undertaken. He also highlighted Whitehouses proposal to create an enforceable code of ethics for the nine justices.

The nations highest court took up their own code of ethics last year after facing scrutiny over undisclosed trips and gifts from wealthy political donors to some justices such as Clarence Thomas.

Its outrageous, Reed said. It used to be that the court had tremendous respect  its been a profound change, and not a good one.

Whitehouses legislation was approved in committee in June 2023, but has yet to make it to the floor. The states junior U.S. senator told reporters at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport Monday he was given a solid commitment by Schumer that the bill would be taken up in the near future.

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U.S. Senate panel looks for ways to aid electric vehicle industry

Electric vehicles sales are expected to surge over the next 10 years and legislators around the country are debating who should build the electric charging stations that will be needed  electric utilities or private businesses? The 10-port charging station at JFK airport in New York is part of a joint initiative by the New York Power Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Electric vehicles sales are expected to surge over the next 10 years and legislators around the country are debating who should build the electric charging stations that will be needed  electric utilities or private businesses? The 10-port charging station at JFK airport in New York is part of a joint initiative by the New York Power Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Budget Committee discussed on Wednesday ways to boost U.S. electric vehicle manufacturing to be more competitive globally.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, the Democratic chairman of the committee, began a hearing Wednesday by calling electric vehicle production an economic, national security and climate imperative.

Whitehouse highlighted the expanding global market for electric vehicles, noting that in 2023, 20% of vehicles sold around the world were electric.

We want to be a part of that action, Whitehouse said.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican, requested the hearing. He pointed out several times the automotive industrys importance to the state. South Carolina is a national leader in vehicle assembly and the top tire exporter in the country, according to the states Department of Commerce.

Graham said the future of vehicle manufacturing is in electric vehicles and urged policies to remain competitive in the global automobile market.

His position was out of step from many in his party.

Republicans have voiced opposition to increased electric vehicle manufacturing and many oppose President Joe Bidens goal of having 50% of vehicle sales be electric by 2030. Former President Donald Trump opposes Bidens support of electric vehicles and said it would ruin the economies of automaker states.

But Graham, a Trump ally and a staunchly conservative lawmaker, embraced the idea of U.S. electric vehicle manufacturing and looked to strengthen U.S. infrastructure.

So the bottom line is: This is coming, whether we like it or not, Graham said. And I think theres an upside to it, to be honest with you.

Strain on the grid

Several lawmakers raised concerns in the hearing over whether the electric grid could handle increased demand from electric vehicle charging.

Graham raised the question of where the power will come from to fuel a larger fleet of electric cars.

Grid demand will go through the roof, if half of cars in use are electric, he said. How can you generate enough power to accommodate electric vehicles?

Jesse Jenkins, a professor of engineering and energy systems at Princeton University, said by 2035 electric vehicles will consume 17% of current total U.S. electricity.

To put it another way, by 2035, EVs will consume nearly as much electricity as is produced today by the entire fleet of nuclear power plants or all non hydro-renewables combined, Jenkins said.

Britta Gross, the director of transportation at the Electric Power Research Institute, said strain on the grid from electric vehicles could be minimized by charging at off-peak hours.

Power demand is typically highest in the mornings and evenings. Charging vehicles at night when demand is low can help minimize the new grid investments and ensure an affordable transition, she said.

China debate

International competition was another highly discussed topic in Wednesdays hearing.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat from Michigan, a state with a large automotive industry, raised concerns about the U.S.s ability to compete with China, which leads the world in electric vehicle manufacturing and has poured government funds into subsidies and tax breaks to promote electric car development.

There is not a level playing field, said Stabenow. Specifically, China is coming for us.

David Schwietert, the chief government affairs and policy officer for the Alliance For Automotive Innovation, told the committee that Congress must provide incentives for manufacturers to build resilience for the future of electric vehicle production.

We need to look beyond just five or 10 years, Schwietert said. We need to ensure that policies are in place to ensure the U.S. is protected, not just tomorrow but well beyond.

Graham also pressed witnesses about Chinas position in the global electric vehicle market, asking Maureen Hinman, co-founder and chairwoman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, a bipartisan economic policy institute, if Chinese dominance in the market was irreversible.

Absolutely not, Hinman said. I think the U.S. and its allies and friends, if we move quickly to create agile, responsive and coordinated policies, could flip the script and reestablish market dynamics in a global economy.

GOP skepticism

Not all Republicans on the committee were as welcoming to the electric vehicle conversation as Graham.

Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, said he was not opposed to electric vehicles and that he owns a plug-in hybrid car, but that the government should not spend to entice manufacturing and ownership of the vehicles.

Why do we need government subsidies? Johnson asked witnesses. I would say you dont.

Let the marketplace dictate the speed of this innovation. Stop subsidizing this, he said.

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana also pressed witnesses on the need for subsidies, repeatedly asking if theyre so swell, how come we have to pay people to buy them?

Kennedy speculated that many Americans have to be incentivized to buy electric vehicles because they are more expensive to operate. The median household income in Louisiana is $55,000 a year, which is below the national median, he pointed out.

A study by the environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council found that while electric vehicles are just under $3,000 more up front than a gas-powered car, they ultimately cost less to fuel and maintain over time.

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U.S. Senate panel looks for ways to aid electric vehicle industry

A driver uses a fast-charging station for electric vehicles at John F. Kennedy airport on April 2, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Budget Committee discussed on Wednesday ways to boost U.S. electric vehicle manufacturing to be more competitive globally.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, the Democratic chairman of the committee, began a hearing Wednesday by calling electric vehicle production an economic, national security and climate imperative.

Whitehouse highlighted the expanding global market for electric vehicles, noting that in 2023, 20% of vehicles sold around the world were electric.

We want to be a part of that action, Whitehouse said.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican, requested the hearing. He pointed out several times the automotive industrys importance to the state. South Carolina is a national leader in vehicle assembly and the top tire exporter in the country, according to the states Department of Commerce.

Graham said the future of vehicle manufacturing is in electric vehicles and urged policies to remain competitive in the global automobile market.

His position was out of step from many in his party.

Republicans have voiced opposition to increased electric vehicle manufacturing and many oppose President Joe Bidens goal of having 50% of vehicle sales be electric by 2030. Former President Donald Trump opposes Bidens support of electric vehicles and said it would ruin the economies of automaker states.

But Graham, a Trump ally and a staunchly conservative lawmaker, embraced the idea of U.S. electric vehicle manufacturing and looked to strengthen U.S. infrastructure.

So the bottom line is: This is coming, whether we like it or not, Graham said. And I think theres an upside to it, to be honest with you.

Strain on the grid

Several lawmakers raised concerns in the hearing over whether the electric grid could handle increased demand from electric vehicle charging.

Graham raised the question of where the power will come from to fuel a larger fleet of electric cars.

Grid demand will go through the roof, if half of cars in use are electric, he said. How can you generate enough power to accommodate electric vehicles?

Jesse Jenkins, a professor of engineering and energy systems at Princeton University, said by 2035 electric vehicles will consume 17% of current total U.S. electricity.

To put it another way, by 2035, EVs will consume nearly as much electricity as is produced today by the entire fleet of nuclear power plants or all non hydro-renewables combined, Jenkins said.

Britta Gross, the director of transportation at the Electric Power Research Institute, said strain on the grid from electric vehicles could be minimized by charging at off-peak hours.

Power demand is typically highest in the mornings and evenings. Charging vehicles at night when demand is low can help minimize the new grid investments and ensure an affordable transition, she said.

China debate

International competition was another highly discussed topic in Wednesdays hearing.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat from Michigan, a state with a large automotive industry, raised concerns about the U.S.s ability to compete with China, which leads the world in electric vehicle manufacturing and has poured government funds into subsidies and tax breaks to promote electric car development.

There is not a level playing field, said Stabenow. Specifically, China is coming for us.

David Schwietert, the chief government affairs and policy officer for the Alliance For Automotive Innovation, told the committee that Congress must provide incentives for manufacturers to build resilience for the future of electric vehicle production.

We need to look beyond just five or 10 years, Schwietert said. We need to ensure that policies are in place to ensure the U.S. is protected, not just tomorrow but well beyond.

Graham also pressed witnesses about Chinas position in the global electric vehicle market, asking Maureen Hinman, co-founder and chairwoman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, a bipartisan economic policy institute, if Chinese dominance in the market was irreversible.

Absolutely not, Hinman said. I think the U.S. and its allies and friends, if we move quickly to create agile, responsive and coordinated policies, could flip the script and reestablish market dynamics in a global economy.

GOP skepticism

Not all Republicans on the committee were as welcoming to the electric vehicle conversation as Graham.

Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, said he was not opposed to electric vehicles and that he owns a plug-in hybrid car, but that the government should not spend to entice manufacturing and ownership of the vehicles.

Why do we need government subsidies? Johnson asked witnesses. I would say you dont.

Let the marketplace dictate the speed of this innovation. Stop subsidizing this, he said.

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana also pressed witnesses on the need for subsidies, repeatedly asking if theyre so swell, how come we have to pay people to buy them?

Kennedy speculated that many Americans have to be incentivized to buy electric vehicles because they are more expensive to operate. The median household income in Louisiana is $55,000 a year, which is below the national median, he pointed out.

A study by the environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council found that while electric vehicles are just under $3,000 more up front than a gas-powered car, they ultimately cost less to fuel and maintain over time.

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U.S. Senate resolution calls for immediate release of former Delta mechanic detained by Taliban

George Glezmann, a former Delta Air Lines mechanic, has been held by the Taliban in Kabul for more than a year and a half. Recently, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution unanimously urging his immediate release.

Glezmann, detained since December 2022, has spent much of this time confined in a basement.

His familys attorney, Dennis Fitzpatrick, highlighted the contrast between dealing with an established government like Russia, which has seen some hostages released recently, and an isolated regime like the Taliban.

We just need to keep the momentum up behind George so he gets the same happy result as those Americans got last night, said Fitzpatrick.

The resolution, co-sponsored by Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock and Patty Murray, urges President Joe Biden and all executive branch officials to continue advocating for Glezmanns immediate release in all interactions with the Taliban.

Additionally, it calls for the unconditional release of all U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents wrongfully detained in Afghanistan.

Glezmanns wife, Aleksandra, has been on an emotional roller coaster.

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Shes elated for the release of hostages, but it puts a stark spotlight on the difficult circumstances that her husband is in. And so thats very hard, Fitzpatrick said.

The Senate resolution states that the Taliban detained Glezmann without charging him or granting due process.

He is held in a nine-foot-by-nine-foot cell and has undergone solitary confinement for months.

Glezmann suffers from facial tumors, hypertension, severe malnutrition, and other medical conditions. His physical and mental health are rapidly declining, and his family fears he may not survive.

Fitzpatrick pointed out the different dynamics at play with the Taliban compared to the Russian government.

The Russians have the ability to think in their own self-interest. And its yet to be determined whether the Taliban have that skill, he said.

Aleksandra Glezmann recently spoke at length with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and wrote a heartfelt letter to President Biden, saying, We understand the Taliban poses extreme geo-political challenges for the United States, and we do not suggest that securing Georges release is easy. But you did not enter a life of public service to do easy things.

She urged Biden to embrace Georges cause as an act of moral courage.

Glezmann, described by his attorney as a hardworking, blue-collar citizen of Atlanta, Georgia, traveled to Afghanistan to explore different cultures, a passion that took him to over a hundred countries. Aleksandras letter noted, He was so committed to deepening his understanding of different cultures that he received a bachelors degree in Anthropology in his late 50s.

The family continues to hope for Glezmanns safe return.

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What U.S. state has the best early childhood education? Where Florida ranks on this list

Just last week, personal finance company WalletHub ranked Florida in the top 15 states with the best school systems.

But a more recent study from WalletHub, ranking the states with the best and the worst early education systems, ranks Florida a lot lower  not even in the top 30. Although Florida didnt make the best list, this years ranking is an improvement from Floridas 40th place ranking on the same list last year.

While good elementary schools, high schools and colleges are important factors for parents to consider when choosing where to settle down, the availability of quality pre-K education is just as crucial, the study says.

Heres where Florida ranks on WalletHubs list of the best and worst early education systems in the U.S. and why.

What U.S. state has the best early childhood education?

Children enrolled in early education programs are more likely to be academically prepared for future grades, as well as have higher graduation rates and higher earning potential than those who are not enrolled, the study says.

One estimate shows that every dollar invested in early education programs for disadvantaged families may generate $7.30 in economic benefits due to its impact on helping children grow up to be healthier, higher-earning adults.

To find the states with the best early childhood education systems, WalletHub compared each state across 12 metrics that fell into three categories: access, quality and resources and economic support.

Arkansas ranked as the state with the best early education system in the U.S., according to those metrics.

Arkansas is the state with the best early education system. One contributing factor is that education is available to all, as parents do not have co-payment fees for child care, the study said.

In addition, Arkansas spends over $13,000 per child enrolled in preschool each year, the fifth-most in the country, which ensures that they have access to good quality early education.

Here are the top 10 states with the best early childhood education systems, according to WalletHubs rankings list:

Arkansas District of Columbia Nebraska Maryland Oregon West Virginia South Carolina New Jersey Vermont Connecticut

Where does Florida rank nationally in early education?

Florida ranked in 37th place, three rankings above the 40th place ranking on WalletHubs 2023 list.

Heres a look at how Florida ranked in some of the metrics on WalletHubs 2024 study:

17th  Share of 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in pre-K, pre-K special education and head start

29th  Income requirement for state pre-K eligibility

45th  Total reported spending per child enrolled in preschool

14th  Total state head start program spending per child enrolled in preschool

43rd  Monthly child care co-payment fees as a percent of family income

Floridas school system in US's top 15. Here's why this list ranks it there

What is the average cost of childcare in Florida?

According to Winnie, a marketplace for child care that helps parents find daycare and preschools, and The US Department of Health and Human Services childcare is considered unaffordable if it is more than 7% of a households total income.

"For example, infant care for one child would take up 12% of a dual-income family's income and 35% of a single earners income."

According to Winnie's breakdown of the cost of childcare in Florida, childcare is "too expensive" for most Florida families.

"The cost for center-based childcare (costs) an average of $1,000 per month for infant care and close to $800 per month for preschoolers (in Florida)."

Although the cost of high-quality early education is out of reach for a lot of Florida families, there is subsidized help available. Options are available to help defer the cost of tuition for qualifying families, from county-issued subsidies, to free pre-K programs.

One of the options available for Florida families is the Florida Department of Education's School Readiness Program, which offers assistance to low-income families for childcare.

According to Winnie, you can find eligibility requirements and apply for the program by visiting your countys early learning coalition website.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida's pre-K, child care system ranks low on this list. Here's why
UAW leader says Trump would send the labor movement into reverse if he's elected again

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain speaks during an interview with The Associated Press on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)

DETROIT (AP)  Putting Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket increases the Democrats chance of winning Michigan and keeping the White House in November, the head of the United Auto Workers union says.

In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Shawn Fain said former President Donald Trump is beholden to billionaires, knows nothing about the auto industry and would send the labor movement into reverse if he's elected again.

Trump has never supported working class people. He has never supported unions," Fain said. "But he sure as hell was trying to pander for our votes now.

Fain has become a top nemesis of the Republican presidential nominee, who frequently rails against him at rallies and in speeches. Trump has called him an idiot, courting autoworkers' votes by saying Fain is putting their jobs at risk by embracing a move to electric vehicles.

Although the UAW has members across the nation, many auto-making jobs are concentrated in the Great Lakers region and Michigan, a key swing state that could decide the presidential race in November. This week, the UAW endorsed Harris.

Trump and Harris realize that increasing their share of union votes gives them a much better chance of taking Michigan, where the last two presidential elections have been close, said Marick Masters, a business professor emeritus at Wayne State University who follows labor issues.

Trump won the state by just 11,000 votes in 2016 over Democrat Hillary Clinton, and then lost the state four years later by nearly 154,000 votes to President Joe Biden.

Appealing to autoworkers helps to get votes from other union members, and union membership is high in the state at about 556,000, Masters said. That doesn't include thousands of family members and union retirees, he said. Any swing in those votes would be consequential in the race.

During his acceptance speech at the Republican convention last month, Trump called on union workers to fire Fain, using false statements that Chinese auto companies are building factories in Mexico to ship vehicles to the U.S. without tariffs. Industry analysts say they aren't aware of any such plants under construction, at least not yet.

You probably have to get rid of this fool, this stupid idiot representing the United Auto Workers, Trump said at a July 20 rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Trump claimed that he'll get 95% of the UAW vote because Fain is pushing electric vehicles. Theyre going to be made in China, he said.

He also pledged to bring the auto industry back from obliteration if hes elected.

But the industry is far from obliteration. Since Biden took office in January 2021, employment making cars and parts has grown 13.8% to just over 1 million people, according to the Labor Department. Detroit automakers General Motors, Ford and Stellantis have made billions in annual profits.

Fain dismissed the insults as typical Trump behavior. All the man does his name call, label people. He never has solutions, Fain said. Thats the problem in leadership. You need to find solutions.

The move from internal combustion vehicles to those powered by electricity is inevitable, Fain said, and union members need to be ready for it. During the transition, auto companies are still making gasoline vehicles and keeping factory workers employed, he said.

Trump, he said, did nothing for autoworkers when General Motors closed its small-car assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio, in 2019. Biden, who last month announced he would drop out of the race and support Harris, helped to get GM to build an electric vehicle battery plant in the Lordstown area, replacing some of the lost jobs, Fain said.

On Friday, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee said Harris has secured enough votes from delegates to become her party's nominee.

Fain said he's confident that Harris will remain an advocate for working people, citing her trip to walk picket lines with striking GM workers in 2019. She was there with the president through a lot of things we've been through, he said. She's been there for labor.

Of candidates to become Harris' vice presidential choice, the union prefers Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, followed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Fain said.

The union isn't backing Arizona Senator Mark Kelly because he has opposed a bill that would boost union organizing, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro favors school vouchers, which would take send tax dollars to private schools and hurt public schools, Fain said.

But even if Harris doesn't pick one of the union's favorites, the 370,000-member UAW would still put its political might behind her, Fain said.

I think shes a brilliant woman. A very strong person," Fain said. She understands the issues. I think Trump's just all talk. That's all he's ever been. He's a showman."

In a statement, Trump's campaign called Fain a puppet for the Democrat party" who isn't serving union laborers who are supporting Trump.

Shawn Fains empty words dont matter  President Trump will take action to fight for the American auto worker, the statement said.

____

Associated Press Writer Mike Householder contributed to this report.
(Bloomberg) -- Uber Technologies Inc.s chief legal officer Tony West, the brother-in-law of Vice President Kamala Harris, is taking a temporary leave of absence from the company to volunteer in her presidential bid.

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West will leave the company Aug. 17. to volunteer in the campaign in his personal capacity, Uber said Friday in a regulatory filing, without naming Harris presidential bid or a return date. In an email West sent to the company seen by Bloomberg News, he confirmed he will be joining the vice presidents campaign.

While I love my job, my team, and the positive impact Uber has on the world, I have always believed family comes first, West wrote. So Ive decided to dedicate myself full-time to supporting my family and my sister-in-law on the campaign trail.

West said he wont have a formal role or title with the campaign, nor will he be paid. Ill be acting as a family-member surrogate, one who can speak about the vice president from the perspective of someone whos known her for decades, he said. West said he intends to return to Uber after the campaign.

West joins as the Harris presidential campaign is in the midst of adding key advisers and seeking a vice presidential nominee. West, a former associate attorney general during the Obama administration, is married to Maya Harris, the vice presidents younger sister. He has frequently been seen by the side of the vice president since she became the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid on July 21, according to an Axios report Thursday.

West played a key role during Harris ill-fated effort to win the partys 2020 presidential nomination, which was co-managed by Harris sister. West joined San Francisco-based Uber in 2017 as senior vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. Before that, he was corporate secretary and executive vice president of snack and beverage company PepsiCo Inc.

At Uber, West has been involved in high-profile legal cases and settlements with state attorneys general to keep the companys drivers classified as independent contractors rather than employees, helping defend Ubers core business model.

Katie Waitzman, chief deputy general counsel, will assume Wests duties as general counsel, and Elizabeth Coleman, deputy general counsel and deputy corporate secretary, will assume Wests duties as corporate secretary during his leave, Uber said in the filing.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A local professor recently spotted a bobcat in Greene County.

Allen McGrew, a geology professor at the University of Dayton, recently shot photos of a bobcat at a property owned by the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association in Greene County, according to the organization.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reports only two bobcat sightings between 1970 to 2021 in Greene County. ODNR claims it wasnt until 2020, which was when the first spotting was reported in the county.

Humane Society seeks donations for Joffrey the kitten

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

It is important to know that bobcats are not allowed to be trapped or hunted in the state of Ohio, according to ODNR. The animals are also not likely to attack humans.

They are an important link in the food web helping to control small mammal populations, said BCWA. We are glad to have them in #BeaverCreekWetlands!

If you observe a bobcat in your area, tell ODNR 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 WDTN.com.
The bodies of 250 fallen defenders have been brought back to Ukraine as a result of repatriation efforts.

Source: Coordination Headquarters for Treatment of Prisoners of War

Details: The authorities have brought back the bodies of fallen soldiers from the Luhansk, Bakhmut, Marinka, Avdiivka, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia fronts, as well as from the occupied cities of Mariupol and Horlivka in Donetsk Oblast and from morgues in the territory of Russia.

Photo: Coordination Headquarters for Treatment of Prisoners of War

The repatriation of the bodies was facilitated by the Coordination Headquarters for Treatment of the Prisoners of War, the Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, the Commissioner for Persons Missing under Special Circumstances jointly with the United Centre under the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), the Central Directorate for Civil-Military Cooperation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other security agencies, institutions and international organisations.

The transfer of the bodies is being carried out in accordance with the norms of the Geneva Conventions.

Photo: Coordination Headquarters for Treatment of Prisoners of War

The repatriated bodies and remains will be transferred to the relevant state institutions. Representatives of law enforcement agencies and forensic experts will identify the fallen soldiers.

After identification, the bodies will be handed over to the soldiers families for proper burial.

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Kyiv brought back the bodies of another 250 soldiers killed on the battlefields of eastern and southern Ukraine, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs) said on Aug. 2.

The bodies will be sent for forensic analysis and identification before being handed over to their families for burial, the headquarters said.

The repatriation was carried out in cooperation between the POWs headquarters, the Reintegration Ministry, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Armed Forces, and other institutions.

"We managed to bring back the bodies of fallen defenders from the Luhansk, Bakhmut, Marinka, Avdiivka, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia sectors, as well as from Mariupol, Horlivka, and (Russian) territory, to their homeland," the headquarters said in a statement.

The Geneva Conventions dictate that people who lost their lives during war are entitled to a dignified burial. Over 3,000 bodies of killed Ukrainian soldiers have been repatriated from Russian-occupied territories during the full-scale war.

In a previous transfer on June 14, Ukraine managed to bring back the bodies of 254 soldiers.

In late February, Kyiv released information about the total number of Ukrainian troops killed during the full-scale invasion, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying the number was around 31,000.

Read also: Stuck in legal limbo, Ukrainian civilians endure torture in Russian prisons

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The representatives of Ukraine and Ireland have held negotiations in order to sign a bilateral security agreement and develop bilateral cooperation.

Source: the Office of the President of Ukraine on 2 August, as reported by European Pravda

The Ukrainian negotiations group was led by Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office.

The two sides "discussed the content of the bilateral agreement, exchanged views on specific provisions and agreed on further steps".

Even though Ukraines Presidents Office does not specify what the main points of the bilateral agreement is, it states that the negotiations were held after an agreement was reached between Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, and Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris during their meeting.

Zelenskyy had stated that he reached an agreement to "enhance the work on a bilateral security agreement" and scheduled a visit of the Irish Taoiseach to the city of Kyiv for its signing.

Earlier Zelenskyy also announced the start of negotiations concerning a new security agreement.

As of today Ukraine has signed 25 such bilateral documents, as well as the Ukraine Compact, a multilateral document which contains commitments to support Ukraine.

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Renowned US financial media company Bloomberg has released an article about the role and actions of Andrii Yermak as Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, his growing influence, the concerns of Ukraine's allies, and the personnel decisions that Yermak may have been involved in.

Source: Bloomberg

Quote: "As Russias assault stretches deep into its third year, some of Ukraines international backers are growing concerned about just how much decision making is concentrated in the hands of 52-year-old Yermak, a one-time film producer, who has become the sole gatekeeper to the president [Volodymyr Zelenskyy - ed.] with a direct say in everything from foreign policy to military planning."

Details: In an interview with Bloomberg, Yermak denied his growing influence.

Quote from Yermak: "I'm not involved in every job, I'm only coordinating. Yes, I'm very proud that the president asks my opinion, but he asks for my opinion because I get results."

The concerns about Yermaks role come at a dangerous time for Zelenskyy, Bloomberg says. Firstly, the agency notes, there are concerns about whether support from allies will continue in connection with the US presidential election, and secondly, the Ukrainian president himself is vulnerable in terms of his presidential powers, which would have already expired if it were not for martial law in Ukraine.

Bloomberg notes that the idea that Zelenskyy does not have a proper mandate to lead the military operations in Ukraine is a point that is being relentlessly pushed by the Kremlin.

Quote: "But like most of the best propaganda, it taps into real questions over how viable it is to suspend the normal democratic process over the long run, especially with signs of frustrations with the government starting to emerge."

"This all is done simply to attack me," Zelenskyy said in a 3 July interview with Bloomberg Television, in which he called Yermak a "powerful manager".

The article also says that Yermak's "rise" has been accompanied by the downfall of many other senior officials, often at Yermak's hands, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.

At the same time, Bloomberg writes, the reshuffling attributed to Yermak has raised concerns that any further hardening among Zelenskyy and his inner circle could "sap energy for badly needed reforms  even measures to fight corruption and bolster the rule of law," people familiar with the matter in Western capitals say.

"But Yermaks mandate is broader than that of any of his predecessors. Hes been central in every key wartime decision: replacing Zelenskyys top general, sourcing weapons supplies, negotiating security guarantees, overseeing prisoner swaps and  at the Swiss summit  winning over the Global South to Kyivs cause," the article says.

Bloomberg writes that some officials compare Yermak's role to that of a chief executive officer, with Zelenskyy acting as chairman.

Quote from Yermak: "Of course I read and hear about people talking about my power, but please, tell me, how am I using this power? To work 24 hours, seven days, to take on more obligations and more risks."

Yermak added that Zelenskyy "is a person who thinks it's important to listen and to know the different opinions. He always makes the decisions himself."

"Allies have been watching closely. The replacement of Ukraines popular top general, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, in February raised hackles in NATO capitals over a shakeup just as Kyiv confronted a fresh Russian offensive", Bloomberg writes.

Citing sources, the media outlet claims that in May, Yermak played an important role in the resignation of Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, an official who once had a direct connection to Zelenskyy and was close to the Biden administration.

"The presidential office failed to adequately explain the departure among other personnel changes, leaving foreign governments to puzzle over the move," Bloomberg wrote, citing sources.

Bloomberg says, citing sources, that Zelenskyy sometimes tolerates Yermak's "ruthless methods" because he considers him a problem-solver who offers quick and easy solutions without burdening the president himself.

Zelenskyy's trust in Yermak was on par with that of his wife, Olena Zelenska, Bloomberg's sources said, adding that Yermak even joined the couple on their overseas holidays before the war.

The article says that more recently, Yermak has been engaged in diplomatic activities as the architect of Ukraine's peace plan, which aims to bring allies outside the West on board with Kyiv's demands to end the war before negotiations with a more isolated Russia begin.

"Despite the setback in Switzerland, Yermak said hed press ahead in getting the backing of partners  with a follow-up (Peace) summit where Russia, though it dismissed the blueprint, could be present. Speaking to journalists days after the summit, the chief aide (Yermak) conceded that Ukraine is at a disadvantage when it comes to the Kremlins resources  but that Kyiv could still win," Bloomberg writes.

Read more: St Andrew the First-Called Apostle: how Andrii Yermak became Zelenskyy's right-hand man

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The Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi corvette, which is being built in Turkiye for the Ukrainian Navy and was solemnly launched on 1 August, will make its first voyage in 2026.

Source: Ozgur Guleryuz, CEO of the Turkish shipbuilding company STM, which builds corvettes for the Ukrainian Navy, said this at a ceremony to mark the launch of the Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi, Ukrinform news agency reports

Details: The warship is scheduled to be delivered to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2027.

"Construction of the second ship within our project began in 2022. This ship will make its first voyage in 2026. The second ship will be handed over to the Ukrainian Navy in the first quarter of 2027," Guleryuz said.

He said that Turkiye's shipbuilding industry has reached the level of both meeting the needs of its own armed forces and assisting allied countries, including the transfer of experience and technology.

"We are proud to produce modern corvettes for Ukraine, a strategic partner of our country... I would like to emphasise that we are always standing with Ukraine, which is going through a difficult process as a state, and we will continue our work to strengthen the Ukrainian Navy," Guleryuz said.

Background: The second Ada-class corvette Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi, built for Ukraine, has been launched in Turkiye.

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Editor's note: The article was updated with additional comments by the Turkish shipbuilding company STM.

A new Ada-class multi-purpose corvette built in Turkey for Ukraine was launched in Istanbul on Aug. 1, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.

The ship, named after Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi, is the second vessel of its class constructed for Kyiv in Turkey after the corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa was launched in October 2022.

Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi will make its maiden voyage in 2026 and be officially handed over to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2027, the Turkish shipbuilding company STM said.

The vessels have been built abroad due to Russia's ongoing full-scale war and the threat of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

"I am grateful to our Turkish partners for their support during a difficult time for our country," Umerov said after attending the launching ceremony at RMK Marine shipyard together with First Lady Olena Zelenska, Navy Commander Olelksii Neizhpapa, Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev, and Haluk Bayraktar, the CEO of the Turkish arms company Baykar.

"Ukraine has already broken the dominance of the Russian fleet at sea, destroying dozens of ships. We are actively expanding the capabilities of the Ukrainian Navy in the Black and Azov Seas," Umerov added.

According to the minister, both corvettes "are equipped with cutting-edge weapons and will become a significant addition to our fleet."

Hetman Ivan Mazepa, currently undergoing sea trials, is to become the Ukrainian Navy's new flagship after its predecessor, the frigate Hetman Sahaidachny, was scuttled in March 2022 to prevent capture by Russian forces.

The Ada-class vessel is armed with a 76 mm naval gun, 12.7 mm remotely controlled STAMP guns, fire control radars, satellite systems, and electronic warfare systems.

Despite its meager naval force, Ukraine managed to inflict heavy damage on the Russian Black Sea Fleet with kamikaze drones and missile strikes, successfully reopening a Black Sea trade corridor.

Russia is believed to have lost around a third of its Black Sea Fleet vessels due to Ukrainian attacks, representing one of Kyiv's chief successes in the war.

Read also: Who needs warships when youve got drones? Russia loses control over Black Sea

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Houses that were damaged in the Russian attacks. Photo: Lysak on Telegram

Serhii Lysak, the Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, has reported that four Russian UAVs were shot down over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the night of 1-2 August. The Air Force warned of the threat of attack drones in the oblast at midnight.

Source: Lysak on Telegram

Quote: "The defenders of the sky shot down four enemy UAVs over the region."

Details: Lysak noted that the Russians had been attacking Nikopol district since the evening, using artillery and kamikaze drones.

Houses that were damaged in the Russian attacks.

Photo: Lysak on Telegram

"Nikopol and Marhanets hromada were hit. No one was killed or injured. A private house and three outbuildings were damaged. The extent of the damage caused by the morning strikes is still being determined," Lysak summed up (a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.).

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Ukrainian Dzhura armoured vehicle to be handed over to military for operation  photos

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has codified and authorised the use of the Dzhura light armoured vehicle for various tactical tasks.

Source: press service of the Ministry of Defence

Details: It is noted that the Dzhura has a Toyota Land Cruiser 70 chassis, on which a specially designed armour capsule was installed, which provides a level of ballistic protection for personnel from small arms fire. The design of the armour capsule allows for the installation of a machine gun on the tourelle.

The Ministry of Defence said that the light armoured vehicle is compact and has a relatively low weight, which facilitates its cross-road ability. Ukrainian engineers have also strengthened the vehicle's suspension. The armoured vehicle has a range of more than 650 kilometres.

The Dzhura vehicle.

Photo: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

It was also stated that, depending on the purpose, the armoured vehicle could be manufactured in different configurations of the armoured cab and luggage compartment: vehicles for reconnaissance and patrolling, for logistics, evacuation of the wounded, etc.

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UN rights group calls for hundreds more to be freed from Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) welcomes prisoners released following the swap deal at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. -/KREMLIN/dpa

UN human rights experts are calling for hundreds more political prisoners to be freed following the massive prisoner exchange between Russia, the United States and other Western countries.

Between 700 and 1,372 people are still being held in Russia on false or politically motivated charges, according to a joint statement released on Friday by experts working for the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The group welcomed the release of 16 people who had been imprisoned for their activities as journalists, artists, opposition members or activists. In return, 10 people were handed over to Russia, including a convicted murderer and spies.

"The Russian government must immediately and unconditionally release all remaining political prisoners," the UN rights group said.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  More active voters in Nevada identify as non-partisan than Democrat or Republican, and Question 3 on the November ballot might go a long way toward giving them a bigger voice in elections.

The current process for primary elections shuts out anyone who isnt registered with the major political parties, leaving it up to Republicans and Democrats to choose the candidates that dominate the ballot.

But Question 3 would change that by moving Nevada to an open primary with ranked-choice voting. The video below explains how it works:

An open primary allows any registered voter to participate, regardless of party affiliation.

The top five candidates would advance to the general election.

For non-partisan voters, it means they wont be limited to a single Republican, a single Democrat and a list of minor party candidates that voters see now. Two or more from a single party could advance.

As a voter, I want to be able to weigh and measure different ideas and decide who I want, Sondra Cosgrove, executive director and chair of the board for Vote Nevada, a private nonprofit that works for easy and fair access to informed voting.

She said political parties have manipulated the voting process to the point that people have just lost interest  and young voters feel excluded.

Because you and I are in the Constitution  were the people, Cosgrove said. The parties are not, and yet more and more they have manipulated our election processes so much that no ones voting. Barely 19% of people thought they should vote (in the 2024 primary). Everybody else thought, Well, the decisions made for me already. 

Another group called All Voting is Local opposes Question 3, saying it was sold as an open primary with little explanation of ranked-choice voting. Nevada director Kerry Durmick said its a bad idea.

We feel that Question 3 is going to lock a complicated and unfair new election system into Nevadas constitution, Durmick said.

If Question 3 passes in November, it becomes an amendment to the Nevada Constitution, requiring the 2025 Nevada Legislature to implement ranked choice. Question 3 passed in 2022, and constitutional amendments must pass in two consecutive general elections. Ranked-choice would be used for the first time in 2026 elections.

Youre likely to hear a lot about it between now and November, with millions of dollars being poured into advertising leading up to the election.

In Nevada as of July 1, there are 685,459 non-partisans compared to 608,048 registered Democrats and 578,365 registered Republicans, according to voter registration statistics on the Secretary of States website.

Aside from her role with Vote Nevada, Cosgrove sees the situation from another angle. Shes a history professor at the College of Southern Nevada.

Our non-partisan voter registration jumps every single month. And I know that the political parties are out there trying to find those voters and talk to them right now. Especially Kamala Harris, because neither party talked to them in the primaries because they were prohibited from voting in the consequential races, Cosgrove said.

Now, all the sudden, oh my gosh, theyre super important. And my students are rolling their eyes at me, going, Oh, now Im important, really? So I was chopped liver but now Im caviar? Oh, OK. 

That discourages them from voting, she said.

That group especially does not like their choices, they dont like the way things are manipulated. They like to go online and have lots of choices and they just dont feel like they have them now, Cosgrove said.

But Durmick counters: All Voting is Local is very concerned that our turnout could actually be diminished from this type of an election system. The concern is that the new system would confuse voters and require more voter education  which isnt funded by Question 3.

Nevada is already among the last states to report official results, and Durmick cautioned, This could really delay election results, really delay the counting of ballots in the state as well.

Republicans and Democrats are united in their opposition to Question 3, and their combined power could still kill Question 3  if turnout is in their favor.

The folks who are in charge of the parties, their No. 1 goal is to win and control power. If you threaten that in any way, theyre not going to want it, Cosgrove said.

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Vice President Kamala Harris has won enough support from Democratic delegates to formally secure her party's nomination for president, Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison announced Friday, CNN reported.

I will officially accept your nomination next week, once the virtual voting process is closed, but Im happy to know we have enough delegates to secure the nomination, Harris said on a call with supporters on Friday, where the news was first announced, NBC News reported. Harriss campaign sats that she has already secured more than the 2,350 votes required to lock up the presidential nomination.

Later this month, we will gather in Chicago, united as one party, where were going to have an opportunity to celebrate this historic moment together, Harris added, according to The New York Times.

The official DNC announcement of the results wont come until Monday evening, the final day of the process for delegates, who began casting their virtual ballots for the nomination on Thursday. At that point Harris will be the party's official nominee.

Harris, who was the only candidate to gather the 300 delegate signatures necessary to qualify, is the sole name on the ballot. Delegates will not be able to change votes they cast in the virtual process, the party planning instead to hold a ceremonial and confirmatory roll vote in person at the DNC.
University of California President to step down at end of upcoming academic year

University of California President Michael V. Drake recently announced he would resign from his position at the end of the 2024-2025 academic school year.

Drake was appointed in 2020 and became the university systems first Black president.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as president of the University of California these past several years, and I am immensely proud of what the UC community has accomplished, said Drake. At every turn, I have sought to listen to those I served, to uphold our shared UC values, and to do all I could to leave this institution in better shape than it was before. Im proud to see the University continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of countless Californians through research, teaching, and public service.

According to the university, Drake had previously served as the systemwide president for health affairs and as the chancellor of UC Irvine then left the UC system for 6 years to take on the role of The Ohio State University president.

Drake took over the position following the resignation of former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.

The university said the UC Board of Regents Chair Janet Reilly will appoint a committee to find the systems next president.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Earlier this week, Donald Trump  the man who has been called Americas "first White president," appeared at the Chicago convention of the National Association of Black Journalists for a Q&A session moderated by ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott, Semafor reporter Kadia Goba and Fox News host Harris Faulkner. This event has already become legendary.

The decision by NABJ leadership to host the multiply-convicted and twice-impeached former president was met with great controversy. Conference co-chair Karen Attiah resigned in protest. At MSNBC, Ja'han Jones writes that the group "faced a deluge of denunciations from journalists and activists" for offering a platform to a man "who has denigrated the free press, spread racist propaganda and repeatedly insulted Black journalists." In fact, Jones continues, NABJ has repeatedly denounced "Trumps illiberal behavior and attacks on its members," yet still hosted an event at which an "audience full of journalists" was not permitted to ask questions.

Almost every day, I become further convinced that the Age of Trump is a simulation run amok, perhaps run by an alien civilization who are fans of Aaron McGruders The Boondocks, but fail to grasp McGruders underlying intelligence and wit.

Trump, unsurprisingly, was more than an hour late for the event. I was reminded of his 2016 no-show rally and near-riot at the University of Illinois at Chicago, an important portent of the way so-called political norms would be shattered during his rise to power.

The NABJ Conference does not carry the same historic weight, but it's important for what it signals about how low Donald Trump and his MAGA forces will sink to defeat Vice President Kamala Harris. It also offers further evidence that even nine years after Trump's infamous escalator ride, the mainstream news media is largely incapable of effectively confronting him.

To put it another way, Trump's NABJ appearance was a hot mess.

The first question for Trump was from Rachel Scott, who asked the ex-president why Black voters should trust him considering his repeated use of racist rhetoric: You have used words like 'animal' and 'rabid' to describe Black district attorneys. You've attacked Black journalists  calling them a loser, saying the questions that they asked are quote, 'stupid' and 'racist."

Trump responded in kind. "I don't think I've ever been asked a question in such a horrible manner," he said. "You don't even say, 'Hello, how are you?' I think it's disgraceful ... I came here in good spirit. I love the Black population of this country, I've done so much for the Black population of this country.

In typical fashion, he failed to respond to the ugly and rude question, saying he had been invited under false pretenses, complaining that Harris was not present and that the sound system was not working properly. He also didn't respond to direct questions about immigration, the economy, his choice of Sen. JD Vance as running mate and various other things. He Trump complained, lied, obfuscated, made grandiose claims and veered off on irrelevant tangents. He also made the ridiculous claim that he has done at least as much for Black America as Abraham Lincoln, and then defended the Jan. 6 insurrectionists, his 2021 coup attempt and the Big Lie that somehow Joe Biden and the Democrats had stolen the 2020 election.

But it wasn't any of those things, or Trump's claim that he is a protector of "Black jobs," that made headlines. That moment came when Trump, a 78-year-old white man, wondered aloud about whether Kamala Harris counts as a Black American, according to his imagined standards.

Here is the now infamous quotation: I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So I don't know, is she Indian or is she Black?

Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California, to a Black father and an Indian-American mother. She identifies as a Black woman, belongs to a Black sorority and attended Howard University, perhaps the most prestigious of historically Black universities. In the Senate, she belonged to the Congressional Black Caucus. She is the first Black vice president, as well as the first Indian-American and first woman vice president. In short, Trumps claim is not just a lie. It is a racist, white supremacist lie pulled from the same bucket as his "birther" attacks on Barack Obama.

A new report from Media Matters documents how the right-wing disinformation machine has attacked Harris racial identity as somehow inauthentic for several years. Following Trumps Wednesday NABJ session, his propagandists and agents were spouting birtherism 2.0 conspiracy theories across right-wing social media.

At a Sigma Gamma Rho sorority event in Houston, Harris responded with dignity, describing Trump's rhetoric as the same old show, the divisiveness and the disrespect. Let me just say, the American people deserve better. The American people deserve a leader who tells the truth. A leader who does not respond to hostility and anger with confronted with the facts. We deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us. They are an essential source of our strength.

It's worth adding here that on Tuesday, Trump previewed his racial-authenticity Olympics by agreeing with a right-wing radio host that Doug Emhoff, Harris' husband, was a horrible Jew. Trump has refused to reject the repeated claims by MAGA Republicans and the right-wing echo chamber that Harris was a DEI hire" as vice president. That's the latest racist epithet of the post-civil rights era, along the lines of quota queen, affirmative action hire or "unqualified Black," replacing the well-known six-letter word it is no longer acceptable to utter in public.

Does Trump really believe that Kamala Harris (and others who presumably want to become "Black" for unknown reason) have a version of the race-changing machine from George Schuyler's 1931 novel Black No More? Of course not. Trump's rhetoric was aimed at his followers and true believers, not the people in that room or the mainstream media  which is now engaged in amateur theater criticism and endless discussion of the "optics" of Trump's remarks. What will this mean, or not mean, in terms of polls, public opinion and the horserace leading to the November election? These are the largely irrelevant or obsolete tools of normal political discourse in a time of existential crisis: Trump has promised to be a dictator and to imprison or persecute his political enemies.

On that stage in Chicago, Rachel Scott and Kadia Goba earnestly tried to achieve the goal of speaking truth to power. They confronted Trump with facts, and tried to get him to make substantive statements about public policy. But that approach simply does not work with demagogues like Trump.

Ultimately, the NABJ conference was just another stage upon which Donald Trump could perform. His real goal at that event was to go into the metaphorical lion's den and demonstrate, to the delight of his MAGA followers, how strong and bold he is.

He largely accomplished that goal. He is a high-dominance leader and aspiring dictator. Trump did not pivot or back down at the NABJ. He was clear, certain and unapologetic in his beliefs. Trumps MAGA people were likely thrilled by his "transgressive" or naughty remarks, and his violation of "woke" norms about race. Whatever one may think about Donald Trump, it is hard to deny that there is a certain honesty and directness to his behavior. For Trumps followers, his unwillingness to restrain his worst impulses or to self-censor is a principal reason why they adore him.

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As MSNBC host Joy Reid explained the NABJ appearance, Trump wanted "to create clips to play for his very white, very right-wing MAGA fan base of him standing up to the Blacks."

In a post on X/Twitter, Wajahat Ali offered a slightly different and perhaps more optimistic gloss:

Republicans know they're in trouble. Yes, Trump animates his base with the ugly vitriol and cheap shots. They'll love his unhinged performance at #NABJ24. But it doesn't bring in new people. It actively repulses young voters, women, people of color and swing voters. Now you add the human couch known as JD Vance and his zombie charisma and the policies behind Project 2025 and the rogue Supreme Court and the overturning of Roe.

As I watched Donald Trump perform at the NABJ conference and its aftermath, I imagined Trump as a child setting off a box of fireworks in a movie theater or some other crowded place, and enjoying the panic and chaos that then unfolds.

The mainstream media and much of the Democratic Party are now obsessed with Trump's rebooted birtherism  the controversy of the day, feeding the insatiable maw of the news cycle  rather than focusing on his plans to be an American Hitler who rules with an iron fist. His birther attacks on Kamala Harris are an outgrowth of the MAGA movements neofascist plans and its hatred of multiracial democracy. They should be discussed in that context.

After his performance at the NABJ conference, Donald Trump took a victory lap on his Truth Social disinformation platform: The questions were Rude and Nasty, often in the form of a statement, but we CRUSHED IT!" Then his campaign issued a menacing official statement, opening with the preposterous claim that, unlike Harris and Biden, Trump is "running to be President for ALL Americans":

Members of the media need to make a decision, and answer if their goal is to unite the Country or further divide us, because based on the unhinged and unprofessional commentary directed toward President Trump today by certain members of the media, many media elites clearly want to see us remain divided. This is unacceptable. Todays biased and rude treatment from certain hostile members of the media will backfire massively. You would think that the media would have learned something from their repeat episodes of fake outrage ever since President Trump first came down the escalator in 2015, but some just refuse to get it. This will be their undoing in 2024.

Donald Trump, in yet another echo of the Nazi era, has repeatedly attacked the news media as the enemy of the people and suggested that freedom of speech is unpatriotic. If he wins the 2024 election and tries to establish America's first true dictatorship, his regime will seek to curtail the Bill of Rights and its protections for freedom of speech and other civil rights and liberties. Trump and his forces are entirely clear in their plans  hostile members of the press will see their behavior backfire massively, leading to "their undoing." This is a threat to everyone with a public platform who fails to submit to the coming MAGA regime.
The U.S. will depart from a second and final base in Niger Monday, all but ending a monthslong withdrawal from what was once a vital partner in the fight against terrorism, two American defense officials confirmed.

One of the officials stressed that this didnt mean Americas exit was complete. But Air Base 201 was the final U.S. military site in the West African country after forces exited Air Base 101 in the capital of Niamey this July.

Shortly after a group of U.S. officials visited in March, a spokesman for the Nigerien military announced in a televised address his government was ending its counterterrorism agreement with the U.S.

The news came as a surprise in Washington, where officials tried to understand whether it was official policy. Weeks of negotiations followed, and in May the U.S. agreed to end its military presence, setting a deadline of September 15.

The choice came at a huge military cost, both in dollars and opportunity. America had spent more than $100 million building Air Base 201 and finished only five years ago. Americas 1,000 troops in the country were a bulwark against rising terrorism in the region  launching their own operations and training the Nigerien military to do so.

Their partnership began to fray last summer, when Nigers military overthrew its government and formed a ruling junta. It took the U.S. months to label it a coup, a legal term that restricts American aid and military activity.

The U.S. delegation visited in March to try and soothe the relationship, though the Nigerien spokesman said in his address he felt hectored about multiple American concerns, including Nigers ties to Iran and Russia.

Many analysts in Washington have warned America is losing a contest for influence on the continent to adversaries like Russia and China, who are less bound by concerns over human rights and democracy.

A senior Pentagon official, speaking to Defense News in July, disputed that narrative.

This isnt a case where [Niger has] chosen Russia over us, the official said. They are equally skeptical of external outside actors.

Russian forces ended up staying on the same base as Americas military in the capital this year, though the two sides were far apart and didnt interact, the official said.

An anchor

There has been a wave of coups in West Africa in the last several years. Many of the new governments, including Nigers, have resisted outside influence.

Theyve chosen not to work with the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, a bloc of regional countries. Many have also severed ties with France, a counterinsurgency partner though one with heavy baggage as a former colonial power.

For the U.S., losing access to Niger will hinder its fight against terrorism, one of the top priorities in the nations guiding defense strategy. The Sahel regions share of global terrorist-related deaths rose from 1% in 2007 to 43% in 2022, according to the Global Terrorism Index.

Niger has been really an anchor for our counterterrorism efforts over a decade, said another senior U.S. defense official briefing reporters in May.

Located near the central city of Agadez, Air Base 201 was once an emblem of the two countries close partnership. The U.S. spent years building it to launch drone operations and has used its military presence to train Nigerien forces as well.

US military reassesses West Africa strategy as troops exit Niger

The relationship isnt over, and Americas military has tried to withdraw without showing hard feelings, the first senior U.S. official said. Its leaving some equipment behind thats either fixed or more expensive to move than its worth. And its not disabling those assets on the way out.

Equipment thats been removed is returning to the Pentagons stores to be distributed elsewhere. Amid the withdrawal, the U.S. has been speaking with other partners in the region about their relationships, though the first official cautioned that there wouldnt likely be any large new construction projects anytime soon.

Regardless, those wouldnt help with a bigger issue: losing the right to fly over the Sahel and scan for threats.

Even if we were to lift the exact thing that we had in Niger and put it somewhere else, were not able to monitor the threat in the same way, the first official said. Our ability to monitor has been degraded by the loss of overflight permissions.

Multiple U.S. officials have stressed the U.S. is still open a partnership with Niger going forward and that parts of Nigers ruling military also share that interest. Even today, Nigerien forces are conducting counterterrorism operations using American-provided equipment and tactics learned from American soldiers.

With Niger and other countries in the region, Americas military will continue discussing what their future relationship looks like. But the first priority, the official said, is finishing the withdrawal.

This isnt the outcome of our choosing, the official said. But theres no reason to leave with sour grapes.
US FDA approves Adaptimmune's therapy for rare type of cancer

FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen outside of FDA headquarters in White Oak, Maryland

By Mariam Sunny

(Reuters) -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday it has approved Adaptimmune's first-of-its-kind treatment for a rare type of cancer in the soft tissues that most often affects young people.

The therapy, branded as Tecelra, was approved to treat synovial sarcoma  a potentially life-threatening cancer  in certain patients who have received prior chemotherapy.

Swiss drugmaker Novartis' Votrient is among the approved treatments for soft-tissue sarcoma, a group of cancers which include synovial sarcoma. Other options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Tecelra, a one-time intravenous therapy, modifies and uses a patient's own immune response generating T-cells to fight the disease. The treatment carries a list price of $727,000, the company said.

According to analysts, the price is comparable to CAR-T cell therapies, which have an average list price of $500,000.

Tecelra carries a serious warning about the risk of cytokine release syndrome, a dangerous aggressive immune system response.

Sandra D'Angelo, oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, said therapies like Tecelra have the potential to treat other solid tumors as they could target a broader range of tumor-causing proteins than currently approved therapies.

The FDA's accelerated approval to Tecelra was based on data from a 44-patient study, in which 43.2% of the participants showed partial or complete response to the treatment for an average duration of six months.

Synovial sarcoma, which most commonly develops in the extremities, impacts about 1,000 people in the United States each year, according to the FDA.

Guggenheim analyst Michael Schmidt estimates $180 million in U.S. sales of the therapy at their peak.

Shares of the company were trading 7% down in afternoon trading. The stock has risen 46% so far this year.

(Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
The News

The US government sued Chinese-owned app TikTok on Friday, alleging that it illegally collected childrens data, violating their privacy.

The lawsuit accused TikTok and its parent company ByteDance of gathering and retaining personal information about the apps under 13 users without their parents consent , and frequently failed to honor parents requests to delete their childrens TikTok accounts.

TikTok knowingly and repeatedly violated kids privacy, threatening the safety of millions of children across the country, the head of the Federal Trade Commission Lina Khan said in a statement.

The lawsuit is the latest blow to TikTok in a long-running feud between the US government and the app, over national security concerns of its Chinese ownership.
(Bloomberg) -- The US Justice Department is ramping up for Novembers presidential election as it weighs in on voting rights fights, investigates threats, and prepares to resume briefings with social media companies aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation.

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US officials are seeking to avoid the chaos and violence that followed the 2020 election. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco on Friday called on American lawyers to help with a whole-of-nation response to protect democracy from a variety of threats.

As we prepare to cast ballots here in America, our own democracy is being tested  including by an increasingly polarized political landscape and an alarming increase in threats of violence to public officials, Monaco said at an event in Chicago hosted by the American Bar Association.

Monacos speech caps a string of recent developments across the departments election-related activities. Earlier this week, US intelligence and law enforcement officials briefed reporters on looming foreign and domestic threats to the election and Attorney General Merrick Garland addressed election security in a prime-time televised interview.

Although its common for the Justice Department to play a role in elections, events following the 2020 poll  when Donald Trump tried to enlist the DOJs help in overturning the results  still loom large. Republicans are hunting for signs of the Biden administration putting a thumb on the scale as Trump makes another run for the White House.

Any time the DOJ gets involved, its entirely predictable that one political party will attempt to spin DOJ engagement as partisan and as improper electioneering, even when its not, said Loyola Law School professor Justin Levitt, a former senior official who served in the departments civil rights division during the Obama administration.

Garland is a member of President Joe Bidens cabinet and top Justice officials are appointed by the White House. However, much of the department consists of civil servants not appointed politically. Many have served during the Trump and Biden administrations.

Additionally, Justice Department officials and attorneys are barred from taking action to benefit a political party and advised to be careful to avoid even the appearance of bias. Even when a presidential candidate is the incumbent, their campaign, not DOJ, represents them in ballot contests and other legal activity.

Polling data suggest the electorate is anxious. When asked how much they trust the election and its aftermath will be free from violence, half of US swing-state voters said not much or not at all, according to a Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll conducted July 24-28.

Court Cases

Judges in back-to-back rulings last month in Ohio and Mississippi endorsed positions that DOJ lawyers had taken in cases with stakes for how Americans can vote and how ballots are counted. In several cases this year, DOJ lawyers have found themselves on opposite sides from the Republican party, which is pursuing litigation across the country in partnership with Trumps reelection campaign.

The departments lawyers have defended counting mail ballots that arrive after election day in Mississippi and the rights of persons with disabilities in Ohio and Alabama to choose who assists them with voting. In Georgia, DOJ has backed challenges to the states shorter timeline for requesting absentee ballots and a requirement that voters use a pen to sign applications for mail ballots.

The voting section of the civil rights division has jumped into other cases this year that dont involve major political parties, broadly supporting the right of private parties to enforce federal voting and civil rights laws. Last month the DOJ filed a statement in New Hampshire in support of plaintiffs who sued over robocalls that faked President Joe Bidens voice.

The US government isnt a party to those cases, but the Justice Department can submit briefs on issues related to the interpretation of federal laws or intervene in a constitutional challenge.

Taken Seriously

Megan Keenan, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Unions Voting Rights Project, said DOJs voting rights lawyers provide credible perspective that courts take seriously. Keenan represents plaintiffs in the Ohio disability rights case.

T. Russell Nobile, a senior attorney with the conservative advocacy group Judicial Watch who previously worked in the civil rights divisions voting section, called the departments more recent submissions posturing and arguably statements of feelings not interest. Nobile represents one of the plaintiffs in the Mississippi absentee ballot case and said they plan to appeal.

In the Mississippi case, a judge rebuffed challenges to state law allowing absentee ballots postmarked by election day to be counted if they arrive within five days. The RNC has also announced that they would appeal and take the fight to the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals, historically a more receptive venue for conservative legal causes.

Asked about DOJs approach to election-related cases this year, a spokesperson for the civil rights division declined to comment. The department has publicly available guidelines that lay out criteria for when attorneys can parachute into cases with statements of interest and friend-of-court briefs, including the governments interest in the issue, the level of the court hearing the case, and the potential reach of the outcome.

Public Perception

Managing public perception of the departments work heading into the election will be tricky, particularly if the department follows the rules against speaking publicly about pending investigations, said Levitt, the former official who now teaches law at Loyola.

The departments role is head down, eyes on the facts and the law, and just let the nonsense swirl, Levitt said.

Meanwhile, Justice Department and FBI officials plan to resume giving regular threat briefings to social media companies in the coming weeks, according to a July report from the agencys inspector general. The briefings were stopped due to a court injunction, which the Supreme Court reversed in June.

The inspector general recommended officials develop a public and strategic approach to sharing information in a manner that protects First Amendment rights to combat foreign malign influence directed at US elections.

In an interview with NBC that aired this week, Garland said the fate of US democracy is potentially at stake in this years election. I can say that Americas elections are the most secure on the planet and everybody has to accept that if our democracy is going to survive, Garland said.

(Updates with comments from deputy attorney general in second and third paragraphs.)

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FILE PHOTO: Migrants wait for a permit that would allow them to continue their journey to the border between Mexico and the United States

By Kristina Cooke and Ted Hesson

(Reuters) - The Biden administration said on Friday it had temporarily put on hold a program that allows citizens of four countries to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds while it reviews vetting and screening processes for sponsor applications.

The program is part of a Biden administration effort to increase legal pathways to the United States and discourage illegal border crossings but has been criticized by Republicans as overly permissive.

The program allows up to 30,000 people into the United States each month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela if they have sponsors and meet other conditions. Sponsors must be in the United States legally and have sufficient financial resources to support the person they are sponsoring for the duration of their stay.

The Department of Homeland Security said that it paused the issuance of travel authorizations under the program "out of an abundance of caution" while it undertakes a review of supporter applications, a spokesperson said in a statement.

A DHS official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said new approvals had been halted since mid-July to strengthen screening and vetting, but that the application portal has remained open.

The official said DHS pauses processing "fairly regularly" and expected the approvals to resume in the coming weeks.

On Friday, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, a group that favors lower levels of immigration, said it had obtained an internal review that found fraud in the program, including fake Social Security numbers and many applications listing the same address.

A second DHS official said the draft report featured cases that merited further review and were not necessarily fraud.

DHS said that its screening of U.S.-based supporters is separate from its vetting of program participants and that it has "not identified issues of concern relating to the screening and vetting of beneficiaries."

As of June 30, some 495,000 people from those nations had entered the United States under the program, which began for Venezuelans in 2022 and the others in 2023, according to DHS statistics.

(Reporting by Kristina Cooke and Ted Hesson in Washington; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
The News

The US recognized Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of Venezuelas contested presidential election, discrediting President Nicolas Maduros claim to victory.

Independent exit polls had shown the opposition candidate leading by more than two-to-one, but official figures said Maduro won Sundays election. Domestically, Venezuela has been hit by protests over the results, while Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico  three of Venezuelas closest regional allies  called on the government to release detailed voting tallies. To maintain the momentum, Washington and other outside actors must keep the pressure on Maduro, an expert wrote in Foreign Affairs. Change will not come overnight  until it does.
By Andrew Goudsward and Costas Pitas

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Secret Service's acting director said on Friday that local police in Pennsylvania warned that there was a man with a gun on a roof before the July 13 attempted assassination of Donald Trump, but the message did not reach its agents on time.

Local authorities and Secret Service agents were using different communications channels, which prevented the warning from getting through before a 20-year-old assailant opened fire on the Republican presidential candidate, Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe told reporters.

"In the final 30 seconds - which has been the focus of what happened before the assailant opened fire - there (were) clearly radio transmissions that may have happened on that local radio net that we did not have," Rowe said.

Rowe said the FBI, the agency leading a criminal investigation into the shooting, is working to determine exactly what was communicated. But Rowe said investigators believe "there was somebody who did in fact radio out that they had seen the individual with a weapon."

A local police officer confronted the shooter on the roof of the industrial building where he ultimately opened fire. But the officer, who had been hoisted up by a colleague, fell to the ground about 30 seconds before the assailant began shooting, law enforcement officials previously have said.

At the time shots rang out, the Secret Service were aware local police were dealing with an issue on the periphery of the event, but did not know about a weapon, Rowe said.

In testimony to Congress on Tuesday, Rowe had blamed the failure on local law enforcement while also saying he was "ashamed" of the security lapse that occurred on the day of the shooting. Rowe also noted that the Secret Service had not been present in a command post set up by local law enforcement in Butler, Pennsylvania for the outdoor campaign rally by the former president.

The first shooting of a U.S. president or major party presidential candidate in more than four decades was a glaring security lapse that led last week to former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's resignation under bipartisan congressional pressure.

Officials have said that Thomas Crooks, 20, fired the shots that wounded Trump's right ear, killed one rally attendee and wounded two others with an AR-15-style rifle, before law enforcement snipers shot and killed him.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward and Costas Pitas; Editing by Scott Malone, Will Dunham and Chizu Nomiyama)
GREENSBORO  U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts rallied Guilford County Democrats in support of Vice President Kamala Harris during a stop at the partys headquarters here Friday morning.

Warren spoke alongside state Sen. Michael Garrett of Guilford County and Winston-Salem Mayor Pro Tem D.D. Adams about the need to elect Harris in order to protect abortion rights.

We can be a nation where the government is right there in the examining room with every doctor, with every woman. Or we can be a nation where private decisions remain private, Warren said.

The crowd cheered Warren and the other speakers and chanted Freedom! Freedom! in response to the remarks on abortion rights.

Elizabeth Warren U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren joined State Senator Michael Garrett and Winston-Salem Mayor Pro Tem D.D. Adams in Greensboro to rally for repro

With the U.S. presidential election less than 100 days away, Warren also spoke of the need for Democrats to stay engaged and active in the campaign.

Are you ready to fight for Kamala Harris? Are you ready to deliver for Kamala Harris? Warren said to applause from the crowd.

During an interview after her remarks, Warren noted the enthusiasm of the Guilford Democrats.

I love being in North Carolina, she said. These Democrats are fired up and they are determined that in 95 days theyre going to carry Kamala Harris across the finish line. Its so exciting.

She also commented on the changes in the dynamic of the race since President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal.

President Biden gave all of America a lesson in patriotism, she said, he gave it up for the good of our nation because we have to put our nation first. And passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris has shifted the energy overall.

Warren particularly highlighted abortion rights as a key difference between the Harris and Trump campaigns.

Touching on another key Democratic campaign theme, Warren pointed to Trumps criminal convictions in New York City as a contrast to Harris background as prosecutor.

Warren declined to express a preference among the various candidates Harris is considering to be her running mate.

She knows what the job is all about. I want her to pick a partner that she feels like is someone who can help her out, Warren said.
The US wants to ban airlines from charging families to sit together

The US wants to ban airlines from charging families to sit together

The Biden Administration has proposed a rule banning airlines from charging families to sit together.

The proposal aims to ensure that parents and caregivers can sit next to young children at no extra cost.

Fees to sit together can cost up to $200 per trip, a release form the Department of Transport says.

The Biden Administration proposed a new rule on Thursday that would ban airlines from requiring families to pay extra money to sit next to each other.

Instead, the Department of Transport wants air carriers to ensure that parents and caregivers are seated next to their children under the age of 13 for no additional fee when this option is available at booking.

The department estimated that eliminating "junk fees" would save a family of four as much as $200 a roundtrip if each seat selection carries a charge of $25.

"Many airlines still don't guarantee family seating, which means parents wonder if they'll have to pay extra just to be seated with their young child. Flying with children is already complicated enough without having to worry about that," said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a press release.

The rule has been expected for some time, with Biden saying in his State of the Union address in 2023: "Baggage fees are bad enough  airlines can't treat your child like a piece of baggage."

The proposal aims to do away with air carriers asking other passengers  who have often paid for their seats in advance  to voluntarily move to accommodate a parent and child sitting together.

It highlights that for many families, children are not able to sit unaccompanied as they are too young to feed themselves, fasten their own seat belts, or walk themselves to the bathroom.

Under the proposals, airlines would need to have family seating options in every class of service onboard. They would be prohibited from structuring each class in a way that limits choices for parents and children, such as only offering middle seats in basic economy.

Buttigieg said the rule would "lower costs for families and protect consumers from unfair practices." It would also mandate refunds and allow for free rebooking if adjacent seats for families to sit together are not available.

Four of the 10 biggest airlines in the US  American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and Frontier Airlines  have already stopped charging junk fees.

Earlier this week, however, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers courts in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, issued a stay, temporarily blocking an earlier order from the Biden administration relating to airline junk fees after several airlines sued over the decision.

The appeal court said the junk fee rule, which came into force in July, "likely exceeds DOT's authority and will irreparably harm airlines."

Read the original article on Business Insider
What vaccinations are required in Wisconsin before kids start school in fall

School children are required to get vaccinated under Wisconsin state law to protect them from various diseases unless they obtain a waiver for one or more vaccines.

The amount of K-12 students in the state who've missed vaccinations has increased in the last year. It's part of a national trend where more students have skipped vaccines since the COVID-19 pandemic, when misinformation about vaccines may have fueled parental skepticism.

Under state law, school children in Wisconsin need to submit an up-to-date vaccination record or waiver prior to entering school. Here's what you need to know about what immunizations are required for students.

What immunizations are required for Milwaukee Public School students?

Milwaukee Public Schools teacher Jenny Aicher receives an immunization from City of Milwaukee health worker Steve Ohly at a mobile vaccination clinic Thursday at All Saints Catholic Church.

The following vaccinations are required immunizations for each age and grade level, according to Wisconsin law. Vaccinations can be waived for health, religious or personal conviction reasons.

Pre-Kindergarten (2-4 years):

4 doses of DTaP or another combination vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Students receiving a third dose of DTaP after the 4th birthday are not required to receive additional doses

3 doses of polio vaccine

3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine

1 dose of measles, mumps and rubella, or MRR, vaccine. The first dose must have been received on or after the 1st birthday

1 dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. This vaccine is not required if the child has had chickenpox and has documentation of it from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice nurse prescriber.

Kindergarten to Grade 6

4 doses of polio vaccine. Students receiving a third dose of polio vaccine after the 4th birthday are not required to receive additional doses

3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine

4 doses of DTaP or another combination vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)

2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. This vaccine is not required if the child has had chickenpox and has documentation of it from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice nurse prescriber

2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine. The first dose must have been received on or after the 1st birthday.

Grades 7-12

4 doses of polio vaccine

3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine

4 doses of DTaP or another combination vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)

2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. This vaccine is not required if the child has had chickenpox and has documentation of it from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice nurse prescriber

2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine. The first dose must have been received on or after the 1st birthday

7th grade: 1 additional dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine

7th grade: 1 dose of Meningococcal vaccine

12th grade: 1 booster dose of Meningococcal vaccine

Where can I get my child vaccinated in Milwaukee?

The Milwaukee Health Department provides free vaccination to children ages 18 or younger who are either uninsured, enrolled or eligible for Medicaid/BadgerCare or are a Native American or Alaska Native. You can visit the Milwaukee Health Department Immunization Clinic Services webpage for more information on hours and locations.

If the child has private insurance, you can contact their medical provider to arrange a vaccination appointment. Children also can receive routine vaccinations at their local pharmacy.

Some local health departments also hold in-school vaccination clinics or health fairs to make it convenient for kids to get their shots.

What happens if a child misses their vaccinations?

According to the Milwaukee Health Department, you can contact your physician to continue the shots from where they left off.

Why does my child's school need their immunization record? What happens if I don't file my child's immunization records?

According to state law, children enrolled in school must have their immunizations current and filed with the school. If you do not file your child's immunization records with the school, you could be fined, or your child could be temporarily excluded from the school.

Students have until the 30th school day to provide the appropriate documentation of immunization or a signed waiver. Starting on the 31st school day, noncompliant students in kindergarten through grade 5 must be excluded from school for up to 10 consecutive school days, unless their school was almost entirely compliant with immunization laws the previous school year.

RELATED: New report calls attention to lagging Wisconsin childhood vaccination rates

How can I get my child's immunization records?

To obtain your child's immunization records, you can contact their current or previous physician. If the doctor's office is closed or has moved out of town, you can call the State Medical Examining Board at 1-608-266-2811 and ask for the current location for the doctor or clinic.

You also can check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry online at www.dhfswir.org for records of the vaccines your child has received.

Your local health department also might have records of your child's immunizations.

How do I obtain a waiver for vaccination requirements in Wisconsin?

According to the Milwaukee Health Department, you can request a waiver for vaccination by contacting your child's school and filling out any required paperwork.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Immunization: Required vaccinations in Milwaukee, waivers
City of Espanola police cited unhoused people for trespassing on Thursday, July 31, 2024, telling them they will be arrested if they are still around the next day. (Photo by Molly Montgomery for Source NM)

In the wake of a court ruling giving local governments more leeway to force unhoused people off of public property, at least two jurisdictions in New Mexico have cleared out encampments.

A June 28 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for cities to enforce bans on unsheltered people sleeping outside in public places.

The same day the ruling came down, the Valencia County Sheriffs Office served unhoused people with a notice telling them to leave an encampment in the bosque in Los Lunas.

And on Monday, the city of Espanola handed out a notice of closure to the residents of an encampment the city itself established in February, telling them they needed to leave by noon on Wednesday.

Around 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Espanola police arrived at the encampment and said they would return on Thursday. When they did, they issued citations to everyone for criminal trespassing, and arrested two people who had outstanding warrants.

Espanola Police Lt. Zack Wright told the remaining campers at the site on Thursday they had to leave by Friday, or they could face arrest.

Carol Draper, a resident of the camp since it was opened, said she and the other campers do not want to be sent away to a shelter in Santa Fe or Albuquerque because her family lives in Espanola, and she has found work there.

Draper said the city promised the campers they would purchase some land and build small homes, but that never happened.

This week New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham made Espanola the last leg of a statewide tour promoting her legislative agenda and seeking feedback from the public about crime and public safety.

The governor appeared in a town hall meeting on Tuesday alongside the citys mayor and police chief, along with the governor of Santa Clara Pueblo. Attendees applauded loudly when an audience member called for clearing out the encampment in town.

I really want New Mexico cleaned up, Lujan Grisham said.

Pointing to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on July 25 mandating state agencies and departments adopt policies to clear camps on state property.

At another one of her town halls in Albuquerque on Monday night, audience member Kevin Cooper brought up Newsoms executive order, and asked Lujan Grisham to replicate it here.

Ive been evaluating that, Im looking at it carefully, Lujan Grisham responded.

All of the states are incredibly frustrated by the fact that we want to house people, we want to support people, we want compassion and respect, we dont want to vilify any of these issues: being poor or mentally ill. That would be awful, she said. But we have serious felony-level crime occurring, and it makes it unsafe for anyone to walk to work, to go to their car, to go to the hospital, to go to a park, to go to school.

Lujan Grisham said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller is very interested in how we might work together on a concept.

Keller said the local and state governments need to work together on such an executive order, and do it thoughtfully. He said Albuquerque police clear 1,000 encampments per month.

A state district court judge in September blocked the Albuquerque Police Department from conducting encampment sweeps when there arent enough open shelter beds in the city.

However, the judge, the city government and advocates for the unhoused in May agreed to throw out his injunction because it would have been impossible to enforce after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Valley near Yellowstone is part of Idahos heritage, not a playground for the rich | Opinion

One of Idahos natural gems is on the verge of being marred forever by development aimed at the ultra-wealthy.

In the northeastern corner of eastern Idaho, just outside the borders of Yellowstone National Park, lies the vast Island Park Caldera. The expansive valley full of massive springs, stunning waterfalls, two state parks, thick lodgepole pine forests  and, without a doubt, some of the best fly fishing in the country  is an outdoor paradise.

The caldera  a 50-mile-wide volcanic crater  is the remnant of a pair of massive volcanic eruptions thrown up by the Yellowstone hotspot as it wandered east to its current location. At its center, bordering Henrys Lake, is a mostly undeveloped area called the flats. The flats are special even in this unique place, a large, open meadow that every spring brims with mules ear, lupine and other wildflowers.

And, if nothing changes, soon too will sprout an over-400-acre development with built-in aircraft hangar space bordering a private airstrip built just for the owners of these ultra-luxury mansions  a so-called air park  as East Idaho News reported. At the same time, there are separate plans in the works for a three-story, 132-room Marriott.

The Nature Conservancy has protected a large portion of the flats by creating the Flat Ranch Nature Preserve. But most of the rest has been ranch land, until now.

The proposed new developments have unified much of the often-divided Island Park community in strong opposition.

Recently, as East Idaho News reported, about 150 people showed up to protest against them  hugely significant in a town with a population of less than 200 and a broader area with a population of only around 1,500. A change.org petition opposing the development has garnered over 6,000 signatures at time of writing.

And there are serious environmental concerns with the development, too.

The flats hold great ecological value within the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, said Shaun Ward, communications director and project manager for the Henrys Fork Wildlife Alliance. Were worried about the loss of habitat.

In particular, the flats provide food, shelter and migration corridors for pronghorn, elk, mule deer, long-billed curlews and sandhill cranes, Ward said.

With the air park being built, its going to destroy habitat that these wildlife use, he said. Theres also a big concern about water pollution.

While the flats is one of the most beautiful parts of Island Park, its also the harshest. In winter storms, temperatures can easily fall below -30 degrees, visibility can drop to zero and the road across it is frequently closed. Island Park is where Idahos coldest-ever temperature was recorded: -60 in 1943. Trying to operate planes in such conditions means using deicing chemicals, Ward said. And in the bottom of a caldera, those chemicals have nothing to do but accumulate.

The concerns about water overuse and pollution are shared by the Henrys Fork Foundation, a nonprofit that works to preserve the areas world-class fishery  which, he pointed out, contributes about $30 million in economic activity per year.

Our research has shown that the water supply is 15% lower in the last 20 years than in the prior 20 years, said Rob Van Kirk, the foundations science and technology director.

The water quality concern is that our data show increased phosphorous levels, a doubling in the last 10 years or so. Thats very concerning, he added.

A bunch of new development, needless to say, is unlikely to make these emerging problems easier to solve.

The entire Yellowstone area is already developing so quickly. Were not against all development. We think this is an irresponsible place to develop, Ward said. The Greater Yellowstone ecosystem is one of the largest intact ecosystems in the entire world.

If Idaho has a natural heritage, something were obligated to pass on to our children as good as we found it, the flats are a part of it. They shouldnt become just another playground only for the rich. Lets hope ours isnt the generation that ruined something so fine.

Bryan Clark is an opinion writer for the Idaho Statesman.
DENVER (KDVR)  On Wednesday, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser joined six other U.S. Attorneys General in an agreement with Valvoline to end enforcement of its non-compete and non-solicitation agreements.

According to the agreement provided by Weisers office, the oil change and auto service provider will no longer enforce non-compete agreements on its hourly instant oil change workers, both past and present.

New federal rule would bar noncompete agreements for most employees

The agreements prohibited employees from investing, working for, or engaging in the automotive lubricants business for a year after leaving Valvoline. The agreements also added that restriction for all stores within 100 miles of the employees primary worksite.

The non-solicitation agreements prohibited former employees from trying to hire any Valvoline employees, and from taking away any Valvoline customers for a year after the job was terminated.

Non-compete agreements are widespread in the workforce. These unfair agreements keep wages low, place an undue burden on workers, and significantly reduce their future job prospects, Weiser said in a release. In Colorado, we are committed to protecting workers and fighting for fair treatment for all. Todays agreement provides security that Colorado Valvoline employees will not be subject to such restrictive employment conditions going forward.

Valvoline stores are located throughout Colorado, ranging from Avon to Pueblo and Fruita to Parker. Its unclear how many employees Valvoline has in the state, but Weiser reported there are 440 current employees and 500 former employees throughout the seven states included in the agreement with the auto servicer. Those states include Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania.

Valvoline has 15 days to issue notices to all current and former employees who stopped working at the company within the past year. If the agreement is violated, the states attorney general can seek a $500,000 penalty.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., at left, and State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha are running for the 2nd District seat in the Omaha-area. (Courtesy of Photos/House of Representatives and Unicameral Information Office)

OMAHA  Recent polling on the left and right agree on one thing about Nebraskas 2nd District contest for Congress: The race remains a toss-up.

The latest hint is a campaign poll funded by Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas shared with the Nebraska Examiner this week that indicated he was leading Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon by 2 percentage points, 46%-44%, with 9% undecided.

The Vargas campaign paid Global Strategy Group to survey 700 likely Nebraska voters by cell phone and landline, June 25-30. The survey took place shortly after President Joe Bidens debate against former President Donald Trump. The polling memo listed a 4.4% margin of error.

Vargas led Bacon by a single point at this point in the 2022 race, which was a non-presidential year. That year, Bacon beat Vargas by about 3 percentage points.

Vargas confident he offers competing vision

Vargas, in a statement, said his campaign is resonating with voters because he is a working parent and the son of immigrant parents who worked to make ends meet. He said people support tax relief, making health care more affordable and public education.

He said Bacon has cared more about pleasing his party bosses and backing Trump, criticizing him for attacking reproductive rights, suggesting changes to Social Security and Medicare and supporting tax cuts for top earners.

Don Bacons top priority in Washington has been protecting his political career, not looking out for Nebraskans, Vargas said. Voters see the clear contrast in our records and theyre ready to elect a leader who will get to work for them.

Fischer poll showed Bacon ahead

Disclosure of the Vargas internal poll followed the release last week of early July campaign polling by Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer. In that poll, Bacon led Vargas by 3 points.

What that means is the Omaha-area race remains too close to show who leads, local polling experts explained, because both polls results fell within the different surveys margin of error.

The results reinforce political observers belief that the 2nd District House race should be at least as competitive as it was the first time Vargas and Bacon faced off.

This year, Bacon has faced a more significant primary challenger to his right and earlier and more persistent outside spending.

Bacon team says hes in position to win

Danielle Jensen, a spokeswoman for Bacons campaign, said Bacon faced millions of dollars in attack ads during and since the primary campaign, while Vargas, with no primary opponent, was left unscathed.

Yet he is only leading by 3 points, the margin of error, in his own poll, and Congressman Bacon is leading by 3 points in Senator Fischers poll, she said.

Jensen called the margin a sign of Vargas weakness.

The new Vargas poll shows some softness of Bacons support among some conservatives, with the poll indicating Vargas drawing support from nearly 1 in 5 Republicans surveyed.

Local GOP political consultants have told the Examiner in recent months that they expect many of those Republicans to come home to Bacon. Some supported his GOP primary challenger, Dan Frei.

Bacon has angered some in the GOP for sometimes criticizing Trump. Bacon has endorsed Trump three times.

Other Republicans say Bacon spends too much time catering to centrists and Democrats. The Vargas poll indicates Bacon is drawing the support of 17% of Democrats surveyed. The same poll indicates Vargas drawing the support of 19% of Republicans.

In a slightly right-leaning district by party registrations, the biggest difference the Vargas polling found was among voters without a party affiliation. Vargas led them 52%-36%.

Outside spending likely to be wild

Thus far, Bacon has raised the most campaign cash. His latest federal filing from late June showed his campaign had raised $4.33 million. Vargas had raised $3.53 million.

Bacon has spent more, $2.1 million to Vargas $1.1 million, because of the primary push. Vargas led in campaign cash on hand, with $2.52 million to Bacons $2.22 million.

Groups supporting Bacon have led the way in outside spending on the race to date, spending nearly $720,000 to boost him vs. groups having spent about $10,200 helping Vargas, according to OpenSecrets.org, which tracks campaign spending.

The Bacon campaign says actual outside spending, including dark money, is much higher. They point to nearly $2.6 million theyve seen spent against Bacon by Nebraska for Us, Unrig Our Economy and others.

This month, two other outside groups upped that ante, with one supporting Bacon and the other backing Vargas In 2022, outside groups spent nearly $11 million on the 2nd District race.

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  Officers with the Virginia Beach Police Department are searching for two suspects in connection with $1,300 worth of LEGOs stolen from a Virginia Beach Walmart.

According to officials, on both July 15 and 17, around 3:30 p.m., the suspects, pictured below, stole approximately $1,300 worth of LEGOs from the Walmart located on Phoenix Drive, near Lynnhaven Mall.

Phoenix Drive Walmart grand larceny suspects (Courtesy: Virginia Beach Crime Solvers)

Phoenix Drive Walmart grand larceny suspects (Courtesy: Virginia Beach Crime Solvers)

Phoenix Drive Walmart grand larceny suspects (Courtesy: Virginia Beach Crime Solvers)

Police said the individuals paid for cheaper LEGOs at the electronics section and then swapped them out with more expensive LEGOs before leaving the store.

The suspects were seen on both occasions driving a black 2010 Acura MDX SUX with Virginia license plates TTB-2470. The vehicle was found to be registered to an address in Chesapeake.

If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
US says Maduro lost Venezuela election as opposition leader says shes in hiding

The United States has said it is clear that President Nicolas Maduro lost the popular vote in Venezuelas election last week, as a key opposition leader said she is in hiding in fear for her life.

Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuelas July 28 presidential election, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

In addition, the United States rejects Maduros unsubstantiated allegations against opposition leaders. Maduro and his representatives threats to arrest opposition leaders, including Edmundo Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado, are an undemocratic attempt to repress political participation and retain power, Blinken added.

Maduros government has rejected the US statement as ridiculous, with Venezuelas Foreign Minister Yvan Gil accusing the United States of attempting to orchestrate a coup.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a press conference at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on July 31, 2024. - Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images

Protests broke out across Venezuela earlier this week after the countrys electoral body, which is stacked with regime allies, announced Maduro as the winner with 51% of the votes.

The election was seen as the most consequential in years, with Venezuelas stalling democracy and hopes of recovering its shattered economy on the line. Many young opposition supporters said they would leave the country if Maduro was re-elected, pointing to the devastating collapse of Venezuelas economy and violent repression under his rule.

An energized opposition movement  which overcame their divisions to form a coalition and coalesce around presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez  enjoyed strong polling figures prior to the vote. It had been seen as the ruling establishments toughest challenge in 25 years.

On Tuesday after the vote, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, who is a member of Maduros inner circle, called for the arrest of both Machado and Gonzalez. Though the countrys Public Ministry later clarified that no arrest warrant had been issued for either opposition figure, fears remain that they could be targeted by the state.

I am writing this from hiding, fearing for my life, my freedom, Machado wrote in an opinion editorial published Thursday by The Wall Street Journal. I could be captured as I write these words. A source from Machados campaign told CNN that she is currently sheltered.

The opposition leader also said most of her team were currently in hiding, and that some, including those in the Argentine Embassy fear an imminent raid.

Allegations of foul play

Though Maduro had promised free and fair elections, the process was marred with allegations of foul play  with opposition figures arrested, their key leader Machado banned from running, opposition witnesses allegedly denied access to the centralized vote count, and overseas Venezuelans largely unable to cast ballots.

The Carter Center, one of the few independent institutions allowed to monitor the vote, said Tuesday that Venezuelas electoral process did not meet international standards of electoral integrity at any of its stages and violated numerous provisions of its own national laws.

Machado says she can prove that Maduro didnt win. He lost in a landslide to Edmundo Gonzalez, 67% to 30%, she wrote in the WSJ.

I know this to be true because I can prove it, she claimed. I have receipts obtained directly from more than 80% of the nations polling stations, she wrote, claiming to have known Maduros government was going to cheat.

Venezuelas National Electoral Council (CNE) is controlled by Maduro. On Friday, the CNE released a bulletin with updated results of Venezuelas presidential elections, five days after the process ended. With 96.87% of the ballots transmitted, Maduro obtained 51.95% of the votes while opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez reached 43.18%, CNE President Elvis Amoroso claimed.

According to the Organization of American States (OAS), the five-day delay in publishing these electoral records is the longest in the history of the region. The OAS said Friday that the records should have been made public on Sunday night.

The OAS statement also emphasized the need to verify voting records to corroborate the vote results.

Also on Friday afternoon, Venezuelas Supreme Justice Tribunal (TSJ), the highest court in the country, took control of the electoral process. The tribunal asked all ten presidential candidates and the CNE to hand over legal documents of judicial relevance so that it could investigate and certify the election results, in a statement from the courts President Caryslia Rodriguez.

According to a Venezuelan non-governmental organization, Access to Justice, nearly all members of the TSJs board have proven links to Maduros governing socialist party.

Demonstrators confront riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Puerto La Cruz, Anzoategui state, Venezuela on July 29, 2024. - Carlos Landaeta/AFP/Getty Images

On Tuesday, Machado posted on X a link to what she says are the results from Sundays election. CNN has not independently confirmed the election data posted by Machado.

We have known for years what tricks the regime uses, and we are well aware that the National Electoral Council is entirely under its control. It was unthinkable that Mr. Maduro would concede defeat, she wrote.

Machado also called on the international community to get involved, warning in her op-ed that the world must decide whether it will tolerate a demonstrably illegitimate government.

In his statement on Friday, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Gil asserted that Venezuela has one of the most robust democracies in the world.

The Venezuelan people spoke, exercised their right and reiterated their inalienable path of sovereignty, peace and the construction of socialism to guarantee the greatest sum of happiness, he said.

The CNE has yet to issue final vote tallies.

The repression must stop

Deadly protests in Venezuela have seen more than 1,000 people detained, according to Venezuelan authorities.

According to Human Rights Watch, there are at least 20 credible reports of deaths related to the protests that broke out after the elections results were announced by the CNE. Local NGO Foro Penal has confirmed 11 deaths linked to the protests.

Maduro pledged to release all voting data in a private conversation Monday with Brazilian foreign policy envoy Celso Amorim, according to a source with knowledge of the conversation.

But on Wednesday, the strongman filed an appeal before the Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice to carry out an expert appraisal and certify the results of Sundays presidential election.

He also warned that he would not hesitate to call on the population for a new revolution if forced by what he called North American imperialism and fascist criminals.

CNNs Ivonne Valdes, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Osmary Hernandez, Alfredo Meza, and Avery Schmitz contributed reporting.

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Rep. Burgess Owens, center, meeting Wednesday with members of Utah's Venezuelan community at his office in West Jordan about the recent presidential vote in the South American country. Second from right is Carlos Moreno, one of the Venezuelans. | Rep. Burgess Owens

Utahs Venezuelan community is seeking support from the states contingent to Washington, D.C., in pressing against what members say was electoral fraud in last Sundays presidential vote in the South American nation.

They're also asking the U.S. lawmakers serving Utah, all of them Republicans, to press the administration of President Joe Biden to recognize opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the contest. Incumbent President Nicolas Maduro won the vote, he maintains, but opposition critics say Gonzalez won, and U.S. and many other world leaders haven't recognized Maduro as they push for release of more detailed voting data.

"Unfortunately, it's not a lot we can do, but we're still trying," said Mayra Molina, of the Venezuelan Alliance of Utah. She's originally from Venezuela but now lives in American Fork.

Late Thursday, the Biden administration recognized Gonzalez as the victor in the presidential vote. Molina said the alliance is hosting a public gathering on the south steps of the Utah Capitol on Saturday at 10 a.m. to promote unity among the opposition backers.

The alliance, formed largely to promote Venezuelan culture, sent a letter Wednesday to Rep. Burgess Owens and also contacted or planned to contact U.S. Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney and Utah's three other U.S. House members seeking support. The letter to Owens, supplied to KSL.com, had the signatures of 231 Venezuelans and Venezuelan Americans.

Separately, Carlos Moreno, originally from Venezuela but now living in West Jordan, met with Owens on Wednesday along with two other Venezuelans now living in Utah, also in search of support in challenging Maduro, who has been in power in Venezuela since 2013. Venezuelan opposition leaders took part in vote counting after last Sunday's balloting at individual precincts, Moreno said, and have proof in the collective results gathered from around the country of Gonzalez's victory.

"Now we have all the proof that the opposition won the election, and (Maduro's) trying another coup," said Moreno, a naturalized U.S. citizen who's seeking a seat on the Salt Lake County Council as a Republican in elections this cycle. Results posted online by Venezuelan opposition coalition leader Maria Corina Machado show Gonzalez leading Maduro by a 67%-30% margin with nearly 82% of votes tallied.

Members of Comando ConVzla in Utah, part of a global coalition of foes of the government of President Nicolas Maduro government, in an undated photo. | Norely Lopez

Moreno said he also spoke by phone with Rep. Celeste Maloy, though he's still awaiting a response from the Utah lawmakers. Venezuelans and Venezuelan Americans across the country are making similar pleas with U.S. lawmakers, Molina said.

A rep from Owens' office pointed to a tweet from the lawmaker about the meeting with Moreno.

"I discussed the horrific situation in Venezuela with some Utahns who have family there. Maduro's oppressive regime continues to trample human rights and thwart the will of the people. I stand in solidarity with the Venezuelan people who simply seek freedom and liberty," Owens said in the message on X, the social media platform.

The Venezuelan community in Utah and the rest of the United States has closely watched the electoral process in Venezuela. Nearly 8 million Venezuelans have left the country under the rule of Maduro, a socialist, due to what many say is his oppressive and corrupt leadership. Perhaps 20,000 live in Utah, community leaders estimate, and 2,000 to 3,000 gathered Sunday outside Herriman City Hall as a show of solidarity with the opposition movement in Venezuela.

Beyond the fraud in counting of ballots from Sunday's vote, Molina said some opposition leaders now face persecution, including jailing. "People are really scared because obviously the oppression is getting strong," she said.

Moreno said some opposition figures have been abducted, some killed. "It's not just about another election in another part of the world. People are missing in Venezuela," he said.

The letter to Utah's lawmakers by the Venezuelan Alliance of Utah asks them to "denounce the electoral fraud" in the Venezuelan vote, joining lawmakers like Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, Florida Republicans. It also asks the lawmakers to urge the Biden administration to increase pressure on Maduro and to recognize Gonzalez as winner of the presidential vote.

Your statement in favor of our democratic cause and the necessary support of the United States are fundamental to guarantee the restoration of Venezuelan democracy, reads the letter.
Venezuela's opposition secured over 80% of crucial vote tally sheets. Here's how they did it.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, left, and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez hold up vote tally sheets from the top of a truck during a protest against the official presidential election results declaring President Nicolas Maduro the winner in Caracas, Venezuela, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, two days after the election. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  The statement that upended Venezuela came 24 hours after polls closed in the presidential election.

With the reassuring tone of someone who has consistently been considered an underdog, opposition powerhouse Maria Corina Machado announced that her coalition had gathered more than two-thirds of vote tally sheets from polling centers nationwide, and that they show President Nicolas Maduro had lost his reelection bid.

The tally sheets known as actas  printouts measuring several feet that resemble shopping receipts  have long been considered the ultimate proof of election results in Venezuela. Opposition members knew they had to obtain as many of them as possible to refute the unfavorable election outcome they expected electoral authorities to announce.

Months of preparations and thousands of volunteers participated in the herculean task.

Their effort earned Maduro and his loyal National Electoral Council global condemnation, including from close regional allies, and fueled the anger of Venezuelans fed up with their nation's cascading economy. In response, the government called for opposition leaders to be arrested, capping an election season marked by repression and irregularities.

This account of the opposition's effort is based on public statements, as well as interviews with party representatives, volunteers and others involved, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of government retribution.

Discipline

Tens of thousands of volunteers participated in training workshops nationwide in recent months. They learned that under the law they could be inside polling centers on Election Day, stationed near voting machines, from before polls opened until the results had been electronically transmitted to the National Electoral Council in the capital, Caracas.

Organizational discipline was key to their success because the ruling party wields tight control over the voting system. Polling places are guarded by soldiers, civilian militia, police and loyalists of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela.

On Sunday, officials attempted to block opposition volunteers from voting centers, and in some places, they succeeded. But elsewhere, the volunteers were unshakable, and once inside voting centers, they did not leave, in some cases until after 11 p.m.

They took courage with their law in hand, with the polling station manual in hand, and they managed to enter, Machado said Sunday, before the polls closed. She called party representatives and other volunteers the heroes of this process.

The 90,000 party representatives were taught to obtain a copy of the tally sheets  printed from electronic voting machines after polls close  before the results were transmitted to the council.

Our representatives have the right to their tally sheet, Machado said. No representative leaves their voting center without the document in hand.

The volunteers were also trained to use a custom-made app to report voting center irregularities such as opening delays or power outages, and to scan a QR code printed on every tally sheet.

The chorizo

Venezuelans have used electronic voting machines for about two decades. The machines record votes, provide a paper receipt for each voter and  after polls close  print copies of the tally sheets, whose length has led to the nickname, chorizo, or "sausage' in Spanish.

The tallies show vote totals broken down by candidate, the QR code and the signatures of party representatives, an employee of the electoral body and poll workers who are drawn by lot to participate.

Every party representative is entitled to a tally sheet, while another copy is placed in an envelope and delivered to the National Electoral Council headquarters.

Infighting and disorganization had consistently limited the ability of government opponents to secure and safeguard the tallies in previous elections. But Machado said the opposition had obtained more than 70% of sheets. That number would eventually grow to over 80%.

The QR code scans gave a team of campaign workers immediate access to voting results, which they tabulated Sunday night and Monday.

The National Electoral Council has not yet shared the tallies on its website, which has been down since Monday. While it is not obligated to post images of the tally sheets, it has previously shared each sheet's totals.

The council on Monday reported that Maduro received 5.1 million votes, while Edmundo Gonzalez, representing the Unitary Platform opposition coalition, earned more than 4.4 million. Council President Elvis Amoroso on Friday provided updated results from 96.87% of tally sheets, gave Maduro 6.4 million votes and Gonzalez 5.3 million.

Eight other men vied for the presidency, including Enrique Marquez, a former member of the electoral council, who decried the official results and lambasted authorities for the lack of transparency.

Most of our witnesses  were prevented from accessing the voting centers, he told reporters. Those who were able to enter witnessed the process and waited for the tally sheets, but they were not given to them as required by law and its regulations. Not only does it violate the law, it generates obscurity, opacity, lack of transparency.

The opposition, electoral experts and foreign governments questioning the official results, including President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and President Gustavo Petro of Colombia, both Maduro allies, who have urged him to make the sheets public.

By bike, motorcycle, car or boat

Securing the chorizo from each of the 30,000 voting machines was only half the battle. The campaign needed to get them all fully scanned using equipment especially designed to copy the tally sheets.

That's when yet more volunteers came into play. If the party representatives did not feel safe or were unable to reach the places where the scanners were housed, volunteers met the representatives, grabbed the sheets and transported them via motorcycle, car, bike and even boat to the appropriate locations.

By the time National Electoral Council President Elvis Amoroso was shown on television handing Maduro a document certifying his victory, the opposition had scanned more than half of the tally sheets. Hours later, Machado and Gonzalez stood before reporters and announced the numbers that shook the country: The vote tallies show Gonzalez received roughly 6.2 million votes versus Maduro's 2.7 million. The scanned tallies were also uploaded to a searchable website, and anyone who voted could use their government identification number to check out the tally sheet belonging to the machine they used to vote.

The government then claimed that the electoral council's website had been hacked. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez insisted Maduro was the indisputable winner and called his opponents violent fascists. He called for Machado and Gonzalez to be arrested.

Maduro has faced a cascade of criticism ever since. International observers say they were unable to verify the results. Regional allies urged the government to publish the complete vote tallies. On Thursday, the U.S. government congratulated Gonzalez on his victory.

At least 12 million Venezuelans peacefully went to the polls and exercised one of the most powerful rights given to people in any democracy: the right to vote, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. Unfortunately, the processing of those votes and the announcement of results by the Maduro-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) were deeply flawed, yielding an announced outcome that does not represent the will of the Venezuelan people.
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Phosphine molecules seeen around Venus the second planet from the sun. | Credit: NASA/Robert Lea

New preliminary evidence for phosphine and ammonia in Venus's atmosphere deepens the mystery behind what is producing these gases. The puzzling origin of phosphine and now ammonia means that the idea that these chemicals may have a biological source on Venus is under serious consideration by some scientists.

Venus seems like an unlikely place to find life due to its blisteringly hot surface temperatures sufficient to melt lead and its fearsome surface pressure. The presence of phosphine and ammonia in the clouds of the second planet from the sun and the hottest planet in the solar system implies that if life could exist there, it would be found high above the Venusian surface.

The new detections of phosphine and ammonia were obtained by a team led by Jane Greaves of the University of Cardiff using submillimeter radio wavelength data collected by the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) in Hawaii and the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia.

"We don't know how you make phosphine or ammonia in an oxygenating atmosphere like that of Venus," said team member and astrophysicist Dave Clements of Imperial College, London, in an interview with Space.com. Then again, it's not clear why biology on Earth produces phosphine, either." Whether it's in penguin poop or badger guts, we don't know why bacteria make phosphine, but they do."

Related: Life on Venus? Intriguing molecule phosphine spotted in planet's clouds again

Phosphine detection over Venus generates controversy

The JCMTs initial detection of phosphine on Venus in 2020 by Greaves and her team was met by fierce disagreement from some quarters.

This disagreement focused on how the data was processed and whether that was creating spurious signals since observations by other telescopes struggled to detect the phosphine.

Clements said those technical disagreements have now been resolved and that the latest measurements, using a new detector on the JCMT called Namakanui (meaning Big Eyes in Hawaiian), have come from three observing campaigns, each providing 140 times as much data as the initial detection.

Clements said those technical disagreements have now been resolved and that the latest measurements, using a new detector on the JCMT called Namakanui (meaning 'Big Eyes' in Hawaiian), have come from three observing campaigns, each providing 140 times as much data as the initial detection.

"Namakanui is a suite of three different receivers at three different frequencies," said Clements.

One of those receivers, called Uu (the name of a particular big-eyed fish that can see in the dark in the waters around Hawaii), is able to detect phosphine, as well as sulfur dioxide and "semiheavy water" (HDO), water with three hydrogen atoms rather than two and the usual one oxygen atom. Both sulfur dioxide and HDO vary with time in the clouds of Venus, and Greaves and Clements team want to see how phosphine varies, too.

"There are suspicions, possibilities, that the amount of phosphine might vary with time, but we dont know what drives the variability," said Clements.

An artist's depiction of the European Space Agency's Venus Express spacecraft at the planet.

One possibility is ultraviolet light from the sun breaks up molecules in the upper atmosphere of Venus, causing variability in phosphine.

Clements pointed out that the initial detection of phosphine came when JCMT was observing the morning terminator on Venus, where the planet's nightside was turning into its dayside. At night, solar ultraviolet light would not have an impact, allowing phosphine to build up.

The other observations, by the European Space Agencys Venus Express spacecraft, SOFIA (the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy), and NASAs Infrared Telescope Facility in Hawaii, observed Venus when the day was turning into night, and solar ultraviolet could have already broken up much of the phosphine, and so they struggled to detect it.

Clements has since reanalyzed the SOFIA data and found a faint hint of phosphine present. Rakesh Mogul at California State Polytechnic University also found phosphorus in high abundance when reanalyzing the mass spectrometer data from the old Pioneer Venus mission of 1978.

"If phosphine is being destroyed by solar ultraviolet, thats consistent with these other observations not finding it," said Clements. It also suggests that the phosphine is quickly being replenished by some unknown process.

Then theres the ammonia.

Could ammonia make Venus more habitable?

Detected at Venus by the Green Bank radio telescope, the origin of ammonia is as murky as that of phosphine. If its presence in Venus atmosphere is real, however, it could give microbial life a way to survive in the extreme conditions there.

One barrier to imagining how life could survive in Venus' atmosphere is the sheer acidity of the environment, with clouds of pure sulfuric acid. Even though the temperature at an altitude of 31.6 to 38.5 miles (51 to 62 kilometers) is temperate, as opposed to the sweltering 870 degrees Fahrenheit (465 degrees Celsius) on the surface, nobody can see how life could survive the acidity.

Ammonia provides a way for life to do that. When mixed with sulfur dioxide, the ammonia neutralizes some of the acidity.

"It's still horrifyingly acidic," said Clements. "But it makes the droplets compatible at least with some acidophilic extremophile life that we know exists on Earth."

Life's ability to survive such conditions has also recently been supported by the discovery that amino acids can remain stable amid high concentrations of sulfuric acid.

A hazy world is striped with gassy clouds of tan hues in black space.

It is still possible that both phosphine and ammonia detected around Venus have a more mundane explanation. After all, both are found in the atmospheres of the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn .

On these solar system gas giants, these chemicals are formed deep in the hydrogen atmosphere under extremely high pressure and high-temperature conditions before being brought to the cloud tops by upwelling convection currents.

The problem is we would expect to find phosphine (which is made from phosphorous with three hydrogen atoms) and ammonia (composed of one nitrogen atom with three hydrogen atoms) in hydrogen-rich atmospheres such as those of Jupiter and Saturn.

"But if you're in an oxygenating atmosphere, like Venus or Earth , everything should be bound to oxygen," said Clements. "As soon as youve got any free hydrogen, it's going to react with something involving oxygen. We havent investigated the chemical pathways to produce ammonia as much as we did with phosphine because the result is so new, but I fully expect it to be exactly the same problem."

Artist's illustration of the surface of Venus shows a hot barren landscape with a volcano structure in the background and a lightning strike reaching down from the thick hazy atmosphere.

Clements is open to the possibility that both phosphine and ammonia are being produced by some rare photochemistry in Venus upper atmosphere involving solar ultraviolet breaking up molecules and allowing phosphine and ammonia to form from the molecular debris. If that is the case, nobody has observed this process yet, not even in the laboratory.

Another possibility that has been mooted is that the phosphine could be produced by Venusian volcanoes .

Related Stories:

 Life on Venus? Intriguing molecule phosphine spotted in planet's clouds again

 If Venus had Earth-like plate tectonics in its distant past, did it have life too?

 The Magellanic Clouds must be renamed, astronomers say

Clements also pointed out that the European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is making a fly-by of Venus in August 2025 to help slingshot it towards the Jovian system. JUICE carries instruments capable of detecting phosphine and ammonia, but theres no guarantee that its instruments will be switched on and deployed at Venus.

"We're still trying to convince the engineers, who don't like to turn things on mid-flight," said Clements.

So, the existence of phosphine and ammonia in Venus' atmosphere may remain debatable, even controversial, for some time yet. Given the possible implications for life, the stakes couldn't be higher.

The team's findings have not yet been peer-reviewed or published. While other scientists have not been able to scrutinize them yet, they were previewed in presentations at the National Astronomy Meeting 2024 in the UK in July.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  First Student Bus Company honors drivers who were also enlisted in the U.S. military on Friday.

One of many recognized was Scott Crandall, a former Army Medic.

2014 was when I enlisted, I did two tours, said Crandall. I got relieved and released in 2019. I actually went through a lot of jobs and I was discouraged because of that, not feeling like I fit in. And after serving, it was hard to fit in.

Crandall said his desire to continue serving his community led him to become a bus driver. This is a trend First Student Safety Manager Billy Kraus said is common with veterans.

Kraus joined the company after retiring from the Navy in 2021.

It works really well for veterans, especially retirees, said Kraus. A lot of veterans have that need and desire to serve and continue serving once they get out, and this gives them that opportunity to still have that feeling of doing something bigger than themselves and serving the community.

First Student estimates about 20% of their drivers are veterans. Crandall hopes that number continues to grow.

I would encourage every veteran, whether youre still trying to get on your feet, trying to figure out where you fit in, or you just feel you cant get through the day, here really helps, said Crandall. And First Student has been a great help with that. This job has really helped me bounce back and come back on my feet. Youre still out there being a part of a great service to the children and helping get everyone where they need to be safely.

This school year will be Scotts first year serving Rockford Public Schools. He said he is looking forward to developing relationships with his students and putting a smile on their faces.

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President Joe Biden announced earlier this month that he is no longer vying for the White House in the 2024 presidential election against the 78-year-old Republican nominee Donald Trump. He also gave Vice President Kamala Harris his full support to seek the Democratic nomination.

Harris, 59, who already made history as the nations first Black and South Asian woman to be elected vice president, has received endorsements from several prominent leaders, including former Democratic President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton.

More: Is VP Kamala Harris a law enforcement officer? Why she was called California's 'Top Cop'

During an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists conference Wednesday, Trump falsely claimed that presumptive Democratic nominee Harris failed to pass the California bar exam. Harris has said that she did not pass the exam on her first attempt, but she later passed and was admitted to the California Bar the year after she finished law school.

He also said he questioned the authenticity to her claims about her heritage and ethnicity.

"I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black," Trump said.

More: Will VP Kamala Harris be first woman president in US? See polling odds and lengthy process

What is Vice President Kamala Harris nationality and ethnicity?

Harris, the former U.S. Senator from California and the states Attorney General, Harris, is a U.S. citizen. The daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, she was born in Oakland, California on Oct. 20, 1964.

On the campaign trail, Harris has worked to appeal to Black leaders and voters through conversations at barber shops and historically Black colleges and universities. She attended Howard University, an HBCU, and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, which mobilized behind her and could be spotted at rallies.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: VP Kamala Harris is a US citizen and is Black and Asian American
Vice President Kamala Harris nears the end of search for running mate -- with the choice in her hands

Suspense is building as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate selection announcement nears -- with the process now resting in her own hands as of Friday, a person familiar tells ABC News.

The vetting, led by former Attorney General Eric Holder and his team at the Covington and Burling law firm, has concluded and the process has been turned over to Harris, the source said.

Harris is expected to announce her pick by Tuesday evening, when she and her running mate will appear together for a rally in Philadelphia, kicking off a multi-day blitz through battleground states.

MORE: Kamala Harris has enough delegate votes to officially become historic Democratic nominee: DNC chair

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at a Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority gathering, July 31, 2024, in Houston. (Lm Otero/AP)

They will make stops in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada.

News that the process has now entered this final stage was first reported by the New York Times.

All eyes are now on potential running mates -- a mix of governors and one senator. Sources have confirmed to ABC News that Harris' vetting team has met with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has canceled the fundraisers he had planned in the Hamptons this weekend, ABC News has confirmed. It's unclear now what his weekend schedule entails.

PHOTO: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro speaks during a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris, July 29, 2024, in Ambler, Pa. (Hannah Beier/Getty Images)

In a gaggle with the press following a bill signing ceremony on Friday in Pennsylvania, Shapiro dodged a series of questions about the running mate process.

"I think any process questions like that should go directly to the Harris campaign," Shapiro said when asked if he'd met yet with Harris.

MORE: Democrats to run newspaper ads in Trump's rally locations calling for debate commitment

When asked what he'd bring to a presidential ticket, he said, "I'm not going to engage in those kinds of hypotheticals," he said

But when asked if he'd be in "Philadelphia on Tuesday" -- when Harris is scheduled to campaign for the first time with her running mate -- Shapiro responded: "I hope to be."

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has also canceled an item on his Friday schedule amid speculation he may be in the running.

PHOTO: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offers remarks on the continued flight disruptions affecting Delta Air Lines passengers and DOT's investigation into Delta, at the U.S. Department of Transportation, July 23, 2024, in Washington. (Rod Lamkey/AP)

When asked by The Daily Show host Jon Stewart on Monday if he was being vetted, Buttigieg laughed and said "probably."

In an appearance on ABC's "The View" on Friday, Buttigieg was more circumspect: " I'm flattered to even be mentioned in this context, and it's a very important choice, and she's going to make the choice that is right for her, for the ticket in the campaign, but most of all, for the country."

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly told MSNBC on Wednesday that he was "not going to get into any of that. I am going to be focused on making sure that Kamala is the next president."

He noted his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, has campaigned for Harris in recent days in Michigan and Pennsylvania, but noted, "next week, my plans right now are to be in Arizona."

Appearing on MSNBC on Thursday night, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said that "I'm not going to talk about the conversations I've had about that."

Pressed on if that suggests there were conversations and what they were, Pritzker said, "Well, naturally people have called to talk to me about the possibility of being the vice presidential candidate. I'm not going to say who those people were or talk about those conversations. But, I'm flattered by all of it."

PHOTO: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during a Democratic National Convention security briefing at the U.S. Secret Service's Chicago Field Office, July 25, 2024, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/AP)

What about his weekend plans? Pritzker had some fun answering: "Lollapalooza is happening this weekend here in Chicago  I've heard other governors talking about how they've canceled their weekend plans. I was gonna perform, of course, with Blink-182 on Sunday, but I've canceled in order to clear my schedule."

Walz also has declined to directly address if he is in contention, telling reporters Thursday, "I'm not interviewing for anything. I'm just, am who I am, and put it out there," adding that the decision belongs to Harris.

In a tongue-in-cheek aside later, he added, "I don't know if every high school geography teacher expects to be in this position at some point, but it is very strange to be running on my treadmill and have people talking about the things that are there and and I scream back, this guy is too old."

PHOTO: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a Biden-Harris campaign and DNC press conference on July 17, 2024 at venue name in Milwaukee, Wis. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

MORE: 'Swifties for Kamala' ready to speak in 2024 presidential election

Another possible vice presidential contender, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, gave a stump-style speech at a dinner hosted by the Oklahoma Democratic Party on Thursday night, praising Harris as someone who is "going to move us into the future"

"As she says, 'we're not going back.' Or as I say, 'we ain't going back,'" he added.

President Joe Biden -- who endorsed Harris' presidential bid immediately after he withdrew from the race -- is giving no hints as to who Harris might choose.

Leaving the White House on Friday, Biden said "yes" when asked if he has spoken to Harris about her running mate.

"I'll let her work that out," Biden said when asked what qualities Harris should look for in who she chooses.

Asked who Harris should select, Biden did not respond and laughed.

ABC News' Tommy Barone, Jacob Steinberg, Lauren Peller, Hannah Demissie, Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, Fritz Farrow, and Will McDuffie contributed to this report.

Vice President Kamala Harris nears the end of search for running mate -- with the choice in her hands originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) welcomes prisoners released following the swap deal at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. -/KREMLIN/dpa

The early release of the convicted Russian murderer Vadim Krasikov in Germany as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange deal has disappointed the relatives of the victim, who described his release as "devastating news."

Speaking through their lawyer Inga Schulz in Berlin, the relatives told dpa: "On the one hand, we are glad that someone's life was saved.

"At the same time, we are very disappointed that there seems to be no law in the world, even in countries where the law is the highest authority."

Krasikov was released on Thursday as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus and several Western countries.

In return for the transfer of Krasikov and another nine individuals previously detained in the US, Norway, Poland and Slovenia, 16 Western citizens and Russian opposition figures were freed.

He was serving a life sentence for killing an exiled ethnic Chechen born in Georgia in broad daylight in a central Berlin park in 2019 - on the orders of Russian state authorities.

The Berlin Court of Appeal sentenced the man to life imprisonment for murder in 2021. The court determined that the crime was particularly serious, making early release unlikely after 15 years.

The relatives of the victim had participated in the trial as joint plaintiffs.

The victim had sought protection in Germany. He had led a militia in the fight against Russia during the second Chechen war. Russian authorities had labelled him a Chechen terrorist, holding him responsible for numerous deaths among Russian security forces.

A second aircraft which took off from Ankara, has landed at the military section of Cologne/Bonn Airport as part of the prisoner exchange with Russia. Christoph Reichwein/dpa-Pool/dpa
VIENNA TWP., Ohio (WKBN)  The Vienna Township Trustees will be holding a special meeting Monday, Aug. 5, regarding traffic cameras.

The public hearing for the use of traffic law photo-monitoring devices and for public education will take place at the Mathews High School Cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.

An investigation is ongoing in the township regarding its $1.3 million budget shortfall.

The township is looking at a variety of options for how that money will be made up, including selling some of its police cruisers and the speed cameras that are on their way.

Ohio Auditor of the State Keith Faber declared a fiscal emergency for Vienna Township last month.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Though vouchers weren't explicitly on the ballot on Thursday, the primary was a battleground for Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who uncharacteristically waded into contested Republican primaries across the state to back school choice candidates.

Lee sought to bolster his allies ahead of the 114th Tennessee General Assembly, which begins in January. He also meant to send a message to incumbents in the legislature who weren't facing down a competitive race but will have to consider Lee's voucher plan next year.

Lee can chalk up some notable wins, particularly in the competitive open seat in House District 65 in Williamson County. But he also lost his Senate Education Committee chair and one of three House races he weighed in on. Vote margins in other races indicated there wasn't necessarily an overwhelming voter mandate for school vouchers.

Though Lee is likely to spin it as a victory for school choice, it appears lukewarm at best considering the millions of dollars that school choice groups poured into the state over the summer.

Lee Reeves eked out a very narrow victory in the GOP primary in House District 65, beating Brian Beatherd in a heated contest by less than 1 percentage point, according to unofficial results Thursday night. Reeves boasted an endorsement from Lee, while outgoing Rep. Sam Whitson, R-Franklin, had backed Beatherd, a voucher skeptic.

Elsewhere, pro-voucher money helped push incumbent Sen. Frank Niceley, R-Strawberry Plains, off the map, in addition to Rep. Bryan Richey, who fell to Tom Hatcher in the open race to replace retiring Sen. Art Swann, R-Maryville.

But voters in Senate District 4 issued a stinging defeat for Lee and establishment Republican leadership in the Senate, toppling powerful Senate Education Chair Jon Lundberg, a conservative stalwart whose opponent, Kingsport pharmacist Bobby Harshbarger, painted as too liberal.

Lundberg, R-Bristol, was also a close ally of Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, and his ouster could come into play during Senate leadership elections early next year.

Harshbarger opposes vouchers and touted the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who took an unexpected swing at Lee's conservative bona fides after the election while boasting of his endorsement successes in Tennessee.

Here are other key takeaways from Thursday's election.

Outside voucher money rendered few dramatic results

A handful of pro-voucher political action committees poured millions into key races in an effort to elect candidates who will support state-funded private school vouchers. The money eked out some victories, but did not result in widespread dramatic success.

Groups like the Club For Growth-affiliated School Freedom Fund, Tennessee Federation for Children, and Americans for Prosperity Action, and others spent more than $4 million supporting pro-voucher candidates and attacking opponents in Thursdays primary.

But a handful of big-voucher-backed candidates lost, and others barely squeaked over the finish line.

In House District 20, Lee-endorsed Jason Emert was backed heavily by the School Freedom Fund, who bought more than $554,000 in ads boosting him in the final weeks of the race. Emert came in third in the close three-way primary, losing by 222 votes. Tom Stinnett won the race.

Longtime incumbent Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, who was backed by Tennessee Federation for Children and AFP Action, was unseated by challenger Rick Scarbrough in House District 33.

Lundberg, a fierce advocate for school choice, was supported by nearly $200,000 in outside spending from pro-voucher groups, but lost to Harshbarger.

Several PAC-backed pro-voucher candidates did win  but in nail-biting triumphs, not a decisive trouncing.

In one of the most expensive state House races of the night, House District 65, Reeves  who had the governors endorsement and nearly $1 million in spending from outside groups to boost his bid  won by just 95 votes.

Likewise, Lee-endorsed Aaron Maberry  who was boosted with nearly $800,000 from outside pro-voucher groups  won by about 350 votes.

Still, there were some decisive victories: newcomer Jessie Seal unseated Niceley in Senate District 8, boosted by $563,000 in ad buys from School Freedom Fund, and Hatcher roared past Richey in the open primary in Senate District 2, boosted by another $524,000 from the group.

AFP-coordinated ground game wins the day for Ogles despite being outspent

Incumbent MAGA darling U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, quashed a well-funded primary challenge from more moderate Metro Council member Courtney Johnston, despite being outspent in the Republican primary for Tennessees 5th Congressional District.

Ogles won 56.5% of the vote to Johnstons 43.5%, with Johnston ultimately carrying only one county  the Davidson County portion of the district, as former Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell did in 2022.

Johnstons lead in her home county Davidson was significant  15.6 percentage points  but support there was not strong enough to overcome Ogles dominance in rural counties that are his base. Johnston didn't crack 60% of the vote in Davidson County, a figure Ogles topped in four of the six counties covered by the newly drawn 5th.

The former Maury County mayor trounced Johnston in rural districts where she is less known, beating her by nearly 54 percentage points in Lewis County, 29 percentage points in Maury County, 28 percentage points in Marshall County, and 25 percentage points in Wilson County.

Williamson County was closer, but Ogles still ended the night with a double-digit lead, defeating Johnson 58.4% to 41.6%.

Outside funding in the race topped $1 million before Thursday. Johnston out-fundraised Ogles significantly during the campaign, and also drew support from the well-funded PAC Conservatives with Character.

Ogles success was not impacted by lackluster fundraising to his campaign account: outside PACs spent significantly to boost his efforts, and his longtime ally, Americans for Prosperity Action, openly coordinated door knocking efforts.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee election results: Key takeaways from Thursday's vote
Vice President Kamala Harris is postponing her visit to North Carolina this week because of weather concerns, according to WTVD in Raleigh.

The news comes as Tropical Storm Debbys outer bands began to reach the Tar Heel State on Tuesday. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and flooding risks to North Carolina.

READ MORE: VP candidate JD Vance to visit NC

Harris had planned to hold a rally with her vice presidential pick on Thursday in the Research Triangle area.

For the 8th time this year, Vice President Kamala Harris will visit North Carolina. On Thursday, she is holding a rally with her VP pick in the Research Triangle area  Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) August 1, 2024

The Harris campaign has not announced the date they are rescheduling the stop for, WTVD reports.

This will be her eighth visit to the Tar Heel State this year.

On Monday, the vice presidential candidate to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, announced he would also visit North Carolina.

Vance also plans to visit Raleigh and will give a speech at 9 a.m. He will also deliver remarks that same day in Oakboro at Charlotte Pipe and Foundry.

It will be his first visit to North Carolina since being selected as Trumps running mate.

Vances campaign has not announced any changes to the stop due to the weather forecast.

(WATCH BELOW: Democratic state house candidate to stay in race after being jailed)




Riot police hold back protesters near a burning police vehicle after disorder broke out on July 30, 2024 in Southport, England - Image: Getty Images (Getty Images)

Riots and tensions have flooded the streets of the United Kingdom after a July 29 stabbing spree claimed the lives of three young girls, ages six to nine, and injured at least ten more.



According to Fox News, around noon on Monday, a 17-year-old boy entered a local dance school where students were attending a Taylor Swift inspired event  holding a kitchen knife. The boy, whose identity was kept from the public until recently, attacked students and teachers alike, killing young girls: Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said, We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who are being attacked.

People attend a vigil outside the Atkinson building in central Southport which is being held for the child victims of a knife attack on July 30, 2024 in Southport, England - Image: Christopher Furlong (Getty Images)

The teen was arrested and charged with three counts of murder and 10counts of attempted murder less than a week before his 18th birthday, according to local officials.

In accordance to British law, the teens identity was kept from the public citing his age as a minor, but on Thursday, a judge ruled the suspects, Axel Rudakubana, name could be released, reports the Independent.

Before Rudakubana was publicly identified, misinformation about the alleged attackers name and ethnic origin circled British news and social media. According to AP News, several media outlets falsely named the suspect as Ali Al-Shakati, which only helped fuel ongoing tensions concerning immigration throughout the country.

 NEW: A BBC sketch of Axel Rudakubana while he was at Liverpool Crown Court https://t.co/Eas7NPQwa1 pic.twitter.com/j8KjHDaJGC  Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) August 1, 2024

Patrick Hurley, a British lawmaker, said hundreds of people descend[ed] on the town...intent on causing trouble  either because they believe what theyve written or because they are bad faith actors who wrote it in the first place, in the hope of causing community division.

Several riots ignited by right-winged, anti-immigration protesters took over the streets of Southport, England, where the tragedy took place. Fox News footage shows the aftermath of the violent clash between protesters and police the day after the attack. The riots have resulted in at least 22 officers injured, reported Merseyside Police on X.

Sky News also reported at least 15 more protests have been advertised online since then, and even an 11-year-old was arrested after allegedly setting a police car on fire.

In response to the riots, newly elected U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violent protests and said he would not allow understandable fear to curdle it into division and hate in the nation, during a press conference. Starmer also called the stabbing spree horrendous and deeply shocking.

According to ABC News, Prince William and Princess Kate also said in a statement: As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack.

The accused Rudakubana will remain in a youth detention center until his scheduled trial begins in October, according to officials.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Want to become a poll worker in Texas ahead of the 2024 election? Here's how

The Election Assistance Commission will hold its fourth annual national poll worker registration day on Thursday, an effort to combat pandemic-era shortages in personnel working the polls.

The EAC, a small government agency dedicated to overseeing how elections are administered at the state and federal level, created the civic holiday to raise awareness about poll worker shortages and engage community members in their local elections.

Here's everything you need to know about becoming a poll worker in Texas:

How to register as a poll worker

Those who want to register as a poll worker can do so on the EAC registration page HelpAmericaVote.gov.

What are the requirements to be a poll worker?

In order to become a poll worker, you must be registered to vote in the state where you're hoping to participate on Election Day. Other requirements vary by state, but in Texas, you must be 18 years old or 16 if you are registering as a student election official. You must also be a state resident. For additional guidelines, you can consult the EAC's compendium of state requirements.

What do poll workers do?

Poll workers are responsible for checking in voters at polling locations, helping them with any questions about the process, and thanking them on their way out the door.

What is the EAC?

The EAC is a small government agency founded after the 2000 Presidential election to promote best practices in election administration nationwide. It was created by the 2002 Help America Vote Act and serves as a "national clearinghouse of information on election administration."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How to become a poll worker in Texas
If we want to settle on other planets, well have to use genome editing to alter human DNA

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: Yuichiro Chino/Xuanyu Han/Getty Images

This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

Sam McKee is a researcher and associate tutor/lecturer on the philosophy of science faculty at Manchester Metropolitan University.

When considering human settlements on the moon , Mars and further afield, much attention is given to the travel times, food and radiation risk. We'll undoubtedly face a harsh environment in deep space and some thinkers have been pointing to genome editing as a way to ensure that humans can tolerate the severe conditions as they venture further into the solar system .

In January, I was fortunate to attend a much-anticipated debate between astronomer royal Lord Martin Rees and Mars exploration advocate Dr. Robert Zubrin . The event at the British Interplanetary Society took on the topic of whether the exploration of Mars should be human or robotic.

In a recent book called "The End of Astronauts," Lord Rees and co-author Donald Goldsmith outline the benefits of exploration of the solar system using robotic spacecraft and vehicles, without the expense and risk of sending humans along for the ride. Dr. Zubrin supports human exploration. Where there was some agreement was over Rees's advocacy of using gene editing technology to enable humans to overcome the immense challenges of becoming an interplanetary species.

Our genome is all the DNA present in our cells. Since 2011, we have been able to easily and accurately edit genomes. First came a molecular tool called Crispr-Cas9, which today can be used in a high school lab for very little cost and has even been used on the International Space Station . Then came techniques called base and prime editing, through which miniscule changes can be made in the genome of any living organism.

Related: Colonizing Mars may require humanity to tweak its DNA

The potential applications of gene editing for allowing us to travel further are almost limitless. One of the most problematic hazards astronauts will encounter in deep space is a higher dosage of radiation, which can cause havoc with many processes in the body and increase the longer-term risk of cancer.

Perhaps, using genome editing, we could insert genes into humans from plants and bacteria that are able to clean up radiation in the event of radioactive waste spills and nuclear fallout. It sounds like science fiction, but eminent thinkers such as Lord Rees believe this is key to our advancement across the solar system.

Identifying and then inserting genes into humans that slow down aging and counter cellular breakdown could also help. We could also engineer crops that resist the effects of exposure to radioactivity as crews will need to grow their own food. We could also personalize medicine to an astronauts needs based on their particular genetic makeup.

Imagine a future where the human genome is so well understood it has become pliable under this new, personalized medicine.

NASA astronaut and biologist Kate Rubins successfully sequenced DNA in the microgravity of the International Space Station using a small device called MinION.

Genes for extremes

Tardigrades are microscopic animals sometimes referred to as water bears. Experiments have shown that these tiny creatures can tolerate extreme temperatures, pressures, high radiation and starvation. They can even tolerate the vacuum of space .

Geneticists are eager to understand their genomes and a paper published in Nature sought to uncover the key genes and proteins that give the miniature creatures this extraordinary stress tolerance. If we could insert some of the genes involved into crops, could we make them tolerant to the highest levels of radiation and environmental stress? Its worth exploring.

Even more intriguing is whether inserting tardigrade genes into our own genome could make us more resilient to the harsh conditions in space. Scientists have already shown that human cells in the lab developed increased tolerance to X-ray radiation when tardigrade genes were inserted into them.

Transferring genes from tardigrades is just one speculative example of how we might be able engineer humans and crops to be more suited to space travel.

An image of a tardigrade as seen under a microscope.

Well need much more research if scientists are ever to get to this stage. However, in the past, several governments have been keen to enforce tight restrictions on how genome editing is used, as well as on other technologies for inserting genes from one species into another.

Germany and Canada are among the most cautious, but elsewhere restrictions seem to be relaxing.

In November 2018, the Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced that he had created the first gene edited babies . He had introduced a gene into the unborn twins that confers resistance to HIV infection.

The scientist was subsequently jailed . But he has since been released and allowed to carry out research again.

In the new space race , certain countries may go to lengths with genome editing that other nations, especially in the west where restrictions are already tight, may not. Whoever wins would reap enormous scientific and economic benefits.

If Rees and the other futurists are right, this field has the potential to advance our expansion into the cosmos. But society will need to agree to it.

Its likely there will be opposition, because of the deep-seated fears of altering the human species forever. And with base and prime editing now having advanced the precision of targeted gene editing, its clear that the technology is moving faster than the conversation.

One country or another is likely to take the leap where others pull back from the brink. Only then will we find out just how viable these ideas really are. Until then, we can only speculate with curiosity, and perhaps excitement too.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows delivers donuts to poll workers in Portland during Maine's June 11 primary election. (Evan Popp/Maine Morning Star)

This week, a coalition of election officials, businesses, and civic engagement, religious and veterans groups made a national push to encourage hundreds of thousands of Americans to serve as poll workers in Novembers presidential election.

Poll worker demand is high. With concerns over the harassment and threats election officials face, and with the traditional bench of poll workers growing older, hundreds of counties around the country are in desperate need of people who are willing to serve their communities.

On Aug. 1, there was a social media blitz across Facebook, TikTok, X and other platforms encouraging Americans to spend a few hours helping democracy. Theyre being asked to wake up before sunrise, welcome voters to polling places, hand them a ballot, and make sure the voting process goes smoothly.

96 days until Election Day and election officials nationwide are working hard now to get ready. Its National Poll Worker Recruitment Day!  Shenna Bellows (@shennabellows) August 1, 2024

Many sites will see long lines and frustrated voters; they may face unexpected problems such as a power outage or a cantankerous voting machine. Nearly all will hand out scores of tiny I Voted stickers.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission, a federal agency that works with election officials to improve the voting process, established the recruitment day in 2020. The commission offers a social media toolkit, full of suggested hashtags and cartoon video snippets, to help local election officials reach potential new workers. There are 100,000 or so polling places across the country, and the agencys website shows potential workers how to sign up.

Poll workers are the face of our democracy and the face of our elections.

 Marta Hanson, national program manager for Power the Polls

Serving as a poll worker is the single most impactful, nonpartisan way that any individual person can engage in the elections this year, said Marta Hanson, the national program manager for Power the Polls, one of the leading nonpartisan groups in the recruitment effort.

Poll workers are the face of our democracy and the face of our elections, she told Stateline.

Launched in the spring of 2020 during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, Power the Polls gathered nonprofits and businesses together to help election workers close the gap left after many poll workers, who tend to be older, decided to no longer serve due to health concerns. Nearly half of the poll workers who served in 2020 were older than 60.

The groups effort recruited 700,000 prospective poll workers nationwide.

It is our vision that every voter has someone who looks like them and speaks their language when they show up at the polling place, and that election administrators have the people that they need, Hanson said.

Polling places still need poll workers. This year Power the Polls is tracking more than 1,835 jurisdictions, spanning all 50 states and the District of Columbia, that the group identified through outreach to election administrators, monitoring local news and working with on-the-ground partners.

Of those jurisdictions, Hanson said, 700 towns and counties have really, really high needs.

For example, Boston needs 500 new poll workers by its Sept. 3 primary, while Detroit needs 1,000 more people to sign up before November. In small towns in Connecticut and rural California, officials are desperate to find 20 people to help. Los Angeles County is looking for people who speak one of a dozen languages that are prevalent in the area.

In suburban Cobb County just outside of Atlanta, Director of Elections Tate Fall said recruiting poll workers has been difficult, but not at the level shes heard about in other communities nationally. Her team has found success at farmers markets, Juneteenth festivals and senior services events.

Among her challenges, she said, is that many of the poll workers who have signed up this year are new and need more training and practice before November. She also worries about reliability.

Its just we have a lot of people sign up and then they never mark their availability, or they only want to work in their precinct, Fall said. We need people that are a bit more flexible. But overall, were doing good.

Maine Town and City Clerks Association president and Kennebunkport town clerk Tracey ORoak said its vital to our elections that community members step up and serve as poll workers, especially during busy General Elections.

In Maine, the Town and City Clerks Association will provide pollworkers with the training they need to do the tasks assigned to them  and its a fun way to see friends and neighbors during election season, ORoak said.

Over the past four years, local election officials have been bombarded by misinformation, harassment and threats fueled by the lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.

To ease voters skepticism about ballot security, officials will often welcome them into the elections office and give them a tour.

In Nevada, Carson City Clerk-Recorder Scott Hoen goes a step further by inviting skeptical residents to see the election process firsthand as a poll worker.

Lo and behold, once they go through the cycle, they understand and they can touch, feel it, see it, know it, understand it, that we run a really good, tight election here in Carson City, Hoen said. I think they have a better comfort with me now doing that, teaching them whats going on.

In Marion County, Florida, Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox has been worried about people who believe the 2020 election was stolen working as poll workers and potentially disrupting the voting process. But the required training to become a poll worker has alleviated some of that concern.

Weve had them, and they actually become some of our advocates in this process, he said.

Joseph Kirk, the election supervisor for Bartow County, Georgia, said that, beyond learning about the voting system, being a poll worker is just fun.

Kirk tells voters that its an opportunity to take a day off work, get paid, meet new people, see the characters of the community and enjoy a good meal, since some poll workers bring in homemade food to share.

And for the high school government students he recruits in their classes, its a way to participate in elections as early as 16.

Its a community, he said. And being part of it is really special.

Lauren McCauley contributed to this reporting.

This story was originally published at Stateline. Like Maine Morning Star, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.

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Video footage of hordes of tourists disembarking on Santorini, squeezing down its narrow alleyways and jostling for space in crammed streets has shone a light on the chronic level of overtourism that the volcanic Greek island faces.

The footage, posted to social media by a local tour guide, depicts visitors jostling shoulder to shoulder, sometimes unable to move because of the crush of the crowds. Lines of tourists disembark from cruise ships and ferries, baking in the sunshine as they wait for vehicles to take them from the port area to their accommodation in the islands whitewashed towns and villages.

Families struggle with pushchairs and suitcases as they swelter in the heat.

The footage vividly illustrates the immense pressure that Santorini comes under during the summer.

But the islands surging tourism is echoed across Greece, with data forecasting that 2024 will outstrip last years record of 33 million arrivals.

Santorini, part of an ancient volcanic caldera, has become a casualty of its own beauty, drawing crowds to admire its blue-domed churches and white-washed villas.

Tourists view Santorini's famed sunset from the Castle of Oia - Alkis Konstantinidis/Reuters

It is one of the most popular stops for the giant cruise ships that ply the Mediterranean.

As the sun sets over the caldera, the terraces of villas and boutique hotels are crammed with people preening in front of their phones and taking selfies to post on social media.

On some days, 17,000 tourists arrive  exceeding the islands population of 16,000.

Last year, 3.4 million tourists visited the island, part of the Cyclades group.

As protests against overtourism break out in the Canary Islands, Barcelona, Majorca and Venice, Santorini is one of the starkest examples of how residents can be overwhelmed by the sheer number of visitors.

Nikos Zorzos, the mayor of the island, says the huge number of visitors is putting pressure on infrastructure and pricing residents out of the housing market.

He wants a cap on the number of cruise ship visitors who are allowed to disembark each day, down from 17,000 to 8,000.

Even business owners who benefit from tourism are worried. Our standards of living have gone down. Its as simple as that, Georgios Damigos, who runs a 14-room hotel, told Reuters.

Santorini is a wonder of nature that risks turning into a monster, he said.

In the narrow streets of the clifftop village of Oia, islanders have put up signs requesting consideration from tourists.

Respect. Its your holiday but its our home, the signs read.

In June, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the prime minister, floated the possibility of capping cruise ship arrivals to Greeces most popular islands.

I think well do it next year, he said, admitting that Santorini and Mykonos are clearly suffering.

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SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WKRG)  Two men were captured on surveillance video stealing bags full of electronics from a Best Buy in Spanish Fort on Saturday night.

According to Spanish Fort Police, the theft was valued at over $11,000.

Disturbance in Gulf of Mexico forecast to become first tropical storm

Police said that one of the suspects seemed to be on the lookout watching the door and distracting the workers. Meanwhile, the other suspect was stuffing his bag with cameras and other electronics.

He simply walked out the front door while the other one distracted the employees that were there at the front door, Spanish Fort Police Lt. Steven Mooney said.

Police said that the Best Buy in Spanish Fort is not the only store this has happened to. The two men are believed to be connected to over 20 thefts at other Best Buy locations nationwide.

Sea turtle nest found under house on Dauphin Island

We quickly learned that these two subjects were suspects in numerous other Best Buy thefts involving similar tactics on their behalf, Mooney said.

Using facial recognition software, police identified one of the suspects as Marcus Ramirez from Brooklyn, New York.

Hes wanted in several states for the same type of crime, including some other crimes, Mooney said.

Mobiles Paige Madden, Team USA win silver medal in Womens 4x200M Freestyle Relay

Investigators believe Ramirez has stolen at least $120,000 worth of goods himself.

Theyre moving a lot, Mooney said. And theres several other subjects that are possibly involved.

Police said they believe these two men could be part of a nationally organized retail theft ring. The group is responsible for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars of merchandise.

Spanish Fort Police said they issued an arrest warrant for Marcus Ramirez on a count of first-degree organized retail theft.

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Under the merger plan, Waterloo West High School (pictured above) and Waterloo East High School would merge into one high school. (Screenshot from Google Maps)

Over 1,000 signatures have been collected so far to put a proposed plan to merge two Waterloo high schools on the ballot, organizers say.

The Waterloo School Board approved the $165 million consolidation plan of Waterloo East and West High Schools at a new school facility on Monday in a 5-2 vote.

If successful, the plan will turn the old high school locations into two separate middle schools once the high schools combine for the 2028-29 school year.

Opponents of the plan, many of whom are employees at the high schools, have already created a petition which if it gets 2,300 votes by Aug. 12 will force the school board to either put the plan on the ballot or abandon it.

To fund the project, the board approved $165 million in revenue bonds from the districts SAVE funds that are intended to fund school repairs and that come from a 1% statewide sales tax divided between districts on a per-student basis.

However, supporters and opponents of the plan agree that both high schools are dated.

Waterloo Community School District Superintendent Jared Smith said the old locations are still usable but moving to the new location avoids the need for routine maintenance expected of older schools.

The older you have of any building, theres going to be constant maintenance needs, Smith said. By creating a new space for our 10th through 12th grade students, it addresses their needs, and then it lets us focus on the other grades that need attention in terms of their buildings.

The new location will also give high school students greater access to the districts crown jewel career center, he said.

Students will have access to career preparation courses in fields like graphic design or construction, according to the superintendent. While the career center already exists, the distance between the old high school and the center makes traveling in the middle of the day a hassle. If the schools combine, that concern wont be there anymore.

Under the plan, the new facility would be built at the current location of Waterloo Central Middle School which is about a 12 minute drive or hour and a half walk from the old high schools.

Waterloo School Board Member Jonathan Cox, who voted against the plan, said the construction site has him concerned about the effect consolidation will have on transportation.

East and West are pretty much like two neighborhood schools, so you have a lot of kids that walk there. Now were going to turn it around for them to get bused. Weve had a busing problem, Cox said. I just wasnt convinced that they had a plan for it.

Cox added that exacerbating transportation problems could make the schools chronic absenteeism issues worse.

Smith admitted that the sites location is a drawback but that its still the best path forward.

The transportation is not ideal but its the best we could do given the land we have available, he said.

The superintendent added that the district guarantees that every teacher will keep their job despite the merger.

Were going on record and saying nobody is going to lose their job as a direct result of this project, he said.

Some teachers will be relocated to the new school site while others will stay at the old site, Smith said.

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$165 million for consolidation receives mixed grades

Petition advocate Shelly Smith, a parent of a current and former Waterloo high school students and no relation to the superintendent, said a project costing as much as this one requires more direct public input.

She added that the district spending money building a new school means less money is going toward other schools repair needs.

Its a responsibility of the public to vote on spending such a large amount of money, especially when theyre using collected tax sale revenue that was previously designated for school improvements and infrastructure, Shelly Smith said.

Jared Smith said while he understands the concerns of those petitioning, consolidating the two schools at the new location is the best option available.

We dont have the space available on those campuses. We dont know if we were to repair those buildings, where would we put those students, the superintendent said. What other options do we have?

Cox said the district failed to fully educate the public about the long-term plan and the potential effects of consolidation.

The why was not fully explained, community benefits were limited and, in my eyes, I thought it would be fiscally irresponsible, Cox said.

Shelly Smith said the district has failed to properly inform residents about the meetings to discuss the plan and educate residents about what the consequences of merging are.

She added that allowing the public to vote on it would ensure more public accountability and trust of the plan.

I feel that the school district missed a step in allowing the public to vote in this matter. And for $165 million, thats a heavier responsibility than what I thought I was placing on the school board member that represents my district, Shelly Smith said. I believe putting this to a public vote allows for greater buy in and is more fiscally responsible by the school district.

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The recent attempted assassination of Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump, which resulted in the death of one rally attendee and injuries to the candidate and two others, was not an isolated event. The high profile incident occurred against a backdrop of lower-level attacks and violent protests across the country that indicate too many Americans are increasingly willing to exchange battles over ideas for fists, bullets, and firebombs. It's a sign of an existential political climate in which nobody thinks they can afford to loseor that opponents can be allowed to win.

Not-So-Isolated Incidents

"A Michigan man used an all-terrain vehicle to run over and critically injure an 80-year-old man who was putting a Trump sign in his yard, in what police have described as a politically motivated attack," the BBC reported July 23. The apparent attacker killed himself after calling police to confess to the crime.

Just days later, anti-Israel protesters vandalized property and battled police in Washington, D.C. in what has become almost a matter of routine.

The partisan Michigan attacker, the mysteriously motivated would-be assassin, and the subset of protesters who cross the line don't really represent mass endorsements of violence. They're often lone actors or extremists within their own movements. But no majority vote is required before people and property are attacked. It just takes somebody willing to get physical, and too many meet that bar.

Politics Plagued by a Violent Minority

Last month, the University of Chicago's Robert A. Pape, a professor of political science who studies political violence, released the results of a study on Americans' attitudes towards using violent means to achieve political ends. What he found is that 10 percent of respondents agree "the use of force is justified to prevent Donald Trump from becoming president." Opposing them are 6.9 percent of respondents who agree "the use of force is justified to restore Donald Trump to the presidency."

When questions about justifying violence are given broader scope, researchers find larger numbers open to its use. Last year a study from the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis found "one-third of respondentsconsidered violence to be usually or always justified to advance at least 1 of 17 specific political objectives," including preventing discrimination based on race or ethnicity and preserving an American way of life based on Western European traditions.

The good news is that even the larger numbers still represent a minority of the population, outnumbered by those who prefer to keep bullets and bombs out of their political discourse. The bad news is it only takes one person to target a candidate or run over a homeowner putting a sign on his lawn. And it only takes one, or a handful, to stage any of the myriad lower-profile incidents that suggest we're in a cycle of political strife.

Rising Tide of Threats and Attacks

In March, a California man pled guilty to firebombing a Costa Mesa Planned Parenthood clinicthe third suspect to do so in that crime. They had planned other attacks that were thwarted by their arrests.

In January, the Center of the American Experiment, the Upper Midwest Law Center, and TakeChargethree Minnesota conservative groupswere targeted by arsonists in what was believed to be an act of political terrorism. The organizations are offering a $100,000 reward "for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals who started the arson fires."

A car belonging to a Portland, Oregon, city commissioner's family was torched outside his home just weeks before that. In response, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt warned "acts of political violence and acts of political vandalism are unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

Gonzalez is far from alone in being violently targeted by people who disagree with him.

"The number of threats to public officials is growing," according to a May data review from the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. "While 2013-2016 had an average of 38 federal charges per year, that number sharply increased to an average of 62 charges per year between 2017-2022."

The review added that ideological motivations could be confirmed for roughly half the cases, and that "the number of federal prosecutions is on pace to hit new record highs" this year.

High Stakes Politics and Rising Illiberalism

Much of this is the result of the rising tensions of recent years. Political factions have gone from opposing each other to despising each other and considering opponents too vile and dangerous to be allowed to win office and exercise power. That political leaders tear not just into each other, but into whole segments of the population they perceive as alien understandably reinforces fears of the criminal justice system and the regulatory state in the hands of enemies.

Added to that is the abandonment of liberal ideas about restrained government and tolerance by both the left and the right. In their place are thuggish ideologies that leave little room for dissent.

"On the left, a new crop of socialists hope to overthrow the liberal economic order, while the rise of intersectional identity politics has supplanted longstanding commitments to civil liberties," Reason's Stephanie Slade wrote in 2022. "On the right, support for free markets and free trade are more and more often derided as relics of a bygone century, while quasi-theocratic ideas are gathering support."

That creates an environment in which violence might become just another tactic for people who consider their causes of overriding importance. In January, The New York Times interviewed Andreas Malm, a celebrity activist who advocates for political violence on behalf of climate causes. He clarifies that he supports targeting property, not people, but "can't guarantee that it won't come with accidents."

He also thinks his opponents shouldn't be allowed to use the same tactics in return, saying "the idea that if you object to your enemy's use of a method, you therefore also have to reject your own use of this method would lead to absurd conclusions."

Malm, it should be noted, is Swedish. And that points to the fact that America isn't alone in seeing activists adopt violence as a preferred means of achieving results.

"American political violence has much in common with that taking place in Germany and India, as well as in France's most recent election," Rachel Kleinfeld recently noted in Foreign Affairs.

Shared misery is cold comfort, but it may be the only kind available right now.

The post The Wave of Political Violence Has No End in Sight appeared first on Reason.com.
PERMIAN BASIN, Texas (KMID/KPEG)  The Permian Basin is loaded with events for the first weekend of August, which is also one of the last weekends for this years summer vacation.

Some of the weekend events scheduled to take place include:

Odessa Arts is celebrating the first birthday of First Friday tonight- August 2nd. There will be live music, live paintings, vendors to shop, and birthday cupcakes. The event runs from 6:00  9:00 p.m. in downtown Odessa.

The Odessa Police Department will host a community block party at Sherwood Park. The event will feature giveaways, games, a limited number of backpacks, and plenty of food. At no cost, the block party will be on Saturday, August 3rd from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Atlanta-based rapper, Rich Homie Quan, will perform at the Ector Theatre on Saturday, August 3rd beginning at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are scheduled to end at 11:00 p.m. For ticket information, visit this website.

Famous comedian, George Lopez, is making a stop at the Wagner Noel Arts Center for his ALLRIIIIGHHTTT, TEXAS! Tour, on Saturday, August 3rd. The ticket price ranges from $50-$110. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. For more ticket information, visit wagnernoel.com/events.

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(WTAJ)  Weis Markets has announced that registration for its fifth annual Weis 4 School program is open.

The program works to generate funds for pre-k through eighth-grade schools in seven states. Schools can register now through Oct. 31, and the program will run through April 30, 2025, and schools can sign up on the Weis 4 School website.

Cameron County Christmas program receives $1K check donation

During the program, customers who buy things with a linked Weis Rewards card will generate donations for schools. All schools ranging from pre-k through eighth grade are eligible to participate, including public, private, religious schools, and daycare centers.

Our Weis 4 School program offers our customers a convenient way to support their local schools. More than 700 schools participated in last years program, and we expect the program to keep growing, Maria Rizzo, Weis Markets Vice President of Marketing and Advertising said. Once schools join our program and customers link their Weis Rewards card to their selected school, they can generate donations for that school whenever they shop in our stores.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters.

Donation checks will be presented after the program concludes on April 30, 2025.

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Morgan, VT (AP)  Vermonters started removing debris and silt from their houses and yards and pulled out damaged goods from homes on Thursday as crews began the process of repairing roads from the latest bout of violent flooding that came just weeks after more widespread flooding in the state.

In Morgan, near the Canadian border, trucks continuously traveled a stretch of closed road delivering dirt and gravel to some heavily damaged roads. The roads with sections washed away were inaccessible by car, leaving some residents stranded.

The flooding early Tuesday morning ripped the ground and road away from around Richard and Patty Morleys house and foundation on Seymour Lake, depositing rocks, silt and debris in their yard and covering their dock. Across the road, Toad Pond Road was crumbled and washed away in parts.

The water came down Toad Pond Road off the hill, a mile or two up the road, and a lot of headwater pressure coming down and the streams and culverts couldnt handle it and this is where it ends up, said Richard Morley. It washed out all of this but more importantly it ended up in the lake. That to me is more of an issue.

He, his wife and 6-year-old grandson evacuated at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, walking through knee-deep rushing water after neighbors who live across the road arrived to help them leave. The small town got over 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain in about three hours, overwhelming roads and cutting out some home foundations, said Bruce Remick, a town selectboard member. The flooding caused a tremendous amount of damage to state and town roads, he said.

Gov. Phil Scott said at a news conference Wednesday that the latest storms to hit the state have undone much of the cleanup and recovery work from its last major bout of flooding only weeks ago, and he called on residents to stick together.

This time, its especially bad after workers spent the past three weeks working furiously to recover from the last flooding,  Scott said. It feels much worse than a punch or a kick. Its simply demoralizing. But we cant give up. Weve got to stick together and fight back against the feeling of defeat.

State officials said preliminary information indicated that 50 homes were destroyed or suffered significant damage. More than half a dozen roads were closed, a lightning strike knocked out water for part of the town of St. Johnsbury, and flooding had contaminated several wells that serve the village of Lyndonville.

In Washington, Democratic U.S. Sen. Peter Welch asked Congress to pass a supplemental disaster aid package.

We cant recover without that federal help, he said in a speech on the Senate floor Wednesday night. I just cant stress this enough. We need Congress to step up. And we need the help of all of us here because well, its Vermont this time, it may be New Hampshire next time. It may be Texas next month. And I believe all of us have to help one another when an event occurs causing such harm to people we represent. And its through no fault of their own.

Vermont experienced major flooding earlier in July caused by what was left of Hurricane Beryl. The flooding destroyed roads and bridges and inundated farms, and it came exactly a year after a previous bout of severe flooding hit Vermont and several other states.

McCormack reported from Concord, New Hampshire.

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Welcome to the world of conspiracy theories, Nigel: here are some even wackier ones for your febrile mind

When Nigel Farage needs to speak truth to power, he now only needs to raise questions on the actual floor of the House of Commons.

Yet this week, after the horrendous knife attack at a dance class in Southport, he recorded a video asking one or two questions.

Was this guy being monitored by the security services? he wondered. He then linked those horrific and deadly stabbings with the stabbing of a soldier in Kent and said: I just wonder whether the truth is being withheld from us.

After that, he just left those thoughts to drift out into the ether where they collected with other dubious claims on social media, some, it is said, that originated in Russia (a country keen to sow confusion and chaos in countries such as ours).

Soon onto the streets, from Hartlepool to London, poured scores of people who lobbed bricks and glass bottles, set fire to police cars and, in Southport, attacked a mosque (thanks to unsubstantiated claims that the attacker shouted Allahu Akbar). They chanted the likes of Stop the boats and we want our country back.

But why did he take to X (formerly known as Twitter), when he has that marvellous chance to air his questions directly to power in the House of Commons? Of course, that means digging out ones pass, going there, finding the appropriate debate or statement and then bobbing up and down to get the Speakers attention.

My response to the attack in Southport. pic.twitter.com/CCyjKpC7aQ  Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) July 30, 2024

Which sounds like no fun at all. Much better to record an allegation of establishment cover-up, drop that little petard and then, as it explodes a hundred or so miles away, seek refuge in the pub.

So welcome Nige, to the world of online conspiracy of which you seek to be the new prince. Welcome, and meet the crazies and the cranks, the loonies and the crackpots. And, as youre the new arbiter of such larks, here are some other questions you could ask if you ever deign to make an appearance in the House of Commons.

Will the Prime Minister confirm to the House that the moon landings were faked? That the fluttering US flag was planted in a studio with a wind machine because there is no wind on the moon? And that the weird shadows and additional light sources further prove the hoax? Oh, and has the Prime Minister viewed the footage that I have that appears to show wires that were attached to the astronauts and hoisted them about the set?

Could the Prime Minister furthermore confirm that it was in fact the US government that blew up the Twin Towers and not Osama bin Laden? Indeed the Prime Minister will doubtless have viewed the 9/11 footage that clearly shows the explosions on each floor as the towers collapse. Can I also ask him if he believes, as I and every right-thinking person does, that it was missiles that hit the various targets and not hijacked planes?

Can the Prime Minister also confirm that the world is controlled by a banking cabal, run very probably by the Rothschilds from their villa in Corfu? Does he agree with me that they hoard money and weapons and control the world via their invisible totalitarian regime?

And, Mr Speaker, would the Prime Minister also admit to this House that Covid was deliberately unleashed on the population as a method of control by the above, or other mysterious forces who then added in vaccinations as a sort of controlling top-up? Oh, and that Covid was spread by the 5G network?

It also falls to me, as the representative of the good people of Clacton, to press the Prime Minister on the very real danger that the world is run by reptilian shapeshifters, that aliens built the pyramids, and that the Illuminati (headquartered at Denver International Airport) is fronted by Beyonce.

Have fun with that lot Nige, if you ever make it to the Commons. And if the PM is away, speak to his deputy, Angela Rayner. As I understand it, she was behind the recent attempted assassination of Donald Trump.

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How well does Harris know her running mate choices?

Vice President Harris and her team are interviewing running mate candidates before she announces her pick next week, and the top choices all have established relationships with Harris, which could influence her decision.

In her time as attorney general of California, U.S. senator and vice president, Harris has gotten to know those who have been identified as front-runners to join her on the Democratic ticket: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The campaign has also vetted Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Harris has worked with them all.

She needs to find someone she vibes with. Who can help govern and make tough decisions, one Harris ally said.

The vice president is expected to announce her running mate by Tuesday morning before embarking on a four-day, seven-state campaign swing alongside her pick.

But given the condensed timeline of the search, Harriss ties to the candidates may play a role in whom she chooses.

I could see a world in which shes had a little bit of a relationship or a starting relationship with her VP candidate, but they more so balance the ticket and the relationship grows over time. I could see that happening certainly with Shapiro and with Beshear, and I could even see Buttigieg, a former Senate adviser to Harris said.

Shapiro, 51, was attorney general of Pennsylvania from 2017-23. While that didnt overlap with Harriss tenure as attorney general of California, her allies say the two got to know each other because she stayed in touch with the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA).

About a week before Biden dropped out of the race  while he was fighting to prove to Democrats that he could hold onto his bid  Harris traveled to Philadelphia for an Asian voter event. She made a surprise visit after the event with Shapiro to Reading Terminal Market.

They bought food together from the Little Thai Market, during which Shapiro told reporters that Pennsylvania was the swingiest of swing states.

A source familiar with Harriss relationships said she has spent a lot of time with Shapiro as vice president, including when she went out to campaign with him in 2022, when he was running for governor.

Harris made a surprise campaign stop for him that July at Philadelphias Samuel Staten Jr. Building while she was in the city for a panel on reproductive rights.

She definitely would have kept in touch with him; she goes to the DAGA meetings and engages with them. They certainly have kept in touch, the former Senate adviser said.

The source added that Harris also has a pretty good relationship with Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), who is close with Shapiro. She worked on bills together with him during her time in the Senate.

Kelly, 60, was sworn into the Senate in 2020; throughout most of his tenure, Harris has served as vice president. Harris has a relationship with his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), through her work as a gun violence prevention advocate.

Harris and Kelly were together in June, the day after Bidens dismal debate performance. Both participated in an event in Las Vegas.

Additionally, Harris hosted Giffords at the White House in December for a meeting on curbing gun violence.

They do have a pretty good relationship. Shes familiar with him, shes kept in touch with him just because of the dynamics of the Senate, just how its been over the last few years, and she knows his wife, Giffords, the former Senate adviser said, adding that Kelly is probably one of her favorites on the list but that the dynamics of losing him in the Senate could deter her from choosing him.

Walz, 60, was a longtime congressman, from 2007-19, which overlapped with Harriss tenure in the Senate.

In March, Walz joined Harris on a visit to a Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Paul, Minn. That historic trip was the first time a sitting president or vice president visited an abortion clinic.

With Kelly and Walz, she has a great rapport with both of them. Have seen it with Walz firsthand, and Ive heard about it from others about Kelly, the source familiar with Harriss relationships said.

Beshear and Harris overlapped as attorneys general of their respective states in 2016.

Harris campaigned for Pritzker in Chicago in September 2022. Before they held a rally together, they both participated in a roundtable on reproductive rights at the University of Illinois Chicago, during which Harris called him a national leader on abortion rights.

Meanwhile, Harris has worked for the last three years with Buttigieg in the Biden administration. Buttigieg is among those who has been vetted to join the ticket, and he has been a near-constant presence on television since Harris became the likely Democratic nominee.

After Harris and Buttigieg ran against each other in the Democratic primary in 2020, Buttigieg played the role of former Vice President Mike Pence during Harriss debate prep. Buttigiegs and Harriss husbands have become friends during their time in D.C. together.

President Biden stressed the importance of a good working relationship with a vice president when he selected Harris, after he served as President Obamas vice president.

Biden and Harris regularly have lunch together, including on Tuesday.

The White House has stressed that the two are partners and work closely together, a relationship that Harris may be seeking to recreate with her pick.

President Biden chose Vice President Harris because her qualifications, values, and character made her a governing partner he could trust to be ready on day one, spokesperson Andrew Bates told The Hill.

He added, As he has underscored, that choice was the best decision Ive made, and she has shown critical leadership on issues that matter deeply to American families  from defeating Big Pharma so Medicare can negotiate lower drug costs to defending fundamental freedoms to strengthening our national security and alliances.

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Who were the Russian prisoners released in swap for Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich?

As part of the largest post-Cold War prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia executed on Thursday, American officials agreed to release Russian nationals held within its prisons for crimes ranging from hacking to money laundering.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan are being welcomed back to the U.S. in a swap that involved the release of 16 people previously detained in Russia in exchange for eight held in the U.S., Germany, Norway, Slovenia and Poland.

Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian American journalist for U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, who was arrested in Russia in 2023, was also released from Russia along with Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian British dissident.

"Their brutal ordeal is over. And theyre free," President Joe Biden said on Thursday in an address from the White House.

Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Paul Whelan, who were detained in Russia, pose with a U.S. flag as they celebrate their freedom in this undated handout photograph obtained on August 1, 2024.

Here's what we know about some of the freed Russian prisoners:

Vadim Konoshchenok

Vadim Konoshchenok was accused of illegally providing U.S. electronics and ammunition to the Russian military. He was extradited from Estonia and charged last year with conspiracy in a money laundering scheme on behalf of the Kremlin.

This defendant, who is suspected of having ties to the (Russias Federal Security Service), smuggled hundreds of thousands of illicit munitions in support of Moscows war machine, using front companies to conceal his criminal enterprise, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen said in a Department of Justice news release last year.

Konoshchenok allegedly identified himself as an Federal Security Service "colonel" in communications, with a photo of himself in a security service uniform. He used a front company in Estonia to help smuggle more than half a ton of military-grade ammunition into Russia, an indictment said. He was facing up to 30 years in prison.

Vladislav Klyushin

Russian businessman Vladislav Klyushin was sentenced last year to nine years in prison for a "hack-to-trade scheme" that raked in about $93 million for the trading of corporate information stolen from U.S. computer networks, the DOJ said.

He was also ordered to pay over $34 million in fees and additional restitution.

He was extradited from Switzerland in 2021.

Mr. Klyushin hacked into American computer networks to obtain confidential corporate information that he used to make money illegally in the American stock market, acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in September after sentencing. He thought he could get away with his crimes by perpetrating them from a foreign base, hidden behind layers of fake domain names, virtual private networks and computer servers rented under pseudonyms and paid for with cryptocurrency. He found out otherwise and will now spend nearly a decade of his life in a U.S. prison."

Klyushin and four co-conspirators worked at his Moscow-based IT company M-13. From January 2018 to September 2020, he used hacked and stolen information earnings reports and other information that hadn't been made public to trade in the stock market.

Roman Seleznev

Roman Seleznev, son of a Russian lawmaker, was handed a 27-year sentence in 2017 for a massive hacking scheme that targeted point-of-sales systems to steal credit card information, which resulted in $169 million in losses.

The sentence from a Washington state federal court was the longest ever imposed for hacking crimes in the U.S.

Seleznev was also serving two concurrent sentences of 14 years each for racketeering in Georgia and conspiracy to commit bank fraud in Nevada.

From 2009 to 2013, Seleznev targeted businesses that included several small businesses in Washington. Broadway Grill in Seattle went bankrupt after Seleznev's cyberattack, the DOJ said. Seleznev would hack into the point-of-sale systems, steal the credit card numbers and then sell them in illegal networks. The credit card numbers were then used in fraudulent purchases.

Released from Germany: Vadim Krasikov

Considered the biggest concession from another nation toward releasing those detained in Russia, Vadim Krasikov was convicted of a 2019 murder of a former Chechen militant in a Berlin park. He was serving a life sentence in Germany.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously hinted he might want Krasikov traded for Gershkovich's release in an interview with Tucker Carlson in February.

An undated picture obtained by Reuters shows Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov who was sentenced to life in 2021 for the assassination of a Chechen-Georgian dissident in a Berlin park.

Germany's government confirmed Krasikov's release and said it was "not an easy decision," but it was motivated by protecting German nationals and solidarity with the U.S.

Contributing: Joey Garrison, Kim Hjelmgaard and Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Prisoner swap: Who were the Russians released?
WEST TRAVERSE TWP.  Voters in West Traverse Township will be able to choose who they want to serve as their next township supervisor in the Aug. 6 primary election.

Republicans Dawson Moore and Edward Murphy both have their names listed on the ballot.

The News-Review invited both of the candidates to respond to a series of questions selected by the paper, which reserved the right to edit the responses to account for space limitations, proper use of grammar and Associated Press style guidelines. Both candidates had the same deadline to respond.

Murphy did not respond to the request.

Residents in West Traverse Township will vote for who they would like to serve as the next township supervisor on Aug. 6.

Dawson Moore

Q: Introduce yourself, including your age and profession.

A: I am 40 years old. I live and work on my familys sixth generation farm with my wife and kids, ages 9 and 5. I have run my own woodworking business for the past decade. You may know me from my years selling hand-carved spoons at the local farmers market. For the past few years, my concentration has turned to traditional chair making and teaching woodworking to others at folk schools around the country.

Q: Have you previously held an elected position?

A: I have served on the West Traverse Township planning commission for nearly six years. I acted as secretary of the commission for the first five years and have been the chair this past year. I have also served as the planning commission representative on the West Traverse zoning board of appeals for the past two years.

Q: Why are you running for office?

A: Both of my grandparents (Leonard and Sophy Carpenter) actively served their community in many ways, including involvement with the City of Harbor Springs council and West Traverse Township Board. Their decades of participation in local government is what inspired me to start attending township meetings for a couple years before being appointed to the planning commission. In my time on the West Traverse Township planning commission, Ive witnessed how impactful local decision making can be on the everyday lives of our community. I know what it takes to learn a new role at the township and work hard to make sure it gets done correctly and fairly.

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Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the township?

A: The biggest challenges have to do with representation and making sure our zoning ordinance and master plan are the things driving our decision making.

Both common sense and Michigan law require that the township planning commission be representative of a wide swath of the townships residents. Over the past two years, I have seen that important balance become quite skewed. The planning commission currently consists of seven men, six are retired, five didnt work or raise families in our area, and five live in HOAs/country clubs. We need more diversity than that.

The planning commission (and likely soon the township board) recently made the decision to permanently undo 25 years of Lake Michigan shoreline protection along roughly 1.75 miles of shoreline, almost 30% of our total. I dont believe this would have happened if our township employees received the required training on zoning ordinance and master plan-based decision making.

Q: If elected, what would be your main priorities?

A: My main priorities for change would be appointing people to our boards and committees that more accurately represent all the various perspectives in our township. Id like to see more expertise in architecture, civil engineering, building, etc. on our planing commission. Id like to make sure all township employees and volunteers receive regular and adequate training. My family is actively building our lives here in West Traverse Township and Im keenly aware of how township decision making can affect that process. My goal is to honor the work of previous generations of township volunteers, continue to make West Traverse Township the special place that it is for all the families that live here now, and to set it up for success to be a special place for when my kids generation is ready to build their families' lives here too.

 Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: West Traverse Township residents to vote for next township supervisor Aug. 6
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  One of the first things you hear when you begin your drivers education is Click it or Ticket.

Give construction workers a brake and your attention as you navigate work zones

The Click it or Ticket campaign is a way to remind drivers that your seatbelt is not optional, it is mandatory according to the law.

Law enforcement agencies across the state will increase officers out looking for seatbelt violations.

West Virginias Click it or Ticket campaign starts August 2nd.

Sgt. Jamie Wilhite reminds drivers that it is not just their own seatbelts they should be concerned with.

You know were always looking for child passenger safety seats, making sure theyre installed correctly, making sure the child is in the proper seat based on their age and weight and height, said Sgt. Wilhite.

Sgt. Wilhite said they are also on the lookout to make sure that the child is securely fastened into the seat.

He said that if you are unsure that you have installed your childs car seat properly to bring your car to the Beckley Police Station.

They have certified technicians that will make sure your car seat is safe and secure.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
AMBLER, PennsylvaniaCommitted Democrats in this contested corner of perhaps the most pivotal 2024 battleground state would welcome Vice President Kamala Harris moving to the political center to outflank Donald Trump with persuadable independents and swing voters, fervent as they are to defeat the Republican nominee.

Harris has begun her unexpected White House bid with a reputation for left-wing liberalism, well-earned through outspoken support for a host of progressive priorities during a failed 2020 campaign for the Democratic nomination that included health care, environmental, and immigration issues. Those past positions didnt bother voters The Dispatch interviewed this week during a Harris campaign rally in suburban Philadelphia hosted by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. They are largely in sync with the partys liberal base, and thrilled the presumptive Democratic nominee is competitive versus Trump.

But anxiety over the former presidents potential return to the Oval Office is making political pragmatists out of even the most dedicated Democratic partisans. Not only did these voters say Harris has their blessing to moderate on key issues, some said they hope she triangulates, believing the strategy is essential to victory. This latitude to maneuver is a crucial development with ramifications for November, especially as Harris prepares to select a running mate.

I think she should move to the center a little bit and not be billed as a left-wingwhat theyre putting her out to be, a liberal, Rich Migliore, 72, a retired teacher and attorney who now represents educators in due-process rights cases, said while waiting for Shapiro and Whitmer to take the stage in a packed high school gymnasium We cant move backward as a country. We need to move forward.

Another of the approximately 1,200-plus rallygoers, Michele Cohen, is a middle-aged attorney who described her personal political preferences as once moderate but now left, left, leftan evolution she credited to Trumps rise and putative leadership of the Republican Party since 2015. Cohen also wants Harris to embrace centrism, possibly explained by the fact that she lives in a battleground state where far-left and far-right politicians have a harder time winning.

I believe in being in the center, Cohen explained. Thats the way we actually get things done. So, you move past the rhetoric and actually move to governing.

Just how much compromising Democrats are willing to do to beat Trump may be put to the test. Harris is set to announce her running mate no later than Tuesday, when she and the Democratic Partys vice presidential pick are scheduled to appear together in Philadelphia before heading across the country on a multistate campaign swing. Shapiro, a leading contender to get Harris nod, is considered too moderate by some Democrats and could disappoint elements of the partys activist base.

But the charismatic, 51-year-old first term governorwho is Jewish and like Harris is a former state attorney generalis electrifying on the stump and has a proven record of appealing to voters across the aisle. In his winning campaigns for Pennsylvania attorney general, he outpaced first-place presidential candidates Trump (in 2016) and Biden (in 2020) on the ballot. Shapiro could help Harris win Pennsylvania and boost her appeal with persuadable voters even beyond Pennsylvania.

I think the party will be okay with whatever it takes to defeat Trump, Trumpism, and MAGA, Democratic voter Scott Green, 67, a retired information technology professional, said. Green was so depressed after Bidens June 27 debate flop he stopped watching CNN and MSNBC altogether, started watching cartoons, he added. Even went so farI left the country, went to Montreal last week for a few days, to help clear my head.

Then, after the 81-year-old Biden withdrew from the race on July 21 and put his support behind Harris, I was like, all-in. And my excitement level and enthusiasm level really went up, Green said.

Harris, 59, was almost immediately more competitive against Trump, 78, who was widening his lead over Biden nationally and in decisive battleground states. Her quick ascent in public opinion polling has been fueled by, among other factors, Democratic enthusiasm and her relative youth. Voters of various stripes who are dissatisfied with Trump but had abandoned Biden because they viewed him as too old and infirm have been giving Harris a fresh look.

That fresh look, however, stands to reveal (or remind voters of) positions on politically charged issues the vice president has previously espoused that could frustrate her campaign against Trump. The risk is particularly acute in seven swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Biden swept all those except North Carolina in 2020but won them by the smallest of margins.

In the preceding campaign for the Democratic nomination that year, Harris staked out several positions that seemed designed to take votes away from Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent and avowed socialist who was the frontrunner in that race until Biden won the South Carolina primary. As pointed out in recent reporting from the New York Times, Harris supported establishing a quasi-government-run health care system; flirted with radically restructuring the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency; and backed a federal ban on frackinga jobs-rich form of domestic energy production.

Harris has backed or signaled openness to other progressive policies that could foster opposition from all-important persuadable independent voters and disaffected Republicans. Its why the Democratic voters we spoke with here in Montgomery County, a Philadelphia collar county along the citys western edge and crucial suburban micro-battleground, are giving Harris permission to tack center on major issues. Only maintaining strong support for abortion rights appears sacrosanct.

I feel like I [could] give a lot of leeway except for abortion, we need to bring back freedom for abortion, said Jane Curtis, a retired teacher.

No danger there. Proposing to enact federal protections for abortion rights is a centerpiece of Harris campaign.But shes showing flexibility on other issues. A Harris campaign official confirmed to The Dispatch that the vice president does not support a fracking ban. The official also rejected Republican claims that Harris is hostile to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Indeed, the vice president is proposing to increase funding for a wide array of border security activities.

Granted, Harris change of heart on some issues isnt new. By accepting Bidens invitation to serve as vice president, she adopted his positions, largely more centrist than her own. But as she charts her own path now, questions about her policy choices are naturally arising. Would President Harris foreign policy, including her approach to Israel and the Palestinians, differ from President Bidens? Domestically, would Harris address health care policy differently? (On that issue, specifically, Harris isnt talking and the campaign declined to comment.)

When Biden was still limping along as the Democratic nominee, the partys winning 2020 coalition appeared increasingly fragile. Israels war in Gaza to extinguish the threat posed by Hamas was one such political landmine for the Democratic Party; immigration and border security was another. But Democrats expect Harris will be given more leeway to navigate these thorny issues, in part because of the hope she is generating that Trump is beatable.

I think there are some parts of the Democratic Party, theyre never going to be satisfied with the candidate, whether its about the Israel-Palestine issue, or Medicare for all, said Eyram Gbeddy, 20-year-old Harris campaign volunteer who has spent the summer interning in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania capital, and is headed to Georgetown Law School in Washington this fall.

Those are all very important things, Gbeddy added. But I dont think any of that matters if you cant win.

Grayson Logue contributed to this report.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
What's the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion? Know the signs

Whether you are in a car or just outside, extremely hot weather like New York has experienced this summer poses a danger for everyone.

Sometimes, it can even be deadly.

The New York State Health Department says everyone is at risk for heat-related illness, but older adults, those who work outdoors and those with pre-existing health conditions, as well as children, are most at risk of getting sick when it is hot.

The most dangerous heat-related illness is heat stroke.

More: Mid-Hudson Valley could see rain, thunderstorms, high temps this weekend: Here's when

Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion: What's the difference

Symptoms include hot, dry, red skin, a rapid pulse, a body temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, loss of alertness, confusion, unconsciousness or coma, and rapid and shallow breathing.

Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is considered an emergency, so the health department says you need to act fast.

If you are with someone experiencing heat stroke, you should call 911 immediately, and while you are waiting for help to arrive, you should bring the person to a cool place and cool them down using a cool bath or sponges, fans and air conditioning; or wrap ice packs in cloth and place them on the person's neck, wrists, ankles and armpits; or remove the person's clothing and wrap them in cool, wet sheets.

Heat exhaustion is marked by cold, pale, clammy skin, as well as heavy sweating, fainting, vomiting, dizziness, headache, nausea and weakness.

More: Left in a hot car for 4 hours: Monticello woman charged in 2-year-old's death

As with heat stroke, you should move the person suffering from heat exhaustion to a cool place; loosen their clothes and apply cool, wet cloths to the neck, face and arms; and have them sip water  half a glass every 15 minutes  up to about a quart. Stop giving water if vomiting occurs.

If heat cramps, which are muscle cramps in the abdominal area or extremities, occur, accompanied by heavy sweating and mild nausea, the health department said you should apply firm pressure to the cramping muscle after moving the person to a cool place; gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold it for 20 seconds, followed by a gentle massage; and have the person drink some cool water.

If the person experiences a heat rash, which is a skin irritation that looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters, you should keep the affected area dry and have the person use talcum powder to increase comfort.

Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke, according to the state health department, so if symptoms worsen or don't improve, you should seek medical help immediately.

Other summer heat concerns: How to detect air pollutants, reduce risk

Where to find cooling centers in mid-Hudson Valley during extreme heat

During extreme heat, the New York State Health Department recommends cooling off in an air-conditioned space for a few hours every day to reduce your risk of heat-related illness.

If you don't have an air conditioner at home, visit a local cooling center. New York keeps a searchable list of cooling centers by county at apps.health.ny.gov.

Here are the cooling centers listed for Orange and Dutchess counties. Remember to call ahead for operating hours.

Orange County cooling centers

Albert Wisner Library, 1 McFarland Drive, Warwick

Goodwill Church, 2135 state Route 208, Montgomery. 845-457-5959.

Grace Community Church, 2839 state Route 94, Washingtonville. 845-496-4372.

Middletown Thrall Library, 11-19 Depot St., Middletown. 845-341-5454.

Monroe Free Library, 44 Millpond Parkway, Monroe. 845-783-4411.

Mount Hope Senior Center, 11 Baker St., Otisville. 845-386-2211.

Municipal Center, 1 Municipal Square, Walden. 845-778-2177.

Newburgh Free Library, 124 Grand St., Newburgh. 845-563-3600.

Port Jervis Free Library, 138 Pike St., Port Jervis. 845-856-7313.

Port Jervis Youth/Community Center- 2nd Floor, 138 Pike St., Port Jervis. 845-858-4000.

Recreation Department Activity Center, 399 Washington St., Newburgh. 845-565-3230.

Village of Greenwood Lake Senior, 132 Windermere Ave., Greenwood Lake. 845-477-8482.

Wawayanda Senior Citizens Building, NY-284 Slate Hill. 845-355-3068.

Dutchess County cooling centers

Adriance Memorial Library, 93 Market St., Poughkeepsie. 845-485-3445.

Amenia Free Library, 3309 Route 343, Amenia. 845-373-8273

Beekman Library, 11 Town Center Blvd., Hopewell Junction. 845-724-3414.

Blodgett Memorial Library, 37 Broad St., Fishkill. 845-896-9215.

Boardman Branch Library, 141 Boardman Road, Poughkeepsie. 845-485-3445.

Clinton Community Library, 1215 Centre Road, Rhinebeck. 845-266-5530.

Dover Plains Library, 1797 Route 22, Wingdale. 845-832-6605.

East Fishkill Community Library, 348 Route 376, Hopewell Junction. 845-221-9943.

Grinnell Library, 2642 East Main St., Wappingers Falls. 845-297-3428.

LaGrange Association Library, 1110 Route 55, Lagrangeville. 845-452-3141.

Morton Memorial Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff. 845-876-2903.

Northeast-Millerton Library, 75 Main St., Millerton. 518-789-3340.

Pawling Library, 11 Broad St., Pawling. 845-855-3444.

Pine Plains Free Library, 7775 South Main St., Pine Plains. 518-398-1927.

Pleasant Valley Library, 1584 Main St., Pleasant Valley. 845-635-8460.

Red Hook Public Library, 7444 S Broadway, Red Hook. 845-758-3241.

Staatsburg Library, 70 Old Post Road, Staatsburg. 845-889-4683.

Stanford Free Library, 6035 Route 82, Stanfordville. 845-868-1341.

Starr Library Rhinebeck, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck. 845-876-4030.

Tivoli Free Library, 86 Broadway, Tivoli. 845-876-4030.

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Summer heat in NY: Where to cool off in Orange, Dutchess counties
Whelan and Gershkovich back in US after major Russia-West swap

A second aircraft which took off from Ankara, has landed at the military section of Cologne/Bonn Airport as part of the prisoner exchange with Russia. Christoph Reichwein/dpa-Pool/dpa

Two high-profile US citizens were back on home soil after being freed from Russian imprisonment in a major prisoner exchange involving 26 detainees and several countries.

The exchange, announced on Thursday by Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and later confirmed by US President Joe Biden, included Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan.

The prisoner swap took place at the airport in the Turkish capital Ankara, MIT said.

It also included German national Rico K, who had been sentenced to death in Belarus for alleged involvement in a bomb attack and then pardoned. Among the Russians released from Russian detainment were prominent Kremlin critics such as Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin.

Among those released to Russia was a convicted murderer who killed a Chechen dissident in broad daylight in a park in central Berlin. He was released from German custody as part of the deal.

Gershkovich, Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva were welcomed by Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris as they disembarked a plane which landed at Joint Base Andrews near Washington just after 11:30 pm on Thursday (0330 GMT Friday).

A White House video feed showed Whelan getting off the aircraft first after the nine-hour flight from Ankara, followed by Gershkovich and Kurmasheva.

"This is an extraordinary day," Harris said shortly after their arrival. "I am thankful for our president and what he has done over his entire career but in particular as it relates to these families and these individuals, what he has been able to do to bring the allies together on many issues, but in particular, this one."

"This is just an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy."

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed the released Russians at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed 13 released prisoners at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

Scholz said that many of the prisoners had not expected their release and were still filled with emotion at the sudden freedom they were experiencing after landing in Germany.

"Many feared for their health and even for their lives," Scholz said.

Gershkovich and Whelan had been imprisoned in Russia. The reporter was recently sentenced to 16 years in prison on espionage charges, following his detention last year on a reporting trip to Yekaterinburg. Whelan had been in Russian custody since 2018.

In Berlin, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit defended the release of convicted Russian murderer, Vadim K, who was serving a life sentence for killing an exiled Chechen in broad daylight in a central Berlin park in 2019 - on the orders of Russian state authorities.

"The release was only possible because Russian citizens with intelligence backgrounds who were imprisoned in Europe were deported and transferred to Russia," Hebestreit told reporters.

Putin had previously said during an interview with US talk show host Tucker Carlson that he was open to a prisoner exchange involving Vadim K.

Germany's Ministry of Justice approved his release as part of the major east-west prisoner swap.

In return for the transfer of Vadim K and another nine individuals previously detained in the US, Norway, Poland and Slovenia, as well as 16 Western citizens and Russian opposition figures were freed.

The MIT described the operation in Ankara as the "most extensive prisoner exchange between the United States, Russia and Germany in recent years." It includes numerous Kremlin critics.

Signs of an imminent exchange increased in recent days

Recently, there had been growing reports of numerous political prisoners in Russia being moved to unknown locations, including the former heads of the regional staff for Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who died in February in Russian prison camp north of the Arctic Circle.

Observers in Moscow interpreted Gershkovich's swift sentencing in July as a potential sign that an agreement on a prisoner exchange might soon be reached.

Generally, under Russian legal practice, a verdict must be in place for an exchange to take place.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) welcomes prisoners released following the swap deal at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. -/KREMLIN/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivers a press statement at the Cologne/Bonn international airport, after German political prisoners have been released in one of the biggest prisoner swaps between Russia and the West. Christoph Reichwein/dpa-Pool/dpa
Moments after former President Donald Trump claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris "happened to turn Black," the hashtag #WhenITurnedBlack started trending on Wednesday, with Black X users reclaiming Trumps remarks to share their experiences as Black Americans.

Roy Wood Jr., a former Daily Show correspondent, is the originator of the now-viral hashtag. The standup comedian told Yahoo News that when he posed the question, When did the rest of you turn Black? it was his tongue-in-cheek way of taking something ridiculous and engaging Black Twitter  a collection of Black voices and online content creators who discuss culturally relevant events  with humor and sarcasm.

However, Wood explained that the reclamation of Trumps remarks about Harriss racial identity echoes the ability of the Black community to shine a light on their truth, but also leaves space to create deeper conversations that daily impact Black Americans, especially in a divisive political climate.

It's no different than when [Trump] said 'Black jobs' and everybody started talking about What is a Black job? and that went for two, three days, he said. But you say something silly, we're going to say something silly back. Get a quick laugh. And then within that, we can have more nuanced conversations about race and ethnicity and nationality.

Trumps DEI remark at NABJ makes him Twitter target

At the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference in Chicago on Wednesday, Trump berated ABC News's Rachel Scott after she asked if it was "acceptable language" to describe Harris as a "DEI hire." Republicans have used the term to suggest that her multiracial identity is the only reason that she is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.

After Scott asked Trump to define DEI  the acronym for diversity, equity and inclusion  Trump questioned Harriss racial identity.

"I've known her a long time, indirectly, he said. And she was always of Indian heritage. And she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black. So I don't know, is she Indian or is she Black?"

Shortly after Trumps remarks, Wood said that he conjured up this tweet to crack a joke that's in alignment with something that [Black people] already have a very visceral opinion about questioning a Black persons racial identity.

We now know Kamalas brave story. When did the rest of you turn black? How old were you? Where were you when the blackness finally took over your body? Share your stories. This is a safe space. #WhenITurnedBlack.

We now know Kamalas brave story. When did the rest of you turn black? How old were you? Where were you when the blackness finally took over your body? Share your stories. This is a safe space. #WhenITurnedBlack pic.twitter.com/URBx3fqcbh  Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) July 31, 2024

"I think anytime you can take something ridiculous and have other people answer the question, you're able to show just how odd of an observation and how odd of a fact it is, Wood explained. If you believe that she turned Black, then let's just take that and be silly and ask other Black people when they turned Black."

Black Twitter reacts to #WhenITurnedBlack

Its no secret that Black Twitter has the propensity to seize a tense moment in American culture, repurposing something negative by adding lightheartedness.

I think resilience and dealing with pain through humor are traits Black people have had to develop to survive and thrive in this country, Wendy Stricker, a Los Angeles-based wellness advocate who counts herself as a member of Black Twitter, told Yahoo News. Since our arrival [to America], weve turned lemons into lemonade and in doing so created an online culture that others are eager to emulate. With as much adversity as weve faced, we have to laugh to keep from crying.

One person said they turned Black when I learned I was doing the job of 3 people without the title or pay #wheniturnedblack.

When I learned I was doing the job of 3 people without the title or pay #wheniturnedblack  jurist_diction (@jurist_diction) July 31, 2024

I was 10 years old and my mother picked me up from school as she always did, another user shared. We were driving home when I spotted a McDonalds and queried my mother if we could stop in for a meal. She responded, do you have McDonalds money? and in fact, I did not. Thats #WhenITurnedBlack.

I was 10 years old and my mother picked me up from school as she always did. We were driving home when I spotted a McDonalds and queried my mother if we could stop in for a meal. She responded, do you have McDonalds money? and in fact, I did not. Thats #WhenITurnedBlack  Tristen J. Winger (@TristenJWinger) July 31, 2024

#WhenITurnedBlack I remember it in the 80s when mother returned from her black job took us to the store and uttered: When we get in here, you don't want nothing, you don't need nothing, don't ask for nothing!!! posted another X user.

#WhenITurnedBlack I remember it in the 80s when mother returned from her black job took us to the store and uttered: "When we get in here, you don't want nothing, you don't need nothing, don't ask for nothing"!!!  LaBrina Loving (@chixcancode) July 31, 2024

I turned Black the first time I played the big joker in spades. It was quite a momentous occasion #WhenITurnedBlack, posted @TheQueenMuse1.

I turned Black the first time I played the big joker in spades. It was quite a momentous occasion #WhenITurnedBlack pic.twitter.com/kMD0MXEIkv  Write Life (@TheQueenMuse1) July 31, 2024

Another X user said when they were in elementary school in the 1980s, they vividly remember attending my first family reunion, meeting all my cousins and even my cousins' cousins. To my surprise, I discovered that a boy from my school was actually part of my family. Family reunions save lives, and that's all I have to say about that.

#WhenITurnedBlack it was the 80s, and I was in elementary school. I vividly remember attending my first family reunion, meeting all my cousins and even my cousins' cousins. To my surprise, I discovered that a boy from my school was actually part of my family. Family reunions save  Elle Cole (She/her) (@Cleverlychangin) August 1, 2024
PORTSMOUTH  Education, the citys public perception and crime were the top issues discussed at a forum Thursday for the candidates seeking election to the City Council this fall.

Several dozens of residents attended the event, hosted by the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Steering Committee at I.C. Norcom High School. Nine of the 11 total candidates fielded questions from the committee and audience. The election is Nov. 5.

Candidates are competing for three at-large council seats, meaning the three candidates with the most votes will win the election. They include incumbents DeAndre A. Barnes and Mark M. Whitaker, with challenges from William Smith Bill Dodson Jr., Sharon D. Anderson, Bruce G. LaLonde, Yolanda C. Edmonds Thomas, Davy Smith III, Malinda A. Johnson, Kathryn W. Kitty Bryant, Mia N. Phillips and Kelvin E. Turner.

Show Caption1 of 9

Portsmouth City Council candidate Bruce LaLonde speaks during a forum at I.C. Norcom High School on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot)

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Whitaker and Phillips were not in attendance.

Instead of all candidates answering each question, two candidates were selected per question. Most questions touched on education, including the relationship between the School Board and City Council, improving the citys public perception and increasing public safety.

Education

Candidates agreed on investing fully into educators and students, and strengthening the citys career and technical education resources. Bryant suggested building on some of what the school system already does, such as repurposing schools for more recreational use, such as open gyms for summer programs.

Barnes reiterated several times that during his tenure as a council member, the school systems budgets have been fully funded. He also referenced the summer jobs program for youth and the increased focus on career technical education.

The relationship between City Council and the School Board has historically been strained. Thomas, a School Board member since 2020, said the relationship between the two has improved during that time, mainly because of fully funding the superintendents budget requests. But she added that the liaisons for both groups should be better about educating themselves before joint meetings and keeping an open dialogue.

Public perception of city leadership

Smith and Anderson were asked about how they would resolve conflict between council members. Anderson said we need to be adults, and that disputes among members should be hashed out behind closed doors. Smith said he was raised to be professional when agreeing to disagree.

Barnes said adults cant be told how to act and that members have to fight for what they believe in.

When they were getting along, things werent getting done, Barnes said.

LaLonde spoke about the need to dig into the citys money and be accountable for it. He said the city council should be discussing the budget after its passed.

Its not about the money, LaLonde said. Its whos doing the oversight of our money.

Turner said the right people need to be on council and they need to collaborate. He added they need a long-term vision rather than short-term priorities that get passed with each new council.

The issue is can we make sure the people of Portsmouth win? Turner said. And we will make the people of Portsmouth win when we understand that its much bigger than any one individual.

Crime and public safety

Bryant emphasized the need for more women on council, noting that women think about public safety differently, especially when it comes to children.

Dodson said crime cant be reduced without a fully staffed police force and more collaboration with the commonwealths attorneys office. He also suggested drawing on the resources already available, including the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, which he credited with working to help people get out of a revolving door of crime.

Weve got some bright shining lights, Dodson said. We just need to make them work.

Some of the questions also touched on economic development. Barnes said education, crime and economics work in tandem. He defended his opposition to two economic development requests involving a storage facility and a car wash, noting that City Council should prioritize businesses that will bring living wages to the city, which can help with the root causes of crime.

Anderson emphasized the need to prop up the Innovation District spanning from the historic Olde Towne along the High Street corridor, as well as improve the appearance of underserved communities throughout the city.

In response to a question about $1,500 retirement supplements for the public safety workers, Johnson and Thomas said theyd push for some sort of increase to meet the rising cost of living.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com
Where to find sandbags and more in Polk County as a potential tropical storm moves closer

Many of Polk County's municipalities are taking a "wait-and-see" approach when it comes to preparing for potential Tropical Storm Debby.

Ross Giarratana, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Tampa office, said Polk is under a tropical storm watch starting Saturday night through Sunday evening. While the weather system has not officially been named yet, Giarratana said it's highly likely to be dubbed Debby sometime Saturday as the system moves away from Cuba.

The National Hurricane Center is tracking a tropical system that could develop into this season's fourth named tropical storm.

The tropical storm is expected to bring high wind speeds and heavy rains averaging 3 to 5 inches across the county, Giarratana said, with some isolated areas seeing potentially six inches or more depending on the storm's track.

"With these types of tropical storms, you have a higher coverage area of precipitation so that rainfall has the potential to hit a lot of different river basins," he said. "There will be much more of response on local rivers and streams than a typical summer thunderstorm."

Spaghetti models: Here are the latest forecasts for the path of potential tropical cyclone 4

There's a potential for flooding in low-lying, flood-prone areas, particularly some areas along the Peace River.

While the official forecast does not anticipate the storm will develop into a hurricane, Giarratana said he wouldn't rule out the possibility.

"The Gulf of Mexico is so primed for rapid intensification," he said. "The storm may make landfall before it can do so. But, if the system takes a more western approach going near the Big Bend area there's a possibility it could reach hurricane status if it stays over water longer."

Where to find sandbags

Polk County announced it will open seven sandbag filling sites on Saturday only, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A maximum of 10 sandbags will be provided to each household to help prevent water intrusion. Individuals will be asked to provide their driver's license as proof of local residency.

A Polk County employee loads sandbags into a car ahead of Hurricane Idalia last year. The county is opening seven sandbag sites Saturday ahead of a storm that could become Tropical Storm Debby.

The sandbag sites are located at:

Mulberry/South Lakeland: Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 W. Carter Road

Lakeland: 8970 N. Campbell Road

Fort Meade: 1061 NE 9 th St., Fort Meade

Frostproof: 350 County Road 630A

Auburndale: 1701 Holt Road

Dundee: 805 Dr. Martin Luther King St. SW, Dundee

Poinciana Park: 5109 Allegany Road, Kissimmee

The City of Bartow was among the first to open its sandbag site at 505 Mill Ave. on Friday, until 7 p.m., and Saturday, from 7 a.m to 7 p.m.

Other municipalities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, told The Ledger they will take a wait-and-see approach, and may be announcing changes to residents over the weekend using social media and alert systems.

How to use sandbag efficiently

Polk County encourages residents to use the following steps to make sure they optimally utilized their sandbags in creating a barrier:

If not working on concrete, dig a small ditch just deep enough to go below ground level. The ditch should be back far enough from the entrance to allow room to place optional submersible (sump) pumps into the protected area. The edge of plastic sheeting or tarp should be placed in the ditch as a bottom layer.

Place the first row of sandbags in the ditch, fold material over the top of the first row, place a second row of bags on top, fold the sheeting back over, place a third row of bags on top, and so on. This creates an "S" pattern with the plastic sheeting or tarp.

Depending on the size of the barrier, submersible pumps can be used. The barrier will not completely stop water from entering the protected area; however, by properly placing bags, visqueen and sump pumps, water can be removed quickly, in most cases.

What if you don't have sandbags?

Laurie Hayes, Bartow's spokesperson, offered several recommendations for residents who don't have access to sandbags but fear their home may be prone to flooding.

Hayes suggested in a news release that residents can use common household items such as bags of mulch or cat litter, in their original plastic bags or in pillowcases, as a substitute for sandbags. Another option may be placing yoga mats or foam strips under doors or where there might be a gap at the bottom of a door allowing water to seep into a home.

Electrical Outages: What you should know

Duke Energy and Lakeland Electric provide electrical service to large areas of Polk.

Lakeland Electric customers should be aware the municipal-owned utility's smart grid system automatically reports power outages without customers needing to call in, according to spokeswoman Cathryn Lacy. Customers can check the utility's power outage map at www.lakelandelectric.com/outagemap.

Here are a few phone numbers to have handy in case of an outage during the storm:

Duke Energy: Text "OUT" to 57801 or call 800-343-3525

Lakeland Electric: Call 863-834-4248

Tampa Electric, or TECO: Call 813-223-0800 or toll free at 888-223-0800 for electrical outages;

Southwest Water district closes campgrounds

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has closed all district-managed campgrounds in its 16-county region, which includes Polk, starting 11 a.m. Saturday in anticipation of the storm.

This means the water management district's campgrounds, parks, trails and day use areas will be closed to the public. The district is reaching out to residents to cancel all existing camping reservations through Aug. 6.

Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Paul Nutcher contributed reporting.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk County sandbags, helpful numbers ahead of possible tropical storm
White House national security communications adviser John Kirby hit back at former President Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), for making claims that Trump deserved credit for Thursdays prisoner swap between Russia and the U.S., which included the freeing of Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.

Theres absolutely zero evidence at all that this deal was brought about because of some potential fear of who might be the next president, Kirby told CNNs Kate Bolduan.

On Thursday, Vance said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to the prisoner swap because of the potential of a Trump presidency.

But we have to ask ourselves: Why are they coming home? And I think its because bad guys all over the world recognize Donald Trumps about to be back in office, so theyre cleaning house, Vance said. Thats a good thing, and I think its a testament to Donald Trumps strength.

Kirby pushed back.

This deal was brought about because the president had, President Biden had alliances and partnerships and trust he could build on, particularly with the German chancellor, Kirby said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed to release a known Russian assassin, Vadim Krasikov, who proved to be a linchpin in winning Russias approval of the deal to release the Americans and close to a dozen other people.

Thats what brought these guys home, was really solid relationships and trusting confidence that the president has built up over years with foreign leaders and a lot of hard work and some tough decisions by some very strong leaders here in the United States and around the world, he added.

Kirby also responded to Trumps claims that the release was a win for Putin because the U.S. had released some really bad guys.

I got out 59 different people, 59, and I didnt pay money, and they allowed some really rough people out. You know that, Trump said Friday morning.

Shortly after Biden announced the release, Trump posted on Truth Social pressing for details.

So when are they going to release the details of the prisoner swap with Russia? How many people do we get versus them? Are we also paying them cash? Are they giving us cash (Please withdraw that question, because Im sure the answer is NO)? the former president asked in his post.

The U.S. did not pay for or receive any money as part of Thursdays prisoner swap.

The previous administration also conducted prisoner exchanges, Kirby said in response to Trumps claims. The previous administration also had to make tough decisions to get Americans home.

Kirby responded to Trumps claims about his successes with prisoner releases, saying Biden has secured the freedom of Americans.

I cant dispute Mr. Trumps number there, 59, but let me just tell you, President Biden has gotten more than 70 Americans home, he added.

The White House and Biden have also dismissed Vances and other Republicans claim, with national security adviser Jake Sullivan saying he does not follow when reporters asked him about Vances claim.

During his remarks Thursday announcing the release, Biden responded to a reporters question about Trump by asking, Why didnt he do it when he was president?

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
White House puts Harris out front in historic prisoner exchange. Will it help her campaign?

When Americans imprisoned in Russia returned to U.S. soil late Thursday, standing right there to greet them was the likely Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris.

The vice president, along with President Joe Biden, who ended his own campaign and handed her the party baton, greeted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, among others on the Joint Base Andrews tarmac even before they embraced their families.

The late-night scene underscored the diplomatic victory the White House had just scored -- and how it was putting Harris front and center as her nascent campaign launches, trying to enhance her credibility on the world stage against Donald Trump's attacks that she would be treated as a "play toy."

"This is just an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and understands the strength that rests in understanding the significance of diplomacy and strengthening alliances," Harris said Thursday night -- a statement that could be read both as praise of Biden and a knock on the former president's foreign policy, which is skeptical of working with allies.

In a May Truth Social post, Trump claimed Gershkovich "will be released almost immediately after the Election, but definitely before I assume Office. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, will do that for me but not for anyone else."

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris greets Evan Gershkovic, who was released from detention in Russia, upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, in Maryland, on Aug. 1, 2024. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

The prisoner exchange, which also freed Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, a legal permanent U.S. resident, was the product of months of intense diplomacy that gained true traction in the last couple of weeks and involved several different countries, including Germany and Slovenia.

But the breakthrough came amid a turbulent presidential race between Trump and Harris, who has been blitzing the campaign trail since Biden bowed out of the contest.

MORE: How the Russian prisoner swap that freed Gershkovich, Whelan took place, according to officials

Besides swiftly greeting the freed prisoners and speaking Thursday night, administration officials were also quick to highlight her role in the historic deal, considered one of the biggest swaps to take place since the Cold War and significant enough to break through an incessant news cycle surrounding the election.

"Both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have made the return of unjustly detained American hostages an absolute priority, and in this particular case, Vice President Harris actually had an opportunity to engage with Chancellor [Olaf] Scholz earlier this year at an opportune and timely moment at the Munich Security Conference where she talked about this issue with him," national security adviser Jake Sullivan said at the White House Thursday, referring to Harris' interaction with Germany's leader.

"I've sat in the Oval Office more times than I can count over the course of the past years providing briefings and updates on this and getting peppered with questions by both the president and the vice president thinking through the strategy, iterating the approach, which she was a participant in very much, a core member of the team that helped make this happen," he added.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcome former prisoner held by Russia, ex-US Marine Paul Whelan, as he arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, on Aug. 1, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump, for his part, downplayed the exchange soon after news broke.

"So when are they going to release the details of the prisoner swap with Russia? How many people do we get versus them? Are we also paying them cash? Are they giving us cash (Please withdraw that question, because Im sure the answer is NO)?" Trump posted on his social media platform.

The White House has insisted no cash was exchanged nor was there any sanctions relief for Russia.

Still, the Harris-Trump race is expected to carry on, largely unaffected by the exchange, historic as it is.

MORE: Kamala Harris has enough delegate votes to become historic Democratic nominee: DNC chair

Trump is a defined entity, spending decades in the limelight and four years in the White House, after which he has retained a stubborn and iron grip on the GOP.

Harris, while she is still defining herself as a presidential candidate, appears largely set to introduce herself as a prosecutor going after a convicted felon with a focus on policies emphasizing "freedom."

She did tie herself to the administration's record on released prisoners before news broke Thursday, saying in Houston that, "As vice president, it has been my honor to work alongside our president, Joe Biden, to bring home more than 70 Americans in the last three and a half years."

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris during the start of her nationwide 'Fight for Reproductive Freedoms' tour in Big Bend, WI, Jan. 22, 2024. (Daniel Steinle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The broad contours of the race are still expected to remain the same, strategists in both parties said.

"No, I don't think so," one former Trump campaign official who remains in touch with his current team said when asked if there was any electoral fallout from the swap. "I don't think it moves the needle diplomatically."

"I'd be shocked if bit did," one Democratic strategist said when asked the same question. "This isn't the Iran hostage situation that riveted people for 444 days and created Nightline and other alternative time news offerings."

White House puts Harris out front in historic prisoner exchange. Will it help her campaign? originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Officials identified an inmate killed in a prison fight Tuesday as a convicted murderer and white supremacist who was serving life behind bars.

Anthony Williams, 41, was the last inmate the White Pine Sheriffs Office identified who died in the fight at the Ely State Prison. In all, three inmates died and nine were injured. On Wednesday, the sheriffs office identified two of the three deceased inmates as Connor Brown, 22; and Zackaria Luz, 43.

The sheriffs office said Friday that all died from multiple sharp force injuries.

Luz and Williams were two of 23 Aryan Warriors, members of a white supremacist gang, charged as part of an earlier investigation. Williams faced additional charges for killing Andrew Thurgood, 26, inside a cell at High Desert State Prison in 2016. Court records indicate Williams and an accomplice stabbed Thurgood more than 50 times.

Thurgood was serving time for driving a stolen car.

This photo shows Ely State Prison, the location of Nevadas execution chamber, Wednesday, July 11, 2018, near Ely, Nev. A Nevada judge effectively put the execution of Scott Raymond Dozier on hold Wednesday after a pharmaceutical company objected to the use of one of its drugs to put someone to death. (AP Photo/John Locher)

In 2021, Clark County District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt sentenced Williams to life without the possibility of parole.

In 2023, Luz took an Alford plea  meaning he did not admit guilt but admitted prosecutors had enough evidence to sway a jury to convict him  on racketeering and forgery charges, documents said. At the time of his arrest, prosecutors identified Luz as a leader within the Aryan Warriors organization, documents said. Leavitt sentenced Luz to seven to 18 years in prison.

Brown was in prison on a robbery charge, records said.

After Tuesdays fight, corrections officers from other prisons along with additional law enforcement agencies responded to Ely. The 8 News Now Investigators have learned there are concerns about retaliation as this appeared to be a feud between two rival gangs.

The prison, which is several hours north of Las Vegas, is home to Nevadas death row. The state has not put an inmate to death since 2006.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Why Africa is on the brink of solar power revolution

A record number of solar panels were installed in Africa last year - WIKUS DE WET/AFP via Getty Images

In remote regions of Kenya, hunger can strike with devastating suddenness.

Droughts and flooding, pests and disease are all ever-present threats to rural communities here and elsewhere in Africa.

Making perishable harvests last is the key to surviving periods of hardship, but without access to electricity it can be extremely difficult.

An unassuming white shipping container adorned with solar panels may be the solution. These solar-powered mobile cold-stores are popping up across Africa, from Kenya to Ghana and Nigeria, allowing farmers to protect their harvests from the elements and stave off hunger.

They are part of a solar power revolution that is sweeping the continent and raising hopes that its tremendous potential will soon be unlocked.

With access to electricity soaring and the cost of solar panels falling rapidly, experts say the continent is on the brink of an energy revolution similar to the one that transformed the Gulf States in the 1970s.

The Sun Continent

Despite possessing 60 per cent of the worlds best solar resources, the Sun Continent accounts for only one per cent of global solar power generation capacity, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

More than 500 million people living in Africa currently have no access to electricity.

But this could be about to change.

Last year, a record number of solar panels were installed in Africa, and in April the World Bank and African Development Bank launched an initiative to expand electricity access to 300 million more people by 2030.

Its part of a global shift towards solar power.

China has been the worlds largest installer of capacity for several years, while tax incentives have pushed the states of California, Texas, and Florida to lead in solar infrastructure. The EU has set aggressive renewable energy targets, which have spurred investments.

By the mid 2030s, solar energy is expected to become the largest source of electrical power, and by the 2040s, it may become the largest source of all energy. Solar capacity is doubling roughly every three years, or around tenfold each decade.

Until now, Africas solar power potential has been largely untapped, and experts believe accessing it will transform the continent.

In Africa, the electricity supply is very poor. So if solar can fix that, thats enormously helpful. It could be the basis for industrialisation and manufacturing because thats what Africa really needs, Robin Mills, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy, told the Telegraph.

Mr Mills said that, in the same way that oil wealth turned Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates into economic powerhouses, abundant solar resources in Africa have the potential to catalyse growth.

These countries were some of the poorest in the world. There was no running water, no electricity, no paved roads, said Mr Mills.

In contrast to most countries that rely on collecting taxes for revenue, Gulf rulers took oil rents and distributed the proceeds, swiftly improving standards of living, healthcare, and education for their citizens.

A big part of the development was putting money back into the country, explained Mr Mills. The wealth went into the local economies, and to build roads and schools, hospitals and airports.

Technological breakthrough

Remarkable technological advancements have increased the efficiency  and slashed the cost  of solar power, making it a much more viable option in Africa.

Over the past four decades, the price of solar panels has plummeted by a staggering 99 per cent, a development heralded as a triumph for renewable energy.

Breakthroughs in photovoltaic cell technology have also been a game-changer, boosting conversion efficiency so that more power is harvested from sunlight than ever before.

The cost of polysilicon, the high-purity silicon used in solar panels, has been steadily decreasing due to soaring demand. China, a major polysilicon producer, has incentivised production with subsidies and tax breaks, making it more affordable to produce and purchase. Advances in manufacturing have led to the production of thinner silicon wafers  the part of a solar panel which converts photons from sunlight into direct current electricity  reducing waste.

Scaling up production facilities has also played a significant role in cost reduction.

Government policies have further expanded global markets, with initiatives like feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and renewable energy mandates driving worldwide adoption of solar power. At the same time, a streamlined global supply chain for solar components has reduced expenses related to transportation and logistics.

In much of Sub-Saharan Africa, the hope is that we will just completely skip that fossil fuel element and go straight to renewable energy, as long as its affordable, said Tracy Kimathi, a Nairobi based renewable energy entrepreneur whose projects have included solar-powered cold stores for rural communities.

Right now, South Africa and Egypt have the biggest solar capacity, followed by Algeria, but the possibilities for production stretch further afield  much of it fuelled by private investment.

Across the globe, most solar panel installations are undertaken by utilities. However, in Africa, 65 per cent of new capacity in the past two years has been generated through direct contracts between large firms and developers.

In Nigeria, the phasing out of petrol subsidies last year accelerated the transition to cleaner energy sources. Shell, the British oil giant which has had a major presence in Nigeria since 1937, recently acquired Daystar Power, a startup that has equipped numerous large domestic businesses with solar power systems.

In Kenya, distributed renewable energy (DRE) firms employ over six times more people than the countrys largest utility company. Similarly, in Nigeria, these firms have generated nearly as many jobs as the entire oil and gas industry combined.

The cost of solar panels in South Africa fell by 15 per cent between 2019 and 2023, having already declined by almost 90 per cent in the 2010s. In the last two years, solar capacity in the country has almost tripled.

Industry estimates indicate that over 400 million Africans now receive electricity from solar home systems. From 2016 to 2020, more than ten times as many mini-grids, predominantly solar-powered, were established compared to the previous five years.

Its a really good thing to do from a social perspective, because its going to drive development make those economies more attractive for their inhabitants, potentially reduce kind of outward migration pressures, contribute to low carbon development, Dr Ajay Gambhir, a Senior Research Fellow at the Imperial College London Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, said.

Roadblocks

Although introducing solar power into Africa has a wealth of benefits, there are roadblocks to clear before its full potential can be realised.

Theres a lot of risk in solar projects, said Dr Gambhir. There are a lot of people that want to develop solar in Africa, but theres still a lot of poverty. The playing field needs to be levelled, and its very hard to do that in countries which are still very debt-laden and have a lot of social and economic problems.

The World Bank believes that the most cost-effective way to get halfway to its 300 million target is by extending existing grids. But many parts of Africa lack reliable and extensive electricity grids, making it difficult to integrate solar power into the existing infrastructure.

South Africa averages at around 2,500 hours of sun each year, compared to the UKs 1,500, but investments are falling short due to the countrys ailing infrastructure. Rolling blackouts, commonly referred to as load-shedding, are a frequent occurrence.

An aerial view of the Selemela Solar Park near Lichtenburg, South Africa - WIKUS DE WET/AFP via Getty Images

South Africas state power utility Eskom, Africas largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has proposed a $10 billion (7.4 billion) plan to shut down the vast majority of its coal-fired power stations by 2050. Ekson has claimed that rolling out widespread solar infrastructure could generate over 300,000 jobs in the country.

Experts have said serious upgrades to the countrys electricity grid are needed first, and that the cost of this could exceed $35 billion over the next 15 years.

Established reliance on conventional energy sources, such as diesel generators, can make the transition to solar power less attractive, while limited government commitments are also a hindrance.

Political instability and conflicts in certain regions can also disrupt solar power projects and deter long-term investment. The Sahel  one of the regions with the highest amount of sunlight  has been touted as an area where renewable energy investments could be most effective.

The Desert-to-Power initiative, which first launched in 2018, aims to deploy 10 gigawatts of solar power across 11 countries by 2030, giving approximately 250 million people access to electricity through both on-grid and off-grid solutions. The initial phase of the program focuses on Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Senegal.

Solar panels next to the cooling towers of a retired coal-fired Komati Power Station, operated by Eskom - Siphiwe Sibeko/REUTERS

It has been lauded as one of the worlds most ambitious energy projects, but the semi-arid strip beneath the Sahara has become a volatile coup belt in recent years. French troops have been expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all of which have experienced recent military coups.

The Sahel region accounted for almost half of all global deaths from terrorist attacks in 2023, according to the Global Terrorism Index, with Burkina Faso alone reporting 1,900.

I think Desert to power is an interesting initiative, but obviously its quite challenging in terms of political cooperation, potential dependence of Europe on North Africa, and other geopolitical factors that seem difficult to reconcile with the increasingly multipolar world were in right now, said Dr Gambhir.

The war torn countries of the Sahel must prioritise more immediate needs  like healthcare and education  and dont have skilled technicians and engineers to install, maintain, and repair solar systems.

The potential, everyone knows about it, but actually building things has been, has been difficult, said Mr Mills. Turning potential into reality has always been a challenge.

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Gas prices in Wisconsin should finally start to tick down, after an outage at a fuel refinery in Illinois last month sent prices soaring across the Midwest. The refinery closed due to a storm in mid-July.

On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a waiver allowing Wisconsin and three other states to sell certain gasoline blends that are normally restricted under the Clean Air Act. The waiver will expand the amount of gasoline being sold across the states and, as a result, help reduce prices at the pump.

Along with Wisconsin, the EPA waiver will be in place in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana until Aug. 20. If retailers still have some of restricted gas blends left in their stores past that date, they can continue to sell it until supplies deplete.

How much will gas prices go down?

The EPA did not specify how much gas prices could go down as a result of the waiver.

However, Wisconsin appears to already be seeing some relief at the fuel pump since the waiver has kicked in. On Friday, the state's average price for a gallon of gasoline was $3.49, compared to $3.52 a week ago, according to AAA. Prices have been rounded to the nearest hundredth of a cent.

About half of Wisconsin counties are still seeing gas prices above Friday's national average $3.48, but most cities have experienced price drops in the last week. In Milwaukee, average prices dipped from $3.80 to $3.69 per gallon in the past week.

Gas prices in Wisconsin counties on August 2, 2024.

What is the environmental impact of the waiver?

The EPA waiver did not specify expected environmental impact from pausing the regulations, but the rules being lifted are in place to mitigate pollution.

The waiver lifts a regulation that requires states to sell low Reid Vapor Pressure gasoline during the summer months. These rules are in place because high RVP gasoline evaporates more easily in heat and can exasperate ozone pollution and ozone-related health problems, according to the EPA.

The EPA is also temporarily lifting requirements to sell reformulated gasoline across the four states. Reformulated gasoline is blended to burn more cleanly than conventional gasoline and to reduce toxic pollutants in the air people breathe.

What happened at the ExxonMobil facility in Illinois?

A storm-related outage at an ExxonMobil facility in Illinois is to blame for rising gas prices across the Upper Midwest, AAA said in a July news release.

The refinery in Joliet, Illinois, lost power after a tornado touched down in the Chicago area on July 16. The facility, which processes 248,000 barrels per day, was about 50 miles from the tornado and battered by heavy wind and rain.

The refinery is not yet back in operation and has not shared any updates on its reopening timeline.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin gas prices to drop in August after EPA issues fuel waiver
Why North Kansas City pays its residents internet bills, and your city doesnt pay yours

Rural broadband has been a top priority of state and federal officials (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch).

Free internet?

It sounds like a nice dream. Wed all love to ditch the $80 a month we pay for the ability to stream movies, do doctors appointments from home or check in on our cousins latest Facebook post.

But in North Kansas City, residents get a steady online connection with no monthly bill.

Anyone there who signs up for KC Fiber can get internet service with no monthly bill. And not just a janky dial-up connection  its high-speed gigabit internet, at speeds comparable to Google Fiber, AT&T or Spectrum.

It took $10 million from the citys hefty gambling tax revenue and eight years of troubleshooting, while dodging a legal challenge from a telecom provider and dodging a state legislature restricting city-run broadband.

North Kansas City is one of few cities in the country that give away high-speed fiber internet service to residents as a basic city service.

The City Council saw it as a city utility, very similar to water and wastewater, said Kim Nakahodo, North Kansas Citys deputy city administrator.

She said the council members hoped free internet would seduce businesses and residents to North Kansas City.

Its a part of a growing movement nationally to treat broadband as public necessity  like mail service, roads and sewers  rather than a luxury. Cities like North Kansas City spend tax dollars to build broadband networks, rather than relying on the free market to provide an essential service.

But municipal broadband programs like North Kansas Citys KC Fiber are tricky. For eight years, the city spent more money on its fiber network than it planned for  about $1 million between 2009 and 2010  and it took years for North Kansas City to get its program out of the red.

And now that fiber-optic internet is available in most parts of the Kansas City area, its becoming less likely that cities or suburbs will compete with private businesses already selling high-speed service.

The bumpy road to free internet

North Kansas City kicked off its $10 million fiber network plan in 2006, hoping to install high-speed internet hookups to all 2,500 residences and 900 businesses by the end of that year.

It was an ambitious plan. It didnt go so smoothly.

The first hiccup came in the courts. Time Warner Cable, now known as Spectrum, sued North Kansas City, arguing that it could not go through with its plans without a citywide vote under Missouri law. A federal judge ruled in North Kansas Citys favor, and the city charged ahead with its plan.

Then came financial problems.

North Kansas City was spending a lot of money to run its fiber program, and the money it charged customers (before it made service free for residents) wasnt covering the cost of running it. A state audit found that operating losses ate up $1 million of the citys gambling fund in 2009 and 2010.

So in 2014, the City Council changed course and signed a deal with a local business called DataShack (now called Nocix).

The city would continue to own the fiber network, but DataShack would run the operation under the name KC Fiber. They split revenue and expenses 50/50, and the city could not be responsible for more than $150,000 per year.

As part of that deal, DataShack said it would provide free gigabit internet service to all residents who signed up and paid a $300 installation fee. Businesses still pay a monthly bill, which generates some revenue for the city.

Now, North Kansas City residents like Jill Toyoshiba get online without that pesky monthly bill.

She enrolled in the program before the transition to DataShack, and she hasnt looked back.

Its a real asset, she said. If you call up, theres somebody to pick up the phone and answer  A municipal service that is attentive to residents is really appealing.

But at the same time, not all residents have been able to get free internet.

Some apartment complexes in North Kansas City have effectively prohibited their tenants from signing up for KC Fiber because they have exclusive deals with providers like AT&T or Spectrum.

It can also be expensive to wire a large apartment building for a new internet provider. When landlords dont have to pay the internet bill  or in some cases, when they get a cut of their tenants bills in exchange for exclusivity  they dont have much incentive to install KC Fiber.

Its easier to do those things when youre building from the ground up, Nakahodo said.

North Kansas City is instead trying to get developers of new apartments to agree to install KC Fiber if theyre receiving tax incentives like property tax breaks.

Why cities are pursuing their own broadband networks

North Kansas City is one of 57 city-owned broadband networks across the country.

They have a variety of models. Some of them, like KC Fiber, own the network and contract with a private business to operate it. Others own and operate the utility themselves, similar to how KC Water provides services in Kansas City, Missouri.

But they share a common philosophy: that internet service is no longer an amenity. Much like how tax dollars build roads and bridges, these local governments build broadband to keep their residents connected to telehealth, emergency notifications and city services.

Aaron Deacon, the managing director of KC Digital Drive, said that initiatives like municipal broadband are especially beneficial in filling a market gap where private businesses dont smell profits in providing internet. KC Digital Drive pushes for broadband equity and digital innovation in Kansas City.

In filling a market gap, they can play a role in closing the digital divide between households with reliable internet and those without.

But its not always the right tool in the toolbox.

Municipal broadband is cost-effective in small, dense communities like North Kansas City, with a population just shy of 5,000 people and a land area of less than five square miles. Houses are closer together, so its cheaper to install a fiber connection for every resident.

But the places that desperately need broadband tend to be rural and sparsely populated. Thats where broadband is the most expensive to install and the least profitable for internet companies.

You can find people who  find three examples and be like, Its done so much for these communities, and its amazing, Deacon said. And you can have a paper that says, Look at these three examples where its been a complete boondoggle.

Broadly speaking, Deacon said, municipal broadband is most effective in places without other internet providers. Recent examples include Utahs Utopia network serving 20 cities in the Salt Lake area, or Burlington Telecom in Vermont.

The cities that are best equipped to start a city-owned broadband network already have public utility boards overseeing electricity. That puts Wyandotte County and Independence at the top of the list in the Kansas City area.

But from a business standpoint, Deacon said decision-makers should look at the causes of digital inequities  whether theyre cost issues, service issues or something else  before jumping to the conclusion that municipal broadband would actually fix those problems.

If youve got another network provider that is providing quality service, Deacon said, I dont know that it makes any sense for a city to get into that business.

State laws restrict municipal broadband in 18 states, including Missouri

Meanwhile, state governments have made it more difficult for cities to get into the internet business.

In Missouri, cities are allowed to offer internet service, but theyre prohibited from including cable TV packages or telephone service. Thats the law that Time Warner used when it unsuccessfully tried to sue North Kansas City over its city-run fiber in 2006.

Another law proposed in 2022 would have prohibited cities from taking federal funding to provide broadband unless its an underserved area  and it would have given other internet companies the opportunity to challenge any proposal first.

Kansas does not keep cities from running their own broadband, but other states are more restrictive. Nebraska bans city-run internet completely. Nevada only allows it in its least populated cities or counties.

The United States Telecom Association opposes municipal broadband because it says cities dont have the technical expertise to effectively run their own internet services.

While government-provided broadband might appear free to residents, spokesperson Mariah Wollweber told The Beacon in an email, the reality is that taxpayers ultimately foot the bill.

A representative from AT&T said the company encourages local governments to work with private companies with a proven track record of efficient and effective internet services.

For what its worth, Toyoshiba is happy with the free internet she receives from KC Fiber.

She hasnt had to pay for her internet since 2015, and she cant remember the last time she had any outages lasting longer than a few minutes.

Ive mentioned it before (to friends), and its almost like bragging in a way, she said. Its something I dont have to think about.

This article first appeared on Beacon: Kansas City and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
The entrance to the Utah Supreme Court at the Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City is pictured on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. The Utah Supreme Court handed down a decision in an ongoing case on the states law banning elective abortions. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The Utah Supreme Court handed down a decision in an ongoing case on the states law banning elective abortions  it allowed an injunction blocking the law to continue.

To get perspective on what this ruling means, the Deseret News spoke with constitutional scholar Bill Duncan, a fellow at the Sutherland Institute who has a long history of submitting briefs on constitutional issues, especially religious liberty.

Although this isnt a final decision and the court certainly can come and come back to what I think is the correct decision, which is that the Utah Constitution does not create a novel right to abortion, the decision is pretty concerning, said Duncan.

Duncan said this opinion does not change the status quo: The state has not been able to enforce the law for years. Abortion is legal in the state up to 18 weeks. Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, floated the idea of prohibiting abortion after six weeks while the Legislature waits for the courts to rule on the ultimate constitutionality of the trigger law.

So, what is next?

It is likely the district court judge will restart the case and both parties will bring their arguments forward, he said. He explained there will likely be a motion to dismiss, and it will eventually come back to the Utah Supreme Court to make a decision about whether or not the state constitution does recognize a new right to abortion.

Does the Utah Constitution mention abortion?

The majority opinion made clear that four Utah Supreme Court justices were open to the idea that there could be unwritten principles in the Constitution that could justify them in making policy decisions that are at odds with the entire history of the state.

Many other courts have tried to walk away from behaving that way, said Duncan. While the court did not rule on the merits of the claims, he said the messaging was wrong.

I think they were wrong to telegraph that theyre willing to consider what they call principles in the Constitution that would allow them to make policy decisions about issues of abortion, even though those are clearly not protected in the text or in the historical application of the Constitution, said Duncan.

By doing so, said Duncan, the court stepped into an area that really belongs to lawmakers. The Utah Constitution is silent on the issue of abortion and Utah has had laws against abortion, so the principles the court could point toward are outside the Constitution.

Ideals like bodily autonomy and agency are important, said Duncan. But under our constitutional system, we typically have appropriately allowed the Legislature to decide how they apply in specific circumstances rather than giving the courts the ability to find things in the Constitution that are not there, but to say that theyre inferred by the principle behind the law.

On behalf of the Sutherland Institute, Duncan had filed an amicus brief, making the argument no part of the Utah Constitution prevents the state from passing a law to protect unborn children.

While Planned Parenthood Association of Utah argued ideals around religious liberty should prevent the state from being able to implement the law, Duncan said it was not the case.

Religious liberty is a critical constitutional guarantee but trying to shoehorn a difference opinion on policy as a religious freedom claim trivializes that guarantee, wrote Duncan in the brief.

Duncan said the claim a law banning abortion would infringe on religious liberty does not work because when it is flipped on its head  and applied in the reverse direction to people whose religious beliefs are life beginning at various stages  the logic does not hold.

No Utah case has held that similarity between religious teaching and state legislation creates an established religion for the state or effects a union of church and state, wrote Duncan in the brief. Nor has any of this courts decisions suggested that such a similarity by itself constitutes evidence of domination or interference by any church.

Should Planned Parenthood Association of Utah have standing?

One of the disagreements between the majority opinion of the court and Chief Justice Matthew Durrant was over whether or not Planned Parenthood Association of Utah should be able to bring a suit forward.

Duncan said typically the court only grants standing if a person is directly impacted by a law. When the court said Planned Parenthood Association of Utah had standing, he said it was broader than usual.

In other cases, Duncan said it would be expected for a patient to directly sue rather than the organization.

What did others say about the decision?

Rep. Andrew Stoddard, D-Sandy, who has legal experience as a Murray City prosecutor, said in a statement the ruling was a check on the Republican supermajority.

This ruling highlights the importance of an independent judiciary in protecting individual rights and ensures, for now, that women in Utah have control over their personal health decisions, said Stoddard.

The Deseret News printed other reactions from politicians and leaders across the political spectrum in a previous story.
Wildfires devastate world's largest tropical wetland: 'We extinguish the fire and then, after 24 hours, it starts again'

The Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, covering 68,000 square miles in South America, is in trouble. Home to more than 1.5 million people and nearly 5,000 species of plants and animals, it is enduring one of its worst years for wildfires on record.

What's happening?

The Pantanal in central and western Brazil, eastern Bolivia, and northeastern Paraguay is about the size of the state of Georgia. It is more than 20 times bigger than the Everglades. Nearly two million acres have burned in the Brazilian Pantanal through the middle of July.

Brazil's Institute for Space Research reports that, from January to June 17, fire outbreaks have surged by 1500% compared to the same period in 2023, per Brasil de Fato.

"This year's fires are really bad," said Jane Silva, a mother of three who lives in the region, per the Guardian. "There is a lot of smoke and the children are struggling to breathe. The fires get worse every year  The Pantanal is dying, but we have nowhere to go."

"We extinguish the fire and then, after 24 hours, it starts again," said firefighter Cabo Sena, per the Guardian.

Fires first blazed early this year in May and June, well before the yearly fire season that runs between July and September. Smoke from fires has made it difficult for many to breathe, leading to crowded health facilities.

People and animals are at risk in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. This is the most active wildfire season since 2020, when 17 million vertebrates perished after almost 30% of the biome was burned, per the World Wildlife Fund.

Why are wildfires in the Pantanal important?

The Pantanal lost almost 70% of its water area between 1985 and 2022. Scientists say annual floods used to last about six months but are now lasting two to three months. Precipitation patterns have been altered by droughts.

As the world warms, places like the Pantanal are becoming more susceptible to wildfires. One study concluded that "climate change poses a critical threat" because models indicate an "increase in the frequency of extreme precipitation events and extended periods of drought."

What's being done about the fires?

Federal and state governments in the region began working together last September to help prevent fires. Additional funds have been allocated for prevention and firefighting. Brazil's minister of environment and climate change, Marina Silva, is pushing for policies that address our changing climate.

We may live thousands of miles away from the Pantanal, but we can have an impact. Talking to your family and friends about the problems of a warming world and voting for pro-climate candidates can help, as can taking steps to waste less water at home.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Willam C. Barnes, age 96, died on August 1, 2024, in Youngstown, Ohio.

He was born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1927 to Helen and Alfred Barnes.

Find obituaries from your high school

He graduated from South High School in 1945 and was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly after graduation. He served stateside in the MPs from 1945 to 1947 and then in the inactive Army reserves until 1950 with the rank of Sergeant.

He attended Wheaton College (Wheaton Ill.) and graduated from Youngstown College, now Youngstown State University, and began his teaching career in the Youngstown school system teaching at Hayes Jr. High and then for 25 years at Chaney High School, teaching all three levels of Biology. During that time, he earned Masters Degrees from Ohio State and Syracuse University. He retired in 1987. He was a Martha Holden-Jennings Scholar at Kent State University from 1984 to 1985.

His wife, Ruth Jones Barnes, predeceased him in 2004 following 54 wonderful years of marriage. His parents and four brothers, Howard, Floyd, Paul, and Walter, predeceased him. His daughter Barbara also predeceased him.

He leaves behind three children, Phillip (Jan) of Colorado, William R. (Jane) of Colorado, and Judith (Brian) of California; and granddaughters, Julia (Max) and Jessica.

Bill loved the outdoors and spent many days of family camping and traveling in the familys trailer in various parts of the U.S. and Canada. He also traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, and Australia. His hobbies of woodworking and photography continued into his retirement years.

Mr. Barnes was a long-time member of the Youngstown Gospel Hall Brethren Church where he was an Elder, taught youth and adult classes,, and preached the Gospel

Services at times. More recently he was a member and Elder at Old North Church, Canfield, Ohio.

Calling hours will be at Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Road, Canfield on Monday, August 5 from 6:00  8:00 p.m.

Memorial service will be at Old North Church on Tuesday, August 6 at 11:00 a.m. The service will be live streamed and recorded for those unable to attend. Streaming can be found at Oldnorthchurch.org.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Old North Church, (7105 Herbert Rd. Canfield, OH 44406) or to Gideons International, (P.O. Box 5513 Poland, OH 44514) or the charity of your choice.

A special thank you to Dr. Thomas Burkert, the staff at Poland Village Assisted Living, and Akeso Home Hospice.

Visit blackstonefuneralhome.com to send any expressions of sympathy to the family.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William C. Barnes, please visit our flower store.

A television tribute will air August 4 at the following approximate times: 6:27 p.m. on WYTV and 6:58 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Two new Wilson County School Board candidates were elected in contested races while the county's incumbent assessor of property kept his seat after the county's Aug. 1 general election.

Two Wilson County School Board incumbents and a new Lebanon Special School District board member were also elected in uncontested races that were settled in the March primary.

All of the successful candidates qualified as Republicans. Results are unofficial.

There were 8,306 residents who voted early and 472 who voted by absentee ballot, according to the Wilson County Election Commission. Wilson County has 104,438 registered voters, and 16,437, or a little more than 15.7%, turned out for this election.

Wilson County School Board Zone 1

Greg Hohman defeated incumbent Carrie Pfeiffer in Thursday's closest race.

Hohman won by a vote of 1,972 to 1,618, according to the Wilson County Election Commission's unofficial results.

Hohman believes lessons on critical race theory, gender confusion and pedophilia, all incorporated into California's curriculum, are making their way to Tennessee and Wilson County.

Greg Hohman

I am willing to stop the direction we are heading before it mirrors California and their failing school systems, Hohman said during his campaign.

Pfeiffer ran as an Independent who said rapid growth, a safe school environment and rigorous academics were leading issues in her campaign.

James and Michele Atwell walk out after voting at Laguardo Baptist Church on Aug. 1, 2024.

Wilson County School Board Zone 5

Republican Donnie Self won against Democrat challenger Brittany Ash with Republican Aaron Fulcher also in the race as a write-in candidate who campaigned despite not being listed on the ballot.

Self won the seat by a vote of 1,142-399. Fulcher had 138 write-in votes.

Incumbent Larry Tomlinson did not seek reelection.

Donnie Self

Self, 50, is a former law enforcement officer who became a teacher at Watertown High School from 2015-2019. He emphasized school safety, teacher compensation and retention along with overall district-wide school growth in his campaign.

Ash, 34, a director of children's services at a foster care agency for children with special needs, talked about high profile issues like vouchers, arming teachings, culture wars and book bans along with less publicized challenges like bus driver shortages, teacher turnover, cell phones in schools and space capacity.

Fulcher, 21, ran as a "conservative" Republican who believes he offers a "different way to view things," as a student at Cumberland University and 2021 graduate of Lebanon High School.

Assessor of Property

Stephen Goodall

Incumbent Stephen Goodall, who has held the seat since 2016, defeated Democrat Derrick Hammond, a senior tax manager with about 30 years of experience in property assessment with multiple certifications.

Goodall won by a vote of 11,916-4,122.

Uncontested after primary wins

Two other Wilson County School Board seats and a Lebanon Special School District seat were each decided in the March primary and were uncontested in the general election.

Melissa Walker Lynn in Zone 3 and Jamie Farough in Zone 7 both won as incumbents in Republican-only races in March and were uncontested for their Wilson County School Board seats.

Heather Sadler Gallaher narrowly defeated Dusty Jones by four votes  1,771-1,767  in March to win the Lebanon Special School District seat in that Republican primary. She was uncontested in the general election.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Two Wilson County School Board seats go to first-time candidates
This Wisconsin transgender police officer wants to create bridges between police and the Black and trans communities

Dezjorn "DJ" Gauthier of Muskego is the first openly known transgender police officer in Wisconsin. He has been a police officer with the Wisconsin State Fair Park Police Department since December 2022.

From Black Milwaukee residents suing over being disproportionately stopped and searched by police, to a study showing most transgender people wouldn't feel comfortable turning to law enforcement for help, recent news has underscored that Black and LGBTQ+ communities have experienced strained relations with police.

Dezjorn "DJ" Gauthier, 33, is a police officer with the Wisconsin State Fair Park Police Department in West Allis. He's Black and the first openly known transgender police officer in Wisconsin, so he's in a unique position to serve as a bridge between law enforcement and the Black and LGBTQ+ communities.

In 2018, Black residents in Milwaukee argued in court they were "disproportionately stopped and searched by police, often without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity," which resulted in a landmark $3.4 million settlement agreement with the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin. These disparities still exist, according to subsequent reporting by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

A survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality  the largest survey examining the experiences of transgender people in the United States  showed that 57% of respondents would feel uncomfortable turning to police for help. Also, 58% reported some form of mistreatment by police, such as being repeatedly referred to as the wrong gender, verbally harassed, or physically or sexually assaulted.

Gauthier, who grew up in Milwaukee and became a police officer in December 2022, is not surprised by the results.

"There is a feeling of insecurity and them not feeling safe," he said.

Gauthier, who now lives in Muskego, said it is important for police to improve and adapt practices to reach out to more communities. He hopes his approach will help others.

What Gauthier is doing to help the relationship between police and the LGBTQ+ community

Gauthier is helping bridge the divide by doing everything he can to make sure Wisconsin State Fair Park is known for its inclusivity.

He recently finished his certification as an LGBT Liaison through Out To Protect, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ law enforcement members and builds the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community.

"It makes it official. It puts my title out there," he said of his new role.

In addition to Gauthier's certification, the Wisconsin State Fair Park Police Department is working toward department accreditation to be an LGBT liaison through the same organization. Gauthier said the process will take about another year. "This would mean we are trained to meet the service needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities," he said.

Police Officer Dezjorn "DJ" Gauthier, a Black and transgender police officer, recently finished his certification to be an LGBT Liaison through Out To Protect, an organization that helps to support LGBTQ+ law enforcement members and build relationships between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community. Gauthier is an officer with the Wisconsin State Fair Park Police Department.

As an LGBT liaison, Gauthier will serve as a resource to other officers and personnel on LGBTQ+ issues such as:

Guiding human resource professionals on the best insurance plan if someone needs time off for gender-affirming medical surgery

Advocating for the proper fitting of uniforms and body armor

Being a point of contact for someone who may be transgender and homeless. He said he would have a database of LGBTQ+-friendly places and would also be able to partner with facilities.

By being a liaison, Gauthier said he can also make connections with hospitals, advocate for improved services for the trans population, and know which hospitals have the best facilities for transgender people.

He said he also would coordinate trainings, coordinate department presence and representation at LGBTQ+ community events and celebrations, support recruitment efforts to attract LGBTQ+ applicants and engage problem-solving and trust-building activities with the law enforcement agency and LGBTQ+ community.

'I became a police officer to help others,' Gauthier said

After starting as a safety officer at Wisconsin State Fair Park in 2017, Gauthier said he began advocating for excellent interaction with the transgender and Black population.

Gauthier said his experience with the department has been "excellent," and the department has been open to him as a transgender officer. In fact, it was Wisconsin State Fair Park Police Chief Kenneth Pileggi who noticed Gauthier's potential as a safety officer and suggested he undergo training to become a full-fledged police officer.

"I became a police officer to help others and help bridge the gap in communities," Gauthier said. "It's important for youth to know that the police is someone you go to in an emergency and can trust."

When he was at the police academy at Milwaukee Area Technical College, it dawned on him: "I don't think I ever met (a transgender police officer) here."

In his many public speaking engagements, Dezjorn DJ Gauthier of Muskego addresses transgender issues, as well as other business and societal topics such as diversity and inclusion. He is the first openly known transgender police officer in Wisconsin as an officer at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Police Department.

Where Gauthier sees opportunities for improvement

As a police officer, Gauthier said his focus is to provide kindness and demonstrate utmost professionalism to the transgender population.

"I ask about their pronouns," he said. "It shows a human interaction. I see you as a human, and I respect you."

Gauthier said police need to make sure victims of crimes, for example, feel comfortable going to the emergency room if a crime was a hate crime.

He said if theres a distrust of police, people might be hesitant to identify themselves as trans to law enforcement officers.

Gauthier said he would like to see gender-neutral bathrooms in police stations, more training for officers and an LGBTQ+ liaison in each department.

In the meantime, he said Pride events offer an opportunity for him and fellow law enforcement officers to approach people with sensitivity.

But it's a balancing act, he said: You don't want to "over-police" such events and send a message that Pride events are unsafe. At the same time, if members of the LGBTQ+ community have had negative experiences with law enforcement, they might not welcome police.

"We have to look at public safety. Pride is a huge event. If it is a concert, for instance, we want law enforcement. We want a presence," he said.

Gauthier said police need to ask themselves the right questions to help develop relationships with communities where there might be distrust.

The bottom line: Police should consider how they can help an event be successful, he said. That might mean staffing LGBTQ+ events only with officers who are "queer-friendly and want to be there."

He also said he would encourage others in the LGBTQ+ community to consider careers in law enforcement.

"I want to make an impact, as we are here to help," he said. "It is making an impact and to be the change you want to see."

More: Transgender kids are less likely than others to feel supported. Here are places that can help.

Gauthier serves as an advocate for trans people outside of the police department

Gauthier has shared his story and advocated for trans people on both a local and national level. He started Dezjorn International LLC, in 2014, and does public speaking on diversity and inclusion, business and entrepreneurship, youth mentorship and motivation, and on topics including the ministry, police, law and military.

He has been a model since he was 6 months old and continued after he began his physical gender transition in 2014. Gauthier was one of 17 featured trans models in a well-known Barney's New York campaign. He earned the pageantry titles Mr. Wisconsin in 2018 and Mr. Black Trans Wisconsin in 2019.

Through all those roles, Gauthier noted that there are many ways to advocate and create awareness for supporting trans people.

"Trans folks do exist; they exist everywhere," he said.

Officer Dezjorn "DJ" Gauthier

More: Trans kids in Wisconsin say a supportive network is critical in helping them face challenges from school policies, legislation and more

More: Supervisors vote to establish Milwaukee County as a sanctuary for transgender and nonbinary people

Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trans police officer is an advocate for the trans, LGBTQ+ communities
Woman pleads guilty this week for death of boyfriend run over by a car

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Sentencing will be Sept. 16 for a woman who pleaded guilty this week to charges she ran her boyfriend over with a car, killing him.

Read next: Teen found guilty of reckless homicide in shooting death of other teen

Shanay Jacobs, 32, pleaded guilty Wednesday before Judge John Durkin in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter for the Oct. 15 death of Nathaniel Watson, 30.

Watson was found by police at about 4:15 a.m. underneath a car in a yard in the 200 block of South Schenley Avenue.

Jacobs was originally charged with voluntary manslaughter and felonious assault but the charge was later upgraded to murder after police said they found video footage that they said showed Jacobs purposely ran Watson over.

The charge was reduced to voluntary manslaughter Wednesday in exchange for Jacobs plea.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Woman Recounts How She Became Trapped in Arizona Canyon for 13 Hours While Hiking with a Friend

"I started panicking ... and I slid," she said. "I started going deeper into the canyon and I just slid to the bottom"

Getty Wildcat Tank Path, Page, Arizona

A woman says she is glad to be alive after she was rescued last month from being trapped in a canyon in Arizona for some 13 hours.

On July 19, at 5:30 p.m. local time, authorities from the Coconino County Sheriffs Office received a notification from the National Park Service that Madison Hart, 26, and a friend were stuck several hundred feet inside the Wildcat Tank Canyon in Arizona, according to USA Today.

Taking to TikTok in a pair of videos in late July, Hart recounted her harrowing experience: She and her friend originally went hiking but were taken by surprise by the high temperatures and grew weaker as they attempted to traverse the canyon through a method known as stemming.



"I started panicking ... and I slid," she said. "I started going deeper into the canyon and I just slid to the bottom."



Related: Man Rescued After Becoming Wedged Between Narrow Rock Walls of Utah Canyon

Thats when Hart said she realized that she was stuck in the canyon from her hips downward and any further movement she attempted was stalled due to the curve of the rock.

Hart said that she was embarrassed by the predicament she was in.



"I did not anticipate getting stuck. I did feel like a failure. It was very embarrassing. I never wanted to be those people," she said. "I never did want to waste resources or waste people's time or energy."



Related: 3 Teens Among Group of Hikers Rescued from N.H. Mountain Trail, Officials Say: 'Dangerous Decision'

Hart said her friend tried multiple methods to get help, including lighting a fire and attempting to reach 911  but there was no phone service in the area.

Luckily, the friend was able to eventually send Snapchat messages to another friend.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Coconino County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Jon Paxton said that various rescue teams rescued Hart's friend first since she had "climbed out a little further up the canyon and was uninjured" while Hart was pulled out after because she was "another hundred yards back down the canyon," USA Today reported.

Representatives from the Coconino County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

After being safely removed from the canyon by the Page Fire Department, Hart said she was flown to a local hospital for evaluation of her kidneys and dehydration and was sent home the next day.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Two people were rescued from a northern Arizona canyon on July 19 after they became stuck 300 feet deep in the canyon while hiking, according to the Coconino County Sheriff's Office.

Newly released footage from the accident taken by one of the hikers, Madison Hart, depicted what she thought were her "final moments," according to an interview with Storyful.

"The rescue team got me out after about 13 hours. My legs had turned purple from standing for so long, Hart told Storyful.

Hart and her friend went hiking on July 19 at Wildcat Tank Canyon, located just north of Page, when the two climbed down to a lower area of the canyon, both of them getting stuck inbetween the narrow rock walls.

I was stuck from my hips, unable to sit or lie down... If I went forward or backward, I would have been stuck completely and gotten a crush injury, Hart told Storyful.

Hart and her friend tried lighting a small fire to send a smoke signal, screaming for help as over 10 calls to 911 went unconnected due to bad cell service, according to Hart. Hart's friend was also stuck but was able to connect a call briefly to her roommate who sent for help.

Hart is seen in the video waving at a nearby rescue helicopter hovering over the lowlight canyon.

Hart's friend was rescued five hours earlier than her due to Hart being unable to move to the position of the first rescue team, leaving her to stay into the canyon until dark, as seen in the video.

Hart sustained a broken ankle, according to Coconino County Sheriff's Office to Storyful.

Im glad me and my friend are alive, and so thankful to every single person who helped us. They saved our lives and I will never forget that, Hart told Storyful.

Coconino County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to The Arizona Republic's request for more information.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Two people were trapped in a northern Arizona canyon. watch the rescue
BEDFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  State police are looking for a woman they say was involved in multiple identity thefts in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

State police out of Bedford are asking the public to help identify the pictured woman. Troopers were first called to First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union in Snake Spring Township on May 18 for a report of identity theft and forgery.









The woman allegedly used a victims information to attempt to cash a forged check.

Troopers said shes also a suspect in other identity thefts in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Bedford at 814-623-6133 or contact PSP Tips Toll-Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or online 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
Roy Cooper has five months left as governor, and this week he took himself out of the running to be the next vice president of the United States. But that doesnt mean hes done with politics.

Options for Coopers next act could include:

A Cabinet position;

A 2026 Senate run;

A 2028 gubernatorial race;

The private sector.

Those around Cooper say that anyone who tells you they know what he is doing next is wrong because even Cooper hasnt made up his mind yet. He isnt being coy. A decision just hasnt been made.

Cooper is someone whos always been driven by public service, driven by an ability to help people and to improve peoples lives, said Morgan Jackson, Coopers top adviser. I think hell continue to look for ways to do that.

But until his term as governor expires on Jan. 1  state law prevented him for running for a third term  Cooper has something else on his mind.

Roy Cooper is focused on electing Josh Stein as governor, turning North Carolina blue for Kamala Harris, and breaking the supermajorities in the legislature, as he finishes out his term, Jackson said.

Here is a breakdown of some of his potential options.

Cabinet positions

On June 28, President Joe Biden held his last rally in North Carolina before ending his campaign. And during that rally he teased that a long-suspected rumor about Cooper could be true.

When Im reelected again, with your help, I want you to know that Im not promising not to take Roy away from North Carolina, Biden shouted from the stage, with Cooper standing nearby.

As the attorney general of North Carolina, Cooper worked with Bidens late son, Beau, when he was the attorney general of Delaware.

He is truly, truly one of the deans of the attorneys general in America and a good friend of mine, Beau said in 2012. I followed his lead on a number of fronts.

The same job put Cooper in a position to work with Harris, then attorney general of California.

Asher Hildebrand, a political science professor at Duke University, said Cooper would be a great candidate for Harris to consider as U.S. attorney general.

I would be pretty surprised if Merrick Garland continues to serve as attorney general for too long, Hildebrand told McClatchy in an interview.





Hildebrand served as chief of staff for Rep. David Price, a Democrat, and as director of policy and research for former President Barack Obamas 2012 campaign in North Carolina. He said during his interview he has no inside knowledge of what has been offered to Cooper or what Cooper is thinking about doing.

Thats again, speculation, Hildebrand said of Garland, but I think hes frustrated enough Democrats and with Harris coming in, and given her own background as an attorney general and a prosecutor, I would see that as a prime opportunity for a change. Cooper would be a great candidate for that position.

Coopers relationship with Harris quickly put him on the list of contenders for her vice president. They have worked together throughout the 2024 election to flip North Carolina blue, with Harris about to make her eighth visit this year to the state next week.

But Hildebrand said hes not sure Cooper taking the position of attorney general is a good idea for the governor.

If he were to decide not to run for Senate and just to continue his service in the federal government, that might be a very good role for him, but its a role that carries with it today a whole lot of sort of political baggage, in a way that it didnt used to even a decade ago, Hildebrand said.

Hildebrand said whether Cooper takes a Cabinet position like attorney general or education or transportation secretary depends on his election plans.

Hes got enough of a profile as an education governor and certainly knows the landscape of transportation policy and so I think he could step into any of those, Hildebrand said. To me, again, the key decision is, is he going to run for Senate in 2026? If so, Im not sure it makes sense to take any Cabinet position because they want to focus on preparing for a successful and hard-fought campaign.

Senate 2026

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a sophomore in the Senate, is up for reelection in 2026. He has yet to announce his plans for reelection, though Rep. Wiley Nickel, a Democrat who has been drawn out of his district, has already announced his plans to run against Tillis.

Tillis is seen as one of the Senates more moderate Republicans and has worked across the aisle to pass policy on gun rights and LGBTQ+ issues. And those policy issues have hurt him within his own party, which in turn censured him.

Hildebrand said regardless of who wins the presidency, Cooper is a tremendous recruit to run for a Senate seat. But, Hildebrand added, if Trump wins, that bodes well for a strong Democratic win in a Senate race in 2026.

As for a Tillis-Cooper matchup, Hildebrand said it would be a very competitive race between two of North Carolinas most powerful and most respected leaders.

But he added that Tillis has to overcome the hostility hes facing from the far-right part of his party in a primary.

Governor 2028

Cooper also has the option of running again for governor in 2028. State law only precludes someone from holding the office for more than two consecutive terms, but that doesnt prevent him from running again after a break.

If Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a Republican, wins this years election for governor against Stein, a Democrat, then Democrats will need to recruit a challenger in 2028.

Hildebrand doesnt see Cooper filling that role.

I think if Josh Stein does not win in 2024 then I think we could expect a pretty broad field of candidates to run in 2028, Hildebrand said. I know theres speculation, but I certainly see no indication coming from the folks around him that he wants to return to the governors mansion instead of pursuing other forms of public service that would be different and exciting to him.

He also predicts Stein winning.

Other options

Hildebrand added that if Cooper chooses not to run for Senate, there are a lot of other options available to the governor, from a cabinet position to an ambassadorship.

Cooper could also return to the private sector as a lobbyist, attorney or board member.

Hildebrand said he would selfishly love to see Cooper in a classroom.

I think the threshold decision that he has to make, if he hasnt already made it, is whether to run for Senate or not, and I think thats going to sort of set the parameters of the types of roles that he might take on once he leaves office. If the answer is no, then the skys the limit.

Under the Dome

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Woods: Baking 'deceitful pie' led to all kinds of loss  including prison for former JEA CEO

The limited seating was packed, with about 50 people squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder into four rows of seats on the sides of an aisle leading into Courtroom 12C in the federal courthouse.

Extra chairs were put alongside the aisle. Some of Aaron Zahns friends and family members were moved into the jury box  four months after two sets of jurors had sat in a jury box for weeks, listening to prosecutors lay out the case that this was the largest fraud in the history of Jacksonville.

One set of jurors acquitted Ryan Wannamacher, the former CFO of the citys publicly owned utility.

The other set found Zahn, the former CEO of JEA, guilty of fraud and conspiracy.

More: Money & Power: Inside the campaign to privatize JEA

So this  the tension-filled scene for the sentencing  felt like the end of a saga that began more than five years earlier, with then-Mayor Lenny Curry orchestrating an overhaul of the JEA board, the rapid elevation of Zahn to CEO and the attempted sale of the citys utility.

As prosecutors reiterated Tuesday afternoon, the attempted sale, by itself, wasnt a crime.

This doesnt mean it wasnt deceitful. It was deceitful, from start to aborted finish. And that should forever be a part of the legacy of Currys time as mayor. He and some of those close to him tried to sell JEA. It never was a good faith exploration of the pros and cons. It was an effort to reach a predetermined conclusion  one quite different from what played out Tuesday.

As Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Tysen Duva said, the crime wasnt the attempted sale. It was an effort to fleece the City of Jacksonville.

Duva summed up all that has been reported and investigated and deliberated in the last five years by saying of the former CEO: He came up with a bonus plan. He tried to hide it. He got caught.

Fraud and 'Fifty Shades of Gray'

In more than three hours, there were some surprising twists  perhaps starting with the defense seemingly re-litigating the case, making some of the same arguments tried during the last few years: A sale was just one option. There was nothing nefarious about the bonus plan. There were a series of steps required before it wouldve paid out. And, in the end, it never did pay out. So  no harm, no foul.

As Duva noted, we'd heard all of this during the trial.

"It's called closing arguments," he said.

Since a jury didnt buy it then, one mightve thought this would be the time when Zahn and his defense finally would pivot, admit some wrongdoing and hope for leniency.

Only the latter happened.

But first the defense delved into what constitutes loss, trying to argue that since Zahn didnt walk away with tens of millions of dollars, there was no actual loss.

Legal dictionaries were cited.

Fifty Shades of Gray was cited.

No, not the steamy novel. This was the title of a Yale Law Journal article.

I did not start my day expecting to be sitting in the federal courthouse, Googling Fifty Shades of Gray. But after doing so, I can tell you that the 2016 article about sentencing trends in major white-collar cases isnt exactly salacious reading.

Near the end, Lee Wedekind, an attorney representing JEA, refuted the idea that there wasnt any actual loss. He said that the scandal cost the utility $76 million, largely because of lower bond ratings. And he said the loss went beyond those dollars.

The fraud might be over, the scars remain, he said.

The baking of a 'deceitful pie'

U.S. District Judge Brian Davis listened to all of this  and the six people who spoke on Zahns behalf, including his father-in-law (who served as a U.S. attorney and judge in Georgia), his mother and his wife.

They talked about Zahn as a son, husband and father of three children, ages 10, 7 and 5.

This did feel different than everything in the past. It made the courtroom feel even more packed, the still air more charged. It was raw, emotional, and painful to watch. And thats from the perspective of a detached observer. For the large contingent of family and friends, it had to be gut-wrenching.

And that led to a point Judge Davis, who is nearing the end of his long career, made when he started to speak: He said he could solve our crime problem if he could show people before they did something the pain it would lead to for their loved ones.

He began with some observations, saying hed start where he usually concludes, with that support. Hed read letters written on Zahns behalf, listened to what was said in the courtroom, and been touched by the heartfelt testimonials.

But, he also said, there was something largely missing.

Good people can and do make bad decisions, he said.

He said that when deceit and greed intersect, crimes like yours result. He referred to the deceitful pie you were baking" and listed a series of the ingredients, prefacing each with: Consider the deceit, by act or omission 

And then he gave the sentence.

Forty-eight months.

JEA weathered another storm

Zahn's defense, which pushed for probation, wanted less. Some people in town wanted more. I never had strong feelings about this part of the JEA story. I just wanted something that, after all the gaslighting of the past few years, said there was indeed significant wrongdoing  and prevented it from happening again.

This  a former utility CEO likely will spend more than three years behind bars  does seem like a deterrent for others, near and far. In some ways it seems fair. In other ways it does not.

Zahn mightve baked a deceitful pie, but he didnt do it by himself.

Along the way, there were a lot of people  good, bad and, as we all are, a mix of both  who made bad decisions and helped this go as far as it did.

In the end, though, it was the public that prevented it from actually happening.

There were others who played a role. Some city officials, some council members, civic leaders and, yes, the media.

As part of pre-sentencing, Zahns defense referred to the relentless media coverage since 2018. Im not sure how much of that was specifically directed at the Times-Union. But its true that my colleagues  particularly Nate Monroe, David Bauerlein and former T-U reporter Chris Hong  did not relent when it came to this story. Even when JEA was attacking their reporting. Even when some in City Hall were trying to bully anyone who stood in the way of the sale being fast-tracked. Even when, in Nates case, a private investigator working for a consulting firm tied to Florida Power & Light surveilled him.

But in the end, I do think it was the public that prevented the sale and what could've happened with it.

Thats what those involved repeatedly underestimated: Just how upset people were about what was happening. Some of that was pushback over trying to sell the citys utility. Some of it was simply anger about being fed slice after slice of a deceitful pie.

One entity that emerged from all of this perhaps more appreciated: JEA.

As noted during sentencing, this did damage JEA in some measurable ways, mostly in that from-a-distance perspective of bond ratings and such. Locally, though, I think it made people do something you dont often see: be grateful for their utility.

At one point during the JEA saga, I wrote a column that said this was another storm where the rank-and-file JEA employees kept the lights on.

That storm has passed and, at least for now, were back to bracing for hurricanes.

mwoods@jacksonville.com

(904) 359-4212

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: JEA, Jacksonville weathered storm of scandal
Workforce shortages prompt HIDOE to cancel school bus routes for some areas

HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) said in a statement Thursday afternoon they would be suspending student transportation services in certain areas.

HIDOE stated Afterschool Plus (A+) is not being suspended.

There is a waitlist however at 46 of the 163 A+ school sites due to staff shortages.

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Meaning bus routes in Central Oahu and East Hawaii Island will stop due to the shortage of school bus drivers with the required commercial drivers licenses.

They added a total of 108 routes will be temporarily suspended, affecting nearly 2,900 students who signed up for bus transportation.

However, bus routes for students receiving transportation as part of their special education services are not impacted.

Road repairs at HNL expected to take two day

The suspended routes on Oahu are for middle/intermediate and high school students in the Aiea-Moanalua-Radford and Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Areas. The suspended routes in East Hawaii Island are for all grade levels in the Hilo-Waiakea and Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Areas.

The shortage of school bus drivers across the nation continues to impact our schools and requires the temporary reduction of bus routes to ensure that bus services can continue for our special education students, Randy Moore, deputy superintendent of operations, said. Working with our contractors to restore the bus routes is critical to support our students attendance at school and their learning.

Impacted high school riders on Oahu will be offered HOLO cards to ride the City & County of Honolulu TheBus system for free.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

High school riders at east Hawaii schools are able to use the Hele-On county bus system for free with no pass needed.

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(Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association)

Federal health officials are encouraging farm workers who tend livestock and poultry to get vaccinated for seasonal influenza to help prevent a bird flu mutation that might spark a pandemic in people.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday it would devote up to $5 million to pay for the vaccinations, and that it will rely on states to implement the initiative.

There are 14 known human infections of highly pathogenic avian influenza that resulted from contact with infected dairy cattle and poultry in the United States, and all but one has happened in the past four months.

The virus has been circulated by wild birds for more than two years and has sporadically transmitted to domestic birds. A variation of the virus has been infecting U.S. dairy cattle since December, and four people who worked closely with infected cattle also became ill.

In recent weeks, nine people in Colorado who were tasked with culling infected poultry contracted the virus.

The CDC has maintained that the virus risk to humans is low  those who have been infected so far had minor symptoms of respiratory illness or pinkeye, or both.

It has not been shown to transmit between people, but the virus has the potential to rapidly gain that ability if it infects someone who also has a seasonal flu virus.

Such dual infections, while rare, could potentially result in an exchange of genetic material between two different influenza viruses, Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director for the CDC, said in a call with reporters Tuesday.

Shah said that reassortment process could pose a significant public health concern if bird flu gains the ability to spread person-to-person the way seasonal flu does, potentially resulting in a virus that spreads easily and causes severe symptoms.

A new vaccination campaign

Shah said the CDC will devote up to $10 million for farm workers health related to avian flu. Half will be spent educating and training farm workers about how to avoid being infected.

The other half will pay for seasonal flu vaccines for an estimated 200,000 farm workers who tend livestock and poultry. The CDC hopes to vaccinate all of them but acknowledges that less than half of the general population typically gets a flu shot.

How the voluntary vaccination effort will proceed is unclear. State health officials are expected to implement them, most immediately in the 13 states that have confirmed infections among cows.

That includes Iowa, where 13 dairy herds have been infected. However, no new infections have been reported in the state in the past month.

A spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services  which presumably would coordinate with the CDC  did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.

The vaccine will not protect the workers from contracting bird flu, Shah said, nor will it guarantee they wont be infected by seasonal flu. But he said its an important component of the public health response to the new virus threat.

The risk here is a theoretical but important risk, Shah said.

Colorado has most recent infections

The confirmations of new bird flu infections among cattle have waned significantly in most states, except for in Colorado. In the past 30 days, two-thirds of the nations 32 newly infected herds were in that state, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

Some of that might be due to Colorados robust testing protocols, but its also a quirk of history and geography, said Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs for the USDA.

The state has far fewer dairy farms than the leading milk-producing states, but most of them are concentrated in one county.

They are all in very close proximity to one another, and so there is a lot of sharing of equipment, a lot of sharing of personnel and a lot of movement on and off farms to adjacent farms, Deeble said.

The USDA has identified the movement of equipment and people between dairy farms as a primary vector for virus transmissions from herd to herd and from herd to flock.

The virus has been identified in 172 dairy herds in the United States this year. Fifty of them are in Colorado. In Texas, where the infections originated, the virus was confirmed in 22 herds, although there were many that went untested because they recovered before bird flu was identified as the culprit.

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and X.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  For the sixth year, the Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology is participating in the Metallica Scholars Initiative.

The Initiative is a partnership between the rock band Metallicas All Within My Hands Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges. WSU Tech says since the program began, it has helped over 100 individuals receive education in a variety of high-demand technical fields.

The grant this year will specifically support students seeking a degree in veterinary nursing, a career in high need, according to the state. The program begins this month.

Being part of the Metallica Scholars initiative underscores our commitment to providing top-tier career and technical education, said Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech, in a news release. This program is transformative for our students, offering them the skills and opportunities to succeed in high-demand fields. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with All Within My Hands and the AACC to make a significant impact in the lives of our students and the workforce of Kansas.

Since it began, the Metallica Scholars Initiative has expanded to community colleges in all 50 states. This year marks the largest grant to date, with $2.6 million committed, bringing the total investment to over $10 million.

Sedgwick County offering 14 ballot drop box locations

Metallica, through their foundation, is changing how people view and engage with the trades in this country, and it is working, said Peter Delgrosso, executive director of All Within My Hands. Metallica Scholars are diverse, motivated, and ambitious, and we are here to help them reach their goals. I am so proud and honored to be able to announce entrance into all 50 states as this is a significant milestone for not only our foundation but the incredible community we have helped foster and connect.

When we launched the Metallica Scholars Initiative, it really spoke to me. A collective goal of breaking the stigma of trade skills, said Metallica co-founder and frontman James Hetfield. Trade skills are vital to society, and whats even more important is to support the many folks who are trying to create a career by learning and using these skills.

For more information about WSU Tech and its programs, visit WSUTech.edu.

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BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  West Virginia University President Elwood Gordon Gee finished up his Summer tour. He stopped by Fruits of Labor in Beckley to honor two Raleigh County Recipients of the WVU Foundation Scholars.

Ama Ackon-Annan from Woodrow Wilson High School and Zadie Worley from Liberty High School will be joining the WVU family in the fall! This scholarship is the highest prestige for up and coming freshman.

Both girls say they are proud to be the first two Raleigh County representatives.

Best snapshots from WVU baseballs home finale against Kansas State

I think that definitely with Zadie and I being from Raleigh County and 2 of the five recipients being from here its really great. Im just proud to be here, said Ackon-Annan.

Coming from a small school from Raleigh County I feel like we dont get as much recognition, Im happy to just put us on the map a little bit more, said Worley.

The students brought their families to the luncheon provided by the folks at Fruits of Labor. Classes start back at WVU on August 21st.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Fahad Qasim, 21, Yazidi survivor displays a picture taken during the time he was kidnapped by Islamic state in Syria, in Duhok

Fahad Qasim, 21, Yazidi survivor displays a picture taken during the time he was kidnapped by Islamic state in Syria, in Duhok

By Timour Azhari

SINJAR, Iraq (Reuters) - Fahad Qassim was just 11 years old when Islamic State militants overran his Yazidi community in the Sinjar region of northern Iraq in August 2014, taking him captive.

The attack was the start of what became the systematic slaughter, enslavement, and rape of thousands of Yazidis, shocking the world and displacing most of the 550,000-strong ancient religious minority. Thousands of people were rounded up and killed during the initial assault, which began in the early hours of Aug. 3.

Many more are believed to have died in captivity. Survivors fled up the slopes of Mount Sinjar, where some were trapped for many weeks by an Islamic State siege.

The assault on the Yazidis - an ancient religious minority in eastern Syria and northwest Iraq that draws from Zoroastrian, Christian, Manichean, Jewish and Muslim beliefs - was part of the militant Islamic State's effort to establish a caliphate.

At one stage, the group held a third of Iraq and neighbouring Syria before being pushed back by U.S.-backed forces and Iran-backed militias and collapsing in 2019.

Now 21, Qassim lives in a small apartment on the edge of a refugee camp in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, far from his hometown.

He was trained as a child soldier and fought in grinding battles before being liberated as Islamic State collapsed in Syria's Bagjhuz in 2019, but only after losing the bottom half of his leg to an airstrike by the U.S.-led forces.

"I don't plan for any future in Iraq," he said, waiting for news on a visa application to a Western country.

"Those who go back say they fear the same thing that happened in 2014 will happen again."

Qassim's reluctance to return is shared by many. A decade after what has been recognised as a genocide by many governments and U.N. agencies, Sinjar district remains largely destroyed.

The old city of Sinjar is a confused heap of grey and brown stone, while villages like Kojo, where hundreds were killed, are crumbling ghost towns.

Limited services, poor electricity and water supply, and what locals say is inadequate government compensation for rebuilding have made resettlement challenging.

POWER STRUGGLE

The security situation further complicates matters. A mosaic of armed groups that fought to free Sinjar have remained in this strategic corner of Iraq, holding de facto power on the ground.

This is despite the 2020 Sinjar Agreement that called for such groups to leave and for the appointment of a mayor with a police force composed of locals.

And from the skies above, frequent Turkish drone strikes target fighters aligned with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) that is outlawed by Turkey. Civilians are among those killed in these attacks, adding to the sense of insecurity.

Akhtin Intiqam, a 25-year-old commander in the PKK-aligned Sinjar Protection Units (YBS), one of the armed factions in the area, defends their continued presence:

"We are in control of this area and we are responsible for protecting Sinjar from all external attacks," she said.

Speaking in a room adorned with pictures of fallen comrades, numbering more than 150, Intiqam views the Sinjar Agreement with suspicion.

"We will fight with all our power against anyone who tries to implement this plan. It will never succeed," she said.

GOVERNMENT EFFORTS

As the stalemate continues, Sinjar remains underdeveloped. Families who do return receive a one-time payment of about $3,000 from the government.

Meanwhile, more than 200,000 Yazidis remain in Kurdistan, many living in shabby tent settlements. The Iraqi government is pushing to break up these camps, insisting it's time for people to go home.

"You can't blame people for having lost hope. The scale of the damage and displacement is very big and for many years extremely little was done to address it," said Khalaf Sinjari, the Iraqi prime minister's advisor for Yazidi affairs.

This government, he said, was taking Sinjar seriously.

It plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars  including all previously unspent budgets since 2014 - on development and infrastructure, including for paying compensation, building two new hospitals and a university and linking Sinjar to the countrys water network for the first time. "There is hope to bring back life," said Sinjari, himself a member of the Yazidi community.

However, the presence of an estimated 50,000 Islamic State fighters and their families across the border in Syria in detention centres and camps stokes fears of history repeating itself.

Efforts by some Iraqi lawmakers to pass a general amnesty law that could see the freeing of many Islamic State prisoners from Iraqi jails only add to these concerns. And the Yazidi struggle for justice is stalled, with the government this year ending a U.N. mission that sought to help bring Islamic State fighters to trial for international crimes, citing a lack of cooperation between it and the mission.

Despite the challenges, some Yazidis are choosing to return. Farhad Barakat Ali, a Yazidi activist and journalist who was displaced by IS, made the decision to go back several years ago.

"I'm not encouraging everyone to return to Sinjar, but I am also not encouraging them to stay at the IDP camps either," he said from his home in Sinjar city, in the stifling heat of a power cut.

"Having your hometown - living in your hometown - is something that people can be proud of."

(Reporting by Timour Azhari; Editing by Alexandra Hudson and Frances Kerry)
YOSEMITE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Yosemite National Park has a connection to an emperor of a Mongol empire, park officials said on Thursday.

Yosemites connection comes from a poem that was written about Kubla Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, 503 years after his death, officials say.

According to park officials, Kubla was the grandson of the revered and feared Genghis Khan. Kubla was the founder and the first emperor of the Mongol-lead imperial Yuan Dynasty, which stretched in power and influence from most of present-day China, Mongolia, Korea, and Southern Siberia, to parts of the Middle East from 1271 to 1294.

Officials say Kublas summer capital was in the renowned Xanadu, which sits on the Outer Mongolia steppe.

After Kublas death, 503 years after English Poet and philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge read a piece of work describing Xanadu. Officials say the piece was written by English clergyman and geographer Samuel Purchas, based on the writings of Marco Polo who visited Xanadu in 1275.

Park officials say after Coleridge fell asleep, he dreamt of Xanadu while in an opium-influenced haze. When he woke up he quickly wrote down the lines of a poem that came to him in the dream.

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea. Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Park officials say that Yosemite happens to have a Stately Pleasure Dome. It sits on the northwest side of Tenaya Lake and Tioga Road (southwestern portion of Polly Dome.)

According to park officials, it was informally named by rock climbers. Stately Pleasure Dome offers a connection to a string of interesting histories  connecting Marco Polo and Kubla Khan to the age of English Enlightenment and now Yosemite National Park.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  City police Thursday seized three guns and arrested three people, including a man who served a prison term for a 2005 shooting, while serving search warrants at two different homes investigating drug activity.

Read next: Youngstown, New Castle residents among those charged in large-scale drug trafficking organization

Taken into custody at a 445 Willis Ave. home at about 5:50 p.m. on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a third-degree felony and obstructing official business, a misdemeanor, was Tanayjah Clay, 22 and Bryant Owens, 21. Owens has a separate charge of possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony.

They are both expected to be arraigned later today.

Reports said Clay and Owens ran from the house when police arrived and they were both caught after short foot chases.

Inside the house, police found a .38-caliber revolver and a digital scale. Owens had a bag of crack cocaine on him, reports said.

Both are prohibited from having a gun or being a gun because of prior drug convictions, reports said.

Taken into custody about 4:30 p.m. at a 710 Hayman St. home was Marketis Stevens Sr., 44, on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a third-degree felony; possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony; and possession of drugs, also a fifth-degree felony.

He is also expected to be arraigned later today in municipal court.

Reports said Stevens was found inside the home when police arrived to search it. Inside the home police found crack cocaine, methamphetamine, pills, a digital scale and two semiautomatic handguns.

Stevens is not allowed to have guns because he pleaded guilty in February 2007 for the October 2005 shooting death of a man who was found shot to death on Martin Luther King Boulevard. He was sentenced in March 2007 to 13 years in prison.

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On 2 August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with officials from the Ministry of Defence, after which he proposed modern solutions that will reduce red tape for military units.

Source: Zelenskyy's evening video address on 2 August

Quote: "I also held a meeting with the team of the Ministry of Defense. We are preparing new and absolutely modern solutions for our warriors, which will definitely eliminate a lot of unnecessary bureaucracy and paperwork from the units. Soon these solutions will be presented to our society. They look really innovative."

Details: The President also discussed the frontline situation as reported by Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Quote: "And of course, most attention was paid to the Pokrovsk [front]. This is where the fighting remains the most intense, and this direction requires our most intensive responses to the occupier. Each brigade, each unit on the Pokrovsk [front]  all our warriors who are maintaining their resilience there and defending our positions despite the Russian assaults, are in many ways also holding the foundation of the defence of the entire eastern part of our country. At the same time, we do not diminish our attention to all other directions on the front  in Donetsk [Oblast], as well as in Kharkiv [Oblast] and our southern regions."

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Enter the Wuhan

Hundreds of driverless robotaxis are causing mayhem in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

As Bloomberg reports, the fleet of vehicles deployed by Chinese tech giant Baidu is triggering traffic jams by driving too cautiously, frustrating the city's residents.

And if that sounds familiar, you aren't alone. Similar driverless robotaxi services in the US have also wreaked havoc, with vehicles struggling to follow the rules of the road, getting involved in crashes, and even getting pulled over by baffled human police officers, highlighting the tech's ongoing technical problems on real-world streets.

Driverless Jam

As of right now, Baidu's services aren't available across the entire city. But even in this limited trial, its vehicles are having trouble adapting to a driving culture that often flouts the rules of the road.

Baidu has deployed more than 500 electric robotaxis in Wuhan, roughly half of what the company is planning to deploy by the end of the year under its Apollo Go brand.

While the fleet only makes up a tiny fraction of the total number of cabs in the city, gig workers are worried they could lose their jobs as the tech sector continues to push for autonomous vehicles.

"It is exciting to witness robotaxis become reality, yet its not clear how taxi drivers will face the challenge, and how the government will strike a balance between technological breakthroughs and weak labor market conditions," Pinpoint Asset Management chief economist Zhiwei Zhang wrote in a note, as quoted by Bloomberg.

Baidu has been aggressive in the rollout of its robotaxi service, heavily undercutting its human competition by discounting rides considerably  a strategy that experts have fretted could make such services commercially unviable.

In short, whether the approach will pay off remains to be seen. It's not just Baidu struggling with integrating its driverless taxis in a busy urban environment  American companies including Alphabet's Waymo and General Motors' Cruise are in a similar boat, indicating these growing pains are a global problem.

Whether Elon Musk's Tesla can swoop in and change the picture remains to be seen. The mercurial CEO recently announced that the EV maker would be unveiling a robotaxi later this year  but whether it stands a chance of catching up with the competition remains anything but certain.

More on robotaxis: Tesla Analyst Tries Full Self-Driving, Has to Stop It From Crashing
Elon Musk and Grimes meet in court for custody hearing days after Grimes' mother accused the Tesla CEO of 'withholding' children

Elon Musk and Grimes meet in court for custody hearing days after Grimes' mother accused the Tesla CEO of 'withholding' children

Elon Musk and Grimes met in a Texas court for a custody-dispute hearing over their three children.

The former couple have been battling since September, filing lawsuits in Texas and California.

The court session addressed multiple motions and was closed to the public for security reasons.

Elon Musk and Grimes met in a Texas courthouse on Friday for a hearing regarding their custody dispute.

The former couple have been in an ongoing custody battle since September over the three children they share: 3-year-old X  A-12, also known as baby X, 2-year-old Exa, and 1-year-old Tau.

The billionaire and the musician filed dueling lawsuits against one another in two different states: Musk in Texas and Grimes in California.

The two met in Austin on Friday to address a series of motions, including one brought to temporarily halt the proceedings.



Musk arrived with three private security guards, who escorted him to the bathroom and then later into the courtroom. Three armed Travis County sheriffs were also stationed inside and outside the courtroom.



Grimes, whose real name is Claire Elise Boucher, arrived after Musk, minutes before the hearing began.

The case was sealed to the public in December, and the judge agreed to close the courtroom to the press and public only minutes after the hearing began, and a small group of spectators had to leave the room. Musk's security lightly pushed one reporter as they were on their way out of the courtroom.

"We're going to be getting into many details related to these children," Lindsey Eykel, Musk's attorney, said on Friday.

Grimes' attorney, Geoffrey Weisbert, agreed to the motion to close the courtroom, citing "security concerns" related to the children, some of which pertained to the case.

Musk's righthand man, Jared Birchall, was also in attendance. Birchall left the courtroom with some of Musk's security personnel shortly after the courtroom was closed to the public.

The hearing was disrupted by a fire alarm about an hour into the proceeding. Musk was rushed out of the building by his security entourage and drove away in a Tesla.

Elon Musk returned to the courthouse shortly after the fire drill was over. Grace Kay

A spokesperson for the courthouse said the fire alarm was part of a planned test of the system.

The hearing resumed about 30 minutes later.



Musk and Grimes' meeting in court comes just days after Grimes' mother, Sandy Garossino, accused Musk of "withholding" the children from Grimes.



"She was thrilled for the kids' planned visit to celebrate her birthday this weekend. Today. But those hopes were crushed when the trip was canceled," Garossino wrote on X.

"I am alarmed to learn that the children cannot come as you are withholding them and their needed passport documents from Claire," she added, referring to Grimes by her first name.



This story is developing.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Even Zoom's ex-CMO is tired of nonstop video meetings. Here's her take on how remote work needs to change.

Even Zoom's ex-CMO is tired of nonstop video meetings. Here's her take on how remote work needs to change.

Janine Pelosi was Zoom's CMO during the pandemic and is now CEO of a tech company called Neat.

She reflected on how remote work has impacted her own life and changed our working world.

Building relationships and trust with employees will be crucial to support remote work, she said.

Janine Pelosi directs her company out of her home in California, but its headquarters are across the Atlantic, in Oslo, Norway, nine hours ahead of her.

It's emblematic of our flexible post-pandemic world, which has allowed remote working arrangements to thrive.

Pelosi is the CEO of Neat, a tech company that sells videoconferencing devices. Prior to that, she spent eight years at Zoom, including during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was the company's chief marketing officer.

During a video call with BI, one of many virtual meetings slotted into her day, the CEO recalled her "unique perspective" of the pandemic, which saw Zoom become a household name.

She said the pandemic destigmatized working from home instead of in an office, but that, in turn, crowded many people's days with formal online meetings.

Moving forward, the former Pelosi believes that developing in-person relationships and a strong company culture can support the effectiveness of remote work.

More meetings don't equal more productivity, so employees should use their time wisely

Virtual meetings can be time-consuming, but they don't always lead to increased productivity.

Pelosi said online meetings are more structured than a coffee chat or desk-side discussions in the office.

Because the video meetings are transactional and set up for a specific purpose, they're dealt with swiftly. "People are meeting for a reason, and getting to that purpose as quickly as possible is typically the reality of their days so they can get to the next thing on their plate," she added.

Pelosi told BI that a calendar packed with meetings  a fallout of remote work  isn't necessarily productive. "For me personally, it does not equate to productivity because it doesn't give me room to actually think or strategize," she told BI.

She said employees should feel empowered to ask for a meeting agenda and check whether they need to be present in meetings to ensure they're using their time wisely.

Technology can help bridge the gap between people meeting in different locations

Excessive meetings aside, Pelosi said remote work will continue to be crucially important to our future, despite the ongoing return-to-office debate, because it allows people to be productive wherever they are.

"I think it would be a big mistake if we lost out on some of those gains. I think about the commute that I had five days a week before the pandemic, and it feels silly to me that I did that."

Improving technology so people meeting from different locations are all fully present should be a priority, Pelosi said.

"If you have a lag, if your audio is not crisp, if your video is not working to the best of its ability, then it will affect your ability to come to the same understandings when you are in a meeting. So that quality is going to be the thing that bridges the gap between being fully dispersed and being able to be in that same room."

But nothing beats face-to-face connection

Although she's spent roughly 20 years working in the videoconferencing industry, Pelosi said nothing can compare to an in-person connection: "There's no replacement for being in the same room."

But it's become increasingly difficult to get teams together, Pelosi said, adding that building relationships and trust with employees will be key in a more digitalized future.

"I think it's incredibly important that the culture is strong within a company because what you're seeing too often is that folks have a relationship with their Zoom screen versus their employer," she said.

Pelosi travels monthly to see colleagues in person, visiting Neat's HQ in Oslo as well as its London office. She said companies need to encourage connection within and outside meetings to increase productivity.

She suggests hosting regular all-hands meetings, doing online cooking classes with teams, and encouraging employees who live in the same city to get together in person. This could help drive company culture and strengthen relationships in a world overcrowded with online meetings.

"Making room for that time to build relationships is going to allow for meeting remotely to be more effective in the future," she said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Accusations of being Apple copycats have always dogged Android phone manufacturers like Samsung. Sometimes, these accusations are valid, but often, theyre not. After all, Apple is a huge and influential company in the market with a distinctive design language, so some amount of inspiration is to be expected.

But with the recent launch of devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Galaxy Buds 3, it seems like Samsung has been taking a little too much inspiration from Apple  and thats according to Samsung Electronics own Chairman Lee Jae-yong.

According to AjuNews, Lee, usually known for his gentle demeanor, got unusually angry in a statement to employees, criticizing them for their design of the Buds 3 and Galaxy Watch Ultra. When the controversy over Apples design plagiarism and quality spilled out over the Buds 3 series and Galaxy Watch 7, which were released last month, Chairman Lee personally stepped in, said an unnamed Samsung Electronics official. The atmosphere inside is very bad at the moment.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (left) and AirPods Pro 2 Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Apparently, when Lee saw the new devices, including the Buds 3, his first impression was to describe it as Apple-like and being too similar to the AirPods, especially in terms of the case and the fit. Its also undeniable that the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Watch Ultra bear more than a passing resemblance to the AirPods Pro and Apple Watch Ultra, respectively.

In the case of the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro, both have stems, just like the AirPods and AirPods Pro. On top of that. Samsung also saw fit to adopt the pinch and swipe gestures for media controls. The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a circular display with a rectangular frame with an orange crown button, similar to the Apple Watch Ultra. The similarities earned Samsung mockery among both Apple and Samsung fans alike and across social media platforms. This also follows an apology Samsung was forced to give over quality control issues related to the Buds 3 Pro.

According to reporting from SamMobile, actions have been taken against the smartphone division, including Samsung MX leader TM Roh. The nature of the actions is not clear, but it seems likely the intent is to send a strong message to Samsungs smartphone division to lay off the copying and return to Samsungs own design language.
How this server at a Lakewood restaurant can do its job without a pulse

LAKEWOOD  The most popular waiter at Cafotteria Modern Eatery takes no breaks, has never had a sick day and accepts no tips.

He does, however, require a battery charge.

Meet Primo, the robotic server who joined the staff at the America Avenue food spot two years ago and is still drawing compliments, and strange looks from customers.

More: Despite not having proper permits for years, Lakewood catering hall to keep operating

It has a nice different approach, said Akiva Reiner, whos owned the restaurant since 2018. It helps us a lot, it helps the existing workers.

Luis Martinez of Lakewood, manager of Cafotteria Modern Eatery, loads plates of food onto Primo, a robot waiter which has been in use for two years, at Cafotteria Modern Eatery in Lakewood, NJ Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Resembling a cross between a Star Wars droid and a food tray shelf, the techno waiter roams more than half of the dining room delivering food and drinks.

Customers can order through their phones with QR codes that take them to the menu. When the dishes are ready, Primo rolls to the serving area and a staffer loads it up.

There are two different sides of the store, the larger side of the room is where the robot is most active, said Manager Luis Martinez. And it brings food to that side of the store because steps block the other side. It is amazing.

Once Primo is loaded up with orders, the machine roams to each table and a voice tells customers to take their goodies. The waitron also flashes electronic messages and even sings Happy Birthday.

I love the robot and my three-year-old daughter loves to see it come and go, we are here every Sunday, said Simcha Brotsky, 28, of Toms River. They are one of the only ones I have seen and they always get it right.

Sharon Herenstein, enjoying an egg dish with her friend, Sherri Katz, said she was a little frightened at first, then appreciated the prompt automated service.

More: Lakewood volunteer firefighters have dropped from 150 to 32. So they're on a hiring binge.

We sat down and he was here in two seconds, Herenstein said. You just order and it is great.

Katz agreed, but said it only works well in a place like Cafotteria, which has a mix of lunch and breakfast dishes found in diners or bakeries.

It might not fly in a fancy restaurant, she said.

Reiner said he first discovered the motorized meal carrier at a food services convention two years ago.

I go to the NRA (National Restaurant Association) shows periodically in Chicago and they were displaying it, he said. There were a couple of companies who showed how it served and it looked cool and I thought for my place, we have a wider floor plan, it would be something the customers would like.

He said Primo is leased for $650 monthly and upgraded with new models as they come along, and also includes regular maintenance. He called the nightly electronic charging cost not significant.

More: Lakewood Township state aid doubles, but is it still not enough?

Its a niche, that is why we got it and the company was good at setting it up and they customize it, he said. It was a big hit, generally, with the younger ones.

But not everyone is enamored.

Jane Roman, who spoke as she lunched with her grown daughters, said she likes the face-to-face contact with a real server and often orders directly at the counter.

I like to communicate with people, she said. I find the robot disturbing.

But her daughters, Jane and Chloe, disagreed. I think its really cool and does things on its own, said Jane. Added Chloe, I always like the new tech and so does my son. We love it.

Exterior of Cafotteria Modern Eatery in Lakewood, NJ Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Along with Primo, Cafotteria has 20 human staffers, including a food runner, three busboys, a barista and a cashier, said Martinez.

He describes the fare as Kosher and American food: A little bit of everything, if its edible we sell it.

Reiner said he would gladly expand the motorized workforce if robots could be built to handle busboy duties or more detailed work.

We could have a few of them who might have different roles, but that would require a more sophisticated robot to be able to open doors and carry dishes, he said. We are just not there yet.

Cafotteria, located at 12 America Avenue in the Avenue Shoppes, is open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's closed on Saturdays.

Joe Strupp is an award-winning journalist with 35 years experience who covers Lakewood and several local communities for APP.com and the Asbury Park Press. He is also the author of four books, including Killing Journalism on the state of the news media, and an adjunct media professor at Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Reach him at jstrupp@gannettnj.com and at 732-413-3840. Follow him on Twitter and TruthSocial at @joestrupp

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Lakewood restaurant's robot server isn't much for small talk, but has its fans
Volvo parent company's new battery is ready to power competition for Tesla, other EV-makers: 'The results speak for themselves'

A battery touted as having a decades-long lifespan has had a tortuous path to market. In fact, Geely's vetting process sounds fit for the pages of "Dante's Inferno."

There's an eight-needle puncture test, in addition to the company's vaunted "Six Extremes": seawater corrosion immersion; exposure to extreme cold; high-frequency pack bottom scraping; 26-ton overweight rolling; single-pack side collision; and fire roasting (of course).

"The results speak for themselves showing the New Short Blade EV Battery remains safe and reliable in the most extreme conditions," the China-based experts wrote in a press release.

The big news is how all of this carnage will translate for consumers. The lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) power pack, dubbed the Short Blade, hits on major metrics. Geely, the parent company of Volvo and other brands including Polestar and Lotus, said it has "best in class" battery life, charge speed, and safety. Per the press release, better safety is achieved with a special Geely design with self-fusing electrode surfaces, preventing short circuits during accidents.

Wrecks involving lithium-ion batteries  the currently standard EV battery type that is related to, but different from LFP cells  can lead to rare, though severe fires, as CNN has reported.

"Geely tested the  technology in conditions exponentially higher than the industry standard," according to the company.

What's more, the experts claim the battery can power a ride for more than 600,000 miles during a lifetime of up to 50 years. The long life is in part intended to boost the used EV sales market, per Geely.

The company press release provides lengthy details on some of the improvements happening inside the pack.

When lithium-ion batteries operate, ions move between the anode and cathode, through a substance called electrolyte, the U.S. Department of Energy explains. The technology type of the Geely battery, with LFP chemistry (as explained by First Phosphate), uses cheaper, readily available iron in the works instead of more expensive metals. Chinese battery giant CATL is also developing the science.

Long, thin carbon nanotubes "create a 'highway' for ion transmission," per Geely. Other additives help ions move during operation, aiding charging performance. The company reports that the pack can charge to 80% in under 20 minutes.

Other battery breakthroughs are promising even faster charge speeds. The U.K.'s Nyobolt, for example, touts a pack that can provide 155 miles of range in six minutes.

Attempting to boost the already expanding used EV market with lengthy battery lifespans might be among the biggest of Geely's recent advances. Used EVs are already cheaper in some cases than gas cars, according to CNBC. Switching to an EV has multiple benefits, including saving about $1,500 a year on gas and maintenance. Thousands of pounds of air pollution can also be avoided each year, as noted by the U.S. Energy Department. Government health experts have associated exhaust from gas-burners to increased cancer risk and other medical ailments.

Next up for Geely is including the new battery tech in its Galaxy E5 SUV, before rolling it out to other models. The E5 is built to compete with the Tesla Model Y, according to Interesting Engineering and ArenaEV.

"This technology ... addresses various concerns about electric cars beyond their price," IE's Bojan Stojkovski wrote.

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The Democratic Coalition will file a request to the State Debt Management Centre for information concerning the terms of a one billion euro loan the government has recently taken out from China, Laszlo Varju, the opposition partys deputy leader, told an online press conference.

The government seeks to conceal what they want to use the huge amount of money for, and suggested that Hungarys taxpayers would be repaying the loan for decades.



We dont know what interest well have to pay on the Chinese loan, he said, adding that the term of the loan was also unclear. We do not know either which Fidesz-billionaires company the money will benefit, Varju added.



Through providing the loan, China will make Hungary dependent, not only in an economic but in a political sense, Varju said.



Prime Minister Viktor Orban has put on the Chinese leash in return for further billions they could loot, he said.



Taking a loan from China is a shining proof that the governments austerity measures have yielded even less in state revenues  and because of the empty coffers it will take out further and further loans and introduce more and more austerity, Varju said.



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Hundreds of programmes will be held during the August 17-20 four-day weekend, across 19 locations in Hungary, to mark the August 20 national holiday celebrating Hungarys statehood.

In the capital a special food festival, free concerts, and many outdoor events offer varied entertainment for both Budapest residents and visitors from Hungary and abroad.



The main attraction is the grand fireworks display over the Danube, a spectacular show known for its impressive scale and artistry. This dazzling event lights up the night sky and draws thousands of spectators. In recent years, the display has expanded to cover a longer stretch of the river, incorporating multiple bridges and landmarks.



'Most Spectacular Fireworks Show of All Time' Ahead in Budapest on August 20th



This year, even more people will have the chance to enjoy the stunning display. The fireworks will be visible over a stretch of more than five kilometers along the Danube, covering three central city bridges instead of two.



The number of pyrotechnic devices, drones, and light projections will also increase compared to last year, leading to a slight rise in the overall cost of the display.



Hungary's 20 August celebrations are a major national holiday, marking the foundation of the Hungarian state. Also known as St Stephens Day, it honors King Stephen I, who is credited with founding the state and introducing Christianity to Hungary.



August 20 is one of the most serious events in the country in terms of the interest and number of participants it attracts, Zoltan Kovacs, the state secretary for international communication and relations says.



It not only commemorates the foundation of the Hungarian state and pays tribute to King St. Stephen, but is a festival and series of events that sets a standard when it comes to the countrys prestige, he added.



More than 45,000 pyrotechnic effects will be launched from Liberty, Elisabeth and Margaret bridges as well as river barges and pontoons during the 30-minute display.



Air Show Over Danube on St. Stephen!s Day



Top local pilots will perform their individual shows over the section of the Danube between the Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge, which can be viewed from the quays of Pest and Buda



Also there will be a military air show on 20 August over the Danube between the Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge, attracting huge interest in recent years.



Those visiting the venue will be able to enjoy the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag and the inauguration of officers, followed by a magnificent flyover of military aircraft and helicopters, and individual air displays.



Refreshed St. Stephen's Day App Launched



Hungary is launching an updated mobile app and website for the August 20 St. Stephens Day celebrations to make it easier for the public to plan their programmes during the national holiday weekend, organisers said.



This mobile apps user-friendly interface, updated search function and intuitive menu, will make it easier for those attending the festivities between Aug 17 and 20 to find the events they are interested in.



The app has also been updated with a new chatbot function that can give users personalised responses.



Another new feature is the route planner function that will help users save time getting from one event to another.



Further information is available in English here:

szentistvannap.hu/en



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The foreign ministry has contacted 165 Hungarian citizens living in Lebanon and offered them help to leave in the wake of a recent escalation of events in the Middle East; 18 Hungarian citizens and their family members are returning to Hungary in a joint operation with the defence ministry, the foreign minister said.

Peter Szijjarto said on Facebook that despite all the concerns raised in Europe, events in recent days had increased the risk of escalation in the Middle East conflict.



Beyond promoting peace at all international forums and trying to prevent an escalation of events, the governments primary responsibility  is to guarantee the safety of Hungarian people, he said.



As part of this effort, 165 Hungarian citizens staying in Lebanon were contacted by phone or electronically in the past few days, he added.



After receiving confirmation that they were all well, the ministry offered its help for their safest and fastest return to Hungary, provided by a Hungarian Army aircraft, he said.



Eventually 18 Hungarian citizens accepted the opportunity, including seven children, and direct relatives of these Hungarian families, he said.



It was unfortunately not the first such operation carried out in the region, and as it had been done before, we informed our allies about the Hungarian operation and told them that we could also help them with returning their citizens home, he said.



A Hungarian Army aircraft has recently left Lebanons airspace carrying 18 Hungarians and 11 foreigners, including five Czech, a French and a Slovak citizens.



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MG Windsor Launch Update: JSW MG Motor India has announced that the name of its upcoming model, India's first Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) is Windsor. Scheduled to launch around the 2024 festive season, the MG Windsor is based on the Wuling Cloud EV, sold in selected global markets. The company has already trademarked the name and officially announced that it has named its first CUV electric vehicle as MG Windsor.

The forthcoming compact electric CUV is expected to be priced below Rs 20 lakh. While the specifications of the MG Windsor have not been disclosed yet, it is likely to come with two battery packs  37.9 kWh and 50.6 kWh  similar to the globally sold Wuling Cloud EV that delivers up to 460km range (claimed).

Joint Venture Agreement

In November, China's largest automaker SAIC Motor inked a joint venture agreement with JSW Group to accelerate the transformation and growth of MG Motor in India. MG Motor is a British brand that is owned by Shanghai-headquartered SAIC Motor.

Satinder Singh Bajwa, Chief Commercial Officer at JSW MG Motor India, said, "We are excited to reveal the name of our upcoming CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) as MG Windsor. Windsor Castle is renowned worldwide."

"The advanced tech offerings and the futuristic aerodynamic exterior further add to the appeal of the car. The MG Windsor caters to consumers who seek the best of both worlds comfort of a sedan and the expanse of an SUV," he added.

MG Windsor For Olympic Medalist!

JSW Group Chairman and Managing Director Sajjan Jindal, in a post on X (formerly twitter), announced that every Olympic medalist will be gifted with an MG Windsor.

"Delighted to announce that every Olympic medalist from Team India will be gifted an MG Windsor, a remarkable car from JSW MG India! Because our best deserve the best, for their dedication and success!," Jindal said in the post.
Road Projects In India: Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said his ministry will award road contracts worth Rs 3 lakh crore within three months and close the current financial year with contracts worth Rs 5 lakh crore. Addressing an event, Gadkari said because of the Lok Sabha elections and the model code of conduct, the speed of awarding road projects was slow in the initial months of the current financial year.

"I assure you, within three months, we will finalise the (road) contracts more than Rs 3 lakh crore, and our target is to award over Rs 5 lakh crore of (road) contracts by March 2025," he said. Gadkari noted that the road ministry has a lot of road projects in the pipeline, and raising funds for the projects will not be a problem, as NHAI has a very good reputation in the capital market.

The minister said NHAI's present toll income is Rs 45,000 crore and in the next two years, it will go up to Rs 1.4 lakh crore. "We are monetising the road assets by which we are getting the money. So, there is no problem about the resources, Gadkari said.

NHAI has, so far, awarded three projects of 47.04 km in the current financial year till date, while the total length awarded by the ministry till June stands at 95 km. Gadkari said he is aware that the construction equipment industry is facing problems regarding customs duty and other things.

"We are considering all your issues and will support you to increase your productivity and your export because this is the industry, which is giving maximum GST to the state, contributing to exports and has immense employment potential," he said.

Talking about the automobile industry, Gadkari said the size of India's automobile industry is now Rs 19 lakh crore against China's automobile industry's Rs 44 lakh crore.

"We need to compete with China, as we want to make India's automobile industry number 2 after the USA," he said. Gadkari noted that to create employment potential in the country is a big problem for the government.

"Because of your (construction equipment manufacturers') export, by increasing your capacity, you are going to create more jobs and that is to be very important," he said.
Sawan Shivratri is a highly revered Hindu festival, celebrated with great devotion and fervour by Lord Shiva's devotees. Falling during the auspicious month of Sawan (Shravan), this festival holds immense spiritual significance. In 2024, Sawan Shivratri will be observed on August 2nd. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding the festival, its rituals, and fasting guidelines.

Performing rituals during this time is believed to maximise the spiritual benefits. Devotees begin their day with a ritual bath, preferably in a holy river or at home with added Ganga water, followed by the worship of Lord Shiva.

Sawan Shivratri 2024: Wishes To Share

Lord Shiva will always clear the darkness for us. Just keep the faith. Happy Maha Shivratri. Extend warm wishes to you and your loved ones on the occasion of Mahashivratri. May this auspicious day inspire you to embody the qualities of Lord Shiva. Om Namah Shivay! Wishing you a blessed and joyous Shivratri, dear. May Lord Shiva accompany you throughout this journey called life. Shubh Mahashivratri. Wishing a very Happy Sawan Shivratri to everyone. May Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are always there to bless you and show you the right path in life. Jai Shiv Shankar Bholenath! Please bless us with a happy and peaceful life and noble wisdom. May there be prosperity in every home. Shubh Maha Shivratri! The occasion of Shivratri reminds us all that Lord Shiva is always there to protect us and guide us through the challenges of life. Happy Maha Shivratri. Shiva's magnificence knows no bounds; He extends salvation to all. May His blessings forever accompany you. Happy Maha Shivratri. As we celebrate Sawan Shivratri, let us immerse ourselves in prayers and seek Lord Shiva's blessings for a fulfilled and prosperous life. Happy Sawan Shivratri! On the auspicious occasion of Sawan Shivratri, may Lord Shiva bless you with good health, happiness, and success. Wishing you a joyous celebration! On this holy night of Sawan Shivratri, may Lord Shiva's divine presence bring peace, love, and prosperity to your life. Happy Sawan Shivratri! May Lord Shiva's divine blessings bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to your life. Happy Sawan Shivratri! On this auspicious occasion of Sawan Shivratri, may Lord Shiva shower his divine blessings and fulfill all your wishes. Happy Sawan Shivratri!

Happy Sawan Shivratri 2024: Quotes
New Delhi: Air India has suspended its flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, effective immediately, until August 8, due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The decesion comed amid the escalation of Hamas-Israel war. The air carrier issued a statement and said that it is closely examining the situation in the these regions.

In a post on X, the Air India wrote, "In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 8 August, 2024. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges. Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority," Air India said in a statement.

ANNOUNCEMENT



In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 08 August 2024. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support  Air India (@airindia) August 2, 2024

Tensions in the Middle East have intensified due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, especially after concerns arose over potential Iranian retaliation following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that the Enforcement Directorate is planning to raid him in response to his recent 'Chakravyuh' speech during the Union budget discussion. The former Congress president added that some Enforcement Directorate (ED) insiders have told him a raid is being prepped.

Gandhi made this claim in a post on his social media platform X. He wrote that he would be waiting for the probe agency with open arms.

Apparently, 2 in 1 didnt like my Chakravyuh speech. ED insiders tell me a raid is being planned. Waiting with open arms @ dir_ed..Chai and biscuits on me, the congress leaders post read.

Apparently, 2 in 1 didnt like my Chakravyuh speech. ED insiders tell me a raid is being planned.



Waiting with open arms @dir_ed..Chai and biscuits on me.  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 1, 2024

Rahul Gandhis Chakravyuh Speech

Earlier this week in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi accused the central government of trapping India in a 'chakravyuh' similar to the one faced by Abhimanyu. He asserted that the opposition alliance in INDIA will dismantle this trap. Also Read: Did Rahul Gandhi Outwitted BJP In Its Own Game? From Chakravyuh To Abhay Mudra Parallel

Hinting at the Bharatiya Janata Party, he said the chakravyuh is also called 'padmavyuh,' resembling a lotus, which symbolises fear and violence.

Gandhi claimed that three forces are behind this chakravyuh: monopolistic capital, controlled by a few individuals; national institutions and agencies like the CBI, ED, and Income Tax Department; and the political executive. He argued that these forces are central to the chakravyuh, which is harming the country.

Later, in a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, Today a 21st century lotus-shaped Chakravyuh is trapping India and is controlled by six figures: Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Adani, Ambani, Ajit Doval, and Mohan Bhagwat.
In a move that raises serious questions about the upkeep of Hindusthan National Glass & Industries Limited (HNGIL) assets, its workers' union has written to Labour and Finance Ministries against the appointed resolution professional Girish Juneja, accusing him of working on the behest of some vested interests.

In a letter addressed to Union Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandiya, the Workers Union of Hindusthan National Glass & Industries Limited (HNGIL) stated, "The Union Leader has received several suicide threats from the workmen of the Puducherry unit and other units due to constant harassment and injustice at the hands of the Resolution Professional (RP). Therefore, it is humbly requested that the Honble Union Minister and other concerned officials urgently address this matter."

According to DNA India, the letter from the workers union is also addressed to the Union Finance Minister and Union Labour Minister, requesting strict action against Resolution Professional Girish Juneja of HNGIL. Juneja, who is responsible for the proper upkeep and maintenance of the corporate debtor's assets, has been accused of significant misconduct. The story will be updated once Juneja's reaction to these allegations is available.

During an inspection of HNGs Sinnar plant by Maharashtra's Deputy Director of Industrial Safety, Mr. K.T. Zope, following a fire incident on December 29, 2023, it was found that the firefighting equipment was in a scrap condition. These findings have been submitted to the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Nashik, where Mr. Zope has demanded the prosecution of RP Juneja under the Factories Act.

The Workers Union letter to the Union Labour Minister further states, "A complaint dated 28.03.2024 was filed by the Deputy Director of Industrial Safety and Health, Nashik under the Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963, before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, on the grounds that the RP failed to maintain the firefighting equipment at the plant."

The DNA report also mentions a police complaint filed by the Nashik plant workers' union with the Sinnar MIDC police station. In this complaint, RP Juneja is accused of purposely conspiring to shut down HNGIL's plants to direct its customers to AGI Greenpac, the second-largest player in container glass in India.

The workers' union of HNGIL has accused RP Juneja of colluding with AGI Greenpac. AGI Greenpac Limited, formerly known as HSIL Limited, is Indias leading packaging products company, manufacturing and marketing various packaging products including glass containers, specialty glass, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles and products, and security caps and closures.

According to DNA, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on March 15, 2023 stated that a merger between HNGIL, the largest player in container glass, and AGI Greenpac, the second largest, would create a monopoly and adversely affect competition (AAEC). It is notable that AGI Greenpacs application under FORM 1 (Green Channel) was deemed Not Valid in October 2022 due to these AAEC concerns.

As per the DNA India report, AGI Greenpac, being a publicly listed company, was penalized by SEBI for violating the Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR). In its order dated April 30, 2024, SEBI noted that AGI Greenpac had failed to inform its investors about a show cause notice it received from the CCI on February 10, 2023. The story will be updated with the reaction of AGI Greenpac once the company puts forward its side on the issue.
The demographic landscape of Pakur, a district in Jharkhand bordering West Bengal, has dramatically changed. Once predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, villages are now increasingly occupied by infiltrating and local Muslims. Although Pakur does not share a direct international border with Bangladesh, it is only 50 kilometers away from Malda, West Bengal, which borders Bangladesh. Proximity to this international boundary has led to significant infiltration into Pakur over the years. Allegations of increasing infiltration have been reported, with villages like Kitajhor and Ramchandrapur witnessing a decline in tribal populations and an increase in Muslim residents.

In July, the Jharkhand High Court, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), directed the state government to identify and repatriate alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators. The court also inquired if the central government could take direct action against infiltrators under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Emphasizing the seriousness of the issue, the court urged cooperation between the state and central governments.

BJP's Jharkhand State President, Babulal Marandi, expressed concern over the alleged infiltration, noting a steady decline in the tribal population in Santhal Pargana. He called for a special team to investigate the drastic decrease in tribal numbers and their displacement. Marandi highlighted that the tribal population in Santhal Pargana has decreased from 44.66% in 1951 to 28.11% in 2011, while the Muslim population has increased from 9.44% to 22.73% during the same period.

The population growth in Santhal Pargana's six districts has seen an average increase of 7-8 lakh over the years. Marandi claims such rapid growth is impossible without infiltration.

Notably, some districts in Santhal Pargana are only 40-50 kilometers from the Bangladesh border, with Pakur being the closest. The border area in West Bengal's Malda district is partially fenced and partially open, allowing easy infiltration routes into Jharkhand. Former MLA Beni Prasad Gupta, who represented Pakur twice since 1990, stated that no village remains where tribals are present, with infiltrators taking over.

Local lawyer and social worker Dharmendra Kumar noted that infiltrators systematically enter the region through various routes and settle there with the help of agents. He mentioned that marrying tribal girls to gain property and establishing homes is a common practice among infiltrators.

The infiltrators' network often involves Muslim youths forming relationships with tribal girls, leading to marriage and subsequent settlement. These settlements are colloquially known as "Jamai Tola" in Santhal Pargana. Post-marriage, the Muslim husbands gain rights over the tribal girls' lands, obtaining mining leases as well. Although tribals are prohibited from selling their land, a loophole in the form of 'gift deeds' facilitates the cheap acquisition of tribal lands.

On June 2, 2023, Jharkhand Police's Special Branch issued a notice to all district DCs and SPs, warning of illegal entries by Bangladeshi citizens. Additionally, on December 13, 2023, the Union Home Ministry revealed that over 120 fake websites were issuing fraudulent birth certificates, particularly cautioning Jharkhand.

Young tribals in Jharkhand are not only concerned but are actively raising awareness among their communities. Nirmal Murmu, speaking to Zee Media, highlighted the alarming situation in Pakur, where tribal villages are transforming into Muslim-dominated areas, with mosques emerging where none existed before. He emphasized that the demographic change in Pakur is a matter of grave concern.

Reporter: Prashant Jha
The Central government today ordered immediate removal of BSF Director General (DG) Nitin Agrawal and his deputy, Special DG (West) Y B Khurania, returning them to their respective state cadres with immediate effect, according to a government order. The BSF, a force of approximately 2.65 lakh personnel, is responsible for guarding India's borders with Pakistan in the west and Bangladesh in the east. The action comes amid sudden increase in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

At least 22 people, including 11 security personnel and a village defence guard (VDG) member, have been killed this year in such incidents in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua and Doda districts. Five terrorists were also killed in two encounters in Kathua and Doda districts last month.

Agrawal, a 1989-batch Kerala cadre officer, had taken charge as the Border Security Force chief in June of last year. Khurania, a 1990-batch Odisha cadre officer, was leading the force's operations along the Pakistan border as Special DG (West). Separate orders from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) stated that both officers were being "prematurely" repatriated with "immediate effect."

Troop Deployment In J&K

With a surge in terror attacks, the Centre has increased deployment of forces in the Union Territory. Two battalions of Border Security Force (BSF) troops, totaling 2,000 personnel, have been airlifted from Odisha and deployed in Kashmir. A total of 1,500 elite Assam Rifles troops will be deployed under the operational control of the Army, with their primary mission being to 'secure peaks and upper reaches' in Kashmir.

Para-Commandos Deployed

The Army is also redeploying forces to counteract battle-hardened terrorists of foreign origin. Estimates suggest that around 80 of these terrorists are operating in small groups in the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal range. In response to recent threats, the government has approved the deployment of 200 armor-protected vehicles (APVs). This decision follows a deadly attack on July 5 in Kathua district, where a military convoy was targeted, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers and injuries to five others.
Wayanad Landslide: The India Meteorological Department of Kerala has issued an orange alert in the Wayanad district until Saturday, which has already been affected by landslides claiming over 308 lives till Friday morning. Kerala Health Minister Veena George shared the recent death toll as the search and rescue operations are underway for the fourth day.

Due to forecasts of heavy rainfall, all educational institutions including schools, colleges, and tuition centers - across Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts will be closed on Friday, August 2.

An orange alert has been issued for four northern districts of Kerala, including Wayanad, due to anticipated weather conditions. In the southern regions, extending up to Pathanamthitta, a yellow alert has been issued. However, with a significant decrease in rainfall expected from tomorrow, yellow alerts will now apply solely to the northern districts of Kerala.

The India Meteorological Department has forecasted that heavy rain is likely to persist in Kerala until August 5.

As per reports, the Palakkad district collector has announced a holiday for schools, anganwadis, tuition centers, and madrassas on Friday. However, colleges and residential schools, such as Navodaya, are permitted to remain open in Palakkad.

The 40 teams will carry out search operations across six zones affected by the landslides: Attamala and Aaranmala (first zone), Mundakkai (second zone), Punchirimattam (third zone), Vellarimala village (fourth zone), GVHSS Vellarimala (fifth zone), and the riverbank (sixth zone).

State Revenue Minister K. Rajan announced that a drone-based radar from Delhi is scheduled to arrive on Saturday to help locate bodies buried in the mud. He also reported that six search dogs are currently aiding the operation, with an additional four expected to arrive in Wayanad from Tamil Nadu, reported PTI.

Rajan, currently coordinating rescue efforts in the disaster-affected area, stated that 9,328 individuals have been relocated to 91 relief camps in the district. He added that 2,328 people from 578 families displaced by the landslides in Chooralmala and Meppadi have been moved to nine of these relief camps.

Following the landslides, the Indian Army has swiftly completed the construction of the Cl 24 Bailey Bridge. This bridge, which connects Chooralmala with Mundakkai across the Iruvanipzha River, is now open to traffic and has been officially handed over to the Civil Administration.

On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP, along with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visited the landslide site at Chooralmala in Wayanad. The sibling duo remains in Wayanad.

Speaking to the media, Rahul Gandhi described the situation in Wayanad as a grave tragedy, emphasizing the significant work needed in the area. He also remarked that it is inappropriate to politicize the issue, stressing that the primary focus should be on providing assistance to those in need.
WAYANAD: The Indian Army during the rescue operations in Wayanad found four persons alive in the rumble that included two men and two women on Friday. According to the officials, the rescued individuals were stranded in the Padavetti Kunnu in Wayanad. The operation was carried out with precision and care, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.

A casualty evacuation was coordinated, and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was launched to facilitate the rescue. The swift response and seamless execution of the operation ensured the timely evacuation of the stranded individuals, they added.

The Army statement said that one of the rescued females was experiencing difficulties with her leg and was provided with necessary medical attention.

Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar said that the revenue department is still trying to collect the data and find out how many people are here and how many people are missing.

"In the last four days, we have been doing operations here. A joint team of the Indian army, the NDRF, the local police, special operations groups, the fire force, the Coast Guard and the Navy have been operating in all these areas," the ADGP said.

The Indian Army's Southern Command also made the Baily Bridge at Choorlamal operational. This will enable the movement of Heavy earth movers and excavators "In a remarkable feat of engineering and professional skills the Indian Army's Engineer Task Force swiftly constructed the Bailey Bridge over the Iruvanipzha River at Chooralmala, significantly accelerating rescue operations in Wayanad. To speed up the rescue operation, ten specialised teams, equipped with all necessary rescue apparatus, including dog squads and heavy earth-moving equipment have been formed. These teams commenced the combing operations early morning through six designated zones: Punchirimattom, Mundekkai, School area, Chooralmala town, Village area and Downstream, ensuring a thorough and efficient search and relentless rescue mission," the Southern Command said on X.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Friday confirmed 308 deaths in the multiple landslides that hit Wayanad on July 30. Minister George said that 195 bodies and 113 body parts have been recovered so far.

The rescue and relief operations coordinated by the Army, NDRF, SDRF and civil administration are underway at multiple locations, ensuring quick evacuation of stranded people, and provision of basic amenities and medical assistance. Indian Air Force to Fly C-130 aircraft from Hindon air base to Wayanad, it will carry specialised Drone Systems along with a team of experts to Wayanad for sub-soil evacuation monitoring. These drone systems will look for people stuck under the soil.

Two massive landslides hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai of the Meppadi region in Wayanad wreaking widespread havoc on July 30.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court issued a directive to the National Testing Agency (NTA) to prevent any further flip-flops' concerning the NEET-UG 2024 exam on Friday. The court said that such inconsistencies in a national examination are detrimental to students' interests.

A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has mandated that the expert committee rectify the deficiencies in the NEET-UG exam system.

The Supreme Court was explaining its decision not to cancel the 2024 NEET-UG medical entrance exam, despite ongoing controversies over alleged paper leaks and other irregularities.

SC said it didn't cancel NEET-UG exam as there was no systematic breach of sanctity but NTA must avoid flip-flop'. The apex court said that the paper leak was restricted to Patna and Hazaribagh.

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, also said the expert committee must rectify the deficiencies in the exam system.

On the verdict, advocate Shwetank Sailakwal told ANI that the top court has acknowledged the paper leak incidents in Hazaribagh and Patna and formed a committee to address them. The Supreme Court instructed the committee to incorporate all the points specified in the judgment, he added.

Sailakwal further said, SC directed that you have to take care of the travelling of the paper, CCTV cameras have to be installed and impersonation may not happen. They also directed the committee to submit the report before the Supreme Court. The time granted to the committee was two months, which has been extended by some time..."

The Supreme Court stated that, due to the expanded scope of the panel's responsibilities, the committee is expected to deliver its report by September 30 on strategies to address flaws in the examination system. The bench also advised the Radhakrishnan panel to develop standard operating procedures for integrating technological advancements to enhance the examination system.

The court directed the Centre to address the problems that occurred during the NEET-UG examination. On July 23, the Supreme Court rejected requests to cancel and retake the exam, stating there was no evidence to prove that the exam had been compromised by a 'systemic breach.'

More than 23 lakh students took the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) in 2024 for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related programs.
New Delhi: In a recent virtual interaction, Padukone, glowing in a casual-chic denim jacket, connected with her fans affectionately known as 'Crazens,' showing her appreciation for their unwavering support.

During the virtual meet, Padukone answered questions from her enthusiastic followers and shared her deep gratitude for their role in the films success. Fans flocked to social media to share their joy and extend their congratulations, highlighting the strong bond between the actress and her global audience.

The fans took to social media to share their excitement and congratulate her on her recent successful films. Their responses highlighted the ongoing connection between the actress and her global audience.

One fan took to Instagram to recount their memorable experience: Had the best day of my life with you @deepikapadukone today.

Thank you for taking your time to have a chat with us. Your army will be forever by your side and love you



On X (formerly Twitter), another fan shared their admiration: The way you treat your fans says a LOT about yourself,I have seen celebs not giving a damn about their fans, but DP is rare,she has always treated her fans like a part of her family,not just today but many a times before too,PROUD Crazen @deepikapadukone ILY <3

#DeepikaPadukone

The way you treat your fans says a LOT about yourself,I have seen celebs not giving a damn about their fans, but DP is rare,she has always treated her fans like a part of her family,not just today but many a times before too,PROUD Crazen @deepikapadukone ILY <3#DeepikaPadukone  Nabz | Maasi era | (@nabzwanderer) August 1, 2024

Several fans expressed their excitement with posts describing their experiences. One fan couldnt contain their excitement after a brief conversation with the actress: talked to deepika for like a minute and I CANNOT STOP SHAKING!! deepika knows me? talked to me? she called me by my name and called me "my love"?? this can't be real

talked to deepika for like a minute and I CANNOT STOP SHAKING!! deepika knows me? talked to me? she called me by my name and called me "my love"?? this can't be real  srkdp (@srkdeepikaholic) August 1, 2024

Another fan wrote, So grateful for today

Thank you Deepika for giving us your time and having a beautiful chat with us . God bless you

We crazens love you so much

( i still can't process she took my name )

So grateful for today

Thank you Deepika for giving us your time and having a beautiful chat with us . God bless you

We crazens love you so much



( i still can't process she took my name) pic.twitter.com/IArYhjB92G  Maasi Era (@Deepika_kingdom) August 1, 2024

An enthusiastic Instagram user expressed on the event through a lengthy post:

01.08.2024 - A DREAM COME TRUE

Finally got to meet Deepika, and it was amazing! A memory that I can never forget and something that is so very special. Grateful and lucky to have been a part of this wonderful experience hearing Deepika answer some of the questions given by us, Crazens. Truly a moment that I can never forget. We, the army, love you DP and cant wait to see you embracing motherhood and your upcoming projects!

Special thanks to @antophilip and DPs team for organising this!

With Gratitude & Love - @stan.deepika

#deepikapadukone #fanmeet

Kalki 2898AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, has been celebrated as a blockbuster hit, with Padukones performance receiving particular acclaim. Ashwin highlighted the centrality of Padukones role, stating, I think the simplest answer that we arrived at was whose character do you remove and the story does not exist? And that became Deepika's character.

The films impressive cast, including Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas, has further elevated its status.

Looking to the future, fans are eagerly awaiting Padukones next project, Singham Again, where she will star as 'Lady Singham' Shakti Shetty under the direction of Rohit Shetty. The film is anticipated to showcase her ability to deliver powerful and memorable performances once again.
New Delhi: The National Award-winning actor Allu Arjun has a Pan-India appeal - thanks to an ocean of fan following he has. But did you know about the Pushpa star's surprising connection with one of the most revered films in Indian cinema?

ALLU ARJUN AS A CHILD ARTIST

In the 1986 classic, 'Swathi Muthyam', Allu Arjun appeared as a child artist in the legendary Kamal Haasan starrer film. This narrative offered a brief yet memorable glimpse of Allu Arjun's early entry into the world of acting where he played the role of Kamal Haasans grandson for the first time. This is the only time Allu Arjun shared screen space with the legendary actor Kamal Haasan.

PUSHPA 2 BUZZ

Allu Arjun is creating waves across the nation, generating excitement among audiences for his highly anticipated film, Pushpa 2: The Rule. His fans are eagerly waiting for the release. The makers shared two songs from the film, 'Pushpa Pushpa' and 'The Couple Song' which got rave reviews.

Pushpa 2: The Rule is set to release on December 6, 2024.
New Delhi: The former Bigg Boss contestant shared a heartfelt video on social media, capturing the emotional moment where she bid farewell to her iconic 'pixie' hairstyle.

In the video, Hina Khan shared a heartfelt message, saying, "You can win this only if you will embrace yourself, accept it and I choose to accept my battle scars because I believe if you will embrace yourself you are one step closer towards your healing and I really really want to heal and focus on that part and that aspect of my life."

"I don't want to go through that phase where every time I put my hand in my hair and a bunch of hair falls, she said, adding, "It's very stressful, it's very depressing. I don't want to go through that."

She emphasized the importance of mental health saying, "I want to tell you all this that if your mental health is okay then your physical health is 10 times better. So, in order to work on your physical health, you got to focus on your mental health."

"I want to stay positive and happy and do all the possible things so that in my journey I don't have any mental stress at least," she continued.

Showing a trimmer, she said, "I want to focus on my mental health and do all those things through which I can at least fight back mental stress."

"To all you people out there who are going through these tough times, especially women, I know how hard it is, it's very stressful, it's very painful, don't put yourself through all this, just simply buzz it off before it starts falling," the 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' actor said.

"Remember you are still you, nothing is going to change, in fact you are more beautiful. Embrace this new version of yourself. Embrace this new truth, this new journey with every breath, every cell, every single time, in every way possible," the 'Hacked' actor said.

"I am going to put on a wig whenever its necessary, but I am also going to carry this bald head that I am gonna have, proudly," Hina affirmed in the video, as she addressed her followers, urging them to embrace their true selves amidst adversity.

Hina Khan, widely recognized for her roles in popular television shows, has been transparent about her health journey, using her platform to raise awareness and provide solace to those facing similar challenges.

In her social media post accompanying the video, Hina wrote, "The pixie says ADIOS, It's time to BUZZ it off ! Here's another attempt to Normalise the hardest phase of this journey, aesthetically speaking."

Her message resonated deeply, drawing an outpouring of support and admiration from fellow celebrities and fans alike.

Throughout her ordeal, Hina has maintained a positive outlook, focusing on her healing and continuing to engage in her professional commitments, including upcoming music videos and projects in the OTT space.
Mumbai: The Worlds first mega-musical on Shri Krishna - Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela conceptualised and created by Dhanraj Nathwani is set to captivate audiences. The mega event is set to unfold at the(NMACC) Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centres - Grand Theatre. The musical will have a runtime of 120 minutes, with shows running daily from August 15 to September 1st, 2024.

RAJADHIRAAJ - WHAT TO EXPECT

This enchanting musical is penned by the visionary Indian lyricist, screenwriter and Padma Shri awardee, Prasoon Joshi and delves into the untold stories of Shri Krishna offering a vivid glimpse at the dual journeys of Shri Krishna from Vraj to Mewar and Mathura to Dwarka, portrayed with spectacular visuals and a cast of over 100 performers.

Featuring 60+ dynamic dancers and 40+actors under Shruti Sharma's direction, the musical masterpiece intertwines Shri Krishnas two journeys as Shrinathji and his majestic incarnation as Rajadhiraaj Dwarkadhish together on stage for the very first time.

SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GITA

From Krishna's playful escapades as the mischievous cowherd in Gokul, endearing himself to the village folk, to his profound role as the wise charioteer imparting the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, the musical vividly captures the essence of Krishna's multifaceted persona in a spellbinding manner. An unprecedented musical intertwining the journeys of Shri Krishna as Shrinathji and Dwarkadheesh, brought together on stage for the very first time.

SONGS OF SHRI KRISHNA

Its allure is heightened by a soul-stirring soundtrack containing 20 original songs composed by ace music composers Sachin-Jigar, blending Indian classical music with a Western symphony orchestra, along with Haveli Sangeet, Rajasthani and Gujarati folk, and Hindustani semi-classical genres.

Award-winning Bollywood production designer Omung Kumar intricately weaves scenes that transport viewers to ancient India. Celebrated costume designer Neeta Lulla, renowned for her work on several popular Indian movies, breathes life into mythical characters with her expert craftsmanship. Through over 1,800 meticulously crafted costumes adorned with 5,000 floral headgears, she elegantly showcases their divine playfulness, courage, and profound philosophical depth, enhancing the visual spectacle.

Choreographers Bertwin D'Souza and Shampa Gopikrishna's exquisite dance sequences further immerse the audience in Krishna's multifaceted world, creating a vibrant and captivating portrayal of the beloved deity's journey. Shampa Gopikrishna continues the legacy of her late father, the legendary Natraj Shri Gopikrishna, a kathak maestro and choreographer.

With captivating storytelling, stunning visuals, and soul-stirring live music, Executive Producer Bhoomi Nathwani guarantees a profoundly immersive experience. The show is creatively produced by Parthiv Gohil and Viral Rachh, both seasoned veterans in music and theatre, while National Award-winning writer Raam Mori has meticulously contributed to the project's in-depth story research. With an ensemble of over 100 performers, Rajadhiraaj promises to be an enchanting portrayal of Shri Krishnas Leela.

Tickets are now available at nmacc.com and bookmyshow.com
New Delhi: Bigg Boss OTT 3 is gearing up for its highly anticipated Grand Finale, streaming live on JioCinema Premium at 9 PM tonight. Hosted by the ever-charming Anil Kapoor, the show has delivered non-stop excitement and drama from the start. Former Bigg Boss OTT 3 contestant Poulomi Das shares her thoughts on the show's winner, weighing in on the intense competition and final outcome.

When asked about who will be the winner of the biggest reality show, Poulomi Das said, At this point, I really dont know who should win. Ive always vouched for Ranvir because he is the most deserving. With the way he started, he had the qualities of a Bigg Boss winner. For me, hes the ultimate winner of the show."

The wait is over! Tune in to the Bigg Boss OTT 3 Grand Finale is tonight at 9 PM on JioCinema Premium  it's an event you won't want to miss!
New Delhi: Retirement fund body Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issue a circular for correcting personal details of EPF Members. The new guidelines under standard operating procedure (SOP version 3.0) aims to delineate the procedure of receipt of Joint Declarations for the updation/insertion/correction in UAN profiles by the members and employer and the method of corrections to be followed by the Field Offices..

Joint Declaration is a joint request of Employees duly authenticated by the Employer for the modification/addition of the members` basic profile parameters. The changes preferred through Joint declaration are required to be supported with requisite documents, a list of which is mentioned in this SOP.

For the purpose of assigning tasks to the competent authority, the changes are classified as major and minor changes in the 12 Parameters by the EPFO.

The 12 Parameters --edited in SOP version 3.0 --where changes/updation can be preferred are:

1. Member Name

Type of Change: Major

1. If the name gets changed phonetically irrespective of no. of alphabets getting changed. 2. In case 3 or more than 3 alphabets get changed. 3. If expanding the name.

Type of Change: Minor

1. If less than 3 alphabets get changed and the name not changing phonetically. 2. If adding surname in case of female after marriage. 3. If removing salutations like Shri, Dr. Mr. Mrs., Miss etc.

2. Gender

Type of Change: Minor

Male/Female/Transgender [edited in SOP version 3.0]

3. Date of Birth

Type of Change:

Major if >3 Years

Minor if < =3 Years

4. Father Name [edited in SOP version 3.0]

Type of Change: Major

1. If the name gets changed phonetically irrespective of no. of alphabets getting changed. 2. In case 3 or more than 3 alphabets get changed. 3. If inserting a name for the first time. 4. If expanding the name

Type of Change: Minor

1. If less than 3 alphabets get changed and the name not changing phonetically. 2. If removing only salutations like Shri, Dr., Mr., Mrs., Miss etc

5. Mother Name [edited in SOP version 3.0]

Type of Change: Major

1. If the name gets changed phonetically irrespective of no. of alphabets getting changed. 2. In case 3 or more than 3 alphabets get changed. 3. If inserting a name for the first time. 4. If expanding the name.

Type of Change: Minor

1. If less than 3 alphabets get changed and the name not changing phonetically. 2. If removing only salutations like Shri, Dr., Mr., Mrs., Miss etc.

6. Spouse Name [edited in SOP version 3.0]

Type of Change: Major

1. If the name gets changed phonetically irrespective of no. of alphabets getting changed. 2. In case 3 or more than 3 alphabets get changed. 3. If inserting a name for the first time. 4. If expanding the name.

Type of Change: Minor

1. If less than 3 alphabets get changed and the name not changing phonetically. 2. If removing only salutations like Shri, Dr., Mr., Mrs., Miss etc.

7. Marital Status

Type of Change: Major

Change after the death of member

Type of Change: Minor

All other cases

8. Date of Joining

Type of Change: Major

Change after the death of the member

Type of Change: Minor

All other cases



9. Reason of Leaving

Type of Change: Major

Change after the death of the member

Type of Change: Minor

All other cases

10. Date of Leaving

Type of Change: Major

Change after the death of the member

Type of Change: Minor

All other cases

11. Nationality

Type of Change: Major

Non-SSA to SSA country

Type of Change: Minor

1. Non-SSA to non-SSA country change 2. SSA to SSA country change 3. SSA to non-SSA country change 4. For updating the nationality as INDIAN for the first time [edited in SOP version 3.0]



12. Aadhaar Number

Type of Change: Major

All types of changes or updation related to Aadhaar
New Delhi: The total number of ITRs for AY 2024-25 filed till 31st July, 2024 is more than 7.28 crore, which is 7.5% more than the total ITRs for AY 2023-24 (6.77 crore) filed till 31st July, 2023, said a Ministry of Finance release.

The Income Tax Department has meanwhile urged taxpayers, who missed filing their ITR within the due date for any reason, to complete their filing expeditiously.

ITR Filing For AY 2023-24: Check How Many Tax Return Were Filed Under New Tax Regime?

An increasing number of taxpayers have opted for the New Tax Regime this year. Out of the total ITRs of 7.28 crore filed for AY 2024-25, 5.27 crore have been filed in the New Tax Regime compared to 2.01 crore ITRs filed in the Old Tax Regime. Thus, about 72% of taxpayers have opted for the New Tax Regime, while 28% continue to be in the Old Tax Regime, said the ministry release.

The filing of ITRs peaked on 31st July, 2024 (due date for salaried taxpayers and other non-tax audit cases) with over 69.92 lakh ITRs being filed on a single day i.e. on 31st July, 2024. The e-filing portal also observed its highest per hour rate of 5.07 lakh of ITR filing between 07:00 pm to 08:00 pm on 31.07.2024. The highest per second rate of ITR filing was 917 (17.07.2024, 08:13:54 am) and highest per minute rate of ITR filing was 9,367 (31.07.2024, 08:08 pm).

The Department also received 58.57 lakh ITRs till 31.07.2024 from first time filers, a fair indication of widening of tax base.

In a historic first, ITRs (ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-4, ITR-6) were deployed on the e-filing portal on the first day of the Financial Year ie on 01.04.2024. The ITR-3 and ITR-5 were also released earlier in comparison with the preceding financial years. A lot of emphasis was provided to educate taxpayers about Old and New tax regimes. FAQs and educational Videos on the same were designed and uploaded on the e-filing portal.

Out of the 7.28 crore ITRs filed for A.Y. 2024-25, 45.77% of ITRs are ITR-1 (3.34 crore), 14.93% are ITR-2 (1.09 crore), 12.50% are ITR-3 (91.10 lakh), 25.77% are ITR-4 (1.88 crore) and 1.03% are ITR-5 to ITR-7 (7.48 lakh). Over 43.82% of these ITRs have been filed using the online ITR utility available on the e-filing portal and the balance have been filed using offline ITR utilities.
New Delhi: Punjab National Bank, a leading public sector lender in India has urged its customers to update their KYC (Know Your Customer) details by August 12 to avoid their accounts from getting suspended. This directive, which affects accounts that were due for KYC updates as of March 31, aligns with the guidelines set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

"As part of the KYC compliance exercise, PNB customers are requested to provide their updated information like identity proof, address proof, recent photo, PAN, income proof, mobile number (if not available) or any other KYC information to their base branch. It can be done through PNB ONE App/Internet Banking Services (IBS)/registered e-mail/post or in person visit to any branch by 12.08.2024. Failure to update KYC details within the stipulated time may result in restrictions on account operations,"the bank stated in a notification.

What documents do customers need to provide to complete the KYC update?

To complete the KYC update, customers need to provide the following information: updated identity proof, current address proof, recent photograph, PAN details (Permanent Account Number), income proof, mobile number, and any other relevant details.

What are the consequences of missing the deadline?

Punjab National Bank also announced that customers can update their KYC details through the PNB ONE App, Internet Banking Services (IBS), registered email, post, or by visiting any branch in person by August 12, 2024. Failure to update KYC details within the stipulated time may result in restrictions on account operations. the bank warned.

Can PNB customers update their KYC details online?

PNB customers can update their KYC details online without having to visit a branch. The Reserve Bank has established guidelines to make sure the online KYC process is smooth and secure.

As per an RBI circular, Banks have been advised to provide the facility of such a declaration to the individual customers through various non-face-to-face channels such as registered email ID, registered mobile number, ATMs, digital channels (such as online banking/internet banking, mobile application), letter, etc., without need for a visit to a bank branch.
New Delhi: Announcing the Union Budget 2024, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a 10 percent Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on all central government securities, state government bonds, and state development loans (SDLs), effective from 1st October 2024. This means the interest you receive will be subject to a 10% deduction.

In her Budget speech, the FM said, "TDS is proposed on interest exceeding ten thousand rupees on Floating Rate Savings (Taxable) Bonds (FRSB) 2020 or any other notified security of the Central or State Governments."

Will the introduction of TDS on income from G-Sec and state bonds impact retail investors who often schedule their cash inflows based on anticipated interest earnings?

Vijay Kuppa  CEO of InCred Money told Zee Media, The government aims to create parity among all investment instruments from a taxation perspective, as TDS is already levied on bank interest and corporate bond interest at 10%. TDS on corporate bonds was introduced in 2023, while government securities and state government bonds were previously exempt.

Kuppa, further explaining this with a hypothetical situation said, consider a central government bond, such as the 07.18 GS 2033. If you purchase 1,000 units (after October 1, 2024) with a face value of Rs 100 each (totaling Rs 1,00,000), and the interest is paid semi-annually, you will receive a coupon payment of Rs 3,590. With the new 10% TDS, Rs 359 will be deducted, resulting in a net payment of Rs 3,231.

Impact of TDS on income from G-sec on retail investors long term or short term?

Kuppa said that the introduction of TDS in central government securities and state government bonds would affect investors who rely on regular interest income from these securities, potentially disrupting their cash flow. However, Investors will eventually adapt their investment strategies accordingly.

TDS on income from G-sec Possiblity of investors shifting to mutual funds

There is also a possibility that investors might shift to mutual funds, particularly Gilt funds, which have government securities as their underlying assets, he added.
New Delhi: A consumer court in Assam has ordered that Sony Mobile Communication and its two local outlets must pay over Rs 50,000 to Nina Bairagi. This decision comes after the company failed to repair her mobile phone nearly nine years ago, leaving her with a long-standing unresolved issue.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Kamrup on July 26 ordered Sony Mobile Communication along with its Sony Center retail outlet in Christian Basti and its Service Center on Rajgarh Main Road to pay compensation within 45 days.

The commission has ordered Sony Mobile Communication, the Sony Center in Christian Basti and the Sony Service Center on Rajgarh Main Road to pay Nina Bairagi Rs 40,000 plus 10 per cent interest for "physical harassment and mental agony" from the date she filed her complaint. Further, they must pay Rs 10,000 to cover the cost of proceedings. If the payment is not made within 45 days, the amount will incur 12 per cent interest until fully paid.

After a prolonged trial and proceedings since the filing of the case in 2016, the commission convicted Sony Mobile for its deficiency in service and also directed to repair the mobile handset within 45 days besides paying the compensation.

Bairagi had purchased a Sony Mobile handset from the Sony Center on August 10, 2015, on payment of Rs 52,990. After one month, the phone dropped from her hand and as a result, it became inoperative. The complainant had then approached the Sony Service Center, but the service engineer informed her that the repair of the said model was not available and the only option left was to get a replacement at a cost of Rs 25,000.

Bairagi had also contacted the service head of Sony Mobile at its country headquarters in New Delhi several times through emails but in spite of assurance to redress the grievance within 48 hours, it was not done. After that, she filed a complaint with the Consumers' Legal Protection Forum, Assam. On the basis of that grievance, the forum filed a case with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Kamrup.

The three respondents had in their written statement to the commission termed the complaint "frivolous" and was an "apt illustration of flagrant abuse of the benevolent provision of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986". (With PTI Inputs)
As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that dozens of rockets were launched from Lebanon into Israeli territory in late hours of Thursday, as per CNN.

The IDF stated that only five of the rockets from the barrage reached Israeli territory, with no account of damage or injuries.

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for the rocket attack on Western Galilee, marking its first strike in more than 48 hours following the death of the group's military chief in Beirut, according to the Times of Israel cited by news agency ANI.

In a statement, Hezbollah claims it fired dozens of rockets at Metzuba, a northern border community, in retaliation for an Israeli attack on the Lebanese village of Chamaa earlier in the day.

The strike in Chamaa reportedly killed four Syrians and injured several Lebanese civilians.

In retaliation, Israeli forces targeted a Hezbollah rocket launcher in Yater, southern Lebanon, which had been used to fire rockets at Western Galilee this evening, according to the Times of Israel.

According to ANI, the IDF revealed that several rockets launched in the attack this evening were intercepted by air defences, while others impacted open areas.

Tensions have risen in the region following Israel's killing of top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, which Israel claimed was in retaliation for an attack in the Golan Heights that killed 12 children.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country had dealt "crushing blows" to its enemies in recent days. His comments came shortly after the deaths of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.
TAIPEI: Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has reported Chinese military activity near its territory. Taiwan MND said that 17 Chinese military aircraft and 11 naval vessels were operating near Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Thursday to 6 am (local time) on Friday. Of the 17 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 14 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to Taiwan's MND. In response to China's action, Taiwan sent aircraft, and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity.

In a post on X, Taiwan MND stated, "17 PLA aircraft and 11 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." Earlier on Thursday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said that 29 Chinese military aircraft and 10 naval vessels were detected operating around the nation from 6 am (local time) on Tuesday to 6 am (local time) on Wednesday.

Of the 29 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 13 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwest, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor China's military activity.

In a post on X, Taiwan's Defence Ministry said, "29 PLA aircraft and 10 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

This latest incident adds to a series of similar provocations by China in recent months. China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and military exercises near the island. The Taiwan Strait, separating Taiwan from mainland China, has been a frequent area of contention, with Beijing considering Taiwan as its part and insisting on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.

On July 30, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te accused the Chinese government of misinterpreting a United Nations resolution to justify its military activities against Taiwan, the Central News Agency (CNA) reported. He condemned China for its inaccurate interpretation of UN Resolution 2758, including drawing an inappropriate linkage to its "One China" principle.

While addressing the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in Taipei on Tuesday, Lai said that this move is aimed to not only "construct a legal basis for China's military aggression against Taiwan" but also to obstruct Taiwan's efforts to participate in international organisations.

According to CNA report, China claims that the UN resolution confirmed its one-China principle, which implies that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China.
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. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

At the 15th Readers' Conference held on Friday during the ongoing 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, Shandong province, Rong Xinjiang and Cao Wenxuan led other speakers in presenting the audience with a feast of traditional cultural, life retrospectives, and insights into their reading and writing.



The two writers, who are both professors at Peking University, shared their new books  Rong about his search for scrolls and other written material from the Dunhuang Grottoes, and Cao about his new novel.

"The lost scrolls and Buddhist texts from Dunhuang help piece together a picture of ancient China and its exchanges with cultures along the Silk Road between the 5th to 8th centuries," Rong said, adding his search began in the 1980s and has led him to libraries and universities in 48 cities around the world.

Cartoonist Bai Cha, the pen name of Liang Kedong, whose illustrated stories about a cat called Wu Huang and his friends have become popular, shared anecdotes about he got involved with books and began his career.

"As a child born in the 1980s into a teacher's family, I had access to lots of books. I liked the really thick ones, because I seldom read them and only used them for my collection of pressed flowers and leaves, so the thicker, the better," Bai Cha said.

"But my illustrations are inspired by cartoons. When I get stuck, I read the masters' works again and again in search of solutions or inspiration," he added.

Organized by the China Publishing Group and Shandong University, the event sought to boost reading and spur interest in popular cultural topics that are also enlightening.

The readers at the Jinan Library, where the event was held, were able to meet the writers and ask questions, while 600,000 more watched the conference online on multiple platforms.

The National Book Expo, which ended on Monday, attracted 1,700 publishers and institutions and exhibited 400,000 titles.
Nick Ross is a veteran technology journalist who has contributed to many of Australia's top technology titles and edited several of them. He was also the launch editor of the ABC's Technology section. He now spends his time being a journalist, editor, publisher, media commentator, digital marketer, producer, copywriter, corporate host and media consultant, to various degrees. He covers all things business and technology including IoT, cybersecurity, UC and the professional Audio/Visual space: from consumer to B2B and Enterprise.
As quantum computing evolves and cyber threats dramatically rise, Adrian Heley, Head of Network Infrastructure Sales for Nokia Oceania, writes about the critical need for Australia to fast track the adoption of Quantum Safe Networks (QSN) to secure its digital future.

GUEST OPINION by Adrian Heley, Head of Network Infrastructure Sales for Nokia Oceania: In today's doubled-edged digital era, not only do we find ourselves unlocking opportunities for progress on multiple levels, but we are also witnessing a dramatic surge in cybercrime. In Australia, for example, cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, posing significant risks to individuals, enterprises, and government institutions.

This growing threat reflects a global crisis. Reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL highlight how criminals are increasingly leveraging anonymity tools and virtual currencies to elude detection and prosecution.

Today's digital threats are increasingly challenging, and while preventive measures like data encryption offer some protection, the advent of quantum computing will dramatically change the landscape. Quantum computing, with its principles of superposition and entanglement, holds the potential to break through current encryption protocols due to its ability to complete computationally intensive tasks much faster than traditional computers. This has the potential of making existing security measures obsolete.

Experts predict that cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs), capable of rendering current encryption useless, will emerge around 2030, a time referred to as "Q-Day".



Many threat actors are already preparing for Q-Day by collecting encrypted data from target organizations today, intending to decrypt it when CRQCs become available. This ongoing activity is known as "harvest now, decrypt later" (HNDL).

The impending arrival of quantum computing presents a significant challenge to Australian businesses. To stay ahead of the curve, proactive measures are essential. This includes implementing quantum-resistant network security solutions with the capability to adapt and evolve as threats materialize.

Interestingly, governments worldwide are taking proactive measures to safeguard their digital networks. For example, Singapore's initiative to establish Southeast Asia's first Quantum-Safe Network (QSN) sets a benchmark for digital security innovation, positioning the nation as a leader in leveraging quantum-safe technologies to ensure a secure digital future.

Australia Pushes Forward

Recognizing the potential of quantum technologies, the Australian government is actively working to address national challenges through quantum advancements. The Critical Technologies Challenge Program is a commitment to using quantum technologies to solve national challenges, highlighting the government's push towards integrating quantum and AI technologies into its infrastructure.

Additionally, the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI) emphasizes the importance of protecting 11 critical infrastructure sectors deemed vital by the Australian government. The following 11 sectors must consider incorporating quantum-safe networking elements to safeguard against future quantum threats:

Communications

Financial services and markets

Data storage and processing

Defense

Higher education and research

Energy

Food and grocery

Healthcare and medical

Space technology

Transport

Water and sewerage

The possibilities are truly exciting. Quantum computing initiatives that I would like to talk about briefly include:

The new frontier in online security: quantum-safe cryptography: Australia's national science agency CSIRO is spearheading efforts in quantum-safe cryptography to enhance Australia's online security infrastructure. Recognizing the impending threat posed by quantum computers to current encryption methods, CSIRO, in collaboration with Monash University, is developing advanced cryptographic techniques that can withstand quantum decryption capabilities. This initiative aims to safeguard sensitive data and communications against future quantum threats, ensuring the resilience and integrity of Australia's digital ecosystems.

Making the quantum leap from research to reality: Austrade is playing a pivotal role in transforming quantum research into tangible applications, bridging the gap between theoretical advancements and real-world implementations. By fostering collaborations between Australian researchers and global industry leaders, Austrade aims to drive innovation and commercialize quantum technologies. These efforts are designed to position Australia at the forefront of the quantum revolution, leveraging cutting-edge research to create practical solutions that benefit various industries.

Quantum breakthrough to fuel Australian Industry: The Australian government also announced significant breakthroughs in quantum technology that could significantly impact the nation's industrial sector. These advancements are expected to enhance capabilities across multiple industries, driving economic growth and fostering innovation.

Boosting Resilience for Q-Day

Australia's initiative demonstrates the astounding possibilities and challenges of quantum computing. Taking action on Quantum-Safe Networks (QSN) is especially important to protect against quantum hacking. In the CRQC era, malicious actors could potentially cripple mission-critical networks such as power grids and water utility systems in seconds, with life-threatening consequences.

With some scientists predicting that Q-Day may arrive sooner than expected, forward thinking businesses and governments need to engage trusted technology partners now to ensure digital readiness and resilience. Innovative examples of quantum-safe network solutions from around the world include:

Securing Australia's Digital Future

In my view, the quantum technology era presents both significant opportunities and substantial risks for businesses and governments. To navigate this landscape successfully, proactive engagement and investment in quantum-safe networks are essential. Industries must prioritize quantum safety by understanding its importance and investing in the necessary technologies early.

By embracing the development of quantum-safe networks, businesses can protect their digital infrastructure against future threats, ensuring operational continuity and security. Governments play a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to quantum technology advancements, supporting research, development, and collaboration on a global scale.

Looking just slightly ahead, we can see that Quantum-Safe Networks will become the bedrock of todays and tomorrow's infrastructure, providing a robust defense against impending quantum threats. With pioneering advances in quantum computing, such as those I shared above, and a full commitment to quantum safety, we can certainly start today to build a secure digital future together.
100 years ago,

Aug 2, 1924

MATTOON  Contractor H.E. Chinn stated this morning that he gave permission to no one to move a house over the new South 15th street pavement, which act aroused so many residents for fear damage had been done to it. "The pavement has not been damaged beyond the scraping of the asphalt, so far as we have noted," said Mr. Shinn. "There have been no curbs or gutters broken, either. I did not give anyone permission to move the house over the pavement, and I did not know even that it had been done until Friday morning, when I was told of it. At my request the fire department has been instructed by the chief to remain off the South Fifteenth street paving until it has been opened to traffic." ... MATTOON  Margaret Loy, 8, and Delphine Loy, 6, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Loy of Michigan City, Ind., are with their mother guests at the home of Mrs. William Checkley on Western Ave. for a few days. The little girls have gained prominence in dancing circles in places they have visited by their art. Margaret is a toe dancer, while her younger sister has become adept in ballet and classic dancing. Admirers of the art have induced Mrs. Loy to permit her little daughters to appear at the Mattoon theater on next Monday and Tuesday, although they are not professionally engaged there.

50 years ago, 1974

MATTOON  A formal set of internal rules for the Mattoon Police Department has been established. Police Chief Raymond Senteney told the JG a copy of the rules will be issued to each member of the department. The department has never before had a set of formal rules to operate under. Senteney said Assistant Chief Robert O'Dell and several other members of the police department helped draw up the rules. Mayor Roger Dettro and the Mattoon Board of Fire and Police Commissioners have approved the rules. "Hopefully, this will provide a guideline that will cover most situations in the department," Senteney said ... MATTOON  The administrator of Mattoon Memorial Hospital, William Hurlburt, spoke to the Lions Club Thursday at the Elks Club about the volunteer, non-profit health care system in the community. Hurlburt, who said he has been in the area "close to eight years," told the club many people think the system should change. Among these people, Hurlburt said, is Sen. Edward Kennedy. Kennedy and Congressman Wilbur Mills have proposed a national health insurance plan tied to the Social Security system. Hurlburt said the present system is operated by volunteer workers. These workers do not receive compensation for their "many hours of work," he said.

25 years ago, 1999

MARTINSVILLE  Damon Girtan has taken a nearly 100-year journey during his young life. The 18-year-old from Casey has spent time portraying farm life in 1845 at the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, but on Sunday took a turn at the role of a World War II soldier. Girtan was one of the re-enactors at Sunday's "Salute to World War II Veterans" at the Lincoln School Museum near Martinsville. "I love history," he said. "It keeps growing and growing. I think it's important to remember history." Girtan said he enters college this fall and will study history and eventually become a teacher ... MATTOON  Local attorney Jack E. Horsley has published a new book, "Trials and Appeals." The book is targeted at informing non-lawyers what to expect and how to prepare for a court trial. Consolidated into four chapters and about 100 pages, the book is written in non-lawyer language and is a quick and easy read, said Horsely. Horsley, of the Mattoon firm Craig & Craig, was assisted by Nancy Bohannon, also of Craig & Craig, in researching sources for the book. Things stressed by the author include how to feel at home in the courtroom and how to prepare to take the witness stand and know what areas will probably be covered in the testimony.

Ever wonder what's inside big rigs? These are the most common goods shipped by trucks Ever wonder what's inside big rigs? These are the most common goods shipped by trucks Earthy materials, foodstuffs fill most semitrucks Nearly two-thirds of US freight shipped via trucks
You are here: Business

Ship export revenue in east China's Jiangsu Province totaled 50.02 billion yuan (6.9 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half (H1) of 2024, an increase of 72.1 percent year on year and ranking top in China, according to local customs authorities on Thursday.

The value of the province's ship exports accounted for 34.1 percent of the country's total in the same period, according to Nanjing Customs.

Jiangsu has established a ship-building industry cluster, manufacturing a wide range of vessels, such as high-end cruise liners, cargo ships, "ro-ro" (roll-on/roll-off) ships, liquefied natural gas (LNG) transporting vessels, and self-elevating wind turbine installation vessels.

Customs data shows that in the first half of the year, the province's exports of container ships, liquified cargo ships and bulk carriers had increased by 153 percent, 77 percent and 32.3 percent, respectively.

Song Shuming, general manager of Jiangsu Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., said the company will build and deliver 15 ships this year, a record high in the company's history.

The Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group, delivered 20 new ships in the first half of 2024 -- resulting in export value doubling year on year.

Wang Yi, the company's director of customs affairs, said that the company has nearly 100 orders in hand, with production plans scheduled through the year 2028.

Nanjing Customs has vowed to continue to improve customs clearing efficiency to help boost ship exports.
The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing an emergency fuel waiver to help alleviate gasoline shortages in four Midwest states after the shutdown of an refinery in Illinois.

Exxon Mobil shut down its refinery in Joliet, Illinois, last month after a power outage when tornadoes and severe storms swept through the region. Power has been restored, but it can take weeks to restart a facility like the Exxon Mobil refinery about 40 miles outside of Chicago, which can produce about 9 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel per day.

In addition to Illinois, the waiver was approved by the EPA for Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.

Federal rules mandate the sale of low Reid Vapor Pressure gasoline during the summer months because a higher RVP evaporates more easily and can add to ozone pollution and smog. That is what is being waived temporarily, along with reformulated gasoline requirements for the four states. Reformulated gasoline is blended to burn more cleanly than conventional gasoline and to reduce pollutants in the air.

The waiver will continue through Aug. 20.

Gas prices in the four states spiked higher after the storms and all have gasoline that costs more than $3.45 a gallon, according to AAA. In Illinois, it's approximately $4 a gallon, which is currently among the highest in the country. Gas prices in California and Washington are over $4 a gallon, where higher gas prices are more typical.

The EPA and Department of Energy evaluated the situation, as required by law, and determined that granting a short-term waiver was in the public's best interest.

The EPA and DOE are continuing to actively monitor the fuel supply situation caused by the refinery shutdown and are considering additional measures to help alleviate its impact.
A Winston-Salem man was found shot to death Thursday near Quarry Park, authorities said.

The body of Barry Bevionta Richardson, 32, of Chandler Street was found inside a car in the 1900 block of Leight Street, Winston-Salem police said.

Richardsons death doesnt appear to be a random act of violence, police said.

In 2013, Richardson was shot twice in three months.

Richardson was one of four people who was shot at the Nitty Gritty Soul Cafe on South Main Street on Feb. 16, 2013.

On May 11, 2013, Richardson was shot in the shoulder and upper torso in 700 block of Ferrell Court.

His criminal record included felony convictions for drug possession, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of stolen goods.

Richardson, then a teen, went to prison in 2008 for armed robbery. The N.C. Court of Appeals overturned his conviction in 2013, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to support his conviction.

Anyone with information about Richardsons death can call Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or its Spanish line at 336-728-3904.

The Text-A-Tip program at 336-276-1717 allows people to text tips, photos and videos to the police.
The hallways and classrooms at Kimberley Park Elementary School are typically quiet in early August.

But on Thursday, teachers there and across the school district returned to their schools to unpack books, arrange desks and decorate bulletin boards for their first work day of the 2024-25 school year, about two weeks earlier than usual.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is one of about 29 districts in the state that will begin the school year earlier than North Carolina law allows. For at least 20 years, the school district started the school year no earlier than the Monday before Aug. 26, adhering to a state law that was established to accommodate the tourism industry.

In January, the school board voted 6-3 to ignore the law and take control of its calendar, a move that many teachers endorsed because it means that first semester exams can be given before the two-week Christmas break.

The new calendar also aligns with the calendar of Forsyth Technical Community College, allowing for more dual enrollment among students.

The school district has not faced any sort of punishment for ignoring the mandate.

This year, local students will return to school on Aug. 12.

Allison Eskridge, a third-grade teacher in her third year at Kimberley Park, was among 4,000 local teachers who were back at work. She said she has mixed feelings about the early return.

I like staying in the groove of things, she said. But its hard to come back and not have that little extra time for yourself.

Jalyn Neely stood amid the empty desks and boxes in her room, wearing a T-shirt that read: Hello Second Grade.

Im excited to get here and work on my room. Im trying to get my things together and set up my bulletin board, said Neely, a second-grade teacher.

Neely said she planned to spend the day making name tags for the desks in her classroom and catching up with co-workers.

While each school in the district handles the first day of school differently, Diamond Gwyn, the principal at Kimberley Park, said she prefers giving teachers time to organize their classrooms on their first day back rather than having them sit through meetings and PowerPoint presentations.

Its a relaxed environment (today), Gwyn said. Teachers can get started in their classrooms and see what they need and it gives me time to see what they need. Then, well get to the nitty gritty.

Wanda McLemore, a 16-year teaching veteran, said one advantage to the shorter summer is that it cuts down on learning loss.

Im a proponent of year-round school. I hate the student loss of learning. Im glad were coming back early so that we can close the gap on learning retention, she said.

McLemore, who teaches fourth- and fifth-grade English, spent her day sorting through her classroom set of books and tacking reading strategies onto a bulletin board.

The school board made the decision to change the calendar after many students and staff members had already made plans for August.

The school district has said it will show leniency to students and staff who cant make the start of school because of pre-existing plans.

Students who filled out forms earlier in the year explaining that they might miss the start of the school year will be given excused absences.

Superintendent Tricia McManus said that the school district has plans to help students who may miss class.

Well make sure they get what they need when they arrive, she said. Thats always my biggest concern, student impact.

Staff members were asked to talk with school leaders about any conflicts.

Heading into the shortened summer, the school district made detailed plans to make sure that facilities were cleaned, grounds were maintained and school bus stops were in place ahead of the early start, McManus said.

The school district also had to hustle to fill vacancies across all departments. That mean earlier career fairs and faster processing, she said. Currently, there are about 100 teacher vacancies, she said.

When the decision was made to start early, we created goals and metrics for each week, and we kept following them, she said. This challenging problem made us better in the long run. I think sometimes you find unexpected benefits, and I think this was one of them, creating solid plans.

PHOTOS: Kimberley Park Elementary teachers prepare their classrooms on the first WS/FCS workday
Introduction

Nearly 100,000 patients in the United States await kidney transplantation. Living donation reduces the wait and offers superior patient and graft survival compared with deceased donation. Yet, living kidney donors have declined over the past 2 decades, mainly driven by declining biologically related donors with the recipient.1 Evolving knowledge of postdonation longterm risks, including concern for familial risk of CKD and kidney failure, may explain, in part, the declining trends since 2005, along with a complex interplay of nonclinical factors.24 However, this decline remains unsupported and needs further exploration. We sought to understand the interplay of biological donorrecipient relationship and race to guide future interventions reversing these trends and increase equity in access to living donor kidney transplantation.5 We studied 106,033 biologically related living kidney donors from 1988 to 2022, by race/ethnicity.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the US national registry of donors (Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients [SRTR]). The SRTR data system includes data on all donors, waitlisted candidates, and transplant recipients in the United States. The outcome of interest was the change in biologically related living kidney donations over time. A priori, we stratified the analyses by era (19882004 and 20052022) and donor race as self-reported (Black, Hispanic, and White/others). According to SRTR data, living kidney donors began to decline in 2005, hence our choice to dichotomize into two eras before and after 2005 supported by joinpoint analysis (Figure 1A). We used Poisson regression to estimate the change in number of biologically related donors per 5-year increment (incidence rate ratio [IRR]). We excluded 25 donors from our study because of missing data on race/ethnicity (0.024%).

Figure 1: The change in biologically related living kidney donations in the United States from 1988 to 2022. (A) Trends in biologically related living kidney donations in the United States from 1988 to 2022, using joinpoint trend analysis. The dotted lines represent the observed data, and the straight lines represent the fitted model of the data. (B) IRR of biologically related living kidney donation, stratified by era. Per 5-year change in number of biologically related living kidney donors estimated from Poisson regression model. An IRR greater than one indicates an incline each year in the number of living kidney donors. The number of biologically related donors increased between 1988 and 2004 and decreased between 2005 and 2022 across race/ethnicity. The category of White included 93% Caucasian, 5% Asian, and 2% others including American Indian or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander, and multiracial. All analyses were performed using R statistical software (v4.2.2; R Core Team 2022). IRR, incident rate ratio.

Results

Of 106,033 biologically related donors (43% full sibling, 25% offspring, 20% parents, and 12% nonfirst-degree relative donors), 71% were White, 14% Black, and 15% Hispanic. The median age was 39 years, interquartile range 3047, and 58% were female. From 1988 to 2004, the absolute number of White related donors increased 2.2-fold (1332 to 2954), Black related donors increased 3.8-fold (197740), and Hispanic related donors increased 4.2-fold (155647). Conversely, from 2005 to 2022, White related donors decreased 49% (2884 to 1463), Black related donors decreased 64% (667238), and Hispanic related donors decreased 28% (654470). The proportion of biologically related donors decreased from 79% in the period between 1988 and 2004 to 49% in the period from 2005 to 2022.

The rates of biologically related donors between 1988 and 2004 increased across race/ethnicity. For every 5-year increment, White related donors increased by 31% (IRR 1.29 1.31 1.32 ), Black related donors increased by 52% (IRR 1.49 1.52 1.56 ), and Hispanic related donors increased by 55% (IRR 1.51 1.55 1.59 ). Conversely, the rates of biologically related donors between 2005 and 2022 decreased across race/ethnicity. For every 5-year increment, White related donors decreased by 18% (IRR 0.82 0.82 0.83 ), Black related donors decreased by 25% (IRR 0.73 0.75 0.77 ), and Hispanic related donors decreased by 9% (IRR 0.89 0.91 0.93 ) (Figure 1B).

In a sensitivity analysis, these inferences remained unchanged when we excluded biologically related living kidney donations for pediatric (<18 years) recipients. The concern was that pediatric transplant candidates had received priority for highquality deceased donor kidneys since 2005, potentially explaining the decline in biologically related donors, which was not the case.

Discussion

In this national study of biologically related living kidney donors, we found a steady increase from 1988 to 2004, followed by a sustained decline from 2005 to 2022 across race/ethnicity. White donors account for most of this decline. Previous studies show that the number of unrelated White donors has increased, partially offsetting this trend. However, this compensation phenomenon is not true for Black and Hispanic donors.1,6 The net effect of these trends is a lack of US living kidney donations.

Our findings of persistent declining biologically related donors over the past 20 years call for efforts to understand modifiable barriers. Lack of education can create misconceptions about postdonation risks. Socioeconomic factors might also have played a role,7 knowing the Great Recession hit in the late 2000s. Kidney failure is more prevalent in individuals with low socioeconomic status, and potential donors from their families may face challenges in donating a kidney. Financial barriers to living donation have been a long-standing problem. Efforts are needed to reduce donor travel costs, lost wages, and dependent care expenses. Telemedicine services can make donor evaluation and follow-up care more accessible and efficient. Furthermore, the evolution in donorrecipient relationship patterns illustrates the need to eliminate recipient means testing as a criterion for National Living Donor Assistance Center eligibility. Moreover, biologically related donors may share risk factors, for example, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or genetic risk, which could disqualify them as donors. Nonetheless, a family history of kidney disease in itself is not a contraindication to donation, but related donor candidates may warrant a more detailed assessment depending on the recipient's kidney disease.

Our study has limitations. The data available cannot explain the causes contributing to the sustained decline in donations starting from 2005. Furthermore, stratifying the analyses by era, although justifiable, may introduce period dichotomization bias because this assumes uniform external influences within each era, potentially oversimplifying complex trends. Mandated US transplant registry data do not capture information on donors who were evaluated but deemed ineligible, thus preventing assessment of donor exclusions on the basis of factors including familial risk. The SRTR Living Donor Collective candidate registry would be helpful in that regard.

This study highlights the opportunity for programs to invest in reducing barriers to biologically related donations, especially for healthy adults in racial/ethnic minorities. Our findings highlight alarms for clinical practice and policy makers to reduce hurdles biologically related donors face, potentially by providing education, easing access to donor evaluation, offering social and financial support, and assuring postdonation follow-up care.
China will strive to ensure its network of free trade areas (FTAs) can contribute about 40 percent of the total foreign trade by 2030, an official said Friday.

Li Yongjie, deputy international trade representative of the Ministry of Commerce, told a press conference that China will further expand its globally-oriented network of high-standard FTAs to cover more countries and regions while fostering broader opening up and deeper reforms.

China has so far signed 22 free trade agreements with 29 countries and regions, accounting for a third of its foreign trade.

Li pledged to work toward joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), conclude negotiations on Version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN FTA at the earliest, and promote the FTA among China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and others.

When establishing new FTAs, China will expand the tariff-free product list, further open the telecom, medical care and tourism sectors, and include rules involving the digital economy, the green economy, intellectual property rights, and mutual recognition of standards, Li said.

To align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, the country will advance reforms in property rights protection, industrial subsidies, environmental protection, labor protection, government procurement, e-commerce, the financial sector, and other areas, she added.
Introduction

CKD affects 10%15% of adults worldwide.1 CKD is associated with cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, premature mortality,2,3 and substantial burden on health care systems. Currently, CKD is defined by GFR, typically eGFR, or albuminuria by urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR).4 The thresholds used to define CKD include GFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 or UACR >30 mg/g. Persons defined as having CKD have poorer prognosis; however, significant individual heterogeneity exists in CKD progression within these groups, underscoring the need for individual risk assessment. Quantifying an individual's absolute risk may allow for prioritization of therapies to the highest-risk individuals and avoiding medication over-prescription and costs for lower-risk individuals.

Current CKD screening guidelines in the general population are conflicting, and no consensus exists on albuminuria screening among patients with hypertension.59 At present, only those with diabetes are required to be screened and monitored for albuminuria on the basis of Merit-based Incentive Payment System Clinical Quality Measures performance metrics.10

The kidney failure risk equation (KFRE), published in 2011, allowed for the estimation of an individual's absolute risk of kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation.11 It was derived and validated using two Canadian cohorts11 and later validated using 31 multinational cohorts by the Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium (CKD-PC).12 Recently, CKD-PC developed and validated a risk metric to determine an individual's absolute 3-year risk of eGFR decline by 40% or kidney failure (3-year risk). This was developed in 707,931 and validated in 913,888 individuals, with 88% having eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2.13 The 3-year risk differs from the KFRE in three ways. Its composite end point is CKD progression or kidney failure as opposed to kidney failure alone. It incorporates ten other well-established risk factors (such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease) in addition to UACR and eGFR. Finally, it has been validated in those with preserved (eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and reduced (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) eGFR, thus making it applicable for any patient regardless of the presence or absence of a CKD diagnosis.11,13 We sought to understand the distribution of the individual-level risk of CKD progression in the US population, with and without CKD as currently defined, and evaluated how current CKD screening guidelines affect those with the highest absolute risk of CKD progression.

Methods

Study Population

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a cross-sectional, multistage, stratified probability sampling of noninstitutionalized population in the United States, with the sampling methods published elsewhere.14 We used publicly available data from continuous NHANES from 1999 to 2020 where there was an oversampling of older adults; low-income persons; and Asian, Black, and Hispanic American individuals. We included 51,699 participants 18 years and older who had serum creatinine and UACR measured, were not on dialysis or had not received dialysis in the past 12 months, and had complete data on covariates of interest (Supplemental Figure 1). NHANES protocols were approved by the National Center for Health Statistics Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Serum Creatinine and GFR Estimation

Serum creatinine was assayed using the Jaffe rate method before 2017 and the enzymatic method from 2017 onward. Values before 2017 were adjusted to compare with values from 2017 onward using published equations (Supplemental Table 1).15 eGFR was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration 2021 creatinine equation.16

Albuminuria

Urine albumin was measured using a solid-phase fluorescent immunoassay. Urine creatinine was assayed using the Jaffe reaction before 2007 and the enzymatic method from 2007 onward.17 Measurements before 2007 were adjusted to compare with values from 2007 onward using published equations (Supplemental Table 1).15 We quantified albuminuria using UACR.

Staging and Eligibility for CKD Screening Using Albuminuria Testing

CKD was defined as eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 or UACR 30 mg/g on the basis of Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 definitions.18 eGFR categories were based on KDIGO 2012 staging: G1 for GFR 90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, G2 60 to <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, G3a 45 to <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, G3b 30 to <45 ml/min per 1.73 m2, G4 15 to <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, and G5 <15 ml/min per 1.73 m2. We combined stages G3b, G4, and G5 because of fewer participants in these groups. Albuminuria categories included A1 for UACR <30 mg/g, A2 30300 mg/g, and A3 >300 mg/g. We defined CKD with preserved eGFR as eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 with UACR 30 mg/g, and CKD with reduced eGFR as eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 regardless of UACR. Adults with diabetes were considered eligible for albuminuria screening on the basis of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System Clinical Quality Measures performance metric.10

3-Year Risk of 40% Decline in eGFR or Kidney Failure

We used prediction models developed by CKD-PC to calculate the 3-year risk of CKD progression, defined as 40% eGFR decline or kidney failure (need for dialysis or kidney transplantation).13 Variables of interest included age, sex, eGFR, UACR, systolic BP, antihypertensive medication use, diabetes, heart failure, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, body mass index, and smoking history. Use of diabetes drugs and glycated hemoglobin were included for those with diabetes (Supplemental Table 2). We categorized the 3-year risk as <1%, 1% to <5%, 5% to <10%, and 10% and defined 5% as being high risk.

Study Definitions

Detailed NHANES procedures have been previously described.19 In brief, individual data were collected from interviews, questionnaires, physical examinations, and laboratory assays (Supplemental Table 3). Diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose 126 mg/dl, glycated hemoglobin 6.5%, participant report of being diagnosed with diabetes, or taking oral hypoglycemics or insulin. The mean of three brachial systolic BP and diastolic BP measurements was obtained. When <3 readings were available, a single value or the mean of the two were used. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP 140 mm Hg, diastolic BP 90 mm Hg, participant report of being diagnosed with hypertension, or taking antihypertensives. History of heart failure, coronary heart disease, and smoking was obtained from questionnaire data. Smoking status was classified as former, current, or never. History of atrial fibrillation is not available in NHANES.

Statistical Analyses

All analyses used sampling weights to account for the complex NHANES survey design. We summarized descriptive statistics using frequency for categorical and meanSD and median (interquartile range) for continuous variables. Baseline characteristics were described across 3-year risk categories. We calculated the 3-year risk with atrial fibrillation considered absent for all participants and performed a sensitivity analysis using irregular pulse as a surrogate for atrial fibrillation in 45,241 participants with pulse rhythm data. Cross-classification tables were used to compare the distributions of 3-year risk across stages of eGFR and UACR. We stratified our analyses by the following subgroups: no CKD on the basis of KDIGO criteria (eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and UACR <30 mg/g), CKD with preserved eGFR (eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and UACR 30 mg/g), and CKD with reduced eGFR (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2). We paid particular attention to those with CKD G3-A1 because a significant proportion of them may have reduced eGFR likely as a function of age rather than intrinsic kidney disease.20 We chose 5% as the cutoff for high risk because kidney event rates in the placebo arm of the recent sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitor and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist trials ranged from 7% to >20%.2123 Kidney failure risks of 3% and 5% are also used as nephrology referral thresholds in Canada and the United Kingdom, respectively.24,25 All statistical analyses were performed using Stata SE, version 17 (StataCorp LP).

Results

Baseline Participant Characteristics

Table 1 presents the baseline population characteristics across the 3-year risk categories. Participants with higher risk tended to be older, with a higher proportion of men and non-Hispanic Black persons, and had a higher prevalence of factors included in the risk equation. Mean eGFR of the entire study population was 9617 ml/min per 1.73 m2, while mean eGFRs were 6922 and 5727 ml/min per 1.73 m2 in those with 5% to <10% and 10% risk, respectively.

Table 1 - Baseline characteristics of adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999 to 2020 Baseline characteristics of adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999 to 2020 Characteristics Overall 3-Year Risk <1% 1% to <5% 5% to <10% 10% No. of participants, n (%) 51,699 33,610 (65) 14,756 (29) 2029 (4) 1304 (3) Weighted, n in millions (%) 199.81 143.15 (72) 48.24 (24) 5.37 (3) 3.05 (2) Age, yr, mean (SD) 46 (15) 39 (11) 63 (11) 70 (11) 69 (14) <65, n (%) 166.07 (83) 139.02 (97) 24.63 (51) 1.48 (28) 0.94 (31) 65, n (%) 33.74 (17) 4.13 (3) 23.61 (49) 3.89 (72) 2.11 (69) Female, n in millions (%) 102.39 (51) 69.96 (49) 27.82 (58) 3.06 (57) 1.55 (51) Race/ethnicity, n in millions (%)a Hispanic 28.14 (14) 22.37 (16) 4.95 (10) 0.48 (9) 0.33 (11) Non-Hispanic Asian 4.88 (2) 3.65 (3) 1.10 (2) 0.08 (1) 0.06 (2) Non-Hispanic Black 21.07 (11) 14.68 (10) 5.11 (11) 0.73 (14) 0.56 (18) Non-Hispanic White 136.84 (68) 95.80 (67) 35.25 (73) 3.87 (72) 1.92 (63) Other 8.87 (4) 6.65 (5) 1.83 (4) 0.22 (4) 0.18 (6) Body mass index, kg/m 2 , mean (SD) 29 (6) 28 (5) 30 (7) 30 (7) 32 (9) Obese, n in millions (%)b 70.22 (35) 44.13 (31) 22.11 (46) 2.34 (44) 1.63 (54) Systolic BP, mm Hg, mean (SD) 122 (15) 116 (10) 134 (17) 144 (25) 150 (29) Diastolic BP, mm Hg, mean (SD) 71 (10) 71 (8) 72 (12) 71 (16) 71 (17) Hypertension, n in millions (%) 77.35 (39) 30.49 (21) 38.74 (80) 5.15 (96) 2.97 (97) Receiving antihypertensives, n in millions (%) 56.97 (29) 17.44 (12) 32.08 (66) 4.67 (87) 2.78 (91) Diabetes, n in millions (%) 25.88 (13) 5.66 (4) 15.65 (32) 2.59 (48) 1.99 (65) Receiving diabetes medications, n in millions (%) 13.67 (7) 2.06 (1) 8.98 (19) 1.50 (28) 1.14 (37) Insulin use, n in millions (%) 4.56 (2) 0.47 (<1) 2.38 (5) 0.75 (14) 0.96 (31) Coronary heart disease, n in millions (%) 6.59 (3) 0.65 (<1) 3.86 (8) 1.23 (23) 0.85 (28) Heart failure, n in millions (%) 4.24 (2) 0.10 (<1)c 1.82 (4) 1.20 (22) 1.11 (36) Irregular pulse, n in millions (%) 4.52 (3) 1.60 (1) 2.22 (6) 0.44 (10) 0.27 (10) Smoking status, n in millions (%) Former 48.42 (24) 27.85 (19) 17.01 (35) 2.22 (41) 1.33 (44) Current 41.01 (21) 30.04 (21) 9.50 (20) 0.96 (18) 0.51 (17) Never 110.38 (55) 85.26 (60) 21.73 (45) 2.19 (41) 1.21 (40) HbA1c (%), median (IQR) 5.4 (5.15.7) 5.3 (5.15.5) 5.7 (5.46.2) 5.9 (5.56.9) 6.4 (5.77.8) HbA1c 6.5%, n in millions (%) 14.77 (7) 1.95 (1) 9.42 (20) 1.88 (35) 1.52 (50) Serum creatinine, mg/dl, mean (SD) 0.9 (0.2) 0.9 (0.1) 0.9 (0.2) 1.1 (0.4) 1.4 (0.9) eGFR, ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , mean (SD) 96 (17) 102 (14) 83 (17) 69 (22) 57 (27) eGFR categories, n in millions (%) 120 23.88 (12) 23.26 (16) 0.59 (1) 0.02 (0) 0.02 (0) 90119 102.94 (52) 82.36 (58) 19.14 (40) 1.07 (20)c 0.36 (12)c 6089 62.63 (31) 37.41 (26) 21.92 (45) 2.29 (43) 1.01 (33) 4559 7.37 (4) 0.12 (<1) 5.54 (11) 1.16 (22) 0.56 (18) 3044 2.33 (1) 0 (0)c 0.99 (2) 0.72 (13) 0.62 (20) <30 0.65 (<1) 0 (0)c 0.06 (<1) 0.11 (2) 0.48 (16) UACR (mg/g), median (IQR) 6.5 (4.311.6) 5.4 (3.98.3) 11.0 (6.821.3) 48.9 (23.7108.4) 311.8 (88.6858.3) UACR categories, n in millions (%) <30 181.20 (91) 139.26 (97) 40.00 (83) 1.77 (33) 0.17 (6) 30300 16.08 (8) 3.84 (3) 7.78 (16) 3.13 (58) 1.33 (44) >300 2.53 (1) 0.05 (0)c 0.47 (1) 0.47 (9) 1.55 (51) Data are presented as mean (SD), median (interquartile range), or number (N) and row percent (%). Reported data account for the complex survey design used by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate nationally representative results. HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin; IQR, interquartile range; UACR, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. aRace/ethnicity was self-identified by study participants. bObesity was defined as body mass index 30 kg/m2. cIndicates <30 survey participants for the category.

3-Year Risk among Adults without CKD

A total of 173.95 million US adults (87%) had eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and UACR <30 mg/g and thus did not have CKD on the basis of KDIGO 2012 definitions. 1.04 million of those without CKD had a high risk of CKD progression (Figure 1A, Table 2, and Supplemental Table 4), and among these 1.04 million adults, 98% had hypertension, 44% had diabetes, and 72% had heart failure. Among the 102,320 persons without CKD and 3-year risk 10%, 97% had hypertension, 38% had diabetes, and 98% had heart failure (Supplemental Table 5).

Figure 1: Distribution of 3-year risk of CKD progression across eGFR and albuminuria categories among US adults with preserved and reduced eGFR. (A) US adults with preserved eGFR (eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2): 173.95 million US adults did not have CKD on the basis of current laboratory criteria, and 1.04 million of them had 3-year risk 5%. 15.51 million US adults had CKD on the basis of albuminuria alone (UACR 30 mg/g and eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2); 24% of them had a 3-year risk of CKD progression 5%. (B) US adults with reduced eGFR (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2): 10.35 million US adults had CKD on the basis of reduced eGFR (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) regardless of albuminuria; 55% of them (5.66 million) belonged to CKD stage G3a-A1. 6.71 million US adults with CKD with reduced eGFR (65%) had a 3-year risk <5%. Most of them are in CKD stage 3A1. Height of each bar represents the total number of participants per eGFR and UACR category. Stages of CKD were based on eGFR and UACR categories recommended by the KDIGO 2012 guidelines: stage G1 for GFR 90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, G2 60 to <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, G3a 45 to <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, G3b 30 to <45 ml/min per 1.73 m2, G4 15 to <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, and G5 <15 ml/min per 1.73 m2. For the purposes of this analysis, stages G3b, G4, and G5 were combined because of the low number of participants in each category. 3-year risk, risk of 40% eGFR decline or kidney failure (needing dialysis or kidney transplantation) in 23 years calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium equations; eGFR, eGFR calculated using the 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine equations; KDIGO, Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes; UACR, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio.

Table 2 - CKD progression risk across eGFR and albuminuria categories in the US population CKD progression risk across eGFR and albuminuria categories in the US population eGFR Categories (ml/min per 1.73 m2) CKD Category 3-Year CKD Progression Risk Total <5% 5% Albuminuria <30 mg/g (A1) 120 No CKD 22.31 million (100.0%) 0 (0%)a 22.31 million 90119 No CKD 94.86 million (99.7%) 0.24 million (0.3%) 95.10 million 6089 No CKD 55.73 million (98.6%) 0.80 million (1.4%) 56.54 million 4559 G3a 5.33 million (94.1%) 0.33 million (5.9%) 5.66 million <45 G3b/G4/G5 1.02 million (64.5%) 0.56 million (35.5%) 1.59 million Albuminuria 30 mg/g (A2 and A3) 120 CKD with preserved eGFR (G1) 1.54 million (97.8%) 0.03 million (2.2%)a 1.57 million 90119 CKD with preserved eGFR (G1) 6.64 million (84.7%) 1.20 million (15.3%) 7.84 million 6089 CKD with preserved eGFR (G2) 3.60 million (59.0%) 2.50 million (41.0%) 6.10 million 4559 G3a 0.33 million (19.3%) 1.38 million (80.7%) 1.71 million <45 G3b/G4/G5 0.03 million (2.1%)a 1.36 million (97.9%) 1.39 million Reported data account for the complex survey design used by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate nationally representative results. Percentages were expressed as row %. CKD is defined on the basis of Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes 2012 guidelines. No CKD is defined as eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and UACR <30 mg/g. CKD with preserved eGFR is defined as eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (CKD stages G1 and G2) and UACR 30 mg/g. eGFR categories were based on Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes 2012 staging: G3a 45 to <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, G3b 30 to <45 ml/min per 1.73 m2, G4 15 to <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, and G5 <15 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Individuals with stages G4 and G5 were combined because of fewer participants in these groups. Albuminuria categories included no albuminuria (<30 mg/g) and with albuminuria (A2 30300 mg/g and A3 >300 mg/g). UACR, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (mg/g). aIndicates <30 survey participants for the category.

3-Year Risk among Adults with Albuminuria and Preserved eGFR

For the majority (15.51 million, 60%) of adults with CKD (n=25.86 million), CKD was defined by the presence of albuminuria alone (UACR 30 mg/g and eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2). A total of 3.73 million adults in this group (24%) had a 3-year risk 5% (Figure 1A, Table 2, and Supplemental Table 4). Among them, only 2.22 million (59%) had diabetes (Supplemental Table 6). Thus, for 1.51 million (41%) persons in this group with high 3-year risk, quality metrics would not require albuminuria testing.

3-Year Risk among Adults with Reduced eGFR

Overall, 10.35 million adults with CKD had eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Of these, 6.71 million (65%) had a 3-year risk of <5%, 1.99 million (19%) had a 3-year risk of 5% to <10%, while 1.66 million persons (16%) had a 3-year risk 10% (Table 2 and Supplemental Table 4). 5.66 million adults (55%) with reduced eGFR belonged to CKD G3a-A1 (UACR<30 mg/g). In this group, 5.33 million (94%) had a 3-year risk of <5%, 330,635 (6%) had a risk of 5% to <10%, and only 2891 (0.1%) had 10% risk of CKD progression. Among the 1.40 million adults who were CKD G3b-A1, 435,962 (31%) had a 3-year risk of 5% (Supplemental Table 4). Adults with CKD G3a-A1 and G3b-A1 comprised 9% and 12% of those with high 3-year risk and reduced eGFR, respectively.

Sensitivity Analyses

Supplemental Table 7 presents the distribution of 3-year risk in the US population using irregular pulse as a surrogate for atrial fibrillation. Overall, the results are similar to our primary analyses as described in the three key groups.

Discussion

In this study with results generalizable to the US adult population, we had several key findings. First, 1.04 million US adults who do not meet laboratory-based criteria for CKD have a high risk (risk 5%) of CKD progression, and this risk is driven by factors other than eGFR or albuminuria. Second, 60% of US adults with CKD are classified as CKD on the basis of albuminuria alone (eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2). In this group, over 3.73 million (24%) have a high risk of CKD progression. Importantly, 1.51 million (41%) of them do not have diabetes and would not qualify for UACR testing according to current Merit-based Incentive Payment System Clinical Quality Measures quality metrics.10 Third, 55% of US adults with CKD belong to stage G3a-A1, and 94% of them have a low risk of CKD progression (risk <5%). Even among the 1.40 million adults with stage G3b-A1, 69% had 3-year risk <5%. These findings highlight the importance of considering the individual-level risk of progression in the definition and management of CKD, similar to how the risk of cardiovascular disease is considered in the treatment of hypertension.

At present, most patients with CKD are diagnosed and staged using guideline-recommended cutoffs of laboratory values, namely UACR and creatinine-derived eGFR, on the basis of expert consensus. An eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 is the threshold for diagnosing CKD unless albuminuria or structural disease is present, irrespective of eGFR.18 Prognostication of CKD relies heavily on eGFR and albuminuria stages. However, the risks of CKD progression and kidney failure attributed per CKD stage in the KDIGO heatmap4 are relative to those with eGFR >60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and no albuminuria.2 A 65-year-old patient with an eGFR of 50 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and UACR of 15 mg/g is classified as stage G3a-A1 and deemed to have a four-fold higher risk of CKD progression and 22-fold higher risk of kidney failure compared with someone without CKD.18 For an individual categorized as stage 3a-A1, however, their range of possible CKD progression risk, 0.5%12% in our study, is widely contingent on the presence of other risk factors, with different clinical management implications.

The KFRE published in 2011 allowed for the calculation of an individual's absolute risk of kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation. The equation is publicly available and uses demographic and laboratory values, including eGFR and UACR.11,12 The KFRE is only valid for individuals with an eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and does not provide an estimate of the risk of CKD progression, a key consideration when prescribing kidney functionpreserving therapies. The KFRE does not include other risk factors of CKD progression, such as diabetes or hypertension. In recent years, several risk equations were developed to address these limitations. Klinrisk, developed and validated using Canadian cohorts, quantified individual-level CKD progression risk (40% decline in eGFR or kidney failure) using eGFR, UACR, and 18 other laboratory results.26 The Klinrisk algorithm and variable list are proprietary and not publicly available. KidneyIntelX was developed and validated using BioMe Biobank cohorts from both Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and University of Pennsylvania Health System. It is valid for individuals with type 2 diabetes and any CKD stage. KidneyIntelX uses seven clinical variables and three biomarkers (kidney injury molecule-1, TNF receptors 1 and 2) to calculate the risk of composite kidney outcomes (eGFR decline of 5 ml/min per 1.73 m2 or 40% sustained decline in eGFR or kidney failure).27 The algorithm is proprietary, and the assay is currently priced at $950.28 By contrast, the CKD-PC 3-year risk equation was developed and validated using a multinational cohort of 707,931 and 913,888 individuals, respectively. It provides an individual's 3-year risk of CKD progression (40% decline in eGFR or kidney failure) and is valid for all individuals with or without diabetes or CKD.13 The equation is publicly available and uses readily available electronic health records data, which can allow electronic health record programming and availability at the point of care.

Our study has important implications for public policy for CKD screening and is relevant to the US Preventive Services Task Force's ongoing revision of CKD and albuminuria screening guidelines.29 We found that 3.73 million adults with albuminuria but preserved eGFR (60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) had a high 3-year risk of CKD progression (risk 5%). These individuals can only be identified and adequately risk stratified if albuminuria testing is routine for high-risk populations. While both the National Kidney Foundation and the American Diabetes Association now recommend routine albuminuria testing for patients with CKD and diabetes,30,31 the American College of Physicians 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines recommended against albuminuria testing in those with or without diabetes when already on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.6 Guidelines for albuminuria screening in hypertension are also inconsistent.6,8,9 In 2012, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended against routine CKD screening for asymptomatic adults, while the American College of Physicians 2013 guidelines deemed no significant benefit of albuminuria testing among asymptomatic adults with CKD risk factors.5,6 Not surprisingly, a CKD-PC meta-analysis using the research and real-world cohorts found median albuminuria screening rates were only 35% in diabetes and 4% in hypertension.32 Our study suggests that routine albuminuria testing in individuals with eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 can identify 3.73 million US adults (2.22 million with diabetes and 1.51 million without diabetes) with a high risk of CKD progression. Almost 1 million of these US adults are Black or Hispanic individuals, racial/ethnic groups with a well-known high risk of CKD progression. Screening for albuminuria can be cost-effective in the long term,33 and without universal testing, these high-risk individuals would not be identified, potentially missing the opportunity of receiving new kidney-preserving therapies (sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitor, nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) and mitigating racial disparities in CKD progression.

Our study has important clinical implications for population health and individualized patient care (precision medicine). From the population health perspective, the KFRE is being used in value-based care models to identify patients with CKD stage 4 and 5 at the highest risk of kidney failure and optimize their transition to kidney replacement treatments, a quality metric for the Kidney Care Choices model.34,35 The use of CKD progression risk models can similarly help focus resources toward preventing CKD progression and, ultimately, kidney failure. Our data in Supplemental Table 4 indicate that among 25.86 million US adults with CKD, the 3-year risk of CKD progression is 10% risk in 2.94 million (1% of the US population and 11% of those with CKD) and 5% to <10% risk in 4.43 million adults (2% of the US population and 17% of those with CKD). Of these high-risk individuals, 5.45 million have an eGFR 45 ml/min per 1.73 m2, a group that is currently not the focus of value-based care efforts. By contrast, we found a low 3-year risk (risk <5%) of CKD progression among 94% of persons with CKD G3a-A1 and 69% of those with CKD G3b-A1. These findings suggest that the 3-year risk of CKD progression can be used to prioritize CKD care and guide nephrology referral for high-risk patients. From an individualized patient care perspective, the absolute risk of CKD progression can help guide treatment decisions similar to using the 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease risk score for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment decisions for stage 1 hypertension.36 Quantifying the 3-year risk for individual patients can guide treatment intensification using new kidney-preserving therapies21,23,37 in those at higher risk while avoiding overprescribing and potential side effects in those with lower risk, particularly many older individuals classified as CKD 3a-A1. The absolute risk of CKD progression in the CKD G3a-A1 category ranged from 0.5% to 12% in our study, suggesting opportunities for optimizing individual care. Overall, our findings align with the KDIGO 2024 guidelines that recommend the use of risk calculation models to quantify an individual's CKD progression risk.38

In treating patients, as opposed to population epidemiology, an individual's absolute risk of disease progression is more relevant than their theoretical relative risk compared with a healthy population. The Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease risk score has been useful in predicting one's 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease and has guided primary prevention therapy accordingly.39 The 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines also recommended using the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease risk score to identify patients with stage 1 hypertension who may benefit from pharmacologic therapy.36 The 3-year risk could potentially be used in a similar manner, especially with recent clinical trials demonstrating that it is now possible to slow CKD progression using kidney-preserving therapies.21,23,37 The risk categorization can also be applied to guide nephrology referral for high-risk patients.

Our study has important implications for future research. The efficacy of treatment intensification based solely on the pretreatment CKD progression risk is unknown. Post hoc analyses of recent landmark trials of kidney-preserving therapies21,23,37 can provide this information and assess efficacy in different strata of the CKD progression risk. These randomized controlled trials recruited individuals with eGFRs from 25 to 90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and UACRs from 30 to 5000 mg/g. However, we found the 3-year risk of CKD progression to be high (risk 5%) in over 1 million US adults who do not have CKD on the basis of laboratory criteria (eGFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and UACR <30 mg/g) but with concurrent risk factors of kidney disease, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart failure, or vascular disease. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of kidney-preserving therapies in these individuals. Finally, the 3-year risk was developed using data from an era before the new kidney-preserving therapies. Further studies are needed to evaluate the performance of the risk score in individuals receiving these therapies.

Our study is limited by the cross-sectional nature of the NHANES study design, thus longitudinal outcomes could not be ascertained. Because the 3-year risk equation was previously validated in almost 1 million adults, we did not seek to revalidate this in our study, but rather understand the distribution of the 3-year CKD progression risk in the US population. We used one-time measurements of serum creatinine and UACR to define CKD. Both serum creatinine (by proxy eGFR) and UACR can fluctuate.4042 Nevertheless, NHANES data currently form the basis for CKD prevalence estimates in the United States.43,44 Moreover, the calculation of the 3-year risk may be inadequate in younger persons because this does not consider their lifetime risk of kidney failure. However, these limitations are counterbalanced by several notable strengths of our study, including the NHANES design allowing generalizability to the US population, measurement of creatinine and UACR not influenced by clinical indications, and comprehensive data on comorbidities. Our findings can guide primary care management of CKD and improve resource allocation to those with the highest risk of progression.

In conclusion, we found that over 4.77 million adults with preserved eGFR had high risk of CKD progression, whereas most persons with CKD G3a-A1 and G3b-A1 had lower risk. Our findings highlight the importance of individualized risk assessment to identify the patients at the highest risk of CKD progression.
OPENING

Harold and the Purple Crayon. Zachary Levi plays the adventurous Harold, who can make anything come to life simply by drawing it in this adaptation of the popular children's book that was not screened in advance for critics. PG. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe).

Kneecap. Derived from the real-life creation of the performing trio Kneecap, this boisterous, politically minded docudrama comedy is a cinematic protest in defense of the Irish language. Not Rated. (Grand). Grade: B.

She Rises Up. This earnest documentary utilizes the stories of three women entrepreneurs  one in Peru, one in Senegal and one in Sri Lanka  to argue for female economic empowerment to boost cultural and economic prosperity around the globe. Unrated. (Ross). Grade: B.

Trap. A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they're at the center of a dark and sinister event in the latest film from M. Night Shyamalan that was not screened in time for Ground Zero deadlines. PG-13. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe).

Tuesday. Croatian director Daina Oniunas-Pusic's debut film is a mesmerizing, dark fairy tale about death, which comes in the form of a macaw to take a teenage girl from her mother, who's superbly played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. R. (Ross). Grade: B+.

ONGOING

Deadpool & Wolverine. The team-up of Deadpool and Wolverine will likely amuse its target audience of comic book geeks and the terminally online, but it's a whole lot of hot air and not much else. R. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe). Grade: C.

Despicable Me 4. This silly and breezy installment of the Minions series passes by with about as much to remember as a Saturday morning cartoon. PG. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe). Grade: C.

Inside Out 2. The sequel to the 2015 Pixar hit that adds anxiety to the emotions inside a girl's head feels like an educational childrens book, failing to impart anything insightful to an adult audience. PG. (Grand, SouthPointe). Grade: B.

Longlegs. This 90s-set horror picture with Nicholas Cage as a demented dollmaker disturbs more over time than it does in the moment, getting scary once its singularly Satanic boogeyman embeds in your head. R. (Grand). Grade: B.

Twisters. This sequel to the 1996 summer blockbuster is bigger, beefier and wildly entertaining, expanding on the tornado-tossed world introduced in the first film. PG-13. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe). Grade: B+.

The best movies of 2024 so far The best movies of 2024 so far #5. The Settlers #4. Inshallah a Boy #3. Pictures of Ghosts #2. Totem #1. Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell #25. How to Have Sex #24. Dune: Part Two #23. Io Capitano #22. Hundreds of Beavers #21. The Settlers #20. The Beast #19. Housekeeping for Beginners #18. Skin Deep #17. Aisha #16. Challengers #15. Hit Man #14. Inshallah a Boy #13. Evil Does Not Exist #12. Terrestrial Verses #11. Janet Planet #10. Chicken for Linda! #9. I Saw the TV Glow #8. Pictures of Ghosts #7. About Dry Grasses #6. La Chimera #5. Totem #4. Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus #3. Here #2. Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell #1. Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World #25. Hundreds of Beavers #24. Housekeeping for Beginners #23. 20,000 Species of Bees #22. Skin Deep #21. Aisha #20. Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger #19. Challengers #18. Sing Sing #16. Inshallah a Boy #14. Evil Does Not Exist #13. Terrestrial Verses #11. I Saw the TV Glow #9. About Dry Grasses #8. Pictures of Ghosts #7. Green Border #6. La Chimera #5. Totem #4. Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus #3. Here #17. Hit Man #15. Ghostlight #10. Janet Planet #2. Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell #1. Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World #12. Chicken for Linda!
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for all-out efforts to ensure effective flood-control and disaster-relief work, as well as to protect the lives and property of the people.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a flood-hit village in Zhoumensi Town of Zixing City, central China's Hunan Province, Aug. 1, 2024. Li visited disaster-hit residents and inspected flood-control work on Thursday in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when visiting disaster-hit residents and inspecting flood-control work on Thursday in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province.

Li visited two flood-hit villages in the city of Zixing, one of the areas most affected by intense typhoon-induced rains, to learn about progress on disaster relief and the extent of the damage.

He said every effort must be made to search for and rescue the missing people, restore infrastructure such as roads, power networks and communications, and guard against secondary disasters like mountain torrents and mudslides.

The premier extended his regards to frontline rescuers, encouraging them to continue the rescue efforts while also taking care of their own safety.

After the inspection, Li presided over an on-site meeting for flood control and disaster relief. He said that no effort should be spared in flood-relief work, and people's safety should always be the top priority.

Li also stressed the need to ensure the safety of key dikes, reservoirs and infrastructure, promptly allocate disaster-relief funds and materials, actively promote post-disaster reconstruction, and accelerate the construction of major disaster-prevention projects.
RACINE  After 80 years, a fallen World War II veteran from Racine has been accounted for.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified the remains of U.S. Army Air Force Staff Sgt. Ralph H. Bode, 20, on Dec. 26, 2023, and announced its findings July 26. Bodes family recently received their full briefing on his identification, according to the DPAA.

Bode grew up in Racine and attended Washington Park High School, according to his niece, Tena Kruger. She said Bode enlisted in the Air Force in 1942.

Bodes death

In late 1944, Bode was assigned to the 700th Bombardment Squadron, 445th Bombardment Group, 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force in the European Theater, according to the DPAA.

On Sept. 27, 1944, a B-24 Liberator with a crew of nine, including Bode as the tail gunner, took off from Tibenham, England, as part of a bombing mission against enemy targets in Kassel, Germany.

After successfully dropping bombs, the aircraft was returning to England when its formation was attacked by about 150 German fighter planes. During the ensuing air battle, the B-24 was badly damaged, and several crew members were wounded.

Several surviving crewmembers from Bodes aircraft reported seeing other crewmembers near escape hatches, but they did not see Bode escape the aircraft, according to the DPAA.

After the crash, German forces captured three crewmembers as prisoners of war, but Bode was not among them.

After a year without a sign of Bode, the War Department issued a finding of death on Sept. 28, 1945, according to the DPAA.

In September 1951, the American Graves Registration Command, the organization that searched for and recovered fallen American personnel in the European Theater, received information from residents of Richelsdorf, Germany, about several bombers that had crashed in the woods just outside town, according to the DPAA.

Investigators located remains of a crashed aircraft, pieces of scattered clothing and human skeletal remains belonging to multiple service members. The remains were believed to be those belonging to members of Bodes downed aircraft.

Identification of the remains was not possible at the time; the remains, labeled X-9070 Liege and X-9071 Liege, were interred in the Luxembourg America Cemetery in Luxembourg and the North African Cemetery in Tunisia, respectively. The DPAA said the remains were buried separately due to lack of space in a single location.

The Journal Times reported Bodes declared death on Oct. 15, 1945, according to Journal Times archives. The Journal Times reported that his funeral was held Oct. 23, 1945.

Bode was survived by his parents, one brother and his grandmothers, according to Journal Times archives.

Identification

Personnel from the U.S. Department of Defense and the American Battle Monuments Commission exhumed X-9070 and X-9071 in April 2018 and May 2022, respectively, according to the DPAA. They sent both sets of remains to the DPAA Laboratory for analysis and identification.

DPAA scientists used anthropological analysis to identify Bodes remains. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA analysis.

Kruger said she and her family were very excited when they learned of her uncles identification.

I never met Ralph, but I just grew up under the sorrow of seeing my grandma  and my dad, Ralphs brother, just brokenhearted about never having the closure, Kruger said.

Krugers grandparents, who were Bodes parents, and her father, who was Bodes older brother, have all passed away, she said.

I think (my) dad was just so unbelievably brokenhearted, Kruger said. My dad was three years older than Ralph, and I think theres always that survivors guilt that happens.

Kruger, who is from Racine, said her father built his first house on Wustum Avenue in honor of Bode. The home served as a permanent structure in Bodes honor and in his memorial, she said.

That was really important to my dad, that something be done in (Bodes) honor, because there was no cemetery to go to to honor his remains, Kruger said. So he built that structure and then raised a family in it.

Bodes funeral and burial are scheduled for Sept. 27, which is exactly 80 years since his plane went down in Germany, Kruger said. He will be buried at Graceland Cemetery in Racine in the same area as his parents and brother.

Its sad, but at the same time  theres great closure, she said. The fact that after 80 years hes finally coming home is information that Grandma and Grandpa and Dad would have just loved to have known about.

Bodes name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Luxembourg American Cemetery, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed to his name to indicate that he has been accounted for, the DPAA said.

Bodes personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XmLAEA0.
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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AS700 airship prepares for taking off from Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, central China's Hubei Province, Aug. 1, 2024. [Photo/Aviation Industry Corporation of China]

Low-altitude tourism in China is embracing a new mode as the country's homegrown AS700 civil manned airship on Thursday successfully made its first demonstration flight.

On Thursday morning, the AS700 airship took off from Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, central China's Hubei province, to show its performance and capabilities in serving low-altitude tourism, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

This demonstration flight lasted nearly two hours, simulating low-altitude tourism application scenarios via a planned route.

The airship flew over local parks, an island in the river and other popular scenic spots across the city and then safely returned. It flew at a cruising speed of 60 kilometers per hour and an altitude of 500 meters during the flight, said the AVIC.

In the low-altitude skies, passengers aboard the AS700 can enjoy aerial views through the large panoramic side windows. With its moderate speed and an ideal altitude for low-altitude sightseeing, the airship will provide tourists with an experience similar to "floating on clouds" during the stable and safe flight journey, the developer said.

Developed by AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute, AS700 is a type of single-capsule manned airship, which has a maximum capacity carrying 10 people, including a pilot. It has a maximum take-off weight of 4,150 kg, a maximum flight range of 700 km, and a maximum endurance of 10 hours, according to the AVIC.

AS700 is a type of non-rigid near-equilibrium airship. It can conduct vertical take-off and landing in a narrow field, and it is more mobile and flexible than other types of airships, said the AVIC.

The airship is capable of various applications, such as aerial tours, emergency rescue, urban security, and aerial geophysical surveys.

Last December, the AS700 obtained the type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

China has a huge market and dense city clusters. The size of the country's low-altitude economy is estimated to have exceeded 500 billion yuan ($70.1 billion) in 2023, with its scale expected to rise to 2 trillion yuan by 2030, according to the CAAC.

The AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute has already signed the delivery contract for the first AS700 airship, and signed multiple contracts of intent.

The AVIC disclosed that the institute is joining efforts with local governments to explore pilot applications of low-altitude scenarios of airships, and plans to build the country's first low-altitude airship tourism demonstration route.

The AVIC said AS700 manned airships could also be used in the fields of logistics and intelligent surveying and mapping.
BARCELONA, Spain  Imagine planning a vacation and not being able to check Airbnb or another online booking site for an apartment in which to spend a few days walking, shopping and eating among the locals. Would a hotel do?

That's the future confronting visitors to central Barcelona in four years. To safeguard and expand the housing supply for full-time residents, authorities want to rid the Spanish city of the 10,000 apartments licensed as short-term rentals.

Barcelona City Hall announced in June that it would not renew any tourist apartment licenses after they expire in 2028. Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet said the city wants tourism, which accounts for 15% of the local economy, but must help residents cope with skyrocketing rents and real estate prices.

"Our housing emergency obligates us, forces us, to change the way we do things and to put the priority on housing above our policies for accommodating tourists," Bonet said.

Property owners plan to fight the decision, arguing that eliminating short-term rentals would threaten their livelihoods and leave the city without enough temporary lodging: About 2.5 million tourists stayed in an apartment last year, according to the Association of Tourist Apartments of Barcelona, known as Apartur.

Residents of the city, which has a population of about 1.6 million, campaigned against "overtourism" for years, but the sentiment recently grew more heated: During a protest in Barcelona's Las Ramblas district in July, some participants shouted "Go home!" and squirted water pistols at people seated at outdoor tables.

Residential real estate prices in Barcelona increased by an average of 38% over the past decade, a period in which the average rent soared by 68%, according to the municipal government. As in other popular urban areas, many young people who grew up there struggle to afford a place of their own. Authorities say a lack of supply is partly to blame.

Cnn Venice limits tour groups to 25 and bans megaphones in fightback against overtourism

Global dilemma

Other cities around the world also struggle to reconcile the housing needs of year-round residents, the rights of landlords and the allure of tourism's economic benefits.

Measures to limit investors converting apartments into holiday rentals included partial bans, caps on the number of days units can be let out and registration requirements for frequent hosts.

New York cracked down on short-term apartment rentals in September with rules requiring owners to remain in their residence when they host overnight visitors and capping the number of guests at two. Maui's mayor said in June he wants to end condo rentals to tourists to help deal with a housing shortage made worse by last year's devastating fire on the Hawaiian island.

In Italy, a 2022 amendment to national legislation allowed Venice to limit short-term rentals, but the city did not act on it.

Barcelona officials previously tried more limited approaches. Its prior mayor, a former housing activist, made moves to regulate the market, including a ban on the rental of individual rooms in apartments for stays under 31 days in 2020. The city also moved aggressively to get unlicensed tourist apartments removed from online platforms.

"We have accumulated lots of know-how in Barcelona that we are ready to share with other cities that want to have this debate," Bonet said.

The decision in Barcelona was made possible after the government of Catalonia, the northeast region of which Barcelona is the capital, passed a law stating that current licenses for tourist apartments would expire by 2028 in areas determined to have shortages of affordable housing.

Local governments that want to renew the licenses must demonstrate that doing so is compatible with residents being able to find affordable housing. Barcelona City Hall said it wasn't.

Spain's conservative opposition party challenged the regional law in the country's Constitutional Court, alleging it infringes on property rights and economic liberty. Apartur, which represents 400 owners of short-term rental units in Barcelona, argues the industry became a scapegoat in a city that has not granted any new tourist apartment licenses since 2014.

What's at stake for property owners

Bonaventura Durall runs a company that owns and rents out 52 apartments near Barcelona's beachfront. Forty of the apartments are in a building that his business and others built in 2010 to tap into the growing short-term rental industry. He says the municipal government's plan to phase out vacation rentals is unfair and puts his business and its 16 employees at risk.

"There is an investment behind this that has created jobs and tax revenues and a way of life, which will now have its wings clipped," Durall said. "This is like you go to a bar and take away its liquor license or you take away a taxi driver's permit to drive a taxi."

Critics also say the move amounts to Barcelona exercising eminent domain and will inevitably create a black market of unregulated vacation rentals.

Bonet denies that City Hall is expropriating anyone's property.

"We are not saying that these apartments will disappear and therefore the owners of these apartments can't generate revenue from them," Bonet said. "They will have the same assets, but they will have to put them to the use they were originally built for, which is to house families."

Ignasi Marti, director of the Observatory for Dignified Housing at Spain's Esade business and law school, said the initiative would at most only dent rental costs. Most studies indicate Barcelona needs about 60,000 new housing units to meet current demand, he said.

But Marti thinks removing tourists from residential buildings could improve the daily lives of people who call the city home.

Take the case of a mother who needs to leave her child with a neighbor. If she lives in a building with tourist apartments, she knows that she cant count on them, he said. Tourist apartments undoubtedly have repercussions in the possibility of creating ties, solidarity or making friends, beyond the issue of noise and people coming and going at any hour."

Esther Roset, a 68-year-old retired bank worker, thinks so, too. She has spent years complaining about the tourist apartment above her home. Some guests have done things like vomit off the balcony, brought in prostitutes and opened a fire extinguisher in the stairwell.

Apartur argues that such behavior is rare, in party because of Barcelona's strict regulations.

Roset has other tourist-related pet peeves, such as the expensive food joints catering to foreigners that have swept away the traditional bars where she could get a simple sandwich. She pointed to three nearby restaurants that specialize in brunch. Roset, like most Spaniards, doesnt do brunch.

I shouldnt have to leave. This is my apartment. If the tourists who came behaved, OK, but one out of every 10 doesnt, she said. At the end, I will have to follow the advice of a lawyer and hang a sheet from my balcony with the message Tourist go home.

American Cities With the Highest Rental Vacancy Rates American Cities With the Highest Rental Vacancy Rates U.S. Rental Vacancy Rates Over Time Housing Costs for Renters Rental Vacancy Rates by Location Methodology
HUDSON  A Minnesota man convicted in the slaying of a high school student and stabbings of four other people who were tubing on a western Wisconsin river was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison.

A judge also ordered Nicolae Miu, 54, to serve six years of extended supervision following his release from prison in the July 2022 stabbings along the Apple River in St. Croix County, which sits along Wisconsins state line with Minnesota.

A jury convicted Miu, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, in April of first-degree reckless homicide, four counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety and one count of battery.

Prosecutors had sought a 70-year prison term for Miu in the stabbing attack that killed Isaac Schuman, 17, of Stillwater, Minnesota, and wounded four others. The stabbing took place as Miu and the victims were tubing along the Apple River in separate groups.

Investigators said Miu attacked after people accused him of approaching children in the water. Miu told investigators that he was using a snorkel and goggles to look for a lost cellphone. He told investigators he felt threatened and acted in self-defense.

Miu pulled out a knife and began stabbing people after he was taunted by Schuman and his friends, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported, citing court documents.

St. Croix County District Judge R. Michael Waterman said two of the victims who survived their stab wounds would have died without the prompt help of other tubers and emergency responders. He said all of the survivors suffered permanent disfigurement.

Waterman said Miu made a series of very poor decisions after being confronted with words and boorish taunts and insults.

He fled the scene, leaving his victims to die while casually floating by them and emergency workers as if nothing had happened, the judge said, noting Miu was arrested as he tried to leave the scene in his car.

Miu's attorney, Aaron Nelson, asked the court for a measured response in its sentence. He said the defense understands and appreciates the heartbreaking loss of the Schuman family and other victims.
Multiple parts of China may continue to experience harsh weather in August, said Jia Xiaolong, deputy head of the National Climate Center, on Thursday.

Jia told a press conference that many parts of the country are expected to see more precipitation than the same period of previous years this month and measures should be taken to prevent disasters induced by heavy rainfall.

Two to three typhoons could land in China this month and lash the coastal areas of southern and eastern parts of the country, while possibly also affecting northern regions, he said.

Temperatures in most parts of the country will be close to or above the normal levels for this time of year, according to Jia.

Drought might occur in parts of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River as well as Chongqing Municipality, Jia added, while suggesting that related areas should take measures, including generating artificial precipitation, to ensure crop growth.
New blood tests could help to identify, or diagnose, Alzheimers disease faster and with more accuracy, researchers reported recently. However, some of the tests for the brain-wasting disease appear to work better than others.

New tests, new drugs

Doctors can confirm Alzheimers in a patient if they find one of the diseases main signs: the development, or buildup, of a sticky protein called beta-amyloid. Currently, doctors use brain imaging or a special test known as a spinal tap to look for beta-amyloid buildup. Brain imaging is hard to get and spinal taps are painful.

Instead, many patients are diagnosed based on their behavior and cognitive exams.

Now, labs have begun offering blood tests that can show some signs of Alzheimers. Scientists are excited about the possibilities that the tests offer.

But the tests are not widely used yet because there is little data to guide doctors about which kind to order and when. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not officially approved any of them, and few patients have insurance coverage for such tests.

What tests can we trust? asked Dr. Suzanne Schindler of Washington University in St. Louis. Schindler is part of a research project examining the tests. While some tests are very accurate, Schindler said, other tests are not much better than a flip of a coin.

More than 6 million people in the United States and millions more around the world have Alzheimers, the most common form of dementia. Its usual signs, or biomarkers, are amyloid plaques and abnormal tau protein that leads to tangles that damage neurons.

New drugs such as Leqembi and Kisunla can slow the disease a little. The medicines remove amyloid from the brain. But these drugs only work in the early part, or stage, of Alzheimers progression. Few patients get the costly brain scans and invasive spinal taps that could show early stage Alzheimers.

Even specialists struggle to tell if Alzheimers or something else is to blame for a patients problems.

Schindler said she sometimes has patients who I am convinced have Alzheimers disease and I do testing and its negative.

A limited number of doctors have carried out blood tests for Alzheimers in carefully controlled research settings. However, a new study of about 1,200 patients in Sweden shows they also can work in doctors offices.

The findings suggest the blood tests may be more helpful for general care doctors. They see many more cases of people with memory problems than specialists do. However, general care doctors have fewer diagnostic tools.

In the study, patients who visited either a general care doctor or a specialist for memory problems got an early diagnosis using traditional exams. They gave blood for testing and got confirmatory spinal taps or brain scans.

Blood testing is far more accurate, Lund University researchers reported recently at the Alzheimers Association International Conference in Philadelphia. They said that the primary care doctors first diagnosis was 61 percent accurate and the specialists first diagnosis 73 percent. However, the blood test was 91 percent accurate, their study showed. The Journal of the American Medical Association published the study.

Different biomarkers

Dr. John Hsiao of the National Institute on Aging said the new tests measure different biomarkers in different ways.

Doctors and researchers should only use blood tests proven to have a greater than 90 percent accuracy rate, said Alzheimers Association chief science officer Maria Carrillo.

Carrillo and Hsiao agreed that the blood tests most likely to provide that accuracy measure what is called p-tau217. Schindler helped lead an unusual direct comparison of several kinds of blood tests that came to the same finding. The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health financed the work.

That kind of test measures a form of tau that correlates with how much plaque buildup someone has, Schindler explained. A high level signals a strong likelihood the person has Alzheimers. A low level strongly suggests Alzheimers is not the cause of a patients thinking problems.

Several companies are developing p-tau217 tests.

Who should use blood tests for Alzheimers?

In the United States, only doctors can order the blood tests from labs. The Alzheimers Association is working on policy suggestions and several companies plan to seek FDA approval, which would clarify correct use.

For now, Carrillo said doctors should use blood testing only in people with memory problems, after checking the accuracy of the kind they order.

Especially for primary care physicians, it really has great potential to help them in sorting out who to give a reassuring message and who to send on to memory specialists, said Dr. Sebastian Palmqvist of Lund University. Palmqvist led the Swedish study with Lunds Dr. Oskar Hansson.

Im John Russell.

And Im Caty Weaver.

Lauran Neergaard reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

Quiz - Researchers: New Blood Tests Help Doctors Identify Alzheimers Disease Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

_____________________________________________

Words in This Story

diagnose  v. to identify a disease from its signs and symptoms

diagnosis  n. the act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms

accuracy  n. the quality of being precise or correct

cognitive  adj. of or relating to thinking, reasoning, or remembering

neuron  n. a cell that is the fundamental functional unit of nervous tissue transmitting and receiving nerve impulses

correlate  v. to bear mutual relations
Astronomers say they have observed a new exoplanet that orbits far away from its star although it is a large and massive planet.

An international group of researchers said they learned new things about the planet after examining data from the James Webb Space Telescope. The telescope is operated by the American space agency NASA.

The gas giant, which has been named Epsilon Indi A b, was first discovered in 2019. It is also known as a super Jupiter, meaning it is similar to Jupiter in our own solar system, but more massive.

Scientists estimate the exoplanets diameter is about the same as Jupiters, but it is about six times more massive. The team said the planet has an atmosphere rich in hydrogen like Jupiters.

Epsilon Indi A b is estimated to be about 12 light-years away from Earth. A light year is the distance light travels in a year  about 9.5 trillion kilometers.

International researchers led by Germanys Max Planck Institute examined new telescope images of Epsilon Indi A b. They said they learned the massive exoplanet orbits the star Epsilon Indi A, which is part of a three-star system.

The scientists said one surprising discovery was that the exoplanet seems to take at least 100 years to orbit its star and possibly as many as 250 years. The research shows Epsilon Indi A b orbits its star at a distance equal to 15 times the distance from the Earth to our own sun.

The researchers said they were able to directly observe the gas giant by using a tool on the James Webb to block the light of the planets main star. The team was then able to identify the exoplanet as a bright spot of infrared light.

The new findings recently appeared in a study in the publication Nature.

Scientists estimate the planet and star are about 3.5 billion years old. That is 1 billion years younger than our own solar system.

Elisabeth Matthews is an astrophysicist at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy. Matthews led the research. She told The Associated Press in an email the exoplanet appears to be older and brighter than had been thought.

The team noted the planets star is so bright that it can be seen with the unaided eye from the Southern Hemisphere.

But Matthews noted that nothing in the newly collected data suggests that Epsilon Indi A b has the right conditions to support life. This is a gas giant with no hard surface or liquid water oceans," she said.

Matthews said studying worlds similar to Jupiter can help scientists understand how these planets evolve over many, many years.

The first exoplanets outside our solar system were confirmed in the early 1990s. NASAs total count today stands at about 5,690. The majority of these exoplanets were identified through the so-called transit method. This involves repeatedly observing drops in starlight that might happen when a planet partly blocks light from its star.

Land- and spaced-based telescopes also search for new data on exoplanets, especially ones that might be similar to Earth.

NASA launched the James Webb Space Telescope in 2021. It is currently the largest and most powerful astronomical observatory ever placed in space.

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English.

__________________________________________

Words in This Story

exoplanet - n. a planet of a star that sits outside the solar system

diameter  n. the length of a straight line through the center of an object or space

evolve  v. to develop gradually over time

transit  v. to pass through or across a place, area of country, on the way to someplace else
Dr. Jeff P. Gold, the newly appointed president of the University of Nebraska, commenced a statewide tour this week, making a stop in Lexington at the KRVN office at 1007 Plum Creek Parkway.

The primary objective of this tour is to offer community members across Nebraska the opportunity to engage with Gold and inquire about the future direction of the University of Nebraska.

The event in Lexington saw attendance from various sectors of the community, including members of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Lexington Regional Health Center and other local residents.

The hour-and-a-half event facilitated numerous interactions between Gold and the attendees, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive discussion. Ryan Rothman, the assistant director of marketing for the University of Nebraska system, played a crucial role in maintaining order throughout the event, enabling Gold to converse with as many community members as possible.

Asked about his feelings on being the ninth president of the University of Nebraska, Gold said, Im incredibly honored to be the president of the University of Nebraska, to sit in the chair and fill the shoes of great presidents that preceded me.

Gold acknowledged former University of Nebraska President James Bennett Milliken for hiring him in 2014 to serve as the eighth chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed honor in serving UNMC under various presidents and interim presidents before assuming his current role.

Before his visit to Lexington, Gold engaged with community members in several other cities, including Nebraska City, Falls City, Beatrice, Norfolk, Columbus and Kearney. He shared that he prefers to speak from the heart rather than follow a scripted presentation.

Theres no script, theres no outline. I speak from the heart. Im not a big fan of scripted presentations unless it relates to events like commencement, Gold said.

Gold highlighted the pride Nebraska residents have in their university. We provide very high quality, very affordable, very accessible education and have a reputation for not only the quality of that education and the experiential learning, but for the work ethic, he said. Nebraskans are humble, hard-working folks who really know how to get the job done.

Golds extensive career began in the New York City metropolitan area, where he served as an attending physician for Weill Cornell Medicine and later as a professor and department chair for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

His journey then took him to the University of Toledo in Ohio, where he was chancellor and executive vice president of biosciences and health affairs. His career in Nebraska involved being chancellor for the NU Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, eventually leading to his current role as president.

When asked about the skills and traits he developed throughout his career that would aid him in his new role, Gold emphasized two key aspects.

One is knowing how to take care of other people. I had the opportunity to understand that when a parent puts their child into your hands to provide care for open-heart surgery is a pretty high-risk business, he said.

Gold connected this understanding to higher education, explaining that when a student enrolls, they must be cared for like a family member.

Thats very fundamental to my thinking about the future of higher education. When a student signs up to be one of our future graduates, not just an entering class, but a graduating class of students, we need to care for them, like they were a member of our family.

The second thing is that over my entire career Ive always had administrative responsibilities, Gold said. He mentioned reading numerous leadership books to grasp modern leadership demands, noting, It is a really tough job and you need to have the passion and the desire to really do it well, and to genuinely care.

Gold said he learns something new every day, valuing the insights and advice from previous University of Nebraska presidents. Gold emphasized the importance of listening carefully and being transparent.

Im going to trip and fall, and Im going to make decisions or be part of decisions, that no matter how well thought out they are, no matter how carefully theyve been considered, theyre not always going to be the best. And rest assured Im gonna get up, dust myself off and do better next time, Gold said.

Gold said he measures his success by the success of others and is focused on his commitment to the people of Nebraska.

This is not a steppingstone, he said. This is my commitment to the people of the state of Nebraska, that Im in it with them. Im going to give them the stability that they need and the work ethic that they need. Ill continue to hold hands and be side by side with each of them.

He concluded, Im not interested in having my name on buildings, having programs named after me. I am interested in having a community to be incredibly proud of.
US presidential candidate Kamala Harris, who has been seen wearing blue jeans and white sneakers for years, has opted for elegance during her campaign. Now the main elements of her wardrobe are a pantsuit, pumps and a pearl necklace.

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As the current vice president, Harris announced her decision to run for office on July 21, just minutes after Biden shared an emotional statement revealing his decision to withdraw from the race. The politician arrived at each of the public events dressed exquisitely, not forgetting her new style. Harpers Bazaar magazine has compiled a selection of the best looks of the stateswoman that she showed during the 2024 presidential campaign.

August 1, 2024

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Wearing a blue suit, Harris stepped out in public, adding her favorite pearl earrings and necklace to the look. The vice president spoke at the 60th International Bull Biennial of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority (a historically black organization) in Houston.

July 30, 2024

The politician came to a campaign rally in Atlanta in a light blue suit, white T-shirt and nude pumps. For accessories, Harris chose pearl earrings and a golden layered necklace.

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July 27, 2024

On July 27, Harris arrived at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland after attending a campaign fundraiser in Massachusetts. The vice president wore a beige suit, a white T-shirt, and light-colored pumps.

July 25, 2024

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At the American Federation of Teachers' 88th National Convention in Houston, Kamala wore a purple suit, black T-shirt and black pumps. She traditionally complemented her look with pearl accessories, adding gold bracelets and rings.

July 23, 2024

For a campaign event in West Allis, Wisconsin, Harris chose a blue suit, black T-shirt and black heels.

July 22, 2024

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Wearing a black suit, an asymmetrical light gray top and black glossy pumps, the politician appeared at an event honoring the National Collegiate Athletic Association champion teams of the 2023-2024 season, held on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska shared a photo from her official visit to Turkey. She visited Istanbul University, an institution that has been training Turkish specialists in Ukrainian language and literature since 2017.

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The photos, published on the first lady's official Telegram channel, show her delicate image in a blue shade. Zelenska wore a pantsuit with an interesting detail on the blazer, which looked like a white handkerchief sewn into the lapel. She complemented the look with nude makeup and wore her hair in a low bun, which looked sophisticated due to the parting to the side. For shoes, the Ukrainian chose light ballet flats with a pointed toe.

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"Now they are not only future (or, rather, already existing) translators, but also specialists in international communication who know, love and popularize Ukrainian, and therefore will help to better understand Ukraine in Turkey and vice versa," the statement reads. Istanbul University is considered an ancient educational institution, whose history dates back to 1453, when it was founded by Sultan Mehmed II as the School of Philosophy, Medicine, Law, and Literature.

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"I am glad to meet the students of the Ukrainian Studies Department. These young people inspire with their sincere interest in and support for our country. I also talked to their teachers: it is scholars from Kharkiv, Kyiv, Ternopil, and Khmelnytsky who are now passing on knowledge about Ukraine and the Ukrainian language to Turkish youth," Zelenska added.

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Passengers prepare to board a train bound for Beijing at Tianjin West Railway Station in Tianjin, north China, July 6, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China recorded 423 million railway passenger trips in July, the first half of the two-month summer travel rush, data from the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. showed Thursday.

The figure marked an increase of 4% from the same period last year. The company said that the average daily number of railway passenger trips reached 13.63 million in July.

Since the start of the 2024 summer vacation, demand for student travel, tourism and family visits has been strong, keeping railway passenger flow at a high level, according to the company.

Despite extreme weather conditions, the railway operator said it has secured the transportation of goods and passengers amid floods, and worked hard to ensure summer passenger transportation and the delivery of key materials for people's livelihood, thereby providing solid support for both passenger travel and economic operation.

The summer travel rush is usually a busy season for the country's railway system as college students return home for the summer vacation, while family visits and tourist trips also increase during this season. This year's summer travel rush runs from July 1 to Aug. 31.
American gymnast Simone Biles, who won a gold medal for her country at the 2024 Olympic Games, has spoken out about criticism of her hairstyle online. Internet users made comments about her short hair sticking out of buns and ponytails and called for her to have it pinned up.

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People writes that the athlete recorded several videos on Instagram Stories, where she explained that people mostly criticize her because of her dark skin. It's worth noting that black Americans tend to have porous curly hair, so in order to put it in a classic bun or ponytail, you have to straighten it beforehand.

As Simone noted in her video message, at the time of the recording, she was sitting on a bus with no air conditioning and 35 degree heatwave, which significantly affects the condition of her hair. "Don't address me because of my hair. It was done, but there is no air conditioning in the bus, and it's like 90,000 degrees," the athlete addressed her followers.

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She shamed those who criticized her and warned them not to comment on her hair anymore, "The next time you want to comment on a black woman's hair, just don't."

On the eve of the 2024 Olympic Games, she told Elle magazine that she has accepted her hair as it is naturally, so she no longer worries about random statements. "I used to be worried that my hair would be considered unprofessional, but now it doesn't bother me anymore," the gymnast said, adding, "I'm finally learning to love my hair, the texture I have, and the styles I can do.

Simone Biles used to complain about damaged hair due to constant buns and ponytails. The restoration process took some time, so she has no desire to ruin it again.

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As she performed the routine that won the U.S. the gold medal and made Simone Biles the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history, she had a bun with hair sticking out of it, which many people disliked.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
The ride sharing giant Uber and Chinese automaker BYD plan a partnership to introduce 100,000 BYD model EVs on the Uber platform in Europe and Latin America, eventually expanding to other markets, the companies announced.

The arrangement would offer Uber drivers access to favorable pricing, insurance, financing and other services for BYD vehicles, the companies said in a statement seen yesterday.

Plans call for the partnership to expand to the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

The companies said the plan would help accelerate the switch to EVs and that they also plan to collaborate in introducing autonomous-capable EVs on the Uber platform. BYD, Chinas largest EV maker, has fast been expanding its reach into world markets after switching entirely to production of EVs and hybrids in 2022.

The rapid emergence of low-priced EVs from China is shaking up the global auto industry in ways not seen since Japanese makers arrived during the oil crises of the 1970s.

The European Union imposed provisional duties on Chinese electric vehicles in June, alleging that government subsidies give automakers in China an unfair advantage. BYD EVs arent being sold in the U.S. now largely because of 27.5% tariffs on the sale price of Chinese vehicles when they arrive at ports.

But Chinese makers are moving production overseas. BYD, has opened a plant in Thailand and plans to build factories in Brazil, Hungary and Turkey. MDT/AP
China will ban the export of all unregulated civilian drones that can be used for military purposes or in terrorist activities and restrict certain drone features as Beijing faces repeated Western criticism for its stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Commerce Ministry said in a statement this week the decision was made also to prevent the use of drones in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, adding that aspects such as infrared imaging equipment lasers for target indication and high-precision inertial measurement equipment will be placed on an export control list.

The ministry also said it was removing temporary restrictions placed on civilian drones. It didnt specify which type, but last year Beijing restricted the exports of long-range drones while citing Russias war in Ukraine.

The regulations take effect Sept. 1.

Media reports and U.S. government intelligence have frequently said Russia has bought drones from China for military use. In April, U.S. officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive findings said Chinas sales to Russia have surged to be used against Ukraine, and that both have been working to jointly produce unmanned aerial vehicles inside Russia.

Drones have become integral in the Russia-Ukraine war.

China is the fourth-largest exporter of weapons in the world, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, after the U.S., France and Russia. The bulk of its exports went to Pakistan, SIPRI data shows, while it also sold arms to states in Asia and Africa.

U.S. security officials have increasingly become concerned about the use of Chinese drones by U.S. government departments.

DJI Technology Co., a Chinese company, is one of the global industrys top producers of drones, used widely across the world. HUIZHONG WU, BANGKOK, MDT/AP
China sanctioned a U.S congressman Wednesday for frequently interfering in Chinas domestic affairs, in its latest effort to express displeasure with U.S. politicians who have criticized Chinas policy and practice.

Rep. Jim McGovern is the top Democrat on the House Committee on Rules, and he co-chairs the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. He represents Massachusetts and is a member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which focuses on Chinas human rights record.

The sanctions against him are symbolic, since McGovern has no assets or business dealings in China. The sanctions include freezing his assets and properties in China, prohibiting any organization or individual in China from conducting transactions or working with him, and denying him and his family a visa to enter the country, according to a statement from Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

McGovern called the sanctions absurd and said he would wear his as a badge of honor.

Beijing has previously sanctioned a number of U.S. lawmakers, former Trump administration officials, and companies.

It sanctioned Rep. Michael McCaul, also chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and former Rep. Michael Gallagher over their support for Taiwan. In 2020 it sanctioned Rep. Chris Smith and several U.S. senators, including Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.

McGovern and McCaul, along with two senators, last year introduced bicameral legislation calling for stronger U.S. support for Tibet. Congress approved the bill in June, and President Joe Biden signed it into law in July. HUIZHONG WU & DIDI TANG, BANGKOK, MDT/AP
The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has received complaints from four former employees of the now-bankrupt MASTV satellite television channel.

The channel declared bankruptcy on July 24.

In response to an inquiry from Radio Macau, DSAL stated that it is attentive to the interests and labor rights of the former MASTV employees.

As of July 25, DSAL was monitoring four labor dispute cases involving ex-employees of the Macau satellite TV station.

The labor dispute cases filed with DSAL relate to complaints about unpaid wages and benefits owed to the former MASTV workers.

According to the report, DSAL also noted that Macau residents who lost their jobs due to the MASTV bankruptcy have several options to re-enter the labor market.

These include professional matching sessions for different sectors, as well as utilizing the Macao One Account system to seek new employment opportunities.

The closure of MASTV has left a number of local workers without jobs.

Established June 2001, the television station also broadcasts in Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan. Labor disputes arose in Taipei in 2018 where about 30 employees were not paid as promised, leading to similar conflicts in Macau the following year.

Despite facing financial challenges, the station received a 15-year license extension from then-Chief Executive Chui Sai On. At its peak, MAST had up to 150 employees.

The broadcaster heavily relied on government funding to sustain its programs, primarily focused on promoting Macau, receiving an annual grant of MOP8 million in 2019 and 2020. Staff reporter
* Gaming on alert

 Casinos revenue falls short of estimates amid Chinas illegal money flow clampdown

* Gaming | MGM eyes Thailand casino development amid strong revenue

* Taste of Edesia

* Pereira Coutinho says many residents are concerned with the mass tourism, calling on the government to rethink tourism promotion strategy

* Raised duty-free quota applicable at all borders except Hengqin

* BYD, Uber form partnership to deploy 100,000 EVs in EU and Latin America

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Friday, August 2, 2024  edition no. 4537
The growth of gaming revenue continued to be lackluster in July, falling short of analysts projections despite the popular summer travel season.

This could signal rising concerns among gamblers over Chinas crackdown on the gambling hub.

According to data published by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau yesterday, gross gaming revenue (GGR) increased by 12% to MOP18.6 billion for the month.

This figure is below the median analyst forecast of a 14% year-on-year rise and represents 76% of the gaming revenue levels seen prior to the pandemic in 2019.

This trend indicates that Beijings efforts to curb illegal money exchange and cross-border gambling have negatively impacted player sentiment.

According to a recent study by Citibank, despite concerns over Beijings intensified efforts to curb illicit cross-border capital flows, Macaus premium mass gaming segment has continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience.

Analysts George Choi and Ryan Cheung noted the number of premium mass players increased 61% year-on-year to 575 individuals, while total wagers surged 34% to reach HKD12.2 million.

Our July 2024 table survey suggests that concerns by some investors about a crackdown on illegal cross-border fund flows and its negative impact on Macaus GGR are likely overstated, the analysts stated in their report.

In June, revenue from casinos amounted to MOP17.69 billion in June, the lowest monthly total since November of last year.

Since June, Beijing and state-owned media have highlighted a series of arrests involving illegal money exchange and loan sharks, along with cross-border gambling. These actions by the Chinese government have likely contributed to the decline in visitor arrivals.

That same month, Macau reported 2.55 million visitor arrivals, which was about 82% of the pre-pandemic level. The city is expected to release data for July later this month, but industry analysts anticipate the numbers will show a continued slowdown.

This trend is partly due to Chinas easing of international travel restrictions and visa regulations, which have encouraged mainland Chinese tourists  Macaus dominant visitor group  to travel overseas instead.

The economic slowdown in China has also weakened tourist spending in Macau, with travelers cutting back on luxury shopping in favor of more budget-friendly eating and drinking options.

Brokerage CLSA Ltd has revised its forecast for gaming revenues and earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for 2024 and 2025, lowering projections in 2024 to MOP232.7 billion, a 27% year-on-year increase, and expects 3.9% growth to MOP241.7 billion in 2025.
Lawmaker Leong Sun Iok, together with the Macau Federation of Trade Unions, has expressed concern over the physical and mental health of gaming industry workers. In a spoken inquiry delivered at the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Leong noted that, while the gaming industry has been thriving after the reopening of the borders and easing of the pandemic restrictions, the industry has not yet reestablished the number of workers and benefits to pre-pandemic levels, which often forces workers of the gaming concessionaires to handle unreasonable numbers of patrons.

With the gradual recovery of gaming revenue, I have received several requests for support from frontline workers who complain that, after the pandemic, the number of visitors [has] increased and, due to lack of manpower, they had to attend to more customers, he said, adding, furthermore, they are constantly dealing with fraudsters and have also been forced to adapt to new electronic gaming tables and new equipment. If they make a mistake, they easily receive warning letters, and there have even been cases in which workers have been fired for work-related mistakes, or even advised to voluntarily quit.

Leong claims that such an attitude from the gaming concessionaires is causing problems for both the physical and mental health of the workers.

Many workers complain about the shifts, as they are many and very busy, which affects their working hours and their family and social life, putting them under physical and psychological pressure, the lawmakers said.

The lawmaker said that, although there is a new gaming law in force that establishes several obligations around concessionaires relationship with their workers, there is a lack of scrutiny on enforcement.

He noted that the gaming sector is where the largest number of workers are employed and accordingly supports tens of thousands of families, but reaffirmed the need for companies to see their staff members as precious assets.

I appeal to concessionaires to reduce the pressure on workers, hiring more workers promptly and helping them resolve problems according to their needs. Warning letters should not be issued [so readily] but should be only for good reason in the name of keeping a harmonious employment relationship.

The same lawmaker also called on authorities to optimize the regime that regulates the work on shifts and to provide workers with proper training on the new electronic gaming tables and others.

He concluded by noting that a recovery in the gaming industry results is expected to match an improvement in the benefits and working conditions of the workers to boost morale, promote the physical and mental health of workers, and the sustainable and healthy development of the sector.
A young woman is believed to have fallen victim to a scam involving a suspect pretending to be a police officer.

The victim, after following the instructions provided by the scammer and inquiring about the status of her case with the local police station, discovered that she had been deceived and had lost MOP1 million.

According to police reports, the victim received a phone call in June, during which she was accused of being involved in various crimes, including intimidation, fraud, and illegal gambling. The scammer was able to provide details about the victims home return permit, which led her to believe the claims were legitimate.

Consequently, she followed the instructions to book a hotel for three consecutive days, conducted daily video calls, and reported her whereabouts to the scammers, who posed as public security officials, without reaching out to anyone else.

The same instructions were given to an elderly woman who also fell victim to the scam, as reported by the police authorities Wednesday.

The police officer further explained that the scammer falsely asserted that the victim needed to deposit funds into a bank account to demonstrate that she had no financial issues.

The young woman complied and made multiple deposits totaling MOP800,000. Although the bank identified unusual transactions in her account and attempted to contact her, she ignored their calls. Ultimately, all MOP200,000 remaining in her account was transferred out.
China reported 108 million cases of direct trans-provincial settlement of medical bills in the first half (H1) of 2024, a surge of 124.7 percent compared with the same period last year, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA).

Direct trans-provincial settlement refers to the on-site reimbursement of medical costs incurred from cross-regional medical visits within the coverage of China's basic medical insurance system.

Before the policy was implemented across the country in 2017, patients had to return to the region where their medical insurance was registered to receive any reimbursements. Earlier before, medical insurance reimbursement was once limited to treatment at designated hospitals in a patient's assigned region.

Cross-regional medical visits, especially patient transfers to higher-tier hospitals, are common in China, where over 95 percent of the population is covered by basic medical insurance.

The direct trans-provincial medical bill settlement now covers both outpatient and inpatient visits, making public access to medical care much more convenient.

The NHSA said that as of the end of June 2024, the number of designated medical institutions covered by the trans-provincial settlement policy had increased by 11.45 percent from the end of 2023 to 613,400, including 396,100 pharmacies.
Thousands of marijuana shops boldly opened without a license in New York City after the state legalized recreational use of the drug, but after more than a year of lax enforcement, new state rules are finally allowing officials to padlock their doors.

New York Citys sheriffs office says it has shuttered around 700 illegal stores since new state regulations passed in April. The unsanctioned shops had become ubiquitous across the Big Apple, when the citys power to step in had been limited and the legal market was mired in red tape.

Officials had estimated there were some 2,900 unlicensed vendors throughout New York City  compared to around 60 licensed dispensaries currently operating. But cannabis industry licensees say the sheriff is starting to bring order.

Enforcement used to be kind of a joke, and now its not, said Sasha Nutgent, retail director of Manhattans Housing Works Cannabis Co., which rang up the states first legal marijuana sale in December 2022.

Around 100 shops have successfully defended themselves against the fines since April, sometimes by citing faulty paperwork or the sheriffs lack of evidence, according to analyses of city administrative hearing data by The Associated Press and the City Councils investigative arm. But some of those businesses still closed anyway.

When New York first legalized marijuana in 2021, the regulations initially didnt give local law enforcement agencies much power to punish unlicensed sellers, assigning that to the nascent state Office of Cannabis Management. Officials stressed that they didnt want to recriminalize the drug as they tried to make up for decades of prosecutions.

Meanwhile, strict eligibility requirements on who could receive a license to open a dispensary, bureaucratic delaysand lawsuits slowed the launch of legal stores. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, declared the rollout a disaster. New York still has only 150 dispensaries statewide. By comparison, California has around 1,200, though the state has also struggled to shut down illegal shops.

New York City and state officials have promised tough enforcement in the past. Last year, lawmakers expanded the states powers for inspections, seizures and fines , which it then used to close some stores, while Manhattans district attorney sent hundreds of sternly-worded letters to landlords. But most of the stores persisted, ignoring the threat of eviction or financial fines, and were able to continue operating as lengthy appeals played out.

While Housing Works has reported $24 million in sales in its first year, Nutgent said some licensed stores have struggled because of the illicit competitors. They dont pay the additional taxes that helped legalization become palatable to legislators, and often flout state restrictions on advertising and promotions.

But since the new enforcement powers came in, business at licensed dispensary The Cannabis Place in Queens has increased by around 35% because the customers in the area didnt have anywhere else to go, said manager Tamer Eltabib.

The powers, passed in the state budget, gave local authorities the ability to padlock stores while administrative hearings play out. Because the sheriffs office can inspect businesses without a court order, its able to quickly raid retail stores and seize products. A lawsuit was filed in federal court arguing the practice denies stores due process, but has not won any favorable ruling that would stop it. The law firm representing some two dozen shuttered stores in the lawsuit declined to comment.

The sheriffs office says it has also issued violations amounting to more than $57 million since April, though its unclear how much of that sum has been collected.

The sheriffs office declined to comment, referring questions to City Hall, which said 15 teams of deputies and NYPD officers are being sent out daily.

If you are operating an illegal cannabis business, our administration is sending a clear message: You will be shut down, the office of Democrat Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement.

City Council Member Gale Brewer, a Democrat who strove for two years to shutter an unlicensed weed shop across the street from her office on Manhattans Upper West Side, says the latest effort is finally helping to nip the problem in the, well, bud.

Theres no question about it, she said. CEDAR ATTANASIO & JENNIFER PELTZ, NEW YORK, MDT/AP
Lawmaker Jose Pereira Coutinho says many residents are concerned with the mass tourism over the past few months, calling on the government to rethink tourism promotion and consider the type and number of tourists that Macau can sustain without damaging the life of local residents.

The lawmaker expressed these thoughts during the period before the agenda of Wednesdays session of the Legislative Assembly.

In a spoken inquiry, Pereira Coutinho claimed that his office has received many complaints from residents concerned with the tourism capacity of Macau and the adverse effects of over-tourism.

In recent times, our office has been receiving many opinions and complaints from residents regarding the uncontrolled increase in the number of tourists concentrated in certain tourist areas with a high population concentration resulting in mass tourism or over-tourism and causing saturation and degradation of public spaces and affecting the quality of life of residents, he said, adding, after all, how many more tourists can this small city receive without affecting the quality of life of its residents, causing degradation at the places visited, increasing of criminality (particularly related [to] usury and currency exchange), increase in noise pollution and overcrowding in public transport?

The lawmaker cited official figures to note that, in the first half of this year, when Macau was visited by 16 million tourists, only around 1 million, or 7.3%, were foreign visitors, hinting that the policies from the central government focusing on visitors from abroad are not being followed, and, instead, Macau is continuing to focus on mass group tourism from the mainland.

At the same inquiry, the lawmaker also noted the need to improve the service and competitiveness of the Macau International Airport (MIA), noting it is the main tool to attract more foreign tourists.

To achieve this goal, Pereira Coutinho said it will be necessary to eliminate the monopoly on air routes, [as well as] the protectionism of flight schedules (slots) and airport taxes, ground services, and introducing cheaper and more attractive airfares, etc.

Beyond the current limitations, he also said it was imperative to expand and modernize the airport with investment in infrastructure such as the construction of an additional runway and the updating and modernization of equipment to increase the operational capacity.

Although criticizing over-tourism, the lawmakers noted that there is no doubt that tourism is considered one of the largest industries in the world, registering great growth annually and will continue to grow further in the future. But this growth must be a healthy one with a focus on the sustainability of public transport (buses and taxis) with the fundamental interests of residents and tourists in terms of travel being a priority.

He remarked that is important for the authorities to evaluate and take into account the opinions of residents when defining a tourism strategy for Macau noting, whatever tourism strategy is adopted for Macau, it must be a clear and well-defined strategy for the sake of the interests of residents, especially the interests of residents of the most affected areas, which must never be ignored, but on the contrary, residents must be previously consulted about what they want for their locations, remarking that only in this way will tourism be able to be sustainable and take into account the interests of locals and visitors.

The topic of over-tourism has been recently on the agenda with several cities, mostly in Europe, taking measures to reduce the impacts of mass tourism including Venice, Capri, Rome, Sardinia, and Florence (in Italy); Athens, Santorini, and Mikonos (in Greece); Hallstatt in Austria; Amsterdam, in the Netherlands; Barcelona, Mallorca, Menorca, and Seville (in Spain); Sintra in Portugal, Prague in Czechia and many others.

In Asia, similar measures have been enforced in Okinawa in Japan; Bali in Indonesia, Boracay in the Philippines, and Maya Beach in Thailand.
Sands China Ltd. has earned Top 1% rankings in both the China edition and the Global edition of the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024.

In an announcement, the gaming operator said that the recognition highlights Sands Chinas accomplishments across its three corporate responsibility pillars: People, Community and Planet.

Sands China is the only company in the Casinos & Gaming industry category to achieve this distinction.

More than 1,700 companies across 60 industries from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau were assessed in the China edition of the 2024 yearbook. Sands China was one of only 12 companies achieving Top 1% ESG performance.

In the Global edition, Sands China was among only 66 companies that scored Top 1% ESG performance. The yearbook assessed over 9,400 companies across 62 industries.
Irans supreme leader and representatives of Palestinian militias he backs prayed yesterday over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in a shocking assassination blamed on Israel that risked escalating into an all-out regional war.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei prayed over Haniyehs coffin at Tehran University while Irans new President Masoud Pezeshkian stood next to him. State television later showed the coffins placed in a truck and moved on the street toward Azadi Square in Tehran and people throwing flowers at them.

After the funeral services in Tehran, Haniyehs remains are to be transferred to Qatar for burial Friday.

Haniyeh came to Tehran to attend the inauguration of Pezeshkian. Associated Press photos showed the Hamas leader seated alongside leaders from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group and Hezbollah, and Iranian media showed him and Pezeshkian hugging. Haniyeh had met earlier with Khamenei.

Hours later, he was killed in an airstrike that hit a residence Haniyeh uses in Tehran. Iranian authorities said the attack is under investigation but havent provided details.

Israel had pledged to kill Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders over the groups Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. The strike came just hours after Israel targeted a top commander in Irans ally Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital Beirut.

Iran supports Hamas, as well as Hezbollah and other Palestinian militant groups fighting Israel in Gaza.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said all parties in the Middle East must avoid escalatory actions that could plunge the region into further conflict.

Speaking in the Mongolian capital of Ulaaanbataar yesterday, Blinken appealed for countries to make the right choices in the days ahead and said a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was the only way to begin to break the current cycle of violence and suffering. Blinken did not mention Israel, Iran or Hamas by name in his comments.

Bitter regional rivals, Israel and Iran risked plunging into war earlier this year when Israel hit Irans embassy in Damascus in April. Iran retaliated, and Israel countered in an unprecedented exchange of strikes on each others soil, but international efforts succeeded in containing that cycle before it spun out of control.

During Pezeshkians inauguration ceremony, in his speech, he spoke in support of Palestinians, saying Iran demands a world where no Palestinian childs dreams are buried under the rubble of their home.

We are seeking a world where the proud people of Palestine are freed from occupation, oppression and imprisonment and genocide, Pezeshkian said. ABBY SEWELL, BEIRUT, MDT/AP
After spending five months in jail for publishing seditious Instagram posts, Joker Chan returned to a harsh reality.

Chan, 30, was sentenced in 2022 for posts containing slogans like Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times, which were popularly chanted during massive anti-government protests in the city in 2019. Authorities said such slogans could imply separating Hong Kong from China  a red line for Beijing.

Upon his release, Chans criminal record barred him from returning to the hotel industry, where he previously worked as a chef. Tattoos on his arms, legs and the sides of his neck  some related to the protests  made his job search more difficult. Now, he works as a part-time waiter, earning about half of what he used to make.

Some of his friends severed ties with him, fearing their association might lead to police investigations. His family also expressed disappointment in him, and when he went out with other former protesters they asked him whether he planned to stir trouble.

I felt helpless. I cant understand this, he said, wearing a black t-shirt that read I am Hongkonger and with a tattoo of his inmate number on his arm.

Five years after the protests erupted, the lives of some young people who were jailed or arrested during Beijings political crackdown on the citys pro-democracy movement remain in limbo. Unlike famed activists, these former protesters usually receive little attention from most of the city, even though their activism for the same democratic goals has exacted a similarly heavy toll.

Since the protests broke out five years ago, more than 10,200 people have been arrested in connection with the often-violent social unrest sparked by a now-withdrawn extradition bill, which would have allowed suspects in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China. According to police, about one-fifth of them have faced or were facing legal consequences as of the end of May.

The government crackdown expanded after NPCs promulgated a national security law in 2020 and the enactment of similar, home-grown legislation in March. About 300 others were arrested under the two security laws and other offenses linked to endangering national security as of June, with half of them already convicted by courts, the citys security bureau said.

Chan fought for a more democratic Hong Kong. Reflecting on his actions, Chan said he would have been more cautious if he could go back in time, but he doesnt regret what he did.

Regret can lead you to overturn what you originally firmly stood for, he said.

Chan was an exception in agreeing for his full name to be published in this article. Two other interviewees The Associated Press spoke with asked to be identified only by partial names over fears of government retribution.

Another former inmate, also surnamed Chan, said he panicked every time he saw police on the streets after he finished serving his sentence in 2022, worrying he would be arrested again. Chan, who is in his 20s, refused to provide more details about his prosecution since he feared being identified by authorities.

Before he landed his current job in the creative industry, he sent applications to about 40 companies seeking employment, with only a handful offering him an interview. He said one interviewer was concerned that convicted people like him could affect their corporate image.

Even when he secured a position at another firm, he said he was treated unfairly by former pro-China colleagues. He said they also did not allow him to work on certain projects.

Some (who were jailed) for political cases like me, when released, are treated as pariahs in society in a hidden manner, he said.

Others who did not go to jail have also lived in fear for years. Nick, a former protester who was arrested in 2019, said he didnt know for years whether he would be charged until police this year confirmed they had dropped his case.

Brandon Yau, secretary of the prisoners support group Waiting Bird, said while some former inmates could return to the industries they previously worked in, many teachers, medical professionals and social workers  whose positions are linked to a license or public sector organizations  face greater challenges in returning to their old sectors.

Convicted students who were formerly jailed are concerned about whether schools will accept them. Some institutions have been unsupportive of their students after they were arrested, Yau said.

According to his group, many of the hundreds of convicts they supported are expected to be released in the next two years. Yau said the city should plan for ways to accommodate them.

Official data show hundreds of people were sent to correctional services facilities each year over offenses linked to the protests or for allegedly endangering national security between 2020 and 2023. By the end of 2023, about 780 people were in custody for such offenses, up nearly 50% from a year earlier.

Hong Kongs security minister Chris Tang previously said many young people who were jailed over civil disturbances were influenced or incited by others and went astray. He said local society wont give up on them as long as they genuinely want to turn over a new leaf.

But critics say Tangs remarks overlook the deeper grievances and aspirations that drove young people to protest five years ago.

Paul Yip, a professor at The University of Hong Kongs department of social work and social administration, said local employers were becoming more accepting of these young people, possibly after seeing former inmates perform well in their jobs.

Yip, also the director of a suicide prevention research center, said the young people he hired were enthusiastic about their future and usually had a strong sense of responsibility.

He said it is important to help such people get back on track.

We say young people are our future. They are the young people. If you dont give them a future, then how will we have a future? he said. KANIS LEUNG, HONG KONG, MDT/AP
Engineers work at Suki Kinari Hydropower Project in Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, June 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Donald Lu, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, recently made headlines with a bold claim: "China is the past in terms of investments in Pakistan; we are the future." This statement, delivered during a congressional hearing, reflects a concerted effort by some officials in the United States to downplay the enduring and robust nature of the Pakistan-China relationship while overstating the influence and future role of the U.S. in the region. However, the reality is more nuanced and complex than this false narrative suggests.



Lu's remarks are part of a broader U.S. narrative that seeks to portray Chinese investments as a strategic ploy. According to Lu, these investments do not benefit local communities and are primarily designed to extract resources without generating sustainable economic development. This depiction is misleading and overlooks the multifaceted nature of the China-Pakistan partnership, which is deeply rooted in history and mutual respect.

In fact, China's investment in Pakistan is far from a relic of the past. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), continues to be a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, China's cumulative net foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan exceeded $7.5 billion from 2011 to April 2024. This figure includes substantial contributions to energy, infrastructure and industrial projects, highlighting China's commitment to Pakistan's long-term development.

The total U.S. net FDI in Pakistan was around $1.9 billion over the same period, a figure that pales in comparison to China's investment scale and diversity. Furthermore, U.S. investments often come with political conditions and expectations, which can be seen as efforts to exert undue influence rather than foster genuine economic partnerships.

The U.S.'s narrative fails to recognize the comprehensive nature of the bilateral relationship between China and Pakistan, which not only involves economic cooperation but also cultural exchanges. Meanwhile, such an "all-weather" partnership is built on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared goal of sustainable development.

Moreover, the growing global trend of adopting the Chinese yuan in international trade reflects a broader shift in economic influence, signaling a move away from excessive reliance on the U.S. dollar. This trend underscores China's rising economic stature and its capacity to engage in global markets without the coercive tactics often associated with U.S. financial aid and investment strategies.

The U.S.'s approach to investing in Pakistan has frequently been tied to broader geopolitical strategies. This is evident in initiatives that emphasize strengthening democracy, combating terrorism and promoting economic reforms  areas where the U.S. often seeks to align Pakistan more closely with its own strategic interests. However, these initiatives are generally accompanied by a perception of interference in Pakistan's domestic affairs, which can undermine local support and goodwill.

Pakistan's cooperation with China offers it a stable and reliable partnership, particularly in fighting terrorism and promoting regional stability. The CPEC initiative, with its ambitious infrastructure projects, is set to transform Pakistan's economy and enhance its connectivity with the broader Eurasian region.

Beyond the economic dimension, the cultural and social ties between Pakistan and China are also significant. Growing numbers of students, professionals and cultural delegations have taken part in exchanges, fostering deeper understanding and connections between the two sides. These people-to-people exchanges help solidify the relationship, making it resilient to external pressures and false narratives.

In conclusion, the U.S.'s attempts to downplay the significance of the Pakistan-China relationship and to position itself as the future of investment in Pakistan overlook the deep and enduring ties between Islamabad and Beijing. For a more stable and prosperous regional future, it is essential for all parties, including the U.S., to engage in a spirit of cooperation rather than competition. The path forward lies in recognizing the reality that partnerships are based on mutual respect and shared benefits.

The U.S. would benefit from recognizing and respecting the sovereign choices of nations like Pakistan, rather than trying to force a binary choice. This recognition could pave the way for more constructive and mutually beneficial engagements, not just in Pakistan but across the region. As global dynamics evolve, a balanced approach that appreciates the value of diverse partnerships will be crucial for fostering regional stability and prosperity.

The author is an anthropologist, and has been living in Beijing since 1993.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday pledged to deepen the Philippines cooperation with Japan during a meeting with Motegi Toshimitsu, secretary-general of Japans Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

In a courtesy call in Malacanang, the President praised the strong ties between the two countries, describing the current relationship as the best in their history.

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Im happy that you come at a time where the relations between the Philippines and Japan are stronger that they have been in our entire history, Mr. Marcos said in welcoming Motegi.

But, nonetheless, there is very still much to do. And we look forward to the continuing support to all the political leadership of Japan, in all that we have started to do, he added.

Motegi echoed the sentiment, highlighting the strategic partnership between the nations.

So, Im aware that there was an in-depth discussion on our bilateral relations, and our regional and economic affairs. Also, this April there was a Japan-US-Philippines Trilateral Summit. And Im delighted that the trilateral cooperation has been a steady progress, Motegi said.
Beirut Iran and armed groups backed by it are preparing coordinated action meant to deter Israel but avert all-out war, sources and analysts said, after the killings of top Hamas and Hezbollah figures.

On Wednesday, Iranian officials met in Tehran with representatives of the so-called Axis of Resistance  a loose alliance of Tehran-backed groups hostile to Israel  to discuss retaliation for the deaths of Hamass leader and Hezbollahs top military commander, said a source close to Lebanese group.

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Two scenarios were discussed: a simultaneous response from Iran and its allies or a staggered response from each party, the source who had been briefed on the meeting told AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened a harsh punishment for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which the group blamed on Israel, also vowing revenge.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned Thursday his group was bound to respond to Israels killing of top military commander Fuad Shukr, saying in a speech broadcast at the funeral that his death and that of Haniyeh crossed red lines.

Israel said it eliminated Shukr Tuesday in a strike on southern Beirut, describing him as Nasrallahs right-hand man.

He led operations in south Lebanon, where the group has exchanged near-daily fire with Israel since the Gaza war erupted.

In Washington, DC, meanwhile, US President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Friday Manila time) that Washington is committed to defending Israels security against all threats from Iran, the White House said.

Biden, joined on the call by Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, also emphasized the ongoing efforts to de-escalate broader tensions in the region, the White House said in a statement.

The call between the leaders also came after Israel announced it had eliminated Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

Netanyahus government has not commented on the slaying of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, but the Palestinian militant group has blamed Israel.

Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israels security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Huthis, the White House said in a readout of the presidents call with Netanyahu.

The president discussed efforts to support Israels defense against threats, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive US military deployments, it said.

Hamas, Hezbollah and Yemens Huthi rebels all receive backing from Iran.

Israel has been battling Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the groups Oct. 7 attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.

Israels retaliatory campaign against Hamas has killed at least 39,480 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

Israel has said the assassination of Shukr was a response to deadly rocket fire from the Lebanese group last week on the annexed Golan Heights.

Hezbollah has exchanged near-daily fire with Israel in south Lebanon since the Gaza war began. AFP
THE transit of Typhoon Carina in the last week of July, which flooded for days several areas in the metropolis and nearby provinces, should raise the wake-up call to Philippine authorities.

Given that the Philippines is an archipelagic country with a coastline of 36,289 kilometers, a joint scientific study released recently in Singapore becomes relevant and timely.

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The study said typhoons in Southeast Asia are forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly and lasting longer over land due to climate change.

Researchers from the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Rowan University and the University of Pennsylvania in the United States analyzed more than 64,000 modeled historic and future storms from the 19th century through the end of the 21st century to come up with the findings, a statement on the study said.

Published in the peer-reviewed Nature partner journal Climate and Atmospheric Science, the study highlights significant changes in tropical cyclone behaviors in Southeast Asia.

The changes include increased formation near coastlines and slower movement over land, which could pose new risks to the region, the statement said, adding climate change, which has caused ocean waters to warm, can alter the paths of tropical storms in the region, home to more than 650 million people.

Our study shows that as the cyclones travel across warmer oceans from climate change, they pull in more water vapor and heat, said Benjamin Horton, director of NTUs Earth Observatory of Singapore and a co-author of the research.

On this, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was on track when, during a televised post-disaster situation briefing, he told subalterns he wanted specifics not general statistics.

The President wanted a clearer picture of how rescue and rehabilitation efforts were not only in the national capital region but in other regions lashed by the typhoon, which also caused landslides in some parts, which enhanced the southwest monsoon that brought intense rainfall.

We believe disaster response agencies must ensure, as the President said, Filipinos receive timely warnings about incoming typhoons, along with clear instructions on what actions to take and where to seek shelter or assistance.

We heard the Presidents assurance that the safety of the public is his administrations top priority, adding, in a post on Facebook the Marcos government is committed to developing technology to protect lives for future calamities.

The statement followed a sectoral meeting with the Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Interior and Local Government, and other relevant agencies to discuss the governments flood control program.

More than words this time, the Presidents subordinates on the ground should look at the implementation of water impounding projects in watershed areas to mitigate flooding.
In case you missed it, the upcoming school year 2024-2025 is already set to start on July 29 this year and end on April 15, 2025, marking the gradual return of the traditional June-March school calendar (from the current August-May) in the country.

With back-to-school season almost here, some families may still not be ready with the costs that it inevitably brings. Tuition fee, school supplies, uniforms, booksthe list goes on and on! But dont fret, here are some ways to make these educational expenses more manageable and well within your budget:

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Be on the lookout for back-to-school sales

Year after year, brands and stores hold back-to-school promotions that you should take advantage of especially for school supplies, gadgets, and clothes. Stay updated for promos and discounts by following the social media pages of your favorite office and school supply stores and department stores. Online shopping platforms also have these kinds of sales so dont miss out on those, too.

Reuse and repair

This tip best applies to school bags, lunchboxes, water bottles, uniforms, and school shoes. Oftentimes, these are the most expensive items in the back-to-school shopping list, so before buying brand new, check first if the one your child has is still in good condition or may just need a little repair to be good as new. Otherwise, get the most value out of your money by ensuring that your purchases are of good quality and can be used for a long time.

Check out relevant scholarships

A lot of government offices, private companies, and educational institutions offer scholarships and financial aid for both secondary and tertiary students. Each scholarship program has varying qualifications for eligibility. Research which one is the most suitable for your child and proceed with the application process.

However, since the school year is already starting in a few weeks, applications for a lot of scholarships may already be closed at the moment. Make sure to double check! If thats the case, you can always apply next semester or academic year.

Consider applying for a short-term loan

The unexpected additional expenses brought by the change in the school calendar may be too much for some families to manage. In this case, there are ways to source more funds in a timely and hassle-free manner. Online lending applications offer short-term personal loans that can be approved and disbursed in a matter of minutes using just your smartphone.

A report by Tala, the worlds first fintech company for the Global Majority, has found that approximately 50% more loans are taken for education purposes during back-to-school months in the Philippines compared to the rest of the year. The average loan size is around Php 5,000, which has increased in recent years, equating to one-quarter of the average monthly income.

Interestingly, 70% of these loans are taken by women, most likely mothers and guardians like Eds, a single mother and long-time Tala user. She discovered Tala when she was searching for extra funds to complete the amount needed for her childrens tuition fees. At first, Eds was doubtful that she would be approved for a loan due to lack of requirements, but she was pleasantly surprised to know that it only took one valid ID and filling out a short questionnaire to apply.

Its a good thing that Tala trusted me. Its like an answered prayer, she said. Since then, Eds was able to grow her loan limits with on-time repayment, using the money to support her soap-making and kimchi businesses that allowed her to earn additional income for her family.

This back-to-school season, Tala recognizes the determination of parents to provide the schooling needs of their children despite challenging circumstances, anchored in the belief that education is key for a successful future. By offering flexible, convenient online credit, Tala aims to be a partner of Filipino families in reaching their goals and unlocking lifes opportunities.

About Tala

Tala is a global technology company building the worlds most accessible financial services. Their financial services provide customers with flexible, convenient, online credit to help support the unbanked and underserved population. Tala has given more than 40 million loans totaling more than 4 billion USD to more than 8 million people across three different continents. Customers have used Tala products to start and expand small businesses, manage day-to-day needs, and pursue their financial goals with confidence. Start your journey into financial freedom: https://tala.ph/borrow/.

For questions about legitimate digital lending platforms, visit gotala.co/help or interact through the official Tala app. Tala is operated by Tala Financing Philippines Inc., a licensed financing company with SEC Registration No. CS201710582 and Certificate of Authority No. 1132, and a registered operator of payment system, with OPS Registration No. OPSCOR-2023-0010. Always study the terms and conditions and the disclosure statement before proceeding with any loan transaction. Tala is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, with email address at flcd_queries@sec.gov.ph.
Fast Retailing Philippines, the Philippine arm of the global company that operates multiple fashion brands including UNIQLO, announces a new, human-centric logistics facility in collaboration with Federal Land NRE Global Inc. (FNG), a ground-breaking joint venture between Federal Land Inc. of the Philippines, and Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. of Japan. This significant milestone represents Fast Retailing Philippines continued commitment to investment and innovation in the Philippines.

Recently, Fast Retailing Philippines and Federal Land NRE Global Inc. marked this significant occasion with a groundbreaking ceremony for the UNIQLO Logistics Facility in Riverpark, Cavite. Executives and key officials from Cavite and General Trias City local government units, Fast Retailing, Federal Land NRE Global Inc., and Federal Land Inc. gathered to commemorate the event, underscoring a new chapter in logistics excellence and sustainability.

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UNIQLO Logistics Facility Groundbreaking Ceremony from left to right:

Chief Financial Officer of Fast Retailing Philippines, Mr. Ryo Watanabe, Group Senior Vice President of Fast Retailing Japan, Mr. Hidetsugu Asada, Chief Operating Officer of UNIQLO Philippines, Ms. Geraldine Sia, Cavite Congressman, Honorable Antonio Ony Ferrer, President of Federal Land NRE Global, Mr. Thomas Mirasol, General Trias City Mayor, Honorable Luis Jon-Jon Ferrer IV, Vice Chairman of Federal Land NRE Global, Mr. Yusuke Hirano, General Trias City Vice Mayor, Honorable Jonas Labuguen, Technical Execution Group Head of Federal Land, Mr. Alvin U. Ty, General Manager of the Overseas Business Division of Nomura Real Estate Mr. Masao Toba, and Project Development Head of Federal Land, Mr. Stephen Comia.

The groundbreaking ceremony highlights Fast Retailing Philippines steadfast commitment to advancing investment and innovation within the country. The new UNIQLO Logistics Facility aims to redefine logistics operations with a focus on worker wellbeing and environmental sustainability, promising to integrate technology and more sustainable practices, thereby setting a new benchmark for industry in the region.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Geraldine Sia, Chief Operating Officer, UNIQLO Philippines, said With the opening of our new facility, we are delighted to integrate the logistical and technological expertise of our partner, Federal Land NRE Global Inc. (FNG), to elevate the first-mile experience of delivering LifeWear to our Filipino customers. With its strategic location within the Southern Tagalog region, establishing this new facility enables us to deliver our LifeWear items to other parts of the Philippines seamlessly and more efficiently. In addition, this new facility will also employ hundreds of local people to support our operations, offering a comfortable work environment that helps all workers thrive. We believe this partnership is a great start to continue elevating the UNIQLO customer shopping experience for all Filipinos.

Key Highlights:

Strategic Collaboration between Fast Retailing Philippines and FNG:

In 2024, Fast Retailing Philippines and FNG formed an agreement to establish a logistics facility for UNIQLO within Riverpark North, a key development by FNG in Cavite.

Fast Retailing Philippines has chosen Riverpark North as the ideal location for its new facility, highlighting the areas strategic importance in its logistics operations.

Economic Impact and Job Creation:

The establishment of the facility is expected to create a significant number of jobs, providing employment opportunities and fostering economic vitality in the region.

Growing an Efficient and Sustainable Business Supply Chain:

The facility is poised to be an advanced, efficient component of the business supply chain, incorporating both sustainability features and a commitment to the wellbeing of workers.

The new facility will be human-centric: providing a comfortable work environment that is designed to help workers flourish.

Situated within Riverpark, a 600-hectare estate along CALAX, the facility leverages strategic connectivity for seamless logistics operations.

The facility will utilize solar panels to provide energy for specific areas of the building.

Exciting Future Collaborations:
A grim milestone has been reached in Sudans ongoing crisis, with famine declared in North Darfurs Zamzam camp. This marks only the third time in two decades that such a classification has been made, underscoring the severity of the situation.

The war between Sudans army and the Rapid Support Forces has created a humanitarian catastrophe, displacing millions and leaving half the population in urgent need of aid. The famine in Zamzam, home to 500,000 people, is primarily attributed to conflict and severely restricted humanitarian access.

Experts fear similar conditions may be affecting other areas in Darfur. The crisis extends beyond Darfur, with 14 areas across Sudan at risk of famine. Reports of people resorting to eating leaves and soil highlight the desperate circumstances.

The situation is expected to worsen during the lean season, with concerns that the ongoing conflict will significantly impact crop yields. Both warring factions face accusations of impeding aid efforts, despite their denials.

As the international community grapples with this crisis, calls for a ceasefire and unhindered access to affected areas grow louder. The famine declaration could potentially trigger UN intervention, though Sudans government has signaled opposition to such a move.

The crisis in Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on civilian populations, with urgent action needed to prevent further loss of life.
Nigerias Kano state has imposed a curfew following widespread protests against the rising cost of living. The demonstrations, which began peacefully, reportedly turned violent as thugs engaged in looting and property destruction.

The protests, part of a planned 10-day nationwide action, saw thousands take to the streets chanting We are hungry. In Kano, the countrys second-largest state, demonstrators set fires and raided a warehouse near the governors residence.

Law enforcement responded with force, using live bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse crowds. The curfew effectively halts further protests, confining residents to their homes.

The unrest spreads beyond Kano, with demonstrations in Abuja and Lagos targeting President Bola Tinubus policies. Protesters are demanding the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal, which has sent prices soaring across the economy.

Demonstrators also call for reforms in the electoral system and judiciary. The governments appeal for patience has been met with skepticism, with protesters citing examples of perceived government extravagance.

As Nigeria grapples with this crisis, the protests highlight the growing frustration over economic hardships and governance issues. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the government can address these concerns and ease the mounting tension. The situation underscores the delicate balance between economic reforms and public welfare in Nigerias complex political landscape.
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A pathway from genomics to an etiological theory of schizophrenia. Credit: Nature Reviews Neuroscience (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00837-7

Patrick Sullivan, MD, FRANZCP, the Yeargan Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Genetics at the UNC School of Medicine, and researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, have developed a comprehensive outline of the genetics of schizophrenia. Their review is published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience.

Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric disorder featuring recurrent episodes of psychosissuch as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinkingwith many patients developing apathy, social withdrawal, and poor emotional control as a result.

Because schizophrenia has been known to run in families for centuries, researchers have turned to genetic testing and analyses to identify risk factors for the condition. Recent genomic research on schizophrenia has identified nearly 300 common genetic variants and more than 20 rare variants as significant risk factors for the disorder.

These discoveries have emerged from extensive genome-wide association studies, whole-exome sequencing, and other analyses. Simultaneously, studies of the functional organization of the brain have shed light on the intricate cellular composition and interconnections of the brain in both neurotypical individuals and those with schizophrenia.

These findings reveal a surprising complexity in the mechanisms underlying schizophrenia, emphasizing the role of multiple genes rather than single-gene causation. This "polygenicity" highlights a mechanism that remains challenging to fully understand due to the lack of robust theoretical frameworks and experimental tools. Sullivan and colleagues reviewed these issues and provided ideas for a path forward in the Nature Reviews Neuroscience article.

However, Sullivan and colleagues stress that environmental factors (including lifestyle, drug use, poverty, stress, and complications at birth) are also relevant in addition to genomic risk. Although these factors are more difficult to study compared to the genome, this genetic information is important for researchers to consider because some environmental factors are modifiable.

"The findings to date resoundingly indicate complexity," wrote Sullivan, who is also director of the UNC Center for Psychiatric Genomics and the UNC Suicide Prevention Institute. "Rather than being a deterrent to future research, this knowledge underscores the importance of accepting schizophrenia as a genetic and environmental enigma and scaling our research accordingly in our efforts improve the lives of those impacted by schizophrenia."

More information: Patrick F. Sullivan et al, Schizophrenia genomics: genetic complexity and functional insights, Nature Reviews Neuroscience (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00837-7 Journal information: Nature Reviews Neuroscience
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Scanning electron micrograph of Mycobacterium tuberculosis particles (colorized blue), the bacterium which causes TB. Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Tuberculosis is the world's top infectious killer. About 10 million people fall ill with the disease every year, and roughly 1.5 million people die because of it, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, about one-quarter of the world's population is infected with the disease's causative agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Further, HIV is the largest known risk factor for progression to active TB due to its immense immunosuppressive effect, said Oshiomah Oyageshio, a doctoral student in the UC Davis Department of Anthropology and corresponding author of a new study published in the journal PLOS Global Public Health.

"It increases TB risk by about 20-fold," he said.

Despite this, HIV isn't the only risk factor associated with TB, researchers said.

"Recent national health surveys in South Africa have found that 82% of people with TB do not have HIV," Oyageshio said. "This motivates the understanding of what drives high TB incidence in situations without HIV 'masking' other susceptibility signals."

In the study, Oyageshio and colleagues investigated the epidemiological risk factors, outside of HIV, associated with TB in South Africa's Northern Cape Province. In this understudied area, most people are likely to be exposed to TB by the time they are young adults. It is estimated that 80 to 90% of the population is infected with latent TB, according to the researchers.

The study was conducted in collaboration with Marlo Moller, a professor at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and Moller's lab.

The researchers found that male gender and, separately, residency in large towns were the strongest risk factors associated with active TB progression, expected findings based on previous TB studies.

They also found that a person's socioeconomic status, their age and whether or not they moved in their lifetime greatly impacted active TB risk. These findings surprised the researchers.

"We did not expect TB risk to increase at older ages for individuals with higher socioeconomic status, neither did we expect individuals living in urban areas who had migrated to rural areas to be just as protected from active TB as lifetime small-town dwellers," Oyageshio said. "Both trends warrant further study."

According to the researchers, these findings may reflect how pre- and post-Apartheid environments affected social factors and thus lifetime TB risk.

Socioeconomic status and residency

In their study, the team generated a cohort of 774 individuals with suspected TB from 12 community health clinics in the Northern Cape Province. They then assessed important risk factors by analyzing the cohort with three statistical models.

"The Northern Cape has a complex sociodemographic history, so we wanted to design a set of models that represented that to the best of our ability," Oyageshio said.

"Our first model was informed by common risk factors from previous TB epidemiology studies, serving as a baseline comparison. The residence and socioeconomic models were formulated to include variables relevant to South African populations, involving the change in socioeconomic status over time, and migration between rural and urban areas."

The researchers found that higher socioeconomic status is a protective factor among 18- to 39-year-olds. Among older aged cohorts, the trend reversed, with those of high socioeconomic status being more at risk for active TB. The finding runs counter to similar research conducted in the United States and Mexico.

"We expect a positive relationship where the more socioeconomic status you have, the more education you have, the better your well-being and access to health care tends to be," said Justin Myrick, a study co-author and field manager in the Henn Lab for Population Genetics. Brenna Henn is an associate professor in the Department of Anthropology and senior author of the study.

According to the researchers, these trends in the Northern Cape Province may be echoes of the societal and economic shifts that occurred pre- and post-Apartheid.

"You only really see the benefits of higher socioeconomic status in those individuals who were bornor youngright towards the end of Apartheid," Myrick said.

Researchers also found that residency impacted active TB risk. Town-living individuals had higher odds of active TB compared to lifetime rural dwellers and those who moved to rural areas from towns. Those who moved to rural areas from towns had the overall lowest risk of active TB.

The researchers hypothesized that this may be due to vaccinations being more common in urban areas. Those born in towns may have a higher likelihood of being vaccinated at a young age. As they get older and move to more rural areas, their chances of being exposed to the TB bacteria are lower.

More information: Oshiomah P. Oyageshio et al, Strong effect of demographic changes on Tuberculosis susceptibility in South Africa, PLOS Global Public Health (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002643 Journal information: PLOS Global Public Health
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Mournful people from different walks of life in the Iranian capital Tehran on Thursday held a funeral procession for Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an alleged Israeli attack a day before.

People attend the funeral procession of assassinated Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 1, 2024. [Xinhua]

The ceremony officially began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0430 GMT) at the University of Tehran, where Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei led the funeral prayers for the Hamas chief and his security guard, who was killed in the same attack.

The funeral prayers were attended by many top Iranian commanders and officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, as well as a large number of mourners.

Prior to the prayers, Qalibaf extended condolences over the tragic incident, saying, "It is our duty to respond (to Haniyeh's assassination) at the appropriate place and time."

Israel would pay a "heavy price for its cowardly attack against Iran's secure territory," Qalibaf stressed.

Following the prayers, Khamenei met Haniyeh's children and Hamas officials.

During the procession, a huge number of Iranians, including top officials and military commanders, accompanied the Hamas leader's body from the University of Tehran to the iconic Azadi square in central Tehran, while chanting slogans in condemnation of Israel and the United States, holding pictures of Haniyeh, Iran's leader and General Qassem Soleimani, the top Iranian commander who was killed in an attack by the United States in Iraq in January 2020, and waving Iranian and Palestinian flags.

Speaking to reporters during the procession, the Iranian officials said that Israel would definitely be punished for its "act of terror."

Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani said Israel would certainly receive a far "stronger slap" compared to the one Iran delivered to it on April 14 in response to an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier that month, according to the official news agency IRNA.

At the end of the ceremony, which lasted for four hours, the Iranians bade a final farewell to the Hamas leader before the transfer of his body to the Qatari capital Doha to be laid to rest.

Haniyeh, who had been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Iranian president on Tuesday, was killed along with his bodyguard early Wednesday when their residence in Tehran was hit.

Iran accused Israel of carrying out the assassination while Israel has yet to confirm its involvement.
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Mass shootings and other traumatic events hit community members hard, with those closest to the incident often experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) even years later, new research shows. The study was published July 26 in the journal JAMA Network Open.

"Outcomes of mass violence incidents in communities extend beyond direct survivors, including persistent PTSD in many adults" who live in those communities, concluded a team led by Angela Moreland, a professor of psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Her team looked at data from a 2020 survey taken of almost 6,000 adults. All had lived in one of six communities hit hard by a mass shooting that occurred between 2015 and 2019: Dayton, Ohio; El Paso, Texas; Parkland, Fla.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; San Bernadino, Calif.; and Virginia Beach, Va.

People were asked about their exposure to the eventwhether they were actually on the scene or were close to someone who was. They were also asked questions aimed at assessing possible PTSD related to the event, as well as any other past traumatic events they'd experienced and how much social support they felt they were getting.

About one in five of those surveyed said they either personally experienced the shooting event or were close to someone who had.

About one in every four people surveyed did meet the criteria for PTSD experienced over the year prior to the survey, and 9% met the criteria for current PTSD, Moreland's group found.

Folks had a 66% and 82% greater odds of meeting criteria for past or current PTSD if they had direct or close exposure to the mass shooting event.

Women appeared to be more likely to have PTSD linked to such events, and anyone with an experience of traumatic events prior to the shooting was also more prone to PTSD, the researchers found.

Low levels of "social support" also upped the risk.

Overall, the study suggests that people can experience psychological difficulties related to mass violence events in their communities, even if they weren't directly affected.

Therefore, "screening efforts for mental health services after mass violence incidents should not focus exclusively on those directly exposed," Moreland and her team advised.

More information: Learn the signs of PTSD at the American Psychiatric Association. Moreland AD, Rancher C, Davies F, et al. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Adults in Communities With Mass Violence Incidents. JAMA Network Open. (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.23539 Erika D. Felix, Moving Forward on Understanding the Public Health Implications of Mass Violence Incidents, JAMA Network Open (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.23528 Journal information: JAMA Network Open

Copyright  2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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David Weiss, a professor at Emory University's School of Medicine and director of the Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center. Credit: Emory University

Emory researcher David Weiss has spent years studying a baffling phenomenon called heteroresistance, in which a tiny fraction of bacteria remain resistant to antibiotics, while the remainder succumb. Recently, he brought his scientific acumen to the equally deadly threat of fungal bloodstream infections in patients receiving bone marrow transplants. Bloodstream infections can be lethal in these patients, including infections from Candida parapsilosis, a species of fungi that can live in the digestive tract and occasionally make it into the bloodstream.

Weiss partnered with researchers at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center after clinicians there observed numerous transplant patients who developed bloodstream infections despite being treated with the antifungal drug micafungin, the so-called "penicillin of antifungals." For the infected patients, these were life-threatening infections, with what Weiss calls a "shockingly high" mortality rate. Doctors at Sloan Kettering were mystified by the infections that shouldn't have been happening. Weiss, who had been studying the phenomenon of heteroresistance in bacteria for years, joined Sloan Kettering's researchers to search for answers.

In a new paper in Nature Medicine, the team described how they worked with collaborators around the world to gather 219 strains of C. parapsilosis from patients at Sloan Kettering and locations in France, Germany and China. The study found that heteroresistance was the reason a small number of patients developed bloodstream infections, despite receiving prophylaxis with the antifungal drug micafungin.

"The fungi are just trying to survive, as we would do when faced with a threat," says Weiss, a professor at Emory University's School of Medicine and director of the Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center. "They divide within hours, so they have many, many more rounds of evolution. Every time we use antifungals, it's an opportunity for the fungi to go to school and learn how to survive. For them, surviving means they're resisting the drug and potentially causing a problem for us."

Contributions from machine learning

Drilling one level deeper, Sloan Kettering computational biologists Chen Liao and Joao Xavier used a machine learning model to help detect the heteroresistant fungi, demonstrating a proof-of-principle diagnostic approach with the potential to inform clinical decisions. The patterns that emerged were complex, thoughheteroresistant and susceptible strains were more likely to have slightly different evolutionary histories known as phylogenetic clusters. Though the machine learning algorithm wasn't strictly necessary to discover this, it helped by predicting heteroresistance based on only a small set of genomic features that can be rapidly measured by existing tools.

"There are thousands of mutations," says Liao. "I asked my algorithm to choose at most 10. One of the advantages of machine learning is that you don't need to sequence the whole genome, just find a few spots that are informative enough that they can predict."

The authors of the paper think this innovation holds promise for developing a simple test to identify heteroresistant fungi in the clinic. But Weiss believes it will take years of research to determine the precise molecular mechanisms that cause heteroresistance.

"Right now, there's no test for heteroresistance," Weiss says. "What we should be striving for is to analyze a fecal sample from a patient prior to transplant, in order to profile their gut microbes or fungi. If they have a micafungin heteroresistant C. parapsilosis, clinicians would be able to choose a different antifungal for prophylaxis or get rid of the fungus from the gut before doing the transplant. You don't want these fungi there because that puts a patient at a much higher risk of having a breakthrough infection, which can literally cause death because there's a diminished immune system to fight off the infection."

More information: Bing Zhai et al, Antifungal heteroresistance causes prophylaxis failure and facilitates breakthrough Candida parapsilosis infections, Nature Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03183-4 Journal information: Nature Medicine
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Credit: Frontiers of Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s11684-022-0935-0

Cong Peng and others at the Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China, conducted a study titled "NETO2 promotes melanoma progression via activation of the Ca2+/CaMKII signaling pathway," which investigated the role of Neuropilin and tolloid-like 2 (NETO2) in melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.

The research, published in Frontiers of Medicine, explores how NETO2, a membrane protein, influences the progression of melanoma through the Ca2+/CaMKII signaling pathway.

The study begins by highlighting the importance of Ca2+ as a signaling ion in cellular functions such as proliferation, migration, and transcription factor activation. It notes that Ca2+ signaling is highly activated in melanoma, contributing to its growth and invasiveness.

NETO2, identified as an interaction partner of neuronal kainate receptors, is shown to be associated with neuropsychiatric disorders and emotional behavior regulation.

Recent studies suggest that NETO2 also plays a key role in human malignant tumors, including osteosarcoma, esophageal and gastric cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

The researchers hypothesize that NETO2 is involved in melanoma progression by activating the Ca2+-dependent CaMKII/CREB pathway. To test this, they demonstrate that NETO2 is overexpressed in melanoma and associated with the survival rate of melanoma patients.

They show that NETO2 promotes melanoma cell proliferation and migration, and increases intracellular calcium concentration, leading to increased phosphorylation of CaMKII and CREB.

The study employs various methods including cell culture, DNA plasmids, lentiviral infection, bioinformatics analysis, Western blot, proliferation and colony formation assays, migration and invasion assays, intracellular Ca2+ measurement, xenograft tumor model, immunohistochemistry, and statistical analyses.

The results indicate that NETO2 overexpression in melanoma tissues is correlated with poor prognosis. In vitro, NETO2 promotes melanoma cell proliferation, and in vivo, silencing NETO2 suppresses melanoma growth. NETO2 also promotes the migration and invasion of melanoma cells, potentially through the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

The study concludes that NETO2 activates the calcium signaling pathway in melanoma, and its inhibition by the CaMKII inhibitor KN93 suppresses the NETO2-driven melanoma phenotype. NETO2 is suggested as a potential therapeutic target for melanoma, highlighting its role in facilitating melanoma progression through the CaMKII/CREB signaling pathway.

In summary, the study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of melanoma progression and offers a feasible therapeutic target for this malignancy.

More information: Susi Zhu et al, NETO2 promotes melanoma progression via activation of the Ca2+/CaMKII signaling pathway, Frontiers of Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s11684-022-0935-0

Provided by Frontiers Journals
Trucks and trailers and trees were still flying around Governor Greg Gianforte on Thursday as he got an update on the recovery efforts in Missoula after an unprecedented thunderstorm tormented the city last week.

At one of the city's humming dumpsites near Fort Missoula, local officials and city employees told him how the lot has been filled, emptied and filled again as residents continue to shuffle debris into mounds like this one. Mike Donemacher with the city's parks department told the governor three dump sites have been permanently closed because they filled so fast. Local arborist contractors are "maxed" out, staff said, so they've been seeking contractors as far as Spokane to help out.

In a briefing earlier in the day, NorthWestern Energy reported to the governor that all customers' power had been restored, while Missoula Electric Cooperative had only a few dozen homes still without power, albeit a week after the storm event.

Much of the story in Missoula's response the last week has been about neighbors helping neighbors, or pitching in around the city to coax the recovery along.

"There were so many inquiries coming in of people offering help, to help their neighbor and it's what Montana does best," Gianforte told reporters. "It is truly a miracle that there was no loss of life, given the intensity of the storm."

The big question moving forward is when federal aid can be tapped; the matter of if seemed to be a foregone conclusion by Thursday afternoon's press event. The threshold for such disasters is a $2 million cost to damage on public infrastructure, a tally local officials say is well within the current estimate, although not yet hardened. Montana's Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester on Thursday began the calls for the federal aid to be approved.

"The experts tell me we'll probably get there, but it's going to take a couple weeks to do the full tally," Gianforte said during his visit. "But at this point, the state general fund and emergency response funds have been released, that will cover up to 75%."

Missoula requested the state issue a disaster declaration last Friday, and Gianforte did so for Missoula and Mineral counties a few hours later. That declaration means the state will provide up to 75% of the recovery costs on a reimbursement basis. Those dollars are drawn from a disaster account with the state that does not include Montana's fire emergency funds.

The declaration also opened the door for a support response from the Montana National Guard, which deployed nine soldiers and three vehicles to Fort Missoula over the weekend. That team distributed more than 1,650 gallons of potable water, 4,150 gallons of non-potable water and over 2,000 bags of ice to residents affected the storm.

"I am extremely proud of the help our soldiers provided to Missoula as they recover from the recent storm," said Lt. Col. Sean Hardy, deputy director for the Montana National Guard's joint directorate of military support.

The cost of that National Guard response will, for example, fall into the 75% of expenses covered by the state.

"As resource requests come in from the county, we fill those whether it's National Guard or other sources," said Delila Bruno, division administrator with Montana Disaster and Emergency Services. "That's all costs that are able to be absorbed by the governor's disaster appropriation."

Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis and county commissioners Josh Slotnick and Juanita Vero, along with local emergency management brass attended the event Thursday with the governor.

"We're very fortunate we had that (local coordination) stood up before the pandemic, and that is one thing the pandemic helped us refine, was being able to respond to major disasters like this," Davis told reporters. "We know this isn't our last one and there will be others that we cannot necessarily predict. Just like anything, as a community, we learn from circumstances and I am so incredibly proud of this group and beyond for what was achieved so quickly."
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The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is facing scrutiny over its handling of the child abuse image scandal involving one of its highest-paid former presenters.

Huw Edwards, a renowned BBC newsreader known for covering high-profile events such as the death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to three counts of making indecent images of children. According to law in the United Kingdom (UK), "making" such images can include actions like opening, accessing, downloading, storing content, or receiving unsolicited images via social media.

In a statement following Edwards's guilty plea, the BBC expressed shock at the court's revelations, stating, "There can be no place for such abhorrent behavior."

Court records indicate Edwards received 41 indecent images of children between December 2020 and August 2021. Seven images were classified as category A, the most serious, while 12 were category B and 22 were category C. Most category A images depicted children aged 13 to 15, with two clips showing a child aged around seven to nine, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Metropolitan Police began investigating Edwards after discovering his WhatsApp conversation with Alex Williams, a convicted pedophile, during an unrelated probe. Edwards is scheduled to appear in court in September.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and BBC Director General Tim Davie are expected to discuss the BBC's handling of the Edwards case via phone on Thursday. Key questions include why the BBC did not terminate Edwards's employment upon learning of his arrest and why he continued to receive his salary for five months until his resignation.

The BBC stated that at the time of Edwards's arrest, "no charges had been brought against Mr. Edwards and the BBC had also been made aware of significant risk to his health." They added, "If at any point during the period Mr. Edwards was employed by the BBC he had been charged, the BBC had determined it would act immediately to dismiss him. In the end, at the point of charge, he was no longer an employee of the BBC."

It was recently disclosed that Edwards earned between 475,000 pounds (606,502 U.S. dollars) and 479,999 pounds (612,885 U.S. dollars) in the 2023-24 financial year, making him the BBC's third-highest-paid presenter. The BBC acknowledged that it was aware of Edwards's arrest on suspicion of serious offenses in November 2023. He was formally charged in June.

Edwards resigned from the BBC in April, citing medical advice. He had not been on air since July 2023.
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This photo taken on Aug. 16, 2023 shows a Delta flight taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

U.S. carriers Delta Air Lines and United Airlines on late Wednesday temporarily suspended their flights to the Israeli city of Tel Aviv amid heightening tensions in the Middle East region.

United Airlines suspended its daily services to and from Tel Aviv, beginning with Wednesday evening's flight from Newark Liberty International Airport in New York to Tel Aviv, the company said, citing "security reasons."

"We continue to closely monitor the situation and will make decisions on resuming service with a focus on the safety of our customers and crews," a company spokesperson said in an announcement.

Delta paused flights between New York and Tel Aviv through Friday, Aug. 2, "due to ongoing conflict in the region," the airline said on its website.

Delta has issued a waiver for customers who booked travel to/from Tel Aviv before Aug. 14, allowing them to change their plans without paying a fare difference.

The airline said it "is continuously monitoring the evolving security environment and assessing our operations based on security guidance and intelligence reports. "

The U.S. Department of State updated a travel advisory for the Mideast region on Wednesday, warning U.S. citizens not to travel to Northern Israel and the West Bank, due to the rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, as well as armed conflicts.
The High Court in Eldoret has ordered the arrest of DCI cybercrime officer Daniel Kieni for allegedly withholding crucial evidence in a murder case involving lawyer Abel Mogaka.

The court had expected Kieni to present CCTV footage as key evidence, but he has repeatedly failed to appear despite multiple summons.

Lawyer Abel Mogaka faces charges for killing his colleague, Calvin Ngaira, during a three-day house party in Eldoret town. Reports indicate that a commotion broke out at the party, during which Mogaka allegedly used a broken beer bottle to stab Ngaira. The incident occurred on May 18, 2019, at a house in the Annex area along the Eldoret-Nakuru highway, Uasin Gishu County.

The accused has denied the charges and remains free on a Kes.1 million bond, with a matching surety.

Justice Robert Wananda, who is overseeing the case, criticized Kienis behavior as unusual and harmful to the cases progress.

Despite numerous summons and assurances to appear, the officer has neither shown up in person nor virtually, and has not provided a sufficient explanation, said Justice Wananda.

Perturbed by the officers actions, Justice Wananda issued a warrant for Kienis arrest and directed the officer in charge of the Cybercrime Unit at DCI headquarters in Nairobi to carry out the arrest.

The Judge expressed regret over how such officers behavior contributes to delays in many court cases.

A warrant of arrest is hereby issued against Inspector Daniel Kieni of the Cybercrime Unit, DCI Nairobi. The arrest is to be executed by officers in charge of the Cybercrime Unit at DCI Nairobi, ordered Justice Wananda.

The court will revisit the murder case on October 18, 2024.
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced that the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party will oppose any impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua when it reaches the house.

Speaking at the African Inland Church Milimani during a requiem mass for Mbaitu FM journalist Mercy Mawia Mwangi, Kalonzo emphasized that Wiper MPs would also reject the nominations of ODM Cabinet Secretary candidates during their vetting process.

Kalonzo criticized the governments decision to appoint opposition MPs, arguing that such actions undermine the integrity of the opposition. He insisted that the Azimio coalition remains united in advocating for the rights of Kenyans.

The poaching of ODM members does not equate to a government of national unity, he stated, highlighting his displeasure with the inclusion of opposition figures in government positions.

Addressing rumors about his political standing, Musyoka dismissed claims that he depends on Azimio leader Raila Odingas influence for his political survival. He acknowledged hearing suggestions that his political strength is tied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader.

Some are saying Kalonzo cannot stand without Raila. Please, spare us. We have stood before; we have been misunderstood before, Kalonzo remarked. He clarified that his influence in Kenyas political landscape was established long before his partnership with the former Prime Minister.

Kalonzo reaffirmed his commitment to remaining in opposition, asserting that criticism would not sway him to join President William Rutos administration.

He criticized ODM for allowing some of its members to join Rutos cabinet despite being in opposition, stating, ODM has taken their time to explain, but they will have a lot of explaining to do. However, the rest of us are very clear about our intentions.

We have absolutely no intention of joining President Rutos government, but we wish them well.
The Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti has updated the condition of a Kenyan officer who was injured during a shootout with gang members on Tuesday, July 30.

According to a statement by MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, MSS patrols along the National Hospital-APN Sea Port road encountered a lorry being attacked and looted by suspected gangsters.

The patrol team discovered that the gang had shot the driver dead while looting the truck, which was carrying bags of rice. The patrol team engaged the gang members immediately after they began firing at them.

During the exchange, a Kenyan officer sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder and was evacuated to Life Support Area (LSA) Hospital for treatment. He suffered an injury to the left acromioclavicular joint and had soft tissue damage. The officer was reported to be in stable condition while awaiting further medical care.

The gang members, who escaped with serious, life-threatening injuries, disappeared into the tall buildings from which they had been shooting.

The incident follows a disruption the previous day when gunfire interrupted an interview between Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille and CNN journalist Larry Madowo. During the interview, Prime Minister Conille was highlighting the reclamation of a hospital he had previously worked at, which had been occupied by gang members.

Reports indicate that the MSS Mission faces staffing challenges in reclaiming several areas. Security protocols mandate the establishment and staffing of a base in reclaimed territories to ensure security and prevent gangs from returning. For example, in Ganthier Town, gang members fled when security forces patrolled the area but returned the next day.

Kenyan Force Commander Godfrey Otunge reported that technical issues have hindered the MSS missions ability to establish a holding force in Ganthier Town. Otunge noted that with full resources, the MSS mission could have set up a base in the town.
The United States government has encouraged Parliament to reject any Cabinet nominees who raise integrity concerns. This appeal came as the National Assembly began vetting President William Rutos new Cabinet nominees on Thursday.

The US Embassy emphasized the importance of integrity in public service and the National Assemblys crucial role in upholding Chapter Six of Kenyas Constitution, which requires state officers to maintain the highest standards of integrity, competence, and diligence.

As Kenyans look ahead to the vetting of Cabinet nominees beginning today, we recognize the importance of integrity in public service and the National Assemblys vital role in upholding Chapter Six of Kenyas Constitution, the Embassy said in a statement on Twitter(X).

EACC Investigating Wycliffe Oparanya

The US Embassys statement followed a letter from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The EACC expressed concerns about the nomination of former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya to the Cabinet.

In the letter, EACC Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak highlighted that the investigation into Oparanya, who is nominated for the Cabinet Secretary position in the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development, is still ongoing.

The EACC had investigated allegations of corruption against Oparanya related to his tenure as Governor of Kakamega County.

Mbaraks letter revealed that after completing the investigation, the EACC submitted a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), recommending prosecution on charges including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, conflict of interest, abuse of office, and money laundering.

Despite Oparanya obtaining a conservatory order to stay any arrest or prosecution based on EACCs findings, Mbarak noted that the case remains unresolved in court.
Kenyan police officers deployed to the United Nations-backed mission in Haiti can earn up to Kes.279,955 per month, including allowances. Each officer receives a base salary of Kes.182,242 from the international agency, with additional allowances boosting their earnings significantly.

During his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 1, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, nominee for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, disclosed that the United Nations pays and insures the officers stationed in Haiti.

Our officers are covered, insured, and paid by the United Nations, so there is no cause for alarm, Kindiki assured.

The officers earn $1,410 per month, equivalent to approximately Kes.183,140 at the current exchange rate. This salary structure, approved by the UN General Assembly in June 2014, has seen incremental adjustments over the years.

In addition to their base salary, the officers receive a Mission Subsistence Allowance (MSA) of $756, which adds Kes.99,916 to their monthly income.

Also Read  Things To Know About Top Cop Leading Kenyan Mission in Haiti: Salaries & Benefits Included

The MSA covers long-term living costs such as accommodation, meals, and miscellaneous expenses incurred during field missions. This allowance is provided to non-staff personnel serving in UN missions, including peacekeeping operations and special political missions.

The UNs reimbursement framework, detailed on its official site under Peacekeeping Missions, outlines the pay structure for contributing countries. The General Assemblys resolution 68/281 established a monthly rate of $1,332 per person starting July 1, 2014, with gradual increases to $1,365 in 2016 and $1,410 from July 1, 2017.

Prof. Kindiki commended the officers efforts, noting, Its also good to report significant progress. The officers have successfully recovered critical infrastructure, including the port, airport, main police station, and hospital from the gangs. Some previously defiant gang leaders have now agreed to peace and are willing to engage. Our officers are doing an excellent job. We pray for their continued success.
On Thursday, NARC-Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua accused Azimio politicians, led by Raila Odinga, of exploiting the Gen Z movement to further their political agenda and secure top government positions.

During an interview on the Obinna Show, Karua stressed that the young protesters demand for government accountability was not driven by Azimio or ODM.

I am against hijacking the demand for accountability by the Gen Zs and making it an opposition thing. Let the Gen Zs express themselves so that we can examine their demands, Karua stated.

She emphasized that their demands are constitutionally grounded, particularly regarding accountability, and that the Gen Zs are prioritizing Kenyas interests.

Karua also dismissed the call for a national conversation by President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, arguing that such dialogue would not address the issues raised by Kenyans. She pointed out that similar dialogues had failed in the past.

Also Read  Martha Karua Cuts Ties with Azimio Coalition Amid 2027 Political Shifts

Do the things that the Gen Zs are saying, If you exit and want us to talk after you exit then that is okay. If people show a lack of confidence in you then you should resign, she asserted.

Additionally, Karua accused Ruto of failing to tackle the abductions and deaths of Kenyans during the recent demonstrations.

Look at the number of young people dead, 66 and counting, so many missing and bodies at the mortuary with falsified identities, she observed.

Karuas comments underscore her call for genuine action and accountability, rather than political maneuvering, in response to the Gen Z movements demands.
Undercover detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have apprehended a drug trafficker disguised as a regular passenger and seized 1080 grams of cocaine.

The suspect, Bioma Alice Gbassay from Sierra Leone, attempted to evade security checks but was caught by the vigilant team.

Upon her arrival in Kenya, en route to Mumbai, Gbassay was escorted to immigration offices. Detectives retrieved her luggage from the baggage hall and transported it to the Anti-Narcotics office.

A thorough search of her body and belongings uncovered narcotics hidden in various locations. Detectives found a whitish substance wrapped in clear tape within her inner garments. Additionally, they found two slabs of dove soap concealing a suspicious powdery substance in her luggage. Laboratory tests confirmed that the substances were cocaine.

In a separate operation, law enforcement officers acted on a distress call from the manager of Promise Bus Services, who reported suspicious behavior by a passenger on a bus traveling from Malaba to Nairobi, registration number KBY 156K.

Officers located the parcel belonging to Emmanuel Erony, who had boarded the bus. Inside the parcel, they discovered 19 large stones wrapped in yellow cellophane tape. These stones contained cannabis sativa, weighing 19,810 grams and valued at approximately Kes.990,500.

Both suspects, Bioma Alice Gbassay and Emmanuel Erony, have been processed for arraignment.
Le Petit Elephant Nursery and Preschool's contentious church-to-day care conversion project at a dormant Napa church will receive $1.5 million in state grant money to help with renovation and construction.

The money will be paid in three installments and fund improvements at the former Latter-day Saints church at 15 Chapel Hill Drive, including a new fire sprinkler system, plumbing upgrades, electrical and climate-control systems, modern classroom spaces, a new playground, and an elevator accessible to those with disabilities.

In a news release, Le Petit Elephant owner Milli Pintacsi said the state grant will free up additional funds for tuition assistance at her planned child care center.

"This grant also allows us to expand our services and provide a nurturing and educational environment for the children and families of Napa," she said.

The conversion of the vacant LDS church in Napa's Alta Heights neighborhood has been debated by neighbors with concerns about worsening traffic and fire evacuation hazards, with the project recently spawning a court case.

At the end of June, the Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition sued the city of Napa for approving the day care center, arguing that the plan violates the California Environmental Quality Act.

In response to the legal challenges, an intuitive called Protect Childcare in Napa arose to help raise funds to cover legal costs. The initiative is supported by local organizations like It Takes a Valley and First 5 Napa.

The day care is scheduled to open in late 2025 and will serve up to 250 children from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. It will also be used on weekends as a community space from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Funding for the state grant comes from the Infrastructure Grant Program of the California Department of Social Services, Child Care and Development Division.
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At least 16 people were killed and 20 others injured after a deadly explosion at a local night market in Nigeria's northeastern state of Borno late Wednesday, police said Thursday.

The deadly explosion followed the detonation of an improvised explosive device, allegedly by the Boko Haram terror group, at a marketplace in Kawuri, a town in the Kondauga local government area of the state, Yusuf Lawan, the police chief in Borno, told Xinhua by telephone Thursday morning.

Lawan said a team of police personnel was immediately deployed to the scene to cordon off the area from further explosions while restoring normalcy.

Following the deadly explosion, the police have imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state, said Nahum Daso, a spokesman for the police in Borno, in a separate statement.

"The curfew is a measure to prevent further loss of lives and property and to allow security agencies to maintain control and ensure public safety," he said, adding that residents were expected to stay indoors and avoid "any unnecessary movements during the curfew period."
The Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library welcomed Joan Browning and Charles Person, two participants in the 1961 Freedom Rides during the civil rights movement, to Emory this summer.

Various members of the Emory community joined them on the top floor of the Robert W. Woodruff Library on Friday, July 26, to browse through historic documents and items from Rose Librarys African American History and Culture Collection, along with documents from Brownings personal papers, already in the Roses collection.

While the group perused the items, Person announced that he would be placing his personal archive with Emory.

The Rose Library is delighted to have the papers of Freedom Riders and civil rights activists because these documents show how it was everyday people  many of them teenagers and young adults  who led the civil rights movement and changed the world, says Carrie Hintz, interim co-director of the Rose Library. It is powerful for our students and researchers to hold in their hands the evidence of how other young people who were living in a difficult and complex time fought against the oppressive systems of their moment to shape a new future.

Person, born and raised in Atlanta, was the youngest participant in the very first Freedom Ride of 1961 from Washington, D.C., to Birmingham, Alabama. He was only 18 years old. In addition to joining the Freedom Rides, Person also participated in sit-ins during his time as a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta.

Browning, who also hails from Georgia, became involved in the Freedom Rider movement while attending what is now known as Georgia College & State University. As a white woman, she was dismissed from the school in 1961 for attending a Black church during her involvement in the civil rights movement. Nearly the same age as Person, Browning joined the Albany Freedom Ride and was jailed.

Many people ask if participants in the Albany movement followed Martin Luther King Jr. to jail. Well, we were arrested on Sunday, and he didnt go to jail in Albany until Friday, said Browning with a smile. With all the influence of youth, we say, He followed us to jail!

Though they never were on the same Freedom Rides, Person and Browning met after the civil rights movement at reunions held over the years for Freedom Riders. To date, there are estimated to be fewer than 50 riders remaining across the country, down from 436 who initially participated.

We were bonded to each other, and we remain that way to now, said Browning. This is my family, the people that I was with at the time, and we were committed to a joint project.

Youve got to do something in life. You might as well do something meaningful.

Before sitting down for a conversation, Browning and Person browsed a room full of documents and artifacts from several collections, telling stories about their role in and memories of the civil rights movement.

Included in the display were notes written on toilet paper exchanged in the Albany jail among Browning and activists A. Lenora Taitt-Magubane and James Forman.

Members of the library staff read from a toilet paper letter written by Browning in the collection: Spirits over here are fine  We have found a name for our present residence. Over my door is, Welcome to the Crossbars Hotel. Keep the chins up  we are still winning. Love to all, Joan.

Another scrap of toilet paper boasted Martin Luther King Jr.s personal phone number. Browning noted how King was incredibly accessible to everyone in the movement.

Person didnt have paper while in jail, so he and other Freedom Riders would sing while detained instead of writing. In fact, Person was placed in solitary confinement for 10 days for singing too loudly.

We sang freedom songs anyway because it exuberates you, said Person. The songs not only encouraged us, but it was also a way of relaying messages. We changed or modified the verses to let other people in jail know what was going on, how many people were there, if any members of the clergy were going to visit, things like that.

One notable object stood out among the paper items. The staff pulled the typewriter on which Lift Every Voice and Sing, known as the Black National Anthem, was composed by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson. Lift Every Voice and Sing was one of the protest songs that Freedom Riders sang in jail.

After viewing the archive items, the group moved to the Woodruff Seminar Room to continue the conversation. There, Browning and Person emphasized their joy in sharing their experience with members of the younger generation.

I emphasize how young we were during the movement. Young people can really make a difference and make the world a little better, said Browning. Youve got to do something in life. You might as well do something meaningful.

Person also gave his perspective on the importance of young people being bold enough to act on the ideas they are passionate about.

They have the ability to change the world. They have many great ideas, but they have doubts about how far they can go. I like to give them the courage, said Person. When I first met Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis and a lot of other members you all know, they werent famous. They were doing things that would eventually make them famous.

To view the African American History and Culture collection and the many others held by the Rose Library, visit the website for detailed instructions on scheduling a visit.
Hong Kong tourist, 52, drowns in Thailand

The famous Patong beach on the Thai island of Phuket. Photo: Patong Surf Life Saving Facebook page

A 52-year-old Hong Kong man has drowned on the Thai resort island of Phuket while swimming with his teenage son, it emerged on Friday.



The Immigration Department confirmed receiving a request for help from the man's family, and pledged to render all necessary assistance.



According to Thai media, the duo decided to take a dip at the famous Patong beach on Wednesday when the father began drifting away.



His son notified lifesavers, who pulled the man ashore on a jet ski. He was already unconscious and was eventually pronounced dead in hospital.



The Immigration Department said it had contacted the Chinese consulate in the southern Thai province of Songkhla, with the help of the Foreign Ministry's office in Hong Kong.



A spokesman said the department will remain in close contact with all relevant parties and provide assistance according to the family's wishes.



SAR residents needing help overseas are urged to call its 24-hour hotline, (852)1868, or send a message through WhatsApp using the same number.
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Lebanese militant group Hezbollah announced on Thursday that it targeted Israeli sites with rockets in response to an airstrike on southern Lebanon that killed four Syrians.

"In response to the attack that targeted Chamaa and the martyrdom of several civilians, the Islamic Resistance fighters bombed today enemy army sites in western Galilee and the settlement of Matzuva with dozens of Katyusha rockets," it said in a statement.

Hezbollah added that it also attacked the Jal al-Alam site with rockets.

Lebanese military sources told Xinhua that the Lebanese army monitored the launching of about 70 surface-to-surface rockets in two separate batches from the Lebanese side into Israel, and some of them were intercepted by the Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system.

The source noted that the Israeli army shelled and launched several air raids on several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, killing four Syrians and injuring four Lebanese civilians.

The latest attacks came amid rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel following Tuesday's Israeli attack on Dahieh in Beirut's southern suburbs, killing Hezbollah's top military commander, Fouad Shokor. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah threatened a definite and painful response to the Israeli attack at the appropriate time and place.
Despite having only graduated last June, John Ortiz (M.F.A. 24, Social Documentation) is already finding success in the film industry. His documentary, Jerhy, is in the running for a Student Academy Award. He and his film currently rank as semi-finalists in the documentary category.

Jerhy follows Ortiz as he explores the life and eventual murder of Costa Rican landback activist Jerhy Rivera. Riveras murder, which occurred in early 2020, came following a string of violent attacks and murders against indigenous Costa Ricans that have been on the rise over the past decade. Four years later Riveras death still haunts his family and people across Costa Rica.

Ortiz started drafting his ideas for the film while still in undergraduate school, but it wasnt until he came to UC Santa Cruz that he actually began work on it. I just became obsessed with Jerhy Rivera and why people in my country didnt know about his death. And a lot of people dont know that there are indigenous communities, says Ortiz.

Ortiz grew up in Costa Rica, moving to the U.S. for college. Describing how he got to the U.S. Ortiz says: I want to say its the hard work, but it's mostly luck. The luck of coming to the US with a full ride scholarship.

While working on his degree in history, he always loved film and the idea of storytelling. Growing up I was always very upset with the fact that all the media that we watched came from the US, he says. I was very much in love with film, but I always felt just a little bit heartbroken with the fact that there just wasn't anything that I could recognize from my life. And I think that set me into the path of film, and that's why I ended up in the US.

When Ortiz started work on Jerhy he says he wanted to feel connected to my country in some way, or support people like me in some way. In the film he returns to Costa Rica and spends time in Terraba, where Rivera is from. Ortiz connects with Riveras family and the Broran people in an exploration of Riveras life and legacy.

Ortiz sent his film around to various film festivals, many of which he is still waiting to hear back from. The finalists and winners of the Student Academy Awards have yet to be announced, but they will be hosting a celebration towards the end of this year. Ortizs work and success represents the great possibilities that have come from students both before and after him that have been part of UCSCs renowned Social Documentation program, which is part of the Film and Digital Media department.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a penalty totaling Rs 2 crore on HDFC Life for violating various IRDAI regulations, the company informed the exchange in a filing. According to the company, the penalty was levied after an onsite inspection conducted by IRDAI in September 2020, covering the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20. The penalty of Rs 1 crore was levied for issues related to the protection of policyholders' interests. Additionally, a penalty of Rs 1 crore was imposed for irregularities concerning the outsourcing of services by the company. "IRDAI issued an Order dated August 01, 2024, levying a penalty in aggregate of Rs. 2 crore for violation of provisions of applicable IRDAI Regulations: Penalty of Rs.1 crore (Rupees One crore) with respect to certain aspects pertaining to Protection of Policyholders' Interest; Penalty of Rs.1 crore (Rupees One crore) with respect to certain aspects of Outsourcing of services undertaken by the Company and payment of Commission or Remuneration or Reward for solicitation of insurance business," said the company on Thursday in its filing with the exchange. In addition to the financial penalties, IRDAI has issued further directions and advisories to the insurance provider HDFC Life. The company has been instructed to adhere to these guidelines within a stipulated timeframe to rectify the identified deficiencies and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is a statutory body established by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999 (IRDA Act, 1999) to supervise and develop India's insurance sector. IRDAI's goal is to protect policyholders' interests and promote the industry's orderly growth. (ANI)
Infosys says that the Karnataka State authorities are withdrawing the pre-show cause GST notice issued to Infosys with a tax demand of Rs 32,403 crore, the company informed the exchange in a filing on Friday, "The Company has received a communication from Karnataka State authorities, withdrawing the pre-show cause notice and has directed the Company to submit a further response to DGGI central authority on this matter," said Infosys Earlier on Wednesday the Karnataka State GST authorities issued a pre-show cause notice to Infosys for payment of GST of Rs. 32,403 crores for the period July 2017 to March 2022 towards the expenses incurred by overseas branch offices of Infosys Limited. The Company responded to the pre-show cause notice and stated that the Company believes that as per regulations, GST is not applicable to these expenses. "Additionally, as per a recent Circular (circular number 210/4/2024 dated June 26, 2024) issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs on the recommendations of the GST Council, services provided by the overseas branches to Indian entity are not subject to GST," said the company. The clarification from Infosys came post news articles published on Wednesday for non-payment of GST towards expenses incurred by the overseas branches of the Company. Infosys said GST payments are eligible for credit or refund against the Infosys says that the Karnataka State authorities are withdrawing the pre-show cause GST notice issued to Infosys with a tax demand of Rs 32,403 crore, the company informed the exchange in a filing on Friday, "Infosys has paid all its GST dues and is fully in compliance with the central and state regulations on this matter," the statement said. (ANI)
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], August 2: Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training, the World's No. 1 Air Hostess Training Institute again made history today. Frankfinn Institute received two Training Partner awards - Highest Training Centre Affiliation for Student Paid Programme and Highest Enrolment in Student Paid Programme from Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) on the occasion of its 10th anniversary celebration on 1st August 2024 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC handed over these prestigious awards to Anshul Gauba, Director - Sales and Operations, Frankfinn Group. THSC recognised the accomplishments of companies who have demonstrated and delivered outstanding performance in Skilling and Training. Some of the other award recipients were JITM, PVR, The Leela and The Oberoi Group of Hotels. Frankfinn has previously received the "Best Training Partner" award from Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) four times in the years 2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22 and 2022-23. In the year 2022-23, Frankfinn received three awards from THSC. These awards are in recognition of the Quality Training being provided by Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training through its training centres pan India, including the smaller cities. Frankfinn, a multinational company incorporated in 1993 celebrated its completion of 31 years of operations in 2024 and has announced massive expansion plans for the coming years. Frankfinn has partnered with Air India to provide its students with detailed cabin service familiarisation. At the end of their training, Frankfinn students receive a co-branded certificate from Air India, adding to their credentials. Frankfinn centres have state-of-the-art infrastructure and well-equipped computer labs with projectors and audio-visual aids for excellent training delivery. The classrooms have been designed to ensure an extremely professional and good learning environment for the students. Highly experienced trainers provide top-notch training to the aspiring students. Frankfinn trains its students on the world's leading computerised reservation systems which are widely used in Airlines, Hotel and Travel Industries. All Frankfinn courses are affiliated with NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) & THSC (Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council). Almost 11000 students from Frankfinn got placements in the Aviation, Hospitality, Travel and Customer service industries in just one year. This is proof of Frankfinn's highest quality training delivery to its students. Frankfinn has repeatedly featured in the Limca Book of Records for the highest cabin crew placements, year after year. The highest salary package offered to Frankfinn students is Rs 1 lac 75 thousand per month. Frankfinn is the sole recruitment partner for the Emirates Group, including Emirates Airline for the last 14 years. Frankfinn has been awarded the 'Best Air Hostess Training Institute' for eleven years in a row (2011-2022). This indicates the excellent quality of training Frankfinn imparts. Frankfinn has been awarded the Gold Award for "Best Higher Vocational Institute for Skill Development" continuously for 4 years in a row (2016-2019) from Assocham. Frankfinn Institute has also received the award for "Best Aviation Training Institute-2021" at the Assocham Knowledge Management Virtual Meet and Awards on Leadership Excellence. Frankfinn has been felicitated for "Outstanding Contribution in Cabin Crew Training" by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2019. In January 2022, Frankfinn was awarded as the "Best Institute in Placement" at the Assocham Education Excellence Summit cum Awards Ceremony. (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)
Food and fertilizer subsidies account for more than 50 per cent of the Union Budget for the rural and agrarian sector in FY25, highlighted a report by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER). The report noted that in the Union Budget document for 2024-25, the central government has allocated Rs. 6.2 trillion for the agriculture sector, which constitutes 13 per cent of the overall budget of Rs. 48.2 trillion in FY25. Out of this, the food subsidy allocation accounts for 30 per cent of the entire agrarian budget, amounting to Rs. 2,05,250 crores. The fertilizer subsidy accounts for 24 per cent of the agriculture budget, with an allocation of Rs. 1,64,000 crores. The total expenditure for the rural-agrarian sector is approximately Rs. 6.2 trillion, which constitutes 13 per cent of the overall budget of Rs. 48.2 trillion in FY25. The report also pointed out that despite this significant investment of Rs. 6.2 trillion, the focus remains heavily skewed toward welfare measures and subsidies, such as food and fertilizer subsidies, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). All these account for Rs. 4.55 trillion, or over 73 per cent of the total agriculture budget expenditure. "The budget for the rural-agrarian sector is heavily skewed towards welfare measures, with food, fertilizer, and MGNREGS accounting for Rs. 4.55 trillion, or 9 per cent of the total budget expenditure. The focus on welfare measures, which comprise the bulk of the budget for the rural-agrarian sector, requires immediate rationalization," said the report by agriculture economist Ashok Gulati and Purvi Thangraj. It added that while these initiatives aim to improve living conditions, they have not effectively addressed the underlying issue of low rural incomes, which currently average less than Rs. 20,000 per month for rural families. The report suggests ways to re-orient these policies and with better preparation. However, the key question for the government is whether they are ready to take these bold steps to transform the rural agriculture sector. According to agriculture economist Gulati, every rupee spent on agricultural research and development yields much better returns (11.2) compared to returns on every rupee spent on fertilizer subsidy (0.88), power subsidy (0.79), education (0.97), or on roads (1.10). He added that this makes a compelling argument for rationalizing these subsidies and investing their savings in developmental expenditures like agri R&D. The report also highlighted that the persistent low-income levels among agricultural households hinder the demand for non-agricultural products, stifling potential growth in the manufacturing sector. To catalyze a manufacturing revolution and create sustainable jobs, it is imperative to augment rural incomes. This can be achieved through bold reforms that prioritize agricultural research and development (R&D), irrigation, and skill development over traditional welfare schemes. The experts in the report argue that rationalizing subsidies and redirecting funds towards more productive investments is essential. For instance, enhancing agricultural R&D can lead to climate-smart practices that improve crop yields and resilience. Additionally, investing in rural infrastructure can facilitate better market access for farmers, ultimately boosting their incomes. The report noted that the vision of 'Viksit Bharat@2047 hinges on transforming the rural-agrarian economy into a robust engine of growth. This transformation requires a strategic shift in policymaking, focusing on sustainable farming practices that benefit both farmers and the environment. Without these critical reforms, the goal of a prosperous and inclusive rural India may remain elusive, perpetuating the cycle of low demand and limited job creation in the manufacturing sector. The time for action is now, as the future of rural India depends on it. "The realization of the vision of 'Viksit Bharat@2047' hinges greatly on how the rural-agrarian economy performs. Rural India comprises 64 per cent of the population," said the report. (ANI)
Union Minister of Communication Jyotiraditya Scindia held the second round of meetings with the Stakeholders Advisory Committees (SACs) on Satellite Communication and Internet Service Providers & Infrastructure Providers, said the Ministry of Communication on Friday. The ministry stated that discussions in the meeting revolved around current regulatory provisions and the seamless adoption and facilitation of the Right of Way (RoW) for a digitally connected India. This initiative is critical in engaging industry leaders in expanding and shaping the future of India's telecommunications ecosystem. "Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the leadership of Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia along with Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications, started the second round of meetings with the recently constituted SACs, and met with SACs on Satellite Communication and Internet Service Providers & Infrastructure Providers," said Ministry of Communications. The ministry added that the committee commended the recent progress in RoW processes but emphasized the ongoing need for integrated governance and enhanced cooperation from state governments and local municipal bodies. The Secretary (Telecom) also assured that the new rules under the New Telecom Act are designed to address many of the issues raised in the meeting. The Minister also encouraged industry stakeholders to actively participate by providing their feedback on the RoW rules. The Advisory Committee on Satellite Communication presented their views on Indian space policy, spectrum allocation, and SUC and suggested various measures for advancing India's position as a global hub for satellite communication. The committee also commended the Ministry for including key provisions in the New Telecom Act, which are set to modernize India's telecommunications framework by enabling more flexible, liberalized, and technologically neutral spectrum utilization. These changes will greatly benefit the advancement and efficiency of satellite communication services. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, to facilitate a consistent two-way dialogue with the government on matters related to the telecommunications sector, constituted six distinct SACs to provide valuable insights to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on various matters. The six advisory committees include members such as top CEOs, academicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry thought leaders from the following sectors: Telecom Service Providers, Internet Service Providers & Infrastructure Providers, Telecom Sector Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Telecom Electronics Ecosystem, Satellite Communication Ecosystem, and Academicians and R & D in the Telecommunications sector. The Department of Telecommunications stated that it aims to implement the recommendations and foster a productive and innovative environment for the growth of the telecom sector. The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders are crucial as we move forward in this consultative process. (ANI)
SMPL New Delhi [India], August 2: Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) Landran has been successfully running its M.Tech programs, offering students top-tier knowledge and practical expertise in engineering, alongside exceptional placement opportunities. Highlighting its dedication to academic excellence and innovation, in the year 2024 the highest package of 54.75 LPA was grabbed by one of the students at CGC Landran. With alliances with over 50 prestigious universities worldwide, the institution offers unmatched opportunities for international exchange programs, internships, and collaborative projects. This initiative further reiterates its commitment as a leader in higher education, providing advanced learning experiences and lucrative career prospects in engineering. Candidates can apply here. Expanding Horizons in Engineering Education The M.Tech programs at CGC Landran cover a wide range of specializations including Computer Science Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. These programs are meticulously crafted to meet the evolving demands of the industry and have been affiliated with I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU), Jalandhar. The curriculum focuses on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the engineering world. Comprehensive Curriculum for Industry Readiness CGC Landran's M.Tech curriculum is designed to equip students with advanced skills and knowledge. Key features include: * Advanced Coursework: Subjects such as Advanced Data Structures, Machine Learning, Data Science, Distributed Systems, and Soft Computing are integral parts of the syllabus. * State-of-the-Art Facilities: High-tech laboratories including IBM, FRESCO, and AICTE AQIS MODROB labs provide hands-on experience. * Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with leading companies like AWS, NVIDIA, and Oracle Academy ensure that students gain insights from current industry practices. * Research and Development: Emphasis on research-driven learning through initiatives like the Industry Institute Partnership Cell and ACM student chapter. These elements collectively make CGC Landran one of the premier institutions for MTech education, preparing students to excel in their respective fields. Impressive Placement Records CGC Landran has a stellar placement record, with top recruiters such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Capgemini regularly hiring its graduates. Notable alumni have gone on to successful careers in various prestigious organizations, underscoring the effectiveness of CGC's robust training and placement programs. This success is a testament to the college's commitment to providing not just education but a pathway to a rewarding career. Conclusion Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Landran, continues to set benchmarks in engineering education with its innovative MTech programs. By offering a curriculum that blends advanced theoretical concepts with practical application, supported by strong industry connections and exceptional placement opportunities, CGC Landran stands out as a leader in nurturing future engineers. For more information and to apply, visit here. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], August 2: To usher in a new phase of economic development of Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced yesterday that his government will host 'Rising Rajasthan,' a mega global investment summit, on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of December 2024 in Jaipur with an aim to attract and facilitate global investment, innovation, and associations into the state. He also unveiled the logo of 'Rising Rajasthan' and launched a single-point investor interface for easier submissions of the MoUs seeking to make investments in Rajasthan. The logo launch marks the initiation of global branding with roadshows planned in different states and countries to showcase Rajasthan's investment potential. The single-point investor interface, inaugurated by the Chief Minister, is a platform under which investors can now submit their investment intents through a simple form on the portal for an MoU with the State Government. The platform received proposals worth more than INR 8000 crore just after the launch. The proposals shall also get approved online through this platform. The initiative adds to the investor-friendly initiatives that the state has been adopting to make the investment process seamless and efficient. "India's rise as the world's fifth-largest economy has unlocked new growth opportunities for Rajasthan. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our double-engine government is dedicated to ushering in a new era of development with a vision to make Rajasthan a USD 350 billion economy in the next five years. Our credible government policies and investor-friendly environment are designed for the holistic development of Rajasthan, reflecting a new vision for the state and its people. Rajasthan is a vital part of the country with immense potential for growth. Through the 'Rising Rajasthan' Investment Summit 2024, we aim to showcase these opportunities to both global and domestic investors," Hon'ble Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said while announcing the dates and unveiling the logo of the 'Rising Rajasthan' Investment Summit 2024. "Unlike the previous governments, which used to hold investment summit at the fag-end of their tenure, our government has decided to take the challenges head on and therefore, we will be hosting 'Rising Rajasthan' Investment Summit in the very first year of our tenure," Sharma said at the event. On this occasion Industry and Commerce Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Minister of State for Industry and Commerce K.K Vishnoi, Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Shikhar Agrawal, Principal Secretary Industries Ajitabh Sharma, Director General of Confederation of Indian Industries Chandrajit Banerjee and other senior officials of the government were also present. Speaking at the event, Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore, Industry and Commerce Minister, said, "Rajasthan's abundant youth, land, and minerals make it the perfect destination for investment. At the 'Rising Rajasthan' Investment Summit, we are not just looking to sign MoUs; we are committed to bringing real investments into the state. By leveraging our state's high potential, we aim to foster growth through strategic partnerships, boosting existing businesses and creating new opportunities for our youth." Speaking on the occasion, Sudhansh Pant, Chief Secretary, said, "By hosting this summit in the very first year, this government is creating new investment opportunities and introducing investor-friendly policies. With the launch of a single-point investor interface for MoU submissions, we are simplifying the investment process, allowing for online approvals and reducing the need for in-person visits. Our vision is to institutionalize this event, ensuring sustained growth in sectors like green energy, skilling, and women's empowerment across the state." Talking about the investment summit, Ajitabh Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries Department and Chairman, RIICO, said, "Government of Rajasthan will hold a series of investor roadshows across leading business cities in the country and the world to highlight state's investment potential on a global stage. The 3-day Summit plans to string together strategic sector sessions, country sessions, and one-on-one business meetings, including an MSME Conclave, a Startup Conclave, and a Non-Resident Rajasthani Summit." The summit is organized by the Government of Rajasthan with the support of the Industry and Commerce Department, Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP), and RIICO, where BIP is the nodal department for this summit. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), as the Summit Industry Partner, will assist with the organization of the event. Chandrajit Banerjee, DG, CII assured their full cooperation in making the event successful and making Rajasthan one of the fastest growing states in India by facilitating investments in different sectors. Rajasthan, the largest state in India, has abundant natural resources and skilled manpower. It is strategically close to major consumption markets of northern India and has benefited from infrastructure development projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and Western Freight Corridor over the past decade. The positive synergy between state and central government also helps in ensuring seamless progress of development projects and creating an industry-friendly environment in the state. 'Rising Rajasthan' will accentuate the state's investment advantages and express the government's commitment to a hassle-free investment process. (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], August 2: myHQ by ANAROCK, India's leading marketplace for flexible workspace solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with one of the country's prominent flexible workspace providers, WeWork India. Through this partnership, myHQ will be the sole technology, marketing, and sales partner for WeWork India's day pass, conference room bookings, and Virtual Office product. Users would either be able to book these from the myHQ platform or from the WeWork platform where the myHQ product journey will take over at the time of purchase. This partnership will significantly advance the standards of flexibility and innovation in the Indian workspace landscape. Launched in 2020, WeWork On-demand allows individuals as well as enterprises to make single or bulk bookings via day passes and bundles respectively, across its 40+ locations. It also enables access to conference rooms - from smaller meeting rooms to boardrooms and podcast rooms which can be booked by the hour. Additionally, WeWork's Virtual Office solution provides growing businesses with a premium business address to establish their business or grow operations in a new city without incurring the significant overhead costs of a physical office. Utkarsh Kawatra, Co-founder & CEO - myHQ by ANAROCK, says, "This mandate compliments the 1000+ partner flexible workspace brands already on our platform and with this exclusivity, we can now provide unparalleled flexibility and convenience to our users by giving access to the largest footprint across the country." "This is the first product sales mandate anyone has ever signed in this industry and we are happy to see WeWork India trust us with this. Now we hope to sign 1-2 more mandates in the coming months and be the go-to-platform for all customers and flexible workspace operators. Whether it is an individual, freelancer, or a hybrid corporate, whether it is a space at 200 INR/day or 2000 INR/day, we want to cater to all workspace needs!" Commenting on the collaboration, Karan Virwani, CEO, WeWork India, added, "We are excited to partner with myHQ by ANAROCK to enhance our Virtual Office and On-demand services. Flexible workspaces have redefined the way India works, and we expect the demand to grow manifold. This collaboration will enable us to further expand our reach and deliver unparalleled value to our members. We look forward to offering a seamless and convenient experience to professionals across the country." This strategic alliance comes at a time when the demand for flexible work arrangements is at an all-time high, with more professionals seeking adaptable solutions to meet their evolving needs. myHQ's major growth drivers for scaling the On-demand business include freelancers, remote working professionals and hybrid teams. As per myHQ by ANAROCK's report, around 40 lakh individuals working as freelancers across the creative domain, tech roles and as business consultants deem flexi day pass has become an attractive alternative to explore. On-demand access to coworking spaces is the most viable and flexible workspace option available to the 15 million freelancers, remote & gig workers in the country. Furthermore, India is projected to grow to 350 million gig jobs by 2025 while the freelance workforce will reach 2.35 Cr by 2030. myHQ, established in 2016 by IIT Delhi graduates-Utkarsh Kawatra and Vinayak Agrawal, is a leading player in India's dynamic flexible workspace industry. myHQ's mission is to empower individuals, teams, and enterprises with the freedom and flexibility to work in any way and from anywhere. With a strong presence spanning over 10 major Indian cities and a network of more than 3,000+ diverse workspaces, myHQ has helped over 200,000 individuals and 5,000+ corporations to find their most suitable and efficient workspace. As of April 2022, myHQ is now a part of ANAROCK group, a leading international property consultant, which operates in more than 15 business verticals, covering the entire real estate value chain. For media queries, please contact: press@myhq.in. WeWork is India's largest office space provider, aimed at creating flexible workspace solutions for companies of all sizes. Since entering the Indian market in 2017, WeWork India has been spearheading the concept of flexible workspaces and driving the future of work with over 8 million sq. ft. of assets signed across 57 locations in Chennai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad. WeWork India has been profitable since 2021 and caters to businesses of all sizes with a range of solutions such as Managed Offices, WeWork On-demand, Virtual Office, Workplace, and Zoapi among others. For media inquiries, please contact: press@wework.co.in. (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)
PRNewswire Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], August 2: Rushil Decor Limited (BSE: 533470) (NSE: RUSHIL), one of the leading suppliers of eco-friendly, sustainable MDF Boards, Laminates and Plywood, has announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 30th June 2024. Business and operational Highlights for Q1 FY25: * Net Debt to Shareholder Equity at 0.45x * Basic EPS of Q1 FY2025 is Rs 4.61 and Diluted EPS is Rs 4.06 * Added 56 new dealers and 58 new distributors * MDF Boards: - Reported EBITDA of Rs 210 million with an EBITDA margin of 12.4%. - Price realization for per CBM in export and India are Rs 20,276 and Rs 23,720 - Capacity utilization optimized at 91% - 55% revenue of MDF boards contributed by value-added products * Laminates: - Reported EBITDA of Rs 43 million with an EBITDA margin of 9.1%. - Price realization for per sheet in export and India are Rs 680 and Rs 508 - Capacity utilization for laminates was at 88% Commenting on the performance, Krupesh Thakkar, Chairman & Managing Director, said: "In the latest quarter, the company reported a substantial 15.9% year-over-year growth in revenue, reflecting a positive financial performance. Compared to the previous quarter, Profit after Tax margins increased to 5.5%, an improvement of 1.6%. We have also benefited an improvement in price realizations in our MDF Boards export markets, contributing positively to our overall financial results. Furthermore, our MDF value-added products have contributed positively in terms of revenue and profitability, by achieving 45% and 55% in quantity and value, respectively." "The expansion of our laminates division is progressing well, with the new facility for jumbo-size sheets set to commence operations by the third quarter of FY2025. We have received Board approval, for preferential funding amounting to Rs 122.66 crores through the issuance of convertible warrants. To date, we have received 40% of the warrant funding amount, with 75% of the total funds being allocated to developing the new jumbo-sized laminate facility in Mansa, Gujarat. This facility is expected to produce an additional 2.8 million sheets, annually, positioning us well to meet increasing demand. Additionally, we are proceeding with the stock split at 10:1 ratio, to encourage wider participation from retail investors and enhance liquidity." "In alignment with our commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, we are actively engaging in agroforestry initiatives. By encouraging agroforestry best practices, we aim to create a more sustainable supply chain for timber usage and ensure the long-term availability of raw materials. This holistic approach underscores our dedication to fostering sustainable growth and supporting the communities in which we operate." About Rushil Decor Founded in 1993, Rushil Decor Limited is a globally leading company in modern interior infrastructure and eco-friendly composite wood panels. The company excels in setting industry benchmarks through innovative designs and advanced technology. Operating six cutting-edge manufacturing plants, Rushil Decor has an annual capacity of 3,30,000 CBM MDF and 3.49 million laminates, serving customers in over 53 countries. The company's product range includes VIR Laminates, VIR MDF boards, VIR MAXPRO (HDFWR) boards, VIR Pre-laminated Decorative MDF/HDFWR boards, VIR Modala Ply, VIR PVC and VIR WPC boards/doors. Rushil Decor's commitment to quality, design excellence and customer-centricity distinguishes it in the market. Driven automated plants, world-class German technologies and global standards, Rushil Decor relentlessly creates smarter spaces. The company ensures optimal supply chain efficiencies and resource utilization. Strategic local plantations further enhance cost advantages in raw material sourcing, allowing Rushil Decor to meet global market demand effectively and sustainably. Rushil Decor is one of India's leading companies in the organized MDF Boards and Laminates segment: * 1,200+ SKUs/Designs* 6 Distinct Brands* 650+ Direct Distributors* 4,450+ Retailers and Dealers* 3 Star Export Recognition* 3,000+ Workforce Laminates3 Units: Gandhinagar, GujaratCombined Capacity: 3.49 Mn sheets pa MDF BoardsUnit 1: Chikmagalur, KarnatakaCapacity: 90,000 CBM paUnit 2: Vishakhapatnam, Andhra PradeshCapacity: 2,40,000 CBM pa PlywoodUnit 1: Chikmagalur, KarnatakaCapacity: 300 Boards per day51% Joint Venture For more details, please visit: www.rushil.com Rushil Decor Hiren PadhyaChief Financial OfficerRushil Decor Limitedhiren.padhya@rushil.com Churchgate Partners Investor RelationsRajiv Pandya | Abhishek Dakoria Churchgate Partners+91 22 6169 5988rushil@churchgatepartners.com Statements in this document relating to future status, events, or circumstances, including but not limited to statements about plans and objectives, the progress and results of research and development, potential project characteristics, project potential and target dates for project related issues are forward-looking statements based on estimates and the anticipated effects of future events on current and developing circumstances. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and are not necessarily predictive of future results. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward- looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results changed assumptions or other factors. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2474405/Krupesh_Thakkar_Rushil_Decor.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2467107/4824983/Rushil_Decor_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], August 2: Saga Studios, one of the biggest Production studio in Punjab, has been known for bringing forth experimental films and stories for the audiences across the globe. One such film, titled Sucha Soorma has been announced on the official handles of Saga Studios. Saga Studios and Seven Colors are together presenting this film, and its magnificent motion poster has released today, and it looks gripping and intriguing. The theme sound of the film is an experience which cannot be explained by mere words. The grandeur of this much awaited and highly anticipated film can be truly, and best experienced in a theatre. The titular role of this film will be portrayed by none other the Punjabi living legend Babbu Maan. Other than his grand screen presence, the audiences are set to witness Sameksha Oswal, Suvinder Vicky, Sarabjit Cheema, and Jagjeet Bajwa in the pivotal roles. Sucha Soorma is a famous Punjabi folk legend, more than a century old folklore, who is known for the incident of killing his sister-in-law Balbir Kaur and his friend Ghukkar for the morality and family honour. Later turned into dacoit, he was hanged till death. The film's dialogues have been written by Gurpreet Ratol and directed by Amitoj Maan. The film's music will be released on the official handles of Saga Music. The film is all set to release in theatres across the globe on 20th September, 2024. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], August 2: India is gearing up for Independence Day, a grand national holiday celebrated with patriotic zeal and cultural festivities. In the festive spirit of this significant occasion, Sylvi, the renowned watch brand, is thrilled to announce the Sylvi Freedom Sale. This special event will offer their premium watches at dramatically slashed prices, perfectly capturing the essence of freedom and independence. Sylvi Freedom Sale: Unmatched Discounts to Celebrate Independence Day To mark this momentous day, Sylvi is unveiling significant discounts on select watch models, fueling nationwide Independence Day celebrations. This limited-time sale, available only on Independence Day, 15th August 2024, allows customers to enjoy substantial savings while embracing the spirit of freedom. The Sylvi Freedom Sale aims to make luxury timepieces more accessible, resonating with the spirit of liberty and independence that defines this national holiday. Detailed Discounts and Offers The Sylvi Freedom Sale is strategically designed to maximize savings with increasing discounts based on the number of watches purchased. Here's a detailed breakdown of the discount tiers: 15% off [Coupon Code: FREEDOM15] on selected individual watches. Ideal for those looking to purchase a single watch for themselves or as a gift, adding a touch of elegance to their collection. 17% off [Coupon Code: FREEDOM17] on the total purchase when buying at least two watches together. Perfect for couples or those wanting to gift a pair of watches. 18% off [Coupon Code: FREEDOM18] on the total purchase for three watches and above. The highest discount level, offering the best value for watch enthusiasts and serious collectors. Featured Models on Sale Sylvi's best-selling watches are eligible for discounts include: Imperial: Known for its elegance and durability. Timegrapher: A beloved chronograph watch for enthusiasts of sophisticated mechanical properties. Hawk: Robust in build, perfect for the adventurous spirit. Elegadoom: Featuring a contemporary aesthetic with an everlasting 3D curved design. Rig One O One WT Max: Statement pieces with striking coloration and world time functionality. The tiered discount system not only encourages customers to purchase more but also highlights the diverse variety within the Sylvi's premium watches. Whether you're a novice buyer or a seasoned collector, there's something for everyone in this sale. Sylvi's Legacy in the Indian Market Sylvi has long been an established brand in the Indian market, known for premium watches that symbolize traditional craftsmanship and modern design. The brand is dedicated to adding value to every purchase by providing high-quality, durable watches that cater to both style and functionality. Sylvi's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has earned it a loyal customer base in this competitive market. Why Choose Sylvi? Quality and Durability: Sylvi watches are made from the best materials and undergo rigorous quality tests to ensure reliability for everyday use and special occasions. Affordable Luxury: Sylvi offers luxury watches at affordable prices, with the Freedom Sale making high-end timepieces even more accessible. Customer Satisfaction and Service: Sylvi prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering excellent after-sales services for trouble-free use of their products. Celebrate Independence with Sylvi This Independence Day, the Sylvi Freedom Sale represents not just the spirit of independence but also the refined leadership that Sylvi brings to the table. Whether you seek functionality, style, or a fashion statement, Sylvi has a watch to meet your needs. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate Independence Day with Sylvi's premium watches at unbeatable prices. For More Details Visit:- https://sylvi.in/ https://sylvi.in/collections/all (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The value of transactions also saw a growth of over 35 percent, totaling Rs 20.64 trillion.

This marks the third consecutive month when total transactions exceeded Rs 20 trillion.

In June 2024, the total UPI transaction value was Rs 20.07 trillion, while in May it was Rs 20.44 trillion.

NPCI data also showed that the average daily transaction value through UPI in July 2024 was Rs 466 million, or about Rs 66,590 crore.

Compared with June, the volume of UPI transactions grew by 3.95 percent in July, while the value of transactions increased by 2.84 percent.

In the first four months of the current fiscal year (2024-25), UPI recorded transactions amounting to Rs 80.79 trillion across approximately 55.66 billion transactions.

In 2023-24, total UPI transactions were 131 billion, compared to 84 billion in 2022-23.

The monthly bulletin of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that over the last four years, UPI transactions have seen a ten-fold increase in volume, from 12.5 billion transactions in 2019-20 to 131 billion transactions in 2023-24, which accounts for 80 percent of the total digital payment volumes.

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions experienced substantial growth, increasing by 57 percent year-on-year in FY24. Within this segment, PhonePe and Google Pay dominated, holding a combined market share of 86 percent, according to the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Banking Sector Roundup for 2023-24.

A shift in digital payments was noted, with credit card transactions doubling over the past three years. In contrast, debit card transactions declined by 43 percent year-on-year.

By making digital payment platform technology and device agnostic, UPI has contributed to financial inclusion at the grassroots level. Digital payments in India are hitting fresh highs, as citizens increasingly adopt emerging modes of online transactions.

One key emphasis of the Indian government has been to ensure that the benefits of UPI are not limited to India alone; other countries, too, can benefit from it.

UPI is India's mobile-based fast payment system, which facilitates customers to make round-the-clock payments instantly using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) created by the customer.

The share of UPI in digital payments in India has reached close to 80 percent in 2023. Today, India accounts for nearly 46 percent of the world's digital transactions, based on 2022 data. (ANI)
The third leg of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme is in the final stage, but the timeline is not known yet. Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an industry event recently, Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy, noted preparation work is going on for the implementation of FAME III, and ministries have recommended how to implement the program. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) formulated the FAME scheme in 2015 to promote the adoption of electric or hybrid vehicles in India. Phase-I of the scheme was available up to March 2019 with a budget outlay of Rs 895 crore. This phase of the FAME India Scheme had four focus areas -- technological development, demand generation, pilot project and charging infrastructure components. In the first phase of the scheme, about 2.8 lakh hybrid vehicles were supported with total demand incentives of Rs 359 crore approximately. In addition, 425 electric and hybrid buses, as sanctioned under the first phase of the scheme were deployed across various cities in the country with a Government Incentive of about Rs 280 Crore. The Ministry of Heavy Industries had also sanctioned about 520 Charging Stations/ Infrastructure for Rs 43 crore (approx) under Phase-I. Projects worth about Rs. 158 Crore were sanctioned for the technology development projects like the establishment of testing Infrastructure, setting up of a 'Centre of Excellence' for Advanced Research in Electrified Transportation, Battery Engineering, etc. to various organisations/institutions like Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, Non-Ferrous Material Technology Development Centre (NFTDC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), etc. Based on the outcome and experience gained during Phase I and after having consultations with all stakeholders, including Industry and industry associations, the government notified Phase II for five years commencing from April 2019 with total budgetary support of Rs 11,500 crore. This phase-II mainly focused on supporting the electrification of public and shared transportation, and aimed to support through demand incentives 7,262 e-Buses, 1,55,536 e-3 Wheelers, 30,461 e-4 Wheeler Passenger Cars, and 15,50,225 e-2 Wheelers. In addition, the creation of charging infrastructure is also supported under the Scheme. Under Phase II, as of July, claims of 16,71,606 electric vehicles for Rs 6,825 crore have been submitted for reimbursement of subsidy by the EV manufacturers. Further, 6862 electric buses were sanctioned for intra-city operations under the FAME-II Scheme. Out of 6,862 e-buses, 4,853 e-buses have been supplied till July 2024. The ministry has also sanctioned Rs. 800 Crore as capital subsidy to the three Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) for the establishment of 7,432 electric vehicle public charging stations. A subsidy of Rs 560 crore has already been released to OMCs. Further, in March 2024, the Ministry sanctioned an additional Rs 73.50 crore under FAME II to OMCs for the setup/upgradation of 980 public fast charging stations by installing new chargers across the country. A subsidy of Rs 51.45 crore has already been released to OMCs. This information was given by the Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel, Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. (ANI)
Actor and film producer Matt Damon is collaborating with his 'Oppenheimer' co-star and Ben Affleck's brother Casey Affleck for Doug Liman's upcoming heist comedy film 'The Instigators'. During the New York premiere of the film, Damon spoke about their friendship and shared experience of working together, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are known as an enduring dynamic duo in Hollywood -- but now it's time for Damon to share the marquee with another member of the Affleck family. Damon and Casey Affleck are the stars of Doug Liman's upcoming Apple heist comedy film The Instigators, which sees the longtime friends return to their native Massachusetts to play a pair of ill-equipped robbers. Damon and Casey attended the film's New York premiere, joined by director Liman and co-stars Hong Chau and Jack Harlow. Damon grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, alongside Casey and Ben Affleck. They all starred in the Oscar-winning drama 'Good Will Hunting' over 20 years ago. Damon talked about the finest aspect of working with the Affleck brothers at this stage in their careers, now that he has more experience and many memories. "I think just 43 years into this friendship, it's just the joy of doing what we love, but being able to do it together. It just doesn't get any better than that," said Damon. "I feel really lucky to be able to still be making movies at this level with the kind of people that I get to work with. But when some of them are the people that have been my closest and dearest friends for over four decades, it's a really special thing," he added. Liman commented that he hadn't seen such chemistry in one of his films since filming Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in his 2005 action-comedy, 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'. Their friendship is visible both on and off screen. Damon is close to both Affleck brothers but is most known for his connection with Ben. Their collaborations include 'Air', 'The Last Duel', and 'Good Will Hunting'. Ben Affleck and Damon co-produced 'The Instigators' through their Artists Equity production firm. Liman addressed the subject of whether the older Affleck was ever considered for a role in the picture, implying that he purposefully stayed offscreen to allow his brother to take the spotlight. He said, "I'm kind of like someone who's just shown up to a family Thanksgiving and you're learning all of the family dynamics. So my sense was that Casey's always been a little bit under Ben's shadow, and The Instigators was a chance to let Casey shine free and clear without being in anyone's shadow. I think it was clear how much Ben loves and supports his brother -- and I think part of that was not casting any shadow over Casey and letting Casey shine," as per The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI)
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the stunt was secretly filmed earlier this year in March.

Cruise, who has been attending various events at the Paris Games, including women's gymnastics qualifiers and swimming competitions, has expressed his enthusiasm for the event.

"It's awesome," Cruise said as per The Hollywood Reporter.

"Great stories, great athletes. It's incredible what they have to do, the sense of accomplishment," he said.

The segment involving Cruise is being orchestrated by production company Fulwell 73, which is also behind notable projects like Hulu's 'The Kardashians' and Adele's 2021 CBS special 'One Night Only'.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Los Angeles segment will combine pre-recorded and live elements, adding a dynamic touch to the Olympic handoff.

Originally, there were plans for a large-scale celebration at Will Rogers State Beach, where the Olympic flag was to be ceremoniously handed over.

However, this plan was abandoned due to concerns from the Los Angeles Police Department regarding potential disruptions along the Pacific Coast Highway and difficulties in securing necessary permits from the California Coastal Commission.

The closing ceremonies of the Olympics have traditionally featured grand and often celebrity-driven spectacles.

The 2008 Beijing Games, for example, included a memorable performance by Jimmy Page and Leona Lewis on a faux bus en route to London.

Similarly, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics were highlighted by star-studded performances from Lionel Richie, The Beach Boys, and film composer John Williams. (ANI)
Sharing the exciting news with fans, Janhvi treated fans with the poster along with the release date announcement on her Instagram handle on Friday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-KoEpVosNg/

In the poster, dressed in white outfits, NTR Jr can be seen holding Janhvi amid the backdrop of a forest.

She captioned the post, "The most awaited #DevaraSecondSingle arriving on August 5th. #DevaraonSep27th."

The second single will be out on August 5.

Directed by Koratala Siva, 'Devara' will be released in two parts. Produced by Yuvasudha Arts and NTR Arts, and presented by Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, the film also stars Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor and will hit theatres on September 27, in five languages. Devara is a Anirudh Ravichander musical.

The buzz around 'Devara: Part 1' has been growing steadily, especially after NTR Jr's recent comments during an event in Hyderabad.

The actor assured fans that the wait for the film would be worth it, stating, "It's my promise to you all that the wait for Devara will be worth it and every fan will raise their collar in pride once the film releases."

His words have only heightened the anticipation for the film, which promises gripping action sequences and an extraordinary musical score. (ANI)
Heavy rains have severely damaged the route in the Rudraprayag district on Wednesday night. The rescue and relief work to evacuate the people stranded is underway. According to the Uttarakhand police, as many as 737 people were rescued by helicopter and at least 2,670 ppeople were taken to Sonprayag by the relief forces as of Thursday. Taking to its official handle on X, Uttarakhand police posted, "The rescue work of people stranded on the Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra route is continuing. 737 passengers were rescued by helicopter throughout the day." "2,670 passengers were taken to Sonprayag. SDRF, NDRF, DDRF, District Police and Administration teams are selflessly helping the devotees," read the post. Earlier, Abhinav Kumar, Director General of Police, Uttarakhand, gave information about the relief and rescue operations after heavy rains in the state and appealed to the people of the state and travellers to be cautious and follow the instructions of the officials. Amid heavy rainfall in Tehri and Rudraprayag districts, Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar informed on Thursday that the Kedarnath Yatra has been suspended for two days due to weather conditions and 12 NDRF as well as 60 SDRF teams are engaged in rescue work. Speaking to ANI on the situation created by heavy rains in Tehri and Rudraprayag districts, Uttarakhand Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar said on Thursday, "We had received an alert from the Meteorological Department about heavy rains in the state for 48 hours. In view of this alert, the police, NDRF, SDRF and local administration were put on alert. After the rain started last night, we started getting reports of landslides, rock falls, etc. from various areas." "Teams were sent to many places for relief and rescue. The Chief Minister visited Tehri and Rudraprayag and met the affected people. So far, 11 people have died in various districts and 8 are seriously injured. By morning, about 1000 people were stranded in Kedarnath and 800 people were stranded on the trek route of Kedarnath," he said. "Due to the weather warning, we have suspended the Yatra for the next two days. We have restricted the movement of pilgrims on the Yamunotri and Kedarnath trek routes. The state government has taken the help of the Air Force to evacuate the people stranded in Kedarnath. NDRF 12 teams of INS and 60 teams of SDRF are engaged in rescue work," he added. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also conducted a ground inspection of the rain-affected areas in Tehri and Rudraprayag on Thursday. Heavy rains in various parts of the state on Wednesday night have caused heavy damage to roads, footbridges, power and drinking water lines, as well as agricultural land. As soon as the information about the disaster was received, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami became active from the night itself and reached the State Disaster Operations Centre at night and inquired about the damage caused by heavy rains across the state. He instructed the officials to remain in alert mode. Kedarnath Yatra has been stopped for the time being in view of the safety of the passengers due to landslides at many places on the Kedarnath footpath. (ANI)
Two days after massive landslides struck the Wayanad district in Kerala, the death toll has climbed to 190. Revenue Minister K Rajan said, "The official death announced by the government so far in the Wayanad landslide is 190. Rest we have bodies that need DNA testing." The Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting that was attended by leaders of all political parties, state ministers, and other officials on Thursday. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the main priority now is the rescue of the missing persons and rehabilitation will be initiated at the earliest. "Our focus is to rescue those who were isolated and stranded. I appreciate the efforts of the Army personnel. They have informed us that most of the trapped individuals have been rescued. Bringing down machinery to rescue those trapped under the soil was difficult and building the bridge eased the efforts. The construction of Bailey Bridge has been mostly completed," CM Vijayan said while addressing the media in Wayanad. The Chief Minister said that rescue operations will continue in the river to search for missing people and highlighted that the next focus will be on rehabilitation. Earlier on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department of Kerala issued an orange alert in the Wayanad district until Saturday, which has already been affected by landslides claiming over 200 lives. IMD Kerala director, Neetha K Gopal said that there will be rain, but in between there can be some clear spells, which will also give relief to the rescue operators. "We have issued an orange alert in 4 northern districts of Kerala, including Wayanad. In the south, up to Pathanamthitta, we have also issued a yellow alert. From tomorrow on, there will be a be a considerable reduction in rainfall activity. So the yellow alerts are being confirmed only for the northern districts of Kerala. And then from Sunday there will be a reduction and we will be experiencing only light to moderate rain thereafter for another four days," she said. Piyush Anand, Director General of the National Disaster Response Force, said on Thursday that four teams are currently present in Wayanad and they are trying their best to save as many people as possible. He further mentioned that as of now, there are 12 teams in Kerala and four of them are in Wayanad. In the wake of the landslides, the Indian Army has also completed the construction of the Cl 24 Bailey Bridge in record time. The bridge connecting Chooralmala with Mundakkai over the Iruvanipzha River is open to traffic and handed over to the Civil Administration. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the landslide site at Chooralmala, Wayanad, on Thursday. Addressing the media, Rahul Gandhi said that it was a terrible tragedy for Wayanad and that there is a lot that needs to be done here. "It is a terrible tragedy for Wayanad, for Kerala and the nation. We have come here to see the situation. It is painful to see how many people have lost family members and their houses. We will try to help and make sure that the survivors get what is their due. A lot of them want to be relocated. There is a lot that needs to be done here. I would like to thank all those including doctors, nurses, administration, and volunteers," he said. In the aftermath of the landslide in Wayanad, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's appeal for contributions to the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) has garnered significant support. Through campaign drives, donations are pouring in from different quarters to aid the affected areas. Internationally renowned sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik created a sand sculpture to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in this tragedy. With the message "Pray for Wayanad " at Puri beach in Odisha, Patnaik said that in this situation we stand with Wayanad, and he also salutes to all military forces and NDRF with other organizations, those working day and night at the ground zero. Two massive landslides struck Mundakkai and Churalmala in Wayanad in the early hours of July 30, causing extensive destruction, loss of lives, and injury to hundreds, as per the Kerala Revenue Department. (ANI)
Congress MP Manish Tewari on Friday gave an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the "border situation and the huge trade deficit with China." In his letter to the Secretary-General of Lok Sabha, Tewari highlighted "ongoing border clashes between India and China" since 2019. "I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely: That this House do suspend Zero Hour and relevant rules relating to Question Hour and other businesses of the day to have a discussion on the border situation and the huge trade deficit with China," Manish Tewari said in the adjournment motion notice. "Since 2019, there have been ongoing border clashes between India and China, with reports of Chinese troops blocking access to patrolling points in Eastern Ladakh. Recent reports suggest that China has completed construction of a 400-metre bridge which gives Chinese forces the ability to speedily move troops between the North and South banks of the Pangong Lake," he added. Tewari also urged the government to provide details on efforts to resolve the border dispute and "protect India's integrity against Chinese aggressions." "Additionally, in 2023-24, India's trade deficit with China exceeded USD 85 billion, with exports at USD 16.65 billion and imports at USD 101.75 billion, I urge the Government to inform the House about the border situation and the trade deficit, and to provide details on efforts to resolve the border dispute and protect India's integrity against Chinese aggressions. I request permission to raise this matter," he added. The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12. (ANI)
The Indian Air Force has deployed one Chinook and Mi-17V5 helicopter to carry out human assistance and relief operations in the Kedar valley of Uttarakhand. They will be working in coordination with the state government authorities, said Defence officials. Heavy rains have severely damaged the route in the Rudraprayag district on Wednesday night. The rescue and relief work to evacuate the people stranded is underway. According to the Uttarakhand police, as many as 737 people were rescued by helicopter and at least 2,670 people were taken to Sonprayag by the relief forces as of Thursday. Taking to its official handle on X, Uttarakhand police posted, "The rescue work of people stranded on the Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra route is continuing. 737 passengers were rescued by helicopter throughout the day." "2,670 passengers were taken to Sonprayag. SDRF, NDRF, DDRF, District Police and Administration teams are selflessly helping the devotees," read the post. Earlier, Abhinav Kumar, Director General of Police, Uttarakhand, gave information about the relief and rescue operations after heavy rains in the state and appealed to the people of the state and travellers to be cautious and follow the instructions of the officials. Amid heavy rainfall in Tehri and Rudraprayag districts, Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar informed on Thursday that the Kedarnath Yatra has been suspended for two days due to weather conditions and 12 NDRF, as well as 60 SDRF teams, are engaged in rescue work. Speaking to ANI on the situation created by heavy rains in Tehri and Rudraprayag districts, Uttarakhand Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar said on Thursday, "We had received an alert from the Meteorological Department about heavy rains in the state for 48 hours. Given this alert, the police, NDRF, SDRF and local administration were put on alert. After the rain started last night, we started getting reports of landslides, rock falls, etc. from various areas." Notably, the Kedarnath Yatra has been stopped for the time being given the safety of the passengers due to landslides at many places on the Kedarnath footpath. (ANI)
A total of 880 casualties have been reported as a result of devastating floods in Assam from 2019 to July 25 this year, the Ministry of Home Affairs has said. Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha by MP Sushmita Dev, Minister of State of Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Thursday stated that, as per information furnished by the State Government of Assam, 880 casualties have been reported due to floods in Assam from 2019 to July 25 this year. "157 casualties reported in 2019, 190 in 2020, 73 in 2021, 278 in 2022, 65 in 2023 and 117 in this year up to July 25," Rai said in the Upper House of Parliament. He further said that the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have prepared a state-level flood hazard zonation atlas for Assam using satellite data of 1998-2023. This serves as non-structural resources for flood hazard management, for developmental planning. "North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC)/ Department of Space (DOS) has generated River Atlas consisting of a geospatial database of Brahmaputra River in Assam, including river and drainage network, embankment locations, river gauge locations, road/ rail network etc. at 1:5000 scale. This database is helpful for the planning and management of water resources," the MoS of Home Affairs said. "NESAC, Department of Space (DOS) has also identified 271 wetlands, which can be utilized for channelising excess water from rivers, including the Brahmaputra River, during monsoon season. NESAC has also developed a Flood Early Warning System (FLEWS) for the Brahmaputra basin in the state of Assam based on numerical rainfall prediction and a physics-based distributed hydrological model in the Geographic Information System (GIS) domain," he said. Rai further said that alerts are provided to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) with a lead time of 24 to 36 hours. "Central Water Commission (CWC) issues flood forecasts as a non-structural measure of flood management, to concerned State Governments at identified locations. CWC also issues inflow forecasts to identified reservoirs for proper reservoir regulation. CWC prepares 7-day advisory flood forecasts through basin-specific mathematical models using India Meteorological Department (IMD) weather forecast products and near real-time satellite rainfall estimates. These flood advisories are disseminated through the web Portal https://aff.india-water.gov.in/home.php to stakeholders. In addition to this, CWC has 67 hydrological observation sites in the Barak basin and 173 hydrological observation sites in the Brahmaputra basin," he said. The MoS of Home Affairs further said that the Assam government has informed that, the Water Resources Department has been implementing flood and River bank erosion management schemes as per the recommendation of the Rashtriya Barh Ayog (RBA). "The Department has been implementing Short and Medium term solutions to the perennial problem of flood and erosion in the State. The Water Resources Department of the Government of Assam has protected 16.50 lakh hectares of flood-affected land, constructed 4532 km of embankments, 1280 numbers of anti-erosion and town protection works, 122 numbers of major sluices and 545 numbers of minor sluices and 1047.85 km of raising and strengthening of existing dyke till the year 2023-24," the Minister said. On the other hand, the Centre has released Rs 503.10 crore to Assam under the centre's share of SDRF in 2019-20, Rs 617.60 crore in 2020-21, Rs 617.60 crore in 2021-22, Rs 648.80 crore in 2022-23, Rs 680.80 crore in 2023-24. The Centre also released Rs 44.37 crore from NDRF to Assam in 2020-21, Rs 250 crore in 2022-23; Rs 154.40 crore under the centre's share of SDMF in 2020-21, Rs 154.40 crore in 2021-22 and Rs 162.20 crore in 2023-24. (ANI)
On the occasion of Saawan Shivratri, devotees in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, flocked to the Augharnath Temple to offer prayers. Pilgrims also visited Lord Shiva temples across the state, including in Moradabad, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Ghaziabad and sought blessings. Speaking with ANI, one of the devotees said, "A large number of devotees gather here and the temple administration should provide the necessary facilities..." In Moradabad also, devotees thronged to Shiva temple and offered prayers on 'Sawan Shivratri.' On this occasion, the police authorities have also checked on the facilities for the devotees. Speaking to ANI, Satpal Antil, SSP Moradabad said, "Keeping in view of the Shivratri Sawan, all arrangements have been checked. Arrangements for electricity and sanitation have also been completed. All the senior officials have given a tour of the city and are giving directions to improve the conditions and we will get everything done safely." Meanwhile, the devotees also took a holy dip at the Saryu River on the occasion of 'Sawan Shivratri' in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya and offered prayers at Nageshwarnath temple on the occasion. In Prayagraj also, the devotees offered prayers at Mankameshwar Temple on 'Sawan Shivratri.' Devotees offer prayers at Dudheshwar Nath Temple on the occasion of 'Sawan Shivratri' in Ghaziabad, where devotees could be seen waiting in line to enter the temple premises. Sawan Shivratri is a major Hindu festival with deep religious and spiritual meaning. This festival is celebrated on the 14th day of the lunar month and marks the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This sacred month, typically falling between July and August, is a period of worship, fasting and pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The Kanwar Yatra procession witnesses Kanwariyas collecting water from a river and carrying it hundreds of kilometres to offer it to the Lord Shiva shrines. The Kanwar Yatra is a pilgrimage that took place from July 22 and will come to an end on August 2 on Shivratri. (ANI)
Scores of devotees thronged Mahakaleshwar temple located in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district to offer prayers on the occasion of 'Sawan Shivratri' on Friday. The devotees flocked to the temple and worshipped Baba Mahakal (Lord Shiva), expressed their reverence, and sought divine blessings in their lives. Though the entire month of Sawan is auspicious for the devotees, it being Sawan Shivratri on Friday, there is a lot of enthusiasm among the devotees. Kanwariyas from far and wide are also carrying Kavad reached here and offer Jal to Baba Mahakal. Priest of the temple, Mahesh Sharma told ANI, "Sawan month is considered as the month of Lord Shiva. The devotees who worshipped the lord shiva in this month receive tons of blessings. During the Sawan month, a day of Shivratri is also celebrated and the importance of Sawan Shivratri is the same and equal to that of the yearly Shivratri." There is an importance of offering sesame seeds to Lord Shiva on the occasion of Sawan Shivratri. It is believed that those who offer sesame seeds to Shiva, never get short of money. Therefore, there is great importance in offering sesame seeds to Shiva on Shivratri and in the month of Sawan, he added. Sawan Shivratri is a major Hindu festival with deep religious and spiritual meaning. This festival is celebrated on the 14th day of the lunar month and marks the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This year Sawan Shivratri fell on August 2 and there was immense enthusiasm among the devotees here as Shivratri marked a very special significance in Sawan. This sacred month, typically falling between July and August, is a period of worship, fasting and pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva. (ANI)
In the wake of a catastrophic flood that has ravaged parts of Himachal Pradesh, the state government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has mobilized extensive rescue and relief efforts. The disaster, triggered by a cloud burst, has left a trail of destruction in its wake, particularly affecting regions around Manali. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, addressing the media amidst ongoing rescue operations, emphasized the gravity of the situation. "The rescue and relief operation is underway in full swing," he stated, highlighting the urgent need to locate and rescue those still trapped and missing. The flood, which struck with unexpected ferocity, has claimed numerous lives and caused substantial damage to infrastructure, including roads crucial for connectivity. The Chief Minister acknowledged the tireless efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army teams, and local authorities in managing the crisis on the ground. "Our immediate priority is to rescue the four individuals reported trapped and recover the bodies buried under debris," Chief Minister Sukhu affirmed. He noted that the presence of Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi at the site underscores the government's commitment to overseeing relief efforts firsthand. Amidst the ongoing operation, Chief Minister Sukhu urged tourists to exercise caution. "While tourists are welcome, I urge them to refrain from visiting risky areas such as rivers and waterfalls for photography and selfies," he cautioned, stressing the importance of safety during this critical period. Efforts to restore essential services, including water supply and other vital schemes disrupted by the calamity, are also underway. The Chief Minister expressed hope that clearer weather conditions would facilitate more effective rescue operations. "The operation will greatly benefit from clear skies and sunlight, essential for recovery missions," he said while speaking to ANI in Shimla. As the state grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured that every possible measure is being taken to mitigate further loss and assist those affected. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to providing necessary support to the affected communities. The resilience and coordinated efforts of the rescue teams serve as a beacon of hope amidst the devastation caused by this unprecedented calamity in Himachal Pradesh. (ANI)
The Indian Army during the rescue operations in Wayanad found four persons alive in the rumble that included two men and two women on Friday. According to the officials, the rescued individuals were stranded in the Padavetti Kunnu in Wayanad. The operation was carried out with precision and care, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved. A casualty evacuation was coordinated, and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was launched to facilitate the rescue. The swift response and seamless execution of the operation ensured the timely evacuation of the stranded individuals, they added. The Army statement said that one of the rescued females was experiencing difficulties with her leg and was provided with necessary medical attention. Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar said that the revenue department is still trying to collect the data and find out how many people are here and how many people are missing. "In the last four days, we have been doing operations here. A joint team of the Indian army, the NDRF, the local police, special operations groups, the fire force, the Coast Guard and the Navy have been operating in all these areas," the ADGP said. The Indian Army's Southern Command also made the Baily Bridge at Choorlamal operational. This will enable the movement of Heavy earth movers and excavators "In a remarkable feat of engineering and professional skills the Indian Army's Engineer Task Force swiftly constructed the Bailey Bridge over the Iruvanipzha River at Chooralmala, significantly accelerating rescue operations in Wayanad. To speed up the rescue operation, ten specialised teams, equipped with all necessary rescue apparatus, including dog squads and heavy earth-moving equipment have been formed. These teams commenced the combing operations early morning through six designated zones: Punchirimattom, Mundekkai, School area, Chooralmala town, Village area and Downstream, ensuring a thorough and efficient search and relentless rescue mission," the Southern Command said on X. Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Friday confirmed 308 deaths in the multiple landslides that hit Wayanad on July 30. Minister George said that 195 bodies and 113 body parts have been recovered so far. The rescue and relief operations coordinated by the Army, NDRF, SDRF and civil administration are underway at multiple locations, ensuring quick evacuation of stranded people, and provision of basic amenities and medical assistance. Indian Air Force to Fly C-130 aircraft from Hindon air base to Wayanad, it will carry specialised Drone Systems along with a team of experts to Wayanad for sub-soil evacuation monitoring. These drone systems will look for people stuck under the soil. Two massive landslides hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai of the Meppadi region in Wayanad wreaking widespread havoc on July 30. (ANI)
After heavy rains caused severe havoc in the state of Uttarakhand damaging the route in the Rudraprayag district, the restoration and rescue work is underway to evacuate the people stranded. All the departments in the state are in alert mode and the government is working in the best possible way to tackle the situation, said the Uttarakhand Chief Minister, adding that he has been assured assistance from Prime Minister Modi. "Relief and rescue operations are going on in the state. All the departments are in alert mode. I have also visited several places in the state, where I met the devotees who have come for Kedarnath Darshan. Around 5,000 people have been rescued so far and 1,000 people who are in Kedarnath Dham will also be rescued soon. PM Modi has assured me to provide the best possible assistance, Mi helicopters have already been sent. Union HM Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda and other ministers of the Central Govt are in contact with us," CM Dhami told ANI. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and inquired about the disaster caused by heavy rains in various places of the state. The Chief Minister gave the Union Home Minister detailed information about the relief and rescue operations going on at war footing in the affected areas. CM Dhami said that Amit Shah has assured all possible help for the safety of the people of the state and the devotees. The CM said that the top leadership is standing strongly in such a difficult time. Notably, The Indian Air Force has deployed one Chinook and Mi-17V5 helicopter to carry out human assistance and relief operations in the Kedar valley of Uttarakhand. They will be working in coordination with the state government authorities, said Defence officials. The Kedarnath Yatra has been paused for the time being in the wake of the safety of the pilgrims due to landslides at many places on the Kedarnath footpath. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday remembered the designer of the Indian National flag, Pingali Venkayya on his birth anniversary and said that the efforts of Venkayya in giving the nation the Tricolour will always be remembered. "Remembering Pingali Venkayya Ji on his birth anniversary. His effort in giving us the Tricolour will always be remembered. Do support the Har Ghar Tiranga movement and unfurl the Tricolour between the 9th and 15th of August! Don't forget to share your selfie on http://harghartiranga.com," PM Modi posted on X. Born near Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) on August 2, 1876, Pingali designed many models of the national flag. In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi approved a design during the Indian National Congress meeting in Vijayawada. The national flag that we see today was based on his design. Venkayya was a fervent freedom fighter and the designer of the Indian national flag who went on to become synonymous with the spirit of free and independent India. He breathed his last on July 4, 1963. In his 112th 'Mann Ki Baat' on July 28, Prime Minister Modi called upon all Indians to take part in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign to celebrate Independence Day. He highlighted the growing trend of taking selfies with the national flag and sharing them on social media. He urged party leaders and workers to ensure that the national flag is hoisted on houses, offices, and shops from August 13 to August 15. 'Har Ghar Tiranga' is a campaign that forms part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It was started to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India's independence. The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and promote awareness about the Indian National Flag. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable PM Modi's vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. (ANI)
Following the Supreme Court's ruling against a re-examination of NEET-UG 2024, AAP MP Sanjay Singh called for the court to revisit its decision. He emphasized that the apex court should consider the demand for a re-examination and reconsider its decision on the matter. Speaking with ANI, Singh said, 'I don't want to comment on any verdict of the Court. But what has been in the public domain, how did 67 students get similar marks? All of them got 720 and topped the examinations. This happens in selected centres of Godhra and Haryana, and if nothing wrong has happened why CBI inquiry is being done, why did Bedi Ram's name come into this who is the MLA of NDA?" He further said, "I think these things shouldn't be ignored and the Court should look towards the demand of re-examination... The Supreme Court should take some time and reconsider its decision and conduct the NEET exam again." Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took to his official X handle and posted about the decision of the Supreme Court on NEET-UG. He said, "'Satya ke surya ko jhooth ka badal kuch samay ke liye chhipa sakta hai, par satya ki sada hi jeet hoti hai.' (The cloud of lies may hide the sun of truth for some time, but truth always wins). Hon'ble Supreme Court's observation on no systemic breach of sanctity in the NEET-UG exam and therefore no re-exam vindicates the stand of the government. The government stands committed to a "Tamper-free, Transparent & Zero-error examination system." To ensure the same we shall implement recommendations of the high-level committee of experts, at the earliest once they are submitted." Expressing gratitude towards the apex court for delivering justice to students, Pradhan added, "The findings and the verdict outrightly reject the propaganda that was being peddled. We wholeheartedly thank the Hon'ble Supreme Court for delivering justice and protecting the interests of lakhs of hardworking students. We shall implement Hon'ble Supreme Court's judgement in letter and spirit." The NEET UG 2024 examination, held on May 5, has been embroiled in controversy following allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and time losses during the exam. This year's NEET UG exam saw a substantial turnout, with 1,331,321 female candidates, 996,393 male candidates, and 17 transgender candidates participating. Initially, 67 candidates were announced as AIR 1, capturing significant attention before the results were revised. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) was held for more than 2.4 million candidates at 4,750 different centres in 571 cities throughout the country, including 14 cities outside India, on May 5, 2024. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar slammed BJP's padayatra over the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam and said that they are "trying to make an issue out of a non-issue." "Congress wants to ask them what they have done in their tenure. It was the most scandalous government BJP ever had. They are doing padayatra for nothing, they are trying to make an issue out of a non-issue," Shivakumar said. The Karnataka Cabinet earlier on Thursday resolved to advise Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot to withdraw the show cause issued to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA scam. The Karnataka Governor issued a show-cause notice to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on July 27. Responding to the show cause notice, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that details have already been given by the Cabinet to withdraw and reject the complaint. "The details have already been given by the council of the minister after the decision has been taken advising the governor to withdraw the show cause notice served to me and to reject the complaint filed by TJ Abraham," the Chief Minister said. The BJP has proposed to take out a seven-day 'padayatra' from August 3 against the alleged wrong-doings of the Siddaramiah government. Earlier, a complaint was filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and nine others for allegedly forging documents to claim compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. The complaint alleges wrongdoing by Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathy, his brother-in-law Malikarjuna Swamy Devaraj, who claimed to be a landowner, and his family. It was further alleged that MUDA created fake documents and obtained plots worth crores of rupees. Snehamayi Krishna has raised several questions in his complaint. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the central government and others on a plea challenging rules that prevent blood donation by gay men, transgender persons and sex workers. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra sought a response from the Centre, National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC), National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and asked them to file their response. On October 11, 2017, the NBTC and the NACO of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified Guidelines on Blood Donor Selection and Blood Donor Referral and these guidelines permanently restrain transgenders, female sex workers and LGBTQI persons from donating blood. The top court was hearing a petition filed by one Sharif D Rangnekar, challenging the constitutional validity of Blood Donor rules of 2017. Rangnekar said that the guidelines are based on a highly prejudicial and presumptive view taken with regard to gay men in the 1980s in the United States of America. Since then, many countries including the USA, the United Kingdom, Israel and Canada, amongst others have revisited their views, stated the plea. From a scientific perspective, such a blanket restriction on blood donation is based on the assumption that a particular group of people may be suffering from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), added the petition. Requesting the apex court to pass appropriate orders on the issue, Rangnekar said, "Such a blanket prohibition is a violation of the right to equality, dignity and life protected under Articles 14, 15, 17 and 21 of the Constitution. Such guidelines violate the right to live with dignity, and do not afford full membership of living in a society to LGBTQ+ community and thus, reduces them to second class citizenship." It sought direction to the Centre to frame guidelines that allow gay and LGBTQI persons to donate blood, with reasonable restrictions based on "screen and defer or assess and test" policies. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the states of Haryana and Punjab to suggest the names of neutral persons who can be included in a committee to negotiate with the protesting farmers at the Shambhu border near Ambala, where they have been camping since February 13. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and R Mahadevan emphasised the need to inspire confidence in the farmers and therefore suggested both the states come out with common names for the committee. "We want a very smooth beginning in terms of dialogue. There are very good, very seasoned practical personalities in the country who have the experience to their credit and they know the ins and outs of the problem. Please think of some neutral personality. It will inspire more confidence in the farmers," the bench said. The apex court has now posted the matter for hearing on August 12 while asking Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh to suggest common names for the committee. It also continued its earlier order of maintaining a status quo on the border. The Supreme Court was hearing an appeal against the July 10 Punjab and Haryana High Court order by which it had directed it to open the highway and clear the barricading within seven days. On the last date of the hearing, the top court had said that it was proposing to constitute some independent committee and asked both the states to suggest common names. The bench had also observed that it's more than a year now and the national highway can't remain blocked. In February, the Haryana government had set up barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway when farmers' bodies announced that farmers would march to Delhi in support of various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a plea moved by Arvind Kejriwal's close aide Bibhav Kumar seeking direction to declare his arrest by Delhi Police as illegal. The bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna today passed the Judgement and decided to dismiss it. Appearing for Bibhav, senior advocate N Hariharan submitted that FIR was registered after a delay of three days. He was picked up illegally without being served notice under section 41A from CM's residence. "I (Bibhav Kumar) put an anticipatory bail, while around 4:00-4:30, it is being heard, I am arrested around 4:15. If the arrest is happening in such a fashion then the court must intervene. My fundamental right to be arrested in such a fashion was exploited and hence, I am here. You flouted the 41A procedure," the plea said. "Section 41A mandates police to issue notice to the person accused of committing an offence before arrest without a warrant. There was no urgency of arrest & till the 18th he did not move. On the 16th the FIR was registered. He was picked up at a time when Kumar apprised them that he was ready to cooperate with the investigation. Police picked him up at 12 and till 4:15 there was no news of arrest. On the day when they registered the case, the Investigating Officer (IO) seized all the electronic evidence & the entire record. How can I tamper with the evidence on the 18th? There was no necessity to arrest when I had agreed to cooperate with the investigation," it added. Senior Advocate and former Additional Solicitor General, Sanjay Jain for Delhi Police had submitted that the arrest memo contained the reasons for arrest but even grounds of arrest in the remand application were supplied to him. Information regarding his arrest was given to his wife. The accused's lawyer was there to oppose the bail and remand. The appointment of the petitioner was a co-terminus with the CM. There was material against him based on which the LG terminated his services. "He was not arrested in haste. Had he been arrested in haste, the police would've arrested him in Bombay. When the police went on to the site on the 17th he was there. On 17th, police had visited & officer of additional DCP found on 17th that certain video recording was missing, telephone was formatted, video recording leaked to the media was also missing," Sanjay Jain submitted. He also mentioned that based on this investigation, the officer decided to arrest him. Portraying as we are some villain. We are custodians & we are doing our duty. When he was being investigated it was seen that he had taken his mobile phone in Bombay & formatted his mobile phone & this amounted to tampering with evidence and a case of attempting tampering with the evidence. "There was positive evidence available and there were material circumstances pointing out towards the justifiably of arrest," the lawyer added. Bibhav Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18, in connection with a FIR registered by Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal assault case. Bibhav through his plea also sought appropriate compensation for his alleged illegal arrest, in deliberate and blatant violation of the provisions of law. The Departmental Action must be initiated against the unknown erring officials, who were involved in the decision making viz. the arrest of the Petitioner, stated the plea, the plea added. (ANI)
A fresh batch of pilgrims left from the Srinagar base camp for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra which entered into its final stage on Friday. Yogesh, a pilgrim from Mumbai, told ANI, "From Baltal, we are going to pay a visit to Babaji. I am excited. I had a desire to visit there. We are satisfied with the facilities, especially with the security arrangements". Addressing the concerns of security amid the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, he added, "I did not experience any kind of unease after arriving here". Yogesh said that everyone should visit the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Balakrishan who came from Hyderabad arrived in Srinagar on Thursday to visit the Amarnath cave. "After completing some paper formalities, we got to know that a convoy will leave from here. That would be safe," he told ANI. " Initially. we thought of going to Baltal by a private vehicle. Lot of facilities have been made for the pilgrims at the Baltal". "We are excited about the trip. I have come here for the first time to perform the Amarnath Yatra," he added. The Yatra which is conducted by the Shri Amranathji Shrine Board is divided into two routes, one through Pahalgam and the other through Baltal in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. Baltal serves as the camping ground for pilgrims. The Yatra, which commenced formally on June 29 from the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in Kashmir, is scheduled to conclude on August 19. This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amid a significant increase in the number of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier on July 24, Inspector General of Police Kashmir, VK Birdi, convened a joint security review meeting at Nunwan Base Camp, Pahalgam. IGP Kashmir directed all security agencies to work in close coordination to ensure a safe and secure Amarnath Yatra. The meeting also focused on strategies to counter terrorism and maintain law and order in the Pahalgam axis. The review meeting underscored the commitment of all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this arduous annual pilgrimage to the holy cave located in the South Kashmir Himalayas. (ANI)
Four persons died after falling unconsious due to a suspected poisonous gas leak inside a well in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district on Friday, officials said. The incident took place at Kurraha village under the jurisdiction of Garhi Malhara police station area in the district on Friday morning. The deceased were identified as Sheikh Altaf (21), Sheikh Aslam (37), Sheikh Wasir (65) and Munna Kushwaha (45), the police said. Chhatarpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Agam Jain told ANI, "An incident came to our notice from Kurraha village under Garhi Malhara police station where four persons died after getting unconscious in a well. Our teams are on the spot. All the bodies have been sent for post-mortem. A case is being registered into the matter and further investigation is underway." Meanwhile, district hospital doctor Ashish Shukla said, "According to the family members, there was a 10 to 12 feet deep well in which they were working. One person fell unconscious inside the well and others who went in after him to rescue him also fell unconscious and died." As per preliminary examination, it seems there was a poisonous gas leakage inside the well though bodies were sent for postmortem. Actual reason for the deaths will be ascertained after the postmortem report, the doctor said. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Friday declined a batch of petitions seeking a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the alleged instances of quid pro quo arrangements between corporates and political parties through Electoral Bonds donations. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said it is of the considered view that the constitution of an SIT headed by a former judge of this court should not be ordered when remedies under the law governing criminal procedure are not availed. "At the present stage, absent a recourse to remedies which are available under the law to pursue such grievances, it would be both premature - because the intervention under Article 32 must be preceded by the invocation of the normal remedies under the law and contingent upon the failure of those remedies - and inappropriate -because the intervention by this court at the present stage would postulate that the normal remedies which are available under the law are not efficacious- for this court to issue such directions," the bench said in its order. The top court also rejected the demand to direct the authorities to recover the donations received by political parties through Electoral Bonds and to re-open their income tax assessments. It added, "Issuing a direction of that nature at the present stage would amount to a conclusion on facts which would be inappropriate..." Advocate Prashant Bhushan appearing for one of the petitioners, told the bench that there was a 'quid pro quo' between many corporates, who purchased the bonds, and the political parties, who received the donations. The bench, however, was reluctant to entertain the plea asking why can't the normal process of law like lodging of FIR or filing a private complaint before the concerned court be invoked concerning the claims. The petition filed by NGOs Common Cause and the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) had sought direction from authorities to investigate the source of funding of shell companies and loss-making companies to various political parties, as has been disclosed through the electoral bonds data. The petition further sought direction to the authorities to recover the amounts from political parties as donated by companies to these parties as part of quid pro quo arrangements where these are found to be proceeds of crime. It alleged that a scam worth crores of rupees is involved in the Electoral Bonds matter, which can be unravelled only through an independent investigation under the monitoring of the apex court. Seeking SIT probe to be supervised by a retired Supreme Court judge, the petitioners said, "The investigation in this case would not only need to unravel the entire conspiracy in each instance, which would involve officers of the company, officials of the government and functionaries of political parties but also the officers concerned of agencies like the ED/IT and CBI etc., who appear to have become part of this conspiracy." The plea alleged that data that was disclosed to the public after the top court struck down the anonymous Electoral Bonds scheme showed that the bulk of the bonds appear to have been given as quid pro quo arrangements by corporates to political parties either to secure government contracts or licenses, or to secure protection from investigations by CBI, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate, or as consideration of favourable policy changes. The Supreme Court by its February verdict had struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme which allowed for anonymous funding to political parties, and ordered the SBI to stop issuing Electoral Bonds immediately. It had unanimously quashed the Electoral Bonds scheme as well as amendments made to the Income Tax Act and the Representation of People Act which had made the donations anonymous.(ANI)
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated a two-day Conference of Governors at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital on Friday. Addressing the conference, President Murmu said that the agenda for this conference included issues that were crucial in achieving the national goals. She said that the deliberations of this conference would be an enriching experience for all participants and help them in their functioning. She further stated that with the implementation of three new laws related to criminal justice, a new era of the justice system had begun in the country and said that the change in our thinking was evident from the names of the laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Murmu said that for the smooth functioning of democracy, various central agencies needed to work with better coordination across all the states. She further said that the Central government had been giving utmost priority to the development of the poor, the border areas, the deprived sections and people left behind in the development journey. She pointed out that a large section of the tribal population lives in the Scheduled and Tribal areas and urged the governors to suggest ways to achieve inclusive development for the people of those areas. Murmu also emphasised encouraging natural farming to increase soil fertility and enhance farmers' income. The conference also saw the presence of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah. Referring to the oath of the governors, Vice President Dhankhar urged them to discharge their constitutional responsibility to make people aware of social welfare schemes and developments that have taken place during the last decade. In his address, PM Modi urged the governors to play the role of an effective bridge between the centre and the state and interact with people and social organisations in a manner to co-opt those who are underprivileged. He further stated that the post of the Governor was an important institution that could play a crucial role in the welfare of the people of the state within the framework of the Constitution, particularly with reference to tribal areas. Union Home Minister Amit Shah indicated the course of discussions at the two-day conference and urged the governors to visit vibrant villages and aspirational districts to instill confidence among people and give a fillip to developmental work. On July 28, Murmu appointed governors for several states across the country. Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Assam, has been appointed Governor of Punjab and has also been appointed Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Along with this, Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde has been appointed Governor of Rajasthan, Jishnu Dev Varma has been appointed Governor of Telangana, Om Prakash Mathur of Sikkim, and Santosh Kumar Gangwar of Jharkhand. The President has appointed Ramen Deka as Governor of Chhattisgarh and CH Vijayashankar as Governor of Meghalaya. C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Jharkhand with Additional Charge of Telangana, appointed as Governor of Maharashtra. Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Sikkim, was appointed as Governor of Assam and has also been given additional charge of the Governor of Manipur. (ANI)
Accusing the central government of misusing the Raj Bhawan to destabilize the state government, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that the Governor is acting as a puppet of the Central Government, BJP-JDS alliance. Speaking to the media at the Mysuru airport before leaving for the Kodagu district, the CM said that the Governor issuing a show cause notice to him over the MUDA scam is illegal and unconstitutional. "The central government is misusing the Raj Bhavan in an attempt to destabilize the elected government," he said. Responding to a question from the media about recent developments in the case where prosecution has been allowed, the CM mentioned that he did not attend the cabinet meeting held yesterday as it would set a precedent for bad tradition. Therefore, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was appointed to conduct the Cabinet meeting. After a detailed discussion about the show cause notice, it was opined that the notice issued was illegal, and it was decided to advise the Governor to withdraw it. Noting that KJ Abraham is a blackmailer and that taking action on his complaint is illegal, the CM said that he has filed complaints against many individuals in the same manner. He emphasized that he has not committed any crime. "On July 26, 2024, the complaint was made at 11:30 a.m., and the Governor issued a show cause notice within a single day. All laws should be scrutinized when issuing a notice to the Chief Minister of an elected government with 136 MLAs who have the people's blessings. The notice was issued hastily without proper consideration. On the same day, Special Duty Officer Prabhu Shankar contacted the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, LK Ateeq, and informed him that the show cause notice was ready and should be received. However, it was not received as it was late at night," Siddaramaiah said. The CM explained that the notice was issued in haste at 2:00 p.m. the next day.Former ministers Shashikala Jolle, Murugesh Nirani, and Janardhan Reddy have had cases against them for years. The Chief Minister questioned why no action had been taken against them and stated that this current action was unnecessary."The Council of Ministers should advise the Governor. We have not advised him. The Chief Secretary sent a detailed letter to the Governor on July 26 at 6:30 p.m., which the Governor has not acknowledged. The government constituted a judicial commission on July 14 regarding the MUDA case, and the commission's report is awaited. The commission will investigate and submit a report if there are any mistakes. The Governor issued the notice without considering this," the CM said.The CM stated that during his visit to Delhi, the party high command and leaders were convinced of the facts and understood the situation.Responding to opposition leader R. Ashok's statement that the Chief Minister was scared after the Governor issued the notice, the CM said, "Ashok may be scared, but why should I be scared? They have not issued the notice as per the law. If someone has done something wrong, they should be afraid. I have not done anything wrong."The Chief Minister said that there is no objection to the BJP holding a padayatra. He noted that Union Minister and JDS President H.D. Kumaraswamy had mentioned that there was nothing in this case and that there was no need for a padayatra. He has earlier emphasized that attention should be given to the damage caused by heavy rains and floods. The Chief Minister questioned if this has been forgotten and noted that Kumaraswamy's participation in the padayatra seems to not be of his own free will.The Chief Minister stated that he has sought reports on damaged houses, roads, bridges, and electric poles due to the rains. Answering a question about the Revenue Minister's statement that houses would be built and compensation would also be provided, the CM said that it has been decided in the Cabinet that, as per SDRF guidelines, compensation will be provided and houses will also be constructed. He mentioned that he will be going to Nanjangudu tomorrow morning and will check the damage caused by the rain in the Kodagu district today. (ANI)
National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma visited Asha Kiran, a government home for the mentally challenged in Rohini, Delhi, following reports of multiple deaths among its residents. The Delhi government has since ordered a magisterial inquiry into the alleged fatalities at the shelter home. "After the matter came to the notice of the government, the Delhi government has ordered a magistrate inquiry into the Asha Kiran Shelter Home case. As soon as the investigation report comes, strict action will be taken against the culprits," said AAP MLA Dilip Pandey. National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma arrived at Asha Kiran today after several deaths were reported. "Shelters run by the Delhi government have become a death trap for innocent people. Asha Kiran, which has a capacity of 250, has 450 people living in it without proper food, water and medicine. Atishi (Delhi Minister) should be made responsible for contaminated water they are been provided," the NCW Chief said. "Most of the women who died in Asha Kiran Shelter home run by the Delhi government were under 40 years. Young lives are lost because of the sheer negligence of the Delhi Government. Who is responsible for these deaths @AtishiAAP?" she added. Voicing concern over the death of the inmates at Asha Kiran shelter home, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said, "It is difficult to breathe in Delhi. It is difficult to read the news... Mentally challenged people are kept in Asha Kiran. Information has been received that children are not given proper food there; if children fall ill, they are not given treatment... The Aam Aadmi Party has no moral right to stay in its position. Such news comes every day... Where does Aam Aadmi Party do what it says?... The Aam Aadmi Party government has brought Delhi to a very sad situation. To save Delhi, it is very important to remove such people from the post." Asserting that the issue will be raised by her in the parliament, Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal said, "In the past 20 days, 13 deaths have occurred at Asha Kiran shelter home run by the Delhi government... The reasons are yet not known... When I was there in DCW, I inspected the situation here... the situation here is very bad as there is no proper staffing, and no proper doctors are there... We made a report at that time and submitted it to the Delhi Government, but no action was taken at that time... I demand that action should be taken in this matter and an FIR should be lodged". BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla blamed Aam Aadmi Party's negligence and corruption as a reason behind these incidents."27 deaths have occurred here in the past few months...AAP's negligence and corruption are the reason behind these incidents... The cause of this seems to be dirty water, infection, tuberculosis, and pneumonia - several such reports are going on in the media... Why has the government not done anything in this matter? This cannot be resolved until Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi resign...AAP should reply over this," Poonawalla said. (ANI)
After the Supreme Court reiterated that there was no systemic breach in the NEET-UG 2024 exam beyond Hazaribagh and Patna, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said on Friday that the Apex Court's decision has validated what the government was saying. "The government was saying a similar thing that the exam has been transparently conducted. If the paper has been leaked somewhere, on an individual basis, the investigative agency is investigating that and taking action. Supreme Court has validated what the government was saying," he said. The Supreme Court on Friday said that the National Testing Agency (NTA) should avoid "flip-flops" in conducting the exams and observed that mishaps orchestrated by it were a luxury students cannot afford. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra also reiterated that there was no systemic breach in NEET-UG 2024 exam beyond Hazaribagh and Patna and, hence, no retest would be needed with respect to this year's NEET. It directed the Centre-appointed committee to recommend and implement top-to-bottom overhauling of the exam process, including security improvements, data protection measures, periodic audits, surprise inspections of exam centres, grievance redressal mechanisms for students and foolproof logistics. The apex court had on July 23 declined to order a re-exam of NEET UG and today it passed the detailed judgement. The order of the apex court came on a batch of pleas seeking direction to recall NEET-UG 2024 results and to conduct the examination afresh, alleging paper leakage and malpractices in the test held. Aspirants had approached the top court and raised the issue of leakage of question paper, awarding compensatory marks and anomaly in the question of NEET-UG. NEET-UG examination, conducted by NTA, is the pathway for admissions into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country. The NEET-UG, 2024 was held across 4,750 centres on May 5 and around 24 lakh candidates appeared in it. (ANI)
While Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region were grappling with intense rains and sudden showers on July 31, a team of doctors at Fortis Gurugram successfully transplanted the heart of a 54-year-old brain-dead woman from Kolkata into a 34-year-old man from Rohtak, Haryana, who was suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy. The donor heart was received from a government hospital in Kolkata, where the 54-year-old road accident victim was admitted and later declared brain-dead. After receiving approval from the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), the team of doctors from Fortis Hospital Gurugram went to Kolkata to retrieve the heart. For swift transportation of the organ, Kolkata Police created a green corridor, and the heart was brought to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. The heart was flown to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, and was smoothly transported from the airport via VIP exit. The Delhi and Gurugram Police seamlessly coordinated to create a green corridor, enabling the organ to traverse the 18 km distance from IGI Airport to Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, in just 13 minutes despite heavy traffic congestion and sudden downpours. The entire process was managed in around 4 hours with the help and support of around 100 police officers. The heart was successfully transplanted by a team of doctors led by cardiothoracic vascular surgeon Dr. Udgeath Dhir. Post-transplant, the patient is stable and under constant observation in the cardiac ICU. The 34-year-old recipient was brought to Fortis Gurugram in a critical state, with only 10-15 per cent of his heart functioning, and was registered on the NOTTO list for a heart transplant. Although the heart failure protocol treatment had started, the patient faced significant financial challenges. Considering his critical condition and lack of time, the administration team at Fortis Gurugram contacted the Haryana government for financial assistance and initiated a fundraiser campaign to support the treatment. Within a few days, Fortis Gurugram received a call about a potential donor in Kolkata. Fortis immediately reached out to IndiGo Airlines for assistance in transporting the heart, which was readily accepted. Giving details on the heart transplant, Dr. Dhir said, "Immediate heart transplant was necessary in this case because the patient was in a critically advanced heart failure stage due to dilated cardiomyopathy. A heart transplant was the only option in this condition. With the close coordination of hospital staff, the traffic police, and IndiGo Airlines, the heart was transported and transplanted in time. If the patient had not been treated promptly, he would have remained in advanced heart failure, with increased pulmonary artery pressures, becoming inoperable in the coming days with minimal chances of a heart transplant. The patient is currently stable, and we should be able to mobilize him in the next couple of days." Yash Rawat, Facility Director at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, said, "This is the first heart transplant at Fortis Gurugram. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the donor's family for deciding to donate an organ and save a life, despite their immense grief. We would like to thank NOTTO for smoothly facilitating the donation process. We are immensely grateful for the prompt response from IndiGo Airlines as well as Kolkata, Delhi, and Gurugram police for creating the green corridor, allowing swift transportation of the heart. I also thank the government for prioritizing and providing all necessary security and support. This coordinated effort underscores the critical importance of collaboration in saving lives." A spokesperson from IndiGo Airlines said, "We are humbled to have played a role in this life-saving effort. Our team at IndiGo was privileged to support the incredible medical professionals at Fortis Hospital, along with the dedicated police and government agencies, in ensuring the safe and timely transport of a precious heart to a waiting recipient. Every second counts in such situations, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to this successful outcome. We would like to thank and commend our airport staff in Kolkata and Delhi, as well as our dedicated crew members, for their swift action and unwavering commitment to this critical mission." It is estimated that almost 5 lakh Indians face organ failure every year, and only 2-3 per cent receive a life-saving transplant. Every year, hundreds of people die in India waiting for an organ transplant. Due to a lack of awareness and misconceptions, there is a shortage of organ donors, and with each passing year, the gap between the number of organs donated and the number of people waiting for transplants is growing wider. (ANI)
Karnataka Medical Education, Skill Development and Livelihood Minister Sharan Prakash Patil met Union Health Minister JP Nadda here on Friday and urged him to sanction AIIMS at Raichur at the earliest. During the meeting, the minister also asked the Centre to sanction 15% NRI quota in the state-run medical colleges. This is the second visit by Patil to the capital within six months, seeking to establish AIIMS and sanction NRI quota. Emerging out of the meeting, Patil said the demand for AIIMS in Raichur is long pending and only a couple of states, including Karnataka, in the country have not been given the premier institution. "I explained to the Union Health Minister the developmental revolution in backward Kalyana Karnataka region that will trigger following the setting up of AIIMS. Karnataka is hopeful that the Centre will announce the establishment of AIIMS at Raichur before the closure of the current parliament session," Patil added. Seeking to start the NRI quota in medical colleges, Patil requested that Nadda sanction supernumerary MBBS seats in government autonomous medical colleges under the Department of Medical Education from the academic year 2025-26 onwards. The minister told the Centre to sanction a 15% NRI quota by creating 508 additional supernumerary MBBS seats for admissions in 22 government medical colleges in the state. Patil had met the Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC) last month and submitted the letter in this regard. Justifying the proposal of supernumerary MBBS seats, the minister maintained that creating NRI quota within the available annual intake of seats is not feasible and expressed apprehension that disturbing the existing intake may trigger protests from students and parents. There are 22 government medical colleges under the Department of Medical Education that had intake capacity of 3,450 seats for the year 2023-24, out of which 85% (2929 seats) were Karnataka quota and 521, ie 15%, were All India Quota. (ANI)
INS Tabar arrived at St. Petersburg, Russia on 25 July '24 for a four-day visit to participate in the 328th Russian Navy Day Parade celebrations.

India and Russia share warm bilateral relations and maritime cooperation that span diverse fields. The visit by INS Tabar aimed to strengthen this longstanding friendship and also explore newer avenues of bolstering the relationship between the two countries.

INS Tabar, on departure from St. Petersburg, Russia successfully conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Russian Navy Ship Soobrazitelny on 30 Jul 2024. Participation of Indian Navy Ship Tabar in the 328th Russian Navy Day Parade and the conduct of MPX marks a significant milestone in the maritime cooperation between India and Russia, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to maintain peace, stability and security in the region.

The MPX involved a series of complex naval manoeuvers, including communication drills, Search & Rescue tactics and Replenishment at Sea serials. Ships from both navies demonstrated high levels of professionalism and interoperability.

The Indian Navy remains committed to fostering partnerships with navies across the world. The MPX with the Russian Navy reinforces the strong bilateral naval ties, further strengthening our resolve and commitment towards ensuring enhanced cooperation in the maritime domain. (ANI)
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the Narendra Modi government's decade-long efforts to support farmers, promising the continued availability of affordable fertilizers. In an address to the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Agriculture Minister and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "I want to assure the crores of farmer brothers and sisters across the country that the government under Modi Ji and the Bharatiya Janata Party will continue to provide cheap fertilizers." Chouhan detailed the significant subsidies being offered, noting that urea, typically worth Rs2,366, is provided to farmers at just Rs266. Similarly, Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), valued at Rs2,433, is available for Rs1,350. Chouhan stated that the government has increased fertilizer subsidies over the years, with the subsidy amount rising from Rs71,280 crore in 2013-14 to Rs1,95,420 crore in 2023-24. "We did not let the burden of increased prices of DAP due to international conditions fall on the farmers. Instead, we introduced a special package of an additional Rs2,625 crore to ensure that farmers could access affordable fertilizers," he said. Chouhan emphasized the six key priorities set by the government to enhance India's agricultural sector: increasing production, reducing the cost of production, paying the right price for the produce, providing adequate relief in case of natural calamity, diversifying agriculture, and promoting natural farming. Taking a dig at the Congress party, Chouhan accused them of neglecting irrigation infrastructure during their time in power. He pointed out that under Congress rule, irrigation facilities in Madhya Pradesh were limited to just 7.5 lakh hectares. "Congress was in power for years but never paid serious attention to irrigation facilities. There are not just one but many examples of this. When there was a Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, there was irrigation facility in only 7.5 lakh hectares. We increased it to 47.5 lakh hectares," he said. (ANI)
Days after Home Minister Amit Shah said the Kerala government could have minimized the losses in Wayanad if they had become alert, Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) state secretary MV Govindan condemned his statement and said it is politically motivated. Addressing a press conference, CPM state secretary MV Govindan said, "Amit Shah's statement was politically motivated. Such reactions will not help anyone at a time when we need to work together. The culture of Kerala is to stand united on common issues of the country." Adding to it further, he said, "The central government had issued an orange alert for the affected area. However, the rainfall was much heavier than predicted. There was no red alert before the disaster occurred; it was declared only after the disaster. The landslide warning from the Geological Survey of India was green. Now, the disaster has occurred 7 kilometers away from the place where people were relocated according to the warning." Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Kerala government could have minimized the losses in Wayanad if they had become alert after the Central government's warning about potential landslides and the risk to people's lives. He added that irrespective of the party politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will stand with the people of Kerala. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha Union Home Minister Shah said, "Early warning was given, that is why on July 23, we sent 9 teams of NDRF and three more were sent yesterday. Had they become alert the day the NDRF teams landed, a lot could have been saved. But this is the time to stand with the government and the people of Kerala. Irrespective of the party politics, the Narendra Modi government will stand with the people of Kerala." MV Govindan further reacted to the BJP MP Tejasvi Surya's remarks of "man-made disaster" and said, "Spreading blatant lies to propagate narrow politics is the policy of the RSS." Govindan further informed about the CMDRF contributions and said, "The party units from Tripura and Tamil Nadu have each donated Rs 10 lakh to the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF). The CPI(M) Kerala unit has contributed Rs 25 lakh." He further informed, "The Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) is subject to CAG audit, which reviews all income and expenditure accounts. Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Friday confirmed 308 deaths in the multiple landslides that hit Wayanad on July 30. The rescue and relief operations are underway in Chooralmala and Mundakkai in the Meppadi region where the landslides wreaked havoc. Minister George said that 195 bodies and 113 body parts have been recovered so far. The Indian Army earlier today handed over the 190-feet Bailey Bridge to the civil administration which was built over the Iruvanjippuzha river connecting the regions Chooralmala and Mundakkai, isolated by the landslides. (ANI)
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Friday moved a Privilege Motion notice in Rajya Sabha, against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his "Early Warning" claims regarding the Wayanad Landslide. In his letter, Jairam said, "In his response to a calling attention on the Wayanad landslides in the Rajya Sabha on July 31, the Union Home Minister made several claims on early warning systems and how they were not utilized by the Kerala government despite alerts issued by the Union Government well ahead of the tragedy. These claims have been extensively fact-checked in the media." "It is clear that the Union Home Minister misled the Rajya Sabha with his emphatic statements on early warnings issued by the Union government which have been proven to be false. It is well established that misleading the house by a minister or a member constitutes a breach of privilege and contempt of the house," the Congress leader said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Kerala government could have minimized the losses in Wayanad if they had become alert after the Central government's warning about potential landslides and the risk of people's lives. He added that irrespective of the party politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will stand with the people of Kerala. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha Union Home Minister Shah said, "Early warning was given, that is why on July 23, we sent 9 teams of NDRF and three more were sent yesterday. Had they become alert the day the NDRF teams landed, a lot could have been saved. But this is the time to stand with the government and the people of Kerala. Irrespective of the party politics, the Narendra Modi government will stand with the people of Kerala." He also said that the Central government had sent an early warning to the government of Kerala 7 days before the incident, and then on July 24, 25 and July 26. Meanwhile, the Indian Army, during the rescue operations in Wayanad, found four people alive in the rubble, including two men and two women today. According to the officials, the rescued individuals were stranded in the Padavetti Kunnu in Wayanad. The operation was carried out with precision and care, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved. Kerala Health Minister Veena George today confirmed 308 deaths in the multiple landslides that hit Wayanad on July 30. Minister George said that 195 bodies and 113 body parts have been recovered so far. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the cloudburst site at Samej in the Rampur area of Shimla district on Friday. The Rampur area has borne the brunt of the cloudburst, with 33 people reported missing in the area. The Chief Minister reviewed the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. Expressing grief over the incident, Sukhu consoled and comforted the affected families and announced an immediate relief package for the sufferers. "Each affected family will receive Rs. 50,000 as immediate assistance and Rs. 5,000 per month, for three months, for hiring rented accommodation from today itself. Additionally, the state government would also provide free essential items for basic needs such as rations, cooking gas, blankets and stoves. The state government would extend comprehensive support to all the affected families," said Sukhu. The Chief Minister assured that financial assistance for rebuilding their houses would be announced shortly. The government is committed to the rehabilitation of the affected families. He directed the district administration to make alternative arrangements to ensure that displaced families do not face any further miseries and difficulties. He also met with students from Government Senior Secondary School Samej, whose eight classmates are missing following the tragic incident. Students Rakhi and Kartik Thakur, both in Class VIII, informed the Chief Minister that their school had been completely damaged and they were in shock. He assured that the school building would be reconstructed in a much better and more planned manner so that the children would receive a good education in a better environment. The Chief Minister also encouraged them to stay strong and support their families in this hour of grief. Vimla Devi, a resident of Samej, recounted the horrific night of the cloudburst, with fear and panic all over the village. The Chief Minister shared their sufferings and assured them that the state government stands by them in their hour of suffering. "The government stands shoulder to shoulder with the affected persons and will support the families during this challenging time. All the affected families were my family members, and I assure you that a relief package will be announced shortly," said Sukhu. The cloudburst has left 33 people missing in Samej, with 10 trapped individuals successfully rescued. The disaster also damaged 38 houses and two bridges in the village. While interacting with the media at Samej, the Chief Minister said that extensive losses both to human lives and properties have been reported due to heavy rains and cloud bursts in Shimla, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday night. He said that five cloudbursts took place in these districts and caused widespread damage in these regions. He said that six people have been reported dead and 47 are still missing. He said that in three districts as above, 14 motorable and pedestrian bridges, 115 houses, 23 cowsheds, 10 shops and three fish farms have perished in this disaster. He said that one national highway and five roads had also been blocked in the state due to heavy rains. Sukhu said that the state government undertook rescue and relief operations on a war footing after getting information about the cloudbursts and directed the district administration to provide immediate relief to the affected families. He said that 55 stranded people had been evacuated safely so far. Relentless efforts were made to trace out the missing persons. He said that the administration has been kept on alert to tackle it effectively. The Public Works Department has been directed to open the closed roads on priority so that people do not face any inconvenience. Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Chairman Seventh Finance Commission Nand Lal, MLA Ani Lokender Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap, Deputy Commissioner Kullu Torul S Raveesh and other officers were also present, among others, on the spot. (ANI)
Delhi's Karkardooma Court on Friday transferred (Committal) Baby Care New Born Child Hospital Fire case to the District Judge (Shahadara) for further hearing. The judicial magistrate has taken cognisance of the charge sheet. Delhi Police had filed a charge sheet against two doctors, including the owner of the hospital. This incident occurred on the night of May 25 in Vivek Vihar. In this incident, 8 newborn babies died. Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Vidhi Gupta Anand was directed to place the case before the District Judge on August 8. Delhi police filed a charge sheet against hospital owner Dr. Naveen Khichi and Dr. Akash. Delhi police have invoked section 304, 308, 34 IPC and Section 75 of JJ Act. As per police Khichi was arrested on May 26 and Akash was arrested on May 27, 2024. After investigation Delhi police have filed a charge sheet containing 1000 pages. Police have annexed a list of 80 Prosecution witness and evidence collected during investigation. An FIR was registered at Vivek Vihar police station on May 26, 2024 in this incident. Accused were sent to judicial custody after police custody. Dr. Akash had moved a bail plea which was dismissed by the court on June 3. Earlier, the police were granted three days police custody to seize the DVR of CCTV and check the medical degree of Akash. As per Delhi police, On May 25, 2024 at 11.29 pm, an information regarding fire in hospital and persons are in danger was received. Thereafter, police staff and fire brigade staff reached on the spot at Baby Care New Born hospital, Vivek Vihar where fire was seen in two storey building. With the help of fire brigade staff, 12 infants were rescued from nursing station. After dousing the fire, hospital was inspected and there were burst oxygen cylinders found, police had said. Rescued infants were shifted to other hospital East Delhi Advance NICU, Vivek Vihar, Delhi and later on dead infants were sent to GTB Hospital mortuary for autopsy, it added. On inspection of the hospital and examination of nursing staff, it was found that there was no fire extinguisher, improper entry exit, absence of an emergency exit, deployment of a BAMS doctor, etc, penal section 304/308 IPC was invoked. It was found that the licence issued to the Baby Care New Born Child Hospital by DGHS, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, has already expired on March 31, 2024. Even as per the expired license (issued to the said Hospital) was allowed for 5 Beds only, but at the time of incident 12 new born child were admitted in the Hospital, the police had said. The Doctors are not qualified/ competent to treat the new born child in need of Neo-Natal Incentive care, as they are BAMS degree holders only, it added. There is no Fire Extinguisher installed in the said Hospital for emergency condition in case of eruption of fire, it had further said. There is no emergency exit in the Hospital in case of any untoward incident, it had added. During the course of the investigation, it was found that the 'Baby Care New Born Child Hospital' has 4 branches in Vivek Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Delhi, Faridabad and Gurgaon. The owner of the said hospital is Dr Naveen Khichi, a resident of Bhera Enclave, Pachim Vihar, Delhi. He is an MD in paediatric medicine. He and his wife, Dr Jagriti (a dentist), are running the hospital. The fire tender, crime team and FSL team reached at the spot. The probable cause of fire is stated to be short circuit. Electric Inspection Report from the Electric Inspector ( Labour Department) Govt of NCT of Delhi, D-Block, Shamnath Marg is being obtained. Report is also being obtained from the Delhi Fire Services, police had said. (ANI)
Hitting back at Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan over his remarks about the failure of the Congress government in the agriculture sector, Congress leader Rajeev Shukla accused Chouhan of lacking historical knowledge, particularly about the Green Revolution which started during the Congress regime. Shukla emphasized that the Green Revolution was pivotal in transforming India into a wheat-exporting nation and argued that Chouhan's claims of agricultural progress post-2014 overlook this crucial historical development. Responding to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's speech in Rajya Sabha, Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said, "He has just become the Union Agriculture Minister...He does not know about the history of agriculture. "Do you know who brought the green revolution? Because of the green revolution that was started under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, the country is exporting wheat today. Without knowing the history, saying all this is wrong on behalf of the agriculture minister. According to him (Shivraj Singh Chouhan), development work only happened after 2014." Earlier today, in an address in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused the Congress party of neglecting irrigation infrastructure during their time in power. He pointed out that under Congress rule, irrigation facilities in Madhya Pradesh were limited to just 7.5 lakh hectares. "Congress was in power for years but never paid serious attention to irrigation facilities. There are not just one but many examples of this. When there was a Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, there was irrigation facility in only 7.5 lakh hectares. We increased it to 47.5 lakh hectares," he said. The Union Minister also highlighted Narendra Modi government's decade-long efforts to support farmers, promising the continued availability of affordable fertilizers. "I want to assure the crores of farmer brothers and sisters across the country that the government under Modi Ji and the Bharatiya Janata Party will continue to provide cheap fertilizers," Agriculture Minister and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in an address in Rajya Sabha on Friday. (ANI)
Viral videos on Twitter had shown a person placing various kinds of objects on railway tracks, prompting an urgent investigation. The culprit, Gulzar Sheikh has uploaded more than 250 videos on his YouTube channel and has over 2 lakhs subscribers. His on-camera activities posed a significant risk to both railway safety and operations.

Through a detailed analysis of Sheikh's YouTube profile and social media presence, RPF Unchahar, Northern Railway registered the offence under various provisions of the Railway Act on August 1.

On the same day, a joint team of RPF and Local Police arrested Gulzar Sheikh from his residence in Khandrauli Village in Uttar Pradesh.

While appreciating RPF, Lucknow Division for the prompt and effective action, DG RPF emphasized that legal action against Gulzar Sheikh would serve as a strong deterrent to persons attempting to compromise the safety of Indian Railways.

He reiterated the importance of railway safety and assured the public that any attempts to undermine rail safety will be met with firm resolve and strict legal action and those engaging in such activities will be prosecuted to ensure maximum punishment.

DG RPF also appealed to the public not to indulge in such activities and report any acts which compromise the railway security and safety. Such information can be given to the Railway Protection Force or on Rail Madad through the toll-free helpline number 139. (ANI)
Following the reports of multiple deaths among its residents, in Asha Kiran, a government home for the mentally challenged in Rohini, Delhi, Bharatiya Janata leader Shazia Ilmi demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal. She also slammed the opposition INDIA bloc for maintaining silence over the issue. "Reports are coming that 27 deaths have occurred here...All those who have died are mentally challenged...Who is responsible for this incident?...," Ilmi asked in a self-made video. The BJP leader added, "And their alliance (INDIA bloc) does not bother at all to speak on this issue... They have time to do politics but no time to speak on this issue... Whom will the Delhi government blame now? Is LG Sahab responsible for this? Is the MCD Commissioner responsible for this? Is the Delhi police responsible for this? or the Delhi Welfare Department?" She questioned, "How did the deaths of these children take place? adding, "Why was not anything done for them before they died?" Slamming the Aam Admi Party, the BJP leader said, "Their politics have worsened to a new low. Their INDIA alliance partners have no concern for these children...If they speak (on any issue) in Delhi, then they have to comment on Arvind Kejriwal". She added, "It is now all-important that Arvind Kejriwal resign now..." The most number of deaths (14) have been recorded in the month of July in Asha Kiran Shelter Home being run in Delhi's Rohini area, an official report said. A controversy has erupted over the deaths in the shelter home. The official report stated that a total of 25 deaths were recorded from February 2024, out of which 14 deaths occurred (Male-6, Female-8) in the shelter home in the month of July only. The report from Asha Kiran Shelter Home to the Delhi Government mentioned loose motion and unconsciousness as being the reason behind deaths. Other reasons included- mild fever, loose stools and vomiting. (ANI)
The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, will visit Jammu and Kashmir from August 8-10 to review the preparedness for the upcoming assembly elections in the Union Territory. In Srinagar, the Commission will first meet with political parties. They will also hold meetings with the CEO, SPNO, and Central Forces coordinator to review preparations. Additionally, the Commission will review preparations with the Chief Secretary, DGP, District Election Officers, and Superintendents of Police from all districts. On August 10, the Commission will visit Jammu for a review meeting with enforcement agencies. The Commission will hold a press conference in Jammu to brief the media on the review of election preparations. In March 2024, CEC Rajiv Kumar, who was the only member of the three-member commission to visit the Union Territory before the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections (with EC posts vacant at that time), had assured political parties and the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the Commission would soon hold the assembly elections in the UT. Following the record turnout in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 and the significant participation of the people of J&K in the democratic process, CEC Kumar stated, "This active participation is a huge positive for assembly elections to be held soon so that the democratic process continues to thrive in the Union Territory." The Election Commission of India has indicated that assembly elections will be held in Jammu and Kashmir before September 30, the deadline set by the Supreme Court. The poll body has asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to transfer officials posted in their home districts, as well as those connected with the election process who will be completing a three-year tenure on or before September 30. (ANI)
The workers of All India Mahila Congress in Delhi started a protest against the Delhi government and demanded the resignation of Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi over the deaths at Asha Kiran shelter home on Friday. This stand came after an official report mentioned that the shelter home has recorded the most number of deaths (14) in July. It is being run in Delhi's Rohini area. The official report stated that a total of 25 deaths were recorded from February 2024, out of which 14 deaths occurred (male-6, female-8) in the shelter home in the month of July only. Upon release of the report, a controversy had erupted over the deaths in the shelter home. The General Secretary of All India Mahila Congress, Neetu Verma Soin, said that these were not deaths but murders. She further stated that 14 murders had occurred there and that 450 children had been accommodated in the shelter, which can house just 250 people. "We are from All India Mahila Congress... We have come here to find out what happened. 14 murders occurred here. We are being told that 450 children are being accommodated here, which can house just 250 people," she said. She further demanded an inquiry into the matters and also the resignation of officials and ministers who were behind this. "We demand that there should be an inquiry. These are not deaths, but murders... What is the Delhi government doing? We demand the resignation of officials and ministers who are behind this. We demand justice for the children inside. They are not letting us meet them," she further stated. The report mentioned that loose motion and unconsciousness were the reasons behind deaths. Other reasons included mild fever, loose stools and vomiting. Reacting to the incident, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi said, "Asha Kiran shelter home is being run in Delhi... Those who live here are abandoned people rescued by the police. A report is coming that 14 deaths have occurred here in July, among which one is a child. This is a serious matter and to investigate this, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered. The preliminary report will be submitted within 24 hours. If there is any negligence seen in the report by any official, strict action will be taken against them." "I assure the people of Delhi that if any death has occurred due to any negligence, here, the person involved will not be spared. We are waiting for the postmortem report and after 24 hrs the preliminary report of the magisterial enquiry will come out, we will take action as per that," she added. (ANI)
The public hearing for the proposed Kente Extension open-cast mine project, organised by the Environmental Protection Board in the Udaipur Block of Surguja district in Chhattisgarh, concluded successfully on Friday. The state-owned Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) will open a new captive coal mine spanning across 1,760 hectares with an annual coal production capacity of 11 million tonnes and a state-of-the-art washery project. This development comes after the successful 12-year operation of the Surguja-based Parsa East Kente Basan (PEKB) Block, which produces 15 million tonnes of coal annually. Besides Kente Extension and PEKB Block, the government of India has also allocated Parsa Block to RRVUNL in the Surguja district. Better access to coal from captive mines will reduce Rajasthan's dependence on Coal India and expensive imported coal to fuel its power generation units. The Ministry of Coal has awarded the PEKB Block a prestigious Five-Star Rating in recognition of its excellent operations. RRVUNL has made substantial investments in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, livelihood, and rural infrastructure development. Thousands of villagers from Udaipur tehsil's Kente, Basen, Chakeri, Parogiya, and other nearby villages within a 10-km radius started arriving at 8 am despite rain to express their support for the Public Hearing scheduled for 11 am. The hearing lasted for seven hours. Vijay Singh Porte, the Environmental Protection Board Regional Officer, Sarguja, and Sunil Kumar Nayak, the Additional District Magistrate, chaired the Public Hearing. Deputy Sarpanch of Parsa, Ganeshram Yadav, said, "With the help of the locals, RRVUNL has given a new identity to Sarguja by planting more than 12 lakh trees on the previously mined land of the PEKB Block, making it a model mine in the country. Rajasthan's power utility runs cost-free English medium schools, skill development centres, clinics, and ambulance services. We hope that RRVUNL will further promote these initiatives by opening the Kente Extension mine." The villagers discussed regional development, job management, and self-employment during the meeting. Officials and dignitaries also expressed support for the Kente Extension Coal Block, believing it would bring new development and job opportunities to the area. Supporting the Kete Extension, Trilochan Pekra from Chakeri village said, "This project will provide job and self-employment opportunities to the women and youth of our village in the backward region. RRVUNL's operations and CSR efforts have demonstrated that the Nigam will bring prosperity to the locals." Urmila Pando from Basen village said, "Many women, including myself, have gained self-employment with the opening of the PEKB Mine. Today, the women in our group have become self-reliant through the women's cooperatives engaged in diversified business activities. Hence, I support the Kete Extension Project." VP Garg, the Additional Chief Engineer of RRVUNL, provided information about the Chhattisgarh project. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bansingh Netam, the Town Inspector of Udaipur Chandra Kumari, and Udaypur Block Tehsildar, Chandrashila Jayswal were in attendance. (ANI)
A total of six people have lost their lives and 47 are still missing after a cloudburst and following flash floods in the Kullu, Mandi and Shimla regions of Himachal Pradesh. On Friday afternoon, the Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operation Centre provided a situation report at the three affected places for the past 36 hours, which showed the summary of damage and loss on the intervening nights of July 31 and August 1. According to the report, Mandi has witnessed the most casualties with five, followed by Kullu with one. Shimla so far has reported no casualties. The report also mentioned that Shimla has the highest number of missing people so far at 33, followed by Kullu at nine and Mandi at six. A total of 55 people had been evacuated to relief camps and 25 people reported being stranded. 61 houses were fully damaged, as the report stated, with 42 houses being partially damaged. In both cases, the majority of the damage was seen at Kullu. In the wake of the catastrophic incident, the state government, led by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, had earlier mobilised extensive rescue and relief efforts. Addressing the media amidst ongoing rescue operations, Sukhu emphasised the gravity of the situation. Later, on his visit to the affected areas, Sukhu said that 49 people were missing and four bodies had been recovered from the affected areas. "We will provide all possible help and relief to victims of the disaster... 49 people are missing and 4 bodies have been recovered... Restoration work is underway," he said. The information about the cloud burst was received by the District Disaster Management Authority early Thursday morning, which took place near the hydropower project in Samej Khad in Jhakri, Rampur. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said that as soon as the information about the incident was received, the NDRF team, SDRF team, police, and rescue team left for the site of the incident. (ANI)
"Last night at around 1:00 AM, a speeding car hit three bikes in Mumbai, injuring one person," the Kanjur Marg Police said.

According to the police, they received information about a car that had hit four to five vehicles and then met with an accident.

The police further said that the car driver had hit three motorcycles and injured a person identified as 19-year-old Shyam Satish Gaikwad. Gaikwad was later taken to the Ambedkar Hospital for treatment.

The police said that the driver of the car, 24-year-old Alpesh Vivek Indulkar, was drunk when the incident took place.

Indulkar was later taken into custody and a case was registered against him by the police.

The police had also seized his Tata Nexon car.

In a similar incident, a 46-year-old woman lost her life after being hit by a speeding car in the Virar area of Maharashtra's Palghar district on Thursday evening, August 1.

The deceased had been identified as Atmja Kasat, a teacher at the Utkarsh Junior College.

Arnala police had arrested the driver of the Toyota Fortuner identified as Shubham Patil.

According to information recieved, Atmaja Kasat was passing in front of Muljibhai Mehta School in Virar West, when a car coming from behind hit her.

She sustained serious injuries and was admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Kasat, however, died succumbed to her injuries during treatment. The Arnala Sagari police arrested driver Shubham Patil late on Thursday night. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is continuously monitoring the relief and rescue operations in the disaster-affected areas of the state, officials said. On Friday, the Chief Minister called Secretary Home Shailesh Bagoli, Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar and Commissioner Garhwal Vinay Shankar Pandey to the Secretariat and got updated information from them about the disaster situation in the state and relief and rescue operations. The Chief Minister asked to ensure movement through the Kedarnath footpath along with arrangements for the safe return of the passengers stranded in Kedarnath. The Chief Minister has directed that, in cases of road obstruction due to heavy rains, minimum time should be taken to make them smooth. He also directed to make the traffic smooth as soon as possible by building a Bailey bridge in case of a bridge collapse and said that it should be ensured that people get a smooth supply of drinking water and electricity. The Chief Minister has also directed the officials to keep all the arrangements in view of the convenience of the devotees on the Chardham Yatra routes. If the routes are obstructed anywhere due to heavy rains on the Yatra route or there appears to be any danger ahead, then the passengers should be stopped at safe places. The Chief Minister has directed all the concerned officers, including the District Magistrates, to remain in alert mode at all times in view of the disaster. (ANI)
After the Supreme Court dismissed the demands to cancel the NEET-UG 2024, Lok Sabha MP Pappu Yadav said that NEET-UG should be cancelled and demanded the formation of a new policy that will ensure no exam paper leaks in future. On NEET-UG paper leak, Independent MP from Bihar's Purnea, Pappu Yadav, said, "I believe it (NEET-UG) should be cancelled, an inquiry should be conducted, and the accused should be sent to jail. A new policy should be made which ensures that there is no exam paper leak." Meanwhile, Congress MP Rajiv Shukla said that the Supreme Court has put a stamp on the fact that there were discrepancies in the NEEt-UG 2024 and held the government responsible for it. On SC says "No systemic breach, leak limited to Patna, Hazaribagh" in NEET-UG paper leak case, Congress MP Rajiv Shukla said, "It has come out that there were discrepancies. So, who is responsible? It is the government. Supreme Court has put a stamp on the fact that there were discrepancies." The Supreme Court on Friday said that the National Testing Agency (NTA) should avoid "flip-flops" in conducting the exams and observed that mishaps orchestrated by it were a luxury students cannot afford. Pronouncing the detailed judgement on pleas seeking cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) [NEET-(UG)] 2024 over allegation of paper leak and malpractices, the apex court asked the Central government to completely restructure the exam process. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra also reiterated that there was no systemic breach in NEET-UG 2024 exam beyond Hazaribagh and Patna and, hence, no retest would be needed with respect to this year's NEET. "The NTA must avoid the flip-flops it has done in this case. These flip-flops of the NTA do not serve the interests of the students," said the bench in its order. It directed the Centre-appointed committee to recommend and implement top-to-bottom overhauling of the exam process, including security improvements, data protection measures, periodic audits, surprise inspections of exam centres, grievance redressal mechanisms for students and foolproof logistics. It highlighted how question papers were transported in e-rickshaws to some exam centres during NEET-UG 2024. "These issues such as the rear door being kept open in the strong room etc, then granting compensatory marks, then grace marks which led to 44 students getting 720/720. We have highlighted all errors of NTA and thus committee should identify and rectify these. These issues which have arisen must be rectified by the Union of India this year itself so that it is not repeated," the order stated. The apex court had on July 23 declined to order a re-exam of NEET UG and on Friday it passed the detailed judgement. (ANI)
Launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday said that BJP leaders have looted lands of people of Jharkhand and even murdered to build their party offices. He made this claim while addressing the monsoon session in Jharkhand's legislative assembly. Citing a report as evidence, the chief minister accused the BJP of having looted the people during their rule and said, "What they have done in five years? They have looted lands to construct buildings on it. The pictures (data) are from 24 districts where the BJP has constructed its party offices." Soren further said that the central investigative agencies lodged him in jail for false accusations and are not arresting BJP leaders. He further alleged, "They (BJP) have not just looted land, they have murdered people also. Not just one, they murdered people in numbers. These land robbers had put me in jail. They had put the CBI and other agencies behind me, but these agencies won't arrest them. They should tell from where did they acquired money to build the party offices. They even have constructed party offices on government land." Adding to it further, Soren said, "They don't have to do anything with the reply. Neither in the House nor outside. What should I reply to them? They (BJP) run the shop of looting and cheating, Some in Pakur while some in Jamshedpur. They have a big gang so they manage to mislead the people." Jharkhand CM Soren hit out at the BJP government for mishandling the country and said that from Railways to the economy, the situation in the country is worsening but the BJP is only indulging in Hindu-Muslim politics. Taking it further, Soren stated that if BJP remains in power for long then the economic situation would be worse than in Pakistan. Speaking in Jharkhand's legislative assembly during the monsoon session, CM Hemant Soren said, "They ask for votes in the name of Hindu-Muslim but we all have seen what have happened in Ayodhya. People of Ayodhya have given them a tight slap and they are unable to take it. The situation in the country has worsened a lot." Soren further condemned the government for several major rail accidents in the nation, adding that it seems that there is competition between roads and railways for accidents. "Accidents in Railways have become common as if it is a road accident. There has been a competition about whether there will be more accidents on railways or roads. The economy is deteriorating so much that they have to reduce the funds of the MGNREGA scheme, PM Awas Yojana Scheme and etc. The situation is such that the Rupee has fallen drastically against the US dollar. It is heading down and gradually the situation will become worse than Pakistan," said Soren. Jharkhand CM called BJP "traders" and accused them of selling various assets of the nation. Hitting strongly at the BJP, Soren said, "They don't have real issues. They just speak about demography, Hindu, Muslim, Adivasis and non-Adivasis. I saw the way they protested by selling the sand. This is their way. They are traders they will do the same as the businessmen. They have sold the whole country. They have sold railways, ports, and airports." Calling the BJP leaders "nalayak", Soren said, "BJP is responsible for stopping the Sarna religious Code, OBC reservation, etc, and recruitment policy. They are such worthless that they can even sell the property of the elderly. They gave loan waivers to corporate houses but are not giving loan waivers to the farmers." Praising Jharkhand's JMM government, Soren asserted, "We have given more than 1 lakh jobs in the various sectors. I, myself have given appointment letters through my own hands. They did not even build rules for appointments in 20 years which we did. They just stab in the back and don't dare to hit from the front. They use courts and the Governor's house to destabilize the state government. We appointed 83 percent of tribals and the local population in various jobs. How much should we count? They should keep a pen and paper with them to write. The works we have done in 5 years, they cannot even match this level in 50 years." Hitting out at the BJP for their remarks of JMM's last session, Soren stated, "They say this is the last session of our government but I would like to say that this session is unstoppable." Taking a potshot at BJP, Soren said, "They are just like this only. They work on the concept of "Na Khaunga Na Khane Dunga". If they don't win, they work the mindset of stopping others from doing anything. Last Lok Sabha elections were just reflections, in Assembly elections full length mirror will be shown to them." (ANI)
Delhi's Karkardooma Court on Friday acquitted six accused of rioting and other offences finding no evidence against them in the 2020 Delhi riots case. The court said there is no single evidence against the accused persons. An FIR was registered at police station Karawal Nagar in February 2020. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Pulastya Pramachala held, "I find that charges levelled against the accused persons in this case are not proved at all." "Hence, accused persons Hashim Ali, Abu Bakar, Mohd. Ajeej, Rashid Ali, Nazmuddin alias Bhola and Mohammad Danish are hereby acquitted of all the charges leveled against them in this case," the judgement passed on August 2. While acquitting the accused persons the court said that there is not a single evidence on the record to point out towards the accused persons, as member of the riotous mob behind the incident at the premises of Naresh Chand and Dharampal. The court observed, "As far as CDR and Cell ID Chart are concerned, they do notestablish the exact location of the accused persons, nor do they establish the involvement of the accused persons in the incident probed in this case. They could be used only as corroborative piece of evidence." "In absence of any evidence to establish the presence of the accused persons in the mob behind the incident in question, I am of the opinion that there is no incriminating evidence against the accused person," ASJ Pramachala held. The court noted that despite the availability of video footage accused persons could not be identified. The court said that it is true that DVR with its contents containing video files are proved on the record. However, no witness is there to identify any of the accused persons in the videos. " Moreover, appearance of any accused in the video could be confirmed through scientific examination, by way of comparison of picture appearing in the video andspecimen picture of the accused persons," the judge observed in the judgement. "However, no such steps were taken by IO in this case. Thus, there is no evidence at all to establish that accused persons are appearing in those videos," the court said. Advocates Salim Malik and Shavana, counsels for Hashim Ali and Rashid Ali and other accused's counsels argued that there is no incriminating evidence against any of the accused persons, because there is no evidence to establish their identity as part of the mob. It was further argued that DVR or contents thereof do not establish identity of the accused persons, for want of any such identification made by any witness in the videos. On the other hand, advocate Naveen Kumar Raheja, Special public prosecutor (SPP) for Delhi police argued that though the complainant and other cited witness did not support the case of prosecution to identify the accused persons as part of the mob behind the incident, however, prosecution has proved DVR and contents thereof, which include video files. He further argued that this DVR had recording of CCTV camera installed at the house of complainant, which is also a kind of eyewitness and that is sufficient incriminating evidence against the accused persons. He also referred to admitted CDR with mobile Cell ID Chart of the accused persons to show presence of accused Abu Bakar and Hashim Ali at the place of incident. As per the Prosecution on 28.02.2020 FIR was registered on the Complaint of Naresh Chand. He alleged that on 25.02.2020 at about 4:30 PM the situation in the area around his house in Gali No.12, Phase-6, Shiv Vihar, Delhi, was abnormal. Thereafter, at around 5 PM, some rioters barged into his house. It was further alleged that he along with his family members cried and shouted to save their lives and were saved by other persons. Rioters ransacked his house and thereafter put it on fire. Even the motorcycle which was parked in the gallery as well as three shops in the house, were also put on fire. It was further alleged that in this incident, fridge, LED 40", cash amount, jewellery aswell as four cylinders, were also looted by this mob. They also vandalized the whole house. ASI Suman Kumar was assigned investigation of the present case. During investigation police recieved 13 other complaints and clubbed these. (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha is closely monitoring the present situation in the South District created due to heavy rain and has said that the administration is prepared to deal with any eventuality, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's office issued on Friday. Saha has sought reports from the Revenue Secretary and India Meteorological Department (IMD) Departments. On Facebook, Saha wrote that according to the IMD report, Belonia has received the highest rainfall of 214.40 mm, whereas the rainfall in Sabroom and Bagafa has been recorded at 152.00 mm and 80.00 mm, respectively. The heavy rainfall has caused water levels to rise in the rivers Muhuri and Lawgang. Presently, the water level in Muhuri is 26.60 mtr, which exceeds the expected flood level of 23.60 mtr but is below the critical level of 27.50 mtr. The Lawgang is at 24.50 mtr, which is flowing above the danger level of 24.00 mtr. Saha also said that the water level of the Muhuri River has crossed safe limits. Shelters have been made ready and preparations for precautionary evacuation have started. "Action has been taken for the shifting of water-logged families from Belonia and Santirbazar urban areas. As reported, 6 houses have so far been partly damaged in Belonia Sub Division, & necessary support is being extended to the affected families," said Saha. He also said that initiatives have already been taken to clear the blocked roads due to the falling of trees due to heavy showers. "Aapda Mitra & Civil Defence Volunteers, TSR, TSECL, Forest and other QRTs are on standby and will be pressed into action if the situation worsens. There is no need to panic; the administration is closely monitoring the overall situation and prepared to deal with any eventuality. We appeal to the people residing across the district to stay alert & contact the local administration in case of any emergency," he added. (ANI)
A Pune court on Friday granted bail to Manorama Khedkar, the mother of former probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, in a criminal intimidation case related to a land dispute. Additional Sessions Judge AN Mare granted the bail, according to Manorama Khedkar's counsel, advocate Nikhil Malani The judge ordered Manorama Khedkar's release upon executing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with one or more sureties of the same amount. "The applicant shall not contact the informant and witnesses in the case by any mode of communication and shall not try to influence them in any manner," stated the court order. The order also specified that the applicant shall not enter the jurisdiction of Paud Police Station until the investigation is completed. She is required to cooperate with the investigating agency and report to the concerned police station as and when required by the investigating officer. For such purposes, she can enter the jurisdiction of the police station. Additionally, the order stated that the applicant shall not leave Pune district without informing the investigating officer and the jurisdictional magistrate until the investigation is completed. The Delhi Court on Thursday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, a Trainee IAS officer and said the allegations against the accused are grave and serious, which require thorough investigation. Custodial interrogation of the accused is required to unearth the whole conspiracy and to establish the involvement of the other persons involved in the conspiracy. In the present facts and circumstances, I am of the considered opinion that it is not a fit case to exercise discretionary powers of anticipatory bail in favour of the accused, said Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala. The court noted that in the present case, the applicant/accused has been charged with the commission of an offence punishable under Section 420/468/471/120B IPC, 66D IT Act and 89/91 Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016. The applicant/accused has cheated the complainant by misrepresenting. The complainant/UPSC in order to attain the misrepresentation, has prepared various documents to support her claim. The conspiracy has been hatched in a preplanned manner. The conspiracy was executed by the applicant/accused in many years. (ANI)
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday slammed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and accused him of engaging in hate politics in Jharkhand. Soren said, "Their (BJP) one CM is whose own state is drowning due to flood, and instead of serving his people, he is here in Jharkhand to divide the society. I sent him the flood relief but he only does hatred politics here." Taking a jibe at him, he further said that Sarma should tell that how many flood-affected areas he had visited in Assam. "He (Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma) should be asked how many flood-affected areas has he visited?... He is more concerned about the situation in Jharkhand rather than Assam..." said Soren. He further said, "I am also concerned about the people of Jharkhand who are currently residing in Assam. Even I sent the flood relief package for them. But Sarma looks more concerned for Jharkhand instead of Assam. I don't know why he is here, but this is a tradition of the BJP. This is their agenda, but we will work on our agenda." Assam Chief Minister and BJP's co-in-charge for Jharkhand elections Himanta Biswa Sarma was on a two-day Jharkhand visit. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP Jharkhand co in-charge Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday reached Pakur and accused 'Bangladeshi infiltrators' of grabbing tribals' land. Sarma also highlighted that despite court orders of Tribal family that should be given their land back, the administration is not taking any necessary steps about the same. Sarma was interacting with reporters Sarma said, "Today, I visited Gaibathan village of Pakur. There is SPT law, so the land of the Adivasis cannot be transferred. Two Bangladeshi infiltrators grabbed their land, the Court gave an order that both of them should be removed and the Adivasi family should be given their land back, but the administration did not do anything." "When the Adivasi family tried constructing a house on their land, they were attacked by Bangladeshi infiltrators. Even today, they have not got their land back. An Adivasi CM of Jharkhand should help them. Infiltration is not an issue, it is the reality in places like Pakur, Sahibganj..." he added. "The demography of Pakur and the entire Santhal Pargana has been changing. Our party will provide Rs 1 lakh each to the families of both the Adivasi victims. If Jharkhand CM would have come to my state, I would not have stopped him from visiting anywhere but I have been asked not to visit Gopinathpur, said Sarma. If the Chief Minister of a state is not allowed to visit a certain place because of the fear of infiltrators, you can understand the situation of Jharkhand. I would not want to visit Gopinathpur forcefully but I will come back again after some time and then I will visit Gopinathpur...," said Assam CM. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday stated that it has been decided to reject the Kasturi Rangan report on conservation of Western Ghats.. Siddaramaiah, however, said that though the government had rejected the report but decision will be made after further discussions with Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre. He was speaking at a press meeting held after inspecting the landslide and flood-affected areas today. The CM noted that Rs 746 crores are available in the state, and 46 crores are in the Kodagu DC's PD account. He explained that additional funds will be provided if necessary. As incessant rain continues, it becomes difficult to repair the landslide areas. Landslides have occurred in 20 places, while small-scale landslides have occurred in many other locations. Fortunately, there have been no casualties, though many people are injured. 67 houses have been completely destroyed, and 176 houses have been partially damaged. There have also been incidents of complete and partial damage within the last 24 hours. A compensation of Rs 1.20 lakh will be provided, and a house will also be built. Rs 50,000 will be given to partially damaged houses, Rs 43,000 will be provided from state government funds. Funds have already been transferred directly to the victims' accounts. 16 cattle have died. Compensation of Rs 35,000 each has been provided. Fourteen relief camps have been opened, with 186 people in 10 of these camps. Horticultural crops on 28 hectares have been damaged. It is directed to conduct a joint survey by the Coffee Board and the Revenue Department. 2,708 electric poles have fallen, out of which all except 150 have been restored. , 47 damaged transformers have been reinstalled. 344 km of public and district panchayat roads have been damaged. It is directed to carry out repair work on these roads on a priority basis. We have received 50% more rainfall than usual this time. Along with precautionary measures, relief work is being carried out immediately after the disaster. A clear instruction has been given to complete the landslide repair work of the Deputy Commissioner's office by December. On the same occasion, the CM said he will visit Shiradi Ghat to inspect the calamities. He stated that a decision will be made after reviewing the GSI report for a permanent solution to the landslide areas. District In-charge Minister Bosaraju, MLAs Ponnanna, Manthar Gowda, former Minister Nanaiah, and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh were present at the meeting. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs on Friday staged a protest against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren over the scarcity of sand in the state. In a unique protest, the BJP MLAs had set up a small stall outside the assembly and were protesting against the rising price of sand in the state. Visuals have shown that they were selling sand for Rs 100 per kilogram and saying that there is a shortage of sand in the state and it might get costlier than gold. They were seen raising slogans, "Jab-Jab Hemant Sarkar Aata Hai, Baalu Ko Le Jaata Hai" against the Soren government and alleged that whenever his government comes to the state, it is being transported to Mumbai. Launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday said that BJP leaders have looted the lands of the people of Jharkhand and even murdered to build their party offices. He made this claim while addressing the monsoon session in Jharkhand's legislative assembly. Citing a report as evidence, the chief minister accused the BJP of having looted the people during their rule and said, "What they have done in five years? They have looted lands to construct buildings on it. The pictures (data) are from 24 districts where the BJP has constructed its party offices." Soren further said that the central investigative agencies lodged him in jail for false accusations and are not arresting BJP leaders. He further alleged, "They (BJP) have not just looted land, they have murdered people also. Not just one, they murdered people in numbers. These land robbers had put me in jail. They had put the CBI and other agencies behind me, but these agencies won't arrest them. They should tell from where did they acquired money to build the party offices. They even have constructed party offices on government land." Adding to it further, Soren said, "They don't have to do anything with the reply. Neither in the House nor outside. What should I reply to them? They (BJP) run the shop of looting and cheating, Some in Pakur while some in Jamshedpur. They have a big gang so they manage to mislead the people." (ANI)
Between January and the end of June, 14 people were killed and 155 injured in terror attacks, the emergency response organization said in its biannual report.

During the first six months of this year, the Rescuer Without Borders' first responders recorded an overall 3,272 acts of terror.

Attacks included 109 shootings of which 12 accounted for six dead and 30 injured. Attacks also included 456 Molotov cocktails, 299 with bombs and other explosives, and 150 involving firecrackers.

The majority of attacks, 1,868, involved rock-throwing, causing 31 casualties.

The responders also documented 371 attacks in which Palestinians dazzled Israeli motorists with lasers, or blinded drivers by throwing bottles of paint at windshields.

The report did not include hundreds of other attacks on security personnel engaged in counterterrorism operations.

On Wednesday, an Israeli man was seriously injured in a combined shooting and stabbing attack at a traffic junction in the Mount Hebron area.

Since October 7, more than 4,400 Palestinian terror suspects have been arrested in counterterror raids throughout Judea and Samaria of whom 40% are associated with Hamas. (ANI/TPS)
Emphasising that the current geo-political realities call for closer cooperation between New Delhi and Hanoi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh agreed to further strengthen the Vietnam - India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas. The two leaders also recognised convergence in their world view and expressed support for a greater voice and role for Global South in international affairs, a joint statement following Vietnam PM's visit stated. On the basis of the existing excellent bilateral relations, the two leaders agreed to maintain regular exchanges at all levels. PM Modi and PM Chinh appreciated multi-dimensional institutional mechanisms between the two countries in the fields of foreign policy, security and maritime domain, defence cooperation, parliamentary exchanges, trade and investment, agriculture, healthcare, civil aviation, information and communication technology, science and technology including space and nuclear technology, tourism and culture. They agreed to intensify and strengthen the bilateral dialogue in various domains, including the Joint Commission for Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technological Cooperation for mutual benefit. They welcomed the signing of the Plan of Action for the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the period of 2024-2028. As two rapidly growing economies, the leaders of India and Vietnam agreed to reinforce cooperation at the level of governments and businesses for increasing two-way trade, investment and technological partnership. The leaders agreed to further elevate trade from the present level of around USD 15 billion. Both sides also agreed on the need for closer cooperation on removing trade barriers with a view to facilitating and enhancing bilateral trade. They concurred that the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement should generate a more user-friendly, simple and trade-facilitative regime for both countries, the statement read. The leaders agreed to continue efforts to promote investment flows between the two countries. Viet Nam welcomed investment from India in infrastructure, high technology, source technology, clean technology, information technology, support and manufacturing industries, textile, automobile and materials industry, green agriculture, smart agriculture, innovation and startups, semi-conductors, renewable energy and energy conservation projects, electricity generation, biogas and polyester fabrics, among others, in Viet Nam. India welcomed investment from Vietnam in agriculture, agro-processing, aquaculture, wood processing, urban development and infrastructure, production of bamboo and forestry products, hospitality and tourism, digital technology, e-vehicles, healthcare and services in India. This mutual commitment aims to further strengthen the economic cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi and PM Chinh commended the effective implementation of the Joint Vision Statement on India-Viet Nam Defence Partnership towards 2030 and strengthening of defence cooperation between the two countries in recent years covering dialogues, training and capacity building cooperation, exchange of best practices, exercises, defence policy and industry cooperation. They further agreed to further enhance defence cooperation based on mutual interest and priorities of the two countries which will also contribute to greater stability in the wider Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders also appreciated bilateral development cooperation under the framework of Mekong-Ganga Cooperation through quick impact projects, ITEC training and educational scholarships. They appreciated the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Software Development and Training at the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City with Indian cooperation. The leaders reiterated the significance of digital technologies and encouraged the development of a framework to promote bilateral cooperation in financial innovation and digital payments between Viet Nam and India. Recognising the national priorities of both countries for digital transformation and energy transition, the leaders decided to encourage greater exchanges and cooperation in areas such as digital public infrastructure, space technology applications, renewable energy, biotechnology and disaster resilience technologies, the statement added. They also welcomed the establishment of the Army Software Park at Telecommunications University, Nha Trang with the support of the Government of India. The leaders encouraged greater student, faculty and research exchanges between universities, think tanks and other institutions of the two countries in the context of 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047' and Viet Nam's vision to become a high-income developed country by 2045. They also supported collaboration among institutions on issues of interest to the Global South. Lauding the increase in direct flights between the two countries which have expanded two-way travel and tourism flows, the two leaders encouraged further increase in connectivity and tourism between India and Viet Nam. PM Modi and PM Chinh agreed on the key role of ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture for regional peace, stability and prosperity. They supported further strengthening of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which complements bilateral relations with respective Member States. The leaders appreciated the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region which provides opportunities for further cooperation between the AOIP and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. They agreed to continue strengthening cooperation and mutual support at all international fora. India appreciated Viet Nam's consistent support for India's permanent membership in the reformed United Nations Security Council. Pham Minh Chinh, who was on a three-day state visit to India from July 30 to August 1, was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. PM Modi received his Vietnam counterpart at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Further, Pham Minh Chinh also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his win for the third consecutive term and termed it a 'historic victory.' In his press statement at Hyderabad House after bilateral talks, PM Modi said Vietnam is an "important partner" in India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. He said there is good coordination between the two countries in their views concerning the Indo-Pacific. The Vietnam Prime Minister praised PM Modi's leadership, emphasising that under his leadership, India had become the fifth-largest economy in the world and one of the top powers with a striking global role. Emphasizing that the New Delhi-Hanoi strategic partnership has entered a new period, PM Pham Minh Chinh extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit Vietnam. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], August 2 (ANI/WAM): The Secretary-General of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay, congratulated the Muslim Council of Elders and Prof Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the tenth anniversary of its founding. Rev. Pillay emphasised that the Muslim Council of Elders has significantly advanced global efforts to promote and spread the values of tolerance, human fraternity, and peaceful coexistence. In an official correspondence to the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay stated that the establishment of the Muslim Council of Elders came at a critical time when the world was witnessing an increase in extremist rhetoric and the misuse of religion to achieve geopolitical agendas, posing a significant challenge to humanity. He noted that the council has become a beacon of hope and a platform providing an authentic voice for Islam and its noble values that call for peace, love, justice, and respect for others. He added that the council has swiftly become a powerful force for spreading the values of goodness and human fraternity, challenging misconceptions, and promoting dialogue among diverse communities. Rev Pillay also praised the strong relationship between the World Council of Churches and the Muslim Council of Elders, stating, "Our initiatives and joint cooperation have strengthened the bonds between our communities and demonstrated a united stance against violence and division. As we celebrate this important anniversary, we reflect on the journey we have undertaken together. The World Council of Churches is proud to walk side by side with the Muslim Council of Elders in advocating for a world that embraces diversity, respects and values every individual, and achieves reconciliation and unity among all people, ensuring justice and equality for all. We also aim to enhance the role of religions in spreading hope, love, and peace." The Secretary-General of the World Council of Churches also expressed his hope that the Muslim Council of Elders would continue its successful journey and constructive efforts to build bridges of communication and dialogue with others, and that the coming decade would be filled with exceptional achievements and joint efforts to build a world characterised by justice, peace, and mutual respect. (ANI/WAM)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has reported Chinese military activity near its territory. Taiwan MND said that 17 Chinese military aircraft and 11 naval vessels were operating near Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Thursday to 6 am (local time) on Friday. Of the 17 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 14 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to Taiwan's MND. In response to China's action, Taiwan sent aircraft, and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity. In a post on X, Taiwan MND stated, "17 PLA aircraft and 11 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." Earlier on Thursday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said that 29 Chinese military aircraft and 10 naval vessels were detected operating around the nation from 6 am (local time) on Tuesday to 6 am (local time) on Wednesday. Of the 29 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 13 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwest, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor China's military activity. In a post on X, Taiwan's Defence Ministry said, "29 PLA aircraft and 10 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." This latest incident adds to a series of similar provocations by China in recent months. China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and military exercises near the island. The Taiwan Strait, separating Taiwan from mainland China, has been a frequent area of contention, with Beijing considering Taiwan as its part and insisting on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. On July 30, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te accused the Chinese government of misinterpreting a United Nations resolution to justify its military activities against Taiwan, the Central News Agency (CNA) reported. He condemned China for its inaccurate interpretation of UN Resolution 2758, including drawing an inappropriate linkage to its "One China" principle. While addressing the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in Taipei on Tuesday, Lai said that this move is aimed to not only "construct a legal basis for China's military aggression against Taiwan" but also to obstruct Taiwan's efforts to participate in international organisations. According to CNA report, China claims that the UN resolution confirmed its one-China principle, which implies that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China. (ANI)
The Baloch Solidarity Committee's sit-in protest entered its fifth day in Padzir on Friday with thousands of protestors joining the march. The committee also took an oath in honour of the Baloch people who were killed in the Baloch National Assembly. A post on X by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee stated that the oath was to unite all Balochs and to end all ties with the Balochs who have become a part of the institution that oppresses them and to continue their struggle against the institution. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1819156085280067981 Mahrang Baloch, a Baloch activist said that despite violence inflicted on them by the state, their morale is high. In a post on X, she said, "Gwadar: The sit-in by the Baloch Solidarity Committee continues for the fifth day in Padzir. Thousands of people are participating in the protest. Despite the continued use of force and violence by the state, the morale of the sit-in participants is high. We have made it clear to the state from the very beginning that we will not be weakened by the use of force and violence, nor are we in the habit of bowing down to force. If the state is interested in using more force than this, then surely it can fulfil its interest, but this popular resistance struggle cannot be ended by the use of force in any case. Baloch Solidarity Committee workers should continue their peaceful protests and sit-ins across Balochistan and do not believe any kind of rumours without a central call from the Baloch Solidarity Committee in this regard." https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1819124993457889662 On Thursday, The Baloch National Movement (BNM) expressed gratitude towards British lawmaker John McDonnell after he introduced a resolution in the UK Parliament, condemning the heinous actions of Pakistani security forces against peaceful protests in Balochistan. John McDonnell introduced a resolution in the UK Parliament, condemning the actions of Pakistani security forces against peaceful gatherings in Balochistan, on the sidelines of the Baloch Raaji Muchi being organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). (ANI)
Former US President Donald Trump has continued to raise questions regarding Vice President Kamala Harris' racial identity for a second day on Thursday. A day after saying that Harris had "all of a sudden" decided to become "a Black person", Trump shared a picture on his social media site that features Harris dressed in a sari along with her family members. He mentioned that Kamala Harris' love and warmth for Indian heritage is appreciated. While sharing the picture on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Thank you Kamala for the nice picture you sent from many years ago! Your warmth, friendship, and love of your Indian Heritage are very much appreciated." https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/112887108527191005 Kamala Harris's ethnic identity is becoming a key issue in the US presidential election campaign. It came under further scrutiny after Trump launched a strong personal attack on Harris by claiming that she, after being of "Indian heritage" for years, "turned black" a few years ago, CNN reported. He further claimed that Harris "all of a sudden, made a turn" in her identity and wants to be known as a woman of colour. Trump made the comments at a gathering of journalists of colour in Chicago when an interviewer asked him why voters of colour should consider backing a candidate with his history of racist attacks on political rivals. He responded by questioning Harris' heritage. "She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn't know she was black until some years ago when she happened to turn black, and now she wants to be known as black. So I don't know, is she Indian or is she black?" CNN quoted him as saying. "I respect either one, but she obviously doesn't, because she was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she went - she became a Black person," he said. "I think somebody should look into that too," he added. Kamala Harris' mother was Indian and her father is Jamaican. Her parents had immigrated to the United States. She is the first woman of colour and the first Asian American vice president. If Harris wins the upcoming polls, she will become the first woman president of the US. Following the former President's remarks, Kamala Harris has hit back at Donald Trump over the latter's remarks against her racial identity and said the American people "deserve better." She asserted that today the country faces a choice between two different visions, and alleged that Trump and his campaign aim to take the country "backwards." Harris was speaking at a Houston fundraiser on Wednesday (local time), hours after Trump claimed that Harris, after being of "Indian heritage" for years, "turned black" a few years ago. "In this moment, we face a choice, between two very different visions for our nation. One focused on the future, and the other focused on the past. And we in this room, are fighting for the future," she told the donors. "As we work to move our nation forward...there are those who are trying to take us backwards. You might have seen their agenda, they call it Project 2025 and it is a 900-page agenda of extremism," Harris added. Attacking Trump further, the US Vice President said, "We are not going back. We all remember what those four years were like, and today we got yet another reminder. This afternoon, Donald Trump spoke at the annual meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, and it was the same old show, the divisiveness and the disrespect. Let me just say, the American people deserve better." She further said, "The American people deserve a leader who does tell the truth, who does not respond with hostility and anger when confronted with the facts. We deserve a leader who understands that differences don't divide us, they are an essential source of our strength." (ANI)
Taiwan has said that it is finding it difficult to send officials on posting at its representative office in Macau as the special administration's government was denying visas to those who do not sign an affidavit recognising Beijing's 'One China' principle, Taiwan News reported citing the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC). China resumed soveregnity over Macau in 1999. While addressing a press conference, MAC deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh said that the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) official previously serving in the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Macau returned to Taiwan on July 23 after being posted there for over 10 years. Liang said that another MOFA official was unable to join in Macau after he was unable to obtain a visa "as the Macau government continues to unilaterally impose a political condition for visa applications," according to report by the Taiwan's Central News Agency. Liang said the Chinese Special Administrative Region government requires officials posted there to sign an affidavit adhering to the "One China" principle that "our side cannot agree to," adding that it resulted in the individual not being able to take up the post in Macao. Since 2019, the Macau government has asked Taiwan officials at TECO-Macao, which is administered by the MAC, to sign affidavits recognising the "One China" principle in order to be issued with new visas. Before the implementation of this rule, Taiwan officials posted to Macau were able to reside in the territory by extending their original visas. Liang said that it was not feasible to force the recently returned MOFA official to remain in Macao. He called on the Macao government "not to impose unnecessary obstacles" to the new appointment who is due to fill up the vacant post. Liang said that Taiwanese authorities "will prepare for the worst" if the Macao government continues to insist on such requirements for Taiwanese officials. He, however, did not mention the actions that would be taken. However, he noted that it would affect civil exchanges between Taiwan and Macao and damage the international image of the city. Asked about the effect on Taiwanese living or travelling to Macao after the return of Taiwan's MOFA official, Liang said the official's past duties included assisting with matters linked to visas, entry and exit certificates and passports. He said that since the post is now vacant, those services have to be handled through online appointments and remote monitoring, which would cause significant inconvenience, CNA reported. According to information provided by the MAC, TECO-Macao should have eight Taiwanese officials, from various government agencies, like National Immigration Agency, MOFA and the MAC. After the Taiwanese MOFA official's return to Taiwan, only two Taiwanese officials, both MAC staff members who have been posted in Macao for seven to eight years remain, along with 14 local Macao employees. Meanwhile, Liang said that the results of the MAC's latest survey have indicated that 84.6 per cent of Taiwanese do not agree with China's new guidelines targeting "diehard" advocates of Taiwan independence and the implementation of new national security regulations that enable the authorities to inspect personal belongings. According to the survey, 85.1 per cent of respondents did not agree with the China Coast Guard's claim of "regular law enforcement patrols" in waters near the Taiwan-held Kinmen Islands, Central News Agency (CNA) reported. The survey was conducted by National Chengchi University's Election Study Center through telephone interviews with adults aged 20 and above in Taiwan from July 26-30. The survey was commissioned by MAC. The MAC said that 1,073 valid samples were collected, with a confidence level of 95 per cent and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.99 percentage points. (ANI)
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued notice to the National Accountability Bureau on bail petitions filed by former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the new Toshakhana case, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, who were taken into custody after their acquittal in the iddat case have filed a petition stating that they were illegally remanded into NAB's custody, which has impacted their fundamental rights of liberty. Initially, the division bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz took up the petition of the couple on July 25, according to Dawn report. However, Imran Khan's lawyer requested the IHC Chief Justice Amir Farooq to recuse himself from the case. He said that Farooq should not hear the case as Khan had registered a complaint against him in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). The lawyer called for the transfer of the case to another bench. Although Farooq rejected the request for recusal, he had to constitute a new bench as Justice Imtiaz went on summer vacation, and the previous bench was dissolved. The case has been moved to a separate division comprising Justices Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Arbab Muhammad Tahir. Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court's (LHC) Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi on Thursday overruled an objection to Bushra Bibi's petition against her arrest in the third Toshakhana case, according to Dawn report. The judge removed the registrar's office's objection to the maintainability of the petition and ordered that it be fixed for a hearing. Bushra Bibi filed the petition through Advocate Sardar Latif Khosa. The petition stated that Bushra Bibi and her husband had been granted bail in the Toshakhana case. However, they were re-arrested in a new case with malicious intent, Dawn reported. It claimed that female officials assaulted and humiliated the petitioner during the arrest in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. The petitioner stated that she was arrested without a warrant from the NAB and was imprisoned as an act of political victimisation. It requested the court to take action against the jail superintendent and the female officials involved in the alleged assault on the petitioner and declare Bushra Bibi's arrest illegal. Imran Khan (71), who served as Pakistan's Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, has been incarcerated in Adiala Jail since August 2023 on multiple charges, including the Toshakhana case, the cypher case and the unlawful marriage case. His wife has also remained in prison for months. A court has suspended his sentence in the Toshakhana case and other courts overturned his convictions in the cypher and iddat cases respectively, Geo News reported. However, the hopes for Imran Khan and his wife's release were dashed when NAB arrested them on fresh charges related to the sale of state gifts. The chances of Imran Khan's release from prison were further dimmed after his arrest in new cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots case after his acquittal in the iddat case, Geo News reported. Protests erupted across Pakistan after Imran Khan was arrested on May 9, 2023. The protests were held in remote and major cities as the PTI workers were angry after Imran Khan's arrest. (ANI)
The Israeli military has said that it carried out a strike in Gaza on Wednesday in which an Al Jazeera journalist, who they claimed to be a Hamas militant, was killed. The Israel Defence Force (IDF) further said that the journalist, Ismail al-Ghoul, instructed other operatives on how to record operations and was actively involved in recording and publicizing attacks against IDF troops. In a post on X, the IDF stated, "ELIMINATED: Ismail al-Ghoul, a Hamas Military Wing operative, Nukhba terrorist and @AJEnglish journalist As part of his role in the military wing, Al-Ghoul instructed other operatives on how to record operations and was actively involved in recording and publicizing attacks against IDF troops. His activities in the field were a vital part of Hamas' military activity. The IDF and ISA will continue to operate in order to eliminate terrorists who participated in the October 7 massacre." https://x.com/IDF/status/1819072480746594496 Media outlet Al Jazeera issued a statement, condemning the killing of the journalist and his cameraperson, Rami Al Rifi. In a post on X, it said, "Al Jazeera Media Network condemns in the strongest terms the targeted assassination of Al Jazeera Arabic Channel's correspondent Ismail Al Ghoul and cameraman Rami Al Rifi after being targeted by Israeli occupation forces while covering in Al Shatei Camp." https://x.com/AJEnglish/status/1818731889068548210 "The Israeli occupation forces targeted the vehicle in which Ismail and Rami were targeted with a missile, resulting in cold-blooded assassination. This latest attack on Al Jazeera journalists is part of a systematic targeting campaign against the network's journalists and their families since October 2023," the statement added. It further stated that Ismail was renowned for his professionalism and dedication, bringing global attention to the suffering of the people of Gaza and the atrocities committed by the Israeli occupation forces. "His [Ismail's] coverage of Al-Shifa Hospital and the northern neighbourhoods captured international attention and was widely disseminated by global media outlets. Despite facing extreme hardships, including hunger, illness, and the loss of his father and brother, Ismail relentlessly dedicated himself to covering events and delivering the reality of Gaza to the world," the statement added. The media outlet said it would pursue all legal actions to "prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes" and stands in "unwavering solidarity with all journalists in Gaza". "The assassination of Ismail and Rami, while they were documenting the crimes of Israeli forces, underscores the urgent need for immediate legal action against the occupation forces to ensure that there is no impunity," the statement added. "Al Jazeera condemns the ongoing crimes committed by Israeli occupation forces against journalists and media professionals in Gaza in the strongest possible terms. This alarming trend demands immediate attention and action from the international community," it stated. The Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera called upon international legal institutions to hold Israel accountable for killing of journalists. "We urge international legal institutions to hold Israel accountable for its heinous crimes and to demand an end to the targeting and killing of journalists," the statement added. Al Jazeera reaffirmed its commitment to achieving justice for "more than 160 journalists killed and to continuing its coverage of these grave violations". The Israeli government has banned Al-Jazeera from operating in Israel, accusing it of posing a threat to national security. (ANI)
Trade has been suspended along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Torkham after authorities started asking Afghan cargo truck drivers for travel documents, Pakistan-based The Express Tribune reported. In response to the decision, Taliban authorities suspended all vehicular movement entering Pakistan. Earlier in January, the Pakistani government had implemented the rules of visa and travel documents requirements, according to a customs official. However, they agreed to the Taliban's request and placed an exemption till July 31. Speaking to The Express Tribune, an official said, "Today, as the period of six months has expired, the Afghan side has been informed that the travel documents requirement would be reimposed from Thursday." He said, "Further travel into the country will not be possible without visas and passports." After the implementation of the rule by Pakistani authorities, the Taliban has halted the movements of cargo vehicles and suspended the trade point at Torkham until further orders are issued, according to The Express Tribune report. A Taliban-appointed official said, "Pakistani drivers are allowed to enter Afghanistan without travel documents, while Pakistan has pushed us to halt trade activities. In protest and till further orders, all trade activities from Torkham will be suspended." Earlier in March, the Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan was closed for pedestrians after a clash between officials of the Frontier Corps (FC) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan-based Geo News reported, citing security sources. According to sources, the fight erupted after the FC officials continued to interfere despite being told to stop. After this, the FIA immigration staff closed offices in protest, Geo News reported, citing sources. Meanwhile, FC sources have stressed that the security of the border is their responsibility, according to Geo News report. They further said, "FC officials keep a close watch on passengers for security." (ANI)
Taiwan has said that it was "unnecessary" on the part of China to label as "malicious" the incident from earlier this year involving a Chinese fishing speedboat. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council on Thursday said that Taiwan and China had arrived at a consensus on compensation to the families of two Chinese fishermen who died after the fishing boat they were on trespassed into Taiwanese waters off Kinmen islands in February this year and resisted inspection. The Kinmen Islands is an archipelago that lies a few kilometres from China and is under Taiwanese control. The agreement arrived at between the Taiwan and China followed months of negotiations between the two countries also included the the return of the bodies and the vessel to the families of the fishermen. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh said that there were negotiations on Tuesday between Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) and the families of the two deceased Chinese sailors, Focus Taiwan reported. The incident in question took place on February 14 when a small Chinese boat - which had no certificate, name or port registration number - entered into Kinmen waters and two of its four crew members died after a chase by the Taiwanese Coast Guard, Focus Taiwan reported. This led to China announcing patrols around Kinmen and Xiamen in the area to "protect the lives and property of fishermen,". It accused Taiwanese authorities of treating these Chinese sailors in a "brutal and dangerous" manner, although Taipei insisted at all times that its coast guard acted "in accordance with the law." Liang Wen-chieh on Thursday said that both parties displayed goodwill and that the issue has been resolved. "As for the many labelings (of the incident) by outsiders, I believe they are unnecessary," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said. He said that both parties can "come closer together and avoid returning to such a tense situation." Liang Wen-chieh was asked about a statement by Chinese State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson Chen Binhua, where he labelled the February 14 incident as a "malicious collision". A TAO statement said that Taiwan Coast Guard personnel employed a "brutal and dangerous" method to treat mainland fishermen that resulted in casualties. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council had justified the Taiwan Coast Guard's chase of the Chinese speedboat that trespassed within 1.1 nautical miles of the eastern coast of the Island of Kinmen on February 14, which resulted in the capsizing of the boat. All four men on the fishing boat fell overboard and were picked up by the Coast Guard. Two of them were taken to the hospital but were pronounced dead after efforts to resuscitate them failed. On February 15, the MAC responded by calling the incident "regrettable," but said an investigation indicated that Taiwanese officers had acted "lawfully." It also urged China to take effective actions to restrict illegal activities by its nationals in Taiwan's waters. (ANI)
Turkiye has blocked access to the social media platform Instagram, according to its national communications authority, as per a report in the Al Jazeera. The decision comes after a top government official slammed Instagram for "censoring" Hamas-related content. In a post on its website, the communications authority said that "instagram.com has been blocked by a decision on the date of 02/08/2024", without stating a reason. On Wednesday, the country's Communications Director, Fahrettin Altun, accused the social media platform of blocking condolence posts on the death of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, Al Jazeera reported. Altun accused Israel of trying to plunge the region into further turmoil through killings and secret operations. In a post on X, Altun stated, "I also strongly condemn the social media platform Instagram, which prevents people from posting condolences on Haniye's martyrdom without giving any reason. This is a very clear and obvious attempt at censorship." "We will continue to defend freedom of expression against these platforms, which have repeatedly shown that they serve the global system of exploitation and injustice. We will stand by our Palestinian brothers at every opportunity and on every platform. Palestine will be free sooner or later. Israel and its supporters will not be able to prevent this," he added. https://x.com/fahrettinaltun/status/1818718367890772478 On July 31, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that Hamas Political Bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh had been killed in an attack in Iran's capital, Tehran. In a statement, the IRGC said that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed when their house was hit in Tehran. A projectile hit a residence allocated to war veterans in Tehran at 2 am (local time) on Wednesday, according to a Press TV report. In a statement to Mehr News Agency, the IRGC said, "With condolences to the heroic nation of Palestine and the Islamic nation and the combatants of the Resistance Front and the noble nation of Iran, this morning (Wednesday) the residence of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political office of the Islamic Resistance of Hamas, was hit in Tehran, and following this incident, he and one of his bodyguards were martyred." The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the killing of Ismail Haniyeh and offered condolences to the Palestinian people. It accused the Israeli government of lacking intention to achieve peace. It said that the attack was aimed at spreading war in Gaza to a regional level. It further said that Turkiye will continue to support the "just cause" of the Palestinian people. In a statement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The Netanyahu Government's lack of intention to achieve peace has been demonstrated once again. This attack is also aimed at spreading the war in Gaza to a regional level. If the international community does not act to stop Israel, our region will face an even greater conflict." (ANI)
The United Kingdom chapter of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) announced on Friday that it would hold a protest in London's Trafalgar Square on August 5 over atrocities committed by Pakistan against the peaceful people of Balochistan. In a post on X, BNM stated, "The BNM UK chapter has announced a protest against the violent actions of the state of Pakistan aimed at stopping the peaceful Baloch Raaji Muchi. This protest is part of a series of demonstrations called on by Baloch National Movement Chairman Dr Naseem Baluch with participation from all BNM chapters" with participation from all BNM chapters. https://twitter.com/BNMovement_/status/1819097722399694950 The human rights abuses in Balochistan continue to rise each day as Pakistani security forces inflict brutalities on Baloch protesters intending to participate in the Baloch National Gathering (Baloch Raaji Muchi). Reports have suggested that authorities have employed excessive force, deliberately targeting the protesters of the BRM. This act is seen as a severe violation of the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression protected under international law. Notably, this critical situation in Balochistan has garnered international attention from global human rights organizations, lawmakers, and activists. Previously, UK lawmaker John McDonnell introduced a resolution in the UK Parliament condemning the heinous actions of Pakistani security forces against peaceful protests in Balochistan. Similarly, PAANK social media coordinator and Baloch rights activist Jamal Baloch also organized a protest in front of the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands this week. During the protest, Jamal urged the international community to work together to stop the ongoing violence in Balochistan. Over the past five days, a large number of people have been killed and injured by Pakistani forces due to open fire incidents across Balochistan. Meanwhile, protesters alleged that Pakistani defence forces are trying to prevent them from participating in nationwide gatherings that hold the government and defence forces accountable for their "brutality" against the Baloch community. Previously, the international human rights watchdog Human Rights Watch released a statement urging Pakistani authorities to show restraint, release all those detained for peaceful protest, and restore internet access. In the same statement, Patricia Gossman, Associate Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the need for Pakistani authorities to respect the right to peaceful protest and use only "necessary force when nonviolent means fail." (ANI)
Jerusalem [Israel], August 2 (ANI/TPS): Six former Israeli high school students are flying high after their research into the effects of space travel on neurodegenerative diseases was recently published in a leading peer-reviewed scientific journal. The findings may have significant implications for long-term space missions and open new avenues of treatment for disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. The study -- conducted both on Earth and aboard the International Space Station (ISS) -- was led by the students of the Shehakim School in Nahariya in collaboration with researchers from the University of Haifa and Oranim College. Research began four years ago, and was published in the June edition of Astrobiology. "The fact that high school students, most of whom are now soldiers in the army, have contributed to a publication in a leading scientific journal is an extraordinary achievement. It is uncommon in the scientific community and sets a precedent for future research collaborations involving young scientists," said Haifa University's Dr. Amir Sapir. The accomplishment is part of the Ramon SpaceLab program, an Israeli program that facilitates collaboration between students and researchers to explore scientific phenomena in space. The journey began about four years ago when Ksina Onger, Yair Barak, Amit Yuval, Lia Stekolshik, Linoy Ego, and Yana Aydinov, then ninth graders, participated in a competition to launch a scientific experiment to the ISS. Under the guidance of their teacher, Tatiana Itkin, they proposed using microscopic-sized worms called nematodes (C. elegans) to study the effects of space travel on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Nematodes were chosen for their unique biological characteristics, such as their transparency and ability to survive for six months without food, making them ideal for space experiments. Their proposal was selected by leading figures in the Israeli space industry, researchers, and NASA scientists from among 30 submissions. Neurodegenerative diseases, caused by the deposition of protein bodies that lead to nerve cell death, are a growing concern as life expectancy increases. The students and researchers genetically engineered nematodes to develop a condition similar to Huntington's disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain. The students then monitored the development of protein bodies in nematodes on Earth and those sent to space. A remote control system was used to synchronize real-time updates from astronauts on the ISS with tests conducted in Sapir's laboratory. The students found significant differences between the space-traveling nematodes and those that remained on Earth. The researchers stressed that it is challenging to pinpoint whether the differences stemmed from changes in the nematodes' development, or was related to the unique conditions of space. "Due to the high cost of space experiments, this study was conducted once. Repeated trials are necessary to confirm or refute the hypothesis linking space living conditions with the development of neurodegenerative diseases," said Prof. Yoram Gershman of both Oranim College and Haifa University. A link between living in space with the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases would profoundly impact long-term space missions and also open new avenues for treatment. "If space living prevents the onset of these diseases, we could see a future where space travel is part of medical treatment," Itkin said. (ANI/TPS)
India has warmly welcomed the intention of Timor-Leste to open its embassy in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs, Secretary (East), Jaideep Mazumdar said on Friday. In September 2023, India had announced the opening of its mission in Timor Leste and the embassy will be set up there soon. "We have announced the opening of our mission in Timor Leste. Prime Minister announced this in September last year and we are well on the way to setting up our embassy and we will be setting it up very soon. Timor Leste has also, in the meantime announced its intention to open an embassy in New Delhi which we have welcomed warmly," Mazumdar said. Secretary Jaideep Mazumdar was addressing a special press briefing on President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Fiji, Timor Leste and New Zealand on August 5. The President will travel to Timor Leste at the invitation of the president of Timor Leste, Jose Ramos-Horta, following which the president will hold engagements on August 10. Marking the first head of state-level visit from India to Timor Leste, President Murmu will also hold a meeting with Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. "There will be also a community reception with Indians in Timor-Leste and friends of India," the MEA Secretary said during the briefing. "We have several areas of bilateral cooperation that we would like to follow up with the government of Timor Leste in various areas such as IT, digitalization, healthcare, agriculture and capacity building," he added. Timor Leste and India has shared many years of warm and cordial relationship therefore the visit is a very timely one and one of great significance for the ties between the two countries, he said Before leaving for Timor Leste, President Murmu will be in New Zealand from August 7 to 9 at the invitation of Cindy Kiro, Governor General of New Zealand. The governor general will be hosting a banquet in honour of President Murmu, the MEA Secretary stated. "New Zealand recognizes India as a key partner in defence and security and in terms of overall bilateral trade, investment, people-to-people contact, etcetera. Therefore, this visit will itself be highly significant," he said. Moreover, education plays a big part in India-Zealand bilateral relations. Mazumdar added that India is the second-largest country in New Zealand in terms of its student population. "About 8000 Indian students study there. And the President will therefore be addressing an international education conference in Wellington where India is the guest of honour," Mazumbdar highlighted. "This underscores the significance of the educational relationship where New Zealand is looking to work with India and collaborate with India's education system and its educational institutions apart from the students that we send there," the MEA official said. President Murmu will be holding an interaction with the Indian diaspora and friends of India at a community reception in Auckland, the secretary said. Notably, the Indian diaspora in New Zealand is about 300,000 strong out of a total population of five million. The Indian diaspora is a living bridge between the two countries, Mazumdar said, adding, "These warm and friendly ties with New Zealand have seen an uptick in recent years and the visit is expected to give further impetus to the growing relations in a large number of areas." On the first leg of the President's visit, she will head to Fiji on August 5. During this visit, the President will hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Fiji, Wiliame Katonivere and the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva. "The visit confirms and reaffirms the strong commitment of India and Fiji to further strengthen our bilateral relations for the progress and prosperity of the people of our two countries," the MEA Secretary said. "Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi enunciated his Act East policy, the region of Southeast Asia and the Pacific has been a very special focus for us," the Secretary said, adding that all these three countries fall within our Act East policy. (ANI)
President Droupadi Mumru is set to embark on a three-nation visit next week, with her first leg starting from Fiji, where she will address the country's parliament. Her Fiji visit will kickstart on August 5, spanning three days till August 7. In Fiji, President Murmu will also hold bilateral meetings with the top leadership of the country. "Firstly, President Murmu will visit Fiji, our special partner in the Pacific at the invitation of the President of Fiji ----President Murmu will be there between August 5-7. We have completed 75 years of our diplomatic presence in Fiji...During this visit, the President will hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Fiji, Wiliame Katonivere, and the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva. In addition, the President will also address the Fijian Parliament and interact with the members of the Parliament," Secretary East in the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaideep Mazumdar said during the special briefing of President Murmu's upcoming State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste. Secretary (East) further underlined the strong people-to-people ties that India shares with Fiji, describing the nation as a "special partner" in the Pacific. President Murmu will also have a community interaction in Suva, Mazumdar said. "We have a very strong people-to-people ties with Fiji...Today, more than a third of the population in Fiji is of Indian ancestry, and they have preserved the languages, customs, and traditions from India while adding local flavor. An important aspect of the state visit will be the community interaction that the President will have in Suva. The visit confirms and reaffirms the strong commitment of India and Fiji to further strengthen our bilateral relations for the progress and prosperity of the peoples of our two countries," the MEA Secretary said. "India has been a strong development partner of Fiji having undertaken numerous projects as also offered lines of credit. We will also be setting up a 100-bed tertiary hospital in Suva, and that is something that was announced by our PM a few years ago, and we hope to implement that soon," he added. Giving further details of the three-nation visit of President Murmu, Mazumdar said, "The President will be first going to Fiji and then to New Zealand and then to Timor-Leste. With both Fiji and Timor-Leste, this would be the first-ever visit by the President of India. Therefore, it has a special significance. Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi enunciated his Act East policy, the region of Southeast Asia and the Pacific has been a very special focus for us. So all these three countries fall within our Act East policy." He further highlighted the significance of the President's visit to New Zealand, and Timor Leste. "With New Zealand also, we have a very old and strong partnership that we carry forward in our relations with the Pacific island countries. Timor Leste itself has been accepted as a member of ASEAN. It will become the 11th member of ASEAN...after it has completed its accession process. With Fiji, we have a very old and strong relationship. PM Modi launched the FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation) in 2014 from Fiji therefore it is a strong pillar of the relationship with the Pacific Islands," the MEA Secretary said during the briefing. President Murmu will undertake a State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste from August 5-10, 2024 to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Pacific nations and reflect India's focus on the Act East Policy. (ANI)
Israeli diplomat Fares Saeb expressed excitement at beginning his new assignment as Deputy Ambassador of Israel to India, especially at this stage of the relationship. Fares Saeb will be replacing Ohad Nakash Kaynar. Saeb wished him success in his next role. "I'm very excited to begin my new assignment as Deputy Ambassador of #Israel to #India, especially at this stage of the relationship between our countries. I wish @KaynarOhadgreat success in his next role, as this is the second time I'm replacing him, it's in my interest," Saeb stated in a post on X. https://x.com/FaresSaeb/status/1819320618946646211 Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Israel in July 2017 and it was the first time that an Indian PM visited Israel. Later in January 2018, Netanyahu arrived in India for a five-day visit. PM Modi received him at the airport and the two leaders warmly greeted each other. Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, has said that relations between the two nations are good on all fronts and further called the leaders' visits a "game changer" for ties between the two nations. In an exclusive interview with ANI, he called people-to-people ties the secret ingredient for relations between Israel and India. Gilon talked about Israelis visiting India after their military service ended. Notably, India and Israel are strategic partners and the bilateral ties between the two nations are warm and forward-looking, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). In 2022-23, the two countries jointly celebrated 30 years of the elevation of bilateral ties to full diplomatic relations. He called PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar big supporters of Israel and noted that the two leaders know that people are supportive of their policies. Stressing that India is a growing power, he said that New Delhi is coveted by many nations today. Notably, PM Modi was one of the first world leaders to condemn Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7. However, India has also called for a complete ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. India has also put its weight behind the 'two-state solution' to the long-running Israel-Palestine conflict. (ANI)
In the aftermath of the Turkish flag lowered at half-mast at the Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv in response to the elimination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz has said that he has instructed the Foreign Ministry officials to summon the Deputy Turkish Ambassador to Israel for a severe reprimand. He said that Israel will not tolerate the expressions of mourning for a "murderer" like Ismail Haniyeh at any cost. "I have instructed the Foreign Ministry officials to summon the Deputy Turkish Ambassador to Israel for a severe reprimand following the lowering of the Turkish flag to half-mast at the Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv, in response to the elimination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the terrorist organization Hamas. The State of Israel will not tolerate expressions of mourning for a murderer like Ismail Haniyeh, who led Hamas in committing the atrocities on October 7th and prayed with his associates, wishing success to the murderers while watching the horrific images on television," the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel wrote on X. https://x.com/Israel_katz/status/1819316305226617212 In a stern response to the Turkish embassy's move, Katz said that "if they wish to mourn, they should go to Turkey and mourn." "If the embassy representatives wish to mourn, they should go to Turkey and mourn alongside their master, Erdogan, who embraces the terrorist organization Hamas and supports its acts of murder and terror," he wrote in his post. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his nation has delivered "crushing blows" to enemies in the last few days. He made the remarks hours after the deaths of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. Meanwhile, the Israeli army released a video on August 1 of an airstrike in Gaza that killed the head of Hamas' military wing, Mohammed Deif, last month in the southern Gaza Strip on July 13. The Israeli army said in a statement that fighter jets struck in the area of Khan Younis and the death of Deif was confirmed "following an intelligence assessment." Hamas did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Israeli announcement. (ANI)
Amid escalating tensions in the region, the Indian Embassy has urged the nationals to stay vigilant and stay close to safety shelters.

"In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the local authorities," the advisory stated.

In the wake of the situation, the Indian embassy in its advisory said, "Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay close to safety shelters."

The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals.

"In case of any emergency, please contact the 24 x 7 helpline of the Embassy: Telephone: A. +972-547520711 B. +972-543278392 Email: consi.telavivPmea.gov.in," the Embassy advisory read, as it shared the helpline numbers for reaching out.

https://x.com/indemtel/status/1819361457386963443

Tensions have further escalated in the region after Israel killed top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, which it said was in retaliation to the attack at Golan Heights killing 12 children.Fuad Shukr, the "most senior Hezbollah military commander," was killed in the Israeli strike, the IDF said in a statement.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) also announced that Hamas military wing commander Mohammed Deif had been killed in an airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip on July 13.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his nation has delivered "crushing blows" to enemies in the last few days.

He made the remarks hours after the deaths of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.

Israel's confirmation regarding Deif comes a day after Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an attack in Iran's capital, Tehran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Wednesday. (ANI)
As the Pakistani defence forces orchestrated an internet blockade and imposed Section 144 in Balochistan, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) said that it is impossible to determine the actual number of injuries and casualties caused by the violent actions of Pakistan military. These conditions have especially intensified alongside the ongoing Baloch National Gathering, as the information blackout is currently in effect. It has made it impossible to assess the actual damage that has been inflicted on the Baloch community by Pakistan forces. In a post on 'X', the BYC expressed severe concerns over the actual condition of members of the BYC. "Due to the complete communication blockade, it is impossible to determine the actual number of injuries and casualties caused by the violent actions of the Military and paramilitary forces at the Talaar Checkpost," they stated in their post. The statement by the BYC added, "On July 27, one person was killed, and several others were badly injured due to direct firing by the forces. On July 28, reports indicate that eight participants were badly injured, and two people were killed by the forces at the Talaar checkpoint. Hundreds of vehicles were damaged and confiscated by the forces." The committee further stated that 32 participants were detained in the Central Jail of Turbat, and four were in the city police lockup. "Additionally, 40 identified individuals are detained by the Frontier Corps, while the number of unidentified detainees is unknown," they posted. Similar to an internet blackout, these incidents of human rights violations have gained no coverage and have remained cornered in the national media of Pakistan. Responding to the same, the BYC in a media statement, urged the international media to provide coverage of the issue. "Balochistan has now become a completely war-torn region. And the Pakistani state is using all its machinery and power to stop this peaceful public gathering and is committing the worst human rights violations," the statement read. The statement further said that it is a matter of shame for the journalistic community that none of the so-called Pakistani mainstream media has covered it. "For the past 48 hours, the entire Balochistan has been a war zone, but it is deeply regrettable and a matter of shame for the journalistic community that none of the so-called Pakistani mainstream media and journalists has uttered a word about this serious issue, but are all criminally silenced," they stated. They further urged the media houses globally to provide coverage of the war-like situation in Balochistan. "We appeal to all media houses globally and journalists to respect journalistic values and principles to provide coverage of the war-like situation in Balochistan, the complete curfew in Gwadar, and the severe brutality and oppression by the Pakistani state," it added. (ANI)
The people of Pakistan's Balochistan province are currently not able to access information as the Pakistani security forces imposed a curfew and have blocked internet across various cities amid the ongoing protests against enforced disappearances. This situation has worsened in conjunction with the ongoing Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar after several people, including activists and even journalists, were detained by Pakistani forces for taking part in the peaceful protest against enforced disappearances. Further, Mahrang Baloch, a leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, took to X and condemned the raid on journalist Usman Khan's home. "I strongly condemn the raid on journalist Usman Khan's home. Usman is a brave and dedicated journalist who, for performing his journalistic duties and covering the Baloch National Gathering, is being harassed along with his family," she stated. https://twitter.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1819332872345735445 She further appealed to the journalistic community and human rights organizations to raise their voices. "I appeal to the journalistic community and human rights organizations to raise their voices to ensure Usman Khan's safety, as his life is currently threatened by the military and intelligence agencies of the state of Pakistan for fulfilling his journalistic duties," she added. The critical situation has garnered a lot of international attention from global human rights organizations, lawmakers, and activists. Previously, British lawmaker John McDonnell also introduced a resolution in the UK Parliament condemning the heinous actions of Pakistani security forces against peaceful protests in Balochistan. https://twitter.com/paank_bnm/status/1819352467663970678\ In a post on X, Paank, the human rights department of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), said "The crackdown against peaceful Baloch protesters in Balochistan and Karachi is a severe violation of their fundamental rights. For the 6th day, their voices are met with violence and arrests. We strongly condemn these actions by Pakistani forces and urge the authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and free expression." Human rights defenders have long raised concern over widespread reports of enforced disappearances, where individuals are abducted by security forces and their whereabouts remain unknown, leading to severe distress for their families. (ANI)
Three more Indian nationals have been successfully rescued from a scam centre in Myanmar's Myawaddy with help from the centre as well as local assistance. The Embassy of India in Yangon has been pursuing the remaining cases actively. "With Union-level and local assistance in Myanmar, 3 more Indian nationals were rescued from Kyauk Khet (Hpa Lu) scam centre in Myawaddy yesterday," the official handle of the Indian Embassy in Myanmar said, sharing a post on X. "23 Indians have been rescued since 6 July 2024, including 2 from Uttarakhand. We are pursuing remaining cases actively.@DrSJaishankar" the post added. https://x.com/IndiainMyanmar/status/1819326371929206955 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on August 1 had requested Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to ensure the safe return of people of Uttarakhand stranded in Myanmar. He conveyed that due to this situation, the families of the victims are going through trouble and mental agony. He said that this incident has also created fear among the people of Uttarakhand. In this regard, the Chief Minister had also sought assistance from the Foreign Minister to expedite the process of the safe return of the citizens of Uttarakhand, referring to the news published in a news daily on July 31, 2024. Eight Indian nationals, victims of a scam centre in Hpa Lu, Myawaddy, were successfully rescued and handed over to Myanmar police and immigration authorities yesterday. The Indian Embassy in Myanmar expressed gratitude to the Myanmar authorities and local support for their crucial role in the rescue operation. According to a statement by the Embassy of India in Myanmar, the victims had fallen prey to an international crime syndicate operating in the Myawaddy region on the Myanmar-Thailand border. The embassy reiterated its advisory against fake job rackets that lure Indian youth through social media and other unverified sources. (ANI)
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday welcomed the Togolese delegation and extended India's support to Togo's socio-economic development. A delegation of ministers, parliamentarians, constitutional court judges and advisors from Togo met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in Parliament House. Birla further assured that India is ready to extend its full support to Togo in the future as well. He recalled India's journey towards parliamentary Democracy in 1947 and the process of drafting the Constitution of India and said that the process was a long one as the framers of our Constitution minutely studied all the major constitutions of the world and inculcated the best features into the Indian Constitution. All provisions were debated at length in the Constituent Assembly and the Constitution that emerged as a result of these deliberations has been a guiding light for India for the last 75 years, Birla said. He further spoke about the robust Committee system in Indian Parliamentary Democracy which functions as a mini-Parliament. The reports and deliberations of Committees are held in high esteem and are of high academic value for studies of Parliamentary democracy, Birla added. Referring to the process of drafting a new Constitution in Togo, Birla hoped that the constitutional changes being made in Togo would increase the powers of the Parliament there. At present, Togo has a Presidential system of governance, which has been changed and now a Parliamentary democratic system of governance is being implemented there, which would be a positive change and would strengthen democracy. Emphasising the parliamentary democratic system, Birla highlighted that in democracy, the Parliament is the reflection of the sovereign aspirations of the citizens. He further said that India has made socio-economic changes on the basis of parliamentary democracy in the last 75 years. "Therefore, our parliaments are the best medium of public welfare," he said. Referring to the ongoing training programme at PRIDE, Lok Sabha Secretariat, for the Ministers, Members of Parliament and Judges of Constitutional Courts and Advisors of Togo, Birla expressed happiness that in this training programme, the delegation learnt about the functions and powers of both the Houses of the Parliament of India. Later, Birla asked the Togolese delegation to give their feedback about this training programme, so that this training could be further improved. After the constitutional changes in Togo, if required, the Indian Parliament would be happy to organize refresher courses or capacity-building programmes for Togo's Ministers, MPs, Constitutional Court judges and advisors, Birla informed. Speaking on parliamentary capacity-building programmes by PRIDE, Birla said that PRIDE is today the world's leading parliamentary training institute. So far, Members of Parliament, officers of Parliament and other administrative officers from more than a hundred countries have received training from the PRIDE training institute. The Togo delegation, led by Gilbert Bawara, Minister of Public Service, Labor and Social Dialogue, expressed profound gratitude and happiness with the outcome of their visit to India. He commended the orientation programme conducted by PRIDE, noting that as Togo embarks on framing its constitution, this training will be invaluable in their efforts. He also expressed gratitude for India's support on various international platforms, particularly in advocating for the African Union's entry into the G20. (ANI)
Dubai [UAE], August 2 (ANI/WAM): Egyptian Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, Engineer Sherif El-Sherbiny, has emphasised the deep and strong fraternal relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the UAE. He pointed out that there are significant investment opportunities in various fields, especially in new cities, particularly fourth-generation cities, with ongoing cooperation with Emirati investors in this regard. This came when he received Mariam Khalifa Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League, at the ministry's headquarters in the new administrative capital. The visit aimed to congratulate the minister on assuming his new post as the Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities and to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation between the two countries. He drew attention that Egypt is a promising market for investment in various fields and is the largest market in the Middle East region. Al Kaabi congratulated El-Sherbiny on his new position, praising the long-standing historic fraternal ties between the UAE and Egypt in all fields, which achieve further advancement and prosperity for both countries and their fraternal peoples. She also underscored the existence of numerous opportunities and potentials to advance the prospects of cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest. (ANI/WAM)
US Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday won the 2024 Democratic National Convention, securing a majority of votes of the delegates, Washington Post reported. Democratic Party officials announced officially, making her the party's presidential nominee and concluding an unprecedented process after the former Democratic standard-bearer dropped out less than two weeks ago. https://x.com/KamalaHarris/status/1819426800264474793 Following this, Kamala Harris shared a post on X, and said, "I am honoured to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States." "I will officially accept the nomination next week. This campaign is about people coming together, fueled by love of country, to fight for the best of who we are," she added. After this announcement, US President Joe Biden also shared a post on X and stated, that he made one of the best decisions to pick Kamla Harris as president adding he couldn't be prouder. "One of the best decisions I've made was picking @KamalaHarris as my vice president. Now that she will be our party's nominee, I couldn't be prouder," Joe Biden said on X. More than 4,000 convention delegates had until Monday to submit their ballots, but no other candidate qualified to challenge Harris, making her selection all but certain. Still, the formal nomination ascent of the first woman of colour to lead a presidential ticket marks a milestone for a nation long riven by racial and gender issues, as per the Washington Post. "I am honoured to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for president of the United States," Harris said on a call with supporters. "And I will tell you the tireless work of our delegates, our state leaders and staff has been pivotal in making this moment possible." The announcement was made moments before by Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison, who noted that Harris crossed the threshold just a day after online balloting began. The voting was opened on Monday. "The fact that we can say today -- just one day after we opened voting -- that the vice president has crossed the majority threshold and will officially be our nominee next week, folks, that is simply outstanding," Harrison said. On July 27, Harris signed the forms, officially declaring her candidature for the US presidential elections, assuring that her people's-powered campaign would win in November. Harris took to social media X and emphasised that in November, her people-powered campaign will win. She further reiterated 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. After President Biden abruptly bowed out of the race on July 21 and endorsed Harris, Democratic leaders scrambled to create a nomination process that did not rely on state primary contests, all of which Biden had already won. The new nomination contest allowed anyone to run if they obtained 300 signatures of delegates supporting their bid, including no more than 50 from any single delegation while meeting other basic qualifications. With top party officials seeking to rally the party to confront the candidacy of Donald Trump, no elected Democratic politician besides Harris announced their intention to seek those signatures. The candidates who did signal their intent to seek the nomination failed to obtain the required signatures. On July 30, the Democratic National Committee said that 3,923 delegates had petitioned to put Harris on the ballot for the nomination, a large majority of the total delegate pool. Party leaders decided months ago, when Biden was still expected to be the nominee, to use a virtual vote to finalize the nomination, rather than waiting for the party convention in Chicago on August 19-22. They said the early nomination was needed because legal ambiguities in Ohio's early deadlines meant that Biden could be kept off the ballot in that state. Ohio ultimately amended its timeline for ballot qualification, but the Democrats stuck to their plans for a virtual nomination. Under the party's rules, delegates do not need to vote on Harris's vice-presidential selection. Democratic convention planners are preparing a symbolic roll call for prime-time television coverage in Chicago, with representatives of each state offering their votes for Harris in a customized fashion. Harris becomes just the second person of colour in America's nearly 250-year history to head a major presidential ticket, after Barack Obama in 2008. Harris is Black and Indian American, and Trump has recently attacked her identity and suggested that she formerly downplayed her Black heritage, an assertion for which there is no evidence. Harris will also be the second female major-party nominee, after Hillary Clinton in 2016, when Clinton lost to Trump in a contest that stunned Democrats and upended the political landscape. (ANI)
Authorities said it's unclear what caused them to fall, proposing that it might have been the result of human error or a potential rockslide

Getty

Two Austrian mountaineers have been found dead in the Italian Alps after being reported missing.

On Thursday, Aug. 1, the climbers' bodies were located dangling from their climbing ropes at an altitude of roughly 2,000 meters (about 6,600 feet), according to a translated Facebook post from the emergency rescue service Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico Friuli Venezia Giulia.

The mountaineers, both from Villach, Austria, were climbing the Cima di Riofreddo mountain in the Julian Alps, which stretch from Northern Italy to Slovenia. Their loved ones attempted to reach them by phone when they didnt return, per the statement.

The rescue service said that it is unclear what caused the fall, suggesting that it couldve been the result of human error or a potential rockslide.

Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico

Related: 5 People Found Dead in Snow Cave After Going Missing on Ski Trip

There were two rescue operations with a helicopter to recover the climbers. The bodies were located on the first mission, but they were unable to be recovered because of safety reasons.

Around 5 a.m. local time, the second mission took off with rescuers and a helicopter technician on board, as well as 10 rescuers at the base camp for additional assistance.

Prior to the rescue, the two climbers' vehicle was located in the parking lot, per the initial report.

Related: YouTuber, 22, Dies Falling From Mountain While Filming Video: 'We Are in Great Grief,' Says Mom

According to Summit Post, Cima di Riofreddo reaches an elevation of 8,225 feet and has "high walls and sharp ridges on all sides." According to the outlet, the mountain is difficult to climb as there isnt a marked path to reach its summit.

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That same day, the rescue service posted alerts for several other emergency situations, one of which involved a hiker who got stuck on the Tenente Ferrante di Ruffano climbing route. He was hanging with a safety cord after experiencing difficulties with his equipment. He was returned to safety by a group of rescuers.

The other incidents involved a climber who had difficulties with a rocky wall at the shoulder of the Bila Pec mountain and a hiker who needed to be escorted to Piani del Montasio.



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Everything we know about Trumps ancestry after he pushed his rivals into question

Donald Trump faced heavy criticism on Wednesday after questioning the heritage of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, while speaking to the National Association of Black Journalists.

She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage, he said. I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black?

Harriss father is from Jamaica and her mother was from India. The vice president said on Wednesday night that Trumps comments were the same old show of divisiveness and disrespect.

That has sparked questions on the backgrounds of both candidates. Trump is one of five children of the real estate developer Fred Trump and the Scottish immigrant Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. The former president has five children with his three wives as well as 10 grandchildren.

Here is everything we know about Trumps ancestry and immediate family.

Grandparents

Frederick Trump

Donald Trumps paternal grandfather was born in 1869 in Kallstadt in what was then the Kingdom of Bavaria. He immigrated to the US in 1885 before moving to the Yukon in Canada and operated a restaurant and brothel for Whitehorse miners, according to CBC News.

He returned to Kallstadt where he married Elisabeth Christ in 1902 but as he had allegedly left Bavaria to avoid conscription, he had been stripped of his citizenship and he subsequently went back to the US.

Frederick Trump moved his family to Queens, where he bought a number of properties before he died at the age of 49 in 1918 during the Spanish Influenza epidemic, according to Politico.

Elizabeth Christ Trump

Following her husbands death, the 37-year-old took on the management of his properties, co-founding the real estate development company E Trump & Son with Fred Trump, the former presidents father.

She died in 1966 at the age of 85.

Parents

Frederick Trump Sr

While Donald Trump has claimed that his father was born in Germany, he was in fact born in New York City to German immigrants Frederick and Elisabeth in 1905.

Trump Sr started his own construction company as a 15-year-old in high school, partnering with his mother, according to The New York Times.

Donald Trump and his father, Fred, at the opening of Wollman Ice Rink in 1987 (Getty)

Starting out by building garages for cars, which were then fairly new, most of Trump Srs wealth came from building low- and middle-income housing in Brooklyn and Queens following the World War II.

He died in 1999 at the age of 93.

Mary Anne MacLeod Trump

Born in 1912 in the Outer Hebrides west of the Scottish mainland, MacLeod emigrated to the US in 1930 and became a citizen 12 years later, according to The New Yorker. Her father was a fisherman and she was the youngest of 10 children.

After meeting Fred Trump Sr at a party, they married in 1936 and settled in Jamaica, Queens.

Framed photographs of Donald Trump's parents, Fred and Mary Trump, sat on a table in the Oval Office (Getty Images)

In The Art of the Deal, published in 1987, Donald Trump wrote that his mother was a very traditional housewife, but she also had a sense of the world beyond her.

She subsequently became a philanthropist as the family became wealthier. She died in 2000 at the age of 88.

Siblings

Maryanne Trump Barry

Barry was the oldest of the Trump children, born in 1937. A federal judge, she was married to David Desmond for 20 years, between 1960 and 1980. They had a son, David William Desmond. She married fellow attorney John Joseph Barry in 1982 and they stayed together until his death in 2000.

Attending Hofstra University School of Law while her son was in the sixth grade, according to The New York Times, Barry would go on to spend decades as a federal prosecutor and judge. She was nominated to the US Court of Appeals in 1999 by President Bill Clinton. She stopped hearing cases in 2017.

Donald Trump (L) is pictured with his sister Maryanne Trump Barry as they adjourn for lunch during a public inquiry over his plans to build a golf resort near Aberdeen, at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference centre, Scotland, on June 10, 2008 (AFP via Getty Images)

She officially retired in 2019, 10 days after the launch of an investigation on allegations of judicial misconduct and tax evasion.

She was secretly recorded in 2018 and 2019 calling Donald Trump cruel and accused him of having no principles.

She died in November last year at the age of 86.

Frederick Trump Jr

Born in 1938, Trump Jr had two children, Frederick Trump III and Mary Trump, after marrying Linda Clapp in 1962.

He was expected to take over the family real estate business, but he instead pursued his ambitions to become a pilot, creating unease between him, his father and his brother.

After becoming an alcoholic, he quit flying, got divorced, and moved back into his parents house in Queens. He died of a heart attack in September 1981 at the age of 42.

Mary Trump wrote in her 2020 book Too Much and Never Enough, that Fred Sr played a large role in destroying her father.

Elizabeth Trump Grau

Born in 1942, Grau is four years older than the former president. She attended Southern Seminary College in Virginia before joining Chase Manhattan Bank as an administrative assistant, The New York Times noted.

She married TV and film producer James Grau in 1989. The couple has no children and has retired to Florida.

Robert Trump

Donald Trump (R) hugs his brother Robert Trump after delivering his acceptance speech at the New York Hilton Midtown in the early morning hours of November 9, 2016 (Getty Images)

Robert Trump was born in 1948, the youngest child of Trump Sr and MacLeod.

He attended Boston University and started working on Wall Street before joining the family business, The New York Times reported.

He died in 2020 at the age of 71 with his funeral being held at the White House during the Trump presidency.

Wives

Ivana Trump

Donald Trump and Ivana Trump attend The Eric Trump 8th Annual Golf Tournament at Trump National Golf Club Westchester on September 15, 2014, in Briarcliff Manor, New York (Getty Images)

Donald Trumps first marriage lasted for 15 years from 1977 to 1992. They had three children, Donald Jr, Ivanka, and Eric.

Born in 1949 in what was then Czechoslovakia, she lived in Canada in the early 1970s before her marriage to Trump, whom she met via her modeling career.

She held managerial positions in the Trump Organization and worked with her husband on projects such as Trump Tower in New York and the Trump Taj Mahal Atlantic City, New Jersey, according to The New York Times.

She died after a fall at her Manhattan home in July 2022 at the age of 73.

Marla Maples

Marla Maples attends Taoray Taoray fashion show during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Gallery II at Spring Studios on September 11, 2019, in New York City (Getty Images for Taoray Taoray)

Mapless relationship with Trump started while he was still married to Ivana Trump, leading to their 1990 split, according to People.

Maples, a 60-year-old from Georgia, and Trump were married in 1993 two months after having a daughter, Tiffany Trump. They divorced in 1999.

She worked as an actress, appearing in films and on TV in the 1990s and the 2000s.

Melania Trump

Former President Donald Trump and Melania Trump during the final day of the Republican National Convention (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Melania Trump was born in what was then Yugoslavia in todays Slovenia in 1970. She briefly attended the University of Ljubljana before starting her modeling career and moving to New York in 1996, according to The New Yorker and Vanity Fair.

She met Trump two years later at a Fashion Week party in 1998. They were engaged in 2004, married in early 2005 and had their son Barron in 2006.

In 2017, she became the first First Lady born outside of the US since UK-born Louisa Adams served as John Quincy Adamss first lady in the late 1820s.
Marijuana plants at a 605 Cannabis grow operation. Courtesy photo.

Former Minnesota DFL political operative Will Hailer paid $1.2 million to settle a lawsuit brought by two South Dakota cannabis companies and their investors accusing him of fraud.

The case ends a two-year saga that began when Hailer approached 605 Cannabis founder Ned Horsted with an attractive business opportunity for him and the two founders of another cannabis company, Dakota Natural Growers.

Hailer promised he would bring in an additional $7.5 million in investment for the cannabis growers if they gave him the $3.54 million they raised from friends, family and acquaintances.

Hailer, who previously worked for the Democratic National Committee and for Attorney General Keith Ellison, met Horsted years before through Democratic politics.

He tells a great story, Horsted said of Hailer in an interview earlier this year. It made sense in my mind. If youre well connected, and you could pick up the phone and get someone to give $100,000 to a campaign, you could probably get that same kind of money for a business venture.

The additional investment never materialized despite months of promises that the money was just days or weeks aways, according to court documents.

Hailer returned $1.86 million in August 2022 and another $500,000 in October 2023 after the cannabis business owners and their investors sued Hailer and three of his companies, eST Ventures, Badlands Fund and Badland Ventures.

The latest settlement and $1.2 million payment means the cannabis entrepreneurs and investors have received all of their own money back after giving Hailer control of it in early 2022.

Jason Tarasek, the attorney for the cannabis companies, declined to comment beyond that they amicably resolved their dispute. The case was settled in Nebraska, where Hailer lives.

Its unclear how Hailer was able to pay the settlement. As the Reformer reported in June, discovery documents in the case showed Hailer had less than $750 combined across various business and personal bank accounts.

Hailer did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Hailer still faces litigation  along with his business partner Tim Mynett, husband of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar  by an investor in the pairs California winery, eStCru.

In that case, investor Naeem Mohd gave Mynett $300,000 for a winery on the promise Mohd would receive $900,000 back in just 18 months. Mohd only received his $300,000 back.

Mynett was a founder of eSt Ventures, which was named in the cannabis lawsuit, but he said he left the company before the deal with the South Dakota cannabis companies.

Although the business is typically called eSt Ventures, Omar listed spousal income from EstVenture LLC of $5,001-$15,000 in 2021 and $15,001-$50,000 in 2022.

In her latest congressional financial disclosure filed in May, Omar reported spousal income in 2023 of $201-$1,000 from eStCru and $15,0001-$50,000 from Rose Lake Capital, a venture capital management firm founded by Mynett and Hailer.
Last month was the Boise areas smokiest July in years. Is this the new normal?

In our Reality Check stories, Idaho Statesman journalists seek to hold the powerful accountable and find answers to critical questions in our community. Read more. Story idea? Tips@idahostatesman.com.

The start of the week was a breath of fresh air for Boise area, literally.

The Treasure Valley got a reprieve after a seriously smoky July that saw more unhealthy air quality days than in years past, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data. But Michael Toole, Boise airshed coordinator for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, said in a phone interview that the break would likely be brief as high temperatures return, potentially exacerbating wildfire behavior.

The poor air quality last month was the result of weather patterns and numerous fires burning west of Boise, where wind patterns funneled pollutants into the Valley, Toole told the Idaho Statesman.

This fire season so far has been the most significant in terms of the (air pollution) concentration weve seen in past five, 10 years, Toole said.

Data from AirNow, the EPAs air quality website, showed just three days last month  July 1, 2 and 6  were in the good air quality category with an air quality index, or AQI, score of 50 or lower. More than half of the July days either were in the unhealthy for sensitive groups or unhealthy category.

One day  July 23  crossed into the very unhealthy category, with an AQI value of 227, according to preliminary data. Its the only time air quality has reached the category in July for nearly 25 years, according to AirNow data dating back to 2000.

AQI categories are determined by measuring the ozone  a colorless atmospheric gas that forms when heat interacts with pollutants  and particulate matter in the air. Wildfire smoke is considered a fine particulate.

Brittany Brand, director of Boise State Universitys Hazard and Climate Resilience Institute, told the Statesman that fires are becoming larger, hotter and more frequent as climate change makes Idahos summers hotter and drier. As a result, the Treasure Valley is facing more smoky days than in the past.

As long as we continue to see an increased trend in wildfires, we can expect increased smoke conditions in our valley, Brand said. Unfortunately were downwind from a lot of the California and Oregon fires, so smoke not only gets funneled here, but it can get trapped in the valley.

Brand said wildfire smoke particulates can be especially hazardous when the smoke travels far from the fire. Those small particles are about 1/50th the size of a grain of sand, which makes them easy to inhale.

Smoke particles can irritate the respiratory system and impact the cardiovascular system. As air quality worsens, it becomes dangerous to exercise or exert yourself outside, especially for children, older adults and people with existing respiratory issues.

Brand encouraged people to stay informed about air quality by visiting AirNow or the Hazard and Climate Resilience Institutes website. Most importantly, she said, people need to be careful to avoid ignitions as human-caused fires become more common.

We live in a wildfire-prone landscape, she said. We need to remain vigilant in preventing fires.

Wildfires play major role in Boise air quality

Toole said last months air quality doesnt necessarily indicate a trend toward worsening overall air quality, though.

In particular, Toole said, mid- to late July was rough compared to years past. Around the middle of the month, lightning storms sparked a series of fires in central and eastern Oregon, including the Durkee, Cow Valley and Badlands Complex fires, which are still burning. Toole said some smoke could be coming from as far as Chico, California, where an arsonist started the Park Fire on July 24.

Toole said in the last 10 to 15 years, the number of moderate to unhealthy AQI category days in the Treasure Valley has increased. While last month had worse air quality than years past, the main pollutant for the majority of the month was ozone, not the particulate matter often caused by wildfires.

Particulates were the main pollutant nine days last month, compared with nearly double that number in recent years. Toole noted that on the worst air quality day last month, the primary pollutant was ozone.

Already this year, the Boise area has had five days in the unhealthy AQI category  two of them in January and the rest in July. Thats more unhealthy days in six months than the area saw in an entire year for nearly every year since 2014. Boise had no unhealthy AQI days last year.

There have also been 16 days in the sensitive AQI category, more than most full years in the last decade.

But Toole said it can be misleading to simply say that air quality is getting worse. The standards for air quality have changed in that time, making direct comparisons of AQI values impossible, he said. And populations in Idaho and the Treasure Valley have grown rapidly during the same period, adding pollutants from more people, vehicles, businesses and other sources.

Still, wildfire  and the ever-expanding season in which fires are likely  plays a major role. And EPA data has shown a major increase in the particulate matter as a primary pollutant in the Boise area.

Every year is so different, Toole said. I dont think its getting worse, I just think its really unfortunate where the fires are this year.
Rhode Island has awarded a $625-million contract to the one and only bidder on a $779 million project to rebuild a series of bridges along key stretches of Interstate 95 and Route 10.

The consortium of Skanska USA, McCourt Construction and Aetna Bridge was the only venture to submit a proposal to the RFP the state Department of Transportation put out in January. After a brief period of negotiations, the state awarded Skanska the contract Wednesday.

The contract is one of the largest, if not the largest, single contract the DOT has awarded for a construction project.

It is also another example of Gov. Dan McKee's administration finding limited interest from the New England construction industry in working on large Rhode Island construction projects. Earlier this summer the state received no bids to rebuild the condemned westbound Washington Bridge.

What the $625-million contract covers

The Skanska joint venture will be responsible for designing the road and bridge changes as well as doing the construction work.

Rhode Island won a $251-million federal grant to help pay for the I-95 project.

When the grant was announced last month, the total cost of the construction project, was an estimated $723 million.

Now with the contract in place, the cost has climbed another $56 million to $779, according to DOT spokesman Charles St. Martin.

In addition to the design-build contract, the other costs include $9 million in design, $62.5 million in contingency and $82.5 million in other costs, including consultant services and third party expenses including utility work and assistance from Amtrak.

Is the state concerned about signing such a large contract with only one bidder to work with?

"Skanska and McCourt are two multi-billion-dollar international companies that, in a joint venture with Aetna Bridge, were clearly attracted to RIDOT because of the quality of our work," St. Martin wrote in an email. "They are uniquely qualified to take on a project of this scope."

Design work begins immediately on a total project estimated to take seven years to complete.

The first bridge set for repair is the bridge carrying I-95 over Elmwood Avenue.

The total I-95 project includes:

Rebuilding 10 highway bridges along the I-95 corridor from the Providence River to the Pastore Complex in Cranston

Slimming down Route 10 from Park Avenue to Elmwood Avenue

Reworking the Amtrak Northeast Corridor electric catenary lines under two bridges

Improving the flood-prone drainage on I-95 near Eddy Street

Adding a dedicated right-turn lane from Park Avenue west to Elmwood Avenue north

Repaving I-95

Re-striping highway lanes "for compatibility with autonomous vehicles"

What else has Skanska worked on?

Skanska, which built Gillette Stadium, was one of two companies to bid on the contract to demolish the Washington Bridge, but the job was awarded to its now-venture partner Aetna.

Skanska is part of the team rebuilding and reconfiguring the I-95 north Providence Viaduct in downtown. That project is expected to cost $265 million.

A legal team hired by the McKee administration is expected at some point this month to sue one or more companies who worked in some capacity on the Washington Bridge in an effort to recoup some of the money needed to tear it down and replace it.

Aetna was also a partner in the joint venture that was doing repairs on the Washington Bridge when the structure's poor condition was discovered.

The lead company in that project, Barletta Heavy Division, is under an agreement not to bid on federally funded Rhode Island projects while a criminal case regarding contaminated fill at the Route 6-10 interchange project plays out.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: $625 million I-95/Route 6 reconstruction contract goes to only bidder
The Venezuelan people and democratic leaders now have a duty to defend popular sovereignty as demonstrated civically through their vote for freedom, and they appear to be doing so.

Some may argue that they should not have gone to the elections with a National Electoral Council that is an extension of the chavista regime, among other adversities and evidence that fraud, as in previous occasions, would be the regimes way of maintaining power, delaying the inevitable day of freedom.

The process should have been contested when chavismo violated the Barbados accords and Maria Corina Machado was barred from participating as a candidate.

It should have been flagged the moment international observers were denied entry after it was decided theyd participate in the elections, and the irregularities that occurred during the day, which exemplified the gangster-like chavista regimes intentions, should have been more forcefully denounced.

Despite the regimes perverted and criminal nature, which is true of communist governments, the Venezuelans chose to accept the challenge. They opted to vote for Edmundo Gonzalez , and the vast majority supported change.

This happened in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Albania, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Chile, and South Africa. People under repressive regimes, as Venezuelans are now doing, follow agreements between the parties to promote and ensure the legitimacy of those processes. They overcame tyranny by their ballots because their leaders were steadfast, and the international community was supportive.

Those who ignore this and try to diminish the civic struggle that people have chosen to achieve their freedom or who undervalue nonviolence as a path to free and prosperous societies have every right to believe otherwise. Still, violence is not a guarantee of success.

In their 2008 study Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict, university academics Maria J. Stephan and Erica Chenoweth compared the outcomes of 323 violent and nonviolent resistance actions from 1900 to 2006. They found that major nonviolent initiatives were successful 53% of the time, compared to 26% of violent resistance actions.

The investigation additionally demonstrates that nonviolent campaigns are more likely to succeed than violent campaigns in the face of brutal repression.

Those who believe in and offer extreme remedies, which are not radical because radical means getting to the root of the problem, and the central issue in totalitarian systems is a lack of popular sovereignty, should amass troops and war resources to achieve their objective. However, this would be a mistake because violence rarely results in freedom or healthy nations.

In 1981, Narcotics Anonymous published the basic text, which stated that insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results. The same is true for both addicts and people who resort to violence.

What will happen in Venezuela now is up to democratic leaders and their voters. Let us hope Venezuelans do not grow weary but continue in their civic demand through their mobilization for the nations freedom.

What will the international community do? The Biden administration said Thursday it is getting ready to officially recognize Gonzalez as the countrys president-elect.

This is also a subject free nations must address. The supportive position is to refuse to recognize the dictator and establish an independent commission to review all voting records and thus declare the civic oppositions victory, as all evidence indicates is the will of the Venezuelan people.

If those who have taken over Venezuela over the past 25 years do not accept it, then impose an international boycott, as was done in Apartheid South Africa in the 1980s. We have requested the same sanctions for Communist Cuba, as well as for Maduros dictatorship.

Venezuelans are ultimately the protagonists. They will determine whether they will overcome tyranny this time or whether they will have to wait over 65 years to obtain their freedom, as we Cubans still do.

Regis Iglesias Ramirez is the spokesperson for the Christian Liberation Movement. John J. Suarez is executive director of the Center for a Free Cuba
The South Dakota Board of Regents changed its political activity policy at its Thursday meeting in Madison to allow public university employees to run for state legislative office.

The change comes six months after the state Supreme Court reversed its decision on whether state employees can run for elected office. For decades, state employees were restricted from running for the Legislature after a 2001 ruling from the court deemed their employment a conflict of interest.

Conflict of interest was a heated topic among legislators ahead of the 2024 legislative session, when Gov. Kristi Noem was tasked with appointing two empty seats in the Legislature. In February, the court announced in an advisory opinion that legislators can have contracts with state government if the money comes from the annual budget bill, but not if the money comes from any other bill.

The regents earlier, restrictive policy was created as a reaction to the 2001 decision in Pitts v. Larson.

Rich Helsper, an attorney at Helsper, McCarty and Rasmussen Law Firm in Brookings, represented state lawmaker and South Dakota State University employee Carol Pitts in a conflict of interest lawsuit in front of the state Supreme Court in 2001.

The Supreme Courts February 2024 decision and the Regents policy change allows for more perspectives in the legislative process, Helsper said. Any concerns about conflict of interest will be handled by voters.

You dont want little groups to go out to Pierre and represent who theyre employed by rather than their constituents, Helsper said. Thats not good either, but thats where the voters come in. If that issue comes up and the voters want a representative from DSU in Madison to represent their interests, then so be it.

DSU  Dakota State University  is one of six public universities in the state.

In 2001, Carol Pitts was a Republican Brookings legislator working at SDSU. Pitts told South Dakota Searchlight in a recent interview that she had asked several state officials and the Board of Regents if she was able to represent her district without conflict. The regents policy at the time said employees could run for local and state offices, as long as it didnt conflict with their work.

Lyndell Petersen, for example, was elected to the Legislature in the 1970s while working for SDSU Extension. Petersen, a member of the South Dakota Hall of Fame, served in the Legislature for 18 years, including eight on the Appropriations Committee. Petersen had a significant impact on agricultural policy in the state.

I really, really like this, because I think somebody like that would not have been able to serve under this prior to this, Regent Randy Frederick said of Petersen before the Regents unanimously approved the policy change. And that would have been quite a loss to the state of South Dakota for years, because of his expertise that he brought to the Appropriations Committee in the South Dakota Senate.

The February announcement from the state Supreme Court was a big deal for Pitts and thousands of state employees, she said. The clarification promotes the citizen in South Dakotas citizen Legislature, and it allows people to focus on serving rather than looking over their shoulder.

For me, it was closure, Pitts said. What I was fighting for was correct, and Im glad that it had come back forward and was clarified.

Pitts chose to resign from SDSU after the state Supreme Court determined that she should not be paid by the university as long as she was serving at the Capitol. She moved to a company in the private sector, at the behest of the attorney general at the time, and resigned from the Legislature in 2002 when her legislative role interfered with a state contract her employer sought. She returned to the Legislature in 2007 and served two more terms.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Regents change policy to allow employees to run for Legislature
PHNOM PENH, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's insurance industry reported a gross premium of 178.5 million U.S. dollars in the first half of 2024, a slight increase of about 1 percent from 176.8 million dollars over the same period last year, according to an Insurance Regulator of Cambodia (IRC) report on Friday.

The growth was generated from 18 general insurers, 14 life insurers, seven micro-insurance companies, and one reinsurance firm, the report said.

It added that the total amount of claims incurred was about 34.8 million dollars during the January-June period this year, up 18.5 percent from 29.35 million dollars over the same period last year.

The Southeast Asian country's insurance industry currently has more than 1 billion dollars in total assets.

IRC's Director General Bou Chanphirou said the insurance sector has been playing a crucial role in supporting the social security system, proactively contributing to national economic development.

He said the Cambodian insurance market expanded to approximately 344 million dollars in 2023, with an insurance penetration of 1.16 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and an insurance density of around 21.02 dollars per person.

"These two indicators illustrate that the Cambodian insurance market has potential room for further growth in the future," he said in a speech during the celebration of the Cambodia Insurance Day last week. 
WESTPORT, Mass. (WPRI)  Debris from the broken Vineyard Wind turbine blade that fell into the ocean was found along the shoreline in Westport on Thursday.

Vineyard Wind Spokesperson Craig Gilvarg told 12 News they received a report of debris on Knubble Beach and confirmed its from the damaged blade.

RELATED: More debris from Vineyard Wind expected to show up on local shores

The amount of debris is very limited and is primarily pieces of foam measuring less than one foot in size, Gilvarg said. We have received additional reports of debris in the area of Horseneck Beach and Westport Town Beach and are responding to them.

Westport Town Administrator James Hartnet told 12 News a Vineyard Wind representative said the company collected about four pounds of debris from The Knubble (Westport Harbor).

Vineyard Wind also received reports of potential debris sightings in Little Compton. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said it was thrown away before they could get their hands on it.

Ocean, Bay & Beach // A look at the conditions at the coast 

On Monday, several sections of the damaged blade fell into the water and sunk, while smaller pieces floated on the surface.

The detachment followed an earlier planned process of turning the rotor as part of safety procedures for ultimate removal of the blade. GE Vernova and Vineyard Wind have dispatched maritime crews on multiple vessels throughout the week to secure as much debris as possible for immediate containment and removal, Gilvarg explained.

Vineyard Wind said they are working with local and state officials to address the situation and they are asking anyone who comes across turbine debris to call the Hotline at (833) 609-5768.

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Lynchburg residents can now educate themselves on the citys history with slavery just by walking around downtown.

Silent Witnesses, Inc., a nonprofit founded in 2021 by the Legacy Museum of African American History and the Lynchburg Museum System, serves as a collaborative public history project on documenting Lynchburg sites with ties to slavery, according to its website. The project is responsible for the recent installation of six metal plaques on downtown sidewalks that mark locations where slave labor was used or slave auctions were held. Additionally, plaques were placed at two sites that once hosted a church for enslaved individuals and buildings that housed enslaved families.

Its notable because this is the first time any markers about slavery have been installed in [Lynchburg] public places, said Ted Delaney, the Silent Witnesses board secretary.

Delaney, who also serves as the Lynchburg Museum System director and City of Lynchburg chief public history officer, noted the importance of bringing awareness to the institution of slavery in Lynchburg that many citizens are likely not familiar with.

[The plaques are] especially to remind us and everyone who lives here that slavery happened in these spaces every day, he said.

The six plaques detail what were once the African Baptist Church at 509 Court St.; the James River and Kanawha Canal slave trail, near 20 9th St.; Knights Tobacco Factory at 612 12th St.; Leftwichs Row, which housed enslaved and free Black tenants, at the 700 block of Harrison Street; the Market House, a slave auction site, at Main and 9th streets as well as Woodroofs Slave Auction and Boarding Business at 925 Commerce St.

The markers are the first of several planned plaques that will continue to represent key sites in slavery history. Silent Witnesses is specifically prioritizing locations that have no other interpretation or obvious association with slavery, a news release said, such as parking garages and buildings that now serve other, modern purposes.

Delaney expressed his gratitude toward MH Masonry & Associates of Lynchburg, which donated the labor to install the six plaques, saving the Legacy Museum of African American History and the Lynchburg Museum System thousands of dollars.

The process of installing the cast aluminum plaques includes cutting out the sidewalk, drilling holes, measuring adequate slopes for water runoff, adding epoxy to keep the plaques in place, placing silicone around the edges, adding a fade-resistant UV coating as well as cleaning up the area, Delaney said. Each installation takes roughly 90 minutes.

The planned sites for future markers are at what were once the home of Robert Williams, an enslaved individual, at Tinbridge Hill; the Franklin Hotel, a slave action site, at 1031 Main St.; the all-Black Polk Street School at 908-912 Polk St.; the Confederate Ladies Relief Hospital at 600 Main St.; as well as the Dabney-Scott-Adams House, which housed enslaved people, at 405 Cabell St. Silent Witnesses is currently raising funds for these projects.

More information about Silent Witnesses and the historical plaques and sites can be found at silentwitnesses.org.
TOKYO, Aug 02 (News On Japan) - Japan has requested the extradition of Paul Watson, the former leader of the anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd, who was detained in Greenland last month on suspicion of interfering with Japanese whaling vessels.

Watson was taken into custody by police in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, on July 21.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the extradition request was made on July 31, but there has been no response yet from the Danish government.

Watson, the founder of Sea Shepherd, was placed on an international wanted list by Interpol in 2010 for his alleged interference with Japanese whaling ships.

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Aug 02 (News On Japan) - Prince Hisahito, along with Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, visited the opening of the National High School Comprehensive Cultural Festival in Gifu Prefecture, where they toured the venue to view various art exhibits.

They also attended the "Flower Arrangement Battle," a competition where participants create floral arrangements within a limited time frame. Prince Hisahito watched the event attentively, applauding enthusiastically.

As high school students dashed around the venue, selecting flowers and dynamically arranging them, Prince Hisahito showed keen interest and asked questions such as, "How do you manage your pace?"

Source: ANN
Aug 03 (Japanese Kitchen Tour) - Galaxy Glaze Gyokuhougama is a pottery workshop located in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, renowned for its unique "Galaxy Glaze" pottery, which resembles a starry sky.

The workshop is run by Masanari Nakao, a 26-year-old graduate of Kyoto University, who returned to his hometown of Takeo last year. He is joined by Sten, his sister Yuuri's husband from the Netherlands, who has been training and researching at the workshop for about a year. The workshop is also home to two popular cats, Nelson and Pocky.

Sten is currently focused on making sake cups, a process that requires precision and practice. The article details the various stages of pottery making, including preparing the soil, molding, glazing, and firing. Each step involves careful craftsmanship and dedication.
HOKKAIDO, Aug 03 (News On Japan) - The Asahikawa District Public Prosecutors Office on Friday indicted a 19-year-old unemployed woman living in Asahikawa City for murder and other charges related to the death of a high school girl in April of this year.

According to the indictment, the woman, in conspiracy with already-indicted Riko Uchida, 21, abducted a 17-year-old high school girl from Rumoi City to the vicinity of Kamui Ohashi in Asahikawa City by car. There, they forced her to sit on the bridge railing, telling her to "fall" and "die," before pushing her off the bridge, resulting in her death.

Sources indicate that a video of the woman attempting to push the high school girl off the bridge has surfaced.

Investigators report that the woman denies the charges.

Source: ANN
Veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has emphasised that real work begins following the first day of the nationwide protest.

In his statement, Charly Boy urged Nigerians to maintain the pressure on the government, underscoring that the initial demonstration is just the beginning of a broader movement for change.

He highlighted the significant turnout across several states on Monday, noting that the large-scale protests serve as a powerful message to the government.

Charly Boy tweeted on X: Brave, Strong and determined Nigerian youths, una make me proud today.

First: Una congratulations on a job well done. But our work just start.

As most of us don awake from our slumber in the realization say gofment no care for us, no send us, we no go gree for people wey no gree for us. We must keep fighting to retrieve our stolen future.

Lets keep the pressure up, because this devilish government must understand that the tide is changing.

They must never feel safe again, unless dey start doing the needful.

The Salvation Of Nigeria Lies In The Hands of its Exceptional Youths. I Twale for Una.

Brave, Strong and determined Nigerian youths, una make me proud today.

First:

Una congratulations on a job well done.

But our work just start.



As most of us don awake from our slumber in the realization say gofment no care for us, no send us, we no go gree for people wey no pic.twitter.com/eRt2E7D724  Charly Boy Area Fada 1 (@AreaFada1) August 1, 2024
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has commended Nigerian youths over the protest in expressing their disapproval of some government policies and demanding good governance in the country.

Naija News reports that Atiku, in a statement via his X handle on Friday, urged the protesters to maintain a peaceful stance and call on more Nigerians to support the #EndBadGovernance demonstration.

The former Vice President described the killings of innocent protesters by the security agents as unacceptable and needless, urging them to refrain from molesting journalists merely reporting the ongoing protest.

Atiku also called on President Bola Tinubus government to listen to the voices of the people, adding that the nation cannot afford further days of unrest.

The statement read, The commencement of public protests across the country yesterday is noteworthy These demonstrations have opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies, furthering the essential conversation about good governance in our nation.

For the most part, protesters have conducted themselves with admirable peace and must be commended for their restraint and dedication. However, in some isolated instances, there have been reports of violence, leading to regrettable clashes and brutalities by the police.

I urge the protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and call on more Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest. This is a pivotal moment for our collective voice to be heard, and it must be done with dignity and respect for the law.

I also call on the police to engage more professionally in managing these protests. The needless killing of innocent citizens by security agencies is unacceptable. The police must refrain from the molestation of journalists who are merely reporting the protest. It is imperative that security agencies exercise restraint while enforcing law and order.

Security agencies are encouraged to identify and isolate the minority elements who are resorting to violence and looting, ensuring that the actions of a few do not tarnish the majority of peaceful protesters.

To the government, I admonish you to heed the voices of the people and come down from your high horses. It is time to demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters. The nation cannot afford further days of unrest; let this be the moment where leadership listens and acts with integrity and urgency.
LILONGWE, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Friday published a schedule for the country's general elections next year, which are scheduled to be held on Sept. 16, 2025, in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi.

MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja also announced that the commission will conduct voter registration exercises from September to December in three phases of 14 days each across the country.

She said that currently, the commission, in conjunction with the Malawi National Registration Bureau (NRB), is conducting registration to ensure that every Malawian of 18 years old and above, or those below 18, but they will have reached 18 by the elections day, get a national ID.

She stressed that only Malawian citizens with the country's national ID card, or foreign citizens who have stayed in the country for seven continuous years, will be allowed to vote in the 2025 local government, parliamentary, and presidential elections.

According to her, the commission will start to receive names of elections monitors from contesting political parties starting Aug. 6.

The commission will announce nomination fees for the contestants in November, while nomination papers for local government, parliamentary, and presidential candidates will be issued in April, May and June, respectively.

MEC has since appealed to political parties and all stakeholders in the elections to preach about a peaceful campaign ahead of the September 2025 elections. 
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu

domestic worker of Aribemchukwu, the daughter of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, has confessed to being involved in her murder, a police source revealed on Thursday.

Naija News reports that Aribemchukwu, known as Chuchu, was killed in her Parkview Estate residence in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Although a family source indicated she was murdered on Tuesday night, her body was discovered outside the gate of her residence on Wednesday morning.

Three domestic workers, including the house help, a security guard, and a driver, were arrested in connection with the murder.

Providing updates on the investigation, a police source, who requested anonymity, disclosed to The PUNCH that the house help confessed to the crime during interrogation.

The source clarified that Aribemchukwu was murdered in her room and her body was later dragged outside the gate to make it appear she was killed there.

The deceased was killed in her room, and her body was dragged to the front of the gate to create the impression she was killed on the spot. The suspects attempted to clean up the blood stains but missed some spots because the act occurred at night, the source said.

During interrogation, the house help admitted to the crime, saying, We did it, we did it, which matched the evidence found.

The suspects reportedly packed all the valuables of the deceased after killing her.

The source also confirmed that the three domestic workers had been employed only a week before the incident.

Aribemchukwu, a doctor, had recently married before her tragic death.

State Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin said investigations were ongoing and updates would be provided as new developments emerge.
By Lovina Anthony

There was pandemonium at the Ibom Plaza, the epic centre of social activities in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday when operatives of the Nigeria Police fired canisters of tear gas to disperse a small group of protesters.

The protesters, numbering about 15, had earlier displayed placards with inscriptions such as, Cost of living don kill the living, Politicians pity us, give us 10 more refineries, reduce cost of fuel to N100, Increase Police, Army welfare, among others

The protesters were singing and chanting solidarity songs when the Police opened the canisters on them and marched those who remained off to the Unity Park, along Udoudoma Avenue, where they had been restricted to carry out the exercise.

One of the protesters, who spoke with journalists on condition of anonymity at the plaza, before the police swooped on them, said they were protestors because life in Nigeria was becoming unbearable for an average person to cope with.

We are here to protest against high cost of fuel. In this country we can do better as a people, we cannot produce crude oil in Nigeria and buy fuel for N900 per litre, this is unacceptable

An average person cannot feed his family again because of the way things are going, The Federal Government said it has increased minimum wage, the minimum wage is useless because it cannot buy a bag of rice.

If you collect N70,000, you need to borrow M20,000 to add before you can buy a bag of rice, we want a bag of rice to be brought back to N10,000 and the price of fuel down to N100, he said

DAILY POST reports that the protesters were demobilized by security agents during the first day of the protest, following Police restrictions and early Thursday morning showers which lasted for several hours.

It was gathered that the protesters had converged at the Unity Park, along Udoudoma Avenue, the venue approved by the Police Command, to kick-off the protest.

However, the occasional rainfall and heavy presence of the security operatives scared away few of them who had turned up at the venue even as it was gathered that the operatives restricted them from moving to other locations.
More than two-thirds of Christians in Scotland have reported experiencing some form of prejudice due to their faith, according to a recent survey conducted by a Christian think tank based in the United Kingdom.

The survey, carried out by Logos Scotland, involved 1,077 participants, including both Christian and non-Christian respondents, from January to April. A copy of the survey results was provided to The Christian Post, which reported on it earlier this week.

When participants were asked if they had "experienced any form of prejudice," nearly 70% of Christian respondents either agreed or strongly agreed. Meanwhile, about 5% of respondents strongly disagreed.

Despite these findings, most of the Christians surveyed indicated that they feel they "can be open about being a Christian" in both private and public settings, such as at work, school, and among neighbors.

Shona Haslam, the Chief Executive of Logos Scotland, told The Christian Post that although she was not "surprised" by the survey's overall results, it is still "good to collect the data."

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I think we were most surprised by how confident Christians were about talking about their faith, particularly in private but also in public settings, Haslam said.

Haslam believes that the Scottish government has an obligation to address these findings and emphasized that the state should think carefully about how they engage with Christians.

Both Christians and non-Christians felt that the Scottish Government did not understand their concerns, which is a big issue for Scotland. We hope to meet with the first minister to discuss very soon, she continued.

This survey comes amidst ongoing criticism of Deputy First Minister of Scotland, Kate Forbes, a member of the Scottish National Party. Forbes has faced backlash over her Evangelical Christian beliefs and her religious opposition to same-sex marriage, particularly from the Scottish Green Party. In May, Forbes, who is a member of the Free Church of Scotland, was narrowly elected as the new Deputy First Minister.

John Swinney, Scotlands First Minister, defended his decision to appoint Forbes to the position, asserting his commitment to fostering a nation that is inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their beliefs.

When I say that I want to be the first minister for everyone in Scotland, I deeply mean that, Swinney stated, as quoted by The Guardian in May. I want to lead a modern, dynamic and diverse Scotland, a place for everybody. Where everybody feels at home, at peace, that they have a place and that their place in our society is protected by my leadership of this country.

According to a recent report from the National Records of Scotland, cited by The Telegraph, a slight majority of Scots do not identify with any religious affiliation. Approximately one in five Scots belong to the Church of Scotland, and about 18% belong to other Christian denominations.
Head of Polisario armed militias Brahim Ghali has sent messages of condolence to Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Iran, following the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and military commander of Hezbollah Fuad Shukr.

These messages confirm the sinister ties existing between the Algeria-backed separatist group and terrorist organizations. They also raise serious concerns about the Polisario alliance with axis of evil which is expanding and threatening the stability and peace in Africa and Europe.

Both Hamas, an Islamist militant movement, and Lebanese Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim militant organization, are classified terrorist organizations by the United States and other western powers. Iran is also designated a state sponsor of terrorism.

In 2018, Morocco cut-off diplomatic ties with Iran over its support for Hezbollah in arming and training Polisario separatists in connivance with Algerian authorities.

According to intelligence agencies, Iran provides a wide range of support, including financial, training, and equipment to terrorist groups around the world.

Tehran continues to use its proxies, militias and terror groups across the Middle East with outposts around the world to help foment instability, carry out attacks and expand Shiite influence which has reached North Africa and Tindouf camps, becoming a breeding ground for terrorists.

Alarmed by the growing Iranian influence, U.S. Gen. Michael Langley, Chief of U.S. Africa Command, visited lately Algeria to deliver a strong warning message to Algerian rulers on Teherans military support to Polisario militias.
Morocco now has the full support for its sovereignty over the Sahara territory by two permanent security council members: The US and France. This support would set the direction for UN efforts to peacefully settle the long-frozen Sahara conflict on the basis of autonomy.

The UN Security Council resolutions have been welcoming Moroccos 2007 autonomy plan as serious and credible, they also called all parties to negotiate in good faith to achieve a realistic, practicable, enduring and mutually acceptable political solution to the question of Western Sahara based on compromise and the importance of aligning the strategic focus of MINURSO and orienting resources of the United Nations to this end.

This very paragraph in Resolution 2730 buries the referendum option, which has long-proven its infeasibility.

While Morocco has made its utmost concession offering autonomy under its sovereignty to end the conflict. Algeria and its Polisario proxies have not budged from their anachronistic position.

The US, as the pen holder of the resolution, expressed its clear support for Moroccos full sovereignty over the territory and for the autonomy plan.

The US decision was followed by Spanish support for Moroccos autonomy initiative, amid an increase in support for the Kingdoms position on the issue at the African continent and in the Arab World and beyond.

The French straightforward support for Moroccos sovereignty over the territory and for the autonomy proposal as the sole basis to settle the conflict, is a milestone in Moroccos quest to gain global support for its territorial integrity.

With France and the US now fully backing Morocco on the Sahara issue, autonomy is set to become the basis on which the parties to the conflict, chief among which Algeria, should negotiate.

Moroccos foreign ministry had made it clear, following a visit by UN envoy De Mistura to Rabat, that no process shall take place outside the round-table framework defined by the UN, with Algerias full participation; no solution outside the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, and no serious process at a time when the ceasefire is being daily violated by polisario militias.

Foreign minister Bourita had explained that autonomy, as a negotiated political solution, gives direction to the UN peace process.
Five of Lincoln Countys six towns outside North Platte had at least enough candidates to fill their village board seats as Nebraskas last 2024 election filing deadline passed Thursday.

Ballot lineups also were finalized statewide for boards for educational service units, county noxious weed control authorities and public power districts that grow less than $40 million annually.

State law puts off elections for all four types of boards until the Nov. 5 general election, though candidates were able to file starting in January.

No one filed for Lincoln Countys open village board seats after July 12, a spokeswoman for County Clerk Becky Rossells office said.

Sutherland voters will decide the countys only contested village race. Vice Chairwoman Kim Backer, fellow incumbent Derek Dempcy and challengers Justin Nelms and Tami Pierson will compete for three seats.

Incumbents are the only official candidates in all the countys other villages except Wallace.

Daniel Robison, Todd Roe and Jeff Miller are seeking fresh terms in Brady, as are Ruth Hasenauer, Jeffrey JR Clark and John Lewis in Wellfleet; Todd Streeter and Carol Hernandez in Hershey; and Terry Gurciullo Jr. and Cassie Brewer in Maxwell.

Madisen Messersmith is the only official candidate in Wallace, leaving the other two open Village Board seats to be filled by possible write-in candidates.

The same is true in Brule in neighboring Keith County, where voters must again restore a Village Board quorum in an Aug. 13 special election before filling three seats for full four-year terms in November.

Keith County Clerk Sandra Olson said David Spencer, one of seven special-election candidates for three vacated Brule seats, was the lone official candidate for a full term.

People willing to be write-in candidates for any office on the Nov. 5 ballot have until Oct. 25 to file notarized affidavits to that effect. Affidavits must be filed with county clerks for local offices or Secretary of State Bob Evnens office for multicounty boards.

Incumbents Booker Boyer of rural Brady and Justin Roberts and Justin Gosnell, both of rural North Platte, are unopposed for re-election to Lincoln Countys noxious weed control board.

All incumbents also are unopposed in the three ESUs touching the county, including North Plattes Grant Creager, 1520 West C St., for ESU 16s District 6 seat.

Robert Wiseman of rural Hershey is running for two local offices: the Lincoln Subdivision seat on the Dawson Public Power District board and a new Subdistrict 4 term on the Twin Platte Natural Resources District board.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: Getty Images

On Wednesday, Bill Ackman, the billionaire investor, pulled the plug on a high-profile deal that was, at one time, supposed to be a $25 billion investment jackpot. Ackman is the CEO of Pershing Square, a hedge fund well known on Wall Street, whos had a storied, decadeslong career as an investor  whether the trades were successful (in the case of his short on the market prior to COVID lockdowns) or not (with his bet against Herbalife, which became a proxy war against fellow billionaire Carl Icahn).

But over the past year or so, he has become far more noted for his crusades, mostly on X, against the woke left, antisemitism, Harvard, and corporate diversity programs. It won him legions of fans, with more than 1.3 million followers on Elon Musks platform. In turn, he was looking to turn that newfound notoriety into a new fund, available for the public to invest in. It would have been equivalent to Berkshire Hathaway  complete with splashy annual meetings and a way to get his take into the world. Originally, it was supposed to bring in $25 billion in new capitol for the investor.

Then, over recent weeks, it shrank. Over the past few days, it collapsed entirely, with Ackman officially calling off the initial public offering of Pershing Square USA, a similarly named fund that would have mimicked his hedge fund, only days away from an expected debut on the New York Stock Exchange. At issue, he said, was a transaction structure problem, and he vowed to come back to Wall Street with another, more investor-friendly version. It also came after a chaotic rollout in which an investor letter that was supposedly meant to be private was made public and Ackman struggled later in the process to raise 10 percent of his initial goal. Even a generous reading has Ackman failing at least twice: on figuring out what the market wants and how much of this new entity he could reasonably sell.

The collapse of Pershing Square USA is not the first time that Ackman has whiffed on a new investment fund. In 2020, he tried to get in on the SPAC craze, raising $4 billion  the most ever  for a special purpose acquisition company. But he did so only to return the money two years later, apparently unable to find a suitable deal. The following year, he launched another buyout fund that could do a deal of at least $1.5 billion during the next ten years, but that hasnt gone anywhere, either. PSUS, as the newest fund was known, would have been the most straightforward of his recent spate of funds.

Ackman first announced Pershing Square USA in February. He was explicit that it was a play that sought to capitalize on his brand-name profile. PSUS was supposed to be huge  about 40 times larger than comparable funds, according to Semafors Liz Hoffman. The heart of the idea was that it would be, essentially, a new source of investment capital for Ackman, amid all his sudden notoriety, as he continues to make deals and trades. It would trade like an exchange-traded fund but had a slightly different structure that made it more susceptible to being valued more or less than the sum of all its investments. The basic pitch was that his newfound fans would be able to enjoy Pershing Squarestyle returns without some of the high fees that hedge funds tend to charge their clients. (Of course, if Ackmans trades went bust, the investors could lose money too.) And there was plenty of reason to think that a deal like this could happen. In June, Ackman sold a tenth of Pershing Square  his main hedge fund  for a little more than $1 billion. He had plans, he said, to IPO that fund sometime next year or in 2026.

For months, there was no indication that Ackman would have trouble raising money for PSUS. Then the fundraising very quickly stalled. Despite Ackmans professed focus on everyday investors, the kind of people who would follow him on X, PSUS faltered during negotiations with rich, sophisticated investors  hedge funds, mutual funds, and pensions. Before an IPO, a company negotiates with the investors who will buy their shares directly, basically haggling over how much to invest and at what price. By July 24, Ackman had talked with 150 investors. The fundraising goal had fallen to $10 billion. But he had some big names that wanted to give him around $200 million  Putnam, a mutual-fund company; the Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a pension; and Seth Klarmans hedge fund, Baupost Group.

The public knows because the next day, the letter in which he told investors all this was made public. It appears Ackman had mistakenly disclosed enough information that it would trigger legal requirements under stock sales rules, though he said he did not believe that it would require public disclosure, according to a filing associated with it. But the disclosures didnt sit well with financiers. The next day, Ackman put out a press release to clarify that the IPO was proceeding. Soon after, Klarman pulled out. On Wednesday, after the demand had shrunk to $2 billion, Ackman called it off.

On Thursday, Ackman filed paperwork withdrawing the IPO. He has vowed to launch another version of his fund, saying that he will come up with a new transaction structure that Wall Street will like better. As of Thursday, he hasnt provided any details on how.
Reform needed. Photo: Supreme Court of the United States/Getty Images

Joe Bidens not running anymore, but hes still got six months left in the most powerful office on earth. The outgoing president  with spirited support from vice-president and soon-to-be presidential nominee Kamala Harris  announced this week that he will pursue an ambitious endgame initiative: Supreme Court reform.

Bidens proposal (mostly) advances important goals that have slipped public notice for too long. Hes doing a service to shine a light on the Supreme Court, which has increasingly seized power for itself and resisted efforts to impose accountability. But the reform package at times wanders into fantasyland and faces virtually insurmountable practical obstacles. Its a well-intentioned showpiece that is dead on arrival  whether Biden knows it or not (I suspect he does). Still, it could eventually lead to some sorely needed incremental progress.

Before we get to the current proposal, lets remember that Biden has a history of saying things about the Court that he has no ability (or perhaps intention) to accomplish. During the 2020 presidential campaign, he was beset with questions about whether he would seek to expand the Courts size. Biden found himself caught between a political instinct to appease the far left and reality  including his own unequivocal 2019 statement No, Im not prepared to go on and try to pack the Court because well rue the day.

When he took office a few months later, Biden did what any skilled politician does to pay lip service to an idea while killing it: He farmed it out to a commission. Predictably, the grandiosely named Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States churned out a few hundred pages of thoughtful but noncommittal brainstorming about potential Court reforms. Nobody cared, nobody did anything, and the report now resides comfortably in its online retirement home.

Biden has wisely omitted from his new reform package any far-fetched plan to expand and pack the Court. But the proposal does have its own fantastical, self-defeating centerpiece: a constitutional amendment reversing the Supreme Courts recent presidential-immunity ruling. This part of the plan channels the frustration from exasperated liberals who confidently (but delusionally) foresaw a major Trump trial occupying the entire 2024 campaign stretch, culminating in a dramatic Election Eve verdict. In the process, Biden overstates the Courts ruling; he claims that now there are virtually no limits on what a president can do. Yet the Manhattan district attorneys office recently argued that the Courts opinion does not have such a sweeping effect and shouldnt impact the hush-money case against Trump at all. Trumps other prosecutors will surely do the same in the coming months.

Reasonable minds can differ on the wisdom of stripping the presidency of its shiny new prosecutorial shield, but its a practical dead letter. A constitutional amendment requires two-thirds of the House (good luck with that), plus two-thirds of the Senate (forget about it), and then, finally, three-fourths of the states (you get the picture). Alternatively, we can convene a brand-new Constitutional Convention. I wouldnt recommend buying advance tickets.

As we move to the next pillar of Bidens proposal, we reenter the realm of reality. The president reportedly wants to impose 18-year term limits on Supreme Court justices. As a policy matter, Im with Biden on this one, as are over 60 percent of the American public (including a majority of Republicans). Im perfectly fine with giving justices an entire generation, but not necessarily forever, to wield power and make their mark.

But again, we face daunting procedural hurdles. At first glance, the term-limit proposal seems to call for another constitutional amendment. Article III guarantees life tenure to all federal judges, who can serve until their resignation, impeachment, or death. The work-around here is that the justices wont be kicked off the bench altogether after 18 years  theyll just be demoted to lower federal appellate and trial courts. Hey, the Constitution says you get to be a federal judge for life, but it doesnt specify on what court. (Id assume any such policy would apply only prospectively, though it is amusing to think about the poor guy who has to inform Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito  all of whom have been on the Court for more than 18 years  that theyll be heading down to the district court to do bail hearings and take pleas on felon-in-possession firearms cases.)

So given the impossibility of an amendment, Congress would likely need to enact term limits through legislation. First, it would be tough  though not impossible given the aforementioned polling data  to get a proposal through the House, Senate, and president. Second, legislation enacting term limits would likely be challenged legally and could land for final review before [checks notes]  the U.S. Supreme Court itself. Bit of a conundrum there. The justices would have a smidge of institutional self-interest on this one, and it would surprise nobody if they found term limits in conflict with the life-tenure provision of Article III. Still, its a fight worth having. The only alternative is the status quo.

Finally, Biden endorses a Supreme Court code of ethics carrying some meaningful enforcement mechanism. Now, you may be thinking, Didnt the justices recently impose sparkly new ethics rules on themselves? They did  and those rules have proved to be precisely as toothless as they were when immediately assessed by essentially every sentient observer. Put it this way: If you word-search the Courts new ethics rules, youll get 53 hits on should and only six on must (none of which actually imposes mandatory duties on the justices). And if you word-search penalty, enforce, consequence, discipline, suspend, and fine, youll come up dead empty.

So we return to that pesky but vital practical question: How do we enact a real code of ethics? Again, were likely in the realm of legislation here, but again, we face questions about whether passage of a new ethics code through Congress and the president is politically feasible. And even if such legislation does pass, it could face a constitutional challenge (separation of powers or some such) that would result in the Supreme Court itself deciding whether to accept ratcheted-up ethics rules imposed on it by Congress. I have a guess as to how that might come out.

I dont mean to sound defeatist here. The Supreme Court is badly in need of a kick in the ass, and Congress seems largely uninterested in messing with the occupants of the marble palace across the street. Its a healthy exercise to have these conversations, even if theyre unlikely to result in immediate, sweeping change. So give Biden credit for raising the issues as he heads toward his exit. As the Boss (the one who reigns forever) put it 40 years ago, You cant start a fire without a spark.

This article also appeared in the free CAFE Brief newsletter. You can find more analysis of law and politics from Elie Honig, Preet Bharara, Joyce Vance, and other CAFE contributors at CAFE.com
Maybe I'm old but this sounds like a media company during an election year?



i hate my bosses :)

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"Jon Lovett is dating a staffer"



Are him and Ronan Farrow not together anymore?

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They aren't. I think they broke up a couple years ago. I remember someone here mentioning it



Edited at 2024-08-02 12:07 am (UTC)

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Damn I'm LATE to the news haha!!



Thanks!!

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Literally the first thing that registered reading the post. Glad I'm not the only one who missed it

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No I don't hate my bosses



There always going to be issues when you go from a small company to a larger one. The org I'm working for dealing with this.



You can't operate like you previously did. You might have been OK when it was only 4 people w/ 12 hr days but that is not ok for staff.



Even if Lovett didn't date the guy until a year later he was already friendly/favored by him. And I'm sure that had an influence even if indirectly.



I can see how the younger staff would have been inspired by the work they had done but thier politics are further left then the founders.



I don't think discussing Gaza 1 on 1 is nearly enough.





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Ive listened since near the beginning and they have always been pretty moderate, I dont know why this is a surprise.



I wonder how much longer Lovett will stay, dating a staffer is a bad look but also he seems to want more fame now.

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ok whose jon lovett? he sounds familair

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I can tell you that he's not Jon Lovitz, who I constantly think he is.



Now that I think about it, have we ever seen Jon Lovitz and Jon Lovett in the same room 

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jon lovitz forever has my respect for beating the shit out of andy dick because it's halfway his fault that phil hartman died and jon told dick if he ever saw him again he would kill him

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The only podcast I still really listen to is Pod Save. World.



Its cool that the employees get unlimited vacation and great healthcare, but I wonder if that has ever been used to justify employees working longer hours.

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Great healthcare is def a perk but unlimited vacation is such a misnomer and usually offered at places which have extremely high stress, high performer work culture.



Often times, it is conditional on your manager's approval and it is not like you can take off 4 weeks at a time (there are sometimes rules around that). What ends up happening is you generally end up taking only the standard 3 weeks or so a year. Maybe a few extra days give or take. I believe it is because they give you SO much work that you feel guilty for taking too much time off, so you are the one who is actually policing yourself. I believe there are data driven studies on this but im too lazy to look it up right now.



Don't forget that also, at least in the US, certain states have to payout any unused vacation days upon termination. So think about these high performance organizations, which have high turnover rates. Imagine saving that chunk of change. It is expensive to layoff---this just makes it a little easier to be cost effective when considering en masse staff reductions.



For the awesome healthcare--it is again great. But if you burn out or have any such issues, then the company can be relieved of some degree of liability since you "have such awesome healthcare and we emphasize the importance of staying healthy and mental health so it is sad they did not elect to utilize these benefits"



To recap, yes these are great benefits but sometimes it is perceived value rather than exercised value---so increased morale without loss of productivity and $--and you better believe these companies (and probably an army of consultants) did the math down to the nickel on risk before rolling this out.



In short, it is not because the company is "nice."





Edited at 2024-08-02 01:51 am (UTC)

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usually offered at places which have extremely high stress, high performer work culture



absolutely this. my direct manager will say we all need to take out time off but taking even a day off is so stressful for days beforehand and sometimes days after PLUS it's a hardship on our teammates because we have to cover for each other. even a coworker missing on day the other week because of an unexpected death slowed me down so much. i'm taking a week off in early november and my direct teammate is taking one off in late november and i just know that entire month will fucking suck because of it... most of the time i stick to just taking one three day weekend a month rather than long stretches off but i'm taking the week of the election off because i did it in 2020 and it was a great decision.



also spot on about the unused vacation days payout. we're had 3 RIFs (maybe 4...) in the last year and that was surely a chunk they wouldn't have been able to afford. hell, they stopped matching on retirement funds for this year too.

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i remember unsubscribing from pod save the world years ago when they did an ep during brexit i think? they covered some debate in parliament iirc. and it was shocking how stupid it was. they just did bad english hoity toity accents and harry potter jokes, just the absolute lowest hanging fruit to be talking about when the literal shit show of brexit was happening! it just seemed like they had ZERO knowledge of the politics going on in that clip, and it pissed me off, bc then just don't comment on it rather than giving kindergarten level jokes on it. if you claim to be a show on international politics and foreign politics, deliver commentary that is actually funny bc it pokes at the relevant issues! i can get dumb harry potter jokes from any fellow millennial who hasn't read a second book.



man i didn't know i still had this much rage in me lmao.

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I hate the entire structure around my job so yeah that would include my bosses but it's not targeted just at them.

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Theyre a bunch of ageing frat boys - its not surprising they dont really know their arses from their elbows.

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I'm a social worker and work(ed) for non-profits. Of course, our bosses hate us. Trying to make the sun come out of my ass for $0.18 while not wanting to quite and hope for the best in the wilderness is hard work.

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I listen to Keep It and Hysteria, but I stopped listening to Pod Save bc it became too white male centered. None of this surprises me.

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my boss is pretty great actually. i just marked 5 years at my company and she is a huge factor in me staying (ignore me talking about interviewing the last 6 months lmao). she's easily the best boss i've ever had professionally and personally i just wish there was more career development and salary in my department

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LOL I don't know if anyone still listens but Lovett just recently dropped that he was dating someone new in an anecdote about their family misgendering them that went nowhere and oooooh boy.



All the pod bros sprinkle in some personal deets but I think it's kind of awkward when it's an employee he's dating. He did NOT take his breakup with Ronan well.

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I wonder why they broke up.

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The staffers feel the founding hosts are too moderate



no kidding lol

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Weren't they always moderates? Some of them are former Obama staffers.

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yes, that's why i'm confused as to why this is a surprise to staffers.

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They are not nearly as moderate of many moderates. They were definitely more left then the moderates you'd see on tv. They also agreed with different progressive points

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They're all former Obama staffers, that's their whole deal.

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But at the same time, they weren't even that much on Biden side, at least initially in 2020.



Employees wanting their bosses to have the exact same positions as them on everything is kind of impossible. You can't align with everyone on everything; you just hope to have some common values. There may be issues with Crooked Media, but the goalpost on this just seems impossible to reach!

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I dropped them when they were so anti-m4a while Bernie was blowing up all the primaries in 2020. As soon as they could, they helped ratfuck him for Biden.

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I have a good boss now thanks heaven, he mostly leaves me alone. But boy did I suffer under terrible ones.

I've heard through the vine that some got fired and one kept rising (mostly because of nepotism).





Edited at 2024-08-02 12:50 am (UTC)

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I listened to them for a couple of years until the 2020 primaries bullshit where everyone dropped out at the same time to make room for Biden to fuck Bernie over. Their refusal to even acknowledge the absurdity of Pete Buttigeig dropping out at that exact moment permanently soured me on them.

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A task force set up by Kenyas president William Ruto has recommended a hybrid regulation framework that would hand the government greater oversight to curtail the spread of cults and financial predatory practices prevalent in some churches in Kenya. A proposed Religious Affairs Commission will provide oversight over religious organisations and work in tandem with umbrella religious associations to strengthen self-regulation.

While presenting the report to the president on July 30, 2024, the tasforce found that there was a lack of distinct legal framework tailored to the unique needs of religious organizations, unclear laws on crimes that could be considered religious and a general lack of oversight on TV and radio programmes that propagate exploitative ideologies.

The presidential task force was set up in May 2023 following the shocking discovery of mass graves containing 400 bodies suspected to be faithfuls of Good News International Church in a forest in Kenyas South coast.

The founder of the religious cult, Paul Mackenzie, and the leadership, manipulated hundreds of people to starve to death as means to escape an apocalypse and to quicken meeting Jesus. A majority of the bodies exhumed were of women and children who MacKenzie insisted were to precede the men in their passage to the afterlife. Autopsy results showed that many of the victims died of starvation while others were strangled or suffocated.

The task force, chaired by Rev. Mutava Musyimi, recommended the drafting and enactment of laws specific for religious organisations to provide clarity on appropriate legal personality, registration requirements, and clarity on crimes/offences committed under the guise/pretext of religion.

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A drawn-out investigation process saw Mackenzie and 94 others finally charged with terrorism, murder and torture, 7 months after their arrest, an indication that state prosecutors struggled to place the crimes that came to light in April 2023.

In a media interview soon after presenting the report to the president, Rev. Musyimi said the proposed Religious Commission would include members of religious associations such as the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and the Evangelical Association of Kenya (EAK) to help tighten the oversight role of the bodies while also having the machinery and intelligence of the government to protect citizens from rogue pastors and churches.

We are proposing a 9-member commission, five of whom will come from the religious sector but also have government representatives such as enforcement and intelligence officers. When you bring the two together, you are now in a space where you make it possible to make the people feel safer because the religious organisations have been vetted by a body that has capacity and competence, explained Rev. Musyimi.

The taskforce also recommended an amendment of the Kenya Information and Communication Act (KICA) to strengthen regulation of religious content of media content and development of basic education curriculum to address religious extremism.

The recommendations are geared towards the safeguarding of the exercise of the fundamental freedoms of religion and association while balancing the enjoyment of these freedoms with the preservation of public interest and safety welfare as protected by the Constitution, read part of the report.

Dr. David Tarus, executive director of the Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA), an association that offers academic accreditation of theological program, wrote in an opinion piece posted on Christian Daily International that the Shakahola incident ignited debate about constitutional freedom of worship and regulation of churches. He pointed to some individuals and groups that have radical beliefs, and have unrestricted and unregulated access to radio and TV programmes to propagate their ideology.

The rise of freelance preachers, without any hierarchy or order, who deliver passionate sermons and perform miracles for profit, has contributed to the chaos in the faith sector. The horrors of Shakahola are a result of rogue pastors who exploit desperate believers searching for meaning in their difficult lives. There is a pressing need for a thorough re-evaluation of faith within the context of radicalization, extremism, and prosperity theology, said Tarus.
College should not cost as much as it does and I find it fucking weird that just when college enrollment started to drop and people started questioning ROI, you started seeing employers requiring BA/BS and Masters degrees in minimum requirements again. No specific flavor! Just the piece of paper.



I really feel bad for these kids especially if they were required to enroll at $$$ tiny lib arts schools. Like fuck, let them do a state school if they want.

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really makes me angry that some places that are not from the USA have free college like fuck america for this

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Pisses me off especially in the U.K. In England it used to be free. Then (around the time I went) it was around 1,100 a year. Then it was 3,000 something and now its like 9,000 or 10,000 per year.



And yet in Scotland its still free. And they get free prescriptions.



Our government has royally fucked it.

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It absolutely galls me that for an entry level position at fucking sherwin williams they require you to have a bachelors degree.

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I have a 2-year college diploma, a 4-year university degree, a college postgrad certificate and a masters degree (with an additional certification) and I'm still making less than I should. Part of it is my bad for going into education and working for a charity, but it's so sad that being the manager of a department at a non-profit still has me living paycheque to paycheque.

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The fact that they only got the annual $2500 if they went to a small private school on his list makes me wonder if he was getting some kind of kickback for funneling so many students to these schools. The amount of money he was giving them wasn't enough to cover tuition, so he was getting these kids to sign up for student loans, which really sucks.

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I hate when generations fight over who had it worst but my millennial ass HATES how my Gen X friends didnt have to deal with fucking student loans like we do. Yes, there are exceptions, blah blah.



I am starting to see a lot of jobs saying something along the lines of bachelors with 2-3 years experience or 5-8 years experience if no degree which in theory sounds nice, but what jobs are giving people that experience if they dont have a degree?



Makes me think of companies who offer unlimited PTO when in the long run it only benefits them.

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i saw a job posting for a receptionist position. they wanted a masters degree and you were getting $15 an hour, no benefits. I didn't know you needed a masters to answer phones.

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Oh no. This is fucking awful.



We have a program at my company for underprivileged youth (nothing like this, just working with local BBBS in creating a safe space for kids) and I was put in charge of one of the courses.



I knew it was a risky move, but I labeled one of the checks we used for presentation as a $1m donation to Scotts Tots and the kids actually got it! They got a good laugh out of it. It was an ice breaker of sorts and made it easier for to relax around us.



Anyway, I wish I had the funds to actually help kids. :(

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Even if what this guy says is true (that he ~only has $200 million now, boo hoo), rich people know other rich people. He should be hitting up everyone he knows to donate a measly $10k, which will fund four of those scholarships. These are people who spend 10x that amount for tickets to gala events and other fundraisers so it's barely a drop in the bucket to them. I don't know how many kids were supposed to receive $2500 for this school year but surely he could have done something besides throw his hands in the air and say, "Sorry, no money for you!"

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Ikr? Is it not just a tax write off for those rich assholes anyway? ..or am I wrong?



Edited at 2024-08-02 02:59 am (UTC)

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Absolutely fucking awful. As for that episode itself, I skip it whenever I do a re-watch because it gives me so much second hand anxiety and I cant handle the broken heartedness of the kids.



I hate that this has happened for real. 

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Absolutely vile.

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That is so fucking wrong. The fact that they're finding out so close to the beginning of the school year is criminal. I wonder if they could file a class action suit (with a lawyer working pro bono of course).

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So they helped them pay for school, but only for overpriced private schools? This probably only paid for like 1/10 of tuition.

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If that! Tuition can be $30k to $56k at those kind of private US colleges. This guy is a fucking monster.

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I hate this fucking world

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God this sucks but it's also insane how this is literally beat for beat the plot of the episode??? What

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He fucked up these kids' lives! They should sue that asshole. He basically controlled what classes they took and where they went to school (some shitty racist ass backwater schools that they never wanted to go to)



Edited at 2024-08-02 04:36 am (UTC)

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F*ck these assholes like wtf. Also college education should be free. It shouldn't cost and arm and a leg omg.

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Oh gosh. Yet another example of why philanthropy is evil. These people need to be taxed to the white meat

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I side-eye every rich "philanthropist" that the media falls over themselves to praise.

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Michael Scott has done a LOT of shitty things but this will always be the absolute worst. Michael Scott has done a LOT of shitty things but this will always be the absolute worst.

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Interesting reports from Ukraine have been circulating in which Ukraine claims to have hit, in an airstrike, a key Russian base in Syria. Ukrainian intelligence is being coy, suggesting that they were behind a Ukrainian special forces attack that decimated a Russian airbase in Syria this week. We have not been able to independently corroborate the Ukrainian intelligence report as of the time of writing

Deadly protests have ensued following Maduros claim of victory in Sundays presidential elections in Venezuela. Venezuela has already cut diplomatic ties with Peru for questioning the election results, and Colombia is now also pressuring Maduro, while the opposition is watching its window of opportunity steadily close. Opposition leaders claim that they have had access to 90% of the votes and by their count, Edmundo Gonzalez won twice as many votes as Maduro. The streets of Venezuela are waiting anxiously now to hear how the pro-Maduro electoral council will provide evidence of Maduros alleged victory. On Wednesday, Maduro publicly called for the arrest of opposition members and their supporters, demanding 30-year prison sentences. No transparency has been forthcoming in the vote counting as of the time of writing. The opposition continues to dispute the results, and on Thursday, Maduro called on the countrys top court to audit the results. Maduro, however, is becoming increasingly isolated, and the situation is not tenable.

Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict

Deadly protests have ensued following Maduros claim of victory in Sundays presidential elections in Venezuela. Venezuela has already cut diplomatic ties with Peru for questioning the election results, and Colombia is now also pressuring Maduro, while the opposition is watching its window of opportunity steadily close. Opposition leaders claim that they have had access to 90% of the votes and by their count, Edmundo Gonzalez won twice as many votes as Maduro. The streets of Venezuela are waiting anxiously now to hear how the pro-Maduro electoral council will provide evidence of Maduros alleged victory. On Wednesday, Maduro publicly called for the arrest of opposition members and their supporters, demanding 30-year prison sentences. No transparency has been forthcoming in the vote counting as of the time of writing. The opposition continues to dispute the results, and on Thursday, Maduro called on the countrys top court to audit the results. Maduro, however, is becoming increasingly isolated, and the situation is not tenable.

Interesting reports from Ukraine have been circulating in which Ukraine claims to have hit, in an airstrike, a key Russian base in Syria. Ukrainian intelligence is being coy, suggesting that they were behind a Ukrainian special forces attack that decimated a Russian airbase in Syria this week. We have not been able to independently corroborate the Ukrainian intelligence report as of the time of writing but the most likely scenario here is not quite as dramatic as it sounds: Ukrainian intelligence appears to have only provided intelligence for an attack, but not actually carried out an attack. At the same time, Tuareg insurgents in Mali said they had repelled an attack by Malian and Russian joint forces in the countrys north this week. (Russia, through Wagner mercenaries) have been shoring up their foothold in various parts of Africa that would allow them to flank Europe (particularly through the Libyan coast, as we have noted previously). This week in Mali, Russian (Wagner) forces suffered significant losses against Tuareg separatists and Jihadists (the latter being Moscows justification for its increasingly heavy military footprint in Africa). The defeat in Mali is a fairly significant one for Wagners reputation.

Discovery & Development

Hess has initiated production from its Pickerel-1 oil discovery in the Gulf of Mexico via a tieback to the Tubular Bells production complex. The company is also drilling an exploration well on the Vancouver prospect, with results expected later this quarter. In Q2, Hess net production in the Gulf of Mexico dropped to 24,000 boe/d due to maintenance activities.

Exxon is seeking environmental approval for its seventh deepwater development on the Stabroek Block in Guyana, aiming for a production capacity of 120,000 to 180,000 bpd by 2029.

The Guyana government is unlikely to extend the exploration license for CGX Energy Inc. and Frontera Energy Corporation in the Corentyne Block, citing dissatisfaction with the companies' responses to government inquiries. CGX and Frontera had discovered oil at the Wei-1 well in 2023 but face challenges in securing more time to appraise and evaluate this find. The companies have no current license, reducing government pressure to address their requests.

Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions

Viaro Energy Ltd. has agreed to acquire multiple gas fields in the UK North Sea from Shell Plc and Exxon Mobil Corp., marking its debut as an offshore operator in the region. The acquisition includes the Bacton onshore gas terminal and 11 offshore facilities, which produced about 28,000 boe last year - roughly 5% of the UK's total gas output. Viaro aims to enhance production and sees this deal as a significant milestone in its strategy, strengthening its role in the UKs energy production and security. The financial details of the deal, expected to close in 2025 pending regulatory approval, were not disclosed.

Gautam Adanis power transmission unit, Adani Energy Solutions Ltd., has seen bids exceeding three times the $1 billion target for its share sale. Both Indian and international institutions have oversubscribed to this offering, executed through a QIP. This marks the first equity fundraising by an Adani Group unit since the damaging report by Hindenburg Research in January 2023, which the conglomerate has denied. The sale includes a base issue of $700 million, with shares offered at an indicative price of 976 rupees, and comes shortly after Vedanta Ltd.s $1 billion share sale earlier in July.

Energy Earnings

BP has raised its dividend by 10% and extended its buyback program after reporting strong Q2 earnings of $2.8 billion. The company's operating cash flow jumped to $8.1 billion, helping reduce net debt to $22.6 billion. Despite earlier warnings about impairments, BP's earnings exceeded expectations, causing a 2% rise in its share price. BP's moves reflect confidence in and a strategic shift back to oil and gas operations.

Phillips 66 reported strong Q2 results, with refining utilization at 98%, its highest in over five years, despite lower refining margins. The refiner's realized margins dropped to $10.01 per barrel from $15.32 a year earlier, and the refining segment's earnings fell by 74.3%. Offsetting some losses, their newly converted Rodeo facility hit its target production, and midstream earnings increased by 23.7%. Phillips 66 plans to reduce refining utilization soon for discretionary maintenance amid market softening.

OMV reported a second-quarter adjusted operating profit of 1.23 billion, slightly below analysts' expectations due to lower energy division profits. The energy segment, impacted by legislative changes in Romania, saw a 9% decline in its adjusted operating result. Meanwhile, OMV's chemicals arm experienced significant growth, with operating results increasing to 114 million, driven by contributions from its Borealis JVs. The company has revised its annual forecast for natural gas prices upward but lowered its refinery utilization expectations to around 90%.

First Solar reported a stellar Q2 with earnings doubling to $3.25 per share and a 25% revenue increase, maintaining its full-year outlook. Despite industry challenges, First Solar's backlog extends through 2030, ensuring strong future demand. The company's stock rose 2.4% following the announcement, with analysts projecting further gains due to potential tariff benefits under a possible Trump administration.

Shell posted a strong Q2 performance with $6.3 billion in adjusted earnings, surpassing expectations despite lower refining margins and weaker LNG trading. The company announced a $3.5 billion share buyback program over the next three months, maintaining its dividend at 34 cents per share. Shell's stock rose 1.4% following the announcement, with shares up over 11% this year.

Cenovus Energy (NYSE: CVE) posted a Q2 net profit of $723 million, up from $626 million a year ago, driven by increased oil and gas production and higher refining throughput at its U.S. refineries. The company's net income rose due to solid upstream production and improved crude throughput at U.S. refineries, which operated at a 93% utilization rate. Total upstream production was 800,800 boe/d, up from 729,300 boe/d in Q2 2023, while refining throughput in Canada decreased due to planned maintenance. Having met its debt reduction target in July, Cenovus plans to return 100% of excess free funds flow to shareholders starting in Q3 2024.
- It seems that some upstream firms that previously committed to cuts are now bringing production back  EQT announced last month that it would gradually return some 1 BCf/day back to the market.

- Rising US natural gas production has been one of the key bearish factors pushing Henry Hub futures lower despite some shale gas producers curbing output, with recent weeks seeing production as high as 102 BCf/day.

- Implied volatility has moved higher after weeks of stale trading, underscored by the fact that option skews are now tilted towards call options, trading at a premium over the opposite puts.

- The traded volume was dominated by higher call spreads, mostly between $87 and $90 per barrel for the October contract, which allow traders to lock in profits should prices suddenly soar higher.

- According to Bloomberg, more than 300,000 Brent call option contracts were traded on Wednesday, the largest single-day volume since Israels April attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

- Israels assassination of a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has raised the geopolitical risk premium in oil prices as potential retaliation from Iran could prompt a new spiral of escalation in the Middle East.

Fears of Middle Eastern Flareups Prompt Traders to Hedge Bets

- Israels assassination of a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has raised the geopolitical risk premium in oil prices as potential retaliation from Iran could prompt a new spiral of escalation in the Middle East.

- According to Bloomberg, more than 300,000 Brent call option contracts were traded on Wednesday, the largest single-day volume since Israels April attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

- The traded volume was dominated by higher call spreads, mostly between $87 and $90 per barrel for the October contract, which allow traders to lock in profits should prices suddenly soar higher.

- Implied volatility has moved higher after weeks of stale trading, underscored by the fact that option skews are now tilted towards call options, trading at a premium over the opposite puts.

Defying Output Cuts, Rising US Natural Gas Production Keeps the Pressure on Prices

- Rising US natural gas production has been one of the key bearish factors pushing Henry Hub futures lower despite some shale gas producers curbing output, with recent weeks seeing production as high as 102 BCf/day.

- It seems that some upstream firms that previously committed to cuts are now bringing production back  EQT announced last month that it would gradually return some 1 BCf/day back to the market.

- In its most recent earnings call, leading US natural gas producer Chesapeake stated that it is on track to reach the target of keeping 1 BCf/day of production as spare reserve by Q4, seeing that its year-ago profit changed to a $227 million net loss in Q2.

- Henry Hub futures continue to trend below the $2 per mmBtu threshold, simultaneously pushed lower by forecasts of milder weather in August and gas inventories rising to 3,249 billion cubic feet by the end of July.

Saudi Arabias Economy Bears the Weight of OPEC+ Cuts

- Saudi Arabias economy contracted for the fourth straight quarter, dipping by an annual 0.4% in the April-June period on the heels of lower hydrocarbon revenues, denting the ambition of the countrys Vision 2030 plan.

- The economic decline has been primarily driven by a contraction in the oil sector, with Q2 witnessing an 8.5% year-over-year drop, too significant a drop to be offset by 4.4% growth in the non-oil sector.

- Budgeting needs have been weighing heavily on Saudi Arabias economy as the IMF estimates its fiscal breakeven level at $96 per barrel, well above the average price of Brent this year, slightly below $84 per barrel.

- Expecting Riyadh to bounce back to growth in the second half of 2024, the IMF expects Saudi Arabias GDP growth this year to settle at 1.7%, only to accelerate next year to 4.7%.

Europe Slams the Brake on Coal Imports

- Europes coal demand is in a freefall, with the European Union expecting consumption in member countries to fall below 300 million tonnes in 2025 all the while coal imports continue to dry up.

- Germany and Poland, the continents two main producers of coal, still consume a sizable volume of their own output but both have drastically cut down on imports as inflows to the two countries reached only 2.2 million tonnes, down from 6.2 million tonnes in H1 2023.

- It is not all efficiency gains and renewable energy penetration that has allowed European countries to shed coal quicker than assumed; weak industrial activity with a regionwide metal smelting crisis and anemic power demand growth have also played a role.

- According to Kpler data, Turkey remains the largest coal importer in Europe accounting for 36% of all incoming volumes, with the Netherlands coming in second place at 25% of all imports.

Chinas Renewable Power Capacity Overtakes Coal

- For the first time in history, the total generation capacity of wind and solar plants in China surpassed coal, aided by the fact that the past years coal buildout has run its course and there was only 8 GW of new capacity added in H1 2024.

- Last years record wind and solar capacity addition (293 GW) is unlikely to be met this year after H1 saw new capacity rise by 105 GW and 25 GW for solar and wind, respectively, but it set the base high enough to reap rewards this year.

- According to Rystad Energy, solar capacity alone is set to overtake coals nationwide capacity of 1.23 GW by 2026, thanks to significant cost reductions for solar panels as polysilicon prices plunged lately on overproduction.

- Wind energy was Chinas first attempt to scale renewable power generation capacity, expanding into offshore wind farms since 2018, although uncertainty regarding feed-in tariffs has slowed down the pace of its proliferation.

Slacker China Sales Sow Clouds of Doubt over Tesla

- US EV carmaker Tesla posted a 24% year-over-year decrease in shipments from its Shanghai factory in China, marking the fourth time in 2024 to date that monthly output has fallen compared to last years pace of production.

- The disappointing results are in line with last weeks Q2 earnings call, seeing a 7% year-over-year drop in automotive revenue, notwithstanding a tripling in regulatory credits to $890 million that were also included.

- Total shipments of so-called new energy cars in China are believed to have risen 8% in June compared to the month prior, ticking in at 970,000 units, with BYD increasing its market share to 35%.

- Weaker China sales come despite Beijing creating financial incentives to trade in older cars for new EVs, including a one-off subsidy worth 10,000 ($1,500) introduced in April.

PDVSA Boosts Output As Election Turmoil Roils Venezuela

- Protests have erupted across Venezuela after sitting President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory in elections held July 27, even though the electoral council only reported tallies after 80% of votes counted.

- The US Department of State has recognized Maduros rival Edmundo Gonzalez as the legitimate winner of the presidential elections, saying that Caracas should start a respectful and peaceful transition of power.

- According to PDVSAs internal documents, production from the state oil firm and its foreign partners rose to 993,000 b/d in July, up almost 10% month-over-month compared to June, with huge increases reported across the Orinoco Belt.

- US oil major Chevron has managed to ramp up production at its Petropiar JV to 95,000 b/d, making it the most prolific joint venture in terms of output, whilst also boosting supplies from the heavy Boscan field to 90,000 b/d.
The latest round of escalation in this conflict began with a Hezbollah attack on the Golan Heights on Saturday that killed at least 12 people, most under the age of 16. Israel retaliated with a strike on Beirut, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander. An Israeli drone launched three missiles on a building in a Beirut suburb, killing three people (as far as we know) and wounding scores of others. Israel was targeting the head of Hezbollahs military operations, Fouad Shukr. The Israelis claim Shukr was killed in the attack, while Hezbollah has not confirmed.

Early on Wednesday, Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The fact that Haniyeh was assassinated on Iranian territory cannot go unanswered, putting Tehran in a very difficult position. It has no choice but to respond, and the response will need to be proportional. In turn, a truly proportional response at this time will mean a full-blown war that directly involves Iran instead of its proxies. Iran will have to get creative now in order to avoid a direct confrontation.

Oil markets now view the Middle East conflict as having escalated to its most dangerous point since October 7th, and Irans anticipated response to the killing of the leader of Hamas will now determine whether this is going to be a full-blown regional (or wider) war.

Oil markets now view the Middle East conflict as having escalated to its most dangerous point since October 7th, and Irans anticipated response to the killing of the leader of Hamas will now determine whether this is going to be a full-blown regional (or wider) war.

Early on Wednesday, Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The fact that Haniyeh was assassinated on Iranian territory cannot go unanswered, putting Tehran in a very difficult position. It has no choice but to respond, and the response will need to be proportional. In turn, a truly proportional response at this time will mean a full-blown war that directly involves Iran instead of its proxies. Iran will have to get creative now in order to avoid a direct confrontation.

The latest round of escalation in this conflict began with a Hezbollah attack on the Golan Heights on Saturday that killed at least 12 people, most under the age of 16. Israel retaliated with a strike on Beirut, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander. An Israeli drone launched three missiles on a building in a Beirut suburb, killing three people (as far as we know) and wounding scores of others. Israel was targeting the head of Hezbollahs military operations, Fouad Shukr. The Israelis claim Shukr was killed in the attack, while Hezbollah has not confirmed.

Just hours later, Israel launched an assassination campaign inside Iran, killing Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday morning. Irans Revolutionary Guards confirmed that Haniyeh was killed just hours after attending the inauguration of the new Iranian president.

On Thursday, Israel confirmed that Hamas senior military commander Mohammed Deif had been killed in a strike inside Gaza on July 13th. At the time of the July 13th attack, Gazas Hamas-run health authorities claimed the strike had killed more than 90 people but had failed to kill Deif.



Iran denied any role in the Golan Heights attack by Hezbollah and now has vowed retaliation for the assassination of Haniyeh on Iranian territory. The nature of the strike is embarrassing for Irans Revolutionary Guards, who were charged with Haniyehs security.

It was a brazen move by Israel, but its not the first time Israel has conducted an assassination on Iranian territory (nuclear scientists). The Israelis tend to get away with such operations, none of which has so far led to all-out war, which Iran clearly wishes to avoid (also tied into the Supreme Leaders adoption of a reformist president).

While Iran does appear to want to avoid an all-out war, the situation is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to ongoing internal divisions within both Iran and Israel, with both governments containing a more hawkish and aggressive faction. Responding to an attack on Iranian soil while avoiding an escalation in the conflict promises to be a precarious balancing act.

Iran and its proxies were tentatively set to meet on Thursday to discuss options for retaliation from multiple venues, which could include Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen most prominently. Also on Thursday, Iranian officials met with their Saudi counterparts, who are eager to avoid any further escalation, with the Saudis hoping that a gesture to further expand ties with Iran will work to simmer things down. The Saudi-Iran rapprochement has miraculously survived Israels war on Gaza - so far. On this level, the Saudis and Iranians are being extremely pragmatic, and that (more than anything else) is keeping the lid on further escalation, assuming this detente can continue to withstand the pressure.
A judicial panel has grouped together more than a dozen lawsuits alleging that U.S. oil companies were involved in a conspiracy to limit shale oil production in order to drive fuel prices for end consumers higher.

The case will be heard by Albuquerque judge Matthew Garcia, who, Reuters reports, is a former chief of staff for New Mexico Governor Michelle Grishama Democrat.

The lawsuits target companies including Hess Corp., Pioneer Natural Resources, Occidental Petroleum, Diamondback Energy, Permian Resources, Chesapeake Energy, Continental Resources, and EOG Resources. They have argued that the case should be dismissed due to the absence of any claim under antitrust law in the plaintiffs complaints.

The original lawsuits originate with individual plaintiffs in several states, with the first filed in Nevada in January this year. The plaintiffs in that case alleged that several oil companies, among which Pioneer, Oxy, and Continental have collectively coordinated their production decisions, leading to production growth rates lower than would be seen in a competitive market.

The lawsuits were echoed by Democratic legislators earlier this year after the Federal Trade Commission accused Pioneers ex-CEO Scott Sheffield of colluding with OPEC to reduce oil supply in 2020.

A group of Democratic senators followed up on the accusations with an investigation into Big Oil companies for evidence of collusion with the international oil cartel. The case targets a total of 18 companies.

The investigation was launched by the Senate budget committee, which requested the companies to provide communications between any employees and representatives of OPEC concerning oil production output, crude oil prices, and the relationship between the production and pricing of oil products, dating from January 1, 2020 through the present. The committee has also requested information on any communications with OPEC+ producers.

Scott Sheffield has rejected FTCs accusations of collusion, noting that the decline in oil production in 2020 was an industry response to the plunge in international oil prices.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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BP will team up with the government of Iraq to rehabilitate and develop four oil and gas fields in the northern region of Kirkuk.

The two sides signed a preliminary agreement to that effect this week. The deal follows another one, signed in 2013, for the development of the giant Kirkuk field, which is estimated to hold some nine billion barrels of recoverable crude. That deal was put on hold a year later, however, amid the Islamic States advance across the Middle East.

Following the war with IS, the autonomous region of Kurdistan claimed ownership of the Kirkuk field, further challenging the deal BP had with the central Iraqi government.

In a news release on the deal, BP said it would involve Rehabilitation of existing facilities, where required, and the construction of new facilities  including gas expansion projects  together with a drilling programme at the Kirkuk fields, has the potential to stabilize production and reverse decline, returning production from this nationally important oilfield to a growth path.

Iraq is the second-largest oil producer in OPEC and Kirkuk is where its oil industry was born. In the past decade or so, however, oil operations in Kirkuk have been problematic due to disputes between the central government in Baghdad and the Kurdish regional government over control of the oil fieldsand the oil revenues. The dispute was eventually resolved only for another crisis to emerge, this time concerning the pipeline shipping Kirkuk crude to Turkey.

The drama followed an International Chamber of Commerce ruling in March 2023 in a dispute between Turkey and Iraq regarding Kurdistan oil. The ICC ruled in favor of Iraq, which had argued that Turkey should not allow Kurdish oil exports via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline and the Turkish port of Ceyhan without approval from the federal government of Iraq.

As a result, shipments of oil from Kurdistan to Turkey have been suspended for over a year now, with whatever oil is still produced in the region going to local refineries. Reuters recently reported that smuggling is rife in the northern Iraqi region, with the oil getting loaded on trucks and smuggled into Turkey and Iran.

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Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) booked second-quarter earnings below analyst expectations, weighed down by lower refining margins and weak natural gas prices, as it announced the relocation of the companys headquarters from San Ramon, California, to Houston, Texas.

The U.S. oil and gas supermajor reported on Friday earnings of $4.4 billion, for second quarter 2024, or $2.43 per diluted share, down from $6.0 billion in earnings and $3.20 EPS for the same period of 2023.

The Q2 2024 earnings per share came in below the analyst consensus view of $2.93 compiled by The Wall Street Journal.

Record oil and gas production in the Permian and higher U.S. output for Chevron after the integration of PDC Energy couldnt offset weak refining margins in both the U.S. and globally.

Chevrons U.S. net oil-equivalent production was up by 353,000 barrels per day from a year earlier primarily due to the successful integration of PDC and record high production in the Permian Basin, the company said.

However, U.S. and international downstream earnings were lower compared to last year, primarily due to lower margins on refined product sales.

After the earnings miss, Chevrons stock fell in pre-market trade in New York early on Friday.

This quarter, we delivered strong production, enhanced our global exploration portfolio and extended our track record of consistent shareholder returns with over $50 billion of distributions in the last two years, chairman and CEO Mike Wirth said.

Despite recent operational downtime and softer margins, we remain poised to deliver significant longterm earnings and cash flow growth.

The earnings miss adds another headache to Chevron, which is looking to buy Hess Corporation in a deal that could be delayed to 2025 due to regulatory scrutiny and an arbitration procedure with the other U.S. giant, Exxon, regarding Exxons right to first refusal for Hesss stake in the Exxon-led huge oil projects offshore Guyana.

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The property sector crisis and the rise of LNG use in trucking have weighed on Chinas diesel demand this year, dampening the prospects of oil demand growth in the worlds top crude importer, which has been a key driver of global demand growth for years.

Diesel demand in China is particularly weak and analysts expect it to remain weak for the rest of the year.

With slumping diesel demand and lackluster gasoline consumption, Chinese oil demand growth is expected to be just below 3% this year compared to 2023, according to analyst estimates compiled by Reuters.

To compare, Chinas annual oil demand growth averaged 4.6% in the past decade and rebounded by 11.7% last year after nearly three years of COVID-related lockdowns.

Gasoline demand may be plateauing, but diesel demand is outright falling, according to analyst projections.

Chinas diesel demand in the second half of 2024 is set to decline by between 2% and 7% on an annual basis, according to four out of five analysts in a Reuters survey.

Apart from weaker-than-expected economic growth and the property crisis, Chinese diesel demand is also hit by the surge in LNG-fueled trucking, which has started to displace some diesel consumption.

Diesel demand is the most sluggish sector within oil demand in the second half, with significant displacement ... in the trucking sector, Wood Mackenzie consultant Xia Shiqing told Reuters.

LNG-fueled heavy-duty vehicles are set to limit diesel use for transport, especially now that LNG is cheaper than diesel.

Chinese sales of LNG trucks have been booming in recent months, as global and Asian LNG prices are much lower than the record highs seen at the peak of the energy crisis in the summer of 2022.

The prospect of abundant new LNG supply coming to the market after 2026, especially from Qatars huge expansion projects, makes analysts optimistic about the acceleration of the Chinese LNG-fueled truck market as growing LNG supply could keep prices low enough to continue displacing diesel.

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ExxonMobil is delaying the start-up of its joint venture Golden Pass LNG export project in Texas to late 2025 from the first half of next year after work at the facility stalled following the bankruptcy of the lead contractor, Exxons CFO Kathy Mikells told Bloomberg in an interview on Friday.

The delay in the timeline for the start-up means that Exxon and its partner in the project, Qatars state firm QatarEnergy, will launch the export plant about six months later than originally scheduled, Mikells told Bloomberg.

In a setback for the project, which is worth around $10 billion, the lead contractor Zachry Holdings initiated a voluntary court-supervised Chapter 11 process in May and fired thousands of workers.

As the projects lead contractor, we have navigated significant challenges and disruptions stemming first from the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, international geopolitical issues, chairman and CEO John Zachry said.

Because we have been unable to find a path forward, we have been forced to take action to protect our business. The process we are starting today provides us mechanisms to initiate a structured exit from the GPX project.

As a result, progress on the LNG export project at Sabine Pass, Texas, stalled.

Zachry said in June that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas had approved its settlement agreement with Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC and joint venture partners CB&I LLC and Chiyoda International Corporation. The court decision paved the way for the resumption of work at the project as the settlement allows Golden Pass to resume construction on an expedited basis while Zachry will exit the project.

Chiyoda, which had won the contract to build Golden Pass LNG in a joint venture with McDermott and Zachry, is now the lead contractor replacing Zachry.

Golden Pass LNGs estimated send-out capacity will be around 18 million tons of LNG per year and its location about 10 miles south of Port Arthur in Jefferson County, Texas, on the Sabine-Neches Waterway is a strategically chosen spot. The Port Arthur area is one of only a few deepwater ports along the Gulf Coast suitable for LNG carriers, the Golden Pass LNG partners say.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) beat Wall Street estimates with the second-highest earnings for the second quarter in a decade as the acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources fueled a record quarterly production and the highest oil production since the Exxon and Mobil merger.

Exxon said on Friday that its second-quarter 2024 earnings came in at $9.2 billion, or $2.14 per share assuming dilution.

That was higher than the analyst estimate of $2.02 compiled by The Wall Street Journal.

The $60-billion Pioneer acquisition, which Exxon completed during the second quarter, contributed $500 million to earnings in the first two months post-closing with record production, and integration and synergy benefits are exceeding expectations, Exxon said.

The transaction handed Exxon access to over 1.4 million net acres in the Delaware and Midland basins in the Permian.

We delivered our second-highest 2Q earnings of the past decade as we continue to improve the fundamental earnings power of the company, chairman and chief executive officer Darren Woods commented.

We achieved record quarterly production from our low-cost-of-supply Permian and Guyana assets, with the highest oil production since the Exxon and Mobil merger.

Year-to-date to June earnings rose by $1.5 billion due to advantaged assets volume growth from record Guyana, heritage Permian, and Pioneer production.

YTD net production jumped by 9% to 4.1 million oil-equivalent barrels per day, or by 352,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day, Exxon said.

In the upstream, higher crude realizations and structural cost savings offset lower natural gas prices, higher expenses, and lower base volumes due to divestments of non-strategic assets and government-mandated curtailments.

In the downstream, Exxon reported a drop in earnings compared to last year  as all majors have done so far  due to significantly lower industry refining margins which normalized from historically high prior year levels as demand growth was more than met by capacity additions.

Exxons stock was up by 1% in pre-market trade on Friday, while the shares of Chevron were falling after an earnings miss from the other U.S. supermajor.

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Chevron Corp. is moving its headquarters to Houston from California after repeatedly warning that the Golden States regulatory regime was making it a tough place to do business.

The move announced Friday will end the companys more than 140 years of being based in the largest U.S. state and comes amid a shake-up in senior leadership ranks apparently aimed at improving results.

Chevron already had slashed new investments in California refining, citing adversarial government policies in a state that has some of the most stringent environmental rules in the U.S. In January, refining executive Andy Walz warned that the state was playing a dangerous game with climate rules that threatened to spike gasoline prices.

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CEO Mike Wirth pushed back on suggestions that the relocation is being driven by politics, saying its really to be closer to the core epicenter of our industry.

Weve had some policy differences with California, Wirth said during a Bloomberg Television interview. But this isnt a move about politics. Its a move about whats good for our company to compete and perform.

Joining the migration

Chevron joins a long list of California emigres that includes Oracle Corp., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. and Tesla Inc. While the migration among former Silicon Valley tech giants has been largely driven by tax and and cost-of-living considerations, Chevron has been at loggerheads with state leaders over increasingly tough fossil-fuel rules.

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Wirth has been extolling the virtues of the Lone Star States business climate for at least half a decade.

The policies in California have become pretty restrictive on a lot of business fronts, not just the environment, he said during a 2019 speech in Houston.

California has long been an incongruent state for an oil company to call home. It pioneered the push to cut tailpipe emissions in the 1960s. And in 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a sweeping climate measure setting a goal for California to become net zero by 2045, five years ahead of U.S. as a whole.

Frequent droughts and wildfires mean the state is already suffering from catastrophic effects of climate change. California accounts for more than a third of the countrys electric vehicle sales. And almost all of Americas renewable diesel, made from vegetable oil and natural fats, is consumed in California.

Separately, Chevron missed second-quarter profit estimates, heaping pressure on Wirth to prevail in his $53 billion effort to acquire Hess Corp. Chevron shares fell as much as 3% in premarket trading.

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Three senior executives are departing Chevron, including oil-production chief Nigel Hearne and Colin Parfitt, who oversees pipeline and shipping businesses.

Hearne, 56, will see his duties go to Vice Chairman Mike Nelson, a key Wirth lieutenant. Parfitts replacement is Walz.

Financial performance

The leadership changes come just months after former Chief Financial Officer Pierre Breber issued a stern warning to employees to improve performance and results. The rebuke followed a year of dismal results stemming from refinery disruptions, weaker-than-expected oil production in the Permian Basin, and cost overruns and delays at a massive project in Kazakhstan.

Breber stepped down in March.

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Second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.55 were 38 cents below the median estimate among analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. The miss was in stark contrast to the outsized profits reported by Exxon Mobil Corp., Shell PLC and BP PLC, which capitalized on strong oil and natural gas production.

The Hess takeover was agreed to nearly 10 months ago, but it has been delayed by an arbitration case brought by arch-rival Exxon, which claims to have a right-of-first-refusal over Hesss 30% stake in a Guyanese oil development. Chevron remains confident it will prevail, but the case wont be heard until May 2025.

The arbitration case leaves Chevron in strategic limbo, with investors struggling to analyze a company that will look very different if its biggest deal in two decades succeeds. Chevron claims Exxons right to Hess stake does not apply because the deal is structured as a corporate merger rather than an asset sale, and it has vowed to walk away from Hess if the case fails.

In the meantime, Wirth is trying to make the case that Chevron has a strong investment case on a stand-alone basis. The company is aiming for 3% production growth annually through 2027, while it plans to buy back $20 billion of stock annually and recently increased its dividend.

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Vitol has agreed to buy Asian energy products and industrial raw materials trader Noble Resources Trading Limited for $209 million, the worlds largest independent oil trader said on Friday.

Vitol will acquire Noble Resources at a purchase price equivalent to $0.63 per share on a debt-free / cash-free basis, which works out to around $208.9 million, the Singapore-listed company said.

The transaction, which is subject to customary conditions precedent, is expected to close before the end of 2024.

Noble Resources is one of Asias leading independent energy products and industrial raw materials supply chain managers, Vitol said.

The transaction includes the sale of the Noble Resources trading business, excluding certain non-core assets.

Noble Resources operates in the supply chain of energy coal, oil products and metallurgical coke, and is supported by its freight and logistics operations.

After two years of exceptional profits in 2022 and 2023, the worlds biggest independent traders are looking to expand their reach and to reinvest part of the cash, including in refineries.

Vitol Group, for example, last year signed a deal to buy 35% of the Saras refinery in Italy after reaching a deal with members of the Moratti family.

Another major trader, Trafigura, said in April that Rhone Energies, its consortium with Entara LLC, has entered into exclusive negotiations to buy the Fos-sur-Mer refinery and the Toulouse and Villette de Vienne terminals from ExxonMobils local unit Esso.

Glencore also made the list of the biggest oil traders buying refineries from Big Oil. In May, Shell reached an agreement to sell its refining and chemicals assets in Singapore to CAPGC Pte. Ltd., a joint venture company between Chandra Asri Capital and Glencore Asian Holdings.

The commodity trading industry currently has the means to reinvest strategically in long-term deals and strategic decisions, according to consultancy Oliver Wyman. One winner move for reinvesting the profit windfalls could be to invest in assets, which gives traders greater optionality and influence over the commodities they trade, Oliver Wyman said in a report earlier this year.

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OPEC maintained steady oil production in July, averaging 26.99 million barrels per daya slight decrease of 60,000 bpd from June levels, according to a Bloomberg survey.

Venezuela and Iran accounted for most of the 60,000 bpd dip, with both countries experiencing decreased demand from China. OPEC and its allies held a monitoring meeting earlier this week as the group hopes to gradually unwind its production cuts starting in Q4. OPEC has cautioned, however, that any changes to its planned supply increases will depend on market conditions.

Despite escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, crude futures have declined, leaving Brent crude below $80 a barrel. This drop poses challenges for OPEC+ nations, with Saudi Arabia in particular facing a four-quarter growth slump, forcing it to slash investments in key economic projects. In July, Saudi Arabia maintained its output at 9 million bpd, largely in line with its OPEC+ quota. Algeria and Kuwait also stayed within their targets.

Iraq and the UAE, however, continued to exceed their production limits. Iraq increased its output by 30,000 bpd to 4.28 million bpd, Bloomberg's survey showed. Russia and Kazakhstan, along with Iraq, have pledged additional cuts to compensate for their chronic overproduction throughout the duration of the production cut agreement.

Venezuela and Iran, exempt from the current OPEC+ agreement, saw the largest declines in July. Venezuela's output dropped by 60,000 bpd to 830,000 bpd, and Iran's production fell by 50,000 bpd to 3.26 million bpd. Both countries rely heavily on sales to China, which is expected to reduce imports amid slowing economic growth.

Bloomberg's analysis is based on ship-tracking data, information from officials, and estimates from consultants, including FGE, Kpler Ltd., and Rapidan Energy Group.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Russias oil industry has slowed drilling activity this year from the record highs seen in 2023, as Moscow is limiting production as part of the OPEC+ deal and working to boost its compliance rate.

In the first half of 2024, rigs employed by Russian oil companies drilled a total of 14,370 kilometers (8,930 miles) of production wells in Russia, down by 2.5% compared to January-June 2023, industry data seen by Bloomberg News showed on Friday.

Drilling at Russias oil production wells likely beat a post-Soviet record in 2023, industry data showed earlier this year.

The record-high rates of drilling in 2023 suggested that Russian producers were trying to maximize production from older oilfields to keep production rates from falling, analysts said in January, commenting on the record-high drilling rate.

But this year, Russian drilling activity has slipped from the 2023 record highs as Russia is reducing more of its crude oil production.

They drill enough to maintain the plateau and have some spare capacity, but not more, Sergey Vakulenko, a scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Bloomberg.

Previously, Vakulenko was an executive at a Russian oil producer for a decade.

In recent weeks, Russian seaborne crude oil exports are estimated to have dropped to their lowest level since August 2023, as Russias refinery runs are rising and Moscow is working to comply with its OPEC+ production quota.

Russia has pledged to comply with the cuts and to compensate for previous overproduction while its domestic refining levels are nearing the highest in six months in July amid the peak demand season.

Last week, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that there is no discord between Russia and OPEC+ over Moscows recent poor compliance with the groups production cuts.

Russias Energy Ministry said last week that the country remains fully committed to the OPEC+ agreement. Russia exceeded production volumes in June, but output has declined in each month since April, per estimates from independent sources approved by the agreement, the ministry said.

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LINCOLN  A bill that would limit the wages of elected local government officials based on the salaries of state lawmakers saw resistance in a special session focused on property tax relief.

The Nebraska Legislatures Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee held a public hearing Friday on Legislative Bill 56, which would set the maximum salary of elected officials working full-time in the legislative bodies of political subdivisions  such as city councils or county commissions  to no more than three times the annual salary of members of the Legislature.

Elected officials working part-time could only make two times the annual salaries of lawmakers under the plan. State senators currently make $12,000 per year, which would mean full-time elected officials would make no more than $36,000 per year, and part-time officials would make no more than $24,000 per year.

The bills introducer, State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, said he proposed the bill to ensure everything was on the table, as lawmakers mull different options to provide property tax relief during the special session Gov. Jim Pillen called as part of his promise to cut property taxes 50% by the end of this year.

LB 56 saw two opponents testify against it Friday, both speaking for associations representing local governments. Christy Abraham, legal counsel for the League of Nebraska Municipalities, requested that state municipalities be excluded from the scope of the bill, as municipality officials already had their pay limited through a separate bill that passed last year.

Few elected officials in Nebraskas smaller towns and villages make more than $24,000 per year anyway, Abraham noted.

Beth Bazyn Ferrell, legal counsel for the Nebraska Association of County Officials, said there isnt a clear definition of full-time and part-time elected workers under state law, which would make it difficult to determine the maximum salary for such officials under the bill. Many of them are essentially on call 24/7, like state lawmakers, she said.

Ferrell also argued that there is a process established in the Nebraska Constitution for altering the salaries of elected officials, though there is some flexibility in that process.

Theres already a lot of safeguard and limitations in place, she said.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2024
Emilie Eaton is an investigative reporter with the San Antonio Express-News. She can be reached at eeaton@express-news.net.

She has covered San Antonio police-community relations, law enforcement training, police misconduct, family violence and the citys homicide rate. On multiple occasions, her work has led to changes in policies and practices at the San Antonio Police Department and Bexar County Sheriffs Office.

Her work has been honored by the Best of the West contest and the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors Excellence in Journalism competition, among others.
Today, TBD, a part of Block, announced the launch of the TBD Hackathon, held in collaboration with the Africa Bitcoin Conference.



The hackathon is an exciting competition designed to drive innovation, creativity, and technological advancement of payments in Africa using the tbDEX open-source protocol.



The submission period for this hackathon will open on 31 July 2024, and close on 15 September 2024. The hackathon culminates 9-11 December 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Africa Bitcoin Conference.



The TBD Hackathon initiative aims to unleash the potential of African developers and innovators.



The competition will bring together the best builders and entrepreneurs to address issues in payment systems across Africa. Currently, many African countries face challenges such as limited access to banking services, high transaction fees, and inefficient cross-border payments.



TBD's open-source trust protocol, tbDEX, aims to address these problems by connecting users to wallet providers and financial institutions of their choice, surfacing competitive exchange rates and fees.



To register for the hackathon and learn more, start here. (www.tbdex.io/hackathon)



Hackathon Challenge



Developers across Africa will be tasked with developing a payment application that leverages the power of tbDEX. Join this hackathon and develop a wallet application integrated with tbDEX. Youll be provided with a sandbox of example PFIs (Participating Financial Institutions) to test your applications functionality. Participants will work in teams of up to two people and are expected to build their projects using the tbDEX SDK.



Six teams of finalists will be chosen and flown to Nairobi, Kenya to attend the Africa Bitcoin Conference and pitch what theyve built to our panel of judges. The top three projects will be awarded prizes as follows:



 First Prize: $15,000 in BTC

 Second Prize: $10,000 in BTC

 Third Prize: $5,000 in BTC



We encourage developers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from all over Africa to participate, said Angie Jones, Global VP of Developer Relations for TBD. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a passionate newcomer, the TBD Hackathon is the perfect platform to build the next generation of financial tools for the continent.



To sign up for the hackathon and learn more, start here.



















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The Service Ghana Auto Group Limited (SGAGL) has refuted allegations of inflated costs in its contract for the after-sales service and maintenance of 307 ambulances.



In a statement released on Thursday, August 1, 2024, SGAGL responded to claims by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who alleged financial improprieties surrounding the procurement and maintenance of the ambulances. SGAGL stated that the allegations raised by the MP are baseless.



"SGAGL is an SPV of a consortium of seven companies that participated in a competitive procurement process, not sole-sourced, and was adjudged on merit to procure and provide after-sales service and maintenance for 307 Mercedes Benz Sprinter ambulances for the National Ambulance Service (NAS)," the statement read.



The controversy began when Mr. Ablakwa, who is also the Chairman of the Economic Committee in Parliament, accused the government and SGAGL of engaging in a "rip-off" deal. Mr. Ablakwa claimed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta had hastily approved payment of US$34.9 million for the procurement of spare parts for the ambulances, asserting that this amount, approximately US$113,000 per ambulance, was significantly higher than the cost of acquiring new ambulances. He further alleged that US$10 million had already been disbursed to SGAGL.



However, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) later clarified that no payment had been made on the letter of credit established for US$10 million, as the necessary demand for payment had not been made. SGAGL also addressed this point in their press release, stating, "the $34.9M, of which Letters of Credit (LC) were established for $10M, is falsely assigned to cover only mechanical parts, and the figure was again deceitfully allotted at about $113,000 worth of spare parts per ambulance."



SGAGL stated that the initial competitive procurement process was initiated by the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives in November 2018. The process invited tenders for 275 units of 4x4 ambulances, later varied to 4x2 for 307 vehicles. "A total of 16 companies participated, including the seven companies that eventually formed the Consortium during the pre-tender workshop round," the statement detailed. The companies that formed the consortium included Luxury World Auto Group Limited, Elok Consult, RDC Company Limited, Beft Engineering Works Limited, Prestige Era Company Limited, Bluemix Company Limited, and Quality Supply and Builders Company Limited.



The press release also emphasized the consortium's compliance with all tender requirements, including obtaining the manufacturers authorization from Mercedes Benz for the ambulances and EMSA AMBULANCES for the medical equipment installed in the vehicles. SGAGL further stated that they had established a dedicated workshop and support infrastructure, including the renovation of the Ministry of Agriculture's workshop in Kumasi and a purpose-built workshop at the NAS headquarters in Accra.



Additionally, SGAGL addressed the findings of a 2022 Performance Audit by the Auditor-General, which had reportedly highlighted issues such as inflated invoices and mismanagement. The company acknowledged having significant disagreements with the audit report and stated that they had refunded amounts erroneously labelled as double payments.



SGAGL warned against the dissemination of false information regarding the procurement of the ambulances and its after-sales service, threatening to seek legal action against those who spread such misinformation.



"The Consortium and SGAGL have and will continue to act above board in their dealings," the statement concluded, adding that they will hold accountable those responsible for spreading false allegations.

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New crime laws, police funding and similar efforts may have some effect on homicide rates in the United Statesbut the biggest impact will come from the actions of our political and economic elites.

That's the conclusion of historian Randolph Roth, author of the 2009 book American Homicide, in a new report he wrote for the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation.

Roth, who is a professor of history at The Ohio State University, provides evidence that homicide rates are linked to how citizens feel about the legitimacy of government and their sense of connectedness with their fellow citizens.

Right now, the United States is at a key point, Roth said.

"Over the past 450 years in the Western world, political stability has been the most powerful correlate of high homicide rates. The return of political stability could, if it continues over the next few years, lower our nation's homicide rate," Roth wrote in the Guggenheim report.

"What may matter most, however, is the behavior of America's political and economic elites. They have the power, for good or ill, over the homicide rate."

These elites include the wealthiest Americans, leaders of top corporations and institutions, and national and state political leaders of both parties, Roth said.

The new report is titled "Government Legitimacy, Social Solidarity, and American Homicide in Historical Perspective."

The theory that homicide rates are driven by feelings and beliefs that people have toward the government and their fellow citizens may seem strange at first, Roth said. But as he details in his book and new report, that theory fits the evidence much better than the usual theories revolving around guns, poverty, drugs, race or a permissive justice system.

The key is to ensure that people feel empowered, included in their community, believe they matter to the people around them, and feel the government will protect them and their family.

"Small slights and disagreements don't bother me as much as they might if I felt powerless in society, if I felt I couldn't get a fair shake from my government, and if I felt alienated from my neighbors," Roth writes in the report.

"Small disagreements and indignities that I might otherwise brush off as insignificant might enrage me and could even lead to violence."

Roth's research shows that the key to low homicide rates is successful nation building. And nation building is a continuous processit is not something that can be declared complete at any point in time, he said.

There are four factors related to successful nation building, Roth explained. There is political stability, the belief that government will protect lives and property; legitimate social hierarchy, the belief that one can be respected in society without resorting to violence and that there is the promise of upward mobility for oneself and one's children; fellow feeling, which is patriotism, empathy and sympathy arising from solidarity with others; and legitimate government, a feeling of trust in government and the officials who run it.

The Guggenheim report includes analysis of how these factors have related to homicide rates since American Homicide was published. Roth said this recent evidence continues to support his theory.

The homicide rate in the United States rose by 60% between 2014 and 2021, from 4.9 to 7.8 persons per 100,000 per year. This was a period when all four of the factors related to nation building were under stress in the face of partisan division and conflict in the United States, Roth said.

One key example was political instability. Roth said his research over the course of American history shows that the number of protests and riots that end in lethal violencea significant measure of political instability"correlates almost perfectly with the ups and downs of the rate of everyday homicides of unrelated adults."

The recent rise in homicides coincided with a spate of deadly protests around the country, from the 2014 protests surrounding the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, through the 2016 Malheur Wildlife Refuge uprising in eastern Oregon; the 2017 white supremacist protest and counterprotest in Charlottesville, Virginia; the riots that followed the death of George Floyd in 2020; and the January 6, 2021, insurrection in Washington, D.C.

"Deadly riots and protests are symptoms of lost faith in the ability of government to protect our lives, property and basic rights, however we might define them," Roth said.

Another example is the growing loss of faith in America's social hierarchy, including the ability of our children to get ahead in society.

In the period 1999-2015, among families with parents in the bottom half of the U.S. income distribution, homicide rates increase threefold based on a comparison of counties with the highest rates of intergenerational mobility to those with the lowest rates of intergenerational mobility, Roth found.

When Americans feel they can't get ahead in society, that leaves them feeling resentful, frustrated and powerless, which can lead to hostile and defensive emotions that result in violence and murder, he said.

Most recently, there have been reports that homicide rates dropped sharply last year. According to provisional data from the CDC, the homicide rate fell from 7.8 per 100,000 in 2021 to 7.3 in 2022 and 6.7 in 2023: still more than a third higher than in 2014, but declining. Roth said that lines up with the fact that there haven't been significant deadly protests or riots in the United States since the insurrection in Washington, D.C., in 2021. The fact that many of the rioters have been brought to justice may have restored some sense that the government is working to protect Americans, Roth said.

But these short-term improvements are not guaranteed to last. In the Guggenheim report, Roth said there are forces and factions in our society todayespecially among elitesthat are driving us toward political instability.

Some of the negative forces include "the flood of dark money bent on vilifying and sowing hatred against political leaders; radical gerrymandering; voter suppression; the spread of disinformation through social media; and cynical efforts to discredit the electoral process and overturn the results of free and fair elections," he wrote.

But elites still hold the power to change things, Roth concluded.

"If they were to band together to confront the opportunity crisis for America's poorer citizens and communities, unite in defending the country's institutions and their legitimacy, and turn away from divisive rhetoric that vilifies their fellow Americans, it would go a long way toward forging a stronger nation and reducing the homicide rate in the United States."

More information: Government Legitimacy, Social Solidarity, and American Homicide in Historical Perspective, www.hfg.org/hfg_reports/govern  torical-perspective/
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Electron microscopy showing the parasitic Ca. Nha. antarcticus attached to its host, Hrr. lacusprofundi. Credit: Joshua N Hamm

In Antarctica there is a small lake, called Deep Lake, that is so salty it remains ice-free all year round despite temperatures as low as -20C in winter. Archaea, a unique type of single-celled microorganism, thrive in this bitterly cold environment.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) microbiologists Dr. Yan Liao and Associate Professor Iain Duggin, from the Australian Institute of Microbiology and Infection, have been studying how these simple, ancient life forms grow and survive.

"Archaea is one of three lineages of life, alongside Bacteria and Eukarya (organisms whose cells have a membrane-bound nucleus, including plants and animals). They are widespread and play a crucial role in supporting Earth's ecosystems," said Dr. Liao.

A new study published in Nature Communications, led by Dr. Liao and Dr. Joshua Hamm from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, shows for the first time that some of these archaea behave like parasitic predators that rapidly kill their hosts.

"They are less studied and understood than the other lineages. However, archaea provide clues about the evolution of life on Earth, as well as how life might exist on other planets. Their unique biochemistry also holds promising applications in biotechnology and bioremediation.

"They have been found thriving in very acidic boiling hot springs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents at temperatures well over 100C, in hypersaline waters like the Dead Sea, as well as in Antarctica," Dr. Liao said.

The archaea used in the study were collected from the cold and hypersaline Deep Lake in Antarctica by Professor Ricardo Cavicchioli, a senior author from UNSW Sydney, who initially led this project. Dr. Liao and Associate Professor Duggin have also traveled to Australian pink salt lakes to collect archaea.

Within the archaea, there is a group called DPANN archaea that are much smaller than other archaea, with very small genomes and limited metabolic capabilities. The study reveals they depend on host microbes, particularly other archaea, to survive.

"This is the first time such aggressive behavior has been observed in archaea. In many ways, the activity is similar to some viruses. It leads us to re-evaluate their ecological role in the Antarctic environment," said Dr. Hamm.

Very few DPANN archaea have been cultivated in the lab, and Dr. Liao and colleagues developed new techniques, including unique sample staining, live fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy, to visualize the internal parts of the host cells and track interactions between DPANN archaea and their hosts.

Dr. Liao stained the host, an archaeon called Halorubrum lacusprofundi, and the parasitic DPANN archaeon Candidatus Nanohaloarchaeum antarcticus, with non-cytotoxic dyes that glow with different colors when exposed to laser light.

"This allowed us to observe the organisms together over extended periods and identify the cells by color. We saw DPANN parasites attach, and then appear to move into the host cell, leading to the host cell's lysis or bursting open," she said.

Associate Professor Duggin said predators are important players in ecosystems because when they kill their hosts, they not only feed themselves but also make the remains of the host cells available for other organisms to feed on.

"This allows other microbes to grow and prevents the host organism from hoarding nutrients. The DPANN archaea we investigated appear to play a much more significant role in ecosystems than realized. A parasitic or infection-like lifestyle of these archaea may be common."

Dr. Liao said her future research aims to explore archaea for biomedical and biotechnological applications. While no archaea have been found to cause disease, they could still impact well-being. Archaea are also responsible for livestock methane emissions, so a greater knowledge of archaeal lifestyles could be useful to combat climate change.

The research was an international collaborative effort involving UTS, the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, UNSW Sydney, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, and the University of Oxford.

More information: Joshua N. Hamm et al, The parasitic lifestyle of an archaeal symbiont, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49962-y Journal information: Nature Communications
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Photos of embryos of horizon XVII, published in Contributions to Embryology in 1948 and still in use as Carnegie Stage 17. Credit: Carnegie Science

A new study takes a tour of the history of research into human embryology and development to show the "cycles of attention" that led to major scientific breakthroughs.

Analyzing the past sheds light on the present resurgence of research on human development. That's the lesson of a new study by Professor Nick Hopwood, from the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, that is published in the Journal of the History of Biology.

The paper discusses the flourishing of human embryology a century ago, its drop in popularity after World War II, and especially its revival since the late twentieth century.

"Every journal article and news story about human development includes a bit of history, but it's often narrow, rarely informative and not always accurate," Hopwood says. "I wanted to stand back and see a bigger picture, then dig down to find out how and why there has been such a surge of attention. Working in Cambridge made that easier."

The University has been at the forefront of innovation, from the first test-tube baby to the extended culture of early embryos, organoids and other stem-cell models. The networking through Cambridge Reproduction of expertise in science and medicine, humanities and social sciences helped Hopwood reconstruct the genesis of these advances.

This took a combination of research in libraries and archives and interactions with scientists, including interviews, sharing of documents, attending conferences and giving talks, here and elsewhere.

"Human development has long been of special interest as evidence of our origins and for its medical relevance, but is hard to study," Hopwood explains. "Historically there have been two main approaches.

"Either deciding that it's too difficult to research human embryos because they're usually hidden in pregnant bodies, so we should study other animals and hope results will transfer. That's an indirect approach. Or trying for the best possible results from the few human specimens that can be obtained. That's a direct approach.

"My article analyzes the rise of research directly on human material as part of the changing politics of choosing a species to study. I explore how researchers distanced themselves from work on animal models, but even human studies depended on this."

Interest in human embryos grew in the later 19th century, following debates about evolution. Darwinists pointed to the similarity of humans and other animals at early stages as evidence of common descent. Critical anatomists responded by setting up networks of physicians to collect material, mainly from women's pregnancy losses. New techniques such as serial sectioning and wax modeling from the slices made details of internal structure visible in 3D.

This led to a watershed moment. The establishment by the Carnegie Institution of Washington of a Department of Embryology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Founded in 1914, the first research institution devoted specifically to embryology focused on human embryos, now also increasingly recovered from aseptic operations for various conditions.

Important discoveries include elucidation of the timing of ovulation in the menstrual cycle, initially in rhesus macaques. Human embryos from the first two weeks after fertilization were described for the first time.

Flies, frogs and chicks

After World War II human embryology ran out of steam. A new field, developmental biology, focused on model organisms, such as flies, frogs, chicks and, as the exemplary mammal, mice.

"To make progress, the argument went, it was necessary to work on species where more could be done more easily," Hopwood explains. "That meant micromanipulation, enough material to do biochemistry and molecular biology, and genetic tools."

This approach demonstrated its power in the 1980s, when mechanisms of development were found to be more conserved across the animal kingdom than researchers had imagined. Yet from around the same time, interest revived in using human material.

"There was not a steadily rising curve of research on human development through the twentieth century," Hopwood contends. "Instead, human embryos have gone through cycles of attention and neglect.

"As opportunities opened up and the balance of power shifted between researchers invested in different organisms, so the politics of species choice have changed. Over the last four decades we've seen a renewal of research directly on human development. This is in the first place because of changes in supply and demand."

The achievement of human in-vitro fertilization, with a live birth in 1978, gave access to embryos before implantation in the uterus. After much debate, the UK Human Fertilization and Embryology Act 1990 permitted donated embryos to be kept in vitro, under strict regulations, for up to 14 days from fertilization. Though only in 2016 was that limit approached.

Meanwhile, biobanks, notably the Human Developmental Biology Resource in Newcastle and London, provided ethical supplies of post-implantation stages from terminations of pregnancy.

There has been opposition from anti-abortion activists, and many fewer embryos are donated for research than scientists (and some patients) would like. But the field was transformed. As in the years around 1900, new technologies eased the study of human embryos. Only now the advances are in digital communication, molecular analysis and imaging methods. Optical slices and computer graphics replaced microscope slides and wax models.

Beyond mice

To obtain human embryos with permission and funding to study them, researchers had to make the case for studying our own species. They stimulated demand by arguing that it would no longer do simply to extrapolate from mice. Knowledge and skills from the mouse model could be applied, but the differences as well as the similarities had to be explored.

That was crucial before clinical application, as in fertility treatments. It was also desirable in discovering what makes us humanor at least not mice. Funders were keen to support medically relevant research or "translational science."

In the last 15 years, another kind of model has transformed the politics of species choice. Subject to ongoing ethical negotiations, stem-cell-based embryo models have enabled fresh kinds of experiment on human development. Some researchers even argue that, for investigating fundamentals of vertebrate development, these human systems are now the model.

Mice remain a crucial resource, with almost every innovation made on them first. But since their development is rather peculiar, other laboratories are promoting comparisons with species that develop more like humans.

About 10 years ago, all this inspired the organization of a new sub-field, human developmental biology, not least through a series of conferences. Major research programs, such as the Human Developmental Biology Initiative, bring together scientists working, in different ways, on various aspects of embryogenesis.

Questions remain. Hopwood's historical research concentrated on the U.S. and the U.K., with nods to continental Europe and Japan. It would be good to explore other countries' histories, he suggests, especially since differences in reproductive politics and infrastructure mean that access to material is uneven.

More generally, Hopwood argues, "history can contribute by showing how we got here and clarifying the arguments that have been used. It helps stakeholders see why there are now such opportunities for research on human development, and that, because arrangements are fragile, it will take work to gain and keep public support." So a long-term perspective can assist researchers and funders in thinking about what might happen next.

"Interest in human development has risen and fallen and risen again. Are we now going through another cycle of attention, or could interest be maintained? Will the balance shift back to animal models or will we see an ever greater focus on humans, at least in the form of stem-cell models? How might present actions shape choice of species in the future?"

More information: Nick Hopwood, Species Choice and Model Use: Reviving Research on Human Development, Journal of the History of Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s10739-024-09775-7
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The Tongue of the Ocean, seen here in an aerial view, is a deep basin near the Bahamas. Great white sharks were recently detected here. Credit: Florida International University

It's incredibly rare to spot a great white shark in the waters around the Bahamas, but a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science shows they visit the area more often than people realize.

A team of researchers studied acoustic tracking data, finding that at least 10 tagged white sharks made deep-water, nighttime visits during a five-year period.

"Just because they're not being seen, doesn't mean they're not there," said Simon Dedman, FIU marine scientist and co-author of the study. "Human activity and white shark habitat may simply not overlap, with white sharks visiting deeper reef waters at night as they migrate through the area."

The white shark is an iconic apex predator, playing an important ecological role across its range. While persistent bycatch and overfishing led to white shark declines, recent studies show evidence of regional recovery of populations in the northwest Atlantic Ocean.

Southeast Florida and the Gulf of Mexico serve as important overwintering grounds for maturing white sharks. Despite the Bahamas' proximity to Florida, only one sighting of a white shark was found in a comprehensive survey of sightings and captures from 1800 to 2010.

Researchers studied acoustic tracking data, detecting the 10 white sharks from 2020 to 2024 along the western edge of the Tongue of the Ocean, a deep-water basin off Central Andros Island. The white sharks were detected along the drop-off zone of the reef at a depth of about 25 meters, exclusively between dusk and dawn.

Seven of the 10 great white sharks were detected once, while the other three were detected across multiple days. The sharks were originally tagged off the coast of the United States and Canada, and were detected around the Bahamas during winter and spring months. The data suggests transient behavior with the sharks just passing through, according to the scientists.

The Bahamas has banned commercial longlining and gillnetting since 1993 and declared its waters a shark sanctuary in 2011. These efforts have made the Bahamas an important refuge for a variety of shark species, but data gaps exist for white sharks. These new research findings expand knowledge of white shark distribution off the Atlantic coast and highlight the importance of collaborative protective measures for species recovery.

More information: T. L. Guttridge et al, First evidence of white sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, in the tongue of the ocean, central Bahamas, Frontiers in Marine Science (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1451808 Journal information: Frontiers in Marine Science
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The recent outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) virus has raised concerns among poultry producers and food safety experts. The virus is highly contagious among birds and poses a significant risk despite stringent biosecurity measures, according to Georgia Tech food safety and agriculture expert Wendy White.

"In states that are a major poultry producer, like Georgia, backyard flocks are also extremely common, and we've seen outbreaks spread from the home to larger commercial flocks in this manner," said White.

She emphasized that while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has categorized the risk of HPAI H5N1 to the human population as low, it remains crucial for poultry farms to implement critical biosecurity practices. These include restricting access of flocks to wild birds by confining them to chicken houses and covered coops, limiting visitors, and implementing strict hygiene protocols for employees and equipment.

"American poultry farms have already implemented several of the CDC-recommended biosecurity measures to stop and prevent the spread of aviation influenza," White said. "Visiting commercial chicken houses is often more involved than visiting someone in the ICU. Visitors and employees are required to don personal protective equipment, such as boots and jumpsuits, that are dedicated to that farm."

Regarding Georgia's preparedness to handle a significant H5N1 outbreak, White expressed confidence but acknowledged the need for ongoing vigilance and improvements.

"Georgia is among the top five chicken producers in the country and home to a diverse population of wild birds, so there is a significant risk that sporadic cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza could spread and cause a major outbreak," White stated.

"Federal and state agencies, and Georgia poultry producers are working closely together to identify any cases and take swift action to stop the spread of any aviation influenza."

With such collaborative efforts, White added, Georgia aims to maintain rigorous measures to protect its poultry industry and ensure public safety.

Advancements in food processing and handling also play a vital role in mitigating the risks of HPAI H5N1 contamination in the poultry supply chain.

"The USDA has stated that poultry, eggs, and other foods that are properly prepared and cooked are safe to eat," White noted. "Laboratory studies have shown that normal cooking practices for meat and eggs, and pasteurization for dairy products, are sufficient to kill this virus."

Surveillance is also key in managing HPAI H5N1 outbreaks. USDA inspectors carefully monitor animal health on farms and regularly test food products to ensure a safe food supply.

"Advancements in testing have enabled food companies to run more tests, and whole genome sequencing allows epidemiologists to link animal and human cases to control outbreaks quicker," White explained.

White also added that regulatory policies and guidelines are essential for controlling the spread of HPAI H5N1 in the poultry industry. Both the USDA and poultry companies conduct vigilant inspections and testing to quickly identify and mitigate sources of the virus.

Few cases among humans have been reported elsewhere, underscoring the importance of ongoing vigilance.

"The USDA is also conducting surveillance testing on wild birds to understand and prevent the spread of aviation influenza through migratory birds," White said.
San Antonio police are investigating the death of an 18-year-old who was found with multiple gunshot wounds after being pushed out of a vehicle Thursday morning in front of a Southeast Side home. Ken Branca

San Antonio police are investigating the death of an 18-year-old who was found with multiple gunshot wounds after being pushed out of a vehicle Thursday morning in front of a Southeast Side home.

Police were called to the scene of a reported shooting around 3 a.m. in the 200 block of Carranza Street.

When officers arrived at the home, they found a teen with multiple gunshot wounds, according to a preliminary police report.

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Family members told police a vehicle pulled up to the home and an unknown person pushed the teen out of the vehicle before leaving without explaining what happened, the report states.

The teen was taken to the hospital, where he died, police said. He has not been identified.

A description of the vehicle was not available.

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Temperatures in Japan in July were 2.16 degrees Celsius higher than average.

Japan sweltered through its hottest July since records began 126 years ago, the weather agency said, as extreme heat waves fueled by climate change engulfed many parts of the globe.

Temperatures in the country were 2.16 degrees Celsius higher than average, breaking last year's record for July of 1.91 degrees Celsius above average.

"It was the highest since statistics began in 1898," the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said Thursday, noting that the figures were "considerably higher" nationwide.

Of 153 observation posts across Japan, 62 broke their average temperature record in July.

Contributing factors included a high-pressure system over the Pacific and "warm air from the south" that shrouded northern parts of the archipelago, the JMA said.

Since April, heatstroke has killed 59 people in Japan, according to the disaster management agency.

Parasols and chunky necklaces that can be stored in the freezer have been a common sight around Tokyo, where street performer Jiro Kan, 56, told AFP he was feeling the heat.

"After spending two hours standing here, I get so sweaty I can literally squeeze it all out from my shirt. I'm drenched," said Kan, dressed in an all-yellow suit.

"People who are used to a more dry type of heat like in the United States find the heat and humidity in Japan more difficult to handle," he said in tourist hotspot Asakusa.

Last month, Shizuoka west of Tokyo became the first Japanese region to see the mercury reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) this yearfar surpassing the 35-degree threshold deemed "extremely hot" by authorities.

Heat waves are becoming increasingly common across the globe, with the European Union's climate monitor saying in July that the Earth experienced its warmest day in recorded history.

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Despite NASA officials last week stating a return readiness review might happen this week for Boeing's Starliner, teams instead continue to go over data for the spacecraft before any decision on its departure from the International Space Station.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams await the decision of whether or not they will be able to climb back aboard the spacecraft for its return to Earth to complete the Crew Flight Test mission. That readiness review was pushed to next week at the earliest, according to an update from NASA.

The duo launched aboard Starliner atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station back on June 5 for what was originally planned to be about an eight-day mission to the ISS. On their way to a June 6 docking, though, the spacecraft suffered failures on five of its 28 reaction control thrusters as well as several helium leaks in the service module that houses the thrusters.

NASA and Boeing decided to perform ground tests on a similar thruster to mimic conditions on the flight up and what the thrusters would face on the way back down to Earth as well as using a former service module that was never launched to figure out the likely reason behind the helium leaks.

Teams also performed a second hot fire test of 27 of the 28 thrusters this past weekend to test their capability and recheck helium leaks. Boeing said that hot fire test went well.

NASA Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich said in a press conference ahead of the test last week that teams would go over that test's data before setting up the higher-level return readiness review meeting after which they would declare a return date. He had expected that review to come late this week, but that's now been pushed back.

In an update Thursday on NASA's website, the agency announced teams need more time to go over the hot-fire testing, to finalize flight rationale for use of the affected propulsion system and confirm its reliability for the flight home.

Also still needed before the meeting is the finalizing of undocking procedures and "operational mitigations that could be used in flight, if needed, to build further confidence in the system," according to the NASA update.

Boeing posted this week that its teams on Tuesday spent time on the ground and in space prepping for Starliner's return procedures.

The simulated undocking involved Mission Control in Houston and Boeing's Mission Control Center at Kennedy Space Center as both Wilmore and Williams monitored the simulation from the ISS. Future Starliner mission NASA astronauts Scott Tingle and Mike Fincke took part in the Boeing Mission Simulator while Canadian Space Agency astronaut Josh Kutryk was monitored from Houston.

Also this week, Williams and Wilmore performed pressure checks on their spacesuits and performed an exterior inspection of the Starliner spacecraft, named Calypso, by using the Canadarm outside the ISS.

Boeing has also supplied data to NASA for potential return dates throughout August.

NASA said return planning will continue into next week before the return readiness review can take place.

NASA has the upcoming SpaceX Crew-9 launch targeting as early as Aug. 18 to launch from KSC, but will need Starliner to depart the ISS for a place to park unless NASA opts to send the Crew-8 astronauts home in their Crew Dragon spacecraft before Crew-9's arrival. The ISS has only two parking spaces for the likes of Starliner and Dragon.

Boeing is trying to play catchup to SpaceX to perform rotational astronaut flights from the U.S. for NASA. SpaceX performed its crewed flight test mission, Demo-2, back in May 2020. SpaceX has since flown its fleet of four Crew Dragon spacecraft 12 more times with three more potential launches before the end of the year.

Starliner's CFT marks its first human spaceflight, launching more than four years after SpaceX's Demo-2. It needs to complete the mission in order for NASA to consider certification of the spacecraft so Boeing can then share crew missions with SpaceX.

Starliner-1 would be that first mission, but it won't fly until at least August 2025, and would be the first of six contracted flights for Boeing flying a once-a-year rate trading off duties every six months with SpaceX until the ISS is shut down after 2030.

SpaceX, meanwhile, was given the go to prep for its 10th crew exchange flight as early as next February with the Crew-10 mission while also prepping Crew-11 in case Starliner-1 delays beyond next August.

2024 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Biologist Pubudu Handakumbura leads the charge in exploring how plants may behave differently in a microgravity environment. Credit: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

An experiment aimed at learning more about how plants grow in space will be aboard a National Aeronautics and Space Administration launch in early August from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

A Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft perched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will carry the plants to the orbiting laboratory, where astronauts will tend to them before the plants are returned to Earth.

The experiment created by scientists at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will look at how two different types of grass grow on the space station. A PNNL team led by biologist Pubudu Handakumbura designed the experiment and will compare the results from space to identical plants being grown at the Kennedy Space Center.

The study focuses on photosynthesishow plants take in light and then use it to grow, converting carbon dioxide to sugars and oxygen in the process. The two grass types under study, Brachypodium distachyon and Setaria viridis, use different carbon dioxide-concentrating mechanisms. Handakumbura's team will compare the two methods in a microgravity environment.

While most plants on Earth use a carbon-concentrating mechanism known as C3, there is some evidence that a method known as C4 holds more promise for plant growth in space.

"How will the plants respond in a microgravity environment?" said Handakumbura. "Plants naturally send their roots downward due to gravity. But how will they grow in microgravity? This is important for future deep space exploration, for growing food and supporting life."

The team will monitor three identical sets of plants as they grow for 32 daystwo sets at Kennedy Space Center and one set on the space station. Altogether, the experiment includes 288 plants.

On the space station, astronauts will tend to the plants and record how efficiently they are carrying out photosynthesis. After the plants are returned to Earth on a subsequent mission, they will be sent to PNNL, where Handakumbura's team will spend several months analyzing the molecular activity that took place.

The experiments measuring proteins, metabolites and other molecules will be done at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of Science user facility.

Handakumbura's experiment is named Advanced Plant Experiment-09 or APEX-09. PNNL colleagues Chaevien Clendinen, Summer Duckworth, Kim Hixson, Madeline Southworth and Kylee Tate are also working on the project.

Handakumbura will be on hand to watch the experiment, three years in the making, head into space as part of Northrop Grumman's 21st Commercial Resupply Services Mission.

"I look forward to the knowledge we will uncover from the team-driven science we are conducting with APEX 09," said Handakumbura. "And I am excited to contribute to the foundational research that will shape future plant system designs."
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers at the University of Bath have identified signals in social media posts that can predict when someone posting on far-right forums is likely to go on to commit a terrorist act.

Posts that related specifically to logistics, operational planning (including knowledge about weapons and avoiding law enforcement) and violent action marked out individuals that would go on to perpetrate terror offenses. This was evident up to four years before criminal action.

In the first study of its kind, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, the team compared posts of convicted far-right terrorists with posts from people holding far-right extremist views who have not gone on to commit violence offline.

The majority of offenders were convicted in the United States (75%), with 20% convicted in the United Kingdom and the remaining 5% in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

The discussion of far-right ideology and the expression of hateful views actually decreased the probability that the user mobilized to action.

"Online Signals of Extremist Mobilization" is published as senior US and UK police officers warn, in an interview by the BBC, that an increasing number of those turning to terrorism are driven by 'a fascination for violence, rather than ideological fanaticism'.

"Our research shows that we can identify people on social media who go on to commit extremist action by picking up on posts that are about acquiring know-how and developing capability to commit terrorism," said Dr. Olivia Brown, Associate Professor in Digital Futures at the University's School of Management and Deputy Director of the Bath Institute for Digital Security and Behavior.

"This method can help to identify people that are genuinely dangerous and likely to cause physical harm as opposed to those that are likely to contain their extremism to radical views and hate speech online."

The researchers spent a year compiling a unique database of over 200,000 social media posts from 20112019. These posts were from 26 individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses (mostly in the US and some in the UK) and 48 people sharing extremist content on far-right forums on Iron March, Gab, and Discord, who had not been convicted.

"Unfortunately, the sheer volume of extremist content online means that identifying people most likely to cause harm is like finding a needle in a haystack," said Dr. Brown.

"We have pinpointed signals of risk to make the haystack smaller and the needle bigger, which can be used to prioritize monitoring resources on a smaller pool of people who we think are more likely to act.

"Of course, ideological content will still be a major concern to security services, but this is an additional technological tool, alongside existing resources, to differentiate between individuals who are likely to engage in terrorist action and those who are not."

Dr. Brown is seeking funding to apply the methods of this research to the January 6 Capitol Building riots in the U.S., to understand more about the mechanisms of mobilization.

She is also working with law enforcement to look at social media posts in the context of online forumsexamining group interactions and creating a tool to analyze risk within social networks.

More information: Olivia Brown et al, Online Signals of Extremist Mobilization, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (2024). DOI: 10.1177/01461672241266866 Journal information: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
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Provisioning systems: translators of resources into needs-satisfaction (Adapted from Fanning, ONeill, and Buchs, 2020). Credit: Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy (2024). DOI: 10.1080/15487733.2024.2372120

Ensuring the well-being of citizens while reducing resource consumption has proved to be a massive challenge. Policymakers in the European Union are keen to identify new approaches to provisioning that will safeguard the well-being of citizens without incurring excessive environmental burdens.

A study conducted in five EU countries concludes that rather than economic growth, the satisfaction of citizens' needs should take center-stage in efforts to rethink and redesign provisioning systems.

"In order to deliver on the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement we must change the current unsustainable patterns of production and consumption across the four central provisioning systems of food, mobility, housing, and leisure. Our research sought to identify the key structural barriers to change.

"To achieve this, we conducted interviews with experts in five EU countriesGermany, Latvia, Sweden, Spain and Hungaryand held discussions in Stakeholder Think Labs with local representatives from politics, civil society, media and think tanks," explains lead author Halliki Kreinin (Research Institute for SustainabilityHelmholtz Center Potsdam, RIFS).

This research was carried out through the EU 1.5 Lifestyles project consortium, which is coordinated by RIFS. The findings are published in the journal Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy.

The interviewees identified the economic growth paradigm as the most impactful barrier to the transformation of provisioning systems. In their opinion, it is so powerful that actors in all areas of society have adopted it indiscriminately as a goal for action.

A needs-oriented approach, focused on ensuring the well-being of all, offers an alternative. Pivoting to this narrative would also help to build acceptance for the necessary downsizing or phase-out of some harmful industries and technologies.

A holistic approach to sustainability policy is needed

Establishing individual and collective well-being as a guiding principle, offers the opportunity to pursue more consistent sustainability policies, the interviewees stated. Many people favor measures such as bans, limits and taxes where necessary.

"Restricting or strongly disincentivizing the purchase and use of extremely polluting goods and services such as private jets, private space travel or SUVs would be one important step. However, individual measures alone will not suffice; rather, interlinking policies and measures are needed. At the moment, climate and economic policies are frequently at odds with each other," says RIFS director Doris Fuchs, who co-authored the study.

In order to implement a coherent sustainability policy, governments would have to curb the influence of powerful interest groups such as the fossil fuel industry. Other important enablers for change include incentivizing investment in sustainable technologies and products and incorporating environmental costs in pricing, for example, by lowering taxes on labor and raising those on emissions/energy consumption.

Social inequality hinders change

The interviewees also mentioned various soft factors such as strengthening alternative narratives and the adoption of alternative indicators of quality of life. The problem of inequality came up repeatedly in the Stakeholder Think Labs.

Poorer population groups are most affected by climate change, but also lack the resources to bring about change. Future policymaking must facilitate their participation. Issues relating to sustainability should also be included in curricula and school education to promote change.

Interviewees across all five countries emphasized that comprehensive structural change is necessary, explains Halliki Kreinin. "We cannot leave the fight against climate change to individual citizens. Instead, we must fundamentally change our provisioning systems.

"Currently, these systems are failing to meet the needs of populations and are operating at levels of resource consumption that are too high to deliver."

Developing sustainable provisioning systems that can satisfy needs and deliver on the Paris Climate Goals will require a comprehensive transformation with concerted strategic measures at the system level.

More information: Halliki Kreinin et al, Transforming provisioning systems to enable 1.5 lifestyles in Europe? Expert and stakeholder views on overcoming structural barriers, Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy (2024). DOI: 10.1080/15487733.2024.2372120

Provided by Forschungsinstitut fur Nachhaltigkeit Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam
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As shown in the top right box, researchers demonstrated that AlphaFold 2 (in red) is ineffective for drug design because of its clashes with the experimentally known pose of a widely used cancer drug (in green). In contrast, as shown in the top left box, the AF2RAVE method generates a structural model (in blue) that aligns accurately with the drug-bound experimental pose (in green). Credit: Xinyu Gu

The human body contains at least 20,000 different proteins, often called the "workhorses of the cell" because of their role in keeping cells healthy. Each protein consists of a unique string of amino acids that affects its shape and functionor dysfunction, in the case of proteins that assemble incorrectly, which can cause disease.

By understanding and predicting the vast array of shapes a protein can take, scientists can design drugs that target specific proteins with specific roles in a cell. The hope is that technologies like Google's AlphaFoldwhich uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict the structure of proteins, DNA and other biomoleculeswill speed up this daunting task and subsequently the development of potentially lifesaving medications.

University of Maryland researchers are "cautiously optimistic" about this ambitious goal but say that AlphaFold must be paired with a stronger foundation of physics to be successful. A method they developed, described in a new paper published in the journal eLife, does just that.

"There are lots of uncured diseases, and we hope that AI can help us screen a large number of compounds to identify effective, non-toxic drugs in a cost-efficient manner, ultimately lowering health care costs for all," said the study's senior author, Pratyush Tiwary. "Our method will speed up drug discovery and enable personalized medicine for complex diseases."

Tiwary is a professor in the University of Maryland, College Park's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Institute for Physical Science and Technology (IPST) and the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC).

Their method, AlphaFold2-RAVE (AF2RAVE), fuses AlphaFold's strengths with computer simulations that are based on the laws of physics. It expands on an earlier technique called RAVE, designed by Tiwary and his students in 2018 to speed up molecular simulations that typically take a long time to process.

AlphaFold excels at predicting the structure of proteins in their "native"or foldedstate, but it cannot predict proteins in a non-native state. Much like origami, proteins can fold into different shapes, with those folds affecting a protein's ability to carry out a task.

In a non-native form, proteins can be unfolded or misfolded, which limits their function and can even lead to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. These non-native shapes are less predictable but still crucial to the development of new pharmaceuticals.

Tiwary explained that AlphaFold overlooks non-native structures because it relies on information deposited in the Protein Data Bank, a database that primarily contains the structures of proteins in their native state.

"What AlphaFold didand this was a breakthroughwas predict the most stable structure a protein can take," said Tiwary, who also holds the Millard and Lee Alexander Professorship in Chemical Physics at UMD. "What it cannot do is predict the other structures a protein can take. This is a fundamental problem with AInot just in chemistry, but across all disciplines because AI methods are only as good as their training database."

To overcome this problem, Tiwary and his co-authors applied their RAVE method to AlphaFold 2, which was the most recent version of the technology before Google released AlphaFold 3 in May 2024.

"Our method begins with generating thousands of possible hypotheses, or protein structures, using AlphaFold 2, analogous to repeatedly querying an AI tool like ChatGPT for answers," Tiwary explained. "These hypothetical structures are then evaluated through high-resolution computer simulations based on the laws of physics, particularly thermodynamics and statistical mechanics."

They used their method to generate possible native and non-native structures of three kinases, a type of protein that plays an important role in cell growth. Abnormal kinase activity can lead to the development of cancers, which partly explains why kinases are the second most important drug targetsecond only to G protein-coupled receptors, a family of proteins with diverse functions.

In a first, the researchers were able to predict the 3D structures that kinases could take and rank them thermodynamically, ultimately revealing the top two non-native structures out of 1,000 that drug candidates could potentially bind to. Thermodynamics is relevant to drug design because it dictates the likelihood that a particular protein shape will appear in nature, as well as how successfully a drug might bind to a protein, increasing its effectiveness.

"This evaluation determines the probability of each structure forming under room temperature and pressure," Tiwary said. "As a result, the thousands of initial hypotheses are filtered down to a more manageable and likely set of structures."

Their method could reduce the need for drug docking, a computational method that is used to determine how a drug molecule might bind to a particular protein. When the researchers compared AF2RAVE's list of drug candidates with existing drugs that are known to target a particular kinase shape, the researchers learned that their results matched more than 50% of the timea success rate that could not have been achieved without this method, Tiwary said.

"The success rate is almost nonexistent when using AlphaFold alone," Tiwary said. "Without our approach, you would have to dock drugs to each of the 1,000 structures generated by AlphaFold 2. For some kinases, 1 out of 1,000 is a good drug candidate, but for others, none of the 1,000 are suitable."

Although the researchers only applied their method to AlphaFold 2, Tiwary explained that the newest version of AlphaFold does not resolve the previous issues with non-native protein structures.

By coupling AI with physics, the AF2RAVE method could usher in a new era of personalized therapy by identifying drugs that are tailored to patients' unique genetic profiles. It could also lead to new drugs that bind to non-native proteins, which are trickier to develop.

This discovery is just the beginning of what Tiwary and his colleagues will be able to accomplish with their AF2RAVE method.

"This studyand what we are going to do nextrepresents the best of UM-IHC and IPST," said Tiwary, who leads the therapeutic target discovery research center at UM-IHC. "It's rigorous scientific computing with practical implications, and all of it's grounded in statistical mechanics, which IPST has been a leader in for the last several decades. This intersection is an incredibly exciting place to be!"

Tiwary is working with UM-IHC Co-Executive Director Bradley Maron and David Weber at the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research to apply AF2RAVE to hypertension and Alzheimer's disease in hopes of identifying better treatments.

"By using AI to predict multiple protein configurations, this revolutionary AF2RAVE method has the potential to speed up drug innovation by identifying novel targets that determine the effect of protein function on cellular mechanisms underpinning disease," said Maron, who is also a professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "We are on the verge of a new era that will usher in treatments targeting these complex protein folding processes."

In addition, Tiwary and his team are working with National Cancer Institute researchers Gregoire Altan-Bonnet, Naomi Taylor and John Schneekloth to apply these methods to pediatric immunotherapy and cancer.

In these projects and future ones, Tiwary believes that AI can ethically be applied to the fields of biophysics and biochemistry to better people's lives.

"AI, especially when guided by physics, is here to stay," Tiwary said. "AF2RAVE is not just another methodthis is something that is going to have an impact on people's day-to-day lives."

More information: Xinyu Gu et al, Empowering AlphaFold2 for protein conformation selective drug discovery with AlphaFold2-RAVE, eLife (2024). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.99702.1 Journal information: eLife
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Conceptual image of an exoplanet with an advanced extraterrestrial civilization. Structures on the right are orbiting solar panel arrays that harvest light from the parent star and convert it into electricity that is then beamed to the surface via microwaves. The exoplanet on the left illustrates other potential technosignatures: city lights (glowing circular structures) on the night side and multi-colored clouds on the day side that represent various forms of pollution, such as nitrogen dioxide gas from burning fossil fuels or chlorofluorocarbons used in refrigeration. Credit: NASA/Jay Freidlander

One of NASA's key priorities is understanding the potential for life elsewhere in the universe. NASA has not found any credible evidence of extraterrestrial lifebut NASA is exploring the solar system and beyond to help us answer fundamental questions, including whether we are alone in the universe.

For those who study the potential for life beyond Earth, one of the questions has long been trying to determine the likelihood of microbial life versus complex life versus a civilization so advanced that we can spot signs of it, called technosignatures, from here at home. Studying the answers to questions like that can help guide suggestions on new telescopes or missions to emphasize the most likely places and ways to look for life.

Now a recent paper published May 24 in the Astrophysical Journal postulates that if advanced extraterrestrial civilizations exist, one reason they might be hard to detect with telescopes from our vantage point is because their energy requirements may be relatively modest. If their culture, technology, and population size do not need vast amounts of power, they would not be required to build enormous stellar-energy harvesting structures that could be detected by current or proposed telescopes. Such structures, based on our own Earthly experience, might be solar panel arrays that cover a significant portion of their planet's surface or orbiting megastructures to harness most of their parent star's energyboth of which we might be able to spot from our own solar system.

"We found that even if our current population of about 8 billion stabilizes at 30 billion with a high standard of living, and we only use solar energy for power, we still use way less energy than that provided by all the sunlight illuminating our planet," said Ravi Kopparapu of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, lead author of the paper.

The study has implications for the Fermi paradox, postulated by physicist Enrico Fermi, which asks the question that since our galaxy is ancient and vast, and interstellar travel is difficult but possible, why hasn't an alien civilization spread across the galaxy by now?

"The implication is that civilizations may not feel compelled to expand all over the galaxy because they may achieve sustainable population and energy-usage levels even if they choose a very high standard of living," said Kopparapu. "They may expand within their own stellar system, or even within nearby star systems, but a galaxy-spanning civilizations may not exist."

Additionally, our own technological expertise may not yet be able to predict what more advanced civilizations could do.

"Large-scale stellar-energy harvesting structures may especially be obsolete when considering technological advances," adds Vincent Kofman, a co-author of the paper at NASA Goddard and American University, Washington, D.C. "Surely a society that can place enormous structures in space would be able to access nuclear fusion or other space-efficient methods of generating power."

The researchers used computer models and NASA satellite data to simulate an Earth-like planet with varying levels of silicon solar panel coverage. The team then modeled an advanced telescope like the proposed NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory to see if it could detect solar panels on the planet about 30 light-years away, which is relatively nearby in a galaxy that spans over 100,000 light-years. They found that it would require several hundreds of hours of observing time with that type of telescope to detect signatures from solar panels covering about 23% of the land area on an Earth-like exoplanet. However, the requirement for 30 billion humans at a high-living standard was only about 8.9% solar-panel coverage.

Extraterrestrial civilizations with advanced technology could be discovered by their technosignaturesobservational manifestations of extraterrestrial technology that could be detected or inferred through astronomical searches. For decades, scientists have been using radio telescopes to look for potential extraterrestrial radio transmissions. More recently, astronomers have proposed using a telescope like the Habitable Worlds Observatory to look for other kinds of technosignatures, such as chemical "fingerprints" in exoplanet atmospheres or specific characteristics in the light reflected by an exoplanet that might announce the presence of vast silicon solar arrays.

The new study assumes that extraterrestrials would build solar panels out of silicon because it's relatively abundant compared to other elements used in solar power, such as germanium, gallium, or arsenic. Also, silicon is good at converting the light emitted by Sun-like stars into electricity and it's cost-effective to mine and manufacture into solar cells.

The researchers also assume that a hypothetical extraterrestrial civilization would rely exclusively on solar energy. However, if other sources of energy are used, such as nuclear fusion, it would reduce the silicon technosignature, making the civilization even harder to detect. The study further assumes that the civilization's population stabilizes at some point. If this doesn't happen for whatever reason, perhaps they will be driven to expand ever-father into deep space. Finally, it's impossible to know if an advanced civilization may be using something we haven't imagined yet that requires immense amounts of power.

More information: Ravi Kopparapu et al, Detectability of Solar Panels as a Technosignature, The Astrophysical Journal (2024). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ad43d7 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

SpaceX shot up three Falcon 9 rockets from three launch pads last weekend once the Federal Aviation Administration gave its grounded rocket the OK to return to flight. Now it's set to go another round.

First up is a Falcon 9 launch of 23 more Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-A during a four-hour window that opens at 12:19 a.m. Eastern Time August 2. Backup options fall to early August 3 starting at 12:19 a.m.

Space Launch Delta 45's weather squadron forecasts a 95% chance of favorable conditions, which drops to 80% in the event of a 24-hour delay.

The first-stage booster for the mission is making its 12th flight and will attempt a recovery landing downrange in the Atlantic Ocean on board the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas.

The launch would be the 54th from the Space Coast for the year and 50th for SpaceX with United Launch Alliance responsible for the other four.

SpaceX's record pace was slowed for a couple of weeks in July after an issue with the Falcon 9's upper stage during a launch from California that was tracked to a liquid oxygen leak blamed on a sense line connected to a supply tank. The end result was a frozen-over upper stage engine that caused SpaceX to not be able to relight its engine, ultimately leading to a loss of its payload.

The FAA grounded the Falcon 9 until SpaceX submitted its mishap investigation, which came with suggested remedies to the likely source that included removal of the sense line from the rest of its Falcon 9 upper stages in SpaceX's active fleet. It also removed similar lines on certain places on the first stage.

The results were enough for the FAA to allow SpaceX to return to flight, and it managed three launches within 28 hours from Saturday into Sunday from KSC, Cape Canaveral and California.

SpaceX has a second launch from the Space Coast lined up for Saturday if the weather cooperates.

A Falcon 9 is set to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex 40 at 11:28 a.m. carrying Northrop Grumman's Cygnus cargo spacecraft on a resupply mission to the International Space Station.

SLD 45's weather squadron forecasts only a 50% chance for favorable conditions, which falls to 40% in the event of a 24-hour delay.

The region could see rough conditions because of a potential tropical depression that could form off Florida's coast.

2024 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Papaya frutis attacked by the papaya mealybug in Baringo, Kenya. The farmers are turning to parasitic wasps to combat the devastating pest. Credit: CABI.org

Papaya farmers in Kenya are turning to a novel solution to combat the devastating papaya mealybug pestparasitic wasps.

The mealybug, native to Central America, is a rapidly spreading crop pest that has been wreaking havoc on papaya crops in Kenya since 2015, causing significant economic losses for smallholder farmers.

Dorcus Lekesio, a smallholder farmer from Baringo county, has been a papaya farmer for more than 15 years. She depends on it to feed her family and educate her children.

"Papaya farming is my main source of income  my livelihood depends on it," she says.

She says the mealybug infestation reduced her expected harvest by over half in the last year.

"We used many chemicals to spray the plants, but it has not been working," she adds.

Alfred Bolo, another papaya smallholder from Kwale, in coastal Kenya, encountered the mealybugs on his farm in January last year.

He says he used pesticides, but they only provided temporary relief.

"I was very annoyed  I used to crush them with [my] bare hands because they were really annoying me," he says.

Bolo then attended a farmers' workshop convened by the County Government of Kwale, Kenya, in partnership with the agricultural research organization CABI (SciDev.Net's parent organization), where he learned about the papaya mealybug.

"I was surprised to learn that the pest was not only affecting me, but also many other farmers in the region," he says.

Losses

The mealybug pest is native to Central America.

In Africa, it was first reported in Ghana. It is believed to have invaded East Africa between 2015 and 2020, causing severe losses to smallholder farmers. CABI estimates that in East Africa the pest is responsible for destroying 5791% of crops and costing farmers 2,224 (US$ 2,854) per hectare every year.

In 2019, scientists from CABI, along with the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, and Kenyatta University, identified the wasp, Acerophagus papaya, as a prospective candidate for biological control.

They say it offers a natural and safe solution to the problem of papaya mealybug.

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization then imported Acerophagus papayae, a parasitic wasp from Ghana, and introduced it on Bolo's farm in March, 2023.

"It took about one month for the parasitoids to spread around the farm. They did not eliminate the mealybug but controlled their numbers to the extent that they could not cause economic losses to me," Bolo told SciDev.Net.

He has since increased his plant production and saved on pesticide costs. "I am now harvesting about 400kgs per week, which is a good harvest."

Selpha Miller, Post-doctoral research fellow, based at CABI, says the Kenya Standing Technical Committee on Imports and Exports gave CABI and its implementing partners, The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, an approval to release the parasitoids at the coastal counties where the pest was first reported.

Following successful management of the pest at the coast, she says, the Kenya Standing Technical Committee on Imports and Exports has approved the release in five more counties, including Baringo.

"Based from the experience at the coast, where the pest was able to be managed after six months, it is also expected it will be efficient in other regions," Miller told SciDev.Net.

She says the parasitoid is expected to manage papaya mealybug to levels that will not cause economic damage to the farmer, "just like the parasitoid has successfully managed the pest in Ghana, where we got the parasitoid."

"It is very safe and efficient," she added.

Miller urges African governments to invest in classical biological control of papaya mealybug using the parasitoid.

"Papaya mealybug is a very devastating pest that can lead to huge crop losses if not controlled," she said.

Resistance

One challenge is the potential development of resistance by the mealybug to the parasitic wasp.

"We need to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the wasp remains effective," says Miller.

Despite these challenges, the use of Acerophagus papayae remains a promising solution to the papaya mealybug problem, according to agriculture specialists.

Vincent Abuje, Baringo county director of agriculture, tells SciDev.Net that the Acerophagus papaya is a welcome relief as the mealybug pest has caused massive losses for farmers in the county, with many not knowing how to manage it.

"Papaya farming is a major horticultural enterprise here and a source of livelihood for many households," Abuje says.

He added that farmers tried using pesticides, but the pest would "go away but resurface after about two weeks."

This led to frustration among farmers, who were left "staring at losses."

Abuje said 28 agricultural extension officers were trained to advise farmers on identifying and handling the pest, and a biological control method is set to be introduced.

Abuje says he is hopeful that this will help farmers control the pest.

"We are happy and hopeful, as this has worked elsewhere, that it will help our farmers to control the destructive pest."

Lekesio's farm is one of those where scientists will trial parasitoids to help control the spread of papaya mealybug. "We are really praying that this works  we desperately need it to work," she says.

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Prof Sahar Saleem with the Screaming Woman mummy. Credit: Sahar Saleem

In 1935, the Metropolitan Museum of New York led an archaeological expedition to Egypt. In Deir Elbahari near Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes, they excavated the tomb of Senmut, the architect and overseer of royal worksand reputedly, loverof the famed queen Hatschepsut (14791458 BCE). Beneath Senmut's tomb, they found a separate burial chamber for his mother, Hat-Nufer, and other unidentified relatives.

Here, they made an uncanny discovery: a wooden coffin holding the mummy of an elderly woman, wearing a black wig and two scarab rings in silver and gold. But what struck the archaeologists was the mummy's expression: with the mouth wide open, as if locked in a scream. They dubbed her the "Screaming Woman."

Now, approximately 2,500 years after her burial, researchers from Egypt have used the most advanced scientific techniques to examine the Screaming Woman and learn about her life and death. The results are published in Frontiers in Medicine.

Costly material

"Here we show that she was embalmed with costly, imported embalming material. This, and the mummy's well-preserved appearance, contradicts the traditional belief that a failure to remove her inner organs implied poor mummification," said Dr. Sahar Saleem, a professor of radiology at Kasr Al Ainy Hospital of Cairo University.

Until 1998, the Screaming Woman had been kept at Kasr Al Ainy School of Medicine in Cairo, where in the 1920s and 1930s researchers studied many royal mummies, including Tutankhamun. Subsequently, she was moved to the Cairo Egyptian Museum at the request of the Ministry of Antiquities. Ever since 1935, the mummy's coffin and rings have been displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of New York.

The Screaming Woman in the CT scan. Credit: Sahar Saleem

In the new study, Saleem used CT scans to "virtually dissect" the mummy and estimate her age, identify pathologies, and state of preservation.

Saleem and her co-author Dr. Samia El-Merghani also used advanced techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) to identify the materials.

The authors found that the mummy was still in good condition even 2,500 years after its burial. The investigation enacted 89 years after the discovery of the mummified woman shows her unwrapped, lying supine with her legs extended and her hands folded above the groin. She lacked several teethlikely lost before death, as there was evidence of bone resorption, which occurs when a tooth comes out and the socket is left to heal. Other teeth were broken or showed signs of attrition.

"Teeth lost during life may have been extracted. Dentistry had originated in ancient Egypt, with Hesy Re the first recorded physician and dentist in the world," said Saleem.

The Screaming Woman's rings, now in the Metropolitan Museum. Credit: Sahar Saleem

Suffered from arthritis

From 2D and 3D CT images, Saleem estimated that the Screaming Woman had been 1.54 meters tall in life. From the morphology of the joint between the two pelvic bones, which smoothens with age, the CT images estimated that she was approximately 48 years old at the time of her death. She had suffered from mild arthritis of the spine, as evident from the presence of osteophytes or bone spurs on the vertebrae.

Saleem found no embalming incision, which was consistent with the discovery that the brain, diaphragm, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestine were still present. This was a surprise, as the classic method of mummification in the New Kingdom (15501069 BCE) included the removal of all such organs except the heart.

FTIR analysis of her skin showed that the Screaming Woman had been embalmed with juniper and frankincense, costly materials that had to be imported into Egypt from the Eastern Mediterranean and East Africa or Southern Arabia, respectively.

Likewise, her natural hair had been dyed with henna and juniper. The long wig, made from fibers from the date palm, had further been treated with quartz, magnetite, and albite crystals, probably to stiffen the locks and give them the black color favored by ancient Egyptians because it represented youth.

The Screaming Woman mummy. Credit: Sahar Saleem

The mummy wearing her two-part wig. Credit: Sahar Saleem

The Screaming Woman mummy, wearing her wig. Credit: Sahar Saleem

Statue of queen Hatschepsut in the Cairo Museum. Credit: Sahar Saleem

"These findings support the ancient trade of embalming materials in ancient Egypt. The expedition led by Queen Hatshepsut brought frankincense from Punt (possibly Somalia in Africa). The tomb of Tutankhamun also contained frankincense and juniper," said Saleem.

There was no obvious cause of death.

Cadaveric spam

But what had caused the mummy's unforgettable expression? The rarity of the embalming material seemed to rule out that the mummification process had been careless and that the embalmers had simply neglected to close her mouth.

"The mummy's screaming facial expression in this study could be read as a cadaveric spasm, implying that the woman died screaming from agony or pain," hypothesized Saleem.

Cadaveric spasm is a rare form of muscular stiffening, typically associated with violent deaths under extreme physical conditions and intense emotion.

"The Screaming Woman is a true 'time capsule' of the way that she died and was mummified," concluded Saleem.

More information: Paleoradiological and Scientific Investigations of the Screaming Woman Mummy from the area beneath Senmut's (1479-1458 BC) Theban Tomb (TT71), Frontiers in Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1406225 , www.frontiersin.org/articles/1  ed.2024.1406225/full

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Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson is the Deputy Metro Editor. She can be reached at nancy.preyor-johnson@express-news.net.

She previously worked as the deputy editor on the Express-News Editorial Board. The award-winning journalist and former teacher holds a master's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. A native of the South Texas town of Mathis, she has a bachelors degree in communications from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She serves on the executive board of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
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The ANET-POLENET team flew to remote field sites on Antarctica's Backer Islands to record bedrock uplift. Ohio State University co-author Terry Wilson is second from the left. Credit: Nicolas Bayou

A McGill-led study suggests that Earth's natural forces could substantially reduce Antarctica's impact on rising sea levels, but only if carbon emissions are swiftly reduced in the coming decades. By the same token, if emissions continue on the current trajectory, Antarctic ice loss could lead to more future sea level rise than previously thought.

The finding is significant because the Antarctic Ice Sheet is the largest ice mass on Earth, and the biggest uncertainty in predicting future sea levels is how this ice will respond to climate change.

"With nearly 700 million people living in coastal areas and the potential cost of sea-level rise reaching trillions of dollars by the end of the century, understanding the domino effect of Antarctic ice melt is crucial," said lead author Natalya Gomez, an Associate Professor in McGill's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Canada Research Chair in Ice sheetSea level interactions.

The study focuses on how the ice sheet interacts with the earth beneath, and how that dynamic is influenced by carbon-emission levels. This relationship has not been thoroughly explored in previous studies, the researchers said.

"Our findings show that while some sea level rise is inevitable, swift and substantive action to lower emissions could prevent some of the most destructive impacts of climate change, particularly for coastal communities," Gomez said.

Rising seas and nature's double-edged sword

As ice melts, its weight decreases, causing the land beneath it to rise like an expanding sponge. The researchers say this process, called post-glacial uplift, can be a double-edged sword.

If emissions drop quickly, limiting global warming, post-glacial uplift can act as a natural brake on ice-mass loss. It lifts the ice up, slowing the flow of ice from land to ocean. The study found this dynamic can reduce Antarctica's contribution to sea- level rise by up to 40 percent.

The field team used specialized instruments from the ANET-POLENET project that measure Antarctica's ground motion. This GNSS [GPS] station is located on an island of the Backer Islands chain in Pine Island Bay where the massive Pine Island Glacier enters the Amundsen Sea. Credit: Terry Wilson

However, if carbon outputs keep pace and the planet heats up quickly, the rebounding land will not be enough to slow the rapidly melting ice, and instead pushes more ocean water away from Antarctica, accelerating sea-level rise along populated coastlines.

To reach their findings, Gomez and collaborating scholars from Canada and the United States developed a 3D model of Earth's interior. Their model used geophysical field measurements from the U.S. ANET-POLENET project, which had pioneered large-scale deployments of sensitive instruments to record the bedrock uplift and seismic signals across large expanses of Antarctica. These extensive field measurements were essential for characterizing the three-dimensional variations of the Antarctic mantle incorporated in the study.

"Our 3D model peels back Earth's layers like an onion, revealing dramatic variations in thickness and consistency of the mantle below. This knowledge helps us better predict how different areas will respond to melting," said co-author Maryam Yousefi, a geodesist at Natural Resources Canada and previously a Postdoctoral Fellow at McGill and Penn State universities.

It's the first model to capture the relationship between Antarctica's ice and the underlying earth in such detail, she added.

Notes Rob DeConto, a co-author and glaciologist at the University of Massachusetts, "This study marks a breakthrough in our ability to better predict the impacts of climate change on rising seas and to inform effective environmental policy."

Global impacts

The findings, published in Science Advances, highlight the inequalities of climate change, the scholars noted. Island nations, which contribute the least to global emissions, are likely to bear the brunt of their consequences, they said.

The study is a collaboration between researchers at McGill, Pennsylvania State, Cambridge, Columbia, Colorado State, Ohio State, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of Washington and the Union of Concerned Scientists.

More information: Natalya Gomez et al, The influence of realistic 3D mantle viscosity on Antarctica's contribution to future global sea levels, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn1470 Journal information: Science Advances
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
The arrests of Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a historic leader of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, left, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, are huge wins for federal law enforcement, but they won't make a dent in the drug trade. Associated Press Fentanyl has fueled an overdose crisis. The arrests of two Mexican cartel leaders are welcome developments, but they won't put a dent in manufacturing and demand for this deadly drug. Craig Kohlruss/TNS

They call him el capo de capos, the boss of bosses, but when people on a high perch come down, they come down hard.

Ismael El Mayo Zambada, 76, came down hard last month. U.S. authorities arrested him in El Paso, the result of an elaborate sting operation that duped the usually wily cartel leader.

Investigators, exploiting a rift between cartel leaders, lured Zambada onto a plane to examine land he thought was in Mexico; the land was nonexistent, and the plane arrived in El Paso.

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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 U.S. State Department.

It was another drug lord  Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the 38-year-old son of the former cartel boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, himself serving a life sentence in the U.S.  who helped set the trap for El Mayo. Guzman Lopez was also arrested in El Paso and flown to Chicago.

Months in the planning, the scheme was hatched by the FBI and the Homeland Security Department  an unprecedented strike against two of the most notorious drug traffickers in the world.

The alleged crimes extended beyond drug smuggling, encompassing extortion, money laundering and rampant corruption of public officials, all in the service of the fentanyl trade.

Attorneys for El Mayo claim he was kidnapped, an ironic argument for a man who has spent his life engaged in criminal activities.

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While the arrests will not make a dent in the fentanyl crisis in America, they do put more attention on this pressing issue.

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.

El Mayo has made billions through his fentanyl smuggling operation, a vast network that has become a main feature of the Mexican drug landscape. Cartels produce and transport the drug, making the business cheap and efficient. What makes fentanyl trafficking so insidious is that the drug is smuggled through legal ports of entry.

The recent arrests represented a significant hit against the smuggling operation, but the cartels run sophisticated outfits, and they have a deep bench. Any leader is easily replaced; there are dozens of El Mayos ready and willing to step into the breach.

Narco-trafficking represents just one crisis on the border, a complex landscape that has confounded U.S. officials for decades. Immigrant crossings have dropped, the number of migrant arrests in July on the southern border fell to the lowest in four years at about 57,000.

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It would be a mistake, however, to attack one problem at the expense of another. The federal government must address immigrant crossings and drug smuggling. To ignore either is to exacerbate both.

Fentanyl deaths exceeded 112,000 last year, the first time in U.S. history the figure has topped that threshold. Thousands of pounds of fentanyl flow into the U.S. from Mexico every month. Drug policy experts say the tragedy eclipses every previous drug epidemic, including crack cocaine in the 1980s.

Drug policy experts also say only part of the answer to the problem is beefing up security at legal ports of entry since. This is the same strategy proposed to help stem the flow of immigrants. Guards would focus on drugs, rather than border crossers. But for the plan to work, U.S. officials must forge a closer partnership with newly elected Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Cooperation with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's administration has been nominal, at best.
SPRINGFIELD  As the flow of billions of dollars in federal pandemic-related aid is about to end, many students in Illinois are still struggling to catch up academically from the learning loss that occurred when schools were forced to close.

A new study from the University of Illinois System says only about one-fourth of all public-school students are back to pre-pandemic performance levels in English language arts while even fewer have returned to pre-pandemic levels in math.

Learning recovery has been especially slow at the high school level, where test scores have been declining, the study found. And recovery in math scores has lagged English language arts scores across grade levels.

The study was conducted by the Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative, or IWERC, which is part of the University of Illinois Systems Discovery Partners Institute.

The findings suggest school officials face some difficult decisions in the months and years ahead as they look for ways to continue their recovery efforts without the federal resources theyve been relying on.

Of course, we are concerned about the loss of things like high-dosage tutoring and the extended-day programs, IWERC Director Meg Bates said in an interview. The research on those has always been pretty strong that more time in academic learning and more intensive one-on-one time are positive for learning.

So, in as much as districts can't maintain those because they lose funding, I do expect to see some issues, but it's possible that districts have found ways to weave things like tutoring and extended day into their normal funding.

Bates said IWERC conducted the study in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education. The findings were presented last month to the P-20 Council, a state organization that advises the governor and General Assembly on issues related to education from preschool through adulthood.

One of the key findings of the study, Bates said, is that recovery has been uneven, both across grade levels and among socioeconomic groups. Overall, academic performance has improved more quickly at the elementary school level than for high school.

But the study also found that districts with high concentrations of Black, Latino, and low-income students remain furthest from their pre-pandemic performance levels. Those districts also tend to be the ones that relied the most on remote learning during the pandemic.

We absolutely do see that districts that spent longer in remote learning lost more and as such, are not back to where they were prior to the pandemic, Bates said. But we also know that the districts that were more likely to spend time in remote learning are districts that serve high proportions of students from low-income families, and income is often correlated with achievement. And those communities were also hit harder by the pandemic itself.

Enrollment and attendance

The study also found schools have not yet recovered from the enrollment declines that occurred at the height of the pandemic. And for those students who are still enrolled, chronic absenteeism has risen sharply.

From 2019 to 2021, according to the report, statewide enrollment fell by nearly 60,000 students, to 1.71 million. That included a drop of more than 15,000 students from Chicago Public Schools alone.

By 2023, according to the report, enrollment outside of CPS had rebounded slightly, but CPS enrollment continued to fall to less than 300,000.

Enrollment had been trending downward even before the pandemic, due largely to declining birth rates in Illinois, but Bates said the declines that occurred during the pandemic were beyond what would otherwise be expected.

Of course, we are seeing some declines due to birth rate, families having fewer children, she said. But we also see, sort of curiously, that enrollment declines were happening in the middle grades. So that's not from birth-rate decline. That's from choosing to leave.

Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, has also risen sharply in Illinois and remains above pre-pandemic levels.

Using data from the Illinois State Board of Education, the study found chronic absenteeism peaked at 30% statewide, and 45% in Chicago Public Schools, during the 2021-22 school year.

The rates were highest among Black and Latino students and students from lower-income households. Absenteeism was also higher among high school students than elementary students, which the authors suggested may help explain the decreasing SAT scores.

Federal funds

To help schools throughout the country deal with the effects of the pandemic, Congress approved three separate federal relief packages that included billions of dollars in emergency education funds known as Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ESSER funds.

Illinois share of that aid totaled just over $7.8 billion.

The flow of those funds, however, will come to an end when the current federal fiscal year ends Sept. 30, meaning programs and services that have been funded with those federal dollars will either come to an end, or schools will have to fund them through other means.

According to the states ESSER Spending Dashboard, about one-third of the money that came to Illinois, or nearly $2.4 billion, went toward salaries for teachers, substitutes, paraprofessionals, and other school personnel, including those who ran summer and after-school learning programs.

We saw just about over a thousand expenses on what we would call a full-time teacher, Bates said. So we do expect there to be some difficulties this fall with teachers.

She said she expects a bigger loss in staffing for after-school, summer school and tutoring programs.

That's where we expect to see a real cliff, these extended opportunities. We suspect schools will find ways to keep their teacher core relatively intact, she said.

Bates said the challenge facing school districts now is integrating the programs and practices that worked for them during the pandemic into their normal budgeting process.
On Aug. 5, 1949, 13 firefighters lost their lives in what remains the largest single loss of life due to wildfire that the U.S. Forest Service has experienced.

The Mann Gulch fire was sparked by a lightning storm on Aug. 4, 1949 and burned nearly 5,000 acres northwest of Helena. It is estimated that the fire, during the blow-up stage, covered 3,000 acres in 10 minutes, according to the U.S. Forest Service, trapping the firefighters in a blaze with flames estimated at 50 feet high, moving 50 yards every 10 seconds.

The National Smokejumper Association is planning graveside memorial tributes for the 13 federal firefighters who perished in the 1949 Mann Gulch fire. One of the men who lost his life that day, Marvin L. Dick Sherman, is buried in the Lone Pine Cemetery in Darby. A local graveside memorial in remembrance of Sherman will take place at Lone Pine Cemetery on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 10 a.m.

Sherman was 21 years old when he died. He was one of 10 Mann Gulch smokejumpers who served in the U.S. military prior to being a smokejumper. After serving in the Navy during WWII, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service on the Lolo District in Montana from 1945 to 1949 and staffed the Mormon Peak Lookout. An Honor Guard tribute and guest speakers will be a part of the events.

The Mann Gulch fire and the story of the smokejumpers who lost their lives that day inspired the book Young Men and Fire by famed Montana author Norman Maclean who also penned A River Runs Through It. The 1952 film Red Skies of Montana starring Richard Widmark was also loosely based on the Mann Gulch fire.

For more information about the memorial in Darby, contact Jeff Kinderman at 406-369-5709.

For more information about Mann Gulch 75th Anniversary Memorial Tribute events, visit montanadiscoveryfoundation.org/manngulch75/schedule/ https://smokejumpers.com/index.php/events/getall.
Earlier this year, the EU became the world's first to implement sweeping rules to help govern artificial intelligence, specifically highlighting powerful programs such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, after long and tense negotiations.

Despite the initial proposal for rules in 2021, it became imperative when ChatGPT was introduced in 2022, demonstrating AI's human-like capabilities to produce articulating text within a matter of seconds.

Other generative AI systems include Dall-E and Midjourney, both of which are able to generate images in almost any style with just a simple input using everyday language.

"With our artificial intelligence act, we create new guardrails not only to protect people and their interests but also to give businesses and innovators clear rules and certainty," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

By 2026, companies will have to comply with the "AI Act" law, which strictly bans using AI predictive policing based on profiling and systems that use biometric information to infer an individual's race, religion, or sexual orientation.

If a system is considered high-risk, the company will have a stricter set of obligations to protect the rights of citizens.

"The geographic scope of the AI Act is very broad, so organizations with any connections to the EU in their business or customer base will need an AI governance program in place to identify and comply with their obligations," said Marcus Evans, partner at law firm Norton Rose Fulbright.

Companies that refuse to adhere to the rules on such banned practices or data obligations will face fines of up to seven percent of worldwide annual revenue.

The EU established an "AI Office" of tech experts, lawyers, and economists under the new law to ensure compliance in May, according to France24.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  It at all began a little more than a decade ago as an idea tossed back and forth across a booth of a now-closed Charlottesville pub.

Today, the three friends sitting in that booth are leading Three Notchd Brewing Company and their plans to one day open a brewery has developed into a full-scale beverage company.

Within the past year, Three Notchd has released a new line of craft canned cocktails, opened its sixth location in Virginia and expanded beyond beer-making and into the world of distilling liquor with Three Notchd bourbon whiskey.

Three Notchd is really working on evolving into a beverage company, instead of just a brewery, co-founder and President Scott Roth told The Daily Progress.

Currently, the business has three different bourbon whiskey labels available online: Hatchet Head, Scout Six and Orion. A limited-release fourth label dropped this month: Stave & Stout, a straight bourbon whiskey that spent six months finishing in the barrels that once held the brands Biggie Smores Imperial Stout, allowing the whiskey to absorb some lingering notes of espresso, chocolate and roasted malt.

Though its brewing headquarters are based in downtown Charlottesvilles Ix Art Park, the distilling magic is taking place under the guidance of master brewer Pete Zeitler at the newest Three Notchd brewery and craft kitchen in Nellysford near the Wintergreen resort community. The Nelson County space is the companys sixth location in the commonwealth after Charlottesville, downtown Roanoke, Richmond, Virginia Beach and Harrisonburg.

Though the first bourbon whiskey bottles have only been available since last fall, Roth said the customer response has already been really positive. The enthusiasm is particularly evident with membership almost capped out for the One-Five-One Club, a play on Three Notchds Nellysford address on Virginia Route 151 and an exclusive group with space limited to just 151 people granted access to four single barrel reserve bourbons every three months along with members-only events throughout the year.

Customers are gravitating towards new experiences, said Roth. The fact that they can, in most of our locations, sample a whiskey product and then also pick up the bottle without ever having to leave the premises is a really unique thing in the state of Virginia.

Because of the special status Three Notchd holds as both a brewery and distillery, the company is licensed by Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control to also sell beverages at most of its establishments.

I think it just feels very seamless to the customer, and its kind of a neat opportunity to explore a bunch of different products; it means we have something basically for everyone, Roth said, though he did confirm that wine will remain outside of their wheelhouse.

As with all of the brands products, Roth said Three Notchd was looking to supply its customers with high-quality bourbon, which resulted in a slightly higher price tag. All Three Notchd bourbon whiskeys cost upward of $45.

Were priced at that mid-to-high tier of a premium product, and rightfully so, he said. People who try it, they spend the money because they really enjoy the product.

Its one that they take home and will have a little bit at a time by itself, Roth added. Its not something you go home and make a ton of cocktails with; its more of an experiential-type bourbon.

Starting out, the fledgling distillery had to outsource whiskey that was either mostly or fully finished aging in barrels, so the company did not have to wait out the monthslong process of aging its own whiskey. However, purchasing whiskey at that stage is more expensive on the front end.

Despite the recent expansions into other markets, Roth made assurances that the brewing company is staying true to its original vision. Crafting quality India pale ales and lagers is still the No. 1 priority, with beer still being the highest-sold product. Another way Three Notchd is striving to remain hyper-local, as Roth put it, is by only selling drinks at its breweries, not through Virginia ABC stores.

Weve been very focused on building things locally and organically at each of our geographic locations, he said. We dont distribute outside of our home state. We really focus on growing as deep as we can within our home geography.

This philosophy is also true of the Three Notchd canned cocktails and its line of nonalcoholic brews, Uncool, which launched in 2019. The mixed drinks, available in flavors such as Grapefruit Smash, Tropical Twist, Orange Crush and Lemon Drop, were designed to make Three Notchd more inclusive to all drinkers of age.

We see that shift happening both in younger generations and consumer habits, and it makes us more well rounded if we can offer something to everyone, said Roth. Especially if its something of really high quality that we can produce ourselves.

The cocktails are crafted using Three Notchd vodka, also distilled out of the Nellysford space, and though Three Notchd vodka is not a consumer product, Roth said it might eventually make its way onto the shelves as its really good. For now, the team is brainstorming new iterations for the cocktails with Creamsicle and Churro Espresso Martini coming soon.

Shifting from beer to bourbon whiskey to cocktails may seem overwhelming for some brewers, but according to Roth, its familiar territory for Zeitler who came to Three Notchd as master brewer after working as the lead distiller for Cutwater Spirits, a national canned cocktail enterprise based out of San Diego.

He came to us with a whole host of experience from San Diego, said Roth of Zeitler. He has a lot of experience in the ready-to-drink cocktail world and has a great palette.

Three Notchd not only plans to continue growing product-wise, but also its footprint in the commonwealth. Roth noted the business is under a letter of intent for a new location somewhere in Northern Virginia. The space wouldnt come online until 2025, though the brewery plans to keep customers updated on the progress.

With just over 250 employees and a bright future ahead, Roth said neither he nor his co-founders, George Kastendike and Derek Naughton, could have imagined this 11 years ago.

To be able to say that weve built a company that provides that many people jobs and livelihoods  I couldnt be prouder of that fact, said Roth. I get to come to work every day and work with some of the smartest people in the industry. Those are the two biggest wow moments for me, when I actually sit back and think about where weve come and how weve been able to grow this business.
HARTSVILLE, S.C.  The Hartsville City Council has approved two contracts for construction and renovations at Marion Avenue and Greenlawn cemeteries.

The contract for the Mariona Avenue Cemetery was awarded to Southern Vistas of Columbia in the amount of $357,233. The work includes concrete sidewalks, ornamental fencing, masonry columns, landscaping, and irrigation.

Southern Vistas was also awarded the contract for Greenlawn Cemetery. The contract, in the amount of $184,839, includes masonry signage, landscaping and irrigation.

During a ceremony held in early July, Sen. Gerald Malloy presented a pair of checks to Hartsville officials that totaled more than $520,000 to be used for the renovation and restoration of the Marion Avenue and Greenlawn cemeteries. The two historic black cemeteries have been in need of renovations for many years.

The council also approved a collaborative agreement between the city and the Darlington County Humane Society to provide animal shelter services. The agreement calls for the city to provide financial assistance by reimbursing up to $60,000 for the purchase and installation of a portion of the total cost for animal shelter kennels to be used as an animal shelter and to provide for the humane care of dogs and cats.

In 2023, the Darlington County Humane Society broke ground on a new, $8 million animal adoption and education facility on East Washington Street in Hartsville. Support for the construction of the facility has come from the Nemec-Abbott Foundation, Byerly Foundation, Sonoco Products Company, the state of South Carolina, A.O. Smith, Nucor of South Carolina, North Industrial Machine, and community donors.

The next meeting of the Hartsville City Council will be Aug. 13.
A mistress to a Christian radio host, who called himself the "Money Doctor," was sentenced to life in prison in Texas for operating a Ponzi scheme with her lover that bilked millions of dollars from hundreds of senior citizens.

Debra Mae Carter, 65, was called by prosecutors the mastermind of the scheme she carried out with William Neil "Doc" Gallagher that ripped off more than 170 retired people of more than $31 million over a 10-year span, the Tarrant County District Attorney said in a news release on Tuesday.

"Gallagher's main role in the scheme was to bring in the money; Carter's role was to make sure it was not recovered by the victims. The two ultimately planned to retire to a huge ranch together," DA Phil Sorrells said.

Gallagher, 83, was sentenced to three life sentences in November 2021, with an additional 30 years in prison on charges of forgery, securing the execution of a document by deception, theft of property, and exploitation of the elderly.

Carter, convicted of money laundering on July 8, washed their ill-gotten games through rental homes, land and fake charities.

More than $200,000 in gold and silver was found in her travel trailer.

"These were hard-earned retirement (dollars) which ... got put into her account over and over again. She is a blight on society," Assistant District Attorney Lori Varnell said in the statement. "She's just a liar. That's what she does."

Their victims, many of whom testified, said Carter and Gallagher ruined their lives.

Among them was Brenda Wilkerson.

Wilkerson, an avid listener to Gallagher's show, married her husband Gary in 1957, raised four boys and created a nest egg to live on in their later years.

Then in 2016, she heard that a member of her church invested in Gallagher, and with Gary gave him $50,000, Fox 4 reported.

"Because I had read his book and had listened to the program and thought it sounded all great," she told the station.

Gary died in 2019 and Wilkerson found out that March their investment in Gallagher was gone.

"I was already under such tremendous stress from losing my husband. That just really was a punch in the gut," she said.
Sofia Nelson and J.D. Vance went to law school together and were once close friends.

Nelson, a trans person who uses she and they pronouns and now works as a public defender in Detroit, recalls that Vance brought over homemade baked goods when they were recovering from top surgery, that Sofia had been invited to Vances wedding, and that the pair had even talked about doing a podcast together. Among the emails from Vance that Nelson showed the Times for a recent story about their friendship was an unsolicited message in which Vance apologized for having described Nelson as a progressive lesbian in his bestselling book Hillbilly Elegy, and wrote, I recognize now that this may not accurately reflect how you think of yourself, and for that I am really sorry. He signed the email, Love you, JD. The many negative things Vance wrote about Donald Trump in these emails have attracted the most media attention, but Times reporter Stephanie Saul notes what also stuck out to me about the correspondence: its tenderness and thoughtful tone.

The two old friends have since fallen out over Vances embrace of Trump and right-wing positions on LGBTQ+ issues. When someone expresses such odious opinions, those who disagree tend to make one of two assumptions. The first is that this person is a dyed-in-the-wool bigot whose hatred is not amenable to change of any kind. The other is that the speaker is driven by ignorance and fear, and with enough education could well become more accepting. Neither of these assumptions seem true of Vance, whose emails are shocking because they indicate a man who knows how to behave kindly and lovingly, and who has the humility to apologize when he might have gotten it wrong. Vance knows full well what is right, yet he has chosen to do whats wrong to achieve political power.

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What a time to publish a book about selling your soul! Ed Simons Devils Contract: The History of the Faustian Bargain came out in July, and he has taken full advantage of the coincidence by spinning it into an op-ed for the Times. While Devils Contract is often garbled and grandiose, theres much to be learned from its roundup of cultural and real-life instances of Faustian bargains. What does it mean to sell your soul to the devil?

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Simon isnt always clear on this, drawing on Biblical stories, Gnosticism, Medieval saints and abbesses, the Salem witch trials, Dostoevskys The Grand Inquisitor, and detailed descriptions of various paintings of Satan. Much of Devils Contract could be more accurately described as a cultural history of depictions of Faustian bargainsnot only the classic ones authored by Christopher Marlowe, Goethe, and Thomas Mann, but 20th-century stories like the husband in Rosemarys Baby bargaining with Satan for acting success, or the legend about guitarist Robert Johnson meeting the devil at the crossroads. When the time comes for the more interesting task of identifying actual people who (figuratively!) made such deals, Simon includes such examples as Robert J. Oppenheimer, the Soviet Union (for making the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of nonaggression with Nazi Germany), and serious writers who sell their artistic souls for Hollywood lucre. Simon also makes the bolder claim that the story of Faust is the story of every human being, because all of us have, at least once, compromised an ideal for some earthly reward.

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The devils contract has both a theological meaning and a metaphorical secular one. The legendary Faust literally signed a contract with a demonthe paperwork, as Simon astutely points out, making it a strangely modern actto obtain power and knowledge in exchange for pledging his immortal soul to hell after his death. Yes, Oppenheimer gained access to the research capabilities of the Manhattan Project by agreeing to provide the government with a fearsome weapon. But many of the scientists employed on the projectarguably, including Oppenheimer himselfwere actually in it to make such a weapon and win the war, so that result could hardly be called an unwanted consequence. Similarly, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact seems less a compromise of Soviet values than a misjudged attempt to fend off an aggressively expansionist neighbor. Not every bad decision with worse consequences constitutes a deal with the devil.

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What matters, and what Simon curiously doesnt focus on, is choice. God, according to the theological argument, gives us free will so that we may freely choose him. This choice can only be meaningful if were provided with the option of choosing evil. To sign a contract with the devil or one of his minions is to deliberately, and with full knowledge of the consequences, pick the dark side. Faust is not desperate, or backed into a corner. He doesnt secretly hope that the devil will never collect on his debt. He knows exactly what hes getting into.

In the unenchanted world of secular politics, it isnt often clear whos deluded and whos making a Faustian bargain. The consequences arent eternal damnation but a violation of ones own ethical code. As penalties go, an unquiet conscience seems a lot milder than an infinite bath in a lake of fire, yet we know that a person can be genuinely tormented by regret. Is the literary novelist who takes a job in advertising to pay the bills truly selling her soul? Maybe, or maybe only if she knows the ads will mislead others into harms way. Do the leaders of the National Rifle Association understand that their professional actions contribute to the deaths of innocent people? Perhaps theyve convinced themselves that they dont, but sustaining that lie is itself a deliberate choice, and makes them guilty. Simons best example of a contemporary devils contract is our choice to continue in our wasteful ways even though we know that the terrible consequences of climate change are set to arrive in the near future.

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The Trump administration was staffed with many demi- and mini-Faustsfrom the arrogant kind, like John Bolton, who believed they were smart enough to bend the unpredictable president to their will, to self-deceiving public servants like Mark Esper, who convinced themselves that the conservative policies they could enact would justify their contribution to a dysfunctional and potentially criminal administration. Some of these people apparently succeeded in keeping Trump from starting wars or having troops open fire on American citizens engaged in legal protest, which makes them not exactly heroes, but certainly not unambiguous Faust figures. Other staffers, like Kellyanne Conwayor, for that matter, Trump himselfhave no principles to betray.

What makes Vances transformation so breathtaking an example of the Faustian bargain is how extensively we can document the values he once championed. Perhaps he never actually held them, and only decried racism, homophobia, and Trump because he is a chameleon who assumes the moral colors of the people surrounding him. Yet Vances exchanges with Nelsonsomeone with whom he seems to have once shared a genuinely close and caring friendshipsuggest otherwise. A spokesman responding to the New York Times piece (and carefully avoiding using Nelsons pronouns) insisted, unconvincingly, that Vance wishes Nelson well, but that his values from a decade ago began to change after becoming a dad and starting a family. More likely it was the materialization of an orange-skinned emissary at his elbow, offering him a chance at leading the free world. All Vance had to do was sign on the dotted line.
This is part of Slates 2024 Olympics coverage. Read more here.

Well my friends, I said it might happen, and for a few minutes there during the womens all-around gymnastics final in Paris Bercy Arena, I thought it actually would: Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast the sport has ever seen, was briefly behind. I said it, and I meant it: Brazils Rebeca Andrade was within Biles margin of error! But after a competition filled with more twists and turns thanwait, whats a sport that features many literal twists and turns? I cant think of onethe all-around podium had Biles at the top, continuing her run as the most decorated American Olympic gymnast of all time.

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With this gold, at 27 Biles also becomeswell, lets be polite: the female individual with the, er, number highest in age to have won a gymnastics all-around gold since Maria Gorokhovskaya did it in 1952 at 30, doing what, I am sorry, now look like playground tricks because, my, has the sport evolved! Biles triumph is not some sort of freak occurrence, by the way; elite gymnastics careers now last far longer than they once did. Also, 27 is only old if youre Andrew Tate.

The meet started off with a sizable Biles advantage. Although Andrade threw a magnificent Chengshe is, Im going to say it, the best to ever do that particular vaultthe Chengs difficulty value of 5.6 paled in comparison to you-know-what: Thats right! The Biles 2, or Yurchenko double pike (difficulty: 6.4), the skill Biles has said makes her scared she might die literally every time she does it. After she landed this monster on her feet with only one sizable step backdo not come for me with but her landings!; this vault under-rotated could break both of her legsthe meet was hers to lose. And then she went to the accursed uneven bars and came as close to losing it as I have ever seen her do.

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Biles entered the second rotation with a lead of more than half a pointwhich she promptly chucked straight into the garbaggio after pulling through a truly heroic save, when her high-to-low-bar transition went awry. It was a testament to her nerves, experience, and teeny tiny height that this mistake did not put her onto the mat; instead, she swung through on the low bar with bent knees (one large deduction) and then had to insert corrective skills (another whopper). In the end, she somehow wrangled a respectable 13.733 (a fall routine would be somewhere in the 12s), but her margin of error shrank to a negative amount. With Andrades bar routine coming in at 14.666, this erased Biles lead, and then some. In fact, at one point, after Algerias magnificent bar worker Kaylia Nemour pulled a 15.533 on her signature event, Biles stood, horror of horrors, in third place. (This was because Nemours a bar prodigy, and her other events score in the human rangebut that didnt stop a lot of chatter!)

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Meanwhile! The gold race wasnt the only thing that made me consider talking to my doctor about whatever hypertension drug was advertised between events. For between Nemour and Italys wonder-twin Alice DAmato, our very own Suni Lee, who wasnt even supposed to be here today, was finding herself in a dead heat for the bronze after a solid (but comparatively small) vault and a stunning bar set. (A year ago, Lee was diagnosed with two separate chronic kidney diseases and told she might never do gymnastics again.)

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What better way to assuage the nerves of a world collectively about to barf than everyones favorite event, the very chill balance beam? (At least it wasnt pommels!) However, the second I saw Biles ace the mount thats been dogging her recently, I knew shed be OK. Her only deductions of note, in fact, were a small wobble after the side aerial that briefly derailed her in team finals, and an utterly heroic muscle-through save on her accursed wolf turn, which normal people probably didnt notice because wolf turns are funny looking even when done right.

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So now the meet was Biles to lose again. Would Andrade provide an assist? She would not! Her beam routine, though great, was not as difficult and scored a 14.133 to Biles 14.566. Simultaneously, would any of the bronze-medal contenders be offering Lee any tenths to spare? No, they would not; it was Lee who offered numerous small corrections and issues throughout her beam routine.

Related From Slate The Question About This U.S. Teams Gold Medal That Just Kept Nagging Me Read More

At this point my blood had returned to a human level of pressure, because I knew that while Biles fluke on bars had made things interesting, this meet was now squarely in the GOATs bailiwick. The last event was the floor exercise, on which no gymnast has ever come close to her difficulty. And while its gymnastics, so anything can happenminutes before, Brazils Flavia Saraiva had bounced so hard out of a double tuck that she literally belly flopped out of bounds!Biles could have, in the end, counted an out of bounds on all four tumbling passes and still walked away with the gold. (Biles is so good on floorher basics so flawless, her amplitude unparalleled, and her in-air execution usually perfectthat overdoing her tumbling is usually the only notable mistake she makes.)

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After Tokyo I take nothing for granted, and possibly like many of you, I found this meet nearly impossible to watch. As much as I know she does not need a single medal more to cement her status as the greatest to ever do it, I also know that Biles would not have come back to these Olympics if she did not want to win them. Still, as much as I wanted this for herthe redemption she has been after for three yearsI also understood that it was exactly this precise expectation from the world that broke her before. So, although Biles has not scored below a 14 on floor at any time during the 2024 quadrennialand although, after Andrade posted a gorgeous but not-as-difficult floor routine (alas, no secret new tumbling, which she had been rumored to be debuting in Paris), the American needed but a 13.868 to win. It was imperative on behalf of the entire world that I calmed my hormones.

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Well, maybe I did and maybe I didnt! Because I may or may not have caused a minor commotion in my house when Biles absolutely drilled her floor routine, obliterating any scintilla of hater doubt about whether she was worth the hype. When all was flipped and twisted at the end of the floor rotation, not only had Biles landed at the top of the podium, but with some minor assists from DAmato and Nemour on floor, Lee clawed her way back up there too. (Lee needed to do the literal best floor routine she had ever done since Tokyo, and she didin, I should mention, her literal first international competition since Tokyo.)

With Biles and Lee bookending Andrade (all three womens all-around medalists are returning to this podium, for the first time in history!), this might not have been the podium that some curmudgeonly international fans were hoping formore folks in the deep gymternet were rooting for a Simone flop than I will ever dignify in print againbut it was the podium that each of these phenomenal athletes earned. There is also no imaginary time travel math needed to prove Biles greatness; Andrade circa 2024 was, and remains, the only real all-around competition she has had in more than a decade. And while Andrade was magnificent and spent the entire meet within Biles margin of error, in the end the GOATs errors remained marginal enough to keep her on top.

This Olympics has gone phenomenally well for the U.S. gymnastics team, with only event finals now left. Now, everyone (including, perhaps, me?) gets a whole entire day to rest, before each remarkable apparatus becomes the center of attention in the event finals. Said event finals may be the last time we ever see Biles or Andrade face off, or possiblysniffcompete at all. So lets all be grateful for one more brilliant weekendas we hope our blood pressure holds out.
Susko's disciplinary report on Justice Kliment leans heavily on allegations related to lawyer and Fico advisor Marek Para.

In an extraordinary intervention in the rule of law in Slovakia, Justice Minister Boris Susko (l) is proposing to have Supreme Court Justice Juraj Kliment (r) dismissed from his position as a judge. (Source: TASR/SME)

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Politicians in the current government, most notably Prime Minister Robert Fico, have long targeted Supreme Court Justice Juraj Kliment, not least because of his role, as part of a Supreme Court senate of judges, in authorising the prosecution and detention of numerous figures connected to previous Smer governments who have been accused of corruption and abuse of power.

Initially, government politicians described Kliment as a member of an alleged organised group. Then, in mid-June, they held a press conference titled Enough waiting. We act!

At this conference, Justice Minister Boris Susko (Smer) announced that he would file a disciplinary proposal against the Supreme Court judge. The final straw, he said, was a June 13 decision by the European Court of Human Rights, which indicated that Kliments panel, despite the Slovak Constitutional Courts approval, had violated the rights of a judge, Denisa Cvikova, when deciding on her detention in the summer of 2020. Cvikova was accused of colluding with businessman Marian Kocner  who was later convicted of fraud, and remains accused in the murders of Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova  to manipulate court decisions in Kocners favour.

However, when it came to Susko actually filing the disciplinary proposal against Kliment, these allegations had vanished.

Instead, Suskos 14-page proposal contains three points, all of which concern Marek Para, who is an advisor to Prime Minister Robert Fico and the preferred lawyer of Ficos ruling Smer party.

Suskos disciplinary proposal, filed in late June, largely mirrors a complaint filed by Para himself, who has been urging the minister to take disciplinary action since April. Only the minister, the Judicial Council, or the president of the court where the judge serves {i.e. the Supreme Court) have the authority to initiate disciplinary action against a judge.

Para not only filed complaints but also personally attended two April press conferences, led by Fico, that focused on criticising Kliment. He was also present at the June press conference where Susko, alongside fellow Smer minister Robert Kalinak (who currently heads the Defence Ministry), announced the decision to file the disciplinary action.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/biden-commits-to-new-us-military-deployments-during-call-with-netanyahu-1119598989.html

Biden Commits to New US Military Deployments During Call With Netanyahu

Biden Commits to New US Military Deployments During Call With Netanyahu

Sputnik International

US President Joe Biden committed new US military deployments in the region during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

2024-08-01T22:20+0000

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world

ismail haniyeh

benjamin netanyahu

joe biden

israel

tehran

hamas

white house

pentagon

sputnik

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"President Biden spoke today with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel," the White House said in a press release on Thursday. "The President discussed efforts to support Israels defense against threats, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive U.S. military deployments." On Wednesday, Hamas confirmed that its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, had been killed in an Israeli attack on his residence in Tehran after he took part in the inauguration of newly elected Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian. Hamas has blamed Israel and the United States for Haniyeh's death and vowed to retaliate. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said he had nothing to say about Haniyeh's death or Israel's alleged role in it. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Israeli government had instructed ministers not to comment on Haniyeh's assassination.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/houthis-urge-dangerous-response-to-israel-over-killing-of-hamas-hezbollah-leaders-1119597284.html

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us deployments to middle east, endless wars in middle east
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/no-deus-ex-machina-f-16s-will-become-zelenskys-steiner-counterattack-moment-1119599192.html

No Deus Ex Machina: F-16s Will Become Zelenskys Steiner Counterattack Moment

No Deus Ex Machina: F-16s Will Become Zelenskys Steiner Counterattack Moment

Sputnik International

The F-16 represents the latest and likely last purported "game-changing" weapon to arrive in Ukraine, but like previous weapons, it will not change the reality on the battlefield.

2024-08-01T22:43+0000

2024-08-01T22:43+0000

2024-08-01T22:43+0000

analysis

ukraine

russia

volodymyr zelensky

leopard ii

mig-29

army tactical missile system (atacms)

nato

f-16

f-16 fighter jet

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/0f/1118965981_0:204:3072:1932_1920x0_80_0_0_2cab8abbf5b8c052b8813234c8eabf29.jpg

Throughout the conflict in Ukraine, advocates for continuing the conflict continually pointed to the next Western weapon that would arrive in Ukraine and finally demonstrate the superiority of NATO technology over the Russians. First, it was the Javelin Weapons System. Then it was the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, then the Leopard tank, then the Leopard II tank, then the HIMARS, then the ATACMS, and finally the Abrams tank.Every previous alleged game-changing weapon failed to turn the tide, as Russia had an effective countermeasure for each of them. The only remaining weapon that NATO is willing to give Ukraine is the F-16 fighter jet. Promised a year ago, it took far longer than predicted to train Ukrainian pilots on the system. Now that theyve finally arrived, it is suspected that Ukraine only received a handful of fighter jets. Previously, Zelensky said he would need hundreds of them to protect the skies over Ukraine.It is unclear what the F-16s will be used for, though Ukraine has claimed they have already utilized them for air defense, it is suspected that they will be used to counter the glide bombs Russia has used to great effect on the front lines. The problem is that the glide bombs cost significantly less than the F-16s missiles and Russia can produce them domestically, while Ukraine will have to hope and wait for further weapon deliveries, assuming the F-16s survive that long.Previously, Ukraine relied on MiG-29s, but those have been virtually wiped out. A lot of them didnt even get shot down in dogfights or by air defenses. They just got plastered at airports because these airbases got hit by ballistic missiles and cruise missiles and drones, added Malic, noting that the F-16s require pristine runways, which are in short supply in Ukraine since Russia has been striking them across the country.Some pro-Ukrainian pundits have claimed that it was the West inaction that led to Ukraines inevitable defeat, that if only the West sent more Bradleys, more Leopards, more HIMARS, more Abrams and sent them quicker, then it would have been enough to overcome the odds, but that too is foolhardy, argued Malic.[The West] didnt have the equipment to give at any single point. Thats the issue. They couldnt provide it. The logistics didnt exist. If they tried to ship all of the stuff over to Ukraine in a week, it would get destroyed on the border because Russia has missiles that [they] dont have any defense against, and this is what people fail to understand.The West doesnt have any more weapons to give and Ukraine doesnt have any troops to operate the weapons. The only option left for Ukraine is to sue for peace.But theyre refusing because Zelenskys publicly-stated goal is to basically get NATO to unite behind this peace plan he proposed two years ago, which is essentially Russia surrenders and we win, which is ludicrous and is never going to happen, Malic said, noting that the sooner Zelensky gives up on his delusions, the sooner people can stop dying.As far back as November 2023, some of Zelensky's closest allies told US media that their leaders belief in a complete Ukraine victory is immovable, verging on the messianic, one of his closest aides went as far to say that Hes delusional. Were out of options. Were not winning. But try telling him that.Hes got delusions of grandeur. Everybody, even his own surroundings, seems convinced of this, Malic explained, noting that Zelensky was an actor before he was President and his chief of staff was a movie producer.Its going to end when Ukraine surrenders, Malic contended. You can quote me on that.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/the-only-answer-is-to-destroy-them-how-russia-plans-to-handle-ukraines-western-supplied-f-16s-1119595320.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240728/ukraine-west-doubt-f-16s-to-change-situation-on-battlefield---reports-1119541435.html

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f-16 to ukraine, when will ukraine surrender, will f-16s help ukraine
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/white-house-was-not-aware-of-plea-deal-discussions-with-september-11-defendants---kirby-1119599829.html

White House Was Not Aware of Plea Deal Discussions With September 11 Defendants - Kirby

White House Was Not Aware of Plea Deal Discussions With September 11 Defendants - Kirby

Sputnik International

The White House was not aware of plea deals the Department of Defense came to with three 9/11 defendants until the day they were announced, White House Communications Advisor John Kirby said.

2024-08-01T23:07+0000

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americas

john kirby

khalid shaikh mohammad

guantanamo

white house

us

september 11

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"The White House wasn't aware of this deal or the process leading up to it until yesterday," Kirby said on Thursday. "There's no change to the President's policy and opinion that Guantanamo should be closed, but in this particular case with these plea deals, we're going to be reaching out to the Department of Defense as appropriate to have discussions about it." On Wednesday, the Department of Defense announced that it entered into pre-trial plea agreements with three of the defendants accused of having a role in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, including Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, who is claimed to have masterminded the attacks.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240731/us-enters-into-pre-trial-agreements-with-three-september-11-defendants---pentagon-1119587091.html

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september 11 plea deal, 9/11 plea deal, white house did not know about 9/11 plea deal,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/dutch-hospitals-fear-antibiotic-resistant-superbugs-from-ukrainian-soldiers-1119611954.html

Dutch Hospitals Fear Antibiotic-Resistant 'Superbugs' From Ukrainian Soldiers

Dutch Hospitals Fear Antibiotic-Resistant 'Superbugs' From Ukrainian Soldiers

Sputnik International

Dutch healthcare workers are voicing serious concerns over a number of strains of resistant bacteria carried by Ukrainian soldiers who undergo medical treatment in the country  and how it could affect the local population, De Telegraaf reported.

2024-08-02T18:30+0000

2024-08-02T18:30+0000

2024-08-02T18:30+0000

world

europe

european union (eu)

netherlands

ukraine

bacteria

drug-resistant bacteria

bacterial infections

ministry of defense

russia

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Data from the National Coordination Center for Patient Distribution shows that a total of 143 Ukrainian soldiers have been treated in Dutch hospitals since the beginning of the conflict, including some with serious injuries.Since Ukraine has been much more generous than the Netherlands in prescribing antibiotics, there is a tangible risk that Ukrainians will carry antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. These superbugs can be potentially transmitted to Dutch patients previously unexposed to them.It is unprecedented for us in the Netherlands to see how many different types of resistant bacteria they already carry with them, a Dutch clinical microbiologist pointed out.From February 2022 to August 2023, there were three recorded cases of such bacteria transfers.Russia has repeatedly said that the US was conducting illegal research in biolabs across Ukraine and other countries near Russian borders. Russia's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Troops found that Washington was working on a universal" genetically engineered bioweapon designed to cause severe damage to enemies comparable to that of a nuclear winter.Russia's Ministry of Defenses report said that Ukrainian military personnel had been involved in experiments aimed at detecting the bodys tolerance for dangerous infectious diseases. The experiments included pumping test subjects with higher doses of antibiotics, which, in turn, lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in their bodies.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231003/experiments-were-carried-out-why-ukrainian-soldiers-becoming-antibiotic-resistant-1113885591.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/eu-creates-special-team-to-prepare-for-trumps-potential-reelection-1119605074.html

EU Creates Special Team to Prepare for Trump's Potential Reelection

EU Creates Special Team to Prepare for Trump's Potential Reelection

Sputnik International

The European Commission has set up a team of officials to prepare for a possible return of former US President Donald Trump to the White House, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

2024-08-02T10:21+0000

2024-08-02T10:21+0000

2024-08-02T10:21+0000

world

donald trump

kamala harris

ukraine

germany

european union (eu)

european commission

white house

europe

2024 us presidential election

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"The election is far from over, so its about working out what the implications could be, either way Key officials [are] discussing where we need to focus most," the daily quoted a European source familiar with the matter as saying. The group was initiated by the office of EU Transparency Commissioner Ilze Juhansone to look at trade, competition and foreign affairs amid fears that the Trump administration could re-impose trade tariffs and revise US support for Ukraine. The group is expected to reinforce its operation in September. "Its a discreet discussion forum to think about how best to prepare for Trump  Its just plain smart to do so," another source told the paper. The EU group will also assess incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris and the way her possible victory might affect the US-EU relationship. Germany has reportedly set up a task force of its own to draw up contingency plans for Trump's potential return. The US presidential election will take place on November 5. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is narrowly leading the race trailed by presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, according to national polls.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240729/eu-readies-carrot-and-stick-trade-strategy-to-deal-with-trump-1119551840.html

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Fans raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the victims of a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the UK.

The Swifties Fundraiser for Alder Hey Children's Charity garnered over $400,000 in donations since its launch earlier this week, according to its Just Giving campaign.

Over 20,000 donors contributed to the massive fundraiser benefiting the victims, including 6-year-old Bebe King, 7-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and 9-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, who were killed in the seaside town of Southport Monday.

"The speedy and compassionate response will not only provide essential aid to those affected but has also shown the power of unity and kindness in the Swiftie community. Your donations and comments are a beacon of hope, demonstrating that together we can make a significant difference to the lives of those in need," the fundraiser description read.

Merseyside Police identified the murder suspect as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana.

Eight other children and two adults were wounded in the attack.

The suspect was named in court on Thursday in a rare move due to his age. Judge Andrew Menary said his decision to allow Axel Rudakubana to be publicly identified was to counter misinformation about his identity that have led to violent protests across the country, the Associated Press reported.

He also faces 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article, the police said. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 25.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/eu-stands-little-chance-of-turning-central-asian-nations-against-russia---analyst-1119602859.html

EU Stands Little Chance of Turning Central Asian Nations Against Russia - Analyst

EU Stands Little Chance of Turning Central Asian Nations Against Russia - Analyst

Sputnik International

It is very unlikely that the EU, acting as an agent of NATO, will succeed in turning Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan against Russia, Dr. Marco Marsili, a researcher at Ca Foscari University of Venice, told Sputnik.

2024-08-02T10:05+0000

2024-08-02T10:05+0000

2024-08-02T10:05+0000

analysis

josep borrell

central asia

kyrgyzstan

kazakhstan

european union (eu)

kassym-jomart tokayev

eurasian economic union

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It is very unlikely that the EU, acting as an agent of NATO, will succeed in turning Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan against Russia, Dr. Marco Marsili, researcher at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, told Sputnik.EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell is visiting the two Central Asian nations as part of an effort to drive a wedge between them and Russia, Marsili said. He pointed out that Brussels has desperately been trying to gain influence within the post-Soviet republics.Regarding Kazakhstan, Borrell aims to weaken the ties between Astana and Moscow which are deeply rooted, spanning from the Baikonur Cosmodrome to the common membership in the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Eurasian Economic Union, and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Marsili, who holds research positions in major civil and military institutions in Portugal, the UK, and Italy, said.He recalled the January 2022 developments, when a violent uprising erupted in Almaty. According to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the main goal of those fueling the wave of protests was to undermine the constitutional order, seize power, and attempt a coup.Russian President Vladimir Putin later stated that "Maidan technologies" similar to those used in Ukraine in 2014 had been resorted to in Kazakhstan, with the country facing a genuine threat to its statehood. Putin warned that what started as peaceful protests against higher gas prices in Kazakhstan and quickly escalated into violent riots was not the first and would not be the last attempt to meddle in the region from abroad.Looking back at how those events played out, and the currently emerging foundations for building a new security architecture in Eurasia, Dr. Marco Marsili added:The European Unions foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, is visiting Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan from August 1 to 3. The trip to the region has been presented as a chance to reaffirm the EU's dedication to strengthening ties with both nations of the Central Asian region. The tour started with Kazakhstan on August 1, with Borrell meeting Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. On Saturday, Borrell will reportedly hold a bilateral meeting in Kyrgyzstan with Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev.As far as the visit to Kyrgyzstan is concerned, it is an attempt to re-attract the country into the Western sphere of influence after President Sadyr Japarov enacted a law tightening state control over foreign-funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Marsili said. According to him, its quite impossible that the executive of Bishkek will switch alliances.Brussels efforts targeting countries that play a pivotal role in the Russian neighboring policy are very unlikely to gain traction, Dr. Marsili reiterated.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240705/pepe-escobar-why-the-sco-summit-in-kazakhstan-was-a-game-changer-1119251048.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240523/cis-security-chiefs-to-meet-in-kyrgyzstan-for-counterterrorism-summit-1118647233.html

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eus high representative for foreign affairs and security policy josep borrell is visiting kazakhstan, kyrgyzstan, why is borrell visiting central asia, why is borrell visiting kazakhstan, kyrgyzstan,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/hungary-rejects-croatian-oil-route-over-high-fees-and-eu-call-to-stop-russian-oil-1119604043.html

Hungary Rejects Croatian Oil Route Over High Fees and EU Call to Stop Russian Oil

Hungary Rejects Croatian Oil Route Over High Fees and EU Call to Stop Russian Oil

Sputnik International

Croatia is not a reliable partner for oil transit, since it has raised the duty fivefold since 2022, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Friday, commenting on Brussels' proposal to replace the Russian oil supplies stopped by Kiev with transit through Croatia.

2024-08-02T10:04+0000

2024-08-02T10:04+0000

2024-08-02T10:04+0000

world

croatia

hungary

russia

peter szijjarto

europe

valdis dombrovskis

business

european union (eu)

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Earlier in the day, the Financial Times reported, citing a letter from EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, that the European Commission had advised Hungary and Slovakia to abandon Russian oil and seek alternative sources in response to a complaint that Ukraine has blocked the transit of oil from Russia. Last month, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that Ukraine had stopped the transit of Lukoil's oil. The Slovak Economy Ministry confirmed that the country was no longer receiving oil from the Russian oil giant, which was sanctioned by Ukraine. On July 22, Szijjarto said that Hungary and Slovakia had launched consultations of the European Commission with Ukraine due to a stop in the transit of oil from Russia through the Druzhba pipeline. On Thursday, EU Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said that Kievs decision shows no energy supply risks for Hungary or Slovakia, so the Commission will not hold urgent consultations on the issue.Dombrovskis said in the letter to Budapest and Bratislava that "diversification away from Russian fossil fuels should be actively pursued," the report read on Thursday.He reportedly added that at a meeting of representatives of all EU member states last week, "a significant number  questioned why Hungary and Slovakia had apparently not yet explored alternatives so far".

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240726/hungary-accuses-ukraine-of-blackmail-over-russian-oil-transit-halt-1119515590.html

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hungary

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hungary, slovakia, croatia, russian oil, european union (eu), european commission, peter szijjarto, lukoil, druzhba oil pipeline, oil transit
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/inf-treaty-stood-in-way-of-plans-to-militarize-europe-hold-russia-back---ex-dod-analyst-1119600084.html

INF Treaty Stood in Way of Plans to Militarize Europe, Hold Russia Back - Ex-DoD Analyst

INF Treaty Stood in Way of Plans to Militarize Europe, Hold Russia Back - Ex-DoD Analyst

Sputnik International

The United States scrapping the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty five years ago was done to help NATO expand eastward, a former Pentagon analyst told Sputnik.

2024-08-02T00:52+0000

2024-08-02T00:52+0000

2024-08-02T02:32+0000

analysis

karen kwiatkowski

us department of defense (dod)

nato

inf treaty

russia

china

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August 2 marks the fifth anniversary of the US's formal withdrawal from the INF Treaty. "This [the pullout from the treaty] was due to the US desire (led by neoconservatives in the State Department and elsewhere in the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations) to expand NATO eastward, as well to engage militarily on Russia's European border with both conventional and nuclear arms, specifically via Ukraine," Kwiatkowski said. The military and economic rise of China, a neoconservative theme for the past 30 years, required in the eyes of hawkish US military planners a nuclear offensive line in Eastern Europe to hold Russia "captive," Kwiatkowski explained. Russia had formally complained of continual US violations of the INF Treaty since 2014, but this was information most Americans and Europeans never saw, and most were not even interested in, Kwiatkowski noted. "The consequences have been straightforward and dangerous. First, both the United States and Russia are now actively engaged in an expensive competition in the INF field and other new missile technology arenas," she said. Unlike in 1987, Russian technological and economic capabilities in this space now exceed those of the United States, Kwiatkowski assessed. After two post-Cold War batch accessions to the NATO alliance in 1999 and 2004, the accessions of six new member countries since 2009 have created a larger "border" between Russia and NATO, Kwiatkowski cautioned. "Peace and diplomacy were now not only verboten, or forbidden but for five years have been institutionally impossible in Europe, thanks in part to the elimination of the INF Treaty and abnormally weak and intellectually impoverished US and NATO leadership over the same time frame," she concluded.The INF treaty, signed between the Soviet Union and the US in 1987, banned the countries from developing and possessing ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges from 500-5,500 kilometers. In 2019, then-President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the treaty, accusing Russia of non-compliance. In response to the US decision, Russia suspended its participation in the Cold War-era accord.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/iran-warns-of-global-risk-if-israeli-aggression-spreads-beyond-gaza-1119604492.html

Iran Warns of Global Risk if Israeli Aggression Spreads Beyond Gaza

Iran Warns of Global Risk if Israeli Aggression Spreads Beyond Gaza

Sputnik International

Israel has been organizing bloodshed and destruction in the Gaza Strip for 10 months, and now has expanded the range of its crimes to Lebanon, Iran and Yemen, if Tel Aviv is not stopped, peace in the Middle East region and around the world will be in danger, acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani said on Friday.

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world

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masoud pezeshkian

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On Wednesday, Hamas confirmed that its political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli attack on his residence in Tehran after he took part in the inauguration of newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The movement blamed Israel and the United States for Haniyeh's death and said the attack would not go unanswered. On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In response, fighters of the Palestinian movement Hamas infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians, and took more than 200 hostages. According to the authorities, about 1,200 people were killed during the raid.In retaliation, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip, which included strikes on civilian targets. Israel announced a complete blockade of the enclave, cutting off supplies of water, electricity, fuel, food, and medicines. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the death toll from Israeli strikes on the enclave since October 7 has exceeded 39,400, with more than 91,000 people injured.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/hamas-military-wing-says-israel-needs-to-stop-aggression-to-return-hostages-alive-1115733062.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/nicaragua-china-open-direct-sea-route-1119605759.html

Nicaragua, China Open Direct Sea Route

Nicaragua, China Open Direct Sea Route

Sputnik International

A direct sea shipping route between Nicaragua and China was opened this week, marked by the arrival of a Chinese merchant ship at the Pacific port of Corinto, Nicaraguan media reported.

2024-08-02T10:44+0000

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Nicaraguan Presidential Investment Adviser Laureano Ortega was quoted as saying on Thursday by TN8 television channel that the arrival of the TN8 Sunny Fortune bulk carrier was good news for the Central American nation. The Sunny Fortune is the first of three ships that will sail the route on a monthly basis, the official said. The equipment delivered to Nicaragua is needed for the construction of a new international airport in Punta Huete.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/china-nicaragua-upgrade-relations-to-strategic-partnership-1115699017.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/prisoner-swap-was-battle-of-self-control-moscow-says--1119601365.html

Prisoner Swap Was Battle of Self-Control, Moscow Says

Prisoner Swap Was Battle of Self-Control, Moscow Says

Sputnik International

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the prisoner swap between Russia and Western countries was a "battle of self-control"

2024-08-02T04:06+0000

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russia

maria zakharova

evan gershkovich

paul whelan

foreign ministry

newsfeed

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"What many called an 'exchange', I would call a battle of self-control. Self-control of prisoners, self-control of political authorities, self-control of security services," Zakharova wrote on Telegram. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said Thursday eight Russians detained and held in custody in a number of NATO countries had returned to Russia. The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed decrees to pardon thirteen Russian and foreign citizens exchanged from Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and US Marine veteran Paul Whelan. The largest operation in recent years to exchange 26 prisoners from seven countries took place in Turkey's Ankara on Thursday with the mediation of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization, the Turkish intelligence agency said in a statement on August 1.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/eight-russian-detained-and-held-in-several-nato-countries-brought-back-to-fatherland---fsb-1119595827.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/russia-fully-satisfied-with-prisoner-swap---source-1119596725.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/russian-air-defenses-shot-down-two-ukrainian-jets-seven-atacms-missiles-over-past-week--mod-1119611087.html

Russian Air Defenses Shot Down Two Ukrainian Jets, Seven ATACMS Missiles Over Past Week  MoD

Russian Air Defenses Shot Down Two Ukrainian Jets, Seven ATACMS Missiles Over Past Week  MoD

Sputnik International

Over the past week, Russian air defense systems shot down two Ukrainian aircraft, seven ATACMS missiles, 47 HIMARS rockets and 375 drones, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Friday.

2024-08-02T15:46+0000

2024-08-02T15:46+0000

2024-08-02T15:46+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russia

russian ministry of defense

ukraine

mig-29

high mobility artillery rocket system (himars)

russian army

russian troops

russian armed forces

kiev

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Russian forces continue to shoot down Ukrainian combat jets and US-made tactical ballistic missiles.During the period, [Russias] air defenses shot down Ukrainian MiG-29 and Su-25 jets, a Neptune long-range missile, seven US-made ATACMS missiles, four French-made Hammer controlled aircraft bombs, two US-made Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, 47 US-made HIMARS rockets and 375 drones, the MoD said in a statement.Russias tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles and artillery also destroyed three US-made Patriot missile launchers and a radar station, as well as three radar stations deployed by the Mars-L, ATCR-33S and Skala-M aerial reconnaissance systems.Ukraine lost up to 4,020 soldiers in the operational area of Russia's Battlegroup Yug in the past week, the ministry added.In battles with Russian troops of the Battlegroup Zapad, Ukraine lost up to 3,605 soldiers, the MoD said. Russias Battlegroup Tsentr repelled 43 counterattacks, during which Kiev lost up to 2,635 servicemen.Russia's Battlegroup Sever repelled 27 counterattacks, with Kiev losing up to 1,755 troops, while operations by Battlegroup Vostok resulted in Ukraine losing up to 905 soldiers, the ministry said.The Russian armed forces also carried out 11 group strikes on Ukrainian military and industrial facilities, drone assembly shops and military echelons.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240729/russian-artillery-decimates-another-abrams-tank-in-special-military-operation-zone-1119551607.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/russian-iranian-ships-carry-out-joint-patrols-in-caspian-sea---russias-caspian-flotilla-1119600636.html

Russian, Iranian Ships Carry Out Joint Patrols in Caspian Sea - Russia's Caspian Flotilla

Russian, Iranian Ships Carry Out Joint Patrols in Caspian Sea - Russia's Caspian Flotilla

Sputnik International

The Russian and Iranian navies conducted joint patrols in the Caspian Sea, Russia's Caspian Flotilla said in a statement on Friday.

2024-08-02T02:07+0000

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2024-08-02T02:07+0000

military

caspian sea

russia

iran

military

military drills

military exercises

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"The joint Russian-Iranian naval patrol has been completed in the Caspian Sea. As part of the patrol activities, the Caspian Flotilla of the Russian navy was represented by the Project 21630 small artillery ships Volgodonsk and Astrakhan. On the part of the navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Shahid Nazeri patrol ship, Joshan fast attack craft and Deylaman destroyer were engaged," the statement read. During the joint patrols in the northern and central parts of the Caspian Sea, Russian and Iranian naval personnel performed the tasks of protecting the main sea communication routes, controlling maritime traffic in the region and tackling piracy, the Caspian Flotilla said. Over the past 24 hours, the crews trained joint maneuvering, defense and protection of a detachment of warships during a sea crossing with the sequential transfer of control from the Russian part of the team to the Iranian part and back, according to the statement. At the end of the patrol mission, the Russian and Iranian crews performed a farewell ritual on opposite courses and headed to their home bases, the flotilla added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240521/putin-russia-will-do-everything-to-continue-development-of-relations-with-iran-1118572809.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/this-is-our-shared-victory-pavel-rubtsovs-wife-reveals-details-of-his-release-to-sputnik-1119614006.html

'This is Our Shared Victory': Pavel Rubtsov's Wife Reveals Details of His Release to Sputnik

'This is Our Shared Victory': Pavel Rubtsov's Wife Reveals Details of His Release to Sputnik

Sputnik International

Russian-Spanish journalist Pavel Rubtsov, also known as Pablo Gonzalez Yague, was arrested in 2022 in Poland on suspicion of espionage. He was released and arrived in Moscow on August 1 as a part of a prisoner swap deal between Russia and Western countries.

2024-08-02T18:22+0000

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2024-08-02T18:22+0000

world

russia

moscow

prisoner swap

prisoner exchange

poland

spain

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The release of the Russian-Spanish journalist as part of the Russia-US prisoner exchange means a long-awaited reunion with his family after 29 months of detention in Poland.Rubstov was held for two-and-a-half years despite no official charges, evidence or trial date being presented against him.Pablo Gonzalez, whose health appears stable, is currently in Moscow, following necessary post-release health protocols."I haven't been able to speak with Pablo yet; I'm constantly waiting for a call," his wife Oihana Goiriena told Sputnik Mundo in a phone conversation.According to his lawyer Gonzalo Boye, Gonzalez will undergo a medical examination soon.When asked about future steps, Goiriena admitted she does not know.It is also unclear if Gonzalez will have his documents restored, since Polish authorities seemingly did not return his Spanish passport upon release."The exchange was made possible through intensive negotiations and thorough legal work ensuring a proper legal basis, respecting the rights and dignity of the journalists involved," Boye wrote in a statement shared with Gonzalez's close circle and available to Sputnik.The defense team ensured their client was freed without charges or needing to answer to any judicial system."Gonzalo called me when Pablo was already flying to Ankara. He told me, 'Oihana, sit down and calmly listen to the news I have for you,' then sent me a message," said Goiriena, who only learned about her husband's release from Boye at noon on August 1.Boundless Joy"This is our shared victory: the support groups, the #FreePablo movement, the people of Navarniz, and everyone who supported us," she said.Goiriena thanked everyone who provided legal, financial and moral support since Gonzalez's arrest, as well as those who drew public attention to the case."There were more people on the street than usual, all urging me to have a drink with them. We were in a bar, and people came to greet me, raising their fists in support and congratulating me. Everyone was very involved," Goiriena said. The Basque Government also called her to offer congratulations.That contrasts sharply with the national Spanish governments attitude during Gonzalezs 29 months of imprisonment. His lawyer told the Basque regional channel EiTB that he received no calls or messages from the Spanish foreign ministry or any state body on the day of Gonzalezs release. Spain did not intervene in the journalists case despite his full citizenship.Health ConditionJudging by TV footage, the nearly two and a half years of harsh imprisonment did not seem to affect Gonzalezs physical health significantly. However, a medical examination is needed to assess lung damage worsened by the cold and damp conditions of the Radom prison, known as Poland's Guantanamo."Before our meeting, he had some lung issues, and I don't even know if he still has them," his wife said after learning about the concerns from Boyes interview with EiTB.Goiriena last visited her husband in May this year during her third and final visit to Radom prison. She was pleased with his appearance when he descended from the plane, looking stocky and muscular."The only thing he did in his cell was exercise, as he was denied everything else: books, studies, etc. He joked and told me he looked like a Greek god," she added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/eight-russian-detained-and-held-in-several-nato-countries-brought-back-to-fatherland---fsb-1119595827.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/biden-has-nothing-to-do-with-prisoner-swap-between-russia-west---belarusian-president-1119610614.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/turkiye-calls-mashal-hamas-acting-political-chief-after-haniyehs-assassination-1119606125.html

Turkiye Calls Mashal Hamas' Acting Political Chief After Haniyeh's Assassination

Turkiye Calls Mashal Hamas' Acting Political Chief After Haniyeh's Assassination

Sputnik International

The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Friday referred to Khaled Mashal, a deputy of slain Ismail Haniyeh, as the acting chief of Hamas' political bureau.

2024-08-02T11:21+0000

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2024-08-02T11:21+0000

world

middle east

ismail haniyeh

hakan fidan

doha

turkiye

israel

hamas

qatar

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"Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with acting Hamas political bureau head Khaled Mashal in the Qatari capital of Doha and expressed his condolences," the ministry said, adding Haniyeh's two sons took part in the Doha meeting. Hamas refuted the claim in a comment to Sputnik, saying it would announce Haniyeh's successor after the meeting of its consultative Shura Council. The farewell ceremony for Haniyeh will be held in Doha on Friday, where he mostly resided in recent years, a source in Hamas told Sputnik. His final resting place has not been officially named. Hamas said on Wednesday that its Haniyeh was killed in an airstrike on his residence in Tehran after he took part in the inauguration of the newly elected Iranian president. Hamas blamed Israel and the United States for his death and vowed to retaliate. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said he had nothing to say about Haniyeh's death or Israel's alleged role in it. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Israeli government had instructed ministers not to comment on Haniyeh's assassination.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240731/who-was-ismail-haniyeh--1119575332.html

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A Colorado medieval literature professor accused in the brutal slaying of his wife is also being investigated for the death of his infant daughter, reports say.

Nicholas Myklebust, a 44-year-old professor at Regis University, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the alleged killing of Seorin Kim, also 44, at the family's Denver home Monday, according to court records, the Denver Gazette reported.

Myklebust called 911 Monday morning to report he found his bloodied wife on the ground next to their daughter's bassinet, and their baby girl on a nearby bed, not breathing .

Responding officers noted Kim appeared to be suffering from blunt force injuries and transported her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. The infant had no visible injuries, but was pronounced dead on the scene.

Authorities made the decision to arrest Myklebust when they learned Kim's injuries were "inconsistent with a fall" and noticed "bruising and blood on his knuckles" and "scratches on his neck," alleged police.

Kim suffered from "bruising along her arms, head, torso, collarbone, hips and abrasions to both shoulders and multiple facial injuries," prosecutors alleged in court this week, according to the paper. Bloody gloves were also allegedly recovered from the crime scene.

Deputy District Attorney Anthony Santos revealed the mysterious death of the couple's baby girl marks the second time an infant belonging to the professor died.

Myklebust's late 3-month-old died from cranial injuries, Santos alleged in court. It's unclear when the baby died and if Kim was the mother.

A judge set Myklebust's bail at $5 million.

He will appear in court Friday.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/upper-house-of-russian-parliament-oks-cryptocurrency-mining-1119609913.html

Upper House of Russian Parliament OKs Cryptocurrency Mining

Upper House of Russian Parliament OKs Cryptocurrency Mining

Sputnik International

The upper house of the Russian parliament voted on Friday to legalize cryptocurrency mining in Russia starting November 1, 2024.

2024-08-02T13:09+0000

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2024-08-02T16:58+0000

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The bill sets out conditions for cryptocurrency mining. Only Russian legal entities and individual entrepreneurs registered by the Digital Development Ministry will be allowed to "mine" digital coins above the energy consumption limit. The senators voted in the second reading to lift a ban on the circulation of digital currencies in Russia and introduce a ban on crypto advertising. This ban will take effect as soon as the bill becomes law. Individual entrepreneurs will be prohibited from "mining" cryptocurrencies if convicted for any of a range of financial crimes, felonies, terrorism, extremism, or crimes committed against the state. Legal entities found to have ex-convicts among their founders, beneficiaries or management will likewise be barred from mining. The bill will oblige cryptocurrency miners to release their production data and share it with a designated agency, which will pass this information on to the Bank of Russia and the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring (Rosfinmonitoring).The upper house has also passed a bill, allowing cryptocurrency cross-border payments and exchange trading as legal experiments from September 1, 2024.The Bank of Russia will be able to create an electronic platform for transactions in digital currencies on the basis of Russia's National Payment Card System and establish the rules for its operation, as well as the requirements for the activities of its operator.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240717/putin-urges-widespread-adoption-of-digital-ruble-1119402253.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/us-recognizes-opposition-candidate-edmundo-gonzalez-winner-of-venezuela-election---blinken-1119600265.html

US Recognizes Venezuelan Opposition Candidate Gonzalez, Backed By Former NED-Funded NGO Founder

US Recognizes Venezuelan Opposition Candidate Gonzalez, Backed By Former NED-Funded NGO Founder

Sputnik International

The United States says it will recognize Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the Venezuelan presidential election, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

2024-08-02T01:37+0000

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"Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuelas July 28 presidential election," Blinken said in the release on Thursday. Blinken called on the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a peaceful transition of power in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law. Moreover, Blinken also said that the United States rejects Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros "unsubstantiated" allegations against opposition leaders, including Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado.Machado co-founded the Venezuelan Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Sumate which received significant financial support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). In 2005, she traveled to the White House to meet then-US President George W Bush, a meeting that was described in classified diplomatic cables as "poking [then Venezuelan President Hugo] Chavez in the eye,"In 2014, she took a diplomatic position with the government of Panama, which gave her the ability to speak at the Organization of American States (OAS). She used that platform to publicly call for foreign intervention in Venezuela. She has since been banned from running for office.Earlier this week, Maduro said Gonzalez and Machado must face justice. On Thursday, RT journalist Fiorella Isabel reported that a draft resolution for the US House of Representatives was being floated around Washington looking for co-signers. That draft calls for more sanctions on Venezuela and would recognize Gonzalez as the legitimate president of Venezuela.She added that the draft was authored by Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL).In 2019, the US officially recognized Juan Guaido as the interim President of Venezuela. He was eventually removed as the leader of the opposition from his own party and currently lives in Miami, Florida.The National Electoral Council declared Maduro president-elect for 2025-2031 after the presidential elections were held in Venezuela on July 28. The Electoral Council said Maduro won 51% of the vote. Protests broke out the day after the election, leading to clashes between the police and protesters in Caracas. Protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at law enforcement officers. According to the Prosecutor General's Office, 77 law enforcement officers were injured; more than 1,000 people were detained on charges of destruction of state infrastructure, incitement of hatred and terrorism. The Venezuelan government said a number of countries interfered in the elections and the people's right to self-determination.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/us-trying-to-teach-russia-china-proper-behavior-in-nuclear-sphere---ambassador-antonov-1119600774.html

US Trying to 'Teach' Russia, China 'Proper Behavior' in Nuclear Sphere - Envoy

US Trying to 'Teach' Russia, China 'Proper Behavior' in Nuclear Sphere - Envoy

Sputnik International

The United States is trying to tell Russia and China how to behave with nuclear weapons, Russian Ambassador Antonov said.

2024-08-02T02:43+0000

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"Today we heard regular insinuations about Russia's allegedly irresponsible behavior in the nuclear sphere. With a persistence worthy of a better use, they are again trying to teach our country, just like China, 'proper behavior,'" Antonov told reporters. He said that otherwise, Washington says the United States will not restrain the growth of its own nuclear arsenal. Acting US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Vipin Narang said on Thursday that the United States might be forced to reconsider its nuclear size and posture in the absence of a change in the nuclear trajectories of Russia, China and North Korea. The New START treaty between Russia and the United States is set to expire in 2026. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has said that extending the arms reduction treaty is possible only after the United States stops supplying weapons to Ukraine and blocks that country's accession to NATO. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, signed between the Soviet Union and the US in 1987, banned the countries from developing and possessing ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges from 500 to 5,500 kilometers. In 2019, then-President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the treaty, accusing Russia of non-compliance. In response to the US decision, Russia suspended its participation in the Cold War-era accord.

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Ake Svanstedt stablemates Gangsta Talk and Happy Jack B lead a group of seven two-year-old trotting colts and geldings in search of victory in the $106,300 USD leg of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) on Sunday, Aug. 4 at Tioga Downs.

Gangsta Talk is the one to beat. The Chapter Seven-Gangsta Rat colt, who is the only winner in the field of freshmen, will be driven by Svanstedt from post seven. He has two wins and a second from three lifetime starts in the NYSS. Gangsta Talk, who won the Yonkers and Saratoga legs, was a $65,000 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase and has already accumulated $122,294 in purses for Ake Svanstedt Inc., Stable Why Not, Little E Llc and Jorgen Sparredal Inc,.

Svanstedt also trains Happy Jack B, a colt by Chapter Seven out of Exotic Form. While still a maiden, Happy Jack B has finished second twice in three starts. He was runner-up in the most recent NYSS legs at Vernon and Yonkers. The $110,000 Lexington yearling buy is owned by B Nasstrom Holding Inc., Wolfgang A Stable Inc., and Joe Sbrocco And Jaf Racing. Happy Jack B will start from post four with Tyler Buter in the bike.



The other five competitors havent done better than third in their lifetime starts.



The 12-race-card also features two divisions of the New York Excelsior A Series. Post time is 1 p.m.

(With files from Tioga Downs)
With the first trials of the Gold Cup and Saucer, presented by Atlantic Lottery, just a week away, some heavy hitters from Central Canada make their way to Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park on Saturday, Aug. 3 during Wilbur and Pauline MacDonald Memorial Night. The MacDonald family also increased the purses on the program as a show of support to the PEI Harness Racing Industry.

The capital oval shifts back to a 6 p.m. opening post time for Saturday.

The $4,450 Preferred Pace has Gold Cup and Saucer hopeful Blue Hunt leaving from post five in the program's ninth race. Owned by Daguet Racing of Pennsylvania, Stephen Klunowski of Ontario and Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge, P.E.I., the four-year-old son of Hunstville raced his last start at the Preferred level at Woodbine Mohawk Park in the Jodie Cullen stable. Ashley Gamester now trains the nine-time winner with Jason Hughes in the drivers seat.

Stablemate Bee Two Bee (To be driven by Gilles Barrieau) has post four after last racing in the $35,000 Governors Plate final.

Another horse making his return to the track after the Governors Plate final is post three starter Roll Em (Brady Sweet) from the Brent Campbell stable.

Also in the field are Batterup Hanover (Paul Langille) and First Glance (Ken Murphy).

The Post Time Picks side with Blue Hunt to get it all.

Blue Hunt has been racing in the top class at Woodbine Mohawk Park and ships home for his Gold Cup and Saucer trial prep race tonight. I don't think Hughes will be too aggressive because he has bigger fish to fry next week but he's the class of this field so I'm putting him on top.

The finale in Race 12 has another horse shipping in from Ontario in post seven starter Bob Loblaw for co-owner and trainer Ken Middleton and co-owners David Walls, James Grant and Starting Centre Stable of Ontario. Dale Spence drives the former Ontario Sires Stakes champion. The five-year-old son of Sunshine Beach was a winner his last two starts with a 1:52.3 win over Grand River Raceway and a 1:52.4 victory at Georgian Downs.

To view the entries for Saturday's card of harness racing at Red Shores Charlottetown, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Red Shores Charlottetown.

(Red Shores)
The majority of card of harness racing on Thursday, Aug. 1 at Eldorado Scioto Downs was cancelled due to track condition, lightning in the area and out of concern for all participants and fans.

Scioto will bring back the three unraced State Fair Races, one division of the pace and two divisions of the trot, on Saturday, Aug. 3 with a post time of 5 p.m. Those races will be held before the regularly scheduled 16-race card starting at 5:45 p.m.

In addition, the two-year-old filly trot leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 8, will be moved to Saturday, Aug. 17 at Scioto Downs.

Two divisions of the Ohio State Fair were held, one division each of the two-year-old filly pace and trot and won by the Chris Page-Ron Burke driver-trainer duo.

Rose Run Allison, by Long Tom, was victorious in the $76,854 Ohio Fairs Trot. Eckert Hill Addie (Dan Noble) left from post eight to take the early lead before Travel Nurse (Brett Miller) took over just before the :28 opening quarter. There was no movement towards the :57 half and as the field was midway down the backstretch, Freedom Hill (Anthony MacDonald) pulled first over and got even with the leader by the 1:26 third-quarter. Rose Run Allison went three-wide around the last turn to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:55.1. Freedom Hill was second with Travel Nurse finishing third.

Rose Run Allison was bred by Rose Run Farm and sold at the Ohio Selected Yearling Sale for $105,000. The filly, who has earned $114,455 in four starts with two wins, is owned by Burke Racing, Hatfield Stables, Knox Services and Beasty.

The $110,417 State Fair Managers Pace was won by The Word Is Out (pictured above), who won nearly gate-to-wire, in 1:53.2. Setting fractions of :27.3, :57.2 and 1:26.1, the Well Said filly kicked home in :27.1 to win by a length and a half over pocket sitter Prolific Fire (Austin Hanners); Anna Loves Bananas (Aaron Merriman) was third after coming three-wide around the last turn.

The Word Is Out was bred by Shaffer & Sons and is owned by Burke Racing, Knox Services, Beasty and R A S Racing. The $24,000 Ohio Selected Yearling Sale purchase now has $202,469 earned in four starts with wins in the Next Generation and the first leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes.

Freshmen colts and sophomore filly trotters will step into the spotlight for the Ohio State Fair Stakes at Scioto on Friday, Aug. 2.

A combined total of six divisions will go behind the gate. Of the six, Ron Burke trains four of the morning line favourites.

Three $54,000 USD divisions of freshmen colt trotters will kick off the night. Twenty-one starters will represent 14 trainers and seven stallions. What The Hill will have seven sons on the track while Long Tom will have six.

Rose Run Alex is the 9-5 favourite in the first division. Trained by Burke, the son of What The Hill has hit the board twice in three lifetime starts. Rose Run Alex won the most recent leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes in 1:56.3. He has bankrolled more than $52,466 for Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Weaver Bruscemi, and Knox Services.

Hilltop Sonar is the even-money favourite in the second division. The gelded son of What The Hill is a recent addition to the Burke Brigade. Hilltop Sonar claims the fastest lifetime mark of the field in 1:55.1, set with his only victory in the second leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes. Originally a $6,000 purchase by Kim Dailey from the Buckeye Classic Sale, Hilltop Sonar earned $39,726 in two starts. Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Beasty LLC, and Rich Lombardo Racing now own the gelding.

In the final division, Lt Loverboy is the 2-1 favourite. The Long Tom gelding is two-for-two in the Ohio Sires Stakes with a mark in 1:56.1. In four lifetime starts, he has amassed $78,768 for owners Wayne Mast Jr and Callam Racing. Daren Harvey trains Lt Loverboy.

For pacing colts, two $85,700 USD divisions will go forth. Seventeen trainers will send 19 two-year-olds to the track. Nine sires will be represented with Downbytheseaside having eight offspring.

Swingtown will look to stay perfect in the first division as the 6-5 favorite. Swingtown won both the $205,479 Next Generation and two legs of the Ohio Sires Stakes. In three starts, the son of Downbytheseaside has a lifetime mark of 1:52.1. The Burke trainee has bankrolled $181,508 for Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Knox Services, and R A S Racing.

Rick Wink is the favourite in the second division at 9-5. The Bit Of Legend N colt is undefeated in three lifetime starts with a mark of 1:52.1. With two Ohio Sires Stakes victories, he is the richest in the field with $86,987 in the bank. Burke trains for Burke Racing Stable, R A S Racing, Knox Services, and J&T Silva - Purnel & Libby.

One division of three-year-old filly trotters, carrying a purse of $139,000 USD, will go behind the gate. The field of eight represents eight trainers and six stallions.

Sugar Instead is the 2-1 favourite. The daughter of Volstead is perfect thus far into her sophomore season. She has five wins on the year, including two Ohio Sires Stake leg victories. Sugar Instead is trained by Virgil Morgan Jr. She has lifetime earnings of $521,186 for owners Joyce McClelland and Larry Wills.

The Ohio Harness Horsemens Association and Scioto have partnered to have a free horseshoe decorating station next to the program stand on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 - 8 p.m. Additionally on Saturday there will be a petting zoo, bounce house and food truck on site.

(Scioto Downs / Ohio Harness Horsemens Association)